The Drone War.

Participating in my first ever MUN (Model United Nations) and being a member of the UNSC Crisis Summit has vitally made me aware of the world out there. I never dug into the reasoning of drone strikes by the US. I never chose to have a view of the Talibans. But all of this eventually happened. It wasn't until I came across a familliar yet not-completely known crisis as follows:

"The Tehreek-e-Taliban have captured the US Embassy in Karachi. They threaten to kill 3 men as the clock ticks ever hour until or unless, the US agrees to fulfill three demands:
1. The Obama Administration chooses to evacuate US Military from all Pakistani areas.
2. NATO supply should not pass within the borders of Pakistan.
3. Drone strikes should be called off at once."




I wouldn't doubt calling it my favourite crisis as it has, certainly, widened my knowledge. Anyhow, looking at the demands- would you not you call it the demands of us Pakistanis and not just the Tehreek-e-Taliban? We want the same to happen, don't we? Our safety, our demands arise as the first priority here.

What interested me the most was the 3rd demand. I recalled my flashbacks- sometimes when I read the newspaper with headlines claiming the loss of civillians in drone attacks, sometimes the TV shows that outlined the miserable lives of the victims and sometimes, my family having a 15-20 minute 'debate' on this topic. And it also happened to be that I was always the first one to run out of the room to avoid that disturbing, confusing talk! But in the real world, it's not confusing at all. Not the slightest bit. It is all clear, right in front of our eyes. Of course, it is still disturbing though.

The United States of America claim they give off orders of drone attacks in order to completely kill or, destroy in other words, the terrorists. Anyone ask about their succes so far? Meanwhile, U.S. drones are killing children and terrorizing families abroad. Earlier this year, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism found that 176 children have been murdered in Pakistan alone. And along with drone attacks, an average of 4.8 children are killed per day in Afghanistan where earlier this year, a U.S. sergeant is reported to have killed 9 children. Will these murders be deemed worthy of our thoughts and prayers, or even our news headlines? (Source: PolicyMic)

My say to USA out loud: Something about this seems entirely hypocritical; you as Americans largely ignore when your own government, in countries around the world, murders innocent children but when an American child dies, your media and your nation can focus on nothing else. 

Pakistan’s president while terming the US drone attacks as “counterproductive” said these were damaging popularity of both the governments and stressed the need to find a way out. Speaking to a delegation of US Senate Foreign Relations Committee at the presidency in Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari also voiced concern over continued militant attacks on Pakistani troops from the Afghani side of the border. The president pointed to the sacrifices Pakistan had made in the fight against militancy and said there was a need for acknowledging and appreciating these sacrifices. He said terrorism was a global issue and there was a call for global and international efforts to eradicate it. What I think is that the blame-game will not serve the common purpose of defeating the militants. Instead of calling off the entire world to take action against the Talibans, why not demand the US take a step back?

Sadaullah Khan, a 15-year old boy who lost both legs in a drone strike says, "I used to go to school … I thought I would become a doctor. After the drone strikes, I stopped going to school." There in the U.S., parents worry that they might have to attend the funeral of their own child. But there government strikes fear into the hearts of parents abroad when it kills their children during funerals. When they worry about the safety of their children, apparently they forget that it is their drone strikes, their money and their democratically-elected government that cause the same fear in select countries around the world including Pakistan.

It is humanity what counts here. Wrecking houses will not get any of us anywhere. Every single person in this world should worry about the lives of not just children but civillians and the worldwide community. Not just the Americans, or the French or the Pakistani. But every single person out there. Security is the right of the people on this earth and we shall strive hard to give it equally.

Revolution.

It has probably stricken to you ‘What’s Tahir-ul-Qadri doing in Pakistan?’ He had been in Canada all this time and his sudden appearance in Pakistan this winter has raised concern among millions of people. From what I know he hasn’t been a political leader until now. It’s comprised his aim is to free ‘Pakistanis who are frustrated with a government that they say has given them nothing but unemployment, electricity blackouts, and terror attacks’.


Where did TQ come from and how did he mobilize so many people so soon? The truth is it took him 30 years of academic service, hundreds of thousands of speeches, 1000 books and lectures all over the world, teaching 2 generations of muslims globally. What you missed were his 30 years of serving a subject that did not interest you. Neither were you probably aware that his lectures have been broadcasted (recorded and live) on PTV since the early 80's (and then banned by Zia), twice everyday on QTV, ATV, ARY. Plus, huge amounts of media coverage from Europe and most superstar news chans. But we don't watch or listen to bearded people. Ever. Unless its ZZ Top! Or Gandalf. But it did interest millions in the world. Some of whom have travelled from all across different places to be with him in his march, donated millions to this cause, paid for his security and bullet proof vehicle because it matters to them. So does the future of Pakistan and the future of pakistan matters to them. And maybe they could afford the media campaign and security measures. It doesn't have to be funded by an agenda or agency. It could. Maybe it was. What if its not? Do you know for sure?  (Courtesy: Faisal Baig)

Internet posts are flying through terming the whole situation as the ‘Green Revolution.’ It’s supposed to put an end to corrupt leaders in the government. “I am here for you, for the people of Pakistan.’’ Tahir-ul-Qadri appealed the people to realize the situation of Pakistan. He said:
•You won’t get this situation next time. The time to change is Now, or Never.
• Come out and join for your own sake. I am here and struggling on behalf of Pakistani People.
• People watching on Television should come out and change Pakistan.


The best thing I liked about Qadri’s long march is the fact that it was ‘peaceful’. The supporters had brought their blankets, even ready to camp overnight in spite of the cold weather. The estimated 30,000 people held Pakistani flags in their hands showing their support for a united, peaceful Pakistan.


Tahir-ul-Qadri represents no political party and is simply here to ‘rescue us from the slavery we offer to corrupt governors’. I will have no further say to anything judgemental but yes, I largely support the cause. This Revolution has been long awaited. It’s finally time to change and make Pakistan a well-governed, safe place. 

The Green Revolution; ‘’ We stand with the citizens of Pakistan who are calling on their State to conduct the country's elections in accordance with the full letter and spirit of the Constitution, for the implementation of true democratic principles, to protect civil liberties and universal human rights. We urge the leaders of Pakistan and key international players to support us in delivering real political participation of citizens, and politically empowering the weaker classes of Pakistani society to ensure the values of justice, fairness, equality, and rule of law.’’ 

Wishing Pakistan a great future ahead!

An inspiring personality.

Do you want to be a source of inspiration or a simple role-model? Feel free to question yourselves- Are you one of those people who have the same common misunderstandings among one another? Are you the type who wouldn't look onto yourself before changing others? Are you someone who would take offence easily? Someone who thinks they’re the best in the community? 

In this phase of life, a human being ought to face various problems. At times, they’d pass comments on others which might be inappropriate. Often, people will just be proud of their qualities and forget they should still look for defects. Or even a nakhrey wali wife would suspect her mother in-law for something unusual. (StarPlus all the way!) Anyway, in my eyes, an inspiring person is he who has a diamond-like personality. Someone who would do wonderful things and not brag. Someone who’s willing to change for good. On a deep study of proverbs, I have been influenced by the ‘truth’ that has been laid into them. As you read below, you’ll realize how simple thinking matters the most. Get ready to add loads to your to-do list.

-  You can conquer the whole world with words but not with drawn swords. Kind words ward off enmity and grudge, and also mend broken hearts. Ask a man, ‘’what do you want?’’ and his answer will not be friendly. Ask him, ‘’what can I do for you?’’ and the reply will be mild and friendly. Kind words keep the heat light. One can conquer the world by saying kind words, never with battles or wars.

- You can’t tell a book by its cover. Only a deep study helps one evaluate, not just merely looking on something. Judging a book by its cover is like taking things on their face value, and you do realize it is not the right assessment. The cover design on some books can totally be irrelevant, but attractive. To judge a book, the synopsis/summary on the book cover helps to some extent. To judge a book whether it is good or not, one must read it carefully and the same is true in assessing fellow humans. Don’t speak about them unless you’ve known them for a long time that’s enough to judge a person.

- You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs. Nothing can be achieved or gained without taking the necessary steps, however difficult or unpleasant they are. Making an omelette requires certain steps. For example, first to hold the eggs carefully and lightly tap them to break them open. (I’m guessing why I simply just mentioned the first step. Yes, cooking is not my thing) Without treading on the correct path even with obstacles on its way in which one can succeed, you’ll clearly begin to show signs of ‘not-mush-of-a-hardworker’. This is the same as when a farmer cannot reap a harvest without stepping into the slush.

- Listen to that which is well-said even if it is from the mouth of the enemy. Weigh what you hear rather than see from where it originates. People love to air their opinions. These people also include our near and dear ones and at times, our foes too. A well-wisher’s tip need not to be right. At the same time, you rival’s advice need not always be wrong. Weigh both opinions and acts accordingly.

- Little pots soon run over. When people with little knowledge act mature and wise they soon fall flat on their surface. The capacity of little pots is rather less and soon they become full and overflow. However, big pots with a large capacity, take in more but do not run over. Little pots here are compared to men who are less learned but act as if they know it all. Whereas, the wise men like big pots, take in more, but never brag about it.

Public speaking.

The mike can be your way of spreading magic.

I believe the weakest quality of a person is lack of confidence. For people who are shy, building up confidence in themselves especially for situations like public speaking is necessary. In situations like these people who lack confidence become nervous, depressed and confused.

On my journey as a student, taking part in different competitions has taught me a lot. 'A new broom sweeps clean, but an old broom knows the corners.' In this field, I have yet to pass qualifications as the old, experienced broom. However, here are some tips that I hope, will help you.

1. Never be bothered. If someone laughs at you, consider it better because you never know whether your speech is interesting or humorous.

2. Be positive. Even if your speech isn't up to the level, your way of speaking alone, can bring an appreciable change.

3. Avoid nervousness. Make yourself thoroughly prepared before hand.

4. Just go and do it! You don't have to worry about what other people think when you speak. Learn to avoid over thinking.

5. Don't ever look down while speaking. I personally consider this as the first and foremost tip. Looking down straight into your speech shows lack of confidence and lack of 'will-power'. If you're taking part in a debate competition, will-power is what judges look for.

6. Don't hesitate. You have to deeply know about the topic you are talking about. Understand. In case you forget, speak what flows into your mind.

7. Express yourself. This is how you can fight nervousness away. It is the heart that decides on an act and the tongue voices it.

Public speaking is where you learn 'how we succeed' is as important as whether we succeed or not. If you want to change your personality, thinking and your future give it a go. The mike awaits you.

Don't let it decline.

On just another ordinary day at my cousins place, Auntie suddenly exclaimed ‘it’s time!’ ‘Time for what?’ I asked. I got no answer but I could see. This was a strange scenario. The whole family had curled up in the couches in front of the TV. On the screen, was airing a Turkish-dubbed drama. But the real strange part was to come two weeks later when almost every other Pakistani channel was airing a Turkish drama. What was so fascinating about it? What’s that Pakistani dramas lack? Everyone I knew of was watching one Turkish drama or another. I am totally against this. Not completely, but mostly.

Now, there are several reasons for this. Whoever came up with the strategy that airing Turkish-dubbed dramas would make their TV Channel business successful is unaware of the loss. You must have noticed the main prime times (usually 8-9 p.m) when the ‘star’ serial of a specific TV Channel airs, has been ‘taken over’. Taken over by the Turkish-dubbed dramas. The ‘greed’ of the TV Channel owners has led to the disappearance of vast Pakistani dramas.

The dubbing of Turkish dramas is also, partly, a source of discouragement to our Pakistani directors. With the increasing influence of these Turkish serials over a vast majority of people, our Entertainment Industry might face decline. Or revolution, perhaps.

The serials also spread false culture. From the clothing to the environment and thinking of our community- everything can change. Slowly but surely, the growing influence will lead to a tradition that would, most certainly, not be approved of. Pakistani’s can be at the risk of losing their cultural identity.

On a note of opinions by those in favor, they state the Turkish-dubbed dramas have different stories. The same Pakistani drama serials with the same actors and a common moral are unattractive. They provide a change, an off-track from the same, old serials. The airing of the Turkish dramas which partly is a source of encouragement, at the same time. Newcomers/Young producers, directors or story-writers will now have competition that will lead them to produce highly appreciable TV serials. I approve of this.

However, as you must have noticed, what I am against is specifically, the great height of the featuring of Turkish-dubbed dramas. It can be done to a certain extent. Not too much, not too less. Just medium and satisfactory. Referring to the current position, I’d say I’m unhappy. But it’s not the end. We have now. If the future is horrid and the past is rather attractive, you know it’s a wrong track. It's a request to not let our 'entertainment resources' run out. Here’s a formula I think is the Math itself; Competition +motivation= Possible +simple i.e Possimple.