Bilal Zuberi

Mukhtaran Mai is a name familiar to most Pakistanis. In 2002, she was raped by 4 men from a rival tribe as per the decision of local elders in a tribal jirga. The story of the jirga decision is a fascinating tale itself in how our judicial and extra-judicial systems sometimes work in rural Pakistan.

While many women quietly suffer an ill fate at the hands of such tribal decisions, and sometimes committ suicide from the ‘shame’, Mukhtaran Mai fought back. Her prepetrators of the crime were tried in the anti-terrorism courts and death sentences were handed down to the guilty. Since then, the judicial process has taken the case back and forth and most recently the Supreme Court has decided in her favor.

Mukhtaran Mai has become a symbol of resistance and hope for women in Pakistan, and all over the muslim world. In addition to fighting the case in courts, she has become a movement for bringing education to her village, and attention to the broader issue of women’s rights in Pakistan. She buillt the first two schools in her local village of Meerwala, in Southern Punjab and now campaigns internationally.

But now one can read a weekly blog by Mukhataran Mai, her own own internet diary about her life, her village, and the work she is doing internationally to promote women’s causes. Her blog is in urdu and is hosted by the BBC Urdu service. Since Mukhataran cannot read or write, she tells her stories to a local BBC journalist, who types it up as a web diary.

Owais Mughal

ATP has been talking about Pinglish in its various varieties (here, here, here and here). This is not about Pinglish, but about something quite close to it.

Last time I was in Pakistan, I noticed a few public notices which made me smile. Even though I’ve grown up seeing these all my life, they somehow felt funnier this time. For those readers who think we point out more negatives than positives, I must say that following is not necessarliy a negative writing but something that I observed and enjoyed. Following are the few examples:

(1) ghaas pe chalna “sakht” mana hai

(Walking on grass is strictly prohibited)

I mean, what is the difference between prohibited (mana) and strictly prohibited (sakht mana)? Who is enforcing the strictness (sakhti) here? It will be interesting to survey how many (if any) extra people refrain from walking on the grass with a notice saying strictly forbidden as compared to simply forbidden.

For our English readership the board on the photo reads: “Throwing trash here is strictly prohibited. By the orders of Executive Officer Cantonment Board Quetta. Culprits will be handed over to the police”

Saadia Khan

The World Cup Hockey 2006 is being hosted by Germany in Manchengladbach right now. Yet, it is not even a subject of discussion amongst most Pakistanis. That is sad, because once hockey was followed as much by Pakistanis as cricket is.

The current Pakistan team is not a bad one and some believe that it has a realistic shot at winning the world title. Yet,the team gets very little support from Pakistanis.

Pakistan just began its firts match, against Japan. We all hope it will end in victory. India has played two matches and lost both; to hosts Germany and England.

During the FIFA Football World Cup 2006 (see ATP posts on Pakistan and FIFA World Cup here and here), tickets were extremely expensive and hard to get. In comparison, the tickets for World Cup Hockey in Germany 2006 are so cheap that even Pakistani students living in Germany can go and watch the live match and get opportunity to support the Pakistani team.

Luckily there is a good tradition here that some Germans will get the Pakistani flags to support the guest team in their homeland. This is good and I know those Germans who will be holding the Pakistani flag will be happy when the team will win the match. Many Germans say Pakistan is their favorite team to watch. But this cannot compare to the enthusiasm that support from Pakistani fans – in Germany but also in Pakistan and elsewhere on TV and through the press – will mean for the players.

Unfortunately, however, we have forgotten the legends of Pakistan hockey who brought the world cup titles home and made Pakistan one of the most successful Men’s hockey team ever.

In fact, the World Cup was originally conceived and created by Pakistan and even the Trophy was designed and given by Pakistan.

So, sports fans, maybe its time to show your support for the hockey team too!

This guest post was received from reader Saadia Khan, from Bremen, Germany.