10th August, 2011

Cover Page By Waleed Waris

555 Noor Fatima Iftikhar

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131313

Ahmed Zafar Iqbal

151515

Ziad Bashir

777 777 Amna Aslam & Ziad Bashir

171717 Momin Ahmed

191919 Wajahat Ahmed Khan Regular iE contributors

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Ideas Evolved wishes all

its followers a very happy

Independence Day

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Ziad Bashir & Noor F. Iftikhar

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The Ignored Blessings By Momi Qazi

T he tears cling my lashes,

And I wonder mournfully why

My plans are turning to ashes?

Echoing my misery to God,

I cry “ Why me, my Lord?”

An angry voice flashed out

And accusingly rebuked me.

“ You are wrong to dread

And think you’ re not blessed.

Have you ever lost someone

Who starved for a crumb?

Looking at them helplessly,

As grief turned you numb?!

Were you ever a refugee

Beneath the rogue sky?

Did the world give you a cold shoulder

When you needed a shoulder to cry?!

Were you ever inflicted with pain

So terrible, that your cries pierced the sky?

Did you ever try all but invain

To reattach a lost leg or thigh?

Were you ever in a battlefield

Where every turns smells of death?

Did you ever find yourself stranded

Right in the midst of wreck?!

Did you ever spend a day

When to eat you must thrive?

For wholesome or pathetic food,

Even eat garbage to survive?!

Were you ever binded in chains

And treated against your will?

Did pain ever turn you insane

When cruelty went uphill?!

Weren' t you secure all your life?

Weren' t you protected by me?

Did I not keep you safe?

And shielded you from fate’ s debris?!

Count my countless blessings

And curb your reasons to be blue.

Look around you and you’ ll see:

I’ ve been Merciful to you.

Be grateful for what you have.

You’ re better than countless in

shacks.

Boldly face the tiny tests of strife

And be thankful for such a smooth

life.”

Ziad Bashir: “Somebody remind me why we have so many girls on the editorial board?”

Fiza Ali: “Kitna sexist hai ye”

An excerpt from the

first meeting of the

New Editorial Board

5

6 Designed by Aimen Zia

Words from the Throne

Dear Readers,

Every little endeavor that one

undertakes requires commitment and loyalty to the cause. For our forefathers who struggled

for the rights of Muslims in subcontinent, Pakistan was such an endeavor. For our little team of

Ideaholics (this term now officially describes members of the iE team =P), Ideas Evolved is such

an endeavor. Like parents we have fostered Ideas Evolved, taking pride in the achievement of

every milestone, and dreaming of greater glory… we have given up much and if we are ready to

do all that and much more for something like iE, what about our country?

Pakistan describes us, it is our responsibility. WE must take care of it, work on it, improve it,

and flaunt it with pride… We have to look for a solution to every problem and not let any exter-

nal force affect the dynamics of what is the fruit of our ancestors’ hard work.

Pakistan is an entity that we must own and protect: Our HOME, our HEARTH. 17 million people

are to take care of a sacred land. Even

if just us, the youth, were to stand up

and display some sense of ownership

and affection, for the country that has

stood for us for 64 hard years, things

might change for the better. We must

remember in the end:

Ziad Bashir and Amna Aslam

Chief Editors

Yeh Zameen Muqaddas hai… maan k pyaar ki soorat

Iss chaman mein tum sab ho… Barq-o-bar ki soorat

Dekhana guwana mut… Dolat-e-yaqeen logo

Yeh watan amanat hai… aur tum ameen logo

Yeh watan tumhara hai… tum ho paasban iss k

Ideas Evolved is proud to be associated with Nebulous,

the Science Journal!

The first youth based science journal in Pakistan. Learn,

contribute and write for it! Nebulous - The Science Jour-

nal is a non profit organization founded for the promotion

of science in Pakistan. Click image to visit Facebook Page.

7

The month of July was something akin to a rollercoaster ride. From blistering hot after-

noons to heavy torrential rain to the suffocating humidity – we wish that was the end of

all our problems. Furthermore, the economic hub of the country, Karachi, is in a state

of sheer turmoil, with hundreds of innocent civilians murdered in a fresh wave of vio-

lence. Thankfully, the situation seems to be improving, albeit extremely slowly. In Nor-

way, a heartless massacre by a right-wing terrorist sent the entire nation into

mourning, tragically killing more than 90 people most of which were youngsters.

On the other hand, interestingly, the tabloid News of the World was recently shut down

(with blessings from the cricketing trio we presume) as Shab-e-barat was celebrated

with religious fervor. The Pakistani born, British boxer Amir Khan lifted the welterweight

world title while Pakistan won 17 gold medals in Special Olympics. Tennis star Aisam ul

Haq left a line of broken hearts along his path as he engaged a Britain-based Pakistani

doctor. While fans mourned the sudden loss of troubled soul sensation Amy Wine-

house, others went berserk over the latest (and sadly, final) Harry Potter movie release,

the Deathly Hallows Part II. Now, preparations for Ramadan and Independence

Day are in full swing – the promises August made to our nation. 8

Confessions of a Confused Pakistani Teenager – Part I

– By Haleema Khan

Throughout my life, I have been inspired, by women who come from all walks of life. Each of

them hail from different backgrounds, they have different personalities, different opinions

and different stories. Some of them are strong-willed, determined and successful; the others

are insecure and only starting to find their own way in the world. Some of these women are

optimists and believe in love and marriage and happiness and babies, the others are nonbe-

lievers in just about everything. While some of them have taught me to always stay positive

and find happiness in everything, their pessimistic counter-parts have cautioned me to al-

ways be on the lookout for the evil that lurks in just about everyone and everything…

A General is a General is a...

– By Nusrat Osama

It is said that ‘hennah’ does not release its color unless it is

whetted and a person does not learn a lesson unless he stumbles.

Thanks to Almighty, I did not stumble in life but my experiences

whetted me enough to give an everlasting color to me. Life is nei-

ther a touch of Midas nor a bed of Roses, it is in fact a thorny seat

on which the person sitting remains in pain. I worked as a teacher

for almost fourteen years. Since I belong to an Army background, I

served institutions which were invariably controlled by one of the

Forces. Not Cadet Colleges as someone might think but those

Public schools in which children of Forces personnel as well as ci-

vilians are educated…

11

Facebook gets Tipsy

– By Ali Hassan

Creativity has always found a way to make itself stand out, and has scored once again, with the latest trends on everybody’s favorite social networking website, Facebook. We have all seen the time when fake profiles were en vogue and also when our daily gossip queens, the ‘Lucases’, kept us updated about the most recent news citywide. Then, there have also been the never-ending phases of the “fraaandshipers”, random people sending friend ship requests that sometimes go like…

“If i say hi…….u may say whoz this…. if i ask for chat….u may say why??…. if i say i liked ur profile……u may say m flattering u….. if i ask for frnship…….u may say m flirting…… so can u plz suggest me hw to start wid a new rela-tion………???? contact: 03xx-xxxxxxx”

Confessions of a Gamer Girl

– By Noor Fatima Iftikhar

It would be a sight plain enough for one, I had always presumed. Clad in the conventional kameez-shalwar attire, hair pulled back in a tight braid, air-phones in place and the laptop sitting snugly in lap – an ordinary young lady merely going about her daily computing routine. However, one might easily overlook the bunched muscles in my tense shoulders, clenched teeth, taut jaw and furrowed brows, or even miss the flaring emotion in my eyes. No matter,

this is not something I will hold against anyone.

After all, it takes one to know one.

ROUND 1: FIGHT!

“DIE! DIE! DIE!”

…………………………………………

I glanced down at my watch, and saw that there was still more than an hour to go till my next

flight. I looked ahead at the queue; it seemed to be subsiding albeit very slowly. I keenly ob-

served my surroundings, keeping an especially sharp eye out for men travelling alone. My eyes

met those of a man who was addressed to a room down the hallway instead of being let

through. It was my first trip to the States and I had heard stories about how the authorities de-

layed and interrogated you while you cleared customs.

The Green Stained with Red

..............................– By Ali Hassan

12

By

Ahmed Zafar Iqbal

Long Live

Pakistan

“People who have no hold over their process of thinking are

likely to be ruined by liberty of thought. If thought is immature,

liberty of thought becomes a method of converting men into

animals.”

–Allama Muhammad Iqbal

Cover Story Background by LOLZ STUDIOS

Photography by Iman Shahid

13

The 14th of August fast approaches - the day when our freedom and independ-

ence as a sovereign nation were officially accepted by the world. Today, apart from

the prejudice against which we as Pakistanis fight as an image of resistance

against terrorism, we are faced with many internal conflicts as well. The fact that

we Pakistanis do not just give up is a testament to our resilience and bravery. This

country is still running, still going, and InshAllah will continue to do so for centuries

to come; we shall not give up on the dream of the Quaid, and fight for that dream

and vision he had for us: to have a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan capable of

defending her rights and sovereignty at all costs.

Today we see a different picture, a far-cry from Quaid’s dream.

Load-shedding and soaring prices meshed with the undesirable position that Paki-

stan has been pushed into on the international front, do weigh on the mind of the

public. But we must not forget that Pakistan has and will always be an amazingly

resilient country. In these hard times we will persevere to come up to the vision

that Quaid had for us. Every nation that has ever aspired to greatness and has at-

tained it has had its share of rocky roads, rainy days and dark clouds. Our young

Pakistan will be such a country, an example to those who will look at us and say:

“Yeah, that's one tough country, they took it and they persevered it.”

The road may be long and weary but InshAllah we will tread the tough terrain and

tackle the stormy seas to reach our destination.

With that in mind, let us celebrate this Independence Day with the combined fer-

vor of many previous ones; let us appreciate our country and cherish all that it has

given us. At the same time we should work hard towards a prosperous Pakistan –

a Pakistan where our children can grow up happily and safely. A Pakistan we can

truly call our home, a tolerant Pakistan, a hopeful Pakistan, an educated Pakistan,

an even more beautiful Pakistan; a force to be reckoned with, a Pakistan we can

be sure that the Quaid would be proud of.

Ideas Evolves wishes you a very happy Independence Day. Have a prosperous and

bright future. Remember to contribute to this society and the world, and to make

this country and the world a better place; for it is that by which you will be remem-

bered.

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Eye Spy Theater Hub Annual Play:

Nizam Sakka

Reviewed by Ziad Bashir

Theater in Pakistan is an endangered specie of arts.

The industry that has produced so many remarkable

stage artists in the country, is now looking to be res-

cued. And you know what– there’s ample reason to

have hope.

What Theater Hub produced at Lahore’s Alhamra from

28th to 30th July, was a show of the remarkable tal-

ent that this country has the potential to produce.

Showing to a full house audience on its first day, Ni-

zam Sakka was a hugely successful play that

didn't disappoint the Lahories who proved by showing

up in such large numbers that where there’s talent

and creativity, Lahore will not hesitate to show its appreciation. Nizam Sakka was well directed and well

produced and Ideas Evolved was not disappointed. Worth mentioning is the lead character Nizam, the

Goonga and Totla ministers; played by Faheem Mazhar, Hamza Shakil, and Talha Javed.

Special mention goes out to the characters Samsu played by Hamza kamal , who did a brilliant job with

the song he often had to sing in the play, always with different lyrics but never mixed them up, and Hijab

Tariq, playing Naseeban often came off as very loud and sometimes unbearable but one would excuse

her due to what her role had demanded of her– nonetheless, a role that few could have pulled off with

such consistency. Credit for bringing out the best in these actors goes to the director Talal Ali Jan.

One aspect of plays in Pakistan, which the organizers could focus on, is the venue. Alhamra’s Hall 2;

though, arguably the best available choice, is not a place you’d want to sit in simply because of the con-

dition. The quality of plays is improving and production companies like Theater Hub are proof of that,

but theater goers will have to change their attitude as well in order for theater culture to thrive in Paki-

stan. The hall is in the condition it is, because of those that regularly attend plays here. Though the ef-

fort Alhamra puts in to keep it presentable is evident, the rest lies in the hands of the audience and

they should play their part as a responsible and mature crowd.

15 www.IdeasEvolved.com

SHOUTOUTS

=D

Syed Faizan Ali - for giving iE another

reason to brag about telecommuting

Aimen Zia – for doing a great job with

Ideas1.05 despite her impending MCAT

FACTS ABOUT

Pakistan holds the record to

have produced the youngest

test cricketer: Hasan Raza

who began at the age of

14!!!

Pakistan is proud to have

made the largest tea bag,

largest kurta AND the larg-

est football in the world!!

The youngest Microsoft Cer-

tified Technology Specialist

is Babar Iqbal, a 12 year old

Pakistani!

AFTERTHOUGHT

Another shoutout to Ziad Bashir for

designing the Shoutout Page Everybody chips in...

Ziad Bashir—for losing his sense of

what is day and night in trying to

handle everybody’s job at iE...

Fiza Ali, Sanniah J. & NFI – the assistant editors,

for handling the mountain of work we sent

their way.

16

=D

By Momin Ahmed,

the ‘Innocous Pop Culture Critic’

Every summer has them, songs that define those glorious months where teenagers all the world

kicks back and relax. Last summer it was ‘California Girls’ & ‘Airplanes’ and the summer before that ‘I

Gotta Feeling’ ruled the airwaves. So let’s list the tunes that have defined the summer of 2011:

Sleeper Hit:

‘Pumped Up Kicks’ by Foster the People:

Anybody remember a little song called 'Kids' by MGMT? Remember how huge it was? Well if you

were a fan of 'Kids' you will love this song. Foster the People is an indie pop band from Los Angeles

and their song 'Pumped up Kicks' is AWESOME. It has mellow yet upbeat feel which is perfect for

summer.

Songs that were EVERYWHERE:

‘Party Rock Anthem’ by LMFAO: This song is just plain ol’ fun.

‘Rolling in the Deep’ by Adele: Well 2011 has kind of been the year of Adele so it was natural that

she would have a summer hit. And I’m glad it was ‘Rolling in the Deep’, the song is fantastic and

don’t let anyone say differently.

‘The Lazy Song’ by Bruno Mars: I really started to like this guy after hearing this. It’s as if he

specifically wrote this as a summer hit.

Pop-alicious:

‘T.G.I.F’ by Katy Perry: It’s Katy Perry; what do we expect? She is like a pop

machine. The video for this song is also EPIC!

‘Tonight Tonight’ by Hot Chelle Rae: A great slice of California pop that is

just enough punk to appeal to a wide range of listeners.

Give Me Everything’ By Pitbull & Ne-Yo: One of Pitbulls’ best songs, boost-

ed by great chorus sung by the ever smooth Ne-Yo.

‘The Edge of Glory’ by Lady GaGa: The song itself is simple and very classic

GaGa. She shocked her fans by making a completely normal video for it.

Look out for a great solo by the late Saxophone legend Clarence Clemons.

For the Music Buffs

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Rap:

‘Super Bass’ by Nicki Minaj: Though she is a rapper this

song is very pop. The chorus seems to have been created

to especially get stuck in people’s heads.

‘I'm On One’ by DJ Khaled featuring Drake, Rick Ross and

Lil Wayne: Name an artist that's featured on more tracks

this summer than Rick Ross or Lil Wayne. Sometimes

they both show up. This is one of the better, deeper

cuts.

Ballads:

‘Just a Kiss’ by Lady Antebellum: It’s a pop-country song designed for

slow dances around a bonfire.

‘California King Bed’ by Rihanna: Now…who said Rihanna couldn’t

sing?

Rock:

‘My Body’ by Young the Giant: It's taken a minute, but these

newcomers have finally made a dent on modern rock radio just

in time for the solstice with this upbeat number. Kings of Le-

on only wished they penned this one.

Summer Song Failures:

- ‘Run the World’ by Beyonce: It’s a mystery why

this song didn’t light up the charts? Hmmm, maybe

because it’s a terrible song.

- ‘Don't Wanna Go Home’ by Jason DeRulo: When

this guy stops saying his name at the start of each

song that is when he’ll have another hit.

17 18

Creative Photography

Picture by Wajahat Ahmed Khan

If you are a photographer and think your

creativity deserves recognition, then let

us know on

contact@ideasevolved.com

to submit your work to be featured in

next month’s Ideas1.06

Before we begin, can anyone tell me why we pronounce it Ramzan but write it as

Ramadan?

Fasting in Ramadan no longer holds just religious significance in Pakistan; it affects

the state economically as well as politically. But most importantly, no matter what be-

liefs you hold, in Pakistan, it now is a part of the culture. And there’s so much to look

forward to:

WAKING UP TO FOOD

Somebody once said early to bed, early to

rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise.

Not personally a big fan of whoever said this

BUT in Ramadan, this changes.

We wake up every day, and usually, it’s not

the part that we look forward to most. BUT

in Ramadan, you wake up not to go to work

immediately- but to the prospect of a special

meal. Now that’s more like it =D

COMMUNITY SERVICE

And then there’s that humanitarian spirit. Many NGOs and private individuals alike

take the initiative and operate various “langars” and open kitchens, just to make sure

nobody goes hungry. It’s impossible to have fed everyone, but at least Pakistanis try

their best. Simply put, Ramadan is a time when communal bonds are strength-

ened.

Ramadan

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By Ziad Bashir & Noor Fatima Iftikhar

Time of IFTAAR:

MAGIC ON THE ROADS

Between the Asr and Maghrib Prayer (Iftaar time) the scenes on the roads are

something of a chaotic circus. EVERY shop that sells anything edible is flocked.

And if you are a guy who has been exposed to the not-very-sophisticated-part

-of-the-city as well, you’ll know how it feels to wait in the crowd to get jalebi,

samosay, rass malaee (traditional Pakistani delights) etc.

But the magic is how different the scenes on the road are 10 minutes BEFORE

iftaar and 10 minutes AFTER iftaar. The same roads will be recognizably differ-

ent- the magic of Ramadan.

Then in the midst of (the deliriously annoying) Dalda and Pepsi commercials,

the TV channels air the Azaan at the time of Maghrib and the entire family

tucks into the food spread out for them.

Warning: iE will go on strike for the entire Ramadan if ANYONE sends any of

us the annoying “kis ne kaha tha pepsi pr paanch ropay kum kr do” sms

joke :@

SPIRITUALITY

Spirituality can be a source of great relief for human psyche, and in Pakistan,

spirituality is at its peak during this

month. The calm at nights is impenetra-

ble and everyone can benefit from that.

For Muslims, there is enough to look for-

ward to- praying, the reward of doing a

good deed, the glad tidings of a particu-

lar night: Lailat ul Qadr, the Night of

Power. It is an Islamic belief that one can-

not be sure of the next moment, all the more reason to thank God for allow-

ing us to live through this year’s Ramadan.

Photocourtesy: Mashal Hassan

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22 Designed by Aimen Zia