Shoot Out

I walked into work in a surprisingly good mood despite the fact that I didn’t get much sleep last night. I was in complete ‘Friday mode’ and I started catching up on e-mails when I heard my colleagues begin discussing the deadly shooting at the US army base.

As I had just read about it on my way to work this morning, I was aware that “Major Nidal Malik Hasan had opened fire on fellow soldiers at the Ford Hood military base in Texas, killing 13 and injuring 30 officers”. 

Indeed it was shocking and sad news but what infuriated me even more was that in the midst of this discussion one of my colleagues suddenly burst out and said “Of course he would do that, his last name is Hasan”.

I sat there in the middle of sipping my Diet. Dr. Pepper and just froze as I saw all eyes come towards me to see my reaction.

My early morning ‘friday mode’ bubble burst in a flash … as I sat there in complete shock & numbness.

Dreading the Inevitable

Every morning, I wake up dreading what the day ahead will bring.   

I dread switching on the news. I dread receiving phone calls. I just dread.  

I dread because I have now started to anticipate the inevitable. Another bomb blast in Pakistan. Another mother weeping. Another child crying.  

To vent my frustration and despair after Monday’s bomb blasts in Rawalpindi and Lahore, I updated my status on Facebook…“Omar Ul Haq thinks that each Pakistani should now accept the fact that this ‘democratically’ elected government has miserably failed and that the Army should step in immediately…”

As expected, there was a flood of comments on this statement within the next few hours. In the face of adversity, it was good to see such a display of passion, patriotism, and strong emotions by my fellow Pakistanis for our country’s future. 

Personally, I find it difficult to openly express myself and may even hesitate in speaking my mind at times because of my family background. Both my grandfathers, General Zia Ul Haq and General Rahimuddin Khan have an army / military background, whereas my father, Ijaz Ul Haq, has been a part of the democratically elected governments for the past 20 years. Much of what I want to say may be misinterpreted by some, hence I tend to keep my opinions to myself. However, similar to each and every other Pakistani, I also just want the best for our country. 

I have pasted the responses in the ‘comments’ section so you can take a look at the heated debate as well. Please share your views as well.

Snapshot

After the tragic earthquake of October of ‘05, Danish, a close friend from childhood and I went up to Balakot. We had taken a few sweaters, shirts, jeans, shoes, chocolates, cookies, and jelly bears for some of the earthquake victims over there. I wish that there was more we could have done while we were out there but we were only there for about 10 hours so we only could go around to meet some of the survivors in different schools, camps, and tents.

As we were driving by, I saw a few kids on the side of street and Danish and I decided to slow down and pass out some of the crisps and chocolates to the children. This picture was taken when I was slowly putting down my window to give some treats to the kids and they were leaning inside my window.

Each and every child had a story to tell.. and one that you would not want to hear.

Pity the Nation

My father sent me a poem today, which was written by Khalil Gibran in his book ‘The Garden of the Prophet’ in 1934.

We then discussed how these words were written more than 70 years ago, yet sadly still apply to so many nations today – especially Pakistan!

Please read the poem below in case you haven’t seen it before.

From: Ijaz Ul Haq
Sent: 28 October 2009 11:09
To: Ul Haq, Omar
Subject: Pity the Nation

Pity the Nation

Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion.
Pity the nation that wears a cloth it does not weave, eats a bread it does not harvest, and drinks a wine that flows not from its own wine-press.
Pity the nation that acclaims the bull as hero, and that deems the glittering conqueror bountiful.
Pity the nation that despises a passion in its dream, yet submits in its awakening.
Pity the nation that raises not its voice when it walks in a funeral, boasts not except among its ruins, and will rebel not save when its neck is laid between the sword and the block.
Pity the nation whose statesman is a fox, whose philosopher is a juggler, and whose art is the art of patching and mimicking.
Pity the nation that welcomes its new ruler with trumpetings and farewells him with hootings, only to welcome another with trumpetings again.
Pity the nation whose sages are dumb with years and whose strong men are yet in the cradle.
Pity the nation divided into fragments, each fragment deeming itself a nation.

Khalil Gibran
The garden of the Prophet (1934)

Lollywood’s Sweety, the Queen of Beauty

A few weeks ago I noticed that a lot of my friends on Facebook had posted a link to a video called “Some say I am Sweetie.” The video kept appearing on my homepage and I’ve decided to share the link with you. The song is an adaptation of an actual film song and the video seems to be an ode to our oh so curvy Lollywood heroines. While the video, accent and lyrics are hilarious, the message of the song seems to be slightly alarming.

The lyrics and the original and adapted versions of the song are below. Enjoy!

Some say I am sweetie
Some say a queen of the beauty
I am alive, heart is beating, but my soul is hurting.

 I don’t know dancing and singing
But I can’t say no to my darling
Make me partner of loving
I want to be a wife
Oh my love, for my love, I will move society
Some say I am sweetie

I want love give love my sweetie
Interest me I am love thirsty
Nothing is more attractive than your love and directive
What you want I will do
It will be my duty
Some say I am sweetie

Link to the version making rounds on facebook: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWQnj8rhUh0

Link to the original song from the movie starring Zeba and Babra Sharif: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HFa5HRUAbU

Noble enough for the Nobel?

Barack Obama has just been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. “The Nobel Committee said he won it for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples. The committee highlighted Mr. Obama’s efforts to support international bodies and promote nuclear disarmament. Mr. Obama’s spokesman said the president was “humbled” to have won the prize.” – BBC

As you may have seen on Facebook & Twitter today, a lot of people are expressing their happiness / repulsion by this news. Below, you can see what a few of my friends had to say on the matter.

Izza Farrakh – I think Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace prize to encourage/pressure/drive Obama to deliver his promise of international peace and stability. It is probably also a way to appreciate his (somewhat successful) efforts to improve the image of the United States after it reached a low point during the Bush administration. Its a little unfair to give the prize to someone who has attempted to promote peace and diplomacy for only a few months, while people who have dedicated their entire lives to the cause of international peace and stability are overlooked.  Here, it seems like the Nobel is being used to tell Obama that the world has high expectations and that he must live up to them (a Nobel shouldn’t be used in this way, and especially given to the leader of a country with two ongoing wars).  International peace and stability is Obama’s responsbility as the leader of the free world, and by promoting it, he is only doing his job. Save the Nobel for people who go above and beyond their means to devote themselves selflessly and substantially to international peace.  With a world population of almost 7,000,000,000, it shouldn’t be too difficult. 

Shaheryar Mirza – Obama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize leaves me in a state of disbelief. Firstly, it makes me question the merits of their selection committee. Let’s not forget, this is not Obama’s fault. How can a man who just took office prior to the Nobel Prize nomination deadline, possibly achieve anything Nobel prize-worthy in two-weeks? Can promises earn someone the Nobel Peace Prize? Some say the award will serve as an incentive to do more. I don’t buy that. In any case, if he achieves his lofty goals that may be worth a Nobel. But as of now I am sure there are more deserving people out there. Congratulations nonetheless. And as far as the Nobel selection team goes, this just reinforces the biases previously shown in their decision making.

PK -I don’t think BO is deserving (based on his year to date performance). However, as a Pakistani I am indifferent to this award. There are more pressing concerns that need to be addressed today. 49 people have been killed in Peshawar and more than 100 are injured. In addition, I find the continued drone attacks in our territory to be a far cry from peace.
When will we be in a position to reward someone for bringing peace to our exhausted nation?

Aleea Farrakh – Even though I am a huge Obama fan, I don’t think he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize..yet. He has not really accomplished anything substantial to be recieving one of the world’s top accolades. Even though he is initiating peace efforts globally and is taking a strong stand against nuclear arms; even his speech in Cairo was inspiring, this award is premature.  He is definitely playing a substantial role in changing the paradigm, but the war in Afghanistan is far from over and we are yet to see any results of his efforts.  Additionally, US drone attacks are still continuing in the Afghanistan/Pakistan border and no resolution has been reached. The committee should have waited before bestowing this honor to him. I am disappointed.  

UJ – I am slammed with work so won’t be able to give much thoughts today other than the sky is gray and that the Nobel Prize is now being given for future deeds…

Danyaal Hasan – I think that it is still too early to conclusively say that Obama has been a proponent for world peace. Obama definitely has a vision and largely I agree with his vision, especially his stance on nuclear expansion. However, having a vision is different from being able to effectively implement it into tangible action and consequence, which I believe is what the award measures. This is where Obama still has to prove himself, especially in South East Asia (Afghanistan and Pakistan) and whether he is able to positively influence this region is what will ultimately define his career and tell us if he really is a true proponent for peace. .

Tulu Yunus – SNL poked fun at his list of inachievments (if that’s a word)…of those that stuck, here are a few: he hasn’t closed down gitmo, he hasn’t had universal health care passed, he has generally continued the same economic policies (save the large stimulus, the effect of which is being debated), he hasn’t garnered any support from republicans on most of his initiatives, he hasn’t left Iraq, he called Afghanistan the war of necessity (or something like that) but now is debating what to do there, etc. I would’ve thought he should be able to ride the wave of enthusiasm that surrounded his inauguration and a Democratic majority in both houses on the Hill to do a lot of things he promised, very few of which he has actually done. Oh yeah, he did pass a credit card reform bill. We should certainly give him credit for that, but not a bloody Nobel. Sure, it’s early. So we should give him time to work the system. I think being given a peace prize on sheer promises is no good….he’s got a tough job, but to be awarded that, he needs to execute.

ES – One word: Mashallah

JJ Khan – I work in corporate America amongst a largely republican population.  I fly below the political radar at the office since these lines seem to be drawn in concrete and it’s simply good sense in this politically charged climate. I overheard a conversation this morning between some senior colleagues about how Obama won the prize and had done nothing to deserve it – “it is just all talk”.  I approached them and frankly said even when an international authority which is non-partisan by nature validates an American on a global scale; you still draw party lines first.  Granted Obama has not yet had the chance to act on all that he has said – but the hope and power is there.  With that in mind – maybe it is wiser to deal with the divide at home before curing the ails of the world?

What are your thoughts?

Remembering the Earthquake

Nayha Farid Khan

Time doesn’t stand for anyone. Life moves on, but there are certain events that stay with you forever. They change who you are and how you view life. The earthquake of ‘05 was that one event for me. Please see below for one of the articles I had written about that tragic day.

Remembering the Earthquake
Omar Ul Haq

“On Saturday, October 8, 2005, two buildings of the Margalla Towers –luxury apartments in Islamabad – collapsed after a 7.6 Richter scale earthquake struck at 8:53 am and lasted approx 6 minutes. More than 250 people, including foreign nationals, were buried alive under the debris of the towers and over 74,000 died in Pakistan resulting from the earthquake.”

Unfortunately, two of the innocent souls lost that day were those who were very special to us. Farid Zia Khan, my father’s best friend since nursery, was married to Hina Farid, my mother’s cousin. Their older children, Nida and Danish, are both around my age and Nayha, their youngest daughter was 8 years old. She was an angel that could melt anyone’s heart. Our families have been inseperable for as long as I can remember and our usual lunches, dinners, drives, vacations, and hanging out sessions have continued for as back as my memory takes me.

I still remember coming home on Friday, October 9th, 2005 after a long week at work, lying down on my couch, and flipping through different channels while trying to find something to watch on TV. Although I usually go out on Fridays, I had decided to stay in that night to catch up on some sleep. I began to make myself a sandwich when I received a text message from my mother saying “big earthquake in Pakistan, something wrong with Margalla Towers, Hina is not answering the telephone so I’m driving to their house. I hope Allah brings good news”. I read the text message, thought it must have been a slight tremor, and continued to make myself some dinner while watching an old episode of Friends.

An hour later, my mobile began to vibrate as I continued to receive more text messages. I leaned over and saw another message from my mother, which said “Hina and Nayha are missing, praying to Allah that everything is fine”. I didn’t really comprehend what she meant by the fact that they were “missing” and I continued to assume that there must be dozens of people standing outside the Towers and she was probably trying to find them through those crowds of people. I remembered sitting in their flat in Margalla towers a few months ago while it was pouring rain and we were ridiculing those who had built this building as we felt the tower sway from side to side. I began to wash the dishes when finally, my father called sounding extremely upset to let me know that Farid Uncle was in Lahore, Nida and Danish were in Dubai, and that Hina Aunty and Nayha were both inside the Margalla Towers when it collapsed.

Although my father had been extremely straight forward with me, I kept telling him to speed it up and find them as I was convinced they were probably standing outside the Towers, hidden amongst the crowds of people. I refused to even consider the possibility that they were in the building when it collapsed.  I decided to call Nida and Danish as I continued to get more worried because my father couldn’t provide much information regarding the situation at the time. I spoke to Nida, who was confused, scared, 7 months pregnant, and had not spoken to anyone from Pakistan as yet. She passed the phone to Danish who, also in denial at the time, chose to avoid discussing the current crisis and was instead asking me how I was dealing with the snow in Washington, DC. A few minutes later, I called back to find out if they had an update on the situation and like the rest of us, they were watching the news and could not believe that the building that CNN International was showing on repeat, the building that they called home. We briefly discussed the next available flights to Pakistan and they immediately left for the airport. Having only experienced a few tremors during my time in Islamabad, I could not even begin to imagine the extent of the tragedy taking place back home.

I didn’t know how to react, let alone comprehend what had happened. We were glued to CNN, which kept showing the collapsed Margalla Towers. I couldn’t believe that this was the same building we had spent so much time in during the last few years. Our hearts sank to see the building, the relief effort which was ridden with inefficiency, poor organization, and without any apparent leadership. It was depressing to say the least, to see Pakistan, a developing nation, trying to orchestrate a rescue effort without any proper machinery or equipment. However, we were incredibly grateful for those who had flown in from all over the world to help out in every possible way. CNN reported that they had heard voices of others trapped under the cement, but it wasn’t possible for a medical team to get to them until the debris was completely removed. At this time, Pakistan was truly in a “state of emergency” and we began to witness the entire country come together, holding hands, to fight the crisis together.

My parents called for the next two days telling us that there was still a glimmer of hope and that Hina Aunty and Nayha may have survived. We continued to pray for them. As much as I wanted to prepare myself for the worst, it just wasn’t possible at the time. I could not help but think about Farid Uncle, Nida, and Danish and what they must be going through. Nida, who was seven months pregnant at the time, needed her mother and younger sister at this crucial stage of her life and I wasn’t able to understand why God would make her go through this. Hina Aunty was a gem of a person, so full of love and energy, and anyone who had ever met her would tell you that she was the glue that kept everyone together. In the words of her brother, Nameer Ameen, she was “a woman full of life, always laughing, and making others laugh. A spiritually devoted individual who not only lived what she preached but also inspired everyone around her”. Nayha, who was truly special as well, shared a striking resemblance to her mother, and was looking forward to becoming an aunt to Nida’s baby, which was due in the next two months. And as Nameer has also said, she “had the power to steal your heart in a heart beat and had the ability to capture your love and attention no matter what. A darling of her father’s heart, she was the only one who could melt Farid Zia’s heart like no other has ever done before”.

As I was sitting with a friend in my apartment two days later glued to the television, I received my mother’s devastating text message. “Nayha passed away. I don’t know if Nida knows yet so please don’t say anything to her. Farid identified her body and I recognized her new glass slippers which she had shown me when I had gone there for lunch yesterday. No news of Hina yet, please pray for her.” My heart sank as I sat there with my mobile in my hand, tears rolling down my face, I shut my eyes, and just saw Nayha’s face. The angel had passed away and gone to heaven in such a tragic way that it was just unbelievable. Nunee Naahoo, as we all called her, had kept her first fast (roza) that day and had forced her father to make it back to Islamabad in time for Iftar to eat with her. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen and I refused to accept the fact that God had taken away this precious girl from her family.

It was not long before my mother sent a final text message saying “Hina passed away and I am leaving for the mortuary”. My mother’s sister, her cousin, her best friend, had passed away and I cannot even imagine what she must have gone through while identifying her body. Sitting in Washington DC and having to go through this with my brother Osman, my friends, and colleagues was probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to deal with in my life. I still had two months before I was able to leave the country and wasn’t sure if I would ever have the strength to face Farid Uncle, Nida, and Danish and what I would say to them.

As I arrived in Pakistan, one of the first things I did was go to their house to visit them. Driving to an entirely different side of Islamabad, a different sector, and a completely different house to visit them was strange to say the least. I was shaking, sweating, and extremely nervous as I walked in to meet Farid Uncle, Danish, and Nida, who was expected her baby any day. I didn’t have to say or do anything. I hugged them, sat with them, and relived all our memories for the next several hours. I needed to spend time with them and I can safely say that this was truly a moment of awakening for me: life could end in the blink of an eye and we should not take anything for granted. We stayed there for hours and before we knew it, it was 3:30 am. We remembered the time we were sitting in their living room in Margalla Towers a few months earlier just hanging out and Hina Aunty had come to the living room, huffing and puffing, and was trying to push us out of the door way while screaming “shahbash, ghar jao aur subah keh waqt aana”. We had pushed her back, burst out laughing, and continued to chat away with Nida and Danish while she brought some tea and breakfast for us.

Hina Farid Khan

As human beings, we can’t rewrite fate or what God has in store for all of us, however, we can at least try to understand and learn from our experiences and maybe then, we could be better-prepared and better-equipped to deal with such disasters in the future. As we all know, the destruction of Margalla Towers was no accidental tragedy. As time and investigations have proven, poor construction techniques, substandard materials, bribery, and corruption of the involved parties are the factors responsible for taking the very lives of so many and destroying so many families forever. I don’t think it will ever be possible to forget those who passed away in the Earthquake. As a tribute to them, Nameer Ameen, Hina Farid Khan’s brother, has started an NGO in their name.

Hina and Nayha Disaster Services, Pakistan (HANDS, Pakistan) is a tribute to the both of them,. They have inspired all of us to make a difference in the lives of those who need and deserve better preparedness when faced with calamities like earthquakes. HANDS aims to change the way Pakistanis are prepared to manage such disasters by proactively educating the public on the risk factors of earthquakes and other natural disasters and increasing public awareness in safety, hazard mitigation, as well as redefining construction standards in earthquake zones. In time, HANDS will hopefully provide world class search and rescue operations in the most efficient manner possible, dramatically reducing the loss of life during a calamity such as an earthquake or a flood.

We should never forget the disaster that changed our lives years ago and always remember the ones we lost with a smile. I am still amazed at how so many races, cultures, and religions came together to help our country in our time of need. May Allah grant everyone who passed away with Paradise and forgive all their sins.

Rest in peace and we shall meet soon.

Dubai, Dubai!

Noor Rizvi has just contributed to ‘Chasing Thoughts’ by sending in this incredible piece on ‘Dubai, Dubai’.  Check it out below and share your feedback in the ‘comments’ section above the post.

Dubai, Dubai
Noor Rizvi

Dubai. An emerging city, endlessly aspiring to be counted amongst the greatest in the world. Almost bordering on the hope that someday Sinatra, reincarnated as a Kondura wearing, Hardy’s eating local, would re name his eternal song ‘Dubai, Dubai’.

The era of prosperity for this ‘theme-park city’, seems to be drawing bleaker with every passing day. Entangled in the grips of recession and the credit crunch, it has more people fleeing, than coming, almost drawing parallels with the immigrants scrambling across the Mexican border. I for one, feel the city’s plight. I moved here a year and a half ago, during Dubai’s ‘boom’, when the bubble was as big as a ‘Ding-Dong’ bubblegum enthusiastically being blown by a 6 year old at a birthday party. Now that it’s popped, there is an eerie sense of denial amongst residents, almost like Ahmedinijad denying the holocaust. 

When I moved, there was that element of a ‘New city Syndrome’. I didn’t know what to expect. Coming from London, I had only stories and images of the cross bearing (apparently that’s been resolved) Burj-al-Arab, resonating in my mind. I sort of felt like a soon to be victim in a dark alley in Harlem, but only this side of Harlem was a Arab Spin off on a metropolitan version of Disney Land. The endless towering Sky Scrapers around me re-kindled images of me waiting in line at Thorpe Park as a kid hoping I ‘was this tall to sit on this ride’. It was a usual sort of a rush. A mixture of being in a new place, but at the same time not. I spoke nothing but Urdu, and the occasional bit of Punjabi slang, from the time I disembarked the flight, all the way to my hotel room, that too courtesy of the receptionist from Faisalabad. It was like being in Islamabad, only an Islamabad on steroids. None of that flimsy stuff, the kind of stuff Arnold Schwarzenegger’s dad was probably on the night he was conceived.

For the first year I lived in the old part Dubai:  Dubai’s equivalent to Heera Mandi, minus Cuckoos café, the Badshahi Mosque, and of course the dirt. I know that doesn’t sound too glamorous, but it had its charm. By no means was it shabby. Apart from sections of it being ‘Little-Kerela’, it had everything a single Pakistani guy would need. I could get anything from a bowl of Haleem to triple whopper all in the radius of a square mile. You would have an English bloke named James, living right next door to a Rajeev on the same floor. It was fantastic. Dubai turned out to be a Harlem, which was cosmopolitan and diverse. Immediately the cliché of ‘the best of both worlds’ came to mind. I felt at peace.

As a student, I couldn’t have asked for a better place than London to study. It was a city of eccentricities. A melting pot of history, culture, a crazy night life and even crazier people: the perfect recipe for an insane college experience. It doesn’t take long for one to see London is about much more then the Queen, flake ice creams… And of course Big Ben.

Dubai was going to be more of an acquired taste. That was apparent right off the bat. If a third world city and a super power were to have a love child, it would be Dubai. You have all the advantages of home, yet none of the problems. You have all of the services of the west, but with a twist. A shot of tequila without lemon. You truly have to take in certain elements with a pinch of salt. 

Dubai has hypocrisy running through its veins, and schizophrenia is its terminal illness. You can stroll out of a club at 4 in the morning, with David Guetta still blaring in your ears, only to be confronted by the sound of the ‘Azaan’ reminding you of your eventual fate. You can stroll down beaches and see hijaab clad women enjoying an afternoon stroll on the beach with their oh so controlling husbands, trying to wave off the women frolicking in bikinis around them. Sort of what Baywatch would look like if al-Qaeda got its hands on it and used it as propaganda to issue a fatwa against the west, and of course David Hasselhoff’s chest hair.

The double standards run deep here. One of Dubai’s main attractions, along with the Burj-Dubai, the sprawling deserts and the water sports to count a few, is its uncanny ability to have turned itself into the Amsterdam of the Middle East. Not to imply that narcotics are in abundance here, the very mention of it is taboo, on par with blasphemy, but Amsterdam’s notorious ‘Red-light’ culture can be spotted in abundance here. Take for instance ‘hooker row’, the aptly named (by me and a friend) patch of street which was a stones throw away from my old apartment. You would think such ‘services’ would be on display in discreet places, a dark alley perhaps, or a dingy building in the middle of no where resembling the Adam’s family home. But ‘hooker row’ is in a league of its own. Gutsy, open and for all to see. It has a bustling Subway sandwiches on one corner and a Spinney’s (the Dubai equivalent of Tesco’s) at the other end. The odd Lebanese restaurant is snuggled in between. And right in the center of foot long tuna sandwiches and falafels lays a telling sight. If you drive through and observe the activity, it is almost like being a ‘healthy’ man at a buffet line. It starts out with Africans, moves into Filipino’s, then switches course towards Russia. It resembles a cross between an ugly food chain and a Safari gone wrong. These ‘companions’ are by no means shy, in fact they are quite the opposite: assertive, often rubbing against your car and banging against the windows. It can be quite traumatic for a first timer… I almost choked on a shawarma I had gripped in my hands. The part I found most intriguing is that the authorities are not oblivious to any of this. On the contrary, out side everyone of the hot spots is a cop car parked, just standing as if helpless. If Dubai was an insurance pitch, this would definitely be one of its Ultimate Selling Points… and for many, it is.

But all is not bad in this city of dreams, although some may have ended pre-maturely due to the greed and bad policies of few (namely the fat cats of society, of which I have the prestige of being an unwilling member). Dubai has an X factor. Something hidden below that superficial façade it shrouds itself in. Just like trying to find oil in its dry fields… you’ll have to dig deep. I’ve often heard people use words like ‘plastic’, ‘fake’ and even ‘silicone’ once (I know, my reaction exactly!), to describe this place. But once you spend some time here and look beyond the obsession with consumerism, 7 star hotels and fake busts, you may just notice a slight glimmer of a soul. For everyone it may manifest itself differently: the laborers toiling in the heat laying the foundations for this metropolis, the free state provided iftar’s at every mosque in the city during Ramadan, the ability for an abundance of cultures to co-exist, the contrast of old and new, the cheap fuel, or even the dollar being pegged and the tax free environment for the capitalist in all of us. Whatever floats ones boat, Dubai definitely can provide you the current.

Dubai has always sold itself as a land of opportunity; a city searching for an identity, a model for blending traditional values with new technology. And to an extent it has done that. Considering I have just embarked on my (hopefully sparkling) career, I for one could never have had the standard of living I enjoy here, anywhere else in the world. I fortunately don’t live in Zone 6, nor commute from Tooting, leaving my house post ‘fajr’ only to ensure I miss the rush hour. I awake to the comfort of knowing that work is a metro stop away, and return home to a high rise apartment which makes me feel like I am on top of the world.

Dubai is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. After paying off an average cell phone bill one easily feels like he’s blown all his savings, short of his soul. And the monopolistic nature of the economy does little to help the cause. Despite the odd speed bump, it’s quite a smooth ride, sort of like watching someone gunning a Bugatti down Sheikh Zahid road with zero care for the speed cameras clicking away like a ‘Kodak Moment’ convention. There is that element of a rush, not knowing what the city is going to throw at you next: whether at work or post it. During the boom thousands flocked from all corners of the world, to enjoy that very high and get their hit. With all that is wrong with Dubai, there is a lot that is right as well. As Sinatra would say:

“Start spreading the news, Im leaving today
I want to be a part of it – new york, new york
These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it – new york, new york” 

Or should we all sing: “Dubai, Dubai!”… Whatever floats your boat.

Excuse my Rant, and my French!

Take a look at Danyaal Hasan’s ‘contribution’ below and please check out his brilliant Blog @ http://writeofleft.wordpress.com/

__________________________________________

Excuse my Rant, and my French!
Danyaal Hasan

So the Champions Trophy is over for Pakistan but the hangover continues. It feels like running out of tequila at a Shoaib Akhtar and Meera joint press conference. Oh God please no!

My problem isn’t the fact that we lost to a weakened New Zealand team, a country that plays its cricket on ‘Australian Football’ fields no less. My expectations were already surpassed having beaten India and almost Australia so the semi final was a bonus. It isn’t the ghastly batting display we put up either. We were due a reunion with normality and it came. It isn’t even Rana Naved and Umar Gul’s bowling, which incidentally could benefit respectively from going back to bald and retiring to T20. And it definitely isn’t the umpiring. If we refer Umar Akmal’s decision to the third umpire then we do the same with Suresh Raina’s a few days earlier. Decisions ultimately even out, just as they did here.

My problem instead is that in spite of all this we had an opportunity to win and Captain Happy dropped it. Can someone please explain to me how you drop something that Pamela Anderson could have bounced off both her silicone plated breasts and still catch in her belly button? My love hate relationship (purely plutonic) with Happy aside, this is a fuck up of such gigantic proportions that it puts the “venereal warts” incident to Hameed Dogar losing his pants shame.

To top it all, he is trying to incriminate the broken finger? To quote Happy, “This is life. It’s a matter of playing for the nation with a broken finger and that same finger, unfortunately, dropped the catch”. No you verbal diarrhea’d out moron. The ‘finger’ didn’t drop anything. You dropped it because you decided to catch the cricket ball like a dip shit. And this isn’t life. Life is female bombshells with tight arses, lesbian tendencies, and chocolate chip cookies, not hellish catastrophes.

And Happy, understand this also. If you are going to insist on being a dick then at least stop batting like a pussy. 2009 is nearly over. You have played 16 innings and only scored 2 fifties, averaging less than 25. You did fuck all this tournament and you’ve done just about that in your career so far. Grow a pair quickly and score some runs for your country.

Also while you’re at it, do the following:

(1) Feed Imran Nazir to either an alligator or Inti, who ever comes first. Either way, make sure you provide proof that he will never set foot in a cricket stadium again.
(2) Tell Umar Gul he is shit, over rated, and shit. 12 wickets in the last 10 ODIs. I rest my case.
(3) Go rent the movie Hancock and watch the scene where Will Smith shoves someone’s head into someone else’s ass. Now go do the same to Rana.
(4) Make some sense when you speak. If you know that there is no way you are going to accomplish this then just stick to smiling and praising God.

To rest of the cricket team I missed out on, apart from Mohammad Aamer and Umar Akmal, fuck you too! Also apart from Saeed Ajmal. You’re ok as well.

Rant over!

Pakistan & India – in Sweet Harmony

My friend, Sharmine Aziz, recently got married to Mutaqeen Kapasi. Although I was unable to attend the wedding, I was blown away by the pictures of the festivities. Sharmine, being a Pakistani, had the first few wedding events in Islamabad, our gorgeous home town and capital of Pakistan, followed by the rest of the events in Pune, India, which is where the groom is from. 

The wedding was an unforgettable, thirteen-day long affair where, as this was not a cricket match, both Pakistanis and Indians united in celebration in both countries!

While in India, Sharmine and Mutaqeen  had the opportunity to be photographed by Pravin Talan. Talan, as you may know, is one of the most talented and contemporary Indian photographers who has travelled the world working with many models & international brands. His use of lights, natural elements and his composition is just perfect and although I liked each and every picture of his portfolio, this was one of my favorite photographs of Sharmine and Mutaqeen …

God Must Love Cricket

Take a look at Danyaal Hasan’s ‘contribution’ below and you can also check out his Blog @ http://writeofleft.wordpress.com/

God Must Love Cricket
Danyaal Hasan

History is often misleading when interpreted without the context of how it occurred. So shall be the case with the Australia v Pakistan cricket match, in the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy group stage. For once the dust settles on its result, context will once again be key to deciphering what transpired in Centurion on that day. The scorecard will indeed show Australia winning this encounter by 2 wickets, but the hearts and minds of those following it LIVE will know that Pakistan was the true winner, no matter how nauseatingly clichéd this may sound.

For Pakistan the game was a chance to qualify for the semi finals unbeaten. A loss however would still see them through but also ensure that India was knocked out – a moral hazard tailor made for Harvard case study. The equation was much simpler for Australia; win and go through, lose and go out. For Pakistanis and Indians, it was a conundrum unlike any seen before, quite possibly in any sport.

Ever since the partition of the sub-continent, Pakistan and India have existed in a state of perpetual distrust. Respective governments have tried their best to undermine the existence of the other, despite public posturing to the contrary. It is true that governments are hardly ever humane and humans are hardly ever one step away from turning into a rabid mob. Thus perpetuating a cycle of hate over 60 odd years has been fairly easy. Physical interaction has affected some to at least reconcile with each other’s sovereign existence. However the scars of partition and a number of wars fought thereafter still remain. A nuclear arsenal later, cricket has now become the default battle ground for the two archrivals.

Thus with a rivalry born in blood, a Pakistani loss here even if deliberate would certainly not have gone without a loud cheer from its countrymen. For India, it would have acted as a reaffirmation of its suspicions. And so the irony played out; the Indians cheered for Pakistan, the majority of Pakistan for Australia, and the minority for the sense that you don’t mess around with good form and risk tempting fate. However, unbeknown to any, fate had already decided to step in.

At 140 for 2 chasing 205 with 18 overs to go, an Australian walk over seemed an after thought. Then in the space of 5 overs, a wicket fell to a good catch followed by one to a faster ball that kept low. That left the equation at 49 runs needed from 80 balls with 6 wickets in hand. No sweat for Australia? In came Rana Naved and Mohammad Asif, and what followed thereon was a bowling master class nothing short of divine intervention. Naved dried up the runs with thunderous yorkers mixed in with shrewd variations in pace. The one that got Hussey was unplayable full stop. From the other end, the ball talked of the real Mohammad Asif’s return. Subtle wrist movements right before the point of delivery missed the outside edge a few times from an immaculate length. One confused Hopes to give a dolly to Younis while the other brought back memories of 2006. Ajmal’s doosra snared an 8th turning with it suspicions and outrage of some into hope, and for others happiness into disbelief.

By the time Australia crossed the line over the last two deliveries of the match, the result had been rendered insignificant by the manner in which the match was played and the result achieved. It was clear that Pakistan was not playing this game to satisfy the impulse of absurdity, but for pride and honour of country and victory – exactly how a game should be played.

Regardless of what happens in the tournament from here on in, the Pakistani cricket team will at least leave this tournament with the respect and adulation of many, something far more important to most than any Gold trophy. If captains need to be held responsible for team debacles then so they should be recognised for triumphs. Younis Khan led the side bravely displaying leadership not seen since the retirement of Imran Khan and for that he must be congratulated.

In 2004, it was the manner in which a Pakistan-India cricket series was hosted which served as an example for the way forward. Quite possibly, this was another.

Car Lover?

Are you a car lover? A fanatic? Worship them? Obsessed with Formula 1? Grand Prix? Feel, taste, and breathe cars to the point that even the smell of gasoline and burnt rubber become enthralling? If so, then you must spend a few minutes to check out ‘Car Platform’, because it is a great website dedicated to all you car enthusiasts out there. It doesn’t really matter where you’re from, what you do, or whether you drive a Bugatti Veyron or just a plain old Toyota Camry. As long as you share the same passion for cars as those who created the website, you will love it!

Check out Jerome de Sadeleer’s website @ http://www.carplatform.com

Identity Theft

I just heard from a friend about an email scandal that took place in Dubai.  

A few months ago a hacker managed to break in to a girl’s Facebook account, contact her family, friends and employers, and change her status. He found out about a forthcoming job interview that this girl was due to have and rang the company, discouraging them from hiring her. Naturally, she was furious and reported this to the Dubai police and the Cybercrim unit as well. 

Despite the girl deactivating her Facebook account, the hacker managed to create a fake profile of her and continued to add her family & friends. He then changed her status to “I’m glad I’m in Dubai and not in the Philippines – those sinners deserve what they got”. The hacker even copied the facebook page and uploaded it on to a Blog for the world to see and judge. As a result of all this the public have been completely outraged and have started harassing the girl’s family in the Philippines, requesting for her to be deported from Dubai with immediate effect as well as calling for a ban on her to return to the Philippines.

Social networks are designed to be a great interactive tool but they are being attacked by people who are looking to harm others.  This incident clearly demonstrates how when joining a network it is key that we read the privacy policy and make sure our settings are such that we do not allow others to access our personal information. 

Check out the article @ http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?col=&section=theuae&xfile=data/theuae/2009/September/theuae_September569.xml

Kurbaan

Kurbaan is a forthcoming Bollywood film directed by Rensil D’Silva and produced by Karan Johar. The film features Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Vivek Oberoi and is being released in November.

When I met Vivek a few weeks ago, he mentioned the movie as he had just finished filming for it in New York & Philadelphia.  He seemed really excited about it.  (http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/07/29/vivek-oberoi/)

Per Karan Johar’s tweet this morning on Twitter, he directed us to a link where we could check out the first promo for the film. From what I saw, it looks really entertaining and I for one, can’t wait to see it!

CHUP!

Chitrali Girls – Picture taken during my trip to Chitral, Pakistan in August of ‘09

As Kalsoom Lakhani, Creator and Editor of Changing Up Pakistan (CHUP!) had once said in the earlier stages of her website: “Pakistan is no longer the country of our parents’ youth”.

As a child, Kalsoom remembers her father fondly reminiscing about Pakistan in the ’60s and early ’70s – the boys and girls who would line up outside the cinema and feverishly exchange phone numbers, the scavenger hunts on the beach followed by the bonfire parties, the scaling of the gated house walls to engage in typical teenage acts of mischief and rebellion. Today, violence and mobs are unfortunately the norm. Cities that once were relatively safe are now the targets of daily bombings, riots, and instability. Today, U.S. presidential candidates reference our Pakistan as “the most dangerous place on earth.

The website aims to probe discourse and increase awareness among young Pakistanis on issues that are socially and politically pertinent to the country. CHUP! serves to act as a platform for this voice. It provides up-to-date news briefs and analyses, op-ed pieces by contributors, and interviews. Please check out the website, take part in the discussions, and let your voice be heard as well. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and if you would like to write an article or take part in any way, please contact us.

It’s also Kalsoom’s birthday today so please join me in wishing her a very Happy Birthday!

Creator/Editor – Kalsoom Lakhani Website – www.changinguppakistan.com

E-mail Address – changinguppakistan@gmail.com

ICC Champions Trophy ‘09

Take a look at Danyaal Hasan’s brilliant ‘contribution’ below and you can also check out his Blog @ http://writeofleft.wordpress.com/

Proving we Belong!For the future of one-day international (ODI) cricket, much rests on the success of the 2009 Champions Trophy. The tournament has been billed as an ODI cricketing extravaganza; a showcase of evidence that the ODI format is indeed not the cruel step-mother to T20 Cinderella. In limiting the event to a fortnight of competition between the top 8 cricketing sides, the ICC has at least given itself a chance of fitting the glass slipper on both formats. However, if recent tournaments are anything to go by, it will have its hands full in silencing the T20 bandwagon.

Similarly for Pakistan, the tournament is another date with relevance, an opportunity to further impress itself on world cricket. In the wake of the Lahore attack on the Sri Lankan team, Pakistan’s journey back to respectability was expected to be long and arduous. However, the unanticipated outcome of Lords helped replace the murmurs of “deserved retribution” with generous proposals of neutrality. A couple of months on, Pakistan now has a cricketing calendar which is by no means full but certainly not as bare as the soul of its governing body.

Grouped with two of the top three ODI sides in the world, Pakistan goes into this tournament as “dangerous underdogs”, a tag they live and die by to the point that for them it has now become a cliché. Conventional wisdom suggests that it is too early to expect a still undercooked Pakistan to overcome the battle tested Australia and India. But rarely does Pakistan let conventional wisdom live up to its billing. To further the argument for irrationality, between the T20 World Cup, the tour to Sri Lanka, and the Champions Trophy warm up matches, there have been several sightings of the audacious swagger that was synonymous with Pakistan cricket’s glory years.

A mix of experience and raw talent, spear headed by pace and swing has always been Pakistan’s formula for success. Finding the right ingredients that make up the combination though has been difficult in recent years. Constant question marks of leadership, conspicuous absences of both pace and swing, and a middle order auctioned to Zee TV oblivion have made for some poor results and even poorer headlines. Recent outings however suggest that the team is getting closer to cracking the code to modern day ODIs; explosive openers, run-a-ball stable middle orders, power hitting all-rounders, and a bowling attack with pace, swing, and variety in spin. If the ICC wants ODIs to emerge from the shadow of T20, they would be smart to hope that Pakistan delivers!

Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik have the firepower to deliver a more than 6 an over start against most attacks. Equally plausible though is 10 for 2 but fear of failure should never be allowed to bully reason. Thus Kamran Akmal should be allowed a run to cement his place at the top. Likewise, Shoaib Malik’s record at 3 has always suggested that his strengths of building an innings and rotating strike are wasted lower down the order. Imran Nazir makes for an able back up but I suspect now mostly on paper. Although still relatively young, his shot selection and temperament are more suited to T20s where neither prove too costly.

Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousaf, and Misbah-ul-Haq make for a formidable middle order, albeit Misbah’s inclusion over Fawad Alam has to be marginal even when taking into account the need for experience against the best. That said, these three have the skills to maintain/up the tempo without taking too many risks, or if need be consolidate and build a platform for the power hitters.

Afridi’s conversion to consistency and Umar Akmal’s sensational introduction to international cricket make for a perfect 6 and 7. Responsibility has thus far suited Afridi’s character. One hopes he is able to continue holding his head squarely between his two broad shoulders. Umar Akmal on the other hand needs to be let loose. He is a batting talent gifted with a very rare combination of technique, timing, sheer strength, and temperament. The PCB does not need to look further than Imran Nazir to realise the need for care and sense.

Slots 9, 10, and 11 have to go to Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamer, and Mohammad Asif, irrespective of the number of 5 wicket hauls Rana Naved brings in. Asif’s successful comeback holds the key to this trio’s success as it allows Gul to come first change, which undoubtedly is his strength. Aamer continues to impress and at the risk of tempting fate, looks set to develop into a very quick s’W’ing bowler, given time and physical maturation. All in all, Pakistani supporters should be thrilled to see this combination in action. Hopefully somewhere over the next two weeks, we can finally lay the ghost of Rawalpindi Express to rest.

With the balance that Malik and Akmal bring to the team at the top of the order, the number 8 slot can be at the Captain’s discretion. Saeed Ajmal certainly deserves every opportunity he gets, but certain situations will require playing an extra all-rounder or fast bowler. Fawad, Rana Naved, Rao Iftikhar, and hopefully at some stage a resurgent Razzaq can ably fill this role. Even with Saeed, the team bats strong till 7, with the option of 3 genuine fast bowlers, a 40 for 2 off spinner, and an all purpose maverick in Afridi, with Malik and Younis providing cover. This is by far the most balanced Pakistani team we have seen since the last World Cup and arguably since the tragic death of Bob Woolmer.

Expecting Pakistan to live up to the hype is usually an excruciatingly painful experience. But expectations for this Champions Trophy are less about winning and more about proving that we belong with the best. Just as at the start of the T20 World Cup, a semi final birth is truly a long shot, but the scene is certainly set for Pakistan to once again defy the odds. If history does indeed repeat itself, I doubt whether even the ODI might of South Africa is able to cope with its slightly lighter shade of green!

Markhor

I was able to witness about fifty Markhor, which is also the national animal of Pakistan, when I was visiting Chitral a few weeks ago. They came sprinting down the mountains at sunset to drink water from the river and it was one of the most beautiful and fascinating sights I have ever seen. Luckily, we were also able to take a few pictures of them, which I have posted for you to see.

The Markhor is a member of the goat family, which may up to 110 kg (240 lb). It has unique spiraling horns, which may be straight or flare outwards depending on the subspecies. The goat occupies dry cliffside habitats in sparsely wooded mountainous regions at altitudes ranging from 700 m from November to May up to 4000 m in the summer. In the spring and summer time, the markhor mainly grazes on tussocks of grass and when it’s dried up, they browse on leaves and twigs.

According to Wikipedia, markhor are crepuscular, active in the early morning and late afternoon. Females gather in herds of up to nine individuals and males are normally solitary. During mating season, males fight each other for the attention of females. These fights involve lunging until the two males’ horns are locked together, and then twisting and pushing until one male falls.

The animal is largely found in the Northern Areas of Pakistan especially in Chitral, Diamer, and Astore regions, parts of Balistan and in Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park near Quetta.  

Unfortunately, our national animal is an endangered one. The reason for the markhor’s decline include intensive hunting for trophies, meat, and the Asian medicine market along with disturbance and loss of habitat due to expanded human settlement and competition from domestic livestock.

Eid Mubarak

For those unaware, Eid Ul-Fitr is a celebratory feast that marks the end of the fasting period of the Islamic month of Ramadan. It’s not only meant to indicate the end of the fast but also signifies the achievement of communication with the divine spirit and religious virtue, characterized by sacrifice, self-discipline, and acts of charity. Eid is basically the Muslim equivalent of Christmas… except that Eid comes twice a year. 

I clearly remember celebrating Eid while growing up in Rawalpindi / Islamabad, Pakistan. I would hear a knock on my door early in the morning and I would rush to the bathroom to take a shower and to wear my new shalwar kameez & khusas for Eid prayers.  We would be exhausted from spending chand raat wandering the streets of Rawalpindi & Islamabad the night before, but would always be up & running on the big day. It was such a thrilling time since we had spent the last month fasting and now would finally be able to resume our normal routines.  

Typically, my aunts and uncles would come from Lahore prior to Eid so that all of us could be together on the special occasion.  The men would leave the house and make our way to Faisal Mosque while the women would stay behind and get ready to join us for breakfast upon our return. After Eid prayers, we would go straight to the graveyard to pay respects to those who have left us, followed by my grandparent’s house to wish them. I remember sneaking into the kitchen to steal a few (and by few I mean twelve or thirteen) shami kebabs and somosas from that much anticipated tray piled with delicious food  prepared especially for the guests that would be coming over that day.  

The rest of the day was usually spent eating, napping, and going from house to house to visit more family and friends.  My brother and I would collect our eidi and would always be in competition with each other to see who was able to get more money by charming the various uncles & aunties. 

One of my favorite memories, which still makes me laugh, is the time my cousin got a bit too eager for Eid. She was young, enthusiastic and was very excited because she had found the perfect outfit for the special day. To add to that, she had seen some random beauty special the night before Eid and decided to follow their strict instructions so that she could look resplendent the next day. The TV show had advised her to apply a paste of cucumbers, tomatoes, lemon juice, and other ingredients on her face for about 30 minutes to achieve that special ‘glow’. My cousin was more than ready and rushed to the kitchen to make the paste and rubbed it all over her face and then happily went to sleep. Unfortunately, she seemed to have forgotten the fact that she needed to keep the paste on her face for 30 minutes instead of 400 minutes, which caused her to break out into several patches & blotches.  I guess we were just young and mean at the time but we would burst into laughter every hour and continued to point at her the entire day!  

Its difficult being away from home and occasions such as these and can get depressing at times.  I remember Eid being a grand and cheerful event in the old days, which was more than a decade ago and times seemed to have changed now.  

I used to be more than consistent with my fasting but kind of gave up on it a few years ago for no reason at all. It just didn’t make sense to me anymore and I couldn’t comprehend why I should starve myself of water, food, and cigarettes without actually praying or doing anything substantial. However, I did make the effort this time and fasted for a few days, which was more than last year at least. I also ended up going to Regents Mosque in London this Eid followed by spending the day with my friends. I guess it’s easier to turn Eid into just another day off work where we constantly eat but one should put the effort in to practice what we remember from our childhood.

Anyway, Eid Mubarak. Did you get to spend the day with loved ones and make some money? I hope so!

Life’s for Sharing – Saatchi & Saatchi / T-Mobile

A picture can say a thousand words.  An ad captures a thousand pictures and affixes you to a certain product.  If the ad is remarkable, it can change the way you view the product forever. Saatchi & Saatchi, UK have done such a thing with T-Mobile’s ‘Life’s for sharing’ campaign.  They launched the campaign with a burst of high-energy, amazing spirit and were able to relate to every single Londoner out there.

In one of their ads, Saatchi & Saatchi hired 350 dancers and hid them throughout Liverpool Street stations. These dancers had learnt the same dance choreography to several different songs. Out of nowhere, the music began to play through various loudspeakers and the dancers dispersed everywhere. Their dancing became infectious and before we knew it, the dancers and regular passersby began to dance in unison and the station filled up with smiles and laughter. Then, as quickly as it began, the performance ended and the dancers faded into the crowd and left the travelers to return to their regular commute.

Being a typical banker, I have turned into a boring Londoner and have allowed life’s every day, mundane activities to take the best of me.  Like clockwork, I get on the tube after work, shove my way through a sea of people to get home — almost in a zombie-like state.  Seeing this commercial on TV, I was surprisingly rejoiced and imagined myself being at the station with all these people.  Just thinking about it made me feel alive, it was surreal.  Although I wish I was personally at Liverpool Street Station and had witnessed this first hand, I still enjoyed it thoroughly when the ad came on the television.

Kate Stanners, who is one of Saatchi & Saatchi’s Creative Partners, noted that “across the whole campaign, we’ve looked for ways to really engage with people through the notion of ‘Life’s for Sharing. We hope that dance will connect with people in a bold and dynamic way.”

This phenomenal surprise at Liverpool Street Station must have taken months of preparation, which included T-Mobile staff auditioning and secret late night rehearsals. Saatchi & Saatchi has done a brilliant job with the ad and has portrayed their ‘Lovemark’ philosophy with perfection.

You can check out the ad @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ3d3KigPQM.

Another great example of T-Mobile’s ‘Life’s for Sharing’ campaign took place at London’s famous Trafalgar Square. Saatchi & Saatchi decided to bring karaoke to the streets of London and convinced thousands to join in and have a mass-karaoke sing-along session in the middle of the day.

Saatchi & Saatchi installed a ton of cameras up around Trafalgar Square to capture the crowd singing their hearts out into the thousands of microphones that were handed out to the public.

As Paul Silburn, Creative Partner of Saatchi & Saatchi had stated; “With Sing-along, we wanted to generate a real feeling of anticipation and create a truly unique, memorable moment that everyone would want to share inn, as this is ultimately what lies at the heart of the T-mobile brand. The event gave thousands of people the opportunity to experience first hand what “Life’s for Sharing” is all about.

You must take out a few seconds to watch this one as well @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orukqxeWmM0

Saatchi & Saatchi took T-Mobile’s campaign “Life’s for Sharing” and really tried to embed those feelings in Londoners. They used dance and music to try to bring some cheer to those that may not have a lot to look forward to.   These small moments of happiness can turn one’s entire day around and make you realize that if you share happiness or bring a smile to someone’s face, it can really resonate. A job well done, Saatchi & Saatchi. Life really is for sharing.

Twitter

As most of you already know, Twitter is a community of friends & strangers from all around the world who are updating each other on their lives. It’s a communications gateway that gets personal by asking “What are you doing now?”

I was one of the first ones to join the website when it came out (as always) but I quickly lost interest and went back to my comfort zone of Facebook. Honestly speaking, I didn’t really see the logic behind the whole idea as I was already updating my status on Facebook on a regular basis to keep my friends & family in the loop so why exactly should I be sharing my life with strangers as well? 

Anyway, I recently met someone to learn more about a career opportunity. Later on that day, I found the same individual on Twitter as well, which encouraged me to follow him while I was curious to see his tweets, as he seemed really interesting and fascinating. Since then, I have also started catching up with friends and people from different walks of life, which has been great.

Personally, I use Twitter for professional networking & as a marketing tool. I have been trying to enter the advertising world for quite some time now and thanks to Twitter, I’ve been following certain individuals and have enjoyed reading their thoughts, ideas, & relevant posted articles, which has given me an insight into their profession. Also, I have chosen to promote ‘Chasing Thoughts’ through Twitter, which has driven a lot of traffic towards me as well. A great example of that is the e-mail that I received in my inbox yesterday.  I managed to have a stranger get in touch with me as he wanted to learn more about sponsoring a child for my Grandmother’s cause as he read one of my Tweets, in which I had requested my followers to read this post @ http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/07/02/an-inspiration/.

All in all, I think Twitter is great. Although I’m still learning the ropes and not as comfortable as I would like to be with the website, I’m determined to make the most out of it and encourage others to give it a chance as well.

Just do it.
Just tweet it.
Rock on.
Tweet on.  

http://www.twitter.com/omarulhaq

Do they know it’s Eid?

The month of Ramadan seems to be flying by this year and it will be “Chand Raat” and “Eid” before we even know it. I’m actually quite excited about celebrating Eid this year as I’m planning on going out & about to all the Desi areas in London to celebrate it the British Asian way, which I’m sure will be quite an experience (Yikes!).

Z, a friend of mine in London, has shared some of his sentiments below on the celebrated holiday and he doesn’t seem to be as thrilled I am for some reason.
_______________________________________

They’ve seen it, they’ve seen it. Apparently they (The Committee? The Important People? The Deciders??) , have seen the new moon. So it is officially Chaand Raat – the night of the moon. What makes me laugh though is that these important people are about a hundred years old and probably couldn’t even see the new moon if one was to serve it to them in a plate. But it’s always been traditional to have a huge debate and differing opinions as when it actually is Eid. Twenty-nine fasts or thirty? That is the question. It all gets just about as bad as the whole White Christmas (will it? won’t it?) thing.

As far as I’m concerned Eid is just one big panic attack. Panic to get up in time, panic to be ready in time, panic to get to the mosque in time etc. The mosque is a major event. U could be the King of Sinners but come Eid we all traipse to the mosque in one big group of a happy family.  When I was about seven we loved the trip to Regents Park as straight after our prayers we’d run about all over the place in the sunshine. As we grew older (and lazier) we started frequenting the local mosque in Kingston. That was great as we’d walk there, arrive, check out the mad rush, pace ourselves around the block and then go home and wish everyone a Happy Eid.  I don’t think guilt came into it in those days and hardly anyone ever went to Kingston in those days. However more and more people started opting for the Kinston mosque and then the rest of the day would be touch and go as for some reason unbeknown to myself, Paki uncles always ask you which mosque you attended. “Kingston of course…” we’d reply in harmony. But then they’d ask where we had been stood as they never saw us and we’d be blagging ourselves silly!

This time we ended up in Harrow Market, oops sorry, I mean Mosque. But it was like going to a concert. There was even a queue, of sorts, but the pushing and shoving was worse than any concert I’ve been to. Despite being in his late twenties, my brother still finds it highly amusing when inside and gets the giggles as soon as it all starts. And that’s it, it starts us all off and suddenly trying not to laugh becomes the mission of our lives. We are hot and itchy and trying extremely hard to keep still. But the main man goes on and on and the sajda’s (on your knees, head on the floor position) become longer and longer until the fluff from the carpet is practically in your brain and the cold from the concrete below has risen up to your neck. We are outside as there is no more room indoors – there just has to be a limit as to how many Muslims you can fit inside a mosque afterall – and it’s freeeeeeeezing.

From then on it’s just a one way, scoff your face, street.  I suppose it was originally supposed to be like a sort of treat after a month’s worth of fasting. Even then I’m sure they didn’t stuff themselves silly as we all do. It’s not even as if we’ve starved ourselves in the month just gone. Most people I know (visibly) end up gaining weight by the time it’s Eid. It’s scary. And the whole thing of seeing the same faces but in different houses, what’s that all about? As if once wasn’t enough we are subjected to our uncles and aunties and their (mostly) boring kids over and over like some form of Groundhog’s Day. And soon it’ll be Christmas, but that’s another story…….

Tanhaiyan

A friend and I recently saw Tanhaiyan after a long time. Per my request, he has offered to share some of his emotions and thoughts about the play with you guys as well.  Please see below for this brilliant contribution to ‘Chasing Thoughts’.

I recently saw the Pakistani drama series called Tanhaiyan again and have been unable to get it out of my mind. The series has the best of Pakistan’s talent including Marina Khan (Sanya), Shahnaz Sheikh (Zara), Baddar Khalil (Aanie), Asif Raza Mir (Zain), Qazi Wajid (Farhan), Azra Sherwani (Apa Begum), Durdana Butt (Bibi), Behroze Sabzwari (Qutbudeen aka Qabacha), Jamshed Ansari (Buqrat), Yasmeen Ismail (Veeda) and several other great artists. This beautiful play, first aired in the early 1980’s, was written by the extremely talented Haseena Moin and directed by Shahzad Khalil. 

The story starts out with Sanya and Zara losing their parents in a car crash and moves through the next phase of their life as they go to live with their Aunt Aanie. Having lost not only their parents but also their house and financial stability, the sisters struggle to adjust to their new, vastly different life in their own unique ways.  Sanya, the out-going, vivacious sister, never loses her optimistic, cheery stance on life and keeps all those around her entertained through her hilarious antics.  Meanwhile, Zara becomes increasingly withdrawn and bitter, focusing solely on building a successful career and earning enough money to buy back her parents’ house which symbolized their dreams and aspirations as a family.  Zara and Sanya are joined in their journey by a cast of colorful and unforgettable characters such as Bibi and Qabacha who make their story a memorable one. 

Tanhaiyan is not just the tale of two sisters or the story of ambition and its trappings. It is the story of love, loss, relationships, friendships and surviving against all odds. Through their ups and downs Bibi, Baba, Sanya, Zara, Buqrat, Qabacha, Aapa Begum, Farhan and Aanie teach us about life and the various lessons we learn along the way. 

The magical thing about Tanhaiyan is that every viewing leaves you with a different emotion. What remained me with me after I saw it (repeatedly) as a child was the humor and the insanity of some characters. Watching it several years later I was struck by the grief and struggles of the family as well as the subtlety and purity of the love story between Zain and Zara.

In addition, while I’m a self proclaimed Bollywood addict (and not ashamed to admit it either) I now appreciate how Tanhaiyan represents Pakistan at its best. There is nothing borrowed and no imitation of the art from across the border. The language, culture and values portrayed in Tanhaiyan represent our own unique identity and remind me of the things I love about home even when I’m away. 

After finishing the final scene, I went on somewhat of a research frenzy on Google to find out more about each and every actor that was a part of this production. I was deeply saddened to find out that we have lost some of these gems. The artists playing the roles of Apa Begum, Bibi, Veeda and Buqrat have all passed away. The loss of these talented actors is undoubtedly a tragic one to the Pakistani entertainment world and to all of us who will always remember and cherish their characters as part of our childhood.

Tanhaiyan is filled with powerful and sentimental moments from start to finish, but here are some of the scenes I found most memorable:

- Zara’s initial scenes with her father and the special bond she shared with him. Their conversation in the opening scene of the play illustrates the depth and strength of the relationship Zara had with her parents. 
- Sanya and Zara arriving at Aanie’s house for a vacation only to find out that their parents have been killed in a car crash.
- Zara coming home when the entire household is in tears only to find out that the ruckus is because Aanie has agreed to Farhan’s proposal.
- Qabacha’s nonstop antics and attempts at impressing his beloved Miss Sanya.
- The continuous bickering between Buqrat (kehnay main kya harj hai) and Apa Begum (mujhse burra koi nahin hoga).
- Zain’s (aka King Kong) reunion with Zara, his childhood sweetheart.
- Zara going back to her family home only to realize the difference between a house and a home.
- Zara regaining consciousness in the hospital and Qabacha’s poetry recital which makes her laugh for the first time.
- Veeda’s confrontation with Zain and her acknowledgment of his love for Zara.
- Zara, with encouragement from Zain, learning to walk again after months of being confined to a wheelchair.
- Lastly, Zara’s return home from her near death experience and the inner conversation she has with Zain.

This drama has brought back a lot of memories for me and I hope it’s done the same for the readers that visit this site. Tanhaiyan has been uploaded on youtube and I hope everyone enjoys it (for the first or hundredth time) just as much as I did. For now, I’m moving on to Dhoop Kinaray, Pakistan’s (much earlier) version of ER & Gray’s Anatomy.

Kalash Valley’s Catastrophe

I spoke to my friend Mehnaz last night who had just spoken to Siraj Ulmulk, her father in Pakistan recently. As I mentioned in my ‘Chitral – serenity untouched’ post @ http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/chitral-serenity-untouched/, we recently went to the Kalash Valley and had the opportunity to visit the Kalash Museum there. At the museum, we met a Greek gentleman who had arrived in the Kalash Valley a few decades ago as a tourist and having fallen in love with the valley, decided to stay. He was an extremely fascinating, passionate, and optimistic individual who, as a result of all his contribution over the years, seemed to be a real asset to the area as well as to Pakistan.

Hence it is most unfortunate that Siraj Ulmulk has confirmed that this gentleman has been kidnapped in the Bamboret valley of Chitral last night and may have even been killed.

This news has been very upsetting and come as a complete shock to all of us. I urge you to pray for his safe return.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/14-greek-national-kidnapped-from-chitral-zj-03

Religious Affairs

As you may already know, a few men opened fire on a vehicle carrying Hamid Saeed Kazmi, Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs & Minorities, in Islamabad yesterday. The gunmen severely wounded the Minister and his driver was killed instantly.

I was deeply saddened by this news and it really hit home for me as my father, Ijaz Ul Haq, was the Minister of Religious Affairs & Minorities prior to Kazmi. During his time as Minister he received several death threats, as well as escaping a few assassination attempts. Our house was also attacked by suicide bombers from his constituency in December ‘07.

I spoke to my father this morning and he has contributed a short piece for ‘Chasing Thoughts’ below:

“This tragic incident has been very upsetting and a big lapse on part of the security agencies. The Ministry of Religious Affairs is an extremely sensitive department and needs to be handled with care, as it tends to host most of the discussions and public appearances regarding terrorism.

There may be a few reasons as to why this attack occurred. In this past year, Kazmi has hit hard against the private Hajj tour operators, even going so far as to say that these tour operators were minting even more money than drug peddlers. Another reason for the assassination attempt could be Kazmi’s attitude towards the Deobandi sect of Islam. Kazmi recently sidelined the Deobandis in a very important meeting of the Pakistani Ulema. They no doubt viewed this as a bad signal for peace and harmony. As you may already know, the Deobandi school of thought represents about 30% of the Pakistani population and Deobandis own around 75% of Madrasas in Pakistan. Additionally, 90% of the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan are Deobandis.

This attack should be highly condemned and is a huge negligence on the part of the government for failing to provide proper security to the Minister while Zardari, Gilani, and Rehman Malik have three times the level of protocol usually assigned to a government official. It has been very upsetting to see that while our country is in the grip of terrorism, our so-called leaders are busy globe trotting. Zardari and Gilani have been planning aimless and seemingly futile visits to other parts of the world rather than strategizing and focusing on the security of the nation as well as the national agenda. “

– Ijaz Ul Haq

Chitral, Pakistan – serenity untouched

Chitral, Pakistan

The scantily clad mountain would be calling to my soul – all she wore was a shear ice thin chamois yearning to have my eyes upon her – and there she was; Tirich Mir – the highest mountain in the Hindu Kush region of Northern Pakistan. I would gaze upon her from afar – seemingly infinite in distance as I sat on my balcony at the Hindukush Heights Hotel in Chitral enjoying my glass of freshly squeezed apple juice. I could hear the gentle sound of the river rushing through the path it had formed through the rocks centuries ago while I awaited the call to breakfast.

I had never imagined that a region surrounded by war ridden areas could have been so peaceful.

I have spoken about Chitral endlessly since my trip in 2008. I’ve called and e-mailed people, blogged about it, shared pictures and even dedicated a vast majority of my facebook status updates to this incredible valley. I was so mesmerized by the beauty of the place that I simply had to return. A friend’s wedding gave me the opportunity to go back with a group of 25 friends. The people, culture, food, views and freshness were the ideal break I had been craving away from the rush of city life in London. There was no rush hour, no fast food, no deadlines, no bills and most importantly no Internet connection. While I have done my best to share my experience, in reality my experience transcends the eloquence of these words.

“Cold cliffs, more beautiful the deeper you enter – Yet no one travels this road. White clouds idle about the tall crags; On the green peak a single monkey wails. What other companions do I need?”

This poem by Han-Shah gets close to describing the emotions we felt when going to Chitral.

Chitral is the name of a tribe, town, valley, river, district and former princely state in the Malakand Division of the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. The town, at the foot of Tirich Mir, the highest peak of the Hindu Kush Mountains, which is 25,289 feet, has a population of 20,000 (while the district has a population of 300,000) and the altitude of the valley is 3,700 feet. The unfortunate truth is that Pakistanis tend to make quick getaway trips to Dubai and Bangkok but can be somewhat unwilling to explore their own country and I have become determined to recommend this valley now that I have experienced it myself.

What I found most interesting about the region was that unlike the rest of Pakistan where cricket dominates all, Polo is the most popular sport in Chitral. The valley is known for its famous Shandur Polo tournament, which is held at the highest polo ground in the world. We had the honor of meeting Sikander Ulmulk, the Captain of the Chitrali Polo team as well. I actually didn’t know this at the time but General Zia Ul Haq, my Grandfather, was the one who inaugurated and introduced the Shandur Polo tournament in Chitral, which was only played as a hobby prior to that. The polo matches are enthusiastic, intense, have no rules, and are extremely thrilling to watch.

Hindukush Heights Hotel - Please get in touch with me at omarulhaq@gmail.com if you would me to put you in touch with Siraj Ulmulk to learn more about holidaying in Chitral.

Siraj & Ghazala Ulmulk are the proud owners of Hindukush Heights Hotel, which is situated in the middle of Chitral. The Hotel has twenty-four bedrooms and each bedroom has a balcony with panoramic views of the entire valley. The Ulmulk family attends to each guest personally and often accompanies them on their adventures around the region, making their experience even more memorable and intimate. The fresh water served in the hotel comes from a mountain spring, which is better than any bottled water we are apt to drinking and the vegetables served in the hotel come from the UlMulk’s own organic vegetable garden. Strategically, Hindukush Heights Hotel is located in a complete noise & pollution free zone, and is about a 15-minute drive away from the town centre.

The flight to Chitral was one of the most enthralling parts of the trip. The twenty of us walked towards the diminutive airplane and were initially shocked as we stared at the two-step ladder leading into it. The entire journey from Islamabad to Chitral seemed dreamlike as we flew through the mountains and snowy peaks of Tirich Mir before descending down to the stunning valley.

As we reached the hotel, we were welcomed with chilli omelettes, a variety of fruit & cereals, and a great selection of juices just before we were given the keys to our individual rooms. It was surreal to look up and see the clear, perfect blue sky as we walked to our rooms downstairs. Although the rooms were clean, simple, large, surrounded with rugs and decorations from the valley, and just perfect, I was mostly interested in the balcony, which had an uninterrupted view of Chitral’s beauty. I put my bags down, lit up a Dunhill Light, and just sat there in silence while staring at what seemed to be a dream.

Although we had been awake since the early hours of the morning and were exhausted, we quickly showered, changed and were eager and ready to begin our adventure. We jumped in our open jeeps and drove through the narrow roads to make our way to the trout farm. Our fishing trip was followed by a freshly-served meal we devoured while lounging around the banks of the river. As we continued our journey, we drove towards Tushi with the hope of seeing the highly endangered Markhor Mountain Goats come down from the mountain slopes. Markhor Mountain Goats, which are the national animal of Pakistan, tend to come down to the river to drink water in the late afternoons. Luckily, we were able to see about a hundred of them sprint their way down the mountain, which was a truly fascinating sight.

Kalashi Girls shying away from my camera

Personally, I was most excited about the next day, as Hindukush Heights Hotel had arranged for us to go to the Kalash Valley. Following a peaceful night of deep child-like sleep, I jumped out of bed to get ready and was psyched for the next escapade. We drove for about two hours on a mountainous road into the walnut-laden valleys of Rumbur, Bumburet, and Birir in the hopes of experiencing the Kalash culture, which is markedly different from any other in Pakistan. The Kalash people are descendants of the Indo-Aryans and the Greeks acknowledge them as descendents of Alexander the Great’s army, who stayed in Pakistan after he left in 420BC. They are nature-worshippers and believe in Dezau (Khodai), their creator, and other Gods and spirits each of whom have their own set of responsibilities. Traditionally, the deceased are buried above ground in carved wooden sacrophagis and are left in graveyards for the vultures to come and feast upon them. We first went to the graveyard to see the skeletons and bones of the departed and were amazed at how these rituals, traditions, and culture continues to exist in Pakistan. Then, as we met some of the families and were welcomed into their homes, we personally witnessed and experienced their warmth, kindness, and generosity.

Our next venture was by far the scariest, yet most thrilling, thing I have ever done in my life. The twenty-five of us decided to go on a ‘trek’ and ended up walking from the Kalash Mountain pass to Ayun village, which took about five hours. As exciting as the trek was for all of us, there were definitely some near-death experiences since hardly any of us had been on a trek before. All in all, it was worth the risk and danger as we all felt extremely accomplished when we reached Ayun and were treated to an exquisite Chitrali meal and a local folk dancing and singing.

As we stared into the sky and watched the hundreds of shooting stars above the hotel, we decided to travel to Mastuj the next morning since we were eager to see another part of the region in order to make the most out of our trip. Mastuj is a town of Chitral District and is approximately a four-hour jeep ride away from Hindukush Heights Hotel. The Ulmulks are originally from Mastuj and have built a number of beautiful chalets as an extension of the hotel over there. Luckily, we were also able to experience a ‘Shtuck’ while we were in Mastuj as someone had just gotten married. The shtuck is a celebration in which all the Chitrali men and women from the neighborhood gather to sing, chant, and dance together. It was an extremely powerful and moving experience for us as everyone seemed genuine, carefree, and content with life as well as being quite humble. We were so moved by this experience that instead of spending the night in the chalets, we decided to move our mattresses out to the garden to properly absorb the beauty around us as we lay awake all night. We were just in awe of the people, the culture, and the district and couldn’t believe that there were people who are actually worried about their safety before coming here.

On our drive from Chitral to Mastuj

All of us on the trip left Chitral with memories that will remain in our hearts for a long time. While I am aware that the details of our itinerary may not convey the beauty of this valley, the warmth of the people or the feeling of peace it instilled within us, I hope some of the pictures will enable you to visualize what I have attempted to describe. I’m back in London for now and have re-adjusted to the bright lights, crowded trains, prawn cocktail sandwiches, and the endless conference calls at work – until my next trip to Chitral.

Nahi Ray Nahi

 

As you know, I’m a huge fan of Coke Studio.

I constantly promote the show and have managed to obsess over each performance as well.

Although I have many favorites songs, one of my most favorites at the moment is Nahi Ray Nahi by Ali Zafar, which is brilliant. According to Ali’s Blog, he had written the song about 7 – 8 years ago and had put it away on the side without ever releasing it. However, as he began recording for Coke Studio this year, he decided to dig it out and perform it live for us on the show one day. Good decision!

Personally, I really didn’t take Ali Zafar too seriously until he came and performed on this platform. I enjoyed his ‘Chano’ and other pop songs as much as everyone else did but I didn’t recognize and appreciate the amount of talent he has as a singer and musician until very recently. I think he has grown a tremendous amount as an artist and now I’m really looking forward to his next album as well. 

Check out some of his performances below -  

Nahi Ray Nahi -http://www.cokestudio.com.pk/episodes/episode05/nahi-ray-nahi/
Allah Hu – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8LhySnWiL8
Yar Daddi – http://www.cokestudio.com.pk/episodes/episode03/yar-daddi/
Daastan – http://www.cokestudio.com.pk/episodes/episode02/dastaan/

Enjoy …

The Princess Returns

You may remember my ‘Princess’ post from a few months ago @ http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/05/11/princess/

I recently took another great picture of the Princess, who is from a town situated in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)  of Pakistan.

Check it out below -

Ramadan Mubarak

“In Muslim nations and regions around the globe, this is the first week of the holy month of Ramadan, a time for followers to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity during the day, breaking their fast each sunset, with traditional meals and sweets. During this time, Muslims are also encouraged to read the entire Quran, to give freely to those in need, and strengthen their ties to God through prayer. The goal of the fast is to teach humility, patience and sacrifice, and to ask forgiveness, practice self-restraint, and pray for guidance in the future. This year, Ramadan will continue until Saturday, September 19th.” – Big Picture

Below, are some of my favorite pictures – Ramadan Mubarak!

Muslims attend prayers on the eve of the first day of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan at Al Akbar mosque in Surabaya, East Java, Indoneisia on August 21, 2009. (REUTERS/Sigit Pamungkas)

A crescent moon is seen behind the King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque in Amman, Jordan on August 23, 2009, during Ramadan. (REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed)

A boy holds candy in his hand as he reads the Quran in a mosque during Ramadan, in Amman, Jordan on August 22, 2009. (REUTERS/Ali Jarekji (JORDAN RELIGION SOCIETY IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Pakistani women line up for subsidized sacks of flour provided by the government for the holy month of Ramadan, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

A Muslim man arranges bowls of a traditional dessert called kheer for sale outside a mosque before the evening prayers on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, Indian-administered Kashmir on August 23, 2009. (REUTERS/Mukesh Gupta)

Muslim children pray at a mosque during the month of Ramadan in Manila, in the Philippines on August 23, 2009. (JUNIE DOCTOR/AFP/Getty Images

A Pakistani Muslim arranges food stuff for Iftar, a time to break the fast, on the first day of Ramadan, as a child looks on at a mosque in Karachi, Pakistan on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)

General Zia Ul Haq

My Father has asked me to send out a message to all of you.

He has just recently launched a website on my Grandfather and has requested for you to check it out. Any positive / negative feedback can be sent to him at info@ziaulhaq.pk (or if you would like his private e-mail address, please contact me at omarulhaq@gmail.com and I can send it to you privately).

Website – www.ziaulhaq.pk

Thanks,

OUH

The State of the Union

The State of the Union
Nadia Rahman Khan

My impending departure from Pakistan, coupled with the nation’s 62nd independence anniversary is making me feel like a deserter. The past year I spent in my country brought upon me the most fragmented states of mind. It constantly felt like an acid trip that had gone on too long; or a badly scripted film with far too many anti-climaxes. In a severe paradigm shift from when I was studying abroad, I’ve spent the year desperately wishing I could leave the country I didn’t recognize as mine anymore.

I came back to Pakistan with a starry optimism to finally be involved in the polities of my country, as opposed to watching the action- so to speak, from the bleachers. It hadn’t been a Knicks game. Nor did my cheering, or hooting, or disapproving from the sidelines help shape, in any way, the course of events in the past few years. I felt like a member of the chorus, watching a Greek play unfold, and narrating its tragic events to the audience; in this case, my English and Welsh friends who couldn’t relate. That’s the second thing that I was looking forward to coming back to: familiarity with those around me of things happening around us. There was only so much my hippie friends studying English literature and enacting plays about Alice’s discovery of her secret and carnal desires during her adventures underground, could understand about the Lal Masjid scenario. I needed to be home, and around people who were living in this banana republic, and facing the issues our government was forcing them to confront.

What I didn’t know was that my homecoming would function as the prologue to severe nationalistic angst. Since last September, I’ve watched my beloved Islamabad change from the suburban, laid-back Capital it used to be to a heavily guarded, regulated Camelot-like (less glamorous though, and the ‘Piplias’ are no honorable knights of the round table) city with internal fortresses. All embassies, and UN buildings have massive concrete blocks in front of them- smack in the middle of the city; serving more as eye-sore against the backdrop of the glorious Margalla Hills – It’s disgusting- as are the security check-points on every single street, road, and intersection. And dangerous, too; imagine: you’ve memorized out of habit, every slight dip and low of Margallah road; you can drive from one end to the other with your eyes closed, only, now- after every few kilometers, there are blockades, and traffic flowing every which way, on a one way road. As if we didn’t have enough bad drivers in the country already that we now need to test their driving ability with real-life security hazards, which function more against their physical well-being than protect them from any terror threat. By now, I should be an ace driver, capable of expertly avoiding the new low, yellow and black striped cement blocks which crop up after every twenty-odd feet. Sadly, I’m not. And like several others I know, I’ve rammed my car into far too many of these road blocks put up for my own security. Legal action for damage to property caused by the Islamabad traffic police, anyone? I don’t think so.

Fear and Loathing, minus the bats, in Islamabad. Fear, because all of a sudden, Islamabad isn’t the safe, diplomatic, bureaucratic neighborhood it once used to be. It is a city where now, every other car has a bunch of fairly dangerous looking passengers. Not that I’m saying they’re all representatives of extremist Islamic elements. But that this is something you didn’t see before. You saw froebelian boys in their uniforms bunking school and heading to Rana Market for some samosas on foot, but never hordes of bearded men in shalwar kameez walking the streets of my city, like they own it. Islamabad is now also a city where my colleague and I, on one of our trips to Adiala jail, were accosted by about 15 Burqa-clad women who threatened to beat my counter-part (who was dressed in a shalwar kameez, with her dupatta on her shoulder as opposed to her head) till all Indian notions of dress were taken out of her, and she learned to cover her head. Ironic, because these were all women who were visiting their sons or husbands on death row, which inevitably meant that their relatives had done something far worse than my colleague had by not covering her head. And loathing; loathing because Islamabad never used to be like this, and I hate what it’s become. And because it scares me to think what’s next.

Pakistan is also a country which is currently led by what Fatima Bhutto in one of her writings, describes, and quite aptly too- as ‘the thievery corporation’. Richest man in Babylon substituted for Mr. 10% in Pakistan. In a cringe-worthy Independence Day celebration at the Presidency on the night of 13th August, we saw the President of our corporation—no, country, bearing a heart-shaped green and white badge positioned on his own black heart- umm sorry; I meant sherwani. He stood there flanked by his son and daughter, waving a Pakistani flag. This was our President’s way of reminding us onlookers who, or what political dynasty, his presence in the presidential seat represents. Another one of his reminders is far more nausea inducing: Instead of putting up national flags furthering the patriotic sentiment in Pakistanis, my capital city of Islamabad has a sky that cant be seen as it’s blocked by PPP flags; a fluttering representation of a mockery of a government.

Barring unconditional love for what is one’s own, over the course of the past year, I began viewing Pakistan as a country which has far too much wrong with it. It’s a country which has over 7000 prisoners on the Pakistani death row; and the crimes for which this noxious penalty can be afforded- a whopping 27 in number. They range from murder and rape on one end of the spectrum, to the most recent, i.e. cyber crimes on the other end. Truly ridiculous in the face of international law which heavily propagates the abolition of the death penalty or insists that its existence should only be limited to the ‘most severe crimes’.

Through the course of my work, I’ve come to view Pakistan as a country where justice can do extraordinary things, such as when two innocent British Nationals of Pakistani origin came to Pakistan for summer break to visit family, they were picked up by the local police, tossed into a holding cell in a police station, and thrashed senselessly till they admitted to a crime they didn’t commit. This is what happened with Naheem and Rehan, two young boys who were both tortured for 15-18 days in Dadyal police station, after which they were threatened of further physical violence unless they signed a piece of paper. Neither of the two could read Urdu, and so had no idea that what they were signing to was a confession of committing two murders; murders, for which they are awaiting trial five years on from the date of their arrest. Naheem and Rehan, like the other over 7000 prisoners on the Pakistani death row, deserve a fair and immediate trial. But one look at their court records tells you that they’re getting anything but that. Its one delay after another, one adjournment after the next. The prisoner, after weeks of anticipation, walks into court, only to be looked at by the judge and told, before he can even have a seat, that his hearing won’t take place that week because of one rubbish reason or the other. If it isn’t the lawyer’s mother falling sick, then it’s the judge who can’t appear because he has a stomach ache. It’s heart-wrenching and so, so frustrating for me to be hearing this from the prisoners, or on reading it from their court records; imagine what it must be like for them living this torment week in and week out.

It isn’t just Naheem and Rehan. There are- as I said, thousands of prisoners, many of them innocent, languishing in prisons around the country for crimes a lot of them did not commit. Or crimes they committed, but only if they had proper legal representation, they would have defended.

Like Dr. Zufiqar Ali Khan. This is a man who, since his incarceration eleven years ago for a crime he committed in self defense, has successfully completed 33 Diplomas, Certificates and Degrees. He has also educated hundreds of prisoners. From these hundreds, he tutored 12 of his students in jail to earn a graduation degree, 23 to pass their F.A. exams, and 18 to complete their matriculation. If this man pleads the President of his country, in his open letter to him published in The News on the 1st of April 2009, to invoke the power given to him under article 45 of the Constitution and change his death sentence to one of life imprisonment so he can devote his life to educating other prisoners, one can only wonder why the President wouldn’t comply.

While I was assisting Dr. Zulfiqar’s brilliant lawyer in her attempt to grant him redemption from his then impending date of execution, we went to meet a top government official in his office; an office which served better purpose as a photographic gallery for the martyred Benazir Bhutto and her husband’s framed portraits. We were treated exceptionally well by this gentleman who, looked at us- two lawyers, with fatherly concern and blasted the lawyer’s movement. He also told us to stop the work we’re doing and become journalists instead (now you see where the inspiration for this piece is coming from). In relation to our case, we were told that our only hope of keeping Dr Zulfiqar, our client, alive, was to pray that Asif Ali Zardari stays in power. Because till the time he does, he will not allow any executions to take place. Sure. I believe you. Firstly, there have been executions since he’s come into power- four of them, actually, as recorded by the Asian Human Rights Commission. Secondly, if President Zardari wishes to stay true to the spirit of the Pakistan People’s Party, he should, as both- Zulifqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto did upon coming to power, commute all death sentences to life sentences. If President Zardari is attempting to continue Benazir and her father’s legacy, then why not follow their legacy here too, instead of hiding behind the suo moto action against the death penalty which may or may not work in the Supreme Court? I don’t get it.

I kept hoping that this independence day, through some miracle, the President would announce a commutation, granting liberation from the gallows to these prisoners. But he didn’t. Instead, he had photographs of himself taken and published while puckering up to kiss the cheeks of an internally displaced orphan; a child who looked repulsed by the Presidential moustache’s intimate plunge.

It scares me to think that this is my country. A Taliban infested, drone attacked, load shedding, bomb exploding, corruption ridden conundrum. And as the war in the north rages on, the Taliban continue to gain entry-points into other parts of Pakistan, whether by posing as IDPs, or by gaining support from a public jilted by the government. This is indeed, my country, where politicians are either defamed by CCTV tapes played back on national television of them committing credit card frauds, or by videos being released of them scratching their privates during the course of important discussions on live TV. It can only be Pakistan where the nation has to suffer 12 hours a day without electricity, and where an innocent 10 year old boy lost his right hand due to operating heavy machinery at work while the electricity suddenly went out, chopping his hand off, in the process.

What a travesty.

But then I drive past a check-post, a road block and the architectural nightmare that the UNICEF building in Islamabad is now, and I see Pakistani flags being sold on the streets, given that this is the month my country gained independence in- so optimistically, 62 years ago. And I see the relentless ambition in the people of this country, as despite all, they still don their green t-shirts on our independence day, and venture out shouting slogans with full faith and fervor, and help cause severe traffic jams, making any ambulance’s journey with a dying patient to the hospital next to impossible. The warm fuzzy feeling within is given birth.

And I see my packed suitcase, awaiting the flight out of here, and towards a post-graduate qualification which was once meant to be geared towards helping out the poor and the needy upon my return to Pakistan. But which- within the past year, came to be seen by me as just an escape route out of this country where I experienced more than a life’s share of explosions and power outages. And I can’t help but feel, as a said, like a deserter. And its this very feeling of running away from what was described, perhaps a little too pessimistically as a ‘failing state’- which gives birth to a belief, which I cant help but pray is a redundant one- but I know it isn’t- that I need this country far more than it needs me. And I know that regardless of its failings, Pakistan is all I’ve known. And being Pakistani is all I can be. Regardless of any attempt at discipline, I will still skip queues, criticize the leadership, harbor an inherent skepticism towards Indians, revere the scenic Northern Areas of Pakistan, hold relentless expectations from the Pakistani cricket team, embrace the enormous Pakistani talent of hospitality, still be blindly trusting of people and governments, and find refuge in Islamabadi sunsets, long drives on Margalla Road, Roll-parathas, and Coke Studio.

Being Muslim doesn’t bind us anymore, given the divides, divisions, and elements; but being Pakistani does. That’s all that’s familiar. Islamabad with its two way traffic on one way streets, and police on every corner peering into every car that drives past, is home.

That’s when the patriotic trip kicks in. It’s a downer.

Jeevay Pakistan

I’m sorry I have been missing in action. I’m currently on holiday and have just not had the time to share my thoughts with you lately. I do, however, have some great ideas and will work on sharing them with you soon.

I wanted to wish those Pakistanis who have tolerated & survived the bomb blasts, terrorist activities, inflation, military operations, Asif Zardari, poverty, and load shedding a very Happy Independence Day.

Also, on a ligther note, please check out Bilawal’s psychotic behavior @ http://fiverupees.blogspot.com/2009/08/will-someone-please-hand-bilawal-spliff.html

Jeevay Pakistan.

Speed

I spent the evening attending M & G’s wedding, which was one of the main reasons I came to Pakistan. The bride and groom looked great and the entire evening was amazing.  As usual, there was a slight disaster (which happens at every desi wedding) and it started to rain like mad causing the food arrangements to be a mess outside. Ahh well, the show must go on and so it did ..  What a great wedding!

I left the post-wedding party at about 3:30 am and was happily driving home while listening to Shama Paya by Coke Studio when the cops decided to pull me over. I was most impressed by the fact that they were efficient enough to notice that I was speeding that late at night but very dissapointed at the same time that they were allowing the random buses & trucks to drive by as they were too busy writing up a ticket for me for about 15 minutes.  

Shouldn’t the cops be focusing their time and energy on the shady / dodgy / suspicious trucks full of god-knows-what at this hour rather than pulling a suited & booted- man over?

Chaotic Khanpur

I’m home.
I’m finally home.
I’m home for eighteen days – the longest I have ever been back to Islamabad in the last 9 years.

I ended up going to Khanpur Dam today as soon as I landed an hour away for a friend’s pre-wedding get together. It was one of the most stunning places and it was even more enjoyable with great friends, amazing food, brilliant weather, and pre-wedding celebrations.

Err, the drive back was a bit of a nightmare as it was midnight as I was with two friends and didn’t bother checking if I had any fuel in the car. Yup, the car had to stop right in the middle of a railway track in between the mountains and trust me, it was quite a scare. I pretty much had to jog to the closest petrol pump to get some fuel, which was luckily not too far away and we were finally back on the road again after about half an hour. Chaos, I tell you … but we still managed to get a good laugh out of it in the end.

Anyway, screw that. I’m home and I’m loving it. Next stop – M & G, two very close friends’ wedding tomorrow and then a trip to Chitral.

Crap – only seventeen days left.

Rockstar

Crow – Rockstar

Do you recognize this from a few months ago?

This is one of the many brilliant paintings by Bilal Maqsood (member of Strings, the Band) who is based in Karachi, Pakistan.

It’s still one of my favorites so I thought it was necessary for me to put it up again in case you missed it the last time ..

Vivek Oberoi

 

I am not ashamed to admit that I am a Bollywood freak.

Ever since I was young, I have watched Indian films on a weekly basis and have had a strong passion for Bollywood.

I’m also not embarrassed to admit that I wrote to Bipasha Basu and Rohit Roy on Facebook and was lucky enough to get short replies from both of them. Bipasha (I would like to think I’m on first name basis with her) even saw my profile picture, in which I was smoking, and replied ”I’m sure you have heard of John Abraham’s “No Smoking” movie - you should learn something from him and also quit smoking!” I was thrilled. Rohit seemed like a very nice guy as well. He wrote back and told me that he is friends with Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood and has been to Pakistan several times. Ok fine, I’m not 100% sure it was really them, but I would like to think I received genuine messages.

I am such an avid fan that  when my friend Noor called to tell me that he had spotted Katrina Kaif at Selfridges last year, I jumped up, showered, changed and made my way  there, despite the fact that I had actually been in bed and half asleep.   Noor and I decided to start off on the ground floor and we each walked in different directions searching for our celebrity sighting. Finally, we met each other on the top floor and were both disappointed that neither of us had been able to spot her, so we decided to take a break at the Selfridges Cafe. As we began to walk there, I saw an absolutely stunning woman standing a few feet away and it turned out to be Katrina Kaif. Although Noor was too shy to go and say hello to her, I made my way over to her, albeit slightly trembling, muttered “I am a fan, please have a good time in London” and walked away. I felt like such an idiot.  Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you that I ran into John Abraham in Knightsbridge last week as well, where I was confident enough to say “Hey John”  which definitely caught him by surprise. Ha ha!

Anyway, about a year ago, I saw Vivek Oberoi’s profile on a friend’s friend list on Facebook. Of course, I had to message him immediately and introduce myself as a huge fan. For some reason, I feel it’s necessary to give positive feedback to these celebrities, as they are brought down by the media so much already.

Just to give you a quick brief even though I’m sure you all know already, Vivek Oberoi is a well-known Bollywood actor and the son of the legendary Suresh Oberoi and Yashodara. After graduating from Aditanar College and completing his masters from New York University, Vivek made his debut in Ram Gopal Varma’s film, Company. Although he has had many massive hits, some of my personal favorites include Company, Saathiya, Yuva, Kaal, Shootout at Lokhandwala and of course Omkara. Vivek has been fortunate enough to receive many awards, including best debut, best supporting actor, and best villain among others, which, in my opinion, are very well deserved.

Anyway, after my introductory e-mail, I got a reply from him immediately, in which he said that he had a deep connection with Pakistan as some of his family had ties over there and he seemed to be extremely familiar with Pakistani politics and culture as well.  Although I had my doubts and was not convinced it was really him, I went with the flow and replied to his message. He mentioned that he was in Philadelphia shooting for “Qurbaan”, which coincidentally turned out to be at the same time I was heading to New York for my brother’s birthday.  I told my brother and a few of my friends in New York that I had spoken to the famous Vivek Oberoi and that he seemed to be a very nice and genuine guy. They all hysterically laughed at me and made fun of me for the entire trip as they were convinced that he was a fake Vivek Oberoi who was pulling my leg and trying to make a fool out of me. Although I tried to prove them wrong by messaging Vivek on Facebook in hopes of a quick reply, he was extremely busy at the time with the shoot and we didn’t end up speaking during that trip

Last week, however, I got a text message saying “Hey, I’m in London and this is my global cellular number – Vivek Oberoi”. I stood in shock and didn’t know what to do,  so I called my brother who shouted at me and told me to grow up as someone  was obviously  pretending to be Vivek Oberoi and  was  probably going to murder me and dump my body in the back of a car. I literally hung up on him in anger and sent Vivek a reply saying “Welcome to London and get in touch if you’re free”.

Later that night, I met up with one of my closest friends from childhood after years and we ended up going to a club together. As we entered the club, we ran into a few of our other school friends who began shouting that Vivek Oberoi was there. I tried to look for  him  and was keeping my fingers crossed that it was the same Vivek  who  had texted  me  earlier, I couldn’t find him for  an hour and  and that point I decided to give up my search and continue to party  with my friends. A few minutes later, Vivek’s friend came up to me and said “he’s here now” so I turned around to say hello and surprisingly, he recognized me! We spoke for a long time and I was impressed with how humble, down to earth, genuine and nice he was considering that he’s one of the biggest Bollywood celebrities.

Over the next few days, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to hang out with Vivek and see him as a person rather than just a superstar.  We had some interesting discussions and I was impressed to learn more about his career, personal life, and future ambitions. The media tends to focus only the negatives when it comes to a celebrity so it was great to meet one in person. For example, you have probably not heard that Vivek sponsored an entire village during the tsunami.  While other Bollywood stars were leading their usual comfortable lives following the tsunami, Vivek Oberoi was one of the very few who deserted his usual comforts to go to Devinampattinam, a remote fishing hamlet ravaged by the killer waves that claimed more than 8,000 lives. As expected, Vivek was devastated and announced a rehabilitation project and began to house the survivors in temporary homes while promising them permanent housing as well. He gave them hope, which was backed up by boats, nets, schools, play grounds and community centers. Along with that, Vivek also took his passion to new heights with his support for an organization which promotes affordable art, saying that “it’s great to be associated with such a program as it promotes two things that are very dear to my heart – art and charity. I like to call it art for hearts, as part of the proceeds collected will be donated to Yashodhara Oberoi Foundation for the various causes it supports, from heart surgery for poor children to the empowerment of women”.

I have really enjoyed being able to experience such a unique opportunity and wish Vivek all the best with his releases later this year. Really looking forward to them!

Gola Ganda

I was at a friend’s Dholki in London this past weekend and was very impressed by the amazing atmosphere. I’ve been a bit homesick lately so it was quite a pleasant surprise to see all the  aunties,  uncles, and ‘youngsters’ dressed in shalwar kameezes and making some noise the desi way. I had a great chat with one of the foreigners who was quite taken with the rich culture and heritage listening to the aunties singing “raat keh baara bajeh” and “lateh kee chaadar”.

As we finished our second helping of Lahore Kebab House’s delicious catering at the Dholki, we walked towards the dessert section to see what was in store. As I was about to join the line for the gulab jamans and gaajar ka halva, I heard one of my friends say “I hope they have gola ganda tonight”. The idiot that I am, I laughed and assuredly told him that gulli danda is a game not a dessert, adding that he was a fool for not knowing that, at which time then he became hysterical and made sure that our other friends heard my comment as well. 

 I will be the first to admit that I grew up in somewhat of a bubble and was a bit sheltered studying at the American School, and  I never really made an effort or got the chance to be exposed to some parts of  my own culture.

 Yes, I have heard of shaved ice before and I’m sure I’ve seen a similar version in the States as well, but no, I had never heard of “gola ganda”, which is apparently very popular in Pakistan. For those who don’t know, gola ganda is an assortment of colored syrups poured over shaved ice, which is usually bright colored and fruit flavored, and is enjoyed as a summer treat across Pakistan. 

This post is most definitely dedicated to Juggy, Princess MM, & Faizullah as they were both shocked and disgusted that I was unaware of gola ganda’s existence in Pakistan.  Maaf kardo, guys!

Chili’s

I love Chili’s – the restaurant. I became obsessed with the food the minute I entered the Copley / Prudential Mall back in 2000 in Boston and have been loyal ever since. Unfortunately, I haven’t come across one in London yet but I make sure to make a stop (or few) at Chili’s every single time I go back to the States or visit Dubai.

This morning, I was reading an e-mail from a friend, in which SQ had admitted to carrying the “triple play” appetizer on a flight from Dubai to Islamabad just last night. Intense, huh?  SQ2, her brother, was also kind / obnoxious enough to attach this picture for us in his reply, which made me quite jealous.

I know that there are many of you who might pretend to be super cool (and slightly pretentious) by not publicly admitting to your love for Chili’s but I’m sure deep down inside, you know it’s amazing!!!

If you have any questions or concerns (or just feel like browsing through the menu / pictures), check out http://www.chilis.com/

The spirit of Mumbai

Gaurav, a friend / colleague of mine sent me a ‘forward’ this morning. It’s one of those “good deed of the day” types of moments, which I thought should be shared with you guys as well. * Not sure if this is ‘not allowed’ or illegal in any way or form but I ended up editing the below ‘forward’ for it to make more sense * _______________________________________________________

Below, Suvendu Roy of Titan Industries shares his inspirational encounter with Sandeep Bachhe, an Auto Rickshaw driver in Mumbai, India. – Rickshaw number MH-02-Z-8508.

Last Sunday, my wife, child, and I had to travel to Andheri from Bandra in India. I casually waved at a passing auto rickshaw and little did I know then that this was going to be a completely different experience.

As we set off, my eyes fell on a few magazines (kept in an aircraft style pouch) behind the driver’s back rest. I looked in the front of the vehicle and there was a small television as well, in which the driver had put on the “doordarshan” channel. My wife and I looked at each other with disbelief but were amused at the same time. I then realized that in front of me, there was a small first-aid box with cotton, dettol, and some medicines. I guess this was more than enough for me to realize that this was most definitely a special vehicle.

As I continued to explore, I saw a radio, fire extinguisher, wall clock, calendar, and pictures & symbols of all faiths – from Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, to even Sikhism. There were also pictures of all the 26/11 heroes, which included Kamte, Salaskar, Karkare, and Unnikrishnan. By now, I wasn’t only impressed with where I was sitting but was also curious about the driver and how special he must be.

I started chatting to the Driver and the initial sense of ridicule and disbelief gradually began to diminish. I gathered some facts and he had been driving an auto rickshaw for the past nine years as he had lost his job when his employer’s plastic company was shut down. He had two school-going children and he drove from 8:00 am till 10:00 pm on a daily basis. He wouldn’t take a break ever unless he was severely ill and could not manage driving the rickshaw. He even said “sahib, ghar mein baith ke TV dekh kar kya faida? Doh paiseh karega toh future meh kaam aayga” – Sir, what’s the use of simply sitting at home and watching television? If I earn some income, then it will be useful in the future.

We then realized that we had come across a man who represents Mumbai – the spirit of work, the spirit of travel, and the spirit of being ambitious and wanted to excel in life. I even asked him if he has time to do anything else besides driving this rickshaw and he said that he rarely has time but when he does, he goes to an old age home for women in Andheri at least once a week or on holidays to donate tooth brushes, toothpastes, soap, hair oil, and other items, which could come handy on a day –to-day basis. He even pointed out to a painted message below the meter that read: “25 percent discount on metered fare for handicapped people and free rides for blind passengers up to Rs. 50”.

The Rickshaw driver was very proud yet humble while mentioning that he was mentioned on Radio Mirchi by an RJ not once but actually twice.

My wife and I were struck in awe by this gentleman and consider him to be a hero, who deserves all the respect in the world. He has put questions in our minds and I now understand why it’s important to help others. Our journey came to an end after 45 minutes and I was proud to have met a self-less, humble, down-to-earth, hero, which gave me a new found respect for Mumbai – my temporary home. Unfortunately, I could only give him a little bit of tip, which would hardly cover a free ride for a blind man but I wish him the best of luck and all my prayers are with him.

Is Pakistan a Failed State?

IS PAKISTAN A FAILED STATE?
(soon to be published in ‘The News”)

Ijaz Ul Haq
Former Minister for Religious Affairs & Minorities

Washington based Fund for Peace; an Independent Research Organization has conducted a world wide survey to index the failing states wherein Pakistan has been placed at the 10^th position in the International Community. Our country has been categorized as insecure, unstable and a breeding ground for terrorism and spreading extremism, which will affect everyone.

It is a widely recognized survey and accepted to be reliable. The Group has based its results on 12 indicators relating to rulers and the ruled. In 2007 Pakistan occupied the 12^th Position where from it nosedived to the 9^th position in 2008 i.e. this decline was seen after the democracy had been restored and the present leadership was effectively placed. In 2009, we are lucky to have crept up by a decimal.

The indicators used are:

Demographic Pressures – Refugees/IDPs – Group Grievances – Human flight – Uneven Development – Economic Decline – Delegitimization of the State – Public Service – Human Rights – Security Apparatus – Factionalized Elites – External Intervention

The question that causes a stir is that are we really a failed state? Good enough, the surveys / findings may prove us so, but is the ground situation really bad enough for us to be bracketed with tiny African states like Chad and Guinea?

For academic interest at least, let us examine the phenomenon in a little detail and have a closer look at the Indicators. Demographic constants apart, we take into consideration the Indicators leading us to the Indexed position.  We seem to conclude and find that it is not the failure of the State but in actual effect, it is the failure of our Leadership and its Policies. And by a stretch it proves the fact that it is the failure of American policies, imposed and followed in these countries that have landed them to such a dismal and un-enviable condition.  Leaving aside the Tiny African States, countries like Somalia, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Iraq and Afghanistan are listed among Failed States. Iraq and Afghanistan are under physical military occupation of the US while influence, intervention and involvement of the US in Somalia, Zimbabwe and Sudan is manifestly apparent and open.

Leadership thrown up to rule Pakistan Iraq and Afghanistan, to the nails, is backed by the United States. In our case, it is Washington washed, Condy Cleansed and Boucher Brought Leadership. What sanctification indeed!!  The scores of secret meetings that took place with Ms Candoleezza Rice and Mr. Boucher in Dubai and else where, the undertakings and commitments made by our present rulers to further American interests in the region, ought to put us to shame.

Before the general elections in ‘07, President Musharaf had no holds barred, in telling Ch. Shujaat Hussain that it has been pre-arranged that PML (Q) will now be given and should be content with only 40 – 50 odd National Assembly seats.  The majority will be given to the Pakistan’s People Party (PPP) as allowed and ordained by the USA.

The former President, in his lust and hope to continue to rule, felt no remorse to become a part and partner in the despised game plan and despicable deal through notorious NRO. Which law of the land sanctions such a compromise and connivance at national level, on basic norms of morality,   attributes of intellectual honesty and fair play – the very foundation of an edifice – the Islamic Republic of Pakistan? Statutory Offences and offences against the state are neither compoundable nor condonable. For us, the primitive age is still not over.  The point to prove and regret is that the US – the sole superpower and symbol of democracy, independence, and human rights, stoop so low to sponsor and support such a move to ensure the return to throne of discredited, dishonest rulers.  The governance deficit of these Baptized Puritans is so low that in every Pakistani’s estimation they hold the poorest of credentials and credibility. Their popularity rating can be gauged from the inland SMS traffic. It would be an amusing survey. More laughable is the Law Enactment in this regard. It would be naïve to expect such a piece with stand the adjudication and judicial review. On the Indicators, it is this de-legitimized government which is responsible for our down slide.  It is this Angelic Elites and Factionalized Few, with wealth both legitimate and illegitimate amassed abroad, that has contributed to our indexation amongst   failed states. It is this External Intervention that has brought the present leaders to the fore.

The economic decline is due largely to poor economic and fiscal policies of the government. The billions looted and billions written off as a result of NRO. The big loans un-accounted for and waived off by various regimes of the recent past over the years and similar fat amounts wasted on endless war on terror are a sufficient factor for our economic decline if not collapse.

Refugees / IDPs and involuntary displacement is a direct outcome of drone attacks and military operations. This is the largest internal displacement of approximately 2.5 million people ever experienced by donor agencies.

In year 2006, I attended two Seminars held at Lahore organized by Council of Pakistan Affairs and Pakistan Institute of World Peace. The participants comprised Economists, Businessmen, Intelligentsia, and Professors from the Far East and eminent personalities from respective fields. The speakers were almost unanimous in predicting the fall of the USA in at least economic terms – thereby declining its role and curtailing its capacity to act and its longevity as a Sole Super Power – the war on terror being the cause of drain and possible destabilization of its economy. The billions of dollars spent on war on terror would cause enormous strain on US economic and other potentials, would weaken its capabilities and eventually it would fall apart  from within into Zones – as one may call it – at least on linguistic basis if not other identities.

It looked like a prophecy and a paradox – far fetched from reality and unlikely to happen.

Today, we are witnessing such tendencies and demands, for example, that Spanish should be made the primary language in its North. The Mexican majority areas have their own group grievances. Through massive subsidies and support funds, major business concerns and banks have been put on ventilators while others have collapsed.  Unemployment and retrenchment are on the rise. The Pakistani Think Tanks have proven right in their prediction and pronouncements.

More than 40% of our population is living and languishing below poverty line with no access to the basic amenities of life. What to talk of amenities, the very basic barest needs of education, employment, health and even clean drinking water. Common commodities of daily life are beyond their reach. The hapless masses are crying for justice, equity and employment. Their life has been made miserable for lack of good governance. For the relief, they have no recourse. Rampant corruption, erosion of government control, and authority is so glaring that target and mass killings in Karachi fail to attract the mischief of Law. Dozens of dead bodies are consigned to nowhere without naming the killers and the killed. The opposition which is unique in its nature being in coalition in Punjab and friendly in the Center has not played its due role of check and balance. The voice of the masses, the burden of price hike, law and order etc is not being aired at any forum whatsoever. They rush towards the Chief Justice to come to their rescue for their collective and individual unfathomable grievances of daily life like POL prices and electricity tariff. The Opposition has not been given its due role to play in the national affairs as evidenced during the recent Budget Session. The Cut Motions relating to law and order by the Opposition were shelved / withdrawn. To promote personalized Party Rule constitutional provisions are being contemplated to further curtail the role of a viable opposition.

 As a Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, my portfolio required comparatively more frequent meetings with President Musharaf. In my own humble way, I resisted foreign imposed pressures and restrictions about the Islamic Seminaries and their syllabi. Though known little to friends outside, I even raised concerns regarding the handling of the entire Lal Masjid episode. In a meeting in 2006, President Musharaf told me not to favor MMA Members of Parliament, as in the New Scheme of Things they will not be allowed to re-emerge or regain prominence in the political arena and only the secular and moderates will be allowed a role. General Musharaf stressed that the government is required to move away from religious elements and I should as well. On Lal Masjid and other such issues, General Musharaf clearly indicated that I should abdicate my conviction and my real forte. At one point, I had even decided to resign from my position but I was persuaded to stay, and to seek some sanity to prevail. However, it did not happen and I failed to forestall the finales that followed. My heart goes out for the innocent lives lost in the Lal Masjid tragedy. I did not resign but sincerely feel that it might have been more desirable and far more prudent.  

From the above, one can deduce and derive that Pakistan is not a failed state. However, it is the failure of our rulers and their Masters.

Rape?

I was flipping through channels a few weeks ago when I came across an actor who seemed familiar. I then realized that I had seen him in “Gangster” and a few other films and began to sing “Ya Ali” while reading the news alert at the bottom of the screen. I was shocked, to say the least, to see that Shiney Ahuja, the actor, was being arrested on “rape” charges.

Apparently, his Maid, who had been working for him and his wife for the past month had filed a complaint alleging that the actor, who often tried to flirt with her, finally called her to his bedroom at 3:00 pm when he was alone on a Sunday afternoon and then repeatedly raped her.  .

Although Ahuja denied the fact that he had raped her at first and insisted that they had sex by mutual consent, he then apparently broke down according to some newspapers and said that he might have raped her in an inebriated state.

Recently, he has also said that he was being framed by the Maid and her boyfriend who had both planned this incident. He also contended that he came from a good family background and denied consensual sex or rape and said he was a victim of a “well hatched conspiracy” to malign his image and extort money from him. Shiney’s lawyer, Shrikant Shivade, had earlier argued that the entire case against him had been “concocted”. He said that the victim was wrongly implicating and that there were no external injuries seen on the body of the victim so it could just equivalent to a case of “consensual sex”.

Initially, the Bollywood industry and police could not believe that this well respected actor could have committed such a heinous crime as he was known to be prim, proper, charming, and respectful in the industry. Ahuja’s wife has said that people in the film industry are unwilling to publicly support her husband but have said that he is innocent. Speaking in support of the actor, Preeti Zinta said, “It’s very easy to slam someone when they are down. I think whatever’s happened is really unfortunate. I do have enormous faith in the judiciary and I’m sure they will do justice. The person also has parents and a family. One must think about what’s going on in their hearts and minds.” However, Mahesh Bhatt, who he has worked with twice deeply expressed his anger and said that “this is shameful – deep shame, because the crime that he is accused of is of rape, and that too rape of a helpless, 18-year-old domestic help. And if it is backed by the medical reports and also by the confession that he has given then he is headed for a big, big trouble. If it is found that if indeed he has committed a heinous crime like this, then we must express our outrage”.

The prosecutor in the case has said that the police have a strong case against Ahuja as the DNA and medical reports support the victim’s allegations. Whether or not it was rape has not been determined yet, but the fact of the matter is that he committed adultery while his wife and daughter had stepped out of the house for an hour. However, the case may be that he was framed for rape as celebrities and members of the upper classes often tend to be “soft targets” for fame and money in South Asia. I guess the Indian judiciary system has proved itself to be just in the past and will hopefully therefore establish the truth. However, it’s shocking to see an actor we all have known be accused of such a crime.

Did he or did he not commit the crime?

Chitrali Polo

I went to Chitral in September of 2008 and was overwhelmed by the beauty of the place and the intricacies of its people.  I’m planning on going again in a few weeks and I am really excited about it. I’m not sure if any of you came across the article below in the Guardian this past weekend but it’s about Chitral and Shandur Polo, which took place there in July.

In the middle of war, a game of polo breaks out in Pakistan –
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/10/pakistan-polo-hindu-kush

PS: I have pasted a few of my earlier posts on Chitral as well below.  
Chitrali Cafe – http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/chitrali-cafe-ouh/
Chitrali Princess – http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/05/11/princess/
Chitrali Fairy – http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/chitrali-fairy-ouh/
 Cliff Hanger – http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/06/06/hanging-by-the-cliff/

Thaj’s Art

A few months ago, many people attended an art exhibition at the Casa Dell Arte Gallery in Bahrain to admire the works of Thajba Najeeb.

I grew up with Thajba in Bahrain and our family has known each other for decades. She is a brilliant artist and an even more wonderful individual.

Thajba displays her work privately and at exhibitions across the Middle East (mostly in Dubai and Bahrain) and I would be more than happy to put you in touch with her if you’re interested in purchasing one of her paintings.

I have only seen a few of her paintings and, as you can imagine, the pictures just don’t do justice to the real thing. However, I have pasted some of her masterpieces below for you to get a taste of her work.

Wind – Thajba Nabjeeb

The Mosque – Thajba Najeeb

Sun City – Thajba Najeeb

Taliban’s Tea Time

I came across Fasi Zaka’s parody in “The News” today and thought it was hilarious.

Fasi, a Rhodes Scholar and former academic, has put together a short skit with two main actors – Breath (Bad) Nullah who heads the Taliban in Waziristan and Fuzz (Gandah) Nallah who is his compatriot in Swat.

Check it out below – My favorite line was “we must bamboozle the google”!
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Breath (bad) Nullah: Welcome my friend. Please have some sherbet.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: Thanks, vintage Rooh Afzah I see with a dash of B+’ve sprinkled on it.
Breath (bad) Nullah: Sorry, my friend, O-’ve is in short supply.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: No problems, these are hard times.
Breath (bad) Nullah: For tonight’s entertainment I have arranged a moonlight barbeque, and some song.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: Please! What is wrong with you, don’t you know going out in the moonlight is haram ever since the naapaak Americans put their foot on it without wuzoo?
Breath (bad) Nullah: Please forgive me, my noble friend. But the music I have arranged is absolutely halal, it is by the Village People (YMCA). There are no women in this group, nor do they have women in their music videos.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: Good, good. Village People are my favorites. They are most important to our cause.
Breath (bad) Nullah: I have taken a new initiative. When animals and livestock are in heat, they shall be placed in separate quarters so they do not spread the disease of sex in the minds of innocent people.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: Yes, the perverts. This is a longstanding problem in Pakistan that needed a solution.
Breath (bad) Nullah: All leaders and politicians are non-Muslims, who are in the hands of the CIA.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: Yes. They only promote sex. Lots of sex.
Breath (bad) Nullah: They are destroying our nation by promoting sex. So immoral.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: That’s all they can think of, sex. We should ban sex.
Breath (bad) Nullah: Yes. And polio drops too.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: And women too. Because they spread sex.
Breath (bad) Nullah: Thank God we are not obsessed by sex.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: Yes. We never think about sex. Only revolution!
Breath (bad) Nullah: But tell me, brother, how can we give a ghusl to the moon to make it paak again?
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: Muslim Khan will do it. He says he can clean anything, and if not, then he will kill the moon. The moon is like a bad woman who seduced the Americans to come there.
Breath (bad) Nullah: We should also take action against Cartoon Network.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: Yes, we should. Tom is always chasing Jerry. They are always naked.
Breath (bad) Nullah: Yes, it is an American conspiracy to spread sex.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: I think Indians are also involved.
Breath (bad) Nullah: We should also ban jokes.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: And everything modern. Except weapons.
Breath (bad) Nullah: Also, we should establish rule of law.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: Yes. Only we should be able to authorize kidnappings and beheadings.
Breath (bad) Nullah: And in our caliphate people will not get sick.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: I will issue the fatwa against germs soon, banning them forever.
Breath (bad) Nullah: Good, then our ban on female doctors will work even better.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: The news has just come in! Our spokesperson Muslim Khan is injured, he may not be able to carry on the job!
Breath (bad) Nullah: It’s ok, Dr Shahid Masood is still there.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: Yes, thank God the media is still on our side. We must tell our forces not to cut the throats of children.
Breath (bad) Nullah: Absolutely, we are not barbarians. Only children who want to go to school will have their throats slit.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: I am sure all sane men will see our compassion in that.
Breath (bad) Nullah: I am also working on destroying the great Satan, the Israeli- supported Internet.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: We will bamboozle the Google.
Breath (bad) Nullah: It will be our thrill kill.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: Our next target should be the bees.
Breath (bad) Nullah: Yes, I have heard they promote indiscriminate sex between flowers.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: By the way, who is your favourite singer in the Village People?
Breath (bad) Nullah: The one with the big moustache.
Fuzz Gandah Nallah: He is best in their song “Macho Man,” like we are.
Breath (bad) Nullah: You got that straight.

Rats – Flying Companions?

If you guys are anything like my friend, Z, I’m sure yesterday’s article, “Great Rats to Fly with: PIA” in ‘The News’ left you pretty disgusted. In case you haven’t read it – check out http://thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=23140   

Z sent me a piece he had written about his experience. Thought you guys would find it amusing!

P.S. No matter how scary the thought of a rat-infested plane ride may be, I can’t seem to get rid of my soft spot for PIA – how else could I travel directly from London to Islamabad? Where else would I consume such delicious palak gosht?!

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The holidays are here and my entire family have decided to abandon me and go off and visit The Homeland. This means that Muggins has to lift and drag forty kilo suitcases down the stairs and into the car boot. One then proceeds to the wonderful Terminal 3 at Heathrow Airport and does it all again.  Heathrow is chaos, it starts at the airport and that is just the tip of the chaotic iceberg.  You queue for the lifts as you have to heave two luggage laden, (that’s pronounced LAY-DUN not LAADUN) trolleys to the lower floor. This is the check-in floor and it’s like the world has ended with a frown on every face and people running amock in all directions. I was the same, as soon as I realised that the queue for Emirates was winding half way round the terminal.  I queued for an hour and a half before we got to the check-in desk. During this time the family ahead of us were served a MacDonalds’ supper by one of their sons as they waited. I met a friend in the same queue and after a while she got the gist of what I was telling her – ie. that I was only queuing to help my parents shift the ninety kilo trolleys and that as soon as they had checked in I would go back home, having paid a tenner for parking. I was getting used to this as I had done the same a week ago when my wife left. “Whaaaaaaaaaaaat??” she yelled, “You mean you’re not even flying?? What a loooossseeerrrr!!!” I guess that just about summed me up. 

That was outward bound. Then I had the inward bound chaos to contend with. It was even worse….

I’d like to think that I am quite efficient when it comes to my airport trips. Once PIA’ed, twice shy.  I phone up in advance to ensure the flight is on time. I even check it on Teletext, just in case. I even rang my wife’s parents to make sure she had gotten on the flight itself. No, that’s not being a compulsive obsessive pedant, they often refuse passengers at the check-in desks there just in case passengers haven’t confirmed and re-confirmed and re-re-confirmed their tickets.

On this occasion, PK 785 was due to arrive late at 9.00pm instead of 3.00pm. By the time I checked again, it was 9.30pm. So now this ‘direct’ flight is a whole six and a half hours late and no one seems to know where it is, and frankly I am a tad worried by this stage as where could the plane have gone. If it hasn’t stopped elsewhere and it was a direct flight and left on time, then where was it? “Eeet eez due to arraaiiive at nine tatty that’s aall, bas” is the reply I got from the PIA office.

By the time I get to Arrivals the expected time of arrival is 9.45pm.  After a while it says ‘Landed’.  And after a longer while I expect to read “PK 785 Baggage in Hall” as for the other flights. Instead I get a blank line for PK 785. So now we are completely in the dark. Did the plane land? Was it beamed up by Scotty? If it did, where was my wife? Indeed where was any ‘Pak’enger?

I am now waiting with all the others in anticipation and I can hardly bear to be in the spot I’m in because someone smells. I’m sorry, but whoever it was, their washing machine had broken down, in fact it had been broken down for some time now! Then suddenly, amongst all of us tired mortals there appeared a (Naoozubilla) God-like figure beyond the opaque screen. It was none other than our very own Export of the Century, Mr Imran Khan.

Of course the entire population in Terminal 3 broke into spontaneous applause as if we were at a test match or something and then half of them started running after him, for autographs I guess. Poor man, (well, not literally), he even hid round the corner as he waited for the lift before endeavouring to depart hastily and unnoticed! That was the highlight of the night (now morning) for most of us, it seemed. It was another hour before my wife turned up but that was my highlight, sorry if you are throwing up at this stage!

 So where had the plane been for nearly seven extra hours? Well apparently the Pakistani army were using half the runway in Islamabad so the plane could not be fully fuelled. They had decided to take off and land the direct flight from Islamabad in Karachi for re-fuelling where there had been further delays of the chaotic variety! My wife was not amused. In fact I think she was in shock. Apparently the little boy next to her had ‘kicked’ her shins during the entire flight with his muddy shoes……and yes the mud had actually crumbled and fallen off too as it dried in the heat!

“Never again” we cry in repent, “I am NEVER sitting on another PIA flight again, EVER” we say. But alas come Christmas time, we all become desperados and as everything in the world seems to be booked up airlines-wise we, no doubt, will end up boarding another, ‘PIA ki parvaaz PK something or the other’ again, happily, relieved that we are off to the ‘Vathan’ once more!

Twenty-seven

I turned twenty-seven yesterday.

I had a great birthday and spent most of the day with friends, which is always a good thing. Sadly, I wasn’t able to see too much of my family, as they are scattered across the globe right now, but they made sure to call me at midnight..

I’ve realized that there are too many birthday milestones. I can understand how turning eighteen, twenty one, and twenty five can be milestones , but since when did twenty seven become such a massive one? I’m not sure when, exactly, it happened, but it definitely has become a marked birthday . Actually, the next few years are going to be milestones on their own, as they will each mark one year closer to the ever-dreaded thirty. I even got a few “happy 3 to 30″ birthday wishes this year, which took me by surprise.

Not that age has ever been a big deal to me, but there are some things that I am unhappy about now that I have turned twenty seven. It wasn’t really supposed to be like this. It’s quite clear that I am not thrilled with my current job, but I feel that there are many other things to be considered when one turns twenty seven as well. Should twenty-seven-year-olds be living in a studio apartment? Should they be balding already? Should they be thinking of settling down? Should they have a substantial amount in their savings account? Should they be eating on paper plates to avoid washing up?

Ah well, only three more years until I hit the massive 3-0, so might as well make the most of my twenties for now.

Until then – No! Thirties are not the new twenties ..

An Inspiration – Sponsor a child?

Saqiba Rahimuddin is one of the kindest, most hardworking and dedicated individuals I know. She holds an esteemed position in the Pakistan literary world as a best-selling author of children’s books.  In addition, she is renowned for her commitment to social welfare and childhood literacy.  I am also lucky enough to call her my grandmother. 

Mrs. Rahimuddin was only an F.A student when she married General Rahimuddin Khan, my grandfather.   Even with the demands of a growing family of six, she strived for higher education and was successful in getting her Masters in Urdu with a first division. For the past 30 years, she has worked day & night for the welfare of soldiers and their families and has volunteered at various institutions that support the education and well-being of needy children. She was also actively involved in assisting families who had lost everything in the earthquake and lately she has dedicated most of her time to the IDPs.

Just to give you more of a background – Mrs. Rahimuddin comes from a family, which has been known for its literary and political achievements in both, India & Pakistan. Her Father, Dr. Mahmud Hussain, served in Pakistan as the Minister of Defense and Education and also as the Vice Chancellor of Karachi and Dhaka Universities and Dr. Zakir Hussain, her Uncle, was a well known educationist who later also became the President of India. Coming from a family that was known for its political and literary achievements, my grandmother followed in their footsteps and made a name for herself.

In addition to her voluntary work, Saqiba Rahimuddin has been the driving force behind the development of the Pakistan’s Children’s Academy.  Created in 1976, it was the first and only non-government institution that has worked for the welfare and improvement of children in need. Contrary to a typical school, there are no uniforms, curriculum, or scheduled classes. Instead, through games, entertainment and competitive sports children are taught important lessons such as honesty and hard work and are given the tools needed to become successful individuals. Provided with a caring & loving atmosphere, they can acquire the confidence and skills necessary to thrive. Pakistan’s Children’s Academy’s head office is located in Quetta and has branches in Rawalpindi, Multan, Peshawar, Mansehra, and Abbotabad.

Along with the Academy, Saqiba Rahimuddin has also been the president & chairperson of the Institute for Special Children (Saqiba Baluchistan Deaf & Dumb Society); a non-government welfare institute in the province of Baluchistan. The main objective of the Institute is to provide support and basic education to children who have disabilities. Medical assistance, hearing aids and other necessary equipment is also provided. Moreover, the Institute also focuses on vocational training so that these children can acquire specialized skills that can help them earn a living later in life. 

Through all her work and efforts, my grandmother has touched so many lives.   I have been fortunate enough to witness the love and affection she has received from thousands of her students and families who she has helped along the way.  I still have a vivid memory of when my grandfather, brother and I went to pick her up from the airport after her return from Umra. It took us about 45 minutes to squeeze through hundreds of children who had come from an orphanage in Rawalpindi to get to the infamous Rawal Lounge at the airport. We were sweaty, dehydrated, and couldn’t understand why it was so crowded. Once my grandmother arrived, we realized that all these children had come to greet her and were showering her with hugs and kisses.  This filled me with admiration and gave me a glimpse into her life.  I now strive to try to give back to the community the way she has and seeing the love all these people had for her motivates me.   In her own way, my grandmother has always tried to get us involved—she has gotten most of our family members and friends to sponsor a child, which helps pays for their basic education.

Recently in a conversation, she mentioned how her top priorities this year are to raise funds to purchase computers & books for a library for Pakistan’s Children’s Academy as well as the Institute of Special Children in Killi Shabu and Quetta.  If any of you would like to get involved, donate or simply find out more about her work, please email me! You can donate by sending money to me and I can forward it on to her immediately so she can get in touch with you to thank you or you can send money directly to her account in Pakistan, which she has specifically created for contributions. Sometimes we get so involved in our own lives, we don’t realize the power of giving back. Every time I am around my Grandmother, I see the way she unselfishly has dedicated her life to help others and it makes me realize what really matters in life. I feel blessed to have a role model like her in my family.

Ismail Gulgee

I came across Ismail Gulgee’s “Polo Player” painting recently and thought it was amazing. My uncle is a polo player in Lahore, Pakistan and I guess I have learned to appreciate horses more through his enthusiasm and passion for the game.

For Gulgee, who was considered a well-respected artist of Pakistan in particular and the subcontinent in general, life has been a journey in many senses, giving him an intense and ethereal artistic eye. He was an award-winning, globally famous self-taught artist best known for his abstract and portrait paintings.    

A few of my family members have been fortunate enough to have Gulgee draw their portraits in the past and were  given  some of his  more  abstract work as well, which was influenced by Islamic calligraphy. I remember seeing these paintings  displayed prominently by family members who really admired & appreciated his work, but, unfortunately I was too young to understand its importance at that time.  However, now that I am older and know more about art, I feel that I am able to better understand and appreciate his talent.   

According to our friend Wikipedia, “Gulgee’s paintings have always been bright and full of color, but the paint was put on with great sensitivity, and paintings vibrate with intense feeling. Areas sing with luminous, thin color; thick blobs of paint pulsate with fiberglass tears, the brush swirls strong and free. The total effect used to be very free, yet considered and well thought out. They work enormously well, because it was all orchestrated with great care and concentration.”

Unfortunately, Guljee passed away two years ago but his art work will live on forever.  I only hope that one day I am lucky enough to own a Gulgee painting as there is still plenty of his brilliant art work out there.

Bomb Blast in Rawalpindi

Blast heard in Rawalpindi
Updated at: 1627 PST, Thursday, July 02, 2009
RAWALPINDI: Casualties are feared when a powerful explosion occurred in Chauhar Chowk of Rawalpindi, Geo News reported Thursday.
The ambulances and relief teams have been sent to the blast site.
According to preliminary reports, the blast occurred in a government bus and the bomb was planted with a motorbike. However, the nature of blast could not be ascertained as yet.

My Mother just messaged me on my blackberry and said “We are all ok so do not worry. Huge bomb blast 5 minutes away from our house in Rawalpindi in Chauhar Chowk. Your father was driving past that Chowk 10 minutes ago but is fine. I got very very scared. The blast was really loud and thank god the windows didn’t break. It was really scary.”

It’s disgusting how I’m sitting at work and just thinking that “thank god my father wasn’t at the site” and wondering what could have happened to him if he was there just a few minutes later. When will the madness end? What about all the other victims who just died a painful death for no reason at all?

Should we just accept the fact that this is going to be a daily occurance and then thank god that our loved one wasn’t the victim on that day?

Is that what this has come to now?

Aik Alif

A friend of mine just tagged me in a “note” on Facebook, in which he provided the translation of Bulleh Shah Kafi’s “Aik Alif”.

As you may remember from my previous post on Coke Studio, which was @ http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/06/11/coke-studio-returns/, Aik Alif was recently performed by Saeen Zahoor, Ali Noor, and Ali Hamza in one of their live performance episodes on Coke Studio.  

As my friend said in his note, this song is brilliant and really makes you think and question all the madness that has been going on in Pakistan in today’s day and age in the name of religion, and especially God.

Translation:
“You read to become all knowledgeable
But you never read yourself
You run to enter your mosques and temples
But you never entered your own heart
Everyday you fight Satan
But you never fight your own Ego
Bulleh Shah you try grabbing that which is in the sky
But you never get hold of what sits inside yourself
Stop it all my friend
stop seeking all this knowledge my friend
Only an Alif is what you need
stop it all my friend
Stop seeking all this knowledge my friend
God is Greatness, God is All”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkyG0u21oms

The King of Lollywood

Many use the term Lollywood to refer to the Pakistani film industry based in the city of Lahore.   The name, of course, is a portmanteau of the first initial from the city’s name with Hollywood. Sadly, as patriotic as we Pakistanis usually are about our country, there aren’t enough of us who watch Lollywood movies on a regular basis or know the ins and outs of the industry. However, there are some famous Lollywood stars that should never be forgotten and are a huge part of our culture and heritage.

Sultan Rahi was a legendry action film hero and The Sultan (The King – as he was commonly known) ruled Pakistani films from the seventies until the nineties. He appeared in more than 700 films and was the most successful film hero / villain in Pakistan. He dominated the film industry and his face was plastered over every billboard in Pakistan for as long as I can remember, until he was tragically murdered on January 9th, 1996.

Although most of us laugh at Lollywood and the quality of its films, we can’t deny the fact that Sultan ruled Pakistan’s film industry and managed to reach a level of success previously unheard of within the industry. 

On a related note, Danyaal, a friend of mine strolled in to work today and looked completely knackered. He told me that he had stayed up till 3:00 a.m. to watch some of Sultan Rahi’s best moments in Pakistani Cinema….

I have included pieces of four of Danyaal’s favorite scenes below, which are absolutely hilarious.

1: In one scene – Sultan Rahi has a brain tumor. According to the Doctor, the tumor cannot be cured and unfortunately, his death is imminent. However, a few scenes later, our great Sultan is shot in the head. Fortunately, to everybody’s surprise, the bullet has passed through his ears taking away the tumor and he is completely cured! Long live Sultan Rahi!

2: In another movie, Sultan Rahi is confronted by not 1, not 2, but 3 gigantic gangsters. Sultan has a knife and a gun but unfortunately, the gun only has one bullet left. Can you guess what he did? He hurls the knife towards the middle gangster and shoots the bullet towards the knife. The knife then cuts the bullet into two pieces, which kills both the gangsters on each side of the middle gangster and yeah, you got it right – the middle gangster dies a painful death by the knife itself!

3: Another favorite of Danyaal’s was when Sultan Rahi is being chased by a gangster. He has a revolver but no bullets (yet again). Don’t even bother guessing as you won’t be able to in your wildest imagination! Sultan waits for the gangster to shoot and as soon as the gangster shoots – Sultan swiftly opens the bullet compartment of his revolver and catches the bullet in there. He then continues to close the bullet compartment and fires the gun back at the gangster! Bang Bang Bang! The gangster is history!

4: The climax has finally arrived. Sultan gets to know that the villain is on the other side of a very high wall. The wall is so high that even the great Sultan can’t jump with any of his superman techniques that our Lollywood heroes normally use in films. It’s the end of the film and since it’s the climax, the Sultan must do everything in his power to kill the bad guy. Newton, of course, is smiling from above as it’s virtually impossible for Sultan to do anything at this point. But not in Lollywood though – Sultan suddenly pulls two guns from his pockets – throws one gun in the air and when the gun has reached above the height of the wall, he uses the second gun and shoots at the trigger of the first gun, which is in the air so the first gun fires off and kills the villain! Mind blowing!!  

Sultan Rahi is a legend and is truly missed by all of us! May he rest in peace!

Walking Away

As mentioned in one of my previous posts @http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/picture-of-the-day-ouh-3/, Danish, a close friend from childhood and I went up to Balakot after the October, ‘05 earthquake. We had taken a few clothes, food, and basic goods for some of the earthquake victims over there and spent the day distributing what we had and took the opportunity to check out some of the schools, tents, and camps.

We saw a gentleman walking very slowly on the street  so we decided to stop and ask for directions as we were completely lost at one point. He pointed us in the right direction and we began to ask him a bit more about himself as he seemed like an interesting guy. He told us that he lost his entire family during the earthquake and that he lived just a few miles away from Balakot. He had just come for afternoon prayers at the mosque and was walking back home with nothing to look forward to …

He didn’t know that I was going to be taking a picture of him and he was in mid sentence when I clicked the camera.

I will never forget the intensity in his eyes …

Bar Bollywood

I moved to London about three and a half years ago and unfortunately, missed the “Bar Bollywood” craze by just a few months. Needless to say (for those who know me), I was very disappointed to have missed out on this special spot where South Asians came together to enjoy an evening full of desi groovin’ and shakin’ (real Madhuri and Amitabh style). Apparently, all types graced Bar Bollywood, from our favorite Jinnah market boys, the hoity toity aunties, the posh polo players from Lahore, and last but certainly not least, the beloved British Born (C) Desis, who were out to find their future husband or wife and complete their Raj/Simran fantasy. 

Z, a good friend of mine, is one of many who has been raving about Bar Bollywood for ages now! He has finally decided to share his experience with you guys as well.
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I’d been hearing about this place off and on so I was naturally delighted when we ended up there one night by accident. It started outside with queues either side of the doors, despite the rain. Always a good sign, I thought to myself. Although I know that clubs and the like often like to build queues up outside because it makes a place look extremely popular and the hype outside reaches sky level. Inside however, the place is usually as sparse as a minimalist’s loft.  This was not the case here though.

As we went through the doors (didn’t queue as the DJ was a friend, sorry!) amongst the shrill cries of “’Oy ‘ow come dey let dem in wivaat quein’?” we got a flavor of what was to come.

Inside the place was heaving. In fact it was so full that we couldn’t even drop our coats off at the cloakroom as it was ‘full’!

As we descended the Big House in an Indian Film Set staircase, the wall in front was painted over with filmstars. Dear Shahrukh was the biggest ISHTAAR there (Shashi Kapoor’s was a very small figure in the corner, fading away, probably as a reflection of the current state of his career) and he’d actually been here at some point and signed his name next to his face! The paintings were in true Indian cinema style, you know, slightly warped faces, over-emphasized eye bags and all the males with crimson lips.

We bundled our way through, past a closed door that apparently led to the VIP area. I later discovered that this area was not for Very Important Persons at all because from the other side it was completely open for all and sundry to walk in. Not that most would want to as it was a tad dingy in there!

The main hall was something else. Dark red walls with a gold sponge effect, disco lighting, little seating areas and nooks, a stage with seats for chilling out in etc. Ninety percent of this floor was the dance floor which was so packed out with Asians jumping up and down to Stereo Nation’s “Nachangey Saaree Raat, Kar Lo Thoraa Saa Pyaar” that I’m sure the walls had moved outwards by an inch or so.  All this took me back about twelve years. Although it was late, this was definitely a ‘day do’ crowd. All dolled up and ready to party. Some of the girls were definitely en-route to a wedding. Lehengas flying everywhere, sequins dazzling us to a state of complete blindness. It was hilarious. A certain young lady just sat in a corner, eyes shut, rocking from side to side and moving her hands in all directions in her trance. Yet the music was not trancey, neither was it a Qawwali. It was just your plain old, dance around the tree Indian film song. And she was swaying like a thing possessed?? Why?!

A couple of the guys whom we would have referred to as ‘Bachans’ (ie. Amitabh, ie. hero)  in the good old days were on the stage, electricuted. Arms and legs everywhere, no rhythm, just movement yaar! Suddenly an old classic would hit the sound waves and everyone would steam into the middle of the floor, hands in the air and screaming. Aap Jaisaa Koi Meri Zindagi Mein Aaey Taw Baat Ban Jaaey – you couldn’t beat the lovely Miss Hassan. God rest her soul, I hope she was watching from some place above as her enchanting voice mesmerised the joint. The mandatory fight broke out in the corner, yes it was over a girl. She was Miss Thang. No lehengas for this Miss, just a crop top, a white leather mini skirt, and thigh length boots. In summary, she was a MODREN girl. Fantastic…..NOT!

I have to admit I loved every minute of all this, I was having a hoot! I’d forgotten such crowds and places existed. It was all so simultaneously young (the people) and old (the music) and fresh and smelly and josheela. Nostalgia hit but I have to admit I was surprised that things were still the same after all this time. I was no longer eighteen but this place was. And it was just so tacky it was almost cool. And the irony was that it was dead in the centre of Mayfair, right next to a ice- cool art gallery, in the midst of all things classy and timeless.  All I have left to say is Long Live Bollywood…..YAAR!

* Picture above was taken from Yash Raj’s Jhoom Barabar Jhoom*

When Mountains Moved

One only needs to pick up the news paper on a daily basis to realize that there are times when light at the end of the tunnel seems to be fading to a point of non-existence, when hope in man kind recedes, and faith in goodness dwindles amidst the turmoil that our country is going through.

However, there are people who, despite all the odds, continue to face adversity head on and struggle on a daily basis to make this world a better place. Todd Shea – an American former musician and current Executive Director of Comprehensive Disaster Response Services (CDRS) is amongst the few that responded to his innermost self by reaching out to the people of Chikar (c.85 miles from Islamabad) by helping bring medical facilities to the local communities. I was particularly touched by Todd’s story and no amount of words can describe the incredible journey this individual has embarked upon. Please take some time out to read the article below and view the video on the NYT.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/25/world/asia/25kashmir.html?_r=1&ref=world

Credit Crunch-ing Pakistan?

I jumped on the tube at 7:00 am yesterday morning and quickly looked for a seat so I could read about Pakistan winning the World Cup Final in the Metro Newspaper.Unfortunately, even after flipping through the entire paper, I couldn’t find a single reference to it and was in a state of shock! I even looked around at other passengers on the tube to see if anyone else had any “shocked” expression but err, I don’t think anyone really gave a damn.

I then felt a mmm (miserable monday morning) slap in the face and proceeded to sit back and shut my eyes.

As I got to work, I was glad to recieve an e-mail from Z, a friend of mine, who was concerned about the exact same issue! I just asked him to write a brief for you guys so check out what he wrote below -

 ”On Monday morning, as I boarded my train and picked up a copy of the Metro, I was most dismayed to find that aside from a large picture of the 20-20 England Ladies’ Cricket Team, (and all credit to them), there was absolutely no mention of the Pakistani Champions on the front page. No picture, no headline, not even a mention in small print on the side. It got me thinking had there been a terrorist attack, or even an unfoiled plan, with the remotest link to a Pakistani, we would have made the front page. For once we have something positive to sing and dance about and we get sidelined as if the whole tournament had been a casual game in the park.
 
Having been born and brought up in the UK, (yes I guess I’d be classed as a ‘BBCD’!!) I have always resisted the all too easily climbed and often misguided race card bandwagon. However, in this instance I can find no justification in being ‘blanked’ in such an absurd and obvious manner. All through my childhood, the only images of Pakistan I ever saw on the box were of dust and bombardment, people running around haphazardly, ‘naaraa’s dangling, unwashed faces and unkempt hair. No wonder we can never drag ourselves out of the ‘third world’ in the eyes of the West. Even while at university in the Nineties,  a friend, in all her innocence (ignorance?) asked me whether we all lived in tents back home?? I didn’t blame her, that was the impression she had always had.
 
Had England won the same final, we’d never have heard the end of it for weeks and yet it’s business as usual for us Pakistanis, albeit of British origin, some of whom find it tough to exist and operate in Western society at the best of times, always having to ‘fit in’ and ‘prove’ our existence. All I ask is that the press please just give us credit where due for once. This is a big deal… ”

Good Deed of the Day?

My Father just sent me an e-mail about an Ex-Army Pakistani Soldier who has lost both of his arms from his shoulders from an electrical shock. He has a wife and few children and my Father has been supporting him and his family for the past few years. Unfortunately, he is homeless right now and is trying to buy a 3 Marla Plot in Kahota, Pakistan with a built room and water connection. The amount payable is Rs 350,000 and the downpayment of Rs 155,000 has already been made – leaving Rs. 195,000, which still needs to be paid in order for him to own the property. If you would like to do your “good deed of the day” and contribute in any way, please get in touch with me and I will be happy to put you in touch with my Father. He is more than happy to discuss the Ex Army Soldier’s background with you or answer any questions you may have about how your money will be sent to him and spent. Please keep in mind that even a few hundred or thousand rupees can help this family and they will remember you in their prayers forever. (I had a picture of the Ex Army Soldier on the Blog but thought it may be inappropriate so I have taken it off.)

20Twenty – Through to the Finals

CONGRATULATIONS to Pakistan for getting through to the 20Twenty World Cup Finals! I ended up watching the match at a Sports Café in London yesterday with about 50 Pakistanis and the energy level, the enthusiasm, and the patriotism was phenomenal throughout the Café. Below, you can see some other interesting perspectives & views on the Semi-Finals by my friends & family as well!

Ijaz Ul Haq – Unfortunately, while driving back from Lahore, my itinerary disallowed me to view the live telecast. However, on my Blackberry, Cricket loving friends kept me in the picture – ball to ball.

Reaching Sarai Alamgir, my co-travelers refused to move and jumped out of the vehicle to occupy any available space to sit in front of a TV Set at a road-side vending area. On lookers charged enthusiastically and the place resembled an Open Stadium. The Batting, Bowling, Fielding – all excellent, exciting and very thrilling.

Close to the win, a few tense moments were equally thrilling and enjoyable. Hats off to Shahid Afridi and Omar Gul for taking Pakistan and our country to the Victory Stand. We dispersed only after the team walked victorious to the Pavilion.

 To be the Finalist, one has to go through the Semi-finals and now that we have won this – we will also win the final – Insha Allah!  

Sherina Ayub – I must admit it was with some trepidation that I sat down to watch the semi final yesterday evening at the Sports Cafe. South Africa were unbeaten in the tournament and Pakistan’s performance has been well, a typical Pakistani performance – moments of brilliance? Check. Consistency? Not so much.

So I was more than a little nervous, and looking around at the large group of people who had showed up to cheer on Pakistan, I wasn’t the only one. And then the match began – right from the word go there was drama, nerves, celebrations, potential head injuries (at first I thought Gul was over acting but on second viewing that knock DID look kind of painful!) and of course Afridi, on a good day, making it all look so easy, “Half a century? No problem. Couple of wickets? Sure thing. And hey I will even shoot a shampoo commercial while I’m at it”.

And then– ultimately- the pure elation at victory. The crowd watching the match went wild, standing on chairs, dancing, hugging and the cheers of “Pakistan Zindabad” rang out. I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say that there was real, true happiness in that moment.

But it does make me wonder, why does it matter so much to all of us?? And maybe, in some small way, this is proof that when it comes down to it, we have not all given up on Pakistan, we truly want it to succeed and hope that one day soon we will be celebrating again – and not because we won a sports match

Asem Akhtar – I don’t know what a gully is. Silly mid-on? That just sounds silly. And what is leg-side. Which Leg? Clearly I don’t watch cricket. Or play. But being a Pakistani, it seems to be a very natural part of me. And it was most definitely a part of me yesterday when Pakistan beat South Africa in the semi-finals. I did not watch it – I was at work, but followed the ball-by-ball online text-based commentary. Every minute I’d hit F5 top refresh the screen, in hope to see our boys give our country the much needed hope that we so desperately need at this time. A win would not solve our millions of problems back home. But in this time, when all we hear about is war, death, crime, millions of displaced people, I and I’m sure countless other Pakistanis around the world, looked towards a team of 11 or 12 young people to lift our spirits up and give us a sense of hope. They did that yesterday. They made us proud. Whether someone watched it live in the stadium, on TV, or read about it online like me, I’m sure we all felt the same energy and drive, up to the last ball pitched.

Cricket is as much a symbol of Pakistan, as is Islam, the green and white flag, and the minar-e-pakistan. So with this win, I am hopeful of good times to come in Pakistan, and am thankful to the Pakistan team of providing a symbolic glimmer of hope for our country that was much needed.
Now I need to hit F5 to refresh the golf scores on my screen.

Umair Javed – Needless to say, the T-20 semi-final between our beloved mercurial Pakistan and the methodical scientific South African side was going to be a roller coaster ride. As Pakistani’s, we instinctively believe in miracles, hinge future outcomes on hope and believe that somehow somewhere a knight in shining armor will come and show us the way. Younis’s men, particularly Afridi, did just that yesterday as emotions were at an all time high at the Sports Café in London yesterday, brimming with numerous cautiously optimistic Pakistanis clinging on to the notion of hope in our cricket team and its prospects of defeating the mighty Proteas. The evening ended in sheer jubilation and a nation that has been forced to endure more than its fair share of turbulence, had a reason to rejoice for a change.

 On a personal note, having spent a considerable amount of time in the West, there are times when I find it hard as any young politically conscious Pakistani would, to reconcile the differences between civilizations. Last night I held my head high and wore the colors of green and white on my sleeve with pride.”

Sajila Ansari – Pakistan neh toh kamaal kardeeya! Millions of Pakistanis who have been feeling so low with all that has been going on in the country were uplifted and we got the opportunity to see the love and pride for our motherland in those few hours. We also saw a few Pakistanis coming into the Sports Bar in their suits, designer handbags, and Gucci shopping bags but in the end – sab keh sab pindi keh cheetay aur lahori tigers hee nikleh! Pakistan Zindabad!

Ebrahim Saeed: Last evening’s performance saw Pakistan break through to the finals – a nation sighs with relief and Pakistani’s celebrate loudly and proudly for a change. Against the odds, an increasingly common phrase used to describe any Pakistani accomplishment, our boys decidedly out-talented the other team. Unlike the machine that is South Africa, driven by pure discipline, Pakistan is fuelled entirely by talent – all hail the King Afridi. Though Younis Khan’s decision to give the last over to an inexperienced seventeen year old and not bowling Umer Gul for all four overs shall forever evade me…but I shall refrain from petty nit picking and criticizing. Let us not concern ourselves with that for now, these moments are few and far between for us so lets celebrate them unrefrained. Our boys played like champions and they have done our country proud. We have proven once again that we are not a force to be written off, even when shroud with utter disparity. This is the nation we are and this is the nation we love – Jeevay Pakistan.

AK – Never write them off! Great match. The most annoying part was the post-match commentary. 98% was criticizing South Africa, and how bad they played, probably because they were the “favorites”. What they forgot to validly point out is how the brilliance of Pakistan put the pressure on South Africa, and in turn made them, not choke, but crumble. When it comes to the crunch, we’ll always shine. Let’s hope the performance is repeated on Sunday.

Sania Ansari – In light of the recent events in Pakistan, watching the semi finals on Thursday at the Sports Café was just what all of us needed. It wasn’t just the win that made it so exhilarating but the crowd who sat at the edge of their seats throughout the match cheering, clapping, jumping, and screaming. The atmosphere all around was one of unity and that made it all the more enjoyable.

Regardless of the results of the match on Sunday, the fight that our cricket team put up proved to us all that if we really try then it IS possible.

Mian Mithu – Dekho Dekho Kaun Aya, Sher Aaaya, Sher Aaaya! The Pakistani fans were living the game. This was not the Oval – this was a supposedly polished university club. The celebrations were wild; dancing, hugging, and laughing all in equal measure. Pakistan is the polar opposite of South Africa. Ruthless efficiency overcome by flashes of brilliance. Orgasmic. “Do or die,” to quote several of our players. Typical Pakistan. Let’s hope that we can claim what should have been ours last time. Pakistan Zindabad.

DS – The “gathering” from all corners of the city of London arrived – hoping it would end in victory and that there was something (anything at all) to be happy about for Pakistan. By 5:30 pm, the Sports Bar was heaving – Pakistan had won the toss – but was this a start of good things to come? Now let’s keep in mind that victory, solidarity, and hope is not something we would normally associate with Pakistan. Yet the Pakistan team did what everyone thought couldn’t be done to South Africa – they defeated them!
It was as if the team was listening to the 60 – 70 people crowded in the bar, hundreds of miles away, willing them to victory. Every dot ball cheered, every misfield (and farcical Gul drop catch) booed. You could see the perplexed look on all the South Africans & English crowd there and chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” from a large group of people waving their pints of beer at the TV screens. In the end, Pakistan won and the crowd obviously went wild. It was great to see the passion for the nation alive and kicking – but if only it could be focused on things that really matter …

Hammad Khan – It was a sweet afternoon in the heart of London, cheering on Pakistan with a large group of passionate friends. Our hearts were battling our minds and our hopes for glory somehow overcame our inner fears of the past. If every day was like yesterday, Pakistanis would not only raise their game, but raise their name too. Younus and the boys have self-belief now and have every reason to become champions on Sunday. If it happens, as we all so deeply wish for, it will cement a principle that even when we’re unprepared, even when we lose a few times, even when we keep making mistakes, the next game is an opportunity to find something great and change the course of ‘reality’. When Pakistan walk out to Lords for the final, they will have discovered who they are. Now there’s a metaphor for all of us.  

UFO – It feels great right now. I think the way we started the first 3 overs yesterday with the aggressive intent was the key to our success because it set the tone for the match. It was clear that we were going to take the fight to the South Africans and were not bothered being up against the best bowling attack of the tournament. – Well done, Akmal!

It was also interesting to see Younis Khan’s demeanour on the field and how it drastically changed throughout the tournament. From someone who was smiling on the field in the first few matches to someone turning into a very serious captain (like another great Khan from the past) who is not afraid to shout at his team on the field was great to watch. It may not be the best method to motivate your team but it shows how Younis realised that we, as a nation, desperately needed this win. Younis was so caught up in the moment that he even scolded Mohammed Aamer, someone who is half his age, for not coming up to the stumps for the run-out.

The similarity in today’s composition/structure of the team vs. the 1992 World Cup team makes no sense. In ’92, we had Ejaz Ahmed, who used to bat low in the order and was used as our 5^th bowler for most of the tournament – probably the only time he bowled in his life. He was better off as a hard hitting high up the order. Similary, Saleem Malik used to bat at odd spots in the batting order and seemed to be a complete waste in the team. Presently, Younis started off the tournament predicting Salman Butt & Ahmed Shehzad to be the key individuals for batting and Sohail Tanvir and Yasser Arafat with the ball. All these guys were dropped after the first few losses and now we have an odd (’92 World Cup) style team structure. For example – we have Fawad Alam (known as the doodhwaala on pakpassion.com) whose role may never be understood because he never gets to bat or bowl. Then we have Shahzeb, a 20 year old, as an opener who hardly has any experience. Then it’s continued with Razaak, who is clearly not physically fit and Misbah who has no position in the batting order as the team cannot decide whether to let go of him or to keep him back. However, even though the batting order doesn’t feel right – we still are winning! It would be great if we can win on Sunday and bring the Cup home.

Danyaal Hasan – Goes to show that regardless of the odds or the opposition, united, we can do anything! If they keep building on this … the sky is the limit. What they can’t do is get carried away – there is one more match still to go to finally give Pakistan a good news story it has been waiting for so long.

Moiz Baig – I have never been much of a cricket fan and I’m not sure what made me follow this particular World Cup. Was it the convenient time of the games in Dubai or because I have a decent set up to boast off my projector?  Nevertheless, I’m glad I chose to follow it! Having seen the Semi-finals with a large group of my friends was truly a refreshing experience and come to think of it – it was a lot more than just a game of cricket that drove the excitement that filled up the room with energy. It was about being a Pakistani and relating to something positive, even if it was as minor as a cricket match. It’s a shame that such a vacuum has been created after years of instability and frustrated that most of us constantly just think “this is not the Pakistan we grew up in” …..! It was just so great to be publicly recognized as a respectable country (that we once were) last night!

SM – I am not an avid cricket fan. I do know the difference between a sixer and a four but lose the plot when it comes to a ‘no ball’ or a ’shot of the back foot’. Last night was different though. I knew this was a big match. The semi-finals and that to against the SA. In the past I have kept up with the scandals that surround our cricket team. Since the Mumbai and Sri lanka team attacks I know our cricket team has suffered the harsh consequences and been banned to host matches.

For the first innings I was in and out of the house preparing for a big night out. Plans for the night had been altered a little to ensure the boys get to watch the match. So we all gathered at a bar full of SA, English. American etc but the Paksitanis dominated all gathered there straight off work.
I focused more on the socializing and the woman who sang bad karaoke versions of 80’s songs while dozens of big screens showed our men in dark green against the other men in green.

By the end of it I was watching. I had no choice the most indifferent of us were all watching. It was not about the game anymore. It was about our country. We needed this. The passion in the eyes of the young players said it all. They were really pumped up. Our country is in turmoil. Morale is down. By the last few balls the boys were already jumping up and hugging each other with joy. People on another table shouted ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ as the flags waved across the screens and fans jumped up in joy. This was a moment when even the most indifferent felt pride, joy and most importantly hope!

A Bangladeshi in Pakistan

Asif Chaudhury, a Bangladeshi friend of mine just sent me this interesting piece of writing that he found on a Blog. It’s written by a Bangladeshi girl who was visiting Pakistan recently and she has expressed her personal sentiments and experiences of the trip.  Her Blog is – http://krishnochuramusings.blogspot.com/
* The Picture below is of a Water lily in Bangladesh*

“ Apko kia pata, ke humara dil apke liye kitna rota hai. Jab aap logo ko koi taklif hota hai to humain lagta hain k taklif humain ho raha hai. Bohot pyar karte hai hum aap se. alag ho gaye to kya hua. Bhai to bhai hota hai. Bangladeshi to humare bhai hai.”
Rafe, 60-something, Bus-driver, Lahore

I’ve met people from different parts of the world and traveled to a few places myself. But never, not once, in any of my interactions or travels, have I ever come across a race of people who have made me feel so proud of my nationality: Bangladeshi. But then, I visited Pakistan. I was born in an independent Bangladesh. I’ve never had to struggle to get my voice heard, I was allowed to vote (till quite recently) and I’m allowed to speak my mind. Until my trip to Pakistan, I had never realized how precious all these things are. I had always regarded Pakistan, a distant country, as a bitter chapter in our history. But only after meeting the people did I realize how close we could be and how much my heritage means to them. Never before have I received so much respect for just being Bangladeshi.

Till quite recently, I had never visited Pakistan. Neither had my parents. Since the only Pakistanis I’d met belonged to the educated bourgeoisie class, I had assumed that it was only this select lot who were aware of the atrocities committed in 1971. I had always believed that most Pakistanis believed that Bangladeshis were Kafirs who had let India take them over and regarded us with disdain. Don’t ask me why I thought all of this or what explanation I have for my notions. My notions had stemmed from the prevalent attitude of our pro-liberation buddhijibis, who have, through their own glorifications of our War of Liberation, somehow equated patriotism as anti-Pakistani feeling and instilled that in some of us. In fact, I still know people who think that to be a true patriot you would have to hate Pakistan, with all its institutions and people. Our elders in Bangladesh, somehow always let us think that Pakistanis don’t care about Bangladesh. I’m not blaming them for my ill-conceived ideas. I was partly to blame for judging a whole race simply on the basis of the half-truths I had heard. I am not proud of what I thought. But my recent trip to Pakistan has made me feel proud of who I am and I am proud of my newly acquired views. Though I think that I now face the threat of being termed a ‘paki-lover’ or ‘Rajakar’, I am writing this because I think that our generation needs to know the other side of the story.

To be perfectly honest, upon our arrival at Islamabad, since the very first people we had met were bureaucrats, I didn’t buy into the whole “Pakistani-Bangladeshi bhai bhai” ideology they seemed to desperately convey to us. To me it seemed too forceful, too elaborate and too far removed from what we in Bangladesh have been led to believe about Pakistani attitude towards Bangladesh. If every shop-keeper, hotel-boy, porter, flight-attendant, bus-driver and almost everyone else I had met hadn’t echoed the same sentiments, I probably never would’ve believed that Pakistani people actually believe that we are still their brothers and they love us. It’s love that is rooted in our shared history, in our present day struggles to make our mark in this world, our efforts to rise above poverty and frustration at watching our neighbors grow at exponential rates as we combat the demons of corruption and bad governance.

“There are so many things we need to learn from Bangladesh. In fact, I personally think that your Caretaker Government system is very effective and we’re trying to emulate that”, an Additional Secretary told the ten-member media delegation from Bangladesh. Nothing was said, but their admiration for our achievements, including in establishing democracy and keeping it for 15 years, was apparent. In Karachi, an official of the Press Information Department under their Ministry of Information regaled the success of our homegrown micro-credit formula and it’s award-winning success. As far as the bureaucracy of Pakistan was concerned, everywhere we went we were greeted by praise and accolade. Even with 106 licensed private TV channels and 60 on-air channels, the Government of Pakistan marveled at how the journalists in Bangladesh are better trained and more sensitized. In a country where GEO News was closed down for violating State of Emergency rules, the Bangladeshi media received accolade from the Pakistani media for the courage demonstrated and the torture survived. In a media world now free of ‘press advise’ from intelligence agencies or foreign ministries, they marveled at the openness of our media. Peshawar Press Club gave the media delegates a reception and Express News threw a dinner. I am told that this is commonplace for all delegates from Bangladesh visiting Pakistan. But it most certainly wasn’t commonplace for me. No one had ever told me that this is how much respect these people have for us. All I have learnt from the learned, well-versed editors of our progressive newspapers is that Pakistan, the monsters who had killed our people in 1971 is now a failed nation. They forgot to mention the people of Pakistan, the warmth and hospitality they extend to all visiting Bangladeshis and the love and respect they still have for us. They never taught us how to help them or how to become friends with Pakistanis. Ulta, this was frowned upon. We weren’t told about how much they crave our friendship.

I had always believed that the atrocities committed in1971 by the Pakistani Military Hanadar Bahini, the genocide and the rapes would be a taboo topic for us in Pakistan. Taboo not just on the account us being invited by the Pakistan Government, but also because I had believed the Pakistani version of the events of 1971 to be different from ours. Therefore, you can imagine my shock when everyone I met mentioned our Liberation War (mind you, not the “Fall of Dhaka”) as ‘mistakes made by us in 1971, that shouldn’t have happened and we wish they hadn’t happened’. Rafe chacha, the man who drove our bus said to me, ‘beta, Bhutto ne jo kia, bohot galat kia. Mujhe to ootni talim bhi nahi hai, par itna to mujhe bhi pata hai’. Roughly translated, he meant that despite his lack of formal education, even he was aware of the atrocities committed by Bhutto (not just Yahya Khan, the executioner, but also the dictator) in 1971. Later on, he even explained to me how now that all of Pakistan is racially divided; they understand how Bangladesh must have felt. Rafe chacha even said to me how the people of Pakistan feel that political leadership in Bangladesh is much stronger than in Pakistan. ‘Benazir Bhutto jo thi, wo bhi zamindar ki beti thi. Oon ko kia pata k 3 din se mere ghar mei atta nahi hai. Aap k muluk mei to kitne acche admi hai, leaders hai. Humai aaj take k bhi sahi admi nahi mila. Aap ka jo dr.yunus hai, un ho ne garib o k barei mei socha, kuch kia. Humare yaha ek bhi aisa admi nahi mila’, he remorses. He said he echoed the sentiments of the rural working class who are always struggling to survive the repeated onslaughts of the political turmoil in the country. The ups and downs of power-play-who wins the elections or who looses, really never affects the common man. He knows that politics is not for him. He knows regardless of who wins the election, if there ever is one, at the end, he looses. Successive regimes have only helped to widen the rich and poor divide and people like Rafe chacha seek a program like micro-credit to improve their financial conditions. There are millions like Rafe chacha who would benefit from the models developed by our NGOs and civil society organizations that help the grassroots people. Even a PID official admitted that Sheikh Hasina is his favorite South Asian leader because she stands for the common man. The sectarian violence, the non-homogenous population and the increasing rich and poor divide has helped people like Rafe chacha and the likes of him realize and empathize with our plights pre-71. We, as Bangladeshis, as an independent, sovereign nation, with our certain successful social organization models are now in the capacity to help them and save them from the fate we had suffered.

“Baji aap Bangladesh se hai? Arre kia baat hai. Phir to aap hamare mehman hai. Aap ko kia pilau? Paani yia Cola? Aap meri puri dukan le jao koi masla nahi. Mehman hai aap humare’. I got tired of hearing these lines. I heard the same lines in Islamabad, in Murree, in Karachi and even in Peshawar. A pukhtun shopkeeper abandoned his shop in the evening, in a jomjomat bazaar just to show a few lost Bangladeshi journalists the way to another bazaar. In fact, the Pathans made these guys have dinner with them, saying that Bangladeshis were not just guests but brothers.I have never received so much love and respect anywhere else in the world, for simply being Bangladeshi. Everywhere I went, everyone I met, somehow managed to show this chit of a Bangladeshi girl, with her uncovered head and bare arms, an amazing display of camaraderie and respect. I really don’t know what I have in common with the man from Waziristan who dragged my luggage across the streets of Saddar in Peshawar or the teachers of Peshawar University who were going berserk trying to find an old picture of my grandfather which could’ve been anywhere in Pakistan. They didn’t have to do any of that. They are not answerable to any government, theirs or mine. They didn’t know me. They belong to a different nation, a different culture and an altogether different world. But somehow, they were able to relate to me before I could relate to them. They called me a sister even before I would consider them friends. They made the first move, they extended their hand of friendship and their love and hospitality. They gave me love because they believed that their leaders had wronged us in ’71, but we have survived and grown stronger, and more successful than them. We have greater literacy rates and more female participation in all sections of the socio-economic system. From Islamabad to Peshawar and in Karachi, all they gave us was love and respect and all they wanted from us was knowledge. They humbly expressed remorse for 1971 for the actions of the Pakistani military. In every action of theirs, I saw a call for help and solidarity. I felt that this nation, once so known to our forefathers, now completely alien to us, needs us to cooperate with them, help them up, just like one brother (even an estranged one) would help another. They made me feel strong and powerful. They made me feel proud of our achievements—all the things that we take for granted at home. This wasn’t the kind of pride you feel when you defeat another team in cricket or when you realize someone else is worse off than you. This was the first time in my life a foreign country and people, by their own good actions, had made me feel so proud of my Bangladeshi heritage.

In war-ravaged NWFP, where the local government is still struggling to accommodate the refugees, ensure minimum security and attain a minimum standard of living for its entire populace, we were perhaps best received. The governor of NWFP, Mr. Owais Ghani only reinstated Pakistan’s new attitude towards Bangladesh, ‘Let us not be prisoners of our past. Let us learn from our past and now look forward’.

In my humble opinion and still limited purview of the world, I feel that Bangladesh and our hard-earned independence have been vindicated. We have proven to Pakistan, home to our military oppressors and bloodthirsty dictator of 1971, that we have survived and we’ve only gotten better. Now, it’s time to show them just strong we are by sharing some of our strengths with them and helping them out in their struggles.

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. If we now close our doors to Pakistan, we will be shutting out a friend. The people of Pakistan have nothing but respect for Bangladesh. They want to learn. They want to know. But what will be our call? Will we play into the hands of those who have used the sentiments of 1971 to progress their own vested interests or should we promote our inherently peaceful and progressive way of life to a nation that looks up at us with hope and an offer of friendship. Again, at the risk of being labeled, I dare suggest that perhaps, it’s time to call truce and move on. We will never forget 1971, but then taking pride in our history should not be analogous to hating the people of another country, who were also victims of their circumstances and military oppressors.

20Twenty

The 20Twenty Cricket Semi Finals will be intense tomorrow, to say the least.

South Africa is a very strong team and everyone (including most Pakistanis) are doubting that Pakistan even stands a chance in the match.

A few of my Pakistani friends have already started insulting their own players by saying “thanks to allah, we have gracefully lost to South Africa as they are a better team” on their Facebook status, which I didn’t find amusing at all.  

The Indian community has gone all out on Facebook as well with their violent status updates against the Pakistani cricket team.

I, on the other hand, will continue to have faith in our team and pray that we win. Let’s just hope for a good match and may the best team (Pakistan, obviously!)] win.  

Tune in tomorrow @ 5:30 pm GMT and don’t forget to bring your flags, patriotism, & pride with you to the match. 

* I found the picture above on Google and thought it was appropriate for this post! * 

Elections in Iran

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been re-elected as president of Iran with a resounding victory, the electoral commission says. 

Violence over Iran’s disputed election intensified Sunday, with word that authorities had detained more than 100 prominent opposition members, riots erupting in Tehran and other cities, and the incumbent hinting his top challenger could face punishment for calling the result a sham.

Ahmadinejad dismissed the allegations of fraud, saying the victory had given him a bigger mandate than ever.

President Ahmadinejad at his final election campaign rally, in western Tehran.Official results showed that he had won 63 per cent of the vote, but Mr Mousavi accused the authorities of fraud
Ben Curtis/AP

Voters show their certification cards whle waiting to vote inside the Masoumeh shrine in the Shia holy city of Qom, south of Tehran
Amir Hesami/AFP

Iranians living in Holland demonstrate against President Ahmadinejad near their country’s embassy in The Hague
Ed Oudenaarden/EPA

A supporter of the reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, wearing the party’s trademark green T-shirt, is inconsolable as the official results are announced
Kamran Jebreili/AP

Stones were thrown and fires started during the riots
Ahmed Jadallah/Reuters

Ramchand Pakistani

Sanam Hasan & Roopa Saini have recently launched Mara Pictures- a boutique theatrical distribution company focused on independent films from South Asia in the United Kingdom. They have also just announced the release of “Ramchand Pakistani” by Mara Pictures in the UK. I had the opportunity to watch this film recently at a private BAFTA viewing in London a few months ago and thought it was brilliant. You should definitely check it out when it’s out in cinemas near you!

Press Release Below -

MARA PICTURES RELEASES RAMCHAND PAKISTANI  IN THE UNITED KINGDOM JULY 2009

Mara Pictures, a boutique theatrical distribution company focused on independent cinema, is releasing the film Ramchand Pakistani in cinemas across the United Kingdom in July 2009.

 Ramchand Pakistani is a rare and unique film from Pakistan, even more so during this current time of high tensions and regional conflict, and is the feature film debut by female filmmaker Mehreen Jabbar. “It is very exciting to bring Ramchand Pakistani to the British audience and show independent Pakistani cinema to the world,” says Mehreen Jabbar. This film has been a big labour of love for all of us and we look forward to the response in the UK.”

The film is derived from a true story concerning the accidental crossing of the Pakistan-Indian border by a father and son and the extraordinary consequences of this unintended action. This is a story of one boy’s coming of age in a hostile environment and how he discovers humanity and hope even in the most difficult of circumstances.

The film stars Indian film actress Nandita Das and Pakistani actors Rashid Farooqui and Syed Fazal Hussain. The music is by Debajyoti Mishra from India and the highly acclaimed Shuhba Mudgal and Shafat Amanat Ali from India and Pakistan respectively.  While the film was conceived and produced entirely in Pakistan, it also represents a path-breaking example of creative co-operation between independent artistic talent between both India and Pakistan and their respective Governments.

Ramchand Pakistani has received worldwide acclaim at international film festivals including Honorable Mention at the London Film Festival 2008, the International Critics Prize from the International Federation of Film Critics 2008 and most recently the Fribourg International Film Festival. “The fact that the film won the People’s Choice Award in an European city like Fribourg, Switzerland during its March 2009 Film Festival symbolizes the strong universal appeal of Ramchand Pakistani to audiences around the world, ” says the film’s Producer Javed Jabbar.

“A UK theatrical release of Ramchand Pakistani is a milestone for both Pakistani and global independent cinema,” states Roopa Saini, Head of Acquisitions for Mara Pictures. “The film shifts the focus towards the creative efforts that are emerging out of South Asia amidst the current political climate. This is the first of many exciting releases for Mara Pictures.”

For more information please contact: Sanam Hasan, Head of Marketing and Public Relations Email: contact@shmedia.biz  Phone: +44 (0) 7837441248 www.marapictures.com/      www.ramchandpakistani.com

Ijaz Ul Haq

Atiqa Odho, a famous Pakistani television & film actress, recently interviewed my father, Ijaz Ul Haq, at our house in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.  The interview was aired on Geo TV a few weeks ago and has finally been uploaded on You Tube. It was one of my favorite interviews as it portrayed a lot about his personal life along with aspects of his political career. In the interview, he has discussed his childhood, his college days, his relationship with his father, his family, and some of his personal life, which he hasn’t discussed much in public before.

As some of you may already know, he is a prominent Pakistani politician and former Federal Minister of Religious Affairs & Minorities of Pakistan. He entered Pakistani politics after his father, General Zia Ul Haq, was assassinated in 1988 and has won 4 out of 5 contested elections.

Even though only 12 out of the 60 minutes have been uploaded, you can get a feel for the interview by clicking on the links below

Part One –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9A0KZhgV4Q

Part Two – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyEEMLuIQ4I

Coke Studio Returns

Following up on one of my favorite posts  – Coke Studio @ http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/coke-studio-ouh/ – I thought I would update you guys with some brilliant news.

After the popularity of Season 1, Coke Studio has recently returned to the recording studio with brilliant singers, an excellent band, and great passion for music. There are brand spanking new performances and episodes, which will be aired throughout the summer and the wait is finally over for all of us.

“This season, Coke Studio draws together the fundamentals of collaborative music that will showcase Pakistan’s rich music culture, by stitching into its fabric traditional artists, folk music influences and regional instruments in collaboration with Pakistan’s contemporary mainstream artists. With visionary Rohail Hyatt back at the helm, featuring this season are sensational stars Ali Zafar, Arieb Azhar, Atif Aslam, Javed Bashir, Josh, Noori, Riaz Ali Khan, Saieen Zahoor, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, Strings, and Zeb & Haniya.”

Someone just mentioned to me that Pakistani Idol has recently launched as well and I think it’s great that such talent is now finally being recognized and appreciated in our country.

For those of you who are not as familiar with the concept – “Coke Studio embodies a musical fusion of exciting elements and diverse influences, ranging from traditional eastern, modern western and regionally inspired music. Bringing alive the magic of live recordings and performances, Coke Studio prides itself on providing a musical platform which bridges barriers, celebrates diversity, encourages unity and instils a sense of Pakistani pride. “

Can’t wait for the new season to begin. If you aren’t very familiar with Season 1, please check out the blog post link I have pasted above to get a better understanding of Coke Studio and it’s phenominal singers & performances before the new season begins.

Going Global

Going Global

Over a meal of what I consider to be the best lamb in London, my friends and I got to talking about the topic which is on every Pakistani’s mind: the IDPs, Taliban and the future of Pakistan. Considering all of this, it’ll come as a surprise to you – as it did to me – that all four of the Pakistanis (including myself) sitting on the table want to settle back home at some point in our lives. The fact that this astounded me makes me very angry. Why is this option so absurd? Why is the thought of moving home marred by hopelessness and fear? Is the future of Pakistan really so bleak?

For those of us sitting in homes far away from home, we feel there is little we can do for the state of affairs. While we gladly donate our pounds/dollars to NGOs working with the underprivileged, we want to be more proactively involved. To add to our frustration, it doesn’t help that Pakistan makes it way into headlines of newspapers from all over the world. No matter which corner of the world we live in (and I have friends from all over), we are constantly reading or hearing about some crisis involving our beloved country. Concrete reason for gloom and prophesies of doom, I would say.

But let’s not linger on that thought for too long. We’re young, we’re energetic and we’re determined so instead of being disheartened by all that is wrong, why not create some good in our lives and spread it across the globe. Wherever you live, why not gather a group of like-minded Pakistanis (and whoever else is interested) and start some form of community service. Whether it’s volunteering at schools, helping the homeless or raising money for the IDPs back home, we have to unite the Pakistani-community and win back the sense of pride we once used to have being Pakistanis. I understand that this has been done to a certain degree already but we must stop only depending on organizations and committees to do this and each Pakistani must take responsibility and do their bit as well. We need to go out and show ourselves and the rest of the world that we are united. Even while watching Pakistan lose miserably against England in the cricket match this past weekend, I could sense the energy, the love, and the patriotism for our country from our fellow Pakistanis. We should not be shy of being seen, noticed and acknowledged; we should be talked about in a positive light rather than being put into situations where we’re forced to say “I’m originally from Pakistan but …”!

As citizens of the world, it is our responsibility to make the world a better place to live in. And if everybody does a little something in their community, then a lot of people will be doing a lot throughout the world. 

A friend of mine from Washington DC, Jeff, sent me the following article the day after my lamb meal. A coincidence? A sign? Go figure.

I’m ready to spread some good across the globe. What about you?

—
Young Pakistanis Take One Problem Into Their Own Hands

LAHORE, Pakistan The idea was simple, but in Pakistan, a country full of talk and short on action, it smacked of rebellion. A group of young Pakistani friends, sick of hearing their families complain about the government, decided to spite them by taking matters into their own hands: every Sunday they would grab shovels, go out into their city, and pick up garbage.

It was a strange thing to do, particularly for such students from elite private schools, who would normally spend Sunday afternoons relaxing in air-conditioned homes. But the students were inspired by the recent success of the lawyers movement, which used a national protest to press the government to reinstate the countrys chief justice, and their rush of public consciousness was irrepressible.

Everybody keeps blaming the government, but no one actually does anything, said Shoaib Ahmed, 21, one of the organizers. So we thought, why dont we? So they got on Facebook and invited all their friends to a Sunday trash picking. Trash, Mr. Ahmed said, is this most basic thing. Its not controversial, and you can easily do it.

Pakistan is a country plagued by problems, like Islamic extremism and poverty. But these young people are another face, a curious new generation that looks skeptically on their parents privilege and holds mullahs and military generals in equal contempt.

The youth of Pakistan wants to change things, said Shahram Azhar, the lead singer for Laal, a Pakistani rock band, reflecting an attitude that is typical of this rebellious younger generation.
The reason the Taliban is ruling Swat, he said referring to a valley north of Islamabad where Islamic extremists took control this year, is because they are organized. We need to organize, too. The only answer to Pakistans problems, he added, is a broad-based peoples movement.

The trash movement, which calls itself Responsible Citizens, does not yet qualify as broad, but it still drew a respectable crowd on a recent Sunday, considering the heat (above 90 degrees) and the time (around 4 p.m.). Mr. Ahmed and his friends were doling out trash bags they had bought for the occasion. About 40 people had gathered. Some were wearing masks. All were carrying shovels. They set their sights low. The area of operation, Ghalib Market, was modest, a quiet traffic circle in central Lahore encircled by shops, a cricket field and a mosque.

Please read the rest of the article @ http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/19/world/asia/19trash.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hpw

Pakistani Cricket Team

Danyaal Hasan, a friend & colleague, has just written this article which will be published in “The Nation” newspaper very soon.  Feedback is appreciated.

Finding Heir Apparent?

By Danyaal Hasan

Pakistan’s form so far in the Twenty20 World Cup, culminated by its loss to England should not come as a surprise to its fans. In fact this has been just another predictable twist in a storyline that has, over the last 24 months, resembled episodes of South Park, characterised by the crude, surreal, and dark humour that the viewers are exposed to in each episode, in addition to the ever present off-air controversy. Not as predictable however, was the win against Netherlands even for its most die-hard fan.

If we dispassionately analyse Pakitan’s tournament losses thus far, there is a good argument to say that Pakistan has played not too far off its potential, which makes each of its starting 11 mediocre at best. Lack of competitive cricket, poor fielding, and bad captaincy are all reasonable excuses for the margin of defeat, but not the defeat itself. The reality is that Pakistan has now not produced proven world beating cricketing talent since Mohammed Asif, the lack of which has thus far been rudely evident in this tournament.

If Pakistan cricket is an episode of South Park, then the saga of its top three since the retirement of Saeed Anwar, has been an unpalatable parody of the three musketeers; I’m thinking brooms not bats. Of the most recent ensemble, Salman Butt has not played a decent innings against a team not named India since the tour of Australia eons ago, which probably explains why he was rested against India and played against South Africa and England. And whilst it’s too early to fairly assess the talents of Ahmed Shahzad, it is fair to question the decision to test new talent on such a stage when chances for the likes of Nasir Jamshaid are so few, far, and between. Kamral Akmal has shown over the last 7 years, of which the last 3 he spent as an on-the-job wicket keeping trainee, glimpses of ‘world class’, However this tease has now lost its allure and needs to either deliver to a standard regularly or make way for someone else’s stab at consistency. .

Pakistan’s middle order is possibly not as inept as its top order, however, they more than compensate for it with an abundance of confusion, playing passive aggressive cricket that has ‘very few runs for the loss of too many wickets’ written all over it. Overs 10-15 in a must score-big-game against Netherlands was a shocking reminder of how elusive this balance has been. Younis Khan is a solid test batsman albeit still not in the same league as his retired predecessors, and has the ingredients to be a good captain. However, his inclusion in a Twenty20 squad has to be on the basis of the latter and not the former. But given Pakistan’s need for a stabilising middle order batsman and team binding leader one can find ways to overlook his inability to reach or God forbid clear the boundary against a half decent side without resorting to the monkey sweep. What can’t be overlooked however is his penchant to use his time on the cricket field as an audition for Colgate Extra White, especially right after a catch has gone down. The captain wants to call the shots as Imran Khan once did but fails to recognise that the right to hold such authority comes with respect, will, hard work, and most importantly, results!

As for the all rounders, Afridi has now not scored a run since the launch of the Twenty20 format itself and what prompted Pakistan against India to hand the new ball to an ordinary Arafat in the presence of three specialist fast bowlers is beyond reason. In an era where great all rounders are defined by the names Kallis, Flintoff, and even Symonds, are we seriously considering taking the names Arafat and Afridi in the same breadth let alone sentence? And if not, why don’t we instead waste our time, energy, and oxygen on giving Fawad Alam an extended shot at this multi-task. 

Last but not least, for all the touted talent and promise of our bowling department, Saeed Ajmal has a better chance of winning the fielder of the year award, than for this group to run through a winning side. For all his genuine efforts and hard work, when was the last time even Gull bowled 4 match winning overs on the trot? The answer is just as hard to come by as has been thus far finding heir apparent to Imran Khan’s legacy.

A small share of the blame for our cricketing dilemma rests with our past. The meteoric ascent to greatness for most of our now retired cricketing legends has set a damning precedence for the present cricketing generation because their rise from obscurity came in spite of the system, not because of it. This precedence has instilled in us a false hope that regardless of the shambolic state of its governing body and its domestic cricketing structure, Pakistan cricket’s next great is just around the corner, ready to display his grit, passion, raw talent, and genius on the world stage. Unfortunately, 2 years on from the retirement of the last of these greats, we are more likely to see the words ‘Venereal and Warts’ repeated in a PCB circular, than heralding the re-awakening of our fast bowling traditions.

The larger share of the blame rests with the establishment itself (past and present), who are hell bent on employing short term fixes to a problem which needs medium to long term corrective strategies. How else do you explain the repeated inclusion of Shoaib Akhtar in your 15 over the likes of Sohail Khan, Mohammed Talha, Anwar Ali, and Mohammed Aamer? In order to unearth the next great ‘W’, the PCB will need to strengthen its resolve, its integrity, and most importantly its commitment towards building a strong grassroots foundation for cricket in the country. Till then however, it needs to take smarter selection decisions and employ tighter team and player management.

After its win against Netherlands, Pakistan may well take advantage of its weaker group and reach the semi finals, thereon making it anyone’s cup. However, much like Kenny’s regular demise in South Park, this would be a blow most unfair to the discipline, planning, hard work, and strength in match winning talent that teams such as South Africa, India, and Sri Lanka possess and regularly display.

 In the absence of greatness, one must make the most of good – for this die-hard Pakistani cricket fan, there is greatness in that.

How Dare you call me a Pigeon!

Bilal Maqsood (Member of Strings, Pakistani Band)’s painting, “How Dare you call me a Pigeon” is the last of the crow series that is left up for sale.

It’s 3ft x 4ft and according to Bilal’s cousin, it’s a “stunner, with amazing colors and has such a powerful impact”.

If interested, please send me an e-mail at omarulhaq@gmail.com and I can put you in touch with the appropriate contacts. I can try my best to get you a good deal.

Previous posts on Bilal’s Paintings-
Rockstar – http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/04/06/picture-of-the-day-ouh/ and Chinese Whispers – http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/picture-of-the-day-ouh-7/
Bad Marriage - http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/bad-marriage/

Thanks,

OUH

Uzair Jaswal

A few months ago, one of my friend’s in London became obsessed with this one song in particular. She would refuse to let go of her iPOD and would listen to this song on repeat for hours on end. As harmless as that may sound; it was frustrating for the rest of us who, while trying to have a conversation with her, found her oblivious to our words while humming this one particular tune to herself all the time.

Being forced to listen to it one night, we discovered that the song was called “Yaheen”. Inevitably, we began to enjoy the song and the artist’s music without knowing who the singer was and whether he was even from Pakistan or not.

Just a few days ago, while at a friend’s place, I came across the same song once again. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the singer, Uzair Jaswal (Ozzy), is not only from Pakistan but is also from my city; Islamabad.

Uzair, a talented artist with a great soul, has just completed his A-Levels and is only nineteen years of age. I lately got the opportunity to speak to him and he said – “I’ve been singing since the day I learnt to walk and just recently decided to pursue it more professionally. I’m hoping to complete my debut album by the end of the summer and then will take things from there”. With a fresh voice, great music, such creativity, and the drive to succeed, I’m sure Uzair will make his way to the top of the industry.

You can download and listen his songs by clicking on the links below:

Yaheen –  http://music-paki.blogspot.com/2008/11/uzair-jaswal-yaheen-audio.html

So Ja –  http://www.4shared.com/file/83224567/c56816af/soo_ja__acoustic_.html

With everyone in Pakistan already humming his latest tunes “Yaheen” and “So Ja”, Uzair definitely has a bright future ahead of him.

Well done , buddy & Good luck!

Cliff Hanger

The Chitral series is not over just yet.

This was one of my favorite photos of the trip. We were in Garam Chashma (Hot Springs), which was about a 2 hour drive from the Chitral Airport. As we were trekking through the mountains, I came across this guy who was lying backwards with his arms and half his body dangling off the cliff. He was busy smoking a joint in the middle of nowhere and was lost in thought. Unfortunately, when I clicked, the camera froze and he realized that I was taking a picture of him. He then sat up straight and posed for the picture.

A Moral Obligation?

A few months ago, I sat down with a friend in London and discussed the current political situation in Lebanon. To be honest, I was pretty clueless as to what has been going on there but I did know that the upcoming elections were going to be crucial for Lebanon’s future. I have since met a Lebanese colleague at work as well who went into more detail and explained the different parties and the current situation in the country. It was interesting, to say the least, to see different perspectives on opposing parties and a good opportunity to learn more about it.

The parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place in Lebanon on June 7th. The two main competing rivals in this election are the “March 8“ group, which is led by the Iranian and Syrian backed Hezbollah and the “March 14“ group, which led the Cedar Revolution on March 14th following the assassination of Lebanon’s former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. March 14th calls for a free, sovereign and Independent Lebanon and wants a balanced relationship with Syria based on mutual respect.

As you may have noticed, we haven’t read much in the news in the past few days about the elections. However, many Lebanese people I have talked to have warned me that this is just the calm before the storm and that it’s going to be an intense weekend!

Ms. Anonymous (Let’s just call her Sara for now) was kind enough to share her personal opinions below on the upcoming Lebanese elections right before she caught her flight home prior to the big day. Sara has completed her Bachelors in International Relations, Development, and Middle Eastern Studies in the United Kingdom and is currently living & working in Manama, Bahrain.

Although Sara is a Christian by religion, she strongly maintains that before anything else, she is Lebanese and will always have the best interests of her country at heart. She also explained that the reason she is heading home tonight is to have the opportunity to vote for Kataeb, which is a March 14 Lebanese Phalange Party, as she is a believer in their “God, Family, & Country“ slogan.

June Seventh – A Moral Obligation?

Welcome to the proxy playground of the Middle East.

As the parliamentary elections are quickly approaching, both the March 8 & the March 14 coalitions are busy with their last minute campaigning, as they know that each vote is going to count this time. Yes, that’s right … each vote is going to count!

These elections are going to be the first set of elections since the July 06 War & March 08 events, which left the country divided and debilitated. To be honest, these are most definitely going to be one of Lebanon’s most crucial and decisive elections yet. Similar to any other Lebanese I’m stressed about them as well. Personally, I think Lebanon should be proud of the fact that before such a major internal political event, the environment is peaceful and relatively calm. As 128 seats are controlled by the majority right now and considering the fact that the potential changes will bring a new line forward in the parliament, the Lebanese people both at home and based abroad deeply understand the importance of casting their vote on this coming Sunday.

As disappointing as it is, the Lebanese community based abroad is currently ineligible to vote and I can imagine them struggling through this process. There are some who may feel that this is not their battle to fight and then there are others like myself, who feel that it is their responsibility to return to Lebanon immediately and vote. The absentee voting process, which was proposed in the Fouad Boutros Law of Electoral Reforms in 2006 was not carried out in time for the Lebanese immigrants to have the opportunity to vote in their country’s embassies around the world. So citizens with valid IDs have to physically be present in Lebanon to cast their ballot. Despite the fact that the elections are going to be extremely corrupt and problematic, I am not allowing that to bother me as our voices need to be heard under any circumstance. I strongly urge the Lebanese community based abroad to make the effort to return so they can sway the votes and help make a difference.

Lebanon has not and should not be another nation that blindly conforms to the Arab – Islamic Ummah, whose vision is to fervent in the GCC-MENA region. We have been a centre for intellectual thought, amazing art, profound literature, and promoting free thinking in the Middle East and we should ensure that we maintain this identity. I guess it truly comes down to the root of the country and Lebanon has retained a unique pluralistic identity due to the fact that there is a demographic make up with a Christian head of State. Lebanon should be that one nation in the Middle East that should play the role of the mediator and a leader in Foreign Affairs in this part of the world. We can’t allow proxy wars to be fought here anymore, as we will not tolerate it. Who gave our neighbors the right to use our land? Why not alternate between the different countries? Why just Lebanon?

These elections are shaping out to be the arena where the Sunni-Shiite card will be played out again in the theatrics of the Lebanese elections, which is almost as important for the Arabs to resolve, if not more so, as the tragedy of the Palestinians. This is also in part due to the dwindling of the Christian population, which by force majeure has been reduced to a side show. The Christian population has lost a lot of their powers in the past few years, which even included the Christian President to lose his powers to the Sunni appointed Prime Minister under the Taef Accord of ‘89. If you take a closer look at the scenario, you will see that most of the hard-fought battles on the domestic front are always fought in Christian electoral areas, which include Beirut, Metn, and Keserouan. Whereas in the Muslim majority electoral areas, there seems nothing but peace and quiet as agreements between Hezbollah and their opposition Future Movements have already decided to elect two politicians ahead of the polls, which will include one from each sides electoral list.

Personally, I must choose to vote for the lesser of two incompetent evils, and have decided to cast my vote for March 14. However, before I explain my reasoning for it, I must clarify that I am not in favor of the high reliance we have on our relationships with the West including France and the United States, which would be similar to March 8’s alliance with Iran & Syria. I would like to see a free & sovereign Lebanon that finally takes advantage of its geographical location and has the opportunity to be a powerbroker in the geopolitical issues facing the region – who knows, we could even be the Switzerland of the Middle East with more panache?!

March 14 have launched a plan for the elections, which I can relate to and have learnt to appreciate as well. Some of these points include the protection of Lebanon from Israeli attacks, the imposition of the state authority over all its lands according to the Taёf Accord so that there are no weapons besides those of the state’s to keep Lebanon in harmony with the international community, to give a bigger role to the woman in the social, economical and political life in Lebanon, and last but not least, to commit to the Lebanese expatriates in the world supporting the independence of Lebanon, its sovereignty and prosperity, ensuring they have the same duties and rights as the local inhabitants, giving them the opportunity of investing and working in Lebanon.

I believe that I am less likely to see a semi-soveriegn state if March 8 is elected and I fear that their loyalties will lie with Iran and Syria. March 14, on the other hand, is calling for positive neutrality rather than authoritarianism in the governing process. Regarding a majority win by the opposition in the elections, MP Fneish of Hezbollah has reiterated that Iranian President Ahmadinejad and Hezbollah’s stance would strengthen the role of the “resistence” in the region. I believe that one of the reasons why the Lebanese must vote in favor of sovereign parties is to prevent Lebanon from being dragged into contentious regional and international conflicts.

These elections will be the completion of the liberation battle for Lebanon’s sovereignty. I am exhausted and tired of being a prisoner of dependence and just being used and abused by foreign countries. I want to see my precious Lebanon be an independent, democratic, and a peaceful country. I refuse to allow the essential democratic institutions to falter and crumble and I will do my bit to protect my culture, my way of life, and my country. No matter what happens on Sunday, I will keep my head held high in hopes of seeing a positive change. I truly believe that the results of these elections will shape the future of my fragile nation and I feel that it’s my moral obligation to catch that flight tonight to go and cast my vote to uphold pluralism in Lebanon.

God bless Lebanon, my beautiful country.

Bad Marriage

CROW – BAD MARRIAGE

Another great painting by Bilal Maqsood (member of Strings, the Band) based in Karachi, Pakistan.

Previous posts on Bilal’s Paintings-
Rockstar – http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/04/06/picture-of-the-day-ouh/ and Chinese Whispers – http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/picture-of-the-day-ouh-7/

Unfortunately, these pictures of the paintings don’t do justice to the real thing but it gives you an idea of Bilal’s work.

The Unknown Soldiers of Kashmir

The beautiful region of Kashmir, a rose between two thorns, is between the Himalayas and Pir Panjal range and is an area of striking natural beauty. Sadly, its borders have also been the subject of a long running dispute between Pakistan and India since the end of British colonialism led to the partition of the two states in 1947. It has also been the cause of two of the three wars waged between Pakistan & India in the last five decades. Currently India controls about 55,000 square miles of the territory and Pakistan controls about 32,000 square miles. The majority of Kashmir’s 10 million residents are Muslim.

I recently sat down with Ums, a very close friend, and we discussed his personal views on the Kashmir conflict. Ums is a Kashmiri himself, from Srinagar, and is passionate about his roots. He has adopted a non-violent means of awareness raising through discussion, debate, and rhetoric, which he feels is ultimately more effective.

I have pasted below a few of the questions that I had asked him to gain more of an insight about his sentiments for you guys.

________________

OUH – Can you tell me a little bit about the history of Kashmir, which led to the current situation?

UMS – Jammu & Kashmir was a gigantic princely state, which was ruled by the Hindu Maharaja back in the day of the British rule. Pakistan thought that India had an eye for Kashmir and that caused the Pakistani army to invade the state. It was only when Pakistan actually arrived in Kashmir that the Maharaja rushed to the Indians for their assistance. They accepted his request on the basis of him signing an accession letter to India, which the Maharaja did to save him, his fortune, and the people of Kashmir.
The Kashmir dispute needs an immediate solution. For over six decades, India & Pakistan have fought wars over us without even considering what the Kashmiris want. Unfortunately, Kashmir has become accustomed to tragedy and devastation and it has been a very difficult time for us. The two countries need to abandon their rigid stance and be honest in resolving this dispute once and for all; trust me, we are not going to give up until we gain our independence.

OUH – Why did the Maharaja or the Viceroy agree to India’s conditions at the time?

UMS – As I mentioned above, the Maharaja was leaning towards independence and it was only when Pakistan arrived in Kashmir that he rushed to the Indians for their assistance. The letter was signed on October 27^th, 1947, which is also knows as “Black Day” in Kashmir till today. The Viceroy accepted the condition only on the basis that the people of Kashmir would be allowed to decide what they wanted, which was self-determination. This was actually a provision that was put in place at the time of partition, as there were princely states where the head of the state was of a different religion than a majority of the state and any dispute would be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the majority.
This  right of determination  also ended up being echoed  by Nehru, the Indian Prime Minister  at the time,  in the middle of the UN Assembly and then again at a gathering of millions in Kashmir. However, India has denied that right to date even though there are a number of UN resolutions that have been passed regarding this issue.

OUH – Can you tell me a bit about the Kashmiri (Hindu) Pandits?

UMS – In regards to the Pandits, I, as a Muslim Kashmiri, am fully ashamed of what happened to the 250 Hindus who died and the 500,000 people who had to relocate because I feel that Kashmir belongs to them as much as it belongs to me. The Indian Government took complete advantage by encouraging the Pandits to relocate and turned this into Islamic extremism. One must think why the Indian Government didn’t do this when the Muslims were being slaughtered in Gujrat.
Personally, I would like to see the Kashmiri Pandits return to the Valley and this should be done on a government, social, and security level. India has 700,000 army personals in Kashmir at the moment and I’m sure they are able to manage this just fine. India has been completely irresponsible and selfish by not helping solve this issue and the same is said about Pakistanis. I truly believe that these talks and initiatives are going to be wasted until we see the next generation of politicians in both these countries.

OUH – Do you think Pakistan & India have a genuine interest in finding a resolution for Kashmir?  Is there any resolution in sight?

UMS – Plebiscite is the most appropriate solution as it is the democratic approach for solving the Kashmir dispute. We have been expecting India to implement its promise of carrying this out and as I mentioned earlier, even Nehru had said this in his speech to the people of Kashmir soon after the partition. Believe me; we are not against meaningful talks as long as they help in ending the illegal occupation of India over Kashmir.
Unfortunately, this issue has been dragging on for decades. Pakistan & India have been too busy pointing fingers at each other and have had several discussions & solutions as well. However, they have forgotten to involve a representative from Kashmir and have not bothered to get to the root of the problem. The only issue that they have agreed on is the distribution of water through the Indus Water Treaty, which is governed through International Law. From a Kashmiri perspective, it’s extremely disappointing and frustrating as we can’t even make use of our own natural resource – our neighbors have been too busy abusing it. I guess it would be like the Arabs not being able to make use of their own oil because the Europeans & Americans had cut a deal instead leaving them to pick up just the small change at the end.

OUH – Honestly, do you think Kashmir would be able to survive on its own if it were to gain independence?

UMS – In regards to partition, each state had a choice to make. They could either be a part of India or a part of Pakistan and we can’t understand why Kashmir was left alone to be a slave to these two new masters instead of having the same option as everyone else.
India and Pakistan have had, and continue to have, a proxy war in Kashmir as they cannot afford to go face to face with each other. There are over 700,000 soldiers occupying Jammu & Kashmir, with a total population of around 7 million. India’s excuse is that they are fighting the militants but as per their own records, they say they are only about 1000 to 2500 militants active in the region today. Well, what do you think? Are they present over there to protect us from the militants or are they planning a strategic move to further occupy us?
Coming back to your question about Kashmir surviving on its own, of course it can survive on its own. Historically, Kashmir was a part of the famous silk route and was an important trading area in the region. We had numerous routes to trade, which included China, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and even the Middle East. However, we now only have one source, which is a small tunnel link to India. Unfortunately, we have had to depend on India for the past 60 years and are unable to be economically independent. Due to the terrain, it is actually more feasible for us to trade through Karachi, Pakistan instead of going through any of the Indian ports.  

OUH – Interesting point. What else would you be able to offer?

UMS – Kashmir has fertile land. We can systematically provide agriculture farming, with the help of storage facilities and trade with other regions, which would include fruits, vegetables, rice, saffron, etc. We have ample amounts of natural reserves as well such as calcium, coal, granite, cement, wood, etc to make use of. Unfortunately, we just haven’t had the opportunity to have a huge industrial revolution yet but Inshallah, one day we will.
In regards to handicraft manufacturing, we are up against the best in terms of carpets, paper-mache, shawls, wood-carving, etc.

OUH – I’ve also heard about “white oil”? Could you elaborate on that?

UMS – Yes, Kashmir has white oil, which can generate hydro-electricity. There is so much potential to exceed and Kashmir could even have the power to supply electricity to Northern India and parts of Pakistan as well.

OUH – A few of my Kashmiri friends from Muzaffarabad have shared their personal views on the beauty aspect of Kashmir. Would it be right for me to assume that Srinigar and the surrounding areas are as beautiful and could possibly make some revenue from that aspect as well?

UMS – You’re right. One of the biggest things we have is tourism. We have all four seasons to offer our guests and have the ability to flourish even more. The summer can offer a honeymoon destination, provide opportunities for adventure sports, and be used for golfing. In the winter, Kashmir could be an amazing ski destination as the powdered snow Kashmir has is one of the best in the world. There is so much potential that we might even be able to survive just on tourism alone. However, it’s very unfortunate that even though a few of my cousins have hotels in Srinigar and are in the hotel industry, they are severely suffering due to the current situation.

OUH – How do you view the international efforts which have been made towards Kashmir? Are you satisfied?

UMS – Efforts on the international front have been going on for decades now. However, the real momentum in these efforts increased only when the Kashmiris voiced their frustrations in the 1990s. Until then, we, as a nation, had exhausted all the peaceful means and were lacking direction. The sacrifice of so many martyrs in the last two decades has played a prominent role in highlighting the dispute while spreading the pain of the occupied people of Kashmir to the world. It is only the sacrifice of these martyrs that has provided a platform for pro-freedom leaders. Unfortunately, the efforts need to be carried out at a much faster and more solid pace.  When it comes to solving conflicts in the Muslim world, the International community doesn’t pay as much attention as they should.

OUH – Do you feel India has been sincere with Indian-Occupied Kashmir?

UMS – No, India has not been sincere. In the recent past, India has tried every single oppressive strategy to suppress the Kashmiri nation, but fortunately it has failed to restrain the voice of the masses. They have carried out many operations to quell the pro-freedom sentiment of Kashmir but have been unsuccessful. I find it strange that India is struggling to feed its own population and are willing to spend such expenditure on holding on to Kashmir.

OUH – What is India & Pakistan’s role in Kashmir right now?

UMS – We have always had our Pakistani & Indian friends fighting over us. In regards to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, I believe that there is severe oppression as well. I recently met a Kashmiri from there and he vented to me how there is a doctrine, which is led by the Pakistanis and it continuously reminds them that they are a part of Pakistan and have not gained independence. The unfortunate fact is that even the leaders who are brought forward only keep the Pakistani ideology in mind and not of the state of Kashmir.
The Pakistani Governments feels as if this is a perfect opportunity to take revenge on India after Bangladesh’s independence and of course after the success of driving the Russians out of the region.
Personally, I believe India is transforming and becoming more secular; especially after the recent elections. However, just to be clear, I do believe that India has played a disastrous role in Kashmir and this is not a reason for us to be a part of them.
Yes, I agree that violence, which included weapons, was picked up by the Kashmiris but the amount of human rights abuses that have been committed by the Indian Armed forces are unbelievable. It’s absolutely disgusting to see how there is an Indian soldier every few meters holding a gun. He abuses his power by strip searching, acting vulgarly, and humiliating the men and women of Kashmir. I guess it’s their way of reminding us that we are their slaves and they are here to rule us. Similarly, my Kashmiri friend from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir told me the same scenario from their side as well, which is disappointing.
Honestly, I don’t want to get in the number of people who have been dislocated, raped, abused, or missing in both, Indian Occupied & Pakistani Occupied Kashmir but I do know that we do not trust the governments and probably never will.

OUH – Thanks. Any concluding thoughts?

UMS – We aren’t naïve and are not living in a bubble. We know that our independence will lead to a lot of difficulties. I understand that it will be a struggle but it will be our struggle, our nation, and our responsibility. The right of self determination has to be taken into account and only then will we be able to succeed. We cannot force our ideas on anyone and we want it to be a purely democratic resolution. I know that Indians & Pakistanis are going to find it very difficult to let go of us. I know that it’s going to be a difficult struggle of freedom and it will take time.  Just look at India & Pakistan – they first rebelled in 1857 and it  took them about 90 years,  so I guess we’re just at 62 and still counting.

We must never forget that we have to fight this struggle through non-violence means.   It can only be won effectively through blogs, marches, discussions, debates, education, and by spreading awareness throughout the world.

 

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I was grateful to UMS for sharing his views, and was most impressed by his commitment to finding a non-violent solution to this conflict. I think we should all remember that ultimately we are facing a battle to educate and to raise awareness around the world. We can all contribute our bit to the resolution of this struggle by taking part in marches, blogs, discussions and debates – the importance of which should not be underestimated.

Cracked

My cousin recently went horse back riding for the first time. She sent me this picture, which was hilarious! Thought I’d share it with you guys as well … ha ha!

Explosion in Lahore

As most of you will have heard by now, there has been yet another bomb blast in Pakistan. This time the bomb was placed in a car near the police and intelligence agency offices on Lahore’s Fatima Jinnah Road. So far more than 50 people have been pronounced dead and at least 100 have been wounded.

A few of my cousins were at Lahore American School at the time of the explosion and have told how the force of the explosion caused the windows to shatter and of the dense clouds of smoke that hung in the air over the city. They were immediately evacuated and asked to go home. 

To some of us, this may just be another “blast” in the country, but not to those who witnessed the explosion firsthand. My cousin, a doctor in the Army, was on duty at the time of the explosion and I have exchanged a few messages with her today. Not only did she hear the explosion, but she had to treat a lot of the victims as they were rushed in ambulances to hospitals. At first, she was shaken, traumatized, and extremely emotional but remembering her duty, she pulled herself together and took charge of the patients. She said that the victims were crying in pain & agony and their body parts were all over the ambulance. The majority of the victims that she dealt with were army officers and it was very difficult for her to see them lying there helpless in their uniforms. Many had very severe injuries including to the eyes and deep wounds and lacerations all over their bodies.

In the face of all this, she was also very proud of her follow colleagues in the Pakistani Army & Hospitals who come together so strong during a crisis like this. Her last message to me was simply  ”Please pray for Pakistan as that is the most precious thing we can do for our country. Pakistan Zindabad”.

(Picture has been taken from Bloomberg)

Zeitgeist

A friend of mine just sent me a link to this annual conference, which is put together by Google for world business & thought leaders. I had actually not heard of this before and really enjoyed watching this clip. Very interesting speakers so check out the link below to see parts of the conference.

http://www.youtube.com/eurozeitgeist

Hijab…Not a Halo

 

I was speaking to Nabila Amin Hoda, a friend of mine, recently about the “hijab” and what it represents to her and we ended up in quite an intense discussion. I then asked her to contribute to “Chasing Thoughts” as I’m sure it would be of interest to you guys as well. I understand that it may be slightly long but please be patient as Nabila has done a brilliant job portraying her emotions in this piece and deserves to be heard.
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It’s a Hijab…Not a Halo!

They say there are two sides to every story. Well, this story is different. It’s the “story’ of Hijab, and there are four sides to it. Yes, I said FOUR…just hear me out.  To start off, I’d like to mention that I wear Hijab. I didn’t always do so – in fact, for the majority of my life I dressed in a way that would be considered far from it. The change was gradual, I stalled at each stage for a few years, pondered, regressed, analyzed then moved on closer towards the big step of putting on the oh-so-talked about piece of cloth. So, now you know that what I am about say isn’t a string of random theories based on assumptions, guesses or outright pulled-out –of-someone’s-butt kind of talk. Its real, its something I have lived and experienced.  With that said, I can confidently state that Hijab is probably one of the most controversial topics within Islam (of course, not more so than the J-word) but its pretty high up on the discussion list.  As can be said about most of the topics within Islam today, Hijab is truly misunderstood by people on all sides of the argument. Notice I didn’t say “both” sides…refer to point about there being FOUR sides to this story.  Now, I’m not claiming to be an expert on the exact meaning of the concept as it was meant do be understood by the words in the Quran and Hadith, but I think I might have a pretty decent idea (I hope).  

The most prominent side of this story comes from people who wear it and think it’s the ultimate definition of the perfect Muslim. Their thought is that any pubescent girl without it is close to the scum of the Earth, and any women practicing it is practically an angel.  She can do no wrong, she can think no wrong, her soul is as pure as the rivers flowing in Paradise, and she is a true Muslim. I have met many such people. I was in my Junior year in college when 9/11 happened.  America was instantly polarized. You were either with “us” or with the “terrorists.” You were either American or you weren’t.  What people often overlook is that a similar polarization occurred within Muslims in America. You were either ‘Muslim’ or ‘American.’ Being Muslim was defined as not only following a certain code of conduct, but a certain code of dress as well. For women, that dress included the Hijab Ah, the Hijab.  In my desperate attempt to grasp a solid identity in a time when you were either this or that…I was obviously “that”, so I put on the Hijab.  I got brainwashed into believing that the Muslim women who did not put it on, hardly had the right to be called Muslim. They were traitors, sell-outs.  They did not withstand the true test of their “Muslimness.”  So the Hijab played the role of identifying. Instead of SOLIDIFYING and identity, it DEFINED it.  My cousin recently got married, and before he did, his mother-in-law wanted to talk to someone in the family to get personal references. I ended up being that person. She said to me, “When I found out that you wore Hijab, I knew I could trust you. I know you will tell me the truth.” Seriously? Wow. People, please, it’s a Hijab…NOT a halo. I have told many lies, I’ve copied homework, I’ve talked behind people’s backs, I’ve checked out (and continue to check out) cute guys.  And, don’t have a heart attack, I avidly followed ‘Sex and the City’ on HBO. I’m so glad Carrie and Big didn’t get married – but, let’s leave that topic for another blog post. 

Then there are those who don’t wear Hijab and would never wear it themselves or be ok with their mothers and daughters wearing it, but when they do come across someone who wears it, all of a sudden they just entered the presence of one of ‘God’s chosen ones’ who knows the answer to all Islamic questions, and someone whom they can make special requests to to pray for their son’s board exams – this side to the story actually cracks me up the most.  Last October, we had a huge family gathering to celebrate Eid. After lunch, came the time to pray the late afternoon prayer.  The magic question was popped “which direction should we face in this house for prayer.” After about 10 minutes of discussions on how they could deduce the correct Qibla by analyzing their geographical location in relation to where Route 7 intersects Algonkian Parkway, one uncle exclaimed, “ask Nabila, she will know.” Seriously? Wow. Yes, I know, I too noticed that piece of cloth on my head but oddly enough, it doesn’t give me superhuman abilities to initiate direct contact with God, who will then align my brain waves with the magnetic force of the North Pole to determine the direction we should face to pray. People, please, it’s a Hijab…NOT a halo.  I’m not someone you come to when you think your prayers aren’t working. I have no idea what year the battle of Badr took place, I don’t know what it means if you had a dream about a light shining from a bush, I don’t know what year the world will end and I sure as hell don’t care if your son fails his boards. 

Then, of course, there are those pleasant human beings who hate Hijab with every fiber of their being, and just can’t keep it to themselves. The will go to any lengths to insult, blast, criticize and offend Hijab. What they have to gain from it, I do not know.  This is the one aspect of my post-Hijabifying experience that I will never forget. It was malicious, it was offensive, it was hurtful…it was downright awful.  I love my family, I seriously do, but, the whole episode following my putting on Hijab was a true test of who was for real, and who was just looking for an excuse to jump on a soap box, because there was nothing else they could justifiably criticize.   As I mentioned, I put on the Hijab post 9/11. After the initial shock of, “are you CRAZY, you’re going to get shot if you walk down the street” came the “you are becoming a fanatic, the Hijab has nothing to do with Islam, you are being oppressed,” etc etc. I sparked intense discussions across the globe (I have family all over the world, from Singapore, to India, to Saudi, to the US). The family email list became hyperactive with articles, excerpts, Hadith, Quran, video clips, you name it. My phone was ringing off the hook – and all this, because I had DARED to put on Hijab – I had violated the family’s code of conduct and insulted the term  “Muslim” by putting on the “cursed head gear” according to one of my Aunts.  And at the end of the outright insults and “advice” came, “we just care about you so we want to “save” you from becoming a fanatic. It went as far as my family giving me an ultimatum, “either you take it off right now, or you don’t leave the house.” Cousins I was close to stopped talking to me, aunts I had stayed up gossiping with at nights, all of a sudden pulled away.  That 22” piece of cloth became the biggest barrier anyone can put up to separate themselves from loved ones, and moreover, from the ”normal and moderate” Muslims.  Seriously? Wow.  So, one would figure a family such as this which was so damn concerned about the image of Islam or the misinterpretation and wrongful practice of it, would go after other members of the family who threatened to corrupt as well. Guess again.  One of my cousins, through his actions, attitudes and general demeanor would otherwise be considered a misogynistic asshole.  Forget the part about him incessantly consuming alcohol, gambling, eating pork and sleeping around.  He talks about women like they are piece of meat only around to quench the insatiable male thirst.  They can be used one day, dumped the next day, there is always a ‘flavor of the week’ as long as there is a pretty girl around a man’s arm to  give him self-proclaimed clout in a man’s world. Honestly, I could care less what he did with his life. It’s his life, I don’t have the right to pass any judgment on anyone. If he calls himself Muslim, good for him. If he’s agnostic, good for him. But that’s me, I don’t butt into other people’s lives or tell them what to do. However, this very loving family who found every curse word in the book for Hijab DOES indeed butt in. So, by that logic you’d think that for the sake preventing the violation of the code of HUMANITY (forget Islam) they would step in and tell this guy off (let’s call him Shawn).  But…no! Shawn can do no wrong. Shawn is a suave ladies man. Shawn has a successful banking career which makes him cool as it is, and the fact that he goes dancing on a Wednesday night with Brazilian wannabe models whom he can sleep with and then not give the time of day actually makes him even cooler.  He’s hardly ever bought his mother a birthday gift, but he presents the most exquisite wines when he needs to charm a lady, albeit for one night. Um, HOW is this acceptable in a family who claims to be the keepers of Islam?  Honestly, seriously, forget that…who CARES what he does right? I sure as hell don’t. But do you see the point I’m getting at? How is it that my actions were so damn offensive to people who hardly see me once in five years, but Shawn’s actions are nothing short of living life in the ultimate “cool” fashion. Point made.  So going back to that ultimatum – I actually took of the Hijab. I was depressed, but felt like I was beaten up, lying on the floor bleeding and people were still kicking me in the gut. Yes, it was that bad. So it took my about 7 months to grow a spine and I decided to just put it back on because it was for ME. NOT for anyone else.  They obviously showed their double-standards, so why should I live my life according to their will? I mean, come on, I was 22 years old, just received a college degree in Business, what about to start my Masters. I’m SURE I am capable of making my own decisions.  So that is what I did, and I have stuck to it since August 14^th, 2002. Yes I know, its Pakistan’s independence day…I call it MY independence day! 
 
This last group actually makes me sad more than anything else.  It consists of the people who wear Hijab, but abuse it. They abuse the image that is portrayed when they put it on.   I see women who wear the head scarf, but their actions are not conducive to the meaning of it.  Hijab is NOT merely a head cover. In fact, Hijab doesn’t even MEAN head covering. It means ‘protection.’ Protection of one’s respect, body, mind – physically, emotionally and spiritually. It’s the way you act, not whether you have every strand of the hair on your head covered. So when women/girls do put on Hijab, they need to do their homework. It’s not the be all end all. There is great responsibility that comes with it.  The Hijab is meant to be the ultimate embodiment of the qualities of Maryam, the Virgin Mary.  But there are many other qualities that come along with the physical act of a cloth on one’s head: chastity, humility, modesty, generosity, spirituality, kindness. The list goes on forever.  I know someone who put on the Hijab as a front, so people would see the outwardly “angelic” characteristic, when in actuality she would do all those things – perhaps even similar to our friend Shawn – but in secrecy from those who saw it as a halo.  What a great situation, this is what it means to ‘have your cake and eat it too.” Do whatever you want, and no one will know. Seriously? Wow.  People like this not only give other “Hijabi’s” a bad name but they insult the purity of what the Hijab is meant to be.  You know that discrimination and judgment I experienced with my family? Well, that discrimination is reversed in this situation.  I have a friend who has a successful career, is very well-liked by everyone, has many friends, goes out, parties on weekends, generally enjoys life – even if it may contradict some people’s definition of what it means to call oneself ‘Muslim.’ What I’m saying is, he’s a nice guy minding his own business, not harming anyone or butting into others’ lives. He has a friend who would perfectly fit into this last group regarding Hijab. She wears Hijab, but leads a lifestyle contradictory to it.  But at the end of the day, it’s the guy who gets the raw end of the judgment – she’s safe from it, because she wears the Hijab. She can do no wrong, even if she sleeps around.  Get my point? People see it as halo, everyone knows it, it annoys most people, a lot abuse it.   

I know what you are thinking, “look at her, she thinks she has it all figured out.” That is not the case, I already said I’m not claiming to be an expert. I do have a very decent idea of what it is supposed to mean. I am not saying that just because I know what it means and I wear it, that I actually embody all those qualities of Mary mentioned above. HECK no. I wish. I can only hope that I can ever achieve half those things in this lifetime. But that’s what Islam is about isn’t it? It’s a struggle against yourself. It’s the struggle to be the best daughter you can be, the best parent you can be, the best husband you can, the best teacher you can, the best doctor you can be, the best you can be at anything you do. Above all, a struggle to be the best human being you can be.  The Hijab, for me, was just one small step towards spirituality that I can only hope helps me achieve this and win that struggle.  It works for me, it may not work for someone else. It’s not a ‘label’, its not the “icing on the Islamic cake” its not a cover to hide all your sins under, its not a barrier that is meant to segregate you from others, its not a license to judge others and it sure as hell is NOT a halo. 

So, what is it about this simple cloth that sparks so much controversy? How can everyone have such opposing opinions of it? How can some see it as a halo, and others a curse? How can some think it’s adorned by angels on earth, while others think it only corrupts humanity?  As long as we as humans are more concerned about what the person next door is doing and whether they are living life the way WE think it should be lived, this question will never be answered. Not in this lifetime.

Peace be with you.

Data Ganj Bakhsh

Picture of the day -

Annually, thousands of Muslim devotees from across Pakistan attend the ‘Urs’ of Saint Syed Ali bin Osman Al-Hajvery, popularly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh. The three day festival is celebrated in Lahore, Pakistan. Worshippers light candles, incense and pay homage to one of the great sufi scholars of South Asia. One of the biggest messages of saints and Sufis like Data Sahib is humanity, peace, and harmony while practicing the religion, believing it as a “path of peace”

In this picture above, a devotee smokes hashish at the shrine of Data Ganj Bakhsh in Lahore in February of ‘09. (REUTERS/Mohsin Raza)

Nandos

I might just get offended if you haven’t heard of Nandos so let’s just pretend that all of you are familiar with my favorite restaurant, ok? Well, on the off-chance that you are not as familiar as others, allow me to enlighten you. It’s mostly Portuguese flame-grilled chicken as well as some vegetarian dishes. Apparently, Nandos is named after Fernando, who was a chicken that saved a pilgrim’s life in the fourteenth century in Portugal. Maybe I should start a fact of the day on the Blog as well?
 
On arrival, you are directed towards a table, given a menu and flashed a Portuguese smile. There is a “Spicometer” available at the counter, which will help you decide how spicy you want your chicken. I would highly recommend you to go all the way – Extra Hot. The Perri-Perri spicy Mayonnaise is phenomenal so you must order some of that as well to go with your Perri-Perri french fries (mouth-watering-fries).
 
There is a variety of options at Nandos so you may want to take your time deciding between some tasty, moist chicken with crispy skin, fillet burgers, chicken in pita, mushroom & cheese pita, couscous salad, rich & creamy sweet mashed potatoes or one of the “platters”, which is a meal deal for groups of people. You’ll end up with a lot of food on the table but it’s quite affordable considering the hot and happening environment and drinks with free refills. I promise that you will feel right at home and there are several signs in the restaurant asking you to do so: “Treat Nandos like your home”.  I take these signs very seriously by obediently taking off my shoes, rolling up my sleeves, and shove my entire hand (till elbow) into my plate!
 
Everything is cooked fresh right in front of you and the quality is amazing. For those who are health conscious and have found their new love for jogging recently (woah), you can tailor the salad to your taste (with little or no dressing!) as well.

Writing about my favorite restaurant has satisfied my appetite for the time being …!  Who would have thought this Blog was going to end up assisting me in my new healthy lifestyle?

If you ever make a Nandos plan … count me in!

Emilio Morenatti

Emilio Morenatti began his career in photo journalism in Spain covering both national and international events. In 2003, he traveled to Afghanistan as a correspondent to cover the war and the fall of the Taliban for the Associated Press. Currently, he is based in Pakistan and covers Central Asia for the Associated Press. Emilio was named 2008 Newspaper Photographer of the Year by Pictures of the Year International.

Thanks to my friend James von Simson for passing on Emilio’s brilliant photography to me and making me aware of it.

Below, I have chosen a few of my favorite images, which are phenominal. You can find the rest of his work at http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2009/03/23/photographer-collection-emilio-morenatti/

 

An Afghan man carries a bundle of balloons as he walks along a street on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

A Pakistani child looks on as women covered with burqas from the tribal region of Bajur and Mohmand agency wait to be registered at the Jalozai refugee camp near Peshawar, Pakistan, Friday, Jan. 30, 2009. More than 200,000 people have fled the fighting in Bajur and Mohmand agency to camps in Afghanistan and Pakistan. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) 

A Pakistani Kushti wrestler washes himself after a training at the Champion Khalu Behalwan wrestling club in the Old City of Lahore, Pakistan, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008. Kushti, an Indo-Pakistani form of wrestling, is several thousand years old and is a national sport in Pakistan. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Traffic is seen through a bus window in central Lee Market, Karachi, Pakistan, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. Pakistan’s parliamentary elections were postponed after the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on December 27, 2007. Across Pakistan, the fear of violence runs high as the country prepares to head to the polls on Feb. 18.(AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Pakistani Muslims walk near the Badshahi mosque after ‘Iftar’, the time to break the fast, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in Lahore, Pakistan, Friday, Sept. 5, 2008. During Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from dawn to dusk. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Urooj Akbar, 28, poses for a photograph at the Depilex beauty center where she works in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, July 27, 2008. Urooj was burnt with kerosene oil by her abusive husband while she was sleeping. The two had a child who now lives with her husband and in-laws and whom she is not able to see. Urooj suffered burns on some 70 percent of her body and has undergone plastic surgery ten times to try to recover from her scars with the help of Depilex-Smileagain Foundation in Lahore. Smileagain is an organization that helps burn victims to reintegrate into society through medical and psychological support, sometimes employing them as beauticians at Depilex beauty centers. Urooj is one of the 240 registered victims of Smileagain’s help list in Pakistan. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti

A Pakistani worshiper prays in front of the Faisal mosque during the Friday prayer in Islamabad, Pakistan on Friday March 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

A Pakistani butchers holds a knife after slaughtering a cow to mark the beginning of Eid al-Adha in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008. Eid al-Adha celebrates the Quran’s account of God’s allowing Abraham to sacrifice a sheep instead of his son. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Blunder of the Day

I’m not sure how long this will last but I have recently decided to lead a healthier lifestyle. I have been eating less and exercising more for the past few days but it already feels like I’ve been doing it for at least six years.

Part of my new-found health conscious routine is to make time to go for a quick jog after work. Now for those of you who know me, you know that I am slightly lazy, and seeing me jog around the block might be the funniest sight in the world. Well, despite what you think, I’m going to try and stick to this new lifestyle and will continue my daily jog in order to try and become fit & healthy.

Work was exhausting yesterday and I got home pretty late. Nonetheless, I put my sneakers on and decided to go for a jog around the block. Consumed by determination I didn’t bother to drink any water, stretch, or take my inhaler with me as I started running through the streets of London.

After 15 minutes of jogging, I was out of breath, to say the least. I was falling all over the place and sweating like a dog. I needed to use my inhaler but had inconveniently forgotten it at home, so I decided to take it easy for a bit. As I was walking by one of the squares in the W2 area, I came across an apartment building with steps comfortably placed right in front of it. I couldn’t resist the urge and decided to take a break for a few minutes on the inviting steps. As I was sprawled across the stairs and was busy catching my breath, I heard the door open. I didn’t even bother looking up and continued to breathe heavily while abusing the hospitality of this stranger’s steps.

All of a sudden, I heard someone say “Omar?” so I jumped up and made eye contact with the stranger. It turned out to be my ex-Boss who lived at that property and he seemed rather confused. I was embarrassed and felt rather awkward at this moment. I turned bright red as I pretended to tie my shoelace and told him how nice it was to run into him again (literally). He smiled with excitement and looked like he was about to try and make conversation with me as I nervously started to jog away while waving back at him.

The last thing I needed was for a colleague to see me in that sweaty & out-of-breath state! I guess it should motivate me even more so I’m not put in the position of getting embarrassed if I run into someone again! Ha Ha!

Why does this only happen to me?

Snow in London?

Location: Notting Hill
Time: 3:35 am
Date: Feb of  ‘09
Weather: “Massive Snow Storm” according to Herald News  
Picture Credit: OUH

Googler

I have been in love with Google for a number of years and of late, this love has turned into a case of obsession.

My incessant researching, investigating and stalking has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge about the company and led me to the conclusion that I would like to work there, someday (soon).

Google isn’t your conventional company. They are growing by the minute yet still possess that small-company feel, which many of us crave at our respective corporations. Their employees tend not to feel like corporate slaves – on the contrary, they feel like their opinion matters in important decisions. According to their website, Google provides individually-tailored compensation packages that can be comprised of competitive salary, bonus, and equity components, along with the opportunities to earn further financial bonuses and rewards. Brilliant! Furthermore, they have offices all over the globe with small focused teams and high energy environment, giving you the opportunity to travel as well.

Google’s founders often state that the company is not serious about anything but search. They built a company around the idea that work should be challenging and the challenge should be fun. Till this day, they have stuck to this commitment. To that end, Google’s culture is unlike any in corporate America, and it’s not because of the funky lava lamps and large rubber balls, or the fact that one of the company’s chefs used to work at the Grateful Dead. It’s a lot more than that and Google has a lot more to offer than you can imagine. One of my favorite Google quotes is that “in the same way Google puts users first when it comes to online services, Google puts employees first when it comes to daily life in its offices.”

Adwords is Google’s flagship advertising product and main source of revenue. Have you ever noticed how Google’s text ads are short, have only one title line, and are discretely placed on the side? I think it’s brilliant that it’s not in your face and annoying when compared to other irritating websites. Advertisers specify the words that should trigger the ads and the maximum amount they are willing to “pay per click” and the order of the listings depends on other advertisers’ bids and quality score determined by Google. Since ads aren’t distracting, the user remains focused and interested.

As Eric Schmidet, the CEO of Google once said – “The goal is to strip away everything that gets in our employees’ way. We provide a standard package of fringe benefits, but on top of that are first-class dining facilities, gyms, laundry rooms, massage rooms, haircuts, carwashes, dry cleaning, commuting buses – just about anything a hardworking employee might want. Let’s face it: programmers want to program, they don’t want to do their laundry. So we make it easy for them to do both.”

With my background and experience, I see myself working in sales, business development, or account management for the company. I guess I will have to be patient until the economic climate settles down before filling out applications again. Apparently, they only interview and consider employees from the top 10 universities but I’m hoping they do make exceptions. If not Google, then there are a ton of amazing marketing & advertising companies I’m keen on joining and am in discussion with as well.

There you go, folks! My professional aspirations laid out on the table for you. What are yours?

Princess -

The Princess of a town situated in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)  of Pakistan was about to leave the airplane to meet & greet the people of her area when I took this picture of her in October of 2008.

Finding Yourself

I still remember the time when I was a Senior in High School back in June of 2000. Many people knew from an early age exactly what they wanted to be when they “grow up” and how to get there. There were plenty of friends and family members who used to look down upon us individuals who were not as focused as others.. but the truth is that we didn’t care at the time and just knew that we were going to “make it”.

Graduating from High School was the scariest thing that could have happened to any one of us in the Senior class of our High School. We were content with the comfortable, laid-back, relaxed, “bubble” type of atmosphere we were living in and we were more than nervous about leaving “home”. For me, high school was not entirely about building your life and laying out the stepping stones for your future, but it was more about learning who you are and how to adapt to your surroundings (or so we thought at the time…). As difficult as times could be … with the stress, the problems, the relationships, and the drama… I think everyone was completely unaware of what life had in store for them after those childish days.

I had just turned 18 when I entered my freshman year at University and was completely clueless to my surroundings. I had mixed feelings and didn’t know if I was excited or depressed to be there. I was a lost soul who just wandered around campus wondering how I managed to grow up so quickly as I sat on a random bench on the other side of the world. I still look back and wonder how I had the energy to put up with my random roommates, the constant partying, and the ability to cope in a new environment. It’s quite strange to think that we are probably never going to get those care-free days ever again. Life seemed to hectic and I honestly believed that I was living my life as an adult and didn’t bother realizing that I hadn’t even stepped in the real world yet. I was definitely not warned or prepared of how life after college is going to be such a drastic change.

You have been in school for the majority of your life. What will life be like now that you are graduating from college? I remember standing outside my dorm room and saying the final farewell to my friends as I drove off with mixed feelings in my second hand college vehicle. The transition from a college student to a working professional had ended up affecting almost all aspects of my life. Not only have I had to adapt to my new surroundings at work constantly, but I have had to adjust to everything else around me as well.

Even though it’s easier to stay in denial at times, the truth is that friends eventually disperse to different countries to pursue new careers. You may even lose touch with your closest friends as everyone gets involved in their own lives and you are forced to build new relationships.

I guess one of the things that I have personally learnt in the past 4 years post-college is to be open to the idea of meeting new people. As one transitions from their college days to their professional lives, they should learn to grow and keep in touch with old ones as well. At the end of the day, everyone is on their own and one should be able to stand on their own two feet without having to depend on others. I look at those who are extremely intelligent yet have no social skills whatsoever and I feel sorry for them. I, for example, was never in the top of my class, never received a High-honor roll award, and never ended up getting a pat from any of my teachers and at times, it was highly disappointing. I guess I have learnt that in order to succeed, one must do what makes them happy and be able to do a damn good job at it as well. Your social skills aren’t going to get you anywhere unless you put your mind to it and stick it through the rough patches & obstacles that come your way.

Do I miss my college days already? Of course I do! I’m finally ready to admit that things will never be the same again. I will never be able to relax, sleep, eat, and hang out with my friends the same way ever again. There are never any late nights knowing that I have nothing to do tomorrow and one has to learn to be more responsible. The drastic transition brings new challenges that can be both exciting and intimidating! It may seem easy at first… but sooner or later… you will find yourself sitting on your bed at 6:30 am on a Monday morning asking yourself where your life is heading to …

This past year with the onset of the recession, I have begun to reassess and analyze my life and career path. I am now beginning to question my choices and wonder if this is what I really want to be doing for the rest of my life? Many of my very successful friends have unfortunately lost their jobs and are struggling to find another as this recession worsens. I am lucky to have my job but the insecurity that comes with seeing many around me lose jobs is hard to ignore. I am at a point where I am ready to explore options and places that not very long ago I would have dismissed but am now having the trouble to pursue them due to the recession.

Random post, huh? At least you can’t say that I didn’t warn you about chasing random thoughts …

 

Firaaq

I just spent the evening with my cousin and a few friends who were visiting from out of town. I then watched “Firaaq”, a movie that I recently bought when I was visiting Pakistan a few weeks ago. Have you seen it?

Acclaimed actress Nandita Das presented this directorial debut about ordinary people, from different walks of life, altered forever after the Hindu Muslim riots which ravaged Gujarat, India in 2002. The gravity of the subject is established in the opening scene when a truckload of dead bodies are dumped into a mass grave. Although the movie is slightly slow at times, I would highly reccommend for you to watch it as Das has done a good job.

“Aarti (Deepti Naval) is a housewife silently haunted by the sight of Muslim women begging for sanctuary in her house, that she ignored. Her only hope for salvation comes when she takes in an orphaned Muslim boy as a servant, pretending to her family he is Hindu. Khan Saheb (Naseeruddin Shah) is a great Muslim musician who lives in a Hindu suburb, refusing to comprehend the fractured world around him. Muneera has hidden with friends during the riots but returns to find her home gutted and trust in her neighbours destroyed. Middle class Sameer, married to a Hindu wife, is torn between fleeing town or staying and being recognised as a Muslim.” – Firaaq Review

While some live in constant fear of the next outbreak of violence, others plot revenge. With amazing control, the director explores the relationships, good and bad, that bind these two different religious communities to their homeland, and to each other, even in the face of the most terrible atrocities.

It needs to be said that some might find Firaaq one-sided because it portrays the victimization of Muslims – be it a cop telling a character, Sameer Shaikh to move to Pakistan, or a local Hindu dropping a heavy stone slab on a man’s head just because he is a Muslim.

However, one can’t deny that it’s a film made with brilliance & conscience, as reflected in a scene in which Naseer Uddin Shah’s help tells him that Muslims are being killed. Naseer then replied: “Insaan Insaan ko maar raha hai, gham toh iss baat ka hai”. A statement that entreats us to see humans beyond their religions, it pretty much captures the soul of ‘Firaaq’.

If possible, try to get your hands on the dvd or I’m sure you can find it on youtube as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=139yoc8BhLY

Interrupted –

One of my favorite shots. The roads in Northern Pakistan are quite narrow. I feel bad for those, who have to walk miles to deliver goods or to even go home as their journey constantly gets interupted by cars, vans, & buses. As we were driving on one such road, we passed by this individual who was trying to get somewhere.. and he was forced to stand on the side as we drove by him. I guess they must be used to it as he didn’t seem to be annoyed or irritated but just calmly looked at us as we drove by so he could continue his journey to his destination …

Imran Khan’s Letter to GB –

Thanks to HR for sharing this letter with us -

Imran Khan’s Letter to Gordon Brown
May 8, 2009
Prime Minister of Great Britain
10 Downing Street
London, England
7th May 2009

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

I want to urgently bring to your attention the activities of a British citizen, Mr. Altaf Hussain who was granted this status after he fled from Pakistan as a fugitive from justice. At the time of his arrival in London, he was facing 234 registered criminal cases against him, including 44 murder charges and 18 torture charges.

His Party, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is controlled by Mr Hussain in mafia-style, with his word being the law. Detractors face the ultimate punishment – death – carried out through the private armed force maintained at his Karachi barricaded headquarters known as Nine Zero.

On Mr. Hussain’s order, his Party was involved in the 12th May 2007 carnage in Karachi where 48 people were killed and 200 sustained bullet wounds, including 10 workers belonging to my Party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). You can refer to your Karachi Consulate’s report on this incident. The MQM then went on to physically disrupt court hearings of this incident.

Most recently, and at a time when the MQM is a coalition partner in the federal and provincial governments, Mr. Hussain (sitting in London) sought to incite ethnic violence and vigilantism by calling on his supporters to arm themselves and fight “talibanisation” – a label he tried to put on the 2 million Pushtun workers of Karachi. As a result 36 people were killed over two days of violence. When the Sindh Inspector General of Police implicated the MQM in his inquiry, they demanded his immediate removal.

In 2007, on two occasions, the Federal Court of Canada ruled that the MQM met the legal definition of a terrorist organisation and its members could not be given political asylum. In addition, the US State Department web site describes the MQM as a “violent organisation”.

Considering that the British government has arrested people on mere suspicion in the Heathrow case and the recent Pakistani students’ case, it is shocking to find that no investigation has been conducted into the activities of Mr. Hussain despite his public criminal record in Pakistan. Or does the loss of Pakistani lives through acts of terrorism incited by a British national hold no relevancy for the British government?

It is this duality of standards which is losing the US and Britain the war for hearts and minds in Pakistan and thereby undermining their efforts to combat terrorism. Now that your government has identified a list of persona non grata, I sincerely hope you will hold an urgent inquiry into Mr. Hussain’s activities in Pakistan in the light of British laws on terrorism.

Yours sincerely

Imran Khan
Chairman PTI

Determined to Succeed?

Lately, I’ve been hearing complaints from people settled in Pakistan that today’s generation of Pakistanis have selfishly settled abroad and should now start making their way back “home” to help the country in this time of need. Taimoor Farouk, however, has a different point of view and in his recent submission on Dawn Blog discusses those Pakistanis who rush back home to their convenient lifestyles right after being educated instead of entering the “real” world of employment and struggling to earn a decent living abroad. I guess this is a sensitive topic to most of us as we all know people who represent both sides of the argument. Interesting read so you can check out the Link that I have pasted at the bottom.

Having attended University in Boston, Massachusetts myself, I have come across people from all walks of life. There were those who would come on scholarships from Pakistan and would be slogging away in three different jobs on a daily basis to support themselves during their student life. And then there were those, of course, who would be driving the latest sports cars and spraying bottles of champagne on each other in the middle of night clubs wasting away their parent’s money.

In today’s climate, I think it is easy to overlook the fact that there are those even in Pakistan’s middle and upper classes who are facing some tough times and hardships. Personally, I have recently come across two Pakistanis, from upper class families, whose commitment and dedication through some of the tougher times have impressed me and left their mark.

One guy was fortunate enough to have parents who were able to pay for his education while he was studying in the UK a few years ago. However he was left with the responsibility of covering his living expenses. In a city like London, this is a substantial cost and he really struggled to make it on his own. I sat down with him at dinner a few days ago and asked him about his experience. We discussed the obstacles that were thrown his way when he first arrived in the city. The guy told me about how he was living with a stranger and found it really difficult to find a part time job to support himself in this foreign country. He used to eat a loaf of bread every day with a ton of butter as it was extremely cheap and a good way to fill up his stomach. Although there would be good days & bad days, he went through an extremely low point when he got fired from an electrical shop that he was working for as a part time employee. His exact words were – “I’ll never forget that day as I was fired for no apparent reason but the fact that my boss wanted to hire his nephew. I couldn’t believe that I had come to this level where I wasn’t even able to retain a job as a bulb-changer and I just sat on the sidewalk for hours staring into space wondering where my life was heading.” At this point, I stepped in and reminded him of his subsequent journey to success as he became a bit emotional while remembering those tough days. We both share a love of good food and I couldn’t help but laugh when he said “I always used to dream of having a stocked refrigerator and finally, I have it all. I can’t look at that damn lonely loaf of bread ever again in my life”. Today, he has a successful job, owns his own home, has a gorgeous car, and is happily married. Some people may have to struggle more than others but this just proves that it’s possible to make it and one has to remember to be confident, determined, and have that hunger for success.

On the other hand, I have also met several Pakistanis based in London, Dubai, & Pakistan in the past few months who have managed to inspire & motivate me to a whole new level. Being typical Pakistanis from a certain class, we may take it for granted that while growing up, we will live with our parents, have good food on the table, blow our weekly pocket money, drive our parents’ cars, and have a personal tutor come to our drawing room if we aren’t able to focus enough in school. Unfortunately, these guys don’t have those luxuries that us fortunate few tend to use & abuse while acting like spoilt brats in our school years. However, instead of whining, complaining, and blaming the world for having what some of us take for granted while growing up, they take matters into their own hands and make it happen for themselves. Today, they are mature adults, who understand & appreciate the importance of education and hard work. They have positive attitudes & are good hearted individuals and on the right path to success.

It just goes to show that, despite popular opinion, the drive and determination to succeed can be found amongst all levels of our people regardless of their background.

Anyway, check out Taimoor’s piece below, which was published in the Dawn Blog.

http://dawntravelshow.com/dblog/2009/05/04/affluent-yet-unemployed/

The picture above has been taken from – http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2354184427_37fbdc2e50.jpg

Displaced in Pakistan

I’m sure a lot of you have been reading about the current state of Pakistan’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) issue.

Hundreds of internally displaced families are pouring into Islamabad & Rawalpindi from Buner and adjacent areas and are desperate for assistance. We must as a nation take responsibility and find the time to help our fellow Pakistanis. They would greatly appreciate it if you could possibly donate flour, sugar, rice, tea, dry milk, lentils, cooking oil etc.

For donations & more information on how you can help, please call Iqbal Bali at +923235343262 or Fauzia Minallah at +923065049852. Thanks.

A February peace pact aimed at ending Taliban violence in Swat, Pakistan, has collapsed and thousands of people have fled from Mingora, the region’s main town.” – Reuters.

NS, a friend of mine just sent me some of the pictures that Reuters has posted on their website.

A girl from the Bajaur tribal region is seen at a relief camp on the outskirts of Peshawar October 5, 2008.
REUTERS/Ali Imam

An internally displaced man, fleeing military operations in Buner, sits in a UNHCR camp in Mardan, about 100 km (60 miles) north west of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad May 6, 2009.
REUTERS/Adrees Latif

A displaced woman wearing a burqa waits in line at a repatriation centre in Peshawar, located in the North West Frontier Province on April 30, 2009.
REUTERS/Adrees Latif

You can read more on the IDP situation @ http://changinguppakistan.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/the-status-of-pakistans-idps/

Cynophobia

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Unfortunately, I suffer from severe Cynophobia. Cynophobia, also known as fear of dogs, stems from the Greek word cyno meaning dog and phobos meaning fear or terror. It’s actually quite embarassing and not something I am proud of at all. I have had many violent arguments & fights with friends in the past who believe that their dog is the one that will make all the difference and help me get over my fear. Sadly, those who are lucky enough not to suffer from Cynophobia just don’t understand.

I must admit, that there was “Sparky”, the world’s most beautiful golden lab, who actually managed to help me reduce my fear a few years ago. I took him for walks, played around with him, and pet him as well at times. However, he turned out to be the only dog that I could stand around me and the fear never completely went away.

I walked in to work this morning and one of my close friends from childhood had sent me and another friend of ours an e-mail. It has got to be one of the funniest e-mails ever and I can’t believe that my friend is actually going to have to face our worst nightmare now! Poor guy.

“By the way, I think both of you can appreciate this. I have a pretty decent shot at getting a gig for the Summer. It’s pretty much exactly what I want to do and I was really excited to hear that I have final rounds next week (keeping fingers crossed). So, of course on a day when everything is working out, God throws a wrench into the plans. The office space has 2 large labradors just chilling, roaming around the office!!! I had a 10-15 second totally awkward confrontation with one of them, who I think now senses my fear. Anyways, when I was visibly frazzled and they asked me if I was ok, I just told them I was surprised by the dogs, and they laughed and said that they are part of the family! So, obviously they won’t give a shit if I told them about my fear (which in itself is probably not a good idea for my chances).

I tell you guys all this because a) I think it’s hilarious, and b) you guys obviously understand my fear. I don’t really know what to do (if things actually work out…which are obviously not a given so I shouldn’t get ahead of myself here). But if it does, the job starts immediately. On a serious note, have any of you had any success overcome your fears? I’m thinking of grabbing a self-help book on it or something, because this is just too much!

Anyways, thanks for listening and have a smashing weekend.”

If it was me, I would not take the job. But I guess you have to suck it up and deal with absolutely anything as beggers can’t be chosers in today’s financial crisis. Poor guy!

*The picture above has been taken from http://www.bralexlabradors.ca/spencer4.jpg*

Random Iceland

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My cousin went to Iceland a few months and came back with the most amazing pictures. The sights, animals, and culture that I witnessed in those pictures were phenominal and this picture in particular, was one of my favorites.

Initially, I laughed when my cousin told me that she wanted to go to Iceland. I told her that there were so many other places in Europe that she hasn’t checked out and that she should explore some place else. As expected, she didn’t listen to me and insisted on flying out there as she had heard great feedback from people who have visited Iceland before.

A few days later, she arrived back in London and we met up for dinner. I was pretty surprised when she said that it was one of her best holidays and she was just full of exciting stories about her trip. She took this picture of the Blue Lagoon, which is a geothermal spa & one of the most popular attractions of Iceland.

According to Wikipedia (god bless wikipedia), “the steamy waters are part of a lava formation. The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is repuated to help some people from suffering from skin dieseases. The lagoon is fed by the water output of a nearby geothermal power plant. Superheated water is vented from the ground near a lava flow and used to run turbines that generate electricity. After going through the turbines, the steam and hot water passes through a heat exchanger to provide heat for a municipal hot water heating system. Then the water is fed into the lagoon for recreational and medicinal users to bathe in.”

Random, I know. But sometimes it’s the spontaneous & random trips that turn out to be the most amazing holidays ever. I’m definately going to look into it and you should as well ..

Painting Prostitutes

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A few years ago, I went to Cuckoo’s Café, which is right next to the famous Badshai Mosque near the red light district in Lahore, Pakistan. While we were there, we came across Iqbal Hussain’s art as well since he had displayed some of his pieces in the entrance of the restaurant.

Hussain, whose own mother was a sex worker, mostly paints women of Heera Mandi (the red light district in Lahore) and is known for his controversial paintings in Pakistan. He continues to follow his own visions and paints his unconventional and radically innovative paintings. Hussain also has a great reputation as an artist in the international art world and his paintings have been requested by the Jordanian Princess and have been auctioned in London as well.

To be honest, I had never seen a Pakistani create such art before so it was so it was a bit of a shock to the system at first. My friends and I walked in to the Cafe and were in a state of shock as we hadn’t heard of Iqbal Hussain before. Later, we were told that his work is really appreciated by both, Pakistanis and foreigners as well.

SQ, a friend of mine, just sent me this article that was published in CNN this morning. It gives us a picture of how Hussain & some of the brothels around Badshai Mosque are now concerned about the Taliban & how they have been recieving threats from them as well.

*I had taken this picture above when I was at Cuckoos Café in December of 2006.*

LAHORE, Pakistan (CNN) By Ivan Watson - It’s hot and sweaty in a rat-infested room in Lahore’s historic red light district, a neighborhood of narrow alleyways lined with brothels.

A barefoot, long-haired woman is gyrating and twirling on the carpet, to the beat of a four-man band whose drummer sweats profusely as he pounds out a furious rhythm.
The dancer, who only gives her first name, Beenish, is performing a kind of Pakistani belly-dance called the mujra. Her harmonium player, a skinny bald man who squints through coke-bottle glasses, has been performing like this for the past 50 years. But he says the art form is dying out. “That spark, the way it was in the past, is no more,” said Ghulam Sarwar.

Last fall, a judge in Lahore’s high court declared the mujra dance “vulgar” and banned it from being performed on stage. Some here say the government is cracking down on easy, “immoral” targets in an attempt to appease religious hard-liners like the Taliban. Islamist militants are believed to be responsible for a recent wave of bomb attack, in targeting cinemas, theaters and cafes where young men and women fraternize together. “It is a gesture of good will to pacify the mullahs and the Taliban,” said Samia Amjad, a lawmaker in the provincial assembly. Though she is a member of an opposition political party, she said she supported the crackdown on vulgarity. “I see it as an essential part of Islam.

Dancers aren’t the only targets of the court censors. In late March, the Lahore high court banned two female singers from recording new albums after ruling that they sang sexually explicit lyrics. “If the current circumstances persist in Pakistan,“ said Noora Lal, one of the banned singers, “then singing will die out in this country.”

Pakistan is a deeply conservative Muslim nation, where the punishment for blasphemy is the death sentence. But there is one person in Lahore who openly mocks the conservative establishment: painter and restaurant owner Iqbal Hussain.

Though he said he has received multiple death threats from Islamist fundamentalists, Hussain continues to be Pakistan’s most vocal defender of prostitutes. All of the models portrayed in his paintings are sex workers. “I portray them on canvas, portray them as human beings,” Hussain said, “They feel pain. They want their children to be educated.”
Hussain knows the industry intimately. He was born to a family of sex workers. His mother, a former prostitute, passed away last month at the age of 98.

The small, soft-spoken painter has turned the house he grew up in, an old four-story building with ornate wooden balconies, into a popular restaurant for tourists and wealthy Pakistanis. On one side of the house there is a brothel, on the other side, the 17th century Badshahi Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. In his subversive paintings, which Hussain said sell for more than $10,000 each, he highlights the overlap between Lahore’s sex industry and its religious community. In one canvas, hundreds of worshippers are depicted prostrating themselves around the mosque, while in the foreground, two women apply lipstick and makeup on a balcony. Hussain explained that the prostitutes in the painting were preparing to receive new customers as soon as the prayers in the mosque were over.

The painter claimed that on religious festivals, the brothels and dance halls in his neighborhood overflow with customers. “They come from the northern areas with their turbans,” Iqbal said, laughing. “All coming to this area. They’re not going to the mosque … but to the brothels!”

Nevertheless, the rising tide of the Taliban in northwestern Pakistan has some residents of Lahore’s red light district worried. “May Allah keep us safe from them,” said Beenish, the mujra dancer. “We are poor, humble people. They should not target this place.”

Umeed E Sahar

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I spent the majority of the day in Hyde Park today and a friend of mine randomly said “you’re always asking me if I have any new music for you and I always say no – well, I have a song now; one that I know you will really like”. We obviously didn’t have any internet connection in the park so we loaded youtube on our blackberry and began to watch the video of the song over there.

Ever heard of Laal? I hadn’t. Apparently, they are social activists along with musicians, and have been recording some great music on different Pakistani poets. The song that we were listening to was “Umeed E Sahar”, which is an ode to a new dawn and the video is brilliant. To be honest, I didn’t like it the first time I heard it but I gave it another chance and have been listening to it ever since. It’s brilliant – extremely passionate & powerful on so many levels. The song is based on the work of the late Faiz Ahmed Faiz; one of Pakistan’s most famous modern Urdu poets.

It doesn’t matter what nationality you are as the video of this song has a great message for all of us. Translation is included in the clip below so check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjaNQFChkCY

Finger Lickin’ Good

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I was traveling up in the mountains of Pakistan last year. As I was walking by one of the very few markets over there, I saw a lady sitting in alley with a chicken in a bag. I later found out that she had traveled all the way to this market to get that chicken so she could cook a feast back home for her family that night. She was quietly sitting alone in the alley while her husband was a few streets away at the bus stop. I decided to take a picture as I was crossing her and then she jumped up and started to have a panic attack. She yelled (translated by my Guide) “If my husband finds out that a stranger took my picture, he will kill him, you don’t know him… he’s a bastard.. Run away quickly!” I found it hilarious until the Guide quickly escorted me out of that alley.

It is one of my favorite pictures though … and you gotta love the “Finger Lickin’ Good” KFC in the bag!

Gloomy

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I have kept my fingers crossed for Zardari’s departure for over a year now as President of Pakistan. For many of us, his departure will be the beginning of hope for our country. But do we have time to distract ourselves from the current Taliban crises in Pakistan to think of who is going to lead our country next? Will Kayani finally step up & use this opportunity to take the reins to keep our flag high? Or will there finally be a scrutiny, which would provide Pakistan with a meaningful democracy rather than today’s politicians who are the highest office without any ability & integrity? Oh wait, then there’s also Bilawal Bhutto who might realize that one year of education at Oxford is more than enough for him to be able to take over Pakistan.

I seem to be exploding with questions about Pakistan’s future right now and can only hope that the right solutions come into place soon. Check out today’s article in the Khaleej Times. http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?col=&section=editorial&xfile=data/editorial/2009/May/editorial_May4.xml

The Gloomy Days for Zardari
2 May 2009
The sun does not seem to be shining for Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari these days. Despite the peak of summer approaching, this is not a good sign especially when the weather forecast is being read from the White House.

Barack Obama’s 100th day press conference infact delivered a sharp blow to Pakistan’s civilian government under Zardari. It has also spelt out a clear message of support to Pakistan’s military led by Army Chief, General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani. It is likely to sour Zardari’s forthcoming visit to Washington, where he is to attend the Trilateral Summit on May 6-7, along with his Afghan counterpart, President Hamid Karzai.

The surprising thing in Obama’s diatribe is that the US seems to have shifted support from the democratically elected civilian government. This reflects the disgruntlement in the US administration about the present civilian setup that despite a parliamentary system is being run from the presidency. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani’s periodic outbursts of independence remain very much under the president’s thumb, retaining his figurehead status.

President Obama has basically spelt out the loss of credibility in the US, of Pakistan’s political administration. Describing the civilian government as ‘fragile’, Obama cited the government’s lack of capacity to deliver even basic services in education, healthcare, security and a consensual judicial system for the people. Obama, further said, “As a consequence, it is very difficult for them (the government) to gain support and loyalty of their people.”

Even while castigating the government, the US president, has expressed confidence about the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, that remain under tight control of the military, thus alleviating past concerns about them falling into the hands of militants. General Kayani, who enjoys considerable trust and confidence among the top US military and political leadership, is believed to be responsible for this development. Though the US remains concerned about expanding Taleban control within Pakistan, it seems to be rebuilding trust with the military that had suffered considerably in recent months.

Another significant point made by Obama related to Pakistan military’s moving away from an India-centric security threat focus to one that realised the danger and implications of the threat from internal militancy. In the meantime, fresh military operations against the Taleban in Lower Dir and Buner are underway in Pakistan, with the demise of the controversial Swat peace agreement looming large on the horizon.

The message for Zardari is to either shape up or ship out. Though the US has thrown its weight behind the military, Kayani is not likely to use this opportunity to take the reins.

He has proved his impartiality and chosen not to succumb to a military takeover during the judicial crisis recently in March. In all eventualities a likely change is to come through the political process that may see Zardari’s power greatly reduced, if not being shown the door.
*The picture has been taken from this link – http://media.canada.com/24be34eb-ecfe-4969-88c2-5aa898db4139/zardari%20online%20photo.jpg*

I want my Education

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Lately, I have been avoiding all discussions regarding the topic of Taliban and how they have taken over the Swat Valley. I had refused to dedicate any specific post on my Blog as I just don’t have any words to describe my sentiments on the issue.

My parents, brother, & I have actually been to Swat about 15 years ago and although I was very young at the time; I still remember the mountains, rivers, people, & the innocence of the gorgeous valley.

Unfortunately, times have changed and today’s Swat is not the same anymore.

Below, this short documentary profiles an 11 year old Pakistani girl on her last day before the Taliban shut down her school in Swat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvoI1Mnsm8g

Srinigar, Kashmir

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A friend of mine went back home to visit his parents in Srinigar last winter. As you may know, “Srinigar is situated in Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. The city is known to be the gateway to some of the most scenic and beautiful places of the Indian subcontinent”.

He took some great shots during the trip and this was one of the pictures from his collection.

Meera from Lollywood

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Irtiza Rubab, better known as our very own Meera, is one of our top Pakistani actresses in the Lollywood Industry. She first started out her career in 1992 and has won the Best Actress award several times over the past few years. I know that some of us have mentioned Meera & her jokes in the past and by popular demand, she’s back and up for discussion all over again!

Poor Meera has always been known for her public statements & scandals. In the earlier part of 2005, she worked on her first Bollywood project called Nazar and this was the first joint production between India & Pakistan. Unfortunately, it landed in trouble with the Pakistani government who strongly objected the kissing scenes and nudity in the movie. – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwGCHR_HgwY

I know that we should be supporting our top Lollywood actresses as they represent our country but it can be very difficult to take them seriously when they continue to embarass themselves in public and provide such humor for us.

Check out some of Meera’s famous interview statements below.

Interviewer: Meera, it seems like you have done well for yourself. Is it true that you are also getting offers from Bollywood now?
Meera: Yes, mashallah by the grace of Allah I have so many offers from Lollywood this year and a few from Bollywood too and God has been so kind towards me. At this stage of my career, I finally feel like the court is in my balls.

Meera: My favorite restaurant in the whole wide world is M C Donald (pronouncing the letters M & C of course) and I really enjoy eating the M C Burgers ever since it opened up in Pakistan.

Interviewer: Meera, you must be very proud of yourself for being one of the very few Lollywood actresses who is so highly qualified and educated.
Meera: Yes, mashallah by the grace of Allah I have completed my intercourse.

Along with these classic one-liners, Meera was also the talk of the town when there were rumors floating around about her having an affair with one of Pakistan’s famous drug dealers. Although she denied the rumor and called it “rubbish”, the drug dealer was chasing fame and found his golden opportunity to become famous through our very own Meera.

He showed his true colors by secretly recording a few videos of them and leaked them on youtube. Ouch.

I’m a looking sexy, isn’t it?

Part 1 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW83wwX92HI

Part 2 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inomf4ssq1A

Aquarium

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Ever chased an aquarium? If not, you should definately check one out.

I was in Atlanta, Georgia over thanksgiving of ‘05 and went to the world’s largest aquarium with my cousins, which is based there. It was simply amazing.

Asem Akthar, a friend of mine in Virginia recently went to one as well. It was the National Aquarium of Baltimore and despite the fact that the lighting was very low and it was practically dark …. he ended up taking some great shots.

This one is my favorite. Well done, AA!

Is Doha the New Dubai?

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Having lived abroad in the States & the United Kingdom for about a decade now, I often think of slowly making my way back closer to home. Although I was born and raised in Bahrain until I was 10 years old, I don’t think I would consider moving back there as a single, twenty-six year old guy who has been exposed to living independently in the West for so long.

Naturally, Dubai is one of the cities that come to my mind when I think of moving East. As you know, the city is going through a rough time right now, but one can’t deny the fact that Dubai is an ambitious, multi-cultural, & fascinating city, which still has a lot of potential to grow and succeed. It’s one of those rare cities with fast cars, luxurious yachts, & fancy villas all on a man made island where you can hear Muslim Prayers around the city while driving to a Cold Play concert; having the choice and opportunity of enjoying the best of both worlds.

However, is Dubai the only obvious choice? Recently, two friends of mine just returned from their “amazing” trip to Doha and have managed to be really impressed with the city. After patiently listening to them rave about the city and watch their efforts to convince me to move there, I just had to ask – Is Doha the new Dubai?

Maybe not … as they resented me for asking such an idiotic question and instead, ridiculed me for making such a sweeping statement with no concrete evidence as Dubai and Doha are poles apart. They said that Dubai comes with a lot of “glitz & glamour” and is a city that is aspiring to be the “world’s biggest and capital”. They are constantly looking to compete with the rest of the world starting from something as petty as to having the biggest pillow fight, to the tallest tower, the most gigantic mall, and to even having biggest buffet in a restaurant in their city.

Doha, on the other hand, is completely different. Upon landing at Doha Airport, you are apparently taken back several years as the manual staircase attached to the airplane leads you to a bus, which transports you to the terminal in a very old-fashioned way. You are surrounded by Hondas & Toyotas as you are driving into the city, which is full of stop signs and noisy traffic. There isn’t even a real skyline except West Bay, which is an area still under construction and nowhere close to being completed. But there is still something magical about the city, which a lot of people haven’t discovered yet. The streets are lined up with old villas and are simple & pure looking and “driving along the corniche, which has some of Doha’s best hotels, one can see the artistic wonder of the genius I.M. Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art. His white-stone building with its imposing yet sober design glitters in all its glory under the bright sun on its own man-made island. Inside the gallery, the collection of Islamic Art is fascinating and simply brilliant with everything, from textiles to ceramics, to jewels, to even paintings from different periods and continents.”

My friends believed that the famous museum is what defines Doha and as one of the hottest spots in town; it attracts many locals, tourists, historians, & artists to flock into it to appreciate the collection. It seems like the vision behind the ruler might be to make the city the “culture capital” of the Middle East, and from the sounds of it, it might just be on its way there.

“The strong smell of spices mixed with sheesha is mind blowing when you come to the Soug Waqif, where the old meets the new. This 200 old souq was rebuilt in recent times but still manages to retain its innocence.” Apparently, the souq has tiny shops with antique jewellery, exotic carpets, and trendy new coffee shops, which attracts all walks of life. Unfortunately, one day just wasn’t enough to explore the area, which also has many boutiques carrying local, middle-eastern, and foreign designer wear but my friends tried to make the most out of it in the short time they had over there. In fact, they even went as far as saying that this place has got the “London’s Portabello Road to New York’s Street Fair” vibe and upon each visit, they are sure that there is a new treasure to discover.

Would I leave London’s Portobello Road and hop over to Doha’s Souq Waqif? Probably not but I can’t deny the fact that this is one city that I should definitely be keeping an eye out for in the future …

The picture above is of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar and from my friend’s “Simply Doha” album.

Got Food?

I just got home from work and logged on to my Gmail account. My cousin and a friend had both sent me “forwards” with these pictures, which I saw one right after the other.

I know that we find it annoying and chose to ignore our parents & friends when they tell us to finish all the food on our plates and not let it go to waste …

But it’s seeing a picture like this, which is the real slap on our face and tends to wake us up …

Disgusting yet powerful …

Cracking the Whip

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A friend of mine just sent me a link to a video, which is called “World – A Pakistani Underworld”.

I was expecting to find out more about the Pakistani Goons & Dons and how they operate in Pakistan. Instead, the video is of two Pakistani brothers who manufacture fetish and bondage wear, earning more than $1 million a year from their Western customers.

I don’t really know what else to say after watching this video as I am in a state of shock right now so I’ll just paste the link in the “comments” section of this post for you to see it yourself.

Make sure to share your shocking reactions & feedback! Ha ha!

Home

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I got a message on my Blackberry over the weekend from a friend who lives in Washington DC. The message said – “Are you worried about the situation in Islamabad? What’s going to happen when the Taliban come there? Are your parents thinking of leaving the city and moving elsewhere? Dude, don’t go back home”. I found his message really funny and typed in “ha ha” in response to his absurd questions. I told him that it was never going to happen and that the Taliban will not be able to touch Islamabad in any way or form.

It’s now Monday morning and I have just woken up to this article in the Washington Post today. I guess I have been chosing to ignore all that has been going on just miles away from my city and really need to wake up to reality.

Good weekend.
Bad Monday.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/26/AR2009042602646.html?hpid%3Dmoreheadlines&sub=AR

(The picture above has been taken from Wikipedia)

Chinese Whispers

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Crow – Chinese Whispers

Yet another brilliant painting by Bilal Maqsood (member of Strings, the Band) based in Karachi, Pakistan.

Although Crow – Rockstar (http://omarulhaq.wordpress.com/2009/04/06/picture-of-the-day-ouh/) is my favorite of the bunch; this one is great too!

It’s about 6.5 x 4.5 and if you’re interested, you can send me a message and I can put you in touch with the appropriate contact.

Chitrali Cafe

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Hindukush Heights is owned by the Ulmulk family in Chitral and is one of my most favorite hotels. I won’t get into too much detail right now as I will be dedicating a post on it in the future but it’s one of the most amazing places I have been to in my entire life.

A few years ago, a PIA (Pakistan International Airline) airplane went off the runway while trying to land in Chitral. Fortunately, nobody was intensely injured and all the passengers came out safely even though the engine busted and was not later repairable.

Since it was just lying in the middle of the mountains on the side of the runway, Siraj Ulmulk decided to negotiate with the airline & the government and then became the proud owner of the airplane after they took out the engine etc.

Since Chitral didn’t have the facility to move the airplane elsewhere, they gathered about 50 Chitralis to come and manually drag the airplane to Siraj Ulmulk’s Hotel. The Ulmulks came up with the brilliant idea of making a coffee shop inside & around the jet as an added attraction for the Hindukush Heights Hotel guests.

When I went up to Chitral a few months ago, the coffee shop was still in the process of being completed but I took this picture as the concept really fascinated me.

I am planning to go back to Chitral soon and I guess this is yet another reason why you need to visit as well …

Would a big Tattoo help?

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I have had some of my best & some of my strangest experiences while I was studying in the United States. Being a Pakistani Muslim in Worcester, a city outside of Boston, it was only natural to be questioned and followed by strangers every now and then. Although I was never personally questioned by the FBI, my brother and his roommate had the privelage of having two FBI agents knock on their apartment door at 7:00 am for an intense questioning session.

Besides having spent hours at JFK Airport being questioned about my background, the only other strange experience I had was when I was the Vice President of the Muslim Student Association at Clark University and had organized an Eid dinner on campus. Just as we were done with our speeches and about to serve food to all the students from around the world with differnet backgrounds, the Worcester Police walked in and surrounded the Hall. We obviously didn’t understand why there were 15 police officers present at the dinner and upon questioning them, they said that it was a Muslim event on campus and they were told to report back about the activities going on here. Riiight.

I’m sure most of you who have such backgrounds have had similar experiences in the US at one point or another as well so do share them with us.

Omair Sattar just posted an article on Facebook by Sarfraz Manzoor, which is an interesting read. It was published in the Guardian today – check it out below.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/apr/25/terrorism-islam-police

(The picture above is done by Milan Kopasz in the co-winning and shortlisted posters in the Human rights violation brief)

Talent

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As you can tell by now … I’m all about promoting new talent. Once I believe in someone and their talent, I try to encourage and promote them as much as I can especially because word of mouth seems to be the best strategy to push one forward these days.

“You may recognize the names Zeb and Haniya from their video ‘Aitebar’ running on airwaves these days, the single ‘Chup’ that found its way from the internet to the radio stations or from their posters that are plastered over the music stores where their debut album is flying off the shelves. Zeb and Haniya are definitely in the realm of music stardom.” The News – Instep.

I had the privelage of getting to know Zeb & Haniya when I was studying at Clark University a few years ago. At the time, Zeb was studying at Mt. Holyoke while Haniya was finishing up University at Smith College. As you can probably guess, I was one of those annoying fans who would repeatedly ask them to sing for hours, enjoy their music, and encourage them to move to Pakistan and start their own group as our country needs such talented artists.

Having the same background (as they are cousins)… they have been humming songs, writing their own stuff, and breathing music since childhood.

Zeb and Haniya’s debut album was released in Pakistan in July of last year. Their album is fresh, original, and a great mixture of many different kinds of music including jazz & blues, which has not yet been introduced in Pakistan yet. You can see a sample of their work on: http://www.zebandhaniya.com and http://www.myspace.com/zebandhaniya.

One of my favorite Zeb & Haniya songs is Paimana Bideh, which is in Pushto and Dari. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMZCqfvv3dk

Also, their first music video came out for their song Aitebaar just a few months ago as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTH-bzlSE1E.

Along with Zeb & Haniya.. I would also like to mention Amanat Ali. For those who are not familiar with him, Amanat Ali was a struggling Pakistani singer who got his big break when he took part in India’s Saregamapa Challenge 2007 project. During his time there, he managed to win the hearts of many Indians and recently sang for the movie Dostana as well. One of his most brilliant performances on stage was from Masoom, where he sang Tujseh Naraz. This performance has changed this Pakistani singer’s life and he deserves recognition from all of you as well.

Amanat Ali Performance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2raPC1mYUc

Enjoy the music and have a good weekend.
(The picture above is from The News – Instep edition)

Blackberry or the iPhone?

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I must admit – I’m addicted to my Blackberry Curve and am proud of it. Next stop – Blackberry Bold. I know this BB vs iPhone debate has been going on ages but for some reason… it just doesn’t come to an end!

I’m not a fan of touch-screen phones so I haven’t personally bothered to give the Iphone or the Storm a chance yet. I often wonder if my fingers are too fat for them or if there’s another reason why I despise them so much but they just don’t do it for me for some reason.

In my experience, I have only heard people raving about the Iphone and cursing the Blackberry Storm. A friend of mine just messaged me as well saying “the Storm sucks, read all the reviews, it’s just useless, pointless, & a waste of money”. I also just turned around and asked my colleague why he was so obsessed with his Iphone only to have him blurt “Omar, there will never be a time when the BlackBerry will win over an Iphone. The Iphone is easy to use, GPS is useful for me, I love getting my e-mail, I can buy songs on Itunes, watch films, make telephone calls, browse facebook, download cheap games from the apple store and look cool at the same time so get over your blackberry; especially that loser of a Storm”. Umm, I don’t even own a BlackBerry Storm but I guess that’s just how passionate he was about the iPhone that he didn’t even realize that the Blackberry has most of those features as well.

That said… I just came across an article in the Gulf News this morning, which just proves that the Storm isn’t as bad as everyone says and maybe one day, the “Blackberry could Storm iPhone citadel” , which is the title of the article!!

Scott Schuey, Chief Reporter, seemed to be familiar with both phones in the article and had started off by saying “It’s a good thing I didn’t write this review after playing with Blackberry’s new touch-screen phone, the Storm, for only a day. It would not have been positive”. Well, at least the guy is being honest even though I don’t understand why he bothered to even get the Storm in the first place if he was so obsessed with his iPhone but I’m sure glad he did ….

The thing that Scott seemed to be most impressed with was the fact that unlike the iPhone, the Storm responds with a physical click and it allows you to type faster. He wasn’t too impressed with the web browsing category, thought that the graphic ability needs to be improved, and even said that “sluggish would describe the phone’s performance at times”. Ouch.

Overall, Scott said the Storm went a long way to meeting expectations, but not all the way. He admits that there are a number of things that need to be improved before this phone is a legitimate contender against the iPhone, but a few tweaks and the Blackberry could be the winner!.

I guess it will take time for the Blackberry folks to catch up in the touch-screen department but I still managed to read Scott’s review in a positive light. Did you hear that? “… a few tweaks and the Blackberry could be the winner!” Well, it’s better in every other way … so might as well succeed in the touch-screen department as well. As a friend just said to me as well – “Being a complete Blackberry addict and having played around with my sister’s iPhone… I realized that the typing feature takes a day or so to get used to but what the iPhone lacks is the Blackberry Messenger feature, which is what makes the Blackberry so precious to me”!

Have a good Blackberry Friday, guys!

(Picture used in this post is from http://www.geardiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/iphone-vs-blackberry-bold.jpg)

What about Gillette?

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In Pakistan’s Buner district on Thursday, a barber looked at the “Shave is strictly forbidden” warning that the Taliban wrote on the window of his shop. The Taliban now control the region.

Picture by – Tariq Mahmood/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images published in the NY Times.

Jaws

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I took this picture with my Blackberry while I was at the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai a few days ago. Although I didn’t like the hotel much … the aquarium was amazing and brunch @ Saffron was great too!

Check out the Shark and the 3 Baby Sharks that were following behind in the middle of the desert…. and that’s why I love Dubai!

Children of Taliban

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I have been meaning to watch “Children of Taliban” for quite some time but just haven’t had the time to do so until now. Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy has done a brilliant job with this documentary and I’m truly impressed with her courage & confidence.

“As her country slips further into political instability, becoming perhaps the most volatile nation in the world, FRONTLINE/World correspondent Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy takes a dangerous journey along Pakistan’s fault lines, investigating the rising popularity of an insurgent new branch of the Taliban among members of the country’s next generation.” – Frontline

You must take out a few minutes and watch this documentary (translation is included) -

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/pakistan802/video/video_index.html

Reshma

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Familiar with Reshma? Well, you should be.

As some of you may already know, Reshma is a brilliant folk singer in Pakistan. Along with Pakistanis sprawled all over the world, she has managed to win the hearts of many Indians and has made her mark in Bollywood as well.

Although Reshma is extremely simple and does not even know how to read & write … she sings from the heart and has a gigantic fan base. Her most famous song is “Lambi Judai”, which was sung for Hero,  a Bollywood movie along with many other songs, which can easily be found on YouTube as well.

According to Wikopedia, Reshma is also an advocate of good relationships between Pakistan & India. She was one of the first people to travel on the bus from Lahore to Amritsar and has always remained positive and has prayed for peace between the two countries.

It’s  sad and slightly pathetic to see that much of today’s youth in Pakistan is not so familiar with such a legend and are so busy being so impressed and influenced by the West. However, music masters like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Vital Signs, Nazia & Zohaib, Abida Parveen, and Reshma are some of the many Pakistani icons that should never be forgotten as they have left a huge mark on our country.

On a recent awards function, they were kind enough to do a tribute to Reshma and Atif Aslam came especially to sing Lambi Judaai for her as well.

What a brilliant performance. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBTDhXJ2BzY

Blunder of the day

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I am still recovering from my holiday and it’s been an exhausting second day back at work today.

Around lunch time, I was busy catching up with all my e-mails and didn’t have time to go and grab a sandwich. Instead, I thought I should step out for a quick smoke as the sun was out and the weather was sweet.

*Note – I was wearing an old pair of shoes, which look perfectly fine but the sole is a bit torn up and there is a massive hole at the bottom of the shoe that I didn’t know about!*

As I stepped outside the tower … I lit up a smoke and paced back and forth while enjoying the sun. I met a friend of mine outside as well so was busy chatting to him about my trip, work, and life. As I threw the marlboro on the floor, I naturally stepped on it to put out the smoke when I was done out of politeness as there were people standing around us.

Unfortunately, the hole in my shoe was what ended up stepping on the burnt part of the cigeratte while I was trying to put it out and it burnt my sock and a bit of my foot! Can you believe it? What are the chances of that happening? Luckily, my reflexes are pretty good so I just jumped off it and left everyone standing there extremely confused!

What a Tuesday. Disgusting. What an awful Tuesday.

Media Madness

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Qasim Tareen, a friend of mine, posted a note on Facebook a few days ago in which he expressed his sentiments towards the Pakistani media. I have also been speaking to a few of my friends and family members in the past two years who can’t stop complaining about the media and how they have taken things to a whole different level. The quotes below may seem like a fit of anger at first but the reason I appreciate his piece is because he has personally been working in the Media world in Pakistan, is speaking with experience, and is credible. Sadly, he’s right and we can’t deny his truth.  There were days when we used to sit in front of the television at 9:00 pm and eagerly wait for the daily news, which was our only source of what’s been going on the country and now we have trouble focusing for even a minute as we are overloaded with information. Free Media is great … but till what extent? Trust Pakistanis to use and abuse even the media where people like you and I have to sit down and express our hatred for it …

Qasim started off the note by saying “Warning: Reading newspapers and watching the news in Pakistan can seriously damage your health. Did someone take our journalists & media to a corner in school and teach them to scare the life out of people? How many of them are educated? How many are professionally trained journalists? Will they soon begin to take off their shoes and throw them at each other? How much capital is required for Capital Talk?”.

He then went on and said “spreading awareness is one thing but spreading fear, panic, and providing a forum for attention hungry wolves is quite another”. Qasim also stated how disturbed he was with the fact that the recently released Red Mosque criminal Maulana Abdul Aziz has been splattered all across Pakistan for the past few days and a criminal like him should not have access to millions of homes. To be honest, I agree with him. Why is it that Pakistanis are portraying such negatives aspects on televisions and newspapers for all to judge? People should also be shown other sides to our country and relevant problems, which prove that Maulana Abdul Aziz is not today’s Pakistan.

I remember browsing through Youtube last year when I came across a Pakistani talk show, which seemed interesting. It was meant to be an intense program on Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) and the host had invited my father, Ijaz Ul Haq, Imran Khan, and a member from MQM whose name I have now forgotten and rightfully so to come join him on the show for a good debate. In the first few minutes, the MQM gentleman distracted my Father and Imran Khan and swiftly swayed the discussion from the main issue of debate. Instead of sticking to the subject  of innocent lives that died in the Red Mosque fiasco, the host encouraged this discussion and began discussing Imran Khan’s past, which included his Ex Wife, his Ex Girlfriend, and Sita White’s daugther in California. The show ended up being a disaster with everyone arguing and fighting and the purpose of the talk show was never achieved. What was that all about? It ended up being a joke and I don’t know why the MQM representative had to come on the show to clean everybody’s dirty laundry in public.

Moving on, Qasim questions the “Quaid-e-Azam University Professor, Dr. Pervez Ali Hoodbhoy, who recently added to the turbulence on airwaves, by saying that the Taliban will take complete control of Pakistan in 6 months”. I think that along with Qasim, there are quite a few of us who would be curious to know where this figure came up from? I think Dr. Saab should elaborate on this strong statement!

Qasim then continues by saying that “Formal education teaches you the importance of critical analysis but how often is that sharp tool criticism used on Pakistan’s media? More importantly, how often is that sharp tool of critical analysis used on the media by the media itself? Self-censorship is one thing but how just a bit of self-awareness? The media seems to be preoccupied with force feeding it’s audience with awareness and has ended up becoming ignorant of the monster it has become itself.”

In conclusion of the note, Qasim supports the expression – If you keep a dog chained up for most of it’s life and then release it, the dog will go wild because it doesn’t know what to do with it’s freedom. The same goes for the Pakistani media who are now out of control and need to slow down a bit.

Alone

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This picture was taken from the same trip to Balakot – after the Earthquake in October of ‘05. Danish & I had stopped at one of the street corners to hand out some sweaters, shoes, and food and while everyone was pushing and shoving to get to our car .. this girl was standing in the back. She seemed exhausted, in pain, and didn’t even make an effort to push her way through the crowd. We ended up walking to her to give her a few things.

Chitrali Fairy

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In September of ‘08, I went up to Chitral with a few friends, which is in the Northern part of Pakistan.

I usually don’t believe in magic & fairies but this is a true story, which needs to be shared with you guys.

One fine afternoon, we went on a Trek, which was near the Afghanistan border and it was exhausting, to say the least. We were having fresh tea and walnut bread when one of the Uncles we were with asked the driver if he has heard about the “fairy lady” in Chitral who is famous for curing everyone. He then smiled and told us that his mother in law was the fairy lady, which shocked all of us!

Apparently, a “gin” comes into the lady’s body, takes over her soul, and is able to cure other peoples’ problems. The medicine is sent by God and apparently appears out of nowhere. As you can imagine, all of us were a bit confused by this and I found it pretty funny at the time.

As we decided on going to meet the lady, she asked us to follow in a corner room where she put on an incense and said a few prayers. A few minutes later, she started to sweat, cracked her knuckles three times, her eyes rolled backwards, and she had a completely different voice and personality, which began to scare the living daylight out of all of us.

She asked Mike, one of our friends on the trip about his problem with his knee. She then clapped three times and a pouch of medicine appeared in her hands. I was drinking some tea while dipping my walnut bread in there and almost spilt the entire cup of tea on myself as I watched the horror of this magical medication appearing from nowhere. I put down the tea and decided to pay more focus on her to see if she does it again and to clearly see which sleeve the pouch came from as I couldn’t believe it. Not once, not twice, but she did it about 5 more times where she would clap and pouches of medicines would appear in her hand to heal all of us. 

Once she was done with all of us, she then began to recite another prayer and crack her knuckles again. She started to sweat, her eyes slowly came back into place, and the “gin” inside of her left the body leaving behind all the medicines to cure us.  

Trust me, I’m the last one to believe in such things… and it was really strange to see this with my own eyes. I’m still a bit stunned by the whole thing a few months later and don’t really know what to think of it. This “fairy” lives on top of a mountain with no access to the rest of the world, has never travelled across that mountain to any other city, and only has her faith and connection with God that she believes in on a day to day basis.

It was a magical experience and something that everyone should experience once in their life time.

You may think that I’m making this up … but it’s the truth. You might want to reconsider the things you believe in and the things you may think people are making up as this really did happen and has leaved me dazed & confused.

I am planning on going back up to Chitral in a few months and am most definately going to go visit her again. She’s brilliant and deserves to be shared with all of you.

Judgemental?

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Am in the middle of chasing Emirates Airline right now but just wanted quickly post this for you guys …

I just logged on to Facebook and saw a friend’s status, which she had recently updated. It was of a youtube link and said “Fantastic” next to it. I clicked on the link and was directed to a portion of the Britains Got Talent and continued to watch it to see why it was so “fantastic”.

I know it sounds lame but this clip just proves how all of us can be so quick to judge people without giving them a chance. Sad, but true. Well done, Susan. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il5TBgD9kHI

Sex Sells

I had written a Post in the discussion thread on Smallworld.net about a year and a half ago regarding a “sex worker” in my building. Well, as you know, sex sells… and I ended up having 30,000 hits and the maximum number of comments. The story was out of control and smallworld just published a piece in their newsletter as well. Check it out below – ha ha! !

Let’s Talk Sex

by REBECCA DOYLE Published: Wed Apr 15, 2009

When Omar Ul Haq, a London-based associate, joined ASMALLWORLD, he had no idea he would become an overnight sensation. His forum post, “Sex worker in my building,” elicited over 500 responses, making it one of the most popular forum discussions in ASW history. Here, we break down the colourful cast of commentators and the highlights of their often dirty (and hilarious) online saga. (Note: All names except Omar’s have been changed to protect identities.)

(Note: Even though Omar put the kibosh on the party, Mr. and Mrs. X continued their online banter until they finally decided to take their relationship to the next level: personal messaging.)

The Victim
Omar Ul Haq

Omar’s plight was simple: there was a prostitute living across from him in his London studio apartment building. His entreaty was free from moral judgment, contempt or any bid to land his neighbour in the slammer—prostitution is legal in the UK after all. His problem with the situation was that he just couldn’t sleep because of the noise caused by the constant comings and goings of his hallmate’s various visitors at all hours of the night. Omar wasn’t looking for ASW fame—just advice on how to get some shut-eye. But the predicament between Omar and the “blonde in her bathrobe,” as he referred to her, initiated a whirlwind that the author never anticipated.

The Entrepreneurs
Mr. and Mrs. X

Many saw this situation as an entrepreneurial opportunity for Omar. Several members suggested that Omar become the woman’s pimp, obviously with the requisite references to pink Cadillacs and gold chains. However, amid the countless jokes about profit-sharing and neighbour discounts, two members, who we’ll call Mr. and Mrs. X, went above and beyond in their efforts to help Omar capitalize on his situation.

Mrs. X’s input, initially marked with a heavy dose of rationality, quickly turned into something out of an AIG board meeting: “Omar, you should act as her wealth manager, invest the money she makes and then skim off the profits.”

Mr. X also began reasonably by warning Omar that he didn’t want to be on the receiving end of a disgruntled pimp’s rage. When Omar revealed that the blonde’s pimp was “bald and fat,” Mr. X remarked, “Fat bald people, as you so described the pimp, tend to put a lot of weight behind their punches…not to mention it is their job to keep johns and their working girls in line…might just want to let this one slide.”

Things took a turn when Mr. and Mrs. X began to talk to each other. They were set on devising a fortune-making business plan. Their scheming reached its height when they planned an ASW dress-up party, a mock exorcism meant to scare away the sex worker. Jokes about black robes, garlic, holy water and Meatloaf’s “Bat Out of Hell” were traded, and witty compliments doled out: “Mr. X, I like your style.” Other members chimed in, and the demands for Omar to host the party were relentless until he wisely declined to disclose his address.

(Note: Even though Omar put the kibosh on the party, Mr. and Mrs. X continued their online banter until they finally decided to take their relationship to the next level: personal messaging.) 

The Elitist
Mr. Y

While many posters chose to deal with the topic at hand, a few renegades decided to dissect the validity of Omar’s plea. Some took issue with Omar even considering this as a problem. One member argued, “You have a sex worker in your building? I can’t even find the handyman.” Mr. Y went a bit further.

Setting off an onslaught of controversy, Mr. Y asked, “Should people on ASW be allowed to live in studio apartments?” Omar and fellow members interpreted this loaded comment as a full frontal attack on Omar’s social standing and admonished Mr. Y for his snobbery. Omar was deeply offended, referring to Mr. Y’s comment as “disgusting.” When Omar asked Mr. Y if he needed a certain number of bedrooms in his apartment for Mr. Y to acknowledge him on the network, Mr. Y’s infuriating “Yes” ignited a full-out war. “I don’t know what world you’re living in mate… but you seem to only have ‘some college’ education as it says on your profile, so maybe you skipped out on the day they were telling you not to judge people on how much money they have,” wrote Omar.

The [Mis]informant

One far-reaching member suggested Omar contact the IRS. “The police will do nothing; the IRS never dismisses a case.” The IRS is the US government agency responsible for tax collection and tax-law enforcement. Omar lives in the UK.

The Brothel Buster
Mr. Z

A member of the local police committee bestowed every conceivable nugget of wisdom he had about Central London’s dirty underbelly. “She’s actually not a HIGH class prostitute. She’d only be ‘servicing’ one client per night if she was. She’s just your standard ‘in call’ London prostitute (£150-300 a client),” claimed Mr. Z. In one post, he even indicated that he was at a meeting of the PCCG (Police Community Consultative Group) and had taken the liberty of consulting an officer well versed in the area of “brothel busting.”

Epilogue

Perhaps it was Omar’s evident good nature and naiveté that attracted so many members to his thread: he chose to refer to her as a “sex worker” rather than a prostitute and refused to include any graphic titillation about what he had seen or heard, “trying to keep it as clean as possible.” Maybe members were just bored at work and needed something to occupy the hours. Or perhaps the real reason the discussion was so popular was just… well, people love to talk about sex. As one clever member pointed out: “Sex is everyone’s favourite topic… we all can go on and on and on about it.” Amen.

Picture of the day

I went to Oxford to see my cousin a few weeks ago. Loved the city, the people, and the atmosphere. I arrived in the afternoon after taking the train from Paddington and acted like a full tourist while I was there! I took this picture a few minutes after arriving in Oxford …

Counterpoint

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Andrew, a friend of mine just sent this article as a counterpoint to the “Dark side of Dubai” – an article that I had pasted in an earlier post.

Check it out – If you think Dubai is Bad.. just look at your own country! -http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/sultan-sooud-al-qassemi-if-you-think-dubai-is-bad-just-look-at-your-own-country-1666748.html

Coke Studio

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In my opinion, Coke Studio is one of the most brilliant projects that has taken place in Pakistan. For those who are not familiar with it; many of our most talented artists such as Strings, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ali Zafar, Ali Azmat, Ustad Hussain Baksh Gullo, Zeb & Haniya, and Sajid & Zeeshan have come together to be a part of this experience. These great artists have brought together a mixture of pop, rock, and alternative music from all over the country and have done some amazing live music together.

I think the best part of this entire project is that it’s not a competition between these artists; but instead, the purpose of Coke Studio is to bring the different Pakistani talents just to make music together.  

I know that a lot of of my friends were not aware that Coke Studio even existed and I am assuming that there are a lot of Pakistanis who are settled abroad who are probably not familiar with this concept either.

Take out a few minutes and go to www.cokestudio.com.pk and check out the different performances by your most favorite Pakistani artists. The entire first season is online and the second season is apparently being recorded in Karachi right now.  

Along with some of Rahat Fateh & Strings performances on the website, my most favorite one is Ali Zafar singing Allah Hoo with Ustad Gullo. He is brilliant and has done a damn good job. You can go to the Cokestudio link that I have provided above and find it over there or else you can check out the website below as well for this specific performance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwuLqrjE42s

Picture of the day

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Verbier, Switzerland ‘07 - A random couple had used special bricks in their Verbier home, which would never get wet! Trust me, they stayed dry even through the awful Swiss blizzard that we witnessed while we were over there and I had to take this picture just so I could prove it.

Good deed of the day

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…. or should I say good day of the week as I haven’t been updating this as often as I should be?

As I was standing in line at Heathrow and right about to board my Emirates flight a few days ago, I decided to get a soda to take along on the flight. However, there wasn’t a vending machine or a shop in the boarding lounge area and I was feeling dehydrated. I decided to make the effort to leave the boarding line and walk to get myself a drink as I may regret not getting one later.

I exited the line and started walking towards the opposite direction as I heard an old couple who were standing right next to me for the past 20 minutes. The old man told his wife that “I would really like some water right now” only to hear his wife say “be patient and wait till we board the flight”.

I brisk walked for about 10 minutes and finally got the Diet coke and a snack for the flight.

As I was paying for my drink .. I ended up buying a large bottle of water as I remembered the conversation I had heard a few minutes ago between the elderly couple.

I walked back and handed over the water bottle to the couple. I had never seen someone be so grateful in my life. It turns out that they were frequest travelers and knew the entire Emirates Airlines staff. They were so shocked by my gesture, that they decided to go out of their way to get me upgraded to business class with them.

Unfortunately, they managed to get me the first row of economy, which I was happy with but luck just happened to be on my side that day and followed me all the way to Dubai.

As I was getting on the second leg of my journey and checking in for my flight, the Emirates staff informed me that I had been upgraded to business class!

I know that Etihad has recently been voted the number one business class in the world.. but from experience now, I can say that Emirates has an amazing one as well! Check it out as it’s completely worth the price…. or just try to do a “good deed” and you may just get lucky!

High Alert

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The western media usually tends to exaggerate and play up all that is going on in Pakistan. Unfortunately, that’s not the case this time.

I have been back in the homeland for about 40 hours now and am finally experiencing it myself. Although I am in holiday mode and am enjoying the spring weather, cruising down the streets of Islamabad, and catching up with old friends; I can still sense fear across the city for the first time ever. Whether it’s my driver, mother, friend, or uncle; they all just seem to be under constant stress and worried.

To be honest, everyone is leading their day-to-day lives and following their routine. The only difference is that they are more alert on the streets and keeping their fingers crossed while trying to get from one place to the other. Even though the security is extremely tight; you can’t help but wonder what’s inside the truck in front of you, why there has been a car behind you for about 10 minutes, or if that stranger on the street was actually staring at you or not. I must admit, even I was a bit paranoid last night as we just hired a new driver who was sitting in the back seat text messaging away and looking a bit shady while I was driving home at 5 am. It’s sad because once upon a time, we were worried about thieves and robbers and we could protect ourselves by hiring security guards and now we’re just helpless and nothing is in our control anymore.

 

We were informed last night that the city is under “high alert” and that the World Bank, many NGOs, and all offices are going to be shut today. Although I am here now and not just reading about all of this in the papers, it seems to be easier to pretend that all is fine and stay in denial while I’m on holiday.

 

On a lighter note, I have not been to Pakistan in spring time in a decade now and had completely forgotten how brilliant the weather is over here.

Burqa Barbie?

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A friend of mine’s mother sent a message today. She attached a picture to the message and said “I would usually laugh at something like this …. but I didn’t even crack a smile this time as it’s the sad truth now and turning into reality in our country; Pakistan”. The picture was of a Barbie doll in a Burqa, which was being sold at Shaheen Chemist in Islamabad.

Apparently, the Taliban have now threatened schools in Islamabad today, which include Froebels, Beacon House, Head Start, and a few others as well.  The message that was portrayed to them was that they should shut down their schools tomorrow or else they would be attacked.

Has it reached to that level where our day to day lives are going to be affected by the fundamentalist - terrorists in our country? Are schools really going to be shut down in fear of being bombed? And is it really a crime to sell a non-burqa barbie doll to a 7 year old girl now?

I am most dissapointed in hearing this and just wanted to see if any of you have any insight on this? Or maybe even an answer to my questions above.

Good deed of the day

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A few hours ago, I got a call from a few friends who were near my apartment. They asked me to come down and join them for some sheesha & coffee as I’m leaving on holiday and won’t be in the city for some time.

As I took the lift downstairs, I remembered that I had to pick up a package that a friend had dropped for me at my reception. As usual, I started talking to the random reception man who seemed like a nice guy.

I then walked over to the joint and finally met up with my friends. As we were in the middle of discussion, a friend of mine asked me “so I went on to your blog today to see what your good deed of the day was and you didn’t put one down today. How come?” I told her that I didn’t do anything good today which was worth writing about and that my previous one was just random , which I thought should be shared with you guys.

As I walked back towards my apartment, I passed by the reception guy again who looked bored out of his mind. I stopped by and started chatting with him again as he yawned away and told me that he was on duty for another nine hours.

Although I felt bad for the guy, I continued walking towards the lift and eventually came back to my flat and put on the television. I had started watching the news when I saw a ton of DVDs lined up and thought of the guy downstairs. I picked up about 9 DVDs and walked downstairs only to find the poor chap doodling away on a piece of a paper.

I passed over the 9 DVDs.. and told him to keep them for as long as he wants as I’m leaving the city for a few days. He was pleased, grateful, and very excited as he hadn’t seen most of the DVDs that I had given to him. He thanked me for the thought and said that this was going to be great way to kill time on the job.

There you go – that was my “Good deed of the day”! What’s yours?

Picture of the day

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Shameful -
Published in Daily Times ‘09

Greece

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Although I haven’t traveled around the world as much as I would have liked to, I can confidently say that London is one of my most favorite cities in the world. We used to come as a family during the summer time all through my childhood and I would spend my time feeding the pigeons in Hyde Park, acting like a brat in Hamleys, making regular trips to Alton Towers & Thorp Park, and acting as a complete fresh off the boat tourist in Leicester Square.

After moving here permanently about three years ago, I quickly realized that visiting London and living in London are two completely different things. Coming from a country where you can witness over enthusiastic salesmen fighting over their customers, it was slightly odd to see how life was completely different over here.

I recently had a panic attack one day when I realized that I haven’t really made the effort to travel around Europe while I have been here. Being a Pakistani passport holder, I have really been struggling with the whole Schengen visa thing. I did try to contact the French Embassy last year but was told that the earliest appointment I could get was for 4 months later. Let’s admit it, there are some of us who just aren’t organized enough to have booked their flights & tickets months before the actual trip and I’m definitely one of them.

I decided to call the Greek Embassy who then told me that the earliest appointment they could offer me was in June. After much consideration, I picked up the phone and called the Greek Embassy in Pakistan. They told me that they could give me an appointment in 2 weeks and that it should only take a few working days in order for me to get the visa. Pakistan Zindabad! As difficult as it was to control my excitement over the telephone, I remained calm and told them that I would like to set up an appointment with them. The good news is that my appointment is on Friday morning, which is when I land in Islamabad and the bad news is that I have a feeling they won’t be able to give me a visa in 4 working days but I have decided to ignore that for now.

Let’s just pretend that I have successfully gotten the visa already so I can ask for some advice. The trip to Greece is being planned for the end of May and we are having trouble deciding on a location. Athens, Crete, or Santorini?  Any feedback would be appreciated!  

Picture of the day

 

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Crow – Rockstar

One of the many brilliant paintings by Bilal Maqsood (member of Strings, the Band) based in Karachi, Pakistan.

It’s about 6.5 x 4.5 and if you’re interested, you can send me a message and I can put you in touch with the appropriate contact.

This Gandhi is no Mahatma

 

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Have you heard of Varun Gandhi, a 28 year old educated politician, grandson of Indira Gandhi,  abusing Muslims in India?  I hadn’t heard much about him in the past but have seen his name floating about articles for quite some time now. I personally know a lot of Indians and am sure that they are embarassed by his extreme disgusting behavior as well.

Check out this article that came out in Dawn in case you haven’t read it today.
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Renegade Gandhi: Diaspora desis react to hate speech

Toronto-based Taimoor Farouk shares tales from the Pakistani diaspora with Dawn.com.

If you ask Canadian desis about Gandhi, they will think of Mahatma Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi. Chatting with people around Toronto, you’d rarely hear about Varun Gandhi – that is, until recently, when the renegade Gandhi stepped into the spotlight.

Over the past few weeks, the Baharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Varun Gandhi has sparked controversy throughout the world: first by delivering anti-Muslim hate speeches, then by claiming that they had been doctored, and finally by surrendering and getting arrested on charges held against him by the Indian Election Commission. Indeed, the twenty-something politician is making waves in the media and has outraged India’s religious minorities just weeks before Indian parliamentary elections begin.

Growing up in a predominantly Muslim state, I confess that I consider myself fortunate because I don’t really know what it means to be part of a religious minority. In Canada, I rarely think of myself as belonging to a minority because I am surrounded by Muslim Arabs, Iranians and Pakistanis. Most of these people have not heard of Varun’s recent speeches, in spite of the fact that the largest democracy in the world is under threat from intolerance and bigotry, and that too during this divisive election time. Some Canada-based Indians I spoke with were also ignorant of Varun’s stance (in their case, does ignorance translate as callousness?).

To be honest, after Varun’s inflammatory speeches were delivered, I tried to imagine the sense of insecurity and anxiety his words must have created for those affected. But it wasn’t until an Indian friend of mine, Ayesha, shared the possible repercussions of the hate speech that I got a glimpse into the gravity of the problem.

Ayesha’s foremost concern was about worsening Hindu-Muslim ties, just speaking of which reminded her of the 2002 Gujarat riots. A member of India’s Muslim minority, Ayesha was also fretting about protecting her family and friends from the spread of the BJP’s brand of Hindu nationalism.

The online circulation of Varun’s videos, showing him exaltedly speaking of “cutting the throats” of Muslims and mocking their “scary” names, indicates that religious fanaticism has become a norm these days. On his blog, the Canadian writer Ali A. Rizvi suggests that  ‘Talibanization [is] going mainstream, to religions beyond Islam.’ He writes:

“In the Varun Gandhi videos, Hindu extremist groups like the Taliban-inspired anti-statue, anti-woman Sri Ram Sena may feel as if they’ve found a high-profile voice: Varun is the grandson of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and the great-grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, a declared secularist and atheist who couldn’t have been more removed from his descendant’s crazed religion-fueled nationalist diatribes.”

The concern expressed by Rizvi is common among the South Asian diaspora in North America and extends to those who do not belong to India’s minority religious groups. Just the other day, I read this letter written by an American Indian, Bhaskar Chaudhry, directed to Varun Gandhi:

“…Assuming you have but a modicum of intellect, you will soon realize that your mother is from a Sikh family and your paternal grandfather was a Parsi gentleman. You can, of course, still be deeply committed to one religion but please do not insult your family again by acting the way you did. Please recognize that our country’s defining characteristic is diversity. You probably think that this rhetoric may help you win the election but it will definitely not help your party in forming a government at the centre…”

Even though the ‘defining characteristic’ of Pakistan might not be the same as India’s, over the past few weeks I have seen that the Pakistani diaspora in Canada has been deeply sympathetic towards all of India’s religious minorities, especially Muslims. Even better, I have witnessed that a great many Pakistani Canadians have used these events as a provocation to reflect on what goes on in Pakistan. After all, there are minority religious groups in Pakistan as well, the stories of whom never reach us.

The dark side of Dubai

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As shocking as it may be to some of you who have only been hearing about the elite expat lifestyle in Dubai… there is a dark side as well.
(On a side note, although it’s necessary to read this and be aware of the situation… I completely agree with Shujah’s opinion in the “comment” section.)

The Dark Side of Dubai
Ben Anderson
BBC Panorama reporter

Just say the word Dubai and the images appear: impossible glass structures glistening in the year-round sun, perfect man-made beaches, yachts, private helicopters, malls and spreads of food that would satisfy Roman emperors – all the things huge amounts of new money can buy.

And yet for me these images are the opposite of what should come to mind.
Having spent the last three months travelling there, I no longer think of the seven star Burj Al Arab hotel when I think of Dubai, but of emaciated, wretched men, lining up for buses before the sun has risen, resigned to the fact that their hard day’s work wouldn’t earn them enough to buy a round of coffee here. The branding of Dubai has to be one of the greatest PR triumphs of the past 20 years.
It works out incredibly well for the developers – they can charge first world fortunes for the dream villas and apartments, but pay third world salaries to the men actually building them.
Poor and illiterate
Many in Dubai say that this is just globalisation working, and that while the lives of the workers, and the salaries they are paid, look bad to us, to them, where they come from, it’s good.
This excuse doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.
The story of Dubai’s immigrant construction workers shocks and depresses in several different stages. The poor and often illiterate men, who come here in their millions from the Indian sub-continent, are getting exploited from so many different angles that it’s sometimes hard to know who to be angry at.
It all starts in their home countries – often India or Bangladesh, where local recruitment agents promise them high salaries and generous overtime payments.
But often they also charge a “visa” or “transit” fee, averaging 200,000 taka, or £2,000 ($2,980).
This is supposed to be illegal.
The workers pay the fee because they believe the figures they’ve been promised. In most cases, it will take them the entire two-to-three year contract for them just to pay back that fee and break even.
It often takes that long because many developers, or their sub-contactors pay shockingly low wages – often less than £120 ($178.83) a month, for, on average, a 10-hour a day, six-day working week.
Rivers of stinking waste
We followed dozens of workers back to their “labour camps” where they cooked rice and potatoes (they can only afford meat or fish two-to-three times a month) in filthy rooms equipped with the most basic gas hobs.
In one camp sewage had leaked out from toilet blocks, and there was so much of it that the workers had built an entire network of stepping-stones just to get to their accommodation blocks.
“The dream,” as one Indian recruitment agent told me “soon turns into a nightmare the moment they arrive.”
Upon arrival, they are then bussed to their labour camp, where they will share a room with at least six other workers for the duration of their time in Dubai.
If they are given contracts, they are often not worth the paper they are written on, and collective bargaining and trade unions are illegal in Dubai anyway.
The developments we investigated are both enthusiastically endorsed by a long line of celebrities, who allow themselves to be described as “ambassadors.”
England footballer Michael Owen, cricketer Freddie Flintoff and golfer Sam Torrance endorse developments by the First Group in Dubai’s Sports City.
British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, golfers Greg Norman, Vijay Sigh, and Sergio Garcia are all ambassadors for Jumeirah Golf Estates, which will be home to the $20M “Race to Dubai,” the richest tournament in the golfing world.
The master developer of Jumeirah Golf Estates is a company called Leisurecorp, which owns Tu