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Articles with tag: IT

Of medical students, passports and religious tolerance

furkan ali   Jul 14, 2008   interacts: 268

Who am I to declare that Mirza Ghulam Ahmed Quadiani is an impostor nabi? Why on earth am I even being asked the question?

An Ode Called Amritsar

ammara ahmad   Jul 14, 2008   interacts: 70


On hearing that I was about to visit her ancestral city, my mother gave me instructions to reach her childhood home from the railway station...

Edward De Bono's Point C: Situtation in Pakistan

Faysal Malik   Jul 8, 2008   interacts: 9

Capital of a nuclear power now plunges into darkness daily, for 5 to 6 hours. In small cities, this duration is 11 to 16 hours. With hottest months of the year still to come.

A Journey Interrupted: Being Indian in Pakistan by Farzana Versey

Murtaza Shibli   Jul 7, 2008   interacts: 220

It (Indian Muslim) happens to be my identity. And this book is about the identity question in large measure - my identity, the Pakistani identities.

London’s Knife-Crime Epidemic:

Asif Naqshbandi   Jul 6, 2008   interacts: 11

Such is the horror in Britain at this new phenomenon, that the Police have declared tackling knife-crime to be their new number one target surpassing even that of terrorism.

Muslim Ghettoisation

Iftikhar Ahmad   Jul 3, 2008   interacts: 515

The perception among Muslims is that they are unwelcome in Britain is undermining efforts to help them integrate into wider society.

The Unbearable Lightness of Seeing

Wajahat Malik   Jul 1, 2008   interacts: 11

Lately his wife seems to be depressed and irritated when he comes home in the evening. The children look cold and withdrawn. Sohail Khan himself feels a shift in his moods.

Yet Another Immigrant Story

Madiha Qureshi   Jul 2, 2008   interacts: 67

I arrived in the US about eight months ago, to get married in Houston and move to Maryland, where I live now. My last visit had been less than a year ago, during which I met my husband.

Nirad Babu's Ghost

Prodyumna Goutam   Jul 1, 2008   interacts: 9

His (Nirad C. Chaudhuri's) discourse could effortlessly vacillate between, say, the role of the Kama sutra in the Indian psyche to the merits of a Chateau d'Yquem.

Anti-Americanism in Pakistan and the Taliban Menace

Pervez Hoodbhoy   Jul 1, 2008   interacts: 98

The Taliban are waging an armed struggle to remake society. They will keep fighting this war even if America were to miraculously evaporate into space.

Muslims in America

Yasser Latif Hamdani   Jul 1, 2008   interacts: 289

I am all for Muslim identity but frankly what I don’t get is the overbearing role dogma plays in every action of the Muslim community in America.

Music: Muslim Madonna

Arun Reginald   Jun 29, 2008   interacts: 51

Performing seated alongside notable ghazal maestros of the subcontinent was the eight years old Deepika Thathaal known by her stage name Deeyah.

Nawaz Sharif’s Moment of Truth

Karamatullah K Ghori   Jun 26, 2008   interacts: 158

Nawaz Sharif disqualified to run for the national Assembly by none other than the Lahore High Court. How should he react to it? How should he take it?

The 'One God' Religions of Revelation

Murad A Baig   Jun 16, 2008   interacts: 980

The success of the `One God’ idea was its ability to use fear to empower the professional priests enabling them to command the absolute obedience of their followers.

Restoring the Civil Rights of Ahmadis

Chowk    Jun 16, 2008   interacts: 200

The persecution of Ahmadis even under the present mangled constitution is patently unconstitutional.

The Cruel Expulsions

Mutaal Mooquin   Jun 16, 2008   interacts: 19

Reaction to “Twenty Three Students Expelled From Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad”

Twenty Three Students Expelled From Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad

Atif Mian   Jun 8, 2008   interacts: 696

On Thursday, June 5th the principal of Punjab Medical College in Faisalabad expelled every student who belonged to the minority Ahmadi community from his college.

Dancing With Madonna

Muhammad Tariq   May 31, 2008   interacts: 12

Dancing helps in developing, not only a beautiful body, but also a healthy mind, and should be encouraged in society.

Paper Trail

Mutaal Mooquin   Jun 5, 2008   interacts: 6

To produce five sheets of 8 x 11 inch paper we use the equivalent energy of an 80 watt bulb operating for an hour; but at a cost far greater than that of electricity.

Please De-stabilize the System

Ahmer Muzammil   May 18, 2008   interacts: 10

Who are we trying to save the system from anyway? Why are we STILL sugar-coating this?

The Emerging Threat

Ayesha Umar   May 27, 2008   interacts: 127

According to some people, Mangal Bagh has the full backing of government. If this is true than another Frankenstein is in the making.

Pakistan (private) Ltd.

Amer Nazir   May 26, 2008   interacts: 5

‘Why could you not have been brave enough, why do you not have some courage, why did you not ever go to jail, why did you never kill someone, why did you not ever embezzle money – ’

Pakistan's Nuclear Test - Ten Years Later

Pervez Hoodbhoy   May 28, 2008   interacts: 508

Today we are at war on multiple fronts. But the Bomb provides no defense. Rather, it has helped bring us to this grievously troubled situation and offers no way out.

Delayed Justice

Shridhar Naik   May 25, 2008   interacts: 25

Centre’s decision to award a compensation package totaling Rs 330 crores to the victims of the 2002 Gujarat riots can at best be described as a pre-election effort at applying a healing touch.

Confessions of a Religious Fundamentalist

Abrar Hasan   May 26, 2008   interacts: 35


I just want you to understand that never mind the beautiful facades of different ISMS, at the base of it all we are all religious and all fundamentalists.

Logotherapy: Humanism In Psychiatry

Mutaal Mooquin   May 21, 2008   interacts: 44

The heart has reasons that reason does not know ... A reflection on Victor Frankl’s “The Unheard Cry for Meaning”

Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State

Tahir Qazi   May 19, 2008   interacts: 149

"I have not found a single period that I could in all honesty say I would trade for my 21st-century existence as a Muslim living in a secular democratic society."

Life Long Commitment vs. Singledom

Kiran Farooque   May 19, 2008   interacts: 34

Marriage, I think, is highly overrated. Marriage being the perfect happily ever after and the solution to life’s problems is ‘just a myth we’ve been fed since childhood’

Building a Dream House

Muhammad Tariq   May 14, 2008   interacts: 5

This Saturday was a very pleasant day . It rained in the afternoon, and as usual, Islamabad after a rain on a summer afternoon, was the perfect place to just drive around.

Persecution of Religious Minorities In Islamic Countries

Feroz Qutabshahi   May 9, 2008   interacts: 470

Meaningless protests over stupid cartoons do not achieve anything. Speaking up against injustices in their own countries does.

Myanmar Disaster

kashkin dabruski   May 8, 2008   interacts: 3

“Dedicated to the people of Burma in their hour of need………but stands there, the government and its obstacles “!!!

Bridge Mania

Mohammad Gill   May 2, 2008   interacts: 21

Myrtle Bennett of Kansas City shot her husband John to death on September 29, 1929, over a bridge hand. Her husband had opened the bidding with one spade.

PPP Isn’t Convinced!

Ahmer Muzammil   Apr 30, 2008   interacts: 179

Pandering to the presidency, appointment of Mehmood Ali Durrani and Rehman Malik, failure to remove Malik Abdul Qayyum, are signs that establishment isn’t blinking just yet.

Race to the Finish

Feroz Qutabshahi   Apr 29, 2008   interacts: 778

60 years ago, when Jackie Robinson, first Black Man to play in US Major League Baseball, walked onto the field, he was taunted, ridiculed, and booed, but despite all adversity, he delivered.

The Power of Faith

Nadeem Akram   Apr 28, 2008   interacts: 157

Religion has become a weekend thing, where offering Friday prayers means immunity from everything that is required of a Muslim.

People of Gilgit Baltistan Waiting to be Heard

Syed Ali   Apr 20, 2008   interacts: 18

A week after sending this letter to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, emergency was imposed in Pakistan, constitution was suspended and the Chief Justice was deposed.

Harold and Kumar Escape From Gitmo

Ras Siddiqui   Apr 24, 2008   interacts: 34

This time the duo attempts to explain the difference between a Bong and a Bomb aboard an airplane to Amsterdam in a post 9/11 environment.

Benazir’s Legacy

Beena Sarwar   Apr 5, 2008   interacts: 120

How could Pakistan’s all-powerful president and chief of the army staff be dislodged -- other than through the political process?

Is It Treason to Question

Amer Nazir   Apr 7, 2008   interacts: 15

In the General Hospital in Lahore, in the top most brain surgery institute of Pakistan, people lie in verandas in unhygienic conditions.

Europe and the Film Culture

noman siddiqui   Apr 7, 2008   interacts: 38

Despite the speculated aggressive reactions, the film “Fitna” was released on the Internet on March 27, 2008.

Spinning the Public Beating and the Mob Justice

Sindhyar Talpur   Apr 8, 2008   interacts: 1

You really need to be a bad administrator or power usurper that people are so full of hatred for you that they can’t help but beat you.

The ‘shoey’ Side of Politics

Ather Naqvi   Apr 9, 2008   interacts: 517

People had not shut their ‘shocked’ mouths at the treatment meted out to Arbab Ghulam Rahim when they saw Sher Afgan being roughed up by the black coats.

How to End Politics of Hate and Intolerance

Ikramul Haq   Apr 9, 2008   interacts: 221

The man behind the politics of intolerance and hate, symbol of discord rather than harmony as president of State, is responsible for present state of affairs.

Student Movement Revisited

S Haroon Ahmed and Saleem Asmi   Apr 6, 2008   interacts: 25

Dr Haroon Ahmed and Saleem Asmi, two stalwarts of the first student movement in Pakistan, the Democratic Students Federation (DSF) write to set the record straight about DSF.

A Staircase Connecting Three Worlds

Salma Omar   Mar 27, 2008   interacts: 10

This is a world where hopes are pinned, dreams take form and life’s problems seem to somehow droop their heads like tired banners on an old banyan tree.

Late Afternoon at Masjid Wazir Khan

Salma Omar   Mar 21, 2008   interacts: 13

“Aapni ki Bengali”? I asked him as we finally reached the lattice worked balcony that encircled the minaret from where the muezzins have been calling the faithful to prayers for centuries.

Power to the People

Sindhyar Talpur   Mar 22, 2008   interacts: 2

There is suddenly a change in the air, amidst all this chaos which still continues to remain, still there seems to be something blooming, dare I say optimism.

Of Sin and Crime

shobig sifar   Mar 19, 2008   interacts: 5

I was fervidly persuaded that day by my neighbour molvi sahib to attend this Jum’a congregation in a madrassah near the city centre.

Mosquito Music

Lokhi Menon   Mar 18, 2008   interacts: 3

That’s one form of music
That makes me quite sick,
whose notes are malaria,
dengue or filaria.

Starting from the End

Ali Hashmi   Mar 11, 2008   interacts: 16

Wapda and the ministry of power have implemented an emergency load shedding plan to plug the gap between electricity supply and demand leading to more misery for millions.

Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa Agha on Pakistan Military

AliHasan Cemendtaur   Mar 2, 2008   interacts: 22

Stay out of politics, it is good for you, good for us, Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa Agha advises Pakistan Military.

Student Politics in Pakistan: A Profile

Nadeem F Paracha   Feb 28, 2008   interacts: 130

Student politics in Pakistan has had a history of mixed fortunes and shades. Though extremely tumultuous, it is also a history of rich democratic traditions.

Reinterpretation of Islam in Turkey

Mohammad Gill   Feb 28, 2008   interacts: 307

Reinterpretation of Quran (and Hadith) is allowed in principle although no effective reinterpretation has ever taken place in the Muslim world.

An Unnecessary Interview with History

Amer Nazir   Feb 25, 2008   interacts: 38

Tonight we have an unnecessary interview with ex- Chief Executive, ex- Chief of Army staff and soon to be the ex- President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharaff.

The Spring of Discontentment

ahmad hayat   Feb 27, 2008   interacts: 20

As of today 27th Feb 2008, the USD has touched its record low against Euro (1.50) while Oil has touched its record peak of 101 dollars.

Ralph Nader Joins 2008 Presidential Race

Riaz Haq   Feb 25, 2008   interacts: 9

Attacking both Clinton and Obama in an interview, Nader said, "Obama is an overly cautious captive of his handlers and Clinton is a panderer and a flatterer.”

My Top Ten Novels by Desi Writers

Asif Naqshbandi   Feb 12, 2008   interacts: 34

I am a prose stylist and all my choices reflect this bias.

Talking to Jamil Dehlavi about Infinite Justice and More

Ras Siddiqui   Feb 9, 2008   interacts: 103

Jamil Dehlavi's film “Infinite Justice” recently opened in Britain. The Indo-Pakistani-French film maker was born in Calcutta to an Indian father and French mother.

Monday Morning Blast in Rawalpindi ... An eyewitness account

Sabahat Vahidy   Feb 4, 2008   interacts: 328

This morning marked the first day of classes for the current batch of officers chosen from around the country to take the Unit Command Course. Five of them never signed-in today.

A History of the Pakistan Army by Brian Cloughley

Agha Amin   Jan 19, 2008   interacts: 268

Brian Cloughley has made an honest attempt to present things as they are or as he perceived them to be with whatever facts he could lay hands to.

Taliban, Pashtoons and Pakistan

Khalid Bhatti   Jan 28, 2008   interacts: 155

The militants have become so bold that they have started to fight pitch battles against the Army instead of employing hit and run tactics that were the hallmark of tribal battle skills.

Pakistan's Universities - Problems and Solutions

Pervez Hoodbhoy   Jan 27, 2008   interacts: 198

300% jump in research publications, nine new engineering universities with European faculty, 3000 Pakistani students sent overseas for higher-degrees...self-serving lies, half-truths and deceit.

It's ME on Both Sides!

Asra Nadeem   Jan 24, 2008   interacts: 50

I was told that my dad had been by my mother's side when I was born but left only after he found out that his child was a girl.

Rashidabad: Beginning Charity at Home

Mehroz Sadruddin   Jan 15, 2008   interacts: 3

Irrespective of race, religion, language and ethnic background, all children in the hostel and the orphanage are provided equal opportunity to prosper.

Surplus Majors and Jerk Chicken

Amer Nazir   Jan 17, 2008   interacts: 5

Yesterday, when I went to collect my monthly dole from my local council, the officer in charge was apologetic, ‘Sorry Mr Nazir this is all we have for you at the moment,’ she said.

Sounds from Within

Amber Bokhari   Jan 13, 2008   interacts: 8

Walking in the woods today
I talked loud and low,
To the ever listening trees
I said my silent woe.

Eight years of Four M's: Musharraf, MQM, Muslim League and Mullah

Pukhtoon Khan   Jan 13, 2008   interacts: 23

After eight years of these M’s Pakistan has transformed into a hell filled with price hike, ethnic tensions ... scarcity of basic necessities and above all reactionary suicide bombers.

Ashes in the River

Lokhi Menon   Jan 8, 2008   interacts: 5

...at that stage all the differences are really wiped out.

Revolutionary for Sale

jehanzeb khan   Jan 9, 2008   interacts: 9

Clothing plastered with the portrait of socialist revolutionary Che Guevara is possibly one of the oddest and most self contradictory phenomena's of the 21st century.

Psychology of Men's Honour and Women's Sexuality

Khalid Sohail   Jan 3, 2008   interacts: 122

When Eastern women become financially and emotionally independent their husbands start losing control and become abusive and violent

Movie Review: The Kite Runner

Ras Siddiqui   Jan 2, 2008   interacts: 28

Khalid Hosseini, like many Afghan’s is a poet at heart. Here with the assistance of screenwriter David Benioff, the essence of The Kite Runner remains intact

Interviewing Ayman

Faisal Kapadia   Jan 4, 2008   interacts: 13

I came across the “hilarious news” that Al Qaeda would be now conducting an open interview. Yes my friends.. good old Ayman will be answering your questions.

1857-What Really Happened-A Reconstruction

Agha Amin   Jan 5, 2008   interacts: 68

A brief analysis of the claims about 1857 as one hears them in today’s Pakistan.

Mass Difference: The Bhuttos and Civil Society

Nadeem F Paracha   Jan 6, 2008   interacts: 22

Populist, mass-oriented politics can effectively cancel out the two most prominent anti-populist strains in Pakistan i.e. the politico-religious and the elite-bourgeois.

Islam as a political weapon in Pakistan

Mubarka Ahmad   Dec 31, 2007   interacts: 473

Manipulative Politics through the Bhutto and Zia Regimes

Saatchi, Musharraf and Britney Spears

Amer Nazir   Dec 28, 2007   interacts: 5

‘Is there any chance of your catching Osama Bin Laden? That will definitely put you right back at the top of the charts...’

Benazir Bhutto: Death of Hope and Dilemma

Tahir Qazi   Dec 27, 2007   interacts: 1

She is an even more significant loss for the West that myopically supports personalities rather than masses and institutions in the countries of interest.

Catharsis

MVJ Simon   Dec 26, 2007   interacts: 3

A walk through fire
Eyes shut tight
Stepping on red hot coal
Mind overcomes pain

The Real Issue Facing Pakistan

H P   Dec 23, 2007   interacts: 212

A cursory look at the main characters in the tribal insurgency would show their strong links with the army in the past.

Interview: Imran Khan on Elections and Boycott

Asra Nadeem   Dec 19, 2007   interacts: 81

Participating in elections will only give legitimacy to an illegal action.

The Good Monster: Musharraf's Cultural Legacy

Nadeem F Paracha   Dec 8, 2007   interacts: 133

A leader’s true legacy tends to be more accurately deciphered when studied through the effects his ideas and policies have had on the cultural mindset of the people.

Chicken Biryani

Raiya Hashmi   Dec 11, 2007   interacts: 9

Almost halfway to his house, the bus came to a halt. A lot of buses stood there, vacant, the passengers forced to stand outside. There was some trouble up ahead...

Search for Origins of Mahayana Buddhism

mahmood Mahmood   Nov 17, 2007   interacts: 297

The land of Pakistan is blessed with one of the most important treasures of the world, the glorious civilization of Buddhism flourishing in the North Western areas of Pakistan.

I thick therefore I am

Ibrahim M Khalil   Dec 1, 2007   interacts: 23

I wanted to show off my intellect by writing a piece on current situation of Pakistan but decided against it.

Enlightened Mediocrity

Amer Nazir   Dec 2, 2007   interacts: 12

‘He (Musharraf) is better off than the Queen you know,’ I continued, ‘considering that even the poor lady is answerable at times...’

An Insight Into Pakistan Army and Musharraf

ijaz gul   Nov 29, 2007   interacts: 193

A combination of threat perception and indispensability strengthened his quest for legitimacy till it consumed his reformist self.

The Plan To Topple Pakistan Military

Ahmed Quraishi   Nov 29, 2007   interacts: 158

Its not about Musharraf anymore. This is about clipping the wings of a strong Pakistani military, denying space for China in Pakistan, squashing the ISI, stirring ethnic unrest...

Talk with Shandana Minhas author of Tunnel Vision

Mayank AustenSoofi   Nov 27, 2007   interacts: 7

Why would I sell to western readers? My loyalty is to the story. As a storyteller you don’t choose the story, the story chooses you.

Six Minutes

kashkin dabruski   Nov 27, 2007   interacts: 4

The changing world,
Continuation of destruction
Through volcanoes and winds

Privatization of PTCL: The Redundant Employees

Imran Ali Teepu   Nov 25, 2007   interacts: 6

As many as 40,000 people will quit the job through Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) offered by the PTCL management.

Dispensation of Justice is the Main Pillar of Democracy

Ikramul Haq   Nov 23, 2007   interacts: 15

The three constitutions, framed in Pakistan, proved to be just pieces of paper; their sanctity frequently violated by the men with guns, and by those who authored and approved these documents.

Go Jamiat Go

Raza Hamdani   Nov 20, 2007   interacts: 16

The students have announced loud and clear that they no longer want the Jamiat over their head.

Secret Life of Gays in New Delhi

Mayank AustenSoofi   Nov 21, 2007   interacts: 16

On all other days, Pegs N Pints is "normal" - strictly straight. But on Tuesday evenings as the clock struck ten, queers start trickling out of their closets.

Why the American War on Terror is Failing Miserably

Bhaskar Dasgupta   Nov 17, 2007   interacts: 250

USA's counter terrorism effort in the Global War against Terror is frankly creating more terrorists than it is stopping.

Foreign Factor in our Higher Education

Muhammad FarooqiAzam   Nov 18, 2007   interacts: 10

Our whole system of education is working in such a way to produce good high-tech workforce for European and American markets. Irony is we do this at our own expense.

Artifice of Scholarship : CSPI on FrontPage

Anand Patwardhan   Nov 15, 2007   interacts: 2

Where will Mr. Warner hide when faced with the ignobility of logic deserting his beloved Christianity? What will he do when the devil of duality is discovered in his own sacred texts?

Whither Emergency

Rezwan Bajwa   Nov 12, 2007   interacts: 19

General Musharraf’s self perception of being indispensable to Pakistan is now compounded further as the US affirms him as the most valuable partner in the ‘war on terror’.

Searching for Qurratulain Hyder in a Delhi Kabristan

Mayank AustenSoofi   Nov 13, 2007   interacts: 10

I was looking for a grave. In the next hill perhaps? For Qurratulain Hyder. She was an Urdu writer who died on August 21.

Overcoming Learned Helplessness and Apathy

Ikramul Haq   Nov 10, 2007   interacts: 59

The shackles of “learned helplessness” can only be broken if all the political parties and intelligentsia join hands to restore rule of democracy and the independence of judiciary.

Capuchin Monkeys : The Paradox of Choice

Anand Patwardhan   Nov 9, 2007   interacts: 1

If we are smart how did we end up making such a stupid mistake? If a mistake is made, how could we call ourselves smart? Psychologists call this Cognitive Dissonance.

The Proposition

Shaique Hussain   Nov 6, 2007   interacts: 2

The halala was solemnized. At 11, Iqtidar had his first experience of the flesh. Naghma was facilitated in her return to the man she really loved.

Religiosity, National Ethos and Governance

Mateen Mahmood Mohajir   Nov 6, 2007   interacts: 94

Suggestions for modifications in the system of governance in Pakistan.

Hisab Barabar

Manpreet S   Nov 4, 2007   interacts: 9

She is a regular in the gym. She walks with a lazy step, does halfhearted aerobics, and barely moves on the bike. On the treadmill, her whole body heaves with an energy-less movement.

Imran Khan at LUMS

Ammar Rashid   Nov 4, 2007   interacts: 145

Amidst speculation of the imposition of emergency in the country by the state, Imran was here to speak about the role of the youth in the country’s political future.

Emergency:What Lies Ahead For Pakistan?

ijaz gul   Nov 3, 2007   interacts: 9

The politic body, already decimated, raped and largely turned into a mob of opportunist has yet again been put on the dissecting table for surgical procedure by butchers.

The Roving Stones

Haroon Malik   Nov 3, 2007   interacts: 5

My lords have announced they will cause revolutionary changes, changes that will cause a grass root level change. But how could they?

The Other Woman

Tahera Sajid   Oct 30, 2007   interacts: 19

She was a friend who just happened to be a woman...or, was she?

Of No Importance

kashkin dabruski   Oct 21, 2007   interacts: 4

I need to move,
To some other place
Away from all this mayhem

Daughter of the Beast: The General's New Clothes

Khan Khan   Oct 25, 2007   interacts: 33

Benazir is eager to show that she is not doing deals with Musharraf but, as Ahmed Rashid points out, despite the army’s dwindling popularity she needs the army because it controls Pakistan.

Communists and the Making of Pakistan

Yasser Latif Hamdani   Oct 7, 2007   interacts: 117

History of the last years of Punjab under the Raj

Media: A Catalyst for Social and Political Change

Mazhar Mazhar   Oct 19, 2007   interacts: 22

Media should connect the public spirit of politics by encouraging the people’s participation in political decisions.

Jeenay Do BB

Raheel Lakhani   Oct 18, 2007   interacts: 12

A piece of satire targeted on Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's return to Pakistan.

Can Religious Leaders Redeem the Future of the World?

Mohammad Gill   Oct 12, 2007   interacts: 235

138 prominent Muslim scholars have written an open letter to Pope Benedict XVI calling for religious harmony between Christians and the Muslims.

A tribute: To Revathy Gopal

Lokhi Menon   Oct 13, 2007   interacts: 5

We talked just once on the phone
I, the hopeful poet,
you, established and acknowledged,
friendly, kind and encouraging.

Shattered by the Status Quo

raza raja   Oct 3, 2007   interacts: 9

The recent pro Musharraf decision has been rationalized on the grounds that we need him for keeping democracy on “track”.

Bernard Lewis and the Neocon view of Islam

William Dalrymple   Oct 4, 2007   interacts: 7

Lewis has had such a profound influence that according to the Wall Street Journal, “the Lewis doctrine, in effect, had become US policy”.

Farewell to Shimla

Nasim Hassan   Sep 23, 2007   interacts: 384

Life was normal in early 1947 till June when sporadic incidents of ethnic violence began. In July of 1947, the Muslims started leaving Shimla for Pakistan.

The Gust of Suspicion is Not So Kind

mazhar butt   Sep 29, 2007   interacts: 2

Forcing its entry like a wanton thief
It steals from Heart the jewels of belief

The Melting Pot

Ejaz Haroon   Oct 3, 2007   interacts: 108

We weren’t surprised when we went to the reception and the guests sitting next to us asked us if the groom was Muslim or not.

The Ramadan Ordinance

Saad Anis   Oct 2, 2007   interacts: 8

In 1981, the Ramadan Ordinance was issued by President of Pakistan Zia ul Haq, whereby eating, drinking and smoking in public during fasting hours in the month of Ramadan was declared unlawful.

Old Wine, Still Older Bottles

Babar Mufti   Sep 28, 2007   interacts: 7

If the people of Pakistan don’t take to the streets, the politicians are themselves to blame. They have chosen the politics of convenience and non-agitation.

Metamorphosis

S G   Sep 30, 2007   interacts: 20

He was terrified of anyone spinning the cocoon off him, terrified of anyone looking at him closely.

War of Independence or the Great Mutiny

Bhaskar Dasgupta   Sep 29, 2007   interacts: 30

A review of William Dalrymple's book, The Last Mughal

Law of Necessity… A Logical Recourse

ijaz gul   Sep 29, 2007   interacts: 2


All military interventions in Pakistan have a distinction of getting legal/constitutional indemnity in two phases. First, the judiciary legalises the intervention...

A Sad Day for Pakistan

naeem sadiq   Sep 28, 2007   interacts: 254

September 28, 2007 was a sad day for every citizen who hoped that the courts may finally bury the doctrine of necessity.

From Lahore with Love

Mohammad A Shaikh   Sep 23, 2007

Collection of poems written in Lahore, somewhat inspired by the Baba Bulleh Shah, one of the first modern poets of the Sub-Continent.

Musharraf the Out-smarter

Riaz Jafri   Sep 25, 2007   interacts: 330

A lot is being said and written these days for and against Musharraf who first introduced the concept of ‘Pakistan First’ (keeping Pakistan before self and all).

Confronting Ahmadinejad in U.S.

Tallat Abid   Sep 25, 2007   interacts: 39

University authorities failed to draw clear-cut distinction between criticism and insult. Free society does have few limits too.

An Alternative Approach to International Development

Thorsteinn Gestsson   Sep 24, 2007   interacts: 13

Although many nations have promised 0.7% of GNI to relieve suffering and secure the enjoyment of basic human rights, no one is able to hold them accountable.

Musharraf and Pakistan: A Message for the Secretary General of the Commonwealth

Mohammad A Shaikh   Sep 23, 2007   interacts: 8

Let not the Commonwealth make Musharraf 'an exception story'. Call a spade a spade. Tell it how it is.

A History of Failure: The Rise and Fall of Military

Athar Osama   Sep 23, 2007   interacts: 4

Is military rule the solution to Pakistan's problems? Is Musharraf any different than his predecessor generals?

Local Knowledge, Capital, and Social Change in the Age of Globalization

Rohit Chopra   Sep 20, 2007   interacts: 3

Whether it is selling vegetables or tourism, the local agent does not, by definition, possess anything that cannot be brought from elsewhere in the globe.

The Chair

kashkin dabruski   Sep 19, 2007   interacts: 2

At no cost, I will leave
This chair and its power

Limits of Multiculturalism

Dost Mittar   Sep 18, 2007   interacts: 269

The question of reasonable accommodation with cultural minorities has erupted with increasing frequency and friction in almost all countries with multicultural minorities

A Writer's People and earlier works of V.S. Naipaul

William Dalrymple   Sep 19, 2007   interacts: 26

Naipaul was once a penetrating and unpredictable literary critic, but here criticism has been reduced to a series of spikey provocations.

Neuro Politics

Tallat Abid   Sep 17, 2007   interacts: 9

When self-talk is not monitored cautiously it can lead to drastic effects on one’s personality, mentality and psychology.

The need for De-Bhuttofication of the Pakistan People's Party

Yasser Latif Hamdani   Sep 11, 2007   interacts: 389

In the last 5 years, PPP in the assembly at least has emerged as a strong force against obscurantism.

Chunari vs. Topi

L Z   Aug 17, 2007   interacts: 5

When will we learn that the 'Daag' isn't imported and not on the 'Chunari' at all.

The Power of Ideas and the Modern University

Pervez Hoodbhoy   Sep 11, 2007   interacts: 60

Ideas rule the world, drive our actions, inform our beliefs, and unleash mighty revolutions. How must Pakistan’s higher education system change for it to succeed?

An Unconditional Commitment to Pluralism

Rohit Chopra   Sep 7, 2007   interacts: 22

It means accepting a Hindu as a Hindu, a Muslim as a Muslim, a Jew as a Jew, an atheist as an atheist, an unbeliever as an unbeliever and it means respecting that choice.

Sex Education For the Next Generation

Khalid Sohail   Sep 7, 2007   interacts: 369

Sex education based on science, medicine and human psychology rather than cultural and religious superstitions help make rational and responsible choices in life.

Mother Teresa’s Moment of Truth

Mohammad Gill   Sep 4, 2007   interacts: 98

Soon afterwards the doubts and skepticism, not about her missionary work but her faith, began to assail her mind and lasted until her death.

Twin Blasts in Rawalpindi leaves 27 dead, 70 injured

Saeed Minhas   Sep 4, 2007   interacts: 239

A chilling response to Musharraf's military operation in tribal areas

Mushy is Done!

Ahmer Muzammil   Sep 1, 2007   interacts: 51

Jawed Hashmi is a stand-up politicians amongst a wide variety of political midgets that we have right now, and I hope that he is sincere when he advises his party to be humble and serve rather than rule.

India's first Citizen Journalists Meet held in New Delhi

Abhishek Behl   Aug 20, 2007   interacts: 1

Citizen journalists participating in the meet shared their views and ideas to take the country ahead into the next 60 years of independence.

Violence, the Indian Media, and 'Non-Violent' Indian Society

Rohit Chopra   Aug 29, 2007   interacts: 12

Coverage of violence appears to be motivated by the profit margin, and often veers on the sensationalist. Issues are also prioritized based on their populist appeal.

Book Review: Killer Tune by Dreda Say Mitchell

Arun Reginald   Aug 24, 2007   interacts: 5

What is race? Is it the colour of our skins, or the faith of an individual, or is it the rebel within?

Cellular Cancer

Javaria Farooqui   Aug 25, 2007   interacts: 8

Cell phones have erased distances and brought people closer. But each step in the cellular direction is bringing us closer to physical and mental problems.

This Is For The Men Who'll Roll Their Eyes

Sidra Omer   Jul 20, 2007   interacts: 154

I’m waiting for the day when the word feminism will not be a synonym for extremism.

Qurat-ul-ain Haider Has Passed Away

Chowk Staff   Aug 21, 2007   interacts: 41

An obituary of a distinguished writer of Urdu literature.

India: The Empire Strikes Back

William Dalrymple   Aug 21, 2007   interacts: 104

In 1600 India produced 22.5% of global GDP. By 1870, India had been reduced into a Third World nation, thanks to the Raj.

Mobile Phone Ideas

Jay Prakash   Aug 21, 2007   interacts: 16

Philip Koetler, the marketing guru wrote that products that succeed are the ones that meet human needs, definitely not true for mobile phones.

Rise of Hindu Right Wing Ideology

Hussain Abbas   Aug 16, 2007   interacts: 138

Today, when a Hindu shouts an obscenity at Pakistan the Indian Muslim has to shout two to show their patriotism towards India.

Stephen Gill on his Writing and Diaspora

Nailanshu Agarwal   Aug 15, 2007   interacts: 2

Multiple award-winning author Stephen Gill was born in Pakistan, grew in India and has settled in Canada after staying in Ethiopia and England for a while.

Emergency: From Behind the Sandbags

Babar Mufti   Aug 15, 2007

Emergency at this time serves Chaudhri Shujaat more than it serves Musharraf, who wants to play this final card not so early.

Celebrating Pakistan's 60th Anniversary

Asif Naqshbandi   Aug 13, 2007   interacts: 10

What better way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Pakistan's independence from Britain than poetry from Iqbal, the man who is Pakistan's ideological founding father?

My Life Story

fariha ansari   Aug 1, 2007   interacts: 10

When I close my eyes in solitude and think about the goings-on in my life during the past 17 years, I realize that a big part of my life is gone, withered away, wasted...

Why Doxiadis Cries for Islamabad

Q Isa Daudpota   Aug 8, 2007   interacts: 7

A planned capital sinks through the neglect of its basic infrastructure at the cost of new wasteful projects

Weapons of Mass Empowerment

Pukhtoon Khan   Aug 3, 2007   interacts: 15

The one point agenda for underdeveloped nations of the world to secure real freedom from the exploitation of the imperialist nations.

The Deal and Our Responsibility

Muneeb Khan   Jul 31, 2007   interacts: 24

Does the deal between Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto really matter? And will we sit and let others to continue muddling with the affairs of Pakistan.

Khuda Ke Liye

Yasser Latif Hamdani   Jul 30, 2007   interacts: 237

"In the Name of God", it is about us - the people of Pakistan warts and all.

The Corporation That Changed The World

V S Gopalakrishnan   Jul 27, 2007   interacts: 53

A book exposing the illegalities, tyrannies, immorality, rapacity, frauds and every kind of misfeasance practised by the East India Company.

Al-Qaeda In My House

Mujeeb Rehman   Jul 27, 2007   interacts: 4

After two days of intense negotiations more like US-India nuclear talks that failed, our negotiations bore fruit. We decided that we will bomb the place.

Tribute to a Master

Asif Alig   Jul 19, 2007   interacts: 13

A book dedicating the contributions of the great Indian littérateur Premchand

Moral Policing is the Same Everywhere

M B Qasmi   Jul 22, 2007   interacts: 7

The Lal Masjid\'s occupants might have changed, when will the moral policing system in Indian subcontinent change?

The Choice of Leading a Gay Life

Ali Kamran   Jul 18, 2007   interacts: 31

‘forcing them to marry hoping he or she will change’ – such a approach invites anger, irritation, tensions and worse absolute breakdown of relations.

Smile, for the camera?

Tan Sar   Jul 19, 2007   interacts: 4

One day, years later when the event itself is forgotten and the photo somehow emerges, they will laugh at what they believe to be a real moment.

As The Drama Unfolds

Asra Nadeem   Jul 5, 2007   interacts: 30

Mulana Abdul Aziz calls for Jihad one minute and runs for his life the next second.

Rest in Peace Pakistan (1947-1974)

Yasser Latif Hamdani   Jun 28, 2007   interacts: 1223

You cannot understand Pakistan until and unless you understand how the demise of the ideal of Pakistan was brought about by its own people

The Actor

nabendu debsharma   Jun 26, 2007   interacts: 3

Radhamohan Bose hated being called “Radha”, “Radha-da” or even “Radha-babu”. But very few people would take the trouble of pronouncing his full name.

Bandit Queen

mukta srivastava   Jun 24, 2007   interacts: 8

Shall we ever understand why a woman, so violent, got so much support and protection in rural India and made it to Parliament? Shall we ever unravel the mystique of power of illiterate, landless masses in bringing about so profound a change?

Musharaff Finds a Way Out

Saeed Minhas   Jun 19, 2007   interacts: 35

An election year usually carries lots of surprises in it and this one, perhaps the first official one since 70s, is no different.

Demystification of the Other

Amina Agha   Jun 18, 2007   interacts: 4

A spiritual journey to places of worship--mosque, church and synagogue

Dormant Embryo

Anum Ali   Jun 13, 2007   interacts: 9

There’s a world within me, a culture of cherished dreams
Lurking gloomy shadows, unheard unanswered screams

Section 144: Ban on public gatherings

almas almass   Jun 12, 2007   interacts: 6

The section 144 has its roots in British constitution of 1938. British needed it to secure their imperialistic interests. The question is whose imperialistic needs it is serving now?

Daughters of Hajar

Mohammad Gill   Jun 5, 2007   interacts: 1054

Hajar was Prophet Abraham’s wife and the mother of Ismael. Abraham took them to Mecca (at the site of the Masjad-al-Haram) and abandoned them there (at Allah’s command?). Identifying herself with Hajar, Asra chose to call her organization 'Dau

The Silent Majority Speaks

imran ahmad   Jun 5, 2007   interacts: 58

I have not yet seen or heard that an excellent bank manager, an efficient medical doctor or the most qualified air steward has been made a Corp Commander or an Air Marshall. I have however see many armed force officers in positions where they are not supp

The Indian American

sreelata menon   Jun 5, 2007   interacts: 3

A mixed up amalgam of diluted Indian traditions and strong western ideas, the Indian American appears to be a rootless, yet confident, brown entity aspiring to be something it is naturally not.

Who Is the Target Here?

Saeed Minhas   Jun 3, 2007   interacts: 7

The never-die judicial-issue is spinning out of control and irony of the matter is that every player dealing with this is made to believe that he holds the trump card.

Hindus in J&K: Elated in minority

Abhishek Behl   Jun 3, 2007   interacts: 4

Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir, who have been at the receiving end of militancy in the state are elated over the proposal of the UPA government to bring about a law which will decide the status of minorities on the basis of state population.

Search for the Missing in Action

B Waraich   Jun 3, 2007   interacts: 66

A diary of the 14 day trip to Pakistan to search for MIA in Pakistani jails- an appeal for help.

Coffin Ride of the Classics

Anum Ali   May 31, 2007   interacts: 4

The creative classics of every genre are on life support systems and those who get them in the form of sequels, re-dos, movies etc make it to the modern flashy minds. Yes! All that flashes is gold today!

Female Image in the NWFP

Amer Khan   May 29, 2007   interacts: 52

A drive through Peshawar’s main roads shows the most perverse affects of gender selectivity.

Deweaponise Your Thoughts

Shandana Minhas   May 28, 2007   interacts: 18

“..Because of the perpetual — and all-too-real — fear of being hurt, or of death, or of unbearable loss, or even of “mere” humiliation, each and every one of us, the conflict’s citizens, its prisoners, trim down our own

The General vs. the Judge

Tariq Ali   May 25, 2007   interacts: 468

The attempt to browbeat a Judge has released a new fissure in Pakistani society. The violence in Karachi makes compromise difficult for both sides. There is an easy solution...

Guard of Honour

Pradeep Narayanan   May 23, 2007   interacts: 2

The outcome of the match between Eaton FC and with Weymouth FC did not evince too much of interest amongst the English football enthusiasts but for the fact that the world was to watch a ‘footballing genius’ one last time.

Secularism, Positive Communalism and the Pluralist State

Sangeeta Mahapatra   May 20, 2007   interacts: 114

What form of secularism works in a pluralist state? Is it the one that bases itself in inclusiveness or that which is premised on insularity of state from religion?

What Next After Karachi’s Carnage?

Pervez Hoodbhoy   May 16, 2007   interacts: 1024

Although Musharraf denies that he wants a postponement, a lengthy martial law may now be his only chance for a continuation of his dictatorial rule into its eighth year – and perhaps beyond.

Citizenship and Identity in Pakistan

Yasser Latif Hamdani   May 13, 2007   interacts: 406

Before the British colonised the subcontinent, the people of this region existed in overlapping sets of multiple identities, where contending sovereignty of identity groups was negotiated and power was shared at several levels. When the British came alon

Guddi

Tahera Sajid   May 9, 2007   interacts: 17

'Am I forever destined to wish better luck to others when nothing good ever comes my way?'

Betrayal of Great expectations?

Nasruminallah Mian   May 6, 2007   interacts: 4

The absurdity of the theater that we find ourselves in never ceases to amaze even the most insensitive amongst us

Skins On Sale

Amar Jaleel   Apr 19, 2007   interacts: 8

Adam, a scared man in his millennium, hesitantly entered the shop, and stood alienated from the buyers. He was wrapped in a white cotton sheet that made him conspicuous. He watched the sale of skins with curiosity.

Live Earth - A lesson to be learned

Hussain Shafiq   Apr 19, 2007   interacts: 3

There should be a series of concerts that can take place in all major cities of Pakistan and they should carry ONE message, so that the awareness of that issue is raised.

Faade of Pseudo Feminism

Dawood Mamoon   Apr 15, 2007   interacts: 59

Pseudo feminism unlike positive feminism is guilty of bringing disaccord to human social lives rather then contributing more to the good of every one.

The Secret Is: Don’t Worry, Buy Happy

Saima Shah   Apr 5, 2007   interacts: 16

Then mankind became a bit smarter and said no god. But that meant more and more people would ask questions and not do as they are told. So mankind had to be taught to believe in god again and ignore the really difficult questions of why we kill, why there

Our Tolerance of Comical Illusions

Faris Kasim   Apr 5, 2007   interacts: 7

The only superpower in the world claims that it is fulfilling its majority’s wishes but does exactly the opposite. A third-world plutocratic state wishes to better its citizens living standard by investing in a policy that benefits only a privileged

Violation of Civilians by the Army in Pakistan

mohammad shoukat   Apr 5, 2007   interacts: 27

How the army controlled security abused my mother and my brother in front of the whole world.

Pakistan Shinning III - Population and Literacy

Zarrar Said   Apr 3, 2007   interacts: 17

There is no precedent in history of any nation demonstrating double-digit (or even high single digit) GDP growth while spending next to nothing on its human capital.

Girls Gone Wild

Shandana Minhas   Apr 2, 2007   interacts: 1644

The kidnapping of civilians and policemen by the students and teachers of the madrassas associated with the Lal Masjid, as well as recent events in Tank (NWFP) is evidence of a real, escalating and dangerous movement within the ranks of the religious righ

Marine Drive Makeover

Vidyadhar Date   Apr 2, 2007   interacts: 3

Marine Drive is Mumbai’s best known landmark. It has its own natural beauty. That is why there is need to pause and ask whether it is necessary to spend crores of rupees to dress it up further.

Industrial Dieting: The Myth and the Madness

Saima Shah   Mar 28, 2007   interacts: 26

The idea of a quick fix has taken hold of the global psyche through massive advertising and we struggle to buy a box, a pill, a bottle, a program, a spray and a thing to solve our problem

Johannes Kepler – A Mysterious Cosmographist

Mohammad Gill   Mar 23, 2007   interacts: 70

He lived his life in poverty and misery but he immortalized himself by formulating his three laws of cosmology. He was a humble person who said, “there was nothing I could state that I could not also contradict.”

Child Prostitution in Arizona

Sidra Omer   Mar 22, 2007   interacts: 3

Although the Task Force is focusing its efforts on the supply, mainly prostitutes and pimps, there’s a practical problem of how to help these children.

A Nation Reborn

Shaheryar Akbar   Mar 20, 2007   interacts: 71

Just when I thought my people would once again silently ignore this new form of oppression, and resign themselves to a fate written by politicians and generals, they responded! They awoke! They said in one voice, “enough is enough!” I have ne

On Zillae Huma Usman

ZJ    Mar 14, 2007   interacts: 172

What good is the facade of encouraging educated women to be at the forefront at the expense of their life?

Monar Jomban (part 1 of 4)

Manali Chakrabarti   Mar 9, 2007   interacts: 8

“Esfahan what can I write about you which has not been written before.” I quote a forgotten writer who was apparently jailed and then killed, perhaps for his writings. He was an Esfahani. I am not- but I realise that big cities and old ones, h

Women’s Day 2007

Zainub Razvi   Mar 8, 2007   interacts: 7

The modern woman’s struggle isn’t simply or solely about securing absolute equality... This struggle, and its an on-going one, is one of identifying our changing roles within society and our homes, it’s about understanding and accepting

What is it going to take to have a Clean Bombay?

Ajay Kamalakaran   Mar 6, 2007   interacts: 94

If we are to ever look civilized in the eyes of the world, it has to start with ensuring that our major cities are clean.

Karachi: The Descent Into Alienation

Xari Jalil   Mar 6, 2007   interacts: 26

Surprisingly as many would think, the people of Karachi have not shown themselves to be suffering from mass paranoia, even after this newest series of suicide bombings in the past few years.

Pakistan Quarters

Muhammad Tariq   Mar 4, 2007   interacts: 24

The name probably symbolized the fact that it gave shelter to the families of most of the government servants, keeping the administration of the newly formed nation running, Karachi being the capital then.

Thar Desert Festival puts Tourism Ministry to Shame

Kamal Siddiqi   Mar 4, 2007   interacts: 5

Let no one, however, be under the impression that Umerkot has nothing to offer.

Those Pesky Little Creatures

Nauman Afzal   Mar 1, 2007   interacts: 2

My personal best score is an astounding 20, of what? If you may ask, I am not talking about basketball or cricket.

The Dispatches On War: Part X

Feroz R Khan   Feb 26, 2007   interacts: 31

Metternich And the European Politics of Power: 1815-1850

Pandora Box of Television in Pakistan

Shahnawaz Farooqui   Feb 21, 2007   interacts: 246

How can dozens of TV channels run profitably in a country, where the total volume of the advertising industry is not more that six to seven billion rupees?

Rethinking Disability in the Third World

Naveed Ejaz   Feb 14, 2007   interacts: 22

Much like sexuality, disability is a taboo subject even when considered as part of a serious debate. It is the unnamed pink elephant in the living room that no one is comfortable talking about.

My People!

Ahmer Muzammil   Feb 8, 2007   interacts: 94

I am outraged because I care and I care because it’s my country and I care because it’s my people.

Double-Click for Lit

Mariam Shoaib   Feb 6, 2007   interacts: 6

a bookworm-now-blogger’s view on the digitization of literature

A Nation without an Identity

Mazhar Mazhar   Feb 6, 2007   interacts: 21

During the last few years the political tendency among Kashmiris gave heavy emphasis on religion. Whereas, the indigenous Kashmiri struggle when it started in 1989-1990 was provoked by the socio-economic factors and a growing sense of deprivation.

What Ails the BPO Industry in Pakistan?

Noman Faisal   Jan 29, 2007   interacts: 257

Problems and the challenges which made Pakistan unable to appear anywhere on the map as a preferred destination for the BPO sector

Get over the Victim Syndrome

Ahmer Muzammil   Jan 26, 2007   interacts: 236

The real issues that affect our daily lives are never addressed by opposition or the government, instead we are enamored with non-issues like huddod ordinance, attire of mushy, Kashmir, women’s face on hoardings, music in public buses and other crap

Why Assam to be Asom?

M B Qasmi   Jan 25, 2007   interacts: 59

In the early nineties BJP politically aired a new slogan—'Indianization of big cities' since old names, to them were, symbolic to either Mughals or British slavery. The idea later became cheaper for all political parties with much vote bank credits.

The Princess and the Alley Cats

Farouq Taj   Jan 19, 2007   interacts: 230

Shilpa Shetty - A clash of cultures or simple racism?

Untouchability and Sex

Shantanu Dutta   Jan 11, 2007   interacts: 79

No one practices untouchability when it comes to sex.

Electric Illusion

Fozan Zahoor   Jan 11, 2007   interacts: 5

Everyday we are taking another step to form what is so called “emotional attachment” with the machine which humans created. Instead of forming bonds between humans, we are forming this relationship with a machine to create our own perfect worl

Out of Sight

Sajjad Ahmed   Jan 11, 2007   interacts: 3

It was a fine morning of March 1963. Humayun was engrossed working in his office situated in Reagal. He was a successful businessman – a well known social-climber with all the success the previous sixteen years had given him.

Is it time to recognize Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians?

V S Gopalakrishnan   Dec 30, 2006   interacts: 69

It is interesting to note that of the 30 million Catholic Christians in India, more than 20 million are said to be Dalit Christians who are also descendants of the converts and have lowly professions.

Ejecting Parasitic Armies – Sea Cucumber’s Lesson

Q Isa Daudpota   Dec 30, 2006   interacts: 5

The animal kingdom teaches some ingenious tricks on how to get rid of parasitic armies.

A Strike Against Strike

Nadeem F Paracha   Dec 26, 2006   interacts: 14

What is one reminded of when he or she sees things like unattended garbage dumps, blackened billboards, burning buses and broken windowpanes? Things more frequently witnessed during strikes.

An Untouchable Apology

Bhaskar Dasgupta   Dec 20, 2006   interacts: 260

The untouchables of Hinduism are a wretched lot. While it is not at the level of genocide, it is an institutionalised social discrimination over a very long period of time.

No Romancing the Mohallah

Abira Ashfaq   Dec 20, 2006   interacts: 10

Recently, I declined an offer to watch a mujrah by someone who claims to value the arts and culture -- not because I am prudish, but because there was something disturbing about watching a video taped mujrah in the comfort of American suburbia.

The Quality Of Pakistani Research

Muhammad Ilyas   Dec 20, 2006   interacts: 9

A first glance at the publication lists that are now popping up will lead anyone who is not a domain expert to believe that the HEC’s strategy of throwing money at the dismal state of higher education in our country is bearing fruit. However, a clos

Computer Literated: Writing Preliterated?

Junaid Sadiq   Dec 13, 2006   interacts: 2

What is the future of handwriting in a world when one in three children has a computer in the bedroom.

The Globalization of Spirituality

Saima Shah   Dec 11, 2006   interacts: 50

When Soros became socialist and Bill Gates generous, we all knew something big was happening. We theorized, we fantasized and we said,’aaha, perhaps intense consumerism leads to something good—philanthropy!’

Fruits of Western Civilisation

Afaq Ali   Dec 11, 2006   interacts: 13

The first psychiatrist he saw, at age 7, decided after a 20-minute visit that the boy was suffering from depression.

A Humanistic Approach Towards Mental Illness

Khalid Sohail   Dec 8, 2006   interacts: 51

We need to see a day when people with mental illness can live respectfully and peacefully and do not fear to be persecuted and penalized because of their emotional problems.

Recognising Student Unions

Xari Jalil   Dec 7, 2006   interacts: 12

Prohibiting political parties on campus is in actuality curbing students’ rights. That is why there are clashes and conflicts as well as demonstrations and strikes by these so-called ‘banned’ or rather, half-functional student parties.

A pragmatic rant about Immigration in America

fawad butt   Dec 5, 2006   interacts: 4

A pragmatic rant about Immigration in America

Dessert

Sadia Rauf   Dec 1, 2006   interacts: 19

Come.
I want a bitter taste of you.
Bring.
I want to ride the shallow depths of you.


Thanksgiving as Tragedy

A Varangali   Nov 24, 2006   interacts: 4

Thanksgiving: a feast as a prelude to a massacre.

The IIT experience

nabendu debsharma   Nov 24, 2006   interacts: 35

You are surrounded by people who are very intelligent, very hard-working, very committed, and very competitive. It is a tough environment, and it is very sobering to realize that it is so.

Educate Because You Can

Tania Sarfraz   Nov 13, 2006   interacts: 12

For close to an hour, she ranted and raved about how schools were merely places meant to “corrupt” and “modernize” innocent Pakistani children, how educating girls converted them into prostitutes.

Are Artists Really Mad?

Khalid Sohail   Nov 9, 2006   interacts: 44

Creative people are are more at risk to suffer from mental illness than general population as creativity and insanity are genetically transmitted in the same families.

Hala – City of Crafts

Ameer Hamza   Nov 9, 2006   interacts: 1

Once you’ve seen what poor, a