Here we go..........

Karachi is once again in a wave of terror and fear. For last three days the whole life in Karachi has been ceased and everybody was hesitating to come out from their homes.

I myself did not go to university of Karachi for last two days, although there was only one holiday announced by the government and University was supposed to be open yesterday and today. But due to the lack of public transport, nobody could go.

National center for Proteomics had arranged a lecture today, Dr. Shahid Karim who works in University of Southern Mississippi(USA) had to arrive this Morning and during the very short stay of three hours in Karachi, he had to present a lecture on Arthropods diseases in post-genomic era.

His lecture was predefined and all preparations were completed but due to current situation, we all were uncertain and due to which i called my director last night and confirmed about the lecture. I was sure that after having a look on news about these circumstances, Dr. Shahid would probably have refused to present the lecture but surprisingly she told me that "He is going to present the lecture and he has confirmed his availability".

Now, when i came out this morning, like the previous day, i found no buses and any other public transport to reach University. Also, i felt it dangerous to travel within the city in these circumstances, but commitment is commitment.

"When Dr. Shahid can make it, why not i?"

I hired a rickshaw and with all my fears and trust on Allah, i finally reached my destination. Huma did not want me to go alone so she came with me.

There were some people in center like Faraz and Muniza, who came in spite of having dangers and therefore my director was pretty much satisfied that at least we are in a position to held the lecture.

Dr. Shahid reached at time and lecture started successfully although there were less people to attend the lecture as we were expecting, but even then he thanked all of us for coming in such a critical situation.

I wondered who should really pay thanks to other?

He did a brilliant job and presented his work related to Proteomics and Genomics of arthropods tick related diseases in a wonderful manner that even me did not feel sleepy during his whole lecture.

After the lecture, i got an honor to present the bouquet of white flowers on the behalf of NCP staff. On tea, we all had a discussion with him on current problems of research in Pakistan and he discussed it with deep interest.

I wonder why Pakistan is lacking some courageous people like Dr. Shahid Karim? Why our talent is being utilized for other Nations and not for itself? Will it be possible to have such skillful and hard working people around us in a huge number?

But i am not hopeless, our time will come InshAllah.......

Anyways, Dr. Shahid thank you so much for coming and saving me from a restless day at home.