A story on memogate

December 22, the winter solstice, arrived with a venom. It may have been the shortest day of the year but it cast long shadows for the nation. It may have begun as a day of biting cold but ended up with enough fireworks to set this beleaguered country alight. On this day, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani declared that democracy was under threat — what began as the ‘best revenge’ is itself under threat

In the flesh

The smell of death and decay wafts from the incense sticks dotting the streets. These agarbattis are more commonly found planted around mud graves in cemeteries, not in these dingy streets that are lined with shops. Here in Heera Mandi, the heady scent of sandalwood and rose sears the nose. It smells like loss.
During the daytime, this is just anothe

The diamonds glitter no more

As night time approaches, the synchronised sounds of the tabla and the jingling ghunghroo reach a crescendo and the high-storey houses, with intricately carved balconies and awning windows, begin dazzling with bright lights. Their windows and doors remain ajar till the wee hours of the morning, offering potential customers a sneak peek of the revelry of music and dance going on inside.

Qavi Khan: An artiste’s lament

KARACHI:
His riveting performance as Ghalib at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) or his acting in PTV drama “Koi Na Adda Sanj Mila” are a testament to Qavi Khan claim. Besides television and theatre, he has continuously showcased his artistic ability in films and radio as well. Currently, the actor has his eyes set on a project for the Express Entertainment Channel

From Azerbaijan with love

I’ve done my fair share of strange stories in the short time that I have been a journalist in Pakistan, but how to go about narrating the story of a foreign prostitute in this foreigner-unfriendly country? Do I just call one and say, ‘Hi, I’m doing a story on prostitution, can you please tell me your life story? Or should I call her as a client, pay her whatever she makes in a night and then just ask personal questions? Would she find that strange or just write it off as another clien

In search of ‘free Russia’: Sea of protesters fills Moscow to pile pressure on Putin

MOSCOW:
Clutching white balloons and banners calling for “Free Elections”, a sea of Russian protestors against Vladimir Putin on Saturday thronged a Moscow avenue named after dissident Andrei Sakharov.
The rally to oppose Putin’s tight grip on Russia’s political system passed amid a festive atmosphere, with guest appearances by a famous socialite, a former chess champion and even Father Christmas.

20 militants, 3 security personnel killed in Central Kurram Agency clash

KURRAM AGENCY: Three security personnel were killed and 10 injured in clashes with militants in the Jogi area of Central Kurram Agency on Sunday, said sources.
Security forces claimed to have killed more than 20 militants in retaliation.
According to the official sources, there were two separate clashes. In the first incident, one security person was killed and the other