CONTENTS 2 3 4 8 12 20 23 26 28 32
EDITOR’S NOTE OUR PICKS IN THE SPOTLIGHT: BEING BAEMISAAL BY BAEMISAAL PEOPLE FASHION: AS TINY AS IT GETS COVER STORY: SOHAI ALI ABRO PEOPLE FASHION: LARAIB RAHIM PEOPLE TALK: QUEEN OF SASS PEOPLE COOK: CHICKEN CHILLI DRY INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE: ALINA AZHAR HOROSCOPES
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
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EDITOR’S NOTE This month, we celebrated our 74th Independence Day and what should have been a day to rejoice it was marred by a various incidences that undermined women in our country. The sheer volume of incidences are only today coming to light due to the impact of social media. We strongly condemn these incidences and must not let the victims be forgotten. As an all female editorial team, we believe that only when the government takes a firm stand for women will these practices change. Let’s keep raising our voices until they are listened to! That being said, we have come up with an issue full of exciting content! Our cover star this month is Sohai Ali Abro,who is known in the industry for starring in hard-hitting, powerful female roles. For our Inspirational People section, we speak with social activist, Alina Azhar. Our In the Spotlight section features blogger Baemisaal. Check out the leading trend this season in People Fashion and cook yourself up some chicken chilli dry 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
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
peoplepakistan.com
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
BEING BAEMISAAL By Baemisaal Baemisaal is an artist, writer and model that advocates for social issues related to gender, mental health and body image. Her goal is to use her platform to raise voices that are usually silenced and provide an example of an alternative lifestyle that emphasizes on individuality and freedom no matter one’s creed, color, gender or race. Baemisaal also owns her own online store @baemisaalbybae and runs a community-based platform @gofiguremyfigure, which allows anyone to share their story anonymously and acts as a safe space and diary for anyone who chooses to be a part of it When did you start this platform and what made you
healthiest people I know, as opposed to the straight sized
start it?
people I know. So, to immediately jump to equating fat with being unhealthy is just ignorant and quite frankly,
I started in 2016 - it wasn’t supposed to be what it is now, it
purposefully deliberate in creating a hostile environment
just grew over the years, grew with me. With my own
for fat people to exist in.
transformation and journey. I’d been dealing with self crippling anxiety and depression before it and when I
What is your proudest achievement?
finally started feeling better, I made Baemisaal. Something I could always look back as a journal for myself. My little
I spoke on accepting body hair 2-3 years ago, and had an
diary to map my process in. I went through something
interview with BBC UK. I was floooooored!!! The
horrible and want to help others overcome their demons
recognition was brilliant. I was featured in The News and
kind of way - I wish I’d had someone like me to look up to,
Dawn Images, alongside being on a kickass female panel
I didn’t. So, I became it for myself and now for others.
for the British Council. To have what I advocate for and stand for be recognized and appreciated really just makes
What is your message about body positivity?
all of it worth it. Getting to work with Generation, Lajwanti, Lulusar, Khaadi and finally my favorite The BodyS hop as
So, I speak on body acceptance more than positivity. I don’t
their first plus size model, was insanely rewarding. My
force people to love themselves, because that isn’t entirely
proudest moment thus far, is being able to be highlighted
possible or thoughtful. Body image issues are rooted in
for not only my political fashion, but also my academic
years long socialization and a response to fear and pain
background and message. Alhamdullilah!
we’ve been made to feel about our bodies. My aim to dismantle the stereotypes and tunnel visioned narratives
What was the most challenging moment in your journey
about fat bodies. About fat, really. It’s a constant unlearning
so far?
and my goal really is to build a more inclusive future where bullying isn’t rewarded and stigmatizing body types ceases
Honestly having random people chime in on how I should
to exist. People equate accepting your body as the vessel
live my life and how my body offends them enough to spew
it is to promoting the opposite of health. I would argue the
horrible comments at me. As if it’s their life purpose to make
opposite. By simply existing, fat bodies aren’t promoting
sure I don’t live a happy life. It’s so funny how people want
anything other than they exist and deserve to be seen and
fat people to “be healthy” and then think bullying them is
heard. Most fat people I follow or know are some of the
going to bring about that result. LOL. Finding a way to be PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
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What do you think are the 3 most important skills that made you reach this far in life? 1. The subtle art of not giving a rat’s bum. 2. The need to create and not let anyone’s opinion be big enough to stop that process. 3. Constantly believing in myself especially when no one else did/does. And also having a badass mama and friends who’ve got my back. What motivates you to keep going? There are moments I seriously consider quitting. Because being known isn’t something I want. Especially not just because I’m someone who’s now considered “pretty” I’d much rather be known for my ideas, my mind and what I have to offer as a human being. What keeps me going is knowing how many little me’s need me to go on every day. And to mini me, who wouldn’t want anyone to be able to stop my journey. Who’d want to constantly push through the myself is extremely hard, as it is for a lot of women in this
obstacles. Being a fat person isn’t easy. Being a fat
country. We’re belittled no matter what we do.
kid is even harder. The world can be both vicious and
How do you deal with negative and hate comments?
I want to be part of the kind world, where I can help
I get anxiety. I get angry. Sometimes I cry. I rant on my
dark times.
stories, I talk to my friends and then move on. I’m not here to make everyone happy. I’m not for everyone. Nothing I’m doing is for other people. It’s for myself, my future self and my little 5 year old self who needed someone like me to exist. I’m not hurting anyone and that’s really what I take back from it. Any hate towards me minding my own
unkind but it can also be the opposite ever so rarely. someone unknowingly and get them through their
What is one important lesson that you’ve learnt throughout? Boundaries. Are. SO. Important. I’m an empath, whether I’d like to be or not and so, I end up
business is a reflection on that person, not me. Not at all.
absorbing emotions and pain through a screen more
What is the most favorite part of your career?
up for strangers, and then hearing their stories com-
Receiving messages from moms telling me how they look
emotions. I had to draw a line. I’m not a superhero, I
up to me. And how they’ve changed the way they speak to their bodies and raise their children. And how they’ve stopped hating themselves and the way they look because I exist. These mamas tell me they’re so happy their sons and daughters have me to look up to and if that isn’t the best thing to hear, I don’t know what is. That’s the proudest moment of my whole career.
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
than other people around me can. Opening myself pletely messed me up and overtook my feelings and can’t be everything for everyone all the time. And that’s okay. Simultaneously realizing that someone’s opinion of me doesn’t cease or deter my own worth is the key to moving forward. Taking time for myself, and allowing myself to care for myself is wonderful and if people think that’s selfish, then so be it. You can’t help someone if you can’t help yourself. peoplepakistan.com
PEOPLE FASHION
AStiny
AS IT GETS
ANUSH AMMAR with JACQUEMUS
An accessory that has officially become the leading fashion trend this season!
MINIATURE BAGS The kind of toy bags we used to hold in our childhood are back in a new, revamped style! These tiny, micro bags are too small to notice but they are trending in a macro way, making every outfit and look more flattering then ever. These tiny chic bags make you shop them all. Fashionistas all over the world have been sporting these tiny bags rocking their style game!
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peoplepakistan.com
KENDALL JENNER with LOUIS VUITTON
FATIMA KASURI with DOLCE & GABBANA
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
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CAROLIN NE witt FEN N ZAHRA MALIK with VALENTINO
RIHANNA with DELVAUX
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
peoplepakistan.com
SONA RAFIQ with JACQUEMUS
E DAUR th NDI
SHANZAY SHEIKH with ROSANTICA
OUR VERDICT It’s definitely a YES! We absolutely love all the style icons making the most out of this trend!
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
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COVER STORY
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
A trailerblazer and true force to be reckoned with - everything that is synonymous with our cover star, Sohai Ali Abro. She is one that has set the standard for all leading women in the industry today, from her television debut in Saat Pardon Mein in 2012 to roles in drama serials Khoya Khoya Chand and Pyarey Afzal. She then made her jump to the big screen, and played a major role in the revival of Pakistani cinema by starring in pivotal roles in superhits such as Wrong No and Yeh Jawaani Phir Nahi Ani. Most recently, Sohai was critically-acclaimed and awarded accolades for Motorcycle Girl, the biopic of Zenith Irfan - the first female Pakistani motorcyclist to ride across Pakistan. Here is our exclusive tête-à-tête with Sohai herself.
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
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Firstly, congratulations on your wedding,! How is the
about a positive change and sense of calm in terms of
married life for you?
how busy and chaotic our lives had become with us constantly obsessing over the next big goal to achieve
Thank you!! It’s been amazing Allhamdulillah. I feel
or the next project or just you know with ambition
extremely lucky to have married the love of my life and
taking a toll on our mental and physical health. I like
my best friend. I always knew I would want to settle
how we’ve all taken a step back and kind of re-
down one day just didn’t expect it to be this soon
evaluated our priorities and just are seeing things
especially during COVID times but I’m extremely grate-
differently. I read something interesting the other day
ful for the way everything has worked out for us.
that we really need to stop glamorising overworking and that really struck a chord with me. You know just
In the past, marriage has always meant that a female
constantly being on the run, the absence of a healthy
actor’s career is over. What are your thoughts?
and balanced lifestyle, having little to no quality time with family, your loved ones and yourself isn’t
I really don’t feel that’s the case anymore. I very much
something to be applauded. We’ve all kind of started
believe that’s a thing of the past maybe because back in
wearing our burnout as a badge of honour and that
the day the dynamics were quite different from the what
really needed to change. When the world came to a
they are today, especially with the newer generation and
standstill it kind of gave everyone the time to reflect
also with female actors not being limited to just being
upon even the most littlest of things.
arm candies. We’re not limited to just being “desirable” anymore but it’s actually about being an actor; playing
Having said that, on the flip side we all also just went
characters rather than just being a “heroine” who comes
through a year and a half of an ongoing threat to our
in for a song or two and doesn,t have much to do
health, paranoia, social isolation, financial uncertainty
compared to our male counterparts. But what bothers
and just major turmoil with people losing their jobs and
me the most are the double standards and the fact that
livelihood, businesses taking a serious hit and people
that has never been the case for men. When it comes to
losing their loved ones to this deadly virus so ofcourse
a male actor getting married we never feel or even
it’s understandable if no-one’s really functioning at their
question whether his career is going to get affected let
peak but we’re all just kind of hanging in here wishing
alone over even though it’s 2021 and I guess it’s high
and hoping for a better future. I’m just grateful to have
time we move on from this entire narrative.
dodged the virus and stayed safe with a roof over my head and food on the table. Couldn’t have asked for
How has COVID-19 impacted your way of life and
more at this point in time.
career as an actress in particular? What projects you’re currently working on? As an actor, luckily to be honest I really didn’t feel the pandemic affected our careers in a major way except
I’m currently taking a bit of a break. 2020 was just a
for the initial lockdown and a little bit of a delay with
super busy and hectic year for me and I kinda felt burnt
the process of shoots and releases. I actually was in
out so just taking a breather and a backseat post the
the middle of two major TVprojects when the
wedding. Just enjoying getting used to a normal happy
pandemic hit and had to let go of one due to a clash
married life you know (haha!). We traveled for our
between their schedules and just me not being able
honeymoon and moved houses. I’m practically a home-
to juggle between the two and I’m extremely glad I
body and just super fond of home life and family...just
opted out. I also feel the film industry has taken more
super domesticated like that so yeah just been caught
of a hit with cinemas being shut and releases being
up with all of that but I’m definitely going through some
halted. I’d be lying if I say the pandemic hasn’t really
amazing scripts at the moment and will be signing
affected my life but I’d like to believe that it’s brought
something soon!
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN OCTOBER 2020
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What excites you more, television or films?
Ahsan Talish and the legendary Marina Khan (whom I’ve always ALWAYS wanted to share the screen with) to
If you asked me this question a few years ago I would have
Armaghan Hassan, the director who’s a pure genius and I
immediately said films but after my last couple of projects
just absolutely loved collaborating with him.
that I did for television I felt like after a long time I finally kind of started enjoying the medium and truly feel I
What are the three things you keep in mind while
haven’t found the right kind of material yet to fully enjoy
choosing a script?
it and discover myself as an artist. It’s different with films for me, I feel extremely comfortable when it comes to the
1. The script itself and how powerful and authentic it is.
big screen and really feel like home when I’m on a film set.
2. The director. 3. My character and whether it comes
I also feel extremely content with my film choices like I feel
from within.
I truly came into my own as an actor with the kind of films I got to be a part of and have absolutely no regrets with
What is your dream role or any character that you
the ones I didn’t end up doing. When it comes to
really want to play?
television I feel I haven’t really cracked it yet so yeah it does feel a lot more challenging and that excites me.
I have never really played a negative or a dark character so to speak. Maybe because when you’re the “lead” in
Which of your work till now do you think has been
Pakistani television the character arc is very limited.
the most challenging for you?
There’s this mould or maybe because I look a certain way haha or maybe we love stereotyping our actors so
I’d have to say film would be Motorcycle Girl and for
I’ve always gotten the innocent bechari beti or the
TV drama I’d say Surkh Chandni. These two projects in
patakha Larki but it’s always been like on the positive
particular have been extremely challenging in a good
side so maybe someone with more grey shades and
way with the intense storylines and characterisation
layers basically someone a little more complex is now
especially with the physical and emotional aspects. My
what I’d like to delve into.
last outing for television, a play called Premgali was also quite challenging for various reasons albeit it being
Which genre of films do your prefer acting in?
a lighthearted comedy. That’s an interesting question. I can’t really pick a specific Do you plan on doing more shorts films like Daughter
genre since as an actor one would like to explore a
by Law?
variety of scripts, characters and films but what I do know for sure is that films are supposed to move you in some
Of course! I thoroughly enjoyed working on Daughter
way or the other. Cinema has that ability, that power. I
By Law. It’s one of my projects that I’m truly proud of. It
remember being a little girl and watching films with my
was such a refreshing script and character. As an actor
father or my brother and being mesmerised by them.
I don’t really come across too many scripts like that. I
Something changed in me every time I watched a good
also feel that kind of contemporary writing is not
film. The kind of films that stay with you forever. That’s
common in the industry with every script being a little
the kind of cinema I’d like to be a part of.
too “drama” like. Also, it was a brilliant team from Sultan Ghani being a fantastic producer with such an
How supportive is your husband of your career?
innovative thought process to having such terrific actors like Haris Waheed, Najaf Bilgrami and then getting to
Oh he’s always been super proud and super supportive
collaborate with the one of the most prolific director/actor
of my career, he’s truly progressive like that. I can safely
PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
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say this because we’ve been friends and have known each other for more than 10 years now. He’s been a part of my journey and has seen it all; the highs and the lows. So if I ever got lazy or just wouldn’t feel like myself he’s the one pushing me and motivating me to work harder and go back to work and kill it even more. That’s just the kind of guy he is. I’ve never met someone more positive, motivated, dedicated and disciplined than him. I think its also because he comes from a family of cricketers and is a cricketer and athlete himself. Plus he’s also seen his mother working all her life, being truly independent as a woman so that’s the only kind of life he’s known and I love that about him. Where do you see yourself in five years? Aaaaah. I don’t believe in planning that far ahead. I set short term goals for myself and like achieving them. I also am a firm believer of the fact God has a plan for everyone and you are going to get whatever is destined for you. You just need to stay focused, be honest, have faith and stay true to yourself. Do you think one can make real friends in the industry? No. Not at all. Haha. It’s always about some or the other gains. There’s no honesty there.
QUICK FIRE Favourite Vacation Spot:: Any where with beaches TV or Books: Books Favourite Character You Have Played:\ Yasmin from Pyarey Afzal and Sarah from Daughter by Law Biggest Superstar in Pakistan: Atif Aslam Kim or Kylie: Can I say neither? Ok, maybe Kim!
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
Photography: Shahbaz Shazi Makeup: Shazia Rashid Wardrobe: Madiyah Al Sharqi, Semsem Styling: Emergency Room (@emergencyroom19)
PEOPLE FASHION
VANITY DIARIES with
LARAIB RAHIM I HIT SACK AT ... Plan to bed by 2-3 am max but that never happens so 5-6 am 😅 I WAKEUP AT ... 1-2 pm or max 3 pm 😂 THE FIRST THING I DO IN THE MORNING ... Check Whatsapp & then wash my face THE LAST THING I DO BEFORE GOING TO BED ... Skincare regime, check my phone & watch Netflix. WHEN I LOOK IN THE MIRROR, I SEE ... Someone who’s all set to take on the world (LOL! JK 😂), just someone trying to meet deadlines! MY WORST BEAUTY HABIT IS ... Popping blackheads and failing, which then turn into really big pimples! MY GREATEST BEAUTY DISCOVERY IS ... That you can use cold water to reduce face swelling. Love it for morning shoots and filming! A LOCAL MAKEUP BRAND THAT I LOVE IS ... Zhoosh & Zayfied I FEEL HAPPIEST WHEN ... I’ve no pending work to do & when my mum’s happy.
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
MY MAKEUP ROUTINE ... Mostly super quick - Tarte concealer, some tint or blush and lots of mascara. Lipstick of course! Loving Zhoosh ones these days. This is when i’m not filming obviously!! 😅 A CELEBRITY THAT I THINK ALWAYS HAS GREAT MAKEUP IS ... Shay Mitchell & Kylie Jenner. MY FRIDGE IS FILLED WITH ... Like everybody’s fridge but one complete row is filled with my skincare products 😅 THE CRAZIEST THING I HAVE DONE IN THE NAME OF BEAUTY IS ... I haven’t done anything crazy yet but I’m very tempted to get PRP done for undereyes & acne scars 🤪 MY BIGGEST BEAUTY INDULGENCE IS ... Eyeshadow/glitter pigments!
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
TELL US A BEAUTY SECRET ... Use cold water before makeup - it shrinks the pores & reduces swelling. Tried & tested! I DEAL WITH STRESS BY ... Watching thriller & crime movies THE BEST BEAUTY ADVICE I HAVE EVER RECEIVED ... Double cleanse & also, never miss your sunblock! VANITY TO ME MEANS ... Makeup stacked everywhere literally! IF I HAD TO USE ONE MAKEUP BRAND FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE, IT WOULD BE... Anastasia Beverly Hills MY 3 GO TO MAKEUP PRODUCTS ... Too Faced Born This Way Foundation Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Peaches & Cream Pigments peoplepakistan.com
PEOPLE TALK
Two-Faced and Loving It! --From the masters of hypocrisy, the latest gem shook
to haunt us, but we continue to enjoy his aggressively
the liberal wing of the country! We might remember the
misogynistic tv shows and keep adding dollars to his fat
innocent looking baby-faced Shehroz Subzwari as being
bank accounts.
married to the very elegant Syra Shehroz. We also might remember his divorce, the rumors of his tryst with Ms
And in the latest twist of events, now we have this daft
Bold-eyebrows Sadaf Kanwal, and the subsequent
in-
tone-deaf couple spewing sexist and misogynistic anti-
terview he gave on National TV stating that Sadaf was like
feminism and anti-liberal statements on national
a “sister to him.” A month or so later, news broke of the
broadcasts. Let’s call a spade a spade, shall we? It’s not
brother-sister duo tying the knot. Social media was in fits!
bullying. It’s merely stating the facts. It’s like telling
And rightly so! The memes were insane!
mosquitos they’re filthy and cause a myriad of diseases. Let’s dissect the diseases this couple has caused so far:
Following the radio silence from the ever-classy Syra, to the overkill behavior by the married duo, the
1) Infidelity: Cheating. Lying to the public. Blowing
explanations, the parents statements, the appearances
smoke in peoples eyes, and then getting married and
on numerous morning shows, as if in a flailing attempt
legitimizing placing your own needs over everyone
to legitimize a marriage based on infidelity, and to
else’s, kids and ex wives be damned.
appeal to the right wingers, we saw it all. And laughed. 2) The Me-too fiasco: the fact that this woman, who made The problem with society at large is, most of us are
a career in modeling, from scratch! She has probably
enablers. Enablers of bad behavior. We enable a school-
witnessed if not herself, her friends get propositioned.
aged boy to get away with horrible sexual crimes
The casting couch is very VERY real, and her saying it isn’t,
because “soft approach and mental health” advocates
just made everyone else sound delusional, only because
insist that therapy can fix all ills and punishment is too
she wanted to be an ostrich or was lucky enough to never
HARSH. We allow such boys to grow up and become
have gone through such horror (which I doubt highly, just
Zahir Jaffer, which is now synonymous to Hannibal
by the way) … And then had the audacity to basically
Lecter or Ted Bundy, because we ignore telltale signs in
shun every woman who has faced harassment ever,
a race to be liked and popular. Our silence is bought
especially in the work place? I forget, did she ever
with the offenders influence, social and financial.
apologize for that statement? I don’t think she ever did. Correct me if I’m wrong?
We allow filth like Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar to continue in the limelight and make them rich without condemning
3) The latest Shareef biwi/Mian/socks/culture thing: She
them. His problematic anti-women statements continue
stated that she is a woman, therefore she should be PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
23
subservient to her husband who is a breadwinner. She
4) Sherry Jee’s “shukkar hum liberal Nahi hain.” As a
said it is her place as a woman to know where his socks
defense mechanism gone awry, the husband then
are and what he should eat and when. She rambles on
comes on National tv and bashes liberals, and calls
and on about what is “religiously and culturally”
feminists vulgar.
acceptable behavior for a wife because she is a WOMAN. She basically was talking about HER marriage but she
Jee Bhaijan, so I really want to know that if you’re not
reinforced stereotypes that women are dying to break,
“liberal”,
literally dying. She didn’t give two rats asses that women
DHA/Clifton/Burger party, and after party? Why is your
in our country do NOT enjoy the liberty she does, nor do
wife allowed to wear whatever she wants? And model?
they have an assortment of help like she does. She was
Because conservative people are still treating women
two faced, holier than thou, and pretending to be some-
like that, allowing and disallowing them stuff. Why have
thing she is NOT. I mean, if a top paid model wants to
you made money and fame off the most liberal
pick up her husbands socks, who are we to intervene? But
profession in the world? Why did you marry a woman
to tell the world that she absolutely MUST do it because
who has been an item girl for some questionable songs
she is a woman and her husband is a breadwinner, is
and scantily dressed on ramps and magazines world-
heartbreaking. And a bit hilarious also, because she
wide? What can possibly be more liberal than that? Aap
probably makes more in a year than he has in his rather
liberal hee hain. You definitely are liberal, but just lack a
forgettable and mundane career as a whole.
handy dictionary to look up the meaning!
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PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
why
are
you
spotted
at
every
peoplepakistan.com
5) Then Sherry Shafiq goes on TV. And says Aurat March
So Sherry, get a dictionary. You know you can Google
is promoting vulgarity. Another woman says yes, if your
meanings too!
definition of vulgarity is wearing jeans and leaving the house without permission of father/brother. And he said
Tell your wife to stay mute. I would not say this to
EXACTLY. Sorry to break it to you bro, but that’s exactly
anyone else because people aren’t supposed to tell
the life and privilege you and YOUR WIFE have. Her pics
their wives what to do, but by your definition of
with you till yesterday are in jeans and crop tops and
marriage and the subservient nature of a wife in it, and
sleeveless tops. She travels the world without you
the superiority of a husband in it, it fits. Learn to have
chaperoning her. She hangs out with male friends. You
logical explanations. People already don’t believe you
go where you want, do what you want, so why not her?
because of your debacle last year when you made your
And why if other women ask for it, it’s a vulgar demand
moo-boli behn your biwi faster than a chameleon
to you? Why sherry, if a woman wants the right to dress
changes colors. Don’t make yourselves laughingstocks.
how she wants, is it vulgar to you? Why, if she wants the
Just don’t.
freedom to get a job, or hang out with friends or just leave the house when she wants, is it vulgar to you?
And remember, where you live, people get KILLED for
Sherry then perpetuated some FAKE slogan raised at
infidelity, wearing jeans, not making gol roti, not even
Aurat March last year. FAKE. It was clarified. It was again
saying anything blasphemous but having another
and again clarified. Yet he didn’t think twice about
person think they did, for not being the ideal wife, and
putting women in harms way, in a country that actively
for basically breathing or existing as a woman. So think
has a blasphemy law?
think think before you speak and then, don’t speak, cuz I don’t think you guys have collective intelligence even
Wait, it gets better. He insisted that his family stands
to have any sort of logical thinking. And for the love of
with every woman who is oppressed but doesn’t see the
God, please please please apologize when you’re
irony when his wife says that she is a woman, she
wrong. Don’t just keep adding salt to wounds or insult
SHOULD know where his stuff is and what he eats and
to injury by further making preposterous and obscene
pick up his socks, because “woh aurat hay.” Bro, you
statements. The only thing vulgar about the Aurat
really REALLY need a goddamn dictionary. And when
March is your take on it. And the only thing that’s a hid-
you get one, for children, do look up the words: liberal
den agenda is your dirty little act to look like a perfect,
and oppressed.
religious, harmonious and vanilla couple. We all know you ain’t...
That’s not even all. Rather than any cutesy statement or a u-turn, he then bashed everyone EVERYONE who basically said: But wait bro, your wife isn’t all that sati savitri. He said people used her PAST pictures. Is it really the past when she willingly posed for a magazine feature two months ago? What’s changed? Hajj kar leeya? 100 chuhay khaa kar? That wasn’t weakening our case. That was showing the world what a two faced lying hypocritical sack of crap couple you guys are! And it’s not just HER PAST people made fun of. How come you never clarified or took it upon yourself? People made more fun of you. It takes a cheating spouse to wreck a home btw. You were the cheater, she wasn’t.
San’a Mir (aka Queen of Sass) PEOPLEPEOPLE PAKISTAN PAKISTAN OCTOBER ISSUE 20208
25
PEOPLE COOK
Chicken Chili Dry from the cookbook of Murrad Gillani
My relationship with food has always been a rollercoaster
keeping cooking, learning and moving one step closer to
ride. It has been my security which led me to being quite
my dream every day and none of this would be possible
overweight, it has been my way to confidence when I used
without everyone who loves eating good food as much I
it to create a healthier diet. It is the only constant in my life
do! Oh, and I love nothing more than gelato in this world!
that I can depend on and mould according to what I need it to be for me. As a child I was very fascinated with how
Here’s an iconic recipe from my diary for the best chicken
desserts and fast food were made in restaurants to which I
chilli dry
had limited access. This sparked my interest to replicate those foods at home and then I got my first oven when I was 15. YouTube was my best friend! I used to watch food tutorials for hours, experiment and use my family members as taste testers. I have given them food poisoning enough times with my weird concoctions but they have always positively reinforced my endeavors. The kitchen became my playing field. It would surprise and shock me to see the miracles of baking soda and powder and how staple
RECIPE INGREDIENTS: 500 boneless chicken strips 10 green chillies thinly sliced 20 grams ginger julienned 5-6 dried red chillies
ingredients incorporate intricate science.
1 Tbsp red chilli flakes
In 2017 I thought of just displaying my food on Instagram
2 Tbsp oil (for marination)
for people to appreciate and I posted a video in which I’m breaking a cookie with the chocolate oozing out. That went viral and someone messaged me to ask if they could order it. I was reluctant at first because I had no helpers. I still gave it a shot and started from selling 5-6 cookies in a day. Eventually, I learned to manage myself better and was selling cookies by the dozens. I have now sold more than 30 thousand cookies and have expanded my menu to include brownies and donuts along with doing my own recipe tutorials! I’m just grateful that every day I get to do something that I love and that I get to share my passion with people. I’m nowhere close to my goals yet! I am pursuing culinary arts full time now and plan on going to Le cordon bleu In
3 Tbsp corn flour Salt to taste Oil for cooking METHOD 1. In a bowl mix the chicken with corn flour, salt, soy sauce, red chilli flakes and oil. In a pan shallow fry the chicken. 2. Set aside the fried chilli and remove the excess oil from the pan. 3. Now to the pan add green chillies, ginger and dried red chillies and sauté them. 4. Now mix in the fried chicken at add soy sauce and oyster sauce.
Paris and eventually work under Thomas Keller at the
5. Cook for a minute on high flame and then serve.
French laundry if he’ll have me. *Fingers crossed* I will be
ENJOY! PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 7
27
INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE
ALINA AZHAR Making the World a Better Place What influenced you to set up Aasra?
to my mom who managed it all for me. People do ask this a lot that it is a hard task to manage your studies side by
In 2010, I did my first project while I was in Grade 5, which
side, but I always tell them that this is what I love and what
was collecting funds for the Imran Khan Foundation when
gives peace to my heart. I love doing what I do, and when
a severe flood had hit parts of the country. I found my
you see the happiness on the faces of so many people, it is
passion in social work at that time. However, it was my
everything. Like the best feeling ever!
father’s passing that had a great impact on me as a person and it was a devastating time for me. I lost my interest in
Where do you see your organisation in 5 years?
everything but this was the one thing that gave peace to my heart. I used to carry out slum drives with anything that
My dream is to start a free school, orphanage, and old age
I had. After that, I never stopped.
home for all those people who are forgotten. I want to keep the orphan children and old age citizens together so they
What are some other projects that you have worked on?
can live together like a family. In the next five years, I want to spread my work in different parts of the country and the
During the pandemic and lockdown, I organised ration
wider world. I want to start free schools, orphanages and
distributions that helped approximately 400 families. I have
old age homes in all the cities and countries where they are
also adopted a free school and orphanage in the past and
needed. Apart from this, I want my work to be carried out
supported an old age home. I carry out Ramadan, Eid
in different parts of the world, where ever it is needed.
Christmas projects every year. These days, due to the scorching heat, I am collecting funds and installing water
What are the challenging aspects of this job?
coolers in different areas of Lahore which will benefit hundreds on a daily basis as they will have access to clean and filtered
The only thing that was challenging was the negativity and
water. Another project that I’ve started is providing food and
judgements of people. People used to think that working
water to birds who suffer a lot in this temperature.
for women hygiene and providing them with sanitary napkins, or helping a group of transgenders set up their
How do you manage and run your organisation?
own tailoring business was wrong. People have a different mind setsin our part of the world and we, as a society, lack
I am currently studying International Relations at Istanbul
acceptance. Around 70% women and young girls in rural
Bilgi University. Living over there, it is hard to manage so
areas, shanty towns, and slums use inadequate materials
many projects happening in Pakistan but a big thanks goes
such as sand, leaves, ashes and cloth during their
28 PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
peoplepakistan.com
menstruation. The main issue is their lack of knowledge,
2019. The best part about this is that I had to privilege to
and finances. I conduct monthly menstruation camps for
represent my country globally and the happiness and pride
such women and girls to educate them about their
that I saw in the people of my country because of my win
personal hygiene and to provide them sanitary napkins.
meant everything to me.
There are some people out there who thinking that working for these people, or sharing your work on social media is
Is there anything you wish more people knew about
just showing off. However, it is TOTALLY false! I question
your organisation or the issues you are trying to solve?
them that when we do not have an issue with people using social media for hundreds of other purposes, then what’s
All I want is to raise awareness about all the work that I am
wrong if someone is trying to spread awareness about the
doing. It doesn’t matter if I am the only one doing it or not,
issues surrounding our society and the world, or if someone
I just want people to contribute or start this work on their
is raising funds through these very social media sites? I
own to help those who are in need. I just want people to
never lost hope or got disheartened due to such
learn that we are responsible for those around us, and no
judgements because I believe that the work, I do is more
matter that, we MUST make efforts to help orphan/street
important for me and these people than the mere and
children, the underprivileged, the senior citizens, suffering
incorrect judgements that people make.
women and men, those who are suffer in silence, and the transgender community in whatever capacity they can.
What differentiates you from other organisations? How do you keep your supporters up to date about Every organisation is doing great work, but what makes
your work?
Aasra different from others is that Aasra does not only focus on a specific issue. I try to work on all the issues that are
I keep my social media updated. My Instagram handle is
surrounding our society and the wider world rather than
@alyina49 where I keep posting about all my work and the
just working on a particular issue. I firmly believe that it is
official Instagram handle of my organisation is @aasra_
our duty and responsibility to help the underprivileged in
pakistan. Apart from this, I also keep posting on other plat-
whatever capacity we can.
forms e.g., Facebook. I keep updating my donors with all the work that is being done with their donations. Also, the
What are your three biggest accomplishments?
school I had adopted was @littlesteps.aasra on Instagram. I used to add everything in the curriculum. There were
My biggest accomplishment is my organisation - Aasra.
seminars regarding child abuse, tolerance and mental
Aasra is where I got the chance to turn my dreams into
health awareness. All kids were taught about their religions
reality and I will always cherish it. Another is my project for
and the kids used to celebrate their religious festivals, as well.
the women and young girls living in slums. There have been several women who have shared their heartbreaking
How do you plan to expand further?
stories with me over the years in the camps. As they do not have proper knowledge and also hesitate from visiting
Now, I have aimed to a project in Turkey for the Syrian
doctors, they experience many health issues and many of
refugees. One morning, I was waiting for my friend in our
them have lost their babies due to this. Working with them
morning class and she was late because on her way, she saw
has been a wonderful experience and it has shaped me as
a 7-8 year old Syrian child shivering outside our university in
a person.
the cold begging. He did not have anything to keep himself warm and was crying for milk. This was such a heartbreaking
Lastly, it is winning the Diana Award, which is supported by
moment. After this, I decided that I’d work for the Syrian
the Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex. It is the
refugees in the country in whatever way it is possible. I had
highest accolade that a young person can achieve and I
to start my work but the pandemic took over I’m going back
was among the 80 people in the world to get this award in
soon, and will start on this soon. InshaAllah! PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
31
HOROSCOPES The planets are in retrograde and all though we are all terrified of this phenomena, we should all use this time to reflect and delve deep into ourselves. This may be a break or make opportunity for all of us. Read on how August is looking for us this year. July 23 - August 22
LEO
This month is all about facing your inner demons and some hard truths. Professionally you may be given a new opportunity, giving you some impressive gains in the long run. Is there a partnership you’re currently stuck in? It’s worth thinking about walking free, and face the hard reality. Wishful thinking will finally come to a stop. Your love life will flourish, and will continue to do so, just keep your temper and arrogance in check. This is your month to shine Leos!
G V IR O
August 23 - September 22 The start of this month may seem slow and sluggish to begin with, but don’t beat yourself over it. Self criticism is a good form of encouragement just don’t get carried away and become your own enemy. You’re doing amazing for the past year and it is finally showing professionally. Don’t let others bring you down, stay confident and keep that chin high. Keep your families opinions in consideration, especially elders and give them your time. Watch out for the end of the month, some good news will be waiting for you around the corner so just keep working towards it.
LIBRA
September 23 - October 22 You’ve beaten yourself down too much for the past year, but growth is in the charts for you now. Think outside the box and let freedom of expression do the talking. Don’t stunt yourself by thinking what others will say, just do you. Your partner and family will be happy and harmonious with you, and also your greatest strength. So don’t forget to show them your appreciation. You may take an unexpected trip at the end of the month, take off but remember to take care of yourself.
ORPIO SC
October 23 - November 21 You’re the centre of the attention this month, all eyes are on you but don’t be afraid to take control. Professionally you will gain monetary gains but don’t bite more than you can chew off. Carry out something only when you’re sure to avoid embarrassment. Stay vigilant in regards to martial life, and keep control over your ego. The end of the month may surprise you with a big monetary gain but don’t forget the sup-
TA GIT RI
US
SA
port of your family
November 22 - December 21 We know the year has been tough on you but a new dawn is rising, don’t rush into anything. Take this month to examine and find yourself, pick up a new hobby and relax. Don’t punish yourself for anything that has happened, and don’t treat everything as a competition. You’re not lagging, you’re at your own pace. Reach out to friends and family they are waiting for you. Watch out for solid gains at the work place at the end of the month.
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C
RICOR N
AP
December 22 - January 19 You’re making impressive financial gains with your decisions, use this month to help bring others up as well and given them advice when necessary. Don’t forget what is valuable for you, and keep it close. This month will give you amazing pay offs for being experimental and stepping out of your comfort
QU
ARIU
S
A
zone. The end of the month will bring some amazing news, and your pending tasks will complete.
January 20 - February 18 Times have been tough for you but August is really look up for you, so stop belittling yourself and give yourself a pep talk. This month is all about changes, and it begins from within. Don’t be hard on yourself and get out of your shell that you have built, its not healthy for you or the people around you. Treat yourself with kindness and get help from your friends and family because they will never say no.
PISCES
February 19 - March 20 This month is all about listening to yourself and your inner soul. You’re a kind and gently individual who will go to any lengths to help, but beware not everyone will return your kindness. Take it slow or take a break, you need to rest and prioritising yourself this month is necessary. Take care of your speech, especially around your loved ones. Keep away from anger and laziness as this will only drag your down.
ARIES
March 21 - April 19 This month will give you all the positivity you’ve been working towards but you’ll need to balance,, go hard at work but don’t forget your loved ones giving them time will be necessary. Have confident in the way you look and take long strides when needed. Use this month to work on yourself physically and mentally. End of this month will bring you relaxation and fun with your friends.
URUS TA
April 20 - May 20 This month is ruled with work but if your feeling unsatisfied then it might be time to look elsewhere. Welcome any change with open arms, be it with your relationships or with your home. Don’t forget to take time out for yourself and relax, try picking up yoga it will do wonders for you mentally and spiritually.
MINI GE
May 21 - June 20 This month is all about you Gemini, take the confidence this month brings and insert it in every aspect of your life. You will be motivated to fix up your personal space, and work extra hard for that sweet promotion at work. The end of the month is all about having fun with loved ones, you are seriously going to live the summer of your dreams just keep your attitude in check and you’re golden.
NCER CA
June 21 - July 22 This month is all about financial gains and giving yourself the boost personally and professionally. Reach out for what is yours, and demand respect when needed. Use this month to communicate and gets the things you deserve. Your personal space will also need a revamp, but look out for your friends as they may come at you with some surprising news. PEOPLE PAKISTAN ISSUE 8
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