Think bigger, sin bigger

A second year A Level student heading for McGill University in the fall, who's hopelessly in love with the world of football who aspires to one day be successful in the field of finance and banking. Has a strong penchant for philosophy and logical constructs and tweets @Samee_24.

Think bigger, sin bigger

‘Life, what is it but a shallow journey? A journey beleaguered by a diverse mix of emotions, relationships, responsibilities and hardships. Godlessness has pervaded our society, drawing out any sense of purpose that our existence could hold. I’m here to punish those who think they can continue with such an un-heathen modus vivendi.’ Deep thoughts continued to inundate Ashfaq’s mind. With a final sigh, he took out his cigarette and crushed it beneath his foot. People around him seemed unperturbed, as they rushed on – seemingly a blur to his eyes. With a little grin, he was reminded of the hilarity of the situation. He was the master of their fate. At this point in time, he was God.

Ashfaq was no stranger to blasphemous thoughts, thoughts which, more often than not, were contrary to his firmly rooted beliefs. He mused on the consequences of the actions he was planning to take. He would surely go to hell, that he knew of. However he was serving a larger scheme – a scheme that could paradoxically be rewarded in the hereafter. At times when his thoughts would start contradicting each other, he would cease ruminating within his head and whisper to himself "For the greater good".

Time was running out. With a long, hard gaze down the crowded street, Ashfaq started to make his move. He bustled through the crowd, anxious about getting the timing right. His eyes were fixated on the large stadium situated on the opposite side. Without lifting his gaze even for a moment, he knocked into a little girl. "Hey, you blind fool. Can’t you focus more on not tumbling into people?", screamed a guy, most probably the girl’s father. Ashfaq just looked blindly at the father, alternating his stare between him and the girl. With a shake of the head, he rustled past the two and on to his mission.

Abashed by his recent encounter, the girl’s image kept resurfacing in his mind. They were both going to the stadium, as the father and his daughter were both sporting team merchandise. ‘For the greater good’, came the whisper. However, his mantra was less successful in easing his doubts this time. He looked back, and now the blur was replaced with a vivid and resplendent portrait. He could see every single emotion, every single feature etched on to each and every person’s face. Ashfaq thought he could probably tell a story for every person he saw. But, the most important thing he observed was the variegation in every human he saw, realizing the multifariousness of the thoughts they would hold and how they were painfully oblivious to what would happen to them in a few moments’ time. Possessed by this satori, Ashfaq started to run. All he knew now was that he did not want to proceed with his plan. The stadium was a good two miles away, and a glance at the watch notified him that he didn’t have much time left. He searched for the Olympic sprinter within himself, as he pushed himself on. The main street was filled to the rafters, so he decided on taking a right and then doubling over afterwards. As he made the turn, a van thundered into his body, sending him flying away. Unconsciousness shrouded Ashfaq.

He regained his senses and found himself in a travelling ambulance. He rubbed his eyes and started questioning relentlessly. The medical assistant next to him shushed him, and injected an anesthetic into his body. As he dreamily went back to sleep, Asfhaq could hear an overwhelming boom in the distance.

 Samee Zahid - LGS Paragon

Featured Pafian 1.6

Interviewee: Siraj Sohail (Most Valuable Player of 11th AKU inter-school/collegiate boys' Under-19 Basketball Tournament)
Interviewer: Hiba Khan

Q1. How does it feel to have been awarded with the Most Valuable Player title at the AKU Basketball Tournament?

Ans. It is, in fact, a matter privilege to have been selected as a best player, i am really honoured and would acknowledge the fact that these feelings are beyond expressions. Yet, i confess that at this moment i feel deeply motivated to enhance my performance to a higher level of perfection.

Siraj Sohail, the player in the middle :) With Wajeeh Ahmed
and Tooba Javaid.
Yes, Siraj was awarded 'The Most Valuable Player' at
Aman Foundation Basketball tournament too.

O2. How long have you been playing basketball for, and has it become more of a passion now than just a game for you?
Ans. I'm playing since 2007. To me, perfection and excellence in any sport can be achieved through passion, if this element is lacking, i think, we can not elevate it to the higher level of achievement. Therefore, for me, it is more of a passion than sport.

Q3. Do you think your basketball talents will end with A-levels?
Ans. I am temperamentally suited to basketball, i believe it is induced in my instinct, it can not and will not end after my A levels.

Q4. Who is your basketball idol?
Ans. Of course, Jordan.

Q5. Do you think you can be captain of the team next year?
Ans. InshAllah. I will be the captain.

Q6. Finally, food or basketball ?
Ans. Definitely fooood, it gives me the energy to play basketball. Hahaha.

Interviewee: Fariz Ahmed (Captain of PAF Chapter Boys Basketball Team)
Interviewer: Minahil Malik

FARIZ :)

Q1. During the last quarter did it occur to you that you might lost the game, or were you sure about winning?
Ans. Of course as a captain i felt the weight was really on my shoulders, but then I saw the score and I saw how my entire team was playing and I knew we were going to win. We were on fire!

Q2. Describe for us how you felt when the buzzer rang and you knew that you had beaten the 'Gulshan A Level Team'?
Ans. Even though I knew we were going to win, I couldn't believe it till the crowd ran to congratulate us, that's when we realized we had done it!

Q3. If a large number of supporters come to watch you play, does that in any way pressurize you?
 Ans. That's what everyone thinks, but the only reason we win is through their support. We win to make them proud. That's not pressure, that's called being united.

Q4. What makes you love Basketball the most out of all the other sports?
Ans. It's the game that i could play everyday for the rest of my life.

Q5. What do you have to say about the efforts of your boys ( team mates)?
Ans. They gave it there best and look what we accomplished, we finally won from City Gulshan. I could not have asked for anything more.

Q6. If you could coach someone for Basketball from the A Level section who would you choose and why?
Ans. Wajeeh Ahmed. He's a great player. However, he needs to learn how to pass the ball sometimes.

Interviewee: Usman Siddique (Vice Captain of PAF Chapter Boys Basketball Team)
Interviewer: Sarmad Pirzada

Meet Muhammad Usman Siddique, the one who constantly
nagged us about how the interviews of the rest of his
team mates should be taken too.
That's the Vice Captain Spirit! :)

Q1) Let us begin this interview by shedding light on your passion, tell me, is basketball the only passion of your life.
Ans) No. Game itself isn’t the passion; being a player is.

Q2) One very common occurring question that I put up to every interviewee and get mesmerized by the answers that I get is, how do you divide your time between studies, extracurricular activities and BASKETBALL?
Ans) Well, to be very honest, I don’t participate in any extra curricular activity other than sports so it isn’t difficult to manage time between playing and studying. Infact I spend more of my time playing.

Q3) A weird question, how do you measure the baskets you have missed till now?
Ans) I believe many, but the fraction I might have scored would be 14/15.

Q4) In 20 years from now, do you still see yourself as a basketball player?
Ans) Not really. Basketball is a passion; I don’t see it as a career.

Q5) That moment when you felt the legendary trophy between your fingers, did the chills run down your spine?
Ans) It felt great. In all the times I have spent at PAF Chapter, it was the best feeling.

OUR BOYS MADE IT TO THE NEWS! :D

Source: Dawn News

OUR BOYS AT AMAN FOUNDATION BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

THE TEAM LINE UP OF 11th AKU inter-school/collegiate boys' Under-19 Basketball Tournament

Fariz Ahmed(c). Waleed Khan. Umar Ayub. Osman Siddique(vc). Bilal Zaheer. Sheryar Shareef. Wajih Ahmed. Shahmir Zaheer. Siraj Sohail. Hammad Ashraf.  Najam Farooq. Yusha Ul Hasan. Waleed Sherdil. Behzad Javed. Paul Naqvi.

KEEP IT ROLLIN' PAFIANS! :)

PAFMUN 2013-An Insider's Review

 Rida Noor – A1C3
Amna Rizwan – A1C1

PAFMUN 2013 – The Best Experience Ever.
Yes, we all miss it and we all loved it. PAFMUN  did not come up itself but there were many people involved who made this event possible.
We all are highly grateful to the originator of the idea Ms Shireen Karamally and the Batch of 2012, along with the support of Ms Bushra and Ms Naureen. The whole organizing team really deserves an overwhelming applause, simply because 'We Own PAFMUN.'

-Your guide to “How each department worked at PAFMUN 2013” :)

1) "Security – the ARMLESS Chowkidaars"

- 24/7 job with free socials. The most distinguished department with the “RED TAGS”, and of course, admirable “RAYBANS”

2) "Operations – the CHAI WALAY "

However, they could be better defined as assistants too!
Assisted the security to maintain discipline especially during rainy breaks.
And yes, they were termed as 'Chai', 'Coffee' or 'Paani' wala for the Chairs and the ACDs.

P.S: They were warned not to mess with the Green or Yellow tags.
P.S.S: Volunteers of this department had a Tafreeh Time with their Tafreeh Head (Junaid Babar) 
And not to forget the 'Bharam' of the team during rotation! (Y)

3) "Creative – Der ayi, par durust ayi (the opening video)"

This department produced really great covers (for the Facebook profiles), awesome back-drops, interesting  ID tags and the most awaited videos and its bloopers.

4) "Photography – the MOST WANTED!"

People carrying the most magnetic devices – the DSLRs!
The walls of PAF Chapter echoed  with the names of 'Jannat' and 'Jalebi' !
Flashing back- Amin Imran, Rafay’s focus and thumbs ups ! ;)
The quietest photographer-Afif Ather and not to forget the freshly introduced talents; Marium Khanani and Waleed Ghani (Y)

5) " Registerations- Under the ever smiling Director (Aliasgher Makati) "The hardest pre-event efforts that conjured 500+ delegates and made Pafmun 2013 a huge success.

6) "Marketing? KJK, Enough said!"

Gave free popcorns to PAF Chapter on the cost of one questionnaire.
They would have also tried to promote Pafmun with 'Being Human' which would have helped KJK to achieve the aim for the social welfare though, But oh well, Great efforts indeed. 

7) "Socials – Latest to arrive !"
Much relaxed during the event but really active during the socials.

8) "Guest Relations – Mehmaan Nawaz under the two beauties Aimen and Amara."

-2/4 days hard work.
-Running around for and enjoying the cupcakes at last :/

9) "Publications – Parhay likhay logg "

Home- computer lab.
Paparazzi for the Directors and Chairs ;)
Your scribbler was really awesome, despite the constant reminder of the lack of funds you had !

It was a journey which shall be remembered for a lifetime, not just because PAFMUN was bigger and better, but also it helped each and every individual involved to evolve into a better person, educating them about discipline, leadership and confidence which is indeed extremely vital for a successful future ahead.
Undoubtedly, PAFMUN was ' Looooove! ' ( Moaaz Style )!

When I Heard That Noise

By: Maryem Farooqi

Class: Prep III-N

Maryem Farooqi is a student of Prep III-N, Darakshan The City School. She wrote this story while she was learning about Partition in history class. The hardships that the Muslims went through inspired her to write this short story. Other than writing stories, she likes writing poems as well.

                                                                       

The cellar was cold and damp, with spider webs hanging from the cabinets and water leaking from the pipes. The windows were plastered with two inch wood that had a horrible smell. It could collapse any second, I silently prayed that it would not do so. Our life depended on it. Everything was ghostly quiet. In the midst of the still air, I could hear a faint sound of Bano crying.  I hushed her up, and grabbed her hand for warmth.“Shhh” I whispered to her. “There is no benefit of crying. We’ll be rid of this place soon.” “But Apa I don’t want to leave!” she cried “Can we not remain here, with Dolly?” She indicated a wooden doll lying on the floor. “There is nothing left for us in India. We mustn’t stay here any longer” I said. “But trust me, Pakistan will be better. And we shall get you another doll once we reach there.” I expected this to cheer her up. But it did not, instead she grabbed the doll and clung to it and burst into heavier tears. “I shan’t leave or change dolly ever in my life!” she cried.

                                  

                                                                     
“Alright, alright we’ll keep her”. I said, slightly angered at her devotion to the doll. It was given to us by my mother. That was the only thing she possessed to bequeath to us at the time of her death. For Bano, that doll was as special as my mother herself.

The clock on the stone wall murmured ‘tick-tick-tick’ as fast as was possible. Yet my heart beat faster out of fear, and soon I felt as if the clock wouldn’t match the pace of my heartbeat. My eyes drifted. Bano was already asleep. I was so tired I felt as if I was to be swept into slumber. But before that was possible, I was roused awake by the most dreadful noise that I ever heard.

A gunshot struck the glass of the window (which was luckily covered with wood) a few inches away from my ear. There was such a terrible buzzing noise in my ear I felt as if a hundred bees were buzzing in my brain. For one moment I was in complete shock. I felt Bano pulling me, than a few footsteps. As bad as the pain was in my ears I tried to listen to whoever was coming. I heard an icy voice say,“There is none here, let us leave now.”

I prayed that whoever was there would leave. But they didn’t, as I heard a man say “Who knows, Harry, shall we have a check at least there may be some blackie’s here.” My heart fell deep; as I knew they were to enter.

I thought of only one thing now. I grabbed Bano’s hand and ran as fast as me legs would allow me, ignoring the buzzing in my ears and Bano’s wails and screams.  We ran into the dead of night. But we were not alone. Dozens and dozens of people were sprinting in every direction hoping to escape the terror of the foreigner’s hands. But just as I thought my head could feel no more pain, I felt something hit my head from behind. This time I could not bear the pain, and I collapsed on the ground unconscious, and when I opened my eyes a while later, Bano wasn’t there.

I remember that day vividly. I cried for hours, my head still buzzing but none heard me. I was all alone on a heap of rubbish on the ground. There were a few bodies on the ground, but I tried to keep my focus off them. Instead my focus was on Bano’s doll. It was lying about a yard away from, but I didn’t dare to grab it. For some reason there was anger boiling inside of me. That doll, just like Bano, was a burden my mother had given to me at her death. I moved forward and grabbed the doll, not to hug it. But I threw it as far as I could until I saw it disappear behind the corner of the street. I bit my lip out of anger, which had proved to be stronger than fear. It was only when I realized this that I had considered what I had done. The only memory of mother and sister, was gone. I had to run to where I threw it, but then fear paralyzed my legs once more. I tried to be angry again, as I thought it would help me move. It didn’t, and I felt like collapsing on the ground once more.

But then I thought of my mother, and my sister, and ignoring the severe pain in my head and ears , I said a prayer, bit down my fear, and ran in the direction I  threw the doll, not caring if it led me to my death or if someone was waiting with a knife with my name written on it.

I wish I could say at that moment that I ran smoothly without tripping, but I did trip. And the most painful part was that the doll wasn’t even there. Yet I didn’t stop just yet, I ran further for ten minutes until my body was lost of all its energy. I collapsed on the ground and hurt my head. This time the pain was blinding. The last clear voice I ever remember hearing was of a woman’s beside me who said “Let us offer this young girl assistance she is injured”. I opened my eyes. I could see her lips moving but could not hear her words. The pain in my ears had gone. I was deaf. But I wasn't alone. There was a group of people before me. My eye, however, had caught something else huddled in a corner. On the small bed at the corner, fast asleep, was Bano. The doll had led her to me. I got up, thanked God silently, and hugged her as tightly as I could.

A Highly Confidential Report

Amal Farooq
A2S3

CONFIDENTIAL!

These Are Not Students!

What is PAF Chapter to an outsider? An institution, yes! Classes, hallways, teachers, headmistresses! And students? That too! Why, they wear uniforms, they answer roll calls, they do assignments! They are students by definition.

However, my Sherlock-Holmes-worthy instincts BEG to differ! By putting together some minute clues here and there, I am left with an unquestionable belief that the student body let loose on the campus is hardly what it seems. These people are in fact professional undercover agents!

Yes. I know you think I am crossing the boundaries of far-fetched-ness that even Alice would not venture to in her Wonderland. But, given the evidence, you’ll see why I arrived at this conclusion.

These kids produce mobile phones from their pockets at particular timings when they are quite out of the visual range of the supervisors. The very same supervisors who we may as well dub “Hufflepuffs” (Let’s face it, they are keen finders). Sheer luck? Or courtesy of superb skills to operate in stealth? Please, we know which is more obvious.

A year where our own Headmistress proudly claims that the trophy shelves are decked to the last edge; clearly Chapter had a winning streak! But yours truly cannot help but recall that (unless movies are sorely mistaken) aren’t all agents supposed to excel in physical activities. Coincidence? I think NOT!

And of course, it has come to my attention that a team of pupils who are neck-deep with extra-curricular activities managed to ace the mid-terms alongside their duties. Good multi-tasking abilities? Or are they equipped intellectually, as per their training, to deal with this? You do the math.

Last but not the least, report of a student having managed to bunk a GP class taught by the one teacher whose attendance register practically dazzles with “P” has reached me. As I hear it, this happens to be the very class whose bold bunkers do not survive to relish in the glory of their recklessness. So by now, do I even NEED to elaborate?

A Craze for Shades? Or, Agents in Disguise? 

Is this proof enough to back-up my earth-shattering discovery? I beg the Teacher’s community to stay alert and watch out for what lingers underneath the Cheshire-Cat grins of these so-called students. Do not under any circumstances think twice about contacting witness protection for whatever cleverly disguised mischief they do from now on, be it a simple request to delay a test or a cry for five minute recess.

Paradise Island

The magnificent Pacific Ocean is sprinkled with miniature islands all over its mass of water. Many of these exotic islands exist within the world unknown to humankind. Of these islands there was one whose natural beauty was exceeded that of others. This was an island that evades all categorizations and that somehow breaks all paradigms. Day and night cloud white waves lapped on its soft shores, the sand glittering like gold. The overwhelming waves left traces of their grace in small yet unique sea shells, scattered on the beach like stars on the night sky. Pebbles were smoother than silk and were more magnificent than royal gems. Beyond the smooth sands, deep into the heart of the lonely island was a lush tropical forest. This was a place with some of the most raw and pristine wilderness on the planet. All sorts of trees formed an emerald canopy and under it a diverse variety of fruit dangled from low branches, within an   arm's reach.  If one was fortunate enough to bite into the pulp of the fruit, their exotic flavors would leave him wondering if he were in heaven. The majestic beach was not bare of wild life either, but the beasts that prowled and preyed in the forests were unseen by human eyes. If the fur of a tiger or skin of a snake from the forest be used to make a garment, it would be appeasing enough for royalty!

Maheen Farooqi A2S1

Source: Internet

For scores of years the island was bare of human settlement, but fortune favors the brave. A great sailor, pious and pristine, faced a terrible shipwreck in the middle of the Pacific. Of his crew, only he survived and floated on a plank that, in a matter of days, carried him to a place he imagined was Paradise. He named it Paradise Island. He fell in love with his new home. The sailor ate off the fruit and drank the sparkling water of the lakes and ponds in the forest. If a lonely person can be happy, he was the happiest lost traveler in the history of the world! But, he couldn't escape from the venoms of fate and soon death touched him. He drowned while swimming in the crystal clear waters of the beach. The tranquility of the beach became a reflection of his benevolence.
Soon enough, a ship merchant, powerful but ruthless came on this island. He and his crew uncovered one of its clandestine beauties. The beach, in fact, the entire island and the nearby waters were rich in black gold. Moreover, the beach was a natural harbor. That merchant founded a shipping company and an oil drilling site. He called it Paradise Port. The wild beasts were preyed and killed. Their beauty sold to museums. The air was tainted with smoke and disturbed by the yells and cries of sailors and merchants. The trees were cut and burnt. The smoke proved deathly to many of the animals and plants and the waters were corrupted with oil spills. The serenity of the beach burnt away with the ashes of time. Years later the people found out the island was sinking into the water. A day came when the island vanished into the unknown blue, and the settlement was destroyed. A mutual contention was nature had destroyed man, but who destroyed nature?

Dr.Whack's Guide to Student Health Care (Comic)

Hey guys, the Student Blog brings you that one guide which contains all that you need to know about student health care. Written by none other than Dr.Whack :D

Featured Pafian 1.5

Yes, he doesn't require much introduction. You know him by his methods of promoting his society, by his revolutionary entrances in the morning assembly, by his dedication to the work, by his initials and his society.

The Student Blog Team interviewed the One and Only KJK “Khurram Jehangir Khan” – President Outreach Society and Director Marketing at Pafmun’13.

It was about time he was interviewed as a Featured Pafian :)

Interviewer: Abdul Sattar Zahid

That's him, Khurram Jehangir Khan.

1. What motivates you towards social services?

The best motivation is realization. But if you ask me who I take as example is Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) because He even concluded smallest emotion in our life such as smile to be charity.

2. What role has being the head of Outreach played in grooming you?
Don’t say it grooming but call it revolution in personality! I started understanding the society from an angle unknown to me.

3. Do you plan on continuing these services after graduating from PAF Chapter?

I have to, as I never take it as a service/job but consider it as an obligation. I have even considered opening a NGO that aims to empower people instead of raising funds.

4. Describe one of the most unforgettable moments during your tenure as Outreach society's Head so far.

The enthusiasm of my fellows when I come on the stage to read the outreach society saga. Well jokes apart, I will always consider the successful adaptation program one of my greatest ever achievements.

5. Outreach Society, in three words?

Khurram Jahangir Khan, hahaha "Together Harvesting Happiness" it would be.

Interviewer: None other than Sarmad Pirzada :D

Q) The first Question I have here is that, how did you get into this volunteering business and how did you adapt yourself to it?

Ans) I would not repeat the mainstream dramatic line: it was my passion, I was born to do it! But what I would say rather is that I didn't find anything better than that. I wanted a throne to sit and rule! And this was the only place to conquer hearts. I never consider volunteering as a business but take it as obligatory job - a job which speaks out my instinct, a job which has the heaviest pay of smiles.

Q) Just analyzing the level of your Generosity.  Will you sell your own house for a really very BIG cause?

Ans) *Eyes Rolling* Only If I was Abdul Sattar Edhi, I would have said YES, but in this case, what’s the need of it! Although money or property is not an issue for me, still u don’t require it - lets empower others so that they could fight for their right and as for my cause - it’s not that cheap.

Q) Who inspires you the most?

Ans) Our Beloved Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him)

Q) What level of ‘Hard Work’ and ‘Dedication’ is required for volunteering?

Ans) Hard work is the root of success and it took immense time for me to realize that. Dedication is indeed the seed you have to sow along with infinite hope to achieve success.

One can just imagine the dedication of Khurram by the comment of Mehraz Khan and Yasir Thara
as he updates Outreach Society's group at Facebook.
Yes, it sure is one of the most active Society pages we have :)

Q) How many hours of volunteering Experience do you have?

Ans)  I will say ZERO, don’t be shocked as this is quite true! Weighing our responsibility along with hours of social service is useless as this is disrespect for such heavenly words like Love and Care.

Q) How do you face the “Socially created” Barriers, while fighting for a mere cause?

Ans)  This is an extremely important question and I would praise the interviewer for asking this. Our community lacks of one simple thing called realization! We tried to make everyone realize the need of fulfilling our cause but I would even appreciate our community that when it realizes a factor, it goes to any extent to help attain the goals.

Q) Short Message for New Volunteers.

Ans) Never underestimate yourself, always be hopeful and ignite the fire of realization in your hearts.

Q) A general question, how do you manage time between studies, Society work and other extracurricular activities?

Ans)  It’s quite easy if you accept the fact that you have 24 hours a day and 60 min. in every hour.

READ THE ABOVE ANSWER AGAIN. IT'S A MESSAGE FOR ALL OF US :D

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK KJK :D