by Niala Mohammad “Why innocent children? What kinds of monsters target children?” Crowds of people gathered in DuPont circle with tearful disbelief at the events that unfolded in Peshawar. Hundreds gathered in Washington, DC’s DuPont Circle to light candles for the 141 lives lost in Peshawar, 132 of which were children. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman, […]
“Da Mirmano Ghag” The Women’s Voice
by Niala Mohammad “Wagma!!!! I love your programs; we look forward to it every week”! Sobia Khan from Hangu screeched with excitement when her call was forwarded to VOA Deewa’s weekly women’s show -“Da Mirmano Ghag” which means the women’s voice.Many girls like Sobia flood the phone lines with their questions and comments for Wagma […]
The King of the Pashtun Squash Dynasty Hashim Khan Dies at 100
By Niala Mohammad Pakistan’s first national hero, Hashim Khan passed away on Monday, August 18, 2014 at his home in Denver, Colorado. He was believed to be 100, but his official age was unknown due to lack of official documentation. Recognized as one of the greatest squash players of all time, Hashim Khan hailed from […]
Islamabad Blames, Kabul Counters Border Violations
By Behroz Khan A new round of blame-game has been kicked off between Afghanistan and Pakistan with each side accusing the other of border violation and interference, a situation that jeopardizes efforts for regional stability. The spat also comes at a time of particular sensitivity for Afghanistan, which is embroiled in a debilitating controversy over […]
Nazia Parveen, FATA’s First Female Athlete
Written by Niala Mohammad and Wagma Jalawan “Don’t Think Just Because You are a Girl You Can’t do Something.” This tenacious tribalite has done more than climb rocks. She has challenged the cultural norms of a society where women are hidden in the shadows of men. Her goal is to win an Olympic gold medal […]
Khyber Pukhtunkhwa: From Tobacco to Lethal Addictions
By Niala Mohammad and Wagma Jalawan According to a recent UNDOC survey conducted in Pakistan, 5.8% or 6.45 million people of the population in Pakistan between the ages of 15 and 64 use drugs. The thought of a third world country and its people entrenched in war, terrorism and poverty almost justifies these staggering statistics […]
Growing Extremism Amongst Pashtun Women
By Niala Mohammad The shuttlecock burqa– and chaddar-wearing Pashtun women that once populated the streets of Khyber-Pukthunkhwa are now lost amidst a sea of women donning Arabian-styled abayas all over the city of Peshawar. These traditional forms of “pardah,” or “veils,” have been traded in for a more conservative alternative, popularly known in the region as “thorra burqa” (black […]
Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws Coming After Media?
By Nafees Takar For Pakistan’s leading media house, Jang group, the litany of troubles in recent weeks has not only grown but the troubles have become grave that may even prove to be mortal. After a tense stand off with the powerful military, intense opposition by fellow media groups, comes a blasphemy charge against Geo […]
Stirring Up a Hornet’s Nest with Carlotta Gall
by Niala Mohammad Whether you agree with Carlotta Gall or believe that her claims are parallel to a script from a Bollywood movie, Carlotta Gall is not fazed. Carlotta herself says she is ready for the media and Pakistani government to “totally trash” her but first she wants to put her book, The Wrong Enemy: […]