Hating Zardari – by Shakir Hussain: Source: The News Whenever people ask me about the funniest Asif Zardari joke I’ve ever heard, my response is always, “That he is the most successful president in the 63 year history of Pakistan.” I can picture readers cringing,
In defence of Dr Babar Awan – by Muhammad Amjad Rashid: History shows that although there were traitors in a large number, there were also some loyal people present although they were in small numbers. There are certain examples in the history which prove that loyalty comes in blood. Those
President Zardari asks for Hunza Lake report: Source: Geo News Blog ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday sought a report from Governor Gilgit Baltistan over the relief and rehabilitation measures for the landslide affectees of the Hunza valley and steps for draining the lake. A
The true heir – by Amjad Rashid: Asian nations always keep some of their traditions alive. One (evidently patriarchal) tradition is that the true heir is the “son” of the father. There is no heir of mother in Asian societies. Also, a daughter does not have
Who is the biggest beneficiary of Benazir Bhutto’s murder: By Humza Ikram Media with all its zeal is currently busy in bashing the UN report. The Ghairat (national honour) brigade has already termed it as a second attack on Pakistan’s military establishment after the Kerry Lugar Bill. Thanks
Who murdered Benazir Bhutto? – by Christina Lamb: Bhutto was transformed when reunited with her supporters (Paul Rogers/The Times) Benazir Bhutto was brought back to Pakistan from exile as part of an international deal. Then she was killed — and all traces of evidence were immediately swept
A hard-hitting report – by Asma Jahangir: Source: Dawn THE UN inquiry report on Benazir Bhutto’s assassination may not be an eye-opener but it does put the record straight and fixes responsibility for the tragedy. Responses to the report have been mixed. Some have been dismissive
President Zardari’s Constitutional Reforms – by Anas Muhammad: Monday April 19, 2010 – President Zardari made history by signing the landmark constitutional reforms amendment bill into law. Zardari – after taking office 18 months ago – pledged to reform the constitution. He promised that all the anomalies that were
Text of President’s Speech (Signing of the 18th Amendment Bill): BISMILLAH IR RAHMAN-IR- RAHIM Signing Ceremony of Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment Bill 19.04.2010 Mr. Prime Minister Speaker National Assembly Chairman Senate Members of Parliament Leaders of Political Parties Excellencies Distinguished Guests Ladies and Gentlemen Assalam-o-Alaikum My head bows in gratitude
Pakistani democracy delivers — by Wajid Shamsul Hasan: Why Pakistan needs strong institutions is amply demonstrated in recent events of monumental importance. However, these events did not get enough attention either because of indifference from analysts or their lack of comprehension about these issues. It is a
At The Helm: President Asif Ali Zardari – By Usama Bhutto: President Asif Ali Zardari’s third address to the Parliament marked the threshold of a new era in the Parliamentary democracy of Pakistan. Repeal of the 17th amendment with thorough consensus over acute constitutional and volatile political issues can rightly
Special Report on PPP – by Amir Mateen: Special Report: PPP Part-1 The cruel joke is on Benazir April 11, 2010 ISLAMABAD: Benazir Bhutto would not recognise her party if she were to see it today. It is no longer the Pakistan People’s Party that she inherited
Aik Zardari, Sab Per Bhari – by Abdul Qadir Hassan: Here is is a very interesting article by veteran right wing journalist Abdul Qadir Hassan (who is indeed not a proponent of the PPP or Zardari) in appreciation of President Asif Ali Zardari. AQ Hassan acknowledges that Zardari is
No more advice, please: Journalists and analysts are very fond of constantly giving advice to the PPP leadership. According to them, PPP leadership needs to embrace their advice in order to become the true voice of Pakistani liberals presumably so that members of
Presence of Mehmood Khan Achakzai in the Presidential Address: It was really heartening to see Mehmood Khan Achkzai sitting in VIP gallery of the parliament listening to the Presidential address. Although his party boycotted 2008 general election but his senators were a part of the Constitutional reforms committee.
Asif Zardari: The sudden hero – By Nadeem Paracha: The historic passage of the 18th Amendment Bill in the current National Assembly is rightly being paired with the country’s first ‘Constitutional revolution’ i.e. the making and passage of the 1973 Constitution during the government of the country’s first
18th Amendment, Na Manzoor: From Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa to Karachi, from Lahore to Gilgit-Baltistan and from Larkana to Queta, the entire nation is celebrating the parliamentary consensus on the proposed 18th amendment in Pakistan’s constitution. Constitutional experts and parliamentarians belonging to diverse ethnic and
Deconstructing Fatima Bhutto – by Abdul Nishapuri: Contrary to the right wing propaganda that the PPP is a party of Bhutto worshippers, the party and its workers have on several occasions proven that they do not blindly follow any specific clan. Instead, they value individual characteristics
Nawaz Sharif Backtracked – by Sajid Ali: The Constitution Reform Committee worked for about 9 months at 18th amendment for repealing 17th amendment. The Committee consisted of senior parliamentarian of all parties, treasury as well as opposition. All nation put their eyes at the 24th of
At the Presidency: Tearful on Pakistan Day – by Adil Najam: Cross-posted from All Things Pakistan On March 23 I was at the Presidency in Islamabad for the Pakistan Day Awards Ceremony. This is usually a festive occasion full of pomp and ceremony and amongst the most elaborate state occasions of the
Back to square one – by Faizi Mughal: A political system usually has two choices, one option leads towards autocracy and other towards, rule by the people that is democracy. There could be no other third option. The entire civilized world believes that democracy is the best