The Pakistani Spectator

I am an historian, specializing in Third World studies. My current area of research is the African diaspora. I have published two books and dozens hundreds of articles in journals and encyclopedias. My hobbies are traveling and writing poetry.

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?

I am an electronic journalist and polemicist. My site is dedicated to afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?

My writing has grown more nuanced over time, thanks mostly to critical response from my readers. I hope to reach as broad an audience as possible by cutting across barriers of race, religion, sex and nationality.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?

My blog writings have been featured in both the American and British media, thus making news.

My most pleasurable experience has been reaching readers in far corners of the globe, from Brunei to Belize.

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?

Most commonly, there is a daisy chain effect. I communicate with one blogger who tells another about me and then I link up to that third party, who may introduce me to a fourth blogger and so on.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?

Automatically linking the candidates advertisements to blogs and websites via key word search. But, I bemoan this practice. It is an invasion of privacy.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?

Since fewer and fewer people read books and newspapers these technologies undoubtedly are reaching more readers, but with “white noise”, not information.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

I pull no punches in stating my beliefs and opinions, and I present statements, views and videos that the mainstream media dares not touch, and that many governments ban.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?

Curiosity and ambition. “I am human, and nothing human is alien to me.” Martial.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

My happiest moment came when Allah (SWT) opened my heart to Islam.

The gloomiest involved family matters I would rather not discuss.

Do you think [the use of Twitter and other social networking tools by politicians] is bandwagon jumping or what?

Disgusting. The blogosphere was supposed to be a place for those with unconventional views to publish. Now, it has been taken over by advert men.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

Mecca

Istanbul

Havana

What is your favorite book and why?

The Karim Quran. I read it every day. If I follow it’s instruction I can never be led astray.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?

Their voice. I believe words are the keys to the heart. The voice bespeaks (or not) of confidence, knowledge, and serenity.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?

Yes. I have been told by many friends that I am a better speaker than writer.

My public speaking is charismatic, whereas my writing has a tendency to become too diffuse.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

I hope finances play no part in the decision to become a blogger. Blogging is self-expression—art—not finances.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?

That reminds of the old joke, “Revolutions are made by people with way too much time on their hands.” I very carefully calculate during which part of the day I blog.

What are your thoughts on corporate blogs and what do you think the biggest advantages and disadvantages are?

No advantages. Totally creepy and disgusting. Corporate bloggers are hacks who take up valuable space on the blogosphere that might be better used for educational purposes.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?

Bypassing the corporate-owned media and communicating with our readers directly. We can and should show the world there is an alternative point of view to the one we are spoon-fed by the press, radio and television.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

Irhabi007 (before his imprisonment)

Shaheedinshallah

Gaza Girl

Generacion Y

Israel Shamir

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?

“ISRAELIS THREATEN TO SEND MORE JEWS TO U.S. CONGRESS”.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

I know many Pakistanis living in the United States, and have met others living in the U.K. They are diligent, hard-working and pious. Pakistani Muslims have a greater love for the ummah than most Muslims I am acquainted with.

Pakistan is a great country and can be a great power if it implements Shariah.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?

Some bloggers are self-obsessed, and write only to promote themselves. One I know has a site that merely boasts “look how many engagements I have this week.” His site name contains only his name and job title.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?

The hope in the faces of the people in a developed country. The commitment to politics, especially among the youth, in a developing country.

What is the future of blogging?

More and more people writing about specialized subjects. But, I hope to swim against the tide by turning more philosophical and poetic on my blog.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?

I am the constant subject of harassment and even threats of violence, but this just lets me know I must be doing something right with my blogging.

What are your future plans?

I plan to take what I have written in my blog and publish it in book form, hard copy or electronic, as a political manifesto.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please send me your thoughts, and let’s work together for a more just world.

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