The post-1945 economic order, predicated on the free movement of goods and the sanctity of alliances, may well have breathed its last this Wednesday. In a move that has sent shockwaves from the polder lands of Veldhoven to the industrial clusters of Gyeonggi-do, the White House has announced a sweeping 25 per cent tariff on...
Category: Columns
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Ali Haider Malik: The Intellectual and Creative Journey of a Progressive Writer in Urdu Literature
In the history of Urdu literature, there have been many writers who, through their creative work, not only enriched the literary world but also reflected the social, political, and cultural issues of their times in the mirror of literature. Among these notable figures is Ali Haider Malik, recognized as a serious, thought-provoking, and creative writer...
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The Greenback’s Pyrrhic Victory: Venezuela and the Erosion of Global Trust
The dust is yet to settle on the streets of Caracas, but on the trading floors of New York, London, and Singapore, the verdict—at least superficially—seems to be one of euphoric relief. The dramatic ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following a swift, unilateral U.S. military operation earlier this week has sent global equities soaring...
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When Greed Becomes Tradition: A Silent Crime
Muhammad Aslam, a father of five daughters, was preparing for what should have been the happiest day of his eldest daughter Ayesha’s life. Wedding arrangements were almost complete, and relatives had gathered at his modest home, sharing excitement and anticipation. The house was alive with chatter, prayers, and the quiet hope that Ayesha’s future would...
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Hamid Qaiser: An Envoy of Culture and Intellectual Consciousness
In Urdu literature, some names rise beyond being mere creative figures and come to define the intellectual direction of their time. Hamid Qaiser is one such writer who, through fiction, criticism, and reflective prose, has enriched Urdu literature with depth and breadth. He is not only a sensitive writer but also a well-informed reader and...
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A Global Crisis: Not the Polluter Yet the Victim
Climate change has become one of the defining challenges of our time. What was once discussed as a future risk is now the present reality, reshaping weather patterns, damaging ecosystems, and threatening lives across the world. Rising temperatures, extreme floods, prolonged droughts, and deadly heatwaves are no longer isolated events, they are part of a...
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The Great Retreat
In a decision that marks the most dramatic contraction of American diplomatic engagement since the isolationist era of the 1930s, the United States has formally initiated its withdrawal from 66 international bodies. The move, codified in a presidential memorandum signed on January 7, 2026, targets a vast array of United Nations and non-UN entities focused...
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Even Thinking Becomes a Risk
In an environment where fear governs speech, even the mind learns to hesitate. “They are Young – Youth is impulsive” And with that, an entire generation is dismissed. At first, standing up for truth became intolerable. Then speaking openly was no longer tolerated. Now, even thinking critically feels unacceptable. In this atmosphere, young people are...
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The History of Order: From Religion to Science
Human history is not merely a record of events; it is a continuous search for order. From the earliest moments of conscious thought, human beings have attempted to understand the universe, society, and their own existence through systems of meaning and structure. In its earliest form, this order was articulated through religion, where the universe...
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The Tragedy of Pakistan’s Afghan Policy
If there is one foreign policy in Pakistan’s history that has come to symbolise chronic failure, contradiction and bloodshed, it is the country’s policy towards Afghanistan. This tragedy has not remained confined to the streets of Kabul or Kandahar alone; its repercussions have shaken Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad alike. The central question is...