Loud Thinking

Archive for December, 2023

Dear Shan Masood,

As the dust settles on the heartbreaking performance in Melbourne, where the Pakistani team snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, it’s crucial to acknowledge the missed opportunities and strategize for a triumphant Sydney Test. While the challenges faced are undeniable, specific decisions regarding team selection and gameplay significantly impacted the outcome.

Missed Opportunities:

Unleashing the Potential:
Saim Ayub’s form and aggressive batting style and Muhammad Wasim’s fiery pace were badly missed at Melbourne. Their exclusion left a huge void. Reconsidering their inclusion based on Sydney’s conditions could be key.

Turning Point in Melbourne:
MCG Mayhem:
The snatching of defeat from the jaws of victory at the MCG still stings. Abdullah Shafiq’s placement in the slips instead of Babar Azam proved deadly costly, and the batting collapse after the sixth and seventh wickets fell at 219 and last three wickets fell at 237 was gut-wrenching.

In disciplined Extras:
The staggering 68 extras gifted in the second Test, compared to Australia’s 34, handed them a crucial 34-run advantage. Maintaining discipline in bowling and fielding is paramount.

Batting Approach:
The cautious approach adopted in both Tests, particularly in the second innings, failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities. A more proactive mindset, especially from senior players, could have put pressure on the Australian bowlers.

Bowling Strategy:
While the bowlers displayed commendable grit, their plans at times seemed predictable. Employing variations in pace, line, and length, and utilizing the strengths of individual bowlers more effectively, will be key to unsettling the Australian batting line-up.

Fielding and its Placements:
Dropped catches and sloppy fielding cost Pakistan dearly in both matches. A renewed focus on sharp fielding and concentration is essential to prevent such lapses in the future. Moreover, placement of a fielder at forward short leg is necessary during the period our pacers are bowling, rising short pitch deliveries.

Strategic Imperatives for Sydney:

Selection Reshuffle:
Reassessing the lineup based on individual form and Sydney’s conditions is crucial. Players like Saim Ayub and Muhammad Wasim Jr. deserve consideration based on their potential impact.

Proactive Batting:
Ditch the cautious approach as we have nothing to lose at Sydney! We need a positive intent, aiming to build partnerships and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Bowling with Discipline:
Maintain consistent line and length, exploit swing and seam movement, and trust bowlers to deliver their spells and seriously consider playing a regular spinner for the Sydney pitch. Minimize extras through disciplined bowling and tighter fielding.

Stronger Team Spirit:
Above all, we need a united front. Encourage collective responsibility, support each other through tough phases, and play sans any pressure and with the unwavering passion that defines Pakistani cricket.

Remember, Shan, the Sydney Test is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative. Trust your instincts, back your players, and lead with the unwavering spirit that defines Pakistani cricket. Foster a positive environment, encourage collective responsibility, and ensure everyone contributes. We believe in you and the team’s ability to bounce back and put up a memorable fight.

With unwavering support,
A passionate Pakistani cricket fan.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
+92 321 9402157
Lahore.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s westernmost province, stands at a crossroads. Its vast, mineral-rich landscape pulsates with untapped potential, yet the region wrestles with complex challenges. Decades of marginalization, coupled with security concerns and resource-sharing friction, have sown seeds of discontent and instability. Navigating this conundrum demands a paradigm shift, prioritizing reconciliation, inclusive development, and shared prosperity to unlock Balochistan’s true potential.

a). Reclaiming Lost Trust: The Cornerstone of Reconciliation:

Healing begins with acknowledging the historical grievances of the Baloch people. A sense of alienation, perceived injustices regarding resource distribution, and lack of autonomy have fueled distrust and division. Openly recognizing these concerns, fostering a culture of dialogue, and establishing truth and reconciliation commissions can pave the way for genuine understanding and healing.

b). Empowering the Baloch Voice: Decentralization and Autonomy:

Balochistan needs genuine autonomy within the framework of a unified Pakistan. Empowering the Baloch people through devolution of power, enhanced provincial authority, and local community participation in decision-making will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. This includes transparent resource allocation and benefit-sharing mechanisms that directly address the needs of the Baloch population, which is living in an absolutely ungovernable and unmanageable size of geography, which is almost half of Pakistan’s land mass. The governance of this magnitude of geographical area now needs an out of box solution.
As such, In order to transform Balochistan, all its civil divisions should be converted into riasats/units, with enhanced autonomy and financial independence. This action promises to unlock a wave of economic progress, lifting the poorest segments of the population out of poverty.

c). Inclusive Development: The Engine of Progress:

Balochistan’s prosperity hinges on inclusive and sustainable development. Investing in education, healthcare, agriculture, mining on modern lines, tourism and infrastructure projects particularly developing a modern motorway network will create jobs, boost the economy, and improve the quality of life for all Balochistanis. Prioritizing skill development programs, supporting local businesses, and ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities will break the cycle of poverty and foster self-reliance.

d). Investing in the Youth: Channelling Potential through Sports:

The vibrant youth of Balochistan deserve avenues to channel their energies. A focused emphasis on sports promotional activities can draw children and adults away from negative influences and towards healthy pursuits. This investment in their physical and mental well-being will create future leaders and contributors to Balochistan’s development. In this regard, taking a cue from the statement of Nelson Mandela, it is suggested that the Pakistani government should slightly re-phrase it and declare the following as its VISION statement:

“Sports has the power to change Pakistan…it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite Pakistani people in a way that little else does. It speaks to the Pakistani youth in a language they understand. Sports can create hope for the entire Pakistani nation, where once there was only despair, lawlessness, hunger, unemployment, poverty, drugs, suicide bombings and alarming increase of suicides due to the economic hardships. It is more powerful than the government in breaking down the menace of terrorism which has blown the country to the smithereens.”

e). Connecting Balochistan: An Infrastructure Revolution:

A robust infrastructure network is crucial for unlocking Balochistan’s potential. A renewed phase of massive infrastructure development under a revitalized China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, with additional investments from friendly countries, can be transformational. Building a network of motorways, constructing waterways and dams, and undertaking large-scale development in agriculture, tourism, and healthcare will connect communities, boost economic activity, and improve Balochistan’s strategic connectivity.

f). Cultural Preservation: Celebrating Baloch Identity:

The tapestry of Balochistan is woven with rich traditions and customs. Recognizing and celebrating the Baloch language, heritage, and art alongside Pakistan’s national identity will foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Promoting cultural exchange programs, supporting local artists and artisans, and preserving historical sites will strengthen the unity and diversity of Pakistani society.

g). Building Bridges: Engaging All Stakeholders:

Finding a solution necessitates the engagement of all stakeholders. Open and transparent dialogue between Baloch nationalists, political parties, civil society groups, security forces, and the wider Pakistani community is crucial for building consensus and crafting a workable roadmap for the future. Recognizing diverse perspectives and seeking common ground are key to forging a future of shared prosperity and peace.

h). Harnessing Balochistan’s Potential: A Shared Responsibility:

Unlocking Balochistan’s potential requires a collective effort. The onus lies not just on the government but also on civil society, media, and individuals across Pakistan. Promoting empathy, understanding, and respect for Baloch culture and aspirations can bridge the divides and pave the way for a shared future of success.

Conclusion:

Balochistan’s future holds immense promise. By prioritizing reconciliation, inclusivity, and sustainable development, Pakistan can turn the Balochistan conundrum into a story of shared success. The choices made today will determine the fate of generations to come – choosing wisely means embracing a future where all Pakistanis, including the Baloch people, can truly thrive.
Remember, the journey towards peace and prosperity in Balochistan is an ongoing process. This article serves as a starting point for continued dialogue, collaboration, and action. May we all work together to create a future where Balochistan’s true potential shines bright for all.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
+92 321 9402157
Lahore.

Champions Rise From Ashes: A Spark of Belief for You, Shan

Shan, my man, I know the air is thick with disappointment after Perth. That final wicket falling, the scoreboard mocking with Australia’s dominance, the sting of defeat biting deep. We’ve all felt it, every fan, every teammate, every Pakistani heart united in the agony of a game slipped away. But let me tell you, chin up, captain. This is not the end, it’s just a bend in the road, a chance to show what champions are truly made of. Now you have a chance to rewrite the narrative, to carve our own legend from the ashes of this loss.

Remember India in Adelaide? The ghosts of 36 still haunt them, the humiliation of their lowest Test score etched forever in cricket’s tapestry. Yet, did they crumble? Did they drown in the self-inflicted despair? No, Shan, they rose stronger. Like phoenixes from the ashes, they soared on the wings of unwavering belief.
Rahane and Pujara, twin bastions of resolve, carved centuries in Melbourne, each run a defiant brushstroke against the canvas of doubt. Bumrah and Jadeja, with fire in their hearts and steel in their arms, ripped through the Aussie batting, each wicket a declaration of intent. They didn’t forget Adelaide, they learned from it, they used it as fuel to burn brighter.
Shan, your leadership is crucial now. This is where the true captain emerges, not amidst sunshine and glory, but in the furnace of adversity. Let the Perth fire temper your resolve, not diminish it. Gather your boys, the warriors in green, and remind them of what they are – a force to be reckoned with, a team that thrives on challenge, a unit stronger for its scars. It reminds us that true champions are forged in fire, their mettle tested in the crucible of adversity.

Here’s your battle plan, captain:
~ Refocus, not Rehash:
Dwelling on Perth will only sap our energy. We analyze, learn from the mistakes (in the first innings out of 10 our five wickets fell to Australian spinners/slow bowlers and out of 15 Australian wickets our spinner took no wicket) and then put it behind us. Our gaze is fixed on the horizon, on Melbourne and beyond. We visualize victory, not the ghosts of defeat.

~ Remember, the Cricket Field is a Battlefield of the Mind:
The game is won long before the first ball is bowled. We walk onto that field with unwavering belief in ourselves, in our teammates, in the green flag that flutters above us. We are warriors, not lambs to the slaughter. Shan, this is not just a series, it’s a declaration. We declare our unwavering spirit, our unyielding passion, our unwavering belief in the green of our flag. We declare that we are not defined by our losses, but by the indomitable will to rise again and again.

~ Fuel the fire within:
Channel the Perth disappointment into righteous anger, a burning desire to prove the doubters wrong. Let this team play with the passion of a thousand roaring fans, with the fury of a cornered tiger, with the unyielding spirit of a nation that never backs down.

~ Remember your strengths:
You have Saim Ayub’s fearless blade, Babar’s silken touch, Rizwan’s unwavering resolve. Muhammad Wasim’s fiery spell, Aamer Jamal and Khurram Shahzad’s uncanny wicket taking abilities, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan’s wily spin – a formidable arsenal waiting to be unleashed. Trust your players, their talent, their grit. This is not a one-man show, Shan, it’s a symphony of green warriors in perfect harmony.
~ Adapt and conquer:
Australia may have the home advantage, but remember how in 2020-21 series Indian team came from behind to win the series. Every pitch is a new battleground, every match a fresh canvas. Study your opponents, exploit their weaknesses, unleash your own strengths with tactical brilliance. Be the chess master, Shan, move your pieces with cunning and grace.

~ Embrace the journey:
This comeback won’t be easy. There will be stumbles, moments of doubt, whispers of negativity. But hold your ground, captain. Lead by example, with unwavering focus, with infectious positivity. Celebrate each victory, learn from each loss, and let the journey itself be the reward.

Shan, Pakistan is behind you. Every heart beats with the rhythm of your determination, every prayer echoes with the hope of victory. This is not just your cricket team, captain, it’s a nation unified in green, a chorus of voices chanting your name. Remember, a true champion rises not when the sun shines, but when the storm rages. Go forth, Shan, lead your warriors into the battle, and paint the canvas of this series with the glorious colours of a hard-fought, well-deserved 2-1 victory. We believe in you, captain. We believe in Pakistan.

Onward to Melbourne and Sydney, with hearts ablaze and hope untamed!

Your fellow Pakistani,
A Believer in Green.
Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
+92 321 9402157
Lahore.

The dust has settled on Perth, and while a spirited fight is no shame, the Pakistan cricket team’s ignominious defeat demands a critical introspection. The blame squarely rests on the think tank’s shoulders, with Team Director Muhammad Hafeez’s flawed game strategy and highly questionable selections like dropping Wasim Jr., Rizwan, and Hasan Ali, while opting for Sarfaraz, Faheem, and an unfit and unimpressive looking Shaheen Shah Afridi, playing a key role in the debacle.

However, despair is not an option. With two Tests remaining, Pakistan still holds the reins of its fate. Here are some top-priority suggestions for a glorious comeback:

~ Shake-up the Leadership:

Hafeez’s tenure stands on shaky ground. Replacing him immediately with a seasoned veteran like Javed Miandad, Mohsin Hasan Khan, or Aamir Sohail could inject the team with much-needed strategic finesse

~ Embrace the Spin:

Playing a part-time spinner is a sign of a defensive mindset which was always bound to backfie. Replace Agha Salman with one of the three genuinely skilled spinners in the squad – Ibrar Ahmad, Noman Ali, or Sajid Khan – to exploit this advantage which is already being done by the Australians.

~ Attack is the best defense:

Timidity won’t win matches. Players like Imam-ul-Haq, with their slow scoring rate, don’t fit the aggressive mindset needed to conquer Australian soil.

~ A Bold Lineup for 2nd Test match at MCG (26-30 December 23) : Here’s a proposed eleven poised for victory:

1. Abdullah Shafiq
2. Saim Ayub
3. Babar Azam
4. Shan Masood
5. Muhammad Rizwan
6. Saud Shakeel
7. Muhammad Wasim
8. An experienced spinner from the squad
9. Shahnawaz Dahani (replace Hasan Ali with his fiery 145 km/h pace to match Australia’s fire)
10. Aamir Jamal
11. Khurram Shahzad

~ Beyond Tactics:

The Power of Belief: The captain, manager, and team director have a crucial role beyond strategy. They must instil unwavering belief in the players. Constantly remind them: you were born to win, and winning demands planning, preparation, and unwavering expectation.

Embracing these suggestions and fostering a spirit of relentless optimism can rekindle the flame of Pakistani cricket and pave the way for a glorious comeback in Australia.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
03219402157
Lahore.

My Humble contributions in forcing India to remove mention of the word “Pakistan” in joint statement of U.K. -India and absolute removal of the mention of the words “PAKISTAN” and “MUMBAI and PATHANKOT attacks” from the following joint statements:

1. India – EU meeting in New Delhi between Modi and President Ursula von der dated 25 April 2022.
2. Indian Joint statements of Modi’s recent visits (2-4 May22) to Germany, Denmark and France.
3. Indian Joint statement after Modi’s meetings with five Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway) in Denmark on 4 May 2022.

I continued to relentlessly serve the motherland despite IN WRITING DEATH THREAT OSTENSIBLY FROM THE INDIAN SECRET AGENCY RA&W and ENSURED that Indian government was FORCED to SPECIFICALLY REMOVE the name of PAKISTAN, as a country exporting terrorism, from the below reproduced Para 17 of the U.K.-India joint statement dated 22 April 2022 (link:-https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prime-minister-boris-johnsons-visit-to-india-april-2022-uk-india-joint-statements/uk-india-joint-statement-april-2022-towards-shared-security-and-prosperity-through-national-resilience ) after the very recent visit of the PM Britain to India. In this connection, I contacted via Twitter with PM Boris Johnson and forwarded my open letters to the PM Japan dated 18 March 2022 and to the President of the USA dated 13 April 2022 which were also published in the news papers.

Para # 17 of U.K. – India joint statement dated 22 April 2022, wherein, the word PAKISTAN was removed.

Quote:
“ 17. Both leaders expressed zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms – and for all those who encourage, support and finance terrorism or provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups – whatever their motivation may be. They called upon all countries to work together to root out terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, disrupt terrorist networks and their financing channels, and halt cross-border movement of terrorists. They reiterated their condemnation of terrorist attacks in India and the UK, including the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. They emphasised the importance of perpetrators of terrorist attacks being systematically and expeditiously brought to justice, and agreed to work together to take concerted action against globally proscribed terrorist entities and individuals.”
Unquote.

Whereas, the name of PAKISTAN as a country exporting terrorism and Mumbai and Pathankot incidents were SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED in the following two joint statements:

~ 19 March 2022 Japan – India joint statement after the visit of the Japanese PM to India

~ 11 April 22 Fourth Annual U.S – India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue 2022 joint statement

However, after I wrote open letters to the PM Japan on 20 March 22 and the President of the USA on 13 April 22 (also published in the Newspaper) and to the German, French and five Nordic countries’s leaders on 2 May 2022 there was NO MENTION of PAKISTAN, MUMBAI and PATHANKOT incidents in the following joint statements (under your tenure of government):

1. India – EU meeting in New Delhi between Modi and President Ursula von der dated 25 April 2022. She was Twitted my above open letters to the PM Japan and the President of the USA to inform her in advance not to mention Pakistan, Mumbai or Pathankot on the behest of India.
2. Modi’s visit to Germany, Denmark and France 2-4 May 2022. (All these leaders were written open letters by me, before Modi landed in these countries, exposing India in wrongly defaming and maligning Pakistan to hide its atrocities against Muslims in Kashmir and India).
3. Modi’s meeting with five Nordic countries in Denmark on 4 May 2022. (All these leaders were written open letters by me exposing Indian genocidal acts against Muslim minorities, which India always tried to hide by falsely maligning and defaming Pakistan with untenable charges of terrorism in India).

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
03219402157
Lahore.

This has reference to the news published in the media regarding the stalemate between the government and the banks over PIA’s debt restructuring.

In this regard, the following steps are suggested to resolve the issue in a win-win manner.

Resolving the stalemate over PIA’s debt restructuring requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the concerns of both the government and commercial banks while ensuring the long-term viability of the airline. Here’s a potential solution:

1. Establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): Create a new company, an SPV, to take over PIA’s non-core assets and liabilities, including real estate, hotels, and legacy loans. This would isolate these non-performing assets from PIA’s core aviation business, allowing the airline to focus on its core operations.
2. Restructure Existing Loans: Negotiate with commercial banks to restructure existing loans, extending repayment periods, reducing interest rates, and converting some debt into equity. This would provide PIA with much-needed relief on its debt burden.
3. Privatization Plan: Develop a phased privatization plan for PIA, gradually introducing private ownership to the airline. This could involve selling a minority stake to strategic investors or eventually pursuing a full privatization.
4. Operational Efficiency: Implement measures to improve PIA’s operational efficiency, including reducing costs, optimizing routes, and enhancing customer service. This would improve the airline’s financial performance and increase its attractiveness to potential investors.
5. Government Support: Provide PIA with targeted government support, such as tax breaks, fuel subsidies, and route rationalization. This would help the airline weather the current economic downturn and position itself for future growth.
6. Transparent Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with all stakeholders, including employees, unions, and the public. This would build trust and confidence in the restructuring process.
7. Independent Oversight: Establish an independent oversight committee to monitor the implementation of the restructuring plan and ensure that it is carried out in a fair and transparent manner.
8. Legal and Regulatory Framework: Review and strengthen the legal and regulatory framework for the aviation sector to promote competition, protect consumer interests, and ensure the financial sustainability of airlines.
9. Labor Union Involvement: Engage with PIA’s labor unions in the restructuring process to address their concerns and ensure fair treatment of employees.
10. Long-Term Vision: Develop a long-term vision for PIA’s future, aligning it with the government’s overall aviation policy and the country’s economic development goals.
11. Continued Dialogue and Flexibility: Encourage ongoing dialogue and flexibility among stakeholders to adapt to changing circumstances or unforeseen challenges during the implementation of the restructuring plan.

This approach aims to foster cooperation among the involved parties, prioritize the sustainability of PIA’s operations, and pave the way for a mutually agreeable and sustainable debt restructuring solution.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
03219402157
Lahore.