Self-styled “liberals" and “progressives" in Pakistan have, for decades, inadvertently advanced causes and agendas that have run contrary to their ideals.
Published21 Jul, 202407:59am
Consumer brands often try to capitalise on the prevailing zeitgeist to try and remain relevant in the minds of their target audience.
Updated14 Jul, 202410:40am
Bartel’s concept of ‘liberal confusion’, if put in the context of PTI’s liberal and moderate supporters, can mean their absurdist justification of the party’s illiberal stances.
Updated07 Jul, 202411:05am
While Protestantism’s work ethic might have been tied to the rise of capitalism in Europe, in Pakistan ritualistic piety often trumps practical application.
Updated30 Jun, 202410:32am
Irrational beliefs, existential anxieties have not only fuelled destructive acts but have also been exploited by leaders to present themselves as messianic saviours.
Updated23 Jun, 202411:18am
The prevalent notion that Pakistan cricket mirrors nation’s political tumult fails to acknowledge that our cricketers simply do not know what they're playing for.
Updated16 Jun, 202411:12am
Parameters of acceptable political discourse have been stretched to such an extent that likes of Imran and Trump can get away with most outlandish statements.
Updated09 Jun, 202411:54am
While psychopolitics is designed to make us feel empowered and liberated, it also makes us into digital commodities and enslaves us to our emotions.
Updated26 May, 202410:35am
Imran was convinced that May 9-10 protests were an attempt to rally support amongst "pro-Khan" factions in the military. However, any military intervention was drastically overestimated by his supporters.
Updated12 May, 202410:55am
Imagined pasts and invented histories have long been used by states to propound a certain narrative while denying the existence of opposing views.
Updated05 May, 202409:51am
While hypotheses created by political scientists can pass a test or fail it, many analysts are now lazily relying on social media chatter to determine their views.
Updated28 Apr, 202410:32am
In countries like Pakistan, where political polarisation continues to simmer and is not addressed, it can gradually mutate to become "pernicious polarisation".
Updated21 Apr, 202411:24am
The word denoting ‘the masses’ is often used recklessly by political commentators and the media, leading to glib understandings that negate class.
Updated14 Apr, 202410:43am
Societies across the globe and across time have always attempted to build mythologised images of their aspirational "heroes".
Updated07 Apr, 202410:51am
PPP’s version of Sindhi nationalism has the ability to merge seamlessly with Pakistani federalism, and it can also dilute radical religious and political threats.
Updated24 Mar, 202411:07am
A blend of politics and entertainment, "politainment" might appear innocuous, but one of its consequences is the dumbing down of complex political issues.
Updated17 Mar, 202403:27pm
The JUI-F’s brand of conservative politics might have given the party a foothold in northern Sindh, but it is unlikely to challenge PPP’s supremacy in the province.
Updated10 Mar, 202410:57am
