by Faisal Shakeel



A friend of mine calls me up from Lahore and expresses concern about how her father’s business is failing to generate profit. The news on the closure of fifty thousand power looms in Faisalabad flashes across my mind as I nudge her for more.

by Asif Akhtar

Cultural expression seems to be the ultimate quagmire- even when its very existence is threatened it seems to craft itself anew. While cultural activity has been at a down low in Lahore of late, it seems artistic expression is managing to adapt to this new climate, and evolve.

Last Saturday saw an estimated 5000 people take part in a demonstration organised by Stop the War Coalition against British military involvement in the war in Afghanistan. Alex Wood and Sheena Rossiter were there for The Samosa, and caught up with the British Army's Lane Corporal Joe Glenton, who is facing court martial for refusing to go back. Watch their video here.

Royal Academy of Arts, London
Review by Estella Hung



“I have often said that I have nothing to say as an artist. Having something to say implies that one is struggling with meaning. The role of the artist is in fact that we don’t know what to say, and it is that not knowing that leads to the work”, said Anish Kapoor in the accompanying pamphlet to his monumental retrospective at the Royal Academy of Arts.

by Alex Holland

As someone who believes our armed forces should stay well out of politics I feel very uneasy when recently retired members of the army pipe up about political parties. However I've found myself having to support those former British officers who are taking part in the Stolen Valour campaign, attacking the BNP for associating itself with the British Army as a way of gaining support for its racist agenda.

by Asif Akhtar

Floating a new idea out there, since nothing else seems to be working for Pakistan these days I don't think it'll hurt to try. Since apparently these days Pakistan has become a hornet's nest infested with terrorists, goons, and baddies of all sorts, and now that even Iran wants to go after militants linked with a suspicious Jundallah organization; I think Pakistan should just swallow a bitter pill and forsake their cherished sovereignty for 48 hours, let anyone who has beef with the terrorists come in, deal with their issues in whatever manner they like and then leave politely before the stipulated time is over.