LAHORE LAHORE HAI !!!!

 

10 MUST VISIT TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN LAHORE

Lahore (Urdu: لاہور‎) is the second biggest city in Pakistan. It is the capital of the province of Punjab. It is also known as the 'City of Gardens' because of its many parks and gardens. This city is known for its rich culture and lively atmosphere, in a lighter mode known “Lahore Lahore Hai” meaning Lahore is Lahore.

According to historians and archaeologists, Lahore was the capital of several Hindu dynasties from around 300-250 BC onwards. Probably the first of these dynasties was the 'Loh'(or Lav) dynasty of the Gujar tribe. Some people also believe that this city is the same one mentioned by Ptolemy in his Geographia.

The ancient 'Walled City' was the old, proper Lahore, which later expanded in different directions. Quite a lot of work was done on it by the kings of the Delhi Sultanate and then the Mughals. Most of the newer areas and suburbs of the city are from the later British Raj from 1849 to 1947.

Lahore is historically an important place in the South Asian Subcontinent. Famous buildings made here during the time of the Mughal Empire includes

·         Badshahi Mosque, (https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badshahi_Mosque)

·         Lahore Fort (https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Fort)

·         Shalimar Gardens. (https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shalimar_Gardens)

·         Lahore Museum. (https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Museum)

·         Lahore Fort. (https://intentionaldetours.com/best-places-to-visit-lahore/#lahore-fort)

·         Tonb of Jgagir (https://intentionaldetours.com/best-places-to-visit-lahore/#jahangir)

·         Tomb of Nadira Begum (https://intentionaldetours.com/best-places-to-visit-lahore/#nadira-begum)

·         Minar e Pakistan (https://intentionaldetours.com/best-places-to-visit-lahore/#minar-e-pakistan)

·         Kamran’s Bara Daari (https://intentionaldetours.com/best-places-to-visit-lahore/#kamran's-baradari)

·         Bagh I Jinnah (https://intentionaldetours.com/best-places-to-visit-lahore/#bagh-e-jinnah)

But my today’s blog is about some other places that are equally worth seeing in Lahore. So I want all my readers that if they are thinking of travelling to Lahore and to with relaxation in Covid-19 restrictions, it’s important to do things at your own pace. Travel when you feel like its safe too, and when you are comfortable, then do visit these amazing place in Lahore beside more famous and known place highlighted above. It might still be a while until we’re able to visit places like Venice and Rome, but there are so many gems here in the Lahore worth exploring. It’s so rich in culture, arts and hospitality, so today I’ll be sharing 10 must visit places based off my own travel experiences.

1.   Wazir Khan Mosque

Completed in 1642, this 17th-century mosque- which can be found in Lahore’s Walled City- is magnificent. It’s decked out in bright colors and boasts magnificent frescoes that have somehow been kept in pristine condition thanks to restoration efforts. Wazir Khan Masjid was commissioned by  Shah Jahan- yup, that’s the exact same Mughal Emperor who had the Taj Mahal built. I guess that speaks to its magnificence! Though it might not be the largest mosque in the city, it’s nevertheless one of the best places to visit in Lahore— don’t miss it!

Visiting hours: 5AM-8PM Daily

Entrance fee: Free.

2.   Anarkali Bazaar

Anarkali Bazaar is a one of the best busy to be places to visit in Lahore… whether it be for shopping, eating, or just people watching, something new always remains to be discovered in this busy marketplace. The bazaar lies in the historic neighborhood of old city, and though it may not be quite as maze-like as the Walled City- it’s very easy to get lost amongst its lively streets. The name Anarkali belongs to a girl who worked as an escort… and is said to have had an affair with Crown Prince Jahangir. Anarkali was buried in the neighborhood, so along with browsing the bazaar’s streets, a visit to her elaborate tomb is a must when you come to visit.

I highly recommend you stop here for some chole bhature and some of the best puri in Lahore!

3. Food Streets of Lahore.

Food Street in Lahore, means many things considering Lahore is one of the most foodie friendly places in Pakistan. One of it is located adjacent to the Badshahi Mosque. However the real food street (or one of them) lies just a block. Here you can find decades’ old restaurants and shops serving up everything from delicious tawa chicken to paaye and mutton brains!

Gawalmandi is another famous food street located near to Mall Road- and while it’s certainly better than the bougie one mentioned above, with a large variety of typical Lahore food.

Visiting Hours: Both food streets open around midday and stay open until 2:00AM on a regular day.

4: Walled City of Lahore

  

The Walled City of Lahore is not a single monument, but a living, breathing relic of times past and present. The Walled City has been around since 1000 BCE and has lived through dozens of rulers and eras. In its heyday, 13 gates allowed entry, but today only 6 remain. Though you can make a point to hunt down the famous places to visit in the Walled City of Lahore, to truly experience the magic of the Walls is to get lost in them without a destination.

Take a morning (or afternoon), enter through any gate and see where the hours take you. Unmarked eateries, illustrious havelis, and all kinds of narrow walk-ways and unknown shrines will be sure to greet you.

Visiting hours: Literally whenever, though it’s best to wander before dark

Entrance fee: Free

5: Shahi Hammam

Shahi Hammam is the only monumental building in Pakistan which represents the Central Asian/Turkish/Irani tradition of public hot baths. It was designed as a public bathhouse to service both the visiting travelers as well as the inhabitants of the city.

he Hammam is a single storey building and covers an area of approximately1,050 square metres. Built on the pattern of Turkish and Iranian bathing establishments of its time (which consisted of hot, warm and cool plunges, sweat rooms and related facilities), the Hammam is a collection of 21 inter-connected rooms offering all the facilities found in a public bath, An additional room is set at an angle facing Mecca and has been used for offering prayers.

6: Data Darbar

Data Darbar is said to be the holiest place in Lahore and holds the remains of Data Ganj Baksh, who is believed to have lived here back in the 11th century. As far as Sufi shrines go, Data Darbar is one of the busiest due to its fame. On a regular day- especially if it’s a weekend- the shrine is bustling with life. It has separate entrances for both men and women and cameras are NOT allowed due to past security concerns… but phone cameras will do!

Visiting Hours: 24/7/365

Entrance Fee: None

7: Wagah Border

The Wagah Border is usually at the top of most people’s Lahore to do lists… and it sure is unique. This border that connects India with Pakistan is not just for crossing.

Every day around sundown, a wildly strange “border closing ceremony” takes place. Mostly a show of aggression accompanied by a bit of acting, the ceremony attracts hundreds of visitors from both sides of the Subcontinent. The Wagah Border is about 30 minutes to an hour from Lahore depending on where you start.

In the summer, the ceremony starts  around 4:45PM and in the winter, around 4:00PM. Arrive at least an hour in advance if you want a good seat!

Entrance Fee: None

8: Lahore Zoo

The zoo is right next to the Bagh e Jinnah on Mall Road and worth a visit considering its 148 years old and home to around 1400 animals!

Known for being the oldest zoo in Pakistan, it’s one of the most fun places to visit in Lahore with kids- or if you have a particularly favorite animal in mind like I do.

Visiting Hours: 8:30AM-5PM

Entrance Fee: 30 rupees for everyone

9: Lahore Railway Station

Lahore Junction railway station (Urdu, Punjabi: لاہور جنکشن ریلوے اسٹیشن) is the main railway station in Lahore, Pakistan. Construction commenced shortly after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 against British rule, and so was built in the style of a medieval castle with thick walls, turrets, and holes to direct gun and cannon fire for defence of the structure.[2] The station is now owned by Pakistan Railways, and also serves as its headquarters.

The station was built during the colonial era, and was built just outside the Walled City. Lahore Junction Station is equipped with all basic facilities such as ticketing services, restrooms, waiting areas, and international fast food chains.

10: Fakir Khana Museum.

Fakir Khana (Urdu: فقیر خانہ‎) is a private museum and house located in Lahore, Pakistan, owned by the Fakir family. Fakhir Khana contains over 20,000 objects, and is the largest privately owned museum in South Asia. The museum is located within Lahore's Walled City, along the Hakimaan Bazaar, near the Bhati Gate. It was originally owned by Raja Todar Mal, finance minister to the Mughal Emperor Akbar

The museum's collection consists of approximately 20,000 pieces of art and artifacts mostly from the 18th to 20th centuries,[3] including a small collection of Gandharan artifacts. The collection also contains numerous gifts bestowed to the Fakir family by Ranjit Singh, as well as 10,000 manuscripts, 180 displayed miniature paintings, Sikh era textiles, statuary, pottery, and carved ivory pieces. The collection also includes a 12 by 6 inch painting of Nawab Mumtaz Ali, that was painted with a single hair and required 15 years to be completed.

Visiting Hours: 10am–5pm

Here I mentioned my best places to visit in Lahore beside the usual known Historical ones.! Do you have a favorite that didn’t make the list? Let me know in the comments!

By:

Ovais Asad Khan

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY -2021 (DIVERSITY IS THE NEED OF HOUR)

 

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY -2021 (DIVERSITY IS THE NEED OF HOUR)

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.

Marked annually on March 8th, International Women's Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to:

·         Celebrate women's achievements

·         Raise awareness about women's equality

·         Lobby for accelerated gender parity

·         Fundraise for female-focused charities

Evert Year we all celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 and throws the spotlight on women and their rights. Beginning early 1900s, IWD is “a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality,” according to the official IWD website.

The earliest Women's Day observance, called "National Woman's Day", was held on February 28, 1909, in New York City, organized by the Socialist Party of America at the suggestion of activist Theresa Malkiel. In August 1910, an International Socialist Women's Conference was organized to precede the general meeting of the Socialist Second International in Copenhagen, Denmark. The following year on March 19, 1911, International Women's Day (IWD) was marked for the first time, by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

The theme of 2021 is let’s all Choose to Challenge. “We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women‘s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge,”

Purple, green and white are the colors of International Women's Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity, albeit a controversial concept. The colors originated from the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908.

Some of the quotes that will mark the importance of International Women Day 2021 are:

·         “No nation can rise to height of glory unless your women are side by side with you” – Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

·         “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama

·         “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa, Activist.

·         “A girl should be two things: Who and what she wants.” –Coco Chanel

·         “Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” –G.D. Anderson

·         “The best protection any woman can have is courage.” –Elizabeth Cady Stanton

·         “Where there is a woman, there is magic.” –Ntozake Shange

·         “Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights.” Hillary Clinton, American politician.

·         “After all those years as a woman hearing, ‘not thin enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough, not this enough, not that enough,’ almost overnight I woke up one morning and thought, ‘I am enough.’” –Anna Quindlen.

Women face unique barriers in pursuit of social and political equality. Employing the term “women’s issues” to address these obstacles or the uneven playing field can give visibility to the particular difficulties that women face, as opposed to other groups. So while women’s rights are human rights, using specificity to define them brings visibility to a population whose voice has been silenced.

While celebrating International women Day we in general forget the basic major issues faced by most of the women of the world irrespective of their Geographic’s and demographics’ as Women are involved in all parts of society, but some matters affect and touch women more than others.  Whether you’re new to the topic or a veteran advocate, this cheat sheet should help clarify what we mean when we talk about something as broad as girls’ and women’s issues.

1.      Access to Education

2.    Domestic Abuse.

3.    Over Reproductive Rights and Health.

4.    Employment Opportunities

5.    Maternal Health.

6.    Workplace Sexual Harassment.

7.    Forced Sex, rapes .

8.    Sexism and Gender Bias Equality & Violence.

9.   Child Marriage & Teen Pregnancy.

10. The Power of the Women's Vote

11. Gender Pay Gap

12. Female Genital Mutilation.

13. Water & Sanitation.

14. Women in Powerful Positions.

What I can suggest here max is Women’s marginalization, and the patriarchal system where ingrained gender roles further perpetuate inequality, do not exist in a bubble. The use of the term “women’s issues” can be an oversimplification that removes from men the onus of participating in solutions. Any hope of resolving these issues requires a shift in focus to include everyone in the conversation.

 We need a better understanding of the root causes of issues labeled as “women’s,” and perhaps a new word that hasn’t yet tired from overuse and become jargon. Men: label it gender inequality, label it a challenge for society, but don’t ignore an issue labeled as “women’s.”

Beside all I pointed out above let me clarify another myth on this International women Day that “more women on boards doesn’t guarantee diversity” and my today’s small message is based on this element. As I believe that although more women on boards is seen as an important indicator of gender equality and board effectiveness, however there’s a problem in thinking board gender statistics alone indicate significant progress on diversity if the women getting picked for boards generally belong to the same networks as the male directors, thus it does not solve the issue that because people from similar backgrounds and social circles are less likely to have very different perspectives, or be prepared to challenge the group.

Gender is only one facet of diversity. Ideally a board should have members who are able to not only arrive at different solutions but also voice these solutions. But for greater gender equality to really contribute to greater thought diversity, we have to think about all the other factors that might be just as important, such as ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, work and life experiences, educational attainment, or even personality traits. Based on that I would say that lets just not raise voice to place more and more women on higher seats but should follow the other elements of diversity too.

Meanwhile, advocating for women and girls within development is pretty popular right now. The UK women and equalities minister, Justine Greening, stated last International Women’s Day that “the world cannot wait for women’s empowerment”, while Australia’s minister for women’s affairs, Julie Bishop, pledged to put gender equality and women’s empowerment at the heart the country’s aid and trade strategies. Similarly, the folks at Davos, the World Bank and World Economic Forum are all putting gender on their agendas. Recently, even the Economist magazine has been waxing lyrical about gender budgeting.

In short all I can say is the wheels of change are in motion, and we need to maintain the passion and momentum as we’re not there yet. When we reach our goal with gender, we can address our other diversity challenges including ethnicity and age.

So let’s keep our fingers crossed either the slogan is Choose to Challenge or any other, our focus should be on protecting and giving Women their due share and respect in the Society.

BY:

Ovais Asad Khan

Pakistan - Climate Change Challenges.

 

Pakistan is a country whose contribution to the causes of climate change are not many but probably Pakistan is among the countries who are in the top list of countries badly impacted by global climatically changes . Climate change can generally be defined as a change in global or regional climate patterns. In particular, it can be attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels, or “A change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.” Climate Change is a change in weather patterns when it lasts for an extended period of time. It is a hot issue of these days as it is affecting the world in several ways. As it can be seen by changing patterns of weather in different regions of world climate is changing drastically.

We all know it clearly that climate change has caused drastic effects in the world climate, such as the rise of carbon dioxide level, global temperature, melting of ice sheets, rise of sea levels, and ocean acidification. For this change, a range of human activities is responsible. Human activities are the major cause of climate change. The foremost cause is global warming. Burning fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, has increased the concentration of carbon dioxide. Due to expansion of the greenhouse effect, global warming has risen. The main causes of climate change include the emission of greenhouse gases, burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, increasing livestock farming, excessive use of fertilizers, use of aerosol sprays and many more. Deforestation and increase in the use of chemicals in domestic and agriculture life is another reason of climate change. Deforestation is another leading cause of global warming and produces about 24 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and other fluorinated gases. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas which is added to the atmosphere by burning of the fossil. Its concentration is 40% higher than it was when industrialization started. Other greenhouse gases are emitted in smaller quantities, but they trap heat more effectively than carbon dioxide and in some cases thousand times stronger.

Almost all the causes of climate change are due to human activities. Humans are cutting down trees, burning fossil fuels at an alarming rate, using a lot of fertilizers and increasing amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Due to these anthropogenic activities, the ozone is also depleting. Mining, oil spills, drilling for oil and gas etc are also affecting the wild and marine life in the Arctic. The depleting of ozone is leading to melting of glaciers in Antarctica and Arctic regions. This, in turn, is responsible for rising of sea levels in different continents of the world. This increasing of sea level is a major threat to island countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and other Marshall islands.

Pakistan’s climate change concerns include increased variability of monsoons, the likely impact of receding Himalayan glaciers on the Indus River system, decreased capacity of water reservoirs, reduced hydropower during drought years, and extreme events including floods and droughts. Pakistan’s concerns included increased variability of monsoon, receding of Himalayan glacier’s likely  impact on Indus River system flows, decreased capacity of water reservoirs and extreme events including floods and droughts. He said that climate change would induce severe water stress, and Pakistan will face food insecurity due to decreasing agricultural production. Beside these we are also facing the degradation of ecosystems, biodiversity loss and saline water intrusion in the aquifers.

Adverse Impacts of Climate Change 

Pakistan is the fifth most climate vulnerable nation in the world. Between 1998 and 2018, according to the Global Climate Risk Index, the country is estimated to have lost nearly 10,000 lives to climate-related disasters. Pakistan has also suffered economically due to climate change and losses amounting to about $4 billion from 152 extreme weather events in that period. Analysts have estimated Pakistan’s climate migrants over the past decade at around 30 million people. Pakistan’s water cycle is the primary affected area of climate change. Agriculture is one of the major sectors likely to be adversely affected by climate change. Climate change can disrupt food availability, reduce access to food, and affect food quality. Projected increases in temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, changes in extreme weather events, and reductions in water availability may all result in reduced agricultural productivity. Seasonal smog is also due to climate change and pollution.

According to experts, Pakistan has faced around 150 freak weather incidents as a result of climate change in the past 20 years: flash floods, smog in winter, forest fires in summer, melting glaciers, freaky heat waves, landslides, displaced population. The major effects of climate change are global warming, ozone layer depletion, a rise of sea levels, melting of glaciers and destruction of habitats for many living organisms and cause of many diseases. The ozone layer depletion is resulting in many skins and breathing diseases. The frequency of floods has also increased drastically. The patterns of rain are also disturbed by climate change. Now, the number of rains per season is also decreasing due to the cutting of forests and many other environmental factors, resulting in soil and water erosion which directly affects agriculture. The biggest effect of climate change is global warming, increase in earth’s temperature, which is the main cause of acute drought conditions. The availability of water for domestic and agricultural uses is badly affected by it.

As a result of these climatically changes Pakistan is facing Social, environmental and economic impacts which are of great concern in developing countries like Pakistan, making people more vulnerable to effects of these hazards. As a result of abrupt climate changes 65-70% of country’s population is directly or indirectly related to agriculture. Water resources of Pakistan are getting scarce which directly relates to food insecurity, especially in rural areas. The arid and semi-arid zones are the most vulnerable to climate change as these regions are already facing water shortage and high temperature.

With unexpected seasonal changes crops are having adverse effects and leading to changing sowing time for crops which consequently changes irrigation requirements which modify the properties of soil and increase the risk of pest and disease attack, negatively altering agricultural productivity. Climate change scenarios have resulted in an increase in the epidemic potential for 12-27 percent for malaria and 31-47 percent of dengue. Mean annual temperature has increased in the recent past with greater increase in Sindh and Baluchistan. The threats go beyond glacier melt in the Himalayas and Karakorum as it would also face serious consequences from sea level rise threatening Karachi, Thatta and Badin and the coastline

Possible Solutions to Climate Change

Although it’s a much bigger challenge that we all are assuming and it will need much concentrated efforts not on an individual level but globally, however  here are some solutions that I can suggest for improving if not eliminating the deteriorating climate change situation and it will involve community, individuals, governments and other agencies of the world.

Ø  Pakistan needs immediate assistance of environment friendly technology transfer.

Ø   Capacity building, support in promoting Clean Development Mechanism for mitigating climate change.

Ø  Financing to adapt in sectors of agriculture, water and disasters.

Ø  More and more trees should be planted.

Ø  Energy should be used efficiently.

Ø  We should go for renewable power sources.

Ø  Pakistan needs to go all out in increasing its green cover by bringing new areas under plantation especially on farms.

Ø  We should bring more area under forest cover and improving management of the trees.

Ø  Floods, drought sand storms are forecasted with agriculture, water, energy, health as sectors requiring priority action.

Ø  The garbage should not be burned or burry in landfills. It may be made composts for kitchen gardens.

Ø  Conserve water as much as we can and should not waste it.

Ø  We should introduce Electric automobiles.

Ø  There is an immediate needs to combat climate without which Pakistan may not achieve its developmental targets.

Ø  Media should spread awareness regarding the effects of climate change.

Ø  Use eco-friendly appliances.

Ø  We must reduce emissions and stabilize the levels of greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere.

Ø  We must adapt climate-friendly lifestyles and pursue the principles of sustainable economic growth.

Ø  To check carbon emissions go for recycling.

Ø  The treatment of industrial waste should be made mandatory all over the world.

Ø  Governments should start taking this problem seriously.

Ø  They should implement Paris agreement in their countries.

Ø  They should start investing in projects which can try to minimize climate change.

Ø  Plastic should not be used. Environment-friendly shopper bags should be used.

Ø  Use of aerosol sprays should be minimized.

Ø  The misuse of fertilizers should be avoided.

Ø  Water should be used wisely.

Ø  The power generation should be done by environmental friendly means.

Ø  Conservation practices should be adopted regarding agriculture.

Let’s hope and pray that we will pass on a better and at-least climatically safer Pakistan to our next generations.

 

BY: Ovais Asad Khan

MEMOIR OF KHAN ISA GHAZNAVI

MY FATHER, (MON H’EROS)

Khan Isa Ghaznavi born in 1914 in a religious family of Delhi India, to Moosa Khan and Sakina bibi. He was brought up in Delhi, did his munshi fazil. From his teen years, he started writing both prose and poetry. In his early 20’s he developed interest in Indian film industry and show biz. Went to Bombay stayed there for a while then came back to Delhi in 1937 and started publishing a magazine covering Indian film industry by the name of FilmLight. In a very short time the magazine became one of the most known filmi magazine and got the reputation of a star-maker. Beside this magazine he played a major role in the launch and establishment of magazine Shama India, weekly film newspapers Nigar and daily Jang from India.

He got married to his first time cousin Jamila Begum in 1946 few months before partition and thus started a beautiful family. Had 7 children, one of whom didn’t survive long.

With the creation of Pakistan, came migration-and it was a horrifying train journey that he undertook along with his mother wife and other family members from Delhi crossing Indian Punjab where their train was attacked by Sikhs who butchered many people and burnt the train but luckily the family succeeded in reaching Lahore safely.

In Lahore the whole family took shelter in a majestic building of that time called Geeta Bhawan in one of most famous area of Lakshmi chowk, which had most of the Cinema Halls and offices of film production houses.

Here I would like to highlight a remarkable coincidence - the office which Isa Khan took possession of belonged to a Sikh publication house under the name of Jhollay Lal and few years after independence the Sikh owner of Jhollay Lal came to Lahore to see his office and in utter surprise and shock he told Isa Khan that the office which he had taken possession of, when he reached Delhi is that of FilmLight. In 1948 Isa Khan started the publication of FilmLight and in no time it became the voice of Pakistan Film industry. The appearance of a picture of any actor or actress on the front page of FilmLight meant a boast in the popularity of that actor or actress. Isa Khan was not only the proprietor, editor and publisher of that magazine but also use to write many articles and poetic write-up in the Magazine. He was literally the maker and breaker of actors and actresses from 1955 to 1970. Just one review in his magazine would change the mindset of his readers which was in thousands. After the death of his father in early seventies he diverted his writing and magazine style to semi political and religious.

Being a true nationalist he participated and led the Jaal agitation which was aimed towards closure of Indian films in Pakistan and was arrested along with Santosh Kumar, Shaukat Hussain Rizvi, Sibtain Fazli and W.Z.Ahmed. He also vehemently opposed the screening of “Ten Commandments” in Pakistan condemning it as anti-Islamic. Finally he closed down the FilmLight magazine in 1973.

Beside this magazine he wrote many books both in prose and poetry, out of which his “Untalees Qadam”Thirty-Nine Steps was a master piece.

He provided his children with best possible education , looked after their needs and was always there to guide & mentor them.

As a son, my first memory of him was of a nice fragrance. He was very fond of perfumes and beside perfume he loved the smell of chanbali and motia and never entered the house without carrying garlands of these flower in their season and I remember my mother always kept these flowers wrapped in a wet cloth on my father’s bed side. He had a classy attire - mostly dressed up in white starched cotton pants with white shirts and white Winklepickers/ Cambridge/ Oxford style pointed toe shoes. He carried silver Pan Case filled with his pans, a cigarette pack and a white handkerchief all drenched in perfume. He was a much disciplined person with a class of his own. A real smart and dashing personality, I honestly was always mesmerised by his aura, he carried himself like a nawab. We all called him Issa-Abu n though I was an introvert, a quiet child, yet we had an odd yet beautiful connection we understood each other in our own ways…. The thing that I tried to learn the most from my father was his sense of integrity, he always did the right thing even if everyone was opposing which defined his strong character.

He was a person with a big heart, was very religious and he never let anyone go away from his door empty handed. He treated all his cousins and other family members as his own family and was always there in their hour of need. He was a firm believer of the doctrine that God would give you more if you spend. He believed in giving the best possible education and necessities of life to his kids and family and never believed in savings.

He was a short-tempered person and for the right things would get bitter at times.

As a result of all these factors he was highly esteemed by his family, his cousins, their kids and even by some elders .The family respected him a lot and often accepted his decisions without any argument saying “if ISA says so it is okay ”.

He enjoyed the status of defecto head of his cousins and their families.

Coming back to his practical life after the closure of his magazine his love and association with film industry compelled him to start a film production house in partnership with a friend of his and in 7-8 years’ time they produced many films of which “”Aag” was a great hit.

However, the diagnosis of throat cancer in early 80 jolted him badly besides his health too started deteriorating and he left the materialistic life and turned all his devotion and time towards Islam and Allah. He started reading Quran, it’s Translation and Tafseer, Hadeeses and started his own writings on Islam combining the Quran and Ahadeeses together on certain topics. Confined himself mostly to his room which started turning into a Islamic library.

He was a father who loved his kids a lot and believed that instead of leaving property or bank balance it was better to give them best possible education.

Finally, in the mid 90’s he was diagnosed with abdominal cancer that restricted his movements. He was taken to Lahore from Karachi in February 1996 where the family migrated in 1988. In Lahore he got hospitalized in May and after fighting a valiant battle against cancer he died on 4th July 1996, I was the lucky one who was holding his hands at the time he breathed his last and now I have a feeling that while he was dying he shifted lot of his…

So he died as a man who lived an extremely vibrant life, who enjoyed each and every moment of his life and Alhamdulillah I have a firm belief that In Sha Allah he must be enjoying his heavenly abode “Jannat ul Firdous “because he never hurt any human being and reverted back to religion very strongly in the last 10-15 years of life. He surely lived a life of a successful person and that is quite evident as Masha Allah each and every child of his is not only enjoying a completely successful life but Masha Allah has achieved glories in the life which Allah grants to few thus his task as a father accomplished successfully.

In the last I would like to mention that he always wished that when he would die his funeral should be attended by the ruler of the country. He was buried in Lahore near his mother’s grave not only in the presence of many people but was lucky enough that his funeral was attended by entire family of then Prime minister of Pakistan, Chief Minister of Punjab, many Senators, MNAs and MPAs along with top Government officials and businessmen of Pakistan.

Today it’s his 24th death anniversary and he is not with us physically for last 24 years but I can say it with firm belief that he has never been away from any of his children. He never was and never would be. He along with our mother would always be there in our each and every prayer on all happy and sad occasions and in every decision of ours. We miss both our parents a lot but at the same time are surely happy and contended that they are at a far better place.

We all miss you ISA Abu. Yes we do.

Allah (SWT) aapki maghfarat farmaye aur aap ka shumaar apney behtreen logon main karey.

(Aameen Summa Aameen).

By: ovais asad khan

(Loving Son)