Oct 8 was one catastrophic day in the history of Pakistan. While the official death toll is about 80 k, people speculate about a hundred thousand casualties happened that day.

Living in Islamabad, it seemed a big thing but not that big a thing.

I still remember I came back from office early in the morning to sleep and then waking up at about 9 am ( I had a night duty that day ) due to the earthquake. Islamabad only suffered the collapse of the Margallah Towers. It wasn’t until sometime in the afternoon that it was partially revealed as of what a ruinous disaster has hit the country.

I lost a few close relatives myself.

Like they say – time doesn’t stand still.

I salute all those who helped the reconstruction, and who moved forth with a positive attitude helping Pakistan getting out of the hard times.

I salute you all…

Anyone up for some barf ;)

the picture suggests that heat is scorching at the moment in beautiful Islamabad.  And the girl is not so happy about having her ice lolly being shared ;)

Stay cool everyone.

As for me .. this journey at IMB was absolute fun … but I guess its bye-bye time now that I lingered on for some time ;) Will see you when hit Isloo again Inshah Allah .. and the occasional hello hi’s ^_^   2.5 years here were helluva good …  IMB will stay close to my heart  .. yup the drama queen thingy. And IMB gals and guys .. when I come back .. we’ll have a grand meet up :)

Until then ….

ps: hoping people are as active to help IDPsof swat, malakand divison and buner as they were during earthquake days.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 hit Islamabad mildly today in the morning.

Apparently there was no damage.

For rest visit The News.

Such an amazing piece I read yesterday in paper. Have a read :)

Safdar Hashmi of Fateh Jang holds a record for retrieving the highest number of people from the debris of the Margalla Towers after it collapsed in the 2005 earthquake.

On Monday he set another retrieval record he chased a runaway bull for 13 kilometers and caught it. His village folks said the chase started when the bull bolted as soon as the 35-year-old young man had paid Rs.42,000 for it for slaughtering it on Eidul Azha.

“And he ran on an empty stomach,” added one admirer.

Even more amazing was the villagers’ claim that throughout his hot chase over rough terrain Safdar kept his family informed about his location through his cell phone. Last time his good work was recognised by prime minister of the country. This time he hopes Allah would reward him. The bull could only be ruing its pace.

Post made originally on December 28, 2006. Re-published :)

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This Sunday I made a trip to the “Mandi Maweshia” also known as Bakra Mandi that is being placed in H-11 this year – yes you are right the same ground where last year earthquake affectees were placed.

I don’t know if it’s large place that’s making the number of sacrificial animals lesser than every year or what … but I guess it’s enough to cater the needs of Islooittes.

Just step in the locality and a very familiar “Goaty smell” or as I normally say “the feeling of Bakriat” is what you’ll feel. Don’t worry move on. To be honest, this was the first time after so many years that I actually stepped inside the bakra mandi … face to face with all bakras and dunbas and gayays. So it was interesting too and incidentally I was the only girl in whole Bakra mandi at that time taking portraits of bakras aka goats and stylish “phedoos” aka sheep with utmost tries to stay as far as possible.

Few tips for newbie who may go out to look for animals just for fun with their parents, or maybe friends …. Few terms that are associated with Goats are:

Kheera: It’s the animal that is of 1.5 – 2 years old.

Donda: This animal is of 2+ age and usually have 4 teeth in front.

Choga: This is of around 4 years of age and is considered a bit older with not very good quality meat.

Please correct me if I’m wrong or any additions to this “knowledge-base”

The range of goats (sorry we didn’t asked for Bulls or camel :>) would go from 7K to 20+ for an average to a very good piece. Do take tips on your way to buying a sacrificial animal for differentiating between a healthy and sick animal … and do look thoroughly if the animal is hurt from somewhere.
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The QAU Relief Fund for the Balochistan Earthquake sent its first consignment of aid (amounting to approximately Rs. 100,000 worth of tents and food packs) on Nov 3, 2008, to the villiages of Varm, Kan, Bangla, and Koas in Ziarat District. For information about the next consignment, please contact:

Fawad Javaid, 0306-5552247
Murad Kasi, 0333-7898167
Hamdullah, 0300-5055262

Students at Quaid-e-Azam University have organized a relief fund for the victims of the earthquake in Balochistan. For more information, contact any of the following numbers:

0333-7898167
0333-9127128
0333-4252584
0321-8006880
0334-2466924
0333-7946386

A powerful earthquake has hit different parts of Balochistan this morning. The current confirmed death toll is 165 and thousands of people have been injured who have been shifted to local hospitals. Thousands of homes have been completely destroyed leaving at least 15,000 people homeless in extremely harsh cold weather.

According to Ziarat’s mayor:

“There is great destruction. Not a single house is intact.”

Our duty to our brothers and sisters in Balochistan calls us. We did whatever we could for the victims of October 08, 2005 Earthquake and our efforts didn’t go in waste. We make an appeal to unite again and show a greater level of unity, enthusiasm and love for our Muslim brothers and sisters in pain.

Karachi’s FAST come up with instant plan for relief. You can view details here to be a part of the relief program.

Image Courtesy: Dawn

Post Text courtesy: Pakistaniat

Like every 1st May, posts are made and news pieces are written all over the globe to share the care we have for the labor class.

Regardless of the fact that do we pay any heed to their needs or the simple fact they are all-human-just-like-us on other 364 days of the year; the picture below can cause anyone to feel instantly en grief for the poor kid who’s working when he’s still a youngling. But in today’s soaring dearness what more to expect?? Be it an adult or a kid … both have to work hard to earn a few bucks only. That hardly helps in meeting the two ends.

I read a few articles today and ‘am for many days crying out about CHILD LABOR at large. The situation seems similar to those earthquake days when, oblivious of the difficult terrain of Kashmir, western media was saying Pakistani army is not just trying hard.

Child labor is an issue that needs to be healed deep. When their are mouths to fed, they dont care about age. And for that matter should they be?? With milk, oil, flour, meat, chicken, eggs, vegetables, rice … all out of one’s reach … you can do two things. Either Steal/Beg or Earn. And they are earning.

What do you think?? Will we be able to eradicate this … will we ever be prosperous enough to give books in these beautiful lil’ hands. About knowledge, they are gaining it though the hard way.

As for US, we are enjoying yet another off-day … sad it doesn’t collide in with the weekend.

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A mild earthquake (4.0 on richter scale) was reported on sunday evening at 5:49 PM. I dont recall feeling anything (thankgod) but anyone out there did?