Change yourself first!

I don’t know from where to start today because I feel extremely disgusted today. I have not been watching news lately because all what I get see on the idiot box is depressing stories. We hear stories of corrupt politicians and hear about the stupid ones too. Such as the street smart lady MPA from Punjab who was caught buying jewelry on a fake credit card. An economy can never succeed if the leaders are dacoits.

If that is nothing, the idiot box presents you with news related to the type of entertainment our leaders take pleasure in. The ex president enjoys to have a singing competition with Ustaad Hamid Ali Khan, the Ex - FBR chairman dances like the royal maids of the Mughals drunk and the father of a former Chief Minister of Punjab likes to see foreign lasses dancing on local tunes. This nation cannot succeed if we choose such leaders because their hearts are diseased which troubles them and us in chorus.

This set of reckless leaders, have made life wretched for others and comfortable for them. Leaders win, they loot when they are in power and they live a lavish life in the foreign, in self exile, when without power. This will for eternity remain the trend if we, the good people, choose to remain shush every time they perform dire feats. More, the laypeople are always suffering due to inflation and now recently due to terrorism because of the so called war on terror declared by the Ex Zionist President of USA. Unfortunately, inflation and terrorism have controlled the minds of the people in such a way, that we stop thinking ways to stop the wrong happening in front of our naked eyes. People, please “think” it makes the government nervous.

But, the fault does not lie in the leaders, the fault lies within us because we choose them to be our representatives. Honestly, they are the true representatives of the Pakistani Nation. Our neighborhoods are filled with immorality for years but we chose to preserve it – Diamond Market in Lahore. More, we love to receive extra money on interest and take advantage of it at any given opportunity, our households are run on incomes derived out of interest. If that’s not it, for guys getting a new girl everyday into their beds has become as easy as one changes clothes and vice versa. And the worst, the good people always choose to remain silent…

Will this injustice ever stop? When will we be conferred with fine leadership?

The answer is straightforward – injustice will end and good leadership will appear once we the members of this realm, which was a dream of another Muhammad turned into a reality by another, change ourselves first by adopting good moral values. This country was made for the Muslims of the Indian Sub Continent and not for people who come to us begging for votes on the name of race, creed and color. So let’s live the change, because if you need to change others and bring them towards the good i.e. to get hold of sincere leaders, you need to look at your shortcomings and change yourself first!

Good is waiting to enter in our lives, only if we allow it.

This Ramadan, spread smiles into the lives of the deprived...

Do the Right Thing....Be on the Straight Path..

Let’s start with some verses from the Holy Quran - Chapter 23: Surah al Mu’minun (The Believers), Part 18:

1. Successful indeed are the believers.
2. Those who offer their Salat (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness.
3. And those who turn away from Al-laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk, falsehood, and all that Allah has forbidden).
4. And those who pay the Zakat.
5. And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts)
6. Except from their wives or (the slaves) their right hand possess, - for then, they are free from blame;

Successful indeed are the believers, believers who follow the Quran and the Hadith by applying the wisdom into their lives rather than by just reading it. And, certainly, I don’t mean to say that one would not get blessings if they only read. Surely, one would get blessings for the remembrance of the Lord, but the blessings would be in abundance if we start applying the knowledge bestowed on us by The Lord practically into our lives.

As the month of Ramadan has arrived, to revolutionize life towards good is going to be a lot easier. To achieve success, first, one has to start praying seriously and obediently to The Lord. One has to ask Him for the dynamism to destroy the evil present inside and the one prevailing in the world (outside), seriously. Concurrently, one has to be obedient by respecting the time of Salat which can be achieved by offering prayers at the right time and for men preferably in the mosque.

Most importantly, Zakat is an aspect of Islam which gets disregarded quite often by the Muslims around the world. I believe the reason for the weakness in the economy of Muslim countries has been the ignorance in paying the Zakat. As time went on and due to the gift of enlightened moderation also, deliberations on Islam reached to new lows in our households which let unawareness about Islam to triumph. People were made to focus more about the world they are living in today than about the worlds, heaven and hell, they would eventually reside in forever by the enemies of Islam and by the greatest hypnotizer of the century – the idiot box – the television. Let’s stop this ignorance, let us open The Book or let us reach to those who know The Book well so that we pay our Zakat and make our society and economy stronger.

Having said that; another reason for the downfall of our society which has led to the rise in crime and immorality has been because of the majority of the Ummah has desired to keep their mouths shut on the topic of illegal sexual activity. In the world of today, shamefully, we know about Red Light Districts operating in our cities, but we don’t dare to close or opinionate about them - such as the Diamond Market in Lahore. In fact, many of such businesses have associations with the ones in power so that no one dares to speak or act against them. But do remember, fortune favors the brave and The Lord supports and guard those who stand for the truth. So, this Ramadan, let’s give our lives a new start, brothers will lower their gaze when they see their sisters and the females would dress properly so that the brothers don’t get enticed! And all those who can write well, please protest at every forum about illegal sexual activities present in their area. Let’s become strong from inside and wait to get married guys, I am sure the wait for marriage - which is also an opportunity for legal sex - and for the right spouse will have more pleasure than doing ‘it’ everyday with a new one which takes one closer towards the fatal illness of AIDS.

Hence, this Ramadan, we will try to change ourselves so that we don’t feel ashamed when we stand in front of Allah to pray and ask for forgiveness. Undoubtedly, the satisfaction achieved by accomplishing a life closer to the Quran and Hadith would bring peace in the world and in the hereafter one would inherit the best place in the heaven which is proved from the following verses of the Surah mentioned at the beginning of the article:

7. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors;
8. Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat (all the duties which Allah has ordained, honesty, moral responsibility and trusts) and to their covenants;
9. And those who strictly guard their (five compulsory congregational) Salawat (prayers) (at their fixed stated hours).
10. These are indeed the inheritors
11. Who shall enter the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever.

Conspiracy at Large against Pakistan...

From the outlook of the way the events are shaping up in Pakistan, it can be presumed that more surprises are going to come sooner than later. Since the past one decade, our country has captured the headlines, and mostly the news is not music to ears, and this has made me very suspicious lately.

If you re-wind, the nuclear tests brought us sanctions, the Kargil affair and the Shariah rule toppled a popular government, the 9/11 brought us the never ending woes, Chief Justice Episode, Benazir Bhutto assassination, and battle between Zardari and Sharifs and the list is too long to list. This is not a mere coincidence, this has been a pre planned strategy of the planners who don’t like our existence, and it’s not another conspiracy theory.

In fact, the fight against our ideology is not a recent one; it began even before we were formed. The advent of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, supported by the British, formed a new sect which said ‘no’ to Jihad, and I must say he did not do a bad job, he converted many Muslims to his form of Islam which made the followers of the Battle of Badar concept impotent to fight. Next step, the British armed forces, ex-British forces (The Americans) and allies toppled the famous Khliafat movement in the late 1920’s, and with it they crushed and avenged the losses they faced due to “pain in the neck” warriors like Salahudin Ayoubi (May Allah bless him) during the Crusades. They thought they had settled down the Muslims for good and they could implement their evil agenda at ease.

But, The Best Planner had other plans. The dream of a Muhammad was turned into a reality by another Muhammad – the dream of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and turned into a reality by Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The oppressors had to succumb to the force of the Muslims living in the Sub continent, but they did not drop their weapons then and not planning to drop them any sooner. Lucky for them, they managed to make a state for themselves – State of Israel.

Sadly, Pakistan lost its way. At first, the Pakistanis lost the only leader they ever had, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and secondly the crowd who abhor us got rid of our first Prime Minister in the most bizarre fashion. From there on, they have not lost their track. At first, they brought corrupt leaders into our system who implemented corruption to create an inequality in wealth distribution. Second, they made the system so corrupt by filling the pockets of our corrupt regime that it made it sure that Pakistan is never able to reach self sufficiency at products/services essential for life. It’s a disgrace for a country with such large agricultural resources to be still dependent on imports. Furthermore, bio technology methods to raise crop yield is still not sanctioned fully by the Government of Pakistan, while China and India sanctioned them completely a decade back – this is how serious they are to rub our name off from the map.

That’s not it. They became friends with us and then they stabbed us as hard as they could. Look around at other countries, and you would find the same story. They became friends with Egypt, one of the biggest Muslim countries, and made sure they never mess with Israel. Hosni Mubarik is a rich person but his countrymen live in poverty. Besides that, Saddam’s example is simply the best, the best betrayal story of all time. Moreover, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and UAE have their own stories. In short, they made the Muslims weak by making them materialistic, brought them towards usury, adultery, pornography, alcohol and towards all those activities which makes the world so ‘fair’ and life hereafter ugly.

They did not stop. They encouraged sectarian violence in our country. Sunnis killed Shias, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto victimized Qadyanis for a reason which only God knows, they made fun of our religion and the list can never end because they have decided not to stop. Moreover, they sowed the seeds of Nationalism and sponsored them too. From ANP to MQM to Baitullah Mehsud – all three have received “US AID”. This invented the practice amongst Muslims of the Sub Continent to kill each other on the name of nationalism, patriotism, crime and most sadly on religion. The on going war against the so called Taliban in the FATA areas is just another move to increase uncertainty and security issues in the country to such an extent so that they are able to declare war on Pakistan with ease. Their supporters in their sick plans are in good numbers and in good position – Indians, Israelis, Russians, Americans and some soul-less Pakistani themselves.

But, they always forget that The Best Planner of all has always the best plans ready to exterminate their sick agendas and preserve the lives of his followers. They, the enemies of Islam and Pakistan, will not stop to plan against us; they cannot stop to plan against us because they are the friends of Satan and will remain to do so. WE have to change; change ourselves so that we set ourselves on the straight path and then change the world in the process. I don’t know if we will be righteous or not sooner or later, all I know is that we are going to face a lot of hardships throughout our journey in this world but we will never lose the battle against the wickedness because we worship the True God.

IDP Diary - Day 3 - Some shocks, people & curfews

For many, the routine life is boring, for me, Alhamdulilah, the routine life is always interesting. Oh, by the way, I have just observed an amazing thing out here in Mardan. The mosquitoes here are completely different from the ones in Islamabad and Punjab (I have no idea about the ones in Sindh and Balochistan). They don't buzz around your ears and they are so tiny that I haven't seen one up till now. So, this sounds good, eh?

NO, IT DOESN'T.

They bite non-stop !! The ones back home, bite and then they go for a ride and come back. But here in Mardan the situation is horrible. They keep on biting and biting just like the bunny from the 'Duracell' ad which never stops moving like a duck. Phew! I am cursing myself for buying a cheap duplicate of Mospel which the local shopkeeper suggested me. MOSPEL, come to my rescue!

When, I shifted to Pakistan last year, I used to get amazed when I used to see 10 people commuting on the Suzuki pickup. I used to imagine how the people manage it. But, I learned it anyways, because I also commute on it daily, so I know its piece of cake. But, yes there is always a but when I say something, Mardan completely shocked me. You want to know why?

Please see the above picture and know why.

Late in the night, I was sitting with a friend and he shared an amusing story about an Imam of a mosque at Sher-garh Market in District Mardan, 2 kms away from Malakand Agency. The Imam of the mosque was a very well-respected person of the community. One day, some army-men came in and told him to open the door of a room in the mosque. The Imam said he does not have the keys for it. One of the army-men punched him hard which made the people of the mosque angry. Surely, anyone would get angry if you hit an Imam/old man who is leading prayers and giving sermons for the past 25 years. The army-men told the people to wait and wait for the climax. They broke the door of the room they wanted to inspect, and they found weapons and rocket launchers.

If you think that was the climax, you are so wrong. Female readers can avoid the next paragraph.

The army personnel told the Imam to pull his shalwar down, I guess they pulled it down anways. That shocked the public and I am sure it would have caused a lot of stress to the followers of this Imam. The Imam did not got his organ circumcised, He was actually a Hindu! I guess they arrested him for sure, but they took him for a round in the Sher garh Market on foot and naked before. I wish the story is true because I hate reporting false incidents. The incident happened on 8Th of May. If someone can get it confirmed, I would be really happy!

Coming back to work, I just had to distribute tokens to families so that they could come and collect their food rations tomorrow. But, the end of the day was very heart-breaking, it took me quite a while to get back to normalcy. I met two cute little boys who were suffering from thalassemia. I guess they are 6 or 7 year olds. I have heard from Atta Bhai, a close aide who resides in the village Spilno-dehrai, that yesterday the boys were suffering of bleeding from the nose. In Swat, their parents had the privilege of getting their treatment/transfusion for gratis, but that has vanished for them as their livelihood has. One of them has gone dark but other was jumping around today when I told his father to call him as I wanted to meet him. The boys were supposed to get the blood transfusion done on 20Th May, and are supposed to get it every month to survive. They got displaced before that, therefore they missed the dates.

If that was not sad enough, I heard that one family were moving out of Swat to enter into Mardan. All of a sudden, they were attacked by a military helicopter, father and son got shot. Father survived son must be in the heavens INSHALLAH. The son was supposedly 6 year old.

But, I guess military was doing their duty I guess, there was a curfew placed in the area, its not their fault, bullets don't have feelings and the finger on the trigger is always numb.

Hmph...anyways, I was preparing to leave the village with a heart full of sorrow, when I heard the way to get out of the village, which is through the Sher-garh Market, was on curfew because the army was crossing into the Malakand Agency. This has happened twice with me in 4 days that I got stuck in the village due to curfew. But there is a another route to get out safely, so I was safe.

But I am not sure if my brothers and sisters living there are safe. I am worried O Allah, please bring peace back, please...

IDP Diary - Day 2 - Heat, Traffic, and a Sand Storm.

Well, it was quite a tough day today. If you don't believe me than read this:





Forecast for Wednesday Mardan, Pakistan
There is a 0% chance of precipitation. Sunny. Extremely hot. Temperature of 37°C. Winds NE 28km. Humidity will be 37% with a dewpoint of 20° and feels-like temperature of 41°C.





Found this on a local news site and believe me every word of it is true. I met a fellow a couple of weeks back who is not the weather man, but he did an interesting research. According to his research, the temperature inside a tent is 8°C higher than what it is outside. Come to think of it, we get off from work if the temperature reaches 50°C even if we are sitting inside air-conditioned rooms, for the displaced people living in the tents it has become a daily ritual, it has become their job to survive this heat if they want to survive. I wish they don't lose patience because Pukhtoons are difficult to control, and there are no qualms about it!

Well, the heat caused me to sweat, naturally. But, the traffic and the sand storm later in the day just made the matters worse and dirtier. It took me an hour to cross a 3 km track! I am sure when I go for a bath, I need a "Scotch Brite" to scrub the three enemies off my body - the dirt, smoke and the sand - I had to combat with. I am surviving so I won, but the blood of my enemies are still all over me, but its all over, at least for the day.



Today, I went to the field to take a survey on the condition of schools inside the camp and to collect some figures. Interestingly, the attendence rate is 70 %, a remarkable achievement because of two reasons:-


1. Who studies in summers?
Summers are to relax, but these kids are different, they enjoy studying. Moreover, there are almost equal number of girls & boys in a school, so those who think that the people of Malakand don't like to give their girls education are living in error and need to get their heads examined ASAP!



2. Its the weather again, they study in tent schools. I cannot survive in it for a minute and they study for hours in it. We have got some young super heroes in these camps, I guess we start making some good movies on these kids rather than on "naughty gujjars" and on "fat aunties dancing" who destroy alot of crop. Sometimes, I think they are responsible for all this food shortage...LETS STOP "THE DANCING AUNTIES" from dancing or I would rather say from thumping!

Anyways, I have got some really amusing news. Mir Khalil ur Rahman Foundation (a sister concern of Geo News) is arrange a mass wedding at the Jalala Camp in Mardan. 12 couples would get married on Friday, June 12th. They have arranged separate tents, mattresses and kitchen utensils for the newly-weds. If someone wants to attend the wedding, please let me know because one would not be allowed without a security pass. I am sick and tired of security checks by the way. But that doesn't imply we shouldn't help the authorities in performing their duty.


On the lighter note, for me the fun begins these days, when I take out my camera because either I am surrounded with kids immediately or hear shouts from the ones far to take their pictures. I say, some of them are really nice posers...the photo above says it all...

You decide! I love these kids anyways....

IDP Diary - Day 1

Actually its not Day 1, its 30 days now since I began my journey to facilitate the IDPs on behalf of the organization I work and donors who support us...

Anyways, I decided yesterday that I would update everyone by sharing interesting stories from Mardan and Swabi, where most of the displaced people are shifting, and all the places I visit to.

So, without wasting more time, start reading this:

Yesterday, I went to Spilno-Dehray, UC Makori in District Mardan. The place is 1-2 km away from Malakand Agency and around 60-70 kms away from the war zone. The organization I work in, Human Relief Foundation has selected this site to support the IDP families who have shifted there. My job of the day was to take a survey to assess the sanitation, health and water conditions. To my horror, the situation turned out to be more horrific than I had thought of. Most of the people did not have access to toilets and are forced to excrete their wastes in open, they are not used to this ritual as back home they had a toilet system which was well connected with sewage system. Moreover, they used to have seperate bathrooms, now they have to use the toilet for the same purpose. Ladies wait for their turns till it turns dark, to preserve their honor.

Surprisingly, the water condition is not as bad. The quality of the water is acceptable, and the only thing they require is storage tanks.

Well, lets come to the most interesting part, we left the village to head towards the Mardan city and guess what happened?

We got stuck in the area because the army/police put a curfew near the Shergarh Market! (the Shergarh Market, a market has a 600 year history and comes in between Spilno-Dehray and Mardan city)

But, I was lucky as I was with the company of some smart Pushtoons who knew another way. I wish the smart people working to displace people dont find out this place to create more unrest...

For everyone's information, the curfew has become a daily ritual and everyday people get shot down for violating it, some die, some survive...