My Account of the Lahore Blast

When human needs and human emotions are so similar, how can we choose pain and agony for each other

A friend had gotten me in touch with Olga. We were to meet at 10:00 am at Second Cup, Z block. As I entered, I spotted her as I recognized her from her Whatsapp display picture. We exchanged the regular pleasantries and we headed upstairs to have our meeting. Representing a women empowerment initiative,Wowoman, that began in Azerbaijan in 2015, she shared her plans to expand the setup in Pakistan. It was quite an interesting discussion and as planned, the meeting ended around 11:00. She booked her uber and we were heading downstairs, when suddenly there was a huge blast. Through the glass walls of Second Cup, we saw massive clouds of smoke and dust with glass shattering everywhere. There were big pieces of material blown up in the air while we were still in a state of denial and shock. Has there really been a blast, I wondered. Is this it? The end of my story? We rushed to the back of the shop where the staff was already gathered. I wondered if there was a back exit but there was none. We stood there for what seemed like forever, thinking what to do. I expected the roof to fall on us any second but wasn't too confident about the idea of stepping outside too, as everyone feared that there might be another blast, or firing. Is this for real? Am I really witness to a bomb blast? (The thought was just too strange to accept)

And then I weighed the options; would I rather die under a roof collapse or go out in the open air and risk death a different way:) For some odd reason, I didnt panic nor did I fear dying. If somethings meant to happen, it will. I decided to step out but my friend resisted. So I went out by myself and what I saw seemed something out of a movie.

People were rushing around, there was smoke, glass, cars with their windows smashed, one car completely destroyed, I heard screams from somewhere up in a building of women crying for help, I saw a guard all covered in smoke and dust, grey from head to toe, and I thought to myself, this is what its like in movies. I wanted to do something to help but wasnt sure if it would be wise to stay. And all this time, my driver kept calling to me, 'Baji, hurry up, lets go, get in the car!'

Miraculously, the car escaped damage as the windows had been pulled down coincidentally. I signaled to my friend again to come out and join me but she didnt and despite not wanting to, I got into the car and left.

Totally shaken and extremely traumatized, I called Usman and told him that there has been a blast and I was there. Although I was fine, yet the near death experience had shaken me. It wasnt fear for my life, I feel, it was more the fear that the enemy is so close, so close to our homes, to the places we go to every day, to the life we thought was still safe.

When I got home, I called Olga immediately for I knew how shaken she was. She said she was on the road passing another cafe, Ole and was feeling quite lost and scared. I knew I had to go help her. I told her to stay right there and wait for me. I hardly knew the girl, I had met her only an hour ago,but I felt responsible for her, she is our guest in Pakistan and as her host, I felt I had to look after her. My driver warned me that the roads would be blocked and there would be heavy traffic at the blast site but I couldnt leave her stranded there. We parked the car at a distant and I ran off to look for her. She wasnt there at Ole. I didnt have mobile internet to call her from as she was using her country number. Clueless as to what to do, I looked around, and thankfully, saw her standing far away on the other end of the road. I waved to her frantically and she waved back. I rushed to her and we gave each other a massive hug. We had experienced so much together in that short time that words fell short in communicating that. That hug made up for it, it was a hug a relief, of gratitude, of joy, of sorrow, of shared pain and trauma, of 'being human' for while she came from another country, another religion, another culture and what not, but like me, she too, was a soul sent by Allah, a daughter, a sister, a person who meant no harm to others. She was still a pack of nerves and was full of questions about where my car was, who was driving it, did I know that man driving my car. I held her hand and comforted her. That incident pulled us into a connection unexplainable......

Later, at home, I cried, I cried for Pakistan, I cried for my children for I want them to grow up singing Dil Dil Pakistan and believing in it. I cried, for I can no longer hide the bitter realities from them. I cried for the lives lost, for the people traumatized just like me, for the hatred that is eating up our society, for the divide that is drawing us apart from each other...

in pakistan, nuclear weapons is a very sensitive subject. it is a symbol of patriotism, strength, security, regional balance of power and what not. that is why to promote a cause such as global zero is not an easy task here.

Climate change calls for lifestyle change!

We have all been studying about pollution in school. We know what it is, what causes it and even how to prevent it. Yet, many times our actions defy our knowledge. How many of us conserve energy or resources, how many are conscious of buying climate friendly products or using climate friendly processes in our daily modes of travel, production methods, waste disposal, etc.

The less we waste resources, the more we will have for tomorrow,the friendlier we are towards the environment, the more we will benefit from it.

It seems as if climate change is making itself visible more and more with every passing day. It is evident in the smog we so badly are experiencing these days. Hardly anyone can claim to have been unaffected by it, hospitals swarmed with patients of all ages suffering from sever coughs and chest infections. The floods, droughts and heat waves are an expected occurrence today but its not going to stay the same, it will get worse if we dont change, if we dont change our habits, lifestyles, production methods and processes.

The change is not as scary or impossible as it may seem. Small efforts on our part can make a big difference, all they ask for is consistency and dedication. Even an initiative as small as using environment friendly bags ( of cotton, recyclable material, paper) for shopping or doing grocery can make a difference. Such bags can be used multiple times and can bring down the use of plastic bags down by thousands. Even if one family takes up this initiative and encourages others to do so, an entire community can become plastic-bag-free. Yes, it may be less than even a drop in the ocean but that is how all great movements start. Moreover, if seeds of fruits are not thrown in garbage but kept aside and planted in some open space, many times nature takes its course and little seedlings appear to restore our faith in nature and its everlasting beauty of giving and do we need these natural oxygen-producing factories or not!

We also need to become more conscious of our consumerism behaviour. Just because we can afford something does not mean that we should buy it. Every product, has behind it, a process that involves the input of many valuable resources like water, wood, energy and unnecessary purchase of products leads to unnecessary burden and consumption of these resources. It would astound you to learn that it takes around 1,800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to produce just one pair of blue jeans and 400 gallons of water to grow the cotton needed for a cotton shirt. Yet, we discard them off without a second thought. Many people hold the attitude that its their life and they have full freedom to decide how they live it, whether they buy a new dress everyday or whether they cut forests to build houses, however, it is becoming more and more clear that our personal, individual choices do have a greater effect and impact and thus, can no longer be viewed in isolation.

Just because I may have the means to buy something, doesnt mean that I go ahead and purchase it. We need to come together as a response to climate change, we need to literally reuse, share and cut down on our consumption patterns to lower the load on our resources to continually feed our evergrowing needs and wants. From clothes to furniture, from toys to books, we need to develop a culture of share and exchange for many of these items become useless after a certain time, once they have fulfilled their purpose, especially books, toys and children stuff like strollers and cots. Instead of throwing them away or storing them up, its best to share them or offer them to someone who may need them. One less pair of jeans thrown is 1,800 gallons of water saved in a way. If such little efforts on our part can help make the world cleaner, greener and more livable, it is definitely not a bad bargain to make.




photo credits: web

Bringing the world to the doorsteps of young minds! Books for Bannu

Here I am, sitting in doubt for the past 2 years, and there he was, not having just taken the plunge but full of hope and optimism for future no apparent reason at all:)

Asif Ali Khan did his mechatronic engineering from Malaysia but decided not to settle there; a decision many people disagree with, or fail to understand. But he was clear, he wanted to come back and do something for his community, for staying in Malaysia made him realize even more what his countrymen back home are missing; opportunities and facilities!

And so began 'Books for Bannu' a project that aims to provide the people of Bannu with books and resources to develop their skills and get access to the sea of opportunities and possibilities out there. Coming from a community where even basic necessities are compromised upon, buying books or paying membership for libraries is simply out of the question. In such circumstances, Books for Bannu is like an oasis in the desest. 'When i finished my studies, I thought to myself that if I stay here, I'll just be an engineer,but if I go back to my country and do something productive there, then my efforts might pave way for countless more engineers!'

Asif's dream is to establish a library in every union council of Bannu, making books available to people of underprivileged areas, to encourage the culture of reading and form a networking platform to mentor the youth regarding opportunities. He is used to people criticizing his idea, discouraging him, asking him what difference will this small effort make but he is clear in his resolve.' Our libraries will be open for all, be it farmers, hawkers or labourers. Education is the key solution to many social and economic issues in Pakistan and we all need to take it up as a cause, a movement!'

His eyes light up when he talks about Books for Bannu, you can see its his brainchild because of the fondness with which he talks about it. All he did was take a step, dared to dream and today he has support for his cause growing every day. He approached Darrusalam and they gave him a huge donation of books without much hassle. And people like me had questions, 'Didnt they suspect you for misleading them or tricking them? Didn't they mistrust you? How did they agree so easily!?' And that is how his journey has been. He didnt have funds to cargo his carton of books from Peshawar to Bannu but when he shared his cause with a coach driver, he agreed to deliver his goods free of charge!




And all that I learned was, when you take a step filled with sincerity and faith, divine powers join you, maybe they had been waiting for someone daring like you all along......only some choose to believe in them!!

He may be a mere drop in the ocean, but this drop may quench the thirst of knowledge for one child, open doors of possibilities for one person, change life of one individual and that is not a small achievement!

Celebrating Differences, Richness and Diversity

He went to get lost and ended up finding more than he had bargained for!

As a young boy of age 19, Jimmy Nelson trekked the length of Tibet on foot and with this, his journey to lands far off and cultures much forgotten, began. Accompanied with a small camera, Jimmy documented the people that he met. Little did he know that this would become not only his profession but his passion for the rest of his life.
Jimmy Nelson travels to the remotest regions of the world and documents vanishing indigenous people in their traditional settings and attire. For him, it is a very personal thing, it is his way of showing them his respect and love, of admiring them for their richness of tradition and heritage, and perhaps of asking the same for himself; respect and acceptability for who he his and what he believes in.

While there is not much that holds similar between Jimmy and his photography subjects, he is able to communicate and befriend them in a matter of a few hours. How it happens? Well, giving a very visual and candid demonstration of the exercise, Jimmy said that whenever he would come across an indigenous tribe, he would immediately surrender before them as if he were helpless and weak, and they, strong and powerful. Giving such a message of vulnerability would completely ease off the once-threatened and once assured of establishing their supremacy, they are quite approachable and warm. There's more to it though, you have to exalt and glorify them in a way that they feel elated and dignified, which, according to Jimmy, is how they actually should too, for they are the few guardians left of this rich, mysterious lifestyle. All this is done with the use of any words, as language is a barrier between them, but with his behaviour and actions, Jimmy is able to bridge that barrier quite effectively.

According to Jimmy, indigenous people have mostly been shown in very negative light, as people who are uncultured, wild, barbarians, cannibals, while may perhaps be the most peaceful clan inhabiting this world, for they live as one with nature, they are in contact with their tradition and heritage and with themselves, which gives them a certain serenity, purity and harmony. He continues to say that very rarely have these people been shown in a beautiful and dignified manner and his book, Before  They Pass Away, has compiled with the sole purpose, of showing these cultures in their true light, in a dignified, iconographic way.

Whenever Jimmy goes out to search these lost cultures, he discovers more about himself too. For him, it is all very personal, very interlinked. When he glorifies and celebrates them, he is making a connection stronger and greater than a visual art piece. For him, the journey towards the photograph is as important as the photograph itself, or maybe more. What he achieves in the process of accomplishing a photograph is more precious to him than any material gain. How he is able to turn spearheads pointing down at him to eager faces wanting to be photographed is a tale you can never grow bore of. The same people, who a while ago, considered him a threat, are in a short time, holding reflectors to assist him in his photography. It all sounds quite beautiful, bringing it all down to being human, to admiring each other despite differences, to respect differences and celebrating the common values that we all have as humans.

Jimmy's book, Before They Pass Away, has won him international acclaim but the journey has just begun. He is a photographer with a bigger, deeper mission though, or why else did he travel all the way back to the tribe he photographed to show them the published book. Noone has ever made such an effort but for him, it was only fair to not treat his subjects as mere subjects of an artwork but as humans, with emotions, feelings and curiosity, who may not have any understanding of his work but by him making an effort to share it with them, may form a closer, deeper, beautiful connection of understanding and friendship, above and beyond all differences that hold them (and us) apart!

(the article is based on a talk by Jimmy Nelson as one of the speakers at Beaconhouse SOT event in Lahore, Pakistan)

to know more, follow this link

http://www.ralphlauren.com/us/en/magazine/jimmy-nelson-interview

Mission Educate Pakistan!

'The education crisis in Pakistan is serious, its big and it needs the educated to step up and own it!'
These were the words of Nadia Naviwala who was speaking at the Beaconhouse School of Tomorrow event on the topic of  'Pakistan's Education Crisis'.

Stating alarming facts and figures regarding the state of education in Pakistan, she shared her findings from extensive research from all provinces where the issues ranged from absent teachers and stagnating enrollment to deplorable standard of education. While the general belief is that not enough funds are allocated for the education sector in the country, it was both a relief and a disappointment to know that its not the amount of funds, but the way these funds are managed, that is the real problem! Relief because money can no longer be used as an excuse and disappointment because despite having funds, we are unable to deliver because of our lack of will and honesty.

When education is not a priority but treated as a mere political stunt to win elections, facts and figures become an eyewash, created only to look good on paper!

One of the major areas where the education budget is spent is on the salaries of teachers, which would've been a delight had those teachers been doing their jobs too! Sindh is on the forefront when it comes to rewarding teachers who don't even come to school, showing an absolute lack of political will and leadership!


While the picture may appear bleak, there are some positive steps being taken too as in KPK where the education graph is gradually showing progress, the vision of the education department farsighted and deep. With the emerging trend of private sector stepping up and assisting government in raising the standard of the public schools by either adopting them or partnering with them, there are still officials who are not looking to shy away from their responsibilities. When asked about his opinion of the private sector getting engaged with the public schools, the education minister of KPK said, 'It is 'my' job to fix the private schools and instead of handing it to someone else, I should be doing it. What else am I getting paid for!' and one does hope that this spirit is shared at all levels of the government throughout the country.

There are some very vital questions that we as a nation need to ask ourselves and arrive at a consensus for a shared vision when it comes to education in Pakistan.The future of Pakistan will not just be the elite, but also the neglected, illiterate and lost youth that is overlooked with convenience. Do we have a vision for what kind of citizens we want to become and live with or for us, Pakistan is only one segment of the society? Do we care if we see a child of school-going age out in the street? Are we ready to take responsibility for kids other than our own? Voicing these difficult questions, Nadia stated the example of Sweden where communities took it upon themselves to make sure that every child was going to school, getting quality education and why not,  as citizens it is only fair that we step up, fill gaps and not just identify problems but even become part of the solution!

Strangely, there is a very visible lack of interest of Pakistanis in Pakistan. Everyone feels that they have the option to leave, many have left, many are in the process of doing so and the rest, well, they are trying to get their hands on anything and everything they can, but with causes like TCF, Akhuwat and Nur Foundation, you see hope too, though its light may still be too bleak, needing many more to hold the beacons of unity and enlightenment.

Another aspect that I cannot stop thinking about is what exactly is education teaching us. If even after getting educated, we are dishonest, corrupt, insensitive, irresponsible and selfish, then what good has education brought us! If our teachers,clerks,, lawyers, doctors, ministers, leaders, all come from the same community of the 'educated' then wouldnt it be only fair to expect a certain degree of character and ethics from them. Where is our education system failing to instill these basic seeds of what it means to be truly educated!

If even after spending 7 years in a school, a child is unable to write his own name or read the word Pakistan, then we all, the educated, are guilty of a crime as big as murder for depriving a child from his right to education is like shutting doors of opportunities, growth, vision, empowerment and possibilities for him. Master Ayub may not have a campus to boast of, but he does have passion, sincerity and commitment to his cause and that is something we most essentially need, the rest will follow, I promise!

Minimalism Soon Will Become a Necessity!

With the way things are changing, minimalism will cease to be just a spiritual path or style statement, it will become the need of the times

global warming, climate change, greenhouse gas emmisions, pollution, you name it and im sure you must have heard of it as these are some of the very grave issues the entire world is facing today.Mostly climate change is taken as a government or corporate policy issue where the emphasis is on enviroment friendly production methods and legislation to counter this menace. However, when studying the phenomenam the consumption patterns of the scoeity  also need to be taken into account.

How Many Gallons of Water is in a . . .

Car
It takes an estimated 39,090 gallons of water to make a car. It's unclear if that includes the more 2,000 gallons used to make its tires--each tire takes 518 gallons to make. [1]

Pair of Jeans
It takes around 1,800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to produce just one pair of regular ol' blue jeans. [2]
Cotton T-Shirt
Not as bad as jeans, it still takes a whopping 400 gallons of water to grow the cotton required for an ordinary cotton shirt.
Single Board of Lumber
5.4 gallons of water are used to grow enough wood for one lumber board. [3]
ndividual Bottled Water
This irony shouldn't be lost on anyone: it takes 1.85 gallons of water to manufacture the plastic for the bottle in the average commercial bottle of wate