Heera mandi on Netflix, a review by Fariha Munir Shah

Pakistan and India acquired their freedom 77 years ago. Yet, Indians still seem obsessed with the culture and history of the part, which was separated from them in 1947. Their film makers have not set foot in this part of the sub continent. They know nothing of its culture, mannerism, even fashions, but they are fascinated by Pakistani women. They have created an imaginary world about them and make movies, spin stories, fantasize about its women. Dress, undress them like paper dolls, attribute characteristics and personalities as 'they' wish them to be. 

The most annoying part of it all remains, they blatantly steal music and stories from Pakistan and do not give credit, acknowledge or appreciate the original writers or makers. Here, I want to bring your attention to the latest Netflix series, ' heera mandi '. The basic structure of the story, about rivalry of two sisters from professional, 'singing and dancing', families is clearly lifted from 'Hum tv' drama serial, 'deewar e shab'. Once you have seen the drama, it is impossible to unsee the parallels. Sanjay Leela Bhansali just added his regular ingredients, chandeliers, fire, sequins, glitter, dull, dark vibe.

Alam Zeb from Indian serial, belongs to 'tawaif family', but does not want to become one. She likes to read and write poetry. Just like Geti Ara, from 'dewar e shab'. The elopement scene. In Hum tv drama, it was the aunt, who encourages her niece 'Feroza', to flee for love. Whereas, in 'heera mandi' it is aunt's daughter, helping her cousin. When the basic intent behind both, was to remove major 'diamond' from the rival family, to capture the market.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali should have atleast seen movies about tawaifs made by his own country, like Pakeezah or Umrao Jan. The entire script of Heera Mandi is completely misleading. One hilarious flaw in the story is the open discussion carried out in a family gathering by hero's grandma, to send Tajwar Baloch to Heeramandi to LEARN something. When he had already completed his education from UK. Do you believe, those women really excelled in literature, Mathematics or religion, than the scholars whom influential families patronized for educating their boys? No! they were never so well qualified. Mention of a 'tawaif' in a respectable family was considered dishonorable. They were not allowed to mingle or socialize with such families. Nawabs were not gladly allowed by their families to visit that area. It was not something to be proud of. Those who indulged in it, were considered corrupt and immoral. Some were even disowned by their inheritance as disapproval from their families. Although, they did hire the services of tawaifs at home to teach their girls, who were brides to be- to acquaint them of the etiquettes of wedding night. As women of honorable families were not allowed to and were too shy to discuss these matters. That too, was a sign of a liberal family, not the conventional, religious ones, they did not even allow them at weddings. Instead, there were qawalis and milaads at such occasions. Neither music, nor the poetry of heeramandi has substance. The colors are dull and depressive. Sanjay Leela Bhansali should come out of the monotony of his color palette. Even in Nawab Zorawar's wedding scene, color combination of men and women's dressing seem to be part of the walls. Who likes so much of uniformity as in, that particular scene.

I have heard, S L Bhansali is being blamed of nepotism for casting his niece, Sharmin Segal in the leading role. Atleast, he or anyone from the production team should have visited Lahore to witness in person, the kind of beautiful women present there. The entire team of big names he has added, does not qualify for becoming even their hand maidens, let alone the tawaifs of those times, who were brought and settled by British from Russian states and Afghanistan. British shaped this place as what it is known for today.

Also, SLB should have made the heroine learn proper pronunciations of major Urdu words like 'خدا' with 'خ' instead of 'khay' English/Hindi style. Imagine,' کھ' in place of 'خ'. In Urdu 'خدا' means God. Whereas, ‘کھدا' means 'digging'. We know, it is a lingual disability for Indians to be unable to utter many of Urdu words, but over such things and proper pronunciations, selections are made in auditions and performers are rejected. Indeed, nepotism of the worst kind is seen here.

If we talk about the history of 'heeramandi', it was not these women who were regarded as 'diamonds'. It was founded as a grain market in the name of  'Heera Singh Dogra', a prime minister of Punjab, during the reign of  Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. It was later shaped by British for their own merry making to what earned this place this reputation. As a total disrespect for its surroundings.

First time ever, we came across a realization that these women contributed in the freedom of sub continent. Surely was the best part and thank God, Indian creators extended a little respect by acknowledging it about women they brought to the world as sex workers, not as artists.

In the end, I want you all, capable of reading Urdu, to look at the title of the newspaper, this actress is reading.

I fail to understand this word, 'Oh zee tay'? Is it an Urdu word? If not, then my dear friends, this is exactly, what Sanjay Leela Bhansali has done to this show. It makes no sense, is far from reality, everything is beautiful about it except the heroine, music and poetry.

Motorway rape victim & CCPO Lahore

First, this unfortunate incident, which should not have taken place, happened on motorway and through CCPO Lahore Aamer Sheikh's comments, it dawned upon us that Motorway is not as safe and well guarded as we believed it to be (but surprisingly, GT road is).

Then why do we waste so much money and fuel to go for longer routes on motorway? Till today, we thought motorway was safer and better. Without fear we traveled on it, any hour of the day or night. Only because we thought, we were protected. I am sure, the unfortunate victim had the same in mind. I wonder if women in Pakistan cannot travel on motorway alone, where else they can do?

It also makes us wonder, what if this accident had occurred on GT road instead? Then the same people would have pointed out, why the unfortunate lady did not take motorway route, as it was safer.

When doctor sees patients in pain, he gives them treatment without asking, why they invited it upon themselves. Whereas police men like Aamir Sheikh shame the victims. They are the ones who suggest parents of kidnapped girls that their daughters must have eloped with someone. They are the kind, who lock the victims behind bars when they visit police station to register their complaints against powerful rapists and influential oppressors, inform their opponents against them.

Aamir Sheikh represents the mindset which protects the criminals. Which take sides of men, because they are men and believe, women are weaker and dim witted. They would suggest others to protect their sisters and daughters, but would not perform their duty of protecting people of their country, which actually is the job of police.

We strongly condemn, Aamer Sheikh's derogatory, demeaning remarks about motorway rape victim. Our women can never be safe till we have such patriarchs in the guise of our protectors, who blame the victims.

Furthermore, he goes on to defend his words by revealing secret information about the victim on national TV that she was from Paris, therefore did not understand the odds of driving alone.

It is an insult for all female drivers. Does he even know, how many of them are on roads now? Is he portraying Pakistani women so vulnerable and men as beasts?

We want a society, where our daughters can travel like in the times of Hazrat Omer, when women could travel alone, city to city, loaded with jewelry, without eyes being raised on them. Those who quote riyasat-e-Madinah in everything, need to be reminded. Such were the examples of those civilized societies, ours is turning into a jungle full of predators.

Security of an individual, be it a woman or man, is the responsibility of the state and its police. Shaming and blaming the victims is intolerable. Today, it was her, tomorrow, it can be any of us. We demand immediate dismissal of this ruthless, selfish, police officer from the force. Nothing less.

Where rapists and killers need to be punished and executed publicly, people who like him, who sponsor them need to be rooted out too . Begin with throwing him out and show, people like him are actually the shame.

Corona virus and my conspiracy theory about the situation

There are many stories/conspiracy theories going around in the world about Corono virus. I do not deny existence of this virus. Rather, am afraid, it maybe, even more deadly than what, it is actually being projected as. So far, it seems, it has brought the world down to its knees.

Looking at the lockdown, arrival of 5G, Bill Gates sponsoring WHO on Pandemics. My intellect refuses to accept there is no game in it. These are the modern times, medical and scientific advancement at its highest. How can we be so afraid and so helpless, infront of a virus??
It makes me think, someone, somewhere is cashing the situation...

Surprisingly, results of the lockdown turned out to be beyond our imagination. It is proving good for environment that humans are staying at home.

Ozone layer is repaired within few months. Environment seems fresh, like it was never polluted. Wildlife is gaining its freedom to roam around freely.

It is good for humans to have time to spend with family, to enjoy the comforts and luxuries of their house, to get to know their children or their parents closely.

Everyone is trying to reach out to the poor or needy and trying to help them.

People like myself are trying to reconnect with religion and God.

Expenses like massive weddings and parties are being cut. Simpler ways of life are being encouraged.

Although, it is unfortunate that people are getting sick and losing their lives. Otherwise, this lockdown strategy seems to be a blessing in disguise.

Yet, there are some major shifts.....Online school, college, university classes. More dependence on internet!

People watching entertainment shows, more dependence on internet.


Families like ourselves, who loved eating out, are exploring cooking videos, learning our favorite things to make at home. More dependence on internet.


People are studying Quran through YouTube. Internet again......

Few days ago, I watched a travel show by a Facebook star, who was promoting hiring people who are experts of internet use.


People are being encouraged to buy & sell online. Work online. Meetings being arranged virtually. Well, what a massive success internet is becoming.


Nothing is working more than internet, FB, whatsapp, Skype, Zoom, Netflix, YouTube, all the other commercial selling sites, etc.


To me it seems an awareness session by Bill and Melinda Gates, about the usefulness and advantages of internet. We have been forced to stay at home with internet in our hands to handle our life We are learning to use internet in so many ways. It is basically a crash course of training to learn, how to do things, work, earn, shop, meet, have fun, without leaving our house, through internet.

Internet is out there in the world for almost 40 years, but today, we have learned, what a blessing it is. So, to me, it is all, about the significance of internet! Isn't it??? Bill Gates wants the world to depend maximum on internet, because it can be done. Internet is holding us a hostage.


Honestly, I do not look at this negatively. This is actually of great advantage to the world, for the good of every kind of life, which exists on Earth. Only if there was no fear of the virus, of ailment or death in sight.


This lockdown situation can be a good future strategy. To help handle the pollution. People can have the choice to work/earn from home. Students and children, do not have to be part of the terrible traffic on the roads.

This world can be, far busier a place, without so much mess out there. Although, not a complete shutdown, the kind which is now getting on our nerves, with an additional fear of Corona virus.

Something, more sophisticated and smartly designed than the lockdown. Govts can tell people to stay at home and do not come out unnecessarily and this becomes a norm then. A new lifestyle, a new system for a safer, cleaner world.

Just that! Think of it now.

Compulsory Quranic education

I had written it in 2018, when this new PTI govt took over. Wondering now, what progress is made in this regard?

We have been listening to breaking news about compulsory Quran education in schools. Although, it is a positive step, but it reminded me of my own childhood.

I was in class 1, back in Gen. Zia era. My father was stationed in Gujranwala. Only 4-5 years of age, I did not know, how to read and write in Urdu or Arabic (not that I was fluent in English, I didn't know it either). I am not sure, if it was a Quran class at school or Islamiat. Cannot recall, whether it was teacher , subject or something else, what scared me so much.

 All that I remember, I used to get cramps in my tummy and was on verge of passing out, when I looked at the words written in Arabic on Green colored background. I was so afraid of that class, that once I escaped from school & reached home all alone. Ultimately caught by my parents and sent to school again.

A slow learner, but what I experienced then, my parents failed to understand. They believed it to be my fault. A reason which made them ashamed of me. I did come up with lies and stories to protect myself. Now, being a grown up, I realize, how disgusted, my parents must have felt.

Leave all this aside, my purpose of sharing this story is only to ask, have the times changed?

Are there easier and interesting ways of attracting children to Quranic education?

Is child's mental health kept in consideration during this or for any other kind education?

Or the same rotting skills and sticks will be used?

Does this govt want to implement madrassa culture everywhere or is this going to be something different?

Have this govt devised any techniques through which they can inculcate in children, the love of Quran and Islam. If not, it is only burdening children with more books.

Traffic mayhem in Multan

Traffic situation in Multan is worsening every day. It has doubled & trippled over last few years. Last road expansions took place during Yusuf Raza Gillani's time. No new underpasses, no new flyovers. Only progress made in Multan during PMLN rule is the unwanted METRO. Punjab govt is busy spending all our taxes in Lahore. Next to none for South. Where the population here is growing as rapidly as in Lahore, there seems to be no plan for any expansion here. The way traffic is thickening, keeping in mind the next 5 years, the roads need immediate expansion of twice the existing sizes than what we have today. As Khadim aala of Punjab has also unleashed speedo busses, without thinking, whether there is enough space on the roads or not. Fond of decorations that they are, they have also added these fancy, blinking & sparkling dolphin squad. Who are more interested in racing with female drivers or catching people for fireworks on weddings than playing any positive role. Roads of Multan, lack the space or capacity to hold so much traffic.

Absolutely, no attention is being paid towards Nishtar road, which draws patients, not only from South Punjab and Saraiki belt but from deep inside Balochistan and some parts of NWFP. Presence of Nishtar hospital, new burn center, college of dentistry, Nishtar medical college and hostels, alongwith plenty of private hospitals, medical store and labs cause heavy influx of people and traffic. This road remains jam packed during the day time. Remember, it leads to the emergency too. Sometimes, due to thick traffic or jam, even the rescue 1122 ambulances are trribly stuck for hours and patients lose lives, right infront of the hospital. As observed by many, the reason for this mayhem on Nishtar road are the narrow passings at the sides of the flyover. These passings underwent a lot of criticism, at the time this flyover was constructed, almost a decade ago. It was evident, even at that time, the size of this road was not enough, according the requirements of the population. Nishtar hospital Multan is bigger than services hospital Lahore, but the main road infront of it is hardly as big as the service road infront of any hospital in Lahore. Recently, the traffic to airport has also been transferred to this road, increasing the troubles of patients, doctors and all those, who have businesses on this road. It requires immediate expansion, twice its size at both the sides. 

What's more, the military check posts have added every day misery to the lives of many. Truly a headache for those, who have to get stuck in the middle every day. Military is not bothered to speed up the process of checking. Even passing a post sometimes takes hours. Children get late for schools, people reach late at work. And honestly, I find it extremely unfair, in order to provide security to Fort colony and military areas, ordinary citizens have to line up & wait for hours to get cleared, in hot or in cold. It gets humiliating for some, specially the students on motor bikes, who have to remove helmets, prove their identies and line up with hundred others, waiting for hours to get cleared. Meanwhile, missing their time to reach at tutions in time.  

Why do we raise hue and cry, when traffic is blocked to provide protocol to political VIPs. If common man has to suffer at the hands of both?

Although, people like us have got cantt passes made after paying some amount, so we don't have to suffer the ordeal every day but it does not mean that we aren't aware of these problems. Specifically the situation on Sher Shah road is in distress due to these check posts. People literally fear to visit these areas. Businesses in these areas are suffering because people are afraid of visiting. The restaurants and new places remain deprived of their customers. Price of the property has been affected badly. People are selling off and moving to areas, where there are no military check posts.

Sher Shad road was previously called the GT or LMQ (Lahore, Quetta, Multan) road. It has a lot of significance. It connects the entire country, but its status is ruined due to these check posts and traffic jams. Although, after Multan by-pass was created, the previous rush on this road was reduced, but, industrial area is on this road. Gigantic trollers have no other access to it but from this road and the only way, is a narrow passage from Nadirabad phattak. This cross is comparatively a lot smaller for the enormous trollers with gigantic containers. When a truck or troller driver tries to turn from the main road to industral area, it takes atleast few minutes. Whereas, traffic from both sides, start to build and by the time, it is in a condition to enter industrial area, it gets stuck in the traffic around it. Ultimately blocking traffic from every side. Usually, there is no traffic police on this spot and can only be seen, hours after the jam. There are no traffic signals here and when the phattak is opened, it results in utter chaos. There is a requirement of constructing an underpass to cantt and an over-head bridge at Nadir-abad phattak, inorder to rid this area traffic jams.

Where traffic gets blocked due to Nadir Abad phattak at one side. On the other, check post near Askari colony gets blocked due to heavy traffic and slow process of checkings on the post and this road comes to a total jam for hours. From Nadir-abad phattak to Askari post, imagine, this area is almost 3 kilometeres, which remains jammed every other day.

More for this road. The major source of entertainment, the lake, ''chaman zar Askari'' is there too.  Awwan-e-Shuhada is also situated on it. Services club Multan, which is now callec MGM is a little ahead of it. Multan has only one 'Cantt garden' and access to it has been granted from the same road. On eids, special holidays, not flood but sea of entertainment deprived, natives of the city of saints head towards these areas. Even the rush of pedestrians is enough to bring this road to a halt. Just think of the havoc created by the traffic. This road is blocked when some big wedding takes place at MGM. This road is blocked with pedestrians, when there is flowers exhibition in cantt garden and it comes to a standstill for hours, from Nadirabad phattak onwards, entire area of 4-5 km.

I just hope and pray that our military brethren show some care and find some better ways to enhance their security, which are less inconvenient for the general public. Civilians have won the case against these check posts.. Now we are wondering, if miliarty will remove these check posts? We do believe them to be our protectors and our saviours, but have they realized, what inconvenience they are causing for us, specially on Sher Shah road? Are they now going to remove these or should we not expect any courtesy from them, like we don't from politicians?

Bhikki power plant versus gas, water and electricity shortage in Pakistan

Ever wondered, if Pakistan is the only state in this world, where politicians use one agenda for winning votes. Completely ignore that issue, when they form the government and start spending on something totally irrelevant, unneeded? When the problem gets out of control, they find temporary alternates to curb the urgency? 

We saw it happen during General Pervaiz Musharraf's rule. When his government failed to bring down petroleum prices, LPG  was used as an alternate to diesel and petrol for fuel consumption of vehicles. For some time, it was viewed as new booming business. Palatial, custom built gas stations emerged everywhere. It was not long after that the nation witnessed long queues at those gas stations. Waiting hours and hours to be filled. Shortage of gas, resulted in gas load shedding for the domestic users, which our country never experienced before. Problem severed so much that those majestic gas stations ended up in ruins and still remain a sight to look at and lament over pathetic planning. 

Now, the current government of Mr. Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif, is using the same trick. They failed to overcome electricity load shedding during their entire tenure. Now near completion of it, in the year 2017, they are reminded of their promises. Something that they vouched for - the end of electricity load shedding. Unfortunately, all that they have done is drama, in the name of projects like Quaid-e-Azam solar plant. All the tall claims of immediate provision of electricity turned out to be untrue. Load shedding continued, while the rulers, were engaged in proving themselves to be the descendants of Sher Shah Suri. Their obsession with road construction and transportation, specially the metro projects remained deplorable. The more, their opposition reminded them of problem of electricity, more forcefully they tried to divert attention to their own favourite projects like Orange train, yellow cabs, etc.

Ultimately, in the last year of their government, they were left with no option but to come up with some temporary relief, which will help them acquire votes in next elections. And apparently, it is in form of Bhikki power plant. Following the footsteps of General Musharraf, this govt has decided to use LPG, to get them out of this electricity shortage trouble. Completely negating the fact that, the nation suffered terrible gas load shedding, eight hours or more during entire winter. It was not until mid April that it stopped and by the end of same month, they have started using it for the purpose of electricity production. What will happen in winters? No gas, no electricity? It is said that the gas used for this project is imported, if it is so cheap, why domestic users have to face the shortage?

According to some reports issued in 2014, Pakistan's gas reserves will end after 20 years (2 years passed. 18 years left). With dependence on projects like Bhikki power plant for electricity, hope almost 10 more years will be reduced. So, within next 5 years, there will be no gas in our country, alongwith electricity. But who cares? 

India has full control of our water supplies. Our neighbouring enemy does not have to wage an all out war on us, it can control our destiny, through water. Unleashes its flood water, saving itself, causing havoc in our country. They are building more dams, saving more water, depriving us of more. Think tanks have been warning of soon to occur water scarcity, which may result in land degradation, if new water reservoirs are not constructed.

It is indeed Almighty Allah's kindness that our country gets some good rainfall, but lack of planning and storage facilities result in regular flooding. Pakistan has remained a spectacle for the world because of this recurring disaster, yet it could not make PMLN leaders think that water was being wasted, unused. Not only that it can be saved but also used for generating electricity. Fertility of our lands, provision of drinking water and electricity shortage, there is just one solution to everything and it is building new, bigger and better dams.

This government has wasted five years of this nation, without planing for the future. Totally denied the most crucial issue of the construction of dams. By hook or crook, they may succeed in overcoming electricity loadshedding for winning next elections but consequences of their pathetic planning may push this country to even more troubled state. A government which fails to build the dams is enemy of our future generations.

PMLN government has failed miserably in solving the problems of a common Pakistani and remained busy in self gratification. They wasted Pakistan's tax payer's money on self promotion, putting their pictures and posters around the country.  Do not forget their selfish acts. Do not trust their future promises, before you vote for next elections.

Pakistan does not love her children

Pakistan does not love her children. Do what you want to do with them. They are being produced in abundance, just like broiler chicken. Take them. Beat them. Eat them. Rape them. Make their pornographic videos. Slay them, take out organs of their bodies and sell. Make them your slaves or servants. Attack their schools. Butcher them. Drown them in acid. Nobody cares. Nobody loves them. They are insignificant. They are nothing. They are not even humans. This is what is reflected from the stories emerging from around the country.

As if the attack on Army Public school Peshawar in 2014 was not enough. A massacre, among the worsts of the world in modern history. An incident so grave, which jolted the entire nation and it appeared, now this country won't allow anybody to even touch a child, but what happened next year, in 2015, in Kasur - a place which lies in the proximity of Lahore? Under the nose of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, children as young as three and four years old, underwent such unbelievable sufferance and humiliation, which leaves you in goosebumps even on imagining. Such cruelty. Yet, the perpetrators of that heinous act remain unpunished. And the latest, are the stories of abduction of hundreds of children from Punjab, specially Lahore.

What's next? Is it never going to stop? Who is responsible for this? Are majority of children in Pakistan destined to an ill fate?

Maybe these words leave you unmoved as these children are not yours, but put your hand on your heart and ask yourself, what if they were yours? Won't it hurt? Are you heartless enough, not to feel the pain? Forget about being a parent, what if you were that child, how would you feel then?

If comparisons are made at international level, Pakistani children would definitely fall in the category of most ignored of them all. Not just underprivileged but from well off families too. Ours is a country, where ways for roads and Metros are created by demolishing schools and educational institutes.  When the life, health and education of Pakistani children are no big concerns, of what significance entertainment will be?

There is not a single TV channel dedicated to children. Once, I tried to raise this question on social media and the answers I received, simply surprised me. People said, we have cartoon network, Nick, Disney and other such channels, with dubbed programs for our children. No one was worried, it is not Urdu but Hindi that our children are being exposed to.

I consider it highly irresponsible on part of  Pakistani TV channels, airing Hindi dubbed shows for Pakistan children. Is it so difficult to add few Urdu words in already translated shows? Where is their patriotism, respect for individual identity of this country and its national language? Why celebrate 14th August at all then, when such channels, minting money from our country are not bothered about giving any respect to its roots, identity, culture or language? Thanks to such copy cats that we are not left with any culture at all. Our nation is nothing but a highly confused. Getting even more divided as Al-Bakistani, Muhajirs or westernised.

People are mocking and making fun of a demand by PTI to ban Doraemon, a Japanese cartoon. Atleast, they have shown some concern about what children are being exposed to. I personally have only one objection against this show, its dubbing in Hindi. Instead of learning good Urdu or English (which remained our official language for so long and is a great communication tool at international level) kids are using complicated words of Sanskrit, a decayed/obsolete language, which even Indians do not use as much but Pakistani children are churned with. Doraemon may have least negative influence on children, there is a lot more which probably even PTI ignored.

Once in a bakery I saw, a cake made on order for a themed birthday with a cartoon character called ''chota bheem''. I was told, the birthday boy loved the cartoons and the character. Family seemed totally unconcerned about the origin of the cartoon. Bheem is a Hindu religious character, out of Hindu epic Mahabharata. And listening, watching to his stories believed to be a form of praying for Hindus. It wouldn't have bothered me at all, if the family ordering the cake was Hindu. They were all devout Muslims.

Another show, which is currently a part of cartoon network is ''roll number 21''. The lead character is Kris, a boy with magical powers. He actually depicts the character/avatar of lord Krishna, a revered divinity worshipped by Hindus. Imagine it! Your Muslim children are not aware of characters from Islamic history or from Quran but they may narrate the entire Mahabharata or Ramayyan to you. Is it what your great grand parents shed their blood and lost their lives to get you an independent country for?

The world, along with desi liberals of our country are propagating against Muslim missionaries and Indians are already doing it peacefully, by feeding your Muslim kids, Hindu religious stories, making them love characters from Hindu history and mythology.

So many, news and entertainment channels in Pakistan but not even a single one, purely for Pakistani children? Wonder, if there are any such TV shows, like PTV produced in the past. Remarkable programs like Kalian, Alif Laila, Aenak wala jin, Kashish, etc.

 It is time that Pakistani Tv channels must have separate channels, not just airtime for Pakistani children. Take some lesson from Indians. They have even reproduced Disney shows like 'Suite life of Zack and Cody' to their own Indian version, 'Suite life of Karan and Kabir'. Their Disney channel is a completely Indianised version. Even if the show is English, Indians dub it with meaningful Hindu messages. All such things must be stopped from being aired into Pakistan.

Why can't we have one for Pakistani children, with Pakistani lifestyle and values? A channel which educate Pakistani children through entertainment. Quiz shows, game shows, creative work, dramas, music shows etc. Children must be made aware of the dangers in life, lurking around them through such channels. Why Pakistani media is ignoring this opportunity of creating an impression on their own future generation?

Give our Pakistani children, their identity and security. Show them some affection, give them some protection. Show them, their country cares for them. Bring the trouble makers to justice, who cause sufferance and pains for Pakistani children.  Give our children something of their own to own to and feel proud of. Do not oppose everything, what opposition has to say. Use your own minds also. Care for your own children, if you do not care for rest of the children of this country.

Qandeel Baloch -- A beacon of life, cruelly put out

Qandeel Baloch as an ordinary girl

Much has been discussed about Qandeel Baloch during her life and after it. Amazing was the response of those, who dubbed her 'sleazy' in her lifetime and immediately jumped to the other side after her murder and started condemning their own likes, who called her names.

The worst type of hypocrites appeared as those, who condemned her murder, yet denounced her life as a shame for her family that they were not left with any option but to kill her. I question them all, are they really so pure and sin free that they can declare another person a sinner?

I wonder, why people hated Qandeel so much? Was she any different from any other TV or cinema stars that our society loves? Wonder why sexiness of Katrina Kaif and Sunny Leone is so much loved and not judged like that of hers?  

All Bollywood actresses are glorified as sex objects in their movies. Their seductive dance moves, their sultriness, enjoyed by Pakistani men and copied by women. Why Pakistani egos hurt so much when Qandeel pouted and acted like Indian actresses? What high moral standards, great ideals and examples society had set for her? Do we have, anything of our own that we could assert as our 'culture'?  Then, why object to her style and expression? Why people watched her videos and visited her profile so much, that gave her a dramatic boost? Definitely, they enjoyed it but also unleashed their hatred by reprimanding her.

She was an aspiring young woman, an entertainer actually, who had learnt to express herself freely and discovered it to be a way to the top. The medium she selected for herself to express was different but what she was doing, was not. Many stage dancers, film actresses of Pakistani origin indulge in it. Why this hypocrisy and double standards about her then? Why do people forget, she was trying to be an entertainer, not a religious scholar.

Something truly remarkable that she did was, exposing Mufti Qawi, a wolf in a sheep's skin. A task so great that our nation should be thankful to her for. It ultimately took her life but only she had the guts and the determination to bring the evil side of this so called religious scholar to light. Have we not heard stories of evil men in holy disguises, who loot the innocents in our country?

Unfortunately, psychopaths like her own brother, who killed her,  were at the villain's side and got to put out this beacon of life. This clearly shows the power of ecclesiastics in our society. No matter, how evil they personally maybe, if they condemn anybody, that person is doomed.
 
She never revealed till just before her killing, that she hailed from an extremely backward area of South Punjab and a poor family. She had actually made it big at her own.  Is it not enough to prove her strengths? She was almost invincible, if she was not deceived by her own blood. It maybe surprising but most of the celebrated female artists of Pakistan, belong to South Punjab. She would have proved to be an even bigger sensation than Veena Malik, who also belongs to the same area of South Punjab, that Qandeel was from. Yes! If now we enjoy Veena's performance as an adorable imitator, why we were hopeless in Qandeel's case. She could revert.  People maybe unforgiving but God is all forgiving.

Whatever the reaction of men maybe, it breaks my heart, when women condemn her and appreciate her dishonourable brother. I feel, it is more of jealousy. Every woman has a Qandeel Baloch in her. Most of the women are afraid their inner Qandeel would be seen too. Where the real one was fearless, and unstoppable, they only express their disgust freely. And they should know, by doing this they are tightening the noose, not only on their own neck but around their future generations too. They never know, what their husband, brother or son may find dishonourable in them and worth taking their life.

Her murderers must not go unpunished. Even if her family forgives the culprits, government should fight for her. Mufti Qawi, must be banned from appearing on all the channels, his name must be included in the murderers, as he is fully capable of inciting, provoking her killing.

It is such a shame, in this age, in these modern times, there are still people in our country, who still kill women in the name of honour. Hard working women, put their lives into creating a niche for themselves and finally when they either make it or are about to make it to the top, they are physically, emotionally, financially, destroyed by their own, near and dear ones. Truly tragic! When would our nation learn, there is no honour in honour killing?

"So wise so young, they say do never live long."

December 16 was already believed to be ominous in the history of Pakistan but nobody knew, it held something even more sinister for the future. What can be more callous than attack on the innocent kids? Who would be so blood thirsty and remorseless to target the helpless little toddlers, those who can not even spell the words 'killing' or 'murder'. That too in a place, where future of the nation is shaped. Where the morning begins by taking the name of Allah Almighty. Not just any sane Muslim but any human being with a little empathy for his kind, would never stoop so low.

Yet today, the entire country mourns in grief, over such an occurrence. Every heart bleeds in solidarity with parents, who lost their flesh and blood in the brutal act of terrorism in Peshawar Army Public school.

Shakespeare could possibly have predicted such a future, when he said; "So wise so young, they say do never live long."

We are all devastated by the images of this vicious incident. Innocent flowers invaded by ruthless, barbaric vultures, who brought end to their own lives too. Hundreds of families traumatized. Entire nation is in a state of shock and disbelief. Wondering! Are we ever going to be same again? What is our crime? What sin, are we being punished for?

Not a single Pakistani was involved in 9/11. Yet, our nation paid heavily for it. Our nation has suffered that one time US tragedy, every day. Our country has taken, upon itself toll of the world around it.

 What is even more heart breaking? After all these sacrifices, after all the wars of other countries, fought on our soil. Our country is still being pointed at, for harbouring terrorism, for nurturing extremism. Hatred, disgust and rejection thrown upon us as a nation.  Is this the respect, international community owes us?

When is the world going to acknowledge, Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism. When the shocking stories like APS shooting, would shake international conscience that it is not Islam or Pakistanis, doing this, but the perpetrators are simple, plain, paid terrorists?

Talibans are not one of us but most of them are foreign nationals, hiding in our country. We are proud that Pakistan army, is fighting day and night to kick out these terrorists out of our country.

With an always attacking, always abusing neighbour like India. Which has proved a merciless enemy, never spares, even a single opportunity to defame our nationals or harm our national interests. Has thrust a media war on our nerves and is always ready to push our people in self condemnation. Don't you think, we are one of the bravest nations of the world, surviving all that?

My request to the worldwide community. Please! Extend the honour and respect for our country, which it deserves. Look at the brave souls of the soldiers, our women, little children, who get out every day and live a fearless life, despite all the odds against them. Do not mix our enemies with us and Talibans are our enemies.

GeoTV: A venture inspired by 'tomorrow never dies'.

During childhood, we often heard our elders, discussing with each other that children should be kept away from watching movies because the violence shown and complicated stories could leave a bad impact on their minds for the rest of their lives.

Today, when I see so much of violence and terrorism in the world, I do wonder if those predictions were correct. There are many captivating movies, which were brought to the silver screen as riveting ideas but lead to disastrous happenings around the world.

And it is not just terrorism or violence, even scientific ideas of cloning, space travel etc, were introduced in either some novels and then pursued as movies.

Contemplating over it, I was reminded of some of the English movies, seen years ago. ( I say English because British movies are included, not just Hollywood).

For example: Arnold Schwarzenegger's, 'True Lies'. A fascinating movie which came out in 1994.

Through that, for the first time, the modern world witnessed emergence of a new profligate in Hollywood movies, announcing 'Crimson Jihad'. Harbinger of a divorce to Russians as former favourite miscreants, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, replaced by Muslims. 

The historic tragedy of 9/11 reminded many people of the scene from this movie, in which Arnold Schwarzenegger gets on an aircraft and strikes it in the building in order to destroy it. The plot and characters of 9/11 seemed familiar to many, who had seen this movie. It was just that the destruction was caused by the bad guys, instead of the hero of any movie.

In my opinion, whoever the perpetrators were of the incident, must have grasped the idea of this massive destruction from the movie 'True Lies'. I find myself ignorant of any reference, if a similarity was drawn of the events in media or press. As a Tsunami of stories followed  that mammoth tragedy. When I try to look back at it, fact and fiction, all gets mixed up.

Another movie, which I have never been able to forget was ' Conspiracy theory'. An American thriller about Jerry Fletcher (Mel Gibson), a conspiracy-theory obsessed New York City taxi driver, who continually expounds his ideas to different passengers whom he carries around to different places.

The most intriguing part of the story for me was, how Jerry was capable of brining different news articles and ideas together, giving birth to something totally irrelevant, which later proved to be true.

It is something which I personally relate to as well since childhood. Though, I consider it more of psychological analysis, reason  being capable of doing so, than product of a conspiring mind. As the movie discloses by the end that Jerry was actually technically trained by CIA for that (but there is no such twist in my real life story). Yet still, I do bring different stories together, which prove to be true in an alarming way.

 'Tomorrow never dies' (1997) a British spy film, 18th in the James Bond series, and the second to star Pierce Brosnan as the fictional 007 agent. The story of the movie revolved around a series of destructions caused by a power-mad media mogul who intends to initiate World War III. 

In this story, 'a media baron, Elliot Carver, head of the Carver Media Group Network (CMGN), begins his plans to use an encoder to provoke war between China and the United Kingdom, which would replace the Chinese government with one more supportive to Carver's plans of exclusive broadcast rights.''

Does this ring a bell already? Have you been able to draw a parallel, where I am trying to lead you? 

Yes! My reference is to Geo TV. If nothing else, the lust for power and the appetite for playing with the governments are similar and quite evident.

And what I found even more exciting. We all know, Geo Television was established in May 2002 and a little bit of research about terrorism in Pakistan, revealed to me that the current wave of terrorist activities prevailing in our country started in 2003. 

Now, I am not accusing this TV channel but is not strange that 9/11 incident occurred and triggered its consequences in 2001. But nothing directly effected Pakistan, till the breaking news culture introduced by this channel hit this country.

Going back to above mentioned Bond movie. The spy hero, 007 is sent to investigate Carver, after Carver Media releases news with critical details, of some events, hours before they become known to rest of the world. And towards the end of the movie, the confession comes from the media-mogul himself that, his plans were behind all the terrorist activities going around. Therefore, the most detailed breaking news appeared, only on his channels and network.

This also reminds me of the innumerable claims by this Geo TV that they were first to break the news stories. Its selected anchors, representatives, found at the most important events in contemporary history. All this reminds me of the ambitions of the media mogul in 'tomorrow never dies'. And if nothing else, at least the inspiration of the movie, definitely worked behind this channel.

And they use religion as their masks...

Recently, I came across a status-update, at facebook, by a young girl named, Kiran Ashraf from Karachi. I seriously admire this girl, who went on to challenge, an all male crowd, despite being vulnurable. But this incident also provides, some points to ponder about our society. Here is an edited version of her story, as some of the sentences used, were in Urdu:

Kiran:  ''Among a crowd I saw a man today with a rope tightened around his neck and hands joined together begging for mercy. I couldn't see clearly but I saw another man standing really close. A bearded man of age with a prayer mark on his forehead, wearing decent clothes and uttering something. The first thought in my mind was that atleast there is, this respectable looking person present, who must be helping in sorting out the issue.

But out of my curiosity I went a little closer and to my utter horror, I saw the same pious looking man holding the end of the rope in his hands, gripping it tightly telling the man to move his shop out of the way because it was his space, his area. And the crowd, as always, was standing dumb doing nothing!! When I started to raise my voice against the brutality, I was told to mind my own business, as it was not something that a woman should interfere. Also, few people from the crowd declared, that the old man (perpetrator of the inhuman act) was more of a saint and an extremely respectable person. He had the right to teach a lesson to those, who created problems for him.       
And I was like, what kind of pious, religious man is he? What kind of message is he giving out that, if he appeared religious, he could treat a man like an animal? Even if that man on ground was at mistake, the other guy could have handled it in the right manner. Doesn't Islam teach tolerance? What would it take us to realize that?''
                                                                      ---------- 
This is not a story of  Talibaan struck, remote village from the Northern areas of Pakistan. But a tale, right of the biggest city - the only metropolis of our country - Karachi.

Again, many of you would say, this is nothing as compared to terrorism, torture and torment, the entire city of Karachi suffers from.

Let me be more specific, why this story held my attention. It made me visualize, how our entire nation suffers at the hands of such, so called religious people.

That one person, who had the rope around his neck was not just one man - but he represented our entire nation. How we are being held by our necks, by these Pharaohs, who walk on earth, as if they are gods. Only because they believe, they are practising their religion. Is religion not a personal thing between Almighty and a believer?  Is pride not a sin?

Our entire nation is suffering because of these pseudo religious people. Who distort, deform Islam for their personal motives. Who paint a wrong image our peaceful and respectable religion. They only use religion to as masks to unleash the beasts within their souls.

Note: And when I say Pseudo religious people, I do no intend to include maulanas / molvis or the real religious people or honest preachers of Islam. I respect them with all my heart. They are also victims of the kind of hypocrites, I refer to.

To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.
William Shakespeare
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/william_shakespeare.html#dkPwU4sWqqeT6Afe.99

To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.
William Shakespeare
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/william_shakespeare.html#dkPwU4sWqqeT6Afe.9

To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.
William Shakespeare
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/william_shakespeare.html#dkPwU4sWqqeT6A

A living legend called Hammad Siddiqui.

If you are a blogger or a social media person, particularly a Pakistani one. But are not aware of, who Hammad Siddiqui is, then you are fishing in a plastic tub. It is enough to prove your limited knowledge and lack of experience, in this field.

In simple words, Mr. Hammad Siddiqui is the 'the greatest GURU of blogging in Pakistan' and a big gun in the world of social media. It was my good fortune, which brought me to know him.

Allow me to narrate the story. I had created a blog, back in 2008. But till 2012, could not even think of what to write about. So, it remained almost forgotten.

A very dear friend of mine, Masooma Sibtain, who is always full of ideas, motivating others to do something; noticed my habit of writing lengthy stories as my status updates at facebook and suggested me to use this talent for writing blogs. I opened blogspot.com just to check the possibilities and was surprised to rediscover the blog, I had created few years ago.

During the days, I was pondering, what to write about. At a gathering of friends, ladies started admiring my habit of taking pictures at the parties and uploading them on facebook. And started demanding that I should tag them.
 
One day, after a lunch by a dear friend Hania Shahid. When all the guests left. Only few of the friends were sitting in her lounge and discussing the popularity of my activities. Another lovely friend, Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh suggested that I should go ahead and do it, on a professional level. Her admiration and suggestions puffed me up. It was exactly the time, when I decided, what I was to do with my blog. A social butterfly that I was believed to be, there was nothing more convenient for me but to write about the social life of my city, Multan. As Mahnaz had also called me, ''our own version of GT (good times magazine)''. I decided to name my blog  FarihaMunirShahTimes. This is how, it all started.

Masooma was pleased to see me, coming up with this different kind of blogging idea. But could sense, I required proper guiding. For that, she suggested me to add Mr. Hammad Siddiqui on FB. That was a time, when I was extremely strict about not adding people, I knew nothing of in real life. So, I started observing his blogs at http://hammadsiddiquiblog.com instead of adding him. And believe me, it was an enchanting new world of learning for me. All of a sudden, I was reading, extremely motivating, exciting success stories of entrepreneurs. Tips about marketing, branding, etc, etc. I felt like a student of business studies, who was totally smitten by the subject. There, on the blog I noticed, link to Hammad's Twitter account and started following him. To my amazement, he followed back. But still, I could not gather courage to talk to him. One day, he asked his followers about, some auto-unfollow and I feared he may unfollow me as well. So I dared to speak to him and told him, Masooma had suggested me to seek help from him. He responded like a thorough gentleman, politely, respectfully. And immediately added me, among his list of pupils and started guiding me. Also, invited me to the blogging workshops, he conducted in Lahore, which further polished my skills and increased my knowledge as a blogger.

Ever since then, he is playing the role of a guide, a teacher, a mentor for me. It gives me immense joy, when people, who attend his workshops tell me, he uses my blog as an example (though, it is mainly to point out the flaws). Yet, I am so proud of it and thankful too.

It has been more than an year and a half of my contact with him through this social media. And the learning never stops in his company. He is an epitome of knowledge. An inspiration for many (young and old alike). Always ready and willing to help others. A wonderful friend. Extremely down to earth and decent man, who lives his life according to the religious values. But still, his good humored nature remains unharmed.

Now, after years of blogging and thousands of writings, he has finally moved on to getting his own book published.  Bootstrapping Your Career by Hammad Siddiqui, will be soon available in the market. Every day, renowned, national and international scholars are posting brilliant reviews about the book. Though, I do not stand on a pedestal, as high as others. But this is my humble effort to salute a gentleman, I hold great regards for.

Going through, the excerpts which are being posted on the facebook page of his book. I would like to comment that, though this book is believed to be useful for the professionals only. But actually, it has universal appeal.

Like the phrase quoted by Mr. Hammad Siddiqui, 'You pay peanuts, you get monkeys!', is not just applicable to the professional staff, of the corporate sector only. Even ordinary housewives, can get help from such tips, while hiring servants and maids.

At another point, he mentions. ''Do you know that Freelancing and working from home is becoming a career option now. You can choose from a wide variety of opportunities from content writing, receptionist for a doctor's clinic, order booking, telemarketing etc.'' 

Is it not something, we all like to know?..... And at the end, just to let u know, the flavor of his writing, I am adding another of his quotes,

'If you are employed and doing well, you may think you don’t need career advice, but most people need to grow fast and progress quickly. I am one of them and I want others to grow fast too. In most cases, greater growth is due to high level contacts and networking''.

So, my suggestion to all, who aspire to get to great heights in their lives, grab a copy of this book. Whether you wear boots, high heels or plain slippers, this book will definitely, guide you to jump into better shoes.

 



 










 

The best of times....

Once again; time has brought Pakistani nation at cross roads, where fate awaits their consent. The game of politics is on. Tried and tested politicians, after floor crossing and all, are being packed and redistributed, with different party labels.  Selfish people with selfish interests, feasting on national interests. Elections, just around the corner and people remain indecisive, whom to vote, whom not to vote.

And their confusion is justified. They have lost their trust in their political leaders. They have lost confidence in the power of their vote. And most serious of all, they have lost their faith in democracy.

Peoples party was always believed to be the only party, with a true vision of democracy. Boasting a promise of food, shelter, work and security for every citizen of Pakistan. During Benazir Bhutto's premiership, the party shook off, these responsibilities by blaming the untimely dismissal of their  government.

Same was the case with Muslim (Noon) league. People looked up towards them as rescuers. Cherished their take over, when Benazir government was sent home. But they returned with a vengeance. To chew off, whatever was ever done by PPP government and flag it as their own. Selfishly focusing on Lahore and upper Punjab. Nothing for the South Punjab. And totally ignored Balocistan, Sind and NWFP.

As far as declaration of Pakistan, a nuclear state is concerned. It was done as a reaction to India's nuclear tests. It was the need of the time and any government would have taken the step. If Mian Nawaz Sharif or his government claim the credit, they should honor India more, for providing them this opportunity. It was not his government, which had developed these arsenals. But a hard working team of scientists, which spent decades on developing that technology. Nawaz Sharif and his brother, mainly remained occupied in self projection and self promotion.

 This provided, a dictator like General Pervez a chance to take over. With him, came the war on terror. Which is still terrorizing our country. General Musharaf, proved another pathetic case of self gratification and self assertion.

The destruction, done to our country by this man, is irreparable. He had eight long years. If he wanted, he could get dams constructed to meet the energy challenge, but he went on for another idiotic option, the use of CNG in vehicles. Inviting another energy crisis, another great inconvenience; shortage of gas for household purposes. Not to forget, the same brought down the industrial life of our country, close to closure.

 Remember folks! Modernity or enlightening of minds occur with education and by improving the standard of living of the natives of a country. Not by encouraging them to take off their clothes and go dancing to earn a living or by legalizing prostitution. What he did was, of the similar kind. He remained engrossed, projecting to the world, he was a modern man. The president of Islamic republic of Pakistan kept us well entertained by his dancing, displaying his affection for dogs. And we seriously loved it, believing it to be his humility. Not realizing, the example that he set before us will be followed by the illiterate, ignorant masses in the worst possible, vulgar ways.

What kind of liberalism, modernity or enlightenment, it brought to womanhood in Pakistan? The image of an Islamic state was tarnished, by the stage dancers, who took over the roles of striptease. Many impoverished women were openly found roaming around streets, working as prostitutes. Youtube, dailymotion and similar video sites are replete with Pakistani-semi porn. As gift of liberalism and modernism by this visionary leader. And we lament that 'porn' is the most widely searched topic in our country. With the launch of characters like Veena Malik, we proved it to the world, given the opportunity, Pakistan can be the biggest supplier of porn too.

And now, we come to the biggest political supporters of Musharraf's government. Nothing could be more ironic than 'Jamaat-e-Islami' being a part of it. The massacre of Red mosque, took right under their noses. And all the hypocrites, who claim to be called 'maulanas', went into hibernation, till the victims of that massacre were disposed off. It was few days later, that they came out on streets to protest. When everything was over and they had no fears against being sinned against sinning.

The most disturbing element there was the fact, how an Islamic/educational institute was well supplied with arms and weapons? Why the government was sleeping and what were the intelligence agencies doing while the piles of weapons were being stocked at such a primary location. Whatever, the answers maybe, but more than the unworthiness of Musharaf, the incident proved the hypocrisy of the so called maulanas.

The latest five years of PPP government, were only continuation of the miseries imposed on the ordinary citizen. Load shedding, of gas and electricity, destroyed industrial life and life of an ordinary citizen of Pakistan. First time in our lives, we witnessed civil dictators, who told their starving nation to eat cakes.

The only good that we saw of this government was the development work in Multan. A historic city, which was ignored recognition and rights, under all the previous government. But the credit for the improvement of infra-structure of this city, goes to former Prime minister Mr.Yusuf Raza Gillani, only. The unfortunate part is that he was accused of favoritism for his native city. If Shahbaz Sharif, does the same for Lahore, it is justified but people of South Punjab are declared corrupt for doing the same for their own land.

Today, it gets frustrating to see, all such political parties and people, lined up for elections again. All the looters, apathetic, heartless rulers, who remained detached from the welfare of common man in their governance. How can they even dare to show their face again?

Zardari, who has already ousted the real Bhutto family, is bringing in his sisters and rest of family, sidelining his own son. Only using him, as legacy of Benazir to earn votes to strengthen his family. Nawaz Shari, Shahbaz Sharif, still cannot have enough of the government. The enlightened, the liberal, Musharaf is back, ready to play in the name of Islam this time. What a bright political future awaits us.

The only new thing, half of the country is excited about is Imran Khan and PTI. The excitement is only there, because, this man has yet, not been tried in the world of politics. Those who know him, know it well that he is too full of himself. His head is already full of his cricket victories. His arrogance is evident from the very fact that he considered it below him, to marry any ordinary Pakistani girl, but a British girl from aristocratic family. This proves, there sit somewhere in his head a king, like all our previous rulers.

After reading this, you may feel surprised that I, the writer of this blog always voted for his party, since its inception. But it always ended up in realization that my vote was lost. I have grown more skeptical  now. What guarantees are there, he can repair the damages done to our nation or to our country? He has found supporters among people like Javed Hashmi and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who left their parties, because they were not being properly honored, there. They did not see room for their personal political growth in their own parties but discovered great space for their famous faces in PTI.

And all that I see in Imran Khan is, his ambition to become Prime Minister. Nothing else. He has remained an achiever and this is just another of his goals. I seriously wish, he may win and provide a change to Pakistan. But, what is beyond that? It is not a cricket match, that he leads his team to victory, bags the trophy of premiership and the game is over. The story of politics, starts after winning. It is Pakistan that he has to run, not Shaukat Khanam charity hospital. If  charity work is the criteria, than Mr. Abul Sattar Edhi, stands taller and boasts a  bigger stature than him. And what's more, the gentleman has never even claimed his right to rule, like Imran Khan does.

The political scene of Pakistan, could never get more confusing than it is now. It just makes me wonder. Is our country, ever going to see some good times in future, or should I get it inscribed on a truck, with a picture of General Zia-ul-Haq, and a quote 'those were the best of times'?