This past weekend, my high school friends and I planned to escape the scorching Rawalpindi sun for a chillaxing time in Bhurban - a hill resort just 45 miles from Islamabad. The trip came around the ideal time as the capital city was soaked in the humid 110 F weather.
Bhurban, to us, means more than just a weekend off from the hustle and bustle of routine life. Its the freedom from all entanglements of the modern world like email, internet, television, cable and even cell phones to some point. It provides us the unique chance to just let go and wander off in deep thought. For this reason, we spent a lot of our time on the terrace, enjoying the scenic beauty of sunset behind the marvelous mountain and talking about the random-est of things.
If not for the debates, that terrace with its scenic view was the ideal place to just sit back and reflect. Its funny that I've been going to that house every summer for more than half a decade, but every time I sit on that terrace the whole scenery and the ambiance feels so new. And just like old times, I took some lone-time out on this visit and just enjoyed the sunset behind the hills.
I think its important that one should have such a place, a haven, to escape to for serenity. Figure out what soothes you and believe you me, it will forever be your sanctuary.
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Thursday, June 24, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
How Good is Our Government?
During my stay at the marketing department while interning at Kohinoor Textile Mills Ltd. (KTML), the department underwent some strict government regulation hindering the company's prospects of high profits from the foreign textile market. The 15% imposition of levy on yarn export was government's reaction to the concerns of local textile merchants who had to pay high prices for acquiring production material.
Such measures always benefit one party while proving costly for the other. While the government takes its necessary steps to protect local merchants, it curtails the freedom of the manufacturers. The reaction from both parties is accordingly; approval from those who benefited, while scorn from those at loss.
While this specific action taken by the Pakistani government only a week ago proved to be in the interest of some, it certainly turned costly for the yarn marketing department at KTML. Not only did the levy imposition come as a loss for the company's current foreign customer accounts, but also turn as an opportunity for local merchants to exploit manufacturers. According to my boss, the deputy marketing manager, "they shot our jet down and now they expect us to continue on a horse-cart." The adverse effect of the drastic measures taken by the government on the dept's revenue angered every employee. "Could there not be a better action the government could have taken? We could sure use some slackening off from them!"
There is no doubt that these steps by regulatory bodies are necessary to create a fair ground for everyone, but the question it posses is "How knowing is that watchful eye?" Obviously these steps were taken after acquiring a fair idea of the current circumstances, but do policies take into consideration every contributing factor? Take for instance Pakistan government's levy imposition on export of yarn. The government's action is completely justifiable - the protection of the rights of its citizens should most certainly be set as the high aim. But, does is that drastic a step correct? The estimated value the government had put on was, after all, an estimate and estimates are propositions based on mere prediction, leaving ample room for screwing up.
Looking at the scenario in the light of both interest groups, we can notice that putting that estimate was indeed no easy task. Assigning a figure to the potential of a firm to be successful in the international market, and that even in a market so volatile that price fluctuations cause losses worth millions of dollars globally everyday, in comparison to promoting local businesses that help open avenues of opportunities for a population dealing with 15.2% unemployment. Phew, sure spins my head around!
In conclusion, as private firms compete for higher revenues, the government cannot afford to keep its hands tied. The only way to dampen the effect of a drastic regulatory action is through proper preparation. If the companies plan on investing broadly, their risk of failure upon taking a blow can be reduced significantly.
Such measures always benefit one party while proving costly for the other. While the government takes its necessary steps to protect local merchants, it curtails the freedom of the manufacturers. The reaction from both parties is accordingly; approval from those who benefited, while scorn from those at loss.
While this specific action taken by the Pakistani government only a week ago proved to be in the interest of some, it certainly turned costly for the yarn marketing department at KTML. Not only did the levy imposition come as a loss for the company's current foreign customer accounts, but also turn as an opportunity for local merchants to exploit manufacturers. According to my boss, the deputy marketing manager, "they shot our jet down and now they expect us to continue on a horse-cart." The adverse effect of the drastic measures taken by the government on the dept's revenue angered every employee. "Could there not be a better action the government could have taken? We could sure use some slackening off from them!"
There is no doubt that these steps by regulatory bodies are necessary to create a fair ground for everyone, but the question it posses is "How knowing is that watchful eye?" Obviously these steps were taken after acquiring a fair idea of the current circumstances, but do policies take into consideration every contributing factor? Take for instance Pakistan government's levy imposition on export of yarn. The government's action is completely justifiable - the protection of the rights of its citizens should most certainly be set as the high aim. But, does is that drastic a step correct? The estimated value the government had put on was, after all, an estimate and estimates are propositions based on mere prediction, leaving ample room for screwing up.
Looking at the scenario in the light of both interest groups, we can notice that putting that estimate was indeed no easy task. Assigning a figure to the potential of a firm to be successful in the international market, and that even in a market so volatile that price fluctuations cause losses worth millions of dollars globally everyday, in comparison to promoting local businesses that help open avenues of opportunities for a population dealing with 15.2% unemployment. Phew, sure spins my head around!
In conclusion, as private firms compete for higher revenues, the government cannot afford to keep its hands tied. The only way to dampen the effect of a drastic regulatory action is through proper preparation. If the companies plan on investing broadly, their risk of failure upon taking a blow can be reduced significantly.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Propaganda or Factitious : Where do we give in?
Observing the points of view of people around me, I have come to realize the spectrum of interpretations drawn from information depicted by the media. The two extremities of opinion differ greatly. On one side, the belief stands that powerful interest groups capitalize through targeting individuals' core ideals (whether they be religious, cultural or social) giving way to popular propaganda, while on the other hand, putting complete trust in all factitious information presented by the media and analyzing current issues in light of national and economic interests.
The situation is construed in different ways by different people. To most, it would be unethical to entirely obstruct either thoughts and the concept that every individual has a right to hold an opinion permits this freedom of thought. Still, some find reason to rule out arguments which they believe are baseless or irrational and hence, suppress any opposing ideas. The question now becomes, can masses accommodate both beliefs simultaneously or does an amalgamation of ideas propose a more neutral, while at the same time, peaceful solution to the co-existence of differing thoughts?
I see the solution is an entirely different principle - Economics. Just as neither planned nor free economy can exist alone (since a practically applicable economic model requires at least some degree of mixed economic nature), the belief regarding buying into propaganda or fact lies in a similar premises. Any extremity of thought in this matter gives way to rule out a rationally arguable opinion. Additionally, following Aristotle's teaching of "Mean between Extremes," we can find reason in philosophy as well to implement this belief.
In conclusion, entirely relying on either extremes of belief could pose negative effects on judgment. A commonality of belief not only helps cater varying thoughts regarding news and current affairs, but also provide different options to tackling hardships and overcoming hurdles humanity faces in these times.
The situation is construed in different ways by different people. To most, it would be unethical to entirely obstruct either thoughts and the concept that every individual has a right to hold an opinion permits this freedom of thought. Still, some find reason to rule out arguments which they believe are baseless or irrational and hence, suppress any opposing ideas. The question now becomes, can masses accommodate both beliefs simultaneously or does an amalgamation of ideas propose a more neutral, while at the same time, peaceful solution to the co-existence of differing thoughts?
I see the solution is an entirely different principle - Economics. Just as neither planned nor free economy can exist alone (since a practically applicable economic model requires at least some degree of mixed economic nature), the belief regarding buying into propaganda or fact lies in a similar premises. Any extremity of thought in this matter gives way to rule out a rationally arguable opinion. Additionally, following Aristotle's teaching of "Mean between Extremes," we can find reason in philosophy as well to implement this belief.
In conclusion, entirely relying on either extremes of belief could pose negative effects on judgment. A commonality of belief not only helps cater varying thoughts regarding news and current affairs, but also provide different options to tackling hardships and overcoming hurdles humanity faces in these times.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Movie Mirage
Its funny how much you learn from your experiences and attending college in US sure tops my list. There are so many aspects of the entire ordeal that I don't think I could ever put it all down on my blog (which is dedicated to college. Ironic, isn't it?). Even though I'm in Pakistan for my vacation, the hilarious incidents that are somehow associated to college continue.
Lately, every person my age I get introduced to through friends, family or some other way has one very legitimate concern in their mind regarding American college life. At this point, you're probably imagining something like education standard in comparison to Pakistan or opportunities available to students there to broaden the horizon of intellect, but in reality, it is something far less thought-provoking than that. The concern is, "Dude, what's the party scene in colleges?"
You know how you meet someone new and a conversation starts building off. You two get to know each other a little. If the person mentions an interest that you two have in common, suddenly you become more keen to know more about the individual. Similarly, my interest in a conversation gradually increases but when that very legitimate concern pops-up, my interest plummets.
Its not the question that bothers me but the idea behind it. Who was that first person who thought to himself one day, "wouldn't it be super to make up a story about college life with unlimited booze, dope and really fine ladies… turn it into a ridiculous movie and put it out there for all the hormone charged kids?" Just yesterday I got asked by a Pakistani college student if everything in the movie "Road Trip; Bear Pong" is true. Since I was in no mood to turn it into an hour long debate, I cut the story short and replied no. Probably just to cover up his perception, he threw his excuse, "They probably don't invite you." I just sighed since I couldn't care less about his ridiculous imagination luring from the movies that do no more than to excite these kids and help create a fantasyland in their mind.
This idea is no different than a mere opinion and I don't blame the mind triggering these thoughts in almost every nineteen year old. In fact, it’s the outcome that disappoints me in this situation. Imagine yourself, an everyday individual living your life, enjoying the little things that it rolls along. Content with your accomplishments, still standing tall to the difficulties you face. Its all so realistic, isn't it? But if you had forever considered yourself beyond any imaginable prowess. Till you end up utterly disappointed, falling in your own trap of false-hope. All that you had aspired, the dedication you had put in absorbs in the mist as if it had never existed. Put this in context of a young and rising individual, who could, in his right mind, conquer more than his imagination, yet falls to the shackles of false hope. That oasis that he had always pictured so perfect was nothing but a mirage in the heat of the desert sand.
I surely did not intend to portray the mind of most adolescents (who should at least pretend to act as grown-ups) with such gloom. There is much good within the soul too. Only thing required is a change in attitude, recognizing that thin line between fantasy and reality. I hope there comes a change, a future that's bright, brighter than a thousand suns.
Lately, every person my age I get introduced to through friends, family or some other way has one very legitimate concern in their mind regarding American college life. At this point, you're probably imagining something like education standard in comparison to Pakistan or opportunities available to students there to broaden the horizon of intellect, but in reality, it is something far less thought-provoking than that. The concern is, "Dude, what's the party scene in colleges?"
You know how you meet someone new and a conversation starts building off. You two get to know each other a little. If the person mentions an interest that you two have in common, suddenly you become more keen to know more about the individual. Similarly, my interest in a conversation gradually increases but when that very legitimate concern pops-up, my interest plummets.
Its not the question that bothers me but the idea behind it. Who was that first person who thought to himself one day, "wouldn't it be super to make up a story about college life with unlimited booze, dope and really fine ladies… turn it into a ridiculous movie and put it out there for all the hormone charged kids?" Just yesterday I got asked by a Pakistani college student if everything in the movie "Road Trip; Bear Pong" is true. Since I was in no mood to turn it into an hour long debate, I cut the story short and replied no. Probably just to cover up his perception, he threw his excuse, "They probably don't invite you." I just sighed since I couldn't care less about his ridiculous imagination luring from the movies that do no more than to excite these kids and help create a fantasyland in their mind.
This idea is no different than a mere opinion and I don't blame the mind triggering these thoughts in almost every nineteen year old. In fact, it’s the outcome that disappoints me in this situation. Imagine yourself, an everyday individual living your life, enjoying the little things that it rolls along. Content with your accomplishments, still standing tall to the difficulties you face. Its all so realistic, isn't it? But if you had forever considered yourself beyond any imaginable prowess. Till you end up utterly disappointed, falling in your own trap of false-hope. All that you had aspired, the dedication you had put in absorbs in the mist as if it had never existed. Put this in context of a young and rising individual, who could, in his right mind, conquer more than his imagination, yet falls to the shackles of false hope. That oasis that he had always pictured so perfect was nothing but a mirage in the heat of the desert sand.
I surely did not intend to portray the mind of most adolescents (who should at least pretend to act as grown-ups) with such gloom. There is much good within the soul too. Only thing required is a change in attitude, recognizing that thin line between fantasy and reality. I hope there comes a change, a future that's bright, brighter than a thousand suns.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Pakistan's Poor Economic Performance: Who deserves the blame?
State Bank of Pakistan issued a statement in yesterday's paper that Pakistan's Economic performance for the previous fiscal hasn't been favorable. Doesn't come as a surprise, does it? As one of the world's most booming population looms over the issues at hand, most blatantly overlook the outcomes of this dreaded scenario. Pakistan's "average Joe" has little time from searching for shortcuts and running after mirages of get-rich-quick schemes to dedicate his efforts to the prosperity of the once struggled-for nation. But he is certainly not to blame, right? He sits in the choraha (street corner) talking black about the government he was cheering for only a couple of months ago. "It’s the politicians!" Isn't that all we hear? The corrupt leaders who put their selfish desires ahead of their country. Wait, if that's the case, what makes the "average Joe" any different here? Did you not blame the corrupt politician for not serving you with all luxuries of life? While you were searching every opportunity to escape your country so you can things better only for you and your family? Correct me if I'm wrong, but that is self interest. In all your intents and instincts, the only motivation you receive to drag your lousy self to a job you so obviously dread is the desire that you will someday make it to the high-life.
Yet, this doesn't solve the problem by far. The poor man still toils under the scorching sun eagerly awaiting a solution to this affliction. An optimist would suggest a mere change in attitude, but reality asks for much more. The fact of the matter is that we, the people, are the driving force behind it all. Every revolution stems from the might of the citizens. If that citizen only fights for his interest, it'll do the entire society no good and the scornful acts of the ruler would ultimately come back to him in the form of a miserable life.
Charity always begins at home! An improvement within the individual grows outwardly in an improvement of the society. The man must educate himself for the betterment of his soul and in turn, serve the community in a way that inspires others. Today, those who do take the certain necessary step give in to greed and the opportunity to be somewhere better, doing something better all under the false banner of "present unalterable circumstances".
As change instills, much is needed for. Still, we hope.
Yet, this doesn't solve the problem by far. The poor man still toils under the scorching sun eagerly awaiting a solution to this affliction. An optimist would suggest a mere change in attitude, but reality asks for much more. The fact of the matter is that we, the people, are the driving force behind it all. Every revolution stems from the might of the citizens. If that citizen only fights for his interest, it'll do the entire society no good and the scornful acts of the ruler would ultimately come back to him in the form of a miserable life.
Charity always begins at home! An improvement within the individual grows outwardly in an improvement of the society. The man must educate himself for the betterment of his soul and in turn, serve the community in a way that inspires others. Today, those who do take the certain necessary step give in to greed and the opportunity to be somewhere better, doing something better all under the false banner of "present unalterable circumstances".
As change instills, much is needed for. Still, we hope.
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