Line of control!

Will the people accept segregation by force? It's time the province of NWFP let its people decide their fate and way of living. You! takes a look...

  By Raza Khan

With the world moving towards globalisation and technology, there are still many pockets where time has stood still. These pockets are cocooned within their own cultural and archaic customs, and the outside world doesn't make any difference to the way things are here. The world is trying to eliminate the curse of gender discrimination which is a part of the culture for some areas and not even an issue. They don't deem gender discrimination to be contrary to human rights, as women don't have a special place in the social spectrum; they are merely possessions of their male relatives.

In places like the NWFP where the society is trapped in the clutches of extremism because of the increased influence of Talibanisation and the strong hold of religious alliance in the province, a policy of forced segregation has been adopted and fiercely implemented - at least by the extremist groups. Lately, two important incidents have resurrected the issue of forced segregation in the region. In the first incident a co-education school was bombed in the posh Hayatabad locality of Peshawar. While in the second incident some letters were distributed by a group, Tanzim-e-Taliban in Charsadda district asking traders association to stop women from shopping in the city's bazaars. These letters warned that if the orders were not followed, there would be suicide attacks on women and shops.

These incidents clearly give the message that co-existence between the sexes, let alone co-education at all levels, are completely intolerable and must be ceased completely, or else more attacks can be expected. This also means that women are not safe while venturing outdoors. This is an unambiguous threat to the female population of this province, but the ruling government has not taken any measures to curb such extremism, or provided safety to women.

It is obvious that the society is being divided along gender lines banishing women from the mainstream activities. Bushra Gohar, a women rights activist, told You! that the most disturbing aspect is the involvement of the state institutions in the enforcement of forced segregation in the Frontier. "In traditional Pakhtoon society there has never been such kind of gender segregation as the extremist groups are now enforcing. If this practice continues, it will further push us backwards," she warned. Earlier, the Taliban issued threats to the parents of girls studying in Gomal University asking them to stop their daughters from studying with boys. A number of girls' schools have already been bombed in different parts of the NWFP and FATA along with threats hurled at many others to either close down the institutions or 'fully veil' the girl students. A lot of parents have stopped sending their daughters to educational institutions, while some girls have started wearing veils against their will, making such pressure tactics of the Taliban successful.

Shaheen Qureshi, Chairperson of the NGO Blue Veins said, "The situation is very distressing as it has raised insecurity among women. We can't really blame the parents for giving in to the threats, as no one would like their daughter to bring an intolerable social stigma by being kidnapped or maimed."

The Frontier has succumbed to the segregation of sexes in the society without too much retaliation. Samina, who teaches philosophy at the University of Peshawar and at the same time is working on her PhD on gender trends among Pakhtoons said, "Pakhtoon society is an extremely patriarchal society. Even at the university level I have experienced that interaction with students, teachers and colleagues at every level is difficult. In fact, the acceptance of workingwomen in the Frontier still seems like a luxurious dream."

Talking about the impact of segregation, she said that it directly hurts the interest of women in the Pakhtoon society. In the NWFP, there are hardly any women in administrative posts or in the decision-making body of political groups. Therefore, the formulated agendas or policies have few women friendly objectives." However, she is optimistic about the future. "The attitudes of women are changing with time. They have started to use their energies in constructive channels and are giving meaning to their existence. They are breaking out of their shells and are trying to shed their stereotypical roles. The problem comes from the male section of the society; they don't want to change their perceptions about women."

With the onset of extreme religious views and groups getting a hold in the Frontier's society the institutionalised efforts for gender segregation have exacerbated by labelling the social mingling of sexes as 'un-Islamic'. It is the responsibility of the ulemas to guide the society regarding segregation, and establishing whether it is un-Islamic or not, but in the light of changing societal realities.  Indubitably, the interacting sexes do violate the societal norms of purdah. Nevertheless, the choice and decision regarding purdah should be with the women and should not be imposed upon them. Shouldn't the moral brigade allow the people to decide about their moralities? It should be understood that no women who has opted to go out of her house to study or work will allow herself or her honour to be compromised. She is aware that she is insecure once she has left the safety of her home, and is more alert to the 'evils' around her. Keeping this in mind they would adopt such a manner and level of purdah and modesty that is appropriate. The level and kind of purdah she observes depends upon her social, family and economic background. The peculiarity of the Frontier or the Pakhtoon society has been that segregation in many cases may not be desired by the immediate family members who are more cognisant of the needs and requirements of their womenfolk, but by distant relatives and co-tribesmen - especially in FATA - and community members.

Although the MMA government has generally not tried to implement gender segregation, it didn't take any steps to prevent extremist groups and community forcibly banning women to interact with males in society. For instance, no action was taken in Upper Dir district against those people who terrorised the women population and imposed a complete ban on women coming out of their homes. A number of women were killed after some jirgas ostracised women in the name of honour. A local women rights activist Zubaida Begum was murdered and there has been no follow up of the crime, despite the fact that the culprits are well known.

The MMA, in its quest to enforce gender-segregation established a dysfunctional women university on October 6, 2004 through an act of the provincial assembly. The original plan was that gradually all women from the University of Peshawar would be relocated to the so-called non-existent Women University. However, the plan failed badly as it could not attract girls to enrol in a separate university or lure them away from the University of Peshawar. Then a separate women campus of Khyber Medical College (KMC) was established on makeshift premises far away from the university campus. Surprisingly, in this case girls from the main campus resisted forced shifting to the so-called women campus. But girls reluctant to go to the women campus of KMC were shifted on the pretext that those who were lower in order of merit had no option but to join the female campus.

Forced segregation is a curse and will lead to many problems for the women in the Frontier if the trend is not checked forthwith by the federal and provincial authorities.

Pushed towards the aisle

The most important civil contract - marriage - can't be forced on people. Irrespective of the fact that the prospective groom is your cousin, it's against the law as well as religion...

  By Amir Hamza Bangash

"Oh, I am eaten up by my own traditions! I just refused to marry my cousin and for the past 16 years no one is ready to marry me as I went against the custom. Since then my life has become a torture for me," cries thirty-two year old Saima, who was being forced to marry her cousin.

The idea is not to label traditions as detrimental and old but to modify them with time. Every culture has positive as well as negative aspects, but following the cliches and ancestral ways of living without understanding their consequences is not so appropriate too.

Pakhtoon culture is around 5,000 years old and we cannot only dwell on the negative aspects, since one can't deny that it has bright sides to it as well. For instance, the hospitality they extend to their guests is commendable. On the other hand they have their tradition of swara, in which they give away girl(s) from their tribe or family, to settle a feud.

Inter-cousin marriages in Pakhtoon culture allow the male cousin to select any of his female cousins for marriage. In case he is rejected, which is seldom, he is authorised to destroy or damage her house to show that she was selected and no one else should ask for her hand in marriage.

According to a famous pashto saying, "Female cousins are the cows of male cousins. Now it's their own will to tie straps around the bride's neck and bring her to their own places or to give them to someone else". This amply reveals that females have no say in the decisions of tying their knot in the Pakhtoon culture.

Khalil-ur-Rehman, an elder of Thall near district Hangu, terms forced cousin marriages as the 'truth of Pakhtoon culture'. He justifies the practice by saying that girls are usually shy and can't express their agreement in these matters so parents don't ask for their consent. Such relations further strengthen the blood relations and families come closer. He is a stern follower of this custom and puts it in these words, "This culture was born with them (Pakhtoons) and will fade away with them". But it is strange that such elders are oblivious of the fact that Islam does not allow or recognise nikahs in which the verbal consent of the girl is not audible.

In case of refusal from the girl's family, such issues are brought to the jirga where both parties are stressed to show flexibility on their stance. The failure of the jirga to reach an agreement results in family feuds and unending enmity between the two parties that may prolong to ruin the fate of many following generations.

Then there are some cases where marriages are fixed at birth. One example is 23 year old Rania Shah who reveals, "Our parents exchanged engagement rings when I was just one year old. He (her fiance) has acquired education till the secondary level while I am completing my masters."

A renowned female human right activist asserts, "We don't have any accurate data, as the number of registered cases is very less. In our society females don't dare to protest due to the threats that are attached to their lives from the family."

To counter the problem, she suggests that 'multiple justice system' must be abolished. Jirga should be confined to settle down minor disputes and all the main issues, which involve human life and honour must be brought to the courts for judgment.

She hopes that the government establishes an independent judiciary so that the girls/women are able to come forward and register their FIRs to seek justice. Till date, there is no such system operative in the country.

Education and literacy can't be really blamed for this practice. Zara belongs to a well-educated family and has a master's degree in economics. Her mother wants her to marry her sister's son who just has an intermediate degree. Zara was against this marriage and tried everything from hunger strikes to raucous behaviour at home, but all went in vain. Her father is a heart patient and she didn't want to hurt him by her actions. Finally, she surrendered to her mother's wishes and accepted the proposal.

Even today, girls keep their family's honour above their wishes. But is that lawfully correct? While throwing light on the legal version of the issue, former general secretary of Peshawar High Court Bar Association (PHCBA), Advocate Mohammad Amin Khattak affirms, "Forced cousin marriages are illegal according to Islamic laws and as well as the laws of the land."

Force is forbidden in every law and religion which makes cousin marriages no exception. Thus, the use of force makes the marriage unlawful. He further termed the marriage as a civil contract between a male and female, depending on three essential pillars that is offer, acceptance and consideration. This means that both the parties are equally allowed to accept or reject a proposal of marriage.

Discussing the causes of forced cousin marriages he claims, "Such marriages are occurring in our society as the majority of males want to marry off their own sisters in the family to protect property transference and to accumulate wealth or bank account."

Bright & Beautiful!

You! went on a shopping spree and discovered what the summer 2007 has in store for all...

By Maria Shirazi
Photography By
Zahid Rehman

S ummer is here, so, let's lift our spirits by revamping our wardrobes. It is that time of the year when all the shopaholics notoriously wait to go for shopping and check out the whole new range of the cool, colourful and trendy summer collection. You can add a touch of brilliance to your wardrobe with the fun, funky yet elegant stuff or simply put emphasis on colours. You! went on a shopping spree at Park Towers, Karachi and discovered that the summer fashion trends this year are pointing towards accessories and clothing that are feminine and full of colour, style and patterns...

Contrary to every fashion forecast for summer trends, there is always room for a little hippy chic and it is well received by all. If you thought that funky accessories were so last season, it is time to take a sigh of relief and make room for all those candy sweet, fancy put-ons. This summer thick wooden and metal bracelets with chunky stones are all the rage. You can see a wide variety of necklaces and bracelets made with different shapes and sizes of colourful beads. Adorn your arms with various bracelets, put on a necklace and you are all ready to groove. You can find these trendy and cool accessories at Sentiments.

The razzle dazzle chandelier earrings are perfect for daytime and luxurious at night. We believe the chandelier is here to stay as they are eye-catching, elegant and always in style. This summer these shimmery earrings are set to create waves. These chic chandelier earrings will add a dash of sophisticated glamour to the simplest of outfits. You can change your overall look by these beautiful earrings. Wear them with your western outfits or with your cool, lawn summer prints for a hip and edgy look.

We all know that fashion is flavourless without make-up. And in summer everybody wants to have that natural glow on their faces. This season all shades of pink and neutral hues take over. You can go from either really high pop pink to pastel pinks this summer.

For a soft summery look, try to avoid heavy foundations, instead opt for a moisturiser. Remember eyes are the focus; so don't forget mascara and kajal after applying your eye shadow. Highlight your cheekbones with a soft, pretty pink blush for that rosy, healthy glow. Keep your make-up balanced gals, or else you'll look overdone in the hot weather. Natural shades and light pink glossy lipsticks and lip-glosses are totally the 'in' thing this summer.

In summers you look for a comfy, cool slip-on which is beautiful and long-lasting. From funky and colourful to tastefully subtle, there is a flip flop for nearly everyone. One can find a variety of flip-flops this summer with florals and embellishments of stones and beads, which looks pretty yet elegant. Now going for these is a trend indeed but keep them for day wear and take out your heels at night to feel classy and sophisticated. Check out the new collection at English Boot House.

It is time to capture that definitive look of all-out luxury with your sunglasses this summer. This season the hottest sunglasses exude a luxury that is either serene and understated or wonderfully opulent. Deep brown and black shades with colourful frames have hit the market. So, make sure that you get a pair that match and enhance your individual style. You can check out the thick framed sunglasses at English Boot House and put yourself in shades so cool you wont want to take them off.

Like every season, the emphasis is on perfumes again. And this summer the new summery fragrances are stealing the hearts of many. Burberry - Summer has gotten the scoop on the best of the new ones. Escada - Sunset Heat has become the hottest pick. The prices might put a dent in your pocket but they are the knockout fragrances that you would want to have. Givenchy - Very irresistible is also one perfume that many will want on their shelves this season and beyond.

And who can forget our precious bags. This season bigger is definitely better! Purses are oversized and versatile. The summer brings really eye-catching bags with distinctive patterns and in metallic shades of bronze, golden and silver. Fun and vibrancy is the order of this season - isn't that what you want? Bags with shimmery sequences and beadwork are also in vogue and haven't lost their charm. The more glittery your bag is, the better it is. Loads of cool bags are currently available at Sentiments.

Clothes - the quintessence of summer shopping. A cascade of vibrant colours can be seen everywhere. The malls are lined up with so many exciting choices. It seems that pret-a-porter rules. This year bright and pastel colours, such as blues, pinks, yellows are in vogue. Women, who want a subtle look, can wear pretty floral and animal lawn prints that are coming with georgette/chiffon dupattas this summer.

The pressure point

Despite blood pressure being a common disease, many people tend to overlook its effects, as they are unaware of its severity...

  By  R. Khan

Blood pressure (BP) is a common disease and when we look around, we are sure to see many BP patients who don't tend to take their condition seriously. Most people don't even know what blood pressure actually is and are usually unaware of its severity.

Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of the body in vessels called arteries and the force with which the blood pushes against the walls of the arteries is blood pressure. Each time the heart beats, it pumps out blood into the arteries. BP is said to be high when the heart pumps the blood against the arteries with immense pressure. This is called systolic pressure. When the heart is at rest, the blood pressure falls. This is called the diastolic pressure.

Blood pressure is always mentioned according to the systolic and diastolic pressures. They are written one above the other, such as 120/80 mmHg. The top number is the systolic while the bottom is the diastolic pressure.

Blood pressure changes with your activities of the day. It is lowest when one is asleep and rises when one gets up. It can also rise during excitement, nervousness or any energetic behaviour.

Generally, blood pressure remains pretty much the same during the whole day i.e. the level should be lower than 120/80 mmHg. When the level rises to 140/90 or even higher, the heart beats harder causing the arteries to pump the blood with increased pressure that indicates that the person is suffering from high blood pressure. This amplifies the chances of stroke, heart attack or kidney problems. Both systolic and diastolic pressures are deemed important as the rise in any one can supplement to high blood pressure.

"Among 11 to 13 per cent population of the country suffering from BP, very few stay away from its eliciting factors. Use of junk and fattening food and avoidance to regular walk and exercise are major attributes to the disease but a lot of BP patients don't know about it till the disease gets severe," says Dr. Maqbool Jaffery, a renowned cardiologist.   

In our country a good number of BP patients come to know about their disease accidentally as they apparently have no symptoms. People suffering from blood pressure are recommended to consult their doctors and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Usually the patient stops taking medicines when his/her BP is controlled. But, the fact is that if the medication is stopped it may set off the disease again.

"Weight reduction, regular exercise and decrease in salt intake are better alternatives for reducing hypertension and high blood pressure which in turn help in avoiding the risk of stroke and cardiac disorders. If someone reduces his/her weight by only two kilogram's, he manages to reduce his blood pressure by four millimetres," informs Dr. Jaffery.    

Stressing on the significance of proper exercise he says that it is a panacea for many diseases. Almost 60 per cent of female patients in Pakistan do not even know that they suffer from blood pressure, while only three per cent of them control it through curative measures.  

Though BP poses risks and challenges for every patient, there can be special consideration for women. Risk profiles, treating methods, lifestyle and associated medical problems can be slightly different in women than in men, especially for women over the age of 38. Learning about these important differences will help women make the most of the prevention and treatment efforts.

"Women are said to develop high blood pressure later in life than men. During a woman's reproductive life, she is indeed at a lower risk of developing high blood pressure because of the protective effects of oestrogen. Through many different mechanisms, oestrogen helps keep the blood vessels flexible and modulate other hormonal activities that can contribute to high blood pressure," points out Dr. Jaffery.

However, after menopause, as the level of oestrogen decreases, a woman's risk of developing high blood pressure increases dramatically. Because of the interplay of other hormones, such as progestin, post-menopausal women are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure. In such women high blood pressure increases the risk for major heart attack.

In case of gestational BP, some women develop it during pregnancy, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the foetus. Women with pre-existing high blood pressure are more likely to have complications during pregnancy.

The effects of high blood pressure on the foetus range from mild to severe. High blood pressure can harm the mother's kidneys and other organs, and it can cause low birth weight and premature delivery. In the most acute form, the mother develops 'preeclampsia', which can threaten the lives of both the mother and the foetus. Dr. Jaffery advises women to follow a healthy eating pattern i.e. food that is low in fats and rich in vitamins and fibre. Reduce salt and sodium in their diet, which will ultimately contribute in reducing weight. He further advised to indulge in physical activities like brisk walks and lead an active life. Stress is another trigger factor for high blood pressure. So, women should avoid taking stress by practicing stress-reducing techniques.

 
Letters

Dear Ms. Khan,

A couple of weeks back, I read your column and since my problem is pretty much the same, I am writing you the facts. I am a married man, but live away from my wife because of her education; however, I support her. At my work, I developed understanding with a colleague and our relationship became physical. This has been happening for three years. I cannot marry her, but she is insisting. She has a record of psychological disorder. I have tried, but cannot bear her presence for more than two days, as she behaves like a crazy person, and I feel she might harm herself. She has threatened that she would ruin my job and career, as she thinks I am responsible for her state. How can I end this affair? I can't think of anything other than leaving my job. If I don't meet her once a week, she goes crazy. She has even given me a timeframe to marry her and threatened me with exposure and suicide if I do not comply with her demand. Her family knows this, but cannot stop her. If my wife finds this out, she will leave me and she has no one to support her; and I don't want to leave her. How can I get out of this tangle?

Mah Ash

Dear Mah Ash,                    

You made hay while the sun was shining, but are now in trouble because it's pay time. You broke your wife's trust when you started this relationship, and you want to get out of this imbroglio unscathed! Amazing! If that girl is such a nut, I wonder why you got involved with her? Perhaps you thought it would be easy to get rid of her and now she is stuck in your gullet. And your 'concern' about your wife is so touching. You don't want to leave her because she has no one to support her, and you cannot marry that girl because you cannot bear her for more than two days. It is all so contradictory. Please be honest with yourself. You went astray, but still don't want to leave your wife, and don't want to marry that girl because you just wanted to have some fun; marriage wasn't in your mind at all. Had you made it clear to that girl that you were a married man? If that girl went into this thing with her eyes open, then you are not morally bound to oblige her. However, if you gave her the line that you were not married, (or not happily married) you deserve to face the music.

The best thing for you, under the circumstances, is to move from the city where you are working right now. Go back to your wife, as this has probably happened because you were lonely without her. Try to get a job in the city where your wife is studying, and disclose to her your reason for this step. If she leaves, you should have the decency to marry that poor girl you have been playing with. As for that unfortunate girl, tell her and her parents all about yourself. You are in a coil, and cannot get out without hurting at least one person. Hope you do the right thing.

Dear Prof Nadine Khan,

I am writing to you out of desperation. I am a housewife, with four kids, and live with my husband in Lahore. I am really worried about my husband's state. He worked as assistant professor at a prestigious university here. He is a very learned and hardworking person, and we had a good life together. There always were small problems, but we had a normal and happy life.

Three years ago, my husband, who was a university examiner as well for MSc/MA levels, discovered some illegal activities going on in his department, with regard to the conduct of degree viva examinations. He failed a number of candidates and wrote a detailed report about the whole business to his superiors in the Examination Wing and the VC's office. His action resulted in the opening of a long inquiry into the conduct of some senior professors and a big public fuss at that time. Ultimately, however, all the culprits were exonerated and my husband was then continuously victimised and threatened, in numerous ways, until he was forced to go and complain to the HEC. Nothing came out of this, and he even went to the local NAB and Anti-Corruption offices in the Punjab, with firm, documentary evidence - with no effect, as they didn't show the slightest of interest in his protests. Finally, he could bear it no longer and resigned from his job, last year.

Since then, he has been only teaching on a part-time basis as a visiting faculty member at some private colleges, but cannot get a fulltime job in the public sector, despite his merit, degrees, experience and integrity. He used to get depressed earlier on, but for the last 8 - 10 months, he has been almost on the edge of collapsing.

As a consequence, our life together is also suffering. He hardly speaks to the kids and me now, and has also stopped meeting people. He has developed hypertension, and is on medication. He has become bitter and also has outbursts of anger. Sometimes, he threatens to kill himself.

I am under a lot of pressure, not only at home but also from my in-laws, who typically feel that I am somehow 'responsible' for his condition. The kids are also becoming unmanageable and I just don't know what to do. I feel like simply packing up and escaping to my father's house. What should I do? Please help me.

Panic-Stricken

Dear Panic-Stricken

You are not panic-stricken at all; in fact, you have shown remarkable composure in the face of the tribulations you have endured and are still enduring. However, the circumstances are indeed very grim and you need to be stronger to overcome your difficulties. First of all, you and your children must extend moral support to your husband; he is dejected and demoralised and needs his family to believe in him more than ever. Since your husband has a record of suffering from depression, you must persuade him to seek professional help. Tell him repeatedly that God tests those who are good, and sooner or later he would be rewarded for his integrity. My dear, unfortunately corruption is rampant everywhere and educational institutions are no exception. There are few people like your husband who stand for principles. It takes a lot of courage to do that; as compromising one's principles against such evil sources and manipulation is very easy. He is going through a bad patch right now, but he needs to know that his family is behind him and is proud of him. In the meantime, you must carry the burden without panicking. Don't worry about what your in-laws are saying; concentrate on your kids. You must try to talk to them as they too stand in need of reassurance that all would be well ultimately. Don't give up if they don't pay attention initially; talk to them collectively and individually. Make them understand the situation and tell them that their father and mother need their support to get out of these difficulties. My dear, good times are not permanent, and in the same way bad times also give way to happiness. You just need to have faith in God and do your best to change your circumstances. Leaving home at this stage will have a very bad effect on your kids and husband. So pray to God to turn your fortune and do all that is possible to achieve that end. Those who persevere, win in the end. Good luck!

'Edutainment' this summer!

Entertainment and education - the perfect combo for your kids in their summer holidays. Recently, a mime show was organised in the Arts Council, Karachi, initiating a summer programme for psychological development in children

By Fatima Zakir

Summer boggles the mind of every mum desperately searching for healthy and entertaining projects for her hyper-active kids. They demand round-the-clock activities and expect to be provided loads of fun day after day.  Naturally it is quite a task for all you mothers out there to provide your younger lot with the best possible options. 

The key lies in proper planning for summer break. This year lots of summer camps have popped up for kiddies. Interestingly, English Biscuits Manufacturers (EBM) (Pvt) Ltd joined hands with Talat Hussain, who is also the Director of Arts Theatre, to launch a permanent children's theatre in the metropolis to be called 'Peek Freans Children's Theatre'.

The Children's theatre will feature a variety of theatrical performances throughout the year, including mime, stage plays by professionals for children and plays by children themselves. All the performances will be developed by Talat Hussain and his team to appeal to young audiences. It is expected that schools in particular will welcome this unique opportunity to further contribute to the psychological development of their students. The theatre will also be a much needed addition to the city's arts and culture scene. They have scheduled it for every weekend so that parents are free from their work too and can easily take their kids out.

Mr. Shakeel Ahmed, Brand Manager of EBM shared that, "We believe it is our moral responsibility to promote positive values in society at all levels and theatre can be an excellent medium providing both education and entertainment or 'edutainment' as it is now called."

Recently, a mime show was organised at the Arts Council, Karachi. They had various small acts with different messages favouring healthy food over junk food and exercise over lazing around. It was well scripted by Sohail Abbasi and was directed by Akbar Khan. The performers belonged to the director's group and were well taught.

The opening act couldn't have been better with the performance of two jokers who had the children in fits of laughter by their hilarious gestures and expressions. An act named 'School and basta' criticised the school system, which compels the students to carry heavy school bags. It depicted that even a heavy weight champion was unable to lift the bag of a young school going kid. 

The two acts, which stood apart because of their performances were 'Rassa kashi' and 'Cricket'. The whole concept of 'rassa kashi' was based on expressions, as there was no rope to pull. Still, their body language and gestures portrayed the true emotions of pulling the imaginary rope and struggling to win.

Cricket's whole concept was well drafted and was sure difficult to act. It was designed to be enacted in slow motion pacing down every move of the game. The ball was attached to a rubber stick and was controlled by another actor to hit the wickets or the bat accordingly. Here the body language of the wicket keeper and the bowler must be appreciated. The final product clearly portrayed the practice and hard work involved in rehearsals.

'Pani aur hawa' and 'Photographer' were fun but perhaps for a more older audience because it's hard to get children hooked onto a show for a long span of time. But, 'pani aur hawa' (based on the lack of water in our homes) managed to have get some good laughs from the kids as Akbar Khan took off some 30 shirts and 25 pants one by one in hope of getting water, but each time had to face the hollow tap.  

The last act 'Burger ho to aisa' was to edify the children to eat healthy food and stay away from street vendors. In a very subtle manner, they showed the disgusting process through which bunkababs are made. Throughout the act, children shrieked with disgust and actors smiled with satisfaction - mission accomplished!

"Children tend to ignore a lot of our teachings but when these little things are taught to them in a light and humorous manner, they remember and even follow them. All this goes towards developing a well-rounded personality that is sensitive to life's realities and conscious of the role each one must play to ensure long-term healthy societal growth," observed Akbar Khan.

Here's hoping we find 'Edutainment' for all our kids this summer. Happy sunny times to all of you.

Chatter Matter
Dance baby dance!

Poor Meera is not well these days. It's something every actress dreads to have... sprained ankle! Her doctors have advised her to stay in Karachi and rest, which has delayed her departure to Lahore where she was to participate in a shoot. Actually, our babe was rehearsing a dance sequence that she is supposed to perform at the upcoming Lux Style Awards in Malaysia. In her exuberance and enthusiasm to outdo herself, our lass overdid a bit which resulted in the injury. Anyway, let's hope she recovers soon and bounces back to her cheery self. Now, we are just hoping that the LSA performance, because of which she is bearing all the pain, is worth it. Good luck Meera ji!

Ruby's comeback

Talking about the Lollywood ladies, we now have the yesteryear phatakha Ruby Niazi - of course we all remember her - is also flapping her wings for a flight in the showbiz skies once again. In her hey days Ruby had become quite a popular film and TV actress and then bid adieu to the scene after marriage. But, her husband was murdered brutally under mysterious circumstances. Now we are told that Ruby wants to shine again and has planned her comeback via a telly serial. Next she is also rearing to have a shot at Lollywood. Any takers, what say Omar Sharif?

Desperate to get there...

Sometimes we tend to do things out of desperation. That happens when we are in dire need of that thing. But, why are we giving you  guys lectures? Just attempting to develop a soft corner for the lady we are about to talk. The girl who is back in news after the LSA press conference (either because of her presence or her talked-about red dress) is eager to get in the news by signing shoots without even thinking twice. Recently, in a TV interview, chirpy Nirma told us that she is doing a shoot with a designer at which she was promptly told the correct sir name of her haute couturier. Now, isn't it completely shocking that Nirma was doing a shoot with designer even whose name she didn't know. It shows how desperate she is these days. But, we understand, don't we? Being out of business for so long can affect your wits. So gal, just a little piece of advice for you. When it comes to work, quality matters not the quantity.

Food for Thought

Lubna Shariff

Photography By Zahid Rehman

Enjoying the mango season? We are still not done with it. This week You!   along with Mrs. Lubna Shariff has prepared something delicious by enfolding mangoes in yummy crepes. The taste quest doesn't end here. The mango filled crepes are served with mango ice cream sprinkled with brown sugar that enhances the flavour. Happy eating!

Crepes with mango ice cream

Ingredients:

For crepe batter - makes 2 crepes

-  Fresh milk                1/2  cup

-  Egg      1                                                                                           

-  Flour  2 teaspoon

-  Butter                  1/2 tablespoon

- Sugar  1/2 tablespoon           

METHOD:

-  Combine milk, sugar, eggs and mix well. Now melt the butter and add it to the mixture.

-  Now sift the flour into the mixture and blend.

-  Heat a small frying pan and lightly grease it. Let the batter spread as a thin layer. Remove the crepes when they become brown on both sides.

How To SERVE:

-  Cut mangoes in small squares and place them in the centre of the crepe.

-  Now, fold them into shape.

-  Then garnish it with mango ice cream and sprinkle brown sugar over it.

The decorative Charms

Recently Ilona Yusuf, from Islamabad, held an exclusive exhibition showcasing her collection of lamps and furniture in Karachi

By Waqas Hasan Sharif
Photography by
Zahid Rehman

Ilona Yusuf, an Islamabad based artist, has been designing exclusive lamps and customised furniture since 1997. She did her first exhibition in 2000 and since then she has had 10 exhibitions in Islamabad, and have also sold in Lahore. Recently, she exhibited her new collection of lamps and furniture consisting of chairs, coffee tables, chest of drawers at SamanZar, Clifton, Karachi.

Although Ilona's line of furniture is contemporary, she likes to use traditional techniques of joinery such as dovetail or butterfly joints, and peg joints. Her designs are both functional and decorative. "My furniture and lamp bases are always of solid sheesham, unless otherwise stated, and are often decorated with decoupage (paper cuts applied and varnished to resemble inlaid motifs). My new range of coffee tables will feature the use of veneers, and my decoupage pieces are meant to be a statement in themselves," states Ilona.

She did not have any formal training in arts but had taken up the subject arts while she was doing O levels. "I have always had an interest in arts and crafts. I ran a craft retail; importing and selling an American line of craft paints by the name of Trichem, for many years, and in connection with this. I ran a crafts club; teaching glass, wood and fabric painting. I am self-taught but I did a lot of research and experiment, using books and the Internet, and practicing various techniques. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching crafts but gave it up when I realised that I couldn't manage both teaching and designing lamps and furniture at the same time," describes Ilona.

While designing furniture she likes to show off the wood grain, and usually work with sheesham. According to her whenever she finds an unusual piece of wood, she likes to design around it. "For instance, I have made a table which is made of irregular planks of wood and it was meant to show off the wood pieces and the grain."

Her collection of lamps is unique and is quite different from what is available in the market. "Some of the techniques I use are completely different to what is in the market, and I don't think I know of anyone who is doing similar work, such as for instance decoupage shades or glass light boxes. I know that there was a young designer from Karachi several years ago who made very creative lamps using Mehendi type filigree motifs with vegetable dyes on silk, (I use blended washes on pure silk), and they were beautiful lamps, but I haven't seen anything like that since."

Explaining her growing interest in lamps she says, "I made my first lamp in 1997, when I bought my first set of equipment to make stained glass lamps. I used the tiffany technique of foiling and soldering, but my lamps were much less colourful and were of different shapes from traditional tiffany lamps. I used frosted glass and added embellishment in the form of hand engraving, and also coloured glass nuggets and agates.

"Later I added other techniques such as hand painted silk lamps shades, and decoupage. I had already been making hand painted fabrics, in the form of clothing, and painted glass panels for both residential and commercial projects, but the idea of creative lighting had interested me for a long time."

Ilona claims that she is not expensive considering her work in mind. "Since I use solid wood for my furniture and lamp bases, and rely on several imported materials for my work on glass, such as decal papers to apply photographs to glass, and equipment for soldering panels of glass together, among other items, my prices are not cheap. However, at this latest exhibition in Karachi people have not found my prices very expensive."

According to Ilona, people have become more conscious of trends, especially with so much going on in the media and magazines. "There is also much more variety in the way of textiles, and because you can now find things available in almost every city, whereas some items were previously available in one or two places. For instance, you can now find beautiful bamboo blinds (chicks) in a variety of designs in Islamabad, whereas previously these items were exclusive to Lahore or Karachi."

She shares an interesting decorating tip with the You! readers, "Don't clutter rooms unnecessarily! It's better to have a few things on display, so that one can focus on them, rather than having too many items which distract the eye."

At the moment she works out of her own home, and see clients by appointment. This is why she relies on exhibitions to showcase her work. But in near future she would like to expand her business in Lahore and Karachi also. She would also like to export her lamps.                      P.S: Ilona Yusuf's lamps are available at SamanZar, Clifton.