14th August, a DAY of celebration, wishful thinking and the day ends … life resumes but is it only a holiday that actually ends for us?

Singing milli naghmay and all readied up to represent varied Pakistani cultures

(more…)

Oh yes PTCL with its new and revamped look sets you free to call local or nationwide for free today … 12 am to 12 am .. are you enjoying the service :-)

When 14th August comes, Islootitees have very fewer choices to go … Blue Area being the hot favorite and Must for most of the people and then the Super and Jinnah super markets and not to forget the MIGHTY constitution avenue …!

And How you decorated your home for this day?? I remember liting up so many diyyay for Pakistan’s 50th b’day :) Any memories to share??

As Pakistan enters into the 61st Year, I pray in words of Faiz for my beloved home.

PS: BuzzVines started this thread few days back stating I LOVE Pakistan, Do You? … I extend this question to our readers :-)

I thought to write about something good on the occasion of our independence day, perhaps at least think of one good thing that was worth transmitting on a positive wavelength from the capital. Unfortunately a series of events unfolding right before the big day made me change my mind.

Earlier there was a common opinion in the country that the Federal Capital is situated 50 KMs from Pakistan. That was said because the infrastructure and facilities in the capital were considered better than the rest of the country, considering the fact that “better” is a relative word. Although that statement might have been true half a century back, there is no point in sticking to the dogma when infrastructure conditions are deteriorating right before our eyes. A capital devoid of most of the basic amenities of life. I am sure when it comes to gauging quality of life, most people look back with that innocent look in the eyes, quality of life, what is that supposed to mean?

(more…)

As the 60th independence day of Pakistan approaches, sights like this are going to be more common around us. People we bless with our glance and then move on …!

PS: not a shameless promotional act but what do you think about going big?

Seems like our dear MNA can discuss anything these days that can avert the nation eyes from Emergency and the rising suspicions associated to it. Finally their eyes caught the RED FLAG on the new flashy Thousand Rupee’s Note.

The person who designed these notes clearly left many points … or may be he was such a fan of Turky that he thought of honoring Turkey like no-one ever did … hence BRAVO, it’s almost the flag of turkey we’ve on our prestigious new Rs. 1000’s note.

One MNA debated that: “As per rules the cabinet committee approved the designs of the new notes before sending it to the prime minister for approval. The cabinet and the prime minister are also involved in the process”. Seems like cabinet is too fond of saying YES to everything without passing a second glance.

BTW, the older currency in run was far better off in quality and size than these newer ones. The paper quality’s taken a deep plunge down, size is small, striking similarities in denominations as Rs. 20 and Rs. 5000 … and ironically, SBP is trying to convinmce us that now even blind can tell difference berween the denominations; it’s only us, the ones with eyes, having difficulties.

So in 60 years we at last managed to give pakistan a RED LOOK …!

For more: Click through BBC
(more…)

It was the other day that I was waiting for some people to get off their black Corolla in a tight alley in front of some shops that something the driver did forced me to take stand. And I seriously felt that as a nation, our attitudes must change! What the driver did was to proceed to back up into the ally to parallel park in a space that was behind his car. Two things, not only was he backing up in the wrong direction in a tight alley, he was totally inconsiderate of other drivers behind him who were waiting for his begum sahibas to get off (the car).

14th of August is round the corner and looming menace of one wheelers on Islamabadi avenues and their pillion bombardiers (using crackers) is ever present.

However, help is on the way. A strong deterrent issued by the Islamabad Traffic Police says,

The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has decided to award two-year imprisonment and fine up to Rs 5,000 as the maximum punishment according to the law to people performing motorcycle stunts on roads like one-wheeling.

ITP’s camera equipped vehicles would also check violations by motorists on roads. “A mechanism has been devised for checking traffic violations through the installation of cameras. With proper monitoring by the Traffic Police control room, the cops’ performance would also be ensured.” [Link]

Some of us think that they too have a right to enjoy the independence day celebrations just the way other people do. I support this thought, only if they do not infringe on the celebration or participation of others. Not only in Islamabad, this phenomenon of taking to the roads and streets on motor bikes with mufflers removed seems universal in Pakistan.

Today we are 60 years too late of bringing any sort of good reform to our civic manners and limits. If it is of any use, lets try not to be party-poopers for the families that only want to drive from zero point to Abpara to the constitution avenue and then Jinnah Avenue just to see the beautifully lit buildings.

I love ITPs lovely ‘attitudes must change’ approach, because they HAVE to, and I get to know that my tax money is being spent, in one good way or the other.

In exactly seven days, my country [Pakistan] will be 60 years old and weak.

:-)