LifeStyle
Aesthetics in Simplicity


“When there is peace and understanding in your relations, it is reflected in your surroundings and the place becomes a haven of love and happiness.” – Ghazala Munim
An abode exuding serenity and peace, speaking volumes of the design of the 20 years plus house, is proudly owned by Ghazala Munim. In conversation with the homeowner, we delved into the stories of this well-maintained sanctuary, where cherished moments blend with its ambiance.
Traveling down memory lane, Ghazala Munim shared, “The chic simplicity of the house has a charm that people admire, and people used to stop their cars to appreciate its look in the early days. We used to feel good that our architect did an outstanding job and it took him only 14 months to build the entire house, which is phenomenal. We started getting offers to sell it soon after.”
The dedication and attention to detail and its construction are evident, reflecting Ghazala’s commitment to creating a space that exudes coziness. Needless to say, it is not just a house but a home as she believes in maintaining and nurturing it with extreme care on a regular basis. “A lot of people find my home to be very welcoming,” she says. “A few years ago, we had considered selling the house but could not find any place that matched the comfort of our home. So we decided to renovate the kitchen and bathrooms as everything else was in mint condition.” Her husband has given her a free hand in decorating the house in any way she deems it fit.






The interior of the house is not decorated with over-the-top, expensive furniture as the lady of the house believes in decorating with cost-effective materials that lend an expensive look to the interiors. Her most favourite and treasured pieces, which she showed proudly were two calligraphic paintings made from actual dried leaves that were gifted to her and her husband Munim by their children on their 25th anniversary. Her children, who all live abroad, had come to celebrate their parents’ silver jubilee. Ghazala’s favourite area in the house, though, is her bedroom and the lounge where she spends most of her free time relaxing, and savouring in the contentment that God has bestowed on her.
Reflecting on the essence of setting up a home, Ghazala emphasized on the importance of practicality. Upholding a philosophy of simplicity and ease of maintenance, she strongly advocates for a design ethos that marries aesthetics with functionality. “I am a very practical person when it comes to design,” she said. “I don’t like carved furniture because it becomes difficult to clean them properly. I’d rather decorate a house with furnishings that are easy to maintain.” Having recently featured in the TV serial, ‘Very Filmy,’ her house has now become more popular for her associates who take delight in art and aesthetics.
Her sprawling garden is also her pride and joy and again her emphasis on simplicity and easy maintenance is the key to the expansive layout of the garden.
Apart from having a busy social life and family commitments, Ghazala Munim has been associated with the NGO Behbud Association for almost 25 years. She and her husband believe in giving back to the society and regularly participate in philanthropy work. She has been a part of a project called ‘Helping Hands’ that pays fees for deserving children who are studying in schools, other than the ones being run by Behbud Association. Moreover, she also helps facilitate a thrift store where people donate pre-loved items for sale, and the funds generated are used in various activities by the not-for-profit organization.
In conclusion, Ghazala Munim’s house is a story of love, care and effort that went into converting a house into a home, with its unique charm and inviting aura.
LifeStyle
A Home With a Difference

The Shahbaz Residence is an imposing structure that reveals the unusual treasures once you step indoors. Antiques, paintings, statues and weaponry greet you at every step. The floral and dry arrangements of Kaukab Ahmed, tell you of the interest of the owner in beautiful and aesthetic things. The number of antiques can easily fill up a museum.
Kaukab and (late) Jafi Shahbaz’s home showcases their exquisite taste and history of travels around the world. Painting’s from eminent artists like Gulgee, Zain Albedin, Jamil Naqsh, Iqbal Durrani, antiques from Italy, Germany, England, France and Switzerland are evident all around the home.





The different areas tell a story, with a silver crusted banister (staircase) with brass inlay, the drawing room speaks of the Victorian era with pleated curtains and elaborate upholstery, exotic blooms and antique coffee table silver ware; the Wedgewood corner with paintings and state of the art pieces. The bird corner highlighted with pigeon paintings and turquoise blue as the predominant colour presenting birds of paradise and different species are something very close to Kaukab’s heart. The Blue Japanese corner shows their travels to the Far East, with each decoration piece capturing the cultures of bygone eras.
The house showcases beautiful flora and fauna. Traditional abstract floral arrangements inspired by the royal era and ikebana white driftwood and exotic materials and flowers are maintained diligently. The fountain made with classic and glass shower birds present a variety of styles, in onyx and porcelain inlay work and pottery.







The Art in the home curated by Pomme, daughter of the Shahbazs’ boasts of fine paintings like Gulgee, Jimmy Engineer, Jamil Naqsh, Zain al Albedin and sculpture pieces of Amin Gulgee and Ajmal Hussain.
Jafi’s special love for beautiful things is evident in his study with a timeless collection of books, records, a vintage teak bar with crystal goblets of different cultures. The armoury section with weapons, daggers, swords and spears is quite impressive. The residence is evidence of a home with a difference.
LifeStyle
AlfaMall Unveils a Fashion Category

Bank Alfalah announced the relaunch of AlfaMall featuring an exclusive BNPL option in the fashion category. Marking the occasion, an exclusive exhibit featuring renowned designers was held at the historic Mohatta Palace, unveiling the new AlfaMall website with a celebration of style, financial empowerment, and digital innovation.

The event was graced by Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of the BISP, Consul Generals from the UAE, US and UK Deputy High Commission, CEOs from leading companies, top-tier celebrities and influencers.
A feature of the new AlfaMall is the Hunarmand category, dedicated to supporting and empowering local artisans. Through partnerships with skilled craftsmen and craftswomen, particularly women artisans, this initiative highlights the cultural heritage of Pakistan through products like Ralli quilts and intricate embroidery. Customers can purchase these handmade items, supporting sustainable fashion and economic growth for artisans.
In line with Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, the show in the fashion category showcased renowned fashion designers such as Deepak Perwani, House of Amir Adnan, Muneeb Nawaz, Ali Javeri, and Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY). These fashion outfits and jewellery can be purchased on AlfaMall.
Munib Nawaz’s dystopian dream was an homage to the dilemma we all face each day, confronting what’s inside and trying to maintain a strong facade on the outside. The collection focused on building structural facades with re-engineered pieces that juxtaposed them with an innate intricacy.


House of Amir Adnan’s collection name was “Nawabs and Begums of Karachi.” The collection reinterpreted the splendour of Karachi’s aristocracy with a modern, minimalist palette of gold, white, and black. Embracing timeless elegance with a fresh aesthetic, each piece merged heritage with contemporary design, creating a striking contrast of opulence and modernity.


Three-piece suits and sherwanis in black and white were meticulously tailored, showcasing sleek silhouettes that exude sophistication. Gold accents—like intricate embroidery along lapels, collars, and cuffs—offered a refined touch, the white pieces evoked a sense of purity and poise, with black providing a bold counterpoint emphasising modern tastes. For women, the collection featured dresses in flowing yet structured designs, combining layers of delicate white and black fabrics with gold embellishments.
Deepak Perwani’s collection was inspired by strong women and architecture of Jaipur to the pink city. Ghaghras with delicate embroidered designs presented vibrant colours to the audience. “Fashion has the ability to connect people and boundaries,” the designer emphasised.

HSY’s outfits, a masterpiece, were intricately handcrafted to embody both timeless tradition and bold contemporary flair. Set against Lahore’s iconic architecture, the golden elements in each design symbolized the timeless elegance that defines both the city and his brand.


Ali Javeri’s segment presented opulent jewellery with stones and kundan, accentuated by black dresses worn by the models.


LifeStyle
Nadaan – A Battle Between Good and Evil

By Ayman Munaf
Sultana Siddiqui, the powerhouse behind Hum Network, presented yet another compelling story after Mann Jogi on the screen with her second production, Nadaan. Known for her fearless approach to storytelling and projecting reality, Sultana Siddiqui once again chose to tackle pressing social issues through an intense drama series that promise to engage and inform. Nadaan, directed by Mehreen Jabbar and written by Saji Gul, delve deep into the dark realities of drug mafia and corruption, giving viewers a gripping portrayal of crime and resilience.
The story revolved around SHO Hussain (Ahmed Ali Akbar) and Dr. Tabeer (Ramsha Khan), two determined characters whose paths converged in their mission to cleanse their community from the pervasive influence of drugs. Set in the fictional town of Jam Nagar, where drug lords reign supreme and manipulate the weak, Nadaan showcased the relentless battle between good and evil. Ahmed Ali Akbar’s character, Hussain, a principled police officer tasked with rooting out the narcotics trade. His character pitted against the formidable antagonist Pir Subhan, a powerful drug lord who sold “ice” under the guise of medicine to his followers.
Nadaan is not only a narrative on addiction but also an exploration of the resilience required to stand up against evils. The episodes kept viewers engaged without the drawn-out length typical of traditional dramas, aligning with the recent trend of mini-series that deliver impactful storytelling within a shorter framework. This approach has resonated well with audiences, as seen with previous successful Hum TV mini-series like Mann Jogi.
Critics have praised Nadaan for its realistic portrayal of the drug trade and the psychological toll it takes on both victims and those who fight to protect them. Under Mehreen Jabbar’s direction, the drama shed light on how crime and corruption deeply infiltrate communities, and how a few brave souls can make a significant difference. Saji Gul’s storytelling doesn’t just entertain but educates the audience on the harsh realities of addiction and the importance of societal responsibility.
This mini-series format has allowed Hum TV to craft concise, high-impact narratives that captivate modern viewers who seek meaningful, fast-paced content. With Nadaan, Sultana Siddiqui has once again underscored her commitment to using media as a platform for social awareness, shedding light on topics that are often brushed under the rug.
In a society grappling with numerous challenges, Nadaan stands as a powerful reminder of the courage needed to confront wrongdoing. By bringing together a stellar cast and a visionary director, Sultana Siddiqui has crafted a story that’s both timely and thought provoking, making Nadaan a must watch for viewers looking for substance and inspiration.

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