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by admin on January 24, 2012
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Top ten popular folk singers of Pakistan

Music is one of the most important elements that have existed in the world. Different people have different tastes and even the music styles of different areas of a country are so diverse that you may get confuse. Pakistan has always produced good music whether it’s folk, classical, pop or any other genre. Folk music is one of the most important music that belongs to our country and many singers who are worth mentioning, they made it worth listening with the beautiful and meaningful lyrics that give people a good leisure time and people actually get emotionally attached to them. This term has its history that shows that it was originated in 19th century. Popular Folk singers of Pakistan that have been on the top includes Atta Ullah Khan Esa Khelvi, Arif Lohar, Saien Zahoor and many more like them who have changed the dimensions of this genre of music in Pakistan.

Following is the list of famous Folk singers of Pakistan:

  • Allan Faqir
  • Sohrab Faqir
  • Reshma
  • Alam Lohar
  • Arif Lohar
  • Sher Mian Dad
  • Shazia Manzoor
  • Attaullah Khan Essa Khailwi
  • Kamal Mahsud
  • Zarina Baloch

Top ten famous writers of Pakistan

by MairaS on January 5, 2012
in Pride of Pakistan

 

Writing is a very diverse field, and writers all over the world have expressed their selves via different means, and languages. Writers here in Pakistan have also dominated this field, with their very breath taking stories and informative books. Ashfaq Ahmed’s famous book Zawiya which was published in parts was an amazing one. Umera Ahmed has been providing us with her marvelous work. The writers here in Pakistan have not only written in Urdu but English as well.  Tehmina durrani with her excellent piece of work has given us very good books like Blasphemy, my feudal lord, a mirror to the blind which is an autobiography of Sir Abdul Sattar Edhi. Another very famous writer, without which Pakistan’s writing industry is incomplete, is Bano Qudsia who has written very good novels and are read by millions all over Pakistan. Other famous writers are Ahmed Faraz, Anwar Maqsood, Umera Ahmed, and many more.

Following is the list of famour writers of Pakistan

  • Ashfaq Ahmed
  • Bano Qudsia
  • Ahmed faraz
  • Qudrutullah Shahab
  • Ibn-e-Insha
  • Anwar Maqsood
  • Quratulain Haider
  • Ahmad Shah Bokhari
  • Mushtaq Yusfi
  • Naseem Hijazi

Top ten festivals of Pakistan

 

Pakistan has got a rich and vibrant culture which is famous throughout the world for its many festivals and joyous occasions, and the Pakistani youth knows how to celebrate them all! We have got an array of different festivals; some of them have got to do with religion, some with history, some with our rich culture etc. From Eid to the Independence Day, none of the celebrations are spared. The most prominent and celebrated festival is Eid-ul-fitr that occurs right after the month of Ramadan. It is also called the “sweet eid” because on this occasion people make many scrumptious desserts like “kheer”, “halwa”, “sheer khurma” and enjoy the delicious festivity after fasting for about 30 days. For children, the arrival of Eid is music to the ears because they get to refill their purses with the loads of eidi they receive from their relatives.

Similarly, the Eid-ul-Azha in which a sacrificial animal is brought from the animal market and sacrificed. The meat is shared among the poor and the relatives. The fun part is the BBQ which many people have with their family and friends.

Then there is basant which is celebrated to its fullest inPunjab. People, dressed in yellow, throng to their rooftops and other grounds to play the kite game. The site of the sky full of brightly colored kites is so picturesque!

The top ten festivals of Pakistan are:

  • Eid-ul-Fitar
  • Eid-ul-Azha
  • Eid Milad-un-Nabi
  • Basant
  • Independence Day (14th august)
  • Pakistan Day( 23rd march)
  • Defence Day(6th September)
  • Shandur polo festival
  • Lok Mela festival(Islamabad)
  • Horse and cattle show

Pride of Pakistan: Nishan-e-Haider

by MairaS on November 30, 2011
in Pride of Pakistan

 

Nishan-e-Haider is the highest military award of Pakistan awarded to those military men who have shown exceptional acts of bravery during a battle or when the integrity of the country was in jeopardy. It is conferred posthumously and so far only 10 brave men have received it. Out of these ten; nine are from Pakistan Army and one is from the Air Force. Nishan-e-Haider is made from the gun metal surrendered by the enemy.

The first recipient of this highest military order was Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed who laid down his life defending the country in the Kashmir war of 1948.

Major Muhammad Tufail Shaheed was also awarded the Nishan-e-Haider for his heroism though not in a battlefield. He attacked an illegally setup post at night along with his men; though fatally wounded; he continued to command his men and succeeded in driving out the enemy.

Aziz Bhatti was another brave major of the Pakistan Army who embraced martyrdom during the 1965 war while resisting every move of the enemy. He was awarded Nishan-e-Haider for his exceptional valor.

Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed received Nishan-e-Haider for his courage and bravery during the 1971 war with India. He bravely commanded his men till his death.

Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas is the only recipient of Nishan-e-Haider who belongs to the Air Force. During a test flight, his plane was hijacked by his Bengali instructor. Rashid Minhas on realizing his intentions informed the control tower and interfered with the control of the planes causing it to crash.

Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed was one of the bravest majors of the Pakistan Army. His acts of valor and military acumen earned him the highest military award even the enemy acknowledged his bravery calling him “a fine soldier”.

Sawar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed was a jawan (foot soldier) in the Pakistan Army who was awarded Nishan-e-Haider for his extraordinary acts of bravery during the 1971 war. He destroyed sixteen enemy tanks before coming under direct fire of enemy’s machine guns.

Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz Shaheed was another recipient who was awarded Nishan-e-Haider for his heroics in the battle of 1971 between India and Pakistan. He entered the enemy bunker and destroyed it.

Nishan-e-Haider was conferred on Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed for his courageous deeds during the 1999 Kargil War. Even the Indian Army acknowledged his bravery and it is said that this award was given on the recommendation of the Indian Army.

Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed embraced martyrdom in the line of duty during the 1999 Kargil War. He requested the authorities to deploy him on the front position from where he bravely thwarted the enemy advances. He was the last recipient of this prestigious award.

Pride of Pakistan: The Nuclear Accomplishment of Pakistan

by MairaS on November 30, 2011
in Pride of Pakistan

 

Shaken by the separation of East Pakistan and letdown by its allies America and China; Pakistan then decided to stand on its own and build a nuclear bomb.

What started in 1972 under the Bhutto regime was finally accomplished on 28th May 1998 during the tenure of Nawaz Sharif. Pakistan announced its nuclear achievement by detonating five nuclear heads in Chaghi Hills Balochistan. It was a proud moment for a nation which unfortunately has a long history of unstable governments and is plagued by problems both internally and externally. This day will go down in the history of the country as the “rebirth of the nation”.

Pakistan’s feat was welcomed by the Moslem world. On the other hand our neighbor and the Western powers were furious and regarded this development as a threat to the region. These double standard nations had acquired nukes themselves ages ago as Pakistan is the seventh nation which has gone nuke. The fact that India is allowed to import nuclear fuel and technology while Pakistan is not, exposes not only the double standards of the West but also its open hostility. Like Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, Pakistan could have become a target of the Western powers if it did not have nuclear weapons. The West and our neighbor in particular lament the fact that Pakistan no longer feels insecure and cannot be easily bullied.

Pakistan has time and again assured the world that it will not use its nuclear weapons unless provoked. Pakistan’s nuclear accomplishment has brought stability in the region.

Heritage and culture of Pakistan: Popular Handicrafts of Pakistan

 

The diverse culture of Pakistan is reflected from its handicrafts. Pakistani handicrafts are known all over the world for their exquisiteness. Pakistani shawls, dresses, caps, decoration pieces, baskets, cooking utensils, hand bags, jewellery and mats etc are very popular among locals and foreigners. Intricate patterns in beautiful colors are quite eye catching and attractive.

The handicrafts of each region of Pakistan are different reflecting its tradition and timeless beauty. Sindh province is known for its ajrak; a graceful block printed shawl and a symbol of Sindh. Other fabrics originated from Sindh are susi and khadi. Sindhi caps are well known too as are the beautiful blue colored tiles and the earthenware. Rilli a bedspread made from small pieces of cloths stitched together artistically and is found in Sindh only.

Punjab has always been the seat of culture. Multan the City of Saints is quite famous for its embroidered clothes and shoes. Pottery of Multan is also famous. Chiniot is known for its furniture while the handicrafts of Sadiqabad are popular too. Camel skin lamps, brass and wooden handicrafts, glazed pottery and hand woven carpets of Punjab are some sought after handicrafts.

The province of Balochistan is known for its leatherwork, goat and sheepskin jackets and mats. Balochi embroidery is also famous. Marble work of this area is also known.

Copper and brassware of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is favorite among foreigners and locals. The beautiful embroidery of different regions and sandals from Peshawar are very much in demand too.

Showbiz in Pakistan: Top Ten Makeup Artist of Pakistan

by MairaS on November 30, 2011
in Showbiz and Media

 

Pakistan has loads of makeup artist who can transform a plain Jane to a princess with few strokes of brush.

The multi talented duo of Pakistan Ather-Shehzad is known for its expertise behind the lens as well excellent makeup skills. The pair has introduced many leading models and groomed and photographed leading personalities of showbiz.

Nabila is among the leading fashion stylist of Pakistan. She has been around for quite sometime and is a noted figure in the fashion industry of Pakistan. Her clients include elites, showbiz personalities, sportsperson etc.

Khawar Riaz is an iconic figure in Pakistan’s fashion industry. Gifted and talented he considers transforming people with his makeup skills, an art. He has groomed models, film stars and others. Riaz has won national and international awards for his expertise.

Mussarat Misbah the beautician from Karachi started with The Depilex Salon in Karachi which now has 23 branches in Pakistan. Mussarat introduced the concept of beauty salons and took make up to a new level with her fresh approach.

Tariq Amin is known for his innovations in make up and hair styling in fashion world of Pakistan. His ideas are bold and he knows how to carry them out beautifully.

Through sheer hard work the talented Babloo has carved a name for himself in the fashion world. With a large list of clients, he is a respected name in the industry.

Mubbashir Khan is another makeup artist who overcame all hurdles to achieve success. Talented and artistic he is one of the best makeup artists in Pakistan.

Saba of Sabs has achieved success in a very short time. This talented lady is one of the most sought after makeup artists of the country.

The magical hands of young Akif Illyas transform ordinary faces into pictures of beauty. Admired for his talents and respected for his skills, Akif is a busy man with a long list of clients.

Aliya Tipu of Alle’Nora has taken over the world of paint and powder with her artistic skills. She is currently one of the most successful makeup artists in bridal makeup.

Pakistan music: Top Ten Tabla Nawaz of Pakistan

 

The name of Mian Qadir Baksh tops the list of the big names of tabla players in Pakistan. He is known throughout the world for his skill and mastery of tabla. He was the head of the Punjab Gharana and a teacher of many tabla nawaz who gained international recognition.

After the death of Mian Qadir Baksh his adopted son Khalifa Akhtar Hussain Khan who was also his nephew vowed to continue this art. Akhtar Hussain Khan was the last khalifa or head of the Punjab gharana.

Ustad Altaf Hussain alias Tafo was one of the most revered names in the world of classical music. Belonging to the Punjab gharana he mastered the “ten finger style” created by the Guru of the art of tabla playing Ustad Ghulam Hussain Khan Jullandhari.

Ustad Bashir Hussain Goga and Ustad Bashir Khan are two other talented tabla nawaz from Pakistan belonging to the Punjab gharana.

Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan belonged to the Delhi and Punjab gharana and has given many memorable solo performances and has with other musicians as well.

Ustad Faryad Hussain “Bhulli” Khan also adopted the Punjab gharana style of playing. He taught the art of tabla playing to many aspiring students.

Ustad Abdul Sattar “Tari” Khan is known as the Prince of Tabla of Pakistan. He is a disciple of Ustad Shaukat Hussain.

Ustad Younas Khan Joona is known as the legend of tabla in Pakistan. He was known and respected in the music circles of Lahore where classical music was played and understood.

Kamran Serosh is one of the emerging tabla nawaz of Pakistan. Hailing from Lahore, he is the student of Ustad Faryad Hussain Khan.

Art in Pakistan: Top Ten Artists of Pakistan

 

Shakir Ali is known as one of the pioneers of contemporary art in the sub-continent. Born in the pre partition era; he went to Europe and stayed in the cities which were known as the cradle of art. He studied under well known artists and returned to Pakistan in 1951. He joined the Mayo School of Art (National College of Arts) and later took over as the principal. An introvert at heart, his sentiments is depicted in his paintings. His style influenced many artists and his students included some great names of his time.

Zahoor-ul-Akhlaq was another revered Pakistani artist who brought honor to the country. His style is defined as modern but with roots deeply etched in the traditional styles. He was a calligrapher, a teacher at the NCA and a visiting professor in some universities of the world. His work was exhibited the world over and he inspired and influenced many artists of his time and those who came later.

Zubeida Agha was also one of the pioneers of modern art in Pakistan. Blessed with rich imagination and a unique style of painting she generously used colors to express her feelings and observations on the canvas. Agha received her training in Pakistan and abroad and holds the distinction of being the first artist to have her exhibition of modern art.

Bashir Mirza a painter par excellence was often in the limelight for his bold paintings. The theme of his paintings varied as did his style. His Lonely Girl series shook the world of art; on one hand he was criticized for his brashness then on the other hand he was praised for his bold attempt.

Another big name in the world of painting in Pakistan is Anna Molka Ahmed. A pioneer of fine arts and a professor of fine arts in the University of Punjab, Ana Molka’s style is heavily inspired by French Impressionism.

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