Pakistan Zindabad!

Pakistan Zindabad! As 14 August approaches I hear more of these “so called” patriotic slogans being chanted by the “so called” enthusiastic Pakistanis.Many who have read my first line must be filled with disgust and might be thinking that I am not a true Pakistani.But I am a true Pakistani who believes that before I call myself a patriotic Pakistani I shall do something for a better and progressive Pakistan.When I achieve what I believe I will be a proud Pakistani.

Pakistan since it birth has been in a hostile state.There have been only a few moments in history to be cherished and that one can be proud of. We Pakistanis have always demanded other Pakistanis to take the lead and make the nation proud rather one himself rises and steps forward. Time is changing so are the people. Pakistan with passing of days is becoming younger and more youth oriented.The population of Pakistan compromises of 60 percent of youth which is a healthy sign but the youth is not mature and still needs to be polished and passed through different phases to be called “responsible”. So they can look after their country. The youth, sadly, is lost!

The youth is getting fed from tide of populism and is getting carried away from the real task! They are out in rallies but not studying and getting expertise in their respective fields. They chant slogan for change and yet are unaware that they are being played by the man showing them these dreams. The man is Imran Khan. Khan’s change is a change for Imran Khan not for Pakistan. His change is an engineered one and someone else is mastering it. However, my difference with Khan is over politicizing the youth. Khan should provide the youth platform to express their real talents rather use them for his doings.

But politics is not only what presents my thoughts but the darkness is all over. But I am optimistic that things will change and we shall as a nation rise. We just need to develop the national feeling which is lost but certainly is there.We need to prioritize what is in better interest of Pakistan and how can “we” contribute for the betterment. In the end I appeal to the youth of Pakitan that it is high time for you to organize for real change then we all shall say proudly Pakistan Zindabad!

 Meanwhile listen to this national anthem:

Majid Tamoor

published in TFT and Pakistan today

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2012/08/15/comment/editors-mail/pakistan-zindabad-2/
http://www.thefridaytimes.com/beta3/tft/article.php?issue=20120831&page=10

The social media shame!

PTI’s insecurity with rising of PML N as a social media giant has left many in its rank with fear and is troubled with PML N’s growing popularity on social media. It was in light of this PTI initiated a negative and false campaign against PML N’s social media team. The campaign was launched on twitter under #PMLNSocialMediaShame but failed to get public support and most of the neutrals termed it as a cheap tactic to gain mileage on social media.  The so-called exposed revolved around some screenshots of discussion in facebook group which proves nothing about the false accusation that PTI claims. The man behind all this ill propaganda is no one other than Dr Awab who was also associated with production of fake documents against journalists.

The reasons about launching this campaign were obvious.One reason was PML N as a social media giant. PTI and PML(N) are the two Pakistani political parties acting as social media giants. PTI is there on social networking site since last 3-4 years whereas PML(N) just launched there Facebook page in November 2011. Social media has allowed both parties to communicate more effectively to the public. Many have termed PTI as a social media terrorist because of their hostile behaviour towards criticism. As soon as you post something against Imran Khan or PTI, you should be ready to have the comment list filled with abuses by the PTI fans. To draw a comparison, PML(N) has used its medium of social media responsibly and in an effective way.

Another reason was to hide the defeat of PTI as Justice (R) Fakurdin G Ibrahim was appointed as Chief Election commissioner which was due to PML N sitting in opposition.Imran Khan who was asking PML N to resign who realized but failed to appreciate PML N’s role in  Fakurdin Ibrahim’s in appointment as CEC. To hide the embarrassment PTI initiated this campaign which was actually to cover up Imran Khan shame!

One should realise that only limited audience uses social media and work should be done on ground level rather than establishing a Facebook government. PML N’s “Kal kay Quaid” seems a promising event for finding leaders among youth rather than PTI using youth to abuse on social media. Now as I have criticized PTI a bit, I shall be open to receive abusive comments from PTI-wallahs

Majid Tamoor!

The Mediagate and SMS!

Before we move further watch the video being discussed:

14 June 2012 was perhaps the most shocking day for journalism and many anchors.The day when a few off cameras videos leaked .The whole situation was an alarming one and disappointing at the same time.The same media which was considered vibrant and a source of awareness among masses came out to be a tool of manipulation and misinformation. Nothing much was expected from Mubasher Lucman, Musharaf’s tenure minister, as he had previously indulged into yellow journalism and given signs of his affiliation with the third party. What more disappointing was Mehar Bukhari who was ,until the video leaked, thought as a powerful lady voicing to bring the truth through her courage and bold questions. There was a rage on social media after the video leakage and many comments hurled under the videos. The whole essence of those comments can be summed up into few words; “We as a nation are betrayed”. Perhaps yesterday events helped me understand the meaning of an idiom “Money Talks”. It was clear that Mehar Bukhari and Mubasher Lucman were few of those want to be intellectuals who seek their questions from guests with obviously a bit cash under the table.

Another thing that was propagating from the video leak was Maryam Nawaz’s SMS to Mehar Bukhari. It was a saddening sight to see the “youth” plunging into this matter and targeting the wrong person. Before elaborating the propaganda on social media read the context of Maryam Nawaz’s text message to Mehar Bukhari;

“Hamza Shehbaz was offered a bullet proof car from Malik Riaz but refused to accept it and returned it to Malik Riaz with thanks”

We also hear Mehar Bukhari saying in the video;

“Maryam Nawaz has just texted me saying that Hamza didn’t receive any car and I can say that on the behalf of Sharifs.”

The above two quotes almost kill the ill propaganda directed towards Maryam Nawaz. It’s clear that Maryam Nawaz didn’t text or call Malik Riaz and neither asked Mehar Bukhari to make it say from Malik Riaz. She clearly presented her family stance and clarified it from her end which was seconded by Malik Riaz statement that the car was never accepted by Hamza Shehbaz.It has been more than 24 hours since the attack hurled by, mostly, PTI wallahs on Maryam Nawaz and I am still not able to comprehend what is the lady being targeting. One possesses every right to deny baseless allegations so why create such a fuss if Maryam Nawaz did it? Perhaps the name Maryam “Nawaz Sharif” is what is haunting the PTI social media kids.They shall criticize PML N any step regardless of the fact its require or not. On the other hand Maryam Nawaz’s response to bitter questions on her social media space is appreciable and one must appreciate her courage to tackle not so friendly, many were abusive, questions. Journalists like Raza Rumi and Uamr Cheema also supported Maryam Nawaz’s position. Maryam Nawaz on the whole issue states;

“I text Mehar denying the allegation and there’s nothing wrong in defending oneself. I did not ask Malik Riaz to clarify. Don’t know him”

The funny thing I came across is Shireen Mazari’s daughter’s tweet criticizing Maryam Nawaz and Hamza Shehbaz indulging into dirty politics. When I responded to her tweet she was left clueless and didn’t respond. Maybe she is from that group of kids who want a revolution but a bit hustle scares them and they want others to act.

Overall the day was a disappointing one but a lot positive can be taken from it. For media defiantly a code of conduct is required. Secondly for Maryam Nawaz ,or as I call her leader on the rise Maryam Nawaz, well done and the later seems more tough but you possess the qualities of tackling and moving forward. Lastly for me it’s time to get ready to taste same abusive comments from PTI-wallahs as I have criticized them.

Majid Tamoor

Convicted Crime Minister and Pakistan!

It is so unfortunate seeing a convicted PM proud and taking honor on his conviction. It has been more than two weeks that Pakistan's Criminal Prime Minister was declared convicted by the apex court on charge of Contempt of court.Mr Gilani however seems relax and is enjoying being the world's only acting convicted Prime minister hence making him crime minister.Rather being ashamed he is on his UK tour .The opposition parties have decided not to accept Mr Gillani as PM and have called for protests and rallies against the Gilani government .PML N is one such party who has hit the roads for supremacy of law and is gathering large support for it.There gathering in Lahore and Gujranwala is a clear proof that people now want change. Mian Nawaz Sharif's role in the past has been admirable and he seems to getting things right gathering massive public support for his decisions. However, Imran Khan's PTI has also called for Save judiciary movement but Imran Khan seems to enjoy political romance with PPP and has not hit hard on PPP's convicted PM rather in rallies hitting on Nawaz Sharif.And on the other hand Gilani was also kind enough to praising Imran Khan and criticizing Nawaz Sharif.One should try to understand that rule of law is important for survival of democracy. .Imran Khan’s politics is getting tougher day by day and has become hard to understand. Nawaz Sharif asked Imran Khan to join hands against Gilani but Imran Khan turned down the offer demanding PML N to resign from assemblies before they could sit on the table. PML N's resignation from parliament will only do good PPP as they might conduct by-elections and then appoint an interim-government of their own choice and pass constitutional amendments to safeguard their Crime Minister and President .PPP's failure to realize that Gilani will remain convicted until his appeal is turned into his favor has exposed their leaders legal understanding. If it was for morals and principles Gilani himself should have resigned. PPP is trying to create anarchy so they can go as political martyrs but revolution is on the roll now! The nation has assembled and is ready to drag these culprits out and establish their own government by supporting rule of law.God Save Pakistan.

Majid Tamoor

Published in Pk today http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/?p=184915

A concerned citizen's letter!

Below is the letter attached which made my mind think and would allow the readers to do the same.Its a Pukaar for the donors of Pukaar! The letter was directed to Pukaar campaign officials.

Dear Madam,

Your organization has very diligently been looking after the interests and rights of the citizens of Pakistan. Your role and untiring efforts in making our society transparent and free of corruption are commendable.

We, as concerned and responsible citizens of Pakistan feel a duty to bring to your attention the Pukaar Campaign of 2010. The Pukaar campaign was initiated by Mr. Imran Khan- Chairman Pakistan Tehreek Insaf to provide relief to the flood victims and to rehabilitate them. Huge sums in donation were collected through various means including telethons. Over 2 billion rupees were donated by the people of Pakistan to Pukaar to facilitate its relief effort during the devastating flood of 2010.

It is extremely unfortunate that Mr. Imran Khan and his Pukaar campaign was nowhere to be seen during the relief and rehabilitation efforts. The citizen's of Pakistan demand an explanation as to where the 2 billion rupees were spent and in what way. This is a very serious matter and it may please be looked into, as the trust of the people of this great nation has been betrayed yet again.

Regards,

Muhammad Abubakar Umer

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We as a nation look forward to the answers!

Majid Tamoor

Nawaz Sharif at Siachen!

It has been more than 10 days since the Pakistani soldiers have been trapped buried under the snow avalanche at Siachen.The whole nation is praying for the frost warriors and expecting a miracle that those 135 lives are safe.

PML N Chief Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Siachen was an important highlight of the week. His visit was not only been broadcasted on electronic media but was also trending on social media. In general ,Pakistan masses appreciated Nawaz Sharif’s gesture of gratitude and solidarity towards the brothers trapped under ice. Nawaz Sharif ,despite the bad weather, reached Siachen which was appreciated not only by masses but journalists like Hamid Mir,Mubasher Lucman and Dr Shahid Masood.

Nawaz Sharif along with himself carried relief goods and stayed at Gyari for half an hour and then met the families of the soldiers buried under ice. He offered 5 lakh for each family with a job in Punjab govt.Whereas back in Lahore Maryam Nawaz was receiving appreciation, on behalf of Nawaz Sharif for his for his gesture , on twitter. Nawaz Sharif’s demand, of unilateral pull of troops from Siachen by both sides, was highly endorsed by different media people from both countries.
It is sign that change is afoot since leaders like him now vouch for peace. This means that there is an evolving consensus for the need of peace across the political ideological spectrum. Mian Nawaz Sharif’s gesture must be appreciated regardless of party affiliation as he has put the right foot, and words, forward.It’s high time for both sides ,India and Pakistan, to realize that they are not gaining much by losing precious lives.
Nawaz Sharif visit was not only important to show solidarity towards the brothers fighting there but also showed his concern for his people.Nawaz Sharif proved to be a national leader winning over all those who claimed to be more closer to the public.Nawaz Sharif noble gesture should be appreciated and I pray to God that other leaders follow the same path.Long live Nawaz Sharif!

Orginaly published in Pakistan today!
 http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/?p=179333 http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/?p=179848

The Frost Warriors!

For 28 blustery, shivering years, the Indian and Pakistani armies have been fighting a war along the frigid peaks of the western Himalayas -- in an area named for the Siachin Glacier and known as the battleground on the roof of the world.

Siachin is the world highest battlefield at over 20,000 feet. The harsh conditions and severe weather has caused many mothers to lose their sons. The lion hearted warriors risk their life to protect our frontiers so that we can sleep in peace. More than 2000 people have died in this inhospitable terrain, mostly due to weather extremes and the natural hazards of mountain warfare. The highest temperature at that area is the lowest of one can imagine surviving.

Recently Pakistan soldiers were caught by an avalanche and are now buried under it. The whole nation is praying for the sons of the soil. For a soldier, Siachin is where hell freezes over, a 46-mile river of slow-moving ice surrounded by stupendous towers of snow. Temperatures swoon to 50 below, and sudden blizzards can bury field artillery in minutes. Men sleep in ice caves or igloos and breathe air so spare of oxygen that it sends their hearts into a mad gallop. Fainting spells and pounding headaches are frequent. Frostbite chews its way through digits and limbs. The soldiers are the frost warriors.

At Siachin while some troops fall to hostile fire, far more perish from avalanches and missteps into crevasses that nature has camouflaged with snow. The war for survival against nature never stops at Siachin. More warriors die because of the severe weather conditions then in a combat.

The recent event have forced both sides to think over to reach some decision about the serious Siachin issue as more lives have been lost on both sides then gaining some fruit. But sadly the topic will be discussed for a few days and then be dusted again and the cycle will continue.

A Pakistani soldier who once was posted at Siachin says, “We are prepared to battle on the roof of the world forever.”

All I can say in the end is “Aa Rahey Haq ko Shehedo ,wafa ki tasveeron.tumhay watn ki hawain salam kehti hai”. Martyrs never die and rule the hearts of people .You shall never be forgotten!

orginally published in TFT http://www.thefridaytimes.com/beta3/tft/article.php?issue=20120420&page=10