Government Wins Manmohan Singh Loses

The way is now clear to officially approach the Board of Governors of the IAEA to approve the agreement reached between the Government of India and the IAEA officials.

Feminist Mumbo-Jumbo!

Patriarchal society has ingrained in us so deeply the thought that women are lesser to men, that it is bound to surface (even if it is subconscious).

Edward De Bono's Point C: Situtation in Pakistan

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.

Pigeons on My Balcony

"They have laid eggs. Now Bhatt, if you do not throw them out, the babies will dirty your balcony like anything." That is the way they look at it, my dear human friends.

Forgotten President & Shape of Things to Come?

A new kind of voting belt is being created where people are more aware of the larger issues, of national causes and increasingly form opinions under the spell of Urdu media?

Anil Ambani Pursues Global Media Empire

Besides the Hollywood deals, Ambani is launching 20 TV channels and owns FM stations in India.

Aitzaz’s Monumental Blunder

There is all quiet in Pakistan after the lawyers’ long march. The struggle of more than one year was wasted away in matter of hours.

The Chips are Down

Mr. Zardari once again asked the president either to resign voluntarily or be prepared for his unceremonious and rather dishonorable ouster by the parliament via an impeachment.

Healthcare in Pakistan, Lessons from Cuba

Cuba has the most impressive doctor to patient ratio of 1 to 175. All this and more while facing more than 40 years of US trade and financial embargoes.

Long March

In thousands, we will march, for change
Hear you will my friends, not far away
The days of change and nights of comfort
Walk with me, as each step gathers its storm

Paper Trail

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.

Looking Towards a Brighter Future

Being born in a farmer’s family in a small conservative village of Punjab, I could only wish that her intelligence and spark for life would meet its rewards.

Delayed Justice

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.

Myths Surrounding the Lawyer’s Movement

Election data made public is quite opposite to the generally promoted perception that February 18 saw an overwhelming mandate to restore the judiciary and remove Musharraf

Confessions of a Religious Fundamentalist

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.

Life Long Commitment vs. Singledom

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’

A Little After Three

I lay face down, pretending to have fallen asleep. Soon I heard random words like boy, Muslim, Sindhi, dowry, next week, dinner, and blood pressure.

Happy Mother's Day

Today, 11th May is Mother’s Day. It is almost absurdly romantic that a country like Pakistan would celebrate a day like to honor mothers!

Nipa Chowrangi

The neighbors couldn’t hear her screaming over the sound of the building’s generator, so that particular Sunday Aslam was able to beat Tehmina for considerably longer than he usually did.

When a Knock at the Door is Not Enough

She surprised me by her answer, same old she said, battering. Her honesty made me nod. I said, oh, and walked away. The purpose was served. The momentum was broken.

Stripping Away Beauty

There are more houses and wider roads but lesser pastures and more stinking water drains. The weather does not seem all that pleasant and the air is ridden with smoke and smog.

Dumbing Down Parliament....Again!

What kind of message are we sending our youth? "Beta, it's ok if you flunked out of B.A and cannot be a Banker or an Engineer or a Lawyer. You can still be Minister of Industry!"

Where Billions Vanish

The Musharraf years are over. It is now time for parliament to carry out a public inquiry into the irresponsible and crazy policies that have hitherto been the hall-mark of decision-making.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, in 2007, 1205 women were reported to have been killed in the name of honor. Each year the number is doubling.

The ‘shoey’ Side of Politics

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.

Student Movement Revisited

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.

Surviving Musharraf's Exit?

Throughout the election campaign and since the elections, no political party or politician has come up with any original thought or plan for the problems that confront Pakistan

War of Another Kind

One reassuring factor for Gillani is that its a coalition government where all the major political parties have posed their trust in him and have assured their support.

An Agenda for the New Government

This time round, the change has come from the people. And it is their expectations and aspirations that have to be addressed.

Why not hang Surabjit Singh?

Whether it is for illegally crossing borders, overstaying visas or terrorism, Indians and Pakistanis arrested in each other's countries have poor consular and legal access.

A Great Day, A New Hope for Pakistan

As our parliamentarians take oath and swear allegiance to the constitution today, one can feel happy about Pakistan.

Men's Liberation...Better Late Than Never

It is ironic that those men who become caring towards their wives are sometimes called sissy, wimp and 'zan mureed'

The Emperor is wearing Albanian Clothes

As soon as the western powers recognise Kosovo as an independent country, it will cause a huge dislocation in the fabric of all other separatist terrorist campaigns

Pakistan's Universities - Problems and Solutions

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.

Psychology of Men's Honour and Women's Sexuality

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

Sins of Our Fathers

The more Turkey denies the 1915 genocide of Armenians, the less the world believes it.

Aqsa Pervez: The Casualty of Patriarchy

Why are other Aqsas being slapped, punched, kicked, abused, followed, spied on, coerced, threatened, blackmailed, kicked out and married away? Why?

Feminism Under Veil

By observing the rule of ‘Hijab’, Muslim women make a statement about their identity and their equality as human beings.

Islam and Hijab-Murder in Canada

Gruesome murder of playful Pakistani Canadian kid in the hands of her father sends the poor soul to her grave and shock waves to the Canadian society.

Fundamentalism and Violence

Human beings are conditioned by their families and communities and violent cultures produce violent people.

Mukhtar Mai's December 11th Fundraiser in Sacramento

This effort is not about dwelling on what already happened but what's possible; to change the future of some girls and women in Southern Punjab.

Muffled Voices on Campuses

As private universities are abuzz with anti-emergency chants, students of Government College and FC College, Lahore have also adopted ways to express themselves politically.

Foreign Factor in our Higher Education

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

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?

Book Review – Searching for Sister Pakistan

Editor Rakshanda Jalil writes ... My concern in this book has been to present as complete a picture of the everydayness of life as it is lived and experienced by Pakistani women.

The Proposition

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

Suggestions for modifications in the system of governance in Pakistan.

Hisab Barabar

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.

The Other Woman

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

Curse of Arranged or Forced Marriages

He is from a “good� family or biradri! The girl might be given a chance to look at her future groom once if the parents are “Progressive�

The Guava Woman’s Crèche

Remembering sweet-tartness, salivating,
People taste them with their eyes.
A matronly woman stoops and buys.

Superseded

A divorced woman, suspects misfortunes to rob her again in a new turn in her life; this time it didn’t end up tragic.

Where's the news?

The so-called "movement against Musharraf" and the unfolding "democratic revolution" seems like a shrinking reality no bigger than a 26-inch TV screen.

Blinkered Vision: Unravelling the Nuclear Debate

Why is the 'US India Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation Agreement' called 123? The answer lies in the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Article 123 of the act governs US 'Cooperation with other countries'.

Vanaja: A Movie That Moves Your Heart

Either Writer-Director Rajnesh Domalpalli is one of the luckiest first filmmakers around or true contender for future international movie fame.

I can still remember . . .

your flying hair, the gay laughter
your black eyes
you and me

The Ladies Club

The atmosphere was charged up. Colour and glamour defined the mood in the large room occupied by women of all shapes and sizes.

Law of Necessity… A Logical Recourse

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

An Alternative Approach to International Development

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.

Chunari vs. Topi

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

Fatima Jinnah Park – Metaphor for Pakistan's Problems and their Solution

Capital Development Authority (CDA) has carved out a large corner (6000 sq yards) of the Fatima Jinnah Park for McDonald's at a ridiculously low rental

The Quest

“Amman can you tell me who my real mother was?� Nazish asked gazing at the wall in front of her.

Weapons of Mass Empowerment

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

Science and the Islamic world --- The quest for rapprochement

With well over a billion Muslims and extensive material resources, why is the Islamic world disengaged from science and the process of creating new knowledge?

Life Beyond Chores

She has everything life gives at its best; loving husband, bright obedient children and a comfortable home. “But I have no personal life."

The Horse and The Zebra

“Do you know the most important difference between a horse and a zebra?” Shazi asked me after the first drag of his cigarette loaded with hash. “And don’t tell me that a zebra has stripes and a horse doesn’t,” he added

Complex Problems can have Simple Solutions

Cool roof systems with high reflectance (percentage of solar energy reflected back from the surface to the atmosphere without absorption ) and emittance (percentage of energy that is radiated back to the air after absorption) stay up to 70ºF (39ºC) cooler

Better Living through Chemistry

What would you give for a pill that made you happy or thin or helped erase the pain of losing a loved one?

Bandit Queen

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?

Daughters of Hajar

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

Who Is the Target Here?

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.

Female Image in the NWFP

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

Just a Woman

I was used to the whistling, the smirks, the humming of latest Bollywood songs or even a religious proclamation of how great God is, this sort of thing, however had me stop and take notice.

Guard of Honour

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.

Alex

A tall, broad, handsome 21 year old who loved basketball, on the outside he was the same old Alex. But he had become someone he did not want to be.

Talking Tall on Human Rights

India talks tall on human rights in its attempt to seek re-election to the Human Rights Council.

Militant Liberalism

Do we have liberals amongst us that are willing to carry a Kalashnikov in the name of values of Egalitarianism and Social Justice?

Betrayal of Great expectations?

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

Why is the Government Dithering When it Should Stand Firm?

With religious extremists openly challenging the writ of the state, and despite overwhelming public demands that this be stopped, the government seems to be giving in.

Women's Protection Bill is Not Enough

Hudood Ordinance enacted in 1979 by a military ruler General Zia-ul-Haq has been an issue in Pakistan. General Zia suspended all fundamental rights guaranteed in the 1973 constitution.

Reflections on the Virginia Tech School Tragedy

In this land of eminent scientists, avant-garde artists and Oscar award winning actors and directors, we also see the worst serial killers and mass murderers. For some their dreams come true and for others they turn into violent nightmares.

A Profile In Courage

A recipient of the Sitara-i-Imtiaz Award in Pakistan and the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s most prestigious human rights honour, she declined an offered post as the first female judge on the Pakistan Supreme Court, stating she thought she could effe

Dead End

When Faraz Ehmad, a student of Karachi University, killed himself by jumping off one of the highest buildings in the city, his friends, though deeply saddened, were not surprised. They all knew, in fact had known for a long time, that Faraz was suicidal a

Medical Lessons from the Death of a Poet

Can a breast specialist, however eminent, take over the role of a gynaec specialist? ... Are drugs like combiflam which many people do not tolerate require to be prescribed for our patients?...

Girls Gone Wild

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

Karachi’s Plastic Bag Ban

The ban applies to not just the manufactures and sellers but also the users of the plastic bags. Yes, that means us.

Is New Brunswick Ready for Emigration?

Current employment climate is not very conducive to attract international students and persuade graduates to stay back.

On Zillae Huma Usman

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

A Teacup in My Hand

Sonya sat at the kitchen table, early Monday morning, with a cup of hot tea. She had some time to herself before setting off to battle her job, and the tensions that went with the package.

Women’s Day 2007

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

Fight Hudood, Protect Women

Pervez Musharraf’s amendment of Pakistan’s Sharia laws represents only a partial victory against legislation that many have been fighting against for over two decades.

Exchange Siachen Madness for Mountain Peace

Glaciers can also be made secure by the use of common sense. It is for opinion-makers in India and Pakistan to tell their respective governments to stop ruining the future of our water supplies and our weather system.

Venus, Earth, and Mars - The Untold Story

Some scientists speculate that the three planets, Venus, Earth, and Mars, shared approximately similar geology at the time of their cooling from their molten newly-born states. The evolution of these three planets along different lines from a similar dist

Imposter Syndrome and Emotional Concavity

Why is it that most women seem to suffer from low self esteem and insecurity while most men seem to think they are the best thing since sliced bread?

It is Never OK to Hit a Woman

According to Chris Rock (American comedian) if she is nagging then at some point you should be able to smack some sense in to her ...

Reclaiming the Middle Ground

No matter how we try to dissociate ourselves from our Muslim identity, it comes back to us in unexpected ways.

No Romancing the Mohallah

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.

A Humanistic Approach Towards Mental Illness

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.

The Clash of Stupidities

Our mullahs use women’s legs as a platform, presenting their exposure in skirts etc as a sign of the west’s immorality. Conservative Indian commentators clip onto their sari wearing sister’s navels like infected belly button rings, casti

Indian Filmmaker Plucks Musical Strings in Pakistan

Khayal Darpan, a documentary film explores Pakistan's Classical Music traditions

Confessions of a She-Driver

Be aggressive, take risks and look confident. Driving will become fun and it will increase your control. But as one of the messages on the street says Speed Thrills, But Kills. So be careful!

Educate Because You Can

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?

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.

Building Barriers in Britain

It is the extremist views of those who cover their faces that cannot be tolerated in a free liberal society. They put on the pretence of challenging our Western society but try and engage in a conversation that questions their core beliefs and they soon t

Electric Dreams?

A country in darkness - the escalating electricity problems of Pakistan

Industrial Food

Industrial Food is not just about food production, but also about globalization. Multinational corporations affect food production all over the world. Food has been contaminated all over the world with synthetic chemicals

Corporate Social Responsibility: The Rising Trend?

There is a growing interest in businesses taking a lead in addressing those issues in which they have an interest where national government have failed to come up with a solution.

The Bubble and the Pin

Some profound and hilarious comments from two of the best investors of all time, Warren Buffet and John Maynard Keynes

Soaps Sans Sanity!

In every tale, a woman protagonist is dominating and manipulating others consistently and her counterpart man is bound to obey her in each matter. Male characters sit idly at home all the daylong, busy in resolving domestic disputes.

It should be called Stupid Ordinance, not Hudood!

They are about to resolve another landmark issue for the people of Pakistan. Once the amendments are done to Hudood Ordinance, the entire Pakistani population will come out on the streets and do the victory-dance.

Violence Against Women

Years ago she used to be buried or burnt alive, on the threshold of rituals and traditions, even now in 21st century society she faces the same violence, dies everyday, her ‘empowerment’ has become only the subject to talk about or discuss in

A City of Gardens

Any reference to Lahore as the City of Gardens has a rather hollow ring these days. That proud tradition of rippling fountains and tall arching trees is all but gone, as the city develops apace.

Darakhat Bachao, Lahore Bachao

The Citizens of Lahore are now planning a conference in which stakeholders shall be allowed to voice their concerns about the development of the city.

In the Company of Women

For I knew that across the North American landscape, in large cities and small towns, there were others.

Control Room Documentary an Eye Opener!

If there really are two sides to every story; then this documentary puts forward an unparallel opening to scrutinize the other side and leave it up for its audience to make up its own mind.

‘Our Liberals’ and Minority Psyche

Although they enjoy all the benefits of the society, they are the people who do not identify themselves with the majority of the people dwelling the country.

Deforestation and Drought

Massive deforestation started in the 1990s. Between 1990 and 2000 Pakistan lost an average of 41,100 hectares of forest per year with an average annual deforestation rate of 1.63 per cent. Between 2000 and 2005, the rate increased to 2.02 per cent per ann

Why Superwomen Have it Bad

All we ask is that when we are overburdened, beat up, harassed and looked down on that we get a bit of a helping hand. In those lovely moments of realization my metrosexual man walks into the kitchen, blazing with afternoon heat

Miracles Can Happen

Pakistan has seen the worst type of bankruptcy and then raised its foreign reserves to 12 billion dollars. What do you call this? Isn’t this less than a miracle?

Celebrity Courts and Kangaroo Justice

I protest against this abuse of a cause by people like Aamir Khan, for it is gimmicky and counter-productive. News channels are behaving like nautch girls and social butterflies as the nawabs of vigilance. Page 3 justice is the latest fad

US-India Relations in Danger After an Attempt on the President's life!

So news is that Bush Mian may visit cricket games on his tour to India and Pakistan - what if - just what if the following were true?

Existential Angst: Am I an imposter?

Successful women had high levels of self-doubt and were unable to enjoy their successes. Rather, they attributed their achievements to chance, luck or some random event

A Man’s Tale Of Woe

Women Rule The Earth, DOn’t You Know

Laddo Ki Shadi

She would bluntly reply to the question, “ Will you keep me instead of my sister?” This was obscene when said to males, but not that she cared

Global Warming and Hurricanes

Therefore there are not many conclusive and definitive studies of the effects of global warming on hurricanes. However, there is a preponderance of consensus that the global warming

Poor People are Dogs or Even Worse!

He was full of energies and sympathies for the cause of human rights and children rights in particular ... He was the perfect personification of a romantic revolutionary that I thought Pakistan needed.

Freeze Frame

I posted on poetrydotcom
And they told me I won a prize
That made me happy
So happy I went out and ordered a pizza

Lynddie’s Smile

There’s something pathological about her ability to smile.

Hero as Molester

The commonality of experiences on both sides of the border had never been so same ... The highest court of the country have finally vindicated the indomitable woman's stand.

Sex and Pakistan vs. Rape and The World Media

The safe image of ‘us poor but creative Indians making a living’ is not Pakistan’s. The safe image of ‘us hardworking Chinese—open a factory?’ is also not Pakistan’s lot. The fact that Pakistan is about meat curri

Boot-in-Mouth

What possesses the son of a mother, the husband of a wife, and the father of a daughter to say something as crass as the leader of our country just did in Washington?

Rape and Exploitation - Pakistan’s Dilemma

Musharraf will very probably live to regret this instance of foot-in-mouth disease, but the only way to show Pakistani women, and the world, that he has had it cured is to take very concrete steps for the protection of and the achievement of justice for e

Savita’s Choice

Hundreds of child marriages are held across Rajasthan with no one stopping them. The reality sinks in when the children attain puberty by which time they are told they have no choice. But they do.

Because He Couldn’t Get It Up!

It is not easy being a woman in Pakistan.

Rape of another Kind

He must publicly and unconditionally apologise to every citizen of Pakistan.

Save Me from My Well Wishers

Save me from my well wishers because they are killing me with kindness. September 9, 2005 was my last day at work. I went a little later than the usual to my office that morning.

You: The Woman of Today

Who has a vision of her own,
Which is for the whole world to see!

Behind the Iron Purdah

...what this country might look like if people who want Pakistan to emulate the Taliban (in terms of how women should be treated) got their way

Muslims and the Road to Perdition

In today’s globalized flat world, Muslims must harmonize themselves with other communities and reap the benefits of a changed world. Like the true deputies of God on earth, let’s make it a better place.

Project Mumbai Makeover: Casualties of Development

Vilasrao Deshmukh, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra (India) was recently in the US, marketing and showcasing Maharashtra for possible investors.

London’s Hour of Reckoning

A surreal silence and eerie calm haunts Europe. Yet Londoners display steely resilience in the eye of the terror tiger.

The Sania Effect

Why are Indian sportswomen so unsexy?

Boxed-Up Memories

I would extend my arms to embrace her…to provide her with the warmth of my affection, to carry her into the haven of motherly love, only to discover the chains of solitude embracing me in return.

Advantage, Men

Not all men… are such perverts though. You still have a gentlemanly breed, at your neighborhood pharmacies, which unfailingly wrap the sanitary napkin of your choice in a newspaper, tie it up with a thread and put it in a black shopper.

Mukhtaran Mai vs. the Rest of Pakistan

There are examples in history where armies were dispatched to protect the honour of a single woman. There is however no example of a single woman dispatching herself to fight against an army of institutions that collectively represent an entire countr

Conversation with a Jahil

When asked by a politician of his age, he responded by saying that he was born on 14th August 1947.

Why Mukhtar Mai Matters

She has decided to take up the fight against “outdated and unIslamic customs and traditions” as she stated on International Woman’s Day this year. Mukhtar Mai is showing here that she is no victim, but a woman who has been forced to beco

Tales from Behind the Bar

The bar dancers have come out in the streets to protest, some with the ends of their sarees covering their faces.I cannot imagine Pooja Devi covering her face. 'I broke a bottle and stood in front of one man's table,' she says.

Misogynist State

'Forcibly preventing participation in public events by women can act only to encourage extremism, and send out a message to orthodox elements that their actions are condoned by the state.'

Fauzia’s Rejection

Fauzia stood in front a full length mirror, staring at her naked body. Her skin was a smooth mocha colored canvas of beauty on which were painted the dark chocolate areolas and a black triangle of hidden mystery.

Poverty creation - Maharashtra ishtyle

This year, Maharashtra is up for grabs as the worst-governed state. Vilasrao and gang seem to be well on the home stretch, without trying too hard. His vice-captain, R.R. Patil, is making sure of that.

To Saneeya Hussain (August 13, 1954-April 20, 2005)

There are tears at your untimely departure, but no, we’re not just sitting about mourning gloomily. Our grief runs deep, but when we meet and share your memories, there is also laughter, especially as we recall yours.

No Retreat

A large number of girls braved the threats to participate in the Sargodha marathon on April 9, but were forced to run inside the stadium of a girls’ college -- defeating the very notion of a marathon as a long distance run.

Asian University for Women

A small office on Wall Street has big plans for the women of Asia. It envisions women as leaders in Asia and is determined to reshape the values, social structures and mores that inhibit the actualization of women’s potential, specifically women fro

Open letter to an Indian Bureaucrat

Dear Ms. Basanti Roy, I read about the problem you are facing with the Salaam Balak Trust encroaching on the property of the Bal Bhawan in Mumbai.

A Journey Through Our Conscience

Up to eighty percent of the thousands of women incarcerated presently in Pakistani jails are facing charges related to the Hudood Ordinance, and most cases involve women being charged with adultery after they have allegedly been raped.

Sexual Harassment in Karachi: Whose Fault?

I have virtually no rights living as a woman in Karachi, Pakistan. There is no law protecting me – only them. Predominant in the Pakistani legal and political system is that a woman’s body is everybody’s business to debate, fight over an

A Space of One’s Own

Actually, a woman walking alone in public is also a rare enough sight (which explains my own initial hesitation) and why so many people asked how I felt about it. Even rarer is the sight of a woman cycling anywhere – as women of my mother’s ge

Life in the Western World for a Woman

Is life in the west liberating for women from the subcontinent- devoid of the usual social straitlace which prevents them from being their true selves?

The Meera Trinity

The Pakistani Meera, Krishna’s Meera and the Mahatma’s Mira -- puppets or puppeteers?

Doctors Role in Organizing Health Services

Our health system has been designed, developed and maintained by politicians rather than physicians which is one of the most distressing aspects of health care infrastructure.

Neither Enlightened nor Moderate

Five and half years, is sufficiently long period of time to make a sound judgement. The results are there for everyone to see...

Sui Incident: A PR Disaster

Officers operating in this institutional milieu can go to any length - sometimes on the orders of their chiefs, sometimes responding to their own lust.

Such Anais Journey!

How many of us women can accept the verdict of being the 'Madonna of St. Clitoris' or the 'Venus with an over-bite'? Anais Nin could because it was while clothed in words that she stood most naked.

The Violence Factor

The society where there is prevalent economic deprivation, huge class disparities, lacks of correct understanding of our histories and identities, absence of democracy and political participation violence against women and its growth becomes inevitable.

Talking to Sabiha Sumar about Khamosh Pani

Anil Saari Arora talked to Sabiha Sumar at New Delhi, where the Pakistani filmmaker and her husband, producer S. Sathanandan, have presently set up base.

Catfood and Little Women

Life, then, comes down to a debate as to which is worse: death by dreariness or death as catfood.

Children of Dictatorship

I have always referred to my contemporaries as Zia’s children... We were socialised in a culture of sectarian and communal hate, drugs, guns, Pajeros, and with a false consciousness based only on abstinence. Not much has changed in this generation o

Sanity

I was taken aback. The paintings… the craft, the harmony, the beauty in them. And they were made by an abnormal girl?

Jared Diamond’s latest book Collapse

Explores the collapse of ancient civilizations and at the same time gives us insights into Rwanda’s 1990s genocide, China’s burgeoning environmental problems, Australia’s mining industry, and winds it all up with analyses of why societie

Avant-garde Pakistani Women

She is the young, single, career woman in Pakistan today. Living at home, establishing her career, with no excess baggage. But it’s never that simple. After speaking to a wide array of women, from diverse backgrounds, I learnt about where they were

Documenting the Pain of 1984

The film Amu attempts to delineate the trauma that haunts the children whose lives are forever wounded by communal riots

The “D” Word

I sometimes joked that had we had blackened eyes and bruised bodies as proofs of torture it would have been easy to sell our “D” idea. But unfortunately mental and emotional scars cannot be brought forward as evidence for dissolution of marria

A Case Against Kalabagh Dam

Its in order to call for dropping the Kalabagh Dam and other mega dams and looking for better alternatives?

Let’s talk to Mallika Sherawat’s Breasts

Does that reduce her in any way? Do you know of any woman who has got silicon implants to help in research or because she wants to be a well-padded mamma to her nursing infant? Was Paula Jones wrong in posing nude to support her kids?

Bubbles

She was brought up to be respectful, obedient, well behaved and the perfect wife. It didn’t matter that she was headstrong, rebellious, artistic and just enough aware of the world in her time to be dissatisfied with the scope of life offered to her.

Diary of a Rape Victim after her Death

Today is the fourth day from my death as I was shot dead on December 24, 2004 in Gujranwala.

Western Feminism and South Asian Women

The gander that’s caught in New York cannot be cooked in Nowshehra

Lady Reporter

There is no simple answer to the question that people (mostly foreigners) often ask: how does it feel ‘to be a woman journalist in Pakistan’?

Eye of the Beholder

Your burnt dark skin,
A symbol of the sin...

Reflections of Resistance

No matter how different ideological courses these movement may adopt, women in South Asia are there to bring about a change for peace and justice by resisting the ‘sacred’ and the ‘secular’ both.

The Gun

A life which, after his retirement kept him on edge, surprised in a world that had changed so drastically since he had entered the service so many years ago. His wife was the biggest surprise.

Some of My Mentors in Professional Life

When I opened his paper, my heart jumped into my throat and I was overcome by excitement. The point of departure of Henderson’s paper was the same as that of mine (Einstein’s bed load formula)...

Proud to be a Pakistani?

Our leaders sitting in their big houses, driving their big cars...do not seem to bother as to what the future holds for ambitious students like myself who are made to stand at the end of the line at every job opportunity around the world because of the kn

When Vagina met Viagra

The moment he puts you in his mouth, I can feel her anticipation. And we wait. When it works they say it’s because of you, for when it doesn’t they can say the same too!

The Hazardous Mix: A Peculiar Act and the Perilous Energy

India's Atomic Energy Act 1962 - its intent and the reality

Settling The Kalabagh Issues

The problem is not just of whether the Kalabagh dam is a feasible project. The absence of any meaningful debate on such a sensitive subject is worrisome.

Jirga injustice

From an informal body meant to settle small claims, the ‘jirga’ in Pakistan has been allowed to emerge as a powerful extra-judicial force protecting the interests of the powerful.

Women, Conflict and Conflict Prevention

Women have a much bigger stake in the conflict prevention and peace process along with the other peace partners since they have remained and still are the victims to the most horrendous cruelties of war including rape, sexual slavery, prostitution, displa

Fahrenheit With a Silent H

I have two principal criticisms regarding the movie. The first is that instead of questioning who exactly perpetrated the WTC attack, Moore went along with the American government’s official explanation.

What is Freedom After All?

Freedom can mean many things, what does it mean to you?

Employment Equity in India’s Private Sector

While I am indeed in favour of introducing greater employment equity, I believe that there is a better alternative to the government enforced quotas.

You Can’t Strip The Army

President Musharraf should seriously consider dropping his clothes. How can you discuss diplomatic ties with a man who has medals for doing undiplomatic things? This is a petty question; the important one is: Has he discovered women?

No Compromise on Murder

The heirs of the victim can forgive the murderer in the name of God without receiving any compensation or diyat (blood money), or compromise after receiving diyat.

History of the World

See, I always wanted to save my boys
from ending, from breathing, from stifling themselves.
But they don’t last – that’s what I’ve found –

The Commonality of ’Fundamentalisms’

Lalit Vachani documentary will resonate in Pakistan -- and other societies traumatized by ideologically-motivated violence -- due to the insight it gives into the minds of those involved in organizations that contribute to such violence.

One More Day Before Debu’s Death

Debu suddenly became very philosophical and scratching his crotch asked Ali, 'Hey Ali, my left eye ball is dancing since this morning. You know all this shit. Isn’t this a good omen. Doesn’t it mean I will succeed in my dhanda today? Or i

Of Nostalgia in Saudi Arabia

Eight years ago, when I was planning to join my better half in Jeddah my friends were worried for me. You will suffocate there, they always said.

Films, Television and Women

Sex and violence are the two usual targets for anyone to take on the film industry. With every controversial film, whether it is ‘Girlfriend’ or ‘Fire’, the debate once again comes to the fore as to where to draw a line between &

Tight-fisted Urban Development!

We are looking for ways to accelerate growth so that poverty can be reduced and living standards improved. We go borrowing and begging to do this! Yet not many of us question the myriads of opportunities for investment that careless regulation stifles.

Atiqa Odho

Thinking young is great feeling healthy is even better. In spite of her hectic schedule, Atiqa manages to keep herself young, active and healthy. Atiqa most definitely intends to make the years to come the best ones of her life.

Dear Sisters, Meet Maria Sharapova

This is the story of a father who took a chance that his ten-year-old daughter from Siberia can be great. Thanks to the opportunities offered by the free world Maria Sharapova is what no practicing, veiled, Muslim woman can ever be.

Stout!

They say God is the wisest. But why do this God appeal to the most exploitative and the most stupid, and the most sadistic, and the most idiotic.

Origins of Hijab

After the conquest of Mecca, the Muslims were practically the unchallenged rulers of Arabia and the social conditions in Medina were also not menacing for the women. But, since hijab had been formally ordained by the Quran, there was no going back...

Some Mother’s Son

There is strength and inspiration to be drawn from those who use their pain, not to cause further destruction, but to heal and move ahead. One such woman is Visaka Dharmadasa, whose young son Achinte went missing in September, 1998 when the LTTE attacked

Politics of De-veiling

The headscarves issue in France is profoundly reminiscent of the policies of the French coloniser in Algeria who, in the words of Frantz Fanon, ‘solemnly undertook to defend this woman, pictured as humiliated, sequestered, cloistered’

Cuts Both Ways

Did you see the way they chopped down all those wonderful old trees in front of the Karachi Marriot.

Elucidation from the Loony Side

I am a victim of madness, brought upon by very powerful media. Madness, as you may have realized, is a nature. It has been termed as a disease of the brain but eventually it acquires the attributes of disposition.

Education and the Nazim

It has been just been a couple of short years that local self-governments were introduced in Pakistan. This initiative is bound to have major long term affects...

Facing the Music

President of the United States of America is the most powerful person in our planet. However, the American system of governance is even more powerful....

Just Another Day On the Job

The CEO of Pakistan strode in masterfully to chair the Wednesday weekly cabinet meeting at the CEO’s office in Islamabad. It was a weighty responsibility, but he knew he was man enough for the job. He had achieved a high level of fitness from carryi

Civilisation That Isn’t

What leads people to not just kill another human being, but to inflict pain and torture before killing, and then mutilate the bodies afterwards?

Shahla Haeri: Changing Perceptions

Although thousands of educated and working women have played significant roles in Muslim societies, most literature on Muslim women has concentrated on the veiled, poor, peasant or oppressed women.

Criminals -- or Victims of an Unjust System?

If the President really wants to help women in prison, he would do well to repeal the Hudood Ordinances. This would have a far greater impact than limited remissions and pardons.

Past

Night was never so long,
Hopes, never so waned.
Lost unto death’s deep valley
A face, I truly loved.

Whither Hath This Winter Gone

Soon dandelions shall bloom
in March, dispersing
the winter’s gloom

Rights (un)Defined

A women’s magazine recently took out an “Ibne-Adam” edition

Pakistan’s Hudood Laws: Extremely Misused

Two decades of a lack of public debate has contributed to the continuing misconceptions about these laws. People often assume that they are Islamic, and therefore justified.

Honour Killing: Understanding The Legal Background

Hadood Ordinance has provided this ill-practice, a legal cover. Now, the male members sit together, chalk out the plan and kill the women without the fear of any legal consequence.

Spam, Popup Blockers and Britney Spears

That cheap website has enough money to advertise prominently on one of the geek-world’s major websites. And trust me, geek websites are expensive to advertise at, because geeks have major buying power (usually also in corporate capacities). Therefor

Reviving Lahore

“Have you seen any tower cranes in Lahore? You know those things that they use to build high rise buildings!” I have asked many audiences this question and always received the same answer: “NO!”

Moving Beyond Talk: A Roadmap for Quality Education

This proposal provides a pragmatic mechanism aligned with the role of HEC (Higher Education Commission) as a supportive watchdog - providing reason, resources, and recognition for quality higher education in Pakistan.

Oh Myopia, Thy Name is Pakistan

Wisdom is the ability to achieve desired results in the long run; foolishness is the propensity to grab the immediate opportunity today and harm oneself tomorrow. Enlightened self-interest is not as dazzling as street-smart wizardry but it prevails in the

French Not the Only Offenders on Hijab

Are French and Saudi laws on Hijab flip sides of the same argument?

Bapsi Sidhwa: From The Pakistani Bride to Earth

Bapsi Sidhwa is one of Pakistan’s most prominent English fiction writers. In 1991, Bapsi Sidhwa was the recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest honor in arts bestowed upon a citizen.

A-Okay

Unmarried mothers are maligned but a married mother using abortion as birth control society deems A-okay.

Now it’s mannequins

There seems to be no end to the non-issues the NWFP government readily involves itself in. The most recent of these is now a ban placed on the display of mannequins in clothing stores.

Mehreen Jabbar

To Mehreen experimenting with a story is one of the most interesting parts of creating a play.

Why is Santa Not a Woman?

Have you seen him cry? Have you seen him complain and crib? Have you seen him lose his temper? Have you seen him throw a tantrum? Have you seen him get hysterical?

A Strip of Road, a Bulb of Light, a Bucketful of Water

We are getting reported in the US as “women are moving up in India” even in the notoriously backward and casteist cowbelt. This might be seen as good omen, the external push to internal determination for aspirants of mud and thatch paradises.

Karo Kari

They dragged her away and what her fate was, Fatima had not the heart to listen to. Miserably, she went and sat down by a tree, near the place. The sounds were very vague over there and she closed her eyes.

Miss Hoor-e-Pakistan

Seriously, you know, cheeks are one part of the anatomy, lips being the other, that we Pakistanis do not kiss in public! Take it from someone who tried it once. And survived. We kiss hands, usually the back of the hands of senile elders and pirs a

Environmental Goods and Services

Given the size, growth, and trade implications of the environmental goods and services sector, it would be unwise to treat the EGS negotiations as a minor issue

Founding Mothers

The most famous image of the Pakistan Movement is when a young woman climbed up atop the civil secretariat building in Lahore and planted the league flag instead instead of the union jack.

Learning in Saffron: RSS School