Umaima Blogger

A meme is worth a thousand laughs

2019-07-07T22:39:00.000+05:00

Since the start of the cricket world cup over a month ago, there’s no stopping the memes. Be it Sarfaraz Ahmed’s yawn, a comparison between 2019 and 1992 cricket world cups, a cat trying to squeeze into a narrow wall… Memes have ruled the internet.

So what’s a meme? It’s an image, a video or a phrase or graphics interchange format (Gif) that’s humorous in nature and is widely circulated on internet. A meme must “go viral” to be successful.

Remember that cricket fan whose image went viral after the Pakistan-Australia cricket match, that guy at the right place at the right time, posturing a complex mix of disappointment, frustration and outrage after Pakistan lost to Australia? His family and friends call him Muhammad Sarim Akhtar but his social media followers know him as the Meme Guy.

“To see Muhammad Asif drop David Warner’s catch barely 10 feet from where I sat in the stadium was really disappointing. I stood up in disbelief, and somehow that expression of mine got caught on camera — and went viral,” he say.

“Obviously, I was elated,” says Akhtar. “My son made me a father’s day card with my picture and a caption, ‘My father is in the news’”.

Generally, so far, the sense of humour around the world cup has been “good natured”. “That doesn’t mean a darker side does not exist. It’s impossible to generate a meme that someone somewhere will not enjoy,” says Zainab Durrani, Project Manager at Digital Rights Foundation.

Zainab thinks of the Aunty Gormint meme, where the lady in question was not pleased with her portrayal. “A person shouldn’t fear instant popularity or notoriety because they’ve given their opinion online or through the broadcast media.”

She adds, taking a person’s picture and circulating it without his or her consent is unlawful (under section 24 of PECA). “The question of public domain arises if a meme has been made from an already published picture — and the law is silent on that.”

Hammad Anwar, Co-Founder and Lead Curator Mani’s Cricket Myths, says “Memes have become a way to express thoughts and energies, but sometimes they cross the limits.” He mentions the image of three Afghan girls watching a match with a nasty caption, “During the Pakistan-Afghanistan match, there were tonnes of sick memes on Afghans after a fight broke out between the supporters from the two countries.”

Memer Moin Nazim says, “It [meme] can become a disaster. Still 90 percent of the time, it’s a hit.” He also used Sarim Akhtar as a character in one of his memes. “Sarim was going viral as he showed what the match was really about. I couldn’t resist making a meme on him. I respect him as he took every joke light-heartedly.”

“A meme has to be spontaneous. Otherwise it loses its relevance. It’s like a chain reaction of emotions, where everything must be timed well. For a meme on a cricket match of the world cup, one typically has the last seven overs — to work on the catchy phrases and attractive artwork.”

Another memer, Ahmer Naqvi, known better as @KarachiKhatmal, says, “To create a meme, a person needs to have an eye for the picture and a sharp and humourous mind. They must relate with the current scenario – that’s exactly why Sarim’s picture went viral.”

But, he say, “the interesting thing is… one will never understand the context if that particular moment has passed.”

‘Rants of a Pakistani Citizen’ is a Facebook page with over 12k followers. The page admin prefers to stay anonymous as he uses an alternative identity to upload unpopular opinions about society, religion and politics. A memer since 2011, he says, for an effective meme, “using anything from the Game of Thrones is easy as people can relate to it, using an extreme expression is also easy… But before sending out a meme one must ask oneself if it sounds funny.”

Amber Rahim Shamsi, who is a prolific twitterati, says, “In this political crisis mode, we’ve developed a sense of humour which makes it easier to deal with disappointments. And as a picture is worth a thousand words, people instantly relate to these.”

She thinks humour cannot be censored, even if it is in bad taste. Still, she adds, “Memers must be mindful of provocation, racism, sexism and hate.”

In today’s often lonely and bored life, memes offer some relief from the monotony of mundane life!

This article was published in TNS on 7 July 2019

Handy crafts

2019-05-05T22:43:00.000+05:00

As I was idly scrolling pictures on Instagram, I saw a friend’s post recommending Magpie Crafts. I clicked on the link and reached the account of Meher Farhan, the lady behind the very creative products made out of recycled paper.

At first I was a bit surprised, because I believe the whole concept of 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — or Replace, Reduce, and Refine) has outlived its appeal. However, as long as it is based on environment-friendly modules, I am happy.

I dug Farhan’s contact, and got in touch with her for a quick profile. The young lady told me that she has a Masters degree in Marketing from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Melbourne. She said that she began in the business sometime last year, following a great deal of research on how she could contribute towards saving the environment.

She uses newspapers and any other paper that is likely to be discarded. “It doesn’t cost much, but the whole process asks for a lot of energy.”

“In school we were taught a lot of things about climate change, and how to reduce the use of plastic, to recycle paper etc., in order to save the environment and living beings,” she said. “Recycling paper cannot only help to reduce pollution, and dumping trash in landfills can save trees by reducing the felling of trees in order to make paper.

“Paper is something we are always wasting in one form or the other, so I thought of recycling it — but in a creative way.”

Recycling paper dates back to the pre-industrial era. In present times, we know of recycling plants that create useable material out of waste paper. Also, plastics and other waste can be reused. But this is not an easy task, especially if an individual takes it upon herself. Farhan, therefore, needs to be applauded for making an effort in the right direction. She uses newspapers and any other paper that is likely to be discarded. “It doesn’t cost much, but the whole process asks for a lot of energy,” she added.

“Weather and water play a major role in creating the end product. Before starting work I make sure that rain is not predicted in the next few days, because moisture can affect the quality of the product. While I am working, I try to restrict the use of water since I am trying to save the environment. Sadly, the industries waste a lot of water in their many processes.”

In the beginning, Farhan made things with simple, recycled paper but soon she realised that she had to add creativity to it otherwise it wouldn’t grab the buyers’ attention. She then started applying watercolours to create bookmarks and notebook covers, with quotes and sayings written on these.

“While I am working, I try to restrict the use of water since I am trying to save the environment. Sadly, the industries waste a lot of water in their many processes.”

In October 2018, Magpie Crafts was introduced in the market at a shopping mall in Gulberg. This was followed by a display stall at the Haryali Market (Green Market). Farhan said that “while people praised my work they weren’t really willing to buy [the products], even though we have reasonable prices. Perhaps, they like to pick stuff from branded shops only.

“I am concerned because they aren’t really aware of the importance of using products like these. They don’t even care [about it].”

Talking about the choice of her brand name, Farhan said, “After I had finalised the project, I spent a lot of time deciding a name. It was during a visit to Hunza where I saw these tiny beautiful and graceful birds called Magpies that inspired me to give this name to my line of products.”

Today, Magpie is her trademark, and it appears on her logo.

As Farhan is the sole worker on the project, she has to invest a lot of time and effort, apart from money, for the work to be done and marketed properly. But she said it’s all worth it, “as I am playing my role in saving the environment.

“We all need to make a conscious effort to recycle paper and plastic; that is the only way to ensure that our future generations lead a healthy life.”

This article was published in TNS 5 May 2019

Honor your vote

2018-07-03T20:20:00.001+05:00

After today’s rain, PML(N) and its supporters are coming up with pictures of different cities across the globe that have been awash with rain water despite of proper drainage system.

Well the question is does Lahore have a proper drainage system? For the past ten years I have never seen a time when roads were not flooded after rain, not to talk of electricity breakdown along with it. . Every time a new road is built within days it is dug up again, God knows why?

Then these multi-colored Metro Bus and Train projects which were more important than clean drinking water, medical, education, employment, and other basic necessities of life, have been left unfinished to be turned into death holes for everyone. Not to forget all those deaths that took place due to Metro Bus construction but hardly got any attention in mainstream media.

This is not for the first time that waters of hell have broken loose in Lahore but let’s face reality; do we even know what Global warming is? Do we have a plan for it? We have cut down a number of trees for these projects and planted new ones just to compete with the chap in KPk (Imran Khan) but not realizing trees don’t grow overnight.

Someone said that we should not forget that we have littered our gutters with plastic bags and garbage. That’s a valid point but let’s not forget before blaming the public, we should ask if the government has made efforts of ending plastic bags, ensuring plastic bags are bio-degradable, or even educating the massed? On personal level we can do something’s to an extent but not country wide.

Those who want to divert from the topic by saying that KPk is in a worse condition, should remember that I live in Lahore and would like to question PML-N for this chaos. For five years they have been harping about their projects and aims of making Lahore into Paris. Now that the elections are here they are back to knock at our doors; so i have all the right to ask them what have they done? People from KP can and SHOULD do the same.

Elections are right round the corner but it’s time we should ask them questions about their performance during the past five years. Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Nawaz Sharif said “Vote ko Izzat Do,” (honor the vote) he was right. However is it not time that none other than us should respect our votes if we want Pakistan to progress!

Knock at the door

2017-11-24T01:04:00.002+05:00

A knock at the broken door

Lady dropped wheat on the floor

She runs without her sock

For her greatest fear to unlock

A man rushes to check

Who’s there at this odd hour

Silent is the city

So is the bar

A man in uniform

Acts as informant of death

All relationships transform

Leaving behind no wealth

Shoulders that carried him once

will carry his coffin

Twinkle of her eye

Will weep itself to sleep

A child will wait

For comforting arms

Empty handed

A soul will wander

Only in a religious garb

They will find peace

For they gave away a son

To save a land piece

In the distance would be a tribe

Ignorant of this fact

Plots, industries and dictatorship only

For them would be a disturbing act

The power play is at the top

Which always is a major flop

A Soldier fights for his skin n soil

Till the carriage arrives of the royal...

Saqii

7 Sept 2017 12:50am

Note: This was written after interviewing people for the 6th of September story that I was doing, but I find it relevant even today because almost everyday there is a knock on some door followed by a flag draped coffin.

Cherry's knock

2016-08-09T01:12:00.001+05:00

The picture is taken from Deviant Art. It is known as the Satan Cherry.

There was a knock on the door

Who’s there? a lawyer asked.

Someone special, open the door,

He was tall, dark and all masked.

Nothing was said between the two

His world collapsed, soul left

Natural death is now for a few

Happiness and love are theft.

One body turned into many

Hospital became a river of blood

Screams and sirens were not funny

Relatives came by a flood.

Media took the blow too

Headlines were run nonstop

Newsrooms were blue

Race was on to reach the top

Life is cheap now a days

Eat sleep and be merry

No point for useless frays

Sooner or later

Everyone will get a cherry

Saqii

12:45am

9th august 2016

Searching in the Dark

2016-04-28T01:29:00.000+05:00

A mother said

'I am proud of my son'

In front of about 50 people.

A girl sitting in a corner heard it,

Shuffled through the 'memory box'

To find something similar.

Frantically searching for a torch,

To light up the dark box,

Before depression seeped from the scars.

But it was too late,

The fire was lit,

Smoke burnt her eyes.

Breathless was she,

Till she fell.

Looked around for something to hold,

Struggled to stand up and did.

Looked around,

If she would be patted on the back,

For standing up all on her own,

But another dark memory formed…

Saqii

8:23 pm, 27 April, 2016.

Development project to change cityscape for good

2016-01-16T20:00:00.000+05:00

LAHORE – Umaima Ahmed of The Nation talked to some of the affected people to get their views on the China-financed Orange Train project and its effect on their lives.
She started at Maharaja Building on Edward Road where seventy families are living in the building given to them after they moved to Pakistan following Partition in 1947. In the initial years they paid rent for the place but later they were allotted the property when PM Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto ordered reallocation. Since then they have lived in this area and their generations have grown up here but they all will soon have to move.
Alam Shahana Javed, a widow living in the Maharaja Building on Edward Road. “The Orange Train project will go over our dead bodies, if we are not given proper compensation for our houses that the government is taking away.”
Shakeel Ahmed, an Edward Road resident. “We have our original documents in which the property is in our name. The government said it’s an AUQAF property but they are not showing us the documents. They are also not paying us enough for the property and the building.
The ground floor house is being offered 3 million rupees, the price of the 1st floor is estimated 2 million and the top floor is not even worth mentioning leave aside the cost of the rubble.”
Mrs Imran Siddique, a house wife residing near Chuburgi. “This train has caused a holy mess in the area. We are living without gas, water and for hours without electricity. When we need to take a bath we have to go over to our relatives about 45 minutes away from here.
Cooking has become a torture for us as well. Everyday my house has to be cleaned about 2 times, dust sets in even before I put the broom and dust pan away.”
Shahid Miraj, Dean of St. Andrew Church Cathedral on Maclagan road. “On 31st December 2015, DCO Lahore had asked us to come for a meeting regarding the Orange Train. We were busy with our prayers and celebrations for New Year, due to which we could not attend the meeting. After that no one has approached us, but if they start any work without our permission we would not allow it.
We have heard the train will pass near the church and we are concerned about the maintenance of the building. This church was built over a century ago and since then great effort has been put in to maintain it.”
The Institute for Disadvantaged Children, corner of Jain Mandir on Lytton Road.
Parents of children studying there are concerned about the future of their children being from the lower class of society do not have enough resources to take their children to another institute. According to interviews with the parents, the Orange Train will leave the children without a place to receive care and recreation. “The government said they would be allotting another place to the institute but who knows when they do it and what will happen to our children?

Shahid Ali, a shop owner opposite the Shalimar Gardens facing the destruction of his premises. “They have pulled down our shops without giving us adequate time to move out. We were given a notice of three days, after which they did not ask us if we have found a place or not. We don’t have any place to keep our shop material.
There were homes on top of our shops but they had to be vacated too. We have no idea where they have moved too, but they were very upset as they had been living here for over 20 years.” He further said, “They have not flattened the corporate office from where the orange train will start, but have broken our shops.”
The University of Punjab, the Orange Train will be taking part of the land of the University Town Housing Society, for which the permanent staff of the University contribute to get a plot allotted to them over the years. The government is taking some land of the society which is earmarked for teachers. The newly constructed home of the registratar will be demolished as it is in the path of the train.
A teacher of PU told The nation, “Khawaja Hassam had assured us that no part of the University would be taken into the route of Orange train. But now the government has sent us a notice and said the plan cannot be changed. In case they do not stop, we will be protesting in front of the Chinese Consulate and Punjab Assembly (for our rights).”
Orange Train has given the laborers a fixed income for some time. They would be working on the project for the next 27 months. Different companies that are part of the Orange Train project have hired them for 18,000/- rupees a month. They are provided with a place to stay at Thokar Niaz Beg, food is delivered to them at site and get a pick and drop daily. Muhammad Saleem spoke to The Nation and said, “We are satisfied with the payment that is given to us. Our family is living back in the village, so we don’t really have to pay for anything. They are giving us food and a place to stay. We work here on shifts. Every day the manager comes to check the work we have done. We are working hard day and night.”
Not only the affected people are vocal about the way the project has taken their livelihood and homes away from them, many others concerned citizens also spoke to the Nation and expressed their reservations on the project .
Mariam Hussain, assistant professor of National College of Arts. “All the Orange Train claims that you are seeing are nothing but a stack of lies. The Government has appointed its own people at the required posts to approve this project otherwise no sane person would say yes to this living horror.
This project is not even sparing the disabled and mentally challenged people. The people who are being affected on its route are not given enough time to even look for a place. The government is just throwing them out of their homes.”
Rafay Alam, environmentalist. “This project is very ambiguous, no one is clear about it. The orange line is crossing all the heritage sites, which in the long run will have a negative impact on structure and foundations. The government is not disclosing the full plan. Even UNESCO is not giving approval for the project , which violates the international standards and treaties that are signed for preserving heritage sites.
If only they had used the money that they are using on constructing the bridge on Jail road it could have saved us from a lot of destruction.”
Prof Ajaz Anwar, information secretary of the Lahore Conservation Society. “Even though we need to get our transport system in order, but this Orange Train Project is not scientifically sound. Everywhere in the world the trains are going underground not hanging in mid-air. For a country like Pakistan this outrageously expensive project is being laid out of our taxes.
This is an election campaign which needs to be rejected. It would not only cause devastation to historic places but also give an ugly look to the city! We have grown up in this city; our attachments with this place are unexplainable. We are the custodians of these places, if we don’t look after them how will we tell our future generations about the rich history this land holds!.”
Kamil Khan Mumtaz, heritage pioneer. “Transport system of Lahore definitively needs to be improved but it does not mean that Lahore should be uprooted totally.
Buses should be purchased for the roads – this would help economy and save a lot of damage that is being caused to the city.”
Anonymous, civil society activist. “This project is nothing but a destruction of Lahore city. We can’t afford to lose our rich and expensive heritage for this stupid orange line. They are putting in so much of money but the output would be zero.”
They have no idea how many homes and businesses they are destroying. The results of this project will not be seen only in the next 2 years but 20 to 25 years down the lane.”

This article was published in The Nation on 16 Jan 2016

Evidence against Abdul Aziz ‘couriered to all MNAs’

2016-01-14T19:33:00.000+05:00

An evidence file of 78 pages has been couriered to all the Ministers of National Assembly (MNAs) against Lal Masjid cleric Abdul Aziz by Never Forget organisation.

Interior Minister Chaudary Nisar had said on December 30 2015, while addressing the senate that there is no evidence existed against the Lal Masjid cleric Abdul Aziz and if there is any it should be presented to the government.

Never Forget has sent a letter for the MNAs in which the history and context of the topic is discussed. Along with it they have compiled all the First Information Reports (FIRs) against Aziz. His links with militants and land grabbers are also mentioned. Proofs of Abdul Aziz and Jamia Hafiza having shown support to the Islamic State and Daesh has been presented in the document as well.

While speaking to The Nation, Jibran Nasir a lawyer and activist who is the man behind this document said, “I have sent the evidence file to all the MNAs. I hope some MNA will have the guts to show the facts to Chaudary Nisar and ask what action he will take against Abdul Aziz .” When asked if he plans to hold any protest if action is not taken by the authorities Nasir said, “I don’t like bringing people on roads. People are educated enough to know what should be done in such a scenario. We all should be raising our voice against the militants and their sympathizers.” He further added, “My only aim is to make the institutions start taking action against the militants, especially Abdul Aziz who is sitting in the heart of Pakistan’s capital and is calling out to Daesh. I will use all lawful means to take this issue up. This case is even in the court and I am keeping a close eye on it.”

Abdul Aziz is the famous cleric of Lal Masjid in Islamabad known for giving anti-state statements. He has shown support for ISIS in the past. After Army Public School was attacked on 16 December he refused to condemn the attack, which brought him into the limelight once again.

This article was published in The Nation on 14 Jan 2016

13-year-old fighting for life after escaping rape attempt in Muridke

2016-01-13T19:21:00.000+05:00

On 7 January a 13-year-old girl escaped a rape attempt in Muridke , near Lahore. The alleged culprit returned with a gang of people and threw petrol on her and set her on fire. Presently the girl is under treatment at Mayo Hospital Lahore and is fighting for her life. The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in Sadar Police Station Muridke and are investigating the matter.

The doctors and staff attending to the girl at Mayo Hospital are not very hopeful about her recovery. A doctor speaking to The Nation said, “She is in critical condition. All efforts are being made to treat her.” The girl is in extreme trauma due to which no one is allowed to visit her. The moment she sees an unknown faces she gets hysterical.

The girl’s family comes from a very poor background. Her father M. Khalid who is a daily wager said, “The girl was alone at home when Azaam Kamboh (the alleged culprit) attacked her. She escaped the attack but soon he came with a group of men who barged inside the house and threw petrol on her and burnt her.” Khalid says half of her body has been burnt.

“I was at work, I received a call at about 11:30 am that this has happened and I rushed home. When I reached home I came to know that while the culprits were trying to escape they even beat up my wife when she came home. I thank God that my younger kids escaped the attack.”

Khalid continued: “The police have asked me for Rs 25,000 if we want the culprit to be arrested. How can I manage that? I can’t give her the required medicines that the doctors are asking to bring, how will I give the police this amount? He asked “Where is the CM Punjab? We had no enemies; even so why has this happened to us?”

Khalid was asked if he felt he was under threat. “I can’t face anyone in the village now, we will have to leave the place. My brothers and I have been getting calls to take the FIR back but I will not do that. I may be killed but I will get justice for my daughter.”

When asked about his financial condition he said he had been injured in the head a few years ago so he could not do any manual labor, or carry anything on his head. So he has very limited earnings. However he was sending his kids to school so they can become better when they grow up.

The girl’s mother also spoke to The Nation saying, “My daughter’s life has been destroyed. She is in great pain. I don’t know what I can to help her feel better. For us our life has been destroyed.” While crying she said, she would never forgive the culprits. “Today it is their daughter; tomorrow it can be another girl, when will we get justice? We are poor people we can’t even feed ourselves properly,we don’t have socks to wear in this cold. How these doctors and police expect us to pay for the expensive medicines or pay such heavy amounts to get justice?” she asked.

The people of Muridke wait along with the family of the girl to see if justice is served, or if like many others this case too is consigned to the files under influence of the notables of the area.

This article was published in The Nation 13 Jan 2016

Jami interrogated in US coffee shop after mentioning ‘ISIS’

2016-01-08T19:12:00.000+05:00

Jami Mahmood, the director of the Pakistani movie Moor was investigated by Palm Springs US police, while sitting in a coffee shop following the screening of his movie, He was interrogated for using the words ‘ISIS’, ‘Afghanistan’ and ‘Pakistan’.

He was at Coffee and Beans with a couple of friends, one of whom was an American pilot of a commercial flight. They were discussing the script for Jami's next movie when people overheard the mention of 'ISIS', 'Pakistan' and 'Afghanistan' and called the police.

While speaking to The Nation Jami said, “I was with Shaz, Hameed Sheikh and an American friend discussing the script for our next movie in which ISIS, Pakistan and Afghanistan words were being used. I asked everyone to avoid these words before we get in trouble. But by that time someone had overheard us and called the police.”

He further said, “The police looked at our documents took pictures and even asked the purpose of our visit. We explained the whole scenario after which they let us go. I know they were just doing their job and things are on high alert in States. Thank God I was not in New York otherwise things would have been bad. Our American friend started crying because he knew that his career would be at stake now because he was sitting with us.”

When asked if he had faced anything like this earlier in America he said, “No, I have been to US before too but things were not like this. About eight years ago I had decided to shift my family to US but then I thought no I’ll stay in Pakistan. Today I feel my decision was right. Speeches of (Donald) Trump have actually started making an effect.” He further said, “I never thought such a day would come when we won’t be ableto take the name of Pakistan in US. Everyone from the family was being very careful of using the word Pakistan. It is all absurd the way things are going.”

This article was published in The Nation on 8 Jan 2016

Transgender rights activist shot injured

2016-01-07T01:23:00.000+05:00

The Co admin of TransAction Page on Facebook and a member of TransAction Alliance Adnan was shot by unknown people on Tuesday night. He was returning from a meeting with four people in a car. He is in a critical condition and under observation in Lady Reading Hospital.

Qamar is working with the TransAlliance and many other groups who are working for the rights of Transgenders. While speaking to The Nation he said, “Adnan was taken to Lady Reading Hospital where he was refused treatment. The doctors and police were laughing at us, while he was bleeding. We reached the place at 9:30pm and he got treatment at around 11:15pm. All this time no one was ready to attend him.

“We even reminded them the orders of the Supreme Court that a critical patient should be treated first later the police can follow up the case. But no one was ready to help.”

He told The Nation, they had to ask help from Noor Zaman Khattak, Director Human Rights and get it into the Media, only then Adnan was assisted. “The police even took Adnan’s thumb prints on empty papers without our permission but we tore them as they wanted to make a fake case against him. The nurses and the doctors could not decide where to place Adnan, in the ladies or male ward. This was really disturbing for us.

“We were not expecting such irresponsible, insensitive and inhumane treatment. Even now he is being kept in the male ward but with curtain stands around him. Female nurse staff is not ready to assist him so male staff is looking after him after being pressurized by media coverage.”

Qamar expressed his sorrow and disappointment in Imran Khan and his promises. “Why can people at Shaukat Khanum get high-class treatment, but not in government hospitals? He has never supported the minorities, marginalized people of Khyber PakhtoonKhawa. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has given good legislations in the assemblies but they have never said a word for women, minorities and marginalized people.

“About 3 months ago we even applied for protection to I.G Nasir Durrani, but this day has come where Adnan has been shot but no security was provided. We doubt it will have any affect in the future too.”

TransAction Alliance and other groups are working in 18 districts to educate transgender about their rights. There are around 48,000 transgender in KPK. Qamar said, “If CM KPK Pervaiz Khattak does not give the transgender their due rights, we will file a writ in the Supreme Court against contempt of court. It has categorically stated that transgender should be treated equally and be given their due shares and Identity in the society.”

This article was published in The Nation on 7 Jan 2016

Faisalabad Agriculture University expels gold medalist over Facebook status

2016-01-06T19:01:00.000+05:00

Syed Kashan Haider Gilani is a gold medalist of University of Agriculture Faisalabad, who was expelled for posting a status against the university on Facebook.

Kisan Mela (Farmers festival) had been organized in the premises of the university where no farmer was invited. Instead a dance concert was arranged. It was criticized by Kashan Haider a PhD student, on the social media site. The university expelled the student as soon as they came to know about the post.

While speaking to The Nation, Kashan Haider said, “Kisan Mela took place on 24 November 2015, I wrote a post on 27 November. After that I was given a letter to give an explanation, on which I gave a written apology to two different committees, Director Student Affairs and Disciplinary Advisory in the University but no one is listening to me.”

“Nor are they telling me what was wrong in the post. According to them I have brought a bad name to the teachers and the institution,” he added.

Haider continued: “I did not know that our right of freedom of speech has been taken away from us. Yesterday was my first paper, but instead of giving my exam I had to pack my bags and leave my hostel.”

When asked about his future plans he said, “I come from a very mediocre family. My father was a sepoy in the Pakistan army and he passed away few years ago. I’ve studied with scholarships all along with outstanding results. I don’t have an approach to get this issue solved by any influential person. But I will not stop asking what my fault was.”

Dr Jalal Arif, public relations officer in UAF, while speaking to The Nation said, “He has violated the disciplinary code of the university and had maligned the staff which will not be tolerated.” When asked about freedom of speech he said, “Everyone has the right to freedom of speech but nothing can be said to malign the institution or staff. Secondly the case is with the Dr Iqrar, the VC of FAU, by tomorrow the issue will be resolved. It’s not such a big issue.”

This article was published in The Nation on 6 Jan 2015

Women empowerment: The struggle continues

2016-01-01T14:30:00.000+05:00

Today ‘women empowerment’ is the buzz word; however for majority of the men, it is hard to digest. Women empowerment means that women have access to education, financial security, equal treatment, protection under law, get acceptance in the work places and society.

The rules of women empowerment are drawn by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), and the United Nations Global Compact. All the member nations are to ensure implementing methods that empower women.

In Pakistan, despite shackles of culture and religion women have excelled in every field and while the lot of women in the urban areas has improved over time, issues still exist.Pakistan can boast of outstanding ladies who have not only worked for women but also sacrificed their lives in the struggle of women rights. Even though Fatima Jinnah was known as the symbol of women empowerment during partition and later, history shows how she was pushed aside.

The female social activists of Pakistan have always stood up against the laws made to suppress women, especially during Ziaul Haq’s regime, yet they never stopped struggling. A time came when ladies of Pakistan earned the fruit of their struggle and Pakistan got the first female Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. She spoke for women rights and empowerment too but was unable to fulfill the promises due to political expediency.

Pervez Musharraf made sure of working for women empowerment . There was no field that did not have an opening for women. Even the male only Armed Forces were opened to women. Today there are women not only in the Army, Navy but in the Air Force also; and a female pilot officer also laid down her life during training. Amendments were made in laws about rape; Hadood law was amended and quota for women in the Central Superior Services were laid, and many other steps were taken for bringing women in the main stream.

President Zardari’s appointed women in various high designations such as Fehmida Mirza the Speaker of the National Assembly, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and First Female Secretary of Defense Nargis Sethi among others. The Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Bill 2009 was passed and implemented. Laws were made about Acid attacks, wani, karo Kari and marriage with the Quran.

The present government is also ensuring empowerment women and Punjab Government has taken the lead and appointed six ladies in the bureaucracy. The Establishment of National and Provincial Commissions on the Status of Women; Strengthening and improving the implementation of the National Policy for Development and Empowerment of Women; Enacting and implementing pro-women legislation, including the Criminal Law Amendment Act, declaring honor killing a crime; Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act; Women in Distress etc. It also includes women empowerment as the First Pillar of their key planning document, ‘Vision 2025’, to inculcate leadership among women at the grassroots levels.

On the other hand women in rural areas are suffering in the most inhumane ways possible, things like forced marriages, rape, lack of justice, acid attacks, female genital mutilations, honor killing, marriage with Quran, Karo Kari, Watta Satta and forced conversions continue to be the norm.

Sidra Humayoun, a social activist spoke to The Nation on the subject and said “In this age of advancement women are leaving their homes and are willing to live in Darul Aman but not tolerate domestic violence or pressures. They want to be treated equally and have access to education. In 2015, 13,000 women came to Darul Aman’s to get protection and shelter. Women laws are being introduced in Pakistan especially in the Punjab yet the government needs to ensure the institutions are strong enough to implement laws, we don’t need more of them.”She further said, “Society needs to empower women, even religionshave empowered women then where is the issue?”

Recently a 15 year old girl was gang-raped in Lahore, and allegedly policemen and Adnan Sana Ullah a political party worker were involved; while it is being investigated, the girl is in a critical condition and is being made to run from pillar to post to seek redress of her grievance.

Crime statistics of Punjab for 2015 speak of why one can not only feel insecure but also be ashamed. 2555 rape cases till November were registered while 538 werewithdrawn. 211 cases of gang rape were registered and 31 withdrawn. No one has any idea how many cases went unreported.According to the Human Rights Commission Pakistan, there were 62 cases of acid attacks.We can safely say that the conditions in other provinces are not any better.

Bushra Khaliq, Executive Director of ‘Women in Struggle for Empowerment’, spoke to The Nation, “Despite of the ways this society has treated and is treating women, they have excelled in every field. They have stepped into the political arena, science and technology, and even the Forces. But it doesn’t mean that they never face difficulties along the way. Being accepted in the society itself and working along with men is still not considered acceptable.” She further added, “Families are not very supportive when women want to work or study. This pushes them in a corner, and makes them feel as if they belong to lower strata of society due to which people take advantage of them.”

Apart from Rural and Urban areas of Pakistan, the minorities in Pakistan face a lot of hurdles in empowering women and most of the work is usually done on personal or Nongovernmental Organizational level.Religious extremism is usually quoted as the reason.

Michelle Chaudhry, daughter of Late Squadron Leader Cecil Chaudhry a hero of the 1965 War, works with The Cecil and Iris Foundation to promote education and women empowerment amongst minorities. After the Peshawar Church Attack in 2013, in which around 80 Christians were killed and over a 100 injured including a 9 year old survivor who passed away recently after struggling for her life for two years. Michelle and that the Foundation set up a skill development center in Peshawar where 79 church attack survivors have undergone a three months course on cutting and sewing clothes and other skills to enable them to earn a respectable living. On graduation after they are given asewing machine, threads, measuring tape, cloth, and are connected to some project so they start earning a living. Michelle spoke to The Nation, “These ladies till last year were crying and were distressed over their conditions but today they are not only running their own house but living a respectable and decent life. Our aim was to empower these ladies. Apart from them we want to empower ladies from the minorities as they don’t get proper education due to obvious reasons.” She further added, “It is unfortunate that women have to face the brunt of religious extremism too. When Youhanabad (Lahore) incident happened, all Christian women who were working in different homes were asked to leave because of the lynching incident. Due to that they had to suffer immensely.”

Sanwar Kumar who works with HRCP, spoke to The Nation on behalf the Hindu community and highlighted the issues faced by the women. “We gained independence from the Britishers but not from the feudal lords. Our area (mostly in Sindh) is ruled by feudal’s and we live in constant fear. Our ladies have to live inside the homes most of the times or they are kidnapped and taken away, either for sexual pleasures, or for forcefully converting to Islam and then marriage. Our women hardly gain education due to which they have no idea about rights and laws.” He further spoke about the representatives of the area, Those who are elected they are just 5 percent of the lot. The rest 95 percent has to suffer for being from the lowest cast.”

Amir Mehmood, the spokesperson of the Ahmaddiya community said, “We make sure of empowering our women but this society does not let them survive. The minute they come to know about their religious affiliations they are targeted, due to which they have to leave the job. In our community we let them be a part of every activity. They are running schools, working as doctors, recreational activity centers etc.” He told us about success stories of Sitara Brooj Akbar who achieved a record in IELTS examination and Dr Mansoora Shamim, a scientist who has worked for six years at CERN in Geneva Switzerland. Dr. Shamim has published seven papers in international journals and co-authored 676 publications as a member of D0 and ATLAS collaborations.

The women in Pakistan, Muslim or from religious minorities and playing an important role in nation building; the men in Pakistan need to realize that until women are not empowered and get their due place in society irrespective of religion, cast or creed, this nation will not be able to excel at the required pace and take up its place in the comity of nations.

This article was published in The Nation on 1 Jan 2016

APML rep denies Jamil Bugti's claims of Musharraf apology

2015-12-30T14:05:00.000+05:00

Jamil Akbar Bugti, the son of late Nawab Akbar Bugti, while talking to the press today claimed that General Pervez Musharraf (Retired) the former President of Pakistan is seeking forgiveness for killing Nawab Akbar Bugti. Jamil Akbar Bugti said that “Pervez Musharraf (had) sent a message of apology through his lawyer,” adding that he will never forgive the murderers of his father Nawab Akbar Bugti.

When contacted by The Nation Ms. Aasia Ishaq Media Representative of All Parties Muslim League (APML) for their comments on Jamil Bugti’s statement said “He is blatantly lying regarding the apology . President Pervez Musharraf did not do anything wrong, how can he ask for an apology ? The operation was conducted by the FC; the Chief Minister Balochistan and the administration were on board. The President Pervez Musharraf did not get into the filthy business of murdering people. ” She further questioned as to “Where was Jamil Bugti all these years? He knows that Shahzain Bugti is taking the lead in Bugti tribe so he is trying to get back in the scene to gain attention; otherwise why did he not attend an of the proceedings of the Anti Terrorism Court (ATC)?”

This article was published in The Nation on 30 Dec 2015

Calligraphy artist pays unique tribute to APS victims

2015-12-23T14:09:00.000+05:00

Amnah Siddiqui, a medical student from Karachi, has paid an unusual tribute to the Army Public School Peshawar children martyred on the 16thDecember last year by using her talent as an artist by writing the names of the 135 students on canvas in calligraphic style and including Quranic verses in the art work.

Speaking to The Nation, Amnah Siddiqui said, “This cannot bring the kids back, but not only will this bring peace to the poor families’ hearts, but it will also give them boundless satisfaction that the nation is (stands) with them in this time of ultimate chaos.”

Amnah also talked about the cost of the project and of her desire to send these pieces of art to APS Peshawar for display in a suitable location or to send the artwork to the families of the students so that each family has a piece of this to keep close to their hearts. However, the expense of transporting these from Karachi to Peshawar is something that she needs assistance with.

She said, “The whole project has been possible only due to donations through my Facebook page. I had spread the word on social media and called it the Canvas Project. People appreciated the idea and donated money for the expenditure of paints, brushes, canvases etc.Now, I need help to send these canvases to Peshawar either to the school or to the parents of the innocent souls. The cost of postage is very high which I, being a student, can’t afford on my own and need assistance with.”

When asked how she was inspired about this idea she said, “Calligraphy is my hobby and I don’t have any training in it and I practise it on my own.16 December was an incident that united the nation. For me this was the only way to make a contribution, to ease the pain of those parents. Even though it’s hard to do anything extra while studying medicine but the pain and loss of those innocent souls gave me courage to work on it.”

This commendable effort of Amnah Siddiqui’s needs the support of all and the least we can do is to contribute towards the transportation costs of these pieces either to one collection point in Peshawar from where the families may collect these or to APS Peshawar.

This article was published in The Nation on 23 Dec 2015

Another fallen hero

2015-12-16T22:17:00.000+05:00

PESHAWAR - Some heroes are made in unlikely ways, and their life serves as a beacon for all. One such hero of the Army Public School Peshawar terrorist attack was Mrs. Tariq. She was a teacher loved by all students. With three Masters degrees to her credit and studying for an M Phil and dream to become a PhD scholar, she was an optimistic person. Her family completely supported her in pursuing her plans and on the fateful day of 16/12 she was fasting as it was her practice to do so every Tuesday. She left home early to shoulder her teaching assignments of the day. As the day progressed and her classes ran on schedule she must have heard commotion and what sounded like firing, she came towards the place where this was happening and perhaps realizing what was transpiring she went to the auditorium / hall to ensure the kids there were safe.

According to the students who talked to The Nation, they said they had lain down on the floor of the hall to pretend being hit. A terrorist who had earlier left the hall returned, and seeing her asked her where the students were hiding; on her refusal to answer, he got infuriated; she offered him her cell phone and asked him to call whoever he wanted to and tell them the students were not being found; the terrorist threw her mobile away and wrestled with her to tie her to a chair. Then he doused her with phosphorus which caught fire. Her body was totally burnt to cinder and after the siege was over and the school cleared, an unidentified charred body was taken to the hospital morgue, where after DNA and other identifications it was ascertained after three days that the dead body left unidentified till then was that of Mrs. Tariq; and it was handed over to the family.

When we talked to the APS students and others, they were not only shocked beyond belief at the callous murderous manner in which the terrorists brazenly killed the teacher, but also how they behaved with sheer disregard for humanity and human sentiments.

This article was published in The Nation on 16 Dec 2015

The last call to duty

2015-12-16T22:06:00.000+05:00

PESHAWAR - On the morning of 16th December 2014, armed terrorists in military uniform scaled wall of the Army Public School Peshawar and attacked the students. Everyone who came in their way was shot and brutally killed but the school left many undying stories of human courage and valour, one such story is of the sacrifice of Principal Ms. Tahira Qazi.

A number of stories about her death have circulated on various forums, the media and narrated by word of mouth, and each version is different from the first. To clarify the rumors about this incident, the Nation talked to Ahmad Qazi the grown up son of Ms. Tahira Qazi working for a humanitarian organization in Peshawar, who narrated the actual happenings of that fateful day.

He said, “She (Mrs. Qazi) was in the hall when they (Taliban) attacked, she managed to come out to look at other children. That was the first time when she could have escaped the building. But she went around the class rooms and raised alarms calling the students and teachers to stay in their places and the teachers to lock the classes from inside. She found some kids running around trying to save their lives who she managed to gather under a staircase with the section head of the School Wing, and asked her to take the kids out from the back door. As she was leaving to go back inside the hall, the Head asked where she was going. She said to save the other children.”

Ahmed said, “That was the second time she had the option of leaving but still she was determined to save the children. She heard firing from the College Wing Admin block side, and again raised the alarm and asked the kids to stay put.”

By then the Army had reached the school and she was asked to leave the premises as she had done all she could, however she replied there were many kids still in the school and she could not leave them. As soon as she reached the Admin Block she was confronted by the terrorists who asked her about the kids, she replied, “You can take my mobile, money and everything but leave the kids.” He said, “We want the kids,” on which she exclaimed, “Talk to me I am their mother.” Those were her last words as the terrorist shot her in the head and she died on the spot. A short while later there was an explosion (probably one of the terrorists blew himself up then) which hit her body from the back and burnt her. Apart from that burn and head injury her body was intact.”

Talking of the support that the family has received from Government and Army he said, “The army has stood up for us and they have shown they mean business. They have shown that they will not allow anyone to do this to the kids of the nation. Apart from that I want to see the Government to work on core issues, especially education as my mother was an eduationist and this was very close to her heart.” He got emotional and added, “People say that it’s a military failure, but to me it’s a governance failure.”

On the life of survivors of the APS carnage he said, “Students need to get back to life, they need to be encouraged to move forward. Instead of asking them about that day and about the kids who died, they should stop taking them back in the past.”

He feels that it is rather early to speak about the results of the National Action Plan against Terrorism, adding, “The military has shown its seriousness (in this regard), but the Government still has to work seriously. They are lacking in a number of things, until they put their act together nothing positive will come out of NAP.”

When asked about what results of hanging the culprits involved in APS attack, he said, “Hanging these people will not make any difference. These people are not the terrorists but the ideology that they follow is. It is the ideology that needs to be countered. We need to understand why people have been exposed to this ideology. That is something we have to root out of our system.” He is of the opinion that we need a new narrative to offset the terrorists’ narrative so that we can prevent youth and others from being radicalized to the extent of becoming terrorists, and for this all organs of governance have to play their role.

About how life has changed for his family after the incident Ahmed said, “My mother was running the show in the house; I was least concerned about anything in life apart from my own needs. She had time for everyone despite her busy schedule. Now I have to do everything (for) myself and look after my (sick) brother and father along with my job. The whole family was shattered but my father was hit the most, as he was very close to her.”

On his memory of his mother, he fondly recalled that on the morning of 16 December he met her at breakfast and hugged her before she left for school and since she was not very much into such display of affection, and I was being naughty with her she lovingly beat me up and said stop this childish behavior. He wished that that morning could come back. She was a wonderful person, and was always concerned about her students. She would stay back in school till all students had left and if a student had to stay back due to conveyance issue she would send them home in her own car. That day (16/12) even during the attack, she told one of the teachers that she would leave the school once all the students were out safely. Ironically hers was the last body to come out of the school that day and that too when the operation had concluded.”

Ahmed said that he hoped that this conversation with the Nation would put to rest the various stories about Mrs. Tahira Qazi’s last day and the media and other people would let her soul rest in peace and let the family have closure without having to content with hurtful rumors.

This article was published in The Nation on 16 Dec 2015

Bargad urges ‘unity for peace’

2015-12-16T22:00:00.000+05:00

Bargad – a non-government organisation (NGO) working on youth development, Government College University Lahore and Punjab government jointly held a seminar titled “Unite for Peace,” at Government College University Lahore on December 14, 2015. The purpose of the seminar was two-fold, one to remember the martyrs of the Peshawar Attack and two reviewing the implementation of the National Action Plan. It aimed to spread hope for a better future where the public needs to unite for peace to never let such heinous tragedies be repeated. The welcome note was given by VC GCU –ProfDr. Hassan Amir Shah; he welcomed the audience and spoke about the reason of the seminar – rememberingthe lives lost in the Peshawar Attack and ensuring support for the National Action Plan.

Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Punjab Minister for Education and Youth Affairs was the Chief Guest, who in his address paid tributes to the Shuhada of the APS Peshawar Attack and stressed the importance of National Action Plan’s implementation in order for December 16, 2014 to be never repeated. Rana Mashhood also spoke about the achievements of PML(N) and Punjab Government in the education sector. He said, “Our aim is to invest in our youth. Why should you go abroad to gain quality education, it’s our duty to provide proper education. Punjab Government has kept 27 % of the budget for the education only to brighten the future of our children.” He spoke about unified education system, and said that religious extremism should be banned from educational institutes. Rana Mashhood also added that the Punjab Government is making efforts to send kids abroad on scholarships.

A panel discussion on “A Review and Analysis of National Action Plan and its Outcomes”chaired by Ms. Aisha Ghaus Pasha, Punjab Minister for Finance with Prof Dr. Mohammad Nizamuddin, Chairman HEC Punjab; I.A.Rehman, Senior Journalist; and Amir Riaz, Researcher, Writer and Publisher had an in-depth discussion on the subject.

The panel gave recommendations for the better implementation of the NAP. The audience also gave their input which were: curriculum revision,improve education system implementation of one system across the board.Policy formulation to be all inclusive activity to incorporate youth voices and have specialrepresentation from the tribal areas for it to be useful, as tribal areas have specific needs that need to be incorporated in the curricula. Investment is needed to bring youth forward and give them a platform like this seminar to voice their concerns. Dr.Nizamuddin stressed on the need to incorporate Quaid’s Speech of 11th August, the Constitution and The Holy Prophet (PBUH) last sermon in syllabi to counter and eventually eliminate extremism.

The event concluded with the performance of Laal Band, Taimur Rehman and Mahwish Taimur sung songs of Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Habib Jalib, the students were highly charged listening to the music of these revolutionary poets.

Signature Campaign:

Bargad launched a signature campaign against extremismin colleges and universities. The campaign, which started last Monday, ended today at Government College University. The campaign has managed to gather 5,000 signatures in support of NAP. The signatures were presented to the government officials at the seminar.Students enthusiastically participated in the campaign to sign the following resolution, “We solemnly vow to stand up against violent extremism in Pakistan. We vow to never let 16th December 2014 be repeated. We condemn this heinous tragedy and extend our full support to the government’s efforts being made under the National Action Plan to avoid such atrocities in the future.” Ten universities and colleges of Lahore participated in the campaign.

The Executive Director of Bargad Ms. Sabiha Shaheen said “The first anniversary of the APS Peshawar attack is approaching and it’s an opportunity for everyone to get together and look back at how and why we suffered, what we have lost, what we have gained; and look ahead to see where we want our nation to be and what needs to be done to eventually get there.”

VIGIL:

As the first anniversary of the Army Public School Peshawar terrorist attack draws near, Bargad – a non-government organisation (NGO) working on youth development – and the Punjab government organized a candle light vigil on Sunday, December 13, 2015 in Lahore to honour the lives lost in the APS Peshawar Attack. Around 100 people attended the event at the Liberty Market Roundabout. Participants at the vigil included students of Lahore including from FCC University, Punjab University, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and FAST. A number of families were also present to share their feelings and a prayer was offered that nothing like this every happened again.

Candles were lit; a board was set up where people could write their messages for the APS kids. After the candle vigil Fateha was offered for those killed in the attack. A parent said, “This incident has scared the day lights out of us, we are always on our toes when children are in school.” A student from Punjab University said, “I could not believe it that these terrorists are scared of kids. They are cowards. They should be given exemplary punishments and be hung on roads for the world to see.”

This article was published in The Nation on 16 Dec 2015

‘Azaad Pakistan’ honoring APS sacrifices

2015-12-16T21:52:00.000+05:00

To honor the sacrifices of the students, teachers and staff of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar, a group of students have come together as “Azaad Pakistan” forum and they are asking students and people from all walks of life to write letters to APS with the aim to convey the APS survivors a message of hope, solidarity and prayers.

Azaad Pakistan is working hard to collect letters in person and on E-mail from people across the globe,on their id“letterstopeshawar@outlook.com”on social media so people can send their messages for the brave children of Army Public School. About 400 letters have been received so far and the number increases by the day. They plan to get the last letters by the 24th December 2015 after which these would be sent to ISPR for onward dispatch to APS .

While speaking to The Nation Harris Bin Saqib, a student of NUST and a volunteer of Azaad Pakistan said, “After 16 December, everyone wanted to give one message to the terrorists, that (is that) we are not afraid. Since then people have been very vocal and stood by the children of APS . Theseletters would tell the students that the nation stands with them even after a year.” Harris further said, “As the dark day in the history of Pakistan is approaching, the air is filled with depression and everyone wants to help the children in every way possible, so we thought this was a good way to reachout to them. Our aim is to bring smiles back on their faces.”

Azaad Pakistan is run byGhalib Khalil a student of Beaconhouse National University who has been running this group for the last three years, and has organized various activities across Pakistan. While speaking to The Nation he said,“When the incident happened last year, we sent letters to APS to show our solidarity. So, we planned of doing it again as this was the best way to communicate with the children. They have gone through a lot which has affected their studies, personalities and life. These letters would tell them that they are not alone and people are standing with them.” He further added, that all those who are writing these letters should not remind them of that horrific day as that is not the purpose rather we only want them to see that we are holding their hands and walking with them in this hard time.

The group Azaad Pakistan has arranged various other activities in the past. When Operation Zarb e Azb started people were eager to show their support for the Pakistan Army, so they started a letter campaign by the slogan “RangLayegaLaho” in which over 8000 letters were sent to the soldiers through ISPR and COAS General Raheel Sharif personally appreciated the group’s efforts.

One of the injured soldier’s on getting the letter said, “Such spirits really warms our blood .... and makes us give every drop of our Blood in order to save our People and Save our Pakistan; we want nothing except trust of our Patriotic Pakistanis and their love;Civilians we love u all are our family... May u and Pakistan live long amen.”

This article was published in The Nation on 16 Dec 2015

APS Attack: Lapses of the past year

2015-12-16T21:43:00.000+05:00

PESHAWAR: The first anniversary of the Army Public School attack is upon us, Advocate Fazal Khan who lost his son in the incident is the President of the APS Shuhada Forum which has 47 to 48 members from the families of the Shaheed children. These few like-minded people are working as a non-political forum to highlight the issues of the families who lost their children in the attack.

Talking to The Nation, they gave the viewpoint of the members of the forum about government and other institutions post-December 2014. He said that the promises held out to the parents have not been fulfilled, in particular he spoke about the promise of the posthumous highest gallantry awards or equivalent to be given to the students who sacrificed their lives. Pakistan’s one of the highest awards, Tamgha-e-Shujaat has been given to two members of the staff by the President in Islamabad, while a few others were given in Peshawar by the Governor; he was critical of the Prime Minister not having visited any of the bereaved families, even though he visited Peshawar many times in the last one year; only 22 Shuhada package while others are still waiting.

To a question about the recent hangings of the terrorists involved in the attack, he was of the opinion, “These did not have the desired effect and that the proceedings were not transparent.” He said, “He knew one of the hanged culprits, and had fought a court case against him as lawyer in a kidnapping case.”

He said that the forum will be boycotting the activities arranged at the APS on 16/12, instead they will be observing the day as a “Black Day” by launching a strong protest to highlight the lapses of the past year. He said they are in contact with local and international media so their voice is heard on a broader platform. He complained about NAP that justice should pervail, the NAP outcomes should be visible, which is not the case.

He demanded transparency in all proceedings related to the incident, and for the concerned authorities to interact continuously with the bereaved families so that the doubts and misgivings are cleared and addressed to enable the families to come to terms with these facts and the Shahadat of their children.

This article was published in The Nation on 16 Dec 2015

I will take my friends’ dreams forward, says APS attack survivor Aakif Azeem

2015-12-16T13:50:00.000+05:00

“The attack on Army Public School was a life changing moment for me. It channelized my energies and made me clear (about) what I want to do in life. Whatever I am today is because of December 16,” said Aakif Azeem, a survivor of the Army Public School, Peshawar attack of 16 December 2014, while speaking to The Nation.

“Soon after the attack, we had no option but to give the final exams. That was one torturous task. It was hard for all students to recover so early and get back to studies, but we still gave our exams. When the results were declared none of us was satisfied, rather we were worried if we would be wasting a year with such low marks,” Aakif Azeem recalls those days. “Those days were one of the most testing ones after the attack for the F.Sc class. I was disheartened in the beginning and was wondering what I should do, but all of a sudden the clouds of darkness shed away and I got admission in Peshawar University.”

About the initial days in Peshawar University Aakif said, “I knew that people would ask me questions but I just did not want to answer them. It took me a week or so to get used to it and then I got (the) strength to speak about it. I didn’t bottle it all up (rather) I would talk to people very easily.”

Talking of his first day in class, he said that Chemistry is his weakest subject and the examination and the subject itself are the thing he remembered of that unfortunate day. So when he went to his new class it was hard to start studying again but then he realized ‘life has to move on’ he can’t remain stuck on December 16, 2014 and he can proudly say, he topped the midterms.

Aakif speaks about his friends he lost in the attack with sad feelings, “I lost seventeen friends. It is like a big hole in my chest and it will never be filled. They were not only my friends but they had dreams and desire to live. If I am alive that means I have a purpose (that is), to carry on their legacy. I will take their dreams forward and live for them.”

Aakif Azeem a survivor of APS speaks about his future plans and says that Pakistan is being pulled into depression, but his aim is to keep spreading positivity. He has realized that there is nothing more important than Humanity. No matter what race, religion or creed one belongs to, one has the right to live. The present atmosphere is full of hate, but he has to spread his share of positivity.

Aakif is writing a book which he started penning down about two months after the school attack. The story revolves around the theme that religion is second to humanity, and speaks of how a teenager spends his life in Pakistan in the current security threat scenario.

Aakif Azeem is lucky to have an outlet for his energies and channel his work constructively. He plans to be a role model for the younger students and youth in Pakistan, so that the despondency that they feel can also be turned round to constructive work.

This article was published in The Nation 16 Dec 2015

'I want to Teach the Enemy’s Children'

2015-12-16T13:37:00.000+05:00

On the occasion of the first anniversary of the APS Peshawar terrorist attack, the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate has released a song in which the actors are the actual students of the school.

The music and appealing lyrics filmed on the smiling and determined faces on the students gives the song an overall heart moving and pleasing feeling.

The lyrics of the song start off with a strong message of lack of education that is leading to the current state of affairs in Pakistan and how the children wow to take revenge for the sons and friends by teaching the children of the enemy who killed the children of the APS .

The song has been well received by the people like the first song “bara dushman bana phirta hai,” was received, and will highlight the pledge to continue education and contribute to the progress of the nation.

Lyrics of the song:

qalam ki jo jga thi woh wahi hey

per uska name tak baki nahi hai

qalam ki nok per nukta hai koi

jo sach woh bla rukhta hai koi

woh jis bachpan mae thora aur jina tha

ma tumara khuwab chwwna tha

mujey maa us sae badla lene jana hai

Muje dushman k bacho ko parhana hy

woh jisko soch kar soti nahi ma

kitabe dekh ker roti rhi ma..

woh jiss ko soch k sooti nahi maa

kitabe dekh ke roti rahi maa

woh jiss ki wapsi ki raah takte

darwaza tu khula rakh day baba

woh ju sari nazaro se gira tha

tha na woh nisan jiss na khuda tha

mujhe maa us sy badla lene jana ha

Mujhe Dushman ke bacho ko parhna hai

Translation:

The place of the pen is the same

But his (enemy’s) name is no more

There’s a spot on the tip of the pen

Can the truth ever be stopped?

The childhood that had to last a little longer

That one who snatched mothers dream

I have to go and seek revenge from him

I have to teach the enemy’s children

That thought that keeps you awake

Mother who kept crying looking at the books

For whose return does

Father keep this door open?

The one who fell in everybody’s eyes

The inhuman Godless person

I have to go seek revenge from him

I have to teach the enemy’s children

The one that left smiling in front of fear

The one who has gone

Leaving behind his schoolbag

A strange story he wrote before leaving

He left a sign in the books

The one who left a kissable forehead in blood

The one who killed the dreams

I have to go seek revenge from him

I have to educate the children of the enemy .

This article was published in The Nation on 16 Dec 2016

Giving women their due status in society

2015-12-09T21:36:00.000+05:00

Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif has initiated a campaign under the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) to highlight and safeguard women rights and empowerment. Any woman facing verbal, physical harassment, domestic or property issues can get in touch with the commission by calling a toll free helpline number and lodge their complaint. The PCSW is empowered to initiate action under relevant legal clauses after verification.

To promote this cause and spread awareness, banners have been put up on the roads giving the relevant clause, actions and sections of law; the banners also have the helpline number on it. This will not only bring awareness among the masses especially women but also allow women to stand up for their rights where they are being deprived.

The Punjab Women Development Department is headed by the Secretary Dr. Aman Iman, Deputy Secretary Falak Sher Bhatti, Section Officer M. Arshad, Section Officer Nabila Shafat, and Law Officer M. Taimoor, was established on April 4, 2012 under “Punjab Women Empowerment Package 2012 (PWEP)”. On International Women 's Day March 8, 2012 the Punjab Government announced the setting up of this project with the basic aim to Safeguard Women Rights, and improve socio-politico-economic status of women with special focus on rural areas.

The Customer Care Representative who responded to this scribe’s call on the helpline number said, “… We have devised a proper system of taking complains. We have lawyers to whom the calls are forwarded according to their cases and they assist the caller accordingly. People can then visit the lawyers if needed for follow up, as it is a safe and secure procedure. All details will be kept confident and protection will be provided to the caller. NGOs and activists are not part of this initiative at the moment.”

Regarding the timings of the office and helpline call operator said, “Office is open from 9 am to 4 pm. Currently the helpline does not work on Saturdays and Sundays, nor is this a 24 hour service for now. We have had a satisfactory response from the public.” In terms of promoting and bringing awareness of women rights the CSR said, “…. we will be launching more campaigns across Punjab and people can log-on to our websites, http://pcsw.punjab.gov.pk/ , http://wdd.punjab.gov.pk/to get a lot of important information. In case people want to speak to us they can call us at 0800-93372. This helpline will not only take your queries but also complaints too.”

Marvi Sirmid a journalist and social activist speaking about the PCSW initiative said, “This is a very good project but it needs to be highlighted more to bring awareness to women . The project should not be restricted to Lahore only; the government should focus on rural areas.”

Voicing her concern about the safety of women she said, “The government should end the trust deficit in ladies and provide them adequate (post complaint) security otherwise they will not come forward with their complaints. Presently women are not willing to go to the police or lawyers due to lack of protection. Data should be released to show how successful the project is in building trust in the ladies as they have been suffering a lot due to no protection (and male domination in society). But at no cost should the details of the complainant be given.”She further said, “Women who want to live alone, in hostels or in Dar ul Amaan due to various reasons, should be provided with safe and secure environment. Ladies should be given training in craft work or in other areas to earn a respectable and independent living.”

The initiative though still in its initial stages, has been receiving calls to inquire about this initiative and a number of complaints pertaining to harassment, inheritance, family matters etc., and it is heartening to know that this has had an effect on women who find this an avenue to voice and redress their grievances. It is hoped that soon this will expanded to rural areas with due publicity and involvement of local notables and opinion makes so that this become a success story to bring justice to the long oppressed female gender in Pakistan.

This article was published in The Nation on 9 Dec 2015

‘Mashal-e-Rah’ launched to counter extremist ideology

2015-12-03T21:31:00.000+05:00

Islamabad - Renaissance by Social Innovation, an NGO, has launched a series of events under the title “Mashal-e-Rah” to engage and present youth with an alternative narrative to extremist ideology .

The first of these events was held in collaboration with NUST Bazme-e-Pakistan at Islamabad where Dr Khalid Zaheer, a renowned Islamic scholar, was the guest speaker.

The Mashal-e-Rah series of events aim to expand individual strengths and virtues to benefit all citizens of Pakistan, as our society is divided along sectarian lines, and the growing extremism in the name of religion, politics and ethnic divides are by far the main causes of social disorder; the organization feels that it is time to end out our differences and save our coming generations from this strife.

The NUST “Mashal-e-Rah Conference” tailored dialogue was moderated by Sidra Rafique (scholar in religious philosophy and vice president Renaissance by Social Innovation), as a question answer session to challenge the orthodox and ultra-orthodox mind sets. Dr. Zaheer emphasized on the need of the state machinery to take control of religious institutions for the elimination of the menace of sectarian violence and radicalization. He further said that sectarianism had several causes, some of the more prominent of which are mentioned in the Quran. The main reason seems to be extreme attachment to religious personalities. Such individuals are revered to such an extent that whatever they believed in, whatever they said or did, is often considered to be the last word, as in our society asking questions of an elder who professes to be a religious person may be considered sacrilege. When people follow their own religious leaders to such extremes, they do not listen to any other point of view, and their perspective is likely to be clouded by emotions.

Another major reason for sectarianism to flourish is exaggeration. People exaggerate the virtues of their beliefs and practices, and downplay and even badmouth other beliefs to the extent that strong prejudices for and against are created and no one is ready to listen to and reflect on an alternative point of view.

This article was published in The Nation on 3rd dec 2015

Raped Christian woman still awaits justice

2015-11-22T01:45:00.000+05:00

In September 2015, Safia Bibi , a deaf and dumb Christian woman was raped at gun point in her house in village Gonda Ganda Singh Wala near Kasur. Three young men went to her house, two of them stood guard near the window while one, M. Umar allegedly committed the criminal act.

The Nation talked to Mr. Saleem Iqbal, The Director of Care Council of Human Rights to ask him about this case. He said on September 22, an FIR was lodged in the case on questioning the accused M.Umar accepted having committed the offence in front of the investigating officer. The other two are walking free, he added.

“The police was asked by Safia Bibi’s lawyers to interrogate the case on merit. During the court hearing Safia Bibi not only identified the person who raped her but also narrated the whole incident by sign language to file her testimony.”

Mr. Iqbal continued: “The medical test that was conducted when Safia Bibi went to lodge a complaint against M. Umer has been declared untenable as there are no marks of force being used, and secondly as she was a married woman, which made it very difficult to ascertain if she was raped or not. The other issue was that the DNA could not be preserved as it was raining on the day of incident and the woman was soaked wet on way to the Police Station resulting in the evidence being washed away.”

“The accused filed for bail which was granted without any hurdle as they were influentials of the area. Now Safia Bibi and her husband Khalid Masih along with their child have left the area due to threats being given to them to withdraw the accusation. However, they are not ready to take the case back and are seeking justice and plan to go to the High Court if needed. There are many loop holes in the police case which are being ignored. The couple were approached and offered money as compensation, which they accepted, yet they want the culprits to be punished.”

When asked if they were approached by any high officials or politicians as is done usually in such cases, he said, “We had sent our papers to Kamran Michael (the Advisor to the PM for Minority Affairs) but so far there has been no response from him.”

On being asked about the Shama and Shehzad burning case in which a group of people burnt the couple in a brick kiln in-front of their kids in Kot Radha Kishan alleging blasphemy, he added: “No one came forward to help them rather people watched as the couple burn to ashes. Once the news spread it was condemned in almost all quarters.”

“The case is going in the right direction and the government and the police have been very helpful.126 people have been arrested in the gruesome murder of Shama and Shehzad;(we hope) soon more would be arrested and punished for this crime.”

The kids of the burnt couple were a major concern for everyone and he spoke of their condition and how they have started fresh after their parent’s death. “The kids are still in a trauma as one of them saw the parents being thrown in the kiln. Even thou they are with the grandfather, they miss their parents as no one can take their place.”

Talking to The Nation he said that the financial conditions of children and their education was being looked after as the Government had allotted 10 acres of land to the children in Kot Radha Kishan and given them Rs 5 million as compensation to resettle themselves. The DCO Kasur is their guardian and every month they are getting some amount to cater to their basic needs. Along with all this Cecil Iris Chaudary Foundation is looking after their education needs.”

About rumors of Shama having being raped before being tortured and thrown in the kiln, he said, “Shama was not raped , nor has Aasia Bibi (in jail due to the blasphemy charges) been raped as it is rumored in certain quarters.”

This was published in The Nation on 22 Nov 2015