Aaloo-eating zionists – Pakistan’s youth reacts to daily doses of ghairat and lies
By Saadia Gardezi The latest music video to go viral in the Pakistani blogosphere, Aaloo Andey by Beyghairat Brigade, says most of what those on the centre and left are thinking. The Pakistani virtualverse has been twittering about the satire since it came out. However there has also been some verbal violence against the views expressed in the song, characteristic of the Pakistan we live in… what for one man thinks is xenophobic nationalism, for another is just … Read entire article »
Filed under: Conservation, Humor, liberal Pakistan, Music
Acting upon the Freedom of Information Act
By Naeem Sadiq In September 2009 I wrote to two Sindh government departments seeking harmless information on matters of education and pollution that should anyway be available to all citizens. I was confident that a formal request under the much trumpeted and much ‘seminar’ed Freedom of Information Act will do the trick. The law requires a response within 21 days. When nothing happened for 4 months, in Jan 2010, I approached the Sindh Ombudsman (as suggested in the law) to ask the concerned departments to do the needful. After digesting my request for 3 months, the Sindh Ombudsman finally asked the concerned departments (Education and Environmental Protection Agency) to appear and explain why they did not provide the information that had been asked for. I too was asked to appear. So I spent … Read entire article »
Filed under: Citizens, Civil Service, Conservation, Democracy, Education, Environment, executive, Law, Pakistan, Rights, Sindh
He hears and heeds the trees
By Ardeshir Cowasjee Dawn, 06 Dec, 2009 The planet we live on is insignificant in the universal scheme, and parts of it will always be ruled over largely by the ignorant and those who are significant only because of their capability to do immense damage. They heed neither the elements nor the environment. There is of course the rare bird. Queen Anne of England once asked an honest courtier what the cost would be were she to include London’s Green Park within the precincts of her palace. She was told: ‘A monarchy, Madam, a monarchy.’ We in Pakistan are now fortunate to have a chief justice of our country who can hear and heed trees and who understands the environment. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Activism, Citizens, Conservation, Environment, Justice, Lahore, Law, Pakistan
Silencing a Citizen
By Ardeshir Cowasjee, Dawn 15 Nov, 2009 Death of a social activist THE desecration of Gutter Baghicha, a designated parkland for the people of Karachi, has been written about umpteen times over the past couple of years, but no effective action was taken by those concerned. On Nov 7, 2009, Nisar Baloch, the spearhead of the Gutter Baghicha Bachao Tehreek and a member of Shehri, two NGOs which have been trying for the last two decades to save this lung of the city,was shot through the head by unidentified assailants as he was leaving his house. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Citizens, Conservation, Karachi, Pakistan, poverty
Pakistan Sets Tree-Planting World Record
Now here is something else to be proud about our Republic. We’ve set the all time record for tree planting in the world. My appeal to everyone reading this is to plant atleast 10 trees this year. Remember we have a very bad de-forestation problem in Pakistan and must work on all fronts to leave a Pakistan that is worth having for our children and our children’s children. From the BBC: A team of volunteers in Pakistan … Read entire article »
Filed under: Conservation, Environment
Historical Rawat Fort needs preservation
Faisal Kamal Pasha’s report Rawalpindi: Being a trade route and a way towards their final destination of the conquerors from Central Asia that was the throne of Dehli, Pothohar region bears its historical and strategic importance and that is why the conquerors built forts here in this region to consolidate their positions. The information displayed at Rawat Fort’s by archaeology department reveals that it was built in early 15th century by Salteen-e-Dehli. However there are some contradictions … Read entire article »
Filed under: Architecture, Conservation, Heritage, History
Islamabad: Shah Allah Ditta caves need immediate preservation
From the NEWS Shah Allah Ditta caves are located on the route leading towards Khanpur. These caves are next to the shrine and tomb of a Mughal period ‘dervish,’ Shah Allah Ditta. Once you start travelling on Golra Sharif Road, a sharp turn comes for a village named after the saint — Shah Allah Ditta. The narrow road leads towards Margalla Hills on the base of which these caves are located. Old Banyan trees at the roadside marks the entrance to the caves. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Architecture, Conservation, culture, Heritage, Islamabad, Pakistan
Disputed heritage in Nowshera
Taj Building in Nowshera is a case of weak and seriously flawed heritage legislation in NWFP By Dr Ali Jan Taj Building is an architectural jewel on the main Grand Trunk Road in Nowshera, NWFP. Built in 1920s, this imposing structure has endured the ravages of time despite lack of any concerted attempts in the past to preserve it. The facade of the three-storey building is highly decorated with floral and vine patterns in intricate stucco. The … Read entire article »
Filed under: Conservation, Heritage, North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan
Pakistan's public policy: austerity – penny wise, pound foolish
by Feisal Naqvi In his first speech as prime minister, Yousaf Raza Gillani introduced a number of austerity measures. So, the budget of Prime Minister House is going to be cut by 40 percent; all ministers will henceforth travel economy plus on domestic flights, rather than business class; and, no minister will travel in a car of more than 1600 cc. Frankly, my dear, I couldn’t give a damn. Actually, I do. This pseudo-austerity is not only irritating but counter-productive. And it is high time we got past our neuroses in this regard. This hypocritical obsession with ostensible cost-cutting is irritating because it serves no useful purpose. In fact, it is harmful because it reinforces the notion that instead of being normal humans, our elected representatives, judges and bureaucrats should all be exemplars of … Read entire article »
Filed under: Citizens, Conservation, Politics, public policy, Society, state
PTH biweekly Cartoon
Picture of the Week
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Sunrise at the Arabian Sea, Charna Island
24 Dec 2011
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