Kashmir Issue – A comparison of two sides of the picture

Well, all of us know that since partition of 1947, Kashmir issue has remained a bone of contention between Pakistan and India. This issue is the fundamental reason of hatred and disharmony between these two nations. From beginning of their schooling, masses at both side of the border are taught that Kashmir is their territory that has been occupied by the nation across the border. Historians, book writers, bloggers, columnists, electronic media and all such sources of information at both sides tend to favor their stances – naturally. In choosing their words and expressions, they tend to offend ground realities and feelings of each other. Therefore, somehow, it also becomes a matter of ego at both sides of the border and the illness of this attitude has to be faced by none other than Kashmiris themselves. Today, through this piece of writing, let Us present a comparison of perspective of both sides in this regard with a hope that the matter may get resolved and Kashmiris might be able to live their life according to their will and choice.

Kashmir has been a Muslim majority area. Nevertheless, being a princely state, in 1947 when fate of millions was being decided, Maharaja Hari Singh, the local Hindu ruler of Kashmir, wanted Kashmir to remain independent. In this regard, he signed in a standstill agreement with Pakistan and India both. The entire scenario changed when in October 1947 Maharaja confiscated armaments from Muslims who were formerly conscripted into British Army. The weapons were distributed among local Hindu village Defence forces that was followed by a revolt by Muslims of Kashmir and they were unofficially supported by Pashtun tribesmen from Pakistan. The tribesmen supported Kashmiri Muslims without Pakistani approval. In sheer agitation, Maharaja Hari Singh asked India for military assistance but India was of the view that sending troops to a neutral state will be possible unless Kashmir signs the letter of accession with India. To suppress the uprising, Maharaja’s army along with other Hindu extremists’ organization worked together and launched various operations, torturing, mistreating and punishing Kashmiri Muslims unduly. It is reported that tens of thousands people were massacred during this widespread violence the majority of which was consisted of Muslims. Under such a duress the Hindu ruler, against the wish of majority of Kashmiris who were Muslims, signed a temporary instrument of accession with India on 26 October 1947. This accession was instantly argufied and challenged by Pakistan claiming that the ruler had no right to agreement when the standstill agreement with Pakistan was still in force. After accession, on 27 October 1947, Indian troops landed in Kashmir to fight the revolt. This resulted in first ever Pakistan India war. In this regard, Indian history books, scholars, researchers have something different to say. They are of the view that Kashmir being a Muslim majority area, Maharaja Hari Singh didn’t wish to merge with India or Pakistan and tried to negotiate with India and Pakistan to have independent status of its state. A movement in the state led by Sheikh Abdullah of National Conference was brought into action that aimed at getting rid of Maharaja Hari Singh. Sheikh Abdullah was close to Jawaharlal Nehru hence was not inclined towards Pakistan. Pakistan became impatient and couldn’t wait for long. It started violating the standstill agreement. On 22 October, Pakistan Pashtun tribesmen invaded Kashmir and reached Baramullah. As per their books, the invasion was unofficially approved by army. So that’s the point of twist. Pakistan is of the view that Kashmiri Muslims were being suppressed and tortured in and India presents it otherwise.        

During this, India’s the then prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru promised a referendum stating that the fate of state of Jammu & Kashmir is ultimately to be decided by the people. The pledge we have given not only to the people of Kashmir, but also to the world. We will not and cannot back-out of it. On 1^st Jan 1948 India took the matter to United Nations. After, security council resolution there was a cease fire from 1 Jan 1949 and both Pakistan and India agreed to cease fire line that is known as LOC – Line of Control. The cease fire line became the de facto border splitting Kashmir into two. In 1951, UN passed a resolution for referendum under UN supervision asking Pakistan and India to withdraw their troops and lessen forces. Here again, India is of the view that since, Pakistan has not withdrawn its forces, therefore the resolution has remained ineffective. However, on the face of it, it seems that both Pakistan and India are reluctant that if any of these two countries calls back its troops from their respective administered area of Kashmir, the opponent country will invade and occupy that place. So here again the sufferers are none other than Kashmiris and matter remains in deadlock condition. Over the next 70 years, Pakistan and India have fought three wars over Kashmir. This is the most militarized zone in the world today where more than 700,000 troops are maintained by India in its controlled area alone. Various international organizations, reporters, visitors have reported innumerable human rights violations i.e. physical and mental torture, rape, enforced disappearances by Indian troops in Indian controlled Kashmir and it continues even today. Tens of thousands of people have lost their lives in this entire tenure. Pakistan also maintains a huge military force in its administered part of Kashmir. On the other hand, India has blamed Pakistan on various occasions for illegal support to Kashmiris and rooting militants there.   

What is article 370 & 35-A?

Article 370 and 35 A was the outcome of instrument of accession that was signed between Maharaja Hari Singh and the then Prime Minister Nehru of India. The instrument resulted in transfer of three things i.e. Defence, external affairs and communications to the dominion of India. At that time, Indian Government promised that the people of the state would determine the internal constitution of this state and the nature of extent of jurisdiction of India over the state, through their own constituent assembly. In enactment of this commitment, Article 370 was incorporated in the Constitution of India.

Article 35A of the Indian constitution is an article that empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state’s legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents.

Under this, a citizen of India is treated as a ‘permanent resident’ of the state:

1.If on 14 May 1954 he was a state subject or having lawfully acquired immovable property in the state and have been the resident for 10 years prior to that date

2.Or any person who before 14 May, 1954 was a state subject and who having migrated to Pakistan after 1 March 1947, returns to the state for resettlement.

3. In any other conditions, a person will not be considered as the permanent resident of J&K and hence will not have the privileges as stated in the J&K Constitution.

On 5 August 2019, India revoked this special status of Jammu & Kashmir that was given to it through article 370 and 35A. This resulted in extreme protest and condemnation throughout the Kashmir, Pakistan, China and various different parts of the world. UN Security Council also called its meeting and endorsed the resolution of the disputed matter between Pakistan and India in accordance with agreed instruments and resolutions. 

Logical Connection of State Junagadh and Hyderabad with Kashmir Issue:  

In this entire scenario, it is quite pertinent to mention the cases of princely states Junagadh and Hyderabad. As per independence act of 1947 and Lord Mountbatten’s plan of 3^rd June, Muslim and Hindu majority areas were to be included in Pakistan and India respectively, whereas princely states rulers were given the choice either to be a part of Pakistan, India or choose to remain independent.

The Muslim ruler of princely state Junagadh, Mr. Nawab Muhabat Khan had to face the same scenario like that of Maharaja Hari Singh in Kashmir. Mr. Nawab Muhabat Khan announced Junagadh’s accession to Pakistan on 15 August 1947. However, it was forcefully included in India through Indian invasion. Now here again, India presents and has to present the entire scenario in sugar coated words that somehow support Indian position. Indian writers present that “people of state organized a popular movement and a group Junadahi people forced the Nawab to flee”. If we remain restricted to the rules and regulations of partition, how could India even think of Junagadh when its ruler had already announced accession to Pakistan without any pressure. Similarly, in case of princely state Hyderabad, Nizam Mir Osman Ali, the ruler of Muslim dominant state, wanted Hyderabad to be independent of India. He entered into a standstill agreement with India for this. In violation of the agreement and partition act, Indian army invaded Hyderabad on 13^th September 1948 and overthrew the ruler and got the state annexed with India forcefully. Indian history calls it “operation polo”. Where from one perspective of the picture, (Indian) human eye sees it as an act of valor and assistance of Indian army, there the other side of the picture calls Indian army “invader/attacker”, just like they say about Pashtun Tribesmen when they entered Kashmir to support their Kashmiri Muslim brothers. Now here Indian writers, scholars, historian present Nizam as a “tyrannical ruler” (just like Pakistani historian call Hari Singh tyrannical and biased) to support their stance and operation polo.

Regardless to the doubts about righteousness of Indian actions in case of Junagadh and Hyderabad, a simple question that pops up in mind is that if India can violate the clauses of Indian Independence Act 1947 and 3^rd June plan of Lord Mountbatten and get Junagadh and Hyderabad to be a part of India either by hook or by crook, why Kashmiris cannot be given their fundamental right to decide about their future in accordance with their own will? Ok, let’s not call it Indian violation. Let’s agree to the point that India just wanted to protect and assist the inhabitants of Junagadh and Hyderabad and entered in the best interest of the people of the states, then the same right should also be given to Kashmiris. They do not demand for something for which historians will have to use sugar coated words in order to protect their stance and the ego of their country. They just demand their right of fair and honest plebiscite and independence.

Regardless to protect the ego of our countries, we Pakistanis and Indians should think to protect the right of Kashmiris. The rulers of both countries, the writers, historians are playing with words for their own interest, supporting their stances with sugar coated words. Before it becomes the part of Pakistan or India, Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris first. Let it be. Let them decide. It will be in benefit not only of Kashmiris but for the entire region. Let the peace begin.

 

Technology & Future of Finance – IFA Pakistan

Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA), member body of IFAC, organized its third series of quarterly conference here in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi. The conferences were attended by a large number of business professionals, consultants and trainers employed in public practice, industry, and in the private sector. A good number of students also appeared in and got benefited from the events held in the prime cities of the country.

Talking about the theme of conference, “Technology & Finance”, keynote speakers including Mr Muhammad Abbass Khan Vice President Abacus Consulting and Mr Furqan Qureshi corporate trainer & CEO The Four Dees brought to light various aspects of latest technology in the field of finance.

While the business world is getting revolutionized with technology, human need and intervention is getting reduced at an alarming rate. “In future, I fear there will be no need of junior level accountant. Only strategic level decision making will be required. For this, students today will have to work hard in grasping the basic concepts of their respective fields”, said Mr Jawad Saleem, Group CFO – Outfitters.

However, Mr Asadullah Khan, Group Head Internal Audit & RAR Bank of the Punjab, did not share Mr Jawad’s opinion. In fact, he was convinced that “there will be more need of human interference in future because of technological advancement. All we need is a shift of our educational system to a more conceptualized and upgraded with modern trends.”

CEO Zahid Farooq & Co. Mr Zahid Farooq and Head of Tax – Mondelez International Pakistan Mr Muhammad Mozammil highlighted the significance of learning, unlearning and relearning. It is hard to embrace change in methodologies of doing business and performing systemized duties in corporate world. However, one has to learn new methodologies of performing old business practices. “Being updated to latest trends and approaches of doing business or performing job descriptions is the key of survival in this modern business world.”, said Mr Umer Jalil, CFO Siemens Pakistan.

Mr Abdul Shakoor, regional director of Institute of Financial Accountants Pakistan presented vote of thanks to all of the participants. After long day’s prolific discussions and presentations, the conferences were concluded with the hope that future of finance will be thoroughly revolutionized with advance technology and future finance leaders will be proactive in embracing the fast pacing changes in modern business world.

The article was primarily published in The News International in May 2019 under the following link

https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/us/478382-technology-and-future-of-finance-ifa-pakistan

 

For the sake of Pakistan

Pakistan is going through a critical time. In the last two decades, political awareness has increased substantially due to the social and electronic media revolution. This has significantly impacted our lives positively and adversely as well, because we have more information to sift through and make sense of.

Impacts of increased political awareness

Nowadays, flow of information is swift and what one needs is just a click away, so young people can argue their point with facts and figures. Politicians are often compelled to defend themselves and their policies, and have become accountable to their electors. Any malpractice on their part is swiftly highlighted on social media. Usually, action is not taken by the concerned institutions, but every news update is instantly made available to general public. A drawback of fluidity of information is that our political leaders get the ammunition to malign their opponents easily and indulge in their character assassination through the social media. Political talk shows hardly discuss the vision or manifestos of the politicians, and their past performances, but focus on what politicians have to say about their adversaries. Religious card is used with impunity on these shows.

Spread of disinformation

Another fall out of this entire phenomenon is spread of disinformation. You can easily hire social media handlers and teams to manage news. Journalists, too, are often biased. Their duty is to present both sides of the coin, but they ignore the tenets of their noble profession.

Mindset of politicians

As said earlier, instead of talking about their manifesto, vision and roadways politicians indulge in character assassination of their opponents and try to find out loopholes in their policies and ongoing projects. You might have noticed that the policy criticized by a party in the opposition is continued even after they form the next government. Every new chief executive of the country blames the past ones, and tries to sway the masses with impassioned rhetoric – and obviously remain successful because of their foul emotional play. This overall costs the progress of the country, nothing else.

Mindset of the public

Emotions are part and parcel of human personality, and being attached to a political party or leader we support for is natural. But things go wrong when we start worshipping our leaders, thinking that they cannot be wrong.

Change we need

Pakistan should come first, before our personal likes and dislikes and any political party or institution. We should condemn malpractices regardless of our political affiliations. Democracy can be nurtured only if we let rise up above our biases, and the journalists and social media can act as watchdogs and keep the public informed about the good and the bad that is being done by people in power. They should report with facts and figures. This would and should assist general public in deciding about their vote and support in future.

The lack of tolerance in people has reached alarming proportions. If someone speaks against the policy of a political party their relatives or friends support, they answer by bringing out what was done by the politicians of their party. And these arguments end in severing of friendships and acrimony among relatives. It is being said that if you want to be on good terms with friends and relatives, avoid political discussions. I believe political discussions are essential, but we should refrain from being overemotional. We should argue about politics not for the sake of argument, but for the sake of Pakistan.

The article was originally published in The News International under the following link

https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/us/970097-for-the-sake-of-pakistan?fbclid=IwAR2OiVJ_czVEdD5NmI4_AFPlMkrM4OMwYu1SwTBTHQA0xEGjTg5QAUgU_UA

 

It is not about Mental Intelligence only (IQ)

The other day while going to office, I came across a term on radio that instantly drew my attention and made me pen down this piece of writing – emotional intelligence. We all frequently talk about and discuss mental intelligence. Parents proudly boast about the intelligence of their kids when they score excellent grades in their studies. We ourselves, in fact our entire society, deem it significant that one should have an intelligent mind or high IQ level in order to achieve good position or become a ‘bara admi’ in society. We hardly talk or listen about something called, ‘emotional intelligence’ and therefore we are not so precisely aware of the significance of this particular phenomenon.

Emotional Intelligence or Emotional Quotient (EQ), in easy words, means how smartly you manage your feelings in day-to-day life. How you manage to say your say effectively, resolve matters of conflicts, overcome moments of pressure and respond to events that test your anger or how you behave in sadness or joy and how aptly you control and manage your emotions or feelings that gravely impact the steps you take in these moments shows your emotional intelligence. By connecting to your feelings and then impacting your mind, emotions turn your intentions into actions. Resultantly, these actions determine your fate and produce outcomes for you.

It is worth mentioning that it is not the smartest or academically most intelligent person who is more successful in life but it is the one who, regardless of their IQ, is better at managing EQ i.e. emotions or feelings. A person with high a IQ may have high probability of getting selected in college or university or any office first but practically the one who is able to manage his/her EQ (emotions) well, is more successful. For instance, if you are not good at managing pressure in exams, or stress of job, or managing emotions when being in conflict with someone in office, at home, among friends or with spouse; you are not going to become a high achiever or lead a well-balanced life. Your degree may get you a job in an office but it is how you communicate and behave that leads and paves your way to the road to success. And it goes without saying that communication and behaviour are significantly influenced by your emotions or feelings. Emotions are the driving force behind everything you do.

Now the question that instantly pops up in mind is how can one manage and improve one’s EQ or emotions? Is it actually possible or not! The answer is, yes. It is possible. In fact, by working on and managing our emotions well, we can certainly improve our performance and maintain a well-balanced life that promises a healthy and successful living. We just have to be more conscious and focused.

Handling and improving emotional intelligence

As stated above, it is imperative to control emotions, specially during times of stress, pressures, anger, exams, interviews, sadness and even in joy as well. Nevertheless, not everyone is aware of the trick to manage emotions or feelings when they are emotional. Let’s dig it together.

Experts are of the view that there are four significant skills or attributes that ought to be learnt that assist you in managing and improving emotions. They include, self or stress-management, self-awareness, social awareness and relationship management.

Stress and self-management

Think about the time when due to some reason you were stressed or extremely pressurized or angry. Did you utter something in angst? When emotional or angry, we all have probably committed, uttered or decided something that we have regretted afterwards. It happens. Your ability to make rational decisions is compromised in these circumstances. Here, all you need to know and practice again and again is to keep your emotions in control. Unleashing your emotions result in the increase of stress. You ought to understand and construct the capability and capacity to understand and command your own emotions. And once you are good at controlling your emotions well, you’ll discover that your ability for experiencing positive emotions has grown and intensified, which will ultimately result in lessened stress level. But all this is possible when you know how your emotions and brain work together. Your brain instantly responds to impulsive feeling(s) and that is why a little feeling of undue stress/ emotional-fall gravely impacts your process of thinking and makes you unduly depressed/stressed/pressurized. So in these moments of time, you just need to support yourself saying that you are strong enough to bear this adversity. And if you are a Muslim, the Quran says, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (Al-Quran 2:286), is a spiritual way to banish any feeling of stress at once. I mean it – any feeling of stress. This is all about your faith in Almighty Allah. The stronger your faith is, the higher is the capability of controlling your emotions.

Psychologists assert that the best way to reduce stress quickly is by taking a deep breath and using your senses — what you see, hear, smell, taste and touch, or through a soothing movement. However, it is to be kept in mind that not everyone responds to the same source of stress reducer. You might have experienced that when you are emotionally down or sad, viewing a favourite photo, smelling a specific fragrance, exercise, listening to your favorite music, or hugging a pet works wonders. This is how your senses help. These are your sources of stress/anxiety reducers.

Self-awareness

The other skill that ought to be learnt is self-awareness. This is the ability to recognize your own emotions, and how they affect your thoughts and behaviour. Observe yourself. When you are stressed or experiencing the imbalanced emotional state, observe how you react! Are you the one who starts shouting? Or the one who prefers staying alone? Or the one who simply keeps quiet? Promise yourself that the next time when you are going through such phase, you’ll opt for any of the aforementioned stress reducers. And this is not the end; you will keep practicing the same until you get firm stronghold over your emotions. Be mindful of the fact that it is an easy game that just needs continuous practice and focus. All you have to do is talk to yourself when you are stressed.

Social awareness

It is not always only about you. Where you are concerned about your emotions and feelings, at the same time, you ought to keep in mind that the other person is also a human being with feelings and emotions. Put yourself in their shoes and try to understand their state of mind as well, and margin to others for their emotions and feelings in the same way you expect for yourself at least, or may be a bit more. You should be aware and understanding about the emotions of others as well because others may play a key role in instigating your emotional state.

Relationship management

Lastly, it is not enough to understand and practice the aforementioned points, but you should also keep them in mind and practice the same on a regular basis. This will, resultantly, build your habit and nurture positive emotions in you and help you build a good relationship with others. Good relationship with others multiplies your capacity of having and spreading positivity in the society that ultimately benefits yourself.

Having well controlled emotions will result in well controlled thoughts in your mind, which will ultimately help you to maintain a positive frame of mind and will enhance your confidence as well. Once you are able to do it, you will also be able to control your impulsive feelings as well. By being positive and controlling your impulsiveness, you will become an emotionally stronger person. You will become a positive person and will have a balanced and successful living.

To sum up, it is not only mental intelligence that gives you the edge – emotional intelligence can give you a successful and fruitful life, full of happiness and positivity.

Uses of emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence can be used in many different ways in your daily life. Some different ways to practice emotional intelligence include:

• Being able to accept criticism and responsibility
• Being able to move on after making a mistake
• Being able to say no when you need to
• Being able to share your feelings with others
• Being able to solve problems in ways that work for everyone
• Having empathy for other people
• Having great listening skills
• Knowing why you do the things you do
• Not being judgmental of others

Research suggests that:

• People with high emotional intelligence may actually be less creative and innovative.
• Highly emotionally intelligent people may have a hard time delivering negative feedback for fear of hurting other people’s feelings.
• High EQ can sometimes be used for manipulative and deceptive purposes.

(This article of mine was originally published in Us Mag, The News International on Friday, 5 February, 2021)

 

It Takes Two to get it Right – Dowry Vs Well Settled Larka

Well, certainly there is no second opinion that we ought to get rid of this curse. This five letter word, dowry has hindered dreams of happily married life of innumerable lasses of the society. The complete code of life, Islam, nowhere endorses the idea of dowry. The concept of dowry typically relates of Hinduism where girls were not given any share in inheritance. If we study about marriage ceremony of Hazrat Fatima, the dearest daughter of Holy Prophet SAW, we nowhere come across that Holy Prophet PBUH specially managed to arrange something for his dearest daughter in the name of dowry, as it is prevailing these days.
Recently, an online campaign has been launched with hashtags of “#StopJahezKhori”, “#JahezKhoriBandKaro” (Stop dowry). This online movement has got a welcoming response on social media and this is quite encouraging that people from various walks of life are chipping in this campaign without any reluctance. But the point is how actually this idea would materialize into reality. It is being said that, generally, those of us who are actually supporting this campaign belong to families who not only arrange lavish dowry but also spend millions on various functions in the name of wedding. Besides, some of us are coming up with parallel hashtags series i.e. “#StopAskingForSettledLarka”, “WellSettledLarkaMangnaBandKaro” (stop looking for well settled son-in-law), #BridalShowerBandKaro etc. This is quite unfortunate. We should not victimize a noble campaign by highlighting another social evil prevailing in the society. However, at the same time we ought to reconsider the transformation of marriages into really luxurious events. Wasting hundreds of thousands in the name of bridal showers, wedding joras, catering of the events, flower decors, mayoon etc. and offering/demanding millions’ dowry would certainly leave the middle and lower middle class families into a fix and they will fall a prey to inferiority complex. Resultantly, by hook or by crook, they will also have to bear this agony. Unless, those of us who can afford these luxurious events and items of millions, adopt a moderate approach in weddings, the fruitful outcome of such campaigns cannot be witnessed.
When it comes towards “asking for well settled larka”, parents of a girl, undoubtedly, are rightful to inquire about gentlemanliness and a reasonable source of income of the boy with whom they plan to marry their daughter. Nevertheless, here again we don’t remain limited to the limits where we ought to be. In our society, parents have been seen looking for a Damad (son-in-law) who is earning six figures salary per month and, at the same time, they have been observed poking their nose inquiring about lavish bank balance, luxury cars and bungalow, the prospective son-in-law owns. Here parents of a girl should also remain moderate and give first preference to gentlemanliness while choosing their son-in-law.
Neither Islam categorically forbids inquiring about reasonable source of income of prospective son-in-law nor it stops gifting something to your daughter, son, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or any other relationship. However, it clearly negates splurge and extravagance. And mind it, gifting something also nowhere permits you to exploit parents of a girl to spend millions in the name of this so-called-gift – dowry. So parents of boys who take the shelter “apni beiti ko he gift dena hai, hamain thori kuch dena” (parents will gift their daughter not us) are nowhere permitted to take the undue benefit of this phenomenon. Neither they have any right to comment (read: taunt) if parents of girl gift (or don’t gift) anything to her nor they are rightful to demand anything in the name of dowry. Rather it is the responsibility of the boy marrying the girl to manage their sources of living. So, whether you are on the side of “stopping jahezkhori” or a proponent of “stopping demanding well settled larka”, let’s come out of this filthy status quo mindset and mend our respective ends. After all, it takes two to get it right.
#StopJahezKhori
#Well-SettleLarkaMangnaBandKaro

The article was originally published in The News International. 18 Feb, 19

 

In Conversation With Qasim Ali Shah

In today’s world, where depression and despair is spread all around, it is not easy to remain focused and positive in every walk of life. Qasim Ali Shah, has cracked this nut stupendously. Mr. Shah is a world recognized motivational speaker, trainer, writer and educator. His instinctive capability of twining positivity and motivation in human thought process through his motivational talks and discussions make him distinctive among others. To date he has made more than five hundred videos and has written assortment of articles in his various books helping humanity in unleashing optimistic and sanguine thought process. He has trained thousands of people including government officials, CSP officers, employees of multinationals and students. He is also running an organization, Qasim Ali Shah Foundation, with an aim to spread intellect and wisdom in the society. Today Us is delighted to have a chit chat session with him.

Us: Sir, first of all tell Us something about your childhood. As a youngster, what are the traits that in your opinion should be taught to and be a part of today’s youngsters’ personality?

QAS: I believe, it was my good luck that the memories for which people have to go back in the past to recollect them, I have them recorded in my diary. Writing diary enables us to see that how we were seeing life during different phases of our life. At that time, I remember, I was a very imaginative, passionate, focused and monomaniacal sort of person. I was involved deeply in the world of fantasy. My grandpa was a man of principles and hence was my role model. I think in today’s world an average family’s kid doesn’t have any shortage of resources. The only thing he/she lacks is character building and instilment of moralities in his/her personality. We, as parents, are quite impressive in making pieces of advices to our kids but at the same time we have to keep in mind that the traits parents want to instill in their child should be a part of parents’ own personalities first. Our kids are being offered quality education in schools but they are far away from moralities and character building that is taught by parents through their own living style.

Us: Any edifying incident of your life that you would like to share with Us.

QAS: When I was kid, one day my father took me to his boss’ office. When we entered, I was holding my father’s hand and I felt his hands quivering. My father gave my introduction to his boss but he thoroughly ignored me and offensively rebuked my father for not completing the assignment given to him. I got overwhelmed seeing my father and promised myself neither to be a boss like him nor to be an employee like my father. In my life, I will never want to work where I have to fear because I love my freedom.

Us: What is the worst human behavior you have ever observed?

QAS: One-word answer to this question is “impatience”. People today want shortcut in every walk of life. Though, it is about earning money, getting fame, marking achievements, scoring good grades; people avoid working hard for it. If their work is not completed timely according to their wish, they get frustrated and give up soon. This behavior keeps them away from achieving success in their life. Mind it, marking success is a continuous journey. You can’t realize any dream overnight. You have to develop an attitude to work harder. Overnight realization of dream might be possible in movies or dreams but it is not practical in real life.

Us: What habits make a man successful?

QAS: In 20 years of my professional life, I have noticed that there are two types of people in the world. One is a group of people that is well skilled but has no values. Other group consists of people with less skills but high values. The second group, in my opinion, is a group of successful people. Those of us who tend to have more focus towards values or moralities in life i.e. they fulfill their promises, observe proper time table, they accept their faults, speak truth, plan their day well etc., they tend to be more successful. So skills are not enough, you ought to work on values a lot.

Us: And what does it take to change a habit?

QAS: One-word answer is “will-power”.

Us: The ratio of divorce in our society is getting increased day by day. In your opinion, what is the key to keep any relationship smoothened and strengthened? What are the condiments of a successful marital relationship?

QAS: Record divorces have taken place in recent past years. We conducted a research and facts revealed that out of eighteen thousand plus divorces that took place in Lahore last year, one of the fundamental reason of divorce was a marriage that took place in haste owing to flowing emotions of the prospective couple, measuring financial status of others and without considering the values of the prospective families. Family is not a knot of two persons only, it is a bondage of two families. The prospective couple and bonding families must keep in mind that we human beings are combination of good and bad habits. The prospective couple, after marriage, must keep in mind that a man does not live with a man but with the habits of a man. Youngsters today ought to learn and at the same time it should be taught by parents and teachers that we have to accept the other person with his or her good and bad habits both. This acknowledgement and commitment keeps the relationship going and strengthening.

Us: You are inspiration for many of us, tell Us who is your inspiration?

QAS: Wasif Ali Wasif. I believe, had I not been introduced to Wasif Ali Wasif I could never have discovered myself. He helped me discover the philosopher in me and I believe what I have done by today, it is all owing to him.

Us: Sir, tell Us about something Qasim Ali Shah Foundation? What’s purpose and vision this organization?

QAS: The fundamental concept behind Qasim Ali Shah foundation is to share and spread intellect and wisdom among masses. It is one of its own type of foundation that carries on its unique vision without asking for funds from donors.

Us: You always look quite motivated. It is not always easy to observe consistency in mood. Being a motivational speaker, how do you keep yourself motivated all the time and what would you suggest to remain motivated?

QAS: Motivation is a state of mind that keeps you on driving seat. Human state of mind keeps changing due to internal and external factors. The one who learns to deal with these internal and external factors, specially the negative ones, can manage and control his state of mind well. It is quite natural that despite being motivational speaker one may get sad but point is one has to have control over his emotions/state of mind, instead of letting emotions/state of mind control him or her.

Us: How can anyone discover the field for which he/she has been made for?

QAS: Any task or work that takes you out from the boundaries of time, space and tiredness is your passion; hence, being the field you have been made for. Any of you yearning to be a cricketer would never dither practicing cricket even during sheer summers noon. He may get tired for the time being but he would remain passionate even to play under scorching sun. This is how he is made for, so you are for your respective fields. So if you come across any activity of this type where you don’t get bored, mentally tired rather remain passionate; it is the field you have been made for. Embrace it.

Us: Can a man mend his fate in his favour?

QAS: I would like to relate a quote of Dr Abdul Kalam here that nothing can change one’s fate except one’s habits. Those who can alter their habits, can mend their fate as well. All of us know what habits one should nurture. When you bring a positive change in your habits and remain consistent, nature automatically starts shaping your fate in your favor.

Us: Sir, any regret in your life?

QAS: *Smiles* Standards of regrets have got changed. When I was young, I used to have, you can say, bit childish regrets. Now regrets have got matured. *Chuckles* For instance, when I look back at past, I regret times where my energy got wasted. I regret the times where I wasted time. But then at the same time I believe, these were the life time lessons for me that taught me and made me more strengthened and strong person.

Us: Sir, please suggest a must read book for youngsters.
QAS: 7 Habits of highly effective teenagers.

Us: Thank you so much for your time.

QAS: Pleased and humbled.

 

Leading from the front – IFA Pakistan

Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA), member body of IFAC, organized its second series of quarterly conferences on 16, 19 and 26 October at Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi respectively. The conferences, based on the theme “leading from the front”, were attended by a large number of business professionals, consultants and trainers employed in public practice, industry, and in the private sector. A good number of students also appeared in and got benefited from the events held in key cities of the country.
Held on 16th of October, second quarterly conference at Lahore was graced by Mr. Ansar A. Quershi as a guest speaker. Talking about leadership in today’s business world Mr. Quershi, a renowned international speaker and trainer, said that proficiency and being proactive are the two fundamental characteristics that a leader in this modern and fast business world must possess. Ms. Sadia Malik, an international trainer and professional coach, while addressing to students and professionals at Islamabad highlighted the significance of organizational culture and its impact on masses in working place. The attendees, specially young students, were charmed and motivated in member success story session by Mr. Farhan Dilawar, Chief Internal Auditor of Punjab Model Bazaar Management Company Industries, Commerce and Investment Department of Government of the Punjab. Mr. Sheikh advised students to remain focused to achieve their targets and for this he suggested to be friends with a routine of writing diary.

In recent past, being non-filer or filer of Income Tax Return has been a significant matter of discussion among the many. People, at times, where hesitate to file an annual return of income tax, there benefits of being filer also attract their attention. Karachi conference, therefore, brought to light significance of being a filer and spread awareness about it. Mr. Haider Imam, member of Karachi Tax Bar and Pakistan Institute of Public Finance Accountants, stated that latest amendments in income tax ordinance / finance act attempt to take in loop more and more number of persons to enhance tax circle. He further added that once one gets registered (filer) under Income Tax Ordinance, percentage of tax imposed in different financial transactions, that pertain to routine life, drops considerably resulting positive impacts on one’s pocket. In the end Mr. Amjad Hussain Durrani, Chief Internal Auditor of Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation Karachi proposed vote of thanks to the guest of honor and all other visitors. The visitors benefited thoroughly from his insightful and balanced analysis over scope of internal auditing in various organizations.
Addressing the large number of attendees, regional director of IFA Pakistan, Mr. Abdul Shakoor said that IFA has been producing thousands of business professional for last many decades. It is the outcome of stringent compliance with its core values and up to date curriculum that today IFA group has more than 36000 qualified business professional and students who are serving in more than 80 countries. At the end of the conference, guests of honor were awarded shields and certificates were distributed among newly qualified members. The quarterly conferences concluded with a hope that business education in Pakistan will remain updated with changing requirements of the era and young business professionals will play their role dedicatedly in bringing Pakistan out of the current financial crunch.