My interview with Pakistan Spectator

I was pleasantly surprised when I found that the Pakistani spectator blog wanted to interview me. Here is the interview. I thought I would also publish it on my blog.

Ph. D student in Chemistry (Quaid-i-Azam University), Islamabad. Gold medallist in M.Phil and M.Sc CHemistry from Quaid-i-Azam university.

1. Could you tell us what made you decide to blog, and what was the inspiration behind it?

I decided to blog about 6 months back. THe inspiration was, as usual, the deteriorating condition of the country, our moral bankruptcy in our society, the urge to speak out, to contribute in some way. I have always felt taht if we speak out against any injustice once, we will have a satisfaction and courage later on in life that we did right once and can do so again, each time to a higher degree. Only this can create awareness and provide a check to growing selfish behavior in our society.

2. What do you think sets Your blog apart from other blogs?

I speak from my heart and I am not afraid to share views which can be considered bold, unconventional or even unpopular, if I think they are right. We need out of the box thinking and I feel we, Muslims and Pakistanis lack in communication.This is a media age, a type of war and propaganda, which we have to win.

3. If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
Faith in Allah, above everything, against all odds…This has enabled me to hope against hope, to pass through tough times, to brave harsh opinions or backbiting or unfairness in life…It has rewarded me in so many ways that I can’t even mention…I am lucky in this sense because God gives me everything without my even asking for it…sooner or later…and above all, there’s a sense of closeness to God and a struggle to get better each day, that will never end

4. What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

I prefer to think that my happiest moment is yet to come and my gloomiest has passed

5. Urdu Blogs have got huge potential, when do you think they will really take on the online horizon in Pakistan?
Well, for the spread of Urdu blogs, we need Urdu softwares and right now, Urdu softwares are few and can be improved much. Urdu blogs have tremendous potetial because by nature, we are attracted to Urdu poetry. Many blogs have posts written in Roman about or containing urdu poetry….It still needs about 2, 3 years before Urdu blogs really break the ice and get through

6. 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?

I would like to go to Northern areas of Pakistan, especially Concordia i.e. K2 base camp, South Arabia and Jerusalem. I have a great urge to pray in the Al-Aqsa mosque.

7. What is your favorite book and why?

Gone with the wind. I have learnt a lot from that book, about how to be a fighter, how to struggle and to get your way at the end, how not to take things for granted, about emotions and relationships and how important it is to convey to your loved ones about what you feel, ….lots of small lessons that only life teaches you step by step.

8. What is your favorite meal, dress, and sport?

Meal….anything chatpatti, Biryani and chicken corn soup
Dress: Shalwar kameez….the most comfortable.
Sport: It used to be cricket

9 What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
Well, I am not usually observant but I just kind of have a general impression about the type of person….modern, conservative, talkative, bold, etc….One can’t know anyone without talking to them…appearances are often so deceptive

10… Whose Future is more bright in Pakistan; English blogs or Urdu Blogs?

English blogs, I think because people usually want their views to reach the maximum number of people and English is a huge medium….BUt Urdu blogs should be promoted

11… How Pakistani bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

Well, most probably if someone from the media picks up their articles and ask them to write in a newspaper or magazine. But I think, blogs must not be written with a financial goal in sight. It must be more about communicationa nd if ,during ding so one gains, it’s all the better

12..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?
Well, Pakistani blogging has not yet come of age. It is not the oriental mindset. We are just slow at communication and shaping our views and defending them. Look how good the Indians are at it. This may be because blogging ahs only been active in the last few year or two. But we need to realize the potential of this tool and use it to our maximum advantage.

13.. What do you think where the Pakistani blogosphere is right now?
Still trying to find a voice

14. Who are your top five favourite bloggers in Pakistan?
NO favorites yet

15. Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger in Pakistani blogosphere?

Not yet…Most usually tow the usual lines

16 What is the future of blogging in Pakistan?

Great…It has potential and Pakistanis are gradually wakening up to the fact. We are finding a voice

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

It has not affected my private or professional life much. I post usually after 4, 5 days but surf blogs regularly

18. What are your future plans?

To be a better human being and a good Muslim, to contribute in some way towards a just society, to complete a Ph.D degree

19. Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
Think out of the box, dont be afraid of airing unconventional or new ideas but respect other’s opinions. Be just.