What is Gujrat famous for?
Thursday, 3 April 2025
Labels: Gujrat, In Print, News, Travel
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Thursday, April 03, 2025,
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Imam Musa Kazam (A.S)
Labels: Chasing Life
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Thursday, April 03, 2025,
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Mir Chakar Rind
Tuesday, 1 April 2025
An old, sleepy and tranquil village Satghara lies about 80 kilometers from Lahore (20 minutes drive away from Okara) in the quiet backwaters of the Punjab. The coins found at Satghara prove that the place was inhabited at the time of the Kushan dynasty. The rule of Kushans was one of the most decisive periods in the history of the Subcontinent. At the height in the second century (A.D.), Kushans ruled from Oxus to Ganges and yet their influence spread beyond even these frontiers. On the southern bank of the Ravi, it is a typical Pakistani village where farmers live like rustics in the face of urban attractions. Though off the beaten track, it has never been out of limelight. Besides heritage conscious travelers from all over the world, Baloch leaders and contemporary historians visit the hamlet. Reasons: it is a "Tukia Nawab Chakar Ki" - last resting-place of Mir Chakar Rind. I see part of our history buried here whenever I have a look at it. And when I was stationed at Okara Cantt, I did it often.As per one account, Mir Chakar Rind came to this village with seven families, hence the name. Another legend has it that the village was named Satghara because it was destroyed seven times by floods. Shah Abul Mo'ali, descendant of sixteenth century saint Muhammad Ibrahim Daud-e-Sani Bandgi in his book 'Maqamat-e-Daudi' maintains that Satghara was known by the same name even before the arrival of Mir Chakar Rind. In Baloch history, the sixteenth century was a very eventful period. Baloch fought series of wars amongst themselves. The result of these tribal conflicts not only caused large-scale bloodshed but also resulted in their mass migrations to the Punjab, Sindh and Gujrat (India).
Labels: Baloch, Mir Chakar Rind, People, Punjab
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Tuesday, April 01, 2025,
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No rules: Just walk.
Labels: Chasing Life
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Tuesday, April 01, 2025,
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Note to Self - 2025
Sunday, 30 March 2025
No complaints.
Labels: Chasing Life, Real Life
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Sunday, March 30, 2025,
3 comments,
Twitter to X to xAI : What next?
Labels: Information Technology, Social Media
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Saturday, March 29, 2025,
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Alcove that I love
Labels: Lahore School
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Saturday, March 29, 2025,
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Labels: Chasing Life
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Friday, March 28, 2025,
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How I write and self publish
As a sub category of this specie there are among them the innocent writers who keep visiting publishing houses simply in a hope that some day someone will be convinced about the great idea presented by them and will be willing to invest on the publication of their work. The writer whom I am going to profile here is a commoner. That seems to be his first problem. When the first time he took the draft of his book to a well-reputed publishing house, the owner of a publishing house enlightened him to go do something else instead of writing. My writer friend was surprised with how the owner had given his opinion even without setting an eye on the draft of his life long labour of love.
Labels: Personal, Writers, Writing
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Friday, March 28, 2025,
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Forts of Potohar
Thursday, 27 March 2025
As someone who hails from the Potohar region and whose childhood memories are intertwined with its landscapes, I vividly recall picking kokno ber (red barriers) from the Salt Range – I approached 'Forts of Potohar' with a deep sense of personal connection. What I found within its pages was a truly mesmerizing journey through the region's untamed beauty and the silent stories held within twenty ancient strongholds.
Potohar, the strategic land nestled between the Indus and Jhelum rivers, emerges in their narrative as a significant crucible of civilizations. Its forts stand as silent witnesses to countless battles, the ebb and flow of imperial ambitions, and the constant shifting of allegiances that have shaped this land. What truly distinguishes 'Forts of Potohar' is its skillful fusion of factual historical accounts with the rich tapestry of local folklore and tradition. This approach allows the authors to paint a vibrant picture of the socio-cultural evolution of the region, making history feel both accessible and deeply engaging. Their evident passion for storytelling and unwavering dedication to preserving Pakistan's often-untold cultural heritage resonate powerfully throughout the book.
More than just a historical record or a travel guide, 'Forts of Potohar' offers an immersive experience, transporting the reader to a bygone era of ancient civilizations and grand ambitions. It is a compelling read for anyone seeking to understand the deeper layers of Pakistan's history and culture, particularly the often-hidden stories etched in stone across the Potohar landscape.
WhatsApp at 0300-8410966 to get a copy signed by the authors.
Labels: Books, Forts of Potohar
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Thursday, March 27, 2025,
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