Haider Mullick

As Pakistan struggles with arguably the most tumultuous phase of its political transformation since the 1970s, it is important to find a balance between conventional wisdom and the realities of today.

As if the October 18 suicide attack on Benazir Bhutto’s political rally was not enough; October 25 brought on another attack which killed 24 soldiers in Swat district. As Pakistan struggles with arguably the most tumultuous phase of its political transformation since the 1970s, it is important to find a balance between conventional wisdom and the realities of today.

While the US-endorsed political accord between Benazir Bhutto and Pervez Musharraf seems to be working, those who do not support the accord desire a genuine change. These dissidents have found their leaders in the relatively free media and seemingly independent Supreme Court; and a small but powerful minority of dissidents are enamoured of the terrorists in FATA (federally administered tribal areas) and insurgents in Balochistan.

Owais Mughal

On October 28, 2007 there was a news of fire at the Radio Pakistan building in Karachi. The fire completely burnt 14 studios and the switchboard.

According to estimates the monetary loss runs in millions. The building itself is almost 100 years old but the Radio Station had moved to this building in 1950. Luckily the precious national radio archives of Pakistan of more than 60 years remained safe at the first floor. For some time there was also concern about a few historic items being lost to the fire. First there was a chair and table set used by the first Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaquat Ali Khan to address the nation. Second and third were the pianos that were used to compose the tune of Pakistan’s national anthem.

Owais Mughal

This is a toy seller in Quetta, Pakistan. Photo is circa December 2005. Note how many toys he is able to display on an easy-to-carry wooden cross.

Photo Credits belong to our friend Muhammad Ali Musa