Global Community asked to support Mercury Reduction Treaty

Sana Jamal 

ISLAMABAD – Considering the harmful effects of mercury, a toxic substance, on human life, wildlife, and ecosystems, a Pakistani think tank, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), has called upon the global community to come up with a legally binding global mercury treaty. Expressing its fears, in a statement issued on Monday, the organization noted that the existing important global treaty elements have proven to be weak and “ineffective in addressing the rising mercury levels and are failing to protect wildlife, ecosystem and human health.” 

‘Forests are depleting, foresters are sleeping’

Children worried about Environmental Losses

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Children at a forum considered ways and means to draw the attention of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan towards ever-increasing environmental degradation in the country. Young mountain conservationists gathered in Islamabad on Tuesday after finishing 10-day long expedition aimed at highlighting environmental issues and measures to realise environment-friendly society. 

“Our forests are depleting fast while the foresters are sleeping, depriving us all of the fresh air and fresh water” remarked Hannan Ahmed, a participant at the summit. 

Experts alarmed at Climate Change effects on CKNP

Sana Jamal

Islamabad - Experts at a seminar held on Thursday urged the government to take serious measures to conserve the environment of Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) in Gilgit Biltistan – rich in natural biodiversity and cultural heritage. Speakers at a consultation on “Climate Change and Ecosystem Assessment of the CKNP Region”, have demanded establishment of a Committee under the supervision of Ministry of Climate Change to protect rich biodiversity region. 

The study ‘CKNP - Climate Change and Ecosystem Assessment Report’ highlighted drastic changes in climatic conditions in the CKNP region which has become warmer with increased rainfalls, changed snow patterns and less intensity of winter affecting the communities, culture, economy, livestock, pattern of agriculture and biodiversity. 

Pakistan urged to develop consensus on Green Economy: Experts

Published in Pakistan Observer

Sana Jamal

Image Courtesy: World Bank website 

Islamabad – Environmental professionals at a conference, on Saturday, urged the government to facilitate a broad-based consensus among all stakeholders to adopt new initiative in promoting green investments and sustainability in the country. Speakers at the two-day ‘National consultation on green economy’ focused on the challenges of actualizing the concept of sustainable development, of creating a “greener” and sustainable economy, and identifying institutional frameworks.

“Green economy should integrate and bind the three pillars of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental” concluded the speakers on the final day of the conference organized in collaboration with Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Ministry of Climate Change, Heinrich Boll Stiftung (HBS), and Lead Pakistan.

Pakistan most vulnerable to climate change: UNDP report

UNDP’s Asia-Pacific Human Development Report 2012 launched 

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Pakistan is among the most vulnerable countries facing climate risks, according to UNDP’s latest report launched here in capital city on Wednesday. Asia-Pacific region has some of the world’s fastest-growing cities, which must deal with both, the causes and the consequences of climate change, the report states. 

The report titled ‘Asia-Pacific Human Development Report 2012-One Planet to Share: Sustaining Human Progress in a Changing Climate’ suggests the region should promote green technologies for more efficient and cleaner processes in energy, agriculture and transport.  The launching ceremony of the publication was chaired by the Pakistani Ministry of Climate Change’s Secretary Muhammad Javed Malik. He reiterated that the recommendations of the report must be translated into concrete actions and must form an integral part of the human development agenda in Pakistan.

Making Islamabad a Bicycle-friendly City

Published in Pakistan Observer
Sana Jamal 

Islamabad – The ordinarily car-clogged streets of Islamabad presented an inspirational sight when dozens of local bicyclists came together on roads to promote pro-cycling culture in the capital city. These bicycle enthusiasts were taking part in the Critical Mass Mega Cycling Ride on a pre-determined route that started from F-9 Park and continued for over three hours. The encouraging event was arranged by Critical Mass Islamabad (CMI), capital’s only social cycling group. 

The smiling cyclists wearing safety helmets not only surprised their street fellows in vehicles but also inspired them to take up cycling as a sports, recreational pastime, and everyday mode of mobility to peddle towards a healthier future. Participants, including students, professionals, and foreigners, called cycling a “great pastime as well as a healthy activity.” 

“We want to revive cycling as a communal sport to promote it as a sport and mode of transportation” which not only saves energy (fuel), but also promotes physical fitness, said Rana Atif Rehman, one of the founding members of CMI.

Critical Mass Islamabad (CMI) was formed back in 2009 after the Lahore and Karachi group to encourage more people to take up cycling and promote it as a safer and enjoyable sport. 

Experts highlight Digital Divide in Rural Pakistan

Sana Jamal

Islamabad - Pakistani youth have made a remarkable move in social media interaction but the urban and rural digital divide keeps them far from making any collective progress in society. The participants at a seminar held in Islamabad on Thursday concluded that the popular use of social media has turned urban Pakistanis into internet activists, but the benefits of the new media have failed to reach the masses. 

To explore the possibilities for social media as a tool for collaboration to bridge digital inequalities, a seminar was organized by Centre for Civic Education Pakistan (CCEP) and attended by media professionals and social media experts to coincide with World Press Freedom Day. The journalists of the modern era expressed mixed views on the use of social media for their journalistic duties. Participants pointed out that one reason for limited use of social media by traditional journalists is that the new media is not accessible in local content and local language.

Informal-school offers Hope to down-trodden Children

Sana Jamal

Islamabad - Deep inside the small town of Rawalpindi, Pir Wadhai where the roads are rough and surrounded with heaps of garbage, there is a place for the working children where they can relax, learn and play. Among them is an 8- year-old girl, Kiran, a regular garbage-picker but she dreams of having a big beautiful house of her own. Her dream to bring a visible change in her family’s lifestyle seems a little closer to reality after attending last six weeks in a rare classroom where she is learning Urdu, English and also sewing. “I have a dream of living in a beautiful house with my family” said Kiran in a softened voice. 

Kiran is one of the many kids who come to attend 3-hour schooling daily at Children Drop-in Centre managed by Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) and financed by a German NGO, Kindernothilfe (KNH) in Fauji colony at Pir Wadhai where the marginalised children of society are offered an opportunity to dream of a better future. 

Siachen Glacier can become a Peace Park

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – In the background of recent tragedy in Siachen, an expert suggested on Monday that a ‘third party” should ensure the preservation of Siachen glaciers by limiting the military activities at the highest peak. Speaking at a seminar here on Monday, Arshad H. Abbasi, Water and Energy Adviser said that “it is high time to make a joint appeal to UN for the protection of our glaciers by turning it into a peace park for good bilateral relations” as the melting of the glaciers would not only be a threat to Pakistan and India but to other regional countries.
Three important reasons cited as the main causes of fast melting of glaciers are: global warming, deposition of carbon content on glaciated ice and heavy military presence and activities. “Prevalence of black carbon content is one of the major reasons behind the melting of Siachen Glacier, one of the Himalayan glaciers and the largest in the world outside of the polar regions” pointed out Dr Qamar uz Zaman Chaudhry, Advisor Climate Affairs speaking at the seminar on ‘Climate Change and Siachen Glacier: A Global Challenge’ organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

Pakistan’s Cultural Treasure documented by Japanese Archaeologist

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – A renowned Japanese professor and archaeologist, Prof. Koji Nishikawa has spend more than two decades to come up with an excellent publication on Pakistan's brilliant chapters of cultural history, titled ‘Ranigat, a Buddhist Site in Gandhara, Pakistan, surveyed 1983-1992’.

The comprehensive report, based on two volumes, is a fine photographic record of the excavations at Ranigat, one of the largest Buddhist sites in Gandhara, illustrating some 2000 rare photographs of excavated objects including sculptures, stone objects, stucco, terracotta, stone reliquary, and stone lamps. Along with rare photographs and scientific research, the Report illustrates   the journey of 10 Japanese experts headed by Prof. Nishikawa as the director of the Kyoto University, Scientific Expedition to Gandhara, who undertook pilot excavation on the site of Ranigat during 1982 and 1992, discovering many Buddhist stupas, shrines and monasteries.

Bid to enlist Kalash on the World Heritage List

Efforts to preserve Kalash Culture 

Published in Pakistan Observer

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – To the good fortune of Kalash people, the government of Pakistan has finally moved to take long-awaited measures for the preservation of Pakistan’s rare tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Following the repeated demands from the endangered community and a comprehensive deliberation held on Wednesday at Lok Virsa, the concerned officials eventually nodded their heads and agreed that Ministry of National Heritage and Integration would propose UNESCO to enroll Kalash on the World Heritage List. The draft proposal will be prepared by 12 member committee supervised by the Federal secretary for national heritage and integration Faridullah Khan. In this regard a second meeting of experts will be held within next two weeks to finalise the document within next 45 days.

Faridullah Khan speaking at the workshop on
Protection of Kalash Heritage in Pakistan.

Speaking at the one-day workshop, Faridullah Khan said that keeping in view “the heritage value and serious threats being posed to the living Kalash Valley, the ministry will introduce a comprehensive plan for safeguarding the endangered heritage of Kalash Valley.” He wished-for a special development package for Kalash people and assured cooperation from the ministry for documentation and preservation of the Kalash culture.

Pakistan's manner of compensating its Terrorism Victims commended

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Pakistan's positive side came to light surprisingly at a report launch on Wednesday, when speakers noted that the terror-hit country is ahead of many states in delivering compensation to the victims of terrorism and conflict at a massive scale. This point of concern was highlighted at the launch of research report on “Compensating Civilian Victims of Conflict and Terrorism in Pakistan.” The research on the existing policies and practices being adopted by Federal and Provincial governments for award of compensation to the civilian victims was conducted by Institute of Social and Policy Sciences (I-SAPS) in collaboration with Foundation Open Society Institute (OSI). 

The report refreshingly highlighted a positive side of Pakistan. “The conflict-hit country is doing better than many states to provide relief to the victims of conflicts,” remarked Michael Shaikh, Director Country Program of Campaign for Innocent Victims of Conflict (CIVIC). Erica Gaston, Program Officer of OSI, appreciating the efforts of the country administration, said that “the concrete steps taken by Pakistan government in providing compensation to victims of conflicts are commendable and an exemplar for many countries.” 

Book Launch: ‘Wazir Khan Mosque Rediscovered’

Sana Jamal 

Book cover.

Islamabad – Pakistan’s treasured Wazir Khan Mosque has enchanted and inspired many by its mere magnificent look, but the latest comprehensive documentation on the Mosque is yet to charm the art lovers. The innovative book “Wazir Khan Mosque Rediscovered”, by Mamoona Khan was launched here on Friday at National Art Gallery in the presence of Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, Dr Shaukat Mahmood, Prof Jamila Zaidi and Dr. Kozue Kay Nagata, Representative of UNESCO. 

“It is for the first time that inscriptions bedecking the mosque are fully documented in this book including calligraphic styles, motifs, and designs with thorough analysis.” The book also focuses on the undercurrents of rhythm and orderliness, the hallmark of Muslim ornamental designs which lies in geometry, the epitome of which is Golden Ratio. “It highlights that Muslim artists did not limit themselves to the usual frame of decorating but keen observation deciphered the role of science as the guiding principle of the Muslim adornments” explained the author.

Argentine Tango delight Islamabad music lovers

Sana Jamal 

Islamabad – Football is apparently all that comes to the mind of a Pakistani when the name of Argentina is mentioned. However, the recent melodious concert held in Islamabad not only has altered the perceptions of Pakistanis but also proved to be a great occasion to experience the national music of Argentina: Tango.

The rhythmic Tango music, played by a guitar trio, offered an exquisite experience for the audience to enjoy the Argentine music in Pakistan at the PNCA auditorium. Rodolfo Gorosito, on guitar and vocals, Jose Armando Cataldi and de la Vega, with acoustic guitars, in the right hands, conveyed the integral feeling of tango to the listeners as the audience nodded their heads with rhythm. 

World Cancer Day: Early diagnosis can beat killer disease

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – The disease, once known as fatal and haunting enough to bring images resembling death sentence in the minds of patients, is now curable if detected at an early stage. “Cancer is dreaded by most people but the truth is that the disease has emerged as a chronic one rather a fatal disorder” said Dr. Kamran Rasheed, Consultant Medical Oncologist at a health awareness seminar held at Shifa International Hospital (SIH).

Cancer can be averted by early diagnoses and healthier lifestyles. This was crux of the presentations of the eminent Oncologists at the seminar, held to observe World Cancer Day in Pakistan where the cancer specialists illustrated causes, treatment, symptoms and prevalence of cancer.

“Early detection means less invasive treatment, less trauma, less pain, less cost. In fact early disease detection is equivalent to curable disease” affirmed Dr. Badar us Salam, Consultant Surgeon.

Iran Culture Festival begins in Islamabad

Pak-Iran strategy to highlight Islamic culture stressed

Published in Pakistan Observer

Sana Jamal

Courtesy: Google Image.

Islamabad – In a colourful inaugural ceremony, the Iranian Cultural Week started here at National Arts Gallery (NAG) of Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Thursday where the speakers urged for measures to initiate Pak-Iran joint strategy. The cultural festival, highlighting Iran’s development in the field of art and culture, social, economic, scientific technology, and defence, has been arranged to mark the 33rd anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution of Iran and to commemorate the Solidarity Week.

The week-long (February 2-10) festival has been jointly organised by the Cultural Consulate of the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in collaboration with PNCA featuring photographic display of development of Iran, Persian books and publications, original handwork on wood, metal, and cloth, rugs work, recitation of Quran, and and screening of feature films.

One of the prominent features of the cultural week was collection of rare Quranic manuscripts dating back to 10th Hijri. The calligraphy of the remarkable Quranic manuscripts, preserved in glass display case, was splendidly illuminated in gold, colours and medallions. “The publications on display are the collection of Iran-Pakistan Institute of Persian Studies which strives to preserve and promote Islamic culture and Persian language” told Muhammad Abbass, representative of the Institute.

US initiative on Education may soften strain ties

USAID signs 7 MoUs with Pak Universities

Sana Jamal 

Islamabad - While Pakistan-United States strategic relations continue to remain strained, cooperation in the field of education continues to grow. To reaffirm the support, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed on Wednesday between seven universities of Pakistan and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The signing ceremony took place at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in the presence of Vice Chancellors of the seven universities. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Karen Freeman, USAID Deputy Director for Pakistan, acknowledged that “Pakistan and the United States have enjoyed a long and productive relationship that spans more than 60 years and covers a variety of fields.. The MoU signing ceremony is yet another expression of the U.S. Government’s long- term commitment to help build a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan.” 

The $15 million construction initiative is aimed at building new faculty of Education buildings at the Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University in Quetta; the Hazara University in Mansehra; the University of Education in Lahore; the University of Sindh in Hyderabad; the University of Karachi (KU) in Karachi; and the Shah Abdul Latif University in Khairpur (Sindh) and renovation of the Institute of Education and Research at the University of the Punjab. The construction contract has been awarded to CDM Constructors Inc. 

In a cheerful mood and pleasant environment, the representatives of the universities keenly discussed the educational problems while explaining their case for additional support from U.S. and appreciating Pak-U.S. collaboration in education sector. The professors compared the quality of education with quality of life, and hoped that the initiative would help in improving the teacher education. “Unfortunately, a large number of teachers in Pakistan are in teaching profession by chance and not by choice”, observed Dr. Pirzada Qasim, Vice Chancellor of KU. 

“The program will be beneficial in training the best young minds to the teaching profession and also help revise the curriculum” he said. Dr. Javaid Laghari, Chairman of the HEC appreciated the efforts to improve the quality of education across the country. T

he new facilities would support the implementation of two new degree programs, a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed.) and a two-year Associate Degree in Education (ADE) designed by Pakistani scholars to increase the quality of teacher preparation at colleges and universities. Additionally, the new buildings would be used for the continuing education of practicing teachers. “The construction will take place over the next two year and the new facilities will eventually house approximately 2,000 students and 100 faculty members each year” informed Karen.

‘No story is worth dying for’

Journalists safety must be top priority 

Sana Jamal

Islamabad – Safety of journalists should be the top priority for media industry as well state institutions to ensure the freedom of media in Pakistan. Speakers warned that competitive pressures can force reporters to take unnecessary risks, but journalists must remember a cardinal rule of journalism: no story is worth dying for. This consensus emerged on the concluding day of international conference on ‘Media and Professionalism: Keeping Journalists and Journalism Safe in Hostile Environments’. 

Zulfi’s realist paintings on display at Tanzara Gallery

Published in Pakistan Observer (18 Nov. 2011) 
Sana Jamal 

ISLAMABAD: Tanzara Art Gallery’s latest exhibition that opened on Thursday features contemporary realist paintings of Zulfiqar Ali Zulfi, who has wonderfully captured landscapes, and urban scenes. 

The art exhibition of the Lahore based artist comprises of 31 paintings, which flawlessly reflect the serenity of the rural side of Lahore as well as the vibrancy of the urban life of the city.

Zulfi’s rich canvases explore diverse dimensions of realism. The presence of trees, clouds, and rivers add the element of simplicity, depicting nature as well as the serene life of countryside. While the carts, pedestrians, banners and architectures are the accurate depiction of modern day life. It is in fact the truthful description of the apparent world, which sets the realist painters apart from rest. But what makes the paintings of Zulfi sacred, is the way he paints the four seasons as one can feel the element of spirituality germinating from his work. Zulfi’s works contain a gentle feel of each season depicted in the artworks. The presence of gentle wind, and light pouring through mist, the slight movement of leaves or waves in the river, is manifested in his paintings.

Japan’s Hidden Beauty revealed in pictures

Published in Pakistan Observer (17 Nov. 2011) 
Sana Jamal 

Islamabad - Black-and-white photographs of Kijuro Yahagi, a Japanese photographer, may not have the eye-catching luster, but the pictures reveal Japan’s true beauty hidden in nature. The window to Japan’s beauty is accessible for Pakistanis, as the photographs by Kijuro Yahagi have been put on display at National Art Gallery, Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Wednesday. The travelling exhibition has toured China, Canada, France, Iran, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Vietnam, and USA. 

The exhibition introduces 85 black-and-white photographs selected from the book “Hidden Japan– Shizen ni Hisomu Nihon”, a collection of photographs taken by Kijuro Yahagi. Yahagi undertook a valuable journey throughout Japan and travelled 20000 kilometres visiting places such as Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagasaki prefecture to explore the true Japan. Yahagi has explained his work in these words: “In gazing at the nature of Japan as it is, the present state of the country emerges through my photographs.” 

Flowing Colours to make waves in Islamabad

“Bahtay Rang” opens at Gallery Louvre 

Published in Pakistan Observer (12 Nov. 2011) 
Sana Jamal 

Islamabad – To the good fortune of art lovers of Islamabad, Gallery Louvre is continually introducing innovative artwork from different regions of the country. The latest inductions are from two major cosmopolitan cities of Pakistan, Karachi and Lahore. The art exhibition titled “Bahtay Rang” features effervescent canvases of Khusro Sabzwari and Ali Karimi. 

Travelling Art Exhibition fascinates Youth

Published in Pakistan Observer (6 Nov. 2011) 

Sana Jamal 

Islamabad – The Public Art Show at Iqra University, Islamabad is perhaps Pakistan’s first travelling art exhibition, which aspires to draw a new audience towards art, in particular young generation. With this unique and innovative project, the organisers have proved that exclusivity in art is no longer in vogue, and it’s about accessibility nowadays.

Rhythmic display of Japanese drums and dance

Young Performers captivate the audience

Published in Pakistan Observer (5 Nov. 2011)

Sana Jamal‎ 

Islamabad – On Friday evening, the Auditorium of National Art Gallery rang with the thunderous drumming and energetic dancing show presented by the Japanese students. The Japanese Musical Performance was an impeccable example of esprit de corps of the Japanese people towards their revival from the devastating Japan Earthquake.

Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Oe, in his speech stated that “the energetic performance of the students represents the team spirit of the Japanese people, who are struggling to rebuild their lives” after the devastating natural disaster” that hit Japan in March 2011.

Pictorial icons of Urban Social Disorder

'Karachi Kahaniyan' opens at Khaas Art Gallery 

Published in Pakistan Observer (2 Nov. 2011)
Sana Jamal 

Man. No. 1

Islamabad – Moeen Faruqi’s latest exhibition at Khaas Art Gallery, that opened on Tuesday, precisely captures the consequences of urbanization such as stressful life, social disorder and identity crisis. The rich colours portray the beautification of apparent lives including homes and attires, as one leap towards the urban lifestyle, while the eccentric facial expressions of the human beings depict the emptiness inside one’s heart as one move away from the traditional way of life.