According the Express Tribune , the death toll has risen to 800.  In the last six days, we have lost approximately 952 Pakistani’s ( the number’s still rising).  Death’s at this massive scale sends panic alarms in countries the world over. In Pakistan, it’s routine. We’ve become desensitized. How else can we deal with the fatal pandemic?

The rest of the world from here feels distant. Taking life for granted is impossible. Everyday, the fragility of our lives stand as a constant reminder. Despite the death and the depression, life goes on normally. On the day of the Air Blue crash, people continued working, shopping, driving. On the day of the Marriot blast in Islamabad on October 2008, people went on living. During the Lal Masjid attack, people simply avoiding the area, and continued living.

If there is peace for too long, we begin to anticipate the next disaster. We’re becoming hard as rock, bordering towards in the inhumane. We’ve lost hope in the government, and we’ve lost hope in our people. Both can not be trusted. Everyone’s out to cheat. Everyone’s out to make ends meat. Everyone’s desperate. Desperate for money and security.

Underneath the normalcy of the streets, there is too many untimely deaths.

We’d be lucky if cancer gets us first.

As I drove through F/7, I saw hoards of people, mindlessly parked on a busy double road, looking up the hills for any remnants of the fatal tragedy. What were they expecting?  I thought to myself. Did they really want to be witness of a gruesom tragedy? Did they not worry that they would be overwhelmed with dreadful fear? To see anything that one just does not want to see in their life time?

Ratings don’t increase because we show blood and gore – they increase simply beause our public is in love with blood and gore. The rising excitement of the people picnicking near the crash site proves just how much we love tragedy.

As most of the crowd pointed and clicked away, one bereaved family stood apart, watching silently, and left a message for someone they had lost.

Are we a nation for the perverse? Despite all the fatal tragedies, have we become desensitized or do we really enjoy the ‘gore’ that bars us from humane sensitivity? Or is this an ignorant nation that has been raised without any love and respect?

Determined to avoid the unforgivable sin, she discovers a way out to make more time for her beloved. Miraculously, the wife discovers processed food. Now she has ample time. She looks at the camera and beams with self pride and accomplishment.

This true scenario is a Pakistani advertisement, shot on a 35 mm camera, with the country’s best male and female stylist, directors, actors, designers and, Ad Company otherwise known as the urban middle class, or more loosely as the elite. The O and A level classes of Pakistan: the class that is often blamed for living in a westernised liberal bubble that needs a well-travelled passport to enter their world.

This is the class that has choices, that is integrated into the global culture; why then are they showing such reluctance in portraying the new Pakistani woman?

Theoretically, with their background it would be appropriate to presume that they would uphold the egalitarian view towards marriage? Some, yes, but most, choose the traditional route to a functional marriage. Of all the liberal fantasies that manifested into the elites lives, it seems the most important one of love and respect for the opposite sex in a marriage failed to filter through.

There can only be two reasons why such advertisements are allowed to air. First, no one cares. However, if no one cares, that simply reaffirms the point made earlier and links to the following motive. There is a reluctance to portray an independent Pakistani woman because there is a preference towards their domestic gender roles — it is preference for convenience.

Such preference is rooted in the personal imagination of the Pakistani individual. It is the question that men and women deal with to find their future spouses everyday. There is a guilt to move (for both men and women) away from their assigned gender roles. Guilt, because the social culture of Pakistan can only define itself on two things: it is everything that the West isn’t and, it is everything that India isn’t. A step outside social convenience, leads to a journey that is riddled with cultural isolation and unforgiving judgment.

The ad described earlier is just one of the many advertisements that subscribe to the convenient gender roles. This ad particularly was intriguing because of the husband’s outright selfishness and disrespect for his wife over something so petty. So shaken is the wife, she compromises her family’s health with processed food. Such behaviour is considered rude in any situation. Are Pakistanis okay with promoting bad behaviour?

Showing a woman taking care of her husband’s needs is a revered tradition, the emblem of a healthy Pakistani family system, as opposed to the ‘crumbling’ social values of the ‘West’. The independent woman ‘type’ though gradually receiving acceptance in the urban classes, is still a concept that doesn’t receive enough attention on television if any at all.

Based on these assertions, it was necessary to conduct a small-scale content analysis of the advertisements. I didn’t even have to spend more than 10 minutes to find my answer. In the span of two approximately ten minute advertisement breaks. All six household products commercials, were represented by housewives who primarily took care of their children, while the husband is seen either at the dinner table being served or returning home from work (the wife never eats). There were, however, two instances of teachers, one of whom was in a Hijab. Both the teachers had no main role in the commercial, they were a seconds worth of background characters. The stereotyping is further seen in representation of the daughters. They were firmly placed in malls with shopping bags, asking their father for money.

In the “Feminin Mystique’, Betty Friedan argues that women are victims of a false belief system that requires them to find identity and meaning in their lives through their husbands and children. Such a system causes women to completely lose their identity. Which is true for even the most intelligent middle-class woman who suddenly finds herself pressurised to conform to society’s version of a wife.

Daughters are meant to be dependent on their fathers, while as women they are meant to be dependent on their husbands. Like the feudal lords who encourage dependence of the locals, the Pakistani social system continues to breed dependence of women on men. The culture of dependence is a diseased habit that is present at every facet of Pakistani life.

Friedan goes on to say that advertising manipulates women into consumption, perpetuating a ‘sick or immature’ society instead of one that encourages women to develop their human intelligence. It is clear in the depiction of women in advertisements that intelligence is not a virtuous factor. Why should it be in a power hungry and patriarchical society? Mukhtaran Mai, in a procession for Women’s Day Rally in Multan, said that women should not keep silent on small issues. Keeping silent on small issues leads to a national menace. Unfortunately, women belong to a world of choices and privileges choose to silence their individualities, for the sake of their husband’s crisp white shirts.

Published in The News, Encore, An angry husband shoots a frustrated look at his bewildered wife before leaving for work. Puzzled, and baby-eyed, the wife looks at him. The husband looks down at her disappointedly. He points to the missing button on his crisp white shirt, a piece of white thread hanging in the air. The wife is shocked, guilty and angry at herself for not paying closer attention to her husband’s needs. The husband clutches his briefcase and walks off to work.

Determined to avoid the unforgivable sin, she discovers a way out to make more time for her beloved. Miraculously, the wife discovers processed food. Now she has ample time. She looks at the camera and beams with self pride and accomplishment.

This true scenario is a Pakistani advertisement, shot on a 35 mm camera, with the country’s best male and female stylist, directors, actors, designers and, Ad Company otherwise known as the urban middle class, or more loosely as the elite. The O and A level classes of Pakistan: the class that is often blamed for living in a westernised liberal bubble that needs a well-travelled passport to enter their world.

This is the class that has choices, that is integrated into the global culture; why then are they showing such reluctance in portraying the new Pakistani woman?

Theoretically, with their background it would be appropriate to presume that they would uphold the egalitarian view towards marriage? Some, yes, but most, choose the traditional route to a functional marriage. Of all the liberal fantasies that manifested into the elites lives, it seems the most important one of love and respect for the opposite sex in a marriage failed to filter through.

There can only be two reasons why such advertisements are allowed to air. First, no one cares. However, if no one cares, that simply reaffirms the point made earlier and links to the following motive. There is a reluctance to portray an independent Pakistani woman because there is a preference towards their domestic gender roles — it is preference for convenience.

Such preference is rooted in the personal imagination of the Pakistani individual. It is the question that men and women deal with to find their future spouses everyday. There is a guilt to move (for both men and women) away from their assigned gender roles. Guilt, because the social culture of Pakistan can only define itself on two things: it is everything that the West isn’t and, it is everything that India isn’t. A step outside social convenience, leads to a journey that is riddled with cultural isolation and unforgiving judgment.

The ad described earlier is just one of the many advertisements that subscribe to the convenient gender roles. This ad particularly was intriguing because of the husband’s outright selfishness and disrespect for his wife over something so petty. So shaken is the wife, she compromises her family’s health with processed food. Such behaviour is considered rude in any situation. Are Pakistanis okay with promoting bad behaviour?

Showing a woman taking care of her husband’s needs is a revered tradition, the emblem of a healthy Pakistani family system, as opposed to the ‘crumbling’ social values of the ‘West’. The independent woman ‘type’ though gradually receiving acceptance in the urban classes, is still a concept that doesn’t receive enough attention on television if any at all.

Based on these assertions, it was necessary to conduct a small-scale content analysis of the advertisements. I didn’t even have to spend more than 10 minutes to find my answer. In the span of two approximately ten minute advertisement breaks. All six household products commercials, were represented by housewives who primarily took care of their children, while the husband is seen either at the dinner table being served or returning home from work (the wife never eats). There were, however, two instances of teachers, one of whom was in a Hijab. Both the teachers had no main role in the commercial, they were a seconds worth of background characters. The stereotyping is further seen in representation of the daughters. They were firmly placed in malls with shopping bags, asking their father for money.

In the “Feminin Mystique’, Betty Friedan argues that women are victims of a false belief system that requires them to find identity and meaning in their lives through their husbands and children. Such a system causes women to completely lose their identity. Which is true for even the most intelligent middle-class woman who suddenly finds herself pressurised to conform to society’s version of a wife.

Daughters are meant to be dependent on their fathers, while as women they are meant to be dependent on their husbands. Like the feudal lords who encourage dependence of the locals, the Pakistani social system continues to breed dependence of women on men. The culture of dependence is a diseased habit that is present at every facet of Pakistani life.

Friedan goes on to say that advertising manipulates women into consumption, perpetuating a ‘sick or immature’ society instead of one that encourages women to develop their human intelligence. It is clear in the depiction of women in advertisements that intelligence is not a virtuous factor. Why should it be in a power hungry and patriarchical society? Mukhtaran Mai, in a procession for Women’s Day Rally in Multan, said that women should not keep silent on small issues. Keeping silent on small issues leads to a national menace. Unfortunately, women belong to a world of choices and privileges choose to silence their individualities, for the sake of their husband’s crisp white shirts.

Published in The News, Encore: http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/mar2010-weekly/nos-21-03-2010/dia.htm#2

The best example, ‘The One Love Peace Concert’ was a large concert held on April 22, 1978 at The National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. This concert was held during a political civil war in Jamaica between opposing parties Jamaican Labour Party and the People’s National Party. The concert came to its peak during Bob Marley & The Wailers‘ performance of “Jammin’”, when Marley joined the hands of political rivals Michael Manley (PNP) and Edward Seaga (JLP).

There is an organization that shares the idea of peace and harmony through the power of music. ‘Cultures in Harmony’ is a not-for-profit organization aiming to bring people together through music. Helping to improve the often rocky relationship between the US and the rest of the world. They don’t simply perform and leave, they’re far more interactive, by performing with local musicians and playing the local tunes.

 The String Quartet from New York came to our pretty little city of Islamabad at Junaid Malik’s Nysa Lounge. Junaid Malik’s Nysa Lounge has been gaining gradual popularity over the last few months because of his frequent events in the name of art. His last notable event with the Cultural Attache’ at the US embassy, calling the Ari Rolands Jazz Quartet from America, Rocklite, Ajmal Asad Qizilbash and, Arieb Azhar .

 On a regular sticky Saturday night, a very unusual night awaited. The String Quartet consisting of William Harvey on Violin, Christopher Jenkins on Viola, Emily Holden on Violin and, Ethan Philbrick on Cello began the night with a call to all those seated to stand up. Confused but polite, the crowd began standing up, curiously searching the room for any signs why. Nobody in the completely filled room was expecting to hear the Pakistani national anthem. The anthem had power yet incredible softness, it was definitely  my favorite version of the anthem. Many of us wanted to get up and sway but decided out of respect for the anthem not to.

 Things relaxed as the Quartet played a Cuban groove of Paquito d’Rivera’s “Wapango”. I couldn’t help but search the audience faces for reactions. Though all the members of the audience are well acquainted with western music and even some jazz and blues, but a string quartet is for many a new phenomenon. But the Qaurtet had nothing to worry about, though new, the sensuous sounds filled the air with refreshing delight.

 The Quartet stood in a light circle, softly swaying with their bows, like a story with it’s beginnings, climax and ends, their performance took us on a similar exciting coast. Just as they reclined into a soft arrangement they shook us with a quick leap into a spectacular passion. However, their star performance was, ‘Adagio for Strings’ by the American composer Samuel Barber. The room fell into complete silence, a haunting embrace, a journey that many of us had never taken before.

 For the rest of the night they began to collaborate with musicians. First up they collaborated with a local classical singer Ustad Sultan Fateh Ali Khan, with Natasha Ejaz on guitars. Not once did the western instruments disturb his mystical voice, a mistake that is sadly common even amongst our local bands.

 Next up was an instrumental jazz performance on Duke Ellington numbers with Allan Smith on drums. Using brushes typical to jazz drum performances, the Quartet turned up their feel to a very suave groovy swing. Then followed a Pakistani classic fusion with Ustad Ajmal Khan on tablas and Dr Taimur Khan on Sarangi. Together they played a twist on some of Pakistani folk and classical music. The two styles of music were in beautiful harmony. Another folk meets western fusion came with the performance of Arieb Azhar. Singing ‘Sager Kinare’ with his blazing vocals, the string arrangement making the songs sound fuller and complete almost. The audience sang along the entire time. Along with her guitar performance earlier, Natasha Ejaz also performed a couple of numbers for the night. For the rest of the evening the night progressed into a freestyle jam session. For all the drum pieces Allan Smith would perform. The setting was casual enough for the audience and the musicians to interact freely and talk about their experiences. And the rich array of artists filling the room listening, performing and, enjoying themselves was delighting sight.

 Aside from the memorable entertainment for all of us to take home to reminisce. There is something very important to learn from here. It is very important for even our governments and not-for-profit organizations to take a lesson from this story. They should all understand the power of all art forms to promote causes. Concerts, films, art, theater and, books will always produce greater personal interest and influence over a dry conference and policy papers. The current Pakistani reputation is in shambles, affecting the personal lives of every Pakistani. People are constantly defending their country even though they themselves are not entirely convinced. We fight harder to get trust for visa’s than ever before. We feel like criminals on our streets with the guns pointing at our faces daily and proving our identity at every barricade. Sharing our arts, in this case music, with the rest of the world proves to the world that we are approachable human beings who don’t mind a bit fun.

 However, in the future it would be nice to see our local bands receive something for performing in these events as well. It would be nice to see some of these bands, especially the younger ones actually have some monetary incentive, so that they actually are motivated to take these sessions more professionally, instead of a free jam session. Eventually building a platform to a more solid, profitable and, sustainable music industry which is in threat of dying because bands don’t receive any money from it.

 Catch the NYC String Qaurtet for in Lahore and Karachi soon for their upcoming and exciting local collaborations and takes.

My first print on an A4 Size paper, using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrater, for a very dear Latino friend of mine. I transformed the photo taken by Shezad Mirza of hers into my own pop art. I wanted to capture her serenity and joyful soul at the same time. Her best feature was her eyes, that’s why I never detailed them, instead, leaving an angled shape to define that signiture look of hers.

 But Michael Jackson’s death hurt not only the MTV generation of the eighties, but the generation of the grunge and boyband nineties as well as the hippie world of the sixties and, now the 21^st generation youth. But today it is not just the western world mourning, it is the entire planet. The world is shocked, stripped of an enormous soul that rocked our world beyond the limits our imagination. No other artist has inspired this part of the world, the way Michael Jackson did.

We would never have MTV Pakistan if Michael Jackson did not exist- he opened Pakistan’s tastes to the MTV culture.

 In one of his rare interviews with Oprah in 1993, Michael Jackson always believed that good art is something that marries the temporal with the divine. Every great artist of the world strives to create magic for their audiences. Every artist wants to live on forever through their work. Indeed, Michael Jackson has done exactly that. Today he is more alive than we could have ever possibly imagined.

 Pakistan, a country fueled with political turmoil, corruption, energy and water shortage, a country at war, a country slapped as the most dangerous place in the planet; despite it’s poor reputation and, it’s unfair ‘Af-Pak’ stereotype as a country for the cavemen,  the Pakistani’s mourn his death.

 But don’t be fooled, it is not the educated, elite few who are in shock, but the general masses as well. Though most of them have not heard his music, but many of them recognize his name. It is quite likely that the an old man in the deep Punjabi village, smoking his Hooka, sheltered under a thick Banyan will recognizes the name Michael Jackson. Here, his name is an element of the western character.

 Pakistan is suffering from a sever identity crises. A secular Muslim man, advocated to create an Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Some exalt Jinnah to Saint-like- status, while a very few see him as a real man with many faults. Pakistan’s cultural imagination has always reflected such stark contrasts.  Our imaginations have been demarcated like the disputed Kashmir border. Either we’re conservative traditional Muslim or we’re inappropriately secular Muslims.

 So when it comes to music, either you’re into your local Bollywood music or non or, you’re the western ‘burger’ listening to long-haired screaming musicians- ‘haram’ is what they call it.  Perhaps when the Taliban militants picture what they see as the blasphemously explicit western culture, Michael Jackson’s face would be its face.

 Though he was still considered un-Islamic ( though some took it back after believing that he converted to Islam) by some of the masses, but his name is recognized. After all , his name has penetrated through the classes. To listen to Sinatra or Snoop Dog you need to belong to the elite bloc. To listen to know Micheal Jackson, is a spectacularly classless phenomenon.

 If he could penetrate the Russian black market during the Cold War then he could penetrate the Pakistani streets during the staunch Dictatorship of Zia-ul-Haq. An era in which culture’s liberty and integrity were persistently chocked.

 People in this part of the world underestimate the sheer force of a cultural icon. When there is someone who fiercely stirs our imagination, taking us on a soul jerking escape that is so far beyond our current life, our eyes light up like a child paralyzed in wonderment, there really is no stopping such a force. It’s far more powerful than wars, dictatorships and, norms. That is why the Pakistani masses have heard off him.

 In Pakistan Elvis and Lennon will always be appreciated by the elite bloc. Their words can not be understood by most. Their pain too complicated. Their lives too distant. But Micheal Jackson’s dance and music is fantasy: no language is needed, no cultural context is necessary, no music preference, that is why he can transcend the class, He never isolated anyone, except himself.

 When Thriller broke out, friends and family from abroad were sending news back home. People went over to their local video store and picked up his Thriller VHS. Once people saw the man who moves like lightening grace in the first story-based music video, the dance floors and stereos were filled with his music only. The famous Thriller jacket is still in demand today, his dark boot-cut jeans and with the vest and T-shirt above are still seen as the ultimate style for the young boys today. The baggy pants fashion never took over with the rest of country.

 People desperately tried learning his dances, trying to sing his songs. There were also reported break-dance competitions on the streets of Karachi. Even today I catch glimpses of MJ’s style and dance amongst the poorer classes- it’s their way of becoming part of the bigger world around them.  Hip-hop and grunge never took hold of the masses and, probably never will until they become part of a better education system.

 There are many undiscovered MJ dancers on the streets of this country, but there are only two that have managed to make the main screen. Hash from Islamabad and the rags to riches self-taught star from the ebb of the classes Sonu dangerous. Sonu dangerous often talks about his love for Michael Jackson, he’s usually found now choreographing dance routines for stage shows, with Jackson like solo himself.  Jackson’s songs have been the soundtrack to many television shows especially comedy skits where the actors self-deprecatingly imitate his moonwalk.

 According to VOA News reported on 26^th June 2009, at Illusions CD shop in downtown Islamabad, employee say that even today, years after the height of Jackson’s career, people still come to buy his music.

 On June 26^th 2009, as people woke up to the shocking news, for the first time, in a very long time, Michael Jackson’s death bumped the Taliban war headlines. Local talk shows celebrated his legacy in Pakistan. The radio channels solely dedicated their airwaves to his music and the only conversation on the table was about his death and legacy.

 Peoples drivers and bearers, belonging to the struggling backgrounds, were found telling their employees about the death of the Pop star. Concerts that played on the night sang tributes to the deceased star. Music stores and cafes poured in with his music. I have never seen this country mourn the death of a cultural icon on such a large-scale level.

 After his shocking demise, memorials in Karachi had been set up to honor the demise of the pop icon. Even the Provincial Sindh Assembly Parliament declared a minute of silence for the Pop Star.

 While many speculate his personal life in the West, it is a great relief to know that here no one is really interested in his personal life.  Mainly because the obsession with celebrities personal lives has not really become a fashion yet and, the powerful in this country have done far worse, everyone knows that.

 The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is paying her last respects to the King of Pop. For us, aside from his immaculate artistry, he will be the only ever Pop star who successfully trespassed the usual elite block. He will be the only legend who our masses recognized and were inspired by.

 On those rare occasions when I finally do catch a glimpse of the new kids on the block, it’s shockingly awful. The music hardly stirs a hair on your arm while your spirit yawns and folds its arm looking elsewhere.  

 The new bands just drag themselves on stage, blaring and screaming raucous sounds at us. The criterion for a band or singer seems to be as follows: You don’t have to be a real musician, or listen to music to be a musician; you don’t even have to know how to sing for that fact. As long as the singer is good-looking and young, your future as a musician has been made. They’re not hardworking or professional. They have no knowledge about their pop history, nor any knowledge of the instruments they play. Aside from their looks, they’re not inspirational.

 After twenty years of the pop music industry and the recent prolific launch of music channels, the ‘controllers’ of this business are not taking music seriously. They fail to see it as a respectable art that only a few can master.  They produce shows for the sake of filling up the time slot. Slap on a pretty young girl, give her some callers, pick a topic and, play whatever is in the pile, even if some of the videos were aired in 1998.

 A good music show may have some light humor, but usually they are packed with in intelligent information about the music video. For instance, Channel V has really worked hard in promoting talent from the far East. They have opened the eyes of the international world to their music scene. These musicians are talking about their talent, voicing their concerns and playing their songs. And people are listening. This is what our music channels should have done.

 When our local music channels rose to the scene, they created the hope that they were channels dedicated for the youth. They promised to rise and promote fresh talented musicians and singers. They promised to produce quality shows with people who knew what they were talking about. Looking back at the nineties, The Music Channel Charts hosted by Fakh-e-Alam still stands as the only show that combined light humour with information about western as well as the brewing local pop bands. It was the only trusted music charts show that everyone religious tuned in to.

 Boring, impassionate bands fill our screens, often only producing one-hits and disappearing all together. The bands who manage to stick around for a year (at maximum before they all split up for solo careers), producing poor music are allowed to get away with murder. No one is asking them the right questions. Instead, we find out about their favorite food and their horoscope. Followed with a little acappella session, while a young boy reclines into the couch, with legs spread wide, eyes on the floor, looking distant, attempting to strum the acoustic, while a bedazzled sparkly VJ vibrates to the invisible tune.  

 The fluffy elite nor the general masses can ever understand these shows. There’s nothing in it for anyone. No good local classic, folk for the masses nor any decent pop/rock for the elite niche.

 So then the question, who is really watching these shows? There must be some people, since these shows do have callers. But I doubt it’s a significant number. If the channels democratically had a ratings system, then many of the channels would indisputably be shut down. Then they’d see that people can not be easily entertained like children.

 It seems to be that the time of PTV and NTM were better when musicians and singers had to really push the bar to get onto these channels. It was never about a good-looking face, it was about serious music. People knew that they needed music that would appeal to the masses and not just themselves. They knew that fame was difficult. Bands would go up to these studios and put up their posters to get seen. That is why these bands were more passionate. That is why their music is still living today.

 When Nazia and Zoheb exploded into our private worlds with their disco funk, pop music ‘can’t get you outta my head’ catchy Urdu lyrics, the MTV generation just couldn’t stop moving their feet. And their list of hits did not stop with one song, as is the current fashion, instead we were graced with ‘Disco Deewane’, ‘Boom, Boom’, Koi Nahin’ and more!

 When the first pop band, Vital Signs hit the country, using western grooves, with catcy  folk-like lyrics  the Pakistani’s were proud. Beginning with the near national anthem, ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’, there would be another long list of hits‘ Aitabar’, ‘Sawali Salooni’ to name just a few.

 At the off-set of the nineties, the Pakistani masses were introduced to the unchartered rock territory: Junoon. When we saw the long-haired men, dressed in Sindhi style glam, loud guitars, heavy drums and, screams we couldn’t believe that they were from our country. They were passionate; the masses were head-banging while raising their hands for a bhangra jig all at once. This was our very own truly global rock band. No one can forget ‘ Jazba Junoon’, Yar Bina’, Dosti’ all unforgettable hits’.

 The nineties also brought the first female led band Milestones, hip-hoppin Fakher-e-Alam, the first boy band Awaaz, the lovely Hadiqa, Strings and Ali Haider. All these bands stayed together for over five years to over a decade. They all have made enough hit songs to compile a Best Of album (and they have).

Today, the young bands have only destroyed any standards built with such difficultly by their pioneers. Everyone is trying to play neo-rock or imitating Junoon and Vital Signs. Professional musicians and singers are frustrated with the young guys who show up for free, desperate for publicity.  Spoiling the producers for free desperate artists. The professional and experienced bands are not taken seriously, after all their hard-work. Producers would rather put the raucous band instead of a serious band. No one is talking about their work, let alone really honoring them.

 In the end we are left with a system where we will never get to see any serious class-acts. Lately, there has been the Ari Jazz Qaurtet from New York touring the country, the radio and newspapers picked up on it, but the channels never picked up.  There’s much complain about the lack of musicians and singers, but that is hardly true. There are excellent bands of all styles in all the urban centers of the country. There is an even better variety of classical and folk musicians and singers who deserve being promoted and receiving good money for what they do. They too deserve being pulled out into our pop culture- why not?

 This is murder. And it really needs to stop. Either the bosses on these channels employ truly passionate and creative individuals, or we should begin to advocate for a ratings systems where these channels will be forced to produce shows we actually watch, encouraging good talent to take centre stage and not simply the good-looking kid in school.

For every Islooite this has been a situation that is infuriatingly common. It doesn’t matter what that newcomer would have said, the fact that Islooites sleep at 10pm was enough to stamp the city as the land of banal horrors. Why has Islamabad received such a terrible press over the years? How has the most picturesque city become targeted as the worst place in the country to live? How has the stereotype snowballed into an unquestionable false fact?

Firstly, why is sleeping early consider shocking? Essentially there should not be a correlation between a healthy sleep schedule and cultural death. If anything an early nights sleep produces a productive workforce. It can not be denied that people do sleep early during the weekdays but it would be ludicrous to assume that every single individual is asleep at 10pm- just ask the parents with teenagers!

Maybe Islamabad is considered dead because of its tiny population? But the population of Islamabad seems to be increasing every year. According to a UN report on human settlements, the population of Islamabad is growing at the rate of 6 per cent per annum. The urban population in the federal capital with a total area of 906 square-km has been estimated at 65.7 per cent. Besides, a densely populated city does not guarantee a friendly city. Islamabad’s small population would actually guarantee that you will never be alone; and it is a fact, there is a familiar face no matter where you go.

Finally, the ultimate complaint about Islamabad: ‘there is simply nothing to do’. It is true that Islamabad lacks the tangible ‘buzz’ of a typical city. Islamabad is a young city. It’s preplanned nature hasn’t allowed any room for character; urban character that is resurrected from a rich history. Upon entering Lahore, for instance, the Minar-e-Pakistan stands to represents Pakistan’s birth, the Fort salutes the Mughal era; the subcontinents history is magically opened before our very eyes. At once the visitor taps into the local buzz and vitality the city beholds. Entering Islamabad however, we are welcomed by a worn-out dove of peace at zero point. Like people, character in a city is built over time. Considering Islamabad is only slightly over thirty years old, it’s only just begun to breath- give it a break.

Islamabad is still in the process of defining its identity and culture, but it seems that it isn’t so far from its goal. The last few years has Islamabad a changed city. There has been an explosion of new restaurants and cafes; a rising popularity in the music of psychedelic sixties rock & roll; a whole new stream of theater actors; and the rising national and international migrant population. Islamabad is breathing. And the youth are passionate about shaping the cities unique popular culture.

A senior British Diplomat sums up Islamabad: “Islamabad’s great. Restaurants and shops are open all hours and there’s nothing like a fresh spicy paratha at 3 am. In London it’s all over when the pubs close at 11 pm… The real fun of Islamabad is discovering the scene for yourself; scratch at the surface and there’s lots going on whether it be music or arts events. And in a city with so many non-natives everyone is welcoming of outsiders or those of us who are just passing through. I’ve never found the Islamabad scene cliquey or exclusive. All this and the Himalayan foothills on your doorstep”. A description contrary to the popular stereotype, but seemingly true.

‘Islamabad is what you make of it’ says a local Accounts Manager. Spending a couple of nights in Islamabad isn’t enough. Like any other city, you have to know people to really live it. “Islamabad rewards those who make the effort. It’s appeals aren’t as obvious or as brassy as cities like Lahore or Karachi. The best cafes and art galleries are often hidden away, which gives a new-comer the pleasure of discovery” says another expat British Diplomat.

Only a few years ago Islamabad had a pitiful restaurant selection. Today some Islamabad’s finest gastronomic experiences lie in the residential sectors. For the art lovers Nomad Gallery offers art exhibitions a handicraft store and a coffee shop; Café Khas celebrates artwork while enjoying the best thai curry in town. For those who prefer the Arabian delights, Sheesha and Lebenese food is provided under the clear Islamabad sky; and if your lucky you might even get to enjoy their festive parties. For authentic Chinese food, cooked by real Chinese chefs, there is a vast selection within the residential streets. For a coffee and ice cream, Islamabad’s pop cultural heart, Hotspot, is the place to be; that is in a train box inundated with horror movie paraphernalia (perhaps not the best place to take young children). Or, if you fancy choosing your own lobsters and crabs, while kicking back to watch a game why not try Brabus café. Or, if you prefer some pampering, a panini washed down with a healthy smoothie, then Nirvana is the place to be. And finally, on the list of some of the unique eateries in town is Paper Microphone Café that is not only serving up mochas to warm up your insides, but they have plenty of pop culture treats to shake up your weekends.

A local writer finds that ‘…more and more young people are claiming their own cultural spaces in the city”. And Paper Microphone is the venue where you see a diverse range of artists claiming their cultural spaces. Every Saturday a young mix of amateur and professional writers, actors, singers, musicians and, stand-up comedians present their work amongst an intimate audience- all for the passion of their work.

The Sweet Leaf Jam is held annually in Islamabad; it is Islamabad’s tribute to free-spirited music. Underground musicians from Lahore travel every year for this event. Last year it was held at Tent Village in the Margallah hills. Under the pine trees and the autumn sunset, the audience enjoyed the blues, rock & roll, sufi fusion and, improvised local covers.

Since the mainstream industry artists pays very few visits to the capital, the locals have decided to promote their own bands. Islamabad’s very own Lahoo, Silversmoke and, Irtaash have been busy playing concerts all over Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The recent gigs since November include the Campus Rock tour around the twin cities, U-Rock and, various schools and colleges that have been open to public entry. Another local band that has been gaining popularity is the English cover band Rocklite, with Allan Smith, ex-Vital Signs guitarists Rizwan-ul-Huq and, Italian keyboardist Pietro Tilli. Natasha Ejaz who is gradually claiming national popularity can be found singing on her acoustic here in Islamabad.

Tragically, Islamabad’s music scene fails to receive media coverage, often because of Islamabad’s catastrophic reputation. But the capitals music scene is perhaps (dare I say it) the most non-commercialized and vibrant in Pakistan.

People seem to have forgotten the industry legends that the city’s clean air has produced. The critically acclaimed female duo’s Haniya Aslam is from Islamabad. Islamabad is home to Pakistan’s first boy band Awaz and of course the national pride of Pakistan Vital Signs. The revered and feared Fasi Zaka from the MTV show ‘On the fringe’ and the legendary style guru Tariq Amin. And still Islamabad has been stamped as dull? The capital must be doing something right in the cultural domain.

For the last couple of years amateur theater has been a busy scene. Musicals and plays such as Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, The Good Doctor, The Lion King have been favorites amongst the children as well as adults over the last four years. Through their mistakes and successes on stage, the locals have forgivingly supported them. The musicals in Islamabad have been a local phenomenon years before Chicago ever made its debut. And still, the capital receives no credit for starting the trend, nor does it receives similar national coverage.

Another complaint about Islamabad is the surprising emptiness on Eid. What the rest of the country calls emptiness, the locals call peace. One local resident felt, “Just because people leave for Eid it isn’t a bad thing. Many of the locals love the silence and the freedom of the roads. While others believe that not as many people are leaving since more people have moved in”. Islamabad’s world isn’t on an exact standstill, restaurants remain open, offering festive deals, while a number of people hold Eid dinners and parties.

At the end of a long hectic week, like any city the locals like to let their hair down and party. Some parties that are organized by event management companies are filled with dancing and a number of celebrities are invited to attend them. On a more humble and regular level however, people like to get together at their friends houses. Here, you’re most likely to find a group of musicians who will play the blues till the wee hours of the morning; new friends are made, old friends are found and the usual friends are kept up to date- and great memories made. Often, you will meet an ‘outsider’ who find themselves pleasantly surprised- surprised that people here like to have a good time. This is perhaps the local’s favorite activity.

The joke is that the city lies ten miles outside of Pakistan, but the question is why is the rest of Pakistan finding Islamabad such a hard city to understand? Because the fact of the matter is, aside from being well-planned and new, it really acts like any ordinary city. There is nothing extraordinary to detail, rather the predicted cultural activities that would take place in any city touched by the global forces. Perhaps the only other difference is that the media fails to project Islamabad’s cultural scene, since the hub of interest in Islamabad is solely political.

Contrary to the stereotype, Islamabad is a vibrant city- you just have to let the newcomer speak.

A woman does not need to belong to an illiterate rural family to feel stifled by societies heavly prejudiced expectations. The urban woman is still suffering. The struggle between career and family is still a controversial issue. A daughter from childhood is well aware that the world of the kitchen and home will be her responsibility. Careers play no role in their identity construction. In fact, it is better if the woman never realizes that she has a self an identity outside her usual responsibilities.

The woman must always remain covered and silent. She must never have wants or needs outside the realm of domestic utilities; complaining is a sinful flaw. She must be dedicated to a lifelong commitment to make the life her children, husband and, his family ever so comfortable. For any woman who walks outside the only box placed for her will be stamped as the woman unworthy of the respect of a man. And some women accept this standard, even if by some unfortunate life circumstance they fall outside the box, she will forever deem herself a failure constantly ridden with guilt.

There are very few marriages that are based upon love and respect. The concept of sharing the responsibility of a household and work between spouses is of rare substance. There are still a number of foreign educated youth regardless of their exposure feel that a wife must always be a wife and a husband should always be the husband.

Though the gender discriminate perceptions are ripe, there is a struggle to destroy the so-called infallible prejudice. A number of non government organizations are working to break the gender bias, focusing especially in rural areas. But many are forgetting the bias that torments the urban areas. However, it does seem that the media holds more influence bringing awareness about the gender bias in all sections of society. A simple soap show on television is enough to provoke some food for thought. But there is another aspect that needs serious attention, that is hardly addressed anywhere. Because the issue is rarely discussed out of embarrassment, the lack of awareness continues force the issue into the dark. The issue is of sexual harassment.

This piece is focusing on this concept because young women have asked to highlight this issue, to warn other women and to bring awareness to men. The issue of sexual harassment is one that employers, parents, friends and, the wider population in general should be aware of. Of course, not every man in this country exploits women, but there is a tragically number of women who do believe otherwise.

A number of men feel that they are the superior race, they also feel powerful. A power they feel they can use over the weaker, less-deserving sex. They really believe women’s feelings are inconsequential and, inane. Either through frustration or, pure hate, one can never be sure; they harass women on the street and, in some cases a shop. One thing is for sure, the general perception of a woman as being the very silent lesser sex plays a significant role in some men’s crude behavior towards women.

One young girl who approached me about this issue had an experience at a money changer in Jinnah Super Market. The shop was empty on the upper floor. She went to change her money, but behind the counter the shop keeper had revealed himself to her. Frightened and horrified she took her money and ran out, warning all her female friends to never enter this shop again. This filthy incident is only one example, there are countless unreported incidents. Perhaps, the main reason for a woman to avoid heavily populated areas is not due to the fear of suicide bombers, but the fear of frustrated males out to pinch her. These men find this behavior funny. They feel so proud that they touched the woman and made her cry. Such situations have occurred in public places, right under the nose of the oblivious fathers and husbands.

If a woman makes the mistake of driving to a shop at night, like vultures the young men will attempt to make a pass at them. If a woman refuses, rather than respecting her wishes, the entrouge will insult her back and follow her. If a woman decides to take a walk then there is a huge chance that a man will destroy her peaceful walk by trying to talk to her and slowly follow her in his car.

Other times men just decide to stare at the woman. It must be understood that staring at a woman is perhaps the most torturous moment for her. Her space is invaded her respect is ignored, her status as a mother, daughter and, wife bares no sympathy. However, there are a number of brave women who have chosen to ignore these stares and wear what they feel like. These young women argue that why should they stop how they live for such demonic men.

They are right; women have got to stop taking the position of the victim. It is ridiculous how much a woman struggles for her freedom. From the household, societal norms and, walking on the street. A woman is stared at, haggled at and, frowned upon. When will there be a strong line that holds a serious consequence?

If a man acts in appropriate in a public place she should make the noise, bring that person to public shame. In a workplace or shop if a woman feels as though she is harassed, ( and harassment does not need to be physical, harassment is takes a verbal face as well) then she should report it. But the most important point being, when a woman is complaining about sexual harassment do not take a blissfully blind eye and blame her dress or attitude. The woman does have the right to present herself in anyway that she feels fit, but no human being has the right to touch her or make her feel physically threatened in anyway.

Below are some comments I got from the readers

“”Pakistan has never been a women friendly country”. With this unqualified pronouncement, you have chosen to open your piece of writing published in to-day’s Dawn. As a member of this society of more than 160 million men an women, I have following humble submissions.

Have you ever felt at the point where your about crash and breakdown, like the second before a your car hits a lamp post? You know your about to fall apart and you just begin to violently implode, brimming with despair, an emotional ache for which you have no energy to fix at that point.