http://www.facebook.com/events/470642742969492/
Monday 1 October 2012
Saturday 18 August 2012
Lahore with a Bite
Lahore,
La- hore, the heart of Punjab and therefore also the land of the pure; The city has always had a mystical halo
around it; history suggests the city’s original name, "Loh"
or "Lava", was
named after the son of Rama, one of the Gods from the Hindu tradition, the name is seen
in the ancient scriptures of the Ramayana.
There
are many faces of this city, and it would be difficult to capture them in any
one piece; nevertheless, I had the fortune of a view through a window now
perhaps half shut, ‘Lava’s’ world of Urdu writing, literature and creativity.
No
longer on Mall Road, the literary
cafes, Intizar Husain graciously met my friends and I in his Shaadman home. His home piled up with books
from top to bottom the Deon of Urdu fiction was equally amused at entertaining
our curious questions. An open house to those still interested in literary
discourse; vivid and clear memories of old ‘Loh’
were revealing and reaffirmed how the city’s culture has irrevocably
shifted since ‘Independence’.
Independent
movie artists, and Urdu writers gather at Nairang Gallery every Sunday, to
‘hang’ and remind themselves, yes in spite of the stifling smoke of the city’s
haze, genteel ideas have a corner still. Surprisingly, the restoration of the
famed ‘Pak Tea house’ was of little
interest to those who were its luminaries’.
At Nairang, Nayar Ali Dada, gratefully created a space for those who
freely gather and banter about all things culture and literature. The gallery
is adorned with art, furniture and a few books for those who would like to
peruse.
Amidst,
bookshelves and old Lahori furniture, Aqeel Ruby, Zahid Dar, Ikramullah, Eruj
Mubarak, Khalid Ahmed and more discuss, over a simple cup of tea and pakoras, the state of Urdu fiction writing in Pakistan.
Not too bright but still hopeful, the conversation continues. I heard and
observed two facts; the group’s average age was 70 years old and Pakistan has
no ‘independent of Government Literary Award’. Hmmm Wow. Why?
A
delightful evening with a young lawyer cum poet- of Urdu, was also
insightful. The language Urdu, in its
contemporary form, has limited tools to express, explore and espouse modern ideas
and realities we live in NOW. Why I asked? Rational argument, the process of a logical
progression of thought is rare in Urdu prose. There is no original
philosophical thought, ideas, and tools developed in Urdu. Moreover, the
reality of modern life, lifestyles, and individual feelings are rarely explored in contemporary Urdu
fiction. The use of allegory, poetry and suggestion is preferred- an avoidance
tactic, one could say, however beautifully evoked or constructed.
The world of fiction is a reflection of the
pen’s worldview. The language must expand to include new social, intellectual
and contemporary lived experiences and more importantly, allow it to influence
the world of the language and hence the
writing- otherwise the thought tools will remain time-bound and limited. If the body of work remains nostalgic, and its
narrative restricted the Adab will
also.
The
contemporary writers in Urdu cannot or do not explore social issues ‘outside’
of the ‘accepted’ norms determined by writers primarily before 1947 or through the 1960s
only. The necessary evolution of writing since then is absent. How apt yet
ironic that even in the world of the artist the heavy hand of the ‘censor’ has
penetrated to stunt the development of how we communicate amongst
ourselves in Pakistan. George Orwell would be proud. History will not remember
us.
Pakistani
exceptionalism , a concept I revisited while in Lahore. Most Urdu writers’
audiences are in India, why, because the readership market is larger, and if
the body of work is decent it will be translated into Hindi and possibly other
regional languages. Fact. To remain alive these are simple realities of Urdu
writers, (the lingua franca of the land
of the pure). Moreover, literarily, the most respected critics of Urdu writing are in
India. Exceptional we maybe, since the Urdu writers of ‘note’ are in Pakistan, but certainly Urdu,
remains alive and thrives, because we maintain our natural and historical links
with next door.
A
biting incident took me to a Christian Hospital in Gulberg. Deserted, clean
and run down I was treated by two smiling lady nurses. Throughout my treatment,
I couldn’t remove the image of Mohammad Hanif’s Book ‘Alice
Bhatti’ ; I asked them if they had read
his book, very amused they replied with a shake of their heads. The cost
of my treatment Rs.100. Exceptional. How can a medical establishment run on
such returns? I was also surprised at the absence of any patients in a hospital
in the middle of the city?
As I drove out of the city along the Canal, negotiating through the insane traffic of
animals and like minded vehicles, I wished some day, my generation could also
witness the glory and culture that once walked and breathed in this grand city,
instead of reading or hearing of it, that too in the historical sense, wondering
if that was really possible in
Lahore.
Monday 6 August 2012
Friday 3 August 2012
Sea, by a city called Karachi.
My impressions of Karachi have changed.
A fishing village a hundred years ago,
today is completely bereft of a seaside culture. A very strange phenomena; but
then Pakistan never ceases to amaze.
There are no seaside cafes as such, no sea
sports or sportsmen/women/children noticeable anywhere. The public beaches are
frequented primarily by burka clad, high shallu wearing families strolling along
the outskirts of the sea and beaches; very incongruently and awkwardly engaging with
nature’s source of life. Occasionally a child will rush into the waves out of
curiosity and quickly retreat in response to worried cries. The Maya Khans of
the world have ensured the few adventurers or romantics will never be swaying
hand in hand along the waves of Sea view.
Of course this is completely not the experience
of many Karachites who don’t share public spaces with the many. The hut
culture, the private beach parties and GTs don’t quite contribute to the ‘feel’
of a city; that’s inside stuff, hence I exclude it from the ‘Karachi as it is
seen.
What I enjoy about this megla polis is its
multi cultures; segregated by ethnicity and religion, but the milieu is
nevertheless fascinating. Sufi shrines at so many corners, with traditions and
rituals so specific to each, one can't be blamed if one thought how powerful
rituals have overtaken the spiritual. An Italian convert and a mureed visiting a ‘saint’s’ grave
everyday to wash and cover it with fresh flowers for 30 years; has found a
following of her own, by amazed bewildered and awe struck locals. Paying homage
to ‘Qalandars’ of the water, Karachites, feed crows and fish at ‘Netty Jetty’ (netty having come from
‘native’) to wade away ‘evil eyes’. The
city is full of mystery, rituals and folklore.
Ranchore Line a neighbourhood with Shia Boras
living alongside their Imambaras
and five beautiful Hindu temples and its communities, is special; the Rangers
are visibly all over, reminding us the communities may have lived here for
generations but perhaps aren’t too friendly any longer. The kind of garbage and
the heaps piled outside the Mandirs are also testament of disregard, disrespect
and pure civic apathy.
Conversations about civic social
responsibility are also interesting in this city. Private neighbourhood
committees in Mohammad Ali colony, primarily an ‘Urdu speaking area’ share their
views on the new ‘dirty Memons’ who have moved in recently and will not pay
Rs.50 per month to clean the neighbourhood garbage. Such clear-cut ethnic geography and
anthropology is bewildering to an Islooite’ or just naïve to think caste was
left behind with partition.
Memories of Burmese Muslims who moved into
P.E.C.H in the 1960s are very insightful; I am curious given the focus it has garnered
in our public forums. It is a small community in Karachi. Some of them are
‘Irani’ some from ‘Silit’. The community is tight nit and practising. Memories
of Burma from a member of the community, Temples, Pagodas and Mosques side by side, but
there were clashes between Muslims and Buddhists for sometime, primarily
because Muslims were uncomfortable with ‘idol’ worshippers and tried to intrude
and convert. These influences of ‘seeing differences’ and trying to change the
equilibrium of religious tolerance are blamed on outside money and outside
Muslim clerics. Interesting, the observation of the Buddhist monks attacking
the Burmese Muslims was doubted, Burmese monks don’t wear brown habits,
which is what the monks were wearing in the video.
A city which had 13cafes and bookstores on just
one street, Regal Road (now chowk) today has, the lone pre partition bookstore
Thomas and Thomas amidst the electronic khokas run by beards & paan chewing
hawkers; completely bewildered why Mr. Naqvi refuses to pack up with next to no
customers frequenting his very quaint literary establishment. I suppose it is
because of Mr. Naqvi and his ilk, that a city develops and maintains its
character. Kudos to Mr. Naqvi and his perseverance.
I love sweets. I don’t appreciate the nerve
numbing fructose overdose of the Pakistani variety. In Gulsan e Iqbal, at Dacca
sweets, on the other hand, the ‘Bingos’
have brought a little of Cal or Dhaka
with their Sandesh and metha dhai which is just… divine.
The Dhaaba,
Biryani of the Seas, not by the sea, but along posh Bath Island serves
gorgeous, mouth watering seafood grilled, fried and in biryanis; interesting
was the Goan curry, although not so Goan, but the variety of South Indian
coastal cuisine on the menu.
Karachi, outwardly sea less, a city under
siege by the beards, and thugs is layered by so many cultures and yet, looking
for a Sindhi restaurant in the city is impossible; finding a scholar on
Hinduism outside the Temples is next to impossible; but in these contradictions
and within the city’s energy there is still hope.
Thursday 26 July 2012
Ramzan Time
We can’t eat in Ramzan- publically, why?
There is no compulsion in religion and since when has ritual become religion? Hence the Ehteram-e-Ramadan (reverence of Fasting) Ordinance, issued in
1981, makes no sense.
Those who believe, acknowledge there are
many who can’t fast even if they
wanted too. Those who choose not too, why should public spaces, habits, and
services seize for them? No one is preventing anyone from fasting; so why
should those who choose not to fast be ‘prevented’ from functioning as they do
normally?
And
We have made every man's actions to cling to his neck, and We will bring forth
to him on the Resurrection Day a book which he will find wide open. Read your
book; your own self is sufficient as a reckoner against you this Day."
Holy Qur'an (17:13-14)
The month of ramzan is a period of
reflection, meditation, introspection and soul searching. The point of fasting
and what we ‘gain from this process’ cannot be achieved by imposing a code and forced
public behavioural norms that are untruthful. As a community, hypocrisy has
become a way of life now; say you believe, dress
to be seen to believe and believe what you will. As long as the facade is publically maintained the intent and
spirit be damned.
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number……And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know." (2:183-84)
It is deeply disturbing and sad that we
live with this hypocritical attitude and our children grow up with learning and imbibing these double
standards and observe superficial notions of what religion, rituals and faith
has become in the Islamic republic of Pakistan.
‘Allah intends for you
ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. ..’ (2: 185).
Muslim identity has become so fragile, that
its markers have been reduced to outwardly behaviour only. No longer can we
distinguish between hypocrisy, truth or falsehood.
The uproar around Veena Malik’s program on
Express News and the complete silence on Amer Liaqat’s on Geo is a prime
example of the absence of moral judgement in general and in the month of ramzan
in particular. None of the television channel owners have made decisions that
would send out appropriate messages to its viewers, neither have the
advertisement agencies signalled with their withdrawal of support for programs
and anchors, which are merely masquerading, perpetuating a farce, in the month
of deep introspection and reflection. Public viewers don’t seem to have a
mechanism to respond either? The public has little if any control or ability to
respond to those who beam without any regard to content or the messengers they
choose.
The Quran forbids us
from judging others. This has been expressed in many verses.
Say:
"I am no bringer of new-fangled doctrine among the apostles, nor do I know
what will be done with me or with you. God is the ONLY one who can judge
humans.(
Then it will be for (only) Us to call them to account.
There is no running away from the truth.
Pakistan and certainly Islam will not wither away by public eating during the
month of ramzan nor will open discussions on television about the meanings this
month has for all Muslims, including Veena Malik. Our faith and our religion
are open to interpretation by all who choose to explore Mohammad’s (pbuh)
revelation. There can be no judgement by anyone but that of our Lord's and to him only we turn
too. The decision is personal and not the State’s to make. Respect us all.
Monday 23 July 2012
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Madaris in Pakistan: Truth and Myths with Maulana Jahangir Mahmud
http://www.facebook.com/Kuchkhaas/app_57675755167
Thursday 12 July 2012
Friday 6 July 2012
Spaces of Knowledge Production in Pakistan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ_9auVY2LM&feature=g-all-u
Thursday 5 July 2012
Gender and Islam U reading Patriachal interpretation
Gender and Islam Un reading Patriarchal Interpretations of the Quran 2 Link: http://youtu.be/
Wednesday 27 June 2012
Islam Series: Gender and Islam
Event: Gender and Islam Un-reading Patriarchal Interpretations of the Quran-1
Link: http://youtu.be/
Link: http://youtu.be/
Monday 25 June 2012
Islam Series: Space of Knowledge Production in Pakistan
http://www.facebook.com/events/344575632278897/
Friday 22 June 2012
Weep Democrats in Pakistan!
Nilofer’s Corner
Weep Democrats in Pakistan.
June 22nd
2012: 211 Members of The National
Assembly of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan elected MNA Raja Parvaiz Ashraf,
aka ‘Raja Rental’ as our Democratic Prime Minister; a discredited corrupt
individual who was dismissed from the PPP led Cabinet as a result of his
corruption. The National Accountability
Bureau received millions of rupees from 'Raja Rental' in return for amnesty
against ‘some ‘ of his corruption cases.
In spite; Asif Ali
Zardari is hell bent on bringing forward those forces in this very fragile
society who believe this country cannot be Democratic and can only be ‘saved by
the security establishment’.
This political
party which touts democratic credentials and at every opportunity screams
victimhood and defends corruption of all its elected members will be
responsible for ending any democratic development this country can begin
evolving towards.
What is most
disturbing are the Liberal and democratic individuals who continue to support
this political party and its current policies. Conspiracy theories with
substance abound that the Boots will be stepping in to ‘save’ this country from
this spiraling mis governance and economic crisis. What is completely absent is
the responsibility of these 300 elected members if this nightmare unfolds Again
continued
uncritical and absolute support for this corrupt PPP and its Alliance is
criminal and paving the way for the boots returning to Pakistan.
Democracy does not
mean keeping in office 300 odd members of Parliament in business. Democracy
means working towards improving the basic needs of 180 million souls starving
for justice. No excuses. If you cannot translate your ‘supposed democratic and
liberal values’ into policies and actions then this political party and its
supporters need to reflect upon the consequences. Leave the business of
governance to those who can amongst you. Leave it to those who have the guts to
take the risks necessarily to change the lives of ordinary Pakistanis for the
better.
As democrats there
is logic why we support this means of governance. It is suppose to ensure
accountability and ensure a better life for every citizen equally. That means
condemning the murders of your Governor and Minister of Minority Affairs
alongside those MNAs who have their sisters married to the Qur’an. It means
firing those responsible for keeping OBL safe in Pakistan for five years. If
you espouse democratic values then prove it! Its not complicated.
Democracy is a
system in which ousting those who do not work in the interests of the nation-
is automatic. That means ensuring those who flout the laws of the land do not
represent the nation!
Democracy is
supposed to reflect the views, needs and future of its people. If this is
absent in Parliament and the personal interests of just 300 is its purpose- why do Democrats support this farcical lot?
The myths of
better governance by the undemocratic military regimes not withstanding, the
inability of public scrutiny of the Military institutionalized and not so
institutionalized corruption, is strengthen by the absolute despicable
disregard of basic moral ethical behavior by our elected members.
Asif Zardari
chose out of 190 members of Parliament; that One who represents all that is
disgusting. Rental Raja is now supposed to lead the Nation out of the power
crisis he is partially responsible for? Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, KPK are
burning, violence is rampant, frustration is at an all time out of control
level and Zaradari asks the people to eat Cake; in the name of democracy. If
this isn’t a red rag in front of a frustrated bull I don’t know what is? What
does Democracy mean in Pakistan? Weep
Pakistani Democrats weep.
Tuesday 19 June 2012
Need for Heroes in Pakistan?
Nilofer’s Corner
Need for Heroes in Pakistan?
I suppose in a
feudal semi literate country, more accurately a society, a single Leader or Heroes
are essential? The need to follow is a serious hindrance in this land of pure.
In constant wait, despair has set in. The inability to move forward, or
struggle out of this malaise and inertia has become critical. This existential
crisis is eating away the mental and psychological body politik of Pakistan.
As a coping
mechanism frustration has translated into violent behavior. No mama or papa has
emerged to lead the children out of these dark times. Chaos
exists. In this purgatory we remain and wait.
Some of the Heroes’
of our time, South Africa’s Nelson Mandala, Tibet’s His Holiness the Dalai
Lama, Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi, and perhaps our very own Abdul Satar Edhi;
what lessons can we learn from their lives- to get out of this purgatory?
Each one of these
Heroes did not wait for a movement to act according to their conscious. They
followed no Heroes. They waited for no one.
Conscious
were led by convictions which looked beyond the welfare of their personal
lives. All of them sacrificed tremendously, but continued to struggle and were
rewarded by the overwhelming support of the public-eventually.
The societies’
they came from are/were repressive, oppressive and perhaps look as if they
would never change-certainly not by one person’s opposition! That assumption
was proven wrong in the end. They succeeded in their endeavors in-spite of all
the challenges they faced.
The manner in
which each one of these great individuals conducted their struggle has been
politically counter intuitive. There is no Machiavellian theory that can
‘explain’ their success. There is nothing status quo or real politik that can analyze
the successes of these individuals. They represent an idea. A movement led by
their behavior but based on an idea of change. They never faltered or
compromised on those ideas.
Most inspiring of
all the qualities they possess, is the sheer will power, which moved nations
towards change. The moral integrity they relied upon never faltered.
Most pertinent for
us in Pakistan, none of them relied on outside foreign aid, far from it;
foreign aid in many instances supported those who crushed their ideas. In the
face of overwhelming challenges, economic sanctions, power of the state they
maintained a staunch perseverance. The people were the source of the
strength and change-not money or political maneuvering.
Their notions of
national interests are human interest. Not strategic or regional or nuclear.
Just simply the well being of the average jo smo next door; rich or poor; men
or women; good old fashion dignity, freedom and prosperity for all. Peace at all cost!
None of these
individuals played to the gallery, or colluded strategically with any segment
of the establishment of their oppressive and regressive regimes. They didn’t
play ‘politics’ they weren’t playing a game and yet they were not delusional,
they weren’t idealistic; they simply did what was needed to be done for their
community. Simple.
Lesson for
Pakistanis’. Don’t wait for anyone to show you the way. You are a Hero. Be a Hero.
Saturday 16 June 2012
Deciphering "Gates"
Nilofer’s Corner
Deciphering
‘Gates’
Since the revelations
(peace upon who did) of Malik Riaz’s generosity (s) towards our power elites
have surfaced, the theories of Why dominates most reasonable analysts mind
space? Who is behind this ‘conspiracy’ or attempt to bring some ‘institution(s)
into disrepute’?
Most of what
occurs in Pakistan seems complicated but is not necessarily. We are a Security
State in which one institution has dominated and owned the nation’s discourse,
narrative and future. That is clear.
The media although
rowdy, obsessive and unprofessional in many instances, is but a reflection of
Pakistan’s social, ethical and educational state of affairs. Rational,
responsible, mature behavior is absent amongst our elected folks too, certainly
amongst our security establishment, always reminding us, who is against us, how
many enemies we actually have; hence those whose job it is to ‘report’
‘investigate’ and ‘inform’ the public are naturally pulled into this psychological
pathological ‘gandh’ as well.
The people, most
of the 180 million souls either gape in continued disgust at those who rule
over them; or have very little interest in what is happening at the centers of
power while struggling with basic needs of their families. This of course I am
also assuming! Because their is no mechanism to gauge the general public’s
sentiments. Neither are their voices represented on television, print or in
Parliament, thus I am assuming those most disenfranchised would care very
little of revelations of moral and financial corruption in a state which
they’ve seen only to be just that.
How do we begin to
decipher what is happening in an environment where everyone seems to be on
speed, acid or perhaps just bi-polar? To begin with any ‘evaluation’ of
behaviour necessitates a berometer of
normal. Since we have little reference to ‘right ‘ or wrong’ or what constitutes ‘crossing any redlines’, it
becomes next to impossible to ‘judge’; what could possibly be a reason for an ‘action
or a behaviour’ cannot be truly understood because baseline behavioural
patterns are unclear?
Ok so my two cents
on the various ‘gates’ we are obsessing over these days; my premise has always
been the number one puppet master in our country has been the security
establishment. All things odious lead back to them.
So why would they ‘allow’ Malik Riaz to go
nuts with accusations, proofs and bring many institutions they use manage and
need into disrepute? The natural answer is that a message is being sent to the
Courts that stop your interference in x y z since we have proof that you /your family are no
better than we are. Hence shattering the
image of the Courts in the eyes of the
public has become necessary. Ending the Public’s romance with an active
‘saviour’ judiciary is critical in insuring that no ‘regime fundamentals’
change occurs.
Pakistan’s
obsession or cultural need to have a leader in shining armour continues, and
hence shattering the credibility of the seemingly ‘clean dude in town’ (well at
least post 2007/Long March avatar) the Chief Justice, leading his band of go
get all who are corrupt in Pakistan, has now become necessary?
BUT it still
doesn’t make rational sense! Why you ask? Well I assume you do ask?
Malik Riaz is a
creation of all things ‘Behria’. Got that. He has proof of EVERYONE’s greasy
fingers. Ok got that too. But once the floodgates of who has benefited from MR actually
opens, it will ALSO include our number one Holy CoWs not so hidden secrets to
emerge in the public. Thus in the 60 odd years where we have never been
‘allowed’ to discuss, inquire, let alone prosecute the security establishment’s
involvement in financial corruption such as land grabbing, institutionalised
corruption with perks, privillages, domination in public enterprises and the
insidious control over those who ‘legally manage’ the state of Pakistan why
would a process leading to them be ‘allowed ‘?
How will these
free for all revelations be ‘managed’ and not lead to the puppet master number
1? One possible theory on how ‘controlling’ the consequences of these leaks
is possible; this is only a staged partial ‘cleanup’ of uncomfortable actors,
along with a very clear message of
flexing muscles, reminding those who need to be reminded who is Boss in
Pakistan!
Thus this is no
free fall, no green light for those who came into the profession of journos to
actually go do your work -in peace! Na baba na; it is perhaps a very public
show of power, to perhaps Dunya television for example, and to some anchors in particular, certainly
the Courts and some judges in particular.
The silence by the
owners of the media outlets both in print and on air is also telling. Sitting
in the corner and listening to signals is probably the best option for there
collective interests?
There is
absolutely no proof or evidence that these series of ‘gates’ has initiated a
process of self reflection or correction inside of or amongst the Judiciary or
the corporate Media. Hence the ‘message’ we can read by these ‘inactions’ as a
reaction to these ‘gates’ are what?
First, there is a
puppet master operating and in control of what was going to be released to the
public. Second, the public is embroiled in revelations which they knew existed
but have irrefutable proof of now.
Third, this kind of chaos and undermining of all public office holders feeds
into the very dangerous support to undemocratic forces in Pakistan. Fourth, the
security establishment is flexing its muscles. Fifth, unless some amongst the
franchised elite ‘react’ to the puppet master’s game plans nothing will change
in terms of Pakistan’s trajectory towards no where. Finally, message has been
received and acknowledged.
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