The Pakistani Spectator

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?

I was first introduced to web sites in 1995 by a friend and was fascinated by the wealth of information the world of internet had. I bought a book and learnt how to begin a website and that is how my website ‘Pakistanpaedia‘ was born - which in fact is a mini pedia of Pakistan. I continued with it and do so even now by updating it [please do not be disturbed at spellings of Pakistanpaedia as it was done to avoid a duplicity]

But lately I became interested in blogs. Unlike many an emerging and dynamic blogger, I am rather fashioned. Having studied at the premier Government College Lahore (now GCU), an MBA and retired from a senior executive post , I was introduced to blogging by a friend and that was how ‘Jalalspages’ was born. But soon it was renamed by the same friend who taught me how to blog to JahoJalal.

· JahoJalal was basically a travel related blog where I could pen down my experiences f places I Visited. But later on I added many facets of life in it to make it a wholesome blog.

· Later when I got going, I wanted to be specific and opened a few more blogs:

· Fire Within: A blog, which I started basically carrying on the philosophy of my late sister in law and founding editor of Newsline, Razia Bhatti. As the name suggests, I air my inner fire on issues that disturb me and others as well, the same way it did to Razia Bhatti and she became a torch bearer to air the misgivings of the people, supressed by the powerful.

· Movin’ Sports: My late brother Gul Hameed Bhatti was perhaps the best sports journalist ever born in Pakistan. I saw him growing right from our childhood as a sports writer and that he became one day. Eulogising his philosophy, I write about sports, but I am not an iota of what Gul was and what many other names that sprang up after him

· Hobby Shobbys: Philately has been my hobby since childhood, while my other brothers collected match boxes, autographs and build model aeroplanes. These interests led me into writing about hobbies around the world.

· Imposing Headlines: This is just to keep myself informed about what takes place around the world - I read news and share the important ones here for others.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?

Well blogging surprised me about my nativity - of not knowing how to write and how to address and handle issues. When I write a post for ‘Fire Within, it really becomes difficult to fathom the complexities of the issues. Though I try to solve the mysteries, I get bogged while blogging, as I know there are no definite answers.

If you had to describe life as a blogger in a Twitter message (140 characters) what would you say?

That is the most difficult question: Without being philosophical, for me life is living for others, if one can. When we blog to air our fires, we are actually showing our concerns about society and people. We have to make choices in our life: to live for self or live for others. The second choice is the most difficult, but if everyone tries, one can make the difference. But there is one thing that we must keep in mind – something my father taught me: ‘There is no limit to what a man can do if he does not care who gets the credit.’ We have to live for other not for taking credits, but as a self-soul satisfying goal, for God did not create man to live for self – but for others. Others start from our immediate family and know no bounds when reaching out.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

I do not think I have any unique site. What I am saying is being said by many – I am just saying it in my words or different words.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?

Character: Without character one can never be sincere – neither for self, nor for others. A characterless person, anchor, politician, judge or a general can ruin everything.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

Every day that passes without a mishap is a happiest day of my life – When I lost my parents, those two days were the gloomiest, as without parents one is maples to find one’s way.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

1) Switzerland, 2) Smithsonian Institute of Science and Technology, 3) Concordia

What is your favorite book and why?

Although I have read many – but Al Chemist, a small novel, impressed me of all. A few words that described the destiny of a man – something that volumes cannot describe.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

Let the blogging be personal – just writing and sharing one’s views about life and concerns of society. As I said before, no credits [question-3] because then one becomes professional and businessman, writing what fetches money only. However, silent ads like AdSense may be incorporated as these do not impress upon a blogger to write for money.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?

If bloggers are of character, whatever they write will be for the betterment of society and humanity. We have seen how characterless anchors have harmed honest journalism recently.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

1-Pak Tea House, 2-Five Rupees, 3-Jahane Rumi, 4-CHUP, 5-All things Pakistan,

What is the future of blogging?

I am an optimist and see a bright future only if Character is kept supreme. And I am happy to see the younger generation of Pakistan contributing so much positively through their blogs – in fact almost 95% bloggers are from younger generation, which shows we as a nation are growing intellectually.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?

As a retired person, it has helped me to make optimum use of my all free time to write based on my experiences.

What are your future plans?

Just keep writing as I do now – I am not ambitious, specially at this age.