PEOPLE PAKISTAN CONTENTS DECEMBER 2020
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EDITOR’S NOTE
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OUR PICKS FOR 2020
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INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE: The Power of Illustration - Meet Manal Mirza
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COVER STORY: The Rise of the Phoenix - Ali Zafar
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THE BEST OF 2020: New Influencers on the Block
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THE BEST OF 2020: The Fashion Hits
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PEOPLE TRIBUTE: In Memoriam - A Salute to Those We Lost in 2020
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PEOPLE HEALTH: Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy with Nutritionist Zoha Matin
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PEOPLE TALK: High Profile - Weddings, Divorces & Rallies
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PEOPLE COOK: Lahori Hareesa
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HOROSCOPES PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
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EDITOR’S NOTE Hello everyone! I think we are all ready to say goodbye and also obliviate from our memories what has been a year full of constraint and sadness. We are all longing to go back to the time of no facemasks, more social interaction and just to be able to dine out with families and friends. Let’s hope that 2021 brings us all this and more. Sending all of you lots of positive vibes from all of us here at People Pakistan. That being said, we have a cracking issue full of exciting content! Our cover star for this month is Ali Zafar, a star whose talent and charisma has made him a household name not only in Pakistan but globally. For our Inspirational People section, we speak to artist and illustrator, Manal Mirza, an American Pakistani who has just illustrated a childrens book on Malala Yousafzai for the Little People, Big Dreams series. Our The Best of 2020 section features a roundup of the year and we also pay respect to those we lost in our People Tribute section. Read about eating healthy in our People Health feature where we speak to nutritionist Zoha Matin. All this and more waits for you in the following pages and once again, we cannot wait to hear what you love and what you would like changed! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from all of us at People Pakistan!
SHANZAAY SHEIKH Editor-in-Chief RAMSHAY SHEIKH Co-Editor RAMEEN NAGHMAN Co-Editor
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Our Picks for
2020
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FACE MASKS
NETFLIX
INSTA LIVE
They are the ultimate must-have
While 2020 was loaded up with
Celebrities very rarely used to
accessory we didn’t see coming,
tension and vulnerability, we
connect with fans through live
and whether we like it or not,
additionally looked for bliss,
sessions
they’re here to stay for a while, so
solace and interruption where we
However, the pandemic has been
we might as well find ways to
can discover it. Netflix definitely
truly isolating for some, thus the
wear them that make these masks
made our life less miserable, we
explosion of IG Lives. Almost
feel like a fashion statement.
bing watched too many shows.
everyone got on board!
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before
COVID-19.
INTIMATE WEDDINGS
PETS
PUZZLES
Many brides dream of a big fat
A pet is the best companion.
A productive activity to keep you
wedding! But, COVID-19 has
Lockdown proved just that. A
busy plus they have an end result
changed our outlook completely!
silver lining to the stress of
that really pays off!
An intimate wedding attended by
stay-at-home orders for many has
only your nearest and dearest can
been extra time spent with pets.
be a lot more fulfilling. PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
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INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE
The Power of Illustration
MEET ARTIST MANAL MIRZA
This month, People Pakistan speaks to the Chicago-based artist and illustrator Manal Mirza. Through her powerful illustrations and design, Manal expresses contemporary ideas about empowerment, identity and representation as a Pakistan-American woman. Manal recently illustrated a book about Malala Yousafzai for the series ‘Little People, Big Dreams.’ Can you describe your art and what medium you like
What else inspires you? Where do you get your ideas
to use?
from?
I think people have labels for everything, but honestly, I’m
A lot of my ideas come from trying to fill the void within
just doing what I like to do, I try not to limit myself too much.
representation, at least for diversity. To me, living in
When I first started out, I was doing hand drawings, and I
America, that’s really important. I feel like if I could represent
was doing it in my journal. Eventually, it went more to
my people and myself, as a Muslim woman that’s Pakistani,
painting digitally.
then I want to do that properly; if I can speak for myself and show people that we’re normal people that have normal
How long have you been working on your art?
problems that are going through normal things; also, that
Art is something that’s developed in my life, but it’s always
I can show our people elevated, as how I see them, with
been there. Both my parents went to art school in Pakistan,
a rich history, rich culture, then I would like to do that as
so I feel like I had a little bit of influence. In high school I
an artist.
used traditional tools of drawing and painting and learned that in a class setting, then in college, I studied interaction
What do you hope that people feel when they see your
design which is more technical, but definitely has that
artwork?
creative aspect to it.
Honestly, it’s about being able to relate to whatever subject that I have within my art. Also, it’s visually trying to portray
How has social media helped you develop as an artist?
myself - my people, my community in a way that I know
What really helped me was going on Instagram and seeing
them, that isn’t shown. So, it’s being relatable and then also
other artists post their work and being inspired by that.
being, “Wow. This is something that I don’t see in pop
Also, I feel like all the freelance work that I’m doing now,
culture.” For a long time, at least when I was growing up -
people have messaged me through Instagram. That’s the
I think it might be different now - you would see an
beauty of social media. You’re so connected with different
ambiguous brown person on television, and you’d be
types of people and with that, comes a lot of opportunity.
like, “Okay, I kind of relate to them, but this isn’t me. PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
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© Manal Mirza
© Manal Mirza
They’re not fully representing me.” I think if you really
And sharing art?
want to be represented, you need to represent your
Yes. Tell your story. You don’t realise how many people
own community.
relate to it.
Can you talk about your connection to Pakistan?
What is next for you as an artist? What else should
When I think of Pakistan, I think of my family. My parents
people look out for from you?
are from there and I feel like I have a pretty close
My art is always changing, so I think just developing some
connection. Honestly, every time I go there, I’m in awe of
ideas more. I’m always trying to learn more skills when it
the culture and the people and how welcoming they are.
comes to drawing and art. I always want to be a student in
When you go into a bazaar, you’re just like, “Wow. This is
that sense, where I want to keep learning about it, getting
amazing.” It’s super inspiring to me. We have so much
better. Then hopefully, more books.
choice when it comes to textiles, colours. There’s so much art in Pakistan. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or people who like to dabble in art? I would say, just go for it. Even if it is five minutes a day, which is where I started. I started doing it 20 minutes a day or after work or in the middle of the night, when I’d feel, “I
Check out Manal’s latest artwork on her Instagram @manal_mirza_ and her website manalmirza.shop. Look out for the launch of Malala Yousafzai, Little People, BIG DREAMS in early March.
need to draw.” As an artist, when you don’t make art, it really does have an effect on you. It’s not so obvious sometimes, but after you make art, you feel so much better.
This interview was conducted by Simran Chawla, author of the
It’s like a relief, almost.
book Searching for Home. It has been edited for clarity and length.
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
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COVER STORY
ALI ZAFAR T
his is a star that really needs no introduction, a voice that has enthralled
us for years, and an aura that keeps us mesmerised, we can truly say that Ali Zafar is one of a kind. Celebrating his 18th year in the business,
Ali is Pakistan’s first superstar and a heartthrob for millions across the world. From giving us many all time hit songs to starring in the lead role of the Pakistan’s highest grossing film Teefa in Trouble, Ali has defied all odds to be the number one. This year, Ali has put another feather on his hat by receiving th Pride of Performance award by the Government of Pakistan. An artist in the truest sense, People Pakistan chats with the star himself to get an insight on his life this year, the pandemic and a lot more. All we can say is come what may, this is the rise of the phoenix.
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ALI ZAFAR The Rise Of the Phoenix: How much you think this
Apart from being a mega star in our country, we
title justifies your life or is relateable?
know for the fact you’re the most humble and
Khalil Jibran said “ Out of suffering have emerged
down to earth person in real life. Is it spirituality,
the strongest souls. The most massive characters are
upbringing or life lessons?
seared with scars.”
If such is the case, perhaps it is an understanding of the self that we are nothing but energy that that is
With success comes great responsibility and
going to be transferred. Whats all the fuss about.
pressure, how do you keep your feet on ground?
Might as well enhance the quality of the time we
Music, reading, contemplation, meditation and
have with ourselves and others around us in the
prayer.
current reality of our existence.
In last couple of years you have seen somewhat
A lot of people say you actually have the sufi soul
what we may call the most tumultuous time of
inside. Do you agree?
your life, what have you learnt from it?
I don’t know what a Sufi soul is. I just know what a
We grew up with family values that would emphasise
soul can be.
deeply on the pursuit knowledge more than anything since both my parents were educators. Once you’re
After the enormous success of Teefa In Trouble, is
on that road you learn see every adversity as a test
the second installment going on floor soon?
or a lesson sent your way to take you from one place
That’s the intention.
to the other. A path that ultimately leads you to your final destination and true purpose.
Singing, ccting, and production - are you going to venture towards direction next?
Do you think failures and hard times are better
I’d prefer someone else take that responsibility so I
teachers in life than success and victories?
can focus on my craft.
Your success is nothing but the result of your learnings through your hardships and failures. None is better
Which genre of films do you personally enjoy and
than the other. They are meant to coexist as per the
which genre you think needs to be explored more
law of polarity. One compliments the other. Without
in the Pakistani film industry?
failure there is no success. Without the concept of
Well first and foremost, no matter what the genre, a
losing there is no concept of victory.
films foremost purpose is to entertain. I personally like the works of Stanley Kubrick, Christopher Nolan,
What gives you the utmost satisfaction in life?
Martin Scorsese, Martin Brest and others who take
Being able to bring joy into people’s lives starting
the art of story telling beyond the norm.
from my family. What are the strength and three weaknesses of People who have worked with you or met you
our film industry?
actually adore you. In fact, the warmth is often
Our strength is our raw indigenous talent base
compared to Shahrukh Khan’s. What brings out
for an opportunity to prove itself. Our
that quality in you?
lack of direction and implementation of policies that
I have no idea. I just feel life is too short to be cold inside.
would give that talent that opportunity.
waiting
weakness is our
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Family is usually one’s biggest support. How is your rapport with your parents, wife, siblings and most importantly kids? For me the most important thing is the family. I am blessed to have parents who nurtured us into becoming who we are. I must do the same for my children. I feel it my responsibility that I am able to give the best of experiences of life to them and present them with all possibilities to experience happiness in its purest form. Between the ages of 2 and 8 is when a child’s personality and beliefs formulate that would take him through life. It is most important that we as parents during those foundation years inculcate the values of love, compassion and creativity in them. Both me and Ayesha don’t believe in scolding. We believe in explaining. Our job would be to equip them with a foundation from which they can create the life they wish for. Become what they would aspire to. Most importantly, to become good human beings. What is one lesson your hard times taught you and you would like to tell your audience and fans? Take your tough times as a blessing. As your best teachers. Learn and become stronger each time and also kinder. If your could remake an old film, which would it be and why? And who would play the main parts? Carlito’s way, The untouchables. I would leave the casting to the makers. 2020 has been a tough time for everyone with Covid19. What kept you going? A belief that this too shall pass. Finally we are starting 2021 with all the positive energy and wishes and hope, what will be your new year wish and message to the world at large? If you’ve made it till here, you can make it further. The question is do we want a world better than before or worse? If it’s the earlier, then we need to sit down and realign a lot of concepts and beliefs that can truly usher us into the next cycle of human co existence which is more in harmony than destruction. A new being which is truly human. PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
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ALI’s Rapid Fire A quote you live by: “Pleasure in the job puts perfections in the work” - Aristotle. Music or poetry: One can’t be chosen over the other. Both are supreme forms of communication. Music needs no language. It is poetry in itself. Poetry may not need music. It is music in itself. Favourite scent: Bvlgari Onekh A piece of clothing you could wear everyday: Pyjamas. Your autobiography will be titled: The Artist. Currently reading: Fallen Leaves: Last Words on Life, Love, War and God by Will Durant Nawaz Sharif or Imran Khan: The one who is fearless. Your all time favourite co-star: Katrina Kaif. An all time favourite song of yours: Jhoom.
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SHOT BY: ABDULLAH HARRIS HAIR & MAKEUP: VICKY STYLING: @EMERGENCYROOM19
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INSPIRING THE BEST OF PEOPLE 2020
NEW INFLUENCERS ON THE BLOCK Social media influencers have become a force to be reckoned with and this year has seen some new ones take the internet by storm! People Pakistan picks the top 5 influencers you should follow that managed to create quite a stir in 2020!
SONA RAFIQUE Everyone’s favourite and a camera lens darling, Sona is the talk of the town. From her fashion game to styling videos, this petite and stunning influencer got all brands wrapped around her finger.
LUBNA FARYAD AKA AMMA The most celebrated influencer Of 2020 in Pakistan has to be Amma of ‘Amma, Tv or Main’ by Galaxy Lollywood. Amma started a youtube show alongside her son Momin Ali Munshi reviewing Pakistani dramas and is now a part of every home. And not to forget, she is already a verified instagram celebs with that blue tick!
KHAQAN SHAHNAWAZ This guy has no filter and he is definitely bothered about it. From making viral content to raising the most socially relevant points in the humorous way, Khaqan knows how to get those views soaring high!
ZAINAB ABBAS When you work hard, you go places. This girl definitely proved this right. Zainab’s instagram game went to another level when she started her styling transition video this lockdown season and Woah we really wanna how they seem so effortless! Kudos and keep shining!
MAHAM ALI AKA DESI BAGUETTE Definitely a Simran, with or without chins doesn’t matter! From live reporting of lockdown and quarantine days to finally making her way to Pakistan after a whole year, Maham got us hooked to her instagram! We have an apt line for her, she is entertaining, entertaining and entertaining. PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
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THE BEST OF 2020
The Fashion Hits Here are some of our favourite looks from 2020 ...
PEOPLE PAKISTAN PAKISTAN DECEMBER DECEMBER 2020 2020 18PEOPLE 2
PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
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ALTISH YOUSAF IN TARUN TAHLIANI
MAYA ALI IN KOKAB ZIA
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
ANUSH AMMAR IN RIMPLE & HARPREET
SIDRA AKRAM IN MISHA LAKHANI
KIRAN MALIK IN FARAH TALIB AZIZ
MAHIRA KHAN IN ELAN
ALYZEH GABOL IN FAIZA SAQLAIN
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MALEEHA AKRAM IN FARAH TALIB AZIZ
TAIBA MALIK IN SANIA MASKATIYA
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MUBASHRA ALI IN SAIMA TAIMUR
ALINA FAIZAN IN HER OWN LABEL
SYRA YOUSAF IN KANYA COUTURE
PEOPLE TRIBUTE
IN MEMORIAM...
a salute to those we lost in 2020
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1. TARIQ AZIZ - Known for his programme, Neelaam Ghar, which ran for four decades, radio and television anchor Tariq Aziz passed away at the age of 84. 2. KOBE BRYANT - The tragic demise of this basketball legend who spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning the NBA Championship 5 times left the entire world and his fans shocked. 3. ZARA ABID - Gone too soon! The Pakistani fashion industry lost an integral part of itself. Supermodel Zara was one of the passengers on the ill-fated PIA flight PK 8303. 4. CHADWICK BOSEMAN - The star of Black Panther also succumbed to cancer this year. 5. IRRFAN KHAN - The star of Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire and The Namesake lost his battle to cancer this year. His work lives on.
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6. RISHI KAPOOR - This entertainer also lost his battle with cancer this year. The star of hits such as Bobby and Chandini will be remembered 'with a grin and not with tears.’ 7. SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT - The star of Kai Po Che! and Chhichhore, committed suicide this year. His death created quite the uproar in Bollywood with neoptism and drug use scandals. 8. SAROJ KHAN - This veteran choreographer delivered iconic dance numbers like Dhola Re Dhola and Choli ke Peeche, often featuring Madhuri Dixit or Sridevi, which played a vital role in etching out their illustrious careers. 9. SEAN CONNERY - This first James Bond known to the world also left us this year at the ripe age of 90. 10. RUTH BADER GINSBURG - This US Supreme Court Justice was renowned worldwide for her stance in gender equality and women’s rights. 11. AMANULLAH KHAN - This king of comedy had a career
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that spanned 45 years with more than 2,000 plays, other than films and television shows. He died at the age of 70.
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PEOPLE HEALTH
Eat Healthy, S tay Healthy WITH NUTRITIONIST ZOHA MATIN
What are some of your qualifications as a nutritionist,
What is that one evil food everyone should eliminate
and how have you set yourself apart in your field?
from their lives?
I hold both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in
If I had to pick one, it would be soft drinks! There is absolutely
Human Nutrition from the top universities in Canada. I also
no nutritional value in soft drinks. They are full of artificial
gained valuable international training experience and
chemicals, can cause weakening of your bones and teeth,
mentorship working in hospitals and clinics in Canada
and have high sugar content, which contributes to belly fat.
under the supervision of senior practitioners in the nutrition field. This was before I moved to Pakistan to start my own
What do you eat in a day?
private practice. In addition to my nutrition degrees, I have
I work out in the morning, then, before leaving for work, I
also completed two fitness training certifications in Canada
have a late breakfast – usually it alternates between a 2-egg
which enables me to guide my clients on exercise as well.
omelet with lots of vegetables, cooked in very little olive oil with 1 piece of multigrain bread or oatmeal porridge with
What does healthy eating mean to you?
milk, nuts, seeds and fruit. With my breakfast, I take 1 cup
From a young age, I adopted healthy eating habits because
of black coffee.
I noticed what a profound impact they had on my own health and how I feel every day.
Then before leaving for work – I pack my snacks to take to work with me. I usually take one or more of the following: yogurt
Healthy eating is a very crucial component in enhancing
with granola, chopped fruit, nuts, chia seed pudding, home-
one’s physical well-being and overall quality of life. Of-
made cholay, fruit smoothie, or a peanut butter sandwich.
course most people already know that healthy food works like natural medicine in our bodies, fighting and preventing
When I return home from work, I have an early dinner with a
many diseases that usually occur in old age like heart dis-
lot of vegetables (either a large helping of salad, grilled or
ease, diabetes, cancer, etc. Unhealthy foods have the op-
sautéed vegetables), with some protein: daal, or grilled or
posite effect and can cause disease.
baked fish or chicken, and some whole grains: a small portion of brown rice, quinoa or brown roti.
But what is amazing is that those individuals who switch from unhealthy eating habits to healthier eating will very quickly
What is the best way to build immunity and can you
notice a major shift in their energy levels, the appearance of
suggest some foods that help?
their skin and hair, their moods, their sleep, their focus at work
Foods rich in vitamins A, C, D, E and zinc are especially
– and these are just the short-term changes that can make
important for ensuring a strong immune system. Have the
people feel so much better on a daily basis.
following foods regularly in your diet: yogurt, spinach,
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mushrooms, eggs, daal, chickpeas, citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit, oranges), guava, strawberries, bell peppers, olive oil, flax seeds, walnuts and almonds. If you had to suggest a diet chart for healthy living, what would be its core elements? Generally, a diet for optimal health includes lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy protein sources (lean meats, seafood, legumes, lentils) and dairy (or plant-based milk alternatives). The amounts of each food item and portion sizes depend on an individual’s unique profile (their height, weight, gender, age, activity levels and any medical conditions). Is working out necessary even if you are eating right ? Yes, regular exercise is also very necessary for good health. Individuals can manage their weight, lose or gain weight just through a diet alone if that is their goal; however, exercise has many other benefits besides weight management. It can improve metabolism, change body composition, improve sleep, immunity and blood circulation. Do you see a shift in public perceptions of nutrition? Yes, it’s very clear that in Pakistan people have become a lot more health conscious, especially within the last five years. Many individuals go to the gym and try to watch what they eat. Before, individuals would only ‘diet’ to lose weight, but now people are much more aware of the other health benefits of eating well and strive towards it. Which vitamins are essential for women above 30 ? If adult women ensure that they are eating a balanced diet with a large variety of healthy foods, fruits and vegetables, they can avoid any nutrient deficiencies and they do not need to take supplements. The deficiencies that are found to be most common in adult women are vitamin D, calcium and iron deficiencies. Many women also lack enough zinc and magnesium in their diets. Women should include foods in their diets that are high in these nutrients daily to avoid these deficiencies. If they are not able to meet these daily recommended intakes of these vitamins and minerals - they can take supplements (vitamin D, iron, cal-mag-zn).
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FOR IMMUNITY: FRESH ABC JUICE (APPLE, BEETROOT, CARROT)
SERVINGS: 2 INGREDIENTS 3 apples, core removed 1 carrot ½ inch piece of ginger ½ lemon (with peel) 1/3 beetroot METHOD Add all ingredients to a juicer. Add ice cubes and enjoy. PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
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PEOPLE TALK
High Profile: Weddings, Divorces and Rallies
Details from a recent lavish wedding in Pakistan. Image source: Instagram
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his last month has been rather distastefully significant
flowers, neon lights, ostentatious decor, bite sized food
for the average Pakistani internet users. The three
and hilarious choice of entertainment. Ironically, patriarchs
trending subjects everyone and their mother had an opinion
of both the wedded families are noteworthy Haji Sahabs,
about were the extremely over-the-top Lahori wedding, the
proudly brandishing the pilgrim title but ignoring the very
marriage of Lady Diana fueled by the recent barrage of
teachings of Islam, as was evident in this excessively crass
Netflix shows and of-course, our own unsavory version of
shindig of a wedding! Another paradox was the clergyman
political dynastic dramatizations via the PDM rallies, listed in
solemnizing the wedding, because the man has spent his
no particular order. Lets take a moment and let that sink in.
life preaching the beauty of simplicity and warning against
We all spent precious hours and our grey matter debating
excesses. For those who were saved by the eyesore decor
things that do not affect us directly at all... But then, the
at said wedding, let me enlighten you. There were more
hidden Phuppo in all of us doesn't ever let sleeping dogs lie,
flowers than the Garden of Eden, in bunches, draped
does she?
across chairs, walls, the bridal stage, and even hanging from hideous chandeliers. Perishable flowers meant to last
Lets dissect the wedding, to begin this pet-peeve rant: So,
a day, were flown in at an outrageous price-tag of 60
a total of two billion rupees was spent on a horrid display of
million PKR.
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Heck, I even spotted some acrylic ponds with actual live
Moving on, I feel it is also a bit unfair to single out individ-
FISH to serve to marvel as some garish decoration in this
uals for insensitive and asinine displays of wealth and
big fat Pakistani wedding. The bride despite the
encouraging public gathering, when our so called
embarrassment she must be facing if she had an iota of
“leaders” are engaged in a similar ploy. We have witnessed
decency, managed to looked resplendent in her (thankfully
for years, the dynamics of Pakistani politics, which is neither
tasteful) white ensemble but her mother is another story,
a meritocracy nor a democracy. How can we convince our
more orange than a Caribbean sunset and more laden with
minds to believe that the largest political parties in the
gold than Bappi Lehri on crack or Mr. T on a winning day. I
nation stand for democracy when their own caucuses have
think she took inspiration from the Nihari-King wedding a
given the head-chairs to those who lead, not with
few years ago, where the groom adorned an armor-like
experience or political savvy, but because they have
necklace, from neck to knees, in solid gold. This tacky and
inherited these political parties by shady handwritten wills
vulgar display just affirms the age-old saying: Darling,
or because their father was in jail? Isn't that the exact
money doesn't buy class.
opposite of democracy and more of sexually transmitted disease called dynasty, whereby a leader is chosen based
To add insult to injury or lal-mirch to gaping wounds, the
on the DNA and familial link they possess and not on merit
‘entertainment committee’ flew in fire-dancers and acrobats
or the choice of the people? Is it fair for an assemblage of
to keep the mood jovial and the crowd engaged. It was an
politicians with collective experiences longer than the ages
unusual spin on the Cirque du Soleil à la Paindu, because
of the leaders to have to bow their heads in respect,
why the hell not? Why they didn't just stick to the traditional
prostrating in front of these entitled brats who have lived
Bollywood stars that money easily imports or even locally
their lives in bubbles so far disconnected from reality that
procured high-priced talent, is beyond me! I guess it paid
they feel Gucci is high-street affordable fashion, bananas
off though, because the crowd was equal parts mesmerized
are purchased per meter and jails should have working air
and shocked and the internet had a freaking field day over
conditioning and keto meals catered?
this drama-comedy, much much more than kids did over Shafqat Mahmood’s school closure announcements. Haji
Now In fear of backlash by authorities & to distract the
sahabs of both the bride and groom’s families must have
public, maintain their loveability and popularity,magically,
fueled their wild wet-dream fantasies that night, watching
a new lobby which combines two of the largest political
those robust acrobats split their legs in skin-tight leotards
forces of the country is produced, into one ugly and loud
and dance lewdly with fire.
crusade, which travels city to city, coaxing large crowds to listen to their fulminations against any action,
While every person should be allowed to live according to
deflecting blame, pointing fingers and generally raising
their own wishes and spend their (hard-earned?) money to
an outcry against the current Federal Government and
their liking, I feel that it is awfully offensive to rub your riches
also “space aliens!”
in the faces of a nation suffering from high unemployment
Funnier still, is their absolute lack of concern for the thousands
and inflation during a pandemic and time of global
of people who are packed shoulder to shoulder, to listen to
suffering. In a time that called for everyone to unite in efforts
their diatribes, at a time when social distancing and staying
to ease others suffering, these nouveau-riche’ clans
indoors is advised to avoid spreading of a disease which has
managed to have a circus-like gathering, that didn't follow
no vaccination or medication yet. Lets not even mention the
government mandated standards operating procedures,
constant winter-fashions parade these jalsas have been more
and no doubt, added to hundreds of Covid cases in that
useful as, with the chief patron displaying coats and jackets,
locality and many more by degrees of separation.
furs and knitwear, stylized to perfection.
Sad is the song that the classless sing, and sadder is the
Oh largest hypocrisy is, in the coming week, one of the
crowd that dances to it.
leaders sister is getting engaged in an intimate gathering PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
29
(read: a tasteful but underplayed event in line with political
which gave the world the phenomenon known as Lady
imagery and hiding of wealth, not flaunting it lest the public
Diana. Netflix has been on a rampage, dropping show upon
catch on to the actual reality), and the event invitation cards
show of stories of the royals, making us relive the times and
request the guests to email a covid test report, taken not
the mesmerizing aura of a lady whose entire image and
more than 24 hours prior to the event, to be able to attend
persona was more doctored than Kylie Jenner's face and
physically. Where is this common sense when thousands are
who thrived upon this attention from audiences around the
urged to attend their rallies and jalsas? Or are the commoners
world to hide her sinister agendas, her successful attempts
the children of a lesser God, who are either magically immune
at making herself smell like a rose and paint her (ex) husband
or whose lives just don't matter? What miracle would have to
as a villain who wronged her by engaging in infidelity that
occur between the 27th and the 30th of November, for those
she herself engaged in multiple times.
attending the engagement in Karachi on the 27th to need PCR test results to be allowed into the premises, while those
Imagine a woman of royal lineage herself, marrying an actual
attending the rally in Multan for Foundation Day on the 30th
prince after just 13 non-personal and heavily intruded upon
to not even be provided with masks with the party’s funds?
short dates. The world loved a good “cinderella” story but
Like another nepotistically imposed MNA said, “These jalsas
largely disregarded the fact that Diana herself wasn't a
aren't happening in the province we rule,” suggesting an
pauper by any standards. We all fell in love with the blue-
outrageous lack of responsibility or care. The level of
eyed innocent young woman, in the clutches of a big-nosed,
disregard for human lives, the airs of grandeur, the superiority
nerdy Charles, who was also over a decade older than her.
complexes and clear divide between the value of people is
We were quick to sympathize with her, and even quicker to
disgusting and petrifying in equal amounts.
judge Charles and Camilla, to villainize and vilify them. No one ever thought about the “rules” in place that shattered
We as a nation are so busy defending bad behavior, cheering
lives, first of King Edward VIII, then of Princess Margaret, and
on those who oppress and use people for their own malicious
then of Charles,Camilla and Diana and countless others. The
benefit, that we are the very definition of post-colonial
Queen herself, probably spent a miserable eternity married
hangovers, “royalty” worshippers and brainwashed into
to man just because she had to, and didn't have the option
revering, respecting and actually putting on a pedestal, the
to exit, in her own words, being the head of the Church that
very people who steal from us, who should theoretically serve
made the absurd rule that marriage was dissoluble until one
us and answer to us!
party was dead!
Now, whether the currently formed government came into
Imagine being denied the choice to spend the rest of your
power by means of democratic, free and fair election or
life with the woman you dearly love, because she was
merely a sellable selection by the powers that be, as claimed
seemingly a non virgin, divorced or previously attached to
and protested by these rally-callers, it is certainly not the time
someone else? Imagine having to fake being in love with a
to be calling gatherings of large amounts of people. And
woman you were albeit forced to marry, and then to deal
while every citizen in the free world has a right to protest for
with public backlash when you even dared to spend time
their rights (actual or imaginary), there must be a boundary of
with your soulmate? Lets respect the dead and not even
decorum, decency, logic and common sense. One simply
bring up the amount of wild oats that Diana sowed while
doesn’t incline large crowds to assemblage when there is an
married, from her bodyguard to a French aristocrat, from
outbreak of a highly contagious, not yet curable virus
JFK, Jr. to Bryan Adams, all while being married herself, not
wreaking havoc on homes, lives and livelihoods, worldwide.
even separated,living on taxpayers bucks in the palatial
Everything can wait during a time of crises.
palaces of the Royalty she rebelled against? How come people were so forgiving of her wild indiscretions and
This brings me to actual royalty, the Windsors, the centuries
extensive string of lovers, while vilifying the man who chose
old Monarchy. And the product of their bastardly practices,
an older, far less pretty but far more interesting woman and
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
peoplepakistan.com
Season 4 of The Crown chronicles the tumultuous marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Image source: Netflix stuck with her through decades, to prove that true love is
without a care in the world and that too in her own home?
more than just skin deep, that appearances don't mean
Haww hai ...
much in the matters of the heart, that soulmates do exist, that in the end love conquers all? Sounds like a romantic
Maybe conditioning the minds of people is the key, which
love-story for the keeps, but we hardly ever hear it or see it
is why the rich spend insane amounts of money to satisfy
in this light because we are so conditioned to love Diana
the curiosity of the proletariat, to win admiration and
and hate Charles and his side-tart, Camilla.
arduous fandom. Maybe, ultimately, what matters most isn't looks or decency, but the amount one can spend to
Diana must have had one helluva PR team, to make her public
favorably spin public opinion in their favor. Maybe money
perception such an angelic one, while she manipulated the
doesn't buy happiness or class, but it certainly buys
public into emotional jerking, turning a blind eye to her
followers. Ask any Instagrammer, they'll confirm!
reckless and imprudent behavior, supporting her into making herself an entity that battled the royalty head-on and WON, into villainizing a poor chap fighting for his right to love an older woman, a divorced woman, a woman he truly loved and stuck by, while she fleeted from man to man, bed to bed, in search of a perfect companionship that is a larger mirage than democracy in Pakistani political parties? There was a serious public outrage at Diana’s funeral where The Queen avoided to comment. Imagine, asking the saas to say something nice about the bahu that threatened her position, popularity and made the world think of her son as the wrong party while carrying on with her own side-action
X.O.X.O, Sana Mir (a.k.a. Queen of Sass) PEOPLE PAKISTANDECEMBER OCTOBER2020 2020 PEOPLE PAKISTAN
25 31
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
peoplepakistan.com
Lahori Hareesa from the cookbook of
@feastsbyzer INGREDIENTS 900g boneless meat
1 tablespoon chili flakes
300g whole mung daal
1 tablespoon cardamom powder
100g rice
1 tablespoon salt
100g whole wheat
1 tablespoon coriander powder
5-7 green chilis
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 large sliced onion
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 tablespoon chopped ginger
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoon chopped garlic
½ cup oil ½ litre water
1 tablespoon almond powder
For Tarka: ½ cup oil
500g boiled crushed spinach
2 tablespoon ghee/butter
1 teaspoon black pepper
METHOD In a large bowl, add in washed and soaked daal,
Now add water so the meat is dipped in it.
rice, wheat, and salt. Boil for about 1 hour or until
Cook for 50-65 mins on low heat in a regular
cooked completely. Once cooked blend it into a
pan or in a pressure cooker up to 4 whistles.
paste and set aside. Once the meat is cooked and tender blend In another pan, add oil and sliced onion, fry on medium heat for 7-8 mins or until golden brown.
until it is completely shredded. Transfer the shredded meat to blended daal mix, add whole milk and blend/mix well until all combined.
Add meat, cook for 2 mins until cooked on the outside. Then add in the spices - almond powder,
For the tarka:
chili flakes, cardamom powder, salt, coriander
Heat up oil and ghee/butter in a pan and add
powder,curry powder and turmeric powder,
blanched spinach. Let it fry for 2 mins and add
chopped ginger and garlic. Sauté for 2 mins.
in black pepper.
Add in 5-7 green chilis, depending on how spicy
Add tarka to the Hareesa.
you prefer it.
PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
33
HOROSCOPES
C
N
RICOR AP
Your personality will be very much in the forefront this month. You will be judged by your peers according to what you decide to project, and deception an illusion could be present. An unexpected pleasant development could surprise you. Adjustments in your line of work could be necessary in order to increase your earnings potential, and you will be putting your best foot forward to do so. Emotional desire to get certain things resolved at home will manifest itself; cooperation and understanding should be of the
QU
ARIU
S
A
most important to avoid unnecessary friction.
Your privacy seems to be very important to you at the beginning of the month. An unclear situation seems to be baffling you as things appear to be forever changing. These changes could become very favorable to you. Cooperation while communicating with siblings or close relatives should be taken into consideration and an agreement related to speculation with joint resources could be reached.
PISCES
A desire for some expensive entertainment will be felt, but a reorientation of any plans will be necessary. Friends are giving you a false impression in this area as the illusion seems to be present, and rapidly changing plans could surface. A realistic approach in the matter of personal and shared resources should be taken and be negotiated to everyone’s best interest and satisfaction. Sense of duty and responsibility should come to the forefront in this matter.
ARIES
Challenging aspects surround you this month concerning your personal goals and your loved one. Frustration could be part of the picture and a reorientation could be called for.News concerning this could very well be propitious to a complete understanding of the minds, as you could be blowing things out of proportion. Learning experience could come to you through mate or partner concerning future endeavors though a friend might be too close to this picture. Any obstacle could be worked out, providing you follow a middle of the road path to understanding.
URUS TA
Good news concerning your joint resources and investments could be reaching you in spite of some frustration and preoccupation in your part. A lesson could be learned from this in a very subdued and subtle way. You will have to find within yourself some flexibility, which is very hard for you to do, and be alert to a very important learning experience connected to your work area. Keep lines of communication wide open.
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
peoplepakistan.com
MINI GE
Your shared sources of income are very much in the spotlight this month, and you could be voicing your worries in reference to your future in this area. If you listen, a mate or partner could have some interesting input on this matter that could make things very easy. Keeping an open mind should be helpful. Reorientation concerning speculation could help you a great deal in your area of personal income also.
NCER CA
You seem to be on a favorable light for an increase in your personal income do to a raise or promotion, hard work will be recognized. Mate or partner could bring you some unnecessary worries on this matter and you could give your partner some reorientation in a friendly way but some readjustment will be necessary. Lessons will be necessary in order to adjust your home life with personal opportunities to increase your shared income.
LEO
Entertainment and desire to take a trip to a faraway place seems to be very much in your thoughts, though working conditions seem to be causing you doubts about this desire’s ability to become reality. A lesson very well learned should teach you that there is a proper time for everything and responsibilities must be addressed as first come first done. Ambivalent feelings concerning work performance could be forming in you and misunderstanding could play a role; negotiation should clear the air.
G V IR O
The spotlight is on your area of speculation, inner preoccupation concerning this area could be annoying to you, reorientation should be very important as there could be hidden angles that are hard to understand concerning joint financial doings. Negotiation should take place. Open communication at your home base should be very helpful as harmony is present in this area. A wonderful opportunity for personal financial gain could be at your doorstep and learning will be of great importance in this matter.
LIBRA
Home affairs seem to be on the forefront this month, friends could bring some disruption that could create agitation in your part. A friendly adjustment should take place as this could bring disagreements with mate or partner, but open communication should bring harmony between every party involved. An opportunity for a good source of speculation could be presented to you and the desire for quick action could be present.
ORPIO SC
News concerning your goals could be reaching you this month and preoccupation about this could set in as negotiations at work would be necessary. Harmonious circumstances connected to a money matter appear to be present. Try not to look at the situation with rose color glasses as you could be led down the wrong path. Your experience and hard work will be a direct cause of news that could mean a good money
GIT
TAR I
US
SA
source offer to you, but do not hurry.
A short trip to a far away place for entertainment purposes could be on the agenda for you this month of January 2021. This could cause some worries on your wallet as desire to travel is greater than your ability to allocate the funds to do so right now, but you will find a way to make adjustments and have your cake and eat it too. The New Year 2021 could be ushering unexpected news concerning mate or partner.
PEOPLE PAKISTAN DECEMBER 2020
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