In conversation with Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is an Academy Award and an Emmy Award winning documentary filmmaker. She has made various multi award winning films in over 10 countries around the world. Her films include Saving Face, Transgenders: Pakistan’s Open Secret and Pakistan’s Taliban Generation. In 2012, Time Magazine included Sharmeen in their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2013, the Canadian government awarded Sharmeen a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her work in the field of documentary films and the World Economic Forum honoured her with a Crystal Award at their annual summit in Davos. This year Sharmeen’s another documentary, A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness is nominated as one of only 5 documentaries from across the globe, in the Best Documentary – Short subject category for the 88thAcademy Awards. In an exclusive interview Sharmeen shares about this documentary and hurdles she faced during her career as documentary filmmaker.

What was the first thought that came to your mind when you came to know that your documentary has once again been nominated for an Oscar?

The first thing that came to my mind was that we could push the Anti-Honor Crime bill through.

You won an Oscar in 2012 and now your documentary is again nominated for the 88th Academy Awards. How excited are you about this nomination?

I am proud to be representing Pakistan on such a prestigious platform- that too for the second time. I am grateful that the SOC Films production was able to share the untold story of A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness with a global audience. Since the start of my career I have always endeavoured to share the stories of those who cannot do so themselves. To be acknowledged for this work is always very humbling and on such a giant platform like the Oscars – makes it surreal.

What does a second Oscar nomination mean for you personally?

For me personally, it will be an even bigger win if we, as a nation, take this opportunity to acknowledge that we have a problem and pass the Anti-Honour Killings Laws (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill 2014. It is time we change the law and stand up for the victims of this heinous crime.

Honour killings affect hundreds of women in Pakistan every year. How do you think the documentary will help the case for this tragic abuse of human rights?

I believe that film can be a powerful tool to convey complex and difficult problems in a way that prompts dialogue and empathy. My aim is to produce content that pushes people to look at the world more critically, thereby creating an environment for social change and development. I hope this film will spur more support for the victims of honour killings and send out a strong message that this heinous crime is not a part of our culture or religion. Inspired by Saba’s story, we have launched a campaign, which hopes to mobilize all stakeholders including politicians, members of civil society & the government to help push the Parliament to pass the Anti-Honour Killings Laws (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill 2014.

The law, as it stands, considers honour killing an offence against the individual and hence the victim can choose to ‘forgive’ the perpetrator. If the victim is killed, which is often what happens in such cases, the family of the victim has the right to forgive the perpetrator. Last year, Senator Sughra Imam introduced the Anti-Honour Killings Laws (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill 2014, which aims to make the crime non-compoundable so that a convicted person cannot escape culpability by being ‘forgiven’ by the victim. The bill passed through Senate in March 2015 but lapsed in Parliament later that year. We are determined to push all stakeholders to pass the Anti-Honour Killings Laws in the Parliament. This would right a long-standing wrong in the Pakistani society and ensure that perpetrators are punished and victims are protected.

How do you research your documentaries and how long does it normally take?

I am always looking to bring the stories of marginalized communities to the forefront. Sometimes I am inspired by something as simple as reading a news article or having a short conversation with someone I don’t know. With A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness, I read about Saba’s story in the newspapers shortly after the incident took place and I knew I had to share her story with the world – her only ‘fault’ was falling in love.

Honour Killings are considered a taboo subject by many in Pakistan. There is a perception that somehow these murders fall under the prevue of the family and that they shouldn’t be questioned or challenged. To me they have always been pre meditated cold-blooded murders justified under the guise of culture or religion. So even while some newspapers would report honour killings embedded within the article would be some sort of justification “the girl was killed because she ran away from home” or because “she fell in love” or because “she wanted a divorce”.

I wanted to tell the story of a victim of honour killing because I wanted to start a national discourse about this issue and build momentum to garner support for key legislation. As far as time is concerned, in documentaries, you have to spend a considerable amount of time on the ground and establish relationships with your subjects. You have to let their story unfold naturally – therefore, each documentary, depending on the subject and their journey, takes different amounts of time. We started working on this film in early 2014 and we followed Saba for over a period of one year.

What kind of obstacles did you come across while filming A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness?

The biggest challenge we faced was overcoming the mindset in the local community. Many people believe that there is nothing wrong with killing your wife, daughter or mother if they have brought ‘shame’ to the family. I went to speak to Saba’s father after he has been arrested and he had so much hatred in him. He was still adamant that Saba was in the wrong and he felt justified trying to kill his own daughter. He felt it was his duty as a father and husband to protect his family from the ‘dishonour’ that Saba brought upon them by falling in love and getting married. The interaction that I had with him spoke volumes about the kinds of choices we women have in the world and how our lives are impacted by the decisions taken by others.

Your filmmaking is incredibly gutsy and personal. Did you ever face any physical danger while working on such projects?

I haven’t faced any physical danger as such but as a documentary filmmaker, you are trained to deal with life threatening situations. That said, I would be lying if I said that I have never felt fear, or worried about putting my subject and myself in danger. The first time I felt that being a woman served as a hurdle in getting access or being able to move freely as a journalist was when I was filming ‘Women of the Holy Kingdom’ in Saudi Arabia. My all-female crew was stopped many times and our tapes were confiscated. We required a male escort for the simplest of tasks such as checking into our hotel. A film that was supposed to be about the women’s movement in Saudi Arabia became as much about our experience as female filmmakers in the country.

You unveil the injustices and dark side of humanity in your work, often delving deep into the stories to uncover the truth. Do you fall asleep easily at night after witnessing so many tragic incidents?

There have been many times during the course of shooting when I have felt emotionally overwhelmed, but then I think about some of the subjects that I have followed. Their ability to pursue life-altering decisions under the toughest of circumstances gives me hope and inspiration, and I feel more motivated than ever to share their stories with the rest of the world.

What are some of the challenges of being a documentary filmmaker in Pakistan, especially as a woman?

Pakistan is now officially one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists to work in. Colleagues are routinely picked up by authorities, beaten and simply killed off. But being a woman is overwhelmingly an asset in my field more than it is a hindrance. I am alive today because I am a woman. I think women have a special way of navigating through Pakistan and people here have a great deal of respect for female journalists. I also am able to work in communities that observe strict division based on gender, as I am able to speak with and film women.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

My father is my biggest inspiration. He was a self-made man in textiles – a very hardworking man, and father of six children, five girls and one son. He dropped out of college and started his own business, which did extremely well. He taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to!

And finally, do give us a sneak peek about your preparations for this grand award ceremony! What/ who are you wearing, and who are you taking with you to the show?

I am still deciding!

Abbas Hasan: The Next Big Thing

By Faizan Hussain

Music stars belonging to South Asian region are gaining immense popularity all around the world. Abbas Hasan, an award winning French singer of Pakistani origin, is one such artist who is constantly making headlines. Besides all the nominations and awards which he had won, Abbas recently signed a major deal with the Pan-Asian Film and Music Awards academy (PAIFMA). The academy has recognized Abbas Hasan as one of the top Asian artists in the UK and is featuring him as one of the leading young artists to watch. He is now an official brand ambassador for the PAIFMA. After this deal he also released his immensely anticipated music video Sweet Girl, which is in Urdu-English and starts out with some vocals in French. In an exclusive interview with the Weekend he talks about this deal and his music career.

Recently you signed a major deal with the Pan-Asian Film and Music Awards academy (PAIFMA). How awesome is that?!

Thank you! Yes, it’s very exciting and I’m so thrilled to embark on this journey with them. Of all the honours I’ve held over the past few years, it feels overwhelming and extra special to have the academy supporting my work, as my belief is that music and the arts are intended to bring people together and break boundaries. As an Asian artist this message rings true to everything that I do.

What has contributed the most to your success?

I think it’s hard to define. I’d like to believe it’s the fact that I put effort and thought into every project that I take on, and my fans have high expectations of everything that I do. I like to push boundaries, challenge perceptions and provoke thought. I think music should move you in some way, whether physically, emotionally or spiritually, and even every visual whether photo or video should do the same.

What has been your career’s turning point?

After I signed with Rishi and started all my Bollywood collaborations [Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra etc], that must have been one of the biggest turning points for me.

You sing in different languages (French, English, Hindi and Urdu). How have your producers been receptive to your vision of what you want your music to be like?

When Rishi signed me, he knew what he was getting into! [He laughs] I like to try different things and push myself with every project that I do. Ultimately everything I do has my signature but at the same time I want to experiment with sounds and influences. The producers I work with seem to like that way of working and they expect it when they work with me.

In what language are you most comfortable in singing?

I think I’m comfortable in all three of my native languages (French, English, Urdu-Hindi) but I think the feeling and sentiment I get when I’m singing is very different in each language.

In what way your varied backgrounds are helpful in your career?

I suppose that growing up in the Paris arts scene with traditionally eastern influences exposed me to everything from Mylene Farmer to Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. All these different influences have shaped my understanding and appreciation of music.

How much of the real ‘you’ is expressed through your music?

I think every song expresses a different story, a different face and a different layer. Little by little you get to know more and more.

What comes deeper from your soul, music or lyrics?

Every song is different. Some songs come through a lyric idea and others are born through a melody that wakes me up in the middle of the night!

What made you to come into the field of acting?

I had studied acting originally, and then when the offer for Mazhavillinattam Vare (South Indian film) came, I really liked the concept and script so it felt like an interesting adventure. My Bollywood friends keep waking up the actor in me. Who knows!

How was the experience of working in Bollywood?

It was surreal and very exciting. Performing in front of thirty-five thousand people including all the top directors and my actor/singer peers from Bollywood was a very special moment. Working with Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and touring across the world– every step is more and more exciting. Signing with the Pan-Asian International Film and Music Awards is starting a whole new journey so stay tuned!

You are an actor and a model besides being a singer. Which out of these three is closer to your heart?

I know that when I entered the industry people first recognised me as a model, but music is what I have always been about. I’m first and foremost a musician but I think all these art-forms are related. I think films and even a photo-shoot can be a form of creative expression and that’s what I love being able to do.

What is the biggest misconception that people have about you?

The biggest misconception is that I’m arrogant. I’m actually a nice guy. (He laughs)

How often do you interact with your fans through social media and which social media do you prefer?

I try to stay in touch with fans through facebook (facbook.com/abbashasanonline), Twitter (@abbashasanmusic) and Instagram (@abbashasanofficial) all the time. It’s really nice to share things with them in real time and keep a direct communication because for me ultimately it’s all about them!

What are your pipeline projects?

There’s a lot of new music coming, some film-related projects that I can’t talk about yet and of course all the work I’ll be doing as an ambassador for the Pan-Asian Awards (PAIFMA)

Rapid Fire

The song you grew up listening to: Mast Qalandar

Dream project: A soundtrack project with A. R. Rahman

Favourite band: Given that I’m good friends with Ahmed Ali Butt, I have to say EP of course!

Any weird hidden talents? I can read your mind!

Proudest moment in your career so far? The first time I heard my song on the radio

Solo artist or band: Being a solo artist gives you more freedom. But I love performing with a band.

The most important lesson you’ve learnt over the years? Follow your instincts and stay true to your message.

Favourite Pakistani singer: AbidaParveen

Your inspiration: All artists who struggled against oppression

With the best attitude & expressions

By Faizan Hussain

Every model is not lucky enough to be successful at the beginning of her career. Generally it needs a considerable time to get fame in the fashion industry. Islamabad based Farwa Kazmi is one such lucky model who is blessed with all the qualities, which are essential to join the league of leading models of Pakistan. In a very short span of time she has carved a niche for herself in the fashion industry. She has made it to the cover of many fashion magazines and has walked the ramp in many shows and done a lot of shoots. After modelling she has also started playing roles in plays. She is playing lead role in a drama serial, which is under production. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Plus she talks about her projects and fashion industry. Following are excerpts of the interview:

How did you develop your skills as a fashion model?

I believe that I already had these in me, blessed with good looks, the right physique and the height made it much easier for me. However, with time I polished my skills with the help of my mentors and always appreciated the criticism and used it as my strength.

Did your family encourage you to take up modelling as a profession or they wanted you to do something else?

My family never encouraged nor ever will. They wanted me to get higher education and then do a 9-5 job or some other business that is not related to fashion industry in any way.

Q: What is the secret of your success and did you ever imagine that you would be one of the leading models of Pakistan?

My secret is my good luck that I made it here in such a short span of time. I met the right kind of people in the start and did the right kind of work, and then definitely you need to have a passion, devotion and focus in the right direction. Yes, I always believed in myself that I would succeed.

Q: What is your most memorable fashion show or commercial to-date?

My most memorable fashion show is Fashion Pakistan Week. It was my first show in Karachi and I had a great time there.

Q: What distinguishes a good model from a bad one?

Professionalism and versatility are two traits which distinguish a good model from a bad one.

Q: What distinguishes a good photographer from a bad one?

For me a good photographer is the one who doesn’t take very long to take a few shots and who makes sure that the model and everything about her is looking perfect and doesn’t leave it to the model to do all the work.

Q: What are some of the main differences between runway and photographic modelling?

Runway is a live show; you have to take care of a lot of things at the same time and all on your own. You have to walk in front of a large audience carrying the outfit beautifully with best attitude and expressions even if you are getting nervous or about to trip on the ramp. Whereas in photographs you are more comfortable and there is a team to help you with stuff. You can relax and give best postures and expressions because you have time.

Q: What is the public’s biggest misconception of female models?

That they have a bad character and are on drugs. People believe that models don’t come from a good family background and are not educated but this is not the case anymore.

Q: How do you perceive fashion? And how it is different from style?

Fashion is something that one follows as per the trends whereas style comes from within which depicts your sense of self, your identity that differentiates you from others.

Q: How did your career enriched your personal life in anyway?

Because of this career I happen to travel a lot and come across different people so it is a source of exposure for me.

Q: Do you think models depict an unrealistic picture of women in reference to weight and beauty?

Not in my opinion, because I was as skinny as I am now when I was not a model. I believe that if any woman tries hard and is fully motivated, anything can be achieved.

Q: What do you dislike/hate about the fashion industry?

I hate two-faced people in the fashion industry and their fakeness. It’s very hard to find people with genuine heart in this industry.

Q: What is fun and rewarding about modelling?

Getting dolled up and pampered all the time, and feeling glamorous and then getting paid for it. LOL

Q: What do you dislike about modelling?

The long-awaiting hours. I am a very impatient human, and I hate it so much when I have to sit and wait for hours at the shows and shoots.

Q: What is in pipeline?

I’m playing a lead role in a drama for PTV named ‘Sahira’. And you’ll be seeing me as one of the two new faces of Khaadi.

RAPID FIRE

You wish you could: Travel the world

Your dream project: To complete my bachelors from abroad

Your favourite fashion models: Cara Delevingne, Giśele and from Pakistan Mehreen Syed and Eruj

Any language you want to learn and speak? French

What do you usually wear in daily life? In Summers I wear Shalwar Kameez and in Winters Jeans

You don’t like people who are…: Hypocrites

Among your friends you are known as…: The most hilarious/fun loving person

Your beauty regimen…: Exercise, increased use of juices and fruits and taking care of my skin

One person you would love to dine out with: My best friend

Your worst nightmare…: Is after watching horror movies; getting killed in my sleep and seeing blood

http://nation.com.pk/sunday-plus/07-Jun-2015/with-the-best-attitude-expressions

http://splus.nation.com.pk/ePaper/lahore/2015-06-06/page-13

15 things you did not know about Nadia Hussain

By Faizan Hussain

We all fancy our celebs. Their glamour attracts us. We want to know maximum about them. What they do in their routine life; how were they in their childhood; what did they dream of as teens and what are their secret desire or interests. This week we are up, close and personal with Nadia Hussain:

Q: Your earliest childhood memory?

I use to play in mud outside my house.

Q: Which was your favourite TV programme in your childhood?

Uncle Sargam

Q: As a child what did you aspire to become as a grown person?

I always wanted to do something related to research or become a doctor.

Q: One talent/ quality which people don’t know about you?

I fix minor electrical faults on my own.

Q: What were your extra-curricular activities during school days?

I use to do classical dance and was also an athlete. Long jump, high jump, throwball and volleyball were my favourite sports.

Q: Any prize you won during 10^th grade?

We have won many prizes in volleyball tournaments but since it was a team work so the medals and prizes were combine.

Q: Your first crush?

Tom Cruise

Q: Your favourite singer?

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Q: Your first shoot?

My first shoot was for Lakhany Silk Mills in 2000.

Q: What do you love to eat in morning?

Generally I take a glass of milk but if I am hungry then I take eggs and porridge.

Q: The worst scold you got from your parents and for what?

I got many scolds from my mother for having fights which siblings usually have with each other.

Q: The most embarrassing moment of your life?

It was when I went to London to shoot Shehzad Roy’s music video. Throughout the trip we ate junk food and because of that I had severe constipation and because of that I was locked in the toilet for more than one hour and everyone outside became worried and started calling me.

Q: What is your greatest regret?

I don’t have any regret in my life.

What is your dream destination for holiday?

Now I love to go any place where children find activities of their interest. It might be America or Far East countries.

Q: What is your dream project?

Presently my dream is to expand the chain of my saloon in all the cities of Pakistan.

http://splus.nation.com.pk/ePaper/lahore/2015-06-06/page-25

http://nation.com.pk/sunday-plus/07-Jun-2015/15-things-you-didn-t-know-about-nadia-hussain

The force behind Malbus

Nosheen with her father

By Faizan Hussain

Recently, a new brand of ladies outfits Malbus has created vibes in fashion industry. Nosheen Ashraf is the driving force behind this new brand. She is a young and talented lady and carries six years of experience in textile industry. The name of the brand is derived from Urdu word “Malboos”. It is attracting the industry’s -leading professionals. With the power to influence and inspire, Malbus is bringing the latest trends in fashion industry. Its products are user oriented and are manufactured with a strong focus on look and feel, using the highest grade materials. It also observes the cultural decency in its style and manufactures clothes according the climatic requirements. The first outlet of Malbus has been opened at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. Malbus has started with the ladies dresses but it is in the plan to introduce gears for the men and the children. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Plus, Nosheen Ashraf talked about her newly launched brand and also about her future plans. Followings are some excerpts from her interview:
S+: How did you come up with the idea of starting a new brand?
Nosheen: There are many people in Pakistan who travel abroad to the places like Dubai, England, America etc for shopping. They are in fact in search of quality and style which they rarely find in Pakistan. So the basic idea of launching this brand is to cater that specific class. For achieving this purpose we shall do our level best to launch products of international standards. For that we shall strictly observe the quality and shall make no compromise on it.
Q: Initially, what sort of dresses are you focusing?
Nosheen: Winter clothing and outfits are mainly in focus. This is because there is very little variety of designed winter tops and other warmers for ladies in Pakistan. Ladies find it too difficult to find stylish uppers and tops. So I decided to take start with this because there is hardly any designer working on this.
Q: Do you have any designer with you?
Nosheen: Yes I have a whole team of young and dedicated designers. They are well qualified and are ready to take up all challenges for the success of the brand and also for their growth with the organisation.
Q: Any specific fabric which you use?
Nosheen: There is a wide range of fabrics which I have bought from Taiwan, Korea, and China as well as from Karachi. Manufacturing of the products, is done in our own factory in Islamabad.
Q: Any inspiration behind designs?
Nosheen: Gucci products always impressed me. There is always uniqueness and style in those. So you can say that I take inspiration from Gucci.
Q: That means western trends will dominate your dresses…?
Nosheen: Not exactly. There will be a blend of eastern and western trends. It is neither fully eastern nor fully western. It will be on the customer’s choice how they would like to wear those dresses.
Q: Do you follow any specific motto?
Nosheen: With the quality and style, as a team we want to be trendsetter in the fashion industry. It is a common trend in the society that people buy those products which are in fashion, but our passion is that the people follow the trends introduced by Malbus. We constantly strive to become the leader in the fashion industry bringing elegance and bold sophistication for connoisseurs to our country so that everyone is facilitated with top quality and perfect styling in their hometown.
Q: Do you have any plans for summer wears?
Nosheen: Definitely, Malbus shall give a wide range of summer outfits and those will not be typical in style. Malbus shall stand for the uniqueness and quality in summer dresses as well. For that purpose Malbus may manufacture its own fabric.
Q: Why did you choose Lahore for taking the start?
Nosheen: Lahore is a big city and secondly, people here are fond of fashion. Lahore will also give feed back about this initiative. In future there will be more outlets in Karachi, Islamabad and Sialkot.

The interview was conducted in October 2012.

Promoting peace through art

Fauzia Minallah with children’s Literature festival in Quetta

By Faizan Hussain

When it comes to dedication for promoting peace and interfaith harmony through art, the name of Fauzia Aziz Minallah may come on top of the list. She is a multi-dimensional lady who is pursuing the cause with utmost commitment. Fauzia is not only a peace activist but has also proved her mettle as an artist, author and illustrator, nature lover, political cartoonist and environmentalist. She considers art as one of the strongest pillars of peace. Her style separates her from her contemporary artists and her paintings carry natural beauty and love for nature. Minallah believes that art and culture of a region can be saved if people in power were to identify themselves with it. She is the lady who saved the ancient art of ‘chitarkari’ or slate engraving – an art which has been used to decorate tombs for centuries. As an environmentalist, she struggled against all odds to save banyan trees in Islamabad. To promote art education among the children belonging to lower class, she established an institution Funkor Child Art Centre in Islamabad in 2001, which is a non profit organisation. Besides her commitment to the organisation, she also writes and illustrates children’s books, one of them titled “Amai’s wish”. When it comes to her awards for which she has won and nominated for, the list is very long. She has won various awards nationally and internationally including ‘2010 Ron Kovic Peace Award’ for her short film ‘Let Them Bloom.’ This film was based on an inspirational message of peace, dignity, reconciliation and forgiveness. In 2003, she won National Book Foundation Award for promotion of children’s literature. She was leading the team of ‘Sadako’s Prayer Project’, a book written and illustrated by Fauzia Minallah that won of Hiroshima Citizen’s Award in 2007. The book has also been translated in Dari for Afghan children and Japanese as well. The Funkor Child Art Centre was short listed for the Bremen Peace award 2009. The award is given to projects and organisations which are exemplary in their work for peace, justice and integrity of creation. She has also won an award as political cartoonist. In an exclusively interview with Sunday Plus tries discover more about Fauzia Minallah efforts for humanity, peace and art. Followings are some excerpts from her interview:

Q: You spent your childhood in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and there is an increase in terrorism. How do you view it?

A: I have actually documented some of my views on this subject in my book ‘Chitarkari and Banyans – The Pursuit of Identity’. It is about my childhood memories as I had spent lot of time in the cities like Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore, Gilgit and Islamabad. There are many things which have changed. Some are positive but mostly are bad because of the radicalisation of our society and the loss of the green environment due to increase in traffic and expansions of these cities.

Q: will you share anything of those memories?

A: I remember when I was in Peshawar I used to go for painting classes along with my mother at the Abasin Arts Council in the 70’s. There used to be a bustling musicians bazaar in Dabgari. But with the increase in conservatism especially after the MMA government’s rule in Musharraf era, Peshawar had lost these cultural treasures. Lately, there have been some efforts to revive art and culture in Peshawar but activities in 5 star hotels have very limited effect and do not have an impact if it is not shared with the ordinary citizens. Similarly, every city has changed.

I was born in Quetta and studied there. Recently, I went there on Children’s Literature Festival at St Joseph’s Convent School. I have worked with thousands of children but I have never seen such eager and enthusiastic children as I saw and met there. They were eager to paint the mural with me. They painted a beautiful mural ‘Amai’s Wish – Peace in Balochistan’. The city is under siege. I could not stop crying after listening to the folk songs by the children in Balochi and Pashto. ‘What will be the future of these children? Are we going to repeat history?’ These were the question going through my mind.

Q: You teach art to children and use it to promote interfaith harmony. How do you see the recent incident of involving a Christian girl in a blasphemy case?

A: I wrote about Rimsha because I have worked with the Christian children in Mehrabadi where the incident took place. My projects with Christian community especially in the most under privileged class are to show them respect for their religion. Every Christmas we organise events for Christian children where the field coordinator of Funkor, Ahmad Faraz a Muslim, dresses up as a Santa Claus and distributes gifts among children and Rimsha’s younger brother and sister were also in that workshop. So I felt very sad that it was one of the children I knew. But in Rimsha’s case even the most ardent supporters of Blasphemy Laws were embarrassed because there was absolutely no justification for punishing a little girl who never went to school and was mentally challenged. The court found Rimsha innocent and the cleric is behind bars. Rarely do accused get justice in Pakistan. The vigilante mob controls the situation. Despite many positives in Rimsha’s case many of the 300 hundred Christian families have left Mehrabadi. They do not feel safe where there was already a campaign by the cleric to oust them.

But what happened on the September 21? It was celebrated internationally as the Day of Peace and in Pakistan, instead of showing love for our beloved Prophet (SAWW) it was a day of bloodshed and anarchy. While I cried for the Muslims who lost their lives that day I was shocked to learn about the destruction of the Church in Mardan. We visited this church in 2009 to help the internally Displaced Christians. On the International Day of Peace it was burnt down. The church is in ashes and the Muslims were killed by Muslims that day. All our efforts of ‘Interfaith Harmony’ are destroyed in seconds.

Q: How far the Western countries are responsible in this regard?

A: The world has turned into a global village where information shared within seconds. What the Western countries don’t understand is that ‘freedom of speech’ has to come with responsibility. There has to be a distinction between ‘freedom of speech’ and ‘hate speech’. Hate speech should be banned, condemned and rejected in all forms. The internet has shrunk the world while an extremist in the Western countries uses the first amendment to incite violence through ‘hate’ and mala fide intent to gain cheap publicity. Resultantly, what happens in the Muslim world is that it emboldens the extremist who uses the blasphemy to achieve their goals. We have seen right before our eyes what happened on the 21’st and that had nothing at all to do with the love of our beloved Prophet but a show of power the extremists extort out of using religion. These incidents have serious repercussions for the minorities in the Muslim countries even the space shrinks for the moderate Muslims who do not use violence to achieve their goals. The Western countries have to review their stance on freedom of speech and check their own extremists and war mongers. It helps no one expect the religious extremists in Muslim countries. If holocaust denial is almost a crime so should be the insult of a Prophet (SAWW) revered by millions of people.

Q: Funkor Child Art Centre is doing remarkable work. Why do you not try to spread it to other cities and towns by yourself or by establishing linkage with other institutions or organisations?

A: So far Funkor has worked within very limited budget. I am happy that that so far I have done my work for Funkor on totally pro bono basis. We have no big donors. Most of our support comes from, fund raising through art projects especially the one with Little Art Gallery in Munich and iEARN Austria where I took an exhibition of ‘Multi coloured Scarves of Peace’ painted by Pakistani children and then Austrian school children painted Peace scarves in Vienna. The exhibition was right after the ban on scarves in France which is discrimination and it will marginalise the Muslim community further. The aim of the exhibition was that it is very important in Peace building that children should not be judged by what they wear and making stereotypes of people de- humanises them. Funkor is also sustained through the sale of my artwork http://www.fauziaminallah.com. Sometimes, prize money such as from Ron Kovic Peace Prize also helps as well as some private donors like friends and family. Otherwise I would not have been able to sustain Funkor’s work and pay my employees. We have collaborated with an American based organisation Artmile Mural Project AMMP and worked on a number of art projects, they displayed a Peace Mural at a concert of Hope in New York. Through Children’s Literature Festival and the Karachi Literature festival I have been able to work with children in Lahore Karachi and Quetta and hopefully next in Peshawar. Sometimes other organisations invite us to organise art or book reading activities for children.

Despite the lack of funding I must say we have been able to reach out too thousands of children throughout Pakistan from remote Swat Kohistan and Kalash.

Q: You also work as an author and illustrator of children’s books. Why do you think there is so little children literature in Pakistan as compared to other countries? What should be done in this regard?

A: The lack of literature for children is a very big problem in Pakistan, even if there is literature than the content is lacking in quality. Oxford University Press has some wonderful books I wish that they become part of the curriculum for the Government schools too. There are very few books for children that enlighten their minds and teach them to be good citizen. One of my books ‘Sadako’s Prayer’ is published by the Asian Network of Trust in Hiroshima, in Japanese, English, Dari, Urdu, Pashto, Torwali. It is the winner of Hiroshima citizen’s Award for Peace Education and was distributed free of cost among nearly 10,000 children in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Japan. Another peace book ” ‘Titli and the music of Hope’ written and illustrated by me is published by the National Book Trust of India under the International Centre for Literacy and Culture’s Peace Book Project in South Asia. So in a world where every Pakistani it seems is perceived as a terrorist, I am glad that some children in India, Afghanistan or Japan would know a Pakistani for promoting Peace.

Q: You have helped in the restoration of Chitarkari. What was the inspiration to do so? How do you see the future of this craft?

A: After finishing my art studies from Pratt Institute in New York, I wanted to do something that is very close to my roots. I found that in the cemeteries of my parents’ hometown in Sirikot Hazara, KPK. I curated a show of the dwindling craft of chitarkari-slate engravings that the craftsmen were slowly giving up as people started preferring other materials, such as marble. These shows were taken to Karachi Lahore, and Islamabad. My own inspiration to work on slate, clay and other materials emanated from working with craftsmen. Now the villagers feel pride in the chitarkari as a very important part of their heritage and identity. After my (late) mother Bilquis Minallah and I promoted it at different forums the craft is revived and it is still to be found in the village. As long as the villagers feel pride in their heritage it will survive.

Q: You won 2010 Ron Kovic Peace Award for the short film ‘Let Them Bloom’. Are there any such more projects in pipeline?

A: Ron Kovic Peace Prize is given by this wonderful organisation My Hero project in America. The mission of My Hero is to use media and technology to celebrate the best of humanity and to empower people of all ages to realise their own potential to effect positive change in the world.

Funkor’s project Amai the Bird of Light is a finalist at the Global Junior Challenge in Rome this month (October). I am working on my latest work which is working on Adobe photoshop as well as Acrylics on canvas.

Q: As a painter and artist what sets you apart from your contemporaries? How do you see the burgeoning art scene in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi and how do you see the scene in Peshawar and Quetta?

A: The art scene in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi are quite vibrant but in Peshawar and Quetta have greatly suffered. In Peshawar, it is due to the radicalism and in Quetta due to the bad security situation. Although some of my favourite artists like Akram Dost and Jamil Baloch belong to Quetta.

Q: You have always said that trees are part of our heritage and have been running the campaign to protect old trees. How far you have been successful and what more in your view should be done?

A: My documentation through photographs of Islamabad’s natural and cultural heritage in my book ‘Glimpses into Islamabad’s Soul’ was instrumental in creating awareness about Islamabad’s cultural and natural heritage which culminated in the protection of old and historical trees of Islamabad by the Capital Development Authority. The Capital Development Authority have started the ‘Preservation of Monumental Trees’ in Islamabad but unfortunately after protecting 6 monumental trees the list of over 200 trees are still to materialise.

With so much turmoil in the country environment concerns are not important and so much money is to be made by mega projects that under the guise of ‘development’ those in power have no concern for the environment and go for mega projects. Even in cases where the SC or High Courts have given orders in favour of environmentalist the concerned departments and business interests have in contempt of court continued with the destruction. So protection of the environment is a herculean task in a country where human life has no value.

Q: What was the purpose of your recent visit to India and how far it was successful?

A: Funkor Child Art Centre was invited to “Peace readings on writings of Pablo Neruda, Saadat Hassan Manto and Indus Valley and Harrapan Civilization” under the travelling literature festival initiated under UNESCO’s donate-e-book initiative. To develop Peace across borders among the young adults, Nivesh in partnership with the National Museum Institute organised sessions of interactive Peace readings for school students in the age group of 15 to 17 years as part of our travelling literature festival. Two girls from Swat Kohistan were chosen as well as students from Lahore but they could not make it due to visa problems. Fourteen students from Khaldunia High who were able to participate in the workshop started a mural “Indus Heritage” under my guidance. The mural depicts river Indus, the famous dancing girl’ from Mohenjo-daro holding a peace sign with colours of India and Pakistan’s Flags. This mural was finished by Indian students in Delhi.

The Indian students painted an ancient city of the Indus Valley Civilisation with the river Indus flowing through the canvas. Throughout the workshop students participated in several enriching sessions. The most popular was the ‘drumming’ circle’. Pakistani students read Pablo Neruda’s poems and performed Saadat Hasan Manto’s play ‘Aakhri Salute’ which is such an important play. They also danced to the folk music of Pakistan.

The borders between India and Pakistan have become so high and so wide that we have to work for Peace. I am glad that the visa restrictions have been eased but for us the whole process of applying for visas was a long painful process. One only wishes it is easier for the next generation.

http://nation.com.pk/sunday-plus/07-Oct-2012/promoting-peace-through-art

Legendary brothers

By Faizan Hussain

Getting a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-Continent was not an easy task. Many leaders dedicated their lives for this sacred cause. Maulana Mohamed Ali and Shaukat Ali were in those leaders who were the pioneers of this freedom movement. Although they were the ambassadors of Hindu-Muslim unity in the beginning, but the meanness of Hindu did not let it happen and the struggle moved towards the demand of a separate state. Not many people know that the mother of Ali brothers, Bi Amman, had also been the part of this struggle. She played an active role in spreading awareness among the women of the Sub Continent. Unfortunately, there has never been written any detailed book about these personalities which bred some misinformation. Khalid Ali has tried to fill this vacuum of information by writing this book in which he has been remained successful.

Maulana Mohamed Ali (1878-1931) and Shaukat Ali (1873-1938) belonged to an affluent and well known family. They were among the first generation of young men educated at Aligarh. Shaukat Ali was the first graduate from Rampur and Mohamed Ali graduated from both Aligarh and Oxford. Both could follow their own pursuit and could achieve peek in that but they opted a different way – to make the Muslim of the Sub Continent free from the slavery of the British rule. They endangered their lives, suffered troubles of prison but were determined in their cause. Their mother, Bi Amman, was not behind; she was the motivators of their sons. Their efforts culminated in form of a separate piece of land for the Muslims albeit not in their lifetimes.

Mohamed Ali was fully convinced that education is very much essential for the Muslims so after becoming free from Oxford he joined education department. Slowly, the activities of both the brothers became widened and had been becoming the part of national politics. They played their role in the formation of Muslim League. Many times Ali Brothers were sent to the jail and even awarded rigorous imprisonments where they did hard physical labours. In 1922, Jawaharlal Nehru accepted the bravery of these brothers and while telling the court he said, “I shall go to jail again most willingly and joyfully. Jail has become a heaven for us, …great hearted Shaukat Ali, bravest of brave , his gallant brother are there….” In short, they made themselves available for every sacrifice which was required for the cause of Muslim freedom and died in harness.

Khalid Ali has done a tireless effort to compile all the facts about the legendary brothers. For this gigantic task he consulted people who met those brothers or had been in contact with them. He gathered facts from the libraries of different countries. All these sources are mentioned in the book which makes it more valuable and an authentic resource material about Ali Brothers. Another aspect which adds glory and importance of this book is the collection of most rare pictures and stamps which are published in it. The detailed account of the lives of these legendary brothers has never been written and compiled in this form before. Their lives were so much interwoven with the political history of the Sub-continent that the book is not only the biographies of these brothers but also the history of this era and the story of the people and their aspirations.

Title: Ali Brothers | Author: Khalid Ali | Publisher: Royal Book Company | Genre: Biography, History | Pages: 935 | Price: Rs: 2500

http://nation.com.pk/sunday-plus/07-Oct-2012/legendary-brothers

Understanding militancy

By Faizan Hussain

Militancy has gradually increased in Pakistan over the years. Pakistan has bore the brunt of terrorism more than any other country in the world. The militant groups developed in Zia’s era and since then these groups have flourished under different names and forms. They transformed themselves rapidly after the first ban on militant groups was put in January 2002. Interestingly, there exist many different notions about these militant groups. Previously, the state institutions were of the view that the reaction of these frustrated segments of militant organizations would be temporary. They completely failed to understand the dynamics of their proxies. Some people still believe that they are not terrorists but misguided individuals. Against all such odd theories, Muhammad Amir Rana wrote the book ‘The Militant: Development of Jihadi Character in Pakistan’ which not only removes misconceptions about these groups but also reveals the hollow justifications used by these militant groups in support of their brutal activities.

Amir Rana has worked extensively on issues related terrorism and extremism in Pakistan and has developed a deep understanding of it. Focusing on the development of the militant’s character for the past three and half decades, the book discovers the different phases and generations of these militant groups. He divides them into three generations. The first generation was of Pakistani youth who joined jihad during Russia’s invasion in Afghanistan. These jihadis were adventurous and were largely drawn from the poor and lower middle class while their parents had no inclination towards jihad. The second generation switched after 9/11 incident. This generation had clarity in their minds about their aims and objectives. They belonged to poor, middle and upper middle class and also included well educated fellows of reputed institutions. The writer interviewed some of terrorist of this generation. The militant of first generation has stronger desire of returning to normalcy as compared with those of second generation. People of second generation were more inclined to criminal activities in order to gather funds for jihad operations. The third generation of militants is organized, financed and patronized by different states. They are used as foreign policy tools. Syria is its most recent examples where rebels are used to overthrow Bashar al-Assad. The same happened in Libya and the Yemen crisis which are other such examples.

The book also gives some valuable ideas to tackle these terrorist. According to Aamir Rana the government needs to follow a comprehensive and well planned strategy to tackle these monsters of terrorism. A strategy should be devised which focuses not only on confronting terrorist physically but also works upon disengaging them from their activities can prove to be successful as this major issue of terrorism can’t be resolved with any one sided approach i.e., mere dialogue or military operations.

In short it is a worth reading book which gives a complete overview of terrorist groups operating in Pakistan and also explores their different forms with a range of ideological and political tendencies. The book was originally written in Urdu with the initial purpose of preparing a manual for a training course for police and academic institutions. It subsequently caught the interest at wider spectrum therefore has also been translated and published in English. However, the English edition is more detailed, as it has been revised and updated. Some of the details that were missing in the Urdu edition have been added in the English version.

Title: The Militant: Development of Jihadi Character in Pakistan | Author: Muhammad Amir Rana | Genre: Non-fiction | Pages: 170 |Price: Rs: 800 |Publisher: Narratives

(URDU): Pages: 128 | Price: Rs: 350

http://nation.com.pk/sunday-plus/31-May-2015/understanding-militancy

The ignored perspective

By Faizan Hussain

Maulana Samiul Haq is a personality which needs no introduction. He is the Chancellor of Jamia Haqqania, Akhora Khattak. He is known in two different ways. In Pakistan, Afghanistan and in some other parts of the Muslim world he is considered a respected personality who belongs to a noble family which founded an institution to educate people about Islam. According to these people his teachings played an important role in defining Islamic belief, law and education in the modern era. The Maulana educated many of the Taliban leaders in Afghanistan and Pakistan. His religious influence stretches to Central Asia and the Caucasus. But in the West and other European countries he is considered a controversial personality because of being the head of a seminary which is known for producing many Taliban leaders including Mullah Omar and also for its role in supporting the Taliban.

The Maulana became a more relevant person when the Taliban established their government in war torn Afghanistan in 1995 and maintained law and order. The Americans didn’t like the Taliban government because their vested interest could not be gained in their government. So the US started a campaign to defame and end that government. They launched a media war and propagated them as uneducated, uncivilized, and cruel to women and children and would take Afghanistan back to the Stone Age. They also portrayed Taliban as terrorist who want to spread Islam by force. In this campaign Darnl Uloom Haqqania was held responsible because of Talibans’ association with it and its media trail also started in 1997 with a surge of journalists from across the globe focusing on the madrassah and particularly its chancellor. This focus sustained its momentum up till 2004. During all these years the Maulana talked extensively on local and foreign media and explained the perspective which the Western media always ignored. In this book he has explained all those ignored aspects.

The book consists of seven chapters explaining different things in details. The first chapter is based on information about Darnl Uloom Haqqania, the history of the institution, curriculum, resources and status of the institution in the eye of Islamic Umma. The second chapter provides an insight on Taliban, their rule in Afghanistan, the Afghan political landscape, Mullah Muhammad Omar and Sheikh Osama bin Laden, the factors leading to the rise of Taliban and their rule in Afghanistan. The third chapter deals with the author’s understanding of the objectives of the US and the West and the allegations against Taliban and Pakistan. This also provides an overview of his understanding of Pak-US and Afghan-US relations. The fourth chapter is about Maulana’s personal life, his role as a religious and political leader, the sacrifices of his family, the services rendered as an advocate of Islam. The fifth chapter describes the events leading up to the peace talks between the government of Pakistan and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and the role of Maulana as the head of the committee nominated for talks by the Pakistani Taliban. The sixth chapter deals with misconceptions about Islam, Jihad, rights of women and other topics that the West tends to twist for their vested interest. The last chapter provides information on the theoretical aspects of Islam enabling a non-Muslim to understand the religion and encourages one to learn more about Islam.

The book provides a fresh perspective on the events that happened between 1997 and 2004 and also touches upon the recent failed attempt of talks with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. It is an interesting study which is part biography, part 9/11 history of Taliban in Afghanistan and part explanation of some Islamic principles. In this book the Maulana has tried to remove misunderstandings, misconceptions and doubts created through Western propaganda against Islam and the Muslims.

Title: Afghan Taliban War of Ideology Struggle for Peace | Author: Samiul Haq | Genre: Non-fiction | Pages: 236 | Price: US$: 20 | Publisher: Emel Publication

http://nation.com.pk/lahore/24-May-2015/the-ignored-perspective

Bringing vulnerable in the mainstream

By Faizan Hussain

Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) is working laboriously for poverty alleviation in the country. The dynamic organisation is working under the visionary leadership of Zamurrud Khan who is an honorary Managing Director. Focusing on the destitute people of Pakistan especially widows, orphans and the needy,PBM has initiated various projects all over the country. Pakistan Sweet Homes (PSHs) are one of the many projects initiated by the organisation, which focus on providing accommodation, food, medical care, education and other necessary facilities to orphaned children in order to make them in to responsible citizens of Pakistan. Until now the team has established 30 orphanages called Pakistan Sweet Homes across the country where 3000 orphan children have been living and getting all among the above mentioned facilities. The number of these sweet homes is growing as there are thousands of orphaned children in the country who are awaiting assistance.

Under this project the enrolled children live in furnished homes with proper bedrooms, play area and a TV lounge. They receive free education at the best schools of the city up to metric level. They get free books, stationary and uniforms for summer and winter. Every home has two teachers who give them extra coaching classes and help them in doing their homework. The children also get a chance to groom themselves and participate in the extracurricular activities at works hopsarranged in collaboration with different NGOs. Meanwhile, PBMis in the process of equipping each home with computer labs to make the children more tech-friendly.

In addition the kids are provided with a balanced diet through weekly menu (breakfast/lunch/dinner) designed to fulfill their nutritious needs. Children living in these homes are given medical facilities through government hospitals.

To manage all the affairs of a home there is one in-charge whose duty is to ensure proper care and management. He is also responsible to keep full record of the children such as pre-admission, listing details of origin and background. Besides this, every home has proper staff to ensure a family like atmosphere.

In each home 100 children are enrolled and for every 14 children there is a female caretaker who looks after the children and helps them in every manner like getting them ready for school, looking after their meals and all other affairs.Similarly, there is kitchen staffto ensure every meal served on time. Then there are cleaning and laundry staffs who work in their respective domains. Above all one female nurse is always there to cope with emergency situations.

Most of the children housed in these homes have been the victims of different catastrophes and tragedies in Pakistan. For example, there are children whose parents were killed in terror attacks in Waziristan and Swat. These children are residing in Islamabad Sihala, Pak town- Rawalpindi and Bara Kahu Islamabad. The victims of Derabugti turmoil are living in Quetta and Zohb. Similarly, Larkana, Benazirabad, Mirpur Khas, Sukkur and Karachi centres are taking care of children from flood affected areas. Similarly, Sweet Homes have accommodated earth quake victimsin Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan Sweet Homes is also trying to save the children belonging to rural areas of Multan, Gujranwla, Lahore, Sialkot and Gujrat who have been orphaned or were indulged in child labour.

Any poor child aged between 4 to 6 whose father has passed away can apply for enrollment at Pakistan Sweet Homes. One child from each family is taken because the organisation aims to benefit maximum number of families with an ultimate goal to shore up one person from a family who can become an earning hand to the other members. Two or more children from the same family are considered in case of double parental loss.

Sweet Home in Lahore is situated in Canal View Society. Its rooms are spacious and airy.There are 98 children aged 4 to 6 residing in that home. When inquired about the area from which they belong, the Director Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal, Col (Retd) Syed Ahmad NadeemQadri who is also the incharge of this home said, “They all belong to the cityand its outskirts areas. They are all orphans by father and a few of them have double parental loss.”When talked to the children, they said that they were happier at Sweet Homes than they were at their own houses. The home is furnished but still requires some improvements. District officer, Hafiz Usman said that the seven bedrooms had only fans which did not fulfil the requirement in dire hot summer season. “Fans are not enough and we are waiting for somesponsor who gives us at least room coolers.”

Recently,Susan Heyward, wife of Australian High Commissioner in PakistanPeter Heyward, visited the Pakistan Sweet Home in Lahore. She was accompanied by Goodwill Ambassador for Orphan Children JahanAraWattoo and All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Punjab President’s wife Anika Bashir.Susan Heyward appreciated the project and said, “It is a unique initiativeaiming at providing grooming opportunities to the marginalised and orphan children of the society. I am pleased to know about the system to look after these children implemented in these homes. It is really a wonderful project.”Anika Bashir who often supervises the home said that she was trying to manage an air conditioned computer lab for which she was hopeful to be established soon. She also remains in contact with teachers of the home.

When inquired from Jahan Ara Wattoo about the sustainability of this programme she replied it was hard to sustain the project for a longer period without active participation and contribution of private sector, civil society and NGOs. “According to an estimate there are 4 million destitute children in Pakistan and we have housed only 3000 up till now.Although, the number of these housed children is very limited but the initiative has been taken. It is to make clear that due to scarcity of funds Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal alone cannot carry out this gigantic task so we need more sponsors.

“What I can assure is that the project is endowed with a safe, secure and bright future to these poor little souls of the nation. Therefore maximum contribution is requested to lock the future of the Pakistan with peace, prosperity and success,” She explained.

Mentioning about contributors she said, “There are many volunteers who have come forward in this project and help us out. Some are helping with their resources, some just giving time and visiting Sweet Homes, checking how the kids are looked after. In Lahore, I must say Anika Ahsan Bashir has contributed a lot. Similarly, Chairman of Sundas Foundation, Mr Yaseen has a great contribution in mobilising people. Besides, there are many sponsors who want to remain anonymous and some are known like Latif Banasmati Ghee Mills. (Ltd.), Suriya Sultan Foundation, COMSATS etc.”

Mentioning about the volunteers she requested especially from computer teachers and students from NCAand other art colleges to join them to teach art and music to these most vulnerable children.

For future, PSHs management is planning to expand this project to district level on availability of resources. Likewise, Sweet Homes for orphan girls are also in the pipeline in which almost 15,000 girls would be enrolled.The formulation of a body comprising of donors, donor agencies and PBM will be made to keep a check and balance on the centres for the transparent utilisation of allocated funds.

This is a unique project in the history of Pakistan. This little step of Pakistan Bait-ul-Malwill prove a gigantic step in the time to come. As affirmed by Jahan Ara Wattoo the project is purely for humanitarian cause and is free from any politics. Any political party who will set up the next government should carry on such projects for the betterment and the prosperity of people of Pakistan. Such projects should be encouraged. All those people who are blessed with enough resources should contribute maximum for these little angels in these houses.

(The story was written in September 2012)