The Plight of a Lover.

Osman Muhammad Sheikh- A1S4

"At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet." -Plato
This holds true for me as well. 

I wanna fly away, like the birds in the sky, but there's some part of me that makes me stay. A strong feeling that's holding me back, I wish I could let go, my feet aren't eager to retrack. Cold and silent like the deep blue sea, this is how my life's going to be. Don't you see how I feel? Don't you see that I can't heal? The pain is sharp and deep, and there's no shoulder on which I can weep. The time I thought you wouldn't betray, a hope that lit my heart's abyss, knowing that you're now far gone. I never thought that there was a poet within me, I realized it when you left me. Why don't you come back?

I wear those memories of yours around my neck, I'm aware that you don't care, but what the heck.
We were meant to be together, how could you just go? You made my heart shatter.
I never thought a bond that strong would be broken, never thought you would let that happen.
Why do we always depart on a sad note? Walking down the road on a lonely night, I feel as if I lost a fight, a fight that was never mine. 
I don't understand what has got into me, I just want to flee from this world of cruelty.
I lost hope, I lost faith, I can't see anything straight.
Efforts gone to waste, promises that were never kept, was this really my fate? To lose you, to never see you by my side. Ha, life's not that great. I feel like an empty crate. I raise my hands to ask God, "Oh Lord, what was really my mistake?" I don't know how much longer I would breathe, my next one could be my last. Then I'll be in peace atlast. I wish you would once visit my grave, tears in your eyes, looking brave. Still having regrets in your heart, about what happened in the past. I wouldn't be able to forgive because I'll be lying dead atlast....

Picture Source:  Google Images.

'Am I better off Dead
Am I better off a Quitter
Am I better off now
Than I ever was with Her?'

Nothing, The Script.

Ashes and Smoke is all that is left

By Hiba Khan A1G1

Nothing one says or does is enough or even close to the fact that our City of Lights has lost its enchanting gleam. Those times when you would freely stay out on Bans Road and have chaat or Wahid’s kebabs are just beautiful memories. And now all that’s left within our hearts is fear. Fear of losing our loved ones, fear of losing ourselves, and fear of losing our country. On top of that, to increase this burden upon on our already weak shoulders, even our homes are not safe anymore. Tragic and pitiful, all we can do is pray. But what will really become of this poor city, and this country on a whole?

The stage that we stand on now seems to be getting out of hand as the days pass by. Security? Of what exactly? What will we keep securing? And for how long? How many people will we grant security to? All these questions surround our minds. Adults, the youth and even children seem to have been inflicted by this poisonous condition we live in now. The cost of human life is merely a few lakhs? Shameful how some people out there can just sit back and relax in their magnificent bungalows while innocent lives are lost all over the country not just in Karachi. Though these lives happen to be much closer to us, murder of one Muslim brother is the murder of the entire Ummah. But do these people really understand this or are they just using the banner of Islam to cause unrest and terror? Mission accomplished. They caused terror and they surely brought about unrest, and nothing is being done to tell them enough is enough! No more of such nonsense will be tolerated anymore.

But what more can we do than comment on how bad the situation is. Protests regarding such matters too are of no use. The way the people are being manipulated is pathetic. Their innocence is being misused for their disadvantage and they fail to understand the seriousness of this. What will become of this generation which has only seen bloodshed throughout their youth? Not a single week of school has been a complete five day week ever since school commenced after the winter break. Will we really be the future for this country? Only God knows what’s going to happen as the elections are almost here as well. More people dying or finally some peace, we do not know.

The incident that took place at Abbas town has left many of us surprised and in gloom. Nothing can be expected anymore. No place is safe. Even schools come out to be frightening for all that we know, some day they could be a target to such unfortunate events too. So many questions pile up in our minds though no one has any answers. The happiness and joy needs to return to these people who have forgotten what a peaceful state is like. Bravery and courage makes us who we are, rising up from situations like these and fighting against injustice and misfortune is what we know best. So let’s all join hands and show our brothers and sisters that they will never be alone and they will always have us by their side no matter what the situation may be, because ashes and smoke, is not all that’s left.

Featured Pafian 1.7 - Part 1.

Interviewees: Amin Imran and Saad Haseeb

Interviewer: AbdulSattar Zahid

Amin Imran

Amin 'The Man' Imran

1. What did it feel like possessing the most sought after item i.e. a DSLR?
Well I felt what a bag of flour must feel during a drought. The never ending shouts, ever
awaiting groups and unique poses greeted me throughout the event. Can’t pretend I didn’t
enjoy the attention. ;)

Well someone did enjoy Pafmun that’s for sure.

2. Did you feel at any point that being part of Pafmun Creative Department was a mistake on your part?
Be a part of the PAFMUN creative team has been a great achievement for me, I have been
able to learn new aspects of photography and expand my social circle. All and all it has been
a truly enriching experience the only downside was being the photographer I am hardly part
on any pictures.

3. What changes or improvisations would you plan as Head of Photography for Pafmun 14?
I don’t want to take anything away from the Heads of Creative Department but obviously as
we keep on gaining experience things will improve and get better. One thing I would like to
improve is the coordination and planning before the event as I believe if the photographers
were assigned committees and different locations beforehand they would have been able to
cover all aspects of the event and would have avoided duplication.

Seems to me Pafmun14 is in safe hands.


Saad Haseeb

1. How did you cope with dual duties of being an ACD and Head of Photography?

I would rather not comment much on that, because eventually it would be a bit of self-

obsession, but honestly speaking, I think I did pretty well. Being an ACD, my committee

directors were happy with me. As far as photography's field was concerned, I believe you

all see the level of commitment my team has shown, making sure every single corner of the

event was well covered.

2. I have often wondered that having a DSLR makes a photographer or I really to posses some

skills?

I strongly disagree. EVEN I don't have a DSLR! Why am I sitting as a head, probably because

Saad Haseeb

I know slightly more skills of operating a camera? See, if you want to become a good

photographer you need 3 checks;

- A creative mind

- Experience of basic photography (ISO/Shutter speed/Head-room errors)

- Level of commitment and interest to the work.

Well that clears up the matter.

3. Describe Pafmun as it happened for you.

PAFMUN came with a bang, got even more interesting as it progressed and left registering

it's place in that cerebral part of brain (Yes I'm avoiding biological terminologies ) where

you have stored memories for the entire life. Yes, when I’ll be a grand dad, I might tell such

stories to my grandsons Cute right? Ma'am Shireen would be so proud.

Interviewee: Abdur Rafay and Jannat Vohra
Interviewer: Marium Parekh

Abdur Rafay

Q1. Is it the camera, the photographer or the scene/person being captured which makes a photograph remarkable?Ans: The photographer and the scene both as everyone gets to see everything but its the phototograther who captures the scene mesmerizing which a normal person can't, I believe.

Q2. How did you expect of Pafmun to be? Did it prove to be helpful in your career?
Ans: I expected pafmun to be fun and exciting.. It proved to be just that and more... And it did help me in gaining more experience and recognition along with great words of appreciation.

Q3. How does it feel when beautiful ladies run after you and smile to your camera while posing elegantly for their photos? Special huh?
Ans: hahaha.. Well, yes this attention does makes me feel special, for instance when people compliment my photography.. It's a source of pride to be honest!

Jannat Vohra

Q1. How has PAF helped you develop interest or polish your already built qualities in the field of photography?
Ans: I was always passionate about photography but I never thought of pursuing it. Since PAFhas shown faith in my photography, now i am looking forward to it in future.

Q2. Do you suggest people reading this to opt for photography as a career? And why?
Ans: Yes, they should opt for it. Photography is the best way to sense nature and appreciate it. You never know when you will fall in love with this art.

Q3. What do you think is it you or your photography that attracts people to have their photos clicked by Jannat Vohra?
Ans: Hahaha. Well, I think its more of my photography as I have been doing this since a while and it is liked by my friends and many random people.

Interviewee: Afif Ather and Faizan Jalebi Alamgir
Interviewer: Kiran Bhimani

Afif Ather

1. Do you regret not capturing one scene that was worth preserving? 

Well, when I walked into committee rooms, I saw the emotions, eagerness to speak and prove your point, some sleepy faces and some delegates noting down the points being spoken. Outside the committee room, it was completely different. No sleepy and tired faces but all enjoying and socializing. Same was in the social events. But the volunteers were always seen working. These were the things I observed and I believe I was successful in capturing these moments. And its not always the scenery in the picture that makes a picture worth seeing but also the person behind the camera. So no regrets.

2. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the photography at PAFMUN?

10 OUT OF 10. The experience of being a photographer at PAFMUN was totally amazing. It was my first experience of covering a mega event. Um. I cannot declare any photographer best and worst because I saw all of them working their pants off. And the effort they put in was unreachable. And I believe all were the BEST.

To be honest, I was prepared well before the PAFMUN even started. I knew that the people are crazy for their pictures at MUNs and it would not be an easy job.  The number of photographers were just enough to cover this mega event. Also, the photographers selected were all hard working and dedicated. Trust me, to carry a camera and take pictures whole day, and that too for four consecutive days, is not an easy job at all.

3. Describe a funny incident that took place while you were on duty. 

"Meri solo picture lou" was the only dialogue i heard the most from delegates. And when i took their photos, they would run after me to see the pictures as said by a delegate, " I'll follow you until you show me my pictures". Then I had no other option but to enter MEN'S WASHROOM! :D

P.S. I would like to thank the heads of photography society who gave me a chance to prove my photography skills and helping me through out this event.

Faizan Sheikh 

Q.1) Who is your Role Model?

 Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Spongebob Squarepants :D

Well, to be honest, my role models are my parents. Yes it might not seem surprising but aren't parents every child's role models? Everyday I see them work hard in their respective fields and multi-tasking, which is not at all easy for people their age! I wish to have the will and strength like them, as they say, "Never back down from what you opt to achieve".

Q.2) Describe how you felt when capturing the most beautiful sight.

Ans.2) Just when I was about to press the shutter release button, moments away from capturing most probably the best picture at PAFMUN, it got photo bombed by our very own Mr. Afif Ather :3

Even though I haven't uploaded all the pictures yet I believe there must be one or two moments like that.. Well of course when you capture something beautiful and it comes out awesome, it feels awesome :D I would like to point out the photograph by Amin Imran of Mrs. Shireen Karamally with Anusha Khalid. Adorable, no?

Mohammad Faizan Fuzz Fuzz Sheikh Jalebi Alamgir

Q.3) Why did you choose to be a Photographer?

Ans.3) Ammi kehti hein :/

kidding :p there's a very long history behind that but I'd like to summarize it for you guys. I did not know what I was good at so I used to experiment all kinds of stuff to see what I do best, so back in the O' Level Section of The City School PAF Chapter I opted Film Making, started off with my own little show by the name 'SHUGHAL' along with my friends who helped me out with it, most of the people really liked it but then due to some issues it couldn't be continued after the 3rd episode :( Moving on, I thought of trying photography as well, gave it a try, responses were good, started a page 'PAFOGRAPHY' O level photography squad, again got good response, then came Jalebi Productions in the summers and working ever since, turns out, I was a better photographer than a film maker but in Jalebi Productions I do both :p with my team, Photographers Faizan Ahmed and Shayan Baig.. Hamza Mandviwala for ALL the technical support and not to forget Ariba Shahid and Marium Parekh for volunteering at Jalebi Productions. To be honest, I wouldn't have been where I am if it wasn't for these Jalebies. I mean it.

The Betrayal

Ramsha Rauf A1-G1

Source: Internet

It's funny how life changes.

One minute you're here, the next you're there;
You wonder.. How is that fair?

Things change with time;
You still tell yourself you'll be fine;
Yet you wonder.. Why is such tragedy mine?

You often wish to go back;
To the times where you were happy;
To the places you had once been;
But Life refuses to let you win.

Once Life decides to change;
It doesn't permit things to stay the same;
You wonder.. Oh what a shame.

Life betrays you in ways unimaginable;
Yet, Time is the one to be held responsible;
For it is Time that mocks you when you cry;
And one day forces you to die.