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 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: 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.”