A Visit to Desert "Cholistan"

I’m not a travel blogger, yet I love to explore places worth visiting and never miss such opportunities as and when accessible. 

Pakistan is a versatile country; on one hand, it has beautiful valleys; like Murree, Naraan, Kalaam and Hunza which are worth visiting and on the other hand it has many mountain tops such as Nanga Parbat and K2 which is the 2nd highest mountain top of the world.

But today I am going to talk about Desert Chohlistan 6200 Sq. KM, situated at the south-west corner of Punjab Province. In early March I was on an official visit to the city of Fort Abbas when I spared a few moments to visit the desert. It was a unique and blissful experience.

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The Author at Exit Point of Fort Mirgarh

Quite surprisingly the city of Fort Abbas in almost encircled by the desert. It took hardly half an hour by car to reach in the heart of the desert. As soon as we entered in the desert territory strong winds were noticed. Powdery dust and sand was moving with the gusts of whirlwinds. I am quite convinced that in very old times there must be some big river flowing. It may be River Hakra as I have read and listened.

Many agricultural forms were noticed with a lot of wheat, mustard and some pulses fields. The fields were being irrigated with the tube wells running on Solar System.

I noticed a lot of raw straws flying and moving in the strong winds of the desert. My guides informed me about the flora and fauna of the desert. The told me that a bird called ‘Houbara Bustard’ and ‘Chinkara Deer’ are the main hunting attractions of this desert.

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Open Place within the Fort

My main attraction was visiting a historic fort of Mirgarh in the middle of the desert. We reached there after a drive of around 8 KM. The fort was still standing on its feet though in a dilapidated condition. It was comparatively small in size yet graceful. It was very well built with the help of small red bricks.

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An Outer View of the Fort Mirgarh

The fort was a relic of past; containing thousands of the stories about the people who once have been to it. Who used to travel in hot days and got refuge in its fold in the evenings and slept in the safety of its long and high walls in comparative cooler night environments.

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Standing in a Round Room of the Fort

The desert nights are always cool irrespective of its hot day temperatures. I am going to share a lot of desert and fort pics for you guys.

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Main entry Gate of the Fort

I would recommend that everyone must visit a desert at least once in his life. Deserts have their own unique beauty hidden in their ruins. Once entered one forget all the worries and busyness of life. Deserts allow its visitors to refresh their souls and minds.

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Outer view of Fort Mirgarh

Corona Fears; Spring and the Nightingale

It is my 10th day of home isolation along with my family. All schools, colleges and universities have already been closed under the Government’s directive. People are trying to stay at their homes, and I think this pattern is more or less being followed in the entire world. People only move to fulfill their grocery needs or some other very pressing calls; otherwise they are preferring to stay at their homes.

It’s spring here in Pakistan; Lahore which is called city of gardens is showing its true colors in the shape of flowering plants all around, these days. But the Corona Panic has diverted all the attention of its habitats and the flowers are finding it difficult for them-selves to attract the sight of people this spring.

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These images of flex-seed flowers, broccoli and onion plants are taken from by home garden

By the time of writing this article, I am sitting on a couch in my bed room and watching outside from the window. I have noticed that the grapevine running over the boundary wall of my house has started showing signs of new grape harvest. I think these grapes will ripe by the end of May this year.

Daisy is in its full bloom and I have to water them daily far a refreshing look. These plants are bright in its colors and present a lively environment at the entry point of my house.

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Daisy flowers full white with yellow inner eyes

I’m used to have morning as well as evening walks these days along with my better-half and we both enjoy the colors of nature is otherwise very calm n solitary atmosphere as roads and parks of the Society are free from much traffic due to Corona fears.

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Our pic on the occasion of Super Moon a few days ago

There are many other flowering plants which are in full bloom these days I’m sharing few more pics for your view.

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  Vegi Garden

A view of my vegetable garden

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When I asked this rose about its life; the buds above smiled

These are my reflections during such scary moments; when the entire world is facing a pandemic like situation.

The night is about to fall; right at this moment, I can listen a nightingale singing somewhere near the rose-vine. His songs are always so soothing and refreshing. He has sung about the beauty of rose; the entire day. He seems in deep love with the rose! Now weary and teary when he will be thinking to sleep; he will never come to know about a beetle who will sunk himself deep in the fold of closing petals of the rose and will remain inside for the whole night to sting right in the flower’s heart.

Corona “Nightmare of Today’s World”

History is full of natural and man made calamities. May it be outburst of deceases like cholera, Rat-Bite Fever, Spanish Fever that took millions of lives in old times; or deadly earthquakes, cyclones and man imposed wars and genocides; almost men of all ages may have witnessed such calamities in one way or the other. We, the humans of 21st Century; the people of the most advanced time, where science& technology have done wonders are squarely helpless against today’s ‘Corona‘. Frankly, we know nothing substantial about the causes of its initial spread.

This is the pandemic of our times and we have to face it. By the time it has engulfed all continents and still penetrating in the nook and corner of the far world. China, Italy, Iran, Germany and Spain are the most hit countries at the moment followed by South Korea, UK, America and rest of the world.

There is a lot of precautionary advice available from different medical forums around the world; including WHO. It is time to observe all such care in letter& spirit so that a biggest humane catastrophe may be avoided. The whole world has forgotten its routine disputes and has become united against this newly emerged common enemy of all. The world has transpired into a global village in true sense. The epicenter of thoughts of the world leaders have revered almost 180 degrees.

The prices of crude have nose dived. The Stock Markets of the world have crashed. Despite all this there is no hue & cry from any corner of the world about these monetary losses. Everybody has realized the importance of life. The dead busy life of our times, all of a sudden has come to a halt. An uneasy calmness has spread all over the world. No unnecessary travelling, no outside foods. It seems as mother nature has decided to teach us a lesson to be content with the limited resources and value them. The skies of the world have started showing a more clear blue view. We are finding more times for our families and loved ones. One thing is clear that we have to live with our fates that has been written by the divine force and we can not escape it.

These hard times will be over sooner or later. But we should not forget the lesson mother nature is teaching us today. We have to take care of each other in these hard times because humanity is above everything.

I wish all the health& happiness to all my sweet Word-pressers around the globe. Some one has very rightly said,” If there is life, there is a world.” Live Long.

Myth vs. Reality

Sometimes we fell prey to the charisma of personalities; once have remained in the limelight through showbiz or sports. We start perceiving that they have the ability to perform on other fields equally, as they have done in their areas of expertise.

We forget the fact that apart from talent; luck counts a lot in the referred professions. To be a hero in games and films doesn’t imply that they are real-time heroes of tough times and wars.

In fact, they are not; rather are emulating or playing for some real heroic.

In showbiz or any sort of sport one is very likely to taste the fame and glamour at an early age. Most of the time such fame put them under the illusion that they have the ability to fix all wrongs of the society. Under such perception; such heroes, after retirement from their own professions, sometimes jump in the fields, about which they, in fact, know nothing or you may say are point-blank.

Here in Pakistan doing politics is the trickiest job where masters of this arena couldn’t sustain before the real power brokers. Harnessing players of this game and taking them to the task is still a matter of left hand of the power brokers. No law, no constitution no rules could stop the unstoppable.

To discredit any politician who may turn out a potential threat to the deep-sea is not a big mission.

There are numerous instruments of propaganda that easily can be used to divert public opinion, which is the backbone of politics.

Media and people whose bread and butter runs over selling religion are the front line arsenal in their supplies. Scores from both always remain available for sale. The corridors of Justice, too, have conventionally played on their whim and will.

Now, what is the real politics in this country of poor and illiterate masses? Looking for new horses! The horses which always remain ready to trot and dance on the instructions of their masters! The one’s who know their limits.

Their newfound horse first believed that he can gallop at his own liberty and pace, but he was mistaken.

Cricket is always taken as the craze in this area of the world. The present PM of the country is a cricketer. People of the country are vastly fond of cricket. The guy rose to the top of his fame in the year 1992 where Pakistan proved to be a Trojan Horse with a lot of luck and lift the World Cup.

The same year he announced his retirement and came into the arena of social work and did some good. But the guy was pretty convinced that’s can run the country and its affairs in a lot better way than a present lot of conventional politicians. Many were fascinated by the dream shown to them of a prosperous and corruption-free Pakistan, progressing by leaps and bounds where billions of dollars of looted money will be recovered back from the corrupt politicians. Employments will be available in abundance. Everyone will get justice. Prices will be in control. So on and so forth. In nutshell a never-ending list of pledges.

To some extent, he was convinced that he has the ability to fix every ill of society and politics. He was miserably mistaken!

It is around two years of his being in the power; contrary to his promises the great disappointments are all around. Prices are at their peak. Employment is at its lowest ebb. Fresh loans are occurring at a rapid pace as against the pledges of not borrowing a penny.

The common man is at a great disadvantage; however, at the same time the power brokers and opportunists are at a huge advantage. So all the benefits are being pocketed by vested interest people. No relief for workers, salaries class or retired people.

It seems as the country is running without a government or some hidden hands are running the affairs from behind. The blue-eyed guy looks like as he has been paralyzed. He has realized the fact that running the country is beyond his capability. But his ego doesn’t allow him to admit the truth.

The masters are worried at their own place, with the performance of their horse. Everything is at a stand still. Common masses who were shown juicy pictures are worried about their future.

The politicians who have the ability and experience to run the country and the economy have been cornered by propaganda machines.

Let’s wait for the final explosion as the things are now going out of toleration.

Corona Virus Outbreak – What We Know

The corona virus is a newly found virus, originating from a family of viruses that is found within mammals and mainly causes respiratory infections within humans. When infected, a person may suffer from pneumonia as well.

Wuhan, one of the main provinces of china, is the epicenter of the outbreak. It is alleged that the virus broke out from a Chinese seafood mall that had been selling the meat of various wild animals and other exotic species that may have contained the deadly virus.

The symptoms of the virus are similar to the influenza virus and may include dry coughing, sneezing, headaches and fever. The precautionary measures that can be taken to protect oneself from the corona virus are wearing masks specially designed to battle airborne infections and washing hands throughout the day.

The virus is highly contagious and transfers through human contact. It is suspected that thousands in China have been infected, with a number of cases abroad in Vietnam,US,Australia,Thailand,Taiwan and other countries too. To prevent the virus from spreading further, a quarantine has been placed on 40 million residents of China. Hong Kong, too, has closed schools, whilst other countries have started screening Chinese nationals at airports. It is expected that the virus may scrape off 1% of China’s GDP and have devastating affects on the tourism sector.

A fear of a worldwide epidemic has ensued as the World Health Organization considers declaring an international emergency. At this time of a dark and gloomy lunar new year for the Chinese citizens, I extend my prayers and condolences to all those affected by the virus and their families and hope that immediate aid is in the form of medical supplies and doctors is extended towards the Chinese.

Mad Men at the Helm of Affairs

Right now two mad men are at the helm of affairs of two biggest countries of the world. The peace of the world is very much at stake due to irresponsible conduct of the two.

If such men can rise to power through democratic process then what one can expect from them except bullshit.

Let’s pray, sanity will prevail.

Good bye2019/ welcome 2020

Australians at Sydney Harbour Bridge and New Zealanders at Star Tower Auckland has already welcomed year 2020 with ostentatious fireworks. At this moment celebrations will be underway in Malaysia and Indonesia. Moments after midnight maybe approaching in Thailand and Japan.

It’s around 8 in the evening here in Pakistan.

In Europe people will be still at work, Americans and Canadians may have not yet started the last day of the year.

So a long spell of celebrations is in the pipeline. I, therefore, wish a very happy “NEW YEAR” to all my WordPress friends. ❤️

Good bye 2019, welcome 2020🎉🎊

India & PakistanToday

At this particular moment, minorities of Indian subcontinent are experiencing most difficult times. Hindus and Muslims are coexisting here since centuries. If we look into medieval times we see that Muslims ruled India predominantly.

Muslim sultans and emperors manage to rule Dehli on one principle; justice with their subjects, irrespective of the fact they were Muslims or Hindus. They ensured full respect for their faith, religion and beliefs. They cared for their dignity and pride and entrusted them with the highest posts in governmental and state affairs.

I have gone through the autobiographies of Emperor Babar and Jahangir. I have read Baber’s advice to his son Humayun on how to deal with the native Hindus so that he can ensure the continuity of his rule after Babar.

While going through the autobiography of emperor Jahangir, at one place he has written that once, one of his top ranked officials killed a Hindu dancing girl under some lust. The king punished him to live and eat with the lowest class community i.e. the dog keepers. At another stance when one of his most loyal and close aides and fighters, the Baarha Sayyiads quarreled and murdered the chief of some equally important Hindu Rajpoot fighter clan he ordered to hand over the responsibles for a tit for tat revenge.

Be it Aurangzeb or Tipu Sultan; whoever brought religious prejudices into state affairs made the decline start as a consequence.

After partition, for so many decades, liberal governments kept ruling India where they kept state affairs independent from religion. Consequently, India kept flourishing not only economically but socially as well.

During the same times here in Pakistan, military interferences kept going and consequently the country not only broke into two but regional hatred increased due to not allowing them to participate in governmental affairs. As a result, democracy couldn’t take root and direct martial laws or managed/ controlled governments continue running the affairs since date except the government of Mr. Bhutto.

But look at the irony of the time that despite all the hard works, preachings and claims of secularism in India, what has emerged in India? A government of religious fanatics! A government of hate preachers! A bunch of intolerant, hate mongers have ascended to the Dehli Throne. They are working on the agenda to cleanse India from Muslims. Is it possible in these modern times, when the world has already evolved into a global village? I’m sure that the majority of the Indians doesn’t support them, yet it must be a cause of concern for them that how this bunch of fanatics managed to make their country hostage to their ill intentions.

Any student of history can well imagine the consequences of such madness. That is why all sane Indians are resisting with their full might to stop all these heinous laws being introduced.

If India and Pakistan have to progress side by side, then we have to stop military interferences and you have to stop religious hate mongers.

Let’s live and let live. Let’s meet and greet each other. Let’s explore and travel each other’s country. Let’s learn to respect each other. Let’s smile and understand the pains of each other. Let’s install rationale governments. Let’s see the beauty of Kashmir together. Life is very short. Let’s enjoy it to its full extent.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Tree

I wish a wondrous Christmas to the Christian community world over.❤️

I used to watch the movie “Chronicles of Narnia” for the last many years to celebrate Christmas with the Christian community.I really do recommend you as well to watch it, if not watched, as yet. 🥰💞

Me in christmas colour ⁦❤️⁩

It’s a chilly morning right now in Lahore, Pakistan. Wishing you chilly and snowy Christmas !

*Merry Christmas once again*

Morning gazes

In winter season 8:20 a.m. can easily be termed as early in the morning. While sitting on the roof of my home, I have writing a diary regarding the things which directly came into my gaze this morning.

A lovely big white car has just passed on the road. Two nightingales are sitting on the henna plant treding from one branch to other. They may be looking upon for some dry seeds of the plant to feed upon. Oh, dear! they are really eating the fruits of the tree. Nightingale is a graceful bird with jet black head; having a beautiful crown over its head, greyish body, black tail with a catchy shocking pink spot underneath.

Four sparrows are purching over and electric wire; taking care of their plumage with the help of their tiny beaks. Now they have separated themselves into two groups. They may be two families living side by side. they have just flown away, maybe for their breakfast, as is said, “early birds catches the worm”.

Few swallows are flying all around at a gentle pace with varied moments. The shapes of their tails and wings are as fine that it seems they are wearing some sort of French fashion cut dresses.

Two young cactus broad leaves are growing in big clay pots. They have beautiful flowery shapes with curves and slides; having sharp edges with the warning “touch me not”😄.

Jasmine, pomegranate and grapevine are mingled with each other as milk and honey. This summer they too have yielded a good harvest.

Few youngsters have just passed by with cricket bats in their hands. Hopef that they may have enjoyed their today’s cricketing session. Feeling hungry, surely, now they will jump over their breakfasts upon entering their homes.

The clock is trucking 9:38 a.m. and still the ambience of the society is calm and quiet. Gentle breeze is blowing all around. Now, I too, am feeling hungry, therefore, going downstairs to eat my breakfast.

Bye friends!💖🥰💖