After defeating an invincible Sri Lankan team, Pakistan have risen to become the world champions in the T20 Cricket World Cup.

Amid roars of ‘Pakistan Zindabad!’ and ‘Boom Boom Afridi!’ at the historic grounds of Lord’s, Shahid Afridi’s sensible yet electrifying batting took Pakistan Cricket to new heights.

People in Lahore and throughout Pakistan are celebrating on the streets, in their homes and at dozens of public screenings. Sweets, crackers, fireworks, and shouts of Boom Boom Afridi heard everywhere.

So much for a nation sunk in depression and conflict for so long; we badly needed this victory… :)

Pakistan Zindabad!

Under the aegis of Vice Chancellor, Sartaj Aziz, Beaconhouse National University (BNU) has unveiled first signs of construction at its new campus located on Raiwind Road. The current premises of the City Campus are quite compact and needed a larger space badly.

BNU New Campus Location - Source: bnu.edu.pk

According to a Daily Times report, BNU is going to spend a massive Rs1.2 billion at the new site, out of which, a major chunk will be raised through donations. Designed by Nayyar Ali Dada and already constructed is the Mariam Dawood School of Visual Arts, named after the mother of prominent industrialist and donor, Mr. Hussain Dawood.

Renowned artist and Dean of School of Visual Arts at BNU, Ms. Salima Hashmi said that classes will begin at the school’s new premises from September this year while rest of the construction will end within 12 to 13 months. BNU is currently offering degrees and courses in architecture, digital photography, visual arts, textile & jewellery design, sculpture and painting while it plans to add more programs after the expansion of its facilities.

Yesterday, the Namaz-e-Janazah (funeral prayers) of Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi, who was martyred in a suicide attack this Friday, was offered and attended by thousands at the same Jamia Naeemia Madrassah which he used to head. Markets and commercial centres were closed in all major cities and towns in the renowned cleric’s memory as the whole nation mourned his loss.

Jamia Naeemia after the blast targeting Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi

Image source & more pictures at: BBC News

Through this incident, the militants have given this war a major turn towards the moderates. Dr. Sarfraz was a progressive cleric who had issued fatwas against suicide bombings and killing of innocent men, women and children by the terrorist activities of the Taliban.

Dr. Naeemi’s loss has now enraged a significant section of society, the moderate religious lot, who are now going to follow the respected cleric’s footsteps by denouncing terrorism and extremism in all its forms. This would add more weight to the support gained by the government’s army offensive against miscreants in the troubled tribal areas plus Swat. The result might be hugely encouraging if the army is really succeeding in operation ‘Rah-e-Raast’. If it is not the case, we might see millions more becoming homeless, displaced and turning into possible recruits for furthering the terrorists’ agenda.

And we also need to stay vigilant against forces who may take this as an opportunity of igniting sectarian violence and hatred among our own people; a possibility that was seen for real at its ugliest in the Iraq war.

I was alerted by a concerned friend about this incident. Here is the latest from Geo News’s website:

So far, 4 people have died and 8 have been injured. Do check up on your loved ones and Stay safe.