Picture of the Day: Walling in or walling out?

Adil Najam

Saw this picture in The Daily Times (2 August, 2006) from Lahore, about how a thru-way street has been turned into a dead-end for no apparent reason.

I was reminded of this amusing couplet by humorous Urdu poet Anwar Masood (not to be confused with Anwar Maqsood):

Ajab deewar ik daikhi hai maiN nay aaj rastay may
na kuch deewar kay aagay, na kuch deewar kay peechay

Anwar Masood is, of course, best known for his classic Punjabi humorous poetry; including such all-time greats as Baniyan, Tou ki jaanay bholi-aye majj-aye, Doodth tay Lassi, Aj ki pakaiye, etc. Moreover he has a fascinating way of reciting his poetry, particularly his Punjabi poetry (listen to him here).

I want to write about these and about Anwar Masood himself, but that will have to wait for another time. For now, let me leave you with a couple of other ashaar from the same mazahiya ghazal:

Taaqub ya police karti hai, ya azra-hay majboori
koee Gulzar phirta hai kissi Gulnar kay peechay

Hawaa-kha-haan-ay sarkari tou bus phirtay he rehtay haiN
Koee sarkar kay aagay, koee sarkar kay peechay

Maybe an ATP reader can offer a good translation!