A trip to "Chilla Gahh"...

After working on the short movie last year - The Job Opening, this time we decided to work on a documentary. There were multiple destinations in mind but then decided to opt for something which I've not heard off even living in Islamabad for over 18 years. The place is "chilla gahh" at 1 hour distance from imam Bari's (r.a) shirine, it was the place there he worshiped called chilla of 12 years continuously in a deep cave. it is a great place for his devotes

A Brief Introduction
Bari Imam (1617 to 1705), whose real name is Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi, was born in 1026 Hijra (1617 AD).His father, Syed Mehmood Shah, shifted his family from Jhelum District to Baghan village, presently called Aabpara. At that time, it was a barren land. Soon after the arrival of Bari Imam’s family, his father started farming and also kept some animals. Shah Latif helped his father in grazing the animals, but left his father at 12 and came to Nurpur Shahan. From Nurpur Shahan, Bari Imam went to Ghaur Ghashti (now known as Attock) where he stayed for two years for learning fiqh, hadith, logic, mathematics, medicine and other disciplines, because at that time Ghaur Ghashti was great seat of learning.
He was the first spiritual guide of Gohail Shahi as well. As Gohar Shahi states in his book about Bari Imam that at the age of 34 Bari Imam appeared before me (Gohar Shahi) and said: "My son your time has come, your must go to the shrine of Sakhi "Sultan Bahoo" Sahib to receive the Sacred Inner Dimensions of Spiritual Knowledge."

It is said that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who was devoted to spreading his empire, originally built the silver-mirrored shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam [RA]. It has been renovated and is now is maintained by the government.

Now the Trip
The Sunday, as usual is a busy day for me... Start off early (at least, tried), went out with greatest living mother - my mother. Came back, rushed to office to get some print outs about Bari Imam then received the call that curtain tailor is here, so rushed back to home and after long discussion and confusion, decided for the design which isn't so far used in any home window.

As soon as he left, Tahir came out, not to mention that Billie chicken-out of this plan (reason - I should rather not mention here). We rushed to market to pick second film for our other cam-recorder, just as backup plan. Picked Sohail, who after sitting in Bubbly, opened up the sandwich box and start eating ;).

We reached to Bari Imam Shrine, paid a visit there, filmed a bit and then moved on to our destination - chilla gahh.

First we thought it wouldn't be a difficult trip and we will reach at top in no time... but when we started, we were unable to anticipate the distance that we might have to cover and it was never ending hiking :). The fun started, when we reached almost to half-way, not to chilla gahh but "langer khana" and tell this to Sohail, you must have seen his face at that moment. :)

At one point, I literally thought of going back but for love of documentary, decided otherwise. I was walking after a long time, so stamina was out of question. I like taking physical pain, so started enjoying walk and view after sometime. Took some interviews on my way to langer khana, this is an interesting spot, where you will see people sitting and queued up for "mannats", had another detailed interview with munzim of this langer khana. Then me and Tahir without waiting, move ahead to Chilla Gahh.

Before, I tell anything about the Chilla Gahh (which is a cave) where Bari Imam prayed for over 12 years. I would just say, this is unbelievable that someone could stand there for entire day, not to mention Bari imam did it for almost 12 years. One can only go into this cave side-ways, you can't turn back 180 degree, it is astonishing that someone could go through such intense physical endeavor to achieve his ultimate goal - his God's blessing. The baba (or fakir) who stand there is someone you can talk and pass good time, if you're some scientific guy then better not talk with him because sometimes he go beyond logic and sense :)

There is some interesting story of tiger and elephant (I believe snake too), we interviewed him and got some of his insight on how he came here and stayed here for over 26 years now. You would see many of these people in different parts of the world, where their ultimate goal is to serve the people who come to pay visit to sufi saints like bari imam. They've always some interesting stories to share, do talk with them if you get time and courage. They would try to look mysterious and divine, maybe some of them are but not this fella we talked at chilla gahh (this is my opinion, you reserve the right to reject it).

I'm becoming strong believer of this rhetoric (at least for time being), that why struggle to live our life here, when we can live forever hereafter.

Do they want to bring war inside our cities?

Today I planned to write about our Sunday visit to "Chilla Gahh", Bari Imam but today in morning something happened and decided to write about it. Later today or some other time would give full detail of exhausting but wonderful hiking trip.

Early morning around 7:30 AM, police training school in Lahore was under attack by dozen of terrorists (who might be fighting a holy war of some kind) killing over 15 and wounding over 50. The latest news is that this operation is over now. No question about the incompetence of our intelligence services where over dozen armed men can enter and create this havoc.. Luckily this time they're able to capture few but there is no confirmation from the operation in-charge though TV channels showed a arrested terrorist.

Now the government need to rethink once again about security situation of Pakistan and Punjab in particular, keep in mind that since the governor rule is imposed, two major incidents have took place in heart of Pakistan - Lahore. And ironically both the times main casualties were of security personnel. Are we so ill-equipped that our police can not defend some handful terrorists, remember these are the same people who've defend us from looters, thieves, decocts etc.

Where we would stand if our protectors can be protected.

Pakistani Food Chain - Savour Foods

I'm not sure if you ever visited a place full of people all the time and ordering the same food every time they come to that restaurant... If not then "Savour Foods" is that spot, go there once and see that almost everyone will be ordering the same.

This restaurant is a good success story for any one who wants to start off with no serious investment, the owner of Savour foods did the same and today now owns 4 successful restaurants.

Anyways, now about the food, the specialty is nothing but simple "Pulao Kabab", but I always order Special where I've option of selecting chicken pieces of my choice. This is one restaurant in Pakistan, where you will find people from all walks of life - rich, poor, CEO, the niab kasid... I mean everyone. They all come for the love of food and simplicity which it has to offer.

There is nothing special or different about this pulao kabab or special, you would get the same taste whenever you come.

So if you're visiting from outside Islamabad and Rawalpindi then do visit this place for lunch or dinner. You might not find it a lavish place to take someone special but you would certainly find it worthy of every penny.

Pakistan Day for Pakistanis

Quaid-i-Azam on Chittagong, March 23, 1948 said, "The story of Pakistan, its struggle and its achievement, is the very story of great human ideals, struggling to survive in face of great odds and difficulties".

And this is my story and this is your story; and unless we don't succeed, our country can't.

Pakistani survival is very much dependent on its citizen's well being, no nation can survive or strieve unless they all have common goal for it. We can not split ourself in Punjabis, Baluchis or of any origin if we want to move forward as one soul and body. Quaid-i-Azam rightly said in reply to the Civic Address presented by the Quetta Municipality on June 15th, 1948. "We are now all Pakistanis--not Baluchis, Pathans, Sindhis, Bengalis, Punjabis and so on--and as Pakistanis we must feet behave and act, and we should be proud to be known as Pakistanis and nothing else."

Long Live Quaid's Pakistan.

Dinner with Italian Food

Every weekend, I've regular dinner some place with college buddies, colleauges and friends. Thought why not write about it? Islamabad do have places for good food and drinks, of course not in comparison of Lahore or Karachi but still it has something good to offer from desi to internation food.

Almost all fast food chains are here in twin cities including some new domestic chains. We've a restaurent in F-10 Markaz - Italian Oven, though it said to be "Italian" by name but actually offer more international and local food than Italian :).

I've visited this restaurent numerious times in past and as they've long list of offerings, one could easily try out new dishes with totally a different taste and ingredeints. Yesterday, I first took the fruit salad and then ordered "Chicken Maskava", it is chicken stuffed batter fried top with florentine sauce, the sauce was amazing. I took the serving the french fries - my favourite of course. If you're found of well-cooked dinner than it won't be a bad idea asking for well-cooked chicken and you would loved it with sauce.

So next you're there, do try... Chicken Maskava.

Yesterday, had late night dinner with Sohail because of some family commitments. And it was very long time I had a good chat with this very good friend of mine (who mostly don't know what to say and where; but speaks damn good ONLY WHEN it's directly related to him or his business ;) otherwise bhai saab is very "bholo palwan") and this time, I enjoyed food and talk with him, maybe because he didn't talk about business yesterday... just kidding yar!

Judiciary restored once again...

“We are under a Constitution, but the Constitution is what the judges say it is, and the judiciary is the safeguard of our property and our liberty and our property under the Constitution”.
Charles Evans Hughes quotes (American Jurist and Statesman. 1862-1948)

Today every Pakistani should be proud of the fact that we've first time achieved something for our nation which wasn't expected from us. We in past, never stood by anything and never fought for just cause that ended in success. The always went through half way, never able to go to the distance to achieve our objectives and goals. Never behaved like a nation, never worked as one unit, never felt as Pakistani... I'm hoping this change, this time will bring positive change for every Pakistani.

Long Live Quaid-i-Azam's Pakistan.

Is this attack on Pakistan Cricket or Pakistan?

A commando like operation started and ended within 30 minutes, leaving us with long trail of debate, finger pointing and dead bodies. The future of Pakistan cricket is at stake now, the irony of this matter is that few months back when Mumbai attacks took place on Nov 26th last year, Pakistan was asked for soul searching and today when we’re attacked, India is advising us for another soul searching…

Pakistan these days is facing Political, Judicial, Economic, Security and now sport crisis. How fragile this country really is? This country is now a center point for any kind of politico-socio-economic crisis, any research student would love to visit and to learn, how possibly a country could stand against all these crisis?

My opinion; this attack is an open war on Pakistan and Sri Lanka; the issue should be taken up to international level. Let’s take a brief pre-tour analysis, do we know India used all its diplomatic strength of highest level to convince Sri Lanka not to tour Pakistan. Earlier they tried to isolate Pakistan politically when Mumbai attacked took place and before tour started, used all their diplomatic strength to isolate Pakistan sport-wise.

Match was immediately called off and players were flown off from stadium by PAF helicopter for flight to UAE and Pakistan cricket team is there at air port to see off the SL team.

Few Question:

• Why suicide jacket was there? Were they trying to give impression/deception that internal elements are involved in this attack, remember suicide bombers do not carry jacket, they wear it to be used.
• At number of occasions after Mumbai incident, Indian think tanks suggested that some lesson should be taught to Pakistan and today’s attack seems to be an absolute play-back of Mumbai attack
• Dozen people were involved in today’s attack, suicide attacks are never carried out by that many people who’re operating carrying suicide jackets but not using it. And this isn’t a trademark of extremist operating in Pakistan.
• Is this retaliation of Mumbai attack? Huge possibility that some element of Indian backing is involved, a clear message to Pakistan and Sri Lanka is sent; we can response to former and always listen to us for later.
• Is there any possibility of Tamil Tigers? Very unlikely, Tamils have only operated once outside SL killing ‘Rajiv Ghandi’ mostly because they don’t have enough resources to operate outside.
• Is this the same network that operated in Mumbai? I don’t think so, mostly it seems to be a response of what happened last year, this isn’t a Pakistan styled operation where mostly attacks come in form of suicide bombing. The network has some linked to India and our government whether they’ve any proof or not, should raise their fingers to Indian. Last year, when Mumbai incident took place, it was Pakistan whose image was degraded and today; it’s again Pakistan who is facing the music. India is telling us what to do and what not to do? Someone rightly pointed out that our house isn’t in order, how could we defend ourselves from outside threats.
• The future of Pakistan Cricket? It is bleak and not sure if anyone will be ready to tour Pakistan in near future. If any country that could visit Pakistan under these circumstances that could either be Bangladesh or SL itself
• Why Indian media always play role of devil for us? The media represent the psyche of the nation, no matter what we do, I’m afraid we might never make good friends with Indians. We’ve always tried to have bilateral relations on balanced grounds but all our efforts are considered as our weakness. Another wakeup call for our government to rethink their strategy in dealing with India.

Having said everything; above all, this was a security lapse. Only few days back, all top security officials were reshuffled by the Governor and this also effected the operation of the police responsible for providing security to this players. Only handfuls of security personals were there at that time of incident and guess what, we promised Sri Lankan a VVIP security protocol. Where they were, guarding Governor House?

Who is responsible: I will only point finger to Governor or head of province. The police officers with their capacity defended and lost their lives. They were outnumbered by these terrorists, who operated freely and at will. They came, they killed and they left. We didn’t anything to stop it or even apprehend them later. All police officials were their on scene after the incident was over and no one bothered to aggressively go after them.

Tribal or Taliban elements are not involved in it for multiple reasons. First, they don’t have any direct reason to destabilize the Punjab government or Pakistan Cricket. Secondly, they don’t operate the way this operation was conducted. Third, the operation was carried out like commandos; look at the video the way the carried out all this. Fourth, their faces where more like Punjabis than tribal’s.

This indeed a very sad incident that could have far reaching consequences for Pakistan, and Pakistan cricket in particular. Now the biggest question remains, how to control this monster or menace of terrorism was once knocking at our door and now on its way to destroy the real foundations of this country. The only way out is to understand the importance of being one nation and to be one - Pakistani.