Page March 8 2021

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4. Editoral 5. For Peace to Prevail, Pakistan Does Not Require Only Laws of Justice, But Also People of Justice 8. Forcing students to learn Arabic has no practi cal or moral benefit 10. A short history of religious bigotry in Islamic Republic 12. Pakistan: Enjoying Turkish dramas, avoiding realism 14. The railway lines in Pakistan and the stories they tell 17. First Foreign Minister of Pakistan 18. UK: For Muslims wary of the Covid vaccine: there's every religious reason not to be distrustful 20. Will Britain Stand up for Liberal Muslims? 22. UK: Record 56 Muslims listed in New Year’s Honours 24. UK: Heavy Is The Head That Wears The Hijab 26. Swiss Burqa Ban Vote Appeals To Islamophobia and Feminists 28. USA: Saleha Jabeen first female Muslim Chap lain has graduated 29. UK: Manchester City using social media to spread female participation in football 30. First British Bangladeshi Mansoor Ahmad honoured with British Citizen Awards 32. Raju, The Whitewasher 34. Children – Leaders of Tomorrow 35. In secret videos, Dubai princess says held hostage in barricaded villa, fears for her life 36. Iran: Female Activists Imprisoned for Attending Protests, Refusing “Virginity Test” 37. Saudi Arabia’s rights activist allegedly harassed in prison – now released after spending 1001 days in prison 38. UAE’s Mars Probe Reaches the Farthest Point 39. University Of Cincinnati's Basketball Player, Nesma Khalifa, Represents Muslim Women On Court 40. Hopes, dreams and fears of mother-to-be in Afghanistan 42. Cricket: The Six Is In

Issue: March, 2021 Send your writeups at Price: UK Pound 3, per copy [email protected] Annual Subscription: 36 UK Pound Write to : Monthly Lahore International E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +44 794 007 7825 Editorial Education is Key to Post COVID-19 Recovery By: Munazza Khan - Assistant Editor

Returning to schools for in person learning has ers,” bridging the gap for lower income fami- been one of the most difficult conundrums for lies. Remote learning and social isolation in policy makers, teachers, students and parents the pandemic has unfortunately unveiled to come to terms with. On the one hand, we many inequities in the education system. still see Coronavirus cases continue to esca- Despite resources being allocated by schools late in some parts of the world and wish noth- to students for remote learning, the closure of ing more than for teachers and students to be in person learning has been disruptive for in a safe and healthy environment; and on the students particularly from these families. Let’s flip side, there is the growing concern that now also take into consideration the impact of years of progress risk being reversed. At the the unprecedented changes in education on heart of it all no doubt remains the health and students' mental wellbeing. Schools have wellbeing of students and teachers, but with served as a de facto mental health system for the announcements of schools and education many children and adolescents, providing facilities reopening, the long term implica- mental health services to 57 percent of adoles- tions of lack of progression in learning and cents who need care. Restricted access to these how teachers will bridge the gap remains a basic resources that give some mental and cause for concern for many. Studies at the financial comfort for these households has beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic had been amplifying the learning crisis and widen- already suggested that the pandemic would ing the achievement gap, leaving many undo months of academic gains. Researchers students behind. Post-COVID policy initia- predicted that, on average, students will experi- tives to improve education will need to rise to ence substantial drops in reading and mathe- the challenges posed by increased reliance on matics, losing roughly three months’ worth of remote learning. Educators will need to consid- gains in reading and five months’ worth of er responses to address COVID-19’s gains in mathematics by autumn 2020. For short-term disruptions for children falling Megan Kuhfeld, the lead author of the study, behind, while also working on relationship the biggest takeaway isn’t that learning loss building in a safe and supportive environment. will happen - that’s a given - but that students This would lay the groundwork to improve will come back to school having declined at children’s mental health services in the long vastly different rates: “We might be facing term in order to provide a more fair and unprecedented levels of variability,” she says equal education system post Covid-19. That is (Projecting the potential impacts of key to combating inequality in education. COVID-19 school closures on academic By prioritising investments that can help achievement, 05/2020). It is not merely the students achieve their fullest potential, no curriculum targets that are of concern, but also matter their background, policymakers across the disproportionate impact on students living the globe can set their countries on the path in poverty and students of colour. As Kuhfeld towards healthier and more productive societ- suggests in her study, these families suffer ies in a post-pandemic world, thus providing 4 higher rates of infection and the economic a basis for nurturing responsible citizens. burden disproportionately falls on Black and These young individuals are ultimately the Hispanic parents, who are less likely to be able policy makers of the future who will be using to work from home during the pandemic. the education provided to them today to Schools have long served as “great equaliz- rebuild our tomorrow.

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International For Peace to Prevail, Pakistan Does Not sipping coffee walking around Hyde Park in thinking “If I cannot trust that I will be treated Require Only Laws of Justice, But Also London! On the other hand take our faulty with justice why should I be true to the state?” People of Justice “evidence” process and procedure thereof. Justice is the basic requirement of the law and By: Ikram Sehgal Consider just the Daniel Pearl murder case of life and is important for maintaining order that had happened in 2002 being finally decid- in society. And while justice is not only a task The Quaid’s vision of Pakistan was of Mus- equal or higher status. For example, if a doctor ed just recently. The acquitting of the accused of the law it is the law that has to uphold it at IN every school of Islamabad every child language, achievement levels will further lims being a nation that was ‘Islamic’ as a state killed a rich patient, he would have his hands may be due to missing or insufficient evidence last. As long as the basic demand for justice is shall henceforth be compelled to study the deteriorate. If the Pakistani job seeker could and as a society. The way democracy and cut off, but if he killed a slave, only financial but that decision should have taken into not upheld, Pakistan will fail to fulfil its desti- Arabic language from Grade 1 to Grade 5. use his school-learned Arabic to communi- governance thereof has been operated by Paki- restitution was required. Justice was different account that Omar Shaikh had confessed to ny. We cannot continue to practice the Ham- Thereafter he or she shall learn Arabic gram- cate with Arabs, would it improve matters? stani rulers, we have failed, at least so far, to for men and women. While men were allowed the kidnapping of Danial Pearl and was there- murabic Code while keeping justice on public mar from Grade 6 to Grade 12. By unanimous This is unlikely. Graduates from Pakistani create that nation, that state and that society. to have out of wedlock sexual relations, fore, at the very least, guilty of abetment in his display as is practiced in Islam in theory only vote, that’s what the Senate of Pakistan has madressahs seeking to understand the Holy Citing justice in his writings as the “first virtue women were punished severely for the same. murder. A major impediment to justice is that decided. Introduced on Feb 1, 2021 as a Quran spend their lives trying to master classi- of social institutions”, of which a government Women could receive punishments that their perjury is done freely and the courts accept it https://dailytimes.com.pk/720522/the-hammura- private member’s bill by Senator Javed cal Arabic. And yet they have zero job pros- is one example, John Rawls highlights the male counterparts would not, as men were without using the available laws for punish- bic-code-instead-of-islamic-justice/ Abbasi of the PML-N, the Compulsory Teach- pects in the Middle East. Present enrolment in importance of justice and of its centrality in a permitted to have affairs with their servants ment of telling lies in court. Those guilty of ing of Arabic Language Bill, 2020, will Arabic language courses and university “well-ordered” society. Failing to provide and slaves, whereas married women would be perjury (or causing perjury to be done shall be degree programmes is therefore very low. In justice equally to all, socio-economic, ethnic harshly punished for committing adultery. for justice is trustworthiness. For peace and had expected there is nobody who would given exemplary punishment). The centre become an act of parliament once approved fact, after starting such programmes over 20 and other differences continue dividing the The Hammurabi Code suggests that the code justice to prevail in an Islamic society, we do implement it for you. The majority of our piece of the state and the nation, Justice is by the National Assembly. Thereafter it is to 30 years ago, some universities later closed population. For the state to provide equal may be better understood as a codification of not require only laws of justice, but also people who are poor have no money left to what holds the nation together and allows its likely to be applied across the country. justice to all its citizens is not only according Hammurabi’s supplementary judicial deci- people of justice who treat all those who come pursue years or decades of staying in the citizens to identify themselves with their state Should we citizens celebrate or be worried? them down. For the boy now in an Islamabad to Western political theory and ethics but very sions, and that, by memorializing his wisdom before them as equal human beings. Justice is courts, thus justice is unavailable -like in Ham- and its institutions and government. Every- That depends upon whether desired outcomes school compelled to learn classical Arabic, much at the core of Islam. In pre-Islamic times and justice, its purpose may have been the not only the task of the courts but of individual murabi’s times. In any case Pakistan’s justice where in the world people learn not from can be attained. Let’s therefore see what communication with Arabs in their Arabic laws to provide justice were unaware of the self-glorification of Hammurabi rather than a Muslims as well. An important part of justice system in practice is far from being Islamic. sermons but from example. And that starts in reasons were given by our lawmakers for the will not be easy. In fact, the poor fellow will principle of equality, mainly because they modern legal code or constitution. While there in both western and Islamic understanding is While NAB must be commended for holding childhood at home and in school. Especially bill, one that will deeply impact many genera- be quite at sea. Only modern versions of were made without understanding the will of is no direct connection whatsoever between the idea of equality. Everybody across the many crooks, businessmen, politicians and young people get frustrated when they are tions to come. First, the bill states that profi- Arabic are spoken in various Arab countries, God. One such example is the Code of Ham- ‘Hammurabi and Islam’ there is no doubt that social, ethic religious divide, needs to be just public servants, etc. accountable and recover- treated unjust or when they experience that ciency in Arabic will “broaden the employ- not classical Arabic. Imagine that a Pakistani murabi. Named after the sixth Babylonian the Quran’s basic connection with Arab law to himself and to others and he has to have ing billions of rupees, most of our more notori- their elders violate the ethical principles that ment and business opportunities for the lad trained in ye olde Englisch — the “proper king this Code is one of the oldest deciphered current at the time of the Prophet (PBUH). secure and easy access to justice. The state has ous scoundrels are still free and continuing to they are preaching, be it lying, treating others citizens of Pakistan” in rich Arab countries. English” of Shakespeare or the Canterbury laws in the world (1754 BC). It consists of 282 Islam could not have succeeded if an entirely to provide this, but with the state and its institu- cause not only political mayhem but acting disrespectful or deny them equal and just treat- While attraction to Arab oil wealth is under- Tales — was to land up in today’s England. rules with scaled punishments, adjusting “an new commandment unconnected to the tions consisting of individuals, the practice of against the State by targeting the Army. They ment. And when these young children grow standable and has long been pursued, this He might be a source of merriment but justice and equality has to be nurtured in the mostly using the garb of political victimisa- eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”. Based on current life would have come to them. There up with such scrambled ethics they might reason is weak. Jobs and businesses go to getting a job would be tough. Second, the bill character of the people. Unfortunately, in prac- tion to camouflage (and thus legally escape) social stratification depending on social status is an evolution visible in the understanding of finish university and become lawyers, judges, persons with specific skills or those who have claims that school-taught Arabic will enable tice this seems to have been conveniently over- their crimes. The use of the political card has and gender, of slave versus free, man versus humanity of God, the world and the purpose businessmen and teachers. But what kind of deliverables to offer. Forcing students to learn students to understand the Holy Quran better looked by Pakistani rulers with the result that botched attempts at accountability by NAB in woman, other parts deal with contracts, busi- of life. The history of revelations and prophets professionals they will be? Knowledge in any and so become better Muslims. Are the bill’s today’s Pakistan is lacking much of this basic many cases. Moreover, the accountability Arabic won’t make them virtuous but setting ness dealing, family law, regulations of is a step-by-step revealing of the Truth by God resort of science can only be applied success- sponsors not aware that, beginning with requirement of justice be it western or Islamic process being stretched out over years has good examples of moral behaviour might. government. It was one of the first formalized in accordance with the level of understanding fully in life when it is supported and practiced Just look at who gets invited to GCC coun- Persian in the 10th century, the Quran has codes of law of humanity. While in theory the that humanity had gained by the time of revela- – in state and society of the country. What damaged the reputation of the accountability. with the right ethics. The result of the lack of tries. Westerners having zero familiarity with undergone translation into all major languag- Code of Hammurabi was trying to achieve tion. With the last revelation to the last proph- goes here for a system of justice rather While ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ is a justice is that both state and society in Paki- Arabic but high expertise are most sought es? This was necessary because it is extreme- equality, in actual practice singular bias exist- et, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the com- reminds one of the Hammurabi Code two thou- maxim that holds true not without reason, one stan lack stability, even after seventy years after. Indians are a distant second, getting ly difficult for non-Arabs to understand the ed against those categorized in the lower end plete Truth (all knowledge that is needed to be sand years before Islam. The rich in our coun- of most compelling positive factors about and despite the so many attempts to make the Quran’s wonderfully rich and nuanced classi- of the social spectrum. Justice was not based able to live according to God’s wishes and try have easy access to courts and lawyers justice in Islam is that it is not delayed like it country ‘Islamic’, Pakistani society is torn only about 10 per cent of high-level jobs with cal Arabic. Many scholars have spent entire on equality of men, different laws provided for intentions) has been given to humanity and through their money and -sometimes- their has been done in the Daniel Pearl case. The apart by economic inequality, social strife and the rest performing menial and unskilled lives performing such monumental transla- different justice for the three classes of men in humanity is now ready to live according to the 5 connections or even the infamous client-pa- intervention of High Courts (and even the ethnic and religious separation, complicated construction tasks. Pakistanis stand still society: property owners (or the elite), free ordained rules. In Islam, justice is a result of tron relationship. For the middle classes, Supreme Court (SC)) in doling out bail for the by a weird understanding of Islam. The state further below with only 3pc at higher levels. tions, knowing that words have meanings that men and slaves. Punishments for someone Aman (to be safe) and to have Am?nah (trust- justice is already much more removed; it is accused on one pretext or the other has also and its institutions are not trusted and are This is because of low professional and life subtly change with time. But even so, no two assaulting someone from a lower class were worthiness). Thus, the one who upholds safety expensive, long delayed and the outcome is badly compromised the process of account- marred by corruption and incompetence. skills. With the Pakistani schoolchild now to translations completely agree and sometimes far lighter than if he had assaulted someone of and is trustworthy is Am?n. The prerequisite anybody’s guess. An if you get the verdict you ability. Look at “Born Again” Nawaz Sharif Bureaucrats, politicians, even teachers are be burdened with learning yet another different interpretations emerge. Given these

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com

emergency wards; our students would be reading books rather than noisily demonstrating for their “right to cheat”; our politi- cal leaders would not be loot- ers and our generals would no longer have secret overseas business franchises.While some chase such delusions, others nervously search for their civilizational roots in some faraway land — Saudi Arabia earlier and now Turkey. Thus quite a few are difficulties, absorbing the contents of the drawn to Arabic. But curiously, Arabs show Quran through an Urdu translation is surely no interest in reviving Arabic. Their new much easier for a Pakistani school student. generations are hell-bent upon modernising Deeply puzzling, therefore, is the statement and moving towards English. Now for several from the minister of state for parliamentary decades, an energized Arab world has been affairs: “You cannot understand the message luring American universities with large sums of Allah, if you do not know Arabic.” If true, of money to open local campuses in GCC that massively downgrades most Muslims states. Part of that investment is paying off. living on this planet. The entire Muslim popu- The success of Al-Amal, the UAE spacecraft lation of Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, that entered orbit around Mars some days Iran, or Turkey cannot be made to understand ago, was officially celebrated as an Arab or speak Arabic. And what of those long dead Muslim success. While one feels happy at Muslims who tried hard to follow the teach- this, it is really the triumph of Western tech- ings of Islam but never learned — nor tried to nology harnessed by a few forward-looking learn — the Arabic language? Arabs who have learnt to speak the language That knowing Arabic — any version — can of modern science. A thousand years ago that make one a better person or create unity is a language was only Arabic. But in our epoch it bizarre thought. If true, the Arab states would is only English. In forcing kids to learn be standing together instead of several rush- Arabic, all those sitting in Pakistan’s Senate ing to recognize Israel even as it gobbles up — with just a single exception — forgot that the last bits of Palestine. Has the Arabic they are Pakistanis first and that Pakistan was language made Arab states beacons of moral made for Pakistanis. Rather than behave as integrity, parsimony, and high thinking? Are sniveling cultural orphans seeking shelter in a our senators claiming that today’s Arabs are rich uncle’s house, they need to take pride in paragons of virtue? But truly, it would be won- the diversity and strength of the myriad local derful if teaching Arabic to kids, and further cultures and languages that make this land jacking up the religious content of education, and its people. The writer is an Islam- could change students for the better. Just abad-based physicist and writer. imagine! Future Pakistani lawyers would not be rampaging goons who destroy court proper- https://www.dawn.com/news/1607107/making-ara- ty and randomly attack patients in hospital bic-compulsory sipping coffee walking around Hyde Park in thinking “If I cannot trust that I will be treated London! On the other hand take our faulty with justice why should I be true to the state?” “evidence” process and procedure thereof. Justice is the basic requirement of the law and Consider just the Daniel Pearl murder case of life and is important for maintaining order that had happened in 2002 being finally decid- in society. And while justice is not only a task The Quaid’s vision of Pakistan was of Mus- equal or higher status. For example, if a doctor ed just recently. The acquitting of the accused of the law it is the law that has to uphold it at IN every school of Islamabad every child language, achievement levels will further lims being a nation that was ‘Islamic’ as a state killed a rich patient, he would have his hands may be due to missing or insufficient evidence last. As long as the basic demand for justice is shall henceforth be compelled to study the deteriorate. If the Pakistani job seeker could and as a society. The way democracy and cut off, but if he killed a slave, only financial but that decision should have taken into not upheld, Pakistan will fail to fulfil its desti- Arabic language from Grade 1 to Grade 5. use his school-learned Arabic to communi- governance thereof has been operated by Paki- restitution was required. Justice was different account that Omar Shaikh had confessed to ny. We cannot continue to practice the Ham- Thereafter he or she shall learn Arabic gram- cate with Arabs, would it improve matters? stani rulers, we have failed, at least so far, to for men and women. While men were allowed the kidnapping of Danial Pearl and was there- murabic Code while keeping justice on public mar from Grade 6 to Grade 12. By unanimous This is unlikely. Graduates from Pakistani create that nation, that state and that society. to have out of wedlock sexual relations, fore, at the very least, guilty of abetment in his display as is practiced in Islam in theory only vote, that’s what the Senate of Pakistan has madressahs seeking to understand the Holy Citing justice in his writings as the “first virtue women were punished severely for the same. murder. A major impediment to justice is that decided. Introduced on Feb 1, 2021 as a Quran spend their lives trying to master classi- of social institutions”, of which a government Women could receive punishments that their perjury is done freely and the courts accept it https://dailytimes.com.pk/720522/the-hammura- private member’s bill by Senator Javed cal Arabic. And yet they have zero job pros- is one example, John Rawls highlights the male counterparts would not, as men were without using the available laws for punish- bic-code-instead-of-islamic-justice/ Abbasi of the PML-N, the Compulsory Teach- pects in the Middle East. Present enrolment in importance of justice and of its centrality in a permitted to have affairs with their servants ment of telling lies in court. Those guilty of ing of Arabic Language Bill, 2020, will Arabic language courses and university “well-ordered” society. Failing to provide and slaves, whereas married women would be perjury (or causing perjury to be done shall be degree programmes is therefore very low. In justice equally to all, socio-economic, ethnic harshly punished for committing adultery. for justice is trustworthiness. For peace and had expected there is nobody who would given exemplary punishment). The centre become an act of parliament once approved fact, after starting such programmes over 20 and other differences continue dividing the The Hammurabi Code suggests that the code justice to prevail in an Islamic society, we do implement it for you. The majority of our piece of the state and the nation, Justice is by the National Assembly. Thereafter it is to 30 years ago, some universities later closed population. For the state to provide equal may be better understood as a codification of not require only laws of justice, but also people who are poor have no money left to what holds the nation together and allows its likely to be applied across the country. justice to all its citizens is not only according Hammurabi’s supplementary judicial deci- people of justice who treat all those who come pursue years or decades of staying in the citizens to identify themselves with their state Should we citizens celebrate or be worried? them down. For the boy now in an Islamabad to Western political theory and ethics but very sions, and that, by memorializing his wisdom before them as equal human beings. Justice is courts, thus justice is unavailable -like in Ham- and its institutions and government. Every- That depends upon whether desired outcomes school compelled to learn classical Arabic, much at the core of Islam. In pre-Islamic times and justice, its purpose may have been the not only the task of the courts but of individual murabi’s times. In any case Pakistan’s justice where in the world people learn not from can be attained. Let’s therefore see what communication with Arabs in their Arabic laws to provide justice were unaware of the self-glorification of Hammurabi rather than a Muslims as well. An important part of justice system in practice is far from being Islamic. sermons but from example. And that starts in reasons were given by our lawmakers for the will not be easy. In fact, the poor fellow will principle of equality, mainly because they modern legal code or constitution. While there in both western and Islamic understanding is While NAB must be commended for holding childhood at home and in school. Especially bill, one that will deeply impact many genera- be quite at sea. Only modern versions of were made without understanding the will of is no direct connection whatsoever between the idea of equality. Everybody across the many crooks, businessmen, politicians and young people get frustrated when they are tions to come. First, the bill states that profi- Arabic are spoken in various Arab countries, God. One such example is the Code of Ham- ‘Hammurabi and Islam’ there is no doubt that social, ethic religious divide, needs to be just public servants, etc. accountable and recover- treated unjust or when they experience that ciency in Arabic will “broaden the employ- not classical Arabic. Imagine that a Pakistani murabi. Named after the sixth Babylonian the Quran’s basic connection with Arab law to himself and to others and he has to have ing billions of rupees, most of our more notori- their elders violate the ethical principles that ment and business opportunities for the lad trained in ye olde Englisch — the “proper king this Code is one of the oldest deciphered current at the time of the Prophet (PBUH). secure and easy access to justice. The state has ous scoundrels are still free and continuing to they are preaching, be it lying, treating others citizens of Pakistan” in rich Arab countries. English” of Shakespeare or the Canterbury laws in the world (1754 BC). It consists of 282 Islam could not have succeeded if an entirely to provide this, but with the state and its institu- cause not only political mayhem but acting disrespectful or deny them equal and just treat- While attraction to Arab oil wealth is under- Tales — was to land up in today’s England. rules with scaled punishments, adjusting “an new commandment unconnected to the tions consisting of individuals, the practice of against the State by targeting the Army. They ment. And when these young children grow standable and has long been pursued, this He might be a source of merriment but justice and equality has to be nurtured in the mostly using the garb of political victimisa- eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”. Based on current life would have come to them. There up with such scrambled ethics they might reason is weak. Jobs and businesses go to getting a job would be tough. Second, the bill character of the people. Unfortunately, in prac- tion to camouflage (and thus legally escape) social stratification depending on social status is an evolution visible in the understanding of finish university and become lawyers, judges, persons with specific skills or those who have claims that school-taught Arabic will enable tice this seems to have been conveniently over- their crimes. The use of the political card has and gender, of slave versus free, man versus humanity of God, the world and the purpose businessmen and teachers. But what kind of deliverables to offer. Forcing students to learn students to understand the Holy Quran better looked by Pakistani rulers with the result that botched attempts at accountability by NAB in woman, other parts deal with contracts, busi- of life. The history of revelations and prophets professionals they will be? Knowledge in any and so become better Muslims. Are the bill’s today’s Pakistan is lacking much of this basic many cases. Moreover, the accountability Arabic won’t make them virtuous but setting ness dealing, family law, regulations of is a step-by-step revealing of the Truth by God resort of science can only be applied success- sponsors not aware that, beginning with requirement of justice be it western or Islamic process being stretched out over years has good examples of moral behaviour might. government. It was one of the first formalized in accordance with the level of understanding fully in life when it is supported and practiced Just look at who gets invited to GCC coun- Persian in the 10th century, the Quran has codes of law of humanity. While in theory the that humanity had gained by the time of revela- – in state and society of the country. What damaged the reputation of the accountability. with the right ethics. The result of the lack of tries. Westerners having zero familiarity with undergone translation into all major languag- Code of Hammurabi was trying to achieve tion. With the last revelation to the last proph- goes here for a system of justice rather While ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ is a justice is that both state and society in Paki- Arabic but high expertise are most sought es? This was necessary because it is extreme- equality, in actual practice singular bias exist- et, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the com- reminds one of the Hammurabi Code two thou- maxim that holds true not without reason, one stan lack stability, even after seventy years after. Indians are a distant second, getting ly difficult for non-Arabs to understand the ed against those categorized in the lower end plete Truth (all knowledge that is needed to be sand years before Islam. The rich in our coun- of most compelling positive factors about and despite the so many attempts to make the Quran’s wonderfully rich and nuanced classi- of the social spectrum. Justice was not based able to live according to God’s wishes and try have easy access to courts and lawyers justice in Islam is that it is not delayed like it country ‘Islamic’, Pakistani society is torn only about 10 per cent of high-level jobs with cal Arabic. Many scholars have spent entire on equality of men, different laws provided for intentions) has been given to humanity and through their money and -sometimes- their has been done in the Daniel Pearl case. The apart by economic inequality, social strife and the rest performing menial and unskilled lives performing such monumental transla- different justice for the three classes of men in humanity is now ready to live according to the 6 connections or even the infamous client-pa- intervention of High Courts (and even the ethnic and religious separation, complicated construction tasks. Pakistanis stand still society: property owners (or the elite), free ordained rules. In Islam, justice is a result of tron relationship. For the middle classes, Supreme Court (SC)) in doling out bail for the by a weird understanding of Islam. The state further below with only 3pc at higher levels. tions, knowing that words have meanings that men and slaves. Punishments for someone Aman (to be safe) and to have Am?nah (trust- justice is already much more removed; it is accused on one pretext or the other has also and its institutions are not trusted and are This is because of low professional and life subtly change with time. But even so, no two assaulting someone from a lower class were worthiness). Thus, the one who upholds safety expensive, long delayed and the outcome is badly compromised the process of account- marred by corruption and incompetence. skills. With the Pakistani schoolchild now to translations completely agree and sometimes far lighter than if he had assaulted someone of and is trustworthy is Am?n. The prerequisite anybody’s guess. An if you get the verdict you ability. Look at “Born Again” Nawaz Sharif Bureaucrats, politicians, even teachers are be burdened with learning yet another different interpretations emerge. Given these

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International

emergency wards; our students would be reading books rather than noisily demonstrating for their “right to cheat”; our politi- cal leaders would not be loot- ers and our generals would no longer have secret overseas business franchises.While some chase such delusions, others nervously search for their civilizational roots in some faraway land — Saudi Arabia earlier and now Turkey. Thus quite a few are difficulties, absorbing the contents of the drawn to Arabic. But curiously, Arabs show Quran through an Urdu translation is surely no interest in reviving Arabic. Their new much easier for a Pakistani school student. generations are hell-bent upon modernising Deeply puzzling, therefore, is the statement and moving towards English. Now for several from the minister of state for parliamentary decades, an energized Arab world has been affairs: “You cannot understand the message luring American universities with large sums of Allah, if you do not know Arabic.” If true, of money to open local campuses in GCC that massively downgrades most Muslims states. Part of that investment is paying off. living on this planet. The entire Muslim popu- The success of Al-Amal, the UAE spacecraft lation of Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, that entered orbit around Mars some days Iran, or Turkey cannot be made to understand ago, was officially celebrated as an Arab or speak Arabic. And what of those long dead Muslim success. While one feels happy at Muslims who tried hard to follow the teach- this, it is really the triumph of Western tech- ings of Islam but never learned — nor tried to nology harnessed by a few forward-looking learn — the Arabic language? Arabs who have learnt to speak the language That knowing Arabic — any version — can of modern science. A thousand years ago that make one a better person or create unity is a language was only Arabic. But in our epoch it bizarre thought. If true, the Arab states would is only English. In forcing kids to learn be standing together instead of several rush- Arabic, all those sitting in Pakistan’s Senate ing to recognize Israel even as it gobbles up — with just a single exception — forgot that the last bits of Palestine. Has the Arabic they are Pakistanis first and that Pakistan was language made Arab states beacons of moral made for Pakistanis. Rather than behave as integrity, parsimony, and high thinking? Are sniveling cultural orphans seeking shelter in a our senators claiming that today’s Arabs are rich uncle’s house, they need to take pride in paragons of virtue? But truly, it would be won- the diversity and strength of the myriad local derful if teaching Arabic to kids, and further cultures and languages that make this land jacking up the religious content of education, and its people. The writer is an Islam- could change students for the better. Just abad-based physicist and writer. imagine! Future Pakistani lawyers would not be rampaging goons who destroy court proper- https://www.dawn.com/news/1607107/making-ara- ty and randomly attack patients in hospital bic-compulsory sipping coffee walking around Hyde Park in thinking “If I cannot trust that I will be treated London! On the other hand take our faulty with justice why should I be true to the state?” “evidence” process and procedure thereof. Justice is the basic requirement of the law and Consider just the Daniel Pearl murder case of life and is important for maintaining order that had happened in 2002 being finally decid- in society. And while justice is not only a task The Quaid’s vision of Pakistan was of Mus- equal or higher status. For example, if a doctor ed just recently. The acquitting of the accused of the law it is the law that has to uphold it at IN every school of Islamabad every child language, achievement levels will further lims being a nation that was ‘Islamic’ as a state killed a rich patient, he would have his hands may be due to missing or insufficient evidence last. As long as the basic demand for justice is shall henceforth be compelled to study the deteriorate. If the Pakistani job seeker could and as a society. The way democracy and cut off, but if he killed a slave, only financial but that decision should have taken into not upheld, Pakistan will fail to fulfil its desti- Arabic language from Grade 1 to Grade 5. use his school-learned Arabic to communi- governance thereof has been operated by Paki- restitution was required. Justice was different account that Omar Shaikh had confessed to ny. We cannot continue to practice the Ham- Thereafter he or she shall learn Arabic gram- cate with Arabs, would it improve matters? stani rulers, we have failed, at least so far, to for men and women. While men were allowed the kidnapping of Danial Pearl and was there- murabic Code while keeping justice on public mar from Grade 6 to Grade 12. By unanimous This is unlikely. Graduates from Pakistani create that nation, that state and that society. to have out of wedlock sexual relations, fore, at the very least, guilty of abetment in his display as is practiced in Islam in theory only vote, that’s what the Senate of Pakistan has madressahs seeking to understand the Holy Citing justice in his writings as the “first virtue women were punished severely for the same. murder. A major impediment to justice is that decided. Introduced on Feb 1, 2021 as a Quran spend their lives trying to master classi- of social institutions”, of which a government Women could receive punishments that their perjury is done freely and the courts accept it https://dailytimes.com.pk/720522/the-hammura- private member’s bill by Senator Javed cal Arabic. And yet they have zero job pros- is one example, John Rawls highlights the male counterparts would not, as men were without using the available laws for punish- bic-code-instead-of-islamic-justice/ Abbasi of the PML-N, the Compulsory Teach- pects in the Middle East. Present enrolment in importance of justice and of its centrality in a permitted to have affairs with their servants ment of telling lies in court. Those guilty of ing of Arabic Language Bill, 2020, will Arabic language courses and university “well-ordered” society. Failing to provide and slaves, whereas married women would be perjury (or causing perjury to be done shall be degree programmes is therefore very low. In justice equally to all, socio-economic, ethnic harshly punished for committing adultery. for justice is trustworthiness. For peace and had expected there is nobody who would given exemplary punishment). The centre become an act of parliament once approved fact, after starting such programmes over 20 and other differences continue dividing the The Hammurabi Code suggests that the code justice to prevail in an Islamic society, we do implement it for you. The majority of our piece of the state and the nation, Justice is by the National Assembly. Thereafter it is to 30 years ago, some universities later closed population. For the state to provide equal may be better understood as a codification of not require only laws of justice, but also people who are poor have no money left to what holds the nation together and allows its likely to be applied across the country. Should we citizens celebrate or be worried? them down. For the boy now in an Islamabad justice to all its citizens is not only according Hammurabi’s supplementary judicial deci- people of justice who treat all those who come pursue years or decades of staying in the citizens to identify themselves with their state Dear readers you will be pleased to hear that school compelled to learn classical Arabic, to Western political theory and ethics but very sions, and that, by memorializing his wisdom before them as equal human beings. Justice is courts, thus justice is unavailable -like in Ham- and its institutions and government. Every- our Chief Editor of Lahore International That depends upon whether desired outcomes much at the core of Islam. In pre-Islamic times and justice, its purpose may have been the not only the task of the courts but of individual murabi’s times. In any case Pakistan’s justice where in the world people learn not from Magazine, Mohiuddin Abbasi has received can be attained. Let’s therefore see what communication with Arabs in their Arabic laws to provide justice were unaware of the self-glorification of Hammurabi rather than a Muslims as well. An important part of justice system in practice is far from being Islamic. sermons but from example. And that starts in the honour of recently being appointed as reasons were given by our lawmakers for the will not be easy. In fact, the poor fellow will principle of equality, mainly because they modern legal code or constitution. While there in both western and Islamic understanding is While NAB must be commended for holding childhood at home and in school. Especially Senior Vice President of the Journalists bill, one that will deeply impact many genera- be quite at sea. Only modern versions of were made without understanding the will of is no direct connection whatsoever between the idea of equality. Everybody across the many crooks, businessmen, politicians and young people get frustrated when they are Association of Pakistan. Our heartiest con- tions to come. First, the bill states that profi- Arabic are spoken in various Arab countries, God. One such example is the Code of Ham- ‘Hammurabi and Islam’ there is no doubt that social, ethic religious divide, needs to be just public servants, etc. accountable and recover- treated unjust or when they experience that gratulations to Mohiuddin Abbasi as we ciency in Arabic will “broaden the employ- not classical Arabic. Imagine that a Pakistani murabi. Named after the sixth Babylonian the Quran’s basic connection with Arab law to himself and to others and he has to have ing billions of rupees, most of our more notori- their elders violate the ethical principles that send him our best wishes on this new title. ment and business opportunities for the lad trained in ye olde Englisch — the “proper king this Code is one of the oldest deciphered current at the time of the Prophet (PBUH). secure and easy access to justice. The state has ous scoundrels are still free and continuing to they are preaching, be it lying, treating others citizens of Pakistan” in rich Arab countries. English” of Shakespeare or the Canterbury laws in the world (1754 BC). It consists of 282 Islam could not have succeeded if an entirely to provide this, but with the state and its institu- cause not only political mayhem but acting disrespectful or deny them equal and just treat- While attraction to Arab oil wealth is under- Tales — was to land up in today’s England. rules with scaled punishments, adjusting “an new commandment unconnected to the tions consisting of individuals, the practice of against the State by targeting the Army. They ment. And when these young children grow standable and has long been pursued, this He might be a source of merriment but justice and equality has to be nurtured in the mostly using the garb of political victimisa- eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”. Based on current life would have come to them. There up with such scrambled ethics they might reason is weak. Jobs and businesses go to getting a job would be tough. Second, the bill character of the people. Unfortunately, in prac- tion to camouflage (and thus legally escape) social stratification depending on social status is an evolution visible in the understanding of finish university and become lawyers, judges, persons with specific skills or those who have claims that school-taught Arabic will enable tice this seems to have been conveniently over- their crimes. The use of the political card has and gender, of slave versus free, man versus humanity of God, the world and the purpose businessmen and teachers. But what kind of deliverables to offer. Forcing students to learn students to understand the Holy Quran better looked by Pakistani rulers with the result that botched attempts at accountability by NAB in woman, other parts deal with contracts, busi- of life. The history of revelations and prophets professionals they will be? Knowledge in any and so become better Muslims. Are the bill’s today’s Pakistan is lacking much of this basic many cases. Moreover, the accountability Arabic won’t make them virtuous but setting ness dealing, family law, regulations of is a step-by-step revealing of the Truth by God resort of science can only be applied success- sponsors not aware that, beginning with requirement of justice be it western or Islamic process being stretched out over years has good examples of moral behaviour might. government. It was one of the first formalized in accordance with the level of understanding fully in life when it is supported and practiced Just look at who gets invited to GCC coun- Persian in the 10th century, the Quran has codes of law of humanity. While in theory the that humanity had gained by the time of revela- – in state and society of the country. What damaged the reputation of the accountability. with the right ethics. The result of the lack of tries. Westerners having zero familiarity with undergone translation into all major languag- Code of Hammurabi was trying to achieve tion. With the last revelation to the last proph- goes here for a system of justice rather While ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ is a justice is that both state and society in Paki- Arabic but high expertise are most sought es? This was necessary because it is extreme- equality, in actual practice singular bias exist- et, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the com- reminds one of the Hammurabi Code two thou- maxim that holds true not without reason, one stan lack stability, even after seventy years after. Indians are a distant second, getting ly difficult for non-Arabs to understand the ed against those categorized in the lower end plete Truth (all knowledge that is needed to be sand years before Islam. The rich in our coun- of most compelling positive factors about and despite the so many attempts to make the Quran’s wonderfully rich and nuanced classi- of the social spectrum. Justice was not based able to live according to God’s wishes and try have easy access to courts and lawyers justice in Islam is that it is not delayed like it country ‘Islamic’, Pakistani society is torn only about 10 per cent of high-level jobs with cal Arabic. Many scholars have spent entire on equality of men, different laws provided for intentions) has been given to humanity and through their money and -sometimes- their has been done in the Daniel Pearl case. The apart by economic inequality, social strife and the rest performing menial and unskilled lives performing such monumental transla- different justice for the three classes of men in humanity is now ready to live according to the connections or even the infamous client-pa- intervention of High Courts (and even the ethnic and religious separation, complicated 7 construction tasks. Pakistanis stand still society: property owners (or the elite), free ordained rules. In Islam, justice is a result of tron relationship. For the middle classes, Supreme Court (SC)) in doling out bail for the by a weird understanding of Islam. The state further below with only 3pc at higher levels. tions, knowing that words have meanings that men and slaves. Punishments for someone Aman (to be safe) and to have Am?nah (trust- justice is already much more removed; it is accused on one pretext or the other has also and its institutions are not trusted and are This is because of low professional and life subtly change with time. But even so, no two assaulting someone from a lower class were worthiness). Thus, the one who upholds safety expensive, long delayed and the outcome is badly compromised the process of account- marred by corruption and incompetence. skills. With the Pakistani schoolchild now to translations completely agree and sometimes far lighter than if he had assaulted someone of and is trustworthy is Am?n. The prerequisite anybody’s guess. An if you get the verdict you ability. Look at “Born Again” Nawaz Sharif Bureaucrats, politicians, even teachers are be burdened with learning yet another different interpretations emerge. Given these

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com

emergency wards; our students would be reading books rather than noisily demonstrating for their “right to cheat”; our politi- cal leaders would not be loot- ers and our generals would no longer have secret overseas business franchises.While some chase such delusions, others nervously search for their civilizational roots in some faraway land — Saudi Arabia earlier and now Turkey. Thus quite a few are difficulties, absorbing the contents of the drawn to Arabic. But curiously, Arabs show Quran through an Urdu translation is surely no interest in reviving Arabic. Their new much easier for a Pakistani school student. generations are hell-bent upon modernising Deeply puzzling, therefore, is the statement and moving towards English. Now for several from the minister of state for parliamentary decades, an energized Arab world has been affairs: “You cannot understand the message luring American universities with large sums of Allah, if you do not know Arabic.” If true, of money to open local campuses in GCC that massively downgrades most Muslims states. Part of that investment is paying off. living on this planet. The entire Muslim popu- The success of Al-Amal, the UAE spacecraft lation of Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, that entered orbit around Mars some days Iran, or Turkey cannot be made to understand ago, was officially celebrated as an Arab or speak Arabic. And what of those long dead Muslim success. While one feels happy at Muslims who tried hard to follow the teach- this, it is really the triumph of Western tech- ings of Islam but never learned — nor tried to nology harnessed by a few forward-looking learn — the Arabic language? Arabs who have learnt to speak the language That knowing Arabic — any version — can of modern science. A thousand years ago that make one a better person or create unity is a language was only Arabic. But in our epoch it bizarre thought. If true, the Arab states would is only English. In forcing kids to learn be standing together instead of several rush- Arabic, all those sitting in Pakistan’s Senate ing to recognize Israel even as it gobbles up — with just a single exception — forgot that the last bits of Palestine. Has the Arabic they are Pakistanis first and that Pakistan was language made Arab states beacons of moral made for Pakistanis. Rather than behave as integrity, parsimony, and high thinking? Are sniveling cultural orphans seeking shelter in a our senators claiming that today’s Arabs are rich uncle’s house, they need to take pride in paragons of virtue? But truly, it would be won- the diversity and strength of the myriad local derful if teaching Arabic to kids, and further cultures and languages that make this land jacking up the religious content of education, and its people. The writer is an Islam- could change students for the better. Just abad-based physicist and writer. imagine! Future Pakistani lawyers would not be rampaging goons who destroy court proper- https://www.dawn.com/news/1607107/making-ara- ty and randomly attack patients in hospital bic-compulsory Forcing students to learn Arabic has no practical or moral benefit By: Prof Pervez Hoodbhoy

IN every school of Islamabad every child language, achievement levels will further shall henceforth be compelled to study the deteriorate. If the Pakistani job seeker could Arabic language from Grade 1 to Grade 5. use his school-learned Arabic to communi- Thereafter he or she shall learn Arabic gram- cate with Arabs, would it improve matters? mar from Grade 6 to Grade 12. By unanimous This is unlikely. Graduates from Pakistani vote, that’s what the Senate of Pakistan has madressahs seeking to understand the Holy decided. Introduced on Feb 1, 2021 as a Quran spend their lives trying to master classi- private member’s bill by Senator Javed cal Arabic. And yet they have zero job pros- Abbasi of the PML-N, the Compulsory Teach- pects in the Middle East. Present enrolment in ing of Arabic Language Bill, 2020, will Arabic language courses and university become an act of parliament once approved degree programmes is therefore very low. In by the National Assembly. Thereafter it is fact, after starting such programmes over 20 likely to be applied across the country. to 30 years ago, some universities later closed Should we citizens celebrate or be worried? them down. For the boy now in an Islamabad That depends upon whether desired outcomes school compelled to learn classical Arabic, can be attained. Let’s therefore see what communication with Arabs in their Arabic reasons were given by our lawmakers for the will not be easy. In fact, the poor fellow will bill, one that will deeply impact many genera- be quite at sea. Only modern versions of tions to come. First, the bill states that profi- Arabic are spoken in various Arab countries, ciency in Arabic will “broaden the employ- not classical Arabic. Imagine that a Pakistani ment and business opportunities for the lad trained in ye olde Englisch — the “proper citizens of Pakistan” in rich Arab countries. English” of Shakespeare or the Canterbury While attraction to Arab oil wealth is under- Tales — was to land up in today’s England. standable and has long been pursued, this He might be a source of merriment but reason is weak. Jobs and businesses go to getting a job would be tough. Second, the bill persons with specific skills or those who have claims that school-taught Arabic will enable deliverables to offer. Forcing students to learn students to understand the Holy Quran better Arabic won’t make them virtuous but setting and so become better Muslims. Are the bill’s good examples of moral behaviour might. sponsors not aware that, beginning with Just look at who gets invited to GCC coun- Persian in the 10th century, the Quran has tries. Westerners having zero familiarity with undergone translation into all major languag- Arabic but high expertise are most sought es? This was necessary because it is extreme- after. Indians are a distant second, getting ly difficult for non-Arabs to understand the only about 10 per cent of high-level jobs with Quran’s wonderfully rich and nuanced classi- the rest performing menial and unskilled cal Arabic. Many scholars have spent entire 8 construction tasks. Pakistanis stand still lives performing such monumental transla- further below with only 3pc at higher levels. tions, knowing that words have meanings that This is because of low professional and life subtly change with time. But even so, no two skills. With the Pakistani schoolchild now to translations completely agree and sometimes be burdened with learning yet another different interpretations emerge. Given these

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International

emergency wards; our students would be reading books rather than noisily demonstrating for their “right to cheat”; our politi- cal leaders would not be loot- ers and our generals would no longer have secret overseas business franchises.While some chase such delusions, others nervously search for their civilizational roots in some faraway land — Saudi Arabia earlier and now Turkey. Thus quite a few are difficulties, absorbing the contents of the drawn to Arabic. But curiously, Arabs show Quran through an Urdu translation is surely no interest in reviving Arabic. Their new much easier for a Pakistani school student. generations are hell-bent upon modernising Deeply puzzling, therefore, is the statement and moving towards English. Now for several from the minister of state for parliamentary decades, an energized Arab world has been affairs: “You cannot understand the message luring American universities with large sums of Allah, if you do not know Arabic.” If true, of money to open local campuses in GCC that massively downgrades most Muslims states. Part of that investment is paying off. living on this planet. The entire Muslim popu- The success of Al-Amal, the UAE spacecraft lation of Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, that entered orbit around Mars some days Iran, or Turkey cannot be made to understand ago, was officially celebrated as an Arab or speak Arabic. And what of those long dead Muslim success. While one feels happy at Muslims who tried hard to follow the teach- this, it is really the triumph of Western tech- ings of Islam but never learned — nor tried to nology harnessed by a few forward-looking learn — the Arabic language? Arabs who have learnt to speak the language That knowing Arabic — any version — can of modern science. A thousand years ago that make one a better person or create unity is a language was only Arabic. But in our epoch it bizarre thought. If true, the Arab states would is only English. In forcing kids to learn be standing together instead of several rush- Arabic, all those sitting in Pakistan’s Senate ing to recognize Israel even as it gobbles up — with just a single exception — forgot that the last bits of Palestine. Has the Arabic they are Pakistanis first and that Pakistan was language made Arab states beacons of moral made for Pakistanis. Rather than behave as integrity, parsimony, and high thinking? Are sniveling cultural orphans seeking shelter in a our senators claiming that today’s Arabs are rich uncle’s house, they need to take pride in paragons of virtue? But truly, it would be won- the diversity and strength of the myriad local derful if teaching Arabic to kids, and further cultures and languages that make this land jacking up the religious content of education, and its people. The writer is an Islam- could change students for the better. Just abad-based physicist and writer. imagine! Future Pakistani lawyers would not be rampaging goons who destroy court proper- https://www.dawn.com/news/1607107/making-ara- ty and randomly attack patients in hospital bic-compulsory IN every school of Islamabad every child language, achievement levels will further shall henceforth be compelled to study the deteriorate. If the Pakistani job seeker could Arabic language from Grade 1 to Grade 5. use his school-learned Arabic to communi- Thereafter he or she shall learn Arabic gram- cate with Arabs, would it improve matters? mar from Grade 6 to Grade 12. By unanimous This is unlikely. Graduates from Pakistani vote, that’s what the Senate of Pakistan has madressahs seeking to understand the Holy decided. Introduced on Feb 1, 2021 as a Quran spend their lives trying to master classi- private member’s bill by Senator Javed cal Arabic. And yet they have zero job pros- Abbasi of the PML-N, the Compulsory Teach- pects in the Middle East. Present enrolment in ing of Arabic Language Bill, 2020, will Arabic language courses and university become an act of parliament once approved degree programmes is therefore very low. In by the National Assembly. Thereafter it is fact, after starting such programmes over 20 likely to be applied across the country. to 30 years ago, some universities later closed Should we citizens celebrate or be worried? them down. For the boy now in an Islamabad That depends upon whether desired outcomes school compelled to learn classical Arabic, can be attained. Let’s therefore see what communication with Arabs in their Arabic reasons were given by our lawmakers for the will not be easy. In fact, the poor fellow will bill, one that will deeply impact many genera- be quite at sea. Only modern versions of tions to come. First, the bill states that profi- Arabic are spoken in various Arab countries, ciency in Arabic will “broaden the employ- not classical Arabic. Imagine that a Pakistani ment and business opportunities for the lad trained in ye olde Englisch — the “proper citizens of Pakistan” in rich Arab countries. English” of Shakespeare or the Canterbury While attraction to Arab oil wealth is under- Tales — was to land up in today’s England. standable and has long been pursued, this He might be a source of merriment but reason is weak. Jobs and businesses go to getting a job would be tough. Second, the bill persons with specific skills or those who have claims that school-taught Arabic will enable deliverables to offer. Forcing students to learn students to understand the Holy Quran better Arabic won’t make them virtuous but setting and so become better Muslims. Are the bill’s good examples of moral behaviour might. sponsors not aware that, beginning with Just look at who gets invited to GCC coun- Persian in the 10th century, the Quran has tries. Westerners having zero familiarity with undergone translation into all major languag- Arabic but high expertise are most sought es? This was necessary because it is extreme- after. Indians are a distant second, getting ly difficult for non-Arabs to understand the only about 10 per cent of high-level jobs with Quran’s wonderfully rich and nuanced classi- the rest performing menial and unskilled cal Arabic. Many scholars have spent entire construction tasks. Pakistanis stand still lives performing such monumental transla- further below with only 3pc at higher levels. tions, knowing that words have meanings that This is because of low professional and life subtly change with time. But even so, no two skills. With the Pakistani schoolchild now to translations completely agree and sometimes be burdened with learning yet another different interpretations emerge. Given these

emergency wards; our students would be reading books rather than noisily demonstrating for their “right to cheat”; our politi- cal leaders would not be loot- ers and our generals would no Pakistan’s media and drama domains, for tain’s enclave so that he may prosper. The longer have secret overseas quite some time, have been buzzing with fervor for Turkey, as evidenced by the exces- business franchises.While government-sponsored dubbing, discussion sive outburst of the Khilafat Movement, was some chase such delusions, and the display of a Turkish drama based on rooted amongst the Muslims of the subconti- others nervously search for the life and deeds of Ertugrul. He is believed nent even before its partition. Yet, the most their civilizational roots in to be the father of Osman, after whom the baffling aspect of this affiliation is that the Mus- some faraway land — Saudi much-adored Osmania Caliphate (1299-1923) lims in the subcontinent never moved to Arabia earlier and now was named. Pakistan’s passion for the initial embrace Turkish traditions, spirit and the Turkey. Thus quite a few are tribal feuds, fights, expeditions and the mindset to accept the realities, pragmatic difficulties, absorbing the contents of the drawn to Arabic. But curiously, Arabs show exploits that led to the founding of this Muslim paths and policies. Turkey’s realization about Quran through an Urdu translation is surely no interest in reviving Arabic. Their new dynasty can be ascribed to its overtly ostenta- the receding role of religion as an instrument much easier for a Pakistani school student. generations are hell-bent upon modernising tious fervour for Islam and a special warmth, for state policies and international affairs mani- Deeply puzzling, therefore, is the statement and moving towards English. Now for several affiliation and interaction with Turkey. Nawaz fested in its alliance with Germany during the from the minister of state for parliamentary decades, an energized Arab world has been Sharif, after his trip to Turkey, was also so First World War. Its caliphate had collaborated affairs: “You cannot understand the message luring American universities with large sums fascinated by its traffic system that a contract with various Christian countries in many earli- of Allah, if you do not know Arabic.” If true, of money to open local campuses in GCC for installing the computerized Turkish traffic er conflicts as well. Such alliances of a that massively downgrades most Muslims states. Part of that investment is paying off. signals at 190 crossings in Lahore was almost supreme Muslim Caliphate now may seem living on this planet. The entire Muslim popu- The success of Al-Amal, the UAE spacecraft instantly awarded to a Turkish firm. Even Gen- quite heretic to most fundamentalist segments. lation of Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, that entered orbit around Mars some days eral Musharraf, despite being a dictator, The second great realisation came from rising Iran, or Turkey cannot be made to understand ago, was officially celebrated as an Arab Arab nationalism and revolt against the Turkish rule that or speak Arabic. And what of those long dead Muslim success. While one feels happy at battered the basis and bonds of Muslims who tried hard to follow the teach- this, it is really the triumph of Western tech- the Caliphate. The Muslims in ings of Islam but never learned — nor tried to nology harnessed by a few forward-looking India, on the contrary, protest- learn — the Arabic language? Arabs who have learnt to speak the language ed for its continuation. Some of That knowing Arabic — any version — can of modern science. A thousand years ago that them are still obsessed with the make one a better person or create unity is a language was only Arabic. But in our epoch it idea of obliterating democracy bizarre thought. If true, the Arab states would is only English. In forcing kids to learn and nationalism to recreate a be standing together instead of several rush- Arabic, all those sitting in Pakistan’s Senate Caliphate through sheer coer- ing to recognize Israel even as it gobbles up — with just a single exception — forgot that cion, force and violence. Atat- the last bits of Palestine. Has the Arabic they are Pakistanis first and that Pakistan was urk and his companions similar- language made Arab states beacons of moral made for Pakistanis. Rather than behave as ly grasped the colossus human integrity, parsimony, and high thinking? Are sniveling cultural orphans seeking shelter in a and material sacrifices endured our senators claiming that today’s Arabs are rich uncle’s house, they need to take pride in declared his adoration for Ata Turk—the to retrieve Turkey from the Allied war paragons of virtue? But truly, it would be won- the diversity and strength of the myriad local founder of the modern democratic Turkey that machine. They elicited a marvelous derful if teaching Arabic to kids, and further cultures and languages that make this land soon surpassed its epithet of a sick man vying prescience to accept the reality about the jacking up the religious content of education, and its people. The writer is an Islam- 9 for acceptance and inclusion into the Europe- unprecedented western strides in science, tech- could change students for the better. Just abad-based physicist and writer. an Union. Now once again, our government is nology, manufacturing and maritime marvels imagine! Future Pakistani lawyers would not parading its passion for a Turkish drama that and their inevitable impacts on human thought be rampaging goons who destroy court proper- https://www.dawn.com/news/1607107/making-ara- depicts thirteenth century clan culture, clashes and behaviour. They understood the perils and ty and randomly attack patients in hospital bic-compulsory and intrigues to secure and stabilize a chief- predicaments of pursuing futile idealistic phan-

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com

toms and preferred to transform Turkey into a modern constitutional republic riveted to secu- larism and sworn to all terrestrial human needs These steps evidently sparked reaction and resistance by the supporters of the conserva- tive interpretation of Islamic thought and prac- tice. The dominant army control also fuelled further alienation amongst the segments striv- ing for civil supremacy over these sectors. This led to the emergence of Islamic minded forces and the AJK party eventually swept the polls in 2002. It was feared that their religious leaning would rewind or impede the path of secularism and integration with the European Union but Turkey, once again, demonstrated remarkable rationality and resolve to retain the path of secularism and collaboration with the west. The Islamic party even more resolutely strove for integration, amended the constitu- tion and aligned the civil and criminal codes mostly to European standards. The country has undertaken eight reform packages and revised 218 articles, spanning 53 different laws and even abolished capital punishment. Internationally espoused provisions for free- dom of thought and expression were instituted instead. Females also have equal rights in inheritance and matrimonial partnerships. Decisions of the European Court of Justice, as per some prescribed rules, take precedence over the national courts. This trend of absorb- ing some egalitarian western values is indeed quite instructive for religious parties in other Muslim countries, including Pakistan. There is a lot to be learnt from the Turkish trek to reality and replacement of its morbid dreams and delusions for a greater glory and grandeur despite the mounting spiral of debt, dependen- cy, dole outs, derelict economy, utilities and the worsening of living conditions and suffer- ings of its masses. https://nation.com.pk/15-Feb-2021/ador- ing-turkish-dramas-avoiding-the-realism IN every school of Islamabad every child language, achievement levels will further shall henceforth be compelled to study the deteriorate. If the Pakistani job seeker could Arabic language from Grade 1 to Grade 5. use his school-learned Arabic to communi- Thereafter he or she shall learn Arabic gram- cate with Arabs, would it improve matters? mar from Grade 6 to Grade 12. By unanimous This is unlikely. Graduates from Pakistani vote, that’s what the Senate of Pakistan has madressahs seeking to understand the Holy decided. Introduced on Feb 1, 2021 as a Quran spend their lives trying to master classi- private member’s bill by Senator Javed cal Arabic. And yet they have zero job pros- Abbasi of the PML-N, the Compulsory Teach- pects in the Middle East. Present enrolment in ing of Arabic Language Bill, 2020, will Arabic language courses and university become an act of parliament once approved degree programmes is therefore very low. In by the National Assembly. Thereafter it is fact, after starting such programmes over 20 likely to be applied across the country. to 30 years ago, some universities later closed Should we citizens celebrate or be worried? them down. For the boy now in an Islamabad That depends upon whether desired outcomes school compelled to learn classical Arabic, can be attained. Let’s therefore see what communication with Arabs in their Arabic reasons were given by our lawmakers for the will not be easy. In fact, the poor fellow will bill, one that will deeply impact many genera- be quite at sea. Only modern versions of tions to come. First, the bill states that profi- Arabic are spoken in various Arab countries, ciency in Arabic will “broaden the employ- not classical Arabic. Imagine that a Pakistani ment and business opportunities for the lad trained in ye olde Englisch — the “proper citizens of Pakistan” in rich Arab countries. English” of Shakespeare or the Canterbury While attraction to Arab oil wealth is under- Tales — was to land up in today’s England. standable and has long been pursued, this He might be a source of merriment but reason is weak. Jobs and businesses go to getting a job would be tough. Second, the bill persons with specific skills or those who have claims that school-taught Arabic will enable deliverables to offer. Forcing students to learn students to understand the Holy Quran better Arabic won’t make them virtuous but setting and so become better Muslims. Are the bill’s good examples of moral behaviour might. sponsors not aware that, beginning with Just look at who gets invited to GCC coun- Persian in the 10th century, the Quran has tries. Westerners having zero familiarity with undergone translation into all major languag- Arabic but high expertise are most sought es? This was necessary because it is extreme- after. Indians are a distant second, getting ly difficult for non-Arabs to understand the only about 10 per cent of high-level jobs with Quran’s wonderfully rich and nuanced classi- the rest performing menial and unskilled cal Arabic. Many scholars have spent entire construction tasks. Pakistanis stand still lives performing such monumental transla- further below with only 3pc at higher levels. tions, knowing that words have meanings that This is because of low professional and life subtly change with time. But even so, no two skills. With the Pakistani schoolchild now to translations completely agree and sometimes be burdened with learning yet another different interpretations emerge. Given these

emergency wards; our students and large the Constitution of 1962 – which Ahmadi. Zafrullah Khan, appointed Foreign would be reading books rather A short history of religious bigotry unlike the 1956 Constitution was not framed Minister by none other than Quaid-e-Azam than noisily demonstrating for by a Constituent Assembly and was presiden- Mahomed Ali Jinnah himself, had gotten the their “right to cheat”; our politi- in Islamic Republic tial in nature- followed the tradition of keep- resolutions we wave in India’s face. The last cal leaders would not be loot- By: Yasser Latif Hamdani ing religion and state had somewhat a official action by the Quaid-e-Azam was to distance. Indeed initially the 1962 Constitu- give Zafrullah Khan the plenipotentiary ers and our generals would no Pakistan’s media and drama domains, for tain’s enclave so that he may prosper. The tion had named the country Republic of Paki- powers on the Kashmir issue. The disgraced longer have secret overseas quite some time, have been buzzing with fervor for Turkey, as evidenced by the exces- Last week during the hearing on Punjab’s consider for example the case of Ahmadis. stan, something, which was changed back to Judge also forgot to mention that an Ahmadi business franchises.While government-sponsored dubbing, discussion sive outburst of the Khilafat Movement, was dissolution of local bodies, Justice Qazi Faez Declared Non-Muslim by this Constitution in some chase such delusions, the Islamic Republic by first amendment. All General who was on the verge of taking all of and the display of a Turkish drama based on rooted amongst the Muslims of the subconti- Isa made a number of damning observations 1974 (a provision they dislike as is their others nervously search for of this changed in 1973. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Kashmir before he was replaced by Yahya the life and deeds of Ertugrul. He is believed nent even before its partition. Yet, the most right), since 1984 they are not allowed to free their civilizational roots in on the conduct of not just the Government of was a towering political figure but he was Khan in 1965 who went ahead and blew that to be the father of Osman, after whom the baffling aspect of this affiliation is that the Mus- some faraway land — Saudi Punjab but also the conduct of the Federal profess, practice and propagate their faith or driven by this mad notion that the constitu- great opportunity. It was an Ahmadi Mirza much-adored Osmania Caliphate (1299-1923) lims in the subcontinent never moved to Arabia earlier and now Government vis a vis freedom of the press. develop their culture freely. In fact they are tion must be made by the consensus of all Muzaffar Ahmad as the Federal Finance was named. Pakistan’s passion for the initial embrace Turkish traditions, spirit and the Turkey. Thus quite a few are He said in clear language that media in Paki- routinely imprisoned for their faith or even sections including the religious right. He had Secretary who got the Tarbela and Mangla tribal feuds, fights, expeditions and the mindset to accept the realities, pragmatic difficulties, absorbing the contents of the drawn to Arabic. But curiously, Arabs show stan is not free. To back this up he asked the reading the Holy Quran. As if that was not come to power defeating the parties of the Dams made. Earlier he was instrumental in exploits that led to the founding of this Muslim paths and policies. Turkey’s realization about Quran through an Urdu translation is surely no interest in reviving Arabic. Their new media persons to raise their hands if they enough they are not allowed to even publish right and the main opposition to him the NAP getting the Indus Basin Treaty being signed dynasty can be ascribed to its overtly ostenta- the receding role of religion as an instrument much easier for a Pakistani school student. generations are hell-bent upon modernising think media free in Pakistan. No hands went their own books for their own consumption. was also secular. which protected Pakistan’s rights as the lower tious fervour for Islam and a special warmth, for state policies and international affairs mani- Deeply puzzling, therefore, is the statement and moving towards English. Now for several up. When he asked them to raise their hands This is championed as a constitutionally sanc- What drove him to seek the consensus of the riparian state. It was an Ahmadi, Dr Abdus affiliation and interaction with Turkey. Nawaz fested in its alliance with Germany during the from the minister of state for parliamentary decades, an energized Arab world has been if they think media is not free, all hands went tioned discrimination when the Fundamental religious right is one of life’s great mysteries Salam, who founded SUPARCO (and sent a Sharif, after his trip to Turkey, was also so First World War. Its caliphate had collaborated affairs: “You cannot understand the message luring American universities with large sums up. It was a very embarrassing moment for Rights, both Article 19 and Article 20, say as are his actions in 1974 because he was no satellite into space long before most countries fascinated by its traffic system that a contract with various Christian countries in many earli- of Allah, if you do not know Arabic.” If true, of money to open local campuses in GCC the Federal Government, which for the last otherwise. These Fundamental Rights are bigot- indeed far from it. These are questions in Asia) and then led the famous Multan Con- for installing the computerized Turkish traffic er conflicts as well. Such alliances of a that massively downgrades most Muslims states. Part of that investment is paying off. two and a half years has held no punches to immutable and cannot be made subject to only Bhutto could have answered but provi- ference where the idea of Pakistan’s nuclear signals at 190 crossings in Lahore was almost supreme Muslim Caliphate now may seem living on this planet. The entire Muslim popu- The success of Al-Amal, the UAE spacecraft ensure that the media is made compliant to Ahmadis agreeing to their classification as dence did not give him the opportunity to bomb was born. My guess is that the now instantly awarded to a Turkish firm. Even Gen- quite heretic to most fundamentalist segments. lation of Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, that entered orbit around Mars some days their whims and sensitivities. Without a free Non-Muslim. Constitution declares them right the wrongs.1973 could have been Paki- disgraced judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqi is too eral Musharraf, despite being a dictator, The second great realisation came from rising Iran, or Turkey cannot be made to understand ago, was officially celebrated as an Arab media there can be democracy. Justice Qazi Non-Muslim for the purposes of law and stan’s moment but it was blown and is now a ignorant to know these facts or too much of Arab nationalism and revolt against the Turkish rule that or speak Arabic. And what of those long dead Muslim success. While one feels happy at made another astute observation: While a constitution but it does not make it obligatory cautionary tale. 1973 Constitution was further bigot to appreciate the salience of these contri- battered the basis and bonds of Muslims who tried hard to follow the teach- this, it is really the triumph of Western tech- person is free to dislike some provisions of on them to consider themselves Non-Muslim. mangled by General Zia’s bigoted dictator- butions. The judgment did not stop here. “Jus- the Caliphate. The Muslims in ings of Islam but never learned — nor tried to nology harnessed by a few forward-looking the Constitution by right, the constitutional Pakistan had embarked on the Islamic Repub- ship and now enables the kind of ruthless tice” Siddiqi also ordered that Ahmadis India, on the contrary, protest- framework and method is supreme. It is this lic project in 1956. denial of fundamental rights that we see. Con- should be stopped from calling themselves learn — the Arabic language? Arabs who have learnt to speak the language ed for its continuation. Some of part – the right to dislike some provisions- The makers of the first constitution were sider for example the judgment by Islamabad Ahmadis and also forced to add “Qadiani” That knowing Arabic — any version — can of modern science. A thousand years ago that them are still obsessed with the that was the most important part of His Lord- mindful of the fact that the very nature of the High Court in the now famous Allah Wassaya “Mirzai” or “Ghulam-e-mirza” to their name. make one a better person or create unity is a language was only Arabic. But in our epoch it idea of obliterating democracy ship’s observations. Islamic Republic will come to be contested bizarre thought. If true, the Arab states would is only English. In forcing kids to learn Case, PLD 2019 Page 62, authored by the The ignorant disgraced judge thus wanted to and nationalism to recreate a between the modernists and the orthodoxy. be standing together instead of several rush- Arabic, all those sitting in Pakistan’s Senate There is much that one dislikes about the pres- now disgraced “Justice” Shaukat Aziz replicate the Nazi model in Pakistan. Caliphate through sheer coer- The framers of 1956 Constitution were not ing to recognize Israel even as it gobbles up — with just a single exception — forgot that ent Constitution i.e. its discrimination against Siddiqi. It builds on Zaheeruddin v State, Thankfully his big mouth got him into trouble cion, force and violence. Atat- the last bits of Palestine. Has the Arabic they are Pakistanis first and that Pakistan was Non-Muslims and its theocratic undertones. outright secularists – though it would have 1993 SCMR 1718, which had upheld the soon enough and Pakistan was rid of General urk and his companions similar- language made Arab states beacons of moral made for Pakistanis. Rather than behave as Still this is the Constitution we have and we been better if they were- because if they had persecution of Ahmadis as being constitution- Zia junior before he could become the Chief ly grasped the colossus human integrity, parsimony, and high thinking? Are sniveling cultural orphans seeking shelter in a must work within its framework to deliver a been they would not have wanted an Islamic al. The Allah Wasaya Case went further. First Justice of Islamabad High Court. One wishes and material sacrifices endured our senators claiming that today’s Arabs are rich uncle’s house, they need to take pride in democratic society. Extreme right wing only Republic. Therefore they ensured that other it repeated the propaganda against Ahmadis that Pakistan had more of Justice QaziIsas declared his adoration for Ata Turk—the to retrieve Turkey from the Allied war paragons of virtue? But truly, it would be won- the diversity and strength of the myriad local sees those clauses that benefit them but forget than the office of the president, there were no declaring them enemies of the state. and fewer Justice Siddiqees. founder of the modern democratic Turkey that machine. They elicited a marvelous derful if teaching Arabic to kids, and further cultures and languages that make this land that the Constitution provides fundamental bars against any community.The office of the The thrust of it was that no Ahmadi should soon surpassed its epithet of a sick man vying prescience to accept the reality about the jacking up the religious content of education, and its people. The writer is an Islam- 10 rights of freedom of speech and religion. The Prime Minister was open to every community hold an office in the state. Clearly the https://dailytimes.com.pk/721551/a-short-his- for acceptance and inclusion into the Europe- unprecedented western strides in science, tech- could change students for the better. Just abad-based physicist and writer. same Constitution also provides for minori- and more importantly the Republic had no disgraced judge either had no idea or deliber- tory-of-religious-bigotry-in-our-islamic- an Union. Now once again, our government is nology, manufacturing and maritime marvels imagine! Future Pakistani lawyers would not ties the right to freely profess, practise and state religion. The 1956 Constitution had no ately chose to overlook the fact that the republic/ parading its passion for a Turkish drama that and their inevitable impacts on human thought be rampaging goons who destroy court proper- https://www.dawn.com/news/1607107/making-ara- propagate their faith while being allowed to religious oaths and unfettered fundamental reason Pakistan today has UNSC Resolutions depicts thirteenth century clan culture, clashes and behaviour. They understood the perils and ty and randomly attack patients in hospital bic-compulsory freely developed their culture. However rights of freedom of speech and religion. By on Kashmir was the good work of an and intrigues to secure and stabilize a chief- predicaments of pursuing futile idealistic phan-

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International

toms and preferred to transform Turkey into a modern constitutional republic riveted to secu- larism and sworn to all terrestrial human needs These steps evidently sparked reaction and resistance by the supporters of the conserva- tive interpretation of Islamic thought and prac- tice. The dominant army control also fuelled further alienation amongst the segments striv- ing for civil supremacy over these sectors. This led to the emergence of Islamic minded forces and the AJK party eventually swept the polls in 2002. It was feared that their religious leaning would rewind or impede the path of secularism and integration with the European Union but Turkey, once again, demonstrated remarkable rationality and resolve to retain the path of secularism and collaboration with the west. The Islamic party even more resolutely strove for integration, amended the constitu- tion and aligned the civil and criminal codes mostly to European standards. The country has undertaken eight reform packages and revised 218 articles, spanning 53 different laws and even abolished capital punishment. Internationally espoused provisions for free- dom of thought and expression were instituted instead. Females also have equal rights in inheritance and matrimonial partnerships. Decisions of the European Court of Justice, as per some prescribed rules, take precedence over the national courts. This trend of absorb- ing some egalitarian western values is indeed quite instructive for religious parties in other Muslim countries, including Pakistan. There is a lot to be learnt from the Turkish trek to reality and replacement of its morbid dreams and delusions for a greater glory and grandeur despite the mounting spiral of debt, dependen- cy, dole outs, derelict economy, utilities and the worsening of living conditions and suffer- ings of its masses. https://nation.com.pk/15-Feb-2021/ador- ing-turkish-dramas-avoiding-the-realism IN every school of Islamabad every child language, achievement levels will further shall henceforth be compelled to study the deteriorate. If the Pakistani job seeker could Arabic language from Grade 1 to Grade 5. use his school-learned Arabic to communi- Thereafter he or she shall learn Arabic gram- cate with Arabs, would it improve matters? mar from Grade 6 to Grade 12. By unanimous This is unlikely. Graduates from Pakistani vote, that’s what the Senate of Pakistan has madressahs seeking to understand the Holy decided. Introduced on Feb 1, 2021 as a Quran spend their lives trying to master classi- private member’s bill by Senator Javed cal Arabic. And yet they have zero job pros- Abbasi of the PML-N, the Compulsory Teach- pects in the Middle East. Present enrolment in ing of Arabic Language Bill, 2020, will Arabic language courses and university become an act of parliament once approved degree programmes is therefore very low. In by the National Assembly. Thereafter it is fact, after starting such programmes over 20 likely to be applied across the country. to 30 years ago, some universities later closed Should we citizens celebrate or be worried? them down. For the boy now in an Islamabad That depends upon whether desired outcomes school compelled to learn classical Arabic, can be attained. Let’s therefore see what communication with Arabs in their Arabic reasons were given by our lawmakers for the will not be easy. In fact, the poor fellow will bill, one that will deeply impact many genera- be quite at sea. Only modern versions of tions to come. First, the bill states that profi- Arabic are spoken in various Arab countries, ciency in Arabic will “broaden the employ- not classical Arabic. Imagine that a Pakistani ment and business opportunities for the lad trained in ye olde Englisch — the “proper citizens of Pakistan” in rich Arab countries. English” of Shakespeare or the Canterbury While attraction to Arab oil wealth is under- Tales — was to land up in today’s England. standable and has long been pursued, this He might be a source of merriment but reason is weak. Jobs and businesses go to getting a job would be tough. Second, the bill persons with specific skills or those who have claims that school-taught Arabic will enable deliverables to offer. Forcing students to learn students to understand the Holy Quran better Arabic won’t make them virtuous but setting and so become better Muslims. Are the bill’s good examples of moral behaviour might. sponsors not aware that, beginning with Just look at who gets invited to GCC coun- Persian in the 10th century, the Quran has tries. Westerners having zero familiarity with undergone translation into all major languag- Arabic but high expertise are most sought es? This was necessary because it is extreme- after. Indians are a distant second, getting ly difficult for non-Arabs to understand the only about 10 per cent of high-level jobs with Quran’s wonderfully rich and nuanced classi- the rest performing menial and unskilled cal Arabic. Many scholars have spent entire construction tasks. Pakistanis stand still lives performing such monumental transla- further below with only 3pc at higher levels. tions, knowing that words have meanings that This is because of low professional and life subtly change with time. But even so, no two skills. With the Pakistani schoolchild now to translations completely agree and sometimes be burdened with learning yet another different interpretations emerge. Given these

emergency wards; our students and large the Constitution of 1962 – which Ahmadi. Zafrullah Khan, appointed Foreign would be reading books rather unlike the 1956 Constitution was not framed Minister by none other than Quaid-e-Azam than noisily demonstrating for by a Constituent Assembly and was presiden- Mahomed Ali Jinnah himself, had gotten the their “right to cheat”; our politi- tial in nature- followed the tradition of keep- resolutions we wave in India’s face. The last cal leaders would not be loot- ing religion and state had somewhat a official action by the Quaid-e-Azam was to distance. Indeed initially the 1962 Constitu- give Zafrullah Khan the plenipotentiary ers and our generals would no Pakistan’s media and drama domains, for tain’s enclave so that he may prosper. The tion had named the country Republic of Paki- powers on the Kashmir issue. The disgraced longer have secret overseas quite some time, have been buzzing with fervor for Turkey, as evidenced by the exces- Last week during the hearing on Punjab’s consider for example the case of Ahmadis. stan, something, which was changed back to Judge also forgot to mention that an Ahmadi business franchises.While government-sponsored dubbing, discussion sive outburst of the Khilafat Movement, was dissolution of local bodies, Justice Qazi Faez Declared Non-Muslim by this Constitution in some chase such delusions, the Islamic Republic by first amendment. All General who was on the verge of taking all of and the display of a Turkish drama based on rooted amongst the Muslims of the subconti- Isa made a number of damning observations 1974 (a provision they dislike as is their others nervously search for of this changed in 1973. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Kashmir before he was replaced by Yahya the life and deeds of Ertugrul. He is believed nent even before its partition. Yet, the most right), since 1984 they are not allowed to free their civilizational roots in on the conduct of not just the Government of was a towering political figure but he was Khan in 1965 who went ahead and blew that to be the father of Osman, after whom the baffling aspect of this affiliation is that the Mus- some faraway land — Saudi Punjab but also the conduct of the Federal profess, practice and propagate their faith or driven by this mad notion that the constitu- great opportunity. It was an Ahmadi Mirza much-adored Osmania Caliphate (1299-1923) lims in the subcontinent never moved to Arabia earlier and now Government vis a vis freedom of the press. develop their culture freely. In fact they are tion must be made by the consensus of all Muzaffar Ahmad as the Federal Finance was named. Pakistan’s passion for the initial embrace Turkish traditions, spirit and the Turkey. Thus quite a few are He said in clear language that media in Paki- routinely imprisoned for their faith or even sections including the religious right. He had Secretary who got the Tarbela and Mangla tribal feuds, fights, expeditions and the mindset to accept the realities, pragmatic difficulties, absorbing the contents of the drawn to Arabic. But curiously, Arabs show stan is not free. To back this up he asked the reading the Holy Quran. As if that was not come to power defeating the parties of the Dams made. Earlier he was instrumental in exploits that led to the founding of this Muslim paths and policies. Turkey’s realization about Quran through an Urdu translation is surely no interest in reviving Arabic. Their new media persons to raise their hands if they enough they are not allowed to even publish right and the main opposition to him the NAP getting the Indus Basin Treaty being signed dynasty can be ascribed to its overtly ostenta- the receding role of religion as an instrument much easier for a Pakistani school student. generations are hell-bent upon modernising think media free in Pakistan. No hands went their own books for their own consumption. was also secular. which protected Pakistan’s rights as the lower tious fervour for Islam and a special warmth, for state policies and international affairs mani- Deeply puzzling, therefore, is the statement and moving towards English. Now for several up. When he asked them to raise their hands This is championed as a constitutionally sanc- What drove him to seek the consensus of the riparian state. It was an Ahmadi, Dr Abdus affiliation and interaction with Turkey. Nawaz fested in its alliance with Germany during the from the minister of state for parliamentary decades, an energized Arab world has been if they think media is not free, all hands went tioned discrimination when the Fundamental religious right is one of life’s great mysteries Salam, who founded SUPARCO (and sent a Sharif, after his trip to Turkey, was also so First World War. Its caliphate had collaborated affairs: “You cannot understand the message luring American universities with large sums up. It was a very embarrassing moment for Rights, both Article 19 and Article 20, say as are his actions in 1974 because he was no satellite into space long before most countries fascinated by its traffic system that a contract with various Christian countries in many earli- of Allah, if you do not know Arabic.” If true, of money to open local campuses in GCC the Federal Government, which for the last otherwise. These Fundamental Rights are bigot- indeed far from it. These are questions in Asia) and then led the famous Multan Con- for installing the computerized Turkish traffic er conflicts as well. Such alliances of a that massively downgrades most Muslims states. Part of that investment is paying off. two and a half years has held no punches to immutable and cannot be made subject to only Bhutto could have answered but provi- ference where the idea of Pakistan’s nuclear signals at 190 crossings in Lahore was almost supreme Muslim Caliphate now may seem living on this planet. The entire Muslim popu- The success of Al-Amal, the UAE spacecraft ensure that the media is made compliant to Ahmadis agreeing to their classification as dence did not give him the opportunity to bomb was born. My guess is that the now instantly awarded to a Turkish firm. Even Gen- quite heretic to most fundamentalist segments. lation of Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, that entered orbit around Mars some days their whims and sensitivities. Without a free Non-Muslim. Constitution declares them right the wrongs.1973 could have been Paki- disgraced judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqi is too eral Musharraf, despite being a dictator, The second great realisation came from rising Iran, or Turkey cannot be made to understand ago, was officially celebrated as an Arab media there can be democracy. Justice Qazi Non-Muslim for the purposes of law and stan’s moment but it was blown and is now a ignorant to know these facts or too much of Arab nationalism and revolt against the Turkish rule that or speak Arabic. And what of those long dead Muslim success. While one feels happy at made another astute observation: While a constitution but it does not make it obligatory cautionary tale. 1973 Constitution was further bigot to appreciate the salience of these contri- battered the basis and bonds of Muslims who tried hard to follow the teach- this, it is really the triumph of Western tech- person is free to dislike some provisions of on them to consider themselves Non-Muslim. mangled by General Zia’s bigoted dictator- butions. The judgment did not stop here. “Jus- the Caliphate. The Muslims in ings of Islam but never learned — nor tried to nology harnessed by a few forward-looking the Constitution by right, the constitutional Pakistan had embarked on the Islamic Repub- ship and now enables the kind of ruthless tice” Siddiqi also ordered that Ahmadis India, on the contrary, protest- framework and method is supreme. It is this lic project in 1956. denial of fundamental rights that we see. Con- should be stopped from calling themselves learn — the Arabic language? Arabs who have learnt to speak the language ed for its continuation. Some of part – the right to dislike some provisions- The makers of the first constitution were sider for example the judgment by Islamabad Ahmadis and also forced to add “Qadiani” That knowing Arabic — any version — can of modern science. A thousand years ago that them are still obsessed with the that was the most important part of His Lord- mindful of the fact that the very nature of the High Court in the now famous Allah Wassaya “Mirzai” or “Ghulam-e-mirza” to their name. make one a better person or create unity is a language was only Arabic. But in our epoch it idea of obliterating democracy ship’s observations. Islamic Republic will come to be contested bizarre thought. If true, the Arab states would is only English. In forcing kids to learn Case, PLD 2019 Page 62, authored by the The ignorant disgraced judge thus wanted to and nationalism to recreate a between the modernists and the orthodoxy. be standing together instead of several rush- Arabic, all those sitting in Pakistan’s Senate There is much that one dislikes about the pres- now disgraced “Justice” Shaukat Aziz replicate the Nazi model in Pakistan. Caliphate through sheer coer- The framers of 1956 Constitution were not ing to recognize Israel even as it gobbles up — with just a single exception — forgot that ent Constitution i.e. its discrimination against Siddiqi. It builds on Zaheeruddin v State, Thankfully his big mouth got him into trouble cion, force and violence. Atat- the last bits of Palestine. Has the Arabic they are Pakistanis first and that Pakistan was Non-Muslims and its theocratic undertones. outright secularists – though it would have 1993 SCMR 1718, which had upheld the soon enough and Pakistan was rid of General urk and his companions similar- language made Arab states beacons of moral made for Pakistanis. Rather than behave as Still this is the Constitution we have and we been better if they were- because if they had persecution of Ahmadis as being constitution- Zia junior before he could become the Chief ly grasped the colossus human integrity, parsimony, and high thinking? Are sniveling cultural orphans seeking shelter in a must work within its framework to deliver a been they would not have wanted an Islamic al. The Allah Wasaya Case went further. First Justice of Islamabad High Court. One wishes and material sacrifices endured our senators claiming that today’s Arabs are rich uncle’s house, they need to take pride in democratic society. Extreme right wing only Republic. Therefore they ensured that other it repeated the propaganda against Ahmadis that Pakistan had more of Justice QaziIsas declared his adoration for Ata Turk—the to retrieve Turkey from the Allied war paragons of virtue? But truly, it would be won- the diversity and strength of the myriad local sees those clauses that benefit them but forget than the office of the president, there were no declaring them enemies of the state. and fewer Justice Siddiqees. founder of the modern democratic Turkey that machine. They elicited a marvelous derful if teaching Arabic to kids, and further cultures and languages that make this land that the Constitution provides fundamental bars against any community.The office of the The thrust of it was that no Ahmadi should soon surpassed its epithet of a sick man vying prescience to accept the reality about the jacking up the religious content of education, and its people. The writer is an Islam- rights of freedom of speech and religion. The Prime Minister was open to every community hold an office in the state. Clearly the https://dailytimes.com.pk/721551/a-short-his- 11 for acceptance and inclusion into the Europe- unprecedented western strides in science, tech- could change students for the better. Just abad-based physicist and writer. same Constitution also provides for minori- and more importantly the Republic had no disgraced judge either had no idea or deliber- tory-of-religious-bigotry-in-our-islamic- an Union. Now once again, our government is nology, manufacturing and maritime marvels imagine! Future Pakistani lawyers would not ties the right to freely profess, practise and state religion. The 1956 Constitution had no ately chose to overlook the fact that the republic/ parading its passion for a Turkish drama that and their inevitable impacts on human thought be rampaging goons who destroy court proper- https://www.dawn.com/news/1607107/making-ara- propagate their faith while being allowed to religious oaths and unfettered fundamental reason Pakistan today has UNSC Resolutions depicts thirteenth century clan culture, clashes and behaviour. They understood the perils and ty and randomly attack patients in hospital bic-compulsory freely developed their culture. However rights of freedom of speech and religion. By on Kashmir was the good work of an and intrigues to secure and stabilize a chief- predicaments of pursuing futile idealistic phan-

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com

toms and preferred to transform Turkey into a modern constitutional republic riveted to secu- larism and sworn to all terrestrial human needs These steps evidently sparked reaction and resistance by the supporters of the conserva- tive interpretation of Islamic thought and prac- tice. The dominant army control also fuelled further alienation amongst the segments striv- ing for civil supremacy over these sectors. This led to the emergence of Islamic minded forces and the AJK party eventually swept the polls in 2002. It was feared that their religious leaning would rewind or impede the path of secularism and integration with the European Union but Turkey, once again, demonstrated remarkable rationality and resolve to retain the path of secularism and collaboration with the west. The Islamic party even more resolutely strove for integration, amended the constitu- tion and aligned the civil and criminal codes mostly to European standards. The country has undertaken eight reform packages and revised 218 articles, spanning 53 different laws and even abolished capital punishment. Internationally espoused provisions for free- dom of thought and expression were instituted instead. Females also have equal rights in inheritance and matrimonial partnerships. Decisions of the European Court of Justice, as per some prescribed rules, take precedence over the national courts. This trend of absorb- ing some egalitarian western values is indeed quite instructive for religious parties in other Muslim countries, including Pakistan. There is a lot to be learnt from the Turkish trek to reality and replacement of its morbid dreams and delusions for a greater glory and grandeur despite the mounting spiral of debt, dependen- cy, dole outs, derelict economy, utilities and the worsening of living conditions and suffer- ings of its masses. https://nation.com.pk/15-Feb-2021/ador- ing-turkish-dramas-avoiding-the-realism IN every school of Islamabad every child language, achievement levels will further shall henceforth be compelled to study the deteriorate. If the Pakistani job seeker could Arabic language from Grade 1 to Grade 5. use his school-learned Arabic to communi- Thereafter he or she shall learn Arabic gram- cate with Arabs, would it improve matters? mar from Grade 6 to Grade 12. By unanimous This is unlikely. Graduates from Pakistani vote, that’s what the Senate of Pakistan has madressahs seeking to understand the Holy decided. Introduced on Feb 1, 2021 as a Quran spend their lives trying to master classi- private member’s bill by Senator Javed cal Arabic. And yet they have zero job pros- Abbasi of the PML-N, the Compulsory Teach- pects in the Middle East. Present enrolment in ing of Arabic Language Bill, 2020, will Arabic language courses and university become an act of parliament once approved degree programmes is therefore very low. In by the National Assembly. Thereafter it is fact, after starting such programmes over 20 likely to be applied across the country. to 30 years ago, some universities later closed Should we citizens celebrate or be worried? them down. For the boy now in an Islamabad That depends upon whether desired outcomes school compelled to learn classical Arabic, can be attained. Let’s therefore see what communication with Arabs in their Arabic reasons were given by our lawmakers for the will not be easy. In fact, the poor fellow will bill, one that will deeply impact many genera- be quite at sea. Only modern versions of tions to come. First, the bill states that profi- Arabic are spoken in various Arab countries, ciency in Arabic will “broaden the employ- not classical Arabic. Imagine that a Pakistani ment and business opportunities for the lad trained in ye olde Englisch — the “proper citizens of Pakistan” in rich Arab countries. English” of Shakespeare or the Canterbury While attraction to Arab oil wealth is under- Tales — was to land up in today’s England. standable and has long been pursued, this He might be a source of merriment but reason is weak. Jobs and businesses go to getting a job would be tough. Second, the bill persons with specific skills or those who have claims that school-taught Arabic will enable deliverables to offer. Forcing students to learn students to understand the Holy Quran better Arabic won’t make them virtuous but setting and so become better Muslims. Are the bill’s good examples of moral behaviour might. sponsors not aware that, beginning with Just look at who gets invited to GCC coun- Persian in the 10th century, the Quran has tries. Westerners having zero familiarity with undergone translation into all major languag- Arabic but high expertise are most sought es? This was necessary because it is extreme- after. Indians are a distant second, getting ly difficult for non-Arabs to understand the only about 10 per cent of high-level jobs with Quran’s wonderfully rich and nuanced classi- the rest performing menial and unskilled cal Arabic. Many scholars have spent entire construction tasks. Pakistanis stand still lives performing such monumental transla- further below with only 3pc at higher levels. tions, knowing that words have meanings that This is because of low professional and life subtly change with time. But even so, no two skills. With the Pakistani schoolchild now to translations completely agree and sometimes be burdened with learning yet another different interpretations emerge. Given these

emergency wards; our students Pakistan: Enjoying Turkish dramas, would be reading books rather than noisily demonstrating for avoiding realism their “right to cheat”; our politi- By: Elf Habib cal leaders would not be loot- ers and our generals would no Pakistan’s media and drama domains, for tain’s enclave so that he may prosper. The longer have secret overseas quite some time, have been buzzing with fervor for Turkey, as evidenced by the exces- business franchises.While government-sponsored dubbing, discussion sive outburst of the Khilafat Movement, was some chase such delusions, and the display of a Turkish drama based on rooted amongst the Muslims of the subconti- others nervously search for the life and deeds of Ertugrul. He is believed nent even before its partition. Yet, the most their civilizational roots in to be the father of Osman, after whom the baffling aspect of this affiliation is that the Mus- some faraway land — Saudi much-adored Osmania Caliphate (1299-1923) lims in the subcontinent never moved to Arabia earlier and now was named. Pakistan’s passion for the initial embrace Turkish traditions, spirit and the Turkey. Thus quite a few are tribal feuds, fights, expeditions and the mindset to accept the realities, pragmatic difficulties, absorbing the contents of the drawn to Arabic. But curiously, Arabs show exploits that led to the founding of this Muslim paths and policies. Turkey’s realization about Quran through an Urdu translation is surely no interest in reviving Arabic. Their new dynasty can be ascribed to its overtly ostenta- the receding role of religion as an instrument much easier for a Pakistani school student. generations are hell-bent upon modernising tious fervour for Islam and a special warmth, for state policies and international affairs mani- Deeply puzzling, therefore, is the statement and moving towards English. Now for several affiliation and interaction with Turkey. Nawaz fested in its alliance with Germany during the from the minister of state for parliamentary decades, an energized Arab world has been Sharif, after his trip to Turkey, was also so First World War. Its caliphate had collaborated affairs: “You cannot understand the message luring American universities with large sums fascinated by its traffic system that a contract with various Christian countries in many earli- of Allah, if you do not know Arabic.” If true, of money to open local campuses in GCC for installing the computerized Turkish traffic er conflicts as well. Such alliances of a that massively downgrades most Muslims states. Part of that investment is paying off. signals at 190 crossings in Lahore was almost supreme Muslim Caliphate now may seem living on this planet. The entire Muslim popu- The success of Al-Amal, the UAE spacecraft instantly awarded to a Turkish firm. Even Gen- quite heretic to most fundamentalist segments. lation of Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, that entered orbit around Mars some days eral Musharraf, despite being a dictator, The second great realisation came from rising Iran, or Turkey cannot be made to understand ago, was officially celebrated as an Arab Arab nationalism and revolt against the Turkish rule that or speak Arabic. And what of those long dead Muslim success. While one feels happy at battered the basis and bonds of Muslims who tried hard to follow the teach- this, it is really the triumph of Western tech- the Caliphate. The Muslims in ings of Islam but never learned — nor tried to nology harnessed by a few forward-looking India, on the contrary, protest- learn — the Arabic language? Arabs who have learnt to speak the language ed for its continuation. Some of That knowing Arabic — any version — can of modern science. A thousand years ago that them are still obsessed with the make one a better person or create unity is a language was only Arabic. But in our epoch it idea of obliterating democracy bizarre thought. If true, the Arab states would is only English. In forcing kids to learn and nationalism to recreate a be standing together instead of several rush- Arabic, all those sitting in Pakistan’s Senate Caliphate through sheer coer- ing to recognize Israel even as it gobbles up — with just a single exception — forgot that cion, force and violence. Atat- the last bits of Palestine. Has the Arabic they are Pakistanis first and that Pakistan was urk and his companions similar- language made Arab states beacons of moral made for Pakistanis. Rather than behave as ly grasped the colossus human integrity, parsimony, and high thinking? Are sniveling cultural orphans seeking shelter in a and material sacrifices endured our senators claiming that today’s Arabs are rich uncle’s house, they need to take pride in declared his adoration for Ata Turk—the to retrieve Turkey from the Allied war paragons of virtue? But truly, it would be won- the diversity and strength of the myriad local founder of the modern democratic Turkey that machine. They elicited a marvelous derful if teaching Arabic to kids, and further cultures and languages that make this land soon surpassed its epithet of a sick man vying prescience to accept the reality about the jacking up the religious content of education, and its people. The writer is an Islam- 12 for acceptance and inclusion into the Europe- unprecedented western strides in science, tech- could change students for the better. Just abad-based physicist and writer. an Union. Now once again, our government is nology, manufacturing and maritime marvels imagine! Future Pakistani lawyers would not parading its passion for a Turkish drama that and their inevitable impacts on human thought be rampaging goons who destroy court proper- https://www.dawn.com/news/1607107/making-ara- depicts thirteenth century clan culture, clashes and behaviour. They understood the perils and ty and randomly attack patients in hospital bic-compulsory and intrigues to secure and stabilize a chief- predicaments of pursuing futile idealistic phan-

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International

toms and preferred to transform Turkey into a modern constitutional republic riveted to secu- larism and sworn to all terrestrial human needs These steps evidently sparked reaction and resistance by the supporters of the conserva- tive interpretation of Islamic thought and prac- tice. The dominant army control also fuelled further alienation amongst the segments striv- ing for civil supremacy over these sectors. This led to the emergence of Islamic minded forces and the AJK party eventually swept the polls in 2002. It was feared that their religious leaning would rewind or impede the path of secularism and integration with the European Union but Turkey, once again, demonstrated remarkable rationality and resolve to retain the path of secularism and collaboration with the west. The Islamic party even more resolutely strove for integration, amended the constitu- tion and aligned the civil and criminal codes mostly to European standards. The country has undertaken eight reform packages and revised 218 articles, spanning 53 different laws and even abolished capital punishment. Internationally espoused provisions for free- dom of thought and expression were instituted instead. Females also have equal rights in inheritance and matrimonial partnerships. Decisions of the European Court of Justice, as per some prescribed rules, take precedence over the national courts. This trend of absorb- ing some egalitarian western values is indeed quite instructive for religious parties in other Muslim countries, including Pakistan. There is a lot to be learnt from the Turkish trek to reality and replacement of its morbid dreams and delusions for a greater glory and grandeur despite the mounting spiral of debt, dependen- cy, dole outs, derelict economy, utilities and the worsening of living conditions and suffer- ings of its masses. https://nation.com.pk/15-Feb-2021/ador- ing-turkish-dramas-avoiding-the-realism Pakistan’s media and drama domains, for tain’s enclave so that he may prosper. The quite some time, have been buzzing with fervor for Turkey, as evidenced by the exces- government-sponsored dubbing, discussion sive outburst of the Khilafat Movement, was and the display of a Turkish drama based on rooted amongst the Muslims of the subconti- the life and deeds of Ertugrul. He is believed nent even before its partition. Yet, the most to be the father of Osman, after whom the baffling aspect of this affiliation is that the Mus- much-adored Osmania Caliphate (1299-1923) lims in the subcontinent never moved to was named. Pakistan’s passion for the initial embrace Turkish traditions, spirit and the tribal feuds, fights, expeditions and the mindset to accept the realities, pragmatic exploits that led to the founding of this Muslim paths and policies. Turkey’s realization about dynasty can be ascribed to its overtly ostenta- the receding role of religion as an instrument tious fervour for Islam and a special warmth, for state policies and international affairs mani- affiliation and interaction with Turkey. Nawaz fested in its alliance with Germany during the Sharif, after his trip to Turkey, was also so First World War. Its caliphate had collaborated fascinated by its traffic system that a contract with various Christian countries in many earli- for installing the computerized Turkish traffic er conflicts as well. Such alliances of a signals at 190 crossings in Lahore was almost supreme Muslim Caliphate now may seem instantly awarded to a Turkish firm. Even Gen- quite heretic to most fundamentalist segments. eral Musharraf, despite being a dictator, The second great realisation came from rising Arab nationalism and revolt against the Turkish rule that battered the basis and bonds of the Caliphate. The Muslims in India, on the contrary, protest- ed for its continuation. Some of them are still obsessed with the idea of obliterating democracy and nationalism to recreate a Caliphate through sheer coer- cion, force and violence. Atat- urk and his companions similar- ly grasped the colossus human and material sacrifices endured declared his adoration for Ata Turk—the to retrieve Turkey from the Allied war founder of the modern democratic Turkey that machine. They elicited a marvelous soon surpassed its epithet of a sick man vying prescience to accept the reality about the for acceptance and inclusion into the Europe- unprecedented western strides in science, tech- an Union. Now once again, our government is nology, manufacturing and maritime marvels parading its passion for a Turkish drama that and their inevitable impacts on human thought depicts thirteenth century clan culture, clashes and behaviour. They understood the perils and and intrigues to secure and stabilize a chief- predicaments of pursuing futile idealistic phan-

toms and preferred to transform Turkey into a modern constitutional republic riveted to secu- India: Gang nabbed for larism and sworn to all terrestrial human needs These steps evidently sparked reaction and trafficking girls to resistance by the supporters of the conserva- Middle East tive interpretation of Islamic thought and prac- Hyderabad: Special operations team of LB tice. The dominant army control also fuelled Nagar on Tuesday busted Al-Hayath tours further alienation amongst the segments striv- and travels, Malakpet and arrested four ing for civil supremacy over these sectors. interstate human traffickers and rescued a This led to the emergence of Islamic minded woman victim being trafficked to Oman. forces and the AJK party eventually swept the The police seized visa documentation, 40 polls in 2002. It was feared that their religious passports belonging to various persons, leaning would rewind or impede the path of Rs. 6000 and mobile phones. According to secularism and integration with the European the police, the main accused has been iden- Union but Turkey, once again, demonstrated tified as Mohammed Imtiyaz (35) who is a remarkable rationality and resolve to retain the travel agent and had a gang of fellow path of secularism and collaboration with the accused who helped him in this. The gang west. The Islamic party even more resolutely indulged in illicit human trafficking by strove for integration, amended the constitu- trying to send a woman Shaik Khader bee tion and aligned the civil and criminal codes of Medipally to Muscat, Oman, in a fraudu- mostly to European standards. The country lent manner, promising her work on visit- has undertaken eight reform packages and ing visa instead of working visa. Rachakon- revised 218 articles, spanning 53 different da commissioner of police Mahesh Bhag- laws and even abolished capital punishment. wat said in a press conference that Imtiyaz Internationally espoused provisions for free- got acquainted with her through her aunt dom of thought and expression were instituted and knowing her financial problems he instead. Females also have equal rights in started offering her jobs in the Middle East. inheritance and matrimonial partnerships. He then arranged for a visa and booked her Decisions of the European Court of Justice, as a flight to Muscat on February 2. The per some prescribed rules, take precedence victim felt something was fishy when the over the national courts. This trend of absorb- suspects asked her to share her pictures to ing some egalitarian western values is indeed them on whatsapp after which they will quite instructive for religious parties in other pay her the promised sum of Rs.30,000. Muslim countries, including Pakistan. There She grew suspicious and escaped from the is a lot to be learnt from the Turkish trek to airport. Further, the suspects had collected reality and replacement of its morbid dreams passports from nearly 40 people including and delusions for a greater glory and grandeur 12 women and 28 men to make visa despite the mounting spiral of debt, dependen- arrangements for sending them to different cy, dole outs, derelict economy, utilities and Gulf countries. They and two other travel the worsening of living conditions and suffer- agencies in Kadapa were found to be ings of its masses. involved in the racket, and were trafficking women to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, https://nation.com.pk/15-Feb-2021/ador- Dubai and Qatar, said the commissioner of 13 ing-turkish-dramas-avoiding-the-realism police. https://www.siasat.com/human-traffick- ing-gang-involved-in-wom- en-trafficking-nabbed-2086621/

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com Pakistan’s media and drama domains, for tain’s enclave so that he may prosper. The quite some time, have been buzzing with fervor for Turkey, as evidenced by the exces- government-sponsored dubbing, discussion sive outburst of the Khilafat Movement, was and the display of a Turkish drama based on rooted amongst the Muslims of the subconti- the life and deeds of Ertugrul. He is believed nent even before its partition. Yet, the most to be the father of Osman, after whom the baffling aspect of this affiliation is that the Mus- much-adored Osmania Caliphate (1299-1923) lims in the subcontinent never moved to was named. Pakistan’s passion for the initial embrace Turkish traditions, spirit and the tribal feuds, fights, expeditions and the mindset to accept the realities, pragmatic exploits that led to the founding of this Muslim paths and policies. Turkey’s realization about dynasty can be ascribed to its overtly ostenta- the receding role of religion as an instrument tious fervour for Islam and a special warmth, for state policies and international affairs mani- affiliation and interaction with Turkey. Nawaz fested in its alliance with Germany during the Sharif, after his trip to Turkey, was also so First World War. Its caliphate had collaborated fascinated by its traffic system that a contract with various Christian countries in many earli- for installing the computerized Turkish traffic er conflicts as well. Such alliances of a signals at 190 crossings in Lahore was almost supreme Muslim Caliphate now may seem instantly awarded to a Turkish firm. Even Gen- quite heretic to most fundamentalist segments. eral Musharraf, despite being a dictator, The second great realisation came from rising Arab nationalism and revolt against the Turkish rule that battered the basis and bonds of the Caliphate. The Muslims in India, on the contrary, protest- ed for its continuation. Some of them are still obsessed with the idea of obliterating democracy and nationalism to recreate a Caliphate through sheer coer- cion, force and violence. Atat- urk and his companions similar- ly grasped the colossus human and material sacrifices endured declared his adoration for Ata Turk—the to retrieve Turkey from the Allied war founder of the modern democratic Turkey that machine. They elicited a marvelous soon surpassed its epithet of a sick man vying prescience to accept the reality about the for acceptance and inclusion into the Europe- unprecedented western strides in science, tech- an Union. Now once again, our government is nology, manufacturing and maritime marvels parading its passion for a Turkish drama that and their inevitable impacts on human thought depicts thirteenth century clan culture, clashes and behaviour. They understood the perils and and intrigues to secure and stabilize a chief- predicaments of pursuing futile idealistic phan-

toms and preferred to transform Turkey into a in the latter half of the 19th century as tensions between Hirok and Kolpur. The line to Quetta to give it additional upward push. modern constitutional republic riveted to secu- The railway lines in Pakistan between Czarist Russia and Victorian Britain from Kolpur was again to be broad gauge, pass- The tunnels here have interesting names: there larism and sworn to all terrestrial human needs rose to a fever pitch, both vying for imperial ing across what is known as Dasht-e-Bedaulat is Windy Corner and then there are Mary Jane, These steps evidently sparked reaction and and the stories they tell superiority in Central Asia. Since railway was (the Wretched Plain) — nothing grew here Cascade and Summit. The second one is resistance by the supporters of the conserva- By: Salman Rashid the fastest way to transport troops, Russia was except a few grasses and, if winter rain and named after the wife of F L O’Callaghan, the tive interpretation of Islamic thought and prac- swiftly embroidering Asian deserts with steel snow were abundant, some flowers. (In the pioneer of this line, and the last one is an obvi- tice. The dominant army control also fuelled threads east of the Don River even as British early 1990s, I saw the first of several tube ous reference to the top of the Bolan Pass. further alienation amongst the segments striv- engineers hastened to match stitch for stitch wells sprouting on the plain. Within years, it Below Cascade, right next to Elgin Bridge, ing for civil supremacy over these sectors. through the Subcontinent and across the shale stood transformed with seasonal wheat and there is a bit of another mystery: a smaller This led to the emergence of Islamic minded and limestone barriers of the Suleman Moun- orchards.) The change in gauge meant that tunnel. This is the old metre gauge tunnel aban- forces and the AJK party eventually swept the tains and the Bolan Pass. freight and passengers would be transhipped doned after the broad gauge line became opera- polls in 2002. It was feared that their religious It was not until seven years after the end of the from broad gauge carriages to the smaller ones tional. It was in 1894 when the first ‘through’ leaning would rewind or impede the path of second Afghan War (1878-80) that the first at Hirok. train from down country rolled into Quetta by secularism and integration with the European line through Chappar Rift reached Quetta. But After being hauled up to the cool heights of the Mushkaf-Bolan route. By and by, this Union but Turkey, once again, demonstrated landslides and floods plagued the route even Kolpur, they would be shipped again to the became a daily service even while the once a remarkable rationality and resolve to retain the when it was being built, necessitating an alter- larger vehicles. If that was not trouble enough week up and down service through the Chap- path of secularism and collaboration with the nate line. This seemed feasible only through for sahibs and memsahibs, another problem par Rift also continued. Then, in July 1942, west. The Islamic party even more resolutely the more stable geology of the Bolan Pass was that the line, sitting on the stony bed of the came the flood in the rift to wash out that line. strove for integration, amended the constitu- Originally, the line from Sibi was to swing due Bolan River as it passed through the tortuous If Raj engineers had little interest to re-estab- tion and aligned the civil and criminal codes west to reach the village of Rind Ali (Rindli on Dozan Gorge, suffered periodic damage when lish it, it was only because the Bolan Pass line mostly to European standards. The country British maps of that era). Here it would veer rain sent down a flood in the otherwise dry was running trouble-free. has undertaken eight reform packages and north-west for Hirok through the Kundlani stream. Once again, it was realised that this too Climb to a vantage point high above the valley revised 218 articles, spanning 53 different Gorge. As the summer began in 1885, the line was not the answer and plans were put in place floor in Dozan Gorge and watch the diesel laws and even abolished capital punishment. started to inch forward. Through furnace to lay a ‘high level’ broad gauge line from Sibi engines hauling green and cream coaches Internationally espoused provisions for free- blasts of searing wind, labourers and engineers to Dozan. along the brown contours of the landscape into dom of thought and expression were instituted toiled to put a broad gauge (five feet and six In 1888, work began on new bridges and Cascade Tunnel. As the clatter and growl of instead. Females also have equal rights in inches wide) line. tunnels. Two years later, as if to prove the old the engine turns into a boom and, later, as the inheritance and matrimonial partnerships. A wintery morning. A small, all but aban- coal town of Machh, around 25 kilometres in To add to the discomfort of the heat, cholera adage about the best laid plans of mice and noise reverberates solidly off the rocky bed of Decisions of the European Court of Justice, as doned, railway station. A few scrawny plants the south-east, it is all the way down. After the broke out in construction camps, resulting in men, nature brought down a huge flood the dry stream when the lines travels over the per some prescribed rules, take precedence growing between its building and a double rail initial push, the trolley goes screaming down the deaths of several hundred workers. Still, through the gorge, washing away the bridges, magnificent Elgin Bridge, the flesh crawls and over the national courts. This trend of absorb- track glued on a cheerless slope with sombre, the sharp gradient powered only by gravity. with remarkable doggedness, the builders kept girders and all. The Kundlani Gorge route just the eye mists. ing some egalitarian western values is indeed brooding hills closing in from all sides as if to This slope had once seemed impossible for at it, perhaps driven by the desire to reach the turned out to be another replay of the madden- It is like being in a high adventure movie. And quite instructive for religious parties in other prevent the station from escaping. That was broad gauge steam engines to negotiate. cooler heights as quickly as possible. By ing Chappar Rift route. So, yet another alterna- as you contemplate the scene below, of a Muslim countries, including Pakistan. There Hirok station in the heart of Balochistan’s It was, indeed, for the sharp gradients of the mid-November that year, when the heat had tive was needed. The line was now to be built sudden you are hit with one realisation: had is a lot to be learnt from the Turkish trek to Bolan Pass — or at least that is my most abid- Bolan Pass that railway engineers took the line already let off, the line reached Hirok (where through somewhat higher Mushkaf Valley that periodic disasters not devilled the Chappar reality and replacement of its morbid dreams ing memory of it. On a bench in front of the north from Sibi through the Nari Gorge and the body under the shawl had waved to me) at sits between Sibi and Hirok. With a shallower Rift, the Bolan Pass line would never have and delusions for a greater glory and grandeur building lay what looked like a body shrouded across the dramatic Chappar Rift in order to 1,400 metres above the sea. Now came the gradient difference, the line was forced all the been laid. At Quetta, the line spreads out in despite the mounting spiral of debt, dependen- in a grey shawl. To the grinding sound of our connect Quetta with the rest of British India. hard part. The height rose dramatically to way up to Hirok through places with names as three prongs: one going south-west to the Irani- cy, dole outs, derelict economy, utilities and trolley’s brakes, it raised a bit of the shawl But the unstable geology and the continual 1,790 metres within the 12 kilometres distance mysterious as Aab-e-Gum (Lost Water, where an frontier; the other going west across the the worsening of living conditions and suffer- from its head to cast a bleary eye in our direc- mud and rock slides in the rift told Raj railway between Hirok and Kolpur through the Dozan the Bolan River disappears underground) and Khwaja Amran Mountains to Chaman; and the ings of its masses. tion. Recognizing the trolley men, it waved a engineers that another line was needed if they Gorge. This rise of 390 metres in such a short as evocative as Machh (Date Palm). Hirok third going north-east to Zhob. Each of these languid hand and went back under the shawl. had to get to Kandahar in a hurry. And the distance was so sheer that not even the most onward, some magnificent bridges and a lines has a story of its own to tell. https://nation.com.pk/15-Feb-2021/ador- 14 We passed on down the slope, once again gath- hurry was imperative. powerful locomotive of the time could haul a number of tunnels took the line to the top of ing-turkish-dramas-avoiding-the-realism ering speed. It was March 1995 and friends in Having resoundingly lost the First Afghan War train up it. the pass at Kolpur. Even now, trains had to be https://herald.dawn.com/news/1398917/ the railway had arranged for me to be taken (1839-42), the army of the East India Compa- Elgin Bridge in the Dozan Gorge The railway- hauled up from Machh to Kolpur with what in the-railway-lines-in-pakistan-and-the-sto- down the Bolan Pass by trolley. From Kolpur ny was paranoid with fear of Russia marching men’s answer was to put in a smaller metre railway parlance is called a banking engine, ries-they-tell station at the western head of the pass to the into Afghanistan. The situation only worsened gauge (three feet and three inches wide) line that is, an extra engine at the back of the train

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International Pakistan’s media and drama domains, for tain’s enclave so that he may prosper. The quite some time, have been buzzing with fervor for Turkey, as evidenced by the exces- government-sponsored dubbing, discussion sive outburst of the Khilafat Movement, was and the display of a Turkish drama based on rooted amongst the Muslims of the subconti- the life and deeds of Ertugrul. He is believed nent even before its partition. Yet, the most to be the father of Osman, after whom the baffling aspect of this affiliation is that the Mus- much-adored Osmania Caliphate (1299-1923) lims in the subcontinent never moved to was named. Pakistan’s passion for the initial embrace Turkish traditions, spirit and the tribal feuds, fights, expeditions and the mindset to accept the realities, pragmatic exploits that led to the founding of this Muslim paths and policies. Turkey’s realization about dynasty can be ascribed to its overtly ostenta- the receding role of religion as an instrument tious fervour for Islam and a special warmth, for state policies and international affairs mani- affiliation and interaction with Turkey. Nawaz fested in its alliance with Germany during the Sharif, after his trip to Turkey, was also so First World War. Its caliphate had collaborated fascinated by its traffic system that a contract with various Christian countries in many earli- for installing the computerized Turkish traffic er conflicts as well. Such alliances of a signals at 190 crossings in Lahore was almost supreme Muslim Caliphate now may seem instantly awarded to a Turkish firm. Even Gen- quite heretic to most fundamentalist segments. eral Musharraf, despite being a dictator, The second great realisation came from rising Arab nationalism and revolt against the Turkish rule that battered the basis and bonds of the Caliphate. The Muslims in India, on the contrary, protest- ed for its continuation. Some of them are still obsessed with the idea of obliterating democracy and nationalism to recreate a Caliphate through sheer coer- cion, force and violence. Atat- urk and his companions similar- ly grasped the colossus human and material sacrifices endured declared his adoration for Ata Turk—the to retrieve Turkey from the Allied war founder of the modern democratic Turkey that machine. They elicited a marvelous soon surpassed its epithet of a sick man vying prescience to accept the reality about the for acceptance and inclusion into the Europe- unprecedented western strides in science, tech- an Union. Now once again, our government is nology, manufacturing and maritime marvels parading its passion for a Turkish drama that and their inevitable impacts on human thought depicts thirteenth century clan culture, clashes and behaviour. They understood the perils and and intrigues to secure and stabilize a chief- predicaments of pursuing futile idealistic phan-

toms and preferred to transform Turkey into a in the latter half of the 19th century as tensions between Hirok and Kolpur. The line to Quetta to give it additional upward push. modern constitutional republic riveted to secu- between Czarist Russia and Victorian Britain from Kolpur was again to be broad gauge, pass- The tunnels here have interesting names: there larism and sworn to all terrestrial human needs rose to a fever pitch, both vying for imperial ing across what is known as Dasht-e-Bedaulat is Windy Corner and then there are Mary Jane, These steps evidently sparked reaction and superiority in Central Asia. Since railway was (the Wretched Plain) — nothing grew here Cascade and Summit. The second one is resistance by the supporters of the conserva- the fastest way to transport troops, Russia was except a few grasses and, if winter rain and named after the wife of F L O’Callaghan, the tive interpretation of Islamic thought and prac- swiftly embroidering Asian deserts with steel snow were abundant, some flowers. (In the pioneer of this line, and the last one is an obvi- tice. The dominant army control also fuelled threads east of the Don River even as British early 1990s, I saw the first of several tube ous reference to the top of the Bolan Pass. further alienation amongst the segments striv- engineers hastened to match stitch for stitch wells sprouting on the plain. Within years, it Below Cascade, right next to Elgin Bridge, ing for civil supremacy over these sectors. through the Subcontinent and across the shale stood transformed with seasonal wheat and there is a bit of another mystery: a smaller This led to the emergence of Islamic minded and limestone barriers of the Suleman Moun- orchards.) The change in gauge meant that tunnel. This is the old metre gauge tunnel aban- forces and the AJK party eventually swept the tains and the Bolan Pass. freight and passengers would be transhipped doned after the broad gauge line became opera- polls in 2002. It was feared that their religious It was not until seven years after the end of the from broad gauge carriages to the smaller ones tional. It was in 1894 when the first ‘through’ leaning would rewind or impede the path of second Afghan War (1878-80) that the first at Hirok. train from down country rolled into Quetta by secularism and integration with the European line through Chappar Rift reached Quetta. But After being hauled up to the cool heights of the Mushkaf-Bolan route. By and by, this Union but Turkey, once again, demonstrated landslides and floods plagued the route even Kolpur, they would be shipped again to the became a daily service even while the once a remarkable rationality and resolve to retain the when it was being built, necessitating an alter- larger vehicles. If that was not trouble enough week up and down service through the Chap- path of secularism and collaboration with the nate line. This seemed feasible only through for sahibs and memsahibs, another problem par Rift also continued. Then, in July 1942, west. The Islamic party even more resolutely the more stable geology of the Bolan Pass was that the line, sitting on the stony bed of the came the flood in the rift to wash out that line. strove for integration, amended the constitu- Originally, the line from Sibi was to swing due Bolan River as it passed through the tortuous If Raj engineers had little interest to re-estab- tion and aligned the civil and criminal codes west to reach the village of Rind Ali (Rindli on Dozan Gorge, suffered periodic damage when lish it, it was only because the Bolan Pass line mostly to European standards. The country British maps of that era). Here it would veer rain sent down a flood in the otherwise dry was running trouble-free. has undertaken eight reform packages and north-west for Hirok through the Kundlani stream. Once again, it was realised that this too Climb to a vantage point high above the valley revised 218 articles, spanning 53 different Gorge. As the summer began in 1885, the line was not the answer and plans were put in place floor in Dozan Gorge and watch the diesel laws and even abolished capital punishment. started to inch forward. Through furnace to lay a ‘high level’ broad gauge line from Sibi engines hauling green and cream coaches Internationally espoused provisions for free- blasts of searing wind, labourers and engineers to Dozan. along the brown contours of the landscape into dom of thought and expression were instituted toiled to put a broad gauge (five feet and six In 1888, work began on new bridges and Cascade Tunnel. As the clatter and growl of instead. Females also have equal rights in inches wide) line. tunnels. Two years later, as if to prove the old the engine turns into a boom and, later, as the inheritance and matrimonial partnerships. A wintery morning. A small, all but aban- coal town of Machh, around 25 kilometres in To add to the discomfort of the heat, cholera adage about the best laid plans of mice and noise reverberates solidly off the rocky bed of Decisions of the European Court of Justice, as doned, railway station. A few scrawny plants the south-east, it is all the way down. After the broke out in construction camps, resulting in men, nature brought down a huge flood the dry stream when the lines travels over the per some prescribed rules, take precedence growing between its building and a double rail initial push, the trolley goes screaming down the deaths of several hundred workers. Still, through the gorge, washing away the bridges, magnificent Elgin Bridge, the flesh crawls and over the national courts. This trend of absorb- track glued on a cheerless slope with sombre, the sharp gradient powered only by gravity. with remarkable doggedness, the builders kept girders and all. The Kundlani Gorge route just the eye mists. ing some egalitarian western values is indeed brooding hills closing in from all sides as if to This slope had once seemed impossible for at it, perhaps driven by the desire to reach the turned out to be another replay of the madden- It is like being in a high adventure movie. And quite instructive for religious parties in other prevent the station from escaping. That was broad gauge steam engines to negotiate. cooler heights as quickly as possible. By ing Chappar Rift route. So, yet another alterna- as you contemplate the scene below, of a Muslim countries, including Pakistan. There Hirok station in the heart of Balochistan’s It was, indeed, for the sharp gradients of the mid-November that year, when the heat had tive was needed. The line was now to be built sudden you are hit with one realisation: had is a lot to be learnt from the Turkish trek to Bolan Pass — or at least that is my most abid- Bolan Pass that railway engineers took the line already let off, the line reached Hirok (where through somewhat higher Mushkaf Valley that periodic disasters not devilled the Chappar reality and replacement of its morbid dreams ing memory of it. On a bench in front of the north from Sibi through the Nari Gorge and the body under the shawl had waved to me) at sits between Sibi and Hirok. With a shallower Rift, the Bolan Pass line would never have and delusions for a greater glory and grandeur building lay what looked like a body shrouded across the dramatic Chappar Rift in order to 1,400 metres above the sea. Now came the gradient difference, the line was forced all the been laid. At Quetta, the line spreads out in despite the mounting spiral of debt, dependen- in a grey shawl. To the grinding sound of our connect Quetta with the rest of British India. hard part. The height rose dramatically to way up to Hirok through places with names as three prongs: one going south-west to the Irani- cy, dole outs, derelict economy, utilities and trolley’s brakes, it raised a bit of the shawl But the unstable geology and the continual 1,790 metres within the 12 kilometres distance mysterious as Aab-e-Gum (Lost Water, where an frontier; the other going west across the the worsening of living conditions and suffer- from its head to cast a bleary eye in our direc- mud and rock slides in the rift told Raj railway between Hirok and Kolpur through the Dozan the Bolan River disappears underground) and Khwaja Amran Mountains to Chaman; and the ings of its masses. tion. Recognizing the trolley men, it waved a engineers that another line was needed if they Gorge. This rise of 390 metres in such a short as evocative as Machh (Date Palm). Hirok third going north-east to Zhob. Each of these languid hand and went back under the shawl. had to get to Kandahar in a hurry. And the distance was so sheer that not even the most onward, some magnificent bridges and a lines has a story of its own to tell. https://nation.com.pk/15-Feb-2021/ador- We passed on down the slope, once again gath- hurry was imperative. powerful locomotive of the time could haul a number of tunnels took the line to the top of 15 ing-turkish-dramas-avoiding-the-realism ering speed. It was March 1995 and friends in Having resoundingly lost the First Afghan War train up it. the pass at Kolpur. Even now, trains had to be https://herald.dawn.com/news/1398917/ the railway had arranged for me to be taken (1839-42), the army of the East India Compa- Elgin Bridge in the Dozan Gorge The railway- hauled up from Machh to Kolpur with what in the-railway-lines-in-pakistan-and-the-sto- down the Bolan Pass by trolley. From Kolpur ny was paranoid with fear of Russia marching men’s answer was to put in a smaller metre railway parlance is called a banking engine, ries-they-tell station at the western head of the pass to the into Afghanistan. The situation only worsened gauge (three feet and three inches wide) line that is, an extra engine at the back of the train

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com Pakistan’s media and drama domains, for tain’s enclave so that he may prosper. The quite some time, have been buzzing with fervor for Turkey, as evidenced by the exces- government-sponsored dubbing, discussion sive outburst of the Khilafat Movement, was and the display of a Turkish drama based on rooted amongst the Muslims of the subconti- the life and deeds of Ertugrul. He is believed nent even before its partition. Yet, the most to be the father of Osman, after whom the baffling aspect of this affiliation is that the Mus- much-adored Osmania Caliphate (1299-1923) lims in the subcontinent never moved to was named. Pakistan’s passion for the initial embrace Turkish traditions, spirit and the tribal feuds, fights, expeditions and the mindset to accept the realities, pragmatic exploits that led to the founding of this Muslim paths and policies. Turkey’s realization about dynasty can be ascribed to its overtly ostenta- the receding role of religion as an instrument tious fervour for Islam and a special warmth, for state policies and international affairs mani- affiliation and interaction with Turkey. Nawaz fested in its alliance with Germany during the Sharif, after his trip to Turkey, was also so First World War. Its caliphate had collaborated fascinated by its traffic system that a contract with various Christian countries in many earli- for installing the computerized Turkish traffic er conflicts as well. Such alliances of a signals at 190 crossings in Lahore was almost supreme Muslim Caliphate now may seem instantly awarded to a Turkish firm. Even Gen- quite heretic to most fundamentalist segments. eral Musharraf, despite being a dictator, The second great realisation came from rising Arab nationalism and revolt against the Turkish rule that battered the basis and bonds of the Caliphate. The Muslims in India, on the contrary, protest- ed for its continuation. Some of them are still obsessed with the idea of obliterating democracy and nationalism to recreate a Caliphate through sheer coer- cion, force and violence. Atat- urk and his companions similar- ly grasped the colossus human and material sacrifices endured declared his adoration for Ata Turk—the to retrieve Turkey from the Allied war founder of the modern democratic Turkey that machine. They elicited a marvelous soon surpassed its epithet of a sick man vying prescience to accept the reality about the for acceptance and inclusion into the Europe- unprecedented western strides in science, tech- an Union. Now once again, our government is nology, manufacturing and maritime marvels parading its passion for a Turkish drama that and their inevitable impacts on human thought depicts thirteenth century clan culture, clashes and behaviour. They understood the perils and and intrigues to secure and stabilize a chief- predicaments of pursuing futile idealistic phan-

toms and preferred to transform Turkey into a in the latter half of the 19th century as tensions between Hirok and Kolpur. The line to Quetta to give it additional upward push. modern constitutional republic riveted to secu- between Czarist Russia and Victorian Britain from Kolpur was again to be broad gauge, pass- The tunnels here have interesting names: there larism and sworn to all terrestrial human needs rose to a fever pitch, both vying for imperial ing across what is known as Dasht-e-Bedaulat is Windy Corner and then there are Mary Jane, These steps evidently sparked reaction and superiority in Central Asia. Since railway was (the Wretched Plain) — nothing grew here Cascade and Summit. The second one is Good to be done resistance by the supporters of the conserva- the fastest way to transport troops, Russia was except a few grasses and, if winter rain and named after the wife of F L O’Callaghan, the tive interpretation of Islamic thought and prac- swiftly embroidering Asian deserts with steel snow were abundant, some flowers. (In the pioneer of this line, and the last one is an obvi- tice. The dominant army control also fuelled threads east of the Don River even as British early 1990s, I saw the first of several tube ous reference to the top of the Bolan Pass. further alienation amongst the segments striv- engineers hastened to match stitch for stitch wells sprouting on the plain. Within years, it Below Cascade, right next to Elgin Bridge, Boris Johnson’s comments in 2018 refer- ing for civil supremacy over these sectors. through the Subcontinent and across the shale stood transformed with seasonal wheat and there is a bit of another mystery: a smaller ring to Muslim women wearing burkas This led to the emergence of Islamic minded and limestone barriers of the Suleman Moun- orchards.) The change in gauge meant that tunnel. This is the old metre gauge tunnel aban- looking like “letter boxes” has not helped forces and the AJK party eventually swept the tains and the Bolan Pass. freight and passengers would be transhipped doned after the broad gauge line became opera- matters, she says, adding that there was polls in 2002. It was feared that their religious It was not until seven years after the end of the from broad gauge carriages to the smaller ones tional. It was in 1894 when the first ‘through’ evidence to show people found it more leaning would rewind or impede the path of second Afghan War (1878-80) that the first at Hirok. train from down country rolled into Quetta by acceptable to repeat such comments after secularism and integration with the European line through Chappar Rift reached Quetta. But After being hauled up to the cool heights of the Mushkaf-Bolan route. By and by, this the then Conservative backbencher chose Union but Turkey, once again, demonstrated landslides and floods plagued the route even Kolpur, they would be shipped again to the became a daily service even while the once a remarkable rationality and resolve to retain the when it was being built, necessitating an alter- larger vehicles. If that was not trouble enough week up and down service through the Chap- to use such language. “I think everybody path of secularism and collaboration with the nate line. This seemed feasible only through for sahibs and memsahibs, another problem par Rift also continued. Then, in July 1942, remembers that,” she says. “You remember west. The Islamic party even more resolutely the more stable geology of the Bolan Pass was that the line, sitting on the stony bed of the came the flood in the rift to wash out that line. it. I remember it.” strove for integration, amended the constitu- Originally, the line from Sibi was to swing due Bolan River as it passed through the tortuous If Raj engineers had little interest to re-estab- tion and aligned the civil and criminal codes west to reach the village of Rind Ali (Rindli on Dozan Gorge, suffered periodic damage when lish it, it was only because the Bolan Pass line When it comes to the departure of Donald mostly to European standards. The country British maps of that era). Here it would veer rain sent down a flood in the otherwise dry was running trouble-free. Trump from the White House, Ms Moham- has undertaken eight reform packages and north-west for Hirok through the Kundlani stream. Once again, it was realised that this too Climb to a vantage point high above the valley med does not hold back.“I think the whole revised 218 articles, spanning 53 different Gorge. As the summer began in 1885, the line was not the answer and plans were put in place floor in Dozan Gorge and watch the diesel planet breathed a sigh of relief,” she says. laws and even abolished capital punishment. started to inch forward. Through furnace to lay a ‘high level’ broad gauge line from Sibi engines hauling green and cream coaches “He gave a lot of confidence to racists and Internationally espoused provisions for free- blasts of searing wind, labourers and engineers to Dozan. along the brown contours of the landscape into we all saw what happened on Capitol Hill. dom of thought and expression were instituted toiled to put a broad gauge (five feet and six In 1888, work began on new bridges and Cascade Tunnel. As the clatter and growl of I think it is good for everybody that he’s instead. Females also have equal rights in inches wide) line. tunnels. Two years later, as if to prove the old the engine turns into a boom and, later, as the inheritance and matrimonial partnerships. A wintery morning. A small, all but aban- coal town of Machh, around 25 kilometres in To add to the discomfort of the heat, cholera adage about the best laid plans of mice and noise reverberates solidly off the rocky bed of gone.” Decisions of the European Court of Justice, as doned, railway station. A few scrawny plants the south-east, it is all the way down. After the broke out in construction camps, resulting in men, nature brought down a huge flood the dry stream when the lines travels over the per some prescribed rules, take precedence growing between its building and a double rail initial push, the trolley goes screaming down the deaths of several hundred workers. Still, through the gorge, washing away the bridges, magnificent Elgin Bridge, the flesh crawls and But that is enough negativity for the new over the national courts. This trend of absorb- track glued on a cheerless slope with sombre, the sharp gradient powered only by gravity. with remarkable doggedness, the builders kept girders and all. The Kundlani Gorge route just the eye mists. secretary general. She believes there is a ing some egalitarian western values is indeed brooding hills closing in from all sides as if to This slope had once seemed impossible for at it, perhaps driven by the desire to reach the turned out to be another replay of the madden- It is like being in a high adventure movie. And great deal of good to be done and she wants quite instructive for religious parties in other prevent the station from escaping. That was broad gauge steam engines to negotiate. cooler heights as quickly as possible. By ing Chappar Rift route. So, yet another alterna- as you contemplate the scene below, of a to crack on with it. Her enthusiasm and opti- Muslim countries, including Pakistan. There Hirok station in the heart of Balochistan’s It was, indeed, for the sharp gradients of the mid-November that year, when the heat had tive was needed. The line was now to be built sudden you are hit with one realisation: had mism are infectious. “I can’t wait to get on is a lot to be learnt from the Turkish trek to Bolan Pass — or at least that is my most abid- Bolan Pass that railway engineers took the line already let off, the line reached Hirok (where through somewhat higher Mushkaf Valley that periodic disasters not devilled the Chappar with the work,” she says. “There’s a lot to north from Sibi through the Nari Gorge and reality and replacement of its morbid dreams ing memory of it. On a bench in front of the the body under the shawl had waved to me) at sits between Sibi and Hirok. With a shallower Rift, the Bolan Pass line would never have do and I really want to make a difference.” building lay what looked like a body shrouded across the dramatic Chappar Rift in order to and delusions for a greater glory and grandeur 1,400 metres above the sea. Now came the gradient difference, the line was forced all the been laid. At Quetta, the line spreads out in It is hard to believe that optimism will not despite the mounting spiral of debt, dependen- in a grey shawl. To the grinding sound of our connect Quetta with the rest of British India. hard part. The height rose dramatically to way up to Hirok through places with names as three prongs: one going south-west to the Irani- pay off for her, and the entire Muslim com- cy, dole outs, derelict economy, utilities and trolley’s brakes, it raised a bit of the shawl But the unstable geology and the continual 1,790 metres within the 12 kilometres distance mysterious as Aab-e-Gum (Lost Water, where an frontier; the other going west across the munity. the worsening of living conditions and suffer- from its head to cast a bleary eye in our direc- mud and rock slides in the rift told Raj railway between Hirok and Kolpur through the Dozan the Bolan River disappears underground) and Khwaja Amran Mountains to Chaman; and the ings of its masses. tion. Recognizing the trolley men, it waved a engineers that another line was needed if they Gorge. This rise of 390 metres in such a short as evocative as Machh (Date Palm). Hirok third going north-east to Zhob. Each of these languid hand and went back under the shawl. had to get to Kandahar in a hurry. And the distance was so sheer that not even the most onward, some magnificent bridges and a lines has a story of its own to tell. https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/zara-moham- https://nation.com.pk/15-Feb-2021/ador- We passed on down the slope, once again gath- hurry was imperative. powerful locomotive of the time could haul a number of tunnels took the line to the top of 16 med-first-woman-head-muslim-council- ing-turkish-dramas-avoiding-the-realism ering speed. It was March 1995 and friends in Having resoundingly lost the First Afghan War train up it. the pass at Kolpur. Even now, trains had to be https://herald.dawn.com/news/1398917/ britain-inspire-women-fight-islamopho- the railway had arranged for me to be taken (1839-42), the army of the East India Compa- Elgin Bridge in the Dozan Gorge The railway- hauled up from Machh to Kolpur with what in the-railway-lines-in-pakistan-and-the-sto- bia-860826?ITO=newsnow down the Bolan Pass by trolley. From Kolpur ny was paranoid with fear of Russia marching men’s answer was to put in a smaller metre railway parlance is called a banking engine, ries-they-tell station at the western head of the pass to the into Afghanistan. The situation only worsened gauge (three feet and three inches wide) line that is, an extra engine at the back of the train

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International First Foreign Minister of Pakistan

I’m used to hatred and rejection. I’ve needed sage suited the narrative being pushed by 24/7 police protection ever since my book, Erdogan’s party, AKP, directly to the Turkish • Former Member of Viceroy’s Islam Needs a Sexual Revolution, was community in Germany: that we are a politi- Executive Council. published in 2009. My social media channels cally motivated, inherently unIslamic move- • Former Railway and Communications are regularly flooded with derogatory messag- ment. Minister of India. es and death threats. “May Allah put you on But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I the right path, or destroy you!” is one of the am simply trying to enable ordinary Muslims • Former Senior Judge of Federal Court very few examples that can be repeated to follow their faith. Many are joining me; of India. before the watershed. Abuse was at its worse my mosque attracts several hundred visitors a when I opened Germany’s first liberal month. I have given speeches to, and led talks • Former Advisor of Chamber of Princes mosque, the Ibn Rushd-Goethe Mosque, in for, liberal Muslims and defenders of free- of India. 2017. I wanted people to be able to worship dom of speech across the world. Every day, I in a place that advocates an interpretation of am inundated with requests for guidance • Former President of All India Muslim Islam which reflects the values of the Western from fellow travellers looking for the courage League. society in which I live. I was Germany’s first and support to follow their faith. And I am female head and preacher of a mosque — it exploring sites in London and Vienna for • Former Agent General of India in was a historic moment for the state and for more liberal mosques, to meet demand. We China. me personally. The Ibn Rushd-Goethe is a are on the cusp of something truly exciting. holy place where women and men can pray And today, more than ever, we need to look at • In 1937 he represented Viceroy of and preach together, where the veiling of the the future of Islam. In Vienna, in Nice, in This is Pakistan’s first Foreign Minister Sir India and British India at the whole face (Niqab) is forbidden and where Paris and also, with less public attention, in Zafrullah khan appointed by Jinnah himself coronation ceremony of King George the Koran is interpreted through a contempo- Dresden, the vivid horrors of Islamist terror- after Independence.Same Sir Zafrullah khan VI. rary lens. The reaction we got was strong. ism are back. Yet again, we hear the familiar who convinced United Nations as Pakistan’s A fatwa was issued by the Egyptian Fatwa questioning and soul searching: could these Foreign minister that Jammu & Kashmir is a • First Foreign Minister of Pakistan. Council. Turkey’s main religious authority, attacks have been avoided? Well my answer disputed territory and not integral part of Diyanet (directly run by the presidency), is simple: No. And we can expect more of the India. • Former Vice President of the Interna denounced the mosque as “depraving and same for so long as the violent ideology that Since independence all successive govern- tional Court of Justice, The Hague. ments stance is that Kashmir should be ruining religion”. It was an attempt to deprive underpins this terror — political Islam or resolved through UN resolutions but NO ONE • Former President of International Germany’s Muslim population, including Islamism — remains. It is an ideology that I points-out that it was because of hours and Court of Justice, The Hague. four million people of Turkish origin, of the have campaigned against my whole life, to hours of lengthy speeches by Sir Zafrullah right to freely exercise their religion and free- the detriment of my own personal security khan not only in regards to Kashmir for their • Former President of United Nation’s dom of expression. During our opening cere- and liberties. And that in itself highlights the Right of Self-determination but also for the General Assembly. mony, a Turkish news station attempted to challenge. rights of people of Algeria, Libya, Morocco, stage footage of the Quran being dishonored. Islamism is the political ideology that guides Jordon and many other Muslim countries, • Former Pakistan’s Permanent Turkey’s secret services visited the mosque Isis, Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Its same Sir Zafrullah khan was at the forefront in Representative at the UN. 17 repeatedly; I was attacked directly from aim is to achieve an Islamic state through getting them much-needed Independence. Ankara and our supporters challenged. Diya- political action or violent struggle. It is an Here are few of his achievements which his net denounced us as terrorists and supporters ideology that segregates people based on sex, own countrymen disregard because of his of Fethullah Gülen, a preacher who is a divides communities along religious lines and Ahmadiyya belief sworn enemy of President Erdogan. This mes- fuels hatred and suspicion of open discussion

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com

and debate on contemporary values. That’s The UK has also overseen significant growth why what we are doing in my mosque — and in the funding of religious and educational beyond — is so important. Our movement institutions by charities and entities from has been consistently praised and used as a Qatar and Turkey. In December last year, Presi- powerful counter-voice to Islamists across dent Erdogan opened an eco-mosque in Cam- the country. Our growth is a testament to the bridge, addressed a rally of supporters of his bravery of ordinary Muslims wishing to Justice & Development Party in London, and follow their faith, and to the protection and met with two prominent Islamists in the UK support given to us by Germany. When with links to Hamas. These are the very same Ankara threatened us — as it has threatened states who want to shut me down. Younger President Macron and France — the German Muslims in Germany and the UK — home to Government proactively and very publicly some 3 million Muslims — are desperate to intervened. State support and intervention is join the fight against Islamism but fearful of so critical. President Macron has bravely the consequences. I have been inundated with attempted to lead a debate about the future of private messages of support since announcing Islam and its integration into the West, high- my intention to found a liberal mosque in Brit- lighting the dangers of allowing Islamists to ain, but these same people fear being targeted create a state within a state. This has been and persecuted for their beliefs if that support followed by intervention from the French were made public. That is surprising in a coun- state services who inspected 51 Islamist try like England, where these moderate NGOs, recommending several be dissolved. religious voices need to be encouraged and In Vienna, the Austrian government raided supported. Unfortunately, unlike me, they several associations and societies suspected cannot rely on 24/7 police protection — and of belonging to and supporting the Muslim the attacks across Europe will discourage Brotherhood and Hamas. During the raids, many from speaking up. But the immediate the police reportedly found assets worth more steps being taken in France and Austria can than €25 million, stored in 130 bank give us courage. I want them to be met in equal accounts. Only last week, Charles Michel, force by progressive, liberal Muslim voices President of the EU Council, spoke of estab- who are championed and supported by the lishing a European institute to train imams in state apparatus. I struggled for years in Germa- Europe to “fight the ideology of hatred”. A ny to get where I am now. I want to help recre- European delegation consisting of Macron, ate that success in the UK and allow liberal Merkel, Ursula Von der Leyen and Austrian Muslim communities to flourish. That means Chancellor Sebastian Kurz have now consult- giving British Muslims the education, ed on new, tougher EU regulations in Paris. religious materials and roadmap that success- And, last week, Chancellor Kurz confirmed fully established and preserved the Ibn he will create a new offence for “political Rushd-Goethe Mosque in Berlin. It means Islam”, so the Austrian state can “take action offering hope and courage to British Muslims against those who are not terrorists them- in private — ensuring access to our global selves, but who create the breeding ground”. support community — while defending their These are radical steps and shows a clear right to religious freedom in public. And most trajectory to combating Islamism. Which is important, it means challenging the very why I have to ask: where is the UK? voices who want to restrict religious freedom. Islamists such as the Muslim Brotherhood spent years attempting to insert themselves https://uherd.com/2020/11/will-the-uk-stand- into UK politics and media. Instead of elevat- up-for-liberal-muslims/?tl_i ing liberal voices in Islam, we see regression. UK: For Muslims wary of the Covid vaccine: stressed Islamic law’s five goals (the maqasid in Abbottabad started with a CIA intelli- al-sharia) – which include the preservation of gence-gathering operation disguised as an there's every religious reason not to be distrustful life. These traditions inspired muftis in inoculation drive. But it’s no accident that the By Sadakat Kadri, Barrister Moscow to declare last week that even if scien- plots now being imagined by some Muslims tists had used gelatine in Russia’s Sputnik resemble fantasies associated with secular As the UK’s Covid-19 vaccination program parts of northern Pakistan, Somalia and Nige- vaccine (which they deny), inoculations cults such as QAnon. Global communications I’m used to hatred and rejection. I’ve needed sage suited the narrative being pushed by has accelerated, optimism about its effective- ria, false rumours about polio vaccines would be permissible. Though Chinese networks are enabling anxious people every- 24/7 police protection ever since my book, Erdogan’s party, AKP, directly to the Turkish ness has been rising. According to the Office haven’t just endangered children’s health; vaccine manufacturers have been vague about where to share ideas they might ordinarily Islam Needs a Sexual Revolution, was community in Germany: that we are a politi- for National Statistics, more than nine in 10 hospitals have been torched and clinicians what’s in their products, Indonesia’s Ulema dismiss as paranoid or ridiculous. That illus- published in 2009. My social media channels cally motivated, inherently unIslamic move- Council has called Sinovac “holy and halal”, trates the crucial challenge posed by this people are now keen to get a jab, up from 78% have been murdered. are regularly flooded with derogatory messag- ment. while scholars in the United Arab Emirates pandemic: though it presents a universal in December. But there are significant racial The fear of life-saving medicines is ironic – es and death threats. “May Allah put you on But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I and Egypt endorsed Sinopharm with observa- threat, heightened alarm is obscuring the disparities. The Royal College of General Prac- not least, because Iranian physicians such as the right path, or destroy you!” is one of the am simply trying to enable ordinary Muslims tions that dietary restrictions matter less than value of joint action. That’s inherently titioners reports that enthusiasm within Asian Ibn Sina once made Islamic culture synony- very few examples that can be repeated to follow their faith. Many are joining me; and black communities human lives. Sharia-compliance has been narrow-minded. Vaccines owe their very exis- before the watershed. Abuse was at its worse my mosque attracts several hundred visitors a dips by between two-thirds even smoother with the Pfizer/BioNTech, tence to multicultural collaboration. The when I opened Germany’s first liberal month. I have given speeches to, and led talks and a half, and – as many Moderna and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines. experimental treatments that culminated in mosque, the Ibn Rushd-Goethe Mosque, in for, liberal Muslims and defenders of free- imams have acknowl- All three manufacturers say they contain no Edward Jenner’s first inoculation in 1796 2017. I wanted people to be able to worship edged – the suspicion of animal derivatives, and stamps of approval grew out of smallpox precautions learned dom of speech across the world. Every day, I vaccines is disproportion- have come from the British Islamic Medical from the Ottoman Empire and China, which in a place that advocates an interpretation of am inundated with requests for guidance ately high among Mus- Association, the Assembly of Muslim Jurists reached America independently through a Islam which reflects the values of the Western from fellow travellers looking for the courage lims. Why? Influential of America and the grand mufti of Saudi North African slave. And the medical benefits society in which I live. I was Germany’s first and support to follow their faith. And I am traditions warn that innova- Arabia. That’s important. It’s helping imams of multiculturalism aren’t just historical. The female head and preacher of a mosque — it exploring sites in London and Vienna for tions sometimes come allay community concerns, and encouraging couple who synthesized the Pfizer/BioNTech was a historic moment for the state and for more liberal mosques, to meet demand. We with danger, and a fear of sheikhs to get jabbed on television. But fine vaccine are both Germans of Turkish Muslim me personally. The Ibn Rushd-Goethe is a are on the cusp of something truly exciting. God can produce fatalistic points of Islamic jurisprudence also distract origin. At the risk of emphasizing the obvious, holy place where women and men can pray And today, more than ever, we need to look at attitudes towards disease: from a bigger picture. It isn’t humility before no one can sensibly maintain therefore that it’s and preach together, where the veiling of the the future of Islam. In Vienna, in Nice, in even viruses are part of God that’s fuelling doubt. It’s an uneasy suspi- Islamic to oppose vaccination. Too many whole face (Niqab) is forbidden and where Paris and also, with less public attention, in creation, after all. But the cion of powerful figures whose hostility to people who contract disease for want of immu- the Koran is interpreted through a contempo- Dresden, the vivid horrors of Islamist terror- most distinctively Islamic concern is much mous with scientific progress – but mercifully, Islam is presumed. Iran’s supreme leader has nisation already live in Muslim-majority rary lens. The reaction we got was strong. ism are back. Yet again, we hear the familiar simpler. Lots of believers worry that vaccines hardline opposition is confined to ultracau- forbidden vaccine imports from the US and states, and though Covid-19 doesn’t have a A fatwa was issued by the Egyptian Fatwa questioning and soul searching: could these contain pork. The belief isn’t as far-fetched as tious conservatives and reckless extremists. UK, regardless of ingredients, simply because religion, it discriminates by race. Council. Turkey’s main religious authority, attacks have been avoided? Well my answer it might sound to non-Muslims. Chemically There’s a lot more support for vaccinating he distrusts both countries. Egypt’s retired Research has established clearly that black Diyanet (directly run by the presidency), is simple: No. And we can expect more of the purified gelatine (like the gooey albumins children in south Asia and north Africa than in grand mufti, Ali Gomaa, hasn’t worried about and Asian people are disproportionately infect- denounced the mosque as “depraving and same for so long as the violent ideology that gelatine, but he’s suggested on his TV show ed and hospitalized, and mortality statistics found in salmon and egg whites) is useful to Europe (the rate in France is lowest of all), and ruining religion”. It was an attempt to deprive underpins this terror — political Islam or that Covid-19 might be a biological weapon suggest they are more likely to die. As sharia stabilize the active ingredients of many drugs. anti-vax sentiment is consistently high in only Germany’s Muslim population, including Islamism — remains. It is an ideology that I linked to 5G technology and 100,000 orbiting scholars have said many times, vaccination Manufacturers have been stepping up the two Muslim-majority states: Indonesia and four million people of Turkish origin, of the have campaigned against my whole life, to satellites. In the name of “anti-Zionism”, isn’t merely a permissible choice for Muslims. search for substitutes, but animal products are Nigeria. Most sharia scholars, meanwhile, right to freely exercise their religion and free- the detriment of my own personal security therefore common in injectable solutions. justify haram ingredients by invoking a people are rehashing the familiar slur that Because it helps to protect others, it is what dom of expression. During our opening cere- and liberties. And that in itself highlights the That’s led Muslims sometimes to worry that concept known as “transformation” (istihala) Jews spread disease, while a petitioner to Paki- they call a fard kifaya – a collective obliga- mony, a Turkish news station attempted to challenge. they might be haram, forbidden. Indonesia’s – essentially, a recognition that things can stan’s high court has alleged that Muslims are tion. stage footage of the Quran being dishonored. Islamism is the political ideology that guides most authoritative religious body denounced change – which has been loosening things up being injected with not just pig and chimpan- Sadakat Kadri is a barrister and author of Turkey’s secret services visited the mosque Isis, Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Its inoculations for meningitis in 2008 (which, ever since it explained 1,200 years ago why zee DNA, but tractable microchips too. Heaven and Earth: aim is to achieve an Islamic state through 18 quite counter-productively, disqualified thou- the Qur’an’s disapproval of wine didn’t rule Political scepticism is endemic in the Muslim repeatedly; I was attacked directly from political action or violent struggle. It is an sands of unvaccinated Muslims from hajj later out cooking with vinegar. Jurists have also world, and it isn’t always unjustified. At least https://www.theguardian.com/commentis- Ankara and our supporters challenged. Diya- ideology that segregates people based on sex, that year), and a similar condemnation in 2018 reminded Muslims that necessity and public one conspiracy theory involving the vaccina- free/2021/feb/18/muslims-wary-covid- net denounced us as terrorists and supporters divides communities along religious lines and contributed to a major measles outbreak. In welfare take priority in emergencies, and tion of Muslims was certainly real: the 2011 vaccine-religious-reason of Fethullah Gülen, a preacher who is a operation to locate and kill Osama bin Laden sworn enemy of President Erdogan. This mes- fuels hatred and suspicion of open discussion

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International

and debate on contemporary values. That’s The UK has also overseen significant growth why what we are doing in my mosque — and in the funding of religious and educational beyond — is so important. Our movement institutions by charities and entities from has been consistently praised and used as a Qatar and Turkey. In December last year, Presi- powerful counter-voice to Islamists across dent Erdogan opened an eco-mosque in Cam- the country. Our growth is a testament to the bridge, addressed a rally of supporters of his bravery of ordinary Muslims wishing to Justice & Development Party in London, and follow their faith, and to the protection and met with two prominent Islamists in the UK support given to us by Germany. When with links to Hamas. These are the very same Ankara threatened us — as it has threatened states who want to shut me down. Younger President Macron and France — the German Muslims in Germany and the UK — home to Government proactively and very publicly some 3 million Muslims — are desperate to intervened. State support and intervention is join the fight against Islamism but fearful of so critical. President Macron has bravely the consequences. I have been inundated with attempted to lead a debate about the future of private messages of support since announcing Islam and its integration into the West, high- my intention to found a liberal mosque in Brit- lighting the dangers of allowing Islamists to ain, but these same people fear being targeted create a state within a state. This has been and persecuted for their beliefs if that support followed by intervention from the French were made public. That is surprising in a coun- state services who inspected 51 Islamist try like England, where these moderate NGOs, recommending several be dissolved. religious voices need to be encouraged and In Vienna, the Austrian government raided supported. Unfortunately, unlike me, they several associations and societies suspected cannot rely on 24/7 police protection — and of belonging to and supporting the Muslim the attacks across Europe will discourage Brotherhood and Hamas. During the raids, many from speaking up. But the immediate the police reportedly found assets worth more steps being taken in France and Austria can than €25 million, stored in 130 bank give us courage. I want them to be met in equal accounts. Only last week, Charles Michel, force by progressive, liberal Muslim voices President of the EU Council, spoke of estab- who are championed and supported by the lishing a European institute to train imams in state apparatus. I struggled for years in Germa- Europe to “fight the ideology of hatred”. A ny to get where I am now. I want to help recre- European delegation consisting of Macron, ate that success in the UK and allow liberal Merkel, Ursula Von der Leyen and Austrian Muslim communities to flourish. That means Chancellor Sebastian Kurz have now consult- giving British Muslims the education, ed on new, tougher EU regulations in Paris. religious materials and roadmap that success- And, last week, Chancellor Kurz confirmed fully established and preserved the Ibn he will create a new offence for “political Rushd-Goethe Mosque in Berlin. It means Islam”, so the Austrian state can “take action offering hope and courage to British Muslims against those who are not terrorists them- in private — ensuring access to our global selves, but who create the breeding ground”. support community — while defending their These are radical steps and shows a clear right to religious freedom in public. And most trajectory to combating Islamism. Which is important, it means challenging the very why I have to ask: where is the UK? voices who want to restrict religious freedom. Islamists such as the Muslim Brotherhood spent years attempting to insert themselves https://uherd.com/2020/11/will-the-uk-stand- into UK politics and media. Instead of elevat- up-for-liberal-muslims/?tl_i ing liberal voices in Islam, we see regression. stressed Islamic law’s five goals (the maqasid in Abbottabad started with a CIA intelli- al-sharia) – which include the preservation of gence-gathering operation disguised as an life. These traditions inspired muftis in inoculation drive. But it’s no accident that the Moscow to declare last week that even if scien- plots now being imagined by some Muslims tists had used gelatine in Russia’s Sputnik resemble fantasies associated with secular As the UK’s Covid-19 vaccination program parts of northern Pakistan, Somalia and Nige- vaccine (which they deny), inoculations cults such as QAnon. Global communications I’m used to hatred and rejection. I’ve needed sage suited the narrative being pushed by has accelerated, optimism about its effective- ria, false rumours about polio vaccines would be permissible. Though Chinese networks are enabling anxious people every- 24/7 police protection ever since my book, Erdogan’s party, AKP, directly to the Turkish ness has been rising. According to the Office haven’t just endangered children’s health; vaccine manufacturers have been vague about where to share ideas they might ordinarily Islam Needs a Sexual Revolution, was community in Germany: that we are a politi- for National Statistics, more than nine in 10 hospitals have been torched and clinicians what’s in their products, Indonesia’s Ulema dismiss as paranoid or ridiculous. That illus- published in 2009. My social media channels cally motivated, inherently unIslamic move- Council has called Sinovac “holy and halal”, trates the crucial challenge posed by this people are now keen to get a jab, up from 78% have been murdered. are regularly flooded with derogatory messag- ment. while scholars in the United Arab Emirates pandemic: though it presents a universal in December. But there are significant racial The fear of life-saving medicines is ironic – es and death threats. “May Allah put you on But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I and Egypt endorsed Sinopharm with observa- threat, heightened alarm is obscuring the disparities. The Royal College of General Prac- not least, because Iranian physicians such as the right path, or destroy you!” is one of the am simply trying to enable ordinary Muslims tions that dietary restrictions matter less than value of joint action. That’s inherently titioners reports that enthusiasm within Asian Ibn Sina once made Islamic culture synony- very few examples that can be repeated to follow their faith. Many are joining me; and black communities human lives. Sharia-compliance has been narrow-minded. Vaccines owe their very exis- before the watershed. Abuse was at its worse my mosque attracts several hundred visitors a dips by between two-thirds even smoother with the Pfizer/BioNTech, tence to multicultural collaboration. The when I opened Germany’s first liberal month. I have given speeches to, and led talks and a half, and – as many Moderna and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines. experimental treatments that culminated in mosque, the Ibn Rushd-Goethe Mosque, in for, liberal Muslims and defenders of free- imams have acknowl- All three manufacturers say they contain no Edward Jenner’s first inoculation in 1796 2017. I wanted people to be able to worship edged – the suspicion of animal derivatives, and stamps of approval grew out of smallpox precautions learned dom of speech across the world. Every day, I vaccines is disproportion- have come from the British Islamic Medical from the Ottoman Empire and China, which in a place that advocates an interpretation of am inundated with requests for guidance ately high among Mus- Association, the Assembly of Muslim Jurists reached America independently through a Islam which reflects the values of the Western from fellow travellers looking for the courage lims. Why? Influential of America and the grand mufti of Saudi North African slave. And the medical benefits society in which I live. I was Germany’s first and support to follow their faith. And I am traditions warn that innova- Arabia. That’s important. It’s helping imams of multiculturalism aren’t just historical. The female head and preacher of a mosque — it exploring sites in London and Vienna for tions sometimes come allay community concerns, and encouraging couple who synthesized the Pfizer/BioNTech was a historic moment for the state and for more liberal mosques, to meet demand. We with danger, and a fear of sheikhs to get jabbed on television. But fine vaccine are both Germans of Turkish Muslim me personally. The Ibn Rushd-Goethe is a are on the cusp of something truly exciting. God can produce fatalistic points of Islamic jurisprudence also distract origin. At the risk of emphasizing the obvious, holy place where women and men can pray And today, more than ever, we need to look at attitudes towards disease: from a bigger picture. It isn’t humility before no one can sensibly maintain therefore that it’s and preach together, where the veiling of the the future of Islam. In Vienna, in Nice, in even viruses are part of God that’s fuelling doubt. It’s an uneasy suspi- Islamic to oppose vaccination. Too many whole face (Niqab) is forbidden and where Paris and also, with less public attention, in creation, after all. But the cion of powerful figures whose hostility to people who contract disease for want of immu- the Koran is interpreted through a contempo- Dresden, the vivid horrors of Islamist terror- most distinctively Islamic concern is much mous with scientific progress – but mercifully, Islam is presumed. Iran’s supreme leader has nisation already live in Muslim-majority rary lens. The reaction we got was strong. ism are back. Yet again, we hear the familiar simpler. Lots of believers worry that vaccines hardline opposition is confined to ultracau- forbidden vaccine imports from the US and states, and though Covid-19 doesn’t have a A fatwa was issued by the Egyptian Fatwa questioning and soul searching: could these contain pork. The belief isn’t as far-fetched as tious conservatives and reckless extremists. UK, regardless of ingredients, simply because religion, it discriminates by race. Council. Turkey’s main religious authority, attacks have been avoided? Well my answer it might sound to non-Muslims. Chemically There’s a lot more support for vaccinating he distrusts both countries. Egypt’s retired Research has established clearly that black Diyanet (directly run by the presidency), is simple: No. And we can expect more of the purified gelatine (like the gooey albumins children in south Asia and north Africa than in grand mufti, Ali Gomaa, hasn’t worried about and Asian people are disproportionately infect- denounced the mosque as “depraving and same for so long as the violent ideology that gelatine, but he’s suggested on his TV show ed and hospitalized, and mortality statistics found in salmon and egg whites) is useful to Europe (the rate in France is lowest of all), and ruining religion”. It was an attempt to deprive underpins this terror — political Islam or that Covid-19 might be a biological weapon suggest they are more likely to die. As sharia stabilize the active ingredients of many drugs. anti-vax sentiment is consistently high in only Germany’s Muslim population, including Islamism — remains. It is an ideology that I linked to 5G technology and 100,000 orbiting scholars have said many times, vaccination Manufacturers have been stepping up the two Muslim-majority states: Indonesia and four million people of Turkish origin, of the have campaigned against my whole life, to satellites. In the name of “anti-Zionism”, isn’t merely a permissible choice for Muslims. search for substitutes, but animal products are Nigeria. Most sharia scholars, meanwhile, right to freely exercise their religion and free- the detriment of my own personal security therefore common in injectable solutions. justify haram ingredients by invoking a people are rehashing the familiar slur that Because it helps to protect others, it is what dom of expression. During our opening cere- and liberties. And that in itself highlights the That’s led Muslims sometimes to worry that concept known as “transformation” (istihala) Jews spread disease, while a petitioner to Paki- they call a fard kifaya – a collective obliga- mony, a Turkish news station attempted to challenge. they might be haram, forbidden. Indonesia’s – essentially, a recognition that things can stan’s high court has alleged that Muslims are tion. stage footage of the Quran being dishonored. Islamism is the political ideology that guides most authoritative religious body denounced change – which has been loosening things up being injected with not just pig and chimpan- Sadakat Kadri is a barrister and author of Turkey’s secret services visited the mosque Isis, Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Its inoculations for meningitis in 2008 (which, ever since it explained 1,200 years ago why zee DNA, but tractable microchips too. Heaven and Earth: aim is to achieve an Islamic state through quite counter-productively, disqualified thou- the Qur’an’s disapproval of wine didn’t rule Political scepticism is endemic in the Muslim 19 repeatedly; I was attacked directly from political action or violent struggle. It is an sands of unvaccinated Muslims from hajj later out cooking with vinegar. Jurists have also world, and it isn’t always unjustified. At least https://www.theguardian.com/commentis- Ankara and our supporters challenged. Diya- ideology that segregates people based on sex, that year), and a similar condemnation in 2018 reminded Muslims that necessity and public one conspiracy theory involving the vaccina- free/2021/feb/18/muslims-wary-covid- net denounced us as terrorists and supporters divides communities along religious lines and contributed to a major measles outbreak. In welfare take priority in emergencies, and tion of Muslims was certainly real: the 2011 vaccine-religious-reason of Fethullah Gülen, a preacher who is a operation to locate and kill Osama bin Laden sworn enemy of President Erdogan. This mes- fuels hatred and suspicion of open discussion

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com

and debate on contemporary values. That’s The UK has also overseen significant growth why what we are doing in my mosque — and in the funding of religious and educational beyond — is so important. Our movement institutions by charities and entities from has been consistently praised and used as a Qatar and Turkey. In December last year, Presi- powerful counter-voice to Islamists across dent Erdogan opened an eco-mosque in Cam- the country. Our growth is a testament to the bridge, addressed a rally of supporters of his bravery of ordinary Muslims wishing to Justice & Development Party in London, and follow their faith, and to the protection and met with two prominent Islamists in the UK support given to us by Germany. When with links to Hamas. These are the very same Ankara threatened us — as it has threatened states who want to shut me down. Younger President Macron and France — the German Muslims in Germany and the UK — home to Government proactively and very publicly some 3 million Muslims — are desperate to intervened. State support and intervention is join the fight against Islamism but fearful of so critical. President Macron has bravely the consequences. I have been inundated with attempted to lead a debate about the future of private messages of support since announcing Islam and its integration into the West, high- my intention to found a liberal mosque in Brit- lighting the dangers of allowing Islamists to ain, but these same people fear being targeted create a state within a state. This has been and persecuted for their beliefs if that support followed by intervention from the French were made public. That is surprising in a coun- state services who inspected 51 Islamist try like England, where these moderate NGOs, recommending several be dissolved. religious voices need to be encouraged and In Vienna, the Austrian government raided supported. Unfortunately, unlike me, they several associations and societies suspected cannot rely on 24/7 police protection — and of belonging to and supporting the Muslim the attacks across Europe will discourage Brotherhood and Hamas. During the raids, many from speaking up. But the immediate the police reportedly found assets worth more steps being taken in France and Austria can than €25 million, stored in 130 bank give us courage. I want them to be met in equal accounts. Only last week, Charles Michel, force by progressive, liberal Muslim voices President of the EU Council, spoke of estab- who are championed and supported by the lishing a European institute to train imams in state apparatus. I struggled for years in Germa- Europe to “fight the ideology of hatred”. A ny to get where I am now. I want to help recre- European delegation consisting of Macron, ate that success in the UK and allow liberal Merkel, Ursula Von der Leyen and Austrian Muslim communities to flourish. That means Chancellor Sebastian Kurz have now consult- giving British Muslims the education, ed on new, tougher EU regulations in Paris. religious materials and roadmap that success- And, last week, Chancellor Kurz confirmed fully established and preserved the Ibn he will create a new offence for “political Rushd-Goethe Mosque in Berlin. It means Islam”, so the Austrian state can “take action offering hope and courage to British Muslims against those who are not terrorists them- in private — ensuring access to our global selves, but who create the breeding ground”. support community — while defending their These are radical steps and shows a clear right to religious freedom in public. And most trajectory to combating Islamism. Which is important, it means challenging the very why I have to ask: where is the UK? voices who want to restrict religious freedom. Islamists such as the Muslim Brotherhood spent years attempting to insert themselves https://uherd.com/2020/11/will-the-uk-stand- into UK politics and media. Instead of elevat- up-for-liberal-muslims/?tl_i ing liberal voices in Islam, we see regression. Will Britain Stand up for Liberal

By:Muslims? Seyran Ates

I’m used to hatred and rejection. I’ve needed sage suited the narrative being pushed by 24/7 police protection ever since my book, Erdogan’s party, AKP, directly to the Turkish Islam Needs a Sexual Revolution, was community in Germany: that we are a politi- published in 2009. My social media channels cally motivated, inherently unIslamic move- are regularly flooded with derogatory messag- ment. es and death threats. “May Allah put you on But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I the right path, or destroy you!” is one of the am simply trying to enable ordinary Muslims very few examples that can be repeated to follow their faith. Many are joining me; before the watershed. Abuse was at its worse my mosque attracts several hundred visitors a when I opened Germany’s first liberal month. I have given speeches to, and led talks mosque, the Ibn Rushd-Goethe Mosque, in for, liberal Muslims and defenders of free- 2017. I wanted people to be able to worship dom of speech across the world. Every day, I in a place that advocates an interpretation of am inundated with requests for guidance Islam which reflects the values of the Western from fellow travellers looking for the courage society in which I live. I was Germany’s first and support to follow their faith. And I am female head and preacher of a mosque — it exploring sites in London and Vienna for was a historic moment for the state and for more liberal mosques, to meet demand. We me personally. The Ibn Rushd-Goethe is a are on the cusp of something truly exciting. holy place where women and men can pray And today, more than ever, we need to look at and preach together, where the veiling of the the future of Islam. In Vienna, in Nice, in whole face (Niqab) is forbidden and where Paris and also, with less public attention, in the Koran is interpreted through a contempo- Dresden, the vivid horrors of Islamist terror- rary lens. The reaction we got was strong. ism are back. Yet again, we hear the familiar A fatwa was issued by the Egyptian Fatwa questioning and soul searching: could these Council. Turkey’s main religious authority, attacks have been avoided? Well my answer Diyanet (directly run by the presidency), is simple: No. And we can expect more of the denounced the mosque as “depraving and same for so long as the violent ideology that ruining religion”. It was an attempt to deprive underpins this terror — political Islam or Germany’s Muslim population, including Islamism — remains. It is an ideology that I four million people of Turkish origin, of the have campaigned against my whole life, to right to freely exercise their religion and free- the detriment of my own personal security dom of expression. During our opening cere- and liberties. And that in itself highlights the mony, a Turkish news station attempted to challenge. stage footage of the Quran being dishonored. Islamism is the political ideology that guides Turkey’s secret services visited the mosque Isis, Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Its 20 repeatedly; I was attacked directly from aim is to achieve an Islamic state through Ankara and our supporters challenged. Diya- political action or violent struggle. It is an net denounced us as terrorists and supporters ideology that segregates people based on sex, of Fethullah Gülen, a preacher who is a divides communities along religious lines and sworn enemy of President Erdogan. This mes- fuels hatred and suspicion of open discussion

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International

and debate on contemporary values. That’s The UK has also overseen significant growth why what we are doing in my mosque — and in the funding of religious and educational beyond — is so important. Our movement institutions by charities and entities from has been consistently praised and used as a Qatar and Turkey. In December last year, Presi- powerful counter-voice to Islamists across dent Erdogan opened an eco-mosque in Cam- the country. Our growth is a testament to the bridge, addressed a rally of supporters of his bravery of ordinary Muslims wishing to Justice & Development Party in London, and follow their faith, and to the protection and met with two prominent Islamists in the UK support given to us by Germany. When with links to Hamas. These are the very same Ankara threatened us — as it has threatened states who want to shut me down. Younger President Macron and France — the German Muslims in Germany and the UK — home to Government proactively and very publicly some 3 million Muslims — are desperate to intervened. State support and intervention is join the fight against Islamism but fearful of so critical. President Macron has bravely the consequences. I have been inundated with attempted to lead a debate about the future of private messages of support since announcing Islam and its integration into the West, high- my intention to found a liberal mosque in Brit- lighting the dangers of allowing Islamists to ain, but these same people fear being targeted create a state within a state. This has been and persecuted for their beliefs if that support followed by intervention from the French were made public. That is surprising in a coun- state services who inspected 51 Islamist try like England, where these moderate NGOs, recommending several be dissolved. religious voices need to be encouraged and In Vienna, the Austrian government raided supported. Unfortunately, unlike me, they several associations and societies suspected cannot rely on 24/7 police protection — and of belonging to and supporting the Muslim the attacks across Europe will discourage Brotherhood and Hamas. During the raids, many from speaking up. But the immediate the police reportedly found assets worth more steps being taken in France and Austria can than €25 million, stored in 130 bank give us courage. I want them to be met in equal accounts. Only last week, Charles Michel, force by progressive, liberal Muslim voices President of the EU Council, spoke of estab- who are championed and supported by the lishing a European institute to train imams in state apparatus. I struggled for years in Germa- Europe to “fight the ideology of hatred”. A ny to get where I am now. I want to help recre- European delegation consisting of Macron, ate that success in the UK and allow liberal Merkel, Ursula Von der Leyen and Austrian Muslim communities to flourish. That means Chancellor Sebastian Kurz have now consult- giving British Muslims the education, ed on new, tougher EU regulations in Paris. religious materials and roadmap that success- And, last week, Chancellor Kurz confirmed fully established and preserved the Ibn he will create a new offence for “political Rushd-Goethe Mosque in Berlin. It means Islam”, so the Austrian state can “take action offering hope and courage to British Muslims against those who are not terrorists them- in private — ensuring access to our global selves, but who create the breeding ground”. support community — while defending their These are radical steps and shows a clear right to religious freedom in public. And most trajectory to combating Islamism. Which is important, it means challenging the very why I have to ask: where is the UK? voices who want to restrict religious freedom. Islamists such as the Muslim Brotherhood spent years attempting to insert themselves https://uherd.com/2020/11/will-the-uk-stand- into UK politics and media. Instead of elevat- up-for-liberal-muslims/?tl_i ing liberal voices in Islam, we see regression. I’m used to hatred and rejection. I’ve needed sage suited the narrative being pushed by 24/7 police protection ever since my book, Erdogan’s party, AKP, directly to the Turkish Islam Needs a Sexual Revolution, was community in Germany: that we are a politi- published in 2009. My social media channels cally motivated, inherently unIslamic move- are regularly flooded with derogatory messag- ment. es and death threats. “May Allah put you on But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I the right path, or destroy you!” is one of the am simply trying to enable ordinary Muslims very few examples that can be repeated to follow their faith. Many are joining me; before the watershed. Abuse was at its worse my mosque attracts several hundred visitors a when I opened Germany’s first liberal month. I have given speeches to, and led talks mosque, the Ibn Rushd-Goethe Mosque, in for, liberal Muslims and defenders of free- 2017. I wanted people to be able to worship dom of speech across the world. Every day, I in a place that advocates an interpretation of am inundated with requests for guidance Islam which reflects the values of the Western from fellow travellers looking for the courage society in which I live. I was Germany’s first and support to follow their faith. And I am female head and preacher of a mosque — it exploring sites in London and Vienna for was a historic moment for the state and for more liberal mosques, to meet demand. We me personally. The Ibn Rushd-Goethe is a are on the cusp of something truly exciting. holy place where women and men can pray And today, more than ever, we need to look at and preach together, where the veiling of the the future of Islam. In Vienna, in Nice, in whole face (Niqab) is forbidden and where Paris and also, with less public attention, in the Koran is interpreted through a contempo- Dresden, the vivid horrors of Islamist terror- rary lens. The reaction we got was strong. ism are back. Yet again, we hear the familiar A fatwa was issued by the Egyptian Fatwa questioning and soul searching: could these Council. Turkey’s main religious authority, attacks have been avoided? Well my answer Diyanet (directly run by the presidency), is simple: No. And we can expect more of the denounced the mosque as “depraving and same for so long as the violent ideology that ruining religion”. It was an attempt to deprive underpins this terror — political Islam or Germany’s Muslim population, including Islamism — remains. It is an ideology that I four million people of Turkish origin, of the have campaigned against my whole life, to right to freely exercise their religion and free- the detriment of my own personal security dom of expression. During our opening cere- and liberties. And that in itself highlights the mony, a Turkish news station attempted to challenge. stage footage of the Quran being dishonored. Islamism is the political ideology that guides Turkey’s secret services visited the mosque Isis, Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Its repeatedly; I was attacked directly from aim is to achieve an Islamic state through Ankara and our supporters challenged. Diya- political action or violent struggle. It is an net denounced us as terrorists and supporters ideology that segregates people based on sex, of Fethullah Gülen, a preacher who is a divides communities along religious lines and sworn enemy of President Erdogan. This mes- fuels hatred and suspicion of open discussion

and debate on contemporary values. That’s The UK has also overseen significant growth why what we are doing in my mosque — and in the funding of religious and educational beyond — is so important. Our movement institutions by charities and entities from has been consistently praised and used as a Qatar and Turkey. In December last year, Presi- powerful counter-voice to Islamists across dent Erdogan opened an eco-mosque in Cam- the country. Our growth is a testament to the bridge, addressed a rally of supporters of his “A staff member told me she wanted to burn while 46 participants wanted to become bravery of ordinary Muslims wishing to Justice & Development Party in London, and my scarf when I was changing so I would lawyers, only 12 became lawyers upon gradu- follow their faith, and to the protection and met with two prominent Islamists in the UK have no choice but to come outside the chang- ating university, and while 39 participants support given to us by Germany. When with links to Hamas. These are the very same ing room without one.” wanted to become journalists and/or enter the Ankara threatened us — as it has threatened states who want to shut me down. Younger This was the harrowing account of a British media profession, only 7 entered the profes- President Macron and France — the German Muslims in Germany and the UK — home to Muslim woman who participated in the sion. These results show an alarming discrep- Government proactively and very publicly some 3 million Muslims — are desperate to world’s largest study I conducted into Muslim ancy between aspired-to profession and intervened. State support and intervention is join the fight against Islamism but fearful of women’s experiences of work and career actual profession, which invites a discussion so critical. President Macron has bravely the consequences. I have been inundated with development, which was launched in Parlia- about the challenges and obstacles Muslim attempted to lead a debate about the future of private messages of support since announcing ment in February 2020. Amongst the 425 women are faced with in this crucial period Islam and its integration into the West, high- my intention to found a liberal mosque in Brit- survey responses and over 50 one-to-one inter- where women will complete significant educa- lighting the dangers of allowing Islamists to ain, but these same people fear being targeted views, the “Empowered Employment” report tional milestones such as GCSEs, A levels, create a state within a state. This has been and persecuted for their beliefs if that support found that almost half of all women stating and university degrees. For some women like followed by intervention from the French were made public. That is surprising in a coun- they had experienced Islamophobia in the myself, Islamophobia and racism conflate state services who inspected 51 Islamist try like England, where these moderate workplace. British Muslim women who were with a specific socio-economic background to NGOs, recommending several be dissolved. religious voices need to be encouraged and In Vienna, the Austrian government raided supported. Unfortunately, unlike me, they doctors experienced patients who did not exacerbate experiences in education and work- several associations and societies suspected cannot rely on 24/7 police protection — and want to be treated by them because they were places. Born and raised in one of the most of belonging to and supporting the Muslim the attacks across Europe will discourage Muslim. British Muslim women teachers disadvantaged areas in the UK (Alum Rock, Brotherhood and Hamas. During the raids, many from speaking up. But the immediate faced parents of their students removing them Birmingham), the sheer weight of wearing the the police reportedly found assets worth more steps being taken in France and Austria can from the class and in some cases, the school, hijab in this increasingly right-wing and than €25 million, stored in 130 bank give us courage. I want them to be met in equal due to not wanting their child to be taught by anti-Muslim climate has been a hallmark of accounts. Only last week, Charles Michel, force by progressive, liberal Muslim voices a Muslim. Another participant told me that my adulthood thus far. In 2015, I set out to President of the EU Council, spoke of estab- who are championed and supported by the she was sacked after she refused to remove study my Ph.D. as a 23-year-old, which I lishing a European institute to train imams in state apparatus. I struggled for years in Germa- her headscarf at work. Some reported receiv- decided to fund through employment after I Europe to “fight the ideology of hatred”. A ny to get where I am now. I want to help recre- ing anonymous hate mail after terrorist was continuously rejected for scholarships. A European delegation consisting of Macron, ate that success in the UK and allow liberal incidents. Others shared instances where week into my employment, a teacher showed Merkel, Ursula Von der Leyen and Austrian Muslim communities to flourish. That means colleagues held glasses of wine and alcohol a graphic 18-rated video footage of people Chancellor Sebastian Kurz have now consult- giving British Muslims the education, mockingly in their faces during Ramadan. jumping to their deaths during the 9/11 ed on new, tougher EU regulations in Paris. religious materials and roadmap that success- The relationship between Islamophobia and attacks to a group of 11-year-olds, some of And, last week, Chancellor Kurz confirmed fully established and preserved the Ibn work and career development for Muslim whom had special education needs, and the he will create a new offence for “political Rushd-Goethe Mosque in Berlin. It means women, therefore, is acuter than ever before, majority of whom were Black and Minority Islam”, so the Austrian state can “take action offering hope and courage to British Muslims and being visibly Muslim by way of wearing Ethnic (BAME) children. The white teacher against those who are not terrorists them- in private — ensuring access to our global a headscarf, places women at greater risk. prefaced the showing of the video with “the selves, but who create the breeding ground”. support community — while defending their The tug of war between wearing your religion 9/11 attacks have been written out of history, These are radical steps and shows a clear right to religious freedom in public. And most trajectory to combating Islamism. Which is important, it means challenging the very and being Muslim and being British was also we must show what the Muslims did to us.” I why I have to ask: where is the UK? voices who want to restrict religious freedom. 21 seen in the stark loss of aspiration and talent raised a concern as to the necessity of show- Islamists such as the Muslim Brotherhood between the ages of 14-22. For instance, ing the video to find that 40 minutes later, the spent years attempting to insert themselves https://uherd.com/2020/11/will-the-uk-stand- while 79 participants wanted to enter the medi- school decided to unfairly dismiss me. into UK politics and media. Instead of elevat- up-for-liberal-muslims/?tl_i cal field in secondary school, only 1 partici- This led to me seeking justice in the employ- ing liberal voices in Islam, we see regression. pant entered the field as a doctor. Similarly, ment tribunals, for which I won some claims

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com

in 2017, but aspects of which are ongoing. about a wide variety of career options. The fact that I wore a hijab led teachers to Further, it is recommended that universities misunderstand my genuine child safeguard- offer mentoring and development programs ing concern for a religious issue. This had a for Muslim women, such as the Muslim Wom- knock-on effect on my Ph.D. studies, for en’s Skills Workshops I delivered at SOAS, which I was denied support from my universi- University of London earlier this year, which ty despite the university knowing how rare it were a first for any UK university. Empower- was for someone from my background to be ment must extend beyond lip service, to studying for a Ph.D. What is unique about actual change in structures and systems. Islamophobia for women who wear the hijab is that we experience it simultaneously in mul- https://themuslimvibe.com/muslim-life- tiple spaces, burdened with the weight and style-matters/women/heavy-is-the-head- tarnished with the scars of each experience that-wears-the-hijab onto the next. For me, I experienced discrimi- nation in the workplace, in the education space, and in the legal space all at the same time, as with many of the women who took part in the study. Borrowing from Stormzy then, “heavy is the head that wears the hijab”, is more fitting of a description for hijab-wear- ing Muslim women who experience the ampli- fied effects of Islamophobia in contemporary times, from the UK to France, to the USA. In the report’s findings, I make specific recom- mendations for employers and workplaces, educational institutions, community organiza- tions, and policymakers, and suggest they form a bedrock partnership to make work and education spaces more inclusive environ- ments for Muslim women. For employers and workplaces, the recommendations include implementing name-blind applications as part of HR policy and practice, instilling a culture where networking activities take place in non-alcoholic environments, and to issue clear guidelines to all staff as to what compris- es Islamophobic behaviour and the steps that will be taken to address such acts of gross misconduct. For educational institutions, which can collectively take a leading role in implementing the research findings to aid Muslim women’s development before they enter the workplace, it is recommended that targeted careers events for women and their families are offered to increase awareness I’m used to hatred and rejection. I’ve needed sage suited the narrative being pushed by 24/7 police protection ever since my book, Erdogan’s party, AKP, directly to the Turkish Islam Needs a Sexual Revolution, was community in Germany: that we are a politi- published in 2009. My social media channels cally motivated, inherently unIslamic move- are regularly flooded with derogatory messag- ment. es and death threats. “May Allah put you on But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I the right path, or destroy you!” is one of the am simply trying to enable ordinary Muslims very few examples that can be repeated to follow their faith. Many are joining me; before the watershed. Abuse was at its worse my mosque attracts several hundred visitors a when I opened Germany’s first liberal month. I have given speeches to, and led talks mosque, the Ibn Rushd-Goethe Mosque, in for, liberal Muslims and defenders of free- 2017. I wanted people to be able to worship dom of speech across the world. Every day, I in a place that advocates an interpretation of am inundated with requests for guidance Islam which reflects the values of the Western from fellow travellers looking for the courage society in which I live. I was Germany’s first and support to follow their faith. And I am female head and preacher of a mosque — it exploring sites in London and Vienna for was a historic moment for the state and for more liberal mosques, to meet demand. We me personally. The Ibn Rushd-Goethe is a are on the cusp of something truly exciting. holy place where women and men can pray And today, more than ever, we need to look at and preach together, where the veiling of the the future of Islam. In Vienna, in Nice, in whole face (Niqab) is forbidden and where Paris and also, with less public attention, in the Koran is interpreted through a contempo- Dresden, the vivid horrors of Islamist terror- rary lens. The reaction we got was strong. ism are back. Yet again, we hear the familiar A fatwa was issued by the Egyptian Fatwa questioning and soul searching: could these Council. Turkey’s main religious authority, attacks have been avoided? Well my answer Diyanet (directly run by the presidency), is simple: No. And we can expect more of the denounced the mosque as “depraving and same for so long as the violent ideology that ruining religion”. It was an attempt to deprive underpins this terror — political Islam or Germany’s Muslim population, including Islamism — remains. It is an ideology that I four million people of Turkish origin, of the have campaigned against my whole life, to right to freely exercise their religion and free- the detriment of my own personal security dom of expression. During our opening cere- and liberties. And that in itself highlights the mony, a Turkish news station attempted to challenge. stage footage of the Quran being dishonored. Islamism is the political ideology that guides Turkey’s secret services visited the mosque Isis, Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Its repeatedly; I was attacked directly from aim is to achieve an Islamic state through Ankara and our supporters challenged. Diya- political action or violent struggle. It is an net denounced us as terrorists and supporters ideology that segregates people based on sex, of Fethullah Gülen, a preacher who is a divides communities along religious lines and sworn enemy of President Erdogan. This mes- fuels hatred and suspicion of open discussion

and debate on contemporary values. That’s The UK has also overseen significant growth detailed legal contracts, including contracts Muslim News Iman Wa Amal Award, holds why what we are doing in my mosque — and in the funding of religious and educational UK: Record 56 Muslims listed with key suppliers encompassing venues, the mantle of the first and only Muslim district beyond — is so important. Our movement institutions by charities and entities from By: Elham Asaad Buaras pre-Games training camps, hotels, accommo- judge in the East Midlands as well as the first has been consistently praised and used as a Qatar and Turkey. In December last year, Presi- in New Year’s Honours dations and travel as well as all the sponsor blind district Judge in the UK. Afzal, who powerful counter-voice to Islamists across dent Erdogan opened an eco-mosque in Cam- and licensee agreements. The 43-year-old has grew up in Rochdale, was sworn in at Derby A record number of Muslims have been recog- scale-up to citywide testing once the testing the country. Our growth is a testament to the bridge, addressed a rally of supporters of his overseen two Summer and three Winter Olym- Combined Crown Court on February 17, “A staff member told me she wanted to burn while 46 participants wanted to become nized in the New Year’s Honours list. strategy is proven. “I am so honoured and bravery of ordinary Muslims wishing to Justice & Development Party in London, and pic Games, negotiating every contract for 2017. Afzal told The Muslim News he holds a my scarf when I was changing so I would lawyers, only 12 became lawyers upon gradu- A total of fifty-six (three CBEs, one CB, 11 grateful to be nominated and feel a huge follow their faith, and to the protection and met with two prominent Islamists in the UK athletes, visitors, accommodation, sponsors, strong belief “that the judiciary should reflect have no choice but to come outside the chang- ating university, and while 39 participants OBEs, 22 MBE, 19 BEM) Muslims made the responsibility to continue contributing to soci- support given to us by Germany. When with links to Hamas. These are the very same licensing and all other business. He leads the the society it serves which includes Muslims ing room without one.” wanted to become journalists and/or enter the most ethnically diverse honours list, with 14 ety in a meaningful way, a big thank you to all Ankara threatened us — as it has threatened states who want to shut me down. Younger negotiations for all sponsorship agreements and those with a disability. I promote diversi- This was the harrowing account of a British media profession, only 7 entered the profes- % of recipients coming from BAME back- those who supported me during this difficult President Macron and France — the German Muslims in Germany and the UK — home to with the International Olympic Committee ty/inclusion as a Diversity and Community Muslim woman who participated in the sion. These results show an alarming discrep- ground. Covid-19 is referenced 228 times in year. Through the work I did, I connected with Government proactively and very publicly some 3 million Muslims — are desperate to and has secured record sponsorship agree- Relations Judge and as President of the Mid- world’s largest study I conducted into Muslim ancy between aspired-to profession and the honours list, and many recipients are so many kind, dedicated, and wise people. intervened. State support and intervention is join the fight against Islamism but fearful of ments. Uddin told The Muslim News, “I am lands Asian Lawyers Association. I hope that women’s experiences of work and career actual profession, which invites a discussion unsung heroes who have battled to save lives This gives me hope and energy to always seek so critical. President Macron has bravely the consequences. I have been inundated with incredibly fortunate to do a job I am passion- the latest honour serves as confirmation to development, which was launched in Parlia- about the challenges and obstacles Muslim and keep the NHS afloat during the pandemic. positive change,” Alwan told The Muslim attempted to lead a debate about the future of private messages of support since announcing ate about and being recognised in this way, those in doubt about entering the legal profes- ment in February 2020. Amongst the 425 women are faced with in this crucial period Among them is Associate Professor in Public News. Basildon and Thurrock University Hos- Islam and its integration into the West, high- my intention to found a liberal mosque in Brit- alongside so many incredible individuals, is a sion are reassured that it can be done and that survey responses and over 50 one-to-one inter- where women will complete significant educa- Health at Southampton University, Dr pitals Medical Director, Dr Mohammad lighting the dangers of allowing Islamists to ain, but these same people fear being targeted huge honour.” Also recognised for contribu- promoting diversity/inclusion is essential.” Nisreen Alwan, who is awarded an MBE for Tayyab Haider, 55, will be awarded an MBE views, the “Empowered Employment” report tional milestones such as GCSEs, A levels, create a state within a state. This has been and persecuted for their beliefs if that support tion to sport is history-maker Salma Bi, 34, Director of Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre her services to the health sector. The for services to the NHS, particularly during found that almost half of all women stating and university degrees. For some women like followed by intervention from the French were made public. That is surprising in a coun- who is to be made a BEM for services to crick- (CRCC), Norah Al-Ani, 50, is to be made an 46-year-old, listed on the BBC’s global Top the Covid-19 response to the community in they had experienced Islamophobia in the myself, Islamophobia and racism conflate state services who inspected 51 Islamist try like England, where these moderate et and diversity. The off-spinner made history MBE for services to social justice and gender 100 Women, initiated the call to count ‘Long Essex. Haider is recognised for his outstand- workplace. British Muslim women who were with a specific socio-economic background to NGOs, recommending several be dissolved. religious voices need to be encouraged and aged 22 when she became the first British equality. Al-Ani is credited for rescuing Covid’, a term to describe the effects of the ing medical leadership during the pandemic doctors experienced patients who did not exacerbate experiences in education and work- In Vienna, the Austrian government raided supported. Unfortunately, unlike me, they Asian player to be selected for Worcestershire CRCC from a funding crisis; she helped grow virus weeks or months beyond the initial crisis making himself always available, want to be treated by them because they were places. Born and raised in one of the most several associations and societies suspected cannot rely on 24/7 police protection — and County. Bi, who taught the Under-15 Girls the centre’s annual budget from around £50k illness. sorting rotas to ensure the hospital had Muslim. British Muslim women teachers disadvantaged areas in the UK (Alum Rock, of belonging to and supporting the Muslim the attacks across Europe will discourage Team, was named ‘Coach of the Year’ at the to a quarter of a million pounds in eight years. https://twitter.com/Dr2NisreenAlwan/sta- enhanced and effective 24 hours medical faced parents of their students removing them Birmingham), the sheer weight of wearing the Brotherhood and Hamas. During the raids, many from speaking up. But the immediate club for her work on helping them get a promo- She also oversaw the organisation’s transfor- tus/1344996524221210625?s=20 cover in key specialities such as respiratory from the class and in some cases, the school, hijab in this increasingly right-wing and the police reportedly found assets worth more steps being taken in France and Austria can tion. She has coached over 1,000 girls through- mation, bringing in helpline volunteers, so it Alwan worked with a large team of experts. medicine and intensive care. In the field of due to not wanting their child to be taught by anti-Muslim climate has been a hallmark of than €25 million, stored in 130 bank give us courage. I want them to be met in equal out her career with nearly half of them continu- could remain open. The helpline has grown Liaising with public health, social science, sport, Shahab Uddin, Legal Director of the a Muslim. Another participant told me that my adulthood thus far. In 2015, I set out to accounts. Only last week, Charles Michel, force by progressive, liberal Muslim voices ing their sporting careers. She also leads an from opening once a week to three times a geospatial mapping, technological scientists British Olympic Association, is to be made an President of the EU Council, spoke of estab- who are championed and supported by the Asian’s Women’s cricket team, and they week, receiving over 6,000 calls so far. she was sacked after she refused to remove study my Ph.D. as a 23-year-old, which I lishing a European institute to train imams in in infectious disease and molecular biology MBE for services to sport during the pandem- state apparatus. I struggled for years in Germa- played for the White Ribbon Trophy against Halima Cassell, 45, a Shropshire-based sculp- her headscarf at work. Some reported receiv- decided to fund through employment after I Europe to “fight the ideology of hatred”. A and Southampton City Council to develop and ic. Since the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 ny to get where I am now. I want to help recre- Combined Services Women Team to ‘bowl tor and 2015 winner of The Muslim News ing anonymous hate mail after terrorist was continuously rejected for scholarships. A European delegation consisting of Macron, deliver a weekly testing pilot with rapid Olympic Games, he has renegotiated over 100 ate that success in the UK and allow liberal out domestic violence’, a historic fixture Alhambrā Award for Excellence in Arts is incidents. Others shared instances where week into my employment, a teacher showed Merkel, Ursula Von der Leyen and Austrian Muslim communities to flourish. That means aimed at raising awareness of domestic abuse awarded an MBE. Cassell is recognised for colleagues held glasses of wine and alcohol a graphic 18-rated video footage of people Chancellor Sebastian Kurz have now consult- giving British Muslims the education, and violence against children. Bi told The her established style and outstanding contribu- mockingly in their faces during Ramadan. jumping to their deaths during the 9/11 ed on new, tougher EU regulations in Paris. religious materials and roadmap that success- Muslim News she is “absolutely thrilled” with tion to the arts, fusing her Asian roots with a The relationship between Islamophobia and attacks to a group of 11-year-olds, some of And, last week, Chancellor Kurz confirmed fully established and preserved the Ibn the recognition. “As a Muslim advocate, it fascination for African pattern work. Cassell work and career development for Muslim whom had special education needs, and the he will create a new offence for “political Rushd-Goethe Mosque in Berlin. It means gives me great pleasure to set the legacy of works primarily in bronze and clay to create a women, therefore, is acuter than ever before, majority of whom were Black and Minority Islam”, so the Austrian state can “take action offering hope and courage to British Muslims Muslim women achieving high levels in the range of geometric sculptors seen at exhibi- and being visibly Muslim by way of wearing Ethnic (BAME) children. The white teacher against those who are not terrorists them- in private — ensuring access to our global sports field. As a multi-award winner, I want tions, displays and galleries across the globe. a headscarf, places women at greater risk. prefaced the showing of the video with “the selves, but who create the breeding ground”. support community — while defending their to remind all the girls and women out there With an ongoing project that moves to include The tug of war between wearing your religion 9/11 attacks have been written out of history, These are radical steps and shows a clear right to religious freedom in public. And most from ethnic minority groups to never give up. clay and designs from all parts of the world, trajectory to combating Islamism. Which is important, it means challenging the very and being Muslim and being British was also we must show what the Muslims did to us.” I Hold on tight to your faith and trust in the her work featured in a major exhibition at Man- why I have to ask: where is the UK? voices who want to restrict religious freedom. seen in the stark loss of aspiration and talent raised a concern as to the necessity of show- 22 Almighty to achieve big.” Another ground- chester Art Gallery from 2019. Islamists such as the Muslim Brotherhood between the ages of 14-22. For instance, ing the video to find that 40 minutes later, the breaker to be recognized is district judge Dr spent years attempting to insert themselves https://uherd.com/2020/11/will-the-uk-stand- while 79 participants wanted to enter the medi- school decided to unfairly dismiss me. Fayyaz Afzal OBE, who is awarded a CBE for http://muslimnews.co.uk/newspa- into UK politics and media. Instead of elevat- up-for-liberal-muslims/?tl_i cal field in secondary school, only 1 partici- This led to me seeking justice in the employ- services to the judiciary and diversity and ing liberal voices in Islam, we see regression. per/home-news/record-56-mus- pant entered the field as a doctor. Similarly, ment tribunals, for which I won some claims inclusion. Afzal, a 2018 winner of The lims-listed-new-years-honours/

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International

in 2017, but aspects of which are ongoing. about a wide variety of career options. The fact that I wore a hijab led teachers to Further, it is recommended that universities misunderstand my genuine child safeguard- offer mentoring and development programs ing concern for a religious issue. This had a for Muslim women, such as the Muslim Wom- knock-on effect on my Ph.D. studies, for en’s Skills Workshops I delivered at SOAS, which I was denied support from my universi- University of London earlier this year, which ty despite the university knowing how rare it were a first for any UK university. Empower- was for someone from my background to be ment must extend beyond lip service, to studying for a Ph.D. What is unique about actual change in structures and systems. Islamophobia for women who wear the hijab is that we experience it simultaneously in mul- https://themuslimvibe.com/muslim-life- tiple spaces, burdened with the weight and style-matters/women/heavy-is-the-head- tarnished with the scars of each experience that-wears-the-hijab onto the next. For me, I experienced discrimi- nation in the workplace, in the education space, and in the legal space all at the same time, as with many of the women who took part in the study. Borrowing from Stormzy then, “heavy is the head that wears the hijab”, is more fitting of a description for hijab-wear- ing Muslim women who experience the ampli- fied effects of Islamophobia in contemporary times, from the UK to France, to the USA. In the report’s findings, I make specific recom- mendations for employers and workplaces, educational institutions, community organiza- tions, and policymakers, and suggest they form a bedrock partnership to make work and education spaces more inclusive environ- ments for Muslim women. For employers and workplaces, the recommendations include implementing name-blind applications as part of HR policy and practice, instilling a culture where networking activities take place in non-alcoholic environments, and to issue clear guidelines to all staff as to what compris- es Islamophobic behaviour and the steps that will be taken to address such acts of gross misconduct. For educational institutions, which can collectively take a leading role in implementing the research findings to aid Muslim women’s development before they enter the workplace, it is recommended that targeted careers events for women and their families are offered to increase awareness I’m used to hatred and rejection. I’ve needed sage suited the narrative being pushed by 24/7 police protection ever since my book, Erdogan’s party, AKP, directly to the Turkish Islam Needs a Sexual Revolution, was community in Germany: that we are a politi- published in 2009. My social media channels cally motivated, inherently unIslamic move- are regularly flooded with derogatory messag- ment. es and death threats. “May Allah put you on But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I the right path, or destroy you!” is one of the am simply trying to enable ordinary Muslims very few examples that can be repeated to follow their faith. Many are joining me; before the watershed. Abuse was at its worse my mosque attracts several hundred visitors a when I opened Germany’s first liberal month. I have given speeches to, and led talks mosque, the Ibn Rushd-Goethe Mosque, in for, liberal Muslims and defenders of free- 2017. I wanted people to be able to worship dom of speech across the world. Every day, I in a place that advocates an interpretation of am inundated with requests for guidance Islam which reflects the values of the Western from fellow travellers looking for the courage society in which I live. I was Germany’s first and support to follow their faith. And I am female head and preacher of a mosque — it exploring sites in London and Vienna for was a historic moment for the state and for more liberal mosques, to meet demand. We me personally. The Ibn Rushd-Goethe is a are on the cusp of something truly exciting. holy place where women and men can pray And today, more than ever, we need to look at and preach together, where the veiling of the the future of Islam. In Vienna, in Nice, in whole face (Niqab) is forbidden and where Paris and also, with less public attention, in the Koran is interpreted through a contempo- Dresden, the vivid horrors of Islamist terror- rary lens. The reaction we got was strong. ism are back. Yet again, we hear the familiar A fatwa was issued by the Egyptian Fatwa questioning and soul searching: could these Council. Turkey’s main religious authority, attacks have been avoided? Well my answer Diyanet (directly run by the presidency), is simple: No. And we can expect more of the denounced the mosque as “depraving and same for so long as the violent ideology that ruining religion”. It was an attempt to deprive underpins this terror — political Islam or Germany’s Muslim population, including Islamism — remains. It is an ideology that I four million people of Turkish origin, of the have campaigned against my whole life, to right to freely exercise their religion and free- the detriment of my own personal security dom of expression. During our opening cere- and liberties. And that in itself highlights the mony, a Turkish news station attempted to challenge. stage footage of the Quran being dishonored. Islamism is the political ideology that guides Turkey’s secret services visited the mosque Isis, Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Its repeatedly; I was attacked directly from aim is to achieve an Islamic state through Ankara and our supporters challenged. Diya- political action or violent struggle. It is an net denounced us as terrorists and supporters ideology that segregates people based on sex, of Fethullah Gülen, a preacher who is a divides communities along religious lines and sworn enemy of President Erdogan. This mes- fuels hatred and suspicion of open discussion

and debate on contemporary values. That’s The UK has also overseen significant growth detailed legal contracts, including contracts Muslim News Iman Wa Amal Award, holds why what we are doing in my mosque — and in the funding of religious and educational with key suppliers encompassing venues, the mantle of the first and only Muslim district beyond — is so important. Our movement institutions by charities and entities from pre-Games training camps, hotels, accommo- judge in the East Midlands as well as the first has been consistently praised and used as a Qatar and Turkey. In December last year, Presi- dations and travel as well as all the sponsor blind district Judge in the UK. Afzal, who powerful counter-voice to Islamists across dent Erdogan opened an eco-mosque in Cam- and licensee agreements. The 43-year-old has grew up in Rochdale, was sworn in at Derby A record number of Muslims have been recog- scale-up to citywide testing once the testing the country. Our growth is a testament to the bridge, addressed a rally of supporters of his overseen two Summer and three Winter Olym- Combined Crown Court on February 17, “A staff member told me she wanted to burn while 46 participants wanted to become nized in the New Year’s Honours list. strategy is proven. “I am so honoured and bravery of ordinary Muslims wishing to Justice & Development Party in London, and pic Games, negotiating every contract for 2017. Afzal told The Muslim News he holds a my scarf when I was changing so I would lawyers, only 12 became lawyers upon gradu- A total of fifty-six (three CBEs, one CB, 11 grateful to be nominated and feel a huge follow their faith, and to the protection and met with two prominent Islamists in the UK athletes, visitors, accommodation, sponsors, strong belief “that the judiciary should reflect have no choice but to come outside the chang- ating university, and while 39 participants OBEs, 22 MBE, 19 BEM) Muslims made the responsibility to continue contributing to soci- support given to us by Germany. When with links to Hamas. These are the very same licensing and all other business. He leads the the society it serves which includes Muslims ing room without one.” wanted to become journalists and/or enter the most ethnically diverse honours list, with 14 ety in a meaningful way, a big thank you to all Ankara threatened us — as it has threatened states who want to shut me down. Younger negotiations for all sponsorship agreements and those with a disability. I promote diversi- This was the harrowing account of a British media profession, only 7 entered the profes- % of recipients coming from BAME back- those who supported me during this difficult President Macron and France — the German Muslims in Germany and the UK — home to with the International Olympic Committee ty/inclusion as a Diversity and Community Muslim woman who participated in the sion. These results show an alarming discrep- ground. Covid-19 is referenced 228 times in year. Through the work I did, I connected with Government proactively and very publicly some 3 million Muslims — are desperate to and has secured record sponsorship agree- Relations Judge and as President of the Mid- world’s largest study I conducted into Muslim ancy between aspired-to profession and the honours list, and many recipients are so many kind, dedicated, and wise people. intervened. State support and intervention is join the fight against Islamism but fearful of ments. Uddin told The Muslim News, “I am lands Asian Lawyers Association. I hope that women’s experiences of work and career actual profession, which invites a discussion unsung heroes who have battled to save lives This gives me hope and energy to always seek so critical. President Macron has bravely the consequences. I have been inundated with incredibly fortunate to do a job I am passion- the latest honour serves as confirmation to development, which was launched in Parlia- about the challenges and obstacles Muslim and keep the NHS afloat during the pandemic. positive change,” Alwan told The Muslim attempted to lead a debate about the future of private messages of support since announcing ate about and being recognised in this way, those in doubt about entering the legal profes- ment in February 2020. Amongst the 425 women are faced with in this crucial period Among them is Associate Professor in Public News. Basildon and Thurrock University Hos- Islam and its integration into the West, high- my intention to found a liberal mosque in Brit- alongside so many incredible individuals, is a sion are reassured that it can be done and that survey responses and over 50 one-to-one inter- where women will complete significant educa- Health at Southampton University, Dr pitals Medical Director, Dr Mohammad lighting the dangers of allowing Islamists to ain, but these same people fear being targeted huge honour.” Also recognised for contribu- promoting diversity/inclusion is essential.” Nisreen Alwan, who is awarded an MBE for Tayyab Haider, 55, will be awarded an MBE views, the “Empowered Employment” report tional milestones such as GCSEs, A levels, create a state within a state. This has been and persecuted for their beliefs if that support tion to sport is history-maker Salma Bi, 34, Director of Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre her services to the health sector. The for services to the NHS, particularly during found that almost half of all women stating and university degrees. For some women like followed by intervention from the French were made public. That is surprising in a coun- who is to be made a BEM for services to crick- (CRCC), Norah Al-Ani, 50, is to be made an 46-year-old, listed on the BBC’s global Top the Covid-19 response to the community in they had experienced Islamophobia in the myself, Islamophobia and racism conflate state services who inspected 51 Islamist try like England, where these moderate et and diversity. The off-spinner made history MBE for services to social justice and gender 100 Women, initiated the call to count ‘Long Essex. Haider is recognised for his outstand- workplace. British Muslim women who were with a specific socio-economic background to NGOs, recommending several be dissolved. religious voices need to be encouraged and aged 22 when she became the first British equality. Al-Ani is credited for rescuing Covid’, a term to describe the effects of the ing medical leadership during the pandemic doctors experienced patients who did not exacerbate experiences in education and work- In Vienna, the Austrian government raided supported. Unfortunately, unlike me, they Asian player to be selected for Worcestershire CRCC from a funding crisis; she helped grow virus weeks or months beyond the initial crisis making himself always available, want to be treated by them because they were places. Born and raised in one of the most several associations and societies suspected cannot rely on 24/7 police protection — and County. Bi, who taught the Under-15 Girls the centre’s annual budget from around £50k illness. sorting rotas to ensure the hospital had Muslim. British Muslim women teachers disadvantaged areas in the UK (Alum Rock, of belonging to and supporting the Muslim the attacks across Europe will discourage Team, was named ‘Coach of the Year’ at the to a quarter of a million pounds in eight years. https://twitter.com/Dr2NisreenAlwan/sta- enhanced and effective 24 hours medical faced parents of their students removing them Birmingham), the sheer weight of wearing the Brotherhood and Hamas. During the raids, many from speaking up. But the immediate club for her work on helping them get a promo- She also oversaw the organisation’s transfor- tus/1344996524221210625?s=20 cover in key specialities such as respiratory from the class and in some cases, the school, hijab in this increasingly right-wing and the police reportedly found assets worth more steps being taken in France and Austria can tion. She has coached over 1,000 girls through- mation, bringing in helpline volunteers, so it Alwan worked with a large team of experts. medicine and intensive care. In the field of due to not wanting their child to be taught by anti-Muslim climate has been a hallmark of than €25 million, stored in 130 bank give us courage. I want them to be met in equal out her career with nearly half of them continu- could remain open. The helpline has grown Liaising with public health, social science, sport, Shahab Uddin, Legal Director of the a Muslim. Another participant told me that my adulthood thus far. In 2015, I set out to accounts. Only last week, Charles Michel, force by progressive, liberal Muslim voices ing their sporting careers. She also leads an from opening once a week to three times a geospatial mapping, technological scientists British Olympic Association, is to be made an President of the EU Council, spoke of estab- who are championed and supported by the Asian’s Women’s cricket team, and they week, receiving over 6,000 calls so far. she was sacked after she refused to remove study my Ph.D. as a 23-year-old, which I lishing a European institute to train imams in in infectious disease and molecular biology MBE for services to sport during the pandem- state apparatus. I struggled for years in Germa- played for the White Ribbon Trophy against Halima Cassell, 45, a Shropshire-based sculp- her headscarf at work. Some reported receiv- decided to fund through employment after I Europe to “fight the ideology of hatred”. A and Southampton City Council to develop and ic. Since the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 ny to get where I am now. I want to help recre- Combined Services Women Team to ‘bowl tor and 2015 winner of The Muslim News ing anonymous hate mail after terrorist was continuously rejected for scholarships. A European delegation consisting of Macron, deliver a weekly testing pilot with rapid Olympic Games, he has renegotiated over 100 ate that success in the UK and allow liberal out domestic violence’, a historic fixture Alhambrā Award for Excellence in Arts is incidents. Others shared instances where week into my employment, a teacher showed Merkel, Ursula Von der Leyen and Austrian Muslim communities to flourish. That means aimed at raising awareness of domestic abuse awarded an MBE. Cassell is recognised for colleagues held glasses of wine and alcohol a graphic 18-rated video footage of people Chancellor Sebastian Kurz have now consult- giving British Muslims the education, and violence against children. Bi told The her established style and outstanding contribu- mockingly in their faces during Ramadan. jumping to their deaths during the 9/11 ed on new, tougher EU regulations in Paris. religious materials and roadmap that success- Muslim News she is “absolutely thrilled” with tion to the arts, fusing her Asian roots with a The relationship between Islamophobia and attacks to a group of 11-year-olds, some of And, last week, Chancellor Kurz confirmed fully established and preserved the Ibn the recognition. “As a Muslim advocate, it fascination for African pattern work. Cassell work and career development for Muslim whom had special education needs, and the he will create a new offence for “political Rushd-Goethe Mosque in Berlin. It means gives me great pleasure to set the legacy of works primarily in bronze and clay to create a women, therefore, is acuter than ever before, majority of whom were Black and Minority Islam”, so the Austrian state can “take action offering hope and courage to British Muslims Muslim women achieving high levels in the range of geometric sculptors seen at exhibi- and being visibly Muslim by way of wearing Ethnic (BAME) children. The white teacher against those who are not terrorists them- in private — ensuring access to our global sports field. As a multi-award winner, I want tions, displays and galleries across the globe. a headscarf, places women at greater risk. prefaced the showing of the video with “the selves, but who create the breeding ground”. support community — while defending their to remind all the girls and women out there With an ongoing project that moves to include The tug of war between wearing your religion 9/11 attacks have been written out of history, These are radical steps and shows a clear right to religious freedom in public. And most from ethnic minority groups to never give up. clay and designs from all parts of the world, trajectory to combating Islamism. Which is important, it means challenging the very and being Muslim and being British was also we must show what the Muslims did to us.” I Hold on tight to your faith and trust in the her work featured in a major exhibition at Man- why I have to ask: where is the UK? voices who want to restrict religious freedom. seen in the stark loss of aspiration and talent raised a concern as to the necessity of show- Almighty to achieve big.” Another ground- chester Art Gallery from 2019. 23 Islamists such as the Muslim Brotherhood between the ages of 14-22. For instance, ing the video to find that 40 minutes later, the breaker to be recognized is district judge Dr spent years attempting to insert themselves https://uherd.com/2020/11/will-the-uk-stand- while 79 participants wanted to enter the medi- school decided to unfairly dismiss me. Fayyaz Afzal OBE, who is awarded a CBE for http://muslimnews.co.uk/newspa- into UK politics and media. Instead of elevat- up-for-liberal-muslims/?tl_i cal field in secondary school, only 1 partici- This led to me seeking justice in the employ- services to the judiciary and diversity and ing liberal voices in Islam, we see regression. per/home-news/record-56-mus- pant entered the field as a doctor. Similarly, ment tribunals, for which I won some claims inclusion. Afzal, a 2018 winner of The lims-listed-new-years-honours/

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com

in 2017, but aspects of which are ongoing. about a wide variety of career options. The fact that I wore a hijab led teachers to Further, it is recommended that universities misunderstand my genuine child safeguard- offer mentoring and development programs ing concern for a religious issue. This had a for Muslim women, such as the Muslim Wom- knock-on effect on my Ph.D. studies, for en’s Skills Workshops I delivered at SOAS, which I was denied support from my universi- University of London earlier this year, which ty despite the university knowing how rare it were a first for any UK university. Empower- was for someone from my background to be ment must extend beyond lip service, to studying for a Ph.D. What is unique about actual change in structures and systems. Islamophobia for women who wear the hijab is that we experience it simultaneously in mul- https://themuslimvibe.com/muslim-life- tiple spaces, burdened with the weight and style-matters/women/heavy-is-the-head- tarnished with the scars of each experience that-wears-the-hijab onto the next. For me, I experienced discrimi- nation in the workplace, in the education space, and in the legal space all at the same time, as with many of the women who took part in the study. Borrowing from Stormzy then, “heavy is the head that wears the hijab”, is more fitting of a description for hijab-wear- ing Muslim women who experience the ampli- fied effects of Islamophobia in contemporary times, from the UK to France, to the USA. In the report’s findings, I make specific recom- mendations for employers and workplaces, educational institutions, community organiza- tions, and policymakers, and suggest they form a bedrock partnership to make work and education spaces more inclusive environ- ments for Muslim women. For employers and workplaces, the recommendations include implementing name-blind applications as part of HR policy and practice, instilling a culture where networking activities take place in non-alcoholic environments, and to issue clear guidelines to all staff as to what compris- es Islamophobic behaviour and the steps that will be taken to address such acts of gross misconduct. For educational institutions, which can collectively take a leading role in implementing the research findings to aid Muslim women’s development before they enter the workplace, it is recommended that targeted careers events for women and their families are offered to increase awareness I’m used to hatred and rejection. I’ve needed sage suited the narrative being pushed by 24/7 police protection ever since my book, Erdogan’s party, AKP, directly to the Turkish Islam Needs a Sexual Revolution, was community in Germany: that we are a politi- published in 2009. My social media channels cally motivated, inherently unIslamic move- are regularly flooded with derogatory messag- ment. es and death threats. “May Allah put you on But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I the right path, or destroy you!” is one of the am simply trying to enable ordinary Muslims very few examples that can be repeated to follow their faith. Many are joining me; before the watershed. Abuse was at its worse my mosque attracts several hundred visitors a when I opened Germany’s first liberal month. I have given speeches to, and led talks mosque, the Ibn Rushd-Goethe Mosque, in for, liberal Muslims and defenders of free- 2017. I wanted people to be able to worship dom of speech across the world. Every day, I in a place that advocates an interpretation of am inundated with requests for guidance Islam which reflects the values of the Western from fellow travellers looking for the courage society in which I live. I was Germany’s first and support to follow their faith. And I am female head and preacher of a mosque — it exploring sites in London and Vienna for was a historic moment for the state and for more liberal mosques, to meet demand. We me personally. The Ibn Rushd-Goethe is a are on the cusp of something truly exciting. holy place where women and men can pray And today, more than ever, we need to look at and preach together, where the veiling of the the future of Islam. In Vienna, in Nice, in whole face (Niqab) is forbidden and where Paris and also, with less public attention, in the Koran is interpreted through a contempo- Dresden, the vivid horrors of Islamist terror- rary lens. The reaction we got was strong. ism are back. Yet again, we hear the familiar A fatwa was issued by the Egyptian Fatwa questioning and soul searching: could these Council. Turkey’s main religious authority, attacks have been avoided? Well my answer Diyanet (directly run by the presidency), is simple: No. And we can expect more of the denounced the mosque as “depraving and same for so long as the violent ideology that ruining religion”. It was an attempt to deprive underpins this terror — political Islam or Germany’s Muslim population, including Islamism — remains. It is an ideology that I four million people of Turkish origin, of the have campaigned against my whole life, to right to freely exercise their religion and free- the detriment of my own personal security dom of expression. During our opening cere- and liberties. And that in itself highlights the mony, a Turkish news station attempted to challenge. stage footage of the Quran being dishonored. Islamism is the political ideology that guides Turkey’s secret services visited the mosque Isis, Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Its repeatedly; I was attacked directly from aim is to achieve an Islamic state through Ankara and our supporters challenged. Diya- political action or violent struggle. It is an net denounced us as terrorists and supporters ideology that segregates people based on sex, of Fethullah Gülen, a preacher who is a divides communities along religious lines and sworn enemy of President Erdogan. This mes- fuels hatred and suspicion of open discussion

and debate on contemporary values. That’s The UK has also overseen significant growth UK: Heavy Is The Head That why what we are doing in my mosque — and in the funding of religious and educational beyond — is so important. Our movement institutions by charities and entities from Wears The Hijab has been consistently praised and used as a Qatar and Turkey. In December last year, Presi- By: Dr. Suriya Bi powerful counter-voice to Islamists across dent Erdogan opened an eco-mosque in Cam- the country. Our growth is a testament to the bridge, addressed a rally of supporters of his “A staff member told me she wanted to burn while 46 participants wanted to become bravery of ordinary Muslims wishing to Justice & Development Party in London, and my scarf when I was changing so I would lawyers, only 12 became lawyers upon gradu- follow their faith, and to the protection and met with two prominent Islamists in the UK have no choice but to come outside the chang- ating university, and while 39 participants support given to us by Germany. When with links to Hamas. These are the very same ing room without one.” wanted to become journalists and/or enter the Ankara threatened us — as it has threatened states who want to shut me down. Younger This was the harrowing account of a British media profession, only 7 entered the profes- President Macron and France — the German Muslims in Germany and the UK — home to Muslim woman who participated in the sion. These results show an alarming discrep- Government proactively and very publicly some 3 million Muslims — are desperate to world’s largest study I conducted into Muslim ancy between aspired-to profession and intervened. State support and intervention is join the fight against Islamism but fearful of women’s experiences of work and career actual profession, which invites a discussion so critical. President Macron has bravely the consequences. I have been inundated with development, which was launched in Parlia- about the challenges and obstacles Muslim attempted to lead a debate about the future of private messages of support since announcing ment in February 2020. Amongst the 425 women are faced with in this crucial period Islam and its integration into the West, high- my intention to found a liberal mosque in Brit- survey responses and over 50 one-to-one inter- where women will complete significant educa- lighting the dangers of allowing Islamists to ain, but these same people fear being targeted views, the “Empowered Employment” report tional milestones such as GCSEs, A levels, create a state within a state. This has been and persecuted for their beliefs if that support found that almost half of all women stating and university degrees. For some women like followed by intervention from the French were made public. That is surprising in a coun- they had experienced Islamophobia in the myself, Islamophobia and racism conflate state services who inspected 51 Islamist try like England, where these moderate workplace. British Muslim women who were with a specific socio-economic background to NGOs, recommending several be dissolved. religious voices need to be encouraged and In Vienna, the Austrian government raided supported. Unfortunately, unlike me, they doctors experienced patients who did not exacerbate experiences in education and work- several associations and societies suspected cannot rely on 24/7 police protection — and want to be treated by them because they were places. Born and raised in one of the most of belonging to and supporting the Muslim the attacks across Europe will discourage Muslim. British Muslim women teachers disadvantaged areas in the UK (Alum Rock, Brotherhood and Hamas. During the raids, many from speaking up. But the immediate faced parents of their students removing them Birmingham), the sheer weight of wearing the the police reportedly found assets worth more steps being taken in France and Austria can from the class and in some cases, the school, hijab in this increasingly right-wing and than €25 million, stored in 130 bank give us courage. I want them to be met in equal due to not wanting their child to be taught by anti-Muslim climate has been a hallmark of accounts. Only last week, Charles Michel, force by progressive, liberal Muslim voices a Muslim. Another participant told me that my adulthood thus far. In 2015, I set out to President of the EU Council, spoke of estab- who are championed and supported by the she was sacked after she refused to remove study my Ph.D. as a 23-year-old, which I lishing a European institute to train imams in state apparatus. I struggled for years in Germa- her headscarf at work. Some reported receiv- decided to fund through employment after I Europe to “fight the ideology of hatred”. A ny to get where I am now. I want to help recre- ing anonymous hate mail after terrorist was continuously rejected for scholarships. A European delegation consisting of Macron, ate that success in the UK and allow liberal incidents. Others shared instances where week into my employment, a teacher showed Merkel, Ursula Von der Leyen and Austrian Muslim communities to flourish. That means colleagues held glasses of wine and alcohol a graphic 18-rated video footage of people Chancellor Sebastian Kurz have now consult- giving British Muslims the education, mockingly in their faces during Ramadan. jumping to their deaths during the 9/11 ed on new, tougher EU regulations in Paris. religious materials and roadmap that success- The relationship between Islamophobia and attacks to a group of 11-year-olds, some of And, last week, Chancellor Kurz confirmed fully established and preserved the Ibn work and career development for Muslim whom had special education needs, and the he will create a new offence for “political Rushd-Goethe Mosque in Berlin. It means women, therefore, is acuter than ever before, majority of whom were Black and Minority Islam”, so the Austrian state can “take action offering hope and courage to British Muslims and being visibly Muslim by way of wearing Ethnic (BAME) children. The white teacher against those who are not terrorists them- in private — ensuring access to our global a headscarf, places women at greater risk. prefaced the showing of the video with “the selves, but who create the breeding ground”. support community — while defending their The tug of war between wearing your religion 9/11 attacks have been written out of history, These are radical steps and shows a clear right to religious freedom in public. And most trajectory to combating Islamism. Which is important, it means challenging the very and being Muslim and being British was also we must show what the Muslims did to us.” I why I have to ask: where is the UK? voices who want to restrict religious freedom. 24 seen in the stark loss of aspiration and talent raised a concern as to the necessity of show- Islamists such as the Muslim Brotherhood between the ages of 14-22. For instance, ing the video to find that 40 minutes later, the spent years attempting to insert themselves https://uherd.com/2020/11/will-the-uk-stand- while 79 participants wanted to enter the medi- school decided to unfairly dismiss me. into UK politics and media. Instead of elevat- up-for-liberal-muslims/?tl_i cal field in secondary school, only 1 partici- This led to me seeking justice in the employ- ing liberal voices in Islam, we see regression. pant entered the field as a doctor. Similarly, ment tribunals, for which I won some claims

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International

in 2017, but aspects of which are ongoing. about a wide variety of career options. The fact that I wore a hijab led teachers to Further, it is recommended that universities misunderstand my genuine child safeguard- offer mentoring and development programs ing concern for a religious issue. This had a for Muslim women, such as the Muslim Wom- knock-on effect on my Ph.D. studies, for en’s Skills Workshops I delivered at SOAS, which I was denied support from my universi- University of London earlier this year, which ty despite the university knowing how rare it were a first for any UK university. Empower- was for someone from my background to be ment must extend beyond lip service, to studying for a Ph.D. What is unique about actual change in structures and systems. Islamophobia for women who wear the hijab is that we experience it simultaneously in mul- https://themuslimvibe.com/muslim-life- tiple spaces, burdened with the weight and style-matters/women/heavy-is-the-head- tarnished with the scars of each experience that-wears-the-hijab onto the next. For me, I experienced discrimi- nation in the workplace, in the education space, and in the legal space all at the same time, as with many of the women who took part in the study. Borrowing from Stormzy then, “heavy is the head that wears the hijab”, is more fitting of a description for hijab-wear- ing Muslim women who experience the ampli- fied effects of Islamophobia in contemporary times, from the UK to France, to the USA. In the report’s findings, I make specific recom- mendations for employers and workplaces, educational institutions, community organiza- tions, and policymakers, and suggest they form a bedrock partnership to make work and education spaces more inclusive environ- ments for Muslim women. For employers and workplaces, the recommendations include implementing name-blind applications as part of HR policy and practice, instilling a culture where networking activities take place in non-alcoholic environments, and to issue clear guidelines to all staff as to what compris- es Islamophobic behaviour and the steps that will be taken to address such acts of gross misconduct. For educational institutions, which can collectively take a leading role in implementing the research findings to aid Muslim women’s development before they enter the workplace, it is recommended that targeted careers events for women and their families are offered to increase awareness “A staff member told me she wanted to burn while 46 participants wanted to become my scarf when I was changing so I would lawyers, only 12 became lawyers upon gradu- have no choice but to come outside the chang- ating university, and while 39 participants ing room without one.” wanted to become journalists and/or enter the This was the harrowing account of a British media profession, only 7 entered the profes- Muslim woman who participated in the sion. These results show an alarming discrep- world’s largest study I conducted into Muslim ancy between aspired-to profession and women’s experiences of work and career actual profession, which invites a discussion development, which was launched in Parlia- about the challenges and obstacles Muslim ment in February 2020. Amongst the 425 women are faced with in this crucial period survey responses and over 50 one-to-one inter- where women will complete significant educa- views, the “Empowered Employment” report tional milestones such as GCSEs, A levels, found that almost half of all women stating and university degrees. For some women like they had experienced Islamophobia in the myself, Islamophobia and racism conflate workplace. British Muslim women who were with a specific socio-economic background to doctors experienced patients who did not exacerbate experiences in education and work- want to be treated by them because they were places. Born and raised in one of the most Muslim. British Muslim women teachers disadvantaged areas in the UK (Alum Rock, faced parents of their students removing them Birmingham), the sheer weight of wearing the from the class and in some cases, the school, hijab in this increasingly right-wing and due to not wanting their child to be taught by anti-Muslim climate has been a hallmark of a Muslim. Another participant told me that my adulthood thus far. In 2015, I set out to she was sacked after she refused to remove study my Ph.D. as a 23-year-old, which I her headscarf at work. Some reported receiv- decided to fund through employment after I ing anonymous hate mail after terrorist was continuously rejected for scholarships. A incidents. Others shared instances where week into my employment, a teacher showed colleagues held glasses of wine and alcohol a graphic 18-rated video footage of people mockingly in their faces during Ramadan. jumping to their deaths during the 9/11 The relationship between Islamophobia and attacks to a group of 11-year-olds, some of work and career development for Muslim whom had special education needs, and the women, therefore, is acuter than ever before, majority of whom were Black and Minority and being visibly Muslim by way of wearing Ethnic (BAME) children. The white teacher a headscarf, places women at greater risk. prefaced the showing of the video with “the The tug of war between wearing your religion 9/11 attacks have been written out of history, and being Muslim and being British was also we must show what the Muslims did to us.” I seen in the stark loss of aspiration and talent raised a concern as to the necessity of show- between the ages of 14-22. For instance, ing the video to find that 40 minutes later, the while 79 participants wanted to enter the medi- school decided to unfairly dismiss me. cal field in secondary school, only 1 partici- This led to me seeking justice in the employ- pant entered the field as a doctor. Similarly, ment tribunals, for which I won some claims

in 2017, but aspects of which are ongoing. about a wide variety of career options. The fact that I wore a hijab led teachers to Further, it is recommended that universities misunderstand my genuine child safeguard- offer mentoring and development programs ing concern for a religious issue. This had a for Muslim women, such as the Muslim Wom- knock-on effect on my Ph.D. studies, for en’s Skills Workshops I delivered at SOAS, which I was denied support from my universi- University of London earlier this year, which ty despite the university knowing how rare it were a first for any UK university. Empower- was for someone from my background to be ment must extend beyond lip service, to studying for a Ph.D. What is unique about actual change in structures and systems. Islamophobia for women who wear the hijab is that we experience it simultaneously in mul- https://themuslimvibe.com/muslim-life- tiple spaces, burdened with the weight and style-matters/women/heavy-is-the-head- tarnished with the scars of each experience that-wears-the-hijab onto the next. For me, I experienced discrimi- nation in the workplace, in the education space, and in the legal space all at the same time, as with many of the women who took part in the study. Borrowing from Stormzy then, “heavy is the head that wears the hijab”, We are truly grateful to our esteemed read- is more fitting of a description for hijab-wear- ers for their continued interest in Lahore ing Muslim women who experience the ampli- International and Aabgeenei Magazines fied effects of Islamophobia in contemporary through which we have been able to fulfil times, from the UK to France, to the USA. our vision of promoting understanding of In the report’s findings, I make specific recom- different sections of society through our mendations for employers and workplaces, informative articles. educational institutions, community organiza- This has been a non profit organisation tions, and policymakers, and suggest they running without any financial help from form a bedrock partnership to make work and others. We would be very grateful for any education spaces more inclusive environ- monetary contribution you can provide on ments for Muslim women. For employers and a monthly basis so we can continue bring- workplaces, the recommendations include ing you true and unbiased journalism. implementing name-blind applications as part We thank you for your contributions to the of HR policy and practice, instilling a culture following account : where networking activities take place in non-alcoholic environments, and to issue Bank Name: Lloyd’s Bank PLC clear guidelines to all staff as to what compris- Account Name: Lahore International Ltd. es Islamophobic behaviour and the steps that Account No: 42534160 will be taken to address such acts of gross Sort Code: 30-96-26 misconduct. For educational institutions, IBAN: GB89LoyD30962612534160 which can collectively take a leading role in implementing the research findings to aid Hoping for an encouraging response 25 Muslim women’s development before they for our readers for this noble cause. enter the workplace, it is recommended that targeted careers events for women and their May Allah be with you - Amen families are offered to increase awareness

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com “A staff member told me she wanted to burn while 46 participants wanted to become my scarf when I was changing so I would lawyers, only 12 became lawyers upon gradu- have no choice but to come outside the chang- ating university, and while 39 participants ing room without one.” wanted to become journalists and/or enter the This was the harrowing account of a British media profession, only 7 entered the profes- Muslim woman who participated in the sion. These results show an alarming discrep- world’s largest study I conducted into Muslim ancy between aspired-to profession and women’s experiences of work and career actual profession, which invites a discussion development, which was launched in Parlia- about the challenges and obstacles Muslim ment in February 2020. Amongst the 425 women are faced with in this crucial period survey responses and over 50 one-to-one inter- where women will complete significant educa- views, the “Empowered Employment” report tional milestones such as GCSEs, A levels, found that almost half of all women stating and university degrees. For some women like they had experienced Islamophobia in the myself, Islamophobia and racism conflate workplace. British Muslim women who were with a specific socio-economic background to doctors experienced patients who did not exacerbate experiences in education and work- want to be treated by them because they were places. Born and raised in one of the most Muslim. British Muslim women teachers disadvantaged areas in the UK (Alum Rock, faced parents of their students removing them Birmingham), the sheer weight of wearing the from the class and in some cases, the school, hijab in this increasingly right-wing and due to not wanting their child to be taught by anti-Muslim climate has been a hallmark of a Muslim. Another participant told me that my adulthood thus far. In 2015, I set out to she was sacked after she refused to remove study my Ph.D. as a 23-year-old, which I her headscarf at work. Some reported receiv- decided to fund through employment after I ing anonymous hate mail after terrorist was continuously rejected for scholarships. A incidents. Others shared instances where week into my employment, a teacher showed colleagues held glasses of wine and alcohol a graphic 18-rated video footage of people mockingly in their faces during Ramadan. jumping to their deaths during the 9/11 The relationship between Islamophobia and attacks to a group of 11-year-olds, some of work and career development for Muslim whom had special education needs, and the women, therefore, is acuter than ever before, majority of whom were Black and Minority and being visibly Muslim by way of wearing Ethnic (BAME) children. The white teacher a headscarf, places women at greater risk. prefaced the showing of the video with “the The tug of war between wearing your religion 9/11 attacks have been written out of history, and being Muslim and being British was also we must show what the Muslims did to us.” I seen in the stark loss of aspiration and talent raised a concern as to the necessity of show- between the ages of 14-22. For instance, ing the video to find that 40 minutes later, the while 79 participants wanted to enter the medi- school decided to unfairly dismiss me. cal field in secondary school, only 1 partici- This led to me seeking justice in the employ- pant entered the field as a doctor. Similarly, ment tribunals, for which I won some claims

in 2017, but aspects of which are ongoing. about a wide variety of career options. nents and supporters? The main supporters of The fact that I wore a hijab led teachers to Further, it is recommended that universities Swiss Burqa Ban Vote Appeals To the initiative are the right-wing Swiss People’s misunderstand my genuine child safeguard- offer mentoring and development programs Party as well as other conservative groups and ing concern for a religious issue. This had a for Muslim women, such as the Muslim Wom- Islamophobia and Feminists several politicians from centre-right and knock-on effect on my Ph.D. studies, for en’s Skills Workshops I delivered at SOAS, centrist parties. A group of feminists and liber- which I was denied support from my universi- University of London earlier this year, which al Muslims have also come out in favour of the ty despite the university knowing how rare it were a first for any UK university. Empower- Often referred to as “the Burqa ban”, the initia- ban on Burqas and niqabs in public. The was for someone from my background to be ment must extend beyond lip service, to tive by right-wing groups also includes a ban supporters face a broad alliance of opponents studying for a Ph.D. What is unique about actual change in structures and systems. on the wearing of Niqabs as well as other from the other main political parties from the Islamophobia for women who wear the hijab non-religious forms of face coverings. The left to the centre, the government and a clear majority of the Swiss parliament. Human is that we experience it simultaneously in mul- https://themuslimvibe.com/muslim-life- vote is scheduled for March 7. The campaign rights and women’s groups, church commit- tiple spaces, burdened with the weight and style-matters/women/heavy-is-the-head- takes place as hygiene masks are mandatory in busy public places due to the current coronavi- tees as well as the Swiss tourism sector and tarnished with the scars of each experience that-wears-the-hijab rus pandemic. It adds an ironic note to a debate trade unions have also recommended rejection onto the next. For me, I experienced discrimi- which takes in religious freedom, female of the proposal. How does Switzerland com- nation in the workplace, in the education equality and fears of terrorism. The number of women in Switzerland wearing a burka or a pare with other countries? About 15 countries space, and in the legal space all at the same What’s at stake? The proposal aims to outlaw niqab in public is estimated at 30, but supporters of the in Europe have introduced general face cover- time, as with many of the women who took initiative argue a nationwide law is needed. Gian Ehren- the wearing of face coverings in public, nota- zeller/Keystone ing bans over the past decade. France was a part in the study. Borrowing from Stormzy bly in the streets, in public transport and offic- in other countries and that regional Burqa bans front-runner in 2011, but Switzerland’s other then, “heavy is the head that wears the hijab”, es, restaurants, shops and football stadiums. introduced in Switzerland five years ago have three neighbouring countries – Germany, Italy is more fitting of a description for hijab-wear- Exceptions are not allowed for tourists. How- been efficient. However, opponents say a and Austria - have also implemented restric- ing Muslim women who experience the ampli- ever, special rules apply for religious sites, Swiss-wide face covering ban is unnecessary, tions; either general bans, or specific and fied effects of Islamophobia in contemporary health reasons or particular weather condi- damaging for tourism and not in line with the regional measures. Burqa and niqab bans of times, from the UK to France, to the USA. tions. In a bid to block the initiative, parlia- divided power structure between the national some sort are in place in numerous countries In the report’s findings, I make specific recom- ment has approved a legal reform which and the cantonal authorities. They say there is in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. In mendations for employers and workplaces, would ban face coverings purely for the no reason to amend the country’s constitution Switzerland, two of the country’s 26 cantons educational institutions, community organiza- purpose of identifying an individual, notably for a very small group of people – estimated at have imposed a Burqa ban since 2016. Anoth- tions, and policymakers, and suggest they in public office or in public transport. The alter- up to 30 women - who wear a Niqab or Burqa er 15 cantons have banned face covering for form a bedrock partnership to make work and native proposal foresees measures to promote of their own free will. Opponents say a ban demonstrations and sports events. What’s education spaces more inclusive environ- equal rights for and integration of Muslim would not be able to boost equal rights for does the Burqa vote have in common with the ments for Muslim women. For employers and women. The legal amendment will come into Muslim women and improve their integration minaret ban? The committee behind the Burqa workplaces, the recommendations include force if the initiative is rejected in the nation- in Swiss society. A legal reform, approved by ban is the same as the one that launched a implementing name-blind applications as part wide vote. What are the main arguments for parliament last year, is better suited, they say. proposal for a ban on the construction of new of HR policy and practice, instilling a culture and against? Supporters argue a face covering Opponents also warn that tourists from minarets in Switzerland. The vote in 2009 resulted in a ballot box upset when 57.5% of where networking activities take place in ban helps prevent terrorist attacks and other wealthy Arab Gulf states could be discouraged from holidays in Switzerland if the ban wins a voters and 22 of the 26 cantons came out in non-alcoholic environments, and to issue forms of violence. At the same time the ban is seen as a way to promote equality between majority in the vote. Why do voters have a favour of outlawing new minarets at mosques. clear guidelines to all staff as to what compris- Muslim women and men, giving women free- say? A committee of right-wing politicians Unlike 12 years ago, opinion polls suggest that es Islamophobic behaviour and the steps that dom from a discriminatory patriarchal society. and conservative activists submitted the neces- supporters of Burqa ban enjoy solid initial will be taken to address such acts of gross Members of the initiative committee have sary number of signatures to force a nation- backing. But experts say another political misconduct. For educational institutions, warned of Islam spreading in Europe and wide ban on face coverings in public. More upset appears less likely, as anti-Islamic senti- which can collectively take a leading role in threatening Christian culture. But the commit- than 105,500 signatures for the people’s initia- ment is no longer taboo. implementing the research findings to aid 26 tee rejects allegations that its proposal is under- tive were collected between March 2016 and Muslim women’s development before they mining religious freedom. Instead the ban is September 2017. Under the Swiss system of https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Bur- enter the workplace, it is recommended that aimed at strengthening basic values of the direct democracy, an amendment to the coun- qa-ban-vote-appeals-to-islamophobia-and- targeted careers events for women and their western world, they say. In addition, support- try’s constitution needs the support of at least feminists/46334100? families are offered to increase awareness ers stress that similar restrictions are in place 100,000 Swiss citizens. Who are the oppo-

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International “A staff member told me she wanted to burn while 46 participants wanted to become my scarf when I was changing so I would lawyers, only 12 became lawyers upon gradu- have no choice but to come outside the chang- ating university, and while 39 participants ing room without one.” wanted to become journalists and/or enter the This was the harrowing account of a British media profession, only 7 entered the profes- Muslim woman who participated in the sion. These results show an alarming discrep- world’s largest study I conducted into Muslim ancy between aspired-to profession and women’s experiences of work and career actual profession, which invites a discussion development, which was launched in Parlia- about the challenges and obstacles Muslim ment in February 2020. Amongst the 425 women are faced with in this crucial period survey responses and over 50 one-to-one inter- where women will complete significant educa- views, the “Empowered Employment” report tional milestones such as GCSEs, A levels, found that almost half of all women stating and university degrees. For some women like they had experienced Islamophobia in the myself, Islamophobia and racism conflate workplace. British Muslim women who were with a specific socio-economic background to doctors experienced patients who did not exacerbate experiences in education and work- want to be treated by them because they were places. Born and raised in one of the most Muslim. British Muslim women teachers disadvantaged areas in the UK (Alum Rock, faced parents of their students removing them Birmingham), the sheer weight of wearing the from the class and in some cases, the school, hijab in this increasingly right-wing and due to not wanting their child to be taught by anti-Muslim climate has been a hallmark of a Muslim. Another participant told me that my adulthood thus far. In 2015, I set out to she was sacked after she refused to remove study my Ph.D. as a 23-year-old, which I her headscarf at work. Some reported receiv- decided to fund through employment after I ing anonymous hate mail after terrorist was continuously rejected for scholarships. A incidents. Others shared instances where week into my employment, a teacher showed colleagues held glasses of wine and alcohol a graphic 18-rated video footage of people mockingly in their faces during Ramadan. jumping to their deaths during the 9/11 The relationship between Islamophobia and attacks to a group of 11-year-olds, some of work and career development for Muslim whom had special education needs, and the women, therefore, is acuter than ever before, majority of whom were Black and Minority and being visibly Muslim by way of wearing Ethnic (BAME) children. The white teacher a headscarf, places women at greater risk. prefaced the showing of the video with “the The tug of war between wearing your religion 9/11 attacks have been written out of history, and being Muslim and being British was also we must show what the Muslims did to us.” I seen in the stark loss of aspiration and talent raised a concern as to the necessity of show- between the ages of 14-22. For instance, ing the video to find that 40 minutes later, the while 79 participants wanted to enter the medi- school decided to unfairly dismiss me. cal field in secondary school, only 1 partici- This led to me seeking justice in the employ- pant entered the field as a doctor. Similarly, ment tribunals, for which I won some claims

in 2017, but aspects of which are ongoing. about a wide variety of career options. nents and supporters? The main supporters of The fact that I wore a hijab led teachers to Further, it is recommended that universities the initiative are the right-wing Swiss People’s NASCAR's first Arab American misunderstand my genuine child safeguard- offer mentoring and development programs Party as well as other conservative groups and female driver to make her debut ing concern for a religious issue. This had a for Muslim women, such as the Muslim Wom- several politicians from centre-right and knock-on effect on my Ph.D. studies, for en’s Skills Workshops I delivered at SOAS, centrist parties. A group of feminists and liber- which I was denied support from my universi- University of London earlier this year, which al Muslims have also come out in favour of the ty despite the university knowing how rare it were a first for any UK university. Empower- Often referred to as “the Burqa ban”, the initia- ban on Burqas and niqabs in public. The was for someone from my background to be ment must extend beyond lip service, to tive by right-wing groups also includes a ban supporters face a broad alliance of opponents studying for a Ph.D. What is unique about actual change in structures and systems. on the wearing of Niqabs as well as other from the other main political parties from the Islamophobia for women who wear the hijab non-religious forms of face coverings. The left to the centre, the government and a clear majority of the Swiss parliament. Human is that we experience it simultaneously in mul- https://themuslimvibe.com/muslim-life- vote is scheduled for March 7. The campaign rights and women’s groups, church commit- tiple spaces, burdened with the weight and style-matters/women/heavy-is-the-head- takes place as hygiene masks are mandatory in busy public places due to the current coronavi- tees as well as the Swiss tourism sector and Toni Breidinger says that when she sat tarnished with the scars of each experience that-wears-the-hijab rus pandemic. It adds an ironic note to a debate trade unions have also recommended rejection behind the wheel of a go-kart at age 9, she onto the next. For me, I experienced discrimi- knew she would become a race car driver. which takes in religious freedom, female of the proposal. How does Switzerland com- nation in the workplace, in the education Twelve years later, Breidinger has become equality and fears of terrorism. pare with other countries? About 15 countries space, and in the legal space all at the same the first Arab American female driver to What’s at stake? The proposal aims to outlaw in Europe have introduced general face cover- participate in a NASCAR national series, time, as with many of the women who took the wearing of face coverings in public, nota- ing bans over the past decade. France was a part in the study. Borrowing from Stormzy according to NASCAR. The 21-year-old bly in the streets, in public transport and offic- in other countries and that regional Burqa bans front-runner in 2011, but Switzerland’s other joined the racing team Young's Motorsports then, “heavy is the head that wears the hijab”, es, restaurants, shops and football stadiums. introduced in Switzerland five years ago have three neighbouring countries – Germany, Italy to race in the 2021 stock car competition is more fitting of a description for hijab-wear- Exceptions are not allowed for tourists. How- been efficient. However, opponents say a and Austria - have also implemented restric- ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR's ing Muslim women who experience the ampli- ever, special rules apply for religious sites, Swiss-wide face covering ban is unnecessary, tions; either general bans, or specific and pick-up truck competition, Camping World fied effects of Islamophobia in contemporary health reasons or particular weather condi- damaging for tourism and not in line with the regional measures. Burqa and niqab bans of Truck Series, which begins with the Lucas times, from the UK to France, to the USA. tions. In a bid to block the initiative, parlia- divided power structure between the national some sort are in place in numerous countries Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway In the report’s findings, I make specific recom- ment has approved a legal reform which and the cantonal authorities. They say there is in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. In in Florida on Saturday. "I'm honored and mendations for employers and workplaces, would ban face coverings purely for the no reason to amend the country’s constitution Switzerland, two of the country’s 26 cantons excited to be the first, but i don't want to be educational institutions, community organiza- purpose of identifying an individual, notably for a very small group of people – estimated at have imposed a Burqa ban since 2016. Anoth- the last," Breidinger, who is of Lebanese tions, and policymakers, and suggest they in public office or in public transport. The alter- up to 30 women - who wear a Niqab or Burqa er 15 cantons have banned face covering for descent, told CNN. "I hope I can pave the form a bedrock partnership to make work and native proposal foresees measures to promote of their own free will. Opponents say a ban demonstrations and sports events. What’s way for future female Arab drivers as well." Breidinger is a 19-time United States Auto education spaces more inclusive environ- equal rights for and integration of Muslim would not be able to boost equal rights for does the Burqa vote have in common with the women. The legal amendment will come into Muslim women and improve their integration minaret ban? The committee behind the Burqa Club winner, a record for any female driver, ments for Muslim women. For employers and and debuted in the Top 10 at Madison Inter- force if the initiative is rejected in the nation- in Swiss society. A legal reform, approved by ban is the same as the one that launched a workplaces, the recommendations include national speedway in ARCA Menards in wide vote. What are the main arguments for parliament last year, is better suited, they say. proposal for a ban on the construction of new implementing name-blind applications as part 2018. Breidinger said racing on the Daytona Opponents also warn that tourists from minarets in Switzerland. The vote in 2009 of HR policy and practice, instilling a culture and against? Supporters argue a face covering speedway "is a dream come true." resulted in a ballot box upset when 57.5% of where networking activities take place in ban helps prevent terrorist attacks and other wealthy Arab Gulf states could be discouraged "Daytona has always been on my bucket list from holidays in Switzerland if the ban wins a voters and 22 of the 26 cantons came out in non-alcoholic environments, and to issue forms of violence. At the same time the ban is to race at. Every driver's dream is to race seen as a way to promote equality between majority in the vote. Why do voters have a favour of outlawing new minarets at mosques. clear guidelines to all staff as to what compris- there one day," she said. "It's such a historic Muslim women and men, giving women free- say? A committee of right-wing politicians Unlike 12 years ago, opinion polls suggest that es Islamophobic behaviour and the steps that track. It's a step in the right direction to hope- dom from a discriminatory patriarchal society. and conservative activists submitted the neces- supporters of Burqa ban enjoy solid initial fully race in the Daytona 500 one day." will be taken to address such acts of gross Members of the initiative committee have sary number of signatures to force a nation- backing. But experts say another political Breidinger hopes to one day reach the misconduct. For educational institutions, warned of Islam spreading in Europe and wide ban on face coverings in public. More upset appears less likely, as anti-Islamic senti- NASCAR Cup Series, the top racing series. which can collectively take a leading role in threatening Christian culture. But the commit- than 105,500 signatures for the people’s initia- ment is no longer taboo. "As soon as I got into a go-kart, I really just implementing the research findings to aid tee rejects allegations that its proposal is under- tive were collected between March 2016 and knew," Breidinger said. "I've always had so 27 Muslim women’s development before they mining religious freedom. Instead the ban is September 2017. Under the Swiss system of https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Bur- much passion for it. I love the competition, enter the workplace, it is recommended that the adrenaline rush. I'm hooked on it." aimed at strengthening basic values of the direct democracy, an amendment to the coun- qa-ban-vote-appeals-to-islamophobia-and- https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/13/us/daytona-na- targeted careers events for women and their western world, they say. In addition, support- try’s constitution needs the support of at least feminists/46334100? scar-arab-american-female-driver-toni- families are offered to increase awareness ers stress that similar restrictions are in place 100,000 Swiss citizens. Who are the oppo- breidinger-trnd/index.html

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com “A staff member told me she wanted to burn while 46 participants wanted to become my scarf when I was changing so I would lawyers, only 12 became lawyers upon gradu- have no choice but to come outside the chang- ating university, and while 39 participants ing room without one.” wanted to become journalists and/or enter the This was the harrowing account of a British media profession, only 7 entered the profes- Muslim woman who participated in the sion. These results show an alarming discrep- world’s largest study I conducted into Muslim ancy between aspired-to profession and women’s experiences of work and career actual profession, which invites a discussion development, which was launched in Parlia- about the challenges and obstacles Muslim ment in February 2020. Amongst the 425 women are faced with in this crucial period survey responses and over 50 one-to-one inter- where women will complete significant educa- views, the “Empowered Employment” report tional milestones such as GCSEs, A levels, found that almost half of all women stating and university degrees. For some women like they had experienced Islamophobia in the myself, Islamophobia and racism conflate workplace. British Muslim women who were with a specific socio-economic background to doctors experienced patients who did not exacerbate experiences in education and work- want to be treated by them because they were places. Born and raised in one of the most Muslim. British Muslim women teachers disadvantaged areas in the UK (Alum Rock, faced parents of their students removing them Birmingham), the sheer weight of wearing the from the class and in some cases, the school, hijab in this increasingly right-wing and due to not wanting their child to be taught by anti-Muslim climate has been a hallmark of a Muslim. Another participant told me that my adulthood thus far. In 2015, I set out to she was sacked after she refused to remove study my Ph.D. as a 23-year-old, which I her headscarf at work. Some reported receiv- decided to fund through employment after I ing anonymous hate mail after terrorist was continuously rejected for scholarships. A incidents. Others shared instances where week into my employment, a teacher showed colleagues held glasses of wine and alcohol a graphic 18-rated video footage of people mockingly in their faces during Ramadan. jumping to their deaths during the 9/11 The relationship between Islamophobia and attacks to a group of 11-year-olds, some of work and career development for Muslim whom had special education needs, and the women, therefore, is acuter than ever before, majority of whom were Black and Minority and being visibly Muslim by way of wearing Ethnic (BAME) children. The white teacher a headscarf, places women at greater risk. prefaced the showing of the video with “the The tug of war between wearing your religion 9/11 attacks have been written out of history, and being Muslim and being British was also we must show what the Muslims did to us.” I seen in the stark loss of aspiration and talent raised a concern as to the necessity of show- between the ages of 14-22. For instance, ing the video to find that 40 minutes later, the while 79 participants wanted to enter the medi- school decided to unfairly dismiss me. cal field in secondary school, only 1 partici- This led to me seeking justice in the employ- pant entered the field as a doctor. Similarly, ment tribunals, for which I won some claims

in 2017, but aspects of which are ongoing. about a wide variety of career options. The fact that I wore a hijab led teachers to Further, it is recommended that universities USA: Saleha Jabeen first female misunderstand my genuine child safeguard- offer mentoring and development programs ing concern for a religious issue. This had a for Muslim women, such as the Muslim Wom- Muslim Chaplain has graduated. knock-on effect on my Ph.D. studies, for en’s Skills Workshops I delivered at SOAS, which I was denied support from my universi- University of London earlier this year, which ty despite the university knowing how rare it were a first for any UK university. Empower- tual care to all service was for someone from my background to be ment must extend beyond lip service, to members, guardians studying for a Ph.D. What is unique about actual change in structures and systems. and families and Islamophobia for women who wear the hijab advise the command- is that we experience it simultaneously in mul- https://themuslimvibe.com/muslim-life- ers on religious and tiple spaces, burdened with the weight and style-matters/women/heavy-is-the-head- moral matters regard- tarnished with the scars of each experience that-wears-the-hijab less of my faith, onto the next. For me, I experienced discrimi- ethnicity or gender. nation in the workplace, in the education Like our boss says, it space, and in the legal space all at the same has never been a time, as with many of the women who took better time to serve as part in the study. Borrowing from Stormzy a chaplain in the US then, “heavy is the head that wears the hijab”, Air Force Chaplain is more fitting of a description for hijab-wear- Corps,” she said. ing Muslim women who experience the ampli- Capt. John Richard- fied effects of Islamophobia in contemporary Saleha Jabeen, US military's first India-born son, Air Force Chaplain Corps College staff times, from the UK to France, to the USA. female Muslim chaplain, has graduated from chaplain, said that his goal is to create chap- In the report’s findings, I make specific recom- Air Force Basic Chaplain Course, vowing to lains who are ready to provide front-line minis- mendations for employers and workplaces, take her duty as a spiritual mentor very serious- try upon graduation. "They are trained to lead the units they serve spiritually. The bottom educational institutions, community organiza- ly. The historic graduation ceremony was held line is to care for Airmen - every single tions, and policymakers, and suggest they on February 5, an official statement said. Airman. When they care for Airmen in a form a bedrock partnership to make work and Jabeen said she was grateful for the opportuni- ty and aware of the responsibility that she has professional way, every other aspect of our education spaces more inclusive environ- calling falls into place: advising leaders and ments for Muslim women. For employers and to set an example and show that there is a place in the military for anyone who wants to serve. providing for the religious needs of our force,” workplaces, the recommendations include "I did not have to compromise on any of my Richardson said. Capt. Mara Title, Air Force implementing name-blind applications as part religious beliefs or convictions. I am surround- Chaplain Corps College staff chaplain, said of HR policy and practice, instilling a culture ed with people who respect me and are willing Jabeen’s addition to the chaplain corps will be where networking activities take place in to receive what I bring to the table as a woman, of great benefit to everyone. "The Air Force non-alcoholic environments, and to issue a faith leader, and an immigrant,” she said. "I Chaplain Corps endeavors to promote diversi- clear guidelines to all staff as to what compris- am provided with numerous opportunities to ty in all respects,” Title said. "Chaplain Saleha es Islamophobic behaviour and the steps that learn and develop skills that best equip me to Jabeen’s presence enables an even broader will be taken to address such acts of gross be a successful officer and a chaplain in a scope of spiritual care for our Airmen, and for misconduct. For educational institutions, pluralistic environment,” Jabeen said. Jabeen this we are very grateful. She is as determined which can collectively take a leading role in was commissioned in December as a Second to take on the role of chaplain as she is kind, implementing the research findings to aid 28 Lieutenant at the Catholic Theological Union caring and compassionate. We are thrilled to Muslim women’s development before they in Chicago, becoming the first female Muslim have had the opportunity for her to graduate enter the workplace, it is recommended that chaplain in the Department of the Defense. with the class of BCC 21A,” she said. targeted careers events for women and their She came to the United States 14 years ago as families are offered to increase awareness an international student. "I get to provide spiri- https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International UK: Manchester City using social media to spread female participation in football

A smooth, shining, spotless coating of and index fingers of his right hand, he could City website. “Keeping fit and motivated has whitewash without any visible marks of a be seen going to earn his daily bread.Before never been so important as it has this past year brush on the fence or walls of any house in moving further, let me say a few words about either,” Weir said. “To have already had so our locality would invariably make the people wihitewash. Quick lime is used for whitewash- many young girls get involved in the past three say with conviction that it was the dexterous ing. It produces Calcium hydroxide when years is just amazing, but I know there’s a lot hand of Raju that had lent dazzle to the dull mixed with water, and absorbs carbon dioxide more out there and we’d love you to join in. ” surface. Such was the fame of his work ! His from environment. As a result, it produces “I’ve been in the position of those young girls name had become synonymous with the art of Calcium carbonate which creates a hard coat- wanting to play football and the #SameGoals whitewashing. His real name ing on the walls. Different campaign really does enforce just how much was Allah Ditta but he was additives like indigo, glass , Manchester City cares about growing the popularly known as Raju. He glue , etc are also added to it for DUBAI: An online initiative set up by Man- women’s game, right from grassroots level,” was a native of Haryana but durability. Salt is also added to chester City with the aim of inspiring a new she added. In addition to the social media settled in Punjab . As a child, I prevent mold which also helps generation of female footballers is back for its movement at the event’s core, previous years saw him living in a small room it bind . Its benefit is that if you fourth edition after attracting thousands of have seen City Football Schools host special with bare minimum belong- brush off when it dries, you young girls since its inception in 2018. This coaching clinics for young girls across the ings. He might be in his late won't get a dust mark. White- year, the program is looking to raise participa- UAE as part of the campaign. As part of the twenties or early thirties then. wash is also tinted for decora- tion even further in the wake of the disruptions 2021 campaign Manchester City will also be Raju was a man of medium tive use. It is also mixed with that the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked on hosting a series of free online workshops height , large ears, long and earths to achieve different sporting participation around the world. focused on women’s football, with several pointed nose, sunken eyes, colours. People also mixed #SameGoals pledges to deliver a special limit- professionals across the club taking part. craggy and furrowed face, DDT into it to make it mosqui- ed-edition football provided by PUMA to The series will cover business and manage- wrinkled forehead and thin to-repellent. Raju prepared the every girl who shares a video showing them ment perspectives as well as coaching and eye- brows. He had thin hair on whitewash perfectly well. He his head. He had no bears, no moustache and scoring or saving a goal, with the aim of help- technical tips, with the likes of head coach would soak quick lime in water a day before no whiskers. He walked with a brisk pace in a half-cut oil-drum . Next day he would mix ing her maintain her passion and focus on Gareth Taylor, managing director Gavin taking big strides . He spoke with a raspy and the necessary ingredients to the solution. He achieving her dreams during a difficult period. Makel, first team players Weir, Esme Mor- gravelly voice. He wore simple pyjamas and also prepared his own brush . In those days “I’m really looking forward to being gan and Sam Mewis offering their support kurta, covered his head with a cloth and wore stems of rush were soaked and then twisted involved in the initiative and the workshops,” amongst others. “Increasing participation a towel over his shoulders. In winters , he put into strings and and flattened by beating to Manchester City and Scotland midfielder levels at grassroots level and encouraging on a sweater, pullover , jacket or waistcoat . make it a perfect brush for whitewashing. The Caroline Weir said. “It’s been really exciting young girls to have their first experience of He led a celibate life for reasons unknown to ends were cut to make it even and smooth. to see #SameGoals grow year-on-year so far.” playing football is something that we, as public. That's why he cooked his meals him- People opted for used brushes as it was easy “The players who held the football clinics last a Club, are tremendously passionate about,” self. We never saw any relatives visiting him to run them on walls . New brushes would take year were blown away by the response and said Gavin Makel, managing director of Man- nor did he ever go to meet anyone. He lived time to get smoothened. Raju made his own although this year we won’t be able to do chester City Women. “The #SameGoals cam- alone till his last breath.By nature, he was a brushes . As for buckets, old tin cans were things in person as usual, it’s so important to paign is a great example of that, having jolly fellow and liked to crack jokes . He would commonly used . Two holes were made in the continue the growth of #SameGoals however engaged with thousands of people worldwide often burst into loud belly-laughs and guf- can in diametrically opposite sides and then a we can in these unprecedented times,” she over the last four years.” “Being able to see faws.Raju was an expert in the art of white- strong rope or iron wire was tied to work as a added. To receive their free ball, girls need to and hear some of the inspiring stories washing. Although he also painted doors and handle. Raju had several buckets of this kind. post a video on Twitter, Instagram or TikTok, through #SameGoals is something that we are windows , whitewashing was his forte. Gradually, he discarded using rural brushes that shows them scoring or saving a goal using very proud of, as we aim to make meaningful 29 Dressed in pyjamas and kurta speckled with and buckets and replaced them with paint #SameGoals. The goal can be created impact with not just individuals, but within splashes and sprinkles of whitewash and paint, brushes and used paint-buckets . anywhere using any kind of ball, the more local communities,” he added. holding a pail containing a couple of brushes Raju was a simple man with even simpler creative - the better. Participants can then in the left hand and smoking a biri -the poor habits . He was hardworking, honest, sincere upload their video on the official Manchester https://www.arabnews.com/node/1808991/sport man's cigar- nicely tucked between the middle and self-respecting. He earned his bread by

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com

the sweat of his brow and never begged from away. He died in his sleep. Inna lillahe wa inna anyone till the last breath of his life. ilaihe rajiun: Verily, to Allah we belong and He was was very fond of listening to the radio verily to Him shall we return. A man whose . He had kept a transistor and was a regular brush lent dazzle to the dull walls, had to leave listener of BBC Urdu and Hindi service, run- his own life unfurnished. He was just 55 years ning commentary of cricket matches and the old. Perhaps a life of loneliness where no program 'Tameel e Irshad' broadcast by All friends or relatives to talk to, no company to India Radio Urdu Service daily at around 10 share his pains , and sorrows and wounds of or 10:30 pm which played old film songs. He helplessness corroded him from inside . His would keep the volume at the maximum to was not a solitude of choice but a forced her- enjoy the songs to the fullest. As I have already mitage. His sad end reminds me of a few lines mentioned that he lived alone , he filled the from the poem 'Ode to Solitude' by Alexander void of his loneliness by feeding the stray and Pope: street dogs which always hovered around his Thus let me live unseen, unknown, room. Perhaps he found a better company in Unlamented let me die. them than in the selfish and ungrateful human Steal from the world, and not a stone beings. Even dogs showed their love to him by Tell where I lie. wagging their tails while jumping around him. A friend of mine narrated an incident to me Indeed , no tombstone adorns his grave . about Raju that during the floods of 1993 in I conclude this piece with a quatrain written by Punjab, water entered his room at night . A Ishaq Sajid, a famous Urdu poet: couple of dogs were also there. Raju lifted the dogs and put them on the cot . He and the dogs Marne waley tujhe mubarak ho, lay all night there. In the morning , a rescue Zindagi Ka azaab khatm hua, team evacuated them safely. This shows his Khwahishon ki kitaab bund hui, immense care and concern even for the life of Hasraton Ka nisaab khatm hua. animals. Towards the end of 1990's, excessive biri smoking had made him very frail and ( O Man, be thou grateful to Death, weak. He was given to regular bouts of severe As it terminates the torments of life, coughing. He could no longer work . As the Draws the curtain on the door of desires, saying goes: As he is no longer beautiful, he is And dissolves the web of wistfulness.) no longer useful. Similarly, when an artist could no longer wield his brush, nobody offers him a canvas to paint. Raju fell on bad days. No work, no money. Almost three decades of active life in whitewashing couldn't even make him save a little amount to supply him with simple supper in his last days. This is the hard truth and tragedy of the life of every daily wager. But still the world is not without kind men. A philanthropist neighbour provided him daily meals. Even in that situation, he didn't forget to feed the street dogs-- his constant companions. Some other well-wishers and sympathisers helped him with cash and kind. But Raju never held out his palm for alms . A salute to his self-respecting nature! Perhaps it was the year 2000. One day some- one broke the sad news that Raju had passed for being an encouraging example to other First British Bangladeshi Mansoor Ahmad British citizens. Mansoor has dynamically honoured with British Citizen Awards been associated with several Schools of the Community where he has been contributing towards education of students, school devel- A smooth, shining, spotless coating of and index fingers of his right hand, he could opment plan, backing to the strategic discus- whitewash without any visible marks of a be seen going to earn his daily bread.Before Mansoor Ahmad, the first British Bangla- sion at governing board meetings. He enthusi- brush on the fence or walls of any house in moving further, let me say a few words about deshi, has been honoured with the British Citi- astically served as Parent Governor, Chairman our locality would invariably make the people wihitewash. Quick lime is used for whitewash- zen Awards (BCA) Roll of Honour January & as a member of many Committees. His say with conviction that it was the dexterous ing. It produces Calcium hydroxide when 2021, receiving the BCAv – Medal of Honour immense contribution to schools in various hand of Raju that had lent dazzle to the dull mixed with water, and absorbs carbon dioxide for his extraordinary endeavours and incredi- decision making activities at some challeng- surface. Such was the fame of his work ! His from environment. As a result, it produces ble inspirational and voluntary contribution to ing times is really appreciable. Mansoor said name had become synonymous with the art of Calcium carbonate which creates a hard coat- the British Community. The BCA Medal Pre- ‘’Supporting schools to me seems like a bril- whitewashing. His real name ing on the walls. Different sentation Ceremony was scheduled to take liant thing to do and I am helping schools was Allah Ditta but he was additives like indigo, glass , place on the 28th January 2021, but due to the shape our future citizen. And the reason I popularly known as Raju. He glue , etc are also added to it for Coronavirus Pandemic the ceremony has had became a governor locally is to make a differ- was a native of Haryana but durability. Salt is also added to settled in Punjab . As a child, I prevent mold which also helps to be postponed. Mansoor Ahmad, receipient ence to that school.’’ The Community exam- saw him living in a small room it bind . Its benefit is that if you of this Award has received a British Citizen ple has been serving as a co-opted member for with bare minimum belong- brush off when it dries, you Award Medal along with a Memory Stick con- the Overview and Scrutiny Commission and taining a short presentation by courier. Man- ings. He might be in his late won't get a dust mark. White- Young Children People Overview & Scrutiny twenties or early thirties then. wash is also tinted for decora- soor will also be invited to the UK Parliament, Panel under Merton Council. He has presently a Place of Westminster to receive his Certifi- respecting all cultures, and enjoys nothing Raju was a man of medium tive use. It is also mixed with been serving as a Governor of Ricards Lodge height , large ears, long and earths to achieve different cate of Honour when it is safe to do. Mansoor more than seeing someone benefit from any of Secondary School and St. John Fisher School, pointed nose, sunken eyes, colours. People also mixed arrived in the UK from Bangladesh in Febru- his community works. Mansoor expressed his and is vigorously been attached with various craggy and furrowed face, DDT into it to make it mosqui- feelings on receiving this Awards, ‘’It’s a huge ary 2007 under the British Government school committees. Mansoor is a member of wrinkled forehead and thin to-repellent. Raju prepared the Highly Skilled Migration Programme. He is honour for me to receive this award and I am the Commonwealth Journalists Association eye- brows. He had thin hair on whitewash perfectly well. He committed to alleviating the suffering and really happy that the British Citizen Awards UK and has authored numerous articles pub- his head. He had no bears, no moustache and would soak quick lime in water a day before hardship of those in his local community, recognised my voluntary contribution ren- lished in prestigious national and international no whiskers. He walked with a brisk pace in a half-cut oil-drum . Next day he would mix applying his accountancy knowledge to offer dered selflessly towards the british communi- journals, magazines and newspapers. Man- taking big strides . He spoke with a raspy and the necessary ingredients to the solution. He free services to the members of the communi- ty. My sincere thanks & gratefulness to British soor is a qualified accountant currently serv- gravelly voice. He wore simple pyjamas and also prepared his own brush . In those days ty and free business and consultancy advice Citizen Awards. This honour and acknowl- ing as Manager of Accounts & Finance with kurta, covered his head with a cloth and wore stems of rush were soaked and then twisted for those on the fringes, encouraging them to edgement will certainly enthuse and motivate Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah, one of the largest a towel over his shoulders. In winters , he put into strings and and flattened by beating to embark on their own business. He believes me to continue my efforts to the community in Charities in the UK. He is a life dedicated on a sweater, pullover , jacket or waistcoat . make it a perfect brush for whitewashing. The that education is key to opportunity. He has the future.’’ Previously, Mansoor Ahmad was member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community He led a celibate life for reasons unknown to ends were cut to make it even and smooth. volunteered as a school governor for 14 years, awarded the Mayor of London Borough of UK. Mansoor served as Finance Manager with public. That's why he cooked his meals him- People opted for used brushes as it was easy promoting cohesion and equality. To further Merton’s Covid-19 Award in December 2020 Chittagong Stock Exchange, Bangladesh for self. We never saw any relatives visiting him to run them on walls . New brushes would take promote cultural cohesion, he raises funds for for his outstanding local contributions, and for over 11 years. He also served as a visiting nor did he ever go to meet anyone. He lived time to get smoothened. Raju made his own national charities supporting education, inte- the noteworthy differences which he made in lecturer with University of Science & Tech- alone till his last breath.By nature, he was a brushes . As for buckets, old tin cans were jolly fellow and liked to crack jokes . He would commonly used . Two holes were made in the gration and interfaith peace. Mansoor is seen people’s lives during the challenging period of nology (USTC), Preston University, Premier often burst into loud belly-laughs and guf- can in diametrically opposite sides and then a every year behind the table of the Poppy the Covid-19 pandemic. He was also awarded University, Southern University Bangladesh, faws.Raju was an expert in the art of white- strong rope or iron wire was tied to work as a Appeal, or shaking his collection tin in the with the House of Lords British Community Edward University & University of Honolulu street. He is involved in the organising but is Honours Award (BCHA) in October 2019, washing. Although he also painted doors and handle. Raju had several buckets of this kind. (Chittagong Campus, Bangladesh) and taught windows , whitewashing was his forte. Gradually, he discarded using rural brushes 30 also part of the team ‘doing’, whether that is held at the UK Parliament, for his immense at BBA,MBA and ACCA Levels. Mansoor running in the ‘Fun Run’, litter picking, or support towards British Society, having been Dressed in pyjamas and kurta speckled with and buckets and replaced them with paint attended a good number of Seminars, Work- splashes and sprinkles of whitewash and paint, brushes and used paint-buckets . actively helping the underprivileged in his presented with the Certificate of Recognition shops and Conferences where he spoke as pre- holding a pail containing a couple of brushes Raju was a simple man with even simpler neighbourhood. He is a keen advocate of from British Citizen Awards in January 2019 senter and key note speaker on various occa- in the left hand and smoking a biri -the poor habits . He was hardworking, honest, sincere for exceptional contributions to society, and breaking down cultural barriers, whilst sions. man's cigar- nicely tucked between the middle and self-respecting. He earned his bread by

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International

the sweat of his brow and never begged from away. He died in his sleep. Inna lillahe wa inna anyone till the last breath of his life. ilaihe rajiun: Verily, to Allah we belong and He was was very fond of listening to the radio verily to Him shall we return. A man whose . He had kept a transistor and was a regular brush lent dazzle to the dull walls, had to leave listener of BBC Urdu and Hindi service, run- his own life unfurnished. He was just 55 years ning commentary of cricket matches and the old. Perhaps a life of loneliness where no program 'Tameel e Irshad' broadcast by All friends or relatives to talk to, no company to India Radio Urdu Service daily at around 10 share his pains , and sorrows and wounds of or 10:30 pm which played old film songs. He helplessness corroded him from inside . His would keep the volume at the maximum to was not a solitude of choice but a forced her- enjoy the songs to the fullest. As I have already mitage. His sad end reminds me of a few lines mentioned that he lived alone , he filled the from the poem 'Ode to Solitude' by Alexander void of his loneliness by feeding the stray and Pope: street dogs which always hovered around his Thus let me live unseen, unknown, room. Perhaps he found a better company in Unlamented let me die. them than in the selfish and ungrateful human Steal from the world, and not a stone beings. Even dogs showed their love to him by Tell where I lie. wagging their tails while jumping around him. A friend of mine narrated an incident to me Indeed , no tombstone adorns his grave . about Raju that during the floods of 1993 in I conclude this piece with a quatrain written by Punjab, water entered his room at night . A Ishaq Sajid, a famous Urdu poet: couple of dogs were also there. Raju lifted the dogs and put them on the cot . He and the dogs Marne waley tujhe mubarak ho, lay all night there. In the morning , a rescue Zindagi Ka azaab khatm hua, team evacuated them safely. This shows his Khwahishon ki kitaab bund hui, immense care and concern even for the life of Hasraton Ka nisaab khatm hua. animals. Towards the end of 1990's, excessive biri smoking had made him very frail and ( O Man, be thou grateful to Death, weak. He was given to regular bouts of severe As it terminates the torments of life, coughing. He could no longer work . As the Draws the curtain on the door of desires, saying goes: As he is no longer beautiful, he is And dissolves the web of wistfulness.) no longer useful. Similarly, when an artist could no longer wield his brush, nobody offers him a canvas to paint. Raju fell on bad days. No work, no money. Almost three decades of active life in whitewashing couldn't even make him save a little amount to supply him with simple supper in his last days. This is the hard truth and tragedy of the life of every daily wager. But still the world is not without kind men. A philanthropist neighbour provided him daily meals. Even in that situation, he didn't forget to feed the street dogs-- his constant companions. Some other well-wishers and sympathisers helped him with cash and kind. But Raju never held out his palm for alms . A salute to his self-respecting nature! Perhaps it was the year 2000. One day some- one broke the sad news that Raju had passed for being an encouraging example to other British citizens. Mansoor has dynamically been associated with several Schools of the US Law Journal Elects its Community where he has been contributing First Muslim President towards education of students, school devel- A smooth, shining, spotless coating of and index fingers of his right hand, he could opment plan, backing to the strategic discus- whitewash without any visible marks of a be seen going to earn his daily bread.Before Mansoor Ahmad, the first British Bangla- sion at governing board meetings. He enthusi- BOSTON: The Harvard Law Review has brush on the fence or walls of any house in moving further, let me say a few words about deshi, has been honoured with the British Citi- astically served as Parent Governor, Chairman named a Los Angeles-born Egyptian-Amer- our locality would invariably make the people wihitewash. Quick lime is used for whitewash- zen Awards (BCA) Roll of Honour January & as a member of many Committees. His ican as, what it believes, is its first Muslim say with conviction that it was the dexterous ing. It produces Calcium hydroxide when 2021, receiving the BCAv – Medal of Honour immense contribution to schools in various president in its 134-year history, elevating hand of Raju that had lent dazzle to the dull mixed with water, and absorbs carbon dioxide for his extraordinary endeavours and incredi- decision making activities at some challeng- him to the top of one of the most prestigious surface. Such was the fame of his work ! His from environment. As a result, it produces ble inspirational and voluntary contribution to ing times is really appreciable. Mansoor said US law journals. Harvard Law School name had become synonymous with the art of Calcium carbonate which creates a hard coat- the British Community. The BCA Medal Pre- ‘’Supporting schools to me seems like a bril- student Hassaan Shahawy said he hoped his whitewashing. His real name ing on the walls. Different sentation Ceremony was scheduled to take liant thing to do and I am helping schools election represented “legal academia’s was Allah Ditta but he was additives like indigo, glass , place on the 28th January 2021, but due to the shape our future citizen. And the reason I growing recognition of the importance of popularly known as Raju. He glue , etc are also added to it for Coronavirus Pandemic the ceremony has had became a governor locally is to make a differ- diversity, and perhaps its growing respect was a native of Haryana but durability. Salt is also added to settled in Punjab . As a child, I prevent mold which also helps to be postponed. Mansoor Ahmad, receipient ence to that school.’’ The Community exam- for other legal traditions”. Among the legal saw him living in a small room it bind . Its benefit is that if you of this Award has received a British Citizen ple has been serving as a co-opted member for with bare minimum belong- brush off when it dries, you Award Medal along with a Memory Stick con- the Overview and Scrutiny Commission and taining a short presentation by courier. Man- ings. He might be in his late won't get a dust mark. White- Young Children People Overview & Scrutiny twenties or early thirties then. wash is also tinted for decora- soor will also be invited to the UK Parliament, Panel under Merton Council. He has presently a Place of Westminster to receive his Certifi- respecting all cultures, and enjoys nothing Raju was a man of medium tive use. It is also mixed with been serving as a Governor of Ricards Lodge height , large ears, long and earths to achieve different cate of Honour when it is safe to do. Mansoor more than seeing someone benefit from any of Secondary School and St. John Fisher School, pointed nose, sunken eyes, colours. People also mixed arrived in the UK from Bangladesh in Febru- his community works. Mansoor expressed his and is vigorously been attached with various craggy and furrowed face, DDT into it to make it mosqui- feelings on receiving this Awards, ‘’It’s a huge ary 2007 under the British Government school committees. Mansoor is a member of wrinkled forehead and thin to-repellent. Raju prepared the Highly Skilled Migration Programme. He is honour for me to receive this award and I am the Commonwealth Journalists Association eye- brows. He had thin hair on whitewash perfectly well. He committed to alleviating the suffering and really happy that the British Citizen Awards UK and has authored numerous articles pub- his head. He had no bears, no moustache and would soak quick lime in water a day before hardship of those in his local community, recognised my voluntary contribution ren- lished in prestigious national and international and political luminaries who have worked no whiskers. He walked with a brisk pace in a half-cut oil-drum . Next day he would mix applying his accountancy knowledge to offer dered selflessly towards the british communi- journals, magazines and newspapers. Man- at the Harvard Law Review was former US taking big strides . He spoke with a raspy and the necessary ingredients to the solution. He free services to the members of the communi- ty. My sincere thanks & gratefulness to British soor is a qualified accountant currently serv- president Barack Obama, named the jour- gravelly voice. He wore simple pyjamas and also prepared his own brush . In those days ty and free business and consultancy advice Citizen Awards. This honour and acknowl- ing as Manager of Accounts & Finance with nal’s first Black president in 1990. Three kurta, covered his head with a cloth and wore stems of rush were soaked and then twisted for those on the fringes, encouraging them to edgement will certainly enthuse and motivate Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah, one of the largest serving members of the Supreme Court a towel over his shoulders. In winters , he put into strings and and flattened by beating to embark on their own business. He believes me to continue my efforts to the community in Charities in the UK. He is a life dedicated were editors of the Harvard Law Review, as on a sweater, pullover , jacket or waistcoat . make it a perfect brush for whitewashing. The that education is key to opportunity. He has the future.’’ Previously, Mansoor Ahmad was member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community were the late judges Ruth Bader Ginsburg He led a celibate life for reasons unknown to ends were cut to make it even and smooth. volunteered as a school governor for 14 years, awarded the Mayor of London Borough of UK. Mansoor served as Finance Manager with and Antonin Scalia. public. That's why he cooked his meals him- People opted for used brushes as it was easy promoting cohesion and equality. To further Merton’s Covid-19 Award in December 2020 Chittagong Stock Exchange, Bangladesh for “Coming from a community routinely self. We never saw any relatives visiting him to run them on walls . New brushes would take promote cultural cohesion, he raises funds for for his outstanding local contributions, and for over 11 years. He also served as a visiting demonized in American public discourse, I nor did he ever go to meet anyone. He lived time to get smoothened. Raju made his own national charities supporting education, inte- the noteworthy differences which he made in lecturer with University of Science & Tech- hope this represents some progress, even if alone till his last breath.By nature, he was a brushes . As for buckets, old tin cans were jolly fellow and liked to crack jokes . He would commonly used . Two holes were made in the gration and interfaith peace. Mansoor is seen people’s lives during the challenging period of nology (USTC), Preston University, Premier small and symbolic,” Shahawy, 26, wrote in often burst into loud belly-laughs and guf- can in diametrically opposite sides and then a every year behind the table of the Poppy the Covid-19 pandemic. He was also awarded University, Southern University Bangladesh, an email. Appeal, or shaking his collection tin in the with the House of Lords British Community Law reviews are staffed by the top students faws.Raju was an expert in the art of white- strong rope or iron wire was tied to work as a Edward University & University of Honolulu washing. Although he also painted doors and street. He is involved in the organising but is Honours Award (BCHA) in October 2019, at US law schools, who are often recruited handle. Raju had several buckets of this kind. (Chittagong Campus, Bangladesh) and taught windows , whitewashing was his forte. Gradually, he discarded using rural brushes also part of the team ‘doing’, whether that is held at the UK Parliament, for his immense for judicial clerkships and other prestigious at BBA,MBA and ACCA Levels. Mansoor 31 Dressed in pyjamas and kurta speckled with and buckets and replaced them with paint running in the ‘Fun Run’, litter picking, or support towards British Society, having been jobs in the profession. attended a good number of Seminars, Work- splashes and sprinkles of whitewash and paint, brushes and used paint-buckets . actively helping the underprivileged in his presented with the Certificate of Recognition shops and Conferences where he spoke as pre- holding a pail containing a couple of brushes Raju was a simple man with even simpler neighbourhood. He is a keen advocate of from British Citizen Awards in January 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1605759 senter and key note speaker on various occa- in the left hand and smoking a biri -the poor habits . He was hardworking, honest, sincere for exceptional contributions to society, and /us-law-journal-elects-its-first-muslim-president breaking down cultural barriers, whilst sions. man's cigar- nicely tucked between the middle and self-respecting. He earned his bread by

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com

the sweat of his brow and never begged from away. He died in his sleep. Inna lillahe wa inna anyone till the last breath of his life. ilaihe rajiun: Verily, to Allah we belong and He was was very fond of listening to the radio verily to Him shall we return. A man whose . He had kept a transistor and was a regular brush lent dazzle to the dull walls, had to leave listener of BBC Urdu and Hindi service, run- his own life unfurnished. He was just 55 years ning commentary of cricket matches and the old. Perhaps a life of loneliness where no program 'Tameel e Irshad' broadcast by All friends or relatives to talk to, no company to India Radio Urdu Service daily at around 10 share his pains , and sorrows and wounds of or 10:30 pm which played old film songs. He helplessness corroded him from inside . His would keep the volume at the maximum to was not a solitude of choice but a forced her- enjoy the songs to the fullest. As I have already mitage. His sad end reminds me of a few lines mentioned that he lived alone , he filled the from the poem 'Ode to Solitude' by Alexander void of his loneliness by feeding the stray and Pope: street dogs which always hovered around his Thus let me live unseen, unknown, room. Perhaps he found a better company in Unlamented let me die. them than in the selfish and ungrateful human Steal from the world, and not a stone beings. Even dogs showed their love to him by Tell where I lie. wagging their tails while jumping around him. A friend of mine narrated an incident to me Indeed , no tombstone adorns his grave . about Raju that during the floods of 1993 in I conclude this piece with a quatrain written by Punjab, water entered his room at night . A Ishaq Sajid, a famous Urdu poet: couple of dogs were also there. Raju lifted the dogs and put them on the cot . He and the dogs Marne waley tujhe mubarak ho, lay all night there. In the morning , a rescue Zindagi Ka azaab khatm hua, team evacuated them safely. This shows his Khwahishon ki kitaab bund hui, immense care and concern even for the life of Hasraton Ka nisaab khatm hua. animals. Towards the end of 1990's, excessive biri smoking had made him very frail and ( O Man, be thou grateful to Death, weak. He was given to regular bouts of severe As it terminates the torments of life, coughing. He could no longer work . As the Draws the curtain on the door of desires, saying goes: As he is no longer beautiful, he is And dissolves the web of wistfulness.) no longer useful. Similarly, when an artist could no longer wield his brush, nobody offers him a canvas to paint. Raju fell on bad days. No work, no money. Almost three decades of active life in whitewashing couldn't even make him save a little amount to supply him with simple supper in his last days. This is the hard truth and tragedy of the life of every daily wager. But still the world is not without kind men. A philanthropist neighbour provided him daily meals. Even in that situation, he didn't forget to feed the street dogs-- his constant companions. Some other well-wishers and sympathisers helped him with cash and kind. But Raju never held out his palm for alms . A salute to his self-respecting nature! Perhaps it was the year 2000. One day some- one broke the sad news that Raju had passed By: Bilal Ahmad Shamim RAJU, THE WHITEWASHER

A smooth, shining, spotless coating of and index fingers of his right hand, he could whitewash without any visible marks of a be seen going to earn his daily bread.Before brush on the fence or walls of any house in moving further, let me say a few words about our locality would invariably make the people wihitewash. Quick lime is used for whitewash- say with conviction that it was the dexterous ing. It produces Calcium hydroxide when hand of Raju that had lent dazzle to the dull mixed with water, and absorbs carbon dioxide surface. Such was the fame of his work ! His from environment. As a result, it produces name had become synonymous with the art of Calcium carbonate which creates a hard coat- whitewashing. His real name ing on the walls. Different was Allah Ditta but he was additives like indigo, glass , popularly known as Raju. He glue , etc are also added to it for was a native of Haryana but durability. Salt is also added to settled in Punjab . As a child, I prevent mold which also helps saw him living in a small room it bind . Its benefit is that if you with bare minimum belong- brush off when it dries, you ings. He might be in his late won't get a dust mark. White- twenties or early thirties then. wash is also tinted for decora- Raju was a man of medium tive use. It is also mixed with height , large ears, long and earths to achieve different pointed nose, sunken eyes, colours. People also mixed craggy and furrowed face, DDT into it to make it mosqui- wrinkled forehead and thin to-repellent. Raju prepared the eye- brows. He had thin hair on whitewash perfectly well. He his head. He had no bears, no moustache and would soak quick lime in water a day before no whiskers. He walked with a brisk pace in a half-cut oil-drum . Next day he would mix taking big strides . He spoke with a raspy and the necessary ingredients to the solution. He gravelly voice. He wore simple pyjamas and also prepared his own brush . In those days kurta, covered his head with a cloth and wore stems of rush were soaked and then twisted a towel over his shoulders. In winters , he put into strings and and flattened by beating to on a sweater, pullover , jacket or waistcoat . make it a perfect brush for whitewashing. The He led a celibate life for reasons unknown to ends were cut to make it even and smooth. public. That's why he cooked his meals him- People opted for used brushes as it was easy self. We never saw any relatives visiting him to run them on walls . New brushes would take nor did he ever go to meet anyone. He lived time to get smoothened. Raju made his own alone till his last breath.By nature, he was a brushes . As for buckets, old tin cans were jolly fellow and liked to crack jokes . He would commonly used . Two holes were made in the often burst into loud belly-laughs and guf- can in diametrically opposite sides and then a faws.Raju was an expert in the art of white- strong rope or iron wire was tied to work as a washing. Although he also painted doors and handle. Raju had several buckets of this kind. windows , whitewashing was his forte. Gradually, he discarded using rural brushes 32 Dressed in pyjamas and kurta speckled with and buckets and replaced them with paint splashes and sprinkles of whitewash and paint, brushes and used paint-buckets . holding a pail containing a couple of brushes Raju was a simple man with even simpler in the left hand and smoking a biri -the poor habits . He was hardworking, honest, sincere man's cigar- nicely tucked between the middle and self-respecting. He earned his bread by

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International

the sweat of his brow and never begged from away. He died in his sleep. Inna lillahe wa inna anyone till the last breath of his life. ilaihe rajiun: Verily, to Allah we belong and He was was very fond of listening to the radio verily to Him shall we return. A man whose . He had kept a transistor and was a regular brush lent dazzle to the dull walls, had to leave listener of BBC Urdu and Hindi service, run- his own life unfurnished. He was just 55 years ning commentary of cricket matches and the old. Perhaps a life of loneliness where no program 'Tameel e Irshad' broadcast by All friends or relatives to talk to, no company to India Radio Urdu Service daily at around 10 share his pains , and sorrows and wounds of or 10:30 pm which played old film songs. He helplessness corroded him from inside . His would keep the volume at the maximum to was not a solitude of choice but a forced her- enjoy the songs to the fullest. As I have already mitage. His sad end reminds me of a few lines mentioned that he lived alone , he filled the from the poem 'Ode to Solitude' by Alexander void of his loneliness by feeding the stray and Pope: street dogs which always hovered around his Thus let me live unseen, unknown, room. Perhaps he found a better company in Unlamented let me die. them than in the selfish and ungrateful human Steal from the world, and not a stone beings. Even dogs showed their love to him by Tell where I lie. wagging their tails while jumping around him. A friend of mine narrated an incident to me Indeed , no tombstone adorns his grave . about Raju that during the floods of 1993 in I conclude this piece with a quatrain written by Punjab, water entered his room at night . A Ishaq Sajid, a famous Urdu poet: couple of dogs were also there. Raju lifted the dogs and put them on the cot . He and the dogs Marne waley tujhe mubarak ho, lay all night there. In the morning , a rescue Zindagi Ka azaab khatm hua, team evacuated them safely. This shows his Khwahishon ki kitaab bund hui, immense care and concern even for the life of Hasraton Ka nisaab khatm hua. animals. Towards the end of 1990's, excessive biri smoking had made him very frail and ( O Man, be thou grateful to Death, weak. He was given to regular bouts of severe As it terminates the torments of life, coughing. He could no longer work . As the Draws the curtain on the door of desires, saying goes: As he is no longer beautiful, he is And dissolves the web of wistfulness.) no longer useful. Similarly, when an artist could no longer wield his brush, nobody offers him a canvas to paint. Raju fell on bad days. No work, no money. Almost three decades of active life in whitewashing couldn't even make him save a little amount to supply him with simple supper in his last days. This is the hard truth and tragedy of the life of every daily wager. But still the world is not without kind men. A philanthropist neighbour provided him daily meals. Even in that situation, he didn't forget to feed the street dogs-- his constant companions. Some other well-wishers and sympathisers helped him with cash and kind. But Raju never held out his palm for alms . A salute to his self-respecting nature! Perhaps it was the year 2000. One day some- one broke the sad news that Raju had passed A smooth, shining, spotless coating of and index fingers of his right hand, he could whitewash without any visible marks of a be seen going to earn his daily bread.Before brush on the fence or walls of any house in moving further, let me say a few words about our locality would invariably make the people wihitewash. Quick lime is used for whitewash- say with conviction that it was the dexterous ing. It produces Calcium hydroxide when hand of Raju that had lent dazzle to the dull mixed with water, and absorbs carbon dioxide surface. Such was the fame of his work ! His from environment. As a result, it produces name had become synonymous with the art of Calcium carbonate which creates a hard coat- whitewashing. His real name ing on the walls. Different was Allah Ditta but he was additives like indigo, glass , popularly known as Raju. He glue , etc are also added to it for was a native of Haryana but durability. Salt is also added to settled in Punjab . As a child, I prevent mold which also helps saw him living in a small room it bind . Its benefit is that if you with bare minimum belong- brush off when it dries, you ings. He might be in his late won't get a dust mark. White- twenties or early thirties then. wash is also tinted for decora- Raju was a man of medium tive use. It is also mixed with height , large ears, long and earths to achieve different pointed nose, sunken eyes, colours. People also mixed craggy and furrowed face, DDT into it to make it mosqui- wrinkled forehead and thin to-repellent. Raju prepared the eye- brows. He had thin hair on whitewash perfectly well. He his head. He had no bears, no moustache and would soak quick lime in water a day before no whiskers. He walked with a brisk pace in a half-cut oil-drum . Next day he would mix taking big strides . He spoke with a raspy and the necessary ingredients to the solution. He gravelly voice. He wore simple pyjamas and also prepared his own brush . In those days kurta, covered his head with a cloth and wore stems of rush were soaked and then twisted a towel over his shoulders. In winters , he put into strings and and flattened by beating to on a sweater, pullover , jacket or waistcoat . make it a perfect brush for whitewashing. The He led a celibate life for reasons unknown to ends were cut to make it even and smooth. public. That's why he cooked his meals him- People opted for used brushes as it was easy self. We never saw any relatives visiting him to run them on walls . New brushes would take nor did he ever go to meet anyone. He lived time to get smoothened. Raju made his own alone till his last breath.By nature, he was a brushes . As for buckets, old tin cans were jolly fellow and liked to crack jokes . He would commonly used . Two holes were made in the often burst into loud belly-laughs and guf- can in diametrically opposite sides and then a faws.Raju was an expert in the art of white- strong rope or iron wire was tied to work as a washing. Although he also painted doors and handle. Raju had several buckets of this kind. windows , whitewashing was his forte. Gradually, he discarded using rural brushes Dressed in pyjamas and kurta speckled with and buckets and replaced them with paint splashes and sprinkles of whitewash and paint, brushes and used paint-buckets . holding a pail containing a couple of brushes Raju was a simple man with even simpler in the left hand and smoking a biri -the poor habits . He was hardworking, honest, sincere man's cigar- nicely tucked between the middle and self-respecting. He earned his bread by

the sweat of his brow and never begged from away. He died in his sleep. Inna lillahe wa inna anyone till the last breath of his life. ilaihe rajiun: Verily, to Allah we belong and He was was very fond of listening to the radio verily to Him shall we return. A man whose . He had kept a transistor and was a regular brush lent dazzle to the dull walls, had to leave listener of BBC Urdu and Hindi service, run- his own life unfurnished. He was just 55 years ning commentary of cricket matches and the old. Perhaps a life of loneliness where no program 'Tameel e Irshad' broadcast by All friends or relatives to talk to, no company to India Radio Urdu Service daily at around 10 share his pains , and sorrows and wounds of or 10:30 pm which played old film songs. He helplessness corroded him from inside . His would keep the volume at the maximum to was not a solitude of choice but a forced her- enjoy the songs to the fullest. As I have already mitage. His sad end reminds me of a few lines mentioned that he lived alone , he filled the from the poem 'Ode to Solitude' by Alexander void of his loneliness by feeding the stray and Pope: street dogs which always hovered around his Thus let me live unseen, unknown, room. Perhaps he found a better company in Unlamented let me die. them than in the selfish and ungrateful human Steal from the world, and not a stone beings. Even dogs showed their love to him by Tell where I lie. wagging their tails while jumping around him. A friend of mine narrated an incident to me Indeed , no tombstone adorns his grave . about Raju that during the floods of 1993 in I conclude this piece with a quatrain written by Punjab, water entered his room at night . A Ishaq Sajid, a famous Urdu poet: couple of dogs were also there. Raju lifted the dogs and put them on the cot . He and the dogs Marne waley tujhe mubarak ho, lay all night there. In the morning , a rescue Zindagi Ka azaab khatm hua, team evacuated them safely. This shows his Khwahishon ki kitaab bund hui, immense care and concern even for the life of Hasraton Ka nisaab khatm hua. animals. Towards the end of 1990's, excessive biri smoking had made him very frail and ( O Man, be thou grateful to Death, weak. He was given to regular bouts of severe As it terminates the torments of life, coughing. He could no longer work . As the Draws the curtain on the door of desires, saying goes: As he is no longer beautiful, he is And dissolves the web of wistfulness.) no longer useful. Similarly, when an artist could no longer wield his brush, nobody offers Lahore International Magazine him a canvas to paint. Raju fell on bad days. No work, no money. Almost three decades of active life in whitewashing couldn't even make @lahoreintl him save a little amount to supply him with @lahoreintl simple supper in his last days. This is the hard truth and tragedy of the life of every daily lahoreinternational wager. But still the world is not without kind lahoreinternational men. A philanthropist neighbour provided him daily meals. Even in that situation, he didn't lahoreintl forget to feed the street dogs-- his constant companions. Some other well-wishers and +447940077825 sympathisers helped him with cash and kind. 33 But Raju never held out his palm for alms . A +447940077825 salute to his self-respecting nature! Perhaps it was the year 2000. One day some- [email protected] one broke the sad news that Raju had passed

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com A smooth, shining, spotless coating of and index fingers of his right hand, he could whitewash without any visible marks of a be seen going to earn his daily bread.Before brush on the fence or walls of any house in moving further, let me say a few words about our locality would invariably make the people wihitewash. Quick lime is used for whitewash- say with conviction that it was the dexterous ing. It produces Calcium hydroxide when hand of Raju that had lent dazzle to the dull mixed with water, and absorbs carbon dioxide surface. Such was the fame of his work ! His from environment. As a result, it produces name had become synonymous with the art of Calcium carbonate which creates a hard coat- whitewashing. His real name ing on the walls. Different was Allah Ditta but he was additives like indigo, glass , popularly known as Raju. He glue , etc are also added to it for was a native of Haryana but durability. Salt is also added to settled in Punjab . As a child, I prevent mold which also helps saw him living in a small room it bind . Its benefit is that if you with bare minimum belong- brush off when it dries, you ings. He might be in his late won't get a dust mark. White- twenties or early thirties then. wash is also tinted for decora- Raju was a man of medium tive use. It is also mixed with height , large ears, long and earths to achieve different pointed nose, sunken eyes, colours. People also mixed craggy and furrowed face, DDT into it to make it mosqui- wrinkled forehead and thin to-repellent. Raju prepared the eye- brows. He had thin hair on whitewash perfectly well. He his head. He had no bears, no moustache and would soak quick lime in water a day before no whiskers. He walked with a brisk pace in a half-cut oil-drum . Next day he would mix taking big strides . He spoke with a raspy and the necessary ingredients to the solution. He gravelly voice. He wore simple pyjamas and also prepared his own brush . In those days kurta, covered his head with a cloth and wore stems of rush were soaked and then twisted a towel over his shoulders. In winters , he put into strings and and flattened by beating to on a sweater, pullover , jacket or waistcoat . make it a perfect brush for whitewashing. The He led a celibate life for reasons unknown to ends were cut to make it even and smooth. public. That's why he cooked his meals him- People opted for used brushes as it was easy self. We never saw any relatives visiting him to run them on walls . New brushes would take nor did he ever go to meet anyone. He lived time to get smoothened. Raju made his own alone till his last breath.By nature, he was a brushes . As for buckets, old tin cans were jolly fellow and liked to crack jokes . He would commonly used . Two holes were made in the often burst into loud belly-laughs and guf- can in diametrically opposite sides and then a faws.Raju was an expert in the art of white- strong rope or iron wire was tied to work as a washing. Although he also painted doors and handle. Raju had several buckets of this kind. windows , whitewashing was his forte. Gradually, he discarded using rural brushes Dressed in pyjamas and kurta speckled with and buckets and replaced them with paint splashes and sprinkles of whitewash and paint, brushes and used paint-buckets . holding a pail containing a couple of brushes Raju was a simple man with even simpler in the left hand and smoking a biri -the poor habits . He was hardworking, honest, sincere man's cigar- nicely tucked between the middle and self-respecting. He earned his bread by

the sweat of his brow and never begged from away. He died in his sleep. Inna lillahe wa inna anyone till the last breath of his life. ilaihe rajiun: Verily, to Allah we belong and CHILDREN– LEADERS OF TOMORROW He was was very fond of listening to the radio verily to Him shall we return. A man whose By: Laiq Ahmed Atif - Missionary Malta . He had kept a transistor and was a regular brush lent dazzle to the dull walls, had to leave listener of BBC Urdu and Hindi service, run- his own life unfurnished. He was just 55 years ning commentary of cricket matches and the old. Perhaps a life of loneliness where no Children are the future of a nation. Today’s achieve the best relationship between you and program 'Tameel e Irshad' broadcast by All friends or relatives to talk to, no company to youth are the leaders of tomorrow. So if we your children, it is fundamental that the rela- India Radio Urdu Service daily at around 10 share his pains , and sorrows and wounds of want a better future, a stronger country, and a tionship between you and your spouse should or 10:30 pm which played old film songs. He helplessness corroded him from inside . His also be excellent. Parental behaviour should would keep the volume at the maximum to was not a solitude of choice but a forced her- prosperous world then it is very important to enjoy the songs to the fullest. As I have already mitage. His sad end reminds me of a few lines give our children an appropriate and proper lead to the creation of the ideal environment mentioned that he lived alone , he filled the from the poem 'Ode to Solitude' by Alexander upbringing. Every society and every religion for a healthy family life. The relationship void of his loneliness by feeding the stray and Pope: attaches great importance to raising children. between a man and his wife should be like street dogs which always hovered around his Thus let me live unseen, unknown, Islam as a religion greatly emphasizes this that of true, sincere and loyal friends; both of room. Perhaps he found a better company in Unlamented let me die. subject and states that children should be them should behave in an exemplary manner them than in the selfish and ungrateful human Steal from the world, and not a stone given the best possible upbringing. However, at home. It is one of the obligations of parents beings. Even dogs showed their love to him by Tell where I lie. Islam speaks on this subject in a unique way to educate and train their children in the right wagging their tails while jumping around him. and it focuses on actions and practical exam- manner. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace A friend of mine narrated an incident to me Indeed , no tombstone adorns his grave . ples, not just words, because ‘actions speak be upon him, said: “A child is born with pure about Raju that during the floods of 1993 in I conclude this piece with a quatrain written by louder than words’. When we are building our nature. Its parents make it a Jew, a Christian, Punjab, water entered his room at night . A Ishaq Sajid, a famous Urdu poet: or an atheist through imparting a particular couple of dogs were also there. Raju lifted the future generation we have to ‘walk the walk’, dogs and put them on the cot . He and the dogs Marne waley tujhe mubarak ho, meaning that we should set forth excellent teaching and providing a particular model lay all night there. In the morning , a rescue Zindagi Ka azaab khatm hua, examples for our children to follow and we through their own conduct.” It is also import- team evacuated them safely. This shows his Khwahishon ki kitaab bund hui, must live practical lives. This is so our chil- ant to understand how we should raise our immense care and concern even for the life of Hasraton Ka nisaab khatm hua. dren can observe wonderful examples at their children and how we should treat them. The animals. Towards the end of 1990's, excessive homes and can build their character in a genu- Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon biri smoking had made him very frail and ( O Man, be thou grateful to Death, ine and practical manner based on the core him, continuously stated that one should treat weak. He was given to regular bouts of severe As it terminates the torments of life, Islamic values. The primary teachers of chil- not only their own children, but the entire coughing. He could no longer work . As the Draws the curtain on the door of desires, dren are their parents from whom they learn younger generation with love, compassion saying goes: As he is no longer beautiful, he is And dissolves the web of wistfulness.) and Imitate from. Every action of the parents and respect. Furthermore, he said: “Always no longer useful. Similarly, when an artist affects the children; what they eat, what they be kind to your children.” The Holy Prophet could no longer wield his brush, nobody offers Muhammad, peace be upon him, has empha- him a canvas to paint. Raju fell on bad days. wear, how they treat each other, how they No work, no money. Almost three decades of address each other, how they drive, how they sized the importance of respect in the treat- active life in whitewashing couldn't even make walk on the street, if they smoke, if they use ment of children as an essential part of their him save a little amount to supply him with bad language, if they are spiritual, punctual in healthy upbringing, because respect gives simple supper in his last days. This is the hard observing prayers, paying charity and helping them confidence and increases them in digni- truth and tragedy of the life of every daily others and so on. We often see children adopt ty. He said: “Respect your children and culti- wager. But still the world is not without kind their parents’ profession in their practical vate good manners in them.” Undoubtedly, it men. A philanthropist neighbour provided him lives. The famous sayings: ‘A tree is known is a fact that the parents play an important role daily meals. Even in that situation, he didn't by its fruit’; and ‘The apple doesn’t fall far to make or break their children’s character forget to feed the street dogs-- his constant from the tree’ are phrases that are extremely and personality. I would like to conclude this companions. Some other well-wishers and pertinent for children who display qualities or article with a beautiful prayer that Almighty sympathisers helped him with cash and kind. 34 Allah has taught us in the Holy Quran But Raju never held out his palm for alms . A talents that are similar to those of their par- salute to his self-respecting nature! ents. This fact shows how important it is for (25:75): “Our Lord, grant us of our wives and Perhaps it was the year 2000. One day some- parents to demonstrate high moral values. children the delight of our eyes, and make us one broke the sad news that Raju had passed Therefore, Islam teaches that in order to a model for the righteous.” Ameen

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International A smooth, shining, spotless coating of and index fingers of his right hand, he could whitewash without any visible marks of a be seen going to earn his daily bread.Before brush on the fence or walls of any house in moving further, let me say a few words about our locality would invariably make the people wihitewash. Quick lime is used for whitewash- say with conviction that it was the dexterous ing. It produces Calcium hydroxide when hand of Raju that had lent dazzle to the dull mixed with water, and absorbs carbon dioxide surface. Such was the fame of his work ! His from environment. As a result, it produces name had become synonymous with the art of Calcium carbonate which creates a hard coat- whitewashing. His real name ing on the walls. Different was Allah Ditta but he was additives like indigo, glass , popularly known as Raju. He glue , etc are also added to it for was a native of Haryana but durability. Salt is also added to settled in Punjab . As a child, I prevent mold which also helps saw him living in a small room it bind . Its benefit is that if you with bare minimum belong- brush off when it dries, you ings. He might be in his late won't get a dust mark. White- twenties or early thirties then. wash is also tinted for decora- Raju was a man of medium tive use. It is also mixed with height , large ears, long and earths to achieve different pointed nose, sunken eyes, colours. People also mixed craggy and furrowed face, DDT into it to make it mosqui- wrinkled forehead and thin to-repellent. Raju prepared the eye- brows. He had thin hair on whitewash perfectly well. He his head. He had no bears, no moustache and would soak quick lime in water a day before no whiskers. He walked with a brisk pace in a half-cut oil-drum . Next day he would mix taking big strides . He spoke with a raspy and the necessary ingredients to the solution. He gravelly voice. He wore simple pyjamas and also prepared his own brush . In those days kurta, covered his head with a cloth and wore stems of rush were soaked and then twisted a towel over his shoulders. In winters , he put into strings and and flattened by beating to on a sweater, pullover , jacket or waistcoat . make it a perfect brush for whitewashing. The He led a celibate life for reasons unknown to ends were cut to make it even and smooth. public. That's why he cooked his meals him- People opted for used brushes as it was easy self. We never saw any relatives visiting him to run them on walls . New brushes would take nor did he ever go to meet anyone. He lived time to get smoothened. Raju made his own alone till his last breath.By nature, he was a brushes . As for buckets, old tin cans were jolly fellow and liked to crack jokes . He would commonly used . Two holes were made in the often burst into loud belly-laughs and guf- can in diametrically opposite sides and then a faws.Raju was an expert in the art of white- strong rope or iron wire was tied to work as a washing. Although he also painted doors and handle. Raju had several buckets of this kind. windows , whitewashing was his forte. Gradually, he discarded using rural brushes Dressed in pyjamas and kurta speckled with and buckets and replaced them with paint splashes and sprinkles of whitewash and paint, brushes and used paint-buckets . holding a pail containing a couple of brushes Raju was a simple man with even simpler in the left hand and smoking a biri -the poor habits . He was hardworking, honest, sincere man's cigar- nicely tucked between the middle and self-respecting. He earned his bread by

In secret videos, Dubai princess says held hostage the sweat of his brow and never begged from away. He died in his sleep. Inna lillahe wa inna anyone till the last breath of his life. ilaihe rajiun: Verily, to Allah we belong and in barricaded villa, fears for her life He was was very fond of listening to the radio verily to Him shall we return. A man whose . He had kept a transistor and was a regular brush lent dazzle to the dull walls, had to leave listener of BBC Urdu and Hindi service, run- his own life unfurnished. He was just 55 years In a video broadcast by the BBC’s investiga- gation once Princess Latifa’s videos are ana- ning commentary of cricket matches and the old. Perhaps a life of loneliness where no tive news program Panorama on February 16, lyzed, the BBC reported. Princess Latifa drew program 'Tameel e Irshad' broadcast by All friends or relatives to talk to, no company to 2021, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al international attention in 2018, when she India Radio Urdu Service daily at around 10 share his pains , and sorrows and wounds of Maktoum, one of Dubai ruler's daughters, says announced in a video that she was fleeing the or 10:30 pm which played old film songs. He helplessness corroded him from inside . His she is being held captive and fears for her life UAE because of mistreatment and restrictions would keep the volume at the maximum to was not a solitude of choice but a forced her- after a foiled attempt to flee. The daughter of imposed by her family. However, a source enjoy the songs to the fullest. As I have already mitage. His sad end reminds me of a few lines the ruler of Dubai and premier of the United close to the Dubai government said on April mentioned that he lived alone , he filled the from the poem 'Ode to Solitude' by Alexander Arab Emirates (UAE), who tried once to flee 17 that year that the runaway princess “was void of his loneliness by feeding the stray and Pope: her home country but was forcibly returned, brought back” to the Persian Gulf state. street dogs which always hovered around his Thus let me live unseen, unknown, has secretly recorded a series of videos, saying Human Rights Watch (HRW) cited a witness room. Perhaps he found a better company in Unlamented let me die. she is being held against her will at a barricad- as saying that authorities in the UAE had “in- them than in the selfish and ungrateful human Steal from the world, and not a stone ed villa. “I am a hostage and this villa has been tercepted Sheikha Latifa on March 4, 2018, as beings. Even dogs showed their love to him by Tell where I lie. converted into a jail,” 35-year-old Sheikha she tried to flee by sea to a third country, and wagging their tails while jumping around him. Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum, one of returned her to the UAE.” In the footage A friend of mine narrated an incident to me Indeed , no tombstone adorns his grave . the daughters of Sheikh Mohammed bin shared with the BBC, Princess Latifa recount- about Raju that during the floods of 1993 in I conclude this piece with a quatrain written by Rashid Al Maktoum, said in one of the videos ed how commandos took her back to detention Punjab, water entered his room at night . A Ishaq Sajid, a famous Urdu poet: broadcast by the BBC’s Panorama news pro- as she was fleeing by boat. She said she tried couple of dogs were also there. Raju lifted the gram. She added, “All the windows are barred to fight back by “kicking and fighting” and dogs and put them on the cot . He and the dogs Marne waley tujhe mubarak ho, shut, I can’t open any window.” The UAE biting a commando’s arm. The princess was, Zindagi Ka azaab khatm hua, lay all night there. In the morning , a rescue princess said she was making the video in the however, drugged and carried on to a private Khwahishon ki kitaab bund hui, team evacuated them safely. This shows his bathroom of the villa, which is the only room jet back home. On December 24, 2018, the Hasraton Ka nisaab khatm hua. immense care and concern even for the life of she could lock herself into. Appearing alert UAE’s Foreign Ministry published three animals. Towards the end of 1990's, excessive and speaking calmly, Latifa said there were low-resolution photos dated December 15, biri smoking had made him very frail and ( O Man, be thou grateful to Death, police officers stationed outside and inside the showing Latifa alongside the former UN high weak. He was given to regular bouts of severe As it terminates the torments of life, villa. “I just want to be free,” she noted. It was commissioner for human rights and Irish pres- coughing. He could no longer work . As the Draws the curtain on the door of desires, not clear when or where the video was record- ident Mary Robinson. “Photographs taken saying goes: As he is no longer beautiful, he is And dissolves the web of wistfulness.) ed. The Free Latifa campaign, which has lob- during the afternoon they spent together have no longer useful. Similarly, when an artist been shared, with their consent. During her could no longer wield his brush, nobody offers bied for her release, said it had managed to visit to Dubai, Mary Robinson was reassured him a canvas to paint. Raju fell on bad days. smuggle a phone to the UAE princess, helping No work, no money. Almost three decades of her record videos from the villa over several that Her Highness Sheikha Latifa is receiving active life in whitewashing couldn't even make months. David Haigh, one of the campaign’s the necessary care and support she requires,” him save a little amount to supply him with co-founders and her lawyer, called for Latifa’s the ministry said at the time. The move came simple supper in his last days. This is the hard immediate release and an end to “a horrendous after rights groups called on authorities in the truth and tragedy of the life of every daily period of parental and human rights abuse that UAE to disclose Latifa’s whereabouts and wager. But still the world is not without kind has significantly damaged the reputation of condition. Last March, a London High Court men. A philanthropist neighbour provided him the UAE.” UN to grill UAE about Princess judge said he accepted as proved a series of daily meals. Even in that situation, he didn't Latifa’s case Reacting to the revelations, the allegations made by the Dubai ruler’s former forget to feed the street dogs-- his constant Office of the UN High Commissioner for wife, Princess Haya, in a legal battle, includ- companions. Some other well-wishers and Human Rights suggested that it will raise the ing that the sheikh h. sympathisers helped him with cash and kind. detention of Princess Latifa with Emirati offi- 35 But Raju never held out his palm for alms . A cials, after the videos prompted global calls https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021 salute to his self-respecting nature! for the world body to investigate the matter. A /02/17/645448/Dubai-princess-says-she- Perhaps it was the year 2000. One day some- spokesman said the UN Working Group on fears-for-her-life-as-held-hostage-in- barricaded-villa one broke the sad news that Raju had passed Arbitrary Detention could launch an investi-

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com A smooth, shining, spotless coating of and index fingers of his right hand, he could whitewash without any visible marks of a be seen going to earn his daily bread.Before brush on the fence or walls of any house in moving further, let me say a few words about our locality would invariably make the people wihitewash. Quick lime is used for whitewash- say with conviction that it was the dexterous ing. It produces Calcium hydroxide when hand of Raju that had lent dazzle to the dull mixed with water, and absorbs carbon dioxide surface. Such was the fame of his work ! His from environment. As a result, it produces name had become synonymous with the art of Calcium carbonate which creates a hard coat- whitewashing. His real name ing on the walls. Different was Allah Ditta but he was additives like indigo, glass , popularly known as Raju. He glue , etc are also added to it for was a native of Haryana but durability. Salt is also added to settled in Punjab . As a child, I prevent mold which also helps saw him living in a small room it bind . Its benefit is that if you with bare minimum belong- brush off when it dries, you ings. He might be in his late won't get a dust mark. White- twenties or early thirties then. wash is also tinted for decora- Raju was a man of medium tive use. It is also mixed with height , large ears, long and earths to achieve different pointed nose, sunken eyes, colours. People also mixed craggy and furrowed face, DDT into it to make it mosqui- wrinkled forehead and thin to-repellent. Raju prepared the eye- brows. He had thin hair on whitewash perfectly well. He his head. He had no bears, no moustache and would soak quick lime in water a day before no whiskers. He walked with a brisk pace in a half-cut oil-drum . Next day he would mix taking big strides . He spoke with a raspy and the necessary ingredients to the solution. He gravelly voice. He wore simple pyjamas and also prepared his own brush . In those days kurta, covered his head with a cloth and wore stems of rush were soaked and then twisted a towel over his shoulders. In winters , he put into strings and and flattened by beating to on a sweater, pullover , jacket or waistcoat . make it a perfect brush for whitewashing. The He led a celibate life for reasons unknown to ends were cut to make it even and smooth. public. That's why he cooked his meals him- People opted for used brushes as it was easy self. We never saw any relatives visiting him to run them on walls . New brushes would take nor did he ever go to meet anyone. He lived time to get smoothened. Raju made his own alone till his last breath.By nature, he was a brushes . As for buckets, old tin cans were jolly fellow and liked to crack jokes . He would commonly used . Two holes were made in the often burst into loud belly-laughs and guf- can in diametrically opposite sides and then a faws.Raju was an expert in the art of white- strong rope or iron wire was tied to work as a washing. Although he also painted doors and handle. Raju had several buckets of this kind. windows , whitewashing was his forte. Gradually, he discarded using rural brushes Dressed in pyjamas and kurta speckled with and buckets and replaced them with paint splashes and sprinkles of whitewash and paint, brushes and used paint-buckets . holding a pail containing a couple of brushes Raju was a simple man with even simpler in the left hand and smoking a biri -the poor habits . He was hardworking, honest, sincere man's cigar- nicely tucked between the middle and self-respecting. He earned his bread by

the sweat of his brow and never begged from away. He died in his sleep. Inna lillahe wa inna Iran: Female Activists Imprisoned anyone till the last breath of his life. ilaihe rajiun: Verily, to Allah we belong and He was was very fond of listening to the radio verily to Him shall we return. A man whose for Attending Protests, Refusing . He had kept a transistor and was a regular brush lent dazzle to the dull walls, had to leave “Virginity Test” listener of BBC Urdu and Hindi service, run- his own life unfurnished. He was just 55 years ning commentary of cricket matches and the old. Perhaps a life of loneliness where no Two imprisoned student activists continue to years in prison and banned her from political program 'Tameel e Irshad' broadcast by All friends or relatives to talk to, no company to be persecuted for peacefully protesting unjust activities for two years for peacefully taking India Radio Urdu Service daily at around 10 share his pains , and sorrows and wounds of policies and practices in Iran, including part in anti-government protests in December helplessness corroded him from inside . His or 10:30 pm which played old film songs. He so-called “virginity tests.” Charged with “as- 2017. On appeal, the sentence was reduced to would keep the volume at the maximum to was not a solitude of choice but a forced her- sembly and collusion against national securi- one year in prison. In the latest case, Morte- enjoy the songs to the fullest. As I have already mitage. His sad end reminds me of a few lines mentioned that he lived alone , he filled the from the poem 'Ode to Solitude' by Alexander ty” for peacefully participating in protests, zaei was put on trial with two other student void of his loneliness by feeding the stray and Pope: Saha Mortezaei must now serve six years in activists—Kamyar Zoghi and Marjan Esh- street dogs which always hovered around his Thus let me live unseen, unknown, prison after her sentence was upheld by aghi—at Branch 15 of the Revolutionary room. Perhaps he found a better company in Unlamented let me die. Branch 54 of the Appeals Court in Tehran. Court presided over by the notorious hardline them than in the selfish and ungrateful human Steal from the world, and not a stone “For a while, the security agents had been Judge Abolqasem Salavati on November 9, beings. Even dogs showed their love to him by Tell where I lie. warning Saha about her sit-in protests [start- 2020. All three were charged with “assembly wagging their tails while jumping around him. ing in October 2019] against being denied and collusion against national security” but A friend of mine narrated an incident to me Indeed , no tombstone adorns his grave . enrollment in the University of Tehran’s doc- Zoghi and Eshaghi were issued a lighter sen- about Raju that during the floods of 1993 in I conclude this piece with a quatrain written by torate program in political science and inter- tence of one-year in prison. “Saha Mortezaei Ishaq Sajid, a famous Urdu poet: Punjab, water entered his room at night . A national relations,” a source with detailed received a harsher sentence because she had couple of dogs were also there. Raju lifted the knowledge of her case told the Center for prior conviction and arrests… in connection dogs and put them on the cot . He and the dogs Marne waley tujhe mubarak ho, lay all night there. In the morning , a rescue Zindagi Ka azaab khatm hua, Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) on February with protests in 2017 and 2020 and she had team evacuated them safely. This shows his Khwahishon ki kitaab bund hui, 10, 2021. Speaking on condition of anonymi- been disciplined and banned by the university immense care and concern even for the life of Hasraton Ka nisaab khatm hua. ty for fear of reprisals for speaking publicly, and because she protested for a long time,” animals. Towards the end of 1990's, excessive the source added, “When her protests contin- the source with knowledge about her case told biri smoking had made him very frail and ( O Man, be thou grateful to Death, ued into the November 2019 mass demonstra- CHRI. Meanwhile, a source in Iran confirmed weak. He was given to regular bouts of severe As it terminates the torments of life, tions and riots flared up at the University of that another imprisoned student activist, coughing. He could no longer work . As the Draws the curtain on the door of desires, Tehran, Saha was arrested on the night of No- Parisa Rafiei, has been charged for complain- saying goes: As he is no longer beautiful, he is And dissolves the web of wistfulness.) vember 17, 2019, at her student dormitory.” ing about a so-called “virginity test” and sen- no longer useful. Similarly, when an artist The student activist was put on trial for the tenced to 15 months in prison—after a judge could no longer wield his brush, nobody offers trumped-up charge of acting against national initially acquitted her. In a global call to elim- him a canvas to paint. Raju fell on bad days. security for attending protests. A former sec- inate violence against women and girls, the No work, no money. Almost three decades of active life in whitewashing couldn't even make retary of the University Trade Unions’ Coun- UN Human Rights Office, UN Women, and him save a little amount to supply him with cil of Iran (UTUCI) at the University of the World Health Organization called in Octo- simple supper in his last days. This is the hard Tehran, Mortezaei was held in Evin Prison’s ber 2018 for an end to virginity tests, truth and tragedy of the life of every daily Ward 2-A, which is under the control of the described as a “medically unnecessary, and wager. But still the world is not without kind Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) often times painful, humiliating and traumatic men. A philanthropist neighbour provided him Intelligence Organization, and later trans- practice.” In their statement, the UN agencies daily meals. Even in that situation, he didn't ferred to Gharchak Prison in Varamin, south also explained that the practice has “no scien- forget to feed the street dogs-- his constant of the capital. After going on a hunger strike tific or clinical basis” and that “there is no companions. Some other well-wishers and 36 for 22 days, she was released on bail set at examination that can prove a girl or woman sympathisers helped him with cash and kind. 500 million tomans ($118,603 USD), on Jan- has had sex.” But Raju never held out his palm for alms . A uary 22, 2020. Previously, in September https://iranhumanrights.org/2021/02/female-activ- salute to his self-respecting nature! 2018, Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court ists-imprisoned-for-attending-protests-refusing Perhaps it was the year 2000. One day some- -virginity-test/ one broke the sad news that Raju had passed in Tehran had sentenced Mortezaei to six

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International Saudi Arabia’s rights activist allegedly harassed in prison – now released after spending 1001 days in prison KABUL — A mother in Afghanistan has been Together, we will help more women realize Saudi Arabian women’s rights activist Lou- her arrest and her sentences was applied retro- talking about the hopes and fears for her their promise and potential. This is my dream jain al-Hathloul, who was released from spectively since May 2018. Hathloul demand- unborn daughter in a country where the birth for you. The suffering of Afghan mothers prison after three years, has narrated her hor- ed women’s right to drive and also the aboli- of a girl can often be a curse rather than a Afghanistan is a tough place to be a girl. Just rifying ordeal of custodial torture. Hathloul tion of Saudi Arabia’s restrictive male guard- blessing. Women and girls, in particular, often two months ago, I cried for a mother who had has reportedly alleged that she was raped in ianship system that limits women’s right to suffer abuse at the hands of men in a just given birth to a baby girl. The father killed prison for three years and was subjected to movement. Even after her release Hathloul, male-driven society where boys are some- his wife because she delivered a baby girl. He sexual abuse by multiple people. She was however, will be under probation and is times valued above girls. Arfia Omid works escaped with the baby. I really can’t process for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the suffering and fear this mother endured. released last month after 1001 days in prison banned from travelling. It has been alleged by Afghanistan where one in three girls are mar- She had the most painful time delivering her amid persistent international pressure for her the family of Hathloul that she was given ried before their 18th birthday and only 19 baby — I know how hard it is for a woman to release. Hathloul’s elder sister broke the news electric shocks and sexually harassed in percent of females under 15 years old are liter- deliver at home without any healthcare facili- prison. A letter written by human rights of her release on Twitter saying, “The best ate. She has written ties. Then, after lawyer Baroness Kennedy reportedly stated day of life, Loujain is at my parent’s home”. this letter to her enduring labor and The news of her release was later confirmed that Hathloul was raped many times in Saudi unborn child. “My birth, she waited for by the US President Joe Biden who termed it Arabia’s prison. Before that, she was also lovely baby, I haven’t her husband and a ‘welcome news’. “She was a powerful allegedly raped several times during interro- met you yet, but I relatives to congrat- advocate for women’s rights and releasing her gation. Kennedy further alleged that she was already know how ulate her. Instead, was the right thing to do”, President Biden shown pornographic films during interroga- beautiful you are — her partner killed said. Lina, another sister of Hathloul also tion and that she was hung from a ceiling, with your dark eyes, her with his own posted a tweet, “Loujain is at home”. severely beaten and given electric shock mul- smiling face, soft, hands. Nobody According to reports, Hathloul was impris- tiple times during her imprisonment. brown hair and knows where the oned to almost six years in prison in Decem- golden heart. I have baby is — or if she’s ber last year. She was arrested in May 2018 https://www.opindia.com/2021/02/saudi-ara- dreamed of having alive. I worry about along with several other women activists. She bias-womens-rights-activist-was-allegedly you my entire life. I count the days and nights how she’s surviving without breast milk. Or if was released after 2 years and 10 months of -raped-in-prison/ until I will finally hold you in my arms and her father really cares for her, or if he sold her? love you as much as I can. Now you are only I hear such sad stories about Afghan girls, but seven months and I can feel you when you I also see how strong they are — so do not be move. ‘Naughty daughter’, I laugh quietly to afraid. You will also be strong I thank God that myself. Do you know, before you were even our circumstances are different. Your father in my womb, I went to buy clothes for your loves you, as I love you. And your brothers brothers, and I saw a baby girl’s dress in the love you. Together, we will protect you. When market? I stopped there for a while and wished I went for the sonogram with your father, the to God to give you to me. You know what? I doctor asked me, ‘What do you want? A boy bought that dress. I knew that my next child or a girl’? I said, ‘I want a baby girl’. She said, would be a girl. I can’t wait to see you in it; ‘Do you know, you’re the first mother I hear you will be an Afghan princess. But with all that wants a girl’? Then she told me that the 37 the happiness and excitement that I have, I am woman who came before me came from a also nervous for you and your future in this remote area. She told the doctor that if this country. I hear such sad stories about Afghan time she gives birth to a girl, her husband will girls, but I also see how strong they are — so leave her and get married to another woman. do not be afraid. You will also be strong. ‘Luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan’

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com

My little girl, I know that we are the luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan. And I want you to know that things will be better for you than they were for me, just as they were better for me than for my mother. When my mother gave birth to me, she did so in a poor family. We didn’t even have our own home. When she was in second year of university, your uncle was born. Despite her hard work and dreams, she couldn’t continue her lessons. She sacri- ficed her life to support and protect her chil- dren. So, years later, I found a way to thank her. When I was in second year of university, I searched for a month and found her docu- ments from the Ministry of Higher Education and her university. Then, I sought a permis- sion letter from the Ministry to support her to join a private university. I gave her the regis- tration paper of the new university as a gift for Mother’s Day. I remember, she cried and laughed at the same time. She joined the uni- versity and graduated with her diploma just two years later. I can’t tell you how proud I felt. That day, she was the happiest woman in the world. So, my lovely daughter, your grandmother is your reason to hope and to believe in change. Every day, Afghan women like her battle against the odds to bring their dreams to life. They empower each other, hand-in-hand, step-by-step. You will join that tradition, as I did. Together, we will help more women realize their promise and potential. This is my dream for you. And just as I turned my mother’s dream into reality, I think you will breathe life into mine. I think about this at night when you keep me awake with your wriggling. I pray to God for a future where women and men have equal rights; and for blessed peace so I can send you to school with- out fear. I pray for your health and happiness. Mostly, I pray for you to be bold and coura- geous. https://saudigazette.com.sa/arti- cle/603270/World/Asia/Hopes-and-fears- of-mother-to-be-in-Afghanistan UAE’s Mars Probe Reaches the Farthest Point

announcement that KABUL — A mother in Afghanistan has been Together, we will help more women realize it had successfully talking about the hopes and fears for her their promise and potential. This is my dream entered Mars’ orbit. unborn daughter in a country where the birth for you. The suffering of Afghan mothers He added, "We cele- of a girl can often be a curse rather than a Afghanistan is a tough place to be a girl. Just blessing. Women and girls, in particular, often two months ago, I cried for a mother who had brate today a group suffer abuse at the hands of men in a just given birth to a baby girl. The father killed of Emirati youth male-driven society where boys are some- his wife because she delivered a baby girl. He who presented the times valued above girls. Arfia Omid works escaped with the baby. I really can’t process world with an hon- for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the suffering and fear this mother endured. orable example of Afghanistan where one in three girls are mar- She had the most painful time delivering her the unlimited ambi- ried before their 18th birthday and only 19 baby — I know how hard it is for a woman to tions of our country percent of females under 15 years old are liter- deliver at home without any healthcare facili- and the Arab world, ate. She has written ties. Then, after who have performed this letter to her enduring labor and their duties towards unborn child. “My birth, she waited for their nation with lovely baby, I haven’t her husband and ABU DHABI — Foreign Minister of the high efficiency and dedication, proving to the met you yet, but I relatives to congrat- United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin world that our process of development for the already know how ulate her. Instead, Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that the journey of upcoming 50 years is unique and inspiring." beautiful you are — her partner killed the Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe) rep- He stressed that the achievements of the with your dark eyes, her with his own resented an honorable example of the strong Emirates Mars Mission are the outcomes of smiling face, soft, hands. Nobody will of the Emiratis and Arab youth. In his the vision of the Founding Father, the late brown hair and knows where the exclusive statements on the occasion, he Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who met golden heart. I have baby is — or if she’s stated that the Hope Probe reached the with experts from NASA in 1976 and nursed dreamed of having alive. I worry about furthest point that an Arab had ever reached, this ambition. The wise leadership was keen you my entire life. I count the days and nights how she’s surviving without breast milk. Or if underscoring that the ambitions of the UAE to establish the foundations of a professional until I will finally hold you in my arms and her father really cares for her, or if he sold her? have no limits and that defying the impossible system of comprehensive action in the space love you as much as I can. Now you are only I hear such sad stories about Afghan girls, but seven months and I can feel you when you has become a lifestyle and an approach of the sector and trusted and supported Emirati I also see how strong they are — so do not be move. ‘Naughty daughter’, I laugh quietly to afraid. You will also be strong I thank God that journey in the next 50 years. He pointed out cadres who led this project successfully. myself. Do you know, before you were even our circumstances are different. Your father that the journey of the Emirates Mars Mission Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the fact that the in my womb, I went to buy clothes for your loves you, as I love you. And your brothers involved tremendous challenges, but the Emi- Hope Probe is a success story not only for the brothers, and I saw a baby girl’s dress in the love you. Together, we will protect you. When rati youth and the members of working teams Emiratis but for all Arabs while calling on market? I stopped there for a while and wished I went for the sonogram with your father, the managed to overcome them, starting with the Arab minds to look forward to the future. "We to God to give you to me. You know what? I doctor asked me, ‘What do you want? A boy completion of the project in a record time of extend our pride, appreciation, and gratitude bought that dress. I knew that my next child or a girl’? I said, ‘I want a baby girl’. She said, six years, as compared to other similar proj- to members of the "Hope Probe" project as would be a girl. I can’t wait to see you in it; ‘Do you know, you’re the first mother I hear ects whose periods bypassed a decade. The they were part of the great achievement, and you will be an Afghan princess. But with all that wants a girl’? Then she told me that the 38 second challenge consisted of the process of you have proved your worth for the wise lead- the happiness and excitement that I have, I am woman who came before me came from a transferring the Hope Probe from Dubai to ership’s trust. From here, we will continue our also nervous for you and your future in this remote area. She told the doctor that if this Japan, which took place in over 83 hours, and beloved country’s achievements thanks to country. I hear such sad stories about Afghan time she gives birth to a girl, her husband will the monitoring of the probe’s journey to the your efforts," he added. — WAM girls, but I also see how strong they are — so leave her and get married to another woman. Red Planet, which was crowned by the do not be afraid. You will also be strong. ‘Luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan’

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International

My little girl, I know that we are the luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan. And I want you to know that things will be better for you than they were for me, just as they were better for me than for my mother. When my mother gave birth to me, she did so in a poor family. We didn’t even have our own home. When she was in second year of university, your uncle was born. Despite her hard work and dreams, she couldn’t continue her lessons. She sacri- ficed her life to support and protect her chil- dren. So, years later, I found a way to thank her. When I was in second year of university, I searched for a month and found her docu- ments from the Ministry of Higher Education and her university. Then, I sought a permis- sion letter from the Ministry to support her to join a private university. I gave her the regis- tration paper of the new university as a gift for Mother’s Day. I remember, she cried and laughed at the same time. She joined the uni- versity and graduated with her diploma just two years later. I can’t tell you how proud I felt. That day, she was the happiest woman in the world. So, my lovely daughter, your grandmother is your reason to hope and to believe in change. Every day, Afghan women like her battle against the odds to bring their dreams to life. They empower each other, hand-in-hand, step-by-step. You will join that tradition, as I did. Together, we will help more women realize their promise and potential. This is my dream for you. And just as I turned my mother’s dream into reality, I think you will breathe life into mine. I think about this at night when you keep me awake with your wriggling. I pray to God for a future where women and men have equal rights; and for blessed peace so I can send you to school with- out fear. I pray for your health and happiness. Mostly, I pray for you to be bold and coura- geous. https://saudigazette.com.sa/arti- cle/603270/World/Asia/Hopes-and-fears- of-mother-to-be-in-Afghanistan University Of Cincinnati's Basketball Player, Nesma Khalifa, Represents Muslim Women On Court

Nesma Khalifa – a junior in the University of for its national championship reputation. KABUL — A mother in Afghanistan has been Together, we will help more women realize Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, After a year of attending Tallahassee commu- talking about the hopes and fears for her their promise and potential. This is my dream Art and Planning (DAAP) and an internation- nity college, she transferred to the University unborn daughter in a country where the birth for you. The suffering of Afghan mothers al student-athlete from Alexandria, Egypt – is of Cincinnati. At UC, she received abundant of a girl can often be a curse rather than a Afghanistan is a tough place to be a girl. Just the only D1 basketball player to wear a hijab support from her teammates and coaches on blessing. Women and girls, in particular, often two months ago, I cried for a mother who had suffer abuse at the hands of men in a in the American Athletic Conference. Khalifa and off the court. However, her dream of just given birth to a baby girl. The father killed male-driven society where boys are some- his wife because she delivered a baby girl. He has dreamed of playing basketball in America playing basketball in America was almost put times valued above girls. Arfia Omid works escaped with the baby. I really can’t process since she was eight years old. "Since then, I on hold due to the pandemic. In June of 2020, for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the suffering and fear this mother endured. did not leave the court," she said. Before Khalifa went back home to Egypt. "It was a Afghanistan where one in three girls are mar- She had the most painful time delivering her coming to America to play basketball, Khalifa risk because we didn't know if I was able to ried before their 18th birthday and only 19 baby — I know how hard it is for a woman to played in many different countries. While come back from the airport," she said. percent of females under 15 years old are liter- deliver at home without any healthcare facili- overseas, she played on the Egyptian national Although there was a huge possibility of not ate. She has written ties. Then, after team. But, a few years ago, FIBA (The Inter- being able to carry on with pursuing her this letter to her enduring labor and national Basketball unborn child. “My birth, she waited for Federation) wouldn't lovely baby, I haven’t her husband and let her play with her met you yet, but I relatives to congrat- hijab. She had to already know how ulate her. Instead, decide between two beautiful you are — her partner killed options; take her with your dark eyes, her with his own hijab off, or sacrifice smiling face, soft, hands. Nobody playing the game. "I brown hair and knows where the don't have to choose golden heart. I have baby is — or if she’s between my reli- dreamed of having alive. I worry about gion, me playing and you my entire life. I count the days and nights how she’s surviving without breast milk. Or if achieving my until I will finally hold you in my arms and her father really cares for her, or if he sold her? dream," said Khali- love you as much as I can. Now you are only I hear such sad stories about Afghan girls, but fa. In 2017, she seven months and I can feel you when you I also see how strong they are — so do not be chose not to play for move. ‘Naughty daughter’, I laugh quietly to afraid. You will also be strong I thank God that the national team, myself. Do you know, before you were even our circumstances are different. Your father in my womb, I went to buy clothes for your loves you, as I love you. And your brothers but the following brothers, and I saw a baby girl’s dress in the love you. Together, we will protect you. When year she was approved to wear her hijab dream, at that moment, she knew that she market? I stopped there for a while and wished I went for the sonogram with your father, the around the same time frame Nike started pro- needed to be with her family. Even though to God to give you to me. You know what? I doctor asked me, ‘What do you want? A boy ducing them. As a result, she was asked to Khalifa and her family were scared because bought that dress. I knew that my next child or a girl’? I said, ‘I want a baby girl’. She said, play for the Egyptian national team again. Her they were not sure what was coming next, she would be a girl. I can’t wait to see you in it; ‘Do you know, you’re the first mother I hear team played in the African championship and was thankful that she eventually was able to you will be an Afghan princess. But with all that wants a girl’? Then she told me that the went to the World Cup in Italy, where they come back to the U.S. later on in the summer. 39 the happiness and excitement that I have, I am woman who came before me came from a were the first Egyptian women's team to win https://www.newsrecord.org/news/breaking-barri- also nervous for you and your future in this remote area. She told the doctor that if this ers-uc-basketball-player-represents-muslim-women- a game. Her journey of playing basketball in country. I hear such sad stories about Afghan time she gives birth to a girl, her husband will the U.S started when Khalifa attended Talla- on-court/article_5f666f18-6763-11eb-9598-179ea5 975b49.html girls, but I also see how strong they are — so leave her and get married to another woman. hassee Community College in Florida, known do not be afraid. You will also be strong. ‘Luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan’

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com

My little girl, I know that we are the luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan. And I want you to know that things will be better for you than they were for me, just as they were better for me than for my mother. When my mother gave birth to me, she did so in a poor family. We didn’t even have our own home. When she was in second year of university, your uncle was born. Despite her hard work and dreams, she couldn’t continue her lessons. She sacri- ficed her life to support and protect her chil- dren. So, years later, I found a way to thank her. When I was in second year of university, I searched for a month and found her docu- ments from the Ministry of Higher Education and her university. Then, I sought a permis- sion letter from the Ministry to support her to join a private university. I gave her the regis- tration paper of the new university as a gift for Mother’s Day. I remember, she cried and laughed at the same time. She joined the uni- versity and graduated with her diploma just two years later. I can’t tell you how proud I felt. That day, she was the happiest woman in the world. So, my lovely daughter, your grandmother is your reason to hope and to believe in change. Every day, Afghan women like her battle against the odds to bring their dreams to life. They empower each other, hand-in-hand, step-by-step. You will join that tradition, as I did. Together, we will help more women realize their promise and potential. This is my dream for you. And just as I turned my mother’s dream into reality, I think you will breathe life into mine. I think about this at night when you keep me awake with your wriggling. I pray to God for a future where women and men have equal rights; and for blessed peace so I can send you to school with- out fear. I pray for your health and happiness. Mostly, I pray for you to be bold and coura- geous. https://saudigazette.com.sa/arti- cle/603270/World/Asia/Hopes-and-fears- of-mother-to-be-in-Afghanistan Hopes, dreams and fears of mother-to-be in Afghanistan

KABUL — A mother in Afghanistan has been Together, we will help more women realize talking about the hopes and fears for her their promise and potential. This is my dream unborn daughter in a country where the birth for you. The suffering of Afghan mothers of a girl can often be a curse rather than a Afghanistan is a tough place to be a girl. Just blessing. Women and girls, in particular, often two months ago, I cried for a mother who had suffer abuse at the hands of men in a just given birth to a baby girl. The father killed male-driven society where boys are some- his wife because she delivered a baby girl. He times valued above girls. Arfia Omid works escaped with the baby. I really can’t process for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the suffering and fear this mother endured. Afghanistan where one in three girls are mar- She had the most painful time delivering her ried before their 18th birthday and only 19 baby — I know how hard it is for a woman to percent of females under 15 years old are liter- deliver at home without any healthcare facili- ate. She has written ties. Then, after this letter to her enduring labor and unborn child. “My birth, she waited for lovely baby, I haven’t her husband and met you yet, but I relatives to congrat- already know how ulate her. Instead, beautiful you are — her partner killed with your dark eyes, her with his own smiling face, soft, hands. Nobody brown hair and knows where the golden heart. I have baby is — or if she’s dreamed of having alive. I worry about you my entire life. I count the days and nights how she’s surviving without breast milk. Or if until I will finally hold you in my arms and her father really cares for her, or if he sold her? love you as much as I can. Now you are only I hear such sad stories about Afghan girls, but seven months and I can feel you when you I also see how strong they are — so do not be move. ‘Naughty daughter’, I laugh quietly to afraid. You will also be strong I thank God that myself. Do you know, before you were even our circumstances are different. Your father in my womb, I went to buy clothes for your loves you, as I love you. And your brothers brothers, and I saw a baby girl’s dress in the love you. Together, we will protect you. When market? I stopped there for a while and wished I went for the sonogram with your father, the to God to give you to me. You know what? I doctor asked me, ‘What do you want? A boy bought that dress. I knew that my next child or a girl’? I said, ‘I want a baby girl’. She said, would be a girl. I can’t wait to see you in it; ‘Do you know, you’re the first mother I hear you will be an Afghan princess. But with all that wants a girl’? Then she told me that the 40 the happiness and excitement that I have, I am woman who came before me came from a also nervous for you and your future in this remote area. She told the doctor that if this country. I hear such sad stories about Afghan time she gives birth to a girl, her husband will girls, but I also see how strong they are — so leave her and get married to another woman. do not be afraid. You will also be strong. ‘Luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan’

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International

My little girl, I know that we are the luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan. And I want you to know that things will be better for you than they were for me, just as they were better for me than for my mother. When my mother gave birth to me, she did so in a poor family. We didn’t even have our own home. When she was in second year of university, your uncle was born. Despite her hard work and dreams, she couldn’t continue her lessons. She sacri- ficed her life to support and protect her chil- dren. So, years later, I found a way to thank her. When I was in second year of university, I searched for a month and found her docu- ments from the Ministry of Higher Education and her university. Then, I sought a permis- sion letter from the Ministry to support her to join a private university. I gave her the regis- tration paper of the new university as a gift for Mother’s Day. I remember, she cried and laughed at the same time. She joined the uni- versity and graduated with her diploma just two years later. I can’t tell you how proud I felt. That day, she was the happiest woman in the world. So, my lovely daughter, your grandmother is your reason to hope and to believe in change. Every day, Afghan women like her battle against the odds to bring their dreams to life. They empower each other, hand-in-hand, step-by-step. You will join that tradition, as I did. Together, we will help more women realize their promise and potential. This is my dream for you. And just as I turned my mother’s dream into reality, I think you will breathe life into mine. I think about this at night when you keep me awake with your wriggling. I pray to God for a future where women and men have equal rights; and for blessed peace so I can send you to school with- out fear. I pray for your health and happiness. Mostly, I pray for you to be bold and coura- geous. https://saudigazette.com.sa/arti- cle/603270/World/Asia/Hopes-and-fears- of-mother-to-be-in-Afghanistan KABUL — A mother in Afghanistan has been Together, we will help more women realize talking about the hopes and fears for her their promise and potential. This is my dream unborn daughter in a country where the birth for you. The suffering of Afghan mothers of a girl can often be a curse rather than a Afghanistan is a tough place to be a girl. Just blessing. Women and girls, in particular, often two months ago, I cried for a mother who had suffer abuse at the hands of men in a just given birth to a baby girl. The father killed male-driven society where boys are some- his wife because she delivered a baby girl. He times valued above girls. Arfia Omid works escaped with the baby. I really can’t process for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the suffering and fear this mother endured. Afghanistan where one in three girls are mar- She had the most painful time delivering her ried before their 18th birthday and only 19 baby — I know how hard it is for a woman to percent of females under 15 years old are liter- deliver at home without any healthcare facili- ate. She has written ties. Then, after this letter to her enduring labor and unborn child. “My birth, she waited for lovely baby, I haven’t her husband and met you yet, but I relatives to congrat- already know how ulate her. Instead, beautiful you are — her partner killed with your dark eyes, her with his own smiling face, soft, hands. Nobody brown hair and knows where the golden heart. I have baby is — or if she’s dreamed of having alive. I worry about you my entire life. I count the days and nights how she’s surviving without breast milk. Or if until I will finally hold you in my arms and her father really cares for her, or if he sold her? love you as much as I can. Now you are only I hear such sad stories about Afghan girls, but seven months and I can feel you when you I also see how strong they are — so do not be move. ‘Naughty daughter’, I laugh quietly to afraid. You will also be strong I thank God that myself. Do you know, before you were even our circumstances are different. Your father in my womb, I went to buy clothes for your loves you, as I love you. And your brothers brothers, and I saw a baby girl’s dress in the love you. Together, we will protect you. When market? I stopped there for a while and wished I went for the sonogram with your father, the to God to give you to me. You know what? I doctor asked me, ‘What do you want? A boy bought that dress. I knew that my next child or a girl’? I said, ‘I want a baby girl’. She said, would be a girl. I can’t wait to see you in it; ‘Do you know, you’re the first mother I hear you will be an Afghan princess. But with all that wants a girl’? Then she told me that the the happiness and excitement that I have, I am woman who came before me came from a also nervous for you and your future in this remote area. She told the doctor that if this country. I hear such sad stories about Afghan time she gives birth to a girl, her husband will girls, but I also see how strong they are — so leave her and get married to another woman. do not be afraid. You will also be strong. ‘Luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan’

My little girl, I know that we are the luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan. And I want Saudi crown prince has surgery you to know that things will be better for you for appendicitis than they were for me, just as they were better for me than for my mother. When my mother gave birth to me, she did so in a poor family. We didn’t even have our own home. When she was in second year of university, your uncle was born. Despite her hard work and dreams, she couldn’t continue her lessons. She sacri- ficed her life to support and protect her chil- dren. So, years later, I found a way to thank her. When I was in second year of university, I searched for a month and found her docu- ments from the Ministry of Higher Education Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin and her university. Then, I sought a permis- Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, has had sion letter from the Ministry to support her to successful surgery for appendicitis, state join a private university. I gave her the regis- media reported late on Wednesday. The tration paper of the new university as a gift for 35-year-old prince had “successful laparo- Mother’s Day. I remember, she cried and scopic surgery (Wednesday) morning for laughed at the same time. She joined the uni- appendicitis at King Faisal Specialist Hospi- tal” in Riyadh, the official Saudi Press versity and graduated with her diploma just Agency reported. SPA tweeted footage of the two years later. I can’t tell you how proud I prince walking out of the hospital with an felt. That day, she was the happiest woman in entourage and getting into the front passen- the world. So, my lovely daughter, your ger seat of a car. The prince has overseen the grandmother is your reason to hope and to most fundamental transformation of Saudi believe in change. Every day, Afghan women Arabia in its modern history, shaking up the like her battle against the odds to bring their ultraconservative oil giant with an array of dreams to life. They empower each other, economic and social reforms. But he has also hand-in-hand, step-by-step. You will join that presided over a crackdown on critics includ- tradition, as I did. Together, we will help more ing prominent clerics, activists, and royal women realize their promise and potential. family members. He faced a storm of This is my dream for you. And just as I turned condemnation over the murder of Saudi jour- my mother’s dream into reality, I think you nalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's will breathe life into mine. I think about this at Istanbul consulate in October 2018. night when you keep me awake with your A US intelligence report — soon-to-be wriggling. I pray to God for a future where released — is believed to have concluded women and men have equal rights; and for that Prince Mohammed was behind the blessed peace so I can send you to school with- killing. The White House has said US Presi- out fear. I pray for your health and happiness. dent Joe Biden will speak with King Salman, Mostly, I pray for you to be bold and coura- not his son the crown prince, when he makes geous. his first telephone call to Saudi leaders. Biden has not yet spoken to the king but is 41 https://saudigazette.com.sa/arti- expected to do so “soon”. cle/603270/World/Asia/Hopes-and-fears- of-mother-to-be-in-Afghanistan https://www.dawn.com/news/1609337

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com KABUL — A mother in Afghanistan has been Together, we will help more women realize talking about the hopes and fears for her their promise and potential. This is my dream unborn daughter in a country where the birth for you. The suffering of Afghan mothers of a girl can often be a curse rather than a Afghanistan is a tough place to be a girl. Just blessing. Women and girls, in particular, often two months ago, I cried for a mother who had suffer abuse at the hands of men in a just given birth to a baby girl. The father killed male-driven society where boys are some- his wife because she delivered a baby girl. He times valued above girls. Arfia Omid works escaped with the baby. I really can’t process for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the suffering and fear this mother endured. Afghanistan where one in three girls are mar- She had the most painful time delivering her ried before their 18th birthday and only 19 baby — I know how hard it is for a woman to percent of females under 15 years old are liter- deliver at home without any healthcare facili- ate. She has written ties. Then, after this letter to her enduring labor and unborn child. “My birth, she waited for lovely baby, I haven’t her husband and met you yet, but I relatives to congrat- already know how ulate her. Instead, beautiful you are — her partner killed with your dark eyes, her with his own smiling face, soft, hands. Nobody brown hair and knows where the golden heart. I have baby is — or if she’s dreamed of having alive. I worry about you my entire life. I count the days and nights how she’s surviving without breast milk. Or if until I will finally hold you in my arms and her father really cares for her, or if he sold her? love you as much as I can. Now you are only I hear such sad stories about Afghan girls, but seven months and I can feel you when you I also see how strong they are — so do not be move. ‘Naughty daughter’, I laugh quietly to afraid. You will also be strong I thank God that myself. Do you know, before you were even our circumstances are different. Your father in my womb, I went to buy clothes for your loves you, as I love you. And your brothers brothers, and I saw a baby girl’s dress in the love you. Together, we will protect you. When market? I stopped there for a while and wished I went for the sonogram with your father, the to God to give you to me. You know what? I doctor asked me, ‘What do you want? A boy bought that dress. I knew that my next child or a girl’? I said, ‘I want a baby girl’. She said, would be a girl. I can’t wait to see you in it; ‘Do you know, you’re the first mother I hear you will be an Afghan princess. But with all that wants a girl’? Then she told me that the the happiness and excitement that I have, I am woman who came before me came from a also nervous for you and your future in this remote area. She told the doctor that if this country. I hear such sad stories about Afghan time she gives birth to a girl, her husband will girls, but I also see how strong they are — so leave her and get married to another woman. do not be afraid. You will also be strong. ‘Luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan’

My little girl, I know that we are the luckiest certain to play pivotal roles for Peshawar Quetta Gladiators, meanwhile, would be with- baby and mother in Afghanistan. And I want CRICKET: THE SIX IS IN Zalmi and the Quetta Gladiators, respectively. out ex-West Indies opener Chris Gayle for you to know that things will be better for you The rest of the overseas cast are the usual sus- their early fixtures. His partial replacement is By: Khalid H Khan than they were for me, just as they were better pects, barring Colin Munro, who has pulled Faf du Plessis, the former South Africa skipper for me than for my mother. When my mother out of the two-time former champions Islam- who recently toured Pakistan for the Test gave birth to me, she did so in a poor family. As the incredibly popular HBL Pakistan Super corded at a dedicated studio in Turkey. There- abad United’s squad owing to the quarantine series, before Gayle arrives for the back-end We didn’t even have our own home. When she League (PSL) gets under way with its sixth fore, it doesn’t really matter which among the laws of his native New Zealand. If the of the Karachi leg and the fixtures in Lahore. was in second year of university, your uncle edition, the biggest hype is actually not about celebrated list of performers — singer Atif left-handed opening batsman had made him- Du Plessis had previously played during the was born. Despite her hard work and dreams, the potentially scintillating cricket to come. Aslam, rap artist Imran Khan, the mod- self available, he wouldn’t have been able to PSL 5 play-offs for Peshawar Zalmi. With she couldn’t continue her lessons. She sacri- For the moment, the buzz is about the 34-fix- el-turned-actress Humaima Malick or the PSL get home until the middle of May, some seven Darren Sammy now as their head coach, ficed her life to support and protect her chil- ture tournament being confined to just the 6 anthem team of Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig and weeks after the PSL concludes, with the Peshawar Zalmi have always been among the March 22 final in Lahore! Among the local dren. So, years later, I found a way to thank country’s biggest two cities — Karachi and Young Stunners — won over more fans favourites and, along with Karachi Kings, stars, Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar her. When I was in second year of university, Lahore — thanks to the coronavirus pandem- through their intonations.Away from the have never finished outside the play-offs in all Azam’s form with the bat definitely holds the past seasons. They captured the trophy in 2017 I searched for a month and found her docu- ic. Unlike at the back-end of the preliminary glamorous attractions of the music world, it is key for Karachi Kings. The Kings will be des- under Sammy’s leadership and finished as ments from the Ministry of Higher Education phase last March and indeed, the eventual important to recap more serious issues. It is a perate to avoid being champions for the short- runners-up in the subsequent two editions, and her university. Then, I sought a permis- play-offs of Season Five in November, the miracle that the concerned authorities have est-ever duration in PSL history. That is what losing out to Islamabad United and Quetta sion letter from the Ministry to support her to competition’s real stakeholders, ie the fans, managed to complete an exhausting schedule will be allowed entry to the matches. Or at of domestic tournaments without much hassle, would happen if they fumble in their title Gladiators in that order. Now it all depends on join a private university. I gave her the regis- defence. They only became champions on No- how Wahab Riaz inspires Peshawar Zalmi in tration paper of the new university as a gift for least some of them. Twenty per cent of the and the PCB must be saluted for being the only capacity of the stadia can be filled by tick- cricket board in the world to achieve this vember 17 last year, after humbling archrivals his first full season as their captain. Multan Mother’s Day. I remember, she cried and et-holders, under the guidance set forth by the distinction. In between, they not just success- Lahore Qalandars in the final at the National Sultans could count themselves as extremely laughed at the same time. She joined the uni- National Command Operation Centre fully hosted South Africa in recent weeks for Stadium. On that occasion, it was Babar who unfortunate during PSL 5. They cruised to the versity and graduated with her diploma just (NCOC). This means that 7,500 spectators on the first time in more than 13 years, but also had starred in the tricky 135-run chase, with top of the six-team standings after chalking up two years later. I can’t tell you how proud I each of the match days can show up at the Zimbabwe late last year. The return of top an assured, 49-ball, undefeated knock of 63, seven victories, but the eight-month hiatus felt. That day, she was the happiest woman in 34,000-plus National Stadium of Karachi flight international cricket to the country is, of as the Kings were crowned winners for the because of the pandemic severely hampered the world. So, my lovely daughter, your (NSK), while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, course, based on the unqualified success of the first time with just eight deliveries to spare. their momentum. They lost the Qualifier grandmother is your reason to hope and to which can accommodate roughly 27,000 spec- franchise-based PSL. The latest jamboree is Lahore Qalandars, arguably the most against the Karachi Kings in a Super Over believe in change. Every day, Afghan women tators, can welcome some 5,500 zealous sup- the second straight one to be held entirely on sought-after franchise, finally overcame the during the play-offs, before Lahore Qalandars like her battle against the odds to bring their porters of the sport. The presence of the spec- home soil under the now-customary parame- jinx last year of finishing at the bottom in each brushed past Shan Masood’s men in the dreams to life. They empower each other, tators, even in much smaller numbers than ters of watertight security measures, but the of the first four editions. They qualified for second Eliminator. Meanwhile, among the hand-in-hand, step-by-step. You will join that before, will surely infuse more atmosphere first full edition to be staged under the their play-offs for the first time and then even greenhorns likely to emerge as future Pakistan tradition, as I did. Together, we will help more into the spectacle. Given the fact that there are Covid-19 ‘bubble’ protocols. Everything in reached the final. They’ll surely hope to go stars are Qasim Akram, a batting all-rounder women realize their promise and potential. nine days of double-header action ahead, with the world now seems rather surreal. Despite one better in PSL 6. That could be a who came to prominence during the domestic This is my dream for you. And just as I turned no less than two-thirds of them in Karachi, the enforced restrictions, the battle on the dream-come-true moment for the side, which competitions this season and who has been my mother’s dream into reality, I think you approximately 165,500 ticket-holders are playing field over the next four weeks is likely thrives on its ever-popular anthem of ‘Dama bought by Karachi Kings, and 18-year-old will breathe life into mine. I think about this at expected to turn up at the biggest two cricket- to be as exhilarating as one can wish. Irrespec- Dam Mast Qalandar’, with a final in their Saim Ayub, a promising left-handed batsman night when you keep me awake with your ing centres of the country, a welcome respite tive of who will ultimately emerge as the hometown. Sarfaraz Ahmed’s best chance of who is in the Quetta Gladiators squad. Another wriggling. I pray to God for a future where for cricket-starved fans. In normal circum- champions of PSL 6, the presence of the over- showcasing himself as a cricketer still worthy name to watch for is Peshawar Zalmi’s Mo- women and men have equal rights; and for stances the coffers of the Pakistan Cricket seas contingent in one of the most competitive of competing at the top level is to lead from hammad Imran, who hails from the scenic blessed peace so I can send you to school with- Board (PCB) would have swelled up consider- T20 leagues is a major attraction every year. the front as the captain of the 2019 PSL win- valley of Swat and, at the age of just 20, is out fear. I pray for your health and happiness. ably through gate money, since the turnouts The biggest draw is the Afghanistan spin ners Quetta Gladiators. The Gladiators missed rated highly as a left-arm seamer. Mostly, I pray for you to be bold and coura- would have been around 775,000 at these wizard Rashid Khan who will be making an out on the play-offs for the first time in 2020 geous. venues if full capacity had been allowed. But appearance for the first time in the PSL, for the and ended up only ahead of the last-placed The writer is a member of staff 42 we mustn’t overlook the fact that these are not Lahore Qalandars. And for good reason. The Islamabad United. The embattled wicketkeep- https://saudigazette.com.sa/arti- normal circumstances, and everything has had 22-year-old is currently ranked the top T20 er-batsman has the unique honour of being the Published in Dawn, EOS, February 21st, 2021 cle/603270/World/Asia/Hopes-and-fears- to be meticulously planned out. Even the bowler at the international level. Apart from solitary player to skipper his franchise for the https://www.dawn.com/news/1608269 of-mother-to-be-in-Afghanistan opening ceremony had a chunk of the predom- Rashid, his countrymen and fellow spinners sixth year running, under the guidance of leg- inantly music-based entertainment pre-re- Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Qais Ahmed are also endary Sir Vivian Richards as the mentor.

www.lahoreinternational.com March 2021 Monthly LAHORE International KABUL — A mother in Afghanistan has been Together, we will help more women realize talking about the hopes and fears for her their promise and potential. This is my dream unborn daughter in a country where the birth for you. The suffering of Afghan mothers of a girl can often be a curse rather than a Afghanistan is a tough place to be a girl. Just blessing. Women and girls, in particular, often two months ago, I cried for a mother who had suffer abuse at the hands of men in a just given birth to a baby girl. The father killed male-driven society where boys are some- his wife because she delivered a baby girl. He times valued above girls. Arfia Omid works escaped with the baby. I really can’t process for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the suffering and fear this mother endured. Afghanistan where one in three girls are mar- She had the most painful time delivering her ried before their 18th birthday and only 19 baby — I know how hard it is for a woman to percent of females under 15 years old are liter- deliver at home without any healthcare facili- ate. She has written ties. Then, after this letter to her enduring labor and unborn child. “My birth, she waited for lovely baby, I haven’t her husband and met you yet, but I relatives to congrat- already know how ulate her. Instead, beautiful you are — her partner killed with your dark eyes, her with his own smiling face, soft, hands. Nobody brown hair and knows where the golden heart. I have baby is — or if she’s dreamed of having alive. I worry about you my entire life. I count the days and nights how she’s surviving without breast milk. Or if until I will finally hold you in my arms and her father really cares for her, or if he sold her? love you as much as I can. Now you are only I hear such sad stories about Afghan girls, but seven months and I can feel you when you I also see how strong they are — so do not be move. ‘Naughty daughter’, I laugh quietly to afraid. You will also be strong I thank God that myself. Do you know, before you were even our circumstances are different. Your father in my womb, I went to buy clothes for your loves you, as I love you. And your brothers brothers, and I saw a baby girl’s dress in the love you. Together, we will protect you. When market? I stopped there for a while and wished I went for the sonogram with your father, the to God to give you to me. You know what? I doctor asked me, ‘What do you want? A boy bought that dress. I knew that my next child or a girl’? I said, ‘I want a baby girl’. She said, would be a girl. I can’t wait to see you in it; ‘Do you know, you’re the first mother I hear you will be an Afghan princess. But with all that wants a girl’? Then she told me that the the happiness and excitement that I have, I am woman who came before me came from a also nervous for you and your future in this remote area. She told the doctor that if this country. I hear such sad stories about Afghan time she gives birth to a girl, her husband will girls, but I also see how strong they are — so leave her and get married to another woman. do not be afraid. You will also be strong. ‘Luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan’

My little girl, I know that we are the luckiest certain to play pivotal roles for Peshawar Quetta Gladiators, meanwhile, would be with- baby and mother in Afghanistan. And I want Zalmi and the Quetta Gladiators, respectively. out ex-West Indies opener Chris Gayle for you to know that things will be better for you The rest of the overseas cast are the usual sus- their early fixtures. His partial replacement is than they were for me, just as they were better pects, barring Colin Munro, who has pulled Faf du Plessis, the former South Africa skipper for me than for my mother. When my mother out of the two-time former champions Islam- who recently toured Pakistan for the Test gave birth to me, she did so in a poor family. As the incredibly popular HBL Pakistan Super corded at a dedicated studio in Turkey. There- abad United’s squad owing to the quarantine series, before Gayle arrives for the back-end We didn’t even have our own home. When she League (PSL) gets under way with its sixth fore, it doesn’t really matter which among the laws of his native New Zealand. If the of the Karachi leg and the fixtures in Lahore. was in second year of university, your uncle edition, the biggest hype is actually not about celebrated list of performers — singer Atif left-handed opening batsman had made him- Du Plessis had previously played during the was born. Despite her hard work and dreams, the potentially scintillating cricket to come. Aslam, rap artist Imran Khan, the mod- self available, he wouldn’t have been able to PSL 5 play-offs for Peshawar Zalmi. With she couldn’t continue her lessons. She sacri- For the moment, the buzz is about the 34-fix- el-turned-actress Humaima Malick or the PSL get home until the middle of May, some seven Darren Sammy now as their head coach, ficed her life to support and protect her chil- ture tournament being confined to just the 6 anthem team of Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig and weeks after the PSL concludes, with the Peshawar Zalmi have always been among the March 22 final in Lahore! Among the local dren. So, years later, I found a way to thank country’s biggest two cities — Karachi and Young Stunners — won over more fans favourites and, along with Karachi Kings, stars, Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar her. When I was in second year of university, Lahore — thanks to the coronavirus pandem- through their intonations.Away from the have never finished outside the play-offs in all Azam’s form with the bat definitely holds the past seasons. They captured the trophy in 2017 I searched for a month and found her docu- ic. Unlike at the back-end of the preliminary glamorous attractions of the music world, it is key for Karachi Kings. The Kings will be des- under Sammy’s leadership and finished as ments from the Ministry of Higher Education phase last March and indeed, the eventual important to recap more serious issues. It is a perate to avoid being champions for the short- runners-up in the subsequent two editions, and her university. Then, I sought a permis- play-offs of Season Five in November, the miracle that the concerned authorities have est-ever duration in PSL history. That is what losing out to Islamabad United and Quetta sion letter from the Ministry to support her to competition’s real stakeholders, ie the fans, managed to complete an exhausting schedule will be allowed entry to the matches. Or at of domestic tournaments without much hassle, would happen if they fumble in their title Gladiators in that order. Now it all depends on join a private university. I gave her the regis- defence. They only became champions on No- how Wahab Riaz inspires Peshawar Zalmi in tration paper of the new university as a gift for least some of them. Twenty per cent of the and the PCB must be saluted for being the only capacity of the stadia can be filled by tick- cricket board in the world to achieve this vember 17 last year, after humbling archrivals his first full season as their captain. Multan Mother’s Day. I remember, she cried and et-holders, under the guidance set forth by the distinction. In between, they not just success- Lahore Qalandars in the final at the National Sultans could count themselves as extremely laughed at the same time. She joined the uni- National Command Operation Centre fully hosted South Africa in recent weeks for Stadium. On that occasion, it was Babar who unfortunate during PSL 5. They cruised to the versity and graduated with her diploma just (NCOC). This means that 7,500 spectators on the first time in more than 13 years, but also had starred in the tricky 135-run chase, with top of the six-team standings after chalking up two years later. I can’t tell you how proud I each of the match days can show up at the Zimbabwe late last year. The return of top an assured, 49-ball, undefeated knock of 63, seven victories, but the eight-month hiatus felt. That day, she was the happiest woman in 34,000-plus National Stadium of Karachi flight international cricket to the country is, of as the Kings were crowned winners for the because of the pandemic severely hampered the world. So, my lovely daughter, your (NSK), while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, course, based on the unqualified success of the first time with just eight deliveries to spare. their momentum. They lost the Qualifier grandmother is your reason to hope and to which can accommodate roughly 27,000 spec- franchise-based PSL. The latest jamboree is Lahore Qalandars, arguably the most against the Karachi Kings in a Super Over believe in change. Every day, Afghan women tators, can welcome some 5,500 zealous sup- the second straight one to be held entirely on sought-after franchise, finally overcame the during the play-offs, before Lahore Qalandars like her battle against the odds to bring their porters of the sport. The presence of the spec- home soil under the now-customary parame- jinx last year of finishing at the bottom in each brushed past Shan Masood’s men in the dreams to life. They empower each other, tators, even in much smaller numbers than ters of watertight security measures, but the of the first four editions. They qualified for second Eliminator. Meanwhile, among the hand-in-hand, step-by-step. You will join that before, will surely infuse more atmosphere first full edition to be staged under the their play-offs for the first time and then even greenhorns likely to emerge as future Pakistan tradition, as I did. Together, we will help more into the spectacle. Given the fact that there are Covid-19 ‘bubble’ protocols. Everything in reached the final. They’ll surely hope to go stars are Qasim Akram, a batting all-rounder women realize their promise and potential. nine days of double-header action ahead, with the world now seems rather surreal. Despite one better in PSL 6. That could be a who came to prominence during the domestic This is my dream for you. And just as I turned no less than two-thirds of them in Karachi, the enforced restrictions, the battle on the dream-come-true moment for the side, which competitions this season and who has been my mother’s dream into reality, I think you approximately 165,500 ticket-holders are playing field over the next four weeks is likely thrives on its ever-popular anthem of ‘Dama bought by Karachi Kings, and 18-year-old will breathe life into mine. I think about this at expected to turn up at the biggest two cricket- to be as exhilarating as one can wish. Irrespec- Dam Mast Qalandar’, with a final in their Saim Ayub, a promising left-handed batsman night when you keep me awake with your ing centres of the country, a welcome respite tive of who will ultimately emerge as the hometown. Sarfaraz Ahmed’s best chance of who is in the Quetta Gladiators squad. Another wriggling. I pray to God for a future where for cricket-starved fans. In normal circum- champions of PSL 6, the presence of the over- showcasing himself as a cricketer still worthy name to watch for is Peshawar Zalmi’s Mo- women and men have equal rights; and for stances the coffers of the Pakistan Cricket seas contingent in one of the most competitive of competing at the top level is to lead from hammad Imran, who hails from the scenic blessed peace so I can send you to school with- Board (PCB) would have swelled up consider- T20 leagues is a major attraction every year. the front as the captain of the 2019 PSL win- valley of Swat and, at the age of just 20, is out fear. I pray for your health and happiness. ably through gate money, since the turnouts The biggest draw is the Afghanistan spin ners Quetta Gladiators. The Gladiators missed rated highly as a left-arm seamer. Mostly, I pray for you to be bold and coura- would have been around 775,000 at these wizard Rashid Khan who will be making an out on the play-offs for the first time in 2020 geous. venues if full capacity had been allowed. But appearance for the first time in the PSL, for the and ended up only ahead of the last-placed The writer is a member of staff we mustn’t overlook the fact that these are not Lahore Qalandars. And for good reason. The Islamabad United. The embattled wicketkeep- 43 https://saudigazette.com.sa/arti- normal circumstances, and everything has had 22-year-old is currently ranked the top T20 er-batsman has the unique honour of being the Published in Dawn, EOS, February 21st, 2021 cle/603270/World/Asia/Hopes-and-fears- to be meticulously planned out. Even the bowler at the international level. Apart from solitary player to skipper his franchise for the https://www.dawn.com/news/1608269 of-mother-to-be-in-Afghanistan opening ceremony had a chunk of the predom- Rashid, his countrymen and fellow spinners sixth year running, under the guidance of leg- inantly music-based entertainment pre-re- Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Qais Ahmed are also endary Sir Vivian Richards as the mentor.

Monthly LAHORE International March 2021 www.lahoreinternational.com KABUL — A mother in Afghanistan has been Together, we will help more women realize talking about the hopes and fears for her their promise and potential. This is my dream unborn daughter in a country where the birth for you. The suffering of Afghan mothers of a girl can often be a curse rather than a Afghanistan is a tough place to be a girl. Just blessing. Women and girls, in particular, often two months ago, I cried for a mother who had suffer abuse at the hands of men in a just given birth to a baby girl. The father killed male-driven society where boys are some- his wife because she delivered a baby girl. He times valued above girls. Arfia Omid works escaped with the baby. I really can’t process for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the suffering and fear this mother endured. Afghanistan where one in three girls are mar- She had the most painful time delivering her ried before their 18th birthday and only 19 baby — I know how hard it is for a woman to percent of females under 15 years old are liter- deliver at home without any healthcare facili- ate. She has written ties. Then, after this letter to her enduring labor and unborn child. “My birth, she waited for lovely baby, I haven’t her husband and met you yet, but I relatives to congrat- already know how ulate her. Instead, beautiful you are — her partner killed with your dark eyes, her with his own smiling face, soft, hands. Nobody brown hair and knows where the golden heart. I have baby is — or if she’s dreamed of having alive. I worry about you my entire life. I count the days and nights how she’s surviving without breast milk. Or if until I will finally hold you in my arms and her father really cares for her, or if he sold her? love you as much as I can. Now you are only I hear such sad stories about Afghan girls, but seven months and I can feel you when you I also see how strong they are — so do not be move. ‘Naughty daughter’, I laugh quietly to afraid. You will also be strong I thank God that myself. Do you know, before you were even our circumstances are different. Your father in my womb, I went to buy clothes for your loves you, as I love you. And your brothers brothers, and I saw a baby girl’s dress in the love you. Together, we will protect you. When market? I stopped there for a while and wished I went for the sonogram with your father, the to God to give you to me. You know what? I doctor asked me, ‘What do you want? A boy bought that dress. I knew that my next child or a girl’? I said, ‘I want a baby girl’. She said, would be a girl. I can’t wait to see you in it; ‘Do you know, you’re the first mother I hear you will be an Afghan princess. But with all that wants a girl’? Then she told me that the the happiness and excitement that I have, I am woman who came before me came from a also nervous for you and your future in this remote area. She told the doctor that if this country. I hear such sad stories about Afghan time she gives birth to a girl, her husband will girls, but I also see how strong they are — so leave her and get married to another woman. do not be afraid. You will also be strong. ‘Luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan’

My little girl, I know that we are the luckiest baby and mother in Afghanistan. And I want WEST REALTY INC. you to know that things will be better for you BROKERAGE than they were for me, just as they were better 9 0 5 8 5 7 5 7 6 3 .ca for me than for my mother. When my mother gave birth to me, she did so in a poor family. We didn’t even have our own home. When she was in second year of university, your uncle was born. Despite her hard work and dreams, she couldn’t continue her lessons. She sacri- ficed her life to support and protect her chil- 647 400 1700 dren. So, years later, I found a way to thank her. When I was in second year of university, I searched for a month and found her docu- ments from the Ministry of Higher Education and her university. Then, I sought a permis- sion letter from the Ministry to support her to Canada’s join a private university. I gave her the regis- tration paper of the new university as a gift for PREMIUM HOME Mother’s Day. I remember, she cried and laughed at the same time. She joined the uni- versity and graduated with her diploma just SELLING SYSTEM two years later. I can’t tell you how proud I WE OFFER: felt. That day, she was the happiest woman in 1 - Priority Access to buy a Pre-Construction Condo the world. So, my lovely daughter, your or House anywhere in Canada grandmother is your reason to hope and to 2 - Deal with all top Lenders of Canada to arrange Financing believe in change. Every day, Afghan women 3 - Property Management and Lease arrangement like her battle against the odds to bring their 4 - Arrangement of Legal advise to buy or sell Property dreams to life. They empower each other, 5 - Construction and Development of Your Dream Home hand-in-hand, step-by-step. You will join that tradition, as I did. Together, we will help more women realize their promise and potential. This is my dream for you. And just as I turned my mother’s dream into reality, I think you will breathe life into mine. I think about this at night when you keep me awake with your wriggling. I pray to God for a future where women and men have equal rights; and for blessed peace so I can send you to school with- out fear. I pray for your health and happiness. Mostly, I pray for you to be bold and coura- geous. https://saudigazette.com.sa/arti- cle/603270/World/Asia/Hopes-and-fears- of-mother-to-be-in-Afghanistan DANISH CHAUDHRY Direct: 647 400 1700 / Team: 647 723 9900