While politicians evade millions in taxes, 60 million of us live below...
In less than a week, the blatant economic disparities in Pakistan were bare for all to see.The untold, hidden riches of the ruling elite surfaced unexpectedly from the Panamanian waters. A few days...
View ArticleMy uncle raped Jugnu in the graveyard to turn her into the 'perfect wife'
When I try to open my Pandora's box of memories, as a child who grew up witnessing domestic abuse, I am assailed by recollections that are too horrifying to bear.Years later, every conversation has...
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'Why you reside jovial in Dubai': An open letter from Taher Shah to Pakistani...
In the wake of yet another massive hit by Pakistani pop and Internet sensation, Taher Shah, we requested him to write a blog for us. The idea emerged when Shah published a truly insightful piece on his...
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How Shaan Taseer's reaction to period-shaming exposes male privilege in Pakistan
When it comes to talking about menstruation, women get creative — code names are de rigueur. The period is a “friend visiting”, “Aunt Flo”, “my time of the month” and any other mixture of bizarre...
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'I'd rather die than be sent to Turkey' — Why Pakistani migrants prefer...
The Greek island of Lesbos is in full bloom during these spring days. The sun has warmed the Aegean Sea to swimming temperature. By the port of Mytilene, I saw two young Pakistani men wash themselves...
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When in London... : A fly-on-the-wall review
The Prime Minister arrived for a ‘medical checkup’ … Zardari was already there ... Khan Sahib arrived with his posse too, to ‘raise funds’… Taher Shah also reached London. Journos wondered whether he...
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Trying to lose those impossible last 10 pounds? Here's how.
As a personal trainer I'm often asked: “How do I lose those dreaded last 10 pounds?” People usually start off well on their diet and start losing weight. However, after some time, they hit a plateau...
View ArticleBreaking the Bro Code — What they don't want the 'bachiyaan' to know
I’ve been hanging out with the bros, doing bro things; like playing video games, watching soccer matches, annihilating pizzas and stuff. These are bro things, because obviously, women don’t do them —...
View ArticleWelcome to Pakistan: 'Tourist-friendly' but not visa-friendly
Recently, I started a project called 'Pakistan is Calling' in an effort to fight stereotypes against Pakistan. Through my project, I'm hoping to generate 12,000 USD to invite foreigners on a...
View ArticleWhich side are you on, Pakistan?
Recently a young woman, Aneeqa Ali, courageously posted a story about being harassed in Lahore while riding her bicycle. A group of young men began aggressively tailing her, hooting at her and...
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On board PNS Zulfiquar: Diary of an 'embedded' journalist
This is the second installment of a three-part travelogue. Read the first part here. Day 20700hrs: Today I made it on time. It was still dark and foggy outside. The day’s plan was slightly different...
View ArticleThe missing Americans in Panama Papers. No, it's not a conspiracy
Some put it on their parents, some on their children — the revelations in the Panama Papers about hidden offshore tax havens weigh heavily on the conscience and political futures of the global...
View ArticleThe Indus raga: From Bulleh Ki Jana Mein Kon to Tarrin Paunda
The Indus is one of the oldest and longest rivers in Asia. Though it originated in the Tibetan Plateau in China, much of it flows across Pakistan.Over the centuries, a wide variety of cultures,...
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Moin Akhtar, my father
"I was young and stranded and had left my job as a mechanic. I did not know what to do, but a quiet voice was always whispering to me, 'Whatever you do, make sure it is grand.'" —Moin AkhtarSeptember...
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An antique market in Karachi's Saddar sells nostalgia
A definite treasure trove. A walk down the memory lane. A refuge for memorabilia. In the heart of Saddar lies a market which sells nostalgia, that too in abundance. I went there to buy a record pin for...
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How I miss you, Sabeen
Born 1974. Flown, but never forgotten It’s now a year to the day when I got that call. Sitting at lunch, family visiting, and a single, awful sentence: you were gone. In this past week, time has been...
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Pakistan's right-wing media vs Habib University
What do right-wing news media outlets in Pakistan and their counterparts in India have in common? They are intolerant of progressive voices, and will go as far as doctoring videos and images to spread...
View ArticleBeing depressed does not mean I'm 'ungrateful'
Recently, I attended a reunion of old friends. We all sat together and discussed where we were in our personal and professional lives, whether we had found partners, or become parents. We shared our...
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Why my heart said Pakistan Zindabad!
It is not easy these days for an Indian to say good things about Pakistan and, most likely, vice versa. Whenever I write something good about Pakistan on social media, I get a barrage of brickbats...
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