Lahore celebrates beauty and talent pageant

LAHORE:

Dr Rabail Aslam, an American-born Pakistani citizen, has been crowned Miss Pakistan 2024. The pageant event, held at a local hotel in Lahore, celebrated the most beautiful women of Pakistan in a vibrant ceremony.

Other title winners included Warda Muneeb Rao as Miss Pakistan Global and Wajiha Ehsan as Miss Pakistan World.

In the men's category, Usman Janjua was named Mr Pakistan World and Ali Javed received the title of Mr Pakistan Universal.

Sonia Ahmed, President of Miss Pakistan World, emphasized that the competition aims to promote Pakistan's image globally.

The newly crowned winners are committed to improving the country's positive image by becoming ambassadors for Pakistan.

Meanwhile, a delegation of film and cinema industry representatives met with provincial finance minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rahman to boost revival of the Pakistan's film industry.

The delegation included Pakistan Film Producers Association Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Mana, senior producer Safdar Malik, directors Shehzad Rafiq and Waris Baig, Nadeem Mandviwala, Rabia Khan, Gabish Ahmed, and Azhar Joya.

During the meeting, the delegation recommended not imposing a 5% entertainment tax in the budget.

The provincial finance minister assured them that no such taxes would be imposed. He also briefed the delegation about Punjab Government's Film City and IT City projects.

The Lahore Arts Council has been very active, hosting a ten-day theatre festival at Alhamra.

The festival features performances from renowned artists and provides ample entertainment opportunities for the citizens.

Participating theatres include Azad Theatre, Nauratan Theatre, Salamat Productions, Gift, Film and Theatre, Ajuka Theatre, Chhota Mota Theatre, Natak Productions, Creators Productions, Dolphin Communication, and Mass Foundation.

On the first day, Azad Theatre presented its play "Akhyan," which engrossed the viewers. The performance by a blind girl in the play mesmerized the audience.

The festival, running until June 6, aims to strengthen the tradition of classical drama. Executive Director of Alhamra, Sara Rasheed, stated that such events will continue in the future.

An exhibition of photos based on the Olympics games was held at the Lahore Arts Council Alhamra.

French Ambassador Nicolas Gale inaugurated the exhibition and expressed gratitude to Al-Hamra for its support. Chairman Al-Hamra, Razi Ahmed, presented a souvenir to the French Ambassador. Sarah Rasheed, head of Al-Hamra, also attended the exhibition, highlighting Al-Hamra's role in improving Pakistan's soft image.

More than 20 photos showcasing athletes from around the world competing in various sports are on display. The exhibition runs until June 8, 2024, aiming to publicize the upcoming Olympic Games in France.

The Lahore Arts Council Alhamra has announced an internship program for young students in its public relations department.

Sarah Rasheed, executive director of Alhamra, said the youth can learn a lot by working at Alhamra. Internships help match practical requirements with teaching and learning.

Executive Director Punjab Arts Council, Ghulam Sagheer Shahid, met Iranian Consul General Mehran Mowahid Far to offer condolences on the death of the late Iranian President Ibrahim Raisani and his comrades in a helicopter crash.

The Iranian Consul General expressed the shared sorrow of both nations.

Shahid emphasised the strong bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan, based on religious and cultural heritage, and affirmed the council's role in promoting cultural relations between the two countries. He also recorded his comments in the condolence book.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2024.