Potohar Plateau

Bounded on the east by the River Jhelum, on the west by the Indus, on the north by the Kala Chitta Range and the Margalla Hills, and on the south by the Salt Range, Potohar Plateau is really undulating, multi-coloured, picturesque and geographically ill defined area. The diverse wildlife like urial, chinkara, chukor, hare, porcupine, mongoose, wild boar, and yellow throated martin add colour to the beauty of the area. Sadly, due to low rain fall, extensive deforestation, coal mining and oil and gas exploration, the Valley is gradually becoming devoid of vegetation.

My friend SAJS always describes a place romantically and makes the readers feel as if they are with him visiting a place. Read on about Potohar Plateau by SAJS in his latest post......

The British Prime Minister “Demands” of its Ex Subjects to “Do More”

I have not yet taken up writing on political issues and matters. But the recent statements of the British prime minister about and against Pakistan are really itchy, annoying and hurting. It seems that the honourable prime minster is still part of the old British empire of the Indian subcontinent and is addressing a sovereign country just like his own subjects. The same way the lowly paid British officers did in those times of British occupation of the Indian subcontinent, which they forcibly and tacitly snatched from the Mogul rulers, who very innocently allowed them to do trade with the resource rich India. And after plundering and looting the wealth of India, they left when the uprisings against them make intolerable.

And even when the British were leaving, they left behind the issue of Jammu and Kashmir unresolved by handing over this Muslim majority region to India rather than Pakistan, as was agreed in the terms and conditions of the division of India. This was done by a person no less than Mountbatten, who pleased his Hindu friends rather than upholding fare justice. And since this unjustifiable act of the British, India and Pakistan have fought a number of wars and the same issue remains a bone of contention between the two countries and continues to threaten peace and stability in the region.

Now instead of making amends and assisting both Pakistan and India to resolve the issue peacefully, the British prime minister recently asserts that Britain will not get into resolving the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. How very ironic.

And if that is not enough. The fiery prime minister “demands” of Pakistan of closure of all terrorist training camps and taking “immediate” actions against some banned outfits. The harsh tone fails to realize that Pakistan, which has been dragged into this so called war on terror, has already done much more than it could do. And had paid a very heavy price since getting in to assisting the USA in its own kind of war. It may be very easy and pleasing for British or American soldier to kill an Afghani or Iraqi or even a Muslim and go back home boasting of his excellent shooting skills. But for a Pakistani killing another Pakistani is something very different. But still our forces do it in the larger interest of Pakistan, and no one else.

And then operating in the tribal areas is not an easy task. Have the British forgotten the three Afghan wars they fought in the tribal areas of present day Pakistan. These are the same areas where they were defeated time and again despite superiority in numbers, weaponry and technology. The dynamics of Afghanistan and people of tribal areas of Pakistan are much more different than those anywhere else in the world. And that is the reason that the coalition forces in Afghanistan have yet to make substantial gains or to subdue the Afghans. Merely supporting the minority non Pashtoons, they cannot bring peace to Afghanistan. Unless they bring in the main stream Pashtoons, they would never succeed. This is what Pakistan is trying to do simultaneously with fighting on with the dissidents/Talibans. So let it never be said that Pakistan is not doing enough.

Whenever any British official visits India, he always blames Pakistan for every ill things done anywhere in the world only to please the Indians. This is something which is not new to us in Pakistan. Even the members of the British Parliament have objected to the statements made by their own prime minister and have asked him to apologize, as per a newspaper.

Pakistan has very rightly strongly reacted to the harsh statements of the British prime minister and has decided to take up the matter with the British government. Even the general public of Pakistan feels badly hurt since it is they who have been facing and bearing the brunt of war on terror in the form of suicide bombings. Countless innocent Pakistanis have lost their lives, besides thousands of soldiers and officers of Pakistan Army.

Ever pondered how many British soldiers lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan? Not more than a hundred or may be a little more. So who is doing and losing more? And still the world says that Pakistan is not doing enough. after these serious and un-called for remarks by the British prime minister, I urge the government of Pakistan to strongly condemn these and urge the president to reconsider his forthcoming trip to UK.

The British government often interferes into domestic matters of Pakistan as it has done. Why does it then allow Pakistani dissident politicians on British soil to hatch conspiracies against any sitting government in Pakistan? Isn’t this tantamount to political terrorism? We in Pakistan now should be more careful about statements issued by the British government and keep our own interests supreme rather than that of Britain.

Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder at Farnborough Air Show 2010

The undoubted 'stars' of Farnborough 2010 were the Pakistan Air Force with the JF-17 Thunder (photo Andrew McKelvey)

It was for the first time that the green and white national flag of Pakistan with crescent and star flew at the Farnborough International Air Show 2010, England. The unfurling of the Pakistan’s flag marked Pakistan’s entry into the world’s most prestigious air show with two of its JF-17 Thunders. Although parked in one corner of the runway to make way for big giants and attractions like the Boeing 787, Airbus A380 and many other military and civil aircraft from leading aircraft manufactures, the pair of JF-17 Thunders still attracted a large number of visitors who came to see the “Mysterious aircraft from Asia (as some visitors remarked).” However as per reports available and for unknown reasons the aircraft did not fly during the show to show its full potential.

These light weight multirole, all-weather combat aircraft have been jointly designed and produced by the People’s Republic of China and Pakistan. The pair that appeared on the air show has been assembled in Pakistan at Pakistan aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra. The JF-17 Thunder distinguishes PAF as the only air force in the world that manufactures combat aircraft. About 50% of the on-board equipment and avionics for the fighter have been manufactured in Pakistan, while the rest of the assembly parts coming from China.

According to unconfirmed reports, Turkey and some countries from Middle East and Africa have shown their interest in these fighters.

Mike Green, editor Jetwash aviation Photo’s.com while commenting on the two JF-17s at the show remarked, “I have visited Farnborough air show this week and for anyone interested there are a few photos of the JF-17's on display there if you would like to take a look at my website. They are very nice to see in the UK; unfortunately the Chinese 'delegate' at the static display is not too co-operative in letting people look around them at close quarters. There were several pieces of weaponry on view with the two aircraft and it is a shame that they did not fly during the air show.”

Related Reading:

Farnborough International Air Show 2010

Pakistan Defence (Details of Chinese weaponry that equips JF-17 Thunder)

JF-17 flying home from Farnborough 2010 (Youtube video)

JF-17 Thunder-The first squadron enters Pakistan Air Force

Photo JF-17 Thunder courtesy: Jetwash Aviation photo’s.com

Only the Allah Almighty knows ...

Translation: Verily He knows of the future. He brings in the rian and knows what nurtures in the wombs of the mothers. No one, but He, knows what one is going to earn the next day. And no one is aware of the place of his death. It is He alone who knows everything and He is best informed - Surah Luqman 34 (Al Quran).

When the airblue flight ED-202 was flying over Islamabad minutes before its crash, none of the passengers would have ever thought of the impending disaster. But their death had brought them to this flight on that fateful day. Please pray for those 152 who perished on slopes of Margalla Hills on 28th July 2010

The Two Routes of the crashed airblue airbus

As I gather details from Reference Document on Pakistan Crash (see my earlier link to this post) and understand the use of 12 and 30 ends of the runway, using the ILS at end 30, I drew a sketch on Google's Earth image of Islamabad. The white arrows show the route ED-202 should have adopted. The red arrow shows the much longer drifted path towards north rather than north-west, that led the airbus to the valley of death.

Only time and technical analysis and evaluation would tell the exact casue of this drift. But whatever is done now would only be a lesson for tomorrows captains and the cokpit crew and the ground controllers, as those unlucky 152 would never know who erred and why.

Reference Document on the Pakistan Crash - Science and Tech - The Atlantic

The post diagramatically illustrates and helps put in perspective....... Reference Document on the Pakistan Crash - Science and Tech - The Atlantic

Chaos when disaster strikes

Awhile ago when a severe earthquake hit Pakistan’s north and even Islamabad, the nation as well as the government was at utter quandary. No one really seemed to know what to do and how to handle the chaotic situation. Plane after plane landed at Islamabad International airport but there was no mechanism to absorb the aid and disperse it to the people who needed it the most. The fall of Margalla Towers in Islamabad was a similar site as were all other quake hot affected areas. There was a complete breakdown of services network. Had it not been for the Pakistan Army, the management of the disaster hit areas would have been from possible.

After the quake, many organizations like NDMA and ERRA were formed, but their actualization till date remains a far cry. Because these organizations, still largely managed by the army have no effective participation of the civil / local governments.

And the yesterday’s crash of the Air Blue airbus at Margalla Hills, Islamabad was yet another repetition of a ill-managed effort. Everyone rushed to the rushed site and crowded the area. No one really knowing what to do. There was no central body to manage, coordinate and organize the rescue work...... Read more

Air Blue airbus Crashes on Margalla Hills

At around 10 AM this morning, an airbus of air blue flight ABQ-ED 202 coming from Turkey via Karachi to Islamabad crashed on the slopes of Margalla Hills, overlooking the capital city Islamabad. The plane was carrying 146 passengers and six crew members on board.

At the time of crash, the weather at Islamabad was heavily overcast and it was raining. Usually the landing approach to the Benazir International airport, Islamabad is much away from the Margalla Hills. But due to heavy low clouds, it is speculated that the pilot may have flown towards the Maragalla Hills and crashing in the process. But real cause of crash is too early to ascertain.

News channels have reported that the rescue workers have found charred body part of the ill fated passengers spread over a large area on the slopes of the hills. The plane wreckage is generally spread in a gorge between two hills and till now smoke can be seen billowing from the wreckage. A resident of nearby E-7 locality observed an aircraft flying very low in the vicinity, which was very unusual, and then heard a loud crashing noise.

The news of the crash fell like a bolt on the friends and relatives waiting outside the airport ready to receive their near and dear one was the aircraft crashed just minutes before the landing. The exact number of death toll is yet not known, but there is hardly any hope for a large number of survivors.

Air blue is relatively a new name in Pakistan’s air travel history which started its operations in 2004. The airline has been operating with a fleet of brand new Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft on domestic and international routes like Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Manchester. In a short span of around six years, the airline has earned a reputed name due to its excellent on board services and adherence to time schedules. This is the first accident of the airlines.

Pakistan has declared a day of national mourning and a meeting of the federal cabinet was called off by the prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who expressed grief over the tragic incident and offered prayers for those who had been killed.

Cat Stevens of Pakistan

In early 70s there rose a sweet voice that captured countless hearts of music lovers. The most melodious and heart touching song broke not only the morning, but the entire world to this great singer. Yes I am talking of Cat Stevens and his ever fresh song “Morning has broken.” Besides being a singer, he was a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, educator and philanthropist. And while his songs were hitting the charts all over the world, one day he announced his conversion to Islam and renamed him Yusaf Islam. From 1977 onwards, he was a changed man. He sold of his famous guitar, left his music career and devoted himself to educational and philanthropic causes in the Muslim community. His services have been recognized for promoting peace and has been honoured with 2003’s World Award, Man for Peace Award (2004) and 2007 Mediterranean Prize for Peace.

Although already Muslims, a few singers in Pakistan also left pop singing at the height of their popularity and became fairly religious. The first one was Junaid Jamshed, the jeans clad youth from Islamabad, who came to limelight when he as part of a four young men’s band sang the famous “Dil Dil Pakistan.” The group Vital Signs released many albums and was hitting the charts everywhere. Then the group disintegrated but the lead vocalist Junaid continued to sin solo thereafter for a long time. And then one day he too left singing, grew a beard and started reciting religious readings like “Hamd and Naats”. Junaid also contributes to religious programmes academically.

The second pop singer to leave singing and start to recite religious readings is Ali Haider. Ali Haider started his music career with his famous song “Qarar” which instantly hit the charts. He too released many a album, which all sold like hot cakes. His smart appearance attracted large crowds everywhere he went. His famous “Purani Jeans” is still hummed and sung with the same popularity till date.

I do not know much about Najam Shiraz as to whether he has too followed the suit or not. But he has taken on the religious singing too and his narration has been liked by his countless fans.

Although the three above are not convertees as Cat Stevens, but their change over greatly resembles that of present Yusuf Islam.

Habits die hard, but ……

We hear this quote from many people umpteen number of times whenever anyone is found doing things that are hard to resist. And I too repeated it when I recently visited Lahore and went to a good friend (and a fine blogger – so many visiting my blog too often would know who) to condole for the death of his mother. There, while talking to him, I noticed him time and again clinching the cigarette pack and the lighter. Since on my last visit, I had asked him to quit smoking, perhaps he was double minded of doing or not doing it. But finally, his determination gave in and he opened the pack to take out a cigarette. And naturally I forbade him strictly not to smoke. Thank God that he obliged and put back the cigarette. Awhile later another friend hopped in and now my friend found a good excuse to smoke since our common friend was into smoking too. But I still prevailed upon them.

A recent study links revival of left habits to patterns of neural activity in the brain that change when habits are formed. When the habits are quit, or so to say halted like smoking, these patterns remain stored in the brain like that on the hard disk. Whenever even a slightest inkling occurs for the habit, the same hidden patterns emerge and the quitter thinks as if the habit was never quit at all. And so the bad habit remerges as the smokers or chocolate eaters very often experience.

But if one is of great determination and courage, revival of remerging neural patterns can be defeated. The determination as solid and focused as that of my late father had. Many people say that smokers never quit smoking – they only take a rest for a while and then start again. But not my father. He smoked all along his life – three packs of ten cigarettes a day. Then one day he fell sick and the doctor advised him not to smoke – and that was the last day he touched a cigarette pack till he lived some 25 years thereafter. It takes great determination and courage to quit something devilish as its fun keeps pricking you to do it again.

If you are a smoker, try never to fall into the trap of hidden neural patterns that have been formed into your brain since the first day you started to smoke or eat chocolates. Decide once for all what is that you want: health or ill health. Choice is yours but make the decision with determination and courage. This is the only way out.

How to get rid of Sciatica

I had been playing tennis since my teens and enjoyed it every moment. But as I grew older, a group of friends and colleagues suggested that I should start over golf as tennis is too strenuous for the elderly. I never wanted to give up tennis, but “coerced” by colleagues, I walked into the golf course and asked the coach there to teach me how to play golf. And I never knew I was being dragged into the world of Sciatica.

After a few months into golf, I started to feel terrible pain my left leg that made me difficult to walk long lengths on the golf course. The coach said that the pain would subside as it happens to the gold learners. But as days went by, it became difficult to even walk a few steps. I also started to feel numbness that travelled from my low back down to the region of little above my ankle. So I walked off the golf course and went to see the doctor. When I described the symptoms to him, he diagnosed that I was suffering from sciatica. What it meant was that a disc of my vertebra column had protruded from its normal position and was putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve.

So I was given a bundle of pain killers and warned not to visit the golf course with the intent of playing. So having said goodbye to tennis earlier, now it was good bye to golf as well. I was also advised to visit the physiotherapist for massage of my lower back and the left leg. I did that for months, but nothing improved. I was then referred to the Institute of Rehabilitation for more exercises and treatment. But this didn’t work out either and I continued to suffer and live in pain.

Then someone suggested me acupuncture form of treatment. When I dug into the procedure, it looked very scary as the treatment consists of injecting dozens of needles at different parts of your body to regulate the pressure of blood and in the process lifting the pressure from your radicular nerve, being pressed by the disc. I delayed the decision for a while, but when the pain persisted, I decided to go for the acupuncture at Lahore. And as I knew, it was nothing but 21 needles that were pierced from head till my feet while lying on my back. And it was painful. I could hear people crying in the adjacent chambers, but I tried my best not to let out a cry except involuntary moans when the doctor fastened the needle to increase pressure.

To cut the details short, I underwent this painful treatment for over six months. And tell you what? It really worked. Now I could walk without pain for considerable distances and my numbness of the leg also subsided. While many other medicines and exercises did not work, acupuncture did. I am not trying to tell the sufferers of sciatica to go for acupuncture, but I would say that if nothing works, this should be given a try as a last resort, since it really works.

A day that was waited for 15 years

Pakistan Is passing through rough times these days. Open a newspaper or switch n a TV channel news, there are news of war on (t)error, target killings in Karachi, life loss due to excessive monsoons. No news is there to rejoice.

But then Pakistan cricket team provided a window of hope and rejoice. The win over the Australians in the second test at Leeds, England was a great day for Pakistan. A team that was feared all over the world, crumbled to Pakistan’s bowlers in both innings and then the Pakistani batsmen brought the victory more closer in its second innings. Imrans’s 67 and Azhar’s 51 were the match winners. Although, at one time with seven down, Pakistan’s victory was overcast, but it was Gul who scored the winning run to bring home a much awaited victory.

The test was also a unique day for Umpire Rudi Koertzen, who was umpiring his 108th and last test before retiring. Rudi was given a befitting guard of honor by the players as he walked on to the field.

The victory against Australia after 15 years is a a good omen both for Pakistan cricket and the new incumbent captain Salman Butt. Salman Butt should be the happiest person to win his very first test as captain and that too against Australia. So it is best of luck to the Pakistan’s cricket team and we hope they demonstrate the same team spirit as they showed recently.

Photo courtesy: AP

The Fire Within: Aman ki (bh)asha

"Recently, there have been efforts by a leading Pakistani and Indian newspaper to pursue peace between the two countries with the slogan “Aman ki Asha” – meaning in pursuit of peace (just like the title of the famous film “in pursuit of happiness”). The intellectuals on both sides meet regularly, visit each other’s country and speak of love and reconciliation. And the cause being a noble one is sailing comfortably, although between a very tiny fraction of the population of both countries. So far so good for Aman ki Asha.

But what about the vast majority of the two countries and the BHASHA (language) they use on internet or at any other forum where common people meet? I am usually saddened to read comments, specially on the youtube, where patriots from both sides resort to a bizarre and very vulgar and offensive bhasha in scoring a point over the other. I wanted to translate some exchange of words, but I felt ashamed of even doing that and putting these here." Read on ... The Fire Within: Aman ki (bh)asha

The magical black seeds

The nature has blessed the humans with countless herbs that not only cure diseases, but are also source of ingredients much needed for a healthy body. Of the many herbs and seeds, there are tiny unimpressive black seeds with rather pungent smell that are considered by doctors as the magical seeds for their contribution in medicine and treatment of many a disease. Basically originating from Turkey and Italy, these black seeds, locally known as “Kalonji” or Shoneez (Persian) contain 1.5% volatile and 37.5% non volatile oil, besides substances like albumen, sugar, glycoside malanthin, metabrin, organic acids and sugar (though the sugar doesn’t not make it sweet to taste). These seeds are also a source of calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Fifteen amino acids make up the protein content of the black seeds, including eight of the nine essential amino acids, the main source of Omega 3.

The usage of black seeds is attributed by the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon Him) as a complete cure for every disease except death. So is the value and nutritious value and ability of the seeds to cure diseases. The seeds help in removing any obstruction of blood expels the gases and strengthens the stomach. However, there is a caution here: the glycoside content of the black seeds is toxic; hence these seeds should not be used over a prolonged period as it may be harmful for health.

The Oil also extracted from the black seeds helps in curing or aiding in curing diseases like migraine, facial palsy, amnesia, palpitation, epilepsy and paralysis. It can also cure pain in the ears, activate weak memory, deafness, nakseer (nose bleeding), nausea, asthma, cough and congestion in chest, stomach pain. When taken with honey, it helps in dissolving stones in kidney and bladder. There is also some hope for the bald and those suffering from falling / thinning of hair. Its usage is attributed to cure disease of scalp and hair. For those suffering from diabetes, it normalizes the secretions of stomach and pancreas. Those suffering from jaundice are treated with the black seeds and milk diet. When these seeds are boiled in vinegar, the solution is best for treatment of tooth infections and gum pain.

These are only a few of the so many listed benefits of Kalongi, Shoneez or simply the black seeds. We need to know more about such herbs and seeds, that are helpful in treating at least many common diseases with no side effects. However, care should be taken while taking such medication as their over dosage may be harmful. Therefore, seek expert advice before using black seeds in raw form or oil extracted from it. The black seed oil is highly concentrated as for one drop of oil, hundreds of seeds may be required.

Related Reading:

Black Seeds (Health Vitamin Guide)

Chemical analysis of black seed oil

How to stop hiccups

Ever encountered a non-stop hiccup session yourself? Or found someone with hiccups that don’t seem to stop? Well I have a remedy for that. Try it and you will be regarded as a saint.

But before I giveaway a tested treatment, an assured one too, let me list some of the most common remedial measures:

• Hiccups normally occur during a meal and some other times rarely. So most people recommend drinking a few sips of water. It never works, at least for me.
• Some suggest holding on to your breath for 30 seconds. Never tried, I would rather live with hiccups than dying if I cannot restore my breathing after 30 seconds.
• Drink a large glass of water in one go till you cant do it and stop to take air. So take a deep breath and gulp again. Well I can take a big glass of “lassi” in one go, but cant take a full glass of water.
• Get a bowl full of ice cold water and immerse your face in it for 30 seconds. Oh 30 seconds again. Since I am a non swimmer, such exercise is not for me anyway.
• Put a paper towel over a glass of water and hold it around the sides and drink through the paper towel.
• Swallow a teaspoon of sugar – could be tried but taking raw sugar is not advised by doctors.

And if your hiccups don’t stop by following above mentioned tricks, consult a doctor. But doctor would charge you lot of many, so why waste it. So ask me how to stop it. Well….. for free?? No way. But this one time, since I opened this hiccup Pandora Box, I will do it for free.

Once my brother got into hiccups and there was no way of stopping these failed engine ignitions like sounds. Suddenly my mother said’ “Close your fly, you naughty boy. Don’t you know how to sit in the presence of ladies?” We all froze as our mother had never talked like this. And my brother also froze and looked down to zip up his fly – but the fly was already zipped. So he told our mother that the fly was closed already. My mother smiled and said, “Yes I can see that – but where are your hiccups?” And sure enough, the hiccups had gone.

The moral of the story is: Immediately divert the patient’s attention to something unusual. The sudden distraction over works the brain signals to divert the existing signals to a new direction – that is to say from hiccups to an open fly.

Related reading (conventional): How to stop hiccups

Pakistanpaedia – a mini Paedia of Pakistan

Many years from hence, someone introduced me to web page designing. Knowing nothing much about it, I bought a book and started experimenting. I made a website named “Jalalspages” and hosted it on a free domain. The contents of the website mainly focused on information about Pakistan. As it developed and pages after pages were added to it, I decided to buy a domain name and host it as something of my very own. And so Pakistanpaedia came into being.

Today Pakistanpaedia is a rich mini paedia of Pakistan. From its roots and earlier civilization that once thrived in areas that now constitute Pakistan, the website has almost everything about Pakistan except one thing – there are no flashy substance or looks and the site is not centered on films actresses and musical bands. Rather it has everything that anyone wanting to know about Pakistan would desire to have – like history, geography, flora and fauna, celebrities, landmarks, traditions, culture, festivals and its people, province and cities. Besides the site describes the form of government, constitution, foreign relations, disputes, mega projects, the defence forces and national symbols.

It also tells that Hafeez Jalandhari was not the first one to write the national anthem for Pakistan (which was approved by Jinnah, the Quaid-e-Azam) and that when president of Indonesia came to Pakistan in 1950, Pakistan’s national anthem was not played. It was on the arrival of Shah of Iran that a tune was hurriedly composed by one Mr Chagla, not backed by any lyrics. And then many years later, it was Hafeez Jalandhari who wrote the lyrics in 1954 to conform to the tune composed by Mr Chagla, and which today is our national anthem (written all in Persian though with only one word of Urdu).

The website also talks of history of Pakistan after independent and has been divided into periods of almost ten years – but indulging into any political discussions or likings. The website continues to describe sports, music, films, tourist attractions and food Pakistanis eat.

So if you are interested in knowing the base knowledge about Pakistan, you may like to visit Pakistanpaedia. For specifics, links for related sites are given under each section for detailed reading. And if you decide to view the site, do give me a feedback to improve upon it.

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The Moses Miracle

We all know the famous parting of the sea when Moses chased by the mighty armies of the Pharaoh raised his walking stick above his head and prayed to the almighty to save them from the wrath of Pharaohs. And the sea parted for the Israelis to go to the other end unharmed. Well that was long ago and can only be witnessed in the motion picture “The Ten Commandments.”

But there is no dearth of miracles of the nature. There now exists a living miracle that reminds us of the historical parting of the sea. South Korea, far away from the Biblical lands, is home to a spectacular miracle, which remained unknown to the world till as recently as 1975 when Pierre Randi, French Ambassador in Korea, himself came to the island of Jindo to confirm the news and told the world about it.

At Jindo, this rare phenomenon occurs twice a year in the months of May and June. The sea between the islands of Jindo and Modo islands splits and creates a corridor of some 2.8 kilometres long and forty metres wide for about an hour and allows people, tourists and locals to walk “walk over” the sea and reach the other island. Amazing!!

Like all such natural phenomenon, there is a folklore attached to this miracle as well. According to the belief, the island of Jindo was once attacked by hungry and ferocious tigers. The Jindos fled the island except one old lady. Out of fear and despair, she pleaded the gods for her safety. And like the prayers of Moses which were answered by the Almighty, the Sea God helped paved the way for the old lady to safely reach the island of Modo before tigers could reach her.

Now the place is a venue of annual festivities when people all over from South Korea and tourists from around the world gather here to actually walk over the sea like the people of Moses did in biblical times.

If God….

We all come across dejected and heartbroken people around us every day. People lamenting against God for not having “done enough” for them and making Him responsible for all their woes and troubles. This reminds me the story of Arthuer Ashe, a great tennis player, who was dying from a strange illness. Someone once asked of him that had he ever wondered why only he, who had reached the pinnacle of his career and heights of glory, had to suffer that way. To this the dying player very graciously replied, “When I was winning and was the reigning king, I never asked God why I was chosen, out of millions others, to be the king. Now that I am slipping away, would it be right for me to complain the Creator of my sufferings and ask Him why me?”

And there is a lot of prudence in it. We only complain to our Creator when we are lesser lucky, but forget about Him when He showers all blessings on us. But there are some, only few, who believe that whatever good or bad happens to them is all from above. Such people, high in perseverance and faith, also believe that in times of distress, which comes from their Creator, if one sincerely and patiently seek help and exodus from the difficult times, their Creator would see to it that they sail through their troubles safely and unharmed.

For every dark night, there is a bright day, there has to be a morning after the storm. It is only our impatience and lack of trust in our Creator, that we lose heart when under distress and say things that are unbecoming of true devotees. I have sometimes seen people quite religious wavering when confronted with troubled waters. They forget that if God brings you to it (the difficult times), it will be only He and Him alone who will bring you through it.

But this stage only comes into one’s life, when one has unwavering and unflinching trust and faith. Do we have that?

No more Boom Boom (Afridi) on test cricket fields

Shahid Afridi has been a restless player all along his cricket career. Always wanting to make quickies and scoring high angle shots that generally brought him back to the pavilion. But his dynamism, exuberance and personality traits kept the cricket alive and the crowd cheering and shouting. Everyone loves him to be around, though more often than not, he is a disappointment too.

He, due to his temperament, however never liked to play test cricket. A drain on the energy, requiring lot of concentration and stamina, which perhaps is not his style. He quit test cricket four years earlier, but was brought back to test cricket this year as no other suitable captain was available after a reluctant Younis Khan, docile Shoaib Malik and very de-motivating Muhammad Yousaf. And a reluctant captain cannot deliver as was demonstrated in the 150 runs loss against first test against Australia in the presently ongoing test cricket series in England. While Afridi did boom boom in the ODIs and won the series, he seemed to have run out of his stream in the very first test. He himself confides, "With my temperament I can't play Test cricket. t is better a youngster comes in my place, probably a genuine batsman or even a genuine bowler.”

So this decision of Afridi takes the the boom boom effect from the test cricket of Pakistan, unless there is a reversal of the decision by him. But the spectators, the crowd and his fans would love to see him in the ODIs and the T20s.

Choose one: Deodorants or your health

With the arrival of summer, the use of deodorants and anti-precipitants increases to rid oneself from the foul smell of perspiration, specially coming from the arm pits. The deodorant and anti-precipitant manufacturers thus make millions and billions each year to provide people around the world with an antidote that looks good but may prove to be fatally harmful in the long run. Ever wondered why?

Well I haven’t either till yesterday till I went to see a skin specialist. During a discussion with another patient, the discussion on summers and deodorants started and I was baffled to know of my ignorance on the subject.

First of all let me say that anything that is natural has some logic behind it. Perspiration is summers is a natural process to take out harmful body waste – or you may say it is the nature’s way of maintaining a healthy body through this self working mechanism. But when we try to stop this through the use of deodorants, we in fact choose a bad option and make it unnatural. So anything which is coming naturally, shouldn’t be done for the sake of good health.

Now something about the ingredients of the deodorants and anti-precipitants. The wonder sprays contain aluminum, propylene gycol and parabens. Aluminum I was told is a major cause of diseases like the Alzheimer's and breast cancer. Aluminum is deodorants prevents body to precipitate (something all users of deodorants desire). Aluminum has been found in the tissues of the patients with breast cancer. Likewise high levels of aluminum has been found in the brains of patients suffering from the Alzheimer’s disease. This has been confirmed by studies and research in the laboratory tests when animals injected with aluminum developed neurological diseases which can be equated with the Alzheimer’s disease.

Likewise the other two ingredients have similar effects and are health hazards. So next time you shop for the deodorants, find ones which are aluminum and propylene gycol free. Take care of your health now, before it is too late.

The Karakoram Ranges

Pakistan is a blessed country to have three of the major mountain ranges in the world, the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush. Thirteen of the world's 30 tallest peaks are in Pakistan (of eleven over 8,000 meters high mountains tops, five are located in Pakistan). K-2, the world's biggest pyramid and second to Mt Everest and the Trango Towers are just the two examples of richness of our mountain treasure. The Pakistan Post issued a set of four stamps on 20th August 1981 describing four of its important mountain tops.

Read complete details at following link:
The Karakoram Ranges

The Fire Within: Where has the electricity gone?

The Fire Within: Where has the electricity gone?: "These days the country plunges into darkness as soon as the sunsets. And even before that, the entire day is spent without electricity, specially in small towns and villages where electricity is not available for almost 12-18 hours a day. This is happening in this modern age when access to electricity and water is being given top priority in almost all countries of the world. Even very under developed countries have at least electricity and water available to its people round the ......"

The Summer Antidotes

Summers are really hard to live. From mid May to end September, there is no respite from the summer heat. (un)Fortunately we have the accompanying man-made partnership when the summer comes – our very no-dearly load shedding, which makes us sweat more than the weather and nature had ever desired. So where to go and what to do?

Well, fetch a cola to lower your temperatures. But do you think it really does? I don’t think so. But if we return to our very indigenous drinks, that in cities people don’t talk about much, specially in modern localities, lest they be labeled as “paindus – the villagers.” While in fact these drinks are the best and natural antidotes to beat the heat of the summers. Lets take these one by one.

The simple, easiest to make and perhaps the cheapest is the “Sikanjbeen – or Nimbo Pani” – or simply the local lemonade. Made from the juice of fresh lime, add sugar to your taste (shouldn’t be very sweet), a pinch of salt, ice and water. Easy, I told you.

Satoo and Shakar – Barley powder and raw sugar made from the sugar canes in the villages. Add water and ice and let me tell you this will be so refreshing that it will have a cool air conditioning effect on and inside your body.

Tukham-e-Malangan: I really cannot translate these black small seeds, which are added to a glass of sweetened water and drank. I personally don’t like these much, but this is a very favourite drink across the entire country.

Gannay ka Ras: Easily available along the roadsides, is the fresh juice of the sugar canes and ice added to it. Some say that this is the best to beat the heat and patients suffering from Jaundice are encouraged to drink this as it lessens the effect of heat (which is the main cause of the disease). But there is a caution here. Ask the vendor to first cleanse the sugar cane with water so that it is cleansed of the residuals left by the flies swarming on the sugar canes.

These are some that I recall. So instead of various types/colours of bulls available in the market, drink either of the drinks above. You may have four to five full glasses in the cost of one… bull. Give it a try – there is nothing bad if you are called a “paindu” while your thirst is quenched and heat is beaten off in a few bucks.

The Media Trial vs Media Ban

The Fire Within: The Media Trial vs Media Ban: "These days a very different game is being played around us. We are surrounded by our very own representatives with fake educational certific..."

25 things about me

I have aways been wanting to pen down my portrait while seeing me in the mirror. Here is my first try to list 25 things about myself many do not know around me:-

1. I am proud to be a Pakistani and there is no compromise on this.

2. The Beatles continue to be my favourite band till date (since my childhood ).

3. I am very selective in choosing friends (don’t have a long list).

4. Being a Leo, lions (especially at National Geographic or at Lal Sohanra National Park where I could have been eaten away by the hungry lions) always fascinate me.

5. I love nature in its every form (this is reflective in my photography).

6. I am extremely hard working (if not very intelligent).

7. I like travelling, seeing new places (I would love to visit Switzerland someday in my life - if I got that rich) .

8. I always wanted to play guitar, but ended up listening to The Ventures as an alternative.

9. Till my 8th grade, I had a terrible handwriting, till grilled by my mother (may she rests in heavens – Ameen) and I corrected it (people now admire it :).

10. I abhor Urdu TV dramas (full of family intrigues hatched by women) on cable.

11. Looking down from a high rising building is ….

12. If someone confides with me, rest assured he has confided it with the right person.

13. I love everything that my wife cooks.

14. “How things are made” on Discovery channel is my favourite TV programme.

15. I love watching Tennis and sea surfing (though I like watching cricket and wrestling when my sons are watching).

16. I really cannot understand poetry, so I prefer listening to a song with good music.

17. I always wear matching clothes.

18. Generally people do not understand me (but those who get along ultimately regret having thought of abandoning me initially).

19. I like to eat every type of vending junk that is sold by the roadsides.

20. Paul Mauriat’s Love is Blue is my favourite.

21. John Denvor’s Annie’s Song and erstwhile Cat Stevens’ Morning has broken are my all time favourite songs.

22. Thorn Bird and El Chemist have been my favourite readings.

23. My favourite film? Well cant name one, but Heaven can wait, After the promise and To kill a mocking bird are some of my favourite.

24. Photography, philately and blogging are my favourite pastimes, while playing Scrabble on line keeps me busy when am not doing anything else.

25. The last one – my late father continues to be my power of strength (may he rests in peace in heavens – Ameen).

The Fire Within: October 2010 - the bombshell month

The Fire Within: October 2010 - the bombshell month: "Be ready folks – a bombshell is in waiting. Under (no)pressure from the IMF or the World Bank, the GST is going to be imposed on some sevent..."

Spain Rules the Football World

11 July will go down in as a landmark in the history of Spain, for on this day Spain became the World Champion of football for the first time in its recorded history. The World Cup 2010 came to a colourful end with the Spanish team lifting the trophy they have waited so eagerly and patiently. For the Dutch, it was a sad day. They had reached finals three times and could not make it even on this third time as well.

A famous daily De Telegraaf terms the Dutch loss as “Third trauma for Oranje,” recalling the losses against Germany in 1974 and Argentina in 1978 on the only two other occasions the Netherlands contested the FIFA World Cup Final. "The World Cup in South Africa will enter Dutch history as the third football trauma," the paper remarked. Another newspaper Algemeen Dagblad wrote, ”Spain's Andres Iniesta plunged the team and the Netherlands into deep mourning" with his extra-time goal.” Well the world will take the side the victorious and would belittle the vanquished. But playing the final of a tournament like the World Cup is an honour in itself and the Dutch should go home taking a pride in itself. They played well and their dream may come true one day in future – as it did for the Spain this time.

For South Africa, it was a great honour to host the cup and it did it with a great pride and enthusiasm. Everyone who was there applauded South Africa’s efforts to make this mega event a memorable tournament. The opening and closing ceremonies were a spectacular show and will be remembered for a long time.

The clash of the Titans – World Cup Grand Finale

So after lot of speculations, which almost proved wrong as the tournament progressed, we have reached the much awaited grand finale. The battle between the Spanish and the Dutch teams is going to be the clash of Titans. Both teams have so far displayed a spectacular display of their winning strategy, ground play, formation and high degree of motivation and resilience. Both sides have their claims and are boastful of their victory even before stepping into the arena. No wonder, it is going to be both exciting and highly charged event, which will be witnessed by billions across the globe today.

For the Dutch, the final means a lot to them as it is their first appearance in the finals since losing back-to-back title games in 1974 and 1978 to hosts West Germany and Argentina. While for Spain, it is their maiden entry in to the World Cup football tournament ever. Therefore, both teams are attaching great importance to the event and are secretly working out their strategies to score a winning game and lift the cup.

And for the third place, the Germans won a close win 3:2 over the Uruguay and have some face saving when they reach back home. Even third place is a position to celebrate. But the winner remains the winner and remembered. So who is today: Red(and blue) or the Orange(s) – lets wait and see.

Farewell to yet another good mother

Mothers are never good or bad – all mothers are good mothers no matter what. They are always there to receive you with their warm open arms and great hearts. She would forget her emptiness for the fill of her off springs. As Tenneva Jordan said, “A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” A mother is born with the child birth of her offspring and for the rest of her life; she has an enormous responsibility to shape the character and person of her child at the cost of her so many wishes and aspirations.

But children don’t seem to care much for the sentiments of their mothers as they see a life for themselves away from their mothers. And move away to distant places, keeping their mothers longing for their company or even a phone call. But in some cases, children don’t seem to really care about a woman in waiting.

But most children do remember her no matter where they are. And one of them has been my friend SAJS. He has been looking after his mother from the very depth of his heart. Whenever his mother called, he rushed to his village and attended her best he could. She was a typical loyal mother to her soil, and despite the fact that she was sick, she would not leave her ancestral house in the village for better treatment in cities like Lahore. A couple of days ago Shirazi again got a call and he rushed to his village. I rang him up as usual, as I did everyday to discuss our blog related issues, and was told that he was on his way to village to see his mother. I wished him a safe journey and prayed for the health of his mother. And then it was last night, when I got a call from a weary Shirazi, he sounded sad and hollow. And then he broke the news of his mother’s final departure to her heavenly abode. This was really shocking and sad. Having lost my parents awhile ago, I could feel his pain, sadness and void within on this great loss.

It is true that everyone has to catch this last bus sooner or later, but no one really seems to be ready for this last journey. And one specially wishes his parents and very close relatives to be always near him, never wanting them to catch this last bus forever. But this wish is never to be fulfilled as that is how the Nature works. So while we share the sadness and grief of dear friend Shirazi, we bid farewell to yet another good mother and pray the departed soul to be blessed and may her soul rest in peace forever. Ameen.

The Fire Within: Andar da Bhanmbar

It has been days since I have been wanting to vent out the burning inside me – or to vent out my “andar da bhanmbar” (meaning exactly the same what I said before – the fire within). I don’t know why there is so much that I want to vent out and why I want it to be taken out while everyone around me is equally feeling the way I do. Why everyone is hiding this “bhanmbar” inside these days, I don’t know. But when you confide with anyone, and he/she would burst out. There are so many misgivings, so many inner injuries, and so many insults. We are bearing everything for God know why.

Yesterday, I went out to buy some groceries, and when I was billed for something that once cost no more than a thousand rupees, was much beyond two thousands. At first I thought there was some duplication by the shopkeeper, but when he rechecked, the total remained unchanged. It added more “bhanmbar” inside me but I could not do anything about it and had to pay to buy all that I had to. Then I thought of those less privileged, and how they were living under such times. These days a hundred rupees note vanishes like a ten rupee note of good old yester day. I wonder how a person earning a few thousands can live and sustain a family. Unfortunately, the poor have large families – normally more than four children with parents dependent upon them.

And then I opened today’s newspaper – it carried yet another bombshell. Almost 71 items, that includes many grocery and household items, that would be hit by the GST from 1 October onwards and would be out of the reach of many (including myself). Interestingly, these items also include the holy books as well – can you imagine?
 

But as if that’s all about it. There are other bills to pay. Take the electricity bill for instance. Eeven without day long load shedding the bill falls like a thunderbolt. And the recent statement of the MD PEPCO is not only confusing but also make me consider his acumen. As per his latest statement, there will be two rates for the electricity, for day and night separately. I fail to understand how PEPCO would ascertain which units were used during day and which during night from a single meter. Shouldn’t a homework to this effect had been carried out before announcing such a policy statement? Then there are other bills like house rent, school fees, transportation and medicines. And when one cannot pay all this, the inner “bhanmbar” starts to be fuelled more and becomes painful. This is when people take their lives. Recently, there has been a rise in number of suicides since it becomes impossible for one to live in times like this.
 

And the irony is that the budget presented by the successive governments is always “people friendly.” May be people mean the privileged or upper class only? The middle and lower class isn’t people anymore. They are subjects destined to live in dungeon-like-living. Even the traffic warden on duty treats people according to the vehicle they are driving. A motorcyclist may even get slapped if he objects to a traffic warden’s warning. But a black limo may sail through unhindered despite violating traffic laws.
 

All this prompts me to start my new blog – “The Fire Within” – a name suggested to me by no one other than my friend SAJS.

A festival of a different kind

July is the month of festivities. Americans celebrate their independence day with much pomp and show throughout the country. But far away from the US, a festival of different kind is celebrated each mid July. Shandur, located at a height of some 12,500 feet, in the Khyber Pakhtunkwa province of Pakistan, is host to the Shandur Polo Festival. Polo at this height is played nowhere else in the world. Shandur is located at a distance of some 147 kilometers from Chitral (also famous for the legendry Kafir Kalash people) and 212 kilometeres from Gilgit. Shandur is a spectacular place where the Hindukush, Karakoram and the Pamir mountain ranges meet.

Playing polo at Shandur has a long history. The first time a polo tournament took place at the Shandur Pass, was in 1936. Major Cobb, the British Political Agent of then Northern Areas used to play polo at night when it was a full moon, since he thought that moon looked so near the earth that a match in a moonlit night would change the very meaning of the game. Because of this the Shandur polo ground came to be referred to as the "Moony Polo Ground".

The Shandur Polo Festival attracts a large number of tourists from both within and outside Pakistan. The festival offers much more to the tourists other than the polo match. Trout fishing at the nearby streams and lakes and a festival of folk dances and music of the Northern Pakistan add extra attractions. The final day of the festival commences with a special guard of honour by the Chitral Scouts, followed by the much awaited hair raising polo match.

The festival also provides a life time opportunity to the tourists to visit the famous Kalash Valley, where, Kafir Kalash, a unique and very different and original people of unknown descendants live since centuries.

Tea Tree Oil – Uses for Skin & their Benefits

These days there is much talk of the Tea Tree Oil - which is being recommended as a natural treatment for many a skin disease. I mentioned the use of this oil for treatment of dandruff in one of my earlier posts. I went looking for more information and the benefits of this incredible oil and came upon following post. The post explains the genesis and benefits of the oil. Read on if you are interested in cures based on natural herbs/and their extracts with no side effects.

Tea Tree Oil – Uses for Skin & their Benefits

Want to live longer?

Ask anyone, “Do you want to live longer?”, and you will get the same reply, “Yes I would very much want to.” This shows how much a human is concerned about longevity. But foe everything you want, you have to pay. Are you ready to pay for your longevity? Well if your answer is still yes, let me prescribe you something “free”, but promise me you will act upon it in true letter and spirit.

OK, if you are all set to live longer, make sure you sleep at least 6-8 hours every night. Simple, isn’t it? A recent research shows that people who sleep less than six hours at night, are at 12% more at risk to die early than those who do. But there is caution too. If anyone thinks that sleeping for more than 6-8 hours will make them live still longer, they are sadly mistaken. As anyone sleeping for more than eight hours must be ill which keeps them drowsy more than an average person. So it is an early warning for those who take a short nap at night, keep awake on one pretext or the other to reframe their sleeping habits and have a healthy sleep for at least six hours (but not more than eight hours) every night.

Now the second tip (this would cost some pennies). Drink Green Tea more often than not. Ever noticed seeing very old faces in China, Japan and neighbouring countries? Ever wondered why? Well peep into their past. An average Chinese or Japanese drinks 6-8 cups of green tea every day. This magic tea burns away all fats, help you lose weight, rids you from chances of getting stomach ulcers and cancer, and even prevents early wrinkling of your face. All these benefits lead you to a happy, healthy and longer life. If we replace our daily intake of coffee and black tea with equal number of green tea, we can be assured of longevity.

So what goes of yours if just you act upon these two tips to live longer?

Pakistan wins the second ODI against Australia as well

It has been quite a while to hear good news about cricket team of Pakistan. The currently touring Pakistani team to England has been playing against the mighty Australians lately and nothing but good news has been pouring in since. After Pakistan’s first win in the first ODI by four wickets, Australian cricket fans expected Australia to fight back in the second ODI for an equalizer. Fight they did, but could not stand against a team on to a winning spree this year. Pakistan won the second ODI by 11 runs, much to the dismay of those favouring the Australians.

We wish the Pakistani team the very best of luck and hope that this year we get to see good and impressive performance by our team. Good luck, Afridi.

Spain Outclasses Germany

Not many expected this to happen as the fury and force with which the Germans were advancing in the tournament, many expected Germany to enter the finals and perhaps win the cup as well. But what happened yesterday was a surprise to many. Despite Germany’s hectic efforts, the Spaniards didn’t let them score an equalizer what to talk of a winning edge. It was Puyol who scored the sole goal of the match to take his country to the final of the World Cup 2010.

In the second semi, the Dutch subdued the Uruguay by 3:2 and moved into the finals as well. Now it is Spain vs Netherlands. All previous speculations have now died with the exodus of Germany and Brazil and Argentina earlier. Who wins, let us keep our fingers crossed as now anything can happen.

Tandrusti Key Liye Mashwarey (Tips for better health)

Everyone want to be healthy, hale and hearty. But what if there is a health problem? I came upon this humorously written post, but the one that makes sense too. Read a couple of 'mufeed mashwarey - useful tips" as an insight to the complete post. The English translation is by me as in original post only Urdu is used.

Agar tuj ko lagey jarey(winter) main sardi

(if you feel cold in the winters)

 

To istimaal ker anday(egg) ki zardi

(Then use the egg yolk)

Thakkan se houn agar uzalaat (organs) dheelay

(If you feel your body organs lifeless when tired)

To foran doodh grama garam pee ley

(Immediately drink hot milk)

Go ahead and click the link - smile and get well.

Tandrusti Key Liye Mashwarey

If you own a car – you’d better read this

Everyone laments the rise in oil prices (so do I as well), but still continues to speed the car as if one was out there to extinguish fire at some place. We seldom realize that many things that we don’t do, are in fact the main cause of use of more fuel and expensive travelling. I was once asked to deliver a lecture on fuel economy and better driving to a group of would-be-drivers of my outfit. I went looking for tips on fuel economy and other measures to maintain a vehicle for its optimum usage. Herein under are some of those tips that I still remember and try out myself even now.

The first tip is to “maintain correct tire pressure.” Read your vehicle manual and find out the recommended tire pressure separately for summers and winters. One tire pressure throughout the year is not recommended. An under or over inflated tire becomes a drag and results in lesser kilometers per litre of fuel. A correct tire pressure not only gives you extra distance, it also keeps the tire healthy to last longer. Remember a physically fit person runs longer without huffing and coughing as against an overweight person who tires out just after a few steps. Being overweight or under-nourished is proportionally related to an inflated or deflated tire.

Drive at a constant speed and do not unnecessarily press your accelerator to pump in extra fuel into the engine. I often see cars overt speeding, bypassing me like jets as if to take off before the next signal. But I find the same car waiting ahead of me at the red signal. Driving excessively fast may only make a difference of minutes, not hours. So keeping a steady speed not only ensures smooth running of the engine, less wear and tear of the engine parts and the tires. Sudden and stronger brakes are injurious to the tires. If your car has the option of “cruise,” use it often as it ensure steady drive. And for those with higher blood pressures, faster speeds continuously increase the blood pressure, which may damage heart.

Maintain correct engine / brake oil levels. Make it a habit to at least check these levels once a week and specially before moving out of the town. Use recommended oils and change these (beside maintaining their level) periodically as specified in the car manual. Overdue oil loses its viscosity which means less efficient lubrication and more wear and tear of the engine. And remember not to go for instant oil changing through machines installed at petrol/gas stations. These machines only suck out oil from the top of the engine, while the debris-fill bad oil remains down there in the sump. Always get the oil drained from the lower drain plug, so that all metal chunks as a result of wear and tear of the engine also flushes out.

Like oil changing, change the fuel and air filters too. Dirty filters add harmful substances to the engine, which means more power usage by the engine (using extra oil) to maintain a given speed.

Timings of your drive matter a lot to saving on your fuel bill. During rush hours, vehicles burn more fuel. Standing in queues for longer duration with engine running unnecessarily burns more fuel, especially in summers when the air conditioner is also on. If the rush hours can be avoided, well and good. Otherwise get to know roads with less congestion to/from office/home. Do not get trapped in traffic jams. And remember to have adequate fuel in your car as more often than not there are news of a number of vehicles running out of fuel while stuck in the heavy traffic. Sometimes, a bogged down vehicle causes more nuisance on a narrow road, since it cannot be salvaged off the road instantly.

And finally one last point. “Lose Weight.” Yours to stay healthy and that of the car as well. Do not dump unnecessary things back in the boot of the car. Empty your boot on the first available opportunity on reaching home. A heavier back is always a drag on the efficient running of the engine and results in use of extra fuel.

So shape up yourself as well as your car. You will feel the difference yourself.