Uncategorized
A Reflection of Our Times

By Imran Shirvanee
Arguably the best play that Arthur Miller wrote was the ‘Death of a Salesman’. It is deep, touching and relatable. The urdu adaptation was recently shown at NAPA.
Translated by Mujtaba Zaidi and directed by Faizan Chawla, the NAPA production of this play proved that quality could prevail over apprehensions. Not only did the audience sit through the entire duration of nearly three hours, many appreciated the play as well. Though it would not be out of place to add there were some in the audience who felt that the play’s duration could have been lessened, as the prolonged scenes appeared repetitive with the characters behaving the same way with their bickerings when they were together.
The choice of the script was a good one. Our times and those of American society immediately after World War II are comparable, a depressing period. The economic issues have cast long shadows on our personal relationships. Chawla’s use of the stage too is very intricate, presenting the entirety of the stage, plus the space in front of the stage quite cleverly. The play moved from one area to another very smoothly.
Chawla’s decision in choosing this script had the assurance that the play would be a success.
The selection of the cast was superb. First-time actor Usama Khan as Willy Loman was very believable looking his 60+ character. Ashmal Lalwany as Happy Loman was also very good. But the cherry on the cake goes to Safia Bhalaishia as Linda Loman. She worked very hard to silence a lot of critics who thought Chawla had an automatic choice for this role as Bhalaishia is his wife. Chawla to prove his point decided to go through an entire audition process with two casting directors supporting his decision. Bhalaishia had to undergo the entire process to justify her selection. And what a remarkable justification her performance gave.
‘Death of a Salesman’ is about Willy Loman, a traveling salesman who is being sidelined by his company before he is fired. He is sure he has a following among clients and repeats again and again in the play, “They will all come to my funeral,” he says happily. Of course, they don’t, breaking the American Dream for him and for the audience too. Ours, of course, is no land of opportunities for the majority.
The full audience on all five days was not only a sign of the play’s success. Critically speaking, the play was a super hit performance of a classic work. It brought to life what Miller wanted to say loud and clear about the depressing times they were going through.
Extract: Chawla’s use of the stage too is very intricate. He uses the entirety of the stage, plus the space in front of the stage quite cleverly. The play moves from one area to another very smoothly.
A Teen's Lens
Fashion Influencers are Becoming Cultural Ambassadors
Written by Myra Shah
Each province in Pakistan has distinctive fabric heritage, such as the Sindhi ajrak and Punjabi phulkari. Pakistani fashion influencers have blended cultural identity with modern tools to rebrand Pakistan’s global image. Social media is no longer only about entertainment for us, it is also where we learn about culture, identity and trends.
Some examples of famous fashion influencers in Pakistan include, Zain Ahmad the founder of a Pakistani clothing brand ‘Rastah’ that has gained international recognition. Zain’s designs have been worn by famous influencers including Justin Bieber and Anwar Hadid.

Moreover, model Mushk Kaleem, frequently represents Pakistan while walking runways abroad, talking about inclusivity. This made us brown teens who feel left out from the beauty standard, feel seen as she has redefined the “ beauty standard”
These creatives have made Pakistani fashion more accessible to us, younger generations eg. by pairing khussas with jeans. This also attracts international audiences who want to incorporate cultural elements into their fashion style. These steps keep our culture alive, while making it a part of everyday fashion.

Fashion influencers play a critical role in highlighting the diversity between the different regions of Pakistan, as many feature regional designs in their content, allowing viewers to witness the wide spectrum of Pakistani culture through a single scroll of their social media accounts. This plays a significant role as it was found that 82% of people are highly likely to follow influencer recommendations (Berger, 2016)
Pakistani wedding fashion has gone viral on social media platforms such as Tiktok and Instagram and led to Pakistani designer’s work being featured in bridal magazines as well as representing South Asian culture. Influencers like Sarah Sarosh frequently incorporate Pakistani elements in their content, this demonstrates the influence of our fashion across borders.

Apart from clothing fashion, influencers like Hania Amir have used their reach not only to showcase fashion, but also to promote mental health awareness and body positivity – topics that really matter to us as teens. Fashion influencers elevate Pakistan’s global image and positively affect the economy by highlighting small businesses that contribute to the country’s creative economy.

Furthermore, many influencers are now invited to international fashion weeks and exhibitions, further cementing their status as cultural ambassadors. The power of Pakistani fashion influencers is growing rapidly and this comes with great responsibility. It is essential influencers promote sustainability and ethical practices. Influencers like Anoushay Abbassi’s blend of fashion and advocacy for supporting local artisans makes their influencer role highly crucial.
In today’s day and age, teenagers are growing up in this digital world where perceptions are shaped by information available on the internet, especially social media. Pakistani fashion influencers have become trendsetters, story tellers and identity shapers. Through every post, reel, OOTD (outfit of the day) pictures they are transforming how the world sees Pakistan. Clothing in Pakistan is a powerful expression of national pride, cultural identity and centuries old craftsmanship.
Uncategorized
Pakistan Women’s Foundation for Peace

Women’s Day 2025
The Pakistan Women’s Foundation for Peace hosted the Women’s Day 2025 event, addressing Pakistan’s persistent gender disparity and the critical need for equality. Despite women’s undeniable contributions to society—excelling in academics, breaking stereotypes, and achieving historic milestones—Pakistan ranks 145th out of 146 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index, a position it has held for years.
President PWFFP said Women make up 49 percent of the population, yet their literacy rate remains only 51 percent, and their workforce participation stagnates at 25 percent. Even in politics and corporate leadership, their presence is limited, often restricted to token roles. Rural women face even harsher realities, with unpaid labour and lack of recognition. Billions have been spent on women’s development programmes, yet tangible improvements remain scarce.
PWFFP urges a national commitment to addressing these issues through better resource allocation, strict accountability, and a stronger push for gender parity. This year’s event featured renowned experts Dr. Ishrat Husain (Economist), Ms. Nasreen Jaleel (Politician), Dr. Tasneem Ahsan (Health Specialist), Barrister Zahra S. Viyani (Legal Expert), Ms. Baela Raza Jameel (Educationist), and Dr. Asad Sayeed (Economist). Their insights highlighted solutions to break barriers and advance women’s empowerment in Pakistan.
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Songkran – Festival of Water

The vibrant spirit of Thailand came alive in Karachi recently, as the Royal Thai Consulate General hosted the Songkran Festival at the Pakistan American Cultural Center (PACC). Held in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), PACC and Pakistan Print and Electronics Media. The event marked two special occasions: the Thai New Year and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Pakistan.









Consul General Mr. Surashete Boontinand opened the evening with a warm address, highlighting the cultural significance of Songkran, recently inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties.
Over 200 guests, including media representatives, diplomats and members of the local community, were treated to a colourful lineup of performances that blended Thai and Pakistani traditions. From elegant Thai dance to rhythmic Pakistani music and dance the evening was a celebration of unity through culture.
Guests also enjoyed a rich spread of Thai cuisine and took part in traditional Songkran activities, including the famous water-splashing ritual, which symbolizes cleansing, renewal, and good fortune.
The Songkran Festival in Karachi was more than a cultural showcase—it was a reflection of the growing friendship and mutual respect between the two nations, leaving attendees with memories of joy, connection, and shared heritage.
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