Carpe diem — Live it up like its 2013

People from the twin-city domain on their new year’s resolutions.

ISLAMABAD:

As the sun set on the year 2012, The Express Tribune reached out to residents of the twin cities to find out their resolutions for the New Year.

The ambitious ones

Adnan Rehmat, executive director of Intermedia Pakistan, an online media legal resource centre, said he had three resolutions for 2013: he will focus more on his personal life in the New Year, read all new books on his e-Reader instead of buying physical copies and most importantly, spend more time with his children.

“I think it is important we pay attention to real-life education, as well,” he said. “I’ll be one of my children’s teachers in the New Year, but I will not teach them Maths or English. I’ll be teaching them about life.” For Pakistan in 2013, Rehmat said the citizens must stop being cynical and find solutions to the country’s problems by realising what we can achieve.

“Cast my vote in the general elections,” said Ammar Azhar, a telecommunications engineer who works in Islamabad, adding on a lighter note, “get gas in my car.”

Akbar Khan, a taxi driver in Aabpara, also affected by the CNG and petrol crisis, did not sound too optimistic about 2013. “I don’t think things are going to change too much for us in the next year,” Khan said. “Until the government provides some relief for the masses, every day will be the same as before.”



Poet and human rights activist Harris Khalique said he would keep on exercising his pen for social change in the New Year. “Mindless killings and terrible suffering around us makes it hard to resolve anything for 2013,” Khalique said. “However, I do resolve to keep writing and keep crying for Pakistan.”

Moeed Tariq, a designer at BNS couture, thought up some altruistic resolutions. “To love more, hate less. Give more, want less,” Tariq said. “And continue to grow professionally and personally in the New Year.”

“Starve, save money and travel,” said Madiha Riaz, a lawyer.

“To give the abbreviation ‘LOL’ samaaj mein izzat [read not whore it out in text messages unless I mean it]” quipped Osman Khalid Butt, actor and director.

Twin-cities’ Twitterati

“Learning all major Pakistan languages plus wrap my book on military,” Wajahat S. Khan, journalist and television show host, tweeted. “Had success last year (quit smoking after 20 years) so fingers crossed.”



Raza Rumi, director of the Islamabad-based think tank Jinnah Institute, is looking forward to clarity of the mind and the launch of his book in 2013. “Staying positive. Learning to keep the mind clear of doubts and apologists’ narrative,” Rumi said, in a tweet. “Also finishing my second book. First one out in February.”

Samad Khurram, NADRA employee, tweeted: “My resolution is to have a serious resolution by next year.”

Wish lists for Pakistan

“I wish for a highly literate and prosperous Pakistan where there is safety and security for all,” Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Javaid Leghari, said.



Umair Khan, a medical student from Rawalpindi, echoed Leghari’s thoughts. “I want to see a healthy and prosperous Pakistan where very few people visit hospitals and more go to the recreational spots,” Khan said.

Aqsa Khan, a women’s rights activist, said, she wants the rape culture to end across the globe in 2013 and justice to be delivered to all victims of sexual violence by holding accountable the perpetrators.

“Not to get depressed and sit idle,” Professor Anwarul Haq, a senior pathologist, said. “All intelligent, honest and competent people must stand up and play their active role (in society).”

Amina Khan, a student from Islamabad, said her New Year’s resolution is to see all Pakistani girls attend school.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2013.