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Mr Prime Minister, do you support religious bigotry?
Dear Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, I hope this letter finds you well. I am sure you are busy; so let me cut to the chase. You know well that Pakistan’s Ahmadi community has long faced the wrath of...
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It is time we stop glorifying Shahid Afridi
On Monday, during the Pakistan versus UAE game, Shahid Afridi became the fourth Pakistani and the 27th cricketer overall to score 8000 runs in ODIs. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo:...
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How I came to own the sweater Wasim Akram wore at the 1992 World Cup final
Neatly folded away in a box at the back of my study is a short-sleeved sweater. It is fluorescent lime-green, with red, blue and white stripes across the shoulders. It is undeniably hideous. Whoever...
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Becoming Pakistani… again
Moving is never easy. Moving away from your home country is, well… at first, the thought of a brand new place, unknown people and fresh experiences feels thrilling and even dangerous. You approach your...
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All that ‘Amreeki glitter’ may not be gold in Jackson Heights
George Bernard Shaw said: “Life isn’t about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself.” It is true that life can be good, it can be tough and it can, most certainly, be unpredictable. It can...
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The good Pakistani wife
Amina sipped her tea as she noticed the new red flame like flowers that had bloomed on the Palash tree outside her window. Spring had finally arrived. The days would become brighter. This should be a...
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Misbah in the context of Pakistan’s lifesavers
A few days ago, I read a blog by a passionate Misbahul Haq fan, thanking the Pakistan captain for all that he has achieved, and asking his forgiveness on behalf of the fans who have harangued and...
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Modi-Obama or Nawaz-Jinping: Which should be worried?
We are lucky to have a neighbour like the People’s Republic of China, a country which has always stood with us unconditionally. I have always been fascinated with our relationship with them. While the...
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Why should Obama apologise for Pakistani drone victims?
On Thursday, April 23, 2015, United States President Barack Obama, apologised for the accidental killing of two western hostages – American national Warren Weinsteain and Italian Giovanni Lo Porto – in...
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Looking for a blissful holiday? Forget Thailand, hello Zanzibar!
The orange of the flame trees was so vivid that I felt it would come off on my finger if I were to touch it. The colour of the flame trees stands out in my memory when I think about Zanzibar, with its...
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The top 10 smartphones of 2015 to get your hands on
Almost 38 % of mobile phone users use smartphones as a primary device to communicate, and it seems Pakistanis are following the same trend. After the launch of 3G and 4G facilities in Pakistan, the...
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You say you’ve seen England? I say not!
I had the great opportunity of living in London for eight years. My residence was right in the centre of London, near Oxford Street – the world famous shopping district. I used to love observing...
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5 things I learnt after moving to Pakistan
When I made the decision to move to the notorious land called Pakistan, because of my husband’s job, there were mixed reactions from the community (to say the least). My non-Pakistani and non-Muslim...
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Facebook’s internet.org will not work in Pakistan
Facebook’s internet.org is a well-meaning initiative held back by some crippling flaws. The portal is currently usable only via the Telenor network, and allows free access to a very small number of...
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Zehreeli Chummi: The controversial ‘chummas’ Pakistanis need to take
There is one thing that all Pakistanis know about themselves – they can’t stand cartoons or comics. No, I’m not talking about the meek, biscuit or washing detergent company sponsored comics; I’m...
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Will the Budget 2015-16 be merciful to the common man?
Zeenat Bibi lives in a small city in interior Sindh; she works as a housemaid to make ends meet. Every year she works harder and secretly hopes that her life will get better this time around. She hopes...
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The past is another country
The past is another country, Of colourful sights, And neon lights. And people who used to be, Stalwarts of my life, Exist still in this country. The past keeps luring me, Back from my present. I keep...
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I felt safer in Iraq than I do in Pakistan
When I told my friends and colleagues about my plans to visit Iraq, I received much criticism and concerns. Understanding that Iraq, like Pakistan, is under a constant threat of terrorism, the response...
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Traditional Pakistani pakoras with a Chinese twist
Pakistanis’ love for pakoras cannot be described in words. Be it Ramazan, monsoon season, a lunch or a casual tea meeting, one just can’t get enough of them. The blend of different spices and aromas...
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If Geeta was a Muslim, would the Indian government have done the same?
After the Indian High Commissioner, Dr TCA Raghvan and his wife met the hearing and speech-impaired ‘Hindu’ girl in Karachi, reportedly stuck in Pakistan for 13 long years, External Affairs Minister...
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