Sunday Plus

APRIL 03, 2011

STYLE | TRENDS | BOOKS | INTERVIEWS | GOSSIP | Q&A | SOCIETY

TheNation

is in the air...SpringBold fl ower-power prints are hot this season. So think fl oral pieces to brighten up your wardrobes in bright botanicals, oriental blooms in softer fabrics of lawn and cotton.

PRÊT SET GO!FASHION IQQUIZ YOUR

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INTERVIEW

HERITAGE

FASHION WEEK SPECIAL

MUSIC

Prince of pop Ali Zafar talks about what makes his new album diff erent from his earlier albums

Naunihal Singh’s haveli inside Mori Gate has majestic architecture

PFDC Sunsilk Luxury/Pret-o-porter fashion week report. It was shift from couture to prêt

Preview of the upcoming albums this spring

INSIDE THIS WEEKAPRIL 03, 2011

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INTERVIEW

PICKS OF THE WEEKSOCIETY

STYLE

Sheraz Ramzan talks about the success story of the international brand Quiz

60 HOROSCOPE Astrological forecast for the week

52 ARTSee masterpieces by artist Matloob Baig in his latest show ‘Changing seasons’

Go through the smart wish-list for best buys

Report on the happenings and events in your metropolis

Lala lawn’s spring inspiration comes from the cradle of civilization, Egypt

2228 SPRING MUSIC PREVIEWQUIZ YOUR FASHION IQMUSICINTERVIEW

SUNDAY PLUS

EDITOR’S NOTE

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Dear readers we are back with another scintillating issue of Sunday Plus. There is no let up in exclusive interviews and stories for you. Join us for the grand Fashion Week in Lahore as shift over from exclusive couture industry to prêt-o-porter begins. See the best prêt collection that Pakistani designers have to offer this spring. Meet the prince of pop music Ali Zafar who explains why his new album is completely different from earlier ones. In our heritage section take a journey with Dr Shaukat Mahmood to the majestic haveli of the Sikh era. This week we bring the music preview of all the albums expected this spring and early summer. On our style pages we will take you to the cradle of human civilization, Egypt, to get spring inspiration for the lawn designs. And don’t forget to see our section ‘Picks of the week’ for best buys.

Send us your comments and feedback at [email protected]

Editor-in-ChiefMajid Nizami

Deputy Managing DirectorRameeza Nizami

Group Editor:Salim Bokhari

Editor Magazine:Emanuel Sarfraz

Editorial Staff : Bishakha Khadka Kunwar, Madiha Syedain, Sadaf Pervez & Navirah Zafar

Creative Head:Faiz-ur-Rehman

Creative Team: Shoaib Qadir, Faisal Fazal, Talal Waheed, HM. Nouman

For advertising:Bilal Mahmood, 0300 - 8493206Muhammad Zaeem 0301 - 8463306Salman Ahmed 0300 - 4116792Shiraz Akbar 0333 - 2310851

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What makes this album diff erent from your others?Ali Zafar: This album is diff erent from other albums of mine, because I think it is very important for an artist to progress in his work and as an individual. And when one experiences something new and dif-ferent it shows in your work. This album showcases what I feel and what I believe right now, and that obviously is diff erent from the emotions I felt back then.How do you think your fans will react to this album?Ali Zafar: I feel that sometimes, artists, “stars” as you call them, are often stuck in their own aura. They aren’t able to get out of that persona that they have established and one that people associate them with. They think that nothing else will be accepted and that the public will not fancy other things. I do not think like that, I feel that when one’s work is sincere and good, whatever it is, it will be accepted and people will appreciate it and love you for it. What is the message that you’re trying to give through this album?Ali Zafar: I don’t feel that there is an inherent need to give a certain message in your work, be it acting, music or any other art-related fi eld. People who have the ability and will to search for messages fi nd them even in the ordinary things in life. So there is no literal message as such in this album. I have talked about the things I have experienced in life and if someone wants to derive something from it on their own basis, they can.What inspired you to do this album?Ali Zafar: I think life is the biggest inspiration in itself. Just the fact that you are born and have been given this life and have been given the opportunity to experience everything that life bestows upon you. Parents, playing sports, weather, sea, mountains, people, love, even a cup of tea: all these things are so inspiring; every moment is fi lled with inspiration. What is required are the eyes of the viewers, ears of the listeners, minds of the thinkers. If one starts, even for a short time, to think, see and hear with an open and clear mind, then one will realize inspiration is all around us. So all in all my life inspired me to do this album. Why is inspiration so important?Ali Zafar: Inspiration is the key to success. Inspired people can do the impossible as they have ideas and thoughts which are important for success.

April 03, 201107 SUNDAY PLUS

INTERVIEW

Ali Zafar’s diverse persona has always captivated his ever increasing fan fl owing. But a true star is only then acknowledged when he comes back with a big bang. Ali Zafar with his soulful voice and his music being mastered at the world famous Abbey Studio’s has again hit the jackpot. The album was launched under Ali Zafar’s own Alif Studios while the world wide release would be handled by the Yash Raj banner. With his debutant movie ‘Tere Bin Laden’ (2010) music buff let alone music biggies were certain that making an album would be his last priority. But an inquisitive personality like Ali Zafar can never be tamed, with his next big bollywood project ‘Mere Brother ki Dulhan’ in line, Jhoom (2011) has fi nally landed. Ali Zafar talks to Sunday Plus about his experience with his new album.

Q&A

FASHION

By Bishakha Kunwar

Couture has been typically in the agenda for most in the Pakistani fashion industry. Designer wear has continued to be extravagance, and with this became the basic premise of inaccessibility. So when Pakistan Fashion Design Council decided to present PFDC Sunsilk Luxury/Pret-o-porter fashion week, skepticism came by the buckets.

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PRÊT SET GO!f course, shifting from being an exclusive couture industry isn’t an easy task. Espe-cially in Pakistan, the industry is still at the nascent stage. Till now the fashion scene is mostly reigned by the larger-than-life clothes that came from the stables of the likes of Kings of the industry. Until a decade back, the designers were limited to minis-cule revenues through extremely high priced couture and diff usion line garments sold in limited quantities. Changing this is easier said than done, because the shift from couture to prêt demands certain fundamen-tal changes.

PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week in its sec-ond year seems to have found exactly the way to do so. We thought there was a lack of prêt wear in Pakistan. A non-starter some years back for lack of awareness, prêt is now top on the agenda of everyone including that of the PFDC whose single point agenda this year has been to promote local prêt collec-tion. It takes an establishment of confi dence to move up to your comfort zone and PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week this year has moved a step up by showcasing what prêt has to off er in Pakistan. Considering how the business of prêt has become the buzzword in the country Sehyr Saigol of Chairperson of the Executive Committee of PFDC said, “This is the perfect time to start to formalize the business of fashion industry and incul-


FASHION

NICKIE & NINAThe show began to a dark

audience with Nickie & Nina as a Mehreen opened the show in a fabulous emerald green long lehenga with short black em-broidered blouse. It was indeed a celebration of feminine strength through their designs. This collection drew inspiration from the resilient women of Sindh, their rich culture and colourful dupattas. Myriad of hand block prints on silk and chiff on with traditional tilla work, thread embroidery with hand embellish-ment were the mainstay on long skirts, fl ared pants and dupattas. The colours were mostly black with a combination of emerald green, pinks, bit of purple. Though some of the pieces, prints and embroideries were heavily reminiscent of their last collection, some of those pieces were beautiful.

WOW POINT: Hand Block prints chunri printed slawars, feet kadas, and deep plunged backs.

cate that in our designers.”At the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week, there

was a buzz of novelty. A new, better venue, im-proved facilities and a surge of exciting events. Day 1 of the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week was off to an epic and hectic start. Pakistani cou-ture designers courted prêt, fi nally accepting that was where the moolah and market was.

It appeared as if anybody who was anybody in the fashion world was in attendance. Big names especially from intentional fashion circuit were also present on the front rows. Among others Hillary Alexander, acclaimed British Fashion critic and Fashion Director at the Daily Telegraph, was a major highlight on the front row. I totally swooned when I saw Hillary with her famous glasses dissecting the show. She was supposed to come here way back in 2007 for the original Pakistan Fashion Week. She fi nally made her presence felt this year. Isabelle Ballu, a noted French designer from Paris, was also among the audience along with an array of journalists from around the world among other local journalists and scores of socialites. Isabelle Ballu talking to the Sunday Plus said that she was here only as a critic and as a designer and hoped that our

designers would take her criticisms positively. She fashionably said, “It’s a nice opportunity of exchange. With every designer I aim to see if they are courageous and think out of the box. I want to see if they identify with their collec-tions or not.”

Apart from the glitz and glamour, an exhibit area was also set up for all the designers at the venue itself to showcase their collections allowing buyers, media and consumers to view the clothes off the ramp. Day 1 at the PFDC Sunsilk fashion Week came as a whiff of fresh air as the clothes were light and breezy. The focus, delightfully, is back on prêt fashion. It kept alive the spirit of Spring-Summer with vibrant hues, easy fabrics and bold styles. In designs it was mostly tribute to Pakistani rich cultural heritage with power colours like red, yellow and black being big with most designers. Sheer was another top trend. Skirts, too, were seen aplenty- their lengths took the longer route, going well below the knees or high above the knees. Following were the designers who showcased their collection on DAY 1. Sunday Plus provides an in-depth review of the designers who showed their capabilities in galore on Day 1.

April 03, 2011 09SUNDAY PLUS

FASHION

MOHSIN ALIHis collection entitled “Fables

and Dreams” was inspired by the designers’ beliefs in Pakistan’s rich historic and urban culture with assymetrical hemlines. Mohsin primarily used colour blocking with hues like lemon tart yellow, blacks, pinks, mustards, coral, reds, emerald greens, crayon blue popping out. He used structured modern outerwear cuts with inner draperies which created a feeling of androgyny but with right balance. He mainly focused on fabrics like woolen, cotton, linen, jersey with cotton, embellished with woolen threads and locally hand embroidered work. His use of headgears like charpoy beds, footballs, half woven basket on top of hairbands was truly ingenious. Romantic, yet dangerously passionate and real, it was fascinating that Mohsin’s collection truly captured and represented that fables and dreams of Pakistan perfectly.

The showstopper Rizwanul-lah wearing a black sequined robe with an elaborate headgear of golden trees branches with ribbons of various fabrics hanging from it was truly an icing to the show. In the end the crowded space roared for Mohsin. After his collection ended designers and people critics were heard saying “Isn’t this kid talented or what?”

WOW POINT: His usage of Pakistani inspired headgears is commendable and love the colour burst.

SARA SHAHIDHer collection entitled “A Sub-

lime Existence” had a fresh feel to it. Her usage of bright colours depicted the joy that Pakistani women bring to the world. Her hues ranged from tang orange, melon-soothie coral along with the yummiest citrus shades pack in a punch this season. Through this collection she tried to honour the beauty of both veiled and unveiled women and their coexistence through her designs. Silhouettes rich in elegant capes, fl owy summer dresses to of many lengths to traditional colourful veils were showcased. Resort is Sara’s forte and this collec-tion with its multi-colors, easy silhouettes and fl ow-ey separates showed just that. The designer stuck to her easy-breezy colorful aesthetic which has worked in the past. The collection wasn’t color shy, while crushed cottons, chiff ons, mixed silk, nets were fabrics of choice.

WOW POINT: The colours. The look in white with yellow dyed gown was one of my favor-ites and the all shades of oranges. Wish she had played off of that idea more. That dress needs to fi nd its way into our closets!

YASHIR WAHEEDHis collection titled “Hamarah

Gandhara” was inspired by the Gandhara civilization in Pakistan and Eastern Afghanistan. The print based capsule inspired from the sculptures of Buddha and symbols used in Buddha’s teaching such as the Lotus and Bodhi tree fi nely blended into digital art. He aimed to spread the message of peace and harmony. But the usage of fabrics such as knitwear, velvets and silk satins were huge disappointment along with knitted ponchos and capes in this springy season. We agree that the poncho is a reminder of Buddha as a hermit. The digital printed sculpture of Buddha and his feet didn’t do much for me.

WOW POINT: Loved the prints of lotus especially the sari with digitally printed Lotus borders. Must have!

SAHAR ATIFArieb Azhar ‘s soulful voice

and raw sound was in harmony to Sahar’s collection entitled “Do Mail”- a point where River Neelum merges inot Jhelum in Azad Kashmir. His lyrics “Mere des me hen imkaan bohot, aas umeed armaan bohot” perfectly complemented Sahar’s theme. Her collection brings Aik Hunar Aik Nagar (AHAN) under her label Saai. This two capsule collections brought voile as the only material used with monochrome tones of only all blacks and all whites with ethnic Kashmiri embroidery in one segment and traditional Kashmiri shawl motifs incorporated into intricate cutwork in the other. The texture used on the hemlines and sleeves were attained with thick pipings made of foams which added some interesting textures. Despite the play of shape at the hemlines, the range mostly com-prised applications of the same few elements, with not many variations.

WOW POINT: Her support and Recognition to AHAN as a designer and support to women aff ected by the 2005 earthquake.


FASHION

ZAHEER ABBASHe showcased the collec-

tion entitled “Rise and Fall”. The collection’s inspiration was drawn from a verse of poet Allama Iqbal’s couplet “sitaron say agay jahan aur bhi hain” and thus inclined towards the futuristic expression, carrying modern silhouettes with uplifted pleated shoulders with braided surface treatments. Complex pleating signifi ed the rise and the lengths were rising too high as well with more emphasis on minis and short lengths in the beginning. Later his classic fl owy fabric strutted down that signifi ed the fall in the collection. Zaheer man-aged to create textures through the fabric. He mostly used chiff on and raw silks in hues like ice blue, grey, navy blue and maroon (burgundy). The main attractions were the pony tailed hair with plain thick silver chokers and thick bracelets that helped create more of a futuristic look.

WOW POINT: It seemed that hard labour has gone into the creation of 3-D textures.

FAHAD HUSSAYNThe collection entitled “Moura

Encantada” was inspired by Por-tuguese mythological characters the Moura-Moura encantada who are magical ladies who guard the treasures. The colour palette was mostly black combined with nude shades such as beige, nude pink, combined with traditional techniques of silver gota work along with traditional Portuguese patterns through macramé, crochette, weaves, origami and embroideries. He mostly used chiff ons, velvets, nets, cotton, linen and silks.

In creating a world of fantasy Fahad seemed to have skipped on paying attention to the clothes. The collection was a mixed bag of everything all at once from unnecessary headgears to very dramatic voluminous skirts. Fringed velvets popping from the dresses and minis did not make any sense. His experiment in futuristic yet wearable surfaces did not work at all and was sort of boring.

WOW POINT: Nothing special

MUSETheirs was one of the more

anticipated shows and it didn’t disappoint. Sharply cut clothes, pleated fabrics, female accentu-ated silhouettes with harem pants and chic separates in mostly electric blue, red, and grey were to drool worthy. This col-lection was a bit more special as the colors were mixed with gold embroideries that gave a twist to Eastern wear. This collection was based in silks and embel-lished with paillets, beads, pearls, and laces. Each piece of this collection can be worn as a smart separate. The well-crafted pieces are perfect for the spring season.

WOW POINT: Special pleat-ing and colour blocks in separates especially pleated pants in silk.

BEEKAYPFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week

debutant, Beekay’s collection entitled “Trees” is the fi rst ever showcasing of this UK based designer. He takes inspiration from natural elements and motifs such as the round and twisted contours of tree trunks and the raw textures of tree leaves. His collection took a fresh approach to dark heavy metal animations with fi tted leather jackets mixed with jippers. The collection was centered on wide range of leather, along with lycra, jersey and cot-ton. He mostly used black with few chocolate browns.

WOW POINT: Loved the Army boots that dominated the show. The accessory made of nuts was to droll over.


MOVIE

eople were saying “maybe Hardwicke just made her trailer to look Twilight to attract the same audience, but maybe the fi lm will be diff erent!” Wrong! Red Riding Hood and Twilight go together like “The Colbert Report” and “The Daily Show“. If you like one you’re bound to like the other despite its SLIGHT shift in tone and structure.

THE PLAYERS:• Movie: The Red Riding Hood• Director: Catherine Hardwicke• Writer: David Johnson• Actors: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Old-

man, Billy Burke, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Virginia Madsen, Lukas Haas, Julie Christie

• Executive Producers: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson Killoran, Alex Mace

• Original Music by: Brian Reitzell• Cinematography by: Mandy Walker

THE PLOT:The plot takes the original fable of

Little Red Riding Hood, who went through the woods to bring food to her sick grand-mother. Along the way she meets the big bad wolf who wants to eat her. The wolf hides at the grandmother’s house and pre-tends to be the grandma, but before the wolf can eat her, a woodsman appears and kills it. Numerous versions of that story exist, but that is the primary storyline.

The movie Red Riding Hood has a grandmother that lives in the woods, a girl that wears a red clock, and a wolf of sorts, but the similarities end there.

In this version, Little Red Riding Hood is a girl named Valerie (Amanda Seyfried), who lives in a small village called Dagger-horn that has been plagued by the curse of a werewolf for years. Valerie is in love with a woodcutter named Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), but her mother Suzette (Virginia Madsen) wants her to marry a

THE NEW TWILIGHT

IS HERE!P


local blacksmith named Henry (Max Irons), because apparently, blacksmiths are way cooler than woodcutters.

Drama in the woods!

THE GOOD:• The Use of Colour: The use of light

and dark with the vibrant red sticking is a strong theme in this fi lm and beautifully done. The colours almost always resonant with the tone of each scene and help draw out more passionate emotions.

• The Cinematography: If Mandy Walker knows one thing, it’s how to make people and things look pretty. Everything from the lighting to the style of the shots were expertly crafted.

• Amanda: Despite the overall acting, Amanda had some great ideas for her character that had she been in a diff erent fi lm might have won her some awards. She’s fascinating to watch and does the best any actress can do with this story. Sadly she’ll only walk away from this with a “MTV AWARD” — that is if Twilight doesn’t get it. She did manage to score extra points at the press conference for the fi lm by answering the questions wittily.

• Evil/Dark: It was great to see them take a kids tales and try and make it so dark, scary and adult. They went for an overtly dark in tone and attempted to stick with — both with the physical violence taking place and a look into the darkness in mankind.

THE BAD:• Evil/Dark: Unfortunately the attempt

is not fully successful. It’s needlessly grue-some and sadistic in some ways and yet it’s still very PG-13. The darkness didn’t add up to anything meaningful, and though you could rationalize it, it didn’t feel like there was much of a point to it or that it was effective on the audience. If they wanted to really do what they appeared to want to do with this film, it needed to be rated R.

• Werewolf: If it’s going to be vicious can it do a little bit more than bat at people and knock them over? If you’re going for dark and evil, now is your chance!

• The Acting: Even normally fantastic actors that normally blow you away just don’t make any sense in this fi lm. It feels like they’re trying to come in and do what the director wants and save the day — but there are no super-heroes in this fi lm.

• The Prettiness: For something so dirty and gritty, the towns people all looked like they walked off of a Diesel photo shoot with perfectly messed up hair, skin that was

so clear it was wax like, and outfi ts that seemed to repel dirt. Then there are the sup-porting townsmen and women that could be in the background of a music video. That be-ing said, someone needed to tell the extras what to do, for the most part they were just wiggling things over and over again.

• Order of the Town: Wait, who is exactly upscale here? And why does it look like everyone lives in the same house? If you’re going to play up a love triangle we need to be able to see the diff erence in the two potential lovers. How exactly can we tell who is the “better” man with more to off er when the only diff erence between the two is their hair colour and what people seem to be saying about one having more money?

• Worst Parents Ever: “The big bad wolf is out and you think someone is hurt? OK darling go outside alone and I’ll just keep stirring this porridge.” WHAT??? Who does that? And why does no one care that she’s NEVER inside when she’s supposed to be? Someone get control of her!

• The Impromptu Dance Scene: WHY? Why have it look so overtly choreographed and forced? Why do the dance? Why is the random girl who before and after this scene a prude so into getting down with Riding Hood for 5 minutes? It. Just. Makes. No Sense!

OVERALL:As said before, if you’re a Twilight fan,

prepare for a new adventure, if you’re not, RUN!!!!!!!

SIMILARITIES TO TWILIGHT:• Opening Shot: Flying over Pine Trees

in the middle of a forest with some “deep” music.

• Three-Way: Another beautiful young lady torn between two wax-like men, one of them deep, pining and of course brunette, and the other sweet, good boy who tells her all the right things.

• A girl with special abilities that can’t make up her mind!

• Over-Dramatic Statements… every time they speak.

• Day/Night Issues for the people — the night is always scary in a Hardwicke fi lm!

• Romantic TV Sitcom Music: Circa “Dawson’s Creek” era.

• Make-up: Heavy and Distracting.

RATINGS:• My Rating: 2/10• Twilight POV Rating: 8/10

MOVIE

AT THE PREMIERE...

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried Thomas Dekker Nikki Reed

Shiloh Fernandez Emily Browning Max Irons

Katerina Graham Kelly Monaco Judith Godreche

Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Max Irons, Virginia Madsen & Shiloh Fernandez


This beautiful island is indeed a land like no other. It has something to off er everyone. The highly developed tourism sector presents a wide variety of attractions/choices to the discerning visitor to the country. Legend as well as history record that Sri Lanka has always delighted visitors to its shores. For countless centuries its fragrant spices, priceless gems and pearls, legendary beauty, sublime culture and friendly people captivated princess, poets, traders, empire-builders and admirers.

RELIGIOUS TOURISM AND HERITAGE

Sri Lanka has a documented history, spread over 2500 years. Five centuries before Christ, Sri Lanka was a land throbbing with vitality and well-ordered civilization. Anuradhapura, Mihin-tale, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Yapa-huwa, and Kandy, are a few of the heritage sites. Six of Sri Lanka’s historical sites are declared as World heritage sites by the UNESCO

In 247 B.C. Buddhism was brought to Sri Lanka by Arahat Mahinda, son of Buddhist Emperor Asoka of India. Sri Lanka, today is

enriched with many religious places.Anuradhapura: is Sri Lanka’s fi rst capital

founded during 4th century B.C. Religious places include Ruwanwelisaya, Jetawanara-maya, Abayagiriya, Sculptures - Isurumuniya lovers Sri Maha Bodhiya one of the oldest chronicled trees in the world.

Polonnaruwa: The capital from 11-13 cen-turies A.D. blends South Indian Hindi culture with Sinhala artistry resembled in rock shrines such as Gal Viharaya, circular ruins such as Vatadage, lakes such as the” Parakkrama Samudraya”, gigantic Buddha statues and granite sculptures.

Sigiriya: a world heritage site at the centre of the cultural triangle is a magnifi cent fortress, with swimming pools, fabulous land-scaping, stunning frescoes and mirror walls, constructed in the 5th century A.D. by King Kashayapa, is considered the eight wonder of the world.

Mihintale: 7 miles east of Anuradhapura, is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism.

Kandy: The last capital of the Sinhala

TRAVEL

SRI LANKA: A LAND OF LIMITLESS BEAUTY

Sri Lanka is an island with smiling people who are well known for their hospitality.


TRAVEL

kings is a living record to a magnifi cent past. The main attraction is the Dalada Maligawa, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.

Nature: We off er everything from misty mountains to tropical rainforests to wildlife sanc-tuaries to lush waterfalls for the nature lovers

Rainforest: Sinharaja, Sri Lanka’s last remaining rainforest is as multi layered with vegetation as the Congo or the Amazon.

Mountains: Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka’s high-est mountain of 2524m, Hunasgiriya, Knuckles, Haputale, Namunukula, Madulsima, Rakwana, Kirigalpoththa, Totapolakanda, Adam’s Peak are enticing challenges. The Horton plains plateau, s secluded wilderness sanctuary 2130m high, off ers an unforgettable view.

Waterfalls: Diyaluma (170m. - Sri Lanka’s highest perennial waterfall and the world’s 6th highest), Bambarakande (241m) Ramboda, Aberdeen, Devon, St. Clair, Dunhinda, Rawana Ella adds dramatic beauty.

Wildlife sanctuaries: safari parks at Yala, Wiipattu, Wasgamuwa and Udawalwe, Kumana bird sanctuary and turtle hatchery of the west coast are popular tourist attractions.

Horton Plains National Park, Knuckles forest reservation, Hakgala gardens, Tangamalai,

Udawattekelle, Kalani Valley forest reserve are rich biodiversity sites with picturesque landscape.

Botanical Gardens: Royal Botanical gardens, Peradeniya, Hakgala Botanical gardens

Unspoilt Beaches: Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by 1600 km of beautiful tropical beaches on the southern, western, eastern and northern shores.

Sri Lanka off ers a wide choice of outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, biking, trekking/camping, hiking, cycling, cave trek, white water rafting, sailing, skiing, deep sea fi shing, canoeing/kayaking, diving, bird watching, wild life viewing (bird, wildfl ower & botanical treks, butterfl y watching)

SPORTS TOURISM

Cricket, Tennis, Golf, Water Sports, Motor Racing and many more......

Cricket -Sri Lanka has made its mark in the international arena for cricket. Many international tournaments are held in Sri Lanka.Golf- Three fi ne 18-hole courses are available for visitors. The Royal Colombo one of Asia’s oldest, Nuwara EIiya course at an elevation of 1890m also considered as one of the best in Asia, and the Victoria course near Kandy overlooking the sweeping waters of the Victoria reservoir are well maintained to international standards.Water based sport- wind surfi ng, water skiing, surfi ng, sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, speed - boat, canoeing, water polo, banana boat, jet scooter and fun tube riding.

HEALTH TOURISMSri Lanka indigenous medicine harbours

secret cures and home remedies for rest and re-laxation and better living. Ayurvedha comes from a 3000 year old tradition of health and healing.Meditation, medicated massage, herbal saunas, lotus spa, steam baths, herbal therapy & diet, are available at Tourist Hotels.

FESTIVALS

The festivals of the four main religions are celebrated in Sri Lanka. The Sri Pada pilgrimage, Thai Pongol, Duruthu Perahera (Kelani Raja Maha Vihara perahera), Navam perahera (Gangara-maya temple) Sinhala Tamil New year, Wesak, Poson, Kandy Esala perahera (Asia’s grandest traditional pageant parade for 10 nights to honour the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha), Bellanwila (Bellanwila Rajamaha Vihara), Kataragama Fes-

tival, Vel, Munneswaram Udappuwa and Nallur Festival, Devinuwara (Dondra) Festival, Deepavali, Ramazan, Christmas, Madhu and Thalawila Festivals.

SHOPPING, FUN & ENTERTAINMENT

Sri Lanka is a shopping destination. Designer clothes manufactured in Sri Lanka are available at reasonable prices in and around Colombo. Plenty of souvenir shops selling wood carvings, ceramic, handlooms, colourful batiks, gem stones - blue sapphires, rubies, alexandrite, amethyst, garnets are also available island wide.With the rapid westernization of the city, nightclubs, casinos and pubs can be seen in every corner of the city.


EVENT

he campus seemed to have come alive there was an air of excitement I had not felt in days. I scurried towards the spot where the crowd had gathered as soon as I got done from class to learn that 50 fl ags had been hidden across the campus and we had to hunt the to participate in the contest to win a free phone. Like thousands of my fellow students, I was confi dent that no one else knew the campus better than myself, I went about looking for the mysterious fl ags. I upped my speed when I overheard two ladies who looked like the organizers mention that 15 fl ags had already been found!

The ladies belonged to Mobilink Jazz who had brought an interesting activity to NUST Business School, Islamabad. They called it “Such Jazba Treasure Hunt”. The event was a day long activity in which we looked for

fl ags hidden all over the campus. While the team from Mobilink managed a kiosk handing out information as to what the event was all about, students ran about in excitement looking for fl ags in order to claim their “Such Jazba” shirt and a chance to win the stylish Motorola Flip out phone. It was happening, fun and cameras were clicking away as my friends posed with the fl ags they had dug and uploaded them on Facebook. I got a fl ag too with great diffi culty and ran to claim my t-shirt that I put on immediately and got my picture taken.

The event was an interesting gesture by Mobilink to interact with us students and instil within us a feeling of jazba and passion. Be it the jazba for supporting the cricket team in the world cup, to changing the current saddening situation of the country,

or simply the jazba to go all out jumping and laughing looking for a fl ag for a chance to win a shirt or phone the activity helped revive the faith that when we get to a task, we can do it with passion, determination and fun.

For the 15 minutes I looked for the fl ag, I was completely in my own world. My aim was just to fi nd that fl ag and it was at that mo-ment I realized, the power of one’s determina-tion. Maybe this was a hidden message in the campaign all along and the concept behind targeting the youth. Indeed, with such moti-vation embedded in the students and such a vibe of energy and colour all over the campus, the event did very well in relating to the youth and motivating them and instilling knowledge by a practical example that hard work and determination help one go the extra mile.

Change is always refreshing to the core and when it comes to your college in vibrant coloured balloons, you know it is not going to be another boring day of classes alone. Recently, I experienced one such refresher when I arrived at my college.

POWER OF DETERMINATIONBy M Mufti

T



HERITAGE

By Dr. Shaukat Mahmood

Chroniclers of Lahore, particularly those recording its architectural history, have written a lot on the subject but they have focused their attention mainly on forts, gardens, royal palaces and tombs. Seldom have they endeavoured to describe the structural beauty of the stately homes, generally called havelis, of umara, nawabs and wazirs.

T he city of Lahore, being the seat of Punjab rulers since ancient times, is very rich in old havelis. However, urban expansion, vandalism and neglect are fast depriving us of this great heritage. Whatever is left is in the process of annihilation. Nevertheless a couple of havelis, which have been repaired, represent the worst kind of taste in the art of conservation and restoration.

All the umara, whether they were Muslims, Hindus or Sikhs, got their havelis constructed in the city of Lahore according to their wealth and status. Nawab Sa’ad Ullah Khan of Chiniot, who was the prime minister of Shahjahan, started the construction of a haveli in Shah ‘Alam gate area. It was completed after his death by his son Nawab Mian Khan and thus became known as Mian Khan ki Haveli. This sprawling haveli was so big that 10 wells supplied water to it. It had three parts, Mahal Sarai, Rang Mahal and Kalai Khana. Rang Mahal was later turned into Rang Mahal Mission School by Christian missionaries in the British days.

During the rule of Mahammad Shah, three amirs namely Bahadur Ali, Nadir Ali and Babur Ali constructed a haveli in Mochi Gate area. Coinciding with its completion Bahadur Ali was blessed with a son. Thus the haveli was named Mubark Haveli. Prince Shah Shuja ul-Mulk was made to stay in this haveli by Ranjit Singh, who later forced the prince to surrender Koh-i Noor to him. The renowned diamond is in the possession of the British government.

Ilm al-Din Ansari better known as Wazir Khan, famous for his Wazir Khan Mosque, built his haveli in the Shah Alam gate quarters. It was known as Pari Mahal (Palace of Fairies) and was the private residence of Wazir Khan. S.M. Latif tells us that Lahore had another haveli, called Andhi Haveli be-

cause of its very dark interior. It was located in Jura Mori quarters. Two brothers, Lakhpat Rai and Jaspat Rai, diwans during the rule of Muhammad Shah, constructed their havelis in Shah Alam gate area. During Nawab Za-karia Khan’s viceroyalty of Lahore, his military commander Mir Jawad constructed his haveli in Delhi gate area.

Two havelis were also built close to the Begum Shahi Mosque (or the Mosque of Mariam Zamani Jodha Ba’i, wife of Akbar). The mosque is situated almost opposite the Masti (or Maseeti) Darwaza of the Lahore fort. This area today is known as Chuna Man-di. One of these havelis belonged to Jamadar Khush-hal Singh. The other one, larger than that of Jamadar Khush-hal Singh, belonged to Raja Dhian Singh. Originally this was built by Nawab Asaf Khan, the father of Arjumand Bano Begum better known as Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Shahjahan. Asaf Khan is described in history as the most powerful and rich of all the wazirs of the Mughals. It is reported by historians that he was corrupt to the core and took lot of money in bribe. His wealth had no limits. He constructed the biggest haveli of Lahore. During the Sikh rule Raja Dhian Singh, who was the prime minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, occupied this haveli and aff ected a lot of changes and modifi cation in it.

In the Delhi Gate quarters also stood havelis of Raja Dina Nath, Diwan Baij Nath and in Lohari gate area there was the famous haveli of Nawab Imam al-Din Khan. The Nawab was governor of Kashmir under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

In the Mori gate area there once stood one of the most ornate and highly embellished havelis of Lahore. This haveli still survives but only as a memento of the good old days, the glorious days of the Sikh regime. The

haveli belonged to Naunihal Singh, grandson of Ranjit Singh. Ranjit Singh died in Lahore on 27th of June 1839, aged 57. He was succeeded by his eldest son Kharak Singh, an imbecile monarch who died in 1840. Kharak Singh was succeeded by his son Naunihal Singh. Naunihal met his death by the fall of a portion of an archway leading to Hazuri Bagh., as he was returning after performing the funeral rites of his father (Kharak Singh); and thus the same day that witnessed his coronation, saw him deprived of his life. The ashes of grandfather (Ranjeet Singh), father (Kharak Singh) and son (Naunihal Singh) are

A MAJESTIC HAVELI OF THE SIKH ERA


HERITAGE

all preserved in smadhis close to the Badshahi Mosque and the Lahore Fort. Not long time ago the marble urns containing the ashes were placed under the chhatri inside the smadhi. These are not there but I have picture of those beautiful urns.

Sikh rulers of the Punjab were great lovers of music and dance. Naunihal Singh was no exception albeit he also patronized visual arts like painting and architecture. His haveli is a testimony to his taste. This lofty haveli is reck-oned among the most magnifi cent buildings of the city of Lahore. Naunihal Singh used it as his private residence. It contains numerous specious chambers, halls and balconies. The roofs are decorated with paintings, woodwork and mirrors, and are worked in gold. The walls are richly and tastefully ornamented with glass and artifi cial fl owers. It is now government property and is used as a girls’ school.

Naunihal Singh’s haveli is situated inside Mori Gate. This gate is one of the 14 gates of Old Lahore and is located between Lahori (Lauhari) Gate and Bhati Gate. The Mori Gate is the smallest of the gateways, and, as its name implies, was in old times used as an outlet for the refuse and sweepings of the city. It was created during the Ghaznavids rule. Behind the place where Mori Gate once stood is a narrow street. This leads to an even narrower street on the left side. This street is hardly a meter wide. After meandering for some distance the street ends on an open area. This open area was once a large garden and the haveli of Naunihal Singh stood at one of its extremities. Not a vestige of that garden remains but the haveli survives with some of its decorative motifs in situ.

The haveli, rectangular in plan, is a fairly large building. It entrance is on the west side and the façade has been divided into two clear sections: one housing the entrance gate, which is profusely decorated and the other, simple but has plenty of fenestration. If there was any decoration on this area it has been destroyed by the ravages of time and the thekedars who worked on this building from time to time.

The building had a basement and four sto-ries above the ground level. The basement is no longer approachable though the passage which leads down still survives in the south-western corner of the sahn of the haveli. Out of the four

stories above ground level, two stories encom-pass the whole area, the third story is partially crumbled while the fourth storey stands in the north-western corner and is called Shish Mahal. Shish Mahal in fact is like the Mughal’s Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. Hawa Mahal used to be at the top of the royal buildings where fresh breeze could be enjoyed and at the same time a view of the surroundings could be relished. The Shish Mahal of Naunihal Singh’s haveli served these purpose very well.

This Shish Mahal is in no way comparable to the Shish Mahal of the Lahore Fort which is huge, massive and matchless in its brilliance. The wooden roof of Naunihal Singh’s Shish Mahal is divided into several geometrical com-partments and each one is fi tted with a small mirror in the centre. In the middle is the ‘Surya’ or the sun-motif. Northern and western walls have fenestrations in the form of windows and ventilators. There are blind arches in between the windows and ventilators. These arches house miniature paintings depicting religious and secular themes. Their colours are still fresh and speak a lot of the expertise and paint-manufacturing of the Sikh artists. Gold, blue, red, and orange colours dominate. These paint-ings are rendered in 18 x 18 inch areas.

Beside these miniature paintings there are several other kinds of decorative works like cut-brick work, woodwork including carvings and engravings, painted fl oral motifs and stucco work. The cut-brick work, however, is of the fi nest kind. It seems that Sikh craftsmen especially excelled in this kind of masonry. This brickwork manifests its perfection under the oriel windows (jharokas) and under the cornices. The carving of the bricks is so sharp, precise and accurate that bricks seem to be made of wax rather than of baked clay. Wood-carving is noticeable on doors and windows and miniature columns introduced at the corners of the oriel windows. Painted work ex-ists almost everywhere although it is decayed at several places. The quality of restoration, however, is very poor. The paint used has already fl aking off . Stucco work was created for developing multifarious kinds of fl oral motifs. At places magnifi cence of the bygone days still stands out. Haveli is a treat to anyone who has antiquarian pursuits.

The wooden roof of Naunihal Singh’s Shish Mahal is divided into several geometrical compartments and each one is fi tted with a small mirror in the centre. In the middle is the ‘Surya’ or the sun-motif.


FEATURE

By Fatima Majeed

Mothers are not born, they are trained. Sometimes it takes whole life and for few lucky ones they become one the instant the baby is born. Somehow, we have psyched ourselves into believing that a woman who is biologically capable of bearing a child is intrinsically equipped to be a mother. In our part of the land, parenting is never consid-ered a skill but something innate almost like household chores which come naturally with other marital responsibilities. It’s a tradition that one generation proudly passes on to the other with its essential baggage of mistakes. In short, it is a trial and error process. It is by second or third child that parents learn how to go about things. But by that time it is

too late and every child adds on and posses more diffi cult situations. The bubble of the parenthood glory bursts when the baby comes into the world and turns everything topsy turvey. The little angel does not seem angel anymore. The reason is that until now you have not experienced the real responsibility of a child and you are not even prepared for it.

In order to fi nd opinions of women from diff erent stratas of the society we conducted a survey. Mrs Irum Asim, a housewife, said, “Initially the depression of baby blues is hushed up but it starts a vicious cycle of de-pression and disappointments. If a mother is having diffi culties in accepting the newcomer then she cannot even discuss this with any-one as the issue is stigmatized and tabooed. After all there are set standards for a new mother to behave and the poor soul tries her best to live up to that. She has to fake it in order to avoid the label of thankless creature and bad mommy”. So, if a woman realizes that baby blues is a normal attitude and there are million women facing the same situa-

tion, then she would defi nitely feel better and take motherhood positively.

Farhat Owais, 60 yr old grand-mother opined, “The fact I want to

reiterate is that the institution of parenthood should be revisited

and revamped. Parenting is a skill and it must be taught academically. If there could be courses in the west about ev-erything under the sun then why not parenting. Parent-ing entails many duties and responsibilities which can be learnt and mastered. First

of all the mother should be fully prepared of the psychological and physical changes she is going to face. Until the D day she is living in utopia believing that once the baby is born she will have her physical form back along with her freedom. When the bubble bursts its aftermath is even worse”. Defi nitely if mothers to be get some training then they can handle the situation very well.

Abida Arif, 38 yrs old banker said, “Motherhood requires an unlimited amount of patience and energy. In order to deal with the child in a better way she must know the basic child psychology. Her responsibilities almost double with the baby so she needs to learn time management skills as well, so that she can juggle between her tasks without neglecting her personal life.”

Dr Amna Khan , psychologist expressed her views, “ There is a mindset that mothers have to fi ght “Peer Pressure”. From the mo-ment the baby is born to the end of your life he becomes a yardstick against which your competence is measured. From his physical attributes to his spiritual and mental train-ing, everything is the result of your training. The fact that needs to be realized is that every child is a diff erent individual, he is not merely your genetic extension .So please don’t spend your entire life looking for your refl ection in the poor baby. It will just add up to the disillusions and disappointments. Respect him as an individual and enjoy his diff erent qualities. Motherhood can be much fun with a bit of training”

“Relatives swarm you with their wisdom, experience and anecdotes. Among so many opinions it gets impossible to decide how to handle the baby” said Fatima Shoaib, a con-fused new mother. “I wish there could be one authentic source to train me” she added sadly.

Parenthood can become easy and improved with proper training. So, we should initiate some parenting skill programs to produce better parents.

MOTHERHOODISSUES

BLOOD PRESSURESThe Kills’ previous three discs were all amped, electric blues punk, but for the duo’s fourth,

guitarist Jamie Hince broke out a secret weapon: his very fi rst acoustic guitar, a 1935 Gibson L-00 he bought last year. “With an acoustic, you tend to write songs, not riff s,” he says. “This is blatantly obvious to anyone who’s ever done it, but for me it was a fucking breakthrough.” The resulting disc sets singer Alison Mosshart’s wailing vocals against sleazy dub on “Satellite,” sad Mellotron chords on “Wild Charms” and sampled ping-

pong-ball percussion on “Heart Is a Beating Drum.”

THE FAME MONSTER Lady Gaga’s self-empowerment

anthem “Born This Way” is already a Number One smash and one of the most

successful singles of her career – but her ambitions for her second LP (due

May 23rd) are way higher. “’Born This Way’ is just the beginning of this album,” Gaga promised in a recent interview. “It’s

certainly not even the biggest hit on the album.”

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Adam young returned to his home studio in Owatonna, Minne-

sota, to cut the follow-up to 2009’s platinum Ocean Eyes, once again playing most instruments himself. While tracks like “The Real World”

and “Astronauts” recall his sugary electro megahit “Firefl ies,” Young also stretched musically, fusing digital pulses with acoustic country guitar on

“Honey and the Bee.” Other new tunes refl ect post-fame experiences, like “Deer in the Headlights,” which he says details “a bittersweet relational thing.”

CODES AND KEYS In the three years since Death Cab for Cutie released their last album, the Washington-based rockers have been busy – and not just working on their seventh LP, Codes and Keys. Since 2008, every Death Cab member has undergone a Major Life Change: frontman Ben Gibbard and bassist Nick Harmer got married (Gibbard to actress Zooey Deschanel); drummer Jason

McGerr had a kid; and guitarist Chris Walla relocated from Portland to Seattle.So it makes sense that the band’s new album (out May 31st) wrestles with the idea of belonging.

WASTING LIGHTFor their seventh studio album, the Foo Fighters and producer Butch Vig had three rules: “It’s got to be hooky,

heavy and we’re going analog all the way,” says Vig, who fi rst worked with Dave Grohl two decades ago on Nirvana’s Nevermind. “It needed to sound like an atom bomb,” adds Grohl. “That’s why I called Butch.” Last summer, the Foos set up in Grohl’s two-car garage in Encino, California (“a ballad-free zone,”

says the singer), and hammered out face-melting riff s for tracks like “Back & Forth,” “White Limo” and fi rst single “Rope,” which debuted atop Billboard’s rock chart.

FOO FIGHTERS DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE

OWL CITY

L

ADY

GAGA

THE KILLS

FOO FIGHTERS DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE

OWL CITY

L

ADY

GAGA

THE KILLS

SPRING MUSMUSIC

22 SUNDAY PLUS April 03, 2011

MUSIC

WATCH THE THRONE TBD“Most Defused to talk all the time about how jazz musicians would just come together

in a room and see what they came up with,” says Kanye West. “Four songs, fi ve songs, whatever – then they’d put out an album.” Mos’ history lesson is the inspiration behind

Watch the Throne, a full-length collaboration between Kanye and Jay-Z recorded in studios from England to Australia. “It’s nonarguable,” says Kanye. “Me and Jay-Z are

the two most infl uential rappers of the last decade, and we connect on all these dif-ferent levels.” Though their operatic single “H.A.M.” fi zzled on the Hot 100, Kanye predicts another critical masterpiece. “It’s going to be way more awesome than My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. My skills are increasing.”

BLACK AND WHITE AMERICA SUMMER “My rock’s always got some funk in it, and my funk al-ways has some rock in it,” says Kravitz, who cut his fi rst disc since 2008 at his home studio in the Bahamas. Highlights include the seductive R&B jam “Super Love” and the raw “Come On Get It,” on which Kravitz pants like a dog in heat. The title track is about the obstacles his parents endured as a mixed-race couple. “When they

walked the streets, they were in danger,” he says. “People would spit at them. It’s my story. And it’s black and white

America. It’s who I am.”

THA CARTER IV Starting just days after his release from Rikers Island last November,

Wayne has practically lived in Miami’s Hit Factory studio. “We leased it for the whole year – every day, 24/7, so he can just go whenever,” says manager Cortez

Bryant. Wayne has already cut dozens of new tracks with help from stars includ-ing T-Pain and Kanye West. The schwingtastic “Wayne’s World,” a contender for the

fi nal track list, is three machine--gunning minutes of adenoidal wordplay topped with a triumphant hook. Weezy is confi dent that his dense, intricately crafted new verses will have

the competition reconsidering their future. “There’s a lot of rapping on this,” he says. “I want other rappers to hear it and say, ‘I quit. I better start making club songs.”

TITLE TBD SUMMERBlink’s fi rst full album since 2003 amps their bratty, supercatchy pop punk with new moves they learned

during the years apart. “It’s a great mix – huge stadium rock, punk and indie-rock elements, with drum-and-bass beats,” says singer-guitarist Tom DeLonge. The self-produced set is still taking shape: DeLonge is laying down his parts in San Diego, while singer-bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker are recording in L.A.

TBD SUMMERFor her tenth album, the queen of hip-hop soul has enlisted a studio full of top R&B producers, includ-

ing Jerry Wonder, Danja, Tricky Stewart, Babyface, The-Dream and Terry Lewis to craft a retro album with lots of live instrumentation and soul samples. “I’m gravitating towards the natural

warmth and depth in music, the way the instruments felt when we were coming up,” she says, citing Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan as inspirations. She’s still recording.

MARY J. BLIGE JAY-Z AND KANYE WEST LENNY KRAVITZ LIL WAYNE BLINK-182

MARY J. BLIGE JAY-Z AND KANYE WEST LENNY KRAVITZ LIL WAYNE BLINK-182

IC PREVIEW


April 03, 201124

DECOR

Amina Saeed

DECORATE WITH MODERN VINTAGE STYLE

Whereas Interior design is undergoing drastic changes as people are now more interested in having

smaller homes with environmentally friendly interior decorating elements keeping in mind the expensive

world around us they are also leaning towards the Vintage style of furniture.

Vintage style home design with delicate decorative

touches and vintage home accessories is becoming

increasingly popular nowadays. It’s mainly about

re-using and re-vamping. The most attractive

element of vintage interior design is its cost. You

can easily reach vintage look on a small budget. By

using creative little tricks you can save money, while

producing a stunning and stylish home environment

at the same time. It’s all about a good Make over.

You won’t have to get rid of last year’s furniture

and accessories to get a new look and feel; instead

you can use your imagination and reach great results

with minimum eff orts.

By mixing old and new you will not only achieve

a perfect Vintage/Retro look, and it can also be a

lot of fun as well. You may paint old chairs to match

each other; or even to mismatch! Another lovely

element of vintage style is that it can be personal-

ized. It may represent your lifestyle if you combine

items collected from your life, complemented by

subtle decorative accessories or through traveling

history. Decorating with vintage pieces doesn’t have

to mean creating a traditional home design. Antique

furniture or vintage home accessories can be used in

modern home design.

Incorporating a few vintage elements into home,

without making the space feel cramped and clut-

tered. Modern design means clean surfaces with

little clutter, so allow big pieces like a vintage roll top

desk or antique wardrobe to stand out by not cover-

ing them in accessories. Stick with minimal and

simple decorations; let the piece stand on its own.

Even in modern home design, there is plenty of

room for unique vintage items. The trick is knowing

how to display and use them to maximize their

impact.

Follow these guidelines to begin decorating in a

modern vintage style.

• Don’t be afraid to redesign or update vintage

pieces. A item with chipped paint or worn

corners can be corrected with a coat of paint.

Painting a wooden piece white, red, green, or

even purple can add a funky element to the item

that makes it feel less like an antique.

• Add modern accessories. Pairing heavy or dark

vintage pieces with silver or galvanized metal

makes the space more industrial, giving it a loft

feel.

• Go easy on the color scheme. A lot of color and

wood tones give the feeling of busyness and

clutter, which strays from the modern aesthetic.

Stick with one or two main colors and fi nd ways

to bring them out through accessories like green

houseplants, a red teapot, or purple throw pil-

lows.

• Modern and vintage elements can work together

in home decor through unexpected pairings,

a common color scheme, and by minimizing

clutter. Using antique items rather than all brand

new furniture is also a way to stay friendly to the

environment.

• Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns

and fabrics and pile on all the pretty layers

slip-covers, throws, patchwork quilts, crochets

and lace will all give you that really warm and

comforting, nostalgic feel.

• Display period accessories and collections on

open shelves, or in glass fronted display cabinets,

look out for pretty ornaments, porcelain fi gurines,

and all types of pretty ceramics and pottery.

After 3 yrs of consistently working in residential as well as offi ce projects all over Pakistan, Amna Saeed successfully launched her brand “The Furniture Gallery” in 2010. Her philosophy is based on ‘cuts and curves’ bringing beautiful shape and style to wood giving it a sophisticated and stylish look. Her pieces exude comfort, vintage, antique as well as modern feel that creatively express a meaningful space fi lled with style, sophistication, combined with that of an appreciation.

SUNDAY PLUS


DECOR

Eclectic style

Most people, when asked their decorating style

say they are eclectic style, meaning they like a

little bit of this, and a little bit of that.

• Eclectic style is the fi ngerprint of innova-

tion and creativity. Borrowing from diff erent

sources and periods, eclectic style is a highly

individualized style and is easily changed on a

whim.

• Choosing an eclectic interior design scheme

will bring many possibilities into your decorat-

ing you can choose and develop your own

unusual style statement that really refl ects

your personality.

• Eclectic style encompasses a variety of

periods and styles and is brought together

through the use of color, texture, shape and

fi nish.

Colors: The palette can vary but it’s best

to stick with a few neutrals to help tie all of the

elements together. In the red and gold room

above, creams and browns are used to ground

the palette so the great design isn’t lost among

the many hues.

Furniture: Take into account the lines,

fi nishes and materials of the pieces you’re com-

bining and look for ways to bring them together,

whether it be with paint, fabric or a more refi ned

or roughed-up fi nish.

Fabrics: An eclectic look is partly defi ned by

the multitude of fabrics, whether they be pat-

terned, textured or both. Choose a color scheme

and stick with a neutral as your grounding force,

then add to it with colored and textured solids

and patterns and trims, tassels or fringe.

Finishes: A combination of fi nishes and

textures sets an eclectic look apart from the rest.

Above, burnished bronze lamp bases contrast

with a black and white box but tie in with the

golden tones in the ceiling and wall behind.

I am sure that you will fi nd both these interior

design styles really comforting as well as really

easy to live with - and really easy to achieve.

Don’t worry about any rules, and just include

all your favorite bits and pieces and styles, regard-

less of era... Where peace is diffi cult to fi nd

nowadays why not make your place in a way to

give you peace and contentment with your own

creation and style statement by using what you

have and adding little that would save you not

only time but of course money. Create a home

and style that is uniquely yours, stamp your per-

sonality on your space, and relax into a comforting

zone, a place that makes you feel good! Choice is

yours you want to go Vintage/ Eclectic.


INTERVIEW

By Emanuel Sarfraz

hese views were shared by Dr Haider Mehdi, a political analyst, columnist and professor of politi-cal science at a university in UAE, while talking to Sunday Plus during an interview. Dr Mehdi did his masters in political science from Villanova University, Pennsylvania, USA and PhD in global politics from Columbia University.

Dr Mehdi is of the view that change was long overdue in Muslim countries. “Forces of right wing are crashing to the pressure of the people. The process of change has begun and it is not likely to stop. What happened in Egypt is quite clear. It was pure people’s revolution. The people’s self management in the protests there was remark-able. I agree with some people that not much has changed as the army has taken over in Egypt. The world has not changed for the Egyptians but the process of change has begun and will stop,” he maintained.

On a query about the input of foreign powers in these protests the professor said it was not so much. “A number of people from Egypt had been going to USA for leadership training programmes for some years. They learnt the techniques of hu-man management. But it was not an engineered thing. People were tired of the status quo. They wanted change and democracy. The motivation level of the people was very high,” he said.

About the uprising in Libya Dr Mehdi said the change was imminent. “Gaddafi did a lot of won-derful things for his people. He made great strides in developing the country. He, however, has now become irrelevant in present times. He is no longer needed. People want to carve their own destiny

through democracy. “It is wrong to use force to crush the people’s

movement. Why not dialogue? There is need for all the regimes in Muslim world to resort to timely dialogue with people otherwise things could get worse in a very bad way,” the professor maintained.

About the political situation in Pakistan Dr Mehdi said the people were fed up with the rulers and change could soon take place. “We have a provision for holding mid term elections. We should go for it and hold mid term election to bring change. There is need to change the political culture of Pakistan otherwise you will lose the freedom that was won after so many sacrifi ces.

“The mindset of our political elite is very close to that of colonialists. This has to change. The media has played its role in spreading aware-ness. People can no longer be hoodwinked by the politicians. The prevailing political culture will not last long. In the next elections the results will be diff erent. The big political forces that have been ruling for long will lose in the next elections,” Dr Mehdi maintained.

He further explained that the politicians had failed to deliver because of the management crisis. “The economic planning has been miserable. There is crisis of leadership in the country. The current leaders have failed to provide good administra-tion and planning. The America centric policy will have to be changed. Drone attacks are happening everyday but the politicians due to their own vested interests are not fully opposing them.

“Pakistan’s situation today can be compared

to the situation of 1971 when we lost East Pakistan. The rulers are enjoying while the masses are suff ering. The price hike due to rising infl ation is destroying the very fabric of our society. Many people say that we are moving towards anarchy. But we should not forget that out of anarchy you may fi nally get some good leadership,” Dr Mehdi was of the view.

Pakistan truly is going through the most dif-fi cult times. We are a nation of builders and have come a long way since independence. Nothing is permanent except change. Hopefully in our transi-tion to better times the coming changes in the near future are positive.

‘WINDS OF CHANGE WILL NOT STOP’

The winds of change blowing across the Muslim world would not stop. They will sweep away the old and incompetent regimes. These are people’s movements and are deep rooted. The change in Pakistan is also on the anvil. People would not vote for Pakistan People’s Party or the PML (N) in the next elections.

T

RENDEZVOUS

Quiz has become a name that sends shopaholics into buying frenzy as it can easily be described as the most innovative and dynamic fast fashion retail group that focuses on delivering catwalk style looks and all the latest trends at aff ordable rates. The outfi ts at Quiz are exciting and innova-tive, off ering the clients the right garments and the right trends at the right time. To stay in touch with the ever changing trends and meet customers’ demands Quiz puts something new in the stores every twice a week. Even at its franchise in Pakistan, they update latest trends every fortnightly. With Quiz the customers know that every week there will be new items.

Transitioning from winter into the spring was never this chic. This year will see its fair share of fashion action as Quiz opens its second store at the Mall of Lahore. Debuting only a year ago in Pakistan, this British high street ladies brand has added fast to the Pakistani fashion.

By Bishakha KunwarBy Bishakha Kunwar

YOURYOURFASHIONFASHION IQIQ

QUIZQUIZ

Sheraz Ramzan


Quiz began in 1995 with mere three stores in Scotland. Much has changed in the last fi fteen years, not at least of which is the fact that it has now grown worldwide to 50 franchises in the Middle East, Ireland, Europe and Asia with more than 100 stores in most of the major shopping centres and high streets across the UK and Ireland. The sensible design team at Quiz brings the latest fashions from the catwalks quickly to the shop fl oor. This fast, fl exible supply chain, together with the winning formula of style, quality, value and service has enabled Quiz to grow rapidly into an extremely suc-cessful brand.

Its entry into Pakistan is part of a fran-chise with local company Pakistan Belting Pvt. Ltd. which is lead by Director Aftab Arshad Sheikh. Recently Sheraz Ramzan, Development Director of Quiz from Glas-gow was here in Lahore to expand its sec-

RENDEZVOUS

ond outlet. Sheraz said that Aftab Sheikh has done excellent in building Quiz branding in the Pakistani market. Sunday plus talks to Sheraz about the inside story on the brand that aims to make ladies fashion solely fun and simple.

• How would you defi ne Quiz’s design philosophy?

We specialize in following the latest fashion trends for young girls who want to look chic and fashionable. At Quiz Clothing we are dedicated to bringing you the latest trends in women’s clothing. We keep a constant eye on ladies fashion to make sure that the women’s clothes we stock are up-to-date. We want girls to be confi dent and stand out in the crowd and who doesn’t want to look special, right? That is exactly what our design philosophy is.

• Who are your target audiences?Our target audience is the fashion conscious

15-35 women’s wear market. We realise the most important part of our success is our customer. This is why we are focused on delivering an exciting shopping experience and making sure that our high standards of quality, value for money and service are always met.

Led by a team of highly dedicated and motivated group of individuals we are fi rmly focused on our customer’s needs. For us, the customer is the centre of our world.

• How do you think Pakistan is similar to and diff erent from other markets where Quiz is considering expansion? How has your experi-ence been in Pakistan?

To be honest our business so far in Pakistan has been very smooth as we have been associated in excellent franchise with Aftab Arshad Sheikh. For international retailers like us, we are lucky to give him our franchise. The business here is great but the ever increasing import duties levied on our local retailer is slightly discouraging. The Pakistani government should concentrate on giv-ing incentives. Retail creates stability in jobs. The local government should encourage international brands to penetrate into the local markets as it helps in generating jobs. If you take Britain’s example, during the 80s our retail industry was in shambles due to the penetration of the East Asian markets. Today we have been able to establish strong retail mar-ket with brands like H&M, Topshop,

Pink and Purple Kimono

Turquoise and Purple Halter Neck Maxi Dress


RENDEZVOUS

• Describe your job in 3 words…Fast, exciting and fun• What do you like the most about your job?Travelling around the world to various countries

and expanding our franchise. In the meanwhile meeting new people and newer experiences.

• What has been your smartest business idea?

So far the smartest business idea has been franchising mainly in Middle East, Russia. This has been huge growth for us.

• And your worst decision?Not major ones. But things can always be done

better• When do you turn off your BlackBerry?Never. I put it on silent. • What is the secret of your success?I believe the only secret of our success is that we

are brining something diff erent to the retail market and we are not copying any brands. This is how we are diff erent and this is our secret of success.

• What are you reading?The Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden• How would you characterise the Pakistani

way of doing business?You have to have the right contacts and need to

know the right people. So far as I mentioned earlier it has been very smooth in Pakistan. But again I would mention that government needs to relax import duties in order to give more incentives.

• What is your Golden Rule?Think positively and look for new opportunities.

CANDID CONFESIONS:

Marks & Spencer and Quiz.• Even during the global

economic meltdown, how has Quiz coped with this scenario?

Over time it has taken time for us to expand. We are fi nding things very buoyant. Thus we are bringing better options and are having a great response despite the economic crunch.

• Since the launch of Quiz last year, how has the response been in Pakistan so far? Is this your fi rst visit to Pakistan?

This is not my fi rst visit to Pakistan as I have ancestral roots associated with this great nation. But this is my fi rst business trip to Pakistan. Pakistan is diff erent than other countries. The busi-ness of retail is not as developed as it is in the Middle Eastern countries. International retailing has just taken its pace here. Now is the right time to introduce newer range of retail brands in Pakistan. Previously people had to travel to Dubai to buy international brands, but now international brands are accessible at your doorstep here. Our response here has been great and very welcoming. We are expanding our premier store to one more outlet in The Mall of Lahore soon.

• Playful prints:

Prints are in and sexier than ever. Invest in a bold

printed dress and adorn with minimal accessories

for an elegant touch.

• Longer maxis:

Maxis are back with a bang. At Quiz this year is all

about focusing attention on maxi dresses.

Tips: Just team with the matching bolero available at

Quiz.• Fabulous fl orals:

Flowers and blossom and so on, Quiz this year

is interested in making sure fl oral ladies fashion

creations and women dresses get the spotlight they

deserve this spring!

TOP TRENDS FROM QUIZ THIS SPRING :

Coral Chiff on Flower Blouse Top


STYLE

is the ..It’s time to wake up from the dreary winter days and smell the roses, the poppies, the lilies and the peonies and welcome spring with full bloom. Bold fl ower-power prints are hot this season. So think fl oral pieces to brighten up your wardrobes in bright botanicals, oriental blooms in softer fabrics of lawn and cotton. Clash them to make a statement.This season Lala lawn went right back to the cradle of civilization, Egypt, for their spring inspiration and have incorporated vivid hues from yellow, coral, pink to softer tones of blue, white, along. Come fall in love this season!


style


style

36 April 03, 2011SUNDAY PLUS

style



style

Label: LalasDesigner: Ahsan HussainStyling: Atif @ AlbatrossHair, Makeup& Photography: DeveesCoordination: Umer MushtaqModel: Neeha

SOCIETY

Portfolio - multi brand store was recently launched in Gulberg near MM Alam Road. The event was managed by Bilal Mukhtar Events&PR.

Aasia Sail & Athar Hafeez Alyzeh & Bilal Mukhtar Abbas & Sana Shahzad Raza & Fia Rabia & Imran

Emmad Irfani , Maryam & Amina Shafat Maria Baig Amna Baber, Aliha & Mariam

WE HAVE GOT PORTFOLIO!

LAHORE:

1 2

4 5

6 7 8

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8

3

April 03, 2011 42 SUNDAY PLUS

Natty & Annie

Nabeel & Asifa Shehrbano Asad & Anoushay

SOCIETY

SUNDAY PLUSApril 03, 2011 43

Hasnat , Shazia Deen , Momina & Nael

Zarmina & Ali Zafar

SOCIETY

Recently, a group exhibition of STEP College of Art was held at Shakir Ali Museum. The exhibition of paintings included collage and ceramic display of students which received a positive response from artist community, students, teachers and people from all strata of society.

ARTISTIC

LAHORE:

1

2 3

5 6

7

4

OF STEP

Zainab, Sharjeel, Amina, Mehar, Qurat-ul-Ain, Ammar, Anum & Ahsan Umar Saad & Ifrah1 2 3 Romail & Saba4

8 9

Romail & Arsalan6 7 ZainabSaba, Maria & Jabeen5 Sundus & friend8 9 Shahana, Sarmad, Sundus, Khadija & Umer

STROKES


SOCIETY

Standard Chartered Priority Night was held at Mohatta Palace. Priority night was all about giving priority to their clients and those who matter to the Standard Chartered family. This night left everyone in awe with an amazing line up of performances from some of the best artists in Pakistan. The event was done by Catwalk production and the producer of the event was Frieha Altaf.

Atif Aslam and Ali Zafar Natasha Nashmiya Sadia Imam shakeel Jafar & Ronaq Shahi Feyzan

Arif Lohar, Frieha altaf, Atif Asalm, Ali Zafar and Sain Zahoor

KARACHI:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

1 2

345

6 87

PRIORITY NIGHT


SOCIETY

Amin Guljee Anushay Ashraf and Alizy Ashraf Taqueer Muhajir Seema Jafer Frieha Altaf Saima Mahmood9 10 11 12 13 14

9

11

14

12

13

10


SOCIETY

Recently Barclays honoured glorious achievements of extraordinary women in connection with International Women’s Day.

HONOURING

LAHORE:

2

3

5 6 7

10

4

EXTRAORDINARY

8

Mubashir Iqbal & Khuwaja Asif Barclays Team Manal Bakhtiari1 2 3 Madiha, Tariq Bilal & Mahjabeen4 Annie5

1

WOMEN

9

Mrs Waseem ul Haq6 Nina & Nickie87 Myra Malik & Sadia Gulrez 109 Sara Syed & Tehreem AfzalMrs Sobia Adnan & Mehr


Fauzia Haroon with daughter

Mussarat Misbah

Asifa Barclays customers

Chand Bibi

SOCIETY

Madiha Begum Shaista Jan & friend

Aasia Saiil Khan

Saba Faisal

Amna Kardar

Saira Rehman

Irum Malik with a friend Imran Malik, Khuwaja Asif & Usman Rai

Reema

Sarah Waqar

Nina Akbar Tania


SOCIETY

A dinner was hosted by known businessman and Honorary Consul General of Morocco in Karachi Ishtiaq Baig Mirza at his residence in DHA.

Ishtiaq Baig, Gen. Abdul Qayum & Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig Farah, Mrs. Faisal, Sheereen Yousaf & Faz Zia Mr, & Mrs. Tahir Ali & Majid

Mania Soomro, Samina Haq & Hina Sana ul Haq

Mahira, Farah & Mrs. Faisal Malik Annie Farooqi, Samina & Noreen

Mustafa Mandokhel, Ahmed Shah & Faisal Malik

DINNER TIME

KARACHI:

1 2

4

5

7

1 2 3

4 5 67 8

8

3


6

SOCIETY


Maryam, daughter of Ziauddin Business Manager The Nation got married to Mansoor, son of Amjad Ali

Mansoor and Maryam Mrs Ziauddin & Mrs Hajra Bakhtiar Gurya Mr. and Mrs. Raheel NazirMr. & Mrs. Ziauddin

Mrs and Mrs Amjad Ali with bride & bride groom Maria Baig Mudassar Raza Ahad Mahmood

WEDDING BELLS

LAHORE:

1 2

4 5

6 7 8

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 8

3

CHANGING SEASONS

ART


ART

Lustrous marigolds dot the canvas of Mr. Matloob Baig’s centerpiece on display at Royaat Gallery’s latest show – Changing Seasons. The show seeks to capture the beauty of the ephemeral seasons. Using a vibrant color palate and vivid strokes, Matloob has captured wonderful movement in his landscapes, depicting the interplay between the wind and sunlight. His extravagant, multi-layered images draw the viewer in to celebrate the glory of nature and its transformative powers. However, some of his water paintings almost have a surrealist quality, as if the glassy surface of the water led to the gateway of a diff erent world.


ART

ahseen Ali Khan, is a New York based designer and paints in her studio on Gramercy Park. Her work is regularly exhibited in member’s shows at the prestigious Salmagundi Art Club. She also maintains her membership with the Punjab Artists’ Association and participates in their annual exhibitions in her hometown, Lahore. One of her portraits titled, ‘The Composed,’ has the honour of being part of the permanent collection of the National Art Gallery in Islamabad.

Painting is something she pursues as a hobby and has remained dedicated to it as a medium of self expression. While talking to the Sunday Plus of Daily The Nation, Tahseen Ali Khan stated, “I am a fashion designer by profession and art for me is a medium of personal impression which comes from within. I have the good fortune to have been tutored by iconic and inspirational artists such as Anna Molka Ahmed and Zulqarnain Haider at the University of the Punjab, Johan Howard Sanden at the Art Student League; Richard Pionk at the Pastel Society of America and John A.Parks at the School of Visual Arts in New York.”

While viewing her collection, one feels that

Ali Khan is inspired by museums, galleries and shows in and around New York City. Her well documented travels around the world also off er her a wealth of subjects for her paintings. “This is my fi rst solo exhibition in Pakistan and the reason I decided to do it on Interna-tional Women’s Day was to highlight these role models who are an inspiration to me and the very reason of our living; beginning from my mother who fi rst taught me to draw, to Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah sister of Muham-mad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan and an active political fi gure in the movement for independence and PM Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.”

She further commented, “if life is like smoke, then attempting to capture the im-pressions it leaves on one’s mind might be like trying to trap those fl eeting swirls of smoke in a jar. Though, it is life that has chosen me, as an artist I can only hope to gather, in paint, some of the countless glimmers of its bril-liance. It is my belief that art should transcend diff erences across ages and locales---the current and the historical, the familiar and the foreign alike. ‘Reading Faces, Marking Places’ is my attempt at fi nding a new visual vocabu-

lary to express, within a traditional medium, the vivid eff ulgence and subtle nuances found in diverse places and distinct personalities.”

The exhibition was attended by prominent artists like Salima Hashmi and Wahab Jaff er who appreciated the works of Tahseen Ali Khan.

Students, teachers, media personnel and people from all walks of life attended the show. According to Zara David, another amiable artist and coordinator of Ejaz Gallery commented, “Tahseen Ali Khan has put her heart and soul in the paintings. Her colour compositions, textures and light are appropri-ate and well defi ned.”

Khalid Ghais, another friend of Tahseen Ali Khan pointed out, “I have known Tahseen for the last few years and the exhibition shows her creativity, innovation and style at her best.”

The prices of her painting collection ranged between Rs 30000 and Rs 115,000. Overall, the painting exhibition, ‘Reading Faces Mark-ing Places’ was appreciated by many and confi rmed the level of skill, sensitivity and sincerity artistry which are the very essence of Tahseen Ali Khan’s insignia.

By Madiha Syedain

READING FACES MARKING PLACESRecently, an exhibition titled, ‘Reading Faces Marking Places’ by Tahseen Ali Khan was held at Alhamra Art Gallery, Lahore. The exhibition was an eff ort to pay a tribute to all those women who have played an important role in Tahseen’s personal and professional life.

T

The Three Earrings

Benazir Bhutto

MotherEnassio

The Mission

Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah

Violet



HERITAGE

BY STREET WALKER

very sphere of life has been subjected to growth for many centuries, decades and years. This is also true about print as well as electronic media. As a matter of fact, about a decade back or so, there was only one government channel Pakistan Television (PTV), now with the passage of time and broadening of people’s horizon many news and entertainment channels have rapidly sprouted up left and right. This goes for newspapers as well, the number of daily newspapers being published is enormous, the category of evening newspapers has increased to such extent that it is very diffi cult for the common man to even rely on such information providers. In fact, during the just concluded 22nd session of the Punjab Assembly, quite interesting information was given about newspapers and other periodicals published from industrial city Faisalabad, which is also known as Manchester of Pakistan and Gujranwala.

Information given during the Question Hour said that as many as 505 newspapers and other periodicals are being published from Faisalabad and another 272 dailies and other periodicals from Gujranwala. Publica-tions from Faisalabad included as many as 134 dailies whereas no such break up with regard to Gujranwala was given. Quite obviously, the num-ber of publications so given would be those in whose favour declarations were issued, irrespective of these being published regularly or not.

This prompted the scribe to fi nd out the situation with regard to the dailies and other periodicals which were published from Lahore in the distant and recent past. The result was quite interesting as well as informative and educative. While searching and scanning through various reference books to fi nd out what Lahore was in the past prior to traversing through the city presently, this scribe was surprised to fi nd out that only a little more a century ago, 1915 to be exact, there were 23 newspapers which in those days enjoyed circulation of 1500 or above.

Maulana Zafar Ali Khan’s newspaper Zamindar was among those nine dailies which had a circulation of 3000 or more. Other newspapers were

GROWTH OF OUR MEDIA STORY OF THE

E


HERITAGE

Hindustan, Paisa Akhbar, Fauji Akhbar, Himala,Desh, Loyal Gazette, Parkash and Bulletin. Civil and Military Gazette was among other 14 dailies which had a cir-culation of over 1500.Other dailies were Watan, Tribune, Bir,Arya Gazette, Sher-i-Punjab, Phul, Akhbar-i-A’am , Punjabi, Kashmiri Magazine, Rajput Gazette, Martand, Fasana and Chakarvarti.

It would be also of great interest to the readers that in 1914, a total number of 166 newspapers and periodicals were published from Lahore alone. During the year, 35 ceased publications on one account or the other and another 43 started appearing.

Apart from yearly, half-yearly, quar-terly, monthly, fortnightly tri-monthly, weekly and daily newspapers and journals, one was published twice a week and another two thrice a week then. As per classifi cations language-wise , 32 newspapers and journals were published in English, 108 in Urdu, just one in Urdu-Hindi, 10 in Hindi and 15 in Gurmukhi (Punjabi).

Furthermore, Civil and Military Gazette was the only paper published by the Europeans, Bulletin published only war news, Fauji Akhbar was for the consumption of Indian soldiers and con-tained besides general news and notes, topics of military interest while Phul was designed for juvenile readers. Martand, Chakarvarti and Fasana had social and moral tendency as the very titles amply suggested Fasana as its name (the novel) implied, contained translations of novels in other languages and other stories of public interest. All the remain-ing papers were more or less actively political, their columns being devoted mainly to the criticism of the then British Government measures and policy.

Generally speaking, as the offi cial document pointed out further, these were either sectarian or the mouth-pieces of various classes or cliques of the educated community. And, there were as many as 75 printing presses working in Lahore, most of which were owned by the Hindus. And out of these presses, a little less than two thirds published newspapers and advertising sheets, the remaining third or more published books to some extent, but mostly did miscel-laneous and job work.

This was not all. Going further back than this, six weeklies including one in Arabic and other six were being pub-

lished in Urdu language in Lahore around 1883-84.Weekly being published in Arabic language was titled “ Naf’a-e-Ul Azam” . Maximum publication was being enjoyed by journal “Koh-i-Noor” and “Akhbar-i-A’am” was the cheapest among all as it was just priced at paisa one then. Even a medical journal was also being published. All these publications were printed in litho. Even one journal was published by literary organization “ Anjuman-e-Punjab” which mostly included academic and educational articles .English weekly “Punjabi” con-tained news, political and literary articles and essays.

At that time, there were 18 printing presses which between themselves pub-lished 15 dailies and 15 journals. Civil and Military Gazette Press published three dailies and one journal. Other printing presses were Punjab Printing Company, Egerton Press, Albert Press, Tribune Press, Punjabi Press, Bailey Press, Qadri Kasur (then Kasur was part of Lahore district), Aftab-e-Punjab, Victoria Press, Delhi Panch, Qanoon-e-Hind, Koh-i-Noor Press, Punjab Panch, Mustafvi Press and Qadri Press.

According to the information avail-able from diff erent sources and writings of local and foreign writers, “Lahore Chronicle” was the fi rst English daily which had commenced publication from Lahore in 1840. “Lahore Chronicle” was regarded as the fore-runner of English dailies “Indian Public Opinion” and “The Civil and Military Gazette”.

And till recent distant period, 15 dailies, 59 weeklies, 103 monthlies 33 fortnightlies and 8 quarterlies were being published in Lahore in 1984 or so. Dailies

in-cluded Nawa-e-Waqt, Imroze, Pakistan Times, Mashriq and Jang , being the main Urdu and English newspapers besides Tijarat, Wifaq, Azad, Maghribi Pakistan, Waqt, Sahafat, Sadaqat, Afaq, Sayasat and Saadat, according to an offi cial publica-tion.

As of now, in short, nine English dailies are being published which include The News International, The Nation, Daily Times ,Business Recorder, Pakistan Today, The Frontier Post, Express Tribune, Pakistan Observer and Dawn. Scores of Urdu dailies and two Punjabi language newspapers are also being appearing from Lahore. These include Nawa-e-Waqt, Jang, Express, Aaj Kal, Khabrain, Jinnah, Ashsharq, Pakistan, Ausaf Taqat, Din and Asaas in Urdu and Bhulekha in Punjabi among others. Couple of evenings in Urdu are also appearing. These include Daily Inqilab, Naya Akhbar among others. Detailed ac-count of English and Urdu dailies which have survived the vicissitudes of time, weather and other odds would be men-tioned some other time, please, so that some justice could be with these dailies besides mourning the deceased ones.

OFF THE SHELF

Title: Our Last Best Chance: The Pursuit of Peace in a Time of PerilAuthor: King Abdullah Abdullah (King of Jordan)

Pages: 318Price: Rs. 2,795

Genre: International Politics

SYNOPSIS: “Why would a head of state want to write a

book?” It is the fi rst question King Abdullah II of Jordan poses in the preface of his book, Our Last Best Chance: The Pursuit of Peace in a Time of Peril. Considering the political risks, what does a sitting Arab monarch have to say, and to whom?

At fi rst, the King writes, he had hoped his book’s publication (it hits stands this week) would celebrate the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli confl ict and an era of Middle East peace. Sadly, this is not the case, and in recounting the endless iterations of the moribund peace process—its victims, broken promises, and eroding hopes—Abdullah does not shy away from placing blame and off ering broad counsel.

The crisis of Palestinian sovereignty, Abdullah asserts, is at the heart of all the other threads he traces through decades and book pages—the Iraq

War, Al Qaeda and militant Islam, a rogue Iran, the struggles among and within Arab countries, East-West tensions. Nothing, Abdullah warns, can be fi xed in the Middle East until the Palestinian issue is resolved.

But while the title suggests an urgent policy manifesto, Our Last Best Chance is a memoir. In sharing his personal story, from Jordan’s (some might say unenviable) position in the heart of the Middle East, the King frames and provides context for the many issues facing his country, his region, and the world.

His voice is reasoned and often humorous, didactic rather than dictatorial; at times he seems to be writing for a young audience, befi tting his oft-articulated concern with Arab youth and educational opportunity. Abdullah recounts his own education with delight and verve.

At other times, he is a spokesman for his

country. Those who know and love Jordan will enjoy Abdullah’s accounts of Hashemite palace tensions, covert operations, and his insight into Jordanian character. Among the leadership strat-egies learned from his father, the beloved King Hussein, Abdullah has been known to venture into public in disguise, to hear the concerns of his citi-zens and punish wayward bureaucrats. He writes with pride of his family, and of Jordan’s protection of refugees, its strides in women’s rights, and its diffi cult economic reforms.

Abdullah reminds us that Jordan has often held the line against Muslim extremists who have hijacked Islam, the Palestinian plight, and inter-national discourse. The King has been the target of assassination attempts, and Al Qaeda struck Amman in November 2005, in coordinated bombings that killed sixty people.

The King’s personal stories are the highlights

A KING’S SEARCH FOR PEACE


OFF THE SHELF

of the book, particularly those involving bizarre diplomatic outreach. One night (the date and year are not given), when young Abdullah was an offi cer in the Jordanian army, King Hussein summoned him on a secret mission. Under cover of darkness, father and son, along with the prime minister and royal court chief, rowed a small fi sh-ing boat across the Gulf of Aqaba into an Israel harbor. Abdullah watched the craft—so did an Israeli sniper—as the King hopped into a dinghy manned by a Mossad agent and fl oated towards the black shore to meet with Israeli offi cials. These secret meetings laid the groundwork for the peace treaty signed between Jordan and Israel in 1994.

Abdullah has a knack for describing characters and grasping delicate political situations. This book would be a useful guide for newly-elected offi cials, or arriving extra-terrestrials, for its tips on navigating the perilous waters of international diplomacy.

But most of his warnings, some startlingly blunt, are about Israel. “[E]veryone in the region increasingly fears that we will soon be plagued by yet another devastating war,” Abdullah writes. “Israeli politics are mainly to blame for this gloomy reality.”

For Muslims, Abdullah writes, the Arab-Israeli confl ict is not a religious one, but rather a struggle over rights and land. For many in the West, “Palestine” is a noun only in a Biblical context, a stateless abstraction; for most Muslims, it is an absolute, a raison d’être. Abdullah holds moderate views: he uses the phrase “illegal occupation,” but insists in the legitimacy of Israel, a largely peace-seeking populace with a right to protect itself.

And what is “our last best chance”? King Abdullah seems most enthusiastic about the Arab Peace Initiative, which the Arab League fi rst proposed in 2002, and which Israel and America summarily ignored. The initiative called for full Israeli withdrawal from all Arab territories occu-pied since the 1967 war, a solution for Palestinian refugees, and a sovereign Palestinian state with a capital in East Jerusalem. In return, all twenty-two Arab League members would consider the issue resolved, and establish peaceful relations with Israel.

Time is not on our side. With peace as elusive as ever, King Abdullah today faces turmoil among his neighbors and discontent at home. He knows that he will need to modernize, work hard to secure decent lives for Jordanians, and address domestic issues that have sometimes taken a back seat to international concerns.

But perhaps Abdullah took away a diff erent lesson: “My military training,” he later writes, “taught me that expecting a lot from people deliv-

KHAWAB LEHLAHANAY LAGAY

THE PAKISTANI MASTERS

SYNOPSIS: The verses containing terminologies of battle fi eld as well as having a deep passion for homeland made Khalid Mustafa unique from other poets of his era. The historical background fl ashes in his many verses are related to diff erent events of battlefi eld. His metaphors and similes attract the readers and capture his attention to enjoy with the rhythm. He uses every kind of diction which made his way easy to express his feelings. He is soldier in his practical life and he refl ects his experiences in his verses. He is the warrior, standing in the battlefi eld and challenging the enemies by his direct expressions. The themes of bravery, warrior, triumph, poverty, hunger are also apparent in his verses which are the representative of social problems and the society who is leading towards poverty day by day.

Egocentrism is also among major themes in his

poetry. His ego is obstinate and strong which doesn’t like to bend. He is egoist and don’t like to bend before anyone for sake of anything. The bravery of soldiers, the death of young ones, defeat and victory, withdrawal, ceasing of war, the attacking these are used constantly plans on enemy, the ultimatum, and such other terms are used in war but in the verses of Khalid Mustafa which convey the reader that he is not only a poet but a true warrior who can share his personal battle experience with readers through. Khawab Lehlahanay Lagay is his fi rst collection of poems which is having these unique qualities and these all qualities term him as a genuine poet among the poets of his era. Renowned poets Amjad Islam Amjad , Mohsan Bhopali , Mohsan Ahsan and Shahab Safder endorsed their remarks on fl aps and famous poet and columnist Muhammad Izhar-ul-Haq wrote the preface of the book.

SYNOPSIS: Pakistani is one of the youngest of the Test playing countries, having played its fi rst Test match in 1952. Over the years it has produced some of the most talented and exciting cricket-ers the world has ever seen. These have included the charismatic all-rounders Imran Khan and Wasim Akram: the ‘Little Master’ Hanif Mo-hamed; Javed Miandad and the modern master Inzamam ul-Haq; Pakistan’s fi rst genuine cricketing hero Fazal Mahmood; the mesmeris-ing leg-spinner, Abdul Qadir; and two of today’s most exhilarating stars, Shoaib Akhtar and

Shahid Afridi.The Pakistani Masters profi les these players and many others; the informative and enter-taining profi les being accompanied by superb photographs. Intertwined with the portraits of these outstanding players is the colourful story of Pakistan’s turbulent history in international cricket with triumphs and controversies rapidly succeeding each other.With a Foreword by Wasim Akram this will be a delightful read for all Cricket enthusiasts.

Author: Hamza Hassan SheikhPoet: Khalid MustafaPages: 140Genre: Poetry

Author: Bill RicquierPages: 190Price: Rs. 495.00Genre: Sports


ZODIAC

ARIES THE RAM

(21 MARCH TO 19

APRIL)

With your ruler, M

ars entering Aries on April 2nd

along with the majority of planets in your sign

– it will certainly give you an enterprising spirit,

self-confi dence and courage – but making you

rash, impulsive, headstrong and foolhardy. With

Mercury retrograde, major career decisions need

to be put on hold – despite ro

ad blocks success

will come th

rough sheer audacity.

Your drive fo

r

independence will be obvious to

all. Finances will

be favorable especially from th

e 5th till th

e 7th. In

your eff orts to establish yourself, y

ou run the risk of

getting into power stru

ggles. Love will pursue you –

and your spouse will be accommodating - h

owever,

don’t overdo it b

y being over demanding. Suff ering

to siblings or your relationship may be diffi cult.

Health issues can occur. you will b

e accident prone.

TAURUSTHE BULL

(20APRIL – 20 MAY)

Financial constraints will be evident as Mer-

cury is in backward m

otion – money w

ill be

an issue whether you are fru

gal or a

spend-

thrift. It

will

be difficult fo

r you to lig

hten

up. You may have a tendency to suppress

your creative urges. Your love life will

be

unpredictable – sudden breakups can hap-

pen. Power s

truggles may sprin

g up around

children. Frie

nds and elder siblings will

be

supportive. You w

ill make im

pulsive career

moves and may take off

in an entirely un-

anticipated direction. S

piritual p

ursuits will

have a calming influ

ence on you. Other p

eo-

ple will fin

d it easy to abuse you because

you will

be overly sentim

ental. Avoid in

dul-

gences of all k

inds.

CANCER

THE CRAB

(21 JUNE – 22 JULY)

With the new Moon on April 3rd in your ca-

reer house, new projects and work opportu-

nities will be ample – sudden, unexpected

promotions, appreciation and recognition

of your work is indicated. Since Mercury is

retrograde - infl uencing your career sector –

miscommunication with superiors, bosses

and government fi gures is possible. Your

spending will outdo your earnings – none-

theless, fi nances will continue to fl ow in your

direction. Be patient while dealing with your

brothers and sisters. Travel plans may experi-

ence delays – prepare and plan accordingly.

Avoid solitude at all costs. Health problems

can be frustratingly diffi cult to manage.

LEO 2011

THE LION

(23 JULY – 22 AUGUST)

With the m

ajority of the planets in your

9th house of luck and foreign lands, ris-

ing luck as well as successful long jour-

neys and lucrative overseas ventures are

indicated. Students will be successful

especioally those at university level. Mis-

understanding with friends can develop

during Mercury retrogression. Savings will

be usurped unless you practice frugality

during this period – albeit your spouse

and business partner will off er fi nancial

aid in time of need. Marriage partner will

exhibit great passion cum aggression.

Authority fi gures or those older or more

experienced may challenge or oppose

you, and thus hold you back. As Saturn

is still retrograde till June, health issues

will continue to bother you from tim

e to

time.

SCORPIO

THE SCORPION

(23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER)

The forces of changes will encompass

you – upsetting events or external cir-

cumstances will force you to take defi ni-

tive action and to channel your anger in

constructive ways. Issues regarding your

friends and social circle can happen quite

suddenly. Job opportunities will be nu-

merous – however, confusion in career

matters is likely. Finances are favorable

with luck in speculation and fi nancial

windfalls. Your spouse or partner will be

feeling highly sensitive and sentimental.

You will be forced to grapple with the

truly big issues including the troublesome

feelings that surround your partner’s

money, inheritances, intim

acy and death.

You may be unnecessarily worried about

your health.

YOUR STAR

THIS WEEKDr. Zaibun NisaDr. Zaibun Nisa


ZODIAC

GEMINI

THE TWINS

(21 MAY – 20 JUNE)

Retrograde Mercury will turn your mind inward,

increasing your need for reflection, causing great-

er concern about your immediate surroundings.

A new relationship or close liaison with some-

one dignified or in an authoritative position will

bring you good fortune. An erratic relationship

with one of your parents will be overwhelming

or your domestic life will be turbulent. Confron-

tation with friends can occur. Career perspective

is favorable as Neptune will change its position

on April 4th making you idealistic, making you

prone to high aspirations and inspirations with

regards to your work. With the new moon on the

3rd, financial matters will be successful – how-

ever, with your ruler retrograde, communication

breakdowns can negatively influence any situ-

ation. Minor health concerns can escalate into

false alarms – learn to unwind.

VIRGO THE VIRGIN

(23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER)

As your ruler, Mercury is in backward motion

till April 22nd, you can expect to redo, recom-

mit, review plans – you may return to a proj-

ect that you have abandoned. Refrain from

buying computers, cars or major electronic

equipment. It is a good time to disregard

your thoughts and ideas and operate on your

feelings and hunches. Avoid being fussy with

details. Career matters will be slow-moving

– career setbacks and demotions are likely

unless you are careful while communicating

with your superiors. Close friends, business

partner and spouse will be supportive. In-

vestments and money via inheritances and

outside resources seem abundant. Life after

death, extrasensory perception and all occult

subjects will fascinate you.

SAGITTARIUS

THE ARCHER

(22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER)

Your ruler Jupiter close to the Sun indi-

cates a career in front of the public – you

are a natural guide and counselor. Ret-

rograde Mercury close to your ruler will

create hurdles in comm

unicating with

your spouse. You will be excessive in your

approach to romance, leisure activities

and creativity. Many of you will conceive

a child or become proud parents. Career

matters will entail a great deal of hassles

and hurdles. Your gambling instinct will

be pronounced. You will experience luck in

lottery and games of chance. The danger

is overdoing pleasure-based activities.

PISCESTHE FISH

(19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH)

On April 4th, your ru

ler Neptune will c

hange its

position and enter it

s own sign, Pisces afte

r 14

long years, temporarily

for a few months – mak-

ing you psychic , responsive, a

lover o

f fantasy

and fi lm and a lik

ely candidate for all m

anner of

addictions. M

oney will fl ow in your d

irection ef-

fortlessly– you will m

ost likely receive gifts

, lega-

cies or a huge in

heritance. R

etrograde M

ercury

will negatively infl u

ence your potential fo

r form

-

ing or maintaining existin

g relationships – how-

ever, follow your in

tuition and spirit

ual inclina-

tions to

maintain harm

ony. Family scenario will

be confusing – let go of d

omestic issues. Heath

issues will be tra

nsitory – nothing serious – relax

and avoid addictive patterns.

AQUARIUS

THE WATER BEARER

(20 JANUARY – 18

FEBRUARY)

There will be an emphasis on short

travels,

brothers and sisters and communications. M

ar-

riage will bring good fortu

ne – however, new

romance for singles will b

e disruptive. Financial

scenario will be favorable as Neptune enters

your money house on April 4

th. Career scenario

will be fi l

led with

dissent – th

e new moon on

April 3rd will f

avor job opportu

nity – but confl ict

of interest is

likely. Students at school le

vel will

be a success. Siblings will experience confro

nta-

tions and diffi c

ulties th

is week. H

ealth is good

with th

e new moon on April 3rd.

LIBRA THE SCALES

(23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER)

With 70%

of planets occupying your mar-

riage house – new liaisons, business part-

nerships, close alliances and even marriage

are indicated – however, with Mercury ret-

rograde, exiting marriages and relationships

will suff er as a result of communication

breakdowns. Your luck will be on low ebb.

Issues with regard to your mentor or guru

can crop up. Students at college or university

level will experiences glitches. Long distance

and overseas travel plans may be delayed.

Finances will be challenging – you will con-

sequently be dependent on your partner or

friends for fi nancial support. Career matters

are favorable with the new moon on April

3rd. Colleagues will off er help. Success in

litigation is indicated. Health is extremely

delicate – avoid negative emotions.

CAPRICORN

THE GOAT

(22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY)

With your ruler, Saturn retrograde since

January 26th in opposition with the Sun

this week will bring disappointments

and frustrations battering your sense

of self-worth – external circumstances

or enemies m

ay block your way. The

entire family will prosper – your fam

ily

circle is likely to expand via marriage or

childbirths – domestic obligations will

be many – you will be upgrading your

house. Career will take a step backwards.

Finances can become a source of confl ict.

Dreams can be m

isleading. Health issues

can crop up – watch your blood pressure

and heart.



FOOD

FEATURE


BAKED AUBERGINE'OMELETTE'

INGREDIENTS

2 tsp olive oil 4 medium aubergines, cut into strips 75ml/2½fl oz double cream 3 garlic cloves 50g/2oz breadcrumbs 1 tsp ground cumin 4 free-range eggs, beaten 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted 50g/2oz raisins salt and freshly ground black pepper green salad sun-blushed tomatoes freshly grated parmesan

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/360F/Gas 4.2. Heat the oil in an oven-proof frying pan

over a medium heat. Fry the aubergine pieces, turning occasionally, until golden-brown on all sides.

3. Meanwhile, place the cream, garlic and breadcrumbs into a food processor and blend to form a paste.

4. In a bowl, mix the cumin with the beaten eggs until well combined.

5. Add the egg mixture to the breadcrumb paste and stir well to combine.

6. Add the pine nuts and raisins and mix well.7. Pour the mixture over the aubergines, then

bake in the oven for 15 minutes.8. Remove from the oven, then turn the

'omelette' out onto a plate and allow to cool for couple of minutes.

9. To serve, cut the 'omelette' into wedges and serve with a green salad sprinkled with the sun-blushed tomatoes and the grated Parmesan.

SOUFFLE PANCAKES

STIR-FRIED VEGETABLE OMELETTE

INGREDIENTS

For the fi lling 12g/½oz butter 1 tbsp honey 1 eating apple, cubed 1 pear, cubed

For the pancake 2 eggs, separated 25g/1oz fl our 2 tbsp milk 1 tsp caster sugar pinch nutmeg or other spice butter, to fry

INGREDIENTS

For the stir-fried vegetables 1 small aubergine, cut into chunks 1 red chilli, diced 2 tbsp sesame oil 75g/2¾oz tofu, cut into small cubes 1 tbsp sesame seeds 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 lime, juice only

For the omelette 3 free-range eggs 50ml/2fl oz coconut milk 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp soy sauce

METHOD1. For the stir-fried vegetables, in a hot wok add

the sesame oil, chilli and aubergine. Cook for three minutes and add the reminder of the ingredients and cook for a minute.

2. For the omelette, in a bowl mix all the ingredients for the omelette together.

3. In a medium-sized non-stick frying pan place the mixture into the pan and cook for two minutes over medium heat.

METHOD

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, add the honey and fruit, stew gently until tender.

2. Beat together the egg yolks, fl our, milk, sugar and spice.

3. Whisk the egg whites until stiff and fold into the yolk mixture.

4. Melt the butter in a frying pan.5. Pour in the batter and cook gently until the

underneath is brown.6. Cook the top of the pancake under a hot grill.7. Spread the fruit fi lling over the top and serve

immediately.

Tiramisu is a proper experience of fi ne dining with an array of exquisite Italian and French dishes. It’s not just about eating great food here; but eating great food in a peaceful environment. What could be better than a chocolate cake for dessert? How about a chocolate cake that is served warm with a river of chocolate running

from it, worry no more Tiramisu serves the fi nest molten lava cake one could ever de-sire. If you want to indulge your loved ones with the most heavenly Italian dessert then Tiramisu is your fi nal destination.

Located in Lahore Gulberg and Blue Area Islamabad

Heaven in Your Mouth

PICKS OF THE WEEK

When you go for jeans shopping there are those times when you get the right size but the shape is not correct. LEVI’S® CURVE ID is presenting the three new denim fi ts for women with a unique focus on shape, not size. This new fi t system off ers three custom fi ts based on shape, not size, ultimately helping women fi nd their perfect fi t to feel confi dent in their jeans. Levi’s® has created new custom fi t

jeans that are are based on the diff erence between the measurement of a woman’s hip and seat – the greater the diff erence, the more curvy the body. Slight Curve celebrates straight fi gures, Demi Curve frames perfect proportions and Bold Curve honors genuine curves.

Available at all LEVI’S® OUTLETS.

It’s All About the Curve!

The noodle house is the fl agship restaurant of Jumeirah Restaurants LLC. Launched in 2002, the brand has gone from strength to strength with 15 restaurants in the U.A.E, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Cyprus, Australia and Qatar and expanding globally with agreements already signed with fran-

chise partners across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. In this list Lahore, Pak-istan has been added, now noodle lovers can enjoy the diff erent array of noodle exquisiteness in the city of Lahore.

Located at Hotel One Gulberg

The Noodle House

The House of HSY proudly announces its debut collection of lawn prints, “The World of HSY”, available for retail through nationwide exhibi-tions and at fabric outlets from the fi rst week of April 2011. An extension of HSY’s prêt a porter philosophy, The World of HSY prints will be retailed as an unstitched range of complete en-sembles. The collection is broken into 5 regions

and is inspired by; namely, Latin America, Paris, Turkey and other and each design is available in three distinct colour palettes. Furthermore, hav-ing achieved much success and critical acclaim for their menswear, The World of HSY is also including specifi c unisex cotton prints within their debut collection to also cater to their ever increasing male clientele.

Exhibition in Lahore: 9th-11th April & Karachi 10th-11th April.

We at Sunday Plus have brought a smart wish-list for all our readers that are the best buys which range from the trendiest brands to the most delicious palate to à la mode popular gateways. So get ready as we present our picks for the week. There’s something for everyone.

The House of HSY Prints

HOTTEST, NEWEST, LATEST…


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