Opinion

The Thursday Times‘ Opinion section amplifies diverse voices and sharp perspectives, sparking thought and debate on the issues that define our times. From bold takes on global events to nuanced reflections on local challenges, The Thursday Times invites readers to engage deeply with ideas that challenge, inspire, and broaden horizons.

Waiting for Godot in Islamabad

Islamabad and Rawalpindi have found themselves trapped in a strange political theatre: roads sealed, schools disrupted, businesses hit and ordinary routines broken, all in anticipation of talks between American and Iranian delegations that keep being delayed.
English

The strange intimacy between Pakistan and Zohran Mamdani

Zohran Mamdani is not Pakistani, yet he has stirred a rare warmth in Pakistan. His comfort with Urdu and Hindustani, his visible Muslim identity and his wider South Asian cultural ease have made him feel less like a distant foreign politician and more like someone many Pakistanis instinctively understand.
International

ذرا آس طرف بھی دیکھیں اور اس طرف بھی دیکھیں

Journalists do not get their due credit for their dedication to bringing truth to the public domain—Hammad Hassan explains.
Commentary

مونچھیں ہوں تو نٹور لال جیسی

Heads of state, quite unsurprisingly, aren't the best decision-makers—Ammar Masood explains.
Commentary

اسلام آباد پولیس اور سیف سٹی پراجیکٹ

Despite its limited resources, Islamabad's police force has worked diligently in the line of defence.
National

اک نئی قرداد پاکستان

Ammar Masood reflects on Pakistan's extensive history as the 23rd of March dawns, marking 74 years since the declaration of the Lahore Resolution.
Opinion

کارپوریٹ مفادات اور حب الوطنی

In the most patriotic country in Asia, corporate interests seem to justify most seemingly nationalist actions for Pakistan.
Commentary

پی ڈی ایم آصف زرداری اور مریم نواز

The PDM has proven to be a voice of reason as opposition to the authoritarian rule of the current government. But what are we to make of its future?
Opinion

مریم نواز کو قتل کی دھمکی

In the wake of Nawaz Sharif claiming that Maryam Nawaz actively has threats against her life, Azhar Syed delivers his unique opinion on the matter.
Opinion

بیانیئے پر ڈٹا ہوا نواز شریف

Even when faced with many trials and tribulations, former Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif has persevered. What could be next for him?
Commentary

سب کے حالات ایک سے ہیں

Journalist Hammad Hassan discusses a recent case of domestic censorship which plagued Thai citizens.
Commentary

ہاتھی اپنے بوجھ سے گرے گا

Journalist Azhar Syed details the gripes of dealing with a political establishment unwilling to communicate with its critics.
Commentary

سب کچھ ٹھیک نہیں ہے

When a nation is abhorrently mistreated by those it is lead by, can those authorities really be deemed veracious? Ammar Masood explains.
Opinion

خوابیدہ میڈیا اور لکھاریوں کا المیہ

While many aspiring journalists set out to provide a neutral, informative stance on their country's ongoings, it is difficult to do so when faced with authoritarian backlash.
Opinion