The house(s) that Jinnah build

Mohammed Ali Jinnah is a universally revered figure in Pakistan. You will see his image everywhere on buildings and in pictures. He is credited as having secured the existence of Pakistan. Jinnah is know affectionally as "Quaid-i-Azam" or the Quaid (Leader of the people or Leader).
I'm sure you'll all remember him from the film's Ghandi also Jinnah ? Well I decided to have a look around town and visit both the house where he was born and the one where he lived in his later life. Well we, that’s Khalid and I, did both places yesterday. His original home was under renovation and not really visible. It's located not far from the port area. In its hay day it was in what can only be described as being in a good location. His father was a merchant of sorts so really the area can best be described as having been a middle class type area (what a terrible English way to describe it….) but now… all a bit down market. Sort of area an Estate Agent would tell you has become an inner city declined area with massive potential. Well I saw the declined bit but could not see the potential. Karachi has moved on to newer and better areas.









We left there and visited, as a quick detour, his old school, then along to the house which he used in his later days. Lovely home, lovely location set in the middle of Karachi and once in the grounds all the noise, dust and pandemonium of day seems to fade away. The roof tiles are dated 1866 and so assume the building is of similar age. Just really spot with such a pretty house constructed in sandstone. The old Colonial types certainly knew how to live.
The photos show his inner rooms including his somewhat sparce bedroom, lounge and office. And fo coursehte author writing n hte visitors book. I hope much against my belief that the authorities make a real effort and do a good upkeep and get their act together so as not to loose their sence of history and indeed values.

Burning cars and buses - update

Just had a text message from a 'connected' friend.

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Karachi 9 Apr. Security Update. Situation tense in the city after the clashes amongst lawyers. Voilence spreading throughout the city. UN Offices advised to close immedieately. All to avoid main roads.
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Will see what developes tomorrow.

Burning cars and buses

Sitting quietly in the office when suddenly the whole staff team started to stand around the TV. Clearly not good news, but all in Urdu. I asked what is was all about, only to be told about burning of buses in Karachi. Its still on the TV. Virtual fighting is something difficult to get used to. Bit like reality TV and Big Brother etc. We can watch other people getting hurt and injured but sit at home in a safe comfort zone. Weird which ever way you look at it. However weird it may seem I am happy to leave it as virtual rather than get involved.

Dawn News were on it straight away. http://www.dawn.com/2008/04/09/welcome.htm
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Two vehicles set on fire as violence erupts in Karachi KARACHI, April 9 (APP): Shops on the busy M.A. Jinnah Road in downtown Karachi were shut and there was stampede after armed men resorted to firing near Tibet Center. Earlier there had been a scuffle between two groups of lawyers in the City Courts after which unknown persons resorted to firing at different places at M.A. Jinnah road during which at east two vehicles were set on fire. Meanwhile, strong police posse arrived at the scene and started patrolling on M.A. Jinnah Road. A police official said details of the incident were being probed. (Posted @ 16:35 PST)
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Fortunately this is not near my home, in fact it is about 3 kilometers form work and 5-6 kilometers form my Condo. Added to which all the staff can get home safely. Lets wait and see what tomorrow brings.

Getting closer to home

Up to now I've avoided making much comment on the politice here in Pakistan. But yesterday things related to the "War on terror' just got a little closer to home. There has been some violence in Karachi just like any other city but this event of yesterday makes me think things are getting closer. See newpaper article below.

Five terrorists, two cops killed in Karachi gun battle KARACHI, Jan 29 (APP): Five terrorists and two policemen including a DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) were killed in two gun battles in Landhi and Shah Latif Town on Tuesday evening. The terrorists, said to be members of the banned outfit Jindullah. The terrorists were killed in Landhi’s Sector 89, tried to escape during a police raid and a gun battle lasting more than five hours took place. They fled from Shah Latif Town in a car. A police alert was sent out and a Landhi Police Station police patrol headed by TPO Landhi Azad Khan intercepted the terrorists near a petrol pump in Sector-89. A gun battle ensued and three terrorists Junaid, Abdullah and Tayyab were killed while a fourth, Talha was seriously injured when a hand grenade exploded in his hands. He was stated to be in a precarious condition. Police impounded four SMGs, six magazines and a grenade from the site. DSP Asghar Dahri and Head Constable Raja Tahir were killed in the Landhi encounter while TPO Azad Khan and his guard Hanif suffered bullet injuries.(Posted @ 20:46 PST, Updated @ 23:20 PST. Source The dawn Newspaper http://www.dawn.com/

A weekend at home

No work this weekend and no going out. Religious festival. See todays news in The Dawn. Thats why I stay home.

Karachi police say avert bomb, cyanide disaster KARACHI, Jan 19 (Reuters) Pakistani police said Saturday they had averted a disaster with the arrests in Karachi late Friday of five militants planning to attack religious processions with cyanide and suicide bombs. “Their arrest has averted a big disaster ... but the threat of suicide attacks is still there,” provincial police chief Azhar Ali Farooqi told a news conference. The five militants belonged to different militant groups and were picked up in raids in different parts of the city, Farooqi said. “They planned to carry out suicide and grenade attacks on processions,” he said.Police seized 6 kg of explosives for use in suicide jackets, 2 kg ball bearings, one kg of nails, detonators, three hand grenades and two pistols. Police also seized 500 grams of cyanide that Farooqi said was going to be used to poison drinks handed out to people taking part in the processions. Separately, security forces arrested a suspected teenaged suicide bomber, Ismail Khan, in the northwestern city of Dera. Security officials said he was on his way to Karachi to attack religious processions. But senior security officials denied a report that the 15-year-old boy had confessed to being part of a five-member team that attacked and killed Benazir Bhutto on December 27. Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz said the report was a rumour.(Posted @ 16:48 PST) http://www.dawn.com/

Already Wednesday

I've been back 4 days. Seems like I was never away. Time in flying by. Karachi is quiet and there are no signs of any unrest. Driving round things seem normal. No signs of burned cars, demolished homes or shops. Well only a few burned out shops. Nothing like when I was in Jakarta many years ago at the time of the deposing of Sutauto. It is only in talking to people and asking around that you realise many here are nervous of the 'possible' violence which may or may not occur. There is an overall clam but you sense there is fear and nervousness just under the surface. Might be me being over sensitive to it all. There have been several stories of gangs of political followers breaking into peoples homes and getting really quiet violent with the residents especially some districts where Benazir has large majority following. One story I heard was of an incident at a house not far from my work. 18 men burst in and were starting to get nasty with the owner and his family. The only thing that saved him and his family was the fact that their maid was from the same tribe as the intruders. She started shouting at them and they realised there was a feudal connection and they left. I don't have such connections here in Karachi and being part of the UK tribe does not instill much confidence in these circumstances. All a bit scary. Both the British Consulate and the Thai Consulate have been excellent keeping us informed of developments so we are not out on our own so to speak.

For us, Wanna and I, in our area where our Condo is situated all is quiet. The worst I can say about Karachi at this time is complain that it's cold and windy. Winter has arrived so I am told, and I believe them. It's about 22 Degree C here and windy. I find it not cool but cold so that tells you how long I've been away from the more temperate climates of Europe. There's no heating in the Condo so last night we went to bed with T Shirts and socks!!!! If we visit UK this year it will have to be in the summer.

Back in Big K

We got back this morning. Flight was on time and we got through Passport control very quickly. Then we waited for the baggage. And waited somemore. Well it did not arrive. Hopefully later today or tomorrow.
Driving from the airport to the Condo was a breeze, little traffic and somehow things looked calmer and cleaner that I ever expected. Will get the full lowdown tomorrow on political status etc. Suffice to say I spoke to Khalid who informs me that our works site was closed for 5 days during my absence. Elections are rescheduled for 18th Feb so between now and then I expect some fun and games.

Back to Karachi

Just a quick note. I've been following the news in Pakistan and Karachi in particular. All sounds a bit like a powder keg. Will be returning on Sunday and back to work on the Monday. So check this space. Either I'll be organising to go fishing or packing up to leave!!!!!!

A sad day for Pakistan

Just logged on to read the news on BBC before going off to bed. Benazer Bhutto blown up. Along with 15-20 other sad souls.


BBC front page:----Last Updated: Thursday, 27 December 2007, 16:34 GMT

Benazir Bhutto assassinated

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is killed in a suicide attack at an election rally in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.
International reaction
Your comments
Latest report

My comment.

Yes its sad. Anyone for anyone to be blown up and killed that way is very sad. However for Ms Bhutto to some extend to goes with the job. Remember a few months ago on her return to Karachi there were bombs going off. She survived but others died. She had been Prime Minister of Pakistan 2 times already. So maybe time for a change but not this way. She was also under investigation for corruption and various 'questionable' business deals etc. So there were a lot of people who wanted a change but not including her in the equation. Unfortunately everyone says violence does not work. Well it does. Current President as an example as he took over in a 'coup' and Bhutto is dead. So lets watch things develop. All very sad for such a Country trying to improve and there are indeed thousands, no, I'm wrong there are millions of ordinary Pakistanis out there trying to make it better for their families, their country and their future generations. My prayers go out to all of you in Pakistan.

Allama Iqbal..... Who and whats he got to do with me?

Allama Iqbal was a famous Pakistan Poet who has today's public Holiday named and created in recognition of his services to the Country and Humanity.

What this got to do with my Blog I hear you ask. Well Public Holiday equates to a non working day for me. Yes you guessed. Fishing. But not your usual off the sea wall stuff you read about earlier. This time we rented 2 smallish local fishing boats from a place called Mubarak. A small fishing village which seems to cater for us Karachi dwellers. Its about 35 kilometers west of Karachi.

We had a great day trolling and bottom fishing. Caught several 5 kilo + on the line and small stuff on the hand lines. Below I have a photo of the 'Captain' and one of the lads concentrating on getting the reel ready for trawling while the remaining one shows one of the fish. See it really is quite big........




Started at 06.15 this morning and now its 7.20 pm. So short entry, I'm off to bed.

However if you are wondering about Allama Iqbal check out the link below.

http://www.storyofpakistan.com/person.asp?perid=P007

State of Emergency and Camels

I got home planning on writing a short Blog input to say at last, I got a few photos of camels!!

But while sitting here I was also flicking through the TV channels. Just watched Arsenal and Man U. Other channels were not working properly so I decided to call the provider. But and this is strange I first checked BBC on the Web. No real reason. Front news 'State of Emergency in Pakistan' and all foreign TV channels are off. Well Mr BBC you are wring I;m watching it now. But we'll see how it pans out. All quiet in Karachi. But tomorrow will be the time to find out what it is all about.

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BBC News
Saturday 03 November 2007, 16:33 GMT 16:33 UK

Musharraf imposes emergency rule
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf declares emergency rule, as police surround the Supreme Court confining the judges to the building.
Profile: Pervez Musharraf
Emergency rule: Your views
Soldiers on streets

So there you have it. We'll see tomorrow.

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Now back to the Camel.... Qassir my driver is credited with the photos. As you can see they are lumbering beasts taking on the same role as the donkeys. They are everywhere on the main streets in and around the port. I am possibly the only one who takes any notice of them. I also asked Qassir what happens to the donkeys and camels when they get old or become incapacitated? Answer was not forthcoming but sadly my conclusion was that they work till they drop!!! I intend to ask a few more people to see if they can provide a clearer somewhat more specific answer. I'll let you what I find out but I suspect people in Karachi are to busy just surviving to worry about the retirement of donkeys and camels.

Frustration..

I've been back 5 days and still no cable TV or Internet connection at home. Feel cut off from the world. Can't complete my sailing Blog nor write much on this one etc.

Well after hundreds (say realistically 10) calls to the service provider each with no joy I've sent my driver off to get it all sorted. He was sent of with the following simple instruction "go forth and get it sorted...." Hopefully a positive result by close of play today.

Later in the morning I was in meeting with some colleagues. Told them of my dilemma.. "Frustrations?..... In Pakistan? .... Surely not! Try finding out the real history of Pakistan".

They put me onto http://www.understandingpakistan.com/ . There's more to Pakistan than my Blog. Just think I might spend the whole weekend in the office reading that link if I don't get my cable TV back later today!!! Then I will really know frustration on Pakistan...... Have a good weekend.

First day into Ramadan

Well we got off to a good start. Wanna arrived from Bangkok last night on time. There was a bomb went off in town on my way to the airport but it was some way off so no real worries there. Got home and had a small refreshment then bed, with reality again this morning. Work Ugh. Not really. Had a quick trip up the quay side to look at a drilling rig where we are doing some soil investigation works. (Why is the photo blue? Good question answer:) wrong camera setting dumb or what!!!)

Today went to work and it is as if nothing has changed. All smiles and my tea kept arriving. But only me!!! Everyone has been fine. It might have a bit to do with the fact that working hours have changed to 8am to 2.pm only. Not bad. In fact very good for me as I am going fishing this afternoon. Might have some interesting story and photos for next posting.

Tight lines!!!

Politics

Don't know if any of you have been reading the Pakistan news recently but yesterday was fun. The ex Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ousted by incumbent President in a coup came back yesterday from exile in UK only to be bumped on to a waiting plane to Saudi Arabia... All good fun and drama to follow through the day but with an underlying seriousness. BBC seem to be covering it well as are the local DAWN newspaper.

We have Ramadan starting on Friday/Saturday and I have no idea how that affects peoples temperaments here but we are in for an interesting few months ahead.

Will let you know how it effects life for expats, not much I suspect unless it gets violent then I will have something to write about!!

Karachi bridge is falling down falling down....

Big event in town last week. One of the new bridges fell down. Yes just fell down. Bang. Fortunately I don't thing anyone was hurt. Which is a blessing. Added to which it collapsed due to engineering reasons not the interference of the Taliban or other opositions to the Government.

Daylight Bomb in Karachi

Just a quick one to let you know that yesterdys bombs around Karachi did not have any direct affect on me or on our job site. Bit of a concern through as the bombs were targeted at the Chinese and we have about 100 on site. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6905808.stm The really sad thing is that whilst it did not affect me directly someone lost a mother or father and the poor child will probably never understand why. Doubt if anyone really does. Sad thought for the day.