Mashaal Gauhar
Daily Times
Pakistan
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Past articles by Mashaal:
Sri Lankan cricket represents the grace of its nation
A few days after the devastating Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, I was talking with a Sri Lankan friend at my home in Riyadh about how the attacks had shocked a thriving multicultural society that had moved beyond decades of ethnic strife. The optimism with which she described her country’s response – one of unique bravery … → Read More
When dialogue succeeds where force does not
The United Kingdom’s response to the Scottish independence movement should serve as an example as the crisis in Catalonia continues to unfold. The United Kingdom allowed for a Scottish referendum and in spite of the persuasive campaigning by Scotland’s charismatic first Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland decided to remain part of the United Kingdom. Spain’s prosperous … → Read More
Macron’s win signals a new era
Emmanuel Macron’s decisive victory in France’s recent presidential election signifies a new chapter in French politics. In a country where traditional parties have dominated the political landscape, his achievement is all the more staggering given that he has emerged on the platform of his newly-founded party En Marche. Moreover, France’s rejection of far-right hardliner Marine Le Pen indicates… → Read More
Realising peace in Kashmir
With the intractable Kashmir conflict raging unabated, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent call for a multilateral resolution to the dispute must have been taken into account. However, the Indian government, asserting that the dispute had to be resolved bilaterally between New Delhi and Islamabad, quickly dismissed the proposal. In response to India’s refusal to consider a… → Read More
Pakistan’s corruption curse
“In the above mentioned sorry and unfortunate state of affairs a conclusion has appeared to me to be unavoidable and inescapable that in the matter of explaining the wealth and assets respondent No. 1 has not been honest to the nation, to the nation’s representatives in the National Assembly and even to this Court.” — Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa. Though Pakistan’s ruling family have blithely… → Read More
Mashal's killing signifies inhumanity of our times
“My wife said to me this morning that she had spent her life taking care of her son. Those who killed him have wasted all that long struggle,” these words spoken by Mashal Khan’s father during an interview express the grief that perhaps only a parent who has lost their child can fully understand. Referring to false accusations of blasphemy raised against his dead son, Iqbal Shair said, during an… → Read More
“Education is the only solution”
Pakistan’s countless flesh and blood victims of the seemingly unstoppable terrorist juggernaut rarely make international headlines. Obscured by the mainstream news narrative, the image of Pakistan which emerges hardly takes into account the extent of the loss, injury, and trauma endured by people on an all too frequent basis. From recent terrorist attacks in Lahore and Quetta to the horrific… → Read More
Silk Roads — a return to the past
International leaders and intellectuals recently congregated on Boao Forum in China to discuss global trade and diplomacy. At the forum, China’s ambitious Belt and Road initiative drew comment and analysis from the region’s leading observers. Announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, with the objective of building a dual trade and infrastructure network linking Asia with Europe and… → Read More
DailyTimes | Dr Sania Nishtar — a public health role model
With her outstanding contribution in the field of public health, Dr Sania Nishtar’s pioneering work through her public health NGO, Heartfile, has drawn international acclaim, most recently from the World Health Organisation where she was nominated for the role of Director General. This stands as testament to the impact of her work not just in Pakistan but across the world. Her book Choked Pipes… → Read More
DailyTimes | Trapped in poverty
London’s Grenfell Tower tragedy in which over 30 people were killed when a fire engulfed a block of government-funded flats shines a spotlight on the Dickensian aspects of life where living standards between rich and poor differ dramatically. In a city where affordable housing for citizens remains elusive, this building was covered in cheap, flammable material. An accidental fire which could… → Read More
DailyTimes | Manchester united
The recent carnage at Manchester Arena represents Britain's deadliest terrorist attack since the multiple bombings which convulsed the capital in 2005. With children among the 22 people killed in the suicide bomb blast, this incomprehensible tragedy has drawn an outpouring of grief and condemnation from across the globe. The attacker, a British citizen of Libyan origin, highlights grave concerns… → Read More
DailyTimes | Moving away from Partition’s legacy of violence
As always, the game of cricket provides the most accurate barometer for gauging the state of play between Pakistan and India. Renowned journalist Mihir Bose’s mere suggestion of a resumption in matches between the two countries on a popular Indian talk show sparked angry consternation. Writing in the Guardian newspaper, he explained, “My argument was that despite India seeing Pakistan as… → Read More
DailyTimes | Revitalising Karachi
Karachi’s recent ranking on The Economist Intelligence Unit Index as one of the world’s least liveable cities only confirms what the people of Karachi have known and suffered for a long time. Despite the city’s importance as the country’s primary economic hub for trade and investment, Karachi has been the victim of chronic negligence and poor governance. Although the law and order situation has… → Read More
DailyTimes | Reforming Pakistan's blasphemy law
Pakistan’s blasphemy law is deemed a violation of international law not only for its undue curtailment of freedom of expression but also for its discriminatory effect. Too many precious lives have been lost as a result of this law — the time for reform has been long overdue Once again, Pakistan’s onerous blasphemy law has resulted in a death sentence for a 35-year-old member of Pakistan’s… → Read More
DailyTimes | Emir Abdel Kader and Algeria’s lesson for the world
In a land where sufi philosophy forms an inextricable part of our heritage, the life and times of Algeria’s great saint Emir Abdel Kader (1808-1883) stands unique as a sufi who was also an exceptional political leader and humanitarian. In many ways, Abdel Kader’s life holds a particular significance for the subcontinent as in addition to a shared Sufi tradition, Algeria has also emerged from the… → Read More
DailyTimes | Conflict and trauma in Pakistan
With unceasing violence in the town of Parachinar, medical experts have concluded that over 60 percent of its residents suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, more commonly referred to as PTSD. In the absence of thorough documentation, it is estimated that about 40 percent of people living in Pakistan’s turbulent tribal region suffer from PTSD. This manifests itself through ongoing anxiety,… → Read More
DailyTimes | In search of an elusive peace
Earlier in October, gunfire at the Line of Control resulted in the killing of two children when Indian security forces opened fire in Rawalakot and Chirikot. In retaliation, the Pakistan Army killed three Indian troops. As this latest episode so grimly attests, the violence spawned through ongoing enmity between Pakistan and India continues to claim lives on both sides of the border. Hostilities… → Read More
DailyTimes | Angela Merkel’s inspirational leadership
Her controversial stance on opening Germany’s doors to immigrants in the face of strong opposition is a testament to her overarching humanity. “...I always had the expectation that my path through life would be relatively sunny, no matter what happened. I have never allowed myself to be bitter.” - Angela Merkel Securing a fourth term as Germany’s Chancellor, Angela Merkel’s recent win highlights… → Read More