Consistency Counts a lot

An Interview with Mr. Waqar Mehdi,Advisor to Chief Minister Information,Govt. of Sindh.

Interview by, Bushra Khalid

“Pakistan’s image is really changing in the eyes of the world, especially after the recent developments in the war against terror. The world can see that how the people of Pakistanis have sacrificed their lives in the war against terror in their country. They still have to face many difficulties and have to face many issues economically as well as socially but, they are fully cooperating against terrorism. I can understand the feelings of many people in the Northern areas. Pakistan is a Front Line State. Europe and other countries understand that Pakistan had to suffer a big loss in the war against terror”, Waqar Mehdi, Advisor to Chief Minister Information, Govt, of Sindh

Q. What is the role of the advisor to Chief Minister in this age of digital media?

It is the time of Modern Technology and Computers. You can say that now media is on a fast track system. Introduction of new and advanced technologies have brought a great revolution in the digital world. As an advisor to Chief Minister Information, I keep myself updated with all the news and updates. Besides other means, I also try to utilize the digital means to stay connected with media and people and to understand their problems. The main thing is whatever type of media it is, if a person is determined, hardworking, he can perform his duties in a best way by any means.

Q. What are the challenges that you face as an advisor to Chief Minister Sindh?

By the grace of Allah, I don’t really have to face any tough challenges as I have a better understanding and knowhow with people. My work is mostly related to media, so I have to keep myself updated with news and updates and I try my best to resolve the issues of the public by means of media. I also try to put forward a clear point of view of the Government at different circumstances.

Q. What are the responsibilities of the media in reporting and covering news and events?

Media should portray the real picture of the society. As you must have felt yourself that, many times some of the media channels deliver news which is not at all related to the reality. Some media channels should avoid spreading negative sensation among people. Media should be free and I agree with that but, some media channels and newspapers take negative advantage of this freedom. All have the right to point out negative points of the Government; all have the right to give suggestions. Government is always here to hear and correct its mistakes but, what some of the media channels do is to just create negative sensation and false impact. This is very wrong and hurting. Such actions have made people the victim of tension and worries.
Let’s take an example of a common working or businessman, I have noticed that many times some of the media channels deliver news with much negative exposure, the man who is necessarily out for his work is forced to leave his work by his relatives and asked to come back as soon. I am sorry to say that some of the media channels become too much exaggerative while delivering news. However, some channels and newspapers are giving a fair and true performance. There should be a fair and just media in the country.

Q. What is the Government’s role in the development of a fair and just media in the country?

Government is always ready to provide every kind of help to media. In the previous days, we were being told by the owners of the newspapers that GST is being applied. We took actions to withdraw it after they shared their issues with us. Government always gives full support and facilities to Media and Journalism. Government wants the freedom of media and Government has even cooperated with media during different circumstances. Media should use this freedom with justice and should play a fair character.

Q. How is Pakistan’s image changing in the eyes of the world after the recent developments in the war against terror?

Pakistan’s image is really changing in the eyes of the world, especially after the recent developments in the war against terror. The world can see that how the people of Pakistanis have sacrificed their lives in the war against terror in their country. They still have to face many difficulties and have to face many issues economically as well as socially but, they are fully cooperating against terrorism. I can understand the feelings of many people in the Northern areas. Pakistan is a Front Line State. Europe and other countries understand that Pakistan had to suffer a big loss in the war against terror.

Q. How do you assess the current law and order situation in the province? What measures in your opinion should be done by the government to control this situation?

The current law and order situation in the province has got better.Specially, we, with the help of police have taken control over the kidnappings on high way. Government is fighting hard against the target killings and crimes in the province. Government is taking strict security and other measures. Government always tries its level best to fight against terrorists and criminals. For that we also want the support of people. These people are in our boundary and only with people’s support and cooperation we can make the situation better.

Q. According to you, what steps should be taken to control the continuous target killings in Karachi?

Target killings can only be controlled with awareness and cooperation. Government is trying its level best; we want full support and cooperation of people in this regard.

Q. What tools do you apply to keep appropriate checks and balances on the media in the country?

Government can only request the certain owners of each media channels and newspapers to be fair in delivering news and information. We don’t really want to put checks, because then we are being blamed for being an obstacle for the freedom of media and journalism. Media shouldn’t just portray the negative image of the Government. Media should itself be fair in using the freedom of media.

Q. Being a busy person, how do you manage your daily routine?

I am a person with consistent nature. A person with consistent nature is always able to manage everything. I believe that if a person possesses the quality of determination then he can manage everything in life, no matter how busy he is. I read newspaper in the morning, and then I come to office bit late in morning as I stay back in office bit late at night. I prefer to spend at least an hour with my family after I come back home. In the evening, if I have to attend any social gathering, I attend that. I never mix my professional and political life with my family and private life.

Q. What message would you like to give our readers?

I want to give this message that if this society will be educated then there will be lesser problems and lesser crimes. Everyone should give priority to education. Parents should concentrate on their children’s education as education plays a main role in defending a child from the negative effects of the society. People should learn to be patient to bring peace in the city. One should follow the right media and should cooperate in fulfilling the dream which Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto have seen for Pakistan.

Gold Jewellery, the beat of every heart

Gold jewellery of Pakistan is famous for its wide variety of styles, designs and neat hand work. Gold has always held a magical fascination. Gold jewellery has always been a unique item among Pakistani women on any celebration or occasion. It holds a great role in bridal getup. It has always been the sign of love and prestige.
As far as the subcontinent is concerned, the jewellery dates back to 3000-4000 BC. Excavations were processed in the towns of Ancient Indus Valley Civilization. These excavations revealed that the goldsmiths of such a primal age knew the art of making moulds for metal and terra-cotta ornaments. They made various jewels like necklaces, bangles, earrings, rings, brooches, head ornaments, bracelets, girdles etc. However, the Aryans were fond of gold ornaments, and the Yajurveda testified that gold had magical powers.
Women of the Indian sub-continent have always been observed as the biggest buyers of Gold jewelleries. From time to time and with the settlement of Pakistanis abroad, the export of Gold jewellery has also gone up considerably. Besides that, entries of Pakistani exporters in some of the developed markets has also supported and promoted the local jewelers to introduce their branded jewellery. Pakistan is among the top consumers of gold. Although its price range has become very high these days but, its demand is always high. Those who can still afford it leave no chance in buying the best of Gold jewelleries. Most of the women like to wear Gold jewelleries, depending on the nature of their work and life-style.
The styles of gold jewelleries vary to a greater extent in Pakistan. The styles which are usually displayed in different kinds of portfolios are for both casual and formal wear. Some of these styles are observed to be blended with western styles to create elegant combination of gold and stones for bridal jewelry and casual wear. According to a designer, stones and gems of various colors are embedded in yellow gold or white gold to produce jewellery. This is done in order to match clothes of different colors. These stones can be garnets, topaz, and blue sapphire. This has ultimately given a wide choice to brides for selecting color of their wedding dress and giving rise to new trends.

In Pakistan bulk of the jewellery is produced manually using the expertise of skilled workers. Many of these workers are also engaged with popular brands that create ideas regarding the designs of Gold sets and individual items.
Ar-Raheem jewelers has been able to create a popular identity in the world of Gold jewellery in Pakistan. It is the leading and an incomparable producer of branded jewellery in Pakistan. It was established in 1986 with and experience of about five decades. Because of a better understanding of customers’ taste, skills of the craftsmen as well as commitment to exclusivity, Ar-Raheem jewelers has been able to earn its reputation in just few years.
After getting the significant response from Pakistan, they have increased their business in a successful way. They have customers on both national as well as international level. Ar-Raheem jewelers have always received a good and a satisfactory response from the customers. According to Syed Amir Ali, to get the best result one should understand the personality and taste of the customer.
According to a customer of Ar-Raheem jewelers, besides silver jewellery, the designers of Ar-Raheem jewelers understand that gold jewellery sets of wedding are the most significant identity of jewelleries a customer can ever own. Thus their sets are full of creativity and sophistication.
Jewelers have a very strong belief that the gold jewellery export from Pakistan can be increased in various ways. They believe that the gold and other jewellery sector keeps the potential to earn even higher export. It all depends on the financial situation and policy of the Government.
The Bureau is following a multilane policy. This includes suggestions and recommendations to the government to make essential changes in the policies of the Government. The Bureau is persuading cluster development philosophy in an active manner .Besides that, efforts are being made to make sure that a greater contribution of local jewellery manufacturers in international jeweler exhibitions.

If marriage is a dream, jewellery adds existence and reality to this fantasy. Precious stones, gems and set in gold, add a shine to the bride's personality. No wedding ceremony in Pakistan is complete without gold jewelleries. It has become a traditional for a typical bride to wear at least one set of gold. Gold jewellery in any fashion is always a source of magnetism for Pakistani women combining idealism and style.
Gold jewellery is all about feelings and desire, which captures the sensuality as well as essence of the woman. Sense of movement and flow in design and craftsmanship is in these days. With jeweler outlets displaying the most modern and stunning wedding sets, gold jewellery is capturing everyone’s heart with full beat. One can also observe the presence of sets in stylish and striking boxes, making the designer gold jewellery as the perfect gift.

Interview: BOMBAYWALA

FABRIC FULL OF LIFE

No matter how old you get, if you can keep the desire to be creative, you're keeping the man-child alive. John Cassavetes.

Creativity with Quality is always the most wanted element in the world of fabric. Keeping this characteristic alive proves the vision and dedication of the business. Bombaywala is one such business. Founded in 1947, by the forefathers of Mr.Shahzad, Bombaywala is the pioneer of Block Printers and Dyers in the world of Block Printed Fabric in Pakistan. It has been running the business successfully from the last 60 years, satisfying the needs and desires of the customers in an outstanding way. Jewel Time enjoyed the great company of Mr.Shahzad who’s looking after the business of his forefathers in a responsible and a flourishing way.

Q.Share something about your professional background.

I have done my MBA in business management. After completing my MBA, I decided to move towards my family business. The proper business got started from the outlet in Defence in the year 2003.The first exhibition was held in Lahore in 2010.Then we had our exhibition in Islamabad and then in Dubai. I have learned about block printing and dying from my father and forefathers. It has been our family business so I have always been having good knowledge of block printing and dying. I have properly been in the line of formal line dresses from the last two years.

Q.Bombaywala keeps a long lasting history. Tell us about the history of Bombaywala.

Yes, Bombaywala does keep a long lasting history. It’s in the industry from the last 60 years as it was started in 1947.We are the pioneers of block printing and dying.Initially,this business used to run on small scale, started by my forefathers. Then the business started to grow successfully after getting a tremendous response. People liked this idea as this idea was first brought by my forefathers in Pakistan. In the year 1980, our block printing suit started to reach towards a greater level and from then, we have been getting a good response every other day.

Q.Bombaywala was found in 1947, which was the time of Independence. Did Bombaywala face any initial difficulties? What was the criterion of business at that time?

1947 was the time of the independence of Pakistan so the overall social and economic difficulties ultimately created many obstacles for the business. As that was the initial stage so they had to suffer a lot of problems but, by the hard work and dedication, my forefathers managed this all and kept on with their business in a successful way.

Q.What is the history of block printing and dying?

According to the records, as far back as the 12th century, some centers in the south, on the western and eastern coasts of India became well known for their outstanding printed cotton. On the southeastern coast the brush or kalam (pen) was used. Printing and dyeing of cottons was specially developed in Rajasthan, in the medieval age. Besides that, the use of wooden blocks for printing was more common in Gujarat.Tents were created from printed fabrics. They became a necessary part of royal processions. Trade in cotton cloth is said to have existed between India and Babylon from Buddha's time. Cheaper printed cloth came from Ahmadabad and other centers, and strangely enough Sanganer was not such a famous center for printing as it is today.

Q.How many outlets do you have? What are your futures plans regarding your outlets?

We had our first outlet in Burns road, that is basically the production and the factory outlet. Besides that, we have one outlet in Defence.We have plans to expand our business and initiate outlets in other regions of Pakistan and abroad as well.

Q.Is Bombaywala running its business on International basis as well?

We have recently held exhibition in Dubai, which was very helpful for the business. We have plans to hold more exhibitions on international basis. Besides that, we have clients from US and other parts of the world as well.

Q.How will you differentiate and compare block printed fabric with other fabric?

One of the basic differences is variety. Block printed fabric have more variety as compared to other fabrics. We have blocks of many different designs and these blocks can be used at a time for one print.

Q.What kind of material and chemicals do you use for block printing and dying?

We try to use more durable and fast chemicals. As for fabric, we prefer the good quality fabric. Basically; we buy our fabric from Faisalabad. We manufacture our own fabric as well. Above all, we use the process of Discharge printing, in a unique way, through block printing.

Q.How would you explain creativity?

Creativity is the art of using colors and design in a unique way. Whatever you do, do it in a unique and attractive way.

Q.In order to produce the product of better quality, what kind of compromises do you have to face?

As compared to other designers, our prices are very reasonable. Our main goal is also to be reachable to the customer, that’s why our prices are not very high.

Q.Bombaywala is observed to have a high belief in creativity? How do you do that?

I believe in broader thoughts. I feel that one has to think broader. Broader thoughts let you think of the broader ideas.

Q.What is your observation towards the fashion world of Pakistan today?

Fashion world of Pakistan is at a good stage. Our fashion world is full of creative and talented people.

Q.What is your message to the readers and the new entrepreneurs?

Whatever Bombaywala is and whatever Bombaywala do and did, it’s all because of your support. Always remember, your business will run in a better way if you will have a family support. As for the entrepreneurs, I would say that be encouraged in coming to this field. It’s a very creative and challenging field. Try to educate and groom yourself in as best way as possible, before coming to this field.

Interview: Ali Safina

He Loves to Move On!

He attracts his fans with his vivacious, pleasant and a friendly personality. With his captivating performance in Radio and Television, he has become a true heartthrob in the media industry of Pakistan. Enjoying Coffee with Ali Safina was an interesting experience. He is an easy person to get along with, who possesses a great sense of humor. A popular RJ, VJ, DJ, a great actor and a musician, Ali Safina has proved to be a versatile celebrity.

Q.Ali Safina is one of the most popular celebrities now, how did it all get started?

It’s been five years since I am in Karachi. Before that I was in Glasgow. I was born in Multan and then my family moved to Oman. I had been a DJ in Glasgow. I always had a great interest in Music. As for acting, I never realized that I have an acting talent as well. It just came out with the time and experience.
Radio had been something which I always wanted to do. Radio taught me how to speak. Radio had always been my passion. My first show on radio was ‘Desi Club’, in the year 2007.It was a very different kind of show and everyone appreciated me a lot. I used to play hip hop urban songs with a Punjabi touch. I used to produce a remix version of songs with a Punjabi touch which listeners used to enjoy a lot. I had a great time presenting my shows on FM 89 and FM 96.In 2008 I got a chance of being aVJ on MTV.The role of ‘Taaka’ in ‘Taakay Ki Ayegy Baraat’ gave me a lot of fame in Television. I got nominated in the category of ‘Best RJ’ in Pakistan Media Awards, which was an honor for me.
I was having a good time with my Radio and Music programs on TV until I discovered my acting talent. I also enjoy acting a lot now.

Q.What type of show did you use to do in Glasgow?

In Glasgow, I was the DJ in Awaz FM 107.2, the only Asian radio station there at that time. This show could be heard in UK, Canada, US and Pakistan. I used to play regional music on my show. Besides that, I used to play underground music from Pakistan in my show, which seemed to be very different and interesting for my listeners.

Q.What made you move from Glasgow to Karachi?

I wanted to do something on my own and achieve my goals.Whatever, I had in Glasgow, that was great but, I was not satisfied as it was not being achieved by me. I wanted to progress and fulfill my desires and interests. I wanted to achieve my visions and do the work which satisfies me. I wanted to do things at my own responsibility. I discovered my path after joining Radio in Karachi.
I got the chance to be on MTV after auditions and that made me happy as I was on my way to achieve my goals without source.

Q.You have got a great fame as a RJ, DJ, VJ and Actor. Which job will you consider as your favorite one?

I think all of them.Basically, Radio had always been my passion and I have learned a lot from Radio but, each field keeps its very own importance.

Q.With whom did you enjoy working the most up till now?

I had a good time with almost all of my Co-Workers. I guess I am good at judging one’s attitude and I know how to deal with each personality.

Q.What do you think are the key points behind a good acting?

Acting is a very creative field. Good acting needs a lot of hard work and determination. While one is acting he/she has to forget whoever he/she is. Acting is to cover your personality with the role you are given, and then only an actor would be able to give a good result.

Q.What’s your opinion about the entertainment industry of Pakistan?

Our entertainment industry is moving towards a good direction. Like other industries, it does need improvements but it is doing a good job. We have got a lot of talent. I think it will be better if our media industry promotes our own talent and people more instead of outsiders.

Q.Do you think it’s good to have a good education before being a part of the media industry?

Of course it is. One can’t achieve his vision without a proper education. Education builds up your personality. If you are educated and a hard worker then nothing can stop you from achieving your goals.

Q.Any plans to get married?

Why not, I think everyone should get married one day.InshaAllah I will also get married; I am just waiting for the right time.

Q.What are your plans for future?

I am looking forward for many things, these days I am busy in shootings of a drama and have just got over with some projects. However, as a musician, I believe that there is still a lot to learn.

Q.How does it feel like to be a popular RJ, with a large number of fans?

It feels great of course. As Radio has always been my passion so I feel good about my place in this field. I have learnt a lot from Radio. I love my fans and I love talking to them.

Q.What message would you like to give to the Youth of Pakistan?

(Smiling) I guess I am no one to give message to the Youth of Pakistan.Still; I would like to say that this time is one of the best times. One shouldn’t waste this phase and should try to get the best from this period. Whatever you will achieve in this period, will be helpful for you in future.

Thriving Human Trade

South Asia has emerged as a leading region for sex trafficking. As the trend increases, dedicated efforts are required to eradicate this heinous practice. Human trafficking is the world’s third largest illicit profit-making industry and South Asia remains the second largest region that harbors this practice. A study conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health showed an estimated 150,000 girls and women were trafficked each year across the region. Human trafficking refers to forceful transportation, recruitment or harboring of persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation. On most occasions, these trafficked victims are used for forced labor, organ removal, marriage or adoption.

Internal displacement due to conflict, poverty or lack of employment opportunities allows the vulnerable to be trafficked, thereby making cross-border trafficking commonplace in South Asia. Bangladesh, poverty stricken and overpopulated, provides a ready ground for traffickers in rural areas. In Nepal, statistics reveal that on average 12,000 Nepali women and minors are trafficked every year for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Most of these women are infected with HIV/AIDS and also tuberculosis.

On the other hand, most of India’s sex trafficking is internal; with states like Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, West Bengal and the Northeast leading the trend. Speaking at a South Asia Regional Conference in 2007, Renuka Chowdhury, Minister for Labor and Employment stated, “Trafficking in human beings, especially women and children, is a heinous crime that violates all tenets of human rights and dignity.” Nearly three million sex workers exist in India where 40 per cent of them are children. A study by the Harvard School of Public Health, also released in 2007, shows that women sex-trafficked from Nepal to India were nearly 40 percent HIV-positive. The figure rose beyond 60 percent among younger girls who were sex trafficked prior to the age of 15.

According to UNODC7, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan are ranked at the top in the countries that traffic women and children, making commercial sexual exploitation common in the region.
Existing legislation against human trafficking within South Asia has also been insufficient due to limited awareness. Although the will to speak out against trafficking has increased immensely in the past five years, the movement remains at negligible levels. According to a recent survey by the National Human Rights Commission, in India only 7 percent of the police personnel have received any kind of training until now. The number of registered cases and the percentage of traffickers’ convictions are low. The victims are often ‘re-victimized’ when they are brought in contact with the law and are arrested on charges of soliciting.

On a positive note, South Asia has proven that with modest amounts of funding, focused advocacy targeting law enforcement and the political establishment, remarkable changes can take place. In 2007, New Delhi witnessed a series of brainstorming discussions that deemed sex trafficking a severe crime that must be treated with a holistic approach by the national governments as well as international agencies. Furthermore, local activists, the media and, most importantly, the youth were identified as the leading agents of greater awareness against the crime of sex trafficking in not only their respective countries, but in the region at large.

South Asian borders: Home to sex trafficking

Trafficking in persons can be explained as the transport, recruitment, transfer, or harboring of persons by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of fraud, for the purpose of exploitation. Trafficking is primarily known to be done for sexual exploitation. Many times trafficked victims are used for forced labor, organ removal and marriage or adoption.
Human trafficking is the world’s third largest illicit profit-making industry where South Asia has emerged as the home to the second largest numbers of internationally trafficked persons. India is among the favored destinations in South Asia.
At the times of hardship, this mostly starts out as an illegal migration which ends up as trafficking. Internal displacement because of conflict in some of these countries, poverty and lack of employment opportunities allow the vulnerabilities to be trafficked.
Mostly, Porous borders with poorer Bangladesh and Nepal intensify the problem of cross-border trafficking. Bangladesh is observed to be a source country for women and children. This proves that traffickers target is mostly in the poverty stricken rural areas.
On the other hand, Nepal is known as a source country in the region where fair looking Nepali young women have to become the primary victims of the trafficking. Besides that, it has been observed that the new trend emerges with attraction for boys too. An unconfirmed statistics has revealed that in average 12,000 Nepali women and minors are trafficked every year for the purpose of sexual exploitation in outer countries. As a result, most of the trafficked women from Nepal were found to be infected with HIV/AIDS and also tuberculosis.
India with over a billion populations has also been observed as a state of transit country for trafficking in persons. According to an estimated research, 90 per cent of India’s sex trafficking is internal; where States like Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, West Bengal and the Northeast put in their shares. But often, women and children, trafficked from neighboring countries, are sent to the Middle East, Gulf countries and even to the Europe. On the other hand, Pakistan as well as Sri Lanka has also lately joined in the circuit.



According to Ms.Renuka Chowdhury, the Indian Women and Child Development minister, trafficking in human beings, especially women and children, is a dreadful crime that violates all tenets of human rights and dignity. On her address to the Conference, Ms Chowdhury informed that there were nearly three million sex workers in India where 40 per cent of them are children. Statistics has disclosed that children below the age of 10 years are also found in the Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
According to the studies, Nepali women who have been trafficked into the sex trade in India were found to be nearly 40 percent HIV-positive. The situation was found to be even worse among younger girls, with the figure rising beyond 60 percent among those who were trafficked before 15 years of age.
South Asia is one of those worst areas which are affected with AIDS. It includes areas with some 2.5 million people infected with HIV/AIDS in India alone. A report estimated that some 150,000 girls and women are trafficked each year across the region.
United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human trafficking South Asia include countries which serve as high origin, transit and destination countries for women, children and men being trafficked.
According to UNODC7, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan are ranked top in the countries of high origin. India and Pakistan are also ranked as countries with high destinations. Many of the countries in this region are trafficking in women and children. It is a matter of great concern throughout the world. In South Asia, trafficking through Cross-Borders, sourcing, transit to destination has really become a big problem. The movement of persons within the countries for exploitation in various forms is very common. However; there are no definite figures about the actual number of victims. Trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation is one of the most dangerous forms in South Asia.

The response against the crime of human trafficking by the countries of South Asia has been insufficient. There is a limited awareness. Although knowledge and the enthusiasm to speak out against trafficking have increased appreciably in the past half decade, it is still only at negligible levels. Besides the lack in awareness, existing legislation of anti-trafficking in most countries is inadequate. The law enforcement response is also weak and irresponsive.

According to a recent survey by the National Human Rights Commission, in India, it is stated that only 7 percent of the police personnel have received any kind of training until now. The number of registered cases and the percentage of traffickers’ convictions are low. The victims are often ‘re-victimized’ when they are brought in contact with the law as they are arrested on charges of soliciting. This shows that the victims need a better shelter facilities for their safety and there is an immense need of proper steps to be taken against this evil crime of sex trafficking.
At a positive side, South Asia has proved that with modest amounts of funding, focused advocacy targeting law enforcement and the political establishment, remarkable changes can occur in the response of “governance structures” for bringing improvements in the situation.
The United Nations entity has always focussed on the criminal justice element of such crimes, the work that UNODC does to fight against human trafficking is underpinned by the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols on trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling.On the 15th of July 2011, in‘India’s Journey of hope’, UNODC showcased inspiring initiatives to take strong actions against human trafficking. Similarly on the 26th of August 2011, The UNODC Human Trafficking First Aid Kit for Law Enforcement Agencies was introduced to support front-line officers who might come into contact with cases of human trafficking.
Trafficking in human beings is a severe crime that must be treated with holistic approach by the national governments as well as international agencies. There is a great need of awareness and the activities of the local activists including media. Education, awareness and the role of youth must be recognized as the changing agents who can take active steps against the crime of sex trafficking in their region and especially in all of South Asia.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2011

Jewel Time comes across the festivities of Eid-ul-Fitar 2011

Whether it was in happiness, sadness, joy or sorrow, Eid-ul-Fitr was being celebrated around the country, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Observers of Islam around the country started marking the holiday by gathering inside mosques for prayers.
Pakistan celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr after Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee announced on Tuesday, 30th September that the moon of Shawwal had been sighted. In the meantime, Eid was being celebrated on the same day in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and all tribal agencies and Frontier Regions.
Eid-ul-Fitr celebrates the purification gained during Ramadan which is a month of fasting from sunrise-to-sunset, one of the five pillars of Islam. Eid is the first day of Shawwal and a major holiday. As the most significant Islamic events depend on lunar sighting, the timings of festivals can vary in different countries. Many Muslims offer communal prayers, listen to a khutba (sermon) and give zakat ul-fitr (charity in the form of food) during Eid ul-Fitr.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also greeted the nation on the occasion of Eid, and advised to promote care, tolerance, patience and brotherhood. They said that these principles were needed to create a society according to the principles of Islam.
Soon after the declaration that the Shawwal moon had been sighted on Tuesday night, a wave of happiness surged through the people all-over Pakistan. Many people rushed into the markets and Eid bazaars for shopping and women couldn’t wait to go to the beauty parlors and shops, buying bangles and mehndi and come back home as soon, to prepare delicious food and sweets for the next day. People remained busy in shopping in the markets till late night. The bazaars had been occupied for the last many days and festivities reached their peak on the Eid day, with scores of families turning out in great numbers for shopping. Many people also flocked to Race Course Park and Bagh-e-Jinnah and other picnic points in the city.
For those who go to sleep early, the night was longer than the usual days, dreaming of the joys of the next day; to put on their new clothes and shoes, then to approach their elders and wish them a happy Eid while impatiently eager to get their gifts and “Eidi”.
Specific security measures were also adopted on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Policemen were on duty outside bazaars, shopping centers and sensitive public and private buildings. Strict security measures were also taken outside the Eidgahs.
Big Eid congregations were held across Pakistan. It was good to see the special arrangements that were made to offer Eid prayers throughout the country. On this special event, special prayers were offered for peace, development and prosperity of the country, unity of the Ummah, solution of their problems and liberation of Muslim territories.

The culture of cinemas has also grown immensely in the past few years. People from all walks of life go to cinemas to watch Hollywood, Bollywood and Lollywood movies, especially those in the hit list. It has become a great interest for the audience to visit different parts of the world virtually, that lets them experience other cultures and activities of the life of people living in different countries across the world. One of the reasons for the charm of cinema is that it entertains all types of people, young and old, literate and illiterate. It is a place where one can go to with his/her family or friends or even alone.
The cinema attracts a huge number of people on a daily basis. Keeping in mind the current situation of the country, people want to go out and watch movies to ease their minds and lift up their hopes and spirits. Cinemas have actually become so popular in Pakistan now that some of the cinemas remain open for the late hours, having their last show starting at around 12 am. Just like every year, this year Eid came with all its festivities and pleasure. Cinemas were full of audiences from all walks of life.
Eid has its very own importance and passion. Muslims celebrate to thank Allah for giving them the patience to complete the month of fasting successfully. Besides one’s own happiness and joy, one should always remember their poor Muslim fellows and share their Eid with them.