Nadeem F. Paracha

SMOKERS’ CORNER: MISGUIDED OUTRAGE

SMOKERS’ CORNER: MISGUIDED OUTRAGE

In the age of fake news and its proliferation on social media, very serious societal issues can become trivialised by the unwarranted anger of "useful idiots", who end up harming the cause more than helping it. Published 27 Oct, 2024 09:21am
SMOKERS’ CORNER: MANAGING CIVIL UNREST

SMOKERS’ CORNER: MANAGING CIVIL UNREST

While police forces across the globe are now better equipped to manage and contain riots without causing casualties, they claim to have become more vulnerable themselves and are still largely perceived as ‘aggressors’ in such encounters. Published 20 Oct, 2024 08:39am
SMOKERS’ CORNER: SAFEGUARDING SINDH

SMOKERS’ CORNER: SAFEGUARDING SINDH

Incidents of violence and killings in the name of religion in Sindh are the remnants of a state-sponsored project that is no longer in play. Updated 06 Oct, 2024 10:22am
SMOKERS’ CORNER: THE PARADOX OF TOLERANCE

SMOKERS’ CORNER: THE PARADOX OF TOLERANCE

Some are accusing Pakistan’s judiciary of becoming overtly politicised and ‘intolerant’ towards parliament, while others are alleging the ruling coalition is undermining the judiciary’s independence. Published 29 Sep, 2024 08:05am
SMOKERS’ CORNER: A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES

SMOKERS’ CORNER: A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES

The stupidity of many politicians, billionaire entrepreneurs and social media activists today stems from a conceptual failure to understand and read certain circumstances. Updated 22 Sep, 2024 09:50am
SMOKERS’ CORNER: THE OUTRAGE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

SMOKERS’ CORNER: THE OUTRAGE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

The mid-to-late 20th century archetype of the "angry young man" that dominated popular media has now been replaced by a culture where everyone is in constant outrage. Updated 01 Sep, 2024 01:10pm
SMOKERS’ CORNER: NARRATIVES OF DECLINE

SMOKERS’ CORNER: NARRATIVES OF DECLINE

Ever since his ouster, Imran Khan has desperately tried to foster a narrative built on fear-mongering, with respect to the future of Pakistan. Updated 25 Aug, 2024 10:00am
SMOKERS’ CORNER: FEAR AND LOATHING IN BRITAIN

SMOKERS’ CORNER: FEAR AND LOATHING IN BRITAIN

Although far-right groups in the UK have initiated hostile attacks against Muslims for decades, could the recent "race riots" prove to be a tipping point for both the rioters and Muslims in Britain? Updated 18 Aug, 2024 09:55am
SMOKERS’ CORNER: THE MIRROR ARGUMENT

SMOKERS’ CORNER: THE MIRROR ARGUMENT

Throughout history, demagogues and political opportunists have used mirror arguments to project their own desires or plans on to their opponents. Updated 11 Aug, 2024 12:03pm
SMOKERS’ CORNER: COURTING CONSITUTIONAL CHAOS

SMOKERS’ CORNER: COURTING CONSITUTIONAL CHAOS

While Pakistan’s Constitution was formulated with the intention of shaping a collective identity by mediating between varied ethnic groups, it now faces existential challenges as some judges seek revolutionary roles. Updated 04 Aug, 2024 01:07pm
SMOKERS’ CORNER: THE PLAGUE OF POLARISATION

SMOKERS’ CORNER: THE PLAGUE OF POLARISATION

Polarisation, rather than being a healthy challenge to political and cultural homogenisation, now only fuels anger and extremism between opposing groups. Published 28 Jul, 2024 08:59am
SMOKERS’ CORNER: PAKISTAN'S 'USEFUL IDIOTS'

SMOKERS’ CORNER: PAKISTAN'S 'USEFUL IDIOTS'

Self-styled “liberals" and “progressives" in Pakistan have, for decades, inadvertently advanced causes and agendas that have run contrary to their ideals. Published 21 Jul, 2024 07:59am
SMOKERS’ CORNER: BRANDING THE BRANDS

SMOKERS’ CORNER: BRANDING THE BRANDS

Consumer brands often try to capitalise on the prevailing zeitgeist to try and remain relevant in the minds of their target audience. Updated 14 Jul, 2024 10:40am
SMOKERS’ CORNER: THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE

SMOKERS’ CORNER: THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE

Bartel’s concept of ‘liberal confusion’, if put in the context of PTI’s liberal and moderate supporters, can mean their absurdist justification of the party’s illiberal stances. Updated 07 Jul, 2024 11:05am
SMOKERS’ CORNER: FAITH AND THE ECONOMY

SMOKERS’ CORNER: FAITH AND THE ECONOMY

While Protestantism’s work ethic might have been tied to the rise of capitalism in Europe, in Pakistan ritualistic piety often trumps practical application. Updated 30 Jun, 2024 10:32am
SMOKERS’ CORNER: THE MADNESS OF CROWDS

SMOKERS’ CORNER: THE MADNESS OF CROWDS

Irrational beliefs, existential anxieties have not only fuelled destructive acts but have also been exploited by leaders to present themselves as messianic saviours. Updated 23 Jun, 2024 11:18am