Meet The Designer Blending Stories Of Heritage And Folklore Through Her Jewelry

October 28, 2023

By Sonya Rehman Hailing from a family of rich, layered heritage and a childhood spent extensively traveling, jewelry designer, Nora Amaylia couldn’t see herself working in an office environment throughout her life. She was an artist at heart and the act of creating, particularly, jewelry-making, was something she loved dearly. Based in Bournemouth, England, the 35-year-old designer … More Meet The Designer Blending Stories Of Heritage And Folklore Through Her Jewelry

Notes on the Psyche

May 6, 2023

By Sonya Rehman The psyche is a vast, magical, undiscovered forest of trees, foliage, known and unknown archetypes. Creatures that we embody in our waking lives without our knowing. These archetypes, from the protectors, beasts, inconsistent jesters, foolish savages, wise lovers, oracles and ogres, dictate the steps we take, the paths we walk, what we … More Notes on the Psyche

‘Painting the Dream’ – The Story of a Shaman

April 16, 2023

By Sonya Rehman “As a child on the Navajo Reservation I was encouraged to accept the validity of my dreams and visions.  As an artist, I continue to draw upon that dream reality; it is the wellspring of my creativity.” – David Chethlahe Paladin Throughout history, you will hear stories of men and women that … More ‘Painting the Dream’ – The Story of a Shaman

On The Evolution Of Web3 And How New NFT Artists Can Bring More Innovation To The Table

January 4, 2023

By Sonya Rehman 33-year-old Pakistani designer and entrepreneur, Zain Naqvi, has been affiliated with the Pakistani startup ecosystem since 2014. Currently working as the co-founder and Head of Design at Alter, a local platform that aids creators and companies from emerging economies connect with collectors (of digital collectibles and NFTs) the world over, the company … More On The Evolution Of Web3 And How New NFT Artists Can Bring More Innovation To The Table

The ‘Misfit’ Star In The Making

January 4, 2023

By Sonya Rehman There’s something rather infectious about 28-year-old Risham Faiz Bhutta (or RFB as she refers to herself). Buoyant and chatty, she’s dressed in a long chocolate brown coat and slacks at a relatively quiet coffee shop’s rooftop in Lahore, Pakistan. With soft curls that frame her lovely features, Bhutta comes across as someone … More The ‘Misfit’ Star In The Making

In Her Element – Natasha Noorani

January 4, 2023

By Sonya Rehman There’s very little that Natasha Noorani hasn’t done during the past seven years since she began gradually establishing herself in the Pakistani music scene. From spearheading the country’s hugely popular music festival – the Lahore Music Meet, to collaborating with the likes of Strings, Abdullah Siddiqui and Talal Qureshi, to producing her … More In Her Element – Natasha Noorani

Meet The Guy Putting Pakistani Cuisine On The Global Food Map

January 4, 2023

By Sonya Rehman Thirty-something restaurateur and food connoisseur, Adeel Chaudhry, has been obsessed with food ever since he was a child. Born and raised in Lahore, the popular food influencer reveals that his love for good food comes from his family. “My mother has always been a good cook and my father loves eating, so … More Meet The Guy Putting Pakistani Cuisine On The Global Food Map

Quick Style Dances Its Way To Karachi

January 4, 2023

By Sonya Rehman They’ve choreographed songs for BTS, have performed on stage with Usher, danced at America’s Got Talent, put together viral dance routines (one of which has amassed 91 million views on YouTube) and over a decade later, the popular Norwegian dance crew, Quick Style continues spinning (literally) their magic. Founded by Pakistani-Norwegian twin … More Quick Style Dances Its Way To Karachi

Hashim Ali: An Award-Winning Visual Storyteller

January 4, 2023

By Sonya Rehman For 32-year-old Art Director, Hashim Ali, no idea is impossible to execute. In fact, the bigger and more out of the box, the better. “There’s no box!” Ali laughs, while sitting at a relatively quiet coffee shop in Gulberg, Lahore. Dressed in a deep blue, cotton tunic and pants, Ali’s eyes light … More Hashim Ali: An Award-Winning Visual Storyteller

Young Pakistani Filmmaker Keeps An Eye On Climate Change

January 4, 2023

By Sonya Rehman All set to be screened at the Austin Film Festival and the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival this month (and in November), The Round Lake, a short film from Pakistan, highlights one of the country’s most pressing issues: water scarcity. Set in Lahore in 2030, the eye-opening production revolves around two sisters … More Young Pakistani Filmmaker Keeps An Eye On Climate Change

Rawalpindi’s Beloved Tour Guide

January 4, 2023

By Sonya Rehman Hassaan Tauseef was only 11-years-old when he began feeling a pull towards local history and culture. Drawing a series of sketches of antique doors inspired by Lahore’s Badshahi Mosque, in Pakistan, and Jaipur’s City Palace, in India, Tauseef was fascinated by historic heritage sites and their long-forgotten stories. Born and raised in … More Rawalpindi’s Beloved Tour Guide

Unveiling The Secrets Of Hunza’s Shamans

January 4, 2023

By Sonya Rehman In 2019, 29-year-old Pakistani filmmaker, Nadeem Alam Alkarimi began investigating shamanism in Hunza Valley, his hometown. Since graduating from the National College of Arts (NCA), in Lahore, Alkarimi, has been passionately working on films and projects that allow audiences to view Pakistan’s northern areas with an authentic and personal lens. From having his films … More Unveiling The Secrets Of Hunza’s Shamans

Arid University Torturing Stray Animals To Teach Students, Say Activists

June 9, 2022

By Sonya Rehman Just a few days ago, tweets and videos began circulating on social media about the barbaric practice of animal torture and experimentation currently underway at Pir Mehr Ali Shah (PMAS) Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi. It is being reported that scores of perfectly healthy stray dogs were picked up from the streets … More Arid University Torturing Stray Animals To Teach Students, Say Activists

An Anthropologist’s 20-Year Quest To Document Pakistan’s Ancient Rock Art

June 9, 2022

By Sonya Rehman Pakistani anthropologist, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro, is a man on a mission. Having spent over two decades tirelessly researching art and culture in Pakistan, Kalhoro stands as possibly the only Pakistani who has documented the country’s most ancient rock art, some of which can be traced back to prehistoric times. With eleven … More An Anthropologist’s 20-Year Quest To Document Pakistan’s Ancient Rock Art

Artist Wardha Shabbir On Connecting The Dots In Her Beloved City

June 9, 2022

By Sonya Rehman Since she was a child, Wardha Shabbir would often watch her mother meticulously tend to their garden which was often full of pretty foliage, including a vegetable patch and also a mango, guava and pomegranate tree. In her free time, Shabbir’s mother would draw little “motifs with very fine lines.” Her mother’s … More Artist Wardha Shabbir On Connecting The Dots In Her Beloved City

In Conversation With Zahra Paracha – A Rising Star In Pakistani Music

June 9, 2022

By Sonya Rehman Singer and music producer, Zahra Paracha, found her refuge in music from a young age. Having endured a personal setback which affected her deeply for years, the artiste sought an outlet where she’d be able to express herself without fear and judgment. Words felt pointless, almost trivializing her pain, but it was … More In Conversation With Zahra Paracha – A Rising Star In Pakistani Music

The Handbag From Lahore That Made It To Paris Fashion Week

February 21, 2022

By Sonya Rehman There were many moments during her entrepreneurial journey when Hirra Babar wondered if she was doing the right thing. Even though she graduated from one of Pakistan’s top business schools, fashion spoke to her – it was an exciting field where she could express her ideas – no matter how outlandish – … More The Handbag From Lahore That Made It To Paris Fashion Week

Does Sustainable Fashion Have A Future In Pakistan?

February 21, 2022

By Sonya Rehman While there have been a smattering of local clothing brands that have attempted to incorporate certain elements of sustainability into their business models, Pakistani fashion still has a long way to go before the fashion industry endeavors to shift towards eco-friendly, fair and ethical practices. “Sustainability has become a buzz word nowadays,” … More Does Sustainable Fashion Have A Future In Pakistan?

The Wonderkid Making Waves in Pakistani Music

February 20, 2022

Hasan Raheem was in fifth grade when he experienced the tangible magic of live performances. Standing on stage and belting out lyrics to a popular dance track by the British-Indian band, RDB (an acronym for rhythm, dhol and bass), Raheem felt his heart surge with excitement as he watched the crowd leave their seats to … More The Wonderkid Making Waves in Pakistani Music

Wake-Up Call: How A Fashion Designer From Bannu Devoted Herself To Making Pakistan Kinder To Animals

January 8, 2022

By Sonya Rehman Sarah Gandapur is no stranger to the world of glitz, celebrity and red carpet hobnobbing. A familiar name in local fashion in the early 2000s, Gandapur has seen it all. From showcasing her fashion label at local and international fashion shows, collaborating with some of the biggest names in the local fashion … More Wake-Up Call: How A Fashion Designer From Bannu Devoted Herself To Making Pakistan Kinder To Animals

New Skin

November 28, 2021

By Sonya Rehman I wonder how long this will last. This being suspended in the sludge of the past and the present, this strange rebirth, this being thrown into the deep end where only the strongest stay afloat… Time sputtered and squeaked to a halt as we – each of us – switched into survival … More New Skin

New Children’s Books Highlight Pakistan’s Overlooked Heroes

October 8, 2021

By Sonya Rehman In a bid to bring overlooked personalities and topics to Pakistani classrooms, the Education Justice and Memory Network (EdJAM) has spearheaded eleven children’s books that have been written and designed by local writers and illustrators. From rising stars in Pakistan’s political sphere, to the country’s forgotten heroes, climate change, animal rights and more, the books offer … More New Children’s Books Highlight Pakistan’s Overlooked Heroes

Rediscovering Pakistan’s Cultural History

October 8, 2021

By Sonya Rehman 43-year-old photographer, Maria Waseem, attributes her passion for documenting Pakistan’s heritage through photography as a “gift” from her mother. While growing up in Mangla, Azad Kashmir, Waseem recalls watching her mother develop photographs in a darkroom set up in their house. At the time, Waseem’s mother was working on her college thesis and … More Rediscovering Pakistan’s Cultural History

Meesha Shafi Turns Up The Heat With Her Latest Song

October 7, 2021

By Sonya Rehman Released this month, Meesha Shafi’s latest song, Hot Mango Chutney Sauce, is every bit a sizzling ditty with a killer music video to boot. But don’t be fooled, as always, with Shafi’s music – it has a strong message woven into its fun and very danceable, electro pop tune. Produced by Abdullah Siddiqui, a young electronic … More Meesha Shafi Turns Up The Heat With Her Latest Song

Her Ode To Lahore

October 7, 2021

By Sonya Rehman When the Covid-19 crisis hit last year, 28-year-old Ifrah Khan turned to a craft that she had enjoyed practicing for years as a hobby. During the early months of the pandemic, she desperately needed to ground herself and find some solace in art. For Khan, jewelry-making has always been a process that … More Her Ode To Lahore

Weighing In On The Future Of Pakistani Music With Zeeshan Parwez

January 3, 2021

By Sonya Rehman Always ahead of the game, Zeeshan Parwez has worn many hats throughout his fascinating career in Pakistan’s music scene. While some would have remained in their comfort zones, Parwez has continued to push the envelope, as a musician, video director and an animator. A cerebral, humble and hardworking artiste, Parwez’s purpose lies solely … More Weighing In On The Future Of Pakistani Music With Zeeshan Parwez

Crafting Minimalist Jewellery With A Touch Of Heritage And Folklore

January 3, 2021

By Sonya Rehman Designing jewelry for a little over two decades, Puja Bhargava Kamath’s pieces are a glorious balance of understated design and traditional aesthetic, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. Having steadily made a name for herself in jewelry design through her label, Lai, the New Delhi native (currently residing in California), works with master … More Crafting Minimalist Jewellery With A Touch Of Heritage And Folklore

In Her Daughter’s Memory

January 3, 2021

By Sonya Rehman From organic block printed saris and skirts, to intricately embroidered ethnic wear, the Lahore-based fashion start-up, Aman Kay Rang (translated from Urdu as the colors of Aman), brings traditional crafts and clothing to a local market saturated in a mélange of eastern and western ‘fusion wear.’ With an exciting color palette, including a distinctive … More In Her Daughter’s Memory

Unveiling The Beauty Of Pakistan: One Photographer’s Lifelong Quest

January 3, 2021

By Sonya Rehman There’s something about Mobeen Ansari’s photographs that take one by surprise. Whether landscapes of ethereal valleys, snowcapped mountains, architectural wonders and heritage sites, overlooked regions, to the faces that inhabit them, Ansari brings a unique sensitivity to his work that is at times lacking in travel photography. Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, the 34-year-old is … More Unveiling The Beauty Of Pakistan: One Photographer’s Lifelong Quest

I’m Not Here

November 29, 2020

By Sonya Rehman I’m not sure what I’m grieving. But there’s a mass around my heart that has seemed to dull the feeling-ness of things. It’s a bit clunky, but it’s something that I have grown accustomed to for a long time. When life – correction, my perception of life – gets overwhelming, I begin … More I’m Not Here

Does Freedom Await Kaavan, ‘The World’s Loneliest Elephant?’

October 3, 2020

By Sonya Rehman On a weekday, the vicinity outside the Islamabad Zoo (once known as Marghazar Zoo) is crowded with families and their children milling about, buying toys, snacks and drinks from the kiosks set-up near the entrance. However, the zoo’s bright yellow main gate is closed and every now and then, hopeful visitors walk … More Does Freedom Await Kaavan, ‘The World’s Loneliest Elephant?’

The ‘Flower Craft’ Artisan From Hazara

October 3, 2020

By Sonya Rehman Throughout her life, Naseem Akhtar had a natural inclination towards hand embroideries. As a young woman, she would stitch gorgeous cushion covers in her free time, while also experiment with crochet work. However, when she got married, Akhtar and her husband were struggling to make ends meet. It was around this time that she … More The ‘Flower Craft’ Artisan From Hazara

How One Scottish-Pakistani Designer Is Helping Sustain Traditional Needlework In Chitral Valley

October 3, 2020

By Sonya Rehman Growing up in Edinburgh, Scotland, as a young Pakistani, designer Adil Iqbal consistently felt driven to connect with his roots. What did the Pakistani identity entail? And more importantly, what did Iqbal’s own identity encompass as a Scottish-Pakistani born to immigrant parents? It was these very questions which inspired Iqbal to begin … More How One Scottish-Pakistani Designer Is Helping Sustain Traditional Needlework In Chitral Valley

An Iconic Pakistani Fashion Label Is Making A Comeback

October 3, 2020

By Sonya Rehman Known for its unconventional, brightly-colored digital prints, the Pakistani fashion label, Sundip, was the go-to boutique for women who wanted ready-to-wear apparel which was not only fun, but which also made a statement. For Nafiz Khokhar, jobs left him feeling uninspired and unfulfilled. Therefore in 1973, the young designer was inspired to launch a … More An Iconic Pakistani Fashion Label Is Making A Comeback

From Lahore To New York: The Pakistani Entrepreneurs Behind Atoms

October 3, 2020

By Sonya Rehman Waqas Ali and Sidra Qasim, the Pakistani entrepreneurs behind the shoe start-up, Atoms, never fathomed how much their lives would change in the nine years since their foray into Pakistan’s – now thriving – start-up scene. In 2011, the young entrepreneurs were still learning the ropes after the launch of Markhor, a shoe start-up … More From Lahore To New York: The Pakistani Entrepreneurs Behind Atoms