How Atiya Khan left modeling to find peace at Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s shrine

Atiya Khan is one of those supermodels who defined that pivotal moment when fashion models became cultural icons in their own right. Throughout the 80s, she was seen virtually on the cover of every leading magazine and on the runway of fashion weeks, working with the pioneers of the Pakistani fashion industry.

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She left modelling when she was at her peak and gives the same advice to today’s models. Thirteen years ago, Atiya embarked on a spiritual quest to find the true essence of Islam and was guided by a living Sufi saint, Sheikh Nizamul Haqqani, who showed her the path to the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and there she found solace.

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On the same note, Atiya feels her life has been full of surprises. “My life is full of magical connections and flow, so I’m not sure if it has anything to do with modelling,” she told The Express Tribune.



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Having retired at the age of 21, Atiya never had to fight to stay on top. “It was never a struggle to stay on top and that was never the motivation or intention. In my time modelling was a hobby or a way for us to challenge the radicalisation under General Zia’s regime so it was much more inspiring. We felt we were warriors breaking taboos and that’s it. Now, modelling is more of a business and a shady one.”

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When asked what the most exciting part of modelling was back in the day, Atiya responded, “It was an exciting group of dynamics of young designers, photographers and models who used fashion to make statements and challenge the status quo.”



According to Atiya, it is extremely important for young models to know their worth and maintain strict values. “Stay strong. Keep your morals intact. Don’t compromise your honour and don’t be cheap. And, keep yourself fit with meditation, spirituality and prayers.”

Of all the supermodels of her time, Atiya has emerged at the top of the heap, certainly in terms of cultural importance. She designed hijabs and started producing and directing TV commercials and documentaries.

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“Acting in different TV serials has kept me really busy. I’m also trying to complete my documentary on Sufism,” she said. Atiya directed a religious talk show called Zikr and produced another religious talk show series Zikr Say Fikr Tak in 2013 which focused on Sufism and issues such as terrorism and extremism.



The former model has recently founded 3RD Option, an organisation established to promote cooperation and national consensus. She aims to provide a platform for national reconciliation and consensus for massive institutional and constitutional reforms.

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She calls upon the people of Pakistan to take ownership of their country and create a viable new mandate, backed by the armed forces, to bring a change in the political setup of Pakistan.

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