Multiple identities

The Shanaakht (Identity) Festival returned to Karachi on Monday. It is a three day festival organized by the Citizen's Archives of Pakistan. Each morning of the festival is reserved for visiting school children...

Cultural Activities Continue Despite Terrorism Threats

Karachi is not new to conflicts and violence but its people have forever proved to be quite resilient.  However, suicide bombings happening in some cities of Pakistan like Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore and also...

105 Killed In Bomb Blast In Peshawar

Sadly, I have been changing the numbers in this story's headline: The death toll in the deadly Peshawar blast has now risen to 105. Over 200 people are said to be wounded. There will perhaps be more casualties as...

Clinton, in Pakistan, Confronts Rising Hostility

Hillary Clinton arrived in Islamabad today. She promises 'a new page in relations' and several civilian investment deals. According to reports in the local media, in her interview she focussed mainly on a desire to...

A Colourful Installation for Raising Climate Change Awareness

A ‘Walk to Raise Awareness about Climate Change’ for the students of Karachi to celebrate the International Day of Climate Action had to be cancelled due to security concerns in the country. The Children’s...

Lost in translation

"My fourth visit to China in the last two years coincided with the celebrations on October 1, when China turned 60. A two-and-a-half-hour long, outdoor super-show was put up in Beijing. I watched this, together...

Pakistan and Its Art at Asia Society, NYC

"Hanging Fire", an important exhibition featuring 15 contemporary artists of Pakistan opens at Asia Society, which was founded more than fifty years ago in New York to promote understanding between Asia and the...

Exploring the Burqa as a Metaphor

"The obsession with burqa, face-veil, niqab, hijab, parda has very little to do with religious beliefs and everything to do with the patriarchal, tribal, feudal mindset and value system," says The Ajoka Theatre...

Once Again Lead Sickens 1300 Children in China

Children living near the manganese plant in Wugang have tested positive for high levels of lead in their blood. Lead,  a dangerous substance for the nervous and reproductive system, has been found to cause a...

Who will Save the Heritage Buildings in Shanghai?

I recently read this article about architect Ruan Yisan trying to save architectural heritage in China. Whenever I read something like this, either about someone trying to save an old building or demolishing of...

Dali Making Shanghai Surreal

Dali had once said that “the only difference between me and a mad man is that I am not mad.” Well, his exhibition in Shanghai showing 350 works surely created a mania in the city and I am excited to have had...

May Day being observed today in Pakistan

Today is World Labour Day and it is a public holiday in Pakistan. However, oblivious of May Day, there are labourers who will be working today from morning to dusk, including little children who have to earn their...

Dance drama enthrals audience

The World Dance Day was celebrated in Pakistan yesterday with performances in the major cities including a unique dance-drama called 'Song of Mohen jo Daro' in Karachi's arts council auditorium. With violence...

The Recently Concluded Art Dubai 2009

 Hectic ten days were spent in Dubai, with our contemporary art magazine from Pakistan, NuktaArt, as Art Dubai - the art fair's media partner. It was good to experience this well organised major international...

Theatre Activism

Thirty years ago a feminist theatre movement came into being in Pakistan. Based in Karachi, the Tehrik-e-Niswan has used dance, drama and daring for raising its voice against injustices, in particular against...