Originally published in Dawn on July 23, 2017
During a commencement speech given at the 2005 Stanford University graduation ceremony, Apple’s iconic co-founder Steve Jobs had remarked, “If I had never dropped out [of college], I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do today”.
Continue reading “Fishy Fonts”
Originally published in The Nation on April 10, 2017
The ever-raging (and justifiable) debate surrounding cogency of the Two Nation Theory and the Islamic/Secular Pakistan muddle aside, the emphasis laid by our founding father on the great responsibility the civil services of the nation are entrusted with is without dispute. Recognising civil services as the fuel that would power Pakistan’s administrative, diplomatic, and economic engines, the Quaid called for the nation’s bureaucracy to make no political affiliations, to follow the will of the leader in light of the constitution, and to serve the people while maintaining “the highest standard of honour, integrity, justice and fair-play.”
Continue reading “The SPSC Heist”Originally published in Dawn on January 26, 2017
In 1994, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the then crown prince of Dubai, had a rude awakening: oil — the primary driver of the state’s economy — was running out fast. Advisers estimated that petroleum reserves would be fully depleted in the coming few decades, leaving the emirate stranded without a major source of revenue.
Continue reading “Pot of Gold”Originally published in The Nation on January 17, 2017
Vanishing acts that would put Houdini’s most masterful work to shame have once again dawned upon the land of the pure. Poof! That’s how some of the most well-known proponents of free speech and human rights activists in the country have disappeared into thin air: alien abduction comes to mind, but the pattern suggests the works of more sinister forces that do not wish critical thinking to become national practice.
Continue reading “Vanishing Acts”Originally published in Dawn on January 3, 2017
Show of hands: how many of us have attempted to engage in a rational political discourse online or with family or friends during a dinner gathering, only for it to end with the head meeting wall each time?
Continue reading “Facebook Politics”
