Stories by Mikail Ahmed Shaikh

Mikail Ahmed Shaikh is a senior sub-editor on Dawn’s online news desk with four years of experience in the field. His reporting focuses on defence, security, and terrorism, and he also reviews video games for the publication. He can be found on X at @MikailAhmedShaikh.

Situationer: Can Afridi strike a balance between agitation & governance?

Critics accuse the PTI-led KP govt of putting agitation ahead of administration, calling for governor’s rule if things don’t improve.

Updated 05 Oct, 2026 08:20am

Game Review: Black Flag Resynced proves that the old ways are among the best

This "resync" reimagines a beloved classic well, but poor new content holds it back.

Published 18 Sep, 2026 11:30am

The Modern Warfare 4 beta has me pretty much on the fence

The beta features massively improved gunplay, but most of the "innovations" feel like gimmicks.

Published 11 Sep, 2026 10:30am

The GTA VI extended look has me wanting to play the game right this minute

Rockstar's long-awaited blockbuster is shaping up to be one of the best-looking and most immersive games ever made.

Published 02 Sep, 2026 08:35pm

Game Review: Part Two — Lego Batman: Legacy is a must-play for any Bat-fan

It not only embraces the Dark Knight's best moments, but also the campiness and silliness that comes with the character and his world.

Updated 31 Jul, 2026 12:25pm

Game Review: Part One — Lego Batman: Legacy is the game we deserve and need right now

We have a charming and earnest, albeit too easy, tribute to the Caped Crusader.

Published 17 Jul, 2026 10:30am

Digital pizzas? Corporations ridicule PlayStation over ending game disc production

Companies like Domino's Pizza and KFC have published tongue-in-cheek statements parodying the controversial announcement.

Published 04 Jul, 2026 09:38pm

Game Review — 007 First Light makes the most of its licence to thrill

A thrill-ride from start to finish, this is a must-play for fans of action games and James Bond alike.

Published 19 Jun, 2026 10:30am

PlayStation comes out swinging with latest State of Play broadcast

A new entry in the God of War franchise and an extended gameplay demo of Marvel's Wolverine are standout moments from the show.

Updated 04 Jun, 2026 02:26pm

Game Review Part Two — Resident Evil: Requiem is a surefire contender for Game of the Year

It’s made me a fan of a series I’d previously avoided, in addition to being visually and mechanically superb.

Published 22 May, 2026 10:30am

A look at the new capabilities Pakistan employed against India during Marka-i-Haq

Pakistan showcased a wide variety of military weaponry and technology, ranging from advanced missiles to network-centric warfare systems.

Updated 09 May, 2026 08:10pm

Game Review Part One — Resident Evil: Requiem has left me traumatised, and I love it

Requiem is bleeding with atmosphere. And in some cases, literally bleeding — there's blood splattered all over the floors and walls.

Published 08 May, 2026 10:30am

Game Review — I regret that I can’t experience MGS Delta: Snake Eater for the first time again

This is a must-have for any fan of the spy and stealth-action genres.

Published 10 Apr, 2026 10:30am

First impressions — MGS Delta: Snake Eater has been amazing thus far

Boasting highly detailed visuals and a modern control scheme, this remake brings a timeless story into the current generation very well.

Published 27 Mar, 2026 10:00am

Game Review — With the T20 World Cup nearing its end, Cricket 26 is a fun way to stay in the game

This year's offering has engaging gameplay, visuals of a relatively high quality and many game modes and tournaments to play.

Updated 27 Feb, 2026 05:46pm

Game Review — Highguard is a game that just … exists

It's neither great nor terrible, just average. The best thing is that it's free.

Updated 13 Feb, 2026 12:45pm

Game Review — Stray is still the cat’s pyjamas

It feels special not because it’s a very good cat simulator, but a solid adventure, if a short one.

Published 30 Jan, 2026 10:00am

‘Morally incorrect and indefensible’: Politicos, analysts react to Pakistan’s decision to join Trump’s Board of Peace

“By lending its name to this effort, Pakistan appears to endorse a structure that sidelines the UN and replaces international law with a personalised political platform," says Senate opposition leader.

Updated 22 Jan, 2026 10:51am

Game review — I get why Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won Game of the Year

With beautiful visuals, an amazing soundtrack and a solid combat system, this is one for the books.

Published 16 Jan, 2026 10:30am

Officials, healthcare workforce decry mandatory bodycam order for Punjab hospital staff

Say the decision was taken “without consultation”, is a "violation of fundamental rights of patients”.

Updated 12 Jan, 2026 05:23pm