Author: Hafeez Khan
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SAUDI BLOWBACK LEADS TO CHANGE OF GUARD
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Rub al Khali, the Empty Quarter covers a third of the Arabian Peninsula. It hugs the belly of Saudi Arabia in the south linking it to Yemen, Oman and UAE. Our farm was on the edge of Rub al Khali, south of Riyadh close to an oasis town Al Kharj,…
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PDM ON WARPATH – WILL NOW OR NEVER STRATEGY PREVAIL?
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Battle lines are drawn between PDM opposition and PTI Government. Maulana Fazal is roaring in his characteristic style. Maryam Nawaz has declared that PDM struggle is at a decisive stage. She had threatened “Ya Aar Ya Paar” that translates “It’s now or never!” in PDM’s December 8th meeting. Great for…
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MINUS YELLING, WHAT IS PDM AGENDA?
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Baba Bulleh Shah, Kasur’s Sufi Saint’s writings are full of wisdom. His words are a balm when seeking answers for simple yet elusive questions. Recently a close friend sought my advice about a recent upheaval in his life. He narrated how his business partner and childhood companion had let him…
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THE SOCIAL DEBACLE WE FACE
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Growing up in Abbottabad, each year we would spend our winter holidays with my grandfather in Lahore or Lyallpur farms depending on his location. Dr. Sardar Ali was a family friend. His medical practice in Baghbanpura, Lahore was in proximity of my uncle Dr. Abdul Rasheed Khan’s clinic. My cousins…
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PTI NEEDS TO WALK THE TALK FOR COMMON MAN
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan When we joined the New Campus in late sixties, Punjab University had a vibrant rowing club. The boats were shifted from River Ravi to the canal running through the heart of the Campus. The equipment was reserved for the team and discipline was strictly imposed. Not for long when the…
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PAK US RELATIONS IN BIDEN ERA
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan I remember playing weekend cricket in Abbottabad as a kid. One of our playmates used to walk off with the wickets if he got out. A spoiler who could not accept defeat. President Trump reminds me of him. Despite putting up a strong resistance and getting more votes than 2016…
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WILL COVID DECIDE THE NEXT US PRESIDENCY?
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Americans tend to trust their leaders. They are not naive, however the institutions built over centuries have taken root leading to this tendency. President Trump realized that quickly after his surprise victory in 2016. As a crafty business man he had manipulated the system in his favor all his adult…
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WILL US ELECTIONS IMPACT PAKISTANIS?
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Lebron James is a legend in Basketball. He has dominated this extremely popular sport in North America for 16 years. He has accumulated a fortune and is an icon for the younger generation. What sets him apart is that he is a star with a conscience. Black people make up…
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DESPERATE NAWAZ ENTERS UNCHARTED TERRITORY
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Gujranwala was an interesting show. PML(N) has deep roots there since Zia Ul Haq coupled with “Butt Baradari”. It suited them well. It exploded the myth of PDM as the event unfolded. After Maryam’s speech, the stadium started to empty while Bilawal spoke. Maulana (slot machine) Fazal spoke to empty…
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WHAT IS FUELLING NAWAZ’S BLUSTER?
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Lahore has a unique culture amongst its traditional families in and around the walled city. Blunt and down to earth they enjoy the coziness of shared common walls. Since moving to Lahore I had many friends from this area. In this joint family system sometimes a member would adopt a…