Monday, December 25, 2006

Rock music lovers entertained


Hard-core rock music, renowned performers, a devoted and appreciating crowd of avid music lovers and scuffles amongst security personnel and gate-crashers marked off a captivating musical night at the Maritime Museum.

The concert attracted over six thousand people to the wonderfully-lit mounds and flats of the venue. Although security arrangements left much to be desired and unpleasant scenes were witnessed at the gates, once in, it was all blasting entertainment.

Among the various performances on-stage, the big names included Ali Azmat, Aaroh and Call. Much to the disappointment of the late-arrivers (keeping the post-10pm arrival trend alive), Ali Azmat came, performed and jetted off before much of the crowd had gathered. He did manage to get the early-arrivers involved in a sing-along, and hop-along, with the popular Na Re Na.

While the crowds gathered and waited for the next of the big-names to arrive, a few underground bands kept the stage alight and the audience warming up to the tunes on a chilly evening.

The stage was well set up, donned with the network provider’s backdrop and the slogan “U Rock” embedded and surrounded by spotlights.

The loudest cheers of the night were reserved for Aaroh. Coming on the back of their successful album-launch last week, Aaroh performed a few tracks from their new album and were applauded profusely by what seemed like a fervent-following of the band.

Realising this, Farooq Ahmed (vocalist) would constantly jump off the stage and sprint towards the crowd, initiating a series of shoving and pushing amongst the crowd while providing the chorus. If it wasn’t for the barb wire and the scarcely-placed uninterested looking security personnel, Farooq would have disappeared into the crowds, or vice versa.

Reluctant to go off, and encouraged by the crowd, Aaroh returned onto the stage to perform their cover track of the new album Raag Neela for the second time in the evening. A thunderous ovation (rightly deserved) synchronised with Aaroh’s eventual departure as the crowd waited in anticipation to see if the following performance could match that of Aaroh’s.

For the final performance of the night, Call was called (as put by the hosts) onto the stage amidst a flurry of blinding lights.

Included in the list of tracks performed were the ever-popular Jilawatan, Sab Bhula Kay, and Shayad. One of the biggest disappointments of the performance was a rather-weird version of Kaash, one of the best songs on the album.

Perhaps trying something new after the original and the unplugged version that have already been released, Junaid Khan failed to deliver anything close to what has been witnessed from him in the past.


© Faras Ghani 2006

Published in Dawn newspaper 25th Dec 2006

Monday, December 18, 2006

Aamir Zaki and Diego - Jazz concert


© Faras Ghani 2006
Published in Dawn newspaper 15th Dec 2006

Junior Grammarians perform Jungle Book


KARACHI, Dec 17: Students of the Karachi Grammar School’s junior section enacted Jungle Book as part of the annual feature of the school.

The cast included the entire junior section, amassing around 600 students, and was lent a helping hand with the rehearsals and guidance by the school’s teaching staff.

“Jungle Book was chosen because we wanted to stress the importance of conservation, both animals and wildlife, and its need onto the children,” said Mrs Rehman, vice-headmistress of the school.

The crowd, parents and siblings of the performers, were awarded a sheer treat by the eight to eleven years old students on stage with a remarkable acting and dancing performance. The set was skilfully set up to reflect different scenes in the jungle while the apt and extremely colourful costumes added to the atmosphere overall.

According to Mrs Rehman, the children and their teachers had been practising this play for only two months and within school hours only. Based on that timescale provided, it was a delightful performance, not only by the actors but also the school choir that was placed on either side of the stage to assist with the musical parts.

To add to the jungle life, there was also a touch of desi life with village girls carrying matkas, while the men sat around with hukkas while the women danced around.

“We hope we have succeeded in conveying the important message not only to the participating children but also to their parents and others who were watching the play,” Mrs Rehman said and remarked, “We can make this a better planet for the future.”

© Faras Ghani 2006
Published in Dawn newspaper 18th Dec 2006

Friday, December 08, 2006

Stonehenge — prestige up for grabs


The hunt and the voting are on for the new Seven Wonders of the World. A total of 77 landmark sites, including the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower, were initially chosen by the New7Wonder Panel of Experts, chaired by the former head of UNESCO, Prof. Dr Federico Mayor, to be short-listed following a panel inspection and public vote. Out of the 21 that made the cut, the seven winners will be announced on July 7, 2007 in Lisbon, Portugal.

The only British site to have made the last 21 is Stonehenge which dates back to somewhere between 3000 BC and 1600 BC. The monument seen today is about half the size of the original. Some of the stones have fallen down, others have been carried away to be used for building and over the centuries visitors have added their damage, too.

The name Stonehenge originates from the Anglo-Saxon period –– the old English word ‘henge’ meaning hanging thus giving us hanging stones. The area was owned by a local man, Sir Cecil Chubb, before giving it away to the nation in 1918 and is now managed by English Heritage on behalf of the government.

The structure of Stonehenge was built in three separate phases. It started off as a circle of timbers surrounded by a ditch and bank. Through excavations of the ditch, scientists have recovered antlers left behind and by testing their age through radio carbon-dating it was discovered that the first ‘henge’ was built around 3000 BC.

Then about 2500 BC Stonehenge was rebuilt. This time, however, stones were used. These stones travelled 245 miles from the Prescelli Mountains in Pembroke, South Wales and were dragged down to the sea, floated on huge rafts, brought up the River Avon, and finally to where they are today. Before the completion of the second phase, work was abandoned for about 200 years before the third phase finally delivered the Stonehenge that we see today.

This final phase saw the stones being dug up and rearranged while bigger stones were brought in from the Marlborough Downs which was 20 miles away. These giant sandstones were hammered to size and were heaved upright and linked on the top by the lintels. It required sheer muscle power and hundreds of lifters to move one of these stones, the heaviest of them weighing about 45 tons. This was all cleverly designed on the alignment of the rising of the midsummer sun.

A mysterious site such as Stonehenge gives birth to random theories. There have been odd occurrences, like the Hale-Bopp comet passing directly over this site at the turn of the millennium to support these theories. Some people claim to have seen UFOs in the area thus labelling Stonehenge as an extraterrestrial landing site. It is known that on the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, the sun shines directly through the centre of the structure, which given many of the cultural attitudes of sun worship that were rampant at the time, seems to indicate a religious purpose

By the beginning of the 20th century, a number of the stones had fallen or were leaning precariously, probably due to the increase in curious visitors clambering on them during the 19th century. Three phases of conservation work were undertaken which righted some unstable or fallen stones and carefully replaced them in their original positions using information from antiquarian drawings.

Stonehenge attracts a huge number of visitors on daily basis. There have been claims of mismanagement of the site which could seriously hamper its chances of being selected as one of the seven new wonders of the world. Stonehenge has been savaged by the National Geographic Traveller quoting the site as ‘a mess’, ‘over-loved’ and lacking in magic. The researchers said Stonehenge had massive numbers of tourists ‘making for a crowded, noisy environment’. Local people appeared not to benefit from the site, and its artistic qualities were compromised by the existing road layout and nearby development. It is now up to the panellists to decide whether the problems facing Stonehenge are strong enough to hinder its progress and become one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

© Faras Ghani 2006
Published in The Review (Dawn) 7th Dec 2006

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Pak v WI (3rd Test, Day 5)


WEST INDIES lost the wicket of Brian Lara on 49 to Umer Gul in the morning session of the fifth and final day of the Karachi test match.

Lara, before the start of the match, needed 96 runs in the innings to become the only batsman to reach 12,000 test runs, looked in good form and had stroked boundaries all round the wicket as he looked all set to save the test match.

However, with the introduction of Umer Gul straight after the drinks break, Lara drove uppishly to extra cover where Shoaib Malik held onto a difficult catch. It is the second time in the match that Umer Gul has taken Lara’s wicket after dismissing him clean-bowled for naught in the first innings.

Resuming on the overnight score of 39 for the loss of both openers, West Indies had moved on to 97 with Lara the only casualty in the first 90 minutes of play. Lara and Sarwan, who were both out without scoring in the first innings, mixed defence and aggression aptly as they tried to save the match by batting out the day.

Sarwan, back into the team after being dropped for the second test, had moved onto 35 while slightly struggling against Kaneria as the ball spun sharply off the cracks.

Pakistan, having a 1-0 lead in the series, need another eight wickets to complete an emphatic win on the back of two record-breaking innings by Mohammad Yousuf.

© Faras Ghani 2006
Published in The Star 1st Dec 2006

Yousuf stays modest (press conference)


AS if breaking the record for the most number of centuries in a calendar year was not enough, Mohammad Yousuf has now scored the most number of runs scored in test match cricket during a calendar year.

His 102 in the innings prior to yesterday’s was his eight century of the year thus surpassing the previous record of seven centuries jointly held by Viv Richards and Arvinda de Silva. Yousuf, after his 124 on the fourth day, has scored nine 100-plus scores in 2006 alone.

He then broke Viv Richards’ 30-year old record of scoring the most number of runs in test matches during a calendar year yesterday morning and as he moved past yet another three-figure mark, he also overtook Javed Miandad as Pakistan’s second highest century-maker as well as becoming the only Pakistani to score 600-plus runs in a three test series.

Yousuf, as humbly as ever, put it all down as God’s blessings upon him.

“I thank God for bestowing this favour upon me. It has made my country look good and not only put my name in the records books but also Pakistan’s,” said Yousuf in a press conference after his remarkable feat.

When asked to describe his feelings after the pool of records he had shattered in this test match, Yousuf was lost for words.

“I simply cannot describe how I’m feeling. Obviously I’m elated, and I thank God for this, but this feeling of immense elation and satisfaction is indescribable.

“I would like to thank and dedicate these records to my parents who have supported and prayed for me as well as my wife and siblings for without them none of this would have been possible,” he added.

When reminded of Pakistan’s next tour, which is to South Africa, Yousuf promised he would try and score as many runs in South Africa as possible, even with the bouncy and fast tracks.

He, however, reminded reporters not to look that far ahead as this test match was still in progress.

“We have done such hard work over the past four days and have a good chance of winning the test match.

“We will try and get early wickets tomorrow morning with Lara’s wicket being the key one and hopefully round off the win, and the series, in style,” assured Yousuf.

In light of Mohammad Yousuf’s achievements and milestones, Pakistan Cricket Board will present the PCB Patron’s Gold Medal as well as a reward of one million rupees at the closing ceremony of the Karachi test match on Friday.

© Faras Ghani 2006
Published in The Star 1st Dec 2006

Friday, December 01, 2006

The jewellery craze


Diamonds have always been a woman’s best friend. Be it embedded into that hideously expensive wedding ring or part of the twinkling earring stud or even one of the various charismatic establishments on a necklace, diamonds were created by God to become part of a woman’s life.

Ever since the world came into existence, women have been great lovers of jewellery. It completes the look for them; long necklaces, huge rings, dangling earrings and bracelets. Pakistan, with its varied culture being exhibited at every random corner of the streets, benefits from a rich jewellery-obsessed heritage.

From the days of the Mughals, through the different dynasties that ruled the subcontinent, and later with the arrival of the British, jewels were held close to everyone’s hearts. It also shaped the local jewellery in an eccentric manner as a combination of the rich heritage left behind by the rulers incorporating admirably with what the invaders brought with them.

The primitive woman used to make necklaces of beads and stones, and so the tradition follows. A few years ago, the jewellery-donning ritual was reserved for special occasions that demanded that extra bit of preparation, notably weddings or important family dinners. Now, however, be it at work or home, the big weddings or days out, women wear jewellery nevertheless.

Keeping in view the jewellery vogue that exists amongst our nation today, and has been since the stone ages, there was a gold and gems exhibition in Karachi recently. The exhibitors, local jewellery traders from the streets of Karachi, displayed their best and latest creations that included gold necklaces and earrings, diamond rings, ear studs, beads, and stone jewellery. The masses that came pouring through the gates depicted just how sacred this once-a-fashion-accessory has become in this day and age.

This event was held to promote the jewellery industry of Pakistan and exhibits included stunning specimens of gold jewellery, stones, bead necklaces and bracelets, bangles, and earrings. The gold collection present on-site ranged from daily-wear and night-out wear to extensive bridal jewellery collection including necklaces, heavily embedded with multicoloured beads as well as strong presence of ruby, topaz, emeralds and aquamarine delicately placed with finely-cut gold. The earrings display was inclined towards the current trend that is the long dangles consisting of different combinations of gold and gems adroitly clipped together.

Gold pendants embedded with religious wordings and necklaces bearing different initials was also witnessed at the event. The presence of gold incorporated with religion bode glad tidings for the exhibitors at the event as it turned out to be one of the many stars of the event.

So much so is the subcontinent’s influence on the jewellery market that our very own products are imported, or recreated, across the oceans in various different countries. Although the trend of heavy gold necklaces with ruby and emeralds entranced into them in good numbers has not caught the eye of those residents, it is nevertheless visually appealing to witness such glitter-filled display on the streets of London, New York and Tokyo.

Pakistan is the eighth largest consumer of gold in the world. With no significant exports to speak of, majority of the gold consumed is displayed in the form of jewellery visible in the shops today. The increase in the number of jewellery shops in the country, and the occurrence of gold exhibitions, speaks about its popularity and our nation’s obsession with the glittering and the sparkling. Whatever amount we spend on this lavishness, at least we know how to look good.

© Faras Ghani 2006
Published in The Review 30th Nov 2006

Yousuf on top of the world (Pak v WI day 4)



Mohammad Yousuf broke Viv Richards’ thrity-year-old record of the most number of test runs in a calendar year by striking an unbeaten 52 this morning.

Yousuf has already broken the record of scoring the most number of centuries in a calendar year by scoring 102 in the first innings. He has so far struck 1716 runs in the 11 tests played this year. Viv Richards scored 1710 runs the same number of test matches 30 years ago.

Pakistan started the day on 134 for the loss of two wickets with a total lead of 178. Playing cautiously, with perhaps the record at the back of his mind, Yousuf failed to time the ball properly or find gaps earlier on in the day. However, the ones that did find the middle raced over the quicker-than-usual outfield and into the boundary.

A higher than normal crowd, including school children arriving in packed buses, had come to the stadium to cheer on Mohammad Yousuf in his record-breaking innings. Every delivery and every shot played by Yousuf was cheered loudly by an energetic crowd thus adding to Yousuf’s blatant nervousness of the task he had on hand.

Hafeez, not out on 57 overnight, remained anonymous throughout the morning session because of Yousuf even though he played some exquisite drives, both on and off, on his way to an unbeaten 77.

With Yousuf breaking the record, Pakistan had moved on to 205 without losing any further wickets this morning. The total lead now stands at 249 with five sessions and a deteriorating pitch in front of us.


© Faras Ghani 2006
Published in The Star 30th Nov 2006