Interrogating democracy
Democracy relies on collective wisdom to yield the best of a set of often bad choices.
Anjum Altaf
Rules and discretion
We have to minimise discretion in Pakistan at least for this phase of our existence.
False signals
Why do the rulers consider increase in remittances praiseworthy?
Put to the test
Our education systems need to be independently assessed.
Taxation: A way forward
Taxpayers here have valid concerns: does the government care for us?
Unpacking education
Chota is highly skilled, street-smart and wise. Yet no one would consider him educated. Why not?
Cutting it short
Why, as a society, we feel increasingly disinclined to enforce the rules is a matter of great significance.
Quality of food
We literally do not know what we are eating in Pakistan.
Education is not a solution
Pakistan’s development problems are not going to be resolved even if every citizen acquires a postgraduate education.
A vision for the future
The kings and kingmakers have now led the country into very dangerous territory.
Debating education
Just as a robust undergraduate system is a prerequisite for successful doctoral programmes, ...
The real India
Liberalism, pluralism and secularism resonated very little with the mass of the Indian population.
Language and society
Our linguistic confusions are compounded by the fact that Urdu is very carefree with its pronunciation and use of
No lessons learnt
‘Welfare’ not ‘warfare’ should be the goal.
Finessing Brexit
Meta-issues involving complex dimensions are not suitable for referenda.
On sustainability
What is intriguing is our selective use of the concept of sustainability.
History’s lessons
It is normal for us to accept whoever is placed on the pedestal.
Governance trap
There’s no place for ‘good’ representatives — the more powerful and connected the patron, the better.
Another plea to CJ
Is suo motu action an exercise in futility?
Unhealthy times
The burden of disease became much more equalised.