Monday, June 22, 2009

They Did It!

Pakistan won the Twenty-20 World Cup! Unbelievable really.

I had no where even imagined that Pakistani cricket team will win this world cup. This team had no prepared well leading to this world cup, cricket activities were bottom low when Australians had decided they will not be coming to Pakistan for security reasons, then the 'gracious' Sri Lankan's came who were given a nightmare in Lahore which they will not forget. The start for this world cup was horrible as Pakistani team lost the two warm up matches. Then came the news that things were not OK in the Pakistani camp as the captain and the manager were at loggerheads regarding 'the plans' (if there were any).

And still 'they' did it! I have to mention 'they' because no one had even thought that they'll reach the semi finals let alone win the world cup! So the Pakistani cricket team really did it. They even did it with clinical precision. How on earth Pakistan can win by batting second and that too by 8 wickets?! Hell No way! And the way they bowled in the start of the Sri Lankan inning was very professional.

The final with Sri Lanka was more than symbolic as last time they had met, tragedy struck in Lahore when terrorists opened fire at their bus as they were leaving for the stadium. They ultimately had to be taken out of stadium by a helicopter and left Pakistan the same night. The terrorists had struck at the heart of Pakistanis - the game of cricket. The look on every Pakistani's face that day was as if someone dear had passed away. Pakistani fans could not believe that this would be happening to them. And yesterday both of them were fighting it out to claim the throne of champions!

Terrorism lost! Cricket won! 'We' Won! Congrats!

Friday, June 19, 2009

From Pak Army With Love - Baitullah Mehsud.

Great. Now every sort of Qari and Mullah is getting the media limelight who is against Baitullah Mehsud, ex-lover of Pakistan Army. In a move that appears more like a jilted lovers attempt to malign its ex.. and 'Oh I so hate you!' approach, Baitullah Mehsud is now the worst thing that could have happened to Pakistani society. He is an 'indian agent', working against 'Islam' and 'Pakistan', he is on the pay roll of CIA. Amazingly, Israel has no where yet emerged on the accusation list.. but I knew all along that Baitullah was a jew!

Anyways, suddenly a group of 'good' Taliban has emerged. Good in the sense that they do not want destabilized Pakistan, they are against suicide bombings and targeting fellow muslims. They just oppose the presence of 'infidel;' forces on Afghanistan's soil. These Talibans are innocent and the real mother of all idiots is Baitullah Mehsud. They said this all along but dumb-ass Pakistani government was not listening.

So it does appear now that Pakistan Army will not leave Taliban as a tool for any future interference in Pakistan as well as using them for protection of western borders in case India tries something adventurous from Eastern side. Now this is really 'unlucky' Pakistan. We had a great chance to disband with this band of thugs and mercenaries as the 'tide of goodwill' was on our side but No. We still have some ideas of strategic depth somewhere.. abyss seems more appropriate.

All those army officers, non-commissioned officers, security personnel, innocent civilians who lost their lives for this country.. Pakistan army has still some plans up its sleeve. I just hope I am terribly wrong. Baitullah Mehsud will be out of the picture soon and 'good and pious' Taliban will be left. Peace!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Coke Studio

Frankly, I was in anticipation of Coke Studio second season this year as the first one's brilliance had left me totally speechless. There is something about Coke Studio really.. it makes my hair rise and leaves me teary eyed! Ok I now am a complete certified 'infidel'.. but I have to admit its true! Anyways.. the latest episode was anything but marvelous.

First up was Jawad Bashir of Mekal Hasan Band. I tell you what. Listening to what he sang (of Nusrat Fateh Ali), you could feel as if you were calmly asleep in your bed in the middle of the night and suddenly a freight train passes adjacent to your home with no brakes on it! He hits you that hard! He is very underrated as a singer and in Mekal Hasan Band he gets overshadowd by the giant Mekal Hasan. It was amazing watching him singing 'aj latha naeeon'. The guy has amazing vocal dexterity. You have not seen anything like this before.. trust me.

Next up, was Zeb & Haniye. Ok I might be prejudiced as they belong to my province but they DO sing well and their songs are really nice. I was in anticipation of their song 'paimona'. I thought it was in Pushto! whereas it was in darri/ persian. At first I could not understand a word of the song as I was trying to figure out pushto words in it :p The song was nice but since Jawad Bashir in his previous song had brought the house down so it kinda felt too slow. It was a nice slow number.

Then it was the turn of Atif Aslam. Ok I admit it. I hate this guy. And thank God that I am not a girl! cuz otherwise I would have loved him! The guy has scores of female fans and if I were ever to write on topic 'why its good to be a man' then I would definitely put this reason at the top! I agree I do not compare with him at all when it comes to singing but the truth is.. he can't sing. He DEFINITELY has a different voice.. but he can't sing.

You guys must have heard his stint with Alka Yagnik in one of the Bollywood films, I dont know which one, but the song goes like 'Ba khuda, tumhi ho.. her jaga tum he ho'. I swear. It was a disaster. Alka seems to be spanking him in the song! She seems to be treating Atif like 'behave kid! this is not the way to sing it! Do it this way as I am doing it!' I want to hide somewhere when I hear that song because of the Indian drubbing that Pakistan received!

His song, ok it was nice. I bet Rohail Hayat, the producer of Coke Studio, must have done something otherwise he is not that good. Yes I am prejudiced! So what! its my blog!

Then it was the turn of our very own singing genius Shafqat Amanat Ali. I honestly cannot comment on him because otherwise it would be like I commenting on cricket of Geoffry Boycott. Seriously. This guy is good. 'Khamaj' is a classic of Fusion group. This version of Khamaj was even more stripped down with focus only on vocals and Shafqat is a pro at that.

Then it was the turn of Noori with Sayein Zahoor. It was weird really! The rock band and the sufi singer who sings at mausoleums. But the fusion went well with Hamza keeping his feet well ground in the end.

All in all a very nice episode. Music was excellent.

You can listen to all the songs of the episode at http://www.cokestudio.com.pk

Saturday, June 13, 2009

PostMan's Law of Pakistani Cricket Team

The probability of Pakistani cricket team moving to the next round in a tournament depends upon some other team in an other group loosing to an other by a certain margin.

PostMan's Fact on Pakistani Cricket Team

Pakistani Team cant.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Bye Bye PC

Pearl Continental Hotel Peshawar, the only 5-star hotel in Peshawar got the drubbing through bombing. As of now, it seems that it was not a suicide bombing attempt rather the militants 'walked away' - to put the term. Peshawar has seen spate of bombing attacks and there seems no respite from it. The city is already closed from 3 sides where it borders the tribal agencies and now it appears as if no one wants to go to Peshawar - even locals fear going out.


(picture courtesy of Hotel's website)

When the Rescue 15 Building was bombed just few days ago in Lahore, we friends were discussing how the militants (in that case suicide bombers) first shot at the security guards and then tried to take in the explosive laden vehicle. We agreed that there should have been a second line of defense, more protected (roof tops e.g.) for the security guards that in case the front line falls, the second line will be able to counter it.

The video footage released by the CCTv cameras clearly shows that first a car came in through the gate, they neutralized the front security guards and then came in followed in by the explosive laden pickup. And then they left the building, most probably, because till date no bodies of suspected suicide bombers have been found. Amazing!

There was a serious lack of security in this case. There was no line of defense for the security guards to prevent such attacks. If the militants can over-power the first line of defense.. its easy pickings for them. Peshawar which is already on high alert and has witnessed bomb attacks, PC hotel being the prime target, I am sorry to say that this was not the type of security that was being expected. It resulted in the loss innocent precious lives that could have been averted.

One wonders what is next now that they have crushed the only 5 star hotel of Peshawar? The only Fort of Peshawar? Mind you which is just a few walk away from the hotel.

Balahisar Fort - Peshawar
(Courtesy WebShots)


Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Bribery 101 - Part 3

My uncle narrated this to me.

An Income Tax official once asked for a 'favour'. I went to his home and he was sitting on the prayer mat praying. As he finished the prayers he lifted a corner of the prayer mat and turned it towards himself.. he then pointed out to me the place and told me to keep the money 'there'. He said he does not take bribe.

Monday, June 01, 2009

Bribery 101 - Part 2

An Excise & Taxation police official hauled me over the road as I was driving to office. He asked me for my car registration book which I did not have at that time. When I asked him 'what now?' - he replied that I can 'help' him. I gave him a currency note of certain denomination and he said "Saab (Sir/ Sahib) please don't give me this money as bribe, give it to me as a gift as I am poor and have children. I do not want bribe".

So I did.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Multilinguist

My daughter, who till now spoke excellent Greek, has started using words that I understand. Am I learning Greek or her language is getting influenced by other languages?

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Bribery 101 - Part 1

A taxi driver narrated to me the following. Taxi drivers are prone to bribing traffic police officials.

As I was ordered to stop by a traffic constable to stop, I thought this time I might get away by only giving few rupee as bribe but he dashed my hopes by saying that I better go meet his boss on motorcycle. (A higher grade officer is given a motorcycle). As I approached him with my books and a Rs. 50 alongside them, he became angry at once!

"Are you trying to bribe me! Don't you know who I am!"

The taxi driver got worried as to what the hell he landed himself in by giving him the money. He said "Of course not you sir!" to which the police officer replied "better! give me a 100!"

Monday, May 25, 2009

IDPs & Settlement Issues

This is for anyone who is opposed to IDP's settlement in any province of Pakistan... FUCK OFF! Racist thugs!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Clerics, Taliban, IDPs and Swat

Well finally they have spoken... the conference of religious scholars has endorsed the military action backed by Govt against the Taliban. "The Ulema and Mashaikh of Ahle-Sunnat on Sunday unanimously called for decisive action against the militants, saying the agenda of the Taliban was benefiting the country’s enemies and was against the basics of Islam", news report.

This should have been done long time ago. When Red Mosque (Lal Masjid) goons were out 'purifying' the society, these scholars were backing them. When Taliban ruled the roost in Afghanistan, they cheered for them because they represented 'the society at the time of Prophet Muhammad'. Duh. One never came across an opposing argument from these clergy when Taliban went around spreading horror with their 'innocent wish' of 'asking for implementation of shariah'.

But its a good sign even if they did it 'because the tide was turning against Taliban'. They are a menace to the society so they have to be opposed by Pakistanis in unequivocal terms for their own good. Its not just Taliban per se, but the 'mentality' that goes with them which says that a certain belief has to be implemented on to the society with force. That one can do anything they like just because they are doing it for the cause of Islam. The scholars came up with the wording that implementation of shariah by force and taking up arms against state are totally wrong. This might not help now but at least holds good for the future where they have maintained a stance against Taliban and their ilk.

On the other hand, Military it seems is taking it seriously this time around. The operation is intense against the militants with their PR maintaining that '1000 taliban have been killed with quite a lot of foreign fighters'. Well, the truth will be out in the open sooner than later so we should take their statements as just what they are... statements.

A huge number of Internally Displaced People has been reported. Around 1.3 million are being housed in various camps around Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda etc. Relief work is fast picking up pace with private organizations being more productive than Govt. This is the largest displacement of people in Pakistan's history and its a tale of misery and suffering. There is urgent need of food and shelter required for them. Not only this, the editorial of The News had this shocking revelation that Taliban people are prowling for boys and girls in camps to get them recruited for them as well as to use them as human shields and other (plainly sick) people are here to get hold of these children to use them in sex industry. How sick people can get?

Anyways, the IDPs want the Taliban out of their places and want Govt to 'sincerely' do it this time as they have left their homes for it. If the Govt and military have any idea of what is in store for Pakistan in the future then they will take care of IDPs, do well to win their 'hearts and minds' and definitely will have to route the Taliban phenomenon. Its Good bye otherwise.

Please donate generously. Its your future at stake.

Related Posts

- Will The Taliban Take Over Pakistan?
- Why Do I Hate The Taliban

Saturday, May 09, 2009

Karachi


This is a very common sight in Karachi.

No. I am not talking about the 3 people on bike... though it is common.
I am also not talking about the full covering black hijab... that too is common.
I am talking about that kid who is being held by his mum (most probably) and I have issues with that!

Its so damn dangerous! First of all 2 wheels are unsafe as compared to four wheels. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with a car and they find motorcycle to be the only mode of affordable transportation in Karachi since Karachi lacks a proper functioning public transport system. I have my own car and my daughter is much safe but whenever I see other people's kid like that on motorcycles.. my heart melts I swear. No wonder we don't thank God for His bounties.

I have seen kids on motorcycles with held breath because they are vulnerable to God forbid any accident. I have seen children on the arms of father while father is holding the handles of the bike driving. I have seen children sleeping while sitting at the back and holding on to the driver (we once had to point out that to a motorcyclist). I once saw a person driving the motorcycle like hell and the kid at the back was clinging on him, what the hell was he thinking?!

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Very Origenal


Another good quality product picture from my mobile phone. The statement says "This monogram is a sign of Origenal NPI".

The post is not about whether wrong spellings make it funny, the post is about 'why' I took the pic and decided to share it! Am I that snob that I point out spelling and grammar mistakes in another persons language which is not his mother tongue (or even if its mother tongue so what?). How would I feel if a Frenchman pointed out mistake in my French language statement and posted about it?

Very Origenal eh?

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Only in Peshawar



Important Notice: Be sure to carry all your belongings while you leave - mobile phones, cash and weapons. We will not be responsible otherwise.

(Photo by author)

Friday, April 10, 2009

Monday, April 06, 2009

Halal Pencil

I have a pencil in my hand and it says 'Halal'. I am just wondering when I am going to eat it.


Related Post

- Halal Food

Friday, April 03, 2009

PostMan Law of 'Beliefs'

'Beliefs have no logic behind them. That is why they are called beliefs'. The person making this statement will have full belief in it.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

PostMans Law of Taxi Rides

The cab driver will take the shortest route to destination known to him no matter how long it takes.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Lahore Attack - Whats Next?

Unbelievable drama unfolded right in front of Pakistani television viewers eyes when terrorists stormed the Police Training Institute near Lahore. They hurled hand grenades and fired indiscriminately at trainee police personnel that resulted in 7 dead and scores injured. The terrorists took control of the building and security forces laid siege which lasted up to 8 hours. 3 terrorists were killed and four were nabbed. The jubilant security personnel then celebrated by aerial firing.

Its really amazing that terrorists were 'captured'. Either the terrorists walk away freely (as in case of Sri Lankan team attack) or they usually blow themselves up when its a suicide bomber. All the talk of 'inept' security precautions though true but it is a fact that they were captured in the end. All resources of security apparatus were utilized and even the army was called in. The army snipers shot couple of them and were instrumental in getting the terrorists.

This is 'very' interesting. Up until now, the army 'did not' do anything. Really it did not. Check Swat. Maulvi Fazlullah and his goons have a free hand at doing whatever they want. The local people fear the Taliban and say that army is no where to protect them. The provincial government then had to sign a peace accord with militants and now things are much better than before.

In FATA, we have Baitullah Mehsud. The young leader of Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He too virtually enjoys free reign. Americans keep telling us that 'Pakistan should do more' that 'rogue elements of ISI are behind support to Taliban'. This even makes us, ordinary Pakistanis, wonder too as to what is stopping capturing Baitullah Mehsud? Does he have stealth tech in his undis? As recently as a week ago.. the flamboyant leader held a press conference. would you believe it? a God damn press conference?! in Waziristan! all the media men were there armed with their cameras, cellphones and stuff. So why cant our security forces find him too?

In context of Lahore attack, Security Advisor Rehman Malik said that 'elements from FATA' could be inviolved. Mind you he did not refer to RAW. Lo and behold! today Baitullah Mehsud announced that he was behind the attacks! So whats cooking?

Pakistan supported Taliban. Wait. Lets set the clock even further back. United States supported Afghan mujahideen against USSR. When the job was done, this whole region was left to jihadis and America went packing. Pakistan supported 'pashtun' taliban and the rest of regional powers supported anti-Taliban elements. America seemed a bit interested again when pipeline from energy rich Central Asian republics was to be laid but then 911 happened and everything changed. Pakistan got stuck with Taliban, their only 'trump' card in Afghanistan. The whole goddamn world is against Taliban and Al-Qaeda. More specifically, America is against Al-Qaeda, not Taliban because they pose no threat to USA. They provide protection to Al-Qaeda elements and thus come under enemy label.

Pakistan does not support Al-Qaeda, it supports Taliban. Taliban are one crackpots. They don't give a damn about Pakistani government. It is is time for Army and establishment to, I guess, ditch taliban. Yes I know, Indians will use it to their maximum advantage but its time to protect ones own ass Ok? Americans too use drones to this effect saying Pakistani army does not do it so they have to do it. So what is it? 'Strategic depth' or 'final abyss'? Is it really a signal that finally we will see a clear line being set whether we want those nuts on our sides that have destroyed the very fabric of Pakistani society? Or I did not have my proper breakfast this morning?

lets hope the tide turns the other way.

Related Posts

- Why Do I hate The Taliban

Check tag 'Taliban'.