Blogging is Like Building a Home
Blogging is like building a home. You start putting things togather (working hard) and ultimately end up having a nice place. No?
{Via}
Lahore Bachao Tehreek Press Conference
To discuss the latest initiative of the Punjab government to allow or party allow commercialization of some major streets in the city, Lahore Bachao Tehreek is holding a press conference at the Lahore Press Club today; 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Another matter of concern for long has been the intentions of widening the Canal Road which requires cutting down of thousands of trees.
The press conference will be used to convey the points stressed upon at Lahore Bachao Tehreek’s session on 15th of July. We will update you on the things shared at the press conference afterwards.
Its raining–get your butt outside!
Yes, its true. Crack open a window-roll down the car windows–start frying some pakoras and brewing some chai–because it is raining in Lahore.
Enjoy!
Lahore’s burning hot, man!
With temperatures averaging around 42 degree centigrade, Lahore’s experiencing its hottest times of the year. And if sun’s not taunting enough, loadshedding will make you cry for sure! :P
It is really interesting how artists and copy writers pick, from the changing social fabric of a society, ideas for creative writing. The day before yesterday, I saw an advertisement from Servis Shoes titled ‘Loadshedding Sale’ with amazing discounts on a complete range of shoes at their stores.
Maybe loadshedding is not that bad; especially when someone’s talking about shedding the load of sky-high price tags. So, head for it. *toot parro!*
Pakistan win the 2009 T20 Cricket World Cup!
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!
BNU’s lavish plans for an art school
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.
Nation mourns Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi’s loss
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.
Tragedy repeats:Blast in Lahore’s Garhi Shahu area
I was alerted by a concerned friend about this incident. Here is the latest from Geo News’s website:
| Blast at Jamia Naeemia; Dr Sarfraz martyred |
| Updated at: 1514 PST, Friday, June 12, 2009 LAHORE: Jamia Naeemia principal Dr Sarfraz Naeemi was martyred and several others injured in a suicide blast at Jamia Naeemia situated in Garhi Shahu area of Lahore, Geo News reported Friday.The blast occurred after the Friday prayers when the people were making their way out of the mosque after offering the Friday prayers. Jamia Naeemia principal Dr Sarfraz Naeemi was present at his office at the Jamia Naeemia at the time of blast, the eyewitnesses said. The blast was so powerful that the outer walls of the Jamia Naeemia Masjid collapsed. The nearby buildings were harmed in the blast. The blast occurred when a lot of people were present in the mosque. The personnel of the security forces cordoned off the area and started the relief operation. The injured are being rushed to the Meo Hospital. Emergency has been declared in the hospitals of the Lahore. The security forces are searching the building on the apprehension of another bmb. There are reports that the blast was suicide attack; however, it was not confirmed by the government officials. |
So far, 4 people have died and 8 have been injured. Do check up on your loved ones and Stay safe.
Stallions outshine the Lions at RBS T20
Defending champions of the RBS T20 Cricket League, Sialkot Stallions, have retained their crown after beating Lahore Lions in the final of the domestic tournament’s 2009 season.
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- Lahore Lions
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- Sialkot Stallions
After winning the toss, Lahore Lions decided to bat first at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium last night. Imran Farhat was the highest scoring batsman for the Lions who sent to the pavilion after scoring 47 runs. Twenty whole overs and a loss of eight wickets landed the Lions with a total of 150 runs; a target that was achieved rather easily by their rivals.
Opening Stallion, Imran Nazir was the star of his team who scored 57 runs; highest in the match.
Sialkot Stallions won the game with 4 wickets and 5 balls remaining.
See complete match summary here.
We congratulate the Stallions on their fantastic win and hope they get a place at the 2009 Champions League T20 tournament to be played in India this year. So far, no Pakistani team has been included in the multi-million dollar event on a presumption that Pakistan Cricket has imposed travel restrictions on its players – a claim that PCB denies.
Exclusion of any Pakistani team from the event will result in further isolation of Pakistan Cricket which has been suffering badly due to the security situation back home.
Scenes of death and destruction at Lower Mall
Scene of the Suicide Bomb Blast at Rescue 15 Station - Photo by Saad Sarfraz Sheikh at Demotix
It was not unexpected after the Government launched an all-out military action against the militants in SWAT that they will hit back harder this time. Again, the phenomenon of suicide bombings is not new; we have now been going through this for the last two years while losing thousands of innocent people and a former Prime Minister. What’s new is the scale and sophistication of these blasts.
Policemen posted at Rescue 15 station in front of the CCPO Office on Fatima Jinnah Road became victims to this reality when a Toyota Hiace screeched past security barriers and unleashed destruction on their glistening new office building. Six masked men are reported to have opened fire indiscriminately followed by a horrific explosion believed to be a suicide one. So far 30 people including 10 policemen have died with about 200 more reported injured. The police authorities have arrested some four suspects out of which two did not even look like one on TV (I mean which terrorist is civilized enough to carry an handkerchief and smile at the cameras).
There is no doubt about the fact that terrorism is Pakistan’s own problem but equally true is the fact that local elements are getting strong support from external forces. We were facing the challenge which was already unbearable and then our Government started a military campaign in populated areas of SWAT. Why was it difficult for our Government to understand the scale of humanitarian crisis resulting from such a major offensive? Today we have forced 2.7 million civilians to flee their homes, abandon their crops, cattle and belongings only to face rejection and nonacceptance by political and societal forces in their own country.
Today’s incident on Lower Mall should be attributed to the mistakes of our past. But the way we are dealing with the crisis in Swat and resulting displacement in millions, we are only brewing ground for a darker and more insecure future.
More Photos of the incident by Saad Sarfraz Sheikh
Blast in Lahore
ARY News
The Lahore CCPO’s office and the Rescue 15 center were targeted–both show signs of severe destruction. The Rescue 15 building is located on Fatima Jinnah Road–formerly known as Queens Road. The Police have said that 25 people were inside the building when the blast occured.
As is the case in such scenarios, there are conflicting counts for those injured or killed in this incident. Geo TV’s website reports 10 killed and 83 injured. However, according to Edhi’s services, 30 people have been killed so far. According to the DCO Lahore, 23 people have died due to the blast.
TV news reports say 3 security personnel are among the dead. Watching Express 24/7, they say 120 to 130 people have been injured but that the numbers come from two main hospitals serving the victims right now, which includes Ganga Ram Hospital. The casualties are expected to rise.
Emergency crews are continuing to pull people out of the rubble–and aerial surveillance is also underway at the site. Markets in the surrounding areas have been closed down.
Those in Lahore have been requested to donate blood. Contact 042-756-8724 or 8725 to find out more about the donation process.
Two suspects arrested by the police
According to DCO Lahore Sajjad Bhutta, this was a suicide car bombing. 2 suspects have been arrested by the local police. Eyewitness reports also confirm the incident as a car bombing.
Earlier this morning, I turned on the TV–when the news came of this blast in Lahore. At the time, 150 people were reported injured–and children are trapped inside St. Anthony’s school near the Mall. Now it is reported the students have been sent home with their family members.
It is reported that 35 adjacent buildings have been damaged by the intensity of the blast. Also, that the explosion created a crater 20 feet deep at the site.
I also heard that the windows for Quaid-e-Azam library have been shattered. Friends on Facebook who work near the area also reported shattered windows, falling ceilings.
Blast Site
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Razas Gilani have both condemned the attack.
We here at Lahore Metblogs will keep updating this–as more information comes in.
Do pray for those affected by this tragic incident.
Some news sources for those interested:
It’s time for Lahore’s 6th Critical Mass cycling event
Time: 5.45pm
Date: 31 May 2009
Place: Zakir Tikka intersection, Sarwar Road, Lahore Cantonment
What is Critical Mass?
Critical Mass is about having clean cities that provide mobility and accessibility. Critical Mass is about clean transport. Critical Mass is about putting public good over private interest. Critical Mass is about making friends. Critical Mass is about reclaiming public space. Critical Mass is about showing a man on a cycle is the same as a man in a ten lac car. Critical Mass is about democracy.
Critical Mass is not an organization. It is an idea. It is about making a statement.
Everyone in Lahore knows how bad the traffic is. Critical Mass Lahore is a step towards making our city clean and taking our streets back.
Critical Mass is an idea. Make it yours.
What do I need to participate in a Critical Mass Event?
All you need is a road-worthy cycle and an sense of fun. Buy, beg, borrow or steal a cycle if you have to, but join the Mass.
Where and how else to Critical Mass Events take place?
Critical Mass events are typically held on the last Friday of each month in cities all over the world. For information about Critical Mass Lahore, be at Zakir Tikka at 5:45pm this Sunday 31 May 2009 or visit the Critical Mass Lahore Facebook page. Important: Be on time!!!
Delhi-Lahore bus stopped as a precaution
As Indian Punjab sunk into violence and unrest, a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus enroute to Lahore from Delhi as part of the international service between two historical cities has been stopped as a precaution at Ludhiana Sadar Police Station. The move came as violence errupted in all major cities and towns of the Indian Punjab province after a revered Sikh Guru was killed in a Gurdawara shoot-out at Vienna, Austria. Inflamed protestors burnt tyres, vehicles and a train in cities like Jalandhar.
All passengers of the ‘Dosti Bus’, including both Indians and Pakistanis, are safe and will continue their journey once events die down and safety is ensured for the rest of their journey.
Sister cities of Lahore and Delhi just got transportation links restored a few years back after decades of cut-out; a luxury that again gets threatened by unrest on either side of the border. In 2007, about 65 passengers were burnt alive when the train link between the two cities, termed as ‘Samjhota Express’ was targeted near Panipat in India. Most recently India has expressed its reservation over the security of the bus service within Pakistan borders, a claim which Pakistani authorities say is unnecessary keeping in view the greater loss of Pakistani life on the Indian side resulting from sabotage and lack of proper security.
IDPs? Not our headache!
In the present time of a National crisis, a strange issue has arose to haunt the IDPs of Swat and other areas affected by the ongoing military operation against the militants. The brotherly governments of the provinces of Punjab and Sindh have banned the entry of IDPs into their respective territories amidst fears of social unrest and related security woes. Punjab government alternatively is assisting the displaced only by providing medical and food supplies to the camps at places including Mardan and has been verbally barring IDPs from their province.
Sindh government, on the other hand, has sternly taken action by stranding thousands of men, women and children from Swat at Sindh-Punjab border, Kashmore. The decision has been taken by the PPP government in Sindh and is supported by its ally, the MQM. The main argument given is the fear of the Taliban disguised as IDPs entering into Karachi and other parts of the province; eventually creating a situation there.
There are parties who are in favor of this decision and do not want terror-struck people from the Northern parts of the country to de-stabilize their social fabric. And then there are others who feel such discriminatory behavior towards the victims is not appropriate and that all Pakistanis should be free to move to any part of the country.
The question is; will it be possible for our national government to adequately manage, feed, and treat more than 2 million people at make-shift camps with conditions no worthy of human occupation? And for how long will it be able to keep these millions away from desperately joining the ranks of forces against the government and the state of Pakistan, especially when they are even being shunned by everyone including other provincial governments??
