With A4P’s coffee temptation, LMB completed its 2,000th post.

Yew Hoooo!

*distributes free ‘I Dil LMB’ stickers among visitors*

Shaadi (wedding) season in Lahore is in full swing these days for which winter months of November, December, January and February are considered as ideal. And in traditional Pakistani weddings, aatish-baazi (fireworks display) is an essential component for Baraats (groom’s arrival at the bride’s home). Crackers and Shurlees are fired as an expression of celebration and happiness for the two families tying the knot while children can’t resist playing with crackers, and bang-pranks of every kind.

Fireworks depict merry moments, however, if played with carelessness, can turn celebration into tragedy. Many a times we hear about things going wrong when some mischief related to fireworks causes fire and results in loss of property, in some cases, even precious lives.

Everyone is advised to practice caution and play it safe with fireworks. Keep children away from firing crackers alone, without an adult’s supervision and store the material in a safe and proper way. Just zooming through DT’s website and I found these useful tips to keep one safe from fire hazards:

* Plan your firework display in advance to make it safe and enjoyable

* Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time

* Read the instructions on each firework carefully

* Keep flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks except when ready to set them off

* Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back

* Never go back to a firework once it has been lit, even if it doesn’t go off

* Don’t put fireworks in your pockets and never throw them

* Point all rocket fireworks well away from spectators

* Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire

* Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving

In Pakistan, and specifically in Lahore, most of the fireworks are either imported or smuggled in from India and China while many in this business operate without adopting any safety measures threatening safety of the people at the facility as well as to those using these.

Government, on and off takes a tough stand against illegal manufacturers of unsafe fireworks related products just like today the City District Government of Lahore is cracking down on such elements through-out the city.

If you have such illegal businesses operating in your neighbourhood, report them immediately to the police or to the City District Government officials.

Live and let live safely!

Finally, there has been an official announcement by the Parks & Horticulture Society (PHA) of Lahore regarding the festival of Spring celebrations (Jashan-e-Baharan) and Basant.

According to the government department responsible for major events, outdoor decorations and sponsorships, that is PHA, Jashan-e-Baharan will be celebrated from March 01, 2008 to March 31, 2008 while the much awaited festival of kites; Basant will be held on March 16, 2008.

Update: PHA announces Basant & Jashan-e-Baharan Dates
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Loosely confirmed as February 24, 2008, pushing the event’s celebration after elections (only if held).

What a magnificent December it is. First it was Eid celebrations, and now its Christmas and Quid-e-Azam Day on 25th December and added glory is that year 2008 is around the corner and most of the people are surrounded by family in this great holiday time :)

On behalf of Lahore Metroblog I wish Merry Christmas to Christian community and a wonderful, safe & blessed Holiday Season full of love, peace and joy to all of our readers. Please don’t forget to pray for global peace.

This “Peddo” is just for 15K. Most of these animals on this greenbelt on the way to Peeko Road via Qenchi are brought from Balochistan.

10K is min rate, goes up to 18 for both sheep and goats.

It is really hard to find a noble bakra :) ..i will go to Canal area to get the right price. By the way, i heard on second day of Eid the rates really melt down, what you guys suggest?????

Hussain Nawaz Sharif:

“I’m feeling really happy to come to my birth place. How would you feel if you come to your home after 9 years… I feel the same. Lahore is my birth city and I drove myself from Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore to Jatti Umrah to feel the difference; Lahore has changed a lot but still, home sweet home. We thank all the party members and the public, because; they are here just because of there (public/party) support.”

He was asked to say something on his political stance but Hussain Nawaz Sharif refused to comment.

Mariam Nawaz Sharif:

“I am overwhelmed with the love and can’t stop my tears. It has been with the grace of Allah and is a result of our patience. As much the public waited for us, we desperately waited for this moment too. Thanks to Allah that we are here.”

Captain Saffdar (Retrd.):

“It’s so welcoming and we are really happy to be back home. Congratulations to all the people on this great occasion.”

He got off the car and embraced with the party members and congratulated the party members.
{Captain Saffdar is the husband of Mariam Nawaz Sharif}

Kulsoom Nawaz was not available for any comment.

The pics of above three would be added tomorrow. (I got it but is unable to upload)

Stay tuned for today’s live updates at Lahore Metroblogging.

Here are some of the remaining updates which were not delivered to the LMB due to constant network failure there at Jatti Umrah, Link Raiwind Road. The updates are really late coz I just got home a while ago but; they (updates) are factual, unlike the ones aired by the media to favor/promote/support the Sharif’s arrival.

Updates:
(read the updates from the bottom)

12:15 am - I left the scene for my home.

12:00 am - Security increased and a bus carrying 25 policemen arrived with the indication of more vans to come.

No police force is seen except 4 to 5 personnel.

The roads are deserted at Jatti Umrah at about 8:30 pm.

No person is seen except the media and the management. They both combined to form a group of about 25 to 30 people total.

10:00 pm - The banners are being displayed and are tied with the trees, on the fences and above the roads.

9:00 pm - The chairs from the catering company arrive for the seating arrangements arrive.

8:47 pm - Son Hussain Nawaz arrives with two cars following him. The second car was having black covered screens and no one came out or showed one’s presence inside the car. It’s doubtful that the wife Begum Kulsoom Nawaz had been present in that car.

8:45 pm - Daughter Mariam Nawaz and her husband Captain Saffdar (Retrd.) arrive at Jatti Umrah.

6:25 pm - DSP Raiwind City Police Station, arrives with his squad of 12 policemen. (no special forces or no special security arrangements) The policemen were from the police station and were on their regular duty and were not especially assigned for Sharif’s arrival.

Mostly and ideally sheeps cross you like this when you are driving up to a hill station. Nahi? at least filmo main yehi hota hay :)) , anyways, not necessarily but it can happen anywhere close to Bari Eid aka Eid Ul Azha. Goats and sheeps etc. are specially brought to the city so they can be sold on higher prices, which are in fact quite cheap if you buy them from nearby villages. I will try to post some candid snaps from other parts of city, so you guys will know how we celebrate Eid Ul Azha.

As intimated earlier by Pretty Simple, the 11-day World Performing Arts Festival has kicked off from today bringing the desparately exhausted Lahorites, a sigh of relief and a breath of freshness in the environment of high political tension around.

A more detailed schedule of daily events, film screenings, artists, acts, timings and ticket prices are mentioned on the Rafi Peer Festivals’ website.