Jaho Jalal

Rumi's Poetry: Life without devotion (worship or total submission) is a disgrace زندگی بے بندگی شرمندگی

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 15:02:00 +0500

In my childhood, I used to accompany my family to visit an uncle living in the then emerging and thriving colony 'Shad Bagh,' near Lahore Railways station across the 'Do Moria Pull - A bridge with two entrances)'. En route there was a mosque on which there was a big board displaying three words as written above. These were my father's favourite but I was too small to understand the literal meaning of these words.

It was only not many decades later when before proceeding on a yearlong course in Iran, I underwent a diploma level Persian language course at the National Institute of Modern Languages 'NIML' (now NUML after being elevated to the level of a university) that I came to know the true meaning of these three words:

زندگی آمد، برائے بندگی

زندگی بے بندگی شرمندگی

Zindagi Aamad Bara'ay Bandagi

Zindagi Be Bandagi Sharmindagi

Life is only for devotion.

Life without devotion (worship or total submission) is disgrace

And more so, it dawned on me that these mystical words flowed from the mind and pen of none other than one of the great Persian language poet Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī (جلال‌الدین محمد بلخى‎) - also known as Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (جلال‌الدین محمد رومی). Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, theologian, and Sufi mystic, was born in Wakhsh (present-day Tajikistan) and rose to be highly revered poet and religious scholar.

Rumi drew spiritual aspiration from one of the great names in the mystic world Shams-i-Tabrīzī or Shams al-Din Mohammad. It is said that one day Rumi was reading next to a large stack of books. Shams Tabriz, passing by, asked him, "What are you doing?" Rumi scoffingly replied, "Something you cannot understand." On hearing this, Shams threw the stack of books into a nearby pool of water. Rumi hastily rescued the books and to his surprise they were all dry. Rumi then asked Shams, "What is this?" To which Shams replied, "Mowlana, this is what you cannot understand."

So, this the level of these two great names in poetry and spiritual world and both are revered til today by Iranians, Turks, Afghans, Tajiks, and other Central Asian Muslims as well as the Muslims of the Pakistan and India. However, the name of Shams-i-Tabrīzī should not be confused with Shah Shams Tabrizi buried in Multan, Pakistan.

Now with this background (or if you want to read more about these two spiritual personalities, hit on the highlighted links for details given in Wikipedia), I came to understand the true meaning of the three words which did not make sense to me in my childhood and I wondered then as to why my father liked these three words so much. Since my father knew Persian very well, he must have known the background, which I learnt many years later in my life.

Read the full poetry of Rumi given here in under and see how beautiful spiritual and mystic thinking can be be. And you would also know the correlation between زندگی بے بندگی شرمندگی with the rest of the poetry:

تو کریمی، من کمینہ بردہ عم

لیکں از لطف شمار پروردہ عم

Too Karimi Mun Kamina Barda Um

Laikin Az Lutf E Shuma Parwarda Um

You are gracious and I am the ignoble, standing at your door.

You are my cherisher.

زندگی آمد، برائے بندگی

زندگی بے بندگی شرمندگی

Zindagi Aamad Bara'ay Bandagi

Zindagi Be Bandagi Sharmindagi

Life is only for devotion.

Life without devotion (worship or total submission) is a disgrace.

یاد اے او سرمایہ ایماں بو ند

ھر جگہ، از یاد او سلطاں بوند

Yaad E Oo Sarmaya E Eeman Bo'ad

Har Gada Az Yaad E Oo Sultan Bo'ad

Remembrance of him is the foundation of faith.

The beggars are like kings due to his remembrance.

سید و سرور محمد(صلی اللا علیہ وسلم) نور جاں

معتر او بھتر شفیع مجرمان

Sayyad O Sarwar Mohammad Noor E Jaan

Mehtar O Behtar Shafi E Mujrimaan

Mohammad (pbuh) was purified of worldly things,

he got this reward:

God said to him, Whatever direction you face your prayer,

My face is to that direction.

His soul like an eagle of Heaven as God called him Mercy for all the creations of God.

چوں محمد(صلی اللا علیہ وسلم) پاک شد از نار او دود

ھر کجا روح کرد وج اوللا بود

Choon Muhammad Pak E Shud Az Nar O Dood

Her Kaja Roo Karad Wajhullah Bood

There is no greater or better of all the prophets than Mohammad (pbuh).

He is the praise of God and therefore has been praised very much.

He is the reflection of God in the shape of a worshipper of God.

شھباز لاماکانی جان او

رحمت لل عالعمیں در شان او

Shahbaaz Lamakani Jaan E Oo

Rehmatal Lil Aalameen Dar Shaan E Oo

The friends of God are like God because God is their friend and in this way he who has seen his spiritual leader, sees God.

one who doesn't see his spiritual leader as God is not a true spiritual disciple.

معترین او بھترین انبیاہ

جز محمد(صلی اللا علیہ وسلم) نیست در ارض و سماں

Mehtareen O Behtareen E Ambiyaah

Juz Muhammad Naist Dar Arz O Samaa

There is no greater or better of all the prophets than Mohammad (S.A.W)*.

* SallaAllah-u-Alaih-e-Wasslam (Peace be upon him)

آں محمد(صلی اللا علیہ وسلم) حامر او محمود شد

شکل عابد،صورت معبود شد

Aan Mohammad Hamid O Mahmoud Shud

Shakal E Abid, Sorat E Ma'bood Shud

اولیاہ، اللا ہ اللا اولیاہ،

یعنی دید پیر، دید کبریاہ

Auliyah Allah O Allah Auliyah

Yani Deed E Peer Deed E Kibriyah

ھرکہ پیر او زات حق راہ یک نہ دید

نے مرید او نے مرید او نے مرید

Her Ka Peer O Zaat Haqra Aik Na Deed

Nai Mureed O Nai Mureed O Nai Mureed

مولوی ھر گز نہ شر مولائے روم

تا غلام شمس تبریزی نہ شد

Maulvi Hargiz Na Shud Maula E Rum

Ta Ghulaam E Shams Tabraizi Na Shud

Maulvi (Rumi was also called Maulana / Maulvi Rumi for being a religious teacher as well) could never be Maula-i-Rum (spiritual leader or Master) if he had not devoted himself to Shams Tabrizi - The spiritual Master of Maulana Rumi (Rehmatullah-e-Alayeh)

The last verses are attributed by Rumi to his spiritual teacher and guide Shams Tabrizi - a great thing only great minds and hearts can do. Otherwise, small people like us disregard any attribution to our elders and take all undue credit to show our false elevation in literature and spiritualism. And perhaps for this Tabrizi had told Rumi: 'Mowlana, this is what you cannot understand' - not intended for Rumi but for us......

This post was originally posted in my blog: The Fire Within

Phot: Pixabay | References: | Wikipedia | Rumi's Poetry/Persian Text/Translation courtesy Sufi Music

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Morocco in FIFA world Cup Semis - History in the making

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 14:08:00 +0500

Ever felt privileged to be part of history in the making? Yesterday I felt being that privileged one "watching" history in the making. The quarter final match between Portugal and Morocco was the venue of this historical event being penned down in the history.

Noone could image that an African country, and a Muslim country, ever to make it to the semis of the FIFA World Cup Soccer? Well, it was yesterday that all myths were broken. The 1:0 win be favorites Portugal in the quarters led them to the semis - a great feat for the Moroccans and the Africans.

Ass per FIFA, "What a journey it has been. Group F had been widely viewed as Qatar 2022's toughest, containing as it did the teams that finished second and third at the last FIFA World Cup." The lone goal in the later part of the first half was a maestro. And thereafter even calling ‏Cristiano Ronaldo in the early second half could not turn the sides and Morocons finished semifinalists. Wow

Watch the highlights of this memorable historic FIFA match ever:

Let us now wait and see whether the resilient Moroccans continue to make history till the final of the FIFA World Cup soccer at Qatar 2022.

Photo | References | 1 |

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A prayer for the new morning

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 21:07:00 +0500

Every new morning is a blessing from the Almighty God, After a hard day's night, we fell asleep, mostly sound sleep, and we never know what is happening outdoors or anywhere else in the world. Then the rooster's morning call and adhan from the nearby mosque wakes us up. And then we realize that we are alive for yet another day and we really thank God for this great blessing.

Some of us open the window and feel the cool breeze that is silently hissing past carrying the unpolluted freshness that is so very refreshing and soul enchanting. Thanking God, I bow my head to my Creator and seek in my true earnest forgiveness.

Then I supplicate and silently cry out to my Lord and say with tearful eyes:

O my Creator, the merciful and bountiful!!
Please forgive me - a forgiveness after which there are no sins
Please bless me with guidance, after which there is going astray
Please grant me such health, after which there is no illness or ailment
and
Please bless me with your countless blessings, after which there is no drought of your blessings for me and my family

And I wish love and peace to everyone who reads this and prays in one’s earnest for forgiveness of one’s sins and thanks the Almighty for another beautiful day to day.

Happy good morning

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Roses in my life

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 15:35:00 +0500

Roses are probably the most liked flowers around the world for their exotic colours, scented aromatic smell and beautiful shapes. Although roses come in many colours, but red roses stand out from the rest for their majestic shape, beauty and fragrance. While roses are synonymous with love and happiness, these also come with thorns of pains:

“If you enjoy the fragrance of a rose, you must accept the thorns which it bears.” – Isaac Hayes

That is rose brings love but also bears thrones that brig sadness and harsh realities of life. And I am going to talk of both love and happiness, and sadness and pain when talking of red roses. Roses remind me of two special events of my life that both happened on 10th of June, though years apart.

It is the day when I got engaged for life with my wife almost four decades ago and a garland made of fresh roses was hung around my neck when I reached the house of my spouse. That was the first of roses and it was a day of celebrations and joy for our two families. That was my first encounter with red roses that infused lifetime happiness and love in my life..

And then came another 10th of June many years later – a sad day for me as I bade farewell to my father who boarded his heavenly flight and left me forever. And when he had been buried, I showered rose petals on this grave to bid him farewell amid the scent of fresh roses. That was though a day of roses for me, it was utterly sad and lamenting as I had lost not only my father, but a friend, a mentor, a teacher and someone who shaped me to live a life of integrity and honesty as he had lived all along his life.

So I celebrate the day with a tinge of joy and sadness as roses remind me of my engagement – which started my married life, and roses again that were scattered on the grave of my father. How could I forget roses and 10th of June ever in my life!!

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I always let it get too late

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 18:51:00 +0500

Procrastination is the action of unnecessarily and voluntarily delaying or postponing something despite knowing that there will be negative consequences for doing so. There are a large number of people around the world who for many known and unknown reasons delay doing things, and so do I.

I for one have suffered for delaying or postponing things for no good reasons and have suffered for not having done things in time - time when I could have picked up courage or strength and finished doing my work rather than delaying it for another day.

While we are sitting idle and random thoughts wandering in our memory, there are times when some bright idea suddenly pops up - and that was the time to materialize that idea, just as E. L. Simpson said: "Getting an idea should be like sitting on a pin; it should make you jump up and do something." But if one does not feel the prick of the pin and let that idea get lost in many useless thoughts, one has lost a fortune.

Or as famous scientist Sir Alexander Graham Bell said: "The only difference between success and failure is the ability to take action." He cashed on to this idea and became known for many of his inventions, specially the telephone.

So back to losing time and delaying things, which can sometimes saves lives or save an innocent by being prosecuted by divulging the truth. and when talking of procrastination, one of my favourite poetry is by Pakistan's renowned poet Munir Niazi, whose poem "Hamesha dair kar deta hun main" or in other words I always let it get too late starts playing in my memory.

Herein under is the Urdu text of Munir Niazi's poem - verses repeated in Roman English. This piece of poetry is a masterpiece to express one's inability to do things in time and delay these which often cause harm and regret for not acting in time:

ہمیشہ دیر کر دیتا ہوں میں

Hamesha dair kr deta hoon main

ہمیشہ دیر کر دیتا ہوں میں

Hamesha dair kr deta hoon main

ضروری بات کہنی ہوں

Zarori baat kehni ho

کوئی وعدہ نبھانا ہو

Koi wadha nibhana ho

اُسے آواز دینی ہوں

Ussey awaz deni ho

اُسے واپس بُلانا ہو

Ussey wapis bulana ho

ہمیشہ دیر کر دیتا ہوں میں

Hamesha dair kr deta hoon main

مدد کرنی ہو اُس کی

Madad karni ho us ki

یار کی ڈھارس بندھانا ہو

Yaar ki dharas bandhana ho

بُہت دیرینہ رستوں پر

Buhat derina rastoon par

کسی سے ملنے جانا ہو

Kissi se milney jana ho

ہمیشہ دیر کر دیتا ہوں میں

Hamesha dair kr deta hoon main

بدلتے موسموں کی سیر میں

Badaltey mousmoon ki shair mein

دل کو لگانا ہو

Dil ko lagana ho

کسی کو یاد رکھنا ہو

Kissi ko yaad rakhna ho

کسی کو بُھول جانا ہو

Kissi ko bhool jana ho

ہمیشہ دیر کر دیتا ہوں میں

Hamesha dair kr deta hoon main

کسی کو موت سے پہلے

Kissi ko mout se phele

کسی غم سے بچانا ہو

Kissi gham se bachana ho

حقیقت اور تھی کچھ

Haqeeqat aor thi kuch

اُس کو جا کے یہ بتانا ہو

Us ko ja key yeh batana ho

ہمیشہ دیر کر دیتا ہوں میں

Hamesha dair kr deta hoon main

Now listen to the legendary poet Munir Niazi reciting the above said poem in his own very style (video is in Urdu with English sub titles):

How about you? Are you one of the people being referred to in this post? Has it ever left you in regret ever?

Photo | References | 1 | 2 |

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Boeing 707 barrel-rolled on the day I was born

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 12:47:00 +0500

Do you remember any meaningful event that is related to the day you were born? Well I do and it was one of the most astonishing feats of aviation history that was performed by Alvin “tax” Johnston on 7^th August 1955 – the day I was born.

Early 1950s were the days of the development of the first jet engine aircrafts of the world – then under development by the world renowned company, the Boeing. And the earlier days made history every day the aviation moved closer to commercial jetliners.

Photo: Boeing Dreamscape via Wikimedia Commons

During that time, Boeing was testing the 707 prototype – the Dash 80. It was the first jetliner developed by the company and was supposed to bring down travel time significantly. Boeing's chairman at the time, Bill Allen, realized it was the perfect opportunity to show off the prototype to all the airline executives who had assembled there from around the world. Allen asked Johnston to perform a flyover of the Dash 80 over Lake Washington for the benefit of industry executives watching it from chartered boats on the lake. Johnston agreed but had a surprise planned.

Instead of performing a simple flyover, as decided, Johnston decided to surprise everyone by performing a barrel roll. According to the Seattle Times, he executed the barrel roll at a speed of 490 miles/hr (789 km/hr), flying the airplane upside down. And on 7^th August 1955, Alvin “tax” Johnston barrel-rolled the Dash-80, the prototype of the Boeing 707, overhead some 25,000 people watching the huge aircraft flying over their heads at Lake Washington. Remember barrel-roll is a 360 turn of an aircraft around its axis – a feat normally undertaken by fast speed tiny jet fighters as their roll takes far lesser time than rolling over a huge commercial airliner.

As if doing it once was not enough, the ace pilot repeated the maneuver in case anyone had missed it. In an interview, Johnston spoke about his decision to perform the barrel roll twice, stating, “I knew that no one would believe what they had seen, so I turned around and I came back and repeated the same thing on a westerly heading.”

Now you may like to watch the Boeing Barrel-Roll for yourself, for it was a once in life time feat of professional excellence:

Do you remember any such big event related to your birthday?

References | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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Pakistan officially inducts J10C 4.5+ Generation fighter aircraft in its air force

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 16:26:00 +0500

11th March 2022 is a landmark day in the history of Pakistan as it officially inducted multi-role J10C 4.5+ generation Chinese combat aircraft into its air force today in a special ceremony held at PAF Base Kamra. The prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was the chief guest. The induction of J10 aircraft is seen as a counter balance to the recently inducted Rafale aircraft in the Indian air force. The J-10C will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force.

China, a long tested ally of Pakistan, has been consistently providing cutting-edge military equipment to its closest ally and iron brother, Pakistan. This military cooperation is seen by many as a Chinese ploy aimed at counterbalancing India’s military power in the region. the J-10C also took part in the Pakistan-China joint exercise Shaheen, during which it successfully hit all targets. Due to their close military ties, Pakistan and China hold Joint Air Exercises every year. Pakistan hosted the first such drill in March 2011.

Already both China and Pakistan have jointly produced JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft, of which three variants have already been inducted into its air force. Not only this, Pakistan has also exported JF-17 Thunder aircraft to Myanmar and Nigeria and many countries have showed their interest in low cost high performance aircraft.

The Chengdu J-10 (simplified Chinese: 歼-10; traditional Chinese: 殲-10; NATO reporting name: Firebird) also known as Vigorous Dragon (Chinese: 猛龙; pinyin: Měnglóng), is a medium-weight, single-engine, multirole combat aircraft capable of all-weather operations, configured with a delta wing and canard design, with fly-by-wire flight controls. The J-10 is mainly designed for air-to-air combat, but can also perform strike missions.

J-10C is the upgraded version of J-10B, it is equipped with an indigenous Active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire-control radar and is equipped with imaging infrared seeker (IIR) PL-10, WS-10B engine[59] and new dual pulse rocket motor PL-15 air-to-air missile (AAM).

Watch the officially launched video of J10C by Pakistan Airforce today:

Know more about J10C aircraft and its design features by clicking here.

Photo: PAF Fighters | References | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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Today, yet another meaningless day passed away

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 16:09:00 +0500

Is our life meaningless? Well for the ordinaries, life is full of challenges and there is hardly any time to ponder over the meaning of the true life or whether it is meaningless or not. For some who are depressed for some reasons, be economic, social, spiritual or family disturbances, at some point in time their depression makes their life meaningless. Under such circumstances, negativity surrounds him and living becomes difficult.

Poets are normally people who live in utter poverty or their circumstances builds an aura of melancholy around them which results in poetic works full of sadness and expression of one's difficult times. In such distress, they do not feel like doing anything except writing some superb poetry as famous Punjabi-Urdu language poet of Pakistan Munir Niazi wrote.

Herein under is a piece of his Punjabi poetry in which he laments of a wasteful day. I have tried to translate each worse in English. Though this translation cannot match the rhythmic tone of his poetry, yet it may give an idea what he is trying to say:

Scroll down for video of this poetic work by Munir Niazi himself

Aj da din vi aenwein langya

yet another meaningless day passed away

koi vi kam na hoya

no worthwhile work could be done

purab valon charya suraj

The sun rose from the east

pascham vang khaloya

Came to set at the west

na milya mai khalqat nu

Neither did I meet any people

na mai yaad khuda nu kita

Nor did I remember God

na mai parhi namaz

Neither did I offer my prayers

na mai jaam sharab da pita

Nor did I drink a peg of wine

khushi na gham koi kol na aya

Happiness or sadness, nothing came near me

na hasya na roya

Neither did I laugh nor did I cry

Aj da din vi aenwei langya

yet another meaningless day passed away

Now listen to Munir Niazi in his very own style reading his above shared poetry:

About the poet: Munir Ahmed Niazi, (Punjabi: منیر نیازی ) (9 April 1923– 26 December 2006) was an Urdu and Punjabi language poet from Pakistan. He also wrote for newspapers, magazines and radio. Originally of Pashtun descent, Munir Ahmed used to call himself Punjabi as Punjabi definition is cultural and geographical and most of his poetic expression was done in the Punjabi language. He was awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) Award in 2005 and Pride of Performance Award in 1992 for his notable services in Urdu and Punjabi poetry.

Photo | Reference | 1 | 2 |

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Why would someone wait for me!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 14:47:00 +0500

I am making this post extremely short to just give a message. It is up to my friends and connections to ponder over it and g down into the meaning of these four lines:

Would someone wait for me?

Would someone waste life for me?

I am not special for someone

So why would someone remember me?

We all think that we are special for many around us – but so do everyone else. Thus everyone expects to be treated like a special entity – but how could a special person like other special person because then his degree of being special will lose marks. So we keep waiting for someone to walk over to us and tell us how special we are for him/her.

So we keep waiting all along our lives for someone to wait and remember us!!

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The answer is blowing in the wind

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 14:13:00 +0500

Peace is one thing that everyone longs for. Writers, thinkers and peace lovers have been struggling for establishment of peace all over the world and condemning the use of force to settle score between people and nations. Yet nations, fond of wielding their muscles for gaining top s lots in world dominance continue to ignore calls for peace and are hell bent to destroy it.

The musicians and song writers too have joined the peace lovers and some very moving lyrics have been sung to draw world attention to peace. Bob Dylan (Noble price in Literature for 2016 ) once wrote and sang a beautiful song. He draws attentions to the wrongdoings the answer of which is known to everyone but no one is ready to accept and say it boldly, so he simple says "The answer is blowing in the wind."

And what do we mean by this: The answer is blowing in the wind? For example the people of Palestine and Kashmir are suffering from the atrocities of Israel and India and denied their right to peace and independence, yet these two countries are supported by some world powers to continue with their rule of oppression and deny rights to the people they oppress. Most people know that the these two people are to be liberated from the yoke of oppression and given independence, but no one is bold enough to say it. Yes, “the answer is blowing in the wind”.

Read the lyrics of the song below and I have highlighted some of the mind boggling lines of which the entire world knows the answer, yet it is blown in the wind:

How many roads must a man walk down

Before you call him a man?

How many seas must a white dove sail

Before she sleeps in the sand?

and how many times must the cannonballs fly

Before they're forever banned?

The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind

how many years must a mountain exist

Before it is washed to the sea?

And how many years can some people exist

Before they're allowed to be free?

and how many times can a man turn his head

And pretend that he just doesn't see?

The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind

and how many times must a man look up

Before he can see the sky?

And how many ears must one man have

Before he can hear people cry?

and how many deaths will it take 'til he knows

That too many people have died?

The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind

The answer is blowin' in the wind

See, how easy these questions are and how candidly have these have been said, yet no one cares, and we just simple enjoy this melodious song and keep sinning it of and on, yet not raising voice so that these could be addressed and peace prevails.

You may listen to this song, but please don't blew up the answer to the wind (re-sung by Jessica Rhaye:

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We and our Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 01:11:00 +0500

When I was a kid, though if I am not at 66 years past, whenever any class fellow of mine came to visit me, my father would invariable ask that who had come. And I would say without any hesitation that a friend a of mine. My father would just smile and tell me that he may be your acquaintance or a mere class fellow but not a friend. And that always puzzled me for I was suer that someone who visiting me was nothing but a friend. The notion is similar as we have more than xxxx numbers of friends on Facebook and many others on various social media networks – but despite that we are all alone. I know the reason: These countless numbers are just acquaintances – not my friends, as my father told me decades ago.

I also read many posts that they were defrauded by the person called friend who left when they needed the friend the most. I also know the answer here too: They were just people piling up their list of friend by making you a friend and getting a reciprocal action.

But one comes to know who actually one’s friends are - and mind you they cannot be more than a few. Anyone who claims that he has a dozen or more friends, he is sadly mistaken While one progresses in life, your Wishlist of friends continues to scale down. The test of true friendship comes if God forbids one stumbles and is in real distress. Our hardships tell us who our friends really are – and do not be surprised to know that the number would not be more than a couple.

You may not agree with me – but I have learnt this the hard way. Don’t make a mistake identifying your friends lest you are disappointed and get heart broken.

You may listen to a beautiful song "You've got a friend" by James Taylor that beautifully describes friendship - my favourite since my teen age:

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Always preserve your childhood

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 22:32:00 +0500

This post is specially those who have gone past their prime youth age and stepping in to the rather serious stage of their life. It is also applicable for me as I have already entered the age of senior citizen.

When one is old, one has two choices – shroud oneself in the old age or while still behaving like an old man, doesn’t let the child inside die and keep him giggling. It is the second type of oldies who live a meaningful, vibrant and happy old age. In fact those who preserve their childhood never grow old – they are always young at heart, which keeps them healthy and happy.

In his book "I'm OK - You're OK" psychiatrist Thomas Anthony Harris presents a practical guide to transactional analysis as a method for solving problems in life. According to him, each man's life is composed of three segments: Parent, Adult and Child. And man reflects these segments of his life every now and then. And it is the last segment child that is the subject of post today.

So be a child much too often. One may still wear a short and go out and play in the rain – one may still like to wear gaudy colour clothes one wore in the childhood and crack jokes and move about heartily. Although one should not be like a child all the time, but occasionally recalling one’s childhood has no harm. and to do that, one must never quit the family of school or college day friends for it is they who help has reminisce our childhood and recall days of our innocence or should I say golden period of our life. A life that is long past but can be relived when with friends of our childhood.

Zurich, Switzerland - 2014 (Photo: Jalal HB)

I saw this young couple in their 60s, wearing colourful clothes and glasses with rectangular and round frame, enjoying their childhood youth merrily. They giggled and laughed and held each other tight with a passionate kiss. I saw them enjoying while standing outside a nearby shop and took this photo. How often do we do this - perhaps very seldom.

The choice rests with us: Live a dull and boring life, mostly clinging to our reclining chair, reading newspapers full of hair raising news and then feel helpless for not having changed the world, or go out and meet friends and make our life joyous and health for hearty Laughters raise our spirits and in turn keeps us healthy.

Social media is one such forum where once can find lost friends and lost childhood happiness. I for myself was found out by a school day class fellow and then the chain was not ending as through him I found out many other class fellows I haven't met or even talked to for good about four to five decades. I have already shared my experience of finding out lost friend in one of my earlier posts: School days friends: Lost and Found.

And these reunions even took me to Groningen, Holland to meet a friend of school days and had hearty laughs with him recalling our school days, our mischiefs - something that made our families smile too, seeing oldies laughing like kids.

Would you like to relive your childhood in your old age?

Photo |

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A hearty breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Fri, 4 Feb 2022 14:35:00 +0500

The life of retirees is very busy right from morning till bedtime. However, the life revolves around two things: newspaper and food. I too like many of my "retired colleagues" enjoy these two forms of daily rituals and really enjoy it.

So while I scan through the newspaper and read what is happening around the world, my ears are focused on the clattering of utensils from the kitchen and aroma of the things being cooked while my wife is busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast for me. Just to give her company, I often call out as to what is cooking. And she always smilingly replies, "A hearty breakfast."

And that is good enough for me as this term is coined by me and whenever I want a really good breakfast, I just requests for a hearty breakfast. Well a hearty breakfast for me means:

• A glass of orange juice

• Corn flakes with milk

• An omelet with onions, green chilies, tomatoes and slice of cheese

• Two well roasted bran bread slices

• And a Cup of sizzling hot coffee

So I know for sure what I shall have soon as I can smell the aroma of omelet being cooked and soon my wife will smilingly roll out the trolley with all above beautifully placed and call me out to the TV room for my hearty breakfast. Then it will be my turn to butter the one of the toasts and serve her half of the omelet and do likewise for me. And when we both are finished with the omelet, I butter and jam the other two slices for me and her.

And then I sit on my reclining chair and sip my coffee sip by sip. Remember coffee is not taken gulp by gulp but sip by sip. And if it is taken outside in a cold December night, the joy of drinking it multiplies. Ever tried?

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Gratitude to Allah on Eve of the New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 20:21:00 +0500

From few hours from hence, the clock will strike the 12'o clock bell and the we shall leave behind the year 2021 and welcome the new year 2022. Year 2021 was, like all other previous years, was an eventful year for everyone. It had its ups and downs, happiness and ailments and challenges some of which were met and some remained unfinished.

For me it was very meaningful for two reasons: For one my both sons got married, and then I fell victim to Covid-19 and was hospitalized in a critical state. But Allah gave me as second life as death just brushed passed me. While I was being wheeled out of the hospital, my doctor said: "Sir you are lucky to be leaving the hospital alive, for he knew how bad in shape I was when I was wheeled in.

This post is thus my gratitude to Allah for giving me a second life and having blessed me to see the sunshine in all its brightness. On this last day of the year, I am reminded of the prayer of gratitude which Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon, peace be upon him) in which he is thanking Allah for the immense bounties and blessings that Allah had bestowed upon him:

"Smiling at the ant's utterance, Solomon burst into laughter and said: "My Lord! Hold me under (Your) control that I may render thanks for the favour which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may act righteously in a manner that would please You. Include me, out of Your Mercy, among Your righteous servants." (Surah/Chapter 27 An Naml, verse 19)

So I too bow my head in gratitude to Allah for He has blessed and showered upon me so many bounties that even if I want too, I cannot thank Him for having blessed me. And I also pray today that all those who are in distress or suffering from any ailment, may be blessed in the coming year and that all their hardships are lifted and relief from their ailments be blessed by Allah. May all those who are being suppressed may be freed like the people of Kashmir and Palestine and may the oppressors lower their arms and let the world be a better place to live. Let the world be saved from all epidemics and pandemics like Covid-19 and its variants. Ameen

Photo

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Awesome Birdwatching in Pakistan (Index)

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 19:49:00 +0500

Pakistan is nothing but a heaven on earth. From seashore of Arabian Sea in the south, one travels gradually up north through windswept deserts, fertile and green plains and then stepping into the world of mountains. From small hillocks, the landscape changes continuously, taking a tourist to some of the mightiest snow capped mountain peaks of the world, including the five Eight-Thousanders, inclusive of the K2, the second highest peak after Mt Everest.

These diverse types of land soil attract birds from many countries who find nesting abodes in summers in the large wetlands that could be found in the foothills of its mountains in the plains. Some of the wetlands include the Uchali Lake near the town of Sargodha, the Manchar and Haleji Lakes in the province of Sind, down south. And here one finds the migratory birds from far off lands while the wooded lands around capital Islamabad and up north abound in indigenous birds and pheasants.

We have been sharing these beautiful birds and their habitat in Pakistan in our previous posts. This post will take you to all our previous posts to see and enjoy watching our beautiful birds:

And do not forget to see mighty flamingos that fly in large flocks from cold habitats to Pakistan each year, specially to Uchali Lake.

We are thankful to all those photographers, birds watchers and nature lovers who allowed us to share their photos so that world could see the treasure we have for birdwatchers from across the world.

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20 things about Me

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 15:53:00 +0500

Whenever you meet someone for the first time, you would certainly want to know more about him/her. Though I have been here on this platform for almost a decade, I never talked about myself. So today I thought of sharing something about me so that people around start to know me and my likes.

Here are 20 things about me:

I am a proud Leo and the lions always fascinate me.
My country Pakistan is the best country in the world and am proud of being its citizen.
l love nature in its every form and love to be as close to it as possible.
For some unknown reasons, I always wanted to see Switzerland since my childhood - and suddenly unplanned I did manage to be there and loved being there.
My favourite band is The Beatles - something of the past though, but since I grew up listening to them, I still enjoy listening to the old songs. But for singles, Annie's Song is my favourite.
I always wanted to play guitar - as was inspired by The Ventures.
Paul Mauriat’s Love is Blue is my favourite instrumental.
I am very selective in choosing friends.
Looking down from a high rising building is ….
I love everything that my wife cooks - though I like to eat every type of vending junk that is sold by the roadsides.

Continuing with the list, the remaining 10 things about me are:

If someone confides with me, rest assured he has confided it with the right person.
“How things are made” on Discovery channel is my favourite TV programme.
I love watching sea surfing, though tennis is my favourite sport.
I really cannot understand poetry, so I prefer listening to a song with good music.
Thorn Bird and El Chemist have been my favourite readings.
My favourite film? Well can’t name one, but Heaven can wait, After the promise and To kill a mocking bird are some of my favourite.
Photography, philately and blogging are my favourite pastimes, while playing Scrabble on line keeps me busy when am not doing anything else.
I had a terrible handwriting in my childhood, till grilled by my mother (may she rests in heavens – Amen) and I corrected it (people now admire it :).
My late father continues to be my power of strength (may he rests in peace in heavens – Amen).
Must have been a good feeling. You know what? I recently went all the way to Holland to meet a friend after 43 years. Boy what a great moment it was.
Needless to mention, I love my wife and two great sons.

The listing above would give a fare idea about who I am to my readers. Have you ever tried listing yourself ever!!

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Djokovic is the 2020 Australian Open Champion

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Sun, 2 Feb 2020 19:54:00 +0500

It seems the Sunday 2-2-2020 date that is never to occur again suited Serbian Novak Djokovic as he clinches the Australian Open trophy today, beating Austrian Dominic Thiem 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 at Rod Laver arena over four hours in Sunday’s final for his 17th Grand Slam championship crown.

The win today brings him a notch closer to Roger Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (19) who have won more major singles titles in the sport’s history.

From Monday onward, the Serbian will return to the top of the FedEx ATP Rankings. 32 years old Djokovic will now begin his fifth stint — and 276th week — at No. 1 on Monday. Should he maintain his No.1 [lace spot in 2020, he is projected to pass Pete Sampras (286 weeks at No. 1) on 20 April and Roger Federer (310 weeks) on 5 October to set a new all-time record for most weeks at No. 1.

Watch the final moments that led to Djokovic's win today:

Source

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Nostalgia of Marching Tune Auld Lang Syne

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 12:56:00 +0500

"Auld Lang Syne" is a famous Scottish song, usually sung and its tune played to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. But is also usually played and sung at the goodbyes like graduations or even funerals, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions. Its eloquent verses are really heart moving and bring back the nostalgia of past associations and times spent together, specially under similar environment.

Auld Lang Syne in English simply means "old long since" or, more idiomatically, "long long ago". In fact Auld Lang Syne is remembrance of the days gone by. the days gone by, or simply the old times. While this rather unusual Scottish word is popular in the civilians on gathering and reunions of old pals, it has since assumed a wider usage in the military and the military bands more often than not play it on farewell parties, or bid farewell to fallen friends and specially on military parades, when a contingent is departing after a spell of training or even leaving for combat.

Why I am sharing this song today, I will tell a little later in the post. But if you are not acquainted with this song, read the poetry below:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o'kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
For auld, &c.

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit,
Sin' auld lang syne.
For auld, &c.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne.
For auld, &c.

And there's a hand, my trusty fere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right gude-willie waught,

For auld lang syne

Auld Lang Syne evokes an undeniable sentimentality, a disorienting nostalgia, an instantaneous affection for the people around you at that exact moment; loved ones and strangers alike.” it evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and reflection on the past, particularly related to cherished memories, lost loved ones, and the passage of time, making it a deeply sentimental song

Herein under is an emotionally charged video of acquaintance never to be forgotten with a tinge of nostalgia with the song Auld Lang Syne playing beautifully synchronized with the scenic expressions:

Coming to why am I sharing this video today. The associations of men in uniform are something that one can never forgot throughout one's life for comradeship is the company and friendship of others with common aims. Men train together and then leave to fight on diverse frontiers, sometimes never to see each other again as treacheries of battlefields consume many of them who departed amid laughter and hearty handshakes and embraces. And this song befittingly fits on military departures in every sphere.

Military academies around the world are one such places where boys in their teens join the rigours of the military life, completely different to the lives they have lived before. Here they undergo strict military training, whether it is raining or snowing, whether it is mud filled trenches or freezing cold winds piercing through one's body when standing on a sentry duty while all his comrades take a nap for an eventful day ahead. They still laugh and cherish the memory of each day that passes by.

And then a day comes when they finally prepare for their graduation ceremony, smartly dressed in the military tunics and marching into the drill squares. After the routine rituals, awards of medals and the coveted sword of honour, the passing out cadets from ranks in the middle of the drill square and slowly move out of the drill square on the tune of Auld Lang Syne beautifully played by the military brass band.

I too once marched on this tune, some forty two years ago, and the heart wrenching tune of Auld Lang Syne made me both sad and happy: sad for leaving such a prestigious institution which transformed us from raw college boys to military men and officers and for leaving the comrades to meet later on battlefield or in training camps, and happy for finally being successfully and proudly joining the armed forces of the country. The nostalgia of marching on Auld Lang Syne remains fresh for as long as a man in uniform lives or later as a veteran. This feeling can only be felt, cannot be explained.

Now herein under watch the passing out cadets of Pakistan Military Academy, located in Kabul near the city of Abbottabad. Listen to the tune on which passing out cadets leave the drill square on the beautiful tune of Auld Lang Syne. For decades the tune is being played during passing out parades held twice a year:

It was a similar day when I too was among my comrades slowly leaving the academy with a tinge of nostalgia that still remains afresh even till day. Some of my comrades have fallen in these forty years, and one's heart laments on their loss for we have once been together, laughing, enjoying and caring each other when undergoing training at the military academy.

I do not know who out of my batch mate remains to be the last one alive, but I am very sure if he ever listens to Auld Lang Syne, he will have tears rolling down his cheeks for there will be no one to share the memories of the days we shared together.

To those listening to this and maybe feeling the void that I feel for those that I Love and lost I pray that every coming day brings to you only health, happiness, and Love.

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Imran Khan's Heart Wrenching Speech at UNGA Shakes World Conscious on Plight of Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 14:14:00 +0500

There are only few people in the world who make a lasting impression on their audience and convey the plight of people, suppressed and enslaved, to the world in a manner that even the hardest of hearts melt and eyes that have long since dried up start to cry with tears rolling on the cheeks uncontrollably.

This was exactly the scene on 27th September 2019 when Pakistan's Prime Minister took the podium and spoke relentlessly, without consulting any written papers, and put across the case of islamophobia and plight of Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir, presently occupied by India.

Besides exposing hypocrisy of developed world on climate change and money laundering safe havens, Imran Khan spoke at length on "Islamophobia". He blamed the world for implicating Islam to terrorism and creating conditions so that people around the world start to hate Islam and Muslims. Imran Khan spoke without any prejudice, liking or political affiliation, yet very forcefully pressed home his view point about Kashmir and Islamophobia to the world community. Imran Khan blasted the Western leaders on exploiting their self worded "Islamophobia" and said:

“Islamophobia since 9/11 has grown at a pace which is alarming,” said Pakistan's Prime Minister without fear of antagonizing some of the Western allies. “Certain Western leaders equated terrorism with Islam,” he said, by employing labels like “radical Islam.” Khan said that the very concept intrinsically contradictory, because “no religion teaches radicalism. The basis of all religion is compassion and justice, which differentiates us from the animal kingdom.”

The use of “radical Islam” by Western leaders has created an association between a whole religion and terrorism, and put people in the position of suspecting all Muslims. “How is a person in New York, in a European country, or in the Midwest of the US going to distinguish between who’s a moderate Muslim and who’s a radical Muslim?” Asked Imran Khan!!

Muslim women wearing hijabs has become an issue in some countries as if a hijab is some kind of weapon. This is happening because of Islamophobia.

IK speech which was a fine outburst of emotions duly backed with logic, captivated the audience at the UNGA session, oft interpreted by loud applause and clapping on every point that he scored. He very effectively put across the Kashmir dispute, the UN resolutions on disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir and recent annexation of it by India.

He very effectively presented to the world the issue of Kashmir, a people of 8 million Muslims, forcefully suppressed since independence of Pakistan and Indian in 1947. And more recently, after the unlawful annexation of Kashmir by the Indian government, disregarding the countless UN resolutions that declared Kashmir as a disputed territory and call for the holding of impartial plebiscite so that people of Jammu and Kashmir decide for them their future lives and affiliations.

“This is the time when you, the United Nations, must urge India to lift the curfew; to free Kashmiris who have disappeared and this is the time when the UN must insist on Kashmir’s right to self-determination.”

Every word that Pakistan's Prime Minister minced, spoke of his courage, sense of responsibility, pain and sincerity in him, far superior then his Indian counterpart Modi who sheepishly spoke before him and made no mention of atrocities his forces are committing against Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir.

Seeing and listening is believing. Listen to the part of Imran Khan's speech at the UNGA session that moved hearts and made many wept:

Talking of the consequences and fallout of Indian oppression, Mr Khan reiterated that for the freedom of the Muslims of the Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan will go to any extent, if world conscious continues to sleep and gives an indifferent attitude to the sufferings of the people under severe oppression by almost a million strong Indian army presence in Kashmir. He also warned the world that as and when siege is lifted by Indian government, it will lead to a genocide for which the India will blame Pakistan and may indulge in to an open war.

And a stage comes to that, Pakistan will fight till the end, for a country seven times smaller than India, will be compelled to use its nuclear weapons to survive. But such a stage will be catastrophic for the entire region and the world for the fallout of the nuclear war will see no bounds, warned Mr Khan.

The speech being extempore, crossed the allotted 15 minutes time, but the enthusiasm and interest of the audience not only those attending the session but also worldwide never diminished and everyone listened to him with complete concentration, interest and understanding. For here was a man speaking his heart out to the world for it was full of pain and anguish, crying for those Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir suffering the atrocities of Indian government and its army.

Photo | References | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |

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Disappearing Tongas of Lahore - Once The Poor's Rolls Royce

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Mon, 9 Sep 2019 20:34:00 +0500

The horse driven carriages have ruled the world for since time immemorial. Once these elegant carriages were the prestigious means of transportation for the rich and famous. By and by, these start to vanish from usual city roads as dirt roads disappeared and metaled roads came to accommodate cars and other means of transportation.

However, these continued to be a major to subsidiary means of transportation in our part of the world for a considerable period of times. And were used in cities as late as 70 and 80s. I remember, we had a stable called "Astabal" near in our house in Lahore and tonga stand nearby where one could hire a tonga for any destination in the city. Occasionally, the licensing teams would come and new tonga licenses were issued after giving many tests to the horses to ascertain their roadworthy strength, the same we now licensing authorities give roadworthy certificates to vehicles.

Photo taken by me while travelling in a train

Abdullah, one of the kochwans (tonga driver) was our favourite for he had decorated his carriage very elegantly with brass couplings and plates polished everyday and a pedestal mounted bell horn. We loved riding his tonga and he would occasionally allow us to press the bell horn, a feel I still remember.

In Lahore, the single horse drawn carriage was known as Tonga or "Tanga" (in local language), similar to the one in above photograph. In Karachi, these were called Victoria for these resembled the carriages of England and the design came to this part of the world when the British came to the Indian subcontinent.

Lahori Tonga - Photographer Unknown

The tongas in Lahore were of two types: the straight carriage tongas, which were the usual sights, and the Lahore Tonga. The latter was unique design but very uncomfortable to ride. I wonder who designee it and why.

As of now these tongas are no more to be seen in the cities, but are still being used in the villages a cheap and affordable means of communication. I shot the above photo from the moving train a while ago when passing through a village.The state of the tonga speak of the poorness of its owner and the people who travel in these. But for them, it is still their Rolls Royce.

If you ever want to ride a in Lahore, do visit old Lahore, specially the Bhaatti Gate where local tour operators have these tongas specially prepared for tourists and you can have a ride of the old Lahore and be fascinated with the glory and awe of the narrow alleys overlooked with tall buildups, though now in much dilapidated condition. When the tip top of hooves of the horse of the tonga resounds among the rather closed environment of the walled city, it leaves reverberating memories of the once glory of the old Lahore where princes and wazirs once rode on their royal carriages.

Tourists from Abroad enjoying Tonga Ride in Old Lahore [Photo]

One may also have a tour of famous old Anarkali Bazaar, now turned into a food street near the Tollington Market on the Mall Road. Here one can also have a hearty dinner in pure Lahore style with heavily oiled dishes which leave the diners licking their fingers even when the dishes have been wiped empty.

Watch this video below, though not in English, but it gives the viewers a good view of riding a tonga and walking through extremely compressed alleys of old Lahore:

So when in Lahore, look for tonga tours especially when you are in the vicinity of Old Lahore and Old Anarkali Bazaar. Believe me memories of tonga rides would stay in your memory chips for a long time. And do not miss to disembark at some eatery serving pure desi Lahori foods and lassi. If you are a early riser, then head for Old Lahore for breakfast of Halwa and Puri. This is something that very special to Lahore.

Photo[Header]: Source Unknown |
References | Top 5 favourite breakfasts of Pakistan | The Lahore Fort Road Food Street | Eateries of Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore | Lakshmi Chowk - The Heart of Lahore | Nostalgic eateries of Lahore |

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People in Pakistan prayed for New Zealand to win ICC World Cup 2019 - Here is Why

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 21:41:00 +0500

While the final of the recently concluded ICC World Cup Cricket was being played, I and many Pakistanis had all our support for the New Zealand team. Not that we had any enmity with the Englishmen, but while watching the match and specially Kane Williams, our memory of APS Peshawar massacre flashed back.

In December 2014, when the terrorists attacked an army run school (APS) and massacred innocent students, at that time teams of Pakistan and New Zealand were playing a series of ODI cricket in the UAE. Naturally, the incident was extremely tragic and heartbreaking for everyone in Pakistan, and even for the onlookers or those who read the news of tragedy.

It was at that time that the support and love of New Zealand Team for the victims and survivors of the APS students came to forth which was an extremely moving gesture ever to be expressed by team of sportsmen unparalleled in the sports history.

In those trying times of grief, Kane Williamson and Adam Milne of New Zealand team donated thousands of dollars in match fees and their kits to the families of the Pakistan terror attack victims. The gesture really moved every Pakistani and there were silent prayers of thanks for the New Zealand team, specially Kane Williamson and Adam Milne. After the Pakistan team came back, Younis Khan on behalf of the team visited survivors in hospital and distributed the pieces of kits beside handing over donated money to the families.

Younis Khan presenting Williamson's shirt to one of the survivors of APS Massacre [Photo: AFP/ISPR]

So when New Zealand and England were embattled in the final of the ICC World Cup Cricket 2019 in England on Sunday, I along with many Pakistanis prayed for the Kiwis to win the cup. Our prayers were almost answered had the Umpire Kumar Dharmasena not given his wrong decision of awarding six runs instead of five at the crucial stage of the match.

In fact the ICC should have taken a notice of this great violation of cricket rules and had at least awarded the trophy jointly to both teams for technically the New Zealand would have won the match had this unlawful decision not give.

Now that the event is over, we thank Kane Williamson and his team for amusing us with a more than world class cricket match and just want to tell them that they will always remain in our hearts for their gesture of goodwill five years back after Peshawar massacre in December 2014.

Photo | Reference: New Zealand Cricket Team Donate Kits and Funds for Victims of Peshawar School Massacre

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England beat New Zealand in sensational ICC World Cup Final

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 23:44:00 +0500

What a day it was at London today where two finals were being played: The ICC World Cup 2019 Cricket between England and New Zealand, and the Center Court of the Wimbledon where the men's single final between two tennis giants was paled between second seeded Roger Federer and defending champion Novak Djokoivc.

I was divided between the two finals but the last overs of the ICC World Cup Cricket final glued me to the cricket. And boy o boy what a closely contested finish it was for the New Zealand. In the last over, despite the bonus six runs (2+4) England could not take the last run to win the match.

The super over was equally exciting and thrilling. England scored 16 runs in six balls. And when it came to New Zealand, the same run out saga was repeated and the Kiwis just got unlucky to lose to the Englishmen.

So it is England who lifts its maiden ICC World Cup Trophy and the match brings an end to a memorable World Cup 2019.

Photo | References | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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Djokovic beat Federer to be the 2019 Wimbledon Champion

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 23:38:00 +0500

What a day it was at London today where two finals were being played: The ICC World Cup 2019 Cricket between England and New Zealand, and the Center Court of the Wimbledon where the men's single final between two tennis giants was paled between second seeded Roger Federer and defending champion Novak Djokoivc. The last time both met was at Wimbledon 2014 when Djokovic beat Federer in the final. Federer won the 2017 Wimbledon beating Marin Čilić of Croatia.

I was divided between the two finals but was more focused on the Wimbledon to know whether Federer, the aging yet extremely in shape Spaniard wins his 9th Wimbledon title or not. The first set was contested very hard and the Serbian finally managed a hard earned 7(7) - 6(5) win. But Federer fought back and had a easy 6-1 win.

And from then on it was game of guts, stamina and fitness. None seemed to be giving in till the end. But it had to come to an end in favour of the defending champion who finally won over Federer 7(7)-6(5), 1-6, 7(7)-6(4), 4-6, 13(7)-12(3).

What a final it was and both players need commendation for providing so much thrill and world class match to the spectators all over the world.

References | 1 | 2 | Photo: Novak Djokovic raises the winner’s trophy. Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

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Halep demolishes Serena Williams to be 2019 Wimbledon Lady

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Sat, 13 Jul 2019 21:34:00 +0500

It was a great day for Simona Halep who completely demolished American Serena Williams in straight sets to lift the coveted Venus Rosewater Dish today at the Center Court.

Halep beat Williams 6-2, 6-2, completely outscoring and outsmarting and even surprising her of her might.

Losing the first set 6-2, Williams seemed to be coming back at score 2-2, but then Halep didn't let her win a game.

It was Halep's first Wimbledon title and first for a Romanian and it just took here less than hour, 56 minutes to be exact. She is also the first Romanian to win a Wimbledon title, though Ilie Nastase of Romania made to the final in 1972 and 76.

Now it remains to be seen whether aging yet extremely fit Roger Federer makes a come back as Wimbledon champion on Sunday or

Photo: AFP | References | 1 |

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Meet Pakistan's First Female Mountain Guides

noreply@blogger.com (Jalal HB) — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 22:18:00 +0500

Mountaineering is a serious hobby, replete with dangers on each step one takes on the steep mountain slopes. A wrong step may cost one's life. Every year a lot of mountaineers come to Pakistan and wander around in the wilderness of Karakoram, home to four of the fourteen Eight Thousanders including the K-2, the second highest mountain top after the Everest.

And it is the sturdy mountain guides of the area that take the mountaineers from the wilderness to tracks leading to these lofty and revered mountain peaks they had dreamed of scaling. The valleys which lead to the mountains trouble overlooking the valleys are home to countless mountain guides, who know every inch of the area and can lead expeditions without much trouble and never wandering off the right tracks.

Shimshal Pass [Photo Mobeen Mazhar]

Shimshal Valley is one of the most favoured valley for the mountaineers for it provides easy access to many a mountain peaks of Karakoram. And most of the mountain guides can be found in the Shimshal village. In one of my earlier posts I wrote about the Shimshal Pass that takes it go from Shimshal village. The village is part of the Gojal Tehsil of Hunza District, in the Gilgit–Baltistan province of Pakistan. At 3,100 m above sea level, it is the highest settlement in Hunza Valley. The village is closest to China. As are typical helmets of high altitude, it has just over 200 houses with a population of approximately two thousand.

Mountain peaks overlooking Shimshal village include Distaghil Sar (7,885 m), Shimshal White Horn (6,303 m) Minglik Sar (6,150 m), Lupghar Sar (7,200 m), Yazghail Sar (6,000 m), Kunjut Sar and others are well known among mountaineers. Shimshal Lake sits at the base of the mountain near the Shimshal Pass (4,735 m). Due to closeness to these mountains, more than twenty well known mountaineers hail from this valley that have made Pakistan proud in the field of tourism. Some people call it " The Valley of Mountaineers". Rajab Shah and Mehrban Shah have received Presidential Award for Pride of Performance in recognition of their extra ordinary achievement in the field of tourism and mountaineering.

But wait a minute, where are the girls that I was supposed to talk about, for so far I have only been talking of male mountain guides and mountaineers of the area. Well that was just the introduction to the subject I am going to introduce.

Qudrat Ali briefing the potential female mountain guides before the tougher tracks ahead

So here comes in Qudrat Ali, one of Pakistan's best-known climbers, who thought that the girls of the area were equally sturdy, strong, motivated and ambitious as men to be in the mountains and could be good mountain guides. With this noble and ambitious plan, he has opened a small Mountaineering School where he is training the female mountain guides for the first time.

The girls in full gear to scale their first test peak

I came across a video which is about three daring females from Shimshal Valley, Banu, Samreen and Zubaida, who decided to take the demanding course, hoping to make a good living for their families as fully qualified mountain guides. The video says it all about the efforts of Qudrat Ali in motivating females of his area and taking them to mountains the girls have never gone before. With these three becoming the first mountain guides, the complexion of mountain guidance may now change with girls sharing the role of guides, which has been the men's domain hitherto fore.

Watch the amazing video below prepared by the German TV Channel DW about the females of Shimshal Valley of Gilgit Baltistan learning to climb with their sights set for adventures even higher:

The video is both refreshing, motivating and a cue for other girls to come forward and join men in helping mountaineers finding their way up to mountain tops. May be female from other areas may too join in and attend Qudrat Ali's school and too become beacon for others.

Photo: Courtesy DW | References | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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