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BritIish Pakhtun, Aspiring philantrophist/ photographer/ political Junkie, Inspirational Explorer, Chameleon! Velkome to my World. Prepare to be KABULISED!

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Every time I witness the sunset, I am overwhelmed by the miracles of Allah and his infinite wisdom. The sun does not overpower the moon, nor the moon overpower the sun. The waves thundering forward and no matter how strong, do not breach to mainland and reverse the process in motion. Each working alongside and in cognitive order with each other. The coolness of the breeze hits my very pores sending shards of delight on a hot day. The sound of nature akin to a melody bringing music to my ears. Calmness. Blessed we all are. #spiritual #order #peace Photo by @Riaz.syed

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They say a picture speaks a thousand words. If I was to tell you that you could hear your own heartbeat and be one with nature, would you believe me? Amidst the chaotic adventures travelling through Northern Pakistan, I came across a place where time and space I felt stood still. This for me was a place of solitude. What a mesmerizing sensation this was looking back. The richness of the myriad of colors was a sight for sore eyes. Hues of green, blue and brown intermingled with an artistic effect on the canvas. The ripples in the lake felt in unison with my heart. A feeling of elation, of peace and tranquility beyond measure. The lingering sound of the breeze intoxicated my mind into a trance. The outer elements seeping into my very pores shredding all conflicting thoughts. I felt at one with the universe. To be calm and one with nature is key. One aspect we need to do properly is breath. I hope this picture will allow you to stop and do just that. BREATH! Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. Slowly. Let the waters settle and you will see the moon and the stars mirrored in your own being.... Rumi. We become one. #nature #naturephotography #tranquil #peace #northernpakistan #dawndotcom #serene #etribune #yoga #breath #Rumi (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

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The luminous rays of the sun emitted her last shards of light as the sliver of the stars slowly took formation waiting to unveil their secrets. Credit due to the one and only Rahim. #sunsets #clouds #naturephotography #beautiful #light #momentstoremember (at Dubai - Uae)

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One of those epic pictures one has to share. I was fortunate to accompany my friend Riaz and his family on a trip to Jabal Jais mountain, the highest peak in the UAE. Cruising to the top at just under 2,000 meters, the views were a sight for sore eyes. The luminous rays of the sun emitted her last shards of light as we setttled in, huddled around the embers of a fire we had made. Munching on marshmallows after our dinner, I peered towards the sky as a hue of colours formed. The stars slowly came out, each emitting the vibrant essence, each vying for that star bound moment with us. I pondered at the minuscule dots, each glowing with energy as my retina honed in. My mind wandered to the traveller of the millennia. From the tradesmen of Arabia to the seafarer from Portugal, they all had an intimate dependency on the stars to navigate their course to new destinations. My mind further raced to the mystics who in some cases fell into a state of ecstacy trying to unravel the mysteries from above. Then there were those that studied astronomy going as far as stating that the basic elements in the stars, and the gas and the dust around them were the same elements that make up our bodies...!How amazing would that be? How similar or different are we? A quote from one of my favourite philosophers, Rumi from Balkh - Modern day Afghanistan, came to mind. "We come spinning out of nothingness, scattering stars like dust". In effect we are but that minuscule particle. Aside from the thoughts I had, I was accompanied by Rahim who cleverly took this picture; the epitome of my boundary with the outer star world. My very own star gate taking me to a new dimension. Looking at the picture, it is surreal now as it was then.Genius. What is between the heavens and the earth is any bodies guess. However, I'd like to add as Rumi further states, "Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself." We all are our own northern stars. There's a star in everyone of us. May we all be enlightened and guided. Shine like the shimmering star that you are. Peace - Kabul. #photography #philosophy #stars #rumi #jabaljaismountain #mountain #journey #discovery #rasalkhaimah #UAE (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

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Many of you know of Mahatma Gandhi. Whom amongst you know of the equally charismatic Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan - The Frontier Gandhi? A rose that came out of a thorn. From a warrior people of the pashtun lands came a peaceful man preaching non violence to all. What a gentle soul and a giant of a man. I can just imagine him saying "Zama bacheyo, zama khabara wawra" My children, listen to what I have to say. Much to ponder on. The noble Bacha Khan. RIP. #noble #leader #pashtun #Peaceful #Afghanistan #india #pakistan (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

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Here's what I found earlier. Dedicated to all the bulls out there. Somewhere in #Pakistan. I don't even know what they feed em. #bull #pakistan #Eid #eidmubarak (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

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The silhouette of the minaret amidst the backdrop of the setting sun was something to ponder on. Calmness and beauty amidst the hustle and bustle. Fortunately for me, this place wasn't packed as usual. Aside from the shopkeepers and a few customers, the rest of the people were probably getting prepared for the advent of Eid tommorow. Either that, or they will converge after sunset. Jumanji mode with last minute shopping! I've lived in Dubai for many years and each time I visit the old part, there is something unique and distinctive about the place. The sights, the smells, the sounds. It's a unique experience where a mixture of nationalities converge. Traders, craftsman etc barter away as they always have. Oh and the cusine in this part is like no other. Come visit this side of town and you'll feel the spirit of the city. #Dubai #Mydubai #Eid #hustle (at Qasar Al Afghan Kabab Restaurant)

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Crossing back into Pakistan from China at the #khunjeerabpass Taking a moment to let it all sink in after visiting the fabeled city of #kashgar in Xingjiang province One of the many unforgettable moments I had travelling through a segment of the ancient #Silkroute Many a traveller, trader, warrior and pilgrim set foot along this route; the land of the ancients. I could feel the soul of this land. Scenic views caught the trappings of my mind as I wandered into the distance.Revitalising my senses, a thought crossed my mind. I wondered at the aspirations of those that tread this path for millennia. Fame and fortune. Love and war. Each fragment underneath that snow had a story of its own. #memoriesmade #wanderlusting #lastyear #china #pakistan (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

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In my travels through northern Pakistan last year, I was fortunate to be hosted by my friend Asim, whose grandfather is revered as a hero of the north. As a Junior officer and later to become Group Captain of the Eskimo Force of the Gilgit scouts, Lieutenant M Shah Khan took charge and had lead the liberation effort to seize control of Gilgit reaching as far north to Kargil through the Deosai plains with an altitude between 14-16,000 ft. (The land of the giants) with little supplies. He routed out his opponents in their bunkers and took control. No small feat either. What a legend. He wrote a book that he presented to me about his experiences. Mr. M. Shah Khan was awarded for his bravery too with Pakistan’s 3rd highest military award; Sitara-i-Jurat The Star of bravery. Read more on my thoughts on national #Independence day for #pakistan #india #Afghanistan In fact everyone. Hope you can relate to it. We need to do more. We can do more. #peace and #love to all. https://kabulwazir.wordpress.com/2016/08/15/what-are-we-celebrating/ (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

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At the plains of Maiwand, Afghanistan, a fierce battle would take place between the Afghans and the British. There would be many casualties. One in particular was that of a lady by the name of Malalai. In the ensuing battle when the Afghan army was in disarray, Malalai would take her stand and rally her people to victory similar to Boudica against the Roman empire. In honour of the battle of Maiwand and a tribute to Malala, I wrote a piece on her. Someone we all should be very proud of. Stand for something or die for nothing. Have a read. https://kabulwazir.wordpress.com/2013/07/09/jalalabad-and-beyond-a-historical-perspective-from-kabul/ #Malalai #maiwand #malala #afghanistan #hero #strength #bravery #women #honour #respect (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

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Recollecting thoughts from the outskirts of Northern #Pakistan. What an unforgettable journey, circumnavigating the land that time forgot. I had the good fortune of meeting with Amer and his family on my journeys. One fine morning as the birds sang away getting me out of slumber, Amer had already been up at the crack of dawn sourcing a stable that would provide him with horses as one does! Lo and behold, one minute I was having breakfast, the next thing you know, I was being offered to accompany Amer and his son Hamza up the mountain on horseback. An offer I couldn't refuse of course. The land known for the "Game of Kings" - Polo, these horses had had their fare share of nail biting moments. Nervous at first, I soon held on to the reigns of the steed and off we went. What an adventure. One truly does see the world in a different light perched high on a horse up those mountains. To be one with nature is everything. The rolling mountains that reached to the sky, the kaleidoscope of colours or the wind blowing through our pores. It was amazing. Climbing up the mountain was an effort in itself and witnessing it all was beyong measure. Climbing down required equal perserverance especially when I had to canter at speed and jump over a patch that left my heart thumping with adrenaline.I didn't sign up to that though the owner with a nod and a smile of appreciation was well pleased with my performance exclaiming "Train hogaya" - You've been trained! Expected a "Blue Peter" badge! Fists of defiance, we cantered towards the crowd with beaming smiles. For the locals, it was an everyday occurrence, For me, the spirit of that moment lingered on. Never a dull moment when I was out there. Moments to remember. Hi ho silver haway! #Khaplu #Northernareas #Pakistan #beauty #serenity #memories

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#Goals. Get back on track and healthy. (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

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The #Pashtun meets the #Masaimara. Striking a warrior pose with the warriors of yesteryear. Where valor, honour and respect trumped over money and materialism.The force is strong with these brothers. Obi one has taught them well! (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

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Nothing like abit of Dhaal ghost. Meat and lentils flavoured with aromatic spices of the east. #Mouthwatering #pakistanidish #Dubai #Simplethingsinlife

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The rays of the sun glint slowly to leave her last embers akin to the year gone past. A paradox of mixed emotions unleashed. Sad to see a year gone by. Happy to see the dawn of a new era that awaits. The birth of a new day takes formation as the moon takes position. How magical and mystical life is in all her manifestations. A gift. Beautiful. This year has been a rollercoaster of a ride from climbing peaks to enduring the tough times. The only aspect in life that is constant is change. A reminder to me. I want to reach out and thank all those who helped me through the tough times this year gone by and continue to do so. Too many to mention. From near and afar. You know who you are. #Respect #Mywish - Bismillah. I hope and pray the year ahead brings forth glad tidings and peace of the mind. To be enlightened to know the wisdom behind the events that transpire. Above all, to have the conviction to undertake the task at hand and fulfill that which I am meant to do. This prayer is for all of us. Ameen. #Sun #dawn #dusk #prayer #peace #serenity #reminder #beginning #birthday #Destiny #Life #purpose #enlightenment (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

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My neighbours just did the sweetest gesture and barged in to my place with chocolates and cake. Friends are your family. It's official. It my birthday. #birthday #anotheryear #suprises #Life #friends #family (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

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Indulge in this mouthering delicacy that will make your tastebuds roar with delight. Succulent juicy prawns coated in a special recipe from the forbidden kingdom. A delight of the east worth exploring. If you haven't had them yet, they're not to be missed. Dynamite prawns. #pfchangs #foodie #prawns #chinese #chinesefood (at Dubai, United Arab Emirates)