In the history of Urdu short fiction, there are some names that never become widely famous, yet their work leaves a lasting impression on serious readers. Qamar Abbas Nadeem is one such writer. On one hand, he was a doctor in his professional life, and on the other, a sensitive and deeply thoughtful short story...
Category: Columns
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Machinery on a Tightrope
Global politics currently stands at a strange crossroads. On one hand, the ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and the Middle East are shaking the foundations of the international order. On the other, major powers are carving out new paths for their interests under the banner of peace. In this context, Pakistan’s decision to join the...
A Simple App Helping Muslims Stay Consistent With Daily Prayer
Daily prayer sits at the center of a Muslim’s life. It shapes routine, builds discipline, and keeps the heart connected to its purpose. Still, maintaining consistency with five daily prayers becomes challenging when work schedules tighten, travel increases, and attention is constantly pulled in different directions. Many people do not struggle with intention; they struggle...
The Great Decoupling: America’s Tariff Wall Encircles Its Allies
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...

