Comments on: D. I. Khan: How cities change http://www.pkhope.com/d-i-khan-how-cities-change/ A Candid Blog Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:09:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: Dr Khizar Hayat Tahir http://www.pkhope.com/d-i-khan-how-cities-change/comment-page-1/#comment-1732194 Dr Khizar Hayat Tahir Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:20:57 +0000 http://www.pakspectator.com/?p=12156#comment-1732194 I am so happy to read ths article by Dr Masoor Akbar Kindi, a well-known educationist and now the Vice Chancellor of Gomal University. Dera was once called "Dera Phulaan da Sehra" , THe beautiful words of Seraiki can not be translated in English. However dera symbolizes as flowers. As Dr Sahib said and many derawals commented , sctarian violence has shattered the peace of D.I .Khan. One of my late friend Dr Talib Hussain Ashraf, about whom i wrote a blog too, was a liberal Shia. But, actually he was more sunni than shia. We used to be with mourning procession just as spectators (viewers). There was no objection by Shia brothers. Women used to sit on roof tops along the procession route to see the mourners. In my childhood in Paharpur Town , I Used to prepare Rozas with my friends. But now one can not dare to be on roof or in the streets where mourners are to pass. What happened to my beautiful Dera. I am in Islamabadd , my whole family is in D I Khan. Muharram ul Haram month has started, I am calling daily to my brother n relatives to ask the latest situation in the city. Those who consider themselves only true muslim , and all other sects not the same way, are on the wrong path . May Allah Bless my Dera. I am so happy to read ths article by Dr Masoor Akbar Kindi, a well-known educationist and now the Vice Chancellor of Gomal University. Dera was once called “Dera Phulaan da Sehra” , THe beautiful words of Seraiki can not be translated in English. However dera symbolizes as flowers. As Dr Sahib said and many derawals commented , sctarian violence has shattered the peace of D.I .Khan. One of my late friend Dr Talib Hussain Ashraf, about whom i wrote a blog too, was a liberal Shia. But, actually he was more sunni than shia. We used to be with mourning procession just as spectators (viewers). There was no objection by Shia brothers. Women used to sit on roof tops along the procession route to see the mourners. In my childhood in Paharpur Town , I Used to prepare Rozas with my friends. But now one can not dare to be on roof or in the streets where mourners are to pass. What happened to my beautiful Dera. I am in Islamabadd , my whole family is in D I Khan. Muharram ul Haram month has started, I am calling daily to my brother n relatives to ask the latest situation in the city. Those who consider themselves only true muslim , and all other sects not the same way, are on the wrong path . May Allah Bless my Dera.

]]> By: Engr. Khan http://www.pkhope.com/d-i-khan-how-cities-change/comment-page-1/#comment-1344048 Engr. Khan Sat, 19 Jun 2010 10:14:54 +0000 http://www.pakspectator.com/?p=12156#comment-1344048 His induction as VC has brought good changes at Gomal University... http://www.pakspectator.com/rising-hopes-at-dera/ His induction as VC has brought good changes at Gomal University…

http://www.pakspectator.com/rising-hopes-at-dera/

]]> By: Shabnam Gul http://www.pkhope.com/d-i-khan-how-cities-change/comment-page-1/#comment-1336978 Shabnam Gul Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:04:30 +0000 http://www.pakspectator.com/?p=12156#comment-1336978 It was exhilarating to read about a town that for me exists only in my thoughts or on the maps in geography books. Reading about it with all its history was like watching a movie on DI Khan , or maybe actually visiting it. I have known Dr. Kundi since he was my teacher at Quetta.. We have both come a long way and are still the best of friends. I have always had great appreciation for him and his work. Not to forget to mention his writing style, which is unique, with a careful selection of words. His specialty is his writings based on the political background, history and evolution. Dr Kundi is presently appointed as Vice Chancellor of the Gomal university, where once he studied himself. It was exhilarating to read about a town that for me exists only in my thoughts or on the maps in geography books. Reading about it with all its history was like watching a movie on DI Khan , or maybe actually visiting it.
I have known Dr. Kundi since he was my teacher at Quetta.. We have both come a long way and are still the best of friends. I have always had great appreciation for him and his work. Not to forget to mention his writing style, which is unique, with a careful selection of words. His specialty is his writings based on the political background, history and evolution.
Dr Kundi is presently appointed as Vice Chancellor of the Gomal university, where once he studied himself.

]]> By: Habib ul Hassan Bajauri http://www.pkhope.com/d-i-khan-how-cities-change/comment-page-1/#comment-1260671 Habib ul Hassan Bajauri Thu, 06 May 2010 19:37:34 +0000 http://www.pakspectator.com/?p=12156#comment-1260671 A very nice account by Dr Mansoor Kundi, I come to DI Khan on 20th February 2010 and found the area a beautiful place. Local people are very nice and peace loving. Life here is simple and natural. A very nice account by Dr Mansoor Kundi, I come to DI Khan on 20th
February 2010 and found the area a beautiful place. Local people are very nice and peace loving. Life here is simple and natural.

]]> By: Khwaja Aftab Ali http://www.pkhope.com/d-i-khan-how-cities-change/comment-page-1/#comment-1218719 Khwaja Aftab Ali Mon, 19 Apr 2010 02:30:27 +0000 http://www.pakspectator.com/?p=12156#comment-1218719 FIVE REGIONAL CITIES should be upgraded with in the provinces in Pakistan. Regional cities of Dera Ismail Khan in NWFP, Gawadar/ Qalat in Balouchistan, Sukkar/ Larkana in Upper Sind, Jehlam/ Rawalpindi and Multan in Punjab province. These regional cities have been ignored by the federal and provincial governments although these cities have their own history, culture and languages.Dera Ismail Khan in south of Pakhtun khwa/MWFP is under seige, Multan/DG Khan in south of Punjab is next target of religious extremists,Sukkar/ Larkana is being rule by criminals, Gawadar/ Qalat is trouble some. The people of these regions have to travel to provincial capitals for every small issue and requirement of the daily life which should be provided in nearby cities. A good number of population travel to big cities for their survival to earn livelihood as the local feudal own majority land and keep the common man as their slaves. Creation of regional government and upgrading of the regional cities will save a lot of money and time of the poor people of these regions. Circuit benches of the High Courts are already working in these areas and only requirement is the additional staff of different departments involved in additional work at the provincial capitals. The concern authorities should immediately consider to upgrade the regional cities. And immediate attention should be given upgrade/build the airports,TV station, civic center, libraries,hospitals, educational institutes and investment opportunities for Pakistanis living abroad and foreign firms to create jobs in the area as majority population in rural Pakistan do not have enough resources to survive. It remind me the condition of pre Islamic revolution of Iran in Shah time when the rural Iran was ignored and the capital Tehran was developed in a way to call it Paris of Middle East with modern life style. Couple of other big cities like Isfahan and Caspian sea was taken care of because of foreign tourists but rural area was ruled by cruel police and intelligence. Then what happen rural population supported the Islamic revolution and moved to Tehran and other big cities later on. The new government after revolution developed, built and upgraded the rural areas of Iran accordingly. A fund to upgrade/build these regional cities in Pakistan should be introduced by public and private sector and Pakistani government, our foreign friends and Pakistanis living abroad may be asked to participate in this development mission in the country..KHWAJA AFTAB ALI,( former secretary, Iranian embassy, Saudi Arabia,1975-88) Advocate High Court & I.P. Attorney-first & the only Pakistani lawyer who earned Intellectual Property laws scholarship in USA,presently residing in Florida, USA. pip.law@hotmail.com FIVE REGIONAL CITIES should be upgraded with in the provinces in Pakistan. Regional cities of Dera Ismail Khan in NWFP, Gawadar/ Qalat in Balouchistan, Sukkar/ Larkana in Upper Sind, Jehlam/ Rawalpindi and Multan in Punjab province. These regional cities have been ignored by the federal and provincial governments although these cities have their own history, culture and languages.Dera Ismail Khan in south of Pakhtun khwa/MWFP is under seige, Multan/DG Khan in south of Punjab is next target of religious extremists,Sukkar/ Larkana is being rule by criminals, Gawadar/ Qalat is trouble some. The people of these regions have to travel to provincial capitals for every small issue and requirement of the daily life which should be provided in nearby cities. A good number of population travel to big cities for their survival to earn livelihood as the local feudal own majority land and keep the common man as their slaves. Creation of regional government and upgrading of the regional cities will save a lot of money and time of the poor people of these regions. Circuit benches of the High Courts are already working in these areas and only requirement is the additional staff of different departments involved in additional work at the provincial capitals. The concern authorities should immediately consider to upgrade the regional cities. And immediate attention should be given upgrade/build the airports,TV station, civic center, libraries,hospitals, educational institutes and investment opportunities for Pakistanis living abroad and foreign firms to create jobs in the area as majority population in rural Pakistan do not have enough resources to survive. It remind me the condition of pre Islamic revolution of Iran in Shah time when the rural Iran was ignored and the capital Tehran was developed in a way to call it Paris of Middle East with modern life style. Couple of other big cities like Isfahan and Caspian sea was taken care of because of foreign tourists but rural area was ruled by cruel police and intelligence. Then what happen rural population supported the Islamic revolution and moved to Tehran and other big cities later on. The new government after revolution developed, built and upgraded the rural areas of Iran accordingly. A fund to upgrade/build these regional cities in Pakistan should be introduced by public and private sector and Pakistani government, our foreign friends and Pakistanis living abroad may be asked to participate in this development mission in the country..KHWAJA AFTAB ALI,( former secretary, Iranian embassy, Saudi Arabia,1975-88) Advocate High Court & I.P. Attorney-first & the only Pakistani lawyer who earned Intellectual Property laws scholarship in USA,presently residing in Florida, USA. pip.law@hotmail.com

]]> By: Nawaz Qayyum http://www.pkhope.com/d-i-khan-how-cities-change/comment-page-1/#comment-972712 Nawaz Qayyum Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:30:16 +0000 http://www.pakspectator.com/?p=12156#comment-972712 To my astonishment, it was so interesting for me to read a blog from one of the educational elites who made better from DIKhan soil. His past memories are certainly factual. The manner he expressed the past scenic beauty of DIK cantonment is conforming with my memories but I have never been able to explain as he did. After the fall of East Pakistan, we should have learnt a lesson as to how our hostile neighbor inflicted us and globally what was being planned and woven a web around our motherland but political leaders never heed to the causes of disintegration of the country rather they paved their way in inflicting the society by inducing a new culture that was given the name of peoples’ government. It was not bound for any one leader rather all the leaders made their own way of infusion to wreck the society values for their own benefits. Indeed, history is repeating itself and those who were getting cheerful on burning the non-Muslims property are now besieged by the same infernos. All the political leaders including, Maolana FUR or his father, who is now being categorized as the most pious leader of his times didn't do anything for escalating the social set up or upgrading the look of the city and was only active to have approved a legislation that would ban the use of liquor in the country but what about he who is addict finds his way to get that by whatever means possible even now. But only poor man suffered. And he (Maolana MM) allowed the Health department to demolish and obliterate the years-old garden named COMPANY BAGH, which the British government raised in almost all the major cities across India to honor the East India Company. The Company Bagh was rocked down and substandard residences erected in its place. Same goes to Liaquat Park (currently in front of the State Life Building). When I was a kid, I used to make way to this park for playing and when I was enquired by my mother as to why I was away and where. I made lame excuses which did not work as my tongue, lips and fingers all spoke about the real truth as these were mostly crimson colored due to plucking and eating of mulberry (Shahtoot). This park was full of the mulberry trees and grass. We climbed up in the Spring season to pluck and eat the mulberry. We called this park as Tootan Wala Bagh corresponding to its synonymous in Saraeki as toot. Gomal University, being an exceptional institution that was raised by a political leader who was not a resident of this area but a national leader ZAB, nothing has either been developed or raised by the local leadership until now. All the developmental works or facilities have had been made by the Army whereas we claim that there was Martial Law in the country. I refer to the road linking DIK with Chashma Barrage and onwards to country’s capital, construction of DIK-Darya Khan Bridge, setting up Radio Pakistan, which is playing its role only as a relay station since its founding in 1982 and not little bit jacked up after its creation as a station in this area. Nonetheless, construction of Indus Highway was not for the sole purpose of linking DIK with the rest of Pakistan but it was the fall out of linking Peshawar with Karachi through this area. Hence, I do not give any credit to any political leadership of that time rather it was only eventual development. Even now, you cannot compare this city in terms of development with any other city of either NWFP what to talk of the Punjab. Bannu is eye-opening example whose CM did all that what none could do in decades for that area. Sectarianism and target killing is indeed very worrying portray of this city. But total ban on the use of motor bikes is in no way the alternate resolve and acceptable measure, either. WTC was hit by terrorists by hijacking the aircraft. Did the US government ban the flights in any part of the country? Rather their intelligence system was fortified to the extent that not a single event could take place after that unfortunate event. Security system got stronger and people who were already aware of cooperating with the security staff got more supporting and loyal so that none could say that this nation was unable to stop the deplorable events. This and other examples prove that we the derawals are being deprived of basic human rights even and nobody is worried at government and political level. None is going to raise voice at any level since they think this is their fortune to stay in 1700 AD gradually crawling towards Stone Age. Let’s see when we are there. And by the way General Ved Prakash Malik (V.P. Malik) who was the Chief of Army Staff (2000) was also born in Dera Ismail Khan on 1 November, 1939 at D. I. Khan in Mohallah Diwan Sahib and his family migrated to India at the time of independence. For details you can visit this website. http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Personnel/Chiefs/160-VP-Malik.html. Thanks for reading such harsh words and getting me relieved of the burden that were dwelling and not finding way out of my mind. To my astonishment, it was so interesting for me to read a blog from one of the educational elites who made better from DIKhan soil. His past memories are certainly factual. The manner he expressed the past scenic beauty of DIK cantonment is conforming with my memories but I have never been able to explain as he did. After the fall of East Pakistan, we should have learnt a lesson as to how our hostile neighbor inflicted us and globally what was being planned and woven a web around our motherland but political leaders never heed to the causes of disintegration of the country rather they paved their way in inflicting the society by inducing a new culture that was given the name of peoples’ government. It was not bound for any one leader rather all the leaders made their own way of infusion to wreck the society values for their own benefits. Indeed, history is repeating itself and those who were getting cheerful on burning the non-Muslims property are now besieged by the same infernos. All the political leaders including, Maolana FUR or his father, who is now being categorized as the most pious leader of his times didn’t do anything for escalating the social set up or upgrading the look of the city and was only active to have approved a legislation that would ban the use of liquor in the country but what about he who is addict finds his way to get that by whatever means possible even now. But only poor man suffered. And he (Maolana MM) allowed the Health department to demolish and obliterate the years-old garden named COMPANY BAGH, which the British government raised in almost all the major cities across India to honor the East India Company. The Company Bagh was rocked down and substandard residences erected in its place. Same goes to Liaquat Park (currently in front of the State Life Building). When I was a kid, I used to make way to this park for playing and when I was enquired by my mother as to why I was away and where. I made lame excuses which did not work as my tongue, lips and fingers all spoke about the real truth as these were mostly crimson colored due to plucking and eating of mulberry (Shahtoot). This park was full of the mulberry trees and grass. We climbed up in the Spring season to pluck and eat the mulberry. We called this park as Tootan Wala Bagh corresponding to its synonymous in Saraeki as toot.

Gomal University, being an exceptional institution that was raised by a political leader who was not a resident of this area but a national leader ZAB, nothing has either been developed or raised by the local leadership until now. All the developmental works or facilities have had been made by the Army whereas we claim that there was Martial Law in the country. I refer to the road linking DIK with Chashma Barrage and onwards to country’s capital, construction of DIK-Darya Khan Bridge, setting up Radio Pakistan, which is playing its role only as a relay station since its founding in 1982 and not little bit jacked up after its creation as a station in this area. Nonetheless, construction of Indus Highway was not for the sole purpose of linking DIK with the rest of Pakistan but it was the fall out of linking Peshawar with Karachi through this area. Hence, I do not give any credit to any political leadership of that time rather it was only eventual development. Even now, you cannot compare this city in terms of development with any other city of either NWFP what to talk of the Punjab. Bannu is eye-opening example whose CM did all that what none could do in decades for that area.

Sectarianism and target killing is indeed very worrying portray of this city. But total ban on the use of motor bikes is in no way the alternate resolve and acceptable measure, either. WTC was hit by terrorists by hijacking the aircraft. Did the US government ban the flights in any part of the country? Rather their intelligence system was fortified to the extent that not a single event could take place after that unfortunate event. Security system got stronger and people who were already aware of cooperating with the security staff got more supporting and loyal so that none could say that this nation was unable to stop the deplorable events. This and other examples prove that we the derawals are being deprived of basic human rights even and nobody is worried at government and political level. None is going to raise voice at any level since they think this is their fortune to stay in 1700 AD gradually crawling towards Stone Age. Let’s see when we are there.

And by the way General Ved Prakash Malik (V.P. Malik) who was the Chief of Army Staff (2000) was also born in Dera Ismail Khan on 1 November, 1939 at D. I. Khan in Mohallah Diwan Sahib and his family migrated to India at the time of independence. For details you can visit this website. http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Personnel/Chiefs/160-VP-Malik.html. Thanks for reading such harsh words and getting me relieved of the burden that were dwelling and not finding way out of my mind.

]]> By: Engr:ZAKAULLAH KHAN http://www.pkhope.com/d-i-khan-how-cities-change/comment-page-1/#comment-738270 Engr:ZAKAULLAH KHAN Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:58:39 +0000 http://www.pakspectator.com/?p=12156#comment-738270 Mansoor is my school fellow and friend.His post reflects association and love with home town and certainly each derawal feels like it.But come up with workable solution and stop old practices whish failed badly to achieve the goals. Mansoor is my school fellow and friend.His post reflects association and love with home town and certainly each derawal feels like it.But come up with workable solution and stop old practices whish failed badly to achieve the goals.

]]> By: Dr. Asmat Ullah Khan http://www.pkhope.com/d-i-khan-how-cities-change/comment-page-1/#comment-563712 Dr. Asmat Ullah Khan Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:55:33 +0000 http://www.pakspectator.com/?p=12156#comment-563712 I am indeed happy to read this post by Prof. sahib. My hat off to you sir. You made the precise analyis. I would like to add that we the local people were quite spectator during the 1947 violence, where our pious muslims killed their neighbors for nothing just lust for goods. We are sorry that we did not protect our fellow derawal. The curse of the partition still hangs on Dera. The immigrants from india did become part of the shia sunni conflict. They say innocent blood can never go wasted, I firmly believe in it. The humans we killed during partition at Dera still haunts us even after 50 years. My mother also used to tell me stories of how the mehsood and wazir tribes came and the local muslims fully supported them to burn the hindu houses. The local derawals laughed at that time because someone else was burning. Now it is the time, the local derawal will burn as history always repeats. There is one solution which is to repent over the violence and let us collectively repent on our partition deeds and increase harmony among shia and sunni and even with hindus. We all are derawals and love dera. I am indeed happy to read this post by Prof. sahib. My hat off to you sir. You made the precise analyis. I would like to add that we the local people were quite spectator during the 1947 violence, where our pious muslims killed their neighbors for nothing just lust for goods. We are sorry that we did not protect our fellow derawal. The curse of the partition still hangs on Dera. The immigrants from india did become part of the shia sunni conflict. They say innocent blood can never go wasted, I firmly believe in it. The humans we killed during partition at Dera still haunts us even after 50 years.
My mother also used to tell me stories of how the mehsood and wazir tribes came and the local muslims fully supported them to burn the hindu houses. The local derawals laughed at that time because someone else was burning. Now it is the time, the local derawal will burn as history always repeats.
There is one solution which is to repent over the violence and let us collectively repent on our partition deeds and increase harmony among shia and sunni and even with hindus. We all are derawals and love dera.

]]> By: tariq http://www.pkhope.com/d-i-khan-how-cities-change/comment-page-1/#comment-518659 tariq Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:14:22 +0000 http://www.pakspectator.com/?p=12156#comment-518659 Sir Mortimer Durand was the son of General Marion and it was not the other way around. Please suggest what you would do to put things right. Simple criticism is the refuge of a scoundrel, a response is neccessary to show some sincerity Sir Mortimer Durand was the son of General Marion and it was not the other way around. Please suggest what you would do to put things right. Simple criticism is the refuge of a scoundrel, a response is neccessary to show some sincerity

]]> By: Imran http://www.pkhope.com/d-i-khan-how-cities-change/comment-page-1/#comment-499498 Imran Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:07:36 +0000 http://www.pakspectator.com/?p=12156#comment-499498 Well I am quite late to comment on this post, but it’s never too late. Respected Prof. shared his own experience regarding life in D I Khan, although it was much precise analysis of the situation that has cumulated into mass sectarian killings. Provincial govt. (of ANP) has shown no interest to clamp down the tension, may be due to the lack of linguistic resemblance to ANP agenda of Phutoon Kha (D I Khan is the leading dissenter to this ANP move). Moreover, role of Moulana Fazl ur Rahman shouldn’t be neglected, he expresses his views on world issues and have ambitions to play the role of mediator, but unable to play any constructive role in his own native city and constituency. As far the immigrants are concerned, they all belong to Rajput family, and now they have established businesses and has played constructive role in the city’s auspiciousness, recently they have been dragged into this sectarian rift. On the other hand, law enforcement agencies have virtually allowed such activities since no stringent move has taken against such tyranny. Hence, this sectarian issue has many facets. Well I am quite late to comment on this post, but it’s never too late. Respected Prof. shared his own experience regarding life in D I Khan, although it was much precise analysis of the situation that has cumulated into mass sectarian killings. Provincial govt. (of ANP) has shown no interest to clamp down the tension, may be due to the lack of linguistic resemblance to ANP agenda of Phutoon Kha (D I Khan is the leading dissenter to this ANP move). Moreover, role of Moulana Fazl ur Rahman shouldn’t be neglected, he expresses his views on world issues and have ambitions to play the role of mediator, but unable to play any constructive role in his own native city and constituency. As far the immigrants are concerned, they all belong to Rajput family, and now they have established businesses and has played constructive role in the city’s auspiciousness, recently they have been dragged into this sectarian rift. On the other hand, law enforcement agencies have virtually allowed such activities since no stringent move has taken against such tyranny. Hence, this sectarian issue has many facets.

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