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!

I Spy: Geo to Aisey - Sadaf Zarrar

Years ago, while still in college... I took journalism as one of my primary elective subjects and was exposed to the concept of Yellow Journalism for the first time. A naive, and for the lack of a better adjective, unexposed college student that I was, I only associated the Tabloids to this concept, thinking that Yellow Journalism perhaps was the mirror publishing pictures of Lady Diana on a beach with Dodi Fayed or even worst Papparazzi's hunting down celebrities for intimate shots that they could then sell for millions.

As you can tell I was ignorant. But now that I look back, I fully understand the meaning of 'Ignorance is a Bliss'. Years later, after consciously deciding to stop watching any local news channels (Barring a couple of shows here and there) a few months ago, I ache for the blissful ignorance that I once considered a curse.

I look with envy at the foreign media. The same foreign media I blamed for partial reporting, the media that the Pakistanis have long attributed to Jew financing and brewed conspiracy theories about. Yes, I envy it. I wish we had a media that was so partial to the greater National interest of Pakistan.

I look at CNN and BBC and Sky and sadly even at Fox. In all these years of watching these news channels, I have personally never seen the dead body of a fallen American Soldier, I have never seen them ridiculing their own President or the over National interest of their country, I have never seen crying, bleeding people and I have never seen the Skin strewn off the face of a Suicide Bomber... So for everything I have blamed these channels for, the one thing that I can never blame them for is being Anti America or working against the National interest of their own country. I have seen each and everyone of the above on our channels.

Some may argue that it is because we are a country partially at War, but then so are they. It is what we choose to project, and how we choose to position outselves.


I had a chance encounter with an extremely intelligent head of a leading local news channel some months ago. I am personally extremely impressed with him and his vision, I wish I could say the same about his channel. He gave a long speech about raising the morale of the nation and when asked if he partially took the responsibility for lowering the morale of the nation to begin with he said 'when you clean a room after many years, the dust goes up and the whole house gets dirty before it gets cleaned'. I'm assuming that is as much as he could have said in admitting that yes he was indeed partially responsible... I do however have to say one thing, while cleaning a very dirty room, please keep the door closed till the dust settles that way your whole house does not have to get dirty.

I often wonder what I would do if I had the power that the GEOs or the ARYs or EXPRESSs of this country have. Perhaps I am inexperienced and gullible in assuming that I could have changed this country!

I often wonder what I would do if I had the power that the GEOs or the ARYs or EXPRESSs of this country have. Perhaps I am inexperienced and gullible in assuming that I could have changed this country! Most probably, I am not. I would attribute a significant percentage of the programming to building civic sense and concern amongst people, Tarbiyat of this nation (not Taleem), yet another chunk to General Knowledge and a world wide view... And yes, the News.

I am perhaps living in Utopia and away from the realities that actually take a driving seat in shaping a news channel. But then I am a little bit idealistic, and shamelessly so. Our country needs as much optimisim and idealism as possible!

I would tell people that they have something to look forward to, something to live for not just day to day but generation to generation. I would make people believe in them as I believe in them. In a country where the level of education is as low as ours, there is additional responsibility on the Media to ensure that they impart knowledge.

I would tell people that they have something to look forward to, something to live for not just day to day but generation to generation. I would make people believe in them as I believe in them.

In a country where the level of education is as low as ours, there is additional responsibility on the Media to ensure that they impart knowledge... Standing in Lines, Helping your Neighbours, Keeping your Cities Clean... Unfortunately, for this to happen a Channel has to believe in Nation Building almost as much as Building ratings.

I also know a few people in the media who were willing to do such a campaign.... provided they found a lucrative corporate sponsor!

I must acknowledge, the channels have spread massive awareness during the times of the Earthquake, the IDP situation and also the Chief Justice movement

I have vented enough and where there is bad, there is also good... which I must acknowledge. The channels have spread massive awareness during the times of the Earthquake, the IDP situation and also the Chief Justice movement (at the end of which they all claim to take the credit for), the were the flagbearers in raising concern over Swat through the flogging incident... But yes good has been done. It reiterates my faith in the power of media. I once recall Pervez Musharraf stating something to the effect that he had given media enough liberties so it could keep a check on the government and leaders for the people. I will not get into the politics or background of this statement, but without a doubt I can say that Media is perhaps the strongest force in this country right now, more free and more strong than anywhere in the world.

Being a marketing professional, I will also commend the brand equity the News channels have developed in such a short time. The movement spearheaded by GEO, has seen the formation of some of the strongest brands in the country, each standing for its unique individual positioning.

A few days back, as Pakistan was steadily moving towards the worldcup victory, a friend of mine forwarded me a message saying 'Geo to Aisey'. I agree. That annoying little Mr Jeem was actually fairly, idiotically entertaining that night, because it was celebrating with me... urging me to pray... urging us to unite as a nation. That is the Mr. Jeem I like... The one that every now and then does talk sense!

All my foreign friends as well as relatives who watch the local beams think we're a day away from doom

I, as an individual viewer, urge the Channels to watch their content, to promote what is in the best interest of Pakistan. To please project the country in a fair light (all my foreign friends as well as relatives who watch the local beams think we're a day away from doom). One can counter argue that given the high ratings of these channels, that is what the people want to see. I firmly disagree, No one wants to see dead policemen at Manawa, No one wants to see Dead Bodies at a Suicide Bomb Site... If we do, we have been desensitized as a nation, and the media has a responsibility to make us feel and think and love and care.

I have to give full credit to the Pakistani media for becoming the force that it has, It must have and must continues to toil to be where it is... many battles, imprisonments, sacrifices... But as Uncle Ben (sorry spidey) would say: With great Power, comes great Responsibility.

I must clarify here that I firmly believe in freedom of media and allowance of expression. Ironically, I agree with a line quoted by a young media head to me almost as much as I disagree with the course the media has taken in general... He quoted 'I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend till death your right to say it'. So yes, despite my self imposed Media Blackout, I believe in... GEO Jawan, GEO Pakistan, each and everytime it flashes on my TV screen!

I hope these channels do too.
Pakistan Hamesha Zindabad!

I Spy: Blame it on Lahore, An invitation to visit the City - Sadaf Zarrar

Each week since this blog started, I eagerly await to post my column. Each week my mind is bustling with ideas on what I want to talk about... That unfortunately, didn't turn out to be the case this week. I have to very selfishly, blame it all on Lahore.

My love affair with this city started back in 1996 when I came to take an entrance exam at National College of Arts which fortunately or unfortunately I didn't pass. I had decided long before the result that I wasn't going back to Kharian/ Islamabad both of whom I called home. And hence went ahead an enrolled myself at Kinnaird College.

I fondly remember Lahore as my grandparents town while I was growing up and associated all things fun to it. The most fun of all being the Hico Truck! Back in the day, the ice cream wasn't available on retail and just the thought that Nano would have called Hico people to have a load of ice cream delivered to satisfy the bottomless pits of stomachs that her grand kids had, pretty much made our holiday... But then that wasn't all...

How can I tell you about Lahore in a way that it would do justice to this town? I can not even figure out where to start. So I will start by telling you about the famous Punjabi saying 'Jinney L'ore Nai Wakhiya Jamiya Nai', roughly, it means 'You're not truly born if you haven't seen Lahore'.

Located on the banks of once the Mighty River Ravi, Lahore is often called the Garden of Mughals because of its rich Mughal heritage. It is also often called the cultural heart of Pakistan, as it is the center of Pakistani arts, films and intelligentsia and also as the City of Colleges... I am sure there are many other names this city goes by also. To me it simply is... Home.

This particular time, was like any other. Having lived in Lahore long enough before moving to Islamabad a couple of years ago. I take it for granted mostly, No visits to the touristy destinations for me, nor any shopping sprees unless absolutely required, I don't indulge in cultural activities unless I am bored to death but you know, not only should you visit Lahore, you should dive into the beauty and cultural diversity of this city heads first!

If you're fond of eating, and trying out various cuisines... You're in the right City. Lahoris are known for their love of food and eating. While Lahore has a great many traditional and modern restaurants, in recent years Western fast food chains have appeared all over the city. Recently the food streets in the historic locales of Lahore (Gawalmandi, Anarkali, and Badshahi) have attracted tourists. Food streets have undergone restorations and are cordoned off in the evenings for pedestrian traffic only; numerous cafés serve local delicacies under the lights and balconies of restored havelis (traditional residential dwellings). Some of the trendiest restaurants in Lahore are concentrated on the M M Alam Road in Gulberg. Here, dozens of high-class culinary outlets, ranging from Western franchises to traditional, ethnic, or theme restaurants, attract all classes of Lahore's citizens. New restaurants are constantly opening, and the business is extremely competitive. Many boisterous restaurants of Lahore are open late into the night.

The origins of Lahore are shrouded in the mists of antiquity but Lahore is undoubtedly ancient. Legend has it that it was founded about 4,000 years ago by Loh, son of Rama, the hero of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.Historically, it has been proved that Lahore is at least 2,000 years old. Hieun-tasng, the famous Chinese pilgrim has given a vivid description of Lahore which he visited in the early parts of the 7th century AD. Lying on the main trade and invasion routes to South Asia, Lahore has been ruled and plundered by a number of dynasties and hordes. Muslim rule began here when Qutub-ud-din Aibak was crowned in Lahore in 1206 and thus became the first Muslim Sultan of the subcontinent. It waxed and waned in importance during the Sultanate. However, it touched the zenith of its glory during the Mughal rule from 1524 to 1752. The Mughals, who were famous as builders, gave Lahore some of its finest architectural monuments. For those interested in History and Culture, Lahore offers the best of the Mughal era as well as British Colonial Heritage.

If you intend on shopping till you drop, once again, Lahore is it. Lahore offers the best of Desi delights in terms of fabrics, accessories, leather goods... incidently all at a price so low they are bound to turn a shopaholic out of anyone!

I have to confess, Lahore is no Party Capital of the world... But that by no means denotes that Lahories do not know how to party. Living it up Lahori style is an experience worth going through, where loud is louder and happy is happier.

I recommend you get your hosts to find you an invitation to a wedding. Considering that a normal Pakistani wedding has a few hundred guests, I am sure you won't find any trouble being welcomed with open arms. Given the famous Lahori hospitality, I doubt you'll have trouble landing an invite anywhere... But a wedding is a not just a wedding, it is a cultural experience in itself with atleast 3 functions and no end to the upper limit.

Honestly, there is so much to tell about Lahore that for this particular article, the best I can do from here on is give you pictorial glimpses of Lahore. I can however promise you, that if you visit Lahore not only will you forget to write your Friday Ed Note, you will definitly not want to come back... After all Lahore Lahore Aye (Lahore is Lahore).

I SPY: Having a Blast, Pakistan Style - Sadaf Zarrar

Recently, some friends who are due to arrive in Pakistan for an upcoming wedding inquired if it was safe to visit. Whereas I don't blame them at all for generating this query courtesy the world media mostly and the on ground situation partially, I did smile after reassuring them it would be fine. Perhaps you'll wonder why I smiled, and that was at the beautiful irony of the situation itself... People worrying about their security; yet here we are gearing to celebrate the Shadi in the true Pakistani style and colours.

This is my Pakistan. For most of you, who live here and a few of you who might be contemplating a visit or just googling Pakistan for the sheer sake of curiosity, I present to you my beloved homeland and its people... Finally, the Taliban has met its match.

I will not get into the politics of how we ended where we are now, perhaps because I firmly believe that this isn't the end to begin with. But I will tell you where we are... We are passing through a very difficult time, there is no denying that. Where we end up from here will greatly be defined as who we are... and let me tell you...

We cry when our people cry and together we laugh heartier than any nation in this world. We are the best of friends and unfortunately for the Taliban, we are also the worst of enemies.

We are a nation as colourful as the Yellow Mustard that grows in our fields, or the Red that a bride adorns, or as Green as our flag that flies, as Blue as each one of the rivers that gushes through our land. We are musical... Tablas, Dhols, Sarangis, Sitars, Bansories... you name it. We are festive, we celebrate our Eids with the same fervor that we celebrate our independence day and even Basant, We are nation that is alive... we cry when our people cry and together we laugh heartier than any nation in this world. We are the best of friends and unfortunately for the Taliban, we are also the worst of enemies. We are nation of brave women, who send their sons to war with their head high, We are a nation of brave men who will gladly give their lives three times over before letting anyone take us over!


All this is probably sounding extremely emotional to you... and it is. But that is who we are. So yes, when I say the Taliban has met its match, I say this because we cannot and will not let them win. Such is the resilience of my country and its people. We have so far survived what not many nations could... and we have come out stronger. Our people are more inspired and involved today than they have ever been.

We have so far survived what not many nations could... and we have come out stronger. Our people are more inspired and involved today than they have ever been.

For every time the cowardly jackasses blow themselves up, our people are more resolved to get rid of them. What the world sees of us today is grey, but take it from me... As soon as the sun rises you will see all the colours of this beautiful nation.

As Jarrar would say: 'Pakistan Hamesha Zindabad'

I SPY: The Light with a Voice - Sadaf Zarrar

Islamabad: As the sun set on Islamabad on 3rd June 2009, all wasn’t dark. Candle by Candle, over a hundred bearers of light got together in front of the constitution avenue and brought radiance to what could have been a dark night.

The event aptly titled ‘The Green Ribbon Vigil’ was organized by a group of local citizens who in their words ‘felt the need to mobilize the citizens of this country, show all our security forces including the Armed Forces, the Police and the paramilitary forces that we are with them and remember all those innocent victims who had lost their lives in various terror attacks’.

The gathering consisted of an array of people from various walks of life, and while some of them had relatives in the forces, most were there only owing to deep rooted patriotism. What started around 7pm as a nervous gathering of 20 odd people ended at around 9.30pm with over 120 euphoric citizens who chanted slogans of patriotism and sang patriotic songs.

The gathering consisted of an array of people from various walks of life, and while some of them had relatives in the forces, most were there only owing to deep rooted patriotism.

The highlight of the event however remained participation of Lt Omer who is a veteran of war against terror and extremism in Swat and Tribal areas. The Lieutenant who was supported by crutches owing to his war wounds spoke in a personal capacity and said that gatherings such as these would raise the morale of the troops and that it is time for the country to stand together and fight against this menace together… the Soldiers with guns and The citizens in spirit.

It is time for the country to stand together and fight against this menace together… the Soldiers with guns and The citizens in spirit.

Father of Captain Jonaid Shaheed from SSG was also present at this gathering and was given an honorary salute by all participants of the gathering for the great sacrifice his son had given.

Speeches by Capt Jonaid Shaheed’s father, Lt Omer and a family friend of Capt Waqqas Zamir Shaheed brought the whole crowd to an emotional silence and the teary eyed participants remained in awe of the great sacrifices the sons of this soil are giving for the safety and protection of this country and its people from foreign funded barbarians.

A moment of silence and prayer was observed towards the end of the peaceful gathering in remembrance of the Martyrs and the innocent victims of terror attacks and slogans were chanted towards the end to show solidarity with the Military and paramilitary forces.

‘We were 20 the last time we got together and today we’re over 120 in this gathering we will be even more next time, the youth is waking up… Pakistan is Rising… again’

The participants of the gathering vowed to not bow to terrorism. ‘We were 20 the last time we got together and today we’re over 120 in this gathering we will be even more next time, the youth is waking up… Pakistan is Rising… again’ said one of the volunteers organizing this gathering.



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Green Ribbon Vigil, Wed - 3rd June 09, 8pm Consititution Ave Islamabad

A Midnight Realization, The Cyprian Surprise & Two Inspiring Friends.

I was extremely perturbed a few days back when I saw the status of this blog. In my desperation to get something, ANYTHING positive or thought provoking about Pakistan online, I had managed a shoddy job of compilations, copy pastes and borrowed material.

The blog at best was average and despite meaning well, it was not doing justice to what I really wanted to do. As a result I sat down online and sent invitations to my friends asking them to contribute original pieces to this site. I thank Bushra and OJ immensly for taking the first steps and actually writing what I am now looking at as the only two genuine heartfelt pieces on this blog.

'I knew what I wanted to do, I knew how to do it BUT thats where it stopped. Beyond that I self curtailed my responsibility, hoping for miraculous contributions that would get my job done somehow.'

As I was going through the blog once again just now, it suddenly occured to me what the real problem was. It wasn't borrowed content, nor was it the stress of wondering when the next original piece would come by. The problem was very simple, and perhaps the same one facing the entire country right now. I knew what I wanted to do (promote thoughts of liberal, moderate Pakistan), I knew how to do it (a blog for starters) BUT thats where it stopped. Beyond that I self curtailed my responsibility to editing, hoping for miraculous contributions that would get my job done somehow.

I will shift from the topic here slightly and Thank my good friend Mr. Adnan Cyprian for helping me realise something today, Adnan perhaps is as leftist as they get and I right of centre. We have for long indulged in debates arguing on how much we varied but not once in over three years of knowing each other did we try to find a commonality. Adnan and I agreed today for the first time. Interesting, because for the first time we both stepped back... I apologized for being stubborn and emotional and he returned the gesture immediately by actually offering a very sympathetic ear. To put a long story oddly short, we realised we both want Pakistan to prosper, we just have different ways of getting about it... VERY different ways.

'If you want something done, you have to jump in yourself first for others to follow.'

Moving on, I'd like to believe most of us want no matter how much we differ amongst ourselves, want the best for this country. We have known what we want, we also have a fair idea how we can get it but for long we have relied on Governments and Leaders and Dictators to do the job for us, a lot like this blog. The point is, if you want something done, you have to jump in yourself first for others to follow. I look forward to contributing to this blog and Pakistan along with my friends who dare to take the first step.

Moral of the Story:
The power lies with us. Today is a good day to start.

TALIBAN NOT WELCOME IN PAKISTAN!