Are we really on the brink of III world war- I wish it is not there and yearn for peace.

During our school days, the most widely read novelist was Nasim Hijazi. His work focused primarily on Islamic history, and the true beauty of his novels lay in his attention to detail. The events, customs, attire, and social norms felt remarkably authentic

; even the fictional elements were so deeply rooted in historical context that they felt rea

Friendship. In our service career, which generally spans thirty to thirty-five years, we meet thousands of people, get acquainted with hundreds, and become intimately connected to scores. When on the job, we believe these are eternal relations. (cont)

Friend ship Cont: Once we are off the noose of Sarkari Naukari (Government Jobs), these relations turn ephemeral like dust—some turn on you as if you had never met.

cont: Compared to these ephemeral relations, the friendships of student days are generally perennial—ever green, and with little watering, these relations become lush green. The reason, perhaps, is that there is sincerity in them, while an acquaintance on the job is just a

working relationship, nothing beyond.

There is drift in street discourse: People generally talk of mental status of President Trump- and talk of some Miss Hak.

WAR: There is a drift in Srinagar street discourse about the war: people often discuss the mental state of Donald Trump and mention Erna Martha Hoch, who worked in Srinagar in the 1960s, …as someone who could have treated him.

Until its rights and interests are fully safeguarded, Iran cannot afford to lower its guard.

As-salaam Alaikum. After all these brooding days, on this sunny morning let me greet you warmly: Good Morning. I find this day auspicious because it follows the ceasefire between Iran and the USA. I pray for honorable peace to Iran-i-Kabeer as well as to Iran-i-Sageer.

Over hundred years old picture of my grandfather Siddiq Joo and his friends. I admire the elegance of their costume. What do you say about their dress code.

There seems optimism that the proximity talks between USA and Iran will graduate to direct talks. We pray for peace in the world.

The Iran-US talks in Islamabad ended in a stalemate as expected, with both sides sticking to maximalist positions. But there’s a silver lining: a clearer understanding has been reached, paving the way for the next round. Mediators shouldn't lose hope. Keep them at the table

Today is death anniversary of a journalist friend. My tribute to him watch this small documentary. youtube.com/watch?v=BOqykI…

Is self-publishing expensive

El pájaro sastre es famoso por su asombrosa habilidad para construir nidos "cosiendo" hojas. 😊

Some books create waves for years, while others barely take off. Yet every book matters—even those that pass unnoticed—for each one is an outpouring of a thinking mind

Archive: A small island on Dal Lake. The modest mosque in the background is believed to have hosted prayers by Allama Iqbal in 1920. The island belongs to the Kakroo family of Baramulla. This photograph predates the 2014 floods. I and Dr Wahid.

"It was a long time ago -51 years since we left the portals of Kashmir University. We were destined for different fields—police, politics, bureaucracy, journalism, and business—yet the bonds of our friendship have strengthened with every year. Thank God we are friends today."