Effects of recession on travel industry 28 Apr 2009
Posted by sheddy73 in Life, Travel.add a comment
I was travelling from Dubai to Lahore. It was a Boeing 777 of PIA, which has a seating capacity of around 400 passengers. However, I was surprised to see that about one-third of the seats were occupied whereas rest of the aircraft was empty. On the other hand, price of the ticket was much lower than what I had paid in December 2008 for the same route.
Dubai and other UAE Emirates are occupied by a huge number of Pakistani expatriates and usually it takes lot of efforts in getting the air tickets in reasonable time. Due to the ongoing economical recession, now there are very few people travelling between UAE and Pakistan. Dubai airport was also 10% occupied as compared with its occupancy in the recent past before this recession. We can’t say that when this period will end but let us hope for the best.
Mehr Muhammad Khalil: A Proud Pakistani 23 Apr 2009
Posted by sheddy73 in Faith & Religion, Life, Love, Pakistan.add a comment
Mehr Muhammad Khalil
There are some people who deserve lot of appreciation for their efforts in bringing good name to their country and the religion. Mehr Muhammad Khalil is one of great Pakistani, who proved that we know how to protect our guests from the terrorists. This young Driver was driving the bus in which Sri Lankan Cricket Team was taken to Qaddafi Stadium. The bus was attacked by the terrorirsts who fired rocket launchers. Brave driver did not lose his senses and drove the players safely to the stadium.
Sri Lankan players highly acknowledged his efforts. Some days after this sad aincident, Mr. Khalil along with his family was invited by the Sri Lankan Cricket Board, where he was awarded with honour and a handome monetary award. This is indeed an honour for Pakistan. We salute Mehr Muhammad Khalil on getting this achievement.
On my 36th Birthday 20 Apr 2009
Posted by sheddy73 in Life, Love, Shahid Javed.1 comment so far
It’s 20th April 2009. Today I am celebrating my 36th birthday. If I look back into my past, I am surprised that what a variety of lifestyles I have been experiencing from time to time. If I start writing it will take lot of time and space. Therefore to cut short, I would like to discuss those who have brightened up my life with their love, care and sincerity.
I am thankful to Allah Who provided me with very good cousins and friends in my life. I cannot put all names here but the most sincere of them include Tahir Ali, Farrukh, Shahrukh (Sherry), late Ehtisham, Fahad, Imran (Multan), Nadia & Rizwan, Saima & Atika, Burhan, Ali Murad, Sheraz, Zafar Iqbal, Aamir Hashmi and two exceptional persons M. Ashfaq and Ismail Ajaz.
My great parents always support me. They stood beside me whenever I needed them. My father supported me when I chose to play and compose music. My brothers Rashid and Majid love me a lot and always encourage me. Today I want to thank everyone who supported me in my bad days. My wife served me in the best way when my leg was broken in 2004 and she always gives me lot of respect. Rania, Faraz, Sarah and Aleeza (my and my brother’s kids) have made our lives much more colourful.
Today I am also remembering some beautiful old Urdu/Hindi songs that have become part of my sweet memories. They include:
· Naa Maangoon Sona Chandi (نہ مانگوں سونا چاندی)
· Mayn Shaair Tou Nahin (میں شاعر تو نہیں)
· Terey Chehray Se Nazar Nahin Hat-ti (تیرے چہرے سے نظر نہیں ہٹتی)
· Meray Naina Sawan Bhadoun (میرے نیناں ساون بھادوں)
· Mayn Pal Dou Pal Ka Shaair Hoon (میں پل دو پل کا شاعر ہوں)
· Ik Pyar Ka Naghma Hay(اِک پیار کا نغمہ ہے)
· Jaan-e-Jaan Dhoondta Phir Raha(جانِ جاں ڈھونڈتا پھر رہا)
· Disco Deewanay(ڈسکو دیوانے)
· Aao Naa Pyar Karain(آؤ نہ پیار کریں)
· Shaam Se Pehlay Aana(شام سے پہلے آنا)
· Zara Chehra Tou Dikhao(ذرا چہرہ تو دکھاؤ)
· Chandani Raat Hay(چاندنی رات ہے)
· Bin Teray Sanam(بن تیرے صنم)
· Meri Chooner Urr Urr Jaaye(میری چُنر اُڑ اُڑ جائے)
· Likhay Jo Khat Tujhay(لکھے جو خط تجھے)
· Neelay Neelay Amber Per(نیلے نیلے امبر پر)
· Tu Jo Chalay Saath Saath(تو جو چلے ساتھ ساتھ)
· Yaro Yehi Dosti Hay(یارو یہی دوستی ہے)
· Ye Shaam Phir Nahin Aaye Gi(یہ شام پھر نہیں آئے گی)
· Yaad Kia Dil Ne Kahan Hou Tum(یاد کیا دل نے کہاں ہو تم)
PML-N not joining the Federal Government 18 Apr 2009
Posted by sheddy73 in Life, Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan.add a comment
It was anticipated by many that after the restroration of the judiciary and decision in the favour of Sharif Brothers for contesting the elections, PML-N will join the PPP led Federal Government. However the expectations went down and Nawaz Sharif announced that his party will not join PPP in the federal. However, he said the PPP can join the Punjab Government.
This has created a havoc in the country, which is already facing too many crisis. It seems that PML-N wants PPP to fight alone with the present hard crisis. In this way they can got to the people for vote in the next elections by telling that they were not happy with the PPP policies on important issues. Being a politician, Nawaz Sharif may be doing very good, but in my opinion at this stage when Balochistan and Swat are in real problem, unity is the need of time. PPP and PML-N must work together for saving our beloved country.
Pakistani students in UK facing state terrorism 13 Apr 2009
Posted by sheddy73 in Faith & Religion, Life.3 comments
Just about a week ago British police arrested 10 Pakistani university students and one British-Pakistani citizen in Manchester, Liverpool and Lanchshire. They are accused for planning the terror attacks in UK. Till now police has failed to find any proof which can show that the students have been involved in any criminal activity.
Its indeed a shameful act that now UK law enforcement agencies are allowed to arrest anyone without any solid reasons. These boys are just students who are paying high universities fees for getting higher education so that they can excel in their professional life. Their parents could afford their studies so they send these boys to UK for studies.
As usual, our government’s response has been very week on this issue and till now they are only planning to get information on this issue. Such an action by the UK Government will affect their credibility and in the future there would be a negative impression of them on the international Muslim (or Pakistani) students who would think twice to peruse their higher studies in UK. This matter needs to be investigated seriously, and if any police official are found guilty strict action must be taken against them.
My Friend in need: Muhammad Ashfaq 9 Apr 2009
Posted by sheddy73 in Life, Love, Shahid Javed.1 comment so far
Muhammad Ashfaq - My friend in need
Today I am going to write for someone who is very special in my life. There is a saying “A friend in need is the friend indeed”. Muhammad Ashfaq is my best friend and feel proud for having such a nice and sincere person in my life. Ashfaq (also known as CNN by his University friends) became my friend in 1993, when we both started taking our B.Sc. Civil Engineering class at University of Engineering & Technology (UET), Lahore. Due to his lively nature, he became very close to me in the early days of our first year class.
Today it has been more than 16 years since we became friends. Ashfaq is a real great person with a great sense of humor. He can bring smiles on sad faces and can adjust with any situation. I cannot remember when I was admitted in the hospital for an operation of my right broken leg in Lahore in 2004 and Ashfaq was in London for his studies. The man called me on my mobile phone and asked if I needed any monitary help. He assured me that he was there to support me as long as I had to remain jobless. He has been supporting me all the way. I always found him whenever I was in some problem.
Also I can never forget when I introduced him to my spouse on his returning from UK. I had told her about Ashfaq in detail and she said, after meeting him, that I was really lucky for having such a sincere person in my life.
I wish Ashfaq every happiness and success in his life and pray to Allah to bless Ashfaq with everything he wishes for.
Controversial video of Taliban torturing a girl 5 Apr 2009
Posted by sheddy73 in Art & Culture, Faith & Religion, Life, Pakistan.6 comments
On 3rd April 2009, many TV channels of Pakistan showed a mobile phone made video, in which a veiled young girl was being beaton with lashes. She was turned upside down on ground and two men were holding her hands and feet, while a third man, with beard, was beating her on back with lashes. Many men were also shown standing and watching the scene silently.
It has been reported that the incident took place in Swat where the lady was punished as per Sharia law after knowing that she had gone out of home with her father-in-law.
Unfortunately, this sad and brutal incident once again hit non other than Islam. There is no such teaching in this greatest religion that going out of a woman with her father-in-law is a sin. Father-in-law is just like the real father as he is not allowed to marry his daughter-in-law ever. Uneducated people are doing such acts for opening criticism against the Islamic teachings. It seems that its a conspiracy against the peace pact between the Pakistani government and Taliban, who just wanted the implementation of Sharia law in Swat valley.
Some religious personalities of Swat have come up with a view that the incident did not take place at all in Swat and it seems that it has been done with a planned mind to make people furious against the religious bodies in Swat. People yesterday held out protesting demonstrations allover the country, in which they held banners and placards highlighting their anger over the incident. Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has taken action against this incident and has formed a judicial committee to probe the matter. We hope that the picture will be clear very soon and the culprits would be brought to the justice.
