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A jewel of Anarkali
Amidst all the disheartening situation, if one gets to meet someone who does not give any heed to what others have, and for whom the only thing that matters is the purity of heart, then one realizes that there still exist some people on account of whom the world is beautiful and worthy of being inhabited.
Anarkali is one of those places in Lahore that has become an inevitable element of my being. I spent almost every afternoon and evening of every week in this historical bazaar, which, according to some sources, is the largest in South Asia. On few occasions, I got to meet people who left indelible marks on my personality. The person about whom you will read in the following passages is a moderate yet impeccably graceful man. Anwar Kamal Sahib is one of the liveliest and well-mannered human beings in old Anarkali. His face is always adorned with a particular smile: a smile that starts at the lips and ends at the eyes. He sports a walrus moustache and dons plain clothes. He runs a gen-eral store and greets his regular customers with grace and reverence. He does not keep his store open most of the time, as he says he always has had enough and is content with what he has at the moment as well.
Students come to him and converse with him in a way as if he is their younger brother. They do this rightfully as he is quite young at heart and keeps advising them on certain matters for their own benefit. It’s nothing short of a blessing to find Anwar Kamal Sahib at his store. I visited his shop recently and luckily found him there. When I en-quired, “Why do you close your shop around Maghrib? It is peak time as youngsters throng this place after getting free from their evening classes.” With a particular sheen in his eyes and a smile on his face, he replied, “Dear, it’s been over forty years since I have been seeing these lively people. There is no end to this. If you had not arrived, I would have closed the shop and gone home way before now.”
Usama Malick
Lahore
Ultra nationalism
Characterised by extreme patriotism and a belief in national superiority, ultra nationalism poses a significant threat to global stability. The ideology often fosters xenophobia, promotes exclusionary policies and undermines international co-operation. In recent years resurgence of ultra nationalism in various countries has raised concerns among political analysts and policymakers.
In the United States, the “America First” policies under the Trump administration emphasized national interests over international cooperation, leading to strained relationships with allies and withdrawal from key international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord. Similarly, in Hungry, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government has implemented strict atni-immigration policies and promoted a homogeneous national identity, which has been criticized for undermining democratic institutions and human rights.
India has also seen a rise in ultra nationalism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with increasing incidents of religious intolerance and policies that favour Hindu nationalism. This has led to social unrest and strained relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan. In Europe, Brexit movement in the United Kingdom was driven by nationalist sentiments, leading to country’s departure from the European Union and subsequent economic and political uncertainties. Additionally, Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and ongoing aggressive policies under President Vladimir Putin are prime examples of ultra nationalism fostering international conflict and instability.
TOUSEEF A BOUK
Larkana, Sindh
Human personality
Human personalities are naturally complex and cannot be easily categorized. The idea of a “gray personality” highlights this complexity, showing the mix of traits, emotions, and behaviours that make each person unique. Accepting and understanding these gray areas helps people better understand themselves and others, fostering empathy, personal growth, and strong connections.
Recognising that individuals cannot be simply labelled as good or bad, introverted or extroverted, logical or emotional is essential. Instead, everyone has a blend of qualities shaped by their upbringing, experiences, and natural tendencies. This view appreciates that people can have opposite traits at the same time, making them unique and multifaceted.
Embracing the gray in personalities brings several benefits. First, it encourages genuine self-awareness. By accepting their complexities, individuals become more comfortable with their strengths and weaknesses, which helps them grow and become more resilient. This self-acceptance allows them to handle life’s challenges with a balanced perspective. Second, recognizing the gray in others enhances empathy. This empathy strengthens relationships by allowing deeper, more meaningful connections. Lastly, those with gray personalities excel in problem solving. Their openness to considering multiple angles and solutions fosters creative thinking and adaptability, leading to better outcomes in both personal and professional contexts.
ADEEBA AFZAL
Lahore
Fair valuation
According to local media, the Federal Board of Revenue plans to revise property valuation rates to 90% of market value. This follows the recent increase in real estate taxes. If implemented, it will be a significant step towards fairer real estate taxation, combating tax evasion and money laundering. Currently, Pakistan’s property valuation system is flawed with three different valuations: FBR, District Collector, and market price. This allows tax evasion. In times of resource scarcity, undervaluing properties denies the state revenue. Harmonising property valuations and digitizing records is crucial, but implementing these measures requires government resolve.
GULZAR DILDAR
Turbat, Balochistan
