Soon after the attack she went into coma. Her father Colonel (R) Amjad Karim Randhawa immediately got her admitted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Lahore. All government officials took great interest in her treatment. Bill Gates also remained in touch with Arfa’s family during her treatment. Doctors tried their best to save the brightest daughter of Pakistan. But……………………

Saturday 14th January brought a depressing news that Arfa was no more. This was the news that put whole country in severe grief. Allah has His own will that we cannot understand. Arfa’s news got the maximum importance on Facebook as well. People were sharing condolence messages on this heart breaking news. Next day, her funeral prayer was offered at Cavalry Ground, Lahore. It was attended by thousands of people from different walks of life. Her coffin was covered with a big Pakistani flag. Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif especially attended the prayer. He later announced to lable Lahore Information Technology Park as ‘Arfa Information Technology Park’. Arfa’s dead body was later taken to her village Raam Diwali near Faisalabad for burial.

ہزاروں سال نرگس اپنی بے نوری پہ روتی ہے

بڑی مشکل سے ہوتا ہے چمن میں دیدہ ور پیدا

All Pakistan is still in deep shock on this young death. However Arfa will be remembered forever. Her parents are really lucky who were blessed with such an intelligent daughter who proved herself in front of whole world and brought up the image of Pakistan. We as Pakistanis salute Arfa Karim and pray to Allah SWT to be kind with her noble soul. Amin!

Javed Hashmi and other Muslim League members were also put in the jail. Many of them including big names like Ch. Shujat and Pervaiz Illahi shook hand with Musharraf and left PML(N). Few kept standing with the Sharifs. Javed Hashmi won the election and became a member of the National Assembly from Multan. Hashmi is a true leader and he got a very hard reward for that. Musharraf put him in jail after declaring through his corrupt judiciary at that time under an accusation of going against the Pak Army. Hashmi was tortured badly during his prison-ship. He was president of PML(N) at that time as original leadership was outside country. He wrote a book in jail that got great popularity. After 8 years, finally he got released after the orders of Pakistan Supreme Court.

When Sharifs returned to Pakistan they appreciated Hashmi’s efforts. However when PML(N) contested in 2008 elections, Ch. Nisar Ali Khan was made as Parliament Leader of the party, which was a great injustice with Hashmi sahib. Later at all the occasions, Sharifs always gave more value to Nisar. Javed Hashmi has been a true and bold man throughout his political career. On 24th December 2011 finally he resigned from the membership of PML(N) and joined Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. He has been warmly welcomed by the PTI leaders including Imran Khan and will be appointed as Chief Organiser of the party. This is indeed a very big loss for PML(N), but a very good addition to Imran’s team. We wish that Hashmi could get his deserved respect and status.

Air conditioned coaster in Lahore

Due to the great interest of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Lahories are now enjoying respectable communication facilities. New buses have been deployed that carry commuters to all locations of Lahore. Introduction of air conditioned coasters is an appreciable act. I boarded on one such coaster from Regal Chowk for alighting at R.A Bazaar  Cantt. It was quite impressive to see the lady ticket seller in the coaster. All the passengers were also very polite. Other bus I boarded on was of First Bus (part of Lahore Transport Company). I really appreciate PML(N) Government for providing such decent travelling facilities to the residents and visitors of Lahore.

Artificial waterfall in Race Course Park Lahore

Another appreciable act of the revolutionary Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is declaring free entry into the public parks of Lahore. Even there is no parking fee for the visitors at all. Punjab Government pays for the parking to the private contracting company. I visited Jilani Park (Race Course Park) with my extended family last week. The park is still as beautiful as it was when it was developed. Artificial waterfall was running in full swing and families were there to enjoy the changing weather. There were beautifully grown sunflowers that were adding to the beauty of this beautiful park. I appreciate the efforts of Shshbaz Sharif for providing recreational facilities to the low-income families as well.

Jilani Park (Race Course Park) Lahore

Shah Mehmood Qureshi addressing in Ghotki

Now PPP leaders like Faisal Raza Abidi, who have no standing at all, are issuing insulting statements about Shah. The huge gathering in Sindh is also an alarming sign for the PPP, for whom Sindh is like a political home. Imran welcomed Shah by saying that the later had a clear past. After NATO’s recent attack on Pakistan Army now nation is depressed and looking forward for a real CHANGE. Imran has come up with strong statements against this brutal attack in which 26 Pakistani soldiers got martyred. This is a sign that US led forces have no respect for our brave soldiers and their sacrifices. Pakistan must consider of their relations with US now.

Today I was thinking of writing something on punishment of three Pakistani cricketers Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Aamer and Salman Butt by the UK courts. When I checked the on-line newspaper (e-paper) of Express News, I came across a very depressive news that stole my Eid excitement. Unfortunately I belong to a country where there is no respect for the ethical values. When Eid ul Adha arrives every year, prices of the cattle are increased up to such a level that common man cannot afford to fulfil the requirement of sacrifice on this Eid. Price of a normal goat or sheep in Australia is around $80 (Pak Rs. 7,000) but in my sweet Pakistan it is around 18,000 – 20,000 Rs.

Children are innocent and they cannot understand the financial difficulties of their parents. Yesterday in Lahore a very sad incident took place. Muhammad Saleem, a driver by occupation, was asked by his kids for purchasing a goat for sacrificing on the Eid. The poor fellow went to the designated cattle market for fulfilling his kids’ desire. He didn’t know that there were the merchants there who had gathered to please the devil (شیطان). They asked too much high prices for their cattle. Saleem could not purchase any of the animals. When he was on his way back to his home in Lal Pul (Red Bridge), his mind was filled with the depressive thoughts. Near Dubai Square, Allama Iqbal Town, the poor fellow put himself on fire. People on the spot saved his life and took him to the hospital, where he is in very critical condition till now.

I just ask a simple question to the whole Pakistani society today…… Is there any SINGLE Court, NGO, religious party or media group which can speak against this injustice……which takes place regularly every year. In fact we belong to a country where there is no value of human life at all…… Where only rich have the right to enjoy bounties of the life. Where we cannot live if we don’t agree to the corrupt system. Even then Pakistan Zindabad!

KING KHAN!

Journalists and analysts are decalring the gathering as a huge success for PTI who has been trying to bring change in Pakistanis’ attitude for last 15 years. Gathering was attended mostly by the youngsters from middle and upper-middle classes. They were very sentimental about Imran. One different and good thing was that pop singers and bands including Shahzad Roy and Strings also performed live on the stage, whereas Imran and otehrs also offered prayer on the stage. It brought a moderate image of Imran and his party.

Ladies and elderly people also came to the gathering. They all came from far off places to show their support to Imran and his team. Minar-e-Pakistan park could not hold all the spectators and many had to listen to the speeches standing outside the park. I am very happy to see this ‘wind of change’ coming in Pakistan. I wish that Imran could become the prime minister of Pakistan and bring our country out of the long-going crisis. We love Pakistan!

Mohammad Shah Rangeela the putative ruler of Hindustan in 1739 was in his cups, drunk to his gills, in the Diwane Khas in Delhi, when a courtier arrived and told him that Nadir Shah of Persia had entered the confines of Hindustan. From the haze Rangeela was in, he muttered” Hunooz Dilli Door Ast’.'Delhi is still far away’.

Above quotations are taken by sources of History ,but I want to draw kind and curious attention of the Nation of Pakistan that NETO forces looking forward their next destination to ruin and their military post have been transferred into the territory of Pakistan near Afghan border ,in such critical situation peoples of my country as a (zindah qaum ,paa’indah qaum ) with their beloved elected politicians and their leaders are fighting to have overcome on their domination just ,I want to ask really  ” Hunooz Dilli Door Ast’.'Delhi is still far away’.

Yours

Ismail Ajaz (Khayaal)

abhee bhee waqt hai aaow keh mere humwatno !

Jagjit Singh - the legend who passed away!

I cannot express how much sad I felt when I heard the unexpected news of Jagjit Singh’s sudden death, who was under treatment after an attack of brain haemorrhage. I was one of his biggest fans in the world. He often used to perform in Sydney. This time I was waiting for his next performance, for which I had full commitment to attend and listen the ghazal singer live.

No doubt, it is a great loss for the people of India and Pakistan, who loved Jagjit Jee’s Urdu ghazals. He sang many songs that simply create a spell on the listeners. Some of them include Hontoun Se Chhoo Lou Tum (ہونٹوں سے چھو لو تم), Tum Itna Jo Muskara Rahay Hou (تم اتنا جو مسکرا رہے ہو), Kaghaz Ki Kashti (کاغذ کی کشتی), Tum Ko Daikha Tou Yeh Khayal Aaya (تم کو دیکھا تو یہ خیال آیا), Kisi Nazar Ko Tera (کسی نظر کو تیرا), Din Aa Gaye Shabab Ke (دن آ گئے شباب کے), Kurti Mulmul Dee (کرتی ململ دی), Saaray Pind Ich Puaarray Paaye (سارے پنڈ اچ پواڑے پائے) and a lot more. Jagjit Singh was 70 year old, but his voice quality was still superb. Initially his wife Chitra Singh used to sing duets with him. After the young death of their only son in a road accident, Chitra left singing forever. Jagjit Singh was the heart and soul of eastern music. He sang some re-arranged songs of his fellow singers in an album ‘Close to my heart’, which is a beautiful treat for his fans.

We will always remember Jagjit Sahib as there are very few persons who are not only good in their profession but also great in their dealing. I am sharing a tributary video of this great singer from the album ’Close to my heart’.

Pak High Commissioner to Australia Mr. Abdul Malik Abdullah

Pakistani High Commissioner Mr. Abdul Malik Abdullah was the chief guest. The biggest drawback of the event was that there was no flag of Pakistan in the hall, where Pakistani community had gathered for celebrating the national day of Pakistan. On my notice and request the management guys arranged a small flag which was just put on a side wall with the scotch tape. Function started at 7:30 pm with the recitation from Holy Quran. After that a long and lengthy session of useless speeches started. People had an idea that there would be 4 to 5 speakers at the maximum, but president of the association Rana Iftikhar brought every single Australian on the stage. Aisha Amjad was anchoring the event and she was quite good.

Pakistani High Commissioner delivered the best speech on Pak-US relations, but even the organisers kept busy in their chats and paid no attention to the chief guest at all. People were already fed up of the never-ending long speeches. Then Rana and his associates awarded their favourite persons, except a talented young student Usman, with the achievement awards.

For the musical programme, it was decided that other than Shafqat, three local singers (Shagufta Zia, Mehreen Javed and myself) will perform two songs each. However due to too much of speeches and a session of funds collection for the Pakistani flood affectees, only Shagufta Zia was given 5 minutes for a single song because she and her daughter are members of the association.

A total of $9,000 were collected for the Prime Minister Flood Relief Fund, which was an appreciable point. After the dinner and funds collection only 35-40 people left in the hall, who wanted to listen to Shafqat Ali Khan. Shafqat gave a great lesson by telling the organisers right from the stage that they would have to pay attention to him rather than discussing their own issues. He later performed six extremely good Sufi melodies. Function continued till midnight. Lack of planning and discipline were the main causes of failure of this event.

Izhar ul Haq and Khalid Masood on the stage

Event was held in Saphire Function Hall, Aburn, Sydney. Famous poet Mr. Khalid Masood Khan, who is my close relative, arrived especially from Multan, Pakistan for reading his popular humorous poetry collection. Another big name was Mr. Izhar ul Haq, a Pakistani based poet from Melbourne, Australia. Beside them there were some very good Urdu poets from Sydney and Melbourne, including Sadiq Saba, Dr. Kausar Jamal, Ashraf Shad, Abbas Gilani, Zafar Islam Khan, Arshad Saeed, Nadeem Nadavi, Salik Hameed Khawaja, Asmat Aara, Karishan Rahat, and Tariq Mirza etc. A delicious buffet dinner was also served to all the attendees. A large number of Pakistani and Indian community members attended the Mushaira which continued till mid-night.

All the performances were just amazing. Punjabi poem by Dr. Kausar Jamal ‘Rabba Meray Sohnya’ (ربا میرے سوہنیا) was a beautiful poem which explained feeling of a sad believer of Allah SWT. Arshad Saeed shared beautiful memories of Faiz Ahmad Faiz with the audience. All other poets also presented very beautifully written poems and ghazals. Some of the poets discussed issues related to the expatriates in Australia, whereas some discussed the present bloodshed in Karachi and other parts of Pakistan.

In the end Mr. Khalid Masood Khan was invited, who brought smiles and laughters on all the faces by his great funny poems and spontaneous (extempore) funny comments. He stole the show. I was very happy to see him live for the first time in my life as I had never attended any mushaira (مشاعرہ) before where he had performed.

All the poets highly appreciated and thanked the Sydney audience for appreciating the poets in a true positive sense.