Category: Pakistan

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Board of Management, Quaid-e-Azam House Museum – Institute of Nation Building constituted as a public/ private venture and given legal cover by Sindh Government Notification dated 6^th April, 2021 will be celebrating Pakistan Day on 23^rd March, 2022 at Quaid-e-Azam House Museum, Karachi.

The Event will include Flag hoisting and National Anthem played by the students’ band of Ida Rieu School, Karachi who will also sing the National Anthem along with students of (i) Jinnah Foundation School, (ii) Ida Rieu School and (iii) Hamdard Public School.

Following the National Anthem and patriotic songs, Mrs Nadira Panjwani a Member of the Board of Management and a reputed Philanthropist, Educationists and Head of Ida Rieu School and Panjwani Charitable Foundation and Trust will address the audience. Mrs Panjwani has been chosen as the main speaker at the Event in order to acknowledge Women’s International Day as she is a women leader in her own right.

 The Jinnah Society commissioned a book on Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah especially for students aged 6 – 12 years. Ms Amina Azfar wrote the book “OUR QUAID” in which the Foreword has been written by Mrs Nadira Panjwani and an Introduction by Ms Ameena Saiyid also a Member of the Board. The book has been published by Lightstone Publishers.  The book will be launched at the same event by Mr Liaquat Merchant and Mrs Nadira Panjwani. Amina Azfar, the author of ‘Our Quid’ will also speak at its launch.

 The book on Quaid-e-Azam for children aged 6 – 12 years is in English and was the brainchild of Mr Liaquat H. Merchant it was sponsored by Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited, Karachi. This book will be translated into Urdu and Sindhi and distributed throughout the country along with the English version.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) THAAP organized a discussion event about the recently published book, Circular History of Pakistan, authored by Asim Imdad Ali. The event was attended in Lahore by intellectuals, former public servants, notable media, and historians. Asim Imdad Ali is a lawyer and an alumnus of Harvard University and King’s College, London, and has written in print media on the administrative, constitutional, and political history of Pakistan as well as international affairs.

Asim has also taught at the Civil Services Academy of Pakistan and has been the President of the Harvard Club of Pakistan. The central thesis of the book, Circular History of Pakistan, is that our cyclical political history is, in fact, like a short movie clip, set on a time-loop, that creates perpetual déjà vu for those in the theater. Every political scene has been enacted before and is being re-telecast repeatedly.

We are stuck in circular time and history and have not found our Nirvanic moment to follow the alternative trajectory of linear growth and development. Ar Mehreen Mustafa, Secretary to THAAP welcomed the guest and provided a comprehensive over view of THAAP. Mr. Pervaiz Vandal, the Managing director of THAAP, discussed the similarities between the ethos of THAAP and Asim Imdad Ali’s book Circular histories of Pakistan. He also stressed on the need habitual reading of diverse form of literature in order to enhance one’s creativity thus ultimately improving the state of the country. He highlighted the need to adopt a holistic , inclusinve and practice oriented approch to education.

E Asim Imdad Ali then took to the podium to discuss the overarching theme of his book that questions the cyclical nature of the hurdles the country has to face. These issues limit the nation and cause it to not progress linearly. He read an excerpt from his book which helped us understand his nuanced view of the histories that over power the people of Pakistan, thus creating a unique and thought provoking view of the nation. Najam Sethi, former chief minister of Punjab, Chairperson PCB and renowned journalist personality, highlighted the linearity and circularity embedded in our understanding of the history of Pakistan.

Through metaphoric and figurative references, he brought the attention to the current political state of Pakistan and how we tend to accept the same regime in new packaging. He concluded that from time and time again this process has yielded undesirable results and stressed on the optimistic need to overcome the current challenges. Thus, furthering the points made by Asim Imdad Ali in his books. In his video message, Dr. Akbar S. Ahmed, author, poet, playwright, filmmaker, and former diplomat, who currently holds the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies and is Professor of International Relations at the American University in Washington, D.C., praised Asim Imdad Ali ‘s professional and intellectual trajectory and congratulated him for his successful endeavors.

The book, Circular History of Pakistan, recounts the political journey of a recurring, predictable, painful, and vicious decade-long Samsara of cyclic birth and death of order and freedom. The author describes how the same episodes keep happening with mind-boggling regularity. This circular political past primarily shapes contemporary events. The author maintains that there are established ways to get out of vicious cycles. The key to triggering an endless growth cycle is investment in innovation, knowledge, people, and creativity.

That is the only real virtuous cycle: without that, there can only be one-off spurts of growth, but only an investment in scientific research and innovation can generate the continuous growth cycle. Without that shift away from geo-rentals and geo-politics, we will never change our course and our trajectory. Only by investing in geo-economics, people, knowledge banks, and critical technologies can we join the virtuous growth and development cycles.

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) Meta has launched two new initiatives in Pakistan, focused on womens’ safety online that includes the Online Safety Guide and StopNCII (Non consensual intimate images) to help users to safely navigate cyberspace. The critical safety advisory available in English and Urdu is expected to boost digital literacy and responsible online behaviour amongst users, thereby creating safer online spaces for women to connect and express themselves without restraints.

The safety guide, now available at Meta’s Safety Centre, is part of the company’s efforts to equip and prepare users for the challenges of the modern digital world. Millions of people in Pakistan use Meta platforms to connect and pursue shared interests. However, it is always good to update oneself on issues around online harassment, unwanted messages and a range of fraudulent and criminal activities in the online space.

Meta has policies and systems in place to tackle online violence  against women, aided  by awareness programs to enable and empower them to defend themselves against unscrupulous elements online.

The safety guide features all the tools around safety available on Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp and explains how women can adopt them for safer internet use and protect themselves from criminal & fraudulent activities.

Keeping the focus on safety, StopNCII was developed with Meta’s expert guidance and funding in collaboration with global NGO partner, ‘the UK Revenge Porn Helpline’, to stop the sharing of non-consensual intimate images (NCII), often referred to as Revenge Porn. StopNCII.org has a global footprint and currently services people through regional partners that advocate for local victims. It uses the latest innovative technology to block compromising photos and videos proactively from spreading online.    

Meta has localised StopNCII into an Urdu portal as well that can be used by users  concerned for their online safety and privacy to initiate a case. Once the case is initiated, Meta can proactively block the spread of the compromising images and videos before they can spread online. The technology doesn’t require the images to leave the person’s device, instead only the hash or numerical code is shared with the platform. The portal also integrates information and vital voices of survivors, experts, advocates, and tech partners of Meta for women seeking help and guidance.

Meta’s partner organisation in Pakistan, Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) organised an online roundtable in connection with the launch of the StopNCII portal in Urdu. The participants of the roundtable included representatives from civil society organizations, regional experts from Meta, digital experts and rights activists.

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) BARDASHT, a non-profit, non-governmental organization aimed at improving social welfare joined hands with Huawei Pakistan for the collection and donation of food items for women and children of Afghanistan.

Ms. Neelum Toru, President Bardast, Roohi Shah, philanthropist and member Bardasht, Dr. Humaira Gillani, Finance Secretary Bardasht and Mr. Austin Shao, Ahmed Jehanzeb Malik, Director Public Relations Huawei were present at the occasion along with other representatives from both organizations.

President of Bardasht, Ms. Neelum Toru stated at the occasion, “Bardasht has already been working with Huawei Pakistan for social contribution for a long time and we always appreciate their support in the aid of the poor Children and Women of Afghanistan.”

Mr. Cheng, bureau chief of People’s Daily Pakistan also have attended this occasion. He highly commented on Huawei’s efforts on supporting Afghanistan people. As staple food supply is in imminent shortage in Afghanistan, it is important for international society to stand with Afghanistan people and take such real actions.

BARDASHT is a non-profitable, non-governmental organization registered under Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance of 1961. The Head Office is based in Islamabad whereas it has branch offices in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and Gilgit. It helps the underserved through strategic interventions in health, education and skill development.

Huawei Pakistan has been striving towards reducing the gap, whether it comes to poverty or the digital divide since it first came to Pakistan almost 24 years ago. This has been done through CSR events, ICT academies across the countries, to name a few examples.

Lahore (NUT DESK) The 2nd day of the THAAP Seminar on Punjab Culture: Heritage Conservation and Tourism is held at THAAP on 13th March in Lahore. The second day of the event is dedicated to the Cultural performances. Thaap spread the beautiful colors of Punjabi Culture with enriched folk tunes of the traditional music and cultural poetry in its last session of Punjab Culture seminar here at Thaap Secreteriat Gulberg Lahore. The two day seminar entitled “Punjab Culture: Heritage, Conversation and Tourism” depicted the true essence of Punjab Culture. During two days proceedings, archaelogist, scholars including Mr. Maqsood Ahmad Malik director archaelogy, Prof.

(R) Sajida Hiader Vandal CEO THAAP and Mr. Najam us Saqib director (WCLA) briefed the participants by highlighted their significant work of heritage conversation in thought provoking sessions whereas theatre, music and poetry performances of young and brilliant artists received out standing response from the audiences. While talking to the participants, Prof. (R) Pervaiz Vandal, the managing director of the Thaap revealed that Thaap have commenced the celebrations of Punjab Culture day, one day earlier as 1st of Cheet (first month of Punjabi calendar) is starting from Monday.

He said that message of Thaap seminar was promotion of peace, love and heritage conversation and Thaap will continue its mission with more passion, patronage of culture and organizing the colorful programs in future also. Ar Mehreen Mustafa, Secretary to THAAP briefly introduced the origin, vision, objective and mission of THAAP. She said that THAAP Group of companies has earned a unique place as one of the most respected organizations working in the field of culture, art, and architecture, offering its expertise in projects, research, and development.

THAAP Heritage, THAAP Conferences, THAAP MA Boli Center, THAAP Craft, THAAP publications are five independent organizations / sub-sets of the THAAP Group. Prof. Pervaiz Vandal, the Managing Director of THAAP, welcomed the guests and explained why THAAP was established with the purpose of exploring, strengthening, and extending the rich cultural expressions in art and architecture as well as promoting the historical understanding of the region Punjab and Pakistan.

Protection and promotion of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage and diversity informed through a historic consciousness and its link to identity, social cohesion, development, and rights, forms the core of THAAP Group’s mission. Syed Saleh Hassan, a student of Architecture, was called to the stage, hailing from Khariyan, mesmerized the audience with his spectacular recitation of the selected verses of the Kalam of Sultan Bahu followed by its narration by Miss Iza Khan which was succeeded by the repertoire that comprehensively delineates the programs that took place on the 2 Day Thaap Seminar. Miss Iza Khan then called on stage, Shehroz Hameed, a student of Architecture, hailing from Manawala, charmed the audience with his breath taking performance of the Kalam of Main Muhammad Baksh.

The final act preceding the cultural evening was certificate distribution among the performers and volunteers by the hands of Prof Sajida Haider Vandal, CEO THAAP. Cultural evening commenced by the instrumental and vocal performance from a band from Gilgit Baltistan consisting of Haseeb Ali Sha, Fayyaz Ali, Arsalan Hussian Shah and Qahir Hussian. The second performance of the cultural evening was by Nabeel Haider who shared with the audience two pieces of his original poetry in both Punjabi and urdu.

The light mood poetry was succeeded by Sawal Khan, Hamza and Sunil Robert, the members of Barfi the Band, who amused the audience with their energetic performance of both folk and contemporary songs. The final performance of the session is given by Mahnoor Rana and Yasir Ishtiaq who sang a recent hit Passori, for the audience.

The event was officially concluded but the both volunteers performance and the some members of the audience indulged in native dances from the deferent regions of Pakistan with some beautiful display of bhangra which Mr. vandal also joined briefly.

The Board of Management, Quaid-e-Azam House Museum (Flagstaff House) to be led by Syed Murad Ali Shah

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, by agreeing to be the Chairman of the Board of Management Quaid-e-Azam House Museum, convinced the board of his commitment to the cause of continuing the legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. 

The Board of Management (BoM), Quaid-e-Azam House Museum (Flagstaff House) – Institute of Nation Building constituted under Sindh Government Notification dated 06th April, 2021, has been authorized to carry on various activities.  The Board is constituted of notables and leaders of their field. This was shared at a press conference held at the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum, Karachi.

Commodore (R) Sadeed A. Malik, Secretary General BoM, in his welcome address, introduced the Members of the Board of Management appointed under Government of Sindh Notification dated 06^th April 2021. He said that on the conclusion of the events from 17^th to 19^th March other events will follow.

In his address, Mr. Liaquat Merchant, Senior Vice-Chairman BoM, shared with the audience some of the activities that will be planned as per the notification. These included establishment of a public library to be called “Jinnah Library”; an audio-visual centre which will display films / documentaries on Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Pakistan Movement and other leaders of Pakistan movement; expand the Museum, which will house the relics and belongings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The Heritage site will be preserved and maintained by the Sindh Government.

 “We will arrange and hold educational and debating-elocution competitions / programs for senior school students; hold art exhibitions; arrange seminars, talk shows and other similar literary events for the benefit of the citizens and younger generation on the aspects leading to creation of Pakistan”, added Mr. Merchant.

Mr Ikram Sehgal elaborated on the Auditorium and stated that a State of Art Auditorium behind Quaid-e-Azam House Museum (Heritage site) is under consideration and the Board of Management awaits approval of the Technical Committee, Heritage Commission of Sindh for carrying out soil testing after which building plans for an underground Auditorium behind Quaid-e-Azam House Museum will be submitted for approval to the Heritage Commission under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994 and Rules of 2017. A Concept Paper relating to the Auditorium was prepared and submitted by Syed Akeel Bilgrami Karachi’s reputed architect.

After more than a decade the annual popular event for Karachi school students is being resumed by the Board of Management, Quaid-e-Azam House Museum.

Mrs. Ameena Saiyid who heads the Education Programmed Committee said, the Jinnah Declamation Competition 2022 will be held on 17th, 18th and 19th March, 2022 at Quaid-e-Azam House Museum. Invitations to participate have been issued to 45 Karachi based schools. The elimination contest will be held on 17th& 18th March, while the Final event will be held on 19th March. The topics for students to speak on are: Jinnah’s Pakistan, Pakistan and the Muslim World – Inter-action and Benefits and Pakistan Resolution 1940. Attractive prizes will be given to the first three winning students. Other programmes which will contribute towards Nation Building Exercise will be organized and held on a regular basis.

Judges for the final on the 19th include, Mrs. Nadira Panjwani (Panjwani Charitable Foundation & Trust), Mrs. Naseem Merchant (The Jinnah Society), Mrs. Ameena Saiyid (Lightstone Publishers), Dr. Huma Baqai (IBA, Karachi) and Mr. Arshad Saeed Hussain (Oxford University Press, Karachi-Pakistan).

The event is being sponsored by Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited, The Jinnah Society and Karachi Council on Foreign Relations.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The second day of the 13th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF), which is being organised by the Oxford University Press (OUP) Pakistan, from March 4 to March 6 at Beach Luxury Hotel, was again an affair full of invigorating discussions and vibrant performances.

The day began with talks on women’s contribution to Pakistani society and politics, and the changing role of art in contemporary society. Panelists in Pakistani Siyasat Aur Samaaj: Khwateen Ka Kirdar highlighted the important role women have played throughout the country’s history and regretted how so many have been held back by patriarchal restrictions, tribal holdovers and reactionary traditions.

Meanwhile, a mix of renowned sculptors and writers, art exhibition curators, and creative technologists looked at how technology was shaping contemporary art. They spoke in depth about how developments in social media were expanding the reach and impact of art and were optimistic about how the development of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) could be a boon for artists around the world.\

One of the most entertaining sessions was a talk by renowned English author Hanif Kureishi. When asked about the growing trend of moral policing in literature, he replied there was nothing new about banning books. He remarked that the most interesting books ever written had been banned and that the step acknowledged the importance of books to society. Mr Kureishi joked that he once considered burning his own books as it was an easy way to gain publicity. He concluded that literature survives, and books return to the limelight despite bans.

Another session on translation by poet Inam Nadeem and journalist Ghazi Saluahuddin spoke on the importance of translation. They noted that literature couldn’t stay alive without translation. In the absence of translation, beautiful writing would be restricted to the author’s country of birth instead of being enjoyed by the world, they added.

Two of the most eagerly awaited and well-attended sessions were the book launch of The Reluctant Republic Ethos and Mythos of Pakistan by Nadeem Farooq Paracha, and the panel session Empowered Local Governments: Essential for Strengthening Democracy that was attended by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar, renowned journalist Mazhar Abbas and lawyer Salahuddin Ahmed.

The session on local government revolved around the importance of devolving power as the strength of democracy was associated with the importance given to its lowest tier. Asad Umar noted how dictators gave a great deal of importance to local government as it helped them consolidate their power. However, he cautioned that despite this misuse, it was a powerful concept that could improve the efficiency of governance. Lawyer Salahuddin Ahmed explained the concept of subsidiarity stating that giving decision making powers and accountability at the lowest level could ensure swift resolution of the public’s concerns. 

The second day came to a close with a mushaira and a film screening of a Pakistani film on the topic of the separation of East Pakistan, Khel Khel Main, as well as a light-hearted evening with social media stars.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Dr Arooba becomes first Pakistani female TV Anchor to reach one million Instagram followers Dr Arooba has become the first Pakistan female TV anchor to reach one million followers mark on Instagram. She achieved the milestone last Wednesday. Other than anchoring, Arooba Tariq is a medical professional as well who is currently employed at a private hospital in Lahore. She started her media career on radio where she hosted a show in which she interviewed senior doctors and medical professionals. She later joined the show ‘Darja-e-Shararat’ on Samma Tv as Co-Host. Her shot to fame came with her hosting a morning show titled ‘Zindagi Ke Rung’ on 7 News (Pakistan) in from 2017 to 2018. She also hosted Special Ramadan transmissions for 7 News in 2018. In 2019, Dr Arooba joined Lahore Qalandars as a host for their digital show.

In 2019 she also hosted the show Sare Sur Hamaray for PTV News which was a reboot of the original PTV show Angan Angan Tare (originally hosted by Hadiqa Kiani in the 1990s).

Dr Arooba became a household name in Pakistan when she joined the show Khabaryar with Aftab Iqbal on Neo Tv as a co-host. Besides practicing as a Doctor and TV host, Dr Arooba is an active vlogger on YouTube and is a social media influencer with followers in millions. She is also an occasional host for corporate events and a part time model.

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) Chief Guest First Lady of Pakistan Begum Samina Alvi presided over the distribution of 100 wheelchairs in Islamabad, given through Dawood Global Foundation’s #LFWheels, LADIESFUND 10,000 wheelchair drive to make Pakistan and Pakistanis more mobile, in collaboration with donor IFWA Islamabad Foreign Wives Association (founded by wives of ambassadors posted to Pakistan brings together expat spouses temporarily based in Islamabad since 1995). “I want to appreciate Tara Dawood and Dawood Global Foundation LADIESFUND for arranging these wheelchairs and hope in the future we work more and more together. I really appreciate this effort to distribute throughout Pakistan. It’s a very good step,” said Begum Samina.

“IFWA I really welcome you and it is so nice to see you contributing wherever there are such charity activities. Thank you!” In addition to the First Lady, President of LADIESFUND, IFW President Irena Smetankova (Czech Republic) and IFWA Vice-President Ursula Keller (Austria), present at the ceremony were IFWA executive committee members Charles Aleya (EU Ambassador), Mariam Shenaaz Vanker (South Africa), Marie-Charlotte Deichmann (Germany), Ludo van Vooren (Belgium/Norway), Ariane Dossche (Belgium), and from LADIESFUND, Dr. Awais Siraj, Mirza Munawar Shikoh and Shafaqat Mehmood. The recitation was performed by the talented Gulzar Irfan, while seated in the #LFWheels IFWA wheelchair she had just received.