As it turns out, Pakistan is not the only country that struggles with constantly fighting political parties who always seem to be looking out for their own interests over the good of the nation. Actually, this is something that affects all democracies. But this is what makes democracies special - even though it is difficult, there is the opportunity for multiple parties that represent all of society. This is not found in dictatorships or one-party systems. Even in the USA, political parties struggle to find common ground. I think the words of American President Barack Hussein Obama have some lessons not only for their political parties, but for all democracies as well.

Today’s Dawn carried a front page story emphasizing the leaders of the lawyers’ movement are against the current judicial practices. The lawyers’ movement was of course in response to utterly unconstitutional actions taken by leaders at the time. Once again we are seeing that there are lawyers who feel we are going in the wrong direction, and against what the Long March stood for.

American organization Committee for Democracy and Justice in Pakistan says that American security depends on aiding Pakistan today. The column appears in the newspaper, "The Hill" and offers a refreshingly sophisticated look at the NRO crisis from abroad.

The calamitous reality of the situation can no longer be denied; nor can we hide behind political correctness whilst the ideals and principles Pakistan was founded upon go up in ruins. Pakistan has indeed become a dangerous place for minorities. The Quaid’s nation – which was supposed to be a free and safe haven for all to live in peace – has had blood spilt for decades.

by Ismail Khan

According to a news story published by the Washington Post, the US administration is considering providing the largest educational assistance ever given to Pakistan. Amounting to a total of $ 200 million, this assistance is supposed to reform the schooling system of Pakistan.

The Washington Post story leaves little to the imagination that in the primary education of Pakistan, the basic schooling infrastructure will be targeted. In fact, the story starts by saying that “with a curriculum that glorifies violence in the name of Islam and ignores basic history, science and math”, the education system breeds modern-day terrorism. While that cannot be contested, what has been observed is that students of advanced science and math have caused equal pain to the US.

I have waited to comment on the case of Dr. Aafia because, honestly, it is a sad and strange affair that is heartwrenching for many reasons. I wanted to be sure that my thoughts were put together in a way that made some sense, and that I was not simply another chattering voice talking needlessly. I am moved to write today, though, becuase there are two others who have written about the issue and I believe they deserve to be addressed.