The tradition of Marțișor on 1^st of March symbolizes the rebirth of the nature and marks the beginning of spring and changing of seasons in Romania, being the first in line of a series of celebrations in the month of March.

Mărțișor is an old tradition celebrated all over Romaniaand archaeological discoveries (small stones painted in red and white) suggest that the Mărțișor traces its history more than 8,000 years back. Some ethnologists believe that the Mărțișor celebration has Roman origins while others support the theory that it is an old Dacian tradition.In ancient Rome, the New Year’s was celebrated on the 1st of March.March (‘Martius’) was named in the honor of the god Mars. Mars was not only the god of war but also the god of agriculture, which contributes to the rebirth of vegetation.TheDacians also celebrated the New Year’s on the first day of March. Ample spring celebrations were consecrated to this event.

In the old times, Mărțișor were made of small river pebbles, colored in white and red, stringed on a thread and worn around the neck. They were worn, to bring good luck and good weather, from March 1 until the first trees would bloom. When the first trees were flowering the Mărțișor were hanged on tree branches.

Nowadays, on March 1, Romanians buy silky red-white threads (șnur) tied into a bow to which a small trinket is attached and offer them to their (female) family members, friends and colleagues to show friendship, respect or admiration.

All these small items are considered talismans and special in their own way, some Martisoare have a specific significance.Although this specific is up to anyone’s imagination, here you have a few examples: a four-leaf clover is a symbol of good luck – the four leaves represent hope, faith, love and luck, the horseshoe Marțisor is also among the most popular in Romania, as it is also said to bring good luck and good fortune,

a heart-shaped Marțisoris the symbol of love and affection,a star marțisoris also a symbol of good luck, while an owl Marțisor is the symbol of wisdom.

The tradition of Marțișoris spread not only in Romania, but also in the neighboring countries like Moldova, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia etc.,and has been included since 7^th of December 2017 in the UNESCO’s list of “intangible heritage of humanity”.

Starting with 1^st of March, and all the way to March 8^th, Marțișoare are offered to dear and beloved ones – small symbolic items tied with a red and white entwined cord,white for purity, red for life, as a sign of friendship, respect and affection.

Wajeeha Bilal

Every religion highlights a bedrock of guidelines and practices as enshrined within the dictum of its edicts. It spotlights specific guidelines and practices. As the guidelines are followed or those rituals are performed, the person is attempted to be made just with His Creator. Though there are differences in focus and the observance of rituals, but then that may be more related to a personal distinction among individuals, their demographics and skin tone, but we live together on this earth with the intention of leading a happier and better life.

Though this sentiment is commendable, the contrary is prominent on the pages of human history. Prominent nowadays; the currents of wars, assassinations, genocide, violence, and crimes against humanity are directed by those who claim to believe in following their Creator. No matter where in the world we look, there is always a reactionary narrative borne of either prejudice or oversimplification that tends to profile people it does not fully comprehend.

Amongst the vicious narratives that have had an immense impact on humanity and its perception of Islam, is Islamophobia, where Muslims are profiled and criticized, eventually mistreated, either strictly due to their faith or consequently due to the brutal actions of a few arbitrary entities and individuals acting in the name of Islam, often, as non-state actors. The story of pain and human suffering is worldly and global, it is not bound to any faith or a geographical setting, nor is it dependent upon any demographic component.

One suffering cannot be highlighted above another because ofits secular or religious settings; whether it’s a terrorist attack in the west or the east. The accounts of these incidents that are everywhere make our hearts bleed with sorrow. Regarding this, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, while virtually addressing a session of the UN’s Economic and Social Council, stressed on the issue of Islamophobia. Mr Qureshi condemned the “discriminatory citizenship laws … and repeated state-sponsored pogroms against minorities” at the same time requesting for a “global alliance against the rise and spread of Islamophobic as well as other violent nationalist and racist groups”.

With all the cultural similarities, all the parallel feelings and mutual interests how can we explain the atrocities that are inflicted in the name of that One Creator? It is the interest of the few that poisons the majority’s minds. The religious divide is established, nurtured and promoted because it suits a certain group. Over the years, religious emotions have been exploited by these stubborn people who consider themselves superior to the rest. It seems that religions do not have a pretty history. Unfortunately, most religious people are not educated, or well versed in the religions they follow. They depend on what they hear from their leaders and ancestors. But how can a Creator provide special treatment to those who follow a particular religion just because they happen to be born in the family who follows it. It is surprising that their religion has cursed those who are created the same way but happen to be born in a family following a different religion.

Nonetheless, regardless of the ingrained intolerance against Muslims and others in several communities, the role of extremist militants who have immensely added to the intolerance against their own religion, cannot be overlooked. Controversial terrorist organizations, so-called Islamic state groups and others of their type who declare their services to Islam have done more harm and insulted this noble religion and its followers. Their felonies against Muslims and non-Muslims are contrary to the divine decree of the moral practices of faith and belief.

Besides, Islamist militancy is a conservative phenomenon innate to the discrimination and oppression found in most Muslim states, and the imperial mediation of non-Muslim powers. Human ache and misery are truly universal, and thus it calls for a collective, unconditional love to comprehend, feel, understand and eventually heal its wounds. True belief systems convey a message of affection, mutual awareness, patience, care, acknowledgment; showing compassion and empathy to everything that lives without judging others for their beliefs or culture.

The religious societies of the world need to acknowledge both these concerns; discrimination in non-Muslim societies and the oppressive organizations that help create fighters for religiously inspired militancy. Paigham-i-Pakistan, the allied message of collaboration against terrorism and fanaticism registered by 1,829 Islamic scholars in 2018, seemed like a beneficial agreement but was never owned truly in spirit by the religious sects. Speaking on the eve of the unveiling of the Paigham-i-Pakistan, religious scholars had urged collective efforts by state institutions, within the compass of the Constitution, to cleanse society of the dangers of extremism and terrorism.

People can acquire immense power to come closer to their spiritual nature through their Love for others and conscious living. Humanity is the common factor that unites different people. We are all human beings who want to be happy, so we search for love and ways to discipline our spiritual progress. We give comfort only to receive it in some way. Then why not treat others as we would have them treat us. It is great to be a spiritual person with rituals but even greater to be a conscious human with passion. Even if you learn to find your own peace through religion, your struggle should continue till your practices are helpful in generating awareness, love and compassion. The true essence of one’s spiritual journey comes with finding balance and discipline which is the real purpose of religion. These can be developed by anyone inside or outside one’s spiritual practice.

So, let us enjoy life with no fear of being judged; making mistakes only to learn from them, listening to others only to show empathy, observing patience only to treat others with respect, supporting freedom only to live in harmony with compassion. All religions pursue the same goals: those of cultivating goodness and bringing happiness to all human beings. Though the means might seem different, the ends are the same. We may never agree with each other about who Created us, or whose interpretation of religion is correct, however, one thing we can all agree on is our humanity.

(Wajeeha is authorof “The Conscious Ego”, “The Beautiful Present”. She runs “Apurposeful life” blog.

By MehrIspahani

Pakistan’s decision to join the global war on terrorism was the result of geostrategic imperatives and the international community’s call.  Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations resulted in decrease in terrorism in the region. In 2011, 144 operations were carried out, resulting in the execution of 1,016 terrorists. In 2012, the Pakistan military brought peace to North Waziristan. In 2013, Karachi and Balochistan got rid of terrorists due to Pakistan Rangers operations. Operation Zarb-e-Azb focused on North Waziristan, killing 2,100 terrorists in the area till December 28, 2014. In February 2017, Operation RaddulFasaad (Counter Turmoil/Mayhem) eliminated remaining terrorist elements from Lahore, Sehwan Sharif, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the erstwhile FATA.

Anti-state elements have been on the verge of destroying the peace in Balochistan.  Briefing journalists about the situation along the eastern border, the DG ISPR said there had been an increase in ceasefire violations by Indian troops, who had “especially targeted” the civilian areas near the Line of Control including women, children and the elderly. He further said that Army has always given a befitting response.  India is using three major routes to supply heaps of explosives in Balochistan. This explosive is forwarded to Panjgoor to the terrorist organizations. The latest report of EU DisinfoLab is an eye-opener, which has exposed Indian designs to malign Pakistan through the creation of fake material against the country.“February 27 is a bright day in the history of Pakistan,” Maj Gen Iftikhar said, referring to the downing of two Indian fighter jets on this day last year.

Who isn’t aware of the 27^thFebruary 2019 incident? Not only did Pakistan Air Force bring down two of the Indian fighter jets, they also caught one of the Pilots. Abinandan, the Indian Pilot, was handled with care and respect, although he was one of the enemies. Modi’s government is spreading disinformation through an organized system, with propaganda units affiliated with BJP, RSS and likeminded parties pushing false information to influence the political deck and spreading venom against Pakistan. The false-flag operation also exposes to what extent the coldblooded and heartless Modi and his companions can go in their witch hunt by slaughtering their own soldiers. This released chat has justified Islamabad’s position on the Pulwama operation as well as the terrorist attacks. The prior information and access to top-secret military operation of Indian army to a blue-eyed media person is also a big question mark on capability and responsibility of Indian army. For sabotaging CPEC, India raised a militia of 700 militants to conduct terror activities in Balochistan, said Maj Gen Iftikhar. “A commission comprising 24 members was created which included 10 RAW operatives. $60 million dollars were dedicated for this force.” He added that the Indian mission in Afghanistan has paid handsome amounts to sub-nationalists under the garb of humanitarian assistance and projects. The spokesperson also gave details of the transactions for such activities.

“Indian intelligence agencies are managing 87 such terrorists’ camps out of which 66 are located in Afghanistan whereas 21 are located in India.” He gave the example of the attack on PC Gwadar and said an officer of RAW, Anurag Singh, planned the attack and $0.5 million dollars were allocated by Indian intelligence for the attack. He said New Delhi’s intelligence apparatus aims to exploit the prevalent environment by staging terrorist attacks on large public gatherings and will attempt to assassinate a mainstream or sub-nationalist leader or a religious figure in Azad Kashmir or GB to arouse public anger.

Tangible evidence reflects that Indian foreign missions in FATF member countries have always been extensively lobbying with hosts prior to FATF meetings to undermine Pakistan’s achievements and create conditions for our grey/ blacklisting,” the military spokesperson.

Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad was announced in the aftermath of a fresh resurgence in terror attacks in Pakistan. Operation Raad-ul-Fasaad, was the 11th such operation launched against the same cocktail of terrorist organizations., the operation has earned Pakistan praise for its achievements in countering terrorism. In public statements from leaders around the world, Pakistan has earned praise for its efforts to curb terrorism.

Overall, the Pakistan Army has averted more than 400 terrorist plans in the past three years. Since February 22, 2017, the Pak Army conducted more than 149,000 Intelligence-Based Operations across the country. During the same period, the army issued more than 3,800 threat warnings, which helped save hundreds of precious lives. In the war against terrorism since 2001-2020, more than 350 major and more than 850 minor operations were conducted by the Pakistan Army. The terrorist-ridden Karachi city also moved from sixth on the Crimes Index in world capitals to 91st position due to the massive efforts of Pakistan Army.

When Operation Rah-i-Haq-1, was launched, followed by Rah-i-Haq-2, in 2008, both in Swat Valley. While Pakistani people have a special bond with their armed forces and if there is any public institution left that enjoys the trust and respect of people then its Pakistan Army. However, given the long list of operations launched against more or less the same set of terrorists, public and media quietly wonder: How will Raad-ul-Fasaad any different? The history of operations is long and speaks for itself. Operation Sirat-i-Mustaqeem was launched in Khyber Agency in 2008, Operation Sherdil was jointly launched with Frontier Corps in Bajaur Agency in 2008, Operation Rah-i-Haq-III in Swat valley and Shangla in 2009; Operation Black Thunderstorm in Buner, Lower Dir and Shangla district in 2009, Operation Brekhna in Mohmand Agency in 2009; Operation Rah-i-Rast, commonly known as Swat Operation in 2009; Operation Rah-i-Nijat in South Waziristan in 2009 and finally Operation Zarb-i-Azb in North Waziristan along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border (2014) .

India is indeed working with some Balochi groups in Pakistan to cause unrest and to strike at targets such as the CPEC. The evidence presented by Pakistan provides a concrete proof of Indian financial and material sponsorship of multiple terrorist organizations, including UN-designated terrorist organizations Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Balochistan Liberation Army and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

(The writer is freelance columnist from Peshawar)