Showing posts with label essays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label essays. Show all posts
48 years ago, the Indian Army crossed Wagah border at 4 a.m. on 6th September and unleashed an undeclared war against Pakistan. It was an all out war both in territorial expanse and the mass of resources. Everything was committed to annihilate Pakistan once and for all but Pakistan armed forces frustrated their designs. Courage and valor demonstrated by the brave hearts for the defence of motherland against extremely heavy odds are unparalleled. In memory of their supreme sacrifices, Defence Day of Pakistan is celebrated with great fervor on every 6th September. Special functions are held and wreaths are laid on the graves of Shaheeds who were awarded highest gallantry awards. Chivalries of Ghazis are recalled and prayers are offered for all those who sacrificed their lives for our prosperous tomorrow.

It will be worthwhile to recount the circumstances which led to 1965 Indo-Pakistan war. Conflict between India and Pakistan is rooted in the events and episodes preceding the creation of Pakistan in 1947. Viewing it on narrow communal grounds is indeed communal in itself. For sure, it has been a contest between two contending ideologies and opposing socio-religious creeds.

Indian elite cannot reconcile to the historical fact that united India remained under the effective rule of Muslims for well over 1000 years starting from 712 AD when Muhammad bin Qasim annexed Sindh and made it an integral province of Omayyad’s kingdom. While the low caste Hindus, Buddhists and Jains suffering under the oppressive yoke of Hindu Brahmans welcomed the new rulers who were just and benign, the high caste Hindus hated the Muslims and dubbed them as aliens and impure.

When the British after establishing strong foothold in Bengal in 1757 gradually overpowered India, Brahmans hastened to get aligned with the new masters and both worked hand-in-glove to bring down the fortunes of the Muslims.  In a matter of fifty years, Muslims were reduced from lords to serfs and the Hindus emerged as the new elite class.

Sir Sayad Ahmad Khan came to the rescue of the utterly disillusioned Muslims wandering in apathy and not only raised the slogan of two-nation theory but also motivated the Muslims to get educated. Establishment of Aligarh University helped the Muslims in acquiring higher education. Allama Iqbal who stirred the Muslims through his inspiring poetry and instilled in them greater confidence revealed his dream of a separate homeland for the Muslims in his famous Allahabad address in 1930.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah after assessing that inflexible ruling Congress was unprepared to grant basic constitutional rights to the Muslims, the single largest community in India, and were treating them as second rated citizens, he united the Muslims under the banner of All India Muslim League in 1937. Lahore resolution on March 23, 1940 set the stage for making of Pakistan and from that time onwards there was no looking back. The whole country resounded with the slogans of ‘Pakistan ka matlab kia, la-illaha-illallah’.

Hindu leaders in connivance with the then Viceroy Lord Mountbatten tried their best to dissuade Quaid-e-Azam from his goal of making Pakistan but failed because of his unwavering will and steadfastness.  Pakistan came on the map of the world on August 14, 1947 after rendering huge sacrifices. Partition of the Subcontinent and consequent creation of Pakistan was yet another event that widened the gulf between the two nations and properly put India on the path to unending animosity and antagonism apropos Pakistan.

Not reconciling to the existence of Pakistan, breakup of Pakistan both through kinetic and non-kinetic means became an inalienable part of India’s national pursuits and purpose. Pakistan, thus, emerged as a major preoccupation for India’s foreign and defence policy. This had brought both nations to the battlefield of Kashmir immediately after partition, when Pakistan virtually had no armed forces worth the name and was not even an established polity.

Yet, people of Pakistan stood to their feet and were able to liberate significant chunks of occupied land in form of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. This was the first section in the string of the struggle after the creation of Pakistan against the Indian ideology, which had transformed into a sort of expansionism.

Ever since, Kashmir has become the bone of contention between India and Pakistan. India claims that Kashmir is its Atoot Ang, Pakistan maintains that Kashmir is its jugular vein. Despite so many UNSC resolutions and so many proposals made by UN appointed mediators, India refused to honor its pledge of giving the right of self-determination to Kashmiris and holding a plebiscite under UN supervision.

It was owing to India’s uncompromising and stubborn attitude that Pakistan was forced to launch operation Gibraltar in August 1965, using Azad Kashmir Mujahideen with a view to creating conditions for a guerrilla war followed by mass uprising and thus forcing India to settle the dispute in accordance with UN resolutions. Humiliating defeat suffered by Indian military against Chinese in 1962 conflict and Pakistan Army’s success in Khem Karan in April 1965 were at the back of the minds of our policy makers.

Although the 7000 strong force managed to infiltrate on a wide front undetected, it ran into grave difficulties since the operation had been launched in haste without adequate preparations and without preparing Kashmiris in occupied Kashmir to wage an armed struggle against occupation forces. Once Indian Army started attacking positions across the ceasefire line in retaliation, Operation Grand Slam was launched on 0I September through Chamb Valley.

After establishing bridgehead across River Tawi, Chamb was captured on 2 September. The force was well-geared to launch a deeper manoeuvre to capture Akhnur which in that point of time was defenseless, but at that critical stage when victory lay within grasping reach, the change of command brought operational pause and gave time to Indian forces to regain balance for the defence of Akhnur. Maj Gen Akhtar Malik who had conceived the whole plan was replaced by Maj Gen Yahya Khan. The new commander preferred to capture Jaurian first, which was captured on 5 September. Although lot of time had been wasted, still, had Yahya pursued the retreating enemy faster, Akhnur could have fallen by the evening of 5 September, giving us options to exploit towards Rajauri, or Jammu and cut off main supply line from India! In that case, India may not have ventured to attack Pakistan the next morning. Outbreak of war on 6 September grounded Operation Grand Slam, since security of Pakistan took precedence over Kashmir.

Even while forces of the two countries were at brawl with each other in Kashmir, it was implicitly understood that the war would remain limited to Kashmir, the disputed territory, and would not transcend to established international border as had happened in 1948. Finding itself in a precarious situation in Kashmir, Indian military launched an all out offensive on 6 September without declaring war. Their first target was Lahore which was attacked with a Corps plus size force from three directions. Indian Army chief Gen JN Chowdhri was so sure of victory that he bragged that he will have his breakfast in Lahore Gymkhana Club next morning.

Although taken by complete surprise, Pak armed forces sprang into action. Soul stirring address to the nation by Field Marshal Ayub Khan acted as a tonic and the whole nation stood behind Pak military like a rock. Civil citizenry, at a number of places, tried to force its way to the borders to wrestle with the advancing Indian forces. Most of them were either bare-handed or at best equipped with their hunting shot-guns. The nation stood to the occasion to defend the state, which bound various ethnicities like beads of a cord together. Bengali officers and men fought as bravely as others and many laid down their lives for the defence of motherland. People of East Pakistan raised anti-India slogans and collected funds for war effort. Nonetheless, it was the weapon of spirit and character that they were equipped with, something that indeed overwhelmed the numerical superiority enjoyed by India due to its size and thus resources.

For next 17 days, the two sides remained locked in mortal combat; India wanting to decimate Pak forces and the latter determined to throw out three-time superior aggressor. The offensive against Lahore was blunted by the extraordinary grit and determination displayed by all ranks particularly young officers, including the heroism of Maj Aziz Bhatti Shaheed whose Company repulsed repeated attacks. He was awarded Nishan-e-Haider.

Once the offensive was stalled, Pak Army launched a counter offensive with 1 Armoured Division and 7 Division and captured Khem Karan. When our forces were poised to advance towards Amritsar and Indian forces including their Army chief were in panic, at that stage Indian military sprung another surprise by launching its main offensive opposite Sialkot sector. Offensive in Khem Karan sector had to be called off and 1 Armoured Division rushed towards Sialkot to regain strategic balance.

Biggest tank battle after 2nd world war took place in the triangle formed by Badiana-Chawinda-Pasrur. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, the attack was halted inflicting astronomical casualties upon Indian tanks, soldiers and jets. 180 tanks were knocked down in that do-or-die battle of Chawinda. Their losses were so huge that it took the steam out of Indian offensive and on 20 September, India started pleading for ceasefire.

Pak Army had held its ground and repulsed multi-pronged offensives while the PAF crippled Indian air force. Indian air force had 5:1 air superiority over PAF but at the outset all forward Indian airbases were successfully struck by PAF.  Pakistani pilots were matchless in air-to-air combat. Squadron Leader MM Alam single-handed shot down six Indian intruding jets. Pak Navy didn’t lag behind and added a feather in her cap by launching Operation Somnath and destroying Indian naval important surveillance centre at Dwarka. Lone Ghazi submarine kept the Indian Navy terrified and bottled up.

Pakistan had a definite edge when the UN arranged a ceasefire on 22rd September. Its strategic reserves were in a position to destroy the enemy forces stranded in Ravi-Chenab corridor and take the battle inside Indian Territory. PAF had achieved air superiority and so had Pak Navy maintained her unchallenged supremacy at sea. The test was over in about seventeen days. The nation stood victorious. It was Pakistan’s ‘finest hour’.

The entire world was stunned over the success attained by Pakistan as a nation. Pakistan’s military victory over India in the war of 1965 was acknowledged from all pertinent quarters including independent international observers. India, said the London Daily Times, “India is being soundly beaten by a nation which is outnumbered by four and a half to one in population and three to one in size of armed forces”. Louis Karrar wrote in Times,”Who can defeat a nation which knows how to play hide and seek with death”?

Newsweek Pakistan noted in its 16 September 2010 issue that ‘a hard-nerve nation alone can win such a struggle, and Pakistani is undoubtedly hard in nerves and spirit’. It added, ‘despite crises Pakistan is the bravest nation in the world’. In the words of Anatol Lieven, the author of ‘Pakistan: A Hard Country’, Pakistan is “in many ways surprisingly tough and resilient as a state and a society” and that “Pakistan is quite simply far more important to the region, the West and the world than is Afghanistan: a statement which is a matter not of sentiment but of mathematics.”

R.D Pradhan who was an insider in the war writes in his book ‘1965 War: The inside Story’ described the cowardice of Maj Gen Niranjan Prasad, the Indian General who attacked Lahore. ‘When Pakistan defence forces counter attacked the intruding Indian military and the General fired upon on 6 September, he ran away. He was found by Lt Gen Harbakhsh Singh hiding in a sugar cane field.’

Lt Gen Harbakhsh Singh, Commander Western Command  notes in his book War Despatches  that not only “did Indian COAS Gen Chowdhri play a small role in the entire campaign, he was so nervous as to be on the verge of losing half of Punjab to Pakistan, including the city of Amritsar.” He added, “Chowdhri panicked so badly he ordered him to withdraw to a new defensive line behind the Beas, thereby conceding half of Punjab to Pakistan.” Harbakhsh saved the day for India by refusing to withdraw.

R.D. Pradhan also confirms that “Gen Chowdhri feared that a major battle west of Beas would have ended in destruction of Indian Army and thereafter allowing the enemy (Pakistani) forces to push to the gates of Delhi without much resistance. In panic he ordered all forces to withdraw across River Beas.”

The London Daily Mirror reported in 1965: “There is smell of death in the burning Pakistan sun. For it was here that India’s attacking forces came to a dead stop. During the night they threw in every reinforcement they could find. But wave after wave of attacks were repulsed by the Pakistanis.”

USA Aviation Week December 1968 Issue commented: “For the PAF, the 1965 war was as climatic as the Israeli victory over the Arabs in 1967. A further similarity was that India air power had 5:1 numerical superiority at the start of the conflict. Unlike the Middle East conflict, the Pakistani air victory was achieved to a large degree by air-to-air combat rather than on ground. But it was as absolute as that attained by Israel.”

Our armed forces which are among the best in the world are up against internal insurgencies and external threats. Despite their heavy involvement in war on terror, they continue to hone their weapons and remain ever vigilant to take on the external challenges squarely. We as a nation beset with myriad of problems must shun our differences and get united to make Pakistan strong and face the conspiracies of our adversaries scheming to undo Pakistan conjointly. We must never forget the age-old adage that ‘united we stand, divided we fall’. Unity and consolidated home front is the best defence. We just need to bring back the spirit of 1965, a déjà vu that the Pakistan of 21st century earnestly needs and constantly looks for.

A day before an examination is interesting in many ways. On this day the examines are in Some particular mood. Most of the examines heart throb. Everyone is in a state of uncertainty as to what would Come in the examination, which everyone tries his best to prepare himself as one can.

The candidates for the examination put heart and soul in their studies. They prepare the subject in which they arc to take rest the next day. Preparing the questions, notes and points of important questions is the work of all the examinees. A bundle of books are read by the examinees in order to get good marks in the examination, but even then they are not so sure about their success.

The parents of the examinees take care of them. Everyone wishes success for them in the examination. Examines are helped by all; everything is given ready made to them, so that, their time may not be wasted. During the night before the examination, much care is taken. They revise their courses and try to recollect the questions. They also make guesses. The study very carefully that night. They do not study up till late in the night because they want to have complete sleep, otherwise they may get confused in the examination hall.

Examinees who care Too much for their examination look upon everything with contempt. They do not like to cat anything, see anything or hear anything. Their minds become weary. Their mind become weary. To them, everything bears a sad look because they think of examination only. The examinees also set their paraphernalia of examination in order: a pen an inkpot and other necessary items are put in order. When they go to sleep at night, they set the alarm, so that they may get up at right time and make the necessary preparation.

Thus, a day before an examination is a day not of elevated spirits and delightful mood but it is a day when the mind remains disturbed and one does not feel like enjoying or taking pleasure. A melancholy mood prevails upon them.

No one in this world likes to be examined. Even Christ said, “Do not put mc to test”. It is this thing which makes the examinees a little sad, however, intelligent they may be.


I have my own views about becoming the Principal of my college. I feel that the principal of the college should also be elected from amongst the students. When we live in a democracy why should be deny this right to the students? There should be a students’ council elected by the students themselves. Every class should send its own representative. These class-representatives should form a Parliament. The Principal should be responsible to them. The students are never consulted in the appointment of the teachers. I shall ask a candidate to teach the class and the students will obverse his lesson. Only those teachers who can satisfy the students will be selected.

The students will look after the discipline and cleanliness in the college themselves. They will punish the late corners and tell their parents to send them in tune. One student from each class will be on duty. He will check the cleanliness of the students. He will also see to it that no one roams about the corridors. Another will be on duty in the reception hail. Me will attend to the visitors and the telephone calls.

There will be very few teaching periods. They will end before the recess. The students will take part in games, sports and co-curricular activities. They will make more use of the library, in fact, the teachers will guide them only in removing their difficulties. They will inspite us to read new books.

There will be no physical punishment. If a student miss-behaves, he will be suspended from the games and other activity periods. The clubs and societies will not be mere showpieces for the visitors. They will function actively and lay stress on self-Learning. Each and every student will have to take part in drama and group songs, I shall lay.


Dreams of the future are always more beautiful and charming than the realities today. As soon as I appeared in the matric examination I started thinking of free, independent and interesting life of the college. My elder brother used to tell me that life in a college is more a fun than a serious effort to get education. A college is a place for making friends and for chalking out program to go to the picture or to picnics. When ever the teachers talk of examinations and tests, strikes arc organized. This description of the college life was in sharp contrast to the schools life which I had seen for 12 years. So called discipline for the school had bored me and the attitude of teachers in making us to feel that they know everything upon earth had developed a positive hatred for the school life. That is why I was dreaming of the college life.

The first clay at the college was considered to be an important one because there used to be ragging in the college. The seniors would make the new corners to indulge in strange actions. So the seniors had worked out their own strategies and we had decided to act together. So as we entered the college we met a few seniors jots who were approaching us with an air of superiority. They asked us to stop but we paid no attention. I hey were larger in number so they made us to subdue immediately.Then they asked us to do strange things like singing ridiculous songs and doing monkey pranks. The sense of self-dignity in me did not allow me to act according to their wishes till they forced me to obey their orders. I felt a little humiliated but took it sportingly. Later on we came across a few more groups of the seniors but we were able to outwit them somehow or other.

We went to the lecture room and mistaking it for a school we observed some rules of decorum. As soon as the teacher entered we stood up and greeted him. But we found a strange smile on the face of the teacher and it made us to think that we have not acted properly. The teacher did not teach for some time and indulged in general gossip. It was quite amusing and there was no strain upon our mind- After some time we moved to another room and we waited there for near about 20 minutes but no teacher turned up. In fact it was a problem to know to which room were we to move. There was nobody to guide us and we were terribly afraid of asking the seniors. After the second bell somebody told us that the classes were over.

As soon as I moved out of the room I started thinking that in the colleges perhaps there is no regular teaching work. We also heard some of the seniors saying that their courses have not been finished and they do not know which books were to be studied by them. This made me think that school life was better where we were forced to work. The college seemed to have lost charm which I have been associating with the college life. The very first day of the college was a disappointing day because I did not believe in wasting time unnecessarily.

I had carried a few books with me but could not make use of them. Most of the seniors had neither pen nor paper with them. No one was talking of studies; they were talking of film heroes and heroines. They seemed to be more interested in fashions than in books- Some of them were smoking out their time in the canteen. AU this seemed quite odd.

We were supposed to attend only three periods; in one period the teacher gossiped whereas no teacher turned up during the other two I felt a bit bored. I felt that life at the college is all play and no work but that is also not good for a healthy outlook. Thus the first day at the college gave me a complete idea of the life over there. It is meaningless and uninteresting. At this age if person does not work one is bound to suffer throughout. This was lurking in my mind when I took crowded bus home.


The Pakistani students is likely to derive more advantage from the knowledge of English than from the knowledge of any other language. In the first place, be thereby gains access to the varied stores of a noble literature. The advantage of being able to read in the original the poetry of Milton and Shakespeare, the histories of Gibbon and Maculae, the novels of Scott, Thackeray and Dickens, and the philosophy of Mill, Darwin, and Herbert Spencer, is incalculable.

This language also gives the key to the latest scientific discoveries of the modern world. Every newly-found marvel of success, even if originally discovered on the European continent, is sure to be published with little delay in the pages of English and American works.

For the traveler and the man of business, no language is more useful than English, which is the mother-tongue of about a hundred million people, and is acquired for commercial and literary purposes by an immense number of foreigners. Indeed, the English language is known so widely over the surface of the globe, and is spreading so rapidly year by year: that it bids fair to become in the course of time a kind of universal language known and spoken all over the world.

Such are among the general advantages derived from the knowledge of English. But there are of course, special reasons why Pakistanis should master the language. As Pakistan was a part of the British Empire, English is the official language of this country, and only the very lowest posts in the service of government are open to those who are ignorant of it.English being the language of the law courts. Pakistani barristers and solicitors cannot succeed in the legal profession, unless they are able to speak it fluently, The great bulk of the foreign trade of Pakistan being with England, a knowledge of English is essential for all clerks in commercial offices and for those who engage in trade on their own account.

Finally English is becoming in Pakistan the common language of all educated men, whether their vernaculars be Punjabi or Urdu, so that the business of the national parties, at which representatives from different parts of Pakistan meet in council, has to be conducted in this language. Moreover CNN has made the whole world global village. America, being a super power, also uses English language. It will not be wrong to say that at present English is the language of the whole world.


Education Functions in relation to whole social milieu. Therefore its activities cannot be limited to providing only the background knowledge in the form of formal education alone. The one-school education constitutes an essential part of -the total education. In a developing country like ours even the willing and deserving-young boys and girls are not able to get school education due to strong economic and social constraints.

The idea of adult education therefore, is conceived to supplement the formal schooling by independent efforts in the later years of life. This problem has been engaging the attention of a large number of countries. It includes the variety of needs and objectives of the people-educational as well as economic, social and cultural. The Adult Education Committee of Great Britain defines adult education to mean all the deliberate efforts by which men and women attempt to satisfy their thirst for knowledge, to equip themselves for their responsibilities as citizens find opportunities, for self expression.

The American Association for Adult Education mentions that the aim of adult education is to inspire grown ups to be something more than they are now and to go their work better than they do it now. Its beginning is wherever one finds oneself it ends only when ambition ceases to function. At its best it leads to richness of life, appreciation of what offers, greater satisfaction in the use of mind and body and better understanding of rights and duties of one’s fellow men.

In Denmark adult education means folk schools. It may be concluded therefore that it is a help to man and woman to: grow by themselves in life by acquiring knowledge and understanding new skills and altitudes towards various things arid objects. It is a voluntary work channelizing the energy of the people after formal school to creative work and harnessing their leisure tune usefully. It is non-compulsory as much as it can be accepted or rejected.

In Russia too, this problem was quite alarming. At the time of the great October Socialist Revolution, the three quarters of the population were illiterate and in the county side, illiteracy was even more rampant. So in December 1919 Lenin signed a decree by which entire illiterate population, in the age group of 8-50 years was obliged to study either Russian or any other native language. The Young Communist League started a movement “Likbez” (finish illiteracy) to combat illiteracy on war footing, hi 1928 about one lakh persons were deputed to the countryside to spread literacy. Adult Schools were set up. Similarly preparatory courses were introduced on the national basis, to prepare the working people for enrollment at institutes of higher learning. A four year elementary school education course ‘as adopted throughout the country. By 1934 compulsory seven year education was introduced in the cities making provisions, for the training of the teachers. The “work and study”, programme attracted the entire youth community of the Soviet Union, Within a short span of 20 years the country made a remarkable progress and 1939 census of the country recorded 8 1 per cent of the population between the age of 9 years and above had become literate. Now the country has cent per cent literacy.

In 1951, only 16.6 per cent of the population in Pakistan could read and write. The percentage went up to 29.45 in 1981. As still two third of the population is illiterate the government has given the highest priority to the National Adult Education programme. The programme envisages that 3:10 million illiterates in age group of 15-35 years should be made literate in the next eight years.

Literacy is essential for keeping our democracy alive. The entire population cannot participate actively in the political life of the country till literacy is prevalent among them. Literacy is a precondition for individual growth to give expression to inner urges for better social status, improved citizenship and enriched life.


Modem civilization is dominated by science and scientific development. As a result of it specialization in certain branches and industrialization have become the most important aspects of scientific development. it is because of this reason that technical education has been so much in demand. In the earlier days education was meant for the intellectual development of man and in some cases for spiritual cultivation. The main purpose of education was to discipline our emotions and discipline our thinking, and by doing so it made us tit for a proper type of social life. With the passing of tune education became broader in its embrace and more significant in organizing the society. A number of politicians made use of education for propagating their ideologies. For example, in Russia and China of yesterday some of the sayings of individuals were taught, in the schools and colleges. The young minds were stuffed with certain thoughts which suited their purpose. But nowadays education is becoming more and more job-oriented. That is why technical education is assuming greater importance.

Technical education makes us skilled so that we may be able to handle the machines properly. As has already been pointed out technical education makes us specialists in certain domains of life. There are a large number of jobs which cannot be properly performed till technical knowledge is acquired.

In a developing country like Pakistan technical education is very important. It is not possible to make industry the important basis of economy, as we have envisaged, without making arrangement for technical education. That is why a larger number of Technical Institutes and other engineering colleges cater to this type of education. In this respect one thing should be kept in mind that arrangements for absorbing technical men be made. Moreover industries should be set up even’ year. But this process cannot go on for all times to come. At one or the other stage they will have to reduce the number of those who get technical education so that there may not be unemployment among the technical people. It is generally said that technical men can never remain unemployed because they will have their own industries but it is true in theory only hi practice it needs a good market to sell the finished goods. It is not possible to provide these two things to all the technical men.

In one of the essays entitled “Useless knowledge” Russel tells us that technical education makes the people inhuman and purely objective. They look at the problem purely from the technical point of view and their thinking becomes cold and calculating. This is possibly one of the defects of technical education. We should always try to have a larger outlook, comprehensive thinking and humanitarian approach. For all this there should be liberal education also.

Technical education makes human beings machines but when U” is tampered with liberal education it becomes more wholesome and beneficial. Liberal education not only makes us to cultivate our affections but also develops our thinking. Apart from it technical education should be a part of training after completing education and should not be an education in itself.

Technical training is more or less practical whereas education is somewhat different from learning the skill.


Examinations in the field of education have become a source of fear for the examinees, a yardstick of teacher’s efficiency and also an essential part of the educational system, ft has been repeatedly emphasized that the system of examinations available in Pakistan is not foolproof. The educationists have not been able to find a suitable alternative to examinations; the internal assessment system has not been free from malpractices. Examinations in the field of education are very important because they determine the capability of the students as far as their intellectual make-up is concerned.

The examinees suffer a lot from psychological torture before the examinations, during the examination and after the examinations. A day before the examinations is quite troublesome. The examines think of questions and dream of questions still they feel that they have not been able to prepare properly for the examination. Everything seems to disappear from his memory. In front of the examination hail,, he is unnerved by the suggestions of in other students, some say that they have prepared all the questions thoroughly others think that certain questions are sure to be asked. These types of remarks and suggestions make them lose their confidence. During the examinations the eyes glance over the question paper hurriedly and if the question paper happens to be difficult drops of perspiration glisten on the forehead of the candidate. He looks here and there and asks for a glass of water. On the other hand if the question paper happens to be easy the candidate fails to decide which question he should do first. After the examination the examinees remain completely dissatisfied with their own work and calculate their marks almost daily. The more they think about the examinations the more nervous do they become. As the Judgment day comes and the result it out very few seem to be happy. Some complain of securing very low marks others remain dissatisfied.

It is some-what ridiculous to test the intelligence of the examinees within a period of three hours. There a possibility that an examinee has read so much that he may not be able to digest the material and present it conjointly, in this manner it is generally felt that the examination is not a true test of the intelligence of a candidate. More over the system of marking is not fool-proof.’ In other words it is not possible to be so objective in assessment as it is supposed to be in many cases the examiners arc different, so standard of marking is also somewhat different. Another defect in the present system of examinations is that the candidates totally depend upon the him of the paper setter it is left to the discretion of the paper setter to make a choice of the various questions from the prescribed syllabus. All of these factors go against impartiality which is supposed to be very important in education.

The system of examinations should be overhauled because without changes we may not develop the talents of the students. Now a days greater emphasis is laid upon mugging up facts without correlating them with the practical life. This simply means that the system of education is divorced from the day-today problems of life. The candidates should be given ample time to answer questions exhaustive and a general level of intelligence should be determined by some objective method. It has also been proposed that there should be open book system as far as examinations are concerned. It is based upon the presumption that only those who, know the subject will able to answer the questions properly, others cannot. Similarly another suggestion regarding the reforms in the examinations System is to have spaced assessment of the candidate. It is pursuance of this suggestion that semester system was introduced in some of the universities of Pakistan. But these reforms have not been able to work properly and it is still to be seen, when other reforms arc brought about in the system of examinations.


Sir Syed Ahmed Khan-Sir Syed Ahmad Khan is a well known personality among Pakistanis. His services to his community are very great, and the great Mohamedan Anglo-Oriental College at Alighar, which has now developed into a first class Residential University, is a standing monument to his patriotic efforts. He was a far-seeing statesman, a sincere lover of his community, and a very loyal citizen. His fellow—religionists cherish his memory with love and veneration, and as the fruits of his labour are gathered more and more, his claims on the gratitude of the people will grow stronger and stronger. He was a great man in the true sense.

He thought that English is very necessary for the development of the Muslims. He saw with the foresight of a seer the advantages of English education for the Mohamedans, and in the face of opposition from those whom he sought to benefit, he persevered in his efforts, and succeeded in raising the noble institution at Aligarh. ‘This great educational institution has done incalculable service to the Mohamedan community.

Ever since its establishment, it has been a centre of Muslim culture and enlightenment in India, and has attracted young men from all parts of the country, thus exercising a great unifying force for the community. The lines on which he conducted it show his practical sagacity and intimate acquaintance with the needs of his community. The College leaves a distinct impression on its alumni.

Sir Syed belonged to very noble and educated family. He was born in 1817. He joined Government ervice, and become a Subordinate Judge. During the Mutiny, lie rendered great help to the British Government.

He was an intellectual person and he had fine literary tastes and if he had not founded the Aligarh College, he would have been known as a great prose-writer. Even now, he has a place among the foremost literary men of his time. He was a member of the Legislative Council, and was knighted in recognition of his great sendees. He died in 1898. His perseverance his honesty, his singleness of purpose his fervent patriotism and his advanced and liberal views on religion and politics, mark him out as one of the greatest men of Subcontinent.

Islamic Democracy-The modern democratic state is a type of state which came into existence in 19th century largely as an effect of the French Revolution and the industrial Revolution of the absolute nation-state of 16th and the 17th century. But the Islamic state came into existence in the 7th century as an effect of the greatest Revolution of the world which was not only political and economic but also social and ethical.

Islam is a great religion and it has revolutionized every aspect of human life. So, Islamic democracy in its connotation in wider than western democracy. It means not only political equality but also social equality. In Islamic society all are equal. There is no class-divisions or distinctions of birth and social position. All members of the society enjoy equal status and position The only criterion of superiority in Islamic society is personal ability and character. Allah says: “O mankind! I created you out of a single pair of a male and a female. The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you. So according to Islam no one is superior except which are most pious and righteous.

In Islam the concept of human brotherhood and equality is vital and basic. The lowest of the low must have the same rights as the highest of the high the president of the Republic. The first effective endeavour of Islam to establish social equilibrium is its emphasis on equality. The Holy Prophet said:” All men are equal in their human rights”.

Even-one has got its equal rights of progress in Islamic society: the restricted scope for personal achievement is the hall—mark of Islamic society. Islam not only emphasizes social equality, but also bans such attitude amid activities as arc likely to disturb social harmony. Democracy in capitalistic countries grants simply equal political rights. So through manipulation of the non-restricted freedom, the capitalists make masses their wage-slave. It results in mocker) and force. All the wetilth and resources under a capitalistic democracy are concentrated in the hands of a few capitalists. They through their mone turn the state into the servant of their interests as against the interests of the general masses. This dangerous possibility is not expected to occur in the Islamic state.

In capitalistic society, money determines one’s place in society. This is against the spirit of Islam. In a true Islamic society no man can lord over others merely on the strength of a swollen purse. Islam cut the very root of the possibility of economic exploitation by prohibiting vested interest, hoarding, profiteering, by imposing Zakat and by declaring that all that is in the heaven and the earth belongs to God alone.

Islam ensures social justice and economic security for all by a comprehensive system of check and balances on the sources of income, the means of living and the avenues of expenditure. It thus acts as a pressurize check on the capitalistic tendencies and evils. Islam also enunciates its scheme of economic freedom and security through its scheme of equitable distribution of wealth and resources. It declares the state ownership of all natural resources.

Right to private property is not doubt recognized by Islam, but it is hedged round by salutary checks. Islam imposes heavy social responsibilities on the rich. There is a warning for serious punishment in store for those who abuse their riches to the detriment of society. It has declared that all authority belongs to Allah alone but even man, being. His’ representative Khalifa, is entitled to exercise that authority. No nobility, no priest has any discriminating privileges. Thus political equality or ‘rule of law’ of capitalistic democracy is also fully secured in Islam.

Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah-Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah was born in Karachi on the 25th December, 1876. His father, Jinnah Poonah, was a big merchant of Karachi. Mr. Poonjah wanted to give good education to his son and kept him away from business.

Mr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah received his early education in Karachi and Bombay. He passed his Entrance Examination in 1891. In his school days lie was very painstaking in his studies. He observed the rules of discipline. He was also very punctual in attendance. All these pointed to his future greatness. For his good qualities, he was very much loved by his teachers and fellow-students.

His father’s friend, Mr. Federick Croft, discovered signs of a great man in him. He advised his father to send him to England for higher studies. Accordingly Mr. Jinnah left for England in 1892.

Mr. Jinnah stayed in England for four years. He, here studied the ways of the English people. He was very much impressed to find that all of them, rich or poor, loved their motherland. There he came under the influence of a patriotic Pakistani. Dadabhoy Nooroji.

After having successfully finished his education. Mr. Jinnah returned to India in 1896. At that time his father’s business was not running well. So to earn money for the family, he started practice in Karachi. But he could not do well. He left Karachi and went to Bombay to try his luck there. Here, too his practice was dull for three years. At last, he accepted the service as Third Presidency Magistrate of Bombay. But he was confident that he would do well as a lawyer. So he gave up the service after some time and joined the bar. This time-fortune smiled on him. Within a short time he was recognised as a distinguished lawyer. His fame spread far and wide.

In 1905, Mr. Jinnah came in close contact with Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Mr. Gokhale was then the president of the Indian National Congress. Soon he became its most important leader. He was called the Ambassador of Hindu Muslim Unity. But he was disillusioned in 1930. For he then realised that the only object of the Congress was to establish Hindu’ rule in India. He, therefore, separated himself from the Congress. He devoted himself in organising the Muslims. His leadership kindled a new imagination among the frustrated Muslims. He created political consciousness among the Muslims of India. It was due to his guidance and leadership the Muslims regained their confidence. Each and every Muslim responded to his clarion call. And they with one voice demanded a separate homeland for them.

In 1940 the famous Pakistan Resolution was adopted, The struggle for Pakistan is a story of a continuous struggle against, a host of obstacles and it Was his guidance and leadership which provided us a but work of strength at these difficult times.

The creation of Pakistan was due to the untiring labour and of Quaid-i-Azam. He won Pakistan by his irrefutable arguments. He is called the “Father of the Nation”. For like a father, he acquired a homeland for us.

Though in shattered health, he had to accept the first Governor Generalship of Pakistan. He died in harness on the 11th September, 1948.

Religious Instruction-In educational institutions, only worldly education is imparted to the children, and its result is that the intellect is develop, and the more important part of man, the spirit, is neglected. This purely intellectual education makes man an atheist, and his idea are confined to the material world only. The higher world of the spirit — and there is no doubt even in this materialistic age, that such a world does exist — is entirely shut to them.

Religion is very important for our souls. So without religion,. there can be no secure foundation for, morals, either. Religion raises and ennobles man, and it should form an essential part of a Youngman’s education. In Pakistan, unfortunately, the circumstances are vary peculiar. There are so many religions here that it is not possible to teach them all in Our schools. The government has wisely adopted the policy of non-interference in the religions of the people and hence it is neutral in the matter of religious instruction. But all the same, the need of religious instruction is being greatly felt. It should to hand in hand with training in material science. Some moral instruction is given in material sciences. Some moral instruction is given is schools by means of readers and lectures, but that is not enough. In order to be of practical use it must be based on religion.

In denominational schools, started and maintained by the various religious communities the Brelvis, the Shias, the Ahl-i-Hadith. and the Christians, religious education is given according to the tents of the particular faith of that community which supports it. But this training is unfortunately imparted on narrow sectarian lines and has not succeeded in its object.

All religious training worth the name must be broad based on a spirit of toleration. The first principle which should be taught to every child is to respect the religious susceptibilities of others, and to honour the prophets of other religions. Mutual toleration and a broad-minded sympathy and respect for other faiths should be an essential part of religious instruction. Without it will degenerate into narrow sectarianism and foster bitterness and fanaticism. Let us teach young men the doctrines and practice of their religion, but let them imbibe the truly religious sprit which inculates universal love, and removes all hatred and narrow bigotry from the mind.

‘This religion that can give 
Sweetest pleasures which we live; 
This religion must supply 
Solid comforts when we die.

Islamic Culture-Culture means the cultivation and development of human mind. Islamic Cultures differs from other cultures. The aim of other cultures is to cultivate the mind of an individual or some group. Islamic Culture is the kind of Culture prescribed by Islam. It aims at nothing less than the success of mankind as a whole. The origin of Islamic Culture lies in the Holy Quran.

Islamic Culture is very different form other cultures in many ways. The salient features of Islamic culture are four.

Firstly Islamic Culture is universal in its aim and object. It does not aim at the progress of an individual or a group of individual. Its objective is the development of the whole race intellectually, spiritually socially and economically. It provides the guidance in both the words, material and spiritual.

Secondly, it is a practical religion. The teachings of Islam are practicable. Islam means to surrender to the will of God. It teaches and preaches to us in practical material, social and spiritual life. Islamic Culture has no place for those who only believe and do not act.

Thirdly Islamic Culture is rational. It appeals to men to use their reason. It does not prohibits its believers to shim the learning of worldly education. It does not maintain any distinction, between the religious education and secular education. In glorious days of Islam, the Muslims learned science subjects side by side Quran, Hadith and Fiqha.

Fourthly Islam gives a complete political and social system as alternative to other systems. It promotes brotherhood and equality. There is no priesthood in I slam. Every Muslim man and woman has been urged to Iearn knowledge. It promises peace and stability in their whole world.

The Muslims are backward today because they do not follow the principles of Islam, in true spirit. They regain their lost status in the world by following the tenets of Islam. Now they must awake and act upon the principles of Islam.

The Moharrum-Moharrum is the first month of Islamic calendar. It is very sacred and important month of the Muslims. It reminds us the great martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Holy Prophet at Karbala.

The whole story behind this martyrdom is that Yazid, the Caliph of Damascus, was an ambitious man and he did not like to see the direct descendants of the Holy Prophet clamming any rival position to him. He troubled Imam Hussain in many ways, till a war broke out which lasted a long time. Eventually. Imam Hussain died in the field of Karbala. He was kept without food and drink for several days, and this makes the tragedy he died hungry and thirsty.

As Hazrat Imam Hussian martyr at the 10th of Moharrum so the Festival of Moharrum lasts for ten days the festival lasts for ten days, in which the death of Imam, the hero is mournned by pious Muslim s. The sing funeral songs, elegies, lamenting the death of Hussain, and spend their time in weeping and wailing. Alms are distributed among the poor, and cold sweetened drinks are specially supplied to the thirsty.

Big processions of Taziahs are held on the 10th day. Taziahs are huge bamboo structures covered with coloured papers of various designs are carried in solemn procession through the town, and buried outside, where a big meal is held. Taziahs are sometimes made of wood and ivory, also, and are very costly. They represent the tomb of Imam Hussain at Karbla. I he procession is composed of mourners, who remembering the martyrdom of the holy hero, are Filled with great spiritual anguish. They revere the Taziahs or Taboots. The worshippers follow or precede these Taziahs repeating-in a very excited manner the name of “Hussain” (A.S). On the night of 10th Moharrum “Sham e Khareban” is held.

But there is also another side of the picture, and that is breakout of riots. These riots are results of religious fanaticism. Though the mourning in honour of Imam Hussain is observed by all sections of Muslims, yet the Taziahs are the symbols of worship only among the Shias. Quarrels break out among Shias and Sunnis, and Ahl-i-Hadith-Shias riots, also, occur in some places on those occasions.

People should learn religious toleration, and help one another in observing all religious ceremonies. Mutual concord and sympathy are very necessary for our national well-being. So we should co-operate with each other on various religious ceremonies.



A Scene at the Railway Station-The railway station is a very important place in every city. Here one can find people from all Sections of the society and all parts of the country. It definitely presents a highly colourful scene. The rich and the poor both can be seen in great hurry at the railway station. It is full of hustle and bustle. The big railway stations like Lahore and Karachi are full of great rush all the twenty four hours. People belonging to all castes, colours creeds and religions mingle freely on a railway station.

Last Sunday I went to the Wazirabad Junction Railway Station to see off my uncle who was going to. Karachi. We took a taxi and reached the station at 9.15 p.m. The Khyber Mail which goes to Karachi was to leave at 9.55 p.m. Therefore, we were well in time. Many taxies and scooter rickshaws were standing in systemic way outside the railway station. There were many traffic policemen to guide the incoming and outgoing vehicles. There was a great rush of passengers. Some were coming out as they had just arrived and were planning to go to their destinations, while others were hurrying to catch the train, as they were leaving the city for out station. We also met hundreds of coolies who were waiting for the passengers to carry their luggage to the compartments.

At the booking window also there was a great rush. All passengers were standing in long queues in front of the windows to purchase the railway tickets. Some policemen were also standing there to maintain order and keep an eye on anti-social elements like the pick-pockets and confidence tricksters. Many people were waiting outside the inquiry office to get certain information regarding the arrival and departure of trains. I hurriedly purchased a ticket for Karachi for my uncle and a platform ticker for myself. The coolie was carrying our luggage and reached Platform No. 12 from where the train was to leave.

As we tried to enter the gate a Railway Ticket Checker who was wearing a white uniform checked and punched our tickets. ‘There was a great crowd at the platforms. All passengers seemed to be in a hurry. There were so many stalls on the platforms. Some were selling light refreshments, while others sold latest magazines, newspapers, books etc. and some were selling fruit. The hawkers were also moving up and down the platforms selling their goods.

We went to a bookstall and my uncle purchased a few magazines to read during the night journey. There were so many magazines on the bookstall. On the platform we saw certain passengers waiting for their trains impatiently, while others were sitting on their luggage patiently. Some passengers were simply running about with anxious faces as they had not as yet got their reservations.

Some trains were waiting for the signals to move out of the platforms, while after every few minutes a train was steaming in. With passengers going and out of the station in their colourful dresses it looked as if it was a big fair. The trains which were leaving were fully packed and there was no room even for standing in the compartments.

There were many emotional scenes which one could see on the platforms. Some had come to see off their dear and near persons. Some had come to receive their relatives. When the train moved out of the platform one could sec many hands waving good bye to their friends and relatives.

Ultimately the Khyber Mail bound for Karachi also arrived on the platform. With great difficulty my uncle could get a seat. The train was fully packed, The passengers were pushing one another to enter the compartments first. There was a lot of noise, as everybody wanted to get into the compartment. Within a few minutes the train was fully packed. After sometime the guard whistled and also waved a green flag. Slowly the train started moving out and soon it picked up speed and was out of sight. The station now looked somewhat deserted. I came out, caught a bus and reached my home at 11 p.m.


Status of Women in Islam-Islam recognises the position of woman to be the same as that of man. It claims that both Come from the same essence.

In a woman we find three different personalities a mother, a wife and a daughter. The position of the mother is very much exalted in Islamic tradition. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has gone so for as to say. “Paradise lies underneath the feet of your mothers.” As regards the position of woman as wife, the saying of the Prophet (Peace by upon him) is categorical. “The best among you is the one who is best towards his family.” With regards to women as a daughter, the Islamic attitude cane be realized from the reproaches which the Holy Quran makes against the pagan pre-islamic behaviour at the birth of daughters.

The mutual relation of husband and wife is described in the Holy Quran as that of a single soul in two bodies. Islam describes the house as a unit in the greater organisation of a national as a whole. It speaks of husband as being “an administrator and supervisor over the people of the house” and the wife is described as “administrator of the house of her husband and children.” The home is thus described as a kingdom, where authority is exercised by both the husband and the wife.

Islam envisages a natural division of work between men and women. While man is best suited to fight and make his way through the thick and thin of life oil account of his stronger physique and other attributes, woman is entrusted with the onerous task of bringing up the younger generations because of the preponderance of the quality of love and compassion in her. This functional division of work does not mean that woman has entirely been excluded” from other kinds of activities.

So islam has clearly defined and determined the status of woman in society. According to the teachings of Islam men and women enjoy equal rights in our society but their social responsibilities and duties are different. Woman is the queen of her house. Her main and sacred duties arc to look after the domestic affairs, to bring up children with care, to educate the children and to act according to the wishes of her husband. However, Islam does not prevent the woman from serving in various social institutions. They may work as teachers, doctors, nurses etc. They may also lake, part in politics.

Thus we see that Islam has laid greater stress on the domestic duties of a woman. Our salvation lies in following the teachings of Islam. Therefore, we must abstain from copying the western culture blindly and must stick to our own Islamic culture as firm as possible.

A Mosque-Mosque is a place of worship for all the people. It is a very important building in the town or city, It is the centre of attraction for all. It stands for the embodiment the religious ten our of the people, and hence on such buildings neither money nor attention is spared to make them grand and noble. On auspicious days such places are thronged with people. Special prayers are offered on these days, or the people in gala dress gather together to offer players in a body.

As these places are very special they ought to be very carefully looked after. These places besides ministering to the religious needs of the people, also serve as a common meeting ground, and conduce to social and national solidarity. It is very essential that in mosques a clam an serene atmosphere should prevail, because it is only in such conditions that the true religious sprit can engendered. Mosques should be neat, clean and comfortable, where one may be able to hold communion with God undisturbed.

It is a pity that in Pakistan most of our mosques are far from being what they ought to be. Men in charge who should be models of piety and religious zeal are in most cases corrupt, and cases are on record, in which their diabolical deeds make one’s hair stand on end. These devils in human from ought not to be kept in such places at all: and very carefully supervisions on the part of the public is necessary to ensure the purity of such sacked places. The income and expenditure and management of these places should be entirely under public control Some Mosques are richly endowed, and the income’ is wasted in satisfying the low tastes of Maulvis and followers. Everyone should be aware of these persons and take care that Mosques funds be used for charity purposes.

Mosques are made for the prayer and when the large number of people gathered together at the time of prayer, they presents a very picturesque and spiritual scene. In Mosques great care is taken to make the place impressive and comfortable. Art is employed in such places in the service of religion, and this is the real function of art. From the religious places, you can judge of the aesthetic and artistic tastes of the people. There mosques must be kept clean and beautiful.

Compulsory Military Training in College-With the help of proper type of education it is possible to mould the character of the people according to the demands of the society. That is why education is given primary importance, whatever the form of the government may he. Stalin in Russia. Mao in China and Hitler in Germany made use of education for cultivating particular outlook. In order to make a country strong from the military point of view it is generally thought that the students at the college should be given compulsory military training so that they may be useful to the country at the time of need.

No country can afford to maintain a huge army because it involves heavy expenditures. That is why there is a tendency on the part of different government to keep a reserve force, quite familial with the war hut not regularly paid by the slate. If the college buys and girls are given military training they can help in defending the country if such an emergency arises. Otherwise also it is necessary for the people to have training in the use of arms because they can he of great help in fighting the anti-social clement.

By imparting military training we will be able to enforce discipline in the colleges and the schools. Now a days, the purpose of education is frustrated because of the indiscipline among the students. It is possible to foster discipline because by imparting military training we will be observing military discipline. Disciplined students will be able to pay more attention to their studies than to the activities which do not help the nation.

Military training will indirectly make the students patriotic in their outlook. While taking training they start thinking of the defence of their country so they feel more and more attached to their own nation. Some may think that patriotic feeling can he developed even by imparting proper type of education but this is a mistaken view because till the person develops the feeling himself it is not possible to impose that feeling Upon him.

Some people think that military education will make them warlike in-their thinking. A trained person is more concerned with the use of arms than the one who never got training, it is feared that the warlike tendencies among the People will be a greater danger to peace and prosperity of the nation. This is also Pakistan’s view. Training in handling arms gives confidence and it does not make the persons warlike. Those who indulge in-this type of thinking forget that training is for teaching them skill to handle arms and not for making them warlike. They fear the armed rebellion, but it can be checked by making them patriotic in their outlook.

The government has not taken any set in this direction. NCC training is also national and it is not imparted in a proper manner. The camps which are organised by the universities and colleges are more for the sake of publicity than anything else. More over the services of the trained people are not utilised at any stage of their life. In some of the universities science is one of the subjects. But that too is more or less theoretical. Pakistan may have to face India at any time but at the same time she cannot afford to maintain a huge army, so the only alternative is to maintain reserve force by training the young people in the country.

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