London Paralympics: I am proud despite my exit, says Masih

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Paralympian Naeem Masih’s stay in the London Paralympics ended after the first round of the T46 1,500m heat.

Masih, in his first international event, ended last in the heat – and 16th out of 18 starters – with a time of 4:51:.53.

“I am disappointed with my performance because I ran a 4:40 during practice in London but my effort in the event wasn’t that impressive,” Masih told The Express Tribune. “I was overwhelmed by the huge crowd which kept me under pressure because in Pakistan hardly any one turns up for the national championships.”

Masih pointed out that a different track to what he had raced on in his career was a minor reason behind a below-par show, while different weather conditions to Pakistan also proved to be an obstacle in his drive to improve his personal best of 4:46. However, the experience has formed a huge learning curve, helping him gain valuable insight into life on and off the track given his involvement with the top athletes of the world.

“I wanted to become a cricketer but when I lost my hand at the age of 12, I thought it was the end. But then I took interest in athletics in school and later started pursuing it as a career. Now, I stand at a place where me and my family are really proud.

“One can always fulfil his dream no matter what disability he has. You only need dedication for that.”

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Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, with an over 10, 000 fellows and members, has conferred Imran Khan with an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his services to healthcare in Pakistan and overseas, particularly for his enormous contribution to cancer services in Pakistan through his efforts to establish the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.

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Babrus Khan is Pakistan’s top Visual artist and animator. Check out some of his work on his facebook fanpage in the source.

(via junaidslife)

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This man really made me smile. Immediately after I asked for his photo, it became apparent that he didn’t speak English. This is normally a deal breaker. It is very difficult to convince a stranger to let you take their photo if they cannot understand a word you are saying.

But I attempted my usual sign language, which involves pointing at the camera then pointing at the person’s face. (All while smiling stupidly.) And this time it worked. The man straightened his shoulders, stared into the lens of the camera, and smiled. I took his portrait and thanked him profusely.

I began to walk away when I heard him calling to me. I turned around and saw him tugging at his traditional clothing. “Me Pakistan!” he said. “Me Pakistan!” (via humansofnewyork)

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These Birds Walk trailer. A documentary on Abdul Sattar Edhi.

“These Birds Walk” is about common people who soar in a time of crisis, while navigating the gritty reality of their daily lives in Pakistan. Omar, a poor runaway boy, plans his escape from a foundation in hopes to finally return home. A reluctant ambulance driver, Asad navigates the difficult streets of Karachi, transporting the sick and dead to their fated destinations. Their two lives come together through a dying humanitarian upon whom so much of their daily lives depend.
The film invited to #Sundance a part of the documentary fellows program

Here’s an interview of Bassam Tariq, the New York based filmmaker

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EDIT: Here’s their official tumblr: thesebirdswalk.tumblr.com

Paye (and all things related) - Pakistan

Yashica FX-3 + Kodak Colorplus 200 (expired 2007) / Agfa Vista 200 (expired 2008) (via papamalangi123)

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So much respect for this guy, Ayaz works as a police security guard in Swat (probably earns around 10-12k a month) on his way home found a bag containing Rupees 5.5 million, searched for the owner and returned it all to him. The guy offered him half a million as reward but he declined saying it was his duty.

Here’s the video link to the story. So refreshing among all the talk of corruption and dishonesty. (via um-er)

This is Pakistan!

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Percussive guitar from the guy who invented it (and someone he inspired): Preston Reed and Usman Riaz at TEDGlobal2012

Usman Riaz and Preston Reed

TEDGlobal Fellow Usman Riaz is an innovative musician who plays with vim and verve. He’s taken to the stage to enchant the assembled crowd with a virtuoso round of percussive guitar. But that’s not all. After one song, out comes the guy who invented percussive guitar playing– Riaz’s personal hero–Preston Reed. Um. His playing has the audience on the edge of their seats so as not to miss a note. Finally, the two come together onstage to perform a duet that’s, well, indescribable. Whoops, hollers, cheering and the most fervent standing ovation of the conference ensue, leading to insistence from TED curator Chris Anderson that the pair give us an impromptu encore. It’s pure, glorious improvisation, with Riaz even turning to the audience to shrug with a smile that he’s not quite sure what he’s doing. What a way to end the day.

Watch Usman Riaz play “Fire Fly” »

Watch Preston Reed play “Ladies Night” »

Usman Riaz