Disabled demand access to equal opportunities

Published in Pakistan Observer (4 Dec. 2010)

Sana Jamal

ISLAMABAD: Prejudice, lack of opportunities and official apathy - the disabled people in the country have to deal with more than just their physical disabilities in their struggle to lead respectable lives. On International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 Dec.) people with disability demanded for an inclusive society with equal opportunity and accessibility for all – able or disabled.

Taking an initiative to include people with disability with the society, Islamabad Serena Hotel (ISH) introduced Braille Menus for its visually impaired guests on International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Friday at the hotel premises. “Serena Hotel is the first hotel in Pakistan to launch Braille menu service to serve its visually impaired” said Peter Hill, General Manager, ISH on the launch of Braille menu at the hotel. Sharing the importance of the day with the theme “Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming disability in the Millennium Development Goals towards 2015 and beyond" Mr. Hill said “People with disability are denied basic rights but they are highly productive if given a chance to prove themselves. Employers must take positive steps on this international day and give equal opportunities to them.”

Aamir Qayyum, designer of Braille menu is a person with low vision disability. “Being a disable person, Braille is my mother tongue. I feel privileged to play my part in providing accessibility to disable people through this Braille menu” Aamir said smilingly.

According to World Bank statistics almost 10% population of Pakistan is disabled but “due to the narrow mindset of the people who feel ashamed in admitting that they have a disable person at home, we do not have an exact number of disable people in Pakistan” Atif said demanding an attitudinal change in mindset of community.

“I live a normal life but the only problem I have to face is of inaccessibility” said Farzana Kauser, 28 years old who is living with disability but is working as a filed assistant officer at National Education Foundation. Special people do not want pity or charity, they want full accessibility, she added.

Bulk of the problem which is faced by a visually impaired person is not in disability but in the attitudinal and physical barriers erected by society. Therefore, in the first instance, people with disabilities need to be identified as individuals and human beings by removing any social model or attitude barriers.

“With the right of access to public buildings, facilities and technology being denied to a wide range of disabled people, several other important human rights just become theoretical with no real meaning and value” said Atif Sheikh, President of Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP).

World AIDS Day observed in Pakistan

‘Prevention helps in overcoming HIV’


Published in Pakistan Observer on 2 Dec. 2010
Sana Jamal



“HIV/AIDS is not only a health issue but a developmental problem and the only way to overcome this menace of by taking individual responsibility of our own lives as well as of people around us.” This point was highlighted by Minister for Health, Makhdoom Shahab-ud-Din in his message on World AIDs Day which was observed around the globe on Dec. 1.

World AIDs Day was celebrated in Islamabad with a seminar organised by National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), Ministry of Health.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Health said that HIV/AIDS is a developmental issue which can retract the social, economical, cultural and educational growth of a country. Hence “Prevention is our most powerful and effective weapon against the disease” he added. Minister also lauded the efforts of NACP in educating the masses and said that we should move ahead and start a new era of individual responsibility while pushing aside the stigmas, blame and discriminatory behaviour as a nation.

Society’s role against child abuse stressed

Published in Pakistan Observer on 1 Dec. 2010
Sana Jamal

Islamabad- Ninety four percent of doctors of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have termed the Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) as a serious problem in Pakistan and recommended a training programme for medical professionals. These findings were shared during a launching ceremony of Rozan’s Qualitative Research on “Child Sexual Abuse: in Rawalpindi and Islamabad”.

“Child Abuse is not an isolated issue but it has long-term effects on economy, health and education sectors of a country” said Dr. Zehra Kamal, a Psychological expert speaking at the launch of the Rozan report on ‘Child Sexual Abuse’ (CSA). She said that keeping in mind the seriousness of the issue it should be the first priority of the health agencies.

“CSA is the least explored and least acknowledged form of child abuse in Pakistan” said Dr. Mobeena Fatima, Research Associate of Health Services Academy. Sharing the details of research, Dr. Anita Aijaz Psychiatrist from Rozan lamented that CSA was not given importance in Pakistan’s medical education.

Haiku - cultural bridge between Pak, Japan

Published in Pakistan Observer on 1 Dec. 2010
Sana Jamal
ISLAMABAD: A Japanese traditional poetry – ‘Haiku’ Mushaira "Basho Evening" was held at the National Art Gallery in Islamabad on Tuesday to pay a tribute to Matsuo Basho, the father of Haiku.

The event started with screening of Japan Video Topic (Hiraizumi: Home City of Bosho) and was co-organized by Embassy of Japan, Pakistan Haiku Society, National Art Gallery, National University of Modern Languages and Pakistan Japan Cultural Association.

Mr. Iftikhar Arif, Chairman, Pakistan Academy of Letters, was the presiding poet and chief guest of the Mushaira. While 14 renowned Pakistani Haiku poets participated in the Haiku Mushaira and recited two translations from the original Haiku poems composed by Basho and two of their own compositions.

The Japanese traditional poetry, Haiku has also gained popularity in Pakistan in recent years and has become one of the cultural bridges between Japan and Pakistan.

‘Making of’ screened at PNCA - Tunisian film clears ambiguity about extremism

Published in Pakistan Observer (28 Nov. 2010)
Sana Jamal
Islamabad - Tunisian Embassy in collaboration with Ministry of Culture arranged an internationally renowned film “Making Of” at PNCA on Saturday night which earned a deep appreciation by foreign diplomats and Pakistani viewers. The film was screened to mark the 23rd anniversary of the change in Tunisia which ushered in a new era of development and modernization under the dynamic leadership of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The Tunisian Ambassador Mourad Bourehla greeted the guests including several ambassadors and senior diplomats from friendly countries as well as Pakistanis.



The film ‘Making of’ is directed by well known Tunisian film-maker Nouri Bouzid. It is one of the most awarded Tunisian films. The film depicts the most critical subject of suicide bombing and explains circumstances that lead one to desperation and ultimately towards extremism.

The film carries a message "Terrorists aren't born. They are made."

The title of the film ‘Making of’ depicts the making of a martyr, the making of a man and the making of a film. It deals with complex themes of martyrdom, murder, manhood and suicide.


In the movie, Bouzid expressed the desperation of youth with regard to economic and social level of the society and showed how such level prepares the ground for extremist groups to recruit and indoctrinate the young minds by spreading fundamentalist ideas.

‘Awareness, education must to control AIDS’

Published in Pakistan Observer (Nov. 30, 2010)
Sana Jamal
Islamabad - There are approximately 97,400 cases of HIV and AIDS in Pakistan. “Through awareness and education, we can fight the most dreadful diseases such as HIV & AIDS” was the message of the advocacy seminar organized by National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), Ministry of Health.

The Advocacy Session of NACP held with media persons here at Islamabad on Monday was part of the campaign to observe World AIDS Day 2010. The basic purpose of the seminar was to promote awareness on HIV & AIDS among masses through media.

The session was chaired by Dr. Sajid Ahmed, National Programme Manager of NACP. A large number of govt. officials, UN officials, civil society and representatives from media participated in the seminar.

AIDS remains one of the leading causes of premature death globally. Over 41 million people are living with HIV and AIDS globally. According to World Health Organization (WHO), 90 % of the new HIV positive cases are reported in developing countries.

Pakistan is the second largest country in South Asia that stands only a few steps behind India and Nepal in terms of HIV epidemic. Until recently Pakistan was classified as a ‘low prevalence high risk’ country.

Buddha shows the way to Peace and Tolerance

Zeenath Khalid’s paintings carry message of Peace, Tolerance and Serenity

Report by Sana Jamal published in Pakistan Observer (29 Nov. 2010)

Islamabad -‘Buddha’s Way-Aman Ka Rasta’ (way to peace) was the theme of the exhibition of inspirational paintings by Zeenath Khalid at Nomad Art Gallery in Islamabad.

The exhibition was part of two-week activism campaign for elimination of violence against women and organized by Nageen Hyat of Nomad Art Gallery in collaboration with UNIFEM.

Ms. Alice Shackleford, Country Programme Director of UNIFEM – Pakistan inaugurated the exhibition. The purpose of the exhibition is to promote elimination of violence while recognizing our power of faith so that all can live together in peace, she said. “The different colours of the paintings remind viewers about different religious, cultural values and beauty of Pakistan” said Ms. Alice Shackleford.

The inspiring collection of the self-taught artist, Zeenath Khalid consists of a series of oil paintings on canvas depicting the life, colour and spirit of Buddha’s teaching based on peace and harmony. The painting of the ‘Golden Buddha’, ‘Sufi Mystic’, ‘Reclining Buddha’ and ‘the Journey’ not only soothes the viewers but each painting tells a story of serenity allowing the onlooker to take a leap into the serene life of Buddha.

Hotline for Children’s Grievances established

Published in Pakistan Observer (25 Nov. 2010)
Sana Jamal
ISLAMABAD: “No lawyer, no fees, just call and complain” was the simple and effective message to the vulnerable children of Pakistan by Children’s Complaint Office (CCO), a unique organization working to address children’s grievances.

CCO, the first children’s ombudsman office in South Asia established by Wafaqi Mohtasib and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) receives and resolves complaints from or on behalf of children whose rights have been violated by a federal department or agency.

Media person learnt this while attending a workshop organized by CCO to engage media in highlighting the issues of vulnerable children in Pakistan and also and to explain the working mechanism of CCO to the public through media.

The Child ombudsman has received 272 complaints till now since Aug. 2009. Out of which 90% complaints have been redressed within a period ranging from 3 - 6 months.

The basic purpose of CCO is to receive, examine and investigate complaints made by or on behalf of children and young people. Besides, the organization also aims at promoting children’s rights and welfare; create awareness about the child rights issues in Pakistan and to take proper measures to solve the issues.

Children Parliamentarians of Pakistan demand due rights

Published in Pakistan Observer (25 Nov. 2010)
Sana Jamal
ISLAMABAD: The Children Parliament Pakistan has called for establishment of a separate ministry to care for children’s rights, firm action on child labour issue and to ensure equal treatment for women at grass root level.

This has been stated in a resolution adopted by the Members of the Children’ Parliament Pakistan in Islamabad Wednesday during the one-day session of the Rawalpindi Regional Assembly (RRA), Punjab.

Arslan Latif, Speaker of the Regional Assembly, Rawalpindi said “CPP is a platform which provides opportunity to the children of Pakistan to present their problems and submit suggestions for evolving policies on child rights.”

Children’ Parliament Pakistan (CPP) is an initiative of Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), supported by Strengthening Democracy through Parliamentary Development (SDPD). The idea of the parliament was conceived in 2007 and put into practice a year later.

Talking to Pakistan Observer, Marvi Sirmed, National Project Manager of SDPD (UNDP) said that parliamentary procedure should not only be kept to the parliament but it should be made part of our lives. “The basic aim of this project was to politically aware the children hence making them responsible citizens who are aware of their rights and duties.” This is an awareness campaign to bring attitudinal changes in our behaviour towards democracy, she added.

‘Chief Minister of RRA’, Hamid Ali briefing about the achievements of CPP in Chakwal said that, “We have collected information about 204 vulnerable children in Chakwal and have also sent a proposal to construct an institution for them.”

Explaining the democratic system to the elected parliamentarians, Former Speaker of Children Parliament Bakht Jamshed said “Democracy is a system which gives voice to common man”.

Three hundred Members of the CPP from 30 districts of Pakistan are serving as the representatives of the children of Pakistan in 10 Regional Assemblies. The Assemblies holds 2-3 meetings annually to discuss the pertinent issues and come up with the resolutions in order to ensure the rights of the children in Pakistan.

Security personnel sacrifice their Eid for others

Originally Published in Pakistan Observer (Nov. 20, 2010)
Sana Jamal
While the whole nation celebrated their Eid by sacrificing animals and enjoying Eid with their families, thousands of security forces and policemen had to spend their holidays on duties remaining alert against a possible terror threat.

On Eid-ul-Azha (Festival of Sacrifice), the guardians of the nation had to sacrifice their Eid for others as Eid holidays of police personnel and officials were cancelled because they were directed to remain on duty to prevent any unforeseen mishap.

Men in blue uniforms in Islamabad were present vigilant at all important intersections of the city keeping a check on almost all vehicles passing ensuring the possible safety of the citizens. These precautionary measures were part of the comprehensive security plan chalked out by the local administration and police due to fear of terrorism to avoid any unpleasant incident.

Moved by the spirit of our policemen a taxi driver Rizwan ul haq said “These are our unsung heroes who leave no stone unturned for our security.”

Born in Pakistan, crowned in China

Pakistan women’s cricket team has finally managed to silence its critics
under captain Sana Mir (R) following the Asian Games glory. PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan women cricketers created history when they won the events first-ever cricket gold at the Asian Games after an emphatic ten-wicket win against Bangladesh in the final.

Nida Rashid who excelled with an all-round show was the player-of-the-final as the team gave Pakistan the first gold in Guangzhou after grabbing silver in wushu and a bronze in snooker.

The cricket team, with an indifferent year behind them following a mixture of success and failure, continued their superb form in the tournament and, after opting to field, put up a good bowling performance to dismiss Bangladesh for a mere 92 in 20 overs.

Rashid took four wickets after conceding 16 runs off her quota of four overs while captain Sana Mir grabbed a brace. Bangladesh captain Salma Khatoon was the top scorer for her side with 24 while Rumana Ahmad, with 16, was the only other notable scorer.

Pakistan replied strongly and achieved the target without any loss in 15.4 overs with openers Rashid putting in an all-round effort, partnering Javeria Wadood at the top of the order. Rashid struck an unbeaten 51 off just 43 balls while Wadood, who smashed the winning boundary, scored 39.

“It’s the most memorable moment of my life,” Nida told after guiding her team to victory. “I will not forget this win for the rest of my life. We came here with an aim to win the gold medal and I feel proud to have played an important role in my team’s victory.”

Baqra Eid Mubarak

'Women Journalists Pakistan' formed

To provide a platform to the women journalists working in print media, electronic media and radio the female journalists have formed an association ‘Women Journalists Pakistan’ (WJP) to address their problems and provide women journalists with special incentives to retain them in journalism.

In this regard a ceremony was held at the National Press Club on Saturday wherein female journalists from different media organizations registered themselves with the association and got advice from senior journalists.

As a first step, women journalists, after a couple of consultative and interactive meetings have decided to form a group that would address the above mentioned problems of those working in this field. These meetings and debates have led to the formation of Women Journalists Pakistan which is a non-political and intellectual based forum that aims to provide a platform to the women journalists working in print media, electronic media and radio.

Remembering Hasan Nasir

Hasan Nasir was a left-wing revolutionary student and leader of working class. Though he passed away on Nov 13, 1961 after being tortured by the then administration at the Lahore Fort, but he is still a symbol of inspiration of the country’s youth.

Yousuf Hassan, a writer and a poet remembering Nasir on his 50th death anniversary said,

“He belonged to a well-off family of Hyderabad (Deccan) but it was his cultured background that made him a people’s friendly leader. He fought to realize the dream of democratic Pakistan and struggled for the rights of working class till he succumbed to death in 1960.”

Yousuf stressed that Pakistani nation must not forget the struggles of a revolutionary leader who dedicated his life to promote the struggle of blue-collar class of this country.

Hassan Nasir was not just a leader but was also a revolutionary poet and to date he remains a youth hero in Pakistan to this day.
After Indo-Pak partition, Nasir migrated to Pakistan where he soon started to represent the oppressed and downtrodden people and initiated a campaign to bridge the gap between haves and have-nots.

Despite hailing from an aristocratic family of Hyderabad Deccan, he opted to take up the cause of the oppressed. He was arrested in 1960, put in a cell in the Lahore Fort and reportedly tortured to death. ‘He died for a good cause, but I know I have many more sons who will carry on the fight for which Hassan Nasir gave up his life’ were the words of his mother at Nasir’s demise.

Book on Militancy launched

Published in Pakistan Observer (14 Nov. 2010)

Sana Jamal

Islamabad — Journalist Zahid Hussain says, Lal Masjid tragedy triggered the wave of suicide bombing and terrorism in Pakistan and the death of Ghazi Abdul Rashid has not helped end terrorism in the country.

He was speaking at the launching ceremony of his book titled “The Relentless Rise of Islamic Militants in Pakistan: The Scorpion’s Tail” on Saturday. He said that that Lal Masjid operation had inspired him to write a book to unfold the realities behind series of terrorism acts in Pakistan.

Culture, Music paint real image of Pakistan

Published in Pakistan Observer (3 Nov. 2010)

Sana Jamal

Islamabad - Music and Art, the two delicate medium of expressions of feelings were combined brilliantly at the inaugural ceremony of World Music instrument and Music Painting exhibition titled ‘Silent Decibels’ here at National Art Gallery, Islamabad. ‘Silent Decibels – The art of music’ was held to display 47 paintings of two Pakistani Visual artists, Amna Ismail Pataudi and Sana Kazi Khan. Amna Pataudi specializes in watercolour painting while Sana Kazi is a miniature painter.

Journalists discuss self-accountability

Media of Pakistan should resolve the discrepancies within media, issues of unethical reporting and overreaction by free media.These views were expressed by media professionals at a national seminar on “Media, Democracy and Public Interest: Issues and Options” held on Tuesday in Islamabad, organized by Society for Alternative Media and Research (SAMAR).

Dengue Fever – Symptoms and Preventions

 

Edited version published in Pakistan Observer on Oct. 26, 2010

 

While dengue has existed since decades in many parts of the world in various forms, the killer disease emerged as a major health concern in Pakistan for last few years, and especially after the heavy floods in Pakistan, the disease has been witnessed on an alarming level.

 

As a nation, we have been in the habit of shoving off even hazardous issues until they reach a height which cannot be ignored. Only then we take corrective steps and preventive measures. Same is the case with the deadly viral disease which regularly surface almost every year but the concerned authorities have failed to come up with any comprehensive preventive plan to face deal with this fatal disease.

Rural women’s role in society dev highlighted

Published in Pakistan Observer (16 Oct. 2010)
Sana Jamal

Islamabad - To highlight the importance and address the woes of rural women, Oct 15 was celebrated as ‘World Rural Women’s Day’ all over the world.
To mark the World Rural Women Day in Pakistan, a two-day annual conference was arranged by Potohar Organisation for Development Advocacy (PODA) in collaboration with 56 other organizations at Lok Virsa, Islamabad.Firday’s conference was presided over by Federal Minister for Culture Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani and inaugurated by Farzana Raja, Member National Assembly and Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme.

The theme of the conference was “Rural Women, Disaster Mitigation and Peace” where the rural women from across the country participated to articulate the problems they were going through especially after the floods.

“We have chosen the theme of disaster because the rural women are currently in great miseries due to the havoc played by the flood in various parts of the country,” said PODA Director Samina Nazir.

This day is celebrated worldwide to coincide with the World Food Day, in order to emphasize the role played by rural women in food production and food security.Rural women of Pakistan constitute the invisible work force which keeps the family and the rural economy alive, but their labour often goes under-rewarded.

Pakistan rural women are major contributors in agriculture and production fields. A rural woman’s work ranges from crop production, livestock production to cottage industry to household and family maintenance. However her role and dignity has yet not been recognized even after her extended involvement in economy and family at the same time.

'PARO' - Curative Robot inroduced in Islamabad

Edited story published in Pakistan Observer on 8 Oct. 2010
Sana Jamal

Islamabad - In this modern technological age when human beings have become machines and can spend little time with their aging elders or ailing children, a friendly mechanical robot named PARO has emerged to fill gap of emotional attachments and psychological therapy.

PARO – which stands for Partner Robot has been developed by Japanese scientist, Dr. Takanori Shibata and was introduced in Islamabad’s National University of Science and Technology (NUST) on Thursday.

Dr. Takanori Shibata, Senior Research Scientist, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Japan delivered a lecture titled as “Science Lecture on Robot-Life Innovation with Therapeutic Robot: Paro” and explained the work and ability of friendly-looking little Paro which can cure elderly people as well as sick children in hospitals and home.

Poetry book for children launched

Published in Pakistan Observer on 5th Oct. 2010

Islamabad— Zawiya, a literary organisation launched Shehnaz Rauf’s poem book for children titled as ‘Roshni’ at National language Authority (NLA), in Islamabad on Monday.

The author, Shehnaz Rauf, a teacher at OPF College recited a few of her poems at the ceremony and delivered a lecture on the psychology of the children.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Javed (of Allama Iqbal Open University) pointed out that Pakistan lags behind in producing quality literature for children hence there is a dire need to promote the children's literarure industry in the country.

Role of Media stressed in Education Policy

Printed in Pak. Observer on 30th Sept. 2010.

Islamabad— Media and civil professionals on Tuesday attended a rare Seminar at the ‘Media and Civil Society Collaboration Workshop’ in Islamabad. The speakers proposed an alliance between media and education activists to improve the dismal state of Education sector in Pakistan. The Workshop was organized by Pakistan Coalition for Education (PCE) and sponsored by Open Society Institute.

A number of local journalists and education experts representing various organizations attended the one-day workshop.

Revival of a forgotten art in Islamabad

Edited news version printed in Pakistan Observer on Sept. 24, 2010.

Islamabad: A three-day calligraphy workshop was sponsored by Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) for the art learners (from Sept. 21-23, 2010), which has truly injected a new life to the forgotten art of calligraphy among Pakistanis. The rare workshop was arranged by the efforts of Director General PNCA, Mr. Tauqeer Nasir in order to revive the interest of youth in Islamic art of calligraphy.

Upon entering the huge room of the workshop, few students were found scattered around the room, busy with their painting brushes and papers. At the front of the room, a man was sitting with a desk full of calligraphic scriptures and few youngsters gathered around him asking different questions. This man is Mohammad Elahi Bukhsh Muttee, an eminent calligrapher who remained quite busy teaching some 40 students about the skill of writing original form of calligraphy to the students.

Japanese Film Festival in Islamabad

Published in Pakistan Observer on Sept. 23, 2010.
Sana Jamal
ISLAMABAD: The Japanese Film Festival screened two films “Sumo do, Sumo don’t” and “Tokyo- Tower” at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) auditorium on Wednesday 22nd September, 2010.
This Film Festival arranged by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the PNCA and Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association, was open to school children and the public on Wednesday; and was keenly attended by the students (10-16 years of age) of Anglo-Arabic School, Beaconhouse School, Jinnah Public School and Sheikh Zayed International School of Islamabad.

The first film screened “Sumo do, Sumo don’t” (103 minutes long) was greatly appreciated by the school children and teenagers who thoroughly enjoyed every part of the film.