The post Safe Furniture for Kids appeared first on Glam Magazine.

In one of the recent historic developments, Dr. Helen Mary Roberts has shattered barriers by being promoted to the esteemed rank of brigadier in the Pakistan Army. Hailing from the Christian community in a predominantly Muslim nation, this remarkable achievement underscores the nation’s commitment to diversity.

Having 26 years of dedicated service in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps, Dr. Helen Mary Roberts, a pathologist, has exemplified excellence in her field. Her promotion to the rank of brigadier reflects her exceptional capabilities and contributions to the armed forces.

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) aptly characterized Dr. Helen Mary’s promotion as “another living example of merit and national representation” within the Army. Her accomplishment serves as an inspiration for aspiring individuals from all backgrounds to realize their full potential in service to their country.

The post The Bright Side appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Arshad Nadeem: Pakistan’s First Individual Gold Medalist in Athletics at Paris Olympics 2024

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s first-ever individual Olympic gold medalist in athletics, made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With an imposing frame standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, Nadeem won the javelin throw title in style setting an Olympic record of 92.97 meters.

Arshad’s journey started with the 2016 South Asian Games where he achieved a bronze medal with a throw of 78.33 meters. He continued to impress at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, finishing fifth with a throw of 84.62 meters while India’s Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal.

In subsequent competitions, Nadeem showcased his consistent improvement. He won a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a throw of 90.18 meters, his career best at the time. At the 2023 World Athletics Championships, he won the silver medal with a throw of 87.82 meters.

Nadeem’s crowning achievement came at the Paris Olympics where he broke the 16-year-old record set by Thorkildsen with his throw of 92.97 meters. Despite undergoing knee surgery earlier in the year and practicing with a damaged javelin, Nadeem’s determination and skill prevailed putting Pakistan on the international map for track-and-field athletics.

The post The Bright Side appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Kishmala Talat: First Female Pakistani Shooter to Qualify for Paris Olympics 2024

A groundbreaking moment in the history of Pakistani sports has been achieved by Kishmala Talat, a 21-year-old shooting prodigy, who secured a silver medal in the Women’s 10-meter Air Pistol event at the Asian Shooting Championship in Jakarta. This achievement secured her position as the first female shooter from Pakistan to qualify for the esteemed Paris 2024 Olympics. Kishmala’s exceptional talent and dedication to the sport has catapulted her name alongside the renowned Pakistani shooters Gulfam Joseph and GM Bashir, who will also be representing the country at the Paris Olympics.

Kishmala Talat’s groundbreaking qualification for the Paris Olympics symbolizes a significant milestone not only in Pakistani sports but also in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and representation in international sporting events. Her extraordinary accomplishment is a source of immense pride and inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.

The post The Bright Side appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Duriya Farooqui – A Leader Par Excellence in Business Innovation

Hailing from Pakistan, Duriya Farooqui is an accomplished leader with a recognized track record of heading business transformation and innovation in the United States. Her expertise spans diverse arenas, from large-scale operations to fast-moving technology companies seeking new markets. She has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to take on complex opportunities and lead high-performing teams to success, instilling a culture of excellence along the way.

As an independent Board Director of Intercontinental Hotels Group, Intercontinental Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, Duriya has provided her expert guidance and leadership to some of the world’s most prestigious organizations. She also served as the Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta, where she transformed a $2 billion operation, improving efficiency and service. Duriya reformed pensions, strengthened finances, reduced crime to historic lows, and expanded the busiest airport in the world. Additionally, she assisted in leading negotiations for the $1.5 billion Mercedes Benz stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United.

Furthermore, as the President of Supply Chain Innovation for Georgia Pacific, Duriya demonstrated her ability to bring diverse companies together to collaborate on over $150M worth of supply chain opportunities and implemented successful enterprise pilots. She also led ACP, a public-private partnership of Fortune 500 CEOs, civic leaders, and the mayor, leveraging the coalition to launch Engage, a fund, and innovation platform backed by 15 corporations, which now has approximately 60 companies in its portfolio. Her remarkable leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence continues to inspire individuals and organizations around the world.

The post The Bright Side appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Models: Rachele Salviato and Aleena Sheikh

Photographer: Atiya Khan

Brand: Arizai

The post Fashion Shoot appeared first on Glam Magazine.

By Sarah Rehman

Within the realm of music, there exists a breed of artists who possess an extraordinary gift of creating melodies, that linger in our minds long after the final note has faded away. Possessing a voice that resonates with our souls they have the ability to compose compositions of beauty that transport the listeners to another world. One such talent is Wajhi Farooki, a singer and musician renowned for his mesmerizing vocals and his ability to craft soul-stirring original soundtracks for a diverse range of dramas.

Wajhi’s musical odyssey began under the tutelage of Saffia Beyg, the mother of designer Rizwan Beyg, who excels in classical music. This initial spark set the stage for his entry into the industry as a member of Raeth music band, marking the beginning of a remarkable musical voyage. The band’s composition led to the creation of an album, catching the attention of a well-known musical company and culminating in a release in 2007.

For Wajhi, the joy of performing music is rooted in the deep connection he feels with rock and classical genres. He strongly believes in connecting with the audience where the shared experience of music creates a fulfilling atmosphere for both the performer and the people. “It’s a whole lot different feeling altogether, and energy is multiplied 300 times once you are in sync with the audience.”

Even the singer’s inspiration comes from people, their stories and diverse experiences, enabling him to craft pieces that resonate with the listeners. Moreover, Wajhi’s enduring success can be attributed to his unwavering work ethic and adaptability. He emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date and experimenting with music, driven by a fervent desire to remain progressive and innovative in the ever-evolving music industry.

Reflecting on his career, Wajhi takes pride in achieving several noteworthy milestones such as being signed by Universal Records at a remarkably young age, winning a Lux Style award, and achieving 100 million views for his song “Rupoosh” on YouTube. Responding to a question about his favourite musical masterpieces, Wajhi mentions two songs that have changed his entire world. The first one was his debut song, ‘Bhula Do’ and the second being ‘Rupoosh’ that brought him fame as one of the leading OST singers in the drama industry.

Wajhi dreams of performing at iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium, drawn to the diverse audience and grand energy that such venues offer

As Wajhi’s music evolved over time, he credits influential figures like Mahesh Bhatt who have shaped his musical journey. Learning from industry veterans has instilled humility and professionalism in him, reflecting a significant transformation in his approach to music creation and collaboration.

When asked about how he deals with criticism and negative feedback, the singer responds, “I always maintain a positive outlook, embracing constructive criticism as a catalyst for growth. I believe music should be made the way the audience wants to hear it, and therefore it’s necessary to be open to public feedback. Simultaneously, one should be adaptive to evolving trends while staying true to the artistic vision, acknowledging the balance between artistic expression and audience appeal.”

Wajhi dreams of performing at iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium, drawn to the diverse audience and grand energy that such venues offer. And if given the chance to change one aspect of the music industry, he highlights the need for greater prominence of music channels on TV. He emphasizes the importance of providing musicians with enhanced opportunities for promotion and public exposure, ensuring that artists receive their due recognition and visibility. He advocates for a system where musicians are not only able to create and produce music but also have the means to share it with the world. By ensuring that artists receive the visibility they deserve, Wajhi hopes to create a more inclusive and supportive music industry that values and celebrates the diverse talents and continues to grow in times to come.  

The post Wajhi Farooki: The Melody Maker appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Starring the talented Bilal Abbas Khan, Sabeena Farooq and Mirza Gohar Rasheed, the serial brings together a cast that is delivering a powerhouse performance.

With an in-depth exploration of societal issues, ‘Mann Jogi’ sheds light on the destructive tendencies that plague our communities, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences they entail. Through its thought-provoking storyline offering a fresh perspective, the drama confronts the injustices perpetuated by negative attitudes, inviting viewers to question their own behavior and actions and the choices they make.

As the serial proceeds, audiences are taken on an emotional journey, witnessing the effects of anger and intolerance on individuals and society as a whole.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the serial, its director Sultana Siddiqui shared;

“The project was born out of a deep-seated desire to create thought-provoking content, specifically addressing the destructive tendencies within the society. We wanted to create impactful and meaningful content that would resonate with the audience. The overarching thought behind the project is to explore pervasive societal attitudes, particularly the anger and intolerance that often leads to injustice. The narrative reveals how individuals jeopardize others’ lives for personal gain, with some cunning people supporting these actions and ultimately destroying innocent lives.”

What sets ‘Mann Jogi’ apart is its ability to convey important messages subtly. The drama tackles sensitive topics without resorting to sensationalism. For instance, scenes such as lynch mobs are not clearly shown in its fourth episode, as the intention is only to effectively convey the narrative rather than create unnecessary shock value.

As far as the performances are concerned, the cast of ‘Mann Jogi’ delivers exceptional performances, with Bilal Abbas Khan shining as Ibrahim, portraying his character’s fate with remarkable depth, Sabeena Farooq as Aliya showcasing a range of emotions from fear to solace and Mirza Gohar Rasheed displaying strength and vulnerability as Shabbir. Despite having fewer dialogues, Bilal Abbas Khan’s acting has won the hearts as he knows how to convey the intent through his expressions.

Overall, “Mann Jogi” is a compelling and resonant drama that is making waves for all the right reasons and sparking important conversations around societal attitudes and human behavior.

The snippets showcasing netizens’ love for the play further affirms the impact ‘Mann Jogi’ is making in the world of Pakistan’s drama industry.

The post Mann Jogi – Projecting reality through art appeared first on Glam Magazine.

The Walled City of Lahore Authority’s Cultural Troupe gave a thoroughly entertaining performance at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) for four evenings, recently.

The show on Day One began with a welcome address by Napa’s CEO Junaid Zuberi. Former senator and board member of the academy Javed Jabbar, who had conceptualized the programme said, “The credit for making NAPA goes to the federal and provincial governments as citizens of Pakistan are able to benefit from the extraordinary standards of teaching, guidance of individual development and other fields such as cinema, television etc., without often being acknowledged,” said Mr. Jabbar. He also introduced and praised Kamran Lashari, the man behind the troupe.

Two show-reels were shown about the work done by the Walled City of Lahore Authority followed by Kamran Lashari’s speech. He said he didn’t know what made Mr. Jabbar showcase the talent of his group in a city like Karachi. “We have 12 gates in Lahore so thank you for opening those gates. I’m delighted and overwhelmed because I’m the guy who’s carried Sindh inside me all my life. It was instant love. The romance with Sindh began as soon as I got into civil service. I landed in Umerkot in District Tharparkar for my first 18 months of service. I was instantly attracted to the culture. Then I stayed in Sindh for about nine years – Thatta, Karachi West and the last posting in Sukkur. This flame for culture in me was ignited by Sindh, most of all the District of Tharparkar.” Mr Lashari then spoke on the projects that he undertook after retirement, before the performances.  

The first act presented a kathak dance by the father-daughter duo Zakarya and Jessica Iqbal. It was a traditional rendition of the teen taal beat done with perfect moves. The show was further elevated with the lively presentation by folk artiste Fazal Jatt who appeared on stage with a group of musicians, a dhol player to his right and a chimta player on his left, flanked by four dancers. He used the form of storytelling with impressive vocals and rhythmic patterns, singing the famous tale of Sohni-Mahival. His presentation was extremely popular with the audience. Continuing in the same style, he sang ‘Chhalla’ and rounded off his segment with ‘Lok Boliyan’ with the audience clapping rhythmically to its lively beat. The second half of the programme constituted of vibrant performances introduced to the audience by Sabahat Rafiq. The final item of the evening was a dhamaal by Saeen Abbas.

Day Two had a different audience with underprivileged school children participating. They were so involved in the performances that they danced to the tunes by Fazal Jatt and the dhammal that was generated by Saeen Abbas with his dhol team, bringing joy to the organizers.

The last two days were open for the general public. Again, the hall was brimming with guests but there was a slight change in the programme: Fazal Jatt came immediately after the father-daughter duo’s kathak performance, and generated so much energy that at the end of the entire show, it was only natural that he made a re-entry for another performance. Karachi was indeed enthralled and awed by the zestful presentation of Walled City Troupe.

The post A Walled City’s Presentation appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi’s Special Committee hosted a scintillating tribute to honour recipient Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Pride of Performance, Sultana Siddiqui, President HUM Network, for her 50 years of contribution to the entertainment industry. Indeed, a woman of substance, who through sheer hard work and intelligence has set an example for other women, exemplifying that nothing is impossible, even in adversity, if they set their mind to it. Her unwavering focus made her the first woman owner of a channel in South Asia.

The ceremony, which was presented by Iqbal Lateef, began with a show reel on Sultana Siddiqui’s life. The speakers, the who’s who of society, spoke on the different and numerous aspects of her life. President Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah thanked the attendees and praised Sultana Siddiqui’s tireless work adding that she had been paid a tribute by three generations at the event including leading actors and directors.

Hameed Haroon hailed Sultana Siddiqui as a role model, acknowledging her rare blend of intellect and drive that has propelled her to greatness, setting a shining example for women in Pakistani society and beyond. “A major conundrum of creative energy and destination is what has built Sultana into a strong figure she’s being viewed as today. She has worked from the bottom of the ladder with unique strength.”

Javed Jabbar admired her unwavering character, calling her a trailblazer who exemplified grace in the face of challenges. “I highly respect Sultana Siddiqui for her courage in the face of life’s challenges. She’s been a trailblazer, setting an inspiring example for others to follow.”

Arif Habib lauded Sultana Siddiqui as a visionary who has not only revolutionized the entertainment industry but also instilled the same ethos of excellence in her children. “Sultana herself is a brand who has made entertainment commercially viable, generating profitable ventures for all stakeholders involved.”

“A major conundrum of creative energy and destination is what has built Sultana into a strong figure she’s being viewed as today. She has worked from the bottom of the ladder with unique strength.”

Anwar Maqsood remarked on the origins of the name ‘Hum,’ referencing Ghalib’s use of the word in his poetry and humorously attributing it to Momina, Duraid and Sultana’s combined efforts.

Khushbakht Shujaat said, “Sultana is a woman with genuine sincerity. I have never heard her speak ill of anyone. We, as women, know that when a woman reaches a high position she has endured many hardships to get there, and Sultana is one such example.”

Recalling memories at Zubaida College, Mahtab Akbar Rashdi reminisced about Sultana Siddiqui’s resilience, portraying her as a fighter who always emerged victorious in the face of adversity. “I was once asked to write about her and I titled it as ‘The Fighter, The Conqueror’ as she embodies strength and success in every endeavour.”

Anis Haroon reminisced about her impactful early work at PTV, highlighting her work ethic and appreciating her instrumental role in shaping HUM Network into the powerhouse it is today. “Sultana hasn’t made HUM Network easily, she has truly worked hard to establish its presence everywhere.”

Noorul Huda Shah reflected on Sultana Siddiqui’s role as a mentor and friend, comparing her friendship to a sheltering tree. “From her, I have learned how to be a mother-in-law, how to raise children as a single mother, and how to be a person of great character.”

Bushra Ansari praised Sultana Siddiqui’s friendship saying that she knew its real meaning. “I think people like Sultana Siddiqui are exceptional. She has set an example for us with such an incredible career. It’s my suggestion that roads and buildings should be named after her and this tribute should be given to her during her lifetime.”

“Saying anything for Sultana Siddiqui is like showing a lamp to the sun,” expressed Sabahat Rafiq. “I may be very inadequate to say anything in praise of her. I have seen her on the journey of perfection. Whatever she does in life, I have seen that she works with full passion, and full quest for perfection. The most beautiful thing I have seen about her is that she is a complete mother. In life, you meet a lot of people whom you feel they existed in you all along. When I met Sultana Siddiqui for the first time, I felt that she was always present in me.”

Mahira Khan said that Sultana Apa achieved all goals whatever she set her mind to. “I have never seen anyone who named their businesses after their daughters-in-law, which itself shows that she is a feminist. I have always seen Sultana Apa happy for her loved ones,” she added.

Masarrat Misbah was of the opinion that all the awards such as Pride of Performance and Sitara Imtiaz are very few seeing the kind of work Sultana Siddiqui has been doing. “She should be awarded a Nobel Prize,” she emphasized.

“From her, I have learned how to be a mother-in-law, how to raise children as a single mother, and how to be a person of great character,” said Noorul Huda Shah

According to Tina Sani, “It’s difficult to keep yourself grounded when you have achieved so much success in life. I have never seen anyone who never changed as a friend. I always knew I could count on Sultana Siddiqui.”

Humayun Saeed expressed gratitude to Ms Siddiqui’s pivotal role in his career and the success of their dramas. Zeba Bakhtiyar shared, “I think her biggest quality is that even now, after achieving so much which everyone has said, the biggest achievement is to be so approachable that anyone can visit her office and talk their heart out. Moreover, I have never seen her getting angry with anyone.” Shahzeb Khanzada appreciated the work that she has done, saying whether it is about children or it is about being a feminist, it has not been an easy job in Pakistan; however, Sultana Siddiqui has done it.

Adnan Siddiqui shared that if his mother would have been alive today, she would have been like Sultana Siddiqui. He also praised her unprecedented achievements. Asif Raza Mir expressed gratitude for her mentorship and guidance, recognizing her significant role in shaping the success of the younger generation and paving the way for a brighter future in the industry. Sanam Saeed celebrated Sultana Siddiqui as an inspiration and mentor, emphasizing the profound impact she has had on her career and her life.

Javed Sheikh shared that such programmes should be organized so that the world knows about Sultana Siddiqui and her work because she deserves it. Zaheer Khan said, “When it comes to TV, it’s not just about the actors but the real game is the producer, and Sultana Siddiqui kept us, the producers alive.” Khalid Anam expressed his gratitude for working with Sultana Siddiqui, and said, “Our history has many Sultans but Sultana is the one and only!” Aijaz Aslam noted her balanced approach to personal and professional life. “Sultana Siddiqui has always been a visionary and a trendsetter in the industry,” he said.

Duraid Qureshi paid homage to his mother’s nurturing influence, saying “During our 19 years together building HUM, Sultana Siddiqui’s Midas Touch has transformed every person she touches into gold. Her support has shaped not only artists and directors but her entire family as well.” While Shunaid Qureshi shared, “My bond with Sultana Siddiqui is beyond words. She’s a woman of priorities and has excelled as both a mother and an entrepreneur, inspiring all of us with her true dedication.” Momina attributed her success in the media industry to her mother-in-law’s mentorship and positive energy, sharing that her media journey was guided by her influence.  Moomal said, “My mother-in-law encouraged me whole-heartedly to open my production house. Mothers are the ones who hold families together. She’s an inspiration that way to all of us because in this day and age when family bonding and values have become a challenge, people admire us for being grounded and united. The credit for that goes to Sultana Siddiqui solely.”

At the end of the programme, Sultana Siddiqui thanked the Arts Council and Ahmed Shah for the tribute, expressing gratitude for the recognition that was given during her lifetime. She said, “I am happy hearing such sincere words from these speakers and today angels will also write my good deeds hearing them. Due to this tribute, I have realized my worth.”

Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi presented Sultana Siddiqui with a Lifetime Achievement Award on the occasion.

The post Arts Council Pays Tribute to Sultana Siddiqui appeared first on Glam Magazine.