Meray Lafz Kam Paday

In memory of Jaun Elia                                                        Didar Ali Jaffrey 

Meray lafz kam paday      In memory of Jaun Elia 

Azaadi-e-Gilgit-Baltistan

Amir Khan the virtuoso

You have dragged a stray bull to walk on your way and forced to dance on your drumbeat.

Entertainment industry plays important role in economy and society. It helps to convey messages in a beautiful manner to make aware people about the unknown. There are people in this industry who are brilliant in their work and Amir Khan is one of them. I would avoid to discuss about those people who are in the industry for some material gain and fame using bunk tactics which I believe is ornery.

Amir Khan

Amir Khan, known as a Mr. Perfectionist in Bollywood film industry. I have been watching Amir Khan’s movies since my childhood, many of them are incomparable, above all he is great human being, and he never tried to gain cheapo fame. I would not say I am great fan of him but yes! I truly enjoy his work which maximizes the sentiment of respect for him.

 Recently I followed his reality TV show Satyamave Jayate (truth alone prevails); http://www.satyamevjayate.in/ many episodes truly touched my heart, for what he exposed regarding unjust attitude of human beings and other interrelated societal felony. 
Some major issues he discussed in his show were female foeticide, child sexual abuse, domestic violence, dowry, medical malpractices, untouchability, organic food and water crisis What I loved about his TV show is, he doesn’t exaggerate existing issues rather he has emphasized to find  the practical solution based on solid ground.

This is what I believe is essence of true  journalism which hardly exists in today’s World, what exists today is GONZO journalism where the so called journalists buy and sell suspense, thrill, horror, issues, terror, miseries, disaster , death and moments of happiness.
Hope people working in the  media industry follow your footstep and set examples like you did.
For you sky is not the limit!

In the land of Pure

Eat, sleep, and drink hypocrisy!!! 

The situation is not really convincing in Pakistan nowadays; whether it is economic disparity, societal felony, political vice, or religious irrationality.

Before going into any debate we should avoid trooping into the haunted citadel of patriotism, or yelling some miffed beliefs of creed.

This country has perplexed social, democratic, religious, and military setup which is difficult to cognize the idea warped in pretentious chauvinism.  The so-called democracy is owned by few rich pimps buffed with patriotism, religious, political, and military double standards.
We call them patriots who are camouflaged with democratic beachwear, religious bang and feed.
I failed to understand the delineation of democratic, constitutional, bureaucratic, religious, and military setup of this country, but now, I can summarize each and every concept in one word, which is Hypocrisy.
The issue is not that the ruling elites are not sincere to the country or nation the real issue is that we are not sincere to ourselves; our real approach is chameleonic and if there is any kind of intrinsic interest involved we don’t even hesitate to kiss the height of gluttony.

Photo credit: anonymous 

We believe in one God but we do worship gods and goddesses, the dilemma is that we try to impose our gruesome beliefs on others, which leads to bloodshed and social unjust behavior. The so called fortress of Islam has many loopholes in it and the real dilemma is that the rats are tigers here and the Ra-tigers are the guards also.

Situations real concern is that the rats dislike to be known as rats they are proud (this word is justifiable for those who have done something different and unique personally) to be named as tigers, it is like; a traitor’s hunger to be remembered as a protagonist.

What we have done in the past?? We have deceived our own brothers of subcontinent, we snubbed our Bangladeshi brothers, and we wholesaled our land to the Arabs and Americans and turned Afghanistan a slaughterhouse for many generations.

We as a nation we don’t own glorifying history but we are educating the raped accounts to our upcoming klutz because we are master of malarkey tactics; we have forger zed the real events from the past.

Now we are symbol of distrust, betrayal, hate, forgery, extremism and terror but still we aren’t ashamed of all these, we song ourselves ghairethmand.

If we keep, continue like this then for sure this country will be a graveyard for millions of innocents we should promote harmony, tolerance, humility, mutual respect, and love for humanity. As Abdul Sattar Edhi said “there are no religion higher then humanity” so we have to understand the delineation of humanity and religion. 
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Your blood was colored water

When I met him after one year 

He is angry still angry that neither him nor his family got justice, well for me it’s not surprising especially in this country I mean a dudgeon of lifeless souls; you can expect every mess.

I said, Sher Afzal; you will not get justice neither your family, you died for a cause which was yours not ours. Your blood wasn’t blood, but colored water for us. He was surprised not even surprised but really shocked looked at me with many questions on his face.

Then he gathered himself and said but I have sacrificed my life, to be the voice of my people and get our rights, I said you are right that’s why I am telling you it was your cause not mine nor of any Hunzukuts.

He took a long breath and said we, the people of Hunza are united and we have the courage to live and die for our mutual cause.

I said it is good to say, hear and read, but in practice we are Brushu, Shina, and Wakhi speakers then how can we forget that we are from Hindi, Central Hunza and Gojal, we can’t even betray our mir, wazir, raja, arbob, thramfa because they are our idols.

Our political so called gruesome ideologies are like religious ideologies which we can’t disobey.

I realized, he is getting more frustrated, he said we have the most educated youth who are the real power.

I agree I said, we have the highest literacy rate in Pakistan but our youth is preparing, some of them have been prepared and some of them are already in the business, to be a Corporate Salve.

So you shouldn’t expect anything from these corporate slaves to chant slogans for your cause or justice. They don’t have time for all these bullshit, they are dreaming about highlife, beautiful wives, big bungalows, luxury cars and high tech they damn care about your cause, because your home has been submerged none of theirs.

He said why the hell are you so pessimistic? 

I am not, I said, but it’s the harsh realities.

Suddenly he asked have you ever been through such experience being ignored our brushed aside by your people??

I said yes, the issue was not personal, but for a social cause when I realized that I am not inhabitant of so called, Hunza.

We were chanting slogans in the streets of Gilgit for quick drainage of the lake water; suddenly the GB police reacted like a wild dog to stop the peaceful protest, many of the protesters got bruises.

During the protest I heard many people around, saying these are from upper part leave them, not our problem.

From that moment I lost the element of trust in my people.

Now you should stop dreaming about your cause and justice, I said

I saw tears rolling in his eyes

Then what should I do, how I would be able to get justice for me for my family?

There was no answer, after a long silence I said

Tell your family member to take the revenge there is no other way out.....

As our Lawyers are big liars and busy selling justice, our people have turned ostrich, our Corporate Slaves have got many task to do, so better go for this option, at least you will feel relieved

He didn’t say anything and suddenly screamed loudly then went away ......

AAzaad Nazm

Azaad Nazam        Didar Ali Jaffrey 

We failed to HONOR you

King of Ghazal Mehdi Hassan Khan   Photo Credit: Anonymous 

Today a coal mine has lost its only pride, a diamond which remained priceless and matchless. I am wondering if this so-called nation may utter a word for his contribution to music industry, his voice nourished many lifeless souls. It is not for the first time we dishonored legends like Mehdi Hassan Khan Sahab, we have long terrifying history in this regard.

We abuse, and politicize them whoever served this country with true heart, no matter more or less.

I am sorry King of Ghazal we are proud of slayers not legends like you, our forged history always refers to bigots like, Taimour, Ghori, Ghaznavi, Yaldaram, Tipu and many others but people will never find one line in history records about, Maulana Azad, Mangal Panday, Bhagat Singh, Rani Lakshmibai, Tansen, and many unsung heroes of sub-continent.

We have even ignored arrogantly, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhyanvi, Habib Jalib, Mohsin Naqvi, Sadquain, Jaun Elia and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for their priceless contribution to literature, music, poetry and art.

Your voice will echo in the valleys of love and peace, it may not  shake comatose but will remain fresh in the hearts and minds of your followers and music lovers.

The wicked dwellers are not even in a position to pray for your departed soul and eternal peace.   


Photo Credit Abu Hamza 

Sampooran Singh Karla, pen name Gulzar has exquisitely pen down his love and affection for Khan Sahab  and I completely agree with Gulzar Sahab's poetical view that there is no border for love.

I have felt blessed to have known and listened you Khan Sahab, you will never be forgotten. 
May the diviner spirit  bless your soul with eternal peace. Amen!!

A view of Ghizer River in winter (Shandur top is also visible)

Shandur Top (12,200 feet) is located in District Ghizer of Gilgit - Baltistan.

Shandur-Top in Ghizer is often called the 'Roof of the World' where the Hindukush in Gilgit-Baltistan, Between Afghanistan and Gilgit-Baltistan and Karakorum mountainous ranges of Gilgit-Baltistan meet. 
The top is flat, a plateau and can be crossed between late April and early November. The grade is very gradual, and the area is crossed by small streams of trout!

Description:    Payam Trust

Picture Credit: Kamran

From the verge of Gojal Lake to the shores of Venice Italy

It was a unique experience of life, visiting Venice which is a sinking city of Italy; Venice attracts millions of visitors every year. This city is truly unique in a way that you will find boats and cruises instead of cars and trucks. There is no highway but narrow streets, footpaths, and bridges which connects mini land masses of the city.

Venice Italy  Photo Credit: Writer 

While passing through the narrow streets out of the blue, I was appallingly touched when I saw waves hammering the walls, which I have witnessed at Goze village in Gulmit but for me the case was different because my hometown was badly hit by a disaster which has paralyzed our normal life. Still we are suffering I don’t know how long it will take to come out of this trauma.

For the citizens of Venice life in water is not new they have got used to it and now they are earning millions of dollars.
What I missed while walking in the streets was the lure, the excitement, of life; which you can only find on a piece of land. I missed the real emotion of liveliness, the energy, the spark of life, even though thousands people of Venezia are living in old-color faded buildings but I couldn’t ignore the feeling of haunted. 

I was a bit tired but found a place to lighten up for a while and to drink some water. The thought was still in my mind and I was comparing (that what sort of unwanted changes it has brought and how it will affect people of the area in coming days) my hometown with Venice, indeed we have lost much after the disaster.

It was my first visit to home after the disaster and I really missed those mid-day or afternoon walks the chit-chat with friends on KKH through Goze Village, Mengshi or Lakhsh area the residents of these areas are now scattered everywhere, the days of neighborhood  has lost the charm now they are trying to manage things around with new neighborhood within their limited resources but the good thing is the sheer brotherhood, humility and love of the locals for each other (which you will never find anywhere on planet earth) they gave everything to normalize the life of their brothers and sister who lost everything in this catastrophe. 

 So far I realized that, the locals are trying to avoid too much visits to Gulmit Village (even people of upper Gojal are doing so) because of the worse road and highly risky boat services (I should not say “service” because those, who are in transport business are trying to suck the last drop of blood). I have witnessed many locals have celebrated their marriage ceremonies in downtown areas like Hunza, Gilgit, or in big cities like Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi these little but unnoticed changes will modify the big picture one day, I feel.

I was also trying to justify the idea of people, turning the Gojal Lake into tourist spot. Being a student of Tourism and Marketing Management I was and I am still not convinced. I know it will magnetize some bucks but it will ruin our social setup, then I thought but we can take measures to preserve our social complex and cultural diversity. how effective it will be and for how long?  Still I am not sure and the answer is not clear to me ……..

What I have experienced about Europeans, they are more proud of speaking their native languages and practicing their traditions no matter how frequent but they do; even once in a blue moon, which I really like, but this is not the case of my area we are more exposed to external changes, majority of us don’t like wearing our traditional dress or even cap, we prefer conversation in Urdu or English language instead of our mother tongue.

I am not an anthropologist neither a student of any other aspect of social science but I can compare and justify my contemplation. These unnoticed changes have listed our mother tongue among the endangered languages, which means after few decades there will be only stories about our mother tongue. We have even forgotten about the beautiful cultural traits the traditions and the local games.

Now I am still confused about the business ideas, what would be the use of that income, who will get benefit from, and how will be the condition of our social circle and identity?

The reality is that we are self-centered; still we prefer living in our shells no matter how worse is the social injustice.

Sustainable Tourism Pakistan, a fancy dream

A new bottle is mandatory for new wine.

We cannot disprove the importance of tourism for any country, in arrears to the income generated by the ingestion of goods and services by the tourists, the taxes charged on businesses in the tourism industry, and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. The industries related to tourism sector are transportation services (like airlines, cruise ships, buses, trains, and taxis), hotels, restaurants, bars, and other hospitality services such as spas, sauna, resorts and health resorts etc.

If Pakistan is acknowledged in the world of tourism, it is vitally because of the mountainous regions of the North; the four mountain ranges of the Hindu Kush, Pamir, KaraKorum and the Great Himalaya form the densest concentration of high peaks in the world. The high-flying feature of the country geography is the diversity of its landscape, from the coastal regions and the deserts of the south to the thriving plains of the 2500 km long Indus River, which paths through the country, rising in Tibet and emptying into the Arabian Sea. 

Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly known as Northern Area) is one of the main tourism destinations in Pakistan both for foreign and domestic tourists. The natural beauty, some of the highest mountain peaks (like K2, Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, etc.) in the World, the largest glaciers outside the polar region, the rich cultural heritage, the odds and ends of the long history in the form of archaeological sites are the main tourism assets of the area. Plenty mountaineering and trekking expeditions visit the area every year. Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the economy of Gilgit-Baltistan.

In contemporary period Ministry of Tourism is responsible for policy making, marketing and promotion of foreign and domestic tourism and the synchronization and regulation of federally administered areas and provincial governments (Sindh, Blochistan, Punjab and KhayberPakhtoonkhuwa) and other private sectors involved in tourism industry. There are several agencies and organizations working with Tourism Department in order to promote tourism and safeguard cultural heritage of the area. The target of sustainable tourism development and conservation of cultural heritage can be achieved if all the stakeholders address various issues faced by the sector in corresponding way.

Photo Credit: Anonymous 

Economic growth can lead to disparity, which in turn can strike poverty eradication. Societal allies such as crime are bound to increase more in an imbalanced society and that uneven socio-political conditions can lead to a fall in inequality levels because growth and distribution are mired. Disparity will increase as a result of openness of trade which will truly affect small players of the industry. 

Therefore, handling poverty in partial mode will make more harm so it is worthy to deal with it in broader way. There is interrelationship between social and economic factors, and survival of a society is dependent on a balance between the two; a holistic approach to poverty cutback would infiltrate the root of the problem and lead to sustainable development. The end results will be more effective if there is interaction between the various policies, rather than allowing each policy to deal separately with the problem of poverty.

The approach towards human resources is not organized in Pakistan; utilizing human resources can lead to better results. There are many skilled and talented workforces in tourism business; still they need key skills and business tactics in specific areas such as tourism management and forecasting, information mediums and marketing these essential components in the launch of any kind of change in tourism industry of Pakistan. Management, training and guidance of human resource both in the public and private sector and especially at the top level would be a stride in the right direction. People at the top level are responsible for taking key decisions which influences tourism trend of the country. A lucid knowledge of planning, marketing, information, distribution and evaluation are essential components for empowering tourism professionals to act as effective agents of tourism industry Pakistan.

Interaction between diverse stakeholders will also help in further development of tourism because these sorts of interactions can bring people into contact from different hierarchy, backgrounds, disciplines, and organizations. Under one circumstance this would not be possible because of societal, cultural, economic, political and technological barriers. However building trust, confidence and competencies can bring people together but the idea of coming together should be entirely based on voluntary basis. To materialize the common goal, stakeholders should increase awareness, emphasize professional support, cooperate, organize and exchange knowledge, and to share decision making because the network has no center. Currently the case is not encouraging for the industry in Pakistan because Government and Ministry are not taking serious measures to materialize industrial goals of tourism sector.

Poor infrastructure is one of the main obstacle which slowdowns developmental process. Derisory road transport and dependency on taxis; inadequate, costly and unpredictable air transport services and preposterous national air carrier especially to Gilgit-Baltistan; inadequate telecommunications networks; inadequate water supply and sewage amenities; irregular power supply and poor roads; lack of information centers and tourist rest-points; poor signposting and printed material; and most importantly, poor maintenance of the castles, forts museums and cultural sites.

The above mentioned problems are main reasons for poor tourist inflow in Pakistan and consequently the local businesses and especially those in micro-scale are deprived of revenue. Infrastructural development and especially communications and transportation are preconditions for tourism development since tourism requires physical resources and utilities to facilitate business transactions. Insufficient technology hinders local entrepreneurs’ but propagation and further expansion of small and medium scale businesses to compete in local, regional, national or international markets. At the other hand tourists themselves are also unfortunate, to value and fully enjoy the tourism attractions as well as to assist with conservation. But there are areas where the worldly renowned organizations (like IUCN, WWF etc.) have contributed to highlight the existing issues and also to create awareness among people about the concept of eco/responsible tourism. Insufficiency in physical capital is already identified in terms of security, sanitation, banking, hotels and restaurants, and prices.

There are no tourism partnerships at micro-level neither at macro-level or any other significant linkages between travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers and other players of the industry. Vague definition of partnerships or insufficient information about markets and its value makes people distrustful. Therefore they prefer to work as an individual on a small or medium scale instead of sharing their markets with other players of the industry which leads limited budget and poor market activity. Partnerships can help to push out assets to the businesses, such as reserved capital and expertise. It can also help to develop linkages between tourism and other businesses, which is currently rare in the designated communities, but idea will increase sense of contact, trust and good will among communities.

Sustainable tourism could only be developed if socially responsible amendments were made at an institutional and policy level so that the main concern is shifted towards developing tourism as an apparatus for poverty reduction and not only as a medium for development.

Developing socially liable sustainable tourism can contribute towards sustainable poverty reduction which requires empowerment of the poor and formation of partnerships among all the stakeholders.

The most important factor which can boost healthy tourism environment is awareness, open dialogue, schooling, and guidance for the local communities because better education can change mental approach and perception about foreign tourists.