The Pakistani Spectator

Could you tell us what made you decide to blog, and what was the inspiration behind it?
I think the independence to talk and cover just about anything you feel stongly about is what primarily inspired me to start blogging myself. Most importantly the globalization factor that comes with publishing something on the internet makes it more compelling to write on various issues that matter .

What do you think sets Your blog apart from other blogs?
There are a lot of blogs out there which reflect intellectuality and a sense of awareness and global kinship . my blog is just an extension of current affairs in my perspective , I think it needs a lot of improvement and is only on a beginner level . Overall I think team effort is more effective than personal blog when it comes to current affair and global issues .

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
Success can be defined in various ways , for me success is when I think I have been able to play a small role in giving a platform to issues that need attention .My strong faith in ALLAH , grooming by my parents and a very dear friend whose always been a source of inspiration for me and continues to do so.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
It changes with time, as we go along with life our most cherished and gloomiest moments changes like wise . The best way is  not to keep track of these things rather one should learn from them and move on . While gloomy one learns to be strong and in happiness one thanks Allah for his blessings.

Urdu Blogs have got huge potential, when do you think they will really take on the online horizon in Pakistan?
When there are enough bloggers to contribute and publish significant material .Much attention is needed on this , if we have quality people it wont take much time to steam up .

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?
Saudia Arabia (again)
Palestine
Rome

What is your favorite book and why?
The kite runner by khaled hossein , its a masterpeice !

What is your favorite meal, dress, and sport?
Daal Chawaal
Anything comfortable yet modest
Use to be cricket

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
The way they talk and regard others , its the only thing that really sets an impression on me .

Whose Future is more bright in Pakistan; English blogs or Urdu Blogs?
It would be extremely diplomatic of me to state that it really depends on the level of intellectuals contributing to each platform . thats why i will obviously go with english as its got the hype it needs for now.

How Pakistani bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
I am afraid I dont have much experience in that but google adsense and certain other advertising platforms also pay bloggers.So I think these are one of the ways that bloggers can be backed financially.

Do you think Pakistani bloggers tend to remain somewhat self-centered and really don’t go out of their shells? Is it the oriental style of blogging, or they are still unsure about it?
Rather then generalizing I would rather do a self-analysis first , as for me the answer is YES!. Infact it is one thing that I think I need to change about my style of blogging desperately . I need to be more mainstream and cosmo, thereby highlighting global issues and interacting with people whom I share ideologies with and learning from those with whom I dont . Although I make sure I personally email everyone who leaves a comment on my site .

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?
Blogging does require time . Then again everything needs quality time , I dont think Quantity is as important as the quality of time one feeds in to their blogs or rather just about anything in life.

What do you think where the Pakistani blogosphere is right now?
Its steaming , at the same time has an awful lot of potential to improve and diversify.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers in Pakistan?
That will be an injustice , lol, I can endorse my entire team at www.pro-pakistan.com from 1 to 5 , lol.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger in Pakistani blogosphere?
Every blog is unique , (if not plagiarized lol) , as it contains ones perspective of events and day to day happenings around them . The hype anf quantity of bloggers has so far stunned me most .

What is the future of blogging in Pakistan?
Really bright if consistency and decorum is maintained .

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
I don’t think it has affected my life in any way , because I make sure I do everything in the order I prioritize them in . So nothing much has changed . Most importantly I don’t believe I am a successful blogger as there is a LOT that needs to be highlighted.

What are your future plans?
I am currently working as a feature editor at reading bee magazine www.readbee.com, it is a women magazine highlighting social issues regarding women and also a very cosmo platform . In the future I hope to continue raising voices for issues that need attention and also help clarify the foreign depiction of Pakistan and most importantly Islam.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
It is easier to point a finger than to lend a helping hand , thereby self empowerment is the key towards establishing a society . Islam defines a way of life and should be taken like it , there should be significant involvement of those who are Muslims and those who aren’t to get the real facts and demystify the constant propaganda which is not a single religions issue but is now a global matter of concern . Together we can shake the world to reinstatement ,and realize that we are all knitted together with the essence of humanity.