MM ALAM ROAD LAHORE LIBERTY MARKET LAHORE
CONTENTS DECEMBER 2020
2
EDITOR’S NOTE
3
EDITOR’S PICKS
4
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: MAHEEN GHANI
8
COVER STORY: FARAH TALIB AZIZ & MALIHA AZIZ
14
PEOPLE FASHION: TOP 10 IFTAR LOOKS
16
INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE: MAHVISH AHMED
20
PEOPLE TALK: QUEEN OF SASS
24
PEOPLE COOK: CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
1
EDITOR’S NOTE This month, we have been blessed again with the month of Ramadan yet, our nation once again faces the challenges of COVID-19. We want to express how important it is for all of us to get vaccinated. There is a lot of fake news regarding vaccines and we urge you to really check the source of information before coming to conclusions. We wish everyone a blessed Eid and a happy Mother’s Day! Please stay safe and healthy! That being said, we have come up with an issue full of exciting content! Our cover stars this month are Farah Talib Aziz and Maliha Aziz, a mother-daughter duo that have built been up to and tidbits from their life. For our Inspirational People section, we speak with blogger, Mahvish Ahmed, Our In the Spotlight section features designer an therapist Maheen Ghani. Check out the best iftaar looks in People Fashion and cook yourself up a healthy chicken caesar salad in People Cook. All this and more waits for you in the following pages and we cannot wait to hear what you love and what you would like changed!
SHANZAAY SHEIKH Editor-in-Chief RAMSHAY SHEIKH Co-Editor RAMEEN NAGHMAN Co-Editor
2
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
peoplepakistan.com
Our Picks 2
1
3 GUL BAAN @GUL.BAAN There's a reason why a beautiful bouquet is almost always a
AYESHA ACCESSORIES @AYESHAACCESSORIES An eclectic collection of handcrafted bohemian jewellery, from stacking rings to statement
great go-to gift. a bouquet of flowers is the easiest way to let your loved one know just how much you appreciate them. Gulbaan offers some of the most amazing deals on flowers.
4
@VIEL.LIFESTYLE Quirky, handmade and handpainted. Love these uber chic trays by @viel.lifestyle
5
necklaces.
VIEL LIFESTYLE
EVENTINE OFFICIAL
LAMOUR WORLD
@EVENTIVE_OFFICIAL
@LAMOUR.WORLD
Make Mother’s Day special with
Got our eyes on these pink retro
this beautiful mothers day platter
flats by Lamour.
by Eventine
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
3
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
MAHEEN GHANI THE ULTIMATE WONDER WOMAN
This year has been tough for everyone, how has
Which of your work gives you inner calmness and
COVID-19 changed your life?
brings out the best of yourself?
Yes, it has been a very traumatic year globally, so many
I have to say, being a psychotherapist and helping
lives lost, so much uncertainty. But it has also been a year
people heal and understand the importance of self care
of introspection, looking within, focusing on our mental
and mental health. It calms me and is my true calling. I
health and recognising our inner resilience. COVID-19
speak my truth and hope other people, especially
has taught us that what matters most in life is good
women can gain strength from it.
health, our loved ones, and community. In the wake of this mess, we need to be kinder, and build an economy
How important is financial independence for a
that's organised around human well-being and ecological
woman and do you think it impacts personal life in
stability instead of endless capital accumulation.
negative way? I think one of the most important factors in finding inner
You’re a psychotherapist, running successful clothing
contentment are emotional and financial stability. And
line and also with a toddler to bring up, how do you
every woman needs that in life so she never has to
manage it all?
depend on anyone but herself. There is power in that.
It’s pure joy! All of it. When you have passion for what you
Build a support system of course but always protect
do everything else follows. Being a psychotherapist and
yourself. We are responsible for ourselves and in this
helping people is something very gratifying. Creating
day and age. I believe we have enough self awareness
awareness on mental health. I feel we all need that.
to know the importance of stability. It should be viewed as a strength not a weakness.
Clothes has always been a passion and something I have loved and Im blessed to have given shape to that
Being a single parent, how challenging is bringing up
passion. But above all, my greatest achievement, priority
a kid in our society?
and happiness is and always will be my daughter. So I
I am blessed with a very strong and secure support
make sure I give her quality time and nurturing. She is my
system in my parents so it has not been hard for me at
happy place Mashallah.
all. It’s been a blessing. But in a society with so much PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
5
evolving. It’s connected the world in a way we never thought was possible. It plays a huge role in our life and also a tool for success influence and connectivity. We have access to each others lives. How do you deal with backlash and negative comments on social media? I won’t say that maybe on a subconscious level it doesn’t bother me. But I have worked on myself and gotten to a point where I can detach. I have strong belief in myself and as long as those I care about know me, no one else really matters. People will always judge. It’s mostly projection. So the key is to just be secure in yourself. Seek validation within not external. stigma around divorce and not enough protection
Let’s talk about your family - who is your biggest sup-
legally for single mothers, it can be extremely daunting
porter and biggest critic at home?
for women,which is why its crucial to have education and
My biggest support is definitely my parents and my
financial stability in life.
biggest critic these days is my daughter Serena (Lol!). A toddler who’s always saying, “No Mama you don’t know
Coming out of an unhealthy relationship is always
anything!.”
overwhelming, what advice you would give to girls who might be going through this?
How is your relationship with your daughter? What
Always trust yourself and speak your truth. Never let
does she love to do with mommy the most?
society or anyone else tell you otherwise. You deserve
It’s the most precious, beautiful bond I have or could
respect, love and loyalty,so don’t ever settle and believe
ever experience. To love someone this much, I didn’t
that you will cultivate that relationship. Love is not
know was possible. She’s truly my world, the person
meant to be toxic. Anyone relationship that makes you
who keeps me thriving , the one who turns darkness
question your self worth is one to walk away from. Be
into light. She’s my miracle baby and my hope.
kind to yourself in the process and remember, if you can’t
Mashallah.
protect yourself and stand up for yourself. No one will. Do you plan life or take it one day at a time? You’re possibly the most sought after style icon
I have become extremely mindful and try to live in the
today, do you put effort in styling or does it come
moment. We don’t have the power to change the past
natural to you?
or control our future. Today is what we have and it’s up
Aww thank you! I think it’s just something that is innate.
to us to make the most of it. I have dreams and goals
Since I can remember I have loved fashion.
but I allow them to evolve not restrict me.
How much you think social media has a role to play
Where do you see yourself in five years?
in success of an individual in today’s time?
Where I am today hopefully, with peace and inner
The digital world has changed everything and keeps
contentment.
6
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
peoplepakistan.com
COVER STORY
POWER DUO
A meticulously tailored silhouette, sheer decadence of heritage work and certain finesse in modern design - these are all elements one has come to associate with the Farah Talib Aziz brand. However, the true power comes from the duo, a mother and daughter and most importantly friends, Farah Talib Aziz and Maliha Aziz. For the first time both of them talk to us unfiltered about work, family and of course each other.
8
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
Farah Talib Aziz has become a brand to be reckoned with worldwide, how does it feel? Farah Talib Aziz: I don’t spend much time thinking about success. I feel grateful to Allah and my FTA team as it’s a team effort from everyone involved. I feel honoured by the respect and love given by my clients and hope we can keep working as hard as we do to to build the brand further. Maliha Aziz: My mum is a true inspiration! Her talent coupled with hard work, management skills and modesty is truly commendable. FTA as a brand has grown due to the love of our clients and hard work of our team, we can’t thank God enough and hope that we can sustain the reputation and respect for years to come! Let’s go down memory lane - how did it all start? Farah Talib Aziz: I have formal education in tailoring and embroidery but I never thought I would have my own brand. I was a house wife focusing on my three children, my home, my garden and a very hectic social calendar. When my eldest son left for New York to attend university, I decided I must atleast try to bring my ideas to life. I started with one Karigar in my garage, shakeel Bhai, who after 18 years is still with us, brainstorming and experimenting we can up with a small collection that was highly supported by family and friends and just took off from there! Maliha Aziz: My mother can cut, drape and stitch and entire (very complicated) outfit and make it look absolutely effortless! Since I was a baby, my mother would stitch my outfits herself. There weren’t much options for children’s clothing in Pakistan back then so she would buy a few samples while we were on summer holidays in the US and use them as patterns etc. I remember she was so inspired by Lady Diana that she would hand stitch mini versions of her outfits for me to wear! This talent was appreciated by everyone around her and finally my mum decided that’s she can focus on her fourth baby, FTA. PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
9
It is said that a daughter is her mother’s reflection how accurate is that in your relationship? Farah Talib Aziz: I see a lot of myself in my only daughter, Maliha. Her sense of responsibility, deep care for others and ability to always put her loved ones first is very similar to mine. However with every individual I’d definitely change many traits about her which definitely don’t reflect me! Maliha Aziz: As the only daughter and having my mum as my primary female influence I think most of who I am is a reflection of her! My mum always wanted me to have everything she couldn’t have especially coming from a family of 14 children she focused a lot of her attention on me. I really try my best to reflect her positivity and life skills and learn so much from her advice and guidance. Farah Talib Aziz is a brand which sets new highs with each new collection, what according to you the turning point for the brand? Farah Talib Aziz: We grew slowly and organically. Growing from one worker to nearly five hundred now is all by the grace of Allah. They are my family and so many of them have been with me for over 10-12 years. For me, a turning point was when my daughter joined me. She brought so much energy to the brand and discussed to new areas that I didn’t have the time to oversea. She really brought a lot of encouragement and now Alhumdullilah we will be opening our third store this month. Maliha Aziz: I think our biggest turning point is yet to come! We have a very very special project coming up and I so super nervous about it! Inshallah hoping for the best! When two creative people work together, it can also be overwhelming. Do you have disagreements and who is more accommodating? Farah Talib Aziz: Creatively, I trust Maliha and our team
10
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
but nothing goes into production with out my approval so,
Maliha Aziz: My father has always been very supportive
yes there are a lot of rejections that don’t go down well.
of me and a great source of advice abs guidance as have my brothers. My husband whoever has been my
Maliha Aziz: My design team and I always look to my
biggest supporter! He has helped facilitate everything
mum for every approval. She has much more experience
around me to make my life easier and more comfort-
and technical knowledge that us! We need her input and
able. From being an amazing hands on father to being
advice along every step of the way!
a super supportive and helpful husband I’m really blessed and grateful.
Both of you embody women empowerment, what is your take on feminism?
Between the both of you, who is the easiest to work with?
Farah Talib Aziz: Feminism for me is be able to focus and
Farah Talib Aziz: Maliha because she’s a sensitive diplomat!
invest in all your roles as a woman- being a mother a daughter a sister a wife an employer and a business
Maliha Aziz: I’d say me because I’m a bit of a door mat
owner. It’s the confidence of knowing that you are self suf-
where as my mum is so strict!
ficient and can invest in your relationships and yourself at the same time. Growing up in a patriarchal society I never
How true is ‘the customer is always right’ according
thought I would have hundreds of men working under
to your experience?
me, it’s been tough to balance but i encourage every woman to believe in herself and go for it!
Farah Talib Aziz: Trust me that’s not true but one must always be patient and understand the customer. It’s always
Maliha Aziz: My mother has always been very evidently
right to listen and understand the issue and then look to
vocal of the rights of women at home and in the
solve the problem.
workplace. Being a woman in this society is not easy. There are so many roles to balance but that’s what femi-
Maliha Aziz: The customer is always right but also very
nism is: to advocate your rights while fulfilling your re-
entitled. I’ve had the best clients but there always some
sponsibilities and hence gaining an equal standing in
who feel like they can treat you a certain way since they
society.
are paying for a service which is honestly the worst attitude to have!
How have the men in your lives supported you to flourish in your careers?
Where do you see the brand in next five years?
Farah Talib Aziz: My husband, my brothers and my sons
Farah Talib Aziz: We are very excited to be opening our
have played a key roles in supporting me. My husband
flagship building this men in the works for years and years
supported me right from the start and always had great
and it’s like my dream coming to life Alhumdullilah.
advice and guidance! I feel like when I started my brand they have my so much encouragement that it really
Maliha Aziz: So many exciting projects in the pipeline
boosted my confidence and I hope every working woman
that I can’t wait to showcase! I hope inshallah things will
gets that as it’s such a booster!
go well!
12
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
peoplepakistan.com
14
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
ALISA IBRAHIM IN MENAHEL & MEHREEN
SAMEEN KASURI IN HER OWN LABEL
ALYZEH GABOL IN HERMES
Top 10 Iftar Looks HAJRA LALJEE IN NUREH
PEOPLE FASHION
peoplepakistan.com
PEOPLE PAKISTAN OCTOBER 2020
15
AYMEN HIKMAT IN ZARA SHAHJAHAN
SUMBAL TABANI IN ZARA SHAHJAHAN
MEHRUNISSA HASSAN IN HUES ATELIER
SARA WALID IN AMMARA KHAN
MALAECHA MALIKA IN ALEENA KHAN
WAJIHA IMRAN IN SANIA MASKATIYA
INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE
MAHVISH AHMED
BREAKING BLOGGING BARRIERS
How long you have been in blogging and how did it all begin?
influence women positively, make them take what is theirs, stand up for themselves, voice their opinions, raise strong daughters and compassionate sons and not think of them
I have been blogging for about three and a half years and
anything less than men.
it all began when my husband’s job landed us in a small called Schaffhausen in Switzerland. I went from happily
As an expat Pakistani, my space also gives me the
teaching at IBA in Karachi and writing fashion articles, to
opportunity to represent my country and show Pakistan in
trailing spouse. After the life-threatening birth of my child,
a positive light. While hiking with my friends in the Alps, I
getting used to being unemployed, trying to manage the
would show them photos of Gilgit Baltistan and it would
house by myself, it hard to make friends in a German-
make me so proud to show them how beautiful (as much
speaking town, and experiencing sleepless nights due to a
as Switzerland) my country is. Wearing Pakistani clothes and
newborn made the adjustment process very hard.
gifting them Pakistani shawls helps me show people from other nationalities the kind of talent and art forms that exist
This is when a friend suggested I should share my
in Pakistan. So definitely, this blog means so much more
experiences as a desi mum in Europe on my Instagram
than posting nice photos. It is a medium I use to change
handle. I started to write for myself and it became
people’s opinions and give them food for thought.
therapeutic for me. Before I knew it, like-minded people joined me on my journey and the presence of all my virtual
What are three factors of your blog that you think have
friends motivated me and made me feel less alone. The
made you relatable with the audience?
feedback was positive, and that has brought my space to where it is today.
(1) Talking about simple daily challenges such as realizing there are no tomatoes in the fridge when I was all set to
How does it feel to be in blogging community and to
cook, or the salt in my biryani is not enough! (2) Keeping it
make mark as a Pakistani?
real by allowing my own personality to shine through and not pretending to be someone I am not. (3) Not shying
I think having a space where you can voice your opinion is
away from talking about bad days and personal failures.
a great opportunity. I love being frivolous on it, sharing fashion tips and tiktok videos, but what gives me most joy
How has blogging changed over years in Pakistan?
is to be able to show women an alternate way of thinking. Interation with hundreds of women over the course of 3.5
The greatest change I see is that many influencers are
years has made me clearly see the shackles that tie and
showing real life on their spaces - talking about sales,
hold back women in our society. I try to use my writing to
bargain deals, thrifting and recycling. Thankfully, posting
16
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
peoplepakistan.com
INSPIRING PEOPLE food photos doesn’t have to be from a restaurant– a plate
posts or make a politically incorrect statement, he will be
of daal chawal or aloo gosht can also make it to Instagram!
the first one to correct me!
The more relatable the content the more one sees an influencer as a real human being with similar challenges
Likes, comments and social media attention can take a
instead of some alien with an unattainable life, which also
toll on mental health. How do you manage to keep
puts less pressure and causes less anxiety to the content
yourself not get into number game?
consumer. I find this change to be extremely healthy. By constantly reminding myself that my only competition I also find social media marketing to be growing rapidly in
is myself. Every content creator plays on their personal
Pakistan with more brands ready to market products on
strengths and is held back by their own limitations. I try
through an influencer’s space. Blogging is becoming a
to make sure I do the best given my own circumstances.
legitimate, income generating career in Pakistan and
I try to not punish myself for falling short if things are
anyone and everyone who has talent and works hard to
beyond my control and keep my focus on improving the
build a space can reap the benefits. That too, in my eyes is
quality of my own content as and when my family
a phenomenal change, especially for women that can make
situation allows.
it big even while staying at home. I also constantly remind myself of why I started writing What is one thing of your career which impacts
initially – as catharsis. So, the space has to work for my
negatively on your personal life and one thing which
mental wellness rather than me working for the algorithm
you totally love?
or the numbers. The kind of content I create has to also reflect me, so I cannot allow anyone else’s content to drive
On a low day, a mean comment by a troll can sometimes put me in a worse space than I am already in. You don’t have thick skin on all days. What I love about this career is to have a platform that I can use to make a positive contribution to people’s lives. Someone telling me that my content made them smile makes my day and gives me motivation to continue doing what I am doing. Who is your biggest support and critic at home? My husband hands down. There is no chance of my blog being what it is today without his support in taking my photographs, discussing potential topics for my next post, helping me out while penning down responses to difficult comments, and helping me out at home and minding the children so I can take time out to create content. He is also the one who shows me the mirror if I make a mistake. There is literally no room to not be truthful on my space because he catches me if I sway left or right in an instant! He knows my moods and my personality through and through – so if I will make things up in my stories and
18
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
peoplepakistan.com
what I create to be able to achieve the kind of growth they
What is your take on feminism and how do you help
are achieving. Otherwise, I am not being honest to myself,
create awareness through your blog?
my audience or the goals I have for my space. The day I give into the numbers race, I lose my initial plot.
My goal is to educate women about feminism without sounding ‘preachy’, so I try to make subtle references to it
How do you want your career as a blogger to reflect on
through my posts. I don’t understand why women are so
your children?
afraid of the term, and without knowing its true meaning, they reject it completely. Feminism in plain and simple words
Whatever I do, I want to ensure that my content makes my
means equality. Even if a husband and a wife happily perform
children proud. They are too young to understand the
different roles, the relationship has to be one of equality,
messages I try to put across through my posts but when
where the feelings and goals of both partners matter, and
they are older, I want them to see my work as something
they participate equally in family decisions. I also try to show
that contributes positively to people’s lives.
my audience how equality means running a household free of gender specific roles – so I will often show my husband
What is one piece of advice you want to give fellow
cleaning and cooking. I will often share how I am out to take
bloggers and to young girls aspiring to be one?
a break with my friends while he is home parenting his children. I try to remind women that they are important too
I’ll give three: (1) BE PATIENT – this is not a game of
and should not lose their individuality after marriage or
months, but years. (2) BE CONSISTENT – show up with
becoming a mum. They are entitled ownership over their own
creativity for your audience (but take breaks when your
time, just like their mind, body and soul. I remind women to
mind and body need it) (3) DON’T FAKE IT! – let your own
make sure their daughters should have the same access to
personality shine through and your vibe will attract your
education as their sons. Creating this social awareness is one
tribe!
of the most important goals I try to achieve with my blog.
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
19
PEOPLE TALK
Sugar Daddies, Cougers, Swingers & Cheaters In this world there is real evil, in the darkest shadows and in
running away with a younger, hotter girl than his wife, I’d be
the most ordinary places. There are doors, when they are
richer than Bezos’ ex wife.
opened, nightmares become reality. That brings me to a discussion that is perhaps as taboo as Sounds like a tag line for a scary tv show doesn’t it?
the word S-E-X. Ah yes, the tango that goes on aside and apart from the legal license to procreate. Infidelity rears it’s
But it closely echoes the depraved darkness of the human
ugly head in many forms here, from the straight-shooting
sexuality, the need to belong, the desire to exert power, the
cheating, to sugar daddies, sugar babies, cougars and their
want to be seen as a sensual, seductive and attractive person
boy-toys, to swingers and their various “couple” friends and
and the yearning to possess the air to enchant, like a siren,
so much more that we don’t know of.
singing for its victim. An increasingly popular phenomenon is the Sugar Daddy, There were simpler times I guess, when life was black and
sought out by young women across the globe, the well to
white, clearly divisive between the good and the evil. But
do, most probably married man, father, successful
those are fairytales from many moons ago, and don’t really
entrepreneur or politician, who has the time, money and
apply to our society anymore, where honor and “good
ability to take on an entire relationship with a woman,
background”, “khandaani, well-bred and brought up” is
whereby she gets her (financial) needs met in exchange for
determined by one criterion alone: having lots of money,
a few (sexual) favors! This phenomenal transaction usually
earned by any means legal or not and flaunting said money
occurs between the top most strata and the the lower middle
via large social circles, ridiculous parties, the lack of decent
one of society, where older men find attractive (but highly
clothing for women, and young pretty thangs hanging on
unrefined, paindu pastry and probably not very educated
arms of men, preferably blonde and younger than their own
but seemingly presentable thanks to expensive makeup and
children.
clothes) girls to support, buy expensive gifts for, and even have them accompany on luxurious foreign trips while their
It’s not only the uppercrust that lives vicariously, where sex,
wives busy themselves in spending their cash on committees
affairs, swinging and devious promiscuity rule the night. The
and shopping sprees of their own. However, there are
middle and lower stratas, in their efforts of socially climbing
exceptions to this rule too. Now more than ever, we live in
the ladder, one rung at a time, emulate the same patterns.
an era of unfiltered commercialism, where it’s not shameful
The basic idea is evident in the changes of patterns of
to admit the materialistic side of oneself, where demanding
dressing of women, to the multiple wives that men who can’t
high end bags and shoes, labeled couture and opulent trips
even afford one household have! If I had a penny for every
to Paris, is thought of as a god given right, we do often meet
time I heard of a maids husband having an affair or a driver
women in society where their legal and wedded husbands
20
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
peoplepakistan.com
are not able to sustain (for a variety of reasons) these large
enough contacts or hit some jackpot where he can maintain
expenditures and gladly turn a blind eye to their wives little
his paid for lifestyle when she eventually kicks him to the curb
discreet indiscretions. It takes quite a strong stomach to do
too, after boredom strikes again! After all, a cougar can’t
so, but then if the “bhoola bhatka returning home
change her spots!
eventually” theory applies to men, why shouldn’t it equally apply to women too?
Talking about stigmas and taboos, there is a hush hush occurrence known as swinging, no not on jhoola’s and
And where’s the sass if I don’t conveniently mention the
hammocks, but between sexual partners. In the so called
cougar phenomenon too? You know, he knows, she knows,
“elite” circles, we often see men flaunt their wives, present
we all know, that older woman, that (questionably) rich
them literally, to other men of “substance” or rather
woman, that loud, rambunctious, cleavage baring woman,
substantial power, to entertain them, to seduce them, to earn
that woman who has an air of seduction around her! We all
favors in high places. We also see women be active
see her little boy toy, her second, third or fourth husband,
participants, because they don’t have much to lose, and very
who lives off of her money, carries her shoes behind her as
much to gain, financially and otherwise. Often, we see men
she skips in the sand, silently stands by her as a spectator as
rise very quickly in financial status, avert any negativities, any
she tries to woo the crowds. This “boy” doesn’t have a
legal actions, any repercussions, and the one thing common
backbone, or self respect. He is merely an entertaining object
is how their “popular” wife is the heart and soul of every party
for the older woman, who got bored of men her age. Since
they throw, how well liked, how open and liberal, how
he doesn’t really control the financials of the family unit, he
entertaining!! These swingers, often have open marriages
doesn’t control the actions of this vile woman and is along
where the spouses have a great deal of understanding, a
for the ride. He knows full well, that with her grown children,
solid commitment to each other, despite all odds. It might
there is no way in hell he will ever have a child with her, not
just be romantic if it wasn’t the exact polar opposite of the
because he doesn’t want to, but because she won’t allow it.
foundation of the institution of marriage. Sounds disgusting
He knows that he is as dispensable as the Tampax Pearl in
doesn’t it? Different strokes for different folks y’all, but it does
her Bottega clutch, yet there is he is, dutifully, standing there,
exist and we all know who’s who! Look around and you’ll
by her, internally praying to God that he is able to make
discover, the “It couple”, the popular ones, who have their
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
21
own little group they often socialize with too, but separately,
the reason why they cheat is because they WANT to, not
confined in the basements of their homes or on boats in the
because they’re lured or trapped. And women who are
middle of the sea, away from prying eyes and curious ears. All
revered as the holy ones, the right ones, the ones with the
around us, like the Jinns we know are there but can’t really see.
moral compasses, are just as capable of depraved behavior. The reason why they cheat is because they know there are
Then there are the cheaters, the vanilla in the sundae of filth.
literally no ramifications and consequences for their behavior,
The men and women, who step out on their significant
not financial in cases of divorce, not shaming in cases of
others, without having the guts to end a bad marriage, or an
getting caught, and not moral, because hey, it’s their right to
unsatisfactory one for whoever reason it is they sought out
cheat allegedly. It’s really a very logical explanation, for those
an extramarital affair. Some just do it out of boredom too,
who are willing to hear it and comprehend it.
and that brings me to the very crucial point of DNA and Science, how monogamy defies human logic and reason for
You see, sometimes life is less black and white, and more
being: Procreation, as the good Lord intended it.
grey. More grey than 50 shades of shit, and more grey than our optical nerves are able to decipher.
Now, the other woman mostly, is the one who is caught. The men will try every trick in the book to get the scorned wives
So we have cheating men and the other women, the
to think that it was their fault the affair happened, from lack
mistresses, the sugar babies and sugar daddies, the cougars
of chemistry or attention, to lack of certain physical features
and their prey, and then we have the all-out loose women
(like a 22 inch waist after popping out 5 babies). Then there
and men, who just can’t keep it zipped, or “Zapp-it” if you
are women who cheat, but when a woman does it, it mostly
catch my drift.
isn’t for fun, but for the lookout of a better prospect, financially or otherwise.
And in all this stinking, heaving mess of hormones, the one thing that pulls it all together, is the social standing, the
As humans we always tend to lean towards blaming the
enigma that is popularity, the mirage that is the perception
other person, the person we aren’t related to, or share a
people have of you, that you create. It crumbles one day, as
house and children with. And that’s ok, for those who want
all good things come to an end. And so, the tango goes on
to move on. But let’s call a spade a spade, shall we, and teach
till the fat lady sings, and then when the dust settles, there is
men and women both, to point out ugly behavior, have no
a new scandal, a new chapter, a new depravity uncovered.
shame in admitting that they are being cheated on, destigmatize the romanticized notion of silence and
Ultimately though, one must know, karma does hit, and boy,
suffering, and ultimately, hold responsible, the person who
if we are lucky, we get to watch! Amen.
committed fidelity to us, not the other woman. These occurrences are fairly commonplace now, in the era of cellphones and Tinder, where clandestine messages and meetups are easily maneuvered. Let us learn to place the blame where it should be: ON THE CHEATER. Let’s learn to never turn a blind eye and nip suspicious behavior by spouses in the bud. Let’s learn to voice our opinions strongly about infidelity, and lastly let’s vow to understand that men, men who hold jobs and are the the providers and heads of households, men who run businesses and sometimes countries, men who are the protectors and the worshipped ones, ARE strong enough to decipher right from wrong, and
22
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
San’a Mir (aka Queen of Sass) peoplepakistan.com
PEOPLE COOK
Chicken Caesar Salad Pretty, nourishing, and so, so delicious, this is a recipe you don t want to miss
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
STEP 1
6 cloves garlic, peeled, divided
Mince 3 cloves of garlic, and join in a little bowl with mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of the
¾ cup mayonnaise
Parmesan cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and lemon juice. Season to taste
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, di-
with salt and dark pepper. Refrigerate until
vided
prepared to utilize.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
STEP 2
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cut the remaining 3 cloves of garlic into
1 tablespoon lemon juice, or more to taste
quarters, and add to hot oil. Cook and stir until brown, and then remove garlic from
salt to taste
pan. Add bread cubes to the hot oil. Cook, turning frequently, until lightly browned.
ground black pepper to taste
Remove bread cubes from oil, and season with salt and pepper.
¼ cup olive oil STEP 3 4 cups day-old bread, cubed Place lettuce in a large bowl. Toss with 1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size
dressing, remaining Parmesan cheese, and
pieces
seasoned bread cubes.
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
25