Saturday, 17 November 2012

jirga (occasionally jargah ) ( Pashto : جرګه) is a tribal assemblyof elders which takes decisions by consensus, particularly amongthe Pashtun people but also in other ethnic groups near them; they are most common in Afghanistan and among the Pashtuns in Pakistan near its border with Afghanistan. It is similar to that of a town meeting in the United States or a regional assembly in England , where important regional matters are addressed among the people of the area.
Afghanistan's ancient culture hasinfluenced the modern-day nation with judicial traditions of social and political importance. Particularly prevalent is the tradition of holding Jirga. The basis for Jirga is the Holy Quran which commands Muslims to Shura (consultation), however this political gathering stems back from times prior to Afghanistan embracing Islam.[1] As has been practiced in Afghanistan for centuries, Loya Jirga is held when there is an issue of special importance concerning the community’s vital national and international interests. Jirga is a process of decision-making within the Afghan societies in which seriousdiscussions decisions are made by involving all layers of the society. It is an unprejudiced and impartial body that takes decisions based on facts and logic. [ citation needed ] Indeed, evolution of political systems in different countries demonstrates that governments and institutions are built as a result oflocal gatherings and councils. Therefore, it is proclaimed that Jirga is an important political pillar of the civil system practiced and evolved in Afghan societies for many years.
In Jirga's comprehensive collective discussion and examination of the issues enable in-depth understanding, development and formulation of a common view or consensus that leads to a cohesive approachdealing with the concerning issue. This traditional process of mutual consultation also assists developing a commitment sharedby the community to implement the resolution that has been resolved. In the presence of a proper mechanism and the way Jirgas are held, the consequent broad-based understanding and the consensus reached facilitate to surmount fundamental issues threatening the Afghan Society.
The head of the state - in the pasts Kings - calls a Jirga by inviting the tribal leaders, scholars, professionals and prominent religious figures to take part in the process of dialogues and decision makings. Through a process of collective and deliberative consultation, theissue under consideration gets thoroughly examined and discussed by the Jirga members. Overall, a Jirga principally undertakes the following essential procedures.
General Procedures of a Jirga;
*. By observing the need for a Jirga the head of the state invites tribal leaders, Afghan representatives, scholars, religious clergies, and governmental individuals to attend the Jirga
*. The Jirga agrees on a Framework for communication with the parties involved
*. The Jirga comprehensively discusses and understand the issue under-analysis
*. The Jirga establishes a mechanism helping to reach the final decision
*. The Jirga, finally, sets up a committee to implement and oversight the decision made by the Jirga members
Hujra
The term hujra is especially prevalent in the predominantly Pashtun areas of Pakistan. Pashtun hujras are used mainly to entertain male guests in a household, although sometimes community hujras are also maintained by tribal units. In individual houses, the size and trappings of a hujra are sometimes indicative of family status. [ 1 ]
As old as perhaps the Jirga itself is, Hujra is a community club situated in each village, each Khail(street) and some times owned by a well off family but shared by the whole community. Other thana place to accommodate collective ceremonies, male members of the community who hang out and associate like a larger family regularly attend hujra(s). Members of a Hujra are mostly close relatives but other people from neighborhood are also welcomed. Elderly people spend their day to enjoy hubble-bubble and chat over the tea, younger men in their spare time listen to the stories of elders and raise issues while the children keep playing around, waiting for a call from one of the elders to take a message or bring fresh tea. A guest house for male guests, Hujra also serves as a place to initiate Jirgas. Issues are put on the table, brainstormed and a consensus is developed before the issue can be put to the wider community. Hujra is considered to be a secular place but closely associated with Hujra is the role of mosque in the neighborhood. Although there are few similarities between a mosque and a Hujra, the role of mosque has gained more importance recently due to many national and regional settings tilted towards Islamization. Additionally, the role of Hujra is diminishing from community life because of the economic trends, and a faster pace of life which allows little leisure time with people to spare for community based activities. Decay in the institution of Hujra is definitely affecting the efficacy of Jirga, but this study tends not necessarily to argue for reinvigoration of Hujra; rather our focus will remain to find strengths and challenges for Jirga from where itis today and move forward.

Friday, 16 November 2012

“I failed in some subjects in exam, but my friend passed in all. Now he is anengineer in Microsoft and I am the owner of Microsoft.”
― Bill Gates

Friday, 2 November 2012

A friend is someone who can see the truthand pain in you even when you are foolingeveryone else.
When we first talked to each other
I knew we would always be friends.
Our friendship has kept on growing
And I'll be here for you to the end.
You listen when I have a problem
And help dry the tearsfrom my face.
You take away my sorrow
And put happiness in its place.
We can't forget the fun we've had
Laughing 'til our faces turn blue.
Talking of things onlywe find funny
People think we're insane-If they only knew!
I guess this is my wayof saying thanks
For catching me when I fall.
Thanks once again forbeing such a good friend
And being here with me through it all.