Thursday, September 27, 2012

This is where my journey toward peace began!


"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." -- St. Augustine


From my archives: This is where my journey toward peace began in teen years, it was my first ever traveling alone experience in the year 2006, forget outside the country, in those days I had never ever traveled alone domestically. Stay tuned for more of my traveling stories:-)

Friday, September 21, 2012

5 urgent steps for a peaceful world


Dear Friends,

There are two kinds of people in this world, those who are working together for peace and are building bridges of peace & friendship across borders and there are those who produce defamatory movies/cartoons. We must not get hijacked by the later one and should not react violently as doing so we only harm ourselves. Former one wage non-violent protest and are part of the civilized world.

As we strongly condemn and are immensely hurt by insulting film targeting the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). Just like that, it is also hurting that a Church has been gutted by a mob in our own country on Love for Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) Day.

While traveling around the world, in my interactions with friends across borders and giving interviews and writing about interfaith harmony, I have been saying that we must have freedom of speech, but a responsibility follows with this and there are some things that should not be done. However, time and again such movies, cartoons and hate material have been coming by those who are well-wishers of the clash of civilizations. I suggest that time has come to take following 5 steps urgently at international level for a peaceful world:

1- All the UN member countries at the 67th session of the UN General Assembly MUST demand and take measures to stop hate-mongers from touching subjects against any religion.

2- There has to be an international resolution which states that all authorities have a duty to act in case of incitement to imminent violence i.e. by removing a video and publication and taking a strong action against those who are involved in it.

3- We need to have an international law which bans hate speech against any religion.

4- Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights must be reviewed. It should clearly differentiate between freedom of speech and hate speech.

5- We must continue to create dialogues of interfaith harmony between governments, organizations and at people to people level and come up with positive publications/materials which promote peace between civilizations.

One of my friends from Bulgaria beautifully puts it: "I am glad there are active young people like you! Keep on the way you do it and there will be peace on Earth. It is natural human desire. Nobody gets up from bed, thinking "Let's see how much will I suffer today!" We all came into this world as brother and brother, and we will walk hand in hand one day! I just hope you and I will have enough breaths remaining, so that we could see it"!  

May Almighty give us strength, determination, and willpower to find the path to peace in our world! (Ameen)

Monday, September 17, 2012

Statement on defamatory film

"There are two kinds of people in this world, those who are working together for peace and are building bridges of peace & friendship across borders and there are those who produce defamatory movies/cartoons. We must not get hijacked by the later one and should not react violently as doing so we only harm ourselves. Former one wage non-violent protest and are part of the civilized world"-Bilal Masood

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Pakistan and Japan Friendship

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Japan, it was an honor to meet H.E Mr. Masaharu Sato, Consul General of Japan in Karachi. His efforts to strengthen the relationship between Pakistan and Japan are indeed commendable. Yes, we have so much to learn from Japan!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Defense Day of Pakistan dedication

On this Defense Day of Pakistan, I am dedicating this video to all the forces of Pakistan, in particular Pakistan Air Force. Watch how I was flown in Super Mushshak aircraft and experienced the life of cadets while living with them. It was an honor to represent University of Karachi at the All Pakistan Bilingual Declamation Competition held at Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur in 2009. It was a dream that came true:) A MUST watch video!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Flag bearer of Pakistan



Find me in this video as I march forward in the arena of Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai carrying the country’s flag (0:51-0:58). Earning an honor of being the flag bearer of Pakistan at the opening ceremony of a prestigious global event in 2009 is the amazing blessing of all. The feeling was totally out of the world! Alhamdulillah, it is such an honor to have represented my country and receive so much support over the years from people within the country, and world over and for that I am eternally grateful. I also want to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, mentors and sponsors for their support over the years. They have been amazing! Watch this glimpse!