Why Mother tongue is important for Education?

The choice of the mother tongue as the basic learning instrument helps in thinking clearly and creatively.

Often, a student can apply the skills while writing, reading, and arguing in the second language that s/he learned in the first language more persuasively. Similarly, those who are expert in their mother tongues are able to use their talent effectively.

As a student, I observe that most of my colleagues find it difficult to comprehend the significance of a subject that they do not understand in their mother tongues.  Therefore, it is irrational to use a second language as the medium of learning in the primary level. It is important to learn English or another language but it is crucial to know one’s mother language the best.

A logical reason is that, cognitively, the mother tongue is an integral tool that a child uses to understand the world; his history, and identity.  By applying a second language as the medium of learning, in the long run, he is endangering his identity and culture.

Another compelling fact is that a second language as the medium of learning builds in a natural barrier to progress beyond a certain level, both socially and cognitively. As a matter of fact, a certain number of students are found having gaps in their mother language, along with defects in cognitive development. Consequently, they can not transfer or explain fluently what they gained in a second language in their mother tongues. Therefore, reasonable educational policies should be promoted that will enable maintaining mother languages while facilitating the students to retain their cultures and languages respectively.

My suggestion is that, without mastering it in one’s mother tongue, one can not organize knowledge and experience in a second language; a second language can hold you back from reaching your potential.

Atta Shaad, the legend

Some people die to live, and Atta Shaad is one of them.

February 13 is the day when the eminent poet left us to make us feel who he is, because we were not lucky enough to recognize him when he was among us. He was a universal poetic genius, creatively reflective and deeply concerned with social, historical and political issues faced by his nation. As writing is thought on paper,so is poetry, because it has been written since writing originated. He was born in November 1939 to Lal Khan(the year WWII erupted) at Singani sar village in Kech, Makuran in South Balochistan. It was not certain that one day he would be counted amongst the greatest poets of the Urdu and Balochi language, but he proved this very quickly with a fascinating distinction. In an interview conducted by the noted poet Perveen Shaker he said,

“Poetry was considered something bad in our society; knowing that I write poetry, my colleagues complained to my teacher that 'Atta is a poet.'"

 Talking about when he started writing, he says,

“From the time of school, when I started writing poetry, actually it was in Urdu. But as I came to Quetta, friends told me that I write beautiful poetry in Urdu, and insisted that I should try in Balochi. Then I considered this, and started reading classic Balochi poetry (as I didn’t have enough words to write), which I was fortunate enough to get at the radio office where I was working.”

Hakeem Baloch writes in his book, “Shabia-e-Shaad," “When I say something about him, it seems that I’m conversing with him (Atta). He has left us but he is still living in our thoughts, and it can be easily speculated that he will always exist as long a Baloch exists on this planet earth. Atta has distinctly expressed his pain, anguish and deep inner rage. If we compare him with other poets, just as we know the speech and thought of individuals of a single community or family  differ, if I say his expressive language differs from all Balochi speakers (being a Balochi speaker), I might not be wrong." 

His beautifully composed poetry leaves a lasting impression on the reader.  He says in a Ghazal, 

Man agan darchkay an dey aass mani baladaa..!

Balay pa naptiya koye boscheeth chosh nabeeth

I would like to present my broken English translation of this couplet, 

If I am a tree, set me on fire;

Unthinkable is that a hill burns of lightning.

Some critics say that he was an unstable man; it makes every reader, including myself, wonder whether a mad person can possess such greatly influencing ideas and life- transforming thoughts. His reflectively imaginative poetry is recognized and valued by all Urdu language critics; however, some of the Balochi language critics might not be sound judges of value, or might influenced by some personal rage, likes or dislikes, as the view of criticism is directly related to the critic's own intellectual preoccupation and his philosophy or outlook on life. 

Atta Shad had a different approach toward writing poetry with his experimental intelligence and highly distinguished, unique style. He abandoned all outdated expressions and words both in Urdu and Balochi poetry, and created his own fresh diction and maintained it, drew inspiration from none, neither followed Persianised nor oratorical style. He created his own style. As we know, writing is a deeply personal process full of strangeness and surprises, and no two writers go about it in exactly the same way or style.

He is considered an Urdu poet by almost all of the Urdu literary figures, who know nothing about the richness of his Balochi poetry which is his real treasure trove, as he himself said. Without having read his Balochi poems, it is a blatant mistake to comment on his poetry or personality. Without any doubt, his Balochi poem “Sahkandan” can be compared to any of the classic masterpieces of any age, place, or of any poet. His poetry thus mirrors the imperfections as well as the nobility of the Baloch nature and society. His observations of human nature are so penetrating and tremendously accurate that they can be true for all the times.

In another poem, “Januzaan” (The Widow), which so greatly influenced me that I read it once in a week, is of extreme significance. In it he laments the bad condition and treatment of women in some societies including his own- which is out of Balochi culture as it historically respects a woman and allows her to live her life. The context of the poem is the impending marriage of a girl who is ready;  she sings to her colleagues, mourning the magnitude of their ignorance, and refers to herself as a widow because she is forced to marry another man instead of her beloved. The poet beautifully describes the painful feelings of the bride, how her heart aches and her tears flow. This poem is written as a reflection of Hani and Shay’s tale. These traditional cruelties are common in some Islamic societies where the woman is deprived of her rights. Islam clearly says every man and woman has the right to choose his/her spouse, but still it is rejected by male dominant societies where the woman is forced to live an imposed life against her wishes. 

As literature is the history of a nation, and is the nearest thing to life and a writer's thoughts reflect those of the nation to which he belongs, he is expected to write of that which lies at his own doors: what he thought, felt, knew, lived, and had seen faithfully and sincerely. He is expected to give his best, which Atta Shaad did exceptionally. His poetry represents all the important aspects of the national activity of the time, and he seemed greatly depressed by some unhappy events that occurred in the history of the Baloch nation. His poetry will gain immensely in significance and value if we study it in detail relative to the many facets of life, and do so intellectually and honestly with a little background knowledge. 

Atta Shaad died at Quetta on 13 February, 1997, leaving behind a spacious intellectual vacuum. We must regard the great poet as the creator as well as a creature of his time, be keen to know what the age gave to him, and appreciate open-heartedly what in return he gave to the age.

I do not know what advice he left for his people, but I have read somewhere what Dickens’ last words were:

“Be natural my children. For the writer that is natural has fulfilled all the rules of art.”

The evil of cheating

Cheating during exams has long been a problem at many schools, colleges and universities, and many students quite reasonably confess cheating at least once. We grow up in an environment in which the development of intellect is not considered the most important activity but obtaining a quick A+, diploma or degree is; that’s why cheating has become the “accepted norm” in our society.

There have been no studies conducted to identify the underlying causes of cheating on national level. One must reach the causes, the root of an evil first in order to eliminate it. There are many reasons for cheating: a lack of confidence, a perceived unfairness, a quick A+, fear of failure, and sometimes the attitude of an arrogant professor provides an incentive too.

The most depressing and disappointing factor is that most of the parents and teachers are involved in providing booty during the paper to the students, and the services of a personal ‘hired’ helper. Furthermore, the parents promise a party at the end of the exam if the professional cheating job is done in order to excel. .  Such parents and students think that their individual dishonesty will not affect anyone else, and they think that cheating on the exams is challenging and makes them cooler.

The long term effects of the cheating is that a student will be dependent during his career, and can't do anything beneficial. Sometimes he can't get a job. Keeping this in mind one can conclude that parents are cheating their children, the community and themselves by providing a helper.

This menacing evil can be gotten rid of only through intellectual means; the students must be persuaded to chase excellence and knowledge, at home and at school. However, more importantly, cheating on a paper must be seen as serious cheating because it is misrepresenting one’s knowledge on what is considered the final judge of this knowledge.

Slap victim must get justice

 Originally published in Dawn as a letter

Sindh Assembly candidate and a PPP representative Waheeda Shah’s slapping and punching respectable women polling staff who belong to the respectable profession of teaching clearly reflects what the powerful landlords’ behavior is when dealing the powerless and helpless class. The silence of the humiliated victims, however, showed much dignified they were. 

I wonder why the presiding officer hesitated in issuing her an arrest order at the time as she is authorized by the rules of law. The apparent cause might be either she was not aware of the rules or feared the consequences. Surprisingly, realizing the severity of her offence and the expected punishment, she managed a press conference with a burqa clad lady (confirmed fake by neighbors) presenting to be the presiding officer exonerating her of her disgraceful behavior dismissing it as unintentional and due to some misapprehension. 

She is yet free. An inquiry is ordered to carry out a probe.  The concerned authorities are requested not to the ruthless lady escape. The credibility of the ECP should be ensured and justice should be given to the victims.  

Distancing the distanced Baloch

Originally published in daily times as a letter

It is extremely shocking to see Pakistani authorities engrossed in blaming the Americans in highly acrimonious terms for intervening in what they call their internal affairs. After the tabling a resolution in US Congress, rather than admitting their wrongdoings, i.e. committing human abuses and unjust policies ultimately leading the issue onto the international stage and paying immediate attention, the authorities are compellingly alienating the already distanced Baloch.

 The abominable political acumen of the mainstream leaders seems to be only interested in achieving political gains by exploiting the issue as they could not come up with an immediate initiative yet, which is the need of time. The delay in worsening the already perilous situation; therefore, the authorities should stop their deliberate misconceptions and discriminatory policy of calling the Baloch RAW agents, acclaim the conflict as homegrown, stop the military operation, and seek a workable plan that might be conducive in alleviating Baloch’s growing hatred towards Pakistan.

Karachi, a tempestuous city

Like many of you, a compelling wish of mine brought me to Karachi city to continue my studies. The most enthusing reason is that Karachi was introduced to me as a literary city, richly polite and civilized. But as my observations go, Karachi lacks later two qualities, and is brutally impolite and uncivilized to some extent.  

Understandably, a genuine wish is conceived and constructed in the soul provided me the strength to chase my dream with a real excitement.  But with the passing days a profound sense of rationalistic realization that the real world is different, and varies the world of ears’ and eyes’, completely engulfed the excitement within, and now forcing me to leave the city reluctantly.  

Karachi, it is true, is changing into a tempestuous city losing its status as ‘the city of lights’, mainly because of the prevailing infamous law and order situation. At the present moment large parts of the city are faced with the severe threats of constant violence causing the creation of an upset mind that springs from some psychological abnormality. Besides, such predictions can not be wrong that Karachi will remain ungovernable politically, and full of risks, if the government fails to produce some genuinely prolific plans to tackle the unexpected.

The minds of the people are so divided due to the ghastly situation between worry and wait ─ ‘worry’ about what played a crucial role in turning Karachi into another Beirut, and ‘waiting’ for when normalcy prevails and life returns back to the city. The citizens feel extremely insecure, and are deprived of the unending joys once they enjoyed fairly well.

I need say nothing here, what the government has done to improve the law and order situation because nothing can show better than the results which clearly falsify every claim made the government officials.

The concerned authorities must put their their heads together, and work out a serious and lasting plan as soon as possible to achieve perfect peace without being politically influenced, ensuring the return of the green spring of life in the city.

A READING EXPERIENCE AT A CALM MORNING

Rationally speaking, the emotion of happiness is something that everyone wants to have. The tenacious search of happiness started with the first man stepping on the planet earth, and till now, no one achieved complete happiness.

Interestingly, we all have our own unique ways to reach the focal point of happiness. From among us, some take wealth as a shortcut to happiness, some meet it in alienation, and some among the people. My story is different.

At early morning, as usual, I glanced in the books’ shelf and took one randomly. I went to a hotel nearby where I often go for breakfast. I shuffled through the pages of the book, scanning it curiously.

Naturally, as it happens, in a moment, I found myself carried away.   I found happiness  in each passage I read dressed in beautifully coined black-gold-lines. A fact to be shared: I bought this book many months ago, can’t remember the exact date. It is a book of extraordinary importance to me. There I found many things.  Editor's note on using the book is highly prolific, stimulating and impressive. I found it truly important for me.

There I found the eruption of emotions. Happiness was dancing in my heart, mind and in every nerve. Experiencing such states, we come to know that happiness is not caused simply by entertaining one’s whims, rather it is being in love with living. Happiness comes the way one thinks, it comes the way one chooses to do things, it is a harmonious consequence.

So: Days of Learning edited by L.J. Lewis, consists some essays written by legends, about their school days, reading and learning experiences. It is an attention capturing book. When you read the introduction, the thought immediately flows into your mind to recommend it to a friend.

Sense of dignity

It was the early morning; the sun was to rise upon heads after some time with its reverend beams. Shahal’s village was under attack by some invaders coming from the East. The whole village was silent. Everyone seemed to be sleeping or hiding in fear.

The dust was rising above and above, and the gleeful ocean tides seemed  tired; the beautiful mountains were flowing tears, and the dark cataract waterfalls were distinctly slow and almost vanishing, and a terrible gloom stretched on the whole Jungle.  The growing trees were suddenly calm and still as if foreseeing the signs of a fearful hurricane, and the wild dancing animals were surprised. The birds were wondering in dismay. They all were complaining; they all were recording their protests in their own languages. How suddenly they became virtually captive in their own centuries’ old land. They all wanted to know: Why are we being deceived, and harassed by those who claim themselves our brave guardians? They were judiciously furious.

Sadly enough, Shahal’s father disappeared from this world one rainy afternoon when he reached the age of seventy and one. Tradition says when a person dies and rain follows his death day it would be a sign that the man was generously virtuous. He was not willing to die because he wanted his son to have what he craved for but was unable to get: a university education. Shahal attended his father’s funeral ceremony as a thirteen year old child who was supposed to quit school soon to go to work full time to serve his family.  He was not shocked on the death of a remarkable father who lived his life so marvelously. He could not leave any material object for his family the day he died, but he left what an ideal father could leave for his son. He left his wisdom: his words which could help lead anyone to live a meaningful life with a strong will power.

Shahal was to replace his father and he did, accurately. His daily routine was to go grazing his flock of sheep in the far green jungle and bring along wood bricks when he returned at evening, which were used in the kitchen to cook food. Now he was a strong young man, 22 years old, with a thin beard, dressed nicely, and with an over-curving, and amazingly dreary mustache. His responsibilities were increasing day by day but he was unshaken. He was a poet like his father, and was a famous heartthrob of all grown up girls in his village and in the vicinity. He did not pay any attention to what was happening around; his was a different world. This night was a particular night, as he was tense for the first time in his life. He was worried as to what should be done in circumstances like this. He clearly noticed his life becoming a roller coaster running off track. He was studying his thoughts extensively with a formative introspection.

He went to bed to have some sleep. He lay on his bed. His heart lurched suddenly when he recalled the moments his father was lecturing him on the top of a mountain, where they were collecting their flock of sheep for a night stay. At that time, he was just nine years old. He visualized his father talking on different subjects. You don’t become an orphan when your parents die; you become an orphan when your land is captured by outsiders. Shahal could easily notice a shrewdly cautious light sparkling in his father’s eyes. …And you become a slave only when you’re not ready to resist the invaders. His voice was deep and very slow, and it seemed that he was picking words one by one as he used to pick pebbles one by one, and collect those together beautifully on the ground and then, pointing down toward them prudently say: they are little but together they can make a strong fort.

He was presenting his thoughts very clearly as usual. Force must be faced with little tricks,” he cautioned, you can’t beat an elephant when you stand in front of him. Then he was watching very far, pausing. His stature could convey that he was a strong man both physically and mentally. If you want to break that strong stony rock, he was pointing his finger toward a nearby rock, you need persistent strength, along with that a hammer and a nail, and most importantly the techniques for how to climb and break it. His hands were clasped together. He was relaxed and speaking his mind and heart out to his one and only son, Shahal. A person who lives in the jungle must know the language it speaks; it provides all sort of news that you require and predicts about every bad and good omen. His tone was happy. By watching the sky I can tell you when it would rain. He was confident and his gestures were matching with what he was saying. The trees tell me whether I’m in danger or I’m safe. He cleared his throat. The colors of the mountains talk to me, and the flowing wind whispers to me. He was talking like an old alchemist.

The sun was disappearing, and the shadows of the mountains and trees were forecasting the night’s arrival. The flowing wind was cold but calm, and the birds were flying to reach their homes. No one can enslave you, his voice became harsh and his brows frowned, unless you are prepared to be enslaved. Never bent your back, he put greater emphasis on his words, and never obey your oppressor, never ever. He looked in the eyes of his growing son and said, One loses every thing when he loses his land. Then he does not have much choice. He loses his right to dream, to talk, to wear, to walk out, and even to sleep at home merrily.

Far away in the distance, there could be heard the sound of a sweet music, beautifully matching with the deep darkness of the night. All the creatures were singing, and their voices created a musical sound, which was so rare one could hear in the jungle at night, nowhere else.  You should not work to achieve a record of public prominence, he said, his eyes fixed on the ground, but to obtain a prominent place for your public on the world stage.  He stood up, putting his hands around his waist, as if he was going to give a finishing touch to something very integral that he longed to accomplish. One’s actions should invite the public to get to know him rather than one’s empty rhetoric. He finished the line swiftly. His hold on his words was strong and his thoughts were realistically fascinating. In the long run of life, he put his hands together, observing his fingers closely, one must be a man who is inhabited by a lasting vision, almost possessed by it. Now he was talking like a compelling intellectual who was generous enough to transfer as much knowledge and wisdom as possible. Adversity is a great teacher, he continued. Only by traveling on smooth roads one does not gain strength sufficiently. One has to be a man emerged out of difficulties.

He had abundant experience of life and world. This world is a big university, his voice became more convincing, from which you can not get a degree until you are ready to die for a just cause. He was a person living in a village which was deprived of all facilities, but his understanding of worldly affairs was generally all-encompassing. Each line poured out of his mouth carried a profound effect. He was discussing things at great length like a well-informed and world-renowned professor on general politics and philosophy of life. You should not believe a truly just cause will succeed on its own and does not need power to back it up, that would be foolish. Silence prevailed. Things work differently in the real world, he sighed deeply, you can promote and obtain a just cause only through the exercise of power, he stressed.

It seemed that he was getting his son prepared mentally for the potential upcoming challenges in the long and short run of life. His outlook of life was clearer than that of a great teacher. He was a prolific person, extensively experienced. Shahal was greatly amazed at his father’s lively wit. He noticed cleverly that his father was giving him lectures with authority on different subjects that one could never hear from a highly experienced college teacher. His father was teaching him that life is not so easy, and that the time to gain strength is during his flouring young years. He was learning more from sitting on the mountain top with a person who never saw the boundary line of a school than his school-teacher. You can win only by acting, he said, picking up another topic, better than just thinking so. It is how you act that really counts, not winning or failing.

Precisely, never accept defeat. Get up when you get knocked down with more vigorous strength. his face was showing that he was remembering something good that happened in the distant past and was pleasing him. Don’t be lazy or selfish, act up to your capabilities wherever you are or whomever you are with. He was talking frankly without seeking any approval. He knew what he said. There was a tender loving care in his voice. His face was sometimes a smiling one and sometimes a threatening one. He possessed all the necessary qualities required for a public leader or speaker. He was an old person; wrinkles were clear on his face, but his thoughts were young and vibrant. One would not remain comfortable without praising him.

The night was over. Shahal’s eyes opened with the voice of a crow. He was happy with his night’s dream. He fetched a kettle full of water and washed his face while thinking about how to convince his mother of his intentions. He had made up his mind either to crush the invading enemy or get finished while protecting his soil. It was surprising to see his mother standing in front of him holding his father’s well-praised gun in her hands, with a smiling face. Sangeen was a wise mother. She had already read her son’s face as an ordinary mother could. She knew what was boiling in his head. Your intention is what must be of a real man. A mother always prays that her son would be brave enough to protect the honor of the place he lives in. Better to die for your people, for your land. She was talking daringly. Her face was shining with a modest smile. She was fearless and brave. Sangeen was famous in her village for her generosity. She was not thinking that she might lose her only son.

No word can replace the other. No man can replace the other. Rodain was a brilliant husband; a brave protector, a kind and virtuous person. She looked toward the little garden with a serious face which was exposing that she had been well-groomed for such circumstances. I saw beauty in danger. I watched beautiful flowers ceasing. I tasted adversity and I tasted the happiest moments too. Shahal was watching his mother talking fluently in a philosophic tone. She was usually silent. As you know, your people are dispersed. The first possible thing you would do is: call them for unity. She came closer, placing a loving motherly touch on Shahal’s face. She held his hand firmly.Your conscience and determination deserves praise and I’m proud that I gave birth to a brave son like you. She paused to choose reasonable words, keeping the situation in view. You must let your people know what you’re fighting for. Shahal knew what she said deserved due consideration. She was always a supportive mother. Your father would do the same that you want to do. she forced her mind to put her ideas more expertly into few words to save time. I know. In her usual pragmatic approach, she put her words this way, to avoid any confusion. You can fight alone; but having your people by your side, you can fight better. her tone was intelligently helpful. She hugged her son, and handed over the gun. Shahal knelt down to touch his saintly mother’s feet but she held his shoulders, and kissed him on his forehead.   

Shahal went inside the cottage to soothe his sister. She was brave, but watching her only brother going on battle ground, she could not muster up courage. She hugged her brother enthusiastically and handed over his necessary objects. She slapped his back and whispered, Go and kill the enemy. She was emotional.  

Shahal could not forget the wise words his parents uttered to him. He went to his people and addressed them clearly. You’re being surrounded by an enemy. You people have to eliminate your mutual enmity to fight the invaders. He was short and to the point. We must demonstrate today that we are builders, not breakers. He engaged them in witty repartee. He held everyone he met in rapt attention with his uncommon intelligence. His father’s brilliant words never let him down, whenever he faced any difficulty. Once my father observed how great the enemy might be in number does not matter, what matters is your unity and strength. So, today we need to demonstrate that strength, today we must be one. Today we have to stand like a strong stony rock in front of the enemy. his voice was serious and impressive. His words were brief but moving.

Shahal started toward the enemy. People marched behind him and he noticed them. The sound produced by their foot steps was breaking the silence. As he mounted the little hill, he hoisted his gun and announced to the enemy in a precise but penetrating speech, You are here to win a people and occupy its centuries’ old land, and we are here to shatter your sinister intentions. You are here to achieve victory and we are here to celebrate your defeat. You are here to sabotage and we are here to save. Words were flowing out of his mouth like the wind. He was displaying his brilliant effervescence and insight.  His words were warming the blood of his people, and they were becoming more enthusiastic and committed.

This village has stood the test of time. Many attacked to plunder but all faced the same fate. The brave protectors never allowed them to succeed in their mission. Now he was addressing his people. They were attentive. He relaxed his broad shoulders, put his one hand straightly down and drew forward the other hand, directing it toward the village graveyard, and said with a smiling face, Today the difference is once they fought and today their sons will fight.’Praising the timely unity of his people, he said, There was at first no one ready to fight, and now I see a group of committed comrades standing alert to crush the enemy. This spirit shows that the invaders are defeated, he expressed determinedly. I played on the soil and became a young man. It is the place where my father sleeps. He was challenging the attackers. How can a son allow his sleeping father to be disturbed, dishonored? You are here to defeat the unbeatable. His tone became sarcastic toward the enemy. 

Shahal was running out of time. He knew the enemy had already prepared for attacking them. He cleverly picked some spectacular shooters among his people he knew the best. He instructed the rest in what to do, then launched his attack on the enemy. His men were alert and clever shooters. The gunshots continued for three days without any pause. At last, Shahal’s brave comrades succeeded in breaking the lines of the enemy with constant organized efforts. They were ten times fewer in number than the enemy, but they were united and committed. They fought up to their capabilities. The attackers were forced to flee, and some were held hostage and left later. It was a fascinating fight, shouted a villager with a thrilled voice. Everyone was happy. Everyone was whispering Shahal is victorious. Sangeen came and hugged her son, and praised the way the people had fought.

Shahal’s sister, Shari came later as usual, and hugged her brother affectionately. She was carefully listening what the people were saying, and she disapproved. She held her brother’s hand tightly and chanted to the mob to be silent. With a loud voice she said,Victorious is the village, not Shahal. Her gesture surprised everyone.  She seemed quite happy and her mind very active. Shahal’s face was showing approval and her mother was comfortable. She was happy watching her daughter demonstrating wisdom and insight. When trouble thickened around this village, you people clung to each other, endeavored, and dissipated the clouds of darkness, causing peace to return to our hearts. Words could not fail her. She was exposing her prudence. Unity worked like a charm. Let us promise to let not our unity wither on the vine. Let this village always be victorious. She was expressing the inexpressible. Shari was 16 years-old with a bright face and a quick smile, old enough to remember her father’s words. One’s sense of honor and justice must oblige one, once her father remarked, to speak out sincerely, frankly, and fearlessly. It was clear more than crystal that she could avail the opportunity and collect the reward for her brother, but she did not prove to be an opportunist. Her honest gestures pleased not only her brother and mother but amused and produced a profound sense of consciousness in every one.

The sun, like an old man, had disappeared behind dark clouds, but was performing its duty as usual; the chirping of the birds could be heard. The people were anxiously moving toward their cottages. The beautiful colours of the mountains seemed to reappear and the trees started waving their wings. There was a sense of happiness in the whole jungle. Shahal, his sister Shari, and their mother Sangeen were observing this wonderful joyous scene. The sacred ties of affection were renewed. Suddenly there was lightening, and an old shepherd shouted from upon a nearby hill, warning that a slow wind was approaching the village. The wind came and it was gone. The sky was dripping slowly. Shahal and his family sat around a little burning fire, warming their hands. He thought, There is no end; the end is another start in actuality. Life returned beautifully to the village once again. 

A misconception among readers

There is found a great misconception among most of the common readers about the writers who are nonconformists or rebels in nature and whom the readers prefer to read.

It is generally observed that people are hasty; they often take things extremely emotionally or want them to happen in a rush. This issue of the prevalent misunderstanding which is unique in its nature evoked my curiosity to write upon this illusion in order to further a formal discussion.

There come many occasions in the flow of life that the readers treat a writer of this nature disgracefully when they find him talking against the existing culture, great society, rules, traditions and obsolete conventions besides remaining in their circles or boundaries while explaining his thoughts or taking support from the same tradition to illustrate his ideas.

Interestingly, sometimes reading such a writer’s works, the readers lose their temper, finding it within the traditional gestures or against their expectations, and throw the collection away without maintaining a formally accepted positive outlook and clear observation of the circumstances or events chronicled by the writer. It leads to an emotional rupture and breakdown because the reader takes the writer as a manipulator or hypocrite. It might be a lovely complaint (as a lover makes in presence of his/her beloved to get more attention) but it is possibly one which is completely unreasonable or unwisely.

It is obviously noted that they expect from such writers to represent a sharp and an absolute break with the tradition which is impossible in different ways reasonably. Firstly, it must be clearly known that such a writer wants the society to be reformed. As for example in the works of novelists, like D.H. Lawrence and E.M. Forster, it can be easily judged that they wanted to reform ‘the great society.’ But they could not totally remain unconventional. Every writer wants to analyze the disease of modern civilization and search for a possible cure, as did Huxley, Maugham, and Somerset.

Realistically arguing, it is very difficult to challenge the very fundamentals, the very basis of the existing beliefs and ways. A reader must feel this abundant difficulty a writer faces when he stands against ‘the great society’. Furthermore, the reader must realize that a writer is quite conscious of his age and desires it to be reflected in his words. But he needs the time, and space and mostly the moral support of the people.

A common reader must consider some important points before fighting or breaking up the reader-writer relation or bond.

 1- He must know there are some aspects and values in the existing traditions, productive and reasonable, which is what forces a writer or an intellectual to include them instead of throwing them away.

2- He should clearly realize that change is a slow and painful process which takes time to happen; seconds are not enough to bring about a change whether that is social, political or regarding the existing traditions and beliefs. It takes much time and effort to change the thousands of hundred years’ old conditioned minds and that is why the writer tries to change them layer by layer or slowly.

3- A writer is an individual and he faces a lot of challenges while questioning the existing norms and mores, and sometimes he faces death threats from the fundamentalists as a deviator, so it takes a lot of time to earn enough attention from the general public.

Musharraf and the taste of lies

Former President Musharraf certainly reflects what Natali Imbriglia says, ‘I’m such a bad liar. I would like to lie, though.’ Recently, in an interview, he carefully detailed what he has called remarkable achievements of his regime, especially focusing on the developmental mega projects in Balochistan.

One wonders in surprise at what features prominently in his definition of development. Military bases, ordering abductions and extra-judicial killings and hitting people or anything else. “He says, emphasizing the ‘I’ factor, before him no one paid due attention to Balochistan, due to this, there existed a grave sense of deprivation which he curtailed through his honest moves which proved to be magnificently beneficial.  

Then he turns towards those whom he and his like-minded colleagues are always found to be bad mouthing; probably being jealous of the enormously unconscious respect they get in the Baloch society: the Sardars. Substantiating untruthfully his false claims, he put blame on them for being impediments in the way of the construction of schools, colleges, hospitals, and universities.

Now it is high time for one to stop his/her head circling around how one could have stopped him from building colleges and schools; being unable to stop him from constructing military cantonments they fiercely opposed. At least, for a wise mind, everything is sufficiently evident.

Time has and will inevitably uncover dishonesty and lies. I won’t try to. Break a leg Mr. Musharraf! What I discuss is to simply differentiate between your big claims and the place where I belong to, namely Awaran (notified as a separate district on 11^th November, 1992 before it was a subdivision of Khuzdar district. Interestingly, Mir Majeed Bizenjo, who repeatedly represented the district for several terms, was in his created party PML-Q and his son, Mir Qadoos Bizenjo, remained in provincial government during his whole regime. He enjoyed a huge support from both of them.

Furthermore, the district Nazim, Khair Jan Baloch, was literally a big fan of Musharraf, who actively participated in his meetings whenever he was given a possible chance to admire his hero.  Comparatively, Awaran has the lowest educational ratio in the province, “having one enter college at the district headquarter(s) without facilitations [?] and hospitals suffer the same fate” are enough to prove his whole regime was not little rewarding. Consequently, Awaran remains the most underdeveloped district of Balochistan.

Instead, he constructed several military bases; one can notice them easily en route from the area at a few miles distance from both sides of the district head quarter respectively, where he could build schools, colleges and hospitals to advance education, health and other modern facilities.  It definitely exposes that these were not considered necessary during the plan making hours or neglected them as futile subjects deliberately.

For pyromaniac Musharraf, a lie might be of a great taste hence he is incredibly engrossed in telling crystal clear and unproductive lies being flagrantly dishonest. If he could have the power to reflectively comprehend for a moment while recalling his most tyrannical regime of the decade consciously and its long term effects, he would have never issued such flabby and rambling statements and written, a single irrational word to defend his brazenly stubborn behavior.  But, unfortunately, he and other peculiar Pakistani leaders have no courage to face the music.

Now it is clearly obvious that constantly coming up with quixotic and hawkish schemes, Musharraf was not interested in advancement and betterment of the Baloch people but was keenly eager with a pusillanimous purport to quash those who were demanding their universally and constitutionally accepted rights.

Is Imran Khan a good leader?

A good leader possesses some distinctive qualities like, charisma, intellectuality, writing, humour and wit, idealism, resourcefulness, honesty and integrity, being inspirational and motivational fascinatingly. Astonishingly, Imran khan, clearly lacks the first and last two qualities.

“To wish is passive; to will is active,” wrote Nixon, “Followers wish. Leaders will.”

He aspires to alter Pakistan but he lacks a brutal will power and intellectual decision making; he is building a wall like Khrushchev but to keep his own people out.  He lacks the power of organizing, managing and uniting people towards him attractively while failed to satisfy the basic psychological needs of his followers being ineffective and less-attentive.

What little political recognition he earned is not because of his leadership power but because of the prevalent despair and distrust that forced people to unconsciously choose him reluctantly.

Another quality totally missing in Imran Khan is that good leaders, through their exemplary behaviour, set an example for others and educate their followers morally and politically. His followers are harshly rude and use extremely abusive language against respected leaders and journalists.  He lacks a practically strong vision to reach his goal, and seems to be failing to stand forthrightly on his previously expressed stance while losing his originality and spontaneity: only dreams can’t change things.  He lacks the power to view a situation as a whole and break it down into sub parts for an analytically closer inspection.

A good leader assiduously activate the habit of playing down ‘I’ and playing up the ‘you’ but he is engrossed in putting a great stress mark on ‘I’ whether talking about his cricket world cup win or politics. He never talks about others and especially good points but constantly busy in bringing forth the ill-points like all other conservative leaders of Pakistan do.

Recently he boasted that he eliminates corruption in 90 days lacking three main traits a leader should definitely possess: a well-defined objective; the quality to define that objective to ones followers so that they comprehend and commit themselves to the same and thirdly, the method to obtain that target.

Frankly speaking, he has to reconsider whatever his political philosophy is; because he failed manifestly so far to put his desires and actions properly in the same direction.

Supporting Tyrant

The wicked former president who was not restraint by moral and legal laws and who is principally responsible for bringing Pakistan on the verge of disintegration  by assassinating and disrespectfully burying Nawab Bugti and maintaining his ‘hit policy’ against other Baloch activists who dared to ask for their universally and constitutionally accepted rights enjoys support from many Pakistanis.

Being well-unaware or intentionally ignoring the fact that today the Baloch demand independence because of a continuous genocidal ruthless violence against them embraced willfully by the crueler tyrant of the decade Musharaf in order to eliminate them if they refuse to comply with his brazenly stern attitude.

It must be noted that by supporting tyranny they are further distancing the Baloch and extremely increasing hatred towards Pakistan and strengthening their call for self determination by justifying and patronizing grievous injustice. Baloch consider it a good sign and welcome it as it is enormously beneficial for them. 

Shameless crimes against women

Women are brutally rejected of a socially rightful place in the global society which is rationally and ethically unacceptable to human nature.  She is treated with disdain like an animal and expected to comply men orders and the most hurtful fact, woman is strangely considered a man’s property, mostly in Islamic societies. A woman does not have basic control over her own body, and with passage of time, the grave violence against woman is increasingly developing despite the declaration of universal human rights and claimed rule of law.  

There are innumerable terrible stories carrying nationally and internationally published newspapers and the most painfully heartbreaking and tearful story is of Fakhra Younis who recently committed suicide over the silence of law and insensitivity of the Pakistani rulers, in Rome, Italy. Her husband poured acid on her face in 2000, after she left him and returned to her mother home over realizing that Bilal Khar her husband, who is a former MPA, deceived her.

I would like to ask those cruel women punishers pensively: is it justified by any universal human law to pour acid on a woman's face, or kill or stone her to death for she dares to leave her husband or seek a divorce for an unhappy marriage? Is it a crime when a girl tries to choose her own husband? Is it legal or moral to kill a girl for falling in love with a man outside her tribe? What honestly justifies shooting a girl after finding an unfamiliar number on her phone?

We should realize that the practicing of centuries old savage and obsolete traditions is unacceptable in a civilized world and this is the 21^st century and heirs have no right to take precious life of any among the family members and no notorious Qisas law is approvable anymore. I strongly appeal to the apex court that Bilal Khar the former MPA, who is now trying to do a character assassination on her to bring her down by attempting to prove Fakhra Younis a prostitute, which is another severe crime, and all those who commit such shamefully heinous crimes against women must be brought in the court of justice without any delaying.

The ingratitude Baloch

 It is extremely hurtful to see that the Baloch are enormously ingratitude towards a man who gave them what they were never given almost in their dismal history. The praiseworthy former president Musharaf started the policy of Baloch genocide, constructions of a network of cantonments, assassinated and disrespectfully buried their undisputed tamandar Nawab Bugti and their beloved leader Balaach Mari, advocated a policy of hitting those who demand their natural and constitutional rights, ordered extra-judicial killings, and illegal arrest, abductions and disappearances. 

How can the naturally faithful and extra-ordinarily loyal Baloch nation be so unthankful towards a truly godfather who effectively increased oppressing and suppressing them socially and culturally by maintaining his brazenly stern attitude? 

Resolution in US Lower House, tensions and misconceptions

Recently a US Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher tabled a concurrent resolution in the US house of Representatives seeking right of self-determination for the people of Balochistan shocked all Pakistanis and triggered a national wise debate across the country. Pakistanis took it a threat to their national sovereignty, a process of disintegrating Pakistan and calling it a “dirty conspiracy” as usual.

A misconception is widespread in media circles regarding this resolution, most TV anchors and reporters call it a bill knowing not the difference that a bill is a proposed law under consideration by a legislature, on the other hand, resolution is often a written motion adopted by a deliberative body and what is tabled in the US house of representatives is a concurrent resolution designed to document opinions, not initiate a process and it is not passed on to executive branch to be signed in to law.

A reverent senior journalist Najam Sethi calls this resolution a “stunt propaganda” adding that it is a media hype meanwhile ignoring the reality that Sherry Rahman and Hina Rabbani Khar are not media persons but ambassador and foreign minister respectively. They, however, are vigorously energetic to criticize America for intervening in their internal matters while neglecting to reach the Baloch issue paying little regard.

In reaction to the resolution, ambassador to Washington, Sherry Rehman, warned it would “seriously impact Pak-US relations.” Foreign minister Khar condemned resolution on Balochistan, and said such acts of “foolhardy and global vigilantism” could aggravate Pakistan’s already estranged ties with US.

 The reaction, posted on the embassy website, stated that "the Pakistan envoy in Washington has taken serious notice of the resolution submitted by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher on Balochistan in the US House of Representative. We reject this ill-informed move and the Congressman's misplaced concern on Balochistan, which is a part of the Pakistani federation". 

"Balochistan has a directly elected provincial assembly of its own and has due representation in the National Assembly and the Senate of Pakistan," the ambassador said, adding that the "resolution seeks to cast doubt on the territorial integrity of a member of the United Nations and a friend of the United States, and is totally unacceptable". Talking to reporters, PM Gilani reacted angrily and described the move as an attack on country’s sovereignty; he said “We condemn it as it is against our sovereignty.”

Such a frantic reaction is likely to make the US or the rest of the world doubt that Pakistan too is afraid knowing the severity of the precarious situation in Balochistan. Thus they are bound to contemplate something brutal is happening in Balochistan couple this with a moral endorsement of the Baloch version of genocide.

 A point needs attention is the ignorance of the media anchorpersons having no background knowledge of the real situation. They blame Sardars for creating the tense situation in Balochistan ignoring the real factors leading to this fortune, and stand them responsible for backwardness of the province and the miseries of the people which is irrational and illogical. 

Another point of paramount significance is not considered by political and intellectual forces that this time the situation is definitely different; critically analyzing the conflict clearly exists because of the youth not Sardars. Therefore, it is not going to be solved until ordinary Baloch people are not dealt and persuaded. By offering bribe to some tribal heads (known as Sardars by many in Pakistan) will not help in diminishing the perilous situation and in sustaining peace as nothing is in their hands. 

Rehman Malik, interior minister, claims foreign hands involvement in violence, and target killings in Balochistan while remains reluctant to produce his incontrovertible evidences when asked, and his irrational claim that the missing persons are in Dubai, Afghanistan is further increasing the hate in the heart of the ordinary Baloch. He makes so foolish arguments forgetting that if there is a foreign power behind the killings again it falls into the responsibility of the security forces and government to tackle them guaranteeing the security of its citizens. 

The anchorpersons are not playing the role of a moderator. They are impatient to listen to those, even amongst themselves, who comment honestly on Balochistan conflict, and always invite experts who denounce Baloch and call them Israeli or Indian agents, meanwhile, heed not for a minute to ascertain the facts led the conflict ridden province under world attention but  mistakenly assume others involvement like the government officials. 

The arrangement of an APC to improve the situation in Balochistan seems to be ineffective as much water has flowed under the bridge. The mainstream nationalist parties refused to participate in the APC. Hyrbiyar says time for negotiations is gone, and they accept nothing short of self-determination whereas Akhtar Mengal has declared that Rehman Malik is a “non-serious” person. Unfortunately, President Zardari’s declaration of meeting the disgruntled Baloch brothers himself might face the same answer as he once remarked that promises are no Quranic verses.

Shameless Rehman Malik’s , extremely futile and nonsensical statement, nothing more than a baby’s babbling that he is granting amnesty to the Baloch leaders is equal to rubbing salt into Baloch’s wounds. He who is not worth of his pay, expresses what he knows not distantly, unworthy of respect, is aggravating the grievances of the Baloch people. Amnesty? what for? For demanding one’s justified natural and constitutional rights?

The situation will not turn to normalcy until they don’t realize and accept their wrongdoings done against the Baloch people and punish those responsible. 

Historical analysis of Baloch issue

Balochistan faced four bloody conflicts, and the Baloch and Pakistan’s relations can easily be termed as hostile since 1948 with Prince Karim’s initiated insurgency against Pakistan as a result when army was sent by the central government, which allegedly forced Mir Ahmad Yar Khan (Khan of Kalat) to give up his state signing an accession agreement ending kalat’s de facto independence. The Balochs have been politically, economically and culturally subjugated and forcefully crushed whenever they spoke for their rights by the civil and military establishment.

Mr Naseer Dashti, a renowned Baloch nationalist scholar, writes in an article that Pakistani military establishment “perceives the Baloch nationalism as a grave threat to the state”. Major military offensives were launched in Balochistan during 1948, 1958, 1962, and 1973, Baloch were indiscriminately killed and displaced by the intelligence operatives, army and paramilitary and the political activists and intellectuals were harassed, kidnapped and tortured during and later on.  

The recent ongoing Baloch resistance movement meant to avenge the wrong and injustice done to them takes its roots in mid 2004 and during which the death of Nawab Bugti (who was a staunch pro-Pakistan leader) and Mir Balaach Mari in 2006, and 2007, respectively, brought a significant change in the history of Baloch Resistance Movement, and now they openly demand independence before it was for utmost autonomy. 

Pakistani military and so-called political establishment never heeded upon a political settlement of the Baloch issue but rather believed in using brute force as a continuation of the policy to silent those voices raised for their just rights, seemingly failed, in other words it further energized the Baloch to fight back and due to their faithful and courageous resistance Baloch cause is promoted and recognized and now the Baloch moderate forces greatly favour armed resistance.

The story continues, the addition of the callous murder of three towering Baloch leaders waja Ghulam Mohd, BNP president, Lala Munir, vice president of BNP and Sher Mohd Baloch, central deputy secretary general of BRP further severely intensified the situation as they were using political grounds to fight for their national rights which strengthen the existing perception of the common Baloch that Pakistani rulers don’t consider them equal partners and think them as a subject race and themselves the race of conquerors, the same precisely was the attitude of Pakistan toward the Bengalis.

A “kill and dump” process is adopted now of those kidnapped and disappeared as a counter insurgency tactic by the repressive military establishment to frighten those voices particularly opposing the exploitation of resources. The situation in Balochistan is extremely precarious and gross human rights abuses are reported. “Pakistani security services are brazenly disappearing, torturing, and often killing people because of suspected ties to the Baloch nationalist movement,” said Brad Adams, executive director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia division and a general expert on Asia, “this is not counterinsurgency – it is barbarism and it needs to end now.” 

Historically, resistance was always present in Balochistan against unjust policies and exploitation of their natural resources which was totally ignored by national media and intellectuals and common masses still know not the real issue, and Baloch lacked means but with the passage of time they accessed the modern resources of communication like twitter, facebook, mobile phones and youtube and skillfully exploited them by uploading videos and photos of mutilated corpses of Baloch activists and explained Baloch genocide in Pakistan which attracted attention of the international community. 

The recent congressional hearing and subsequent proposed resolution moved in US congress by Republican congressman Dana Rohrabacher (who recently co-authored an article with Congressman Louie Gohmert uttering support for an independent Balochistan wrote: “Perhaps we should even consider support for a Balochistan carved out of Pakistan to diminish radical power there (in Pakistan).”) has tremendously encouraged the Baloch as their plight is highlighted.  The Baloch leader Hairbiyar Mari in an interview on geo TV said answering a question “we are happy at least they paid attention to Baloch issue”, and added that “this became possible only by the youths sacrifice.”

The main reason behind the troubled relations is a consistent blunder made by Pakistanis that even today they don’t know the exact nature of the Baloch and deliberately reluctant to pay attention to this ignored reality. They don’t know or try not to that the role assigned  for a Baloch in society is one of honour and freedom not of subjugation and dependence and a mother’s wish in her lullaby to her babyson is that he should grow in the true tradition of freedom and that he should be called for war by the tribal chief.

Traditionally, they have never accepted hegemony and domination and the spirit of revenge can be extinguished in a Baloch heart if stone could melt away in waters. They never consent to be treated subordinately. Yet the establishment did not change its attitude and treated them against their genuine wishes. A sense of deprivation is realistically genuine and valid as Balochistan being the largest natural resource rich province is yet the least developed. 

As the Baloch resistance is entered in its third phase being a revised resistance in nature  is potentially impossible to be curbed at least by suppressive militaristic approach if it could be then it was years before. They lost trust in political leaders and term them as more interested in resource rich land rather than Baloch. Now it is time to seriously ponder over what can be done peacefully ending all type of violence, and psychological warfare as already it is too late. 

Intellectual dishonesty

An intellectual, generally speaking, is a person who uses intelli-gence and intellect individually strictly associating it with reason and critical thinking distinctively while demonstrating mental skills not only intelligently but also focusing on thinking about the abstract and philosophical aspects of human inquiry and the value of their thinking can not be naturally judged on practically efficacious consequences.

Exclusive intellectual discourses are extremely noteworthy in shaping and reforming a backward and ill-informed society; as an intellectual is rightly called the world’s eye, definitely has to preserve historical ideas of the past, perfectly communicate them, and reflectively create new ideas and wisely communi-cate back his ideas to the world, not just to fellow intellectuals.

The generally endorsed wisdom about the role of the intellectual is to speak the truth to power and expose their lies and often hidden intentions. But in our corrupt societies, it is vis-à-vis; they are terribly engrossed in selfish activities and patronizing the wrong where their mission should be to advance freedom and knowledge while actively disturbing the status quo.

It is highly acceptable that an intellectual has enormous power to influence and change the mind of the general public, and he must wield that power with great respect. But the intellectuals in our areas/societies seem to be the captive to their own desires and materialistic aspirations consequently busy in performing mental work exclusively for the classes they can extract interests from, not for the general public.

In our society the so called inefficient intellectuals are not aware of the limitations of their knowledge and never avoid their personal prejudice, inattentive of their moral responsibility that they speak for a whole realm of thought while not concerned about the huge possible consequences of what they say and write and do. They don’t recognize their enormously increasing responsibilities.

Intellectuals are hugely expected to realize their significant activity is acting justly and rightfully and they do all of these things not out of obligation to their society, but out of obligation to themselves.

The target of education

The main purpose of education should be crafting a mind that would be greatly capable of thinking reflectively, creatively, and experimentally while enabling the learner become aware of,  conscious of, conditions in his life, in society, and to have the necessary skills, knowledge and resources to be able to plan and create change. The fundamental task of education should not be of collecting stores of information but creating and innovating new and revlutionizing mind and freeing it from conditioned, societal and state's chains are aimed to enslave one to exploit him physically, mentally and socially.  

The potentially  reflective aim of education should be ensuring the learner is able to discover possibilities, can change things, and promote new and different ideas whether they are influentially social, political or educational. Education should be formative and make a mind that can deliver without bias and prejudice any opinion or idea regarding anything in a society. It should not create an undesirable society where barriers are set up to free intercourse and communication of experience. Education should not make a mind ignorant as it can not be free but a mind that is rich, free, informative, reflective and thoroughly curious. It must make one trust, clearly, much lifetime learning occurs outside traditional classrooms and that professional learners measure their success by what they achieve rather than by what creditionals they have and ensure that it comes from within; one gets it from struggle and thought. What is valuable is education should develop a sense of life-long uncompromising intellectual honesty.  

The purpose of education should be to create qualified people and leaders rather than creating diploma holder who knows not for what reason he is issued the document. Education should practically become  the formal process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills, customs and values from one generation to another.