LYARI AMAN COMMITTEE - BALOCH ENEMY OR FRIEND??

Sardar Uzair, Baloch enemy or friend??

After killing two Ranger personnel (one of them was a Baloch), Ranger is going to take operation cleanup in Lyari. This time Ranger must take swift & ruthless action to eradicate the notorious gang from the face of Lyari which is stain for entire Baloch nation.

Baba Ladla, Baloch enemy or friend??

These so-called Aman Committee members (now split aparat, once run by drug mafia Uzair Baloch, Baba Lada, Jaingo, Ghaffar Zikri, notorious Taju Memon from Sindhi origin with other allies) have ruined entire Lyari & Baloch youths. Gutka eating, wearing baseball cap, commando type trousers & jackets, riding on an snatched Honda CG-125 bike, this is new Baloch youth identity in Lyari. They are called ‘Lalaas’ and most of them are not college or University going students but skilled dacoits, thieves & killers. These ‘Aman Committee members’ (once now known as LRC) not only take batha (extortions)  from local communities within or outside Lyari, sale drugs, run gambling centers but new construction of different apartment projects are also owned by them including business chains at Dubai. Aman committee gangs through ‘careful’ planning identify vacant plots usually owned by other communities, like Memons, Katchi or Bohra communities within Lyari & pressurize them to sale it on cheap price so that they can construct their own apartment projects, in this way they are whitening their black money, earned from (batha) extortion or drug sale. While in each project  one apartment  specially booked for ‘Lalaas’ for their ‘Ayyashi. One of such plots / old mills are located at Mirza Adam Khan Road, which have now been occupied by Uzair gang mafia for construction of a 'Hall'.

Similar park is also owned within Raikser line, nearby Kalakot by Taju Memon, where different kinds of animals like peacocks, rabbits are kept like dacoits (Daku) of interior Sindh. Same place is also used to kill opponents.

Thanks to PPP, Uzair, Baba Ladla & Co. together with intelligence agencies of Sindh, job doors, outside Lyari are closed for Baloch youths, because self created hostility with Urdu speaking folks, Baloch youths cannot go outside Lyari for their jobs, education or earnings, especially girls are totally deprived from higher education or jobs. 

Lyari Gangsters

 Local ‘Aman Committee Jirga system is yet another invention in Lyari, where illiterate people take their family or property disputes to ‘Lalaas Jirga’  it is always ‘Lalaas’ who takes full benefit of disputes e.g. taking commissions on sales or construction of property share, dispute settlement etc. or be it a  marriage party, where free feasts of 'Daighs' are waiting for these Haraamkhors.

Usually, once a Lalaa is dead (killed, offcourse in a gang clash) his widow is to be married to another 'Lalaa' just after Iddat, like savage Arabs so that 'Ghar ki ezzat ghar men rehjay'

  
Now many Baloch ladies also taking complains about their 'zalim husbands' to ‘Lalaas’ & Lalaas are more than happy to use new torture methods upon them, like pouring petrol or red spice into victim’s anus! It is a bitter truth to disclose that many bad character Balochi girls or married women are happy to keep ‘friendships’ with such notorious gang leaders (Lalaas), because they can fulfill 'hers' every financial needs through easy money, coming from batha or drug business.

Days have gone when Balochs were spared from being looted or robbery. Now, it is happening in Lyari, I am  also one of the victim & looted twice in Lyari, they put gun upon me, I pleaded that ‘I’m a Baloch & one of your kind, but they are like dumb & duffer, insisting for mobile / cash & took away everything, saying that "Quaid-e-Azam wast not a Baloch"!!, while riding on their snatched,  CG125. Shame on such Balochs, they are not even called ‘humans’.

In all Lyari, Aman committee’s ‘shaheeds’ (martyred), posters can be seen, where Uzair picture is merged with victimz, showing him in prayer mode (in reality mostly killed in internal clashes of batha mafia). These pictures also depicts that ‘this specific area’ (where picture is placed) belongs to Aman Committee. But one will never find any picture of great Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bughti in any part of Lyari… Now after the clash with Baba Ladla, Uzair's pics are dissappeared or torn apart.....PPP is using this gang as a sacrificial goat to combat with MQM, while from backdoor, PPP is having friendship with MQM, letting Baloch blood flows easily.

Zulfiqar Mirza

Mohajir Baloch hate has never been so fierce but ignited by notorious Zulfiqar Mirza (ex interior Minister of PPP), while Mirza openly claimed (when Uzair was also sitting with him, that he had ordered to kill Rehman dacoit). Now Mr. Mirza is absconding at London & another PPP wicked fellow (Qadir Patail) is doing the same thing. Now Baloch kids are being given weapon toys, so that one day they’ll become a good gangster…

People of Lyari are also responsible for all these nuisance! Ask why, because people of Lyari once again elected gang stamped representatives like Sania Naz (who have affiliation with notorious gangster Ameen Bulaidi) & a ‘Mujrim’ like Shajahan Baloch, who is now in a jail, so, why Balochs are complaining, when a Randi & a Mujrim are their leaders????. Those who’ve voted for them are also responsible for each & every innocent blood in Lyari… In my entire life, I’ve never voted Baloch enemy party PPP, Bhutto was using Balochs as an instrument, while from the backdoor, he used to drop bombs in Balochistan…He was equally wicked like Musharraf.

In last Eid-ul-Azha, gangsters also forcefully snatched & collected ‘Khaal’ from other communities living in Lyari, including from Baloch locality, even mosques were not spared & khaals were loaded on Suzuki carrier, by gutka spitting pigs.

During Lyari grand operation, Balochi news channel Vsh  also supported these elements, however, upon government pressure when Vsh TV management changed their behavior & sacked few Lyari anchors from Vsh job, the gang immediately banned the channel in Lyari. Recently Balochi Cultural Day without coordination of Vsh TV is an ideal example, where channel didn’t telecast live coverage, like last year. But now this channel is being aired in Lyari, which most of the air 'missing peresons' in Balochistan (a good cause I must say), but totally silent on Lyari gangwar issue...

Baloch kids with toy weapons

Religious fanaticism of Jihadi elements, is yet another profession of this mafia, like Lashkar-e- Tayyaba, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi or Sipa-e-Sahaba are also active in Lyari & have their ties with ‘Aman Committee’. 

Many a times big bally Haraamkhor Mullas visit Lyri & make flaring speech of hate, by using innocent Baloch youths. During the time of Afghan war & Kashmir Jihaad, various Baloch youths lost their lives & became 'shaheed' in such so-called wars…Still this is continued with the support of agencies & hidden powers, so that this nation can be destroyed.

In such programs, Sardar Uzair himself especially attended & earned ‘sawwab’, while visitor Moulvi ‘hoped’ that if God will Aman committee will use their power in the name of God!! (shame on such Mullas too). May be agencies are behind all this game but there is no doubt that Sardar Uzair is playing in their hands to give their evil activities a religious touch.

Molana Tariq Jameel, a political Tableeghi Leader, also visited Moulvi Usman park & sermoned that what is happening in Lyari is by the will of ‘Allah’.

In Balochistan same pattern of religious extremism like penetration of Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, Taliban are being injected by Pak army & intelligences to ward off / dilute Baloch patriotism so that native people cannot ask for their rights, while in Lyari Uzair & Baba Ladla like elements have been thrown upon innocent people  so that people will always trapped in ever lasting problems & cannot come out.

In Jatpat Market, Chakiwara, these Aman committee gangs are even not sparing beggars, but charge them daily extortions (batha). All Bohra & peace loving Memon communities are sick of them. Upon footprint of MQM, Aman committee is doing the same terror in this little part of Karachi.

To celebrate Balochi Cultural day, these gangs charged Rs.2,000/= from each shop of Kharadar. Because of Lyari gangsters, now Kharadar service roads & passages  have been blocked & common people are suffering. It is really a disgrace & a matter of grave concern for entire Baloch nation, that such ‘cultural days’ are celebrated under curse by other communities.  Because of these notorious gangs, Baloch, once known for their, bravery, generosity, and loyalty are now being called as 'chore' thieves &  dacoit…

One of my elder relative, disturbed by present situation in Lyari, has rightly redfined Baloch actual meaning ‘Bay’ stands for ‘Badmaash’, ‘Laam’ stands for ‘Loch’, ‘Wao’ stands for ‘Wahyaat’ & ‘Chay’ stands for ‘Chore’. Wah ray gangsters wa, Baloch quome ko tum logon nay tabah kardia.

Lyari gangs

On March 06, 2013, when Ranger surrounded Lyari, Aman Committee gangs blocked entire Lyari entrance & did not allow anyone to enter into their area, I was also on my way coming from my office, but was halted, including with other people they are on their motor bikes & cars with families. Is this an ideal presentation of Baloch image??
 

Actually those people (including women & children) who gather in ICI bridge to protest against rangers or forces are either  relatives of gangsters or are forced to attend in such protests, because they receive threats of house being vacated forcefully. So innocent people are helpless to attend such protests, while government is careless & silent…

At the moment, when innocent people were abducted & killed in Balochistan by Pak Army, Uzair & Aman committee gangster placed devoted posters of General Kiyani, Rangers & presenting them ‘Pak Fauj ko salaam’. Way ray Baloch wah…

Few kilometer away from Lyari there are strategic army locations & a air base, but Lyari has always remain infested (or perhaps keep infested with gangs by agencies or unknown powers) & people hopelessly always look for some mashiha parties like PPP to give them ‘Roti, Kapra & Makaan’ instead they've received ‘Goli, kafan aur Qabr’ Perhaps many Uzairs, Ladlas will come & go, unless Baloch people self realized their rights & identity. Instead of many sacrifices for party, PPP did nothing for deprived Baloch people. Example of Mr. Nabeel Gabol is ideal that how he switched from PPP to MQM, instead that his forefathers have political roots &  background with PPP.

A man of word (especially a true Baloch) cannot twist from his statement, but Uzair Baloch, again looking for a favor from PPP government (which is a number one Baloch enemy party), as all cases & bounties, once announced against murderous committee members by government, have now been withdrawn. But as it said 'Time and tides waits for nothing' God is doing the justice, i.e. why this gang has now split apart...

After brutal killing of notorious Arshad Pappu by Aman Committee Gangs, Uzair must take lesson from it that how agencies (who had been protecting him throughout, have suddenly let Pappu died), one day this will happen with him & Baba ladla too, when their role will over….it will also be a lesson for those youngsters who have just joined this gang business. History tells, also the law of nature  that an evil has its way to be ended with evil, no matter late but it happens at all costs.

At the moment, where ANP Pakhtoons & all other Sindhis are making alliance with MQM, through peace & dialogue for people's betterment, Aman committee, as a loyal dog of PPP is under opposition & enmity with MQM which is becoming poisonous for entire Lyari’s Baloch youths, where they cannot freely go outside Lyari for their jobs or education. Because of this enmity, last year, many innocent Baloch youths were brutally murdered by MQM terrorists while Aman Committee key members remained totally safe.

Qadir Patail

Uzair & Baba Lada must have mercy upon Lyari’s Baloch, you've earned too much from Batha and have your business in Dubai & else... Please have mercy upon us?? They must not forget that one day they will also be killed by government or agencies, just like Rehman dacoit. Once government purpose served, they will do it. An evil always ended with evil, no matter, sooner or later. For entire interest of Baloch nation in Lyari,

torture cell

It is upto people of Lyari, whether they need free passage outside Lyari, good education & jobs, learned youths or they want Gutka eater, gangsters, snatching & killing people, who are making Lyari a No go area for its own people??

Youths must open their eyes & choose able leadership who can fluently & wisely present excellent Baloch image on media, not like illiterate, gang leader Uzair, who cannot even speak good Balochi, forget about Urdu or English. I hope youths remembered one of his speech, when he was addressing & calling female host Asma Shirazi as ‘Baji’ Baji’ PP khatam, PP khatam, out wittingly. It is time to bring change for the benefit of entire Baloch nation so that their grievances can be removed  in a coming toughened world, where only criteria is education & good economical hub.

Today i.e. May 11, 2013 is the election day of Pakistan. In each & every Polling Station of Lyari Uzair’s & Baba Ladla gangsters (Lalaas) have occupied polling areas. There is no army or Rangers only 2-3 policemen are silently ‘performing their duties’.

Inside Polling stations, there are no curtains or privacy counters, where people freely caste their choice of vote for their willing candidates, instead voting stamps are in hands of Gangsters, and they are asking people to place stamps upon ‘Arrorw’ (Teer), in their presence, where Shajahan Baloch (already imprisoned in Jail) & Sania Naz are the candidates (approved by gangster Uzair).

Prior to this election, no independent candidates or other parties candidates were allowed to conduct Jalsaas or  enter into Lyari or even place their posters on wall. In all Lyari only Uzair approved candidates pics are evident, which is a clear indication that Establishment (Army) is behind all this game.

Now, people of Lyari, must not complain if Ranges / police raid to their houses, kill their youths, or have any hope of jobs (except for selected people who have affiliation with Uzair family), since Uzair and Baba Ladla mafia is doing all these things for their own interest and ‘mafaad’. Be it Sania or Shahjahan (an instrument to gangsters), after winning, they will soon shift to Defence or else for their better future and people of Lyari will always be slaved until the day, they realize.

The current rivals to control Lyari between Uzair & Baba Ladla is clearing showing that actually both are Baloch enemies, playing in the hands of Establishment / MQM hands. Both have destroyed Baloch people, youth, women & children. People are just helpless in this situation. Children cannot freely go to School. Daily wages worker are unable to earn their livelihood. Government servants are unable to go to their offices. Shopkeepers have just ruined. They are victim of double game. At one hand they are paying batha to both notorious, on the other hands, their businesses are always closed because of war like situation in Lyari.

This looks an un-ending war, Baloch enemies are happy, while common people are helpless.  Both Uzair & Baba Ladla have their own interest as nobody is ready to loose million rupee batha business.

Equally local Moulvis are also responsible. In their sermon they are more interested, telling stories of Yajooj Majooj, Shaddad, Essa or Musa, rather reprimand or make dua against gangsters.

May Allah destroy Uzair, Baba Ladla, Jaingo, Taju, Mulla Nisar  and each n every gangsters with their families  Allah ishana ghark bikaan (Ameen!)

May God give wisdom to our Lyari’s Baloch.

Review activities

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O Golden days…. of 80s

The following article is specifically for Karachi guys, who are in their 40s or 45; however, in order to get the taste of that period, present age youth can also go through this.

This will be story of every youth, who were living in that period because certain norms, culture, fashion & trend were ‘equal’ for all, except some minor differences because of area, wealth & status. So let me take you back in time…

I begin with the SMS I received:

“Let me take u back in time there were no mobiles, computer games, and internet. Our games were Chupan Chupai, Pakran Pakrai, Baraf Pani, Watching Cartoon & Subah ki nashriat at 7.30 a.m. on PTV before going to school.

5 bajay Alif Laila, Tick Tick Company or Ainak wala Jinn.

8 Bajay Angaar Wadi, Dhuwan, Family Front, Guest House, Gali ki cricket & zalim neighbors, who never gave the ball back.

O haan, 1 ruppay ki 8 tofian.

3 ruppay ki bottle.

2 ruppay ki shahi kulfi.

1 ruppay ka samosa etc.

Happy childhood Memory”

Blatant comments of a friend…

Before I sketch the life style (in vogue) around 78 when I was seven or eight year old kid & drags it upto 1995 (when I was in my prime youth age), let me recount memories of my ‘once awara’ buddy, as who always gives ‘blazing’ remarks for today’s youth. As he says:

“Just look at them…..with their odd looking style…‘How flirting, dating….. is easy for them today, thanks to mobile, SMS, internet & co-education, while in our time, no such technology was available & in our early prime time entertainment & life (during 1984 – 88) was ‘messed up’ by a dictator like Zia, as he had enforced fake morality & piety in entire country".

He goes on further, “We couldn’t satisfactorily steered ‘live’ beautiful girls in streets, except surfing in 2^nd hand playboy magazine’s (bought from Khori Garden, Karachi), which I used to hide in my cupboard. Because in these days, according to fashion, girls used to wear loose clothes, Burka & ‘essential duppata’. Even Mehtaab Chana & other newscasters were banned from PTV” (which was the most beloved lonely TV channel at that time, before the arrival & closure of NTM).

“Now today’s boys can ‘lively witness jean wearing, tight wearing pajama girls, whose qameez are hanging like a calendar & roomali also visible…(deleted…..). He puffed more smokes & waived his hand in cursedly manner, “To hell with Zia, the dictator, who had banned the only dance club in Clifton Karachi & had turned it into a Ghost House / & later a Sindbad’ (This pub was once active at the time of Z.A. Bhutto, though riches still had opportunities in 5 stars hotels & clubs to watch dance (mujras).

He blows out smoke chain, looking into my eyes, dreamingly, “At those days, our ‘elder fellows’ tells the story of Rushdie’s Ko Ko Ko Reena period, where near old Nursery Market Actor, Waheed Murad used to appear in Sean Connery like style & car. Boys & girls get excited by applause & whistle.”

PTV, NTM, VCR, Oman  & Dish TV Entertainment…

 Aa!, no doubt that were the good old days; I still remember that only entertainment was PTV channel. Initially it started at 5.00 p.m. & ends at around 12.00 a.m. with Quomi Tarana. We sit before our black & white TV set, even sooner when the broadcast actually starts. Vertical strips with a beep tune or with a PTV logo continuously aired till Bismillah-e-Rehman-e-Raheem in the voice of Qari Ubaid-ur-Rehman, followed by music, Mahpara Safdar arrives, wearing duppatta, who informed about overall program schedule, sometimes we also noted down our favorite programs just to don’t miss it.

Initially Color TVs were not in common &  only riches or Dubai return have it.  In our own Mohalla a Dubai return gentleman for the first time brought color TV in his home. It was next to the wonder of the world, during evening & nights, this home would be full of  people, who watch wondrous live color picture. Inspired by this, a multi colored plastic screen was later introduced for poor B/W TV holders, i.e. for poor chaps who cannot afford to buy a real color TV. In those days Japanese 20” B/W TVs with knob band system were available with Rs.2,500 to 3,000/=. These TV sets were usually kept under beautiful wooden sliding door cases. Another entry was 26” Holland made Philips TV; it was without any case having silicon transistor technology with button type tuner system.

20” Color TVs were initially introduced by Hitachi & Toshiba with Rs.7,000 to 8,000/= in early 84-85, which was considered a huge amount. But as it is saying of Urdu that ‘shoq ka kia mole’. The lower & middle class enthusiasts even arranged Beesi (committee ) to have this boon in home.

In the same era TV signals from neighboring Arabian countries like Oman & Abu Dabi was begin to receiving in Karachi.  The actual favourite thing were Indian movies which were aired on Fridays. At that time though bulky VCRs were in common, but Zia government had already banned such ‘evil’ items. So the cheapest method for common people to get the reception of Oman TV through the use of a ‘top fixed specialized VHF antenna’, equipped with couple of silver utensils & plates.

Friday were holidays, usually after Jumma Prayer, people were found on their rooftop, trying to fix the ‘antenna’ to get a better reception of Oman TV, while ladies used to assist males by shouting ‘aee nahen aeee’ (It is ok, reception is clear or turn in around a little) down from their TV lounge. Though some wise & technical mind people also used Green Star booster & a rotator to get the best hassle free reception. Sometimes signals of Abu Dhabi TV channel was also visible, keeping in view the weather conditions as usually these Arabian broadcasts were available during summer day time, perhaps it was to do something with higher tidal waves or reflections from different light source, as after midnight (but not during sunset), these broadcasts weren’t visible. Later STN/NTM (another private Pakistani TV channel also took the place of Oman & PTV). It started its broadcasts together with CNN but Pakistani government soon banned it.

At the exact opposite direction Indian Door darshan TV signals were also available for Karachi viewers together with Oman TV. Still today, if somebody tries to tune these channels via high rise VHF Antennas in summer daytime, can find them. Actually fixing a FM or VHS TV antenna & tuning signals randomly in different time is a fun, as sometimes, unknown audio frequencies of security officials or traffic wardens can also be caught & heard. But now people rarely bother, for it, thanks to cable TV networks.

Story of VCRs & video cassettes rental shops were too boomed during that time. Usually Video Cassette Rental shops provided VCRs on rent for 24 Hrs. with Rs.150/=. While VHS cassette rent were around Rs.7-10 each, but whenever any Amitabh Bachan movie arrives, the rent of such cassettes boomed like a hotcake up to Rs.20/=, which was considered a huge amount in these time.  For the first time in my life I watched ‘Sholay’ on VCR & really enjoyed it, after watching the movie, for couple of weeks, we (friends) acted like film heroes & continued to play games of movie characters like Thakur & Ghabbar Singh. Its favorite dialogue like ‘Kitnay aadmi thay’ was quite exciting. Bachan’s second blockbuster movie was ‘Muqaaddar ka Sikander’, where after watching it, youths copied Big Bs hairstyle. Though ‘Big B’ terminology is a latest arrival, in those days he was simply famous as ‘Amitaabh’.

Soon after the arrival of VCRs & cable, cinemas were already dying in Karachi, though couple of Hollywood blockbuster movies earned a successful business. For the first time, 3-D movie demonstrated at some Karachi Cinema & people really enjoyed it. For many months, it was the talk of the town. Now such cinemas with 3D technology have again been set up at Atrium Mall, near Zainab Market, Saddar, Karachi but the ticket charges are too high to afford for middle & lower class. Downside of mall different glassy eateries like Arizona Grill is also there.

Dish Antennas were yet another arrival which brought a revolution & inspired people, with bundle of free Indians, MTV & Arabian channels. Though elders & religious people at our time condemned by calling them ‘Bay Hayaee ki Dish’ (the immoral Dish). Later slowly cable TV system continued to emerge & Dish Antennas had been wiped out as once free to air channels had moved to expensive decoder type satellite sets. As a result business mind people owned & operated cable TV network. Now  even-to-day this is the most favorite entertainment TV system in every home in Karachi. Besides, these, high Tech Blue Ray or DVD Home Theatre systems are common in now many homes.

Outdoor recreation places, Hawabundar, Ghandi Garden….

For outdoor recreation, favorite places were Gandhi Garden (Zoological Garden), Hawa Bundar (Clifton), Manora, Mazar-e-Quaide, Sherpao Garden (currently known as polo-ground), Hill-park, though Hawskbay & Paradise point were not yet common, as they were considered as ‘remote’ places, since no public transport were available in these areas. Safari park was just recently being established, while Aladeen Park was not yet formed.

In Gandhi Garden, various rare animals (now not available) were present like Rhinoceros, Giraffe, and Elephant etc. A large skeleton of whale & copper made statue of lions were also once situated in the garden but now extinct (luckily I’ve footage of old zoo & frequently show it to my family & friends). At that time, Electronic Roller coasters weren’t affixed & the zoo was a peaceful place both for animals & humans. Perhaps one of the oldest monument of Karachi Zoo (still intact) is Mumtaz Mehel but now it lacks people attention. A poorly maintained museum has now been built which constitute remains of dead animals.

But perhaps the most favorite place for all youths & kids was Hawa Bundar (Clifton); presently it has been completely altered from its previous form & has washed out all our early childhood memories. How can we  forget the fried fish wala, Jabees Fun Land, beautiful large Aquarium (Machli Ghar where an anti was a ticket issuer), famous roller coaster like Hulli Gulli, flying balloon, mini train, takra tari (mini electric car) & Moat ka Kunhwa (where stunt men drives two cars oppositely!).

Previous city Nazim really ‘messed up’ all recreational Clifton & turned it into a giant park, which is only a heaven for  lovebirds not families & children. A very small portion of space has been reserved for recreational / electronic ferries & roller coasters. In modified Clifton, there is no quality food available, no aquarium, no old memories, nothing. I still remember the delicious taste of pastries, patties tea once available at at the top floor of Jabees Funland, mouth watering, fish fries, Cone ice creams outlets, scattered in entire Clifton area. These ice cones were available with Rs.5/=, while token for different rides were from paisa 50 to 1 rupee. Initially coins of fifty paisa  used as a token to insert in machines, but later these were replaced by specialized hole-type coins. Which were available from the counter.

Literally a hundred Rupee note was more than sufficient for an individual to enjoy in Clifton till 1985. Normally we saved our money, as earned from Eidees, given by our elders during Eids.

I still feel the fragrance of flowers, trees & grass of hill-park, where Haleem was quite famous, its one plat was served with Rs.10/=. Couple of days earlier, I visited this place with my family but sadly to say, it has now completely ruined, dried hill with burned bushes & garbage. The lake was representing the pole of garbage, where few ducks were still fighting for their survival. Broken lights of the park, many Pathans youths were playing cricket, various once natural looking rocks were sprayed with different hat slogans by Pakhtoon people. A religious healer was trying to ‘heal’ infants with miracle water & people were making queues for their turns. As we were roaming & making videos of the park, I soon realize a criminal looking youth following us. There was no police or security guards & this park has become a haven for thieves & dacoits. Not only this park but in entire Karachi, parks are not saved from criminals.

A little fun area was built within hill-park, where 3^rd quality expensive foods are available, besides life threatening rollercoaster rides. Thanks being an aware citizen, we took our own food & water. Fellow citizens will also agree that there are also lacks of public toilets in each & every public & recreational places in Karachi. In emergency situation, people often seen running to bushes, mosques or even roadside. But for those who don’t have such courage, the pampers are perhaps the next choice.

Cassette walkman, photography trend…

Including Indians & English Pop, Nazia & Zoheb Hassan were the famous pop singers during these days, & we earnestly waited for their upcoming cassette albums since CDs & MP3 or computers were not available. Sony Walkman with headphone was the favorite personal compact stereo system. I still have one. In those days photography (due to non availability of digital cameras & mobiles) was thought to be an expensive hobby & not common among youths because a roll film & developing charges expanded to several hundred rupees, though photo studios & professional Polaroid photographer were available at different recreational places where people get their services with Rs.20/= or 30/=for each pic (which considered a luxury).

Apparels of early 80s till 90s…

Readymade kids-wear of both baba & baby were not common among general public except elites, most of the ladies used to stitch fabrics for their kids on their own. But now as prices of quality cloth are beyond the reach of common people, the readymade trend has again boomed, thanks to cheap Chinese garments. Among youths, the baggy pants, Michael Jackson styled lace less shoes with socks were common. Yet shalwar qameez (as a national dress) was more common. Among girls & ladies, large qameez, duppatta was more common. In those early days, a lady cannot even think to wear jeans, though it was a rare catwalk item in few Karachi 5 star hotels. The most common hairstyle for youths was like Shaheen Sikander (a veteran Pakistani actor) with slightly large hair upto earlobe & side hairline, later Amitab Bachan hairstyle also get popularized. Among girls the trend of having large hair (though without any blond shades) was common, later Marina Khan short type hairstyle (just like Lady Diana) had become popular, though traditional elder ladies continuously condemn Haseena Moheen (a famous TV drama writer) for spoiling their girls.

Worth of an Aana & Paisa, malaee wali kulfi & gola ganda…

In our early childhood, we were given an aana (six paisa), 25 paisa, 50 paisa (which gradually increased as we grew older) from where we used to buy BP toffee, biscuits, bubblegum, candy & tastee chalia, kararay pappar, gurya kay baal, gola ganda (topped with condensed milk), malaee wali qulfi etc. But chips & different snacks are recent arrivals & weren’t common. Now today’s children, no matter which class they belong, ask for a minimum Rs.5/= or 10/= while among riches daily pocket money goes to Rs.100/= & beyond.

During our college life the other favorite hobby of youths is to go Shaadi Haal &  have a mufta (free feast). In these days, except few incidents, peace was prevailing in Karachi city which was known as ‘Roshni ka Shehr’ (City of light).  There was no inflation; it was the time of prosperity, people used to spend a lot of money on marriage halls. Normally we departs in groups with best dresses we’ve & enjoyed the party, even though it is against ethics, now we think how stupid we have been!

Besides this mufta, we also celebrated eating programs at odd places like Truck adda hotels for having a Karaee gosht, kata-kat, Tikka etc. with just Rs.120/= & doodh patti per cup with Rs.5/= The benefit of going such places was cost effective & adventurous. Till the early year 2000, a chicken Tikka was easily available in Rs.35/= but now it is worth Rs.90-120/= (depending on areas). Entire global situation grow worse after the incident of 911 & it is not stopping any more. Couple of months earlier I had a dinner with one of my friend at Burns Road and we were given a bill of Rs.1200/=.

But now, no sensitive person can have a dinner in such open public places, because of increased poverty & no. of beggars in Karachi city, as soon as one sit, the beggars including women & children proliferate, they even don’t hesitate to pick out your chewed bones from the road!! Your every morsel will be like poison to intake. The monster of inflation has brought us in such a situation that we cannot freely sip a tea cup or shop grocery. Everywhere you go the beggars will be there. When you buy sugar (which is now considered a luxury item, you’ll listen words like, Sait Sahab, Allah kay naam pay kuch hamen be do). Surely one feels lucky to have a 5 kg bag full of sugar…

January, 2011 depicts following heart touching scene in front of my eyes.

A footpath tea stall, a little beggar girl touching feet of every customer for just a cup of tea, she was sipping out tea leftover from every cup hungrily. The cup price is now reached Rs.12/= each.

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