tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84711262024-03-14T07:00:57.629+05:00It's in Your Name!<strong>Knowing and reaching out to Him is the finality!</strong>Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.comBlogger435125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-24762377284659858102023-11-15T16:54:00.001+05:002023-11-15T16:54:24.708+05:00Relativity of the truth … Know thy truth -- As perceived from the Bollywood movie ‘Ankhon Dekhi’<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4gV1FBAiva9vfllRdy8bUqsmsBBtbFbnDWIZR1jFPlmgNzXsvldsBD26GJqzDpHKM20h53xK74yZ_xYeyUivzst9fgel4EgRqr8i42A_pqK6fKumWSQkf3hiawuh3v_gyYIS1ZKFcR3fO9gzbZon8ziiNcj9U50h4WVTjy68ZzdZ8bNEnBm2vw/s1920/Ankhon%20Dekhi.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4gV1FBAiva9vfllRdy8bUqsmsBBtbFbnDWIZR1jFPlmgNzXsvldsBD26GJqzDpHKM20h53xK74yZ_xYeyUivzst9fgel4EgRqr8i42A_pqK6fKumWSQkf3hiawuh3v_gyYIS1ZKFcR3fO9gzbZon8ziiNcj9U50h4WVTjy68ZzdZ8bNEnBm2vw/s320/Ankhon%20Dekhi.jpg"/></a></div>
Retrospectively referring to an incident, protagonist Rajesh Bauji (played by Sanjay Mishra) dreams of flying in the air, like a bird. Going through the skies with an inexplicable pleasure is a reality to him, and nothing is superfluous about this.
The incidence of confronting and thrashing her daughter’s boyfriend Ajju (played by Namit Das), jolts him from his slumber of believing in what others have been saying. “We have been filled with lies of others,” he regrets, and pledges to trust only what he sees or hears. His only reply to generally accepted realities and truths is … may be. The impressions imparted by the acquaintances, made him realise that the assertions are disseminated on unfounded perceptions. Through this event of confrontation with Ajju, he concludes, “One is your truth, and the other is mine.” From this onwards, he is a man in search of his truth – not of others – the truth is only which you have lived, while the rest are mere lies or if facts, then those are to be verified,” he opines.
Baujee questions the authenticity of the news too – whether published, broadcast or spread through word of mouth. To him, the credibility of any information lies in what comes to anyone’s notice – seen or listened to – himself. For Baujee, the rest is mere gossiping. “How stupid are we when we believe in others’ tongue-wagging?” he asserts.
His understanding is …. The human beings have become vulnerable to trusting others, and their minds have been filled with lies. The masses have been consumed by lies trusting those to be true. He does not want to believe in what others say, what is seen by others, and others’ beliefs to be true.
Bauji stops offering his morning prayers, and for his family, friends and associates, he is a non-believer now. The religious offering ‘parsad’ is good in taste, and he does not attach any piety to it. With this mindset, he rejects the intangible existence of god.
Bauji questions his working as a travel agent, and resigns without any information to the family. When he reaches his workplace, he simply refuses to impart the information, which is already available through various sources, or the information being thrown on to others.
This whole scenario alienates him from his family and friends, and he whiles away his time roaming around, much to their dismay. With the family in disarray, more discomforts are approaching fast – now it has become an eventful family, based in Delhi.
Was he trying to break away from the status quo? He is certainly! Resultantly, Baujee is caught in the worldly wrangling, and is distraught with his situation since he loses his support from the system. A financially-crippled Baujee, he voluntarily goes mum. A man in search of the truth, joins a gambling den – perhaps giving equal weightage to an illegal game and living a life of the truth.
Baujee marries his daughter to her liking. Now, he was free of the domestic burdens. Goes out with his wife one last time.
As the events turn out, the dream is repeated in reality – Baujee is flying, perhaps to live only in the plot of the film.
Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-88074266539048891172018-06-21T16:10:00.001+05:002018-06-21T16:10:12.181+05:00Paused for a while!We are constantly on the move – from home to office and back. We meet the family every day, friends every week or on occasions. Even then, we have lost the connections and relationships. We are nowhere but everywhere. We are with all, but with none. Individuals are no more individuals, walking bodies, awake minds, sleeping hearts, and ironically, we are the humans of the post-modern era.
Are we connected with ourselves? I doubt! Do we sit with ourselves? Nay! Where are we? Constantly running to reach somewhere! Still running! Yes!
Is it fast-paced life or our general attitude? The wrong gone into us is unfigured.
The solution at the moment!
We need to be with ourselves after disconnecting from the world – may be for a short while today and everyday.
Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-35472585822888226832018-06-21T12:35:00.001+05:002018-06-21T12:35:17.575+05:00This time, it’s female MPA<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 9"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 9"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/mag-03/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"MS Mincho"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-alt:"MS ??"; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"\@MS Mincho"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">This time it is not a male parliamentarian, rather to jump into the already-boiling fray of irregularities and illegalities by elected representatives is a female MPA Shumaila Rana, who was ‘chosen’ on reserved seats to serve the masses. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">The Pakistan Muslim League-N has vowed to fulfil all legal formalities in investigating the case. On the other hand, if found guilty, Shumaila Rana will lose her seat, as no convicted can become a parliamentarian, and stands disqualified as conviction as per the Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">Previously, it were MNA Haji Pervaiz Khan from Rawalpindi and Minister Prisons Ch Abdul Ghafoor of the N-League, who indulged in impersonation and acted highhandedly at the Lahore Airport respectively. Interestingly, the MNA lost his seat after a committee found him guilty, and the Minister was given honourable exit from the charges by the PML-N leadership despite the fact that the committee found him guilty on more than two accounts. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">Prior to Shumaila Rana’s case, another N-League’s MPA Munawar Gill was indicted in a rape case. He is said to have been found innocent in the case. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">Shumaila is the fourth PML-N parliamentarian, who has been found guilty of indulging in a criminal activity. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">The first timer to the Punjab Assembly Shumaila Rana, reportedly found guilty of stealing credit card from another female’s bag, and indulging in ‘illegal’ shopping, is member of the Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Auqaf. Moreover, she is also member of Chief Minister’s Coordination Committee for the Internally Displaced People, which is an offshoot of Punjab Chief Minister’s Fund for the IDPs of NWFP.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">Unmarried Shumaila Rana is daughter of Hidayat Ali, and she climbed the ladder of becoming an MPA by virtue of her mother Anjum Ara’s services to the Party, as the latter has been worker of the Party for about two decades. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">Anjum Rana, a retired schoolteacher of a private institute, was not a graduate, and after her successful canvassing for her daughter, a reserved seat was given to Shumaila Rana, who is said to be in her mid-20s. She is the first MPA from this family, and has nothing tangible to her credit for which she should have been given the slot. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">MPA with humble family background, she has been a vociferous supporter of women rights, and their empowerment. She had also promised to lobby for the charter of demands presented by women farmers recently.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">A resident of Bedian Road, Lahore, Shumaila Rana had switched off her mobile, while her residence landline phone was kept continuously busy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">Punjab’s Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan said all legal formalities would be actualised in investigating the case. “The Punjab government and Chief Minister always ensure rule of law nor matter how influential is the person. Justice will be ensured and action will be taken as per law,” he said, while further adding that the PML-N would take disciplinary action as well if Shumaila Rana would be proven guilty, and she would be given a change to defend herself. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">“Even if the PML-N does take action, like it did not do for Ch Ghafoor and Munawwar Gill, Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution of Pakistan does not allow any person to remain member if </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">‘he has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction on a charge of corrupt practice, moral turpitude or misuse of power or authority under any law for the time being in force</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;" lang="EN-GB">’” </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB">maintained a senior PML-N leader, seeking anonymity, who also opined against the ‘dishing out’ of tickets and nominations sans deep deliberations and scrutiny of the prospective members. “The Sharif brothers came back after about a decade in exile, and were not properly briefed by a few handpicked, who had their own agendas, and family connections to strengthen. Consequently, they indulged in nepotism, and to investigate it, top N-League leadership had already ordered an enquiry,” he said. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;" lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">To him, Shumaila Rana was also nominated by the Party’s special group of Lahore. About Rana’s future, he was of the opinion that she might lose her seat even if the police did not find her guilty. “To hold the merit-flag high, this lady could be deseated by the PML-N leadership because in cases of Ch Ghafoor and Munawwar Gill, the top leadership seemed to have been hamstrung by unseen circumstances,” he predicted. </span>Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-69504789055701794312018-06-21T12:35:00.000+05:002018-06-21T12:35:05.397+05:00Action against five MOs – Not enoughIssuance of the Medico-Legal Certificates is one the worst case scenarios in Pakistan, and the lot of people involved in criminal cases about injuring or killing others, depends on the MLCs and the forensic reports. Most of the times, these are based on fact considering the fact that most of the well-to-do can approach these doctors, who have been repeatedly found on the wrong side of the law. <br />Their mere transfer and keeping them under ‘watch’ will not solve the problem. Until they apprehend certain action will taken against them if they indulged in certain illegality, they will not mend their ways. <br />The Health Department, on the report of Enquiry Committee constituted by the Chief Secretary Punjab, has initiated action under disciplinary rules against five medical officers, involved in issuance of illegal medico legal certificates, and immediately transferred them from their present place of posting. <br />The concerned Executive District Officers (Health) have been directed that not to allow these doctors to work on medico legal or forensic science related cases.<br />According to the spokesman of the Health Department Dr. Frukh Humayun has been transferred from RHC Phool Nagar Kasur and his services have been placed at the disposal of EDO Health Rajanpur, similarly Dr. Mohammad Hasan transferred from RHC Rinala Khurd and given at the disposal of EDO (H) Layyah. Dr. Bashir Ahmed has been transferred from RHC Ayyazabad Multan and posted in THQ Hospital Hazro, District Attock, Dr. Abdul Haq transferred from RHC Sara-i-Sidhu, Khanewal and given at the disposal of EDO(H) Mianwali whereas Dr. Ashar Masood transferred from THQ Hospital Kabirwala and posted at DHQ Hospital Nanankana Sahib. <br />The concerned EDOs have been directed to watch the working of the said Medical Officers and if any professional negligence occurred on the part of these doctors it should immediately brought in to the notice of the Secretary Health.<br />Will it solve the problem? Certainly big NO is the actual reply.Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-67849518587216473042018-06-21T12:34:00.000+05:002018-06-21T12:34:48.310+05:00Chief Minister Punjab violates decorum of HouseLeader of the House in the Punjab Assembly Shahbaz Sharif was found violating the decorum of the august House, when he was seeing ‘chewing’ something in his mouth. <br />Vocal and belligerent Opposition member Samina Khawar Hayyat – herself not having a clean chit for violating decorum of the Assembly – pointed it out to the Speaker loudly, “Sir! Leader of the House is chewing chewgum in the House.” <br />Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal, perhaps turning his blind eye to what was happening on the right side of his chair, replied, “I have not seen that.”<br />Immediately, senior parliamentarian Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa was very quick to add, “Sir! He is not chewing chewgum, rather having alaychee (cardamom) in his mouth. However, this was enough to bail the CM out of an awkward situation for the time being. <br />On the other hand, no one pointed out that the Senior Khosa, as a routine, continues reciting on beads (tasbeeh), which amply hints at the prioritised ‘subject’ for the Chief of the Khosa clan. <br />Simultaneously, Sirdar Dost Khosa, and another female member from the PML-N Arifa Khalid Pervaiz were also continuing gnaw at something in their mouths. <br />Generally, chewing of gum in an official ambience is viewed with disfavour. In some cases, it is even considered a disrespectful demeanour. Speaking of Parliaments and legislative bodies, some like the US House of Representatives expressly prohibit eating as also smoking, drinking in the House. Though there does not appear to be any specific provision with respect to chewing gum, where eating is prohibited it should perhaps follow by implication that chewing of gum is also a taboo. Though no specific rule is traceable, the recognised convention in the UK prohibits eating, drinking and smoking in the Houses of Parliament.<br />Meanwhile, when the Opposition was vigorously fighting for sustaining the cut motions, despite Shahbaz Sharif being in attendance, Treasury members were continuously disturbing their adversaries. When PML-N ladies were heading the move, MPA from Sheikhupura Asghar Ali Manda also started hooting at the Opposition members. <br />Seeing no end to this despite his repeated futile efforts of keeping the House in order, Rana Iqbal commented, “Munda! Let me complete agenda!”<br />This brought a big laughter in the House.Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-55846474997615271402016-04-29T21:21:00.000+05:002016-04-29T21:21:02.076+05:00After a long time ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I do not exactly remember when I posted anything on my blog. However, I hope to continue.
I am missing a person who really made me blog here.
"Hey! Ours is a perfect case of being there and being unavailable simultaneously. Who says that we have forgotten each other? We have not and are still there. We both have suffered alone and traversed the longest journeys of our lives, but never communicating. Who stopped us? No one! Who will break the ice? No one! And who will tell both of us that we still need each other? No one.......But we will keep on fighting against odds, both alone in a world divided by implicit boundaries raised by no one but our egos."
I believe that we have compartmentalised ourselves. 'You stay your ground and I stay mine. We are there, and we aint.'
I am a changed man but for better. No doubt, it is all because of MYSELF and for ME only.
We are dreading each other from sitting face to face though there is nothing to be apprehensive about.
We know about each other........... where we are and what are we doing? I know you are facing the same old problems, but I have more problems. Interestingly, I cannot share my problems with any one, because those are mine. After these years, I believe no one can understand what I want to say. And probably you have many many people to do that. This depicts your flexibility, and I have become more rigid despite a few years have been added to my life. Many a time, theories are meant for books only and to be appreciated by those who have not tasted life.
What else should I say.......
I know you will come up with something.
Secondly, I am back NIDO and Million Dollar Man in Spain....
NIDO needs interesting write-ups, and MDM is for Heart-To-Heart Talk though 'sells goods of multinational companies and NIDO is from Communication. The former is always looking for H2HTs, while the latter being extremely sensitive keeps up different appearances. Asi! I told you to avoid H2HTs but you fell in a very very deep rather an unfathomable ditch. Now you are desperately trying to reach the brim, while holding on to the weakest of straws artificially clinging to a rot wooden stem. However, you stay steadfast and I assure you success.
Enough for today...........Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-84647212331801387622014-09-22T10:43:00.001+05:002014-09-22T10:44:02.686+05:00Do we have any limit to our intolerance?Our society, comprising people who are more educated and affluent now, but they are equally intolerant to each other. Over a period, it has been observed that they are becoming more and more intolerant, and quite a few have either become or are on the verge of becoming radicalists.
One can meet a lot of well-educated people, working in multinational companies, but they endorse suicide attacks, and are bent upon promoting one sect of Islam, while rejected others all together. In certain cases, they reach the extent of favoring elimination of others, if their insistence upon changing one’s sect does not help in ‘mending or correcting’ them.
The religious lot is not only an utter failure rather they have further deepened this division, which is also done in order to have their grip further strengthened by promoting their own agenda of deep hatred so that they could be considered as ‘men of great honour’.
On the other hand, our attitude towards family members, both immediate and distant, friends, colleagues and society at large, is if not condemnable then certainly not good, which imparts an impression of a society which by and large an intolerant one. We are not ready to accept others’ apologies what to talk of foregoing of mistakes. The educated disdain the uneducated or lesser educated, so-called enlightened reject other by asserting that the others do not have depth. One can be crude in his expressions, while they are considered worthless by the intelligentsia disparagingly. Now this behaviour is evident among the youth too, who are obviously following into the footsteps of their elders.
This is continuing unabatedly in each stratum of the society. Only those are tolerant to each other who have certain interest weaved into their lives, social and businesses too. Politicians take the lead in this regard. Despite apparent differences, they are deeply connected to each other, like the businessmen, who have inter-marriages despite rivalries.
In an overall scenario, the middle class is sustaining its resentments to the last, while the upper class makes hay under all circumstances.
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Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-569417214524628152014-09-18T09:44:00.001+05:002014-09-18T09:47:22.948+05:00Valuing the departed ones! … Why not in their lives!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We, as a society, have developed an attitude of honoring and remembering the dead ones, instead of the living ones. Is it because of the fact that we consider people more precious after they leave this world?
On occasions, one can see people thronging graveyards, showering flowers and praying. Quite a few have wet eyes, while the others give a somber look! One can see visible pain on everybody face, which is further augmented by any festive occasion.
Do we value people when they are alive? We might be, but again the question is: Do we as much as we do afterwards? The answer would be a big NO! And if we know this, then we must change our attitudes towards our fellow beings!
We have a sort of tradition now that we don’t condemn the dead ones, asserting that ‘his matters are with Allah now; so we must leave it to Him (Allah).’ May be a good attitude for quite a few, but others believe that criticising or condemning should be continued so that the living ones should know that people would hurl abuses at them even after their deaths; so they should mend themselves in this world as well.
But good ones should be certain that they would be praised even afterwards, while remembering them good way whenever talking about them.
Ideally it would be good to keep people, good or bad, in mind even during their lifetime. Can we do it instead of mourning after their deaths?
Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-68073360386137467262014-09-17T14:10:00.001+05:002014-09-17T14:10:19.562+05:00Replacement of human beings as quick as gadgets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Everyday inventions in mobile, computer and other technologies are making people buy new gadgets with equal speed. Prior to the launching of any brand, especially mobile, it is talk of the world, and search engines’ traffic reaches its peak. The iPhone6 is the recent example.
But on the other hand, do we realise how quickly we change people too. Even the indispensable lot is replaced certain other persons, while in relations, someone replaces the other. Will we stop somewhere? Do we really value people? Even an answer in positive would carry a big question mark.
Now friendship are replaced with more friendship, may be to last little duration than the previous ones.
One can see another trend among people now. He would befriend you, then after some time move on your friends, and one fine day you would find that your friend is closer to that person, and he is sort of manipulating his own way up. This cycle will continue till the person is exposed of being an opportunist. Beware of them!
Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-3589486718197091972014-09-16T10:49:00.001+05:002014-09-16T10:49:40.738+05:00Sects of religions are profitable outlets for their founders and proponents<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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All religions of the world have multiple sects, and now one can find everyday new sects coming to the fore from the existing ones, which is further dividing people into different layers. Moreover, these sects are becoming more and more radical in their practices, interpretations and inventions to the religion, leaving little for dissent. And if one questions them, he is labeled as an infidel, and even fatwas (decrees) are issued against them. It is a perfect example of self-aggrandisement by using religious interpretations.
These sects are strengthened by domestic and foreign fundings. First it starts with ‘requests’ for opening a mosque or a madressah (religious school), which acts as a platform for propagating their particular ideology. The followers or Mureeds contribute according to their bank balance, while the rich with bigger financial interests outside the sect gather influence to warding the government machinery off, and thwart any threats to their business interest. Also, these sects look for unattended prime lands to construct places for religious prayers ostensibly – India and Pakistan lead in this regard – while the followers never question the forcible possessions either since they feel protected under the umbrella. Its next level is of either getting illegal possessions vacated upon a payment of at least 30 per cent of the total prize of the land, or deal is matured by getting the papers signed in their own favour, which is considered to be the most liked manner since the grabbers can claim that they have bought the ‘booty’.
Whenever such religious outfits have to hold a congregation, their teams reach out to the ‘targetted’ businessmen and others for getting the grants. In Karachi and Mumbai this is the most likeable manner of extortion.
Where is the writ of the government? The state machinery seems to be sleeping and even if one is harshly woken up, it turns blind eye to it, and never realising that it is actually a breeding ground for tomorrow since the social fabric is torn to threads by these religious mantra speakers, who love to create divisions-within-divisions to enhance their influence.
On the other hand, foreign countries are also helping their followers to enhance the influence of a particular sect. Recently, in the remote Southern Punjab, in a road-side restaurant, a man was openly discussing a plan to construct a Medressah and construct a mosque in his village. Though apparently he himself was a person of reasonable means, but he was certain that he would get money from some of his foreign ‘friends’ which not only would be enough to run the mosque and the seminary for next ten years rather would also help in multiplying his wealth, while the state organs would not dare him question too. No doubt, with this, he would be given more ‘respect’ and gather influence in the society. Ultimately, the only aim of the founders and proponents seem to be fattening their bank balances, and gaining influence; it is no way a favour to the humanity, and to any religion.
Political hobnobbing is part and parcel of it, and one can find a lot of politicians, bureaucrats and men in uniform being part of such religious outfits. At this point, it seems that majority of people are part of one sect or of another group. Its last stage is a proxy war, which is and are being fought on one ground of any country or another, ultimately to the trouble of the masses and benefit of a few.
Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-81635497365171398222014-09-15T17:22:00.000+05:002014-09-15T17:23:02.910+05:00Self-proclaimed leaders … laboratories of character flaws! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Do we have leaders in its true sense? Can anyone name even a single person from the present lot, who stand even a chance to be considered as a leader. It carries a big question mark.
Is there anyone who can be given clean chit? No one at all! If one is accused of massive corruption (Asif Ali Zardari), then his closest rival Nawaz Sharif has so many allegations in his kitty – from a dictator’s stooge to incapability (not strange for any such men of Khaki), from corruption to family-democracy, from … to … anything and everything. He is closely followed by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who can certainly be incorruptible financially in his personal capacity, but morally he can be little less shallow than the rest. What message would it be for ordinary people of Pakistan …… Your PM has fathered an illicit child. Who is not familiar with Maulana Diesel fame Jehad-seller? He is one of the greatest champions of democracy these days. Next to him is gentleman from Balochistan Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who turned his province into the land of the ignorant by not letting education reaching doors of the ordinary, but he preaches for ‘democratic nobility’ (read dictatorial ignominy) in the federal capital. We also have Asfandyar Wali, whose party ANP ruled the KPK during the last democratic spell, but his stay in the European countries was longer than in his own country. I think people have not forgotten his ‘pro-Pakistan service’ taking big money from India for working against the Kalabagh Dam. By the way, his mother has formed her own party. People still remember Jama’at-e-Islami’s history of stabbing in the back of democratic dispensations, and the worst (read bloody) role of its youth wing Islami Jamiat Talba.
The military men and their children are already in the field and making their mark.
The second tier leadership is also following into the footsteps of their top leaders. The Khawajas, the Mians, the Chaudharys, the Qureshis, the Makhdooms ……… the land of the pure (read poor) is being run by a few families.
Now they all are preparing a next generation of leaders from their families. Bilawal Zardari, Hamza Shahbaz, Maryam Nawaz, Ch Moonis Elahi, Suleman Shahbaz, Asif Bhutto ……….. the line is pretty long, and quite a few of them have already surpassed their elders in the feats of corruption and moral turpitude. Luckily perhaps, females are so far lagging far behind to their male counterparts or I would rather not comment on them.
To cap it all, they all have a background which is tainted by moral turpitude. Who has not been a womaniser? Someone has illicit children (Imran Khan); someone (Nawaz Sharif) is still offering his services to be find good boyfriends for a foreign correspondent (Jim Baraker); someone is known as a house-beaker (Shahbaz Sharif), and now the usual advice to new entrants in bureaucracy and politics is advised against taking their wives and daughters to their family functions.
Now the situation has reached to such an extent that pointing it out as a negative trait of character is advised to be ignored as if it is a routine matter. Leaders do such things … is the usual rhetoric.
This is only a brief of what our leaders are like. Much more is there! Where would true leaders be in Pakistan? I usually think …..
Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-50504303569391056112014-09-15T16:49:00.000+05:002014-09-15T16:49:25.231+05:00Fakeness is the call of the day … a disease becoming epidemic!Earlier it used to be a prerogative of female actors but now one can find even ordinary people feigning ‘fakeness’ in their routine life though posing to be hugely real. It has made them look more dubious, and their listeners become restless, while waiting for the moment when they would either stop talking or kind enough to leave.
Their facial expressions are not in correspondence to their minds and hearts; resultantly their talk has no effect on the listeners. Moreover, with narrowed eyes, lined foreheads and unusually frequent movement of hands make them target of public ridicule. Do they realise this? Perhaps not since their effort is to look different and pose themselves as big shots.
In the same vein they also talk of subjects distant to the knowledge of their listeners. Lo and behold! Let anybody utter even a single word of the subject, and they would immediately pounce upon the opportunity of showing themselves men of great knowledge. Also, these people have another habit of bringing others to their pitch by alluding to their favourite subject. And if the listener takes the bait, then he would have it from them since they would not let the listener speak for a moment. Now the ‘target’ has only one way of ‘getting rid’ of the knowledge man, and that is, either he has to leave or somebody arrives to change the subject. After some time, one will find the newly-arrived gentleman in hot waters since their formula approach would be enticed him to their pitches.
The third types of fakes are best at name dropping. Earlier, their usual claim used to be about showing the listener that they were well-connected, and frequent big houses without any hindrance. Now they have reached another level of eulogising those big names, and if anyone dares to contend their assertions or contradict the speakers, it can set the perfect stage for conflict.
Remember! Such people do not value others, and in their heart of hearts, believe that others are good-for-nothing fellows. They love to find faults even in those people who are respected in the society, or otherwise they are at least higher achievers, more than the ordinary.
This psyche has become a disease now, which could become an epidemic one day, especially in a society like ours.
Life would be certainly far easier if we try to be what we are, and keep ourselves within our limits, while depicting ourselves to be the same!
Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-40146874343345039782014-09-13T10:25:00.000+05:002014-09-13T10:25:34.903+05:00Incapable rulers!The worst problem of the rulers is their lack of vision, which emanates from their incapacity to work and inability to carry out plans even if they are provided with viable solutions.
When the above-mentioned malady afflicts them, they opt for cheap heroics of visiting the disaster-hit areas, getting pictures printed while standing in knee-deep waters. One can see this happening since decades.
Even today they have not opted for sustainable development and projects which could benefit the masses. Short span projects seem to be their priority. In continuation of this is the method of payment made to the affectees, and now everybody is expecting money after a disaster.
This must be stopped immediately, and planning should be given priority.
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Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-30606472924803734052014-09-13T10:14:00.000+05:002014-09-13T10:14:10.432+05:00Social and financial disparities to stay …. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Social and financial disparities are to stay in any society, and if it is checked, its first casualty would be struggle, and when the latter happens, every society would get stagnant and its individuals would lose the urge to be successful in comparison to others. Perhaps this was one of the basic reasons that communism breathed its last because of its own ideology though external factors did play an important role too.
People who profess to bring equality in the society would completely fail since it would be against the law of nature though everyday one finds a lot of people, especially the politicians, sermonising people about bringing equality among the masses.
However, societies prosper where everyone is treated equally whenever the question of law arises. Criminals, whether rich or poor, influential or statusless, should be meted out the same punishment in the courts and treatment in prisons. Whenever, disparity occurs in the judicial dispensation, societies become pervert, and the result is of people joining groups, which ultimately become mafias of all hues – business, land, religious and finally political. The same can be observed in Pakistan where one find grouping of all colours, and somehow they are respected in the society. Even national political parties are actually groups-from-groups, and consequently, our society, especially national politics, has become umbrellas shielding criminals, who join these parties to gather more mass.
Also in the same manner, business tycoons have formed their groups, who are further supported by people having comparatively small business holdings, and this trickledown effect goes to the small shopkeepers in the streets of the residential areas. These groups are then further seen spiraling their support to the upper ladders, which are of political nature. Now these mafias have become so strong that no government either dares to control them or put a check on them since they are either part of the ruling coterie or are hugely funding these political parties.
Now the ruling parties opt for specific policies which would benefit their coterie sitting in their ranks. Even Special Regulatory Orders are issued from time-to-time for a stipulated period so that the ‘targeted’ beneficiaries could become richer. Hence this has become a vicious circle, which grills anyone who comes to put either halt it or put a check on it.
Nevertheless, any person sitting at the top position with little interests can tackle them provided he has a team willing to make amends.
Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-44426715964767426682014-09-12T09:20:00.000+05:002014-09-12T09:20:34.856+05:00Respect begets love …. An end to differencesDifferences among human beings are primarily because of lack of respect since we have started believing more in professing love instead of practising respect. We rarely honour others in pure intention, and if there is any, it is carries with it an ulterior motive, which is usually materialistic. That is why one sees this ‘fake honour’ withering or eliminating totally after certain time because by then, either the objective has been achieved or has been defeated.
Also, this ‘social love’ has become a routine among close members of any family unit. People can be seen adoring their family members, and pronouncing it publicly as well, but we rarely find people showing respect to each other. This results in differences as a routine, but because of love, these are mended after some time, depending upon the intensity of the conflict. If they would respect each other, certainly differences could be minimised, if not eliminated. The element of respect is rarely found among siblings and life-partners; that is why they are quarreling among themselves, while couples parting ways, even if they had spent decades together, while breathing in the same pace. The parents must teach their children to respect each other as well, besides being an example themselves.
The same is true among friends as well. In our culture, it is believed that any friendship is not fast if level of frankness is not touching brims of hurling abuses and calling friends with ugly names. Respecting each other can add years to the friendship, and love too.
Succinctly, in all relations respect should be given priority as the first step, while love would be a natural outcome.
Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-66369897998222500092014-08-14T19:38:00.000+05:002014-08-14T19:38:53.729+05:00Killing and Container Policy failure!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Marchers have moved on without police resistance. It says a lot to the rulers – provided they like to listen – that when large number of people, even with specific mindset and agenda start a journey, it becomes masses’ voice.
What has happened so far, and to the extent the political crisis has deepened, both Sharifs must take the onus, and even now try to resolve the issue. They let the situation reach this point, which can culminate into their exit.
One cannot exonerate Shahbaz Sharif even. Who is responsible for creating Container Towns in the Punjab, and broad-day murders of innocent people. Forget their affiliations, but they were humans! Development projects, like Metros, bridges and roads matter little in the progress and prosperity of any nation. Real task is to educate the nation, and provide health facilities to the commoners; but both these sectors are worst hit in the Sharifs tenures. Nothing except embroidered slogans! Disappointing these 'self-professed' pious are! Why these short-term big cost projects? These deliver money at your doorstep in the shortest possible time, as observed by people. Nevertheless, this government should complete its term since it will bring an end to this 'dictator-product rulers'. 25 years in governance, and they have yet to learn how to face opposition and stay away from political landmines; instead they ensure that they tread them. Today, they are facing the consequences of this.
Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-63290088093171928012014-07-23T11:00:00.000+05:002014-07-23T11:00:40.234+05:00Die smart for smooth burial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>No doubt it was not a routine burial owing to two reasons: First, it was a stuffy and hot evening, and secondly, the guy was a big fellow. Last week, a young man in his late 20s breathed his last after a protracted illness, primarily caused by a road accident resulting in head injury. As asserted by the family that he could have survived if the electricity transformer would have been replaced on-time though 16-hour loadshedding had bothered him already, but not to the brink.
Nevertheless, ultimately it is deemed and pronounced by the attendees to be preordained by the Allah Almighty, and everybody, including the dearest ones find refuge under this guise; so stop blaming the players or the criminals who caused the death; and in this cases it was the Wapda, if not the ‘saintly’ government of the ‘most God-fearing’ politicians, off to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia.
The burial ordeal started when the aggrieved family was advised by someone – on such occasions they are in plenty always – that the charpoy (body carrying cart) could be carried to the graveyard without much hassle since there were quite a few young lads, who were friends of the deceased too. This one-kilometre distance from home to the graveyard was covered with unimaginable difficulty since after a few steps every carrier would start feeling the weight on his back, and the fasting (roza) was an easy pretext for not carrying their friend to his last worldly destination. The pace of the funeral procession got slowed with every few steps. The advisors and the initial ambitious carriers were found missing. However, ‘others’ were able to take their friend to the Janzgah.
Over half-an-hour wait was to add more trouble to the already exhausted bodies and parched throats since the cleric of a specific brand was to arrive from the other corner. One could very well imagine the poor family members who had been virtually shattered not only emotionally, rather physically too. And when his majesty the Mullah arrived, everyone heaved a sigh of relief. But to their dismay, he started his usual mantra of life in this world, of sinners and the pious, and preparation for the world hereafter. Who could tell the maestro to stop! He was more interested in proving his prowess of knowledge and oratory in a congested janzagah. When loud breathing first, and suppressed whispering started latter, he realised that his message was certainly falling on deaf ears, but he heard the suffering in silence. He was quick to start long brief to the funeral prayer, which was otherwise of longer duration too. One could very well visualise that the deceased father was a rich man, and so were various ceremonies, not only extravagant in nature, rather demanded more professionalism as well. Rarely has been a poor man’s funeral handled so professionally. It is the quickest always!
Also, it was an occasion where people volunteer to carry the body to a distant graveyard, but only in loud voices mostly. The journey was to re-start after the prayer but now only oldies were advisors for taking the charpoy quickly, while the previous batch had either gone silent or hid somewhere. It was pretty difficult to carry the big body through narrow lanes, crossing graves on the way, and ultimately reaching the dark nook of the cemetery, which had been illuminated through different sources of light, including mobile torches.
The last step was to down the body in the grave. These are the occasions when one would hear voices of those even, who have never been consulted ever or their advices have been slammed back into their faces with abuses. Double the measures were taken to land the body in the ground, rather he was virtually squeezed in the pit because of the size. Where were the advisors when the grave was dug up? BEWARE of your size, and advisors, before you die!Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-47724064424580277352013-09-11T03:19:00.000+05:002013-09-11T03:19:07.003+05:00Waris Shah is calling from his grave!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isEt2rHiUVE/Ui-Z0B7HElI/AAAAAAAAAmI/TrPZ39nJEBM/s1600/Waris+Shah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isEt2rHiUVE/Ui-Z0B7HElI/AAAAAAAAAmI/TrPZ39nJEBM/s320/Waris+Shah.jpg" /></a></div>This is not the world, especially this part, which was known to Sufis like Waris Shah, who preached ‘love to all’ till they left the mundane world to meet their Creator again.
Today he has more number of followers to what he had during his worldly days, but the levels of unrest, disharmony, despondency and hatred for fellow beings are the highest ever, if these have not touched their maximums. And now it seems that even his followers have forgotten Shah’s real message, and perhaps have become mere visitors to his last resting place, at least once a year during the Urs days, which is the 215th this year.
How unsafe have become such places of people who preached peace and love for humanity, can be gauged from the very fact that the in 2011,the Punjab government had cancelled all the literary programmes and banned the gathering of more than 20 people in the premises of Waris Shah’s mazar, which had obviously disappointed the devotees. The question is: Can the provincial dispensation not even secure compound encompassing three acres? If it could have been done, then people could have re-enlivened the days of yore when recitations of Shah’s Heer Ranjha enthralled a many, allowed permeation of Sufi’s spirit and promoted feeling of brotherhood. But the ‘steps meant for security of people’ did not allow this to happen.
India’s celebrated writer Amrita Pretam is less known in Pakistan, even for her autobiographical ‘Raseedi Ticket’ but mostly for 16-liner tribute to Waris Shah, where she has pleaded to the Sufi to rise from his grave, and have a look at the havoc played to this land. She says:
I say to Waris Shah today, speak from your grave
And add a new page to your book of love
Once one daughter of Punjab wept, and you wrote your long saga;
Today thousands weep, calling to you Waris Shah:
Arise, O friend of the afflicted; arise and see the state of Punjab,
Corpses strewn on fields, and the Chenab flowing with much blood.
Someone filled the five rivers with poison,
And this same water now irrigates our soil.
Where was lost the flute, where the songs of love sounded?
And all Ranjha’s brothers forgotten to play the flute.
Blood has rained on the soil, graves are oozing with blood,
The princesses of love cry their hearts out in the graveyards.
Today all the Quaido’s have become the thieves of love and beauty,
Where can we find another one like Waris Shah?
Waris Shah! I say to you, speak from your grave
And add a new page to your book of love.
<i>(This translation is from Darshan Singh Maini’s ‘Studies in Punjabi Poetry’.)
</i>
Shah’s Heer is better known among the Punjabi speaking population of the world than Shakespeare’s Juliet, and the former’s message is far profound than the writings of the English dramatist but the literati of the sub-continent considered it a huge tribute to the ever-living Shah when he is renamed as ‘Shakespeare of the Punjabi Language’. It is an acceptance by those, who might not have understood and comprehended Shah in totality. If more Punjabi knowing people would have read or his writings would have been made compulsory part of the syllabi, then Waris Shah would have been the one of the greatest writers of the world, whose message is for believers of all shades.
To some critics, Shah’s masterpiece Heer Ranjha is apparently a story of romantic love, through which he had tried to portray the love for God, the quintessential subject of Sufis’ writings.
Someone has rightly put it, “the first poet of Punjab who sang full-throatedly about Punjab and Punjabiat and left a writing (Heer Ranjha) which is the soulful passionate expression of the Punjabi psyche, culture and aspirations.”
Through this, Waris Shah is calling out at the top of his voice – Reaching out to Him (Allah) is the finality.
Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-25785739784429845892011-08-30T20:17:00.000+05:002011-08-30T20:17:53.939+05:00Fad for new currency notes on EidPeople across Pakistan are looking for new currency notes on the eve of Eid, and this fad of having new currency notes in the pocket for dishing them out as the Eidi to relatives, and to the beggars is a common scene on the day. <br />
This has become an uncalled for necessity for the people, and gaining importance with the passage of time, and hence the business is increasing for those, who are selling the new notes. People are buying new currency notes on roads, especially near the State Bank buildings, where even women with big shoppers are seen dealing with male customers. <br />
However, pocketing new notes is not as easy, and this has become a business, usually termed as a ‘black market’, while people are seen ‘trading’ in various areas of the city without any interference by the law enforcement agencies. This trend takes off every year, and gains hype ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr as people feel good in giving new notes as Eidi, while they like receiving the same as well. Especially, the happiness of children is visible when they receive new currency notes as Eidi. Also, people feel good to have new currency notes in their pockets on the Eid, and on marriages as well. <br />
The question is: Why do people like to have new notes? It has more to do with the psyche; second is the fad, and the third is the usual ‘tradition’ attached to the occasions. People find that new currency notes also find it fascinating that the new copies are in series as the last digit of new notes number start from one and end with 100. They consider that it makes easier for them keeping track of how much has been given away.<br />
These notes reach the black market through two ways and sold to the interested buyers, who do so without any compulsion. One way is that the State Bank of Pakistan gives directly to widows and second, some black marketers and brokers allegedly get these from the SBP officials. Also the SBP every year as per its policy prints new notes and gives them to banks and widows. Moreover, widows are given the currency notes on monthly fixed quota in an effort to help them earn some livelihood.<br />
However, people usually complain that banks refuse to give new notes to them, if one is not a big client or a friend of the bank employees. <br />
Copies – one contains 100 notes – of Rs 5 and Rs 10 are being sold in the black market for additional charges of Rs 150 and above, while minimum of Rs 250 are being charged for new copies of Rs 50 and Rs 100. <br />
This time around, like on previous occasions, the demand for Rs 5 notes is the highest.<br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0794820069&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000F78ROY&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com11Lahore, Pakistan31.54505 74.34068300000001331.421176 74.16512250000001 31.668924 74.516243500000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-81340885223698721002011-08-29T23:08:00.001+05:002011-08-29T23:08:43.881+05:00Law ministry delayed Punjab power projects for bribe: Shahbaz SharifPunjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has demanded strict action should be taken against those involved in increasing the crises of power, and pushing Punjab into darkness due to negligence and corruption in 900MW power projects in the province. <br />
“Criminal negligence has been demonstrated in the power projects of 450MW each in Nandipur and Chicho Ki Malian, which is a deep conspiracy against Punjab and Pakistan. Due to delay in these projects, most areas of Punjab remained in darkness and industries were closed and now the nation has to bear additional expenses of Rs 20 billion on these projects,” he said, while requesting the prime minister to take those persons to task causing delay in these projects and deterrent punishment should be awarded to the criminals of the nation and should be hanged. <br />
He was talking to mediamen here on Saturday on his return to Lahore from the Council of Common Interests meeting held in Islamabad the same day. Senior Advisor to him Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa was also present on the occasion.<br />
Shahbaz Sharif warned that if action was not taken against these criminals of the nation, then he would be forced to raise voice at any forum against them. <br />
While giving details about the projects, he said the power project of 450MW in Nandipur had to be completed a year ago and the machinery of this project worth billions of rupees was lying in the godowns of Karachi on which heavy demurrage was being paid. He mentioned that this project was being executed by Chinese company and it should have become operational in the beginning of this year but unfortunately it could not be made operational. “The file of this project remained pending in the law ministry for the last about two years and the desired letter could not be issued by the finance ministry due to bribe. The same situation is of the 450MW project of Chicho Ki Malian. This project had to be completed next year but this project has also been delayed for further two years due to criminal negligence. These projects remained pending due to the hurdles created by law ministry, and had these projects been completed within stipulated time, the Punjab would have got substantial relief from load-shedding,” he observed, adding that Punjab was made a target through delaying these projects due to which factories were closed and irreparable loss was caused to exports. “Not only huge loss was caused to the industrial and agriculture sectors due to the delay in these projects but lakhs of people were also deprived of their livelihood. Whom people of Punjab should hold accountable for this economic murder?” he questioned. <br />
Shahbaz Sharif was of the considered opinion that investors and industrialists were transferring their capital and the country was being pushed into darkness under a conspiracy, which was a heinous crime. “The nation is in need of every watt of electricity whereas plundering and corruption is rampant in the country. A conspiracy has been hatched against agriculture, industry, 180million people of Pakistan, and 100m people of Punjab by delaying power projects of Nandipur and Chicho Ki Malian,” he said, while mentioning that he had always talked to the prime minister about these projects, and on Saturday succeeded in getting the approval of these projects in the CCI meeting. “Now the country will have to bear the additional expenses of billions of rupees due to delay in these projects and it is impossible to pay the cost of negative impacts caused to the economy of the country. Who should be held responsible for these losses of billions of rupees, and the criminal negligence?” he quizzed. <br />
He demanded strict action against those who caused this loss to the nation and the country as such persons were criminals of the nation and those should be hanged trying to ruin the country. “If action was not taken against these criminals of the nation, we will raise voice at every forum and expose them and recover the looted money of the nation from them,” he reiterated. <br />
During the press conference, Shahbaz Sharif did not reply a question about Shahbaz Taseer’s abduction, and said, he would talk about the subject at some other time. However, as per sources, he held a meeting with senior cops at the lounge of the Old Airport who were waiting for him prior to his arrival. <br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1593701241&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0766033058&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com1Lahore, Pakistan31.54505 74.34068300000001331.421176 74.16512250000001 31.668924 74.516243500000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-30178059791266047732011-08-29T23:01:00.000+05:002011-08-29T23:01:01.695+05:00PPP to launch drive, requisite PA session against Taseer’s abductionPunjab chapter of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party has warned the provincial government of launching a protest movement from the coming Monday if the dispensation failed in recovering Shahbaz Taseer, son of assassinated ex-Governor Punjab Salman Taseer. <br />
This was told to the mediamen on Saturday at a press conference by President PPP Punjab President Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, who also mentioned that Opposition Leader at the Punjab Assembly Raja Riaz Ahmed would submit a requisition for convening Punjab Assembly session to discuss the issue after Monday. “All constitutional options will be adopted,” he asserted.<br />
Warraich further added that a protest movement would be launched against the Punjab government from Monday if Shahbaz Taseer was not recovered. “Protest rallies will be organised at district level to press for the recovery of the abducted,” he stated, while condemning the incident, and asserting that the incident had disturbed all citizens of the province. “This has amply substantiated the poor situation of ever-increasing crime, and law and order in Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif must improve the law and order situation in his “own province” and then talk about other provinces,” he suggested, in an implicit reference to the CM’s Punjab recent visit to chaotic Karachi. “Lahore is Punjab’s capital and has headquarters of the Punjab Police, but no progress has been made in young Taseer’s case so far,” he mentioned.<br />
To depict what he believed poor law and order situation, Warraich quoted crime figures in the Punjab, and mentioned that last year, 75,419 crime cases were registered, and 627 of these were murder cases. “As many as 170 rape and 160 cases of torture against government servants have been registered last year. So far almost 13,497 cases of kidnap were registered, while 2,176 were in Lahore alone. 8,974 cases of kidnap for ransom have been registered so far during the current year,” he noted, while asserting that the crime ratio in Punjab had increased by 30 per cent. “The PML-N leadership cannot make tall claims of good governance in the province when these figures are taken into consideration,” he maintained.<br />
While responding to a question about the suo motu on Taseer’s abduction, Warraich did not offer any comment, except “Courts are independent to take notice.”<br />
While bitterly criticising the provincial dispensation in failing to control law and order situation, especially abduction of his predecessor’s son Shahbaz Taseer, Governor Punjab Sardar Latif Khan Khosa has condemned the Friday’s incident, and termed it unbearable. <br />
“This amply proves failure of the Punjab government in controlling law and order situation in the province,” he remarked, while talking to the mediamen outside the house of former Governor Punjab Salman Taseer, where the incumbent had gone to meet the family members of Shahbaz Taseer. He assured the family that both federal and provincial governments would leave no stone unturned for recovering young Taseer. <br />
Khosa said that all federal law enforcement agencies and the Punjab police were jointly making efforts to recover abducted Taseer. He also told the mediamen that the Inspector General Police and Home Secretary Punjab had briefed him since they were called by the Governor to tell him about the investigation. While mentioning that he had been a criminal lawyer with a vast experience of the subject, Khosa said he had given guideline to the IGP and the Secretary, and the officers had been directed to expand the purview of the probe. <br />
He also mentioned that Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan had also telephoned him, and as per Article 131 of the constitution, the Minister briefed the Governor about the administrative matters. <br />
To a question about the investigation, Khosa replied that the law enforcement agencies had gathered some evidence, and hoped that soon the agencies would recover Taseer safe and sound. <br />
Khosa remarked that unfortunately the incidents of kidnapping were increasing every day, and the Punjab government would have to seriously think about making the law and order situation better since it was the duty of the provincial dispensation to do so. “The Centre will provide all assistance for this,” he said, adding that the most important issue at the moment was to secure release of alive Taseer. “The rest are provincial matters, and reservations, which will be transmitted to the federal government later on,” he said. <br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0525425578&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002S3HQMC&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com1Lahore, Pakistan31.54505 74.34068300000001331.421176 74.16512250000001 31.668924 74.516243500000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-2679773112458021702011-08-27T23:32:00.000+05:002011-08-27T23:32:21.964+05:00CM Punjab nods veggie-fruit market at KachaPunjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has given approval in principle to the setting up a modern fruit and vegetable market at Kacha on Ferozepur Road and constituted a committee to take all possible measures for the completion of the project within a year. <br />
He also issued instructions for provision of necessary facilities as soon as possible in the vegetable market shifted from Kot Lakhpat.<br />
He was presiding over a meeting regarding the project of setting up fruit and vegetable market here on Wednesday. <br />
Addressing the meeting, the CM said a large peace of land had been selected at Kacha where a well-designed fruit and vegetable market would be set up which would be equipped with the latest facilities. He added that the project would introduce a new culture and promote economic and trade activities, and the site for the market was nearest to Motorway, Ring Road and railway crossing which would be of great benefit. He also issued instructions for contacting railway authorities for linking fruit and vegetable market with the railway system. <br />
He also gave instructions to the committee set up under the chairmanship of Afzal Khokhar to visit Turkey, Thailand and China to review the model of such markets in these countries for setting up the modern fruit and vegetable market in Lahore. He further directed that all out facilities should be extended to the middlemen of the vegetable market shifted from Kot Lakhpat so that they could pursue their business activities without any problem.<br />
Earlier, Secretary Agriculture Department Captain (retd) Arif Nadeem gave a briefing regarding the project of fruit and vegetable market at Kacha. The participants of the meeting also gave their proposals in this regard.<br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1904456634&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0199554285&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com1Lahore, Pakistan31.54505 74.34068300000001331.421176 74.16512250000001 31.668924 74.516243500000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-72931485971356164342011-08-27T23:29:00.000+05:002011-08-27T23:29:02.160+05:00CM directs police for Taseer’s recoveryPunjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has directed that no effort should be spared for immediate recovery of Shahbaz Taseer, son of former Governor Punjab Salman Taseer. <br />
He ordered immediate arrest of culprits involved in the incident. He was presiding over a meeting at the Lahore Airport on his return from Karachi on Friday. Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Inspector General Police, Home Secretary and senior officers were present. The meeting considered all aspects of the case in detail. The CM directed the departments concerned to ensure early recovery of Shahbaz Taseer and all resources should be utilised for this purpose.<br />
Later, he went to the residence of the former Governor and met his family members. Ex-Governo’s wife Aamina Taseer and son Shehryar Taseer were also present on this occasion. The CM assured them that all resources would be utilised for early recovery of Shahbaz Taseer and no effort would be spared in this regard. <br />
He mentioned that special instructions had been issued to the senior Police officers for this purpose. The CM said he would personally supervise the investigation of this incident and Capital City Police Officer would regularly inform the members of the family about the progress of the investigation. <br />
The family members expressed complete confidence in the steps taken by the Punjab government for recovery of Shahbaz Taseer. Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0Lahore, Pakistan31.54505 74.34068300000001331.421176 74.16512250000001 31.668924 74.516243500000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-2797105102384788482011-08-26T23:11:00.000+05:002011-08-26T23:11:46.867+05:00Youth to get Rs 1bn under Self-Employment SchemePunjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said the Punjab government has evolved a revolutionary project of self-employment under which loans worth Rs one billion will be given to the youth to help them stand on their own feet. <br />
“The skilled youth will be given preference under the scheme and the upper limit of loans will be Rs 50,000. The Self-Employment Scheme will result in generation of job opportunities as well as promotion of economic activities,” he added, while issuing instructions for setting up a committee, which would devise a strategy within a few days in the light of which the scheme would be started in 36 districts of the province.<br />
He was presiding over a meeting for the provision of loans to the youth under self-employment scheme here on Wednesday. MNA Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development Board, Secretaries of Finance, Law and Social Welfare, Chairmen TEVTA & Punjab Vocational Training Council, Executive Director Akhuwat and experts were present. <br />
The CM said the Punjab government was implementing a comprehensive policy for the generation of job opportunities in the province, which include projects like yellow cab scheme, distribution of one lakh laptops among talented students and self-employment scheme for the youth. He added majority of population comprised youth and provision of loans to them under self-employment scheme would help them stand on their own feet as well as eliminate unemployment. “Loans of Rs 1bn will be offered during the first year while this amount will gradually be increased each year. The Self-Employment Scheme will prove to be a milestone in the elimination of unemployment and provision of job opportunities to the youth. The Scheme for the welfare of the youth will be continued forever and setting up of a permanent institution for the project should also be considered,” he mentioned, while issuing instructions for selecting an audit-company of international repute for the Self-Employment Scheme, and said the Punjab Small Industries Corporation would distribute these loans through Akhuwat. “The Akhuwat has a wide experience of public service and provision of loans and will execute this welfare project in a transparent manner. Loans will be given to the youth under the Self-Employment Scheme in all districts of the province and special committees comprising experts and persons enjoying good repute will also be formed at the district level for monitoring the loans,” he added. <br />
Shahbaz Sharif said such youth should be given preference in the provision of loans as were experienced in various skills and trades so that they could set up such businesses as could not only leave a positive impact on economy, but also generate further employment opportunities. He directed that the guiding policy for the provision of loans and other matters should soon be given a final shape so that the scheme could be started at the earliest. “The Akhuwat should further enhance its capacity and submit a plan within seven days for the distribution of loans under self-employment scheme,” he said.<br />
Earlier, Managing Director PSIC gave a detailed briefing regarding self-employment scheme. He said the steering committee for Self-Employment Scheme, the PSIC and Akhuwat had finalised the strategy for self-employment scheme. <br />
Executive Director Akhuwat Dr Amjad Saqib said 55 branches of Akhuwat were operational and it was fully capable to implement the scheme. He assured that this revolutionary project of the Punjab government would be implemented in a transparent manner.<br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0226309487&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0821377876&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471126.post-48531894102690812172011-08-26T22:51:00.000+05:002011-08-26T22:51:11.529+05:00No expansion in Punjab cabinet on cardsExpansion in the Punjab Cabinet is not in the offing since the leading political party is not facing any such urgency to do so, sources confided with TheNation on Wednesday. <br />
“However, the wish-list of MPs is long and they are waiting for such a move, and there has been huge rumour mongering in this regard,” said the source, adding that the PML-N was not in a mood to do so as these days the party was involved more deeply in the Karachi situation, and its leadership was not interested in initiating another subject. “The idea is to keep the status quo till it becomes politically imperative,” he mentioned. <br />
Spokesperson of the Punjab government Senator Pervaiz Rasheed did not offer any comment in this regard, and said he was in Karachi for the last two days, and was not aware of any such situation. Aamer Waqas Chaudharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04106536339149272438noreply@blogger.com0Lahore, Pakistan31.54505 74.34068300000001331.421176 74.16512250000001 31.668924 74.516243500000016