Women Times April 2018 by Womentimes

WOMEN TIMES

Vol. 04, Year 28 Editor

Shehla Fatima Seyal

Managing Editor

editor’s note

Mohsin Mumtaz Seyal

Foreign Editor

Atif Saeed Seyal

Editor Magazine

Enem Ali Abbas

Honorable Readers,

Desk Writer

Sports and games have been part of human society for years and international day of sports, celebrated on 6th of April for development and peace, emphasizes people to indulge in sporty activities for the sake of their health. Women of Pakistan also have made their mark in this domain too, featuring women of substance in the world of sports this month including Pakistan’s Tennis star Ushna Suhail, world fame acclaimed simmer Kiran Khan and MMA trainer Rida Merium.

Art Director

Apart from sports front we have featured significant personality from the world of business and commerce, president women chamber of commerce, the amazing Falahat Imran. This exclusive issue has covered all the significant happenings of the town including PFDC fashion week 2018, Lotus ten years celebrations, Lahore Biennale, women entrepreneurship conference and much more as well. Meticulously talking, Summer has quickly approached with burning sun so, don’t forget to wear cap and sun glasses while going out and of course don’t forget to keep cool water bottle always with you. Stay safe and healthy!

With Love!

Shehzadi Zainab

Rashid Javed

Web Incharge

Rashid Afzal

Photographer

Z.A Tariq Shahzad Malik

Manager Marketing

Usman Akram

Manager Events

Mian Bilal

Contributer Writer

Hamyune Zafar

Editorial Board

Lubna Adnan, London Mehreen Hasan, Doha Ummara Zubair, USA M. Abbasi, Toronto Hira Yousaf, Australia

Publisher: Shehla Fatima Seyal, 19-A, Nisar Building, Abbot Road, Lahore. Printed by Alaq Printers, Abbot Road, Lahore. Editor: Enem Ali Abbas

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Kiran Khan

Rida Marriyam

The very first female international swimmer from Pakistan, the 'Golden Girl'

Mixed Martial Art Female Fighter is Going to Make a Mark on Glory of Pakistan

18 The accomplishments of the women of Pakistan span a variety of fields like sports, science, media, arts, health and education.

Falahat Imran

In this candid discussion ‘Falahat’ whom I found extremely self-effacing and down to earth, shares her struggle, ups and downs of her journey and her motivation to work for women’s empowerment.

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04 Maria Toorpakai

Armed with a squash racket and risen from the turmoil of tribal life in Pakistan to become not only a world-class athlete, but a true inspiration, a pioneer for millions of other women

16 The accomplishments of the women of Pakistan span a variety of fields like sports, science, media, arts, health and education.

Ushna Suhail Adopting tennis as career is even difficult for male section of the society but she proved her iron internationally earning fame in tennis.

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We today see a growing number of successful business women, making it a women’s world in the business too. Some women among all stood out, not only doing their own but providing business opportunities to others as-well. I had the opportunity to meet such a woman, who is on the forefront to provide excellent business opportunities to women. Women dream to launch their own startups and love to live financially independent life to the fullest.

Let’s meet Falahat Imran, President women chamber of commerce and industry Lahore division. In this candid discussion ‘Falahat’ whom I found extremely self-effacing and down to earth, shares her struggle, ups and downs of her journey and her motivation to work for women empowerment.

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“I joined women chamber in 2011 as a member, it was really a learning experience overall and after six years of my endeavor for the chamber I was selected as president and now I feel honor to represent Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lahore Division as President for the year 2017-18. ‘Insha Allah’ I will do my best to come up to the expectations of my prestigious organization”.

On what concepts is Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) is based upon? “Economic empowerment of women at all levels and strengthening of financial capacity of women entrepreneurs and of course making women entrepreneurs of Punjab a viable force in revival of Pakistan’s economy”.

What is your role as President WCCI?

“WCCI works on some yearly agendas which include promotion of new women entrepreneurs, capacity building of existing businesses of women, awareness programs, advocacy campaigning, workshops and trainings and my role as President is to focus on continuation of all the mentioned projects”.

What goals should women set to become successful and how should they behave? “Keep your goals high but don’t forget to be modest. Successful women entrepreneurs share their best tips on what works, what doesn’t, (and why) when you are launching a business and designing a life you love”.

What are the chances an ordinary women entrepreneur can avail from WCCI?

“We are a group of individuals who believe in the potential of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan, a skilled woman entrepreneur with innovative idea can transform a venture into a business trend, so we do every possible effort to provide opportunities whether it is networking, promotion, capacity building, workshops or trainings etc.”

Now asking you my pet question How you manage work pressure and home commitments? “I must say balancing is the toughest task between home and your professional life commitments. But Alhamdulilah, I have a supportive family, which keeps me going through all odds”.

What do you think is the key for a woman to excel professionally?

“Women are the half of the creation of the universe, no less than men, they have the right to be here. So, I think the foremost key to excel is to never underestimate your strengths, understand your worth and be powerful”

Words of wisdom to pass on to our readers or women?

‘’Aim for a star and keep your sights high! With a heart full of faith, your feet on the ground and your eyes on the sky” WOMEN TIMES

Women Empowerment Society FCCU hosted its 4th edition of Wecon on the 8th of March, International Women’s Day. Women Empowerment Society FCCU hosted its 4th edition of WECON on the 8th of March, International Women’s Day. Theme for the conference was "Redefining Feminism". Brilliant and trailblazing guests including Mohiba Ahmed founding member of Women’s Collective, a student’s organisation that aims at providing a safe space to women on educational campuses, Kiran Maheen founder of Todd’s Welfare Society, Faiqa Mansab writer and storyteller, Sulema Jahangir a dual qualified solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales and an Advocate of the High Courts in Pakistan, Yusra Amjad writer and poet, Neeli Rana transgender activist, social worker and actor discussed the ever-evolving concept of feminism, its current state in the world and Pakistan, and initiated a discussion over how we can all go about creating an ideal world with equal inclusion for all.

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International Conference On ‘The Women’s Role In Society And Media’ Institute Of Communication Studies, Punjab University Organized Two Conferences, International Unesco Conference On Safety Of Journalists On Tuesday 27th Feb 2018 And International Conference On The Women’s Role In Society And Media From 28 Feb To 1st March 2018. Delegates From North America, Norway, Malaysia, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Nepal And Bangladesh Will Be The Part Of Both International Conferences. Senior Media Academicians, Researchers, Well Known Journalists And Communication Experts From Pakistan Will Also Contribute In These Conferences. Vice Chancellor University Of The Punjab Prof. Dr. Zakria Zakar, Ambassadors Of Norway And Sweden, In-charge Institute Of Communication Studies Punjab University Dr. Noshina Saleem, Dr. Bushra Hameed Ur Rahman and Senior Journalists Participated in the Conferences.

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Kiran Khan The very first female international swimmer from Pakistan, the 'Golden Girl' Kiran Khan is known as the ‘Golden Girl’ to her fans and a true legend in the making to her contemporaries. She has won 7 international gold medals for Pakistan with 15 times bagging the best swimmer title. A 15-time national swimming champion who has the honor of the being the youngest ever to receive the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2012. Kiran Khan stands today as Pakistan’s leading athlete and one of the most prominent names in sports of the country.

She shared her thoughts with Women Times on international sports day: “I believe Sport is part of every man and woman’s heritage and its absence can never be reimbursed. When you’re on the field You are never really playing against an opponent. In fact you are competing yourself, competing against your own highest standards, and when you reach your set limits, that is the real joy of playing sports”.

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Maria Toorpakai squash player Maria Toorpakai

“Armed with a squash racket and enormous will, Maria Toorpakai has risen from the turmoil of tribal life in Pakistan to become not only a world-class athlete, but a true inspiration, a pioneer for millions of other women struggling to pave their own paths to autonomy, fulfilment and genuine personhood' Khaled Hosseini”, author of The Kite Runner Pakistani squash player Maria Toorpakai was born in South Waziristan, the tribal Pashtun region bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan. Her options as a young girl in that part of the world were severely limited, so with an eye to an alternative future for his daughter, Maria's father disguised her as a boy and encouraged her to take up competitive weight lifting at the age of 12. Following a win at a national boys’ competition, Maria discovered the sport of squash. Forced to produce her birth certificate and compete as a girl, she became Pakistan’s number one player and the world’s number three junior by age 16. With her success in the sport came death threats from the Taliban which forced Maria into hiding. She'd find a way out with the help of Canadian squash player Jonathan Power, who now trains Maria in Canada at The National Squash Academy. Maria tells her incredible story in her recent book, A Different Kind of Daughter.

She has a certain vision for women of Pakistan in sports as she shared her

thoughts on twitter: “Pakistan Government must encourage and support girls in sports. Provide them with a respectable and safer environment. Female athletes face discrimination on every step, are discouraged and even face harassment but government simply ignores. I also feel, we as a nation need to step up and help ourselves. I would like to request Pakistani business community to reach out to us on mariatoorpakai.org and help us build a healthy and sporty Pakistan. We are working on some exciting projects for athletes and hope our corporate sector will happily contribute”. WOMEN TIMES

Mixed Martial Art Female Fighter is Going to Make a Mark on Glory of Pakistan RIda Marriyam started off her career with boxing, which is a full contact combat sport, moving on to Jiu Jitsu in 2015 and then continuing to MMA. She is currently training at the Rogue Fitness and Martial Arts Academy. Her training includes weight training, MMA and boxing, as well as Jiu Jitsu which she finds tough but not impossible. Talking to Women Times about her upcoming fight Marriyam said:

“I’m training for the fight and it requires our best. I’m working hard, five days a week for at least four hours every day, with my trainers at the gym. I’m already 28 so I know I don’t have a lot of time.” “My trainers are all men and they are supportive. The perception that Muslim men don’t encourage women to pursue their goals needs to change” she further elaborated. Breaking the common perspective, she said “I don’t

“I feel MMA is gender neutral” breaking stereotype. believe you lose your femininity. The sport can empower men and women both. However, women have to put in extra effort when it comes to physical strength.” She shares her thoughts on International sports day with Women Times: “Every woman has infinite potential to achieve anything she wants. She just need to stop underestimating herself and discover her true inner strength. She will find within her an unlimited capacity to achieve goals if she has the motivation that she is not any lesser than men”.

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The great human being and a motivation to not just women but the whole pakistani nation to participate in sporty activities. The importance that she attached to sports is incredible and she allowed sports to get completely out of hand. Ushna Suhail became the first women tennis players from Pakistan to participate at the Asian Games when she competed at the Asian Games being held in Incheon, South Korea. First World Ranked female tennis player from Pakistan, 25 times All Pakistan is National Ladies champion, Double Bronze Medalist at SAF Games India, 2016, Holder of Fatima Jinnah Award, and youth ambassador for polio appointed by Punjab government. Adopting tennis as career is even difficult for male section of the society but she proved her iron internationally earning fame in tennis. She shared her motivational words with women times on international sports day for development and peace: “Don’t give up... dream big and keep chasing That final, one percent”.

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With a surname that needs no detailed introduction, this respectable lady has been associated with The Eidhi Foundation since its inception. She is closely involved with major philanthropic work undertaken by the foundation. She has selflessly dedicated her whole life to the service of afflicted humanity. One of the most generous deeds on her part is adopting abandoned babies and raising them on her own. She has received many international and national accolades along with her late husband Abdul Sattar Eidhi. Her unconditional devotion towards her cause is exemplary as she carries forward the Edhi legacy.

The accomplishments of the women of Pakistan span a variety of fields like sports, science, media, arts, health and education. The gender which constitutes almost half of a nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total population has a significant role to perform in its social, economic, cultural, political and domestic stability and prosperity. According to recent statistics the ratio of males in Pakistan is 51%, whereas female population is recorded at 48.76%.These numbers are reflective of the fact that equal contribution is required of both

genders to make our country progress. The existent societal norms and pressures have refrained women from performing to the best of their abilities in this part of the world. Usually women are expected to perform only at the domestic level but along with doing that, our women have achieved humongous laurels by proving their mettle in diverse fields of knowledge. The accomplishments

of the women of Pakistan span a variety of fields like sports, science, media, arts, health and education. They have defied odds and surpassed all regressive elements to find recognition and success in their respective endeavors. Let us shed some insightful light on the achievements of some of these inspirational women who made our country proud.

This name has gained global recognition of epic proportions. She has turned into an icon rather a phenomenon for emancipation of the girl child, equal gender roles and oppertunites, education for girls and most of all, courage and bravery. Her story has garnered unprecedented attention in the world. She emerged undefeated after having endured and survived an attack on her life for merely raising a voice for rights of girls.Eversince her recovery from the fateful day she was attacked, this young girl has been actively working to raise awareness in order to provide education to young girls in under privileged areas of Pakistan. She is the youngest recipient of the prestigious Nobel Prize for Peace and continues her efforts for education of women while pursuing higher education at the esteemed Oxford University.

The percentage of women in armed forces of Pakistan is very less. But then, people like Ayesha Farooq appear like a ray of hope .This talented girl has become the first female fighter pilot of Pakistan.The Pakistan Air Force base where she trained was primarily for males but her inclusion and presence paved the way for future accommodation of female trainees. Her choice of profession is also reflective of a progressive Pakistan.

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Muniba Mazari is one such example of persistence, perseverance and courage in the face of extreme adversity. After surviving a near fatal accident which left her physically challenged, she got back on her feet again, reasserted her womanhood and found various ways to influence others. She holds many mantles when it comes to accomplishments. She went on to become a motivational speaker, writer, artist and social activist.She has recently been chosen as a UN goodwill Ambassador for gender equality and Empowerment of women. It is for the first time ever that a female citizen from Pakistan has received this global honor and recognition.

She is better known as the former captain of the Pakistan National Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cricket team. At a very young age, she has become a source of encouragement for countless young girls in Pakistan who dream of becoming professional cricketers. Not only has she followed her childhood passion as a profession but has also made her country proud by bringing home several gold medals and victories at national and international levels. She holds a significant spot in International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings. Another feather in her cap is that she is first ever female Pakistani cricketer to take 100 wickets in World One Day International (ODI) Cricket.

Documenting many feats achieved by promising Pakistani women, Samina Baig cannot be overlooked for her one of a kind heroic accomplishment. Hailing from a relatively small and lesser known town of Shimshal in Hunza Valley, she became the first woman from Pakistan to scale the heights of Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world. Her subsequent media appearances spoke volumes about her views on women empowerment and provision of equal if not more opportunities in terms of education and exposure.As she hoisted the national flag on Mount Everest,she brought ultimate glory to her nation and set an example for young Pakistani girls that nothing is off limits for them if they set upon pursuing their dreams.

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Onwards and upwards, O daughter of Saudi Arabia Noble in this world and the next Follow the lines, for the license is for all The people of this country all congratulate you No longer offer your money to a driver Fully insure the car and gift it to her

stepping forward and gaining grounds

As everywhere in the world women in Saudi Arabia after a long struggle are now beginning to bear fruit of their efforts. Here the Saudi women should not forget to thank the new regime and Prince Muhammed bin Suleman who made it a little easier for them to claim their rights. Women in Saudi Arabia have gained quite some grounds, grounds that they can rightfully feel proud of; Mothers in Saudi Arabia can now retain custody of their children after divorce without filing lawsuits, according to a Saudi Information Ministry statement, meaning the kingdom is breaking ranks with several other countries in the region that heavily favor male guardianship. The move comes as part of a series of sweeping social and economic reforms known as Vision

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2030. Initiated over the past two years, the reforms have been spearheaded by Saudi Arabia's 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Previously, a Saudi woman was required to petition courts, sometimes for years, to win custody of children after a divorce. The Saudi Justice Ministry released a circular to the courts that specifies that, barring a dispute between the parents, a mother is required only to apply for custodianship. This represents a significant improvement in women's rights in the country, and a thing to celebrate mothers everywhere. Saudi women celebrate getting their right to drive; until recently only men were allowed driving licences, and so while there was no formal ban on women driving, they couldn't drive legally either. Women who drove in public risked being arrested and fined.

But now the leader of Saudi Arabia, King Salman has issued a special decree, or ruling, that grants women permission to get driving licenses A special government body has being set up to give advice, and the law will be changed by 24 June 2018. But this change is said to be down to the current king's son Mohammed bin Salman In June his dad gave him the job of ambassador to the US, and he is in charge of a plan to reform and transform society in Saudi Arabia by 2030. Women and the part of society that supports Saudi women’s rights is very happy about these developments. So much so that a song encouraging men to gift cars to women has become popular, it goes something as;

To make this happen he says the country needs to increase the number of women in the workforce, and they need to be able to drive to work.

going to university than men.

The crown prince says it was "the right decision at the right time".

In May rules stopping women from using government services without getting permission from a man were relaxed.

He says the question of whether women should drive is "not religious nor a cultural issue", but he says he understands there might be "social issues", as not everyone in Saudi Arabia supports the changes. Rules were also changed to allow women to play sports and compete in the Olympics. In 2015 women were elected to local councils for the first time, and there are now more Saudi women

Since King Salman has been in charge there have been even more changes.

Recently women are rallying support and asking the Saudi government to make a “ministry especially for women”. As that will happen it will be another excellent news for women in Saudia, as it will make it a lot easier for them to gain their political and economic ambitions and have an even more strengthened say. We are happy for women in Saudia and hope to be hearing all the good from them further and sooner.

“Saudi govt is working on an initiative, which will launch in the near future, to introduce regulations ensuring equal pay for men and women,” WOMEN TIMES

Kuch Khaas held an orientation session for Self Defense Classes for Women at VRK studios today. Conducted by Master Shahid Mir, 2nd Dan Taekwondo Black belt, the orientation session not only included the history of Martial Arts but also demonstrated how a person can defend against a bigger and stronger opponent. Master Shahid also shed light on the philosophy behind free handed combat and the mental discipline it inculcates that can be applied to all aspects of daily life. During the Orientation, Master Shahid Mir also threw light on the philosophy behind free handed combat of Kang Duk Won which is necessary for mental discipline much needed in all aspects of our daily lives.

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International Women Day was celebrated on 8th of March at Aiwan-e-Iqbal hosted by Women Development Department. The function was largely attended by women ministers, members of national and provincial assemblies, representatives of health and education departments, police, NGOs, girl guides and media. This was the gist of

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speeches made by Punjab Ministers Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Begum Zakia Shahnawaz and Begum Hameeda Waheed-ud-Din to Appreciate Working Women for their Efforts. The Punjab government announced first women

development policy ahead of the general elections 2018 as it claimed that the steps taken during its five-year stint for the protection and welfare of the womenfolk had no similitude in the 70 years history of the country.

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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Launch The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is the newest addition to Pakistan’s rapidly growing café culture launched by means of marketers Usman Yousuf and Adnan Azam. Advertising and marketing team Eikon7 and PR company Rezz PR and Events both arranged the event. An official ribbon reducing rite by Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz marked the occasion. There were also appearances via many renowned personalities from Islamabad’s elite

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Lahore Biennale 01: Shehr-O-Funn The Lahore Biennale Foundation announced details of its inaugural Biennale (LB01), which will take place in Lahore, Pakistan from March 18 to March 31, 2018. The opening weekend program of LB01 commences March 16 to March 19, and includes performances, guided tours of art works and venues, as well as collateral gallery programming within the city.

Over 50 artists and collectives will participate in LB01, including artists based in Bangladesh, India, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, as well as from Europe and the United States. Participating artists in LB01 include Amar Kanwar, Naeem Mohaiemen, Shahzia Sikander and Shirin Neshat. Artists presenting major new commissions include Ali Kazim, Awami Art Collective, Aisha Khalid, and Imran Qureshi. For a list of participating artists included in LB01 please see attached insert. The opening and closing weekends of the Biennale include programs of talks and performances. Opening performances include those by composer, Du Yun and vocalist, Ali Sethi. Closing performances include a sketch by Salima Hashmi, a perfor-

Exhibitions and events for LB01 will be held at seven major venues that engage with the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mughal, Colonial and Modern layers. The inaugural Biennale recognizes the city in relation to its region, as reflected in the presentation of artists selected, and in the Biennaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core and collateral programming. Despite being a continually expanding and evolving metropolis, Lahore has not so far significantly featured as a space that engages artistic practice with diverse publics. Given the limited representation of Pakistan in global media, and the relative scarcity of regional dialogues within South Asia, there is a real urgency to foster a deeper and multifaceted dialogue between Lahore, the region, and the rest of the world. These critical engagements can further energize new relationships of Lahoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents and visitors with the city, where the past can be reflected upon, the present debated in new ways, and the future anticipated in a pluralist and progressive direction. LB01 understands inclusivity, collaboration, and public-engagement as being central to its vision. LB01 has invited artists, groups, and institutions to work on various scales and at multifaceted sites. LB01 is supported by Government bodies and has developed relations with international partners in order to bridge institutional gaps between Lahore and the rest of the world. LB01 aims to extend the perspectives and experiences gained by the Lahore Biennale Foundation through its multiple public activities over the past three years, and to foster a broadened approach towards public-centric arts projects during and beyond the LB01 events.

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Launching of connected Agriculture Platform Punjab CAPP Program Extending its expert support to the Government of Punjab in the latter's Empowerment of Kissan through Digital & Financial Inclusion’ initiative, Telenor Pakistan and Department of Agriculture – Punjab have launched the Connected Agriculture Platform for Punjab (CAPP).

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Under CAPP’s mAgri ecosystem, a suite of Android apps including onboarding, mobile wallet, weather, crop calendar, video on demand, expert opinion, marketplace, supply chain tracking, and agriculture subsidy will be designed by Telenor Pakistan and Inbox Business Technologies. WOMEN TIMES

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Vesttire Luxury Collection

The true essence of beauty is so unique and timeless, once touched by the warmth of it, is forever mesmerized. The softness of finest fabrics, the breathtaking colors and patterns, the rich and luxurious embroideries and the intricate detailing is all what makes vesttire so unique.

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‘Celebrating Unsung Heroes’ Herself in collaboration with Peaceful Pakistan and Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) admin wing hosted the International Women’s Day event at PITB. The theme of this event was ‘Celebrating Unsung Heroes’ in which we highlighted those iron ladies behind the veil who deserved nothing less than a massive round of applause for all their efforts. Our aim was to inspire the youth by stories of women who have fought resiliently against every challenge and come out shining!

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Women Entrepreneurship Conference Women Entrepreneurship Conference (WECON) held at University University of Central Punjab to provide an entrepreneurial ecosystem to women through awareness among women entrepreneurs through different programmes where they support women business aspirants through financial, legal and training help.

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The event was attended by women entrepreneurs, incubators, accelerators, students as well as operators of start-ups.

Pakistan PYWDP, were among the main speakers of the conference. Naeem Zamindar, chairman, Board of Investment, was the chief guest of the conference

Shahnaz Kapadia Rahat, founder, Mera Maan, Dr Amjad Saqib, founder, Akhuwat, Wasif Nagi, chairman, Mir Khalil ur Rahman Memorial Society, Jang Group and Qaiser Nadeem, USAID Punjab Youth Workforce Development

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PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week Indeed, with #PSFW18, the PFDC continues to take the fashion week platform towards an international and global standard. To that end, the Pakistan Fashion Design Council took the concept of solo and duo shows a step further, having introduced the concept in

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Pakistan in 2017, by giving each day of fashion week a curated experience featuring a combination of solo designer showcases, grouped designer shows and a dedicated day featuring high street prĂŞt-aporter and the seasonal retail/ lawn showcases.

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Samsung Flagship Store Launched in Packages Mall Samsung has launched its Flagship store at the Packages Mall in Lahore. The inauguration ceremony of the Mall was held on 1st March 2018 by Mr. YJ Kim, MD Samsung Pakistan & Mr. Ammar Khan, CEO Wak Tech. They both together cut the ribbon to open the new Samsung store. Many Pakistani celebrities attended the launch ceremony including the most popular on-screen couple Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Ali to the famous model Cybil Choudhry to the most decent morning show host Juggan Kazim, all of them were present at the launch of the Samsung store to make it eventful.

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Vesttire Luxury Collection Exclusive Preview Vesttire Luxury Collection Exclusive Preview held at Liberty Castle main Blvd Gulberg Lhr. PR and media management handled by Bilal Mukhtar events and PR.

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Resturants in Focus The variety of food may confuse you but the taste will surely satisfy you to the core. Their barbecue is a particular specialty if you’re into it. Also, they don’t just specialize in desi food, a specialty of theirs is Lebanese. Visit La Atrium if you’re the kind of person who enjoys a nice roof-top meal and have a particular fondness for selfies, because their sophisticated decor allows some amazing imagery, for sure. Serving HiTea Buffet daily from 4 pm to 6:30 pm for Rs. 799+tax!

Vilayti Chai & Tea Time Snacks! If you’re looking for a good variety of vilayiti chai along with your food for your hi-tea, this is the place to be. Known primarily for their breakfast and the variety of teas they offer, English Tea House has diversified into some interesting offerings for tea-time snacks as well. Their hi-tea, served as a pot of tea or coffee, with quiche slices, fruit & dip, cheese, grilled fish, chicken skewers, mini chicken puffs, pizza slices, assorted mini pastries & chicken sandwiches will leave you craving for more. Top it all up with their signature molten lava cake, which is a must try. Serving Hi-Tea daily from 4 pm to 6 pm for Rs. 1,500 inclusive of all taxes, serving two people.

A Great Spot for Your Evening Tea! One of the finest ‘to-be-seen’ restaurants in Lahore is also a great spot for your evening tea. Just make sure you go with an empty stomach because the variety is HUGE! Enjoy a wide selection of pastas like the Penne Pasta with creamy sauce and manchorien noodles, continental menu like the Oven Baked Mushroom Chicken along with options from the far east like the Thai Fish Lemon Grass. Top it all up with delectable desserts like the warm chocolate soup, hot bread pudding and royal fudge cake. Serving Hi-Tea daily from 4:30 pm to 6 pm for Rs. 1,030 inclusive of all taxes!

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Moroccan â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Food and Cultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; festival The Consulate General of Morocco organised the Moroccan Food and Culture festival, which was inaugurated by H E Mohmed Karmoune, Ambassador of Morocco to Pakistan. The renowned Moroccan fashion designer Qatine Anouar presented his collection of Moroccan traditional Kaftan at an impressive fashion show. The Moroccan cuisine was prepared by the chief chef Issamel Bouzidi who had especially flown from Morocco along with the fashion designer.

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Baked whole wheat strawberry donuts with a fresh strawberry glaze.

Sweet Summer Cherries Deserve a Place in Your Drink Ingredients 2 oz. white rum 1 3⁄4 oz. Luxardo Sangue Morlacco 1 oz. coconut milk 1 oz. fresh lime juice 1⁄2 tsp. demerara sugar 10 dashes Miracle Mile Forbidden Barrel Aged Bitters 3 roasted cherries, plus 1, halved lengthwise, for garnish 1 oz. black rum 1 tsp. Everclear Instructions In a blender, combine white rum, Luxardo, coconut milk, lime juice, sugar, bitters, 3 cherries, and 1 cup ice and purée until smooth; pour into a tiki glass and top with black rum. Place halved cherry, cut-side up, on top of cocktail and fill with Everclear before lighting cherry on fire.

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Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup butter 1 1/4 cups low-fat buttermilk 1 large egg 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind 1 cup strawberries, chopped fairly small Instructions Combine the flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Give it a good whisk to mix. Using a pastry bender (or two knives) cut the butter into the flour mixture until there are no large lumps left. In a separate bowl, combine the butter milk, egg and lemon rind. Create a well in the flour mixture and stir in the buttermilk mixture. Gently folding in the strawberries being careful to not over mix. Divide the batter into your greased donut pan. There is enough to make 12 donuts. Bake at 400 for about 15 minutes or until the donuts are puffy and cooked through. While the donuts cool, combine the mashed strawberries and powdered sugar. You want to add enough powdered sugar that the glaze becomes a light pink. Dip the donuts in the glaze and allow to set. Or eat them right away.

Chicken Nuggets

Nowadays prices of everything is going so high that it becomes difficult to afford the little luxuries for yourself. If you buy chicken nuggets from the market, they are too expensive and quantity is also less so try to make them at home. You will find the same taste and the quantity will also double in the same price. Ingredients 1 chicken breast 300 gm 1/2 tsp mustard powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 2 tsp Worchester sauce 3/4 cup crumbs of fresh bread 1/2 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp thyme 1 small onion Coating 1 egg, beaten 1 cup fresh bread crumbs 1 cup crumbs from market or bakery Oil for deep frying Method: Mix all the ingredients in a chopper until they all are well mixed and blended. Now make the shape of nuggets. Mix 1 cup fresh crumbs and 1 cup market crumbs together. Now coat the nuggets in egg and then in crumbs and deep fry them on medium heat till they are golden brown. Serve hot with chili garlic sauce. Tip: You can also freeze the nuggets with a coating. Or you can freeze them without a coating and when you want to fry them then you can apply the coating. WOMEN TIMES

Khawateen Bethak hosted by Propergaanda and Mocca Coffee! The first of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind, Khawateen Baithak by ProperGaanda was an event that caters solely to women. It was an event by women, for women. Khawateen Baithak provided a platform for female influencers, creatives, entrepreneurs, role models and performers alike. The main aim to bring together women from different backgrounds to promote inclusiveness and create a safe space for women to share stories, inspire each other, laugh, network and be themselves. Stand up comedy, motivational speeches, musical performance make it the eventful ladies night.

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Lotus 10th Anniversary Celebration Lotus celebrated its decade in PR this month with the Lotus imaginarium - a curated and creative space for art, music, conversation and imagination.Number of celebrities participated in this incredible event including Ali Zafar, Ahmad Ali Butt, Ali Noor, Abrar Ul Haq, Mekaal Hasan, Danyal Zafar, Aima Baig, Sameen Qasim, Zain Ahsan, Sameer Ahmed and the house band who came out and played/sang/jammed. Hassan Jamil Khan and aka Jimmy Khan the magnifi-

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The Forty Rules of Love Book by Elif Şafak A novel within a novel, The Forty Rules of Love tells two parallel stories that mirror each other across two very different cultures and seven intervening centuries. Forty-year-old Ella Rubenstein is an ordinary unhappy housewife with three children and an unfaithful husband, but her life begins to change dramatically when she takes a job as a reader for a literary agency. Her first assignment is a novel intriguingly titled Sweet Blasphemy, about the thirteenth-century poet Rumi and his beloved Sufi teacher Shams of Tabriz. The author is an unknown first-time novelist, Aziz Zahara, who lives in Turkey. Initially reluctant to take on a book about a time and place so different from her own, Ella soon finds herself captivated both by the novel and the man who wrote it, with whom she begins an e-mail flirtation. As she reads, she begins to question the many ways she has settled for a conventional life devoid of passion and real love. It's one of best seller, we recommend to our readers. Its climax is dwindling or accomplishing, read it to a conclusion!

A Thousand Splendid Suns Novel by Khaled Hosseini At once an incredible chronicle of thirty years of Afghan history and a deeply moving story of family, friendship, faith, and the salvation to be found in love. A Thousand Splendid Suns is set in Afghanistan from the early 1960s to the early 2000s. Born a generation apart and with very different ideas about love and family, Mariam and Laila are two women brought jarringly together by war, by loss and by fate. As they endure the ever escalating dangers around them—in their home as well as in the streets of Kabul—they come to form a bond that makes them both sisters and mother-daughter to each other, and that will ultimately alter the course not just of their own lives but of the next generation. With heart-wrenching power and suspense, Hosseini shows how a woman's love for her family can move her to shocking and heroic acts of self-sacrifice, and that in the end it is love—or even the memory of love—that is often the key to survival.

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French Manicure and Pedicure At Home!! 1: Trim your Nails

3: Soak your cuticles

4: Buff and prep for polish

Start by trimming your nails to the desired length. Make sure all of them are even. And remember: When it comes to the French manicure, the longer they are, the better.

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2: Shape your Nails

If you really want to recreate the spa experience at home, dip your hands in a bowl of warm water and let them soak for a minute or two. Then take a cuticle pusher (or orangewood stick) and gently push your cuticles back. Use the opposite end of the cuticle pusher to remove any dirt and grime from underneath your nails. Now, before you apply your first coat of polish, buff the top of your nails to prepare them for your nail polish. Then, simply massage cuticle oil onto your nails at this time.

The Happiest Girls Always Have the Prettiest Nails

Do you think of manicures and pedicures as just an occasional way of pampering yourself? Regular manicures and pedicures actually provide great benefits for your overall health and well being, especially in Pakistan’s harsh summers. They also help keep hands and feet looking young. Having beautiful nails is less a matter of luck and more a matter of caring for them correctly. Fortunately, there are simple steps people can take to properly care for their nails. Figure out the type of shape you’d like (either rounded or square). Then grab a nail file and get to work.

1. Prep Your Nails

Start by removing the old nail polish on your nails. If you’re wearing a glittery nail polish and finding it difficult to remove, then you can use the foil method to remove it.Cut the cotton balls into four segments and dab some remover on them. Now place the cotton balls on your nails and cover the nails with a small piece of aluminium foil. Scrunch it at the end so that it stays on for some time. After five minutes, open the foil and remove the leftover nail polish with the same cotton pads that you placed over your nails. The nail polish will come off more easily. Once you’re done, wash your feet. Dry your nails and start filing them. File in only one direction and not back and forth, until your nail tips become smooth and even. While doing a French pedicure, your nails must be a bit long so that you can create a white tip over them. Now, using a buffer, smoothen the surface of your nails. Make sure you don’t do this too often as your nails might become too thin. Finally, clean your nails and make sure that there is no residue left.

Soaking your feet in lukewarm water is one of the best ways to relax and re-energize your feet. Fill a large water basin or a plastic tub with lukewarm water. Add Epsom salt to the water and let it dissolve completely. The salt foot soak is a quick and sure way to invigorate tired feet and soothe all inflammations and aches. Adding salt to the water makes the solution hypertonic. As a result, all the excess water that is logged in your skin cells will flow out and remove all the dirt and swelling, if any. You can also add three or four drops of shampoo, one teaspoon lemon juice, and a drop or two of essential oils. It will give you a spa-like foot treatment at home.

2. Soak Your Feet

Now soak your feet in Epsom salt water, relax for at least half an hour, and enjoy the healing powers of the warm solution.

3. Scrub Your Feet

After half an hour, take a pumice stone and scrub the various sections of your feet. Don’t be too harsh while scrubbing as your skin becomes soft after soaking your feet and harsh scrubbing might hurt. Once you’re done, dry your feet using a clean towel. While your nails and skin are soft, apply some cuticle cream over your nails and massage gently for some time. Once it is done, wipe off the cuticle cream and push back the cuticles using an angled cuticle stick. Gently push down the skin growing over the base of your nails. Make sure you don’t hurt yourself while doing this. Once you’re done with the scrubbing and cuticle removal process, quickly wash your feet with water and dry them using a towel.

4. Moisturize

Massage plays one of the major roles in French pedicure. Apply a little moisturizing lotion and start rubbing on the feet. Massage with a soft touch to alleviate stress. Continue massaging the feet in circular motions with your thumb for 10 minutes.

Life is not Perfect but Your Nails Can Be.

5. Sport French Tips

Apply a white nail polish on the tips of your nails. Allow it to dry for a couple of minutes and then apply the second coat. This will make the white color appear less splotchy and more attractive. If you are a beginner, you are bound to mess up things. Don’t worry, as you can fix it anytime. Just take a concealer brush, dip it in acetone, and you can clear away the mess to make your nail art look neat and elegant. Let the white coat dry for some time. Then, apply a single coat of clear nail polish on your nails. Try to keep your stroke as smooth and even as possible. And voila! Your feet are as fresh as dew! For quick drying, you can gently dip your feet in cold water. This will also help your nail polish last longer. WOMEN TIMES

This is an excellent month for increasing your psychic ability, relying on your intuition and going within to connect with your angels, spirit guides and the presence of God. Your body chemistry is likely to be more sensitive to food, environmental issues, drugs or alcohol, even supplements and vitamins. On April 8th the Solar Eclipse asks you to move to your center and get ready for a whole new 18 year cycle. This one of the best times to begin something new. The universe will support you in this through October giving you the time to build and make it a success. With the Lunar Eclipse in your 8th House and your ruler favoring Pluto, a positive change is coming that will affect you financially.

April 8th the Solar Eclipse in Aries places an emphasis on your health, work, pets and activities you do behind the scenes. Venus square to Saturn you are needing more love. You have cut down on your spending and you may need more rest and sunshine.

The April 8th Solar Eclipse indicates you may be dealing with influential people, government people or agencies. Your job, business and career take much of your time and attention. This is a time of increased recognition or coming before the public. Hard work is involved, overcoming obstacles, having a plan and a schedule are the things that are needed for your success. This eclipse brings you the support you have been seeking from others. The Lunar Eclipse at 4 Scorpio says, if you’re available, there is the possibility of a new romance.

Dear sweet Leo, you have been in a phase of clearing up old karma and you are in a phase of endings and beginnings. This IS the time to make long range plans. The Solar Eclipse on April 8th is square to Saturn which may bring in a challenging period as did the eclipse last October.

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To be happy now you need to be very focused on a professional or personal project. Mars favoring Jupiter indicates a lucky time for seeking employment and new avenues of income. The Lunar Eclipse on April 24th suggests you use the time of April to October to think out of the box, do new things, network, stay in touch with old friends who prove to be a blessing during this time. And, if love comes knocking on your door and you’re available, let it in.

All things of a spiritual nature, higher mind and higher learning, as well as travel are of benefit to you. The opportunity to connect with a teacher of high calibre may be presented to you. The April 24th Lunar Eclipse brings a desire for a move or a change of pace and this began last October. Venus/Uranus could turn a friendship into something more.

The April 8th Solar Eclipse counsels you to pursue your hopes and wishes by connecting with new people and aligning your energies with those in your social circle and/or community. June 2017 has been a time when you may have had to do with less or work harder to produce financially. Now through July 15th, Saturn wants you to think about what is really important to you, what and who are you committed to, to define your values and develop your talents. The Lunar Eclipse April 24th at 4 Scorpio brings an unexpected but positive change in the work and joint financial area.

The eclipse patterns are going back and forth over the relationship axis of your horoscope. This began last October and on April 8th the Solar Eclipse places an emphasis on business and personal relationships, and/or developing a customer or client base.

With the April 8th Solar Eclipse falling in your 6th of health and the Lunar Eclipse on April 24th in your 1st house you need to be more health conscious during the coming six months. You may benefit from receiving some energy work with the favorable aspect to Uranus.

The most important thing to you is your love life and partnership issues. If you are single, an important new relationship may enter your life. If you are married, the emphasis is on that relationship for the coming year. It is also a very creative influence and the opportunity to turn your creativity in to a paying situation opens up. The Lunar Eclipse on April 24th sets up an excellent six month period for financial gain.

These influences could also be a sign that you need a change and this could be related to your diet, your work, your habits or your daily schedule. You are more restless or emotional now. You may be more concerned over a parent, a boss, your business or work situation. Romance, creativity and money are favored especially April, May and June.

The Solar Eclipse on April 8th brings the possibility of love and romance during the coming year. Don’t allow fears, insecurities or disappointments from the past to block the love you are seeking. Avenues to express your creativity are opening up especially in the writing, teaching and publishing areas. You are in a cycle of increasing your clairvoyant abilities and meditation is one of the best ways for you to do this. The Lunar Eclipse on April 24th indicates changes and improvements in your work situation.

Mercury retrograde in Aries could indicate you are interested in creating a new business or job. You are promised success so long as you do not over commit yourself financially or energetically. The April 8th Solar Eclipse is a time when mortgages, leases and loans are favored as are all joint financial arrangements. Blessings come to you from a partner and from those who are close to you. Venus favoring Pluto could indicate you are enjoying a remodeling or redecorating project. With the April 24th Lunar Eclipse, there could be many changes coming up for a brother or sister including a new romance and an improvement in their financial situation during the coming six months.

The Solar Eclipse on April 8th places an emphasis on your home, property and family matters. This may not be an easy time for you in one or more of these areas. When Saturn leaves Cancer in July things will improve. At the same time Jupiter favoring Mars and Neptune is an excellent influence for money from professional endeavors. Venus rules your house of romance and favors Pluto in the 12th so you could meet or hear from someone out of your past, this lifetime or another. If it is someone new this lifetime, it will feel like a déjà vu experience.

The April 8th Solar Eclipse indicates a very busy time so you may find yourself on the go, involved with the neighbors, lots of phone calls and paperwork. There is more of an emphasis now on your relationship to a brother or sister who may require more of your time or advice.This is an excellent eclipse to begin a new course of study, take or teach a class, and write. You may very well purchase a new car or computer. Your feelings are easily hurt during this time but you don’t show it to others if you can help it. You may be worried about your health and property matters but you will feel better about things as July comes to a close.

This Solar Eclipse on April 8th is finally going to improve your finances opening up new doors for you and you will feel very lucky as this cycle opens up beginning late February through May. April 24th the Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio is excellent for writing, publishing, teaching and travel. Blessings come through your work, the people you work for, or your own business. Until after July, you may find that it is difficult to receive the love and affection you desire. Saturn square Venus can delay or deny romance due to insecurities, fears and past disappointments either in your life or theirs. WOMEN TIMES

Title: Dark Comedy, revenge and feminism, all come together in this wittily twisted thriller drama. Plot: A mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter's murder when they fail to catch the culprit. Story: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a darkly comic drama from Academy Award nominee Martin McDonagh (In Bruges). After months have passed without a culprit in her daughter's murder case, Mildred Hayes (Academy Award winner Frances McDormand) makes a bold move, painting three signs leading into her town with a controversial message directed at William Willoughby (Academy Award nominee Woody Harrelson), the town's revered chief of police. When his second-in-command Officer Dixon (Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell), an immature mother's boy with a penchant for violence, gets involved, the battle between Mildred and Ebbing's law enforcement is only exacerbated. Cast: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, John Hawkes, Peter Dinklage, Abbie

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Cornish, Caleb Landry Jones, Kerry Condon Review: "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri" marks a milestone for writer/director Martin McDonagh and is an idea piece on a mother's struggle with her town after posting billboards containing a call to action in regards to her murdered daughter. With outstanding screen writing and near perfect editing, this powerhouse of a film is easily one of the best all year and is driven with force and intensity by its lead, Frances McDormand. What begins as a narrow and focused drama, gradually escalates to a film with big themes and ideas, relevant social commentary, and much more subplots than anticipated. "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri" is packed with questions and a few answers about anger, revenge, violence, and kindness. The story shows people in a realistic light I've never quite seen before. We're presented with characters and their genuine emotions. Nothing feels sugarcoated of fluffed but it never lacks emotional impact either. The movie balances its seemingly contradictory tones beautifully by

crafting a dark comedy that feels heavy due to strong subject matter, while at the same time, utilizing comedic moments that feel completely natural to the character's motivations. It's obvious great care was taken into this script and the method in which it's constructed. One of the most talked about elements to this film are the strong performances; particularly by Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell. Rightfully so, this is some of their best (if not their best) work these eyes have beheld and they steal the show in every film they're in. That's not take away from Woody Harrelson and Lucas Hedges, as well as the entire cast who give memorable performances and paint shockingly believable characters that we feel we know personally. If there is anything that might turn audiences away from this film, it might be its harsh subject matter despite none of it every being depicted as well as its language and execution with the material. Personally, this has a strong impact and I wouldn't have changed anything about it. It's a highly recommended film with a lot to ponder at the end and is definitely a contender for best movie of the year. Definitely don't miss this one.

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