~Yumna's Blog - Pakistan.Past.Present.Future? ~

True Heroes of the Nation

2010-08-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

As I read "Half the sky", I read the first time ever the case of Mukhtar Mai Bibi. A women who's brother was gang raped by heterosexual men and then wrongly charged with illicit sex with a higher-clan girl. As a punishment (yes the punishment was towards the raped boy- the clear victim), they took his sister Mukhtar out of a crowd and gang-raped her in the barn while a crowd was gathered outside. She was then forced to walk home almost naked. Mukhtar Bibi instead of the initial action that most would take that is committing suicide due to humiliation instead fought for her case. With no one by her side, not even Musharaff's government as he was more interested in hushing her, she was determined to bring education to her little village to educate the young girls to encourage them not to get married early but instead make a life out of them. She was a hero. Maybe many people haven't heard of her but many after that did follow her example. Maybe it wasn't followed on a large scale but maybe the next village adopted the same system and opened a school and so then comes the ripple effect. This is an example of a true hero.

People who are determined to help the country and not focus on political pish-posh are the true people who deserve a pat on their back. Another example is that of Greg Mortenson who has built several schools across Pakistan and Afghanistan. The several NGO's in Pakistan need to be recognized more. NGO's like EHD (Education, Health and Development Foundation) and other small organizations contribute towards a small step ahead but at least its a step. Another great example is that of the oh-so generous man Abdul Sitar Edhi who founded Edhi Foudnation building and helping the Pakistani people more than I believe any other non-profit organization has ever in Pakistan with no great income coming in for him. One man truly can change the world.

Currently, I see that there are several individuals who have come together for the greater good. Setting everything apart and coming to help human kind. No I'm not talking about the president of Pakistan. I am talking about the youth and people of Pakistan. I am talking about small groups who are getting together with their friends collecting whatever they can to help the people effected by the floods. I am talking about the air force soldiers who are out there doing whatever they can for their people with the limited helicopters that are present. However, what I am not talking about is the leader of the country who is too busy meeting "oh-so important" people in France and Britain. Millions telling him to go home. I am sure if we as the average people with no such high-power and "knowledge" understand that Pakistan is going through its worst time ever, the President should be able to figure that out too. It's not rocket science Sir. 14 million people have been effected. Not a joke. Not a small thing. Bigger than the earthquake that struck Pakistan. Bigger then the Tsunami that struck Indonesia.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mohandas Gandhi. So Step up and change. Look at people your own age and in few numbers that are taking steps forward. Donate, give old clothes, maybe go to the market and buy two bottles of water instead of one. It won't make a great difference. Open a fund-raiser event maybe at your own house. Maybe other family members can donate a little. And like this you can collect and make a significant change. And as for you Sir.....

Go Zardari Go. Go "home". Well that is if you consider the country you are leading your home. You have to ask yourself that first. True Heroes need not be so popular or well known or loaded with money (as that has shown in Pakistan's history a recipe for corrupt, power-hungry leadership) what is important is that they change lives little by little, day by day.

Serious Plea to Mankind - Donate!

2010-08-07T16:18:00.000-07:00

As I go out to a lavish BBQ dinner thrown by someone for us, I can't help but to think of the thousands of people who have nothing to eat as of now. No place to stay. No feeling of safety or hope for that matter. It is at this time that I wish I was in Pakistan maybe I could be of some help. By help I mean directly going there and see if resources are allocated efficiently to the areas effected. At the same time though I know this is not possible as I am sitting half way across the world and about to start college. What I can do though is donate. But before that I asked myself where? Please see that where you are donating have a history of efficiency not corruption. Ask

people. Research - Find out - Donate. That's what I did. And no one is telling you to donate hundreds of dollars. Start with $10 those of you living abroad like me. This may seem nothing to you but when converted to Pakistani rupees can help a lot. So before you go out wherever this weekend, enjoying the time of your life and knowing that you are safe, think of the others that aren't. I am not only urging Pakistanis to do it, I'm urging mankind to step up. People are suffering. They need help. Please donate. Here are a few sites.

Relief camp for flood victims at base faisal

D for Donate - Here you can find several other organizations and contact them.

Even if you don't feel like doing this. Do anything. Send a check of a small amount to someone you know in Pakistan and tell them to give it to an organization. Anything and everything just do it!

A Disgusting Sentiment to the Dead

2010-08-01T13:15:00.001-07:00

Considering that my other blog is called "Youth for Peace", today we should consider Prem Chand as being one of us. A motivated social worker trying to create a better Pakistan and what was his prize? Nothing. The tragic plane crash took his life and instead of treating him like a shaheed, some idiots decide to treat him like a "kafir". Please read this article and comment. It's a disgrace to know that there are people like that in my country. They are indeed the true kafirs.

Prem Chand: His Death Was a National Tragedy; How His Coffin Was Treated a National Disgrace

Atif Aslam & Strings - Ab Khud hi Kuch Karna (Official Video)

2010-07-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

"The K-word"

2010-07-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

"The K-word....yes that is what it has come to," said a Congressman at the India-Pakistan Peace Conference at the Captiol Hill this afternoon. After six decades, Kashmir is still an issue today amongst Pakistan and India. Hatred from the governments of both sides still exists. I don't believe its a territorial issue as it has 'religious rivalry' written all over it. I wonder if there would even be a dispute if the religion factor was taken out. The injustice done with protestors on the Indian side of Kashmir in the past few months is horrifying. Rape and extrajudicial killings on a daily basis. What is even more surprising is that the so-called 'secular freedom' speech is clearly not represented through what is happening.

Why I ask can't the Kashmiris choose their own faith? Why can't Pakistan and India back down and instead have talks between Kashmir officials. By 'talks' I don't mean an exchange of inner hatred sentiments, hidden mutual suspicions and pictures of hand-shaking officials. By talks I mean talks with an outcome. Talks don't equal to discussion, talks should equal to a strategy there and then and an outcome- signed papers and all. A done deal. That is sadly never the case. Red tape and slow, bureacratic processes always triumph the 'talks'.

As I watched and listened to the speakers, I couldn't help but think why all this? Will they come up with something useful, if they ever do, will it actually be used back where the dispute is occuring? Also, what I saw despite what the speakers were saying about moving forward and not looking back was biased views that is again the blame-game. You could clearly tell who was supporting Pakistan and who was supporting India. I sat there wondering why all of them arn't talking about actual future plans?, why are they going back to history and reciting what we all already know?

One speaker that I commended was Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, former ambassador of Pakistan to the US, as the first line she said was that she doesn't want to talk about the history of how it all came to be. It is this attitude that our politicians need that is Pakitan's as well as India's. Who can teach these powerful 'leaders' to move forward? Not just to say it in their hour-long speeches but LITERALLY to move forward. Dr. Maleeha Lodhi talked about how both countries are focusing more on other issues when they come to talk then the one that has been lagging on for years. India, after the mumbai attacks, is centering their talks on terrorism and how to combat that. This issue won't be solved till the issue of Kashmir is over. I believe suspicion will stay and this will not let the countries solve anything. The Kashmir issue needs to be solved and then only can both countries leave that issue and talk about other issues. Maleeha Lodhi correctly said that violence is not the cause of the Kashmir issue it is the consequence. So deal with the consequences not the causes.

A BBC journalist originally from India was sitting next to me. An interesting thing that he said to me was that it doesn't matter if you consider yourself Pakistani first or Muslim, Indian first or Hindu, or whatever nationality or religion, first and foremost is that you should be a good human being. This is a fact that many of us from time to time forget, I must say even I sometimes forget this. Amidst so many differences, we forget who we are at first that is we all are human beings. We cannot deny this fact. The man and I talked on several issues sharing the same views on freedom of the Kashmiri people. Two people who did not know each other before, one from India and the other from Pakistan had such mutual views. This was not the first experience where I found that Indians and Pakistanis get along incredibly well. Most of my friends are Indians and if I say so myself, by best friend is an Indian. Friendships like these exist. Pakistani students go on field trips to India and vice versa and experience great welcoming neighbours. Why can't we see this up there that is in the governments? They say power is with the people of the nation but its not.

I am a Pakistani, however, my father's family is full of whole-heartedly, patriotic Kashmiris. Do I wish Kashmir was a part of Pakistan? Yes. However, I completely disagree with Paksitan/India forcibly deciding Kashmir's future. If in the near future Kashmir is a part of Pakistan then noone but the Kashmiris themsleves have the right to decide that. Remember that it's not us who are living in the two split-Kashmir- so who are we to judge and say anything? Pakistan and India BOTH need to grow up seriously. 60 years passed. Noone wants another 60 years of the same stubbornness. Its about time, don't you think?

Just a note to all the shaheed of the Margala Hills plane crash, may your souls rest in peace. I hope the shattered families can come out of this disastrous event that has become an imprinted memory in their minds forever. I pray for all those who have passed away and their families. Ameen.

Film Industry's "Baby-Boom"

2010-07-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Slackistan Doing Great! Film reviews say, "This is not the Pakistan of the Taliban or the Madrasas and that is precisely Khan's point in filming a segment of this society not covered on TV news."

On a Positive Note :)

2010-07-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Just a few thoughts I had while I sat in the Institute for Peace in Washington D.C listening to yet again another great discussion by Javed Jabbar. There are so many misunderstandings that the average American and Pakistani has about the other and there is no other way to clear the air than just to say it.

Living in Pakistan recently that is 2007-2009, there were several things I learnt, one being never believe everything you hear. I was told Pakistanis hate Americans but believe it or not that is not the case. Yes, what they hate are selected policy decisions made by the American GOVERNMENT and POLICYMAKERS and why shouldn't they? People are allowed to have their own personal opinions don't they?

If people just rely on what they are told by others they will never know what it is really like within Pakistan. "Pakistan is run by crazy Islamists" - a friend said to me. "It is a country based on Islamic principles and thus can never be democratic." Also many have said to me that "There are no rights given to minorities." There is some truth to these claims however, theres always the other side that deserves to be heard. Did you know Pakistan may be the only country who gives NON-MUSLIMS TWO CASTING VOTES? Did you know that parents happily send their children to Christian schools where they address their teachers by calling them "sister"/"father" and other Christian references? There are churches all across the country. Our judges, one being the famous and much loved Rana Bhagwandas, was a Hindu. These are basic facts about the state of Pakistan however not known to the average American or even some Pakistanis.

Yes Pakistan is at fault in many places and the civilians disagree with the government when it comes to issues such as Ahmadi rights. Its unfortunate that a bad apple can ruin an entire nation, for example Zia-Al-Haq and the terrible tracks he left behind increasing sectarian violence significantly.

A good point Mr. Jabbar made about Pakistan was by comparing the Pew Institute's research findings with the Failed States Index research. The FSI says that Pakistan is the 10th Failed State in the world. The Pew Institute recently found that around 87 percent of the people in Pakistan say that they are wholeheartedly patriotic Pakistanis first. To these statistics Mr. Jabbar said that Pakistan cannot be a failed state with such a majority so committed to their nation..."it is not a failed state..its just a struggling one"

I leave you with these thoughts. We always see Pakistanis in the negative light while forgetting all the positive characteristics that the people of Pakistan possess. There's still hope and great potential in Pakistan. We just need time and patience :)

Pakistan -- Hijab -- Media

2010-07-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

See great examples and explanations of media and its rippling effect in misinterpreting and exaggerating facts about Islam. This is why several times Pakistan and the women are also criticized in the global world.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/video/video.php?v=1328535020735&ref=mf

Possibilities Pakistan - A Small Step to a Greater Pakistan

2010-07-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

When I was applying to colleges from Pakistan, I was lost. There was no guidance counselor in my school who actually knew how to "guide". I wish to go back to Pakistan after completing my studies but for now I'd like to help Pakistan and its education sector by taking a small step. You can too! Join Possibilities Pakistan at http://possibilitiespakistan.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1, an organization made up of students still studying abroad. Be a college representative for your college. Apply to possibilities.pakistan@gmail.com. Help build Pakistan! :)

Shehzad Roy's New Song- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMCBnScY2fs

2010-07-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

Slackistan Trailer

2010-07-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

Linked with Last Blog- Islamabad Marriot Hotel Attack Bomb Blast

2010-07-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

Media - The New Madrasa

2010-07-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

The topic of concern in Pakistan and its education sector is the rising number of madrasas and its possible links to fueling militancy. There is concern over how these madrasas are in a way a recruitment center for terrorist groups like the Taliban and Al Qaeda. One example of how this is a huge issue is formed in the pretty accurate report that the Brookings institute published a few days back that is in "Beyond Madrasas: Assessing the Links Between Education and Militancy in Pakistan" According to the report, the link between madrasas and militancy is not as clear cut as people say it is as there is several data showing the contrary. However, there is unfortunately to some extent a link that has been established.

Has anyone thought of the media being the new madrasa? Taking your mind off the introductory paragraph and now to the title of the blog "Media- The New Madrasa", we see the commonalities between the two forms of madrasas. The two- the "brainwashing" (not all) Islamic education madrasa and the persuasive media madrassa- surprisingly have several things in common. Javed Jabbar talking at the Atlantic Council talk titled "Pakistan-India relationships: Perennial Protagonists or Potential Partners? " says in a response to a question about the Indian media, and media in general, that media and its increasing power and influence to cause hatred and instill negative sentiments in the mind set of the people from both sides, that is Pakistan and India, is troublesome. It was then that he spoke of media as an emerging madrasa.

How is media a madrasa and what are the links you may ask, just like I asked myself after hearing the comment made by Mr. Jabbar. Well according to me, a madrasa would be a place, institution or even a thought pattern where something is constantly reminded and reinforced in a way. In Pakistan and in the name of Islam, a madrasa is supposed to be an Islamic school teaching the lessons that the Quran teaches. It is unfortunate that a few groups misuse this institution for other purposes and in a way stigmatize it. This is what media does too. It twists the facts and mixes it with the editors personal opinions which is then broad casted and spread across the public. The effect of this is visible in the people who are most vulnerable - the poor.

Some believe that the problem with these Islamic schools is that they are meant to brainwash the young children. But how then is media any different? Everyday we see disturbing news on the television. When something happens its all over, not only in newspapers, but also on the television and the radio. The same news is repeated again and again in a way it is deliberately repeated to catch your attention. The Geo news channel is infamous for repeating disturbing videos on television not thinking twice that it may effect the minds of young children, resulting in confusion and increased hatred. The videos are usually of explosions or truck stampedes just before a suicide attack occurs or even of wounded women and children right after an explosion, an example being the video above of the 2008 Marriot bomb attack in Islamabad. The media also then plays a part in constantly blaming a particular group or country as regardless of what we may all think, every news channel has a stance or message they want to portray and very few take a neutral stance. The world of media is at many times a game of dirty politics.

Another problem with the madrasa school is that they are known to twist and turn statements that are said in the Quran and then used to teach children who have no choice but to believe whatever their mentors tell them. Media again is not that naive, it too plays a hand in blowing up issues out of proportions. A situation I found myself in just a few days back is a perfect example illustrating how media plays out in a game of Chinese whispers. News had spread across the Washington DC area and across Asia and Europe of the Iranian scientist, Shahram Amiri, taking "refuge" in the Embassy of Pakistan, not realizing that the Iranian intersection comes under the embassy however, its office and people are located elsewhere. This misunderstanding then led to news channel vans lining up the next morning outside the embassy. They were probably disappointed and humiliated when an officer told them that he wasn't in the building. This is just one of many examples which proves media and the problems it runs across when they don't get their facts right.

Lastly, the madrasa schools are growing as facts show that in 1947 there were 189 madrasas and by 2008 there were over 40,000 estimated registered and unregistered madrasas. Media likewise has increased significantly worldwide as well as in Pakistan there has been a large boom in this industry which came about during Musharraf's time. One man opens a madrasa many students join. One news channel or newspaper opens up many journalists join. One has been known to cause trouble while the other tells the rest about the trouble. Which is worse causing the trouble or spreading the trouble possibly multiplying it? Whatever the case may be, both need to be watched, addressed and criticized closely.

This new "media madrasa" is an emerging power which has the potential to effect many, many minds.

"Advertising is legalized lying."

H. G. Wells (1866-1946) British-born american Author.

"The advertisements are the most truthful part of a newspaper."

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) Third president of the United States.

Welcome- Long Live Pakistan!

2010-07-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

This blog attempts to challenge people to bring out ideas that have not been spoken of. In other words, issues unnoticed by many. These days we hear talks of Pakistan almost every day but is there any tangible proof of developments? Its surprising how there is so much that is talked about but then dusted off and not solved. So much that is avoided. Thus, this blog is an attempt to take into account new thoughts and opinions on Pakistani politics bulk of it being the social issues. You may share personal experiences anonymously but people need to know whats happening. We have to break this continuing free rider problem where every person expects the other to say something. Its time to unite and speak out because if you don't no one will. I'll also be posting random things that I find interesting - Pakistani songs, videos, movie clips, comedy -you name it ! Pakistan Zindabad ! :)