Pakistan’s war and loss of hope for those displaced

For Al Jazeera English with Fakhar Kakakhel: About one million people were forced from their homes by Operation Zarb-e-Azb a year ago – and few are able to return. Bannu, Pakistan – “I have no hope of going back,” says Farhadullah, 35, who fled Mir Ali with his five children last June ahead of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, Pakistan’s offensive against armed groups in North Waziristan. “They keep lying, they keep saying we have cleared the area, they keep saying we will get the [internally displaced persons]…Continue Reading “Pakistan’s war and loss of hope for those displaced” →

Pakistan’s traumatized war children play soldiers and Taliban

For IRIN News, with Fakhar Kakakhel: PESHAWAR, 16 June 2014 (IRIN) – More than 60,000 people have fled North Waziristan Agency to safer parts of Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan as Pakistan’s military launches an offensive in the region. Most of the people fleeing are children, and mental health experts are concerned that they will not have access to proper trauma care. The Pakistani authorities have yet to set up camps to shelter the displaced, and what little mental health aid is available – usually at…Continue Reading “Pakistan’s traumatized war children play soldiers and Taliban” →

Why It Matters That Osama Bin Laden Was Once Pulled Over for Speeding

For The Atlantic: A report claims Pakistan’s security agency overlooked clear evidence that the terrorist was hiding in plain sight. The American raid that killed Osama bin Laden was a huge embarrassment for Pakistan’s military and intelligence services. They had failed to report that bin Laden — the world’s most wanted man — was living one kilometer away from the country’s top military academy. And there was astonishment among Pakistanis that a complex foreign operation could take place so deep inside Pakistani territory without a…Continue Reading “Why It Matters That Osama Bin Laden Was Once Pulled Over for Speeding” →

In Asia’s Largest Slum, Development, Danger

For the Wall Street Journal: According to the United Nations Development Program, more than 60% of Karachi’s residents live in illegal housing areas, many in unplanned slums like Orangi. These settlements are off the grid and often the scene of deadly shootings between rival gangs. Orangi’s residents are now turning to confront who owns the land they live on and OPP has expanded its work to help residents get rights to land and clean water. But by widening the focus, the NGO says it has…Continue Reading “In Asia’s Largest Slum, Development, Danger” →

Injured Pakistani politician Imran Khan still holds followers in thrall

For The Globe and Mail: Imran Khan, Pakistan’s charismatic populist candidate for prime minister, tumbled 4.5 metres from a platform at an election rally this week, three days before the country’s historic elections. But his ambitious campaign may still see his party through the polls on Saturday. Unable now to glimpse Mr. Khan on stage – his injuries are said to be not serious, but they have kept him off the campaign trail – thousands of well-wishers instead await him outside a hospital in Lahore….Continue Reading “Injured Pakistani politician Imran Khan still holds followers in thrall” →