Pakistan

Zenith Irfan- Motorcycle girl

Zarbab Ayesha Malik

Published

3 years ago

July 30, 2021

Motorcycle girl is a Pakistani biographical adventure drama film based on the life of motorcyclist Zenith Irfan. It was written, directed, and produced by Adnan Sarwar. Actor Sohai Ali Abro has played motorcycle girl. The plot revolves around an 18-year-old girl, who lives in Lahore, Pakistan. She becomes an overnight sensation after traveling to dangerous northern areas of Pakistan on a motorbike. They were mountain areas, where she traveled. She is the first Pakistani woman to ride across the country. It was a dream of her father which she fulfilled after his death. If you want to accomplish something big, you need to keep dreaming first. We live in a society where a woman riding a bike is a difficult act of courage. Zenith had the support of her family with her. She is the first female rider across Pakistan. After Zenith Irfan’s courage, we see many people now riding a bike. By people I mean women. Still, it is not ridden widely as there is a fear of society instilled in our minds. What people will say, this is the biggest problem in our society. We think a lot about it. Especially before breathing. Okay, that was sarcasm in order to explain how is it. She has done something huge, that requires a lot of hard work and guts especially for women in our society. Zenith proved you can do what you set your mind to. Zenith’s father died at such a young age of 34. He had a dream of traveling Pakistan on a motorbike which he could not do. As a daughter, Zenith fulfilled his dream of riding a bike across Pakistan. Back in 2013, Zenith’s younger brother bought a motorbike for himself, she started taking some lessons from him. She was a quick learner, so she learned quickly how to ride a bike. She started riding a bike in no time. She rode, starting from Lahore till Khunjeraab pass. Whatever she did was for her father. As a daughter, she did the right thing. She documented her journey in blogs that she wrote on Facebook and Instagram. She explained many times that it was a spiritual journey for her. Her story was so inspiring that a biopic was made on her. She said: “At the beginning, it was a big struggle for me,” says Irfan. “I was so confused about how to manage the gear, the clutch, the brakes.

“It was very confusing and frustrating but then I got the hang of it.” When I was on the road, it was like a coming together of my mind, body, and soul,”

“I could meditate properly. I really felt different, very emotional and liberated.” I’m not so fearful because I know that if death has to come, it’ll come anyway even if I’m at home,”. Even danger couldn’t stop her. “I can’t avoid it. I can’t obstruct my dreams because of a fear of death and accidents.”

“There aren’t many female bikers here, it’s a very small segment of society,” Irfan says.

“They obviously thought I was male,” she explains. “Whenever I stopped to ask directions and they realized I was female, they didn’t know what to do.

“They just stood there with their mouths open and didn’t know how to respond.

“I went away so quickly, didn’t give them time to digest the fact that I was a woman asking them directions.”

One man said to her “girls don’t ride motorcycles.”

She recalls, one woman in Misgar — a tiny village near China — left a lasting impression.

“We couldn’t understand each other as she was talking in her own language. She told me through a local translator, ‘What you’re doing is unbelievable.’

“She was very happy to see me there,” says Irfan.

Theodore White once said: ” To go against the dominant thinking of your friends, of most of the people you see every day, is perhaps the most difficult act of heroism you can perform.”

Pakistan

“Through Iqbal’s Words, We Find the Spirit to Soar as One Nation”

Published

1 week ago

November 9, 2024

EDITOR

a poet, philosopher, and politician but also a visionary who planted the seeds of unity, self-respect, and resilience in the hearts of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. Iqbal’s words were the catalysts that motivated people to recognize their potential, unite under a shared purpose, and ultimately pave the way for an independent Pakistan. His poetry and philosophy still resonate, reminding us of the values we hold dear and the power of unity, faith, and discipline in overcoming challenges.

Iqbal’s Philosophy: A Call to Selfhood and Unity

Iqbal was deeply influenced by the concept of “Khudi,” or selfhood, which he introduced as an idea of recognizing and cultivating the inner strength within each individual. He encouraged Muslims to develop their personal and spiritual strength, advocating for a life driven by purpose and unwavering resolve. For Iqbal, the idea of “Khudi” was not merely about individual development but about understanding that one’s personal strength contributes to the strength of the entire nation.

He also emphasized unity, which he saw as an essential component for the progress and survival of any community. Iqbal believed that unity was the bedrock upon which a nation could stand strong, and he used his poetry to inspire a collective identity that transcended individual differences. His call to unity was not just for the Muslims of India but for all who valued justice, peace, and a meaningful life.

The Message of Faith and Discipline

Iqbal’s poetry speaks powerfully about faith—faith in God, in oneself, and in the potential of a unified community. His famous verse, Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain, abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain (There are worlds beyond the stars, and many more tests of love to come), exemplifies his belief that faith could elevate one’s spirit to new heights. Iqbal saw faith as an energizing force that could help people transcend their limitations, reach their aspirations, and maintain hope in the face of adversity.

For Iqbal, discipline was the natural partner of faith. He believed that true faith must be complemented by discipline to channel energy into productive efforts. In his view, a disciplined nation, united in its principles, would have the resilience to face any challenge, no matter how overwhelming.

Inspiring Pakistan’s Youth: Iqbal’s Enduring Legacy

Iqbal’s influence extends beyond his lifetime, continuing to inspire generations. His poetry and philosophy encourage today’s youth to take pride in their heritage, recognize their potential, and work for a prosperous future. Pakistan’s youth, often regarded as the nation’s greatest asset, can find guidance in Iqbal’s call for unity, faith, and discipline. In a world filled with distractions, his message remains clear: true progress lies in developing oneself and working together for the greater good.

Unity in Diversity: Building a Nation

Iqbal’s vision of Pakistan was one where people, regardless of ethnic or linguistic background, would come together as one. His poetry remains a symbol of this unity, speaking of brotherhood and harmony. He knew that for Pakistan to succeed, its people would have to put aside their differences and focus on a shared goal. This vision is especially relevant today, as a diverse Pakistan works toward the common ideals that Iqbal cherished.

Conclusion: Soaring Together as One Nation

Allama Iqbal’s philosophy of selfhood, unity, faith, and discipline is a timeless message. His words urge us to become better versions of ourselves and to use our strengths to build a stronger, more united Pakistan. By embracing his teachings, we can truly embody the spirit that drives a nation forward. As Pakistan continues to face challenges, Iqbal’s words serve as a reminder that by standing together with a shared vision, Pakistan can not only overcome any adversity but also soar to greater heights.