World Affairs And Beyond

Dear friend, a heartfelt request I send,  Our friendship, like a torn page, on the mend.  Recall the moments, joy in the air,  Tea and brownies, a bond we used to wear. You brewed tea, skies heavy with gray,  Brownies baked, brightening the day.  In the chaos, when burdens grew,  You refreshed my spirit, my anchor true. Alone now, stirring tea feels incomplete,  A void lingers, the taste not as sweet.  You are crucial, my friend, let us rewind,  Rekindle the warmth, leave the past behind. Enmity between us, like shadows cast,  Let's erase it, and reclaim what has passed.  To be friends again, like days of old,  A tale of friendship, beautifully retold. Imagine the laughter, the warmth, the cheer,  Sharing tea and brownies, so dear.  I miss that, my friend, can't you see?  Let's revive our friendship, just you and me. © Sobia Nosheen (30th November 2023)

In a world torn apart by war's despair, Where bombs fall, and hope's a rare affair. Running for life, each dawn unsure, In shadows of fear, where dreams obscure. Yet, in my mind's haven, a special place, Close your eyes, join me in this space. A garden green, by a peaceful lake, With the one I love, a sweet escape we make. No harsh words here, just kindness flows, Clouds painting stories as the gentle wind blows. A cottage by the water, our humble abode, Where love is planted, and dreams are sowed. In the backyard, a kitchen we've made, Growing our food, in the sunlight's shade. On the grass, I lay, clouds above me, Their shapes a dance, a sight to see. Breathing in peace, love, and joy, Free from the world's harsh employ. As I leave, the magic clings, A shield against the world's harsh stings. This refuge, my solace, a haven so grand, In the cradle of dreams, where realities stand. Strength to endure, in this secr...

When others depart, the illusion persists,  Death seems a distant tale, for others to enlist.  In this shared belief, many hearts reside,  That mortality is distant, a truth denied. When a soul departs, eyes seek earthly gain,  A misguided pursuit, in loss and in pain.  Yet, the wisdom lies in the quiet breath,  Life's temporary nature, a dance with death. In the face of loss, the common refrain,  "I'll live without you," the heart's silent strain.  As if time stretches in limitless grace,  Forgetting life's brevity, the finite space. The essence of departure, a fierce guide,  Teaching that possessions in life subside.  Not truly ours, nor yours, nor their own,  In the dance with mortality, seeds are sown. Let not death be viewed through a narrow lens,  A reminder intense, as life transcends.  All that we claim, all we hold so dear,  Temporary echoes, in the cosmic sphere. ...

In the quiet spaces where shadows play,  A tale unfolds, a love kept at bay.  Two souls wreathed, a secret shared,  In a world that whispers, they remain ensnared. Beneath the star-lit sky, a silent ballet,  Two hearts in rhythm, yet words unsay.  No confessions made, no vows declared,  In the hush of the night, a connection bared. She, a seasoned traveller of life's unknown, He, a heart untamed, yet both have grown. No proclamations uttered, no promises bind, In the silent sparks, their emotions find. A glance exchanged, like a secret code, In the unspoken, their story is bestowed. Away from judgment, societal decree, A love concealed, yet wild and free. In stolen moments, when no eyes pry, They dance in shadows, beneath the sky. A forbidden waltz, a tender embrace, In the quiet spaces, love finds its place. Unseen gestures, like petals unfurled, In the secret garden of their own world. No need for words, as the ...

When the curtain falls on your existence, a symphony of grief will resonate among your loved ones, its echoes reverberating for a temporal span. Whether shedding genuine tears or donning a mask of sorrow, relatives will partake in this emotional cadence during your funeral and sporadic encounters with your immediate family within the inaugural week, only to gradually relinquish the facade. Some, enticed by financial motives, might choreograph poignant displays of lament, while spouses could orchestrate elaborate productions, complete with new partners in tow. Yet, the ephemerality of sorrow becomes evident as time unfurls its chapters. The poignant chords within your immediate family, spanning siblings and parents, will gradually attenuate. Life's ceaseless rhythm, indifferent to your culinary abstinence or subterranean repose, will propel everyone forward. To harbor the illusion that self-inflicted departure serves as a poignant retaliation, capable of unsettling or influencing ot...

Finding a job involves a strategic and proactive approach. Here are some steps to help you in your job search: 1. Self-Assessment: Identify your skills, strengths, and interests. Understanding what you have to offer will help you target suitable positions and articulate your value to potential employers. 2. Define Your Goals: Clarify the type of job you're seeking, industry preferences, and long-term career goals. This will guide your search and help you tailor your application materials. 3. Build a Strong Resume: Create a compelling resume that highlights your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Tailor it for each job application to match the specific requirements of the position. 4. Create an Online Presence: Develop a professional LinkedIn profile. Connect with professionals in your industry, join relevant groups, and share content related to your field. An online presence can increase your visibility to potential employers. 5. Networking: Leverage your professional a...

The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden hue over the courtyard where Baba Jee sat every evening. His weathered face carried tales of wisdom, and his eyes sparkled with a glint of insight. I often found solace in his stories, seeking guidance from his years of experience. This evening, I approached him, eager for a conversation that weighed heavy on my mind. "Salaam, Baba Jee," I greeted respectfully, settling down on the mat next to him. "Wa alaikum as-salam, Sobia, my dear child. What brings you here today?" he responded, his voice soft but laden with an air of authority. "I wanted to talk to you about friendships and relationships," I began tentatively. "I've been thinking a lot about who real friends are and also about the kind of person one should look for when thinking about marriage." Baba Jee nodded, his eyes seemingly scanning the distant horizon. "Ah, friendships and marriages. Two paths intertwined with the fabric of trust,...

Amidst an ever-changing world, uncertainty becomes a prevailing reality for individuals and organizations. To navigate and thrive within this ambiguous landscape, a versatile and multifaceted approach is necessary. The first step involves embracing adaptability. Adapting to change rather than resisting it allows for a more proactive response to unforeseen circumstances. It fosters flexibility and openness to new possibilities. Strategic planning is another crucial aspect. Creating plans for various potential outcomes enables better preparedness. Envisioning and strategizing for multiple scenarios equips individuals and entities to better navigate unexpected turns. Collaboration plays a significant role in mitigating the weight of uncertainty. By pooling diverse perspectives and collective wisdom, the burden becomes lighter, fostering innovative solutions and shared responsibility. Experimentation through trial and error is a potent approach. Embracing iterative experimentation allows f...

The weight of betrayal and the realization that those I believed were mine were mere illusions shattered my spirit, making every step feel arduous. A heavy heart cast shadows upon my path, as if the gravity of the world had increased, making it difficult to move forward. It felt as if my soul had drifted away, leaving behind a hollow shell in motion. I’ve always been the rock for others, yet the truth of feeling alone in a world I thought was filled with allies now weighs me down. The bitter realization of the scarcity of genuine reciprocity in human connections has left a profound impact. Despite being there for everyone, sincere companionship remains elusive. Each encounter with deceit strengthens my resolve to become my own confidant and friend. As I approach the new year, my resolution grows firm: to be my own anchor, sanctuary, and most loyal ally. My commitment is clear – to treat myself with the same kindness and compassion I've offered to others, to prioritize personal well...

Uncertainty, the unwelcome companion of indecision, often casts a shadow on our plans and decision-making. From the undisclosed location I’ve been visiting for a month and now preparing to travel back to Karachi, the weight of indecision has made its presence felt. The dilemma of determining travel dates and subsequent arrangements, such as buying gifts to take back, has disrupted the flow of plans, leaving essential tasks pending and complicating the journey ahead. Recognizing the distress caused by this uncertainty, a pivotal decision emerges: purchasing a ticket for a fixed departure date to Karachi. This single action serves as a beacon of certainty, allowing a structured plan to fall into place. The fog of indecision lifts, paving the way for a streamlined process, particularly in shopping for gifts and ensuring necessary preparations before the journey. However, the burden of uncertainty extends beyond immediate travel plans. The long-postponed overseas travel looms, laden with a...

The Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan remains a poignant and multifaceted issue, defined by the mass displacement of Afghans who have sought shelter from the perils of conflict, persecution, and instability in their homeland. In current times, the Pakistani government has embarked on a course to repatriate Afghan refugees, underscoring the need to address illegal immigration and emphasizing its sovereign right to enforce its laws. Over the past four decades, Pakistan has been a steadfast host to one of the world's largest refugee populations, providing refuge and opportunities to millions of Afghans. Recent measures initiated by the Pakistani government primarily target individuals lacking proper documentation, with provisions for special consideration given to the elderly, children, and women. These actions reflect the complexities of managing illegal immigration while honouring the nation's historical commitment to Afghan refugees. The decision to repatriate Afghan refugees h...