Of Medical Students, Passports and Religous Tolerance

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

A Fatal Act-Bad News for India Pakistan Relations

The assassination of Indian Defence Attache in Kabul on 7th July 2008 is a watershed in the ongoing undeclared low intensity war in Afghanistan.

The Bhopal Tragedy Continues

On June 10th a global hunger strike was called to bring justice to Bhopal victims and put the corporation Dow Chemical, to shame, since the Indian government does not seem to be doing its job.

The Cruel Expulsions

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

Fatima Bhutto Fighting for Justice

The man Fatima Bhutto holds responsible for her father’s death is not only out of prison after 11 years without conviction, but is suddenly the most powerful man in the country.

I Spy Hindutva

Attempts have been made to 'saffronize' at both the ground level (by editing textbooks) and by challenging conclusions of scholars who have attempted to rewrite history.

Europe and the Film Culture

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

At Last...Nationalism at Last

Socialism, the destroyer of the civilisations, took the world under its claws after the Second World War. This (Kosovo) win might be the beginning of the end of the anti-nationalist hegemony all round the world.

Mediocre vs. Mediocre

As expected the report by Scotland Yard on Benazir Bhutto investigation came up with nothing helpful. Now what remains to be seen is the reaction of Pakistan People’s Party.

Surplus Majors and Jerk Chicken

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.

The Snow Will Melt

“So what happened to that Fokker which crashed in the mountains?� sipping coffee, she (Benazir Bhutto) took the words right out of my mouth. Did Billy and Dabbu speak through her?

Pakistan's Flawed and Feudal Princess

It's wrong for the West simply to mourn Benazir Bhutto as a martyred democrat, says this acclaimed south Asia expert. Her legacy is far murkier and more complex.

Pakistan After The Assassination: Interview with Pervez Hoodbhoy

Interview with Pervez Hoodbhoy by Stefania Maurizi of Venerdi of La Repubblica

Mass Difference: The Bhuttos and Civil Society

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.

Crisis: Danger or Opportunity

"credo quia absurdum"..... I believe because it is absurd!!!

This Pyre Will Burn…!

Larkana and the entire interior of Sindh and Sindhi/Baloch dominated areas in Karachi resonated with the slogans of Jiya Sindh and Punjabi na Khapan and Pakistan na khapay.

A Tragedy Born of Military Despotism and Anarchy

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto heaps despair upon Pakistan. Now her party must be democratically rebuilt

Preview of Looming Democracy - Two Months of PPP in the Limelight

We were witnessing the culture of the upcoming elections, including the usual violence, and if successful, how the PPP victors would govern Pakistan.

Courage in a Time of Chaos

The enemies of our country are vast and they are clever; they would like nothing better than to see us sink into lawlessness and despair.

Benazir’s Murder: Who Killed Her?

Why wasn’t BB’s body post-mortem not carried out? It sounds so naïve and unconvincing that the post-mortem was dispensed with at the request of Asif Zardari, BB’s spouse.

The Only Way Forward for Pakistan

There should be an APC (All Party Conference) right away in which a National consensus government is formulated with the mandate of organizing free and fair elections within 6 months.

The Day Benazir Bhutto Died

Violent mob hones in on banks, petrol stations, cars and unleashes its fury... In their self expression lies the true voice of the people and the tragedy that is Pakistan today.

Goodbye Pinky

When she conspired with the Army and the establishment for the dismissal of Nawaz Sharif government in 1993, I got disillusioned with her leadership and left PPP for good.

Benazir Bhutto: A Sad Farewell

After 9/11 it was Benazir Bhutto that took up the banner of democratic hope in Pakistan, stressing the need for cross-cultural exchanges, religious harmony and how to make peace.

Whither Pakistan?

The best possible thing has happened: Musharraf gave up power. But the worst has also happened: Pakistan has lost a charismatic and popular leader.

Mourning Benazir Bhutto

The country is on the brink of disaster. Banks are burning, government buildings are on fire, emotionally charged political workers are streaming on streets across Pakistan.

Pakistan

Another day descends into its history
Of bloodshed, ignorance and plunder
Who shall we blame, the west or Islam

Benazir Bhutto Killed in an Attack

Reports say a suicide bomber fired shots at Bhutto as she was leaving the rally at Liaqut Bagh, Rawalpindi before blowing himself up.

Free to Dress

Subhash Chandra Bose, three year old. Jawaharlal Nehru, eight year old. Shivaji, ten year old. Rani Luxmi Bai, five year old. Sounds puzzling?

State of Pakistan: What Can Pakistanis Do

As compared to countries of 250 years or more, 60 is a mere child. Nation building takes time and people have to stand by their nation.

Religiosity, National Ethos and Governance

Suggestions for modifications in the system of governance in Pakistan.

Corruption and Freedom of Press in Pakistan

There have been a number of statements lauding the “freedom� of the press accompanied by a grim reminder of the “dark� days under the democratic governments of the 90s. What does the evidence say?

Communists and the Making of Pakistan

History of the last years of Punjab under the Raj

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.

The Rape of the Nation

The nation awaits
Not its messiahs and inspiration
Not from their leaders
Not from their politicians

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.

The Corporation That Changed The World

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

Citizenship and Identity in Pakistan

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

Home is where the heart is

I remember an episode of Boston Legal where when Alan Shore is feeling schizophrenic, a psychiatrist asks him where does he live. He says in a hotel. I was mildy surprised.

A Nation Reborn

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

Pakistan Shinning II - Propoganda or Reality

There is no precedent of any nation having developed economically without consistently saving and reinvesting a substantial portion of its annual GDP.

Medicalising Pakistan

A recent visit to Pakistan was the eye opening one. There was one pharmacy in my neighborhood a few years ago, but now the small street is sprawling with five pharmacies and all are doing “wonderful business”.

An Untouchable Apology

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.

Re-Imagining Pakistan

Commencement lecture by Pervez Hoodbhoy at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, 9 December 2006.

Crime and Human Rights in the Developed World

After the NYPD shot a groom leaving his stag party two days ago, there has been a huge uproar in the American press over what was clearly a crime committed by the men in uniform in the world’s wealthiest city.

Student Politics In Pakistan

From the heydays of political activity in the 60s to the politically dormant entity of the 90s, a lot of change has taken place in student attitudes towards political activity. Who and/or what factors have been responsible for fomenting this attitude of a

A Rant Against Reservations

Facts on education in Pre-British India leads to the conclusion that Backward Classes (OBCs) are responsible for their own backwardness and for not transferring to the schools that the British opened in India like the Upper Castes did who had the most to

Ba, Beti aur Bahu

Uma Bharti is putting on the loner act for only one reason – to save the BJP’s top rung. The real loner here is Sonia. Her godfathers are ghosts. Are both of them “mind-controlled victims”?

Glossing Over Bad Patches of History

Japan is desperately trying to hide its past so that the nation is saved of the shame of its leaders’ dreadful deeds in the past.

Autumn Harvesting

with ever so trembling hands
he felt for his back pocket
in a gesture reminiscent
of slow motion pictures

I survived. However…

We shared a history, we do share our present. We will be sharing a future. What sort of a future, this is for “US” to decide.

The Dance of the Damned

'We Dalits are like animals. The moment we are born we are on our own. There is no support system. We are constantly made aware that we are apart.'

Is Secular India really Secular and Islamic Pakistan really Islamic?

Revisiting the History through the words of a Nobel Laureate, Amartya Sen

Union Strike One

Something out of the ordinary has happened over the past 3 weeks. The PTCL workers Union has pulled off a successful strike and has managed to get the privatization of the company postponed indefinitely.

UNhappy times?

“We are outgunned. We are outmanned. We need help from outside groups. We need to be able to organize outsiders to work with us to write to papers, to appear on television.”

Bankruptcy

'Despite incantations we display utter contempt for the poor, for the downtrodden. We are good for empty rhetorics. We are morally bankrupt,' he thundered.

Baloch Rights or Sardars’ Rights?

It is always hard to distinguish where Baloch Sardar rights end and Baloch people’s rights begin.

Branding Nations

A country’s image is its ‘brand’ and building an image is like building a brand. No country or society is perfect. What differentiates nations is the perception about them and the quality of their ‘brand’.

Rage Against the Dying of the Light

Do we actually possess a soul? Are we actually being judged at every second for our thoughts and words and actions?

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

Caste and the City

Caste discrimination operates via exclusivism. We won’t live with you, we won’t eat with you, and we won’t socialize with you. So it should not be surprising that such marginalisation extends to the job market.

The Deadline

'Ah! You mean that deadline' I replied as I frantically racked my brain for excuses to offer. Hmm the dog ate my article, but I probably need to buy a dog first to corroborate that one. Or how about...

Mute Goat Dilemma

Perhaps there will come a day when I will step out of my door without bracing myself against another wolf-whistle or cheap comment or body-piercing gaze following me at every step towards my destination.

The Aga Khan University-Examination Board: Does Pakistan Need One?

Like every other major policy debate in this country, one on The Aga Khan University Education Board--with its religio-political dimensions--has all the ingredients of a 'perfect storm', an analysis of its merits and demerits must inform the decision.

When Abu Died

“What’s happened ?”, I kept asking aloud. Someone escorted me out. I think it was one of the staff. Not sure. The policeman in the Waiting Room told me the details. Apparently, whilst walking back from work, he was hit by a passing vehic

Twilight of a Passionate Love Affair

O Canada!...Our home and native land!...True patriot love in all thy sons command……

Indian Womb, Pakistani Soil

Dr. Hafsa Khan is flaunting her son as a Pakistani. If she is deported will she forgo the child? Would that child be recognised as a Pakistani? Would her husband want that child? Would she then have the right to claim him to be an Indian?

International Law: Applicability and Real Politik in the Middle East

For the first time since 1948, an Israeli prime minister or government elect has publicly stated what the Palestinians have been crying out for years

Club X

Ashish, the guy with the perma-smirk, was feeling happier with his life than he had right to be. Lately, he had been haunted by the fear of becoming engulfed into The Sea of Mediocrity. He had tried several diversions like paid sex to kinky sex to paid an

September 12

you toss my brothers in the water– sink or float? now tell me– what separates the sheep from the goats?

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

Times to Come...

The non-conformists who retained their attraction for the opposite sex were subjected to derogatory and condescending looks; their families disowned them; the public ostracized them; they were the social outcasts; they went hiding behind closed doors and

Another Attempt on Musharraf

From international pariah to being accepted as a frontline state leader in the US led war against terrorism his hold on power has been firm and tenuous at the same time.

Being a Girl...

In our society gender seems to be a sky high barricade on the road to ambition.

Barriers: A Review

It is about five individuals (four from the Abbas family and Roger) who are trying to deal either directly or indirectly with the fallout of 9-11

On Countries of Dwelling

America arrived, as they would say in Urdu. This country is the best thing that ever happened to me without a doubt. It’s here I learned that even if everything is aesthetically perfect, ..

Bombs and Beards

It traverses my face like a helmet strap, as if trying to keep my lower jaw from falling. What started as an urge to make something different out of myself has now maintained a debilitating and deceptive permanency, making others believe what I am not

Myths and Dreams: Hindutva Nationalism and the Indian Diaspora

In the United States, the fervour of long distance Hindutva nationalism is intense. Dangerous stories circulate. Muslims are polygamous terrorists whose deliberate identification and massacre in Gujarat is justifiable, even necessary. The campaign for tri

I am Not a Patriot

When the ideology of Islam expands, nationalism is destroyed, and when nationalism grows, Islam is annihilated.

Can Muslims Become Part of Mainstream Nationalism?

Whenever any disturbances involving Muslims take place anywhere, the Hindu community is automatically blamed - though sometimes justifiably.

Admissions Open

Universities have turned admissions process into a money making scheme - admit this.

Origins of the Modern World Capitalist Economy

The Wages Of Death

Wars are political acts of concentrated violence and yet, there is violence in this war, but there is no rhyme to its logic.

Protest March on the 30th of March (no pun intended!)

We call ourselves citizens of the world.

What Would Baynard Rustin Say?

In our casual GAP knockoffs and Old Navy clothes, we convey the idea that we are rebelling against suburban middle class proprieties

Towards Greater Tolerance

Anti-Pakistanism and neo-Indian Nationalism

The March of Folly

Death

she died long before her life ended

Wanderings in the Twilight Zone

Serialized Novel

Saveray Jo Kal Aankh Meri Khuli

When a jackal is hounded by death, he heads towards the city...

In Celebration of Ramadan (Part 1): Ala Hazrat’s Poem About The Onset of Ramadan

O’Saqi, I will forever be yours, bring me some wine, Ramadan has come!

Road Blocks in Normalising Relations

If cross border terrorism ceases, facilitating a dialogue between India and Pakistan, will a dividend of long term peace follow?

What Went Wrong With Devdas

all poetry should make sense in terms of the living experience

A Contrary Opinion

why not give the goodwill to someone who has only been brutally honest with us

The Future Is Another Country: 2050 And Beyond

Osama bin Laden has his own vision of a perfect world and millions will die

Night of Burning Terror

It was a clear, cold night early in February 1948...

The Brahmin Warrior

He found Hey Ram disturbing, but not in a good way.

Muslims and The West After 11th September

America has exacted blood revenge for the Twin Towers

The Forgotten Children of God

Beneath the four main castes is a fifth group, the Scheduled Caste

The Clash Of Un-Civilizations And Osama-ism

It is misleading to think and give an impression that these issues will just disappear if Osama is captured or killed today.

The Shah of Chicago II

the place was thick with smugglers and heroin factories

Loves loved {some not so loved}

My future has been flirting with his past

The Sage

forget Plato’s cavemen

1971 in 2000

... this singular event is consigned to the dustbin of history.

Family Laws in Bangladesh

family law codes are inconsistent with the Constituion on three counts

Sadia Afroze Ali

Without going into didactic or dialectical discourse, let me say I apologize. .

The Skeletons who would be People

Ayesha came flying into the room like an Indian projectile

Eqbal Ahmad: Post - Pokhran Days

The mountain had turned white. I wondered how much pain had been felt by nature ...

Life of a River

each forever remains the same

Pssst...This is Rest of South Asia speaking

for every Indian dollar-billionaire, there are at least a hundred million paupers

Straight From the Heart: Dushman Kaun?

Moderates of our world unite. Silent majority speak up

A Road To Siachen

An analysis of the Pakistani military thought and its interests in the present crisis

India’s Failure of Imagination

No one in India, it seems, has a clue what people across the border in Pakistan are thinking

The Battle For Kosovo

An argument for the use of NATO ground forces in Kosovo

Need for a Confederation

India had never been a Nation, it is still not one

Growing up an American Muslim

You’re related to Saddam aren’t ya?

Dancing in the ruins

...they say the aura of a person is imprinted on a place where they have lived.

The Bride Burning

Mankind will not stand by and witness our burning:  Mankind will not immolate truth.

Communists and Congress Should Give Birth to ’Red Indians’

The Communist parties and the Congress (I) are toying with the idea of coming closer to form an alternative political dispensation

Repercussions of Nuclearization

The question of women and public space in the nuclear debate hardly exists in the popular imagination

Nuclear Bomb for Sale

the demand for nuclear bombs outstripped that of mangoes, movies, health services, designer labels, paan, clean water,

Incantation

Where intelligence can be enhanced with expensive pharmaceuticals, a poor boy needs an alternative medicine

Onwards to the Nuclear Abyss

India, Pakistan and the March of Folly

Patriot Games

Pass out the barfis. It could be a hockey match. A Tendulkar century. A riot or a nuclear blast.