An ending and a begining

So, this day marks the end of another year. Nothing news, this happens every year :P. However, things never remain the same, at the end of each year, I just think about how things have changed- circumstances were totally different when I wished Happy New Year to my friends last year. There were a few people who aren't there anymore, some of them 'appeared to be' so important that there was no concept of leaving them, breaking up with them was simply not an option! It happened anyway, and nothing changed, life went on smoothly.
Then there was a particular mindset that I had, it hasn't changed completely though, but a lot of ideas have evolved. Certain things have moved from 'not to do list; to 'must to do list'.
Last year, I used to think differently about people and many of them are now have a different image.
In short,e as life moves on a lot of changes take place and end of the year is the best time to think about it it gives you a very clear idea of how things have changed.
Happy New Year!

Same stories... Everywhere...

A few years back, I used to think that I am a unique being and whatever is happening in my life has never happened to anyone any time. This was perhaps because of the fact that I was never too close to anybody, or, being too young to express properly, people around me were quite inexpressive. So, everyone kept his experiences, feelings, emotions to himself and I continued to think that I am really unique, with no similarity with anyone.
Anyways, after remaining in my own shell for a long time, I slowly realized that things are not how I suppose them to be, they are totally the other way round.
I realized that same stories are there everywhere. Everyone goes through more or less the same experiences, same situations and same circumstances, one time or another.
Every individual is unique in some ways, true, but there are a number of aspects that all of them share.
Whenever I talk to my best friends (whom I can share each and every thing with), I realize that they feel the same things that I feel sometimes, they react in the same way, turns in their in life are very similar to mine.
And it is not ONLY about those two people, whenever I talk to anybody and someone shares his/ her experiences with me, I feel like I am hearing about my own self, with just a little variations.
So, what I have concluded is: we all are the same. It is our own attitude and our thinking that creates the difference, otherwise life treats us all in the same manner (obviously not in all aspects, but in some, it does) ...

Abide by laws (If others allow you to)

Living in a country like ours, it is not easy being a law abiding citizen. Whenever you try to be a good citizen and do what you should do (not what most of the people are doing), you immediately recieve lots of comments and 'advices' from 'well wishers' and critics around you, telling you that this is not the ways things are done.
Take the example of traffic rules. Everybody knows that you are supposed to stop your car as soon as the signal turns red, and stop it before the zebra crossing, not right on it. However if you try doing so, every car that joins the line after you will generously blow horn to let you know that you are a fool, you 'ought to' move ahead and go as far as you can go on the road.
Similar situation arises when the signal turns Yellow- people start blowing horns reminding you that one is not here to stay, you should move and let others go too, no need to wait for a few seconds till the light turns green.
And if you 'dare' to stop for a red signal when the road is empty, you are sure to get stunned looks from drivers of all the cars that swift pass you, with expressions clearly questioning you mental health.
Obviously, this does not end here. The list goes on and on- including cars blowing horns and forcing you to move ahead when you are there at a turning on road, and waiting for traffic to slow down.
Same goes for all the other matters. As soon as you start looking for a dustbin to throw garbage, someone will always be there to tell you: Throw it right here. You can't be silly enough to carry it with you!
Or try making a queue at a canteen, try telling people that people in a bus that those who want to get off should be allowed to do so first, then others can get in- and you'll know what is meant by 'if you are allowed to'

Karachi University, Exams and the inevitable delay

Just a few days back all of my class mates (including me of course) were mourning over the fact that it is all over, we wont be able to live this all again, most of us will never even get a chance to see each other one more time, we would now be Ex- KU students, wishing it would never end and we continue with the same routine, the same friendship and same people.
And yet, soon after the exams started, majority can't wait to get done with the exams and leave KU forever. However, there prayers have already been answered and exams have been postponed till God knows when. Now there is no way out other than remaining in touch with all the friends, enjoy the feel of being a KU student and going through all the discussions we have been since the beginning of University life, no matter how much one despises it now :D
This is our eighth semester, and there has been not a single semester in which exams went according to schedule and ended on the due date. Every time, there was a different reason but the result remained same- exams being postponed.
This time, in fact, I was secretly waiting for exams to be delayed for two reasons:
1: It saved the tradition
2: It gave us some extra time for completion of our Final Assignment (Magazine Production) that is due around 10 days after exams.
Therefore I am alright with this interval, I wish though all this violence had not taken place at campus and there were some other peaceful reasons for this.
No one has the idea of how long all this would continue, but this sure will be, along with lots of others, memory of a lifetime. We will forever keep telling others Hmare to har semester ma exams postpone hoe hain! :P

I want you to know, but I won't say it out!

Strange events sometimes occur, that almost rip my heart into pieces. They aren't always that serious alright, might not be intentional as well, but they make me wonder what is it that matters? What should be done to show your near and dear ones feel that you really care? What is the criterion basically? No answer found.
The problem with me is that I make friends with a very few people, and then I ACTUALLY consider them my friends, and expect them to behave them in the same way.If I care and I show it, I want it to be shown from the other side too. If I am being good, I expect goodness, if I try my best not to hurt, I want the same attitude in return.
However, this usually does not happen. No matter how much you know a person or how much you trust him/ her, you always have something new to observe.
The incident that prompted me to write this blog was as simple as anything, just my friend did something that I least expected, perhaps without realizing how much I have got hurt, but the fact is, it killed me inside.
To add to the already worst situation, I failed to say it out. I tried to tell how bad I feel about it, but words simply refused to convey my feelings. Then the so-called ego came to play its part, and told me to keep my mouth shut when nobody is going to get the meaning of what I say.
I knew we would end up in a fight if I express my feelings, I knew I cannot explain them. Still, I badly wanted my friend to know what is wrong with me, why I ain't responding in the way I usually do, why I am not enjoying the jokes, why I am not happy when nothing seems to be wrong. I just want this fact to be realized, not told.
Alright I do realize everyone has his/ her own limitations, not everybody think in the same way. What is so disastrous and heart-breaking for me might be extremely plain and simple for others. However, the longing of this story to be known remain, without me telling it. *sigh* I wonder if this is my non-expressive attitude or what, but I just wish that either people become more understanding, or the wish to have understanding people around dies out. Yes, this is the last thing I wish for every time I confront such situation...

Four long year have finally passed (rather flown away)

By Hira Malik

So, this week marks the end of four year long journey started in January 2007.  There were around 50 students, all from different backgrounds, having different aims were there after getting many dreams shattered, but all of them were united under the same head- department of Mass Communication, BS first batch. 

It took us some time to get acquainted with each other, as is the case with any new batch mates. The first day was the usual- trying to make friends, being polite, showing etiquette and asking each other about their academic background. There were confusions and uncertainties. A very few students were there by choice, others (including me) were there merely by choice. Therefore there was more to do then making friends- we had to adjust in the new environment that we never wished to be in.

The early uneasy phase passed away quickly and soon three were best friends and groups and pals ready to die for each other.

Time started to go by its normal pace. It wasn’t late when studies became something of secondary importance- first being friends and the tafreeh at university.

Comfort scale grew gradually, and soon it was time when everyone was a friend! No matter your bestie is there or not, you are not going to be alone as long as other students are present. We were all Friends by that time.

There were always things to grab our attention whenever we started getting bore. There were gossips and hot news that always gained everybody’s attention and spread like fire of jungle.

A very few outings were planned and executed during these times alright, but all of them were full of excitement and fun.

I all these years, there came many ups and downs too. There were hookups and breakups, fights and reconciliations. There were all the experiences that one has to experience (or witness) in life.

It would not be wrong to say that this journey is an unforgettable, remarkable and irreplaceable one! No matter where we go, no matter how many friends we make and how good we feel being with them, this charm and familiarity can never ever be replaced. I wish it could remain as it is, with nobody going anywhere and no changes being made. However, I know this is just an immature wish, from the part of me that still lives in fantasy. The truth is- the beauty of everything is in the fact that it is meant to end one day. It is the feel of moving ahead and leaving everything behind that has united us all and has made us nostalgic. We came together to be parted one day.

Anyways, the golden memories of these times will always and always remain in my heart. Now I actually understand what they mean by: ‘University is a place where you enter with fears and leave with tears.’

 Love all my class mates. Love Mass Communication. Love Karachi University!

27 Nov 2010- BS First Batch, Mass Communication.

The feel of what they might feel !

By Hira Malik

Today the electrician working at my place came downstairs to ask something about the new accessories we have bought for our home. It was just then that the idea stuck me- how these people must have felt working with things they know they'll never get!
I mean, it seems pretty impossible that they'll ever be able to buy all such products for there own homes- in times when basic amenities of life are going out of reach of common citizen, how one even think about these 'luxuries'?
And at the same time it seems simply out of question that they don't feel bad about it, about not being able to get them for themselves and there family members.
This thought just made me recall all the excitement we had while buying all those products, the thrill and the joy, all the plannings that where would this be placed, where would that be, how the relatives and friends would love it and how much we ourselves enjoy living with all those things of our own choice.
Don't all others deserve the same excitement and thrill? Don't they have right of living in better homes and enjoying all these good things in life.
I might be wrong in assessing the situation or in making judgment, but felt really sorry for these people. The worst was, I felt totally helpless in this situation. There is nothing I can do for them, or maybe I lack courage and guidance to move ahead and do something.
It is useless to end up saying 'I hope one day things will improve and ... '. I know such ONE DAY will never come. Something practical has to be done, but what is it, I know not ...!

A lesson learnt ...

By Hira Malik

 

 

When I got admission in University of Karachi, I found it really difficult to adjust with other students. It was not that I was from another planet or considered myself superior (or inferior for that matter), it was just that having studied at a private college, where atmosphere was pretty much same as that of private schools, I was more like that 'Mummy Daddy type'.

I used to dine out with school and college friends, but only at a restaurant 10 minutes drive from my place.

My mother always dropped me to school (college too) and also picked me up, traveling in public transport was more like a night mare at that time.

At college, we were required to have 75% attendance to get our forms attested and forwarded to Board, so long absences were just out of question. As we were FORCED to go to college regularly and study over there, need for going to ‘coaching centre’ never arouse.

Cutting a long story short, I just a little different and pretty reserved because of the secure environment I had been living in, in contrast to others who were quite confident, open and seemed to adapt to new environment with full ease.

Anyways that phase passed, I not only adjusted but also made friends and that uncomfortable period was over.

The first major confusion, or clash, arouse when the official departmental picnic was announced. All my friends were ready to go, no one even mentioned taking permission from their homes, they already were permitted. Mine, however, was a different case. I had to ask my parents, and if they do not allow, going was not an option.

I came home, asked my father, half confident that he’ll allow, but was ‘heartbroken’ to hear his reply- ‘NO you are not going’!

This statement was quite difficult to digest at that time, with all my friends forcing me to come and making plans of what to do, what to wear, where to meet- right in front of me. I tried to convince my father, but he had his decision! Anyhow, the day came and passed away, I just had to control myself, stay at home and try to conceal my feelings as much as possible.

This incident, no matter how bitter, taught me one of the basic lessons of life- you do not always get what you want, sometimes you just have to let go. At times, there is even no solid reason for things; you just have to accept circumstances as it is. No matter how much you cry, no matter how much you fuss over things, what is destined would be done. So, instead of always complaining and grieving over what you haven’t got, be contented with what you have got.

The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
  Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,  

 Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.

It was only after this picnic scene that I started cherishing every moment spent with my friends. Even small functions, get-togethers and little hangouts became important.

It may sound a little childish, but that is how I learn things. It is how I have learnt many lessons of life that have been really beneficial at times.

Independent Judiciary, dependent judges.

This is the piece that I wrote after getting a detailed account of present situation of judiciary (one of the four pillars of state) from my father. It actually reflects point of view of lawyers and judges who are there to ensure provision of justice as well as follow orders that come 'uper se'.

Independence of Judiciary- appealing as it may sound, but like everything else there has to be a limit to this independence. The question is- who would decide where to draw the line?

Independence can be defined as: A state of perfect irresponsibility to any superior.

The same definition goes for each field and each walk of life that one has to be free of all external influences in order to be called an independent individual. This applies to different professions as well, including law. It implies that all the judges must be free to work and abide by their responsibilities in their own way, with a comfortable time period.

Take recent orders of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudary for instance. He has ordered the lower court magistrate to speed up the judicial process and has given clear instructions as to how much time should be allotted to each case, what should be the time limit of adjournment, how many cases must be dealt with the limit time and some other similar instructions. These instructions might sound like steps towards speedy justice and fair trail, as it is said that Justice delayed is Justice denied, however let’s look at the other side of the picture. Such instructions are in fact an infringement on the rights of lower court judges, who hold the privilege to decide matters according to schedules decided by themselves, giving time limits not only disturbs the normal procedures but also prevents allotment of considerate time for each matter, or matters that actually need some time more then the usual ones. Such orders can clearly be seen as accumulation of all the powers in one hand, depriving of all the others even of their basic rights.

The Supreme Court, instead of limiting itself to thing it is responsible for, is now interfering into other matters that hamper justice instead of promoting it.

Now the question arises: is this independence secure only for the higher judges of Supreme Court and the rest are just there to do as the superiors say? Is the right to be independent reserved with the higher judges only? The answer is certainly negative. Everyone in the hierarchy has the right to enjoy freedom (within limits of course).

If the performance of judicial magistrates is to be improved and regulated, it should be checked using different parameters like performance records and remarks from higher judges- that are widely used standards for evaluating one’s performance. This would not only allow a constant check on the judicial performance but would also prove to be a helpful parameter in allotting promotions.

As far as provision of speedy justice is concerned, limiting the time period allotted for resolution of cases just deprives each case form the amount of time it requires and the attention it deserves. Instead, the number of judges should be increased on each post.

This would not only allow timely resolution of cases but would also allow all of them to be done properly, bringing about ‘justice’, not just ‘resolution of cases’.

It is just about the outlook and methods adopted to solve a problem. Matter of cases being delayed for ages has been addressed after all, that is an appreciable act, but the method employed to do so must also be considered. If matters are forced onto judges, not only their dedication and attention would be lost, also the actual matter, provision of justice, would remain unresolved, as goes the saying: Justice hurried is Justice buried.

The inevitable expectations ...

'Expectations hurt'. This is the expression that most of us hear on regular basis and also believe in it, but at the same time we are expecting something from someone. Putting an end to this practice seems quite impossible!
As far as myself is concerned, I have been constantly promising myself that there would be no best friends, no close person, I won't trust anyone to the extend that gives him the power to hurt me.
However, this always remains 'a promise unfulfilled', and I believe that I am not the only one facing this situation.
This is perhaps human nature, that we confide hopes every time time we fine someone sympathetic towards us, someone caring, someone who tries to understand what others simple ignore. The person might be your friend, a relative, a sibling or anyone. What actually matters is- this person make you break your promise that you made to yourself, that u'll never expect anything from anybody.
You do favors to each other, start sharing things and one day you suddenly find yourself saying: I didn't expect this from you.
Expect anything? Yes, another expectation, another incurable wound!
I just can't seem to find any way of getting out of this expectation game, no matter how hard I try, how much effort I put in. It all seems so natural, so involuntary that I cannot help thinking: maybe this cycle would never ever come to an end. All these claims by people are baseless and all the advices given go unheard- or atleast not acted upon.
As long as man remains a social animal, he would continue to interact with people, continue to befriend with them and would continue to EXPECT from them!

Whither Creativity?

Some think it is inborn, others believed it to be nurtured. Whatever the case might be, creativity is slowly losing its meaning, being replaced by plagiarism.

There was a time when everything- ranging from school homework to articles published in newspapers and magazines were all ‘authentic’ firsthand pieces, and a product of creativity. However, now the element of plagiarism is mostly present in all of them.

Let’s start with home assignments. Gone are the days when students used to spend hours and hours searching for relevant material, using books, magazines, newspaper clippings and every other source that can help. Now Google provides a simple solution to all these problems, answer to all the questions and an easy substitute to the long hours previously spent in the libraries. All you have to do is to type the command, click and here you go- hundreds of options appear on your computer screen within microseconds. Just copy and paste or edit a little and here you are with your very own masterpiece- at the cost of creativity ofcourse.

Same is the case with articles, stories and other pieces that are published in various publications. There are those who still use their creative juices, but there is no dearth of those who prefer benefiting from other’s hard work. They would just choose a topic, gather information using any search engine, add a few lines of their own and start calling themselves ‘writers’.

What these plagiarists don’t realize is the fact that they are doing harm to nobody but themselves. Going the right way not only causes one’s information to increase but also allows his creativity to get polished- as the only way to learn is to read and read and read, there is no shortcut to it nor is any other way out.

The question arises: whose fault is it? Who is the main culprit? Who is causing rapid growth of the phenomenon? The teacher or the student? The writer or the publisher?

The answer is: all of them. Each and everyone should perform his duty in a proper fashion to put an end to this so-called prevailing trend that is justified in the name of ‘convenience’. Everybody posses the ability to do it- all you need to do is to take one little step with which the journey of a thousand miles began.

Creativity should be encouraged and appreciated and a ‘say no to plagiarism’ scheme should be adopted in order to prevent the upcoming generations from getting nothing but ‘plagiarized material’.