Snow and Murree

The year 2016 is definitely the welcoming start for me as I got to capture the scenic views of mountains and hills, located in the amazing Pakistan.

The February trip to Murree is more mesmerizing than my earlier December trip in 2015 because of the snow and its glittering magic on the city.

The picture gets entirely changed when huge oak trees covered up in the snow. A day snowfall was truly fascinating to set the perfect white frame. Here are few shots,  which you might appreciate.

Remember, add the beautiful Pakistan on your next travel tour. Don’t forget to taste the delicious cuisines 😉

 

 

A small white city in Pakistan

Murree covered in snow

February became the blessing month for the residents and tourists of Murree. I was lucky enough to land on the green hills in the season of thundery snowfall and captured the breathtaking view of Murree Mall Road.

Keep visiting this blog, I will be posting some scenic views of Pakistan.

On the walls

I actually don’t know the couple. Yes! I am sorry, I captured it secretly. I couldn’t let this moment escape as the wall wasn’t crowded with other people and gave success to my shot.

Sunset on the silky satin

It isn’t what are you thinking?

The eccentric scenery is the wavy, unsteady portrait, I captured, the day before when I viewed Karachi’s beach known as the Arabian Sea. If you keep your eyes on the picture for a minute, you will capture the sight of drowning sun, few fishing boats and the purplish satin fabric scattered on the sea.

Sometimes, the calm portraits of sunsets give you enough motivation and the hope of awakening moon strengthens your tomorrow’s vision.

Exploring Murree – City in between mountains, trees and clouds

Murree, where people live in between the icy clouds, oak, and pine covered trees and shaded mountains

After coming over a pleasant journey of more than 1000 Km, I took a deep breath as Islamabad was still at the distance of around 468 Km. The peaceful and broad roads gave a pleasant sign that we were traveling in the reformed Punjab, which is truly far better than all the other existing provinces of Pakistan. Before this visit, I did not agree with the statement at all.

As our car entered into Islamabad region, the overall feel was good. The wide scattered roads, clean paths, cars properly walking in lanes and no rickshaws( or, less rickshaws)felt nice to eyes. In short, the city environment was bit different than Karachi. But, one common thing I observed from Karachi to Murree was the solid influence of politics on common people of Pakistan(Though I am only taking it in the benefit of the people).Everyone has something to comment, some arguments to raise and some appreciation to the leaders. Oops! I had decided to not jump into the dirty politics.

Snow fog scattered on the mountains whereas clouds provide a peaceful shade

On the roads, I was relishing the feel of cold and winters as the car geared on the Murree motorway. I remember the years when the road to Murree was unsafe, tricky and too risky. But, now highway is safer, convenient and pleasant to eyes.

The speed of car lowered down so that we can capture the breathtaking picturesque of the covered mountains. The curves of roads present the beauty of nature to the travelers and tourists. The welcoming mountains added curiosity to explore more and more. I was taking pleasure in viewing the pine and oak trees, scattered all over the mountains. These long trees were actually guiding us the path to reach our destination and I was excited to capture the scenic vistas merged with the foggy clouds. Oh, hold on! Before approaching to Murree, I had my cup of tea at first.

After covering around 50 km, here it was the road directly to Murree, the city to fall in love. You would be thinking Why I say so? Well, you have to read a little more to explore the reasons.

Lost in between the giant trees

However, there are several places in Pakistan where your heart fell down purposely and you intend to get disappear in the heavenly place to get it fixed.

Want to live on some height? In fact, on a good height, then this is the place where you should go and spend a quality time. The car went with tortoise speed toward the hills, and my eyes spotted different views. Chilled water was flowing slowly from the rocky hills, and a man couldn’t take longer to refill his water bottle. However, a skinny dog was finding the lost path to reach the top of the mountain. And, some tourists were clicking photos whereas I’d lost myself in the soothing cold wind. How could I forget those group of children who were coming back from their schools? They were so pure, strong and adorable looking.

Round mirrors all set to guide the drivers

My observations define Murree, “A peaceful city situated in between the pine and oak trees to give a delightful experience to the residents, travelers, and tourists”. That’s all about it! The roads and its curves will dodge you at times, but this is what I enjoyed the most about my trip. The beauty of nature will attract you to every sight, and you could not stop your eyes to capture the view. Small shops, fine food, hotels and fabulous people will make you feel cheerful, peppy and joyful.

Isn’t these too breathtaking? Subhanallah!

I felt relinquished and lively while I was walking on the peaceful roads. But, let me tell you these calm roads scare you at nights! Yes, it does at times. Importantly, I loved the interaction with the strangers; I was capturing priceless views with my eyes; I was feeling retreated and I was actually breathing fresh air. Isn’t that the blessings of Almighty?

Other than the joyful experience about the pleasant sight, another enchantment of Murree is Mall Road. The experience is incomparable with the other cities of Pakistan. It’s basically a street where all the amazing shops are located. I fell in love with all the handicraft shops, just regretting the things I missed. You will have different sort of restaurants, coffee and tea shops, ice cream parlors and a variety of small hotels. Oh yes, you will have groups of small children, selling boiled eggs(or garam aaanday) and Kashmiri tea(Kehva). By the way, Murree is a tourist point so it has everything to offer in all the seasons. There isn’t special about the road, but it definitely feels you connected and interacted with the dazzling surroundings.

After Murree, Nathia Gali which is also a small tourist destination is actually at the height of 8200 ft, is called as Heaven on earth. It is a town in Khyber PakhtunKhwa. It was chilly cold at the top and I was actually shivering at that point. I captured Ayubia, Patriata, Bhurban and several other small towns. From horse riding to hiking, everything is available for the tourists. Those who want to feel the splashes of winters in Pakistan, explore the heights!

When snow covers the mountains

The winter walks are always amazing, especially when you walk around with beloved people or I’d say the favorite ones. I used to spend around three hours on Mall Road with my sister. We used to have our sizzling hot cup of coffee while walking but, we never forgot to refill our pockets with the roasted cashew nuts. Thankfully, our hotel was just at a few distance!

Lots more to come from my amazing trip!
Keep traveling and don’t forget to write a blog (A personal advice to myself) 😉

If on the basis of few extremists, Muslims are criticized as terrorists then Hindus are terrorists too!

The image is so clear, I do not want it to exaggerate. Do Muslims live an independent life in India or the Hindus living a more happier life here?

If you watch news channel or not, you might have familiar with recent unfair, discriminatory treatments outlined by Indians/anti-Muslim against India’s majority minorities Muslims. Take newspapers, online journals, web pages, Social media, viral posts and online news websites you will read much news regarding extreme hatred against Muslim citizens of India. However, hatred against Muslims has triggered with increasing time in many countries.

I wonder where I should take the start?

Is it just about the ban on slaughtering animals in India?
Is it about Ex-Pakistani cricketers?
Is it about the legendary artists Ghulam Ali’s performance?
Or, Is it related to defame the book launch of Muhammad Kasuri ?
Even, Pakistani celebrities Mahira and Fawad Khan are also threatened by the extremist party in India?
Why are Muslims forced/compelled to convert their religion?

What next we are waiting for!

Every agitation unfolds discrimination against Muslims and especially, Pakistanis. Major national and international news sources depict the true image to all of us. Let’s come toward the other scenario of Hindus residing in Pakistan.

Pakistan is among those generous countries where people love to greet and engage with Non-Muslims. Whether I talk about biggest city Karachi or small interior cities Hindu community has gained lot of recognition, respect, independence and identification in Pakistan.

If you have visited Interior Sindh where we see a huge number of Hindu minority living with dignity, you can truly appreciate/relate what I am attempting hard to highlight. Looking at the callous circumstances, Isn’t the popular Two-Nation Theory interpret the truth (especially in case of India) ?

What I personally noticed?

Hindus have access to worship their gods in the freest manner.
No obligations or any sort of hindrance is aimed to prohibit them from practicing their religion.
They are freely allowed to celebrate each n every festival i.e Holi, Diwali, Raksha Bandhan or any other event.
They even play the invitations of their upcoming event on loudspeakers in wagons etc.
If it’s Holi or Diwali, the streets get compressed with colors, stains and firecrackers. But, no one even disturbs their festival.
They have right to claim for any mishandling with them and people/govt listen to them.

Above all, Pakistani Muslims celebrate the joy and happiness with minorities on several occasions. In the same manner, they do in return. Sweets and gifts are engaged with two groups on different occasions. People here actually understand the rule to share happiness with others. I believe same pleasant gestures are also exchanged in India.

People of Pakistan also practice to value their Hindu fellows. Even, Hindu ministers also support the particular Hindu community and they are never threatened to do so.

On a soft note, Pakistani’s should stop trying to establish good relations with the country where senior authorities have not accessed to stop an extremist party against Pakistanis and Muslims.

I personally think, If Muslims are criticized as ‘terrorist’ due to the ratio of few extremists then Hindus are considered ‘terrorist’ too!

If PTI Celebrates, What is worrying you ?

One political party almost waited for 2 and a half years to seek justice and fairness, Why?

The system has to be blamed truly. But who cares? Unless your personal asset is not stolen, you won’t support this ideal concept to improve the system. Right?

This mind-blowing, influential, inspiring, motivational and highly encouraging step against sitting government is strictly initiated by Imran Khan, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf. The changing thought got extensive support from the public crowd, belonging to different genres, background, age and cast.  PTI’s single fight against the corrupted and rigged culture is bringing some incredible results.

In brief, PTI claimed 4 rigged National Assembly seats and filed a petition in the election tribunal. And for such right, Imran khan and his party affiliates had to go through a massive protest, a huge one! I agree, it costs too much, waste of time, resources, jammed areas, threatening environment, economic and social loss, decrease in sales, bad worldwide reputation etc. But why there was such aggression in holding such a massive protest against the ruling government(PML-N)? You also know the reasons behind it.

To my understanding, if a party claims something as a legal right, Why it has to go through such cruel process? A democratic country provides rights to everyone. And we are the part of it. Rigged elections produce fake results, that are not acceptable at all and not-so-deserving candidates forcefully stands on the position. Why a Pakistani should accept a false, bogus mandate?

Election tribunal announced it’s verdict in favor of PTI in 3 constituencies, NA 122, NA 125 and NA 154. However, one more petition is in the pipeline.

If the result clearly shows that there are enormous irregularities, rigging, poor election system in the country. If PTI be the reason behind it, What worries you?

Girl – not an ordinary human

A girl’s life is different. You may think, Why and How ?

Positive woman who seeks inspiration

Whether she is a student, a doctor or a professor, perspectives of her life are varied. As being a girl, I can so relate. I know men and boys also experience a challenging life. Let’s talk about girls this time.

When a toddler(baby girl) is born, history and diversified cultures tell us that people see through broad eyes the hurdles, she would be bringing in the future. Though, a born baby doesn’t ask much! People are more concerned about the future; however, I agree they keep everything planned. This is not the way to burden yourself with irrelevant circumstances. But, thankful to the modern era, where girl is treated almost equal as boys and those societies where women are greatly motivated. The great religion,Islam also considers birth of girl as a blissful blessing.

As she strenuously jumps in the process of learning and seeking education, I highly encourage the endeavoring efforts of parents and society who put stress on the importance of girl’s education. But, we also find narrow-minds and intolerant existence in our society. She have to strive and struggle till she successfully completes her academics. She also have to manage with home chores, if the family is not too modern. Here, modern is viewpoint of liberal minds.

After facing great challenges in the schools, neighborhoods and institutes, she enters in the professional fields, basically to earn. I hereby agree, females are preferably hired in certain organizations. Many researches have concluded where the ratio of educated women surpassed ratio of men in getting good jobs. But, Have you ever think of the tortures and woes a women suffers when she unfortunately handed over to a barbaric male dominating organization. Looking at a girl as she is a cheese cake and desperate desires to have it, reflects to such inhuman behaviors. Well, these are all boorish acts of people, prevailing in our society.

I eagerly wanted to drive attention toward so-called easy life of a girl. Though, it is not!

Coming to the happy word, MARRIAGE. It brings moments of joys and happiness to the entire family. Woman(who was once a girl) has to undergo with torment as looks of anguish crossed her face several times and it get noticed by all of us. She strongly faces the fading parts of her shimmery wedding and combat to remain reticent and muted. Lucky are those who have nice partners. Here, nice describes a perfect man. Contrary to the fact that no one is perfect!

With the practical teachings of life, She becomes a mentor who can instill knowledge on the subjects of compromise, sacrifice and steps to endure tolerance. Is she still an ordinary human ? Definitely, No from my side!

This post is just an introduction summary, omitting atrocious melancholy.

I would be profoundly appreciated to have your viewpoint on this post. I really mean it.

Happy Independence Day!

Being thankful to the rich soil of Pakistan who has given birth to such legends in the world, who has been performing outstanding services in the various fields. The land has bestowed pleasing beauty to it’s patriotic people. From a teenager to an old-aged person have agreed to a common belief that integrity is the prestige. Just like others, I proudly love to be a Pakistani who is emotionally attached with every letter of the word P A K I S T A N.

Whatever threatening challenges come on our ways, We(Pakistanis) face it with courage, confidence and winning hearts. And We will be.

We are already positively tracked to achieve name and earn recognition on the principles of honor, love and peace. 14th Of August be the day of celebration around every small or bigger city of Pakistan and We always welcome it with joyous gestures.

Every heart beat says, “Pakistan Zindabad”

The Inspiring Pakistan Through Brandon Stanton’s Camera Eye

Human Of New York visit to Pakistan

The popular name of Brandon Stanton has attractively earned huge respect from Pakistan and their loving people. While People of Pakistan are still warming Brandon with marvelous comments for capturing unique stories of Pakistanis on Humans Of New York (HONY) Facebook page, Just like others I have also seen few disturbing, quite rude comments about my country.

But I prefer to ignore such discomforting reactions as there were impressive and huge warming sweet comments on the page, in favor of Pakistan, which wonderfully maintained the highlights of the trip to Pakistan.

Striving efforts of Brandon to perceive the reality of Pakistan through his camera eye is incredible. His trip to Hunza Valley is too influential. How ?

If you are familiar with HONY, you must know this is a photography blog which is well updated by perfect camera shots of people, belonging to different countries with motivational stories. Hunza Valley of Pakistan is one of my favorite destination(prior to my desiring world tour). The pleasing sight of valleys, eye-catchy meadows and mountains is enough to refresh you for a long time. Brandon clicked multiple shots through his camera lens that bring fascinating stories of simple-living people. You will definitely plan a trip to Pakistan, after seeing those awesome images.

Responsible brother with his cute sister – Happiness

A fine trip will also let you amazed by beauty among people of Pakistan and it’s land. The warm nature of residents to greet with every fellow being or a foreigner is bellyful and bounteous to overlook the negative image, portrayed by several anti-Pakistan groups. I hope, many of my followers would agree!

Though Pakistan and it’s people are greatly thankful to Brandon Stanton for driving many people attention toward Pakistan awesome stories and obviously, the heavenly views. To get in your knowledge, Humans Of Pakistan Facebook page also bring encouraging stories to viewers from all over Pakistan.