Category: Articles
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THE CURSE OF RACISM- Part 1 of 2.
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan The color of the skin is determined by the pigmentation just underneath it. More pigmentation means darker complexion. Hence the analogy “color is only skin deep”. Yet color determines race. Racism is one of the three leading causes of conflicts and wars in human history. Other two being religion and…
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IS CHINA FLEXING ITS MUSCLES?
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan “Wake a tiger with a long stick” is a quote from Chinese leader Mao Zedong, father of the Chinese Revolution. Caution is woven into Chinese culture. China was transformed in four years (1948-1952) from a decadent society to an orderly nation. There was a lot of pain in the formative…
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“TABDEELI” A DREAM OR REALITY
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan The gates were opened by an armed guard and a white Land Cruiser emerged. The young driver was clearly inebriated. His two friends were boisterous. It was past midnight in Defence, Lahore. The vehicle charged down the main boulevard and did not stop at a red light. The cop on…
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FILLING THE MANAGEMENT VOID
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan It was the late eighties. We were flying back to Riyadh from Islamabad after a week in Pakistan. I was accompanied by Abdul Latif Al-Shaikh, Chairman of our business group. We were embarking on a joint venture in the agricultural sector with ADBP through late Jamil Nishtar, its Chairman. Shaikh…
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THE TOUGH CHOICE BETWEEN SURVIVAL OR SAFETY
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, embarked on a voyage in August 1492. He was sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain. Largely self educated, Columbus had in depth knowledge in geography, astronomy and history. He planned to seek a western sea passage to East Indies. He hoped to profit from…
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RELIGION HEALS SO WHY DO WE FIGHT OVER IT?
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan I reside in Mississauga, one of cities encircling Toronto in the shape of a horse shoe. This city has attracted immigrants from around the world. The flavor is multicultural including many Pakistanis. Our incumbent Mayor Bonnie Crombie along with the City Council recently passed a motion permitting Maghrib Azzan to…
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BUY OIL AND GET PAID FOR IT
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan This is what happened on April 20th. The oil market witnessed a total collapse. The price dropped to minus $37. It meant suppliers would pay this amount to buyers per barrel purchased! The world has turned on its head. Economies are slipping out of control to levels not see in…
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COVID-19 FACTS, FEARS AND FAKE NEWS
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Could anyone imagine six weeks ago that our lives will change so drastically and so quickly? It is stuff of movies and fiction. The world is headed towards a deeper recession than the Great Depression. This was announced by the IMF recently. But in the present state of mind who…
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Politicians vs Scientists
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan COVID-19 has put a spotlight on politicians’ and scientists’ behavior. A comparison rarely made before. They have their own domains. They seldom crossed paths. This onslaught of a ruthless killer has put them front and center. The politicians generally don’t look beyond their nose and the scientists think a hundred…
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CORONA’S ASSAULT ON MENTAL HEALTH
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Bon Jovi is a rock star with millions of fans. Self isolated in New Jersey with his family, he decided to contribute. Through community kitchens they distribute food to the needy. COVID–19 has caused a shortage of workers. He decided to help as a dish washer. A step down for…