Samar Minallah Khan combines filmmaking and activism to challenge norms and make a real difference in the lives of Pakistan’s forgotten and marginalised.

By Ali Arqam:

Zulfiqar Mirza’s theatrics, Altaf Hussain’s histrionics, rabble-rouser Qureshi’s anti climax (of Nuclear Arsenal under threat episode), Munawwar Hasan’s  ‘No one loves me’ rants, Fazlur Rehman’s alarm bells of Islam in danger, the new theatrical production is a rally by JuD for “Difa-e-Pakistan”. Welcome to Karachi fairgrounds.

First swearing Mirza damned MQM for posing threat to Pakistan’s integrity, then Altaf Hussain waved the map of so called balkanization of Pakistan. Thereafter, Imran came with a life line for Pakistan (he will only share the details when he will come to power) then Munawwar Hasan called on the bearded and hijabis to save Pakistan. Most recently Fazlur Rehman brandished a red flag and now Hafiz Saeed of JuD,  Ahmad Ludhianvi of ASWJ and others have jumped on the bandwagon to defend state of Pakistan.

This new religio-political alliance ‘Difa-e-Pakistan’ has been founded amid rising tensions between Pakistan with United states over negotiations for a role in post-US withdrawal Afghanistan; and in the aftermath of NATO Air strikes killing Pakistan Army soldiers. It aims to keep Pakistan clear of US and her allies’ footprint. Pakistani nationalists’ narrative keeps the anti-US indignation alive assuming that this will lead to Pakistan’s central place in Afghanistan negotiations. To keep the momentum, it also fights on its favourite terrain by declaring again and again that India is an existential threat.

That is why, the patron in chief of Difa-e-Pakistan council, Jamatud Dawaa (JuD) and its pouplar anti-India slogans like “India ka Jo yaar hei ghaddar hei”, “Bharat ko Pasandida mulk kehne walo, apne pasandida mulk chaley jao”  etc  are writings on the walls of Karachi,almost in every locality. The turf wars between various political and religious groups can be traced through the walls, buildings and electric poles, which have slogans and flags of that particular group in control of the territory sprayed and hoisted over all of them. But it seems JuD is an exception. MQM strongholds in Baldia, Orangi Town as well as People’s  Aman committee home territory, Lyari, and also ANP influenced areas have JuD slogans on the white washed walls for their propaganda. Thus reaffirming how divided and intolerant we are to each other; and yet unified against the eternal foes.

The deep state’s orchestrated “perceived threat narrative” has its pluggers in political and religious parties and media, who on the domestic and international front, have adequate stuff to disseminate and regurgitate. The right wing religious allies’ need an internal adversary as well to highlight ”perceived threat narrative” at domestic front. On political front, JUD targets the secular political parties, while on the religious front, it targets lesser Muslims such as Shias and Ahmedis, and less “pure” Pakistanis i.e the Christians and the Hindus.

JuD has chose Satellite town in Rawalpindi to hold an anti-Ahmedi demonstration and its counterpart ASWJ or the banned Sipah-e-Sahaba has heightened its activites by killing people from Shia sect in Karachi on daily basis.

But persecution of minority sects whether Shias or Ahmedis by these forces goes unheeded. The proponents of Difa-e-Pakistan take no issue of killings of less “patriotic” elements by the national security institutions in Balochistan, Swat and FATA, the same way their criminal actions against internal adversaries too are ignored.

It is feared that the forthcoming show by difa-e-Pakistan council in Karachi fairground along with the brags and blusters of the infuriated mullahs will bring worst for the already besieged Shia community.

Reporting from Karachi, exclusively for Pak Tea House.

Malala is the young girl from Swat who made international headlines by writing a diary on the atrocities committed by the Taliban in the valley.

Life is indeed unpredictable and complicated than the fiction. Repeatedly this reality bounces to us but this bouncer hits hard when you hear about the death of someone dear to you. Yesterday out of nowhere, the news of Abdul Rauf Khalid’s death came and turned my day into a sad one. My introduction with him took place with his TV drama Laag based on Kashmir. However, all those who grew up in Pakistan during 90s must know the famous TV series Guesthouse; it was also the production of Rauf Khalid’s pen. He was a man of ideas that is why he is a legend to m. In title of this post, I called him friend, and it is exactly how I felt about him after meeting him at Oxford this year for PYLC.

He was staying on the same floor of youth hostel where I was staying. Had discussions with him and hours long sittings discussion his ideas and his “Tameer e Nao” Project for re-development of Swat valley. When I got back home I received a text message from him saying, “It was nice meeting you Brother, hope to meet you soon”. We remain in contact via email but that “soon” never took place, as life is can be unfaithful at anytime. I cant write on this any more, I can only pray that his soul Rest In Peace.

Dawn Reported this event:

PESHAWAR: Renowned television writer, director, artist Abdul Rauf Khalid Thursday died in a road accident at motorway while on his way to Sheikhupura.

According to reports, the tyre of his car burst and it crashed into roadside fence, killing Rauf on the spot.

The late actor was the son-in-law of late provincial minister Syed Zafar Ali Shah and brother-in-law of Provincial Minister for Health Syed Zahir Shah. He is survived by a wife two sons and a daughter.

According to the family sources the Namaz-e-Janaza of the deceased will be held after Jumma prayer at the residence of Syed Zahir Ali Shah at Shami Road.

Rauf Khalid was the founder President and Chancellor of the National Institute of Cultural Studies, Lok Virsa Islamabad.

He was known for his Kashmir based patriotic plays. He also worked as an actor in TV and film. Besides, Rauf Khalid was a painter, lyricist, speaker and educationist.

His paintings have been exhibited in the World Fine Art Gallery at New York and the Omma Art Gallery in Crete Greece.

He remained a student Islamia College Peshawar. In 1989, he wrote and partially directed PTV’s thriller, Maddar, a seven-episode serial, exposing drug trafficking, from PTV Quetta centre.

In 1991, he wrote Guest House, a 52-episode comedy series that turned out to be a popular comedy series for PTV. In 1995, Rauf Khalid directed, produced and acted in drama serial “Angaar Wadi’.

In 1998 he directed, produced and acted another 27-episode drama serial ‘Laag’. In 2003, Rauf Khalid released his debut film Laaj, as (writer, director, producer and actor). The film Laaj won 12 Bolan Awards, 14 Graduate Awards, 4 National Film Awards and Luxstyle Award.

In 2008, Rauf Khalid also produced his third television serial ‘Mishaal’ as writer and director.

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