Raza Rumi

Decades of imperialism have left Afghanistan and its people devastated. But the fall of the Taliban, and the much touted “liberation” of Afghanistan, has produced a new spate of novels, films and other artistic media dealing with the “Afghan victim.”

And when I say “Afghan victim,” I mean a nauseating overdose of burqa-oppression, Taliban brutality and other “Oriental” tragedies. Not only are these subjects sexy – they tie into the global imperatives of terror and Islamism – but they also artfully exonerate the “aggressor,” whether it is the Soviets, US imperialism or NATO. As such, the bulk of this new subgenre of fiction addresses the Western, English-speaking world; writing about reluctant and not-so-reluctant fundamentalists sells “Over There.” Meanwhile, literature is turning into a grand extravaganza of marketing, prizes, commoditization and short-lived shelf lives.

Adil Najam

Much has happened in Pakistan over the last many weeks. Too much.

Amidst all the chaos and tragedy it has become difficult to keep track of just all that is happening, let alone make sense of it. It is clear that the dust has not settled yet. Far from it one can be sure that more turmoil and uncertainty is in the offing.

Yet, this we know. Gen. Musharraf sits firm in control; for now. A major national leader has been assassinated; and whether the elections are held or what might happen in them remains shrouded in doubt and speculation. The assault on the nation by extremists and terrorists have intensified. And the economy is taking a spin for the ordinary Pakistan. Despair is thick in the air and neither the military government, nor the political parties, nor the market forces seem to generate broad confidence or enthusiasm.

Owais Mughal

Kanjwani is a small town on Nankana Sahib-Shorkot Cantt Railway section. By road it is connected to the next big towns of Samundri (15km) and Faisalabad (55km). Kanjwani is famous for its annual cattle fair where people from all over the area bring their cattle to show-off. The festivities include tent pegging, Kabaddi, horse dance etc. There is also a beauty contest of cows, oxen and buffaloes as well as an ox-cart race. The following breath taking photo was taken by Amir Mukhtar on January 13, 2008 at the Kanjwani festival.

Photo Credits: Amir Mukhtar