Pakistan Day Parade and Shahbaz

“Mere dil ke City of Lights, Tu sada Abaad rahe!”

“7 saal ke waqfe ke baad is saal Riwayati Pakistan Day Parade bahaal karne ka faisla”... Woooow shot; Shahbaz could not believe the announcement, finally when he realized that he was awake, his heart started smearing Yess Yess Yess instead of Dhak Dhak Dhak…With tears in his eyes, distinctive Pakistan Day parade scenes from his childhood days started moving in mind like a timeline movie…

Little Shahbaz was quite a fan of this Pakistan day parade since his early days. On 23rd March every year, all family members used to get stuck to the TV right after the breakfast. Shahbaz was taught to standup erected attention offering due respect for the national anthem and he used to obey this with utter obeisance; high aims and resolve to do something big for his motherland. He used to follow the latest developments in the missile technology sector and later on watching the march-past of Pakistan’s then latest missiles specially Ghauri and Shaheen missiles was a mere treat. That heartfelt chauvinistic run of SSG commandos was his favorite glee; blown away in the emotions he used to see them roaring past the Salami Stage Allah-o-Akbar, Allah-o-Akbar… Zealous fly past of F-16’s used to shake him all over with a sense of adoration for those lucky dazzling pilots safeguarding his motherland. The traditional floats showing individual regional culture and intermixed provincial harmony were also very attractive elements of this parade for Shahbaz. "One day I will also go Islamabad to see this parade" this and several other patriotic thoughts used to occupy him for the rest of the day…

In those times, Shahbaz did not cared much about what’s happening outside his country as Pakistan used to be his sole center of attention and he was so proud of his country that he had least time thinking about anything else. In those days, he did not knew about going abroad, getting foreign Immigration or dual nationality and the complexity/philosophy attached to these things. Shahbaz did not knew about sectarian or linguistic differences, all the people present in the parade (and beyond) seem to be his family very close to his heart. Shahbaz was unaware of words like Hypocrisy, Mafad parasti Or Moqa parasti. Shahbaz did not knew about difference between theory and practical either...Watching Pakistan Day parade, he used to forget his surroundings and kept floating along with voice of anchor person narrating the nation’s philosophy, resolve of her armed forces and mountainous vision statements attached with various passing by elements…

Then with the passage of time as Shahbaz grew older and wiser, things started getting worse specially after 9/11 and rise of Internal threats in Pakistan...Shahbaz witnessed downfall of his nation at all fronts. Morally as well as structurally, things started disintegrating. People had less belief in Pakistan and every other person was planning to go abroad and get some respectable passport. Inter-provincial harmony also dissolved with time and people lost trust in each other. Shahbaz also learnt the meaning of Jamhooriyat ka Husn and about ripe Sweet fruits from the garden of Democracy. Bomb blasts used to be a norm and Karachi was faded with bad law and order situation. Iconic structures including Quaid's Ziarat residency were attacked by the enemy to demoralize Pakistanis every passing day. With each shot, yet another shining bulb busted inside Shahbaz's inner city of lights. People feared to enter Pakistan and Gulshan seemed to be droughted...Pakistan Day parade was also stopped; as if somebody had exploded the brightest bulb in the city of lights!

Ahhh and then…the awaited 23^rd March, 2015 came and astounded world saw the Power of Pakistan…The parade got all the conventional elements with a flavor of latest gadgets like Burraq and Cruise Missiles. Fresh airs of Ladies march past and camel mounted military band were really a treat to watch. Shahbaz enjoyed every bit of it; he saw a nation negating false impression acting together like a devastating punch testing jaws of enemy. Shahbaz saw his lost rhythm mesmerizing, rocking the world in the parade ground of Shakarparian-Islamabad. A unique nation getting back to the mark after falling down heavily…

Millions of Shahbazs and Shaheens of my country all over the world were smiling this Pakistan’s Day enthralled and filled with glee to see this parade again after a long time. They profoundly waited for this day and followed every bit of it with unexplainable spark in their eyes overflowing with flood of emotions while this parade happened in Islamabad. Ohh Yess we Did it again…
A nation is taking off. Millions of prayers and Duas for those who revived this parade and dedicating their lives for this fight back. Our City of lights is warming up once again. Shahbaz is ready; Labbaik for call of Duty. Pakistan Zindabad!

Who is Shahbaz http://blogs.arynews.tv/rabi-ul-awwal-and-shahbaz/  

http://blogs.arynews.tv/pakistan-day-parade-and-shahbaz/

Team Pakistan, A Limping Start

Team Pakistan, a Limping Start

Come-on Guys, still 4 matches to go…

It’s not over yet!

So Far, So Bad

So, it seems that world cup is almost ended for Pakistani nation within 07 days due to a horrendous show down by our team and resulting series of events. There is consistency in two things 1) High vows and statements from our cricket officials and 2) Our declining bad performance. And social media has added due spice to it by zooming into each mistake on and off the field be it Selfies OR dropping catches. It seems an official exit formality is just around the corner…How Sad and down we are at the moment!

Younis Khan, the rock star of Pakistani social media since 15^th Feb, 2015

He got a lucky entry into the Pakistan WC squad after his shining performance in the test series against Australia. He was once famous to keep an egoistic and dignified approach towards the game saving his personal values. He resigned a few times from the captaincy as well in protest to imposition from board officials. But somehow he seem to be a different man now as we saw his visiting tombs of political figures and visiting interior Sindh as a surprise vowing “Pakistan will beat India in World Cup”. Was this really required Younis? Topping to all this is his failure in the first 2 matches that has earned him a villain and mocking status especially on the Social media. I wish you would have focused on the game rather than making big hollow statements and buttering politicians for securing a safe future. It was not expected from you, come back old Younis please!

Ref:

http://www.ptvsports.tv/cricket-news/younis-khan-pays-homage-to-shaheed-benazir-bhutto/

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/pakistan-will-beat-india-in-world-cup-says-younis-khan/523141-78.html

http://www.pstimes.com/2015/01/03/renowned-cricketer-visits-cadet-college-larkana/

Making Useless Claims

After 6^th time defeat against India in the world Cups, Misbah again emphasized “Our team is still capable of lifting the world cup” and we saw the humiliation of this capable team against West Indies very soon after this statement.

Najam Sethi, the Essential Man for PCB says: “No international team plays under the kind of tension our team plays in owing to media and public pressure,” and that “Nation should not expect very much in the world cup”.

Ref: http://e.jang.com.pk/02-23-2015/karachi/pic.asp?picname=19_01.gif

Najam Sethi Sahib “Why the nation should not expect much? Why was there not enough backup ready to fill the gaps of accidentally dropped players? Why fitness level of our players is not up to the mark?” If you can make ways to enter PCB by hook Or by crook then why can’t you make ways to stabilize our cricket and make them mentally strong to face such pressure??? World Cup comes after every 4 years and you are saying not to expect much? Was PCB sleeping during these 4 years? Will such excuses continue forever???

If you perform on ground then there is no need of such statements.

Individual Performances

The absence of players like Fawad Alam and Azhar Ali is greatly felt as our team failed to play full 50 overs in both matches to date. Not to mention names, such players were so exposed who were playing for themselves only to run away from blame and securing their spot in the team for future. They played individual innings regardless of run rate required, made middling runs and left the late comers face big nuisance. Nobody tried to stay on the crease to see the match through with smart calculations. This trend will only sink our ship in future as Misbah going to retire soon and there is a lack of responsibility within our ranks.

Triumph is the only Way foreword

Keeping the two big defeats in mind, the fielding coach controversy, the questions on team selection and now the latest Moin Khan’s Casino scandal; Winning is the only way to rise above everything. Rather than giving muffled statements, give performance on the ground my dear team Pakistan. Try to give your best in the field; everything is visible and comprehensible on TV screens. If you lose after fighting hard; I guarantee Pakistannation has the heart to embrace such lost as well. Believe in yourself, play as a team without fear. It’s difficult BUT not impossible!

http://arysports.tv/team-pakistan-limping-start/

20th March, 2015: When Wahab Riaz Won Hearts

Although the world cup is over for us after Pakistan lost to Australia in Adelaide, Sarfaraz and Wahab Riaz’s sparkling performances reminded us of good old days when our players used to seal difficult matches just due to their immense potential and ability to deliver. They way these 2 players took the responsibility on their shoulders and delivered at the big stage is really an act of special brilliance. I will just shed led on Wahab’s breathtaking bowling today and what it mean in greater picture.

Wahab Riaz’s today’s performance has shaken many today by virtue of his heroic fast bowling spell which has been regarded as one of the most memorable fast bowling spells in World Cups. He stunned the Australian batting with his unbelievably fast and unplayable deliveries and also opened a gate of hope in the hearts of Pakistan fans all over the world. He fell short of the goal due to 2 dropped catches notable the first one by Rahat Ali. This shows what an immense fast bowling talent we have even after miserable loosing many fast bowlers in recent past.

Wahab took the responsibility throughout the tournament which is a great sign for the future of Pakistan bowling attack. The way Shane Watson was dancing to his deliveries was just an awesome sight for a Pakistan fan after a long time. He acted like a sole warrior fighting for the dignity of his nation but unfortunately fell short of a well deserved match winning effort. While going all out for this quarter final, Wahab did not miss any opportunity to react against Australian aggression be it mocking Mitchell Starc or responding to Watson’s remarks upon his turn. This shows mental toughness and proud character of this guy who stands firm holding the green flag and not compromising the dignity at any cost. Indeed great lesson to all of us…

The way everybody praised Wahab Riaz is also rarely seen for a loosing side player and surely earned him a very high place in the hearts of millions of fans around the world. The Australian win could not raise above to this star performance by a brave Pakistani son and it seem that “Sipahi Haar kar bhee jeet gaya”

This was such a dazzling performance which can inspire all of us in our respective fields i.e. whatever the situation is, go with full heart with a passion to raise dignity of your nation. Whatever be the result, the self satisfaction will just be great as anything;  see this Man’s smiling post match interview.

Witnessing this performance and seeing reaction from all over the world let me say that. “On the 20^th March,2015 at Adelaide everything seemed too small too tiny, the score board , Pakistan loose batting and fielding, the Aussie triumph…That ONE man Wahab Riaz was the only giant standing with his head up for putting a fierce display of genuine fast bowling as a revenge keeping his nose and the Green flag high above everything”. This Guy deserves appreciation and great reception. Respect & Salutes!

http://arysports.tv/20th-march-2015-when-wahab-riaz-won-hearts/ 

Related Links:

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/content/story/853317.html  

http://www.oneindia.com/sports/cricket/twitter-reactions-wahab-riaz-vs-shane-watson-duel-world-cup-2015-1690233.html

Pakistan Cricket and World Cup 2015

This is perhaps the weakest Pakistani team participating the cricket world cup campaign. We all saw amazingly super test performances of Pakistan against Australia in the UAE which seem to be a good run into the World cup. But unfortunately after Ahamd Shehzad’s head injury and second test against New-Zealand, this team now appears to be going nowhere. Numerous injuries, doubtful selections and bad performances in the New-Zealand keep our chances at the lowest during the upcoming ICC cricket world cup, 2015.

Selection Question marks??? Omission of Fawad Alam was the greatest disappointment and left many around the world stunned. This Guy fails to satisfy selectors even after impressive performances at domestic and International level. His safe and handy approach towards batting makes him among the ranks of Misbah as most reliable batsmen. He can be a useful bowler as well along with safe pair of hands in the field. My personal feeling is that Azhar Ali should have been considered due to his cool head and reliable performances. The inclusion of above players would have had much more stability within team Pakistan‘s middle order and greater chances to play 50 overs respectfully.

Ehsan Adil is yet another shocking selection by the selection committee instead  of Sohail Tanveer who has more experience and exposure. Taking Bilawal Bhatti to New-Zealand is also beyond my comprehension. His dreadful bowling performances are self-explanatory to give him some more time before getting further chances at international stage.

Chucking Issues, A Setback to team Pakistan: The timing of chucking issue is very important which forced three of the world’s top ten bowlers out of the World cup including Saeed Ajmal and Muhammad Hafeez from Pakistan’s side. Many circles in Pakistan have a feeling that like many other past incidents, it’s an effort to hurt Pakistan’s world cup chances. ICC should implement such regulations in a manner which could provide a sense of rationale and equality if they want to establish credibility in the hearts of millions of cricketing fans around the world.

Traditional Approach, Main Weaknesses: We have to rise above the typical 90’s strategy which have no place in today’s fast moving world cricket. We see lot of records broken these days due to proactive and smart approach towards the game. Teams like India and Australia are never afraid of chasing and for Pakistan chasing even 200 becomes a limping scenario. Our batting stability is one main issue in which our set batsmen gets out irresponsibly rather than going for a big score. Even if we somehow manage to get a good partnership at the top order, fall of 2-3 quick wickets leave us in tatters. Such issues need to be addressed and resolved sooner rather than later.

Importance of Pakistan’s World Cup Campaign: Pakistan Cricket has fallen down largely in the past 10 years. Increasingly bad Law and Order situation of the country keeps foreign teams at arm’s length and we have to play our home series in UAE. Pakistan players are always victimized by the ICC be it the matter of giving code of conduct sentences or banning the players. Foreign media specially English and Indian media always find something wrong within our ranks and try to degrade us by all means like spot fixing issue. This is a big time to respond to all this; we have greater objectives and points to prove rather than just having it as yet another sports event.

Cricket Integrating the Nation: Last time in 2011 world cup, we saw total unity and glee amongst the Pakistan nation for almost a good one month. Players were praised for their fighting performances despite losing the semi-final. Our nation still has craze and passion for cricket as ever before; they want to see the guys fighting for the dignity of green flag. This is a big time to raise and provide some fun and ‘Khushi’ to our depressed nation.

Key Factor: Being brave and attacking is the only way I see if Pakistan is to make any progress in this world cup. It’s better to lose playing aggressive cricket rather to be extra cautious and get embarrassed. We have also seen in past where ordinary teams from Pakistan have performed so well whenever they played their natural game without fear and that’s what team Pakistan fans around the world would like them to do; i.e. to play their natural game and give extremely tough time especially to the Big Three of ICC.

Way Forward: Despite of all the misfortunes discussed above, there is no lame excuse of not having a backup eleven to be brought in case of and surprised injuries and omissions. It requires sincerity and detailed planning to develop long term & backup strategy. Keeping your players up to date and having a preemptive eye on the player’s styles to avoid shocks like Saeed Ajmal & Muhammad Hafeez. Selection on merit and keeping national interest at the top will always give good results as drawing room politics will always reflect bad performances in the ground.

Gone are the days when we were most excited and praised team in the world having a capacity to shock anyone on the given day; but still, we as a nation all support them. Hoping to get a wholehearted Pakistan performance to rock the ICC cricket world cup 2015 and lift the whole nation…

Can “Freedom of Speech” be left unrestrained???

Can it be left unchecked??? Does it really exist???

Has Charlie Hebdo and Co. expressing THE Peak of Civilization OR Worst tide of Human Values?

As a reaction to the Paris attacks on Charlie Hebdo’s office on 7^th January, 2015; the paper again published blasphemous images of our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.) on 14^th January, 2015 in response to all of this today we see anger, protests and opposition against this in the whole Muslim world. Charlie Hebdo did this in the name of freedom of speech and we see alot of people supporting this thinking. However, living in such a modern age, I think everyone would question rationale and logic behind this irresponsible and disrespectful freedom of speech.

The first thing came in my mind after knowing all this was the Hadith of Prophet (S.A.W.) that “None of you becomes a believer until I am dearer to him than his children, his parents and all mankind.” (as reported by Bukhari and Muslim) Some versions add: “his life, his wealth and his family”. (Ref#1)

What would be our reaction if someone makes such cartoons of our father, mother or any other loved one? Obviously most of us will react and try to stop the one doing this and perhaps will keep such offender at arms length for the whole life… This is not the first time Charlie Hebdo did this thing; every now and then, they try to test our nerves by provoking us. But the question is Why do we only  wake up on the provocation, what are we doing in between? How can we as Muslims ever forget this insult without getting all this to a final conclusion? If it’s not taken to justice and fixed for good; it will raise its head every now and then and may well be case of horrific clash of civilizations…

Can “Freedom of Speech” be left unrestrained???

This kind of “Freedom of Speech” should really be rephrased as “Freedom of Hate” because this does not mean anything except spreading uneasiness among others. Knowingly that Prophet (S.A.W) is such a Noble role model for Muslims; what sanity is this to target the emotions of such a huge population of the world? What sort of Freedom is this which allows you to provoke about 25% of the world’s population whenever you want?

Everything in the World be it the working of this Universe, evolving human breed, any good social system, any machinery or the inter-relation of all these elements; all have immense discipline and certain boundaries attached to them. We have also seen the destructive results of undue interference in these systems.

Freedom of speech/expression; like any other thing in the world society;  have limitations. I strongly believe that our words and actions in world society must not provoke hate towards certain communities. How can you hurt someone’s sacred emotions in the name of this freedom? Is this what we have achieved in the long journey of mankind???

Does it really exist?

“Freedom for the Powerful” is another good alternative name I would suggest for such Freedom of Speech. We see captivated lands of Kashmir and Palestine and the condition of UN resolutions on these issues. The powerful countries use their powers to stop anything going in favor of these issues. Why these big guns can not allow (and support) these captivated people to express and achieve their desires of freedom?

We saw the deleted post of Hamza Ali Abbasi from facebook on this Issue and then the stream of debate on that post related to Freedom of Expression. Hamza bro, you most rightly exposed Gaps in facebook and their dual standards. Bravo!

And

honestly, true freedom of speech does not exist today. It’s just a fashion (or tool) used by the liberals/powerful to pave their interests.

And Yes…Blood also has Class Difference!

More than 40 head of states visited France to show their solidarity with French people. Worthy to mention this was the biggest million march in the history of France carrying people from all religions and nationalities. However, it’s an utmost irony that these people did not reacted to even half an extent when there were sabotage attacks in Pakistan targeting our religious and national trademarks, Malaysian plane disappearance/crash, when Freedom flotilla got attacked OR when Muslims were massacred in India and Myanmar.

So, what is the difference between French blood and others? This is a big shame for this so called developed and civilized world. You gathered in Unity with France? Who will stand in Unity for the halted emotions of 1.6 Billion Muslims? Why you kept quiet when blasphemous images were first published, why this satirical paper was not regularized at that time? Why it can not be held accountable now???

Accountability for Charlie Hebdo; responsibility of Pakistani Media…

Like many other such sabotages (like Ajmal Kassab drama in India), the Charlie Hebdo  attacks were also questioned as false Flag operations to gain greater objectives out of it; even from the BBC(This BBC video has been removed due to a breach of the Terms of Use, Kiya Smjhay???)…Unfortunately, our media did not raise its voice duly and did not work on probability of a false flag operation. We can show programs with utmost research and re-enactment, why can not we air programs on these incidents which take dignity of Muslim world at stake?

Also our media can carry out such programs in which the true image of Islam is depicted. The need to time is to clarify the misconceptions about Islam in the minds of people specially relating to the Western world who think Islam is something like ISIS and TTP. Realize your duty in these times; this will be a great Jihad against the hypocritical media around the world trying to corner out Muslims.

Missing Muslim leadership

Many of the Muslim head of states condemned Charlie Hebdo attacks and Blasphemous images thereafter, but we felt real lack of unity among Muslims leadership.  This is a real pity sight to see Muslims in such a weak state. Today, another Noor-ud-din Zangi (a dignified Muslim Hero who safeguarded Roza-e-Rasool,S.A.W. in 557 Hijri; Ref#2) is awaited to stand stern against this blasphemy and attack on beloved prophet (S.A.W.)

Future of this Freedom!

After too much of freedom exercise on Social media, we see countries making laws to regularize the mouth of expression. If the social media can be controlled by governments then why not such hated papers? We are most certainly not heading in right direction. This difference of thought on blasphemy may well erupt on an un-controllable scale. Like explained above, there must be some boundaries on Freedom of Expression/speech. Morality needs to be placed well above all Freedoms. Governments of such newspapers must review what’s happening in their countries in the name of Freedom of Speech. All such is actually resulting in Freedom to spread Hate and creating mis-understanding between various faiths…

To all supporters of Charlie Hebdo and Co: “You stood as “I am Charlie” after Paris attacks, when will you realize human emotions of Muslims related to their beloved prophet (S.A.W.) and stand by them as “I am Human???”

References:

1)http://www.themodernreligion.com/prophet/prophet_love-shafaat.html

2)http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2766j5_waqya-noor-ud-din-zangi-r-a-k-khawab-ka_lifestyle

Qabristan, The final Destination!

What is the current use of graveyards? Are we caring the place meant to be our last resting place??

Can we start working for our last resorts???

Current poor condition of Graveyards and chances of Betterment…

The other day I just asked my fellow Pakistani colleague about the bad condition of Graveyards in Pakistan; expressing my sorrow for filthy condition and odd use of many graveyards in our country. “We all know, this is our last resting place. When I wonder how many rich, able, beautiful and important people are buried in the graveyard (having a miserable outlook); I really fell sorry and think about what would happen to me. Will I be resting in the same filthy Qabristan after spending whole of my life willing to be clean and live clean?” I raised the point to him. “In a country where living people do not have any importance; who the Hell will care about the dead” He replied in a pungent manner…

"Every soul shall have taste of death; In the end to us shall ye be brought back
.”(Surah Al-'Ankabut ; Paara 21 Ayah No. 57)

The above ayah starts revolving whenever I visit the graveyard. When we go to bury some near and dear one. When some puppet leader or Government Official behaves in an undaunted manner against Islamic way of life. When people use their power and authority to their own interests, not caring about their responsibilities towards a common man. Have they forgotten death? Do they not know about the final accountability in the Darbaar of Allah on the dooms day??? I often wonder this, I often wonder this…Khair baat dur tak nikal gayee!

It all started during my latest visit this EID-UL-ADHA to Pakistan and witnessing poor conditions of one of Graveyards of Karachi called “Rehri Goth ka Qabristan” which is one of biggest in the city. Uncontrolled growth, dirty area, wild bushes, miserable condition of graves; it seem like it has just gone through some catastrophe. If you are visiting any old grave, then the pathway will just make you wonder you are one character of some adventurous movie. You have to make your way in between the graves in a puzzled manner and avoiding wild bushes with severe nails and remain careful regarding any wild lizards.

Looking back, we are occasional visitors of this Qabristan on an average 2-3 times in a year usually at the EIDs and Shab-e-Baraat. Shab-e-Baraats are used to be vibrant and see somewhat better arrangements with lighting and somewhat settled condition of this place. We have seen the rapid growth in the graveyard during our life spans. Elders and known acquaintances passed away and became residents of this graveyard. The whole place filled up and people even built graves at the verge of walkways. Increasingly bad law and order situation in the vicinity of this area with time and busy people not thinking much about their last resting place. But one thing which is common at large, yesterday and today; it’s bad condition. The condition was bad yesterday and today it’s not getting any better.

So, we went to this graveyard to visit graves of our forefathers. After fateha, we found a Gorkan and hired him for cleaning and repairing graves. This guy was old in his early fifties and was talking unstoppably counting things that he can do and things he will do. “Beta aj tum apne buzurgoo’n ki Qabroon ko nahee dekho ge tu kal koi tumhari Qabroo’n ko bhee nahee dekhay ga” he said and rightly so. We have to arrange this privately because the government priorities have not reached this point to clean last resting place of their citizens.

While we were trying to arrange cleaning and repairing of these graves; my uncle suddenly noticed talking voice coming out of nowhere. We looked the vicinity around and found out two men talking to each other right up on the trees. They were GUP-SHUPPING in such an easy way that they have no ghum in their lives. Later, I was told some people relating to the Interior have such a habit of discussion forums on the branches of trees. Woow man, new thing for me!

We then discussed the spreading and growth of this graveyard and how the trends of visiting graves are now changed. To be noted, there is a distinctive pathway bisecting this graveyard. “Beta people who used to visit this side (where old graves lies) are now resting on the other side (the relatively newer graves); so here you can witness a whole change of generation”: Uncle said. “We will soon be here sooner or later; will anybody take care of our graves? Will we have a peaceful end? Are we doing anything to secure good places in aakhirat?” I was all surrounded with such questions…

When I went back the other day to checkout the progress of maintenance works; this Gorkan came and showed me things he had carried out including cleaning of whole lot (our family graves) and repairing grave of my grandfather. I reminded him of what still needed to be done. His counterpart/helper spoke out in the middle “Bhai jaan mai apko theak batata hoon, yeh Qabristan ka purana hissa hai aur yahan iswaqt khara hona theak nahee hai; lutairay kisi bhee waqt ajate hai aur paise mobile wagaira cheen lete hai; so better we should talk outside this area”. So we quickly went away to discuss the remaining work in a much safer area. And rightly so I am often told by my family “We are not going to Graveyard these days because of vibrant criminal activity there”. It’s really painful to see such condition that these places are now been governed by criminals and who can loot you while you are there to visit graves of your dear and near ones. People who were a must for this world once, who kept themselves neat and clean, pious women; all of them now resting in graveyards catering all sorts of odd activities. Aaaah!

Apart from above; we have witnessed businesses of jaali pirs and their activities surrounding these graveyards. TV shows have often exposed such elements and their illogical and heinous activities by which they capture/destroy innocent people. People use the graveyards to do Taaveez dhaagay and Jadoo Tona which is clearly a sign of bad belief and diversion from the Islamic teachings. We also see rounders and addicted people using graveyards as places of peaceful activities. This is clearly an alarming situation and people should start thinking upon a social turnaround; we can at least get lesson from civilized nations who are keeping their graveyards up to the mark.

Government surely will not think about this; they have other important things to do like preparing their next generations to rule us in future... I am just wondering if social welfare organizations may take an initiative to keep up graveyards. If famous companies can adopt roundabouts/signals for their publicity; why can not they provide some funds for graveyards as their social responsibility? Can media take some time out to address these issues and spread social awareness? If not, we can make small individual family groups for take care of small bits of our family graves. This will encourage other people to realize their responsibilities. Remember death can reach us anytime, anywhere and at any age. Will you like to be surrounded by all above mess? It’s a NO from my side; what do you say???

Collateral Damage

Witnessing the Terror coming very close to a very special brother…

In this Machinery world where pure friendship and sincerity are seldom found; this planet still carries some individuals who are pure and lure. I am very lucky in a sense that I have found such people made of gold in almost every sphere of life be it family, teachers, colleagues or mentors. I always missed absence of an elder brother to which I could share my things, problems and sometimes do Ladiyaan with him. Zeeshan Hasan Yousuf  being of such kind individual with whom an office colleague relationship started and soon he became a very sweet elder brother. And to date we have some great memories of past eight years. He was always there in times of need and helped each one of us with an extra step and made a respectable place in our hearts which will last forever. This elder brother of mine got a severe tragedy last month while the SP Farooq Aawaan escaped an attacked last week in Karachi.

I never wondered this could happen to him until the next morning (on Friday 26^th September, 2014) after attack I saw his facebook status which said:

“As i picked up my father and took my sister to a safer area in our house that lay destroyed by a devastating bomb blast ... doors, windows & glass lying on the floor, i could hear a family screaming in agony in front of our gate; And what i saw will sadly stay with me forever. A lady cradled a body in her arms, screaming at the top of her lungs, "no no kill me kill me kill me. I do not know who was that unfortunate man. Was it her husband, son perhaps? Will that lady find peace in her life again ? Or will she go through the rest of her life, avoiding life ? And why do they say no one died, that there were minimum casualties. Why do they lie? 
l am just GRATEFUL that lives of my dear sister Ayesha A.h. Yusuf and that of my father were spared. Shaper Mirza you left just two days ago, don't know what i would have done if anything had happened to you. Someone spared our lives  
And i know this now ... That many people are victims of terrorist & other heinous attacks all too often in this city. This evil, this carnage had been happening in this country for a long time. It just came home today 
I think ignorance is (not always) bliss.

THANK YOU Atif Naeem Baig sb and Rafat Phupa for making it to our house on foot to provide food and assurance. No words to thank you all. God bless.”

— at Defence Phase V…

It was shocking news for me and I called him straight away just to make sure if he and rest were alright. At first he could not recognize my voice and when I told him my name; he said “Sultan please I am stuck now; and I shall call you back in a few minutes”. Oh my Allah, his voice was shaky and disrupted. His focus was scattered and I felt if he was instructing some people about something. I was sitting stunned on the chair and then started telling a few close people regarding this incident.

Later on, when I had a chance to talk with him in detail. He told me “This blast happened in front of my house. Things are worst here, there is destruction spread all over the house. All the things made of glass including LCD are broken. Main gate is dislodged and I have just placed two security guards to safeguard my home”...”What next? Are you going to shift now?” I asked…”At least I am going to shift Abbu and Aysha to one of my relatives; as I can not leave them in such an open/unsafe condition and somehow I will manage myself here”…And I was thinking, when will be my turn???...”Bas yaar dua karo, ke ye mushkil waqt kat jaye kisi tarah” he requested me for prayers.

In the coming days, I just kept on thinking where will this all end. Things are such out of control in our country that almost all of us are affected in one way or the other. Nonetheless, every other day we keep on hearing Major incidents happening with our close acquaintances. Is there any end to all this???

To date, this beloved brother is trying to gather himself and recollect his house again. The destruction is heavy and he is trying to get help/compensation from government; running from post to pillar. But not yet getting any proper response from the government which is a very sad thing indeed. I would like to request media/resourceful people to take up his case (and many other such affected) to share the burden and add their bit to heal the stressed people.  I would specially like to request ARY news for taking up this case in helping a very dear brother who was helping and running for other people yesterday and nobody is listening to him today.