Blog From Paris

Cyber War in the Middle East.

2012-01-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

According to the latest news, Israel’s national airline EI AI and Tel Aviv stock exchange had been under the cyber attack, the latest in a series of cyber attacks on the Israeli businesses. A Saudi hacker, who calls himself as OxOmar, is considered to be behind this latest attack.

Israeli media considers such attacks as ‘politically motivated’ and they have expressed their motivation to retaliate. Hamas, the group which administers the Gaza Strip has hailed such attacks and encouraged the hackers to step up. Pro-Palestinian groups have said that they will continue such attacks in the future as well.

The computer experts in Israel has said that politically motivated attacks had happened in the past and they will continue to happen in future too. Thus, they urged private sector businesses to improve their cyber security to avoid such happenings in the future.

In nutshell, one can say that the Cyber-Security would be one of the most important challenges in the future, as there is a growing tendency to transfer business operations online. Disregarding the world in future is safer from the cyber-attacks or not, one things is for sure; thanks to cyber hackers, the demand for the computer specialists would continue to increase in future.

Hassan Nisar Advises Imran Khan

2012-01-16T07:47:00.000-08:00

Today, it is the fact that Pakistan needs a drastic change to bring the country back on track and to realize those dreams which led the creation of Pakistan. Our nation had been, due to its own repeated mistakes, very unfortunate over the last six decades. If looked from the above, then Pakistan seems to be an estate of some blessed, or cursed, families who continue to rule the masses by their turn. It was understood and no one dared to challenge the unwritten rule that after Z. A, Bhutto, his daughter will ‘rule’ the nation. After the murder of Benazir Bhutto, it would be his husband taking care of the national matters while senior and brilliant politicians like Aitzaz Ahsan would sit in last rows. And, When Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would finish his education, he would be a source of inspiration for seasoned and learnt politicians of Pakistan Peoples Party.

On the other hands, Sharif brothers had the monopoly on the Pakistan Muslim League. Not a single politician from the lines of PML could dare to think that he could be the head-of-the-state. It was quietly understood, and secretly agreed upon that after one Sharif, there would be the other Sharif who would lead the nation. It seemed that ordinary citizens are born only to be ruled and ‘subject’ of Bhutto-Sharif kingdom until Imran Khan emerged as a third political force in Pakistani political arena. Now Khan is looked upon as the final resort, and as the last hope.

Hassan Nisar, a leading columnist, in his column published in Daily Jang on Monday, January 16, 2012, advises Imran Khan to be careful in the way ahead. Hassan Nisar highlighted the fact that the economic and institutional situation of Pakistan is really in a mess. On the other hand, however, people have great expectation out of Imran Khan. It will be highly illogical to expect any miracle over night, if Imran Khan comes in a position to run the affairs of the state. Thus, the responsibility lies on the shoulders of Khan, that how he leads and educates the masses who are eagerly waiting for some good news.

Hassan Nisar’s column, in Urdu, can be found at following link; http://ejang.jang.com.pk/pic.asp?npic=01-16-2012/Lahore/images/02_01.gif

Avenue des Chams-Elysees Paris at the eve of Christmas-2011 and to Welcome 2012

2012-01-13T06:33:00.000-08:00

Following pictures are of the ‘Avenue des Chams-Elysees’, considered, or marketed as the most beautiful avenue in the world. French people take pride in calling it as ‘La plus belle avenue du monde! I can not say if it is really the most beautiful avenue of the world - as I will have to personally visit the other beautiful avenues of the different countries. However, one thing is for sure; it is certainly one of the most beautiful, and expensive avenues of the world.

Avenue des Chams-Elysees is decorated every year at the eve of Christmas and the arrival of the new year. Hundreds of thousands tourists from different countries across the globe to welcome the new year and make new year resolutions in Paris, the city of lights and love!

Following pictures were taken at the eve of Christmas 2011. This time Avenue des Chams-Elysees was decorated in a slightly different way. Have a look.

This name block tells us that this avenue is located in 8th district of Paris.

Here, one could see the entrance into Parisian Metro, alongside the avenue Chams-Elysees

This time, I mean for the Christmas 2011, and to welcome 2012, Chams-Elysees had been decorated in slightly a different way.

A small car, at exhibition in a show room

Dreams; Some Thoughts About the Reality and Nature of The Dreams.

2011-10-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

To see something in the condition of sleeping is called dream. There are different sayings about dreams some people say that the reality of dreams is always opposite to it. Some says that dream is the signs of upcoming events. While among Muslims some people have a religious point of view towards dreams .According to my views and experience the saying that the reality of dreams is always opposite to it is not correct.

According to some thinkers when one thinks and rethinks on a problem and does not find the solution of the problem. After a lots of result-less effort, when one is tired and goes to the bed, having those thoughts in mind, he is more likely to repeat it in the dreams. Sometimes, it is even helpful, and one can find out the best solution - or even a hint leading towards that solution - which he/she had been trying during the day time.
Bernard Shaw says ‘the voice come first, and I find the reason after’. When someone works very hard upon a problem and fails to get a result of it. Then there is a possibility that he can go into the condition of sleep because he was very tired but his mind was there in the problem. His brain nerves were active in finding the solution of the problem. I think this is the stage when someone gets some ideas by the Grace of ALLAH Almighty.

For example Richard wanger who was a famous German composer. HE himself writes in his book Newman that he had been working years on a composition but he was not succeeded .But one day September 4, 1863 he reached a hotel and could not sleep in night because of fever and noise and in the next day afternoon he sleep and finally the idea of famous composition Rinegold came to his mind.

There are so many examples of such persons who get some help from Dreams. Some time sleeping produces good result .Sir walter scott says to himself never mind, I shall have it at 7 o’clock tomorrow morning . Gauss, one of the great mathematicians writes that he found the idea of ‘Law of induction’ in a dream on 23rd January 1835 before rising .Helmholty says, ‘often ideas come as soon as one wakes up in the morning‘.

So dreams comes to all people whether they are Muslims are not .Any one can see signs in dreams by the Grace of ALLAH Almighty. And the saying that the reality of dreams is always opposite I think does not have much weight in it.

A Blog Written By Mr. Nasir Bashir

Moveable Bridge Near Stade-de-France, St. Denis; Some Pictures Of Opening & Closing of the Bridge!

2011-10-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I happened to visit Leroy-Merlin Saint Denis, to make some purchases for the renovation of my apartment. After having a visit in the shop, of Leroy-Merlin, I had some time for my next engagement. So, I decided to roam around the well developed ‘quartier’, to have a look on the world famous Stade-de-France and to know more about the area and the businesses. And, in this course I came across a moveable bridge.
This moveable bridge is built on a canal, which is not very far from Leroy-Merlin or the Stade-de-France. It might take 5-10 minutes walk from the Stade-de-France.

Though it had not been the first time I visited this canal, but it was the first time I saw the whole process. I saw the opening and closing of the bridge which did not last more than 10 minutes probably or so. Actually, I was busy in taking pictures, that I forgot about the time factor.

Here are the pictures of the bridge, and it will help you understand how it really happens!!

The engine of the bridge; it controls the movement of the bridge!

This is another pictures of the mechanism, controlling the movement of the bridge to let the ships and boats pass under it!!

Unfortunately, I had been a bit late and could not make the picture of the ship when it was passing from the place of the bridge. However in this photo you can see that the ship has passed, happily. You might be wondering, from where did I make this picture. Well, I had been standing on another bridge, which is higher and not removeable!!!

The moveable bridge is back on its original place! Soon, it will be open for traffic!

Here you see the barriers are opening up !! The people have already started to walk :)

Well in this picture - you can see that people have started to walk on the bridge. A car is also going on. And, after making this picture, I also started to move away :)

If you are interested to learn more about the moveable bridges, then you can visit the title of moveable bridges at wikipidia.

How To Buy A Dream Apartment In Paris; Some Tips For Apartment Hunting In Paris.

2011-09-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

Having an apartment in Paris, the city of lights and love, is a dream of almost every single person. Paris is one of the world’s best cities to live. However, to find an apartment in Paris, the French capital, is not that easier. So, here are some of the tips which will give you an idea how to buy an apartment in Paris

The very first thing you need to know is that in which district of Paris you want to buy your future apartment. Paris is divided in 20 districts, which are known as arrondissements in French. Every district of Paris is administered separately and independently. In addition, the number of different communities living in Paris also varies in different districts. So, the very first thing you need to know is that find out the district where you want to live.

After choosing the right neighborhood, you need to think that which part of the specific district suits your needs well, for example, commuting. You need to visualize your future commuting needs. Would you be using your own car or public transport system. By the way, Paris is served by the world’s best transport system. In short, most of the times, it will be more practical to use Paris Metro than to your own car. Anyway, try to find out the place where you can have the main metro, or RER lines. It will help you to commute easily in the future.

It is a sort of fashion, in Paris, to live in the old buildings. Old buildings here are quite graceful and it is a lovely idea to have the apartment in an old building. However, apartments in the old buildings are more expensive than the apartments in the new buildings. If you wish to buy apartment in an old building, then consider following things.

Try to find out old buildings with elevators. Sometimes, apartments in the buildings with elevators are a bit more expensive. However, it will make your life lot easier than to live in the building without elevator, unless you are living on the ground floor. Although, elevators had been installed in many old buildings however there are still lots of buildings without elevators.

Should you live on the top floor or the ground floor? This is another important question. If you are a lover of daylight then living on the top floors must be your priority. In addition to it, if you are happen to find the apartment in the lower floors, then you will not be able to see the skyline and the sun, specially in the winter. In addition, the ground floors are most of the times darkest places of the building and is used for storage purposes as well. It is also advisable not to buy the apartment on the ground floor due to security reasons. Thus, it becomes more important - if you are going to buy apartment on the upper floors - to look for the elevator in the building.

So, now you know some basic facts about the Parisian apartments. However, do you also have enough knowledge of French language? French people hate speaking other languages, though some say that French are not good at languages. In either case, the knowledge and fluency of the French is important in buying the right apartment and the right price. If you are not speaker of the French, then try to find out a friend who can communicate on your behalf. It can be of great help provided that your friend also have some knowledge of property and real estate.

Apartment hunter can be the best option to buy the your dream apartment at the right price, if you do not have enough knowledge of French language and property market, to buy your dream apartment. With their knowledge of local market and expertise in buying and selling apartments, you can save your precious time and money. An apartment hunter or apartment hunting firm can also guide you about the buying/selling process in Paris.

Blog written by Yasir Mahmood Chaudhry

Blog Sponsored by Alpeintureparis;

Alpeintureparis is a well known apartment renovation firm, based in Paris. Alpeintureparis provides solutions for apartment painting, apartment renovation, apartment buying and selling for both, English and French speaking people. Alpeintureparis offers its services not only in Paris but also in Paris region ( ile-de-France). For more information, please visit their website; http://www.alpeintureparis.co.nr/

The Need For Comprehensive Education Policy in Pakistan

2011-09-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

Education plays a central role for the long term development and prosperity of any country. Only country with educated and skilled workforce can perform competitively in this modern age. On the other hand, a nation with poorly educated men and women is always bound to rely on the human resources and technical expertise of the other nations. However, policy makers of Pakistan - whose education system has been infected by many challenges and problems - are determined not to learn from the history of the world.

Budgetary allocations shows how much a government prioritize one sector from the other. Pakistani governments have a history of low education budgets and inadequate funding for the research and higher education. Some of the ministers are even heard saying that we do not need highly educated people because we do not have enough jobs for them. In the other words, the leadership of the Pakistan is still unaware of the importance of the promotion of education for the development of the country.

On the other hand, policy makers of the ministry of education are not willing to pay the due attention to make the things right. They do not bother to understand the ground realities prevailing in the towns and rural areas of Pakistan. Their policies are decisions are - most of the times if not always - for those students who are living and studying in major cities of Pakistan like Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. They simply seem to be ignorant of the problems faced by the students of rural area. In addition, they do not seem concerned with the future of the hundreds of thousands students living and studying in small villages.

English is another problem faced by many students in the lengths of Pakistan. After matriculation, most of the text books are in English and the student - due to the poor quality of teaching in the rural schools - find it difficult to absorb the nuances of the theories of Sciences. It is said that the English has become an international language and the students must be taught in this language so that can move ahead with the international world. However, no one pays attention that if a student can not understand very well what a text exactly means then how can he perform well in the examinations and in the practical life.

Another problem of our education system is related with private colleges and academies. Now a day’s much of teachers are busy in their private academies and colleges. They teach their student in such a way to make them a dependent of their academies. If we see Top 30 positions in Gujranwala board then we will find that 27 out of 30 positions were achieved by the student of private colleges and the remaining 3 positions were won by those students who studied in academies . In the other words, it is a complete demise of our education system.

The point to be ponder is that there is a great number of those people who are sacrifices their needs just for only to educate their children. They dream to highly educate their children but due to the present educational system their dreams are never going to become a reality.

There is a need that all the political parties of Pakistan sit together and make a comprehensive policy on education. They must be enough increment in the budgetary allocations for the education sector. Policy makers for the education sector must be selected on merit and they must have a solid knowledge about the problems in rural areas. Our education system should be free of corruption we have to translate all our science books into Urdu. To save our education sector, the government have to discourage academies and private colleges and increase the standard of the public education institutions.

A Blog Written By Mr. Nasir Bashir

......

Traveling From Paris Nord to Sarcelles-Saint Brice by Line H of SNCF.

2011-09-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, it was sunny and I were free. So, I decided to visit my friend who lives in Val d'Oise department of Paris region - or in 95 if you speak in pure French and local terms. Since it is the train which is the most convenient way of commuting not in Paris but also in Paris region, I preferred not to disturb the peace of my car and I decided to travel by train.

I had to go to the city of Sarcelles-St.Brice, a small city in the suburbs. The station of Sarcelles Saint Brice is served by the line H of SNCF trains. Modern trains are simply the great.

At the station, one can see the small hills, covered with green plantation. Though, at this point I had not been too far from Paris's busy and modern life but I was feeling that I am in very peaceful part of the Ile-de-France ( or Paris region )

In this picture you can see the board declaring the name of the station; Sarcelles Saint Brice.

In France - like many of the European countries - trains use electric energy. In this picture one can see the electric poles and wires, which are installed to feed the energy needs of the trains.

This is exterior of the train. I took this picture when the train was not completely arrived at the station of Sarcelles Saint Brice. You can have a look on the design of the front side. The design and combination of different colors give the perfect impression.

Following three pictures were taken from the interior of the train. Though, it was not my first travel in this train - however when I first travelled in this train, I was completely meserized by its interio beauty and luxury.

Right now, there is a massive construction works are going on across Paris region to modernize the traffic and train networks. This construction work is supposed to finish by 2016 and one can hope that commuting in 2016 will be far more easier, effiicient and may be even fun...

Do Our Souls Have A Gender?

2011-08-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

That was a sunny day in Paris. In the central Paris, we were sitting at the terrace of a Café and were brainstorming over an abstract but interesting topic. At the end of our discussion we knew at least one thing very clearly; we know nothing about ourselves.

This is information age and the information is flowing every where. Few clicks in the Google search box can bring us tons of relevant and irrelevant information. So, it is a bit hard to believe that we know nothing about our self. Please keep it in mind that when I say ourselves, I actually mean one’s real self.

Catherine - unlike many of her western counterparts - at least believed in the souls or spirits, as I did. However, on my part, I were also not an expert. I had some pieces of information and both of us tried to put them together and

You might be thinking that to discuss the existence of soul or spirit is quite a boring thing. So, better to make it evident that it was not a date! It was our session to feed our thoughts, which we are used to do whenever our schedules are compatible.

The most interesting part of our discussion was when an idea occurred to my mind, and I immediately shared it with Cathe; how about the gender of our souls? This question bring many other questions into life, for example, if a soul can change its gender in different lives ( please read it in the perspective of re-incarnation, though I personally do not believe it ), or the soul is not divided into genders; it is genderless?

Here, Catherine was sure, and even a bit proud too on her belief, that her soul was a female soul. On my part, I was actually thinking if the question ( about the gender of the soul ) belongs to our world which is chained in the limitations of time and space. In the simpler words, we were trying to figure out the characteristics of the soul and the body. At that point of our discussion we were thinking if the soul and the body have similar or contradictory features.

After further discussion we found enough reasons to believe that both the soul and the body may not have similar characteristics ( for example if a soul also have mass or weight then after the death of a person there must be considerable reduction in his body weight ). Our bodies are subject to the boundaries of time and space. On the contrary, thus, we can not view the soul in terms of time and space. At that point of our analysis we wondered if gender is also an issue of this materialistic world or in the spiritual or astral world, souls are also present in the form of male and female!!

However - mentally both of us were so tired that we preferred to postpone our so called ‘intellectual curiosity’ for some other time and decided to have a walk along the river Seine!!

Blog From Paris
If you are interested to learn more about your soul, then Muraqba may help.
You can find a detailed artile at wikipediea about Muraqba.
Azeemia Foundation UK, also have a comprehensive article about Muraqba on their website. To view this article, please click here.

Exact Independence day of Pakistan; August 14 or 15?

2011-08-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

On the eve of generally accepted and unquestioned independence day of Pakistan, August 14, Wussat Ullah Khan, in a blog published on BBC Urdu, has raised some questions about - or politely challenged - the authenticity of the exact date of independence of Pakistan.

The author has done proper research about on the topic and has furnished some facts which require proper consideration by every Pakistani. We have a history of distorting facts and masking the truths and this practice has put the exact independence day of Pakistan under the shadows of doubts. Probably, the time has come to ‘correct’ our history.

Blogger mentions that it was the morning of the 15th of August 1947, when Qaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah announced the independence of Pakistan, the biggest Islamic country on the world at that time. The blogger further says that it was on the morning of the 15th of August, when Justice Abudul Rasheed, Chief Justice of Lahore High Court, took oath from Qaid-e-Azam and then Qaid-e-Azam, as the Governor General of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, took oath from his ministers.

The blogger also mentions that it was 15th of August, when Pakistan broadcasting service started its service. He says that at 12:00 am or on the 15th of August, Pakistan Broadcasting Service announced ‘This is Pakistan Broadcasting Service’ from Lahore, Dhaka and Peshawar stations. In his blog, the authors states further facts which make us think about the actual independence day of our nation.

Apparently, the author seems to have enough reasons to challenge the exactness of our independence day. Should we hope that after 64 years of independence, we will - at last - be able to ‘discover’ exact independence day?

( The original blog of Wussat Ullah Khan can be found at following URL; http://www.bbc.co.uk/urdu/pakistan/2011/08/110814_baat_independence_a.shtml)

Blog From Paris….

List of Websites for Online Urdu Writing.

2011-08-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

I love to read and write Urdu. Once, in Paris I could read Urdu newspapers on the internet but I did not have the opportunity to write Urdu online. In simpler terms, I could not write emails to my friends and family in Urdu. At that time, I did not have Inpage, Urdu writing software, so in other words, I could not write articles etc in Urdu and online - as one can do in English.

Then I came to know one site which offered the facility to write Urdu in Unicode and then paste it into any file or email. Then I searched and found a couple of more websites. One can have little problems with the writing on these websites but over the time one can easily overcome on them. Or at least I have done.

Here is a list of websites, those offer you the facility to write Urdu online. If you do not feel okay with one website, then try the other one. I hope, from this list of websites for online Urdu writing, you will find at least one site which will serve your needs very well.

Type Urdu
This is a good and simple site which helps to write Urdu online. On this site, you can type Urdu and then paste it into your email or blog. Surprise your friends and loved ones by your Emails, written in Urdu.

Online Urdu Keyboard
This is also a simple to use and good website. Write, copy and then paste it.

Urdu Pad

Urdupad and Urdu email. This is also a great website which helps you to write Urdu online and at the same it also offers you a possibility to write an email in Urdu while using this website.

Above mentioned list of websites for writing Urdu online will enable to write Urdu online. However, if you like to write Urdu more beautifully, then you can install some fonts on your computer. You can find many websites which offer Urdu fonts for example http://www.urdu.ca/

If you know any other website which offers the facility to write Urdu online, please let us know so that we can add it into the list. Urdu is our national language and it is our duty to promote it.

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Traveling from Paris to Barcelona by Eurolines's bus.

2011-06-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

One can travel by train, flight or bus from Paris (France) to Barcelona (Spain). Most of the times, however, the cheapest way is the traveling by bus. Eurolines, a company who manages bus services among major European cities, offers their services once each day. The bus for Barcelona (Spain) departs at 21h00 each day.

A Statue at Place de Cataluna (Barcelona)

You can find the bus for Barcelona (Spain) in Paris at Gallieni. If you want to get at Gallieni by traveling through Parisian Metro, then take the line 3. Gallieni is the last tube station of this Metro line. If you want to get at Gallieni by traveling in your car, then look for Porte de Bagnolet. Gallieni is situated next to the Porte de Bagnolet.

Port de Barcelona; a wonderful building at the beach.

Buses leave Paris Gallieni bus station for Barcelona Estacio Sants and Nord bus stations once a day at 21:00. You must be at the Gallieni bus station around 30 minutes of the departure.

Another satatue at Placa de Cataluna.

Bus will arrive in Barcelona the following day at 11:30 in the morning. However, due to the traffic conditions, it may take shorter or longer than 14.5 hours of travel.

Paris in Pictures; The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie Paris.

2011-06-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

Paris has many attractions for its vitiors and the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is - the biggest science museum in Europe- is the one, established under the main goal of spreading the scientific and technical knowledge among the public, specially among the youth.

The museum is established at a place called Parc de la Villete, which is situated in the 19th district of the Paris. This place is visited by five million people every year!

This place is specially popular among young students who come here to do their homework or to do the research on their laptops while using the WIFI connection, freely provided in the library section. The scene of library is most of the times is quite different that that of those in Pakistan; it is always full and if one is arrived late then he or she is highly likely to find a proper place to sit…

Here is a list of the general features of the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie!

Explora (levels 1, 2, and 3)

The library of science and industry (Médiathèque, level -1)

City of children (level 0)

Auditorium (level 0) Louis Lumiere theater (level 0)

Planetarium (located between exhibits on level 2)

Numeric crossroads (level -1)

City of careers (level -1)

City of health (level -1)

Meeting place (level -1)

Aquarium (level -2)

Jean bertin hall (level 0)

Picnic area (level 0)

Post office (level 0)

Store for scientific books and toys (level 0)

Restaurants (level -2)

Here are a few pictures of its location and the building from outside.

A Bridge in Viroflay (Yvelines)

2011-05-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here are few pictures of a bridge, located in the town named as Viroflay. It is situated in the department of Yvelines and in suburbs of Paris.

Have a look on the pictures of the bridge, constructed in 1852 - and think what made me to save the beauty of the structure in my camera!!!

Pictures of Paris ( Etoile & Bastille )

2011-05-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

In this picture, one can see Eiffel Tower on the back of Charles de Gaulle Etoile.

Paris Museum Pass:- The Cheapest Way to Visit Parisian Museums.

2010-11-09T04:17:00.000-08:00

A Paris Museum Pass is the best and cheapest way to visit more than 60 museums in Paris. It not only offers priority admission, but also saves you money on each trip. This article explains how you can benefit from a Paris Museum Pass.

The Paris Museum Pass was specially introduced for those tourists and visitors who are in the city for a short period of time and wish to explore the grand collections housed in Parisian museums. Long queues for entrance tickets simply discourage visitors from appreciating these fine collections, hence the introduction of the museum pass. If you love to explore museums, this pass will save you time, energy and money.

Paris Museum Passes are available for 2, 4 or 6 consecutive days, and allow unlimited visits to over 60 museums during their valid dates. Upon arrival at each museum you will be given free and priority admission. In other words, this pass will save you waiting in long queues and paying at each museum separately. Thus, you will have time to visit more collections, and save money while doing so.

This pass is also beneficial for senior citizens, giving them entrance at reduced rates, and again avoiding the need for time-consuming and tiring queuing. If visiting with children, you will not require a Museum Pass for those under 18, as they are entitled to free entry.

If you are planning a trip to Paris soon, then buying a Paris Museum Pass in advance is advisable. You can purchase it over the internet, however, keep in mind that the pass cannot be returned or used by someone else. Therefore, buy this pass when your trip is finalized. It may take up to three working days for delivery.

You must be aware of certain limitations of this pass. It is not valid for guided visits and temporary exhibitions, and it will only offer you free and priority admission to permanent collections. In addition, its date cannot be extended, and your fee cannot be reimbursed if the participating museums are closed due to unforeseen circumstances. However, such happenings are uncommon, and since this pass offers entrance to over 60 museums, it is hardly likely that they will all be closed on the same day. Briefly speaking, if you have a great liking for museums, then a Paris Museum Pass is essentially the best and cheapest way to visit the wonderful, but expensive, museums of Paris.

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Europe Agrees To Give A400M Project One More Chance.

2010-11-09T03:52:00.001-08:00

At last, after much dithering, leading European governments have agreed to inject a life-saving dose of billions of euros into the veins of the A400M project, thus enabling it to deliver long range military aircraft, and France will get its first plane in 2013.

This project was launched in 2003 and has a long history of delays and cost overrun. There were rumours that EADS, a large Pan-European aerospace corporation, would have to scrap the entire project, and European governments would instead be looking for alternatives. However, the governments have made a prudent decision, though delayed, to cover the shortfall in the fund and continue the project.

According to the new understanding, seven launch customers - UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain and Turkey - have agreed to reduce the total number of aircraft, and they will accept 170 instead of the initially planned number of 180. It is supposed to replace ageing C130 Hercules and C160 Transall planes.

The Airbus A400M is a long-range and intermediate sized aircraft, designed as a tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities. It is designed for cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, aerial refueling and electronic surveillance. It can also be used on short and soft landing strips.

The new deal among European governments to finance the aircraft is nothing less than a blessing for the manufacturer, Airbus, and its parent company EADS. The project has been prey to at least a 5 billion euro cost overrun, and delivery of planes is already running four years later than the initial release date. In the latest agreement, reached in November, European governments agreed to a price increase per plane of 11m euros, and 1.5bn euros of credits against future exports. EADS will cover the rest of the shortfall itself.

This project will help to keep 1,000 aerospace engineers in work and will increase the effectiveness of European military might. Also, this agreement will help save the European aerospace industry from lagging behind that of the US. It would have made Europe dependent on the US for this technology if European leaders had decided otherwise. Design and features of the A400M make it highly likely that other countries will express interest in purchasing this aircraft, and the latest agreement will be seen as a milestone in the history of European aerospace industry.

Queen of UK Now On Facebook.

2010-11-09T03:46:00.001-08:00

Over the past years Facebook has become a global phenomenon and many politicians, leaders and celebrities have joined the club to be in contact with their fans. Facebook, the leading social networking website, continuously casts its spell over public figures. Queen Elizabeth II, incumbent monarch of UK since 1952, is the latest addition to Facebook.

The British Monarchy page is live on Facebook from Monday November 8th, 2010. It is not a personal page, but users will be able to view information about royal engagements. However, they will not be able to add the Queen to their friends list or 'poke' on her page.

Born on April 21, 1926, Queen Elizabeth II is now 84 years old, and still carrying out her duties as British monarch. She was crowned on June 2nd, 1953 and her reign is one of the longest for a British monarch. Her silver and golden jubilees were celebrated in 1977 and 2002 respectively, and planning for her diamond jubilee in 2012 is underway.

Queen Elizabeth II is not unaccustomed to using the internet, in fact she is quite an active user of technology. Buckingham Palace established a Royal Channel on Youtube in 2007, and the Queen joined the Twitter club in 2009. Now she has decided to join Facebook.

The internet has indeed revolutionized our lives and has introduced new cultural behaviour. Today, the world is far better connected than at any point in history, although segregation of different races, classes and groups also exist in the virtual world. Can we hope that the day will come when important public figures will not only be happy to be seen on social networking sites, but will also agree to be "poked" and added to the friends lists of ordinary people?

How I Earned 4,000 Euros, By Writing, In Only Two Weeks.

2010-11-02T14:24:00.001-07:00

If you are a writer you will know only too well how difficult it is to earn a decent amount in only two weeks. With the right approach, however, you can earn thousands of bucks in only a few weeks.
I would not have believed that in just 14 days, writing for a very limited time on the internet, it was possible to earn 4,000 euros, and I don't expect you to believe it either, but a cheque for 4,000 euros, bearing my name, is lying in front of me. I expect you would like to know how I did it. Well, it is no great secret, and I would be delighted if my experience can help you bring in some money too. So, here is how it happened.

There are times when we all have something pleasant waiting for us in the inbox. Around 13 days ago, when I signed in to collect my email, one of my many messages seemed quite interesting. Although I have not disabled my blogsite comment box, my friends prefer to send their feedback into my inbox. It was, however, not that sort of feedback. A Mr. James Parkman, from UK, had written that he liked my blogs, columns and articles on my various websites. The gentleman was quite impressed by my writing style and interested in hiring my services, writing content for his website.

Mr. Parkman appeared very kind in his email and since I am a professional writer, I did not have any reason to say no, other than my busy schedule. I immediately looked at my forthcoming committments and found that I could manage it, providing this assignment was not urgent. So, I thanked him for his kind words, but advised that if his requirements were urgent, I was not the best option at present. Luckily he could wait, so I agreed to undertake the work.

In following emails, Mr. Parkman came up with the necessary information about the content, and we discussed rates and deadlines. Once everything was finalized, I reminded him that I required part-payment in advance. He asked if I accepted cheques. Since some of my clients in Paris do pay by cheque, I agreed, and he promised to send it as soon as possible. I trusted him.

On October 27th 2010 I received the promised cheque by post, but was confused to find it was made out for the sum of 4,000 euros. Had he decided to pay for the whole assignment? At that moment I felt I must be a really great writer!

As expected, some hours later I received another email from this man, giving further instructions that were completely unrelated to writing web content. On the contrary, he asked me to deduct my fee, and to send a cheque for the rest of the amount to a lady in the United States, whose details he enclosed. As soon as I read this message I could not contain my laughter.

I am not sure if it is due to my journalistic background that I save valueless objects, but I do, so I quickly searched for the saved envelope which had carried the bank draft, and checked its postmark. It was from Africa, not U.K.

When I analyzed the situation, I smiled, and placed the bank draft on my desk, where it lies still, to remind me. At least this adventure has taught one thing ...... you can earn a bank draft worth 4,000 euros in just two weeks. Unfortunately though, you cannot cash it! Therefore, if you are in online business, be careful, for some cheques and bank drafts with your name on are destined to go directly into the bin !

Third Strategic Dialogue and Pak-US relationship

2010-10-27T00:59:00.000-07:00

If artificial smiles of cordiality, genial and firm handshakes, numerous photo-ops, vows of everlasting friendship and hollow promises for the future are considered the only parameters for success of diplomatic negotiations between high-ranking officials of two countries, then the third round of strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the United States, at Washington DC, has largely been a great achievement. If this round of negotiations between two nations, both playing a decisive role in the fate of terrorism, are evaluated against the facts and practicalities, then finding a ray of hope for peace and stability in the destabilised part of South Asia is little less than a Herculean task.

The latest round of strategic dialogue between America and Pakistan does not offer any hint for constructive change in the violent situation of the region, thus resulting in challenges for Pakistan. We cannot say, in the continuing peace process in Afghanistan (which also includes underground negotiations with the Taliban), what the nature of Pakistan's role will be, and if their legitimate security concerns will be addressed. Before the mid-term elections in the United States, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Pakistani officials to make 'difficult decisions' and go after the Taliban. Before the US president's official visit to India, the Obama administration remained silent on the question of US role in resolving the Kashmir issue, despite the requests of the Pakistani foreign minister. Absence of any substance, except a $2 billion military package, during the news conference of Hillary Clinton and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, is enough to suggest that a collision of interests and differences in priorities still exists.

Military aid worth $2 billion is intended to enable the Pak Army to purchase indispensable military equipment from the United States, to effectively operate against the Taliban and associates of al-Qaeda, but the timeframe of this aid package makes us wonder if the US really wishes Pakistan to take decisive action against the well-funded and sufficiently-equipped militants. A five year aid package, from 2012 to 2016, by the Obama administration, which has made it very clear on many occasions that it will start to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by the end of July 2011, poses some new questions. If the United States is really serious about accomplishing its mission by the middle of next year, then allied forces, during the next eight months, will try to hit the Taliban hard, so that the US may reap as many advantages as possible. In the same period, on the other hand, to keep the Pak Army insufficiently equipped against sophisticated al-Qaeda suggests murky developments.

This conception is further empowered by the fact that the US has yet to pay Pakistan its share of $2 billion, a smaller part of operational expenses which the US pays annually as a partner in the war on terror. During the third round of strategic dialogue no reference was made to this by the US administration, despite the fact that the Pakistan Army has paid not only for its own part, but also for that of the US. In addition, the US has linked the humanitarian aid for flood victims with the civilian aid to be delivered under the Karry-Lugar bill. It means the US will not pay any additional amount for the rehabilitation of flood affectees.

The above-mentioned facts make it clear that at a time when war on terror has entered a final and decisive phase, Pakistan is being denied any substantial help to stand firmly. Also, the Pakistan Army, which is basically trained and organised to handle aggression along Eastern borders, is being forced to take decisive action against militants in North Waziristan. A military operation in North Waziristan has the potential to put financially weak Pakistan and an inadequately equipped Pak Army (to fight against Taliban ) directly at war with the Taliban in Afghanistan. This possibility probably best explains the hesitation of the Pak Army, which is always mindful of aggression from Eastern borders, to start operations in North Waziristan.

Kashmir is the main bone of contention between India and Pakistan, and has caused three wars between these neighbouring countries. Until the Kashmir issue is resolved peacefully, neither the Pakistani nation nor Pakistan's armed forces can be at peace from its Eastern borders. An appeal made by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi that the US plays its role to solve the longstanding issue of Kashmir, actually expresses Pakistan's seriousness towards peace in Afghanistan. The Pakistan Army can take serious action against the Taliban and al-Qaeda when it has well-founded reasons to believe that sacredness of Eastern borders will not be violated. Thus demands made by the Obama administration, which clearly prefers Indian approval, at the expense of Kashmiri people and Pakistan's security concerns, are far from being realistic.

We make mistakes in moments, but we bear their results for years and decades to come. While envisaging new geo-political balance, it will be better for the US administration, regional stability and global peace not to ignore historical facts and geographical factors. Humans have a tendency not to learn from history, so history repeats itself. Barak Obama will be visiting India in November. During his stay in New Delhi, perhaps it will become clearer if he wishes to see history repeated, or prefers to alter its course.

( This article is also published on daily The Statesman on October 27, 2010 )
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Why Pakistani Nation Can Not Progress?

2010-10-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

Hssan Nisar, a fierce critic of the government and our political class alike, in his latest column - "Kainat Ka Aakhri Kinara" or the Boundary Line of the Universe, has censured the role of our insensitive politicians who are either engaged in efforts to prolong their rule over the nation or just waiting for their turn to be in the power. He analyses our individual and collective role in running the affairs of the nation and compares it with the role of Western nations for the developement of human kind.

Hassan Nisar, apparently, took the inspiration by a claim made by British scientists to discover the boundary line of our universe. According to their research, the last corner of this universe, whose volume had been unmeasured in our known human history, is at a distance of 131 billion light years from our solar system. In other words, a ray light will take 131 billion years to reach at the outer end of this universe.

He criticise our role in the research and development, and make the reader to look into the mirror, something we as a nation hate to do. After reading I remember the saying of Singapore's minister who said that Pakistanis can never progress in the life.

I feel sorry as I can not remember the exact about the time and place when the foresaid minister opined about the prospect of progress for Pakistani nation. But, it does not matter so much since the basic realities have not been changed yet and still there is no sign they will change in foreseable future. I remember, however, he was visiting Pakistan and someone asked him, "how Pakistan can progress?".

"Pakistan can not progress", replied Singaporean minister and justified his opinion saying that since your real life ( of Pakistani people ) starts after the death, you guys can not be serious about progressing in this world.

One of the many reasons for our backwardness is indeed our a misconception that this world is temporary and fictious. So, we must focus on our success in the life hereafter. This conception is further empowered by the mullahs, who seek the submission of and contributions from ordinary people in the name of religion for their success in this material life.

Majority of the people living in rural areas, Pakistani nation is a hostage to a handful of feudal lords, politcians, pirs, mullahs who exploit them at their will. Contributing their miseries to the fate, the poor man prefers to committ suicide quietly. So called democracy is an excuse for the elite class of our nation to continue ruling the country.

It is my firm belief that to change our outlook and progress in this world, we need to change ourselves first. We have to maintain a subtle balance between our religious and worldly committments. We are an imabalanced nation and it is our unfortunate that we have only a few balanced intellectuals like Hasan Nisar.

Third Round of US-Pak Strategic dialogue October 2010; Hopes and Fears.

2010-10-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

At the end of latest round of US-Pakistan strategic dialogue, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at her side, announced a five year $ 2 billion aid package for Pakistan. She hoped that it will reassure Pakistan of the long term US commitment to Pakistan's military needs and will also empower Pakistan to go after Taliban and Al-Qaida affiliates on its territory. Exact terms of the deal are still being negotiated, the goal is to ramp up US military aid to Pakistan incrementally over the five year period. The amount will enable Pakistan to purchase US made arms, ammunition and accessories from 2012 to 2016.

The striking feature of this aid package is that Obama administration will refuse to train or equip those Army units which are believed to have killed unarmed prisoners and civilians during recent offensives against Taliban. New York Times sees this the cutoff of funds as "an unusual rebuke to a wartime ally, and it illustrates the growing tensions with a country that is seen as a pivotal partner, and sometimes impediment, in a campaign to root out and other militant groups". At the moment it is not sure - as process is not over yet, how many Army units will be denied of American equipment and training. However, it is very evident that some of the units, which successfully handled operations against Tliban, will not benefit from latest aid package.

The third round of the US-Pakistan strategic dialogue came as the countries tried to ease tensions after a NATO gunship helicopter killed three Pakistani paramilitary troops and Pakistan retaliated by shutting down a critical supply route to allied troops in Afghanistan. It must have provided an opportunity to the high-level administration on both sides to strengthen the working relationship.

White House, however, preferred to provide only a vague description of the conversations. Most of the strategic dialogue is focused on a range of subjects, including counterterrorism, nuclear security, flood relief and trade. After the announcement of the latest aid package, it becomes very celar that US will expect Pakistan to step up its efforts against those Talibans, which are fighting against allied forces in Afghanistan.

Pervez Musharraf, former Army Chief and president of Pakistan, has criticized American behavior towards Pakistan. While speaking at Chicago University, he said that Pakistanis has offered great sacrifices in the war against terror and they complain that US has failed to play a constructive role to resolve longstanding issues of Kashmir and Palestine. He said that Obama's decision to visit India, but not Pakistan, implies that US is not serious about Pakistan.

It may not be a coincidence that the third round of strategic dialogues happened before the mid-term elections in November 2010. If United States is serious about the war in Afghanistan than Pakistani administration also have serious concerns over its role in negotiating talibans, US role to resolve Kashmir problem, reconstruction of flood affected areas, Indian presence in Afghanistan and openness of American market to Pakistani products etc. The American warmness towards Pakistan, disregarding Pakistan's security interests, may only seem as an effort focused on satisfying disappointed US voters and thus will not be prone to bring any solid results.

French Senate Passes Controversial Reform Bill, At Last.

2010-10-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

French Senate has approved President Nicolas Sarkozy's controversial pension reform bill amid mass strikes, fuel blockades and riots. French now will retire at the age of 62, instead of 60. French unions, as their mood suggests, are not willing to give up and have decided to continue their protests and strikes.

Bernard Thibault, leader of the powerful CGT union, called for further days of protest, likely to take place on October 28. “There is no treason at all to stop,” he told RMC Radio. “There is no other alternative while the government remains intransigent.” Even before the passage of the law, French union had asked for the protests on November 6 as well.

Trade Unions in France are considered very powerful. In the recent protests, the unions have been successful in bringing hundreds of thousands of people on the streets. They have demonstrated an ability to mobilize a great number of supporters and some 70 % of the population, according to polls, backs their protests and strikes. Continuous strikes has affected the transport system, supply of fuels and other areas of life in entire France.

Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic, had vowed to pass the bill at any cost. The bill, no matter how controversial it has been, now is passed from the senate. Now one wonders in what ways the unions are going to respond? Next couple of days, will make it clear.

French Strikes Start to Hit Hard.

2010-10-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

French strikes has started to hit the economy hard. With uninterrupted strikes over pension reforms, the situation in France is getting worse. If unions are determined to continue their protests then the government has also decided to move forward with controversial reforms. Government wants to increase the minimum age of retirement from 60 to 62 years. French people, however, are seriously resisting this measure.

The ongoing protests against the pension reforms has hit hard the oil industry. All of the 12 French refineries are shut down causing serious worries of the fuel shortage in the different parts of the country. Out of 12,500 petrol stations of the country, more than 100 petrol stations are finding it harder to maintain a balance between demand and supply.

According to a British media outlet, the strikes has caused main fuel pipeline to the Paris’s main Airport shut off. There are fears that if strikes continue then the nation’s main airport, Charles De Gaule, may run out of fuel next week. Spokesman of the “Aeroports de Paris” said that they are not worried about the fuel shortage, though he did not mention how long the fuel stocks are likely to last.

French public transport is also still on partial strike but France24, a news channel, observes that it has lost its momentum since Tuesday. However, disruptions in public transport are causing congestions in Paris. It takes more time to commute around the city.

With the inclusion of the students in protests against pension reforms, the movement has gained a new momentum. Around 300 secondary schools across the France have been affected by the strikes. In the city of Lyon, the police has to use tear gas and made 16 arrests. Clashes between students and the police, in other parts of France, are also reported.

Tomorrow, on Saturday, 16th October, unions have decided for another major strike in France. Another strike on 19th October has also been announced. Ongoing strikes of public transport has made many people to use bicycles in the Paris city to commute within the city. With strikes tend to continue and government unwilling to back down, it is still not clear how long will it continue.

Misunderstandings Between East And West.

2010-10-14T01:58:00.000-07:00

Whenever there is discourse regarding Pakistan's tarnished image in the international world, Pakistani intellectuals, and ordinary people alike, hold Western media responsible for partial and one-sided reporting. It is believed that Western media maliciously emphasizes malevolent occurrences, and intentionally overlooks the true characteristics of the Pakistani nation. Since it is doom and gloom which makes headlines and breaking news, the prevailing conception of our society is just a half-truth. The other half of the truth is that Western media's behaviour is not one-sided; Pakistani media quite fairly reciprocates by ignoring some good news from Europe and America. Otherwise the nation would have been duly informed about the trial of Geert Wilders and the speech of the German president.

Geert Wilders, known for his anti-Islamic rhetoric, is a 47 year old Dutch politician and leader of the Freedom Party in the Netherlands. He considers Islam as a conservative religion which instigates violence amongst its followers. In 2008 he released a 17 minute long film called 'Fitna', in which images of suicide bombings were juxtaposed with the verses of Quran. Dutch television companies refused to air this short film, so it was released on the internet. He supports the banning of Quran, Burqa and the immigration of Muslims into the Netherlands.

In January 2009 Dutch judges decided to try Wilders for inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims. These judges noted that by attacking religious symbols of Islam he 'insulted Muslim believers," and that "In a democratic system, hate speech is considered to be so serious that it is in the general interest to draw a clear line". On Monday, October 4th, 2010, Wilders was brought into the court where he was charged with five instances of inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims. The ruling is expected around November 4th. If found guilty, he could receive a prison sentence of up to one year.

Wilders' trial offers a multi-dimensional message to Muslims in general, and Pakistanis in particular. It is a unique example that a prominent Dutch politician, who was enjoying the role of kingmaker in parliament, is held answerable in the court for his hate-mongering activities. This trial reflects Dutch commitment to basic human rights, which includes the right of religion too, and it also indicates prevailing misunderstandings amongst European people about Islam. He successfully perceived public mood and, as a politician, vigorously portrayed their worries. Thus his Freedom Party, which had only nine seats in 2006, scored 24 seats in the 2010 elections, and emerged as the third popular party in the Netherlands.

Another important fact which needs to be noticed is that although many Dutch politicians and social leaders feared that Wilders' words could incite violence in society, no-one considered his thoughts about Islam were unfounded. Not a single voice amongst Dutch people was raised to say that Islam actually promotes love and peace. Whether one agrees or takes refuge from facing the fact, it is true that there exists a long list of misunderstandings and erroneous apprehensions between Muslims and Western people.

Whatever the nature of these misunderstandings regarding Islam and Pakistan, in European minds, we must consciously analyze if our actions are largely responsible for this. After the bloody events of nine-eleven, when Islam's image was slowly being associated with terrorism, our Islamic scholars did not express any serious interest in painting the real picture of the religion. On the other hand, our fellow Muslims, who continuously fail to integrate in host European states, also exhibited the same behaviour, and on occasions provided reasons to make this association permanent.

Two main factors can be held responsible for the ever-growing rift between Muslims and their host Western societies. First of all, most of the Muslim immigrants generally do not take any serious interest in the language and culture of the host society. While they work and live in the West, they behave as if they are still in their own country. The behaviour of our compatriots has made local people assume it is Islam which prohibits Muslim immigrants from integrating. Jose Luis Roberto, president of a relatively small political party in Spain, observes, "We don't want Muslims here who don't integrate and whose religion is incompatible with Spanish culture."

Secondly, in the recent past, large waves of immigrants from Muslim countries have caused a demographic shift, which is a matter of concern for some. This demographic change in European countries, which have low fertility rates, has also created some friction and fears. Islam is also thought to be too conservative to fit into secular European tradition. Some also fear that one day Muslims, who feel uncomfortable in adopting our values, may try to impose their culture. As crime rates are generally higher in areas where the Muslim population is in the majority, some people tend to associate transgression with Islam. Misrepresentation of Islamic teachings - by people like Geert Wilders - also adds fuel to the fire, and makes the common man think that Islam incites violence amongst its followers. Current alerts of terrorist attacks in Europe will not enhance our image in the West.

Amid alerts of terrorist attacks in Europe, Germany's president Christian Wulff warmly accepted Islam as a part of Germany. Speaking at the 20th anniversary of the country's reunification he said that alongside Christianity and Judaism, now 'Islam is also part of Germany'. In return he called for only three things which have nothing to do with the religious affiliations. He demanded that Muslims who prefer to stay aloof from the host society, 'adhere to the country's constitution, respect its way of life and learn the language'.

Dialogue can help to reduce differences. Our intelligentsia, religious leaders and media personalities need to understand that a great communication gap exists between East and West. There are mutual misunderstandings which demand a quick fix. Our religious scholars should play their role in denouncing terrorism, explain the true image of the religion and encourage immigrants living in the West to adjust to Western values. While seeking out the usual doom and gloom, our media should also notice whenever there is a good occurrence in the West. Instead of allowing the gulf to grow, bridging East with West is by far the better option.

Stop Cursing the Darkness and Light a Candle !

2010-10-07T02:21:00.000-07:00

An impetuous and hasty nation are we, but over a time span of 63 years we have not yet determined the ingredients of our wish list. Since our independence in 1947 we are still to define our ultimate destination, not to mention mark the way to reaching that goal. We are like the voyager who knows not where he goes, yet travels hurriedly. We do not try to give meaning to our present; planning the future is always at the bottom of our agendas. Precious moments of our lives are passing, without us realizing the challenges of present and approaching times. If myopia dictates our policy makers and political brass, then the same malady is surely suffered by most change-seeking Pakistanis.

With the likely collision of two state institutions, judiciary and the government, lurking on the horizon, rumours of an eventual change are again in the air, which has left both opposition parties and people alike happy. Politicians awaiting their turn to plunder national resources, as a part of current opposition, are feeling more optimistic about having a share in the future government. The change, or demise of the ongoing government - which pushed corruption, inflation and nepotism to new heights - is a silver lining for ordinary people who find it hard to make ends meet.

It is true that the majority of people wish to see the back of an incumbent government, but it is also true that members of any successive democratic government will come from the same pool of leadership which seized and has held parliament since 2008. In simple words, any in-house change, or even fresh election, will return almost all the same faces to parliament. If current by-elections are any guide, then the next parliament is also expected to be a hung parliament. In any case, one thing is for sure, the current change means only a change of faces. The question therefore arises whether or not it is the change of persons in top jobs which we actually need. Will the departure of Zardari-led thugs solve our problems? Is there any guarantee that our future rulers will be any different from our current loathsome, corrupt, hoggishly self-centered, purblind, myopic leaders?

It is a palpable fact, and we must consciously realize it, that we have become hostage to a group of politicians, feudals, industrialists, bureaucrats and military generals. Individuals from this elite group show up in parliament to decide the fate of the nation. Thus, the change in this perspective will only mean that the names of the next pharaohs residing in the Presidential and Prime Ministerial houses will not be Asif Ali Zardari and Yousuf Raza Geelani. If we look at the political arena then it becomes very clear that if the next government is not more corrupt and dishonest, then at least it will equal the present government in looting the national wealth. Is it our fate that we will continue to allow exploitation of our national resources in the name of democracy? Are mothers in Pakistan giving birth to the slaves who will continue to be directed by a few families and their children? How long will we continue to be fooled by the delusion of change?

If the truth is unmasked then its face is extremely poignant and acrid. After six decades of repression we have become masochistic, and we enjoy being taken advantage of. On the eve of elections, we know very well that the politician in front of us is fraudulent and mendacious. His history reminds us that everything he is saying is anything but the truth. Going against our gut feelings, we not only believe him, but honour his mendacity with our valuable votes. When he starts grabbing the loaf of bread from our mouths, roof from our heads, and clothes from our bodies we start crying and accusing him of corruption and plunder. Honestly speaking, our parliamentarians and public representatives are innocent, since they do very honestly what they are made for.

Whether one agrees or not, our current government and members of parliament are the true and real representatives of our nation. Who do you consider a public representative? Someone who is authorised to represent his constituents. When people elect a representative, they actually define their own type of personality and character. For example, we can safely say about a parliamentarian who is elected on the ticket of a religious party, that the majority of his constituents are religious. To complain about our corrupt politicians is our favourite pastime and we never bother to look at our own image in the mirror. Let us ask a few questions about ourselves too. Is it not a fact that most of us prefer individual interests over national interests? And, is the one who puts the national interest first not considered to be an idiot by his fellow compatriots? Most of the people mix water in the milk, sometimes even that of dirty ponds, to increase their earnings. Are they not our Muslim brothers? Are those guys American citizens who deliberately sell expensive, counterfeit, life-saving drugs in our medical stores? Are the clerks, with their open palms, agents of Israel? Are the police, which also work as a personal force for MNAs and MPAs, a branch of villainous Blackwater? Were those mullahs, who provoke sectarian sentiments, trained and educated by Britain?

Literally, Pakistan means "a land of pure," but the decisive majority of its citizens is anything but. We have imprisoned ourselves in individual and personal cells. Our objectives and thoughts get strangled within the boundaries of limited personal space. Consciously or unconsciously, we are not only pulling each other's legs, but also cutting each other's throats. Our politicians and leaders are doing the same. They are just exposing our national character, which we have nurtured over the past six decades. In the presence of such pungent and acrid fact, our current politicians and leaders are the best we can ever have!

In its unit, the biggest ocean is nothing but a drop of salty water. As oceans are formed with the assemblage of lots of tiny drops, so are nations made by the amalgamation of individuals. The character of the majority of people reflects the national character. Simply speaking, change and refinement of a nation starts from our own personality, at a very micro level. If we really wish to change the outlook of Pakistan, we have to change ourselves first. Saying "no" to imposed rules, we have to empower sincere, skilled, and honest people from amongst ourselves, in our towns and cities, and entrust them with the responsibility of solving our social and political problems. The real change will come when the real representatives of the nation will be behind the wheel, steering the country.

It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. Once one candle is lit the journey of illumination will follow. The everlasting change will only germinate from our streets, towns and cities, materialising the dreams of a prosperous and flourishing Pakistan. Otherwise, be perfectly clear, any change in the current government will only bring in new masters, with their empty coffers!

( This article is also published at The Statesman http://www.statesman.com.pk/ on October 7, 2010 )

Nuit Blanche Paris 2010; A Time To Say 'No' To Sweet Dreams.

2010-10-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

Nuit Blanche is a night which worth saying no to sleep. The festival of Nuit Blanche in 2010 was celebrated on 2nd of October. According to estimates, around one million people participated in different activities and performances to make the white night a merry and cheerful event. Indeed, I am talking about Paris; the city of colors and lights.

Parisians, as citizens of Paris take pleasure to introduce themselves, know very well how to appreciate finer details of life and they are very passionate about art and history. On the eve of Nuit Blanche, the city offered a wide range of performances, shows and activities for its art lovers population and visitors alike!

In very simple words, Nuit Blanche means a white night. However, you can also call it 'sleepless night' or 'light night'. Since most of the performances and programs end after the midnight, one can rightly say it as a 'sleepless night'.

Nuit Blanche is a once-in-year night long extravaganza which offers an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of different forms of art at no price. Entry to most of the museums and art galleries is free. The transport is available is available all the night so there is no problem of commuting in the city.

The idea of this all night festival is a brainchild of Bertrand Belanoe, who started this event in 2002 to provide an opportunity to people to enjoy and have a fun without a price tag. Cinemas and Swimming pools remain open all the night. Since Nuit Blanche fell on Saturday, people did not hesitate to enjoy the offerings of the night as they could sleep next day.

In the museums and art galleries, the festival was celebrated with some special performances. In Pompidou Center, an art gallery and library, performances started from 0800 p.m. and last performance was scheduled to start at 0100 a.m.

When I visited the library section of Pompidou Center, Magali Desbazeille and Siegfried Canto were performing their eye-catching performance , which included interesting demonstrations using books and papers. Didier Aschour was the next artist to perform 'Pendulum Music' at 10 p.m. however I preferred to move out and see what is happening in the neighborhood.

Splendid and majestic building of Hotel de Ville, or Municipality of Paris, was lightened up with pleasant and different colorful lights. On its front, a phrase proclaiming "Love the Differences" was marked in twenty languages to appreciate the value of pluralism. Surprisingly the glorious Cathedral of Notre-Dam was not illuminated. However, in illuminated neighborhood, it gave a very noble and dignified look. In Musée Guimet ( Museum of Guimet ), the work of Chinese artist Chen Zen was under display.

Artists and performers were displaying their talents in the streets, too. At one place I saw a little caravan of three big carts, of the size of normal vans. Designs and structure were quite creative and innovative, which used wood and metallic components to build them up. All performers were dressed in similar dresses. Some of them were sitting, performing, shouting on the vehicles, while others were busy in driving them with manual force. Onlookers, having their lips adorned with smiles and happiness, walking along the carriages and making pictures and movies.

One night was hardly enough to accumulate to appreciate what an enriched city had offered. I realized it around midnight and decided that next time I would be better prepared to explore this 'white night' in a greater detail.

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Independence of Kashmir Draws Near !

2010-09-30T01:27:00.000-07:00

An Indian delegation, which visited Kashmir recently to assess the gravity of the current Kashmiri-intifada, must now realise that weak foundations cannot support skyscrapers, and flowers of peace and prosperity do not blossom on the shrubs of injustice and atrocity. The sooner New Delhi understands this, the better it will be for the 1.5 billion people in the region.

Indian policymakers, however, have so far managed to neglect historical, geographical, political and cultural facts. They have successfully subjugated millions of Kashmiris and misguided the international community for decades, at the expense of peace and development in the region. Perhaps it is now time to realize that the brutalities of Indian security forces can not deter determined Kashmiri people for long in their fight for their right to freedom.

To assess the reasons for the current episode of intense and inclusive insurgency in Kashmir ( which are very obvious if one is willing to read the "writing on the wall"), an Indian delegation, led by the Home Minister, visited and suffered in the occupied valley, amongst people shouting "We want freedom" and "Go, India go." It is unclear whether Indian politicians and policy makers in Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha and Rashtrapati Bhavan are too blind to see the horizon, or whether they have decided not to learn from history. One day every subjugating force has to withdraw and honour people with their right to freedom.

Dialogue and negotiations are favourite, well-known Indian tactics for buying time, prolonging problems and diverting attention from the severity of real issues. Thus, Kashmiri leaders initially refused to meet Indian delegates to indulge in talks which would probably go nowhere. However, when the Indian delegation arrived, Kashmiri leaders chose to have an informal meeting and made their wishes perfectly clear.

Syed Ali Geelani, a separatist Kashmiri leader who met the Indian delegation, told a British media outlet that he demanded India accept Kashmir as an international dispute, withdraw special and emergency powers from its security forces, withdraw troops from the region and release all political prisoners.

Completely ignoring history, India declared Kashmir as its integral part, which means that Kashmir is not an international dispute. As it is very evident, Kashmir has been an international dispute since partition in 1947. Pakistan and India would not have waged war three times had Kashmir been an internal problem of the latter. At the United Nations both countries agreed that Kashmir is an international dispute, and that a plebiscite would be held to decide the status of the disputed territory. U.N. resolutions also record that the Kashmir issue must be solved in accordance with the will of the Kashmiri people. Instead of listening to the global conscience and respecting the legitimate rights of the Kashmiri people, India preferred to ignore U.N. resolutions, suppress the Kashmiri's movement with guns, and crush their demands under military boots.

The official stance of the Indian government on Kashmir is completely unfounded, a fact further strengthened by the way Indian security forces treat Kashmiri people. Rather, it suggests that India is occupying the territory with brute-force. Have Indian security forces ever riddled the chests of protesters in New Delhi? Have Indian police shot similar participants through their heads in Mombai? Have Indian forces razed a Hindu temple in Madhya Pardesh? Never! However, Indian security forces have practised all of the above mentioned gruesome atrocities on innocent men and women of occupied Kashmir. While Indian forces do not consider Kashmiri people eligible for the same rights enjoyed by animals in Western countries, and soldiers of the Indian Army consider Kashmiri women as a source to pacify their lust, how can they declare that Kashmir is an integral part of India?

It is not only people who denounce this occupation. The history, religion, geography, natural water ways and culture of Kashmir suggest that Kashmir was not a part of India, and will not be in the future. Thus, one wonders who gave New Delhi the right to declare Kashmir as its integral part, since Kashmiri people, hills, rivers and mountains do not consider India as their homeland?

Kashmir is burning in the fire of Indian subjugation and atrocities. The struggle of the Kashmiri people has entered a decisive phase and is moving towards its logical and pre-ordained conclusion. Today, the struggle of Kashmir is in the hands of 32,000 widows, more than 100,000 orphans, and relatives of thousands of martyrs. What makes this intifada different from Kashmir's own history of struggle is that today Kashmiri women are also in the streets and on the roads, pelting their hate-filled stones at Indian armed forces, and shouting against heartless, Indian subjugation. One wonders, when a mother incites her four year old son to participate in protest, as a way to take revenge for the killing of his older brother, how long can the Indian government manage to maintain its illegitimate occupation?

The United Nations and Western world should hear the voice of Kashmiri people, who are crying for their unalienable right of freedom. It will make their journey a bit easier. In any way, it has become increasingly difficult for India to suppress Kashmir's struggle for freedom, and sooner or later India will have to grant Kashmiris their inalienable right to live freely.

Blog by Qasir M. Chaudhry

http://www.qasir.co.nr/

Kashmiri Intifada and Responsibilities of Pakistan.

2010-09-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Unspeakable and gruesome attrocities of subjugating Indian security forces against innocent Kashmiri people has set the the valley ablaze, which was once known as 'paradise on earth' due to its breath-taking beauty. Indian forces are massacring Kashmiri population and has killd more than 110 people, including women and children, since June 2010. The current "Kashmiri Intifada" has shaked up New Delhi but has failed to attract due attention from imprudent Pakistani administration and anti-Zardari media.

Kashmiri women and children are playing a consequential part in the latest episode of insurgency in Kashmir. They are pelting stones on the occupant forces and shouting for freedoms. Neither children nor women seem afraid of Indian forces, whose members deliberately fire live bullets at the heads and chests of the protesters.

Yousuf Raza Geelani, the prime minister of Pakistan, has urged Pakistani media, which is already ignoring its responsibilities over reporting the sanguineous events in occupied Kashmir, to report on Kashmir carefully. The moment I read his latest piece of wisdom, I am thinking about the possible meanings of "careful reporting". Does it mean any thing else than that Pakistani newspapers and television channels should deliberately overlook their responsibilities and do not inform what is happening in Kashmir!

The Prime Minister of Pakistan must not forget that 32 thousand women lost their husbands to be the citizens of a free and independent Kashmir. He must aslo remember more than 100,000 children became orphan because their fathers wished to live with Pakistan. Some one must tell him that Qaid-e-Azam, father of the nation, told us that Kashmir is the vulgar vein of Pakistan.

It is the time to realize that Kashmir, which was once sold out by British to a Sikh ruler, is about to turn over a new page of its history. Pakistani administration, politicians and media outlets must come forward with their diplomatic, moral and ethical assist. Otherwise, history and Kashmiris will never forgive us for our coward role at this decisive moment.

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Nawaz Sharif, Turkish First Lady and the Flood Victims.

2010-09-05T03:59:00.000-07:00

A picture is said to be better than a thousand words. Here I have selected two pictures, especially for Pakistani readers. A comparison between the two will unmask the true relationship between the Pakistani nation and its political pharoahs.

In the first picture you see Emine Erdogan, First Lady of Turkey, during her visit to a flood relief camp in Pakistan. You can also see the Prime Minister and First Lady of Pakistan, but focus on the Turkish First Lady and the little girl.

The Turkish First lady is talking to the little girl at the child's level. She is crouching in order to make direct, face-to-face contact, and holding the girl in her arms, allowing physical closeness to transfer her message of love and sympathy. Focus on the facial expressions of the child and the First lady of Turkey. Both of them seem happy, although the little girl cannot speak Turkish, and Emine Erdogan cannot understand Urdu. It is the eternal and universal language of humanity which is at work. Emine Erdogan does not appear to be afraid of getting infected by a flood affected girl, and is unconcerned about her robe becoming soiled while holding a relief camp child.

Now take a look at the second picture, in which you can see Nawaz Sharif, who has led the country twice as Prime Minister. He is wearing a white cotton shalwar-qameez, and talking to a half dressed child. Focus especially on the body language and facial expressions of both Nawaz Sharif and the child.

Nawaz Sharif is supposedly consoling the little boy, yet he has managed to distance himself from the topless child, to save his white dress from any possible stain. The boy is small and has to look up to make eye contact with Nawaz Sharif, who is looking down on the child. I wonder if this picture describes anything but a master-slave relationship?

This second picture, of Nawaz Sharif and the child, shows what is wrong in our country. In theory we are the citizens of an Islamic Republic, however, in reality we are hostage to a handful of selfish politicians who run the country for their own estate. The only difference between our British masters and our home-grown politicians is that the latter have brown skin. They do not seem to belong to the Pakistani nation; they are not "one of us." Also, their problems and priorities are different from others.

The life of an ordinary Pakistani will not improve unless the nation charges a true Pakistani with the responsibility of running the affairs of the land. As a nation we must realize that we need our representatives in parliament, not our masters. The sooner we realize the difference, the better!

Katrina Victims and Flood Affectees in Pakistan.

2010-08-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

Five years ago Hurricane Katrina hit the Unite States. Katrina killed more than 1,800 people and it was considered as the deadliest and costliest extreme weather event in US history. Stormy waters wiped away levees and floodwaters entered onto the streets of New Orleans. In some places, the water was six meters deep, resulting a serious damage to the thousands of buildings. Hundreds of the flood victims were waiting for the rescue at the roofs of the buildings. The tragic event made hundreds of poor people homeless in the largest economy of the world.

Five years later in 2010, reconstruction has yet to be completed. Indeed, some of the plots have been redeveloped but many more are left unattended which are taken over by weeds and grasses. In Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, worst affected area, there is complete absence of drug stores, supermarkets and community centers. The district lack necessary infrastructure and has only one school for the children.

Five years later, the worst flooding hit the lengths of Pakistan, from North to South, and killed more than 1600 people while affecting the lives of 20 million people. It washed away many villages and towns along with roads and bridges. It submerged millions of acres of cropland and took the lives of thousands of animals.

Contrary to the United States, political leadership of Pakistan is neither committed enough nor possesses sufficient resources to rehabilitate flood affectees and to rebuild the infrastructure. Widespread corruption among politicians and officials alike does not allow to be optimist about fair and just distribution of very limited resources. One can see only glimpse of hope that all flood affectees will be rehabilitated after five years; in 2015.

Crusader Against Corruption Pursues French Presidency in 2012 !

2010-08-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

Eva Joly, 66, best known in France for her personal crusade against corruption, has expressed her willingness to contend for the French Presidency in the 2012 elections. She has earned her name as a judge on the Paris bench because of her fearless approach in uncovering financial frauds and wrongdoings, and now she is determined to free France from corruption, while fighting in the political arena. Her party, the French Green Party ( Europe Ecologie ), seems to approve her nomination for the next presidential elections.

Joly is a self-made woman who gradually climbed the ladder of success. She was born on 5th December 1943 in Norway, and moved to Paris at the age of 18. Her legal education she obtained at night school, working as a secretary during the day. Specializing in financial affairs, she joined the High Court of Paris as an investigating judge in 1990.

It did not take too long for Joly to make her mark with her ruthless fight against corruption. In the early 1990s, her prosecution of the infamous businessman and government minister, Bernard Tapie, won her wide recognition in the power circles of Paris. Later she unmasked a series of money laundering and corruption cases, which made her name feared among corrupt politicians and officials.

Joly received death threats when she was working on a case involving corruption within the French Petroleum giant, ELF. Although harshly criticised for levelling unfair accusations at innocent people, nothing deterred her from doing her job, and she emerged as an honest and incorruptible judge. Her fearless fight against corruption earned her the nickname "Eva the Diva."

In 2002 Joly resigned from the bench and returned to Norway, where she was appointed as a government advisor on international corruption. Working at international level took her across the globe, during which time she was barely remembered in France, and the corrupt elements of society relaxed.

Joly returned to France in 2008 with even greater conviction. Now she had the determination to play a decisive role by entering into politics, and she announced,
"I am going into politics because I recognise the limitations of voluntary action … I have a strong desire to improve relations between the developed and developing world. I want to change power structures within society. I am desperate to see a more just and more united society."

Eva Joly joined Europe Ecologie, a grouping of France's various Green Movements, and the following year she was elected to represent the Paris area at the European Parliament. Since her election she has continuously criticised the French government over many different issues, and when the scandal of 'alleged financial donations' surfaced, involving Liliane Bettencourt, the L'oreal heiress, she demanded the resignation of Labour Minister Eric Woerth. She also strongly accuses the government of "State Racism" over its anti-immigration policies.

Nikolas Sarkozy, current president of the French Republic, seems willing to contend for the presidency for a second time, despite his bad performance in the opinion polls. In addition to Sarkozy there are various other potential candidates, which include incumbent Managing Director of IMF, Dominique Strass-Kahn. In opinion polls Martine Aubry, François Hollande and Ségolène Royal are also gaining.

So how will Joly, a mere two year old toddler in the political arena, perform in such a close race for the Elysees Palace? Only time will tell!

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Rescue Teams Must Treat Muslims and Non-Muslims Alike!

2010-08-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Natural calamities, earthquakes and disasters do not ask for identification or religious affiliation of the population before wrecking havoc. While doing their jobs, rescue and relief officials are also expected not to discriminate victims on the basis of their religion or caste . It is quite unfortunate that, however, relief workers failed to treat all victims alike in the worst flooding of Pakistan’s history. Members of some minorities has complained, which understandably did not get proper coverage in Pakistani media, about prejudiced treatment due to their religious affiliations.

According to Hindustan Times, members of Pakistan's Ahmadiya community - who were officially declared as non-Muslims in 1973 - were not rescued because rescuers preferred to save Muslims first . Members of the community complained to the Punjab government that upon disclosure of the religious beliefs, they were even ejected from the relief camps and denied any flood relief.

Members of Sikh community also complained the apathy and discrimination of provincial Khyber-Pukhtunkhawa government. They said that members of their community were abandoned and they had to arrange rescue on their own, unlike their Muslim counterparts.

Since every flood victim is complaining about the absence of the government help, the authorities can easily deny the discriminatory behavior by rescue workers. In the light of religious extremism in Pakistan, specially against Christians, it becomes very clear that complaints of minorities are not baseless.

Members of different religious minorities are also citizens of Pakistan and there must not be any discrimination regarding their beliefs and affiliations. In the later phases of rehabilitation and reconstruction, government must take special care about fair and just treatment to all subjects. In addition, it must take serious action if one fails to conform with the 'equality of humanity'.

French Cities Declare War On Toplessness.

2010-08-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

France, it seems, has embarked on to define its new identity. After declaring a war against ‘Burqa’, a head to-toe-veil worn by Muslim women, French cities have declared a war on toplessness. Perpignan city, following the footsteps of Cavaillon which banned toplessness early this summer, has recently outlawed bare chests in public places. Transgressors may be fined with up to 38 Euros. The law calls for “human dignity, decency, morality and protection of the young”, said Pierre Parrat, security chief of Perpignan.

Coastal cities and seaside resorts have outlawed bikini wearing and shirtlessness long ago. Now inland cities has also started to tell tourists to put their clothes on. "A girl in a bikini in the centre of town is lovely, but children should not have to see hairy chests," a waiter in the Pigalle area replied in a poll conducted by Le Parisien.

Banning on toplessness is in accordance with the changing trends in the country. The beaches of St Tropez and other French resorts - which still allow bare chests on display - are witnessing a continuous decline what was once a common site; ladies in topless swimsuits. Toplessness is not hot in France any more.

Topless swimsuits and bathing made their first appearance on French beaches in 1964 and they have been there ever since, as well on other beaches on which topless attires was permitted. The topless culture, however, is under attack now as more and more women do not like to be topless in public.

Ban on toplessness may be a bad news for nudists and exhibitionists but it is certainly a good news for those who felt embarrassed with the display of naked bodies in public.