TDAP hosts ‘The Fashion Show’ as an extension of Texpo 2023 concludes on Day 02.

An extension of its 4^th International Textile and Leather Exhibition, TEXPO, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) hosted the day-two of fashion show on 27^th May 2023 at the Expo Centre in Karachi.

Chief guests for the evening were Federal Secretary of Commerce Muhammad Sualeh Ahmad Faruqui, Chief Executive TDAP Zubair Motiwala, and Secretary TDAP Fareed Iqbal Qureshi.

An exclusive showcase for the media and foreign buyers, the event featured a treasure trove of designs, putting the spotlight on ready-to-wear, resort wear, and luxury pret items. All collections showcased at the event were exclusively curated with a focus on sustainable fashion, keeping in line with the theme of this year’s TEXPO, ‘Weaving the Way to Sustainability’.

The second day of the event offered collections by designers and design-houses Shamaeel Ansari, MEME, IVS, Almirah, The Pink Tree Company, Sanam Chaudhri, Parishae Adnan, Diners, Textile Institute of Pakistan (TIP), Spartan Athletics and Ali Xeeshan.

Shamaeel Ansari opened the show with her collection ‘Western Elegance: The Fusion of Cultures’, allowing the audience to step into a world of elegance and sophistication. Her showcase was followed by MEME’s ‘Streets of Barcelona’ – a fashion retail concept created in Barcelona that connects the brand with young, independent, cosmopolitan men and women of today. Students of the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) presented a collection tapping different areas of sustainability, ranging from zero waste patterns to denim deconstruction, all the way to reviving cultural surface treatments.

Models strutted down the runway for Almirah in its ‘BOHO CHIC’ collection, a harmonious fusion of boho and modern aesthetics. Sanam Chaudhri presented her collection – a love letter to Sanam’s student self; when she was introduced to the techniques of clamp and resist dyeing, a process that has held its charm for its rustic purity ever since. House of Parishae led the charge with ‘Anatomy of Power’, inspired by a 1983 study on the dynamics of social power by John Kenneth Galbraith.

Textile Institute of Pakistan (TIP) sent models draped in ‘Ethnic Subcontinent’ – a western collection based on the history of clothing in the subcontinent that can be traced to the Indus Valley civilization or earlier. Ali Xeeshan closed the show with his collection, ‘Redefining Fashion in Pakistan’ – a sustainable high street collection featuring recycled materials and cotton, an essential part of Pakistan’s heritage.

The day-two of this fashion-gala was directed by Nubain Ali, boasted Dino Ali and Anoushey Ashraf as its red-carpet hosts.

TEXPO 2023 paid tribute to the textile and leather industries for their resilience in the fight against the impact of climate change on Pakistan. It hosted 300 plus exhibitors, international textile sourcing agents, Pakistan’s leading designers and industry specialists from around the world, all while reflecting offerings ranging from leather garments, footwear, cotton, readymade garments, home textiles, denim, knitwear, sportswear, among others.

Buyers from Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, China, Japan, Columbia, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, among others, attended the TEXPO this year. While buyers from 48 non-traditional markets and 286 new consumers registered.

Top international brands registered for the event include Smiffys, Royce Too LLC, Pem-America’s INC, Komex and Faro (Poland) – apparel and home textiles, Action (Netherlands), C&A (Germany) – apparel chain, French Connection (UK) – apparel chain, El Corte Ingles (Spain) – departmental stores, Essenza Home (Netherlands) – Tchaikovsky Textile (Russia), among others.

Official media partner for TEXPO 2023 was Hum TV, while the official radio partner was FM91. event management and Public Relations (PR) of TEXPO 2023 was handled by Take II.

TDAP hosts ‘The Fashion Show’ as an extension of Texpo 2023 – Day 01.

An extension of its 4^th International Textile and Leather Exhibition, TEXPO, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) hosted ‘The Fashion Show (Day-01)’ on 26^th May 2023 at the Expo Centre in Karachi. Welcoming the who’s who of the fashion world, the event is set to be a two-day fashion extravaganza, closing on 27^th May 2023.

Chief guests for the evening were Federal Secretary of Commerce Muhammad Sualeh Ahmad Faruqui, Chief Executive TDAP Zubair Motiwala, and Secretary TDAP Fareed Iqbal Qureshi.

An exclusive showcase for the media and foreign buyers, the event featured a treasure trove of designs, putting the spotlight on ready-to-wear, resort wear, and luxury pret items. All collections showcased at the event were exclusively curated with a focus on sustainable fashion, keeping in line with the theme of this year’s TEXPO, ‘Weaving the Way to Sustainability’.

The first day of the event offered collections by designers and design-houses Rizwan Beyg, Adnan Pardesy, J., Huma Adnan, Sana Safinaz, Wardha Saleem, Salt by Ideas, AIFD, M Jaferjees, House of Aamna Aqeel and Deepak Perwani.

Rizwan Beyg opened the show, followed by Adnan Pardesy, who lit up the runway with his ‘Roshnai’. A modern take on a classic fabric, the collection pushed the boundaries of what denim can be. A standout piece from the collection was a metal corset painstakingly created by the designer himself. Huma Adnan presented ‘Tolerance’ – a collection of beauty born of cross-cultural expression. Standing firm on her belief in cause-based fashion, Huma Adnan’s designs were representative of cultures adopted in a sustainable way.

Sana Safinaz presented ‘Raya’, a curation of 11 unique designs redefining monochrome couture with silhouettes that fuse timeless forms, draped in layers of mystical embroidered textures and glimmer. Salt by Ideas unveiled ‘Sleek-Spectra’, inspired by the allure of structural and boxy silhouettes and the expressive power of neon colors. M Jafferjees’ ‘Resort 2023’, showcased an array of timeless classics that blend traditional values with modern sensibilities. House of Deepak Perwani closed the show with its collection ‘Starry starry night’, a minimal diffusion collection with silhouettes blending eastern and western fashion with subtle embellishment on lux fabrics.

The day-one of this fashion-gala was directed by Nubain Ali, boasted Dino Ali and Anoushey Ashraf as its red-carpet hosts.

TEXPO 2023 paid tribute to the textile and leather industries for their resilience in the fight against the impact of climate change on Pakistan. It hosted 300 plus exhibitors, international textile sourcing agents, Pakistan’s leading designers and industry specialists from around the world, all while reflecting offerings ranging from leather garments, footwear, cotton, readymade garments, home textiles, denim, knitwear, sportswear, among others.

Buyers from Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, China, Japan, Columbia, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, among others, attended the TEXPO this year. While buyers from 48 non-traditional markets and 286 new consumers registered.

Top international brands registered for the event include Smiffys, Royce Too LLC, Pem-America’s INC, Komex and Faro (Poland) – apparel and home textiles, Action (Netherlands), C&A (Germany) – apparel chain, French Connection (UK) – apparel chain, El Corte Ingles (Spain) – departmental stores, Essenza Home (Netherlands) – Tchaikovsky Textile (Russia), among others.

Official media partner for TEXPO 2023 was Hum TV, while the official radio partner was FM91. event management and Public Relations (PR) of TEXPO 2023 was handled by Take II.

‘Ishrat – Made in China’ all set for release on 03rd March.

Official trailer of Pakistani movie ‘Ishrat Made in China’ was launched last week and the trailer looks promising with Mohib Mirza stealing the limelight and leading lady Sanam Saeed not lagging that far.

‘Ishrat Made in China’ is a joint collaboration is brought to by Geo Films, Mintrio, Ek Alif Films, Eleven Eleven Films and Eveready group of companies. It’s a film produced and directed as a debut by Mohib Mirza with Tahseen Kamal and Parmesh Adiwal as co-directors, written by Ahsan Raza Firdousi with Mohib Mirza as co-writer.

Mohib Mirza stars as the titular character Ishrat. The film is the spin-off of Mirza’s comedy series Ishrat Baji. Leading lady is Sanam Saeed along with Sara Loren, Hasan Sheharyar Yasin (HSY), Shamoon Abbasi, Ali Kazmi, Imam Syed, Salman Saqib (Mani), Shabbir Jan, Nayer Ejaz, Mustafa Chaudhry and Laila Wasti.

‘Ishrat Made in China’ is set to be released 3^rd March in cinemas all over Pakistan.

Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) congratulates China on 71st National Day.

His Excellency Hamad Buamim, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry congratulated China on the occasion of its 71st National Day. He expressed his views in his statement released to press.

Commenting on the occasion of China’s 71^st National Day H.E Hamad Buamim, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), said that; “UAE-China relations continue to develop and flourish after the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries ushered in a golden era for bilateral economic cooperation”.

His Excellency Hamad Buamim said; “China is a market of strategic importance to Dubai and Dubai Chamber is playing an active role in building bridges between the UAE and Chinese business communities”.  

President & Chief Executive Officer of (DCCI), further said; “bilateral non-oil trade has expanded following the opening of Dubai Chamber’s representative offices in Shanghai and Shenzhen in 2016 and 2019, respectively. With the opening of these offices the number of Chinese companies registered with Dubai Chamber has risen steadily to reach 3,019 today”.

H.E. Buamim revealed that; “Dubai Chamber members’ exports and re-exports to China reached AED 2.4 billion (US$ 653.4 million) during the January-August 2020 period, marking 50% growth compared to the same period in 2019. These figures reflects growing demand among Chinese consumers for UAE products and underline Dubai’s position as a preferred trade hub”.

He added that; “the Chamber’s international offices are focusing their efforts on facilitating Dubai-China trade and investment by capitalising on bilateral business opportunities, attracting Chinese companies to Dubai and identifying opportunities in the Chinese market that offer potential to member companies”.

His Excellency Hamad Buamim, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

KCFR hosts webinar “India China stand-off at Ladakh & its impacts on Kashmir issue”.

President Azad Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan has suggested that; “Pakistan should hold joint-military exercises with China and keep its armed-forces ready for full fledged war as India can engage in any misadventure to save its face after stand-off with China on Ladakh”. He was of the view that present stand-off between India and China is just because of Indian recent actions in India Occupied Kashmir (IoK).

He was speaking as one of panelists during a live webinar on “India China stand-off at Ladakh & its impacts on Kashmir issue” hosted by the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR).

Other panelists included Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed and Ambassador Mustafa Kamal Qazi. Ikram Sehgal Chairman KCFR, Commodore (Retd) Sadeed A. Malik Secretary General KCFR and Dr. Huma Baqai also spoke.

Sardar Masood Khan referred that; “during Indian elections, Prime Minister Modi threatened to occupy Kashmir and Siachin and in fact it was a direct threat for Pakistan and China. So India is facing today what it threatened off and had evil plans in mind”, he added.

“China has never compromised on its sovereignty. Pakistan should further strengthen its relations with China and should have join exercises of armed-forces along with having offensive diplomacy. Both countries should complement their strength. China has good number of friends in the world and Pakistan should also increase number of its friends countries”, he emphasized.

“China never wants to engage in war with India. US President Trump’s offer for mediation between India and China was not serious rather ridiculous. This was alike as China may offer mediation on conflict between USA and Mexico. USA will never come for rescue of India if situation turn worse”, President Sardar Masood Khan analyzed.

“Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is now a new world order and can challenge existing world order”, Sardar Masood Khan concluded.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed told that; “India cannot fight with China however it can make its nation fool by engaging in any misadventure like it did in Ladakh. India can do this in next few months or may be in September, so we should be ready for it,” he further stressed.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said that; “after being ditched by China, India was now trying to test Pakistan and it always failed. USA needs support of Pakistan for peace process in Afghanistan and it will not take any step to weaken Pakistan which will ultimately affect this peace building process,” he informed.

“It is now clear that attack on Karachi Stock Exchange and other terrorist activities in Pakistan are mastered by India RAW. We are already engaged in hybrid warfare and we have to enhance our skills in it further”, he added.

Chairman KCFR Ikram Sehgal showed a banner “Kashmiri lives matter also” it was on lines with the American slogan carried that the “Black lives matter also”. He said that; “martyred Burhan Wani had become a symbol of independence movement of IoK”. Recalling his career, Ikram Sehgal told that; “he was part of flying operation in Karakaram belt some 50 years ago and knew that it is very important strategic position”.

“India has already threatened to disturb China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), however Pakistan should strengthen itself to face the situation. India has martyring number of Kashmiri youth Everyday in the occupied valley. World should now realize that lives of Kashmiri people is also important”, Ikram Sehgal stressed and showed a banner “Kashmiri lives matter” also as it was on lines with the American slogan carried that the “Black lives matter also”.

Ambassador Mustafa Kamal Qazi said that; “India has got no support from the world in this current situation. USA can also not lien further towards India”, he added.

Earlier Commodore (Retd.) Sadeed Malik started the webinar and then invited Dr. Huma Baqai for further coordination.

Relation between China and Pakistan is not based on dollars and cents; Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed tell at KCFR dialogue on CPEC

Relation between China and Pakistan is not based on dollars and cents but it is very historical and strategic as China has always stood by side with Pakistan in toughest times. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has also won a national consensus of Pakistani nation.

This he said by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed while addressing to a dialogue on “CPEC as a catalyst for geo-political change” organized by the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) on Sunday evening here at a local hotel.

He was accompanied by parliamentary and media delegation. Other members of this delegations included former MNA Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharral, Senator Kesho Bai (Krishna Kohli), Senator Lt. Gen. Retd. Abdul Qayyum, Senator Nauman Wazir Khattak, Senator Dr. Sikandar Mandhro and Senator Rukhsana Zuberi.

Chairman KCFR Ikram Sehgal, Senior Vice Chairman Mustafa Jamal, Secretary General Commodore Retd. Sadeed A. Malik also spoke.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed further said that; “no country was willing to invest in Pakistan except China when CPEC project was initiated. CPEC is a success story. We are proud to have brotherly relations with one of world powers China”, he admired.

“China has always helped Pakistan in its toughest times as they helped us in United Nations on Kashmir and FATF which helped us escape from being a black listed country. CPEC is a great example of China trust in Pakistan and we will greatly be benefited from each other”, he mentioned.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said; “Thar coal project is also a successful part of CPEC. CPEC is a great project of belt and road initiative. Peaceful development of China is encouraging for countries like Pakistan and this has also reduced influence of USA in this region”, he added.

“Saudia, UAE and Qatar are now also interested to invest in CPEC. This project is very much on its track. We have greatly overcome on terrorism and power crisis here in country”, he concluded.

Senator Lt. Gen. Retd. Abdul Qayyum said that; “Pakistan will reap more benefits from CPEC and all negative theories must be ended now. However, we will have to take care of governance and development of Gwadar. We will have to take ML one on its track again”, he added.

Senator Rukhsana Zuberi said that; “CPEC is helping empower Pakistani women”.

Senator Nauman Khattak appreciated China support for Pakistan and said that; “CPEC will greatly help our economy to grow at fast pace”.

Chairman KCFR Ikram Sehgal said that; “Pakistan will be developed soon with this CPEC project and everyone should play its positive role for its success”.

Dialogue was followed by a question and answer session.

CPEC is essence of bi-lateral relations between China & Pakistan: Chinese Ambassador Yu Jing.

Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) in strategic partnership with ‘Pathfinder Group’ and ‘Martin Dow Group’ hosted a dialogue on “CPEC and Beyond” with distinguished guest His Excellency Mr. Yao Jing, Ambassador of Peoples Republic of China in Pakistan at Marriott Hotel here in Karachi.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Yu Jing has emphasized that; “China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is essence of bi-lateral long term relations between China and Pakistan. CPEC will develop infrastructure in Pakistan”.

Rejecting propaganda by western media, he said that; “China has no military or strategic designs in Pakistan with regard to CPEC as propagated by the media in west. China will stand by Pakistan to resolve issue of Kashmir”.

Mr. Yu Jing said that; “western media always try to spread negative narrative that we may colonize Pakistan which is totally base-less and wrong. China and Pakistan are not only important countries in this region but are also crucial for the world. CPEC is not going to guarantee the development of whole economy of Pakistan but it is a small part of it. China is doing huge investment on a partnership basis.  We are helping Pakistan in various sectors including education, technical education, agriculture, social development, technology transfer”.

Mr. Yu Jing further said that; “CPEC is not only to connect China with Gwadar but it will also lead to Kandahar, Afghanistan, Central Asia and Russia as well. We are trying hard to make this world a better place to live. Gwadar is an emerging port of Pakistan which was a long awaited dream of Pakistanis and their government”.

The ambassador informed that; “we are waiting for free zone policy of government of Pakistan, after which we will launch 19 projects in Gwadar alone. China is spending US$40 million annually to keep Gwadar port functional as it is now started commercial operations as well. We send a commercial vessel every week to Gwadar port to it should survive. In next phase of second Free Trade Agreement (FTA), we will establish manufacturing units of agriculture, sea food and other industries which will also provide huge employment to people”.

Mr. Yu Jing shared that; “the biggest issues of Gwadar are electricity and fresh water. China will install a power plant of 300 megawatt while we will also install a desalination plant with capacity of 5000 tons. We are also constructing a 200 beds hospital, education and vocational centers and new international airport in Gwadar. Work on these projects will start from end of this year”.

Mr. Yu Jing further went on to say; “we are also considering a transit trade for Gwadar port as it has been the central part of Balochistan province. Chinese companies are going to invest US$10 million in fisheries sector alone where sea food processing plants will be installed. We will purchase sea food from fishermen. It will also boost local fisheries industry”.

The ambassador told that they are encouraging Chinese tourists to visit Pakistan and for this we are already in talks with governments of Khyber Pakhtoonkha (KPK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB).

Responding to questions from audience, Chinese ambassador told that; “any student or trader who cannot afford visa processing fee can contact their embassy to get its waiver. In this case, embassy will bear this cost from a rescue scheme launched for this purpose. We they are issuing 100000 trade visas to Pakistanis”.

Responding to another question, he said; “although China has become the second largest economy in the world, but we are still a developing country. We are still not perfect and have to do many things for our human resource”.

Sharing back ground of CPEC, Chinese ambassador told that; “it was vision of former prime minister of China Late Chau En Li in 1950s that by the end of this century KurraKaram Highway will become a commercial corridor which we achieved at-least 20 years late due to unstable political situations in the region”.

“We are also working for Kashmiris to help them get their fundamental rights and justice. A justified solution should be made of Kashmir and China will stand by Pakistan for the regional peace and stability”, he reaffirmed.

Ikram Sehgal, Chairman KCFR and Commodore Retd. Sadeed A. Malik, Secretary General also spoke on this occasion.  Ikram Sehgal, Chairman KCFR said that; “forces not happy with CPEC always keep trying to spread negative propaganda against it. If they weren’t so sincere with Pakistan, then they would not make so much investment here”.

Ikram Sehgal presented KCFR crest to Chinese ambassador on the concluding.