Japanese Animation Film Fest in Islamabad

Published in Pakistan Observer (28 Oct. 2011)

Sana Jamal 

Islamabad - By posing the question, “have you ever wished to go back to the past to change the future?” the Japanese Ambassador Mr. Hiroshi Oe generated a special interest among the audience at the Japanese Animation Film Festival held at National Council of the Arts, Islamabad. Interestingly enough the theme of the first animated film “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” was about time travel, a subject that has thrilled imaginations of not only fiction writers and filmmakers but also millions of minds. 

Winter brings fear and joy

Published in Pakistan Observer (25 Oct. 2011)

Sana Jamal 

Islamabad – With the first chilling winds of the season, the cold weather has made its presence felt in the capital city quite raucously, sending alarm and fear for have-nots and delight for haves. Those who can afford it, have already prepared for the season, and have brought out their woollies to cope with changing weather conditions. In contrast, there is a big proportion of Pakistanis including the flood-affected people and Internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are taking the change as a threat and challenge to their lives. 

For some, the changing season may bring joy, compelling them to savour the delights of winter food such as dry fruits, soups, coffee, chocolate and milk, and inducing them to plan a trip to a nearby hill station to witness the snow fall. But for those homeless, flood-affected people who still await badly-needed relief goods and gears, winters are not only uncomfortable, but potentially dangerous. According to National Disaster management Authority, more than 8 million people of Sindh have been affected by the floods 2011.

In search of Cultural Identity..

Art exhibition at Hunerkada opens

Published in Pakistan Observer (16 Oct. 2011)
Sana Jamal

Islamabad – A thought-provoking exhibition of drawings, followed by a video presentation was held at Hunerkada Art Gallery on Saturday. The latest art exhibition by Asma Arshad Mahmood, a Toronto based artist, portrays her effort to connect the dots of identity with lines of culture and origin. Complicated subjects such as politics, religion and history emerge as the voice and images of her work.

Gallery Louvre’s vibrant entry in Islamabad

Published in Pakistan Observer (15 Oct. 2011)
Sana Jamal

Islamabad – With the largest solo exhibition of Pakistan’s renowned artist Ahmad Zoay, Gallery Louvre has stepped in Islamabad’s art and culture scene. “Gallery Louvre is a new comer to the capital but has been part of art scene for over a decade” told Salim Lalani, one of the curators at the gallery. The first Louvre entity was launched in 1999, in the heart of Karachi city, and since then, it is regarded as one of the recognized names in the art galleries of Pakistan.

The gallery, located in the posh area of the capital city, has carefully selected the recent works of Ahmad Zoay for its first exhibit, as the bright multi-coloured canvases not only refreshes the soul but also leaves one with a very pleasant feeling for a long time. The art show that opened on Friday evening would continue for a month.

Artistic dialogue between Berlin and Karachi

Exhibition “Through my Eyes - Soul of Pakistan” 

Photograph by Hameed Moinuddin on display at
an exhibition “Through my Eyes – Soul of Pakistan”.

Islamabad – A photo exhibition titled “Through My Eyes – Soul of Pakistan”, featuring around 50 photographs shot in Karachi by a Pakistani photographer, Hameed Moinuddin were put on display at Art Hall, Kunstklinikum in Berlin on Tuesday, October 12, 2011.

Hameed’s inspiring photographs have been beautifully integrated with poetic texts, which are written by Maria Dost, a Berlin based author and photographer. Her poetic expressions, along with the pictures, are articulated in such a way that gives an impression of artistic dialogue between Berlin and Karachi.

Reflecting Age of Neo-Colonialism through Art

Published in Pakistan Observer (11 Oct. 2011)

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Since Art is considered a reflection of the society, the changing times and consequential circumstances seem to have greatly influenced the artists of our times. One such artist is Amin Rehman, who excels in employing textual expression in his artwork. Amin’s latest art exhibition titled ‘White Wash: Art in the Age of Neo-Colonialism’ opened at Rohtas Art Gallery in Islamabad on Monday.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Canadian High Commissioner Ross Hynes and his spouse Madame Vanessa Hynes, who greatly appreciated the work of the artist. The exhibit attracted scores of art lovers from the city particularly foreign diplomats, because the art show has something different to offer. Amin has used text as a language for his paintings, literally using sentences as the subject of his artwork. And that’s what makes the artwork unique as compared to other art exhibitions where the viewers appear perplexed while trying to decipher the obscured meaning behind the artist’s endeavor.

Faiz remembered as a symbol of Hope

Umeed-e-Sehar ki Baat Suno
Published in Pakistan Observer (5 Oct. 2011)
Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Faiz Ahmed Faiz was remembered as the symbol of hope, heroism and constant struggle for the people of Pakistan particularly for the youth and oppressed class by the academics on Tuesday.
The poetry of Faiz was depicted in the form of mime act and musical performances by the students of the University of Gujrat (UoG). The event titled Aik Shaam Faiz ke naam (an evening dedicated to Faiz) was organized by UoG, in collaboration with the, Higher Education Commission (HEC) and National Testing Service Pakistan NTS.

Students presented an impressive mime performance themed on the great poet’s optimistic poem “Umeed-e-Sehar ki Baat Suno” (Hark to the hope of the dawn). The act, portraying the efforts of Faiz in bringing revolutionary changes in oppressed society through his poetry was highly appreciated by the fully attentive audience.

Memory Lingers On: Remembering Victims of 2005 earthquake

Published in Pakistan Observer (8 Oct. 2011)
Sana Jamal


Islamabad - Six years later, since the massive earthquake struck northern Pakistan in October 2005, the heart-rending reminiscences continue to live on in our memories. The day is a memento to remember those who lost their lives and loved ones, and also to pay gratitude to those individuals, organizations and governments who offered assistance for relief and reconstruction work in the affected areas.

Today, special ceremonies and prayers will be held all over the country, particularly in Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Bagh to pay homage to thousands who were injured and displaced due to the calamity. Though the suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake was of unimaginable proportions, but the calamity also brought out a positive aspect of the nation, proving that Pakistanis are rightly considered one of the most charitable nations in the world.

To commemorate 6th Anniversary of the 2005 Earthquake, a photo exhibition has been arranged in Islamabad commemorating the victims of the devastating earthquake and highlighting the relief and reconstruction efforts.

Rediscovering the maestro Sadequain

Published in Pakistan Observer (4 Oct. 2011)
Sana Jamal

Islamabad - To relive the legacy of calligraphy art, and rediscover the work of Sadequain, one of the finest painters, a book launching ceremony and exhibition was held in Islamabad on Monday. The grand exhibition was organized by Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with Sadequain at National Art Gallery. The exhibition can be rightly called a visual treat for the art lovers as this is the second largest display of Sadequain’s magnum opus since his demise in 1987.

The ceremony started with a documentary on Sadequain made by PNCA in 1975. The book launch was followed by a presentation on the life and achievements of Sadequain by Dr. Salman Ahmad, a nephew of Sadequain and President of Sadequain’s Foundation of San Diego, California. The book titled, “Mystic Expressions by Sadequain – an odyssey to exaltation with Ghalib, Iqbal, Faiz and Sadequain” has illustrations, which could be taken as interpretations of poetry of these famous poets by Sadequain. The illustrations of Ghalib were done in 1968, of Faiz during the 1970s and ‘80s, and of Iqbal during the 1980s.

Young pupil promote Pak-Japan understanding

Published in Pakistan Observer (30 Oct. 2011)
Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Inspiring words and splendid colours at the Art and Speech Competitions about Japan not only expressed the talent of young Pakistani students but also promoted Pak-Japan cultural understanding and relationship.

Good old family system is fast fading away

International Day of Older Persons marked 
Published in Pakistan Observer (1 Oct. 2011)

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – In this era of technology, with all its advantages, the traditional values and morals are at a greater risk of fading from societies, causing generation gap. This gap is leading to breakdown of traditional values, diminishing the centuries old difference between the eastern and western societies as regard to care of elder members of the family. 

Multi-generational families, distinct feature of East, are becoming a thing of the past in many modern Asian cities where today’s young people prefer to maintain their privacy and stay away from traditional united family system. To the misfortune of elder generation, the western concept of nursing homes for veterans is emerging fast in Asian society including Pakistan where young are usually advised to take personal care of their parents respectfully.

‘Hamara Yaqeen – Piyara Cheen’

Students hold peace walk to mark National Day of China
Published in Pakistan Observer (1 Oct. 2011)
Sana Jamal

ISLAMABAD – Chanting slogans ‘Hamara Yaqeen – Piyara Cheen’ students of Islamabad thronged the Parade Ground (D-Chowk) in Islamabad, on Friday, to endorse the Pak-China friendship. The peace walk was held on the eve of the national day of the People’s Republic of China to pay tribute to the long-lasting friendship.

The walk titled “Friends of China Peace and Harmony Walk” was arranged by different organizations including Islamabad Crescent Lions Club (ICLC), DEVCOM-Pakistan, All Pakistan China Friendship Association (APCFA), Sir Syed Memorial Society, Saba Trust, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and Federal Directorate of Education.

Participants waved the flags of Pakistan and China, while a number of children showed up carrying placards with slogans: “Long live Pakistan China Friendship”, “Hamara Yaqeen – Piyara Cheen” (our faith, the loving China), “We are proud of Pak-China Friendship”, “Pak Cheen Dosti Zindabad”.