Khiyal Rakhna: ATP Turns Five Today! It is Time to Move On. Thank You For Your Companionship.

Posted on June 11, 2011
Filed Under >Adil Najam, About ATP



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Adil Najam

spacer Today – June 11, 2011 – All Things Pakistan turns five years old!

Today, sitting in Lahore, Pakistan, I write in the realization that it is now time to move on.

This is not a ‘Good Bye’ post – it is, in fact, a ‘Thank You’ post. Nor do I want this to be a ‘looking back’ post – I would much rather that it be a ‘looking forward’ post.

For me personally, it is time to move back to Pakistan. For ATP, the blog, it is time to turn off the lights.

Five years ago we set out with the mild ambition to have a conversation with a few friends on all things Pakistan – from the profound to the trivial. What followed was a more intense, more engaged, more elaborate, and more fulfilling conversation than we could have ever imagined. Well above 10 million visits later, it is now time to move on.

But we promise that we have no intention to tune out. We know that this conversation will continue. This was never our conversation, it was yours. We intend to keep listening in. We hope you will let us do so in all the myriad forms and formats that have now become available for this exploration of our Pakistaniat – our Pakistaniness – to thrive. We have chronicled our own story and evolution in our posts (the ATP Credo, the Tangay Walla post, 1st anniversary post, 2nd anniversary post, 3rd anniversary post, who reads Pakistaniat post, 4th anniversary post) and now is not the time to repeat those arguments or even to look back.

I can say with some pride and great joy that we have had some small part in the construction of an important conversation. It has not always been an easy conversation. Our national predicaments have made it an often sad and occasionally angry conversation. But it remains a vibrant – and vital – conversation. We hope that in these five years ATP has contributed some to this conversation, and has contributed to it positively.

So, today, I write in gratitude. Thank you for your companionship. Thank you for your patience. Thank your for dropping by. Thank you for making this your own. Today, we are happy in the knowledge that the conversations we had wanted to seed are thriving. Technology has provided an array of new formats – from facebook to twitter and beyond. There is a mushrooming of blogs and formats, and we hope that in some small way we have contributed to them. We know we have thrived and found sustenance (and ideas) in this new and bold world of Pakistan’s Blogistan. We thank our blogging colleagues, our many many writers, and our even more many readers for the excitement they have added to our lives.

I realize that the timing of this will lead many of conclude that it has something to do with my own move. While the two are not unrelated, they are actually less related than you might think. It was, in fact, back in November 2010, that Owais Mughal and I had decided that we would do this on this date and in this manner. Owais had already moved to Singapore and my own professional commitments had begun to mount. We did not wish to end with a whimper nor just fade out abruptly. Five years seemed like a good innings to both of us. Let me take this moment to thank Owais for his support and companionship. More than anyone else he has made ATP possible and allowed it to last this long. Without him, it would have faded long ago. And without him it would have been not just a lonelier but also a much less interesting journey. Thank you, Owais, my friend. Thank you for everything! (As an aside, I should add that Owais and I had never met until fairly recently and for years ran this together without even having met – such is the magic in Blogistan).

Do I have regrets – yes, but too few too mention. I wish we had written fewer obituaries. I wish we had not had to talk about national angst and tragedies as much as we had to. I wish we more time to write all the posts that remain unwritten in our personal lists – more pleasant things than those that were floating in the daily headlines. Yes, I do also wish that some of our readers had been a little more kind to us and to each other in their comments – but, I also realize that we live in unkind times and the viciousness of our environs can sometimes seep into our own language and thoughts. More than anything else, I wish the unkindness of our times will become less, allowing us to be a little more considerate to each other than we sometimes seem to be.

Good byes, they say, should never be long. But this is not a good bye. So, until we meet again, dear friends, take care; khiyal rakhna.

272 Comments on “Khiyal Rakhna: ATP Turns Five Today! It is Time to Move On. Thank You For Your Companionship.”

  1. HarooN says:
    June 11th, 2011 1:40 pm

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
    You cannot do this to us.
    This cannot happen.
    Please!

  2. Bushra says:
    June 11th, 2011 1:49 pm

    This is devastating. ATP is an institution. YOU are Pakistaniat. We need Pakistaniat more today than ever. Please reconsider, sir.
    AND THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

  3. Waqas says:
    June 11th, 2011 2:02 pm

    WHAT!!!

  4. Junaid says:
    June 11th, 2011 2:44 pm

    WHAOOOO

    Adil Najam is moving back to Pakistan!
    THAT IS BIG. Details please. Where? How? Why?
    Everyone here is finding excuses to leave and you are coming back. BUt I must say that my sadness at the news about ATP is all swept aside by that one line. Nothing recently has made me more confident about Pakistan’s future than reading that one line!

  5. Jawed says:
    June 11th, 2011 2:49 pm

    This is big and bold. I am still digesting the ton of news you have dumped on us on this quiet weekend. I am both happy and sad. I now understand why you have the ‘ghar tou akhir apna hai’ videos on the side.

    Adil Najam, I have always had tremendous respect for you but what you have done today takes it to a whole new level.

    I am much older than you, so let me say ‘jeetay raho beta.’ You make us all proud.

    (P.S. Do please share details of what you will be doing in Pakistan. And best of luck with it whatever it is.)

  6. Lubna says:
    June 11th, 2011 3:11 pm

    I have still not digested all of this. But this is both devastating and ecstatic news. ATP and Adil Najam, you never cease to amaze me.

  7. tariq khan says:
    June 11th, 2011 3:22 pm

    Adil, thank you for a wonderful experience i cannot believe taht it maybe ending. I had known that you are moving back to our beloved Pakistan but had never dreamed that this wille nd this way. Can you not with all our other organising friends continue. Any way good luck at LUMS.will meet again i am sure Tariq Khan

  8. Jzb says:
    June 11th, 2011 3:31 pm

    courage to have this in a planned way is aboslutely remarkable….our collective feelings combined can never match those of you or Owais.

  9. Y Malik says:
    June 11th, 2011 4:46 pm

    I read in a tweet that Adil Najam has moved back to Lahore and is going to serve as the VC of LUMS. Being an alumni of LUMS and being of the view that LUMS has broken boundaries of what we can achieve ourselves, I feel that Adil Najam will take LUMS to even higher grounds. However, can anyone confirm this pls?

  10. Zareen says:
    June 11th, 2011 4:50 pm

    Adil,

    All the best!! Certainly a brave move – but it also gives a huge boost to our hopes about Pakistan. The country needs people like you.
    Everyone talks about helping the country, especially, people working out of Pakistan; but you have done it and set an example.
    Wishing you all the best with lots of prayers!!

  11. bradistan_dilnawaz says:
    June 11th, 2011 5:03 pm

    it was an honour working with you adil bhai and awais bhai. You moving back is as big as hanif.mohsin living in pak. I remain a big supporter of human resource in pakistan.
    Sincerely Dilnawaz bradford little Pakistan

  12. Khushi Muhammad says:
    June 11th, 2011 5:13 pm

    Visiting ATP had been a regular feature of my net surfing … I don’t know what’ll we all do in that ‘spare’ time now :)
    Wish you best of luck, sir, for all your future endeavours. I’m sure you’ll accomplish much, much more for yourself, for us, for our Pakistan!
    Thank you for All Things Pakistan. We shall not forget!

  13. Farhan says:
    June 11th, 2011 5:16 pm

    I guess i will have to “unfriend” you from facebook :) It has been great reading your articles. Good Luck in Pakistan.

    Salam

  14. Naveed Anwar says:
    June 11th, 2011 6:32 pm

    Sir Jee

    Looks like I have lost 20 years old bet.

    Any how, its a good move.

    Best of luck..

  15. google pk says:
    June 11th, 2011 6:44 pm

    why not sell the website to American Sillicon Valley IT firm.

  16. Nihari says:
    June 11th, 2011 6:51 pm

    Nihin yaara….there is no other better place to fight…..apna khayal rakhna…..thank u for all the good memories

  17. HAMZA says:
    June 11th, 2011 7:01 pm

    A well played innings, Prof. Najam and Pakistaniat.com. An innings very well played. And you end it still NOT OUT!

    We will miss you. Actually, I hope we will not miss you because you will appear in our lives some other way. Please do.

    And thank you for your pakistaniat and your humanity.

  18. banjara says:
    June 11th, 2011 7:09 pm

    it was good while it lasted. thank u, and best wishes in your future endeavors …

  19. Ali Ahmad says:
    June 11th, 2011 7:13 pm

    i think i never commented before, or do I? But great job brother. I loved your work and like wise, ‘Khayal Rakhna’. :))

  20. Waqas says:
    June 11th, 2011 7:22 pm

    Adil Najam and Pakistaniat have been sources of pride and everyday reflection for so long. I have been delaying a trip to LUMS for so long – is it true that you are moving to LUMS now? That is huge news and what a coup!

  21. Noman says:
    June 11th, 2011 7:45 pm

    Now this is what you call ‘Breaking News.’

    And how wonderfully you have timed it and played it. 5th anniversary of ATP, Pakistan falling apart, and the king of Pakistaniat heads back to his roots! Bravo, Sir, Bravo.

    Don’t know whether I should shout at you for ‘turning the lights off’ at ATP or just hug you for your decision to return to Pakistan.

    aur, haan, aap khiyal rakhna.

  22. Ayesha says:
    June 11th, 2011 7:48 pm

    Dear Adil Najam, Owais Mughal and ATP team.
    I have no words to express the sadness of hearing that ATP will close shop. Please reconsider this. You have no idea how important role you play in how many lives. The one place we can always get sanity, wisdom and maturity. Please, reconsider.

  23. Bilal Zuberi says:
    June 11th, 2011 7:52 pm

    Adil,

    You will have 180m people backing you up as you begin this new journey. A person with a clean “zameer” doesn’t go wrong and doesn’t ever fail. And you are such a person. I don’t have to tell you that you have been an inspiration to many, including myself. It was a joy to work with you and Owais on ATP, and to come back to this home on the web regularly. I have laughed, I have cried, I have reminesced, and I have shared my feelings with this community over the past 5 years.

    Unfortunately, our country and our nation is more divided and in trouble today than ever before, but there has never been a better time for us to redeem ourselves and to pursue the noble goal of bringing happiness and smiles to the faces of young Pakistani children you have frequently highlighted on the ATP masthead.

    Khair naal jaa, tey khair naal aa! I look forward to finding ways to be helpful in your journey.

  24. Jawed says:
    June 11th, 2011 7:55 pm

    What a way to go. Amazing.
    Now this is the ultimate in graceful exit.
    I actually think you are doing it right. On both things. Leave when you are still at the top. And return when you can make an actual difference.
    Best wishes.

  25. Jawed says:
    June 11th, 2011 8:00 pm

    one more thought…. By the way, like always, you have chosen the most appropriate picture there could possibly be for this post. Every day I would look up ATP and be ready to be surprised and moved by the topic or picture you guys would choose. Have never been more surprised or moved than today.

  26. SAM says:
    June 11th, 2011 8:02 pm

    Oh Adil you arent going to end this blog,i have been reading it from my college days and as i have reached to the end of my professional studies and still i read it amidst my exams.Pakistani need people like you,who illuminate them,the right way of direction.you just cant do it :(

  27. Irfan Ali says:
    June 11th, 2011 8:11 pm

    aoa PAKISTANIAT, indeed its not a good feeling to know about this, I hope this is happening for some thing more noble InshaALLAH.
    ATP has been a part of our family, we all pray, wish and hope for the best for you and all your future endeavours. May ALLAH ALMIGHTY
    I am sure ATP has made a positive difference in its own way.

  28. Hina says:
    June 11th, 2011 8:12 pm

    Adil, I am impressed. You are indeed ‘Putting your money where your mouth is’.

    I wish you all the best ,your move back home is joyous and hopeful news for both Pakistan and people who love Pakistan -wherever that may reside.

    We pray for you and people like you and we wish to God that we can, in whatever little way, emulate your courage and jazba.

  29. Owais Mughal says:
    June 11th, 2011 8:13 pm

    Adil bhai and our dear readers. Last 5 years have been one of the greatest journeys of my life. Thank you.

    Adil bhai, mehfil mein jaan to aap ki wajah se hai. I am grateful for your kind words about me.

    I am proud that whatever blogs we have produced in the past 5 years- we made sure to authenticate information as much as possible, stayed away from speculations, we accepted corrections wherever needed and above all we knew in depths of our hearts that we meant good.

    best regards and thanking all our readers
    Owais

  30. Irfan Ali says:
    June 11th, 2011 8:14 pm

    aoa PAKISTANIAT, indeed its not a good feeling to know about this, I hope this is happening for some thing more noble InshaALLAH.
    I am sure ATP has made a positive difference in its own way.
    ATP has been a part of our family, we all pray, wish and hope for the best for you and all your future endeavours. May ALLAH ALMIGHTY bless you for what you have done and guide to help Pakistan, Pakistani and Pakistaniat…aameen.

  31. Yaqoob says:
    June 11th, 2011 8:19 pm

    Adil, Owais and all other ATP wallas (writers and commenters), you are all an inspiration for my spectators like me who visit this mehfil that you have run for five years every day. You do not know how much you have influenced people. I wish you all well.

  32. Aftab Hassan says:
    June 11th, 2011 8:21 pm

    Kamal karr diya bhai. Aur jawab nahin hai iss headline ka. Aap humain keh rahein hain kay hum khyal rakhain. Janab, khyal tou app rakhiyega. hum sabb ko aap ki zaroorat hai, jahan bhi houn, kush reheeaye and pakistan ka naam buland rakhain

  33. razia says:
    June 11th, 2011 8:38 pm

    while i am sad at the news, but, i hope to fill my time in more productive endeavors than getting angry at some of the comments here and trying, fruitlessly, to change minds by presenting different point of view.

  34. pakpost says:
    June 11th, 2011 8:50 pm

    Finaly this shit is coming to an end

  35. Meengla says:
    June 11th, 2011 9:00 pm

    Adil and Owais,
    What you guys have done for Pakistan deserves some kind of international recognition. Of those 1 million who have been to this blogspace there sure were many many who came from locations where Pakistan was/is a very bad place. But this blogspace–with its openness, clarity, and range of topics must have made some of them think that Pakistanis are capable of much good.
    Thank you, thank you and thank you both! And thanks to contributing authors here.
    But I still beg you guys to not close this blogspace! There is much to be done in the coming days and years. Indeed, Pakistan is approaching some kind of a turning point. At least continue this dialog for next one or two years?

  36. Naveed says:
    June 11th, 2011 9:20 pm

    Bravo! What if our ablest people were all to go back to Pakistan and work for it? We could make this a great country yet…And to the cynics: we really can’t afford to be cynical at this time in Pakistan’s history.

  37. Bangash says:
    June 11th, 2011 9:49 pm

    Thank you for the best Pakistani blog on the Internet. The diversity and freshness of topics was superb. ATP’s topic selection is superior to Pakistani newspapers and I feel I learned more about Pakistan from an Internet source through ATP, than any other place.

    I am sad at ATP closing, but I wish you best of luck in your future endeavours.

  38. FreeFromFear says:
    June 11th, 2011 10:02 pm

    Dear Adil,
    we will also miss you seeing you around Boston. hopefully, some of us will follow your convictions and journey back home.

    Good luck and have no fear of what you believe is right.

    Saeed

  39. ShahidnUSA says:
    June 11th, 2011 10:30 pm

    Thank you! for all you did for Pakistan and its not the end

    My friends at ATP,

    Until we meet again with some new name and form.
    I always knew that I would wake up to this one day.

    With that I drop my nick “ShahidnUSA”
    And my new drag name would be “Shahidunisa” No! Never!

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdv83MFJd7U

    There is so much I wanted to say and do for Pakistan. And I will!
    But my easy way out is and has been a Music that I love.
    ALL THE BEST!
    پھر ملیں گے

    Shahid

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=eegDtyrSUZw

  40. Mohammed Amjad says:
    June 11th, 2011 10:52 pm

    I think the Adil Najam-Owais Mughal team was superb. Different yet complimentary. Different styles and interests made this blog what it was, an amazing comb

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