Islamabad Diary

First Pakistan-led team set to scale K2

2014-06-09T20:31:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Pakistan’s first ever mountaineering expedition is all geared up to reach the summit of K2. The team of 8 Pakistani climbers, led by Muhammad Taqi, also include two Italian mountaineering ambassadors, Michele Cucchi (alpine guide), and Simone Origone (ski expert), and would leave from Skardu on June 14, according to a press brief at National Press Club on Monday.

Pakistan’s first mountaineering, scientific and environmental research expedition to K2 will mark the 60 years anniversary of first ascent of second highest mountain in the word by Italian expedition in 1954. Pakistan and Italian climbers joined the ceremony to share their mutual passion to discover and climb the magnificent mountains.It was the determination and enthusi asm of Pakistanis that compelled Italian experts to arrange the expedition. “I met the climbers last summer on the Baltoro Glacier, where they shared their dream to climb K2 (8611m) and asked for help to which I gladly responded” told Agostino Da Polenza, President of EvK2Cnr.

The expedition is being carried out with support of government of Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Italian organization EvK2Cnr which has been working in Gilgit and Baltistan for last 20 years with scientific research and development projects. In past, few Pakistani climbers have reached K2 summit but as team-members or working as high altitude porters for foreign voyages, but has never been scaled by an all Pakistani expedition. “To make this dream a reality, and prove the potential of Pakistani climbers, we arranged mountaineering and rescue training of some 250 Pakistanis guides and climber 3 years ago” said Murizio Gallo, expert and advisor on Pakistan K2 expedition.

Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Senator Pervaiz Rashid said “it is a moment of pride for Pakistani nation: which has been realized with the support from Italian friends who not only love our mountains but put their efforts to mainstream and popularize it.

The voyage been organized by Pakistanis who successfully climbed the Broad Peak last year. Team includes Muhammad Taqi (skilled alpinist) as team leader, Hassan Jan (climber leader), Muhammad Sadiq, Ghulam Mehdi, Ali Durani, Ali, Mihammad Hassan, Rehmat Ullah Baig who hail from Hushey, Shigar and Sapara. The youngest climber is 23 years old and the oldest 38. EvK2Cnr researchers and a video maker, Daniele Nardi, will report the entire expedition for the scientific mission.

Team Lead of the expedition, Muhammad Taqi, repeatedly appreciated the efforts and contribution of Italian experts and hoped Pakistan government will play its due role for promotion of mountaineering. Ashraf Aman, first Pakistani to reach K2, also joined the event to offer his best wishes and support for the Pakistani K2 expedition.

The ceremony also witnessed a unique gesture of Pakistan-Italian friendship as Senator Pervaiz Rashid and Counselor Tommaso Sansone, Deputy Head of the Italian Mission in Pakistan, handed over Pakistani and Italian flags to the Pakistani mountaineers.

Revival of Silk route offers Prosperity and Stability to Asia

2014-04-16T21:07:00.000+05:00

Pakistan and Central Asia stronger ties can boost Region’s growth

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Improved communication and enhanced transport infrastructures can open new avenues for sustainable development, stability and regional harmony in Asia. And the greater collaboration, especially among Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, can be achieved by reviving the historical Silk Route. This perspective was highlight of the 3-day international conference titled ‘Central Asian Business Opportunities Conference’ (CABOC) in Islamabad.

The conference gathered business and government delegates, from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Central Asian states of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to share business experiences, discuss challenges and opportunities, resolve issues and build linkages for enhanced cooperation. Government of Pakistan, together with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has jointly organised the seminar that brought together over 400 participants from 7 countries, representing 200 businesses.

“Pakistan, together with Afghanistan and Central Asia countries, has the potential to rise as world’s successful economic bloc” remarked Dr. Shimail Daud Arain, President of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “By enhancing business opportunities and reinvigorating their relations, the seven Asian countries, with a combined population of 289 million and collective GDP of US $593 billion, have an opportunity to grow as a strong Asian bloc” he believed.

Pakistan’s role is extremely important in regional growth as it has a potential to offer a great market and shortest land route to sea to the landlocked Central Asian states, opening up huge potential for regional trade. However, regrettably “Pakistan-Central Asia trade amounts to less than 1 per cent of Pakistan's global trade which depicts both negligence and potential to enhance ties,” pointed out US Ambassador Richard Olson. He hoped the conference would offer a platform to identify and overcome obstacles in the way of regional growth. Communication and language barriers, inadequate transportation system, especially weak air linkages, were termed as the factor hindering the closer ties between Pakistan and Central Asian Republic (CAR).

Regional connectivity is a priority for government Pakistan, said Khurram Dastagir, Minister for Commerce.“Encouraging regional trade is the key to achieve greater peace, and stability in the region, and improve economy as it enhances livelihoods, reduce poverty and help promote growth” said the Minister for Commerce. He said that Pakistan’s current government and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif encourage trade links to “expand regional trade, investment, and economic growth through infrastructure, transportation and communication.”

Pakistan’s export to Central Asia includes textiles, leather products, surgical instruments, food. Central Asia's abundant natural resources and energy industry offer a great prospective for Pakistan and the whole region” said Vice President Shaukat Ahmed, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry. He believed that encouraging educational and cultural links is vital to explore the economic potential as well as to make the new generations acquainted of historic relations of Pakistan and CARs.

Mini Expo offers boost to Islamabad’s Young Entrepreneurs

2014-04-10T10:40:00.002+05:00

(Published in Pakistan Observer on 9 Apr. 2014)

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Many people dream of starting a business of their own, however small, but for most that just remains the dream as the unpredictable life of an entrepreneur scares them away. But there are some passionate souls, who took that leap of faith and ultimately live their dreams.

Passion is exactly what impelled the some 16 young entrepreneurs to set up booths to display and sell their creative creations at Mini Expo recently held at Minerva House in Islamabad. Delightfully decorated stalls featured a variety of products including brilliant crafts and floral decorations, chic jewelry and accessories, novel home décor items, modish outfits as well as homemade food.

With an aim to boost self-starters, the Mini Expo 2014 was organized by Minerva, a social youth enterprise, to encourage small scale and home based entrepreneurs who had been marketing digitally only. “This Expo offers a platform to step out of their comfort zones, to reach a wider and real-time audience, to give them chance to explore the market, face the competitors, and go home with a great deal of learning” said Minerva’s CEO Sana Khalid explaining the purpose behind Mini Expo.

Small businesses owners at the ‘The Mini Expo 2014 - Your Brand Story’ not only introduced their brand names but also the struggles, successes, and people behind the brands. Offering classy designer clothing at affordable prices, Sabeen Siddiqui found the expo “a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs to learn, earn and interact.” Sabeen, who had been previously working as business analyst, opted to explore avenues of creativity instead and initiated her brand, Dhanak Rung, in March 2012.

One of the stalls decorated with detailed and gorgeous henna artwork, on various products including candles, mugs, photo frames, fascinated every visitor at the expo. The proud owner of this lovely booth was Shehla Altaf, who has been offering unique henna art products under the brand name of Fashion EJ for the last four years. Glovvies was one creative booth at the Expo that offered funky knitted and cross stitch products including gloves, pouches, scarves, socks as well as decorations.

Hina Qamar, a teacher by profession, started off her creative journey of making and sharing quilling (decorative paper art form) in 2013 after winning an online art contest. “I wish that this wonderful form of art called quilling would flourish in Pakistan and I believe MadOzziee can make it happen” said a hopeful Hina who is marketing quilling products as well as tools that are not available in Pakistan.

The total turnout of the Mini Expo was around Rs 220,000 with Envy You (jewelry and accessories) Alif (clothing), Manriqen (jewelry) being the top three sellers. “Sale, however, is a secondary objective as the expo is about learning to face the customers and competitors at once. This learning would help the home-based entrepreneurs to identify their weak spots to come up with improved products” Sana Khalid explained.

Italian move revives interest in K2

2013-09-12T00:38:00.000+05:00

Published in Pakistan Observer (11 Sept. 2013)

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Reviving Italy’s hundred years love for K2 which first began with Filippo De Filippi’s 1913 expedition to the majestic mountains, an enlightening event was held here at National Art Gallery in Islamabad that comprised of a photo exhibit, film festival and a scientific conference.

The photo exhibit ‘Rediscovering the abode of snow’– a tribute to scientific expedition by Filippo De Filippi – features some 300 high resolution enlargements of the original photographs depicting the natural landscape and the pioneering scientific works of De Filippi. The Exhibition is part of the four-day event (Sept. 9-10 in Islamabad and Sept. 12-13 in Skardu), jointly organized by the Ev-K2-CNR Committee, the SEED project, Karakorum International University (KIU) with the patronage of the Italian embassy in Islamabad to celebrate the bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Italy.

Upper Baltoro - Photo taken by Filippo De Filippi (1912) -
Photo Courtesy: Italian Embassy Facebook Page

“The Karakorum range and the K2 have been familiar names in Italy for very long time, creating an ideal bridge between our two countries” shared Head of the Cultural Affairs at the Italian Embassy, Federido Bianchi recalling great Italian explorers like the Duke of Abruzzi and Count Ardito Desio.

“It has been one hundred years that the Italians are working in the Karakorum, having inherited Professor Desio’s dreams and scientific planning the Ev-K2-CNR on its way to explore, research and mainstream the issues of the Karakorum and have been currently focusing on the great Central Karakorum National Park (CKNP) in the K2 region” said Agostino da Polenza, President of Ev-K2-CNR.

Around 30 veteran climate scientists and experts from Europe and Pakistan present at the conference “Karakorum Resources and Climate Change: glaciers, water and ecosystem”, emphasised for collective research-based efforts to combat the challenges confronting the Karakorum resources. Speaking on the occasion, the Italian ambassador Adrioano Chiodi Cianfarani remarked that, “The relationship between Pakistani and Italian scientists, and friends of the mountains and their vulnerable ecosystems, human societies, natural resources, and mesmerizing panorama is a rich and consolidated tradition, laying on a century of friendly and fruitful exchanges.” He informed that Government of Italy has decided to fund different activities in the mountainous areas of Pakistan of which Social Economic Environmental Development Project (SEED) is the major one, financed n the framework of the Pakistani Italian Debt-for-Development Swap Programme for a total amount of about 8 million euro and implemented by Everest K2 CNR Committee.

Local population of Northern Pakistan -
Photo taken by Filippo De Filippi (1913)
Photo Courtesy: Italian Embassy Facebook Page

Attesting Italy’s love for Pakistan’s magnificent mountains, Agostino said, “The Karakorum mountain range including the Baltoro have all the superlative features that make us love the giant mountains. The features include size, strength, verticality, harmony, shape, colour, and light, to the unique majesty of K2.” Pakistan is home to many high peaks which attract a huge attention from foreigners cherish but remain overlooked by the locals. Samina Baig, the first Pakistani woman to scale Mount Everest, reminded that unfortunately, there were no opportunities for the youth to explore the snow covered habitats on glaciers and peaks. “Foreigners come to scale the summits on our lands but unfortunately we have no chance to explore our own mountains. So, we have to depend on the foreign friends.”

Accord to motivate Nature friendly Business in Pakistan

2013-09-07T11:16:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – In a bid to incorporate biodiversity friendly practices into business policies, an Agreement has been signed by IUCN Pakistan and the Climate Change Division, Government of Pakistan in Islamabad. The agreement aims to stimulate market demand for nature-friendly products and to enhance institutional capacities to scale up biodiversity and business in Northern Pakistan over a period of four years under a GEF/UNDP funded project titled: ‘Mountains and Markets’. The GEF Project seeks to support ongoing biodiversity conservation efforts in northern Pakistan by using market-based mechanisms to strengthen community co-management of Pakistan’s biodiversity-rich mountain ecosystems.

Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Khalid Siddiq, Joint Secretary of Climate Change Division said that the Government of Pakistan is committed to principles of participatory sustainable human development and development cooperation; and has demonstrated the capacity needed for the activities involved for enhancing market demand for biodiversity friendly products.

The agreement was signed during the GEF Global Environmental Facility Steering Committee meeting in the presence of representatives from all provinces and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It was highlighted that during the implementation of this project IUCN Pakistan and Climate Change Division would ensure that all the activities are carried out without discrimination, direct or indirect, because of race, ethnicity, religion or creed, status of nationality or political belief, gender, handicapped status, or any other circumstances.

Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative, IUCN Pakistan said that IUCN values its partnership with the Federal and Provincial Governments and signing of the agreement today is a testimony of further strengthening of this partnership.

IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, is the largest global environmental organization, which works on biodiversity, climate change, energy, human livelihoods and greening the world economy by supporting scientific research, managing projects all over the world, by bringing governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policies, and best practices.

Underprivileged kids get a sporting opportunity

2013-08-06T21:25:00.000+05:00

Published in Pakistan Observer initially

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Until recently school only meant books and homework for the kids of an open-air school in F-6/3 Islamabad. But now they have discovered a new and exciting way of learning through sport and play. “This is the first time I am playing football, learning game rules and enjoying it more than the lessons in books” 14-year-old Farhat Abbas explained excitedly.

A child shows off his football skills to his colleagues
at a summer camp in Islamabad.

The week-long free summer camp for neglected kids was held at Ayub Park School, managed by Master Mohammad Ayub for the last 28 years, where over 260 kids are studying for free. Master Ayub told this scribe that it was for the time an organization has arranged a play activity in his school. “I can imagine how important it is for kids with little or no resources to remain engage in some kind of physical activity.”

The initiative was introduced by the Right to Play (RTP) in collaboration with Sports Development Foundation (SDF) to provide children with disadvantaged backgrounds an opportunity to learn diverse sports with qualified coaches. Through sport and play methodology, the organizations aim to inculcate basic life skills and overcome the challenges of their environments.

“Football is a great way to develop child's confidence, and teach him about tolerance, coordination and team spirit” tells Humayun Khan, the coach, who was surprised at the tremendous potential of the child who cannot afford to buy sports kit. “The shy kids soon came out of their shells, asking questions, eager to learn and play more.” Humayun was marvelled at confidence of little Saalar, 8, who learned amazingly. Salaar whispered that his parents never encouraged him to play.

Alongside sports, the sessions of drawing and storytelling were also part of the summer camp. At the end of every activity, there was a discussion facilitated by the coach in which the children are taught to reflect on what they learnt in playground can be applied in life too. “This is the time when they learn to connect playing field lessons to everyday life” explains Ali Khayam, Right to Play’s communications coordinator. The methodology adopted by organization aims to instill life skills such as cooperation, resilience, confidence, hope, teamwork, conflict resolution and tolerance among children.

In modern societies, sports are now considered an integral part of children’s basic education as it is essential for their physical, emotional and intellectual development. The United Nations recognizes play as the right of every child that play is not a luxury; it is a tool for education and health. Sadly in Pakistan, sport and play activities are absent in many schools and are hardly encouraged by most people let alone less privileged ones. The initiative taken at Summer Camp can help increase confidence in students and develop leadership qualities and a positive attitude.

Children’s Film Festival captivates Islamabad

2013-05-26T23:51:00.000+05:00

86 Brilliant films from 32 Countries

Sana Jamal

To celebrate the world cultures, a first-of-its-kind Children's Film Festival was arranged in the capital city that was an absolute treat for the kids, and film buffs. For children, the festivity was a doorway to the magical world of films that sprinkled little magic, heroism, laughter, honesty that our lives are lacking. The films filled them with hope that things will get better, good can vanquish evil and inspired kids to make all their dreams, however scary, a reality.

With an inspirational motto ‘Let’s entertain, inspire and educate!’ the FilmSaar International Children’s Film Festival screened 86 wonderful films from 32 countries. Although the long list films were appropriate for all ages, but the major audiences were school children along with their teachers. “The films were not only entertaining but full of learning. It has inspired the children to bring some new changes in their lives” said Turbia, a teacher at Sir Syed Star Lyceum School.

Laughter and chuckles during the witty bits, and clapping towards the end of the movies, and gleaming faces as they came out of the auditorium reflected that the kids were pretty impressed. “I loved the movie about painting” said little Wajeeha. “I would become a painter too when I grow up” she added with a shy smile.

The festivity was a celebration of world cultures where some of the best of international films made for children and young people. It was organised by The Little Art, a non-profit organization promoting positive social values through arts among children. “We have carefully selected the films made for children to entertain and educate the future generation, to offer learning through a global perspective” said Ali Hameed, filmmaker and spokesperson of The Little Art.

The festival was a rare opportunity for the film buffs of the city to enjoy some of the best of foreign films, but sadly the event remained less-attended, “since There is little sense of uncertainty in the capital city as compared to Lahore,” Ali felt. Lahore International Children’s Film Festival is an annual event being organised since 2008. “This year we decided to extend this cinematic charm to 6 cities: Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi” told Ali.

The film festival included animation, fiction, short and feature films, documentaries and some made by children themselves. Interestingly, few Pakistani films were also part of the festival. ‘Bhaoo’ a short film by Shezray Hameed, was about the realities of a child's life coupled with his fears and wishes. ‘Son of a Lion’, an award-winning film in Pashto, was about a young boy growing up in the arms manufacturing village of FATA who dreams of going to school, while, ‘Gutter Gate’ reflected on the lives of two children who collect garbage in the streets of Lahore.

Among the most loved films by the children were:

‘Lost and Found’, (British film) winner of BAFTA Children’s Award is a magical tale of loneliness and friendship. ‘Papa's Tango’ (Netherlands film), story of Hannah, for whom dancing and her father are two things that belong together.

‘Mustafa's Sweet Dreams’ (Turkish award-winning film), was about 16-year-old Mustafa, who dreams of becoming baklava (Turkish dessert) master. 'Varmints’, an animated film, is on a small creature whose selfless acts of love plant the seeds of change that will ultimately prove the salvation of his world but at what cost to himself. ‘Copia A’, an Argentinean film, tells the adventures and misfortunes of Demdoco, a projectionist, who discovers by chance a one-of-a-kind way to get pleasure; however, abusing it leads to risky consequences.

‘The Pirate Ship’, a Spanish film, was about a boy whose parents are separated and he has asked his father for a pirate ship for Christmas. Some other award-winning films included ‘Soul Boy’ (German film), ‘Bread’ (Turkish film) and ‘Left-brained Larry And Right-brained Rachel’ (Danish film), 'Madagascar, a Journey Diary' (French film), 'Lighthearted Boy' (Italian film). ‘Shikashika’, a United States film, is a rhythmic portrait documentary that reveals the process of making a colourful shave ice called Shikashika. ‘Something Left, Something Taken’ is an animated dark comedy about a vacationing couple’s encounter with a man they believe to be the Zodiac Killer. ‘The Market’, a United Kingdom film, explores people’s behaviour during ordinary, everyday shopping at market places.

Kids discover Joys of Reading & Writing at Literary Fest

2013-05-25T00:19:00.000+05:00

First-ever Children’s Literature Festival in Islamabad

Sana Jamal

Islamabad - Braving a burning sun and intense heat wave, hundreds of children arrived at the first-ever Islamabad Children's Literary Festival to celebrate the wonders of literature. Tales of remarkable characters and traditions, playful puppets, ancient art of pottery Making as well as films, music and theatre shows took the kids on an enchanting journey of knowledge.

Featuring various interactive readings, discussions and workshops by famous children’s authors and poets in addition to book launches, book fairs, creative writing and book-making, the first-day of the Literary Fest was a day packed with literature geared for kids from play-school to college level. The festival was also a chance to connect young readers and authors. Young ones were seen going from author to artist to illustrator, eager to learn the craft of storytelling and painting.

Held at Pak-China Friendship Centre, the Literary Fest was organized by Oxford University Press, in collaboration with Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi and the Foundation Open Society Institute Pakistan. Children's Literature Festival aimed to inspire, enlighten and entertain all alike. “Our goal is to encourage the habit of reading – a habit that ensures a mind comfortable with ideas. The reading habit is especially important for our children, who are growing up in an age of intolerance,” said Ameena Saiyid, Managing Director, of OUP. In her speech at the inauguration ceremony, she assed that Muslim civilisation has powerfully promoted education, scholarship and learning. “And that is why we are here today: To celebrate the practice of reading, and to promote it, specifically among children.”

The youngsters learned about writing, illustrating and the joys of reading is varied sessions focused on: teaching in the mother tongue, promoting reading habits, art of bookmaking, poetry reading, creative writing, writing digital stories. A presentation on 'Making a Book' was one of the most compelling sessions that focused on how a book is conceived, written, edited, illustrated, and published. Art corner, a mushaira for children, and a contest 'Bol kay Lub Azad hain Teray' for writing and narrating a story in English, Urdu, and regional languages, are some of the prominent features of the Festival.

A children’s book, ‘Laddu is born’, was also launched at the inauguration of the Festival. The cartoon character ‘Laddu’ is the result of a co-creation process between Pakistan and Dutch illustrators and writers based on famous Dutch character ‘Miffy’. Laddu, the new character, symbolizes the co-operation and friendship between Pakistan and The Netherlands, said the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H. E. Gajus Scheltema. “Early childhood is a time of exceptional physical, cognitive, social and emotional development and the sooner we expose children to the joys of reading, the greater the impact.

It was the first-ever Children’s Literature Festival in Islamabad and sixth so far to encourage young ones to experience the joys and rewards of reading and thereby furthered the cause of education in Pakistan.

Pakistani Youth – most effective force for development

2013-05-17T00:31:00.003+05:00

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Pakistan, a country with youth bulge, has an opportunity of a lifetime to plan a healthy and prosperous future by transforming the youth potential into a driving force of development. Yet this prospect of a demographic dividend must be realised swiftly. “If right investments in young people are not made right away, then the youth bulge will become a demographic bomb,” because a large cohort of frustrated young people would lead to social and political instability. This concern was highlighted by the key speakers at a dialogue session held here in Islamabad.

The interactive dialogue between youngsters and policy makers was jointly organised by Planning Division Government of Pakistan with the support of UNFPA and Rahnuma-Family Planning Association of Pakistan (FPAP). Out of the world’s 7 billion, 1.8 billion are young people between the ages of 10 and 24. This is the reason that policymakers throughout the world are exploring ways to make the most of large youthful populations. However, Pakistani youth has traditionally remained a marginalised group, generally isolated from the development process of the country.

“We must invest in health, particularly in good quality family planning services, and in education, especially for young girls, for a better future” suggested Dr. Zeba Sathar, Country Director of Population Council. Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic challenges, Dr. Zeba added that “the country’s population is expected to surpass 200 million by 2018” and only prompt planning to meet the needs of the future generation will determine whether we have a healthy and prosperous future or one that is marked by inequalities and economic impediment.”

“As the population increases, the needs also increase” and countries where population growth is outpacing economic growth, the need for reproductive health services, especially family planning, becomes vital, advocated Dr. Mumtaz Esker, Director General of Planning & Development Division. Speakers noted that the country has a “high” unmet demand for family planning, which means that women may not be achieving their desired family size, leading to poverty. “Since 64 per cent of Pakistan’s population comprise of youth, the policy makers should interact with youngsters while formulating future plans” said Dr. Esker. Parliamentarians who spoke at the seminar include Ms. Surraya Ameerudin, Ms. Raheela Durrani, Ms. Nusrat Abbasi, Ms. Shazia Tehmas Khan and Khurram Gulfam.

Besides experts and Parliamentarians, a large number of youngsters from private schools and colleges were also part of the discussion. “We have no one to talk to about reproductive health issues,” pointed out Aleem Dad, a student. Since there is no education in schools and parents don’t inform either, which not only causes ambiguity in the minds of youth but also increase the risk the maltreatment of children, said the concerned youngsters.

“Traditionally it is a taboo to discuss sexual health problems, but we must understand that children would learn about it anyway, possibly through internet, so if we lower the curiosity of children, it will surely reduce the risky behaviour among our youth” said Donya Aziz (MNA).

Experts noted that lack of information on sexual and reproductive health can also prove terrible in the context of HIV/AIDS. Afzal Chaudhry, suggested that information portals should be made available for both rural and urban youth equally. Sharing his viewpoint, he said that “the youth members presented at the seminar do not represent even 2 per cent of Pakistani youth” as most of the youngsters, who reside in rural areas do not have access to information, as compared to those handful learning in private institutions.

First day of life most risky for Newborns: new Report

2013-05-09T12:11:00.000+05:00

Pakistan ranked 139th on the list of best places to be a mother

Pakistan among 10 countries with high newborn death rate

Sana Jamal

The day a newborn open eyes to world is the most anticipated one for the mother and a blissful moment for the whole family. But the first day of life is a delicate time for a newborn as it is often the most risky day of a child’s life, according to a report released this week by the humanitarian group, Save the Children. The 2013 State of the World's Mothers Report (SOWM) titled ‘Surviving the First Day’ reflects how risky the very first day is for many babies and mothers in almost every part of the world.

Global state of Mothers

More than one million babies are dying the actual day that they are born - making the baby’s day of birth the most dangerous day of their life nearly every country. The annual Report by the humanitarian organization reveals that two decades of progress on mother and child health has been too slow and uneven over the years. Released around Mother's Day, the report assesses the well-being of mothers and children in 176 countries. Finland, Sweden and Norway top the Mother's Index list (global ranking system for maternal and infant health) while Congo, Somalia and Sierra Leone rank last. This year’s Report contains first ever Birth Day Risk Index with the death rate for babies in their first day of life in 186 countries.

Key Findings of the Report:

First day of life is the most dangerous day for mother and babies (First day death rates are highest in Somalia, Congo, Mali and Sierra Leone).
First day is also a day unequaled opportunity to save lives and set the stage for a healthy future (4 low-cost products can save lives of over 1 million babies).
Mothers and babies in sub-Saharan Africa face the greatest risks.
In South Asia, mothers and babies die in great numbers. Babies born to mothers living in greatest poverty face the greatest challenges to survival.
Funding for newborn survival programs does not match the need.
United States has the highest rate of first-day deaths in babies than any other industrialized nation (11,300 newborn nannies die in US each year).

Courtesy: Healthy Newborn Network

South Asia – second riskiest Region to be born

The region that accounts for 24 percent of world’s population is also the place where 40 percent of world’s first-day deaths occur. An estimated 420,000 babies die each year in South Asia on the day they are born. Premature birth, low birth-weight due to poor nutritional status of mothers, early marriages, little or no access to health facilities are some of the reasons contributing to high rates of first-day death, according to the Report.

What risk Babies face in Pakistan?

The Report was launched in Islamabad on Tuesday (May 7) to highlight its significance in Pakistan. Among the 10 countries with high newborn death rate, Pakistan ranks third with around 169,400 infants dying during their first month of life while India has the highest burden followed by Nigeria. About 60,000 babies die within the first day of life, accounting for 30 per cent of all newborn deaths, informed Dr. Qudsia Uzma, director Health and Nutrition at the Save the Children. Critical reasons for high rate were premature births, low birth weight, poor nutritional status of mothers, poor family planning, lack of health workers and early childbearing, she added reading the highlights of the Report.

Pakistan ranked 139th on the list of best places to be a mother, based on factors such as mother’s health, education and economic status, as well as critical child indicators such as health and nutrition. Pakistan is doing comparatively better than neighbors, India and Afghanistan, but trailed behind Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

“The number of newborn deaths in Pakistan is unacceptably high. About 1-in-28 babies in Pakistan do not live past the first month of life, making Pakistan one of 10 countries accounting for nearly two-thirds of the three million newborn deaths that take place globally every year,” said David Skinner, country director for Save the Children in Pakistan.

Courtesy: Healthy Newborn Network

Haroon Rashid, a celebrity and Every One Campaign Ambassador in Pakistan said that while many mothers and kids face greatest threats on the first day of life, but there is also tremendous opportunity to save lives. Every One is Save the Children’s biggest global campaign which stresses that: No child is born to die. And no mother should die giving birth. Haroon explained that the organization is working on four fronts as part of its campaign:

Increasing awareness of the challenges and solutions to maternal, newborn and child survival.
Encouraging action by mobilizing citizens to call for policy and political change to reduce maternal and child mortality.
Working in partnerships with governments, civil society and private sector to deliver quality health services.
Collaborating with partners to determine what tools and approaches work best to save lives of babies in the first month of life.

Solution for Pakistan: Stronger Health Systems for Mother and Babies

Speakers at the Report launching said that the solutions that could work best for Pakistan could be the gleaning examples of few countries that have made remarkable progress in reducing newborn mortality in the last two decades:

Bangladesh has made newborn care more accessible by training community health workers to reach mothers and babies at home, reducing newborn mortality by 49 percent since 1990 – more than any other low-income country.
Malawi – termed as a ‘rare African success story’ – has reduced newborn mortality by 44 percent since 1990 by investing in kangaroo mother care and increased training for nurses and midwives.
Nepal – a world leader in adopting low-cost life-saving product – has succeeded in reducing newborn mortality by 47 percent since 1990 despite high levels of poverty, poor infrastructure and conflicts.
Brazil has reduced newborn mortality by 64 percent since 1990 by introducing a unified health system providing access to health care without user fees and through geographic targeting of the poorest areas. Brazil is also one of the few countries that have narrowed the health care equity gap between rich and poor.

Recommendations

When mothers are strong and stable – physically, financially and socially – their children are more likely to survive and thrive.
The world faces a shortage of 5 million health workers of all types - especially those working on the front line. New health workers need to be recruited and trained and those already practicing need to improve their skills.
Investing in low-cost, low-tech solutions can help save lives during pregnancy, at birth and immediately after birth.
Strengthen health systems and address demand-related barriers to access and use of health services. Increased commitments and funding to save the lives of mothers and newborns.

You can read the report in its entirety, along with an infographic that highlights salient statistics here.

First Islamabad Literature Festival: City gleams with Intellectual Energy

2013-05-01T00:01:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

ISLAMABAD – Day one of the Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF) was an eventful day that brought numerous writers and readers together to celebrate literature in all its delightful forms. Though a literary fest in reality, but there was something for all ages, including book fair and book launches, discussions, readings, poetry recitals, theatre etcetera.

Capital city seemed to gleam with intellectual energy as First Islamabad Literary Festival, on Tuesday, gathered and celebrated authors writing in diverse languages, genres and traditions. Organized by Oxford University Press (OUP), the two-day festival will see 70 speakers and around 35 sessions at Margala Hotel in Islamabad.

Instilling a love for reading among Pakistanis was the basic idea behind the literary festival, said Ameena Saiyid, OUP Managing Director. Instead of a common system or syllabus, what we need is “teacher training, improving curriculum and providing children better quality books to encourage the reading habit” she said. Asif Farrukhi, co-founder of the literary festival, said that literature remains the medium to express the society's feelings and status.

Speaking at the opening day of the literary fest, European Union Ambassador, Lars-Gunnar Wigemark said that there should be more of such festivals in Pakistan as it expresses the country’s diversity and ability to have discourse on different issues.

In the session on Pakistani English Poetry, Ilona Yusuf, Athar Tahir, Harris Khalique and Muneeza Shamsie were of the view that English poetry is well and alive in Pakistan and has considerable number of audiences. In a thought-provoking session on his book ‘Pakistan on the brink’, Ahmed Rashid said that he still feels that Pakistan can be salvaged if our foreign and national security policies are changed diametrically.

Amjad Shahzad, Zubair Hasrat, Arif Tabassum, Muhib Wazir discussed “New Voices in Pushto Poetry” while in “Shah Hussain and Sufi Classical Poetry in Punjabi”, Harris Khalique had an interesting discussion with Sarwat Mohiuddin. On the sensitive issue of “Politics of Child Labour”, Samar Minallah Khan, Anees Jillani, Taimur Rahman with Baela Jamil raised critical issues regarding child labour and under-aged servants.

While addressing another houseful session on electronic media and the ban of Youtube, youth icons like Osman Khalid Butt and Ali Aftab Saeed explained how the ban on Youtube has negatively affected and deprived everyone from a power house and the cheapest tool to reach out to the world.

Kamila Shamsie, winner of Granta magazine best of young writers' award, said that in Pakistan it is taught that history is confluence of religion; actually history is confluence of geography. “We deny our thousands of years of historical background in Pakistan”, she regretted.

Beo Zafar in Tanz-o-Mizah had the audience in stitches while mimicking the various cultural, social and ethnic diversities. Other interesting sessions included “Conversation with Intizar Husain and presentation of special Man Booker International Prize issue of Duniyazad” and “Kalam e Shair ba Zuban e Shair: In Conversation with Amjad Islam Amjad and Izharul Haq”; Abdullah Hussain & Ahmed Shah captivated the audience in their readings and conversations; Muneeza Shamsie with Ahmed Rashid elaborated on “Pakistani English Novels in the New Millennium”.

Chambaili to overwhelm Pakistan with fragrance of Hope

2013-04-25T23:34:00.000+05:00

'Chambaili: The Fragrance of Freedom' - New movie is expected to spark a wave of Patriotism & mark a new beginning for Pakistani film industry

By Sana Jamal

Islamabad - After decades of absence, seeds of new initiative has been planted in Pakistan’s fading film industry. Chambaili, the sweet-scented flower from the seeds, is all set to bloom on 26 April all over to overwhelm the people by the fragrance of hope.

Film Poster.

There are some flowers, they say, that will not yield their perfume till they are bruised. This seems to be true for the both; the characters and makers of the new Pakistani movie ‘Chambaili’, who had to go through tough times to revel in the fragrance of hope of a better future. “It took blood, sweat and tears of the team to create this idea into a complete film,” tells Shahzad Nawaz, the writer and co-producer of the movie. “Chambaili is a film with a purpose that offers the message of hope” he says at a sneak preview of the film in Islamabad, arranged by Communications Research Strategies (CRS).

Shahzad Nawaz - the man
behind Chambaili.

The film “Chambaili: The Fragrance of Freedom” is about almost everything Pakistanis, of all ages and statuses, have been talking about in recent times, suggest the movie trailers. Reflecting social apathy, the film deals with the greater debate: What is wrong with the system? “There is no fault in the system of Pakistan; it only needs proper implementation in its true spirit” says Nawaz, a passionate and patriotic soul.

“Chambaili is a different kind of love story,” he says before adding: “if you consider loving your country romance.” Love for one’s homeland and taking pride in one’s country is not just a fancy thought but an idea whose time has come, believes Shahzad Nawaz.

It is perhaps the first film in decades to base its narrative on power and politics and in this way can really touch the hearts and minds of Pakistanis eager to see a change in traditional society. Elections 2013 is what makes the film most germane.

The fragrance of Chambaili - also the national flower of Pakistan – is expected to mark a new beginning for the film industry and spark a wave of patriotism. Announcing their alliance with the film, Aniq Zafar, CEO of CRS said that the film highlights some critical issues and hoped “it will be a step forward in revival of Pakistani cinema.”

Chambaili is the story of a visionary group of youngsters, of a country called Mulke Khudadad, who continue to follow their dreams and embark on a journey to defeat despair, steering through chaos, to harness a positive change and create a better future for all. This story of hope, courage and hopefulness, has been jointly produced by Coup D’Etat Films and Seventh Sky Entertainment.

The film would be released in 26 multiplexes and cineplexes in the county on 26 April, says Shahzad Nawaz, the man behind Chambaili, who has also acted in the film and penned some of the lyrics. The film stars Mehreen Syed, Umair Rana, Maira Khan, Salmaan Peerzada, Shafqat Cheema. Ismail Jillani is the director and Najam Shiraz is the music director of the film.

Nawaz came all the way from Karachi, to offer the message of hope and patience. “Please watch the movie with patience” he advises.

Image Courtesy - Chambaili Fcaebook Page

Bake-a-Bon Week: Little Bakers make delicious Cinnabon treats

2013-04-21T00:24:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Fun activities and sweet signature aroma of Cinnabon baked goodies, filled the surrounding of the Centaurus Mall, an hour before the opening time of Mall during last week. The excitement and sweet scent originated from a corner where the school kids were busy making and baking at Cinnabon, the famous American chain of baked goodies.

Image Courtesy: Cinnabon Facebook Photos

It was ‘Bake-a-Bon’ week at Cinnabon and the little bakers, aptly dressed in chef hats and aprons, appeared as dedicated as the staff, in preparing the world-famous cinnamon rolls of Cinnabon. The mixing, rolling and rising of the dough thrilled the little ones who had a unique learning bakery experience. The chocolate filling and cutting part delighted Mahnoor most. “It was fun spreading chocolate on the dough but the cutting is what I just loved!” says Mahnoor Amir, a young baker.

Some 20 students of Sheikh Zayed International Academy-Islamabad visited the Cinnabon outlet each weekday. “The visiting students are from pre-school level to grade 8” tells Naima Emad, Vice Chancellor of the School. “I love the idea of letting the kids try their hands on different and creative things” and it was a great learning experience for them. “It is so pleasing to see them having so much fun.”

Bake-a-Bon is a promotional activity by Cinnabon that offers kids to experience the art of baking a Cinnabon by being part of the process from mixing and rolling to final assembly and baking of the delicious cinnamon rolls. This popular activity has been well received in Lahore and Karachi and was arranged for the first time in Cinnabon Islamabad’s recently-opened outlet. Children also enjoyed face-painting and colouring other than the baking.

After all the work was done, the kids and teacher took their seat to have the mouthwatering Cinnabon treats - gooey, frosting-covered Cinnabon Classic cinnamon rolls and Chocobon with Chillatas (smoothies). The eating part was as enjoyable as cooking. Nine-year-old Aisha Kahsif loved eating more than cooking but she adds plainly “I would love to make cinnamon rolls at home too if only they would share the yummy dough recipe.”

Kids seemed to be delightful to have an opportunity of making their own rolls with the makers of the world’s most admired cinnamon rolls. “It feels great to see kids participating so delightedly,” says Zahra Sohail, marketing manager at Cinnabon. “They are having a hands-on experience of making the famous Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon roll and Chocobon.” She adds: “Cinnabon as a global brand occasionally engages with its customers especially kids” for whom Cinnabon has turned into ultimate treat indulgence.

Achieving the perfect mix of fun and learning, through fun-filled play activities in an enlightening environment, the brand aimed to deepen its bond with kids. Today children represent a significant demographic to marketers since they have more autonomy and greatly influences their parents' buying decisions.

Effective Policing to prevent Extremism

2013-04-17T15:38:00.000+05:00

Reforming Pakistan’s Police can help curb Extremism

Sana Jamal

ISLAMABAD - A comprehensive state policy along with mechanism to strengthen the police force of Pakistan are the key solutions to tackle extremism, according to a Report launched here on Wednesday. “Despite the surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan since 2005, there has been no consistent effort to address the problem” to fight the menace of extremism, as indicated by the Extremism Watch Report 2011-12. “If extremism is to be effectively tackled in Pakistan, the police force has to be substantially strengthened and the factors debilitating it removed, the Report suggests.

The ‘Extremism Watch: Mapping Conflict Trends in Pakistan 2011-2012’ launched by Jinnah Institute (JI),an independent policy think-tank, recorded 379 incidents of extremism from October 2011 to December 2012, which killed some 559 and injured 718 across Pakistan. The hardest-hit province in last 15 months was Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), with 143 incidents of extremism. The situation of Balochistan, was more tragic, where wave of violent sectarian attacks against the Shia community killed 190 people. “Sectarian violence was responsible for the highest death toll across the country, with 525 people killed” said Raza Rumi, Director of JI, who moderated the panel discussion on the report.

Assessing the institutional capacity of police force, Zulfiqar Hameed in his essay (part of the Report), recommends that: “issues of police capacity – manpower, technical expertise and access to information – have to be addressed as a top priority through the establishment of counter-terrorism departments within each provincial police department.”

Ahmer Bilal Soofi, the caretaker Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, speaking on the launch said “the issue (extremism) is not regime specific, but state specific and must be addressed as such” He commented: “What we are witnessing in Pakistan is a unique phenomenon as the nature of conflicts in KPK is different from what Karachi is experiencing while Quetta has diverse issues.”

Reforming Pakistan’s inefficient criminal justice system was regarded as crucial for combating extremism by Moeed Pirzada, a TV journalist. Strong policing with a system to monitor the movement of people and vehicles was needed.

Maulana Amin Shaheedi of Mjlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen said that the civil and military institutions of the country should wake up to the dire situation and protect all Pakistani citizens irrespective of their faith, sect and creed.

Imtiaz Gul, security analyst, stated that most political parties skirt around the issue of militancy while “extremism is a manifestation of unrest in society”, systemic failures, that include non implementation of the constitution and violation of the law by state institutions. He also elaborated that extremism is not a short term phenomenon contained within a specific geography. “If we don’t stand up to this challenge, Pakistan will remain isolated politically and socially.”

Graduation Ceremony: Golden day for SAS graduates

2013-04-16T15:40:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Excitement and cheer filled the air, with smiling faces everywhere as the proud graduates walked up on stage in their academic regalia to receive their hard-earned degrees on graduation day. The graduation ceremony of the girl students of Saudi Arabian School (SAS) in Islamabad was a joyous occasion – a gathering of graduates, parents, teachers, family and friends to celebrate the achievements of class of 2013.

Held at Saudi embassy in Islamabad, it was a festive event filled with all constituents for the big day: presentation of degrees, speeches by dignitaries, cheering, happy music and lavish feast. It was an auspicious day for the 12th graders, about 17 girls from different countries including Saudi Arab, Palestine, Jordan, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Algeria, Iraq, Syria. Starting off with relevant national anthems, the ceremony was followed by commencement address from Madam Al-Jouhrah Abdullah al Arifi, wife of the ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who was the guest of honour.

Wishing the students best of luck, Madam spoke on the significance of the graduation day which symbolizes a key transition in the lives of graduating students who are about to embark on a new beginning. Madam Al-Jouhrah presented shields and degrees to the students and a special prize to a young child, Farwa Hasham, a Hafiz e Quran. Madam has been highly active in arranging and encouraging educational activities.

“She has a passion for education” told a teacher at SAS. It is due to her interest that the embassy sees regular weekly lectures on Islam and education. A joyful goodbye ceremony it was which marked the ending of an era as well as beginning of new epoch full of dreams and promises.

Most students kept smiling as they walked down the aisle in their navy blue gowns, received their degrees and looked toward the cheering crowd of family and friends to receive their applause. A few had mixed feelings on their big day and burst into tears in the midst of her speech, expressing gratitude to their parents and teachers. Proud parents and siblings dressed their best, and took many photographs of the moment when the graduates were handed their diplomas.

To make the day a memorable one, the graduates remained busy taking pictures, sharing hugs and congratulating their friends till the end. “I am extremely proud of my students. And I am sure they will continue to learn, grow, and evolve” commented a teacher, Fatima Adam. The traditional Arabic cuisine, with a delish graduation day cake, made the evening even more pleasant.

Towards the end of the grand ceremony, the graduates tossed their hats into the air in celebration – an essential tradition of the graduation ceremonies, marking transition of stages in a person's life. --

Cure for Silent Killer ‘Hypertension’ is better lifestyle

2013-04-07T16:18:00.000+05:00

Children's Health Conference in Islamabad

Sana Jamal

Exposing the face of society’s silent killer in their revealing and detailed speeches, the brilliant kids at the Children's Health Conference in Islamabad, seemed more knowledgeable about hypertension than the adults sitting in the audience. Adopting a healthy lifestyle with emphasis on proper nutrition, reducing salt and total fat intake, eating fruit and vegetables a day and regular physical activity can help beat the silent killer, informed the children.

President Hamdard Foundation Sadia Rashid, VC Hamdard University Hakeem Abdul Manan
and Prof Abdul Hafeez Chaudhry with participants of Children Health Conference.

While it was an informative session for parents and adult visitors; it was quite an enriching experience for the scores of students attending the conference. The convention was organized by Hamdard Foundation Pakistan and Hamdard Public School to mark the World Health Day by holding 22nd International Children's Health Conference – a tradition set by Shaheed Hakim Moammad Saeed. Hypertension or high blood pressure is World Health Organization’s theme for this year's World Health Day as hypertension is considered responsible for more than 7.5 million deaths every year - almost 13% of all global deaths. More than one in three adults worldwide have raised blood pressure now, as per World health statistics 2012 report.

What makes things worse is the fact that “while almost 40% of the world population is hypertensive, only half of them are aware of it!” told Sadia Rashid, President of Hamdard Foundation while addressing the young students. Being aware of hypertension can be tricky, she went on to say, “There are no warning signs or symptoms of high blood pressure and this is why it is called the “silent killer” because people often don’t realize they have it.” She believed that children can make a big difference in improving the stark statistics marked by the killer disease. “Improve your lifestyle, make sure to continue it in adulthood and also spread awareness among your family members” she suggested.

The kids informed that sometimes hypertension causes symptoms such as headache, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations of the heart and nose bleeds. However, most people with hypertension have no symptoms at all. The higher the blood pressure, the higher the risk of damage to the heart and blood vessels in major organs such as the brain and kidneys and if neglected, hypertension can lead to a heart attack, an enlargement of the heart and ultimately heart failure.

Islamic lifestyle was suggested as one of the best to keep hypertension at bay. “Daily meditation, fasting, eating slowly, being patient, habits of sharing and caring can help control blood pressure” advised Syed Hassan, a student speaker from Iran. Dr. Ghulam Nabi Kazi, WHO representative, Dr.Abdul Hannan, Vice President of Hamdard University and Prof Abdul Hafeez Chaudhry, General Secretary of Pakistan Hypertension League, also spoke on the occasion.

Dr. Kazi nformed that high blood pressure is both preventable and treatable; and the old adage, 'Prevention is better than cure' is especially true for high blood pressure. Impressed by the speeches of the kids, Prof Hafeez said that he has decided to involve children in all public awareness programs. He asked the kids to continue regular physical activities such as walking, cycling, helping their mothers in house chores, and to walk up stairs rather than standing in lift.

Foreign student delegates at the conference included Muhammad Irtiza Masroor (Bangladesh), Astrid Nadyd Rizqitta (Indonesia), Syed Hassan Salehpur (Iran), Nawaf Hassan Al-Zahrani (Saudi Arabia) and Sara Muaawia and Omer Mahmood, both from Sudan. Pakistani delegates were Abdullah Asif and Qaiser Nawaz from Islamabad; Ayesha Tariq and Soban Karim from Peshawar; Syed Sohaib and Areej Irfan from Lahore; Babar Ali and Nashrah Ahmed from Karachi.

Efforts to uplift Environment on Political Agenda

2013-04-05T21:14:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – To break the silence of political parties on environmental issues, an interesting dialogue was held in Islamabad that concluded on a hopeful note. The discourse, bringing together top environmental experts and politicians and media representatives, was termed as the beginning of a new era, as all the participants, despite of their professional differences, resolved to take care of the environment in their own capacities.

The invigorating debate titled: “Highlighting Environment on Election Agenda in Pakistan” that gathered seemingly diverse factions of society was part of National Impact Assessment Programme (NIAP), a joint initiative of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Government of Pakistan. Malik Amin Aslam from Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf, Waqas Khan from Jammat-e-Islami and Syed Zafar Ali Shah from PML (N) were part of the discussion.

Sharing their thoughts and commitments, they concurred that environment should be a top priority of government at both levels, local and central. Though they thought the initiative to fit in environment in political manifestos was bit late, considering the election timings. But Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative of IUCN Pakistan urged that “timing is never right. We have to make it a priority right now!” as environment can no longer stay on the sidelines, as it has become a survival issue for Pakistan.

Agreeing that environment has not received due attention by politicians yet, Syed Zafar Ali Shah suggested that political affiliation aside, all should work together to help manage environmental issues.

Weak environmental governance, particularly lack of implementation of policies, was regarded as the key to all problems by the experts. “Lack of political and public ownership to implement policies is the problem” according to Malik Amin Aslam. Sharing his party’s priorities, he informed that environment is one of the top ten visions of his party.

Waqas Ahmed, citing the example of Madina as a welfare city, said that his party envisions a society like Madina where biodiversity and human rights were considered equally important along with other social reforms.

An enlightening presentation by Ahmad Saeed, Project Manager NIAP, revealed that the country is already paying a price too high for indifference. “Pakistan ends up losing 365 billion (6% of GDP) annually because of environmental degradation” he told. But the loss of natural resources is what is most disturbing. Country’s forest cover has depleted by 2.1 percent, which is the highest deforestation rate in Asia, according to a WWF report.

“Environment should be integrated in development, planning and management levels rather than considering it a separate issue,” stressed Dr. Parvaiz Naim. “This way we won't have to deal with environmental issues later on.” Media representatives suggested use of public service campaigns to educate and inform people of the individual actions that can make a difference on our environment.

Javed Iqbal, a TV journalist, identified that broadcast media used to focus on environmental awareness few years back, “but sadly we are going backwards as the political discussion has replaced all the key issues.” Talat Hussain, a celebrated journalist, summing up the discourse, said that academicians, government officials, media and civil society members, all have to work in collaboration to bring the environmental issues to limelight to make our country a better place to live in. --

Web Information portal for Citizens launched before Elections

2013-03-12T21:32:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

Islamabad - As Pakistan prepares for momentous general elections, with extended media hype, there are high hopes for the young voter turnout in upcoming elections that will witness country’s first transfer of power between civilian governments. At this decisive time, a unique learning and advocacy campaign on democracy, constitution and general elections has been launched by a local NGO here on Monday. Citizens Wire is an online information portal for public and media that offers explanatory information about the constitution, election laws, party manifestos, and constitutional reports.

Launched by Centre for Civic Education Pakistan, Citizens Wire aims to create a body of knowledge and information on issues related to the Constitution, laws, elections, democracy and best practices in governance. Zafarullah Khan, Editor of the Citizens Wire, vows to make modest contribution to strength the democracy. “Realizing that access to accurate and timely information is essential to the health of democracy and to facilitate the citizens to make informed electoral choices besides keeping a check on the functioning of their elected representatives and the government” he said, speaking at the launching ceremony of information portal.

Hafiz Tahir Khalil, a senior journalist, noted that in highly charged political atmosphere, media was ignoring key issues. He suggested that pre- election reporting should focus on issues of health, education and infrastructure in different constituencies rather political issues.

Adnan Rehmat of Internews observed there was a big gap to deal with constitutional issues in a manner to be understood by the common readers. “Article 19(a) of the Constitution guarantees right of access to information and the initiatives like Citizens Wire can help realize that constitutional provision,' he said.

Agha Nasir, veteran journalist, shared his experience of covering 1970 elections while appreciating the launch of an innovative web portal for citizens. Azhar Malik of the United Nations recommended that social issues must also be discussed on Citizens Wire in the backdrop of promises and pledges by different political parties.

Citizens Wire that can be accessed at www.citizenswire.com is aimed at raising the awareness level of the electorates so that they can exercise the power of their vote in choosing the best available candidates. The launching ceremony of the web portal was attended by eminent journalists, experts and social activists who hailed the initiative terming it a timely and beneficial act ahead of the general elections.

Mountain Music Festival - A Mystical Journey

2013-03-07T21:20:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

Islamabad - Master musicians from mountain valleys of Pakistan and Afghanistan took the audience on a mystical, musical journey of mind and soul at a music festival in Islamabad. The hall of Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) resonated with mystical sounds as the traditional artists enamoured the audience with magical tunes presented using varied musical instruments. The performance, by tradition bearers from Pakistan and Afghanistan, was a devotional expression of diverse music traditions of the region, reflecting how diverse languages and geographies are united by culture and music.

The ‘Mystic Mountain Music’ was organized by Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) and the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCSP) in collaboration with the embassy of France in Pakistan. The Music gala was aimed at bringing together master musicians and tradition bearers to explore historic shared values of the mountain communities living both in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The performance of the musicians from Chitral, Hunza and Peshawar represented the musical unity among different communities of Pakistan’s mountain-valleys. Ustad Ali Gohar, the last master durmmer of ‘Safro family of Hunza’ performed with Shamsulo the great grandson of Budul. The event started with a soulful tune called ‘Bo Te Hareep’ which was followed by classic tunes ‘Ashur Jaan’ and ‘Doshi Ke Dandoshi’. Ashur Jaan celebrates human nature of legendry mythical character called Kisar (Caesar) which is played in GB, Chitral, Ladakh and Tibet with various interpretations. Doshi Ke Dandoshi, describes a mother’s feeling who lost her young intelligent Doshi on the wedding day. The mother then sings a song to glorify the untimely death of Doshi and great personal sacrifice of Dandoshi.

For communities living in mountain valleys music was once the only medium of recording histories of achievements both individual and collective, personal loss and overpowering natural events, their interaction with nature dominated by high mountains and glaciers, their beliefs and least but not last source of amusement. Music, therefore, was evolved into an effective medium of communication and expression.

Islamabad's enormous new Shopping Mall opens its doors

2013-02-21T21:37:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

The long wait is over finally for the residents of Islamabad, who can now savour the authentic shopping experience without leaving the city. Hundreds of Islooites flocked to the Centaurus Mall, city’s first genuine shopping mall, as soon as it opened its door for public (last week). Centaurus Mall, located in the heart of Islamabad, is expected to serve as a key shopping destination for the twin cities.

The Centaurus Mall offers quality products in modern, spacious surroundings with the wide range of variety, that would be an exciting experience for few whereas others are delighted that they don’t have to visit other cities for big shopping. “I could only enjoy shopping in a relaxed environment of a shopping mall on my visit to Karachi or Lahore. But now Islamabad city has its own huge shopping mall!” beamed Sadia Rehman, a shopaholic.

Tall, impressive buildings of the Mall comprise of four-storey mall, with around 250 shops, most of which are in opening phases. For the moment, the mall’s ground and first floors have been launched. The Centaurus Mall would also feature a five-screen cinema, supermarket, a food court of international fast food chain outlets and fine dining, wedding lounge, family entertainment, fun city for kids and four levels of parking in the basement, according to Fahad Faheem, manager development of the Centaurus project.

The latest brand that opened at The Centaurus Mall is Al-Fatah superstore, one of the leading retail chains in Pakistan. Al-Fatah has been offering a collection of quality products under one roof, ranging from grocery to crockery, kitchenware to ornaments, garments to jewelry, toys to kids wear, electronic gadgets to fitness equipments, beauty products to healthcare accessories. The top departmental of Pakistan, serving since 1941, currently has branches in Lahore and Faisalabad. Al Fatah is expected to bring significant value to the Mall by introducing several brands from all genres. “Al Fatah has emerged as one of the most admired retail chains which has revolutionized the shopping dynamics by offering a wide array of product lines on a convenient ‘one stop shop’ concept,” said Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Director of Al-Fatah.

Some of the brands to be opened at the Mall over next few weeks include: Giordano, Mango, Bang and Skoll, Hang Ten, Jockey, Caanchi and Lugari, Urban Culture, Rang Ja, Vincci, Mocciani, Cotton and Silk, , Hardee's, OPTP, Pizza Hut, China Grill, Macdonalds, Cinnabon, Noodle house, Levi's, Bareeze, The Body Shop, Diner's, IWC, Studio Empole, Tag Heuer, , Sana Safinaz, Bakely, Zara, Bershka, Pull and Bear, La Vie En Rose, Gap, Cortifiel, Boss, Canali, Balmain Paris, Tory Burch, William Hunt, Georgio Armani, Philipp Plein, Marc Jacobs, John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli, Michael Kors, Ralph Loren and etc.

New Chinese Restaurant opens doors in town

2013-02-18T21:42:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

Courtesy: Restaurant Facebook page.

Xinhua Capital Restaurant is the new eating place in town that serves Chinese as well as Thai cuisines - a delight for the taste buds. Many a people joined the exclusive opening of the restaurant and to the delight of the visitors, they were offered a few bites of the appetizers - crispy fish fingers and sesame chicken with a bit of sauce.

Located in F-10/3 (at former Café Eclipse location), though away from the commercial area, the restaurant opening is a good news for the local residents since “Xinhua specifically cater to people in vicinity of F-10 and 11, G-11 and E-11 because all the Chinese restaurants are to be found in Supermarket, Jinnah Super or Blue area,” told Zafar Rahim, co-owner of Xinhua Capital.

Courtesy: Restaurant Facebook page.

The restaurant, includes two floors plus a lovely rooftop, and has cheering interior colours that go well with delightful decor including bright yellow lights that brighten up the space. Xinhua is a classy restaurant that provides authentic Sichuan cuisines with comfortable dining atmosphere.

“Xinhua offers an entirely different variety of Chinese food”, beamed Imran Mahsud, co-owner of Xinhua. It is rather a fusion of both Chinese-Pakistani food; but the speciality of the eatery is Sichuan cuisines that is “served with authentic sauces and not typical gravy”, said Zafar Rahim.

Original Sichuan food, generally considered as hot, sour, sweet, and salty, is famous for its several flavors, and every dish has its own unique taste. “Famous for its hot and spicy nature, Sichuan cuisine has good combinations of flavors and often has thick gravy”, explained Tauqir Abbas, operations manager of the restaurant. Ghulam Ali, the head chef of Xinhua, has an experience of 25 years of cooking in some fine restaurants of Pakistan. He is accompanied by Chinese and Thai chef at Xinhua restaurant.

Xinhua Capital is a joint venture of two brothers, Imran Mahsud and Zafar Rahim, who had long experience in restaurant business where they started with “All that Rock café” in 1997, and then “Café Eclipse”, both in Islamabad. But why the swift shift from café to proper family restaurant? “Primarily after the sheesha ban, we stopped serving sheesha and then decided to transform the whole café into a proper restaurant,” said Imran. This change of course denotes how some cafes were affected and other modified after the authorities banned sheesha cafes and smoking in public places last year (2012).

Photographs of Onart reveal a picturesque Turkey

2013-02-11T10:06:00.000+05:00

Turkey: Land where Climates, People and Cultures meet

(Published in Pakistan Observer)

Sana Jamal

Courtesy: Google Images

ISLAMABAD - Viewing Turkey through the lens of Erkut Onart was pleasantly refreshing for many as the photographs reflected a Turkey, culturally rich and diverse. Erkut Onart's photography exhibition titled “Turkey: the land where climates, people and cultures meet” that opened here at Satrang Gallery was attended by art enthusiast and diplomats.

Mr. Onart himself, H.E Babur Hizlan, Ambassador of Turkey, and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker of National Assembly were the chief guests at the occasion. The exhibition is first of the events as part of the cultural activities between Pakistan and Turkey. “2013-2014 would be celebrated as the Cultural Years of Turkey in Pakistan and Pakistan in Turkey to strengthen the ties of the two countries” said the Turkish Ambassador, Babur Hizlan. Faisal Kundi hoped that Pakistani artists would also go to Turkey under the cultural exchange program.

The vibrant photographs, portraying places, people, architecture and landscapes of Turkey, depicted a rich culture full of diversity. “Mr. Onart has truly captured the beauty and spirit of the people and places of Turkey,” said Asma Khan, director of the Gallery. Every photograph allows a glance into nature, ambiance, people and places of different cultures. “Each photo reflects a different region of Turkey and is a great opportunity for Pakistanis to learn about the country” remarked Madame Hizlan.

The exhibition reflects the diversity and richness of the Turkish culture. “It is refreshing and different from what we generally see in Turkish dramas on our (Pakistani) channels” said Ahsan Akhtar, a visitor, who was impressed enough to plan a visit to Turkey.

The Turkish photographer, Erkut Onart, is a former diplomat and first visited Pakistan in 1967. “Pakistan feels more like home” he said with an affable smile. It is for the first time however that Onart has captured the beauty of Pakistan on his camera, which he hopes to share some time soon. Onart’s passion for photography began in 1950s when he got his first camera as a gift. Travelling and photography are two things that Onart is passionate about. As an ardent traveller, he loves to capture wonderful people and places on his journey with all.

Places of Istanbul are the highlight of the exhibition but the photographer has brought out other striking places as well such as the city of Bursa and Konya, city of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes. Photographs of the Blue Mosque, the prestigious landmark of Istanbul; photo Dolmabahce Palace, in all its glory, stood tall among other photos on display. The photo of the Wooden Horse of Troy, in ancient city in Turkey, reminds one about the legend of Troy. While the images of vegetable and fish sellers offer a glimpse into everyday life of ordinary people.

Hope, Love and Care can cure cancer

2013-02-04T00:29:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Cancer is a small word that develops a big shock in the mind of the patient. The shock then becomes obvious in patient’s fearful eyes and desperate behaviour, which turns into a nightmare for the whole family. Later the pressure to start a medical treatment that involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, is itself frightening enough. However, it has been witnessed that timely cure, proper care and family affection can make the impossible, possible.

“Love may be the missing factor in the treatment of many diseases. With cancer, for instance, psychological therapy has been shown to have a far greater success rate than any other properly evaluated therapy” according to Walter Last, the well-known natural therapist.

“Six years ago when I decided to come back to Pakistan for cancer treatment, my friends questioned my choice, but I took a straight flight back home from Germany because I missed the family love and affection when I needed it most”, Anwar Khan, 45, a long-time resident of Frankfurt, (Germany) explained. Lipoma - a common tumour of mature fat cells - had seriously worried Mr. Khan since few months. His cancer journey, starting with finding a lump, as is the case with most patients, to the visit to doctor who diagnosed cancer, was no easy battle. But with full attention and support of his family, the journey was made less painful.

Fear was replaced by hope to fight the disease, as Khan kept himself engaged in activities such as playing board games with his brother’s kids. Though Ahmed’s journey is not over but he found solace in the company of loved ones and is surviving with notable progress.

Experts believe that care alongside cure is a basic requirement for proper cancer treatment. In a country like Pakistan, where provisions of basic necessities are still a dream for a large population, the increasing number of cancer cases should be a grave concern. However, the family affection and proper attention has proved to be the best healer among cancer patients.

Sharing statistics, Dr. Muhammad Ali Afridi, consultant oncologist of Shifa Hospital, Islamabad, said that though the exact numbers of cancer cases were not available since there was no national cancer registry, but it was estimated that “over 150,000 new cancer cases are reported annually in the country.” Out of the upsetting numbers, at least 90,000 new cases of breast cancer, while 7,000 fresh cases of childhood cancer are reported every year, according to separate reports. In Pakistan, Dr. Afridi informed, head and neck cancer and lymphoma are the common types of cancer among males whereas in the case of females, breast, and ovary were the common cancers.

Experts say that there are an estimated 30,000 new cases of head and neck tumours annually in Pakistan. With limited resources around 30 percent Pakistanis manage to beat cancer threats and recover after recognising warning signs of cancer and taking prompt action. However, “increased awareness of possible warning signs of cancer, among physicians, care providers as well as among the general public is highly needed to combat disease” advocated Dr. Afridi.

What makes the situation more pathetic is that 70% of the cancers in developing countries, as opposed to only 20% in the developed countries, are already in stages 3 and 4 at the time of diagnosis, a WHO report indicated. This is evident by the fact that out of 80 cancer patients per day who approach Pakistan’s most promising cancer centre, Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore, “only 12-15 cases are taken up by the doctors with the hope of cure and recovery”, an official told Pakistan Observer. According to the Annual Report of 2010, Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital recorded over 9,000 new patient registrations and more than 130,000 outpatient visits, almost three times the number of patients recorded in 2000.

Khayyam's anniversary - Celebrating Muslim heritage

2012-12-11T00:10:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

ISLAMABAD - A good number of people had a chance to learn about the ‘Renaissance Man’ of the Muslim world in an incredible surroundings that takes one back to the 11the century for it was the time of Omar Khayyam. The exquisite artworks by Irfan Qureshi, the delightful recital by Usman Qazi, and the outstanding mime act directed by Ms. Indu Mitha added charm to the event held at Gallery6 to pay tribute to Omar Khayyam on his 881st death anniversary.

Born in 1048 in Nishapur (a city in Iran), the poet we know today as Omar Khayyam contributed greatly to mathematics, astronomy, philosophy. The event started with brief video clips that enlightened Khayyam was also expert in the fields of mechanics, geography, music and Islamic theology that make him one of the prominent scholars of the Muslim world. It was Edward FitzGerald who introduced the poet of East in the West through translation of Khayyam's quatrains titled as ‘The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam’. His treasured verses were recited in Persian with English translation by Usman Qazi, clad in traditional gray shalwar kameez completed with headscarf, who charmed the audiences.

One of Irfan Qureshi's remarkable artworks.

Irfan Ahmed Qureshi’s 36 calligraphic paintings, with the splendid design, a huge horse composed of the verses of Khayyam, were admired by one and all. “The horse signifies the struggle in life as well as strength and action” told Qureshi, he Lahore-based calligrapher. The versatile event was the idea of Dr. Saman Yazdani Khan who said that the sole purpose of the event was to bring role models from Muslim civilization to life for the young generation. “We often forget that how culturally rich we are! The country we live in had been a seat of world's leading civilizations from the time immemorial.”

A specially prepared mime choreographed by Indu Mitha was perhaps the best part of the evening. The actors, affiliated with ‘Mazmoon-e-Shauq’, took the form of varied clay pots by wearing pretty costumes.

The act was set in a potter’s workshop, where the pots pondered over the mysteries of their existence when the master potter (played by Rehan Sheikh) thumped clay on ground. ‘The potter took me from the common Earth only to stamp me back to common Earth again’ remarked one pot that led to more questions raised by other pots. The dialogue of the pots related to master potter evoked the queries such as man’s life and purpose on earth, concerning human life in relation to its Creator. The idea was adapted from one part of Khayyam’s ‘Kooza naama’ (Book of Pots), read out by Ms. Mitha on the occasion.

The event was a great reminder of the golden Muslim civilization to the world. “Our youth has this inferiority complex that all the great things come from west, but they hardly know about scientific achievements from Muslim Civilization,” said Qureshi. For instance, it was Omar Khayyam who described how to solve cubic equations. “Through my work, I aim to acquaint our youth with the Muslim contributions that helped create the foundations of our modern world” he said referring to ‘1001 Inventions’.

Pakistani Rural Women help revitalize Economy

2012-12-10T23:24:00.000+05:00

Sana Jamal

ISLAMABAD – Out of great disasters come great opportunities. This notion has fascinated and revived the humanity out of hardships since the earliest days. As Pakistan shifts from relief to recovery phase in the post-flood scenario, the focus was the rebuilding livelihoods. During these hard times, Pakistani women have emerged as the strength of the economy and the communities as they are helping the families get back on their feet and start their lives all over again.

A conference in Islamabad, organized by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Entrepreneurs Program, gathered women, particularly from the flood and conflict affected areas, who shared their stories of livelihoods improved, and incomes boosted. The women group from Swat, with their faces well covered in their long hand-embroidered dupattas, is one of the beneficiaries of the Entrepreneurs project. “Earlier these skilled women won’t get due credit or compensation for their art as the major chunk of profits was seized by the middlemen (between the skilled worker and the consumer),” said Farzana Akram, Project Officer at Lasoona, one of the implementing partners of the Project that is providing women micro-entrepreneurs from Swat access to bigger markets and buyers.

With skilled workers, and access to better markets, the product quality has improved and there has been a huge increase in the incomes of micro-entrepreneurs. “Some 964 women have been trained. And we have just successfully delivered 476 pieces of hand embellished fabrics to Generation, Pakistan’s leading retain chain. The order was worth Rs. 485,000” told Ms. Farzana gladly.

The project has adopted an integrated value chain approach to support women embellishers by improving access to the premium markets such as national retail stores chain, boutiques and formal exporters. Alternatively, the initiative is agreeably satisfying the growing popularity for ready-to-wear hand embroidered fabrics among urban Pakistani consumers.

“The project is enabling skilled people, particularly women, from rural areas to tap into the huge, unseen potential of domestic markets and forge linkages that might expand to eventually access international markets” informed Ms. Catherine Moore, Deputy Mission Director of USAID Pakistan. “41,500 flood-affected families across Pakistan have recovered their livelihoods through the assistance and in many cases, the families are now earning incomes higher than what they used to earn before the flood” added Ms. Moore.

Women micro entrepreneurs, working in fields as diverse as textile, livestock sector, farming, are now able to generate an income, successfully improving their home conditions with the help of financial innovation known as micro-credit
“The Entrepreneurs project has so far helped in restoring livelihoods of some 7,200 conflict-affected people in 233 villages of Malakand region through in kind micro-grants (agriculture inputs, livestock inputs and enterprise/trade skill tools),” as per the report of MEDA ‘Malakand Livelihood Recovery Project’. The Entrepreneurs Project is working in value chains with high potential for market expansion and provides the platform for increasing incomes of the targeted number of entrepreneurs in these areas: Dairy in North Sindh and South Punjab, Medicinal plants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Embellished fabrics across Pakistan and Honey in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.