Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 75

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Time to connect with amazing Al Kahf.

Today's Ayah No 75 is reply by Khizar AS to what Musa AS said in last Ayah. On ostensibly cold murder of a young boy by Khizar AS, Musa AS couldn't help staying quiet. He objected rather judged Khizar AS on two counts. One: the boy had not killed anyone, so he didn’t deserve to die. Two: the act was deplorable. But response of Khizar AS was not an explanation of his act. He drew Musa AS's attention to  their mutual agreement before setting off on this journey according to which Musa AS had to observe quietly until aaked to talk.

Remember, Musa AS took this journey to meet most knowledgeable man under the sky and to learn from Khizar AS because Allah swt vouched for his gift of special knowledge. Also that this knowledge had been bestowed upon him by Allah swt. 

First thing we learn from high discourse of these exceptional beings that patience is quintessential to quest of knowledge. Rather patience takes precedence over knowledge. As humans, we can't know everything. We will never be able to know everything. Only Allah swt has all encompassing knowledge and ultimate wisdom. It is His prerogative and special mercy to whom he may grant a particular type of knowledge. 

One last thing before we part for another week, for Allah swt's pronouncement of us (humans) being the best of His creations, the finest form of knowledge that He gave us is that we (our body (heart & mind) and soul) recognize Him. No other knowledge is superior to this knowledge. No other knowledge makes real sense without this knowledge that "There is no god but Allah". Subhan Allah.

Blessed week.

Vaccination in old Pakistan

Needed to get COVID Vaccine booster in connection with foreign travel in fortnight's time. It had to be administered two weeks before boarding the plane. Besides, I got initial two dosages of Sinopharm, so it had to be Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson etc. Basically, white man’s product got royal precedence over rest of the world specially when it was pitched against products of lesser humans in East of the world.  

This is what happened. 

Travel Agent asked to pay Rs 2500 for NADRA entry without vaccination. Despite a busy day at work, refused to walk the treaded path.

Searched Google for COVID vaccination center near me and UHospital opposite Giga Mall was the closest. 1100 hrs. Called on given number. They said vaccination operation suspended for two months and referred me to next door hospital dedicated for the same purpose. 1130 hrs. IRM ( Institute of Regenerative Medicine) hospital vaccination department told me that only the vaccines I required were not available. However, in the evening a friend of mine called and the lady who received the call confirmed that white man’s vaccines were available.

1200 hrs. Being entitled for CMH treatment and lucky enough to have direct access to senior pathologists at CMH, made the same request but was told that NADRA entry wasn’t available. 

1700 hrs. Called COVID helpline 1166 for info and help. Operator confirmed that Crescent Hospital 5th Road was a 24/7 COVID vaccination center. 

1800 hrs. Foreign travel involved money exchange. Money changer refused to give foreign currency. A convincing request worked. From last Saturday, 23 July, the same currency had gained 10%. How unreal?  He was also complaining of phone call to US which lowered dollar by Rs 13 today. So they had to sell at lower price than yesterday's purchase. Why you sir? Why not Cocomo? So a farmer is doing blacksmith's job and a cook is stiching clothes and custodian of security is asking for financial help from US to ask IMF for our loan saction. Quite a serious joke. Whether we get the loan or not, the dollar has taken a dip. Are we sitting in a Vegas Casino? In fact, it feels like we are onboard a Cruise ship in the middle of a deep sea and it is sinking by the minute. Captain of the ship is Jack Sparrow who is a swindler of proportions. Amid this chaos, millions being spent on Azadi shows and songs. Why? Are we free at all? I feel like doing a Vlog in Punjabi with my gloves off. 

1930 hrs. Crescent Hospital Chowkidar didn’t let us in and told that operation was suspended since January 2022. 

2000 hrs. Called helpline 1166 again. Operator apologised and asked to register complain but I asked him to give me authentic info on F9 Park COVID facility. He confirmed and I rushed to F9 Park. This was the time the reality began to sink in that we had gotten used to a Pakistan where things were being managed quite efficiently. During COVID stricken environments in past two years, the response of staff was amazing. The output was exemplary. General discipline was up to the mark. People had fear of accountability. Hence, wilynily everyone was abiding by the law. But now we have shameless thieves at the helm of affairs. And there is no need to waste words but trickle down effect of “getting back to basics” was quite visible today. I prayed to Allah for Pakistan's  betterment and prayed for annihilation of its enemies within and outside. 

2030 hrs. F9 Park Chowkidar refused entry as vaccination closing time was 8pm which was supposed was to be 24/7.

My 13 years son was witnessing all this. I felt sad that what would he grow up with. He shouldn’t have seen all this. What if this next generation also gets disgruntled? That would be a great loss. 

2045 hrs. Called again at helpline and again the operator insisted on registering complaint which I did and also asked once again for authentic news of center that could administer vaccine and make record entry in NADRA database. He referred me yet another 24/7 center also shared its contact. 

In the meantime, a caring friend started lining up options through NCOC geysers and “NADRA entry experts” who pledged entry in back dates. Not something I wanted. Not something my son should have experienced firsthand. 

2100 hrs. Based on helpiline's authentic info of 24/7 service there, called IHITC (Isolation Hospital & Infectious Treatment Center),Islamabad. Phone was attended but White man’s vaccines were all expired with them. I asked him, could he do data entry without vaccination since the required vaccines were expired. He assured that was not an issue at all. Drop in by tomorrow and consider it done.

I had to fall back to my home without vaccination. Vaccination in purana Pakistan is easier than you think but purana Pakistan is history now. The day started with my agent's advice to pay "facilation fee" & get the job done and his assessment won but at least I resisted and gave it my best shot. 

Islamic year starts today with few days of grief in the beginning. We hope and pray that each one of you and your family has a blessed year ahead. May the fortunes of Pakistan change for good. Ameen

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 74

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Time to connect with Al Kahf. If possible recite whole or part of it this weekend in order to strengthen defences around yourself and your family. Because the enemy had not minced his words in Allah's Court when he avowed to attack us left, right, behind, center and below. Understand that his attack is from all dimensions and we need equally strong defences against such enemy. Hadith of Aqa Alaihe Salato Wassalam tells us that Al Kahf is one such strong layer of defence.

Today's Ayah No 74 starts with both great men setting off for the next phase of their journey. In first phase Khizar AS broke down a ship with people on board. In this phase of journey, they come across a youngman and Khizar AS killed him. In normal circumstances, a shocking thing. No wonder, Allah's great Rasool, Musa AS couldn't resist and remaked that why was a young man killed without reason. He questioned Khizar AS that the boy didn't apparently killed anyone, so why was he killed? He also declared the act as deplorable. 

Those familiar with Al Kahf or following this series know that Hazart Musa and Khizar AS set few rules of the game before setting off on this journey together. There were only two conditions put scross by Khizar AS and agreed upon by Musa AS that he should observe quietly and speak only when asked. 

During this journey, three incidents that took place. First was about breaking of a ship by Khizar AS with people on board. Second we are discussing in this Ayah and one is yet to come. 

Yet again, Musa AS who behaved naturally when he reacted on killing of young man but violated the agreement with Khizar AS.

How Khizar AS responded on this? Did they continue on this journey? And if they did, then what was fresh understanding and terms of journey? All these questions shall be answered next week with brand new Ayah.

Till that time may Allah keep you and your family safe. Ameen

Critical weekend for Pakistan - Part 2

So the countdown begins today 17 July, Sunday - The D Day. 

Apparently, we are talking about provincial by-elections with less than a year’s term in office but it’s outcome and impact could have far reaching consequences for the country.

Whether WIC of Kalay Angrez (West India Company comprising Establishment, Judiciary, ECP, Executive & PDM etc) or PTI win tomorrow or even if there is no result, election process suspended or in case of any other eventuality, political Sturm & Drang (turmoil) in the country is only going to accentuate. Hence, today’s result notwithstanding which party wins, is going to add fuel to political fireworks expected in next few days and months till November 2022. In case of another extension, the turbulence could continue for considerable time.  

There could be two apparent results of this election. If Govt wins desired seats then status quo is maintained because HSS is already CM Punjab. 

If PTI wins desired number of seats, Punjab returns to them. What they could do or should do with this victory comes after we have discussed things they didn’t or couldn’t do. 

It’s all about power. Power is all about decisions making by the powerful. Those out of favour of the powerful need to be very watchful in their decision making. When Punjab was lost by PTI, they got the taste of Punjab Police during Long March on 25 April. If PTI had resigned from National Assembly, there should have been no looking back. They should’ve fought it out till the bitter end. Having resigned from all NA seats, two months down road, same PTI is fighting tooth and nail to win few Provincial Assembly seats. It was a poor decision to call off Dharna at that time because the momentum among masses. 

Good news for PTI is that momentum wasn’t/ isn’t lost. At the same time, if PTI loses tonight, IK shouldn’t wait for another opportunity like this because the time is slipping away, economy has taken a nose dive and governance is limited to PTI centric revenge from workers and journalists. Are things going to change or improve? Wishful to say the least because things will only get worse. 

Bad signs that IK has unblocked few numbers meaning thereby opening the doors for Mr X & Y to facilitate access to Mr B. This is a mistaken belief that allowing access to intelligence operators of WIC shall do any good to the country let alone PTI/ IK. It is a delusion that remaining within this system, change could be affected. IK has to take the system on otherwise they will keep offering him lollipops and buy time from him. From day one of regime change, my stance was that WIC needs time to find its feet in new settings where international establishment is hand & glove with them but people of Pakistan have rejected this new arrangement in power corridors. PTI/ IK had to tighten the noose when momentum was with them in the beginning and they are lucky that people are still supporting IK’s narrative and coming out in numbers. 

Change and status quo are opposite poles. Economics is everything today. People across the globe worship only one god that gives them more money. Even monotheists ask their God for money only. Accumulating wealth and material gains is the criterion of success. Money makes people happy or sad life, health and every other blessing is taken for granted. Money hub is mafias. Countries are controlled by mafias. US by gun and oil mafia while Pakistan by land mafia. Other mafias are much smaller like sugar, manufacturers, media, drugs etc. Just see how one of the top land mafia tycoons (Aleem Khan) is not made CM Punjab and a democratically elected Govt is toppled. WIC works for land mafias. Mafia calls the shots and they have to oblige. So if anyone thinks that remaining within the system, change can be brought is delusional to say the least. 

In case of victory IK/ PTI should dissolve the assemblies of KPK and Punjab and demand immediate general elections. As the momentum is favourable, get maximum seats in next general elections and change the system to presidential form. 

In case of loss, take the game to WIC. Choke the country until the demands are met. People are up for it but leadership is or not, remains to be seen. 

Sadly, disappointed in IK for calling off Dharna before sit in. I guess a missed opportunity. But once again giving him benefit of honest mistake, let’s hope he doesn’t miss on this one.

May Allah Bless Pakistan with political stability & prosperity. Ameen

Critical weekend for Pakistan - Part 1

 Critical weekend this 15-17 July 2022, in politics of Pakistan and politics is everything. No matter how much I restrained from taking on political issues, couldn’t help going that route for two convincing reasons. One: our ideal, Aqa Alaihe Salato WasSalam remained involved in politics. Two: everything that happens in political arena like promulgation or annulment of a legislation, diplomacy, economy etc affects us and our generations. With this preamble, let’s talk about coming weekend because it is better to ring the alarm bells beforehand than lamenting over spilled milk.

Firstly, I questioned myself many a times in past three months as to why political situation in the country is bothering me so much. I had been so critical of IK’s decision making. Had reservations on his team selection. Had so many disagreements on his handling of issues. 

Secondly, I began questioning myself why have I been so uncomfortable with political involvement of Army leadership. Answer is simple. Despite being wronged and cleared five years after my retirement, Army remained love of my life. So, never bothered about whims of few insecure individuals. The institution was/ is much larger than individuals.  On a personal note, it gave me identity, exposure & confidence. All of if it on merit. Developed priceless traits of survivability & adaptability. No one should be ungrateful to parents, teachers, alma maters and institutions, hence I can’t be ungrateful to Army. It has been my pride and shall remain so. I’m still on reservist list and pray that I get to wear uniform again and it becomes my coffin. 

Now let’s stir up the political and professional curry. On one hand is unavoidable factor of politics and on the other my love of life Army which is getting some serious stick these days. Painful to say the least. Army as institution is an abstract entity but individuals running its affairs make or spoil its image. Image among masses is not so good as it stands. With our usual highhandedness, we may remain in state of denial by disregarding what masses think but it matters. Morale of Army and people is so intertwined, so dependent on each other that it simply cannot be delinked.

Since, I have been able to segregate Army as an institution from political mess in the country but it comes at the cost of leadership. And this is exactly the point when all ‘tentacles’ get activated. Engine of Vigo with black tint cranked, dossiers browsed, benefits reviewed and cellular monitoring begins. How ridiculous that law abiding brave sons of the soil who gave all their lives to this country are being spied upon, checked, harassed and blackmailed for their hard earned privileges. We blindly follow West even if it is a cypher, why can’t we see how veterans are treated in those societies. Enough said on bitter sweet curry of politics and army. May have to break this blog into few parts because the weekend to me is more critical than it may appear to anyone else. 

Part 2 to follow, please.

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 73

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Time to talk about Al Kahf. Al Kahf is full of Sci-fi adventures. Unlike Hollywood Sci-fi concepts, Al Kahf presents true stories of time travel, portals, intergalactic movement, suspension of laws of physics and confluence of physical & metaphysical world. For example if you recall, in the same story, a fried fish carried by Musa AS and his associate made its way to the water. Laws of physics were suspended. Metaphysical phenomenon took over. It had to be a portal through which a fried fish could travel and may be (fearfully daring to assume) the same portal brought down Khizar AS from another galaxy. Likewise, our Heroes, Al Kahf Boys slept for three centuries and woke up like they took a nap or overnight's sleep. In following story of Zulqarnain, time travel shall be common factor. Interesting, intriguing and captivating stuff. Btw for those intereeted in time travel stuff in Quran shall find it in Surah Bani Israel ( also called Al Isra) and Surah Mariyam.

Moving on to today's Ayah No 73 wherein Musa AS had to give reason of violating terms of the journey according to which he had to observe quietly and not to question. One can only admire the clarity of though process and quality of logical discourse. Instead of arguing like us the commoners, Musa AS said that he shouldn't be blamed for something he forgot. Two important lessons come out of this. One, Allah swt tiltled his beloved specie Insaan (انسان) which means forgetful. So, if a Prophet as great as Musa AS can forget something, all of us can forget anything. Two, we must always keep room for an honest mistake. 

Next important thing is that if an  honest mistake is committed, need not give lengthy explanations. Just make admission of the omission and move on. Lastly, as mentioned in the last part of Ayah, need not be harsh with someone who committed an honest mistake and gave forgetfulness as reason of omission. 

Amazing how conversation between two special men of Allah swt can leave us with so much to learn, adopt and benefit till the end of times.

Monsoon, Lahore & Social Media impact

Lahore used to be flooded, Shahbaz Sharif used to wear his long boots and stand in the water every year for optics but did nothing substantive to address the issue despite four decades of rule over Punjab. Btw myth of his ‘Punjab Speed’ already busted & fairytales of his supernatural administrative abilities withered in less than three months at Center. 

Buzdar built over 2K water reservoirs and tanks in Lahore to reduce the amount of flood water that used to stands on the streets. Same water is used for different purposes less drinking. 

There is no water standing on the roads of Lhr neither the Boot Man (who loves to wear and polish long shoes) these days. 

Buzdar was CM for just 3 years.

But malicious campaign was launched by The Sovereign through bikao media against PTI/ IK/ Buzdar to build a case for regime change on counts of inexperience & incompetence. It all worked fine except common people and independent social media campaigners which spoiled the curry for West India Company (establishment, PDM & mafias of media, land, industries etc). 

In fact, majority of common people are social media users which makes them social media campaigners. However, case of Vloggers is different. They can be categorised in two distinct groups, at home and abroad. Those abroad (Waqar Malik, Syed Raza Mehdi, Makhdoom Shahab Ud Din etc) are more vocal against the X Factor in regime change operation which is practically impossible for those living inland because of fascist regime and hypocritical martial law. Those campaigning from inland are soft targets for world’s premier spy agencies. For Vloggers like Imran Riaz Khan, Sami Ibrahim etc, good news is that they get hefty pay cheques from YouTube. So the problem of running the kitchen (نان نفقہ) is out of equation. For example, IRK said he earned Rs 120 Million in first half of 2022 i.e. Rs 20 Million a month. So it doesn’t matter if Aleem Khan (Saama News owner) sends him packing for not singing to his desired tunes. See how economics of an individual acts as booster to his approach on issues. This was the miscalculation which regime change orchestrators must regret. They failed to cater for the paradigm shift brought by social media. 

Wonder how our economic freedom can impact our approach to issues? Imagine we are not beggars (as per our Crime Minister) anymore!!!

Rock bottom is the start point of new things. We have already hit the rock bottom, let’s hope for better things, Insha Allah. 

Kudos to common people, they rose for their rights and didn’t accept slavery of WIC.

Imran Riaz Khan - Freedom Fighter of enslaved Pakistan

295 of Sidhu Moose Wala put my thougt train on a journey of freedom struggle from Baghat Sigh to Imran Riaz Khan & got me to write a Punjabi poem this morning as well.

 It dawned upon me that people of Central Punjab both Sikhs and Muslim were/ are brave and free in nature. The land, the water and the weather had to do alot with it. Then the obdurate British came up with the plan to look for weaker/ sellable casts. Boost and reward them pretty much like Mir Jaffars and Mir Sadiqs, with lands and perks. No offence intended but it is painful that some 'ostensibly noble' casts and regiments still take pride in their British association. Shameful to say the leastbut only if we knew what exactly are we doing?  Likewise, there were casts/ races that resisted foreign occupation like Sikhs and Pathans. As part of British plan of segregation & division, they were mocked and were made to appear thick, purposefully overshadowing their premier trait of bravery. Likewise, those casts who supported Independence Struggle with money like Sheikhs and Memons, were belittled for being Kanjoos. Again watering down their generosity because their resources were being used against British.That derogatory attitude towards certain casts and races still persists along with mental slavery. We are still  slaves to Black Angrez Party, The West India Company and the saga goes on.

Now let's relate and talk about current political landscape.

Imran Khan Niazi, The Leader is playing safe. He doesn’t want direct confrontation but he needed someone to take on Establishment. 

Imran Riaz Khan, The Vlogger after being cornered, retaliated. Due to his unflinching nature and exuberance, IRK went an extra mile. 

PTI used his situation for political mileage and allowed him being tossed around from district to district but no real support from PTI or it’s local leadership. Practically, ditched him. Individuals like Sidduque Jan were more involved in this baseless sequestration than PTI the political force.

Point to take home from IRK situation is that journalists should either officially join politics or stay the hell away. 

In politics, everything in the end is political in nature. 

They say politics is an art of possibilities but it may not hold true for our political milieu. Rather a game of opportunities. 

Both Imran Khans come out winners. 

IKN adroitly exploited gains of ‘regime change conference’ and successfully pitched journalists like Ayaz Amir, IRK etc against establishment. It puffed new life into deadening resistance against The WIC (West India  Company - The Sovereign, his stooges and sold out mainstream media). However, his safe play is disappointing. He is still either listening to Establishment (which would make him the dumbest politician ever) or waiting for them to give him a sign. Well the signs are obvious but he is not reading them and running out of time and options. 

IRK got more popular, more audience, more viewership and greater financial gains. He deserved it because he was being bullied by the WIC and being used by the antagonist (IKN). 

Why IRK got noticed? How did he develop such fan following? How come mainstream media not getting any viewership? Quick answers. Peoples’ real sentiment and Media are two different things. For past four years, Media craved for easy money and its natural vent out was singing to the tunes of thugs and their handlers. West India Company (PDM & Institutions) has rewarded its starving whip-dog ( Pakistani Media) with govt sponsored ads. Pakistan being presented through Media Mafia is in total contrast to real sentiment of people. 

How badly exposed is the company and its tool, Pakistani media.

There is no need to mention PDM. They are a stop gap arrangement and may soon complete their shelf life.

Where are we headed? Not sure. Will by-elections' results of Punjab Assembly change anything? Doesn’t look like. The Sovereignty has gone too far and will do all in his powers to stay The Sovereign because he’s too powerful. There is practically no entity, institution or individual to stand up to it. IRK did but they made sufficient example of him to deter the rest of them. Yet again IRK comes out winner because he showed the guts & grit to stand up to a mad bull in China Shop who is unable to reconcile with the power he enjoys at the moment. Only hope is that people are not ready to accept and live in this slavery.

Today as it stands, Imran Riaz Khan is the freedom fighter of  enslaved Pakistan. Imran Riaz Khan ceased the moment. A challenge arises, not everyone can embrace it except the one chosen by the destiny. People budge & break, all of them can’t stand up to the challenge except the chosen one by the fortune. Path chosen by destiny, fortune & fortune rider is tumultuous. Fortune Rider may either earn martyrdom or rise from the ashes of despair, despondency & dejection as Hero. Heroics are consistent acts , hero has to live up to it. Hero worship has two down sides. It is contagious if people get carried away. It is contagious for the hero if he gets carried away. Watch your feet IRK on this route chosen by you, destiny & fortune.

On this auspicious day of Eid Al Adha we pray for a better and free Pakistan. Ameen

Only Allah knows the whole Truth.