"Friendmies"--Dr.Isobel Coleman

The relationship between Pakistan and United States (US) is just like 'friendmies' a term used by Dr. Isobel Coleman at the seminar.
The seminar was arranged at Pakistan American Culture Center (PACC) in collaboration with US Consulate General on Oct 15, 2010. The topic of the seminar was "US Foreign Policy".  PACC invited the students of  Jinnah University for Women(JUW) for the seminar and around 20 students of Mass Communication  participated.
The group of these students were headed by Ms. Saima Fareed. All the students gather at the main gate of the premises and from there all went to PACC. The seminar started at 10 a.m. where the Speaker Dr.Isobel Coleman gave her comments on foreign policy of the US.
Dr.Isobel Coleman is the Senior Fellow for US Foreign Policy and she travels to the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan.to deliver lectures regarding the policies, she has written many books and she works for the organization which is privately funded and this organization also include think tank where 35-40 scholars members are there.
At the seminar, Dr. Coleman said the US does not focus more on the foreign policy they show more concern towards their country. Whoever comes in the government they pertain to inward interest of their own country. She was supportive to the aid given by US for the flood relief victims in Pakistan and she objected the media of Pakistan for not projecting the true picture.
She informed two major issues which are concerned to the US that are immigration and security which may become problematic for the non-native business people who want to build their business at America.
In replying to the question regarding the aid that why not America go for trade instead of aid? On which she showed her agreement but she also stated that there are concerns over nuclear issues with Pakistan. Dr.Coleman also commented in relation to aid that many of the aids got disappeared as it reached here therefore they prefered to work with private organizations where the accountability counted.
In the end of the seminar the flowers were given as a token of thanks  by the Director of PACC. There were not only the students of JUW but also students came from SZABIST and Iqra University who participated in this seminar. Refreshments were also served at the concluding session.
A seminar like this may help us to understand each other but this may not solve any problem because for this action is required which so far all in vain.

Should We have Students Week or Not?

This year Student's Week (SW) is not taking place at Jinnah University For Women and the reason behind is because of the flood which has destructed major parts of Pakistan and made people homeless.Not only our university but also other universities are also not having students week.
Student's week is a seven day event in which students arrange different kind of programs comprising of dramas, stalls including food,games, books, mehndi or other art and craft stalls. In this week there are no classes and whole week students get the opportunity to showcase their hidden talents. It not only includes drama but also there are ghazals, debate and sports competition as well.
I think SW is the best opportunity to display your talent and it should take place once a year because students are so busy in their studies and then hectic schedule of the university, all become monotonous. Therefore it is good to feel the breeze of fresh air that relinquish the monotony.
What could be done is that classes should not be completely off rather the timings of the classes minimize. In a place where there is so much negative going around, SW is a recreational activity which not only provide entertainment but also nurture the minds.All the students gather at one place to cherish the moment with full fervor.

Hate Speech

A speech that intimidates you, it creates a strong vehement feeling towards each other or try to belittle a person is basically a hate speech. It is not uncommon, in actuality this has increased day by day. You see everywhere either in a bus, college,university or in any event from two people to a big gathering we hear this kind of speech. What it gives you ? Satisfaction or is this the way to hide one's weakness!
We observe in our family where two people are sitting together and talk negative for third person which makes you to dislike the other person even though he/she is not bad with you but the animosity of one person is naturally transferred in you.
Hate is a very strong word and to hate someone means that you have so much grudge inside you which can lead to serious implications. Hatred is a gateway to violence, harassment and discrimination. It is a foundation of serious harmful acts for instance different beliefs of people loathe each other, consequently they start saying bad words to each other and then there is bloodshed or riot break out. Similarly the prejudices against each other give birth to racism.
We can take the example of terrorism which is linked to Islam whatever happens in western countries the blame goes to the Muslims because according to the western media Islam is terrorism and Muslims are terrorist. Due to this an animosity has generated in Non-Muslims against Muslims.
There is lack of  tolerance for each other which is why there is no respect.Now a days the content of certain programs in Pakistan media propagate the hatred amongst the people. There is no productive element and the participants talk immorally or pass derogatory remarks which originate the negativity within oneself .
The only way to curb this hatred is education and debate.The vital role can be played by media, public figures and the schools to open the bigoted minds and promote empathy and solidarity amongst people. As the saying goes--Prevention is better than cure