Protests and Riots in Pakistan over Anti-Islamic Movie

Ever since the word about the anti-Islamic movie spread, Muslims all over the world have been protesting, full of anger and fury. Pakistan has been witnessing growing numbers of unexpected strikes and holidays for supposedly 'peaceful protests.' But what is really happening is that we are destroying our own country, burning tires, looting stores and killing people. We are making ourselves a laughing stock for the world. Just how is violence, that too against our own people, going to make a difference? The blasphemous movie has been made, we can't change that. We can protest peacefully, but killing our own people is doing nothing other than further damaging the image of Muslims worldwide. We need to stop. Strikes and holidays only means damaging our economy even more by shutting down all businesses and educational institutes. It's time that our people realize just what they are doing, before it's too late. I really hope they do.

T20 Warm up Match: Pakistan Beats India

The Pakistan cricket team is on fire! Our men beat India in today's T20 warm up match by 5 wickets. Kamran Akmal's amazing performance was the highlight of the match as he made 90 runs off just 52 balls. The bowling was also amazing with players like Saeed Ajmal using their skills to the max. It's just the start and the win has given the players as well as Pakistani's hope for the future matches. All hope now rests on the players giving their best like they have been doing so far. Can't wait for the next match! Get out of the way people, our men are coming!

T20 World Cup 2012

The T20 World cup 2012 is soon to begin and cricket fans all over the world are eagerly anticipating it's start. The T20 is apparently the new World Cup and all the hype is understandable. After Pakistan's win in the 2009 series and the recent win against Australia in the T20, us Pakistanis have very high expectations of our players. No matter what, cricket is something that unites the citizens against a common threat and the atmosphere in Pakistani households is of sheer excitement and joy as families are cuddled up in front of their Tv screens shouting, screaming and silently chanting prayers. With all sorts of accusations againts Pakistanis, cricket is one way to redeem ourselves and show the world that we are not all about bombs and guns. I can not wait for the matches to begin! I'm brimming with excitement and I hope that our team plays well and brings home another cup! Go Pakistan!

Karachi: Factory Fire Kills 258, Murder Case Registered Against Owners

Yesterday, on September 12th, a garment factory in Karachi caught fire killing at least 258 workers. The workers were either burnt alive or suffocated to death, unable to escape to safety. Almost 600 people were working inside at the time when the workplace caught fire. Officials say the building was in a poor condition and had no emergency exits, fire extinguishers or safety measures of any kind. Workers on the upper floors jumped to escape the fire but the workers in the basement who had no way out perished. Mohammad Nawaz Gondal, the head of the local police station said, "We have registered a murder case against the owners of the factory and several government officials for showing utter negligence to provide adequate security to the factory workers, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people.” The brothers who owned the factory have been barred from leaving the country but have not been seen since the fire broke out. Families are mourning and some are still awaiting news about their loved ones as due to severe burns, many bodies have been left beyond recognition. Only140 bodies have yet been identified, while the other families wait in agony. If such negligence continues and workers are not provided adequate security and safety measures, such incidents are likely to take place more often and cause irreversible suffering to many.

11 whole years, 9/11 Victims Remembered.

Today marked the 11th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attacks ever to be witnesses by America. Back in 2001, two planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers on the morning of  September 11th. Hijacked by Al Qaeda terrorists, the first plane, which was the American Airlines Flight 11, crashed into the North Tower at 8.46 am. This was followed by United Airlines Flight 175 crashing into the South Tower 17 minutes later. Almost 3000 people were killed in the attacks. Many jumped from the towers to escape the fire and heat. Firefighters also lost their lives rescuing those trapped inside. Even though it's been 11 years, the impact and terror of that day is still as fresh as it was on that fateful morning. The wounds of the people have still not healed and probably never will, and the innocent people who lost their lives will always be remembered.

Fishing Boat Capsizes, Almost 25 Feared Dead

A fishing boat off the shore of Karachi capsized today, killing at least 11 men. It was carrying 37 fishermen and the high tides caused it to capsize. As other boats were also close by, 15 men were rescued. Bodies of 11 were recovered using fishing nets and the rest of the bodies have not yet been found. A number of other fishermen sailed out in search of the missing bodies because they claim that the Coast Guards were of no help. It is sad to see that these men are struggling to make a living and absolutely no help or support is being provided by our government. It is high time that safety measures and financial help is provided so that these men can work with a peace of mind and support their families.

Pakistan beats Australia in T20

Yesterday's T20 match between Pakistan and Australia turned out to be a joyous moment for Pakistanis as our team won by 7 wickets. The match, although not as exciting as an ODI between Pakistan and India, was watched with great enthusiasm as everyone sat on the edges of their seats, chanting prayers for the team's victory. And although we won, I personally thought that the match lacked exciting moments, with one player getting bowled after another and the batsmen striking random shots. It was over in the blink of an eye and I was left staring at the TV screen wanting more. Hopefully the team will play well in the next match too and it will be more exciting than yesterday's match. Go Pakistan!

It's Raining Cats & Dogs!

People of Karachi today could be heard breathing sighs of relief as finally, after months of anticipation, the rain came pouring down. The beautiful weather was enjoyed by kids and adults alike as the little ones were out playing and getting drenched, while the adults sat sipping cups of hot tea and coffee accompanied by crunchy, aromatic pakoras. However, as it happens every time it rains, the lights went out and the streets are still flooded, will probably be for another couple of days. And the insects! Oh God. It seems like us Pakistanis can never have a rainy day without the insects, the flooded streets and the blackouts. But despite all these things, the sight and sound of rain is always a delightful one, maybe because it's so rare.. I really enjoyed the weather and I sure hope we get another few days of downpour. Gotta love a rainy day!

Michael Clarke Duncan of 'The Green Mile' Dies at 54

Michael Clarke Duncan, best known for his Oscar nominated role as the death row inmate John Coffey in the 1999 film 'The Green Mile' passed away Monday morning due to heart complications. He suffered a heart attack in July and since then had been in and out of treatment, never fully recovering. Besides his role as the gentle giant in The Green Mile, he has also worked in films such as Planet of the Apes, but before he got into acting, he worked as a bodyguard for celebrities like Will Smith and Jamie Foxx. With another great actor dead at such a young age, it seems like Hollywood is losing its gems at a much more rapid rate than it can afford to. Michael is survived by his fiance and although not anymore physically present amongst us has surely left a legacy with his acting. And as The Green Mile continues to be a favourite, still watched by many, it is certain that the gentle giant will not be forgotten for years to come. Rest in Peace Michael Clarke Duncan.

Karachi, the city of lights?

Karachi, to many  is known as the city of lights. But is it really? Everyday, on every news channel, all we expect to see is news about another incident of target killings, bomb blasts, security threats and such. A city that never sleeps, Karachi's hustle bustle is a part of our lives, something that we are used to and many even adore. But this year things seem to have gone from bad to worse. What surprised me the most was how malls and shopping centers weren't even half as crowded as they usually are, as the last few days of Ramadan approach. Why? Why is it that we were now afraid to even step out of our homes and walk or drive around the streets that we love. Why do we wish to leave this place that we all once loved? My heart cries every time I hear about these senseless killings but I feel like I'm gradually becoming insensitive, as if all hope is fading and there is nothing I can do but accept the situation and spend my days in fear of what will happen next. All I can do is pray. I really hope that this stops, all Pakistanis do. Hopefully, very soon my beloved city, infact my beloved country, will become the peaceful state it is meant to be.