Category: Pakistan

• Awaaz: Echoes of Freedom and Justice, Ansar Burney’s autobiography published in Pakistan.
• Leading human rights activist of Pakistan chronicles 17 year journey of fighting for the oppressed.
• Burney freed over 900,000 prisoners globally from illegal captivity; won 250 awards including Mother Teresa Award, Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Sitara-e-Imtiaz. United States State Department awarded him Anti-Human Trafficking Hero.
• Awaaz is available now across Pakistan at Liberty Book locations and online, and globally through Amazon.com

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) ‘Awaaz: Echoes of Freedom and Justice’ is Ansar Burney’s memoir chronicling his transformation from a student leader to a champion of human rights. Authored by Burney, co-written/edited by Shehar Bano Rizvi and Tasneem Premjee Chamdia, Awaaz memorializes Burney’s lifelong global struggle for human rights, and underscoring our transcendant common humanity.

While jailed in 1977 Burney witnessed harrowing conditions of Pakistani prisons. This led to his advocating for prisoners. In 1980, he establishes the Ansar Burney Trust which confronted exploitation despite threats to his life. As a lawyer, Burney worked within legal framework to address issues while cooperating with authorities. He worked with with leaders such as Muhammad Khan Junejo, Zia-ul-Haq, Mirza Aslam Beg, Pervez Musharraf, and others leading to many prisoners release in Pakistan. Burney has won over 250 awards throughout his journey, including Outstanding Young Person of the World Award, Mother Teresa Memorial Award, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and Hilal-e-Imtiaz.

“After spending a lifetime in the service of humanity and raising my voice for human rights, I have learned that everything that I have done has been because of God’s will. I have served God by serving humanity, His creation. Often, I did not have the means to help a prisoner, or someone stuck in illegal captivity, but always at the 11^th hour, someone would come forward to help and join hands for the cause,” said Burney, Chairman of Ansar Burney Trust. “This book also has happened in a similar way. I can’t explain how Shehar Bano, and her friend Tasneem came together to write this book with me. I just want to thank them for their relentless effort in helping me share my story.”

The memoir recounts his monumental 17-year struggle against the use of child camel jockeys in the Middle East, and reflects on personal challenges, relationships, and encounters with renowned humanitarians. Burney helps in bridging divides as Pakistan’s first Minister of Human Rights and a UN Expert Advisor on Human Rights. His storytelling captivates readers, as he shares both successes and vulnerabilities, and offers valuable insights for anyone in the humanitarian field, or on a journey of personal growth.

“It was my distinct honor to co-author Awaaz with Burney Sahib. It was very challenging to capture such a diverse array of stories and struggles for human rights. Each story is captivating, moving, and incredible. The book will undoubtedly inspire readers,” said award-winning co-author Shehar Bano Rizvi.

Tasneem Premjee Chamdia, co-author, said at the launch: “Awaaz is an excellent resource not only for social and humanitarian workers but also anyone pursuing personal growth. The world needs great souls like Burney Sahib to exemplify what a driven individual is capable of and that we all belong to the tribe of humanity above all others.”

 

 

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

More than 1,500 runners, including local and foreign athletes, participated in the first
certified international marathon in Karachi. The event was organized
by Sports in Pakistan in collaboration with the government of Sindh .

Speaking as a chief guest, Dr. Junaid Shah, Minister for Sports,
Culture, and Youth, Government of Sindh, said the international
marathon in Karachi was a notable success for Pakistan, as this was
organized on a high standard similar to marathons held in Paris,
London, and New York. The marathon recorded a great achievement for
the country to be a regular feature for the country and the city in
the future.

The distance categories on offer were the full marathon (42.2km), half
marathon (21.1km), 5k (5km), and marathon relay. The Marathon Relay
featured teams of participants, in which each participant completed
one quarter (10.55km) of the full marathon distance.

The course of the event was certified by AIMS and World Athletics, the
international governing bodies for long-distance running. The starting
line was at Nishan, Pakistan, from where the course headed southeast
along the coastline. The timing system made use of state-of-the-art
electronic chips.

Handsome cash prizes were handed out to the top finishers in the full
marathon, half marathon, and relay categories. As an affirmation of
gender equality, the prize amounts were kept equal for both men and
women. The winners were given cash prizes of Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 500,000
in different categories for different positions.

“We are proud of our efforts to bring a certified marathon to this
great city,” said Shoaib Nizami, CEO of Sports in Pakistan, the agency
behind the event. “This sports event was not just a race, but a
celebration of the enduring spirit of Karachi.”

The marathon gave a platform to hundreds of athletes in Pakistan to
show their best talent to the world, and it is expected that more
runners will be participating in the next event. We are thankful to
all the individuals who brought the event to life with their
determination and love for running. We hope to see even more runners
at the next edition of the event.”.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

The LADIESFUND and UNDP Co-Host the 8th LADIESFUND Sustainability Lunche on in partnership with the British Deputy High Commission at Acton House Gardens, British Deputy High Commission, Karachi, where 250 dynamic guests including women leaders, icons, corporate high-flyers, artisans, home chefs, techpreneurs, and gurus gathered, alongside some distinguished male champions of women, to discuss “Women & Climate Action” on a panel of co-hosts Tara Uzra Dawood (President, Dawood Global Foundation – LADIESFUND),

Van Nyugen (Deputy Regional Representative, UNDP) and Sarah Mooney (British Deputy High Commissioner), as well as Naz Khan (Principal Country Officer, IFC, World Bank Group) and Farrukh Khan (MD, PSX), as well as recognize the 11 LADIESFUND Women of Inspiration 2024: Atiya Khan, Film Director and former Supermodel, Ayesha Ashraf Jangda (Shariah Banker), Aysha Baqir (author), Baakh Pirzada (news anchor), Dr. Huma Baqai (Rector of MiTE), Fatimeh Fifi Haroon (senior journalist formerly with BBC), Khursheed Kotwal (Chartered Accountant), Nina Kashif (Film Producer), Sabina Khatri (social worker), Shama Askari (performing artist and translator), and Shanaz Ramzi (PR guru).

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

Pakistan’s premier theatre group, Ajoka, launched its 40 anniversary programme at an event held at Alhamra, which was attended by representatives of cultural organizations and Ajoka stalwarts. Speakers paid glowing tribute to the four decade long contribution of Ajoka Theatre in promoting socially meaningful theatre in Pakistan.They made special mention of Ajoka founder and theatre icon (late) Madeeha Gauhar for dedication to theatre.

Speakers included, Ms Beenish Fatima Sahi, DG Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture, Former executive director Alhamra Zulfiqar Ali Zulfi, Ajoka actors Tahira Imam, Uzma Hasan, noted writer and artist Feryal Gauhar, Ajoka Institute Director Nirvaan Nadeem and Ajoka General Secretary Sohail Warraich. Secretary Info & Culture Daniyal Gilani also graced the event. Video messages from Indian theatre personalities director Neelam Mansingh Chaudhary and Playwright/director Kewal Dhaliwal, Tehriki-Niswan founder and dancing maestro Sheema Kermani and eminent artist Savera Nadeem were also screened. Two new Ajoka songs were also presented at the launch event by Ajoka singing group including Naseem Abbas, Usman Raj, Muhammad Qaiser, Kanwal Christopher and Aniqa Malik.

A video report on four decades of Ajoka was also screened Ajoka Executive Director Shahid Nadeem announced plans for the 40 anniversary year, which include A 4 day theatre festival including representative Ajoka plays of the last four decades in April at Alhamra A 3-day Ajoka Theatre Festival at PNCA and Islamabad Club in March, Performances of Ajoka’s acclaimed play “Dara” in Karachi in June and October. An Ajoka Theatre festival in Amritsar on 1-7 july Well known Indian theatre artists will perform Ajoka plays. Representatives of Ajoka Theatre will be honoured on the occasion. Festival is being organised by leading indian theatre group Marich Rang Manch. Ajoka anniversary events will also be held in London, Glasgow and New York in July which will include performances, dramatic readings and screenings.

A special anniversary celebration event will be held on 25 May at Alhamra which will include performances by eminent artists who started their journey with Ajoka. An international theatre festival will be held in November 2024 in Lahore. Theatre groups and experts from countries including US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, UAE, India, Iran and China are expected to attend.

Theatre seminars, talks and workshops will also be held during the 10-day festival. Ajoka will also hold an exhibition of Ajoka memorabilia in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. Ajoka also plans to establish an Ajoka Archives to preserve valuable material of cultural material of past 40 years and make it accessible to researchers and students. A book on the research papers written on Ajoka and Shahid Nadeem’s works has also been commissioned and will be published from US soon.

The anniversary events will end with a gala award ceremony in December. Shahid Nadeem expressed his gratitude for the support received from the Government of Punjab and cultural organizations such as Lahore Arts Council, PILAC, PUCAR, PNCA and Babar Ali Foundation. He urged those Interested in promoting social meaningful performing arts to support Ajoka’s work by sponsorships and donations.

 

GENESIS PROPERTIES SECURES LAHORE GLOBAL VILLAGE IN LANDMARK BID, IGNITING A NEW ERA IN CBD PUNJAB’S VISIONARY DEVELOPMENT.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Lahore Global Village (LGV), a beacon in the city’s urban landscape, propels forward with a groundbreaking shift as the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as the Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), officially takes charge of its sales and marketing operations. Guided by the forward-thinking directives of Chief Minister Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, this milestone development signifies a pivotal moment in the project’s nine-year journey.

Formerly known as LDA Walk and Shop Arena, Lahore Global Village undergoes a transformative renaming, signaling a renewed focus and direction under the adept management of CBD Punjab. The fiercely contested bidding process saw active participation from three key bidders – Star Marketing, Genesis Properties JV Techno Construction, and Times Construction. Genesis Properties emerges triumphant, securing the retail area for Rs 405 sq ft, the kiosk for Rs 500 sq ft, and clinching the kids’ area and rooftop at an impressive bid of Rs 100 per sq ft. Additionally, Genesis Properties will undertake the responsibility of rent and marketing management for Lahore Global Village.

The approval of the bid by the auction committee of CBD Punjab, following meticulous due diligence and formalities, marks the initiation of a transformative era for Lahore Global Village. Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab, extends warm congratulations to Genesis Properties, emphasizing that Lahore Global Village is positioned as a unique project set to elevate the city’s offerings for its residents.

While expressing his views CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin said “Lahore Global Village is a distinctive project for the residents of Lahore, and we believe that, with the successful bidding and partnership with Genesis Properties, it will continue to thrive and serve as a hallmark for the city”. This strategic move not only aligns with the city’s growth objectives but also underscores the commitment of CBD Punjab towards crafting a distinctive and flourishing urban landscape.

Karachi  (Muhammad Yasir)

In the wake of the recently concluded 6th Karachi International Water Conference, organized by Hisaar Foundation (HF) in association with Infra Zamin Pakistan and other partners, Pakistan has taken a significant leap by unveiling three essential initiatives aimed at addressing pressing water and climate challenges. The two-day conference, a testament to Hisaar Foundation’s persistent dedication to water-related issues in Pakistan served as a spark for these transformative endeavors, culminating in a Declaration that proposed the launch of these three initiatives, and within a month of the Conference, the proposal has been brought to fruition by HF. The first of the initiatives announced is the establishment of a National Panel on Water. Simi Kamal, Chairperson Hisaar Foundation, highlighted the significance of this move, stating, “An international panel on climate change came into being with a few thousand scientists, whose collective wisdom has propelled the discussion on climate change over the last two decades. However, there was nothing like that on water. The first step towards this end is being taken in Pakistan by Hisaar Foundation with the formation of the National Panel on Water. The panel is composed of Hisaar Foundation’s Think Tank on Rational Use of Water, which has been operating since 2014. Its members, comprising independent researchers, academics, activists, policy-makers, professors and strategists, will constitute the core of the panel.” This diverse group is poised to provide comprehensive insights and solutions to the complex water challenges faced by Pakistan. The second initiative is the launch of Youth Water Network by Hisaar Foundation. Says Sanaa Baxamoosa, Director External Relations HF, “Hisaar Foundation believes that mainstreaming youth in water management is crucial for ensuring sustainable and effective solutions to the world’s water challenges. Young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, to address complex water issues. Hisaar Foundation in partnership with IWA YWP Pakistan has launched the Youth Water Network to empower young people in water management to foster intergenerational equity and also cultivate a sense of responsibility for the environment. Inclusive and youth-centric water management is key to building a more sustainable and water-secure future.” And, last but not the least, Hisaar Foundation has also initiated a Water and Climate Justice Committee. Explaining the rationale behind this endeavor, Kamal stated, “We have attempted extensively to introduce justice issues into water discourse. We feel it is now time to invert this relationship and introduce water and climate change onto ongoing platforms of justice and human rights. As a start, we are forming a committee, titled Water and Climate Justice Committee, to work with the chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.” The Water and Climate Justice Committee will serve as a bridge between environmental concerns and human rights, aiming to create a holistic approach to address the intricate interplay between water, climate change, and justice. These endeavors signify a noteworthy stride in Pakistan’s dedication to tackling the intricate challenges of climate change and water insufficiency. The efforts of Hisaar Foundation with the collaboration of international and national panels signify a renewed focus on sustainable solutions and global cooperation and highlight the Foundation’s commitment to making good on their promises. For further PR-related inquiries please contact the undersigned.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

In a ceremony dedicated to the distribution of winter kits to the underprivileged, Governor Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori, lauded the praiseworthy efforts of inDrive and JDC in their joint initiative. During the ceremony at the Governor House Sindh, Governor Kamran Tessori acknowledged individuals and organizations that are actively working for the betterment of Pakistan.

Highlighting the noteworthy initiative undertaken by inDrive, Governor Tessori ensured full cooperation towards the nobel cause. He lauded JDC as a true blessing for the underprivileged, commending the commendable spirit of these institutions in serving humanity. During the ceremony, inDrive, a leading transportation platform,talks about their vision for ‘Ride to Donate’ initiative. The campaign aims to provide winter kits to those in need. Recognizing the importance of community support in offering warmth, hope, and essential items to the less fortunate, inDrive has already distributed 800+ winter kits, spreading warmth throughout the community. “At inDrive community, we believe in the power of collective kindness,” remarked Sidra Kiran, PR Lead, Pakistan-SA region at inDrive. She emphasized, “The ‘Ride to Donate’ initiative aligns with our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those facing the harsh realities of winter by sharing the warmth. We are dedicated to bringing warmth to hearts and homes, one winter kit at a time. Together, with compassion as our guide, we illuminate the path to a kinder tomorrow.” Mr. Zafar Abbas, founder of JDC, added, “Empathy knows no season. With every winter kit, we knit together a story of care and warmth.

Together, we’re not just providing essentials; we’re weaving a blanket of compassion for those in need.” Governor Tessori concluded his remarks by emphasizing the imperative for unified efforts to address pressing societal challenges. “Each of us must contribute within our means,” he asserted, acknowledging the prevailing economic challenges and calling for collective solutions.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

LADIESFUND Energy (Private) Limited, KFW DEG Impulse and develop held a landmark sustainability training for 125 women including 85 female engineering students on “Reducing Carbon Footprint.” The comprehensive training was led by Zehra Aneek, Head of Sustainability & Climate Change at EY, with a focus on Reducing Carbon Footprint and implementing Local Solutions for a decarbonized future. Solutions span microgrids for renewables, tailored mobility solutions for and by women, thrift and recycled clothing initiatives, circularity led by women, plastic management, and disaster preparedness. “It was wonderful to train the future climate female leaders of tomorrow. LADIESFUND Energy initiative is a huge doorstep towards the net zero climate-transition of Pakistan, an organisation led and run by the women of Pakistan.

I congragulate the team and look forward to continue contributing meaningfully to the LFE,” stated Zehra Aneek. LADIESFUND Energy (Private) Limited, KFW DEG Impulse and developpp have come together to empower empower female engineers and engineering students towards a greener future. This strategic partnership marks a significant stride in fostering sustainable development and nurturing the next generation of engineering trailblazers.

The training also emphasizes Pakistan’s trajectory towards building climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable human settlements, spotlighting projects like the SINDH Flood Housing endeavor as a flagship global adaptation project.

Key initiatives highlighted include:Promotion of circular economy and reduction of plastic leakage, Recharge Pakistan, aimed at transforming flood and water resource management, Commitment to achieving 60% renewables in the portfolio by 2030, A commitment to 30% adoption of electric vehicles.

LADIESFUND Energy reiterates its dedication to upholding human rights and fostering a culture deeply rooted in respect and sustainability. This commitment is bolstered by a robust Code of Conduct governing interactions with stakeholders and employees, ensuring an environment free of bias or prejudice.

As a frontrunner in advocating sustainable energy practices and inclusive growth within Pakistan’s energy sector, LADIESFUND Energy, in collaboration with KFW DEG Impulse and developpp, actively drives change and addresses pressing challenges through innovative collaborations. This strategic alliance between LADIESFUND Energy (Private) Limited, KFW DEG Impulse, and developpp underscores a shared commitment to empowering future engineering leaders and propelling sustainable change. Together, these entities amplify efforts toward a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.