This poor nation of 160 million people has been led astray by a morally corrupt so called educated class. The religious leaders, political leaders, armed forces, everyone has played a role in making these people confused. Yet we blame illiteracy for that.
The uneducated man living in the village, working on his farm, raising his sheeps is the most contributing citizen. He leads a simple life, earns little, respects the educated ones, helps his fellow countrymen, pays his taxes thru the village head, and is completeled contend with his life style.
Its the educated lot who is greedy with corrupt morals. They can be seen everywhere breaking the traffic laws, evading every tax, stealing electricity, treating his fellow countrymen with contempt. They have a air of arrogance. Anyone who doesnt break the law is considered "chicken heart", anyone who doesnt steal electricty is considered "stupid lad". They have changed the definition of basic morals. Deccption is the name of the game.
Its the educated lot who represents the uneducated lot and decide their fate in the parliament and in the mosques.
Here are few examples of the moral state of the educated lot of my country which has disturbed me for quite some time:
1. The GEO TV shows live terrorist attack, corpse, body pieces, blood every where in the prime time. The educated lot doesnt have the decency of not showing such horrible images un restricted. They were all taught in the school about responsible media behaviour but who cares. They just want to sensationize it.
2. Many educated people DEBATE whether to call a suicide bomber SHAHEED??? Can you believe this??? They DEBATE? This clearly shows a complete CONFUSED state of mind.
3. Many of them can be seen on TV trying to justify the suicide attack on Marriott by claiming that there were two American Marines staying in that hotel. Unbelieveable !!
4. No one has ever come out to acknowledge the Police constables who die every day in performing their duties to keep the rest of us safe. In fact i wont be surprised if the educated ones start debating whether to call them SHAHEED?
5. During the Israel-Hizbollah war many educated Mullah's prohibited the followers from supporting "Hizbollah". Someone should ask them should we support ISRAEL then?
6.A popular GEO TV Program Alim Online discusses in detail how a father slit his childeren's throat. Apparently no one is objecting them. Is there any media controlling authority???
7. In the same program which is basically meant to bring peace and harmony in various sects of Muslims, ordered a Husband to immidiately DIVORCE his wife as she confessed that many years back she did some black magic trick. Are they spreading PEACE????
8. The Mullah in the mosque never gives a sermon on "GOOD MORALS". He will never say, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT EVADE TAX, PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF YOUR NEIGHBOUR etc. They are still busy in eulogizing the 1400 years old Wars which Muslims won against the non Muslims because of their faith. IS THAT WHAT MY NATION WANTS TO KNOW????
9. There are many NGOs which get money from the donars to help the poor and the deserving. In reality the ones who are running these NGOs treat it as a tool to make money. They steal from the CHARITY. They are all educated ones.
10. Many of us think that it is OK to build a mosque on a illegal property. After all its a Mosque.
The moral corruption is wide spread where people do not call spade a spade. The essence of religion has died completely. Every sect, every mosque has a agenda. You no more find God there.
The educated ones are the most ignorant ones. Our heroes are not the ones who have won Nobel prize for Physics, not the one who remained world champion in Squash for 8 years, not the one who revived the Eastern form of the Music in the world, not the one who runs the world's largest non Govt fleet of ambulances for the poor, not the one who has dedicated his whole life to give free treatment to the poor and the needy, not the one who is considered the poet of the century.
Our hero is still Muhammad Bin Qasim who came 700 years back to kill some Muslims in Sind whom he considered fugitives. The hindu raja who had the moral courage to stand up against him is considered as Villian in our history books. We have named one of our PORTS after Bin Qasim to remember him.
Our heroes are Ghaznavi and Ghouri who came to destroy HINDU temples to win bounty. We have named our Missiles after them.
Our heroes are not those soldiers who were killed by terrorists in a building which they called Lal Masjid (Nauzobillah). Our heroes are those terrorists and the gang leader whom we call Maulana (my lord) and remember them as martyrs.
God Bless My Nation.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Establishment
Pakistan has a long history of tug of war between Military and Political forces. For the last few years people have started blaming ESTABLISHMENT for this. No one exactly knows who is ESTABLISHMENT? Is it a person or an organization? How does it work? Whom does it report to? or is it just a urban legend?
Very recently, i come across few very interesting books and articles about renowned national celeberities, politicians, writers, generals, ambassadors etc. Interestingly, all these books, stories, characters seemed interconnected. As if they are all connnected through some informal structure and system. I may not be wrong if i call that system / structure ...the ESTABLISHMENT.
To me, the ESTABLISHMENT is an informal group of individuals who share a common ideology. This common ideology gives them a route to reach their individual objectives. The dream of achieving these objectives is the binding force of this ESTABLISHMENT.
However, many a times the end objectives of these members are not only uncommon but can be conflicting in nature. These individual power brokers stay together till the time the course of action helps them to realize thier dreams. They split when the course of action doesnt provide the strategy required to get their goal.
Lets look into the ideology which these people generally share. The essence of this ideology is that "Pakistan (aka ISLAM) is in DANGER from foreign conspiracies and the only way to DEFEND the homeland (and ISLAM) is by joining hands with Ummah (Muslims) to fight with conspirators (may be IMAGINATIVE conspirators)" This shared belief that Muslims are suffering and have lost their glory because someone is conspiring against them continuously for the last 500 years is the single most powerful thought which is shared by millions of Muslims from Morroco to Indonesia and all the countries in between.
This belief is shared by people of different languages, nationalities, social classes and professions etc. For Pakistan the widely shared belief is that the anti Pakistan forces in play since its inception are India, Israel and US (on behalf of Israel). This shared belief has resulted in some strange and unnatural friendships like Pak - China. Pakistan doesnt share any history, culture, language, food or religion with China. The only border that it shares is blocked by some of the world's highest peaks and mountains. There is hardly any poeple to people contact between the two countries. But despite all these boundries Pakistan's most trusted and closest friend is CHINA.
The ESTABLISHMENT comes into action whenever they hunch a threat to the secuirty to their religion/country. The ESTABLISHMENT strongly believes that they are the most patriotic and religious poeple and hence they see the common man as not worthy of conusltations.
Over a period of time the history has revealed certain "roles" which by virtue of their position form the integral part of the ESTABLISHMENT. These roles are Cheif of Army Staff (Militray), The President of Pakistan (Politician), Head of ISI (Inteligence Agency), US Ambassador to Pakistan (whoever it is), CIA - Pakistan Desk Incharge (US Inteligence Agency), Jamat e Islami (Religious / Political Party), Banks like BCCI, Bolan Bank, Al Fallah and UBL, Tablighi Jammat (The largest social networking group in the world, over a million poeple meet face to face atleast once a year in Raiwind, this is the most diverse group consisting of Mullahs, Doctors, Businessmen, Scientists, Retired Army Officers, Celebrities, Politicians, Sports stars etc).
Besides these organizations there are individuals who remain active in POWER BREAKING. These individuals according to few journalists are Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Sharifudin Pirzada, Hussain Haqqani, Gen (Retd) Mirza Aslam Beg, Gen (Retd) Hameed Gul, Senator Mushahid Hussain, Pir Pagara, Gen (Retd) Asad Durrani etc
The establishment is generally backed by certain Muslim brotherly countries as well. The establishment sometimes act against the will of common man (Democratically elected Govts even Prime Ministers), leaving common man completely confused and uninvolved. They are notorious to hijack foriegn policies.
The ESTABLISHMENT's belief has resulted it Nuclear export controversy thru Dr. A Q Khan, the ideology has also resulted in Al Qaeda, Taliban, Lashkar e Jhangavi, Lashkar e Taiba, Harkat ul Ansar which are brining hell on the world and resultantly on Pakistan. According to them the blood of Pakistanis is part of the over all collateral damage.
Many argue that the Establishment has made Pakistan's defence stronger. However, may beleive that their actions have left Pakistan bleeding. The religious extremism in Pakistan, the insurgency in Kashmir, the rise of Taliban, Narcotics trade, Nuclear export scandals, export of religious fundamentalism are all part of the actions of THE ESTABLISHMENT.
Mind you Pakistan was created by Jinnah ( a secular Muslim, khoja shia by birth, ... a gujrati speaking by family, british educated lawyer by profession and a husband of a parsi wife). The political party Muslim League which is accredited to found Pakistan was made by Agha Khan and Nawabs of Bengal. The Aga Khanis, Shias are completely marginalized in the modern day Pakistan, Bengal is no more part of Pakistan. The secular idea of Pakistan was hijacked by Tablighi Jamat and Jamat e Islami who never supported the IDEA OF CREATING PAKISTAN. The first Prime Minister of Pakistan was shot dead, the most revered politician / Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was hanged in a judical consipracy, Two times democratically elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was kicked out (once because of his own fault though), Two times democratically elected Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was fired twice (again once for her own fault). The last straw was on 27th Dec when pro Establishment terrorists killed Benazir Bhutto. It was a final attack of THE ESTABLISHMENT on the left over symbol of DEMOCRATIC WILL of the PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN. ..... but what they dont know is the fact that it aint over YET !!!
The game has entered into the final round now. Though people of Pakistan has put Asif Ali Zardari in charge who has a chekered history but he is the last hope besides Nawaz Sharif and few other. The ESTABLISHMENT is once again very active playing its role to finish the leadership so that all possible choices should end and the people of Pakistan should surrender to the will of ESTABLISHMENT.
My advise to the fellow countrymen is to support Democracy and the way to do is to support Zardari regardless of what he does, or what you read about him. Help him to win this round. If we survived we will have a second round and then you can elect who ever you want to. But if Mr. Zardari fails we fail. The survival depends upon him. This is exactly what Nawaz Sharif and Makhdoom Amin Fahim is doing. They know their survival is in this final round and for once they are right.
Long live Jinnah's Pakistan.
Very recently, i come across few very interesting books and articles about renowned national celeberities, politicians, writers, generals, ambassadors etc. Interestingly, all these books, stories, characters seemed interconnected. As if they are all connnected through some informal structure and system. I may not be wrong if i call that system / structure ...the ESTABLISHMENT.
To me, the ESTABLISHMENT is an informal group of individuals who share a common ideology. This common ideology gives them a route to reach their individual objectives. The dream of achieving these objectives is the binding force of this ESTABLISHMENT.
However, many a times the end objectives of these members are not only uncommon but can be conflicting in nature. These individual power brokers stay together till the time the course of action helps them to realize thier dreams. They split when the course of action doesnt provide the strategy required to get their goal.
Lets look into the ideology which these people generally share. The essence of this ideology is that "Pakistan (aka ISLAM) is in DANGER from foreign conspiracies and the only way to DEFEND the homeland (and ISLAM) is by joining hands with Ummah (Muslims) to fight with conspirators (may be IMAGINATIVE conspirators)" This shared belief that Muslims are suffering and have lost their glory because someone is conspiring against them continuously for the last 500 years is the single most powerful thought which is shared by millions of Muslims from Morroco to Indonesia and all the countries in between.
This belief is shared by people of different languages, nationalities, social classes and professions etc. For Pakistan the widely shared belief is that the anti Pakistan forces in play since its inception are India, Israel and US (on behalf of Israel). This shared belief has resulted in some strange and unnatural friendships like Pak - China. Pakistan doesnt share any history, culture, language, food or religion with China. The only border that it shares is blocked by some of the world's highest peaks and mountains. There is hardly any poeple to people contact between the two countries. But despite all these boundries Pakistan's most trusted and closest friend is CHINA.
The ESTABLISHMENT comes into action whenever they hunch a threat to the secuirty to their religion/country. The ESTABLISHMENT strongly believes that they are the most patriotic and religious poeple and hence they see the common man as not worthy of conusltations.
Over a period of time the history has revealed certain "roles" which by virtue of their position form the integral part of the ESTABLISHMENT. These roles are Cheif of Army Staff (Militray), The President of Pakistan (Politician), Head of ISI (Inteligence Agency), US Ambassador to Pakistan (whoever it is), CIA - Pakistan Desk Incharge (US Inteligence Agency), Jamat e Islami (Religious / Political Party), Banks like BCCI, Bolan Bank, Al Fallah and UBL, Tablighi Jammat (The largest social networking group in the world, over a million poeple meet face to face atleast once a year in Raiwind, this is the most diverse group consisting of Mullahs, Doctors, Businessmen, Scientists, Retired Army Officers, Celebrities, Politicians, Sports stars etc).
Besides these organizations there are individuals who remain active in POWER BREAKING. These individuals according to few journalists are Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Sharifudin Pirzada, Hussain Haqqani, Gen (Retd) Mirza Aslam Beg, Gen (Retd) Hameed Gul, Senator Mushahid Hussain, Pir Pagara, Gen (Retd) Asad Durrani etc
The establishment is generally backed by certain Muslim brotherly countries as well. The establishment sometimes act against the will of common man (Democratically elected Govts even Prime Ministers), leaving common man completely confused and uninvolved. They are notorious to hijack foriegn policies.
The ESTABLISHMENT's belief has resulted it Nuclear export controversy thru Dr. A Q Khan, the ideology has also resulted in Al Qaeda, Taliban, Lashkar e Jhangavi, Lashkar e Taiba, Harkat ul Ansar which are brining hell on the world and resultantly on Pakistan. According to them the blood of Pakistanis is part of the over all collateral damage.
Many argue that the Establishment has made Pakistan's defence stronger. However, may beleive that their actions have left Pakistan bleeding. The religious extremism in Pakistan, the insurgency in Kashmir, the rise of Taliban, Narcotics trade, Nuclear export scandals, export of religious fundamentalism are all part of the actions of THE ESTABLISHMENT.
Mind you Pakistan was created by Jinnah ( a secular Muslim, khoja shia by birth, ... a gujrati speaking by family, british educated lawyer by profession and a husband of a parsi wife). The political party Muslim League which is accredited to found Pakistan was made by Agha Khan and Nawabs of Bengal. The Aga Khanis, Shias are completely marginalized in the modern day Pakistan, Bengal is no more part of Pakistan. The secular idea of Pakistan was hijacked by Tablighi Jamat and Jamat e Islami who never supported the IDEA OF CREATING PAKISTAN. The first Prime Minister of Pakistan was shot dead, the most revered politician / Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was hanged in a judical consipracy, Two times democratically elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was kicked out (once because of his own fault though), Two times democratically elected Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was fired twice (again once for her own fault). The last straw was on 27th Dec when pro Establishment terrorists killed Benazir Bhutto. It was a final attack of THE ESTABLISHMENT on the left over symbol of DEMOCRATIC WILL of the PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN. ..... but what they dont know is the fact that it aint over YET !!!
The game has entered into the final round now. Though people of Pakistan has put Asif Ali Zardari in charge who has a chekered history but he is the last hope besides Nawaz Sharif and few other. The ESTABLISHMENT is once again very active playing its role to finish the leadership so that all possible choices should end and the people of Pakistan should surrender to the will of ESTABLISHMENT.
My advise to the fellow countrymen is to support Democracy and the way to do is to support Zardari regardless of what he does, or what you read about him. Help him to win this round. If we survived we will have a second round and then you can elect who ever you want to. But if Mr. Zardari fails we fail. The survival depends upon him. This is exactly what Nawaz Sharif and Makhdoom Amin Fahim is doing. They know their survival is in this final round and for once they are right.
Long live Jinnah's Pakistan.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
What are my Moral Values
I happened to fill in a Moral Foundation Questionnaire which meausres the 5 psychological foundations of morality that seemed to find across cultures. They are as follows:
1. Harm / Care for people/environment/animal
2. Fairness & Reciprocity (including issues of rights)
3. Loyalty
4. Authority / Respect
5. Purity / Sanctity
The first two foundations (Care & Fairness) are about how you treat others. The last three indicate how do you behave in a group. Generally, the liberals scores higher on the first two and conservatives score more on the last three.
I found out that i am conservative on three scales namely Fairness, Respect for Authority and Purity. However, i am in between liberals and conservatives when it comes to Care and Loyalty.
I rate respect to authority and care for others as the highest moral traits with a score of 3.3 and 3.2 respectively. Fairness and Purity are rated next at 3.0 each. Loyalty is rated the least at 2.5.
I suggest you try as well, its pretty close to reality. You can access it by clicking on the following:
http://www.yourmorals.org
Monday, September 22, 2008
How to Beat Street Crime while in Karachi
This is just a precautionary public service message to all my non resident Pakistani friends who are intending to visit our troubled homeland for Eid. The street crime rate has really gone up breaking all records - so travel safe. Here are few tips which might be of some help:
Airport Strategy:
Be Extra Vigilant when coming out of Airport. There have been numerous incidents of robberies targeted at passengers coming out of international flights. Especially the moment you exit the Airport jurisdiction and hit Shahrah e Faisal be vigilant to suspicious bikers. Keep your passport and forex under your car seat. Do not carry lot of baggage, as it attracts attention. Do not even think of using a mobile phone while on road.
Feeling Homely Mindset:
Once we reach home, we get into the care free mode of “Feeling Homely”. This feeling-homely-feel remains with us even when we step out of our home. That’s where we are again open to the external threat.
Therefore, before you go into that mode, put your valet (credit cards, labour card, licence etc) in some safe place. Just use CASH when you go out or carry a local ATM card (only one).
Street Fighter Mode:
While driving on roads, make sure you drive in the central lane. Avoid extreme left or right especially when you stop on traffic signals. Extreme lanes give these people a one side cover and their exposure is minimal.
Try not to drive alone. Have a company for a change. You may think it doesn’t make a difference but believe me you will be less vulnerable. Attempting on two requires a different tactic all together.
Bank Visit:
Many of us visit a bank branch atleast once during our stay (atleast an ATM). Generally, we are occupied with the thought as to how much should we withdraw. Again please note that’s exactly when someone sitting somewhere is watching and waiting for you. Plan your EXIT before you ENTER the ATM. If you have a company tell that person to keep an eye on you. When you come out in the open, immediately after drawing CASH, waive at your friend as if you are signalling that the ATM is not working or the Card didn’t work. Again, anyone who is watching would change his mind and wait for the person who is going to draw next.
Enjoying the Nightlife:
We are 10 times more vulnerable in the dark. If you are visiting a friend, or a restaurant, or planning to shop, park your car in LIGHT. Even if it means “No Parking”. If you don’t find a parking under a street / store light, then try parking in front of the security guards. When you are through with your adventure, stay at the exit door and have a good glance of your surroundings. Look for the threat.
Exit – Departure:
We always leave in hurry. Are we going to make it? Have I put everything back in my bag? Oh where is the passport / ticket / mobile ?? These are some of the thoughts that we are occupied with while coming back to the airport. We recount the whole trip and feel lucky to be going back safe n sound. What we need to remember is that it aint over yet !! The last time while sitting in the departure lounge I saw a women crying and screaming loudly, “they have destroyed my country, I will never come back, that’s what you get when you come back after 10 years”. Everyone in the waiting lounge heard that. The Airport Security Staff was accompanying her. On my query I came to know that she was robbed just a KM away from the airport. She lost her jewellery, mobile and purse. They gave her passport and ticket back.
Here is easy to remember acronym for you “BE SAFE” i.e. B - Bank Visit, E- Enjoying the nightlife, S-Street Fighter Mode, A-Airport Strategy, F-Feeling Homely Mindset, E-Exit.
Have a very safe journey.
Airport Strategy:
Be Extra Vigilant when coming out of Airport. There have been numerous incidents of robberies targeted at passengers coming out of international flights. Especially the moment you exit the Airport jurisdiction and hit Shahrah e Faisal be vigilant to suspicious bikers. Keep your passport and forex under your car seat. Do not carry lot of baggage, as it attracts attention. Do not even think of using a mobile phone while on road.
Feeling Homely Mindset:
Once we reach home, we get into the care free mode of “Feeling Homely”. This feeling-homely-feel remains with us even when we step out of our home. That’s where we are again open to the external threat.
Therefore, before you go into that mode, put your valet (credit cards, labour card, licence etc) in some safe place. Just use CASH when you go out or carry a local ATM card (only one).
Street Fighter Mode:
While driving on roads, make sure you drive in the central lane. Avoid extreme left or right especially when you stop on traffic signals. Extreme lanes give these people a one side cover and their exposure is minimal.
Try not to drive alone. Have a company for a change. You may think it doesn’t make a difference but believe me you will be less vulnerable. Attempting on two requires a different tactic all together.
Bank Visit:
Many of us visit a bank branch atleast once during our stay (atleast an ATM). Generally, we are occupied with the thought as to how much should we withdraw. Again please note that’s exactly when someone sitting somewhere is watching and waiting for you. Plan your EXIT before you ENTER the ATM. If you have a company tell that person to keep an eye on you. When you come out in the open, immediately after drawing CASH, waive at your friend as if you are signalling that the ATM is not working or the Card didn’t work. Again, anyone who is watching would change his mind and wait for the person who is going to draw next.
Enjoying the Nightlife:
We are 10 times more vulnerable in the dark. If you are visiting a friend, or a restaurant, or planning to shop, park your car in LIGHT. Even if it means “No Parking”. If you don’t find a parking under a street / store light, then try parking in front of the security guards. When you are through with your adventure, stay at the exit door and have a good glance of your surroundings. Look for the threat.
Exit – Departure:
We always leave in hurry. Are we going to make it? Have I put everything back in my bag? Oh where is the passport / ticket / mobile ?? These are some of the thoughts that we are occupied with while coming back to the airport. We recount the whole trip and feel lucky to be going back safe n sound. What we need to remember is that it aint over yet !! The last time while sitting in the departure lounge I saw a women crying and screaming loudly, “they have destroyed my country, I will never come back, that’s what you get when you come back after 10 years”. Everyone in the waiting lounge heard that. The Airport Security Staff was accompanying her. On my query I came to know that she was robbed just a KM away from the airport. She lost her jewellery, mobile and purse. They gave her passport and ticket back.
Here is easy to remember acronym for you “BE SAFE” i.e. B - Bank Visit, E- Enjoying the nightlife, S-Street Fighter Mode, A-Airport Strategy, F-Feeling Homely Mindset, E-Exit.
Have a very safe journey.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Three Cups of Tea
On a weekend visit to one of the Malls in Dubai, i found a big book store named "Magrudy". It was a newly opened one in Festival City. It is perhaps the biggest bookstore in UAE. I thought its a good time pass to have a look on the assortments. I went to my usual section "Non Fiction". I was looking for something different, something which i havent heard about, or read about. I guess someone was listening there. I came across a book called "Three Cups of Tea". I was little intrigued by the title which forced me to read further. It was a story about a mountaineer, Mr. Greg Mortenson, who wanted to climb K2, the second highest peak in the world. For a moment i thought i have no interest in mountaineering so forget it. To top it all, a freshly pasted Magrudy's price tag was indicating a price of AED 60 i.e. US $ 9.0.
I moved two shelves down and started browsing few other titles. But there was something unique about the three cups of tea which made me go back and scan it again. I wonder was it the title page picture of three school girls with their headscarves, which was inconsistent with the title or was it the contradiction of title with the mountaineering theme. So, this time i forced myself to read a bit more.
To my surprise it was a story of a Mountaineer who went to Pakistan to climb K2 and ended up building a school for girls. Not one school but 53. It was unbelieveable. How in earth i dont know about this gentleman who did that in my own country for my people? How has it been hidden by 70+ TV channels? But, then i thought he might be representing UNICEF or AGA KHAN FOUNDATION or some renowned NGO. Hell, No. This guy was doing it at his own, single handedly. A very ordinary American who was almost broke when he came to Pakistan to climb K2, ended up living in that area for 10+ years and became part of the social fabric of Northern Areas of Paksiatn. Doesnt look like a real story. It must be a fiction. But the book was full of pictures. Well well well, i guess i found what i was looking for. So, i paid AED 60 and headed straight back home to know this fellow more.
In any developing country, its not easy to build schools, hospitals or roads not because of high financial cost but of extra ordinary social and political issues that you have to face. On every step you face a new challenge. When you start such a project you think its for the benefit of mankind why would somebody stop you from doing this. But as you progress you realise the social challenges which are far difficult to overcome then by pouring few million dollars.
This was the mystery that i wanted to read about. How, Mr. Greg Mortenson avoid those challenges. Interestingly, he did not or couldnt avoid any. He faced them one by one and sometime all at once but he overcame all. His first truck load for his first school was stolen, the was conned by the suppliers, he was deceived by the fellow villagers, he was ditched by his girlfriend, he was cornered by the local Mullahs, he was kidnapped by Taliban and he was chased by the intelligence agencies. He faced it all. Yet, he came out as a winner.
A very thought provoking book. A must read for my fellow comrades.
By the way, i searched for the gentleman on the internet. He is as real as his schools. I am planning to visit one of the schools whenever i could. I am ashamed of hunndreds of Pakistani newspapers, scores of TV channels and number of radio station for not failing to mention a single bad thing that happens in that counytry but completely failing to talk about such a phyric victory by Mortenson, all alone.
For all those who want to know more can log on to www.threecupsoftea.com
Chio
Akbar
I moved two shelves down and started browsing few other titles. But there was something unique about the three cups of tea which made me go back and scan it again. I wonder was it the title page picture of three school girls with their headscarves, which was inconsistent with the title or was it the contradiction of title with the mountaineering theme. So, this time i forced myself to read a bit more.
To my surprise it was a story of a Mountaineer who went to Pakistan to climb K2 and ended up building a school for girls. Not one school but 53. It was unbelieveable. How in earth i dont know about this gentleman who did that in my own country for my people? How has it been hidden by 70+ TV channels? But, then i thought he might be representing UNICEF or AGA KHAN FOUNDATION or some renowned NGO. Hell, No. This guy was doing it at his own, single handedly. A very ordinary American who was almost broke when he came to Pakistan to climb K2, ended up living in that area for 10+ years and became part of the social fabric of Northern Areas of Paksiatn. Doesnt look like a real story. It must be a fiction. But the book was full of pictures. Well well well, i guess i found what i was looking for. So, i paid AED 60 and headed straight back home to know this fellow more.
In any developing country, its not easy to build schools, hospitals or roads not because of high financial cost but of extra ordinary social and political issues that you have to face. On every step you face a new challenge. When you start such a project you think its for the benefit of mankind why would somebody stop you from doing this. But as you progress you realise the social challenges which are far difficult to overcome then by pouring few million dollars.
This was the mystery that i wanted to read about. How, Mr. Greg Mortenson avoid those challenges. Interestingly, he did not or couldnt avoid any. He faced them one by one and sometime all at once but he overcame all. His first truck load for his first school was stolen, the was conned by the suppliers, he was deceived by the fellow villagers, he was ditched by his girlfriend, he was cornered by the local Mullahs, he was kidnapped by Taliban and he was chased by the intelligence agencies. He faced it all. Yet, he came out as a winner.
A very thought provoking book. A must read for my fellow comrades.
By the way, i searched for the gentleman on the internet. He is as real as his schools. I am planning to visit one of the schools whenever i could. I am ashamed of hunndreds of Pakistani newspapers, scores of TV channels and number of radio station for not failing to mention a single bad thing that happens in that counytry but completely failing to talk about such a phyric victory by Mortenson, all alone.
For all those who want to know more can log on to www.threecupsoftea.com
Chio
Akbar
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