What comes to your mind when you think of the word Democracy? Rule of the people, Equal rights of all citizens, Freedom, but if you’re a Pakistani, this may not be the case. I, for some reason, fail to understand or connect to the present form of democracy in Pakistan. When I, as a Pakistani, [...]
I have received all sorts of response from my Juma Khutba entitled Bangladesh in crisis. These responses include verbal abuse, threat of violence and death. Some have wished me eternal damnation and guaranteed me a place in Hell. Others have accused me of being paid by Jamati Islami and being a Jamat member. I have [...]
Much ire has been unleashed against an awareness drive in Karachi that highlighted the concept of modesty in Islam using Quranic and Prophetic references on billboards and handbills, in the context of the February 14 celebrations. The rejection of the idea of singling out a day for the expression of amorous sentiment as odious to [...]
Entire country is in a state of shock. Repeated attacks on Shia Hazara community in Quetta Balochistan has killed hundreds and brought entire country to a standstill. It is indeed a matter of grave concern that lawlessness has taken over entire country. People are no more safe and living under serious threats. Shia community protested [...]
Arguably, love is the highest sentiment the human spirit is capable of. In essence, it is selfless, generous, liberating, sublime. It purges one of all that holds one down to the mundane and earthy. Kahlil Gibran famously writes: “Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. Love possesses not nor would it [...]
The jarring reports on human rights abuse in Kashmir- notably, of rape used as a weapon against an occupied people- have failed to elicit a response from the United Nations. When pressed for comments over a report on the presence of thousands of unmarked graves, Secretary General Ban Ki Moon apologized that he had ‘no [...]
Much has been written about the Theatre of the Absurd in Islamabad on the Ides of January. I wouldn’t dignify it with comment on the agenda, the proceedings, the success or the lack of it. But I am interested in examining how it could have happened, with the support of the many thousands who braved [...]
