Pakistani: Arslan Khan

KARACHI: Regardless of the current scenario sketched by international media, Pakistani youth have enough potential to lead the world as the same has been proved by the series of international awards won by Pakistani youngsters from Arfa Kareem to Shayan Aneeq Akhter and from Humaima Malick to Arslan Khan whose documentary film, ‘Kingdom of Women’ was acclaimed one of the world’s best documentaries, at none other than the Cannes Film Festival in France.

Arslan Khan holds the honour to have debuted with a documentary film that was screened at the short films corner of Cannes Film Festival. The youngster focused the renowned ‘Mina Bazaars’ of Karachi, where women are both sellers and the buyers.

Talking about the film, Khan said that he tried to portray the real picture of society with various success stories about underprivileged women. He was of the view that negative angles of society are often exploited deliberately. Elaborating his viewpoint, Khan said that the total population of Pakistan is about 180 million with the ratio of women being 52 % i.e. 100 million. He further said that around 250 cases of acid attacks were registered last year, which is a miniscule number of women being subjected to such violence. “On the other hand, around 200,000 success stories are annually reported about Pakistani women”, he added.

Khan further said, “The influential international media illogically highlights the minimal negative stories while ignoring the positive ones and those involving Pakistani women’s achievements.” As per his opinion, the worst face of Pakistan was presented to the global community under Western conspiracy. He said that domestic violence prevailed across the globe and even Western countries were its victims, however, only Pakistan’s case is the one exploited. He said that circumstantial crimes couldn’t be eliminated even in most developed parts of the world and one couldn’t declare a segment of society as deprived on its basis. Khan further said although a part of Muslim community merges its family tradition with the religion and imposes irrational embargos on women, Islam indeed is the religion that bestows women with uttermost respect and freedom.

He said that he was astonished to see that men were strictly prohibited entries in ‘Mina Bazaars’, places where a large number of women had been successfully running their businesses. Khan further said that he produced the film under acute shortage of funds. He also said that the achievement came as a result of teamwork and particularly his director, Amna Khaishgi’s endeavours. “At the time when we were facing problems in the editing of film, fortunately Abu-Dhabi Film Commission offered us its post-production facility and then selected the documentary for the top-nine category of documentary films at Abu-Dhabi Film Festival in October 2011.

Following the competition, the film became only Pakistani documentary film to be placed at festival film archives of New York University, Abu Dhabi and UAE National Film Library. The library also recommended them for entry in the Cannes festival, where finally the film was selected for screening.

Khan’s life tells us that he is an absolute self-made man. He has been bearing his expenses since matriculation. Living on his own rules in a third-world country was a tough task for him. Following his philosophy of life and desire to prove, he sacrificed various opportunities to earn money, go abroad and financially stabilise himself.

Khan decided to become an actor, writer and director, rejecting an attractive executive job abroad, when he was an unemployed youngster who refused assistance from his family. Before becoming an icon among his social and media-related circles, he faced ignorance, and rejection but remained steadfast. Finally, success knocked his door and he got a chance to become a writer, director and actor all at the same time. Gradually, he started getting opportunities to write dramas and perform with mainstream media groups of the country, including the state-run television. Now he works independently and is writing two feature films that revolve around various social issues. In his message to the youth, he said that a man has to decide his destiny determinately and then leave the rest to nature, which helps him achieve his goal. “Trust in Almighty Allah and yourself”, he advised.

 

Details: Daily Times

Pakistani: Safirullah Siddiqui ‘Lehri’

Safirullah Siddiqui ‘Lehri’ (January 2, 1929 – September 13, 2012) was one of Pakistan’s greatest comedians who made his name in Urdu films.

Lehri won the Nigar Award for around a dozen films. He acted in approximatelt 225 films

The late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto provided him with a monthly stipend of Rs. 2,500 during her first tenure, which he continues to receive, though there has been no increase in the amount.

On January 2, 2012, Nawaz Sharif and members of his party visited Lehri at his “rihaish gah” or residence, enjoyed his jokes, and wrote him a check for Rs. 25 lakh.

 Lehri died on 13 September 2012 at 9 am in Karachi. He had been under treatment in a private Karachi hospital at the time of his death.from Pakistan.

Grieving over the demise of Lehri, Qavi Khan said there is no one like Lehri; he was an institution in his self, adding he was unique in his style, “I have never seen the likes of him anywhere.”

Lehri in Anwer Maqsood Show:

Lehri in “Yes Sir, No Sir”:

Pakistani: Altamish Jiwa

 Altamish Jiwa with boxer Amir Khan

Altamish Jiwa has, over a very short period of time, achieved heights that few anchors and reporters realize in their lifetimes. Altamish joined the main stream Media in 2005 and his first job with an internship at a local Business Channel called SunBiz. In only 7 years, he has been able to reach a level of professionalism and credibility which has landed him exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in sporting world from World Champion Boxer Amir Khan to Former World no1 Ana Ivanovic, the Giant killing Swede Robin Soderling and current World No 6 Jo Wilfried Tsonga. In addtion to his, he has hosted numerous shows with top Cricketers of Pakistan and England as well as ICC Umpire of the year  Aleem Darr.

What makes Altamish different is that he hasn’t let his success stop him from spending quality time covering local sporting events in the impoverished areas of his hometown Karachi like Maach Goth, Lyari, Empress Market, Yousuf Goth, Orangi town. Covering local communties and bringing them to the mainstream gives him the sense of satisfaction and happiness that is essential for an all round personality.

Altamish  firm conviction that “whatever we strive to do in this life and we are able to do is purely the will of the Almighty Allah” coupled with his sincere passion and love for sports have allowed him to undergo experiences that a 27 year old youth could only dream of. His most memorable moment is visiting the Theater of Dreams the home of Manchester United Old Trafford where he had a chance to interact with the best players of Manchester United as well as Sir Alex Ferguson.

Details: GoodNewsPk

Pakistani: Shabina Mustafa

 Shabina Mustafa set out to teach her maid’s daughter in her garage — 

today she runs a school with over 400 students.

  

“My husband and I used to wonder how the country’s economic and social conditions would change if the majority of Pakistan’s children were deprived of quality education,” says Shabina Mustafa, founder of The Garage School. “But it was only after his death that I got around to dedicating myself to teaching children who would otherwise not get an opportunity to go to school.”

The foundation of The Garage School (TGS) was laid in 1999 when Shabina’s maid convinced her to teach her daughter, cleaning out the garage for the purpose, as it was the only place in her house which could be dedicated to giving lessons to the little girl. But Somia wasn’t Shabina’s only student — news that she would be giving lessons for free had spread quickly in the neighbourhood and on the first day of ‘school’ 14 bright faces eagerly turned towards Shabina as she stepped into that single-room school, ready to teach.

Those were the humble beginnings of The Garage School, as it came to be called, and from that point on there was no looking back. Children who could not gain admission in a regular school and students from the nearby slums of Neelum Colony and Shah Rasool Colony flocked in droves to Shabina’s home, keen to learn. In fact, the number of enthusiastic learners who would turn up outside Shabina’s door simply kept increasing by the day.

While multiplication tables and match-the-word exercises were very much a part of daily school lessons, it was more than just book knowledge that TGS aimed to impart. It had a more holistic view to education: making these children competitive, responsible, healthy, well behaved and successful. Shabina often reminds her students of the 4 T’s on which her system is based: Taleem (education), Tarbiat (upbringing), Taur (manners), Tariqay (behaviour) — which, she believes, lead to the fifth T, that is Taraqqi (success).

“This is our motto. I always tell my students that I can only help them in obtaining the first four tools, but achieving success depends upon their hard work and determination,” says Shabina.

At the same time, Shabina also feels she has the responsibility of grooming and coaching these children so that they can be accommodated in mainstream institutions. In 2002, she approached Nasra School and prepared the students for its entrance exam. “I want them to progress to a respectable career. It makes me feel really proud that 22 of my students were accepted at Nasra School and 16 by St Patrick’s Technical College,” she says.

She loves talking about all the success that her students have achieved since the school first started. “There was Anil who passed out of Nasra, then went to Bahria College and is now a manager at a multinational company. Another boy stood first in the Aga Khan Board exam while his brother is a straight ‘A’ student who wants to be a doctor. And from our first batch of English conversation and grooming classes, eight girls are working as beauticians at leading salons.”

“Joining this school was a turning point in my life,” says Mohammed Asad, who is currently studying at Aga Khan Secondary School and plans to join the Pakistan Air Force as an aeronautical engineer. “TGS is the reason that I am studying in a good college today,” he says proudly.

With the children coming from slums, health care often emerges as a serious concern. In 2002, Dr Khalid Bhamba offered his services. Now, whenever a new student is admitted, he is medically examined. Most students are found to be malnourished. “We cannot expect unhealthy bodies to have healthy minds. So with the help of pharmaceutical companies, we give them multivitamins and vaccines of hepatitis, typhoid and flu annually. Also, the school provides food, such as milk, eggs, fruits and juices, for all the children on a regular basis.”

Brimming with new ideas and eager to expand her philanthropic activities, Shabina started the adult literacy programme in 2008, with 25 women. So far 42 students have completed the adult literacy course. The Garage School is also offering sewing classes and Shabina envisions that these will one day become the basis for the Garage School Cottage Industry where women can earn money by stitching and selling clothes. TGS also underscores the habit of saving money so that these children learn to plan for the future from an early age. Initially, they were provided piggy banks, but  now the piggy banks have been transformed into 32 separate bank accounts at Bank Al-Habib.

With enrollment increasing by the day, Shabina has had to expand her premises. “I need more space to accommodate all the projects but people are reluctant to help,” she laments. “We are in dire need of monetary help and are looking for teachers to volunteer their time too.”

While this may not be enough to solve the social and economic conditions of the country just yet, at least now Shabina knows that she is doing her bit.

Details: Express Tribune

Pakistani: Obaidullah Baig

Obaidullah Baig was an eminent scholar, Urdu writer/novelist, Columnist and media expert .

Obaidullah Baig teamed up with Iftikhar Arif in 1970s and then with Ghazi Salahuddin in 1990s and won renown for the famous Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) quiz show “Kasauti”.

Obaidullah Baig was awarded ‘Pride of Performance’ (August 14, 2008) by the President of Pakistan for his services to Pakistani media.

Obaidullah Baig passed away in Karachi on Friday, 22 June 2012.

Some Related Links:

Obaidullah Baig’s services to society praised.

A Short review of his Novel : Aur Insaan Zinda Hai

A Clip from his very famous show: “Kasauti”

Pakistani: Saleemuddin

Swat: Saleemuddin still remembers the day he was trapped in crossfire between militants and security forces.

“I was on my way to work when I was suddenly hit by a bullet in my leg. I tried to run for cover to avoid more hits but I couldn’t escape from the series of bullets, which hit both my legs. I don’t remember what happened to me after that,” said the 27-year-old former barber while talking to The Express Tribune.

Before the tragic incident took place, Saleem lived in Kabal with his parents, six brothers and four sisters and his barber shop would be flocked with customers all the time.

However, his peaceful life was shattered when the militants entered the Swat Valley and imposed a ban on shaving beards. Saleem, nevertheless, kept his business running. “I underwent three major surgeries and twelve bullets were taken out from my legs. I was lucky enough to survive but unfortunately I became disabled forever,” Saleem explained in a painful voice.

Stuck in totally adverse conditions, his family shifted to Mardan during a mass exodus. “Moving to Mardan was nothing less than physical torture. My wounds had not healed completely due to which I had severe difficulty in traveling,” he said narrating his ordeal.

When peace was restored in Swat, Saleem decided to move back to his native village. However, much to his dismay, things were not as easy as he had imagined as he was disabled and jobless. Just when he had lost all hope, he was approached by the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) to join a peace and development project launched by UNDP.

“I took a basic enterprise training which enabled me to restore my livelihood. I was also given Rs35,000, while I borrowed Rs5,000 from a relative and opened a small-scale general store.

Today, his business is flourishing with each passing day and he is earning a livelihood for his family despite his physical disability. “They came to me when I was completely disappointed with life and enabled me to become a productive citizen once again,” he said with gratitude.

Details: ETribune

Pakistani: Josephine

Lahore: Meet Josephine, a 34-year-old divorced mother of two. She runs an orphanage outside Lahore, where she gives shelter to children and has become a saviour to those bonded by labour.

“I visit brick kiln factories, where single parents and the elders of orphans make these little ones work to pay the debt they have taken,” says Josephine.

Her task is not an easy one, as she has to convince the guardians that they are better off with her. “I am currently pursuing a mother of five to give her children to me because her husband died and now she has to work day and night along with her children to pay his debt.” Brick kiln owners are the main hurdle and have threatened her. “They say if I can pay their loan, I can take the children, otherwise they will work till the loan is paid.”

In Pakistan, although illegal, slavery in brick kiln factories is common knowledge and it originates from a vicious circle of debt which sucks in labourers. Josephine has surveyed these factories for a year and has been able to convince almost 20 families to give their children to her.

She only helps the Christian minority currently because she feels they are more marginalised. “Most of the workers at these places are of Christian faith, and that is why I contact the local pastor of the area and take him along too, to get easy access.”

Trained to be a nun but not allowed by her parents to leave the country, Josephine now uses what she has learnt to mother the orphans. She has rented an upper portion of a house, 20 kilometers outside Lahore, for Rs5,000 per month, where she lives with her own two offspring plus another 10 boys and 7 girls.

“I do not have any funding source. I teach at a local private school, and with whatever money I get, I try to give these children their lives back.” Along with this, she receives help from her brothers and the school principal where she is employed, but things are still hard. “Thankfully the principal has acknowledged my efforts, and has waived off fee for these children.”

Surprisingly, ever since she started the orphanage, she has been asked by a number of parents to take their children away. “People are so poor in these villages that they want to get rid of the children even they are not in debt.” But she rejects them saying that she doesn’t want those who are orphans to feel different while living with such children who have parents.

The children in Josephine’s care were not allowed to go to school due to their slavery status, Now they have learnt how to read and write.

More Details:  Express Tribune