Shehzad Roy and “Chal Parha”

Shehzad Roy a renowned, talented, compassionate singer and also the owner of Zindagi Trust recently did a program called Chal Parha.His this program has introduced some happenings in the country as well as in some minds.

Shehzad Roy

Starting from the schools, he says that he has reformed the once dilapidated government school into a model that can be looked upon by the government in order to revamp other schools and institutions as well. His belief in promoting quality education and inculcating the need of reviving educational awareness has lead to an increment in his fan following and has appealed a mass audience.

Coming to Roy’s show Chal Parha, it is an effort to spread the message all over Pakistan or in other words an initiative to portray that picture of Pakistan which needs more Paint Brushes and colours to develop a better Pakistan. But here come many opinions in which we observe support as well as some hiccups in accepting the ideas outlined by Roy.

Some say that Shehzad has discouraged too much inclusion of our Islamic Victors in our textbooks thinking that this leads to the outcome as a terrorist. They are of the opinion that our Islamic History is needed to be taught openly and comprehensively and this will not lead to becoming a terrorist. Some people also disagree with the points he has presented to improve the curriculum. Such as his one point says;

Remove discriminatory contents (based on Gender and Religion) and tradition of presenting the twisted history in our books should be end.

This one is conceived by some as an intention to secularize our education system. Moreover, he has also demanded to eliminate the inclusion of Islamic war heroes and historical Muslim personalities in chapters.

Shehzad Roy started this program with the purpose of highlighting the following issues in public schools;

·         Corporal punishment

·         Medium of instruction

·         Population

·         Textbooks

·         Curriculum

·         Teachers etc

Undoubtedly he not only succeeded in throwing light upon some important issues that needed to be looked after but also lead to the passage of bills in implementing the requisites. Furthermore, his effort in voicing out the wrongs and the act of bringing in limelight the issues that are ‘deserve to be considered’ is commended by many people in Pakistan.

Chal Parha

The disagreements and agreements with Shehzad Roy’s work will carry on, and they carry on every time a voice is ousted for some purpose. But the most important message that the state of Pakistan exhibits is that, we all should stand and work uprightly with intention of seeing a better Pakistan or utilize our career in a way that would contribute in the emergence of a developed Pakistan. 

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Microsoft Windows 8: A Refined Innovation

Microsoft Windows 8 is the latest version of Microsoft OS which is being used on PCs, laptops and tablet PCs. It was released on 26^th October 2012 and the operating has been in stores for half a year. Windows 8 is available in Pakistan since the start of November 2012. Windows 8 is available in two versions at retail in Pakistan, Windows 8 and Windows 8 pro.

Microsoft Windows 8

Microsoft Windows 8 has significant changes as compare to its predecessors. It was the biggest change in Microsoft OS since Windows 95. Windows 8 has introduced a new Modern UI interface, Windows 8 Windows Store, security enhancements and performance improvement.

Microsoft has hosted a new Modern UI interface in Windows 8. It was a radical change in the interface of Microsoft OS because from Windows 95 to Windows 7, it doesn’t take much time to switch between the versions. Windows 8 features a new touch user interface and shell based on Microsoft Metro design Language featuring a new Start Screen with a grid of dynamically updating tiles representing applications. This Start Screen replaces the Start Menu of previous versions of Microsoft Windows.  It also features a new lock screen with clock and notifications. The desktop is relegated to the side lines to make use of so called Modern UI Interface. This interface is designed to be used with the Touch Screens as well as the mouse and keyboard.

Windows 8 Modern UI Interface

Windows 8 takes advantage of new and emerging technologies. I also feature built-in antivirus software to prevent malware from causing boot process and files. Internet Explorer 10 is included as both desktop program and touch optimized app. Windows 8 introduces a new style Windows 8 Apps which are specifically designed for  touchscreen environments. A large variety of Windows 8 app is available in Windows Store. It contains games, social networking, office, sports, news, weather and other apps.

Windows 8 used with Touch Screen

Windows 8 has damaged the market of PC’s badly in the last three months because it causes the evolution of PCs beyond laptops and desktops into Tablet PC’s and other new devices. Several changes were also made by Microsoft in Windows 8 to make it more friendly and usable to the users which are familiar with the older versions of Microsoft Windows. Still, Windows 7 is leading the market of Operating System but it seems that Windows 8 will become a mostly used OS in future. 

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5th February : Kashmir Solidarity Day

Kashmir Solidarity Day has been observed on 5^th February each year since 1990 in Pakistan as a protest against Indian control on part of Kashmir. It is a day dedicated to show Pakistan support and unity with the people of Indian occupied Kashmir, their ongoing freedom struggle and to pay homage to Kashmiri Martyrs who sacrificed their life struggling for the Kashmir’s freedom.

Beautiful Kashmir

               This day is observed by people throughout Pakistan and Azad Jammuand Kashmir (AJK). Kashmir Day was first proposed by Qazi Hussain Ahmed of Jamat e Islami in 1990 in Pakistan. Since then, there is always a public holiday in Pakistan on 5^th February. It is an internationally recognized day observed by the people, predominantly Kashmiris worldwide. Special prayers are offered for the liberation of Kashmir and protests are carried out against the Indian Oppression of Kashmir.

               Kashmir dispute is a core issue between Pakistan and India. It has led Pakistan to face three wars and have devoted a major portion of their national incomes to defense budgets. World leaders have stressed the need to resolve the Kashmir Dispute between India and Pakistan to avoid an eventuality that may cause a catastrophe in the region. The long standing Kashmir dispute is a threat to Peace and Stability of the region and it is a major of cause of continued tension between the south Asian nuclear powers.

               It is Pakistan views that the International Community and Governing Bodies should force India to stop shedding the blood of innocent Kashmiris. However, the international communities except China refuse to interfere in this conflict and maintain that this matter should be resolved bilaterally. Government attaches the great importance to peaceful and durable solution of this dispute in accordance with the United Nations resolution and aspirations of the people of occupied Kashmir.

Protest against Indian Oppression on Kashmir

               Kashmir Day has a particular importance to major political and religious political parties of both Pakistan and AJK. All political parties including coalition partners of government, religious parties, opinion leader and people from different societies organized different procession, rallies, conferences and long marches.. They also advocate the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute. People use different slogans to support the Kashmiri’s struggle and to express solidarity with them.

               President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, Prime Minister of AJK and President of AJK Abdul Majid would issue some special messages related to Kashmir. They will express solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir. A convention will be held in Islamabad to pay a tribute to the Kashmir martyrs, who sacrificed their lives to get self-determination. The Prime Minister will also host a dinner in the honor of prominent Kashimiri leader of occupied Kashmir.

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YouTube Reopening.....

From November, December onwards the PTA has been ordering to unblock YouTube, but what is the actuality in their sayings remains a big question mark. Due to the blasphemous content that was being shown on this website, it was blocked in Pakistan in the yesteryear. It is understandable that our government in an act of protest blocked it, but thinking in a wider sense there could be other solutions as well if considered this matter thoroughly. This content surely did hurt each and every Muslim but being a Muslim, we should have thought wisely and taken measures that depict our feelings in decency. Blocking a whole website, yes would stop that offensive content from being shown, but would thereby dismantle the struggle of students who look up for this site in tutorials.

               There are kids who rely on YouTube for conceptually understanding, learning and gathering information regarding their subjects. And undoubtedly they assist themselves from it, some even look up to it rather than admitting themselves in an institute for learning something.

Youtube

               Keeping this in view, specific content on YouTube could also be blocked rather than closing the website. Enabling the safe mode option in YouTube is an option the individuals can take; after all it’s a loss students are facing due to its closure. Albeit, many take it for granted, but there are keen individuals there who assist themselves through it, be it technological, political, relating to projects’ information etc.

               According to a spokesman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, no orders were issued to reopen YouTube; the reason we here it’s reopening but see our limit while accessing it. Clearly, this is not the solution the PTA has taken; they can and should go for a better resolve of this problem, at least for the sake of those who really use it beneficially.

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City of Lights seems to burn

Karachi "City of Lights" is the largest city of Pakistan with the population of about 20 million. It is a metropolis city and identified as a heart and center of Pakistan. It is a financial hub of Pakistan and a seaport. It is also referred as Mini-Pakistan because people all over the country come to Karachi in search of business and work.

Karachi - City Of Lights

               Since the PPP democratic government has taken over the country, about 4000 people have been killed in the city. The political reconciliation has proved to be a complete disaster for the resident of city. The government of Sindh has totally failed to provide security to the citizens. Persistent deteriorating of law and order, kidnapping, brutal target killing of political and religious people, money extortion, bomb explosions and packed dead bodies found in sack are pushing the country towards lawlessness and destruction.

               These days every type of crime is going in the city. Extortion, kidnapping for ransom, thefts, ethnic killings, bomb blast, land grabbing and many other crimes are leading in the city. Getting hold of the major share of the extortion is the bone of contention between the political parties which is a cause of violence in city.

Target Killing

               Killing of about 15 people in the city has become the trend of every day. Mostly, victims are the workers political party, a religious party, a businessman and personal enmity. Fast growing extortion causes the death of businessmen in different areas of Karachi. Police force is incompetent and politicized hence they are not being able to take control over the unlawful conditions of the city. Criminals have complete freedom to move here and there with the weapons in the city and cause violence and terrorist activities in the city. They feel it easy to torch public properties, vehicles and to kill someone without any difficulties.

               Karachi being recognized as “Illuminated City”, now has lost its serene and vibrancy and giving a desert look like curfew and war-torn area. It is a very frightening, worrying and upsetting situation for all citizens of the city. Not a single person feels secure to go out for work. Even parents are worried to send their kids to schools and other educational institutes. They feared to travel in public transport and to go in public places because there is always a danger of terrorism going in the mind of citizens.

Public Transport set on fire

               Hot debates are going on TV channels, newspapers and internet in order to cope with the extensive lawlessness in Karachi but not a single prominent has been noticed so far. The limited safety and security measures taken by the government are proved ineffective. Even the suo moto action taken by the Chief Justice last year on Karachi killing not yet yield the desired result as the perpetrators were neither identified nor brought to justice. Also the two big political parties in the city, MQM and ANP have demanded the army operation in the city to muddle through the law and order disability in the city.

               Not only the citizen of Karachi, but the people from all over the Pakistan have been praying for the complete cleanup of the criminal activities from the largest city of Pakistan. They are demanding army operation or emergeny in the region and are hopeful that the control of army will bring peace in the city and Karachi will be able to become a “City of Light” again.  

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ICC Women World Cup 2013: “Women Challenges Began”

WWC 13 logo

10^th ICC Women World Cup started today on 31 Jan 2013 hosted by India. India is hosting world cup for the 3^rd time. India has hosted the world cup in 1978 and 1997. The tournament will continue till 17 February 2013. This tournament will be a most important and central event in the women cricket calendar this year. Although the event is being held in India, but there is no such excitement like the men’s cricket.

               8 teams have qualified for the championship. Teams qualified for the tournament include England, Australia, West Indies, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Teams have been divided into two groups A and B. Group A includes India, Sri Lanka, West Indies and England. Group B contains Pakistan, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Group A matches to be held at two grounds in Mumbai and Group B matches to be held in Cuttack. Each team in group will play other in a round-robin fashion.

Group A Captains with WWC Trophy

               Defending Champions England will defend its title this year. They are also declared favorite for this event. England has won the women world three times in 1973, 1993 and recently in 2009. Charlotte Edwards is leading English team. She is playing her fifth successive World Cup. England team is also featuring 8 players from the winning squad of 2009 World Cup.

“We are attracting loads of young girls who want to play the game. We have changed people’s perceptions about women’s cricket a lot. Hopefully this tournament will be another step in hammering that message home.”

said England’s captain Charlotte Taylor.

Charlotte Taylor with WWC Trophy

               

               Australia has won the Women World Cup five times. They will begin as favorite to qualify for Super Six from Group B. Group B also contains New Zealand which was winner of 2000 Women World Cup and runners up of 2009 World Cup.  Group A also includes  India which stood 3^rdand Sri Lanka stood 8^th in the last World Cup.

               India team leading by Mithali Raj is playing Kick-Off game of the tournament against West Indies. Tournament features the Best Batswoman Mithali Raj from the hosts India who is entering the tournament as no one batsman.  Also no 1 ODI bowlers in the ICC woman bowler rating Katherine Brunt is representing English side. She has named 76 ODI wickets to her name.

               Sana Mir is leading team Pakistan. Pakistan team has the experience of Sub Continental conditions which may help them in this event. Pakistan team is staying in the club house of Barabati stadium for security reason. Pakistan team is more worried about adapting the new ODI rules. Captain Sana Mir said:

“We have not played under the new rules where five players have to be inside the circle at all times and the use of new balls from both ends, we must get used to them before tournament starts”

Three teams will advance to Super Six round from each group and best two will qualify for the final, which will be played on 17 February.

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The Kaghan Valley...

The Kaghan Valley, a great tourism destination is located in the Mansehra district of  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The valley is famous for its enthralling beauty and bewitching attraction and is one of an excellent tourist resorts in the Hazara division. It is named for the town of Kaghan and is extended for 155 km rising from an elevation of 2,134 metre to the highest point. There the people speak a language by the name of Hindko (A language known to be spoken by the people living in hilly areas) and Urdu and Pushto are also spoken there. The Kunhar River with its cold water flows throughout the valley carrying the delicious trout fish joyfully eaten and enjoyed by the visitors and tourists. A vacation in the shelter of this valley where fragrance of beautiful flowers, streams, glaciers, lovely forests, villages and furthermore a spot famous for its spectacular view called as ‘Shogran’, surrounded by peaks and forests east of the Kunhar River, hosting the popular Siri-Paya mountain with its breathtaking views,  organise its beauty, no one can resist.

                 Trekking and hill walking can best be performed in this valley, where routes are perfectly available all along. Moreover River Rafting and kayaking are the recent sports under development near the Kunhar River. Trout fishing is like a pastime favourite activity for many there. The valley is best during summer having a temperature between maximum of 11 and minimum of 3 degree centigrade.

                    The Kaghan Valley, grabs the utmost attention of its tourists through the magnificent lakes such as Saiful Muluk Lake, Dudipatsar Lake and Lulusar Lake. 

The Saiful Muluk Lake traces back to a folktale of a Persian Prince and a Fairy princess, Dudipat is covered with high peaks, and it is the most difficult place to reach in this valley and Lulusar Lake being the main source of Kunhar River has wildflowers in almost all colours.

The pictures of this valley, being totally scintillating, speak for themselves about the beauty and the tranquillity that prevails and attracts the tourists.

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BPL without Pakistan

Finally, Pakistan Cricket Board has declined to allow its player to play in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2013. PCB has not issued No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Pakistani cricketers to play in BPL. BPL 2^nd Edition will be ahead without any Pakistani Players. PCB’s spokesman Subhan Ahmed told BCB that no Pakistani player has issued NOC until BCB gave them a confirmation and a schedule for Bangladesh tour of Pakistan.

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)

               51 Pakistani players have signed the contracts to play in BPL 2013, but not a single player is going to represent in BPL this year. However, Pakistani players are more popular in Bangladesh but PCB has pulled out its player from Bangladesh domestic T20 tournament. These players include Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Shoaib Malik, Saeed Ajmal, Imran Nazir, Umar Akmal, Ahmed Shehzad and others.

               PCB also said that if any board wants to approach players, it should approach their parent board and seek for their approval. They didn’t tell PCB about the tournaments condition and seek permission at the very last moment. It is embarrassment when boards are bypassed and players are approached directly, the PCB said.

               A spokesman for the PCB said:

“We have no report from Bangladesh about their plan to tour Pakistan before the start of the league and we have not yet taken any decision whether to release the players for the league or not,” 

Imran Nazir playing BPL 2012

               Pakistan was focusing towards the Bangladesh tour to Pakistan to play a T20 and an ODI this month which would be its first international game since 2009. But the BCB has cancelled the tour saying that Pakistan is not safe for their players. BCB has decided to send its security team to Pakistan to have a report about security, and sought more days from PCB. But till Tuesday, there was no development in this area.

               the BCB chief said:

“Now we have decided that BPL would go ahead without Pakistani players. With the competition just two days away, they backed out. This is an unexpected and uncalled-for situation. The second edition of the BPL is a challenge for us. We have also communicated with all 7 franchises and have told them to choose replacements”

               PCB has desperately been making efforts to convince an international cricket team to organize a successful tour in Pakistan. Pakistan has not played any international cricket in their home since the militant attack on the Sri Lankan Cricket Team in March 2009. It has been playing its home tour on a neutral venue and has been doing many efforts to arrange a tour at home.

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Justice: A Need of Every Pakistani

Pakistan is a Muslim country which came into being after the great struggle and sacrifices of thousands of Muslims. The problem which is being faced by each and every Pakistani is facing since independence is Injustice. This is a huge problem facing by Pakistanis. But why this problem remains unsolved for such a large period of time? Why not a single Pakistani succeeded in bringing justice to all Pakistanis? This Question is revolving around the mind of all Pakistanis.

Justice for all

                    All poor and weak Pakistanis are suffering from the cruelty and superiority of the stronger one. Bureaucrats and landlords have been controlling this poor nation since independence. A farmer has to live under the feet of landlords to survive. Why we are not capable to live our life independently?

                   Recent incident of Delhi gang rape, unite all the people of India. Leaving behind their religious and cast differences, all people stand together for the justice for the victim however most of them were unaware of the victim. Why all Pakistani didn’t stand together for the justice like them?

                  Regularly many people have been murdered. But no murderer has been arrested yet. No target killer has been punished for his sinister activities and no victim has achieved justice for their lives. Many families are suffering from the injustice and begging the concern authorities to provide them the true justice.

                  This problem is the main problem of the current Pakistani nation. Now , we should unite ourselves on a single platform and start struggle for the justice. If we don’t unite to stand for the justice today, it will risk our upcoming nation and our next generation might have to face more serious issues later. 

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