Lahore!

Karachi 12th May

Having studied civil society and social movements at SOAS, I was hoping eagerly that something of the sort would happen in my country too...where one could see some solidarity coming from the people for a cause they believe in. Then the chief justice episode took place and as a result, a huge community of lawyers took to the streets. Being unable to bring a substantial change, the movement continued. And today has got to be the worst day in my newly-found career in journalism. As I had dreaded yesterday when our ex-prime minister Jamali advised the government to not let MQM rally out in Karachi the same day the chief justice was arriving there, a clash was bound to happen. But to this severity, where someone as political and ardent like myself, would have to start switching channels, its just becoming impossible to watch the blood anymore. Showing close-ups of bullets in the flesh, ambulances being burnt up – in fact I was just wondering – who would those people be, who would not be harmed in the streets? Maybe journalists..who could communicate the message carried in this violence? But no! I was wrong. If an ambulance driver could be shot and the ambulance carrying passengers, burnt up, then who is safe on those streets? No one!

Halloween

Fine! Not interested in politics? Then let me blabber on about nothing. Well I’m in New York City – the big apple as they say. Last night was Halloween. I’m glad I didn’t get onto the train straight home like I have been doing. I instead went to Broadway to return a bag I had gotten for my mother. She loves Coach, speaking of which, I also treated myself to the legacy stripe pouch multicolored one – yes go check it out! Why did I return my moms? Because she saw it on the internet and thought it was too big for her, so now I’m thinking of a medium sized one.
The streets were full of people, of all ages, dressed in funny costumes. No hang-ups whatsoever! The Manhattan Mall though had its restriction sign up that no one above the age of 10 could trick or treat in costumes. And no one with weapons in their costumes could play either.
I bought my favorite Cinnabon! Packed a box and ate some with my friends back home. These are the best baked items ever – after those of Masoom’s of course.

In the Line of Fire

Yes the quote is David Brower’s. SOAS taught us strictly not to plagiarize. SOAS taught us more than I thought it would and you slowly see me drift away from pop journalism to the United Nations peacekeeping operations. Have I bored you already? For those who previously visited my blog, you’d be glad to see it’s not pink anymore. It’s green like the color of our flag that waves outside the UN Secretariat every morning. Through this blog I wish to establish a light political debate.. light because we're still learning and light so that it doesn't scare you away.. similar to the new wave of bloggers from Iran. Whether it makes any sense or not, let’s carry on and see. For starters, who’s read: In the Line of Fire? I was amazed to see it standing on a center stall at the UN Bookshop... Musharraf saluting! I'm trying to upload a picture.. pls help..