Visit to Kunri, Umerkot Sindh- Kunri Mirch Mandi,

A couple of friends decided to visit Umerkot, the birth place of Akbar the land of the famous folktale "Omer-Marvi". Although myself have visited Umerkot several times for official trips but never had the chance to see the world's famous Kunri Mirch Mandi. 

It was sure a surprise, even before seeing the Mirch Mandi one can easily smell the rich and strong aroma of the red chilies. Myself and my friends along with the local peasant when got out of the car started to sneeze like crazy. The strong smell hits your nostrils and then water comes rushing out of the eyes. The merchants as well as the laborers were normal and were laughing to see us sneezing like hell.
Well, I must say that it is one of the most spectacular site and wish that people of the world can see such a wonder. Another important thing that I want to highlight that in Umerkot the majority of the people are Hindus, and as witnessed from the famous Umerkot Fort, Mosques and Temples side by side with people mingling freely is a sure delight. The world needs to know that Pakistan is a vibrant colorful, peaceful place rather the one being promoted by a few. 

I tell all that if you have not witnessed the  Kunri Mirch Mandi, then you have missed a wonder of the world.

Visit to the Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Indigenous Ajrak Maker of BhitShah

Travelled to Bhit Shah to pay tribute the Great Sufi Poet "Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai". Shah Abdul Latif was born around 1689 in the village of Sui-Qandar. He has written extensively on Religion, Philosophy, Tales of Distant Lands, Romance etc. His compilation of writing is called "Shah-Jo-Risalo" During my visit, I also had the opportunity to witness some of the Indigenous Folk Singers, singing tales from the famous writing of the poet. I was amazed to see the instruments used by the Folk Singers, he described to me about the working of the instrument "Tambura" and told me that it was Shah Bhittai who invented it. 

Another important reason for the Town of Bhit Shah to be famous in world map is because of Ajrak (Traditional Block Printed Shawls). To look and learn the basics of Ajrak from the Indigenous People was an unforgettable experience out of this world.  

Shamanism Practice in Pakistan

The practice of Shamanism in Pakistan is an interesting topic being explored by Afsheen Sajid Ali, of Geo Tv. The documentary will be aired by Geo Tv through their Geomentary Program.

The practice of Shamanism is first completely misunderstood by the ordinary people and most of the people who are not even Shaman are labelled as one. I being an anthropologist, tries to answer some of the myths and clear the misunderstanding about the concept of Shamanism its origin and relation to anthropology. The practice of Shamanism in Pakistan and in other parts of the world and whether Shamanism can be labelled as a "Religion'.

Shamans of Hunza (Bitan)

Excellent Resource for Books on Environmental Sociology

Visit to the Historic and Second Largest Necropolises of the World

Yesterday, had a chance to visit one of the biggest Necropolises of the World, located in Thatta District in Sindh Pakistan. It was amazing to see the magnificent graveyard with majestic tombs.

It is a pitty that although under the protection of the Department of Archaeology, the state of these century old graves are deteriorating day by day.

The Tourism Department as well as the Department of Archaeology, should do more to preserve and promote these beautiful tombs with carvings so delicate that it is mind blowing.

The Egyptians have taken care of their heritage and are proud of their past cultural relics. Why we cannot do the same, as Pakistan is blessed being the center of various great civilizations of the world.

I just pray that people appreciate and preserve these magnificent tombs before they are lost forever.

Visit to PORT GRAND, KARACHI

Today on a warm Saturday evening, had a chance to visit PORT GRAND at Karachi port with my family. I must say that it was a refreshing site. After seeing it, it seems there is hope for the city of Karachi to be one of the leading coastal cities of the world.

The PORT GRAND is a must place to go, even though there is an entrance fees of Rs. 300, though you can use 66% of it to buy stuff and enjoy a light snack.

The other flip side of this was seeing the large number of people on the Jinnah Bridge admiring this latest hangout of the rich and famous from a distance. One just hope that people who are above and below the bridge does not remain as demarcated as it has been made.

Paper Published in Springer

Got a paper published in Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development.


M.A. Uqaili, Mehran Univ., Jamshoro, Pakistan; H. Khanji, Mehran Univ., Jamshoro, Pakistan
Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development

New information and strategies for managing the energy crisis from the perspective of growing economies are presented. Numerous case studies illustrate the particular challenges that developing countries, many of which are faced with insufficient resources, encounter. As a result, many unique strategies to the problems of energy management an conservation, environmental engineering, clean technologies, biological and chemical waste treatment and waste management have been developed.... more on http://springer.com/978-3-7091-0108-7