Episodes
In this midweek episode, Amber and Uzair talk about Bilawal’s trip to India for the SCO, Ishaq Dar’s op-ed on the economy, and the tragic news out of Parachinar.   Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi.
Published 05/05/23
In this midweek episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the raid at Pervaiz Elahi’s home and its impact on the ongoing negotiations. We also talked about the ongoing digital census, which has had major concerns related to it.   Another big story is the Washington Post article highlighting an internal memo written by Pakistan’s former foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar. Finally, we also touched on the wheat crisis and the state of labor in Pakistan.   Share your comments and feedback with us...
Published 05/01/23
In this midweek episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the latest political developments in Pakistan, where the PDM and PTI have finally started negotiations.   We also talked about Biden’s decision to run for president again and the reasons behind Tucker Carlson’s ouster from Fox News.   Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi.   Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 15:59 Biden runs again 26:36 Tucker’s ouster from Fox 
Published 04/27/23
In this midweek episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the Supreme Court’s hearings, where it has given a deadline of 4pm to political parties to reach an agreement for talks. We also talked about the petroleum subsidy scheme, where the finance ministry is expected to oppose the proposals from the petroleum ministry.. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Stories mentioned in this...
Published 04/20/23
In this midweek episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the Supreme Court’s orders to the SBP, demanding the release of funds for elections in Punjab. In addition, we talk about the thawing political ice, with political leaders signalling that they are open to talks.   We also talked about the US intelligence leaks and its implications during this episode.   Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and...
Published 04/16/23
In this midweek episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the Supreme Court’s hearings about the legislation passed by parliament and the latest from the IMF.   Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi.   Chapters:   0:00 Introduction 0:56 Supreme court springs to action 11:38 Kashmir’s PM disqualified 15:28 Election delays and IMF
Published 04/13/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the Supreme Court’s decision announcing elections in Punjab, the latest about funding from Saudi, and ongoing political developments in the US and Scotland. We also talked about Khan’s recent interviews to international media.   Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi.   Chapters:   0:00 Introduction 1:03 Supreme Court’s decision 8:00 Saudi funding 13:12 Trump’s...
Published 04/06/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the ongoing crisis in the Supreme Court, where the justices are divided as never before. We also talk about Trump’s indictment in the United States and the stampedes that have been witnessed across Pakistan during flour distribution.   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 Divide in the Supreme Court 19:10 Trump's...
Published 04/01/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the ongoing arrests of PTI workers across the country and growing curbs on expression. We also talk about General Bajwa’s interviews and their implications.   The episode also has a special guest interview on Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification from the Lok Sabha – DK Singh, political editor from The Print, joins us from Delhi to tell us what is going on.   Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us...
Published 03/25/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the ECP’s decision to delay the elections in Punjab and what that means. We also talk about Rahul Gandhi’s case in India, TikTok hearings in Washington, and the latest with the IMF program.   Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi.   Chapters:   0:00 Introduction 0:30 ECP’s Punjab elections decision 9:10 Rahul Gandhi’s defamation case 13:50 TikTok hearings in...
Published 03/23/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the most recent developments in Islamabad and Lahore, with Roohan Ahmed joining us to share what he saw outside the judicial complex in Islamabad.   We also spoke about the latest with the IMF deal and why new financing from Saudi and China is not coming in.   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 What happened during the day...
Published 03/18/23
In this mid-week episode, we talk about the chaos seen in Lahore, the events leading up to it, and what comes next. Since we recorded this episode in a hurry, apologies for not having the usual graphics etc.
Published 03/15/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the Zille Shah’s murder and the facts and issues associated with the events that have unfolded in Lahore. We also talk about the continuous imposition of Section 144 to prevent the PTI from holding rallies and the details about stories about Holi celebrations at Punjab and Karachi University. Finally, we also spoke about the developments on the diplomatic front, where Saudi Arabia and Iran decided to re-establish diplomatic relations. Share your...
Published 03/12/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the violence witnessed today on International Women’s Day, the curbs on speech on former PM Khan, and the stories about an inquiry against former ISI chief Faiz Hamid. Uzair also spoke to Dr. Kamran Bokhari about the recent curbs placed on Pakistani entities by the US. 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 Violence on women’s...
Published 03/08/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the government’s attempts to arrest Imran Khan, the appointment of a new NAB chief, and the outlook for elections. We also talk about key economic developments from this week, which included a surreal presser by Ishaq Dar. 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 Khan’s arrest attempts 8:17 New NAB chief – view from DC 15:10 Elections...
Published 03/05/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the terror attack in Karachi and its implications, the ongoing clean-up within the military, and the evolving saga between Retired Army Chief Bajwa and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. We also touch on the mini-budget that has been presented to parliament, where PM Sharif has been missing in action. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00...
Published 02/19/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the IMF negotiations which despite high hopes, did not conclude on a positive note. We explain why that happened and what the future timeline of events may look like. We also talked about ongoing political developments including conversations to delay the elections. Share your comments and feedback with us in the comments section or by tweeting at us @uzairyounus and @amberrshamsi. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:15 What happened with the...
Published 02/10/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the growing threat of terrorism in Pakistan, focusing on the fallout of the Peshawar suicide bombing. We also talk about Musharraf’s death and the dictator’s legacy, and touch on the ongoing talks with the IMF. This week’s guest interview is with Roohan Ahmed, a journalist based in Islamabad who has covered terrorism and terror groups like the TTP for a number of years. As always, please do subscribe to the podcast and share it with your...
Published 02/05/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the end of the Dar Peg and how its unwinding will impact the economy. We also talk about Maryam’s return to Lahore and the broader political game of thrones, along with the ridiculous sedition charges against PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry. Amber talks to India-based journalist Saurabh Kumar Shahi about the BBC’s Modi documentary and its fallout. We also cover Hindenburg’s revelations about Adani and what that means for India’s economy. As always,...
Published 01/28/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk the major missteps of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his coalition government. We also discuss the latest political and economic developments in Pakistan, and discuss the India-China tensions, with Rudra Chaudhuri, who is Director at Carnegie India. Rudra’s research focuses on the diplomatic history of South Asia, contemporary security issues, and the increasingly important role of emerging technologies in diplomacy and statecraft. As always, please...
Published 01/22/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the local bodies elections in Karachi and the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly and its implications on the politics of the PTI and PMLN. We also spoke to Travis Waldron, a reporter based in Brasilia, Brazil’s capital which saw riots a few days ago. Travis helps us understand the causes behind the riots, what it means for the country moving forward, and how these riots are linked to some global trends we are seeing. We also talked about the...
Published 01/15/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the continuing economic meltdown, with Ishaq Dar refusing to cede ground on his policy position. We also talk about the military chief’s trip to Saudi Arabia, the evolving situation in Punjab, and Maryam Nawaz’s promotion in the PMLN. Finally, we also cover the election of the Speaker of the House in Washington, D.C. As always, please do subscribe to the podcast and share it with your friends. Share your comments and feedback with us in the...
Published 01/07/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the former army chief’s response to Imran Khan’s accusations via Javed Chaudhry and other journalists. We also talk about the NSC’s meeting focused on terrorism and the economy, as well as the Islamabad local bodies polls and protests in Gwadar. This episode also has a roundup of key events during 2022 and the outlook for 2023, where we expect the economy to dominate politics. As always, please do subscribe to the podcast and share it with your...
Published 01/02/23
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the worsening security situation in Pakistan, with a suicide bombing taking place in Islamabad this past week. We have an interview with Ismail Khan, who is editor for Dawn in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. We also talk about the the political game of thrones in Punjab and on the worsening economic situation, including the latest with the IMF program negotiations.. As always, please do subscribe to the podcast and share it with your friends. Share...
Published 12/25/22
In this episode, Amber and Uzair talk about the recent announcement by Imran Khan to dissolve the KPK and Punjab assemblies on December 23 and the implications of this announcement. We discuss the various strategies the competing parties are likely to deploy in the coming weeks to improve their political position. We also talk about the Reko Diq case agreement and why that made our blood boil, as well as the ongoing tensions on Pakistan's border with Afghanistan. As always, please do...
Published 12/17/22