NLA celebrates 75th Independence Day befittingly

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Living to its tradition of doing something unique and innovative, the National Library Association (NLA) got a customized cake prepared to celebrate the special occasion of Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day in a befitting manner. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, himself conceived the idea of having an exclusive design for the cake which was executed very elegantly by Zareen Majid of Eatory Bakers, Karachi. 

The cake’s design and taste were lavishly praised by the NLA contingent which was present on the occasion to celebrate the country’s Platinum Jubilee Independence Day with tremendous enthusiasm.

“It’s a special occasion and we have decided to celebrate it in a unique style as we do believe in having animated environment on such occasions. Pakistan has turned 75 and the NLA has been here for the past five years. The NLA will continue making its efforts to galvanize support of all stakeholders to serve the librarians community in the best possible manner,” Muzaffar Ali Shah declared. 

The NLA Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, its Secretary General, Anwar Hussain and Executive Committee member, Sultan Ali, were also present in the ceremony which was also attended by the young duo of Zubair Jameel and Sabeen Khan.

Pakistan’s NLA represented in Canada celebrations

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan’s National Library Association (NLA), working proactively for the cause of the librarians, has made its presence felt in Canada as the Association’s Overseas Coordinator, Younis Hashmi, was in attendance at the Independence Day celebrations held in Milton on August 14. 

“It’s both an honour as well a privilege to represent the NLA in Canada and introduce our Association at the international level. Canada, as we all know, has one of the best library systems in the world and our librarians can learn a lot from them to make their own libraries as a hub of activities,” Younis Hashmi observed during a brief chat with PNFS.

“Quite a few veteran library scientists from Pakistan have relocated in Canada and they remain passionate about serving the cause of the librarians’ community. The Canada chapter of the Karachi University Library Science Alumni Association (KULSAA) had organized quite a few events in the past. The NLA leadership is desirous of playing its role in reviving KULSAA and some initial discussions have already started taking place between our officials,” he revealed. 

“I had the pleasure of meeting Hafiz Khalid Saheb, one of the livewires of KULSAA, at the Independence Day celebrations in Milton. Despite his preoccupations at business and social service, he is full of energy and willing to support the cause of the librarians. He is certainly an inspiration to us and we look forward to his guidance,” Younis Hashmi acknowledged.

He complimented the trio of Dr Rabya Azim, Chaudhary Sarwar and Ayaz Malik for having organized Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton with great success.

Sindh CM, bigwigs laud Barrister Sarah’s cultural diplomacy paintings

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Barrister Sarah Asim Khan’s creativity earned more accolades as her second Art Exhibition, in collaboration with the Consulate of Italy in Karachi, turned out to be another success story. The admiration of guests for her artwork also encouraged women empowerment. 

The recent exhibition was aligned with the celebration dinner of Italian National Day at the Hotel Avari Towers in Karachi, hosted and organized by the Consulate of Italy in Karachi under the leadership of Consul General of Italy, Danilo Giurdanella. 

The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, was the chief guest on the occasion and he graciously endorsed Sarah’s cultural diplomacy paintings pertaining to different countries. 

The Acting Governor of Sindh, Agha Siraj Durrani, Sindh Minister for Health, Azra Pechuho, Rear Admiral Mian Zakirullah Jan, Commander Karachi, Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, MD Shipyard & EW, Sector Commander Rizwan, Iqbal Memon, Commissioner Karachi, Faisal Edhi, Chairman, Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation, and Ahmed Shah, President, Arts Council of Pakistan, were also present on the occasion along with diplomats and dignitaries from Britain, United States of America, Kuwait, Germany, Indonesia and various other countries. 

Barrister Sarah is acclaimed as the pioneer of cultural diplomacy and international mythological art in Pakistan. She has created paintings for 30 countries during the last couple of years which were displayed at the event. 

She created one of the paintings for the Consulate of Italy to promote friendship, trade and harmony between the countries which is titled ‘Italy and Pakistan Solidarity Beyond the Borders’ and it is displayed at the Consulate of Italy in Karachi. 

Another of her painting, which pertains to wildlife, is displayed in the office of Deputy Consul of Italy, Enrico Alfonso Ricciardi, also at the Consulate of Italy in Karachi. The diplomat had mentioned and praised Sarah’s paintings during his speech at Italian National Day. 

A lawyer by profession with varied experience in the UK and Pakistan, having diverse extracurricular interests in art, wildlife, hiking, travelling and social work, Barrister Sarah has emerged on the horizon as one of the most versatile young leaders. 

She attained her entire legal education at the University of London, including Bachelor of Laws, Masters in Corporate and Commercial Laws from Queen Mary College and a qualification in Intellectual Property Law and Policy from the London School of Economics & Political Science. 

Upon being called to the Bar at the Society of Lincoln’s Inn, she underwent Pupillage with a Chamber at King’s Bench Walk, London, and acclaimed eligibility to practice as a Barrister in the UK. She remains active in the legal fraternity and was the Programme Host and Master of Ceremony of 4th National Judicial Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Karachi in which the then Federal Law Minister, Barrister Farogh Nasim, was the chief guest and the Attorney General of Pakistan, Anwar Mansoor Khan, was the guest of honour.  

Inspiration for arts made her a self-taught artist, patronizing conservation of wildlife, harmonizing world cultures and heritage and with it promoting the soft-image of Pakistan to the world. Enthused by socializing with people from different countries, cultures and walks of life, her art-work is unique and creative in blending mythologies and national symbolism of the countries in art. 

As President of Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan, RI District 3271 during 2018-19, she was recipient of the Outstanding Services to the Cause of Rotary Award as well as Recognition of Performance District Support Rotary Award. 

Her artwork and columns have supported Rotary’s cause of protecting the environment. Some of her paintings pertain to abstract wildlife which cultivates eagerness for the prosperity of flora and fauna. Furthermore, she is a columnist on subjects relating to wildlife conservation and environmental protection. 

Her columns diligently create awareness about safeguarding the natural environment for a thriving ecosystem which plays an essential role for the harmonious coexistence of humans and wild animals; and, ecofriendly recreational activities. 

As an active Rotarian, Barrister Sarah has contributed to enhance the positive public image of Rotary International which remains committed to providing humanitarian services around the globe with magnanimous and high spirits.