Pakistan in Pictures

Afro-Pakistanis

In Pakistan, locals of Black African descent are called "Makrani", "Sheedi" or "Habshi". They live primarily along the Makran Coast in Balochistan and lower Sindh. In the city of Karachi, the main Sheedi centre is the area of Lyari and other nearby coastal areas.

According to The African Diaspora in the Indian Ocean World, Pakistan has the largest African-descended population in South Asia, there are atleast 250,000 persons of East African descent that live on Pakistan’s southern coast.

The sufi saint Pir Mangho is regarded by many as the patron saint of the Sheedis, and the annual Sheedi Mela festival, is the key event in the Sheedi community's cultural calendar. Some glimpses of the rituals at Sidi/Sheedi Festival 2010 include visit to sacred alligators at Mangho pir, playing music and dance. Clearly, the instrument, songs and dance appear to be derived from Africa.

The Jamia Masjid Sheedi is a local landmark and is as old as the community itself.

Jhimpir Wind Power: Pakistan’s first wind farm gets global recognition.  It is expected to achieve a target of harnessing renewable energy sources to produce 400MW by the end of this year.

Hassan Sheheryar Yasin holds a preview for The World of HSY Prints 2012 in Lahore:

Sara and Fatima Fazli.PHOTO COURTESY LOTUS

British Council holds a fashion exhibit featuring British designers in Karachi:

Imaan, Sofia & Mishaal.PHOTO COURTESY PHENOMENA

Pakistan in Pictures

Baisakhi festival: Sikhs pray for world peace.

  A view of the Punja Sahib Gurdwara in Hassan Abdal. PHOTO: MYRA IQBAL

Indian Home Minister P Chidambaram (4-R), Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal (C), Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma (L), Pakistani Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim cut a ribbon during the inauguration of the Integrated Checkpost at the India-Pakistan border on Friday. shabbir sarwar

 

Baltit Fort or Balti Fort is an ancient fort in the Hunza valley in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. In former times survival of the feudal regimes of Hunza was ensured by the impressive Baltit fort, that sit on top of Karimabad. The foundations of the fort are said to date back around 700 years, but there have been rebuilds and alterations over the centuries. In the 16th century the Thum married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to renovate the building as part of her dowry. The architectural style is a clear indication of Tibetan influence in Baltistan at the time. All the above images, Paktrip 2006 were taken by Jilawtan (Zain).

Tribune 2nd anniversary: Meet the staff

("I think Tribune is one of the best liberal newspaper in Pakistan)

L'Oréal Paris launches a series of interactivemall animations in Karachi:

Aaminah Sheikh.PHOTO COURTESY LOTUS

Kamiar Rokni along with Bonanza launch their 2012 lawn collection in Lahore:

SabaWaseem PHOTO COURTESY BY CATALYSTPR

Pakistan in Pictures

The Buddhist monastic complex of Takht-i-Bahi (Throne of Origins) was founded in the early 1st century. Owing to its location on the crest of a high hill, about 80 km from Peshawar and 16 km from Mardan. It escaped successive invasions and is still exceptionally well preserved. Nearby are the ruins of Sahr-i-Bahlol, a small fortified city dating from the same period.

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Lahore

Dudiptsar is another beautiful lake encircled by snow clad peaks. The word "dudi" means white and "sar" means lake. This name has been given to the lake because of the white color of snow at surrounding peaks. In summer the water of lake reflects like a mirror.

Mingora in Swat valley

Members of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) light candles in front of parliament house to mark the sixth global Earth Hour, in Islamabad on March 31, 2012. – AFP

  ISLAMABAD: A woman admires Jafri’s work. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID

Artist Tehreem Jafri, who graduated from NCA, Rawalpindi campus in 2009, emerged on the capital’s art scene with her provocative and complex work. Heavy on dualism, her exhibition, “Magazine,” at Khaas Gallery seeks to negotiate the “self,” the personal “I,” with the violence of Pakistani society. Her work can, and should, be characterized as extremely relevant.
Ayesha Khurram launches her national tour from Ellemint Pret in Karachi:

Mathira. PHOTO COURTESY VOILA PR

British company Body Shop launches new fragrances range in Karachi:

Ayesha Omer.PHOTO COURTESY MONTAGE EVENT