In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the ongoing political dynamics in Paksitan, where it seems like the PPP, PTI, and JUI-F are trying to come closer together given the PML-N’s closeness to the establishment. We also talked about the ongoing developments in the supreme court, where Justice Isa is trying to clean up house after Bandial’s retirement. We also have a special guest interview with Akbar Shahid Ahmed, who is HuffPost's senior foreign affairs reporter, based in Washington, D.C. He can be reached at akbar.ahmed@huffpost.com. A native Pakistani, Akbar has reported from across the Muslim-majority world, Europe and elsewhere. In 2023, he was chosen for the East-West Center's Korea-United States Journalists Exchange, and in 2022, he won a Boell Transatlantic Media Fellowship to spend the fall reporting in Poland and Lithuania. In 2019, Akbar became the first-ever Pakistani journalist to secure a press credential to report from Israel-Palestine, and was selected as part of the inaugural class of LGBTI fellows at the Atlantic Council. Akbar is doing some fantastic reporting on the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, and his stories are must-reads. You can find the most recent stories written by Akbar here - https://www.huffpost.com/author/akbar-shahid-ahmed You can listen to Shadi’s conversation here - https://www.shadihamid.net/p/the-end-of-coexistence If you have suggestions, please leave a comment about what your top nazuk mors for Pakistan are. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:40 Opposition parties come closer together 11:41 Developments in the Supreme Court 18:10 Amb. Munir’s UN speech 25:20 Expert Interview with Akbar Shahid Ahmed 47:26 Ongoing developments in DC policy circles 59:47 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan and what it means. We also talk about the ongoing series of interviews of political leaders after they had gone missing. In particular, Amber explains the ethics of journalism and how some of these interviews violate these ethics. We also talk about the Supreme Court’s ongoing hearings and its implications. In this episode, we chose not to talk about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and this was a conscious choice. If you’d like to listen to what is going on in Gaza and what the ongoing conflict means for the region, check out the latest Pakistonomy here - https://youtu.be/K45m1I-eXOk If you have suggestions, please leave a comment about what your top nazuk mors for Pakistan are. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:20 Nawaz returns to Pakistan 14:52 Media interviews of political leaders 23:36 Ethics of interviews 36:03 Supreme court hearings
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the cipher case that is gathering momentum, with the FIA filing a chargesheet against Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi. We also have an expert interview on the India-Canada row with Dr. Irfan Nooruddin sharing his perspective on ongoing developments. We also discuss our nazuk mors and cover the weekly winners and losers. If you have suggestions, please leave a comment about what your top nazuk mors for Pakistan are. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:15 FIA’s chargesheet on cipher case 16:50 Canada-India row – Dr. Irfan Nooruddin 40:25 Mastung attacks 46:45 Nazuk mors 59:24 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk the caretaker PM’s visit to New York and his remarks on “fair” elections in Pakistan. We also talk about The Intercept’s latest story on Pakistan’s supply of weapons to Ukraine, and continue our discussion on our picks for 50 Nazuk Mors for Pakistan since its independence. If you have suggestions, please leave a comment about what your top nazuk mors for Pakistan are. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:58 Minus-Khan Formula and Caretaker Comments 12:24 Intercept’s coverage of Pakistan 26:02 Nazuk mors for Pakistan 40:08 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about Justice Isa’s swearing in and expectations from his tenure as chief justice. We also talk about a fantastic discussion Shehzad Ghias did with Dr. Atif Mia, and also continue our discussion on our picks for 50 Nazuk Mors for Pakistan since its independence. If you have suggestions, please leave a comment about what your top nazuk mors for Pakistan are. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Links for mentions in the podcast: - On Justice Isa - https://www.dawn.com/news/1776069/justice-qazi-faez-isa-pakistans-judicial-maverick - On Bandial’s tenure -https://www.dawn.com/news/1776093/justice-unconscious - On Bandial’s tenure - https://www.dawn.com/news/1776211/justice-under-siege-the-year-of-umar-ata-bandial - Dr. Atif Mian talks to Shehzad Ghias - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZrWDUUCzmA Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:55 Justice Isa swears in 18:20 Dr. Atif Mian’s conversation with Shehzad Ghias 27:35 Nazuk mors of Pakistan 35:01 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the latest with the economy, focusing on the central bank’s decision to not cut rates and the ongoing wave of action against smuggling. We also continue our discussion on our picks for 50 Nazuk Mors for Pakistan since its independence. If you have suggestions, please leave a comment about what your top nazuk mors for Pakistan are. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:40 State Bank’s decision 10:57 Action against smugglers 21:12 Pakistan’s nazuk mors 32:22 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the ongoing economic crisis in Pakistan and the army chief’s meetings with business leaders. We also talk about the worsening environment for expression and protests in Pakistan. And since this is our 50th episode, we are starting a discussion on our picks for 50 Nazuk Mors for Pakistan since its independence. If you have suggestions, please leave a comment about what your top nazuk mors for Pakistan are. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:40 Economy worsens, COAS meets business leaders 23:30 Political climate worsening? 31:30 Pakistan’s nazuk mors 50:33 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the latest developments out of Islamabad, where President Arif Alvi has set off a firestorm. We also talked about the heinous violence against minorities in Pakistan and about Amber’s recent trip to Quetta. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 Alvi’s recent actions 20:26 PTM arrests 28:20 Attacks against minorities 31:40 Takeaways from Quetta 36:11 Latest on elections 40:05 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the new caretaker PM in Pakistan and what it means for the country. In addition, we talk about the terror attack in Gwadar and the worsening situation in Balochistan, as well as journalism ethics and reporting with single-source documents. Uzair’s article on the muder of democracy is here - https://www.dawn.com/news/1769090 Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:05 Kakar as new PM 15:28 Attack in Gwadar 18:10 Bushra Bibi Diary and Intercept’s Cipher Story 41:27 Bans on coverage of individuals 46:25 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about Khan’s disqualification and arrest, the CCI’s decision on population census, and the way in which legislation is being passed by an outgoing parliament. Article Amber mentioned is here - https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/26/opinion/trump-indictments-prosecution.html Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:50 Khan’s disqualification and arrest 19:36 Census and election delays 31:07 Fast food legislation 39:06 Cases in US and India 47:58 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the latest from Pakistan, focusing on the ongoing hearings in the Supreme Court on military trials of civilians and the alleged statements recorded by Azam Khan. Our big story for this week is from India, where we focus on the ongoing wave of violence and instability in Manipur. Most recently, videos of sexual violence against women has made headlines around the world, and we try to tell you what exactly is going on and its drivers during a conversation with Ananya Bhardwaj. Ananya works as a Senior Assistant Editor for ThePrint. She writes on crime, law and order, terrorism, internal security and policing in Delhi and has travelled extensively to report on gender issues and social welfare, churning out series of investigative and human interest stories. She has also independently anchored and shot many video projects. ThePrint has done some fantastic reporting from Manipur and some of the key stories are here: - https://theprint.in/ground-reports/no-one-wants-to-talk-about-rapes-in-manipur-theres-a-silence-at-the-heart-of-the-violence/1665212/ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qpK02L2eiM - https://theprint.in/india/bulletproof-jackets-made-from-iron-poles-gun-training-how-village-panels-are-guarding-churachandpur/1665208/ Pratap Bhanu Mehta’s article is a must-read too - https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pratap-bhanu-mehta-writes-after-manipur-our-self-serving-morality-8853454/ Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:50 Key stories from Pakistan 21:12 Understanding the violence in Manipur 22:34 Interview with Ananya Bhardwaj 51:30 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the formation of PTI Parliamentarians, a breakaway faction of Khan’s party which is being headed by Pervez Khattak. We also talk about the army chief’s visit to Iran and the recent ISPR statement on terrorism and SIFC. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:10 Pervez Khattak’s split 16:58 Iran and Afghanistan 23:00 SIFC Updates 27:35 Winners and Losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the recent seminar on agriculture held in Islamabad and what it means. We also provide some details and context on TERF, and talk about the ongoing rains and flooding across northern India and Pakistan. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Ammar’s article on TERF is here - https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1088637-protecting-their-terf Ahsan Butt’s article on climate cooperation is here - https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/commentary/south-asias-climate-challenges-are-transnational-its-climate-solutions-must-be-too/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:29 Green Initiative event 15:00 Demystifying TERF 26:20 Rains in India and Pakistan 30:26 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the deal Pakistan reached with the IMF and its impact on politics and the economy. We also talk about political developments in Brazil and Russia. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Khurram’s article on default is here - https://www.dawn.com/news/1762541 Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:00 IMF’s deal with Pakistan 24:51 Latest in Brazil 32:07 Wagner Group v. Putin 36:55 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the latest with the IMF, as Pakistan passes a budget adjusted to address the IMF’s concerns. We also talk about Modi’s visit to the US and the latest in Russia. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. The statement with regards to India from US politicians is here - https://jayapal.house.gov/2023/06/20/jayapal-van-hollen-lead-bicameral-letter-with-over-70-members-urging-president-biden-to-discuss-upholding-human-rights-and-democratic-values-during-upcoming-meeting-with-indian-pm-modi/ The tweet with the unmet conditions of the IMF is here - https://twitter.com/UzairYounus/status/1672298289914363926?s=20 Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 IMF and the budget 12:05 Modi’s US visit 19:20 Latest in Russia 24:30 Migrant crisis and other stories 32:48 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the mayoral election in Karachi and discuss claims of rigging. We also talk about Dar’s recent meltdown and the ongoing cases against PTI leaders. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. The BBC documentary is here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHh9F0hpCJk Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:34 Karachi mayoral elections 14:04 Dar’s meltdown 19:03 Shehryar Afridi’s case 24:08 Migrant boat capsizes 34:51 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about how foreign policy is made in the United States and the truth about the Haqqani-Bajwa files. We also talk about accountability investigations against other global leaders, including Donald Trump, and the way in which investigations must be conducted. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. You can read the full report mentioned in the podcast here - https://www.hudson.org/economics/us-reengagement-pakistan-ideas-reviving-important-relationship Rick Olson’s case - https://www.axios.com/2022/04/27/richard-olson-qatar-illegal-foreign-lobbying Instagram child pornography story - https://www.wsj.com/articles/instagram-vast-pedophile-network-4ab7189 Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:40 The Haqqani-Bajwa files 18:35 Trump’s indictment 26:10 Lobbying laws in the US and the regime change conspiracy 30:46 Winners and losers
This is a midweek episode covering some key announcements made in Pakistan. Enjoy with some patriotic songs at the start and end of this episode for best experience.
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about how the PDM coalition will deal with electoral politics and the chances of conflict within the coalition. We also talk about the growing authoritarianism in Pakistan and the tragic train accident in India. This episode also talks about the upcoming budget and why the economy is not going to stabilize anytime soon. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:55 Dismantling Khan and conflict within the PDM 23:05 Budget and economic outlook 30:45 Train crash in India 32:50 Winners and losers
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the broader implications of the crackdown against the PTI, the army’s growing role in Pakistan’s politics, and the run-off elections in Turkey. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:50 Analyzing the implications of the crackdown 25:49 Elections in Turkey 32:40 Elite’s divisions and deal-making in Pakistan 40:37 Winners and losers