My Fascination With The Bottle Haha! the title was really misleading, but after reading the article it gets new meaning. Nice way to present the issue. Sometimes civilization makes life miserable instead of adding quality to it and one wishes to return to old days when we live in caves.

Enigma of the Defence Budget I totally agree with the writer. Pakistan army has destroyed every institution in the country. It has also hijacked the nation by taking self declared duty of scavenging every institution from corruption. No doubt it has taken shape of a mafia controlling not only almost all of the government institution but also many commercial ventures, while keeping itself immune from any kind of accountability or competition. In this way it is not only destroying the working structure of government sector but also depriving people of healthy competitive environment in the private commercial sector too. Every new move of the government is taking people further away from the dream of a free democratic culture. I will like to add some links that highlight the money-making activities of the army.

www.satribune.com/archives/oct7_13_02/LATIMES_story.htm
www.satribune.com/archives/sep23_29_02/P1_armylist.htm
www.msnbc.com/modules/new_battlefield/pakistan.asp
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4491541.stm
www.bm.com.np/bm/news/international.php?newsid=1838

On the Inside In this article the author desperately tried to defend her family from the feudalism tag even admitting being one of those, in a very ridiculous manner, I don’t know why? . Almost every line of the article represents her own feudal thinking, what can we say about her family. All praise for father represents only what he did for his own family and nothing is there what he did for the people. He stood in heat really a unique thing, he didn’t traveled in air conditioned jeeps I fancy what a brave thing to do, he sent his own children to study abroad what good does it carry for the haris. Did he provide fans and electricity to haris? Did he give them their due part of earnings so that they can get a decent life? Did he open schools to educate them? All of that is mentioned is only for his family in a typical feudal way. Sending their siblings abroad is also a matter of pride among some open minded feudal. Just the following sentences are enough to represent the feudal mentality of the author herself.

``But if you saw some of these people and how they lived, you would realize that owning their own land is an economic proposition that not only would be out of their reach, but would destroy the farming system of the entire nation.``

Where does his father earn from? Of course the lands and then invests that money on the lands to get more profit. What does make those people to live “the way” they lived? They lived so shabbily even working hard day and night because all of the profit is taken by the land owners. They will not live definitely “the way” if they are given their due part in profit. I agree that giving the ownership of the lands to haris definitely does not resolve the whole issue. It needs multidimensional long term reforms from the government to create the new working cycle. It involves education and training with initial funding to the haris to cultivate their own lands. Then of course these people will also live ``the way`` the respected author and her family live and she will be able to consider them humans.

Bunty aur Babli: The latest RSS-BJP tango Currenlty both Indian and Pakistani leaders are dancing on American tune. So in my opinion it does not matter how they actually perform thier part of drama.

Diabetes: Care and Cure A nice basic level article on the topic. Chowk may keep a seperate section for health and fitness linked articles.

Mukhtaran Mai vs. the Rest of Pakistan Re: # 34
1- Mr fnahmad have courts of law so far found enough evidence to convict Zardari? Does it mean he is innocent? The highest court of law declared that there is NO law of the country that could bar Shahbaz Sharif coming back to his country … did it make any difference?
Can you imagine a scenario where courts in Pakistan would deliver a verdict declaring Mush usurper while he is on throne?

*Well all these examples are of political cases nd its altogether a different domain having very different reasons. The current issue is totally non political nd due to our emotional nature as a nation a gud opportunity for both politicianz nd NGOz to exploit it for their vested interests. All over the world the courts dont take emotional decisions they work on evidence. You can`t give death penalty 2 the accused just because the sentiments of masses are against them. If the whole things have actually taken place as stated then its the duty of police to collect all evidences to strengthen the case. If you think sanely you can`t blame the judiciary.

2-What rubbish you are talking about man?

*Well I have right to give my opinion and you have right to disagree. But mind your language. I do care for your sentiments but you can`t take a decision about someones death based upon sentiments.

3-If I may ask you …any relationship with Mastois (rapists of Mukhtaran) or Sharifuddin Pirzada (nother habitual rapist)?

Definately its again a sentimental approach towards what ever I said. I have nothing to do with any of the parties. All I said before and I still say that things should be taken rationally.

Bloody well, in your weird world Dr Shazia Khalid is an imposter, Mukhtraran is phoney, Veena Hayat is sham … only Mastois, Hammad and Murwat are angels.
Should we do a ba-jamaat dua that you should go through a similar situation … only to enhance your empathy and strengthen your understanding?

*Again its just an unreasonable and childish behaviour. If you have any arguments you have every right 2 speak out. But in a reasonable manner.

Mukhtaran Mai vs. the Rest of Pakistan Re: # 13
Unfortunately both india nd pakistan r surrounded by number of enemies having viscious objective 2 defame nd finally disintegrate both nations. The so called NGO`s r backed by these elements. They r alwayz ready 2 exploit ne issue tht can defame the motherland. How does Mukhtaran Mai belonging 2 illetrate rural background become so enlightened tht now she hav her own site. Definately sumbody is patronizing her, using her for sum personal objective. I condem both of Govt. movez 1st 2 arrest the rape accused even wen they were found not guilty by the court 2ndly 2 detain Mukhtaran Mai nd put her in ECL. But wht ever the reasonz of Govt. may b should we allow a person, like her who is obiviously a puppet in handz of enemies
2 speak against our motherland? Or wht gud wil it do if we allow her? As far as foreign media is concernd they in either case they wil try 2 exploit the situation. But which is the better way? If u r on pak side wht u suggest now?

Mukhtaran Mai vs. the Rest of Pakistan Re: # 10 How do u know abt the reality? wen al facts nd figures were represented in the court nd court found the accused not guilty wy al of u beleive tht Mukhtaran Mai only is right nd al other r wrong? Definately in such situation syphathies r always with the woman involved but facts are facts.

Mukhtaran Mai vs. the Rest of Pakistan I don`t know why every1 linked with media is trying 2 make Mukhtaran Mai a heroine. Wen courts of law havnt found enough evidence to convict the accused wy every1 is pushing tht they should be punished. Meanz we r trying 2 preach tht we dont beleive in law of land? If its so then its not just linked with Mukhtaran Mai. It needs broader changes nd broader perspective 2 discuss. I beleive tht if courts didnt found enough evidence 2 convict the accused it means they r innocent nd media is trying 2 create a hype wrongfully. nd of course politicians are always keen 2 exploit ne such moment.

The “D” Word Marriage is not only about romance. It is far serious decision with too many aspects. All I can say every of people involved in this decision taking equation must act wisely. As one wrong move can spoil many things linked not only with man and woman involved but also their families and friends.

A Case Against Kalabagh Dam Kindly spend at least as much time as you have taken in collecting arguments against construction of kalabagh dam and give me a single alternative. As I have mentioned many times it is easy to oppose a given solution it is most difficult to suggest an alternative. People who have suggested this solution have spent lot more able and valuable hours than the respected author to work out alternatives and even then considering kalabagh dam feasable.

fnahmad@gmail.com

Let’s talk to Mallika Sherawat’s Breasts Let’s never talk to women’s private parts again highly annoying and obnoxious.

Reforming Pakistan’s Universities -- II I agree with Dr. Hoodbhoy. The problem of universities is not lack of funding. It is lack of sincere people with vision. HEC is experimenting by trying to bring back Pakistani scientists and engineer working abroad by offering them handsome salaries. Feel sorry to say that it will not help at all. LUMS (The prestigious Lahore University of Management Sciences) groomed its faculty of Computer Science with same misconception. Come here and you will find well qualified professionals with PhD degrees from eminent world universities and developed research labs with generous external funding from various unfortunate so called government R&D organizations. But it is no different place than any other government sector university with locally qualified teachers rather it is worse in the sense that here for same output as of public universities they are wasting far more money. Yes it is glamorous; this is absolutely right due to good marketing strategy. The people here with foreign qualifications are even more disinterested in doing research than their counter parts in public sector universities with limited funding. Point is foreign qualification does not change the dishonesty and selfish attitude that is deeply rooted in our blood. Politics, diplomacies and leg pulling is also as common here as any where else. LUMS is conducting special tests to enroll as much HEC scholars as possible just to make more money without enhancing facilities. Even foreigners with good qualification cannot change us without a culture change and this cannot be done with in days. Perhaps what ever Dr. Atta is doing is with good intentions but I will suggest him that this is the time to do some research on actual outcomes of his moves. A research is also needed on attitude of our society. This will definitely help to make focused plans that can bring real change. Thanks! fnahmad@gmail.com

Diary of a Rape Victim after her Death I really wept when I read this story. I really want to die with shame. She was my sister and her murders and rapist are at large and I am living on this planet and feel happy. It is a moment to think and think in the real sense. Who will be the next another of my sisters or daughters or yours? Are we just waiting for the criminals to do this atrocious act again? Don’t blame just the government we all are responsible. Our silence make us part of this horrible act. It our duty to revenge our sisters honor. In a manner that no criminal mind ever dare to think do this to us again. Don’t take law in your hand but play your due role. I really feel sorry for the aggrieved family. She was my sister just tell me what I can do for her? She was our sister tell us what can we do for her? We are all waiting………..! fnahmad@gmail.com

Mourning (Tsunami victims) Cruel reality and a blunt presentation. Poet can be more tactful and indirect to minimize effect of associated pain.

The Falcon’s Hearth I agree with temporal. Anyway though not focused it is a good try!