Articles 62 and 63 of the constitution were hotly debated a few months prior to the elections and were specifically highlighted during the sit in by Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri in January this year. Although Qadri was himself cheated by the then parliamentarians through a hastily drafted agreement, which was intended to be violated much before its signing ceremony; however, his efforts did highlight the relevance of the qualification and disqualification clauses for the conduct of a transparent election process and for the genesis of a healthy parliament as a result….

They can see where we are coming from. We are no Lotas- we don’t leave the country and let Martial law be imposed just so we could stay in the safe heavens of Saudi Arabia. Everyone knows how Nawaz Sharif attempted to sabotage BB’s electricity project in his tenure and at several other instances. Also, with all due respect, how in Asghar Khan’s case, Supreme Court’s alleged discrimination has been observed and how our mandate was hijacked....

As the date has drawn closer, the question, “Who to vote for?” has been discarded. Debates have quietened. Heated posts on Facebook have cooled. Campaigns have merged into one. The sentiment is one of wanting change for the better, stemming from a sickness and exhaustion of the status quo. And one message in a unifying voice amongst a divided society across a fragmented country has emerged: Vote....

One is tempted to explain the common fate of these exceedingly different countries by invoking the role of Islam in politics. Islam may well preclude democracy -- to cite Turkey as the counterexample is perverse, for doing so ignores that the country was founded by an authoritarian as a secular state, which its current Islamist rulers are eroding day by day. But there is no reason to trip over the vast problems of contemporary Islam....

By contrast, women are blamed for the breakdown of the family and for not properly obeying their husband's needs. Women pay higher fees and must give specific reasons to be permitted a divorce. Some of which are extremely difficult to prove. Another privilege automatically conferred on the father is that of child custody which reverts to him at a pre-set age regardless of the circumstances, even if the father was abusive as seen in the case of Sonia....

"In all but a handful of the 39 countries surveyed, a majority of Muslims say that Islam is the one true faith leading to eternal life in heaven, and that belief in God is necessary to be a moral person," the survey released Tuesday concludes. It adds that "many also think that their religious leaders should have at least some influence over political matters. And many express a desire for Sharia — traditional Islamic law — to be recognized as the official law of their country."...

Malaysia is a multiethnic, middle-income country. Just over half of its 28 million people are of Malay origin, a quarter is of Chinese descent, 11 percent belong to other indigenous groups and 7 percent are of Indian descent. Malaysian politics since independence have been shaped by issues of race and identity and dominated by the National Front’s majority coalition partner....

Now what’s different is that this spectacle called Pakistan also known in the west as The Rocky Horror Show has got a huge audience. Everyone everywhere is watching. This week, people who know nothing about Pakistan have been sending me pictures of Pervez Musharraf saying, “Do you know this man?” I replied, “Why? Is he single?” “No. Apparently he’s a murderer!”….

Every now and then, Muslim clergy, muftis and imams in mosques say loudly and vehemently that Muslims are the best people (Khair e Ummah) as they have been sent by Allah almighty for the benefit of the world. Why then don’t they act as the saviour of the whole humanity rather than the representatives of the Muslims alone? There are many Muslim organizations, institutions and movements who consider themselves to be the sole representative and mouthpiece of Muslim community, but none of them raises a voice against any injustice done to a non-Muslim in the country or in the world….

The Muslim community should not apologize for the crimes they did not commit. They are as American as anyone, and have the same concerns about extremism, violence and terrorism. They should assert their rights, and consciously earn the support from the sane majority to speak up with them against the Anti-Muslim bigotry....

“How can Muslim societies create new models of development, education and social justice? Can they imagine economic alternatives? Can the 1,000-year-old Islamic civilisation make an original contribution to the concert of cultures and civilisations? Everywhere, Muslim individuals and societies ask themselves the same burning questions,” notes Ramadan. And he isn’t encouraged by the answers to his own questions...

Thanks Tariq you said all which I couldn't but wanted to. As far as media is concerned who says media is enjoying freedom? No way! The only institution enjoying the term sacred cow is Judiciary.  You are absolutely correct how we can even expect unbiased judgment by a person who has been affiliated with politics.  Media is also not neutral- all players are towing agendas and coming up their personal grievances.  All the companions of Musharraf- enjoyed perks and incentives (politicians, journalists, bureaucrats, generals etc) should be accountable- why only Musharraf.  Nadia Mirza. TV Journalist. CNBC Pakistan.....

Nevertheless, the US Islamophobia industry has seized on the bombing to bolster its campaign of misinformation and fear-mongering, and we would do well to pay careful attention. Within hours of last Monday's explosions, a number of media outlets, including the New York Post, named a young Saudi man as a suspect, when he was in fact a witness injured in the blasts. The story, unfortunately, refused to die....

The needle of suspicion is revolving mainly round the terrorist organisations like Al Qaida who believe that violence is a virtuous means to impose their ideologies. One powerful reason for this suspicion is their previous record. To them, killing innocent people during games is a religious deed. Since the accused also belong to Chechnya, the anti-Islam forces in the West insist on this theory......

“If the boys are so vulnerable, imagine the situation of our daughters. That is why we somehow marry them off as quickly as possible. At least they will have the security of their husband’s homes,” explains one Jalalpur mother. But for these young girls, marriage marks no escape. It only means the burdens of life bear down even earlier....