Stories by Usama Khawar

Delhi reclaims its Gymkhana. Lahore keeps its elite club for Rs5,000 a year

The land is some of Punjab’s priciest at Rs218 billion. Updated 05 Jun, 2026 02:44pm

Pakistan has a supreme court. Then it built a supremacist one.

The court whose interpretation of law binds everyone, including the Supreme Court itself, is the Federal Constitutional Court. Published 14 May, 2026 12:05pm

Navigating the conundrum of caretaker CM’s appointment in case of a demise

Relevance of outgoing assembly, careful consideration of political legitimacy concerns, inclusive decision-making are vital to securing appointment's credibility, moral legitimacy. Updated 12 Nov, 2023 01:06pm

No more ‘holy cows’: Why the SC verdict on the RTI Act is a step in the right direction

The path to a more transparent Pakistan is illuminated by judgments such as this, promising a future in which the nation's affairs are open to scrutiny, and public trust is fortified. Published 17 Oct, 2023 11:43am

Analysis: Revisiting the Faizabad Dharna case

The Faizabad Dharna case judgement provides an opportunity for Pakistan to reaffirm its commitment to its founding principles and pave the way for a brighter, more accountable future. Published 28 Sep, 2023 12:19pm

Justice Qazi Faez Isa — Pakistan’s judicial maverick

Justice Isa’s tenure as a jurist has been marked by a commitment to upholding democratic values, progressive Islamism and the rule of law. Updated 18 Sep, 2023 10:45am

COMMENT: Presidential powers vs ECP’s mandate

If no one steps up for elections, the handpicked caretaker setup may linger, solidifying the establishment’s role. Updated 14 Sep, 2023 08:03am

Constitutional quagmire: Untangling the delay in Pakistan’s general elections

The clash between constitutional mandates, the role of the ECP, and the political landscape's influence all contribute to the complexity of the given situation. Published 24 Aug, 2023 11:00am

The problematic precedence of caretaker governments in Pakistan

Full-fledged caretaker governments are not required by the Constitution anywhere else in the world; the concept was added to the 1973 Constitution in Pakistan by Gen Ziaul Haq in 1985. Published 08 Aug, 2023 12:31pm

Who makes Pakistan’s budget and how they can do better

Promoting citizen participation in the budgeting process can help build trust between citizens and governments and improve the quality of public services. Published 08 Jun, 2023 04:33pm

Parliament vs the CJP: What is the hullabaloo over the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023?

While the real battle appears to be political in nature, it is unfortunate that it is being played out in judicial chambers. Published 17 Apr, 2023 11:51am

A bill of contention

Parliament and judiciary have been locked in a power struggle that has raised questions about the legitimacy of the Supreme Court. Updated 17 Apr, 2023 08:31am

‘One-man show’: Is Parliament’s move to curtail the CJP’s powers justified?

The Supreme Court has refused to apply the same exacting standard to itself, which it has imposed upon the executive. Updated 11 Oct, 2023 07:58pm

What is behind the deaths of coal miners in Balochistan?

Casualties from accidents among labourers working in coal mines range from 100 to 200 every year. Updated 17 Apr, 2023 12:51pm