WHITE PALACE, MARGHAZAR VALLEY SWAT

WHITE PALACE, MARGHAZAR VALLEY SWAT

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

           When you travel 13km southward from Saidu Sharif, a beautiful lush green Valley of Marghazar welcomes you. There is narrow curly metalled road running among lofty mountains, trees laden with fruits and unique houses of mud and stone. This greenery of gorgeous landscape persuaded King of Swat Gul Abdul Wadood in 1935 to build a summer resort here. The King brought marble from Agra, bronze from Belgium and artisan from Turkey who not only designed it but also constructed it. Thus, in 1941, a beautiful palace of white stone was erected which was first named Swatti Taj Mahal, later Motti Mahal and now Sufed Mahal(White Palace). Then it was enriched with selective fauna and flora that made it mini zoo as well as mini botanical garden.

           When we, me and my family, reached near White Place, a beautiful lawn teeming with flowers laid on green carpeted grass offered welcome greeting. When we saw up the splendid White stone building saluted us and when turned out eyes still higher a sky high mountain hailed us. For a moment, a wave of ecstasy ran through entire body. In this state of trance, a voice: “Salam, there is lot more to see!” of Mr. Naveed Ahmad, broke the spell of enchantment. He further added: “I am Manager of the hotel”. After brief introduction from both sides, he showed us every inch of the palace. Mr. Naveed Ahmad Awan is permanent resident of Mianwali, did his BBA and Hotel Management Course from Manchester UK. Then the love of country took him back and has been working as Manager of White Palace for the last 10 years. Finding a golden opportunity, I started asking questions in an interview style.

         About the interior of Palace, he disclosed that there are 24 active spacious decorated rooms and started showing us the palace. First, we saw Royal Suite (ex-King’s bedroom) where once Queen Elizabeth also stayed for three day. There are two big conference halls where King Abdul Wadood used to hold cabinet meetings. There is a Noor Restaurant equipped with cooking facility of Chinese, continental and Pakistani food. There is King’s lobby to have beautiful view of the Garden Lawn. On the right side, there is a king’s Veranda to have a glimpse of swirling stream of water. The stream of water is not only cool but also pleasant in taste. Water seeps through different coloured stones to present a kaleidoscopic view.

              On the left side of palace is situated six-roomed Lord’s Block for the residence of ministers and advisors. From there we climbed stairs and reached eight-roomed Prince Block, it is totally enclave in tree and shrubs. Climbing further stairs, we reached twelve-roomed Queen’s block. King Abdul Wadood had two wives so he built this block in way that each wife got 3 rooms, 3 servant rooms and a separate lawn in her share. The counterpart portion of second wife is replica of the first one. In front of the lawn, there is single balcony with marble benches and table with engraved painting of grapes. From here, one can see a marvelous boulder mountain. On the top of mountain, there is a house with electricity available since 1941. It was amazing.

                About the material of White Palace, Mr.Naveed told that marble was imported from Jaypure India, the same quarry that supplied marble to the Taj Mahal Agra. Chuna (lime) is used as binding material in place of cement. It is so compact to be drilled. The height of ceiling is 30-35ft to give extra strength and ward off heat. Ceiling fans were imported and installed in 1941 and are still working.

             The king paid special attention toward roof construction. It has many layers; first bronze layer, deodar wood layer, lime layer, mud layer, again deodar wood layer and finally top layer of iron. This multilayered roof gives extra strength and keeps heat at a bay.

             In the meanwhile, we returned to lawn, where we saw a beautiful green coloured insect known as Ghana Kai(leaf beetle).Here Mr Naveed pointed towards a kachchi road(unmetalled road) on the east, leading to Koh-e-Elam; mountain of 10,000 ft height with thick forest, springs, meadows, etc. According to a tradition, Rama Chandra spent 14 years of his exile at mount Elam. It is said that Rama Takhat (seat of Rama) still exists in good condition. There is also a small pond. This mountain has Buddhist place of worship, church and mosque. It is considered sacred by the Buddhist and the Hindu. It is 4 hours trekking from the palace, horses are also available. Foreigners whenever stayed at White Palace, essentially visited Koh-e-Elam.

              Chinese travelers Fahein, Xuangzang and Sang Yun visited this mountain and used this very route. According to another tradition, Alexander the Great climbed to the top to hold Jopeer star (probably planet Jupiter). There are many small villages on the way to mountain, for example; Joghiano, Elam Kalay, Jauz, kodona, Biloo Khan, etc. There is famous flower “Namer” having size of rose. It is of red color and eatable. One person who has eaten this flower told it to be sweet in taste and has no seed. The Hindu regards this flower sacred. This mountain is also famous for hunting desert sheep, ibex, chikor (pheasant) and Murgh-e-Zarian(golden cock). On the other side of the mountain is the city of Buner.

            In a question regarding fauna and flora in White palace, Mr. Naveed told that there was a mini zoo containing pheasant, partridge, love bird, peacock, monkey, etc. During the flood of 2010, it was shifted to Islamabad and not yet returned. Here, he also informed that vulture in the area is facing extinction, dying of goiter due to eating dead animal of dairy form as they are vaccinated profusely. King of Swat planted apple, apricot, persimmon, plum, grapes, amlook, walnut, etc- fruits tree of all seasons so that he could eat them the entire year. Woody trees are deodar (Himalayan cedar), chinar, pine, poplar, dhreek(melia azadarach), wild kikar(acacia), bekana,  kathol (only present in white palace),etc.

           In question about the keen areas of tourist’s interest, Mr. Naveed said most people visit to see the building; some likes the noise of running water of stream and wind chime. Other likes bonfire; a famous event of White Palace especially in cold season.

           To a question about promotion of tourism, Mr. Naveed told, there is no tower of mobile in nearby vicinity so cell phone doesn’t work. Second, there has been no facility of internet since the flood. Now a day these two things have become part and parcel of our lives. So tourists get annoy and quit early.

             In a question about the ownership of white palace, Mr Naveed told, after the death of Mian Gul Wadood, Mian Asfand Yar of PML (N) became the owner but was martyred in 2007. Now a day Mian Gull Aurangzeb of PML (N) is the owner.

             About a question how much damage incurred in 2010 Flood, Mr. Naveed told, flood washed away the back side of palace having water bank, bridge, washrooms and a small lawn.

Water tank (reservoir) was not only a recreational spot but also a main source of clean drinking water. He further said in intermittent sentences; it rained for just four hours on 10^th July, 2010 and a huge torrent of water came that rose to 3 feet level in the palace… The American has “Harp technology” which creates waves under ocean… It may be activity of sabotage… After the flood, USA provided help in 2010-2011 for development of tourism, rehabilitation of economy and employment. USA AID poured but with a condition to provide informational data. I handed over entire data to them… We took blankets, television, refrigerator etc from Americans. Now they have data of all the area and what will they do? God knows better! We are worried at the moment as flood doesn’t seem a natural phenomenon!

         In a question about the dignitaries who paid visit to White Palace. He said Queen Elizabeth visited in 1961 and stayed here for three days as she discovered the deep tradition and history which surround the Swat Valley.

           Other includes Murtaza Bhutto, Pir Sabir Shah( ex-Chief Minister Khyber-Pukhtonkhwa), Abdul Aziz Mirza (ex-Chief of Naval Staff), justice Rana Baghwan Das, justice Javed Iqbal,    D K Mehta Indian commissioner, Mustansar Hussain Tarar and now you. I laughed, then we both, etc.

             Finally he escorted us to Parking area where king of Swat made a Visitor place. There were placed ortho benches of stone. They are cured in way, one who sits; they take off all the signs of weariness and tiredness. Then there is 200 year old colossal chinar tree, serving as canopy for the visitors.

               At the end we thanked him for his hospitality and information about white palace and adjoining area. He advised us to see the place while returning to Saidu Sharif. He said; at Mian Baba, there is a tomb of Hazrat Mian Baba, at Sappal bandi Sindya Baba tomb and a newly discovered stone having naturally inscribed name of Muhammad (PBUH).There are archeological remains at Bali Gram and Shana Sha. Also visit Salampure Village, it has hundreds of khadian (weaving machines) engaged in manufacturing of wool and silk cloth, blanket and Shawls. These products have countrywide good reputation. Then we offered parting greeting and departed. We followed his advice and visited almost all the suggested places.

          Marghazar, literal meaning greenland, is really so with green valleys, splendid mountains, pleasing atmosphere, cold water springs, fragrance of flowers, prettiness of hanging fruits,  etc. Its good looks are further enhanced by White Palace and the myths of mount Elam mystify it. A magnificent matchless meadow of Marghazar multiplied by mammoth, mystifying mountains and marvelous marble mansion—make mode of a man mellow.

             

BANE OF BOLDER BLASTING

BANE OF BOULDER BLASTING

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

                A prehistoric district of Chiniot is blessed with cultural diversity, archaeological remains, multifarious natural vegetation, pleasant atmosphere, mineral resources and a unique picturesque landscape comprising of sand dune, valley, plain, hill, river, etc.

                  But the blasting of stone which started in 3000 BC, is putting this significance of Chiniot district in jeopardy. It is a potent threat for human life and property, archaeological sites, natural forests, environmental condition, mineral resources and natural beauty of Chiniot–Chenabnagar area.

                  In the past, some people lost their lives, many sustained injuries, and several buildings got damaged and few factories faced occasional hammering due to showering of stones erupted from heavy blasting.

                  There was a watch-post on the hill near Octroi Post No.3 in the western boundary of Chenabnagar. There were inscriptions on stone wall of watch-post having strange figures and archaic words. This place of duty meant to watch the movement of invading troops of the enemies. Probably, the watchman, at his leisure time, made these pictures to kill time. The famous archaeologist Ahmad Hasan Danni visited this post in 90’s and stated that these inscriptions were of Hindu Shahi period. Ironically, the said pictographic-writings are lost as the post has been annihilated by blasting.

                  An American expert of raw material Randal Law disclosed that stone used in Harappa was actually taken from Chiniot Chenabnagar Hills. It means these hills had been excavating for stone since 3000 BC.

                  Luckily, some pictographic-writings are still carved on many parts of hills and have close resemblance with those, found at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro sites.

                 The forces of Raja Poras passed through these hills to fight with Alexander the Great in 327 BC. There were many graves, said to be of Raja Poras’ soldiers, and other remains in these mountainous area. Most are disappeared or forgotten by people.

                  It is reported that there was a minor seat of Nath Yogi clan in hills near Chiniot known as Ghoraknath Sathan  (probably near ‘Butt Wali Pahari’).Once Guru Ghoraknath visited this place in 12^th century. One of his disciples remained there till 1970.Afterward, the seat wiped out due to blasting or some other reason.

                 There was a natural forest of “phulai” on the northern side of hills near Octroi Post no3. Phulai (acacia modesta) is native species commonly referred as kikar. Its wood was used to make hands of tools and as a fuel. It control salinity and is drought resistant specie. Now this forest is totally obliterated due to movement of trucks, dumpers and tractor trolleys carrying stone and for some other reasons. Its extinction not only damaged natural habitat of animals and ecosystem but also marred folklores and folk songs that pivot around kikar. In the love story of Mirza-Sahiba, Mirza was sleeping on the bough of phulai (Kikar) when Sahiba hung his arrow bow on the twig of kikar….Then, there are many verses related to this specie. Like this mahia (two verse Punjabi poem).

          Munda rohi day kikar ton kala…

         Tay  payo noo pasand aa giya…

The “would be bridegroom” is as black as the kikar of Rohi still the father of “would be bride” selected him as her mate. Unfortunately we lost this jungle.  

                  In blasting of soft stone, mixtures of Sulphur, (S) Potassium nitrate (KNO₃) and Charcoal (C) is used. Blasters usually further add urea and diesel to enhance blast intensity. In blasting of hard stone, Dynamite is being used. Some   blasters use AMFO type explosive which contains Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄ NO₃) and furnace oil (Hydrocarbons of long carbon chain). Due to these blasts; carbon monoxide(CO), carbon dioxide(CO₂), Sulphur  dioxide(SO₂),nitric oxide(NO),nitrogen peroxide(NO₂),etc, are released in atmosphere thus causing serious air pollution. These gases cause “Acid Rain” and also create “Green House Effect” resulting in global warming. Furthermore, during blast atmosphere fills with dust and smoke particles which cause asthma, other pulmonary diseases, ophthalmia (inflammation of the eye) and released hydrocarbons have proved carcinogenic effect, even if they are present in traces. Blasts also create, “noise pollution”. Their roar is much higher than recommended 80 decibel.               

                  Due to blast, the detonation waves travel too far and disturb the natural balance of tectonic plates, with deformation of earth crust. Blast also create fissure in rock and earth crust. Thus meddling with divine equilibrium of Earth’s surface is not a prudent step. It could result in devastation. (God forbade). Thus, blasting poses serious environmental threats.

                  Mountains constitute Lithosphere, an important component of environment. The 99.5% mass of lithosphere is made of 11 elements which are oxygen (46.60%), Silicon(27.72%),Aluminium(8.13%),Iron(5.0%),Calcium(3.63%),Sodium(2.83%), Potassium(2.59%), Magnesium(2.09%) and Titanium, Hydrogen and Phosphorous(total less than 1%).

               The elements present in trace amount (0.1 to 0.02%)are Carbon,Maganese,Sulphur,Barium,Chlorine,Chromium,Fluorine,Zirconium, Nickel, Strontium and Vanadium. All above mentioned element are valuable and pricey.

                It is also said that these mountains contain rich percentage of gold. About 40 years back, there were small furnaces, in Factory Area Chenabnagar, to extract gold from the stones of these hills. Instead of using these stones for mineral excavation, we are using them for building purposes, thus we are losing rich mineral resources.

                 According to research of Physics Department of the Punjab University, radioactivity was detected in the houses of Chiniot and Chenabnagar that shows the presence of radioactive metals in these mountains. (All metal having atomic mass greater than 82 are radioactive). The radioactive metals are rare and very precious and are considered asset of a country.

                  According to a famous Archaeologist Muzaffar Ahmad, There is evidence of presence of Iron (Chromite -FeCr₂O_{4 –} a brownish black mineral with spinel structure used as a source of Chromium and Iron, etc.) from Burj Babul to Rajoa Sadaat. So these hills contain iron and Chromium. Thus we are sacrificing valuable metals to get less valuable material i.e.stone.

                  This chain of hills wards off the threat of flood. Whenever, the Chenab River is inundation and flood water comes out of the river basin, these hills put a natural embankment against torrent of water and save the populous cities of Chiniot and Chenabnager.

                    Furthermore, there is an aesthetic consideration also. The lofty lines of hills create a picturesque site and fascinate people. The princess Chandan was so enchanted to see the beauty of this area that she ordered construction of a city, now called Chiniot. The trance attained by seeing them is gradually diminishing due to this morbid blasting. The natural cosmetic of the area is at stake. Keats has rightly said:

     “Beauty is truth, truth beauty”,  that is all

     Ye know on earth,and all ye need to know.

                    Ex. DCO Chiniot Rana Tahir put hectic efforts to end or reduce blasting and a Chiniot based local organization also raised hue and cry to put an end to blasting. Thus, Blasting has been stopped apparently, but at few places it is still in work. It is the time to put a complete ban on blasting with no exception and the people connected with stone business must be provided alternate job opportunities, keeping in mind humanitarian considerations. Believe it benevolently and benignly because bread and butter and bonanza of bourgeoisie is basically more beneficial and befitting than beauty, botanical blessings and big bucks.

         

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ENDANGERED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF CHINIOT-CHENABNAGAR CHUNK OF COUNTRY

                ENDANGERED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF CHINIOT-CHENABNAGAR CHUNK OF COUNTRY

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

                  District Chiniot is a valuable place in historical perspective. Its oldest mention is found in the reign of Bhakta Prahlada as ‘Chanda-Kot’ in the religious book Bhagavata Purana. It is also stated in Rig Veda. Channiwat is said to have been mentioned in Ramayan and Al Beruni’s Kitab ul Hind. The Dravidians, Aryans, Iranian, Greeks, etc, passed through this route to reach central India. In a short, it remained a vital part of many civilizations, a state of many dynasties and a course of many invaders—all left their remains in one form or other. Ironically, we have lost most of them.

                  The etymology of its name has many traditions; first, it was mentioned in Bhakta  Prahlada  epoch as ‘Chanda-Kot’; second, about 3000 year ago, the Chinese used to come here for “silk trade”, Chay of word Chiniot is probably derived from the word China; third, Toraman ,the real founder of Hun dynasty, belonged to Chinioti clan, on conquering the area, he named it Chiniot; fourth, In 1391 AD , Channi, the sister of Machi Khan, conquered Chiniot after defeating and killing Sardar Mughali and named it ‘Channi- Oat’ which later changed to Chiniot; fifth, Hindu princes Chandan used to hunt near the Chenab river and was so entranced by the river side beauty that she ordered construction of a city which later inherited her name; sixth, Chiniot word is derived from Punjabi word chan and oat meaning moon and behind respectively, thus overall meaning becomes behind the moon; seventh, according to  Lakshami Narain, Chani Vet( Ajhan) was existed on the other side of the river on a little mound where is now chenabnager(called as Chak Dhigian in revenue record). Al-Beruni has written in Chani Vet commonly called as Ajhan was a famous school of Hindu where a special arrangement for religious studies was made. Thus one can say, the name of town was Chani Vet and the name of school was Ajhan, etc.

                   There was a check-post on the hill near Octroi Post No.3 in the western boundary of Chenabnagar. There were inscriptions on stone wall of check-Post having strange figures and archaic words. This place of duty meant to watch the movement of invading troops of the enemies. Probably, the watchman, at his leisure time, made these pictures to kill time. The famous archaeologist Ahmad Hasan Danni visited this post in 90’s and stated that these inscriptions were of Hindu Shahi period. This scribe along with Prof. Naseer Habib (UK) also visited this post and noted these figures in my note book. Now, the said post ceases to exit due to blasting work.

                 An American expert of raw material Randal Law disclosed that stone used in Harappa was actually taken from Chiniot Chenabnagar Hills. It means these hills had been blowing up for stone requirement since 3000 BC.

                 A pictographic-writings are still carved on many parts of hills and have close resemblance with the pictographic-writings found at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro sites.

                There was a natural forest of “phulai” on the northern side of hills near octroi post no3. Phulai (acacia modesta) is native species. Its wood was used to make hands of tools and as a fuel. It control salinity and is drought resistant specie. Now this forest is totally obliterated due to movement of trucks, dumpers and tractor trolleys carrying stone and for some other reasons. Its extinction not only damaged natural habitat of animals and ecosystem but also marred folklores and folk songs. In the love story of Mirza-Sahiba, Mirza was sleeping on the bough of phulai (Kikar) when Sahiba hung his arrow bow on the twig of kikar….Then, there are many verses related to this specie. Like this mahia (two verse Punjabi poem).

          Munda rohi day kikar ton kala…

         Tay  payo noo pasand aa giya…

The “would be bridegroom” is as black as the kikar of Rohi still the father of “would be bride” selected him as her mate. Unfortunately we lost this jungle.

                 Iranian king Darius invaded India in 516 BC and annexed Punjab, Sind, etc. So, Iranian traders started coming to this area and left the famous love story of “kima-malki”.  Kima was an Iranian trader who fell in love with a beautiful girl Malki of a butcher family. Their love affair went in full swing and its talk about came to the streets. The brothers of Malki felt dishonored, went in rage and killed the both. So, their love story became eternal. The above love story is often asked in CSS interview from the candidates of Chiniot-Chenabnagar area.

                  Chiniot, once known as Ajhan housed one of the three universities of the Punjab along with other two at Ajodhan and Taxila. According to Professor Lakshami Narain; “the Ajhan University was situated on the rocks on the bank of the Chenab River”. According to Dr Arshad Ahmad, the said university was situated on the right bank of the Chenab River where is now Chenabnagar. But now we find no traces. Another masterpiece of Chiniot archaeological heritage is Arthashashtra(an ancient Indian treatise on state craft, etc,) written by Chanakya(350-283 BC) who was the resident of Chiniot and de facto architect of Chandragupta Maurya Empire.  Maurya succeeded in conquering almost all of the Indian Continent and is considered the first unifier of India and its first genuine emperor. The man behind his marvelous achievement was a son of Chinioti soil. This extraordinary work preserved for being a book. Another person Chenak of chiniot, known for his bravery and valour, earned a place of minister in Chandragupta Maurya cabinet. He built many schools and temples in this area. At present, there are no relics of Chenak’s work.

                    The forces of Raja Poras went through these hills to fight with Alexander the Great in 327 BC. There were many graves, said to be of Raja Poras’ soldiers, and other remains in these mountainous area. Most are lost or forgotten by people.

           There is village Burj Babul on Sahiwal road Chenabnagar. There was once a burg (tower) built in connection with Babul Civilization. Now, it too has lost existence.

          There is a tribe of Kakkori whose forefathers were stone crusher. There were present in the belt from Pull 11, Ahmadnagar, Chenabnagar, Chiniot and Sangla hill. Alberuni who visited India ( between 1017-1048 AD) has mentioned a place “Mandi-Kakkor” near Lahore in his book Kitab ul Hind. Kakkor are probably kakkories which are mentioned earlier. So they were present up to Lahore. This tribe is now facing extinction.

                    It is reported about thousand years ago, there was an old state of Nehhri (literal meaning dusty storm) which extended from ‘Thatti Bala Raja’ to ‘Rajoa Sadaat’. The mound of Dharrangar (literal meaning frame of cot or some say the world is derived from ‘Dharram Ghar’) at Vinotiwala was the capital of Nehhri State. It is sure to erode in due course of time if not protected.

          The famous Takka Raja lived in this area. There are many stories of his cruelty. According a legend, a famine broke out during his reign. Everyone was starving except Takka Raja. People were dying everywhere. In this chaos of hunger and deaths, his starving sister came to him and asked for some flour. He said: “Take it from the millstone”. Then she started collecting the flour from grindstone and adjoining vicinity on her veil sheet and made a gathri (temporary pouch made from sheet). On seeing this Raja Tikka came near to him and snatched the flour pouch and ordered her to get lost. God enraged on this brutality and it paved the way for vengeance and divine retribution (Azaab) of God and his entire domain vanished. Some said, two rivers Chenab and Jhelum merged together and a colossal flood wiped off the sultanate of Takka Raja. Some said an earthquake did the damage. According to a famous Archaeologist Muzaffar Ahmad, he had analyzed the 0.5 feet thick layer of earthquake deposit in the area and found it archaeological age to be of 1000 year old. So Takka Raja probably had lived in Kushan Period. He further told that Chinese traveler has mentioned ‘Takka Dais’ somewhere in the vicinity of Chiniot.

                 In 298 BC, Asoka became king and later adopted Buddhism after the battle of Kalinga. He built many pagodas. The remains of some are still present in ‘Wara Suleman’ Chiniot. There was a “Stupa” in Dawar on Sahiwal road Chenab nagar, now annihilated. The coins of Asoka period having a picture of Buddha on one side and his own on the other side are still possessed by many people. They will be lost if not properly preserved.

        According to a Chinese traveler, Kushan(about 100AD) established a mint in this area. Many coins of that period had been collected. These coins are made of gold, brass and copper and are in the custody of private people. Kanishka (third king of Kushan dynasty and came to power in 120 AD) arrested Chinese and kept them in Amritsar during summer and at Chiniot during winters. But no archaeological reliquiae is available.  

                The Huns were a race of nomadic, fierce barbarians who issued from the steppes of central Asia and invaded India in 456 AD and later established their rule under Toramana. On the death of Toramana in 502 AD, his son Mihiragula became the ruler. His tyranny was out of bounds .His favorite hobby was to roll down the elephants from the top of the mountain and used to enjoy the screams of pain of falling elephants. According to historical record, Sialkot was the capital of his kingdom. But another tradition is that Chiniot was the capital of Mihiragula’s domain. And Rani Padma fought with Mihiragula’s forces in Chiniot and adjoining areas and defeated him and he was killed here. It is supported by the fact that many coins of Hun period have been discovered. These coins are smaller in size. Furthermore, carving on stone also hints Hun period. General Alexander Cunningham, founder of Indian Archaeology, has reported: “there was lot of coins of Hun period in Chiniot.”

                     There is yet folklore about Guru Ghoraknath, an 11^th to 12^th century Hindu Nath Yogi, who started his journey from ‘Tillan –Jogian’ Jehlum (the main seat of Nath yogi clan and remained intact till 1947). And he was advancing towards central India. During the journey, stones fell down from his pouch and created the chain of Karana Bar Mountain. Then he rested at ‘Tila- Ball Nath’ (Sargodha, a minor seat of Nath yogi clan) and then started his journey and again halted near Chiniot (at Ghorak Nath Sathan, a minor seat of Nath yogi clan in hills near chiniot; probably near ‘Butt Wali Pahari’).It is reported that one of his disciples remained there till 1970.

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            In 1021, the forces of Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi passed through this area to fight Raja Jay Pal II.Some people even point out the place of battle field. People reported some relics were found including toys, earthenware, domestic utensil, coins, etc, near Burgi hillock Sahiwal road Chenabnagar.

           In 1764 Ahmad Shah Abdali came to Chiniot and seiged the fort of Chiniot but battle ended in truce.      

           Hazrat Shah Bahlool Supra (Rajput) migrated from northern India to Lallian at ‘Kotha Shah Bahlool’, and then he shifted to a place ‘Tiba Shah Bahlool’ on Lahore road Chiniot. He died there and was buried in Tibba Shah Balool.  Tipu Sultan was born as a result of marriage between Haider Ali (great grandson of Hazrat Shah Bahlool and Fatima Begum great granddaughter of Saadullah Khan. So Tipu Sultan inherited two blood streams of chinioty soil. Tibba Shah Balool may be considered as ancestral place of Tippu Sultan and thus needs proper attention.

              Shahi Mosque Chiniot was built by Nawab Saadullah Khan in 1655 along with a Hazoori Garden situated in the front of the mosque. It has marvelous masterly masonry work of hewn stone with all the distinctive features of Muslim architecture.

              Mahtir Hussain Mosque was built by the efforts of

Saadullah Khan in Shah Jehan reign in mohallah Rajan of Chiniot.

              In 1816, chiniot was ruled by Gulab Singh Dogra .On the hill of the river bank is a temple said to have been built by him.

              Umer Hayat, Chinioti business tycoon, built a five storey Palace (probably in 1929) having beautiful woodwork and exhibiting indigenous art and architecture. For this he brought builders from Jhalandar and teak from Calcutta. It attracted local as well as foreign tourists. In 1970, Town Committee Chiniot demolished its upper two storeys. In 1990, it was taken over by the government and converted into a museum and Library.

           Sheikh Abdul Rahim, a business magnate of chiniot, erected a three storey palace with picturesque woodwork and inspirational architecture work and painted its window and doors green, thus it became famous as Green Palace. People used to watch its glory, glamour and grandeur. But in 1990, it was demolished leaving behind even no hint of that prodigious building.

            Hussain Khan Durrani raised a famous Kashmir Palace of two storeys in 1904. It was a magnificent building of Chiniot and deserved to be watched and praised. Upper storey has now disappeared, some remnants of lower storey are still crying for the cultural heritage protection.

              Rekhti Fort in the heart of city, opposite to Umer Hayat Palace, was constructed by Sultan Muhammad Tughlaq. Channi ruined the city and palace. Later on Channi reconstructed it. It was again renovated by Nawab Wazir Khan during the monarchy of Shah Jehan. According to folklore, this fort had existed during the invasion of Alexander the Great. Historian referred this fort as ‘killa cheenout’ and ‘killa jandoor’ in different books. Now, it has lost its existence except a fragmented wall.

              Some of endangered and extinct archaeological sites are mentioned, only few are properly protected. Many more are present and needs to be uncovered. It is time to act judiciously to protect these sites and explore more in this richly blessed area having unique artistry of architectural works, allotropic culture and fathomless history as architecture is frozen music, culture is moral sentiments and history is unrolled scroll of prophecy.

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HOCKEY DEFEATS; ANALYSIS AND FUTURE ACTIONS

 HOCKEY DEFEATS; ANALYSIS AND FUTURE ACTIONS

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN ( EX- HOCKEY PLAYER)

                Pakistan hockey team is the only one in the world to achieve twice “Grand Slams Titles” including Olympic Games, World Cup, Champions Trophy, Asian Games and Asia Cup simultaneously. It is the unique distinction earned only by Pakistan. Suddenly this winning scenario changed into a horrible landscape of defeats. Something went wrong; when, where, why, by whom? The questions must be probed as now we have no illustrious title except Asian game. The recent devastating defeat of 7-0 against Australia forced Pakistan to go out of medals race. Pakistan just finished at 7^th position, shattering the dreams of 180 million Pakistanis for whom hockey is the sole game to make boasts of. Now it is the time to undergo autopsy for the umpteen times to diagnose the malady to analyze the real causes of defeats; then formulate a comprehensive policy and finally implement it honestly to regain the lost glory. There are many reasons behind this chain of debacles and all are rectifiable.

       First; fresh, fleshy, fatty legs are required. Pakistan must realize the demands of modern hockey, played on Astroturf with modified rule. Astroturf asks for robust physique having fresh, fleshy and fatty legs as the running on it is a cumbersome, wearisome and burdensome job due to sticking of polymer of boot with that of Astroturf’s. Adding salt to the injuries, the speed of ball is too high on this surface that only the stronger, stout and straight legs can run with the speedy ball and counter the hurdles created by this sticky surface. So Pakistan needs to select tall, sturdy and young players. Look at Ric Charlesworth’s comments after the match. He said; “playing against Germans will be more difficult as they are such a bigger and strong side” .Have you ever ponder who won in the final of Olympics; a technique or physique?

           An Australian Scott advised Pakistan: “Pakistanis seriously need to get a good diet and hit the gym before they will challenge. They need to put on muscle / weight as some members of your team do not have muscle mass”.

             Second; modern technique is required. Scott, an Australian, has rightly pointed on our weakness of technique: He says, “Pakistanis belts the ball from the flanks into the circle hoping for goal deflection. It just never happens as defenses set up walls and the chances of scoring like this is probably 5% (Pakistan does this but India does it far more and it never works. That is just an old grass hockey tactic.)

            Pakistani players lift their stick to hit the ball from the top of circle. Most goals are scored seven metres from the goal, not from the top of the circle. It you raise your stick to belt the ball; the defender can easily knock the ball away. Look at the Glen Turner’s goal against Pakistan. It was a classic modern day hockey goal where the goal was scored from two metres out. Also, look at South Korea’s goal against India. The player slapped the ball (not hit) from just inside the circle giving the defender no chance to pick him off”.

          So slapping in modern hockey is as good as hitting. I personally think that the mastery skill in stopping, slapping and scooping is the key to success.  You need to create predetermined lacunas, and then push the ball there to create an opportunity for goal.

       The individual dribbling is fruitless as it provide the time for the opponents to get back to their goal post and to defend the onslaught successfully. Dribbling should be mixed with short and long passes as Australians are doing.

        Third; countrywide breeding sites are required. In recent past, country has lost “breeding network” at the grass-root level. Formerly there were many schools patronizing hockey and producing players of international repute. For an instance, M.C.High School Gojra, during the reign of PT Yaqoob and others, produced over fifty national hockey players like Aslam goalkeeper, Manzoor Hussain senior, Shahbaz senior, Rasheed uls Hassan, Tahir Zaman, etc. Now school teams are almost vanished for the lack of funds and commitment of school administration. Similarly, Govt.T.I High School Chenab Nagar produced many players who earned national cap like Tahir Beg, Iftikhar, Naeem, Manzoor Niazi, Khalid Mahmood, etc, now; this very school has no hockey team. Thus there is need to rehabilitate school teams extending up to village level. Then we need to engage schools, colleges and clubs to have strong domestic competitions.

            Fouth; establish elected management body. Previously, affiliated clubs used to elect the members of the district body which in turn used to elect members of the divisional body, similarly gyrating up to provincial body. These elections resulted in selecting competent and committed persons who had the potential to groom the raw-talent into polished national player. Now, their place is occupied by incompetent, opportunist persons as a result of engineered elections. They even don’t know the ABC of hockey. So, a competent, honest and dedicated management bodies are required to control the affair of the game from village team to the national one.PHF has failed to nourish fruit from nation’s rich hockey history and from the passion of the game which is soaring high. It needs to be more vibrant, effective and effervescent.

               Fifth; conduct countrywide tournaments under the monitoring of National Selection Committee. Previously, Inter-District Championships, Inter-Division Championships and Inter-Provincial Championships were held every year under the auspice of PHF. Now these tournaments are almost abolished, thus loosing an opportunity to pick promising youth. Furthermore, the training opportunity of young player has also been lost.                                                                                                             Sixth; National Selection Committee should have pivotal role and above board credibility. As the said committee has lost its effectiveness and has become an unanswerable divine body. In the case of defeat, responsibility is fixed either on coach or on the players. No one question Selection Committee which is geared by persons having political influence thus enjoys supreme authority. Furthermore, it is the modus operandi of the selection committee to select players from mega cities, thus ignoring promising gems of far-flung and down trodden areas.

            

                 Seventh; groom the competent and credible umpires. Latifs Ghaznavi, ex-International hockey umpire, criticized the substandard umpiring level of Pakistani umpires. He fixed its responsibility on IHF for this very rule of umpire’s retirement at the age of 45. He iterated that there is no substitute for experience thus umpire should continue its services as long as his eyesight and physique is well. He further said it is a matter of great shame as there was no Pakistani umpire on the panel of London Olympics, this clearly indicates quality and credibility of Pakistani umpires. There must be a proper mechanism for selection and grooming of umpires. We should take leaf out of Aleem Dar’s book!

                  Eight; lay more Astroturf. At present, Grass pitches out number artificial surfaces. Thus more Astroturf should be installed by involving philanthropists apart from government revenue. Players of sub urban area should be called for training camps during summer and winter vacation to have experience of Astroturf.

                  Ninth; select boys instead of men. “There is no substitute of experience” this maxim does not stand true in case of modern hockey which demands vigorous stamina, dashing speed and untiring legs. So, younger players must be preferred over the older ones.

                  Tenth; junior teams should be given international exposure. The younger players should be taken to other Asian as well as European countries for club matches in order to give them outside exposure and experience.

                    Keep in mind; this is not the end of hockey in Pakistan. Soon the world will see us on the horizon of glory. In fact, it is the appropriate time to get it right. As, defeat bring fresh stimulus; newer strength and time for self analysis. Havelock Ellis once said: “Defeat brings prudence and concentration, it ennobles and fortifies.” Now it is the time to take actions!

            

                         

A STORY OF 109 YEAR OLD, FREEDOM MOVEMENT HERO AND CLOSE AIDE OF QUAID-I- AZAM

A STORY OF 109 YEAR OLD, FREEDOM MOVEMENT HERO AND CLOSE AIDE OF QUAID-I- AZAM

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

AN INTERVIEW PRESENTED IN THE FORM OF AUTOBIOGRAPHY:

               My name is Abdul Ghani s/o Mahar Ali. I belong to Chohan family of Rajputs. I have three sons and seven daughters. I got birth in April 1904 in Tehsil Narain district Ambala,India. I spent my childhood in a town “Rani Ka Raypure”. Due to poverty and the deplorable plight of the Muslims, I couldn’t attend the school. I joined the platoon 46 of Indian Army in 1929. I fought 1939’s World War II and got a medal of distinction from the British Monarch. In 1947, I migrated to Pakistan and became a part of Baloch regiment of Pakistan Army. I also fought 1948 War in the area of tehsil Bagh. I was retired from Army in 1963 but the army called me back in 1965 war. When 1971 war broke out, I was again recalled to join the war. So, I have the distinction to fight all the wars.

                 Quaid-i-Azam gave medal on my services rendered for the Pakistan on which my name is inscribed. But much greater than these medals, I got the honour on 14 August 1947, when Quaid-i-Azam and me broke the fast in Ramazan together and even shared the same plate. Furthermore, on the orders of Quaid-i-Azam, I along with Hawaldar Mukaram Khan waived the flag of Pakistan for the first time in Karachi.

            Later on Quaid-i-Azam deputed me on the Pakistani border to escort safely the Muslim caravans coming from India. Here one day, a colonel Partab Singh tried to stop the caravans from going to Pakistan. Then he went ahead in wickedness and engineered plundering of the caravans and then he moved further ahead in vile and kidnapped 30 Muslims as hostage including women. At this juncture, my emotions went out of control and I shot the colonel and got released all the arrested 30 Muslims and took them safely to Pakistan. Later on Quaid-i-Azam acknowledged my services at border and offered me to take any village or a market in a big city. I said reverently to him, “The corpse of my Muslims brothers and sisters are scattered everywhere; the land has turned red at many places with the blood of my Muslim brothers and the migrants have no food, no shelter and even no clothes. In these circumstances, how can I take courage to become a lord of the village?” On hearing this, Quaid-i-Azam became so happy and emotional that he came near to me and kissed at my forehead. I will never forget this reward of nation’s father that many will covet for it in the later days.

      Later on, when the condition of migrant improved, normality prevailed and the newly built state started showing the sign of progress. I went to Revenue department and inquired about my claim of land. The patwari asked me to utter the kalmia. When I recited the kalima, he said to verbalize the kalima of patwaries. Then he himself enunciated: “Pakistan ka mutlab kiah….. Saow rupia fi killah! (Hinted to give hundred rupees per killah) When I refused to pay him bribe, he threw ink on my claim and said, “I will see, how you will take your land without spending money.” Later on, his statement came true and till now I am homeless, jobless and living from hand to mouth. But I have no repentance as my country is free and today we are celebrating its 65^th Independence Day. My cottage is filled with medals, my heart is filled with the love for Pakistan, my mind is thinking about the future glories of Pakistan and my spirit is soaring sky high. Then he raised a slogan loudly: Pakistan Zindabad!

          J.C. and A.W. HARE have rightly said: (Heroism is the self-devotion of genius manifesting itself in action.) and he is following the words of Daniel Webstei in letter and spirit that “Let our object be our country, our whole country, and nothing but our country.”Should we follow his suite?

         

          

CONSPIRACY! THE MAJOR REASON BEHIND HOCKEY DEFEATS OF PAKISTAN AND INDIA

CONSPIRACY! THE MAJOR REASON BEHIND HOCKEY DEFEATS OF PAKISTAN AND INDIA

               SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS OF CONSECUTIVE DEBACLES

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

             A few days ago, the prestigious Olympic hockey tournaments, of 22^nd Olympic Games London 2012 ended with tears in the eyes of Pakistanis and a golden feather in the crown of Germany for becoming the Olympic Champion. Pakistan stood at 7^th position, after a humiliating and its biggest Olympic defeat of 7-0 against Australia in a vital game that plugged its chances of winning any medal. The consecutive failures of Pakistan hockey have not only tarnished the country’s image but also mortified the feeling of the whole nation for whom hockey is the sole sport to make boasts of. In the past years of glory, Pakistan remained three times Olympic champion(1960,68,84); four times World Champion(1971,78,82,94); three times Champion Trophy holder(1978,80,94); eight times Asian Games winner(1958,62,70,74,78,82,90,2010)including four in a row; three time Asia Cup holder(1982,85,89) all in a row ; three times Sultan Azlan Shah Cup lifter(1999,2000,2003) and one time Junior World Cup champ(1979). Now Pakistan has no prominent title; Olympic, World Cup, Champion’s Trophy, etc. Pakistan is holding only the title of Asian Games at present.

           Now look at the record of India which won eight Olympic titles(1928,32,36,48,52,56,64,80) including six in a row; one World Cup(1975); two Asian Games(1966,98); two Asia Cups(2003,2007) ; five Sultan Azlan Shah Tournaments(1985,91,95,2009,2010) and one time Junior World Cup(2001). Now, India is holding none of the above titles. In London Olympics, India finished at the deplorable last position.

             What are the causes behind this dismal, depressing and dreary performance of Pakistan and India in Hockey? There are many vivid as well as hidden factors behind this chain of flops, failures and fiascoes. But we will discuss only the conspiracy hatched by the European against the two hockey Giants of Asia; Pakistan and India.

         The European conducted a morphological research of the players of hockey giants; Pakistan and India and concluded that they had no match with them on grass field (wet cellulose) as the Asian’s body structure perfectly matched with grass-field requirements. So they introduced an artificial field of Astroturf which suited to their body structure and climate. European has long, straight and fleshy legs so they have more stamina, speed and longer stride and have lesser contact with the ground as compared to Asian whose legs are short, bandy and boney but have greater bending ability. In the past, Asian took great advantage of their curved legs (bandy) and bending ability to control the ball and dribble it effectively. On the other hand, the Europeans cannot bend easily due to their longs, straight and stout legs but they can run fast as compared to the Asians. So they came out with the idea of artificial grass to counter Asian’s skill. Artificial grass sticks to boot due to mutual affiliation of polymers and magnetic attraction produced as a result of friction between the polymers of Astroturf and that of boots, thus running becomes a cumbersome job. The European experience lesser difficulty due to their longer stride thus having lesser contact with the ground while their sturdy legs overcome the struggle of running. Furthermore, there is difference in the running style of European and Asian players. European dashes straightly like a deer while Asian totters like a tortoise. So Astroturf suits to European in every respect.

                 Furthermore, there are layers of clay, Stone, foam, etc. on which Astroturf is being laid. It heats up quickly because its base and overlay material (antimicrobial protectors, rubber infill, backing system, nylon yarn fibre , plastic, etc.) has no water content as compared to grass which has 90 % water. So water is being sprayed to pacify its warmth and to enhance its water content. In European cold climate, persistent rains, dew, mist, fog, high humidity, mostly cloudy condition (if still needed then have a spray of cold water); it loses much of its heat and stickiness thus becomes suitable for play. Whereas in hot countries of Asia, it has much heat in spite of water spray so artificial polymer becomes soften and adhesive and running becomes a burdensome job. Here, the sole of shoes and the surface of Astroturf cling together like the hug of bosom friends, with no intention of separating apart. Again, Asians suffer more of its effects due to their Lilliputian physical structure and climatic conditions. In sum, artificial grass suits European Players due to their hulking physique and cold weather.

               The stratagem didn’t end here; the European has great say in International Hokey Rule Board than the Asian. As a result, they influenced to get imposed hockey rules which suited to their players. For example, setting aside the half side rule had the reason that European players were speedy and frequently became the victim of half side rule so they abolished it. The change of the penalty corner rule was due to fact; the European had lesser percentage of field goals as compared to the Asian. So they changed the rule and made penalty corner hit more effective. Previously, penalty corner hit, not hitting the board of goal, was declared foul but now players can hit and push the ball in the goal at their will and there is no compulsion to hit the goal board. As a result, the percentage of penalty corner goal increased and it benefitted the European. Then Astroturf increased the pace of the game considerably and the shape of hockey blade was modified to suit the new technique such as reverse stick trapping and hitting. The shorter blade is more suitable for stopping and hitting instead of dribbling which was once the hallmark of the Asian. Furthermore, these changes have taken the beauty out of the game, turning it into a virtual wrestling bout.

            The modern hockey is more compatible to the European’s body and climatic conditions and got further strength by the imposition of well-matched new rules. Thus, put the Asian giants in the doldrums.

           To see the impact of Astroturf and rules, have a glance of all 22 Olympics Games and 12 World Cups .Out of first fifteen Olympics played up to 1984, the giants won eleven(three by Pakistan and eight by India ).In the next seven Olympic Games played after 1984, all are won either by Europe or Australia. Similarly, out of first five World Cups played up to 1982, the giants won four (three by Pakistan and one by India).In the next seven World Cups, six are won by either Europe or Australia. The seventh was won by Pakistan, the only exception. The above statistics clearly show the difference created by the introduction of Astroturf and change in hockey rules made thereafter.

             To find whether above factors are right or wrong? Peruse the Wikipedia under the topic of Astroturf: “Prior to the introduction of this playing surface India and Pakistan dominated field hockey for decades. Apart from the major cities in these countries, this surface is unaffordable to the mass of player. The use of Astroturf  in conjugation with changes in the game’s rules(e.g. allowing body-blocks) have contributed significantly to the nature of the game, affected it’s artistry and allowed other nations-mostly Western-to now get to the top of the world rankings”.

          The above analysis is also endorsed by an Australian Scott who advised Pakistan: “Pakistanis seriously need to get a good diet and hit the gym before they will challenge. They need to put on muscle / weight as some members of your team do not have muscle mass. Even look at Ric Charlesworth’s comments after the match. He said; “playing against Germans will be more difficult as they are such a bigger and strong side”. It confirms that playing hockey on Astroturf needs busty body figure which Europeans have and Asians do not.

                  There are many causes of defeat; above mentioned is the major one. Now it is up to Pakistan and India to go for its solution. In history, we find two types of responses in crucial critical circumstances; one is called “Herodian Response” (to pay the European in same coin by adopting their style) and the other one is “Zealot Response” (to go back to purist Asian style). It is advisable to select “one” as the famous historian Toynbee has warned, don’t adopt the newer strategy, it is tantamount to swapping the horse… and there is a proverb: “Don’t swap the horse while in mid stream”. So, it is better to go far only Zealot response.

           So I will advise both Pakistan and India that if they want to regain their lost glory. They should raise hue and cry before FIH, after taking other Asian hockey playing countries on board, with a demand to conduct 50% tournaments on grass-field and 50% on artificial grass just like lawn Tennis in which two Grand Slam tournaments are played on clay court and two on grass court. South has rightly said: “Defeat should never be a source of discouragement, but rather a fresh stimulus”. Apart from stimulus, a better modus operandi is required as suggested by Wendell Phillips: “What is defeat? - Nothing but education, nothing but the first step to something better”.

RENAME PAKISTAN AS “THE PAKISTAN”

 RENAME PAKISTAN AS “THE PAKISTAN”

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

      In English as a general grammatical rule a proper noun of a country, province, city, etc. must not have ‘the’ placed before it. But there are a few exceptions in this rule. For an instance, ‘The’ is used with the proper nouns of countries or provinces which denote the reason of their names, have geographic meanings or descriptive of the places, etc. For example, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Soviet Union, the Sudan, the Yemen, the Argentina, the Gambia, the Hague,  the Punjab, The Deccan, the Bengal, etc.

        When we say the United States of America it depicts that this country comprises of many states that are united, so it is meaningful. The United Kingdom means the union of different territories as it includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland and many smaller islands. The Netherlands means a below land as it is geographically low-lying country, with 20% of its area is located below sea level and 50% of its land lying less than one metre above sea level. Similarly, the Sudan means Aswad  (black or bluish dark grey) as the inhabitants are black. The Yemen means “on the right side” as the south is on the right when facing the sunrise. The Yemen also means “felicity” as the region is very fertile. The Argentina derived its name from the word argentum(silver) as the first Spanish conquerors arrived to the area following rumours of the existence of “silver mountain”, hence the name came into existence. The Gambia is a very small and narrow African country whose borders mirror the meandering Gambia River, thus country barrowed its namesake from the river. The Hague is the capital city of the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. The Hague has literal meaning the “count’s wood”, with connotations like “the count’s hedge, private enclosure or hunting grounds.” The Punjab is named as it possesses five rivers (Punj means five and aab means water i.e. five rivers). The Deccan means south as this province is situated in the south of India. The Bengal‘s name is derived from the Dravidian speaking tribe ‘Bang’ that settled in the area around 1000 BC. The Balkan means “chain of wooded mountains” as it is highly mountainous.

            Likewise, the word Pakistan is also a meaningful name, representing its demographic areas and historical achievements. It is the combination of seven Urdu letters, representing five parts of the country; Pay stands for the Punjab, Alif for Afghanis (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ), Kaf for Kashmir, Seen for Sind and Tan for last syllable of Baluchistan. So the word ‘Pakistan’ figures its different parts and is ideally expressive. Then the whole word Pakistan also has meanings: “a land of pure”. And this purity had been achieved through a myriad year’s struggle of the saints, ulema, conquerors, administrators and kings. The idolatry, satti (an act of burning alive a widow on the funeral fire of her husband.), child marriage, ban on widow remarriage, chariot sacrifice, blight of dowry, hoax of superstitions, etc,--all these evil, inhuman, tyrannical practices vanished in this chunk of land through the courtesy of Muslim rule and later by 1947 Partition and thus this area can rightly be called a land of purity. So the word Pakistan is meaningful not only in fragmented form but also in its totality. For this etymology, Chaudhry Rehmat Ali who coined the word Pakistan in 1933 deserves all the praise.

              It is astonishing: Why the word ‘Pakistan’ is not prefixed with an article ‘The’ just likes other countries/provinces having significant meaningful names? So with the courtesy of this newspaper I request the President of the Pakistan to promulgate an Ordinance that in future the word ‘Pakistan’ whenever written, spoken, etc., must be preceded by definite article ‘The’.                    

                Now the question arises: What is the benefit of this particularization with article ‘the’? Although some countries and areas have renounced the use of definite article ‘the’ but the most of the Western Countries are still using the definite article, for example; the United State of America, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, etc. In fact, the use of definite article particularize, specifies and characterize a country .Furthermore, its use is uncommon, unusual and unique as majority of countries are not entitled to use it. These traits attract the Westerns that are very conscious about their subtlety, significance and superiority; they love peculiarity, prominence and prestige; they never miss any opportunity which enhances their glory, glamour and grandeur. That is why they are still using this specific symbol of ‘the’. It shows their consciousness, cautiousness and commitment about their “self- respect”, and Sir John Herschel has rightly said: “Self-respect that corner-stone of all virtue”. We should take leaf out of their books and must call our country “The Pakistan”, it may prove for us as thin edge of the wedge.

(The ‘Concise Oxford Dictionary’ gives meaning of this idiom as: “change, measure, actions, etc., that will open the way to further changes or developments and is therefore of more importance than it seems.)