Author: Hafeez Khan

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan You cannot move mountains; you have to chisel away at its base till it narrows. Then comes the stage when the base cannot sustain the weight of the mountain, and a determined huge push topples it over. The one sitting atop this mountain, in our case a uniformed dictator, looksdown…

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Punjabi is a flavorful language, extremely expressive. I am sure many feel the same about their own lingo, but myexample maybe difficult to contest. Term “Meesnaa” s   synonyms can range from “sneaky” to “hypocrite” and a few more. Its female version “meesnee” conjures up idioms too crass to repeat…

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Everyone’s perception about a place and its people are based on their personal experiences. I see looks of disbelief or a cynical smile when I state that my stay in Saudi Arabia was pleasant and at times enjoyable. According to the laws during my prolonged stay, a foreigner exists through…

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Rain drops can be exhilarating during hot sultry monsoon months. I remembered this all-time classic sung by B J Thomas in late sixties. It was a hot favorite during our university days. I recollect my lifelong buddy, Salim Manzar, strumming his guitar and singing it. Its powerfullyrics were meaningful in…

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Dust is clearing about the postponement of Tarnol Jalsaon Thursday, 22nd August 2024. It was Imran Khan’s decision. IK’s comments to journalists on Friday clarified it by what was left un-said and answered with a smile. IK restated his oft repeated position that he will not talk to Form 47…

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan I am a veteran of student politics. In 1970 elections Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto won by a land slide in West Pakistan. He demolished all opposition parties. The majority party, Awami League that won more seats than PPP was denied power by General Yahya Khan. It led to mass resistance by…

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan It was interesting to watch Rana Sanaullah enjoying a boat ride with his companion somewhere in Europe wearing a fedora hat. He looked like a Mexican bandit or a mafia don. It was taken down rather quickly but not before it had gone viral. Rana Sana is an important part…

WINDS OF CHANGE AND THEIR IMPACT ON PAKISTAN STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Ismail Haniyeh, was born in 1962 to Palestinian parents in a refugee camp in Gaza. They had fled from Ashkelon in 1948 after Israeli takeover. Ashkelon has deep historic roots. It was the launching pad for Sultan Salahuddin Ayubi on his way…

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Let us not beat around the bush. General Asim Munir harbors ambitions of a ten-year rule. He wants to repeat what Ayub, Zia and Musharraf did as military dictators. Every military ruler after forcing his way into power, seeks legitimacy. They adorn different mantles; all aimed at creating a centralized…

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Ashura falls on the 10th day Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. It mourns the martyrdom of Hazrat Hussain ibn Ali, grandson of our beloved Prophet. There are other landmark events associated with this day. The parting of Red Sea by Moses (Hazrat Musa) and salvation of the…