A polio case has been detected in Lahore in Eighteen-month-old Sana. She has been diagnosed with type P1 of the virus that has affected her left leg. The girl had not received any dose of vaccine since her birth, according to her father, Amir Ahmad.  Read more... (513 words, 1 image, estimated 2:03 mins reading time)

A milestone for research work in Pakistan is achieved proving the capabilities of our scientists. Dr A.Q. Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Kibge) of Karachi University has been succeeded in producing five enzymes (Bio catalyst) of high industrial value on the import of which the country spends over $10 million every year. The institute was pioneer to plan commercialization of the enzymes in the country has got international patents for the enzyme-producing strains and is now ready to sell the processes to industry and provide them with technical support. The current global market of industrial enzymes is over $2 billion, and is expected to top $2.7bn by 2012.  Read more... (338 words, 1 image, estimated 1:21 mins reading time)

I came across this touching piece of writing via twitter when one of my friend tweeted this to me with #Pakistan via Kidvai. In context of ongoing GO GREEN Rally on Social media and recent violence incidents in Gojra, the words of the verses seems to be apt and bang on. Here it is for all of you to read and comment what you feel about it.  Read more... (68 words, 1 image, estimated 16 secs reading time)

In a verdict having far-reaching implications, Pakistan’s Supreme Court declared as “unconstitutional and illegal” the emergency imposed by former President Pervez Musharraf in 2007.

A 14-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry also declared as unconstitutional Musharraf’s action of sacking over 60 members of the judiciary who did not endorse the emergency imposed on November 3, 2007.  Read more... (263 words, 2 images, estimated 1:03 mins reading time)

“Made in Pakistan” produced by “Still water Productions” and “Talking filmain” is an hour long documentary that was motivated by Newsweek’s cover story of October 29th, 2007 that declared Pakistan to be “The Most Dangerous Place in the World.” The film documents the lives of four ordinary Pakistani citizens during military rule in an effort to break Western stereotypes about the country.  Read more... (396 words, 1 image, estimated 1:35 mins reading time)

Artistically produced and beautifully designed anthology on M.A. Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, is a slim coffee table companion on a statesman who, initially seen as the spoiler of the British India’s unity, is retrospectively and rather belatedly now accepted as one of the most prominent leaders of the twentieth century. This precious piece of history and our pride is an admirable effort by the ‘Jinnah Society’ whose presidents Liaquat Merchant and Sharif Al Mujahid conceived the project and implemented it so gracefully. The anthology was first published in 1999 and this is its second edition, which is an important contribution to the body of literature on Mr Jinnah.  Read more... (420 words, 1 image, estimated 1:41 mins reading time)

Canadian citizens of Pakistani descent are beginning to wonder whether it’s worth it to marry people from back home. A friend of mine, Najma, recently expressed her displeasure at the Canadian immigration system pertaining to spousal sponsorship. As a Canadian citizen of Pakistani descent, she was faced with two options that would allow her husband to live with her in Canada. He could either obtain a visit visa, which would prevent him from working there, or he could wait up to a year for his immigration to come through.  Read more... (1064 words, 1 image, estimated 4:15 mins reading time)

While browsing today I came across these lines on BBC Urdu posted by وسعت اللہ خان which are ‘politically’ correct but hard to except. Truth is bitter but can’t be changed. these lines had been composed by the greatest Philosopher of all times, Khalil Jibran in 1935. It seems to me as a Universal truth as the lines and the depth of thought are applicable in any age or Era.

ترس کھا ایسی ملت پر جو توہمات سے پر اور عقیدے سے خالی ہو

ترس کھا ایسی ملت پر جو وہ زیبِ تن کرتی ہو جو اس نے نہیں بنا، وہ کھاتی ہو جو اس نے نہیں بویا، وہ شراب پیتی ہو جو کسی اور نے کشید کی

ترس کھا ایسی ملت پر جو غنڈے کو ہیرو سمجھےاور فاتح کو بھر بھر جھولی درازی عمر کی دعا دے

ترس کھا ایسی ملت پر جو نیند میں بہادر اور جاگتے میں بزدل ہو

ترس کھا ایسی ملت پر جس کی صدا سوائے جلوسِ جنازہ کبھی بلند نہ ہو، سوائے زیرِ شمشیر کبھی گردن نہ اٹھے

ترس کھا ایسی ملت ہر جس کا مدبر لومڑ اور فلسفی مداری ہو اور ہنر ان کا صرف لیپا پوتی اور نقالی ہو

ترس کھا ایسی ملت پر جو نقارہ بجا کر نئے حاکم کا استقبال کرے اور آوازے کس کے رخصت کرے اور پھر نقارہ بجائے اگلے حاکم کے لیے

ترس کھا ایسی ملت پر جس کے دانشمند گزرتے وقت کے ساتھ بہرے ہوتے چلے جائیں، جس کے قوی اب تک گہوارے میں ہوں

ترس کھا ایسی ملت پر جو ٹکڑے ٹکڑے ہو جائے اور ہر ٹکڑا خود کو ملت جانے۔۔۔۔۔۔۔

( گلشنِ پیمبر۔ خلیل جبران۔انیس سو تینتیس )

The Supreme Court of Pakistan took an unprecedented step in the country’s judicial history by inviting a former military ruler to defend his extra-constitutional actions in the court. For the first time any former President of Pakistan will appear in Court if Musharraf decides to do so. Constitutional experts believe that if he did not want to appear in court it doesn’t make any difference as he has to explain his decision either by appearing in person or through a lawyer. 14 Judge Bench hearing the case relating to two judges of Sindh High Court asked Musharraf to explain his decision of emergency enlighten the hope in Pakistan for justice and accountability of rulers also.Attorney General of Pakistan refused to defend the case.  Read more... (443 words, 1 image, estimated 1:46 mins reading time)

The most oppressed and deprived segment of the society and subjected to humiliation and molestation is transgenders or commonly called “Hijra”. They have been ostracized by the society for no faults of theirs.They are generally seen dancing or begging on streets. It has been said that their prayers are answered soon and we have been taught to never abuse them by our elders.  Read more... (407 words, 2 images, estimated 1:38 mins reading time)