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

So the Ruyete Halal Committee at last announce that the Shawaal moon’s been sighted and It’s eid here in Pakistan, all over Pakistan, on 1st October. The announcement came at around 11 PM.

The possibilities of moon sighting were near to zero. Saudi Arabia announced the moon sighting yesterday and it was Eid in middle east. A minister in Frontier announced that there are 15 witnesses of moon sighting with him and he announced Eid without Ruyete Halal Committee’s consent. In my opinion, to erase the conflict the Committe decided to have Eid in Pakistan unanimously. Hence it’s tomorrow.

Eid Mubarak!

May the day brings lots of happiness for Pakistan and us all!

Not 18 hours completed and what do we see here? The Prime Minister and President of Pakistan desserts the capital city, Islamabad, for safe waters. At times like this when elsewhere premier of countries cancel their trips and return home. Ours thought the catastrophe done is normal. So, why fuss over a thing that’s not going to stop? So lets visit USA and meet Mr. Bush!

Well actually its all normal, isn’t it? When things happen daily … it comes in normal range, No? Be it Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Bajaur, Anguur Ada or any place else. … after yet again few promises of we are with you sir in YOUR War Against Terrorism. Even if we’ll have to risk Pakistan (and that we’re doing) … we won’t stray away from our promises. Though promises are not hadith or quran. But a promise with Uncle Sam can’t be compromised on. We’ll sacrifice our kids, our men, our women. Let’s make the whole world a 9/11 … to fight thy war of terrorism.

The president who claims, during his fumbled up speech, god-knows-what … must be happily flying in a plane right now. He couldn’t bother paying the site a visit or sympathizing with the poor – common Pakistanis suffering in hospitals. And for our dear Prime Minister … attending a iftaar party in Lahore was much much important.

We are a proud nation! We bicker a lot and we blame each other. We can’t even think straight … act is a totally different story.

Isn’t it high time, govt show some steel in their necks? Take some stern decisions and ACT. Fight the war … but protect your own territories. If I and You can tell who did this … why can’t the govt? FGS. Take your own people into confidence. Stop war on your own people. Start digging for facts please … and Seriously … act before its too late. Though I’m not too sure if its already late or not.

But then these are my opinions … you are free to share your own. Your own theories … and some plan of action if you can suggest would be highly welcome.

I DID whine here … but I know whining would yield nothing. Its time to act.

ps: In case you haven’t watched the CCTV footage earlier released … clickety. Seemingly there was lot of time … but nothing could be done to save this huge terrorist attack.

Yesterday night I was taking olives out of the olive jar from my fridge when this short story came to my mind.

A monkey-trap.

Trapper puts hazelnuts in a jar with a top just big enough for the monkey to slip a hand into. The monkey puts his hand in it and gets a big handful. But now his hand is too big to get out of the jar. He can get away anytime he is willing to leave the nuts, but he cannot bring himself to let go. He will stay stuck there, chattering and shouting, and the trapper can pick him up at his leisure.

Then I thought of the current political situation of Pakistan, and then thought that maybe we – the citizens of Pakistan – have been playing the monkey at the hands of a very few while being in the delusion of being a Pure Patriotic Protagonist (pun intended).

I hope – I just hope that I am wrong…

Pakistan Paindabad (Perhaps) !!!

Musharaf’s Address Today & Resignation(?)

News are Musharaf will address nation at 1 PM today and MAY announce his resignation. End of 9 years reign. Before the impeachment process begins.

Do you think he should step down? But then does his presence makes any difference? or his absence for that matter?

Who would YOU prefer as your next president? Zardari, nawaz Sharif? or some other newly transformed hunk (sigh).

Please tell why you say Musharraf should resign and why not.

ps: For some weird reason the poll i created is not getting embed in.

Pakistan Day Biker, originally uploaded by go2net.

See the Mickey Mouse on our flag… Sigh.

Its interesting, nevertheless :)

IMG_8025, originally uploaded by mafimushkala.

Himmat marda’an =))

Day started with killings.

The state is not very different from the one we witnessed last year. Into 62nd year yet so fragile.

Happy Independence Day.

Though I feel bad for even saying so. We are not Free yet.

As Pakistan enters into the 62nd year, I pray in words of Faiz for my beloved home.

A (proper) Pakistani Flag!, originally uploaded by ~FurSid [XO8] – Busy & Away.

While Flickring, I cane across this picture post and I knew it that I’ve to cross post it on Islamabad metblogs. Last year I even saw Pakistani flags with MICKEY MOUSE drawn instead of the crescent and star.

It’s amazingly awful to see so many different versions of the Pakistani flag that it makes me sick! Sick to the core of my soul that why we do not respect the very flag!??

I have seen many funny versions of different variations like

Various shades of green (even pink and blue! – for god’s sake!).
Slogans and other text with/around the crescent and star.
Different dimensions
Varied versions of crescent and star

I think there should only be one version that we should be using wherever we use!

Here’s what a PROPER Pakistani flag should be (technically):

“A dark green rectangular flag in the proportion of length and width 3:2 with a white vertical bar at the mast, the green portion bearing a white crescent in the centre and a five-pointed white heraldic star. The size of the white portion being one-fourth the size of the flag, nearest the mast, the remainder three-fourths being dark green. The dimensions of the crescent and star are obtained as follows:

“Draw the diagonal from the top right hand corner to the bottom left corner of the green portion. On this diagonal establish two points ‘A’ and ‘B’. Point ‘A’ at a distance equidistant from top right and bottom left hand corners of the green portion, i.e. the centre of the green portion. Point ‘B’ at a distance from the top right hand corner equal to 13/20th the width of the flag. With centre point ‘A’ and radius 1.1/4th the width of the flag describe a second arc. The enclosures made by these two arcs form the crescent. The dimensions of the five-pointed white heraldic star are determined by drawing a circle 1/10th the width of the flag. The circle surrounds the five points of the heraldic star. The star lies with one point on the diagonal at a point where the larger arc of the crescent, if completed, cuts the diagonal.”

The Interior Ministry of Pakistan provides dimensions for flags in different circumstances:

* For ceremonial occasions. 21′ x 14′, 18′ x 12′, 10′ x 6-2/3′ or 9′ x 6 1/4.
* For use over buildings. 6′ x 4′ or 3′ x 2′.
* For cars 12″ x 8″.
* For tables 10 1/4″ x 8 1/4″.

Source: Wikipedia

I’m currently listening to the newly released album of Shezad Roy, Qismat Apnay Haath May.

Mind blowing songs. Impressive lyrics. Songs like Lage raho, qismat apnay haath may, Quaid e azam, Zindagi Feat Abida Parveen, Baro chal are the ones you may want to listen to again and again.

The title song starts like:

(A girl in oh-I-Be-So-Attitude says):
Main mulk se bahar parhne jana chahti hoon
takay wapis akay ghareeb logon ki..
You know jo ghareeb hotay hain..
You know jo thoray say woh hotay hain..
You know ghareeb say?
You know what I mean?
Unki madad karna chahti hoon

Shehzad Roy:
*cough cough*

Girl:
What happened?

SR:
I am allergic to bullshit

The video of Lagga Rahay is already screening. Watch it here.

In today’s political chaos … this is a perfect treat. Time when we are left of past glories and mistakes … wary of the tomorrow. Pakistan ka kiya hoggga. The statements we make on and off and well…. forget everything in little luxuries available to us. Time for some waking up to do~

Ahh the words.

The uniqueness of this album is its release ceremony too. Karachi’s Juvenile jail was the opening venue. ATP reports on the album too.

The message works? In your opinion? At least I’m listening to a song that voices my doubts and worries.

GO HURRY …. grab your cassette/CD now :)