Sindh govt. should transform its 40 libraries into Cultural Centers

By Q. Isa Daudpota

The Government of Sindh’s Ministry of Culture and its Department of Libraries are guardians of more than 40 libraries in the province. It would be best to transform them into cultural centers that include their current printed matter. Setting up Film Clubs in each of them would be an easy, economical first step.

The website suggests the top 100 movies which can be freely downloaded by a few libraries that have fast Internet connections. These can then be easily shared with libraries elsewhere.

Top movies in different languages with English subtitles should also be collected. Include art films from Pakistan and India too.

Libraries shouldn’t waste money buying expensive projectors/media-projectors as movies can be watched on TV screens or even individual cell phones with the audience in the same room.

The idea is not mere entertainment. These clubs must help develop critical skills in movie analysis among viewers through discussion with an expert in the room.  This can be supplemented through analysis of the films on YouTube and discussing reviews in international newspapers and magazines on the Net. All film shows must be led by a film critic – each librarian will need to find a few such persons in each town.

This requires no expense other than a small honorarium for the critic supervising the session.

The Government of Sindh can start this project in a handful of bigger libraries and then quickly expand to others.

Read: Greening of Sindh University

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The author, hailing from Sindh, is an Islamabad resident. Email: daudpota@gmail.com Tel: 0300 9104088

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Since the dismissal of 5,000 employees in 2020 and another 1,300 earlier this year, the mill has become a ghost of its former self, making it an easy target for criminals

I write with deep concern about the alarming thefts plaguing Pakistan Steel Mills—a once-thriving industrial giant now left vulnerable to brazen criminal activity. For years, thieves have stripped the mill of iron, copper, and other valuable materials worth billions, yet no lasting solution has been put in place.

Recently, however, there was a glimmer of hope. Thanks to the courageous efforts of GM Security Dawood Kayani and his Anti-Theft Security Squad—including Kashif Ghafoor (In-charge), Muhammad Nawaz, Imtiaz Abbasi, Muhammad Sabir, and others—a major theft was thwarted. In a tense two-hour gunfight, the security team stood their ground, forcing the thieves to flee and abandoning stolen goods worth crores, along with a car and four motorcycles.

Read: Pakistan, Russian experts to discuss revival of Steel Mill

This bravery deserves recognition. Steel mill’s employees have praised the squad’s dedication, and Mr. Kayani himself highlighted the challenges they face—vast, unprotected premises and a severe shortage of security personnel. Despite these hurdles, his team works tirelessly to safeguard what remains of this national asset.

Read: The Saga of Pakistan Steel Mills

Yet, the bigger picture remains grim. Since the dismissal of 5,000 employees in 2020 and another 1,300 earlier this year, the mill has become a ghost of its former self, making it an easy target for criminals.

How much longer can we allow this to continue? Our national wealth is being looted in broad daylight, and without urgent intervention, these losses will only deepen. I implore the government and concerned authorities to act decisively—before it’s too late.

Sincerely,

Habib Ur Rahman

Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

The post Increasing thefts at Pakistan Steel Mill first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Universities must realign their priorities, placing academic excellence above financial considerations

By Dr. Mahmood Laghari

The pursuit of quality education is the cornerstone of any academic institution. However, a troubling trend has emerged in some universities, where the focus on financial sustainability has inadvertently led to the deterioration of academic standards. This systemic issue, rooted in flawed admissions practices and inadequate support structures, threatens the very essence of higher education. This article delves into the underlying causes, the cascading effects on the academic ecosystem, and actionable recommendations to address these challenges.

Compromised admissions standards

The first link in the chain of declining quality begins with the admissions process. Many universities prioritize filling allocated seats to sustain their financial operations. While the intention is to maintain the university’s revenue stream, this approach often results in admitting students who do not meet the established merit criteria. These students struggle academically, leading to repeated failures in courses and the need for multiple attempts to pass examinations. This compromises the academic rigor of the institution and sets a precedent where mediocrity is tolerated, if not encouraged.

The ripple effect in advanced degrees

The ramifications of lenient undergraduate admissions extend to postgraduate programs. Graduates who have benefited from this leniency often proceed to enroll in masters and doctoral programs. Financial stability allows them to bypass regular academic engagement, treating their studies as a part-time endeavor while focusing on private businesses or jobs. PhD students, in particular, often face the dual burden of supporting themselves financially and pursuing their research without adequate institutional support. The lack of funding for research projects further diminishes the quality of their academic output, leading to theses that lack originality, rigor, and practical application.

Faculty overload and neglect

The shortage of qualified faculty exacerbates the problem. Overburdened professors, tasked with handling large undergraduate classes, often deprioritize postgraduate teaching and research supervision. This creates a vicious cycle where postgraduate students, already disengaged from their studies, receive minimal guidance and mentorship. The result is a generation of scholars who lack basic laboratory skills, writing proficiency, and the ability to present and defend their work effectively.

Read: Fostering Creativity in Pakistan’s Universities

The long-term consequences

Perhaps the most alarming outcome of this flawed system is the infiltration of poorly trained PhD holders into academic positions. These individuals, leveraging their degrees, secure visiting or volunteer teaching roles that eventually transition into permanent faculty positions. Over time, this perpetuates a culture of mediocrity within academia, undermining the credibility of institutions and producing graduates ill-equipped to meet the demands of the professional world.

Read: The Dire State Of Higher Education In Pakistan

Urgent solutions for systemic reform

Addressing these challenges requires immediate and sustained efforts at multiple levels. The following recommendations aim to restore the integrity and quality of higher education:

1. Revise admissions policies: Admissions should be based strictly on merit, with supplementary remedial programs for borderline candidates. This ensures that only capable and motivated students enter the system.
2. Provide financial support: Institutions must allocate dedicated funding for postgraduate research. Scholarships, grants, and stipends can alleviate the financial burden on students, enabling them to focus fully on their studies.
3. Strengthen faculty resources: Recruit additional faculty to reduce the workload and ensure that both undergraduate and postgraduate students receive adequate attention. Faculty development programs should also be introduced to enhance teaching and research capabilities.
4. Implement accountability measures: Establish strict monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for postgraduate programs. Regular assessments of student progress and faculty engagement can help maintain high standards.
5. Foster industry collaboration: Partner with industries to provide funding, internships, and real-world research opportunities for students. This ensures that research is aligned with practical applications and societal needs.
6. Enhance academic rigor: Enforce stringent criteria for coursework, examinations, and thesis evaluations. Proper external reviewers and standardized benchmarks can help uphold academic quality.
7. Promote a culture of excellence: Recognize and reward academic achievements among students and faculty. Encouraging healthy competition and celebrating scholarly excellence can inspire a commitment to quality.

Conclusion

The decline in the quality of higher education is a multifaceted problem that requires comprehensive reform. Universities must realign their priorities, placing academic excellence above financial considerations. By adopting merit-based admissions, providing adequate support for research, and ensuring accountability at all levels, institutions can cultivate an environment where education thrives. The journey toward quality is challenging but essential for the growth and development of individuals, institutions, and society as a whole.

Read: Time to Address the Toxic Smoke of 2-Stroke Rickshaws in Hyderabad, Sindh

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The writer is a professor at the Department of Energy and Environment at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh Pakistan

The post The Dilemma of Quality in Sindh’s Higher Education first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• The initiative aims to provide quality manpower for local economic zones and CPEC industrial special economic zones by launching the Chinese Culture Technological Employment Model Sino-Pak Dual Diploma & China Education Program

Karachi

The Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) and TANG International signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration on Tuesday to enhance collaborative efforts in developing Chinese Language Competency among learners at SEF-supported and allied institutions.

This initiative aims to provide quality manpower for local economic zones and CPEC industrial special economic zones by launching the Chinese Culture Technological Employment (CCTE) Model Sino-Pak Dual Diploma & China Education Program.

CCTE programs include China-Pakistan Dual Diploma, China-Pakistan Cooperation, Chinese Language Courses & Commercial Cultural Courses and Technical Education Subjects & Technology in Education & Employment. This model will foster industry-academia linkages to promote demand-driven vocational and technical education, ensuring skilled talent for modern industries, agriculture, and the service sector.

The MoU was signed by County Head of TANG International Mansoor Siddiqui and Director Programs and Planning, SEF, Nisar Banbhan.

The ceremony was attended by senior representatives from the SEF including Managing Director, Zahid Ali Abassi, Deputy Managing Director (DMD) Shahpara Rizvi and representatives TANG International. By combining the strengths of both organizations, the partnership aims to contribute significantly to the education through bilateral relation.

Before MoU the both organizations have worked on letter of understanding (LoU) and achieved great milestones in Karachi including 15 Foundation Assisted Schools have been registered through the online TANG Cloud platform. A total of 30 SEF partners and teachers, along with 25 SEF staff members, have been successfully trained and oriented. These efforts have led to the enrollment of 485 students in the registered schools. Furthermore, a mid-term online assessment was conducted on December 23, 2024, which revealed an impressive overall student progress rate of 82%.

Talking in the ceremony, Managing Director, SEF and Secretary Sindh Education and Literacy Department, Zahid Ali Abbasi said that this collaboration is setting an excellent example, and the results achieved so far are commendable. Through this MOU, we aim to expand the program across the province, creating a meaningful impact. Enhancing language proficiency, various trades, and technical skills is the need of the hour, and together, we will address this crucial requirement effectively.

County Head of TANG International Mansoor Siddiqui stated that, based on our previous experience working with SEF through the LOU, we have witnessed a significant positive impact. “We have high hopes for this new understanding and firmly believe that, together, we will create a meaningful contribution to society. This partnership represents a pivotal step forward in shaping the educational landscape, addressing existing gaps, and opening new avenues for growth and development.” (PR)

Read: Sindh Education Foundation to launch Digital Learning Project

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• In Pakistan, the commercialization of education has led to education being viewed as a commodity rather than a fundamental right.

Sabeena Mugheri

As the world faces the difficulties of the twenty-first century, education has emerged as a critical tool for nations to progress and thrive. Pakistan, with a population of more than 220 million, is no exception. However, the country’s education sector has seen considerable changes in recent years, raising concerns about the genuine value of education in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s education system confronts various obstacles, including a dearth of competent teachers, dogmatic curriculum, ineffective educational infrastructure, adult illiteracy, and insufficient finances. The literacy rate in Pakistan is 58.7%, with considerable differences between urban and rural areas, according to Pakistan Education Statistics. The development of private educational institutions has resulted in the commercialization of the industry, with many schools preferring money over academic achievement. Disappointingly, an education system that prioritizes profits over learning is fundamentally flawed.

it is high time that the relevant authorities must control private schools, fund public education, and put academic quality ahead of financial gain in order to solve these issues.

In Pakistan, the commercialization of education has led to education being viewed as a commodity rather than a fundamental right. The emphasis on profits over academic achievement has resulted in a drop in educational standards, making them unavailable to vulnerable communities. Public institutions are now offering lower-quality education as a result of the apathetical role of government and their lack of investment in this field.

These difficulties; however, have far-reaching effects. Pakistan’s education system fails to equip its citizens with the skills and knowledge required to participate in the global economy. As a result, unemployment, poverty, and inequality have all increased significantly. Furthermore, a lack of education has contributed to social and cultural concerns including fanaticism, bigotry, and violence.

Read – Higher Education in Pakistan: Navigating Challenges, Envisioning Prospects

In a nutshell, it is high time that the relevant authorities must control private schools, fund public education, and put academic quality ahead of financial gain in order to solve these issues. This can be accomplished by giving public education more funds, enforcing more stringent accrediting requirements for private schools, and offering instructors assistance and training. Hence, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, once stated that “Education is the Matter of Life and Death for Pakistan.” Therefore, it is imperative that the nation investigate this.

Read: Disparity among Pakistan’s Provinces in Education Sector

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The writer is BS- International Relations student at National Defence University, Islamabad

Read: Merit or My Writ in Higher Education Institutions

The post Education in Pakistan: A Valuable Investment or a Lucrative Business? first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Jamshoro, Sindh 

The Political Scientist’s Alumni Association, Department of Political Science, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, recently organized a welcome party in honor of students from 2K24 and a graceful farewell for the outgoing students of Batch 2K21.

Several students and faculty members joined and participated in this program held at the auditorium of the Institute of Commerce and Management, University of Sindh.

Highlighting the relevance and significance of education, the speakers quoted an Irish poet and writer, William Butler Yeats, who rightly pointed out that “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”, while Edward de Bono, a great physician and commentator, had noted that “an idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.”

The speakers said, “Indeed, universities are made for generating ideas and are knowledge production houses. Students often get ideas and acquire knowledge in their respective fields during their academic journey. In line with this, different programs, seminars, conferences and workshops are part of this knowledge generation.”

In different programs, students and faculty members take a keen interest or they show a penchant for participating in these programs. These programs related to farewell and welcome parties turn into beautiful memories of educational journey. The faculty members fully participate and offer valuable insights for the outgoing students and those who are joining the Department of Political Science.

The scholars of the Political Science Department, like Chairman Prof. Dr. G. Akbar Mahesar, Assoc. Prof. Department of Political Science, Dr. Pervaiz Ali Mahesar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Imran Ali Noonari, Assistant Prof. Dr. Basharat Lanjwani, Assistant Prof. Dr. Jamshed Baloch, Lecturer Ahmed Hussain Shah Bukhari, Lecturer Hansraj Oad, Lecturer Khaleeq Zaman Mahesar, Sohn Jannat, Mukhi Chandio, and Muhmin Soomro, motivated, and inspired their students with new ways of learning and understanding, discussed opportunities, and identified challenges of modern-day society.

While addressing students, the Chairman Department of Political Science, Prof. Dr. G. Akbar, conceptualized the role, relevance, and importance of the state in modern times.  While quoting Aristotle, he said, “The ultimate aim of the state is to provide basic amenities of life to its citizens”. He further added that “people should not forget their country and show a patriotism”. He quoted Z.A. Bhutto and said that his constitution of 1973 offers complete security to the country of Pakistan. He terms it as a masterpiece, model, and complete code of conduct among the various modern constitutions of the world. He asked students to establish their careers and join various fields. He suggests that students can pursue careers in a variety of fields such as political experts, scientists, political analysts, and political secretaries in local government, diplomacy, and foreign offices.

Associate Prof. Dr. Pervaiz Ali Mahesar, while highlighting the power of knowledge, ideas, and learning, said, “Only the fittest will survive.” He stated that this phrase has now become outdated, and the new phrase is: “Only the innovative will survive.” He inspired students and motivated them to “learn, unlearn, and relearn in life.” He further explains that before entering university life, we possess ideas, beliefs, and values in our minds, but the fact is we cannot learn new ideas unless we relearn them. He stated that in order to relearn, we must first unlearn. He further emphasized that the modern world believes in innovative ideas. These innovative ideas come only after reading, writing, and learning. He praised students for their active and robust participation in the departmental activities. Moreover, Hansraj Oad, during his talk explained that “we are and should be proud of our culture, values, beliefs, heritage and history, old civilization and our heroes and Sufi poets.” He was optimistic about the future of students and reiterated that “students should play an active role in growth and development of their country”.

Dr. Imran Noonari also emphasized on education and learning. He said that after four years of hard work, students would get benefit of that. He said that we need to focus on three things: patience, perseverance, and hard work will make you successful. He emphasized that “work and worship don’t go unrewarded”. A good teacher always inspires, motivates to his students and acts as a role model for the society.

Moving forward, the gravitating part of this program was the singing of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai‘s Waee by the Faqirs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai RA., Asst. Prof. Dr. Basharat Lanjwani led the group. The group performed Waee, portraying the message of “universality, peace and harmony, humanism, and spirituality enunciated by Shah.”  The Sufi view this as “the transmission of divine light from the teacher’s heart to the student’s heart, rather than worldly knowledge.” This approach enables students to adjust their progress accordingly. They also hold the belief that the “teacher should adhere to the principles of Divine Law”. The Chairman of the Department of Political Science and faculty members distributed academic excellence certificates to outstanding students, acknowledging their outstanding performance in both academic and extracurricular activities. The “Political Science Alumni Association, University of Sindh” organized this event. This event was celebrated in a befitting manner and concluded with a hope, optimism and promised to continue such programs, seminars, workshops and conferences in the future. (PR)

Read- Sindh University: Nostalgic Space Of Our Collective Memory

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• Turkish language classes will be introduced at SMIU; translation of Effendi’s biography into Turkish language will also be published

Karachi, Sindh

The Turkish Cultural Centre will be established at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) Karachi with the support of Turkish government to promote language, culture, literature and research of both the countries.

The decision was taken during a meeting of Prof. Dr. Halil Toker, Director of Yunus Emre Institute Turkish Cultural Center, Islamabad, and Mr. Elam Ali Teepu Turkish Lecturer at Karachi University with Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, Vice Chancellor, SMIU at his office on Monday.

It was also decided that Turkish language will be taught to the students of SMIU. Initially 30 students will be enrolled for Turkish language, and later number of students will be increased.

“Sindh Madressatul Islam University has more than 150 years old relations with Turkiye because the founder of SMI Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi had served as a Consul General of Turkiye in Karachi during the period of Ottoman Empire,” Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai said and added that SMIU is planning to establish Rumi Chair at the university.

Prof. Dr. Halil Toker said the Turkish government through its Embassy in Pakistan is going to organize international conferences on Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi in Islamabad and Turkiye. He further said the biography of Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi written by distinguished writer of Sindh Mirza Qaleech Baig will be translated into Turkish language. Additionally, collaboration between Sindh Madressatul Islam University and Turkish universities will be materialized.

Revealing the history Dr. Halil said he had read name of Hassanally Effendi in a history book of Ottoman Empire, where he was mentioned as giving donation to the Empire during the Turkish-Russia war.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai nominated Dr. Subhash Guriro, Chairperson of the Department of Social and Development Studies of SMIU as a focal person for coordination during all above mentioned developments. The Vice Chancellor SMIU and the Turkish delegation exchanged the souvenirs.

Dr. Zahid Ali Channar and Dr. Jamshed Adil Halepoto, Deans of SMIU and Anwar Ali were also present on the occasion. Later, the Turkish delegation visited Jinnah Museum and other departments of SMIU. (PR)

Read: Turkish Universities, Sindh Madressatul Islam University to collaborate in Higher Education

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Karachi, Sindh

The Sindhi Shagrid Tahreek (SST) has announced a historic month-long protest movement titled “Save Education, Save Sindh”, aimed at addressing critical social and educational injustices plaguing the province.

The Sindhi Shagrid Tahreek (SST) is the student wing of Awami Tahreek, a Marxist-Leninist-Maoist political party in Sindh, Pakistan, founded by the dynamic leader Rasool Bux Palijo. The party, headquartered in Hyderabad, advocates for social justice and progressive political ideology in the region.

This decision was taken during a meeting chaired by SST Central President Naveed Abbas Kalhoro, with participation of other leaders including Awami Tehreek’s Social Media Secretary, Izhar Daudpoto.

The campaign, scheduled from December 1 to December 31, 2024, aims to highlight and combat pressing issues such as:

* Encroachments on the Indus River and the adverse effects on Sindh’s water resources.

* The increasing dominance of corporate farming, which threatens the livelihoods of local farmers.

* The lack of libraries and public point buses, which undermines educational access and student mobility.

* The leakage of MD-CAT exam papers, compromising the integrity of medical education.

* Widespread drug abuse among youth.

* The unavailability of sports grounds, which limits opportunities for physical development and recreation.

SST has decided to hold protests across all districts and talukas of Sindh, starting with District Badin. The detailed schedule for District Badin protests is as follows:

* Dehi Town: December 6, led by Suresh Bheel, Kailash, and Akash.

* Korwah: December 10, led by Jameel Sarang.

* Kario Ghanwar: December 12, led by Dildar and Gulzar.

* Rajo Khanani: December 14, led by Rasheed and Suresh Bheel.

* Golarchi: December 15, led by Dildar, Jameel, Sajid, and Shahzad.

* Budho Qambrani: December 17, led by Suresh, Kailash, and Nadir.

* Tando Bago: December 18, led by Rasheed, Sagar, and Asghar.

* Dumbalo: December 20, led by Dildar and Gulzar.

The “Save Education, Save Sindh” movement represents a unified stand against the systemic challenges Sindh faces today. The SST believes these issues are not just a hindrance to individual progress but a collective crisis that demands immediate attention and action.

President Naveed Abbas Kalhoro emphasized the movement’s broader goal: “This is more than a protest; it’s a call for justice. Sindh’s youth deserve access to quality education, a drug-free environment, and spaces for intellectual and physical growth. This movement aims to unite communities across the province and ensure these issues are brought to the forefront of public and governmental attention.”

Read – Anti-Sindh Federal Projects: Sindh Rises Against Injustice

“The SST invites students, educators, activists, and all citizens of Sindh to join hands in this movement and stand in solidarity for the betterment of education and the future of Sindh. Through consistent and collective efforts, the movement seeks to bring sustainable change and address the root causes of these issues,” SST press release said on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by Aitezaz Gaincho, Ali Raza Jalbani, Manzoor Sodhar, Jameel Mallah, Mukhtiar Gaincho, Habib Khoso, Ghulam Ali Zaor, Ayaz Saleh Palijo, Kabir Bheel, Dildar Nohani, Nauroze Kalmaty, Qayoom Talpur, Amjad Sargani, Sami Abro, Lo Lakhani, Sarmad Moraiyo, Naveed Jan Khasakheli, Rasheed Halipoto, Sikandar Kandhani, Dildar Detho, Sarmad Khushhal, Saddam Bapar, Hameed Inquilabi, Atif Mallah, Altaf Mahesar, and Zain Jatoi. (PR)

Read – Historic Rally in Karachi: A Salute to Sindhiani Tahreek

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The post SST Launches Month-Long ‘Save Education, Save Sindh’ Protest Movement first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Turkish envoy also assured support for ‘Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi Chair’ to be established by SMIU

Karachi, Sindh

Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu has agreed to collaborate with various academic departments of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), specially the Departments of Business Administration, Artificial Intelligence, Media and Communication Studies and Social and Development Studies.

Dr. Irfan Neziroglu also assured that they will support Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi Chair to be established by SMIU at its City Campus and said that they shall make it possible to get it affiliated with the Selçuk University and other universities of Konya.

The Turkish Ambassador gave such assurance during a meeting with Vice Chancellor of SMIU Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai here on Thursday November 21, 2024. The Ambassador visited the SMIU City Campus along with Turkish Consul General in Karachi Mr. Cemal Sangu where he held meeting with the Vice Chancellor.

They discussed various matters including research, higher education, mysticism and possible ways to establish collaboration between Sindh Madressatul Islam University and universities of Turkiye.

Dr. Irfan Neziroglu praised the services of Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi, founder of Sindh Madressatul Islam, for introducing modern education in the region and his friendly ties with Turkiye during the period of Ottoman Empire.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai thanked Dr. Irfan Neziroglu and Mr. Cemal Sangu for offering cooperation in the fields of research and higher education.

He said we proudly say that founder of Sindh Madressatul Islam Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi had close relations with Turkiye in the days of Ottoman Empire and he was nominated as a Consul General of Turkiye in Karachi in the end of the 19th century. He further said that Hassanally Effendi had also supported Ottoman Empire in its war with Russia by providing them necessary things.

Vice Chancellor told the Turkish envoys that in the near future SMIU is going to build a new building, where a floor will be reserved for establishment of Maulana Rumi Chair and Hassanally Effendi Museum. The Turkish Ambassador said that the Government of Turkiye will also support the said project.

Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai presented a souvenir to the guest. Later, Turkish Ambassador and Consul General visited Jinnah Museum where they showed their keen interest in the relics of founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi. (PR)

Read: Kosovo Artist Conducts Virtual Theater Workshop in Karachi

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[Dr. Dariusz Pacak, an eminent author based in Vienna, writes a letter to Nasir Aijaz, Chief Editor Sindh Courier, sharing his views about the world of the reality – of the reason, thinking, system, visions, arrogance and stupidity – About the poorest and abhorrent (mentally) structure on this Planet (when stays under the influence of power of the Dark Side of Existence), and most fascinating, if deeded in the image and likeness of God, about the human creature]

Dear Nasir!

Thank you from the whole my heart for shared publication! You have worked a lot and seriously. Published by you literary material contains true only and is full of meanings.

How can I share my thanks with you?

I don’t want say too much, but it seems that maybe in not close future I will decide to drive by car to Pakistan… It will be the next “travel of the life”…. Visiting you and Karachi will be priority on that possibly way. But now this idea is a dream only. Hard times here, where I live. Everything going down.

I know that you have enough pages to read at your work…  But I think, you as publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Sindh Courier should know what is hidden in your current publication on Homo Viator… I suppose, your mind is full of knowledge, how cruel, and dangerous literary way can be… and was always…

As the experience shows, it is bad for you, if you are one step before others… or if you are brave enough to be able to speak the Truth, or your message shines like not from the human world, because you are talented, or merciful God “touched you with his finger” during the moment of your literary creation, or you were just mad that time- out of this world, and same time strong enough to be able to return to our human vision of the world finally, world of human mud, stupidity, smallness, arrogance, wars, and of beauty, love, humbleness, friendship, faith, humanity and miracles.

But that everything could be not seen positively by others. They could be jealous or even hate you. They can excluded you from the group, society. They can close all your ways, or even kill your life, or you. They can close you at the jail or in the Psychiatric Hospital. But in fact you are led by God, not by small minded people. So your survival is possible, if you are enough strong, if your faith is real and your talent enormous… You know probably the examples of Alexander Solschenizyn, Liu Xiaobo, Mihai Eminescu and others.

And what about the visions of Rishi Tagore? Is he really the enemy of beautiful Quran, or just a visionary mind led by love to the boundary free existence of the God? Real understanding of the true values is so had…

According to the lives above I would like to point that on my low and small level of life, have similar to them but a small life problems, as small my existence is.

Homo Viator as a piece of magical realism, is the book in which I try to find the highest level of existence possibly to reach by human, opposite to the common style used today. I am not accepted by my literary Diaspora. I point out in the book many ugly levels in the life of several nations and the existence of the state, try to find answers for seen today different forms of slavery called “democracy”, asking of the political role of the Church instead of its religious service, etc. And everything in the terms and conditions included in published by you essay “NEEDED HARMONY BETWEEN SECULARISM AND RELIGION”. It means: in the form of the walk / travel/ across the centuries, civilizations, systems, points of view, bloody experiences, death, mass crimes, and totalitarians…. In focus of the autobiographical base, but free from the author’s individual opinion. I put just a mirror of human being existing today and at the past, and show the one of the many possibly unusual ways of mental transformation for the humankind, to stay TRUE in possibly REALITY (on the base that “at the beginning” we were thrown away from the Paradise) without wars, hate, greed, manipulations,… where the consumers (Homo “POST- Sapiens”) become human again, but like our ancestors: Homo Sapiens from the Paradise. This book is absolutely (!) piece of art, and it doesn’t belong to the political or religious essayistic! So, dialog there is more or less safe for the both sides: author and reader. However the truth hurts! Pretty naive work. But… it hurts…

At first, I put here the historical background, since the II WW in Europe, Hitler’s Nazi and Soviet Russia occupation, role of the England, situation of Poland, influence of Nazism and communism today, impact of members of the secret services, until today, also in literary world. It is almost five pages long  explanation…thriller and crime story covered by the decades of years, almost forgotten but not explained: the dark sides of the human existence… But I am not sure if you are familiar with the moral dirt and mass-crimes done by Bolsheviks and so called free Western World at the past… what I finally removed from this letter. That everything has strong influence on the shape of the human inner construction, in so called “world of democracy”, today.  And these hidden historical facts are ground for my present being and for the Homo Viator.

Knowledge and wisdom do not sit well on the literary path.  It can be “too difficult” to many. Awareness that someone knows about your sordid past, that you have nothing to say in literary creativity, truthfully, does not reassure you. You remain nervous. You play a role, another role, appropriate for today, good for you. You know, that I someone sees your professional futility. You have a good life: you are university professor, a writer or a businessmen. You form “associations” to help yourself and friends just like you to stay safe. Of course, you are afraid of words of truth. You end up attacking… This is not pleasant for the observant, filled with knowledge of the fact.

Maybe I shouldn’t expect more today, after the German and Russian crime done on the Polish intelligence at the past, and after decades of Bolshevik’s indoctrination… I still hid the huge world from you, maybe unknown you, alive and terrible under the curtain: something what isn’t visible in manipulated side of the daily vision. True dimensions of the current human deeds, real power of the bad deeds, sometimes are discovered after many years, for the next generations. But new generations mostly are not interested in the past. They, as created today, don’t think about how yesterday affects my today and me.  Homo Viator somehow tries to point: running to the future you should same time explore the past. And that isn’t welcomed by many representatives of the old generations, who have something to hide.

Living as an awardee of the Bright Side of Existence with the destiny of a stranger, not devoted to the one field of earth, one nation, one vision of possible reality, but rather a citizen of the Planet, adhering to a kaleidoscope  of traditions, I  am able to explain you the price of all this, only. Please don’t put me the question, where directly is placed my home.

Now, I think, you can get a little better insight into the circumstances (or just their shadow) of the steps on the way leading to the Parnassus* of Arts. You know that published on the pages of Sindh Courier sentences have huge power and real meaning! You see that, with your huge mind!

In this light, THANK YOU, Nasir, a hundredfold, for your understanding and respect you have shown for my thought, my education, Love, and experience!

I send you a Blessing.

Dariusz

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Dariusz Pacak is a poet & essayist, settled in Austria. He holds MFA Degree in Art (Poland 1998). Professional Studies (Austria 2000). Hon. Doctor Degree of Literature (USA 2011). Member of World Academy of Arts and Culture (USA), Union of Polish Writers Abroad (Great Britain), Maison Naaman pour la Culture (Lebanon), Association of the Romanian Writes in North America (Canada), World Nations Writers’ Union, (Kazakhstan), IG Autorinnen Autoren (Austria), etc. Authored books: Birds of Emanations (2001), In Shattered Course of Things (2003), The House of the Golden Fleece (2004), The Seasons (2006). Homo Viator (2018, 2021). Worldwide awarded, published in 14 languages. Author of the over 380 worldwide publications in literary magazines, anthologies and on web. He deals with the axioms of tradition, religion, socio-political systems, the diversity of the norms of human existence and in creations of realities, and beyond of the human dimensions, the transgression towards mysticism.

* A mountain in central Greece where (according to Greek mythology) the Muses lived; known as the mythological home of music and poetry

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