How I met Dr. Shreekant Gupta
That the conservative and often skin-deep Economist published the story – “The world’s most dangerous place” – was not surprising. The publication sings an…
In Benazir’s death
It was in the dargah compound of Ajmer when our phones started buzzing with friends and relatives wanting to share grief on the loss…
People of this Murderous City
The other day, I translated my poem in Urdu written after the events of 27 December, 2007. It has been published by this blog.…
Tortured land
When I breathe, I feel guilty Guilty because she can breathe no more When I think, I feel guilty Guilty because she can think…
Noor Jehan Singing
This soulful poem by Faiz was rendered by Madame Noor Jehan in her early, melodious years. Manto has also mentioned this rendition in his…
Pakistan diaspora and the politics of the Hijab
The suggestion of violent disputes between a 16-year-old girl in Mississauga and her father over her desire to show her hair and live a…
The Other Half – divided hearts meet in Kashmir
Thanks to Beena Sarwar’s updates, I read this moving account, THE OTHER HALF – in ‘Srinagar diary’ by Kalpana Sharma. … the Indo-Pak peace…
Of ignorance and knowledge – thinking of Professor Aghajari
I am a child whose teacher is love. surely my master won’t let me grow to be a fool* I have been told that…
The almost forgotten radical message of Iqbal
Yesterday was the Iqbal day- year after year it has become just another empty ritual. High sounding speeches and statements, visits to Iqbal’s tomb…
Fahmida Riaz on the Wall
My young friend has translated Fahmida Riaz‘s words, and how inspiring these are.. “There is a wall in front of us, we have a…
October 18: Attack on Benazir Bhutto’s rally at Karsaz, Karachi (From the archives)
Despite the Tragedy, Extremism Will be Fought by Pakistanis Published October 20, 2007 (blogcritics) 180 are dead and more than 500 injured in Karachi…
The devastating midnight attack
140 dead and 538 injured – this little byline cuts through hearts and our future! Yesterday was the day of images – moving pictures…
Violence: targeting the lamp of Chishtiyan
Agar Gaiti Sarasar Bad Girad, Chiragh-e-Chishtiyan Hargiz Namirad If the entire universe is devastated by the storm the lamp of Chishtiyan shall not cease…
Save the Buddha Statues in Swat, Pakistan
It is disturbing that there is no writ of the government in Swat – otherwise a stunningly beautiful valley. Considering that the army is…
Naeem Bokhari – More sinned against than sinning
Yesterday, All Things Pakistan published my little protest against the uncalled for treatment of the much maligned Naeem Bokhari. A few excerpts here.. We…
Anyone listening?
Thanks to my friend Temporal, I had a chance to read this account of contemporary Pakistan – The diary of a border crosser –…
Darlymple on India and Pakistan
William Darlymple’s article published in the Guardian is an insightful piece that attempts to be unbiased and reflects on some pertinent issues that afflict…
60 Years of Independence – some links
Found these great links on the internet: Freedom at Midnight by VK Joshi Bombay Stock Exchange – Epitomizing India’s Growth by Nayanima Basu Raising…
Du’aa (Prayer) on the Independence Day
This moving poem by Faiz was written forty years ago and still sounds so fresh and relevant… Du’aa (Prayer) — A nazm for Pakistan’s…
Healing the wounds of Partition ..
I read this interesting, albeit a little contentious, piece by Ravinder Kaur that examined the impact of partition on settling the communal question. The…