Mohsin Ali’s eclectic, brooding collection, which dexterously combined elements of the subaltern Hazara culture and married it to their vagabond state, made fashion insiders giddy with a new prospect of a creative maverick in their midst and delighted audiences with its unique desi bohemian aesthetic.
Even Britain’s greatest fashion authority, Hilary Alexander couldn’t resist the allure of his designs, and Parisian fashion consultant Alexandra Senes has been sporting Ali’s pieces in the world’s most chic city. What makes Ali’s designs so exciting is his manic sense of color and fabric draped …

Multan, the cultural centre of southern Punjab famous for its sufi shrines, cotton and sohan halwa, is also a hub for the craft of blue pottery.
The skill for creating this blue pottery, also known as kashi work, was introduced centuries ago by local artisans, whose craft derived influences from Persia, Central Asia and the Mongols. It is widely believed that kashi works originates from Kashgar, a city in western China. But over a period of centuries, kashi work in Multan developed its own unique, indigenous style.
Blue pottery enjoyed patronage of …

The ongoing folk festival at Lok Virsa is receiving a great response from the residents of the capital city where hundreds of people have flocked in to enjoy their taste of traditional arts and handicrafts.
The 10-day-long “Lok Mela” features attractions from several craftsmen, folk artists, rural musicians and dance groups from all provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. Glimpses of Pakistan’s traditional heritage, folk and rural dances and scrumptious cuisines set up in artistically designed cultural pavilions are some of the major attractions of the festival.
Even though the festival represents …

Social, cultural and religious events are extremely important to protect and promote the identity of the people, community and the country. The environment and system in Canada provides best opportunities to all to express themselves in the manner they desire. This helps in better understanding of the communities and infusion of the spirit to live and work together with respect and tolerance. The result is richness of the society. This is the secret of Canada’s good image.
Qazi Bashiruddin, a renowned religious and social personality of the community, based in Hamilton, …

Alhamra Cultural Complex looked surreal amidst decorative lights, as performances varying from enthralling Uzbek dances to hilarious slapstick performances by the Wall Street Theatre, Indian theatre and Ajoka’s theatre heightened activity at the Rafi Peer World Performing Arts Festival on Monday night.
The Uzbek camp in particular was jam-packed with spectators who were completely enthralled by the dance performances. The Uzbek dance titled ‘Sonata’ was the most attractive feature of the festival. The performers, clad in stunning vibrant dresses, had the crowds up on their feet as they executed impressive dance …

A Pakistani cultural troupe is slated to present a play in Jammu and Kashmir next week on Baba Bulleh Shah, a 17th century Sufi saint who was revered by both Hindus and Muslims in his time.
The troupe of 20 artistes, comprising qawwals and actors of the Pakistani group Ajok, will give a performance in Jammu on Jan 27 and 28.
Jammu is preparing in a big way to receive the artistes with theatres fully booked.
The group, which has won acclaim for its play “Ek Thee Nani”, is led by two well …

The second smallest continent of the world, Europe plays host to people belonging to different cultures, speaking different languages and espousing different religious ideas. By embracing such religious and cultural diversity, Europe negates the theory of clash of civilizations.
These observations were made by the chairman of the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, Fateyab Ali Khan, at the opening of the first European documentary festival on Friday evening. The festival is organized by the Royal Netherlands Embassy in collaboration with the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, Karafilm Society and Alliance Francaise. …

This film festival is a chance to let people know what film-making in Pakistan really has to offer and by bringing feature films, documentaries and shorts to the UK it will offer a unique opportunity to savour the experience of a socially-engaged documentary/art-film sector as well as the entertaining and cultish world of commercial cinema in Pakistan. Based in Lahore, the latter is known affectionately and somewhat ironically as, ‘Lollywood’!!
‘Pehlee Dharkan’ translates as ‘First Heartbeat’ and this is exactly what Heer Productions has provided via the Pakistani Film, Media …

Glasgow will play host to the UK’s first Pakistani film, media and arts festival next month which will attempt to bring cutting edge films and art exhibitions under one roof.
Titled Pehlee Dharkan (first heartbeat), the film festival intends to inform audiences and the wider community on what film-making in Pakistan really has to offer.
Organizers say it will allow them to savor the experience of a socially-engaged documentary/art-film sector, as well as the entertaining and cultish world of commercial cinema in Pakistan. It will take place from 13th to 25th September.
The …