“It is not best that we should all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse races”.
~ MARK TWAIN, The Tragedy of Pudd’nhead Wilson
As children we were taught to be open towards each other’s opinion, to present our arguments in an appropriate manner, to be receptive to differing views and to accept them in order to enhance our vision. As elders, we have pretty much forgotten the values that we try to inculcate in our children and youngsters. Sad as it may sound; our elders have fallen prey to such childish attitude that any view dissimilar to their own stings them like a poisonous thorn and they are eager to pluck it out and destroy it. Continue reading
Long before the rat-a-tat of elections began, murmurs were in the air that 2013’s elections will be the bloodiest elections in Pakistan’s history. At that time, one wondered what would be the worst that could happen during election campaigns. Pakistan has already borne the burden of elections 2007 which took away with it thousands of innocent lives. 2007’s elections revealed their ugly face when Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Liaqat National Bagh after addressing a political rally of Pakistan People’s Party in Rawalpindi. Though BB’s cause of death was later revealed to be multiple bullet wounds but the ensuing suicide bomb attack detonated at the murder site killed dozens and injured hundreds. What followed BB’s assassination was a fire wave of shock, anger and violence that swept throughout the country, particularly in Sindh, and burned property and people alike, resulting in some thousand killings. Benazir Bhutto’s assassination favored one political party more than any other which swept through the election campaign by cruising along the highway of “sympathy”. 
They were the Greek people who first practiced the notion of “democracy” and it was then and there that the world was introduced to a new system of administration and governance. Now in 2013, the world with a liberal democratic hegemon i.e., United States, sitting at the top of world hierarchy has shaped the political pattern of the world in such a way that democracy is a desired notion now with many developing countries, including Pakistan which is trying hard to establish a stable democratic structure. 
Everyone has to die one day or the other but what is going to happen after death? This question reverberates in the mind of every person. Science has no concept of life after death but all the religions of the world explain the mysteries of afterlife in one form or the other. Two of these religions, Hinduism and Judaism have coexisted for thousands of years but they are quite different in their views about the life after death in terms of rebirth and reincarnation, purpose of reincarnation, the paths and places to achieve eternity, the fate of an individual upon death and heaven and hell. 
It was dark and gloomy, bitter and misty- a typical cold night in the market zone of Defence area, Lahore. It was around 8 o’ clock at night. Some people were busy hurrying back to their homes from offices and yet shoppers were flowing in to the markets for some quick grabs or worriless window shopping. Most of the shops wore a sense of celebration, illustrated through their decorations. Gleams of reds and golds filled every hook and nook and heart shaped balloons with glittering “I love you” inked upon them could be seen tied to the windows and doors of restaurants, cafes, bookstores, gift shops and where not. Men, women and children and among them especially youngsters were overly energized. Most of these people were tucked nicely in their warm shiny sweaters and classy long coats. Women could be seen in their judicious amount of makeup and jewelry, supporting stylish set of black or brown long boots, depending on one’s taste of color and choice. Flashing lights and an excited buzz all around me, made me realize that it was the eve of Valentine’s Day. Oh yes! That day where one supposedly celebrates all the love one has in his life. I looked carefully, analyzing the streets as I passed them, absorbing details and catching glimpses of happy couples and contented families.
When they say it is all good, look deeper!
Many, including me have suffered from the blockade of- what was a virtual blessing in the name of YouTube, available over Internet as an instinctive option for video watching. Founded in February 2005 and purchased in 2006 by the giant Google YouTube is a phenomenon, recognized all over the world as a go-to site for video watching on the web. The scale and scope on which YouTube operates has an unprecedented and unparalleled enormity which could be exemplified by quoting that “One hour of video is uploaded to YouTube every second”. 
It is as depressing to say as is to see Karachi drenched in blood and hopelessness as each day the sun sets with many dead, leaving their families and friends mourning. The city of lights is now the city of threats and has become a prime target of terrorists and extremists to wage their low level acts of brutality. From anti-polio workers to political party members the city has burrowed underneath itself many! Yet the madness continues and cruelty keeps playing, as Karachi gets bruised every day. 
When cricket stadium turns into a battle field, players into soldiers and every bowl bowled into a decisive strategic move then yes it is no ordinary game- it is cricket at its best- one of the intense sports rivalries world has ever seen- It is Pakistan vs. India!