Few years ago I visited Al-Asif near Sorabh Goth Karachi with my friends. This post that I am reblogging reminds me of the peaceful years of my city when ethnic violence and threat of Taliban in the city was nonexistent. I hope you will enjoy this post.

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Weekend, me and my gang of university friends decided to have some fun and all we could think of was an eating out session (this is how we roll in Karachi :P). We drove all the way to the end of Karachi city for barbeque, exciting eh? Uzair my man was driving his sexay mehran. For those who are unaware ‘Uzair’ is the best run away driver in the city. If you are broke and want to make some easy money by robbing a bank; Uzair is your guy if you want to get away with the loot money in a jiffy. But then if you’re broke and planning to rob a bank. He drives very very fast and his driving will remind you of Ven Diesel from ‘Fast and the Furious’, did I tell you that he almost kills 3-4 pedestrians everyday [Read: ‘almost’].

On arriving at the venue there we found the place jam packed. Saturday Night, famous family restaurant, what else one can expect. The big screen was showing some Indian movie. We decided to leave the premises at once.

Uzair came up with an idea, ‘hey aMmAr wanna eat some pathaan food.’

‘You make pathaan sound like extraterrestrial :P’, I snapped

After some arguments we decided to have some pathaan food. Thanks to Ven Diesel we swift from one end of the city to the other in not more than 15 minutes; I told you he was fast and yeah we almost hit 2 motor bikes, 1 car and 4 pedestrians on our way. So it was after all a safe ride

After parking the car I realized that we were in ‘Al-Asif’ the place was a mini Afghanistan in Karachi as there were pathaans everywhere.

I exclaimed, ‘Guys I just lost my appetite. Too many pathaans for an evening.’

Obaid: ‘ aMmAr shut up and don’t appear cute for your own safety

‘Thanks for the compliment my friend, I’ll try to look like you instead’ I snapped

We were made to sit on a charpaaee, with carpet and cushions on it, a very typical traditional deco for an Afghani restaurant. The area was still encircled by Afghanis but these were different not Pakhtuns but surprisingly Persian Afghanis.

Uzair murmured something in the ear of the waiter, hardly 3 or 4 words but to my surprise the waiter exclaimed to the chef; ‘ dagha daiii waii dhish pish dharr dharr tisha wishwish dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka dharka.;

Me: ‘ Uzair you didn’t accidently said anything to his sister or wife or something or didya?’

Uzair: nah …. I just…

And the waiter continued………. Dagha dish disssh dharaka dharka……………………..

Me: what on earth did you order?

Obaid replied instead: 3 plates of Rice and some Seekh Kababs.

Me: ok-kay, guud!!

The seekh kababs and rice were ummm scrumptious. We had a traditional Persian food or that what I was being told I was also informed that the area is quite dangerous and one can easily get all the illegal items if one desire. Big deal, everyone owns a gun these days

Before leaving, I tipped the waiter complimented him and the chef for the delicious food. To my surprise he shouted, ‘ kanaa dish phissshhhhh, laka tjan than thirrrr thisrrrrrr, darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka darka…..

Disclaimer: My apologies to those who find this post offending. The write up is not meant to hurt the feelings of any ethnic community. Peace out!

Popularity: 25% [?]

Following is the excerpt from legendary Qawal and musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s some what controversial but awesomely written, composed and sung ‘Gorakh Dhanda’

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Jo Kehta Hoon Mana Tumhein Lagta Hai Bura Sa, Phir Bhi Hai Mujhay Tum Say Baharhaal Gila Sa

Chup Chaap Rahay Daikhtay Tum Arsh-E-Bareen Per, Taptay Hoay Karbal Mein Mohammad Ka Nawasa

Kiss Tarah Pilata Tha Laahu Apna Wafa Ko, Khud Teen Dino Say Wo Agarchay Tha Piyasa

Dushmun To Bahar Haal Thay Dumshun Magar Afsoos, Tum Nai Bhi Faraham Na Kia Pani Zara Sa

Her Zulm Ki Taufeeq Hai Zaalim Ki Wirasat, Mazloom K Hissay Mein Tasalli Na Dilasa

Kal Taaj Saja Daikha Tha Jis Shaqs K Sir Per, Hai Aaj Usi Shaqs K Haathon Mein Hikasa

Yeh Kia Hai Agar Pochon To Kehtay Ho Jawaban, Is Raaz Say Ho Sakta Nahi Koi Shanasa

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Those interested can watch the following 3 videos of this qawali:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

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Legendary Ghazal, Thumri and classical singer; Iqbal Bano passed away and left a void in the world of music that wont ever be filled.

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If you will ask me to get up early on a weekend, shave my usually hairy chin and suit up for a not so formal event I will tell you to get lost and join Towlie-ban. But if the gathering has something to do with blaaging and blaagers then you will find me in the front row with my friend Munir Usman (taap Pakistani blaager). This time to accompany the geeky lot was Govt. officials and IT ministry itself.

Love ‘em hate ’em you can’t live without ‘em

The conference was organized by PRAC (Professional research and Advisory Council) and Ministry of IT. It was indeed a good attempt to make the rule makers and news makers sit together and understand each other’s point of view. The organizers awarded Omaima (the youngest MSP) and  gave her a lappie for her achevments. Raza Haroon in his speech highlighted the fact that how Taliban and extremists are trying to wipe out the talents of  girls like Omaima by prohibiting them from the basic right of education. Dr.Farooq Sattar also identified the power of technology and new social media by giving examples of Barrack Obama and his team who pulled off an excellent media campaign using twitter, facebook and other technology tools.

Ma’am Jehan, Dr. Awab Alvi, Farhan Chawla, Ramla Akhtar, Prof. Asghar, Raja, Ammar (the urdu blogger) and myself were the speakers at the event.

After the event I had an interesting discussion with Faisal Kapadia. He made some interesting points that how we should have appreciated the efforts of the organizers more irrespective of our political affiliations and point of views. Even before coming to the event I was warned by some well wishers which I found quite Bull Shit because if it was for any other party they would not have an issue

I think the efforts of Ali Chishti, Ali Raza Abdi and his team should be appreciated here. But I have a suggestion if from next time the event is more interactive and informal, like the ones we usually have at T2F. It would appeal to more bloggers. I am sure Mr.Raza Harroon, Dr.Farooq Sattar and other bloggers have no issues sitting one on one.

Highlights from yesterday’s event #NBC09:

Cowasjee who was in his uniform (Read: shorts and sandals) urged ministers and Govt Officials not to impose any ban on the Pakistani Blogosphere. And I quote:“Salaa inko blog kerne do nee, digraah!”

Farzaal Dojkee was spotted near the coffee table; plugging unplugging modems and wireless routers.

Rabia Gharib my favorite TV anchor (after Larry King) shared the mic with AKC; who saw this coming?

The Internet connection’s frequent disappearance acts reminded me of KESC

It was difficult to decide who got more bored at end of the event Mystakool or Batty ;P

Twit Teeth Maestro; Awab Alvi has a big Restore Judiciary sticker on his lappie, I wonder when this will be replaced by Freedom from Towliban sticker.

Asghar recited some beautiful poetry in the honor of blogging.

Ma’am Jehan can live blog, twit, take photos and give us all a good company all at once. Did I tell you she’s going to gift me an Apple product on my next birth day

Raja Islam is a rock star photographer and speaker. He made a lot fans in the crowd.

Dr.Farooq Sattar made some interesting remarks. My favorite was;

Tention lenay ka nahe, dena kaa

I would like to thank Ms. Sana Saleem for live blogging the event for Teabreak. The internet connection made it quite difficult for us but you managed to do a great job.

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For those who missed our live coverage can check out the replay of Live events at:

http://teabreak.pk/national-bloggers-conference-2009-live/19329/

Photographs of event:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/teabreakpk/

Popularity: 32% [?]

Event: First National Bloggers Conference (#NBC09)

Event date: 18th April 2009

Venue: Regent Plaza

Blogging has come a long way in Pakistan. For the past year and a half the number of blogs, bloggers and blogger meet up’s having increased considerably. How different is this new social media from the electronic media? Are we following the same culture of breaking news while micro blogging on twitter and FB? Are we just putting our thoughts on the blogosphere or serving the agenda of some political party or agency?

I plan to walk in the First National Bloggers Conference (#NBC09) with all these questions in my mind. The conference will be hosted by the Ministry of Information Technology, Sind and organized by PRAC (Professional research and Advisory Council). So does that mean that the ministry has identified the potential of Pakistani blogosphere? Will they be seriously listening out to us and our suggestions (at least) from now on, if not taking actions on them?

I hope it turns out to be a good event, from what I have been told along with the Pakistani bloggers a lot of BIG GUNS (Ministers, politicians, bureaucrats etc) are expected to show up at the event as well. So a lot of action is expected. Teabreak is planning to Live Cover the event so keep following www.teabreak.pk and me at twitter

Popularity: 8% [?]