The party and not the man

Imran Khan at Karachi rally mentioned how impressed he was at the age of eighteen to see the welfare system of United Kingdom when he went there for the first time. He also said that Scandinavia has the best welfare system in the world except that they have not embraced Islam. After living in Denmark for nearly a year and observing the welfare system there and having just arrived back home, I share the same feelings as the destiny took me to that part of the world also at a young age. Just like many Pakistanis, I also have high hopes that PTI is pining to make our country a prosperous Islamic welfare state.

No wonder that the reason for the massive support for Khan Sahib is that people in Pakistan have no other option and therefore they want to give him a chance. The expectations of these common people are unprecedented high. However, this is the irony that we as a nation have always had high hopes with successive individual leaders of the parties and not the parties themselves. The very reason of this individual support has been the fact that the so-called democratic parties did not have democracy among their own ranks and even qualified leaders could not excel at the level of Chief Executive because they were not allowed by those who believe in ancestral politics.

Imran Khan has struggled for 15 years to come to this point, but it is pivotal for him to understand that he should not make PTI a one man party. If he really wants to bring a change in Pakistan, it is only possible that his party sets an example for other parties by democratically choosing the best candidate for the best job and this also means that he does not necessary should become the Prime Minister, but take responsibility of administering his party as the Chairman to ensure good governance at all levels.

I believe that if Imran khan wants to do something good for Pakistan, he must bring his members of the party to come in front for the public debate and allow the best candidate to win for that particular portfolio. For example, in the current scenario, the party has three candidates who have been the former foreign ministers. The real democracy will come to Pakistan when people will choose their Prime Minister, and Cabinet ministers among the party nominated candidates and PTI could take a lead to make this possible in Pakistan.

Imran Khan promised at the Karachi rally that "I promise on Quaid-e-Azam's birth anniversary that I will do what the Quaid-e-Azam wanted to do." It would have been so good if he had said that his party will do. It might be a little slip of tongue, but every word matters when you are being looked upon as a savior of the country. He, himself acknowledges the fact that Pakistan has enormous problems but they all can be solved so rather than promising to eliminate corruption in 90 days of coming into power, it is pivotal that Imran makes it clear to his supporters that to bring a change we need to be patient and contribute in this change actively, but allow him reasonable time. It must be remembered that too many expectations made Obama from hero to zero.

Coming will be the interesting times to see what policies PTI will bring to address the issues of Pakistan not only from solving law and order, water, energy, gas, industry, agriculture and transportation issues and education dilemma to providing Roti, Kapara, and Makan for the poorest of the poor and addressing the disparities of Balochistan, but some of the relevant issues that he did not mention in Karachi rally including how to end the feudal system from the country, elimination of honor killing( Karo Kari), rehabilitation of the flood affected people and how PTI would find the solutions to the challenges faced by more than sixty percent of the population in the shape of youth.

In these tough times, whoever is sincere and wants to bring a positive change in Pakistan should be supported and encouraged, but being a youth myself, I must be cognizant of the fact that it should be a support for the party and not for one particular personality in this case Imran Khan, even with the fact that I and many like me love him because of his outstanding contributions to our land and his thoughts to make Pakistan a better place to live for us and our future generations, something we all dream today.

Interview to a Danish School

- What was your point of view when you came to Denmark?

Being a Muslim, I thought it will be hard for me to live in an environment where the cartoons against Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) were published and there was a strong reaction in the Muslim World after these cartoons were published. I also knew that there were good and bad people every where and Denmark will not be an exception where you may find racist and friendly people. On a lighter note, Denmark has been known for its Vikings and Danish cookies. I also knew that it will be very cold country and coming from South Asia, it will not be easy to cope with the extreme cold weather. Denmark has also been known as one of the best welfare states and a rich country.

- When you came here, did you felt that people saw and treated you different?


The young people I met are festive and friendly. Many times because of the Danish language there have been problems where I am sitting with all Danes, it is important to realize them to talk in English, but I understand that it is natural and comfortable to speak in ones own language but to integrate non-Danish people, it is important to talk in English language. Of course I was considered as a foreigner and some one from outside of Denmark. Since I am coming from Pakistan initially people were reluctant about me because of the conflict going on at the border with Afghanistan and perception of terrorist and Taliban. However, everyone listened to my point of views, and slowly and gradually things improved as I was just one of their fellows. Still, I find that Danish students sit on one table for the meals and international students at another which is not good and something I found among the young people here in Denmark that they do not want to integrate more with foreign students.

The media is talking about a “clash of civilizations.” But that's not what I experience when I have discussions with young people in Denmark. Although there is a 180 degree difference in cultures of West and the East especially West and the Muslim world, however, what brings us together is that we all are human beings, we all believe in universal human values, peace and we all are part of global community. By crossing the borders of different countries, I have found that traveling is the best learning experience. It helps remove misunderstanding that unfortunately prevails today in our world. It enhances what we learn in the class room

- Have you ever been in a big conflict because of your descent?

Not a big conflict. However, I do not drink, something which is very common in Denmark, I was asked this question why I do not drink many times. In my religion drinking is prohibited and as Denmark is not a religious country, there have been times when people have not been able to understand it.

-Why do you think that some of the danish inhabitants' are seeing negative on people with good education who comes from the eastern part of the world?

There are of course some people in Denmark who thinks like that. Danish inhabitants should not see educated people who comes from the eastern part of the world negatively in fact they should be considered as an asset for the progress of the country, they are here not only to make their lives better, but actually to contribute in the Danish economy. They are intellectuals and good addition for Denmark and those who think negatively should be told about this fact.

- How do YOU think that we could change the danish peoples point of view on people from other parts of the world?

Ask them to interact more with the people from around the world in person where ever they get opportunity in Denmark and also meet them online. If we want a better world and more peaceful Denmark, it is important. However, the best way is to travel to global south so that they can find on ground realities and do not trust the media. Make young and old visit asylum centers, and ask them to volunteer for projects that promote interfaith harmony. Be more open to people from other parts of the world and if they are in Denmark, make them feel at home.

CB hosts journalists from Pakistan

Crossing Borders had the pleasure of hosting 19 journalists from different areas of Pakistan on the 5th of December at Krogerup College. Director Garba Diallo welcomed the Pakistani delegation of journalists and led a highly engaging, sometimes even intense discussion on the role of the media in intercultural dialogue and the role of journalists in promoting intercultural understanding and peace. Afterwards, CB ambassador Bilal Masood, himself from Pakistan, gave an inspiring speech you can watch at the link below:

http://vodpod.com/cbpakistan

Source: http://www.crossingborders.dk/page5.aspx?recordid5=47

Back in Pakistan

Having said goodbye to Denmark with all the wishes and flying overnight from Kastrup airport in Copenhagen to Karachi via Lahore, have alhamdulillah safely reached home sweet home after nearly a year:) The feeling is out of the world to touch the land of Pakistan, to meet my family, hear azan and experience scorching sun after a long long time! I am missing all my friends in Denmark and wish you all a great stay together for next three days! Here is the exclusive video of my stay in Denmark and arrival in Pakistan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2pS0M9CeKs

Address to Pakistani Journalists visiting Denmark

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peswHk6ekUo

Make a difference

"If you think you're too small to make a difference, you've never spent the night with a mosquito"-African proverb

Coverage in one more newspaper

Interview to Jyllands-Posten (English translation)

WHAT IS THE MEANING?

Bilal will build bridges

Twenty-four year old Bilal Masood, from Pakistan, came to Denmark with the intention of better understanding the country where the cartoons were printed.

MORTEN VESTEGRAAD

In the past few months, students attending high schools in Denmark were visited by a 24-year old youngster from Karachi, Pakistan. Bilal Masood came to Denmark in order to better understand the country where the cartoons were printed.

In Pakistan, he did his masters in public administration from the University of Karachi. He spends most of his time volunteering for democracy in his homeland. He also blogs, founded the network Crossing Borders Pakistan (https://crossingborderspakistan.wordpress.com) , and gathers information about Pakistani children's living conditions for UNICEF.

? What do you hope to accomplish with your stay in Denmark?

“I want to nurture understanding between young people of Denmark and Pakistan. The media focuses on what separates us and our cultures. Therefore you have to yourself meet people. We must talk about the things that unite us.”

In Denmark, Bilal is a student at Krogerup College international line, a stay which is sponsored by CL David Foundation and Sampling, which each year invites one youth from a Muslim country to Denmark. Bilal Masood was selected among 500 applicants. Currently, he is participating in a study tour in Denmark with the international team from Krogerup.

? How do you see Danes?

The young people I meet are festive and friendly. The media is talking about a “clash of civilizations.” But that's not what I experience when I have discussions with young people in Denmark.

There are things in your culture, which I must learn to accept. For example, I do not drink and I've learned that people in Denmark can easily take out both the Queen and Jesus.

Drawings hurt:

Bilal Masood explains that he himself was deeply affected when he heard about the Jyllands-Posten drawings of the Prophet Muhammad.

“It hurt me, and I think it was wrong to print them. But now it has happened, and both parties should try to learn from it. Those who decided to print them should have imagined in themselves what feelings would be stirred. Conversely, we on our side might not have reacted so violently. I'm sure that the Prophet Muhammad would have ignored the drawings.”

? Do you think that by sharing your knowledge we would see a more subdued response if the cartoons were printed again?

No, the reaction would be even stronger because it will be received as if one wants a confrontation. Therefore, we must talk together: we have to create a dialogue. That's why I have come to Denmark.

? Will it be a reasonable reaction?

It's hard to control people's emotions. We must have freedom of speech, but a responsibility follows with this and there are some things that should not be done. I hope that the West will understand this, and meanwhile we also need to understand it is not provocative to make these kinds of drawings in the West. Here it would be a very common thing.

Note: Original interview was published on page 2 of the Jyllands-Posten newspaper in the Danish language on 24-10-2011. Above is the translation of it in the English language.

Exclusive interview to Jyllands-Posten

Exclusive interview to Jyllands-Posten has been published today, the same newspaper in which blasphemous & controversial cartoons were published in 2005. This interview is a little step to remove prevailing misunderstandings across cultures, to understand each other in a better way, to give perspective as a Pakistani youth on critical issues confronting West and the Muslim world, my experience here

in Denmark, and to build bridges of peace and friendship in our world. Hope to share the English translation soon! Peace!

Inspiring Edhi

"Where humanity is concerned, all religions are immersed into it"-Abdul Sattar Edhi

Watch @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=10bsPB_CkGQ

Mesmerizing Gonga & Mithu Sain

Want to know about my experience of elections in Denmark? My article published in today's

Express Tribune blog, 'I saw elections in Denmark, and I’m impressed'.

I saw elections in Denmark, and I’m impressed

September 19, 2011

The former Prime Minister congratulated Helle Thorning-Schmidt and accepted his defeat wholeheartedly - something we all need to learn from. PHOTO: AFP

While we’re still arguing about whether democracy is a good form of government or not in Pakistan, the people of the Kingdom of Denmark have elected their first ever female Prime Minister. Interestingly, the 15^th of September is celebrated as World Democracy Day; the same day democracy has won in this Scandinavian country.

While Denmark has enjoyed an excellent reputation for respecting human rights and promoting equality among its citizens, for the period of a decade it has had stringent immigration laws on visa applicants in order to restrict immigration. The country already has one of the most restrictive immigration rules in Europe and this has surely hampered the nation’s image on an international front.

In the current elections, Danes have spoken of human rights and equal treatment for all, irrespective of religion, race, language, or colour. They have given a strong statement by telling the world that there is no more space for xenophobia and they rejected discriminatory laws against the immigrants made by the former government. The people of Denmark have ended the far right’s 10-year grip on the government by voting in a centre-left coalition led byHelle Thorning-Schmidt. However, her “red bloc” secured only a three-seat majority of the 175 at stake in mainland Denmark while the Faroe Islands and Greenland elect two members each making 179 members who are directly elected by universal adult suffrage for a maximum term of four years.

Election Day in Denmark followed regular protocol and there was no national holiday on this day. As I entered the polling station to observe the election process, I was surprised to find chocolates and sweets on the table as the first thing that will make you happy to cast your vote. Unlike long queues, security, and the various hassles in our part of the world, I witnessed a very smooth process of casting votes, and there was an air of serenity and peace in and around the polling venue.

Polling started at 9am, and ended at 8pm. By midnight we had the results. The former Prime Minister congratulated the new one and accepted his defeat wholeheartedly – something we all need to learn from. The happiest nation on earth was blushing with joy. Congratulations to the people of Denmark!

It is expected that the new government will want to take some decisive measures considering immigrants and immigration laws. However, since there is a strong opposition and a fragile collation, it is a tough task to make any significant changes, at least for some time to come. It must also be known that Denmark always had a hung parliament, yet it is an institution where Danish democracy has flourished.

During my stay here in Denmark I have seen a prosperous nation where children learn to ride a bike and swim about the same time as they learn to walk; where a garbage man can live in a middle-class neighbourhood and hold his head high. It is a nation which has the best welfare system in the world, where its citizens pay high taxes -between 50 and 70 % – but in exchange, the government covers all their health care and education, and spends more on children and the elderly than any country in the world per capita.

If we want to see democracy in Pakistan one day like the one Denmark cherishes today, it is crucial that we take sincere and concrete steps in our country to heighten the awareness of students on democracy and democratic values in our schools. This will also help us in finding ways to handle extremism at schools, educational establishments and in our society. From an early age children should learn about the pillars of democracy, the development of democracy, and terms like citizenship, citizen and world citizenship. We need to inculcate in our children that we are first human beings and this should come before being anything else; after all, what brings us together is that we all are human beings.

From my interaction with young people of all ages from across the world, I have not an iota of doubt in the fact that the world is with Pakistan. I have met with a number of young Danes who have all the ingredients to be the future leaders. I know there are so many young people in our country who are doing remarkable voluntary work, and despite various impediments in situations of conflict they are standing together for a peace-loving society. This is the young generation that we don’t talk about much. They are the silent majority – the ones who will take our country to new heights.

Elections in Denmark were an unprecedented experience for me to taste the essence and power of democracy – something that we all pine for Pakistan.

Link: http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/8019/i-saw-elections-in-denmark-and-im-impressed/

Sindh Floods Relief Appeal

As many as 321 villages in Naushero Feroze, Nawabshah and Sanghar are inundated, leaving millions homeless. Meanwhile, in Shahdadpur, at least 2,000 villages have been flooded displacing more than 0.2 million people. Chief Minister of the province says that devastation is worse than a tsunami.

Donate now to help six million flood affected people of Sindh province in Pakistan.

Kazim Hussain Jatoi

DCO Badin

+92-0297 862362

+92-0297 8611711

Imran Khan Foundation

www.imrankhanfoundation.org

Pakistan Red Crescent

http://www.prcs.org.pk/donate.html

SA Relief, donations to Pakistan Science and Engineering Foundation

http://www.sarelief.com/

Dar named best umpire for the third consecutive year

Breaking News: Aleem Dar from Pakistan wins the ICC Umpire of the Year award for the third time in a row! Congratulations to him and the nation for this remarkable achievement, he made us proud again:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk18UtwpGNc

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/current/story/532182.html

Crossing Borders Pakistan

Crossing Borders Pakistan (CB Pakistan) is an informal association of the Crossing Borders in Denmark. CB Pakistan has the unique honor to be the first in the South Asian region. Crossing Borders is a non-governmental and not-for-profit organisation based at Humlebaek in Denmark with cooperating partners in Europe & Middle East. It was founded in the year 1999.

Crossing Borders Pakistan is an initiative to create space for dialogue not only between the youngsters of the country, but also to build bridges of friendship beyond the borders. CB Pakistan provides a platform for the young people to come together and not only be tolerant to each other but interact, accept and respect one another while sharing their experiences and ideas for better Pakistan and the world.

Find more details@ https://crossingborderspakistan.wordpress.com/

Pakistani wins International Female Police Peacekeeping Award

Breaking News: Pakistani wins International Female Police Peacekeeping Award! Shahzadi Gulfam became the first Pakistani female to win this prestigious award:) Congrats for this remarkable achievement!

Find more:http://tribune.com.pk/story/237524/pakistani-wins-international-female-police-peacekeeping-award/

Crossing Borders Pakistan Badge

UK Violence-Point to ponder!

Terrible to see the chaotic pictures of violence and plundering in UK! Where our world is

heading when in the countries like Britain, little boys aged from 12 and above have been seen

involved and little girls helping and applauding them in thieving around? In the midst of all

this, a great quote from Waterstone's (book store) employee on the news:

"We'll stay open, if they steal some books they might learn something". Would

reiterate, may there be peace in my country and around the world!

International Youth Conference & Festival 2011

Register now for International Youth Conference & Festival 2011,

Islamabad

More details: http://www.iycfpakistan.com/

ASIAN YOUTH CONFERENCE & PEACE FESTIVAL

Apply now to be a part of ASIAN YOUTH CONFERENCE & PEACE FESTIVAL. More details @ http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=252604114765147

Norway attacks: We will rise above through friendship and love

People hold a sign with love for Utoeya and Oslo as thousands of people massed outside Oslo's City Hall on July 25, 2011 in memory of the victims of last week's twin attacks. PHOTO: AFP

There is not a single day when we do not hear news of violence in Pakistan. Our country has been a survivor of terrorism since long. Thousands of children, women, and men have been killed; thousand of our soldiers have embraced martyrdom; and thousands of Pakistani citizens have been wounded in various acts of barbarism. So, while we are thousands of miles apart, we can still feel the sting of the Norwegian masses.

Sufferings and sorrows of those in Norway and Pakistan are the same today. As we heal the wounds of our citizens, we are also sympathising with the people of Norway. From across the world, Pakistanis are sending their sentiments of shock and strong condemnations to Norway. There is respect, care and deep thoughts from the people, irrespective of their faith, colour, culture and language.

Much to the disappointment of the perpetrator of the horrendous crimes in Oslo and Utoya, today mankind has come together more than ever before. Perhaps, the mass murderer forgot that he can never make his hate ideology heard with force; he also forgot that by pushing his fascist agenda by force, he could only invite the force of love to spread around, not only in his country, but all over the world.

As one of the Norwegian young girls who escaped the bullets at the convention beautifully puts:

“If one man can show this much hate, imagine how much love we can show together.”

However, after the twin attack in Norway, there is a new argumentthat has hit the air waves: should Anders Behring Breivik be called a conservative Christian, fundamentalist Christian or a terrorist Christian?

What prefix would have been used if Anders were from a Muslim background?

What would have been the situation of our world had that been the case?

In any case, the horrific incidents in Norway has made us all clear that be it any one, from any faith and anywhere, we will never tolerate such dreadful acts.

One of my professors who extensively travels to Norway writes:

“I strongly believe that the tragic crime committed by such a sick mind will only make the Norwegian people stronger and more determined to preserve and nurture the ideals and values of inclusiveness, democracy and respect for diversity on which the Norwegian welfare state is founded.

I also believe that the tragedy in Norway is a clear wake-up call to Europe and to the whole world to reflect on and seriously combat the growing virus of xenophobia, demonisation and scapegoating of minorities, war-refugees and other immigrants.

The post 9/11 “normalization” of hate speech and abuse of freedom of expression to attack other people with different cultural and religious backgrounds can lead crazy groups and individuals down the deadly path of the Utoya and Oslo butcher.”

As we communicate words of condemnation and condolences to those who we know in Norway, we are also getting replies of thanks. One such message that I just received is from the Norwegian journalist friend who writes:

“Thank you for caring and showing your support, it means a lot to me and the rest of Norway. I was a member and a regional leader of the youth party that was hit, and I was at this island summer camp some years ago. So, I know many people who were there, so now I am waiting for names of the killed to be released.

This murderer did this because the party speaks for tolerance, that all religions should be respected, and for ethnic diversity in Norway. He hates Muslims and Islam, and people from different backgrounds interacting and getting to know each other. All his bullets were aimed at people like me and you, and what we believe in.

He targeted this youth party because he means we are traitors towards Norway, facilitating “Islamist cancer” to be spread and take over all of Norway. He hates Islam, and wants it to be forbidden in Norway and Europe, and fears that an Islamic take over will come soon. And, thus he goes on and slaughters 84 youth gathered to speak of tolerance, respect, diversity and openness to all religions.

Our prime minister also said some very wise words: “We shall greet this action with more openness and more democracy and more humaneness.”

Again, thanks for caring; it means a lot in these times, to feel that the fight for openness, tolerance and respect of all religious believes never shall falter.”

I was greatly touched with his message and it only strengthened my resolve that we will rise above through friendship and love. These acts of hatred will never deter us in any way and will continue to build the bridges of peace and friendship.

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The Express Tribune.

Posted byBilal Masood

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