Thursday, November 27, 2008

Dancing with the sea

Started on 26-11-08... Completed 27-11-08
Dancing with the sea (by Ahmad Babar):

As I dance to the tunes of life

How I wish things were different

But the more I try, the more it hurts

Why is pain the only thing consistent?

Life was a beautiful melody once

Now it's nothing but a house of clay

Tonight even the stars laugh at me

I am finally out of words to say

Can't take in more hurt

Why can't I have some luck?

I want to move on

But my life is stuck

I have given it all I had

All to no avail

My ship wrecked and sunk

Just as I set to sail

I tried to hang on to the life buoy

Searching for a shore to reach

My feet paddled as the waves pushed me back

Further and further away from the beach

The life house beam shows me light

But no one can see me

I try shouting for help

But my voice is drowned by the sea

Slowly I lose conscience

Only to be woken by a hand

The sun blazes in my eyes

As I lay sprawled on the sand

There are people gathered all around

Their worried whispers are all I can hear

They are wondering to whom my body belongs

As the truth hits me, its not something I can bear

Monday, November 24, 2008

Thoughts

24-11-2008
Thoughts (by Ahmad Babar):

As I sit here, in seclusion with nothing but walking bodies around me, I wonder where life has brought us all. There used to be a time when every breeze brought laughter with it, when every rattling leaf used to inspire smiles.

People walk by me pretending as if I don’t exist, in fact, pretending as if no one else exists until or unless a remote possibility of their being useful churns up out of thin air. Their handshakes are the best give-ins, they are cold, lose and some even reluctant. As the hands embrace each other, the eyes look elsewhere as if they are trying to hide the sea of secrets and doubts that hide deep within.

The most “interesting” part is that everyone seems to be afraid of every other person they see. Whether the fear is that the person will blow themselves up along with everyone around them, the person will turn out to be someone we hadn’t expected them to be or for that matter, the person will take whatever they have. Hence, it won’t be wrong to conclude that we all think of each other as monsters and in essence, we are a society of Zombies.

As I try to listen to silence, all I feel is restlessness. No one seems to be happy any more. The funny part is that half of the problems people are stressed about aren’t even their own, they are what they hear on the media. Come to think of it, if people stop worrying about every random thing they hear/read in the media and channelize their efforts on solving their own issues, the world would be a much better place. It is said, “Charity begins at home” and this very well also applies to problem solving. Start by solving your own issues first and once you know how to solve problems, then go out to save the world!

Just last night I was talking with a foreigner friend whom I invited to visit Pakistan and the reply I got was, “maybe one day when the war is over in Pakistan, I will come visit. I don’t want to get killed or kidnapped”. Hearing this hurt me deep, deep inside. Is this really how we want to project ourselves to the rest of the world? Why it is that it’s either this war-zone image or the completely care-free image of “enlightened moderation” that we are always portraying to the rest of the world? Where has the “PAKISTANI” image gone? What happened to out centuries old, extremely rich and beautiful culture? What in the world happened to our values? Why have we turned into a society that neither knows what it’s own cultural and moral values are nor does it remember what it’s most practiced religion preaches?

Are these really questions without answers to them? No, I don’t believe so. I am not saying that I am the perfect Pakistani but I do take pride in the fact that I try to be. Why can’t we all stop complaining and start putting in a little more effort to make things better a step at a time? Wouldn’t it be great if all the Zombies around us turned into beautiful human beings they once were? I hope they do.

Come let’s pray together for the betterment of our lives, our society, our people, our county and this world as a whole. Let’s hope for a time when peace and serenity would prevail above all.

Allah, Grant us the Serenity to Accept the things we Cannot change, the Courage to change the things we Can and the Wisdom to know the Difference.

Friday, November 21, 2008

22nd Birthday...

Unlike every year this time around I am not writing either a poem or a memoir on my birthday but I want to say a prayer, for me and for all of us:

Allah Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference...... [Amen]

Monday, November 17, 2008

Me & My Friend

Me & My Friend (by Ahmad Babar):

I don't know but it just seems

I am living someone else's dreams

My wings are cut, can't even fly

My eyes dried out now that I want to cry

I look for a shoulder to lean on

A hand to hold as I try to move on

Arms to give me warmth in this cold

A person with whom to grow old

A friend who will be my umbrella in this rain

The one who won't leave me stranded again

As I look out of my window

I am not sure where I should go

Should I forget everything and just fly away

Or should I ponder about whether I should stay

I want my friend to help me decide

On how I should face this tide

So I call out to you my friend

Come let's together walk towards the end

We will march on hand in hand

Against every storm we will stand

Win or lose we will move on

Our legend will prevail long after we are gone

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

I am back


I am back people :D ... hope to stay on...

23/07/2008
I am Back (by Ahmad Babar):
Today I feel so right
After ages I slept last night
Today the stars are in a full bloom
Maybe I will meet her soon
Today the grass is a lovely green
Unlike anything I have ever seen
Out there is a slow breeze
I can do everything with such ease
The birds are chirping in the sky
I know tonight I won't cry
Since morning I have been smiling
In my heart I am singing
Today everything is beautiful
Even the world doesn't seem to be cruel
Maybe today it will rain
And I will be "me" again
I won't ever have to use this knife
From today onwards I will live life
I will live it the way I should
I will do all that I once could
As the rain starts to pour
I no longer feel sour
I thank one and all
I have risen once again after another fall

Friday, April 25, 2008

On the wrong side of glass

25/04/08
On the wrong side of glass (by Ahmad Babar):
Being burnt by the sun rays
Only been a few miles but I have lost my way
Every corner leads to a dead end
Every turn has the same bend
i fall down on my knees looking for some support
Trying to figure out the words I once wrote
There's not a single cloud in sight
And no signs of a forthcoming cold night
My feet have boils, my knees scraped
To slice my throat I long for a blade
A voice inside of me tells me to have faith
And to leave the rest to fate
Laying on the ground I stare at the sun
Wondering what more is to come
My body's been reduced to a pile of bones and skin
And I have lost "me" deep within
I close my eyes and see lush green grass
But I am stuck on the wrong side of the glass
It is just a few inches thick
But more torturous then a wall of bricks
I can see all that I long for on the other side
But I am stuck here, even though I tried
Opening my eyes I see light
An urge comes up to once again fight
What will now happen is another story
Will I turn to dust or bask in glory?

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Candles

Ahmad's "Candles"

03-04-08
Candles (by Ahmad Babar):
Candles are like life
So beautiful when they burn
In a room full of darkness
The perfect substitute for sun
But like all of us die
They die the way they live, they burn....

A Wish

I AM BACK
31-03-08
A Wish (by Ahmad Babar):
Walking around drenched in rain
Finally feeling immune to pain
There's nothing left for me to lose
Only the right path to chose
I am going to walk alone
Doing it all on my own
Living life as I should
Doing all that I never thought I could
Leaving my footsteps behind
For others of my kind
Hoping someday I will meet
Someone to add to my fleet
To have someone's hands to hold
Someone to embrace when life goes cold
Together to play life's game
To share our 15 seconds of fame
To find the difference between correct and right
To be the stars that lighten up other's nights
Till that person I meet I wait
Hoping that they are not too late

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Interview of "The Rising" band...


http://www.thepost.com.pk/ent_red.aspx

Published on 23-Feb-2008

:: The Rising ::
By Ahmad Babar
The Rising is a relatively new band with loads of talent and potential. The band comprises Faizan Zaidi on vocals, Arafat Mazhar on compositions, keyboards and lyrics, Junaid Syed on guitars and Sohail Qureshi on bass. All band members are in their early 20s and bring their own unique flavor to the band. Each has his own taste in music and it all blends beautifully. While Faizan and Junaid are pursuing their studies, Arafat is running his own business and Sohail is working in a reputed multinational.

The band first appeared on the underground scene with their single titled Jhoot in August 2005. The song was well received and the band followed it up with their next track Mein Aaj Uroon in 2006 which was produced by Xulfi. The song is about everything and everyone and basically speaks of freedom. It is a soft melody and takes the listener into the depths of thought and desires.

The band’s first video, of Mein Aaj Uroon hit the TV channels in October 2007. The video was directed by Xulfi and presented a subtle theme was sort of a performance based video. Though I am personally of the opinion that the band could have done much more with the video especially given the quality of the song, nonetheless it provided them with a safe launch pad.

The band has interesting views on different issues currently prevalent in the music industry. Following is what they have to say:

On bands/artists going to India:
The band as a whole was of the belief that there is no harm in discovering new markets and that they themselves have a long way to go and a lot more to learn, before they will venture into markets such as India.

On the Underground Music scene:
“It’s not what it used to be.’

—- In fact that seems to be the general belief all around.

Artists/bands appearing in advertisements:
Given that the industry doesn’t pay very well, the band told us that it was sort of necessary for them to do ads in order to earn money, but it should be done without the corporations dictating terms.

Music Piracy:
“A great toll if used properly.”

Music Labels:
Things are improving but the main concentration is on the big names; more support needs to be given to young talent.

On bands breaking up:
According to the band, the main reasons for bands breaking up were weak roots and the dynamics of the band, coupled with problems in coping with fame.

On role of female models in videos:
The boys remarked, “In its current form it’s silly. It takes away the whole point of the video.”

Talking about their future plans, the band is working hard on their album which is being self-produced and self-financed by the band members at their own studio. Currently the band is experimenting with different things in order to give the best possible feel to the video.

There is no doubt that the band has a very promising future and will InshAllah will be making headway in the music industry.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Interview with President of Miss Pakistan World Organization


Published in The Post - Eyecandy [In Focus section] - 27-01-2008

http://www.thepost.com.pk/icon_eye.aspx

:: Controversial Beauty Pageants ::
On the grapevine there was a lot of controversy of Miss Pakistan World pageants held abroad without any official or local sanction. We reproduce excerpts from an interview Ahmad Babar, a freelance journalist had with Ms Sonia, President Miss Pakistan World Organisation. But the main question is that is Pakistan ready for such a thing, that I leave you to decide

Could you tell us a little about the organisation and how it started?

In 2002, I came up with this idea for starting the first Miss Canada Pakistan pageant. I was in University and always getting involved in fashion shows and cultural activities. These activities were laying the foundation as well giving encouragement to the Miss Canada Pakistan idea. The campaign for the pageant started in Canada in the year 2002 —- and we had the first Miss Canada Pakistan in Ottawa crowned in on 1st February 2003. After that this event moved to Toronto, where the population of Pakistanis was huge. In the year 2004, Batool Cheema was the reigning Miss Canada Pakistan, In 2005, Naomi Zaman was the second delegate to win two international titles in international pageants and then in 2006 Sehr Mahmood was crowned Miss Pakistan World 2006. She went on to represent Pakistan in the Miss Earth pageant and Queen of the World and won an international title called Queen of Elegance. In 2005 the concept of Miss Canada Pakistan pageant changed allowing more Pakistani girls coming from different parts of the world to compete as well. Thus the name of the pageant changed from Miss Canada Pakistan to Miss Pakistan World. Today the winner of the pageant is Mahleej Sarkari for the Miss Pakistan World 2007 pageant. Our runner ups Nida Khan and Bushra Jamil, have both brought a lot of attention to the pageant world for Pakistan. The support for the pageant grew internationally and the word spread to different countries and more contestants started calling from USA and European countries. So the pageant was called Miss Pakistan World. The media presence for the Miss Pakistan World pageant grew as well especially in India and USA.

What is the status of the organization, i.e. are you officially allowed to participate in International Pageants by the Pakistan Government?

The government has no time to indulge in girls in evening gowns representing their beauty on stage. So no, the government has never disturbed us.

What kind of media coverage has the competition received in past?

We get media from India, Pakistan, Middle East, USA, UK and Canada and the rest of the world.

Why not participate in Miss World and Miss Universe Competitions? Also, why didn’t Miss Pakistan participate in the recently held Miss Earth 2007, given that previous Miss Pakistan in 2005 and 2006 participated in the same?

(Regarding participation in) Miss World and Miss Universe, we cannot since we are not holding it on the land of Pakistan; Miss Earth, due to financial reasons.

Why not hold the pageant in Pakistan? I am sure there will be a lot more talent available here!

Not interested in holding the pageant in Pakistan, because of the overwhelmingly orthodox view in society.

What checks are placed to ensure the nationality of these girls as rumours have been going around that a majority of these girls are Indian?

Dual nationalities come with two passports, and we check if each contestant has a Pakistani passport as well. Some Pakistanis can’t believe that we are actually going in a direction, which was never there for Pakistani women, so to balance their disbelief they spread rumors. How long can they do that? They will have to come to terms with their Muslim Pakistani women participating in beauty pageants and accept them one day or the other.

Do participants usually show any reservations about the Bikini round? Are there any objections from their parents? And how does the organization deal with it?

No, as girls are given the information, when they apply and are given a choice if they want to take part or not. And if they want to take part then the Bikini Round is there. A rule is a rule and they will have to abide by it, if they want to be a part of the pageant.

While watching the video of the 2007 pageant’s bikini shoot, some of the poses were a little too obscene in nature. We would like you to elaborate on that.

Again, that’s in your eyes, nothing was obscene. It is entertainment and unfortunately, when Jennifer Lopez comes in a bikini or a Britney Spears does the same, the same people look at it from a different point of view and make them into great people, but just because we are Pakistanis we have to get the word obscene.

Tell us a little about the past winners. Who they were and what kind of response have they had being Miss Pakistan. Are past winners involved with the organization?

Mahleej Sarkari, was crowned Miss Pakistan World 2007 on 23rd June in Toronto Canada. This demure beauty excelled in talent, performance and over all presence on stage and won over the hearts of the judges. At the age of 24 Mahleej, is planning to attend international pageants and represent Pakistan on an international level. She has made several appearances at many events in the US. Mahleej is currently preparing for the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant 2008 to be held next year in China.

Bushra Jamil – Miss Pakistan Tourism 2007/World Miss University Pakistan 2007

Bushra Jamil later on represented Pakistan in the 20th World Miss University pageant that was held in Seoul, Korea. At the age of 22, Bushra was given the Certificate of becoming a peace ambassador of Pakistan from the Korean government.

Nida Khan – Queen of the world Pakistan 2007/Miss Internet World Pakistan 2007/ Winner of Miss Internet World Asia Runner up 2

Nida Khan, also went on to become the face of Asia on the Miss Internet World pageant. She achieved the second runner up position for Asia. During her law degree, Nida is an aspiring model and will be representing Pakistan in more pageants in the coming month. Nida was also Miss Perfect 10 for the Miss Pakistan World 2007 pageant.

Sehr Mahmood – Miss Pakistan Earth 2006 in Philippines/Queen of the World Pakistan 2006 in Germany (won Queen of Elegance title)/Miss Pakistan World 2006

Sehr Mahmood was born on 10th August in Karachi, Pakistan. She completed her O’ and A levels there and later moved to Boston, USA. Moving from Pakistan to the West was a huge change as the culture and lifestyle was very different but she integrated with the lifestyle of the West. She completed her undergraduate degree - a specialized honors in Economics. She is currently writing GMATS as she will apply for Masters Program next year.

Naomi Zaman – Miss Pakistan Earth 2005/Miss Tourism Pakistan 2005

Born on 8th of January, Naomi Zaman spent her growing years in Toronto, Ontario. Her family, originally from Lahore, Pakistan, instilled Pakistani values in her and since childhood she was very Pakistani at heart. At the age of 19, Naomi took part in the Miss Canada Pakistan Pageant. This was just the beginning of it all.......

Naomi is the second Pakistani beauty queen who successfully competed in international pageants like Miss Earth & Miss Tourism representing her home country, Pakistan. Her passions in life are singing and arts, and after wining the title of Miss Talent at the Miss Canada Pakistan 2005 pageant, she went on to participate in Miss Tourism Queen International held in China and Miss Earth in Manila, Philippines. There Naomi achieved two titles: Miss Disco Girl of the Year and Miss Best Talent. This was a major accomplishment for Naomi considering that this was the first time a Miss Pakistan was taking part in an international pageant.

What is the next step for the organisation? What are the upcoming International Pageants that you are targeting?

Miss Pakistan holds a promising future for these girls to be a part of the prestigious international pageant circle. These delegates will get an opportunity to be representing Pakistan in different countries. Besides all that the current winners have been part of the entertainment industry as well. We would like the proper and well educated side of the Lollywood industry to join hands with us but again it all depends on what will work best. —- There is no doubt that Pakistani women are beautiful, now we need to show that beauty lies in Pakistan, and that we can too become an international face for all cultures to relate to. This is not just a pageant, it is an empowerment for those women who were kept in the dark, and were told that if they ever did something like that, then it would be a black spot on their reputation. We will definitely not be a slave to the old fashioned thoughts of male chauvinism in Pakistan. I think Musharraf and his ideas are great. We believe in him, and the main reason I started believing in his change for Pakistan was because he brought back the entertainment industry by making media a free body. We are his die hard followers and we are proud of the fact that Pakistan is now geared towards a developed nation in the future. The only thing politically I want is for Pakistan to become a secular country.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

The Coming

22-01-2008
The Coming (by Ahmad Babar):
I don't want to run away
Neither do I want to stay
My life is just like this
There is nothing left to miss
How I long for that someone
Let's see if now I can move on
I want to fly with the clouds
From far up there to watch this crowd
To see them in a different way
To try and listen to what each one has to say
To find someone familiar
To find another believer
One who believes like I do
The one who also sees through and through
Together this world we will try to change
To spread a little more of love and less of rage
Together we will bring to them light
Just to lighten up their dark nights
We will show them how to care
And how to spread love everywhere
We won't fail even if we don't succeed
We will show them how to themselves lead
When they do that there will be change for sure
We won't rest and will continue to give more and more
To together do something a little extraordinary
To die knowing that I at least tried

Monday, January 21, 2008

Chata Hoon

Started on 28/09/2007, Finished on 21-01-08
Chata Hoon (by Ahmad Babar):
Jis ko paa kar bhi main nay hai kho dia
Jaanay kiyoon lagta hai kay woh kabhi bhi mera na tha
Ab Tu Hi Bata Oh meray Khuda
Ab karoon tau karoon mein kya?
Baharoon say bhi lara tha main kabhi
Aaj bondoon say bhi haar jata hoon
Jaanay kya ho gaya hai mujh ko
Ab nahin raha hota tha main jo
Ab bheerh-o-hajoom main bhi tanha sa reh jaata hoon
Din kay ujalay main bhi andheroon main bhatakta hoon
Is khulay askh talay hai mera makaan
Pholoon say bhara ab main ik ghar chata hoon
Phir aaye kabhi roshni meri zindagi main bhi
Sooraj ki roshni main ab main nahana chata hoon
Koi chahay humain bhi apna samjh kay
Uss chahnay walay ko main chahna chata hoon
Bus aye zindagi bauhat ho gaya
Kuch pal kay liye main bhi jeena chata hoon