A beautiful evening was arranged by the Indonesian Consulate General in Karachi in which industrialists, stakeholders and media were invited. Sultana Siddiqui, President HUM Network, was present as an honourable guest on the occasion. The event promoted the upcoming Trade Expo Indonesia 2024. As Consul General Dr June Kuncoro Hadiningrat is leaving in July, it was also a sad moment for the invitees as Dr June and his wife are very popular here.

The Consul General presided over the ceremony and expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Sindh, Mr. Kamran Tessori, for his support. As part of the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to various partners who have significantly contributed to the success of the Indonesian Consulate’s initiatives in Karachi.

The event also featured the presentation of the Friends of Indonesia – Shield Award to distinguished personalities who have played a pivotal role in promoting Indonesia’s socio-cultural and economic diplomacy in Sindh.

The evening was an extremely enjoyable one with live singing by a brilliant Indonesian singer and a beautiful peacock dance presented by young Indonesian dancers, followed by a seven-course meal.

Bringing vibrant art from the drawing room to the pathways, a street art festival took place recently at Port Grand in Karachi. Curated by Pomme Amina Gohar, the event was a kaleidoscope of colours and talented artists. Stepping into a world where art meets the streets, the Karachi Street Art Festival celebrated the spirit of Karachi through the canvas of creativity.

From street art masterpieces to digital installations, the festival offered a variety of diverse artistic expressions. Following are a few that stood out the most:

Tribute to My Father – Pomme Amina Gohar

Unravelling everlasting connection and memories through cherished objects, Pomme Amina Gohar pays a heartfelt tribute to her father, Aitzaz ‘Jaji’ Shahbaz. According to the curator, her father was a man who was larger than life and lived it to the fullest.

Evolving Thoughts – Abdul Jabbar Gull

Abdul Jabbar Gull tries to explore the mysterious link of the corporeal world to the ethereal world. “Searching for answers, I am confronted with ever deeper, unresolved questions. Translated into the focus of my subject as three dimensional, winged forms, I endeavour to discipline my thoughts and create order by juxtaposing them with the Thakhti, a symbol of awareness. Still my thoughts fly hither and thither, leading me into unknown dimensions, ever teasing ever intriguing,” shares the artist.

Pain – Gabrielle Brinsmead

These paintings are a part of a larger series of works called Strangers and Pilgrims. All the paintings in this series describe the sometimes circular, sometimes baffling journey that each person on earth is making.

Ascent – Sanki King

One of the most important beliefs that have existed, and widely accepted throughout history; from the advent of the first human tribes, to this day, is the belief that humans have two existences, a physical one and a spiritual one. And when people die, their souls follow a divine path to ascension, rising up to higher levels of existence – in religious beliefs, closer to God, in spiritual beliefs, closer to the “source.”

Snakes & Ladders – Obaid Ur Rehman

The artwork represents a fun interpretation and a twist to the nostalgic game of Snakes and Ladders.

The Fallen Cone – Syeda Sheeza Ali

The Fallen Cone serves as a poignant metaphor for the human experience. It encapsulates the bittersweet notion that happiness can sometimes feel tantalizingly close, only to slip away at the moment of anticipated fulfillment, which is what the artwork conveys.

Q Quest – Amin Gulgee

The display hints at a journey of mechanical flying across the cratered Amber Moon.

Loss – Behram Farooqui

This installation highlights the ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing happening in the state of Palestine.

Wonder – Talhakaar

“Wonder” is an immersive experience and an interplay of light, reflection and illusion. It is a visual journey that invites viewers to contemplate the infinite potential of perception by combining tech, mirror work and light.

Expressing her opinion about the festival and installation, Curator Pomme Amina Gohar said, “This vibrant space isn’t just about viewing art – it’s a multi-sensory experience. It’s a labour of love and creativity. The presence of art maestros in the show has given tremendous courage and guidance to emerging talent.”

By Imran Shirvanee

For 16 days at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), the stage belonged to women from 25^th April to 10^th May. Main stage, basement, outdoors; the Academy celebrated women performing artists in a befitting manner.

It was song and dance and some very serious (and one quite funny) plays. It all started one fine Thursday evening with an opening ceremony where the objectives and the programme of the festival were announced. It was followed by Sheema Kermani’s play, Her Stories. Sheema took five women from our society—Atiya Faizee, Sarah Shagufta, Madam Azurie, Parween Qasim and Neelima Ganshyam—and narrated their stories in a manner that is unique. In typical Sheema Kermani style, she rewrote history in bold letters.

Kulsoom Aftab as Atiya Faizee was particularly noticeable, especially when she sang a song for one of her admirers. Sheema showed most of them, including Allama Iqbal. Mujtaba Xaidi did an excellent job of playing that important role in a very human character.

There were other plays in the festival with strong themes. NAPA alumnus Aisha Hasan staged three stories from Ismat Chughtai: Ghungat, Aadhi Aurat Aadha Khwaab, and Ek Shohar ki Talash Mein. The audience loved the stories. Nighat Sultana’s Raeesa ka Ramzan was inspired by a character from Dostoyevsky’s works. Raeesa is a street prostitute but she is unable to accept this. The way she is treated by society is also a contributory factor in her self-denial.

Shahid Mahmood Nadeem’s celebrated play, Bari, resulted in a standing ovation from the audience. Samina Seher’s performance, in particular, as a woman on death row was very moving. Rafi Pir’s Ankhyan was staged by Azad Theatre, a team that had especially flown in from Lahore. The play was in chaste Punjabi and the performers knew how to handle such a script for the audience. A gut-spilling comedy from Noel Coward, rechristened as Wapsi, was presented by Zarqa Naz. The play was well prepared and well received by a full house.

There were two plays for children as well, The Bobbles and Sargam. While the first one was in English, the other one was a free adaptation of Hollywood movie, the Sound of Music. Atif Badar once again proved what his seniority means. Three dance performances followed, with Sabiha Zia and her team presenting the story in movement form. Sumera Ali and her team presented some kathak and folk dances. Sumera’s poise and finesse was appreciated by the audience.

The last dance performance of the festival took place on the last day in the closing ceremony by Nighat Chaudhry, one of the finest exponents of kathak dancing in Pakistan. She presented a piece she has recently developed called Purdah, followed by dance Teen Taal. Her performance ended on a thumri. Her Teen Taal was exceptionally beautiful, with pirouettes and footwork so smooth that only an expert like her could achieve it.

The music scene was outstanding. On the third night, Pireh Moosa took to the stage with her debut solo album preview. A musician and song writer having classical training in piano and Western vocals from a young age, Pireh’s album Shades of Blue spoke volumes of her capabilities. Popular singer from the walled city of Lahore, Sawera Ali sang right into the hearts of Karachiites with her rendition of Nur Jehan’s songs. She also sang some Punjabi folk songs, inspiring audience to sing along with her. TV playback singer Alycia Dias presented songs in English as well as in Urdu. She enthralled the audience with her singing style. The musical journey also had Bazm-e Sangeet, a nostalgic evening with Nazia Zuberi-Hasan. Her performance included works from Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Allama Iqbal, Fehmida Riaz and Bahadur Shah Zafar. Some of the songs she sang were hits by Mehdi Hasan, Habib Wali Muhammad and Iqbal Bano. The Zia Mohyeddin Theater where most of the events of the festival were held, filled to the brim for her performance with the fans sitting even on stairs. The very next day, Seerat Jafri and her Karachi Jazz Band paid tribute to women jazz singers as well as to pop icon Nazia Hasan with full house.

A special performance was held on 8^th May with American all-women country-pop band Raining Jane performing at the festival. The quartet from Los Angeles played from their works, and the audience simply fell in love with them.

The grand finale was a surprise inclusion, because it was not mentioned in the festival brochure. Noted singer Humera Channa sang some of her all-time hits as well as some others from the golden era of the Pakistan film industry. She sang Nur Jehan which the audience loved.

On the sidelines of the main festival, there were five documentaries, six street plays and poetry recitals. NAPA students presented four of the street plays, matching the quality and the standards set by the professionals who presented the other two.

The festival ended on a high note. It had started with a full house for Her Stories, and ended with the crowd flooding the ZM Theater for Nighat Chaudhry and Humera Channa. Throughout the festival, there were days when even on weekdays, there were houseful shows. NAPA CEO Junaid Zuberi said at the end of the festival, this was only the beginning as he planned to make it a regular show every year.

Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and Stage Bugs Production presented ‘Hotel Jaan-e-Jaan,’ a comedic theatrical play recently. The audiences enjoyed the humour and farcical antics of the artists in a roller coaster story.

Starring the talented Yasir Hussain known for his captivating star presence in ‘Naach Na Jaanay,’ ‘Pawnay 14 August’ and other presentations, ‘Hotel Jaan-e-Jaan’ unfolds chaos between mixed up identities. With every twist and turn the audience found themselves immersed in the world of comedic acting.

On media night a large number of prominent personalities from showbiz industry, including President Arts Council, Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, renowned actors Humayun Saeed, Fahad Mustafa, Kubra Khan, Bushra Ansari and other personalities were present on the occasion. Addressing the audience, Ahmed Shah highlighted the abundance of talent in today’s generation, acknowledging both extraordinary and ordinary talent.

“I am thrilled to announce ‘Hotel Jaan-e-Jaan’ media night in Arts Council and welcome the artists, bloggers and celebrities,” said Raahim Bukhari, producer of Hotel Jaan-e-Jaan and founder of stage bug production on the first day of the show.

The play was directed by Farhan Aalam Siddiqui, PR THOR Productions by Dr. Rana Asif said the cast’s performance rocked the audience with their hilarious dialogues and acting. The cast consists of Yasir Hussain, Umer Aalam, Sabiha Zia, Fiza Munir, Sheryl John and others.

The fast-paced story with a duration of one hour had crisp dialogues with jibes at the situations in the country and society. The underlying sexual innuendos were a bit below the belt sometimes, making the audience somewhat uncomfortable. All the artists acted well but Yasir Hussain and Umer Aalam shone out in their characters. Though there was room for improvement the overall impact was enjoyable.

By Wajiha Farooq

Imagine a tiny island surrounded by a big, blue ocean!
Known as the jewel in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a land of ancient history, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscape, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors. From mist-shrouded mountains and beaches to the astonishing scenic beauty, this island nation is a delight for travelers.

Nature in Sri Lanka comes as a breath of fresh air. With wild animals such as elephants and leopards running around forests and jungles, the Wilpattu Reserve stands out in the list. Elephants are abundant in the country and Colombo even has an elephant orphanage, which tourists love to visit. If you like plants and trees, Kandy’s Royal Botanical Garden is the place to be in with the largest tree spread on both sides and its branches supported by thick sticks. Nuwara Eliya on a height has lush green hills covered in tea bushes. And not to forget, the waterfall known as Hunas Falls is like giant showers from the sky. For a first-time visitor, it was indeed a treat to visit this island.

Not only did we see scenic beauty, we also had the opportunity to step back in time as we explored the traces of ancient civilizations that have left their mark on the island. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya, with its towering rock fortress, is a testament to the originality of Sri Lanka’s ancestors. Wandering through the ruins of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, once bustling capitals of mighty kingdoms, we marvelled at the intricately-carved temples and stupas that dot the landscape.

No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without a journey through lush green tea gardens. The scenic train ride through the rolling hills of Nuwara Eliya, where emerald-green tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, it is a treat to see a tea factory, witness the time-honoured process of tea production and savour a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon tea while soaking in breathtaking scenery.

Our next stopover was the pristine coastline; Sri Lanka boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the tranquil shores of Mirissa to the surf break of Arugam Bay, there’s a beach for every taste. Diving into the crystal-clear water of Hikkaduwa to explore vibrant coral reefs and unwinding on the soft sands of Trincomalee, the trip turned out to be a pure delight.

The country’s diverse religious landscape, reflected in its festivals and rituals, is another aspect that might catch your attention. We were lucky to witness the annual Esala Perahera in Kandy, which is a spectacular procession honouring the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, featuring colourful parades, traditional music and elaborated costumes. Another one was the Tamil Thai Pongal Festival, where farmers celebrate the harvest season with prayers and feast, showcasing the importance of agriculture in Sri Lankan culture.

 

The most interesting part of the visit was the warmth and hospitality of the Sri Lankan people. From the bustling market of Colombo to the remote villages of the hill country, we were greeted with smiles and open arms, whether sharing meals with the local family or participating in a traditional ceremony. We were also enchanted by their leather goods, wood items and crockery and everyone in our group went on a buying spree.

Despite its rich cultural heritage and traditions, Sri Lanka has faced its recent share of challenges, including a decade long civil war that started in 1983 and ended in 2009, and natural disasters such as the 2004 tsunami. However, the resilience and spirit of its people have enabled the country to overcome adversity and emerge as a great tourist destination.

The Pakistani movie Taxali Gate premiere was shown in Pakistan, the UK, and Canada, recently. The film’s narrative, centered around the themes of consent and injustice. The show in Karachi was attended by showbiz personalities and media.

Chief Guest Seema Taher Khan, CEO, TV One and Guest Of Honour Hareem Malik, Champion Swimmer headlined the LADIESFUND Power Lunch at a renowned club.

This networking session featured 50 women leaders with select inclusion of male champions for gender inclusion, diversity and women empowerment at the 33^rd gathering.

The Floral Art Society Pakistan, Gardenia Chapter brought laurels to Pakistan by winning the majority prizes, internationally, in Oman recently. A WAFA event known as Bloom Oman, was held in Oman from 27^th January to 1^st February 2024. Delegates comprising of international floral designers from fifteen countries namely Australia, Belgium, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, U.K, USA, Oman and Pakistan attended the show.  The Floral Art Society came into being in 1970. The objective of the Society is to promote floral art in the country. Its members attend and compete in international shows as well as virtual shows and have won many prizes. Pakistan has had the honour of being voted the host country for the years 2005 – 2008.

Members have represented us in Belgium, France, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, Japan, Pakistan, United States, Ireland and Barbados, Oman WAFA shows.

Two delegates from Gardenia Chapter represented Floral Art Society of Pakistan at Bloom Oman. Shahimah Sayeed, Past National Chairperson and President, and Amtul Rauf Khan, Past National Chairperson and General Secretary was the observer from Pakistan. Amtul Rauf Khan was one of the judges among nine international judges for the competition held at the event and gave a Country Demonstration titled “The Coral Reefs of Pakistan”.

Twelve members from Gardenia Chapter sent their exhibits and eleven members won prizes making Pakistan the first amongst all the participants.

Shahimah Sayeed also conducted a one of a kind, imposed workshop for the delegates at the event where photographs of various places in Oman were the background and the designers had to create designs to compliment them. Various aspects of Oman were beautifully highlighted and thoroughly appreciated by the international floral designers.

To celebrate their outstanding achievement the Gardenia Chapter, Floral Art Society of Pakistan held an event later in Karachi at a local hotel to pay tribute to the prize winners of Bloom Oman. First lady, Begum Samina Arif Alvi was the chief guest.

 Trophies and certificates, sent from Oman, were awarded to the winners by the First Lady.

A Proud Moment

Duraid Qureshi, CEO, HUM Network received the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz award from the President of Pakistan on March 23, 2024. He is a prominent entrepreneur, philanthropist and CEO of HUM of promoting a positive image of Pakistan and its culture on a global scale.

He actively supports various NGOs in the education sector and has founded the MOVE NGO, which runs a well-equipped school in Karachi. This initiative provides free education to over 400 children giving them the opportunity to learn and grow without financial barriers.

Duraid Qureshi is also the founder of the Momina Duraid Foundation, an NGO that manages over 14 schools in various localities of Karachi, providing education to over 2,000 students.

To foster the growth of the film industry and to improve the skills of filmmakers and technicians, he has a dedication team actively organising workshops, seminars, and skill-building sessions under the Pakistan International Film Festival. He firmly believes in the importance of including women in these workshops to promote gender equality in the industry.

Duraid Qureshi’s philanthropic spirit extends beyond Pakistan, as he is also on the board of several international NGOs. He is the founder of the women empowerment NGO ‘Champions of Change’ in Australia, which aims to empower and uplift women from all walks of life.

Due to his unwavering passion for the entertainment industry, and his commitment to excellence, Duraid Qureshi has received many awards, including the prestigious title of ‘Best CEO in Media Sector’ from the Karachi Stock Exchange and Mass Human Resource. He has also been honoured with the ‘Pride of LUMS’ Award by the SDSB Luminaries Association of LUMS for his contributions to society HUM Network Limited was selected by the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) among the top performing companies for the year 2009 and 2020. Every year KSE acknowledges the performance of the top companies on the basis of comprehensive criteria, which includes dividend payout, return on equality, compliance with listing regulations and good corporate governance.

Malika Junaid, daughter-n-law of Sultana Siddiqui, President, HUM Network Limited, received Sitara-e-Imtiaz from the President of Pakistan on March 23, 2024 for her outstanding abilities. She is an internationally recognised and an award-winning architect based in USA. Born and brought up in Karachi, Pakistan, Malika is a co-founder and principal of award-winning architectural firm, M.Designs Architects.

She has won several architectural awards for her work such as the prestigious World Architecture & Design Awards (WADA), the National Association of the Remodelling Industry as well as the Evironmental Quality Award from the city of Menlo Park, California and Gold Nugget Awards for a custom home and Platinum JURY Award.

Passionate about promoting construction products from Pakistan, her signature projects she has imported are stainless steel staircases, architectural structures, kitchen cabinets and furniture. Malika’s design work has been featured in many local and international TV and print media.

Promoting entrepreneurship in the local and international communities, Malika in 2010 founded the Pakistan Green Building Council and was successful in making Pakistan a permanent member of the World Green Building Council. She is a board member of the esteemed Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs of North America (OPEN) where she actively mentors young Pakistani entrepreneurs. In 2009, Malika also founded the Green Learning Institute in California teaching professionals environmentally sustainable practices through ongoing training and education.

Malika is also devoted to many charities in Pakistan, specifically focusing on educating the younger generation. As a former President and current board member of the Silicon Valley Chapter of Development in Literacy (DIL), she is deeply involved in fundraising for girls’ education in Pakistan. As a Silicon Valley Chair for United We Reach, she is working with passionate expatriates to transform the education system in Pakistan.

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Film Festival by Ziauddin College of Media Science

Ziauddin College of Media Sciences (ZCOMS) made a successful presentation recently of its first-ever film festival, NAZARIYA 2024, recently. This milestone event marked the realization of a long-standing dream for both the faculty and students alike.

NAZARIYA 2024 aimed to provide a platform for budding filmmakers and students across Pakistan to showcase their unique perspectives through films and documentaries. The festival received over 50 submissions from universities nationwide, which were reviewed by a distinguished panel of industry experts including Mr. Murtaza Chaudary, Mr Ali Sohail Jaura, Mr Rana Kamran, Mr Bilal Yousufzai, Ms Namsa Abbasi and others.

The event, meticulously planned over months featured a full-day programme that included screenings of shortlisted submissions, a workshop led by Mr Usman Dadi, a panel discussion with artists Hina Bayat, Sohail Hashmi, Babar Sheikh, and Arsala Babar, ended with a glamorous awards ceremony later on.

The award ceremony, undoubtedly the highlight of the evening, was graced by the Chief Guest Mr Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Minister of Information and President of Arts Council, and the Guest of Honour Ms Sultana Siddiqui, President, HUM Network Limited. The presence of dignitaries like Ms Rana Hussain, Minister of Education, and academic leaders including Dr Shehla Najib Sidiki, Dean of Faculty of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences, Ziauddin University and Dr Inayatullah Khan, the Vice Chancellor of Ziauddin University, further added prestige to the event.

The evening concluded with a classical dance performance by renowned artist Sheema Kermani, adding a touch of cultural richness to the festivities. In light of the event’s success, ZCOMS has decided to make it an annual tradition.

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KFS launches in Karachi

Film School (KFS) had its official launch as Pakistan’s first film school associated with a fully equipped and operational film studio, Studio 146, recently founded by Asad Ul Haq, a prominent filmmaker and director. He has over 30 years of prolific experience in Pakistan’s ad film industry.

The launch event, hosted on the KFS campus, had luminaries from the entertainment and media fraternity gracing the occasion. The stellar guest list included industry icons and VIPs such as Asif Raza Mir, Adnan Siddiqui, Humayun Saeed, Hania Aamir, Ahad Raza Mir, Mansha Pasha, Syed Jibran, Laila Wasti, US CG Conrad Tribble and many others. They lauded KFS as a ground-breaking milestone for film education in Pakistan.

Asad Ul Haq, recognized for his ground-breaking work in the ad film industry for various leading brands, envisions KFS as a legacy for the youth, “KFS is my legacy for the youth of Pakistan where they can become powerful storytellers for any screen and any media through the different tools, we will empower them with.”

Situated at Studio 146, KFS provides students with access to top-tier equipment. The students are also offered placements in an internship programme with the best-known industry players including TV channels, production, and post-production houses. 

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Peace Foundation Holds a Seminar on Women’s Rights

Nargis Rahman, President of the Pakistan Women’s Foundation for Peace organized an event to observe International Women’s Day. A panel discussion on Accelerating gender Parity in a Feudo Patriarchal Socio-Political Order in Pakistan’ had all the speakers emphasizing on women’s access to quality education being important for their empowerment, stressing for laws promoting gender equality in the country. Emphasizing that the rights of women were still subject to patriarchal standards, they faced various challenges in Pakistan as well as in developed countries due to established patriarchal norms. Nargia Rahman said it was high time women were accorded their due rights through education, skill trainings, employment opportunities and laws to protect their rights and status.

Women from all walks of life including entrepreneurs, artists, media and social activists graced the occasion to promote entrepreneurs. Stalls were arranged with variety of clothes, paintings and jewellery.

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Celebrating Women at Chinese Consulate

The Chinese Consulate held Women’s Day at its premises recently, inviting women leaders from different walks of life to celebrate the occasion. At the beginning of the programme a documentary of Chinese women working in different fields including an astronaut, teacher and mechanic were shown to the guests. Consul general Yang Yundong said “Women are crucial for the development of society. Throughout the years Chinese women have contributed to the progress of the country, with 48.9% women as working force in 2023.” He added that China-Pakistan Exchange Contribution and China-Pakistan Corridor has promoted women empowerment and job opportunities such as training Pakistani women as truck drivers.

Former Minister, barrister Shahida Jamil said Chinese women played a major role in the independence of China and chairman Mao Se Tung said women hold half of the sky, while Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah said a country can only progress with the support of women. After the speeches, Chinese performers presented beautiful dances and songs which was topped by a scrumptious dinner and cake cutting.

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Karachi Literature Festival

Theme of this year’s KLF was Sustainability: Words changing Mindsets. Discussants threw light on the critical issues of the day that face Karachi, country and the world and seek ways forward. It is not intended to dwell on disorder, violence, and calamities, but to understand them and seek durable remedies. And, of course, there will be sessions on the developments and trends in Pakistani and world literature, in the media and the world of entertainment, in education and scholarship, in the life of the mind and in daily life.

KLF 2024 encouraged thought-provoking discussions providing an environment of openness, pluralism, and intellectual discourse and had 76 sessions, including 25 book launches. Visitors and the online audience had a chance to enjoy poetry readings, feature films and a series of short independent film screening. KLF also celebrated the diversity of languages and cultures across the country by highlighting writings in Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi and Pashto languages.

Seven literary awards for Pakistani authors were announced at the opening ceremony. A diverse group of writers, thinkers, and literary enthusiasts from Pakistan and around the world shared their stories, ideas, and perspectives, a testament to the power of the written word and the vital role it plays in shaping our communities.

The opening ceremony had Arif Hasan and Selma Dabbagh British Palestinian

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Celebrating Nigaah Art Awards 2024

The 3rd Nigaah Art Awards took place recently at the beautiful Mohatta Palace Gardens, with people from all walks of life attending this prestigious event along with Mr. Ahmad Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan and Caretaker Minister for Information, Minorities Affairs Government of Sindh, was the chief guest.

During his welcome address, Tauqeer Muhajir the Editor and Publisher of Nigaah Art Magazine, emphasized the significance of art awards to encourage artists. The event featured various segments, including a discussion on ‘Pioneering advancements in the development of art in Pakistan’ with Mr. Ahmad Shah as a panelist and conducter of the discussion Nasira Zuberi, a renowned poet. Other highlights included performances by the PNCA troupe, live painting by known artist Farrukh Shahab, an auction whose proceeds were to benefit art school scholarships in Karachi. A poetry session by Anwar Shaoor, was presented at the end of the show. The programme was attended by the artist fraternity, businessmen and other invitees, followed by dinner.

The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to three people: artist Mashkoor Raza, Adil Salahuddin and Mehar Afroz along with awards to the winners.

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Celebrating 25 years of Mohatta Palace

The Mohatta Palace Museum celebrated its 25 years with distinguished lecture series. The series included a talk by Satvik Mohatta, who is the great grandson of Bahadur Rao Shiv Rattan Mohatta, the owner of Mohatta before partition. Satwik had flown in from England with his family especially for the programme to pay homage to his former ancestral home.

Overwhelmed by seeing the ancestral abode and the caring reception of the museum organizers and the people present on the occasion Satrik said during his talk, “The feelings, the emotions that I felt when coming to my ancestral home and the reception here has moved me immensely. It is these things that intertwine and bring us close.”

Satwik said that his grandfather made Mohatta Palace a happening place, and would remember it with nostalgia when he was living in India. “The palace was visited by dignitaries such as Mr Jinnah, Mr Gandhi and Mr Nehru.”

After the speech, Hameed Haroon invited Satvik Mohatta’s wife and three children on stage and presented them with a memento. Nasreen Askari, the director of Mohatta Palace then gave the vote of thanks. Renowned Marwari vocalist Mai Dhai also performed on the occasion.

The Mohatta Palace’s beautiful structure and meticulous garden impressed all who were present at the event.   

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EuroVillage: A Celebration of EU-Pakistan Dosti

‘EuroVillage’ festival, a celebration of the enduring bond between the European Union and Pakistan witnessed thousands at the Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad. The event was organized by the European Union and its member states.  It welcomed families from Islamabad and beyond to partake in a day of festivities, fostering connections and celebrating shared values. This year’s theme was “Stronger Together – Sustainable Forever.”  Diplomatic Business Club captured the event activities at the event.

H.E. Dr. Riina Kionka, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan in her address emphasized the significance of EuroVillage as a platform for fostering people-to-people connections. She highlighted Europe’s ambition to lead the change towards a climate-neutral future and reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in navigating the challenges posed by climate change.

The 5th EuroVillage gathering provided the visitors with European sustainability initiatives while enjoying an array of cultural delights such as displays showcasing EU projects and tantalizing culinary offerings. Attendees were treated to captivating performances by renowned Pakistani artists like Farhan Saeed and Quratulain Baloch, hosted by the famous Faizan Haqqi.

An EU-Pakistan Dosti truck symbolizing the enduring partnership between the two regions was the highlight of the event. Many countries belonging to the European Union participated in the festival.

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Arts Council Celebrates Mini Thesis Display

The Arts Council Karachi recently hosted a Mini Thesis Display 2024, at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery, featuring the outstanding work of third year students from the Institute of Arts and Crafts. The event, inaugurated by the Caretaker Provincial Minister of Information and President of Arts Council of Pakistan, Ahmed Shah, showcased the brilliance of textile and communication design.

Aliza Wahab, a brilliant Textile Design student, along with communication design students Huzaifa Khan, Ikramullah, and Abdullah Ali, were among the talents whose work took centre stage. Notably, two of these students facing speech and hearing challenges, demonstrated resilience and artistic prowess.

Addressing the gathering Mr Ahmed Shah applauded the Arts Council for fostering an inclusive environment, stating, “I congratulate the students and teachers of the Arts Council for embracing diversity. Students facing challenges are true superheroes, and credit goes to the teachers who support and educate those with disabilities.”

Shahid Rassam, the Principal of Art School, commended the Arts Council for organizing biannual thesis shows, acknowledging the crucial role of the audience in motivating students. Highlighting the inclusivity of the Arts Council, Shahid Rassam remarked, “We usually refer to children with disabilities as ‘Special,’ but for me, these children are not Special but Golden. Arts Council is a beacon of hope for these Golden Students, and their outstanding work is a testament to their extraordinary abilities.”

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Celebrating 75 years of Nigar Weekly

The largest circulated newspaper in the past years focusing on the film industry of Pakistan, Nigar weekly newspaper, which unfortunately due to the film industry’s decline, was affected by the situation with circulation going down as there was little news to work on.

Recently, nearing its 75 years of publication Aslam Ilyas Rasheedi, the owner of Nigar newspaper, and son of the famous Ilyas Rasheedi who initiated the paper celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of Nigar weekly, Jashan-e-Nigar at the Governor House. The chief guest was governor Kamran Tessori and Guest of Honour, Minister for Information and Minorities Affair Sindh, both pledged money for the newspaper. Celebrities such as actress Mumtaz and lyricist Younus Humdum and others, were given awards for their outstanding services. The programme was conducted by artist and comedian Hanif Raja.

 The programme was attended by Film and TV artists. PTV, Karachi GM Amjad Shah and people from all walks of life, attended the programme which was followed by dinner.

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Creating a Sustainable World

Climate Hub Forum in collaboration with Majmua Art Gallery inaugural  “Art for Climate Change” event, dedicated to raising awareness about climate change and inspiring action through art. The event, hosted at the prestigious Frere Hall, featured an immersive experience combining art, advocacy, and diplomacy, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and the transformative power of collaboration.

Led by Erum Khan, Chairperson of Climate Hub Forum, Aamir Sadozai, co-founder of the forum, and Abdullah Rafi, Forum’s Patron in Chief and President Rotary Club of Karachi Environment, the event was not merely a gathering but a diplomatic endeavour aimed at amplifying Pakistan’s voice and

influence in global climate negotiations, particularly leading towards the United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP 29). With a strategic focus on fostering partnerships, driving policy advocacy and mobilizing collective action, this initiative seeks to position Pakistan as a key player in the global fight against climate change.

Actor Mehreen Ilahi, founder of Majmua Art Gallery, displayed thought-provoking artworks emphasizing the importance of art in driving environmental consciousness. The presence of artists and the expert judgment of Mr. Samar Raza, a globally recognized filmmaker, added depth and significance to the art exhibition.

The event featured the screening of “The Perfect Shot: Antarctica,” a poignant documentary produced by acclaimed filmmaker Habib Paracha, handpicked by the United Nations for COP 28. He introduced his documentary offering profound insights into the global impact of climate change.

Distinguished guests including Cemal Sangu, Consul General of Turkey, and Hanif Khan, District Governor of Rotary International, delivered inspiring speeches.

The programme was extremely informative and had an audience which included leading business and people from all walks of life, taking interest in the change that climate is bringing in countries.

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Thirty-sixth Annual Urdu Haiku Mushaira

The Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) Sindh, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, oprganized the 36th Annual Urdu Haiku Mushaira at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. Presided over by Prof. Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, the event featured Consul General of Japan, Hattori Masaru, who was the Chief Guest. The mushaira was coordinated by Ms. Wazahat Naseem and Khurram Sohail.

In her welcome speech, Ms. Sadia Rashid, President of PJCA Sindh, expressed gratitude for the presence of Consul General Hattori Masaru and Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui. She commended the ongoing support of the Consul General and thanked Muhammad Ahmad Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi for his cooperation.

Consul General Masaru commended Pakistan’s profound appreciation for poetry, with a special emphasis on the Haiku genre. He highlighted the enduring bond between Pakistan and Japan expressing admiration for the pivotal role that haiku mushairas play in fortifying the literary and cultural ties between the two nations.

Approximately 27 poets presented their original Urdu Haiku, and local poets Ms Wazahat Naseem and Mr Shahzan Niaz, presented Urdu translations of selected Haiku by Japanese poets Momoko Kuroda and Tota Kanedo respectfully. Poets Dr Abida Ghangro, Sarwar Shamal, and Shahzad Niaz showcased Haiku in regional languages as well.

Prof. Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui highlighted the role of arts in shaping collective thought and consciousness and commended the efforts of PJCA, Sindh. The Mushaira concluded with Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim sharing his characteristic Haiku poetry.

A day long symposium organized by ADA (Architecture Design Art)—a Karachi-based international publishing house was arranged recently. ADA is a multidisciplinary platform that unites the industry’s leading minds in sharing stories of intervention for a socially unified better world. Discussions and debates in the day-long symposium revolved around the destiny of architecture, urban planning and more generally the design disciplines in an era that seems to consider only, or at least with absolute priority, the evolution of single modal spaces and related devices spurred by technology.

If today, and in the future, the theme of life and development is no longer about further densification but resilience and environmental quality—how do designers navigate between aesthetics, sustainability, climate adaptation and depleting natural resources for a better world? Was the gist of the discussions at the programme.

Arif Hasan, the renowned social scientist of Pakistan vehemently stated that the profession of architectural services are one percent of the population, and that the practitioners hardly engage in works that instill social change. He further elaborated that the professional bodies also do not come forward and support these initiatives. Yahya Jan from Dubai candidly in his presentation stated that as a practitioner he had not engaged with the projects that transform and impact lives in a particular community stating – “I am guilty of not playing my part.” Dr. Fiona Gray joining in from Australia presented a live project for community but was intrinsically challenged by the authorities. Kamil Khan Mumtaz reflected on life, its generation and how the basic needs are commodified with capitalism.

Maria Aslam in her opening remarks mentioned: “How is the field responding to the interlocking wicked problems that define our time — climate crisis, structural racism, unaffordable housing, rapid technological shifts and ever-growing population? By embracing design with a purpose, we collectively have the opportunity to create visual narratives that celebrate the beauty of nature and advocate for sustainable practices.”

As creative industry stalwarts, comprising of architects, artists, and designers together with social scientists, researchers, academia, designers hold the key to influencing perceptions, behaviors, and social change.

The second session comprised of stellar minds such as:Rashid Rana, Faraz Maqsood Hamidi, Seif Al Rashidi (Egypt) and Sergii Rodionov (Ukraine). The speakers discussed city making, place making and environment degradation activism. Faraz Maqsood Hamidi of D’ Hamidi partnership illustrated making a mark through design that is the main idiom of all corporate giants through their campaigns. Seif Al Rashidi from Egypt explored the vernacular essence of retaining a craft that is synonymous to the cultural identity of their region. Rodionov joining in from Ukraine shared the project based on activism for his home town to inject positive energy and activity by the river front for youth and population at large.

Rashid Rana categorially opened his presentation by stating that: “Artists do not have a responsibility, but through their art they connect with the masses and tell stories that capture lifestyles, communities and the environment.” He presented his work ‘Lost on paradise’ initially in the Karachi Biennale that captures humans desecrating mother earth with deforestation, garbage and plastic accumulation.

The day-long seminar with engaging panel discussion explored sustainability not just in the built environment but through the lens of recycle, reuse, reduce and reconsider collectively how we relate to our planet. Maria Aslam highlighted that there is no planet B and the Quran mentions that we need to tread lightly on mother earth. This is the essence that requires to be understood individually.

As creative industry stalwarts, comprising of architects, artists, and designers together with social scientists, researchers, academia, designers hold the key to influencing perceptions, behaviors, and social change. Inspiring minds and stories unfolded in the day-long seminar with panelists adding their rich contribution from academia and practices engaging the audience that was informed by designers that are trying in their own ways to make a difference and impact communities for a better living.

The ADAA, the sole awards from Pakistan dedicated to excellence in the creative industry, serves to celebrate, highlight, and inform the fraternity and Pakistan about the remarkable works emanating from within the country.