In this episode, we confront Pakistan’s hidden epidemic of child sexual abuse — from Kasur’s dark legacy to everyday silences in homes, madrassas, and schools. Drawing on survivor stories, data, and global parallels, we explore how power, patriarchy, and “izzat” protect predators while children are left unprotected. This is not an easy conversation — but it’s one we can no longer afford to avoid.
Resources:
Sahil Helpline: 042-111-111-444 Madadgaar Helpline: 1098 Rozan / War Against Rape (Pakistan) Aangan Trust RAINN (US)
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on Pakistan’s feudal order — the waderas, jagirdars, and sardars who didn’t just survive colonialism but turned it into dynasties of domination.
From colonial land grants to dynastic politics, from karo-kari killings to bonded labour, we trace how feudal power shapes Pakistan’s politics, culture, environment, and diaspora. This isn’t just history — it’s daily life.
We cover:
What a wadera is, and how their power works.
Colonial roots of feudalism in Pakistan.
Case studies: Mukhtaran Mai, Shahzeb Khan, Nazim Jokhio, Cammie the camel.
Environmental feudalism during the 2022 and 2025 floods.
Religion, patriarchy, and feudal control.
Peasant resistance, from the Hari Movement to today.
Feudalism isn’t tradition. It’s theft dressed up as culture. Until we name it and resist it, we remain trapped in its shadow.
In this episode, we explore the intricate dynamics of cousin marriage in South Asian families. We delve into the reasons behind its prevalence, the concept of collective narcissism, and the reflection of family identity through such unions.
The discussion navigates the comfort and limitations of marrying within the family, the underlying pressures, and the distinction between closeness and genuine intimacy.
The episode concludes with a call to challenge tribalistic thinking and to advocate for love that is chosen freely rather than assigned by tradition.
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In this episode, we delve deep into the origins and pervasive influence of patriarchy, especially within Pakistani society. The discussion covers the historical foundations, the role of women in perpetuating the system, and the impact on various marginalized groups including women, trans, and queer communities.
Through personal anecdotes and scholarly insights, we explore the political, social, and economic dimensions of patriarchy, emphasizing it as a totalizing system that feeds off women's labour and seeks to remain invisible under the guise of tradition and morality.
The episode encourages listeners to question inherited myths, recognize hidden labour, and resist through personal and communal actions.
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In this episode, we plunge into the incendiary brilliance of Tariq Ali—a lifelong contrarian, eloquent dissenter, and literary provocateur. Born in 1943 in Lahore to a family steeped in political defiance, Ali came of age railing against tyranny with a wit as sharp as his convictions. Oxford-educated and globally ungovernable, he became a charismatic voice of the New Left in the 1960s, skewering the Vietnam War, interrogating empire, and haunting television screens with his debater’s precision and theatrical flair.
A polymath of protest, Ali has penned fierce polemics, sweeping historical narratives, and lush novels that map the psychic fault lines between Islam and the West. Never content to play court intellectual, he’s remained rooted in anti-imperialism, radical imagination, and the belief that resistance begins with telling the truth—loudly, and often.
Tune in as we trace the arc of a man who has made a life out of speaking against power, and for the possibility of a more just world.
In today's episode, we delve into 'We Sinful Women,' a profound collection of Urdu feminist poetry translated and edited by Rukhsana Ahmed.
This episode highlights the evolution of Urdu as a literary language and the significant contribution of women poets like Kishwar Naheed and Fahmida Riaz. The discussion touches on the historical context, especially under General Zia-ul-Haq's regime, where poetry became a tool of resistance against political tyranny and social oppression.
Key poems such as 'Censorship' and 'Anticlockwise' by Kishwar Naheed are analyzed for their powerful metaphors and themes of resilience, while Fahmida Riaz's fearless exploration of female agency and identity is celebrated. Join us as we unpack the revolutionary impact of these poets and their enduring legacy in world literature.
In this episode of Armpit Intellectuals, we dive deep into the issue of colourism in South Asia, with a focus on Pakistan. We explore its roots in colonial history, class structures, and Eurocentric beauty standards.
We share personal experiences, discuss the impact of colonial legacies, and highlight ongoing struggles against colourism in both South Asia and the diaspora. We also emphasize the importance of decolonization and advocate for greater awareness and structural change to combat this pervasive form of discrimination.
This episode offers a critical examination of how societal norms continue to uphold harmful biases and what we can do to challenge these systems.
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Welcome back to Armpit Intellectuals! In this episode, we delve into the life and contributions of Sir Ganga Ram—engineer, philanthropist, and visionary who transformed modern Lahore's urban landscape and infrastructure.
From revolutionizing the city's water supply system to establishing schools and hospitals for the underprivileged, Ganga Ram's legacy is both profound and largely unacknowledged.
Join us as we explore how this forgotten pioneer shaped the modern aspects of Lahore and why his contributions deserve greater recognition.
In this episode of Armpit Intellectuals, we explore the complex concept of nationalism in Pakistan. We discuss what it means for a country often described as a 'nation of nations' and how the interplay of culture, politics, and identity has shaped Pakistan's journey.
Key figures like Bacha Khan, regional movements in Balochistan and Sindh, and the challenges of linguistic diversity in Punjab are explored, highlighting the tension between regional identities and national unity. References to global examples such as Quebec and Catalonia further enrich the discussion, stressing the importance of embracing internal diversity for a cohesive society.
In this episode, we discuss the complex and controversial case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist whose imprisonment has sparked global outrage.
We also discuss the circumstances of her arrest, allegations of abuse at FMC Carswell, and the diplomatic tensions surrounding her case.
This episode explores themes around justice, human rights, international law, and the treatment of Muslim women in the U.S. criminal justice system. Join us as we uncover the intricacies of her background, trial, and the systemic flaws that this case exposes.
Join us as we discuss the extensive impact of student unions on Pakistan's political and social landscapes. This episode underscores the transformative power of younger generations in shaping societal norms and policies.
Tracing the influence from the 1950s to today, we discuss the rise of student movements, the repression under Zia-ul-Haq, and the revival efforts in current times.
Specific topics include the ban on student unions, curriculum censorship, and the resurgence of student activism exemplified by movements like the Student Solidarity March and Sindh Student Union Bill.
In this episode, we delve into the complex world of Jamaat e Islami (JI), exploring its evolution from a social-cultural movement to a modern political entity intertwined with religious ideology.
We discuss JI's hierarchical structure, its recruitment strategies, especially among the urban lower middle class and youth, and its significant presence on college campuses.
The episode also highlights the contributions of Maududi, JI's founder, and his strict views on gender roles, purdah, and the role of women in both private and public life.
Additionally, it examines the contradictions within JI's stance on women in politics and how it has adapted to political realities over time.
The discussion touches on the broader debate between traditional roles and progressive changes, showcasing the ongoing tension in the fight for women's rights in Pakistan's political landscape.
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Gender Ideology and the Jamaat-e-Islami by Niloufer Siddiqui
In this episode of 'Armpit Intellectuals,' we delve into the critical issue of forced conversions in Pakistan, with a focus on young women from the Hindu community in Sindh.
Highlighting the annual abduction and coercion of around 1000 girls, the podcast sheds light on the systemic violence and discrimination facilitated by religious and political entities.
Discussing real-life cases such as Neha, Mehek Kumari, Arzoo Raja, and Rinkle Kumari, we attempt to emphasize the failures of the Pakistani legal system and the societal pressures that perpetuate these atrocities.
Amidst international condemnation and calls for protective measures, the episode underscores the need for legislative changes and societal shifts to safeguard religious minorities in Pakistan.
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Audio clips from the ethnographic documentary film Thrust Into Heaven (2016) by Jürgen Schaflechner.
Clip #1: Kalpana Devi, a human rights lawyer and activist from Larkana, Sindh, speaking on the double oppression that exists within the Hindu community itself.
Clip #2: Mithal Khan, a family friend of Chandavati, speaks against the human rights issue occurring in his indigenous homeland.
Clip #3: Mian Mithu, the religious cleric who is responsible for numerous forced conversions in Ghotki, Sindh.
Join us in this deep dive as we unravel the concept of banal nationalism, as articulated by Michael Billig.
This episode explores how national identity is subtly reinforced through everyday symbols and practices, with a particular focus on Pakistan. We discuss the interplay of both hot and banal nationalism in different nations, the role of national symbols and practices, and how these elements impact national identity.
The conversation spans topics such as school rituals, national holidays, ethnic minorities, gender issues, and even the influence of sports and military values.
Tune in to understand how these subtle reinforcements contribute to a pervasive sense of nationalism.
Photograph by Aman Sharma / Associated Press
Join us in this episode as we explore deep into an often overlooked part of Pakistan's communist history.
We discuss the lives and contributions of three significant post-partition communist literary figures: Sajjad Zaheer, Saadat Hassan Manto, and Mohammad Hassan Askari. Utilizing research from Kamran Asdar Ali's book Communist Politics and Class Activism in Pakistan, 1947 to 1972.
We explore the impact of these figures on literature, art, and culture, as well as their critiques on class struggle and societal norms.
In this episode we dive into the history of Pakistan's nuclear power. We discuss the motivations and actions that led Pakistan to acquire nuclear capabilities, including key historical figures like Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Abdul Qadeer Khan.
Further, we explore the global context of nuclear armament, the direct and indirect consequences of nuclear testing in Pakistan's Chagai district, including health and environmental impacts, and touch upon the socio-political ramifications.
The episode also compares Pakistan’s nuclear stance with India’s, highlighting the ongoing nuclear arms race and the complications arising from regional insecurity. This thorough examination attempts to offer a nuanced perspective on one of the most significant developments in Pakistan’s modern history.
Cover image from AP Archive.
In this episode we explore the theory of psychopolitics by contemporary philosopher Byung-Chul Han. We delve into Han's influences, including Foucault and Nietzsche, and discuss how neoliberal capitalism uses the psyche as a tool for political and economic gain.
This episode touches on key concepts like auto-exploitation, the digital panopticon, the impact of social media, and the culture of burnout and self-optimization. Additionally, we examine the relevance of Han's ideas in the context of both Western societies and the Global South, particularly South Asia.
The discussion also highlights Han's views on the importance of solitude, self-reflection, and avoiding over-categorization in an increasingly transparent and digitally-driven world.
Podcast cover photograph is by Jenny Holzer.
In this episode we discuss the Sindhiyani Tehreek, a Marxist-Leninist grassroots resistance movement primarily led by rural women in Sindh, Pakistan, and conceived during General Zia ul Haq's regime.
The discussion covers the origin and evolution of the movement, its resistance against oppressive regimes, and its focus on environmental justice and provincial autonomy.
We explore the impact of the Sindhiyani Tehreek on contemporary feminist movements in Pakistan, weighing its contributions and ongoing challenges, while touching upon the movement's relationship with the Awami Tehreek and its broader implications for bridging urban-rural divides in feminist activism.
Read: The Sindhiyani Tehreek: Revolutionary Feminism in Sindh? by Gohar Ali Memon.
Join us in this episode as we explore the life, works, and impact of revolutionary poet Habib Jalib. Born in Punjab and later moving to Karachi, Jalib's poetry and activism were deeply rooted in Marxist-Leninist ideologies. We discuss his celebrated works like 'Dastur' and his impact on movements against military dictatorships in Pakistan.
The episode touches on Jalib's relationships with political figures such as Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, as well as his connections with other leftist poets. We also dive into Jalib's feminist alliances and the broader Progressive Writers Movement. A must-listen for those interested in revolutionary literature and Pakistani history.
Unveiling Pakistan's Military Economy: Navigating Milbus, martial regimes and peeling back the layers of racist martial myths. Join us as we explore the complexities of Pakistan's military involvement in its economy, the grip of martial regimes, and the darker side of national narratives and distorted histories.
