Adil Najam

Taliban murderers are at it again. An increased rampage of suicide bombings and blasts in Peshawar, in Lahore, in Nowshera, in Hangu, and all over Pakistan. As the operation against them intensifies in the Swat region, they are bringing more terror to the rest of Pakistan. From their statements, they take responsibility for and seem quite proud about killing Pakistanis, murdering Muslims, targeting Mosques, spreading mayhem.

Does this signify an act of desperation on the part of the Taliban, or an act of expansion?

Owais Mughal

When I was a student in Michigan, our University conducted this activity on on how to cope with cultural shocks. Student groups belonging to different countries were asked to come up with activities which were considered a norm in their countries but could be a cultural shock to foreigners. International students then went through these activities and tried to experience other countries’ cultures and indeed felt shocked. Later on trained Moderators were provided to explain the background of why certain behaviors and things were different in other countries and how to appreciate this diversity.

Well, when it came to Pakistan, my friends and I got together and we came up with the idea of simulating a public bus ride in Pakistan. I mean, what could be more shocking for a foreigner if he were asked to go from point A to point B in Pakistan using a public bus. If he is not open to local behaviors, there is going to be a multitude of cultural shocks he may have to go through.

Adil Najam and Owais Mughal

The very first post on All Things Pakistan came online on June 11, 2006. Today, we celebrate the completion of three years in Pakistaniat.

It has been a traumatic, but most enthralling ride. Today we write only to thank you all for sharing this ride with us. The ups as well as the downs. And there have been plenty of both.

In the past we have used or milestone posts (100th post, ‘Going Forward’ post, ‘Move to Pakistaniat.com‘ post, ‘Tangay Walla’ post, 6-month anniversary post, 1-year anniversary post, Redesign curtain-raiser post, 2-year anniversary post) to detail the philosophy of ATP, chart its development, make announcements, share our frustrations, and examine our achievements. All of those posts remain on record, and part of us hopes that you will go back and read them.

But our purpose in this post is merely to take a pause, catch our breath, and say, “Thank You, All!”