Match Point

Is the semblance of prosperity better than the stark truth of being stagnant? Is the ‘image’ of good relations with India worth the ‘costs’ we sometimes endure?

Many Pakistani boys have grown up playing cricket on the street. This often means being scolded by neighbours and passers-by. Are the boys really a public nuisance?

Some NGOs get caught up in territorial wars, competing with each other for “most funds raised” or “I have the most volunteers” status.

While India is still perceived as enemy number one, the Pakistan military and the ISI are now committed to fighting the Taliban and their allies.

Our politicians, leaders and people like myself should be thankful that we live in a country where the vast majority of those who suffer in poverty ask so little of us.

Those who rule this country have no real stakes in it, the rest are stuck in it and the small minority that has the means and vision to bring ‘change' have abandoned it.

Trapping anyone in the vicious cobweb of blasphemy is easy in Pakistan. No government, even secular Bhutto, has been able to do anything to change the controversial law.

With popular religious opinion by people's side, perpetrators found good reason for subjecting the two "filthy dakoos" to sanctioned justice.

Returning to Pakistan from Columbia University’s School of Journalism was a reality check. The job market everywhere is in a devastating slump.

I think people would agree that this month does not feel like a month of blessing. Even before the country was hit by floods, most of our population had been living hand to mouth.