Laila and Majnu

Early morning today, while reading Laila Majnu — an age-old love story turned into a stunning musical in the walled city of Lahore at Dawn website, I attempted to look for a video of the theatrical musical performance at the grand Haveli Barood Khana. There were only few still photos. So, I tried searching forContinue reading “Laila and Majnu”

Meanwhile in the PM House

Caretaker PM Kakar Sahib seen simulating his departure from the PM House, as the new setup prepared to grab the baton!

‘Election Heist’

The Economist, March 14, 2024: Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League party (PML-N) is back in power. Following elections last month, the thrice former prime minister’s younger brother, Shehbaz, has been installed in the ruling post. His daughter, Maryam, is the new chief minister of populous Punjab. So why is Mr Sharif so glum? The 74-year-oldContinue reading “‘Election Heist’”

Skeletons in the Closet

Irshad Salim: In the Summer of 2020, I shared one of the many moments and memories in the context of the on goings back ‘home’ (Pakistan)–after returning from ‘abroad’ (USA). ‘Home’ and ‘Abroad’ are the two sides of the coin most Pakistanis overseas carry in the wallet of their daily rituals. I have been oneContinue reading “Skeletons in the Closet”

Z A Bhutto: Incomplete Justice

Will the judges remain in their ivory towers or see the reality of political injustice in Pakistan? Faisal Siddiqi at Dawn: THE state-sponsored judicial murder of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (ZAB), a key founder of both mass democracy and constitutionalism in Pakistan, is a historical and legal fact which very few independent and fair observers willContinue reading “Z A Bhutto: Incomplete Justice”

Three Women

Irshad Salim from Karachi: For months I have on my easel a canvas of three women drawn with a black marker. The painting remains unfinished though. Choice of colors and artistic bells and whistles, etc. remain undecided also; so does the stated and the actual thematic tones. It’s a work in progress simply said. DecadesContinue reading “Three Women”