Help recover Nadir Feroz & Shakil Ahmad - Illegally Detained

Almost 93 hours since Nadir Feroz and Shakil Ahmad Naghar were illegally picked up on the steps of the Lahore High Court.

If you know anyone in the armed forces, police, government, or media please help highlight this case. With your help we can ensure their safe return.

Please share this page on your Facebook, write to @CMShehbaz on Twitter and use #NadirFeroz #ShakilAhmad and #Efroze tags. Also RT others tweets.

Your support and prayers are really appreciated and may Allah reward you for your help.


Source:  https://www.facebook.com/HelpRecoverNadirFeroz

Hajj – a beautiful journey …

Of recently me and my family went to perform Hajj and all I can say is that the experience was that best to be had. Yes there are hardships and a few things that people, going for the first time, should be aware off, but if you are blessed with a group such as ours then all I can say is that Allah really does provide you with angels in the hardest of times. We went via a well known group by the name of Al-Khair who not only gave us basic classes for the know-how of Hajj but also provided us with different reading material to enhance our knowledge about Hajj, duas (prayers) and their method etc.

For me a quick recall of the journey relates to getting up at 3:00am and getting into “ihram” and getting into the travel mode by 4 in the morning with us going to wait at the airport ultimately to board at 9am. A lesson learnt here was that we could have come at our convenience not the exact time given by the Hajj group (because others belonging to the same group trailed in by 5:30 to 6am). That’s because at the end of the day the tickets are with you and not the head of the group! Anyway… after a 4 hour journey we landed at the Jeddah airport and were huddled around from the airport to this tentish thing outside for further verification and checks. All in all most of our day was spent on the road (bus provided for the complete group that is) and headed to the flats (Aziza) where we were to stay that we reached by night.

Here it is important to highlight that since one is in the state of “ihram” one has to be careful of going to the washroom, sleeping, waddu and all. And since till Umrah is not complete you have to be in that state one has to be extra careful of everything. Here the first incident in my life that I will never forget is as follows: We went for Umrah by 12ish and though tired from the journey managed to perform it with ease. The journey back home however, was another thing altogether. Since my father was in a wheelchair (which my brother-in-law was managing) it was difficult to get around on most roads and sidewalks. Also, being in a foreign place we managed to get lost and ended up sitting outside a mall. I still remember it was 3am in the night when finally we saw 2 men (from the same travel group) how led us back to the flat. That night once we took of the ihram for the night we slept like logs.

 I don’t know why but here I would like to mention a certain lady who was the life of our group of 8 ladies (since we were all sharing a room) kept us going through all the days that we were there. And whenever we felt low or depressed she was there somehow to perk us up. Another young lady whom I shall not name came to be a really good friend and like a sister to me and my family was also noted as the life of the “room” because of their charismatic personality.

The second incident I will never forget is that of getting separated from my mother at the train station. You see my mother was during the specific time of Hajj also in a wheelchair. The family who have taken self responsibility of managing my mother’s wheelchair (whom now we literally feel were one of Allah’s miracles for us) got stuck in the massive crowd of people that were present and so we managed to get to the Arafat station before she did.

The third incident was getting separated from my family at the Mudalfa station. I was with my sister at the time and the way the time went I shall not mention for it is believed to each their own test and I guess that was for me and my sister.

Amongst all of this the important things we learnt were:

·         Travel light – you really don’t need too many clothes

·         Carry loads of soothing (unscented) creams – or betnovite lotion (you will get rashes and you will need it)

·         Loading an overnight bag for Arafat and Mudalfa isn’t smart. It just weighs you down. Just carry a bottle of water and a pouch for the stones that you need to collect and books for dua if need be.

·         Yes if you go in winters it does get cold but at Minah you are provided with a simple rug so you can carry that

·         Sensible shoes (this is for ladies ONLY)

·         Before you go for Hajj walk walk and walk. Don’t stop walking. It’s the best practice you can have.

·         Every garment you make should be light and soft (to avoid rashes and skin irritation)

·         Carry lots and lots of panadol and flu medication (other medication depends on what the doctor has prescribed to you)

·         Learn all routes well. In case you get lost you should have a bit of knowledge of where to go and how to reach there

·         In case you feel there is about to be a stampede or massive crowds stick to the corners to avoid getting crushed

·         Carry lots of band-aids. You will get blisters and they do hurt when you walk.

·         Be as hydrated as you can when walking. Take light sips of the water so that you have plenty till the time you reach your destination to avoid blackouts and exhaustion

At the end of all this I can’t say that I have changed – that is I am not wearing a hijab or an abaya but I do feel that I am trying (note emphasis on trying) to be a better person. To be mature in most of my decisions, to think rationally and at the end of the day be a better person than what I used to be.

Shootout at Hilal Park

We always have certain days in our lives that we will never forget – a wedding – loss of a loved one – time spent with a special someone – and for me the time when my father was shot. We had of recently begun our “adventure” of going for a walk to the “Hilal Park” so that once we went for Hajj we’d be able to perform it with light ease. Anyway on 25^th June 2012, a day that started off as ordinary with me going to work, cribbing about it, getting home and ultimately gearing to go to the park with my parents ended with my family waiting outside “South City” with my father in the operation theatre – a bullet in his leg.

The incident itself is crystal clear in my mind…I still remember my father parking the car …my mother and me getting out of it – 2 molvi men came out of the blue in a hurry and mumbled something inaudible. My mother thinking that they were simple beggars told them to move on to which the elder of the 2 shot at my mother. Now my mother due to her age has slow reflexes but at the point she managed to duct the bullet. Hearing the shot my father tried getting out of the car to which the man shot my father in the leg at close range before sitting on the bike with his accomplice and running away.

The moment the shot was fired many people rushed to the scene – some simply starring at my father – others thinking of ways to help. Finally this gentleman came forward and rushed my father to “South City” for emergency treatment and a lady called one of the best of doctors to help us with the medical treatment. To this date I remember calling my brother-in-law and asking him to reach there and then calling my aunt to come get me from the park where I had stayed back with the car.

Its itched in my memory of how my uncle was dealing with the police and family (cousins and their children) sat with us till the surgery took place. How my aunt was sitting with my mother in the room praying and waiting for my father’s safety.

It’s funny yet sad that we hear of people getting shot or getting robbed at gun point but when it happens to your near and dear ones then it really does hit home. It really makes you wonder what this country is coming to. Every day we hear of shoot outs or robbery, of brutal murders and other hideous crimes and nothing can be done about it. My family is simple and ordinary and don’t have millions or trillions to flaunt – what was there to take from us? Why us? We never thought ill for anyone or for that matter tried to harm anyone then why us?

I pray that may Allah keep us all safe. People deserve to have a peaceful life no matter what caste or creed or race. No one deserves to get shot out just because they don’t carry cash or gold or other jewels nor do they deserve to get kidnapped only to be found in bundles in deserted areas where one doesn’t even think of going. I have no words to explain what I felt. During that time my family and I were so agitated and frustrated that we could only think of leaving this country as soon as possible. Now we have just come to terms with what has happened. Every day I go to work – out with friends – and return home with a slight fear in my heart – what next?

Beast _ a Beastly Review

Beastly is a movie that, well, is a remake of the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast set in the modern day backing of New York City. The movie is about a Kyle Kingson, a rich bad boy belonging to the cream of society, who like father (Rob) is arrogant about his good looks and wealth. He messes with the ...well witch named Kendra in his school and she in turn sets out to teach him in a lesson in the typical fairy tale manner by casting a spell on him.  

The story flows to other characters being introduced such as Lindy, whom he falls in love with, Zola the house maid and Will the blind tutor, who end up being his support system and also later help him get the girl.

As is the story of Beauty and the Beast well the hero turns into the beast and is forewarned that if he does not get true love within a year (spring flowers bloom) then he shall remain ugly forever. Well this is where lady luck works and in comes Lindy, whose father is conveniently a drug addict and so in a street fight ends up sending in his daughter for protection to the beast. The two slowing become friends and soon, as usual he falls in love with her yet is unsure of her love in return. During this time he visits Kendra for the last time to beg her to reverse the spell, which she refuses to do, however she does promise that she would get Zola's three children green cards and Will his eye sight if Lindy falls for him.

Ultimately before going to a school trip to "Machu Picchu" she does confess her love for him which changes him back to the original form and she gets her prince charming. As per the deal Will gets his eye sight and Zola, the green cards for her children. The movie ends on the note of Kendra walking into Rob's office as the new intern and automatically we assume that she will ..well punish him and teach him a lesson in the same manner as well.

The cast comprises of Alex Pettyfer (Kyle the beast), Vanessa Hudgens ( Lindy), Mary-Kate Olsen (Kendra), Lisa Gay Hamilton (Zola), Neil Patrick Harris (Will) and Peter Krause (Rob, the father).  The movie is written and directed by Daniel Barnz and was originally supposed to released in 2010 but was released this year that is 2011 instead.

The movie itself turned out to be a bit of a drag especially the scenes like "best embrace the suck" and when Kyle is all pretense trying to be cool. Dialogues are not that strong as well, though the make-up done to make the 'beast' is awesome and worth the effort. The story line is okay and for most it seems like a typical teenage story that shows how one gets the guy in the end. If I were to rate this from 1 to 5 it would definitely end up being a 2.

Wake up call?

Today while going to lunch with a couple of friends we passed the 2 swords (a popular round about in Clifton for those who don’t know) and there we saw about a handful of people standing all around with banners saying “Rape is Rape it should be stopped” and others too with such dialogues. We all have heard about the rape case that took place a couple of days ago, of a girl who was returning from a party late night and some people forcefully banged into her car, dragged her out and then gang raped her and threw her somewhere at Seaview.

As the news spread and our every read to provide justice media leapt in many stories evolved. Some said she was a hairdresser returning from a party, others made her to be an exotic dancer and many others said that she was a prostitute and therefore got what she deserved. A female minister went to the extent of saying that the girl was rude that she was not giving a statement to the media about the injustice that took place with her.

Lady for you I would like to ask, if God forbid something like that happened to you or someone within your family would you or they give an jolly well interview on media describing the dire situation you had been through? Logic prevails that a girl’s reputation is to be protected at all times… would you want to expose her is such a situation and blatantly speak to the media? Or would you protect her from the vultures that we call our media and provide her with the help and care she needs?

Today in Karachi, the rate of rape is high. First there was the case of the white corolla, where the guy had no shame for what he and his accomplices where up to, then came the baby in the basket case. And now this. Stories of girls being drugged and taken from shrines is common but these are new antics being applied to lure girls to have such cases. Who is to blame in this situation? The girls? The people? who? How can this be stopped? Can it be stopped? All these questions pop up but no one seems to have an answer.

Today looking at the protest taking place, it felt good to see that finally the people of only a hand full have finally gotten up and come forward to fight and finally (hopefully) create a change!

Best Friends forever?

Pinky promises, crying on each other’s shoulders, caring for each other and being there for each other that’s what best friends are all about. Right? Well in the past year I came close to a friend, who proved to be not only a best friend but more than anything thing I could ask for. He knows me inside out, knows my mood swings, bears my nasty fits and to top it all off he is there for me whenever I have hollered for him.

So my best friend, this is dedicated to you. You have been there for me more so than I can remember, during the times of our fights to the times when I bugged you mercilessly, you have never said a word to me. (Well actually you have, and have gotten responses to those too but this is a dedication to you so nothing nasty =p). Today I thank you for being there.

Not only a friend but a partner as well. Throughout our business tenure you have come up with crazy ideas more so than I have, and have always believed in me, have had faith that I will always be there to push you.

I hope I have been a good friend to you to whenever you needed me , if not then I hope I can be so in the future.

You’re the best =)

Children’s Day!

Picking my nephew and niece from a particular school here in Karachi, I noticed children coming out of their classes in all sorts of fancy dresses. Closer observation proved that the school was celebrating Children’s Day for the students (from Nursery to A levels I guess). The school was bright with an array of different colors and accessories that the children had garbed on!

Kids from the nursery side were all dressed in Halloween gowns coming out of their respective classes as witches and wizards, wearing crazy tall witch caps and funky wands. Whereas other had round crowns with “Happy Children’s day” painted in vibrant colors. All kids within the courtyard were jabbing happily about the day’s activities and excitement that had taken place. Children from slightly senior classes had on the usual uniform however girls were wearing makeup (something that I guess they are allowed to do only on events and funfairs), and funky dazzling jewelry, giggling and laughing amongst their circle of peers.

Noticing all this in the school it seemed odd that as a nation we celebrate Mother’s day, Valentine’s day even at times Father’s day but never on a regular basis have I heard us celebrating the Children’s day. On an international level this day is highly proclaimed and children are promoted on a grand scale, but here it seems that other than the school or schools for that matter no one else really cares for this day? Is it because it is not Islamic? Or against our ethics? Children are said to be the future of our nation therefore how could any day celebrated for them be wrong?

Come to think of it every day should be a mother’s day or a children’s day or special day because we celebrate this day to show our love and care for that person therefore why restrict ourselves to just one day?