MQM to Sit in Opposition at the Federal Level
From the Blog All Things Pakistan: Roz Aik Cheez Toot Jaati Hai: MQM to Sit in Opposition at the Federal Level - Adil Najam I am reminded today of that great sher by that great sage, Jaun Elia: koun is ghar ki dekh bhaal karey roz ik cheez toot jati hai The news is that the MQM has decided to sit in opposition at the Federal level (key word: "Federal level"). Supposedly the JUI is also sitting in the opposition now (although I am still not clear what has happened either with them or their Ministers; but, that, then, is the JUI !). On very rough math – and all math in Pakistan politics is always rough, as is Pakistan politics itself – this means that we now have a minority coalition in government (158 v. 173). Political speculations and hawaii punditry is all ablaze (when is it not!) and all sorts of conspiracy theories float around. Some are even floating names on new Prime Ministers and at least one person in Mr. Zardari's close circles seems to be already making a play for the job. Interestingly, no one is suggesting that Mr. Zardari's job is in peril. So, what is one to make of all of this. I, for one, make very little. I stand by my view that the government will stay . Certainly Mr. Zardari will, but I think that could still mean the entire government. It may very well and very soon heat up to be something more, but for right now I think these political shenanigans are exactly that. Political shenanigans . No one knows the rules of politics in Pakistan than the MQM and the JUI . Both have made political moves. And so will the PPP . Even more importantly, so will the PML(N) whose move is yet to come and may well be the decisive one. So, I say, lets wait and see what happens. This bandar ka tamasha is just beginning. Enjoy it while it lasts. As you do so, here is another gem of a sher , also from Jaun Elia. tumm mein himmat hai tou duniya say baghawat kar lo warna maan baap jahaN kehtay hain, shaadi kar lo It has long been a favorite of mine in other contexts but I last heard it about 10 days ago from none other than MQM's Farooq Sattar – now the leader in residence of MQM at the 'Federal level' – who was speaking to the graduates of the Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education (DIHE; I was one of the convocation speakers and we shared the stage and a few pleasantries over what was a fairly long ceremony, made longer by Mr. Sattar's speech studded with many many ashaar ). Supposedly this was his message to the young graduating class, but I think part of it was directed at the PPP Minister Pir Mazharul Haq, who was also one of the speakers. I was not sure if the verse was a good fit there, and am not sure if it is an ideal fit here. But, at least, its a good sher . To the extent it had a point in that context, the point is the same in this context: It is easy to talk about baghawat (rebellion) but ultimately each baghawat has to be judged by one's actions and not just by one's slogans. Let us, then, wait and see where this particular baghawat leads us. . Read Full Post
2 Websites that Help you Become a Good Parent
From the Blog Housewife's Utopia: 2 Websites that Help you Become a Good Parent - One of my resolution is to be a good parent this year. There are sometimes when I get frustrated and feel like yelling. But is that okay for my baby? I don't think so. Then how to control my temper? Being frustrated is normal but you cannot take it out on your children. Do you think parenting is a science? With a manual in hand and following step by step instructions you can solve all your parenting dilemmas? No this is not so. You have to develop your own style as you and your children are unique and an individual is different from the other. These and so many other questions surround parenting. Parenting can become manageable if you get a helping hand or advice. Internet has always been my best buddy. It has answers to most of my questions. This time I have chosen these websites to help me and other parents whose resolution is to be a good parent this year and onwards. Parenting.org One of my favorite websites that I look for tips and advice. You can seek parenting advice from 0 to 15+ age group. You can get parenting tips about behavior, social skills, medical and school etc. Get to know how to connect with your kids, simple ways to make life easier to improve relationship with your children and web safety for your kids. There is much more to check out. Visit the website here. Keep Kids Healthy Here you'll find information to deal with common parenting challenges and problems. Moreover you can find parenting tips for Newborns Infants Toddlers Preschool School age Adolescents Get daily parenting tips by subscribing to their newsletter. Also get to know what reverse psychology is? how to get your children and not expect to get paid for every little thing they do? How to potty train? how to handle whining, bedtime problems, and how to effectively communicate with your kids? There is so much more to explore. Check it out here. . Read Full Post
Islamic Relief widening the impact of Microfinance using Scottish funding
From the Blog Habib Malik: Islamic Relief widening the impact of Microfinance using Scottish funding - During my holidays in Pakistan last month I visited Islamic Relief's micro-finance projects in Ratta and Naserabad, Rawalpindi. Below is an update on one of the beneficiary of Islamic Relief. After the illness and failure of Aziza's husband's business, she stepped in and took control of the deteriorating socio-economic conditions of her household. Aziza's husband used to own a factory for producing groom wear and formal dresses and supplying to various shopkeepers. Due to… . Read Full Post
0 comments :
Post a Comment