Writer's Block - Need I say more - by Bushra Hassan

For many months now, I have been writing blogs that emphasize on the essential goodness that is inside us Pakistanis. It is difficult to see some times, it is easy to take for granted... it is even easier to forget as we strive for sanity. This time my blog entry will not be my words, but that of a fellow Pakistani... I read him in DAWN yesterday... Letters to the Editor. I urge you to take a minute and read this:

Incident that changed my approach to life

IF we look around us, we will find a lot of goodness in our people. I saw this on Dec 28 when my confidence in our fellow beings and in the kindness of Almighty Allah was reinforced. That morning my wife was returning to Karachi from Faisalabad by Millat train accompanied by our two daughters, aged three and five years. I went to the station to receive my family but couldn’t find them. After a while I was shocked to see my elder girl standing by herself in a train compartment without her mother. There were some fellow passengers and a responsible policeman, Abdul Razzak, waiting with her. They broke the horrible news to me that my younger daughter accidentally fell off the train near Dhabeji station. My wife along with 20 to 25 fellow passengers managed to have the train stopped a kilometre or two from the spot where the child had fallen. They disembarked there to search for the missing child. In her panic, my wife forgot to carry her cellphone with her and so couldn’t contact me. The local people also joined the search party. My wife later recounted that the people — all strangers — were extremely sympathetic, helpful and concerned while searching for the child who had wandered off four kilometres into the woodland. It was after four hours that a young Pakhtun boy (could not obtain his details — May Allah reward him for his goodness) spotted Zainab and fetched her unhurt. When I met my little girl after these hours of high drama, she simply uttered these words: “Papa I was alone.” I just have no words to thank these men and women — strangers to me before this event brought us together — who shared those tense moments with us. By actively assisting in the search for our child, these noble souls displayed that spirit of humanity that holds mankind together. May Allah bless them and also my family — my father, brothers and my wife — who stood behind me giving me immense moral support in those testing hours. People have the capacity to organise themselves on the spur of the moment when faced with an emergency and respond positively. Take the case of Mr Jamil who disembarked with my wife, leaving his own family behind on the train, to take the responsibility of organising the search. There was Mr Asif who took the responsibility of communicating with the railway authorities, the Edhi Centre and the police. Generally, we tend to take for granted our family and our fellow beings. But we should learn to appreciate the goodness of the human heart that prompts people to respond to others in distress. Such is the spirit that can, if mobilised, help steer the country out of its troubles. The more I see of it, the more I feel vindicated in my decision to stay back in Pakistan and serve it as a part of the SIUT team that is doing such good work by holding up a candle of hope for people who are so desperately ill.
DR NASIR HASAN LUCK
Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation Karachi

Courtesy: DAWN.com; 3rd Jan 2010; Letters to the Editor
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/letters-to-the-editor/incident-that-changed-my-approach-to-life-310

A Pakistani Karate Champ saved 14 lives before drowning on 25 Nov, 2009 In Jeddah flash flood and rain

JEDDAH: A Pakistani karate champion who saved the lives of 14 people in the Nov. 25 flashfloods before drowning while trying to save another is one of the many unsung heroes of that wednesday morning.According to a report carried by Al-Hayat Arabic daily, Farman Ali Khan’s brother, Rahman, is making arrangements to airlift his body to Pakistan so that his family, including his three young daughters, would see him before his funeral.“Farman’s youngest daughter Jarira has never seen her father,” Rahman told Al-Hayat, adding that his 32-year-old brother was a university graduate and held several certificates commending him for his voluntary work.

Rahman described his dead brother as a courageous man who ran through a fire to move a gas cylinder from a shop when he was 16. “If that cylinder exploded then there would have been a major disaster as there was a weapons warehouse nearby,” he said.

He added that Farman used tire tubes, wooden planks and ropes to save 14 people. “He was trying to save the 15th person when the water swept him away,” said Rahman, adding that his brother saved people without caring what their nationalities were.“His main objective was to save the lives of as many people as possible, and he used all possible means to achieve that,” he said.Rahman said his brother, who worked in a grocery store, was only able to visit his family in Pakistan twice since coming to the Kingdom six years ago.“I am proud of my brother’s heroism and I believe he is among the martyrs,” said Rahman.Farman is survived by his wife and three daughters — Zubaida, 7, Madeeha, 6, and Jarira, 4.

May Allah rest his soul in peace and reward him the best place in Jannah & give patience and courage to bear the loss. Ameen.

Writer's Block- This is my war - By Bushra Hassan

I am not very religious. My parents taught me namaz, though I never said them. I found every excuse in the book to not Fast. I had no inclinations for Hajj. I remember every Ramzan sitting with my mom and sisters, feeling obligated to read the Quran as I yawned through the nights.

Until, the bombings changed my life.

Earlier this year as the bombings increased, I realized that if death comes, I will have to first answer to Allah about my namaz. Before I knew it, I started saying my prayers (though still not very regularly). But Allah came and settled in my heart. I took refuge in this.

It is the War on Terror, the War against Muslims, as many call it, that has made me a better Muslim. I have become more conscientious, more responsible, kinder and just, better.

Now, next on my agenda is: Jihad.

Sounds funny! This Oxford educated, half-angrez, pant wearing, English speaking woman, who does not like Pakistani cuisine and until one year ago was planning to move and settle abroad, is going for Jihad.

Yes, I am.

And this is how.

This is my War. The dozens that die every day are my people. They die in mosques, on roads, in markets. They die on duty, in prayer or shopping.

And what does this Pakistani nation do?

Do we stop saying our prayers in mosques?
Do we stop going to markets? Going out altogether?
Do we stop sending our children to school?

No! We fight back!

We show resilience by refusing to live in fear, in fear of death, fear of injury, fear of yet another BREAKING NEWS on TV.

I will send my child to school no matter what.
I will go to office.
I will shop.
I will not leave this country. I will stay here for as long as I can. I will not leave my land to them.
I will not forward rumours of possible attacks to instill fear in my fellow people.
I will dance, sing, go on holidays and to cinemas, watch plays, attend concerts in my country.
I will support the troops and the police force.
I will not sit in drawing rooms and criticize the government. I will register to vote and participate next time. I will be an agent of change, and not just a critic.

It is not easy - sending my daughter to school, sitting in an office everyday that has a credible bomb threat looming on it. Life for us Pakistanis, is not easy, which is why it is now not just mere life, but Jihad.

You can call it Jihad or you can call it being positive. Choose what fits you. If you find religion uncool, if you consider religious people ignorant, if you feel too superior or lazy to bow your head to anyone, then don’t call this Jihad… but then, don’t bow your head to fear as well.

“Choose what fits you. If you find religion uncool, if you consider
religious people ignorant, if you feel too superior or lazy to bow your head to anyone, than don’t call this Jihad… but then, don’t bow your head in fear as well.”

Why should we anyway? This is our country. They can not make us afraid. Afraid in our own home. They can try and damage us, and yes, it aches every time to hear of all those we have lost and continue to lose. But I envy the martyrs who are in a happier place today. I notice how every death motivates this country towards solidarity, keeps us united, together, makes us even more resilient than before.

This is my war.

Every day I shall fight back by living. I will embrace life and deny fear. I shall laugh, sing and dance….. I shall live. I will not let them kill us while we are still alive.

In our car, we put on patriotic songs only. My two year old loves and sings, Jeevay jeevay Pakistan. We salute the policeman, who salute us back. We stand united, we fight, we live.
In honour of those who have died, I shall live. In honour of those who fight, I join them.

This is my War. This is my Jihad. I have my Allah with me. I am not afraid.

Writer's Block - How are you spending your Eid? By Bushra Hassan

How are you spending your Eid?
Going to see your parents, or are guests coming to your place?
Is it a bakra or a gaye?
Are you hosting a BBQ? Are you the chef?
Will you be enjoying the lovely autumn weather as you munch on the tikkas?
Where will you heart be?

Is your heart in Waziristan where blood is being shed?
Is your heart with our jawans, young men, who are risking their lives for our freedom?
Who are fighting not one, but a consortium of enemies?

This Eid, will you be thinking of them?

or will you sit in your dining rooms, complain about the inflation, wearing beautiful clothes and munch on some dry fruit?

And why not! It is for our Eid, our freedom, our right to live that they are risking their lives. Why should we not embrace life more, in honour of them? Why shouldn’t we enjoy our Eid, remembering them, praying for them and their families?

That is definitely my plan. I intend to enjoy my freedom because much blood has been shed to protect it. I fully intend to dress up and eat plenty of meat because many young men have died for my right to dress and participate socially. Mostly, I intend to express my gratitude to my Allah, who sent us these angels.

"I intend to enjoy my freedom because much blood has been
shed to protect it. I fully intend to dress up and eat plenty of meat because many young men have died for my right to dress and participate
socially."

A group of young group of people, got together in Islamabad one night to express their gratitude for the army, the pain that has been felt over the past year, the fear that now surrounds us, and the resilience that makes us Pakistani. Wearing green ribbons, there were small performances…. not more than five minutes each, that took you through an emotional roller coaster. In one hour a multitude of emotions we have felt in the past one year were all rolled into one smashing bag of performances. The performers did not belittle or insult anyone. It was an expression of our gratitude for our right to speak, and our passion to use that right for the good. We all stood up for the armed forces, the police, the IDPs, the victims of bomb attacks and for the citizens of this country. We all stood up with pride and showed that we are alive, strong and united, and we will not let the enemy win.
One hour! One hour that changed me forever.

One hour that reminded me that we are indeed a country at War. That many have died, and continue to die, for a war we did not start. We realize that as a nation we must stand together, and stand strong, and stand by our jawans who fight for us. We must give them strength as they fight for our freedom. One hour that changed me, moved me…. and all those who were in attendance.

I have not laughed, cried, been shocked, moved, scared, raised with hope – and so much more- in one hour.

"We all stood up for the armed forces, the police, the
IDPs, the victims of bomb attacks and for the citizens of this country. We all stood up with pride and showed that we are alive, strong and united, and we will not let the enemy win."

And the next day, the same group got together and did more.

The young lot took time out one evening and wrote Eid cards for the troops with messages inside. My friends, many of them well versed in English, thought of urdu verses and words, poetry and songs ….in the language of our nation … to communicate with our heroes. We told them we loved them. That on this Eid we were thinking of them and were filled with gratitude. They are today’s Tipu Sultans, Qasim and Ayyubi. They are our sons and our brothers, and they are the pride of this nation.

Then there are those who are sending the troops sweaters and socks, and jackets…. Not because the troops need them but because we need to do something for them. To tell them we remember them and love them and that we are worth fighting for!

Yes, we are worth fighting for. Our freedom is worth fighting for!

No matter what the foreign policy or political status of this country, no matter how much we dislike the generals in their big fancy cars, we love our jawans and we stand by them. And this Eid, we are with them. Our hearts are with them. We will pray for their victory, as their victory is ours. We pray for their lives as they protect ours. We pray for their families, for they are our family. Our Eid is with them. As we munch on BBQ-ed meat and dress beautifully, and get together with our families, these jawans fight the enemy in bitter cold, admist barren and lifeless mountains that protect and show mercy to no one. As we spend our day watching TV lazily or sending meat to our friends, they will be hoisting the national flag on another mountain, and another…. and another.

So tell me now, how are you spending your Eid?

Citizen's Speak: The Soldier Fights, Bleeds, Perhaps Dies. Freedom Lives - Saad Naveed Pall

Today was Veteran's Day in the US - a day to commemorate the sacrifices of the member of the armed forces and of civilians in the times of war. It is observed on 11 November to recall the end of World War 1 on that date in 1918. Major hostilities of World War 1 were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice [1]. As I sit here in Atlanta observing the celebration of Veteran's Day, I can't help but think about the war being waged half way across the world in my home country Pakistan.

I have observed how much respect and honor is given to those who have been in the US armed forces. During one of my MBA classes today, one of my colleagues - a veteran who was deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan previously - was given a round of applause before the start of lecture. A small gesture perhaps, but it just goes to show how much the efforts of armed forces are appreciated. A message from the Dean to the entire school later in the day expressed his appreciation to family members and friends of the school's employees who are on duty and away from their loved ones. Schools all over the country held assemblies recognizing teachers and staff members who served in the United States Armed Forces, and remembered US troops who died in the past by playing patriotic music and songs.

Even Harley Davidson came up with a campaign saluting those who defend freedom (http://h-d.com/thankyou). The website campaign features the ability to add personalized thank you notes for veterans. "To everyone in uniform now and everyone who wore a uniform, thank you," says Rich S [2]. Harley Davidson also offers an exclusive promotion for veterans to win a Harley Davidson bike of choice on this Veteran's Day.

I have heard people say 'I am against the war in Iraq, but I support the troops in Iraq'. And that made me think about people's attitude towards soldiers and armed forces personnel in Pakistan. Pakistan is in the middle of a war against terrorist elements that threaten the sovereignty of the nation. The military has been in an intermittent state of war against Taliban since 2004, before an all-out operation (Operation Black Thunderstorm) was launched in Swat in April 2009. Later in October this year, the armed forces also launched an operation in Waziristan aptly called Rah-e-Nijat, Urdu for 'Path to Extermination'.

The attitude of people in Pakistan towards the war varies - a majority unwaveringly supports the war after seeing the disastrous consequences of a spate of suicide bombers all over the country in the wake of the the War on Terror. There are those however who still think that war is not the most effective solution to the issue. Whatever the opinion on the war and government policies around this may be, it is important to distinguish the role of the soldier from that of the politician. I have seen so many people curse soldiers for the ill-fortunes of the country. What they do not realize is that these soldiers hardly have a say in the policies dictated by our politicians and senior military leadership.

These soldiers are the ones who are away from their families, fighting in extremely harsh conditions with an enemy who is willing to take lives not just of soldiers but also innocent men, women and children. These soldiers are are up against the invisble enemy lurking in the shadows. They face the constant threat of an enemy right in front of their eye dressed as a common man. They face the incredible challenge of being in war in their own country, and trying to eliminate terrorist elements without compromising the lives and security of innocent people. And every single day, these soldiers are giving up their lives for the sake of freedom for the millions of people inhabiting Pakistan.

Last month, gunmen killed an army brigadier in a target shooting in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. The brigadier was on a visit home from his post as commander of Pakistan's contingent of peacekeepers in Sudan. A soldier was also killed in the attack. Five days later, another brigadier narrowly escaped death as he was shot at by gunmen on a motorcycle as he was driving out of his car with his mother on the way to the bank. This was followed by another attempt at the life of a senior military officer on 6 November.

These are the news we hear on TV and in the papers. What we don't get to hear are news of the thousands of others - be it armed forces personnel or civilians - who are laying their lives for the sake of freedom. I was bereaved to hear news of the janitor at a university in Islamabad who courageously attempted to stop a suicide bomber from entering the university cafeteria after the terrorist had shot down the security guard at the gate [3]. Because of the heroic act of the janitor, the terrorist was unable to enter the crowded cafeteria and self-detonated outside, spraying many of his explosive vest's arsenal of ball bearings outside into the parking lot instead of into the cafeteria. Given that 300 to 400 girls were in the cafeteria at that time, the number of lives lost could have been huge if terrorist had managed to enter the hall.

Events of the past few months have proved that whoever thinks this is a religiously motivated war, or a so-called 'Islamist' movement, could not be far from the truth. This is a political movement that is being supported by foreign elements. The Taliban, bred in the 1980s as a counter to the Russian threat, have fragmented into numerous many sub-factions, gathering support from self-intereted groups both within and outside Pakistan along the way. Taliban is no longer the name of a group, but an ideology. Pakistan - once a safe place to live, and now plagued with suicide bombers in the wake of the War on Terror - is the country that has had to pay the heaviest price of this war. But that discussion is for another occasion.

For now I will just say this: the next time you get up to point a finger at an army veteran, or question the motives of an airforce pilot, think about the enormous sacrifices they are making for the sake of your future. We owe them a lot more than sincere appreciation for their courage and valor, but that really is the least we can do for them. Let us not blame the soldiers for the misjudgements and corruption of our politicians and military leadership. Let us give them the moral support that we owe them. I end with a tribute to the veterans from the 1960s by the famous singer Noor Jehan. Rumor has it that during the 1965 war, Noor Jehan stayed for 18 days recording songs at Radio Pakistan without going home.

'Aey watan key sajeelay jawaanon,

Meray naghmey tumharey liye hain,

Sarfaroshi hai imaan tumhara,

Jurraton key qarazdaar ho tum,

Jo hifaazat karey sarhadon ki,

Woh falak bos deewar ho tum'

References:

[1] Wikipedia - Remembrance Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Day)

[2] Harley Davidson - Military Appreciation (http://h-d.com/thankyou)

[3] CNN - Christian janitor died saving Muslim studeNTS (http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/11/11/pakistan.hero/index.html)

With Love from Lahore

We don't go to shop in Taliban controlled caves.

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Citizen's Speak: A Letter in the Name of Pakistan - Muhammad Sultan Shah

My Beloved, Bountiful Country Pakistan,

I will not ask how you are faring in these troubled times because we, the inhabitants of this nation feel, experience the same pain you suffer. These feelings of abject abuse and subjugation transform into determination and strength that course through our veins. It hurts me all the more acutely to be separated from you, each and every moment of every day, especially while I am here in the UAE due to my work.

I believe with all my heart that you are a nation of limitless potential with resources aplenty. However, this begs the question "How have we your inhabitants ravaged you to the extent that violations to human rights and dignity have become a daily occurrence? How have you become a nation where life's basic necessities (Food, water, electricity) are luxuries?". Your birth was witnessed by a scattered crowd with no aim and direction but you despite your tender age always took us under your soothing shadow and protected us. We are thankless and selfish despite the blessings you have bestowed on our shameless shoulders. The ideological grounding you have provided is precious to me beyond belief. And it hurts me profusely to se our "elected" leaders trying to question this ideology.

We should be ashamed of such shamelessness, especially in people who fall at the feet of countries such as the USA when they are meant to be advancing our own countries national interests at widely publicized international forums.

Our leaders have debased our nation to beggary giving the aforementioned such exquisite titles as "aid donations" to such apparently reputable groups as "FRIENDS OF DEMOCRATIC PAKISTAN". Perhaps people have stopped questioning their leaders right to rule or are blind to ground realities. It is in these difficult times that we find the common man struggling to make ends meet and the elites sending YOUR sons abroad to serve another nations' national interests. Is this the future we were fighting for on the fateful autumn day all those years ago? How can I share my sorrow with someone else as its only the motherland who listens and absorbs all when a son weeps from to his very limits. Countries who became independent long after us have progressed far ahead. While we, are still trying to resolve issues between Punjabis and Balochis, Sindhis and Pukhtuns. You, my dear have become a place where the third generation child descendant of a migrant is labeled a MUHAJIR. What is this nonsense have we got ourselves into?

After all this, I do not know how I can be so filled with pride and joy when i think of you, my beloved. I can clearly remember, I was taking my exams during my third year at university when a lethal Earthquake had struck the Northern Areas in 2005. The whole nation came together and sacrificed everything they could for their suffering brothers and sisters. No other nation can display the same extreme passion and mobility as we did during that time. For we are the descendants of brave forefathers. The great will that your sons showed in the Prime Ministers’ QARZ UTARO MULK SANWARO SCHEME was a thing to be seen. This national spirit reappeared recently as well after the T20 win in England. But what really happens after all these events? Why does segregation overtake Unity once more?

Sometimes, I wonder if we are really being targeted because our existence threatens the world. Is there really a religious conspiracy behind all this? Topping all this with some of our own weakness as a nation. Could all this really be the cause of the plight we find ourselves in? I do not have answer to this question.

I cannot speak for the previous generations but I have seen an everlasting will and Passion in today’s youth. The passion to revive your Dignity and pride. The passion to bring back the ideology and fulfill all dreams of Iqbal. We have hit rock bottom. That is why I am positive that this is the point where you will start to rise InshAllah and will reach the zenith of Glory. From now on you will only go upwards Inshallah. Even though the circumstances may not seem so my heart still gives testimony to your rise.

Right from my childhood, I have been hearing that we need a leader who will come and show us the right path and will lead us to our destiny. Everyone parrots this same phrase. But my heart firmly believes that everyone is a leader for himself. The ray of light that we are searching across the horizon is in fact hidden inside our very selves. We just need to concentrate and continue thinking in positive manner.

Perhaps I will never be able to express the love my heart carries for you because the words that express my passion for you have not yet been derived. Your love and admiration is the most precious treasure of my life. O my beloved country, please always keep me in your soothing shadow.

Perhaps the people are right who say that PAKISTAN KA ALLAH HEEEE HAFIZ HAY but I say that if Allah is protecting you then we (Your Sons) are your guardians. With the blessing of Allah, each and every one of your sons will protect you till his last drop of blood. Always.

I am not too shy to express my Love for you. You are the only love of my life. May Allah always keep you rising and prosperous.

Pakistan Zindabad

Writer's Block - The Burning Candle by Bushra Hassan

Let my burning heart
Dry away my tears
Let my tormenting mind
Create new fears

Let the time of my life
Run faster than the world’s
Let world’s lashing tongue
snatch away my words

Let my mountains and my people
Be set on fire, crushed piece by piece
The angel of death will bow down
the burden of lives he has to seize

Let the schools burn
Or the children return
Safe or badly scarred
In nights of darkness and days of gloom
My home is lit by stars

Young heroes lay down their lives
Another orphan is born
Widows raise their heads with pride
The only way to mourn

Let them force their will
the fear may return
but they can’t blow my life away
the candle will always burn

SOAP BOX: It is not in our stars but in ourselves, that we are underlings! - Zahid Husain

“It is not in our stars but in ourselves that we are underlings” Julius Ceaser by William Shakespeare. This statement so aply applies to us all today in Pakistan! I recall it from my days in college when we read the book during English Literature class that my Professor Mr. Humayun Tajik taught; In those days he would draw similes' between the then prevailing conditions in Pakistan and the book we were reading in class! And you know something they still prevail, only worse!

The Powerful, Influential, moneyed, landed, Industrialists, Businessmen, Feudals and the Establishment, have in fact grown in their greed for money and power! I am neither a sociologist or a psychologist, but somewhere in our gene pool there is this one that continues to contaminate and multiply throughout the Motherland like a cancerous virus that has now virtually infected all strata of our existence!

Our educational institutions are rotten to the core, from the gatemen to the Principals, they are all busy bending the rules and diluting the discipline of their environments that they hold sway over; it si no wonder that the products of our institutuions are what we encounter in our daily struggles, and this is repeaed year after year without abating so now we have a completely corrupt and morally defunct society. By society I include all levels of the citizenry.

The challenge that we all now face is how to rid ourselves of the cancer and stem the spread, and reverse the rot to improve the morality of our present citizenry, as well as to ensure, that no more generations go this route.

Has anyone any thought or ideas on the subject, because I sure don't!

With Love from Lahore

A hazy Autumn afternoon in Lahore. Look at the size of that tree folks!

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Hum Sab Hain Dhaani - We are all Pakistani

A Youth Movement worthy of your support. Every single person can make a difference. Do your part, have your voice heard.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=190303951398&ref=share#/event.php?eid=190303951398

Lets unite as one and show them - these perpetrators who want to destroy our nation, who want to kill civilians, who didn't even stop at killing our women! - we will not lose our spirit.

Then lets do it, right?

Everyone, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, wherever you are working, studying, living, breathing, all your friends, all your relatives, begin your day with wearing a green shirt and hang the flag out of your window.

All across Pakistan, Middle East, UK, US, Australia, wherever you are, unite with your colours.

It is a mirror of Independence Day, the only day in the year we unite. The media HAS to take notice and we will write to them to take notice.

Make ALL of Pakistan and the world go green. Tell everyone. Call all Pakistanis on Orkut, on FB, on your email list. Go tell your neighbours. SMS your friends.

On November 9, every Pakistani seeing everyone else wearing green will feel united, will feel YES we ARE one.

We cannot go to war, we cannot go fight. But we can make a statement. One which will tell them 'you cannot destroy our spirit'.

I Spy: To Hope or NOT to Hope. That is the Question - Sadaf Zarrar

We are victims of Terror. Perhaps the most effected Victims of Terror in the world today. I have no doubt about that... We are not a terrorist producing factory, we our suffering because we did not, over time, select good leaders nor good allies. We are ignorant, indifferent... even stupid. We are NOT terrorists!

Apparently, Hilary Clinton thinks that if we really think Kerry Lugar Bill is nonsense that I in my personal limited knowledge firmly believe it is, than we shouldn't take aid and let it go. Now I only wish Mrs. Clinton or her countrymen were that generous in giving us a choice post 9/11. I wonder how much responsibility her country takes for the current state that our country is in. Yes, we played a royal role in creating this mess, but can the US just march in and ask for our pound of flesh?

And then ofcourse, apparent 2000kg or some insane amout like that of explosives have apparently been sneaked into Lahore, and a random truck apparently is roaming the roads as I type seeking ifs next few hundred casualties and a few thousand victims.

On top of it, what doesn't blow up crashes. So yes, there was a train collision near Landhi today also. Schools are closed, Cinemas aren't safe, Markets are deserted, People are glum... The mood in general is sombre.

The question remains, Shall I hope or shall I give it all up?? Where as every logical bone in my body (I dont have many of those) screams that I should, that I should try finding a way out somehow, that things will only get worst and so on so forth... The simple fact is, the only thing I have left that gets me going every day is hope and giving that up is perhaps worst than giving up on myself... it is giving up on everyone and everything I have known in this life and cared about.

The way I see it is very simple. I am not going to give up. I am not going to give up hope that this country and its people will be happy again! I will stand resilient to the point of pure annoyance. I mean what do I really have to lose? The war here is not of bombs and ammunition, it is about who believes more... If there are people who are insane enough to believe in something utterly groundless so pationately that they are willing to blow themselves up and end their lives, why should I not be insane enough to live my life to the fullest every day!

I am not denying that times are difficult, I am not asking anyone to be oblivious (despite that fact that I propagate paying less attention to our local news channels) all I am asking is, to live on and don't let your heart die before you do! At the end of the day, it is a battle of belief. And the one standing last will be the one who didn't give up!

Support for the troops

Courtesy: DAWN.com

RECENTLY, I was standing in the immigration line at Atlanta’s international airport along with dozens of arrivals to the US from South Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Nearby, Americans were also lining up to re-enter their country.

While we waited, a flight carrying International Security Assistance Force (based in Afghanistan) troops set down. With no need to clear immigration, the troops, in army fatigues and carrying backpacks, walked through the arrivals hall in sporadic batches.

As each group passed the line of foreigners, they were met by deathly silence, piercing stares, rolling eyes or deep sighs. As they reached the Americans, though, there was an explosion of cheers, applause and hooting.

Throughout my recent trip to the US, I was reminded of that country’s unwavering backing of its armed forces. Walk into Starbucks, and you’ll be asked if you want to donate instant coffee to the troops this morning. Get on a bus, and the man across from you will be sporting an ‘I support the troops in Afghanistan’ button.

Pick up a women’s magazine, and the ‘guy of the month’ will be a serving officer. And this in a country where, according to a recent Gallup/USA Today poll, 45 per cent of the population does not favour a troop surge in Afghanistan.

Here, in Pakistan, a similar outpouring of support for our army is made impossible by that institution’s longstanding entanglement with civilian politics. Writing on these pages, Shandana Khan Mohmand rightfully asked, ‘why, after all these years, are we not able to differentiate between the army’s rightful role as defenders of Pakistanis, and its wrongful role as a political force?’ In this moment, however, it’s essential that Pakistanis learn to see the difference.

In the wake of the GHQ attack, troop morale must have been compromised. In Waziristan, the jawans are ill-equipped, dealing with stiff resistance from Uzbek and TTP fighters, and toiling under the knowledge that their 3:1 ratio against the area’s militants is probably not enough to decisively win this battle. They have been described as American mercenaries and are being held responsible for the mass displacement of thousands of people. Their deaths — like those of the militants they’re battling — are becoming statistics.

It also doesn’t help that recent setbacks in Swat — after what was described as a victory over the Taliban — have clarified that there’s no such thing as a conclusive victory when it comes to counterterrorism operations. And days into the Rah-i-Nijat push, the thought of a new frontline emerging in Punjab has to be an exhausting proposition.

Under these circumstances, the army, in its role as the defender of Pakistanis, should be backed by nationwide support. Before the Waziristan operation was launched, the political leadership expressed its support of the army. Talking heads on television acknowledge that we are relying on the army to ‘save’ us. And last week, traders in Rawalpindi brandished banners supporting the army. But don’t the foot soldiers deserve more?

Ironically, Pakistan’s failure to stand by its troops in a time of war is a direct consequence of the army’s omnipresence as a political force. Any support the public has recently expressed for the army has been in its political capacity; this, in turn, has negated the public’s backing of the army in its current role as the nation’s defender.

Consider the ongoing brouhaha surrounding the Kerry-Lugar act. Though widely read as a symptom of endemic anti-Americanism, opposition to the act was also a demonstration of regard for the army as a political institution that need not be checked by the civilian government.

Instead of bolstering public and official support for the army during Rah-i-Nijat, campaigns against the act have heightened tensions between the government and army, and forced civil society to dwell on the army’s many undemocratic indiscretions at a time when we should be grateful for their sacrifices in the battlefield.

Similarly, Interior Minister Rehman Malik’s recent comment about terror attacks being orchestrated by India toes the army’s political line, but does the troops on the ground a disservice. Knee-jerk, anti-India rhetoric is the hallmark of Pakistan’s military-dominated foreign policy. But it also muddies the waters with regard to the Waziristan offensive.

If the public is to believe that India is responsible for this country’s predicament, then the ongoing operation seems misguided — an example of kowtowing to American demands while real trouble brews on the eastern border.

Headlining India also confuses the public perception of the army’s real intentions in Waziristan. After all, some might wonder, if India is the real threat, why should the army fully eradicate the strategic assets it has been cultivating all these years.

The fallout of such politicking is less support — in both figurative and real terms — for our troops at the frontlines. For example, Maulvi Sher Mohammad, the founder of an anti-Taliban Mehsud militia, recently refused to fight alongside the army in Waziristan, claiming that he did not fully trust the military’s motives.

As attacks become more audacious, Pakistanis need to stand by the troops confronting the militants head on. One of the first ways to do this is by not raising objections to the new US defence bill, which will provide $2.3bn in the coming fiscal year. The bill requires that this money be monitored, but that’s not always a bad thing.

At the moment, the US is holding back important equipment, such as helicopters and satellite phone jamming equipment, needed to fight militants because of the Pakistan Army’s past financial lapses and history of turning a blind eye to Taliban attacks against US troops (a consequence of its political stance).

If confident that the army is committed to countering terrorism, the US will share equipment and intelligence with Pakistan. Such resources will help the army better defend this country, and reposition Pakistan as a partner — not a client state — in the war against terror.

huma.yusuf@gmail.com

The Law is, that there are no Laws…..

I have only just started discovering what the cyclists on our roads experience,  that is because somewhere in the recesses of my memory lies the experiences of my youth; when in school and college one first rode on the rear carrier or the cross bar of the bike ridden by a domestic employee, then one graduated to one’s own 2 wheels with pedal power; later in college to be replaced by 2 wheels driven by a 200 cc petrol engine, my trusty Triumph Tiger Cub.

During all those years on 2 wheels, we youngsters not only respected the laws of the road, by were also respected by other road users; we had lights on our bikes and reflectors on the rear mud guards, double-savaree was not permitted, so the 2^nd rider would jump off the minute a constable came into view! Otherwise, it meant one or a number of punishments; first timers were made to be a murga on the side of the road till the cop felt you had learnt your lesson, repeat offenders would have the air let out of the tires and made murgas, while hardened offenders would actually end up at the police stations!!!

The tongas in those days were the main form of transport, and even they were strictly monitored, like, their oil lamps had to be lit before sunset, and they were challaned for over loading goods or people, yes! They would attempt that to make a few extra rupees.

Vehicle drivers were cautious in the way they drove their machines, from army trucks to motorbikes and everything in between. So, we the cyclists felt comfortable riding around all over the city without the slightest fear of being hit by any other road user, not that it never happened, mind you.

So, recently I took the plunge and acquired a bicycle! And took to the roads of the Lahore Cantonment, to begin a new road experience; what I have encountered and concluded is that the cyclist is the most vulnerable of all the road users! For starters they should have been born with an additional set of eyes at the back of their heads! Then they have to forget that there are rules that every user abides by, and remember that the rules of the jungle apply!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have concluded that I need to share with the reader my conclusions and expose the worst offenders on the roads, they are listed below in and ascending order worst at the top.

1. Drivers of Public/Private Carrier vehicles from mini pickups/buses to large trucks/buses
2. Vehicle drivers using cell phones while they drive
3. Employed drivers of private cars/vans
4. Youngsters, some even under age, on m’ bikes/cars
5. Entire families of 4-6 individuals on 1 m’ bike
6. Female learner drivers
7. Elderly drivers
8. The rest who carry out conversations like they are in their drawing rooms totally oblivious of the developing situations on the roads

It is with much sadness that I have to admit that my decision to use a bicycle for short trips around the Cantonment was not a good one so I am hanging up my helmet and my safety vest for now! But I do want to stress that as a result of this eye opening experience I very much wish to be part of a movement to force the Authorities to formulate a stricter modus operandi to manage the traffic on the roads.

May I humbly suggest that they take a leaf out of the Emirates Police’s book? I have lived there, so I know! They run their own driving school, that way they ensure that the standards and regulations are maintained to a level that guarantees drivers have the ability and skills to use their roads!

So far the track record of the Highway/Motorway Police is very impressive! And I would very seriously suggest that they be given the responsibility and task, country-wide, to set up driving schools to ensure that future drivers are trained to obey the Laws and rules as well as create awareness in them, that courtesy on the roads is mutual!

In addition to that I suggest that all violators henceforth not only be fined but forced to take up a refresher course to ensure they learn what they were never taught in the first place! And thereby qualify to retain their licenses. It is only then that we can look forward to a better driving environment and perhaps my grand children will be able to dust off and use my helmet and safety vest to ride on a bicycle with some safety!

Miracles are known to happen! you know…

With Love from Lahore

A Pictorial Journey of Lahore through the eye of mobile phone camera. Random things we take for granted and the world doesn't know about us.

Lahoris love their food and Pizza Hut loves us enough to localize their Pizza!!

*** This Message Has Been Sent Using BlackBerry Internet Service from Mobilink ***

The Green Ribbon Movement.

As the brave sons of the Pakistan soil take steady steps forward in crushing forces of extremism that have terrorized our nation... Let us join hands and stand together as one nation. TCT urges you to tie green ribbons on your gates, around your arms, outside your windows... fly the Pakistani flag high and proud.

One step by a brave soldier is a step by 170 million Pakistanis. Let them know they are not alone, an entire nation stands firm behind them. Pakistan Hamesha Zindabad!

Aik Alif - Saein Zahoor and Noori. Coke Studio Season 2

Pakistan faces a new 9/11 everyday. Terror may have victimized our homeland but it has not silenced our voices... Enjoy a Masterpiece by TCT's favourite musician 'Ali Hamza'of the Noori Band. There are lessons for all of us in these beautiful verses, written by Bulleh Shah. Find out more about Noori at: http://nooriworld.net/

Maheen Khan, Deepak Perwani, Rizwan Beyg @ Milan Fashion Week.

Courtesy: Dawn.com

Everything else aside, Pakistan has finally made it to one of the major fashion weeks in the world — a fact that we should applaud and be proud of.

Fashion gurus Maheen Khan, Rizwan Beyg and Deepak Perwani showcased their collections at the Milano Moda Donna (women’s) Spring/Summer 2010 season, organised by Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. The buzz surrounding them showing at MFW had been going on for the past year, and to see it finally happen was indeed heartwarming. According to All Eyes on Asia by Francesca Fearon (published earlier in the Abu Dhabi-based daily, The National), Maheen Khan told her, ‘A year ago, I was approached by our ambassador in Rome to send her as many portfolios of designers as I could within a week. I did and here we are, unbelievably, heading for Milan!’

The collections were well-put together, were uniquely different and strongly reminiscent of each designer’s signature style. Maheen’s prêt collection was an amalgamation of solid colours ranging from white, orange, grey, red and yellow and contained her love for sleek, pleated shalwars. ‘I had been advised many years ago, ‘Look, we have a Dolce & Gabanna, Valentino and Armani. We don’t want one more. Give us something new’. We must represent Pakistan because that’s what it’s all about,’ said Maheen. ‘I call my collection The Khyber Mail, based on the Khyber. I just thought I’d take all the embroidery from that area, the little kotis and shalwars that run through Pakistan. My focus was on the mountainous areas.

‘Shu is the wool from the mountain goat which is spun on the yarn and they make woolen fabric from it. That’s what these traditional hats (pukhkol) are made of. I went to Bohri Bazaar and I was told that it couldn’t be done, and then I found one guy who could make it for me in khaddar, satin, etc. I used these hats throughout the show. I personally think that all of us got an amazing response from Milan.’

Beyg’s collection carried his signature use of white and was perhaps the most ‘western’ in sensibility as the outfits, in essence, left the torso of the models bare with most of the skirts sporting a large bow in the front.

‘Deepak, myself and Maheen met and we talked about it,’ said Rizwan Beyg about coming up with the collection. ‘I think we kind of wanted to show the different faces of Pakistan. We all have our strengths—my strength is couture, so I decided to do a demi-couture line. Deepak did a very young, colourful hip line and Maheen did very understated-elegance.

‘I decided that since Deepak and Maheen were going to do colour, I was going to do monochromatic because it’s very much my style. After my last Ensemble show which was in ivory, I decided I was going to do something in white because it was for Spring/Summer 2010, if not then I would have done it in black because I’m a very black-and-white kind of a person.

‘My entire collection was done out of a bedding material called niwar, and I used that to create texture. I worked with the women of Haripur Hazara to do the crochet because the whole collection was based on these two things, and then we embellished it with pearls. The concept was ‘from the rural to the runway’.’

Perwani’s collection stemmed from his D Philosophy line and featured the designer’s use of local dastarkhwan and ajrak prints over white fabric, tastefully put together over western-styled outfits. The almost mid-thigh, voluminous pleated dress and the heavily embroidered black jacket over a pair of red shorts stood out in the collection. Deepak seemed to have made an impact with his collection being repeatedly mentioned in international fashion blogs.

‘There were design guidelines that you had to follow in terms of trends for Spring/Summer 2010,’ he said. ‘You had to be practical as well in what you were making as Milan is all about serious business. So the outfits had to be according to trends predicted for 2010, such as colours, etc. There was brilliant work and a lot of cutting-edge design, and at the same time there were lot of shows that were all about making a splash on the ramp.’

However, the thing that struck as odd to many in the local fashion circles was that these well-established designers chose to show their collections in the New Upcoming Designers (N-U-De) category at Milan Fashion Week. It was suggested that the ‘new’ in the category referred to those who are new to the international market. Even if that was the case, all three designers had shown at various international fashion weeks ranging from Bosnia, Colombo, Dubai, etc.

Francesca Fearon stated in her article (All Eyes on Asia) the reason for establishing the category as: ‘Mario Boselli, the chairman of Camera della Moda Italiana, explaining the reasons for establishing N-U-De, said that the body was looking for creative designers who are not widely known in the outside world but who have a lot to express. The initiative was launched in 2005 to help new Italian and international designers and young fashion brands: ‘The initiative reflects the search for renewal of the whole fashion system helping the new generation in their professional path. The designers who will be participating are leading ones who we think are worthy of being supported in their jobs — in particular now that Italy and the international market are ready to welcome the innovations coming from apparently far-away cultures’.’

If one investigates the entrants in this category, including those who participated from India — namely Atsu Sekhose and Azara (Alpana & Meeraj Chauhan) — one finds that each designer brand was not older than three to five years. Rizwan Beyg and Maheen Khan are pioneers in the Pakistan fashion industry, having launched themselves in the late ’80s, with Deepak Perwani breaking into the local fashion scene in the mid-90s. With all three also the board members of the Karachi-based fashion council, Fashion Pakistan (FP), some in the industry feel that they should have used this opportunity to nurture and promote the many new designers who are also FP members and eligible for the N-U-De category at MFW.

‘It (N-U-De) was initially for a lot of young graduates that they promoted,’ explained Rizwan. ‘This year they decided they were going to initiate this whole thing with Southeast Asia, and they had a lot of entries but they short-listed four nations which was Columbia, Russia, India and Pakistan.’

Deepak added, ‘The N-U-De category has been established for designers who are showing in Milan for the first time. You are only in this category for the first two years. If you look at it, you’re showing along with the likes of Giorgio Armani and they want designers who can do some serious business, and not just some bachchas.’

‘The Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana is a trade body registered with the government, and they’re not going to break their rules to accommodate Pakistan,’ added Rizwan Beyg. ‘Actually, from India Tarun Tahiliani was showing. I met Sumeet (Verma) at MFW who was representing the Indian council, and he told me that Tarun feels that the Indian market is a better market than going international because their sales are so high. So, in that respect, there is no controversy because Camera Moda is not going to break their laws to accommodate Pakistan.’

One Karachi-based fashion designer Nomi Ansari who qualifies for N-U-De had this to say when approached by Images on Sunday, ‘Maheen (Khan) had approached me and she was very much interested in having me show at Milan but at that time I was caught up with Eid orders. I wanted to go, but I couldn’t. I think that now that these people have gone, others will get the opportunity... I think they’ve opened the doors for others to show as well.

‘MFW is a serious platform. It’s not for people who want to become famous, it’s for those who want to do serious business. I think the people who went not only have great design sensibility — you can see that in their collections at MFW — but they also have operations to back orders up. A major problem with completely new designers would be that they might not be able to do that.’

‘We had sent around 11-13 portfolios to Milan and apart from that, we never chose ourselves, the Camera Moda selected us. They had our entire profile and the year we started,’ said Maheen.

‘We submitted our portfolios and got selected,’ said Deepak about going to Milan. ‘The response has been fantastic, Pakistan was very popular there, and we got a standing ovation. If you see international press and media and the kind of feedback we’ve been getting, it’s phenomenal.’

‘Well, I think the hysteria was only when we found out that we were going. That was the time of jubilation. The portfolios were sent a year in advance and it’s a long, hard process,’ said Rizwan, ‘I think we were all worried about Pakistan’s credibility in an international, important event such as MFW. We were very fortunate that the four of us got chosen. The fourth designer who didn’t go was Nilofer Shahid.’

Why didn’t she participate? ‘She’s preparing for Paris because she’s taking part in one of the events there. They have a major accessory show there and she was preparing for that. She had to prioritise,’ explained Rizwan.

Veteran fashion designer Faiza Samee, a prominent name in the industry and one of the directors of the Karachi-based fashion council, when approached, said, ‘I received an email about this from India almost a week ago, because they also had designers participating in the N-U-De category for new, upcoming designers. I have to admit I was a little surprised.’

However, careful not to take credit away from the collections that were shown at the MFW by the Pakistani designers, she added, ‘I believe they did very well at Milan and put forth a marvelous collection on the ramp, which makes us all proud of them as Pakistanis. Rizwan Beyg told me his collection was very well received over there.’

Considering that the designers who showed had gone through a ‘selection process’, Faiza sounded somewhat perturbed, ‘I was shifting though channels the other day and I chanced upon Maheen Khan’s interview to Ayeshah Alam. I was surprised when she mentioned that 12-13 designer portfolios were submitted for MFW and only Maheen, Rizwan and Deepak’s were selected. To be absolutely honest, I am also one of the directors of Fashion Pakistan and I certainly was not made aware of any such submission, or about participation in any category for MFW.’

‘Well, I think it’s great,’ said Andleeb Rana Farhan, fashion editor and a regular at fashion weeks abroad while commenting on the participation. ‘Whenever Pakistan is represented in a positive way, in whichever field, it’s obviously something we should be proud of.’

‘There is something I strongly believe in,’ said Rizwan finally, ‘I think that at the end of the day we’ve opened the door for others to come in. Because we were articulate, we went and we put such a strong case for Pakistan. Mr Boselli came to us after the show and said ‘complimente! complimente! complimente!’ I think this is something that we, as founder members of Fashion Pakistan, would love to see all over and promote our younger members.’

‘This has been a ground-breaking event in the Pakistan fashion world. I feel now doors will open for all of the designers. And next year, I’ve already spoken to Tasneem Aslam (Pakistan’s ambassador to Italy) who said ‘You guys have to come again’,’ added Maheen. ‘But Mario Bocelli was very clear that whoever comes has to prove him or herself in the fashion world.

‘MFW, in turn, has created an interest in Karachi Fashion Week. Beth Sobol emailed to tell us that she wants to come… and I also got a call from French National TV asking about it. I personally don’t know if I am going to go next year, this is about building your place in fashion and I think I’ve done my bit by opening the door. I would like to see somebody else go in my place. I would love to assist any designer who’s going, because this is going to be a collective effort for anyone who’s participating. Either we do it for our country or we don’t,’ she said.

Slackistan: All the you don't know about Pakistan.

Too Good! Just had to share it!

How to end the confusion about the sighting of the moon
                     By Muhammad Abd al-Hameed

Americans might have walked on the moon but our mullas have
the will power to make it appear on the horizon whenever they
want.
      Every year, the mullas in NWFP manage to make the moon
appear in parts of their province one day ahead of the rest of
the country. At least in this matter, the NWFP alone enjoys full
provincial autonomy. In fact, its Provincial Assembly some time
ago recommended the abolition of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal
Committee so that the federal government ceases to have any
control over the moon.

    The present NWFP government wants us to follow Saudi Arabia
in sighting the moon. But they have a secretive method that they
never disclose. We could as well allow a free for all for
sighting the moon.

    During the MMA government, according to the then provincial
minister for religious affairs, Amanulla Haqqani, 40 people in
the province saw the Ramzan moon. This year also about 40 pious
people claimed to have seen the moon. Is it a coincidence or a
minimum required number for sighting the new moon? some mystery

It must be a very shy moon indeed that so few could see it out of
millions of people living in the area. Perhaps it came down to
earth in the guise of a moon-faced damsel (chand chehra), wrapped head to toe in a burqa. It knocked at the door of everyone of those 40 pious people (who met the religious standards for giving reliable evidence), lifted the veil to show its face for a few seconds and then moved on to the next door.
     

Why does the moon alone cause so much problem-and that too
on the beginning and end of the Ramzan? Let us consider some
related aspects to put the problem in proper perspective and find
a way out:
a.    The Holy Qur'an does want us to see the moon with our eyes
but it also wants us to see the difference between white and
black threads before ending our eating at sehri. If moon has to
be sighted with our eyes, why watches should be used for ending
sehri?
b.  Iftar is to take place after the sun has set in. Do we go on
the rooftops to see when the sun sets in actually?
c.    The times for daytime prayers are also linked with the sun.
There were no watches for the first 13 centuries of Islam. Why do
we only now calculate the times for prayers by watches and no
longer depend on the sun?
d.  In Sri Lanka, there is a public holiday on the 14th of every
moon because the date is of great religious significance to the
majority community, the Buddhists. The Government calculates the 14th day of every lunar month and announces in advance the
holidays for the whole year. No holiday has ever been on a wrong
date. The two Eids are also national holidays in Lanka and the
Government declares their dates at the beginning of every year.
The Muslims in that country never have a Eid on a wrong date,
however carefully they may look for the new moon.
e.    It is possible to calculate precisely the date of a new
moon a thousand years in advance. We can easily have the
calculations for every lunar month from the beginning of the
Hijri calendar to the next thousand years. Unless we do that, we
can never use the Hijri calendar in place of the Christian one.
    

The alternatives. The government should ask the mullas a
straight question: Do they reject the use of all modern
technologies, including astronomical calculations for determining
the sighting of new moon? If they reply in the negative and
prefer to go back to the early days of Islam, the Government may
take several steps to deny them the use of all modern
technologies:
a.    The use of clocks and watches in their mosques will be
banned. The mullas will calculate the prayer times as was done 14
centuries ago.
b.  The loudspeakers will be removed from their mosques and
their use will not be allowed even for azan. Let the muezzin
climb up the minaret and use the full power of his vocal chords,
just as muezzans did until early part of the 20th century.
c.    For deciding the end of sehri time, they will observe a
white and a black thread until they are able to see the
difference, as specified in the Holy Qur'an.
d.  Only oil lamps will be used in mosques, as electricity will
be disconnected.
e.    In future mosques will have only mud walls and simple
thatched roofs.
f.    The mullas will go for Haj only on camels or horses, via
Iran and Iraq.
     

If the mullas come to their senses and conclude that they
cannot live without modern instruments and technologies, the
Government may
a.    disband all central and zonal Ruet-i-Hilal Committees.
b.  issue a calendar in the beginning of every year, giving
dates for the start of all lunar months.
c.    make it an offence to make any public announcement about
the appearance or non-appearance of the new moon.
     

If some mulla violates the law, he may be sent behind bars
for whole of the lunar month for which he makes the announcement.
Then we shall see whether he hates modern technology so much that he prefers to see the moon only with his own eyes and does not mind, as we say in Urdu, seeing stars in daylight in jail.

I say dig him up and clone him!!

THIS IS THE WAY IT SHOULD BE..........

Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.

The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri. His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.

When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year..

After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.

When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."

Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."

As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.

Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale. (sic. Illinois )

Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!
I say dig him up and clone him!!

Shortages in Public Protection, Water and God Knows what else!

These days we are so bombarded by the Media about the shortages that we are facing, that we can no more react appropriately! Therein lies the salvation of the Government, as long as the public are so dazed by all the chaos eminating from the shortage drama, we the people can t recover and react to bring down the government and throw out the useless people who have failed to give us the stability we so desperately need!

The crimes against citizen’s lives has shot up! never before have we read, heard, and learnt of people being murdered as we do now! In short the agency paid to protect the public has failed! Police is too occupied providing protection to public servants and politicians, they have less or no time for us, the people of pakistan who pay their wage bills, ie their fancy bungalows, their latest cars their allowances, cell phones, and heaven knows what other perks they sneak off with !!!

The Sugar & Flour crisis has also been manipulated by the landed and industrial mafia who also sit in the halls of power, it is my submission, that all these so called shortages are attempts to buldoze their demands down the people and governments throat, where they already have support so the ones that end up getting hit the hardest are the lowest of the low who already barely survive! Manipulation is the name of the game! another one that raises its ugly head is the Petroleum Price! dont forget them!

While on the subject of shortages, the other day the PM got the opportunity to drop a couple of clangors! in a very nonchalant manner in passing! Yes I have already shared my concerns with you on the gravest crisis yet to shake up our Motherland, WATER . I dont just mean drinking water, I mean waters of our rivers that have already begun to run dry and  villages are cropping up on the alluvial soil of their beds!

For those of you who had yet to see the light of day back in 1962, the Indus Water basin Treaty will hold no significance except the comments that are made in passing; at the time, as public servant had the guts to question the then government about their plans to sign the treaty, he was subsequently threatened with his life, and told to stay silent, and to his dying day he spoke of the wrong that was perpetuated through its signing. He was none other than the renowned Masud Khaddarposh, the only public servant who spoke in the interest of the down-trodden and the harm to the Motherland, his notes of dissent on the Hari repost and the Indus water Treaty are on record for all to see.

The proof of that specific meeting on the treay are the two photographs recording the presence of Field Marshal M Ayub Khan, President of Pakistan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Foreign Minister of Pakistan in a meeting with Key Establishment officials at the Civil Services Academy, in 1962. In one shot Mr. Masud is seen questioning the aspects of the treaty that concerned him most.

Today we see and hear of the impending doom that is to hit this country, thanks to key people who were paid millions by the Indians to stop the Kalabagh dam from being built! Our salvation lies in that dam we must see the light! and we must build that dam!