Grading universities is not an easy task. As in a beauty contest, opinions and tastes count. But the task is important because universities, which seek students and funds, are nowadays aggressively advertising themselves. And so, one hears some rather…
Author Archive for Pervez Hoodbhoy
Education: Imran Khan's false promises won't help
by Pervez Hoodbhoy •
Zero attention was paid to recent news which, in many a country, would justifiably have been cause for panic. But in Memogate obsessed Pakistanno military or civilian ruler – or any normally loquacious TV anchor – has yet commented upon…
Pakistan's rush for more bombs – why?
by Pervez Hoodbhoy •
On January 24, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon vented his frustration at Pakistan’s determined opposition to a treaty that would limit fissile material production for use in nuclear weapons. For three years, Pakistan has single-handedly – and successfully – blocked the…
The Bomb: Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan
by Pervez Hoodbhoy •
Once upon a time Iran was Pakistan’s close ally – probably its closest one. In 1947, Iran was the first to recognise the newly independent Pakistan. In the 1965 war with India, Pakistani fighter jets flew to Iranian bases in…
On Neutrinos and Angels
by Pervez Hoodbhoy •
The news from CERN was stunning: the European nuclear science laboratory had just discovered (September 2011) that particles known as neutrinos – called so because they are neutral and carry no charge – habitually travel a little bit faster…
Salman Taseer Remembered
by Pervez Hoodbhoy •
Governor Salman Taseer died at the hands of a religious fanatic on January 4 last year. Fearlessly championing a deeply unpopular cause, this brave man had sought to revisit the country’s blasphemy law which, as he saw it, was…