Sunday Plus

inside this weekMarch 25, 2012

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Fashion

music

interview

The King of Couture HSY talks about his craftsmanship and his lawn collection

In conversation with the band mem-bers of XXI (21)

Meet the hoarding artist who have evolved from painting billboards

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spot on!

Editor’s notEWe are back with another exciting issue of your very own Sunday Plus. This week we are in conversation with king of couture HSY about his craftsmenship and his lawn line that is all the rage among women. Uth Records programme is creating ripples in the music industry. This week meet members of underground band XXI (21) Moheetul Islam and Mohammad Taimoor and Yahya Farid. Art of paintings billboards has been lost. Learn how hoarding artists have evolved that art to paint portraits and landscapes. Waziristan is propagated by western media as the most dangerous place on earth. In our special report find out the reality about the situation wherein peace has returned and now it is being rebuilt better than before. And don’t forget to read the blog of top beautician Ruby Hassan, who gives beauty tips exclusively for you. On our style pages see the latest collection of popular brand Chinyere. Also don’t forget to check your astrological forecast and the best picks of the season.

Send us your comments and feedback at [email protected]

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style

special report

Fashion music

society

blog

right oFF the shelF

Chinyere unveils its Spring/Summer collection 2012

We discover the dawn and revival of Waziristan

50 things you want to know about HSY Cheering young musicians

Report on the happenings and events in your metropolis

Beautician Ruby Hassan gives you beauty tips

Read reviews of the latest books to hit the stands

62. picks oF the week

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sunday plusEditor-in-ChiefMajid Nizami

Deputy Managing DirectorRameeza Nizami

Editor The NationSalim Bokhari

Editor Magazine:Emanuel Sarfraz

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

Creative Head:Faiz-ur-Rehman

Creative Team: Talat Mahfooz Butt, Shoaib Qadir, Faisal Fazal, Hafiz Muhammad Nouman

GM Marketing: Bilal MahmoodFor advertising:Muhammad Zaeem: 0301 - 8463306Salman Ahmed: 0300 - 4116792Khalid Sheikh: 0345-5130728Shiraz Akbar: 0333 - 2310851

TheNation

Go through the smart wish-list for the best buys and best picks for everyone

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March 25, 201220 Sunday PluS [email protected]

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ell-cut stylized lehengas with extravagant embroidery dominate his collections

that are attention-grabbing for some of Pakistan’s most elegant brides. His suc-

cess lies mainly in his understanding of classicism that wedding wear requires

and his USP lies in a blend of the Eastern cuts amalgamated with Middle

Eastern and Western sensibilities. His couture collections are unadulterated

with high-octane glamour. Hassan leaves no stone unturned to make his shows

the grandest possible. Be it his designs, runways or the audiences, he never fails

to present the best. Traditional embroidery looks more chic on HSY gowns giving

the fabric more weight, pouring it effortlessly over feminine curves.

HSY is not short of accolades. He holds an honours degree in couture from

PIFD an affiliate of La Chambre Syndicate De La Couture Parisienne France. He

is also a member of the board of directors of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion

and Design and is also one of the founding members of the PFDC. He has been

the recipient of multiple “Designer of the Year” awards including the Ahlan

Fashion and Lifestyle awards 2009, the Lux style award in 2005 as well as

in 2007 in Malaysia, the Most Stylish Fashion Icon at the MTV Style Awards

W

things you

want to knowIt was more than a decade ago when Hassan Sheheryar Yasin

FashionBy Bishakha kunwar08

March 25, 2012 09Sunday PluS

Fashion

[email protected]

in 2009 and Style Guru of the year by Indus Style awards in

2007. He was also one of I.Q magazine’s top 20 Fashion Icons

of the world in 2009 and amongst Ahlan’s Hot 100 people

2009 and 2010. Most recently, the menswear line of the

design house was the recipient of the 2010 Lux Style Awards.

Last year to mark the tenth year anniversary of the HSY

label, he introduced his debut lawn brand “The World of HSY

Prints”. After mixed reviews last year, HSY is back with a bang

with his 2012 lawn collection, “HSY Nation”, which draws

aesthetic inspirations from the Ottoman Empire, paisleys from

Persia, florals from Havana, Ikat from South America to the

regal embroideries and motifs of Lucknow featuring unisex

print options in 14 designs in two colour options.

Be it bridal, pret, couture or lawn, HSY’s unstoppable

creativity, extravagant collections never fail to impress us and

Sunday Plus loves his incredible innovations and craftsman-

ship.

want to know about

brought his eponymous label, HSY, to existence. T

oday, HSY is not just a brand but a lifestyle altogether. His designs are on everyone’s lust list and his intricate bridal creations are every bride’s dream

s.


1. What is your creative process like?HSY: The creative process is very fluid

2. You are perceived as having a strong signature. What are the signature HSY design elements that define your collections?

HSY: Glamorous, linear, timeless elegant and clean

3. Do you design with any particular woman in mind? Who is the ideal HSY woman?

HSY: The ideal woman is a free thinking, strong and independent woman

4. What were the main highlights of last year in both your pret and

bridal collections and what should we be looking forward for this year?

HSY: Every single time we do a show, I like the elements of surprise and I wouldn’t want to ruin it now.

5. What made you focus on lawn last year and how was the re-sponse like? Tell us about the expansion of your prints into three annual collections.

HSY: We wanted to branch out to a larger audience and the response was amazing. We are incredibly excited to be expanding our design and retail to three distinct collection of prints this year, all launching one after the other, marking a complete HSY lawn journey the season. I am particularly pleased to launch our new brand HSY Nation through which we are now able to cater to a wider audience allowing us to be one of the first designer lawns’ to respond to so many different audiences. All of our prints are being heavily quality tested internationally as well, so be it a World of HSY Print or something from our HSY Nation line, we will give our clients quality products. With a focus on design and quality, the summer 2012 collection from The World of HSY Prints has been certified and tested by the international SGS group to certify that the lawn is fully compliant with local and

international standards of colour fastness and quality.

6. Your lawn collection has varying moods and feel. HSY: Even though the moods are different, the aesthetic is undeni-

ably HSY 7. How is lawn different?HSY: Last year we introduced fabric for men and this year we are the

first to offer two outfit options in one line.8. Lawns rule our lives as a summer casual staple, but will people

also accept lawn in their formal collections?HSY: They already have 9. Your must-haves from this lawn collection… HSY: Everything 10. Can you tell about your limited edition prints collectionHSY: The World of HSY Prints Summer 2012 will be followed by a

limited edition prints collection later in the summer, specifically in celebration of Eid. The House of HSY also announced earlier the launch of a brand new collection this year, HSY Nation – a range of prints that has been designed, printed and priced to cater to a wider diversity of people, thereby bringing the fashion houses’ coveted aesthetic to a larger audience of women in Pakistan.

11. What are the best aspects of working in fashion? Flip side. What are the worst aspects of working in fashion?

HSY: I don’t believe in focusing on the worst and the best is I get to do what I love everyday

12. How do you deal with criticism when you find yourself at the receiving end?

HSY: My focus is on what my clients think not what my critics think13. Designers you would like to collaborate with?HSY: Can’t think of any right now 14. Do you follow what younger designers are doing? HSY: I don’t follow any one but I wish them all the best 15. As a fashion designer yourself, do you find it harder to buy

clothes designed by other people?HSY: Not necessarily 16. Most difficult but necessary skill to acquire before you embarks

on a fashion career?HSY: An education in fashion17. Fill in the blank: fashion designers make good clothes 18. Most common misconceptions about working in fashion? HSY: It’s bitchy 19. You get to stay on top of all the latest trends! Can you name

some reigning winter trends for 2012 and SS 2012, as far as what's hot in colours, fabrics and cuts we should be looking out for?

HSY: We create our own trends and our next collection will highlight the trends this season.

20. Is there one trend that is really big right now that you cannot stand?

HSY: Nope21. When you look back on your career and think about the parts

that may have been controversial?HSY: I don’t focus on the past, I focus on the present 22. After 10 years in the industry, where do you see Pakistani fashion

headed?HSY: Forward

CANDID CONFESSIONS23. Your day starts with… Orange juice.24. Something we don’t know about you……I am a bad cook 25. You bust your stress by….listening to music 26. If you were marooned on an island and allowed to take only 3

things, what would they be? HSY: iPod, protein bars and sunglasses. 27. What get you really mad? HSY: Lazy people 28. One thing you would like to change about yourself… Pretty happy

with the way I am 29. Style statement… Clean and effortless 30. Style icons (locally and internationally)… Madonna 31. Celebrities you would love to see wearing your label… Madonna

and Jacqueline Kennedy 32. Your favourite muse…Changes constantly 33. Your first fashion creation…Tangerine cocktail dress I made in

school 34. Your favourite childhood memory…My entire childhood has been

amazing 35. A period of history you wish you were a part of… Tudors 36. A city that inspires you… NYC 37. A crazy holiday memory…I take many holidays and I have far too

many to share 38. The best thing about being a Pakistani… A sense of identity 39. One thing I would change about Pakistan is…Convince people to

be more tolerant 40. HSY’s journey so far… Fantastic

CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL41. Most repeated labels in your closet… Varied taste and I wear

everything from high-end to high-street depending on my mood 42. 3 must-haves in anyone’s closet … Sunglasses, blue jeans ,

tailored white shirt 43. Current obsession…RIO 44. Never be caught in… Spandex45. Oldest items in your closet … My baby shoes when I was 2

months old 46. Fashion Faux pas… Not dressed age appropriately

FAV-O-METER….47. My favourite gadget…iPhone 48. 3 favourite songs on your current playlist...My playlist is huge 49. Favourite items in your closet… My vintage blue jeans 50. Your favourite colours… Black

Fashion


March 25, 2012Sunday PluS [email protected]

MUSIC14

With the aim to promote young talent, in this week’s episode of an underground band XXI (21) was given the space to explore and learn more about music. XXI (21) comprises of a versatile trio of musicians, Moheet ul Islam and Mohammad Taimoor on Guitars with Yahya Farid on

Vocals. Studying at LUMS, these individuals have already collaborated with Taimur Rehman of Laal and Ali Hamza of Noori for the official LUMS Flood Relief Song.XXI (21) performed their original composition “Taare” with musician Ahad Nayani featuring as a guest drummer on the track. The energy is high, the music is fine but still the song has not been able to cross the level of expectations. But the level of maturity develops with time and the need of time is to facilitate the emerging music enthusiasts.In conversation with the band members of XXI (21), they talked about their music and future plans:

Cheering young

musiCians

Sunday PluS [email protected] 25, 201216

FaShIon

S+: Who has influenced your own personal style?

XXI (21): The great thing about our music is that all three of us have very diverse listening and backgrounds in music. Yahya, the vocalist is very much into the melodic mainstream stuff like Beatles, U2, Noori & Junoon. Taimoor on the other hand has an interest in listening and playing such as Steven Wilson, Nickelback, Linkin Park, Faraz Anwar, The Beatles and U2. Whereas Moheet has completely diverse tastes with the works of Jimmy page in Led Zeppelin, Sabbath, KISS, Jack White, Mark Tremonti and Salman Ahmed in his playing.

S+: How would you describe the

music that you create?XXI (21): We are all about the energy.

It’s about connecting to the people and because we are a very young band, our sound is focusing on melodies that catch you and stay with you for a while leaving some energy, every time you think of it. Our sound is not bound towards a particular genre, but we are essentially a rock band focusing on some mainstream stuff, right now maintaining that energy level as you would see in TAARE.

S+: Was it your very first time recording in the studio?

XXI (21): No, we have recorded three songs before from a great music producer from Lahore, Ali Mustafa. He is an amazing producer and an even better person, a gem of a human being, a lot of credit has to go to him. He has been like a big brother to us.

S+: How was the experience of

recording in the studio of Ufone Uth Records?

XXI (21): It was the best! Possibly one of the best studios of Pakistan and the fact that Gumby being such an experi-enced musician and an icon for all of us, was able to give us that space of comfort where we could pitch in our ideas freely, with the expectation of being understood every time; it created such a great environ-ment for us to learn.

S+: Why did you choose this song?

Tell about its lyrics and composition…XXI (21): It was a joint choice between

us and Gumby. The platform of Uth Re-cords is the turning point in our music and we wanted it to be energetic fun involving meaningful yet simple enough to get through to the people. It talks about people who weigh love and emotions in terms of material gains and walk on with their lives. A very special song to us, since it was one of the very first we wrote.

S+: How has working with profes-

sionals, helped you understand your own music and take it to the next level?

XXI (21): It is a completely different level of experience to be discussing your music with the likes of Gumby. The guy has been there and seen it all and knows stuff, it’s a whole different insight into your song that you get and that has definitely take TAARE to the levels of “STARS”.

S+: What is next for you in the pipeline?

XXI (21): We will shortly be releasing our next single with a video. We can assure you of one thing, this sort of stuff has not been done in the past in Pakistan. It is a mixture of riff oriented rock pop and a U2 sort of ambience with a touch of electronic music. One of the best lyrical works we have done so far. The song is called “Scottish”, which is in Urdu language.

March 25, 2012Sunday PluS

interviewBy EmanuEl Sarfraz

[email protected]

18

ahore was home to Pakistan’s film industry, which is breathing its last these days. No quality films are in pipeline while the old style movie theatres are giving way to Cineplex and multiplex in the posh areas of the city. The circuit cinemas in downtown no longer attract families and have closed down or are doing little business. Imported foreign films, which are mostly Indian, do some business. For example the scribe recently saw an Indian flick ‘Kahani’ that is doing record business in India and across the globe. There were only six people watching the movie in Plaza cinema that has a capacity of about 800 people. Such is the state of affairs of our cinema industry. Hand painted cinema boards have been replaced by large computer printed posters. The shift over began in 2002 and by 2007 the painting of cinema billboards had come to an end. Sunday Plus decided to trace the hoarding artists of Royal Park.

After many inquiries two hoarding artists were found who are still working in Royal Park. However, they no longer painting billboards. They have evolved their art to work on smaller canvases

for art collectors and sometimes for art galleries. The workshop where they used to make billboards is now in shambles. They along with their disciples regularly come to the place to remember the good old times when Royal Park was brimming with activity. One of the disciples makes banners at the place while the two ustads (masters) also sometimes make their artworks there. The entrance to the place is also very interesting. A goat and street dog along with some puppies guard the entrance. They offer no hindrance when visitors are accompanied by the ustads. Other-wise, they won’t let you enter the place. Now, the whole area is home to flex printers (computer generated image makers).

“The Pakistani film industry is dead and so is the art of paint-ing billboards. It is the age of flex. There was a time when there were 40 to 50 hoarding artists in Royal Park. Now there are none left. Most of them grew old and are now being taken care of by their children. I know one who is working at a filling station. One has become a roadside vendor. It is all over for everyone in our film industry,” Arif shared.

“I started working as a hoarding artist in 1971. I worked with a number of ustads. The late 70s, 80s and 90s were three decades of prosperity. The film industry was booming. Every week there was a new film being released. Film producers would give us

The art of painting cinema billboards has long been dead. What remains is a handful of hoarding artists that have either switched over to other jobs or have evolved their art to make perfect landscapes and portraits. Two of the artists who have evolved their hoarding art to making paintings are Muhammad Arif, who uses his initials J Arif that he used when he was making billboards, and Muhammad Ajmal. They honed their billboard makes techniques to switch on to work on smaller canvases with the same precision and creativity.

Turn To smaller canvases

hoardingarTisTs

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interview

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production photos and tell us about the theme and story of the film. We would visualize the film in our minds and created images that were breathtaking. For example if it was a romantic movie we would portray the softness of romance.

“The hero and heroine would be painted so beautifully that a view would make you swoon and be transported to a land of romance and love. The villain would thus be painted in such a way that people would start hating him even before seeing the movie. The billboard used to be the major tool in publicity of the film.

“There was thus a strong competition among the billboard artists. They had to come up with billboards that would attract audiences. There was a lot of creativity and imagination involved. Now they use computer generated images of the actors with

backgrounds of their choice. There is no room for creativity in them. Now all films have the same kinds of posters and billboards. There is very little diversity,” Arif said while comparing hoarding art and the current practice of using flex prints.

The hoarding artists made large billboards in pieces. Later they joined them together to present the larger than life images of the artistes. Ajmal who too began his career as hoarding artiste in 1971, at the age of 12, explained, “We worked on canvas that was nearly 200 feet in width and 40 feet in length. We would hold the production photo in our hand. We would work on a graph. First we would make rough sketches with a pencil or chalk on the billboard. After that we would visualize the whole billboards and start applying colours according to the subject. Then we would work

Muhammad Ajmal

Muhammad Arif


interview

to ensure immaculate detail of the visual image to make it at-tractive. It would take days to make one billboard. Sometimes we would work the whole night as the producer’s demand would be to make a number of billboards for the publicity. Now the styles of publicity have changed. Producers now rely more on airing trailers on TV channels,” Ajmal explained.

Earlier he revealed how he entered the film industry. “Those were hard times and everyone in the family had to work to make both ends meet. My father sent me to his friend Maqsood who was a painter. I learnt drawing from him. I worked with him for some months. Then I came under the guidance of big ustads like Musawar and Jaffar Sahib. Ustads were keen to teach and we made sure that once ustad had said something we followed it with spirit. Respect for ustads earned us fame. We became successful only because of them. There was a passion for the work we did and that was reflected in what we produced,” Ajmal said.

Both Arif and Ajmal are proud that they succeeded in sur-viving as artists. “I thank Almighty Allah for giving me enough skills to paint for living. My artworks are now appreciated in large circles. People sometimes commission me to work for them. A person sitting in front of me I can with deftness make his portrait. First I would draw his portrait with a drawing and then use real life colours to give freshness to the portrait. Similarly I make a lot of landscapes. My painting at minimum is sold for at least Rs. 100,000. This is an honour that Allah Almighty has bestowed on me,” Arif said.

Both the artists yearn for the good old days, which will never come back. Both in the last 35 years painted thousands of billboards. Now in the changed times they have through sheer hard work managed to evolve their hoarding art and are today thriving as artists. Their art is testimony to the creativity that was there in painting of billboards.

The workshop in Royal Park

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en vogue

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Mishal wearing a Sania MaskatiyaRedah Misbah loves wearing MUSEIffat Omar spotted with a Bottega Veneta knot clutchL'Oreal Paris Pakistan Spokespeople Meesha Shafi dons the MUSE outfit, Aamina

Sheikh is wearing Maheen Karim and Mehreen Syed is wearing Sublime by Sara

Sophie wearing our very own Queen of Couture

Shehla Chatoor

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up&risingby Sidra Najam

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Q. What is Dance for a Cause?Asma Ansari: Dance for a Cause is

one of many activities conducted by Ac-tOne. It involves gathering a lot of people, teaching them a fun dance routine and getting them to dance together in hun-dreds. All proceeds are then donated to a particular cause. A schooling project for underprivileged kids is one cause we have been working on.Q. What was the “cause” for which the recent flash mob was con-ducted?

Asma: The recent Dance for a Cause held recently was conducted to generate funds for the Rahnuma School-ing Project. There are a lot of underprivi-leged kids whose parents cannot afford their education. A student organization of Indus Valley School of Art and Architec-ture known as Rahnuma has taken a very noble initiative to teach these children.Q. What soundtrack was Dance for a Cause conducted to and why did you choose this particular song?

Asma: It is always wise to choose a song that people can recognize and will enjoy dancing to. “Moves like Jagger” by Maroon 5 was our song choice this time.Q. How does it work: do you teach the students at the venue or do you teach them earlier at a separate location?

Asma: Well we invite the people to come in at 3pm. Some people are punctual, some are not. The first 100 people are put together and taught indoors. After 30-40 minutes of training they move in to the next area where they revise and work on the final touches while the next batch has replaced them and have started to learn the routine. After a good 3 hours of learning, everyone gath-ers in the open area and dances together!Q. How are funds generated through this event?

Asma: ActOne collaborated with Nokia for this event; we received a generous amount from Nokia that was

all donated to the Rahnuma Schooling Project. Some funds were also generated via entry tickets.Q. The flash mob is a Westernized idea: how did it become a tradition here?

Asma: We thought that if the pizza can be turned into a chicken tikka pizza, why not introduce dancing in mobs. It is so much fun!Q. ActOne has set a world record for the maximum number of flash mobs ever conducted in Pakistan: how did this come about?

Asma: People say we are always chanting the words “first this” or the “most that”. The idea is to set standards up there and then tempt ourselves to exceed them! In 2011 we conducted the first ever documented Flash mob in Karachi. Within 10 months we created a world record for an Oil marketing compa-ny by carrying out 100 flash mobs in just 12 days all over Karachi city! It makes us so proud… We have contacted Guinness and have sent all our documentation.Q. When you are teaching 300 people, there are probably some who are good dancers and others who are pathetic dancers: how do you bring them all to one level?

Asma: We don’t! It doesn’t mat-ter if they can dance well or not. There is no such thing as a poor dancer. It is all about being free! We have taught over 6000 people in Karachi. Different people use their bodies to express themselves in different ways.Q. Is the aim of a flashmob to achieve perfect co-ordination between all the members of the group?

Asma: The aim is not to dance and achieve perfect co-ordination, but it is to watch a huge number of people dancing the same routine together! This is why we want a lot of people to show up for the event. The more the people, the more fun we have.

Dance for a cause

Asma Ansari is one of the main players at ActOne, Karachi’s oldest and most prestigious centre for the arts and wellness. ActOne recently arranged Dance for a Cause, a flashmob aimed toward generating funds for the schooling of underprivileged children. In this exclusive interview, Asma Ansari talks about the growing fad of flashmobs and how they managed to get 300 students moving in synchrony.


report

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26

outh Waziristan Agency is area wise the largest of all the FATA agencies. It has two headquarters; Tank in the winters and Wana in summers. It is bounded in the north by North Waziristan Agency, in the northeast by Bannu and Lakki Marwat Districts, in the south east by Tank and Dera Ismail Khan Districts and in the west by Afghanistan. The total area of the Agency is 6,620

square kilometres. The two main rivers of the agency are Gomal and Tank Zam. The Agency comprises of rugged mountains with no regular alignments.

The Mehsud tribe, which forms 63 % of 5,15,000 agency’s population, occupies the most rugged and mysterious mountains, which had recently housed most, inhuman militants. Lately the area from Ladha, Shakai, Makin, Janata, Sararogha and down in the southeast till Jandola and beyond wit-nessed colossal devastation in terms of life, shelter, livelihood and above all, the tranquil-lity of the innocent. However, social welfare, distinctive tribal customs and traditions are still an integral part of the Mehsud society.

Reviving the infrastructure, shouldering the pastoral economy and enlivening the shattered ones were a daunting challenge. With the Pakistan Army Engineers in the lead; after combing the vast wilderness for Improvised Explosive Devices, were embarked for cutting through the rugged

mountains to build 270 kilometre long lifeline of restive South Waziristan starting from its gateway Tank till Wana in the west and till Sararogha, Makin and beyond in the north. The road is operational and the bustling traffic has fuelled optimism for a long awaited socio-economic revolution in the area.

The turmoil especially in the Mehsud region left a large number of tribal displaced. After achieving stability in the area, Pak Army faced the mammoth task of rehabili-tating these homeless. The rehabilitation did not entail mere move back of the displaced persons (DPs) to their respective areas, but involved construction of houses and markets, renovation of health and education facilities, restoration of electricity and wa-terways and above all provision of livelihood opportunities. To accomplish this, under the instructions of Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, a master plan was conceived after involving all the stakehold-

BUILD BETTER THAN BEFOREWaziristan propagated by western media as “the most dangerous place on earth”, is at the dawn of prosperity and revival, and has taken first step on the road to progress with the slogan of “Build Better than Before”.

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BUILD BETTER THAN BEFOREWaziristan propagated by western media as “the most dangerous place on earth”, is at the dawn of prosperity and revival, and has taken first step on the road to progress with the slogan of “Build Better than Before”.

ers i.e. Central Govt, FATA Secretariat, FATA Development Authority, Local / International Donors and above all, the Locals.

The blueprint revolved around the slogan “Build Better than Before”, with following priorities:-

• Restoration of Service and Infrastruc-ture

• Re-establish the lost Institutions• Capacity building (sustainability)• Partnership• Exploit economic potential (empower

the poor and women) • Economic stakes to prevent seasonal

migration • Increase inter dependence Repatriation process started in De-

cember 2010 with arrival of 1300 families and gained momentum in Jun 2011 with another influx of over 2200 families. Until October 2011, 6616 families returned home with a total of 30,191 individual. Many more are expected in impending spring. As

the years long militancy had destroyed the houses of DPs; the immediate need for their settling by providing a shelter was catered for. So far, Army Engineers have constructed 100 houses for the poor, which include 26 houses for the widows. Moreover, building material has been provided to large number for self-help construction.

The hallmark of rehabilitation process was concept of model village, which entail providing basic amenities to the villagers at their doorstep, which was never there for them before. The facilities like shops, poultry farm, honey extraction facility, school, health centre, sports complex, recreational park, public toilet, roadside driver hotel and mosque are planned to serve as hub of village activities. Model villages at

Kotkai, Chagmalai and Jandola have been commissioned in a record period of about six months. Model village Sararogha is near its completion.

Reviving locals from the economic devastation was of prime importance; this in mind, Pak Army engaged the stakehold-ers and as a first step started construction of market complexes at Kotkai, Chagmalai, Jandola and Sararogha to create a base for economic activities. Army Engineers have so far constructed five markets complexes with 160 shops. These shops under management of locals have been gifted to the villagers at nominal rent and will provide them the opportunity to sell and buy necessary com-modities and generate funds for their uplift. A larger traders’ marketplace to serve as

The middle-aged generation, which is earning hand of the society, was engaged in multiple livelihood projects. Beekeeping is one of the projects undertaken for their long-term sustenance.


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economic hub for whole of South Waziristan has been planned at Spinkai Raghzai, the place also earmarked for Cadet College Sararogha (CCS).

As part of rehabilitation process, three generations were simultaneously focused, wherein elders were assuaged and assured of economic stability. The youth were en-gaged for their capacity building by providing them state of the art academic and techni-cal education. The middle-aged generation, which is earning hand of the society, was engaged in multiple livelihood projects. Beekeeping is one of the projects under-taken for their long-term sustenance. Honey

extraction centres have been established at market complexes to facilitate preserva-tion and market of honey. Initially, 80 bee farmers were trained by department of Non Timber Forest Producer in establishing bee colonies, harvesting, packing and marketing the purest “Waziristan Honey”. The business has gained popularity in the locals, who are eager to brand the honey as quick mean of earning with small investment and negligible production cost. So far, 172 honeybee boxes have been distributed free of cost to the farmers, and another 300 boxes will be given in coming spring.

The Mehsud tribe realising the

importance of these projects as a path to recover from their plight, generously offered their land for these projects. Ten poultry farms have been built so far in the market complexes on such land and another ten are under construction. In addition to it three goat farms, two cattle farms and one duck farm have been established and handed over to villagers at Sararogha, Kotkai and Murghiband.

The restoration of services was a cumbersome task; electricity was restored at priority at the locations where DPs have returned. The water channels have been revived, realigned and channelized to reclaim

644 acres of land. Another 290 acres have been developed into model agriculture patches by Army at Kotkai, Murghiband and Meziwam Kach, where wheat seeds, fertilizer and ploughing facility have been provided free of cost. The water channels helped in establishment of fish ponds in the area, where hatchlings were provide to the farmers as an initial incentive. A number of water supply schemes were also completed in record time to provide clean drinking water to the locals.

Reconstruction of health facilities was assisted by foreign, both private and public donors. FATA Secretariat played an impor-

tant role in provision of necessary medical equipment, medicines and by posting required medical staff. The demolished and scratched Jandola Civil Hospital was reno-vated and commissioned in November 2011 with the help of Saudi Arabia, which is also funding for renovation of Civil Hospital Sa-rarogha. A mobile field hospital under Army is operative to cater the need of far-flung localities. Army Medical Corps is also holding free medical camps as a routine where this facility has not been extended so far.

The capacity building of youth was as vital as the economic stability of their elders, to achieve this; as per the vision of COAS, General Asfaq Pervez Kayani an idea of technical training institute was conceived and transformed into reality within a short span of four months. COAS performed the earth breaking ceremony of Waziristan Institute of Technical Education (WITE) at Chaghmalai in June 2011, the first batch of 58 students started training in October 2011. The students of first batch completed their four months training on 31 Jan 2012 and are now qualified auto electricians, auto mechanics, building electricians, drivers and computer operators, ready to support their families and society. During this training, students were provided Rs: 2000 monthly stipend, free medical, uniform, boarding and lodging facilities.

The turmoil in the region left the education system of the area in shambles; almost all the schools were burnt or razed to ground. Therefore, reviving these remained the centre of focus. So far, 23 schools have been reconstructed; three out of these have been converted into model schools with the

The restoration of services was a cumbersome task; electricity was restored at priority at the locations where DPs have returned. The

water channels have been revived, realigned and channelized to reclaim 644 acres of land.

report

latest facilities of computer and biology labs and an adjoining sports stadium. During COAS visit to WITE, Jirga of Mehsud elders requested for a Cadet College in their area. COAS consented and announced establish-ment of Cadet College at Spinkai Ragzai. Mehsud Tribe went step head and offered 100 acres of land for the project. With resolute efforts of Pak Army and assistance of FATA Secretariat, the dream of CCS has come true in less than a year with a donation of Rs: 759 million by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Entrance tests for first session were held in January 2012 and classes will com-mence temporarily in the building of WITE from 1st April 2012 until completion of CCS campus at Spinkai Raghzai. In sequel to improve stature of tribal society by educat-ing the new generation, Pak Army adopted over 100 children who are studying in Army run schools in 10 different Garrisons of the country. In the pursuit to social mobilisation of tribal society, Pakistan Army also arranged a teachers training workshop for the teach-ers of South Waziristan. The workshop was aimed at acquainting the teachers with modern teaching techniques and methods.

Pukhtoons have a strong patriarchal society, where women stay in veils, behind the curtains, and in the backdrop. However, in the tribal areas, women enjoy more liberty in this regard, they engage extensively in agriculture, cattle rearing and other house-hold activities; so do the Mehsud women. Empowering them economically, so that they can assist their men in shouldering their pursuit to prosperity is important. In this regard seven ‘Women Skills Develop-ment Centres’ have been planned which

will impart training of sewing, knitting and other handicrafts. Building of one such centre has been completed at Murgiband and classes will commence soon. Moreover, as welfare, widows have been provided with sewing machines, hens and goats for their sustenance.

The militancy not only affected Waziristan but also engulfed its adjoining district of Dera Ismail Khan, which remained frequent target of militants. The life in the city of soft spoken came to stand still, the riverbank of mighty Indus went deserted and shutters used to be locked before dusk. The revival of peace in Waziristan brought a new

ray of hope for them. Army took the initiative and restored the cell phone services, which remained suspended for long due to security reasons. The riverside has been developed into picnic spot to invigorate the locals. The airport, which remained close for quite sometime was renovated and the flights resumed once again. The Army also man-aged to revive the cultural heritage of the area, the traditional ‘Horse and Cattle Fair’ (MELA ISPAN WA MAUSHIAN) after a gap of nine year, which gave multiple social and economic advantages to the locals.

In the pursuit to rehabilitate the dis-placed, Pak Army did not forget those who crafted this turmoil. An in-depth analysis of the apprehended suspects reflected

that most of them acted as sympathisers, supporters and small errand runners for the main culprits with mild traces of radicalism. More so, they had not been directly involved in killing or in any capital crime. Hence, there was Hope to recover some of these ideologi-cally perplexed individuals and transform them into productive citizens of the society, through a concentrated socio-religious therapy in a suitable environment. To mani-fest this Pak Army for the first time in South Waziristan initiated a De-Radicalization Emancipation Programme with a slogan of Hope, Emancipation, Integration, Loyalty and Acceptance (HEILA or Hope). Under this

programme first batch of 38 suspects has successfully completed its training at Tank.

On one hand, military success has its significance, but for sustained peace and stability, all stakeholders are required to exer-cise more systematic and concerted efforts towards rehabilitation, de-radicalization, reconciliation and re-integration of tribal society. It is said that, “When opportunities are available, economy flourishes and society prospers. When society thrives, mindset changes. When economic stakes are high folks focus on them with less or no violence”. Pak Army has initiated a ray of hope in the area. Tribal are looking forward with optimistic and pragmatic approach for their bright future.

The militancy not only affected Waziristan but also engulfed its adjoining district of Dera Ismail Khan, which remained frequent target of militants.

March 25, 2012 29Sunday [email protected]

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SPOT ON!Chinyere Spring/Summer 2012 Collection incorporates vivid colors, stunning patterns, textures with breath-taking silhouettes. Beautiful artistic designs are inspired by sophisticated combination of floral motifs with classic embellishments. Let invigorating range take you on a stylish adventure.

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37Sunday [email protected] March 25, 2012

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LabelChinyere

Hair, Makeup & PhotographyDeevees

Jewellery & AccessoriesChinyere

ModelsMarvi, Alyzeh and Saadia

March 25, 2012


society

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40Taking The lawn To The nexT level!kaRaChi:Paul Textiles will unveil its summer lawn collection 2012 Paulsha lawn by Noreen & Faiza” in an exhibition The Imperial, Clifton. While the outfits are designed by Feeha Jamsheed, Ayesha Somaya, Saman Usmani, Irma Hassan, Samman Pirzada, and Usme Rehan. PR handled by Saima Mahmood Catalyst.

Fayeza, Rizwanullah, Momal Sheikh, Zershi Razzaq & Mahin J Nawaz Raheel & Faiza Yasmeen, Nadia, Mina, Fatima & Nada1 2 3

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Palwasha & Adnan Siddique Zaheer Khan,Huma Zaheer & Naznine Tariq4 5

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Iraj Mohib Mirza6 7

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Zeba, Adnan & Iraj8


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Raheel, Hira, Malika, sonia, Naureen, Ameera, Alyssa & Manzar Paul9

Rebecca, Naureen, Tasheena & Ainny12 Haseena Moin13 Imran Qureshi14

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Shahid Khan, Imran Khawaja, Dr.Sadaf Khawaj & Guest10 Yasmine & Omar11

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Ayesha Omar15 Saba Ansari16 Shahid Khan & Manzar17

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society

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44Work intelligentlylAHore:Pakistan’s first corporate venue, The Enterprise was recently launched to facilitate local and international companies by providing a smart, efficient, secure and functional business venue.

CEO The Enterprise, Muhammad Nadeem Khan Hasib Nawaz Sheikh Benish Khan Ayesha Khan1 2 3 4

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Asad Dar & Zarrar Bhatti Muhammad Ammar Khan, Tariq Mahmood Mian, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, Muhammad Mikail Khan & Hassan Mahmood5 9

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society

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46Snog-gy affairKaraCHi:Snog recently opened its doors at Zamzama. The event showcased a dance by ActOne especially choreographed for Snog. The event was managed by Voila PR with co-ordination assistance by Phegency.

Sana, Fareeha, Najma, Saraa & Shehzi Mustafa Chagla, Shezi Chagla with Mian Ehsan Salman, Monalisa & Deepak Perwani1 2 3

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Saraa Gheewala with Khursheed Haider Yusuf Bashir Qureshi 5 6

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Snog Frachisors Rob and Pablo with Saraa Gheewala & Sana Merchant4

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Sarwat Gillani Aysha Omar & BNA8 9Nadia Hussain7

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lahore:Recently, a new outlet of Ittehad Textiles was launched at M.M Towers, Lahore.

Rozi, Zoraiz, Lubna Lashari, Imrana and Dr Shehzard4

Ayesha and Amina Huma and Javeria9 10

Mahrukh, Hira and Noor Karim, Kashif, Shakil and Sheikh Nazam11 12

Shehzard and Ather Fahad, Maram and Mohsin7 8

Asif, Kareem, Zaeem and Shakil Nosheen and Mahm5 6

Aksa and Arooj Fatima and Shazmeen Hania, Fatima, Fareeha1 2 3

IIttehad textIles launchIng ceremony

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CresCent Comes to townLAHore:Crescent lawn by Faraz Manan was launched recently. 17 models including the top models, friends & family exhibited the designs to an invite. Hair and makeup was done by Ather Shehzad & the event was managed by Savvy PR & events.

Zainab, Zara, Cybil & Noore Ahmed Ali Butt Shazia, Hasnat & HSY1 2 3

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Shoaib Shafi, Alyzeh Gabol & Rana Noman7

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Nazish, Nasir Shafi, Mrs Nasir Shafi & Sana Saira, Pinkie & Ayesha8 9

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Zoya, Maimoona Manan & Sundas4 Simky5 Amber Gohar & Mishal6


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Shehzad & Ather10

Momina & Nael16 Natty & Reimma17 Asifa & Nabeel18

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Zohair & Mariam11 Adil Bashir & Sana12

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Ayesha & Dr Shahida19 Annie20

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Rizwan Shafi13 Maheen Kardar Ali & Saad14

Junaid & Mehdi17

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Faraz & Cybil15

Asif & Amina21


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lahore:Recently, a new coffee shop, ‘Coffee Planet’ was launched at DHA and was attended by people and media personnel.

Sobia Mirza & Kiran

Alina

Maryam, Noor, D J Buland, Mahnoor and a friend

Sadia

Naila & Javeria

Alina Khan, Ahmed, Anam Khan, Iqra, Mian Haider and D J Buland.

Nabiha and Noor

Musical Group

Ayesha Mahmood and Misbah

Samina

Farzana Butt and Nasreen NawazMishal & Sana

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March 25, 2012 Sunday [email protected]

KARACHI: Rosy Patel’s lawn exhibition and fashion show was held recently. The hair, fashion show was done Saba Ansari and her team at Sabs. The event was organised by production 021 .PR and media was handled by Takell.

Saba and Koukab Ansari

Maha

Humaima Malick

Aminah Ilyas

Iraj

Rima with Khursheed

Fauzia with Juni, Koni and Sana

Fareen with Nazia, Mrs Moloo and Razia

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Rosy with Nighat Tehmina

Benish with Ambreen and Neha

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Islamabad:

The red carpet launch of designer Sobia Nazir’s Exclusive Lawn 2012 collection was held for the first time in capital at her studio. The glamorous event was managed by Rezz PR and Events

Daniella Liang and Nadia

Rezz Aly Shah nd Laila

Nazia, Shahida, Ammara nd Mubasshara

Mehreen Syed

Nadia, Sobia Nazir and Samreen

Samman Ansari

Fatima and Aliya

Nilli and Mrs Fakir

Nazia , Janie and Sara

Beena Riaz Malik, Mehreen, Cybil and Razia

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Ayesha, Ambreen and Warda

Natasha and Sarah Raza

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Zahra , Amna and Fawad

Samina Lakhany and Humaira Bilour

Sara Walid and Palwashay Butt

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Aliya , Talat and Honey Khan

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Abida and Faryal

Sofia Ali and Janie

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54Élan with panachelahORe:Premier fashion brand Élan collaborated with leading home textiles exporters Kamal Limited to launch Kamal Lawn by Élan at a much awaited and hotly attended event! The exhibition was held at PFDC, Mall One in

Ahmed Kamal, Aleena & Erum Ahmed Aneela Shah, Seema Aziz & Sehyr Saigol Faraz Mannan, Shazia Deen & Tazeen Anjum1 2 3

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Khadijah Shah with Cybil, Rubab, Nadia Ali & Mehreen Syed4

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Iffat Omar Mrs. Amber Gohar5 6


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Sehr, Aleena, Zainab, Sundus & Mishal7

Shazreh Khalid, Shazreh, Aneela Shah & Khadijah Shah12 Attiya Rashid & Sara13 Sabene Saigol 14

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Sara Shahid 8 Aamina Sheikh9

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Mohsin15 Waleed16

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Qasim Yar Tiwana & Fiza10 Mehriene Qureshi &Selina R Khan11

Umer 17


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KARACHI: L’Oréal Paris in Pakistan launched a brand new series of interactive mall animations at Park Towers celebrating the launch of the New Revitalift Total Repair 10; the World’s No 1 Anti-Wrinkle cream.

L’Oreal Paris Pakistan Spokespeople Meesha Shafi, Aamina Sheikh and Mehreen Syed

L’Oreal Paris Expert Nabiha Zeeshan

L’Oreal Paris Expert Ujala Zia

Sumeha Khalid and Uzma Mazhar

Nubain Ali

L’Oreal Paris Expert Nabiha Zeeshan with L’Oreal Paris BA’s

Shanaz Ramzi.

Dr Khilji Ahsan Hayat and Ahmad Saadat

Sitwat Khan

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blogruby hasan

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Buzz RuBy’s Beauty

Technology has entered the hair world in many forms – the most obvious being the chemical innovations that allow you to play with colour, texture and the condition of your hair. The other is the fascinating world of hair tools and enhancements (i.e. extensions). I maintain that hair tools can really be a girl’s best friend. True, that the underlying assumption and a big plus point is if you live in a country that has uninterrupted electricity, nonetheless, whether at

the salon or at home, hair tools are the means to befriend your hair and develop a great relationship with it.

The hair dryer is an indispensable one at the top of the list. The choice of brush (or brushes) is the

real determinant in what your hair will look like once it’s dried. Brushes are a science in themselves and

the innovation in brush design, shape, size, bristle quality and material all play an integral role in what a blow-dry can achieve. Your hairdresser can educate you about this and what you enjoy as a salon service can be replicated at home as well. Do your haircut and style justice by exploring this and acting on it.

The hair straightener or flat iron is another hot favou-rite (pun unintended but most apt) especially for a sleek, smooth long and mid-length hair lover. Nowadays these irons can be used to achieve a most flattering defined curly look as well. It’s all a question of a good quality iron (GHD ladies!), with the right sections and techniques and you are on the way to have that smooth straight look that people in our part of the world idolize.

Curling tongs and other magic wands seek to give you the kind of curly look you want – and quick. The kind of look depends on the shape and diameter of the rod. There is a lot of variety available so consult your hairdresser and choose wisely – the commercially available ones come with different options in one tong. Big hair is ‘in’ in a big way, so for added body, the Babyliss big hair styler is a good option which has a fat-barrelled, heated brush attachment.

Rollers, if you have the time, be it at the salon or at home, is nothing like it. Apply your choice of rollers they can be heated, Velcro or benders, choosing the size according to the extent of curl or the body you want to naturally-dried, damp hair and let them dry in a dryer or naturally. Let your hair down before you head out and wow!

Let’s touch on the topic of extensions and just say that it’s an investment in your hair meal making it upsize. They can work wonders to give you the glamour and change your look all together. Add natural hair extensions and style them with your hair and sport a beautiful head.

Don’t forget that all hair tools MUST be used with the complementing styling products and treat your hair regu-larly to a lush conditioning treatment.

‘Probably Lahore’s Best Kept Beauty Secret of the city’s finest socialites and most glamorous personalities’, Ruby Hasan, is one of Pakistan’s most travelled and professionally trained skin, hair & beauty experts. She is the founder of SPLITENDS-well regard-ed as Lahore’s premier beauty desti-nation. Ruby Hasan has been trained from the prestigious Robert Fielding School of Hair Dressing in London. Ruby is also a qualified technician & CACI patented therapist trained from the CACI Institute which keeps Hollywood stars such Jennifer Lopez looking young and gorgeous. Ruby has also professionally received the Oxygen facial training, which is the beauty regime of some of the

world’s most famous celebri-ties, including the Queen

of Pop, Madonna, who uses it like a prayer. So Now that the “Cat is

out of the Bag”, Catch Ruby’s Weekly Buzz on ev-

erything that is keeping you and the rest of the female of the species looking ‘OMG’ beautiful


right off the shelf

Thirty years ago, as a foreign cor-respondent for ITN news, Gall took his life in his hands to spend several

weeks travelling with the mujahideen to make a series of television programmes about their David and Goliath struggle against the might of the Soviet army, the first time the heroism of the resistance struggle was brought home to a British audience.

Since then his dedication to the Afghan cause has been channelled through the charity he set up soon after his gruelling 1982 experience, Sandy Gall’s Afghani-stan Appeal, which provides medical assis-tance – artificial limbs in particular – to Afghans injured during more than three decades of conflict.

All of which makes the veteran broad-caster – now a sprightly 83 – perfectly placed to provide us with a highly readable

account of the latest traumatic episode in the country’s recent history.

Given the plethora of books that have recently appeared on the subject, in ‘War Against the Taliban: Why it All Went Wrong in Afghanistan Gall’ has produced a well-informed account of the litany of disastrous miscalculations that have befallen the West’s involvement since the September 11 attacks.

Gall is particularly strong when it comes to analysing Britain’s less-than-impressive contribution to the military effort, and has managed to secure exten-sive interviews with many of the leading players. They include Brigadier Ed Butler, Rab Butler’s Eton-educated grandson who commanded British forces when they first deployed to southern Afghanistan in the summer of 2006 and General Sir David Richards, the current head of Britain’s

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Few people have a more passionate interest in the fate of Afghanistan than the veteran television journalist Sandy Gall. It’s not just that his knowledge of this troubled land predates the Soviet invasion of 1979. It is his resolute commitment never to abandon the millions of ordinary, helpless Afghans whose lives have been blighted in ways most of us can barely imagine.

InsIght on AfghAn ConflICt

Title: War Against the Taliban: Why it all went wrong in AfghanistanAuthor: Sandy Gall | Pages: 323 | Price: Rs. 2,295 | Genre: Politics


right off the shelf

Armed Forces who was given the poisoned chalice of commanding a Nato mission designed to support the reconstruction of Afghanistan’s government infrastructure, but ended up fighting a desperate war against the Taliban.

As one would expect of someone who has lived the Afghan nightmare, Gall sets out the West’s descent into the Afghan mire with admirable clarity. He reminds us that, in the early, optimistic days of the Anglo-American intervention to defeat the Taliban in 2001, there was a genuine opportunity to stabilise the country. Most Afghans were as delighted to see the back of the Taliban as their Western liberators, and in those days the atmosphere was so relaxed that Lawrie McMenemy, the former Southampton manager, flew to Kabul to organise a friendly football match between the Afghans and Nato.

But the Bush administration’s obsession with Saddam Hussein’s Iraq meant that the Americans soon lost interest in Afghanistan and diverted precious resources to another theatre of combat without first completing their mission in Afghanistan. The Afghans, who thought the Americans would give them the security and stability they craved, felt betrayed, and it was not long before the Taliban was staging a remarkable comeback.

The strength of Gall’s book, though, lies in its detailed analysis of British involvement after Tony Blair pledged to provide British troops to support the new Nato mission set up in 2006 to fill the gap left by the Americans. Gall examines the vexed issue of whether the politicians or generals are to blame for the mess.

The politicians, especially after Gordon Brown replaced Blair as prime minister, have rightly been pilloried for their failure to provide enough helicopters, and their inability to offer an explanation as to why British soldiers were risking their lives in this hellhole in the first place.

But, through his interviews with all the main British commanders, Gall argues the military must take its share of the blame, too. Despite centuries of experience fighting in Afghanistan, none of our senior officers bothered to warn the ministers that deploy-ing the British Army to Helmand province was the equivalent, as Gall puts it, of placing a rival gang in the East End, and not expect-ing there to be repercussions.

Certainly, if any conclusion is to be drawn from Gall’s informative narrative, it is that our experience in Afghanistan is a salutary lesson in how not to go to war.

fAllen In love

Synopsis: What makes your heart race a little faster? Just in time for Valentine’s Day, it is a ‘Fallen in love,’ four wholly original new stories collected in a new novel set in the Middle Ages by Lauren Kate. ‘Fallen in Love,’ gives fans the much talked about but never revealed stories of Fallen characters as they intertwine with the epic love story of Luce and Daniel and others.

Author: Lauren Kate | Pages: 256 Price: Rs. 1,095 | Genre: Fiction

Authors: George R. R. Martin | Pages: 512Price: Rs. 750 | Genre: Fiction

Synopsis: Return to the unique and evocative world of The Dying Earth, edited by best selling author George R. R. Martin, in this tribute anthology featur-ing the most distinguished fantasists of our day. Here are twenty-two brand new adventures set in the world of Jack Vance’s greatest novel.A dim place, ancient beyond knowledge. The sun is feeble and red. A million cities have fallen to dust. Here live a few thousand souls, dying, as the Earth dies beneath them. Just a few short decades remain to the long history of our world. At the last, science and magic are one, and there is evil on Earth, dis-tilled by time … Earth is dying.Half a century ago, Jack Vance created the world of the Dying Earth, and fantasy has never been the same. Now, for the first time, Jack has agreed to open this intriguing and darkly beautiful world to other fantasists, to play in as their very own.

songs of the DyIng eArth

Authors: Pierre Dukan | Pages: 384Price: Rs 895 | Genre: Fitness and Diet

Synopsis: The Dukan Diet is a unique four-step programme, combining two steps to lose your unwanted weight and two steps to keep it off for good: Step 1: Attack For 2-7 days eat as much as you want of 72 protein-rich foods. Step 2: Cruise Continue eating the protein-rich foods with the addition of 28 vegetables. Step 3: Consolidation Add fruit, bread, cheese and starchy foods, and 2 celebration meals a week, allowing 5 days for every pound lost. Step 4: Stabilisation Eat what you like without regaining weight by following 3 simple rules, including the famous ‘protein Thursdays’. The Dukan Diet offers clear simple guidelines, menu planners and delicious recipes for long term success.

the DukAn DIet


by SyED ALI NAQVIMOVIE

PLOT:The Bourne Legacy is hitting theaters

later this year as Universal attempts to continue that franchise without Matt Damon, but Safe House sure feels like a trial run, or perhaps just an opportunity to get the target audience for that film in the theater in an effort to make sure they see the trailer for the upcoming August release. Either way, if the goal was to make a below average copy of a film we’ve all seen before then job well done.

Everything about Safe House feels re-cycled all the way down to the film’s post-er and the dingy, Man on Fire tint. From a story and character perspective, it’s a film with big promises and very little delivered as each scene is no different from one to

the next and often is essentially the same thing just in a different location.

And what’s the point of the whole thing? To tell us the CIA lies to the public and those years of covert operations turns you into a bad guy? It’s like The Bourne Identity meets The Ides of March, but it’s told in such an obvious, lackluster and bored manner that you really don’t care, and not even a bunch of adjectives can make it any better.

Next we meet CIA safe house stooge Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds) whom we’ve just seen begging his boss (Brendan Gleeson) for a new position. He’s got a girlfriend with a job offer in Paris and he wants to follow her there, but he’s got bigger problems at the moment. The CIA

has moved Frost to Matt’s location for safe keeping until they can ship him back to the U.S. But guess what, there’s about to be a cross-cross-double-cross and the you-know-what is about to hit the fan.

There are two major issues with this picture. The first is that the mystery as to who is tipping off these mercenaries is pointless, but the film insists on focusing on this idea. It doesn’t matter. Someone is pulling the strings, okay, we get it. All that’s left is to reveal who and it’s not as if there are a lot of options. Just reveal this bit of information early on and use it to tell your story, or perhaps director Daniel Espinosa’s goal was to have us focus on something else. Giving him the benefit of the doubt let’s explore our options.

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Safe HOuSe feeLS Like a TriaL run

A young CIA agent is tasked with looking after a fugitive in a safe house. But when the safe house is attacked, he finds himself on the run with his charge.


MOVIE

Maybe we were meant to focus on that shoot out in the opening? Or maybe the shoot-out in the safe house? The shoot-out in the slums or, I got it, the shoot-out in that other safe house? Because if it wasn’t the shoot outs it must have been the multiple car chases. Either way, one runs smack dab into the other until they all blur together into one big hyperkinetic stew that looks like it was shot through mud.

As far as the acting talent on display, Reynolds proves he can actually do a little bit of acting, something we haven’t really been able to see from him as of late. Films such as Green Lantern and The Change-Up don’t exactly call on his dramatic skills to any level. And as for Washington, he’s fine. He’s not a problem. But his character is.

We are led to believe this Tobin Frost

guy is some sort of CIA magician, but all we see is an aging old man that thinks he’s got mind control over everyone he comes into contact with. I will admit, he’s quite accomplished at holding himself steady when he’s stuffed in the trunk of a car that is zig-zagging every which way while going about 80, but other than that he’s simply a man with a gun and no con-science with the appearance of being more of a chatter box than an elite operative.

OVeraLL:Safe House is an over-stuffed film with

empty promises. It’s trying hard to sell itself as a Bourne-esque thriller, but when someone has already done it better and your Jason Bourne is a garrulous 57-year-old you tend to tune him out, and hope he’ll fall asleep while watching the five o’clock news.

AshAntI, Denzel WAshIngton, PAulettA PeArson

THe PLaYerS:

director: Daniel espinosa

cinematography:oliver Wood

actors: Denzel Washington, ryan reynolds and robert Patrick

writers: David guggenheim

music: ramin Djawadi

genre: Action | Crime | Mystery

RATING: 6/10

saFe house

aT THe PreMiere:

luBA MAson, ruBen BlADes stePhen BIshoP

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We at Sunday Plus are sharing our exclusive recommendations with all our readers. Read on for the best buys, the trendiest brands and the most

enticing eateries that you need to know about. We slog through the jungle to bring you the hippest happenings and must-have information, right here in your copy of Sunday Plus: your essential weekend luxury.


picks of the week 62

Sharmeen’S Original CreperieFor years, the term crepe has made people’s minds swirl with images of the romantic sidewalk cafes of Paris. A warm gentle breeze, a joyful ambience and a ready waiter are usually part of this picture. Now, you don’t have to travel to Europe to experience this French delight you can experience it right here in Pakistan at The Original Crepe Factory! It is the first authentic French Creperie in Pakistan. In celebration of Pakistani winning its first Oscar, The Original Crepe Factory has launched the Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy crepes. In a truly patriotic spirit, the Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy is white and green. The green is added through a touch of basil while the white comes from the white sauce chicken chunks are smothered in.

Head over to The Original Crepe Factory to 20-C, 10th Commercial Street Off Khyaban-e-Shamsheer Near Labels, Karachi to try out these crepes.

luSCiOuS Signature lipStiCk

The Luscious Signature Lipstick is a lightweight, yet velvety and rich colour formula that provides long wear and hydration for hours. The new lipsticks have been formulated with extra pig-ment for crisp, vivid and stunning colour results. Packaged in a stylish tube, enriched with Jojoba Oil which helps it glide on smoothly, and is avail-able in 16 soft-matte and shimmer shades. The lipsticks contain no animal-derived ingredients and is alcohol free.

Available at all leading departmental stores.

CheSter Bernard COmeS tO FaiSalaBadChester Bernard recently launched a flagship store in Faislabad, making it one of the biggest men’s wear brands to arrive in the textile city. Chester Bernard already operates retail outlets in Lahore (off M.M. Alam Road) and in Karachi (on Zamzama), and the Faislabad outlet is their third store. The store carries their beautifully tailored shirts and huge variety of ties along with a select selection of cuff links. Chester Bernard is consid-ered a brand leader when it comes to elegantly and beautifully finished shirts. The Chester Bernard limited edition shirts are meant for men who like looking good and feeling good. Chester Bernard customers can easily be differentiated by their love for elegance and in their belief on expert finishing of every item in their wardrobe.

intrOduCing SimplY SuBlime!

SIMPLY SUBLIME line is the newest addition to the Sublime label which currently boasts over five permanent Prêt-à-Porter and couture lines. While creating the Simply Sublime line, designer Sara Shahid was motivated by three main features: Versatility, Affordability & Wearability, all wrapped into each Simply Sublime ensemble. From a design perspective, the new ready to wear line ranges from lightly embellished trendy tunics to elegant, sophisticated & glamorous tops. Simply Sublime line ranges from PKR 3000- 8000.

Launching today at the Sublime by Sara Flagship Store located at 98 B/2 Gulberg III, M.M Alam Road, Lahore.

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