After the signing ceremony, he told media that he would try to play his part and promote more youngsters to move towards not just cricket but other sports as well. “There are a lot of youngsters in Pakistan, who are de-tracking themselves and engaging into unhealthy activities. I will do my best to promote sports and other healthy activities,” he said.

UNODC’s representative Jeremy Douglas told The Express Tribune that Afridi was announced as UNODC’s Goodwill Ambassador two months back but due to his cricket commitments, he could not have a formal signing ceremony. Douglas added that the agency had looked into other options but Afridi seemed like the ideal candidate. “His portfolio is brilliant,” said Douglas. “Everybody knows him not just because of cricket but also his commercial endorsements.” He added that for the position, they had been looking for someone like him, who would have the ability to project the subject well in front of a large number of people. “His word is more powerful than that of politicians and so the impact is going to be greater,” he said.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Afridi said that he had his consultative meeting with the agency and suggested to start talking on the subject from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region, which was badly affected by drug abuse. “Douglas told to me about Lahore and Karachi but I suggested to start from Peshawar because I belong to that area and there is a need to address the people of that province first. “We will reach out to schools and madrassas and talk closely to children,” he said, adding “I want to set an example for youngsters to move towards sports, not just cricket but other sports too.”  He further added that a great responsibility lay on parents and teachers that need to guide children. However, as citizens of the Pakistan, he would said that this is everyone’s moral right and responsibility. Afridi said that this was a great opportunity for him to guide youngsters. “They are the future of this country and we need to get them to come on the right track and focus on which ever profession they wish to pursue,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2012.

Exhibition facilitator and fashion designer Pashmina Ahmed believes that there is a market for such items. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Ahmed said that High Street decided to focus predominantly on solid block colours for this season to layer with print and basics as the women in Islamabad have become a lot more experimental with their fashion choices.

The two-day exhibition at Latelier brings for the buyers of Islamabad a collection of trendy tops, bright coloured blazers and formal trousers from trendy stores such as Zara, H&M, Forever 21, Primark, Peacocks, New Look and River Island.

Tops

Tops on display ranged from solid colours such as browns and whites to cheetah print tops and floral prints. Amongst them were classic draped tops in caramel, yellow and red. Draped, chiffon knee-length tops in loose fitting were picked by most middle-aged women. “I am picking this up for a dinner, its elegant and trendy at the same time,” said Sarah Khan.

Other tops such as floral silk-chiffon blouses with ruffles in lighter tones such as greys and pinks were picked by younger girls who wanted to experiment with their choice and style. Meanwhile, the slightly older age-bracket was going for sheer blouses and chiffon-lace tops.

Trousers — Pegged pants

A collection of pegged pants was brought to the capital for the first time. These trendy, formal trousers are ideal for spring and summer. These trousers are in loose fit from the top and cuffed and turned up a few inches above the ankle. These pants are to be paired with thin belts, ideally to be worked with tucked-in shirts or even t-shirts. Pegs were available in cotton in checked grey and dark brown fabric.

Accessories

A selection of peep-toe wedges, ankle-high boots, some bright coloured flip-flops and formal strapped heels were at display. Clutch bags in royal blue,tan and corral pink were a hit. These bags can be used as classic purses as each bag came with a leather strap.

Blazers

Among all other items, slim fit blazers with pin-striped lining, were the most popular with customers. “I loved the blazers. The fit is really good and the bright colours are in fashion,” said Bisma Kayani. The blazers were available in peach, royal blue, orange, brown, yellow, light pink, deep red and classic black.

Local vs foreign brands

CEO of Latelier store, Zahra Raza believes that such exhibitions always attract a large number of people in Islamabad especially young girls. Raza said that although there are new stores that have opened up in Islamabad, but there is always a demand and market for foreign brands because of their fitting. “Sizing is an issue with local brands. I believe that only international brands understand the fit really well,” said Raza.  Meanwhile, Pashmina Ahmed said that after the success in Islamabad they will be conducting more exhibitions every few months to keep the ladies up-to-date with the latest looks.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2012.

ISLAMABAD: The creation of a command, control and communication centre will ensure that communities in Punjab are informed well-before and during disasters, said officials on Sunday.

The centre, established in Lahore, will provide much-needed coordination and a centralised command mechanism for Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). The centre will connect key mobile units including the police control room, Rescue 1122 control room, Railway Headquarters and District Commissioner’s office in Lahore through a Very High Frequency (VHF) network. This facility will extend to all districts in Punjab through mobile squads and will facilitate a coordinated response in case of a disaster.

United Nations Development Program Communications Analyst Mehreen Saeed told The Express Tribune that it is extremely important to understand the need for such centres when a disaster occurs. Communication channels help with coordination and identifying places where help is needed. “[There are] lives are at stake,” she said.

The control room is equipped to deal with multiple disasters that may occur throughout the year. It will have representatives from PDMA, meteorological and irrigation departments, federal and provincial flood commissions, Indus water commissioner and the Army’s IV (Lahore) Corps engineers and others to ensure that key stakeholders are on board and communications channels are fully functional when a disaster strikes.

PDMA Director General Khalid Sher Dil said areas in south Punjab are vulnerable to floods every year. A total of five districts and especially Dera Ghazi Khan are areas that are cut off when a disaster occurs, he said, adding that a total of 270 motorboats and a warehouse stocked with essential food items and tents have been set up for future challenges.

The EU’s head of delegation, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, said, “Lessons learnt from 2010 and 2011’s devastating floods give all the more sense to this collective demarche. This centre showcases a striking combination of modern technology and high professional skills that will allow us to better anticipate future challenges.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2012.

A total of 10 colleges from the twin cities participated in the singing competition and enthralled the audience. They performed qawalis from a wide selection of poetry of Allama Iqbal and Bulleh Shah.

The judges’ panel consisted of Margalla College ex-professor Khalia Mazhar, singer Jawadur Rehman and radio jockey and poet Dr Abrar Umer.

Where some lacked training and practice, some students performed up to the mark. Dr Umer said he was surprised to see the command the girls displayed  over singing, even without formal training. “We don’t have music as a subject in Pakistan. By coming to such competitions, I realise that there is so much talent in Pakistan that never gets polished.”

He lamented the talent was restricted only to the to the college walls. “Girls will perform and win but the talent will never go outside these college walls due to social taboos.” He also complimented their acumen of poetry and composition.

“Its about time we start accepting music as a strong part of our culture, introduce it as a subject at the school level so that talented children can pursue it as a career,” he added.

While some participants wore college uniforms, others were clad in kurtas with ajrak veils for their performance.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27^th, 2012.

Diplomats and members of the expat community gathered in the Egyptian embassy’s lawns to mark the day when Egypt stood up against the dictatorial regime of Hosni Mubarak, with a presentation showing the massive demonstrations that led to the fall of the regime. A moment of silence was also observed for those who died at the hands of Mubarak’s supporters.

Egyptian Ambassador Said Hindam spoke about the role of youth and social media in toppling the regime.

Senate Chairman Farooq Hamid Naek said that all nations and civilisations went through turbulence in history, but what sets great nations apart from others is the will to fight back and prevail: something that Egypt has accomplished.

He said that full credit goes to common Egyptians who participated in the revolution. “It proved that the power of ordinary people can change destiny. The real challenge is to then sustain the change,” he said.

After lunch, the main hall of the embassy was opened, where guests were welcomed by a display of the works of numerous Pakistani artists, including Mohsin Shafi, Ayub Wali, Zaira Ahmad, Rabeya Jalil, Imran Mudassar and Atif Khan. This is the first exhibition hosted by the ambassador, who in a recent interview with The Express Tribune promised to continue the trend of promoting Pakistani artists with bimonthly exhibitions. “We will hold more exhibitions and showcase more [Pakistani talent],” said Hindam.

Ayub Wali’s sculpture of a cracked eggshell, representing women’s liberation in Pakistan, was the centrepiece of the hall. Wali explained that his work purely reflected the women of Pakistan and their struggle since 1971. “I have done great research and I believe that a broken eggshell speaks for itself,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2012.

“If this time the disaster is as bad as it was last year then we have to work in advance,” said the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority Dr Zafar Iqbal Qadir while speaking to The Express Tribune. There are only four months left to the monsoon season. The government is already struggling with several challenges, including the aftermath of two years of flooding in Sindh. If another disaster emerges in 2012, it will only add to the financial burden.

According to Qadir, the federal government has given Sindh Rs10 billion directly for the 2011 floods.

But about 30 companies have complained to the prime minister over unpaid bills. These companies were asked to respond to the needs immediately and government was going to pay them later which hasn’t happened, said Qadir. Thus the government initially owed Rs5.2 billion out of which Rs2 billion has been paid.

The NDMA is now trying to rehabilitate flood survivors before the next monsoon. An informal consultative meeting took place on Tuesday to discuss all the projects Sindh and Balochistan have proposed. The UN and government are also going to sit down to talk about targeted people and costs. The projects will then go for approval to the steering committee which is chaired by UN resident coordinator Timo Pakkala and Qadir. The NDMA chairman estimates they will need $440 million for these upcoming challenges and donor appeals will be launched.

The NDMA is going to use its Islamabad monsoon contingency plan for all districts. It is also working on disaster insurance for vulnerable communities so that they are no longer dependent on government response or donors for finance. “There is a financial model and mechanism to generate disaster risk financing and the government is on board and the World Bank has agreed to provide technical assistance,” said Qadir.

Sessions with the media on reporting on disaster are also in the pipeline. The government spent more than Rs20 billion after the floods of 2011.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2012. 

ISLAMABAD: Layered in sweaters, scarves, boots and gloves, Islooites have been undeterred by the recent cold wave, spelling good news for the capital’s café owners and coffee lovers alike.

“We initially sold five to six cups of coffee daily when this café opened,” said Nana’s Kitchen Café owner Irene Fernandez. “Now we sell anywhere from 60 to 70 cups”.

So just what are Islooites enjoying this winter? “I love my options this winter – it gives me an excuse to stay out and enjoy the season,” said yuppie youngster Mohsin. The growing culture of coffee in a traditionally tea-loving country is not going unnoticed by café owners; the mushrooming of cafés is a by-product of increased demand. “There was a time when coffee vending was limited to Jinnah Market or Super Market, but there are many options now”, Fernandez added.

With the rising trend of café hopping in the city, patrons are frequenting places not just for the beverages, but also for the ambiance. According to Sehar Malik, 25, the large fire heater at Nana’s Kitchen combined with their mint cappuccino “is the best”. Shahmeen Sheikh, 25, on the other hand enjoys going to Mocca Coffee in Kohsar Market because “it’s a cosy hideout”.

Some are in it for the social benefits, irrespective of whether or not they enjoy the hot beverage. But whether or not they genuinely enjoy drinking coffee or they’re using hot drinks to compliment savoury desserts, business is still business. To some, especially working professionals, anytime coffee is a worthy reprieve – Natalia Tariq and Haaris Qureshi love the hot chocolate at Dunkin Donuts. “It’s a quick-fix for early morning temperatures”, Qureshi said, adding that for the price, it is a good bargain.

But as is the case with every cultural movement, there are the occasional naysayers who stick to established traditions of driving to a ‘coffeewala’ on the road and sipping beverages in their cars. “I still love my cream coffee from Jinnah Market and with the occasional dollop of ice cream they add, it’s such a unique drink”, said Muhammad Ahmed.

“Whatever it is, be it cafés or vendors there are a lot of young people out and about in the evening every day, fighting the cold with a steaming cup of coffee”, Fernandez added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd,  2012.

After having performed at a local church for years, his confidence was evident while talking to The Express Tribune. “I’m hopeful about winning this competition,” he said. Mainly a singer of Punjabi folk songs, he is also fascinated by ghazals.

The hunt is a mechanism to give vent to the voices of underprivileged sections of the society, particularly slums. “There are many talented children out there, who are finally being discovered,” a PNCA programme executive told The Express Tribune. He said that the selected children would get musical instruments and assistance to polish their skills. So far, about 40 to 50 such teenagers have been short-listed, whereas a total of 13 children from a group of 30 have made it into the competition. He said that a good percentage of both boys and girls are present in performing arts groups irrespective of social taboos.

The search has been going on for two years now and has helped PNCA discover a number of talented artists. “It’s a whole world out there and we are happy to be exploring it,” said PNCA Programme Coordinator Nafees Fatima.

Meanwhile, an 18-year-old break dancer, Aftab Khan has been practising his moves for the past six to seven years. He believes that such an opportunity will provide a stepping stone for him to go forward. “From here I will go on to bigger stages and make it big someday,” he said.

Another contender for singing glory, Aurangzeb Rasheed is looking for detour from his tailoring profession. He auditioned to try his luck. “I really hope to get selected so that I can pursue a career in singing, which is something I love,” he said.

The competition is going to stretch throughout the year. “PNCA is going to conduct competitions in all the bastis (slums) across the capital for another year and we are looking forward to discover many more talented individuals,” added another official.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2012.

“This project is my own, and it is something very close to my heart,” said Ambassador Said Mohamed El-Said Hindam.

“In every country that I’m posted to, I try to launch a project as such where I not only give them a taste of Egypt, but also enhance their abilities and skills and make them known to their own countries.”

Ambassador Hindam, who arrived in Pakistan last September after the Egyptian revolution, said that he came across many people in Pakistan who are very supportive of his concept and are willing to help him out as well. He plans to promote young artists who are still in art schools along with other artists.

Hindam said that he will work on this project with the help of art professors who will guide him and educate him on the subject.

The envoy intends to arrange bimonthly art exhibitions. “These artists will not only be known to the Pakistani community, because I will try my best to make them known to the international community,” he said.

Pakistan has great potential and scope in the field of art which needs to be promoted. This country is really rich and the people need to know what the true colours of Pakistan are,” he said. “I feel that Pakistanis and Egyptians integrate really well, even better than with Arab countries,” he added.

The Egyptian envoy says during the last four months, he has learnt a lot about Pakistan. He described Pakistan as a resource-rich country with much potential and capacity, but also one needing streamlining.

He said that Egypt is interested in enhancing bilateral trade with Pakistan in various fields.

He said that 2011 was not a good year for trade and investment for Egypt, as the country had to face post-revolution challenges.

Hindam said that Pakistan needs to focus on its economy and trade this year. “The potential and infrastructure for trade is there, but the knowledge is lacking,” he said.

Hindam explained that Pakistani goods have earned a good name in Egypt, especially sports and surgical equipment, and Pakistan has the capacity to introduce new products to the Egyptian market. “We are planning to explore new avenues of trade cooperation, such as importing matchboxes from Pakistan,” he said.

The ambassador disagreed with the notion that people are not willing to invest in Pakistan. “I did not see investors shying away, there is a mounting demand for Pakistani goods, but at the same time, the competition is really tough in today’s markets,” he said.

However, according to Hindam, there are serious hiccups in progress due to energy crises. “Egyptian entrepreneurs are interested in investing in fertilizer sector, but such a big investment requires a big energy supply,” he said.

He said that for Egypt, the real task is rebuilding the economy on a strong foundation.

He cited Egypt’s environment and infrastructure as being conducive for free and preferential trade with all economic powers and regional groups of the world.

“I can assure you that Egypt is an attractive market for Pakistani investors,” he said, noting that currently the total Pakistani investment in Egypt stands at around $500 million, which is expected to double in the next two years. Egyptian FDI in Pakistan stands at around $4 billion.

“It is true that the year 2011 witnessed a slow investment streak due to the revolution, but once stability gets back on solid economic grounds the country is expected to make a fast takeoff.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2012.

ISLAMABAD: The rain that started on Saturday evening has spelt good news not only for the crops but also vendors.

Chaudhary Aziz, owner of Karachi Biryani House in Aabpara Market, said that the demand for dhood jalebi, Kashmiri tea, samosas
and biryani go up when it rains.

Kamran Saleem sets up a soup stall outside a bakery because people like soup in winters. “Soup sells only in winter,” he said, “And the rain just amplifies the demand.”

However not all vendors look forward to the rain. Sher Mohammad, who sells French Fries, said that his sales shoot up during winters. But rain and wind make them go down.

Asif Abbas of Pakistan pan shop said that he has to keep his shop open the whole day during winters in order to generate enough revenue. “In summers, the shop is only open during the evening and the sales are better. But in winters, I have to keep the shop open the entire day,” he said. Rain, naturally, doesn’t help.

Mohammad Ahmed, who sells bun kababs, believes that the sales vary according to people’s demands the weather doesn’t really play a role.

Capital climate advisor Dr Qamaruz Zaman told The Express Tribune that the stretch in the dry spell was somewhat alarming till the rain began. However, the current spell will be “especially beneficial” for crops.

According to Pakistan Meteorological Department, rainfall in the last 24 hours was 31mm in Rawalpindi, 29mm in Dir, 27mm in Islamabad, 26mm in Rawalakot, 25mm in Jehlum, and 21mm in Muzafarabad. Snowfall recorded was 2ft in Kashmir and 1.3ft in Nathiagali and Murree.

With the current spell expected to last another 24 hours, the snowfall will help with water reservoirs, especially in Rawal and Simli dams, Dr Zaman said. “It was much needed.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2012.