A beautiful and unusual home, carefully designed to reflect the owner’s deepest inner feelings and vision of life, where every detail true harmony with nature; blending comfort, creativity, and the natural world into a existence.

1. Your home reflects a sense of careful planning and intentional design. Could you share what inspired that vision and how you brought it to life?
A: From the very beginning, we envisioned a home filled with light and openness. That’s why we designed a central courtyard with a ficus tree at its heart, surrounded by rooms on different levels so that every space felt connected yet private too. My husband, being a doctor, needed a study that was bright and uplifting, so we placed it alongside our master bedroom on one level, while the children’s rooms were on another. We also added a drawing room and guest room to ensure privacy for everyone, and later, a home theatre to bring the family together. Both of us love gardening, so we left ample space for a large garden and chose a maintenance-free pink stone for the exterior. Even after 30 years, it has required no work, which was a blessing. Our architects were very skilled — one was also an engineer — and they designed the house to be both strong and practical. Through decades of rain and weather, we’ve never had leaks, flooding, or major structural problems. Their thoughtful planning gave us a home that has stood beautifully and gracefully over time.

2. What are the other distinctive highlights of your home?
A: What I treasure most is how almost every room overlooks the garden. That connection to greenery makes the house feel alive. The garden itself is not manicured in the traditional sense; it has a natural, slightly wild quality that we deliberately maintain. Over the years, the trees we planted have grown tall and majestic, becoming more striking than the house itself. There’s one tree in particular. it was only a few hundred rupees when we bought it, that has grown into something truly remarkable, standing proudly in front of the house. Later, we added a treehouse, which has become a highlight for our grandchildren, but the trees remain the real soul of the place. Along with the courtyard, the natural light that filters through the rooms, and the way every corner of the house has a view of greenery, these features are what make our home distinctive and memorable.

3. Is there a particular space or feature in your home that gives you an extra sense of comfort, a spot you find yourself drawn to most often?
A: I find comfort in two spaces above all. The drawing room is one of them, because it looks directly onto the garden, and that view alone brings a sense of peace. The other is our bedroom, which we designed to meet our needs in every way. It’s more than just a place to sleep, it has bookshelves, a study area for my husband, a sofa, and a TV, so it becomes a place where we can work, read, and relax together. The comfort of the bedroom lies not only in its design but also in the way it reflects our daily life and routines. These two spaces, one for quiet reflection and one for shared comfort, are the parts of the house I value most.

4. Homes often hold little stories within their walls. Are there any special moments that make this house especially meaningful for you?
A: This house has witnessed some of the happiest moments in my life. Both of my children were married here, and now my grandchildren live and play here, filling the space with laughter and joy. That alone makes the home deeply special to me. I also cherish the fact that my mother and my in-laws were able to spend time here during their lives. They came from Lahore and other places, and seeing them enjoy this house gave me immense happiness. In many ways, the house became a gathering place for family across generations, and that has added to its meaning. Of course, life always comes with trials, but this house has carried us through both joyous occasions and difficult times, holding those memories within its walls.

5. The treehouse has a creative almost magical touch. What inspired you to bring that idea to life in your home?
A: We had always loved the idea of a treehouse, but we couldn’t manage to build one when our children were small. When the grandchildren came along, it became a dream we wanted to fulfill for them. For nearly a decade, we searched for the right person to build one the way we had imagined, not plastic or fiberglass, but something natural and authentic. Eventually, we found a young architect from Karachi who worked with bamboo. He had designed schools and community buildings in Sindh using this material, and we felt he was the right person. With a team of Bangladeshi craftsmen skilled in bamboo, he built the treehouse with great care and artistry. It’s now been standing for about three years, and it feels like a magical extension of the garden — a place of wonder for the children, and a reminder of how long-held dreams can come true.

6. Is there any specific incident, or memory, with this house?
A: One memory that has stayed with me involves the sculptor Shahid Sajjad Sahib, who once visited our home. I admired his work and told him it was beautiful but beyond my budget. He looked at the tree outside and said, “What could be more beautiful than this? You don’t need my art when you already have such beauty in your own garden.” His words struck me deeply. That tree had grown with us, becoming a part of the house’s identity, and he made me realize how priceless it really was. It was a reminder that nature itself can be the greatest work of art, and that perspective has stayed with me ever since.

7. Managing and maintaining a house of this size can’t be easy. What kind of challenges do you face in its upkeep, and how do you and your family work together to handle them?
A: Like any household, we face our share of challenges, but we are fortunate to have a reliable and long-serving staff, many of whom have been with us for years. Their presence makes the day-to-day running of the house much smoother. Because of our area, the exterior stone requires occasional polishing, but otherwise, the interiors remain well maintained. Our lifestyle also helps keep everything in balance. My husband and I start our day early, waking before dawn to pray and then play golf, returning home by 7:30 a.m. — just as the staff begins their work. By mid-morning, most of the household tasks are completed, and the house is in order. This rhythm keeps life simple and organized, and instead of feeling burdened by the size of the home, we find peace in the way everything flows together.

8. Every home has its own charm, but attachment runs deeper than design. If you were offered another beautiful house, would you be open to moving?

A: Like anyone, I would prefer not to leave my home, but I’ve always believed that a house is ultimately made of walls and bricks — it is the people inside who give it life. When we returned from America, friends told me I would miss my house there, but I reminded them that my family was with me, and that is what mattered most. That being said, this house does hold a deep emotional connection. My children grew up here, and my son in particular feels so attached that he refuses the idea of moving anywhere else. For him, this space is irreplaceable. I share his sentiment — as long as it is God’s will, I would like to stay here. For me, the house is more than just shelter; it is a vessel of memories, love, and family history, and that is what makes it priceless.

An Interview with Misbah Khalid on the Evolution and Vision of PIFF

Misbah Khalid, one of the driving forces behind the Pakistan International Film Festival (PIFF), shares its background, challenges and hopes for Pakistan’s film industry. Since its launch in 2018, PIFF has grown as a vital platform for young filmmakers, aiming to elevate Pakistani cinema on the global stage. This interview highlights PIFF’s mission, achievements, hurdles and future ambitions. Recently, PIFF held it’s four day festival from 19^th June.

How has PIFF evolved since its inception and what is the main focus of PIFF?

Pakistan International Film Festival (PIFF) is a project of the Karachi Film Society (KFS), which was founded in 2018. It is the brainchild of Sultana Siddiqui, and our goal from the very beginning was to create a platform for young people where they could showcase their talent and find real opportunities in the film world.

Our first festival in 2018 was a huge success. We had an incredible lineup of guests from India — directors, producers, and writers — as well as participants from the US, France and Iran. It was a truly international gathering. We screened a wide range of films and received a very positive response.

We also organized workshops and panel discussions that brought professionals and aspiring filmmakers together. For example we invited renowned Indian screenwriter Ashwini Malik for a scriptwriting workshop. We also brought in special effects makeup artists from Turkey — and invited Pakistani makeup professionals to come and learn the craft firsthand. One of our main goals is to bridge the gap between young creative industry professionals and masters of their craft. We want our local talent to receive the same level of training and exposure as professionals internationally.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in running a festival of this scale?

There are persistent visa issues and security concerns, making international guests hesitant to travel here. That way films are powerful — they can reshape perceptions. We need to show the world that Pakistan is a beautiful place with rich culture, despite its challenges. I remember a group from the U.S. once visited us to explore filming opportunities. When we took them around to Lahore’s food street, the historic havelis and the stunning North — they absolutely fell in love. That’s the kind of image we want PIFF to project.

How do you see PIFF contributing to the growth of Pakistan’s film industry both locally and globally?

PIFF plays a vital role in developing filmmakers. We’re not just showcasing films — we’re working at the grassroots level on scriptwriting, makeup, budgeting, and all departments that go into film production. Our goal is to provide a platform where young people can learn and eventually begin making their own films.

When we send participants for training or bring in expert trainers to work with them, it sparks creativity. This field thrives on inspiration, and when young filmmakers interact with seasoned professionals, it opens up new ways of thinking.

We’re fortunate to have names like Mehreen Jabbar, Sarmad Khoosat, Javed Jabbar and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy on our board — incredibly talented people who serve as mentors to the younger generation. That creates a huge scope for learning and growth.

What kind of support do you think is still missing for film festivals in Pakistan to truly flourish?

The biggest missing piece is government support — especially funding. It’s easy to dream big, but making those dreams a reality takes money. Organizing a festival, bringing people in, setting everything up — it all comes with costs.

So far, we’ve done what we could with a group of passionate, like-minded people. But without consistent financial backing from the government, there’s only so much we can do. There are many challenges, and I really believe the government needs to step up — not just with funds, but also with moral and structural support.

Film festivals like PIFF help put Pakistan on the global map. They also create crucial platforms for young talent to learn, grow, and move forward in their careers. For that to happen on a larger scale, we need sustained investment.

What’s your vision for PIFF in the next five years? Any new initiatives or directions you’re excited about?

My vision for PIFF is for it to one day celebrate 75 incredible years — that’s how long I want it to thrive and grow. When I went to the Berlin Film Festival early this year, I saw everything they had built over the years, and honestly, it opened my eyes. It made me realize what’s possible, even though we don’t have that kind of budget or support yet.

I also want to see our filmmakers and our stories showcased globally. Right now, we don’t have a strong footprint on the international circuit. A few passionate, dedicated individuals have taken it upon themselves to create films and get them into festivals, but we need more people to step up.

What advice would you give to aspiring festival organizers or filmmakers in Pakistan?

Dream. Dream big and keep your goals high. Stay positive and never give up. When you bring an idea forward, many people might say it’s impossible — that it can’t happen. But believe me, whatever you carry in your heart, you can achieve it.

Universities, colleges, and the government should come together to nurture young talent. Train them properly, send them abroad if needed, but with one condition: when you train, you must produce films that can succeed globally. I firmly believe Pakistan’s films will soon be featured in every major film festival — winning awards, telling our stories and showing the world who we really are.

In a country where conversations around economic reform often circle the same tired points, Super Pakistan emerges as a breath of fresh air—an unapologetically bold and visionary roadmap to economic revival. Packed with unconventional proposals and untapped possibilities, this book presents ideas that have never been discussed in Pakistan’s 75-year history. From Astro-tourism to futuristic universities, renaming cities to reimagining tax reforms, author Ilyas M. Zeeshan paints a compelling picture of what Pakistan could become: the 15th largest economy in the world within just five years, if a V-shaped economic growth model is adopted.

Mr. Zeeshan’s insights are anything but theoretical. Born and raised in Karachi, he earned his master’s in International Relations from Roosevelt University, Chicago in 1980, and later pursued an MBA from the same institution. He is a seasoned businessman, inventor and author of five books—including work on President Donald Trump—and has appeared on various radio and television platforms in the United States. With firsthand experience across several dozen countries, Mr. Zeeshan brings a unique global lens to Pakistan’s challenges and opportunities. Currently based in the suburbs of Washington, DC, he joins us for an exclusive conversation with Glam Magazine to share his transformative vision for a Super Pakistan.

•  “Super Pakistan” is a bold title. What inspired you to write this book, and what is your vision of ‘super’ Pakistan?

“Super Pakistan” refers to the idea that a country’s economic size should match its population ranking. Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world. If and when its economy rises to the same level, it will justifiably be known as Super Pakistan. If we follow the roadmap in the book—and assuming there’s no major war or natural disaster—Pakistan can reach a one trillion dollar economy in five years and become the 15th largest economy in 10 years. Within a generation, it could be the 5th largest economy globally.

• Your book suggests enterprising ideas to boost Pakistan’s economy. Which one do you believe has the most realistic potential in the next five years?

First and foremost, we must drastically reduce unemployment. The way to do that is by teaching people to become entrepreneurs. The old model of going to school for sixteen years to earn above-average income is fading. Now, with the internet and YouTube, one can become productive in less than 16 months. I have explained this in Chapter Five: Triangle of Full Employment. I have even listed the top 20 skills that can be learned in less than a year. If someone knows English, they can be hired in Europe and beyond as independent service providers, working comfortably from home.

•  As someone who explores ideas, how do you see the role of creativity and innovation in transforming a nation’s economy?

Innovation has no boundaries. Every product—tangible or intangible—can be improved. That’s the essence of Chapter Four: Innovation Nation. Anyone can learn to innovate. Age, background, or education doesn’t matter. I describe simple, actionable steps in the book. Even low-level innovation can help people build a niche, a competitive edge and dominate markets.

• You’ve proposed several fascinating ideas. Can you share some of the standout ones, which can help boost Pakistan’s economy?

Yes, I’ve suggested more than two dozen new ideas. Let’s explore a few:

Astro-Tourism: A new form of tourism that hasn’t been tapped. We don’t need advanced space programmes to participate. We can plan trips 30 kilometers above Earth near the Karman Line, where tourists could experience weightlessness for a few hours. It’s realistic, exciting, and can generate significant revenue. Europe, Russia, and China are selling their advance space travel trips for millions of dollars.

Super University: A world-class institution where Nobel Prize winners are visiting professors. It would teach futuristic subjects like nanotechnology, genomics, and cybersecurity—fields that will soon be as in-demand as AI. This would attract the children of millionaires and billionaires worldwide.

Reunification with Bangladesh: Politically bold, yes. But dialogue could start based on the Six Points of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Pakistan could offer a nuclear umbrella for Bangladesh’s security as a basis for discussions.

A Second Name for Pakistan: Countries have changed names to strengthen identity. A second name could boost Pakistan’s soft power, increase nationalism, and even reinforce our claim on the Koh-i-Noor.

Renaming Cities: Giving major cities new names rooted in culture and pride will create nostalgia and increase civic ownership.

Babri Masjid Replica: I propose constructing a replica on the historic route Babur took into the subcontinent. It could become a symbol and boost religious tourism, particularly from Muslim nations.

Redesign of Currency: A beautifully designed new currency note that foreigners would want to keep as a souvenir, showcasing art and pride.

Renaming Parliament Houses: Changing the names of both houses of parliament to Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas—terms deeply rooted in Mughal and South Asian history—would give a uniquely Pakistani imprint.

Q.  What about political reforms? How do we ensure stability in governance?

Zeeshan: In Chapter Six, I suggest a framework where every Prime Minister can complete their full term. Stability is key for economic and social progress. I also propose reforms that make political parties disincentivized to incite violence. In Chapter Seven, I discuss a law that ensures violent processions are no longer in their interest. Additionally, I’ve proposed a strategy to make people pay taxes rapidly and willingly. It’s about rebuilding trust and delivering value.

• You hinted at a plan involving overseas Pakistanis and international startups. What’s that about?

I have a detailed and specific plan to launch three startup corporations in the United States with the support of overseas Pakistanis. These ventures involve highly unique concepts—ranging from traditional products to cutting-edge technology. The franchise potential is global, and the revenue could be in the hundreds of billions. The remittances from these companies can be reinvested in Pakistan’s high-tech industries, helping accelerate growth and innovation. While I can’t disclose all details publicly, interested overseas Pakistaniscan contact me directly on email.

Q.  One of your closing thoughts in the book is about mindset. What exactly is the “semi-cyborg” mindset?

It’s time Pakistan says goodbye to Semi-Amish thinking—a reference to outdated, overly conservative, or anti-tech mindsets. We must embrace a semi-cyborg mindset: one that integrates tradition with futuristic thinking.

This means being tech-savvy, globally aware, and driven by innovation—a people ready to shape the future rather than be shaped by it.

• Lastly what message would you like to give especially to the young dreamers, thinkers and future change makers of Pakistan?

Pakistan doesn’t lack talent—it lacks direction and bold execution. Super Pakistan is not fiction. It’s a roadmap built with realistic, achievable ideas. If the youth, overseas Pakistanis, and policymakers come together with vision and determination, nothing can stop us from becoming a global powerhouse.

Contact details: [email protected]

Download the free E-book: www.superpakistan.us