Bhalla Hua Meri Matki

A favourite ghazal by Sri Gulzar, sung by Abida Parveen. A mystical journey into Sufism.

***

Bhalaa Hua Meri Mataki Phooti Rey,
Main To Paania Bharan Se Chchooti Rey!

Ah sweet delight!
Now my clay jar has shattered,
Finally I am free from this water filling business!

Burraa Jo Deykhann Main Chaala, Burraa Na Miliyaa Koey,
Jo Dil Khojja Aapana, Mujhasa Burraa Na Koey!

I went in search of those at fault, no one my search found,
The moment I looked at my own heart, none is more at fault than me.

Yeh to Ghaar Hai Prem Kaa, Khallaa Ka Ghaar Naay,
Sees Uttaarey Bhuheen Dharey, Taab Baithey Ghaar Maay!

Beware! This is the abode of Pure Love,
Nothing to do with name and forms,
Enter here humbled with your head bowed,
Only then you may take your seat here.

Hamman Hain Ishq Mastaana, Hamman Ko Hoshiyari Kya,
Raheyn Aazad Yaa Jaagasey, Hamman Duniyan Se Yaaree Kya!

I'm the love intoxicated one, what am I to do with being sober?
I'm released from every bond,
What am I to do with friendship with the world?

Kahanna Thaa So Kaah Diyaa, Aab Kuchch Kaaha Naa Jaaye,
Aik Gayaa So Bahh Rahaa, Dariya Lahher Sammaey!

I’ve said all that is ever to be said, now I don’t even have words to say!
The one who has gone, is now going forever,
River merging into Ocean.

Laalee Merrey Laal Kee, Jitta Dekhoon Titt Laal,
Laalee Dekhaan Main Gayi, Main Bhee Ho Gayee Laal!

Crimson is the color of my beloved, where soever I turn I see the same (crimson)
When I went to see my beloved (crimson), I dyed myself crimson too

Haanss Haanss Kunth Naa Payaa, Jinn Paaya Tin Royaa,
Jinn Paaya, Mauula Paaya, Allaah Paaya,
Haanss Haanss Kunth Naa Payaa, Jinn Paaya Tin Royaa,
Haanssi Kheli Piyaa Miley, Kaun Suhaagan Hoey!

Accompanied with ease – none have found the secret of heart,
Those who have found - weep in ecstasy!
They have found the Master, they have reached God.
After union with beloved, lo! where remains the lover?

Jako rakhe Saaeeyan, Mar sake na koy.
Baal na baanka kar sake, Jo jag vairi hoy.

The one who's Protector is God, no one can kill him.
Not a single hair can be touched,
Even if the whole world were to be his enemy.

Prem Naa Baati Uupajey, Prem Naa Haath Bikaaey,
Raaja Parrajaa Hee Hojey, Seess Diyey lei Jaaye!

Burning candle or incense will not get you His Love,
Love is not a subject of trade.
King or beggar who so ever you may be,
Pawn your head and take it!

Kabiraa Bhaatee Kallaal Ki, Bahhutak Baitthey Aaye,
Sirr Saunppey Soyyee Piyyey, Naahi To Piyyaa Naa Jaaye!

Kabir says this world is like a wine shop, many have come and gone.
Those who bargained their head could only drink here,
The rest left without having a single sip!

Dukkhiyaa Saab Sansaar Haai, Khaaye Aaur Soye,
Sukkhiyaa Daas Kabeer Haai, Jaage Aaur Roaye!

Unhappy are all in this world, all they do is eat and sleep,
Happy is the servant Kabir, yet he awakes (awaiting his beloved)
and weeps (in grief of separation).

Jo Kachchu Kiyaa Woh Tum Kiyaa, Main Kachchu Kiyaa Naay,
Kahhon Kahheen Jo Main Kiya, Tum Hee They Mujjh Maai!

Whatever is done, done by You; I’ve done nothing.
If I say I did it, its only You Who is saying in me.

Bhalaa Hua Meri Mataki Phooti Rey,
Main To Paania Bharan Se Chchooti Rey!

Ah sweet delight!
Now my clay jar has shattered,
Finally I am free from this water filling business

***

Translated by Masud

7 Traits of the Average Pakistani College Girl

Disclaimer: The following is a result of the writers personal experiences and those he has gathered after seeing the sufferings of his friends. Though the writer himself is no real authority and none of this should be taken seriously, he can still argue over traits as he reminisces his days as a medical student in Lahore. By the end of this article, you will know why the author has been single for many moons now.

1. She hates most of her friends:

Most girls will always find enough emotional support and turn out for wedding dance practises etc. Thus, giving you the impression that these girls are friends for life, but unfortunately most will always confess up to having some sort of beef with every girl she knows or is friends with. I have seen the fluff of hugs, kisses and exaggerated pleasantries wears off as soon as one of them fails to call back in a days time. Most girls will judge everything their friends do. "Did I tell you xyz (close friend) was wearing such skimpy clothes that night?!" - Oh really!? Do you have pictures?! Wait - isn't she your friend?

2. She loves to pretend she is the most Shareef girl you'll ever meet:

Yes, they all pray namaz. They all do parda when the need arises. Many will even swing their dupata over head ever so gracefully when they hear Azaan. But they also don't mind going on an aftari date during Ramadan. They will not miss any opportunity to praise their father and brother(s), making us mere mortals wonder if we can ever become such paragons of virtue and civility.

3. She is always right:

It doesn't matter if you're intelligent, if you have a thinking mind, or if you know your sports - You are wrong and your opinion is flawed, Afridi is the best cricketer in the world, long hair beats short hair any day. Don't say you have to study when she wants to talk to you after you spent the whole day playing cricket. It's really hard to argue when most women are genetically predisposed to believing they are always right.

4. She expects you to understand all sorts of hints:

Yes, even hand signals and eye blinks. A wave may mean "hello" from a distance, but it could also mean don't-come-near-me-my-aunt-is-here. The innocent shrug of the shoulder doesn't necessarily mean she is being indifferent about eating a steak, or she's ok with your friend third-wheeling tonight, it means "NO". The confusion created by girls to keep the average guys on their toes is ridonculous. Don't fall for it. Pretend you don't understand sign language or hints. Pretend, when she writes "k" in a text message that it really means everything is okay and that she isn't really in a bad mood. If you dare pretend to understand one hint, be ready for the weight of understanding all of them. Even the roll of the eyes, which apparently means she is not impressed.

5. She likes money:

Thats right. They didn't make that Bollywood song "Pesa Pesa Karti Hai" for a movie - they were trying to sing the reality of today's world. Girl's love pretending they are not materialistic. But most of them will flaunt their new hand bags and other accessories the minute they get the chance. They will notice the diamond in your watch from across the table, but your literary sense and general awareness of the world will mostly fly over their head. They watch with great interest what other girl's are wearing and often admire, but don't expect the feeling to be mutual if you are found agreeing. In fact, be ready to give lengthy explanations if you are caught in this trap.

6. She doesn't mind dating, but lets talk marriage:

Dating is totally kosher as long as there is a road map leading the two of you towards holy matrimony. Pressurizing a guy into marital commitments is part and parcel of every Pakistani girl's relationship. I mean, why else would they want to date!? For the fun of it? Don't be silly. You might still be in high school and she is already planning that perfect wedding. What can you do? You're not a heart breaker like all those other guys she keeps telling you about? If, God forbid, you fall short of delivering on those sacred plans, you are forever shunned as the most atrocious villain to have ever lived.

7. She has unrealistic expectations from watching romantic movies:

They love putting guys in place of men from romantic movie's and novels. If she was crying at the end of Titanic because Di Caprio froze to death after safely placing Kate Winslet on that piece of plywood, she probably expects the same from you if the situation ever arises. Be sure to remind her that the plywood was big enough for at least three people. Unrealistic expectations lead to great disappointments, letting them build over time by constantly trying to live up to them will only land you in icy waters. Don't be shy to fall asleep with the speaker phone on while she's rambling on about her latest shopping trip. You may pull off being 'sweet' once, or even a few times, but will you be able to sustain forever? Be realistic.

This article was originally posted on Express Tribune Blogs

Reidi Gul - A poem by Ghani Khan

Translation of a beautiful Pashto poem, Reidi Gul by Ghani Khan - recently sang by Yasir & Jawad on Uth Studio. Was highly impressed by the quality of the poem and its translation in English.

In a desert, once, on a hunt did I find,

With a radiant smile, a flower so fair;

In a desert, once, on a hunt did I find,

With a radiant smile, a flower so fair;

Sadly, I approached and sighed, “Ah! Of my kind

Are you too – a hapless flower from a beloved's hair.

Frail fingers wouldn't take you to a soft face so close,

Nor would you be kissed by lips delicate and rose.”

With a silent smile the flower replied, “Don't lose heart!

With a silent smile the flower replied, “Don't lose heart!

This desert I wouldn't give up for the gardens of Iran,

A solitary I am here while legions are there,

Amidst this cursed soil I stand apart.

In this gray desert, a flamboyant flame of divine light am I,

Beauty's silent song, a miracle from the sky.

In your garden, there are thousands of flowers like me

In your garden, there are thousands of flowers like me

In this gray desert, a flamboyant flame of divine light am I,

Beauty's silent song, a miracle from the sky.

In your garden, there are thousands of flowers like me –

A nameless droplet in a nameless sea.

You too, in your desert, don't feel forlorn,

To behold you at last shall come a sore Ghani Khan.

To behold you at last shall come a sore Ghani Khan.

New Era in Pakistan Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket selectors have done justice by picking a fresh looking squad for the one day and T20 matches to tour the West Indies later this month. By excluding old horses like Younas Khan, Misbah ul Haq, Abdul Razaq and Kamran Akmal, they have paved the way for the next set of players in order to re build the house for the next World Cup.

Hard Decision:

It was a decision that had to be made, and there's no better time to groom younger players than now. If we can unearth another Umar Akmal, perhaps find another exciting fast bowler and a decent wicket keeper, we may have a better shot of winning the next World Cup. The exiting players have contributed to Pakistan cricket in many ways, and while I thank them for giving us some memorable moments, it is time for them to step aside and allow PCB to blood new players for the future.

Profiles:

1. Sadaf Hussain: Dont be deceived by his name, he has all the masculine characteristics of a fast bowler on the verge of breaking through the ranks. This 21 year old left arm quickie from Chakwal has made strides in domestic cricket. This past season, in 11 first-class matches, he was the leading wicket taker with 64 scalps at an average of 16.12, with 8 five wicket hauls and 2 ten wicket hauls ! Ravi Shastri was right on when he said they shake a tree in Pakistan and talented fast bowlers fall like leaves.

2. Usman Salahuddin: The 20 year old right hander from Lahore has had a brilliant first season in domestic cricket in 2010/11. In 24 matches, he piled on the runs at an average of 41.80, including 5 hundreds and 8 fifties in the process. In an interview with PakPassion.net, he talks about the unexpected call up and excitement to be given the chance to represent Pakistan. He believes strongly in his ability especially after scoring a brilliant 141 against Khan Research Labs, the team which boasts the best bowling attack in Pakistan domestic cricket.

3. Junaid Khan: The much hyped tall left arm bowler from Abbotabad. He was a part of Pakistan's 2011 World Cup squad, he has done remarkably well for the past two years in domestic cricket. In 35 matches, he has 167 wickets, average of 21. Yeah, it's a stiff competition if you want the fast bowlers job in the Pakistan national team.

4. Hammad Azam: An exciting all rounder, tipped to take over Razzaq's role in the team. The right hander has done well representing Pakistan in U-19 competitions. Hammad has only played 14 first class matches, in which he has a batting average of 29.85 with a strike rate of 55, along with 16 wickets at an average of 25. Though the numbers are not as impressive as the praises, many see immense potential in the young fellow. He is one to watch out for in the future.

5. Mohammad Salman: The new wicket keeper (finally!), and not an Akmal. Though, young Adnan Akmal showed excellent finesse with the gloves, Rashid Latif has called Salman "technically, the best wicket keeper in Pakistan". And given the stunning glove work Latif used to do behind the stumps, who can doubt his words. Almost 30 years old now, right handed Karachi native, Salman, will make his debut in the Caribbean later this month. His batting average of 26.63 in 103 first class games doesn't suggest an ideal keeper-batsman. But given the headaches and heartaches Kamran Akmal gave us with his shoddy glove work, we ought to settle for anyone who can hold onto catches behind the stumps.

6. Ahmed Shehzad: I wrote an article about this guy after his sensational hundred against New Zealand in Hamilton. His record in domestic cricket speaks for itself. Though Shehzad wilted under the pressure of World Cup matches, his abilities and shots are there for everyone to see. With the help of a much needed batting coach, who can help him (and others) strengthen his mental game, he is sure to come good for Pakistan in due time.

Also returning to the one day arena is Taufeeq Umar, the old warrior, I have always thought Taufeeq was one of our better openers, who was hard done by selectors in the past. His inclusion in the squad brings in some experience at the top. Wahab 'Viki' Riaz will be leading the bowling attack after Umar Gul has asked to be rested for the one day series. While I hope Gul makes a speedy return, Wahab has the chance to enjoy the responsibility as the fast bowling ace for Pakistan. If he can develop that elusive in-swinger, he will be twice as threatening as he is right now.

It is important to remember that majority of these new faces are still quite young and inexperienced. This is what makes Pakistan cricket so exciting. Bringing in kids off the streets who dazzle the world with their skills. They will make mistakes and occasionally succumb to pressure, but it is important that we notice the potential of talent in each of these individuals. We must persist with the ones who have a natural sting in their game and have the ability to handle pressure. It is the feeling of confidence when backed by fans and pundits alike that often helps them perform to the best of their abilities. Responsibility on Umar Akmal and Asad Shafiq's young shoulders has doubled, they will have to play a more mature innings from here on. It is pleasant to see, given the chaos, that Pakistan Cricket is being proactive with developing young players in order to be ready for the next World Cup.

So much for cricket diplomacy

I've never been Afridi's biggest fan. But his recent form with the ball, and his leadership in the World Cup changed my mind...well, sort of. I have always found him to be mercurial, and capable of doing anything. From scoring a hundred in 30-40 balls to being out playing the most atrocious shot in the books, to mistaking cricket balls for apples.

A day after his return to Pakistan, he held a brief press conference on his front porch . In a question asked by one of the reporters regarding losing to India, Lala fired back, questioning why Pakistanis look towards India with jaundiced eyes. Why do we dislike India while Indian movies, tv sitcoms and channels are watched avidly in Pakistani homes? Why do we follow Indian traditions at weddings but we can't not bear to see them win a cricket match? I was proud of the maturity Afridi showed in that press conference, as he took on the role of a peace ambassador between the two countries. His words must have caused a moment of self reflection for many Pakistanis. He won hearts in Pakistan and in India after his performance during the World Cup and was continuing to do so after it.

A day later in another tv interview, Afridi bowled the proverbial doosra. In a question asked regarding the kindness and hospitality of Indian people in Mohali, he exclaimed that our Pakistani and Muslim hearts are much bigger than those of our neighbours to the East. While he spoke frankly, he offended many people around the world by saying that Muslims and Pakistanis have cleaner intentions in our hearts while others don't. He also said that we can not sustain a healthy relationship with India, laying the blame on a third country, most likely America. Apparently, this third country will never let Pakistan and India enjoy a harmonious relationship. Just for good measure, he blasted the Indian media for being negative towards Pakistan and for being an obstacle in the way of improving Indo Pak relations.

So, Afridi went from questioning bigotry to championing it in a matter of hours. Given his erratic nature, there are no surprises here. I wouldn't be surprised if he regrets the things he said now, or for day or two, before changing his mind again. With Afridi, you just never know what to expect next. Such is the wiring in Afridi's mind. But seriously, he must start choosing his words carefully. As an ambassador for Pakistan it is important that he continues efforts to promote a peaceful relationship with all our neighbours. By claiming that Muslims and Pakistanis have cleaner hearts, he is being extremely offensive to a lot of people, whether Muslims or not. This been said, perhaps Afridi was upset with the comments made by Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir, who said he is sure that the win over Pakistan will have helped victims of 26/11 Mumbai attack. Does that mean Gambhir thinks he was playing against Kassab XI in Mohali? Does beating Pakistan in a cricket match avenge the bloodshed in Mumbai or defeat terrorism? What about all the innocent Pakistanis who have died from terrorism, Gautam? One can only wonder why a technically gifted batsman like Gambhir would play such a loose shot.

With sweeping statements like these by super stars from both India and Pakistan, we can not move away from the rhetoric of the past 60 years. I was told by Sufi Salman Ahmad (Junoon) today that if there's ever a chance of Indo Pak peace, it is in this decade, as 60% (750 million) Indians and Pakistanis are under the age of 20. A clear message that the young are capable of influencing a change for peace. It's important to note who influences the young the most. Cricketers have always been idols for the young Pakistanis and Indians, and if they continue to make such ill advised statements, we can't bridge the gaps of insecurities and trust.

R(e)volution Pakistan

The leader's who have plundered mercilessly,
The people who have watched haplessly,
We sat silently amongst the mob,
Sojourning ideas of a tomorrow we may not see,
We know they're wrong but so are we,
Sitting comfortably with ambitions of cupidity,
For reasons which may seem unsure,
What's there to gain for the selfish ego?
Rising and falling at every juncture,
Listening, Waiting, passing Responsibilities
Relenting for the change we want to see,
But hoping someone else would do it for me

The miasma in Islamabad is always the same,

Familiar faces sitting in different colours,

Forming an alliance, breaking an alliance,

Sermons of change we have heard for long,

Slogans chanted are often believed,
Some are heard before, Some are new,
Knowing they are all but true,
How long will we continue thinking,
That the same faces will save us from sinking?

Evolution of the mind must begin,
Before revolution of ideas,

It makes the bed for shattering dreams,

Inveighing Toru's for being themselves,

The misbegotten reasons for all our misfortunes,

The passion with which we point fingers,

The blame is but ours to burden,

For the young are misguided by a false premise,

But only after the glowering eyes are softened,

Soon before the wealthy sybarites learn to surrender,
and the poor relinquish the enslaved mind,

Power is delivered from those who wield,

Nothing but the stoic rhetoric of the past,

Rise will then who set forth a new precedent,

Writing a new chapter with love and respect for all,

Equal rights and freedoms galore,

Satiety in relations with brothers,

Sobriety in the meetings with neighbours,

The truth lies chthonic for centuries,
Secrets of a state we ought to be,

Cryptic messages of the life we ought to live,
A life time so short in the time line of history,
A mere change of mind may be enough for me

-Said Chaudhry

Dark Side of the Lens

I stumbled upon this amazing short story (video) a while back, I thought it was the most amazing piece of camera work, editting, and inspirational words all combined into one. I hope you'll like it just as much as I did

DARK SIDE OF THE LENS from Astray Films on Vimeo.