Monday, October 22, 2012

Why Malala got shot and we didn't.


I have written a gazillion things on my blogposts which can get me shot on point blank with so many bullets that my corpse might not have a head left on it. So, what is the reason why many bloggers like me don't get shot?

1. We don't get covered by BBC, CNN, New York Times, etc.

2. We did not get covered by the local media after the hype created by the international media.

3. Neither did we get

 recognized for an International Peace Award nor did we got a National Peace Award from the government for writing a blog.

4. Even if we were able to get what we were not able to get in the 3 points mentioned above, we could have survived if we were not left ALONE and ISOLATED by those who 'encashed' us i.e. made money out of us and our stories.

Malala was unrecognizable, yet she was effective with her pseudonym in promoting the right of a girl willing to be educated in Swat (please note here that, the people of Swat always supported education, in general and for their females - there was a brief disruption - due to miscreants - from 2008 on wards till the military operation which concluded in 2009). The media disclosed her identity for their ratings and for their gains (and nothing else) and they made several news reports so that they are not left behind in the rat race; leaving her as an easy target in SWAT to be attacked by those she targeted.

It's too late to light vigils and pay Amir Liaqat to make duas outside AFIC, it's time to repent for using Malala as a bait to lure sympathies (read AID) and for making a mountain out of a mole hill (referring to the breakup of a group which is from a particular race of Pakhtun fighters with the Pakistan Army, support of Afghani Taliban and allowing ISAF-NATO forces to ignore the infiltration of mercenaries who cross over to kill our 'Malalas' in the disguise of militants or drones & for fighting a war which was never ours).

The war in Pakistan is not taking place to protect the poor, to relieve the suffering humanity from the evil clutches of 'moulvis' and/or to give females their rights; it's being fought only for selling weapons and grabbing control of resources.

So, let's vow not to throw our children as bait ever again. Let's stop following the shrewd wolf blindly; let's stop acting like an aloof herd, please.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Confessions of a man who was hit.


On 19th August 2007, Ali Malik and I were coming back after a late night gaming session, maybe trying to reach home earlier, trying to reach home before our parents wake up for Fajr. We were in Civic and Zakir Ali Khan and his Lexus lost the race by a fair margin on our way back. What we did not know was that a car would pop out from nowhere on our 'race track'. We hit it, we hit it hard at 140 km/hr. All were hurt, badly. 

I was wearing a seat belt, the air bag came out at the right time too, but the impact was enough to throw me into a wormhole where I experienced how it might feel when one dies, maybe. I came out with head injuries and a twisted fracture on the bone right behind my right hand's middle finger. Malik's knee was severely damaged, his car was a total mess. The Civic REBORN was now proclaimed as "Cancelled" by the Insurance Company; THE REBORN WAS NOW DEAD.

I escaped from the scene to reach back home safe. Samir Baluch was going to work and gave me a lift so that I could reach earlier. But, I had to stop to grab a can of Pepsi and a sandwich before heading home; yes I had to get indoors immediately but all what happened moments ago made me hungry. As soon as I reached home, it got more painful, was unable to move my right hand, the pain was unbearable. 

Allah saved the other person as well, his toe got fractured and we all were lucky to survive since he had a diesel drum (empty thankfully) in his trunk.

That incident was the last straw on the camel's back, it was one of those incidents from where my life started to take a new direction. 

Today, I am a survivor. Today, I am a person who knows one has to learn from mistakes and make sure never to repeat it. Today, I know living a life is a serious job.  I know I was given a chance by Allah (SWT) that I will not die today, but some other day INSHALLAH.

Today, I know I cannot lie and cheat with myself anymore. Today, I know every moment I live is a chance given by Him; the chance he gave me that day. Today, I am alive and celebrating Eid and enjoying the smiles I see on the faces of my parents and my sister Sadia Ishfaq.

I would like to say thanks to everyone Allah (SWT) sent that day to support... till date. I remember how Kamal, Asim AlBaloushi, Sohail and Masood Baluch were running all over to get their friends to hospital. I remember Ali Taha drawing the design of his plate number on my cast. I remember how Atif, Abbas, Zaheer and Asim felt... I still remember that one moment when we all got serious about life for a change while Taha was still busy completing the design on my cast (I still have that cast with me today).

I still remember.

A very happy EID MUBARIK to everyone who has touched my life till date, everyone who joined me in this walk of life and are treading along with me till date. May Allah fill your life with sweetness, happiness, peace, blessings, honesty, and with the joy of understanding every moment of your beautiful life which is a loan given by Him to you; a loan His Creation needs to pay back in order to show that they believe.

If I am not a thankful man today, I am not the person you should be listening to. May Allah bless all of us and forgive us for the mistakes and sins we have done and will do in the future this Eid for eternity... Ameen.

If you're living today, you're better than anyone in the world.

CHERISH. EVERY MOMENT. TODAY. EVERYDAY.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Balochistan: a case of social injustice.



A child in Loralai, Balochistan.


It might have been reported several times in the last six decades that there is an education crisis in Balochistan through various advocacy and human rights organizations, NGOs and even through government statistics. Over the years, the fact has become obvious that low literacy rate is the root cause for all the crises the province is engulfed with. The question is why all stakeholders have turned deaf? Stakeholders include the government at the center and province; it includes people like you and me who are based in developed urban centers.


As per the economic survey of Pakistan of 2009-2010, the literacy rate of Balochistan is hovering at 45% and the gender parity index (GPI) is 0.38 i.e. is the ratio of female enrollment to male enrollment. A GPI of more than one indicates that, in proportion to every male in the school, there is more than one female. So, you can see how critical the situation is in the province, especially for females. Additionally, the basic infrastructure at government schools is also in a wretched condition. 681 schools are without buildings, 7,689 are without boundary walls, 4197 are without drinking water facilities, 8,425 are without latrines, and 9,806 are without electricity.

The most critical gap is the lack of quality teachers and for this issue one party cannot be held as a scapegoat. The government has been unable to train quality teachers and Aghaz-e-Haqooq Balochistan has just given jobs with hefty salaries to teachers who barely qualify to be called one; cock eyed amongst the blind to be brutally honest. Moreover, only the rare honest ones give quality time to their students while the rest prefer to reach home before their duty hours are over. Most of them just spent a couple of hours at school and head back to their shells depriving ‘the future’ of a better future. Teachers are nothing less than guides; and if we are going to have such guides for our children, especially those in Balochistan, then only God can save Pakistan.

To control the backlash and the concerns of the Balochi people, the government was speedy in offering jobs to the unemployed youth in Balochistan and since education was a major concern several jobs were given in this particular field. But, due to hasty planning and non-existent monitoring and evaluation system, we look forward to a Messiah to descend and stop the carnage of education by the hands of government and the opportunists who are not performing their duties properly. A catastrophe which could have been easily avoided.

The above facts and figures are extremely worrying, considering the fact the population of Balochistan is approximately 1/3rd of Karachi. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel and that light will not fade away only if we all start working with pure intentions – karma has its own unique way of handling issues. The change we dream about will not come out if we do not break the chains which tie us and come out of the cage (shells) we live in i.e. our comfort zones; our drawing rooms. Yes, debate is necessary, but taking instant and sensible actions is imperative.

Honestly speaking, even if an honest political and administrative is established, the revolution will not come overnight; especially considering the fact the internal and external debts of this country cross a 100 billion dollars. The solution lies in the hands of the Balochi people, you and me. The Balochis (which includes 45% Pakhtuns living in the province) have to instill the feelings of honesty in their teachers so that they perform their duties properly and have to make sure they also send their daughters to schools. In the meantime, you and me have to rally around in order to provide them the resources which can help them and the government to build basic infrastructures which will make a facility eligible to be called a 'school'. We have to step up and show our support so that the students can gain education comfortably because the economic situation in Pakistan will not allow to fix the budgetary issues related to education all of a sudden; we need to self-generate the resources required to restore sanity into the education system of Balochistan.

We accuse that the government indulges in luxuries; come to think of it, aren’t they from us and quite similar to us? No? Well, if ‘no’ is the case do remember constructing a boundary wall is less than the price of the latest 15” Macbook Pro, providing a drinking facility to 200 people costs less than the registration you pay in order to get your new Honda Civic registered with government authorities in Islamabad and constructing latrines sufficient for 50 students costs less than a Samsung Galaxy Tab.

No matter how corrupt our system and politicians are, but we cannot be oblivious in pushing them in a corner. Putting our leaders, our servants in real terms, in constant pressure will surely make them perform well. But, as emphasized earlier, the change has to start within us - the ordinary people, if we want to see it reciprocating in the masses and eventually in our leaders/system of governance. This is the only solution to exterminate illiteracy in one of the oldest civilization of the world – Balochistan.

Actions speak louder than words.

STEP UP, PAKISTAN!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The Seven Commandments of Mian Mohammad Shahbaz 'Shareef' on Valentine's Day

The Seven Commandments

The 7 Commandments of Mian Shahbaz Sharif for 'BE-SHARAM' boys and girls. 

(Uff, I hate doing translations... Khair, this is for the 'burgers')

1. Every 'special' and 'mango' is informed to respect the supremacy of the law on 14th February 2012.

(Hmmm... only one day, sounds good...what do you say all the Haqqanis and Gillanis out there?)


2. It is informed, especially to young boys and girls not to violate the Islami Act.

(Don't worry 24 + people, it's your day!)

3. On special directions of 'Wazir Aala' (Hey, you were Khadim-e-Aala before), a special team has been formed.

(And Samaa TV has acquired the broadcasting rights. and Maya Khan is returning. :O )

4. Punjab Polse's special team will travel whole of Punjab.

(ROAD TRIP DUDE! YEH CHEEZ!)

5. The team would be stationed at local hotels, parks, cafe shops and BAKERIES.

(Bakeries, WTF (Well That's Fantastic)...
HINT: Hit the motorway boyz and girlz... and keep on driving!)

6. Any member of the youth caught 'making love' will be prosecuted as per the Islami Act.

(Once again, this rule does not apply on people who are 24 + according to UN general assembly and The World Bank. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth#Age_limits)

7. It is requested to all parents to keep their children under their supervision.

(MOM & DAD: Yeh kya baat hui! Hmph!)

- Mian Mohammad Shahbaz 'Shareef'
Chief Minister, Punjab
 

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Peace redefined by Akhuwat.

Signing of MOU with Dr. Amjad Saqib, Executive Director, Akhuwat


For me and the 12 other cyclists, the voyage was life changing and inspirational. From the outlook of it, many people will conclude it as an activity which would have tested our physical fitness only. I tend to disagree with those people; my disagreement will make me stand at least two football fields away from them.

I do not have the right set of words to express my gratitude to each and every one who stood with us during this journey. My first post after Pedal for Peace is dedicated to Akhuwat – The Largest Interest Free Microfinance Network inPakistan and our first supporter.

Each and every one from Akhuwat was so compassionate with us throughout that the last six (6) months felt like a fairy tale rather than a roller coaster ride. It all began when I decided to share the idea of Pedal of Peace with a mentor of mine - Saleem Ahmed Ranjha saab. He was in Saudi Arabia that time and we talked over Facebook chat about this.

I still remember that once I had explained him the idea that we wanted to promote the message of notable organizations that are bringing a social change, or I would call revolution in Akhuwat's case, his words were, "I hope it will not be uncomfortable for you." For him, my health and safety was first; for me to forget such a caring attitude is impossible.

He referred us to Dr. Amjad Saqib who is the Executive Director of Akhuwat. During the meeting with him in Lahore, I got answers for those issues which I had not visualized before and I might not have ever visualized if I did not meet him. After 30 minutes into the conversation it felt I was not presenting him an idea, instead it felt we had switched roles and he was the one sharing his idea. The sense of ownership he showed was astonishing; it was the defining point of this journey. We got a guide whose only job in the world is to empower the deprived and lead people towards peace.

Later on, a lot of other organizations jumped on the band wagon - national and international. The partnership with Akhuwat opened endless number of doors. Following were the other partners who joined after Akhuwat: Taaleem Foundation, Essakhel Foundation, Human Relief Foundation UK, National Highways and Motorway Police, Future Leaders of Pakistan, Islamabad the Capital website, Kuch Khaas, Focal Point Magazine, The News International, News One, Radio 1 FM 91 and Jemware.

Like any other journey, the hurdles one has to cross to reach the end always come unexpected. We had numerous situations were at times it looked like we would never be able to Pedal for Peace. But, the support and guidance from each and every person who stood behind us during the course of this journey boosted our morale to incomparable levels every day. We had three accidents on the way, I was involved in two. But, none was an obstacle which could have brought our effort to a grinding halt. We all moved on. 

From 5-8th January 2012, we were pushed into a realm of knowledge where emotions were going to be used in educating humanity about humanity. Dr. Amjad Saqib had introduced us to Anser Nawaz Chatta. The duo planned an itinerary for us which sparkled and revived the human in our souls which usually gets lost in the monotony of our professional lives.

After being flagged off from Faisal Mosque, we were welcomed by LRBT at our first stop in Mandara. LRBT is a welfare hospital which restores the eyesight of the needy. In the language of symbolism, it was surely an eye opener for blind people like us, who can see through eyes but are unable to see through our hearts; who are oblivion to the blessings, who take blessings for granted. Moving on to the next day, we were welcomed by organizations which are playing a significant role in providing solutions to special children and the deaf. We met such organizations at Dina and Jhelum.

On Day 1, it was more of a race than a march towards Peace. After meeting the children who these organizations were serving, we re-grouped instinctively and started looking for those who were in our group and left behind. The sight of those special children waiting to flag us off and waving their placards early in the morning brought a lot of cyclists to tears. Those who were fast on the track started to wait for the brothers who were slow. The transformation had begun; the seeds of brotherhood had been sowed.
 

The second day ended at the Bashir Hospital in Gujrat. Battling it out with the rain and in my case with injuries due to the two accidents I had, we all reached successfully to Gujrat. Dr. Ijaz Bashir welcomed us in the most jubilant fashion. For us it was a treat, to know about his work and effort for those who are suffering from cleft lip and palate syndrome. Staying at his house and the dinner was also a treat. 

The meeting with Dr. Ijaz Bashir and his brothers made us realize that success comes to those who are modest and fulfill the obligation which Allah has given them i.e. to help the human race with the resources Allah has given them.
Beyond doubt, that is a test Dr. Ijaz Bashir is passing it with flying colors. What else can be better than giving someone the ability to smile? He is doing that for twenty years by providing free operations to those suffering from cleft lip and palate syndrome.

We left from Gujrat after a heavy breakfast at Dr. Ijaz Bashir's house. We felt a little shy as there was gas shortage in the city on that particular day, but he and his family did not let it hinder the grand table which was laid in front of us - most of it home cooked food; channay, poori, halwa and I am still wondering why he forgot lassi?!

We left towards Gujranwala after being flagged of by the Dr. Ijaz Bashir, his brothers and the DC Gujrat with a lot of zeal, zest and ‘fat’ in our bodies - maybe that was the reason that we ended up at our final destination an hour earlier - which surprised the organizers on the way, in Gujranwala, and the District Government waiting to receive us at the Jinnah Stadium. It is the same stadium where Sachin Tendulkar made his ODI debut in 18th December 1989. 
 

On our route to Gujranwala, after crossing the Chenab Toll Plaza we were welcomed by The Knowledge School. Near Rahwali Cantonments we were welcome by students who could not hear but were full of life and positive energy. We were offered the traditional Gujranwala delicacy - Kulfi. We interacted with the young boys through the help of interpreters. They knew why we were on the road cycling, though they were not cycling with us but they assured us of their support.

One thing which will be fair to say is that throughout this trip the meaning of peace was being defined and refined – the evolution did not stop at all. Peace is just not a word to describe happiness, calmness and serenity; it is a subject which covers different aspects of our society which needs to be stable in order to call an environment ‘peaceful’.

Tiredness had taken a toll on our bodies now and some of us succumbed to it – we woke up late on the final day. Thankfully, we re-grouped and left Gujranwala; one and half hours late. Such was the effect of re-grouping, pep talk we had and the bond of brotherhood that we reached on time i.e. we reached 1 and a half hours earlier to everyone's surprise. Surely, Allah can do anything and everything. He shortens and lengthens and He makes the tests easier and tough to test His slaves. 

Children who could not hear, at Kamoke, waited for us. We could hear them; we could see they were full of lives. We could see they had to will to succeed, no matter what; having one sense less was no hindrance for them. I could see old and young in my group bursting and hiding their tears at the same time. Some wore glasses to hide their emotions, some just escaped into corners so they do not get noticed. Realization was sinking in, unfulfilled desires of life did not matter much for this group anymore; the revival had begun - the resurgence showed us that blessings can never be taken for granted.
 


Children at Kamoke
We entered into Lahore at 3.55 PM.

The road was cordoned off by NH & MP and the local police. Lahore was on a standstill when we entered, we had made it to Minar-i-Pakistan. In that moment of celebration near Minar-i-Pakistan and with all that noise in that area; we could still hear a strange silence inside us. It was the silence which we had set ourselves for – the quietness of peace.

Throughout this journey, I used to enlighten the cyclists and the supporters the meaning behind our idea of cycling from Faisal Masjid to Minar-i-Pakistan. The idea which created Pakistan was Islam and Minar-i-Pakistan depicts the success of the idea. Hence, in the same way Pedal for Peace (1st Edition) was a journey to show that ideas can become realities.  


We entered into Lahore and were welcomed by Dr. Amjad Saqib, Dr. Izhar Hashmi and some more Akhuwat members. For us, we concluded that this was the end of our endurance.

Dr. Amjad Saqib and Anser Nawaz had informed us that our night stay would be at Fountain House. After toiling on the roads for the past four (4) days in freezing temperatures, singing Chalta Ja Rey and Dil Dil Pakistan, we reached Fountain House. No one had ever heard about Fountain House and everyone who was asking me about the place where we will spend the night in Lahore before and during the trip, I used to say, "We will be staying at a guest house, by the name of Fountain House…". I thought it was some lavish guest house.

Early in my life, ALHAMDULILAH, Allah (SWT) had given me an opportunity to help a person who had reached to a level of depression which could have taken his life. So, ending up at Fountain House gave me that strong feeling of déjà vu. Fountain House is working for decades to help people who lose mental stability due to depression or drugs. It is a welfare hospital which accommodates more than 400 patients – men and women – who are provided with excellent food, living conditions and medical care.

The realization and reality was sinking in now; for once all this sinking feeling did not make me sick. Going through Fountain House and meeting the members (the patients) over there was a life altering. Throughout Pedal for Peace, I thought I was the shepherd who was taking his flock along to graze the field to give them an opportunity which can nurture them, but, instead, I was a member of the flock which was being nurtured by Akhuwat. The meeting with Akhuwat members in the end and knowing people like Ranjha Saab, Amjad Saab, Izhar Hashmi Saab, Anser Saab and a lot more was the best we could have ever got.

I can go on and on in elucidating which cannot be described. I can go on and on to share all the lessons our group learnt or tried to preach, but I do not have the right set of words to express my gratitude to Allah and then to Akhuwat and every member of its.

Thank you Akhuwat!