Faraz Parvez

  The Secret Diary of a Jinn Written by Faraz Parvez (Pen name of Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal) Former Faculty Member, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA Prologue For centuries, humans have been fascinated by the unseen. They whisper about the Jinn in darkened rooms, invoke their names in hushed tones, and weave fantastical tales about their powers. But what if a Jinn itself had a story to tell? What if, hidden in the folds of time, a Jinn had kept a secret diary? Today, we unveil the pages of that very diary—an unfiltered glimpse into the mind of a being who has walked unseen among men. Entry 1: The Beginning They say we were created from smokeless fire. I do not remember the moment of my birth, for I was flung into existence in a time when the stars were still young. The first thing I remember is heat—blazing, searing, eternal. Then came awareness. My brethren scattered like embers in a storm, each seeking their own destiny. I, however, was different. I wanted to observe,...

  The Rise and Fall of Imran Khan Niazi: From The Establishment’s Golden Boy to The Fallen Messiah Written by Faraz Parvez Pen Name of Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal Former Faculty Member, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA There are few figures in contemporary politics as paradoxical as Imran Khan Niazi. A man whose political career reads like a tragicomedy, a cricketing hero who tried to bowl out corruption but ended up hitting his own wickets. Once the beloved poster boy of the establishment, now the self-styled revolutionary with a martyr complex—his journey is the stuff of a Shakespearean farce, with generous doses of slapstick and irony. The Saviour Who Needed Saving Once upon a time, Imran Khan was the chosen one . The establishment cradled him like a newborn prince, whispering sweet nothings of ‘Naya Pakistan’ into his ears. He was the hero with an Oxford degree, a World Cup trophy, and a playboy past that magically transformed into Islamic piety overnight. The masses, ...

  Title: "Modi’s Shiny, Rich, and Democratic Wonderland: A Satirical Masterpiece" By Faraz Parvez (Pen name of Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal) Former Faculty Member, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA Welcome, dear readers, to the second satirical essay for FarazParvez1.blogspot.com , where we explore the dazzling, glittering, and oh-so-democratic paradise that Narendra Modi has crafted for his people. India, under Modi, is a land of gold-plated streets, where cows have more rights than citizens, billionaires multiply overnight (as long as they are friends of the ruling party), and democracy flourishes—so much so that opposition leaders mysteriously disappear or find themselves enjoying government-sponsored vacations in prison cells. The economy? Oh, it’s booming! By booming, I mean exploding in ways only a master economist like Modi could orchestrate. The rupee dances joyfully, plummeting against the dollar, while the common man perfects the art of surviving on slogans. Un...

  The Grand Illusion: Trump’s “America Great Bounce Again” Slogans Written by Faraz Parvez (Pen name of Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal, Former Faculty Member, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA) What is Satire in Prose? Satire is the art of exposing the absurdities, hypocrisies, and ironies of society, politics, and human behavior using humor, irony, and exaggeration. Writers like Jonathan Swift in Gulliver’s Travels , George Orwell in Animal Farm , and Mark Twain in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn masterfully wielded satire to mock and critique political and social structures. Satire is a literary mirror that distorts reality just enough to make people see the ugly truth hidden beneath slogans and propaganda. Now, let’s put this mirror in front of the most bewildering political spectacle of our time: Trump’s America Great Bounce Again! The Grand Bounce: A Spectacle in Bankruptcy and Bravado After a dazzling return to the Oval Office, Donald J. Trump unveiled his newest sl...

  The New Urdu Short Story: Love, Metaphysics, and Modern Realism Written by Faraz Parvez (Pen Name of Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal) Former Faculty Member, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA Introduction: A New Era of Urdu Storytelling Urdu literature has always been a profound reflection of our social, emotional, and philosophical realities. From the poetic brilliance of Ghalib and Iqbal to the gripping narratives of Manto and Qurat-ul-Ain Haider, the evolution of Urdu storytelling has never ceased to amaze. However, in the 21st century , a fascinating shift has emerged— a fusion of love, metaphysics, and modern realism . At Faraz Parvez , we take pride in bringing forth cutting-edge literary analysis, contemporary critiques, and engaging discussions on how Urdu fiction is shaping our present and future. This article delves into how the modern Urdu short story is evolving, blending romantic ideals, spiritual depth, and existentialist thought , creating an entirely new dimen...

  The Evolution of the Modern Urdu Novel: A Literary Renaissance Urdu literature, with its rich poetic heritage and profound storytelling traditions, has continuously evolved to reflect the changing landscapes of South Asia and beyond. While Urdu poetry has long been celebrated for its lyrical beauty, it is the Urdu novel that has captured the essence of social, political, and psychological transformations over the past century. From the didactic realism of Deputy Nazir Ahmed to the avant-garde narratives of Mirza Athar Baig , the Urdu novel has transformed from a medium of moral instruction to an art form that challenges political structures, psychological paradigms, and literary conventions . Today, Urdu novelists are addressing themes of globalization, migration, gender dynamics, and existentialism , making the Urdu novel an indispensable part of world literature. From Classic to Contemporary: A Shifting Paradigm The birth of the Urdu novel can be traced back to the 1...

  Is the Urdu Ghazal Dying? An Analytical Reflection By Faraz Parvez (Pen name of Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal) The Urdu ghazal —once the heartbeat of poetic expression, the soulful lament of love, loss, and philosophy—is now at a crossroads. While purists mourn its decline, others argue that it is simply evolving, taking on new forms and audiences. Is the ghazal truly dying, or is it undergoing a transformation that purists fail to recognize? At FarazParvez.blogspot.com , our mission is to preserve, analyze, and celebrate the timeless beauty of literature , particularly Urdu and global poetic traditions. Today, we critically examine the state of the Urdu ghazal—its past, present, and uncertain future. The Rise of the Urdu Ghazal The ghazal has its origins in 7th-century Arabic poetry , later refined in Persian, Turkish, and Urdu literature . In the Indian subcontinent, Mir Taqi Mir, Ghalib, Iqbal, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz elevated the ghazal to an art form that blended deep emoti...

  The Last Tea Stall A short story At the edge of a forgotten town, where the railway tracks curved like an old man's smile, stood Rehmat Chacha’s tea stall —a relic of rusted tin sheets, the aroma of cardamom, and conversations suspended in midair. It was the last stall before the world melted into wilderness, where trains rarely stopped, and people only came when they had nowhere else to go. Characters: Rehmat Chacha – The old tea vendor, owner of the last tea stall. Master Ji – A retired schoolteacher with endless theories on life. Lalita – A dreamy young woman waiting for a love letter that never arrives. Chhotu – Rehmat’s orphaned helper, who believes tea leaves can predict the future. Inspector Sood – A weary policeman who once had ideals. Bhagat Singh – A drunkard who claims to be a revolutionary. Mohan – A failed poet, rewriting the same ghazal for ten years. Madam Bano – The widow of a forgotten freedom fighter, who lives in memories. The Mysterious St...

  Modern Chinese Poetry: A Window to the Soul of Contemporary Expression Modern Chinese poetry ( xiandai shi , 现代诗) emerged as a distinct genre in the early 20th century, breaking away from the rigid tonal rules and structured forms of classical poetry. Influenced by Western literary movements such as Romanticism, Symbolism, and Modernism, contemporary Chinese poets began embracing free verse , allowing for more personal, fluid, and experimental expressions of thought. Unlike the highly structured shi or ci poetry of ancient dynasties, modern Chinese poetry often delves into themes of existence, identity, nature, loss, love, and social change , using vivid imagery, metaphor, and introspective narration. It prioritizes emotional resonance over strict poetic forms, making it accessible yet profound. Below is a modern Chinese poem in English , reflecting the universality of human experience. The poem explores the search for meaning and belonging , a theme that transcends cultures...

  A Ministry of Small Complaints By Faraz Parvez 1. The Bureau In a narrow alley of Lahore’s Old City, nestled between a dented samosa shop and a tailor's stall that promised "World-Class Parisian Stitching," stood The Ministry of Small Complaints . It was not an official government department, though the sign outside—painted in a hurried, slightly apologetic Urdu—suggested otherwise. "چھوٹی چھوٹی شکایات کا دفتر" (Office for Minor Grievances—We Listen, We Nod, We Forget.) It was the brainchild of Uncle Fazal , an ex-govt. officer who had once worked in "Serious Departments" (Land Reform, Defense Procurement) but had been forcibly retired due to a minor misunderstanding involving a missing truckload of imported biscuits. Wanting to remain useful, he started this humble ministry to address the grievances too insignificant for the actual government to handle. His assistants, Junaid (who had failed the CSS exam five times but could recite legal l...

  The Power of Critical Thinking: Why It Matters More Than Ever At farazparvez.blogspot.com , our mission is clear: to educate, inform, and inspire . We believe that knowledge is the key to progress, and in a world flooded with information—both true and misleading— critical thinking is an essential skill for anyone who wants to stay informed, make rational decisions, and engage meaningfully in discussions. Why Critical Thinking Matters In today’s digital age, information is at our fingertips. News, opinions, and arguments are presented in various forms—through social media, online articles, videos, and even AI-generated content. However, not all information is accurate, reliable, or free from bias. Fake news, manipulated facts, and emotional rhetoric can distort reality and influence people’s decisions in ways they might not even realize. This is why critical thinking is no longer just an academic exercise—it’s a necessity for survival in an age of misinformation. What Is Cr...

  A Gift of Haikus for Our Enlightened Readers At farazparvez.blogspot.com , our mission is to enlighten, inspire, and ignite meaningful discussions through literature, poetry, and storytelling. We believe that every visitor to our blog seeks knowledge, beauty, and deeper understanding of the world around them. To honor our readers, here are ten haikus—each carrying a drop of wisdom, a spark of wonder, and a reflection of our shared human experience. May these verses brighten your day and remind you that Faraz Parvez Blog is a home for enlightened minds. 1. The Seeker’s Path Footsteps on the sand, the tide whispers forgotten truths beneath the waves. 2. Moonlight Over Lahore Minarets glowing, a silent river hums past, prayers in the breeze. 3. The Storyteller Ink flows on paper, a world is born in silence, breathes in eager minds. 4. Beyond Borders Mountains touch the clouds, yet one wind binds all the lands— we are all the same. 5. A Poet’s Dawn Morning light...

  The Stillness of Afternoons by Faraz Parvez In a quiet neighborhood of Lahore, where the sun dripped golden light onto the old, peeling walls, Sana sat on the veranda, watching the world move slowly. The ceiling fan hummed above, pushing the heavy afternoon air in lazy circles. She had always loved this time of day—when the world seemed to pause, just for a little while, before the evening rushed in with its noise, its demands. Sana was thirty-two, unmarried, living in her parents' house. The conversations in the house often ended with unspoken words, unfinished thoughts. Her mother, Bibi Jaan, would sigh when she walked past Sana’s room, her bangles jingling faintly. Her father, a retired government clerk, had once asked, only half-jokingly, if she planned to get a job instead of waiting for "things to happen." Sana was waiting, though she didn't know for what. Across the street, Raza was repairing his motorbike. He was about her age, maybe a little older. H...

  Fragments of a Fractured World A Poem by Faraz Parvez The oceans cough up plastic lungs, their breath choked by forgotten bottles, by nets that never sleep, by the memory of fish that once leaped skyward. Skyscrapers rise, mirrors of ambition, but below, the streets crack open— hunger, rage, empty hands pressed against the glass of progress. Somewhere, a forest curls into itself, a map burning at the edges, rivers running thin as whispers, the sky, a bruise of smog and silence. The clocks keep ticking, but time is a torn cloth, unraveling— who will sew it back before the last thread snaps? At farazparvez.blogspot.com , we bring poetry that echoes the world’s deepest dilemmas. This poem speaks of the urgent crises we face—environmental collapse, widening inequality, and the unstoppable ticking of time. Stay with us as we explore literature that matters.

  Echoes in the Dust A Free Verse Poem by Faraz Parvez The road stretches beyond the bazaar, where the air swirls with cumin and sweat, where old men sip tea, muttering half-truths about a country they no longer recognize. A boy runs barefoot through the alley, his kite a torn prayer against the smog, his laughter— a brittle thing that the wind might steal. The call to prayer ripples through the rooftops, folding itself into the drone of generators, into the siren of an ambulance that no one hears anymore. On the walls, posters of missing sons— faces that blur under monsoon rains, names that dissolve in the silence of waiting mothers. A poet sits by the canal, watching the ripples erase his reflection. He does not write tonight. The city inhales its own dust, exhales forgotten dreams. And somewhere, far from the din, the Indus keeps flowing— indifferent, eternal. At farazparvez.blogspot.com , we bring you poetry that speaks to the soul, capturing the ...

  Celebrating the Rich Tapestry of Indian and Pakistani Short Stories At farazparvez.blogspot.com , we are committed to introducing our readers to the finest literary works from South Asia. Today, we present a curated selection of short stories from India and Pakistan, each offering a unique glimpse into the diverse cultures, histories, and human experiences of the region. Indian Short Stories 1. "The Night Train at Deoli" by Ruskin Bond This poignant tale narrates a young man's fleeting yet impactful encounter with a girl selling baskets at a small railway station. Their brief interaction leaves an indelible mark on his heart, symbolizing the ephemeral nature of human connections. Faraz Parvez's Comment: "Bond's storytelling captures the essence of transient relationships, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia and longing. It's a beautiful reminder of how brief moments can leave lasting impressions." 2. "The Adivasi Will Not Dance" by H...

  Exploring Chinese Popular Poetry Genres: A Localized Reflection farazparvez.blogspot.com (Faraz Parvez is the pen name of Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal, Former faculty member of Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, KSA ) Poetry is a universal language of the soul, and China has one of the richest poetic traditions in history. Over centuries, Chinese poets have developed distinct styles, deeply infused with nature, philosophy, and emotion. Our blog, farazparvez.blogspot.com, is pleased to bring you an exploration of two of the most popular Chinese poetry genres— Shi (诗) and Ci (词) —by reimagining them in the cultural landscape of South Asia. 1. Shi (诗): The Classical Chinese Verse Shi poetry dates back to the Han Dynasty and reached its pinnacle during the Tang Dynasty. It follows strict tonal patterns and syllabic structures, much like the ghazals of Urdu and Persian poetry. Shi poetry often captures fleeting moments of beauty and profound emotions. Localized Shi Poem: A Village...

  Exploring the Beauty of Haiku: Five Stunning Haiku in a South Asian Setting At farazparvez.blogspot.com , we are committed to bringing literary excellence to our readers. Our blog serves as a hub for writers, poets, and literature enthusiasts, offering insights into storytelling, poetry, and the evolving trends in the literary world. Faraz Parvez is the pen name of Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal , Former Faculty Member of Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA . With a distinguished academic and literary career, he brings decades of expertise to help readers explore the nuances of literature. Today, we are pleased to present a special feature on Haiku , a traditional form of Japanese poetry, blended with the rich cultural essence of South Asia. What is Haiku? Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that consists of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable structure. Known for its simplicity and depth, haiku captures fleeting moments, emotions, and the beauty of nature. Traditionally focused...

  The Bollywood Storytelling: An Evaluation from 2000 AD By Dr. Arshad Afzal (Faraz Parvez – Pen Name) Former Faculty Member, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA Introduction: The Changing Face of Bollywood Narratives The Bollywood film industry has undergone a dramatic shift in storytelling since the dawn of the 21st century. The transition from formulaic love stories and melodramatic family dramas to more nuanced, socially relevant, and experimental narratives is striking. With globalization, streaming platforms, and an evolving audience, Bollywood has redefined its storytelling approach. This article examines Bollywood’s cinematic journey from 2000 AD, analyzing its themes, creative shifts, and impact on global cinema. The Early 2000s: The Age of Blockbuster Romance and Family Drama The early 2000s were dominated by grand, family-oriented dramas and larger-than-life romances. Films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and Devdas (2002) thrived on opulence, traditional v...

  The Tea House of Babel A One-Act Absurdist Play Setting: A small, dimly lit tea house in a bustling South Asian city. The walls are covered with peeling posters of political slogans, cricket stars, and a faded calendar from 1999. The ceiling fan turns lazily, not offering much relief. A group of strangers—each from a different walk of life—sit around a table, drinking tea and engaging in a conversation that seems logical at first but soon descends into absurdity. Characters: Malik Sahib – A retired government officer, speaks in grand proclamations. Razia Bi – A widow, sells flowers outside the tea house. Aftab – A young university student, idealistic and full of slogans. Majeed – The tea house owner, passive and always wiping the counter. Dildar – A street poet, constantly rhyming nonsense. Inspector Bashir – A police officer who enters midway, adding chaos. Act 1: The Illogical Conversation Begins (The lights come up. The characters are seated, drinking tea...

  Social Media Writing Trends: Evolving the Digital Narrative By Faraz Parvez (Pen Name of Dr. Arshad Afzal) Former Faculty Member, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA Introduction The digital landscape is ever-changing, and at the heart of this transformation is the art of writing. Social media platforms have redefined the way we communicate, creating new styles, formats, and expectations. Writing is no longer confined to traditional essays, novels, or journalistic articles—it has evolved into concise tweets, engaging Facebook posts, viral Instagram captions, and thought-provoking LinkedIn articles. As part of our blog’s mission, we aim to educate our readers on these emerging writing trends so they can craft impactful content suited for today’s digital audience. The Shift to Microcontent One of the most significant shifts in social media writing is the preference for microcontent —short, snappy, and engaging text that quickly captures the reader’s attention. Platforms like ...