I was nervous to look Hamza in the eye, says Maya Ali

December's almost gone, and the promised return of Hamza Ali Abbasi to our TV screens has yet to materialise.

His upcoming drama serial, Tera Gham Aur Hum helmed by Diyar-e-Dildirector Haseeb Hasan, pairs Hamza paired with Pakistani TV's new dream girl Maya Ali.

Maya has been one half of many recent hit couples on TV, from her turn inDiyar-e-Dil with Osman Khalid Butt to her on-again-off again relationship with Imran Abbas in Mera Naam Yousuf Hai

Also read: In conversation with Pakistan's new jori #1: Diyar-e-Dil's Osman Khalid Butt & Maya Ali

Will Tera Gham Aur Hum have the same kind of success?

"Obviously, I would really want it to be like that," says Maya in an exclusive conversation with Images. "Just like hashtags such as #Osmaya (Osman and Maya combined) and #Wafa (their characters Wali and Farah combined) are established, I now hear of #Sanu (Salauddhin and Manu) and #Haya (Hamza and Maya). That's a good sign, right?"

Tera Ghum Aur Hum is the story of Manahil aka Manu (Maya) and Salahuddin (Hamza), whose sister Aiman is best friends with Manahil. Salahuddin is a mature, serious lad, who is out of a job, so Manahil's father asks him to tutor his daughter. So begins Manu and Salahuddin's relationship, which will take a turn a few years down the road.

Maya's enjoyed great chemistry with her co-stars like Imran and Osman, with whom she's acted many times. Was she able to recreate the same magic with Hamza, we wonder?

"I'm trying to, obviously," she said with a giggle. "I know Osman will kill me for saying this, but Hamza is very comfortable to work with, so you automatically give a good performance. I was too nervous to look at him straight in the eye, but he always insisted that I do. I feel that people will like our performance together."

While she's enjoying a great phase in her career as the leading lady of choice these days, what Maya is secretly coveting is a villianous role:

"I really want to play a negative character, but I haven't gotten the chance yet. Our writers sometimes write [such a negative role] that you feel that people will abuse you."

The leap to films isn't too far for Maya. She intends to make her debut "very soon". "I definitely plan to be in films in 2016," she shared.

Cricketer’s reinduction

It may have been just another limited-overs game in the Bangladesh league, but it did feature an incident open to various interpretations in and about Pakistan.

It was Mohammad Hafeez versus Mohammad Amir — for many, it was the so-called professor standing up to one who had strayed early in life, the ‘moral custodian’ to someone who had served a prison sentence.

It raised some very basic questions about punishment and rehabilitation, a question which this country is repeatedly faced with.

‘Co-option’ and ‘rehabilitation’, in all spheres of life here, are key words in discussions about who is allowed by which powers to assert his presence at a particular time.

Likewise, maybe more than bound by any standards of fairness, the PCB is compelled by its own needs to try and fast-track Amir’s return to the national side.

Also read: Amir trumps Hafeez in BPL showdown

The national team has not been doing all that well. It is weak and vulnerable in the batting department; in the bowling section Amir is an exciting and promising option that the cricket board cannot quite afford to ignore at the moment.

Already, there are reports of how keen the PCB and the national coach are to include the fast bowler as an instant boost to the side and it is said that an effort is soon going to be undertaken to convince those who disagree, such as Mohammad Hafeez and others who have assigned sinister reasons to whatever the left-armer does.

There is little doubt that if they want him badly enough, the cricket bosses will succeed in having their man back.

The tricky part for some observers of the game is that this reinduction will also open the door for the return of Mohammad Asif, a swing bowler of some repute around the cricket grounds, and also batsman and the then-captain Salman Butt.

However, the PCB has taken a strong line on the two cricketers, due to their obstinacy in denying all charges. At the moment, the PCB is, rightly, not inclined to welcome them back.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2015

Pakistani brands embrace Black Friday: here's a list of sales on right now

For years, we have heard about friends and family braving the cold and battling crowds in the United States to grab unbelievable discounts the day following Thanksgiving, that is Black Friday.

Now, Pakistani stores are finally jumping onto the bandwagon. This year brands across Pakistan are embracing Black Friday as a day to grant shoppers massive markdowns.

Looking at all these Black Friday sales, are we experiencing mild cultural confusion? Yes! Do we care? No!

Here's a definitive list of brands slashing their prices... get ready, set, shop!

1) With Daraz.pk kicking off the trend by announcing their Black Friday website wide sale with discounts going upto 84%, many local designers and stores decided to join in on the fun.

2) Sapphire is having a flat 50% off sale on all items in store, as the brand turns one today.

Fight like a girl: How the Punjab police is breaking stereotypes with its new recruits

Sub-Inspector Shahida is one of the many young women who have recently joined the Rawalpindi Police Force after clearing the Punjab Public Service Commission exam. She is conscientious, educated, and confident — exactly the image that Pakistan, whose population balance tips towards the young, needs to have.

In our dominant patriarchal culture, the induction of such a large number of young women did come to me as a bit of a surprise. So much so, I was wondering if the government had privatised the police department!

This interesting exchange with Shahida took place by chance a couple of days ago, when I was visiting my friend, a superintendent of Police in Rawalpindi. Upon entering the Rawalpindi Police Headquarters, I saw a couple of young uniform-clad women, looking very professional.

The colour of their uniform was the same as that of their male colleagues, but something else captured my attention. They were all wearing pantaloons.

This was definitely not something I expected policewomen in Punjab to wear. They usually dress in the traditional Shalwar Kameez.

Also read: Badge of honour: KP's female cops break new ground

I was very curious to know how these policewomen were different from the rest. When I asked my friend about it, he said these newly-recruited ladies had to undergo a rigorous police training, including an Elite Commando course.

Elite training? I was puzzled. This training is considered to be the toughest in police, not just for women, but also for men. It has the same reputation as that of the SSG trainings conducted by the army. “How did they do all this?” I inquired, on which my friend suggested that I should meet them to find out for myself. 

I walked out of his room towards the spacious veranda of the police station. I found the young female police inspectors busy with their work. Seated in their rooms, they were listening to the complainants, conducting themselves with thorough professionalism.

Women police officers are inducted in two cadres; Officers and Ranks. Officers start at grade 17 as Assistant Superintendents of Police, and those in Ranks join at grade 14 as Sub-Inspectors.

For the first time in the history of Punjab Police, last year, 76 women joined the police department in Punjab as Sub-Inspectors.

During my visit, I also met Sabrina who told me that she travelled from Taxila to Rawalpindi every day. That was nothing new. But imagine a woman wearing a police uniform, driving daily from Taxila to Rawalpindi and back on a busy GT road.

I asked her if she ever felt threatened, or if she carried a weapon. “I am the weapon,” she said.

Her confidence was almost infectious. For a minute, I thought I was having a conversation with Sun Tzu, Zen Buddhist warrior and author of ’The art of war’. She was very calm, composed and self-assured as she spoke.

And she was not the only one; all these young officers seemed firm and determined. This experience held a novelty for me. Part of the credit for their level of self-confidence goes to the training they received.

I asked how their families felt about their working hours. I was told they had full support. The new generation, along with their families, wanted to make the best use of opportunities provided by a growing economy like Punjab’s. To them, working for the Punjab Police means a secure future.

The Punjab Police is primarily male-dominated and the province has a rigid patriarchal culture. It is no secret that most of the postings and appointments, not just in the Police but in other departments as well, are handed down on political affiliations.

Also read: Footprints — Female wardens back on bikes

Considering these circumstances, I wonder if these women would ever be posted as SHOs (Station House Officers) not just in women thaanas (police stations) but elsewhere too?

Would these women ever be brought into mainstream policing?

Would they really be able to bring about a positive change in society's approach towards females?

Women certainly have limitations when it comes to the culture or environment of an institution and it is not their fault. “Men can sit together in the office for hours. They can be friends with their bosses, while we can’t. We cannot get chummy with our seniors,” said Shabnam.

She also said that their confidence springs from looking up to female police officers at higher ranks within the department. “Although things are still difficult, times are changing and we get a lot of encouragement from our male colleagues.”

Also read: Meet Pakistan’s fearless female police commandos

Women in these police stations work alongside men. The men I met were more senior, both in terms of rank and age. However, it came to me as a pleasant surprise that they welcomed the idea of young women joining the police force.

Tahir Naqvi, 50, told me about his experience with the new recruits. He said one day during the month of Muharram, security was on high-alert and a procession was expected to go through the area. Traffic was blocked and barriers erected. At this point, a female police officer, who had recently joined the team took a bold decision. She told the sergeant to allow the traffic to pass as people with young children had been stuck for a long time.

He was astonished to hear this and asked her if she knew what she was doing. “Yes Sir, I do,” she had replied.

“They are not like our generation. They are energetic and willing to learn. We wish them good luck,” said Naqvi.

Women are fast becoming change agents across the board; whether its education, sports, medicine, businesses or the police department. This is the right time to tap their potential as women constitute more than half of Pakistan’s population.

I witnessed firsthand how the Punjab Police is changing for the better. Young and educated women and men are joining its ranks. It seems that thethaana culture that the previous generations witnessed would soon be history.

The police department — if it consistently pursued its policies — would eventually evolve into a more responsive and gender equal institution.

Size isn't everything: This little eatery in Islamabad may serve Pakistan's best burger

ISLAMABAD: Every once in a while, a quirky little eatery opens up that captures the imaginations of the residents of the capital. In the same way that Islamabad’s restaurant-goers were once drawn to the old Tiramisu and its impeccable cooking and indulgent desserts, a newcomer has captured the imaginations of the city.

Upon first entering The Warehouse, you could be forgiven for thinking, “Is this it?” But what this restaurant lacks in square footage, it aims to make up for in service and presentation.

If you’re lucky enough to find a spot to sit, the menu is a simple one-pager, and most of the choices on it are binary. In soups, there’s Asparagus or Roasted Tomato; Panini options include Cheese and Tomato or meat.

The salads though, are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Here too, one can choose between a Mediterranean or a meat-based option.

The seating is designed in such a way that customers have a clear view of the kitchen area.

Here, chefs in hairnets and aprons sous-vide burger patties in the style of celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal. This is a method where the meat is vacuum packed and cooked slowly for a long period of time in water. In fact, a lot of the cooking methods – especially the way the coffee is brewed – are innovative and unique.

Regulars also praise the personalised service at the bistro. Ammar Mumtaz, the young entrepreneur behind the restaurant, can often be seen moving from table to table, checking on people’s orders, recommending items to new customers and getting feedback.

The Warehouse is the owner’s second foray into the culinary landscape of Islamabad. His first outing, the Burning Brownie bakery-cafe, has been a big success. In fact, the Rasmalai Cheesecake – one of the best items on the menu – was probably created at the bakery itself.

A lot of people Dawn spoke to also praised their burgers. Journalist Madiha Tahir called their burgers, “The best I’ve had in Pakistan.” “The meat is done medium rare, as it should be,” said development professional Sarah Ahmed.

However, the restaurant’s pièce de résistance, their steaks, have not been available for over two weeks now and a sign outside the door proclaims that they will be serving steaks after Eidul Azha, ostensibly when meat becomes more widely available in the market.

There are obviously teething problems: Asma Saigol complained that certain items on the menu, such as the burgers and steaks, are not available at all times. The restaurant has also had issues with meal timings and has had to implement a very narrow window for lunch and dinner.

The drinks, however, are delightfully presented. Fruit smoothies, iced teas and light cocktails are served in jars and there are actual tea bags in the iced teas. The Citrus Breezer and the Strawberry Iced Tea are quite popular among patrons. Educationist Fiza Waheed especially recommends the Hazelnut Frappe, saying “it’s the best in town.”

But if there’s one item on The Warehouse menu that is a must-have, it is the Roasted Tomato Soup. As Mr Mumtaz explains to new customers, the soup is infused with roasted garlic and smoked hickory, and served not with a regular breadstick, but a crispy, dried piece of Afghani Nan. The soup is perfectly well-balanced in terms of spice and is guaranteed to leave everyone wanting more.

What is surprising is the absence of a concerted advertising campaign, either via mainstream or social media. The bistro’s popularity, in fact, owes a lot to word-of-mouth communication, with friends recommending it to each other and word getting out that way. But perhaps that is for the best: one can’t imagine how the restaurant would ever fit more customers than it is already receiving.

Hello, aloe: 6 reasons this potted plant is a must-have in your garden

A number of cosmetics, especially skin care products, claim to contain aloe vera as an ingredient.

It may have gained importance lately but it is not a new invention and has been in use for hundreds of years. In fact, it is said that the Egyptian beauty queen, Cleopatra, is believed to have used aloe vera cream in her beauty regimen for promoting health and physical well being; ancient Egyptians used Aloe vera for curing infections, dermatological disorders and as a laxative and Hippocrates — the father of medicine — too used the plant for its multiple medicinal benefits.

Close to home, ancient Ayurvedas of India used aloe vera among other things as a laxative, and to treat eczema or psoriasis, while in the Arabian medicine, fresh aloe vera gel is rubbed on the forehead to get rid of headache or rubbed on the body of a patient to cool it in case of fevers.

Aloe vera contains is high in vitamins and minerals; it contains vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 and B12; proteins, lipids, amino acids, folic acid and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper and manganese, which are known to keep our health in good condition, and their deficiency gives rise to various ailments. The presence of these compounds makes it an important ingredient in cosmetics and traditional medicines.

Aloe vera produces two substances, gel and latex, which are used for medicine. Aloe is clear, jellylike substance found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf, while the latex comes from just under the plant’s skin and is yellow in colour.

Detoxification: The consumption of aloe, which is a gelatinous plant food, helps absorb toxins while passing through the intestinal tract and eliminate through the colon. This helps proper elimination of waste from your body and helps in detoxification.

Skin care: Aloe is known to heal wounds and is great for applying topically to burns, abrasions, eczema, psoriasis and bug bites. It acts as an analgesic, acting to help relieve pain of wounds. Due to its high water content aloe is good for hydration, moisturising and rejuvenation of skin. As an astringent, it causes the contraction of body tissues typically used to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions. Topical application of aloe to the burn area reduces pain and heals burns quickly.

Reduce inflammation: Certain substances in aloe help to slow down or inhibit inflammation; applying gel externally can ease muscle and painful joints due to stiffness and help improve joint flexibility. But the secret lies in using freshly prepared gel.

Helps digestion: Aloe is known to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract and helps improve digestion. An interesting thing is that it helps with both constipation and diarrhoea; that is because it helps to regulate the elimination cycle. It is good for people with irritable bowel syndrome as well as acid reflux.

Weight loss: Aloe vera juice is an easy and natural weight loss solution; it reduces weight by stabilising the metabolic rate and helping burn fat.

Hair care: If your hair is dry, brittle and damaged, have split ends and dandruff then regular use of aloe vera is the answer to your problem; it will make your hair smooth, soft and damage free.

Precaution and warning: Despite having so many benefits aloe should be used with caution, especially if used in the long-term as this can lead to loss of electrolytes, especially potassium. Also its use should be avoided during pregnancy, menstruation, if you have haemorrhoids or degeneration of the liver and gall bladder.

Burj Khalifa to open for sunrise

DUBAI: It will soon be possible to watch the sun rise over Dubai from the world’s tallest building.

The Burj Khalifa announced on Thursday it is selling tickets on the United Arab Emirates’ weekend of Friday and Saturday for sunrise viewings.

The building’s management says the sessions start from 5:30am with viewings every 30 minutes on the 124th floor until 8am.

Weekend viewings previously started from 8:30am. Tickets are 125 dirhams ($34) for adults and 95 dirhams ($26) for children ages 4 to 12.

Children under 4 can enter for free.

The spired 2,717-foot (828-metre) tall Burj Khalifa opened to the public in January 2010.

Heat getting to your skin? Here are 3 natural ways to combat an oily complexion

Since summer is still in full swing, women with oily skin are plagued by different skin problems.

Even if you find using a moisturiser difficult in this heat, you cannot do away with moisturising entirely. Here are three simple, homemade face masks that help women with oily skin, and anyone else in the mood for some extra special (yet inexpensive) pampering.

1. Banana bliss

Method: Mash a medium ripe banana and apply it to your face and neck for 10 to 20 minutes; rinse off with cold water. Add a quarter cup of yoghurt for a natural bleaching effect and two tablespoons of honey (a natural humectant, it naturally attracts and retains moisture).

Benefits: Not only will this help moisturise, it will also leave your skin softer, brighter and plumper. Oh, and try not mistake your face mask for a smoothie!

2. Coconut craze

Method: If you use coconut oil for your hair, now is the time to give this amazing ingredient a makeover. Add half a cup of coconut oil to two cups of raw brown sugar, one cup of olive oil and one tablespoon of honey; pour the mixture into a wide-mouthed jar and keep it in the shower. Apply it all over your face and body and then rinse; you can use this up to three times a week.

Benefits: It's a perfect combo of exfoliation and moisturising.

3. Eggalicious

Method: For oily skin, separate the yolk from the white, and add lemon and honey to the white. Apply to the skin for 30 minutes and then rinse.

Benefits: Eggs are a super food in more ways than one. While many people use eggs to moisturise dry hair, they also have the same effect on the skin.

A word of caution: If you have acne prone or problem skin, please consult your dermatologist before using these remedies.

• First published in the Health Advertiser Section of The DAWN National Weekend Advertiser

With message to Shiv Sena, Dunkin Donuts Pakistan extends olive branch to India

LAHORE: On October 16, news channels in Pakistan reported that the family of Karachi-based Inayat Ali was denied accommodation in the hotels of the Bhendi Bazaar area of Mumbai.

The family visited 40 hotels, but none of them welcomed them because the family did not possess the draconian Form C.

The news may have sparked suitable outrage among the public, but one man decided to take a stand.

Iqbal Latif, who runs 26 franchises of international food outlet Dunkin Donut in Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar, took a step to show how Pakistanis welcome their neighbours, which also emulates Gandhi's teachings.

In the next few hours, the food outlets had banners with an announcement offering free meals to any Indians visiting Pakistan on a short-term visa. The banner was inscribed with Indian and Pakistani flags as well. The offer went into effect from Friday last week.

“I felt bad when I saw this that family had to spend [a] part of [the] night [on a] footpath near a police station and another part at a pavement at the railway station,” shared Latif.

“It’s not a big deal, but an effort to invoke the teachings of Gandhi Ji who preached love and coexistence all his life,” Mr Latif told Dawn by phone from London. The response to Latif's initiative was overwhelmingly positive.

“We served 2,432 people in Peshawar, Islamabad and Lahore. They all loved it,” Latif revealed.

Sales went up by 30 per cent since the day the offer went into effect.

On the first day of the offer, 17 meals were served to Indians in a Dunkin Donut outlet in the Diplomatic Enclave of Islamabad.

“This is the place where US State Secretary John Kerry took breakfast last year. But we feel great honour [in hosting our] Indian friends,” said Mr Latif.

Elsewhere in Lahore and Peshawar, no Indian visited to avail a free meal. “We’re waiting to treat Indians with a big heart and a big smile,” said Tehmina, who works at the Liberty Market outlet in Lahore. She shared that a couple of passersby glanced at the poster and waved a high five at the staff.

Mr Latif is elated by the response to the offer, and sees it as vital for promoting love among the people of Pakistan and India. He says he was slightly apprehensive about the reaction in Peshawar to the display of the Indian flag, but visitors and passersby waved at the staff, a sign of approval.

“Where is the hate and stone throwing of Shiv Sena? Only a degenerated mind does it. We need to tell Shiv to grow up. Love conquers all,” he added.

Though the Pakistani and Indian public are more willing to be friends, states and armies on either side don't see eye to eye and often hit the headlines for trading shells and accusations at borders and international forums.

On Saturday, intelligence reports were in the media that India intelligence RAW could target Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Jamaatud Dawa head Hafiz Saeed.

Earlier last week, former foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri was the target of threats from hardliner Shiv Sena activists on October 12 in Mumbai ahead his book launch, while the host, Sudhera Kulkarni, was painted black.

And Shiv Sena hurled threats, which resulted in the cancellation of the planned performance of Ghazal legend Ghulam Ali in Mumbai on October 8.

Vajee Vee, an Indian commentator, says it is the scar that was left by "Kasab and ISI post-Mumbai serial blasts".

Latif, however, says his pro-peace and amity initiative has not met with any interference by any Pakistani intelligence agency.

“No ISI, no intelligence came to us to ask about the display of the Indian flag,” he said. He added that some of his friends in the army even called him to appreciate his gesture.

He says Pakistan has shown its love for Indians.

“Across the border, there is no hate. We all love India. 1.4 billion people love each other. We are only marginalised by a few hate mongers on both sides. I propose such initiatives on the people-to-people level [to] help make bridges,” he said, adding that both Pakistan and India are nuclear countries that cannot afford strained relations.

“I suggest that Indian food chains put this (offer) on display in India, and see if [their] business goes up or drops.”

Being a vegetarian in Pakistan

When I gave up meat, four years ago, my family and friends were convinced that I would revert to the oh-so-juicy goodness of animal protein the very next day.

But, as time passed and they realised that I was serious about it, the deliberations started, with an intent to bring me back to ‘sanity’. I was open to discussions, but I had given it a lot of thought over the years, so it wasn't something I was just going to snap out of. It wasn't a fad, it wasn't a phase, and it certainly wasn't a ploy to lose weight.

After a while, people close to me gave up on convincing me otherwise and started respecting my decision, even accommodating me with good vegetarian cuisine when possible. But, out in the larger society, the responses were varied and ranged from bemused to utterly shocked.

The social nuisance

When I go out to a dinner where people are not yet aware of my vegetarian diet, and decline the offer of a meat-based dish, people almost always respond with, “Take a little bit at least” or “At least give it a try”. Their first reaction is that I am a little snobbish about food, or that I have had some bad experiences with meat dishes and that their food would change my opinion, if only I tried.

After reiterating that I have given up meat and don't eat it at all, quite a few folks go on to suggest a chicken-based item. This, I guess, is because they assume I have been medically advised to give up red meat.

When I clarify again that I don't eat any kind of meat, most people just go blank. And I kid you not, some still counter-offer and ask if I would like to try some seafood instead?

Better yet, when there's some kind of a meat-curry, many suggest that the gravy should still be fair game.

It is only after they have exhausted all their efforts, do people dishearteningly allow me to feast on the usually lone vegetable dish they had not expected anyone to indulge in. Large public gatherings like wedding ceremonies are especially hard to negotiate because most of our society considers it below themselves to include any vegetarian dishes in the menu – "loag kya kahenge ke kitney cheap hain (people would think we are so poor)."

Once the matter of what I will eat is settled, they are suddenly hit with a pang of curiosity and start inquiring about the reason for my vegetarian diet. Most people automatically assume it to be a medical reason and ask only to validate their assertion. When I deny, their curiosity multiplies and they push further with a desire partially to inquire, and partially to convince me otherwise.

When I tell them that my personal moral compass does not allow me to, they feel it's their duty to reason with me. It isn't unusual for the discussion to turn into a heated argument, so I had to train myself to politely back out of it or steer the conversation to a different topic.

These discussions become extra sensitive when people bring religion into them or start throwing labels like 'ungrateful'.

---

After a few of these conversations, I realised that the issue makes people touchy and insecure because my defending a personal belief and choice makes them feel like their own beliefs are being threatened.

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I have learned my lesson though, and unless I am dead sure the person at the other end of the conversation is on the same wavelength as I am, I rarely encourage the discussion. On occasions when I was too tired to argue, I even lied, admitting to it being a medical reason.

I can't say people have been condescending or judgmental, but I can see the nods of disagreements almost everywhere the topic is discussed. In countries like the US where people are more used to vegetarians, I don’t raise many eyebrows (but they do get shocked sometimes when I reveal I am not an Indian and this is not a religious thing).

Is it easy being a vegetarian in Pakistan?

Even though it's more of a social nuisance to be a vegetarian in Pakistan, I prefer the food scene here because of the breadth of vegetables you can get and the delicious ways they are cooked. I can eat chapatti and sabzi every day. In both places though, if you are eating out, most of the non-meat choices are full of staples or grains and not exactly vegetables, which makes it a tad harder to eat healthy.

People often ask me if I still crave meat, and honestly, there are times when I crave meat, a lot. No matter how strong-willed you are, when the aroma of a well-cooked chicken tikka, badami qorma or a juicy mushroom swiss burger tantalises you, it's very hard to ignore.

But just like we control a lot of our other desires that contradict our ideologies, this one also becomes a hard-but-necessary act of self-restraint. The craving becomes much less frequent as time passes. There are some soy-based proteins available that taste just like meat but I usually avoid them because of the large amount of preservatives and artificial ingredients in them.

Another question I am always bombarded with is whether I would eat meat for my survival; for example, let's say I am trapped in a jungle and it is the only thing available to me. My answer is always a resounding "Yes". Just like everything else I choose, my choice of what to eat should also have a degree of flexibility. In fact, there have already been a couple of occasions when I was really hungry and not so well, and had to eat meat because nothing else was available.

Did I like doing that? No. But I understand the importance of eating meat over starving on these rare occasions.

Also read: Why is India called a vegetarian country when two-thirds of Indians eat meat?

I am usually also asked about how I feel or what difference it has made in my life. To be honest, it feels amazing. I don't feel heavy after a meal, I don't crash a few minutes after a meal, and yes, it did make a tremendous difference in turning me into a calmer person.

Moreover, if I keep a good vegetarian diet (lots of vegetables) as opposed to an unhealthy vegetarian diet (lots of grains/staples), I also get a large amount of really important micro-nutrients that help a human body in healing itself. I have, over these last few years, fallen less sick with day-to-day ailments than when I was not a vegetarian.

I should clarify that my purpose here is not to convince anybody to become a vegetarian. Eating meat or giving it up, are both completely personal choices that each of us should make independently. All I am saying is, I made mine and expect people to respect it.

‘Textbooks replete with biases’

ISLAMABAD: Academics and education researchers called for a non-biased curriculum on Friday.

Speaking at a session titled ‘Curriculum of Peace or Hate?’ during the Children’s Literature Festival on Friday, Amir Riaz, who researches in school curriculums and has authored a book on the matter, said there was much evidence of bias in textbooks.

He said: “For example, instances of bias against women: you will see pictures of boys flying kites or playing cricket while their sisters are making or serving food.”

Mr Riaz said this problem of bias against different groups was not just present in public curriculum, but was also scattered with examples in private school syllabus.

He thought there were several reasons for this and said privatisation was a big reason where “we think it is the only solution to every problem”.

“Textbook publishing houses have been privatised as well and they only publish books they think they will profit from,” he added.

The researcher blamed the concept of centralisation as well.

“Centralised government can only care so much about people participation. If you don’t include people in the decision-making process, things are going to go wrong.”

The author said we have to address these issues because we cannot set our children on the straight path if we don’t remove bias from textbooks.

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Researcher Amir Riaz says these issues need to be addressed

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Tahira Abdullah of the Pehli Kiran School agreed, and said our textbooks were very wrong. She said they did not show love, respect or plurality.

“Our curriculum and textbooks are very wrong. They do not show love, they do not show respect and they do not show plurality.”

She said the concept of us being divided as Shia, Sunni, Ahmedi, Christians and Hindus had to be removed.

“Let us instead include a concept of being human.”

Samina Imtiaz of the Peace, Education and Development Foundation helped along Ms Tahira’s point by talking of an incident in Peshawar University. Ms Imtiaz said during a visit of hers to the Peshawar University, an MA student, who was a Hindu, said that a fellow student had alleged in class that Hindus worship dengue mosquitoes.

The Hindu student then told Ms Imtiaz that a teacher joined in and agreed with the fellow student and commented, “What can one expect from people who worship a god with an elephant trunk.” The teacher and student were made to apologise but, Ms Imtiaz said: “The apology was offered because this happened in a sophisticated, formal institution. These sort of things happen every day in villages across the country.”

She said Islamiyat courses should be replaced with comparative religious studies.

“The word Islamiyat should not be used because we live in a country where people of different religions live together.”

Baela Raza of the Children’s Literary Festival said it was up to the students to make their voices heard.

“This situation about different types of bias in the curriculum has gotten too messy. Our curriculum is not what we want. Thinking about these changes makes your head hurt. Some policies have not been thought about at all and others have yet to be implemented. In the meanwhile, why don’t you, the children, raise your voice and tell policy-makers what you want?”

Samina Imtiaz, however, said the government did not have to do much other than read the reports already prepared and just make a decision.

In another session named ‘Article 25-A: Right to Education’ discussions about the right to education were discussed.

The Right to Education’s Syedul Hassan said Article 25 meant all children were entitled to free education but, “rights come with responsibilities. You have a responsibility to attend schools and do well”.

A debate about devising plans to get more children from low-income families into schools followed. The audience was asked what incentives should be offered to parents to let their child go to school instead of work.

Haroona Jatoi, a professor at Quaid-i-Azam University and an adviser to the government for education, said millions of children across the country had never seen the inside of a school and that it was imperative to get them into a classroom.

She said: “We need a mechanism to get 25-A to every corner of Pakistan.”

She said there was a huge gap between what the government said and what they did. The government had previously said all children between the ages of five and 16 will be going to schools by 2015, yet there are millions of children who have never set foot in a school before.

“It has been six years since devolution of power to the provinces has been announced for educational matters and they have not even drawn up their curriculum yet,” she said.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd , 2015

Food Stories: Bihari Kabab

Mazhur-ul-Haq is from Bihar, he came to Pakistan with my nani aged 10 during the great migration in 1947. Agha, as we lovingly call him, was hired to play with the children, he has a strong Bihari accent, but tragically does not know how to make Bihari kabab, all my teen years I assumed that the Bihari kababs we ate at my nani’s house were Agha’s genius cooking. They were actually from Café De Khan.

Hence this Eid, I decided to go down memory lane and make Agha’s (actually Café De Khan’s) Bihari kababs.

It is believed that the Turkish and Persian soldiers enjoyed grilling fresh meat on fire, while it hung wrapped around their swords. The meat chunks were cooked in animal fat and once ready, consumed immediately. The soldiers hunted for survival, while journeying land to land for conquests. The kabab is also mentioned in the Turkish language script of Qissa-e-Yousuf published in 1377.

Kabab, like most exotic South Asian foods, has a wonderful history. It has traveled far and wide through times and regions, evolving to suit the taste of the indigenous population and cities it passed through.

Playing tune to the taste of the local spices and cuisines, yet maintaining its distinct universal appeal through the times. Undoubtedly, today, it is the most recognised eastern food in the western part of the world.

Kababs have always been a rustic favourite; and while they were said to be a prominent part of the Moghul menu, the variation of the modern day Bihari Kabab is a purely Bihari and Bengali take on the meat.

And though the Bihari kabab is made with meat chunks like in the ancient times, it is nothing like the kababs that the Turks must have eaten. Instead it has upgraded to a delicious, melt-in-the mouth texture, infused with spices, yougurt and tenderising papaya. The word kabab is said to originate from the Arabic language, but the Persians, Turks and central Asians also lay claim to it. It literally means to fry, burn or cook on a skewer through grilling or open fire cooking.

The subcontinent hosts more than a dozen popular kabab recipes; shami, reshmi, dum, boti, seekh, chapli, galavati and tandoori, amongst many. However, the uniqueness of the Bihari kabab is in its texture, marinade and spice content.

The people of the subcontinent boast a diet rich in spice content, and traditionally cuisines across Pakistan and India include a wide range of kababs infused with garam masala, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, yogurt, black pepper, lemon juice, eggs, cornstarch, atta, coriander leaves, tomatoes and onions, unlike their middle eastern counter parts, which tend to be much milder.

Though cuisine from Bihar is traditionally vegetarian, the bihari kabab is a meat delight that has an infusion of mustard oil, largely used in India, and specifically Bengal and Bihar, and a liberal amount of masala. The use of kabab chini, poppy seeds, nutmeg, mace and papaya as meat tenderisers makes it remarkably tender. The secret ingredient is a generous addition of bihari kabab garam masala.

While writing this blog, and preparing the kababs, I was left with a generous portion of marinade, and needless to say it was too delightful to be thrown away, hence that’s when I noticed the recipe of ungushti on the overleaf of the recipe given to me by Shazli Auntie, who is authentically Bihari.

Ungushti is a delight that is made with leftover bihari kabab marinade mixed in with a generous helping of flour, and salt if needed, wrapped around the skewer tightly like grilling a seekh kabab.

Needless to say the kababs and ungushti both turned out fabulous. Here it is, a very happy Eid Mubarak from my kitchen to yours.

Ingredients

1 ½ kg. veal chunk/beef chunk, thinly sliced and pounded

¾ cup yogurt

6 tbsp. finely grated raw papaya with skin

¾ cups fried onions

4 tsp. freshly grated ginger

4 tsp. chopped garlic

1 tsp. nutmeg powder

1 tsp. cinnamon powder

1 ½ tsp. cumin powder roasted

2 tsp. paprika powder

2 tsp. red chillie powder, or to taste

2 tsp. poppy seeds

4 tsp. bihari kabab garam masala

¾ cup mustard oil (optional)

Salt to taste

(Mix in food processor and marinade meat) 

Bihari Kabab Garam Masala

(Use coffee grinder to make powder, and store unused portion in tightly sealed jar for future use)

2 tsp. kabab chini

2 tsp. fennel

2 star anise

4 tsp. whole back peppercorns

2 cloves

½ nutmeg

1 tsp. mace

10 green cardamom

6 black cardamom

2 tbsp. coriander, whole

2 tbsp. cumin seeds

12 dried red chillie

Method 1

Marinate the meat for at least 24 hours, grill meat on skewers, set a coal to heat on the grill.

Drop oil on the coal and cover with metal lid (if available) to infuse meat with smoke from the coal. Remove once the meat is tender.

Method 2

Heat a large pan with a heavy base, pour a little oil and heat, set meat chunks on pan, cover and cook for 10-20 minutes, flip and cook for another 10-20 minutes.

Transfer into an oven safe pan, broil for 15 minutes to dry moisture.

Heat coal, sprinkle with oil and set in oven for a few minutes to infuse kababs with smoke from the coal.

Serve with imli chutney, sliced onions, paratha or naan.

U.S. tells China cyber espionage is more than an irritant, must stop

U.S. national security adviser Susan Rice issued a stern warning to China on Monday before President Xi Jinping's visit that state-sponsored cyber espionage must stop, calling it a national security concern and a critical factor in U.S.-China relations.

"This isn't a mild irritation, it's an economic and national security concern to the United States," Rice said during remarks at George Washington University.

"It puts enormous strain on our bilateral relationship, and it is a critical factor in determining the future trajectory of U.S.-China ties," she said.

President Barack Obama and Xi are expected to have an intense back-and-forth about the issue when the Chinese leader visits the White House this week.

"Cyber-enabled espionage that targets personal and corporate information for the economic gain of businesses undermines our long-term economic cooperation and it needs to stop," Rice said.

Xi said in a written interview with the Wall Street Journal China's government does not engage in the theft of commercial secrets and does not support Chinese companies that do so.

"Cyber theft of commercial secrets and hacking attacks against government networks are both illegal; such acts are criminal offences and should be punished according to law and relevant international conventions," Xi said.

"China and the United States share common concerns on cyber security. We are ready to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. side on this issue," he said.

Rice also said the United States would insist on maintaining freedom of navigation and commerce through busy sea lanes in disputed areas of the South China Sea.

Xi told the Wall Street Journal that China's development of facilities on the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea do not impact upon or target any other country, and "should not be overinterpreted".

Rice said Obama would be direct with Xi on those issues and disagreements over human rights at their meetings.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason and Roberta Rampton; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in BEIJING; Editing by Doina Chiacu and Paul Tait)