Finding Neverland

Inspiring Story of Converting to Islam.

2012-03-02T12:52:00.000+05:00

Published in Daily Express by Javed Chaudhry in his column Zero Point.

If you want to understand what Islam is read the stories of the people who have converted to Islam just recently. They will tell you such angles of religion which you wont find in books. They are on such high level and will teach you many things which your religious leaders won't be able to.

I was fortunate enough to meet one such Muslim in Spain. He belonged to one of the European countries and before converting to Islam, was a guitarist associated with a famous musical band. He also had a degree in Music but after converting he had a beard now, left music and traveled around the world to study Islam. He told me the story of converting to Islam which was amazing.

He had three hobbies. Playing guitar, Impress girls and drinking wild. He used to play guitar and collect money, Impressed a girl by taking her to a date, sitting in a pub and drinking until late night. The next day they were usually found in a park, beside a road, In a hotel's room or in the girls apartment. This was his usual life but then he made friends with another muslim boy who also loved drinking. He was from Egypt and came to europe for studying but fell in love with a girl who left him for another man. The egyptian guy could not take this and started drinking. He used to drink all night and sleep in his hostel's room all day. His father who was a rich man used to send hi money so his life was easy. The musician met the muslim guy in the pub. They both were not that religious. Musician thought all the religion were fraud, The egyptian guy said there must be no religion as it makes people fight and humanity was better served if their were no religious divisions.

They talked about religion everyday in the pub while drinking, during these chats the musician noticed something strange. The egyptian guy used to quote Allah, Koran and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) without any hesitation at the start of the discussion but as soon as he started drinking he never uttered a single word about these three or any quote relating to it. He used to change the topic toward other religions of the world. Musician tried his best to bring the egyptian towards Allah and Prophet but was never successful. Egyptian was so adamant that even when he was drunk at the best he never ever uttered anything about these.

One day Musician asked the Egyptian guy about it. They were at a coffee shop and were in normal condition. Egyptian guy gave an answer which he found really strange.

He said that after he is drunk his tongue becomes dirty as drinking is not allowed. I can never utter the names of Allah and my Prophet (PBUH) with my dirty tongue? After drinking I wake up on the morning, brush my teeth, clean my face, mouth and tongue, only then I utter the names of my beloved Prophet, Allah and Holy Koran. This is my love for them and no matter how worse a muslim I am, no matter how bad I get I can never take the names or disrespect them in any way.

This struck the Musician deep inside the heart. He went to a book shop, bought the translation of Holy Quran. The moment he stated reading it he knew his life had changed, as he kept on reading he fell deep in love with it. He left music, changed his dressing and converted to Islam.

I asked him what Inspired you most about Islam, and he answered "Unconditional Love".

Islam is the only religion of the world which fills your heart with unconditional love for Allah and Prophet (PBUH) , it builds a fort inside your heart which can never be destroyed. A Muslim can be cruel, liar, drunk, cheater or anything, he can compromise on anything but when its the matter of Quran, Allah and Prophet (PBUH) he will forget everything, fight the biggest forces in the world, stand against the Pharaoh but never hear or say a word against them, that too just after reciting the first Kalima, thats what Impressed me the most.

Happy Birthday Shahid Afridi.

2012-03-01T13:03:00.000+05:00

Posted in KHELO PAKISTAN !

My first interaction with Shahid Afridi lasted a couple of seconds. It was just a shake of the hands with a big smile on his clean shaved face, and why not. It was 16th March 2004 to be exact. Pakistan had beaten India in the 2nd ODI of the Samsung Cup and Shahid Afridi who had been recalled in the team after a long gap had played a big part in victory by scoring 80(58) and also taking 2 wickets for 57 runs.

Shahid Afridi back then was all about Carefree-ness. You could see it in his behavior, the way he talked, the way he moved, the way he had a smile on his face. Back then Shahid Afridi was all about passion. You could see it in his bowling and you could see it in his batting and the way he fielded. Back then he was a Super Star. You could see the way crowd chanted his name and wanted him to hit a six every ball when he came out to bat, you could see all the banners with his name written, you could see the crowd going mad when he fielded near the boundary ropes. His bowling was a bonus in those days.

My next memorable interaction with Afridi was during the 2005/06 series after he had smashed Harbhajan Singh for four sixes in an over and that too during a the first Test Match in Lahore scoring a magnificent 102 runs with 7 sixes. He still had that smile on his face with the slightest of beard now. "Autograph please" I said. My voice barely coming out.
" Idahar lao, naam kya hai tumhara? " He said. In his heavy voice. I handed him the tennis ball.
"Raafay", I said.
He signed the tennis ball. No words, nothing else written. I was disappointed, grabbing the ball with my hand and turning away.
"Left hander ho?" He said again.
"Yes" I said.
''Cricket kheltay ho?" He said again.
"Jee". I said.
"Shabash, good luck" He said.
I felt overwhelmed and ran away to tell everything that happened to my parents.

He went on to score another century in the next match with the same carelessness, same passion. By now religion was starting to play important role in his life, it was obvious. Praying five times a day even during the match days was a normal routine by now. His batting was more consistent than before his bowling was worth bowling him 10 overs during the ODI matches with four players all on the of side to stop runs. Crowd still wanted him to hit a six every ball and he was willing to oblige. Nothing much had changed about Afridi in the cricketing sense, he was still the same.

Last of my memorable interaction with Shahid Afridi was during the World Cup 2011. Pakistan had beaten Srilanka just two days ago. Shahid Afridi was man of the match with the figures of 4/34 in his 10 overs. His beard had grown thicker, He was more stronger now, Shaking his hands told you the power he had. Religion had its showing on him.
"InshaAllah" was a common word with most of the sentences he said. "InshaAllah we will reach the Semi Final if we keep on playing like this" He said.
That Smile was still on his face but you could tell he was a lot more measured in everything he did now, he wanted to lead by an example. His bowling had come of age in the past 2 to 3 years, easily the best leg spinner in the shorter format commentators would say. Taking a wicket with his hands aloft in the air, legs stretched wide, standing like hero is a familiar sight for cricket lovers now. His batting was sensible now. He still hits bowlers out of the park, not on the requests of his bowlers but at his own will. They still call him BOOM BOOM though.

As Cricinfo simplifies it "Of Shahid Afridi it can safely be said that cricket never has and never will see another like him. To say he is an allrounder is to say Albert Einstein was a scientist. " A complete Super Star, easily the most loved one in Pakistan and around the world. He became a heartthrob after his first cricket match, he still is all around the world, he will always be a heartthrob of millions until the day cricket is played.

Happy Birthday SHAHID AFRIDI ! Long may you live, Long may you keep entertaining, long may you serve Pakistan. Ameen!

The Hajj as told by the British Museum.

2012-03-01T10:17:00.002+05:00

A Post by Imogen Reed.

As participants in the hajj, Muslims are able to join in a journey to Mecca where they can practise one of the five pillars of their faith. It is both a spiritual and a physical journey, which is something that the British Museum, in London, has tried to capture in a much-acclaimed exhibition called Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam that has just celebrated a month since its opening and is open to visitors until mid April.

Audience
As non-Muslims are not permitted to undertake the Hajj, the Western world has always been fascinated by the mystery of this great Muslim tradition. The museum’s director, Neil MacGregor, says: ‘In
particular, the exhibition will allow non-Muslims to explore the one aspect of Islamic practice and faith which they are not able to witness.’ Improving understanding in a continent where many speak of Islamophobia is welcome indeed. Rather than sitting back and thinking about your need to order Propecia, renew your library books or send that birthday card, consider visiting the exhibit and immersing yourself in an aspect of another culture that has previously been closely guarded.

Yet it is not just intended for Westerners and MacGregor says that the exhibition intends to reach to a ‘global audience’. Muslims are indeed among those visiting the exhibition and are invited to give their views on the experience of the Hajj on the museum’s website. Muslim visitors to the exhibition have praised the wealth of artefacts on show of the exhibition, which claims to be the first such exhibition about the Hajj on this scale.

Exhibits
The exhibition juxtaposes old and new. An eighth-century Koran which is thought to be one of the oldest surviving copies, on loan from the British Library, is on display. Yet the exhibition also hosts works by artist and Saudi national Ahmed Mater, who saw a resemblance between the gravitation of iron filings towards a magnet and the draw of many devoted Muslims to the Kabah and has illustrated this in his work – last year the pilgrimage is said to have numbered three million.

Centuries-old accounts of journeys to Mecca are displayed alongside Hajj certificates and tickets for pilgrims issued by Thomas Cook. Another highlight is a striking red silk tent that would have been the centrepiece in a camel caravan carrying pilgrims from Cairo to Mecca. These exhibits focus on the journey itself, reflecting the first of the three aspects of the exhibition, the actual journey that pilgrims had to make to reach Mecca. Other aspects comprising the exhibition are the rituals, experience and meaning of the Hajj to Muslims around the world and, finally, the importance of Mecca itself.

Backing
The British Museum worked in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Library in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to set up the exhibition and Saudi Arabia is among thirteen countries that have loaned artefacts. For example, a seetanah that covers the door to the Kabah was carefully transported to London for the event. The library’s General Supervisor, Faysal Muammar, said he hoped the exhibition would be a source of ‘inspiration and enlightenment’ to all those who visit and attended its opening alongside Saudi officials.

The curator’s exhibition was Pakistan-born British-Muslim Qasira Khan, who actually undertook the Hajj last year as part of her preparation and has included some of her souvenirs in the cabinets. She said that the experience changed her view of the exhibition. She added: “They say that when you go on Hajj it is due to an invitation by God and my invitation must have been due that year.”

Groans
Visitors have complained about delays to the time they were allocated for their visit and that once inside the exhibition it was very crowded. Though entrance to the museum itself is free, tickets for this exhibition must be booked and paid for. At 12 British pounds (around 1,730 Pakistani rupees or almost 20 US dollars) the tickets are not cheap. Although this reflects the enormous expense that must have been involved in mounting such a display, it is also likely to put off many of the visitors it seeks to attract and teach about Islam.
Many of us are far from London and are more likely to participate in the Hajj than to travel to London. But the exhibition should be praised for its efforts to educate through various talks and school programmes and for shining a spotlight onto the enormously rich culture associated with this noble and holy experience of Islam.

Joyeux Anniversaire (Happy Birthday)

2012-02-27T10:49:00.000+05:00

Post by Hameem, A friend from France :)

On occasion of a friend’s birthday, I proposed all my friends that we gather to have a lunch and then go out tot see the city of love, Paris.

I called my four friends, who I was sure would want to participate. I texted Pierre whose birthday it was. Mathilde, my class neighbor and who knows Pierre till high school. David, his class neighbor was the third, and finally Sarah the smartest of our band.

“Hey guys! Are you free on this 21st? Let’s meet and wish a happy birthday to Pierre!” After quarter -of-hundred of sms were agree for 24^th February. No birthdays of little sisters, no driving lessons… OUF! It was funny to be the organizer, I thought, later I regret.

Then we considered the issue of activity? We said we’ll lunch near about our high school (Our post-high school classes more commonly called post-bac classes are also integrated some time in high school campus). But what to do after lunch, we had no idea. I suggested we went to all Paris’ famous places and took pictures in order to make an album. Ma~ said it would be fun going in front of Pierre and Marie Curie University and take a picture of him with the signboard. But finally He proposed the idea of cinema. The idea was pleasant. We’ll be at warm together, see a good film and talk about it after.

In my opinion, Holidays are synonymous of annoy and disturb your internal clock.

You become an owl. You sleep all day and “work” all night. Work like surfing on internet, facebook, 9gag, seeing Japanese dramas, and listening music, in other words things which have no direct or indirect relation with your studies. Poor parents! Who think that their children prefer the calm of nights for studying? I have this constant problem with mine. They trust me. And sometimes I want they wouldn’t. All this to say, I thought that we’re already 23^rd Feb. and texted my friends if it was all ok “for tomorrow”. Ma~ replied: We didn’t set it on 24^th? I had a look on my calendar… we were 22^nd ah mince! Vive les vacances! The after exchange of sorry I redefined: 24^th, at 13h (13 heures comme dissent les français).

It was all going well until Sarah called me. She just checked her messages and wondered if it was possible to meet tomorrow instead of day after tomorrow? What again ?!? I told her that it was already embarrassing mistaking dates. I won’t send other messages but if she took the responsibility to change the date, the door was wide open. I had nothing to do tomorrow. Like all other days. I think she called all the tree friends. Bad luck Mathilde was busy tomorrow. However, she said she’ll manage. And I believed. Nevertheless, I was a bit furious about it, because she said it was ok for 24^th, and now she was saying it wasn’t. Oh common girl! Why didn’t u just said at once the first day? What’s the problem with you? She replied she misunderstood me. I haven’t been clear enough… blablabla…

She also asked us to meet at 11h30 instead of 13h. That way, she could program other rendez-vous, I imagine. I texted David and Mathilde. Mathilde was ok, and David just didn’t answer. (Here’s another problem, how he can’t be stuck with his mobile, because I am. I am addicted, level: ultimate).

The D-day, 24^th feb, David messaged et 8h30. I can come at 11h30! I urgently called Ma~, who surely was angry et me for my early disturbance, but she said ok. I tried to join pr, but his mobile was off. So I let sms and fb messages that we were meeting at 11h30 at train station in front of our school. And I prayed that he saw his messages at time. And he did. But unfortunately, meanwhile DaÆ sent another message: “We‘re going to ski at 16h00. I‘ve a lot of things to do before, sorry finally, I can’t come”. What just I read? Why u didn’t realize that your departure was programmed to be at 24^th? Why didn’t u answer me seriously? You thought I was joking? But I kept all this for me and said what I said to ça-rat: Never mind J .

This words show that I forgive those who care about me and means indifference to other. That’s why I like this word that much. Mean while also, Ma~ called me and said pr will never see it at time. So we must meet at 13h00. And I sent a message to pr on facebook. Just facebook. And he only checked his sms.

At 12h30, when I was about to exit, I saw his message: “hey! I ‘m here from about 20 min. message me when u come! J” 1143h it was.. That time I realized how bad organizer I’ve been.

Anyhow, we had a nice day. We went to Mk2 cinema next to François Mitterrand Library and we saw “Dos au mur”. Happy birthday PIERRE!

Story of a brave 10 year old Yemeni Girl.

2012-02-25T17:23:00.000+05:00

"My head was spinning. I had never ever seen so many people at one place. It was the front side of a court where many people were coming from different directions. Many of them were wearing the western dress; others were wearing the traditional Yemeni dress. People were crying, they were shouting and talking in loud voices but no one was noticing me. I was a just a kid. Around 10 years old. She took a deep breath and started again. People told me that judges are all good people and are responsible for providing justice. I was also in search of one, I had been wandering around for 3 hours and really tired, I was also wearing a black scarf which was increasing the summer heat. I was also having severe headache and at the same time was nervous. Suddenly a man dressed in white came to me; I thought he might be a judge or lawyer. "

"Excuse me Sir. I want to see a judge. "

"Go that way, see that way up the stairs." He told me without looking at me and hurriedly went away lost in the crowd.

"I went up the stairs and reached a fully furnished room. There were guards outside it and I was afraid they'll catch me thinking I'm someone who has run away from her home. There was a woman in the room and I asked her If I can meet a judge."

"What type of judge you want to meet?" she looked at me in amazement.

"Just take me to a judge, I replied, any judge. "

"Come with me", she said.

"She took me in an other room, it was filled with many people, there was one man sitting on the main chair with many people waiting for their turns. I sat on a chair waiting for mine."

"How may I help you?" I heard these words half asleep. It was such a sweet and caring voice and made me comfortable. The room was almost empty. "

"I want divorce, I replied. "

......................................................

The story of Nujood Ali is that of a brave girl who stood against the ferocious laws against women. She was eight when her parents arranged a marriage to Faez Ali Thamer who was in his thirties. She belonged to a village in Yemen where women had no rights at all. Her father was a poor man who could not earn much money to support his 16 people family. One day while he was playing cards with his street mates one of them asked him if he wants some help with the family. After talking more they agreed he agreed in no time to marrt Faez to her youngest daughter Nujood. He mother tried best to stop the marriage telling his husband Nujood was too young for marriage.

"What If someone rapes her some day?" he replied. The best way to help our daughter and make her more secure is to marry her.

Nujood was married according to the Yemeni tradition. Her mother advised her to stay covered as she is the "Izzat" of her husband now. The day she entered her new home she new, life had changed. The In laws were not in favor of her studying in school so she was restricted to do so. She missed her school too much. She was not allowed to leave the house after evening prayers, always forced to stay covered in home as well.

......................................................

"I had to change myself. I was forced not to leave home without permission, I was not allowed to talk with anyone, I was not allowed to say NO at anything, I had to cut vegetables, cook food, wash utensils, and everything my mother in law wanted me to. When I stopped to take rest, she used to pull my hairs. Once I asked her to let me go play with the kids, but instead of replying she started beating me. My husband always came late at night and without any reason beat me with a stick almost everyday. All my day was passed in fear of getting beaten and I used to cry a lot."

......................................................

One day while she was visiting her home, her stepmother encouraged and told her the only way she could get rid of her husband and all the beating was to contact a judge. She also gave her some money for that. You've heard the story up till she reached the judge, lets continue with the rest.

"I want divorce, I replied. "

..... "I want divorce, I replied. "

The judge was shocked.

"You want divorce? you mean are you married?!" Judge asked.

"YES, I replied firmly."

Judge asked me a few questions regarding about me and my marriage and what was the reason I wanted a divorce, I told him everything."

"I will help you", he replied. Abdur Rehman was his name. After much thinking he called some one. It was the chief judge Muhammad Laghari.

"My Child, we will help you as much as we can, but remember it will be a tough way ahead and no guarantee that you will win the case." Laghari Said.

......................................................

Its a long story after that. A famous social worker, lawyer was appointed for Nujood. The case began. The point of conflict was Faez had promised Nujood's father that he won't touch her before she is mature enough, but a total different story was the reality. After some negotiations Faez agreed to divorce Nujood on the condition that her father must pay the girl's price. Faez was proved a lier here as her father told he did not sell her daughter, after all the proofs against Faez, he divorced Nujood.

She is spending a normal life now, enrolled in a school, staying with her family. Many NGO's have been funding her education and she wants to become a lawyer when she grows up. In April 2011, Yemeni parliament passed a law increasing the marriage age of girls to 17. One little girl, brought a change, a big one, saving the life of many perhaps.

Taliban are Changing.

2012-02-24T16:39:00.000+05:00

Five years ago Rahim Daad was forced to leave his native town and migrate to Kabul. He was the resident of Nawar, which is one of the regions of the Ghazni province. Actually the problem was that Talibans of that province had shut down the modern schools forcefully but Rahim Daad wanted his children to study the religious and well as the modern ways. For the better future of children he had to adopt Kabul as new home.

But now, Rahim Daad is back to his home, Nawar. It has been a few months and the reason he came back was schools of the city were opened again, and that too with the permission of Taliban. He was very happy to hear this and came back. Rahim Daad tells ..

"The leaders of the city and the wiser men requested Taliban, that they want to open the schools which have been shut down. After few negotiations Taliban agreed to open the schools. Now not only mine but the children of all the city are happy, it feels like their life is complete now."

Another such incident was of Ali Khan. He was a teacher in Tangi High School, which is situated in the Syedabad district of Wardak Province. Five years ago Taliban burned down the school after bombarding it. Ali khan had to run for his life and shifted to the other province. But now he is back, the school is opened and he is teaching the future of Afghanistan without any fear. He says ..

"The hate Taliban had against the modern studies is an old story now, they have understood the modern education is the basis of successful Afghanistan. In fact now Taliban themselves ask us to teach the children as much as we can, this is a big change."

Although Western media is of the view that Taliban are doing this on purpose and have hidden motives, but Taliban leaders themselves say they are not against modern studies anymore and want the future of Afghanistan to prosper.

This is indeed a big change from the past when any development project, NGO activity, music etc was totally forbidden. Things are changing, for now they are, for a brighter and positive Afghanistan.

Songkran: Thailand Water Festival.

2012-02-22T15:37:00.000+05:00

Songkran means 'astrological passage' and is the event which announces the new Thailand year. In the modern calendar it is celebrated every year from 13-15 april. Interestingly enough these three days are common new year starters in the Southeast Asia.

A Brief History:

The date of the festival was originally set by astrological calculation, but it is now fixed. Until 1888 the Thai New Year was the beginning of the year in Thailand; thereafter 1 April was used until 1940. 1 January is now the beginning of the year. The traditional Thai New Year has been a national holiday since then. Mostly this festival was celebrated in India and is thought to be originated from the Holi festival as previously in the 1900's color was used. It was just recently that water took over colors and it was given a separate identity by the Thailand people.

How is it celebrated:

The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. Thais roam the streets with containers of water or water guns (sometimes mixed with mentholated talc), or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. This, however, was not always the main activity of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends, neighbors, and monks.

Mostly Thai people have the pictures of monks and dummies in their homes which they consider a sign of good luck so on this very day, paying a visit to the monks and temples is also a common tradition.

From where has it originated:

In the past when the monks used to wash the buddha dummies, the water which flowed afterwards was saved by some of them and they used to wash themselves with it, considering that it will help them earn a place in heaven and will wash away all their sins. Among young people the holiday evolved to include dousing strangers with water to relieve the heat. Nowadays, the emphasis is on fun and water-throwing rather than on the festival's spiritual and religious aspects, which sometimes prompts complaints from traditionalists.

Traditional Greeting:

The traditional greeting is "sa-wat-di pi mai" basically "Happy New Year". Sawatdi is also used for "hello" or "goodbye". Pi and mai mean "year" and "new" respectively in Thai. Another greeting used is suk-san wan pi mai" , where suksan means "happy".

Cheating and Caught!

2012-02-20T18:07:00.000+05:00

I was talking with a friend on twitter, Laraib Asif and she told me that she never cheats in exams, In my life this was the second person telling me this, all others used to answer "Ohh yar cheating tow fashion hai, Ohh yar normal baat hai, sab kartay hain tow ham kyun nahi" ... I told about this girl to Papa and he instantly reminded me of something, of the bad old memories :D

I was in the 10th grade and my board exams were in progress. It was my Mathematics exam and there was no concept of choice with 70% of paper constituted objective questions. I attempted the objective part quickly and waited for the examiner to collect the paper when the boy sitting behind me started asking the solution. I refused, refused again, refused thrice. on the fourth time I stood up and told the examiner that the boy wants to cheat!

After 5 minutes, one of the examiner came to me and asked me to pass my objective paper to the boy sitting behind me. I was shocked and I refused instantly.

When the subjective part started, the boy started to bug me again. I ignored him for an hour or so, the invigilator stood beside me, trying to see what I was writing so that he can help that boy, but I hid my paper. This went on for 30 minutes but when the examiner saw his tries were unfruitful he asked that boy to leave the paper and write his phone number on the answer sheet and go. He also told me rudely "Tum se ziada number na aay iskay tow mera naam bhi ***** nahi ".

My exams finished and I passed with good marks. Just one day after the result while reading the news paper I came across a strange news. When I read the description I couldn't believe my eyes.

There was the news about a boy who had written his phone number on the answer sheet. A week after the exams finished, he got a phone call, someone asked him to visit a particular place with 20,000 rupees. He went there with his father. It was an old shop. He entered and the shutters were put down, he was asked to fill the subjective paper, which he graciously did.

Result was out and the boy got 25/30 in the subjective part, but thanks to his poor show in the objective part, still failed the exam. His paper while on rechecking, was caught and he was disallowed to appear in the board exams for the next 5 years.

Mysterious Yonaguni Island !

2012-02-18T10:04:00.000+05:00

Yonaguni Island is one of the few Islands which tell us about the early Japanese Civilization. These are situated 68 km away from the Eastern Taiwan coast.

This Island is 10 km long and 4 km wide. Its atmosphere is clean and gives a refreshing feeling and thats why people from all over Japan visit this place often.
When you visit these Islands you will see these are still surviving in the old way manner, away from the busy city life. Its population is only 1684 and most of them are the old traditional Japanese tribesmen who are very welcoming, even though they don't have much resources, they are famous all over the world for their welcomeness.

These Islands are also famous for their natural and strange monuments. These are near the southern coast of the Island and are hand made ones which makes them even stranger. with the dimensions of 100*25*50 meters, this art craft is a wonder in itself as over all these years it is standing in the exact and correct mathematical dimensions.

These rocks are estimated to be 8000 years old and without a doubt it is difficult to imagine how could people in those times build something with such precision without the modern instruments and techniques. There are many theories about who created this masterpiece.

Some historians say these rocks are the remaining of the MU civilization, while the others say that these rocks have originated due to the natural disasters over the period of time. But when we see the rocks closely it is obvious that these rocks have been carved technically and no natural disaster can originate such precise rocks with equal dimensions.

These rocks are still under research and will take lots of time to discover the truth about them.

Overconfidence cost Pakistan.

2012-02-16T09:33:00.000+05:00

" Before you attempt to beat the odds, be sure you could survive the odds beating you. " Pakistan were clearly overconfident when the ODI series between England and Pakistan started but forgot that overconfidence precedes carelessness. Perhaps they underestimated the English side as did everyone else, they lead the four match series 2-0. Who would have thought things will turn around within a week.

For Pakistan the problem lies with the team selection and poor planing. England didn't bring drastic changes to their team for the ODI's. Just including the specialists Ravi Bopara and C. Kieswetter while one all rounder Samit Patel.

And when Shahid Afridi swung and missed at James Anderson, Pakistan's chase was over (Cricinfo 2nd ODI)

Pakistan on the other hand had to clue with the team selection. Shoaib Malik was included in the squad on the request of Misbah ul Haq, and to accommodate him Pakistan shuffled the whole team for the first ODI match. They went in with Umar Akmal as a wicket keeper, Dropping the inform Abdur Rehman, and Playing Wahab Riaz to make up for Malik's position as a spinning all rounder who was batting as low as number eight.

Even if Malik had to play, Pakistan could have gone in with Abdur Rehman instead of Wahab Riaz, as England's vows against spin bowling were obvious during the test match series. Pakistan did play with five spin bowlers during the third ODI against Bangladesh, who looked playing spin better than England.

England scored 260/7 in 50 overs, Wahab Riaz was totally out of sorts, Shoaib Malik bowled just five overs and scored 7 runs of 23 balls, Umar Akmal came to bat with a backache and Pakistan lost by 130 runs.

For the second ODI Pakistan dropped Wahab Riaz, Shoaib Malik and Asad Shafiq bringing in Aizaz Cheema, Abdur Rehman, and Azhar Ali. Last two were sensible moves which Pakistan should have taken during the previous match but they still went in with Umar Akmal as a wicket keeper.

With four top class spinners in the team, Pakistan played a nonspecialist wicket keeper who was poor behind the stumps, dropping two catches, one of Cook, who was at 28 but went on to score another century and the other of Eoin Morgan who scored a crucial 25 not out.

While selecting the team Pakistan also forgot that they had Hammad Azam in the team who is a right arm medium pace bowler and a handy lower-middle order batsman and would have served well instead of Aizaz Cheema. Pakistan had 7 batsman, four pure tailenders but nothing in between.

When Shahid Afridi was bowled by James Andersen Pakistan required 44 of 34 balls, but had no one to support Misbah ul Haq and lost the match by 20 runs which they could have easily won.

Pakistani management for some reason has been hesitant to play Hammad Azam in the team, maybe because he is capable enough to take over the all rounder's slot which has been occupied by under performing Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik and on some occasions Sohail Tanvir. They are a well balanced test side, but look totally imbalanced when it comes to ODI matches.

There are a few slots that need to be filled especially the opening partnership, they need someone who can stay there and play long. A young performing all rounder in the lower-middle order who could bowl economical overs and score precious runs, but more importantly and a quick genuine fast bowler who could rip through batting line ups on these slow low pitches.

All is not lost. They still have two ODI matches to go and can level the series but this for sure is a wake up call for Pakistan.

A Valentines Day Letter.

2012-02-14T17:29:00.000+05:00

Please Note: This is not me wishing anyone a Valentines Day, In fact it is the way I would Imagine a sincere boy should wish a girl. Just random thoughts.

Dear Girl,

Never had I Imagined my life will change so much, Never had I thought I'll love you so much. You have changed my life, you have changed the way I see life. I LOVE YOU more than anything and everything, I love you without any conditions and relations.
Yes, you are the bestest gift I could have ever wished on a valentine. You are like a rose to me, red one, fresh one. whose fragrance makes my day. Without a doubt you are the most delicate and fluffy cotton like girl I have ever seen. Your voice makes my day, your laughs make me laugh, your smile makes me happy, your cuteness and beauty makes me feel as If I'm the luckiest person on this planet. Well In short, you are the BEST! All I want you is to stay happy and keep smiling forever. All I pray to god is that there be no place for sadness and sorrows in your life and I promise I'll try my best for that to happen and be a part of it. Never doubt, I trust you more than anyone, I need you more than anything. I'm sorry If I've hurt you unintentionally or made you sad. To me you are all the good things in this world, call it a tasty strawberry, call it the most beautiful Princess, call it the tweeting bird of the morning, call if a garden full of colorful flowers, call it a Candy, call it a Doll, call it Sweetheart or maybe call it the sunshine, the morning time which makes me excited about a new day awaiting, or let me say it, call YOU mine. Stay the way you are and never change, with lots love, hugs, kisses, Happy Valentines Day!

Forever yours,

A sincere Boy.

Not Answered.

2012-02-10T12:29:00.002+05:00

By Maham Shahbaz.

How more ironic could this life get?

Crying while smiling,

Dying while living,

Scared while boldly claiming,

Lying while telling the truth,

Blessed? yes , if that means cursed

Loved? Yes , if that means hatred

Noticed? Yes , if that means ignored

Cared for? Yes , if that means ignorance

I’m happy with you but that is wrong

I’m not alone , yet no one is around

I can see the light but its all so dark

I can see the white but its all so black

Why give the power to dream,

when its just a fantasy ?

Why make a dream world when

reality is where every one has to live ?

Why are we in this hell,

when we didn’t ask for it? Did we

do something wrong?

Ungrateful ? are we all not ungrateful?

For we were not given a choice,

Helpless we are , but there is no other option,

But who can question?

We don’t want to be called as traitors

Doubt no one while every one can doubt you.

Life changes, Life goes on !

2012-02-10T09:47:00.000+05:00

There come such people in you life who change you forever. change you for good mostly! You try your best to resist, you try your best to keep a distance, you try your best to ignore the facts but then there is a time when you just can't.

Its a 360 degree change, Isn't it!

Life turns upside down, you can't stay away even for one day, all you want to do is to talk and talk with the person who has brought sudden, pleasant change in your life. The sweetness of their voice makes your day, All you do and think is them. All you wish for is that angel, all you want is their love, All you dream is staying with them forever.

Then two possibilities appear...

1) Your dreams turn true, become reality, and life goes on with a new spark.

2) Reality sets in, you wake up from your dream and life still goes on, the usual way.

Which option does your life has?!

3rd Test: The real Test?!

2012-01-31T14:45:00.000+05:00

Pakistan has already won the series, 3rd test match looks a dead rubber. But is it?! For me it is an equally Important test match as the previous two. Any team who wins the last test match will carry the momentum in the ODI series although its a totally different format with different players. (My gut feeling is that England stand no chance against Pakistan in the ODI's, but still.)

For Pakistan this match is a test for themselves. They would want to motivate themselves and play like a team who are on a roll and must not relax. Even a draw here would be a Psychological victory for Pakistan. England are a wounded lion at the moment and they will try to hit back hard. They will try to register their first win of the tour and it will give them some confidence back.

Pakistan will look to make a few changes in the team, for sure Junaid Khan must be dropped after a poor performance. Who will they bring in? There are three choices to be honest.

The Temptation of Playing them two together.

First one is playing Wahab Riaz.. but I doubt Pakistan will play him partially due to 'not so good' relations between Wahab and Trott, but most probably because of the fact that England will feel more comfortable facing the left arm fast bowler on a Dubai pitch. The second and the most Interesting option can be of bringing in Umar Akaml, strengthen the batting line up and giving Hafeez a lengthy bowl to make up for the missing fast bowler. Naseer Hussain rightly said that this option could have been availed if Pakistan lost the 2nd test match and they shouldn't now, but still its an option.. The third and more simpler option can be to bring back Aizaz Cheema if he is fit and play the same team that won the first test match.

England really don't have much choice. They just have one additional batsman in the squad which is Ravi Bopara who plays in the middle order but they have three batsmen who are struggling.

It's time Bopara comes in?!

Ian Bell has scored 36 runs at an average of 9.0 and is clueless against Saeed Ajmal, Kevin Pietersen is having a nightmare scoring just 17 runs with average of 4.25 (Saeed Ajmal has scored 29 runs with a better average of 9.66) but they both will survive because dropping Eoin Morgan and playing Bopara looks a certainty as Morgan, the best English player of the spin as the experts say, looks totally out of sorts plus he is young at the test level. He has scored 41 runs in 4 innings with an average of 10.25 ( James Andersen has also scored 41 but at a better average of 13.66 ) and looks confused in the way he plays. Bopara doesn't have an outstanding record (12 matches, 553 runs, average 34.56) but anything fresh can help England. Their bowling is fine, they are doing an outstanding job and have kept alive every chance for their team to stay in the series.

Toss can be important! Pakistan recently have the habit of winning the toss and bowling first. Out of 14 matches under Misbah Pakistan have bowled first on 10 occasions ( 6 wins, 1 loss, 3 draws) so the decision to bat first in the 2nd test match was something out of the blue. What will Pakistan do if the win the toss?! No idea, maybe bowl again. England will bat first for sure as they wouldn't want to bat last last. But keep in mind, of the two test matches played on this ground the team that batted first has lost the match. Srilanka won the toss and batted first, England were out into bat by Pakistan and lost by 9 and 10 wickets respectively.

The pitch will be an interesting factor as well, are these pitches flat?! There is something about these pitches which is different, test matches ending in 3 and 4 days respectively tells for sure the pitches weren't flat. Dubai pitch doesn't spin as much as the Abu Dhabi one and it gets flatter as the match progresses with less cracks appearing. In the first Test Match It helped the fast and spin bowlers equally.

Keeping everything aside, its the best chance Pakistan will get to whitewash England who look like a team low on confidence and are not sure how to cope up with the spinners. Moreover this Pakistani team looks different, there is something that tells they will fight till the very end. Lets hope we get to see that and win the series 3-0 to add another jewel in our crown.

Four Famous City of Pakistan.

2012-01-30T14:19:00.001+05:00

Karachi:

Karachi is the heart of Pakistan, Easily the biggest city with a population of 13,052,000 (2010). It was the previous capital of Pakistan and a massive metropolis with a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Karachi has absorbed the charm and beauty of modern and conventional way of life. What makes the city more proud is the fact that Quiad-E-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan was born in this city and his mausoleum is the identity of the city.

It is the most populous city in the country, one of the world's largest cities in terms of population and also the 10th largest urban agglomeration in the world. It is also known as the city of lights and the bride of cities due to its liveliness where people from all over the country come for jobs and labor. Other famous places of Karachi include state of the art Air Port, The famous National Stadium, Tooba Mosque, The National Academy of Performing Arts, The National Museum, Karachi Expo Centre. The Port Grand Food and Entertainment Complex is the largest food street of Asia. It is located near the Arabian Sea and once It was the world's most popular silver-sand beach and health resort during 20th century.

Islamabad:

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan and was built in early 1960. The city is more famous due to the political hub, beauty, cleanliness and more Importantly the location in the beautiful Magrala hills which are regarded to be one of the earliest sites of human settlement in Asia.. Faisal Mosque of Islamabad is the biggest mosque of South Asia and sixth biggest of the world. The famous places for food and cafe' are Jinnah Super Market, Blue Area, F10 Markaz.

The city is a developed one and divided in different sectors. F-9 sector is called Fatima Jinnah Park which is one of the biggest in Asia. Some of the famous places of the city Include Daman-e-Koh, Monal, Shakar Parrian, Islamabad Zoo, Rawal Lake, Khanpur dam lake, Pakistan Monument, Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Golra Sharif. Islamabad is home to the some of the top-ranked universities in Pakistan, including Quaid-i-Azam University, Air University, Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences and the National University of Sciences and Technology. Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad is one of the world's largest universities by enrollment. The Saudi-Pak Tower is an example of the integration of modern architecture with traditional styles. The beige-coloured edifice is trimmed with blue tile works in Islamic tradition, and is one of Islamabad's tallest buildings.

Multan:

Multan is one of the oldest cities in the Subcontinent Indo-Pak, this peculiar due to almost never-ending history of religion and politics for near about five thousand years, according to many historians it is the oldest city with a history in the modern world. Multan is the City of Saints. It is also known as the City of Sufis and Madinah-Tul-Oleyah due to the large number of shrines and Sufi saints from the city. It is also known as the City of Mangoes and produces the most juiciest of mangoes. The people of the city are polite and the thing that differentiates Multan from other cities is the calmness.

It is also a city where the five rivers of Punjab meet. Multan is famous for its crops: wheat, cotton and sugar cane as well as mangoes, citrus, guavas and pomegranates. The best part of the city are the shrines of famous Sufi saints like Bahauddin Zakaria, Shah Shamas, Shah Rukn e Alam etc. According to Hindu legends, it was the capital of the Trigarta Kingdom and stayed a power house after that. Multan is also one of the hottest cities of the country. It has a population of over about 3.83 Million, making it the sixth largest city in Pakistan. Nishtar Medical college and hospital was once the largest in Asia, The parks such as Cantonment Garden, Jinnah Park, ShahShamas park are the biggest in the country. The State Bank of Pakistan, BZU Campus, Arts Council building with and auditorium, MGM, Multan Railway Station building the famous Clock Tower building of the Multan Municipal Corporation are the other worth places of the city.

Lahore:

Undoubtedly the heat of Pakistan, Lahore is the second largest city of the country and one of the most densely populated city of the world. A legend based on oral traditions holds that Lahore, known in ancient times as Lavapuri. It is the City which never sleeps and also known as the City of Gardens thanks to the Mughal Emperors. Lahore also has a rich cultural and architectural history which goes back over a millennium. Lahore has a lot to offer, including, from its popular film industry known as Lolly wood, Mughal and highly ethnical architecture to the most hospitable culinary fiestas, Lahore has a breathtaking charm and charisma that enchants every one that happens to be in Lahore.

It is the city of happenings and colorful events, Festivals like Basant, Spring Flower Festival, international Theatre and Film festivals and a lot more that adds the colors of vibrancy, animation and joie de vivre to the city full of energy and life. There are many places you can visit in Lahore and you can go on and on with the names, The Badshahi Mosque, Mausoleum of National Poet Allama Iqbal, Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens, and the mausolea of Jehangir and Nur Jehan are popular tourist attractions for the city. Golden Mosque; 13 Gates of Lahore and Lahore Zoo are also visited by people. The National College of Arts is a place where people all over the world come to learn the modern arts, whereas many famous universities are also in this city. Food Street of Lahore is the most famous in Pakistan which people mostly visit after midnight.

Team Misbah did us Proud!

2012-01-28T21:50:00.000+05:00

Just a short post for now.. Too happy to write anything :D

Victory against any opposition is sweet, but victory against the World's top Test Team is memorable. Pakistan were able to beat England by 72 runs, who were chasing a small target of 145.

For sure this has to go down as one of the best victories ever by a Pakistani team. Defending just 145 against one of the best batting line up of the world would have been a tough job in any case but Pakistan never let England go off the hook. Chief destroyer surprisingly was Abdur Rehman who grabbed 6-25 from just 10.1 overs, Saeed Ajmal supported him well with 3-22 becoming the fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in test matches for Pakistan.

Apart from the brilliant performance by the spin bowlers one must not forget the contribution of the young middle order batsman of Pakistan, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, who absorbed enormous pressure when Pakistan were 54-4 in the second innings still trailing by 16 runs, and added 88 precious runs which turned out to be the telling difference in the end.

This victory becomes more special keeping in mind the turmoil Pakistan team was in, after the Spot fixing saga, losing its three main players, doubts on the other players, a nation who has been deprived of cricket at home, a nation starving for happiness, this was special.

This was 2nd lowest total defended in the fourth innings by any team and the 5th time that England lost when they had to chase a target of 145 or fewer.

One must have looked at Mohsin Khan sitting in the dressing room, acting with every ball, praying, showing frustration when something went wrong, hugging the staff when Pakistan got a wicket and at the end when they won.

One must have also looked at the way players were gathering around him in happiness, change of coach still? or a permanent job for MK?! Its going to be a big decision to make for a team who looks stable after such a long time, especially after Dav Whatmore has resigned as a coach of Kolkata Knight Riders just for talking up the position of coach with the Pakistan team.

Another heartening thing to see was the unity Pakistan team has within, the way they celebrate for each other, at every wicket. Bowlers supporting each other, batsman praising each other, It's something you never associate with a Pakistan team.

We can criticize the tactics of Misbah ul Haq, the slow pace the batsman go at, the poor performance of the fast bowlers, the fact is, Misbah is doing the job for us. from the 12 matches he has captained Team Pakistan, he has lost just single and winning 8 matches, and not losing even a single series.

People who were of the view this team is only performing against minnows must change their views now. Pakistan have beaten the best team in the world! Although Pakistan team still has a long way to travel, It for sure is not like the previous teams, there is something sparkling about it!

The Adventures of Mouse Deer!

2012-01-24T09:39:00.000+05:00

Mouse Deer and Tiger.

Mouse Deer sang his song as he walked through the forest. He was looking for tasty fruits and roots and shoots.

Though he was small, he was not afraid. He knew that many big animals wanted to eat him. But first they had to catch him!

Then he heard something. Rowr!

There was Tiger!

“Hello, Mouse Deer. I was just getting hungry. Now you can be my lunch.”

Mouse Deer didn’t want to be lunch. He looked around and thought fast. He saw a mud puddle.

“I’m sorry, Tiger. I can’t be your lunch. The King has ordered me to guard his pudding.”

“His pudding?” said Tiger.

“Yes. There it is.” Mouse Deer pointed to the mud puddle. “It has the best taste in the world. The King doesn’t want anyone else to eat it.”

Tiger looked longingly at the puddle. “I would like to taste the King’s pudding.”

“Oh, no, Tiger! The King would be very angry.”

“Just one little taste, Mouse Deer! The King will never know.”

“Well, all right, Tiger. But first let me run far away, so no one will blame me.”

“All right, Mouse Deer, you can go now.”

Mouse Deer ran quickly out of sight.

“Imagine!” said Tiger. “The King’s pudding!” He took a big mouthful.

Phooey! He spit it out.

“Yuck! Ugh! Bleck! That’s no pudding. That’s mud!”

Tiger ran through the forest. Rowr! He caught up with Mouse Deer.

“Mouse Deer, you tricked me once. But now you will be my lunch!”

Mouse Deer looked around and thought fast. He saw a wasp nest in a tree.

“I’m sorry, Tiger. I can’t be your lunch. The King has ordered me to guard his drum.”

“His drum?” said Tiger.

“Yes. There it is.” Mouse Deer pointed to the wasp nest. “It has the best sound in the world. The King doesn’t want anyone else to hit it.”

Tiger said, “I would like to hit the King’s drum.”

“Oh, no, Tiger! The King would be very angry.”

“Just one little hit, Mouse Deer! The King will never know.”

“Well, all right, Tiger. But first let me run far away, so no one will blame me.”

“All right, Mouse Deer, you can go now.”

Mouse Deer ran quickly out of sight.

“Imagine!” said Tiger. “The King’s drum!” He reached up and hit it. Pow.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz. The wasps all flew out. They started to sting Tiger.

“Ouch! Ooch! Eech! That’s no drum. That’s a wasp nest!”

Tiger ran away. But the wasps only followed him! Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

“Ouch! Ooch! Eech!”

Tiger came to a stream. He jumped in—splash!—and stayed underwater as long as he could. At last the wasps went away.

Then Tiger jumped out. Rowr! He ran through the forest till he found Mouse Deer.

“Mouse Deer, you tricked me once. You tricked me twice. But now you will be my lunch!”

Mouse Deer looked around and thought fast. He saw a cobra! The giant snake was coiled asleep on the ground.

“I’m sorry, Tiger. I can’t be your lunch. The King has ordered me to guard his belt.”

“His belt?” said Tiger.

“Yes. There it is.” Mouse Deer pointed to the cobra. “It’s the best belt in the world. The King doesn’t want anyone else to wear it.”

Tiger said, “I would like to wear the King’s belt.”

“Oh, no Tiger! The King would be very angry.”

“Just for one moment, Mouse Deer! The King will never know.”

“Well, all right, Tiger. But first let me run far away, so no one will blame me.”

“All right, Mouse Deer, you can go now.”

Mouse Deer ran quickly out of sight.

“Imagine!” said Tiger. “The King’s belt!” He started to wrap it around himself.

The cobra woke up. Ssssssssssssss. It didn’t wait for Tiger to finish wrapping. It wrapped itself around Tiger. Then it squeezed him and bit him. Sstt!

“Ooh! Ow! Yow! That’s no belt. That’s a cobra! Help! Mouse Deer! Help!”

But Mouse Deer was far away. And as he went, he sang his song.

I’m quick and smart as I can be.
Try and try, but you can’t catch me!

Mouse Deer and Crocodile

One day, Mouse Deer went down to the river. He wanted to take a drink. But he knew Crocodile might be waiting underwater to eat him.

Mouse Deer had an idea. He said out loud, “I wonder if the water’s warm. I’ll put in my leg and find out.”

But Mouse Deer didn’t put in his leg. Instead, he picked up a stick with his mouth and put in one end.

Chomp! Crocodile grabbed the stick and pulled it underwater.

Mouse Deer laughed. “Stupid Crocodile! Don’t you know a stick from a leg?”

And he ran off to drink somewhere else!

* * *

Another day, Mouse Deer went back to the river. All he saw there was a floating log. But he knew Crocodile looked like a log when he floated.

Mouse Deer had an idea. He said out loud, “If that log is really Crocodile, it won’t talk. But if it’s really just a log, it will tell me.”

He listened. A rough voice said, “I’m really just a log.”

Mouse Deer laughed. “Stupid Crocodile! Do you think a log can talk?”

And off he ran again!

* * *

Another day, Mouse Deer wanted to cross the river. He wanted to eat tasty fruits and roots and shoots on the other side. But he didn’t want Crocodile to eat him first!

Mouse Deer had an idea. He called out, “Crocodile!”

Crocodile rose from the water. “Hello, Mouse Deer. Have you come to be my breakfast?”

“Not today, Crocodile. I have orders from the King. He wants me to count all the crocodiles.”

“The King!” said Crocodile. “Tell us what to do.”

“You must line up from this side of the river to the other side.”

Crocodile got all his friends and family. They lined up across the river.

Mouse Deer jumped onto Crocodile’s back. “One.”

He jumped onto the next crocodile. “Two.”

And the next. “Three.”

Mouse Deer kept jumping till he jumped off on the other side of the river.

“How many are there?” called Crocodile.

“Just enough!” said Mouse Deer. “And all stupid!”

Then he went off singing his song.

I’m quick and smart as I can be.
Try and try, but you can’t catch me!

Mouse Deer and Farmer

Mouse Deer loved to eat the fruits and roots and shoots of the forest. But he loved something else even more.

He loved the vegetables in Farmer’s garden.

One day, Mouse Deer went to the edge of the forest. He looked out at row after row of vegetables.

“Mmmm,” said Mouse Deer. “Juicy cucumbers! Yummy yams!” He started into the garden.

Snap! “Oh!”

His leg was caught in a snare! Mouse Deer pulled and pulled. But he could not get away.

“Oh, no!” he said. “Farmer will have me for dinner!”

Then he saw Farmer coming. Mouse Deer thought fast. He lay on the ground and made his body stiff.

“Well, well,” said Farmer. “Look what I caught. A mouse deer! But he looks dead.”

Farmer pushed him with his foot. Mouse Deer didn’t move.

“Maybe he’s been dead a long time,” said Farmer. “Too bad! I guess we can’t eat him.”

He pulled Mouse Deer’s leg out of the snare. Then he tossed Mouse Deer back into the forest.

Mouse Deer landed with a soft plop. Then he jumped up and ran. Behind him, he heard Farmer yell.

“Hey! You tricked me!”

Mouse Deer laughed. “Farmer is smart. But Mouse Deer is smarter!”

* * *

A few days passed. Mouse Deer kept thinking about all those vegetables. One day, he went back to the edge of the forest.

“Mmmm,” said Mouse Deer. “Tasty gourds! Scrumptious sweet potatoes!”

Then he saw something new. It looked like a man. But its head was a coconut, and its body was rubber.

“A scarecrow!” said Mouse Deer. “That silly Farmer. Does he think he can scare me with that? I’ll show him how scared I am!”

Mouse Deer marched up to the scarecrow. “Take this!” He gave it a big kick.

But his leg stuck to the scarecrow. The scarecrow was covered with sticky sap from a rubber tree!

“Let me go!” said Mouse Deer. He pulled and he pulled. Then he pushed with his other front leg.

That leg stuck too.

“Turn me loose!” He pulled and he pulled. Then he pushed with his two back legs.

They stuck too.

“PUT ME DOWN!” He pulled and he pushed and he pulled and he pushed. But Mouse Deer was trapped.

Then he saw Farmer. Mouse Deer thought fast. But he didn’t have any ideas!

“Well, well,” said Farmer. “How nice of you to come back.”

He pulled Mouse Deer off the scarecrow and carried him to the house. He put him outside in an empty chicken coop.

“I’ll keep you here tonight,” said Farmer. “And tomorrow you’ll be our dinner.”

All that night, Mouse Deer couldn’t sleep. He didn’t want to be dinner! When the sun rose, Mouse Deer just lay there sadly.

Then he heard something. “Why, it’s Mouse Deer! So Farmer caught you at last. It serves you right!”

It was Farmer’s dog. Mouse Deer thought fast.

“What do you mean, Dog? Farmer didn’t catch me.”

“Then why are you in the coop?” said Dog.

“Because there aren’t enough beds in the house. You see, Farmer is holding a feast tomorrow. And I’m the guest of honor.”

“Guest of honor?” said Dog. “That’s not fair! I’ve been his loyal friend for years, and you’re just a thief. The guest of honor should be me!”

“You know, Dog, you’re right. Why don’t you take my place? When Farmer sees you in here, he’ll make you the guest of honor instead.”

“Really?” said Dog. “You don’t mind?”

“Not at all,” said Mouse Deer. “You deserve it.”

“Mouse Deer, you’re not so bad after all. Thank you!” Dog lifted the latch and opened the door.

“You’re welcome, Dog. Enjoy the feast.”

Mouse Deer ran for the forest. Then he watched from the forest edge. He saw Farmer come out and stare at Dog. Then he heard Farmer yell.

“You stupid dog! You let the mouse deer get away!”

Mouse Deer laughed. “Farmer will have to find a different dinner now!” Then he went off singing his song.

I’m quick and smart as I can be.
Try and try, but you can’t catch me!

On a High! Which side? No Idea.

2012-01-12T00:47:00.000+05:00

Its the usual feeling for me, I write when I'm too happy or when I'm too stressed up. What's the condition right now, lets keep it a secret.

I was surprised to see that my google search results for "Raafay Awan" have spread over 20 pages and the blog views are now over 51000, thanks Allah for that :)

The past few days have been really tough for me not only because of the studies and exams but I don't know why I felt mentally stressed. I wasn't able to do anything, I couldn't even study properly, I couldn't even eat properly, I couldn't even talk sense sometimes :P I for the first time in life deactivated facebook as its the place I interact with people in the most proper way, not using the cellphone was the other thing that helped. The only regret that I couldn't do my exams properly and I had the highest internal in all the subjects.

I'm done with my exams and Hamza will get free today so we'll be going back home at night. This time for sure I'm gonna read a few books, watch lots TV (I have totally forgotten what does a TV look like actually), the cricket series between Pakistan and England is about to start soon so that's another excitement. Manal is in Bahawalpur so we might visit her, bring her home and complete our family for the weekend. None better feeling when we four sit together and mama papa join in for a conversation, Hope Allah keeps us happy, healthy and safe forever, Ameen.

So there is one of my roommate, who actually is in the first semester and its the same guy who stayed with us last year and failed. As he still thinks he will fail the exams so he found out an easy way out, paying money and gifting cellphones to subject teachers so that they pass him. His father is also trying his best to find a 'Sifarish' for him. And what am I doing?! I'm the one who tells people to be good and do this and that and bla bla what am I doing? Nothing!! just sitting in my room, writing about it! I'm sure though his tactics won't work and he will still fail but If he doesn't and passes due to wrong means I'm gonna give him a hard time, I've already photographed all the internals that were displayed so if a subject teacher 'helps' him I will make sure he gets the deserved treatment! (I won't reveal my name for sure).

I was able to contact Arifa Karim's father after some struggle and he is really positive that his daughter will survive. He says that she is in a critical condition still where chances of survival are minimal but the extraordinary daughter she is, she will pass through it! (InshaAllah) Microsoft has announced a medical team will consult the Pakistani doctors over her case and will help where required as she cannot be shifted to any other hospital and is on artificial breathing, hopes will lighten up when she starts breathing on her own. I will repeat once again, my new year won't start unless this girl in the hospital doesn't recover. I trust Allah will show HIS miracle, that girl deserves a miracle!

liked this so I'm sharing...

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Fire In Water

2012-01-11T21:05:00.001+05:00

A complete novel by Maham Shahbaz. The story of a girl who has to fight with fate and her loved ones for her loved ones...

CHAPTER 1

My sisters used to tell me that on my birth my father was holding my mother’s hand. But when he found out of a baby girl, he let it go and stormed out of the room angrily. Then I was handed in to the arms of my mother, who very lovingly took me.

When she looked at me she shed a tear or two. She smiled; her smile was full of love and agony. Love, because I was her child and a mother is made to love. Agony because I was her fourth daughter, who opened her eyes in such an unwelcome environment of this cruel, harsh and cold world.

I was named Natalia by my mother. She chose this name for me as it meant sunlight and that was what she thought I was, bright and shinning like a sun. I had white creamy soft skin and blue-green eyes, just like that of a clear ocean.

My hair was golden with a hint of brown in them. They had curls and I looked just like an angel. On my birth my mother gave me a silver heart shaped necklace, which I always wore around my neck. My father gave it to my mother but she gave it to me.

My father regretted marrying my mother because she bore him 4 daughters despite his greatest wish of a son; at least that was what I was told.

My father married my mother at his own wish. My mother belonged to a rather poor family and my father was a rich man so she couldn’t say no to marry him.

After one month of my birth, one rainy night my father came into my room and told my mother that now he could not live with her anymore, then he said the three horrible words and left…

My mother’s heart was shattered in to a million pieces like that of a broken glass which could not be fixed again. She had always imagined that living without him was impossible. She felt her world tumbling down. On this dreadful night my mother’s eyes were red due to excessive crying. Her face was swollen. Tears came out of her eyes every second like the rain that was falling on the window pane.

In the morning my father was nowhere to be found. Mother packed our bags and went to my sister’s room. They were sleeping a very peaceful sleep. It took my mother all that she had to wake them up and tell them that they were going to their grandmother’s house. Her voice shivered every second while she talked to them.

My father was a very rich man had a very beautiful house as big as a palace. When the snow used to fall he burnt the heaters of almost every room so that his daughters could never get cold. The lawn in front of the house was so big that we could make two houses on it. The back of the house was also big but we were never allowed to go there without our father. Servants lived there

CHAPTER 2

When we were about to leave my father was standing in front of the gate admiring the beauty of nature as if nothing had happened. When we all passed in front of him he stopped us.

“Rabia”

, he said to my mother

“Let me have two of my beautiful daughters….ummmm…..what do you say about Mishal and Ayesha”

It wasn’t a question but a command. My mother plainly refused knowing that she didn’t stand a chance against him because he was a man and he possessed all the power in the world. As she was about to pass him one of the two guards standing by the door caught Mishal and Ayesha.the other one caught my mother.

Hassan signaled the ayah standing near him. She gave a long and sorrowful look at my mother, who was screaming then took my sisters with her.

My mother screamed and tried to snatch her daughters from the evil clutches of her husband but she couldn’t. He then kicked her out with me and my other sister Sara. Sara was 5 at that time.

“Take care of Sara and………n…………her….whatever her name is” he added

CHAPTER 3

When we entered our village a clean and pure air welcomed us. My grand mother’s house located near a hillock which was full of greenery and a very big and shady tree. My grand mother was very poor and barely earned a living for her self.

When we reached our grand mothers house she was sleeping. We didn’t want to wake her up and give her the bad news. My mother cooked eggs and bred for my sisters. We sat very quietly.

Night started to fall but my grand mother didn’t wake up. My mother was feeling very lonely so she decided to wake her up.

Rabia tried to wake her up but she didn’t wake up. So she pulled the blanket of her but she wouldn’t move.

That night my mother cried tearless cries and there is nothing more horrible than hearing a mother cries…I don’t know how my mother went out and told her neighbor, very nice woman, about all that had happened. May be because she knew that she had to live for me. Me a part of her, a part of her life…

After that dreadful day Rabia had to get out and work in other people’s houses. So that she could earn money for us...

AFTER 5 YEARS….

My mother started teaching me at evening. When she came back from her work. She wasn’t well learned; she only studied for 8 years. After that her father couldn’t afford her studies so she started working at my father’s house.

Sara was now 10 so she helped my mother by cleaning some houses. She still went to school my father paid for her studies.

Sara was pretty she had a light brown complexion, black hair, brown eyes.

CHAPTER 4

AFTER 10 YEARS

One morning Sara who was now 20 went to the market to buy some grocery there by chance she met Asad. He was her high school friend. After being 5 months in relationship with him. He went abroad and now they met again. She was very happy when she returned and told my mother all that had happened.

“What does he do?”

“He is a very successful businessman” she answered proudly

On hearing this my mothers face went pale. She thought for a moment then said in a very low voice

“Sara dear you have no idea how cruel this world is. All a man wants from his wife is heir and…nothing else absolutely nothing”

Rabia then saw tears falling from her daughter’s eyes. She ignored them and then added

“When she fails to do that she is thrown away like garbage……to him a woman is nothing more than a pretty flower when that flower looses its fragrance and beauty it’s thrown away…”

After saying this she went out of the room and I think I saw tears in her eyes. I went to sit with Sara. She whispered

“Just like baba did to mama”

I waited so that she would say something more so that her words would make sense but she didn’t. I asked what she meant by that but she just turned away.

Nobody ever told me the truth about father that he gave divorce to my mother. I was only told that he died 9 months before I was born and that he died along with my two sisters because of AIDS. At that time they were just 2 and 4 years old.

In the morning my mother went to Sara who was cleaning dishes. What my mom said that night broke her heart. Rabia just couldn’t see her daughter drowned in the tears caused by her so she agreed to meet Asad.

When Asad was seated the first question that Rabia bombarded him with was that if he really loved Sara. He answered that he did. The next one was if he wanted heir more than Sara. He thought for a moment and then answered that he wanted Sara. He said that with such sincerity that my mother had to trust him.

The month that followed was all about Sara’s marriage.

CHAPTER 5

On her marriage she looked pretty. She wore a white dress and looked like a doll.

Asad called me his princess and used to treat me like I was really his sister. He was very kind.

I knew almost everyone on her wedding except for one man who looked very rich. He took a picture with Sara and looked very happy. One thing that I noticed was that as soon as he entered my mother left the room.

He then came over to me gave me a kiss and asked

“You are a pretty girl. What’s your name?”

He asked. I answered shyly that my name was Natalia. On hearing this he froze. He asked in a very low voice

“Sara’s sister?”

I nodded on this one; he just looked at me and looked at me. I felt stupid and didn’t know what to do. I just wished that Haris were with me. I let my hair fall on my face. After a moment he brushed my silky golden curls away from my face. He hugged me that hug was so strong and surprisingly I felt all my worries fly away. I think I heard him whimper when he turned away just to look at me again he had tears in his eyes.

I was so confused. Several thoughts rushed in to my head. Who was he? What was he doing? Who was he to me that he just cried by hearing my name?

I think he saw the confusion on my face and asked me

“Do you…I mean….ummmm…natalia…” he said my name with a lot of difficulty and emotion. He continued

“Know who I am?

I answered in a very low voice

“No”

He asked very slowly but still with some sort of grief and sorrow

“Where is your father dear?”

Then added quickly who is your father?”

“My father died 9 months before I was born, but I always wondered what he looked like.”

I added the last sentence with a lot of sorrow. He still silently looked at me. I asked him who he was. He just looked and looked me

“I am…..ummmm……your…your…uncle, a very good friend of your father. He and I used to know each other since childhood”

I don’t know why but it seemed like he was lying but still I nodded.

“I have two daughters mishal and Ayesha……I am Hassan”

I told him that my mother loved those names a lot. On this his face became pale. Then he muttered in a very low voice

“Natalia dear I made a mistake in the past…a very…very…big mistake. I don’t want it to haunt me for the rest of my life when I can make it right….I…I…I….I….am…..” he stopped seeing my confused expression

“Will you come with me someday to my house…please natalia I will pick you up?”

I don’t have any idea what got into me that I agreed to his invitation. He then stood up whispered ‘such a pretty girl” then he kissed my head and went away.

Chapter 6

After her marriage I and my mother were sitting near the fire. She was smiling and for once in all my life I had seen her smile so heartedly. I was still wondering about Hassan I wondered if he really was my uncle so I asked my mother

“Mama? Do you know anyone named Hassan?”

Whatever thought she was having at the moment which made her smile was blown away because of what I said. Her face went grave as if I had reminded her of a dreadful incident. She whispered

“Who told you about Hassan?”

“He came to Sara’s wedding. He also talked to me” I answered. I saw fear in her eyes

“What did he say? What did he asked from you?”

While she asked me that she shook me. I had never seen so afraid or was she angry?

“He just asked me my name and invited me to his house and he cried………a lot”

While I said all that she just looked at me and said

“Who was he?”

“He told me he was my uncle…………is he?”

I don’t know what got into her she started yelling at me and asked why I talked to strangers? She was so mad that she started crying. I was so confused. I had no idea that why she was crying?

So I went out of the house crying and went to the hillock in front of my house where I usually went when I was sad. It was the place where my father proposed my mother and where I first met Haris.

While I was sitting under a shady tree I cried and I cried. To my utter astonishment I saw a man standing in front of me. He ran towards me and asked in a hurried and worried tone

“Natalia?!”

Hassan asked very surprised

“Natalia dear what are you doing here??

He asked. And the only reply he got was my tears. So he sat beside me so I could calm down and I felt his gaze on my face. He brushed away my hair and took me into his arms. Then he held my face so I had to look at him. He asked in a very low voice

“Did Rabia say anything to you? You told her about me…didn’t you?”

I don’t know what got into me that I just put my head on his chest and started crying I told him all that happened. It was so bizarre how I let this man who I barely knew even touch me!! And stupid how I told him everything that happened. Maybe it was because whenever I looked into his eyes I saw love and only love for me. Or maybe it was the first time that I met one of my father’s friends.

Whatever it was I was sure of only one thing and that was that this man really loved me.

It was such a fatherly gesture that I just couldn’t turn away. It went against my culture my belief and everything I was taught…

Chapter 7

We sat like that for half a hour.hassan was brushing my hair with his fingers. At that very moment some one stepped in front of us. At that moment I couldn’t realize who he was, then he came closer and I saw astonishment in his eyes.

“Natalia?” said Haris.

“What are you doing here at this time of night?”

Then his gaze fell on Hassan. So he added

“Who is he?”

“He…he…he is my…”

I didn’t finished that Hassan added

“I am her uncle…who are you?”

Haris was confused so he just said

“I forgot my ball Natalia…see you tomorrow…?”

It seemed more like a question. He picked up his ball and went away.

When he was out of sight, Hassan turned to me and looked me in the eye

“Who was that?”

He asked

“He is Haris my friend. My best friend. We have been friends…for as long as I can remember”

He looked sort of angry and then answered in a very controlled voice

“How old is he?”

“19”

“19??? Four years older than you?? My dear you do not need to make friends in older age group!”

Then he added in a very low voice

“A woman, my dear, is honor. Honor of her father, her brother”

“But I don’t have a brother or father” I answered

“Well….you have me I am like your father…so. You are my honor now”

I only nodded. I was so happy I now had a person who was like a father to me.

“A woman is like a jigsaw puzzle…honour is a piece of that puzzle without it she can not be completed. Now who wants his honour roaming around, uncovered, un protected?”

I thought that for a moment and then questioned

“I am your honour?”

“Yes Natalia you are…so I don’t want you hanging around with him…is that clear”

He was trying to be patient. But I couldn’t betray a person who was such a good friend of mine and didn’t want to loose Hassan too. So I told him that I will think about it.

On that he nodded and got up. So did I

“Ok kiddo I need to go my daughters will be waiting for me. Its getting late…Rabia will be waiting for you…”

He kissed my head and was about to go when I asked

“Will you come tomorrow?”

“Yes I will. He smiled and went away. I stared after him for some time and then went home.

Chapter 8

When I entered my mother was sleeping. So I took off my shoes and lied beside her. She kissed my head and apologized for her behavior. I didn’t tell her about my meeting with Hassan. A mother can’t stay mad at her child for a longer time. I lay beside her and we slept together like we used to when Sara. I miss those old days a lot.

In the morning when Rabia was making breakfast she was complaining about a severe headache for like 3 months. I remember it was so severe that she used to scream wildly for such a long time and then she would just take some tablets and go to sleep. I noticed her going to sleep early she was getting weak day by day I noticed the purplish color under her eyes I noticed her getting thinner and thinner day by day. Her rosy cheeks were now so pale.

I insisted her to go to a doctor. She said that they were just stupid people who thought that they knew everything. But I really insisted and how can a mother say no to her daughter when she has tears in her eyes.

When Rabia returned she was exhausted she went to sleep and told me to make dinner. When I asked what the doctor had said she said that they just took tests and she had to go tomorrow to get them.

I made dinner then I woke up Rabia after eating dinner she slept again. After cleaning the dishes I had nothing to do so I went out for a walk.

When I was walking I saw Haris teaching a 2^nd grader table of twelve. He used to study in the morning and tutored little children to earn money. I sat beside Haris as he chanted

“2 times 12 equal 24

3 times 12 equal 36

4 times 12 equal 48

5 times 12 equal 60…………………”

As soon as Haris saw me he told the kid to go home. The child ran away as if he got his freedom back. I laughed at that and said

“You just can’t do more than scare little children “

He turned to me with a cold face. I had never seen this side of him. For a while he just looked at me and kept on looking I was confused…he saw the confusion and asked me in a stern voice

“Who was he?”

I knew what he was talking about but I decided to play dumb

“He who?”

I asked. But it was no good he knew me too good he asked

“You know who natalia you know it very well! “

I stayed calm and replied

“I don’t know who you are talking about Haris “

I took me by surprise when he almost shouted

“That man you were sitting with last night “

I thought that stopping acting now would be the best thing to do. I told him all about Hassan how I met him how he talked who he was everything because I never hid anything from Haris.

After listening to this entire story he held up his hand as if to remove all that had happened. He asked

“There must be a reason that hates this man so much? “

I was about to answer but stopped when Haris got up and said

“I have to go”

He said this looking at something far away. I was amazed by this reaction Haris could come in the middle of night just to help me and now when I told him about the greatest problem he stood up and told me he had to go! I was outraged he understood what I was thinking so he answered

“Your so-called uncle is here “

Stressing on the word “uncle”. I saw Hassan standing under the tree of my hillock looking mad. Haris turned to go I caught his hand and whispered

“Please don’t leave me alone Haris “

Haris saw my pleading eyes and said

“You got yourself in this mess and he hates me I can’t stay you know that I’m sorry “

He took my hand from his and let it fall n my side he turned to go I stood their astonished how could he leave me? How could he betray me now? I felt tears come into my eyes I wiped them and turned to meet Hassan. He looked really mad. I walked over to him, to face a great danger of being alone with him …

Chapter 9

As I came over to Hassan he looked really angry with me and I was afraid that he might stop meeting me. As I went to him he shouted at me

“What were you doing with that filthy mutt again I told you not to meet him! “

I was taken aback by the way he shouted at me for talking to my best friend ever I was so mad at him that tears welled up in my eyes and I shouted back at him

“You don’t know him I know him you are the filthy mutt not him!!!!!! And I don’t want anyone to call him that!!! Not even you “

Hassan saw me getting angry he was amazed and had no idea what to do and so I spoke again but I spoke in a low voice almost a whisper

“Don’t you ever come and meet me again “

On that Hassan turned and left outraged. I was also so mad that I started sobbing that very moment I heard someone coming I looked back and saw Harris right behind me and he looked sympathetically towards me he put his hand on my shoulder and told me to be quiet. I looked into his eyes and stopped crying and ran home without looking at him.

When I reached home I found my mother crying as I sat beside her with questioning eyes she looked at me and kissed my forehead. I was so confused after all that had happened today I had no interest in what she had to say. I just wanted to go to sleep I was that tired. But suddenly rabia said something which flew away my plans for sleeping. She never talked on this topic in fact she hated talking about this particular topic and to my amazement I didn’t even asked her to tell me about this. She said

“Natalia do you want to know the truth about your father? “…………………………………

Chapter 10

I stared at her amazed. I had no idea why was she taking about this. She never talked about my father. Rabia saw the confusion but she didn’t look surprised she looked as if she expected it. After all she knew me too well to be surprised by my any reaction

“He wasn’t a poor property dealer as I told u “

She continued slowly watching my eyes

“He didn’t die along with your sisters of AIDS “

My mind went blank at the moment I heard this. I just couldn’t think. It was too much for me. I just stared at her open mouthed as if she had grown two heads or something.

Then in the split of a second all the agonizing flashbacks started to come in my mind. When I used to pray to God that I also wanted a father’s affection I also want to experience sincere love of my dad. I craved to say the word “dad”. I had hunger for that love. I used to envy all those people who had a father who experienced the affection of both parents.

Then another important thought rushed in my mind what about my sisters?????? What about those girls??

What about all those times when I lived in fantasies making myself believe that I am happy and stayed up all night crying my heart out on the same hill. What about the time when I lived in a word in which I had a father????? In which world I had everything all that I ever needed, most of the times I would sit quietly and let my imagination flow to that happy place which had everything.

How could Rabia do this to me? How could she lie to me all my life? Making me believe that I didn’t need a father, that my life is complete without that damn person

Another thought hurried into my mind that my mother, the person who I trusted the most, lied to me. And that lie wasn’t a small one it was a big one, a lie so big that changed my life. I was so shattered by her words by the lies she told me. I think she lied to me all my life. I think she lied to me of God. If there was a God he would have listened to my prayers, my constant begging. She lied to me about the God who created us. Now I think that He never existed. Science has no such prove of God. Then why did I believe her? Why me?

“My mom didn’t love me” that was the only conclusion I could come up with.

Rabia saw my troubled eyes she saw the betrayal I felt she could see the pain, the agony, the distress. She knew me too well so she quickly added

“Natalia dear I didn’t mean to hurt you I never did. I swear! But it was for your own good that I didn’t tell you for your welfare. I didn’t want you to suffer like I suffered like Amna suffered. Natalia believe me…”

I didn’t want to believe her but as soon as I saw her tear filled eyes I saw sincerity, love, and passion. How could I turn away from a woman who raised me?

Tears started rolling down my eyes and I asked her

“Where is my …………………… my father”

She looked deep into eyes as if she could see my crippled soul. She shuddered and answered in a low voice

“Near you……with you…well usually with you………you love him…..but I don’t know if he does……and your two sisters mish……….”

As soon as she said the world “sisters” my head snapped up knots started to form in me my heart started to pain I longed to hear about my sisters but before I could finish my sentence she started screaming in pain . She asked me to bring her tablets. I ran toward the kitchen brought a glass of water and gave her the medicines. She took then and after a while she slept leaving me to my thoughts my torn world. I wanted to wake her up but I couldn’t.

I kissed her cheek and went outside to the hill. The hill on which once my mother and father stood , under the same tree I sat and started thinking that what could she have meant by “with you” but I never met him I never even saw his face. I had no idea what to do what to think what to feel I was in a shock. At last I concluded that it was all too much and I should stop thinking about this matter. But I couldn’t stop thinking I just couldn’t. I guess the thought that I never wanted to occur in my mind of having my father alive.

I heard soft footsteps on the grass I got up and turned to look around only to see Hassan standing in front of me…….

Chapter 11

As soon as i saw him no rush of emotions came over me i was just so absorbed in what Rabia told me. I turned away and ran towards my house i could hear him calling my name but i didn’t turn. I closed the door and leaned beside it then i searched for any signs of having my mother awake. She wasn’t up so i thanked god. But then someone softy knocked on the door i knew it was better to just open the door than creating a scene.

When i opened the door i didn’t noticed his misty eyes, his face filled with deep sorrow his hands nervously moving or the way he hesitated before saying anything.

“ I’m so sorry natalia i really am…”

He couldn’t speak anymore so i just nodded and turned to close the door but he stopped me on that i was surprised so i repeated

“its ok Hassan …. Just don’t speak ill of Haris again… he is a very good friend….”

I turned to close the door again but he caught the door he caught my hand pulled me close that there was just a distance of 2 inches between us …. I was taken aback by such a gesture.. iit was then that i noticed his eyes full of worry gloominess deep very deep pain … his face twisted his eyes puffy. And then he suddenly started crying he pulled me close, hugged me , almost squeezing me he cried and cried. I was in a state of shock. While crying he babbled

“ i don’t wanna loose you …. I dnt wanna loose you… not now.. not never… not again… please don’t leave me nat please don’t let go of your poor father… don’t let me go my daughter…don’t…..”

After hearing those words i was puzzeled. Well he did called me his daughter but never like this…

I tried to hold free of his grasp but he didn’t allowed he just hugged and cried and cried. After a while i tried to turn away again he allowed me to move but only as much soo we were face to face and i was 1 inch away from his face.

“daughter…????”

He then looked in my eyes and kept on staring as if he could see my wretched tired soul…

“yes daughter…my dear natalia you are my daughter like amna , mishal and Ayesha…. You are my fourth daughter…”

That was too much he just had to say that i couldn’t feel ground under my feet the world around me twirled. How could i bear so much in one day ?

Suddenly every thing went blank darkness surrounded me…in that darkness i could hear the troubled voice of Hassan and concerned voice of Haris…wait…where did Haris came from???....maybe he is so around me that i always think of him …

Chapter 12

When i opened my eyes i was laying on the sofa of living room Hassan had my hand and his head was resting on shoulder Haris was looking out of the window his back towards me. I looked at Hassan …… the man i have been grieving to meet all my life was in front of me. I should be happy…… but why don’t i feel that pleasure??

What’s wrong with me?? My ‘dad’ the person who was only a dream to me . who only existed in my fantasies…. Is this even possible? Maybe this all is just another silly dream …

Hassan??? my father??? No no no no no …… he is just kidding if he was my father why would he say that he is my uncle??

Then another thought rushed into my mind i went back to the 1^st day i met him….how his face was froze when i told him my name …. With how much hesitation and agony he said that he was my uncle…but why would he say that?

He loved me…

When i was thinking all this i felt a warm hand on my forehead i turned to find Haris checking my temperature he looked at me with sympathetic and troubled eyes. last time i saw him that troubled was 2 years ago when his mother was dying of blood cancer and he couldn’t afford her checkup……while i was going through the past he helped me get out of Hassan’s grip and gestured me to walk with him.

I felt wobbly and dizzy so he held me for support but still insisted on going out. Seeing him that troubled i just couldn’t say no, when we were out he took me under the same tree of the same hill and gestured with his hand so that i would sit down…all the way i didn’t talk neither did he. I had a sudden rush of nausea that i couldn’t even sit properly he supported but didn’t ask me go in….

I couldn’t hold it in any more so i asked him what was wrong with him. He answered

“Me?? Oh Nat…hon. what can be wrong with me….you are the one in trouble dear…”

I looked over to my house but i coudnt find that safety or security or even peace that i used to have when me amna and rabia used to live there. Looking at the streets i remembered all the times when i used to laugh and play around but now it seemed as if i wasn’t invited anymore…

Harris looked at me again and this time very deeply…he spoke in a very low voice

“ Hassan told me every thing… about your mom and him and his two daughters…

He took a deep breath and continued

“As important as you are to me. I won’t lie to you so listen clearly to what i say and no questions…when your mother gave birth to Amna the clashes between your father and his rival began and at that time his very life was at stake. That is the reason your father-Hassan wanted a heir so badly so that someone would be there to look after his property his wife his family. Hassan belongs to those group of people to whom their honour self-respect and dignity is everything. He can die but he can not let go off his honour…

After the birth of mishal and Ayesha he couldn’t wait anymore he told Rabia that the next time would be her last time after that he is going to marry some other woman…Rabia stayed up all night praying that god would gift him a son she cried she broke things but no use … when she got the news that she was soon going to become a mother she prayed and prayed but all went in vain…when you were born your father left the country and came after 3 days… when he came he told Rabia that he was going to marry Maria a close relative. Rabia asked him to divorce her as she wouldn’t tolerate another woman in her house…Hassan was left with no choice he offered her to get her another house but she didn’t listened to him…Hassan begged cried did everything in his power but Rabia just wont listen…the family pressure was also increasing…after a whole month he gave up and he let go off his love…that was the first night Hassan actually felt pain and after taking his two daughters with him he was torn…he almost stopped living…that was the first time he got drunk…he was in pieces …

He did married Maria but he never liked her. there first son was born dead and according to their traditions this was considered a very bad omen…Maria never used to give a damn to him she was always into materialistic things…her second baby was also born still…the third child was a son .. even after the birth of his son he didn’t feel happy…the night fahad was born his mother ran away leaving a note saying that she had enough of Hassan and didn’t wanted to live with such a dead person…even on her departure he didn’t show any emotion he says he never had any thing with her and the son born was maybe not even his own…he was a man of great honour seeing his wife run away like that he did nothing and everyone was surprised…

He never looked after his son like he used to look after his daughters … he didn’t believed in girls getting educated but because he loved Rabia and she wanted her daughters to study he let them study till college same was the case with Amna …

He came on amna’s marriage and that was the first time any one saw him happy in 25 years …

When he saw you he was like what a pretty girl i must get to know her maybe she’ll be a good wife for fahad but when he heard your name he was taken aback… he couldn’t run away from his past he loved you so much that you were the girl who haunted him all his life all he could think of was you in 25 whole years he waited to meet you he longed to see you but he didn’t try to meet you because that would hurt Rabia.. It would hurt her to see him again and again … they still loved each other a lot

On knowing you didn’t know of your father he was pained almost like some one stabbed in his heart…

When he saw you with me his honour getting ruined like this he couldn’t stand it and when you defended me in front of him he felt as if he had lost you again by some accident or another twist of evil fate…

That’s the reason why he came back today and told you the truth… “

By this time i was in tears i was crying with hiccups i couldn’t control it… Haris could see the pain the misery i felt so he took me in his arms hugged me tight to let me know that he was there for me... He was there with me through the thick and thin … i knew he was with me but i just couldn’t stop…

And right there i fell asleep……………

Chapter 13

I woke up due to sunlight when i woke up i saw Haris sleeping…i just there and recalled all that had happened the night before. I looked at him and saw that he was asleep so i stood up and woke him up. he also looked around v were lucky that no one saw us and we both ran home…when i came back i could hear someone whispering hurriedly…and then when i came in the room i saw my mom crying and my dad was trying to calm her down. As soon as they saw me they gave a sigh of relief they were both worried sick about me. I didn’t even look at them i didn’t want to but i looked at Hassan and saw the agony that he was feeling in his eyes but at that very moment my mom screamed with pain and i ran to get her medicine but before i could move she fainted we took her to hospital in a hurry and there the doctor revealed that rabia was suffering from brain tumor when i heard this i couldn’t feel my feet i started to fall down but luckily Hassan catched me. When we went in to see rabia she was in tears and she held my hand she looked at Hassan and gave him a smile. We were all hypnotized in the moment that suddenly amna along with her husband rushed in and amna started crying at the same time mishal and Ayesha entered i didn’t know them . they both had tears in their eyed when my mom held them she had a smile whish i still cant forget so lively so beautiful she had what she wished for all her life and when i saw the peace creeping to her face i forgot about the tumour . that night me, amna, Ayesha, mishal, rabia and Hassan sat like a family one of my greatest wishes came true i looked around as if i was in a dream i was so happy and my mother could see it in my eyes but it didn’t last long rabia died the other day she died in my arms on a rainy day the rain was pattering against the window pane and i was screaming and crying for loosing the best thing that i ever had . rabia promised that only death can take her away from me and she was so right. That was the gloomiest and darkest day of all my life. That was the day i felt cold inside but everyone was there for me still i longed for the hand whose touch can make me feel like i’m the most important thing that ever existed , whose warmth could make me feel better no matter what the consequences…but as she left she gave me a whole new gift my sisters and my father but no one could fill the hole that she left…

After 5 years

its been 5 years since my mother’s death but the memory is still fresh it still stings me like the first day…mishal and Ayesha are amazing they are very caring and loving

… Hassan’s son was extremely ignorant and still is we all know he only lives with his father for money but we are trying to help him…Hassan has got color back in his life now he laughs and smiles and plays with my daughter a lot he says i filled the vacant space in his heart…oh yeah i forgot to tell i got married to Haris i named my daughter after Rabia and Haris loves her a lot he never complains of having a daughter. He says daughters are a blessing of God. They are not burden…he says she is the apple of his eyes…my life is finally happy but i still wish Rabia were here with me to see this to share my happiness. She always said that when you get married will be the time I’ll think I’ve been a good mother but how can i tell her that she has been the best mother…

Take my hand and Never let go..

2012-01-11T16:41:00.001+05:00

Written by Maham Shahbaz :) !

There in a corner I was..

I almost gave up hope on this world

I was tired of being in the shadows

I knew nothing of people

but their black cold hearts and changing nature..

u came their , a light glowing around u..

u sat there next to me , like a mother sits by her child..

u tried to take my hand but I couldn't give u ,it was so dark..

u smiled and said 'i'll illuminate u'

I replied 'I don't want another broken wish'

u stood up in front of me , covering me

'I wont let anything harm u,

I will be your shield just come back to the light with me'

what is in light ,I asked,

broken hearts ? Broken wishes? Plastic smiles ? Fake assurance? I'm good alone

I saw a tear trickle down your eyes you held your hand once more to me

'I will never give up on u'

I looked down my bloody hands, I didn't want that blood to be on your hands.

Confused still I asked u 'but why?'

He smiled in the simple way he always did 'I love u that's why'

I gave a sarcastic laugh 'love ? There is no love but lies and fake promises'

'You don't know , you haven't tried me .

Everyone is not the same. Try me and you wont fail again .

I will hold you firmly and you wont feel alone'

with this u took my dark hand and u kissed my ice cold heart and it melted away..

this time I didn't back away, I let u have it...

Just about ME!

2012-01-05T23:13:00.002+05:00

Umm no cricket, no philosophies, no jokes, just ME for this post!

It's been a while since I wrote anything willingly. Several reasons for that...It's been a week and I've been suffering from fever. My exams have started and I was preparing. Had loads of pre exam quizzes and projects or maybe I was lazy. But one thing is for sure, I was hurt!

Am I complicated? Am I different? Do I fake things? This is getting really tough for me. Allah knows
my intensions! Past few months about me have been very difficult for me. Just when I thought I'm on the track of smooth transition, It's started again. Isn't this what Allah wants us to be?! Can you be happy when you know your friend isn't happy? Can you be happy when you know that girl in the hospital is about to die and all you can do is just pray? Can you be happy when you hurt someone?! for me the answer is NO.. your happiness must lie in the happiness of others, there is no better feeling in the world when you know someone is smiling because of you, there is no better feeling when you are helping someone who needs help. It's just a matter of realizing what makes you more happy and what gives you more pleasure.

A girl that is more precious to us then all the Zardari's and Sharif's.

Aarifa Karim Randhawa was the World's Youngest Microsoft Certified Professional at the age on 9. Last week, at the age of Just 16 she suffered cardiac arrest and was admitted to a hospital. Shame on be us that no one, not even the government officials knew about it for six days, and when the world knew about her, perhaps it was too late. Doctors told that her brain and other organs had stopped working and she won't survive for much longer. The day I heard this news I couldn't sleep all night. Here was a 16 year old girl, 16!! A girl with such noble intentions "Want to make more world records for Pakistan, those ones which no one can break" "No matter what happens, I will serve my country forever" and she had a heart attack! She doesn't deserve this. Thanks Allah she showed signs of movement the next day and doctors call it a miracle, although she is still in a critical situation and there has been no news for over a week now. I tried getting in touch with her parents and thankfully talked with her dad who is hopeful her daughter will get well really soon. I promise that In my capacity I won't celebrate any happiness until she gets well!

hmm I notice I use 'REALLY' more than often.

Just when you are going through a tough phase Allah does such miraculous things that you can't help but say Allah is Great. I had my Computer Programing project presentation in two days and my name was in no group, I had not prepared any program, Madam was really annoyed with me and she had to mark and take the demo! just two days before she took a month holidays! The viva was taken my another Teacher who says I'm her favorite student and I got 9/10 on the program I made in two days. That might well help me in the final exams as I got 18/20 in the lab assessment overall :)

My exams haven't been going the way I want! I seriously think I can't study anymore now. One day when I'll be the president of Pakistan I will close down all schools and colleges and will call all the teachers and ask them to complete the assignments and appear in the quizzes and then I will fail them :P umm just saying though! Just the exam on the 11th. My future is hanging on it.

I will pursue my dream of becoming a CRICKETOLOGIST once 11th passes the way I want.

Pakistan's Year in Cricket: 2011

2011-12-22T17:04:00.000+05:00

You've got to love the way Pakistan team plays, they will win you a match from impossible situations and all you can do is just to be amazed and they will lose from a winning position and you would still be amazed. Many raised questions over Pakistan cricket and their unpredictably after the spot fixing saga so they changed things around with the most consistent performance by a Pakistani team ever. Perhaps the only thing that unites Pakistan as a nation these days is Cricket and 2011 was the best example of it. Pakistani team performed exceptionally and for a change consistently in all formats that brought about the best year of our cricketing history. The players were rewarded due to their hard work and playing clean and to their potential but more importantly it were the supporters of Pakistani cricket team that were rewarded for sticking and supporting their team over the past few dark years.

2010 was the worst possible year one could have imagined for Pakistani team. Nightmare Australian tour especially the Sydney test which could have been won easily, Shahid Afridi's ball biting incident, Banning of 9 players due to different reasons after the tour, Playing T20 world cup with a second string side yet making it to the semifinal and that last over by Saeed Ajmal, Spot fixing saga, Zulqarnain Haider's case, it seemed as if the troubles won't end.

But then 2011 started, First assignment was the tour of New Zealand which actually started at the end of 2010 when we lost the T20 series 2-1.This was also the last assignment before the World Cup 2011. The first Test of the 2 match series began on the 3rd of January and with that perhaps the golden run which continued throughout the year. Pakistan won the first test comprehensively and went on to win the test series 1-0 which was our first since 2006, Misbah ul Haq the Captain was able to win his first series in second attempt was also the man of the series.

They also won the 6 match ODI series 3-2 which was their first one after almost 2 years. Misbah was the standout performer with the bat, while Shahid Afridi the ODI captain stood out with the ball and also winning his first series as captain.Although Pakistan looked good in the series and had many good individual performances they were never counted as a dangerous team for the upcoming World Cup. Listening to Sanjay Manjerekar and ever so hated Ian Chappel on Cricinfo they were of the view that Pakistani team might as well crash out from the first round. For sure the enthusiasm among the general public was not as it was used to be, poor showing in the previous two editions and a terrible last year were the main reasons.

People can argue that 1992 World Cup was a better one but for sure 2011 World Cup was a more competitive and close one! The format of CWC 2011 was designed in such a way that minimized the chances of top teams to disqualify from the tournament. Pakistan started off the tournament with a convincing win over Kenya, but their first and real test was Srilanka in Srilanka and Pakistan was able to win the match and gain the momentum that carried them to a stage no one expected. The usual ups and downs were still there when Pakistan escaped the scare of Canada thanks to Shahid Afridi who had been in superb form throughout the tournament and his leading from the front performance was perhaps one of the reasons Pakistan performed well in the tournament!

Had it not been Kamran Akmal's famous birthday gift to ross taylor Pakistan would have been the winning side against New Zealand but that was not the case as Pakistan lost their first match of the tournament. In my opinion losing the match against New Zealand was good for Pakistan in a way that it steadied the team and the fear of loss at the critical stage was no more their and riding on that feeling Pakistan won their important match against Australia which also ended the Australian winning streak that lasted over 13 years. Last group match was against was Zimbabwe which Pakistan won easily by 7 wickets. Thanks to the win against Australia and lost against New Zealand Pakistan was able to play their quarter final against West Indies. Pakistan were able to win the quarter final by 10 wickets and were the first team to reach the semi final.

India were the team Pakistan were to face in the semi final and never in my life I've seen such passion and enthusiasm. The Semi Final match was with India and although Pakistan lost the match after a close fight, no regrets for that as we had played magnificently up till now in the tournament, no one can imagine the hype that was created. It was just sensational to say the least. You could see it on TV, you could see it on the streets, you could read it in media, you could sense it within your hearts. It was called the "Mother Of all Matches". Indian Prime Minister invited Pakistani Prime Minister to the match. People were unable to get the tickets even at high cost. Here in Pakistan there were people praying for our team all day long, Most of the school and colleges were closed. It was a local holiday in the Sindh Province and a half day all over Pakistan. Young people had painted their faces were rallying within the cities, big screens were put everywhere. In our University students had almost planned a strike due to the match and were not sitting in the examination hall. Everyone was worried about the match, most students left the hall half way through the exam and now cutting it short, Pakistan as a nation was united for once! there were no Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi or Pathan today, everyone was a Pakistani, a Proud Pakistani! No one mind Pakistan's loss in the semi final and the team was greeted warmly when they reached Pakistan.

The team looked settled now and were on a high after the good performance in the World Cup. Their next assignment was the tour of West Indies and Pakistan were the clear favorites going into the series, and it was felt they would win a series against West Indies at last. The tour kicked of with a T20 match and not surprisingly Pakistan lost the match by 7 runs. Pakistan's performance in the T20 format of late wasn't that good. The ODI series started of with wins for Pakistan in the first three matches by 8, 7 and 3 wickets respectively. But then the usual troubles with the Pakistani team started, coach Waqar Younis and Shahid Afridi had a few differences over the selection issues and the manager Intikhab Alam didn't help the issues either by supporting the coach, which left Afridi furious as he wanted to stick with the team which had won the first three ODI's. The rift was visible in the next two matches as Pakistan played poorly and lost the last two matches by 1 run in the forth and huge margin of 10 wickets in the last match.

The test series was the part of the tour which was most anticipated as Pakistan had never won a test series in West Indies and looking at the west Indian team Pakistan had perhaps the best chance ever to set things right but that wasn't to be. Pakistan lost the first test by 40 runs failing to score 200 runs in both the innings against a modest West Indian attack, the score sheet of West Indies 226 and 152; Pakistan 160 and 178 tells the story and Pakistan instead of winning the series now had to work hard in the second test match to save the series which they safely did thanks to late first innings resistance by Tanvir Ahmed and Saeed Ajmal with the bat and in the second innings centuries by Taufeeq Umar and Misbah in the second innings. The test series was leveled 1-1 as Pakistan won by 196 runs.

Lets not talk about the controversies and move on to the next tour, which was of Ireland and Pakistan were to play two ODI's against the dangerous Irish team and that too in tricky situations. Misbah was now named the captain of the short format as well. Pakistan had retained the test squad that participated in the West Indies series due to time shortage. The first ODI was reduced to 36 over match due to rain and Pakistan won that easily with 7 wickets to spare. The second ODI was the most challenging one in which Pakistan had to chase a competitive total of 239 and at one stage were in a spot of bother at 80/3 after 20 overs. But thanks to Umar Akmal who scored a quick fire 60 and steered Pakistan home.

Later in the year Pakistan visited Zimbabwe for a complete tour after 9 years and were to play 1 test, 3 ODI and 2 T20's. Not surprisingly, Pakistan selected a relatively inexperienced team for this tour. This decision seemed to have backfired in the only test match of the tour when Zimbabwe scored a total of 412 in the first innings against a baby Pakistan bowling attack and at one stage when Pakistan finished their first innings at the score of 466 it was looking that the test match was moving towards a draw which would have been a shame for Pakistani team but thanks to a brilliant bowling display by Muhammad Hafeez Zimbabwe were bundled out for 141 in the second Innings and Pakistan chased down the easy target with the loss of 3 wickets.

The ODI's and T20's were where Zimbabwe had a real chance to nail Pakistan down but never in any of the matches did they looked like winning, their fielding was poor and Pakistan surprisingly fielded above their potential. The team was relatively new still but Pakistan clean sweep the one day international series 3-0 by 5 runs, 10 wickets, and 28 runs respectively. Muhammad Hafeez was in top form durning the ODI series with both the bat and ball and was named Man of the Series. T20 was still Pakistan's even though Zimbabwe put up a good fight in the second match but Pakistan never really had much trouble wrapping up the tour and clean sweeping. Muhammad Hafeez won the man of Series award here as well. This was Waqar Younis's last series with the team as he had already announced he won't carry on after the tour.

Pakistan's biggest challenge of the year was the series against Srilanka in the United Arab Emirates. The series comprised of 3 Test, 5 ODI and a solitary T20. Pakistan were ranked below Srilanka in all the three formats but the results were complete opposite. Pakistan dominated throughout the five days of the first cricket test between the two teams, had it not been the drop catches Pakistan would have won easily. Srilanka who won the toss and elected to bat first in the second test were bundled out for 239. Pakistan's reply was again a strong one as they were able to score 403 runs and taking a lead of 164 runs with Azhar Ali scoring his first international hundred and were able to bowl out Srilanka for 257 runs in their second innings.. Saeed Ajmal was declared man of the match with 68-5 in the 2nd innings! The third Cricket test was a dull draw but Pakistan really had to work very hard to earn it and the unusual rain at Sharjah Cricket ground also helped as Pakistan earned a draw batting out ouvh 50 add overs and scoring just 80+ runs.

Pakistani Cricket team delighted their fans with a complete dominant Performance in the ODI and T20 series and winning by 4-1 and 1-0 respectively, thanks to Shahid Afridi who won the Sharjah ODI single handedly for Pakistan scoring 75 (65) and taking 5/35. Srilanka had lost lost the 1st ODI by 8 wickets but came back to win the 2nd ODI. After that it was Pakistan all along the way and gave Srilanka no opening what so ever. The next three matches were won by 21, 26 runs and 3 wickets respectively. Srilanka were ranked World number 2 in the T20 format but once again thanks to Shahid Afridi' sensible batting Pakistan won a close encounter by 5 wickets with just 3 balls to spare and thawed a dominant performance on Srilanka.

Pakistan were to fly directly to Bangladesh after the Srilankan series. The series started with the T20 match. Pakistan won the toss and batted first ended up scoring just 135/9 in 20 overs. That because the nature of the p[itch which was turning square right from the first over in which spin was introduced. This was exactly the pattern that was followed during the short format leg of the tour. Pakistan went on to win the T20 match with a huge margin of 50 runs thanks to the spin quarter. This went on to the ODI series as well where spinners completely dominated the proceedings and Pakistani spinners being more experienced kept the upper hand, the only challenge Bangladesh could give was in the last ODI where they bowled out Pakistan for 177 and were 60+ for 1 at one stage but Pakistan who played 5 spinners in the match managed to sneak through the middle order and won. The series win results were as follows 5 wickets, 76 runs, 58 runs.

There was never really a doubt that Pakistan will win both the test matches easily because Bangladesh were playing really poor cricket especially their top order had no clue to to manage and stay at the wicket. Pakistan took full advantage of the vulnerability of the top order and good spinning conditions and clean sweep easily. In the first test BD were bundled out for just 135 on day 1, thanks to Younis Khan's double ton Pakistan ranked up a mammoth total of 594 and after that there wasn't much chance for Bangladesh to come back and Pakistan won the match easily by an Innings and 184 runs. The only hurdle for Pakistan in the second test match was the weather and Pakistan was finally able to defeat it on the final moments of day 5 to make the result 2-0 and ending the year on a winning note just as it started. Fittingly Mishah-ul-Haq hit the last ball of the year for a huge six.

Best Test Team:

Best ODI Team:

Highest Runs Test:

Highest Runs ODI:

Highest Wickets Test:

Highest Wickets ODI:

Partnership Test:

Partnership ODI:

Catches Test:

Catches ODI:

Highest Total Test:

Highest Total ODI:

Terrorism In Pakistan

2011-12-21T21:25:00.002+05:00

Terror, terrorists, and terrorism are more frequently burning issues of the media. After 9/11 the phenomenon of terrorism has drastically changed the socio-economic and geo-political scenario of the Pakistan. It has shaken the social fabric of Pakistan. Terrorism is the result of extremism which results in different forms of manifestation of violence. Terrorism is a tree and extremism provides balance food to grow the tree properly. Different accused groups allegedly involved in terrorism are the branches of this tree. Terrorism is the social evil and problem of today. The phenomenon of the terrorism has
occurred due to socioeconomic injustice, political disparity and quest of selfish individuals and groups to retain the power for their vested interests. No doubt, terrorism upsets humanity on the whole and creates unrest in the society. Although the acts of terrorism are visible everywhere in the world, but Pakistan is facing the phenomenon of terrorism directly and severely as a social problem. Pakistan is the front line state among international community and consequently the people and state of Pakistan are facing the outrage of the terrorists. The society of Pakistan was considered to be the most peaceful society, but since 1979 after the Russian invasion in Afghanistan the society saw great twist in the social fabric and politico economic system. The world super powers encouraged the militant organizations to promote the culture of Jihad (Islamic holy war) to defeat Russia. The world powers provided their huge support to the government of Pakistan and related militant organizations in the form of money, weapons and politico moral support. Meanwhile, political instability, corruption, social injustice and economic disparity added fuel on fire in giving rise to different forms of manifestation of terrorism. With the collapse of Russia from the world order the geo-political situation of Pakistan changed. In this changed scenario the terrorism strongly gripped and swiftly spread in Pakistani society. Its most visible manifestation was sectarianism in 1990s triggered by religious extremism. After 9/11, Swat and Waziristan Mission Rah-e-Nijaat, Pakistan once again became the front line state in war against terror. Pakistan played its role effectively to curb terrorism and militant groups which increased the acts of terrorism in Pakistan. This research seeks to find the impact on social life and culture of Pakistan, the ways to defuse the fear and effects of terrorism for social well being. Terrorism is one of the social evils not only for Pakistan but also for all over the world that negatively hit the society as a socio-economic and political problem.

CHAPTER NO.2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Terrorism

The word Terrorism can best be defined as “The calculated use of violence (or threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear “Or “Terrorism is the use of threats and violence to frighten or alarm people.” Terrorism is a term used to describe violence or other harmful acts committed (or threatened) against civilians by groups or persons for political or ideological goals. Most definitions of terrorism include only those acts which are intended to create fear or "terror", are perpetrated for an ideological goal (as opposed to a "madman" attack), and deliberately target "non combatants". The terms "terrorism" and "terrorist" (someone who engages in terrorism) carry a strong negative connotation. These terms are often used as political labels to condemn violence or threat of violence by certain actors as immoral, indiscriminate, or unjustified. Those labeled "terrorists" rarely identify themselves as such, and typically use other generic terms or terms specific to their situation, such as: separatist, freedom fighter, liberator, revolutionary, vigilante, militant, paramilitary, guerrilla, rebel, jihadi or mujahidin, or any similar meaning word in other languages. In simple words terrorism is the state of fear created through the act of violence. The common understanding about the terrorism is that “Terrorism is an organized system of intimidation, especially for political ends”. Different stakeholders such as terrorist groups, states and social scientists have arch differences over the definition of the terrorism depending on the complexity of the circumstances. There is a great controversy over how to term various freedom movements as a liberation struggle or terrorists’ movements. An act of certain group is freedom fight for some people and terrorism for others. This phenomenon makes it difficult to agree on exact meaning and definition of the terrorism. Every one explains the terrorism according to his/her certain connotation and vested interests. Some definitions and versions of terrorism are mentioned below to understand the phenomenon more profoundly. Terrorism is the public harassment, wave of agitation, protest against the government, damage to public and private property, in order to draw the attention of authorities. It can be asserted that terrorism is absolutely against peaceful political set-up. According to Encyclopedia of political thought it is a form of political violence, directed at a government but often involving ordinary citizens, whose aim is to create a climate of fear in which the of the aims of the terrorist will be granted by government in question.

Charles Townshend (2002) describes the US and British version of terrorism in his book entitled “Terrorism a very short Introduction” as “The terrorism is the calculated use or threat of violence to inculcate fear, intended to coerce or intimidate governments or societies”. Terrorism is the language of being noticed (Delillo, 1992).

According to the Dictionary of Social Sciences “Terrorism refers to the illegitimate use of force by those who oppose existing social, political or economic arrangements”

In short it can be concluded that the terrorism is an act of violence performed by any rebellion group or individual to get the certain viewpoint acknowledged or recognized by the society and government. It is a use of force to impose the vested interest of the extremist schools of thoughts and violent groups. Terrorism may be described as a strategy of violence designed to inspire terror within a particular segment of a given society. Terrorism is a state of intense fear which threatens the most fundamental human drive the will to survive intact. When the certain groups or certain school of thought are not given due socio-political acknowledgement and accommodation they turn to violence to show their existence. It is the extreme of imposition of the will by the rulers or dissident groups on the society.

2.2 Types of Terrorism

The phenomenon of the terrorism is very complex on the whole in all aspects. There is disagreement among the scholars over the types of the terrorism unlike its definition.

Various attempts have been made to derive the most common types of terrorism. Some of them are highlighted below:

2.2.1 Suicide Terrorism

Suicide terrorism is the readiness to sacrifice one's life in the process of destroying or attempting to destroy a target to advance their goals. The aim of the psychologically and physically war-trained terrorist is to die while destroying the enemy target. A suicide terrorist attack (also known as suicide bombing, homicide bombing or "kamikaze") is an attack intended to kill others and inflict widespread damage, while the attacker intends to die as well in the process. Modern suicide terrorism is aimed at causing devastating physicaldamage, through which it inflicts profound fear and anxiety.Its goal is to produce a negative psychological effect on anentire population rather than just on the victims of the actualattack. The large number of casualties guaranteed in such attacksensures dramatic and spectacular media coverage (Schweitzer, 2000).Methods of suicide terrorism include blowing up airplanesin mid-air, the use of weapons of mass destruction, and theuse as missiles of ordinary moving objects such as aircraft,motor cars, boats, wagons, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, animals,and young men and women. Over the past two decades acts of suicide terrorism have beenreported in Lebanon, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Israel, Palestine (WestBank), India, Panama, Algeria, Pakistan, Argentina, Croatia,Turkey, Tanzania, Kenya and the USA. Between 1980 and 2002,an estimated 340 suicide–homicide terrorist acts havebeen reported, with an estimated number of victims varying fromnone to 3000 per incident and number of suicides ranging from1 to as many as 16 in a single act of suicide terrorism. Thereare currently ten religious and secular groups that are knownto have used suicide–homicide acts as a tactic againsttheir government or against foreign governments. Some of theterrorist suicide groups are motivated by nationalism, ethnicnationalism, religion or religious ethnic nationalism (Schweitzer, 2000).The literatureon suicide terrorism refers to the beliefs and personalityof the leader, the social structure of the group, and makesreferences to irrationality, brainwashing and morbid psychology(Hazani, 1993; Lamberg, 1997; Dein & Littlewood, 2000;Colvard, 2002). The powerful hold that the leader has overthe group members, generally referred to as ‘charisma’,and the leader's patience and goal-directedness are the mostcommon factors in all suicide terrorist groups. Followers andpotential suicide terrorists are indoctrinated to believe intheir immortality and assured ascendance to a heavenly paradise which they are made to believe is physically present. Suicideterrorists are convinced of their immortality, a belief thatgives them sufficient drive to carry out the fatal act (Hazani, 1993),a complex convergence of political, cultural and religious ideas, economic hardship and, in some cases, psychological instability (Hazani, 1993). However, it is not clear from the availableliterature whether mental illness among suicide terroristsis any higher than in the general population. It is possiblethat those who have demonstrated mental illness were ill beforejoining the terrorist organisation (Lamberg, 1997). Suicideterrorists who execute acts such as the attack on the WorldTrade Center on 11 September 2001 may be people who are not necessarily violent but who embark on violent actions and areprepared to die for what they believe to be the greater goodof their society (Colvard, 2002). The primary aim of suicideterrorists is not suicide, because to the terrorist groups suicide is simply a means to an end, with a motivation thatstems from rage and a sense of self-righteousness. They seethemselves as soldiers willing to sacrifice themselves fora higher purpose and are convinced of an eternal reward throughtheir action (Ganor, 2000). Two main motivations can be identifiedin the vast majority of suicide terrorist acts: the first isanger and a sense of hopelessness; the second is a deep religiousbelief that a better life awaits in paradise.

2.2.2 Political terrorism

Political terrorism is a violent criminal behavior designed primarily to generate fear in the community, or substantial segment of it, for political purposes.

2.2.3 Non Political terrorism

Non-Political terrorism is a Terrorism that is not aimed at political purposes but which exhibits “conscious design to create and maintain high degree of fear for coercive purposes, but the end is individual or collective gain rather than the achievement of a political objective.

2.2.4 State Terrorism

State terrorism has been used to refer to terrorist acts by governmental agents or forces. This involves the use of state resources employed by a state's foreign policies, such as using its military to directly perform acts of terrorism.

2.2.5 Democracy and Domestic Terrorism

The relationship between domestic terrorism and democracy is very complex. Terrorism is most common in nations with intermediate political freedom, and is least common in the most democratic nations. However, one study suggests that suicide terrorism may be an exception to this general rule. Evidence regarding this particular method of terrorism reveals that every modern suicide campaign has targeted a democracy- a state with a considerable degree of political freedom. The study suggests that concessions awarded to terrorists during the 1980s and 1990s for suicide attacks increased their frequency. Some examples of "terrorism" in non-democracies include ETA in Spain under Francisco Franco, the Shining Path in Peru under Alberto Fujimori, the Kurdistan Workers Party when Turkey was ruled by military leaders and the ANC in South Africa. Democracies, such as the United States, Israel, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, have also experienced domestic terrorism. While a democratic nation espousing civil liberties may claim a sense of higher moral ground than other regimes, an act of terrorism within such a state may cause a perceived dilemma: whether to maintain its civil liberties and thus risk being perceived as ineffective in dealing with the problem; or alternatively to restrict its civil liberties and thus risk delegitimizing its claim of supporting civil liberties. This dilemma, some social theorists would conclude, may very well play into the initial plans of the acting terrorist(s); namely, to delegitimize the state.

2.3 Social Life

Social life is the combination of various components: activities, people, and places. While all of those components are required to define a social life, the nature of each component is different for every person, and can change for each person, as affected by a variety of external influences. There are different kinds of things that affect one’s social life. There are the obvious factors that affect our social lives over the course of our lifetime, like age – a teenager’s social life of hanging out at the closest mall accessible by bike is different from a 35-year olds social life of going to a dinner party at a friend’s house, or even stage in life – two 30-year-olds will have very different social lives if one is married with three kids, living out in the suburbs. There are also more immediate things that can affect one’s social life on a day-to-day basis. Availability of friends and/or dates, current cash flow, personal schedule, recent positive restaurant reviews, and perhaps a post on where the celebs are hanging out can all determine with whom you interact, the nature of activities, how often you socialize, and where such social activities take place.

2.4 Social Impact

The word social Impact tells us about the Society, In order to understand it first we’ll discuss the definition of society.

“An extended social group is having a distinctive cultural and economic organization”

“A formal association of people with similar interests”

As the definition shows, a society is a grouping of individuals, which is characterized by common interest and may have distinctive culture and institutions. In a society members can be from a different ethnic group. A "Society" may refer to a particular people such as Pakistani, or to a broader cultural group, such as Western society. Society can also be explained as an organized group of people associated together for religious, benevolent, cultural, scientific, political, patriotic, or other purposes. Implicit in the meaning of society is that its members share some mutual concern or Interest, a common objective or common characteristics.

CHAPTER NO.3

HYPOTHESIS

These were the following hypothesis formulated for our research:

· H-1 Terrorism is affecting the social life and culture of Pakistan

· H-2 People are bravely facing the current volatile and adverse situation

CHAPTER NO.4

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The methods selected for the research were as follows:

· Survey

· Secondary Analysis

· Documents

4.1 Survey

The primary research was carried out through surveys including questionnaires and interviews. The interviews were taken from our relatives and different faculty members of our university including students. Questionnaire was particularly devised for testing the selected hypothesis by randomly selecting the individuals of different age groups of Air University Islamabad.

There were eight close ended questions and one open ended question. They were informed about the key terms and guided in order to remove any sort of confusion which could lead to inappropriate results. The total sample size of the questionnaires was 100.Some of the questionnaires which were not filled properly were discarded, 100 questionnaires were floated out of which 90 were selected. The results are analyzed based on assessment of individual question given in later section of this report.

4.2 Secondary Analysis

The secondary data and researches that were already there helped us study and brain-storm about what we wanted to get out of this research. This research methodology was mainly used to test our second hypothesis that people of Pakistan are bravely facing the current volatile and adverse situation. It helped us a lot to get the desired information and come up with the effects of terrorism on their social life and culture.

4.3 Documents

Internet, Magazines, Articles & Journals, Newspapers, Library books of AU were mainly used to collect all the information related to the effects of terrorism on social life and culture of Pakistan.

CHAPTER NO.5

RESULTS ANALYSIS

5.1 Discussion

Nowadays people avoid going to social gathering due to terrorist attacks which clearly shows that the terrorism has affected the social life of general population. Nobody can afford to trust in their social circle and personal life now. They are afraid of being the victims of terrorism. Most of them agreed that the violent acts of terrorism has badly damaged their mental growth and created a constant stressful situation for them and their family. A situation full of stress, frustration only helps in boosting troubles for them thus frustrated and stressed out due to everyday terrorist activities. Religion is our core value which however started being affected by the terrorism. The question we asked in relation to this was that “Do you feel safe to offer prayers in the mosque?” 50% preferred to stay neutral; the other major portion that is 20% strongly disagreed. This shows that people are confused right now, but yes they did have an impact. The cultural value of Pakistan like hospitality is changing due to the terrorist actions. Hospitality is again a core value of our nation which is on its way to down. Like said above, there’s word trust does not lie anymore anywhere, the good example of hospitality will be even before you say ‘Salam’ to a plumber, you make sure he leaves your place as soon as possible. People have been psychologically affected due to the current adverse scenario of the country. Terrorist activities have affected our social relationships with other countries. 46% of the respondents strongly agreed to it. We have lost our respect internationally. The good example is that Cricket champion’s trophy was to be held in Pakistan, instead in South Africa. Each year there is an arts festival held in Lahore where performers from all over the world come, it was cancelled. Moreover, we have to hear now ‘do more do more’ slogans which further frustrates our nation. The open ended question that the measures taken by the government to prevent terrorist attacks are satisfactory was designed to check the solidity of the people and their trust on Government. Many valuable inputs also came in with this question. Respondents said that creating a war like situation in the country like these huge concrete walls, sand bags, no they will also build a concrete wall between divider on Islamabad highway, they won’t help in preventing terrorist attacks. They were of the opinion that the Government should rather take concrete measures then creating a war like situation as it is in Iraq. For detailed results (see Appendix-B)

5.2 Analysis

Eighty two percent of H1 is fully accepted which shows that the terrorism is effecting the social life and culture of Pakistan. H2 is accepted through our secondary analysis including different videos proving that the Pakistanis are bravely facing the current volatile and adverse situation. This can be authenticated through our study as both the hypotheses have been proved.

CHAPTER NO.6

EFFECTS OF TERRORISM ON SCOIAL LIFE AND CULTURE OF PAKISTAN

The end sufferer of the terrorism is the general public. It is general consensus among the social scientists that human conflict and corruption cannot be done away from the society. The human conflict results in the form of violence or terrorism. The repercussions of the terrorism are very serious for the masses. No doubt, the terrorism not only directly affects economic development and prosperity but the psycho-social repercussions and heavily damage human personality and the society. The effects of terrorism may vary from different persons to different societies. These are some of the following effects and impacts devise through our research:

· First of all the terrorism has created a sense of fear in the minds of the people. This fear has further lead to sense of dissatisfaction and terror among the people.

· Due to terrorism the sense of helplessness has prevailed in the human minds. This sense of helplessness has further lead to hopelessness among the people regarding their personal and social well-being.

· The violent acts of terrorism has badly damaged the mental growth of the human beings and put them in to constant stressful situation. Such attacks especially, leave harmful and far reaching effects on the minds of the children when they see dead bodies and horrible scenes of the terrorism on the media. These days the media gives extra ordinary coverage to the incidents of terrorism all over the world and people find themselves involved very much which creates resentment in their minds.

· Being affected by the repercussion of the terrorism the snobbish attitude has been developed among the masses. It has further damaged human and familial relationships which ultimately affects the working performance of the individuals.

· Government has lost their trust and solidity. It has enhanced anger and resentment among the masses against the government and the state apparatus.

· The people have become the victims of psychological diseases such as anxiety and frustration, aggression, and deprivation. The social relationships have severely suffered from great loss in the presence of these psychological diseases.

· Due to terrorism social splits has widened among the people belonging to the different schools of thought. This split has become the cause of significant social division which harms the social fabric and unity negatively.

· Due to the fear of terrorist attacks the people are trying to escape from their social and professional responsibilities. For example a soldier cannot perform his duty if he/she has witnessed other companions dying in the deadly terrorist attacks. Of course, one will join his/her duty but due to constant fear of losing the life he/she would perform duty in the state of fear.

· Terrorism has promoted social segregation and isolation among the different strata of the society. It has created distance between the supporters and suffers of the accused terrorist attacks. That means the terrorism has enhanced the social disturbance and people feel divided in the society.

· Terrorism has affected the social progress and well-being of the people. Because of the terrorists activities the businesses and economy of the country has suffered a great loss. As a result poverty has increased which damages the society very much.

In short, terrorism has long lasting effects on the individuals, groups and overall society. The social prosperity and the well-being of the masses are at the risk and in the situation of constant strain and stress. The human beings find it difficult to live their life properly and calmly. The violent behavior develops among the people who lead to socio-economic decline and destroy the human and social relationships.

CHAPTER NO.7

CONCLUSION

7.1 Implication

Our research project can be very useful for the Government, Public, Sociologist and Psychologist to study and work on these effects of terrorism on social life and culture of Pakistan.

7.2 Research Limitations

Due to some limitations we weren’t able to conduct research up to its full potential level. Security concerns in Pakistan limited our research to the greater extent. Many of the respondents were avoiding talking on this topic because of the current adverse scenario. We were bound to research within the university and couldn’t visit different people who are actually the sufferers of terrorism to carry out the research work.

7.3 Future research

Future researchers on this topic can research on the causes and cures of these effects of terrorism on social life and culture of Pakistan.

7.4 Recommendations

· Government should establish some rehabilitation centre for the sufferers who have become the victims of these psychological diseases due to the psycho-social effects of terrorism.

· The effort of the international community in general and the institutions working against terrorism in special should help individual states in diagnosing the causes and issues which need to be resolved.

· The international community should try to agree upon the minimum common agenda to curb terrorism.

· The clear cut distinction should be established and maintained to work closely in the fight against terrorism.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

· http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/terrorism

· http://www.ask.com/questions-about/Terrorism

· http://viewstonews.com/index.php/effects-of-social-injustices-in-pakistan/pakistan/

· http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_life

· http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_impact_theory

· http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrorism_in_Pakistan

· http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrorism

· http://www.ipcs.org/article_details.php?articleNo=711

· http://www.fas.org/irp/threat/frd.html

· Schweitzer, Y. (2000) Suicide Terrorism: Development and Characteristics. http://www.ict.org.il/

· The British Journal of Psychiatry (2003) http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/182/6/475

· http://www.bookrags.com/essay-2005/3/27/203410/697

· CHARLES, TOWNSHEND (2002). Terrorism a very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, Pakistan.

· MUHAMMAD, IMTIAZ ZAFAR DR. (2007). Violence Terrorism and Teaching of Islam. Higher Education Commission, Pakistan.

Weird

2011-12-20T00:06:00.000+05:00

This is the weirdest Post I have ever written !!!

WEIRD WEIRD WEIRD WEIRD WEIRD

Frustration.

2011-12-12T11:10:00.000+05:00

So all of a sudden the usual troubles have come back. I was having a 'normal' time but then, its me. Monday and Raafay never get along well and it's proved. I reached university in the usual mood and was waiting for the Lab to start when my friend told me that my attendance for the computer programing is only 39%, that too after I haven't missed a single lecture all my semester. It was during the mid term exams when I was told that my name has been registered with Computer Sciences department, on checking the registration form it was clear that I had mentioned Mechatronics department. I was told to write an application requesting a change in the department, I did so hours before my exam. I was told that the problem will be solved and I must not worry. Mid terms passed and I haven't been marked present at all.
Well I went to the coordinator again and I was told that the registration will be sorted but I should convince the lecturer to mark me present on each and every date by hand with signatures and for that I should have some proof that I was present. Thankfully I talked with the lab in charge and he marked me present for a few labs, still have to talk with mam and double thanks that I had noted down each and every lecture with date mentioned!

It was Muharram and I had four holidays in succession so we decided to go back home for one full week. Going home is perhaps the best time of my university life and I wait for it. We got the seats pretty late, 1:30am and that too was an extra bus especially for Muharram as everyone was going back home. We reached early morning and Hamza's friend was there to receive us. Papa and Mama couldn't come as they had to go to the hospital. The good thing was, papa didn't forget our favorite breakfast :D Manal came later in the day so the family was complete :) Next day we had to visit our village as my uncle had returned after Hajj and all the family was present. For a change all the cousins were together and we had a really good time :) It was also the time when we played cricket and I won both the matches quite easily in the end :D The next day we had to visit our Khala as my cousin is getting married, we decided that a few basics and the dresses so that we don't waste much time when we come back to Multan. Again all the cousins from the other side were together and enjoyed alot as usual. The next day was when all the cousins who were to village came back and stayed at our place, we decided against watching a movie which was the usual routine and sat togetherr, talking for hours and hours, didn't even know it was morning by the time we felt sleepy.

Its good actually to talk about the activities of past. Past is always pleasant even if it was the worst time of our lives, we can just talk about, Cherish the good memories, even laugh at the more dreadful ones. Now the fifth day was supposed to be the time when I had to enjoy the most. No one except family, reading novels, music at night, teasing Manal and Hamza and Tamur, but then Manal had to go back to Bahawalpur and Tamur had school to attend. Hamza and me were all alone and I didn't feel like doing anything. Then a friend of mine gave me this Idea and we decided to go back home, consoling myself that I'll be home early to attend the marriage ceremony of my cousin. We packed at a short notice and went to the terminal and after 3 hours of struggle got the seat. The very day I reached Islamabad and reached university I was told that I have two quizzes, I quickly prepared for them and well they went fine, next few days were busy and I didn't even have time to scratch my head :D

The way Pakistani Cricket team are playing these days, makes me feel the proudest Pakistani ever. Everything they do goes right, every player they play does his best, every match they play results in something big and a victory, thanks Allah and I hope this winning streak doesn't end. Just look at the record here since January. Beating New Zealand in the test and ODI series, reaching the World Cup Semi Final, beating West Indies in the ODI and leveling the test series, beating Ireland in the ODI series, Clean sweeping Zimbabwe in both the formats, beating Srilanka in the respective formats, and now thrashing Bangladesh. But I will again repeat, the biggest test will be the England series and my heart gives me a feeling that Pakistan will be the winners. This in my life has been the most consistent and hungry team ever.

ummm and NO, no philosophy this time. I wanted to write just to get rid of all the frustration that has been burning inside me.. :D