"دا کنډوالو له سره - Standing Above the Rubble - An Anthology of Peace Poetry from Waziristan" by HEELA Institute

 Please use this link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gQiJaEv31oR_3BOo9wVyXRQHWCt8XU98/view?usp=sharing  

to access the publication of HEELA Institute titled "دا کنډوالو له سره - Standing Above the Rubble – An Anthology of Peace Poetry from Waziristan." This collection features select poetry by Waziristan-based poets, covering themes such as peace, tolerance, social cohesion, women's rights, and the community's resilience to violence and conflict. The poetry has been expertly translated from Pashto into English by the accomplished poet and translator, Prof. Haider Zaman Wazir. This anthology provides a unique and poignant perspective on the diverse narratives of peace and resilience from the Waziristan region. It is published by a Peshawar-based publisher "DustOnBooks".

"Wanderlust Chronicles: Buner's Symphony of Pines, Peaks, and Untold Tales"

This summer was not marked by good news, wealth, or a newfound companion; its essence lay in a journey to the historical and picturesque district of Buner in northwestern Pakistan. Once a part of the princely Swat State, annexed in 1969, Buner held a unique history. Oral traditions spoke of it being an open-resort prison during the Swat state, a dense jungle surrounded by mountains, easily patrolled with minimal soldiers.
Today's Buner stands as a distinct district, bordered by lush green mountains—Elum being the longest and highest range, separating it from Swat Valley. Its peaks, like Dwa Sarai, Kwar Sar, and Bunj Sar, beckon adventurers with promises of breathtaking views and unique flora, such as the local 'paiwooch' pine and 'bunj' oak.

Pir Baba, a revered Sufi figure, lends spiritual significance to Buner, particularly in the town named after him. The bazaar in Pir Baba, with its sweet shop (Ram Nath Sweets owned by a Sikh family) and renowned fish delicacies, captures the essence of the region's culinary richness.

Venturing further into Qadar Nagar, a hidden gem, we discovered a stream with purported healing properties, a mystical water spring, and the enigmatic Duma's stupa, remnants of an era when Hinduism and Buddhism flourished. Amidst the beauty, the neglect of archaeological sites saddened us; locals, fearing displacement, were reluctant to share information.
In the embrace of Kalail Kandao, we found respite from scorching plains. Hiking to Dwa Sarai, interacting with shepherds like Abdul Ali, and relishing organic meals became cherished memories. The whispers of Taliban presence, we learned, were often tactics to deter tourists, leaving us to question the real motives behind such warnings.
Four Seasons guest house, with its basic amenities, became our abode in Kalail Kandao, where we met the affable Haji Sherin Jan, adding layers of history to our evenings. Kot village, nestled at the base of Dwa Sarai, captivated us with its traditional flour mills and waterfalls, epitomizing the serene charm of Buner.
The tale of Buner is also one of transformation and loss. Once deemed the most beautiful part of Swat State, rampant marble mining has altered its landscape, leaving scars on the once-pristine surroundings. Despite this, the people of Buner, educated and prosperous, showcase resilience and adaptability, venturing into Malaysia for business opportunities.
Yet, the dichotomy exists—while those from urban jungles yearn for an escape to such paradises, the locals often dream of urban comforts. The simplicity, health, and natural beauty that make Buner a haven are sometimes overshadowed by limited opportunities for education and earning a livelihood.

This summer in Buner was not just a journey; it was an immersion into a subculture, forging bonds with locals like Usman, Naimat, and Zakir. As we reveled in the tranquility, hospitality, and civilization of Buner, it left us pondering the delicate balance between the allure of rural simplicity and the urban pursuit of progress.

Written by: Zaheer Abbas Maseed

"Shattered Myths: Unraveling the Heartbreak of the Israel-Palestine Conflict"

Every day, as you power up your TV, mobile, laptop, and other internet devices, the news pouring in from Gaza turns your stomach. The mutilated bodies beneath the rubble, the cries of injured children and elderly, grieving mothers, lifeless forms wrapped in makeshift coffins of aid blankets, and the overwhelmed hospitals—all paint a haunting picture of the agony inflicted by the Netanyahu-led atrocities on innocent Palestinians.

For decades, I remained indifferent to the Israel-Palestine Conflict until my Masters (MSc) days at Quaid-I-Azam University in Islamabad. In a course titled "Politics of the Middle East," I gained an academically informed and realistic perspective on the conflict. While many ordinary Pakistanis perceive Jews as enemies of Islam, this course revealed the dissent within the Jewish community itself. Orthodox Jews opposed the creation of Israel, protesting the Balfour Declaration in 1917, as they believed it contradicted their scriptures, foreseeing Jews scattered worldwide until the day of judgment.

It's crucial to distinguish between Zionism—a political philosophy advocating a separate Jewish state—and Judaism. Many Muslims worldwide struggle to differentiate between Zionists and Jews. Islam and Judaism share similarities in teachings, history, and scriptures, and historically, Muslim empires provided refuge to Jews escaping persecution.

The geopolitical stance of the UK and US in the Middle East, driven by pragmatism for their interests, has often supported oppressive regimes. This, in turn, suppressed democratic transitions, fostering dissent that eventually erupted in events like the Arab Spring and protests in Tahrir Square.

The atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, were undeniably horrific, particularly against non-combatants, women, children, and the differently-abled. While these actions invite foreign intervention, it's essential to recognize that many extremist movements result from the policies of major global players.

The current conflict between Israel and Hamas shatters the notion that the 21st century heralds an era of growth, peace, and progress. It exposes the moral weakness of humanity, still grappling for common ground to prevent war and misery. It challenges the narrative of American resolve for democracy, human rights, and peace, revealing the influence of the military-industrial complex. To move towards peace, a united global effort to ban arms sales and support corporations profiting from war is imperative.

The war also dispels the myth of Muslims as a unified "Ummah." Cultural bonds, rather than religious identity, prove stronger in fostering cooperation and peace. The cries of bruised babies, mourning mothers, and devastated families in Gaza demand the attention of the world. How long can the civilized world justify this war, even in the face of Hamas using hospitals as sanctuaries? While Israel's actions are oppressive, expressing love, respect, and acceptance for Jews is essential. In a world consumed by talk of war, there must be voices championing peace, no matter how seemingly unrealistic in the contemporary world. As Lisa Fishman aptly put it, 'Mad world, mad kings, mad composition.'

Author: Zaheer Abbas Maseed, Chairperson @
HEELA Institute for Research and Development Islamabad