Interview with Blogger Mehreen Asghar
By The Pakistani Spectator • Feb 21st, 2009 • Category: Interviews • 12 CommentsA simple Pakistani girlI‘m a Software Quality Assurance Engineer by profession, an aspiring writer for the love of it, and a lover of fine arts by passion. I blog here.
Could you tell us what made you decide to blog, and what was the inspiration behind it?
Expression, to me, is very important. I believe it’s human nature to be known and appreciated for what he/she is. But then, there are people who choose to either bring themselves in the spot light or be rather invisible. I choose to express and show what Allah blessed me with, no matter how small. So in a way, it becomes a way to thank Him too. The inspiration behind my blog is to express, play with words, learn about people, about the differences we share with people when on a public platform, and yes… learn to respect them for who they are.
What do you think sets Your blog apart from other blogs?
My blog is written straight from the heart. There’s no fabrication, at least deliberate, and I take pride in each and every post I make. It’s a place where my dear readers can find my heart, and so, it’s special to me.
If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
It would definitely be honesty. That’s something my parents taught me to have in myself. Here, by success I mean “being content”. We gain, we loose. What remains with us is the feeling of being at peace with ourselves. When I know I’ve been honest, it’s something that gives me peace. And for me, that’s my success.
What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
Happiest moment is most definitely the time I spent with my best friend. Strangely we never had much time together, but it was one for the ages. I have a gloomy moment with every good bye.I take it rather too hard on myself.
Urdu Blogs have got huge potential, when do you think they will really take on the online horizon in Pakistan?
Urdu, as a subject, is sadly not taken seriously in educational institutions. English medium schools promise a good education system with usually no due attention to our mother tongue. Children are made aware of the importance of English as an International language, but not every child knows how important Urdu is for our survival as a nation with a rich culture. There has been a wave of awareness regarding Urdu lately and it’s a good sign for Pakistanis. The more we write, the more we promote it. I can’t answer a “when” unless we do something about it practically.
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) Middle East
2) Egypt
3) Greece
Each, as you can see, has a rich culture and a glorious history to it.
What is your favorite book and why?
It’s hard choosing one as a favorite, so I’ll take liberty with this question and give you two names:
- “The Mayor of Casterbridge” by Thomas Hardy
- “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” by Thomas Hardy
The Mayor of Casterbridge is the tale of a man who rises from being a poor farmer to a powerful mayor of the rich town of Casterbridge. There’s a secret he’s hiding from public because it means disgrace for him. The mayor, Michael Henchard dies in utter poverty and disgrace, hated by people, but it is the strength of his character that makes him the true hero of the novel.
Tess of the D’urdervilles is the story of a young, innocent pure girl who suffers at the hand of a man. She grows from being a fragile girl to a strong, sensible woman who knows she has to protect herself from being fallen again.
What is your favorite meal, dress, and sport?
Meal… hmmm… I love Chinese food. In Pakistani meals, I’m somewhat picky. Dress is shalwar kameez, I’m not into sports at all.
What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
I study body language. It can be very accurate at times, trust me! I like a person who seems cheerful and easy going. I like to know a person who has a down to earth air about him/her.
Whose Future is more bright in Pakistan; English blogs or Urdu Blogs?
It entirely depends on us, the people. Till now, English has been given importance over Urdu, hence, more English blogs. If Urdu is promoted, why won’t there be Urdu blogs? So the answer to this one depends on what we choose to read. Given the current situation, I see English blogs with a brighter future.
How Pakistani bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
To be honest, I have never used my blog to earn money, because it a personal blog to pen down my thoughts. But yes, if one wishes to use his/her blog commercially, then Google Adsense is a good option. And for that to you give maximum benefit, you need to drive a lot of traffic on your blog. Networking is a good and enjoyable option for that. That way, you get to know different people also. I have seen blogs, which when famous, use it to promote some product or institution or anything for that matter for which the blog owner gets paid for. As far as my knowledge tells me, it’s all about networking and the popularity of your blog.
Do you think Pakistani bloggers tend to remain somewhat self-centered and really don’t go out of their shells? Is it the oriental style of blogging, or they are still unsure about it?
When I started out my blog, I naturally wanted readers, so I linked up to some good blogs I came across. To start with, it was hard to find a Pakistani blog. When I finally did, I tried linking up to them with no fruitful results. Very few people linked back to me. I don’t know the reason for this, maybe they find it rather difficult to accept someone outside their close friends’ circle. I personally feel this shouldn’t be so. We are on a huge platform where there are people from all over the globe. Why shouldn’t we support each other? We are here to showcase our nation, display a good image of it, we are here to learn new things. Most of my readers are from different nationalities and I intend to keep my blog simple and honest. When you’re honest with people, they respect you. Why wouldn’t they? In these times, it becomes a duty on us to give a positive image of our country. No I don’t want them to discuss religion or politics. We just have to be ourselves. Others will respect us if we respect them. Blogosphere has gifted me with wonderful friends!
What do you think where the Pakistani blogosphere is right now?
Certainly it is in its growing phase. A lot of work needs to be done. I say it will mature when you will find Urdu websites and Pakistani blogs as easily as you can see blogs from other countries.
Who are your top five favourite bloggers in Pakistan?
I haven’t been able to find many Pakistani blogs, the ones I really liked though were
>> Asbah’s blog (http://charcoals.blogspot.com/)
>> Tazeen’s blog (http://tazeen-tazeen.blogspot.com/)
Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger in Pakistani blogosphere?
Both the girls I just mentioned, Asbah and Tazeen, write really interesting, crisp and witty posts. They make you laugh, they make you think, they make you have a good time. No wonder they’re my favorite Paki bloggers.
What is the future of blogging in Pakistan?
I see a growing interest of blogging in people. I hope to see many Pakistani bloggers in the near future; personal blogs showcasing their creativity and the ones that promote us as a peace loving nation.
You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
It has affected me to a great extent. I have found some wonderful people here in blogosphere. It’s a nice informative platform I have discovered, where people help you improve your writing skills (if one is rather weak). Looking at my earliest posts, I see difference in their maturity. Apart from that, I have found friends who care and know more about me than real life friends would. People here are kind and loving. Do I have to add I get to read some quality work almost every single day? The list is endless for me! It’s a place I’m at home with. The answer to this question goes out to all my lovely blogger friends as a compliment. I love you guys!
What are your future plans?
One is never sure of what the future holds. In the future, I most definitely see myself writing and learning how to sketch better and paint someday. I totally see myself in the one true passion of my life: Expression! Be it in any form.
Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
First of all, I’d like to thank you people to give me this honor of being interviewed on this platform. You are doing a great job. We need more and more platforms like this one.
My message would be to promote who we are so the world knows what Pakistan and its people are all about. When on an international platform as the Internet, we should be on the best of our behavior because it is the duty of each and everyone of us educated citizens to do what our country needs the most from us; building the right and proper image of Pakistan. We need to appreciate and respect the differences between us and people from different backgrounds, because differences is what makes this world beautiful.
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And someone was telling me about *fame*?
Way to go…
wow, meher, you rock. i loved the way u ended it. god bless you and god bless me
okies, god bless kartz too 
yes,nice views ,u didnt mention when she actually started?ghazala ji?
good interview!
Wow
cha gayi ho bhei ……..
some one iz being famous n delicate !!!
Rock on sis !!!!!!!!!
nice interview !!!!!:)
n
m gonna read tht novels too …….
thnkz fr tht !!!!!!!!
en the nd
hats off to u sis !!!!!!!!
I enjoyed reading,very mature and sensible interview.
enjoy your celebrity status.
thank you every body
loved the interview
!!
even though read it way after the time it was posted
!!
nice… interview…. very mature thoughts…. masha-allah…
keep it up..!
Impressive <ehreen .. YOU ARE ME
Dear writer,
I have only one question about honesty… do you think being honest with ourselves can cause hate others…? And one more important question…. do you think that if a person is innocent and he is being quoted as cheater what would he/she must feel…?
Regards,
Me…
hey..Divalicious…!!
nice thoughts…
remember me….??
have been searching for you…for quite a while now…
anyways
best of luck..!!