Truth Must Not Be A Reaction

کچھ لوگ اب بھی سچ بولتے ہیں! ان میں سے کچھ ہمیشہ سچ بولتے ہیں اور کچھ جب تک سچائی پر قائم رہتے ہیں جب تک انھیں یقین ہو کہ اگلا بھی سچ پر قائم ہے. لیکن جیسے ہی انکا یقین کمزور پڑتا ہے ویسے ہی سچ سے رشتہ بھی ختم ہونے لگتا ہے.

کوئی اگر مجھ سے سچ نہ بولے تو مجھے ظاہر ہے دکھ تو ہوگا، لیکن کیا کسی کا سچ نہ بولنا مجھے یہ حق دیتا ہے کے میں بھی اس سے سچ نہ بولوں؟

اگر ایسا ہے تو پھر سچ ایک ردعمل (reaction) ہوا.

ردعمل میں بولا جانے والا سچ ادھورا سچ تو شاید نہ کہلانے لیکن اسکے فوائد ضرور ادھورے ہونگے.

Some people still speak the truth! Some of them always speak the truth and live the truth as long as they are sure that the other person is also truthful. But as soon as this belief weakens their relationship with truth also start tumbling.

If I feel that the other person is not truthful to me, I will not feel good, obviously, but does that feeling entitle me not being truthful in response?

If this is true, then truth will become a reaction.

This reactionary truth may not really be called half-truth, but its benefits will definitely be minimized.

Air Blue Cheap But Disappointing

Dear Air Blue Representative

Yesterday, I had to book a flight for my father and myself from Karachi to Lahore and was very excited to see the low fares on the website. I immediately reserved my seat bus since then I am having disappointment over disappointment:

1. I wanted to pay through credit card but was shocked to see that I needed to pay in British Pounds, which is not only logical for a domestic flight booked locally, but also makes it expensive due to exchange rate and exchange commission.

2. Alternatively, I took the pain to go to Air Blue kiosk at Karachi Airport, where the second shock was waiting for me. At the Air Blue counter also, I was informed that my card will be charged not only in Pounds but there will be an added 2% charge - no matter if I have Air Blue co-branded card. This was very disappointing as I have never come across someone in Pakistan charging in the foreign currency! Nevertheless, I had to take out cash from the ATM and paid for my ticket - defeating the whole cause of me going all the way to Air Blue's airport counter.

3. Another surprise was yet to come when I asked the booking agent about my Frequent Flyer detail which was not appearing on the internet reservation. Spelling of my name was also wrong. Unfortunately, the staff could not rectify this as she told me that they don't have the rights of doing so. I have traveled through many other airlines and it appeared that Air Blue staff is least empowered. The staff then rectified the ticket manually with a stamp and suggested me to contact the call center. It would be unjust to not mention here that the staff was courteous and patient.

5. The staff at the counter was not also able to see my frequent flyer miles and the website is also not functioning :-(

4. When I contacted the call center, I was further disappointed as no-one attends the call. This is unbelievably disappointing! I have tried from my home and work both and at different timings but no response. How come an airline work without a functioning call center.

I have traveled with many budget airlines around Europe and South East Asia and it was very satisfying to see Air Blue growing as a no-frill airline in Pakistan. But I am seriously disappointed by this.

I request you to please rectify my booking in your system most importantly by adding the Frequent Flyer number so that I can not only get pre-flight benefits but miles could also be added to my account.

Looking for an immediate and positive reply.

Hafiz Muzzammil

Fish Massage at Ranikot Freshwater Pond

Short Term Kidnapping in Karachi - Experience and Tips from a Victim

Yesterday I got an email letter from a trusted source about the prevailing short term kidnapping in Karachi. This is a firsthand account of an unfortunate happening which is written in a  frank, horrible, and helpful manner at the same time. I thought to share that around for the sake of awareness with the prayer that may Allah keep all of us, and people around us, safe and healthy.

Here goes the letter:

Dear Freinds

Last 3 days were the most horrible days for me and my family. On the morning of 3rd June 2013 while I was in my office in Abu Dhabi, I received a hysteric call of my sister saying "Bhai Jan has been kidnaped" with no other information.

OUR SIDE OF STORY

I called my sister in law and she said that someone called from my brother's mobile that your husband has been kidnapped. dont inform any one in govt authority otherwise they will slit his throat. But do inform your closed one and the one in dubai also. wait for my next call.

having diffrent thoughts in my mind, I informed my parents who are living with me these days in Abu Dhabi. One can expect the response. Well the intention was to let them pray for thier son. In the mean

time we started to contact various close relatives in order to let them prepare for arrangement of money.

I decided to fly back home and handle the situation personally. I flew back home on 4th June. while i was at dubai air port kidnappers made another call demanding Rs. 1million. Sister in law attened the call and after receiving threats of severe consequences she agreed on 1 million to be delivered in 3 hours.

Fortunately it was banking hour and thanks to some of our relatives the amount was encashed from the banks and collected on time. they called again at 6 P.M asking to take a rikshaw and come to layari "Cheel Chowk". They waited there for 2 hours and then finally paid the ransom and thanks to allah by the time they came back home brother came back home also.

STORY AT BROTHER SIDE:

My brother told that he was going to office on II Chundrigar road from his residence (North Karachi). In order to avoid traffic of lasbella he used the way of garden via old golimar. near Agha Khan Gym khana a motor cycle with 3 passengers suddenly came in front of his car causing him to stop and then transfering him on gun point at back seat. Put dark glasses on his eyes. then he asked where is the tracker. He said the car is not having a tracker. he said no the car has a tracker installed, tell me where it is. MY brother said u belive or not the car has no tracker in it. he said what if we find out in your car. My brother said then you shoot me. Kidnapper opened the bonnet and checked immidiately and came back n said ok. They remained in the same car (black new XLI) and keep moving the car in the same area for around 3-4 hours during this time they sold the car. Then they transferred him to another car and then drove for 1 hour approx. It was a semi constructed big house where they kept him. they offered tea, water and food and at night provided mosquito repelling coil. during the initial conversation they asked to whom we can talk about you my brother said my wife at home. He asked what about brother or parents he said they are in dubai.

The next day the same kidnapper came and questioned how much you can pay he further said we are expecting 1 caror. My brother said, "listen the car belongs to the bank my salary is X amount (above 100K) and out of which these are my straight expenses and about 10K you can say are my savings per month. My bank account would be having maximum 2-3 lacs. If you are expecting 10 million or even 5 million then forget it i have apologized to God All night yesterday and now i am ready to die you just shoot me now". The kidnapper said no no...we have caught a wrong man.. but we cant leave you with out ransom as other people know and they will never leave their share. So i have decided that i have to leave you as i m feeling soft corner for you. other wise you can see the hook in the ceiling where we used to hang the kidnapee with one leg and then he speaks him self about all of his resources. We will leave you just pray that Allah put mercy in the heart of person to whom I am going to talk to ...  :-)

In the evening they took him out and kept him at a "chappar hotel" offered 2 cups of tea and then 2 guys rode him on a bike till sir syed college, gave him a Rs1000 note to take rikshaw. So he took rikshaw and came back home.

LESSONS LEARNED

During discussion with the kidnapper, Kidnapper said they has assumption that a person having XLI, city or Civic can pay ransom of Rs. 10 million. A person riding CD 70 can pay 400,000/- and a person riding 50cc bike can pay 100,000/-  So my suggestions are better to have smaller vehicle. Better if not brand new.

Some days earlier I received an email that someone suggested to keep an idle phone with sim on silent mode this could be really effective way of tracing the person. They are using untraceable sims. I think that arranegement can be done to auto recharge the mobile with the car electric system. By the way CPLC has arrangement to trace the sim even if the mobile is off while battery is connected and have some power.

Avoid taking routes from garden, purana golimar, layari express way. All exits that are connected with layyari areas specially the end of layyari express way. God forbid if some thing happens to any of you or in your circle, do negotiate but show your complete willingness to act on thier instructions. Inform CPLC they will act after having your advice and agreement. and in last the most important instrcution is to make Duas and recitation as allah is the ultimate authority. no one can save us if he has chosen us to meet him and nothing can harm us if he chose to protect us.

May allah keep you and your family members all safe.

Best Regards

XXX

(Baqra) Eid ka Chand

Baqra Eid 2012 Moon From Our Rooftop

Yesterday, when I was coming out of the mosque after Maghrib prayers I inevitably noticed the newborn crescent of Zil-Hajj. Subhanallah!

It was a welcome sight as observing a newborn moon is not only difficult but important also. (Why so? Please see below)

Good Luck

Luckily the sky was clear enough that even a person with eyesight like mine could see it without seeking someone’s help!

It was a good luck for the whole nation also as the self-assuming clerics at Masjid Qasim Khan at Peshawar could not see the Halal a day earlier! So unlike the ‘small’ Eid a couple of months back when we celebrated on three different dates, there will be – most probably – one ‘big’ Eid all across the country!

However, SaudiArabia announced that they will celebrate the 3 days festival of sacrifice from Friday, a day earlier, as they had already completed 30 days of Ze-Qaad. Accordingly, this year Hajj will be performed on Thursday, October 25^th.

Suspense

Overhere, especially around work places, people are worried about Eid holidays, i.e. which days government would announce officially off. It is tricky because Eid is now falling on Saturday and Sunday, which are already off-days at most places, so people are now expecting something generous from the ‘awami’ government! A friend suggests “Who knows the govt. is quite liberal in giving holidays and may also announce Monday (alongwith Friday) off.”

Around neighborhoods, people – and especially youngsters – are mostly discussing where to buy the sacrificial animal, and at what price?

The Basics

On top of all this festivity, let’s not forget the rationale behind it; sacrifice, good deeds, and helping those who are in need. I found the following link very appealing in this regard and would also like to share it with ones who might be looking for solace:

Virtues of the First 10 Days of “Dhul-Hijja”

Why Moon Sighting is Difficult and Important?

It is Difficult in the sense that the newborn moon is usually razor thin, unlike the moon yesterday, and needs sharp eyes to locate. It appears for very short duration and that too around sunset. So if the environment is hazy or there clouds, sighting becomes more difficult.

And important in the sense that the start of a lunar month is usually subject to moon sighting which cannot be predicted in advance accurately as there are almost always a chance that the new moon appears a day earlier, i.e. after completing only 29 days of the previous month; as it appeared here yesterday.

It becomes more important for Muslims because their festivals – Ramzan, Eid, Baqra Eid, Ashura – are linked to the lunar calendar and their exact dates are always a surprise, at times till the eleventh hour! This phenomenon adds an element of suspense, diversity, and sometimes controversies also!

Resource

On the internet, I found a useful resource on moon sighting; however, I am not sure of its authenticity:

http://moonsighting.com/1433zhj.html

And yes, a warm Eid Mubarak to all in advance.

CNG Cylinder Testing in Karachi

Warning at a Fuel Station by HDIP for CNG Cylinder Testing

CNG cylinders need to be tested every 5 years for safety reasons. Last month, while I was celebrating the 5^th Birthday of my car a well-wisher reminded me of the requirement. Initially I took that casually but later on realized that I should not take the risk.

Now when the CNG cylinder of my car passed the survival test successfully, I thought to share the experience with fellows hoping that it would make the process easier. Overall, this is a straight forward process and requires no tricks, i.e. agents etc. The only downside is that the testing facility is far away from the city center and one has to drop the cylinder for 2-3 working days..

First it requires is a visit to the testing facility to drop the cylinder along with the payment of testing fee (Rs. 550 ) and then the second visit, after 2-3 working days, to pick the cylinder and the test report.

Testing Center: Hydrocarbon Institute of Pakistan

Testing of CNG cylinders is mainly carried out by the Hydrocarbon Institute of Pakistan(HDIP) at their facility located in Korangi Creek, near CBM (the famous Business School) and Pakistan Refinery (not the National Refinery which is in the Korangi Industrial Area). In order to reach there first you need to reach Korangi crossing – a very busy intersection which connects Korangi Road and Korangi Creek Road.


Starting Point > KPT Flyover (Qayyumabad) > Korangi Crossing > CBM > Pakistan Refinery > HDIP Testing Facility

Korangi Crossing to HDIP: From Korangi crossing, continue towards CBM and take right turn just after the CBM’s main gate, on the left hand ~1 km). Continue until you see the barricades of Pakistan Refinery (~ 1 km); continue to the road on the left side, outside the refinery, which is only visible once you reach the barricades. Continue another furlong till you see HDIP buildings, very visible, on both sides of the road. You have to go to the one on the left side. Ask the guard for directions inside the building.

HDIP Directions: Take Right Turn from Here (Opposite CBM)

HDIP Directions: Take Left from Here (Behind Pakistan Refinery)

Tips

• Fuel Pump: Check beforehand if the fuel pump of your car is working as you need to leave the CNG cylinder at the facility. Also, do fill up the petrol tank as per your requirement as there are no fuel pumps near HDIP.

• Cylinder Age: Don’t go if your cylinder is not still 5 years old. Year of manufacture can be found engraved on the vessel.

• Facility Location: Make sure you know how to reach the testing facility which is located far from the city center in Korangi Creek (see above for detailed directions).

• Timing: 09:00 to 16:00 daily with Saturdays and Sundays off.

• Payment: Rs. 550. Keeping the exact change – i.e. a note each of Rs. 500 and Rs. 50 – would be wise. Staff will dismount the tank and looks no need to pay anything extra for that. Make sure you get the HDIP slip with your car registration number and cylinder identification mentioned on it.

• Empty the Tank: Utilize all the gas in the cylinder which will be wasted otherwise as the staff empties the tank before testing.

• Remounting the Vessel: The staff will just load the cylinder in your car and will not remount that, which used to be the practice earlier. However, when I talked to the guy there, he was willing to do me the favor, obviously with some expectation. I paid Rs. 100 in the end which was more than the service he provided, imo. The other option would have been to get it done at any CNG station.

Feel free to write me at muzamil79@gmail.com if you need assistance regarding directions or any further information.

Dismounting the CNG Kit at HDIP Facility

HDIP Facility

Get the Receipt

Testing Report after the Test

Contact Details

Contact Details of HDIP Facility

Address: ST-3, Sector 47, Near Pakistan Refinery Limited, Korangi Creek, Karachi-75190

Phones: 0333 2226188 (Rasheed); 99203650(CNG); 35092422(Office); 35090504(Labs)

Alternatives

Sign Board of an Alternative (not tested)

I guess CNG stations can also help in getting your cylinder verified from HDIP by charging their commission.