Year 2011

This year like any other before it, was full of events which helped change the world which know of.

January 4, 2011 Salman Taseer (aged 66) was assassinated in Islamabad by his own security guard Mumtaz Qadri. In an interview with Meher Bukhari on Samaa TV, Taseer commented on his view about the country's blasphemy law which came under fire from different sections of Pakistani society. In the aftermath of his death, a sharp contrast between the ideological division of Pakistan society became apparent. Some called off a Fatwa against attending his funeral and hailed his assassin as a hero. The other group reluctant of expressing their sympathies parted their ways. I rang phone to a personal friend of late governor for condolence and was shocked by the attitude I received.

25 January 2011
Egyptian revolution started movement began on Tuesday, 25 January 2011 .The uprising was mainly a campaign of non-violent civil resistance, which featured a series of demonstrations, marches, acts of civil disobedience, and labour strikes. Millions of protesters from a variety of socio-economic and religious backgrounds demanded the overthrow of the regime of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who was ruling for more than 30 years.

Despite being peaceful in nature, the revolution was not without violent clashes between security forces and protesters, with at least 846 people killed and 6,000 injured. What started symbolically in Tahrir Square of Cairo, quickly spread to Alexandria, and in other cities in Egypt. On 11 February, following weeks of determined popular protest and pressure, Mubarak resigned from office.

On January 27, 2011,
Raymond Davis killed two men in Lahore, Faizan Haider, 22 years old and Faheem Shamshad 26 year old. Davis turned out to be a former United States Army soldier, private security firm employee, and contractor with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

The U.S. and Pakistani governments did not agree as to Davis' legal status in Pakistan at the time of his arrest. Claim of him having a diplomatic immunity was denied by the Pakistani authorities. Overnight media coverage turned Davis into a household name throughout Pakistan, and his case was closely monitored and reported. Just when diplomatic efforts from US were appearing to eye any successful in persuading Pakistan for his release, one of the victim; Shamshad's widow, Shumaila Kanwal committed suicide and last words she uttered reflected her hopelessness for any justice be given to her. Pakistan's then foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also paid a price for denying American claim of Davis' diplomatic status. On March 16, 2011, Davis was released after families of two killed were paid $2.4 million blood money.

11 March 2011, Japanese Earthquake made headlines around the world. Earthquake of magnitude 9.0 approximately 70 kilometres east of the Oshika Peninsula, hit underwater at depth of approximately 32 km.

This also resulted in massive tsunami, which further caused destruction on a second level. The Japanese National Police Agency confirmed 15,844 deaths,5,890 injured, and 3,451 people missing across eighteen prefectures, as well as over 125,000 buildings damaged or destroyed. Around 4.4 million households in north-eastern Japan were left without electricity and 1.5 million without water. Japan declared a state of emergency following the failure of the cooling system at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.

It crippled transportation, destroyed telecom, dams and water, ports, disrupted electricity and gas, and effected Japan's defence and space program. World Bank's estimated economic cost was US$235 billion, making it the most expensive natural disaster in world history. Despite international media and relief workers were not allowed in the country, what we saw was long cues of Japanese people patiently standing to receive basic stuff like water. The courage with which the nation lifted and emerged out of this tragedy, was the most spirited lesson learnt from this disaster worldwide.

22 April 2011 Moin Akhtar

(aged 60) was a Pakistani television, film and stage actor, as well as a humorist, comedian, impersonator, and a host. He was also a play writer, singer, film director and a producer.

We have grown up following his comedy on TV and stages. Akhtar was fluent in several languages, including English, Bengali, Sindhi, Punjabi, Memon, Pashto, Gujarati and Urdu. His fan following spreads throughout the subcontinent and his demise was followed by a national mourning.

His took off from the ever declining stage comedies of 80s & 90s and parted his ways from another comedian Omar Sharif, only to emerge as an iconic talent with a taste for meaningful satire and rich subjects. His legendary place in the entertainment industry of Pakistan, will always be felt with a huge vacuum left till eternity. He was a heavy smoker and died in Karachi after suffering from a heart attack.

May 2, 2011, Monday, Osama bin Laden
(aged 54) was reportedly killed in a US forces special operation, carried out in Abottabad. The news sent a shock wave throughout the world, but ripples it most created was inside Pakistan. Who? What? How? that followed, continued to spray onto minds of almost all citizens for weeks to come. Notably there were more questions left than answers, amid this saga. Osama was buried in sea within hours, and no visual picture of video is produced till date to confirm. Since American president announced the news instantly, Pakistan was only hoping for a peace to follow after the demise of their more feared enemy. Once again several absentee funerals were also reportedly prayed throughout Pakistan.

22 May 2011 PNS Mehran was attacked by militants carrying guns, rocket-propelled grenades (RPG) and hand grenades, killing 13 people, injuring 16 others and blowing up at least two military aircraft.

The dead include 11 navy officials and one Ranger, while two P-3C Orion, maritime patrol aircraft were destroyed within first few minutes of the attack. Not only live footage ran through most the news channels, but also live sounds of gun fires and explosions could be heard throughout the night in many nearby areas of Karachi. It took 14 hours for the security force to finally clear the base of militants. Preparation and tactics of the terrorist was acknowledged by the Naval chief.

(Continued....)

Have some Respect !

Do not brag about the size, unless your gun comes with balls.

Your Villain My Hero

We grew up in an age of wars and global conflicts. Foreign diplomacy weighed by either international assistance or isolation. Where military maneuvers and political alliances go hand in hand.

Old folks tell us about times when there were initiatives drawn on common global interests and ideological identities. Those were times of Zulfiqar Bhutto in my country, King Faisal in Saudi Arabia, Anwar Sadaat In Egypt and Colonel Gaddafi in Libya.

Those were days when these men aspired their people with euphoria from an uncharted dreamscape. Equality, opportunity and above all sovereignty. Where no foreign aggression, occupation or diplomatic pressure could be exerted on individual states. Bhutto packaged "power to the people", while Arafat vowed for independence, Faisal voiced Palestinian Jihad, Qaddafi envisioned Muslim unity and governing reforms, so on and so on.

What happened, then?

• 24 March, 1975 - King Faisal was assassinated by his nephew.
• 4 April, 1979 - Bhutto was Hanged after a military coupe in Pakistan.
• 6 October, 1981 - Sadat was gunned during a military parade.
• 11 November 2004 - Arafat died in Coma, his illness remains a mystery.
• 30 Dec, 2006 - Saddam was hanged on Eid Day, after Foreign invasion.
• 20 Oct, 2011 - Qaddafi vandalized and killed by Libyan rebels.

Today the Body of Libyan revolutionary leader Colonel Qaddafi was laid to rest, before dawn at an un marked placed in Libyan desert.

What started in February was reported to be a public protest in couple of cities of Libya, against Qaddafi rule. Unlike Tunisian and Egyptian spring, Qaddafi used force against those protesters which quickly licensed NATO and US to start operating a bombardment program against Libyan Forces. International reporters were calling it a mere force of 3000 guerrilla fighters, up til few weeks earlier. Not to mention all the aerial bombardment inside Libya which systematically broke the Libyan defense force. Cruise missiles, drone planes, Italian, French fighter jets and bombers, with billions of dollars worth of sophisticated technology that first crippled the Libyan forces. Then city after city these rebels (turned freedom fighters) cleared the areas of any Qaddafi loyalists and supporters. Finally pushed back, in his home town Sirte, Qaddafi breathed his last. Where upon fleeing in a convoy he was bombed by NATO fighter jets, only to be later brutally vandalized and killed by a mob of rebels.

Where have all the good men gone?

______________________________________________________

You may also like to read an old related Blog about Arab Spring:
Hot Pursuit revolt

Autumn in History

Alexander’s Retreat

[325 BC 120 km Off karachi]

Historical records show that Alexander passed through Khyber Pass region on his expedition into south east Asia, around September 327 BC. Two years later while retreating he passed through Makran Coastal desert in the autumn of year 325 BC.

There are two possibilities, explaining as to why Makran became his choice of passage. Firstly, Alexander chose the Makran desert route towards home, as a punishment to his army who had mutinied in India by refusing to follow him any further East.

Secondly to protect and supply, or be supplied by, the fleet. His fleet of ships was sailing side by side in the Arabian sea. Necessity of the fleet’s voyage along this coast? One reason most often suggested was to open up a sea trade route to India. For that to happen, the coast would have to be charted, landing sites and wells would have to be mapped. Commanding the fleet whose assigned job it was to travel along the coast, would meet with the army at various points, and supply them with grain and provisions. The army’s job, in return, was to provide wells and protection for the fleet whenever it put into shore to take on fresh water.

With the veterans gone and large part of the army sailing along the coast, he yet led 30,000 troops and half as many followers into the furnace heat and sandy dunes of Makran. Across the Hingol River in the desert proper sweet water was hard to find and food even less so. All Alexander’s plans to provision the fleet were failed.

Thirst and hunger raged through the army. When sweet water was reached men threw themselves into it and drank, sometimes dying from the excess. Hunger led others to butcher animals, then, carrying their goods themselves through the sucking morass of sand, they would lay down by the side of the road and die. Wagons broke down and the weak and wives and children unable to keep up were abandoned of their fate. None would stay behind to ease the distress of companions and loved ones, for it was important to get on.

Only half of those who had ventured into the Makran struggled into Pura (Bampur in Iran) two months later. Alexander had succeeded, but at a terrible price.

Combating Corruption - Anna way

He once wanted to end his life, and even wrote a suicide note which is now referred as a two page essay "on why he wanted to end his life". One day he chanced on a book at Delhi railway station and found that the motive of his life is in service to his fellow humans.

Today, Anna Hazare is the face of India's fight against corruption.

He has taken that fight to the corridors of power and challenged the government at the highest level. People, the common man and well-known personalities alike, are supporting him in the hundreds swelling to the thousands.

His tool of protest - hunger strikes. And his prime target - politicians.

Kisan Baburao Hazare popularly known as Anna Hazare, has fought to eliminate discrimination against dalits or untouchables; a custom laid by caste system in India. He fought against customs of dowry and arranged several collective marriages to make it easy on poor. He faught for the right of rural people in collective decision making in development of villages in India.

He is not new to fighting, he served in Indian army for 15 years. For last 30 years, he is fighting for social change simultaneously in several fronts.

Recently to force government for the implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill, the anti-corruption bill drafted by his team of crusaders, he planned a hunger strike in Delhi against large-scale corruption at the national level. He and his followers through this bill are demanding a complete elimination of corruption from all government offices and ministries. Through media frenzy his message and fight has gone viral throughout India.

Last Tuesday hours before starting a public hunger strike with thousands of his supporters, 74 year old Hazare was taken by police from his residence to a jail in Delhi for a 7 day detention. This has resulted in public outrage demonstrations and protest throughout India. Could this prove to be a fatal stunt by Indian lawmakers? Only time will tell.

Note:

It wouldn't kill us to follow Indian news even slightly, compared to how we follow Indian cinema.

Scavenger Inc

Karachi bamboozled

It felt like 38'C. I waited good 20 minutes on a traffic signal. Apparently there was some VIP movement. I remembered, oh the president had to come today. In the end, traffic wardens allowed vehicles back on road and yet there was no motorcade which passed through?

Whoa!

I asked myself, 'Did i miss out on some latest technology?'

An invisible and silent motorcade of protocol cars, security jeeps, ambulance along with at least three or four similar luxuries escorts, how did I not notice all this action?

"Errr@#*(^%$#&^ who gives a flying duck, lets go"... i told myself and moved on.

Same day in the afternoon i came across another of such "ROAD BLOCKS" as i call them. This time i asked the 'itchy pants' policeman who stood beside me on the sidewalk.

"Is it president?"

"may be" he replied as he continued to ...

At the radio, as the evening hours passed me by, i met with people accounting four such security barricades where in two cases nothing passed through in the name of "VIP movement" and on two separate occasions, they reported a high profile convoy of cars.

12:15 in the midnight, while driving back home, i could not get on to Sharae Faisal, again!
Some son of gun had to move, and road was BLOCKED for public.

This time, it was a convoy of security escorts, jeeps, cars and a red flag vehicle along with protocol and ambulances, after which roads were open for public.

My day was rough, so i didn't think much before the bed.

But next day after consulting this with some random listeners on the morning show, i concluded that nearly thousands of us, here in Karachi got bamboozled.

There were tens and thousands of karahiites who had to suffer and wait on multiple occasions due to such road blocks.

"We felt like, being fooled into believing some very high profile person has to pass through, as we waited indefinitely through large traffic stops. and suddenly traffic was allowed back on the road, without having to notice any VIP movement" said one caller in my show.

Is this a new security plan for VIP movement?

Bluffing people?

Condolence

Taleh Bugti -

I am sorry; gunned partying.

Poor stand with legendary grands

whose country is it anyway...

It is not unusual to read a major newspaper in Pakistan stating an important news and not declaring the sources. Putting the information into consideration, i have to admit sometimes these hidden sources have been of little or no importance at all. But when the news of "starting an armed operation inside our own territories" is put into context, the undeclared sources are worrisome.

and tonight much like most of 'sane minded' & 'anti war Pakistanis' i am also left questioning, that "who on earth ordered Pakistan Army to Operate in North Waziristan?"

Upon looking closely, there are answers available. US and much of its allies have been demanding an Operation in this tribal territory for long. Pakistan Army (not political leadership) had said that they will operate in NW, but upon the time of their own choosing. So is it time now?

I have to admit that; its a tricky line in Pakistan to differentiate between areas of political and military influence. Even though I didn't vote in last elections, but still i thought to myself all this time that the elected representatives were in charge. Without having any discussion in our parliament, national assembly, media or among legal fraternity, this is indeed very shocking to read about a military offensive stated by an "undisclosed source".

So is it, just another stunt by the incompetent leadership in Islamabad, who are facing a growing internal pressure for failing to deliver anything or even maintain law and order? Or is it a result of foreign pressure on our forces for having found Bin Laden in our backyard? Or perhaps on a bit wild note; is it even Pakistan starting this war operation?

Whatever the truth maybe, amid half a nation not owing this war, this is indeed a very dangerous maneuver and will bear consequences. I am not afraid of consequences, i am just failing to see the end of this blood bath. With such a small peep hole available to look into any matters concerning our tribal regions, and now with an almost diminished news network operating on ground; I am still inclined to believe that there might be elements in our Tribal region which need cleansing. And also that 'Now' might have been the right time to operate, but still who is in charge of things in this country?" is my only question.

I dislike hitting the bed with confusions, so with a bit of pondering, i have (strictly for myself) my own answers.

This entire AFPAK saga and war is not only unpopular in US now, but is also being resented in Pakistan widely. I foresee an Army spokesman appearing on our TV screens the day formal bombardment begins, telling all the gaaa gaaa gooo gooo geee geee. Before that, absolutely no military or political leadership has the courage to state the truth to the nation and people which it vowed to serve.

This way, by not taking the 18 million souls into consideration or confidence, the impression of our forces and lawmakers furthering foreign agendas within our boundaries, results in more mistrust and anxiety among masses.

If i could i would have stopped all wars, but for now i want my forces to watch this picture printed in today's newspaper.

These are bodies of Children killed in an Ariel Raid by NATO in Afghanistan. 52 died on this Saturday, 28th May 2011.

Dear Pakistan Army!

During all the "hee haw" of the battle, I beg you to please keep women, children and all innocent souls into consideration.

Mercy!



https://www.dawn.com/news/632996/plan-for-operation-in-n-waziristan-finalised-mullen

Blocking Nato Supplies - Day 2

Blocking Nato Supplies - Day 1

Shaheed Ki Yaad mein

I have shared with radio listeners an account named "jahanzeb Nama"

Here is the picture and original script, dated 13 april, 2010.

This year;
"Cibber i am sorry, Belated happy Birthday".

2 May 2011

Nidaa

Whatif Abdur Rehman Davis

The year 2011 kicked off with a new american addition to Pakistani jails. Reason for his arrest was cold blooded murder of two young men on the streets of Lahore in broad day light.

In an eager attempt by US consulate to get this American from the scene of crime, one more innocent life was claimed as the rescue vehicle panic-kingly maneuvered onto coming traffic.

Angry mob on the street made sure this US assassin lands right into the hands of law enforcement. Through questions raised by almost all media outlets, about the secret gun totting American, his identity and whether or not he was a diplomat; engulfed everyone in Pakistan. Not to mention it even did cost the, then Foreign minister his minister's hip for declaring that Raymond Davis was no a diplomat, which actually worsened any prospects of releasing him soon enough.

Then came the widow of one of the victims, who committed suicide. "I do not expect any justice from this government, so i want to kill myself and i want blood for blood" were her words as she breathed her last after speaking to camera crew of news channels. Everyone heard washington saying “holy shit, its not getting any better”. While the relatives of victims vowed to fight the legal battle against Raymond, and also accused Washington of offering money and permanent visas for USA if they pardoned Raymond. Victim’s family refused and demanded justice.

Not only the senator John Kerry came to pakistan and met with upper echelons, but also the US president Barrack Obama spoke about Raymond Davis, claiming that since he is a diplomat, he enjoys immunity from being tried in the foreign soil. Not to mention this statement of Obama went down the drain within US media as an open lie uttered by the president who is known for calculating the merit of his words brutally.

Anyway all this time, Raymond davis not only secured a highly skeptical place among all Pakistanis but also a constant slot on all daily newspapers and bulletins. He liked Naswar, he is with CIA, he came here with a business visa, he went into several madrassas of karachi pretending to be a convert, he made calls to waziristan and also that he spent the night of Valentine’s day with an unknown lady in jail cell, and What not.?? More serious of these daily Raymond doses carried a very illusive image of an espionage agent, who had not only active contacts in tribal areas, but also a photographic interest in sensitive sites relating to Pakistani Armed forces. Not to mention all the spy gadgetry he was arrested with, in the first place.

Then international newspapers not only produced his relation with CIA, actually his entire career as an American soldier, turned agent for mercenary army became clear. Safely he was termed as a private security agent whose job is to provide CIA officials cover. By Now his affiliations in past with Black water and XE services were also made public.

That’s briefly is the gist of information that any laymen in Pakistan following rough news through paper and people knew about this gentleman.

To my surprise, the usually dumbfounded prime minister of our country who roughly three weeks ago said in a statement that Raymond Davis could/should be pardoned in the light of Shariah Law, upon which in my morning radio show, I cracked a joke, that “Gilani Sahab has taken a secret oath with Mullah Omer and is planning to impose shariah Law throughout the country”. Little did any one in the country know that somehow the seeds were sown to ensure the family of the victims who vowed to bring justice would take that option. I am not against Islamic laws, how could I be? In reality I just can’t wait till me and mariam recieve lashes publically, or for that matter, almost all of our MPAs and MNAs lose a hand or two.

After settlement through blood money Raymond Davis has now Left the country, and one thing he surely is in love with, is Islamic Shariah Laws. I wont be surprised if he goes back, converts to Islam and emerges as Rehman Davis or AbdurRehman Davis, I wonder when the geese and baboons of our Politics would convert to Islam J.

Actually on a more serious note:

I have one(A) question for people of Pakistan and one(B) for the pigs incharge.

A. His only crime was the assasination of two individuals? If so, then excuse me, since when we as a nation have started to give a flying duck about bringing justice to the killers?

B. What about the revelations during the interrogations? Was he not a threat to the state, busy in espionage? He worked for Black water, XE? His interest in Pakistani Forces installation and Waziristan?

For more than 24 hours, News Channels have been buzzing with the exact amount of Blood money given to each member of victim’s family.

I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE establishment (both; Politcal and Forces) “How much exactly did you RECEIVE for letting this threat walk away, Bitch!”

Rockstar

Hot Pursuit Revolt

Fighter Pilots are without a doubt most highly-regarded positions in any air force. Only those who possess an exceptional academic record, physical fitness and a strong mental drive, make it to the jet pilot's seat.

They have to have optimal health to handle the physical demands of modern aerial warfare. Excellent heart condition is required, as g-forces have a tendency to suck blood away from the brain. Along with fitness and skill, its patriotism which completes the formula for any such Ace in the Sky.

While protecting all corners of the nations, their job requires of them to either attack enemy lands, or intercept an attack on home soil. Pilots are trained to employ specific tactics and maneuvers when they are under attack or chasing enemy fighters in a dog fight.

Imagine a pilot performing stressful maneuvers to gain advantage on the enemy, thousands of feet above ground with usual speeds twice that of sound. To state that; during action the fighter pilot is fittest of all human operators with the sharpest mind, will not be an exaggeration.

On 21st of February, Monday after noon two air force fighter pilots who were given orders to attack on enemy in an air-to-surface missile sortie, did not carry out their job. In fact while they were bound to drop bombs, they took off and landed on another country and requested asylum.

Q.and reason for their defect?

A. It was their own people, not enemy they were ordered to bomb.

News Item:

Two pilots, both colonels, took off from a base near Tripoli and decided to fly to Malta after being ordered to bomb anti-government protesters in Libya's second largest city of Benghazi
News at Reuters

Recently Libya is engulfed in widespread protests against the 41 year old rule of Muammar Gaddafi who holds a record for being the only "current non-royal leader with the longest ruling". If Gaddafi goes down now he will be placed third in the world history, behind Fidel castro of Cuba and Kim II Sung of North Korea. There is more to Gaddafi's legacy beyond moving in "female only" contingent of 40 guards and choosing to live in huge bedouin tents whenever he travels abroad or having a really funny sense of fashion. But somehow 41 years is way too much serving one's country, with defiance and total control.

Anti Gaddafi protestors which started from eastern Libya, has reportedly gained momentum towards its capital Tripoli, which was largely shut down on Monday. Schools, government offices and most stores were closed, except for a few bakeries, meantime armed members of pro-government organizations called "Revolutionary Committees" hunted for protesters.

A group of army officers have been reported to circulate a memo calling on all armed forces to join-in with people. The justice minister has resigned in condemnation of the "excessive use of violence" against protesters. And indeed there is excessive use of force as witnesses told media sources about jet planes and gunship helicopters dropping bombs area after another.

If you're bombing your own capital, it's really hard to see how you can survive and the two air force pilots who defected and flew off to Malta prove that these are infact Gaddafi's last and desperate acts.

After Tunisia and Egypt, perhaps future of Libya too will be decided in days to come, but at the moment, Gaddafi has come aggressively bloody on his own revolting people unlike Zain el abdine or Hosni Mubarak.

Viva la Vida - Valentine for everyone

Seldom on Sundays have I got the luxury to spoil myself? Today was such a lucky day, as I woke up to my phone ringing, it was already 3 pm. “woohaha, I had some sleep” I told myself.

“Hello beyg mian” I said in my usual morning deep cords (as she used to put it)

“You are still asleep??!” without a pause he continued “get off get up and get ready”

“why me man?” I said thinkng, this would turn him down.

“you will love it, I am coming in an hour, bitch!” he shouted on the top of his lungs and hung up.

Beyg is friend from university, and i love him. When he doesn’t say much about plans, this means only one thing; some surprise from beyond expectations.

Recently Beyg mian has gone through a rough emotioanal patch. Some serious matrimonial prospects have turned him down. On few ocassions he too had the previlege to say “no”. He belongs to a very small group of university friends, who hit bed everynight with their pillows only. I myself is a member of this elitest club, but Beyg’s case is different, kion kay “usay shadi bohat zor se arahi hay”.

Anyway an hour later and without the breakfast I find myself in his passenger seat, racing through karachi streets on a usual moderate Sunday traffic.

“whats the rush molvi saab?” I asked as I clinged on to the seat belt.

“we've to get there before maghrib” he said while criss crossing from lane to lane.

“This must be some molvi saab ka bayan I am sure” i said as the excitement escaped from the start till the end of my sentence.

“Chalo tou” he continued “then we shall go for zameer ansari’s chicken malai”

He almost got me tempted like a little kid, before we could finish any of our discussions ranging from Egyptians ousting Mubarak, Or Raymond Davis, we landed at a mosque near Gizri called masjid babus salam. We had already missed maghrib, so we prayed and assembled closely on the floor as the speech of Molana Abdus sattar started. While ladies had a separate arrangement on the first floor.

In his car months ago, Beyg had once tried to play a recorded bayan of this gentleman, and I am sure I must have turned on the radio or something. Finally I opened up to some words of enlightment. This 50 minute lecture which I heard few hours ago, is surprisingly up on the internet by now. Link is available:

Haya

The important highlight of his lecture was modesty and pudency while in the background molana put forth some burning questions related to social behaviors which may compromise family values and ethics. Despite the fact I have plans and a radio show due in less than 24 hours, to celeberate the international day for love, his speech was running parallel to me thinking a lot of other stuff. Eventhough I have been in radio business for more than 6 years now, I am reluctant to act like a social pandit or culutural guru. That doesn’t mean in my silence I don’t stand witness to whats been happening.

Back in our university days, when there was no source of income, saving from our pocket money to buy our juliets bunch of roses was a big ordeal. But it was a “must” that we each year would go to the whole sale market a night before valentine’s and pack our refregerators with kilos of Fresh Roses. Some we would happily sell to our friends on discounted price, and the most special bunch of two dozen would make our honeys smile. Other than Lavish dinners and car rentals there was no way on this planet earth that a room service would also add upto our budgets. Never! Partially because the girls were also chaste (subhanAllah kia din thay :), and they wanted to be sure of boys’ commitments too. And also Musharraf’s enlighment legislation had not been approved. Police (kay tullas) would randomly snap here and there and we could not even go to movies or walk on the beach.

Times have changed. Lets not go into the details, but this is for the first time in 3 years, that touch condamms has not placed their ads on our radio. For past three years in a row starting from roughly a month before valentine they would air commercials. Last time their jungle “chhoo lo zara khushi ki ahatt” was not a bad jungle. But anyway the urban youth infested with unnecessary mobile connections and musharraf’s ordinance in the background is shaping a new culture of independence, adventure and fun.

Poor molana was talking about “fahashh billboards” only and my head was all geared into action surrounding valentine. Frankly speaking, on couple of ocassions I could find myself rehearsing my opening lines for the show, and yes they were more “fahashh” than Iman ali on the street sign boards. That is perhaps the “motivation” of my friend mr.beyg to pull me here.

I am a muslim and yes there are certain visible traits of our society where I see young people in these times indulged in experimenting with a great deal of individual liberty and social freedom, making bad choices. No matter how far one goes having fun, while exploiting these newly acclaimed western lifestyle “brought to you by phone networks” “food chains” and “hollywood”; the reality is we still are allergic to bad reactions. One way or the other, I have seen people like Mr.Beyg repent and revert.

Be it international day of tolerance, or mothers day, its good to see special television or radio programs presenting special segments built around those subjects, but the foundation of our soceity and civilization has embedded the important value system in all of our souls. And the divine doctrines offer a balanced list to chose from the “Halal ways of satsifying our temptations”.

“Burp, Alhamdolillah…” said Mr Beyg after finishing off chicken malai.

And tonight I think after a along time I have these lines posted on the blog, which have nothing to do with my obsession for current affairs.

May you too find peace!

Egypt - Day 17th Of Protest

His speech was way below expectation for hundreds of thousands who gathered in public placesthroughout country, specially at the iconic Tahrir Square. They thought they would be celebrating the announcement of Hosni Mubarak's exit, as they anxiously waited for his national address.

The uproar after his 20 minute long speech could clearly be seen among the massive protesters who were chanting slogans and waving flags. His speech included promises to

1.transfer several powers to Vice President who was appointed on 1st Feb, and also
2.some constitutional amendments which would lead up-to September elections.

and most importantly despite anticipation and widespread rumor from media about him possible stepping down,
3.he being respectful of demands from the youth of Egypt; vowed to stay responsible for the matters involving governance of his country until elections due this year.

Lets see if this is acceptable for Egyptians, who after 18 days of protesting against a 30 year rule of Hosni, tonight again came close to feeling that tomorrow would bring new sun shining upon a civilization which takes pride in their 6000 year old history.

justice delayed is justice denied

Insanity

Where have all the sane Muslims gone ?

Confessional testimony of the murderer of Salman Taseer (governor of Punjab) became public few days ago. Its a long accord, portion of which i am producing here for the people and leaders of Pakistan.

The assassin mumtaz Qadri says "

I belong to a non political group called Dawat-e-Islami, which preaches Quran and Sunnah whose leader is Molana Ilyas Qadri.

On 31st of December, in front of my house in Muslim town, this group organized a convention by the title 'protection against blasphemy of Prophet (pbuh) and Ahle Bay't (his family). Mr.Imtiaz Shah kazmi and Allama Hanif Qureshi delivered passionate speeches to this gathering. Both speeches very overwhelmingly euphoric and dipped in love of our Prophet (pbuh), highlight of which was the grandness of the Messenger of God.

During his speech Allama Hanif Qureshi got so emotional that his head dress fell off, his hair gone astray and even at one occasion his mic got dislocated. Audiences felt the deep pathos, and some even began to cry. When the speaker discussed Ghazi Alam deen Shaheed and Hazrat Bilal, even my heart cried out. At that point i decided to assasinate the Governer of Punjab because he called the constitution protecting against the blasphemy of our dear prophet Black law and he also protected the blasphemer Aasia Bibi

(cont...)

salman is dead

The Governor of Punjab, Salmaan Taseer, was assassinated by his own security guard, a commando of the Punjab Elite Force, in Islamabad, here on Tuesday afternoon. After emptying the magazine of his official semi-automatic Kalashnikov rifle, the constable put down his weapon and raised his hands, offering himself to be arrested. Governor Salmaan Taseer received 27 bullets in the upper part of his body, causing his death on the spot, according to the medico legal report.

Constable Mumtaz Qadri who had been attached previously to the governor’s squad on more than three occasions; calmly accepted that he had decided to kill the governor this morning while coming to duty because he believed that the governor had committed blasphemy.

Since we as people are still intolerant about issues of religeous sensitivity, i would hit the bed with an interesting survey result conducted by Gallup Pakistan

Happy New Year