Category: Articles

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan A Punjabi proverb “Khul ke khaa tey nanga nhaa” translates “eat like a glutton and dance like a maniac” is most befitting to our prevailing conditions in Pakistan. The whole nation witnessed the shenanigans of ISI ramming through the 26th Constitutional Amendment. All at the behest of General Asim Muneer…

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan The full blast frontal attack to ram through the creation ofFederal Constitutional Court continues. For now, it has been blunted. The whole nation has been on pins and needles for last four weeks. The institution of Supreme Court is under severe threat of being dismantled. A Supra Court under Qazi…

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan The flagship of Generals’ Constitutional Package is being pushed by their toadies to create an all–powerful Federal Court controlling all Constitutional matters. Existing Supreme Courts’ wings will be severely clipped and Federal Chief Justice will reign supreme. “Toadies” means“person(s) who flatter others in the hope of receiving favors.” These days…

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan One learns a lot from rustic wisdom. The tale of a dog in a well represents futility of corrective action when the original sin persists. A dog fell into the village well and the water drawn from it smelled foul. Villagers went to the local Imam for a solution. He…

STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan In late 70’s European Governments introduced a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to encourage dairy production by offering guaranteed minimum price. By the 90’s there was a surge in production creating surpluses known as “milk lakes” and “butter mountains”. These products had short shelf lives leading to expiration. Unscrupulous bureaucrats in…

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…