Ghabrana nahe hai-Dont be scared-Yareega ma

In the poem to follow, many of the verses have been loosely inspired by political speeches or a call for fealty by those who keep insisting Pukhtoons make more sacrifices.

it’s going well, it’s going really well,

we need to group together,

stand united, see beyond our limited depth and scope,

Ap nay ghabrana nahe hai,

apnay watan kay leye apni jaan qurban kar deni hai, (Urdu)

Kho zra mein doobeegi, (Pashto)

It’s when communities group together,

in our intertwining do we see the light at the end, the light that will encapsulate us,

and make us see reason,

Yaad hai wo din humhein,

na bullion gay hum,

hum hai pakistan or pakistan hai hum, (Urdu)

Kho zra mein doobeegi, (pashto)

we must look within,

be the change,

take command,

grasp everyday for this too shall pass,

or jo humharay saat nahe,

wo es zameen kay saat nahe, wo sachai kay saat nahe,

wo Khuda kay saat nahe, (Urdu)

kho ya Khudaya, zra mein doobeegi (Pashto)

there is so much that you do not know, you do not see,

Trust. In. Us.

trust the process,

reach for the helping hand,

uthu humwatano,

yeh waqt hai,

mulk kay leye jaan kurban,

tum khadam barhao,

hum tumharay saat hain,

yaad rakhain gay hum tumhari qurbani, meri anay wali nasl,

tumhari gun gaye gi, (Urdu)

Guta ey ma pala kra- ya mooray, zra mein doobeegi (Pashto)

(translation)

Ghabrana nahe hai-Dont be scared-Yareega ma

it’s going well, it’s going really well,

we need to group together,

stand united, see beyond our limited depth and scope,

you mustn’t be scared,

sacrifice your life for your country if you must, (Urdu)

But my heart is sinking, (pashto)

It’s when communities group together,

in our intertwining do we see the light at the end, the light that will encapsulate us,

and make us see reason,

we remember those days, we will not forget,

we are Pakistan and Pakistan is us, (Urdu)

but my heart is sinking, (pashto)

we must look within,

be the change,

take command,

grasp everyday for this too shall pass,

and those that do not stand with us, they are not on the side of this soil,

they are not on the side of the truth, they are not on the side of the God, (Urdu)

But my God, my heart is sinking, (Pashto)

there is so much that you do not know, you do not see,

Trust. In. Us.

trust the process,

reach for the helping hand,

awaken fellow countrymen,this is the time,

our lives are for this land,

you step forward, we are united with you,

we will remember your great sacrifice, our descendants,

will sing songs of your glory and sacrifice (Urdu)

they’ve raised their finger towards me, oh mother, my heart is sinking. (Pashto)

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My work is an ongoing exploration of identity, memory, and the stories that shape both the individual and the collective. Rather than offering definitive answers, I engage with these themes through a process of discovery, seeking to uncover and examine the hidden emotions and untold narratives that often go unnoticed. Drawing from the oral histories of my community and my personal experiences, I use color, symbolism, and texture to create layers of meaning that invite reflection and inquiry.

A key element of my practice is approaching my work through the lens of a child’s perspective—unfiltered, curious, and open to possibility. In my process, I often find myself engaging in a dialogue with younger versions of myself, blending their unguarded view of the world with the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained over time. This interaction between past and present serves as a way of building new narratives, exploring the intersections of personal history and the broader cultural context.

Trained in the tradition of Mughal miniature painting, I adapt its intricate techniques to develop my own unique language and form of making. The fine, purposeful linework typical of this tradition is reinterpreted to reflect movement, energy, and a sense of urgency, as I seek to convey both the delicate and the dynamic aspects of human existence. This blend of historical form and contemporary sensibility allows me to explore themes of growth, transformation, and the passage of time.

At the core of my work is a desire to create space for dialogue—between past and present, between individual experience and collective memory. I view my practice as a means of uncovering complex layers of meaning and inviting viewers into a process of reflection. Through my art, I aim to create a space where both vulnerability and strength can coexist, and where the often-overlooked aspects of human experience are given a platform for exploration and understanding