Shahab Ahmad

The principle of Shura, or mutual consultation, laid the foundation for Islamic democracy during the Pious Caliphate. This comprehensive article critically examines the historical application of this principle in governance, from the election of the first Caliphs to its role in public policy, judicial independence, and military strategy.

This editorial by Shahab Ahmad critically examines the challenges and imperatives for realizing strong local government in Pakistan. It discusses legal obligations like Article 140-A, political and fiscal barriers, and insights from international case studies to forge a path towards empowered and accountable local democratic structures. The piece emphasizes the necessity of genuine decentralization for improved governance and public service delivery.

This authoritative editorial explores how the making of Pakistan represents a direct manifestation of Allama Iqbal's political dream and philosophical vision. It details Iqbal's concepts of Muslim nationhood and Khudi, demonstrating their critical influence on the intellectual and political movement that led to Pakistan's establishment. The piece highlights the transformation of Iqbal's ideals into a sovereign nation.

This authoritative editorial offers a precise diagnosis of Pakistan's dysfunctional political culture, identifying patronage, elite capture, and institutional fragility as core impediments to national progress. Substantiated by key reports, the analysis critiques the systems that perpetuate stagnation and underdevelopment.

This editorial provides a neutral analysis of Pakistan's complex quest for democracy, examining the challenges posed by institutional imbalance and patronage-based politics. It explains how these systemic issues hinder democratic growth and proposes a path forward through structural reform. Drawing on successful democratic transitions in South Korea and Indonesia, the piece offers impartial suggestions for overcoming these deep-rooted obstacles.

This editorial critically examines the authoritarian tendencies surfacing within Pakistan's democratic framework, highlighting echoes of fascist traits. It analyzes the erosion of democratic institutions, the use of hyper-nationalism, suppression of dissent, and the dominance of the security apparatus, questioning the depth of democratic practice.

This authoritative editorial provides a comparative analysis of the Islamic concept of the state versus the Western perception of a modern state. It critically examines the fundamental differences in sovereignty, the source of law, the state's purpose, and citizenship, moving beyond simplistic binaries. The piece explores how these divergent philosophical frameworks, one rooted in divine mandate and the other in popular will, shape contemporary governance and international relations.

This editorial explores Pakistan's national integration challenges via Ibn Khaldun's Asabiyyah theory. It diagnoses how fragmented social cohesion, due to ethno-linguistic divides and governance issues, impedes unity. Solutions focusing on justice and inclusive development are proposed for lasting national strength.

Compare Khilafat theories: Al-Mawardi, Ghazali, Ibn Khaldun. Insights on Islamic rule, leadership, power, and the quest for justice in medieval Islam.

This editorial employs a Marxist framework to critically analyze Pakistan's entrenched class politics and power hierarchies. It explores the historical roots of class divisions, the role of the state in perpetuating inequality, the dynamics of capitalist exploitation, and the ideological mechanisms sustaining the status quo, arguing for the necessity of structural change.

This editorial provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges to the sovereignty of the Global South in an age of great power competition. It examines how economic, technological, and military pressures erode different forms of sovereignty. Drawing on think tank reports and real-world examples, it argues for strategic resilience and regional solidarity.