According to an ancient Mayan calendar the world is coming
to an end tomorrow. While this may be doomsayers claim, it has raised an
important question that what would we do if we know that we only had one day to
live or the world would really end tomorrow? Well, live like there is no tomorrow, so
for all who live coming day, ‘Carpe Diem’
South Asia has immense potential to grow as a
region and we need to foster cross border relations at people to people
level. Realizing the significance of our region, I will be embarking on a peace journey from 26 Nov-13 Dec, 2012 to Nepal, one of the
important countries in this region. I will be a attending a peace training program in the country of Mount Everest. As a Pakistani, this will be my first visit to any South Asian country. I look forward to share my Nepal experiences soon!
The real hero of this country is the
grass-root worker, a common man who does not own a computer and have no idea of face
book.
After an activity in my training session today, among the participants,
one of the workers spoke about something which mesmerized and inspired me than
ever before! This hidden Hero of Pakistan told me that he and his friends
after every few weeks spend some time for a voluntary work from cleaning beach
to planting trees etc.
One day he and his friends went to one of the major roads
of Karachi and
started cleaning the shoes of policemen who at first were shocked on what was
going on with them. Once they realized that they were having some people who
really cared for them, they could not stop their tears pouring and thanking
these senior volunteers who are the workers and live hand to mouth.
Story
doesn’t end here friends! Guess what?
Number of cars passing by stopped and passengers and drivers stepped out
of them and they all started cleaning the shoes of the policemen who are
labeled everyday as the most corrupted in our society. With the round of applause,
I promised this worker that I will share his true story wherever possible for
me and request the same from you if you are inspired by it.
This human barbarism is lot worst than recent natural
calamities!! Images coming from Gaza
are horrific and alarming!! All limits have been crossed with abusing
international human rights laws and deliberately targeting children in Gaza which has only one
tactical purpose and that is the genocide of Palestinians.
This bloody massacre
in Gaza must
end with immediate, comprehensive and durable ceasefire! World MUST act now to
stop this mass killing before its gets too late! Prayers for peace!!!
Malala Yousafzai won international acclaim for
speaking out for girls barred from school by the Taliban was critically
wounded Tuesday ( 9th October, 2012) by a gunman who boarded her school bus, asked for her
by name, aimed his pistol at her head and fired, officials said. May Almighty bless her with very speedy recovery!!! (Ameen)
Lord, make us all an instrument of peace like Malala!
Watch this fantastic documentary about the brave Malala Yousafzai -instrument of peace and
icon of our struggle against religious extremism in Pakistan!
"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:-)
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)
"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
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!
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!
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!
After an enriching last year as a full scholarship student
at Crossing Border’s Global Studies in Denmark, I have returned back to my
home country.
There are those who never thought that I will return home so
soon and were thus surprised. Then there are also those who ask when I am
expecting to go abroad again.
They say this because we are going through some very tumultuous
phases in our history- Pakistan has been plagued with enormous internal
challenges like menace of terrorism and extremism, energy crisis, rampant
corruption, poor governance and monstrous challenges for youth, to mention but
a few. My answer is very clear to those people that this is the time when Pakistan
needs me the most and I am here to stay and play my role to bring about change.
I remember that I was the only one to represent Pakistan at Denmark on August 12 last year
at a youth camp which was dominated by Europeans. The proud moment came when it
was announced that “we have a participant from as far as Pakistan” and
the crowd cheered and roared! I was standing proud there, proud of being
Pakistani and that time only belonging to Pakistan was the reason enough to
be proud of it! On the big screen, Pakistani flag in the list of participating
countries was my only identification.
No matter whatever the situation, if we will be proud
Pakistanis and would believe in our worth then the world will also proudly
announce our country with pride. In this video, many of the participants of the
youth camp have recorded their sentiments on the Independence Day of Pakistan!
They appreciate us, if we appreciate ourselves! If we care for our country only
then will they respect us!
We just need to reclaim our motherland by working hard and
owning it! Are we with Pakistan?
Indeed, if you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse.
Oscar Pistorius from South Africa made Olympic history on 4th Aug 2012
by becoming the first double-amputee athlete to compete in track and...
field at the Olympics. He advanced to semifinal, missed chance at
Final, but remains upbeat. “The whole experience is mind-blowing,”
Pistorius said afterward. “My aim was to make the semifinal. It’s a
dream come true.”
Ramadan Kareem has finally dawned:-) After last year, away from home, I
am now feeling again what this holy month brings with it! Alhmadulillah
feel blessed to celebrate Ramadan in Pakistan! May this month bring
peace at every place on Earth (Ameen)!
Ramadan Mubarak to all around
the world! Seeking your prayers!
Bilal Masood
Here is the latest CB Magazine ( Vol.12, Edition 41). Hope you will enjoy reading it. Don’t miss to read the special coverage of Crossing Borders Pakistan and my article ‘Staying Positive against odds’ here:
While it is great to be in Pakistan today, I really miss all my friends who made this day last year unforgettable for me in Denmark! I am overwhelmed by hundreds......... of wishes which kept pouring and continue to pour on my birthday from friends across the world!! I would like to say thanks a bunch to each and every one of you for making 27th May, 2012 a truly special day for me ♥
Was
at an interesting evening on 13th May with Maajid Nawaz and Amin
Hashwani who spoke eloquently on Civil Society, Extremism and
Democracy. Hashwani said, “Things will not change until we will change
them.” On the occasion, Nawaz spoke about how democratic culture,
pluralism and separation of religion and politics were antidote to
religious extremism plaguing Pakistani society. Maajid shared his
personal story, highlighting how extremist organizations radicalize
young Muslims by using a meta-narrative based on a distorted and highly
politicized interpretation of Islam.
Was interviewed on 2nd May along with Sabieh Ul Hasan at “Choo lo Asman”, Morning Show at NEWSONE TV. Picture courtesy Sheraz Ali Khan. For those who were not able to watch the program, video hopefully coming soon so stay tuned:-)
Dance bring people of the world together, wherever I have been in the
world, hardly there has been a place where people were not moved while
listening to Pakistani Folk Music and together with me they all rocked
the floor:-) Happy International Dance Day!
The most significant and certainly the best known, image in
Iqbal’s poetry is that of the Shaheen. “Live in the world like an eagle, and
like an eagle die,” says Iqbal (Javâd Namah). An understanding of the Shaheen
motif in Iqbal’s poetry thus becomes essential to understand Iqbal’s thought
and message.
Iqbal wants Muslim Nojawans to stop living a life of
indolence and accept the challenges of life. Using the garden and the desert as
metaphors respectively, for easy and tough life, he tells Muslims to quit the
garden, reminding them that they have the power to fly like “the mountain
shahbaz”.
Iqbal says, addressing the Muslim:
“You are the eagle of Muhammad,”
“and angels and houris are your prey”
————————————
“If you are bareheaded, develop high resolve,
For here the crown is only for the eagle’s head.”
————————————
In a passage in “Pas Chi Bayed Kard”. Iqbal has this to say
on the subject (he is addressing those who advise Muslims to renounce the
world):
“This world of clay and water is game to the believer.
Are you saying to the falcon, “Let go of your game?”
I have failed to solve this difficult problem:
Why does the eagle shun the skies?
Pity the eagle that does not act like one,
And whose claws never caused hurt to a bird,
An eagle that is nest?bound, abject, crestfallen,
And does not flap its wings in the blue space!”
————————————
While Regretting on the state of Muslims of his time he
says:
“Alas! A hundred times alas that you did not become an
eagle!
Your eyes failed to catch the hints of nature:
The judge of fate has since eternity decreed:
“The crime of weakness merits instant death.”
The last line is also a neat summation of Iqbal’s
understanding of the workings of history.”
————————————
Quite naturally, Iqbal sees himself in the role of reminding
the eagles—the Youngsters—of their roots and their potentialities:
“Those who had been prey for long now have a new vision,
For I have divulged the ways of the falcon.”
————————————
Here are some Nazams of Iqbal about Shaheen:
THE EAGLE
I have turned my back on that world.
Where sustenance is called grain and water.
I like the solitude of the wilderness-
I was always a hermit by nature-
No spring breeze, no rose plucker, no nightingale,
And no illness of the songs of love!
One must avoid the garden dwellers
Their charms are too seductive!
It is the desert wind that gives effect
To the stroke of the brave youth in combat.
It is not that I am hungry for pigeon and dove-
Renunciation is the mark of an eagle’s life-
To swoop, to withdraw, and to swoop again
Is but a pretext to keep up blood heat.
This cast, this west is the pheasants’ world,
Mine is the boundlessness of the blue sky!
I am the monk of the kingdom of birds,
For the eagle is not given to making nests.
————————————
BEYOND THE STARS
There are other worlds beyond the stars;
More tests of love are yet to come.
This vast space is not lifeless?
In it there are hundreds of other caravans.
Do not be content with the world of colour and smell:
There are other gardens, and other nests, too.
What is to worry if you have lost one residence?
There are other stations one might sigh and cry for!
You are an eagle; your job is to fly:
You have other skies in front of you.
Do not get lost in this maze of day and night,
There is, for you, another space, another time.
Gone are the days when I was an isolate in the group:
Many here now are, confidants of mine.
————————————
THE EAGLE’S ADVICE TO ITS YOUNGSTER
“You know that all eagles are, of essence, one:
A handful of feathers, they have the heart of a lion.
Be of good nature, and of mature strategy;
Be daring, dignified, and a hunter of big game.
Do not mix with partridge, pheasant, and starling
Except if you should desire to hunt.
What lowly, fear?stricken group they are
That they wipe their beaks clean with dust!
The falcon that imitates the ways of its prey
Becomes the prey of its own prey.
Many a hunting bird that descends to earth
Perishes through mixing with pickers of grain.
Take care of yourself and live in contentment.
Live the life of one brave, strong, and rugged.
Leave for the quail the soft and delicate body;
Develop a vein tough like the horns of a deer.
Any joy that becomes the lot of the world
Is due to hardship, toil, and fullness of breath.”
Well did the eagle speak to its son:
“One drop of blood is better than pure wine.
Do not, like deer and sheep, seek out company;
Go into seclusion like your ancestors.
I remember this of the words of the old falcons:
‘Do not make your nest on the branch of a tree.’
We do not make nests in garden or field,
For we have a paradise in mountains and deserts.
To pick up grain from the ground is an error,
For God has given us the vastness of the skies.
One of noble stock, if he scrapes his feet on the ground,
Becomes more despicable than a house bird.
For falcons the rock is a carpet
Walking on rocks sharpens the claws.
You are one of the yellow?eyed of the desert,
You are noble of nature like the sâmurgh.
You are noble?born, one who, on combat day,
Draws out the pupil of the tiger’s eye.
Your flight has the majesty of angels,
In your veins is the blood of the k«fërâ falcon.
Under the humpbacked, revolving sky
Eat what you catch, be it soft or hard;
Do not take your food from another hand,
Be good and take the advice of the good.
————————————
"Youth means burning in one’s own blood:
It is hard work that turns life’s bitter into sweet.
The delight of swooping on the pigeon, my son,
Is perhaps not found in the pigeon’s blood itself.”
As a conclusion, In Iqbal’s eyes Youth is representative of
the nation, not only of the current nation but also of the nations to come, i.e
thay will set a stage for next generation. If Nojawans are True Muslims and
have Fourteen qualities of a true leader that are written in the verses of
“Surah Bakara” in Quran Sharif then nation can prosprous itself and if it is
other wise then nothing can stop them to be ruined. But Iqbal is optimistic and
says.
"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today"-Stacia Tauscher.
Back from fantastic evening at Sew view Karachi with students of Tauseef Memorial School. Thanks to the Pakistani Youth Organization for organizing this wonderful outing!
Love these kids♥
Markaz-E-Umeed is an incredible place with incredible students and no wonder I had an incredible morning there today! Markaz is providing a place for mentally challenged children where they could develop their abilities in every sense. It was my humble honor to be invited as the Chief Guest and Speaker at the Leadership Conference. Upon my return to Pakistan, I am inspired to see young volunteers caring for their society and that is why I am positive for our bright future ahead and I will continue to encourage the youth! Well done and keep shining! Thanks for the honor Syed Ali Asghar Shah and making me part of this amazing event!
'Experiencing China - Chinese Language and Culture Summer School' from 5th-26th July 2012 organised by Chinese Language Center of Nanjing Medical University and co-organised by Nanjing International Culture Exchange Center. Crossing Borders is one of the partner organisations for this event. Please find the attached brochure and application form for more details at Crossing Borders Pakistan website:
Orison Swett Marden said "Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them". Are You an OPPORTUNIST?
Thought to share this video for those who missed out to watch my address to the Pakistani Journalists visiting Denmark last year where I shared story of my experience in Denmark and the idea of launching Crossing Borders Pakistan and its objectives. A must watch:-)
It was my pleasure to take one more interview for Soliya Module 3 Project. Currently, I am a fellow of prestigious Soliya Network Fellowship on media, facilitation and community engagement.
I have been part of Soliya Network for more than a year. Soliya combines best practices for constructive dialogue with innovative use of new media technologies to shift the way societies resolve their differences from a confrontational & coercive approach to one defined by cooperation & compassion.
From Soliya's Connect Program to Soliya Network Fellowship, it has been truly a remarkable journey for me. This platform is indeed a unique one to deeper understanding for the perspectives of others around the world on important socio-political issues and why they feel the way the do; develop “21st Century Skills” such as critical thinking, cross-cultural communication and media literacy skills.
You can find more information about Soliya here: www.soliya.net
Interview:
Mr.Mohsin is a social media specialist and an activist in Karachi, Pakistan. He has also worked with hard to reach people.I talked Mr.Mohsin into a quick interview for Soliya Network, and he was kind to share some insightful knowledge on the role of social media in addressing some of the challenges of our society.
While this video is only little above 7 minutes long, Mr.Moshin shares his life experiences, and gives creative and thought-provoking advice for anyone who wants to enter the Social Media space for a better world.
He mentioned about using content such as videos/ documentaries, or other online platforms for bringing positive energy around.
Take note, because the video above and the blog post you are reading right now are both excellent examples of that very point :-)
Be sure to check out his interview above and follow this blog to know the latest from me. Your feedback about this interview and blog in general will be really appreciated and help me improve for future.
Back from Arts Council of Pakistan after watching my first Urdu theater ‘Pawnay 14’ with pack audience after more than a period of decade in the presence of the legendary writer of the play Anwar Maqsood. It was honor to have Fatima Surayya Bajia and VC NED University. A play intelligently written and passionately performed received standing ovations! Perhaps the best dialogue for me: Quaid-e-Azam counts the resources and beauty of Pakistan and Allama Iqbal interjects by asking if the Quaid was listing Pakistan’s blessings or reciting Surah-e-Rehman which talks about the bounties bestowed upon mankind by the Almighty. The Quaid, with moisture in his eyes, replies that Pakistan was indeed Surah Rehman itself! I recommend it to all Karachiites, if you have not seen it, kindly go and watch, it will go on till 4th of April, it is a play where simultaneously you would cry and laugh aloud!
We have always been told that if a glass is half- filled with water and half-empty then we should see a half-filled glass to remain positive, but why haven't we been told that if we see that glass deeply, the truth is that a glass that is half-filled with water is actually always full: half with water and half with air, both essential ingredients of life.Indeed, choice is ours how to see things in life. Be sure to look beyond initial appearances and what may seem obvious.
"I am uneducated," Edhi told Al Jazeerah's Imtiaz Tyab. "I never went to school. I never learned to read or write. I do this work because it gives me so much joy. I am a human and a Muslim, God helps me help other people." His non-profit foundation has centers in 37 countries. This remarkable man has finally been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
I am sure not only Pakistanis, but all those who believe in caring for humanity around the world would wish him GOOD LUCK for the well deserved Peace Prize that should have been awarded to Mr. Edhi well before!
First public speaking session after arriving in Pakistan at PAF-KIET University in Karachi! It was fantastic to moderate session with Uzair Ausaf and special thanks to Farah Sadiq and Omair M siddiqui! Amazing audience at PAF-KIET!
No matter whatever comes my way, I wanted to feel Tahrir, I wanted to represent Pakistani youth and youth around the world who are inspired by the young people in Egypt and relentlessly fighting peacefully against corruption, for freedom, democracy and social justice in the country.The revolution goes on in Egypt and so as my support for the courageous people of Egypt. Here is the exclusive video of the revolution anniversary from Tahrir Square, dedicated to all who believe in positive change!
After airing of my interview over the last week, I have received overwhelming likes, wishes, encouragement and prayers from friends across Pakistan and around the world. Many of you have shared the video to spread positive energy around. Neither I can thank you all nor have words for the same other than that *I love you all♥ I truly believe that in all of us there is a hidden hero, so let us appreciate ourselves and others around us:-)
No matter who your opponents are, if we think we can win, we can and victory will be ours! Mission accomplished and a dream comes true today! Congratulations Pakistan for this historic Green Sweep against England!!!
Will be in Cairo (22-26 Jan), Siwa (27-29 Jan), Alexandria (30 Jan-01 Feb), Cairo (02 Feb), back to Karachi on 03 Feb… InshAllah!
Will be traveling to Egypt as Civilization Ambassador of Egypt in Pakistan and will express solidarity, pay tribute to the brave and peace loving youth on behalf of Youth from Pakistan & around the world. Youth there continue to struggle relentlessly for a future of hope and of change towards democracy & social justice. Looking forward to meet friends in Egypt and will visit top three cities. Will be in Um Dunya (the Mother of the Universe) inshAllah from 22 January-02 February 2012.
R.I.P Arfa Karim!! Pakistan is indebted to Arfa for making our country proud!! Born in 1995, Arfa Karim got the honor of World’s Youngest Microsoft Certified Professional when she was only 9 years old in 2004. Bill Gates, the Chairman of Microsoft, invited Arfa to visit the Microsoft Headquarters in the USA in the age of 10 only. Amazingly, she was certified for flying a plane at a flying club in Dubai at the age of 10. Indeed, enormous loss for Pakistan!! We will miss you Arfa!!!!!!!!
Crossing Borders Pakistan is inviting the young people to write a brief message of appreciation to the courageous youth of Egypt. All messages will be presented to the youth of Egypt in Egypt. Hurry up and don’t miss this opportunity to record whatever you want to say to the youth and leaders of Egypt. The entries are open to the youth of Pakistan as well as the youth from all around the world. Send your entries latest by Wednesday, 18 January 2012. Find more details here: http://crossingborderspakistan.wordpress.com/our-projects/
