Blah Blah from The TeaBreak Team.

Pakistanis going through a grave time, ever growing terrorism, political and economical calamities have ruined the Pakistani image. In this situation there are few social activists and bloggers who are rebuilding the Pakistani image by raising their voice at national and international forums. We are fortunate to have such bloggers in the Teabreak Network.

Name:Kalsoom

Blog Name: CHUP [Changin Up Pakistan]

Claim to Fame: A true patriot!

Kalsoom is Teabreak’s blogger of the month for March, CHUP has two meanings in the context of this website - the word literally means Hush
in Urdu but it also coincidentally can stand for ChangingUp Pakistan.The aim of this blog is to raise awareness on the issues impacting Pakistan and tobreak the black-and-white depiction of our country in the news media.

1. Tell us something about yourself and how did you indulge yourself in the habit of blogging?

I’ve always loved writing, but I started blogging a few years ago when I was in graduate school. I was always stressed and buried under a constant mound of work, and desperately needed a creative outlet. My first blog was a collection of funny anecdotes from my life, mostly about my family, friends, and the interesting characters I would encounter on an almost daily basis. I quickly found that blogging was a great avenue to meeting like-minded individuals around the world. I kept that realization in mind when I came up with CHUP.

2. Your blog ‘CHUP- Changing Up Pakistan’ follows a very unique and noble concept of highlighting issues
impacting Pakistan and to break the madeup perception of the national n international media. Why you felt the need to start a blog with this concept?

Thanks so much! I started CHUP last January, soon after Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. I have long been frustrated with the portrayal  of Pakistan in the news media - because of the U.S. security angle, the sides of the country that are often highlighted [in the Western media in particular] are the negative developments - the violence, terrorism,bombings. While it is necessary to discuss these issues, it is also vital to highlight the positive sides of the country - issues that are often not “news-worthy” but are significant because they help break and humanize the oft-polarized perceptions of Pakistan. We may be a country marred by violence, but we are also a resilient nation. There are so many Pakistanis that are making a positive difference, and their stories need to be shared.

3. Most unfortunately even at this age of technological advancement and media awareness women are mistreated, abused and harassed in every part of the world including our very own country. How different is the medium of blogging from the real world in this sense?  Blogging allows for a sense of anonymity - people read your work prior to really knowing your gender, your race, or your religion.

4. How can we eliminate terrorism from Pakistan and stop the growing Talibinization in the region?

I think the public needs to continue to embrace this as our war. I think there has been a growing sense of ownership with the rise
of violence and attacks, especially in the major cities, because the threat is increasingly on our doorstep. However, this ownership and perception is complicated by the rise of U.S. drone attacks and military presence on our soil. Recent developments that revealed that the government allowed the launching of these drones from our own base also makes it difficult to trust the state. The government needs to restore the people’s faith in them and this war, although that’s becoming increasingly difficult to do. Also, the military needs to be better trained in counterinsurgency warfare - they are not fighting a conventional war against a conventional enemy, and that must be taken into consideration if they want to have any chance in quelling the rise of militancy in the country.

5. What positive role Pakistani bloggers can play to improve the image of the country?

I think the globalized nature of the blogging world certainly works in our favor. The very nature of cyberspace transcends national boundaries, allowing Pakistani bloggers to act as “ambassadors” for our country, potentially impacting perceptions throughout the world.

 6. Do bloggers help in creating awareness in our society?

Yes, we can help create awareness, but it’s important to keep in mind that our influence is limited. Not only is less than half our population literate, but an even smaller number can read and understand English. Moreover, we have to keep in mind the funds it takes to have a computer and access to the Internet. As a result, English-language blogs in Pakistan may have an impact but they are limited to a small population within the country based on these factors.

7. Your favorite blogs and why?

I think there are some incredible blogs out there, but these are my favorites:

Five Rupees - The bloggers here offer a fresh perspective on the issues impacting the country, and they cover a wide range of topics from entertainment to sports to politics. It’s always an interesting read.

GrandTruck Road - I really learn so much from reading this blog. Rabia tackles some really tough issues, and does it very successfully.

A Reluctant Mind - I am a new but avid fan, and I think Tazeen is a fantastic writer - she is really funny and smart, and it shows on her blog.
Yawar’s Blog - Yawar has an incredible gift of taking a personal story and relating it to a major issue impacting the world or Pakistan.

Teeth Maestro - In my opinion, one of the best and most incisive blogs on Pakistan.

8. We have observed that blogging has this effect on personal life of the bloggers both negative and positive. Whats your experience?

I think I spend so much time thinking and working on CHUP (in my spare time, since I do have a job outside of this) that it’s impossible for it not to bleed into my personal life! I am almost always inspired to write at night, so that generally means sleep is sacrificed and caffeine is my best friend! At the same time, I have so many people in my life - especially my parents - who support this blog that I feel truly blessed. The little I have achieved would be nothing without them. I often find myself picking friend’s brains to get insight into various topics so CHUP doesn’t become one-dimensional. My father is
also a constant source of inspiration - he’ll frequently email me articles or points that plant the seeds for a new post.

9. Your message to fellow bloggers and youth of the country?

My fellow Pakistani bloggers - your insight and dedication are inspirational. I am proud and honored to be a part of this dynamic
community! To the youth of Pakistan - I have met so many young individuals that I really feel have the potential to change our country for the better. Keep that passion alive - the future of the country starts with you.

10. Good one to one communication with blog readers is an important aspect of blogging which is quite evident from your blog. How important it is for you?

Extremely important. I learn a lot from my commentators - especially the ones whose perspectives oppose mine! I welcome constructive

criticism, because I am always trying to improve this blog. Sometimes the forum can degenerate into mud slinging and name calling though, which isn’t very conducive, so I’ve recently had to take a heavier hand in the moderation to keep it beneficial for all readers.

11. Your opinion about Teabreak.pk?

I really appreciate your site’s support. I’ve been part of Teabreak since I started CHUP last year, and I really enjoy being a part of the community. Thanks for everything!