Pakistani Voice of Pakistani Students Students Society University of Calgary Volume I, Azaadi Issue August 2009 NEWS LETTER TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF Sana Khan CONTRIBUTORS Absaar Ahmer Ayesha Agha Hassan Bin Shaheen Romesa Khalid Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi Syed Murtaza Zaidi Tabish Hashmi PHOTOS Afshaan Mahmood Sana Khan Sheraz Ali Khan Sana Makhdoom INSIDE THE ISSUE AZAADI Page 4-5 IN REMEMBRANCE OF MY COUNTRYMEN.. Page 7 Dear PSS Members, Azaadi Fundraiser/14th August Celebration Photo by: Sana Makhdoom Jashn e Azaadi Mubarik! Hope you all had an amazing summer and you all are geared up for a new school year. I would like to thank all of you who came to the Azaadi fundraiser, helped us, and supported us in every possible way you could. Those of you, who are attending UofC as a first year student, be it recent HS graduate, transfer student, or an international student I would like to welcome all of you to University of Calgary and to Pakistani Students Community here at UofC. PSS is here to serve as voice of Pakistani students so, if there s anything we can do to make your experience worthwhile, please don t hesitate to contact us. We re only an e mail away. Our new team is excited to work with you guys. Lastly, we ll be bringing lots of fun filled events for this year. Hope to see you at our events! TALUHAI SEHAR BAAQI HAI Page 8 WHY I LOVE PAKISTAN? Page 9 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPON- SIBILITY IN PAKISTAN Page 10 THE LAND OF PURE, ARE YOU SURE? Page 11 PSS MUSHAIRA Page 12-13 AZAADI FUNDRAISER Page 14-15
Page 2 `xxà à{x Xåxvâà äxá4 PRESIDENT SADIA HAMEED was introduced to the world of PSS even before she enrolled into University. It was during her high school years that she was introduced to the diverse activities the Club hosted. She is currently in her third year majoring in Humanities with a Science Minor. Born in Saudi Arabia, and brought up in Canada, Sadia has always been in touch with her roots and is very fond of the traditions and values of her country, which may have been among the popular reasons why she joined the Club her Freshman year. She has been on the Executive board for two years now and enjoys party planning and hosting events. Once a very shy girl, Sadia is now very outspoken and her involvement in the club has not only enhanced her confidence and social skills, but has also given her an opportunity to make lifelong friendships. In her free time she loves reading, scrapbooking and watching her favorite television shows. VICE-PRESIDENT SANA TARIQ - Firm believer of the saying "Carpe diem" (Seize the day), Sana lives her life with value and purpose. Born in Lahore, Pakistan. Due to her work ethic and strong academic foundations she received Honors in Distinction in various subjects throughout the junior high. In high school, her name was on the Honor roll and the Honor Society at the same time. Now a second year student majoring in Biological Sciences, Sana enjoys interacting with people and the community. She is a member of the steering committee in the Youth Volunteer Corps, she managed 70 volunteers for the CIBC Run for Cure. She led the Youth Helping Youth event organized by YVC in liaison with ASPEN. Since September 2006, Sana has mentored a grade three student in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary program. She also wrote for her HS newspaper and yearbook. For the past five years, her 2,000 hours of volunteer activities have revealed a reliable, hardworking and honest leader. EVENT COORDINATOR AYESHA AGHA, born in Lahore, graduated from the University of Calgary in June of 2009 with a bachelor in Finance. Although she has always been proud of her roots, living in Canada for the last 12 years has only intensified her love and appreciation for the rich Pakistani culture. Aside from obsessing over everything Pakistani, she also loves to read, write poetry, watch movies, and hang out with friends. Her passion is Pakistani music. She is currently working for MasterCard as a Project Analyst and follows the Pakistani Politics and current events religiously.
Volume I, Azaadi Issue Page 3 SOCIAL COORDINATOR HARIS BASHARAT has been vital in PSS structure, bringing in event management skills and a wealth of advertisement knowhow. He is pursuing a double major in Business and Actuarial Science and is currently in his third year. Haris graduated from HS in Islamabad with distinction and has been actively working with several Canadian and Pakistani youth organizations for past 4 years. His hobbies include sprinting, hiphop dance, boxing and endurance sports. He was student president of one of the biggest and most prestigious educational institutions of the city and consequently led his soccer team to India on an Active Learning without Borders Tournament. Haris aspires to further his leadership skills and joining the PSS has helped him achieve some of his goals. SOCIAL COORDINATOR SHERAZ ALI KHAN, majoring in International Relations from UofC and leading his platform of Pakistani Youth Organization. Along with his academic studies, he has been an active participant from his school life in various extra-curricular activities. He says, being myself a strong advocate of the view, that if the Youth of Pakistan come together, then they can expect the un-expected. He strongly believe that the Pakistani Youth has got that enthusiasm, talent and even will of contributing towards something good, the need is to provide them a platform, where they can utilize their strength and energy accordingly; hence, that s what the motive of PYO. And by initiating projects and working on even little things, he believe that we can play our best part towards the integrity of our homeland, as someone has rightly said: Most of us will never do great things, but we can do small things in a great way WEB DESIGNER AFSHAN MAHMOOD Final year student at UofC majoring in Honors Economics, with a minor in Business and Society & Energy, Environment concentration and Co-op. She is a president of SUE (Society of Undergraduates in Economics). Some of her interests include reading Faiz s poetry, volunteering on campus, watching random chick flicks, playing cards and more recently kick-boxing. CREATIVE DIRECTOR SANA KHAN is a transfer student from Arizona State University. There she was working as a SOL (Student Orientation Leader) for Recruitment and Outreach Office. She s not only the first but the only Pakistani girl to be the president of any student organizations at ASU West Campus. Currently, she s doing a partnership degree from UofC & SAIT Polytechnic; majoring in Communication Studies and concentrating in TV Production. She has been coordinating ethnic/cultural fashion shows for AAAA (Arizona Asian American Association) and other student organizations. Some of her top interests are photography, scrapbooking, event coordinating, poetry, and traveling. In her spare time, she likes to eat out, shop, hang out with her friends, and write.
Page 4 Azaadi By Romesa Khalid Azaadi means different things to every Pakistani. It is a term fraught with symbolism and history when it is used within the Pakistani context. As we approach Pakistan s 63 rd birthday, it is imperative that we delve deep into the word s true meaning in an effort to revive the spirit of our country. Understanding this word is the key to time travelling back to the ideals upon which it was achieved; it might even be the key to solving many of our ideological problems. For me, azaadi is supposed to be secured on all fronts. It is a form of physical, psychological, social and emotional freedom and independence. It is the privilege of carving out our own identity and our own standards. We Pakistanis have forgotten the true essence of this term and now use its hollow rhetoric in songs, stories and adages. But what is azaadi; on all fronts, what is it really? Firstly, it is physical independence, freedom and autonomy. This physical independence was officially achieved on August 14 th, 1947, thanks to the hard work and sacrifices of our great leaders and ancestors. The demarcation of Pakistan s borders and its official place in the map were all won then, albeit with a few last minute obstacles and losses. However, even this physical azaadi was later sabotaged resulting in the tragic separation of East Pakistan. It was a troublesome blow to the unity of infant Pakistan, which is once again at stake. Or leaders and people need to take a lesson from the past and make sure such a siege of our unity is never allowed again. It s already upsetting to see people exploiting our situation and provoking separatist movements in most of our provinces. Punjabis, Pathans, Sindhis, Balochis and Muhajirs all need to realize that with our azaadi came the promise of a peaceful, unified existence. Our ancestors fought and died to be called Pakistani. United we stand, divided we fall was the Quaid s reply to British policy of divide and conquer, a policy which is being implemented once again by today s imperialist powers. We need to look beyond our personal gains into the collective interest of our hard-earned homeland. Look beyond the lies being fed to us by our politicians and leaders and realize how many ethnicities mingle and co-exist peacefully with each other all over Pakistan. We have a mosaic of languages, cultures, religions and traditions which were all encompassed under the wing of Islamic philosophy upon which this beautiful country was created. The mass hysteria being projected on our mediums of communication and information are nothing but brands of exaggerated propaganda. It s an exploitation of emotions that is slowly but surely causing the psyche of azaadi to crumble. Realize that there are no obstacles we cannot overcome if we face them together. We have overcome massive earthquakes and wars together. Realize that we are one. We always were.
Volume I, Azaadi Issue Page 5 On an equally important note, we must not forget that azaadi demands an intangible social outlet that cannot be ignored. Physically obtaining a piece of land for ourselves was only the first step. The second goal is to make sure our sovereignty is maintained and protected. We have been lacking this vehicle for continued independence far too long. If we are to be independent, free and autonomous Pakistanis, we must be allowed to make our own decisions, formulate our own domestic and foreign policies, feed, shelter and clothe our own people, and take care of our own interests. We are increasingly being deprived of this stand by money and power hungry people who pass themselves off as our leaders. A self-appointed few have completely sold our azaadi to the highest bidder and this is unacceptable. How much longer will we allow our matters to be decided by foreign powers? How can we say that we are free if such an integral issue is not even under our control? There is no freedom without freedom of the mind. We are a people known for our political acuity but unfortunately we need to be pushed to the lowest point before we take any action. I don t even know if we can afford the luxury of time anymore. The spirit of Pakistani patriotism and azaadi is like a marriage. During the first few years it was all rainbows and roses, emotions ran high, commitment was at its peak. A sense of loyalty prevailed because we had found a new bond and we wanted to do everything right. But as the years passed by, the spark burned out and the initial excitement dampened. A sense of liability overcame our loyalty as we realized how hard it was to actually maintain this freedom. The thrill and potential of azaadi forgotten, the Pakistani nation slowly began to drift apart. But it is not too late for a little trip down memory lane to help revive the passion. We still have our elders with us and each one of them who were present at partition has a wonderful story to tell; a story of sacrifice, hope and independence. We should turn to them now, just as an estranged couple would turn to their past to revive their sense of loyalty and commitment. We should ask them about how they came to Pakistan, what they left behind, what their thoughts were at the time and how important Pakistan was to them. I am one hundred percent certain that their stories will amaze you and revive your patriotism and will power. They will give us the push we need to reflect once again on what azaadi really is. I will not hesitate to say that Pakistan is at its most critical point in history. It is no longer free or independent on any of the physi- cal or psychological fronts mentioned. The celebration of our independence day would be a fallacy if we failed to recognize that steps On August 14 th, 1947, a state was born. Can we find it in ourselves to finally build a nation? must be taken to restore what we fought for; azaadi. We may have gained independence from the British raj in 1947 but when will we liberate ourselves of this foreign hand in our affairs that works so silently on all levels? 14th of August should no more be a time for thoughtless celebration, but a time for reflection, resolution and action. And as hypocritical as it may seem to sit in my bedroom and write these words, I believe the hypocricy is no more than the hypocricy of so called Pakistani patriots who celebrate their independence each year and fail to realise the fallacy of their understanding. Our battle starts with us as individuals. The course of action we choose to take today will make us or break us tomorrow. I know that we have all the will power, talent and intellect we need to put Pakistan on the right track once again. On August 14 th, 1947, a state was born. Can we find it in ourselves to finally build a nation?
Page 6 Why Become A PSS Member? Opportunity to be a part of Pakistani students community, get to meet new people, make friends for life, membership discount on PSS events, learn Pakistani cultures, free food, free movies, free games, opportunity to volunteer, write for PSS newsletter, vote in elections, run for executive positions, and much more! Become a member today, ONLY for $5 a year!
Volume I, Azaadi Issue Page 7 In remembrance of my Countrymen.. Meray Watan ka bahadur sipahi, Apnay jawan sawero ko raat kertay, Banduq ki naali saaf kertay, Aksar soucha kerta hai: "Is nali say niklay ga faulad kabhi, Maray ga kohi hum watan mera, Ujray ga ka phoolon say lada chaman mera, Woh hum watan jo Khuda ko sirf qahar janay, Woh hum watan jo tableegh ko talwar janay, Woh khud ko aaqa, Khud ko munsif, Khudhi ko insaaf janay, Wo hum watan mera hum watan " Wo bhi tau banduq saaf karta hai. By Tabish Hashmi & Hassan Bin Shaheen Translation A brave soldier of my native land, turning his days into nights, cleans the barrel of his gun, and thinks: "The bullet escaping this wretched weapon shall kill my fellow brother, my friend. Shall destroy his beautiful Eden, will be the reason for his end. That countryman who knows God as the enraged, that countryman preaching with blood as his wage. He knows himself as the Lord, All true, the law - unchallenged, the Justice - anew. That countryman; my countryman." For updates - Visit our Facebook group -. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments - Don t hesitate to e-mail us at sspakist@ucalgary.ca To sponsor our event(s) or for advertisement - Please e-mail Sana at pss.editor@gmail.com
Page 8 Pakistan Youth Alliance - Now in Canada For more info: www.pya.org.pk For general inquiries: pakistanyouthalliance@gmail.com To become the part of PYA Canada: pya.canada@gmail.com
Volume I, Azaadi Issue Page 9 Why I Love Pakistan? By Absaar Ahmer Why I love Pakistan? This is the question which I usually ask from myself. Thinking about its history and when our great leaders did their best to provide us separate homeland to breathe in independent society. My question is that, do we deserve to live in Pakistan? I want to share few words on it. Since Pakistan came into existence we hardly find loyal and patriotic leaders in our history. The general public tends to believe their leaders despite of continuous mistakes which they have done in the past. A common Pakistani like me always thinks if we don't have enough sense then why do we people cast our votes? Same faces after every term of federal elections keep on repeating same mistakes which they have been doing for decades. We are a free nation and we have to decide our fate apart from following foreign policies which have been imposed on us. It's said by Allah Almighty that a nation always lack in good leadership when they lack in discipline themselves. As a true Pakistani, do we ever think what are we giving to our country? I guess none of us have enough time to evaluate ourselves. Riots, black marketing, feudal system, religious conflicts, lack in patience, and disorder in governmental bodies are the major causes which need to be overcome if we want to see ourselves among developed nations. Literacy level should be increased by providing education facilities to the poor who can't afford to achieve it. Every single Pakistani needs to participate in it and do the helpful and help out our fellow citizens. My words may offend few of my beloved nationals but my dear people it is the truth. We always register complaints about the current atmosphere in Pakistan which includes, load shedding, hike in prices, instability in judicial system, war against terror effecting common Pakistani, etc. Do we ever think who is responsible of all these problems? My dear Pakistanis! In my immature opinion, first of all we need to bring a revolutionary change to our inner selves. Our first priority should always be the betterment of Pakistan rather than going for our personal interests. It should be implemented from a common Pakistani to all the higher authorities present in Pakistan. Be yourself and be a true Pakistani (not only in words but practically). Observe things around you, and observe where and how it needs to be changed. The passion of love still exists in us for our country men, all we need to polish it is to minimize our personal interests and maximize the mutual ones which could give benefits to all of us. Pakistan should survive in times of crisis and will survive inshallah, but our focus should be on the efforts which could help us to fight unseen evil destroying our Pakland. At the end I would like to say, I've never seen such a love and affection elsewhere which could be seen in Pakistan. People are so friendly and especially when foreigners or tourists visit Pakistan they observe the warm hospitality and brotherhood free of rituals. No other nation has the ability in the terms of treating foreigners like we people do. May Allah Almighty keep our Green Flag waiving till this world ends. Ameen! My love and likeness is reserved for my country!
Page 10 Corporate Social Responsibility in Pakistan By Ayesha Agha Multinational Corporations have been around for centuries. Because of their size, they have had a positive impact on the economy; they also can have a great influence over a country s policies. They can be seen as a threat and are often criticized because of invasive advertising and corporate corruption. Corporate responsibility is a rather new concept but one that is pressuring corporations to behave responsibly and morally. One such Corporation that has been around since 1948 in Pakistan is Unilever Ltd. On its website, Unilever Ltd claims to be accountable to [their] stakeholders and society as a whole. However, actions speak louder than words. Unilever, along with Mindshare, currently produced a reality show called Clear Man in Pakistan. The show was supposed to air after Eid and the recording was taking place in Thailand. Due to a lack of safety equipment and arrangement, 32 year old Saad Khan, a participant in the reality show, lost his life while performing an underwater dare. Saad Khan has left behind a grieving widow and 4 children, aged from 7 to 2. None of the Pakistani newspapers or TV channels carried this news, until after an international campaign was launched, which raised doubts. On the one hand, the Pakistani new(s) media has come very far from a few years ago, now we can watch live transmissions, yet, this particular incident was completely ignored, maybe because of the fact that Unilever is one of their biggest sponsors as it pours millions of rupees into advertising every year. The news spread like fire via the internet even though some websites and blogs were reported blocked in Pakistan. What is surprising is Saad Khan the reaction of Unilever. According to Fareshte Aslam, Unilever accepts no liability for the incident. This may well have been a tragic accident and nothing more; however, Unilever s utter avoidance of media and the nagging questions raises doubts. Last year alone, Unilever spent 2,731,209 PKR for advertising in Pakistan, yet simple safety equipment, such as, life jackets weren t provided to the reality shows participants. The lake in which the incident took place is reported to be murky and the depth unknown which is why Saad Khan could not be immediately rescued. Saad Khan has left behind a grieving widow and 4 children, aged from 7 to 2. Also hype has surrounded this issue. It is being said that Unilever still plans to air the show and use the controversy to cash in on the hype. If that is the case, the show should not go on air and be banned out of respect and moral obligation to Saad s family and the Pakistani people. If you have a question, concern, or a comment for PSS newsletter or PSS in general OR if you want to write us and address issue(s) related to Pakistan, student life, and Pakistani community please e-mail pss.editor@gmail.com
Volume I, Azaadi Issue Page 11 The Land of Pure, Are You Sure? She had to feed her kids at home She could not move in streets alone Oh' not in fear of US drones Her pride was robbed by her own! The land of pure, she was not sure! His fathers dreamt of such a land A place they'd refer to as home But in his sons, the poor land Yearns for souls it calls its own! The land of pure, he was not sure! Dead people walking in the malls Loveless streets and hateful halls Some call me crazy, for some I am blind But I cannot see the love they find The land of pure, I am not sure! Blame the boots drunk in gains Or feudal lords with no shame Books of history still preserve Nations get leaders they deserve The land of pure, we are not sure! Behind our weak and selfish stand Inside our numb and faithless hides We watched them play with our land We watched them rape our country's pride! The land of pure, we are not sure! Everything is wrong, the common song But did you care to stand along By your words, then why complain? And point at others, when you are to blame! The land of pure, you are not sure! Can you feel this spark inside As I lay my pen to rest Lets vow to fight with reverent pride And put our last hope to test! The land of pure, LETS BE SURE! If you consider yourself as dead Do not get out of your cozy bed And if you dream for change like me Lets live the change we wish to see! The land of pure, LETS BE SURE! By Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi For updates - Visit our Facebook group -. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments - Don t hesitate to e-mail us at sspakist@ucalgary.ca To sponsor our event(s) or for advertisement - Please e-mail Sana at pss.editor@gmail.com
Page 12 `x{y Ä@X@`âá{t Üt End of the Year Dinner - Winter 2009
Volume I, Azaadi Issue Page 13
Page 14 Téttw YâÇwÜt áxü 14 August Celebrations - Summer 2009
Volume I, Azaadi Issue Page 15
bâü fñéçáéüá Thanks to all of our sponsors! www.spicefm.ca 46th Ave & Black Trail Chinook Centre www.fantasyfaces.ca www.stylevideo.com Malborough Mall Ent # 1 www.thinktravel.ca www.ucalgary.ca/pss For general inquiries - e-mail sspakist@ucalgary.ca For sponsorship or advertisement - e-mail pss.editor@gmail.com