The Express Tribune Magazine - March 31

MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

t n a w o

t u yo ve eh? o o m a, S d o a t n Ca

MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

Cover Story

18 So you want to shift to Canada, eh?

While the grass may be greener on the other side, no one said it was easy to get there

Humour

27 The Spymaster’s Guide To Election Symbols The Hidden Hands are hard at work trying to find the next LikeMinded political party

Features

31 Titanics of the air When airships ruled the skies, Karachi’s Black Shed stood ready to house them

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34 One shredded paper at a time Having an impairment doesn’t make you an invalid, having a handicap doesn’t make you helpless

31

Regulars

6 People & Parties: Out and about with Pakistan’s beautiful people 40 Reviews: Just die already!

42 Healthy Living: Vital Vitamins

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Magazine Editor: Zarrar Khuhro, Senior Sub-Editor: Farahnaz Zahidi, Sub-Editors: Ameer Hamza, Heba Al-Adawy and Dilaira Mondegarian.

Creative Team: Amna Iqbal, Jamal Khurshid, Essa Malik, Maha Haider, Faizan Dawood, Samra Aamir, Sanober Ahmed.

Publisher: Bilal A Lakhani. Executive Editor: Muhammad Ziauddin. Editor: Kamal Siddiqi.

For feedback and submissions: magazine@tribune.com.pk Printed: uniprint@unigraph.com

PEOPLE & PARTIES Veteran Indian designer JJ Valaya launches Fashion Beyond Borders, at the Palm, in Karachi

Fariha and Mrs Lodhi

Yasmin and Farhana PHOTOS COURTESY CATALYST PR & MARKETING

Aiman and Namira

Ali Asif

Konain Zainab and Sana

Umair Tabani and Sania

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Zeba Bakhtiar and Frieha Altaf

Mahnoor and Anum

MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

PEOPLE & PARTIES

Khuban and Nur Oberoi

Adil and Sana

PHOTOS COURTESY BY LOTUS

Maryam Saqib

Faraz Manan previews his lawn collection in Lahore Samina Khan

Amina Rehman

Hina Malik

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Hassan and Danya

Huma Amir Shah

MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

PEOPLE & PARTIES

Al-Karam Textiles launches its prints in Lahore

Asma Mumtaz

Meher and Monis

Hajra Hayat Sarah and Frieha

Rabia Butt

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Maham and Mahvish Sonia Humayun

PHOTOS COURTESY CATALYST PR AND MARKETING

Fatima and Nickie

MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

PEOPLE & PARTIES

Momal and Shehzad Shaikh

Naila and Shamaine

PHOTOS COURTESY BY TAKE II

Ayesha Ibrahim

Ayesha Somaya launches her lawn collection in Karachi

Iqra, Adeel and Eashal

Afrah

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Ayesha and Somaya

Hira and Arsalan

Amir and Muneera

MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

PEOPLE & PARTIES

PHOTOS COURTESY IDEAS EVENTS PR

Ellemint Pret hosts Valentine’s fashion event in Karachi

Marvi Sarfaraz

Grandeur Art Gallery organises an art exhibition to celebrate International Women’s Day in Karachi

Neshmia Ahmed, Sharmila Farooqi and Yasmin Hyder

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Sofia Naveed Lari and Sarah Yasir

Tania

PHOTOS COURTESY NEW WORLD CONCEPTS

Afreen Shiraz and Asima Feroz

Ayesha and Cyra

Sarwat Jilani

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COVER STORY

?

BY TAZEEN INAM

18 MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

From the hazy vantage point of the Indus, scarcely populated Canada is the land of dreams and endless opportunities. For many Pakistanis, it is a refuge and escape from the instability and insecurity of the homeland. Those who reach this promised land are considered lucky; and those who try and fail spend their days regretting an opportunity lost. But few realise that this road to this winter wonderland is marked with trials. Even fewer are aware that the real struggle actually begins after immigration. It begins when they try to settle down in this far-off land.

“It is not like they are welcoming you at the airport with a job letter,” says Hina Jawad*, who migrated to Canada from Pakistan in 2005 along with her family with high expectations but little in the way of preparation.

“I didn’t know anyone in Toronto and I had no social or professional base here.” There were hurdles on the way as she set out on a rigorous job search, sending out two dozen job applications per day and making cold calls at various offices to drop off her resume. As someone who had served as an Assistant Vice President (AVP) in corporate banking back home, she would constantly find herself being offered entry-level positions in Canada. “I was told that I will have to complete some Canadian accreditation course or else start from a bank teller position.” Eventually her hard work paid off and after being interviewed by a senior manager at the Royal Bank of Canada, she was offered a role in business development at the bank. “Now when I look back and hear other peoples’ stories, I feel very fortunate.”

Hina’s story is typical of many Pakistani immigrants to Canada, who have to either struggle to find the right job, or failing that, settle for less. 40-year-old Anwer Dar*, who is a marketer by profession, is back in Pakistan after spending six months in Canada, where he has also left his family. “I am not willing to settle for less than what I am qualified to do,” he says. “In fact, I applied for a particular category and now I can’t find the job for which I was approved. This country has a shortage of skilled labour, but this system is not tuned with the reality.”

Ikram Qureshi, a teacher at the Peel District School in Canada, agrees that settling down in Canada after immigration is not easy. “All that glitters is not gold,” he says.

“While settling down in Canada, professional expertise and educational compatibility were the main concerns.

But when I landed in Canada, it was a totally different story.” Qureshi feels that he was wronged by the many ‘pseudo’ immigration consultants in Pakistan who didn’t give him a clear picture of Canadian requirements. “I think there are some major discrepancies in the immigration procedure. None of my qualifications were acknowledged. The category I qualified for was supported by my documents, my professional experience and degrees,” he says. “I was told in most of the interviews that I didn’t have Canadian experience, even if a few of the employers considered my qualifications to be acceptable.” Eventually, after many fruitless job searches he figured out how the system works. “The solution lies in certification,” he concludes. “Get yourself certified from relevant institutions and then seek the required experience. Though it’s

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tough and time consuming there is no other way around MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

COVER STORY

Get yourself certified from relevant institutions and then seek the required experience. Though it’s tough and time consuming there is no other way around the requirements

the requirements.”

According to Sikander Lalani, an immigration consultant and the CEO of Karachi-based Lalani and Associates, “Opportunities are open for those who can fit into the developed world and can deliver what is new and unique and fruitful. After immigration, the biggest issue is of settlement, and this is possible only if one gets into their education system and tunes oneself according to the local standard skills.”

Disclosing the changing requirements for 2013 immigration to Canada, Lalani says that “laws are getting tougher and tougher.” Although 55,000 visas for skilled workers will be offered by the Canadian government this year, Lalani feels that there are some changes that will affect Pakistani applicants. Immigration applications are judged on a points system, and the weightage of language requirements (fluency in French or English) has now increased from 16 to 24 points. There is thus a greater demand for young people who are fluent in these two languages and are also well educated. Direct applications for Canadian immigration are also likely to reduce in the future and Lalani says that immigration processes will now look exclusively for experience in the country or some form of Canadian credentials. This may be obtainable through temporary work permits or by enrolling at post-secondary educational institutions.

Some of these problems are resolved by getting an approval from the autonomous accreditation bodies that are set up for each profession. These bodies endorse permissions to work in the country, and provide for a license to work in that particular field. Often, these licenses are difficult to obtain for immigrants. On the other hand, demand is gradually shifting to the provincial nominee programme, where Canadian provinces invite migrants on the basis of a working permit, keeping in mind the specific skill sets that province requires. Once the migrant finds a job, this permit can become a residency. The benefit here is that provinces are better able to judge which labour is in demand within their localities, and the chance of these migrants finding a suitable job is higher.

But getting there is only one part of the struggle. Being accepted into the larger community is quite another.

Making matters worse are the increasing number of Pakistani applicants illegally entering Canada, or else using false information to burnish their credentials. This adds to the aura of suspicion around the Pakistani community, and often delays immigration procedures. “Illegal immigrants are the biggest threat,” Lalani says.

Unlike the mass exodus of Pakistani labourers to Brit-

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ain in the aftermath of the Second World War, Canadian MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

immigration rejects members of the working classes in favour of highly qualified professionals and academics.

But notwithstanding this selection criterion, there are many who continue to persevere in their search for a new life in Canada, despite not being able to fulfill the criteria. Often using the services of non-licensed consultants in Pakistan, non eligible applicants create fraudulent documents in the hope of crossing the finish line. While some of them manage to make it, the majority end up losing both their money and the opportunity.

One such case is 33-year-old Farah*, who still believes she can find a niche for herself in the Canada. Despite being unable to find a job in Pakistan, she is driven by the attraction of a foreign land. When asked how she expects to achieve what she has not been able to do in her home country, she lists a number of possible occupations that she and her husband can take up: driving a taxi, opening a restaurant or being an attendant at a daycare centre. Farah describes her efforts to immigrate to Canada.

“I did a beautician course and applied for that category in Canada. I had no experience and instead used a fake

Canadian permanent residents of Pakistani origin have declined from 15,353 in 2001, to 4,986 in 2010, a drop of 67%

employment certificate. We suffered when the investigation began and my supposed employer failed to answer

Canadian Immigration Programmes

the investigators’ questions. It’s been almost 12 years my

Skilled workers and professionals For people who want to settle and work in Canada (outside of Quebec) Skilled trades For people who want to immigrate based on being qualified in a skilled trade..

Quebec-selected skilled workers For people selected by the Quebec government to settle and work in Quebec Canadian Experience Class For people who have recent Canadian work experience or have graduated and recently worked in Canada Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed people For people who want to start a business in Canada Provincial nominees One of Canada’s provinces or territories can nominate you to settle and work there Sponsoring your family If you are a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen, you can sponsor a family member to join you there Live-in caregivers For individuals who are qualified to provide care for children, elderly persons or persons with disabilities in private homes without supervision Refugees For people in or outside Canada who fear returning to/ living in their home country

husband has been trying frantically for immigration. We have spent almost 20 lakh rupees but all in vain” “It is usually believed that once the medical checkup has been completed it means that the case has been accepted and that visas will soon follow,” says Ameen* who had applied for immigration by using a fake certificate in which he claimed he was a chef. “I managed to get my medical cleared, but then the investigations began and that resulted in the failure of the process,” admits Ameen.* “I guess it was our consultant’s trick to get money out of us,” he adds as an afterthought.

In this scramble to emigrate, many such applicants not only end up inflicting monetary losses upon themselves, but also raise the bar for eligible applicants. “These people should realise that they are creating hurdles for the next generation of immigrants. Once they are rejected due to their fraudulent documents and misrepresentations, this will affect their childrens’ applications to any part of the western world as these countries do share data,” says Lalani.

It is not uncommon for Pakistani immigrants to feel that they are being wrongly associated with either the political context back home or the actions of their larger community. According to Lalani, the political upheavals in Pakistan, which are closely monitored by Canadian (Continued on page 26)

MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

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COVER STORY authorities, can directly impact the immigration procedures of Pakistani applicants. “The wave of terrorism, in

I had no experience and instead used a fake employment certificate. We suffered when the investigation began and my supposed employer failed to answer the investigators’ questions. It’s been almost 12 years my husband has been trying frantically for immigration. We have spent almost 20 lakh rupees but all in vain

addition to the bad press Pakistan gets, has added to the difficulties faced by Pakistani applicants,” he says.

“Around the time I immigrated,” says Hina Jawad, “Pakistan was in the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Soon after I started my job at a Canadian bank, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. There was a lot of political unrest in Pakistan, and I felt like I was scrutinised at all times.” But gradually Hina was able to make inroads into the Canadian community and gain acceptance as a qualified professional with good work ethics. “To many, it was also a shock that a Pakistani Muslim can actually speak fluent English, that she can be educated and wellinformed,” she adds.

But Hina considers herself fortunate, acknowledging that her success story may not be representative of all migrants. “Through my positive approach and work ethics, I think I managed to change their views. With time I progressed, got accolades and acknowledgement internally and externally in the banking network and was soon promoted to senior manager. In this role again I have made a place for myself within the bank and in the South Asian community and can feel the respect and acceptance from them as a professional. My story is a bit different from many others because today when I look back, I believe God has been very gracious to me, and I have adopted the right approach with persistent efforts.”

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HUMOUR

BURN AFTER READING ATTENTION: TO THE DG AAA As we have reported in the past the bloody civilians are getting out of hand. The democratic experiment we have thus far allowed to run, largely for shits and giggles seems to have now gone beyond our control. This is of course part of our hallowed agency tradition, given that we have in the past nurtured and then lost control of the Harkat-e-Mujahideen , the Tehrik-eTaliban Pakistan, and a host of assorted groups details and names included in the 666 page appendix J . However, in keeping with our motto: “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” we have as directed by your directorship, compiled a list of the new players on the political horizon. We hope that at least some of these groups may prove to be amenable partners in our glorious enterprise of finally turning Pakistan into a bastion of Islam

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Report complied by special agent; Shaheryar Mirza

,

THE SPYMASTERS GUIDE TO ELECTION SYMBOLS 27 MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

HUMOUR Baby cot International Liberation Army (ILA).

This party advocates the controversial yet wildly popular Mothering Doctrine: never leave the coddling bosom of your benefactors — the IMF, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Balloons — The Partaaay Party (PP).

The party that represents a party. It’s been far too long since nightclubs have been banned in Pakistan and the Balloon Party hopes to re-establish this forgotten cultural practice. We do, however, fear that this group is simply the political face of the seditious breakaway republic of Cliftonia.

See also: Cliftonian Liberation Army, (Appendix J, page 420).

Fashionistas Against Talibanization (FAT).

Fashion is the answer to Pakistan’s problems. We are not yet sure that this party will be contesting elections because of the possibility that elections may take place in the heat of the summer, but we suspect it is a political party masquerading as a civil rights group. The western press has actively promoted FAT as being responsible for defeating the Taliban in countless battles and this makes them a threat to strategic depth policies. Their soft image cannot be taken lightly as Pakistanis are suckers for a pretty face. (See Sarah Palin – Zardari meeting).

Bangles — The Traditional Liberal Party (TLP).

TLP believes the fundamentalists are taking over Pakistan and that they want to eradicate individual freedoms. But, as opposed to the FAT the Bangles avoid Western fashion and put their faith in ghararas, saris and churidaar pajamas as the most effective anti-radicalisation platforms. We believe the PML-Q mujra was also planned by this group

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Cannon — Bombs Over Oratory Machinations Party (BOOM).

The breakaway militant faction of the Traditional Liberal Party which believes that fashion is much too serious to be dealt with only through bangles. We have linked this group to the arson attacks on several Birkin handbags, which has brought them into conflict with FAT militants.

Crocodile — The Tears Party (TP).

This party represents those in the country who shed tears when minorities are being massacred, but won’t allow a minority to marry into their family.

Dish Antenna — Technocratic Party of Pakistan (TPP).

Having failed in finding any actual technocrats, this party has adopted the next best thing: technology. Unfortunately for them, they never actually leave their houses after the inauguration of the party due to the complimentary satellite dishes awarded to founding party members.

Fort — The Security State Party (TSSP).

Strong advocates of arming oneself because the state has failed to provide security to its citizens. They envision a Pakistan where everyone can live behind high barb-wired walls and can travel freely in Moving Forts that intimidate less-secure travelers on the streets. This movement has already gained a lot of steam in urban areas and received an unexpected PR coup from President Zardari’s many Bilawal Houses. We also believe that they are responsible for the disappearance of Tahirul Qadri’s bulletproof container.

The Glorious Bustards party (GBP): A splinter group of the Huma Huma Kar Bhaiya party, which spent its time rubbing halwa on members’ head in the hopes of attracting the legendary bird of blessings, this party has given up on humanity entirely. Thus, they intend to reverse evolution and turn back into birds.

Of course, their scientifically incorrect stance would bring them into conflict with The Education Party (TEP). On another note, this could be a great segue into the Outrage Party which, with Twitter as its only platform, is naturally inclined towards birds and bird brains.

Perhaps the Crocodile Tears Party (TP) could also be a possible ally, since birds are in fact evolved reptiles

The Puff Party-Habibi (TPP-H).

This party envisions Pakistan as a future member of the Arabian Union (AU). This party believes that Pakistan has always had more in common with the Glorious Arabs then it has with the dirty Hindus, and for Pakistan to succeed, it must break free from its Hindu shackles. TPP-H and the Glorious Bustards Party are often at odds with each other over the issuing of licenses to the Glorious Arabs to hunt endangered fowl in the country. The GBP cries foul that it is a conspiracy to wipe its party off the map.

Human Eye — Media Walas of Pakistan (MWP).

The MWP serves as a mirror to Pakistani society but when you stare into it, it just blankly stares back, leaving you utterly confused as to exactly what you are looking at. The MWP believes in accountability of the state, politicians, and of the private individual in his/her bedroom/massage parlour/park.

Criticizing advertisers or any major corporate entity is grounds for immediate termination from the Party.

The Human Hand — The Hand Party (TPH).

TPH goes by one simple rule: The Right To Bare Arms. The party gets its inspiration from French Secularism and advocates the banning of burqas and niqab’s and is, henceforth logically, a strong ally of FAT. We also believe that donation boxes at Lawn exhibitions are a major source of their funding.

Key With Lock — The Latchkey Party (LP).

This party believes in rarely addressing the nation, and spending most of its time away from Pakistan. The party’s philosophy and it’s No Statements-No Gaffes-Policy comes as a reaction to public relations disasters made famous by the Purple-Haired Man of Many Ties.

Knife — Khanjar Party (KP).

This is the party that believes in leaving sharp objects lodged in the backs of its allies. It is rumored that this party is backed by The Establishment but this is untrue because so many state and non-state actors have made this tactic a part of their political arsenal. We just get blamed for everything.

Khyber Pass The You Will Not Pass Khyber Pass Party (KPP).

— An isolationist party with the slogan: ‘NO FOREIGNERS BEYOND THIS POINT’. Chechen, Uzbek and Arab tourists are, however, welcome.

Pressure Cooker — Pressure Cooker Party (PCP).

Rumored to be clandestinely run by Tahir ul Qadri mainly because of his rhetorical style. This party says that their symbol portrays the state of the country and has nothing to do with Tahir ul Qadri, despite the Canadian Surgeon General’s statement that categorically states that PCP is responsible for TuQ’s frequent outbursts.

Birkin School Bag — The Elitia Education Party (EEP): This party firmly believes that there is an Education Emergency and that the only way to solve it is through English medium private education. They have had serious communication issues with the general public, and their plank of registering party members before they are born has proven to be a hitch. Membership fees are also extremely high and the rigorous interview process is a huge turn-off. But the possibility of a coalition with the Fort (TSSP) is open, leading to barb-wired school buildings.

Tortoise — Party of the Tortoise (PoT).

This party believes that slow and steady wins the race and aims to keep Pakistan’s economic growth at the same rate as it has been for the past five years. Their favorite rhetorical question: is Pakistan unstable because of its economic stagnancy, or is Pakistan economically stagnant because it is unstable?

Toothbrush — Toothbrush Party (TBP).

Out with the miswak and in with the new. Personal hygiene is at the top of their agenda because with greater cleanliness comes greater godliness. Initially went with the deodorant for a symbol but felt that would alienate too many potential voters.

Campaign slogan for change: “Stop stinking, start thinking.”

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HUMOUR

EXPECTED ALLIANCES: In the interest of good, clean fun; The Balloons, the Hands, FAT and the Toothbrush are expected to strike an alliance leaving the Bangles isolated, a move that could push more Bangles members towards the radical BOOM party.

The Fort could also be an unexpected partner if they end up in opposition and have to have all their fun behind high barb-wired walls. That move could result in bringing the Cannon (BOOM) into the mix, which would make it a formidable, and well protected coalition to contend with.

The School Bag and the Cot are natural partners for an alliance. Despite their limited constituency, one can expect foreign assistance to bolster their chances. It’s rumored that the recent influx of foreign cash will build enough English medium schools to bridge the communication gap.

The Crocodile and the Human Eye would both like to implement a Mandate of Hypocrisy and could end up joining forces, but there is doubt over how long they can stay together given their inclination to scratch all backs at all times. The Knife is hoping the two can be united under one banner so as to make an easier target.

The Puff Party-Habibi (TPP-H) and the Tortoise could kill two birds with one stone. The Tortoise can ensure that Pakistan spends most of its time sleeping and the TPP-H will then have the perfect reason as to why Pakistan should be a member of the Arabian Union.

The Pressure Cooker, the Khyber Pass, the Key with Lock and the Dish Antenna will not be making any alliances because they believe that politicians are the worst kind of people. We hope that the irony of their stance is lost on them as they are, in fact, our natural allies.

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FEATURE

titanics of the air

In the age of airships, Karachi was a crucial link in a chain that was meant to keep the British Empire united

BY IRFAN MOEEN KHAN PHOTOS BY AIRSHIP HERITAGE TRUST COLLECTION

A relic of a bygone era, the airship or the dirigible was a machine that, once upon a time, personified the adventurous European spirit. One can clearly picture these huge crafts, piloted by men wearing scarves and goggles who would go face the wild blue yonder with a giant bag of (generally explosive) gas and some propellers.

The dirigible’s role in the two world wars was quite mini-

mal, especially once incendiary bullets were developed and used against them. While the airship was a terrifying sight to behold, it was quite an inept weapon and was soon relegated to scouting and commercial duties.

In its German version, the dirigible known as the Zeppelin was

used as a means of passenger travel for over 30 years. But its career ended in a few fiery minutes when the German passenger

airship LZ 129 Hindenburg caught fire on May 6, 1937. And so with the Hindenburg disaster, the age of the dirigible ended came to an abrupt and explosive end.

But in 1924, thirteen years before that horrific crash, the Brit-

ish Empire looked at these giant airships and saw a way to link its far-flung empire. The Airship Guarantee Company, a subsidiary of the famed British Engineering Company Vickers, was given the contract to design and build a non military airship (the

R-100) that could transport 200 persons. The other airship, the R-101, was built by the Royal Airship Works under the British Air Ministry and became operational in October 1929. To date, it is the largest man-made flying object ever built. It had a total

length of 777 ft as compared to the 238.6 ft length of Airbus A380, the largest passenger airliner at present. It truly was a Titanic of the air. But just like its ill-fated counterpart, it met a tragic end.

The “Imperial Airship Scheme 1924-1930” was meant to connect

the far ends of the world — Montreal in Canada with Wellington in New Zealand. Interestingly enough, Karachi, the westernmost port city of British India, was selected as a major docking

station. Between the First and the Second World Wars, the RAF’s Drigh Airfield (now PAF Base Faisal) was an important support MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

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FEATURE facility. Perhaps the brides and the bridegrooms who tied the

the “Kala Chapra,” which meant simply “The Black Shed”. Even

that this venue was once known as the Country Club and, even to

Johar is called the Kala Chapra road by some old timers, and the

knot in Gulshan-e-Iqbal’s famous Karachi Aero Club could testify this day, has its very own airstrip.

This airstrip began from the present location near the Insti-

today, the road which connects Shahrah-e-Faisal and Gulistan-elocal bus stop still goes by the same name.

This hangar was larger than the two sheds at the home base of

tute of Cost and Management Accountants’ Gulshan campus and

the R-100 and R-101 in Cardington, UK. The British press of the

Back then, University Road was known as Country Club Road,

of the British Empire. During its design and construction, the

extended up to the Gillani Railway station near Hassan Square. which is why the two bowling ends in the National Cricket Stadium were called the Pavilion end and the “Country Club Road End” instead of the “University Road End” that we have today.

The Country Club produced some of the best pilots in the his-

tory of Pakistani aviation, with a fairly good resource pool of trained manpower to handle the R-101’s docking and ground op-

erations. Karachi’s geographical location and its gentle climate

also played a major role in its selection as a major base in the overall “Imperial Airship Scheme”.

time reported it as the largest manmade structure in the whole

expected future traffic of airship was kept in mind, and there-

fore the size of the hangar was 850ft long, 170ft high, and 180ft wide — a size that could easily house the newer R-102 which was

designed to be 822ft long. In addition to this humongous hangar, a docking mast was also built to dock the ship.

For verification, I contacted the Airship Heritage Trust and was

told that one extra engine and some basic tools were dispatched to Karachi well before R-101’s scheduled arrival in Karachi.

Wing commander (retd) Aijazuddin Khan of the Pakistan

Then in 1927, the British Government started the construc-

Air force, who has extensively flown in this region, recalls the

Karachi, just a few hundred meters from where PIA’s Ispahani

approaching Karachi because of its massive size. It was clearly

tion of an airship mast, a hydrogen plant and a huge hangar in Hangar stands today. The local population was quick to name it

black shed vividly “We used Kala Chapra as a land mark when visible from a distance.”

We used Kala Chapra as a land mark when approaching Karachi because of its massive size. It was clearly visible from a distance

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Unfortunately the airship met with an accident en route to Karachi and was destroyed completely.

Out of a total of 54 passengers, 48 died in that crash

At 6:42 pm on Saturday, 4th of October 1930, R-101 lifted off from

its Cardington hangar for its journey to Karachi, which at that was time under the Bombay Presidency Government of British India. Unfortunately the airship met with an accident en route

to Karachi and was destroyed completely. Out of a total of 54 passengers, 48 died in that crash. The accident dealt a death blow to the British Government’s “Imperial Airship Scheme,” and other options for connecting the far corners of the Empire had to be thought of. Ironically, the Zeppelin Airline Company of Germany

bought some of the scrap, but whether they used it for manufacturing the Hindenburg, remains a mystery. In any case, while

the R-101 ended British Airship ambitions, the Hindenburg dealt the final blow to the industry internationally.

On 1st August 1952, Pakistan Aviation Ltd issued a tender to

bring down the massive Kala Chapra and material from it was lat-

er used by Pakistan Railways. Thus the structure was sentenced to the dustbin of history, and exists now only in the memories of those who, in their childhood, played around it or sneaked into it secretly when they were kids. Today if you go to this area and ask about Kala Chapra, most will say that it was just a myth.

Others would claim that it was a stable of horses during British

Rule while some will state that it was a hangar made to house the

Royal Indian Aircrafts during World War II. Only, a handful of people know the true history of the Kala Chapra, and now you’re one of them!

MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

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FEATURE

one shredded

paper at a time

Behind each intricately designed product of ‘heArtwork’ is a story of an artist

BY SADIA KHATRI

In a school in the heart of Saddar, students of ages four to over thirtyfive tear papers into smaller scraps.

Others pick up the shredded bits, turning it into pulp that can be plastered onto the walls and dried.

Still more students gather the dried paper, and use it to make greeting cards, photo frames and notebook covers. This process, included as part of their curriculum, will produce revenue for these students, all of whom have some kind of physical, mental, or emotional impairments.

most recent project, heArtwork, is a model in

The driving forces behind this project,

school and want to do something on their own.

known as ‘heArtwork’, are passionate twenty-

There is no investment in this; it’s all skill-based.”

somethings from NOWPDP, Pakistan (Network of

Organisations

Working

for

People

both innovation and sustainability. Much like the Karachi-based group ‘Kaghaz Key Karnamay,’ the ‘heArtwork’ team is recycling waste paper and other products, and utilising them creatively to make crafts that are sold to corporate and consumer markets.

Each intricately designed product is replete with its own story of the students behind the art. These inscriptions are largely done by students with hearing impairment.

“The idea is to impart knowledge,” explains Ansari, the Programme Manager for heArtwork.

“We try to give them tools for when they leave

According to government mandate, Pakistan’s

with

total workforce must include 2% people with

Disabilities, Pakistan). Sarah Ansari and Razee

disabilities. But this law is relatively unknown.

Khan, along with their teams, are committed

And where it is known, it is largely ignored.

to enhancing social inclusion and economic

Out of a population of 180 million, over five

h d sustainability for people with disabilities. Their

million persons are officially considered to have

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some kind of disability and actual numbers

So far, the paper comes as donations

are likely to be higher. Considering this,

from corporate partners. HeArtwork has

the fact that many people are unemployed

also installed boxes at local universities,

because of physical or other impairments

but the response from that end has

is a matter of grave concern. NOWPDP

been disappointing. Now streamlining

Pakistan is hoping to change these

paper supplies by partnering with local

numbers, one person at a time.

organisations is their immediate goal.

Ansari explains that the project has

Revenue from the products sold is given

been instituted in schools in accordance

as a financial reward to students at a fixed

with the requirements of the funder, the

percentage. “A lot of these children have

Planning & Development Department

learning and emotional disabilities, so

of the Government of Sindh. The four

age doesn’t matter,” Ansari elaborates.

schools in Karachi include ACELP, iKVTC

Some students, despite being much older,

(a vocational school), IDA Rieu and the

are only able to tear paper while some

Special School for Children Bahria Karsaz,

younger students can go through the

while the fifth partner school, Hayat-

entire papermaking process. Still, they

e-Nau, which is less well-established

are encouraged to break boundaries where

than the others, is in Hyderabad. The

they can. “Empowerment is key in our

requirements also stipulate that the

project,” emphasises Ansari.

project must include a total of 200 children

Khan admits that financial constraints

(50 per school, although the numbers

exist. Since the project’s 18 month funding

vary) and 10 teachers.

from the Sindh government will expire

In each of these schools, the teachers

in December 2013, they are banking on

are trained and then oversee students

revenue from the handicrafts to sustain

until they are able to go about the process

the project in the future. But Khan is

themselves. Thirty to forty papers are

hopeful that this may change with time,

made per day using a range of materials

especially once heArtwork has expanded

that can be seen scattered in their

across schools in different cities. In the

classrooms: paper cane, mulberry leaves,

meantime, heArtwork is also looking

corn, coconut, tissues and recycled paper.

for socially conscious and committed

“It [the project] is environmentally

ambassadors, locally and internationally,

friendly and requires fewer resources than

who can assist in creating awareness for

what a corporate endeavour would,” adds

their products in the retail markets.

Khan, who is the Business Development

What started out as a pilot project

Manager of NOWPDP and also provides

has now evolved drastically and come a

sup support to heArtwork’s corporate sales.

ks long way. From limited digital artworks

You do not seclude people with disability. They have to become a part of normal society, says Ansari

35 MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

FEATURE

The goal is to help students with disabilities develop skills and gain access to the market. By imparting practical skills, heArtwork hopes to instill the value of self-sufficiency

36 MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

of paintings and handicrafts that were

employment

pitched to corporate buyers, heArtwork

placed jobs for over 350 persons of

has grown to offer an entire range of

disability, where they enjoy a retention

products.

Handbags,

rate of 88%), and programmes that train

notebooks,

cards,

pillow

photo

cases,

frames

numbers

(NOWPDP

has

and

young adults to advocate for social and

paintings with gallery quality framing,

behavioral change. “You do not seclude

are now sold locally and internationally

people with disability,” Ansari says, “They

using social media, and placed at popular

have to become a part of normal society.”

spots in the city such as Neco’s and Liberty Books.

Although the name ‘NOWPDP’ may suggest that it is a network of

Ultimately, the goal is to help students

organisations, Ansari clarifies that that

with disabilities develop skills and gain

isn’t the case. Eventually, they do wish

access to the market. By imparting

to evolve into an umbrella organisation,

practical skills, heArtwork hopes to instill

but for now they are taking baby steps.

the value of self-sufficiency, even once

According to Khan, they are now at a stage

NOWPDP is out of the picture.

where there is a great scope for expansion.

Ansari and Khan repeatedly emphasise

Even then, their focus will remain the

this goal of reducing dependency. But

same: the creation of an inclusive social

heArtwork is not just about financial

society through behavioral and physical

independence, they say. It is also about

change. Like the rest of their team,

providing some form of contentment and

Khan and Ansari are both products of

happiness to the students through their

the Pakistani education system, and are

work. And surely, looking at the vibrant

determined to give back to their society.

designs and the intricate patterns on

Khan explains this by drawing a

handbags and greeting cards painted,

graph, where he labels the x axis as rev-

one can sense that these are the fruits of a

enue, and the y axis as social impact.

labour well enjoyed.

Claiming that revenue will always be a

Their other initiatives include

by-product of social impact, he draws a

rickshaws that have been re-engineered

line towards the x axis. “We will always

for people with physical limitations,

choose social impact over revenue,” he

recruitment

says.

drives

to

increase

REVIEW

the rise and fall of a tycoon

BY KARTHIK KERAMALU

Mohsin Hamid pretends to be a ‘helper’ in his forthcoming novel How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia. It takes off as an essay mocking Rising Asia and lands as a hard andstoic fable. The title is apt, and the main story never really deviates from it. The novel’s goal is to provide the reader with an insight into the world of Asia that is rising amongst the debris of corruption, poverty, unemployment, piracy, hunger and deaths.

Rhythmically, the chapters are also titled in a similar fashion, like little pairs of eyes setting upon their targets in big cities, moving to the cities and making pots of money. Mohsin Hamid experiments with the second-person narrative in a casual conversation with the reader. The characters are unnamed and so are the cities. It could be any city in Asia: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh.

In all of Hamid’s novels, we find a love story. Here the protagonist, a village boy, goes to a city, gets an education, falls in love with a pretty girl who, like the rest of the characters in the novel, is unnamed. The village boy and the pretty girl meet several times in their lives — he

just die already!

BY NOMAN ANSARI

Watching A Good Day to Die Hard is surely a good way for people to die of tediousness. Directed by John Moore (Max Payne), this nonsensical fifth installment in the Die Hard action series continues the adventures of John McClane (Bruce Willis) in a highly disappointing outing which undoubtedly is the worst film in the series, and a terribly dull action picture overall.

Considered to be popcorn entertainment, the Die Hard movies have often featured creatively staged action sequences which pack enough excitement to be worth the admission fee for the weekend crowd. And while no one can accuse the storylines in these films of having Shakespearean potential, they are written adequately enough to provide star Bruce Willis with enough wit and cockiness to give his reckless cop character a likable persona.

A Good Day to Die Hard however is poorly written, with its star Bruce Willis coming off more like a cranky old has-been, rather than the droll renegade detective we have come to love. Things take off with McClane flying to Russia to aid his son Jack (Jai Courtney), who has been arrested for a mysterious assassination attempt. Here he finds his son, and government whistleblower 40 Yuri Komarov (Sebastian Koch), being chased through the roads MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

a business tycoon and she a model, he an old man living in a hotel and she an old woman living in an apartment.

Each chapter in the book is a story within a story, a phase of the protagonist’s life. The portrayal of seven to eight decades of a man, from to birth to his death can only be achieved by a writer of Hamid’s stature. The story is broken into parts — the boy lives in the village with his whole family, except his father who visits him from time to time. He moves to the city. To survive in a city, he acquires education. He works and falls in love with a pretty girl. He marries a woman much younger than him and has a son.

His wife divorces him. His son is in another country available only on online chats. He meets the pretty girl once again, rekindling an old acquaintance. Then he grows old and dies.

The book details the life of a man who became a big business tycoon, it documents his rise and fall. It is an average man’s story, not a success story.

of Moscow by heavily armed assailants. At this point, John needlessly destroys several bridges, roads, and possibly kills dozens of innocent civilians, all so that he can aid his son. Yes, John McClane is a complete jerk, and his estranged son is not happy to see him.

Soon, John learns that Jack is a CIA spy on an important mission to extract information from Komarov against a powerful and corrupt Russian official named Viktor Chagarin (Sergei Kolesnikov).

Does John tell Jack that he is proud of him for taking on such an impressive profession? No. Like the big jerk that he is, John laughs at Jack for ‘playing a spy’, and admits that he thought Jack was a drug addict. No wonder Jack hates his father. The film briefly focuses on their tense relationship, and they eventually bond over explosive levels of gratuitous violence.

Unfortunately, the action sequences in A Good Day to Die Hard are loud, unexciting, completely unimaginative, poorly edited, and more than a little obnoxious. Sadly, they aren’t as obnoxious as the hero of the film himself.

HEALTHY LIVING

vital vitamins

BY KIRAN ZAHRA

Vitamin B3 aids gastrointestinal tract health by ensuring normal secretion of bile, stomach fluids and proper mainte-

nance of muscle tone. It also supports the spinal cord, skin, muscle, liver, kidneys and heart.

Diet: Yeast, sunflower seeds, legumes, and almonds.

When you are diagnosed as vitamin deficient, is it enough to simply pop a multivitamin tablet? The answer is no. In

GET HAPPY AND HAPPIER WITH… VITAMIN B6:

fact multivitamin pills — if taken without appropriate prescriptions — can be damaging in the long run. The best way

Feeling low or unhappy? Vitamin B6 gives

to defeat the deficiency is through a change in your diet.

balance to optimal nervous system functions and regulates mood swings, provid-

Looking for vitamin boosters? Well, here you go.

ing an effective treatment for depression.

Diet: Walnuts, oatmeal, lentils , carrots, bananas and avocado.

INCREASE IRON LEVELS WITH… VITAMIN C: Vitamin C taken with your meal can facilitate intestinal absorption of non-heme

iron (plant-based). It also supports ova-

ries, gums, adrenals, immune system and the liver.

Diet: Tomatoes, strawberries, raw cabbage, pineapple, peppers, parsley, guava, citrus fruits, broccoli and aloe vera juice.

SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH… VITAMIN A:

brain function. Vitamin B1 also protects

Want to reverse aging, heal scar tissues,

Do you end up catching every flu and cold

heart.

E is a strong antioxidant that supports the

going around? If your immune system is bad, it can be due to insufficient level of

Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a potent antioxi-

the peripheral nerves, kidney, liver and Diet: Whole-grains, nuts, legumes, brewer’s yeast and asparagus.

improve hair and skin condition? Vitamin muscles, liver, brain, skin and immune system.

Diet: Wheatgerm, sunflowers, hazelnuts,

free radicals and thus support the skin,

retina, liver, intestines, bones and adre-

RELIEVE EYE FATIGUE AND MIGRAINES WITH… VITAMIN B2:

nal.

REVERSE DAMAGE FROM ANTIBIOTICS WITH… VITAMIN K:

Diet: Sweet potatoes, spinach, green leafy

If you have a high caffeine intake to coun-

vegetables, carrots and apricots.

ter fatigue and migraines, then vitamin

B2 is right for you. It boosts red blood cell

With long term use of antibiotics, the

production and body growth.

digestive system can get disrupted and impair fat absorption, which can be cor-

dant that neutralises the damage made by

BOOST CONCENTRATION WITH… VITAMIN B1: Feeling fatigued or foggy? Vitamin B1 can

42

GET HEALTHY SKIN AND HAIR WITH… VITAMIN E:

boost your concentration level by supporting the nervous system and increasing MARCH 31-APRIL 6 2013

Diet: Sprouts, broccoli, beans, avocados, asparagus and almonds

EASE DIGESTION ISSUES WITH… VITAMIN B3:

apricot oil, almonds, and nut/plant oils.

rected by the Vitamin K intake. It also supports bones, liver, pancreas and blood vessels.

Diet: Spinach, soy beans, oats, lettuce, kale, kelp and cabbage.