Tag: maryamnawaz
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PAKISTAN HAS CHALLENGES BEYOND POLITICS
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan During my university days in the late sixties and early seventies politics was reentering our civil discourse. After ten years under Ayub Khan, Pakistan transitioned from a “Basic Democracy” system to an “Adult Franchise”. The present borders of Pakistan were then known as West Pakistan where Zulifiqar Ali Bhutto…
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PDM IMPLOSION IS A NATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan December 2020 was a tumultuous month in Pakistani politics. It started with thunder, threatening a severe storm but ended in a whimper despite intense rumblings. PML(N)’s de-facto leader Maryam loudly proclaimed a “now or never” agenda for PDM leaders. Lahore’s public meeting on December 13th would unravel PTI’s Government with…
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POLITICOS REMEMBER YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Rustic wisdom emanates from centuries of experience transferred from generation to generation. These universal truths are common amongst cultures and geography. In the subcontinent folklore, it goes as “jo beejo gay so kaato gay”. Yet our political leaders overlook this basic wisdom blinded by the shine and glamour of money…
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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…
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2 YEARS OF PREP AND 3 TO DEPLOY
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Pakistan just completed 73 years of existence. We have been through some good, bad and dreadful times. We learn from the past, live in the present and work for the future. There are multiple lessons we can draw on. Without getting bogged down in details we have lived through stalemates,…
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FAILING ACCOUNTABILITY – BEWARE IK
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Steal a few thousands and you will be caught, beaten up and punished. Steal a few billions, hire a good lawyer and you will become respectable. You will be sought after and lavished with praise of your nonexistent talents. This is how the Mafias flourish in our beloved homeland. You…
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Demise of Morality
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan I grew up in the sixties in Abbottabad, a pretty and peaceful town nestled amongst pine trees in the foothills of Kashmir. It was named after Major James Abbott. A garrison city, Abbottabad was home to Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) and many Army units. My alma mater Burn Hall School…
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BILLION TO BOND
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan There is huge circus going on in Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif is suffering from some serious ailments. It led to being granted bail on medical grounds, despite being a convict. An extremely unusual relief painted as a “humanitarian act”. But there is nothing unusual when it comes to the “Royal” Sharifs.…
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MEDIA CIRCUS
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Pakistan is facing its greatest existential challenge. PM Modi’s unilateral demolition of Article 370 of Indian Constitution has moved Kashmir from “disputed territory” to “occupied Territory”. The delicate framework laid by PM Pandit Nehru with Maharajah of Kashmir, Kashmiri Pandits, and elite of Kashmiri Muslim families leading to treaty of…