Over loaded trucks

Over loaded trucks
Originally uploaded by Ameer Hamza

Via Flickr:
Pakistani trucks are a true works of art. They are often referred to as Folk or public art. These moving pieces of art have already won hearts and minds across Europe and USA by their details and originality.

I took this photograph on 26th June, 2009, while travelling to Sehwan Sharif in central Sindh province of Pakistan. There was this dust everywhere and one part of the highway was being built by steamroller and the other, paved, part was full with these typically decorated, overloaded trucks.

Anti-Pakistan poster, Sehwan Sharif

Anti-Pakistan poster, Sehwan Sharif
Originally uploaded by Ameer Hamza

Sindu Desh is the concept probably launched by late G. M Syed, leader of Sind and a very well read person. He was regarded with awe and respect by almost all Sindhis and hated by Establishment and the Punjabis for speaking out atrocities committed by them on Sindh. The issue of distribution of water and other resources troubled his entire life. His followers and many other Sindhi youth, who are disillusioned with the entire concept of Pakistan, have continued this struggle and are now openly printing these posters and pasting all over Sindh. It really surprises me how Pakistan Army and its intelligence could allow such posters?

Today, lot of mini-bombs went across Sindh province hitting apparently at ATMs. Read this report:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/372948/bombs-target-at-least-half-a-dozen-nbp-branches-in-sindh/

Pakistani truck, Indus Highway, Sindh

Pakistani truck, Indus Highway, Sindh
Originally uploaded by Ameer Hamza

We were going to Sehwan Sharif. I think we were four then: Me, Suffian Adhia, Raja Islam and Uzair Tahir. Or, maybe, one of the last two were missing. I cannot now recall because I don't have a group photograph. But I can very clearly recall the heat outside the car. The heat of Sindh is remarkable: It can kill you instantly.

This decorated truck was moving slowly in front of our speeding car. Being a double track (2-way traffic) the incoming cars were not allowing any space to move ahead of this truck. I took advantage of this situation and took the shot using, perhaps, Raja's Canon. I am happy with the results. And I am always happy when I see well maintained, decorated Pakistani trucks on the road. They are a moving form of cultural / folk art.

New Friend Communication

New Friend Communication
Originally uploaded by Ameer Hamza

This Eid let us not forget those who sleep on pavements. Let us not be intoxicated by lifeless advertisements. Let us not remain aloof from people who cannot, unlike you, sacrifice.

[Originally posted on 27th Nov, 2009 on www.flickr.com/ameerhamza]