Showcase Films launches the trailer and songs of movie ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’.

The highly anticipated movie ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’ starring Hania Aamir and Ali Rehman for the first time as the leading pair, saw the release of its trailer and three songs amidst much excitement in a star-studded affair at the Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi on the evening of Friday, 25^th of February. With movie audiences eagerly awaiting Wajahat Rauf’s fourth feature film ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’ since the cinemas reopened nationwide, the comedy flick is set to release on Eid-ul-Fitr in theatres throughout Pakistan.

The trailer and song release for this film took place at Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi with members of the press present to watch the movie trailer, listen to a live performance of some songs from the movie’s soundtrack, and to participate in a question & answer session with the cast and crew. Hosted by Dananeer Mobeen, the ‘pawri-girl’ was on as she first introduced the director, producer and cast, and invited members of the cast and crew to address the audience. The powerful soundtrack, directed by Hassan Ali and Aashir Wajahat left the audience enthralled.

The plot for ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’ addresses a serious societal issue faced by almost every newly married couple in Pakistan, i.e. the pressure to start their own family without being given a chance to enjoy and explore their life together. Director Wajahat Rauf has addressed this prevalent issue in his uniquely humorous way with this movie, and with the perfect choice of actors brought the characters to life. With a strong supporting cast comprising of veteran actors such as Jawed Sheikh, Saifee Hasan and Noor ul Hassan, this movie is expected to go big at the box office.

While the much-celebrated Director Wajahat Rauf observed; “for me, ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’ is a labor of love that addresses an important social issue. I hope to make more films that give out a positive message along with entertaining people.”

Speaking on the occasion, the lead actor Ali Rehman, commented, “It was such a great experience shooting with an amazing team. I’m so proud of ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’ because not only is it a labor of love, which we worked very hard to shoot during a pandemic, but more importantly it addresses the stigma attached to accepting certain social issues that can really have a big impact on the society as a whole”.

Leading lady of ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’ shared her views by saying; “this movie ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’ is very close to my heart for various reasons. Firstly, because of how beautifully it has been written. How effortlessly Mohsin has talked about a subject so taboo and translated it with such care while incorporating elements of humor. Secondly, if production had to learn what the word ‘efficient’ meant I would send them to Shazia Wajahat, never seen a more professional producer. The director, Wajahat Rauf is an entertainer, and I have not worked with a director whose attention to humorous nuances is this good. Lastly, because it was a team effort, we were all there for each other throughout the shoot. This film is warm, responsible, and funny. Just like my team behind it”.

Producer of ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’, Shazia Wajahat said; “thoroughly enjoyed working on ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’, mostly due to the topic this film is based on. It was a pleasure working with actors who I refer to as family and who made every day memorable and fun”.

‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’ is the fourth movie releasing under the banner of Showcase Films, a joint venture of the stellar husband wife duo Wajahat Rauf and Shazia Wajahat. Showcase Films has Karachi Se Lahore (2015) – the first Pakistani film that premiered in Hollywood, and its sequel (2016) – the highest grossing film of the year, along with Chhalawa (2019) to its name.

Karachi Port Trust (KPT) launches the ‘Mangroves Plantation Campaign 2020-21’.

Karachi Port Trust (KPT) adds another leaf to the clean and green initiative of honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Imran Khan, by starting the ‘mangroves plantation campaign 2020-21’ during an impressive ceremony that held 01^st December 2020 at Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi. This ceremony, which was well attended by all the General Managers, senior and middle management officials of KPT besides media and other guests.

This launch event started off with General Manager Operations Rear Admiral Zaka-ur-Rehman welcoming the guests and in his welcome speech, GM Operations of KPT said; “global change that has taken place to cause 35% reduction in mangroves plantation”. He informed the Chief Guest Chairman KPT Rear Admiral (R) Jamil Akhtar HiIal-e-Imtiaz(M) & Tamgha-e-Bisaalat about safeguarding 1000 hectares mangroves forests falling in the domain of the port through such campaigns in past as a regular feature. Moreover, he shared information about providing lands to World Wildlife Fund (WWF) at Sands Pit for mangroves plantation, Jinnah Naval Base, Pakistan Army Engineering Corp Rahimyar Khan and Pakistan Marine Academy in past for mangrove plantation. He further added and said; “participation of school children has been avoided this time due to Covid-19 pandemic”.

Highlighting on mangroves plantation importance, the Chairman of KPT Rear Admiral (R) Jamil Akhtar has termed it extremely necessary for the ports and port cities, as this will help in avoiding national calamities like Tsunamis, Heat Waves etc and he said; “I would like to announce a full year Mangrove Plantation Campaign 2020-21 under which KPT will plant 100,000 mangroves every quarter”.

While sharing the details of the programme, he informed further that; “mangrove plantation will take place quarter-wise throughout the campaign year and side by side activities like public-awareness campaign outreaching school children in second quarter, conferences and symposia arrangements in third quarter and marine eco-tourism entertainment for local hotels in fourth quarters have been scheduled under this campaign”.

“Your participation in the betterment of natural environment would result in expansion of industrial setup linked with fishing community and trade which ultimately leads to creation of more job opportunities under healthy environment”, the Chairman added.

Later, the chief guest Chairman KPT Rear Admiral (R) Jamil Akhtar performed the mangrove plantation along with selected guests and media to conclude the proceedings of the day.

Mushk Kaleem steals the limelight at Huma Adnan’s solo event.

Model and feminist, Mushk Kaleem truly wooed the audience at Huma Adnan’s bridal show today. The House of Amir Adnan featured Huma Adnan’s solo event, with beautiful FnkAsia brides at the outdoor function.

Taking place at Beach Luxury in Karachi, top fashion model Mushk Kaleem made quite the impression with her signature ‘fierce walk’ while perfecting all the poise and grace a Huma Adnan bride would have. While dressed in beautiful intricate designs and cultural allure, Mushk’s traditional bridal look won the show, with her confident body language and stark beauty, she truly brought out the true spirit and semblance FnkAsia represents.

With fashion and couture evolving over time, Huma Adnan managed to retain a traditional mark of glamour and elegance, debuting handcrafted karigars with their unparalleled craftsmanship, accentuated by the lovely daylight. Mushk Kaleem’s riveting performance on the catwalk was the definition of a bride on her special day, showcasing the stunning work and detail that goes into producing incomparable bridal couture.

With all standard operating procedures (SOPs) being followed, Huma Adnan’s event was truly one to remember, marking the beginning of the wedding season.

Consulate of Italy in Karachi celebrates Italian Design Day 2020.

The Consulate of Italy in Karachi organized the fourth edition of Italian Design Day 2020 at Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi on Monday 16^th November 2020. The Italian Design Day is the annual theme-based review launched in 2017 by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration and with the support of the Ministry for Heritage, Cultural Activities and Tourism.

The theme of the 2020’s Italian Design Day was “Designing the future. Development, innovation, sustainability and beauty” and it is closely linked to the proactive capacity of Italian design and the extended Made in Italy system to think up ever newer development scenarios, capable of overcoming self-referential rhetoric and keeping the improvement of our lives and the protection of the planet at the centre of what is on offer. This is an even more topical issue when considered in the context of the health emergency due to global pandemic the world currently experiencing.

The event was organized in open air space with social distancing and SOP’s as per guidelines of the Government of Sindh.

Recently arrived new Consul General of Italy in Karachi, His Excellency Danilo Giurdanella welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude to people of Karachi for a warm welcome that he and his wife received after their arrival in Karachi. The aim of organizing this event was to engage the cross section of the business community based in Karachi, and provide a stepping-stone for enhanced commercial engagement between Italian and Pakistani companies in the Design and Architecture sector.

Newly arrived Consul General of Italy in Karachi, His Excellency Danilo Giurdanella with his wife.

Mr. Giurdanella also mentioned about the presence of Italian Design and Architecture history present in Pakistan that dates back to the years 60’s and 70’s when an Italian architect Alfredo Kotzian designed few houses and a church in Pakistan. His works in Karachi and other cities of Sindh are being documented by a team of young architects from Indus Valley School of Architecture and will soon be published in collaboration with the paramount books.

Renowned architect Mr. Akeel Bilgrami in his presentation talked about “Sustainable, Game Changing Urban Project in Karachi, by developing a Kolachi Wetland Reserve and Chandni Park under the People and Nature Initiative (PANI), is a group of Pakistani’s who want to address environmental degradation of the rivers and coastlines of Pakistan.

As part of this project, the 118 acres of mangroves area along Mai Kolachi would be made into Kolachi Wetland Reserve, within which the Chandni Park on 12 acres, would be the first eco-friendly Park in Pakistan.  This initiative is intended to be a prime example of good environmental practice and sustainable development, seeking to provide for the varied and conflicting factors of conservation, tourism, education and recreation, accessible to all including the physically and visually handicapped.

Mr. Michele Premoli Silva through zoom link from Milan talked about “sustainability of architecture in Relation to Respect for the Genius Loci”. Mr. Silva shared his experience as an architect working in different countries and stressed the need of involvement of local partners and artisans preserving the local culture and traditions while working on any project. In his presentation, he mentioned European cities, which are the result of millenary stratifications where the greatest compositional “defects” occurred in moments of post-war reconstruction dictated by real housing needs. However, those moments have not cancelled the cultural and urban history, rooted over the centuries. In his opinion, a good contemporary architecture helps to project history into the future. He stressed that we cannot run the risk of making mistakes in order not to compromise the future of a country, which could risk eliminating its own cultural tradition in a few years.

Ms. Roberta Vecci from Novacolor Italy gave her thoughts via zoom-link and talked about Novacolor’s journey in Pakistan and the road to innovation, sustainability and aesthetics. Mr. Hafeezulllah Shaikh, CEO of Novacolor Pakistan with his team gave a live demo of design technique and Novacolor products.

Mr. Iftikhar Shallwani, Commissioner of Karachi in his speech welcomed the new Consul in Karachi. He shared his aspirations with audience as administrator of Karachi and welcomed ideas from Italian partners about collaboration and development of Karachi on sustainable footing.

Mr. Iftikhar Shalwani, Commissioner Karachi addressing guests at Italy Design Day.

Mr. Hassan Askari, the Vice President of Italian Development Committee gave vote of thanks. The event was followed by an Italian aperitivo and networking session. Local representatives of Italian companies also displayed their design products, namely: BuildPro showcasing high end luxury Murano glass basins from Glass Design Italy and aluminium windows by ALU K, the leading international brand with its headquarters in Italy. Novacolor Pakistan displayed their elaborate product line for wall finishes. YOCA Design studio displayed their tables that won a design award in Italy.

From left Mr. Hasan Askari, Mr. Iftikhar Shalwani, Mr. Danilo Giurdanella, Mr. Nassar and Mr. Hafeezulllah Shaikh

11th Edition of Karachi Literature Festival (KLF 2020) themed as “Across Continents: How the Word Travels” inaugurated by Shafqat Mahmood.

“This is a very exhilarating experience for me. I have never seen so many literary icons in one place and it is a real honour to be able to meet them and discuss issues of common interest. The very richness of this occasion fascinates me and creates in me the wish that instead of being a former bureaucrat and now a minister, I should also have followed the profession of art and literature and expressed my thoughts and feelings in a free-flowing manner.”

“As you would be aware, the subject of education is a major priority for the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan and he has given me special instructions to make education viable and progressive if Pakistan is to move ahead on the path of national development. It is events like the Karachi Literature Festival that greatly enable our government to further the cause of education because these events promote the habit of reading and healthy discourse between individuals of all ages.”

This was stated by Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, who was the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the 11^th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) on 28^th February 2020 at the Beach Luxury Hotel. The Karachi Literature Festival is a three-day event being held on 28, 29 February and March 1.

After the inauguration, on 28 February, the following two days of the Festival will comprise full days of discussions, talks, readings, author signings, art-exhibition, performances, talks and discussions, etc. A food court and book fair have also been set up at the Festival.

The theme of the Festival this year is ‘Across Continents: How the Word Travels.’ As every year for the past ten years, the purpose of KLF is to bring together international and Pakistani writers to promote reading and showcase writing at its best.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Arshad Saeed Hussain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press Pakistan, said, “the institution I head is, by its nature, deeply involved in the process of educating Pakistan. I would suggest to you that an event like the eleventh KLF we are inaugurating today, is part and parcel of that process. By bringing together scholars, intellectuals, artists, writers, and policy makers to engage in discussion over many issues, we are creating living examples of Critical Thinking to place before you. By testing and sharpening new and maybe challenging ideas, we are encouraging innovative thinking and promoting Thought Leadership. In this festive spirit, we continue to encourage the habit of reading among young and old alike.”

Mr. Arshad Saeed Hussain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press Pakistan delivering welcome speech.

He further added, “KLF brings us together to express ourselves creatively and to engage with the fast changing political situations that surround us, through literature, music, poetry, songs, visual performing arts and other genres. KLF is a platform for people to speak in an open and free forum in celebration of the human spirit in all its forms.”

The Guest of Honour, His Excellency Dr Christian Turner CMG, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, spoke on the occasion of his very interesting experience of being in Pakistan and his deep fascination with the country’s cultural identity.

Remarks were also made on the occasion by Jason Green, Public Affairs Officer US Consulate, and Ms. Anna Ruffino Consul General of Italy in Karachi, while keynote speeches were delivered by Mr. William Dalrymple author and historian and Ms. Zaheda Hina Urdu short story writer and playwright.

Several book awards instituted by KLF were also announced on the occasion. These comprised:

KLF-Infaq Foundation Urdu Literature Prize: The books shortlisted for this prize were Chaar Darweshaur Aik Kachwa by Syed Kashif Raza, Ae Falak-e-Na Insaf by Hasan Manzar and Sindhi Adab: Aik Mukhtasir Tareekh by Attiya Dawood. The winner was Ae Falak-e-Na Insaf by Hasan Manzar. The jury comprised Mr. Asghar Nadeem Syed, Dr. Nasir Abbas Nayyar, and Mr. Hameed Shahid.

KLF-Getz Pharma Fiction Prize: The shortlisted books were Call Me Al by Sheheryar Sheikh, The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali by Uzma Aslam Khan, Red Birds by Mohammed Hanif and The Selected Works of Abdullah the Cossack by H M Naqvi. Red Birds by Mohammed Hanif won the Prize. The jury of the prize comprised Mr Ghazi Salahuddin, Ms. Hoori Noorani and Dr. Nadya Chishty-Mujahid.

KLF-Habib Metro Non-Fiction Prize: The books short-listed comprised Interpretation of Jihad in South Asia by Tariq Rahman, The Parliament of Pakistan by Mehboob Hussain, and From Kargil to the Coup by Nasim Zehra. Interpretation of Jihad in South Asia by Tariq Rahman was declared the winning entry. The jury of the Prize comprised Dr. Syed Jaffar Ahmed, Mr. Zafar Hilaly and Mr. Muhammad Ali Siddiqi.

The Awards function was followed by a Kathak performance by Zahshanné Malik titled ‘A Tribute to Perveen Shakir’.

The first day of the KLF featured a session ‘The Story of Qawwali’ based on a talk by Ally Adnan which was interspersed with performances by Ghayoor-Moiz-Mustafa Qawwal, Farid Ayaz and Abu Mohammad.

A discussion was held on ‘Education in Pakistan: A Roller Coaster Ride’ and featured Shafqat Mahmood, Asad Ali Shah, Amjad Waheed and Shahid Siddiqui as speakers. Baela Raza Jamil moderated the discussion.

A discussion titled ‘Challenges to International Diplomacy Today’ was also held on the opening day of KLF. The panelists included Christian Turner, Shahid Amin and Tariq Waseem Ghazi and Shaheen Salahuddin was the Moderator.

A session titled ‘Women of Substance’ was also organized centering around the lives of Fatima Jinnah, Benazir Bhutto and Asma Jehangir. Participants in the discussion were Victoria Schofield, Sheema Kirmani and Karamat Ali.  The moderator was Fouzia Saeed.

‘The Atlantic Muse by the Arabian Sea: Poetry in English’ featured poetry recitations by emerging as well as established poets like Adrian Husain, Arfa Ezazi, Farida Faizullah, Fatima Ijaz, Harris Khalique, Ilona Yusuf, Maya Nadeem, Peerzada Salman, Sadaf Halai and Tehmina Ahmed.

ABOUT Oxford University Press: Oxford University Press (OUP) is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. OUP Pakistan is committed to promoting the reading culture and to improving the intellectual content of life in Pakistan. It has an extensive school and college textbook publishing programme which addresses the need for books that are both of high quality and specific to the environment. It has gained a reputation for publishing well-researched academic and general books which are considered to be authoritative and definitive works on Pakistan

ABOUT Karachi Literature Festival: Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) seeks to create an intellectual space in which the diversity and pluralism in Pakistan’s society and that expressed by authors from literary and cultural traditions beyond Pakistan’s borders can be freely accessible to people in an open and participatory manner.

Mr. Arshad Saeed Hussain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press Pakistan delivering welcome speech at the inauguration of 11th KLF 2020.