The Indomitable Spirit: Why March 8 is a Day of Rights, Not Just Roses Today, as the world marks International Women’s Day, Pakistan stands at a curious crossroads. In the streets of our major cities, the air is filled with the rhetoric of empowerment and the scent of celebratory bouquets. Yet, for the Pakistani woman, March 8 is less about the flowers she receives and more about the invisible “hurdle race” she runs every other day of the year. As we celebrate the “silent revolution” of women entering the workforce and high-ranking offices in record numbers, we must look at the hard data. The story of the last twenty-five years in Pakistan is a spectacular paradox: women are achieving historic heights in education and civil service, yet they remain tethered by some of the most restrictive socio-economic anchors in the region. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hfqLYwg_Os&t=51s The Education and International Leap Twenty-five years ago, a woman in a high-ranking office or a PhD program abroad was a celebrated anomaly. Today, she is the standard of excellence. A generation ago, the argument was often made that investing in a girl’s education was a waste of resources; today’s young Pakistani women have resoundingly countered this by turning education into a tool for national leadership. From 2001 to 2026, female enrollment in higher education has increased dramatically. In specific, rigorous disciplines, women are now defining the standard. In Natural Sciences (54%) and Education (67%), they hold a decisive majority. Crucially, in Health and Medicine, women comprise 54% of students, suggesting that the future of Pakistan’s healthcare will be led by female expertise. The desire for specialized knowledge has also driven a massive surge in international mobility. By 2026, nearly 45% of Pakistani students pursuing postgraduate degrees in the UK, US, and Canada are women, a 400% increase compared to a decade ago. Over 80% of these women are opting for advanced Master’s and PhDs, a clear indication that they are investing in long-term, specialized expertise. Civil Services: From 2% to Merit Dominance The ultimate proof of this shifting tide is found in the arena where power resides: the Central Superior Services (CSS). The year 2024 witnessed a historical tipping point. In a stunning display of merit, 7 of the top 10 positions nationwide were held by women. Furthermore, women secured an astonishing 48% of the total number of allocated positions, achieving near-parity with men in a field previously dominated by men. These women are not merely filling numbers; they are taking on “hard” public-facing roles. In the Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP), women now make up about 25% of the service, leading missions at the UN and serving as Ambassadors. In the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), women are increasingly being posted as Assistant and Deputy Commissioners, managing districts that were once considered the exclusive terrain of men.Workforce: Breaking the Glass Ceiling The workforce data reveals a “double-edged” reality. While Female Labor Force Participation (FLFP) has nearly doubled since the late 90s (now approximately 22–25%), the real story is in the sectors they are conquering. The Rise of “Pink” Tech: There has been a 35% increase in women-led startups in the last five years. By 2026, female freelancers in Pakistan will have contributed over $150 million annually to the national exchequer. The Banking Shift: Major commercial banks have crossed the 20% female staff threshold, with women moving from “front-desk” roles into core Risk Management and Investment Banking positions. Parliament: Leading the Legislative Agenda The halls of power in Islamabad tell a story of “Disproportionate Impact.” Women may be a minority in terms of seats, but they are a majority in terms of output. Performance vs. Presence: Although women hold only about 17–20% of the seats in the National Assembly, they are responsible for moving nearly 45%-50% of private member bills. The Diligence Gap: Parliamentary records from 2023–2025 show that female MNAs have an average attendance rate 15% higher than that of their male counterparts. They are more likely to stay for the duration of sessions, ensuring executive accountability on issues of Education, Health, and Human Rights. However, this upward trajectory hits a brutal wall when it comes to economic autonomy and the home. This is where the hurdles of a patriarchal society are most visible. The Property Gap: Despite constitutional guarantees, property ownership remains a male bastion. Data indicates that only 2.5% of women in Pakistan own a house in their own name, while only 7.5% own joint property. Without land titles, women lack the collateral to start businesses, keeping them in a cycle of financial dependency. The Care Burden: The “Double Burden” is a time-theft crisis. On average, a Pakistani woman spends over 300 minutes (5 hours) a day on unpaid domestic work and childcare. In contrast, male contributors in the same households often spend less than 30 minutes. Recommendations: Building a Country Worthy of Their Talent If Pakistan is to turn this “silent revolution” into a national economic engine, we cannot rely solely on women’s resilience. We must dismantle the hurdles: Mandatory Gender Mapping of Land: Digitizing land records with gender markers to ensure inheritance laws are enforced, aiming to move the 2.5% ownership figure into double-digit figures The “Care Infrastructure” Act: Treat childcare as a public utility. Mandate affordable daycare in both the private and public sectors to prevent mid-career dropouts. Safe Mobility as a Right: Recognize that “safe mobility” is an economic right. Expanding “Pink Bus” initiatives to every city is the fastest way to increase national GDP. Equal Pay Transparency: Establish Equal Employment Opportunity Offices to bridge the 25%–30% wage gap that still exists in the private sector. Conclusion The women of Pakistan have held up their end of the social contract. They have studied harder, performed better, and persevered longer against steeper odds. On this March 8, let us stop asking women to be “resilient” in the face of unfairness. Instead, let us build a system that matches their indomitable spirit. They have won the battles they fought against the current;
Type Writer Journery
میرا ٹائپ رائٹر کا سفر ایک سادہ مہارت نے کیسے راستے کھولے، اعتماد کمایا، اور میری زندگی کا رخ بدل دیا ایک یاد جو واپس لوٹ آئی جناب، میرا ٹائپ رائٹر کے ساتھ بہت پرانا رشتہ ہے۔ چند دن پہلے میرے گھر میں ایک ٹائپ رائٹر پڑا ہوا تھا۔ میں اسے اپنی میز پر لے آیا۔ میں نے یہ ٹائپ رائٹر لاہور سے تقریباً ایک سال پہلے خریدا تھا، اور پہلی نظر میں ہی مجھے بہت پسند آ گیا تھا۔ کل جب میں نے اس پر ایک صفحہ ٹائپ کیا تو میرے پورے کیریئر کی یادیں جیسے واپس لوٹ آئیں۔ مجھے یاد آیا کہ اسی ایک آلے نے میری زندگی میں کتنی تبدیلیاں لائیں اور میں کیسے آگے بڑھا۔ ساتھ ہی یہ بھی یاد آیا کہ میں نے اس کے لیے کتنی محنت کی۔ اسی لیے اس قصے کے ذریعے میں نوجوانوں کو صرف ایک پیغام دینا چاہتا ہوں: کامیابی محنت مانگتی ہے۔ زندگی میں رونا دھونا یا شکایتیں کرنا کچھ نہیں بدلتا۔ ہمیں جدوجہد کرنی ہے، اور حقیقت یہ ہے کہ اللہ تعالیٰ محنت کا پھل ضرور دیتا ہے۔ 1980 کی دہائی میں آغا یہ کہانی 1980 کی دہائی سے شروع ہوتی ہے۔ میں نے 1978 میں میٹرک کیا۔ اس کے بعد ٹائپنگ سیکھنے کے لیے میں اپنے گاؤں مہین مار، ضلع قصور سے رائیونڈ جایا کرتا تھا، جو تقریباً پندرہ میل دور تھا۔ اُن دنوں سڑکیں پکی نہیں تھیں۔ حتیٰ کہ کوٹ رادھا کشن سے رائیونڈ تک بھی باقاعدہ سڑک نہیں تھی۔ اُس زمانے میں لاہور جانا ہوتا تو عموماً یا تو ریل کے ذریعے جاتے، یا پھر مرحلہ وار بسیں بدلنی پڑتیں: کوٹ رادھا کشن سے بھائی پھیرُو، پھر وہاں سے لاہور کے لیے دوسری بس۔ ان حالات میں سائیکل پر جانا نسبتاً آسان محسوس ہوتا تھا۔ تقریباً چار ماہ اور بائیس دن تک میں مسلسل پندرہ میل آتا، پندرہ میل واپس جاتا، اور روزانہ ایک گھنٹہ ٹائپنگ کی مشق کرتا رہا۔ ایک ایک سبق، ایک ایک قدم یہ ایک بہترین معمول تھا۔ مجھے آج بھی اپنا پہلا سبق یاد ہے: ASDF۔ استاد رفتار مقرر کرتے، پھر آخر میں ہمارا ٹیسٹ ہوتا۔ جب ہم تمام الفاظ سیکھ لیتے تو پھر ہماری اسپیڈ چیک کی جاتی، اور اس کے ساتھ ساتھ درستگی بھی دیکھی جاتی: مقررہ وقت میں کتنا ٹائپ کیا اور کتنی غلطیاں ہوئیں۔ ٹائپ رائٹر گھر لانا چار یا پانچ ماہ بعد، اور ایک مختصر وقفے کے بعد، میں نے گاؤں کے دو تین دوستوں کو جمع کیا اور تجویز دی کہ ہم ٹائپ رائٹر کرائے پر لے لیتے ہیں۔ وہاں کے لوگ مجھے جانتے تھے اور مجھے قابلِ اعتماد سمجھتے تھے، اس لیے انہوں نے ہمیں ٹائپ رائٹر کرائے پر دے دیا۔ میں اسے اپنے گاؤں لے آیا اور گھر میں رکھ لیا۔ جو تھا، اسی سے میز بن گئی جب میں اُن دنوں کو یاد کرتا ہوں تو ذہن میں آتا ہے کہ ہمارے گاؤں میں گھروں میں زیادہ تر چارپائیاں ہوتی تھیں۔ میز اور کرسیاں کم ہی ہوتی تھیں، اور عموماً شادی کے جہیز میں آتی تھیں: ایک چھوٹا پلنگ یا چارپائیاں، چند کرسیاں، اور ایک میز۔ ہمارے گھر اُس وقت میز نہیں تھی۔ گاؤں کی ایک رشتہ دار خاتون نے کہا: میرے گھر میں ایک میز پڑی ہے، آپ لے جائیں۔ میں وہ میز لے آیا، مگر وہ دراصل چھوٹی سی کافی ٹیبل تھی جو صوفے کے سامنے رکھی جاتی ہے، جبکہ ٹائپنگ کے لیے اونچی میز درکار ہوتی ہے۔ ہم نے اس کا حل یہ نکالا کہ میز کے نیچے دونوں طرف دو یا تین اینٹیں رکھ دیں، میز اونچی ہو گئی، اور پھر ہم اسی پر ٹائپنگ کرتے رہے۔ پہلا بڑا موقع: ایمپلائمنٹ ایکسچینج کا ٹیسٹ وقت کے ساتھ میری ٹائپنگ کی رفتار کافی اچھی ہو گئی۔ ایک مرتبہ ضلع قصور میں میں نے ایمپلائمنٹ ایکسچینج آفس میں ٹیسٹ اور انٹرویو دیا۔ مطلوبہ رفتار 25 الفاظ فی منٹ تھی، جبکہ میں نے 36 الفاظ فی منٹ ٹائپ کیے۔ رفتار کے ساتھ درستگی بھی دیکھی گئی۔ جب نتیجہ آیا تو مجھے آج بھی یاد ہے کہ ڈپٹی ڈائریکٹر چوہدری بشیر نے اوپر ‘Selected’ (یا ‘Appointed’) لکھا۔ میں گھر گیا اور سب کو بتایا کہ میں منتخب ہو گیا ہوں، مگر لوگوں نے یقین نہیں کیا۔ وہ کہتے تھے سرکاری نوکری اتنی آسانی سے نہیں ملتی، یہ تو سفارش سے ہوتی ہے۔ لیکن چند دن بعد واضح ہو گیا کہ واقعی میرا انتخاب ہو گیا ہے۔بعد میں مجھے اپائنٹمنٹ لیٹر ملا، ضلع صحت آفس قصور سے میڈیکل ہوا، اور پھر 28 اپریل 2002 کو میں نے گورنمنٹ ہائی اسکول چاہ اروڑ سنگھ، ضلع قصور میں جوائن کیا، جو میرے گاؤں سے تقریباً 15 سے 18 میل کے فاصلے پر تھا۔ یہی وہ جگہ تھی جہاں اسکول میں میرا ٹائپ رائٹر والا سفر حقیقتاً شروع ہوا۔ اردو ٹائپنگ میں مہارت جوائننگ کے بعد جون میں گرمیوں کی چھٹیاں آ گئیں۔ ان چھٹیوں کے دوران اسکول کو ایک اردو ٹائپ رائٹر ملا کیونکہ ہائی اسکول اپ گریڈ ہوا تھا اور سامان فراہم کیا جا رہا تھا۔ اُن چھٹیوں میں میں نے اردو ٹائپنگ بھی سیکھی، اور میری اردو ٹائپنگ کی رفتار بہت اچھی ہو گئی، تقریباً 40 الفاظ فی منٹ۔ یہ سلسلہ جاری رہا۔ جب اردو ٹائپ رائٹر ملا تو میں اسے گاؤں لے آیا اور چھٹیوں میں باقاعدگی سے مشق کرتا رہا۔ میری اردو رفتار بہترین ہو گئی، اور اُس وقت میں 40 سے 45 الفاظ فی منٹ تک اردو میں ٹائپ کر لیتا تھا۔ صفائی، معیار اور نظم و ضبط کی وجہ سے پہچان یہ مہارت بہت کام آئی۔ جب میں اسکول کی تنخواہوں کے بل تیار کرتا اور انہیں قصور کے AGS دفتر میں جمع کروانا ہوتا تو بڑے بڑے شیٹس اور سرکاری فارم ہوتے۔ میں بل اردو میں ٹائپ کرتا، ہیڈ ماسٹر صاحب کے دستخط کرواتا، اپنی ابتدائی حروف لکھتا، اور بل جمع کروا دیتا۔ دوسرے لوگ دیکھ کر کہتے: انور صاحب بل اردو میں ٹائپ کرتے ہیں، جبکہ ہم ہاتھ سے لکھتے ہیں۔ میں یہ اس لیے کرتا تھا کہ ٹائپ شدہ تحریر صاف، واضح اور پڑھنے میں آسان ہوتی ہے، اور میری ہینڈ رائٹنگ اتنی اچھی نہیں تھی۔ اسی وجہ سے ٹائپنگ نے مجھے نمایاں کیا، اور
The Typewriter That Changed My Life
The Journey My Typewriter and the Discipline It Taught Me A Typewriter on My Desk A few days ago, I placed an old manual typewriter on my office desk. I had bought it years ago in Lahore simply because I admired its craftsmanship. When I typed a single page on it, a flood of memories returned.That simple machine did more than print letters. It shaped my discipline, sharpened my focus, and quietly changed the direction of my life.This reflection carries a message for young people: success is built on effort. Complaints do not move us forward. Struggle does. And sincere effort is always rewarded by Allah Almighty. This reflection carries a clear message for young people. Achievement is built on effort, not excuses. Complaints create stagnation; perseverance creates progress. Consistent struggle refines character, and sincere hard work never goes unnoticed. Faith and effort, when combined, open doors that once seemed distant. https://youtube.com/shorts/lkYgttXa8v4 The 1980s: A Daily CommitmentMy journey with the typewriter began in the 1980s. After completing my matriculation in 1978, I decided to learn typing. My village, Meheen Mar in Kasur district, had no typing center. The nearest option was in Raiwind, nearly fifteen miles away.Roads were unpaved. Public transport requires changing buses. I chose the bicycle.For four months, I cycled fifteen miles each way, every day, to practice typing for one hour. The distance was long, but the commitment was longer. The First Lesson: ASDFI still remember my first typing drill: ASDF.Our instructor fixed the speed and tested us at the end of each session. Gradually, we were evaluated on two metrics: speed and accuracy. How many words could we type in a fixed time, and how many errors did we make?Those exercises were not merely mechanical training. They taught discipline, concentration, and measurable improvement. Building My First WorkstationAfter some months, I gathered two or three friends and proposed that we rent a typewriter. They trusted me, and we managed to arrange one.In our village, most homes had charpoys. Study tables were rare. A relative offered a small coffee table, but it was too low. We placed bricks under its legs to raise it.That improvised setup became my first workstation.It was simple, but it was mine. The First BreakthroughWith consistent practice, my speed improved significantly. I appeared for a typing test at the Employment Exchange Office in Kasur. The required speed was 25 words per minute. I achieved 36 words per minute with strong accuracy.When the results were announced, the word “Selected” appeared at the top of my paper.Some people at home were surprised. Government jobs were often believed to depend on connections. But within days, the result was confirmed.That moment strengthened my faith in discipline and persistence.Merit works, when effort is genuine. Expanding My Skill: Urdu TypingLater, I learned Urdu typing during summer holidays when our school received an Urdu typewriter. My speed reached nearly 40 words per minute.This skill proved valuable in official work. Typed documents were neat and professional. My handwriting was not strong, so typing became my strength. It helped me stand out.Skills create visibility. The Seniority Lists ChallengeAt the District Education Office, a difficult task arose: long lists of teachers’ seniority had to be typed in Urdu.The staff hesitated. The workload was heavy.I volunteered.The District Education Officer warned me that it was difficult and time-consuming. I asked for the deadline. Two months, he said. I responded that I could do it in one month, then fifteen days, then one week.They were skeptical.At that time, we typed on stencils and used cyclostyle machines to make copies. Photocopying was rare and expensive.I worked continuously for three days and three nights.When I submitted the completed work, the entire office was stunned. Even today, some colleagues recall that moment.Deliver what you promise. That reputation stays. The Night of the “Tik-Tik”On another occasion, an urgent telex arrived from Lahore with a deadline for the next morning. After Isha prayers and dinner, I returned to the office and began typing.By 4:00 a.m., I was still working. Mosquitoes filled the room. If I turned on the fan, papers would fly. If I did not, the heat was intense.The District Education Officer lived nearby. Hearing the continuous tik tik of the typewriter before dawn, he came quietly to investigate. Later he joked that he thought perhaps a jinn was typing at night.He found me still at work.He appreciated the effort and later often mentioned it in meetings.Consistency earns recognition without self promotion. Lahore: Proving Myself AgainAt a meeting in Lahore linked to the Primary Education Project, an assignment was given to a colleague who requested two days.I said I could complete it in two hours.They doubted me, especially since it was in Urdu. I was taken to the Project Director. I checked and adjusted the machine and completed the stencils quickly.Afterward, they asked if I knew shorthand. If so, they said, I could occupy a steno typist position. I requested a test.I passed.On 27 June 2003, my orders were issued. Soon after, stenographers were upgraded to a higher pay scale. I had planned to apply for a lower clerical post, but by Allah’s will, the typewriter opened a better path.Sometimes the skill you quietly build becomes your breakthrough. A Message for Young PeopleI have kept that typewriter to this day as a reminder.It reminds me that no effort is wasted. That distance traveled on a bicycle matters. Those three nights without sleep matter. That skill, when developed with sincerity, opens doors beyond expectation.My message is simple:Work with sincerity.Build your skills patiently.Strengthen your character consistently.Inshallah, your effort will be rewarded.
Venice, the Floating City
Venice, the Floating City In August 2015, my wife and I planned a European holiday and chose Venice as our final destination. We had heard much about its romance, architecture, and timeless charm. Even with high expectations, Venice managed to surprise us in ways we did not anticipate. We flew from Geneva and landed at Venice Airport on a warm afternoon. The airport itself felt artistic, with painted walls and floors adding a creative touch. From there, we were directed to take a bus toward Piazza San Marco. When we reached the large terminal where boats replaced cars, we realized we were stepping into an entirely different world. The floating city had truly begun. A Moment of Panic on the Lagoon With two large suitcases and my backpack containing my DSLR, watch, mobile charger, and other essentials, we boarded a water bus. Initially, we sat near the station area. Soon, however, we noticed other passengers standing near the edge to enjoy panoramic views. I left my backpack on the seat and joined my wife at the corner to photograph Venice rising gracefully from the water. It was a breathtaking sight. As we confirmed our stop with a staff member, he suddenly urged us to hurry because our station had arrived. We rushed off with our suitcases. Only after stepping onto the platform did I realize that my backpack was still on the boat. Within moments, it was moving away across the lagoon. As we confirmed our stop with a staff member, he suddenly urged us to hurry because our station had arrived. We rushed off with our suitcases. Only after stepping onto the platform did I realize that my backpack was still on the boat. Within moments, it was moving away across the lagoon. Panic briefly set in. I called the caretaker of our guesthouse, who was waiting for us. Calmly, she suggested we check in first and then address the situation. With a printed email providing step-by-step directions, we navigated the narrow Venetian streets. At one point, we felt lost, but a kind local gentleman not only gave directions but walked us all the way to our guesthouse. Lost and Found After checking in, we immediately returned to Piazza San Marco and visited the lost and found office. The officer asked us to file a complaint and advised us to follow up after the weekend. Since we were scheduled to leave on Monday morning, this was not reassuring. Then fortune intervened. Near the dock, I spotted the same boat captain unloading items. To my immense relief, he was holding my backpack. I approached him, explained the situation, and he smiled as he handed it back. He simply advised me to be more careful. In that instant, anxiety turned into deep gratitude. Celebrating the Moment To celebrate, we enjoyed pizza at Piazza San Marco. When the bill arrived, we noticed an additional four euros. The waiter politely explained that it was a two-euro-per-person table service charge. We then understood why many visitors opted for takeaway meals enjoyed in nearby open spaces. Sitting there, however, we realized that the experience itself was part of the charm. Piazza San Marco is not merely a square; it is the heart of Venice. The surrounding historic buildings, the elegant cafés, and the gentle movement of tourists from around the world create a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Paying a little extra for the table felt less like a charge and more like the price of enjoying the moment in one of Europe’s most iconic places. As we sat and watched the evening unfold, musicians began playing nearby and the square slowly filled with soft conversations and laughter. Pigeons wandered across the marble floor while visitors paused to capture photographs against the stunning backdrop of St. Mark’s Basilica. It was one of those travel moments when time seemed to slow down, and you simply absorbed the surroundings. For us, that simple meal became a small celebration of the journey itself. After the brief anxiety of losing the backpack earlier, sitting peacefully in Piazza San Marco reminded us that travel is full of unexpected turns. Sometimes those moments of tension make the calm and beauty that follow feel even more meaningful. The Charm of Venice Venice itself was captivating. The canals, gondolas, and pastel colored buildings created a scene that felt almost unreal. The city is remarkably walkable, and we spent hours exploring winding streets and hidden alleyways. Piazza San Marco was naturally among our first major stops. Surrounded by landmarks such as the Basilica di San Marco and the Campanile, the square radiates history and elegance. We lingered there, absorbing both the architectural grandeur and the vibrant atmosphere. The food added another dimension to our experience. From simple fresh pasta to seafood dishes and authentic Italian pizza, every meal felt memorable A City That Teaches What impressed us most was Venice’s ability to preserve its character. Despite being a global tourist hub, it maintains a strong local identity. In quieter neighborhoods, we observed everyday Venetian life and admired how residents have adapted to living in a city shaped entirely by water. Our visit to Venice was more than a sightseeing trip. It was an experience filled with beauty, lessons in attentiveness, moments of anxiety, and genuine gratitude. It remains one of the most memorable chapters of our travels, and we hope to return one day to rediscover its magic
Breaking Barriers
Breaking Barriers: Our Family’s Journey to Empowering Girls Through Education In a society where the birth of a daughter is sometimes met with sympathy rather than celebration, my family decided to write a different story. On 11 March 2019, we had the honor of appearing on PTV’s “Breakfast at Home” to share our journey—a journey defined by sacrifice, defiance of outdated traditions, and an unwavering belief in the power of education. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hfqLYwg_Os&t=51s A Vision Born from Shared Values My wife, Azra, and I never viewed our four daughters as a burden or as someone else’s responsibility. We come from Kot Radha Kishan and did not have unlimited resources, but we were clear about our priorities. While many were saving for dowries and lavish wedding halls, we were setting aside funds for university prospectuses and international airfare. As Azra shared in the interview, “I decided I would sell whatever I had to, but I would never let my daughters’ education stop.” Meet the Four Pillars of Our Pride The interview was a proud moment for our family, reflecting what becomes possible when girls are trusted, supported, and encouraged to pursue their ambitions without limitation. Breaking Barriers: Our Family’s Journey to Empowering Girls Through Education – Muhammad Anwar • Tabindah Anwar: Our eldest daughter, who completed her studies at NUST and now contributes to global development through her work with UNDP. • Muneeza Anwar: Earned her MSc in International Management with distinction from Royal Holloway, University of London, demonstrating that Pakistani girls can excel at the highest international standards. • Tayyaba Anwar: Joined us via video from New York. She is currently the only Pakistani student in her Architecture program at Yale University, one of the world’s leading institutions. • Sayera Anwar: Our youngest, shaping her creative journey at BNU Lahore, pursuing her passion for Fine Arts. Lessons We Learned Together During our conversation with the PTV hosts, several defining principles of our family philosophy became clear: Investment Over Convention: We consciously stepped away from the multi-event wedding culture. Tabindah reflected on how we kept wedding expenses modest so that our priority remained academic growth and long term opportunity. Challenging the “Son’s Support” Narrative: We openly addressed the societal belief that only a son ensures security in old age. We believe an educated and empowered daughter is fully capable of being a pillar of strength for her parents. Trust and Friendship: We raised our daughters as individuals with agency. By granting them independence, including personal bank accounts from the age of sixteen, we built trust that enabled them to explore the world while remaining grounded in their values. Leading by Example: A father’s role, in my view, is to be his daughter’s first advocate. Whether assisting with household chores or polishing their shoes when they were young, I wanted them to see that dignity lies in character, not hierarchy, and that their father stands unwaveringly behind them. A Message to Other Parents Our story is not merely about our family. It is a call to action. Pakistan is evolving, and when you invest in a daughter, you do not simply educate one individual; you strengthen an entire generation. We hope our journey encourages parents to see their daughters not as a responsibility to be married off, but as leaders ready to be launched into the world with confidence and purpose. What are your thoughts on prioritizing education over traditional wedding expenses? Let’s discuss inthe comments.”
Rule of law or street justice?
Rule of law or street justice? Crime is not a new phenomenon. What defines a functioning state is not the absence of criminal activity, but the manner in which the state responds to it. Societies governed by law rely on due process, institutional accountability, and judicial oversight. When these principles are weakened, even well-intentioned crime-control efforts risk becoming sources of injustice. In Punjab, the recently highlighted CCD initiative has been presented as a major step towards tackling organised crime. While the objective may appear legitimate, a disturbing pattern has emerged. Almost daily reports claim that suspects arrested during raids were later “killed by the firing of their own accomplices”. The frequency of this explanation has raised serious questions about operational conduct and institutional responsibility.If a suspect was in police custody, ensuring his safety was the state’s responsibility. If he was genuinely killed by others, this reflects a serious security failure. If reality differs, it constitutes an extrajudicial action. In either case, constitutional principles are compromised. No law enforcement agency has the authority to replace courts or determine guilt and punishment on the street. Another troubling phrase has entered public discourse: “shot in the waist”. In cases involving serious crimes such as rape, this language is often used to imply instant retribution. There is no disagreement that rape is a heinous crime deserving of severe punishment. However, punishment must follow judicial determination. When law enforcement substitutes legal process with force, it erodes public trust and weakens the justice system’s legitimacy. When individuals face multiple criminal cases, the appropriate response is not to eliminate them without trial, but to pursue institutional reform. Strengthening investigations, ensuring credible evidence collection, protecting witnesses, and improving prosecution capacity are the real solutions. Convictions secured through the courts send a stronger, more sustainable deterrent message than shortcuts that bypass accountability. The silence of legal forums and professional bodies on the growing acceptance of such practices is also concerning. When extrajudicial narratives go unchallenged, they slowly become normalised. This normalisation carries long-term consequences for civil liberties and democratic governance.Crime control is necessary. But bypassing constitutional safeguards reflects institutional weakness rather than strength. Sustainable public safety depends on effective policing combined with judicial reform, transparency, and oversight. Without these pillars, any apparent short-term gains risk producing more serious structural damage. If unchecked power is legitimised today in the name of crime control, tomorrow it may be used against dissenting voices, political opponents, or ordinary citizens. The rule of law remains the only framework that protects both the authority of the state and the rights of the people.
The Journey – Me and My Tyoewriter
The Journey – Me and My Tyoewriter A few days ago, a manual typewriter was lying at my home, and I decided to place it on my office desk. I had bought it from Lahore some time ago, simply because I loved the feel of it. When I typed a page on it, it brought back a whole set of memories about how one simple tool changed the direction of my life.This blog carries one message for young people: success demands hard work. Complaining does not take us forward. Struggle does. And Allah Almighty rewards sincere effort. The 1980s: Learning Typing Through a Daily Commute This story begins in the 1980s. I completed my matriculation in 1978, and soon after that, I decided to learn typing. My village, Meheen Mar, is in Kasur district. The nearest place where I could learn typing was Raiwind, about fifteen miles away. In those days, roads were not paved, and travelling to Lahore often meant changing buses along the way. For me, the bicycle was the easiest option. For about four months, I travelled fifteen miles each way and practised typing for one hour daily. The First Lessons: Speed and Accuracy I still remember my first lesson: ASDF. The teacher would set the speed, and we would be tested at the end. Over time, we were evaluated on both speed and accuracy: how much we typed in a fixed time and how many mistakes we made. Bringing a Typewriter Home After a few months, I gathered two or three friends and suggested that we rent a typewriter. People trusted me, so we were able to rent one. I brought it home and kept it in our house. Back then, in our village, most people had charpoys. Tables and chairs were rare. We did not have a proper typing table. A relative kindly offered a small coffee table. It was too low, so we placed two or three bricks under each side to raise it. That simple arrangement became my first real workstation. A Breakthrough: My First Typing Test With consistent practice, my typing improved a lot. At one point, I took a typing test and interview at the Employment Exchange Office in Kasur. The required speed was 25 words per minute. I produced 36 words per minute, with good accuracy. When the result came in, the word ‘Selected’ was written at the top of my paper. At home, some people were surprised and did not believe it at first, because government jobs were often assumed to depend on connections. But after a few days, it was confirmed. That moment strengthened my belief in discipline and persistence. Learning Urdu Typing Later, when my school received a typewriter in Urdu, I used the summer holidays to learn to type in Urdu as well. My speed became strong, around 40 words per minute. Urdu typing became especially useful in official work. When salary bills and forms had to be prepared, typed documents looked neat and were easy to read. My handwriting was not very good, so typing helped me present my work professionally. It also helped me stand out and opened new doors. The Seniority Lists Challenge In the District Education Office, city clerks were considered ‘high profile’ and often felt more competent than school clerks. One day, the District Education Officer asked his team to prepare long lists of teachers’ seniority in Urdu. The staff looked worried because they already had heavy workloads. I told a colleague, ‘Please mention my name. I can do this work.’ My goal was simple: I wanted the District Education Officer to know me through my work.He called me and said, ‘Son, this is difficult. It has to be done in Urdu, and these are long lists.’ I asked how much time we had. He said two months. I replied that I could do it in one month, then fifteen days, and finally in one week. They thought I was exaggerating, but the Superintendent was asked to assign me the task and observe. At that time, we used stencils. You typed on the stencil and then used a cyclostyle machine with ink to make copies. Photocopying was either not common or very expensive. I worked continuously for three days and three nights and completed the entire assignment. When I submitted it, the whole office was shocked. Even today, some colleagues still recall that moment and say, ‘Anwar did exactly what he promised.’ Working Overnight, and a Surprise Visitor I remember another incident from the District Education Office. A telex arrived from Lahore with an urgent deadline for the next day. After Isha prayers and dinner, I returned to the office and started typing. By around 4:00 a.m., I was still working. My room was slightly separate, near the side entrance. There were many mosquitoes. If I turned the fan on, the papers would fly. If I did not, it would have been hot. So I opened the door and continued typing. The District Education Officer lived nearby and woke up early for prayer. Hearing the constant ‘tik-tik’ sound, he came quietly, later telling me he thought perhaps a jinn was in the office because typing at night seemed impossible. He stood behind my chair without me noticing, and then said, ‘Anwar, you worked all night. You should have told me if you needed help.’ He appreciated the effort, and in later meetings he often mentioned my work. Lahore: Proving Myself Again Later, I attended a meeting in Lahore linked to the Primary Education Project. There, an assignment was given to a colleague who said he would take two days. I said, ‘This is not much work. I can do it in two hours.’ They doubted it because it was in Urdu, but I insisted I could do it. I was taken to the Project Director. I checked the machine, tightened it, cleaned it, and completed the work quickly. There were several stencils and forms to be typed, and I delivered
A Lawyer’s Newest Resolution To Stay Out Of Trouble – 2022
A Lawyers Newest Resolution Legal productivity is being slammed by a toxic work culture according to a recent survey from across the pond. This may come as no surprise to legal workers here in the United States, as the relentless pressure of law practice often creates a toxic culture in law departments. In many cases, this comes from the management level with toxic bosses and “pie-duckers” rampant in some companies. What can be done? Ref0rm is needed, but the legal profession is not known for embracing change, and when it does, it often comes glacially rather than when needed to ameliorate the real problems at hand.
Legal Productivity Slammed By Toxic Work Culture
According to 250 In-House Attorneys, This is a Must Have Legal productivity is being slammed by a toxic work culture according to a recent survey from across the pond. This may come as no surprise to legal workers here in the United States, as the relentless pressure of law practice often creates a toxic culture in law departments. In many cases, this comes from the management level with toxic bosses and “pie-duckers” rampant in some companies. What can be done? Ref0rm is needed, but the legal profession is not known for embracing change, and when it does, it often comes glacially rather than when needed to ameliorate the real problems at hand.
