In as much as we all talk about the harms of being glued to your cell phones, when someone tries to get out of it no one likes it either. Last year my son switched from smart phone to a regular phone and he likes it that way. Yesterday taking inspiration from him I deactivated my Facebook account as well as Whatsapp groups. I wanted … Continue reading The Saga of Facebook and Whatsapp

When my elder son Shahmeer went on his solo bicycle trip from Seattle to the Panama Canal he was 19. Saarem, my youngest was 13 then and he grew up listening to those stories. No wonder as soon as he turned 18 he wanted to go on his own trip. And what did he pick……none other than walking the famous Appalachian Trail. He started out … Continue reading Its a wonderful day in the neighborhood

Its over a month since I returned from my 3 month long hiatus in Pakistan. Still the images of Masi Hasina’s house haunt me. The sky-high pile of kachra (trash) says to me “Iffat what good are you? Clean it up”. And her meager one charpaiee (bed) and nearly empty dirty kitchen counter top says “Fill me up Iffat, havent you seen your own stuffed … Continue reading Haunting Images

  The challenges are the same whether you volunteer for “Big Brother Big Sister” in US or work with poor kids in Pakistan. The human heart and its maladies don’t change. I just wish there were more melodies than maladies. Today I went to visit Maasi Hasina’s home in Kachra colony to see if I can convince her 11 year old son to come get … Continue reading A Visit to Maasi Hasina’s Home

Warning: Read with Caution. Some may get a Heart Attack Reading Today’s Post. Most Pakistanis don’t get tired of complaining about the country and the Government. They all seem to know and that too with conviction how to run this country right. This includes chai wala, paan waala, office workers, your next door neighbors, and specially TV anchors. Since the purpose of this blog is … Continue reading Living in a Tax Heaven

  Everyday Maasi Hasina and her daughter Shaista come and clean my home. Shaista is 10 and quitted school in 3rd grade to work with her mom. Hasina’s husband lives with his keep for last 8 years and barely comes to meet the family. Yet he manages to produce children with Hasina. She has 3 children 11 year old boy who baby-sits the 3 year … Continue reading The Ground Reality is Different

After living in Pakistan for over two months, its time that I give you an update. So here are my impressions so far: 1. Pakistan’s largest industry is Weddings 2. The second largest industry is Beauty Parlours 3. No one can make as beautiful clothes as Pakistanis 4. 2 minutes actually mean 2 hours and it can stretch into 2 days 5. If you ask … Continue reading Relearning Pakistan

Everyone has taken Donald Trump’s presidency differently. Some are ecstatic and jubilant while others can’t mourn and howl enough. Here is how I took it…something practical, pragmatic, and if I may brag a little…farsighted. Hey just a little boost to my otherwise bruised ego doesn’t hurt. During a recent trip to Pakistan I bought a home there. So what if I can’t afford a beach … Continue reading The story of My Beachfront Condo

These days media is expertly portraying Malia and Sasha Obama as victims of circumstances because the White House life was forced upon them. Come on people, it is correct that they didn’t choose to live in the Whitehouse. They had to come with their parents but after all the Whitehouse is not that bad of a place to be in. Now don’t get me wrong. … Continue reading Oh The Poor Malia and Sasha Obama