Something has changed - Part 4 (Last)

 To conclude, we are already in closed street. Unless those in real power retreat from their traditional dug in positions, there is little or no hope for betterment. This acceptance is critical that Pakistan’s political landscape has changed forever. People cannot be duped anymore. Please change because something has changed. Or brace yourself for a different kind of change. Pakistan of post regime change is different. There is so much stress in the people of Pakistan right now due to the cost of living, depleting resources, dried up businesses, bankruptcies, layoffs, absence of governance, rampant corruption, political circus and institutions making a mockery of the very system they stand for, that once erupted, no one shall be able to control it. Once exploded, magma shall engulf everything in its way including people who matter but didn’t act when they had to. This is a clear warning of things to come. We/ They need to realise it now. Act fast. Politicians to decide a date of elections. Apoliticals to distance from politics. Allow timely elections in the country. Make peace with the most popular party in the country and move ahead in step before it’s too late. We are as long as Pakistan is. May it be forever. May we see peace and harmony in the country. May we see progress and prosperity in the country. May we not be embarrassed in front of our coming generations. May they not feel as helpless as we are right now. May Allah have special mercy on us. May Allah protect Pakistan. Ameen. 

Something has changed - Part 3

    Some of the readers are very rightly becoming impatient with diagnosis process and asking for solutions. We are almost there. May be one more part after this. 

    Our military history is more political less military. You can get a measure of it by how much land army added to Pakistan of 1947 in last 75 years? How much it interfered in politics? 

      I believe nothing is complete without politics even religion. Though politics and everything else is part of religion. In our accepted system of governance i.e. democracy, military intervention, involvement or interference of any kind is a ‘No No’. Yet, army is all over it. Politicians are controlled like puppets. They are only minions in this game. If military leadership wants damage control, it must come down its horses and stay away from politics. The country has become worst than IOK to live. No individual rights, no freedom of speech, even people’s private lives & parts are not safe from agencies’ eyes and torture tools. 

     Army needs to do a serious soul searching. All the institutions starting from PMA to NDU have failed us when a piece like  Bajwa could get through. Btw I’m not being loud when he is not in power, I vehemently voiced my concerns when he was in power. I did get calls of caution during Bajwa’s reign of terror from known people using unknown numbers. Got one just a fortnight ago as well. But I’m equally responsible & loyal Pakistani as they are. And we must at least say what needs to be said and when it needs to be said. It has become a common practice to start tagging people (with whom you disagree) with political affiliations or victims of 5th Gen Warfare but truth of the matter is ‘something has changed’. Access to information has changed it. People’s ability to decipher information has changed it. But the orchestrators if everything in Pakistan - establishment & its accomplice politicians, have not changed their approach to the issues. They say, ‘change or perish’. Establishment’s current model of controlling the country is not tenable. So change now because something has changed. Change before forced to change. The whole political milieu has changed. Forget about IK/ PTI and it’s narrative, even if it is cornered or suppressed, some other political force will fill its vacuum. If not now, few months and years later, this lava can/ will erupt. I’m not a supporter of IK rather a staunch critic as long as he remained in power. To be honest, I believe he is the easiest man to negotiate balance of power with. Remaining major politicians signify epitome of crookedness. By giving these explanatory remarks I’m being a Pakistani. Only speaking for what is good for Pakistan. But like famous Hollywood movie title ‘no country for old men’, there seems to be no place for Pakistaniat in Pakistan. We can only hope, it does. 

Next part, suggestions & conclusion.  

Something has changed - Part 2

In recent past, something has changed. Most importantly, our mainstream dajjali media - RIP. Like politicians they are redundant. I don’t appreciate those badmouthing  Army & the rest while sitting in cosy western hideouts. They are not brave men rather like that cowardly who abuses from across the river.  Their agenda doesn’t seem to be the betterment of Pakistan and its institutions rather a vent out, personal vendetta or even service to external agenda. Lately, against the odds, some of the critical thinking minds, opinion makers, social media influencers, Vloggers have been able to penetrate people’s minds. Their opinions have greater appeal to masses. Hitherto, all of them were pro army. Even now they see army the same way but not it’s higher echelons. Such is the level of polarisation in the country right now that no one can escape politics or political angling particularly army. Question is why now?

Why people in general and those who support PTI & a large number of youngsters, huge number of middle aged men & women, some elderly even veterans are disappointed with military leadership? What has changed? Something has changed. Probably, the veil is lifted and people are getting aware on how (badly) things have been functioning. How top military men kept a stranglehold on country’s institutions, resources and how well they controlled the narrative by keeping them frightened of the perennial ‘enemy’ India, in Afghan war the Russian scare and then Taliban terror some of whom fought Russia with our help. Kashmir is almost gone but we still use it as pressure point. Entire religious right - political parties (JI, JUI etc), pressure groups (TPL etc) even terror parties are ‘under control’. However, US was never our friend but was neither spotted in our enemies’ list and an unholy, unnatural and unwarranted alliance continues till this day which is not viable geographically and ideologically it’s unrealistic. May be it suits army hierarchy but not Pakistan. This doesn’t mean we make US our enemy. Just coexist as nations do in the comity of nations.  Every which way we look at it, senior army leadership (single digit ie less than ten men in any given time & period) is seen standing in the spotlight. At the same time, take nothing away from lionhearted jawans & brave young offrs who were/ are matchless in their courage and selflessness.  Insatiable lust for power and money has made military leadership Frankenstein of Pakistan. The only problem this country faces is concentration of power into the office of COAS. If we could find a way to resolve this issue, it might the greatest service to the country. 

May be next part further explains what has changed or needs to be changed!

Something has changed - Part 1

Something has changed. Hence, something has to give. Else, the lava is about to erupt. Once it does, it will engulf everything in its way. Those in power are in a state of denial. Those not in power are indifferent to the sufferings. And it can’t get any worse than that. Rather, it’s a sign of things to come ie red hot magma all over the place. 

We may comfort ourselves with the idea that Pakistan was created in the name of Allah. Its creation was no less than a miracle, and there were countless sacrifices which made our freedom possible. But we didn’t value this hard earned freedom. We cannot fix the blame on each other because all of us are responsible for what has become of Pakistan. Not a single person is absolved of this crime. Not a single institution is absolved of this crime.  We have gotten so much used to living dishonest lives that simple truths and acts of kindness appear to be outlandish behaviour. One thing is for sure, we all shall be together in hell. 

Since we all are responsible for the this misery, some of us may have to accept the greater share of the blame. First in the line is top military leadership which directly or indirectly controlled the country, intermittently took full control through martial laws and ironically claims to be apolitical as claimed by DG ISPR just last week. Second in line is the deity of justice. Then are the rest of the institutions, politicians and the rest of us, including you and me. They continue to suppress and we continue to be suppressed facilitated by all institutions between the most powerful and the powerless. And the cat and mouse goes on. Despite all this, people’s romance with the army was never sullied. But something has changed. May be next part could explain what has changed!

Al Kahf’s survival kit against trials

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Hope you had wonderful Eid. Please note that our enemy is at work 24/7. We need greater protection coming out of blessed months like Ranadan. As discussed in last week’s blog entry that all of us go through different trials and intensity shall increase as we edge towards the end of times. 

How to survive these trials? The answers are in Surah Al-Kahf:

Survival kit 1: Good companionship

“and keep thy soul content with those who call on their lord morning and evening, seeking his face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this life; no obey any whose heart we have permitted to neglect the remembrance of us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds.” (Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28)

Survival kit 2: Knowing the truth of this world 

“set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: it is like the rain which we send down from the skies: the earth’s vegetation absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allah who prevails over all things” (Surah Al-Kahf, verse 45)

Survival kit 3: Humbleness.

[Moses] said, "You will find me, if Allah wills, patient, and I will not disobey you in [any] order." (Surah Al-Kahf, verse 69)

Survival kit 4: Sincerity.

“say: “i am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your Allah is one Allah whoever expects to meet his lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his lord, admit no one as partner.” (Surah Al-Kahf, verse 110)

Survival kit 5: Calling to Allah.

“and recite (and teach) what has been revealed to thee of the book of thy lord: none can change his words, and none wilt thou ? and as a refuge other than him.” (Surah Al-Kahf, verse 27)

Survival kit 6: Remembering the Hereafter.

“ one day we shall remove the mountains, and thou wilt see the earth as a level stretch, and we shall gather them, all together, nor shall we leave out any one of them. and they will be marshalled before thy lord in ranks, (with the announcement), “now have ye come to us (bare) as we created you ?rst: aye, ye thought we shall not ful?l the appointment made to you to meet (us)!”: and the book (of deeds) will be placed (before you); and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say, “ah! woe to us! what a book is this! it leaves out nothing small or great,but takes account thereof !” they will ?nd all that they did, placed before them: and not one will thy lord treat with injustice.” (Surah Al-Kahf, verses 47-49)

May Allah protect us against evils of all types. Ameen

Credits: Khurram Taj

Secrets of Surah Al-Kahf

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak and Alvida Ramadan. May Allah accept your fasting and shower His blessings upon you and your family. Ameen 

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) asked us to recite Surat Al-Kahf every Friday for its rich content, lessons and protection against every possible trial in life and in testing times ahead.

This surah has four stories in it, having some morals, lets see them and understand what they are saying to us:

1. The people of the cave

It's the story of young men who lived in a disbelieving town, so they decided to migrate for the sake of Allah and run away. Allah rewards them with mercy in the cave and protection from the sun - they woke up and found the entire village believers. 

Moral: trial of faith

2.  The owner of two gardens

A story of a man whom Allah blessed with two beautiful gardens, but the man forgot to thank the one who blessed him with everything and he even dared to doubt Allah regarding the afterlife. So his garden was destroyed - he regretted ,but was too late and his regret did not bene?t him.

Moral: trial of wealth

3. Musa(as) and Khidr(as)

When musa(as) was asked-“who’s the most knowledgeable of the people of earth?”” Musa(as) said: me…,but Allah revealed to him that there’s someone who knows more than him. Musa(as) traveled to the man and learned how the divine wisdom can sometimes be hidden in matters which we perceive as bad.

Moral: trial of knowledge

4. Zulqarnain

It's a story of the great king that was given knowledge and power and was going around the world,helping people and spreading all that’s good. He was able to overcome the problem of Yajooj-Majooj and build a massive dam with the help of people whom he could not even understand.

Moral: trial of power

In the middle of the surah Allah mentions iblees as the one who stirs these trials:

Behold! we said to the angels “bow down to adam”: they bowed down except iblis. he was one of the jinns, and he broke the command of his lord. will ye then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than me? and they are enemies to you! evil would be the exchange for the wrongdoers!

Now let us see what’s the relationship between surat al-kahf and the dajjal (anti-christ)? 

Dajjal will appear before day of judgement with the 4 trials: 

1. He’ll ask people to worship him and not Allah: trial of faith.

2. He’ll be given powers to start/stop rain and tempt people with his wealth: trial of with his wealth.

3. He’ll trial people with the “knowledge” and news he gives them: trial of knowledge.

4. He’ll control huge parts of the earth: trial of power.

May Allah help us prepare for the trials to come. Ameen

Credits: Khurram Taj

What love’s got to do with it?

Eid Mubarak. For movies buffs, this Eid recommendation is ‘What loves got to do with it?’ A romcom that gives you a good laugh, relives stress and keeps you engaged for 90 minutes. And this is an intentional diversion from tumultuous political circus, growing economic woes and indescribable indifference of Govt & establishment & people to the worsening situation in the country.

Few months back I stumbled into short video clips about this movie written by Jamima Khan. Straightaway, I was interested in the project. Jamima is the Diana of Pakistan. A level headed person. Heard her talk about Islam and it was brilliant, far better than many religious contractors. She claimed this movie would be her love letter to Pakistan. She also promised to show the brighter side of the country where she grew into a woman in a decade (from age 21 to 30 years) as long as she remained wife of Imran Khan. While living with extended family of her in-laws at Zaman Park in relatively conservative environments, she couldn’t get her head around the idea of arranged marriages. In west, falling in love was mandatory to take a relationship to next level i.e marriage. However, over time, statistically she got convinced that arranged marriages had better success rate than love marriages for the reason that parents know their kids best and they choose what’s best for them. Quite logical. Ironically, hers was the only love marriage in Niazis and it didn’t last. So she got fascinated by the idea of arranged cum assisted marriages. “You don’t have to start with love. You end with love. Over time, you grow to love the person you are with”. Kaz (Kazim (Shahzad) British born Pakistani origin hero of the movie). So much that when Jamima’s eligible girl friends in UK would discuss their marriage prospects, she would always ask them what their parents might choose for them and it worked in most cases. So it gave birth to the idea of writing a movie on the subject. 

Jamima has adroitly touched on some real social issues of Pakistanis settled in UK. Raising kids in British or western culture is a daunting challenge. Parents are genuinely concerned about everything and kids are genuinely bewildered on identity issues. 

Movie is a winner in so many ways. I had quit watching movies for nearly a decade now. But this one is different and likeable. Though, my personal favourite is Notting Hill in British ‘romcom’ genre for diction, direction, acting and soundtrack which I watched nearly quarter of a century ago and loved it. But Jamima pulled a top draw without champions like Hugh Grant & Julia Roberts. Above all, it was about Pakistan.

Not giving any teasers but the movie for its initial two third is quite funny. And the whole cast has to come to Lahore for wedding of hero Kaz &  Pakistani bride, Maymoona (Sajjal Ali). This is where I started to feel bad. During wedding boys and girls in Pakistan are shown taking whiskey shots and smoking joints. My initial reaction of disapproval was based on two things. One that Jamima promised to show the brighter side of Pakistani society. Two: the movie was no different from local projects wherein movie makers also focus on petty negative problems of society like Kothas, Eunuchs or women rights abuses etc. I always wondered why couldn’t  they show the bright side? Jamima was no different. Was she? When it all sunk in, I realised she was right and I was wrong. People in our middle class and above are actually like this. Crazy parties, drugs and alcohol is the new normal in this segment of society. We just have to be real about it and stop pretending piety where it doesn’t exist. Even in the movie, it transpires that everyone seems to be pretending. There is no harm in pretending, when you are being patient and trying to save a relation but it is extremely hypocritical to party privately and preach openly i.e قول و فعل کا تضاد۔ We all do that. Jamima has got this one right as well. Initially, I started fuming on seeing young boys & girls of Lahore partying in the movie like hell, I thought I shall write about this movie. Defend own societal values which after reality check, I couldn’t. Secondly, prove to the world that there were so many ills in western lifestyle particularly loneliness. The older you grow, the lonelier you get when you need more and more people around you, you die lone and cold death. Hats off to Jamima she even covered this aspect in the movie in character of Emma Thompson when she dubs next door Khans as her ‘village’. You have watch the movie to relate with situational subtleties of diction/ one liners.

Sometimes, we all need a break from stressful life routine and Eid break is one such opportunity to make the best of it. Incidentally, the movie ends on an Eid day and happy reunion of Khan family though some might have an objection or two on that as well which btw is ‘our National Character to be extremely critical and religious about others’. Whether, you watch this movie or not, have a wonderful Eid ul Fitr.

Growth rate in worst terrorism years

Some of the worst years for terrorism in Pakistan include:

2009: This year saw a surge in terrorist attacks across Pakistan, particularly in the form of suicide bombings. The year is considered to be one of the deadliest in Pakistan's history.

2013: This year saw a number of high-profile terrorist attacks, including the bombing of a market in Quetta that killed nearly 100 people, and an attack on a church in Peshawar that killed over 80 people.

2014: The APS debacle took place this year. 

2016: Several high-profile attacks took place including police academy in Quetta that killed over 60 people, and a bombing at a Sufi shrine in Sehwan Sharif that killed over 80 people.

2017: A number of deadly attacks across Pakistan, including an attack on a police checkpoint in Quetta that killed 14 people, and a bombing at a market in Parachinar that killed over 70 people.

Now look at the economic growth during the worst years of terrorism in Pakistan. 

Lowest growth rate during above five worst years of terrorism was 2.83% in 2009.

In terms of terrorism, last year was no way near as bad as above five years but growth rate was 0.5%. A mammoth  failure by haughty obstinate regime change orchestrators ! 

Most astonishing part is that there are regime change supporters in our ranks. There are supporters of PDM govt out there. I wonder they don't pay utility bills every month, do grocery, get a fuel top up or just never find time to compare cost of life versus inflation versus decline in there personal resource base when dollar (currency used for evaluating your wealth) remains out of control. 

And some have the tenacity to suppprt the most ludicrous claim by the ruling thieves, their powerful handlers and accomplices that there are security issues and no money to hold elections in two provinces. The nation continues to absorb this nonsense and IK, the ostensible saviour, keeps looking towards US for approval to return to power. The indifference and inaction by people and reliance of IK on US to regain power is pretty much status quo. No body is ready to get out of their comfort zone and desire things to change just like that without breaking sweat. How inspiring !!!

Nothing shall change unless we get out and take control of our destiny.

May Allah protect Pakistan. Ameen 

From Absolutely Not to Absolutely Yes

There is enough evidence to suggest that Khan has given up his defiance to US, the country whom he recently called the “slaver” of Pakistan, and blamed for his ouster, has sought protection and patronage from it, in order to get back in power. Again a blunder of proportions. Just like his previous blunders of relying on electables and using establishment’s crutches for para shoot entry into PM House in 2018. I got stick from ‘passionate’ PTI supporters back then, the abuse brigade of youthias and am ready to get some more. But please note that nothing is above Pakistan. Our romance with IK in absence of any hope and amid total dearth of men is not out of line but his human fallibility can’t be discarded. It is a serious compromise on all he stood for. Demonstrating that he has no scruples when it comes to a lust for power by willingly submitting to US. 

For it is well known that American support means subjugation, and she does not provide it unless there are interests, control and concessions. Furthermore, democracy and human rights are merely tools to further political interference, and are deployed only when interests suit. Hence, why American support for dictatorships and absolute monarchies remains strong and extreme violations of human rights and absence of democracy are ignored from US “allies” such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, including turning a blind eye to Saudi atrocities in Yemen. The duplicity of US calls for democracy and human rights whilst turning a blind eye to some of the most repressive and oppressive regimes throughout the Americas, Middle East, Africa and Asia is well known. 

So when American senators and law makers line up in Washington, as they have been doing recently to take Khan’s hand when he has reached out for their support under the guise of human rights and strengthening  democracy, it is explicit that Khan has committing himself to US slavery, the catastrophic results of which will become manifest once he is installed back into power. 

That Khan has chosen the path of slavery has been expressive since Washington’s veteran diplomat Robin Raphael visited his residence and threatened Khan, and brought his “ego” under check through the assassination attempt. Since then in his interviews with the Western press, like a scorned child, Khan has explicitly used the term “his ego” and deployed it as an excuse as to why he blamed the Americans for his ouster. 

Khan’s capitulation to America exposes a pathological problem which has exposed a weakness and instability in his personality for the public to see, although it was evident when Khan was in power for those who have political perception and are not led by emotions and false hopes. The most blatant example of this being Khan’s signing of Pakistan’s economic death warrant to the US tool IMF, after openly stating that the IMF was “death” for Pakistan. Then there was the release of the captured Indian airforce pilot, timed to help Modi when he was haemorrhaging support as a direct consequence of the bravery and skill of Pakistan’s airforce. This being followed up by the crackdown on the Kashmiri organisations and mujahideen under the American sword of the FATF which laid the ground for Modi to unilaterally absorb Kashmir. All achieving American interests. 

Pakistan as a nation is psychologically damaged by the level of corruption that has passed through the decades, and the extent of the looting and political/economic destruction that has been wrought on Pakistan by the Sharifs, Bhuttos and the powerful. Hence, Khan the incorruptible was personally appealing but politically dangerous. Because what has brought Pakistan to the abyss is not the personal element but the support and even facilitation of the destruction by the US. 

In this regard Khan is no different an American bondsman to those that proceeded him and the US structural control no less, even under his leadership. But now Khan’s weakness is openly on show. Those that choose to bury their heads in the sand and peddle false illusions under some misguided sense of a “lesser evil”, are themselves deluded, politically inept, and perpetuate the falseness through a fragility of thought which is overridden by emotion. 

To end Pakistan’s misery and unshackle it’s enormous potential as a power, requires people with strength of character, independence, political acumen and most of all faith that slavery is only to Allah and no power on earth has any comparable and if one takes one step toward Him, He has promised to take two steps towards them. For this is the faith that inspired backward nomads of Arabian Desert to confront and defeat Persia and Rome, a feat unprecedented in history. 

Yet despite this, the irony is, that whilst those who profess to have this faith bow down to America and fear it, yet those that do not possess it such, as the leadership in China and Russia have no fear of America. 

Pakistan as a nation needs to re-establish its pedigree and realise that it was not born in 1947, but is the legacy of Islamic greatness and power which engulfed the whole of the sub continent and beyond. It is the legacy which Modi wants to extinguish from the textbooks of India, just as Ataturk attempted to extinguish it from the memory of the Turks. 

Khan’s submission to US is the red flag raised in this piece. Sense has to prevail before it’s too late. Else we might have to look for people of character, free of love & lust of mundane worldly pleasures- who do not budge against US. This is a fertile land of brave followers of Islam, they just have to step forward and take charge of their destiny.

May Allah Protect Pakistan - Ameen

Does Chat GPT mark the end of creativity?

Let’s first get a measure of human progress pace. Hitherto, progress was measured in centuries like Industrial Revolution 1760-1840. In 20th Century, changes started to happen in decades like relativity, nuclear developments, space technologies, information revolution, internet etc. List is too long if we take into account every field of human progress like philosophy, medicine, agriculture, etc. However, at the turn of millennia, pace of change became nauseously fast. Changes started to take affect on yearly basis like AI, nanotechnology, commercial voyages to outer space, Metaverse and now Chat GPT. I skipped a heartbeat thinking what would happen to our next generations if they stop writing & have excessive reliance on AI? What would happen to creativity-the very essence of human edge over rest of the creations? Good news is Chat GPT is only a helpful tool to get the best probable outcome from existing data. Pretty much an end of an era where Google as search engine literally steered the whole world for info savvy users. Sundar Pichai might have to come up with something more interesting, innovative and inspiring or look for a better job. 

Chat GPT is not a winner either. It will offer quick fixes and ready solutions to emails, searches, routine work etc. But, it will hamper creative process because it will give ready answers to every assignment which if attempted by the learner specially kids, college & university students -may be less accomplished but would remain an original work. But if the same individual has to attempt something new, original and  worthwhile, would be handicapped to produce the desired goods. 

So we can safely conclude that in times to come originality and creativity shall become a novelty. RIP Google but not creativity for now. 

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 110

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Time to connect with Al Kahf one more time this Ramadan which might be a Juma tul Wida. Alhamdolillah, today we complete this series of Ayah by Ayah explanation for consecutive 110 weeks. It is really a special blessing and mercy of Allah swt that He made it possible. Pray that it is useful to people & Allah swt accepts the effort. Ameen

Today's Ayah No 110 is the grand finale of magnificent Al Kahf. If we keep in mind infinite attributes of The Author and endless bounties of The Surah, the finale is equally grand. 

It is emphasised in Ahadith to recite Al Kahf every Friday particularly first & last 10 Ayahs (First & last Rukuh).  Both these Rukuhs have subjective commonalities with eschatology.  Note that Dajjal when he appears towards the end of times, shall take after Jesus (Isa AS). In first Rukuh, Allah swt has taken serious note of people taking his beloved Prophet Jesus AS as his son. In current Ayah 110, Prophet SAW has been instructed categorically to clarify to his audience and rest of the humanity that he was only a man like the rest of the humans. Also Allah swt is only one God. 

Please note that the culmination of creation process is our meeting with the Lord, on the Day of Judgement. You  don’t want this meeting to go wrong because if this meeting goes wrong, we are doomed. Where would we go? What would we do? Where would we take refuge? Extremely scary prospect. So if you have the desire and hope to meet your Lord (which you will in any case) then persistently, do two things: one do righteous things. Two, avoid Shirk.

May we all have a happy meeting with our Lord. Ameen. 

Miracles happen when you believe

If you are looking for an inspirational hero in Pakistan, Umer Atta Bandiyal is your man. He has pulled a miracle. Something this nation longed to see happen for a long time. Nobody, no institution, none were able to withstand the pressures of brutal tyranny in this country. The cost of speaking truth kept getting higher and higher like ever growing inflation. It was not only limited to financial, professional or psychological losses but inhuman physical torture resulting in PTSD as witnessed with people like Shahbaz Gill, Azam Swati etc. Most astonishing thing is that some of the Babu Sahabs & ignorant believe this system can deliver and never get tired of blaming IK and what he stands for. Talking of IK, here is another hero and inspiration you are looking for amid this chaos and confusion. 

He is the first one from whom the nexus of evil in this country is shit scared from Estb to corrupt politicians to mafias to bureaucracy to apparently religious parties (JUI F & Labaik) to Dajjali media - all of them are scared to death because it is a matter of life and death - an existential crisis. Rana Lanat Ullah was right when he said, ‘Either him or us’. 

Let me give you an analogy. We are pretty much like Bani Israel. Pharaohs, intoxicated by power come one after the other and keep suppressing this nation. Our entire crop of children like Bani Israel was slaughtered in APS but little or no remorse was shown by the pharaohs and their accomplices. We don’t know which of the antagonists of the time ordered the execution. We are toiling generation after generation and the skin from our bones might come off but our fate is not changing however, pyramids are being built. Some parts in the hearts of every city are different, better and upscale from the rest the towns. There are Qaroons like Malik Riaz & real estate tycoons who control this country. Qaroon was one of Bani Israel but wealth accumulation blinded his own identity. His identity became wealth. There are officers loyal to the pharaohs with leather hunters in their hands ever ready to peel the skin off the people of their own colour & creed. They can’t say no to unlawful orders because they might be deprived of privileges for which they ‘worked hard’ all their lives. They can’t seem to compromise on bigger cars and bigger houses that come as reward towards the end of ‘dutiful’ service to pharaohs. Then there are those ‘magicians’ of pharaohs’ court in media who spin doctor every lie to appear as truth. 

Pharaohs ruled as long as they thought that the sun shined through their backs. They had this false belief as long as people made them believe so. So much that they started to play god. And when someone stood up to them, entire edifice of false belief came crumpling down like a house of cards.  

People, stop giving them the false impression. Wake up. Stand up. You have Umer Atta Bandiyal among you. You have IK among you. They may not be ideal but they stood up for you. You have your own self, alive, aware and ready to break free. Break free for your generations. 

May Allah have mercy on this nation. May He swt grant us freedom. Ameen

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 109

Assalam o Alaikum۔ Shab-e-Juma Mubarak۔ Al Kahf time and there couldn’t be more opportune time than Ramadan Karim to celebrate Fridays۔ We are so lucky to see another Ramadan in our lifetime۔ Alhamdolillah۔ 

Today's Ayah No 109 is the penultimate Ayah of Al Kahf and among the greatest in Al Quran.  Here, Allah swt has made us (finites) understand His infinite nature۔ In short، no words could encompass His greatness۔ Only if we look at featured names (اسماء الحسنی) and try to understand them، a lifetime wouldn't be enough to do that۔ His titles in Quran are His attributes and just quickly running through these makes you say that "He is everything". Just read this sentence without stopping, He is The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy, The King & Owner of Dominion, Absolutely Pure, The Perfection, Giver of Peace, The One who gives Emaan & Security, The Guardian, The Witness, The Overseer, The Almighty, The Compeller, The Restorer, The Supreme, The Majestic, The Creator, The Maker, The Originator, The Fashioner, The All & Oft-Forgiving, The Subduer, The Ever Dominating, The Giver of Gifts, The Provider, The Opener, The Judge, The All-Knowing, The Omniscient, The Withholder, The Extender, The Reducer, The Abaser, The Exalter, The Elevator, The Honourer,  The Bestower,  The Dishonourer, The Humiliator, The All-Hearing, The All-Seeing, The Judge, The Giver of Justice, The Utterly Just, The Subtle One, The Most Gentle, The Acquainted, The All-Aware, The Most Forebearing, The Magnificent, The Supreme, The Forgiving, The Exceedingly Forgiving, The Most Appreciative, The Most High, The Exalted, The Greatest, The Most Grand, The Preserver, The All-Heedful & All Protecting, The Sustainer, The Reckoner, The Sufficient, The Majestic, The Most Gracious, The Most Esteemed, The Watchful, The Responsive One, The All-Encompassing  & Boundless, The All Wise, The Most Loving, The Glorious, The Most Honourable, The Resurrector, The Raiser of the Dead, The All & Ever Witnessing, The Absolute Truth, The Trustee, The Disposer of Affairs, The All-Strong, The Firm, The Steadfast, The Protecting Associate, The Praiseworthy, The All-Enumerating, The Counter, The Originator, The Initiator, The Restorer, The Reinstater, The Giver of Life, The Bringer of Death, The Destroyer, The Ever-Living, The Sustainer, The Self-Subsisting, The Perceiver, The Illustrious, The Magnificent, The One, The Unique, The Only One, The Eternal Satisfier of Needs, The Capable, The Powerful, The Expediter, The Promoter, The Delayer, The Retarder, The First, The Last, The Manifest, The Hidden One, Knower of the Hidden, The Governor, The Patron, The Self Exalted, The Source of Goodness, The Kind Benefactor, The Ever- Pardoning, The Relenting, The Avenger, The Pardoner, The Most Kind, Master of the Kingdom, Owner of The Dominion, The Possessor of Glory & Honour, Lord of Majesty & Generosity, The Equitable, The Requiter, The Gatherer, The Uniter, The Self-Sufficient, The Wealthy, The Enricher, The Withholder, The Distresser, The Propitious, The Benefactor, The Light, The Illuminator, The Guide, The Incomparable Originator, The Ever-Surviving, The Everlasting, The Inheritor, The Heir, The Infallible and The Patient.

And that is the reason Allah swt says in this Ayah that if the water of ocean becomes ink and you write about Allah swt, you will run out of ink but you wouldn't be able to write about Him, so much that the ocean is filled again with water which becomes ink, still you wouldn't be able to encompass your Lord with words۔ 

Allah o Akbar Kabira