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Exploring The Delightful Cultural Capitals of Australia

By Ariba Syed
Australia is a country that steals hearts the moment one sets foot on its sun-soaked shores. From the energetic buzz of Sydney to the peaceful beauty of Perth, each city visited felt like a new chapter in a book I didn’t want to end. Journeying through some of Australia’s most iconic cities is a surreal experience.


Sydney, the Harbor City takes one’s breath away when seen for the first time. I’ll never forget that first glimpse of the Sydney Opera House. Its unique, sail-like design was even more impressive in person, a true masterpiece. The Sydney Harbor Bridge gave an unforgettable panoramic view of the city and its sparkling harbor. Walking along the shores of Bondi Beach, it was delightful watching the surfers surf through the waves. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, from the bustling Darling Harbor to the historic Rocks was exhilarating.


Melbourne was the next point, a place for creativity and culturewhich quickly became one of my favourite places in Australia. It’s a city that pulses with creativity and art at every turn. Wandering through hidden laneways filled with street art and cozy cafes, one can get some of the best coffee there. There Melbourne is also a food lover’s paradise, and one can’t resist to indulge in its diverse culinary scene—from local favourites to international dishes. It was a treat visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, a lush oasis in the middle of the city. The next step was a day trip to Phillip Island to watch the adorable penguins waddle towards their nests at sunset. Melbourne’s charm lies in its unexpected moments.


Brisbane is a place for outdoor lovers. After the excitement of Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane’s laid-back vibe was a refreshing change of pace. The subtropical climate means that it’s always perfect for outdoor adventures. One can walk along the South Bank Parklands, taking in the stunning city skyline and the peaceful riverside atmosphere. I ventured out to Moreton Bay for a relaxing day of swimming and exploring the islands, but the highlight was visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Holding a koala was one of those bucket-list moments that left me in awe of Australia’s incredible wildlife. And if you’re ever in Brisbane, don’t miss the chance to visit the Gold Coast, where one can surf on some of the best waves in the world.


Adelaide a hidden gem,was one of the surprises of this trip. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, it quickly wins the tourists heart with its charm. The city’s rich cultural scene is rivaled only by its proximity to some of the best wine regions in the world. For those who are interested in Barossa Valley, it is the place for savoring world-class wines and enjoying the picturesque countryside. Adelaide is also famous for its festivals, and I was lucky enough to experience the Adelaide Fringe, where the streets come alive with performances, music and creativity. A peaceful walk through the Botanic Gardens and a visit to the Central Market leads to fresh local produce, making the first-time visitor appreciate the slower pace of life in this lovely city. A ferry to nearby Kangaroo Island gives a Birdseye of the wildlife, including playful seals and curious koalas.



Perth can be described as the calm beauty of the West.A hidden gem on Australia’s west coast, its beaches are some of the most stunning. One can spend lot of time soaking up the sun at Cottesloe Beach, the perfect spot for reflection, with the waves crashing softly against the shore. The redeveloped Elizabeth Quay has a great mix of art galleries, trendy bars and outdoor dining. A short ferry ride from there is Rottnest Island, where you can meet the world’s happiest animal—the quokka. The island’s serene landscapes and beautiful beaches offer the perfect escape, and I found myself falling in love with the laid-back spirit of the place.
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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