|
|
|
|
 |
 |
   |
eid first outdoor karachicharacter
eid Kolachi conducted a survey on what would particularly be different about this eid and how things have changed in the recent past By Sumaira Jajja After three weeks of
fasting and feasting, Ramazan enters its last phase as the mood in the
city remains pensive. On questioning people of different backgrounds on the significance of Eid, Kolachi learnt that the day has lost its charm for the older genereration. Huma Naz is a journalist working with a news channel, says that Eid is very different now than it used to be when she was younger. "Eid to bacho ki hotee hay! Now that I am a grownup I realize how true this adage is. There was no fretting about managing a budget or shopping or how to treat relatives. All that mattered was new clothes and hanging out with cousins and friends and having non-stop fun while comparing eidi and mehndi designs". And when popped with the question if she prefers to sleep through the Eid day as many young professionals prefer to do, she promptly replies, "Eid is a special day, one can sleep on the other 364 days!" Echoing her views is
Absar ul Hasan, a 25 year old IT specialist who makes sure that on Eid
day he is away from the Madiha Farhan, an associate brand creative is a young professional who is juggling her career and marital life with ease yet she too feels Eid was a more joyous affair as a child as compared to now. "I miss the Eid mornings at my mother's place. My mom would force me to apply mehndi on Chand Raat and later in the night we would prepare sheer khurma. I desperately miss the aloo puri breakfast and sheer khurma on eid mornings". Coming from an affluent background, Madiha says that though she does not feel the economic crunch, yet it is the security fears that have her on the edge as "there is too much tension in the air". However, what is
surprising is despite the city being declared a 'red alert' zone, only
Eid will be celebrated indoors, With the various sms and emails urging people to avoid crowded places and foreign franchises, the festive mood may have dampened but the Iftar scene at many restaurants is in full swing including Pizza Hut, Nandos, Arizona Grill, Usmania Restaurant among others where people are seen lining up long before Azaan-e-Maghrib. Despite the pricey deals with the promise of 'All You Can Eat', youngsters continue to hangout in groups with their friends as ramazan is nearing its end. Never mind being handed out dates at the last minute as the hall inside is too full to accommodate anyone. What is even more
striking is while people have all the money to spend on food, there are
hardly any shoppers in the market. A trip to various markets or malls in
the city show that though there are throngs of people, not many are seen
buying goods owing. to the increasing rate of inflation that has
affected a large segment of the society. This is Apart from window
shopping at malls, women are also seen shopping for bangles and mehndi
at this time of the This year's uncertain situation has, however, also been a cause of worry for parents of those girls who come from far flung areas to work on mehndi stalls at Tariq Road, Clifton and Defence. These workers have no rights as they are just hired on a verbal contract and the provision of comfort to them is unheard of. Perched on wooden stools, on pavements that lead from Uzma Plaza right up to the Teen Talwar, it's a sight to behold as these girls deftly apply intricate patterns onto the hands of area residents. Sobia Ishaq, a housewife and resident of Niyabad, is on esuch woman who is hired each year for applying mehndi. "We sit on the road sides and at times I wonder if some man walking in front of us might have a bomb tied to his body. My husband says I am crazy but I don't know if it's safe to put my life at risk just to make a few extra bucks". Appa Naseem, who runs a mehndi and bangle stall every year near Teen Talwar, says she agrees totally with Sobia but is willing to take the risk as the business promises 'good money'. She says, "Women are willing to spend up to Rs200 just to get the best henna designs and for me getting at least 100 customers a night is not a problem. I would be a fool to loose out on this income" As the holy month comes to a close, many wonder where all this uncertain security and economic situation will lead to. As Hasan Tahir Siddiqi, a system engineer puts it, "Though people will celebrate eid no matter whatever happens around them, but due to frequent bomb blast and suicide bombers, we can expect anything. Imagine, on eid prayers, standing next to a person who might happen to be a suicide bomber" Some might call it paranoia but its true the citizens of Karachi don't feel safe. As a long weekend is just ahead, one hopes that things will not get any worse and any untoward incident is avoided at all costs. first person The young face of PPP Young politician Imran Leghari, talks about why politics matters to him and what drives him to fight for people's rights and how young minds can contribute to positive change. By Jan Khaskheli The election of the
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) into the government this year has also
brought in some young Imran Leghari, the younger son of former Railway Minister and PPP senior activist Haji Zaffar Ali Leghari of the Dadu district, is among the new team of PPP legislators, who have a clear vision and are determined to bring about a positive change. In a recent conversation with Kolachi, Imran shared that the new legislators do not believe in political vendetta, but genuinely want to facilitate the masses. The PPP, he said, has been given powers at a time when the country's economy is in recession, socio-political scenario - locally as well as internationally - is not favourable and institutions that may have played a role in strengthening democracy are collapsed. In this situation, the main task the party holds is to heal the wounds that the past government has transferred to its successors, unemployment being a major problem. Irrigation water cannot reach tail-end areas. Peasants are protesting against the shortage of water and fertilizers. "All these issues require attention and commitment to resolve," he says. Everytime Imran visits his constituency, people demand an increase in water quota – more than the party legislators have been given by the government. "The voters are desperate and are in a hurry to see a visible change. That is the problem most legislators have been facing in their constituencies," he explains. Born in Dadu on October 29, 1979, Imran Leghari was enrolled the Hyderabad Public School first and after passing the primary class I, he was sent to Murree for further education. After Matriculation, he went to the UK to pursue for his Bachelors and Masters degree in Business Administration. On returning home after completing his MBA, he joined politics. During his stay abroad, Imran says he learnt a lot of positive things from his experience and is eager to adopt the same in this society. But again, it depends upon the party high ups on how they can utilize his talent and adopt his valuable ideas. "It is indeed difficult task, but not impossible," he says optimistically. Imran is of the opinion that introducing an economic model is the only way to bring the country out of prevailing crisis. Education and health despite being the most major sectors have been ignored in the past. We have to introduce new schemes for the far-off areas of Sindh to upgrade their basic facilities, suggests young Leghari. "Vocational training centers have been planned in the rural areas to produce skilled cadre for industries and send them abroad. We have the talent and we should be utilising it to alleviate poverty and reduce the burden of joblessness," he said. Setting up Agro Mall at district headquarters to provide seed and farming tools to agriculturists at nearer points, is one of his other ideas he hopes to apply if given the chance. According to him, dearth of fertilizers is the main problem in the province, pushing growers to lead the protest rallies daily, slamming the newly-formed government, which cannot resolve their problems at a short notice. "It needs proper planning. The mechanism of agriculture must be turned into an industry. And agro malls may be helpful in this," he believes. However, the 29-year-old has left things on the government and is waiting for it to make policies to tackle these basic issues on priority. There is no better option than bringing about reforms in the agricultural sector first, which is the backbone of our economy, he says. The Dadu district Imran Leghari belongs to is also rich in mineral resources. His particular area, Kachho, contains fine stone which can be used to produce cement. A project that comes to his mind is the setting up of a cement factory (by the government) in the area so that the youth can be employed in great numbers. Khairpur Nathan Shah and Mehar in the Dadu district are some of the most neglected areas and all successive regimes have failed to introduce any scheme to bring about a visible change in the life of the locals or even lift their expectations, he said. The people of these areas also led the Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD) against General Zia-ul-Haq, but for certain political reasons, feudal lords discourage any change in the area. Ultimately, the ordinary people are being punished, which is not a fair approach in this era. "We need to change our approach if we want real development." Commenting on the launching of development projects at Gorakh Hill Station, a newly identified tourism resort, Leghari said it is on his top priority. "Yes, the present government has formed a Gorakh Hills Development Authority, headed by the chief minister. A Bill in this regard has also been passed by the Sindh Assembly," he informs. According to the devised plan of action, the road heading to Gorakh Hills Station would be widened; water and electricity would be provided to the site to make it a major resort point. He said the development of the Gorakh Hill Station would be a gift to the people of Sindh, who have long been awaiting such progress. The government, at the moment, requires huge funding for the development of the project, but it has the potential to return the same to its investors in a short span of time. Comparing the past set-up with the present, he complains about the Sindh government being deprived of its share of development funds by the Center. However, at present, the prime minister of PPP has promised sufficient funds for development projects in the Sindh province, making young legislators like Imran Leghari hopeful of their province and country's future. outdoorretreat Reviving 'green culture' in Hyderabad After years of neglect, recreational facilities in Hyderabad are finally being revived - thanks to the district government By Adeel Pathan Apart from its famous
bangles and wind catchers, Hyderabad is also known for its parks and
green spaces especially The remaining parks have also been left unattended as there is no regular maintenance by municipal authorities, who complain of lack of resources, thus depriving citizens, especially children, of a green space where they can spend their leisure time. As a result, like Karachiites, one can find people in Hyderabad dining out at restaurants too – which is the only form of 'entertainment' left now, say many. However, it was recently learnt by Kolachi that the present district government has attempted to renovate some of the gardens and parks in the city and also built some new ones to revive the healthy environment of Hyderabad it was once known for. During a visit to District Nazim Kanwar Naveed Jameel, he informed that Rs200million has been allocated for the development of parks in the district. "Though the maintenance and construction of parks is the domain of Taluka (town) municipal administration, but due to their financial constraints the district government has taken up the project," elaborates the Nazim. The district government has so far built three parks for general public and families including Mustafa Park in Paretabad, Hussainabad Park in Latifabad and Barrage Colony Park, while two parks each in Bhitai Nagar and Naseem Nagar have been constructed in the Qasimabad Taluka of the district. Two more parks are being renovated in the Taluka and work on several other development projects is underway, including the revival of the municipal garden 'Rani Bagh' located in the heart of the city. The Rani Bagh connects three Talukas of district from one side of the city, Latifabad on another and Qasimabad on other side. This famous park that had long been neglected is now being maintained, including the zoo (housed within the park). "Rani Bagh is major project because it is visited not only by citizens of Hyderabad, but people from other adjoining areas also come here for entertainment especially during occasions like Eid-ul-Fitr," Kanwar Naveed adds. When questioned about the maintenance of the parks, the Nazim of Hyderabad informs that the district government does not have a system in place for the maintenance yet because it falls under the jurisdiction of the Town Municipal Authority (TMA). Through the nominal entrance fee at the parks, the TMA have been advised to set a plan for the maintenance and security of these parks along with the appointment of gardeners and security staff. The new parks, although attracting a large number of visitors at the moment, may soon lose its charm. Due to a lack of civic sense among the people, the beautification of these parks may be short-lived, fear authorities. There is a dire need to take collective responsibility of public parks that citizens of the area should not only own, but take measures for its maintenance as well. Similarly, the authorities responsible should also perform their task of maintaining these parks as millions of rupees have been utilised from the development budget. Through combined efforts of the government and the citizens, the green belts of Hyderabad can be revived. The District Nazim is also of the opinion that ultimately it is the citizens and public-private partnership that will help maintain public property for a longer period. Some observers suggest following the footsteps of City District Government Karachi where the Nazim recently launched the 'I Own Karachi' campaign to invite cooperation and support from the residents to maintain the city for their upcoming generations.
karachicharacter By Sabeen Jamil A messenger of peace
and religious humanism, Riaz Ahmed Shirazi is a follower of the Baha'i
faith. Born in 1945, Riaz Riaz has delivered several lectures on peace, religious harmony and tolerance in different public meetings across the country. He is also a member of the Peace Coalition – a body of concerned citizens with an aim to promote peace in world. Besides that, Riaz has also translated various articles and books on the history, administrative system and holy figures of the Baha'i religion from Persian, Arabic, Gujarati, Hindi and English languages "to help people understand the message of peace and love that Bahaism calls for." He also aims at serving humanity through education. He is currently serving as a computer incharge at the only Baha'i School adjacent to the Baha'i Hall near Numaish Chowrangi in Karachi. Riaz is convinced that only education can help promote peace and brings people closer. After doing his Masters in Islamic studies and having studied all the religions of the world thoroughly, including Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity, Riaz Ahmed concluded that all the religions of the world call upon their followers on a common ground - Love for humanity. Kolachi: Why do you think all the religions preach the same message? RA: After having read almost all religions, I believe that every religion calls for love of all the children of Adam, equally. Unity is the essence of every religion. All religions call upon their followers to believe in the universality of human kind. None of the prophets gave the message of hatred towards mankind. Every religion said no to sectarianism. Islam asks us not to divide into sects and so do other religions. This unity calls for peace in the world and if followers of all religions do not follow this fundamental teaching, the essence of every religion dies. Kolachi: If unity is the essence of all religions, why, in your opinion, is mankind divided? RA: All the religions have a basic golden rule. 'Do not suggest others what you don't deem good for yourself.' All religions call for their followers to maintain equilibrium with others, love mankind, be tolerant and allow people to practice their belief with freedom. In Islam, extremism is practiced by very few. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for example, never reacted negatively when people treated him bad. It is when people stop practicing this basic teaching preach hatred, that they become divided. This, at one hand, splits their power and on the other hand it hinders the basic aim of every religion – to promote peace. Kolachi: How do you think this can be prevented? RA: By practicing the teachings of your religion. No matter what religion you believe in, if you start practicing it truly, you will help promote peace and oneness of humankind. Kolachi: Tell us a bit about the Baha'i community in Karachi RA: The followers of Baha'i religion moved from Iran to Karachi during 1880s. They made their homes, established their businesses and continued to live here with their families for years. Till a few years back, there used to be some 400 followers of the Baha'i religion in Karachi. However, as their third generations attained higher education, a lot of Baha'is migrated back to Iran for better job prospects, leaving behind only 150 members. The literacy rate in our community in Karachi is 100 per cent. Despite the limited number of people belonging to the Baha'i community, Riaz Ahmed says the members rarely face discrimination. This, he thinks, is because the members of the community refrain from politics which is 'forbidden in their religion'. Bahaism, he adds, only promotes peace, humanity and tolerance.
|
|
While these lines are being typed, the TV screens around me scream the
news of a bomb blast in Baldia Town. With just a few hours before the
Jumatul Wida prayers, security fears are mounting. The blast in
Islamabad was a stark reminder of how things could go worse in a jiffy.
With the capital reeling from the catastrophe, the entire country felt
the aftershocks and with Karachi already notorious for its security
situation, it's no surprise this year that people are looking forward to
spending Eid indoors this year.
glow of the computer screen and gets some sunshine. "When we were
kids it was all about having fun but now, young people are obsessed
about brands. Its just crass commercialism and thanks to it. I have
young cousins who insist on wearing Levis on eid day". Wondering
where the joy of eid has gone, he says that many people now just don't
want to leave thier houses and prefer watching TV on eid day.
"There is so much uncertainty and seems like fundamentalists have
hijacked our happiness. Somehow we in Karachi are immune to bad news and
this mind set is driving me nuts!"
not Ramazan as crowds of people can still be witnessed outside
restaurants eager to end this Holy Month with the best of meals offered
at fastfood restaurants.
evident by the number of window shoppers leisurely taking strolls in the
malls who
month. The allure of taking an appointment for applying mehndi at your
favourite parlour on Chand Raat is equally irresistible. "Hanging
out late on Chand Raat and applying mehndi is my favorite part,"
says Imran "I prefer to go out with my friends but this year my
parents have told me to be careful due to the terrorist threat".
But not letting this hamper her, she hopes that this year as opposed to
getting her hands done outside a shopping centre, she will crash at a
neighbouring parlour.
legislators with new ideas as compared to their older colleagues. With
the entry of this 'new blood', say observers, a visible difference
within the ruling PPP has been noted.
during the pre-partition era when inhabitants of the city benefited from
the recreational facilities offered by the government. But with the
passage of time, the number of these parks reduced after being replaced
by commercial plazas.
Ahmed is practicising a religion that makes a community of approximately
150 members in Karachi. Having their roots originally in Iran, the
followers of this religion started moving to the sub-continent in 1880s.
Back then, the aim of this migration was to spread the message of love
and humanity in the sub continent. Riaz Ahmad continues to preach that
to date.