Annem Zaidi, Emaan Mahmud revel at Full Circle Gallery’s Under Cover

Pakistan News & Features Services

Under Cover, a two-person show organized by the Full Circle Gallery, Karachi, portrayed the creativity and imagination of the emerging young artists, Annem Zaidi and Emaan Mahmud. They earned admiration for their excellent work as the show, curated by Scheherezade Junejo, remained open for three weeks.

The Full Circle Gallery, housed in Block 4 of Clifton, has been rendering a great service to the cause of fine arts by showcasing the talents of the budding youngsters, besides patronizing the masters of the field. It’s a welcome addition to the city art scene, fast becoming a hub of cultural and artistic expression and engagement. 

The exhibition titled ‘Under Cover’ was the result of an investigative journey undertaken by all three parties; the artists Annem Zaidi and Emaan Mahmud and the curator Scheherezade Junejo. The trio brought together through a shared exploration of a single, rather broad idea; the investigation of different facades, surfaces and textures. 

Disparate in their individual practices and unknown to each other, the artists found themselves exploring different facets of the same subject, which was later picked up by Junejo and pieced together to complete the larger image, which resulted in Under Cover. 

Annem Zaidi’s oil paintings rendered in minute detail, with emphasis on the study of light. Her figures melted into the darkness of the canvas while the fabric draping their bodies fell into sharp relief.

In contrast to Zaidi’s paintings, Emaan Mahmud’s prints were given an inverse treatment. 

The artist began experimenting with the details achieved through the compression and manipulation of different plastic materials.

Using everyday objects, she heated the plastic to varying degrees, attempting to push the practice of transformation as far as she could. She ultimately compressed the forms she produced by printing them in order to document the changes in their textural patterns. 

This radical study of texture led her to produce a series of prints which resembled forms that no longer appeared artificial, but border on the organic. The patterns produced on the prints were raw, rough and almost fractal in nature. 

Both the artists were tapped into different windows of a broader spectrum; one which suggested that all layers, facades and surfaces were interchangeable and bipolar in nature. They could be used to hide, reveal and transform, all at once.

Darakhshan Sitaray documents women empowerment: Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen

Pakistan News & Features Services

Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen, Chairperson, Library & Information Science (LIS) Department, University of Punjab, has appreciated the publication of ‘Darakhshan Sitaray’ a book which profiles the top women library scientists of the country.

She was presented a copy of the book by the author, Dr Nasreen Shagufta, during the reception held in her honour by the Bazm-e-Akram in Karachi.

“The book is a very good contribution. It shows women empowerment in the profession and documents their contribution. It was a good idea, I am not saying because I am part of it,” Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen observing, referring to one of the chapters in ‘Darakhshan Sitary’ which highlights her own accomplishments.

‘Darakhshan Sitaray’ has been published by the Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), which has been engaged in producing high-quality books and journals on the LIS-related subjects. 

The LPB was founded by Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, one of the pioneers of the profession in the country. 

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, a former Chairperson of the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Karachi, who is also the Chief Editor of the Bazm-e-Akram’s flagship publication, Adab-o-Kutub Khana, was the motivating force behind the publication of ‘Darakhshan Sitaray’ whose author, Dr Nasreen Shagufta, happens to be her student. 

Dr Nasreen Shagufta, Vice President, Bazm-e-Akram, has made her debut by authoring ‘Darakhshan Sitaray’ which is planned to be launched later this year.

Bazm-e-Sciency Adab honours Tasleem Elahi Zulfi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Acclaimed poet Tasleem Elahi Zulfi was accorded a standing ovation by the members and guests of the Bazm-e-Sciency Adab who organized a reception in his honour at the Saleem-uz-Zaman Siddiqui Science Centre, Karachi, on March 29.

The taqreeb-e-pazeerai turned out to be a lively affair as some of the leading intellectuals enlightened the packed audience with their creative thoughts and verses. They paid glowing tribute to Tasleem Elahi Zulfi, having relocated in Canada. 

The Bazm-e-Sciency Adab, which prides itself as the only literary society in Pakistan for the people interested in science as well as Urdu literature, kept up its tradition by hosting yet another memorable evening. 

The President of the Bazm-e-Sciency Adab, Ali Zafar Khan Afridi, who is also an Honorary Advisor at the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), welcomed the visiting poet from Canada and praised his contributions in the promotion of Urdu literature in North America.

Ali Zafar Afridi, who himself had recently undertaken a tour of Canada where he presided overe quite a few literary meetings, was confident that the untiring efforts of the individuals like Tasleem Elahi Zulfi will be immensely helpful in motivating young generation to turn to Urdu literature. 

The Ontario-based Tasleem Elahi Zulfi, who is also a newscaster and show host, besides being a prolific poet, delivered an impressive speech in which he recalled in what he described as the days when he used to live at PIB Colony in Karachi in the 1960s. 

Now also the President of the Urdu TV Canada, a 24/7 Urdu channel, he credited the veteran Masood Ahmed Barkati, who was also present on the occasion, for teaching the basics of writing when he had approached him for contributing in Monthly Naunehal, the most famous of all children’s magazine in Pakistan, being published by the House of Hamdard for the past six decades. 

Others who shared their views on the occasion included Aziz Ahmed Siddiqui, Dean, Ziauddin University Hospital, Javed Manzar, Financial Advisor, Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu, and poets Amna Alam and Shagufta Shafiq while Sirajuddin was master of the ceremony.

Bazm-e-Akram host reception for Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen

Pakistan News & Features Services

Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen, Chairperson, Library & Information Science (LIS) Department, University of Punjab, was honoured by Bazm-e-Akram during her recent visit to Karachi. 

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, a former Chairperson of the Department of LIS at the University of Karachi, who is the motivating force behind the Karachi-based international forum, welcomed the eminent guest from Lahore.

She showered her with praise for the momentous efforts in boosting the profession. 

Both the Vice Presidents of the Bazm-e-Akram, Dr Nasreen Shagufta and Dr Amna Khatoon, were also present on the occasion alongwith another active office-bearer of the forum, Azra Qureshi. 

Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen was presented a copy of the latest edition of Adab-o-Kutub Khana, the flagship publication of Bazm-e-Akram, the forum named after Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, one of the pioneers of the profession in the country. 

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, who is also the Chief Editor of Adab-o-Kutub Khana 6, informed the Chairperson of the Punjab University’s LIS department that all was set to bring out the sixth edition the publication within the next few months. 

Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen acknowledged the overwhelming contribution the legendary Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari in the promotion of the LIS profession.

Alliance Francaise rewards budding photographers

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Massive response was received to the Localens Photography Competition, whose lucky winners were awarded prizes at the Alliance Francaise, Karachi, on March 22.

It was an opportunity for the youngsters who pursue photography as a hobby to demonstrate their creativity and talent. 

Nearly 14,000 entries were received and the judges, Jean-Francois Chenin, Director, Alliance Francaise in Karachi, Izdeyar Setna, a photographer, and Max Becherer, a freelance photo-journalist, had a challenge to meet while shortlisting 30 of these pictures which were put on display on the walls of the auditorium. 

“I have nothing to hide, these pictures were beautiful,” Chenin was quoted as saying while pointing to the wonderful pictures he had to judge. 

The participants were awarded certificates while cash and gifts were presented to the winners of first, second and third positions.

Sikandar Hayat's 'Paddy Crop' was adjudged first, Asfand Majeed's 'Roadside barbeque' second and Mehlum Sadriwala's 'The early morning walk' third. 

The Gurumandir image captured by Asfand Majeed portrayed many of the things from streets to cars and barbeque on the roadside as the youngster desired glorifying Karachi, known for its food, with his stunning picture. 

Mehlum Sadriwala won the third prize which the photograph he had clicked in November 2013 of Old Lahore. He believed that there’s an old world charm in the old Lahore city, near the Wazir Khan Mosque and the picture he took of an old man walking past was done in a poetic way.

SSUET’s 17th Convocation on April 10

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The preparations are in full swing for the 17th Convocation-2014 of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, to be held at the Karachi Expo Centre on April 10.

The arrangements and related matters of the university’s annual colourful and graceful event were reviewed at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chancellor, Engr Mohammed Adil Usman. 

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi, Registrar, Syed Abrar Ali, and other concerned officials were also present on the occasion. 

The Board of Governors of the University will also meet on April 9 prior to the holding of convocation. The convocation rehearsal for the graduating students will also be held on April 9 at 3 pm at the Expo Centre. 

This year about 1100 graduates of six disciplines of Computer, Civil, Electronics, Bio-Medical, Telecommunication Engineering and Computer Science besides having done their Masters will be awarded degrees. 

The results of final year students have already been announced and displayed at the university’s website. The university has announced the names of gold, silver and bronze medal winners and those securing first three top positions. 

Meanwhile, the university administration has directed all the graduating students to ensure attending the convocation rehearsal at the Karachi Expo Center at 3 pm on April 9.

Lakhra to enhance power generation

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Upon the instructions of the Federal Government, the Lakhra Power Generation Company Limited (LPGCL) is assisting JICA for the feasibility study of state of the art 600 MW FBC Power Generation Plant at its Complex, located 31 kilometers off Jamshoro. 

According to the company sources, the objective is to enhance its present generation capacity from 30 MW to 60 MW by carrying out the rehabilitation work through essential major repairs of Unit 2 only at a cost of Rs 34 million during the next four months. 

Sources disclosed that LPGCL Complex has three Units of 50 MW each with a total installed capacity of 150MW, 31 KMs off Jamshoro with FBC technology, which burns low grade coal (lignite in this case) with the addition of limestone for power generations. 

In 2006 rehabilitation work was initiated by the Company for Units 1, 2 and 3 and only Unit 1 could be functional after rehabilitation. During the same year, the Federal Government decided to go for Lease Transaction of the 150 MW capacity plant and thus, the rehab work on Units 2 & 3 was grinded to a halt, forcing the Company to go for marginalizing its capacity to 30 MW from the only rehabilitated Unit 1. 

Sources further disclosed that stakeholders like the bidder and the others initiated legal proceedings in 2006, which culminated in the setting aside of the lease transaction by the apex court in August 2013. The company in quest to assist the Federal Government to overcome the energy crises has decided to go for the immediate functioning of Unit 2 at a cost of Rs 34 million. 

The company has also submitted a proposal to its mother concern i.e. the Office of GM, GENCO, for the rehabilitation of all the three Units at a total cost of 20 Million dollars, as only Unit 1 is working at declared de-rated capacity of 30 MW. The rehabilitation of all three Units shall enhance the capacity of 40 MW each to the national grid. 

It may be mentioned here that Units 2 and 3 were shut down from 2006 and 2008, respectively. The period of the job is expected to be completed within 18 months. The company will be able to recover 90 MW of capacity with an investment of 20 million dollars or 0.22 dollars per MW. The company is likely to reduce the current cost of Rs. 15.37 to below Rs. 09.50, when job done.