END OF A SAGACIOUS CUM LOQUACIOUS VOICE!

Obituary:

RIP MIAN MUHAMMAD AMEEN KALEEM
 
Mahtab Bashir
Islamabad

mahtabbashir@gmail.com
0333-53 63 248
ISLAMABAD

He was a dead-honest and a loquacious person- perhaps that’s why his parents gave him the name “Ameen Kaleem”. Known for his spontaneous humour studded with English phrases, the family members loved to be with him. He was a great story-teller who could share socio-economic to religio-political issues in his own style but through his hand-written letters that has a reverence in family circle.

He was Mian Muhammad Ameen Kaleem- my Mamu- who passed away peacefully on Friday, January 15, 2021 after a brief illness in Gujranwala. His Khatm-e- Chehlum will be observed on Sunday, February 28, 2021.

Father of three sons and two daughters, Mian Ameen Kaleem lived a troublesome life. He struggled within his own family but he spent an overwhelming life in a wider family circle. A God-fearing person, he never used to miss his prayers five times a day, despite how much he worked. He was retired as a Senior Superintendent GEPCO (WAPDA).

On Saturday, June 6, 2020, I went to Lahore to participate in funeral rites of my cousin Shakil Akhtar. On the very next day, I told Mian sb for my departure to Islamabad. He said he would accompany me till Gujranwala. We had an early breakfast and went to Railway Station. We both entered into Railway Platform- but all of a sudden Mian sb refused to get on board saying, “You may go, I will come by road.” This immediate decision made me think a lot. But in November, I chanced to meet him again on the wedding ceremony of Saqib (my cousin) in Gujranwala. But this time, Mian sb looked pale and weak. He has lost his rambling words. And within two months time, he said goodbye to all of us on Friday, January 15, 2021.       

Mian sb fought valiantly against his disease. He spent his last days in his elder brother’s (My elder Mamu) house. According to my cousin Muhammad Ateeq, “Mian sb was well aware of the fact that his days are numbered, that’s why he left behind him a shroud upon which ‘Durood-e-Taj’ was inscribed with his own hard-writing”. He was a gem of a person who could share anecdotes relating to everything of life. He was chirpy, a jolly good person who vanished away so quickly, Ateeq maintained.  

During his ailing days, it was my cousin Aasia (Khala’s daughter) who single handedly looked after Mamu Ameen. We all are grateful for her contribution at this troubled time. Allah- the Almighty will give her reward for her untiring services. My massive thanks go to all the family members of Mamu Rafique’s family who stood beside Mamu Ameen till he breathed his last.   

Mian Muhammad Ameen Kaleem is no more among us, but his values, works and experience shared with us will continue to inspire the present and future generations, and through this legacy, he will be remembered forever. RIP Mian Ameen Kaleem!

MR. PM: WHEN PROMISES ARE BROKEN, SORRY MEANS NOTHING!

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
ISLAMABAD
0333 53 63 248

 

The public at large has found nothing new and changed in ‘Naya Pakistan’ since the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) took over the throne. The PM Imran Khan’s offer of telephonic conversation (on February 1) to general public (regardless who they were) is also an exercise of ‘Purana Pakistan’.   

Fast-forwarding, in reply to one caller's query, the PM retorted why should everybody be expecting that his government would set things right within a short time? He didn’t carry a wizard’s wand and people should know that everybody lives happily ever after only in fairy tales.

Question is, who has promised that once the PTI was in power it would end corruption in 90 days and terrorism in 90 days, provision of 10 million jobs and five million homes? How many would have voted for his party if told this BEFORE ELECTIONS (in 2018) that people would have to show patience, and that peace comes to one only in the grave, and nowhere in the world, state has build homes for its citizens?

 

Now, it seems, PM and his cabinet members would start believing that five years are not enough to deliver and they should have many more years to rule as is the usual practice in many countries to place a set-up of ‘Riyasat-e-Madina, in “New Pakistan”.

 

On a lighter note, instead of combating the inflation rate (lower the prices of edibles), the PTI top slots are busy in parrot-like rhetoric “NO NRO to opposition”, someone on social media posted “While answering over the grievances of general public via telephone, PM Imran Khan said “Whatever circumstances are, he will not give NRO to anyone.”

 

Another user comments, “PM talks to general public: Upon conclusion, he immediately rushes  to next room, and praises the efforts (of all sitting there for making calls).

TRADITIONAL GAMES WITH TRADITIONAL FOOD AT THE SERENITY RESORT, WHAT ELSE ONE NEEDS!

MAHTAB BASHIR
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
0333 53 63 248
ISLAMABAD

In mid 90’s, for the first time, I heard the blockbuster song “Video killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles. Two decades later, my simple cell phone was replaced with a smart phone. In short, the recent decades have seen a dramatically accelerating pace in the development and adoption of new technologies. This rapid technological change is affecting almost every area of the economy, society
and culture. Meanwhile, this advancement has made people of all age and especially youngsters oblivion of traditional games our forefathers used to play.
 
Games and sports are one of the main sources of entertainment as well as physical fitness for people of any age. It helps in mental development of children and adolescents alike. But with this cutting edge technology, the traditional games of Pakistan – Gulli Danda, Kabaddi, Rassa Kashi, Desi Kushti, Bantay, Pithu Garam, Kokla Chapati, Chinjo, Chupan Chupai, Ghur Sawari, Ghur Dance, Naiza Bazi, Rassi Phalangna, Pakran Pakrai, Yassu Panju, Pugan Pugai and many more are nearly extinct.
 

There was a time when such games were an essential part of leisure activities and a source of unparalleled enjoyment. Due to the influence of TV, mobile phones and video games and inadequacy of playgrounds, today's children have lost touch with these games. These traditions that used to occupy an important place in our diverse culture are getting lost.
 
With an aim to revive these traditional games and to engage modern youth with them, Islamabad Council for Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) organized a traditional sports demonstration at The Serenity Resort, Shah Allah Ditta- where the natural beauty intrigues.
 
A string of colourful activities were held on Saturday, where people from different quarters overwhelmingly participated. A number of foreigners were also seen at the venue- that is believed to be more than 700 years old.
 
Youngsters, adolescents, middle aged all found involved in playing traditional games. Besides, traditional scrumptious food was served to the guests.
 

A day-long event was formally launched by Senator Barrister Saif and Sitara Ayaz who applauded the efforts of Shani Shah- a man behind the idea. They termed it a brain wave of a genius for revival of traditional games as well as food. They said these traditional games are not part of the past as many think; it must be carried on by us for our future posterity.
 
President, Islamabad Council for Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) and the host, Zeeshan Naqvi says, “To introduce these (traditional) games to the modern youth is the need of the hour. It will also help lessening the cultural onslaught. We will revive our cultural and traditional games as we are working on.”
 

General Secretary ICTSG Abu Zafar Sadiq says, “In first phase the Council has organized such events to sensitize youngsters about the cultural games in the federal capital. In next phase, we are going to spread our campaign at provincial level in days to come.”                   
The participants humbly urge all concerned to ensure the partaking of the present generation by creating more opportunities to revive traditional games.

ISLAMABAD TURNS F9 PARK INTO DRIVE-IN CINEMA

MAHTAB BASHIR

mahtabbashir@gmail.com
0333 53 63 248
ISLAMABAD

Amid the global pandemic Covid-19, the civic agency Capital Development Authority (CDA) in collaboration with Jazz launched first-ever Drive-in-Cinema at picturesque Fatima Jinnah Park (F9) on Friday (Dec, 18) to provide quality entertainment to the inflation ridden and covid19 feared residents of Federal Capital.     

The inaugural film- screened on the day was “Spiderman” just to give an impression that “revival of Urdu Film” and “Urdu or regional Languages” was not the brainwave of the organizers. Secondly, the entry ticket is at the fix rate of Rs. 1000. However, as the Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad stepped on the rostrum and suggested “It must be Rs.50 for everyone, I’ve requested to,”- seems not taken seriously.       

The glitzy event was attended by the elitists, fashionistas of Isloo where vintage cars were also brought in.     

The initiative was a collaboration of Jazz, Pakistan's number one 4G operator and the largest internet and broadband service provider, Activemedia and the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Following the inauguration, the audience enjoyed popular movies in a safe and comfortable environment following all COVID-19 SOPs.

Visitors were given space to park their vehicles in an orderly manner with the movie audio individually heard through each vehicle's stereo via radiofrequency. Food stalls were also arranged for snacking at the venue within the serenity of the park. People from different walks of life were present at the premiere to get the drive-in cinema experience.

JazzCash being the official digital payment partner for the Jazz Drive-In Cinema offered discounted payment solutions at the food stalls and ticket counters, and will continue to do so for a limited time. After the success of the first show, the Jazz Drive-In Cinema will be screening movies every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the evening, following a week-wise theme ranging from classics to action, science fiction, fantasy, and animations – a movie for each member of the family.

“I would like to congratulate Jazz, Activemedia and CDA on bringing back a retro favorite to provide the masses entertainment during the new normal,” said Sheikh Rasheed during the inauguration. He said “Today, I will not talk about political issues so no such questions please.”

Speaking at the movie screening, Jazz CCO, Asif Aziz, said, “As a digital lifestyle partner, we realized that the country-wide social distancing measures limited entertainment avenues for the public. By partnering with Activemedia and CDA, we aimed to introduce adaptive solutions for people to be able to receive the cinematic experience in a safe environment. Drive-in cinemas are ready to make a comeback in Pakistan and after the success of the pilot, we hope to extend this opportunity to other cities as well.”

On this occasion, spokesperson CDA said, “We applaud Jazz and Activemedia’s initiative to create the ultimate drive-in experience for audiences. For many families, today was the first proper outing in the last few months in a safe and comfortable environment with strict SOPs enforced.”

“I would like to thank Jazz and CDA for assisting us in bringing the drive-in cinema experience to the people of Islamabad. As the country’s top experiential marketing agency, we are managing the platform after fulfilling all concerned formalities with respect to the screening of the movies. After the month-long pilot in Islamabad, the next step is to take this project to Karachi and Lahore,” added Saad M. Khan, CEO – Activemedia.

The idea is indeed a unique one for us especially in the era of Covid-19 when everything is halted, says Waseem Abbas, a resident of G-7. “I don’t have a four-wheeler but, definitely, I will be here tomorrow with one of my colleague to watch the movie to let you know further,” he maintained.

The back to back movie shows will be screened on every Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 5:30pm and 8:30 pm.    

EMPOWERING YOUTH TO DEVELOPMENT

NASIMA KHAN

Just speak to youth around you and many of them will grumble tall claims by the governments, jobs are getting hard to find by every passing day. 

However, on contrary, the governments insist that they’re supposed to create employment opportunities and not offer jobs as limited resources are available at their disposal. They’re responsible for providing the people with basic facilities of life, which include education, healthcare, food, and shelter only.

Hence, it’s the private sector or public-private partnerships that create work for people. Without going into the question of who is to blame for the growing unemployment, especially in the underdeveloped province of Balochistan, I think some organizations in development sector are doing their best to ease the intense youth crisis through special initiatives. They may not be providing jobs to the poor, uneducated youth but they’re developing their employability skills for own and community development through training workshops considering it a must for reducing poverty. The ground realities bear testimony to it.

 

Just take the instance of the Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF)’s initiative Revitalising Youth Enterprise (RYE) project which has improved the employability of the selected youth in Ziarat and Killa Saifullah districts through skills development.

Around 300 young men and women aged 18-24 years, including educated but without jobs and uneducated struggling to find some decent living. These youth were selected for the training-cum-internship programme. They’re trained in clothes designing and making, beauty care, mobile phone repair, and domestic cooking, which were identified as the sought-after trades in the region. Having attended the programme, most of these youth are now able to earn a livelihood in their own areas and helping other young people to follow their path to empowerment.

Setting big goals for own development beyond their small towns and villages and pushing themselves to achieve them, these enthusiastic young souls are an inspiration for other locals, who, too, want to alleviate family poverty through skills development.

REVITALISING YOUTH ENTERPRISE IN BALOCHISTAN

NASIMA KHAN 

 

Balochistan, the country’s largest province in terms of area, has been facing multiple issues and challenges that are hampering its development, but the multidimensional poverty has emerged as the biggest one.

 

The successive governments claimed to be striving for poverty reduction in the province but there’s little or no success in practical terms. The development sector organizations however seem striving to uplift the communities, especially in the remote areas, with initiatives to help people get out of poverty.

 

Considering youth to be the engine of development, it is investing in them, including women, for sustainable development. Noted among these organisations is the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), which facilitates public-private partnerships to create livelihood opportunities for youth, including women, by skills development. Recently, it carried out a training-cum-internship programme in the underdeveloped Killa Saifullah and Ziarat districts to equip the youth with demand-driven technical skills, which were identified in a comprehensive market assessment.

 

The Citi Foundation funded the Revitalising Youth Enterprise (RYE) project, which was implemented with the help of a local partner, Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP). The training in mobile repairing, general electrician work, UPS, submersible pump and transformer repair, livestock management, commercial cooking, fashion design, bedding and quilt making, and beauty care empowered and uplifted trainees both financially and socially as they either opened own businesses or got jobs or better jobs.

 

According to the PPAF, 90 per cent of the trainees developed links and expanded their professional network, while 50 per cent of them demonstrated enhanced competencies. Community mobilisation and adherence to local norms and traditions caused good participation of girls in the training programme. 

The initiative highlighted the need for the selection of trainees for skill training projects, enhancing of the training programme duration to at least six months, provision of grants or loans to trainees, introduction of a mechanism to follow up on the trainees’ progress, and development of more inclusive approaches and institutions. The project led to a gradual change in the socioeconomic conditions of trainees and their families and its influence on other residents and thus, ensuring that more and more people, especially girls, participate in the economy. 

PDM VS PTI, NAY POLITICS VS MILITARY

 

Mahtab Bashir

mahtabbashir@gmail.com

03335363248

ISLAMABAD

The Pak Army top slot is under tremendous pressure from both ways- PM Imran khan's mere rhetoric & flawed policies from one side & PMLN's "vote ko izzat do" & "mujhy kion nikala" narrative from the other. 

The inflation- ridden public- at- large is asking a single question, i-e .what is the outcome of Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) country-wide protest rallies. The answer from different political corners varies. The only solid answer - depends upon the role of international and local establishment. But further question is whether establishment wants change right now or later on or after two more years. Is it time ripe enough or not?     

No doubt, former PM Mian Nawaz Sharif has again in limelight of political discourse by hitting too hard against the role of military in politics- of which PTI cabinet remembers labeled “a narrative of India”.

PM Khan’s reliance on being on the same page with the military does not mean that he must not come to some modus vivendi with the opposition. In politics, no one is reliable.

People are indeed burdened very heavily by high prices, reduced wages and not much light at the end of the tunnel. The government has promised on numerous occasions that it will crack down on all mafias responsible for the artificial price hike in essential items, just like the prime minister vowed to do yet again just a few days ago, but these promises have not translated into any sort of action in more than two years and people seem to have had enough of it.

The rallies of PDM has not exposed the PTI’s “Tabdeeli” under “Naya Pakistan” but has motivated majority of 212.2 million citizens of this country to raise voice against the selectors for their ‘proven’ wrong selection. But again the query remains the same, “when the selector(s) want(s) change?