Rising coronavirus infections forced Russia on May 9, 2020 to curtail its celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. Russia usually holds grand military parades to commemorate the event. This year's 75th anniversary was pl
The great dilemma for all governments in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic is how to balance lives versus livelihoods. This dilemma is particularly acute for countries such as Pakistan, where the absence of universal healthcare and a social security syst
The whole ongoing kerfuffle about how to combat the coronavirus pandemic is not unique to Pakistan. Even the developed world is groping its way through the fog of incomprehension, misconception and feeble, halting measures. In Pakistan, the Pakistan Tehre
With all its tragedies, unprecedented complexities and uncertainties, the coronavirus pandemic should focus minds on the inadequacies in our healthcare and social security systems that need rectification at the earliest. Consider.
The current COVID-19 illness gripping the world is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the second severe acute respiratory syndrome virus to emerge since 2002. As a result of its rapid spread, whole cities, regions, even countries are in lockdown, with
Pakistan Day, March 23, 2020, passed this year in novel fashion. The coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation of the traditional military parade on the day as well as the proliferation of symposia to reflect on the importance of the anniversary of the
Three bits of news last week became the focus of a lot of attention in the media, social media and public exchange. First came the news of the arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of Mir Shakilur Rehman, owner and Editor-in-chief of the Jang
Despite the threats and attempted intimidation by the retrogressive forces in politics and society, the Aurat (Women's) march was held on March 8, 2020 in many cities throughout Pakistan. Rallies were held in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar,
The signing of the 'peace' deal between the US and the Taliban in Doha on February 29, 2020 has been touted by Pakistan as proof of its role as a peace maker and facilitator in ending the 19-year-old Afghan conflict. But even the quietly triumphant note i
The partial truce/ceasefire in Afghanistan that kicked in on February 22, 2020, if it holds, is expected to lead to the signing of a deal between the US and the Taliban on February 29, 2020 to allow the withdrawal of US forces from their longest foreign w