Events Pakistan [ONE STOP EVENT GUIDE]

Meri Pharmacy: A one of its kind pharmacy and health care centre now operational in Karachi

2019-11-15T01:49:00.000-08:00

Meri Pharmacy has opened its flagship pharmacy and health centre in PECHS, Karachi. The centre was toured by the distinguished Chief Guest Mr. Abdul Latif Sheikh, President and CEO, Pakistan Society of Health System Pharmacists and Guest of Honor Syed Adnan Rizvi, Director, Drug Testing Laboratory of Pakistan. During the tour, guests were briefed about the variety of medicines available as well as the health care services being offered. The event was attended by the pharmacists, health care providers and Meri Pharmacy team.

Meri Pharmacy is a new concept in community pharmacy and health care services. Operating 24/7, the centre will stock medicines from all the major pharmaceuticals in the country and offer up to 15% discount on the retail price. The centre will also offer express delivery of medicines catering to emergency cases. Meri Pharmacy brings a highly convenient medicine delivery platform whereby medicine purchase orders can be placed through the website, phone call, WhatsApp and Facebook with nationwide delivery service.

“I feel honored to be a part of this initiative. Meri Pharmacy is certainly going to be a game changer in the health sector of Pakistan. They are redefining the provision of complete health care setup under one roof that is in line with the international quality and health safety standards,” said Mr. Abdul Latif Sheikh, President and CEO, Pakistan Society of Health System Pharmacists.

“The need for holistic health services is on the rise in Pakistan. The changing fast-paced lifestyle leaves people with little time to take care of their health. That’s why they are looking for easy access to medicines and health related advice. Meri Pharmacy has been introduced based on this concept, making it convenient for everyone to get affordable medicines and drug poison information. They can either visit the centre or get in touch remotely through website, social media or phone call”, said Shahrukh Butt, Head of Operations, Meri Pharmacy.

Additionally, Meri Pharmacy will have trained pharmacists with expertise in health counselling and providing drug poison information. They are ensuring the availability of authentic medicines

at these centres. Currently, Meri Pharmacy centres are operational in PECHS and Malir. The flagship centre in PECHS will also continue to offer free health check-ups for community welfare.

The Rebirth Of Farhad Humayun with the release of his new single ‘Main Hoon’

2019-11-15T01:44:00.002-08:00

Farhad Humayun returns to the Pakistani music scene after a hiatus of one year with ‘Main Hoon’ a song that celebrates life and the importance of being who you are rather than what others would like you to be.

The singer, songwriter and producer’s latest single is an amalgamation of Qawali and dance, the song seamlessly blends the two genres to create a fierce sound which moves the very depth the soul.
“Main Hoon” is a collaboration between Farhad Humayun and the Egyptian born, percussionist Hossam Ramzy, one of the biggest names in the percussion world. He had played extensively with Peter Gabriel, Beyonce, Ricky Martin, Jay Z, Led Zeppelin, Shakira, Joe Bonamassa, A.R Rehman & Martin Scorsese soundtracks.
Ramzy who passed away in Brazil earlier this year was a close friend of Farhad Humayun. ‘Main Hoon’ was his last recorded work and is being released posthumously as a tribute by Farhad Humayun.

“Main Hoon” celebrates the uniqueness of every individual, their eccentricities, their thoughts, and their ideas. The lyrics promote individuality which follows its own path not the one set by others. The song reflects on the pressures of the land and the refusal to understand the journey our inner self hopes to undertake.
The poignant lyrics stir emotions within, which have been sent to sleep by the world around us. While the rhythm of the song awakens the soul questioning our choices, the outcomes and chances missed.

The philosophy is reflective in the chorus of the song which translates to; "I am what I am, That's who I am, Not what you paint me to be, That's not my flag, Look - My world is on display"

On the release of the song and his own journey through the ups and downs of life, Farhad Humayun said, “This song is very close to my heart as it is autobiographical like my other music, art and videos. I believe our lives are cluttered with noise we let in - noise caused by the outside world. It is, like me, unabashed and unapologetic and marks my rise from darkness and ashes, back into the light, in front of the drums, the microphone and the camera. I’m happy to be here and faith and the powers that BE have enabled me. Really, it is a song about faith - Faith in myself”
The song and video is produced by Farhad Humayun which also features the British guitarist Aziz Ibrahim with lyrics by the singer & Sarmad Ghafoor. The video is a performance based visual montage of the artists playing, collaborating and recording in studios in Camden Town, London and Riot Studios in Lahore. A pictorial representation

The Talented Junaid Khan is Back with Another Mega Project; “Kashf”

2019-11-13T05:34:00.002-08:00

Junaid Khan has been starring in back to back hit dramas, garnering critical appreciation and acclaim for his brilliant performances. The talented star is once again all set to appear in Momina Duraid’s latest venture “Kashf”, alongside Hira Mani.

Directed by the ace director Danish Nawaz, whose recent project Khaas on Hum TV went on to become one of the greatest hits of the year, “Kashf” is slated for release on Hum Tv in the last week of November. Following Sun Yara’s success, “Kashf” marks as the second project for Junaid Khan, Hira Mani, and Danish Nawaz.

Talking about his new project, Junaid Khan said, "It was a thrill to work with Danish Nawaz and Hira Mani in Sun Yara, and I am so glad to have come together for another project. I can't wait for everyone to watch Kashf, because it is going to be an exciting one!"

With multiple hit projects to his name including, “KamZarf”, “Hania”, “Ishq Tamasha”, and “Silsilay”, Junaid Khan has managed to prove his versatility and acting prowess time and time again. He is also going to make his debut on the big screen next year with Kamran Bari's "Kahay Dil Jidhar".

Coke Studio all set to release Episode Four of Season 12 on 15th November 2019

2019-11-13T05:30:00.001-08:00

Coke Studio will be releasing the fourth episode of Season 12 on 15^th November 2019, featuring Gulon Main Rang by Ali Sethi with Shahzad Ali and Fazal Abbas, Dhola by Sahir Ali Bagga and Aima Baig, and Hairaan Hua by Sanam Marvi.

Gulon Main Rang:

Written by Faiz Ahmed Faiz and first sung in the voice of Mehdi Hassan Khan, Gulon Main Rang is a ghazal that shows the magic that is created when poetry joins music. Written in 1954 during his imprisonment in Montgomery Prison, Gulon Main Rang showcases Faiz’s ability to interweave classical idioms of romance and Divine Love with those of revolution and social justice. The poetry implores one’s beloved to return so that colors would return to flowers and springtime would descend on the world. The writer is sad and lovelorn one moment, yearning to hear of their beloved, and optimistic the next, celebrating their own sacrifices in the name of love.

Composed for Mehdi Hassan Khan in Raag Jhinjhoti, the ghazal was first aired on Radio Pakistan and then used in the soundtrack for the film Farangee in 1964. Gulon Main Rang remained an oft-requested part of Khan Sahab’s repertoire till the end of his career and is now being revived on Coke Studio in Ali Sethi’s voice. Coke Studio’s rendition of Gulon Mein Rang stays true to the traditional essence of the ghazal, featuring the harmonium and tabla, while refreshing it with contemporary instruments and accents. For Ali, doing a rendition of this ghazal is a chance for him to evolve as an artist by attempting to learn from the masters of bygone eras. As a student, he hopes that just in the process of attempting this ghazal, in the effort of doing it justice, he will learn and grow as an artist.

“When you express your feelings through your voice and poetry, you are inviting people to recognize their own emotions. Music is a miracle. If you move someone’s heart with music, all differences between you and them are wiped away for a bit.” said Ali Sethi.

Dhola:

A song celebrating the happiness and vulnerability of love, Dhola features Sahir Ali Bagga and Aima Baig, as they embody the conversation between two lovestruck companions. Composed by Bagga in Seraiki, the song was a challenge for both artists. For Bagga, this a true performance piece and, in the process of embodying a new character to bring life to the song, the artist adjusted his vocal range to sing at a higher octave. Aima too exhibits the full range of her vocals, challenging herself by singing in a language that she is not well versed in. In Dhola, as the two characters converse, one is reminded that love is about vulnerability, without which one could not experience the delight that comes with being truly open with someone else. A festive number, Dhola is ultimately a celebration of love, as it meanders between playful and vulnerable.

“I always want to make music that relates to my land, my culture and my home. Our raags, our beats, our lyrics – these are our own colors. I want to give my fans the kind of music that shows these colors.” said Sahir Ali Bagga.

“Music doesn’t have a language, it’s about the feeling. You have to put a lot of soul into whatever you are making. Music doesn’t work if you’re only doing it for money or professionally. It works only if it’s from the soul. There’s no price to it.” said Aima Baig.

Hairaan Hua:

This season on Coke Studio, Sanam Marvi gives voice to the poetry of Sachal Sarmast in Hairaan Hua. Woven with symbols of ishq-e-majazi (worldy love), the verses of Hairaan Hua sing of a beloved whose beauty is wonderous and has enamored the heart of the speaker. As is always the case with Sufi poetry, Sachal Sarmast invites listeners to delve into the meanings layered within this symbolism, to seek that which is not immediately obvious — the ishq he speaks of in these verses transcends the material, it is nothing less than ishq-e-haqiqi, Love of the Divine. The Beloved in Sarmast’s Hairaan Hua is the Divine who left him wonderstruck, capturing his heart completely and filling him with ecstasy. In Coke Studio’s rendition, Sanam weaves Sachal Sarmast’s words with poetry borrowed from other sources — she recalls the Beauty that Moses beheld on Koh-e-Toor when offered a glimpse of his Master, sings of the ecstasy felt by devotees at the prospect of meeting the Divine on the Day of Resurrection, and pays homage to the Persian saint Mansur Hallaj. Bringing together these verses in the rich resonance of Sanam’s resounding vocals, Hairaan Hua sheds a light on the ecstatic devotion of Sufi mystics, and the intensity of the love these mystics felt for the Divine.

“It is our responsibility to make music so that the message we are trying to spread through our voice and words reaches people.” said Sanam Marvi.

To find out more, keep yourself logged on to https://www.youtube.com/user/CokeStudioPk or https://www.facebook.com/cokestudio and look for the hashtag #CokeStudio12 to follow the Coke Studio journey.

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ABOUT ALI SETHI:

Crooning his way back to Coke Studio’s stage for his fifth performance on the platform, Ali Sethi returns this year with his unique flavor of classical tones and melodies, a mix between the nostalgic and contemporary. Ali made his debut in 2013, by lending his vocal chops to the original soundtrack of Mira Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Following this, he went on to feature as a singer in a Pakistani production for the first time, with Sarmad Khoosat’s Manto. Trained in Eastern Classical music under the tutelage of Ustaad Naseeruddin Saami, Ali is credited for being a bridge to classical music for today’s youth, making the genre relevant to younger audiences. His songs blend classical poetry with original lyrics and are contextually laden with layers of meaning. Ali has had several notable performances this year with The New York Times describing his performance at Carnegie Hall as having “both rawness and plaintive delicacy.” Ali is currently working on his debut album, a record that fuses the fundamentals of his musical learning with more contemporary sounds.

ABOUT SAHIR ALI BAGGA:

Sahir Ali Bagga, the versatile powerhouse, returns to Coke Studio this year with original music inspired by the colorful textures of his diverse experiences in the musical industry. A musician whose career began at the age of eight, Bagga recorded for the first time as a drummer on Madam Noor Jehan’s rendition of Mera Piya Ghar Aya for the film Bilawal. Trained by the ustads of the Tafu family in Lahore, Bagga went on to play for the likes of Mehdi Hassan Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, and Ghulam Ali as a teenager. By the time he hit his twenties, Bagga’s repertoire had expanded and included musicians like The Jupiters, Jawad Ahmed and Ali Azmat. An artist on a path to absorb and create, Bagga went on to become a composer. Having produced over 5000 songs to date, he has proven himself to be a dynamo producer, with songs featuring in numerous films and television productions. In the process, Bagga has also worked on his singing capabilities, adding to his versatility as a musician, eventually leading him to the mainstage of Coke Studio as a vocalist.

ABOUT AIMA BAIG:

Aima began to discover her voice as a young girl, in the privacy of her bedroom, singing along to karaoke versions of her favourite pop songs. While Aima’s secret remained undiscovered in the mainstream media for much of her life, she is now considered to be one of Pakistan’s leading female vocalists. She won a Lux Style Award in the category of Best Female Singer in Film for Kalabaaz Dil, a song she sang for Lahore Se Aagey in 2017. The following year, she won yet again in the same category. In 2019, Aima was awarded the highly coveted Tamgha-e-Fakhr-e-Imtiaz for her contribution to the arts. Aima is regarded as a versatile singer with a mastery in many genres including romantic, sad and upbeat songs and while her vocals possess a western texture, she has demonstrated her vocal range by singing in Seraiki, Punjabi and Urdu effortlessly. To date, Aima has worked on numerous films and dramas as a playback singer including Jawani Phir Nahin Aani 2, Na Maloom Afraadand, more recently, Parey Hut Love. As an artist, she has performed alongside top names in Pakistan’s music industry including Shuja Haider during the PSL Final Opening Ceremony.

ABOUT SANAM MARVI:

The Sufi songstress Sanam Marvi returns to Coke Studio this season with her mesmerizing earthy vocals, bringing music that has come down to her through her heritage of Sufi music. Sanam began her training at the age of seven, performing with her father at Sufi shrines in Sindh and Punjab. Born with a natural gift, Sanam was encouraged by her father to strive towards a career in music and it was just a matter of time before Sanam found a way to make her dream materialize. She debuted on ‘Virsa Heritage’, a program on PTV, and has since gone on to become one of the most well regarded Sufi singers of the region. Passionate in her mission to perfect her craft, Sanam has trained under Ustad Fateh Ali Khan of the Gwalior Gharana, and has come to be known for her ability to embody a grounded soulfulness in her performances. With Sufi poetry being her primary focus, Sanam finds her essence in performing compositions in Urdu, Sindhi and Seraiki - the lyrics of Sufi poets possess a timeless universality for her and provide her with comfort.

Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation pioneers Pakistan’s first Dog Leashes made out of Ghost Net!

2019-11-13T05:26:00.001-08:00

Popularly known as ACF Animal Rescue in Pakistan, the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation is a non-profit organization which started the first-ever animal shelter and sanctuary for street and homeless dogs and cats in Pakistan alongside working donkeys and mules. ACF started a movement for change 6 years ago when there was zero animal welfare in the country.

In 2018, ACF won the WWF Green Innovation Challenge for creating Pakistan’s first handmade dog leashes out of 100% ghost net, ACF partnered with WWF in introducing this innovative project where the foundation funded the project with seed money to engage fishermen to extract wasted ghost net from the oceans that are then crafted into beautiful leashes by engaging the local community women.

Talking about the pioneering dog leashes, ACF founder Ayesha Chundrigar said “We have created a product close to our heart. This is also an effort to play our part in improving the environment. Through this project, we are not only helping saving marine animals but also giving pet owners a chance to be eco-friendlier as the dog leash are made out of 100% ghost net.”

Ghost nets are plastic nets that inundates our seas across the world; turtles, fish and other marine animals get trapped in it as it’s ghost-like and is not easily visible under water. It's a significant part of plastic contamination that is killing our marine animals in enormous numbers.

The ghost net used for the dog leases is handmade by women who have been employed in the impoverished fishing villages that have been trained in braiding the leash by team ACF, helping them become independent and self-sufficient.

One leash is made of 0.5kg to 0.75kg of ghost net which is extremely sturdy and strong for dogs of any size or strength. These fishermen are paid Rupees 8000 per dive (2 fishermen=1 dive) to extricate the ghost net. Approximately 2 tons of ghost net can be retrieved in the duration of 1 dive. The fishermen then clean the net and the women have learned to bunch it up together and braid it in order to make the ghost net ropes. One leash takes between 1 to 2 hours to make. The women then line the ropes with scraps of thick cloth such as denim provided by Artistic Fabric and Garment Industries (PVT) Limited before the final adorning of yarn work to make the colorful leashes you see today! The raw material costs Rs.0 other than that the yarn that costs Rupees 200 per yarn roll.

Indeed, registered in Pakistan with the vision of assisting and empowering marginalized and neglected communities within Pakistani society, particularly street and working animals who are on the lowest rung of the ladder of suffering. ACF started the first rescue service and hotline number for people to report cases of abuse, neglect, cruelty, and abandonment.

For more information, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/ACFAnimalRescue/

http://ACFanimalrescue.org

Aida Khan wins the “Food Entrepreneur of the Year” award at London Asian Business Awards 2019!

2019-11-12T00:54:00.002-08:00

In a proud moment for Pakistan, Aida Khan, the co-founder, creative director and chef behind Islamabad and London’s traditional cuisine destination, SHOLA Karachi Kitchen has won the Food Entrepreneur of the Year award at the 3^rd London Asian Business Awards. The award is another addition to the growing list of Pakistani women who are excelling in diverse fields at all fronts.

The Asian Business Awards have a long-standing history in the UK, bringing together the top Asian entrepreneurs from around the UK - to be recognized, rewarded and remembered for their creativity, resolve and spirit, and their dedication to hard work. Without a doubt UK has a thriving Asian community which plays a significant role in its economy, culture, and the society at large.

An entrepreneur at heart, Aida Khan comes from a family with a deep passion for food. From an early age, she learnt how to cook traditional family style food from her mother, whilst her father taught her to love food through his passion to eat. A former banker, Aida Khan's passion for cooking led her to study at Leith’s School of Food and Wine and pursue her passion for cooking. She made her mark in the food community of London through her Karachi offerings in Supper Clubs, and in March 2019, Khan opened SHOLA Karachi Kitchen in West London. Aida Khan also aims to expand the flavors of Karachi to other parts of Pakistan and already runs an outlet in the capital city of Islamabad. Khan takes pride in serving clean and healthy Pakistani cuisines – appealing to vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike.

“I am so pleased to see Pakistani food get the true attention it deserves. Ours is a culture with such a rich history and wonderful traditions. At Shola, we are proud to be sharing flavors from all over Pakistan, with the rest of the world” said Aida Khan.

This November 2019, Aida Khan will be bringing SHOLA Karachi Kitchen’s artisanal traditional soul food to Islamabad Eat on 15, 16 and 17 November 2019.

SHOLA Karachi Kitchen is located at Shop 9-12, Trade Centre, F-7, Jinnah Super in Islamabad for takeaway and delivery. In London, the restaurant is located at Unit 6, West Works, White City Place, Wood Lane.

For more information visit:

Web: http://theasianbusinessawards.info/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLondonAsianBusinessAwards/

https://www.facebook.com/SholaKitchenpk/

https://www.facebook.com/sholakitchen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sholakitchen.pk/

https://www.instagram.com/sholakitchenuk/

Elysee Productions Launches the Title Song of its Maiden Movie ‘SACCH’

2019-11-10T23:00:00.003-08:00

Elysee Productions launched the title song of its maiden cinematic venture ‘Sacch’, featuring the vocals of the legendary Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The title song gives glimpses of the film’s lead characters who seem to be in great pain and despair. The heart-wrenching melody is penned by Fatima Najeeb and the director of the film’s music is Simaab Sen.

The lyrical content of the song is heart-rending enough on its own, but it is the maestro’s vocals that pulls the listeners’ heartstrings. The song articulates the internal struggle, conflict and pain of the film’s main characters and their expressions make the viewers’ feel the pain as well. Music of this emotional track is exceptional and raise the audience’s anticipation for the film’s upcoming songs.

Produced under the banner of Elysee Productions, Sacch is scripted by award-winning Bollywood screenwriter Kumud Chaudhry and directed by Zulfikar Sheikh. Dialogues of the film are by the celebrated Pakistani playwright Haseena Moin. The film marks acting debut of Elysee Sheikh opposite Asad Zaman Khan and Humayoun Ashraf. The supporting line-up includes veterans Javed Sheikh, Nauman Masood, Uzma Gillani, Fazila Qazi and others along with Zulfikar Sheikh and Tasmina Sheikh. The movie is all set to be released worldwide under the banner of HUM Films on December 20, 2019.

YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/l_pSChTx2nA

Coke Studio releases Episode Three of Season 12

2019-11-08T05:41:00.000-08:00

Coke Studio released the third episode of Season 12, featuring Chal Raha Hoon by Umair Jaswal, Mubarik Mubarik by Banur’s Band and Atif Aslam, and Aadam by Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad with Humnawa, on 8^th November 2019.

Revisiting the heartache of a loss experienced years ago, Umair Jaswal brings Chal Raha Hoon to Coke Studio Season 12. Written during Umair’s university years, Chal Raha Hoon is a song that flows between grief and hope, speaking of the darkness that follows the end of a relationship. Umair counts the distances that have come between him and the person he loves, sings of the sunlight burning his wounds, declaring that the days have turned to ash. These words are interwoven with resilience: “chal raha hoon” (I am walking onwards), Umair keeps reminding himself. Hidden in Chal Raha Hoon are the lessons that Umair learnt from the experience that inspired it - that life does move on, the sun keeps shining, and one’s pain becomes a source of growth and artistic inspiration. Reaching his audiences eight years after it was first written, Chal Raha Hoon signifies a new direction for Umair, of sharing music with the world that is more personal and comes from a place of vulnerability and honesty. On Coke Studio, Chal Raha Hoon find its voice as a rock ballad, with a musical arrangement designed to complement the shifting mood of its words.

Chal Raha Hoon can be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6nmcvhIOSQ

Celebrating the rich relationship between music and wedding festivities in our part of the world, Mubarik Mubarikcomes to us in the unique hues of the Baloch culture. The lyrics are simple and heartfelt and a mix of two aspects of Balochi poetry and music: haalo and naazek. A song of celebration, the naazek aspect of Mubarik Mubarik praises and celebrates the bride and bridegroom on their wedding day. The song also lives within the haalogenre of Balochi poetry, wherein the word haalois repeated several times and means ‘come’, inviting listeners to join the festivities. Musically, the song also includes a zahirok, which is the Balochi counterpart of Eastern Classical raags and forms the basis of Balochi music. In Mubarik Mubarik, the sarbaney zahirok has been used, which has been named after the cameleers who used to sing this, as they travelled through hills and mountains, vocalizing notes to match the gait of their camels’ footsteps. The song is a collaboration between Banur’s Band and Atif Aslam, who joins in on the celebration, adding Punjabi lyrics to the song. Singing in the Balochi Kechi dialect, SM Baloch brings his earthy tone and open free-flowing vocals to the track. A result of extensive research and careful thought on the traditions of Balochi music by the minds behind Banur’s Band, the song is an attempt to create something that showcases Baloch culture, while adding contemporary colors to the mix.

Mubarik Mubarik can be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ect_mqKkXTc

Presenting the story of mankind’s innate connection to music are Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad with Aadam, a composition by Hazrat Amir Khusrow that has been handed down to them through Sufi tradition. The piece, as presented by the duo, brings together three couplets and two taranas expressing the legacy of music in the Sufi tradition as well as the collective human inheritance. The first couplet narrates the incident of Hazrat Aadam’s creation, as told by Khusrow, presenting music as humankind’s Divine inheritance and an integral part of our story in the Divine Order. It is joined by two other couplets, celebrating the Sufi Chishti Order’s religious practice of using music as a vessel to gain connection with the Divine, and recalling the famed musical gatherings of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. A piece that follows its own ebb and flow, Aadam is presented by Coke Studio with Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad at the helm, leading the rise and fall of this composition as it climbs towards its crescendo.

Aadam can be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ74szweuZw

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ABOUT FAREED AYAZ AND ABU MUHAMMAD:

The qawwali ensemble of Fareed Ayaz & Abu Muhammad, returns this season with their signature genre that speaks of a domain beyond the material. Fareed Ayaz & Abu Muhammad are descendants of the Qawwal-Bachcha gharana of Delhi, tracing their lineage back to Mian Samad bin Ibrahim who was a disciple of Hazrat Amir Khushrow. The ensemble represents a scholarly tradition of nearly 700 years and consider it their sacred duty to preserve the principles and traditions of the qawwali. In this mission, they have performed and spread the message of the qawwali in seventy countries, and have been credited with bringing this classical tradition to the youth and revitalizing it in the country on a mainstream level. Wherever they perform, they offer the knowledge that has been passed down to them, a knowledge that speaks of ‘Divine and the Ultimate Truth’.

ABOUT UMAIR JASWAL:

The rock star with the unmistakable growl, Umair Jaswal returns to Coke Studio with a ballad that is deeply personal to him – signifying a new phase of his career where he shares more personal music with the world. Hailing from Islamabad, Umair Jaswal is someone whose name is one of the first to come to mind when one thinks of rock music in Pakistan. Former front man of the rock ensemble Qayaas, Umair is an artist who likes to play with the boundaries of what it is to be a rock musician in Pakistan and, in this process, has created a niche of his own. Vocally, the singer’s range is layered - Jaswal’s ability to belt out powerhouse vocals in true rock form is easily transformed into deep, husky textures for softer ballads. Umair has won multiple accolades and has featured on soundtracks for both film and television. A multi-talented performer, Umair has also worked as an actor in Mor Mahal and Yalghaar. After a short hiatus, Umair is set to return with his debut album, offering an intimate look into the singer’s life and featuring music and tonalities that showcase a softer side of him.

ABOUT BANUR’S BAND:

This season, Coke Studio welcomes Banur’s Band to the stage, bringing with them three stories of dedication to music. The band is the brainchild of Usman Liaqat, who began his pursuit of the craft in his teenage years. This pursuit was one that led to days and nights dedicated to the study of music. Today, Usman runs a studio in Quetta and travels as a session musician all over Pakistan.

Surrounded by music growing up, Chakar Baloch developed an innate relationship with melody. As a young child, he developed the desire to play the benjo -- a wish that became a reality two decades later. In spite of societal pressure to pursue a more conservative path, Chakar was determined and picked up on musical techniques by observing and listening. Eventually trained by his uncle, Chakar uses his academic background to study Balochi musical tradition, infusing his knowledge into the music he creates. Chakar and Usman came together during a song recording and have since then, worked together, driven by their mutual desire to learn and experiment with Balochi music.

The third component to the magic is SM Baloch, an uncle of Chakar’s. Though he did grow up singing, out of obedience towards his family’s values, he never pursued it seriously. However, over time, Baloch met with musicians who encouraged him to pursue his gift. On a chance visit to see Chakar in Quetta, Baloch met Usman, who was instantly in awe of his singing prowess -- and so, Banur’s Band was born. Today, Coke Studio becomes a part of the journey that these three musicians share.

ABOUT ATIF ASLAM:

This season, Atif Aslam brings an experimentation of ambient and introspective discovery to the canvas of Coke Studio; once again exploring the melodies hidden in his voice and showcasing his versatility with genres that are new to his repertoire. For Atif, it all began with a song which pulled him under the spotlight– Aadat. The song created the trajectory that would soon become his career. Atif’s musical journey began when he first started to experiment with his voice while he was alone in his family home in Lahore. This led to a pursuit of his craft that presented itself in college activities. Since then, Atif’s name has been considered as the embodiment of a unique brand of vocal prowess. With international tours constantly lined up, 3 albums to his name, multiple Bollywood singles, several international collaborations and a fan reach that spans across the globe, Atif has solidified his place as one of the predominant voices in the subcontinent today.

Campaign launched to spread awareness of burns caused through negligence: “Chai ka Nishaan”

2019-11-07T02:15:00.001-08:00

Shockingly, 80% of all burns on children are caused by something very everyday: the spillage of hot tea. Most of the affected children are below the age of 10, for whom a split second of negligence results in lifelong impact, or worse: in a single hospital, on average 3 to 4 children die due to unbearable consequences of tea spillage.

In Pakistan, every third household has a burn victim. The fragile skin of a child and the sensitivity of the matter may result in permanent disability, and incidents are not only painful for the victim, but equally disturbing for parents & loved ones.

However, 100% of these incidents can be avoided through some minimal lifestyle changes, awareness, and simple precautions. Hashmat Effendi Burn & Plastic Surgery Department Shalamar Hospital is determined in curing and protecting future generations.

Ms. Hashmat Effendi, (Founder of H.E Burn & Plastic surgery department) while addressing on Chai Ka Nishaan Campaign stated, “Our journey to protect our Nation’s children has started. This campaign is not against tea – it is an awareness campaign to teach our society to protect children by keeping hot cups of tea away from them. Kyon ke yeh Chai Ka Nishaan kabhi nai jata. This is a moment where everyone gets together to spread the awareness! You never know you protect some child’s life by just letting the parents know what they do not know!”

This is a time where everyone needs to come together & play their role, as after all, prevention is better than cure and our ultimate goal is to eliminate such cases.

To watch the campaign video, please click on the following Facebook link:

https://www.facebook.com/walnutcomms/videos/421993892048646/

About Shalamar Hospital:

Shalamar Hospital is committed in the delivery of its tripartite mission of exemplary patient care, high-impact research and education. Over the last 44 years, Shalamar Hospital has evolved into a premier tertiary care medical facility with 500 beds and 25 clinical departments and specialties equipped with world-class diagnostic and treatment facilities.

Mercantile Pacific appointed as Apple’s authorised distributor for Pakistan

2019-11-07T02:11:00.000-08:00

Apple has appointed Mercantile Pacific, Singapore, one of the leading global mobile phone distribution companies, as a regional distributor for Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The company has a well-established and constantly growing network of partners, suppliers, and customers across the world and a powerful portfolio that includes popular models of all premium brands.

Mercantile Pacific is now expanding its network into Pakistan by signing up Airlink Communication as its distribution partner across the country. Mercantile Pacific Head of Global and Business Development Simon Mallitte expressed his delight by saying, “We are thrilled to partner with Airlink Communication, one of the leading Mobile Phone Distributors, in the country.”

Speaking on the occasion, Airlink Communication Ltd CEO Muzzaffar Hayat Piracha said, “Airlink Communication is committed to offering the best products to the consumers through this alliance. The market for premium products in Pakistan is growing and we should expect the best from the future.”

NETFLIX TO RELEASE SHARMEEN OBAID-CHINOY’S “SITARA: LET GIRLS DREAM”

2019-11-03T23:31:00.002-08:00

Netflix, the world's leading internet entertainment service, is all set to release Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s SITARA: LET GIRLS DREAM in 2020 which will be available in over 190 countries. Indeed, SITARAis the first Pakistani Animated Film to be released and distributed by NETFLIX USA

Written and directed by two-time Academy and three-time Emmy Award-winning director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, SITARA: LET GIRLS DREAM takes the audience on a journey through the old city of Lahore, where, Pari, a fourteen-year-old girl dreams of becoming a pilot and whose story is told through the perspective of her younger sister, Mehr. It is a story about the burdens of a family and the impact of a culture where girls are still struggling to fully realize their dreams. SITARA is a silent film [no dialogues] which embodies this struggle.

“Waadi Animations is proud to have created an animated short that is at par with the best of the world and we are delighted that SITARAwill be available to a global audience on Netflix. We hope it will lead to thoughtful discussions as we also begin screening the film in schools and community centers around the world. We strongly believe that Investing in the dreams of young girls will lead to a more equitable world.” said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

Chinoy had earlier launched a campaign with GUCCI’s social impact initiative Chime for Change to #LetGirlsDreamby encourage girls around the world to share their dreams and gain inspiration from one another. A robust school outreach program is alsready underway across the world to encourage girls to hold meaningful conversations about their dreams and how to achieve them. The website for this campaign is www.LetGirlsDream.org

The music for SITARA has been composed by Grammy and Emmy Award-Winning composer Laura Karpman. Finances and produced by VICE Studios, the film’s Executive Producers include Gloria Steinem, the iconic women’s rights activist, and Darla Anderson, the Academy Award Winning producer of Coco and Toy Story 3, VICE Media Group CEO Nancy Dubuc, and Emmy-nominated Ariel Wengroff as well as Sharmeen’s animation production company Waadi Animation with Imke Fehrmann as the producer for SITARA: LET GIRLS DREAM.

In Pakistan, the Waadi Animations Team is spearheaded by Art Director Salman Nasir, Animation Director Kamran Khan, CG Lighting Supervisor Adnan Saeed, Director of Photography Faizan Ali, Editor Husain Qaizer, Sound Effects Editor Sameer Khan, co-producer Eleyna Sara Haroun and Associate Producer Syed Ayub with Salman Iqbal, Jerjees Seja, Imke Fehrmann and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy as the producers.

Indeed, SITARA: LET GIRLS DREAM will join a growing slate of Netflix animated titles for families, which includes feature films Klaus from Sergio Pablos [November 2019] as well as The Willoughbys from Kris Pearn and Over The Moon from Glen Keane in 2020.

The trailer for SITARA: LET GIRLS DREAM can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/EztDSGZb2xY

Behind The Scenes for SITARA can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/Luk-C3DC6OM

Pakistan International Film Festival Features Animation

2019-11-03T23:18:00.002-08:00

Karachi Film Society announced its second edition of Pakistan International Film Festival which will take place from 25^thto 27^th October. This year the festival focuses on animated films only. The event will have multiple activities including seminars, talks, workshop and film screenings along with three Pakistan premiers of international productions.

Karachi Film Society is a non-profit organization and parent body of Pakistan International Film Festival (PIFF), founded by renowned producer/director Ms. Sultana Siddiqui. Other notable members of KFS are Jamil Baig, Ameena Saiyid, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Sirajuddin Aziz, Javed Jabbar, Ronak Lakhani and Sayeeda Leghari. The festival is supported by the Government of Sindh through its Department of Culture.

The activities of the festival include a seminar scheduled to take place on October 25^th on the topic: ‘Potential of Animation in Pakistan – Challenges & Opportunities’. Filmmaker Sana Tauseef who produced animated film ‘TikTok’ in 2018, will be the moderator for the seminar and will be joined by panelists Amyn Farooqui, Co-CEO/Co-Founder & Creative SHARP IMAGE; Daniyal Noorani, CEO - Wakhra Studio /Creator Quaid se Batein; Aziz Jindani, Founder - Talisman Animation Studio, Creative Director 'The Donkey King'; Arif Jilani, Producer Barajoun Entertainment, BILAL - a New Breed of hero; Imran Ali Dina, Lecturer/ GFX Mentor and Asif Iqbal Bridge Animations &VFX -Chief Executive Officer. The chief guest will be Mr. MurtazaWahab - Advisor to Chief Minister of Sindh on Law, Anti-corruption, Establishment and Information.

Six films will be screened during PiFF: BILAL: A New Breed of Hero (Arif Jilani – producer); ALLAHYAR and the Legend of Markhor (Uzair Zaheer Khan – director, writer & producer); Mary & The Witch’s Flower (English Language producer);Modest Heroes – (Ponoc Short Films Theatre, Volume 1); Kanini & Kanino; created by (Hiromasa Yonebayashi). Life Ain’t Gonna Lose presented by Yoshiyuki Momose, the “right-hand man” to famed animation director Isao Takahata; Invisible drawn and animated by Akihiko Yamashita. The Donkey King (Aziz Jindani - Founder of Talisman Animation Studios and co-producer, co-writer and creative director of The Donkey King) and 3 BAHADUR: Rise of the Warriors (Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy – director, SOC Films).

The Short Films include Global Citizens; Why are sea levels rising; Saif the fisherman and Quaid Se Batein (Daniyal Noorani - Creator). The Workshop will be conducted by Geoffery Wexler. From his work on Studio Ponoc's debut feature film 'Mary and The Witch's Flower' to his pursuit of storytelling worthy of Isao Takahata’s masterpiece when producing the English-language version of Studio Ghilbi's 'Only Yesterday' will be discussed in the session.

The Festival will be a gathering of professionals, students, academia and enthusiasts of animation in Pakistan. The three-day long event will be the first of its kind in the country and will open new doors for progress in this growing industry.

Startup Grind Pakistan Conference 2019: Tech Innovation is the Future of Pakistan

2019-11-03T23:16:00.003-08:00

This November, over 1500 founders, thought leaders and ecosystem enablers are all set to come together for the Startup Grind Pakistan Conference, the first-of-its-kind gathering in Pakistan based around stimulating conversations about technology and its role in innovation for Pakistan. Globally successful Pakistani entrepreneurs, innovators and technologists are participating in the conference to tell their stories, inspire young entrepreneurs and share how Pakistan as a country can emulate their achievements.

The very first edition of Startup Grind Pakistan Conference 2019 is happening on the 4th and 5th of November, with over 55 speakers and over a 100 mentors and industry experts from Pakistan and abroad. The speakers include Safwan Shah (Payactiv); Saad Bashir (City Of Seattle); Dr. Waheed Qureshi (Mesmer); Sabah Baxamoosa (Gsvlabs); Murtaza Ahmed (Softbank); Atif Awan (Indus Valley Capital/Ex Linkedin); Shoaib Makani (Keeptruckin); Melissa Sassi (IBM); Felipe Millan (Techstars/Sendgrid); Akif Malik (Podium VC); Mohammad Saleh (Startup Grind Jordan); Naheed Afzal (Tech London Advocates Pakistan); Mashhood Alam (SAP Ariba); Andrew Hyde (Solana/Techstars); Omar Chaudhary (Playermatch.Com); Bilal Ahmed (Sonasoft); Mudassir Azeemi (Wells Fargo); Adeel Raza (Minder / Mailmunch); Huma Hamid(Pakistani Women In Computing, Pwic); Sheba Najmi (Code For Pakistan/Linkedin); Majid Khan (Jabberwock Ventures); Jamaludin Bujang (Gobi Partners); Shane Shin (Shorooq Investments); Kunal Savjani (Shorooq Investments); Dr. Bernhard Klemen (Sarmayacar); Mostafa Kandil(SWVL); Faisal Aftab (Lakson Investments Venture Capital, LIVC); Kalsoom Lakhani (Invest2Innovate); Zouhair Khaliq (TeamUp); Yasser Bashir (Arbisoft); Ali Mukhtar (Fatima Ventures); Khurram Zafar (47 Ventures); Rabeel Warraich (Sarmayacar); Muneeb Maayr (Bykea); Faizan Aslam (Bookme.pk); Ingrid Johansson (Embassy Of Sweden – Islamabad); Sadia Khurram (Jazz); Bernhard Schlagheck (Embassy Of Germany – Islamabad); Nadeem Hussain (Planet N Group Of Companies); Sidra Iqbal (Aaj News); Misbah Naqvi (I2I Ventures); Hassan Saeed (Business Consultant); Zain Haider Awan (Re:Coded); Ahmed Khan (Cheetay Logistics Pvt. Ltd.); Umar Saif (Geo/Jang Media Group); Magnus Sparrholm (Talkpool) And Humayun Mazhar(Cresventures) to name a few.

"Pakistan has produced the minds behind some of the world's leading tech companies including Afiniti ($1.6 billion AI startup), KeepTruckin ($1.25 billion startup), FireEye (world's leading cyber security company), Cavium (sold for $6 billion) and many others. As a country, we need to celebrate these entrepreneurs as heroes and give them the platform to help Pakistan – Startup Grind is that platform, bringing back more than 55 globally successful Pakistani entrepreneurs, innovators and technologists from Silicon Valley and around the world”, states Arzish Azam, CEO Ejad Labs & Lead organizer of Startup Grind Pakistan Conference.

The current size of the IT industry of Pakistan is an estimated $2.6 billion, with its contribution to the GDP being 1.4%. Pakistan has the talent and immense potential to tap into increasing its IT exports and strengthen the industry further. The very first Startup Grind Pakistan Conference aims to start a conversation about the potential of tech innovation and increase the awareness of youth about using technology to take fuel economic growth in Pakistan. Be a part of the premiere Startup Grind Pakistan Conference and explore ways to contribute to Pakistan’s tech industry.

PAKISTAN ADVANCES TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH OF RED BULL CAMPUS CRICKET WITH A 9 RUN DEFEAT OF INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY FROM SRI LANKA

2019-11-03T23:13:00.003-08:00

Still riding high from yesterday’s defeat of arch-rivals India, Pakistan played like a squad determined to make the finals and outclassed a scrappy Sri Lanka side in a 9 run victory on the way to 187 runs overall. The win puts Pakistan in the finals of the 2019 Red Bull Campus Cricket tournament and a chance to seek the ultimate glory of raising the winner’s trophy.

Man of the Match Mahmood Ali pushed Pakistan from the start, leading a balanced attack at the crease with 23 runs and providing outstanding fielding when the team needed it the most. Ali also was the star against India the day prior when he punished India with a big bat and hopes to keep this trend going in the finals against South Africa.

“Sri Lanka played brilliant cricket today but I’m happy that we got the victory,” Ali said. “South Africa will be a tough opponent in the finals but we are ready for the challenge. Maybe the best team wins, maybe not but we’ll go out and give our best.”

The Energizer Over again proved to be an Achilles heel for Pakistan as they failed to capitalize for the 2^nd straight match. In what should be an opportunity to pad their run totals, they instead were bowled out which automatically staked Sri Lanka to a 5 run start on their chase. The Energizer Over is a unique element to Red Bull Campus Cricket where teams can select one over where every run is double in value and adds an additional strategic element to each match.

Launched in 2012 with just over 800 participants, Red Bull Campus Cricket has grown steadily, with the number of participants increasing year-on-year, reaching over 8,000 athletes in total. It has fast cemented its status as an important competition for aspiring cricketers currently in university - all players within a team must be affiliated with their own university or college.

Not only does the tournament provide teams with professional cricketing experience, Red Bull Campus Cricket also offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for upcoming cricket athletes to gain recognition and further their career.

Peek Freans Introduces the Peek Freans Emerging Artist Prize to Encourage Budding Artists at the Karachi Biennale 2019

2019-11-03T23:06:00.000-08:00

Peek Freans is dedicated to spreading joy among their consumers and they do so not only through their products, but also through other alignments and initiatives. Their latest award launched in collaboration with Karachi Biennale Trust this year, aims to recognize young artists who have shown exceptional talent and potential. This year's winner, Arsalan Nasir, was presented with a unique medallion at the inaugural ceremony of Karachi Biennale 2019 for his work.

The Karachi Biennale is held every two years to provide a platform for emerging artists to show case their work. This year, the event showcased multiple artists from all over Pakistan as well as several other countries. The theme for this year was the devastating ‘development footprint’ on ecology.

While speaking to the media, Arsalan talked about the dangers of rapid urbanization in our part of the world, particularly with regards to the environment. Through his art, he wanted to depict the first and foremost repercussion of rapid urbanization - the birds of our city. These birds are in danger every day due to the rapid increase in the prevalence of tall buildings, communication towers and wires around the city.

Speaking about the award, Dr Zeelaf Munir, Managing Director & CEO EBM, said “Art is the best medium to help raise social awareness and EBM wants to use that to help drive focus towards the most pressing issue of our time. Keeping in line with EBM’s history of nourishing the environment and championing positive change, we are doing our part by encouraging youngsters to use their creativity to help raise awareness about the environment.”

Karachi Biennale, termed as the largest international contemporary art event by its organizers, kicked off on 26th October, 2019.

About EBM:

EBM has been baking nutritious delights for Pakistani consumers under the brand name Peek Freans since 1996. As one of the pioneers of the industry as well as a dominating market leader, EBM continues to innovate on each of the three fronts: product, quality, and communication.

MCB Bank Limited posts highest 9 month Profit of all Private Sector Banks - Maintains industry’s highest quarterly payout of Rs. 4 / share

2019-10-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

The Board of Directors of MCB Bank Limited met under the Chairmanship of Mian Mohammad Mansha, on October 17, 2019 to review the performance of the Bank and approve the condensed interim financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The Board of Directors has declared 3rd interim cash dividend of Rs. 4.0 per share i.e. 40% bringing the total cash dividend for the year ending 2019 to 120%, continuing with its highest in the industry dividend payout trend.

MCB reported profit before tax of Rs. 27.51 billion which is 18% higher than the corresponding last period and translated into earnings per share of Rs. 13.74 (2018: Rs. 12.08). The key highlights of the performance were impressive increase in net interest margins through gradual shift in the maturity profiling of investment base along with an efficient cost base. Profit after tax (PAT) of the Bank increased by 14% to Rs. 16.29 billion as the bank recorded additional super tax @ 4% for the tax year 2018, as enacted through the Second Supplementary Finance Act, 2019. Effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 came to 41% which is 2% higher than the corresponding last period.

Net interest income increased to Rs. 42.99 billion, 27% higher than corresponding last period. Volumetric growth in average earning assets, particularly investments, along with effective mix of shorter maturity earning assets in a rising interest rate scenario enabled the Bank to post growth in gross mark-up income of Rs. 39.52 billion, up 67% over corresponding last period. The Bank has been riding the yield curve over the last few years, taking the benefit of the significant interest rate hike despite the fact that interests on deposits are repriced earlier than the earning assets.

The non-markup income block of the Bank was reported at Rs. 11.45 billion with major contributions coming in from fee commission and foreign exchange income. Fees and commissions generated from core banking businesses increased by 5% to Rs. 8.32 billion. Foreign exchange income increased by 26% to Rs. 2.19 billion as a result of better leveraging of market opportunities.

Despite the inflationary surge during the period, (September-19 YoY CPI of 12.5%) and growth in the operational network and infrastructure, operating expenses recorded an insignificant increase of 6% over corresponding last period excluding pension fund cost.

The coverage and gross NPLs to advances ratios are 83.65% and 9.66% respectively.

Total asset base of the Bank on unconsolidated basis was reported at Rs. 1.58 trillion showing an increase of 6% over December 2018. Analysis of the assets mix highlights that net investments have increased by Rs. 115.1 billion (+15%) whereas net advances have decreased by Rs. 13.3 billion over December 31, 2018.

The deposit base of the Bank has registered a healthy increase of Rs. 96.1 billion and stood at Rs. 1,145.14 billion, a growth of 9% over December 2018. Focusing on its low cost deposit base, the Bank was able to increase current deposits at the rate of 4% over December 2018, with overall CASA base of approximately 91% which reflects the customer confidence and the inherent value of a strong brand name.

The Bank on a consolidated basis is operating the 2^ndlargest network of 1,560 branches in Pakistan. The Bank remains one of the prime stocks traded in the Pakistani equity market with highest market capitalization in the industry. The profitability and payout returns of the Bank are one of the highest in the industry.

The Bank remains well capitalized with the Capital Adequacy Ratio at 18.15% against the requirement of 11.90% (including capital conservation buffer of 1.90%). Quality of the capital is evident from Bank’s Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) to total risk weighted assets ratio which comes to 16.17% against the requirement of 6.00%. Bank’s capitalization also resulted in a leverage ratio of 6.72% which is well above the regulatory limit of 3.0%. The Bank reported Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 195.68% and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) of 145.45% against requirement of 100%.

The Bank enjoys highest local credit ratings of AAA / A1+ categories for long term and short term respectively, based on PACRA notification dated June 27, 2019.

Beggar Turned Entrepreneur honoured at LADIESFUND Awards

2019-10-15T22:59:00.001-07:00

Dawood Global Foundation held the 11^th Anniversary of the LADIESFUND® Women’s Awards for Pakistan 2019 at Sindh Governor House where over four hundred of the most dynamic and inspiring women in Pakistan gathered to celebrate the strength and empowerment of women, as well as acknowledge the great economic contribution of Pakistani women who are not only job creators but all finalists in Trailblazer and Momentum categories. The First Lady of Pakistan Samina Alvi sent a special message for the occasion. The Governor of Sindh, Imran Ismail Sahib, was the Chief Guest for the event and State Bank Governor Dr. Reza Baqir was Guest of Honour.

LADIESFUND Lifetime Achievement Award winners, Ava Cowasjee & Dr. Sania Nishtar graced the occasion. Cowasjee is well known in the shipping industry and for her philanthropy, while Dr. Nishtar is Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on poverty alleviation and flew in from Islamabad for the event. National Anthem was sung by pop single Jana Nazabeth and a special classical dance performance was by Anjaleen Maryam Agrawalla. Pomme Gohar compered.

Governor Sindh Presented LADIESFUND® Idol Award to winner Sameena Kumari Pirbho from Tharparkar. Other winners included People’s Choice winners organic beautypreneur Myra Qureshi (Trailblazer), event planner Anisa Rashid Kha (Momentum) and child abuse prevention activist Frieha Altaf (Women of the Year), all of whom are great contributors to the economy. This year’s judges who finalized theslate of nominees included past LADIESFUND winners Yasmeen Lari (2016), Ameena Saiyid (2012), Simi Kamal (2016) & Noorjehan Bilgrami (2015). Voting was viral via online, radio and television reaching over 100 million homes.

Other pre-announced awards included Pakistani Hoor (Pioneer) – a beggar turned entrepreneur who is training other female beggars in her hometown of Makli to become entrepreneurs, Uzma Noorani (Angel) and craftpreneur Bushra Imran (Entrepreneur in the Spotlight).

Dr. Abida Sattar gave a short presentation on breast cancer awareness.

There was an introduction of Educate a girl by deserving scholars with special thanks on stage to French Consul General Didier Talpain and Fundraising Chair Nazneen Tariq Khan.

An International Fellowship was awarded to Tooba Rashid to travel to Germany for World Business Dialogue and presented on stage by German Consul General Eugen Wollsforth. She was joined on stage by past international fellows Rabia Khamani, Sonia Kamnani, Alina Makhani, Rabiya Hafeez, Syeda Humaira Anwaar, Konmal Gopi, Sindhiya Kirshan & Naina Rani, as well as British Deputy Head of Mission Mark Rakestraw.

This year’s Bachelors Scholarship to Iqra University were awarded for Maica Mary (Governor House Nurse’s Daughter), with tuition cheque presented on stage to IU representative Asad Hussain.

Spotted at the event were Begum Governor Reema Imran, Senator Khushbakht Shujaat, Senator Nasreen Jalil, Amin Gulgee, Khalid Mirza, Deepak Perwani, Mina Hasan, Ali Rashid, as well as various diplomats, socialites and dynamic women achievers.

“Pakistan Solar Quality Passport: Training of Master Trainers to Ensure Quality of Solar Installations Begins”

2019-10-15T22:54:00.001-07:00

Pakistan Solar Quality Passport: Training of Master Trainers begins in Islamabad today. Dr Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan, CEO AEDB, inaugurated the training. In his address to the participants Dr Jabbar said that “Emerging technologies like solar PV need to be well understood for their performance and applications in a diverse region like Pakistan. While we import a lot of equipment, it is critical to have experts that can engage on techo-economical analysis, particlarly to improve future yields and have a more significant impact on the environment. The training initiated today is creating a legacy for capacity building of industry experts.”

This 5-day training, is being led by Mr Frank Neumann and Mr Frank Robens from Renewables Academy (RENAC), Berlin, Germany with participation from NUST Islamabad, UET Lahore, NED University Karachi and Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE).

The purpose of this Training of Trainers programme is to prepare skilled Master Trainers who can contribute actively to building the capacity of local solar installers to ensure quality of solar installations in Pakistan. Each participating organization has committed to arrange and execute at least three trainings for solar installers per year. These trainings will prepare solar installers to make certain that they are delivering quality installation and after installation services in addition to selecting quality solar PV products for installation. By encouraging installers to ensure right design, good product selection and proper installation, greater customer satisfaction can be achieved along with an improved image of the solar industry in Pakistan.

The Pakistan Solar Quality Passport is a private sector initiative led by the Solar Quality Foundation (SQF) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Alternative Energy Development Board, together with partners such as the German Solar Association and Stimulus, to develop a concept that will significantly improve quality in the Pakistani solar market.

The Pakistan Solar Quality Passport (SQP) ensures that the customer is provided with the required documentation after a PV system is installed. The SQP, however, does not replace manufacturer warranties and guarantees. By focusing on quality, the solar sector wants to improve the long term reliability of PV systems in Pakistan. It wants to prevent – among other things: low quality and unsafe installations work; misleading claims given to system owners regarding the performance of their Solar PV system and future electricity bills; false advertising regarding the size and suitability of the Solar PV system being installed and; the installation company not taking responsibility for the whole of the Solar PV system including fulfillment of component warranties and general workmanship.

All solar companies and installers who wish to sign up for the Solar Quality Passport scheme, must undergo training provided by one of the certified Master Trainers and institutions participating in this training.

About:

Solar Quality Passport Pakistan is a PDF-based As-built-report to be issued with the installation of all good-quality Solar PV units. The SQP is based on experiences from Germany and South Africa, where similar concepts have been invented and implemented by the German Solar Association and local partners. This knowledge is now being transferred to Pakistan. Thanks to funding by the German-International Cooperation (GIZ) and supervision by local associations and the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) the SQP will be implemented by the German Solar Association and Stimulus.

SHARMEEN OBAID-CHINOY LAUNCHES #LETGIRLSDREAM CAMPAIGN IN COLLABORATION WITH GUCCI’S CHIME FOR CHANGE

2019-10-15T22:47:00.001-07:00

On the occasion of International Day of the Girl, Two-time Academy and three-time Emmy Award-winning director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy launched a campaign with Gucci’s CHIME FOR CHANGEto #LetGirlsDreamin support of Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage and Equality Now’s efforts to bring an end to child marriage.

Compelled by this critical global issue, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has partnered with CHIME FOR CHANGE on her new animated short film, SITARA: LET GIRLS DREAM, about Pari, a young girl whose dream of being a pilot is crushed when she is forced into child marriage. It is the story of 12 million girls around the world who are married off as child brides every year denying them the right to education and an opportunity to fulfil their dreams. In Nigeria, 76% of girls are married before the age of 18. In Central African Republic it’s 68%, in Chad it’s 67% and Bangladesh is 59%. For Pakistan; 21% of girls are married before their 18^th birthday and 3% are married before the age of 15 and in the US where 23 states have no minimum age for marriage, over 160,000 children under the age of 18 were married between 2000 and 2010.

To accompany the film and in coordination with Equality Now and Girls Not Brides, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and CHIME FOR CHANGE have launched a campaign around the theme “Let Girls Dream”. At LetGirlsDream.org and through the hashtag #LetGirlsDream, visitors are encouraged to share their dreams and to call on the global community to help break down the barriers that keep so many girls and women from pursuing theirs. Italian fashion designer Alessandro Michele, President and CEO of Gucci Marco Bizzarri, singer and actress Lou Doillon, model and actress Elle Fanning, model and activist Bethann Hardison, Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee, CEO of Women Deliver Katja Iversen, actress, model and entrepreneur Neelofa, editor and publisher Elise by Olsen, actress Saoirse Ronan, model and actress Jodie Turner-Smith, musician Alison Wonderland, visual artist John Yuyi, and acid attack survivors from Hothur Foundation, girls and women from mothers2mothers, Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, Lower East Side Girls Club, and many others, have already shared their dreams on the platform.

Written and directed by Sharmeen, SITARA: LET GIRLS DREAM takes the audience on a journey through the old city of Lahore where a fourteen-year old girl, Pari, dreams of becoming a pilot. Her story is told through the perspective of her six-year-old sister Mehr, who is unaware of the traditions and barriers that lay in the path of women from her family. It is a story about the burdens of a family and the impact of a culture where girls are still struggling to fully realize their dreams. SITARA is a silent film [no dialogues] which embodies this struggle.

To coincide with International Day of the Girl, Gucci and CHIME FOR CHANGE hosted the premiere of SITARA, followed by a conversation with Obaid-Chinoy, Executive Producers Gloria Steinem and Ariel Wengroff, producer Imke Fehrmann, and composer Laura Karpman, moderated by Kimberly Drew. At LetGirlsDream.org educators globally have the opportunity to request a local screening, discussion materials and activities that encourage girls and young people to share their dreams and inspire one another.

“Young girls everywhere still face considerable hurdles in achieving their dreams. SITARA embodies that struggle; it is the story of Pari, a young girl who dreams of becoming a pilot and is robbed of it. For me, SITARA is more than a film, it is a movement that we want to start across the world, that encourages parents to invest in their girls’ dreams, freeing their daughters from the burdens of early marriage.” said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who is also a CHIME FOR CHANGE Advisory Board Member along with Sarah Brown [Chair, Global Business Coalition for Education], Leymah Gbowee [Nobel Peace Prize recipient (2011)], Jada Pinkett Smith [Actor, Advocate and Founder, Don't Sell Bodies], Julia Roberts [Actor, Activist and Philanthropist] and Cleo Wade [Artist, poet, and author], to name a few.

The music for SITARA has been composed by Emmy Award-Winning composer Laura Karpman. Recorded and mixed at the world’s most famous and iconic studio, Abbey Road studios, Karpman’s score has been paramount in bringing the film’s story and characters to life. The film’s Executive Producers include Gloria Steinem, the iconic women’s rights activist, and Darla Anderson, the Academy Award Winning producer of Coco and Toy Story 3.

SITARA: LET GIRLS DREAM, is produced under the banner of Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s animation company, Waadi Animations entirely in Pakistan, from its concept to execution in association with Vice Studios and Gucci’s CHIME FOR CHANGE.

In Pakistan, the Waadi Animations Team is spearheaded by Art Director Salman Nasir, Animation Director Kamran Khan, CG Lighting Supervisor Adnan Saeed, Director of Photography Faizan Ali, Editor Husain Qaizer, Sound Effects Editor Sameer Khan, co-producer Eleyna Sara Haroun and Associate Producer Syed Ayub with Salman Iqbal, Jerjees Seja, Imke Fehrmann and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy as the producers.

The trailer for SITARA: LET GIRLS DREAM can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/EztDSGZb2xY

Behind The Scenes for SITARA can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/Luk-C3DC6OM

For more information, visit:

www.socfilms.com

http://www.facebook.com/socfilms

www.sitarathemovie.com

www.LetGirlsDream.org

-ends-

About Waadi Animation:

Waadi Animations, with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy as the CEO and Founder, was the first animation company in Pakistan to produce feature-length animation films, under the franchise name 3 Bahadur. With the aim of creating a set of heroes that would resonate with Pakistani children and inspire them to create meaningful social change and become heroes within their own communities, SITARA is the fourth animated film produced by Waadi Animations.

About CHIME FOR CHANGE:

CHIME FOR CHANGE was founded by Gucci in 2013 to convene, unite and strengthen the voices speaking out for gender equality globally, with a focus on Education, Health and Justice. To date, the campaign has raised $15 million to support projects and advocacy in 89 countries, through the funding of 430 projects with 156 partners. CHIME FOR CHANGE aims to inspire participation in a collective community, bringing people together across borders and generations in the fight for equality.

About Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage:

Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage is a partnership of more than 1,200 civil society organizations committed to ending child marriage and enabling girls to fulfill their potential. It has a theory of change which explains how ending child marriage requires long-term sustainable efforts by a variety of actors across sectors. Since 1995, Equality Now has been working to achieve legal and systemic change by calling on governments to enact and uphold laws that prevent child marriage, and to advocate for 18 as the minimum age of marriage, without exception.

Hamza Malik Sets Fire Once Again with His New Single "Pyaar Yaar"

2019-10-10T22:31:00.003-07:00

The young sensation Hamza Malik has released his new single “Pyaar Yaar”, a romantic pop song produced by the famous Shany Haider. The music video directed by Parmesh Adiwal, has now premiered on YouTube and other streaming services.

After turning heads with “O Jaana” featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Hamza Malik is once again set to make headlines with his catchy new song. The new single was first announced with a short teaser of the music video, featuring the song’s melodious tune to the eagerly awaiting fans on social media. A virtual explosion of powerful romantic pop, the video features the singer himself alongside the gorgeous Sadaf Kanwal, with the lyrics falling perfectly to the scenes in the video and the rhythm of the beat.

Talking about the release of his new song, the singer said, “It has been a while since I have been this excited about a song. I hope to have created a song that makes people feel something, just the way listening to music makes me feel.”

The rising young star is not a new name in the industry anymore. With quite a few hit singles to his credit including Soneyaa and Dholna, his renditions of mostly romantic tunes have reaped massive appreciation from the audiences and the critics. His soulful voice has managed to get him a large fanbase in a short period of time, and it looks like he is set out to be the next big superstar.

Coke Studio to open Season 12 with “WOHI KHUDA HAI” performed by Atif Aslam!

2019-10-10T02:18:00.001-07:00

Coke Studio is all set to open Season 12 with the hamd, “Wohi Khuda Hai” in the vocals of Atif Aslam. Wohi Khuda Hai will be released on 11^th October 2019.

Penned by Muzaffar Warsi, the lyrics of Wohi Khuda Hai are a praise of GOD as the One Creator of a system that runs and maintains an order of the universe in balance and harmony. The piece goes on to describe this in the various experiences of the human connection with the Divine; through the seen and unseen and, ultimately, with one’s heart and soul. A piece that was originally made iconic in the vocals of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Wohi Khuda Hairemains a national favorite, as a composition that has been etched into our cultural framework. It has been sung and covered countless times across the globe, taking on different colors, profoundly impacting audiences with the universal appeal of its poetry. This season at Coke Studio, the rendition presents Atif Aslam in a space that offers an exploration of the essence of the hamd, by witnessing the play of a soundscape that serves the contemplative nature of the verses. Etched into the framework of Pakistan’s cultural memory, Wohi Khuda Hai is an exploration of wonder and awe at the capacity and ability of Creation and a means to reflect on its beauty.

For this season, Atif Aslam brings to the canvas of Coke Studio an experimentation of ambient and introspective discovery - once again exploring the melodies hidden in his voice and showcasing his versatility with genres that are new to his repertoire.

The BTS for Wohi Khuda Hai can be viewed at:

[YouTube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=134t1VvgrIw

[Facebook] https://www.facebook.com/cokestudio/videos/2438884616160531/

Reflecting on his life journey, Atif Aslam has said, “I still don’t think I have made it. When I started, for the first few years, I used to think, with fame and money, I’d made it. But after that I asked myself, ‘What have you made? This is all material that you have.’ After that, the real search started. That is when the fun started. Even today, I am caught in that search. I will keep at it, always.”

Peek Freans Spreads Joy at “Tamasha Ghar”

2019-10-09T00:57:00.000-07:00

Pakistan’s number one selling biscuit brand, Peek Freans, sponsored “Tamasha Ghar”- a fun filled event with free entry for everyone, that included Open Mic Sessions, Mime and Clown readings, and Live Theater for children on the 28th & 29th September at the Governor’s House, Karachi.The event was part of “Sheher-e-Fun”- a children’s festival organized by “Pursukoon Karachi”. The purpose of the event was to enable change and make children from local schools understand how they are responsible for their city in an interactive environment. The event also provided powerful networking opportunities and a platform for the exchange of different ideas on how to make Karachi better. In the Open Mic Session, students were given the chance to showcase their talents in front of a live audience. Through poetry recitals, singing and playing instruments, kids got numerous opportunities to show off their artistic skills. Students who participated were given goody bags by Peek Freans as a way to appreciate their efforts.

Speaking at the event, Peek Freans' Marketing Head, Ayesha Janjua said, “It’s all about creating a space for children to have fun and express their creativity in a supportive environment. Peek Freans’ aim is to spread joy among kids and help them understand and express their feelings about their city, “Karachi”, all while keeping it full of fun and entertainment. It also provided them with a great opportunity to be exposed to genuine displays of art and humanity.”

"Tamasha Ghar” provided a fantastic variety of entertaining and holistic activities for children all of whom came from different backgrounds, thus enabling the brand to promote diversity and inclusion. The turn-out at the event affirmed the need for such interactive activities to be arranged for children in the future.

J. Continues its Expansion with the Launch of a Bigger & Better outlet at Dolmen Mall Clifton, Karachi.

2019-10-09T00:52:00.003-07:00

J. has opened a new and bigger store at Dolmen Mall, Clifton. The store launch was celebrated with a grand opening ceremony and the ribbon cutting was done by the honorable Governor of Sindh, Mr. Imran Ismail.

With the selling space of 4,200 sq. ft., the store is almost double the size of the premises it had in the area previously, multiplying its presence in the area. The new megastore stocks the men, women, and kids clothing lines as well as accessories, fragrances, and cosmetics in an ambiance of detailed décor and contemporary style.

The grand opening ceremony was attended by famous celebrities and Journalists including Fahad Mustafa, Waseem Badami and Iqrar ul Hasan.

Speaking about the store launch, the GM Marketing Yasin Yousuf said, “The new store represents one step further in our desire to create a unique space where fashion, art, and culture coexist. Our aim is to continue to make our mark as a national and global brand while portraying a positive image of Pakistan. Our efforts are not only to offer a unique shopping experience, but also to contribute towards the success of the country’s economy.”

J. is marking the launch of its new store with an exclusive discount of flat 25% off on all its products on 5th and 6th October, 2019.

About J. Junaid Jamshed:

J. is a leading fashion brand which was established in 2002 with a unique philosophy to revive the country's cultural heritage. It expanded its store network to 100+ outlets nationwide. J. has further expanded globally by opening 20 outlets in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UAE, Qatar, to name a few.

Pakistan’s official submission for Oscars 2020, “LAAL KABOOTAR” returns to cinemas from 11th October 2019

2019-10-09T00:49:00.003-07:00

Nehr Ghar Films proudly announces the return of Pakistan’s official submission for the 92^nd Academy Awards, “LAAL KABOOTAR” to the big screen across Pakistan from 11^th October 2019.

Submitted for Oscar consideration in the 'International Feature Film Award’ category for the 92^nd Academy Awards, Laal Kabootar also won the Archana Soy Audience Award for 'Best Feature Film' at the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival 2019 in Seattle. In addition to this, Laal Kabootar was screened, as an official selection, at the Singapore South Asian International Film Festival 2019 and at the prestigious Washington DC South Asian Film Festival 2019, where the dynamic and super talented lead, Ahmed Ali Akbar, won the 'Best Actor Male' Award for his outstanding performance.

Credited as the best Pakistani movie of 2019, Laal Kabootar is a rollercoaster ride featuring Ahmed Ali Akbar as Adeel Nawaz - a hustling taxi-driver, looking for a way out of Karachi. But with his back against the wall, Adeel has some hard choices to make. Aliya Malik, played by the alluring Mansha Pasha, is strong-headed to the point of being stubborn, however when her world turns upside down in a series of incidents, she chooses to put up a fight even though her life is on the line. With its action-packed sequences and blinding pace, the critically acclaimed film also stars multi-talent actors such as Rashid Farooqui, Saleem Meraj, Ali Kazmi, Shamim Hilali, Akbar Islam, Syed Arsalan, Saad Fareedi, Hammad Siddiq, Ishtiaq Omar, Meesum Naqvi, Faiza Gillani, Mohammed Ahmed and Kaleem Ghour to name a few. Laal Kabootar has been directed by the award-winning Kamal Khan with Harvard graduates Hania Chima and Kamil Chima as the Executive Producers.

Laal Kabootar will be re-released across Pakistan in collaboration with GEO Entertainment as Channel Partners and Footprintas official distributors.

For more information, visit:

FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/LaalKabootarFilm/

INSTAGRAM PAGE: https://www.instagram.com/laalkabootar/

Coke Studio releases its official trailer and artist line-up for Season 12!

2019-10-05T00:02:00.003-07:00

The Coca-Cola Company Pakistan proudly releases the official trailer for Coke Studio Season 12, revealing the artists as part of its talented ensemble.

“Here we are. It is 2019 and as we open our eyes each morning to begin a new day, we find ourselves in a digital age that operates at a constant pulse, a rhythm that beats faster than the pace of our hearts. Human technological expanse is at the pinnacle of its evolution and, as borders become permeable and physical distances grow shorter, people reach out to connect and understand each other. Every day, there are multitudes of conversations, across race, gender and nations. And in this exploration, societies find links that can be traced through our roots – culture’s pieces that are entrenched in history’s soil, bringing people together through music, art and stories. In this process, people see just how artistic expression not only links with its origins from the past but also evolves in new hues in the present day.

Today, Coke Studio is on the twelfth chapter of its journey. Since its inception, Coke Studio remains a space that witnesses the subtle connections of cultures and peoples through music. This has happened on a crossroads that Coke Studio stands at, where paths intersect, attracting energies that come together to create a canvas with a myriad of colors. The canvas sees the attributes of Eastern tonality merge with Western structures, the wealth of knowledge of tradition meeting soundscapes of the present day and a collage of rhythms, notes, melodies and, ultimately, stories.

This Season, music traveled to the Studio from far and wide, settling into our mixers and instruments, showing us that the well is far from running dry and that there is still so much to learn and create. From the country’s northernmost borders and westwards, from Balochistan, climbing mountains, frolicking through fields of wheat, and winding their way through sand dunes, voices came pouring through to share the legacies of their heritage and stories. In the soft vowels of Pashto, zesty flavors of Punjabi, and earthy tones of Sindhi, we heard Sufi tales on Divine love, ghazals that emanate nuances of the human condition and festive duets of romantic conversations between coy lovers, human emotions taking shape in words and melodies. Folk songs came to us, taught in village homes by mothers to their children, hand-in-hand with the words of philosopher-saints that echo in the shrines of the Subcontinent, followed closely by popular hits that have forever lodged themselves in our cultural memories.

Songs came down to us through the centuries, bringing with them ancient melodies and rhythms. From the hills of Kashmir, a sad empress called to us, writing lovelorn poetry for the husband who had been taken from her. Writing poems on the human soul, and musical compositions that would survive centuries, an ascetic stopped by the Studio as he travelled through the land, preaching his message of love and tolerance. Weary camel herders from Balochistan travelled to our studio, singing notes as they walked through hills and sand dunes, harmonizing their voices to suit the echo of the terrain. And in this process, the Past, the forever teacher, became our guide in the Present. Music, we found, is a continuing journey in which distinctions between past and present can become permeable. It is a collaboration between centuries and decades, one that will be ongoing as long as our collective memory survives.

Within the Studio, we experimented with the new and old, bringing together a house band that has been part of Coke Studio’s family since its adolescence, with young talent that brought with them fresh understandings of the sounds and rhythms that came to us. The pulse that kept the music alive was the percussions section, this year made up of Coke Studio veteran Babar Khanna, drummer Kami Paul, multi-percussionists Aziz Kazi and Hassan Mohiyuddin, and, Coke Studio’s first female house band member, Veeru Shaan. Creating the mood of the soundscape with their fills and progressions were bassist Kamran (Mannu) Zafar, guitarists Zain Ali and Sarmad Ghafoor, keyboardist Varqa Faraid, and multi-instrumentalist Amir Azhar. Providing the harmonic beds upon which our melodies were built were the backing vocalists Mehr Qadr, Rachel Viccaji, Nimra Rafiq, and Shahab Hussain.

Musicians came to the Studio, those who we have been listening to since our childhoods, and whose voices we have come to love, alongside artists who were completely unfamiliar, who brought with them songs in which we could hear the texture of their land. A young boy, Kashif Din, came to us from Gilgit-Baltistan, having taught himself to make music on a broken laptop. The Studio was graced by Ali Sethi, who in one take managed to wrap up rehearsals for a ghazal written 75 years ago in a prison cell by a poet who dreamt of revolution. Organically, the pieces came together on the Coke Studio canvas, forming arrangements, beats, and patterns and, for the Studio, music became a process and a collaboration.

In a world where there are multitudes of information, sounds and conversations to choose from, Coke Studio wishes to offer a space where one can contemplate the reverberations of a single guitar strum or the notes of a few piano keys. Traveling down the ladder of time, from the courts of the Delhi Sultanate and the music studios of pre-revolution Iran, through mountains and valleys, much like the water that trickles down from a natural spring, music came to Coke Studio’s canvas. At its core, Coke Studio remains an offering, a space where we share what has come to us, welcome to those who wish to join us on this continuing journey of exploration.” - The team at Coke Studio.

Speaking about the launch of Coke Studio Season 12, the General Manager of Coca-Cola Pakistan, Rizwan U. Khan said, “Coca-Cola Pakistan is committed to share the values of unity and harmony through the universal language of music that transcends any cultural barriers or boundaries. With more than a decade of musical legacy with Coke Studio, we will keep striving to carry forward this beacon of hope and celebration through our firm belief in the power of music.”

Indeed, Coke Studio endeavors to spread the message of hope, optimism, vibrancy and love through the music, moments, interactions, languages, artists, instruments, exploration and exchanges that Season 12 will represent. To this end, Coke Studio reveals the following featured artists for Season 12: Abrar-ul-Haq, Aima Baig, Ali Sethi, Atif Aslam, Banur’s Band, Barkat Jamal Fakir Troupe, Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad with Humnawa, Fariha Pervez, Hadiqa Kiani, Harsakhiyan, Kashif Din, Nimra Rafiq, Quratulain Baloch, Rachel Viccaji, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sahir Ali Bagga, Sanam Marvi, Shahab Hussain, Shamali Afghan, Shuja Haider, Umair Jaswal, Zeb Bangash and Zoe Viccaji.

Season 12 also marks the return of the houseband, with Mehr Qadir, Nimra Rafiq, Rachel Viccaji, and Shahab Hussain on backing vocals; Amir Azhar, Javed Iqbal, Kamran “Mannu” Zafar, Sarmad Ghafoor, Tanveer Tafu, Varqa Faraid, Zain Ali on tonal instruments; and finally, Aziz Kazi, Babar Khanna, Hassan Mohyeddin, Kami Paul, and Veeru Shan on percussions.

Finally, a number of guest musicians will be demonstrating their musical flair on the Coke Studio platform including, BalochiTroupe: Mohammad Bux Aaharr, Shaihan Khan, Shehzad Sardar, Taj Muhammad Buledi; KPK Troupe: Abdul Majid, Fazal Kareem, Khurshid, Zafar Ali; and SindhiTroupe: Mevo Khan, Muhammad Talib, Roshan Ali, Shoukat Ali Faqeer. Additionally, Coke Studio Season 12 will have Sajid Ali on Flute, Omran Shafique on Guitar, Syed Saif Abbas on Bass Guitar, Sadiq Sameer on Rubab, Shahzad Ali on Harmonium, Fazal Abbas on Tabla, Shakoor Faqeer on Khamach, and Noor Baksh on Banjo as guest musicians.

The first episode of Coke Studio Season 12 will be released on 11^th October 2019.

In the meantime, keep yourself logged on to www.cokestudio.com.pk or facebook.com/cokestudioand look for the hashtag #CokeStudio12 to follow the Coke Studio journey.