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THE BRIGHT SIDE

Muhammad Asif: Pakistan’s Snooker Sensation Shines in Qatar
In a remarkable display at the 2024 IBSF World Snooker Championship held in Qatar, Pakistan’s Muhammad Asif has once again showcased his world-class talent. Already a two-time world champion, Asif entered the tournament with history of excellence helping him to advance to the finals. His journey wasn’t easy as Asif initially trailed against Cyprus’ Michael Georgiou but demonstrated resilience, winning five of the next six frames to secure a 5-3 victory.
This remarkable performance included his fifth century break of the tournament, with high achievement of 111 points, underscoring his skill and focus under pressure. Now in the finals, this resilient player aims to bring home his third world title, a feat that would add to Pakistan’s rich snooker legacy, previously marked by champions like Muhammad Yousaf and Ahsan Ramzan.

Arooj Aftab Secures Fourth Consecutive Grammy Nominations
Pakistani-American singer Arooj Aftab has once again been recognized by the Recording Academy, earning Grammy nominations for the 2025 awards ceremony. This marks her fourth consecutive year receiving Grammy nods, cementing her place as a global music icon. Aftab’s single “Raat Ki Rani” is in the running for Best Global Music Performance, while her album “Night Reign” has earned a nomination for Best Alternative Jazz Album, a category that honours albums where new alternative jazz recordings make up more than 75 percent of the playing time.
Arooj Aftab made history in 2022 as the first Pakistani to win a Grammy, claiming the Best Global Music Performance award for her song “Mohabbat.” She was also a two-time nominee for the 2024 Grammy Awards. Known for her unique blend of ancient Sufi traditions with folk and jazz, Aftab has earned international acclaim for her innovative sound. After growing up in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, she moved to the U.S. at 19 to study at Berkeley College of Music and has been based in New York for the past 15 years. Her 2021 album, Vulture Prince, dedicated to her late brother brought her worldwide fame, following earlier successes with Bird Under Water and Siren Islands.

Still Undefeated: Usman Wazeer’s Rise to Glory
Pakistani boxing sensation Usman Wazeer has once again proven his dominance in the ring, extending his undefeated streak to an impressive 15-0. On January 25, 2025, at the DHA Phase 6 Sports Complex in Lahore, Wazeer delivered a commanding performance against Tanzania’s Albano Clement during Knockout Night 2025. His relentless power and precision left no doubt—Wazeer remains Pakistan’s undisputed boxing champion.
This victory is the latest in a series of remarkable achievements. In September 2024, Wazeer faced India’s Thilak Selvam in Bangkok, Thailand. Demonstrating his exceptional prowess, Wazeer secured victory in just one minute and five seconds, delivering a powerful punch that led to a technical knockout in the first round.
Earlier, Wazeer successfully defended his WBO Youth World Championship title against Thailand’s Krung Kling in Dubai. In a grueling 10-round battle, Wazeer’s sheer resilience and skill culminated in a knockout punch in the 7th round, securing yet another milestone in his career.
Beyond the ring, Wazeer’s journey is a testament to perseverance, dedication and unwavering belief. He continues to fight not just for titles but for the pride of his nation. Dedicating his victory to the martyrs of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, he honours their sacrifices, proving that his success is not just about personal glory, it’s about fighting for something bigger.

Soaring to New Heights: Minelle Faruqi’s Trailblazing Journey
At just 18 years of age, Minelle Faruqi has etched her name in Pakistan’s aviation history, becoming the nation’s youngest commercial pilot and the world’s youngest female air ambulance pilot.
Minelle’s achievement is not merely a personal milestone but a beacon of inspiration for young girls across Pakistan. In a society where traditional roles often define career paths, her accomplishment challenges norms and showcases the boundless possibilities available to those who dare to dream. Her journey underscores the power of determination and passion. While many of her peers are embarking for university studies, Minelle has already completed rigorous training and certification, stepping into a role that demands immense responsibility and skill.
As Pakistan continues to develop its air ambulance services, having talented professionals like Minelle will further enhance the country’s emergency medical response. Her dedication and passion have set a new standard in both aviation and healthcare, proving that with commitment, remarkable success is within reach.
Minelle Faruqi’s story is a testament to breaking barriers and setting new standards. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that age and gender are no constraints to achieving one’s dreams.
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.
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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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