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By Tehreem Jamal Paris didn’t just welcome me — she mirrored me. Every glint of gold on Avenue Montaigne, every silk whisper inside the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, felt like a language I had always known but was hearing aloud for the first time. I arrived in an all-black outfit — simple, intentional, almost protective. My suitcase held more than clothes; it held expectations.This trip was like being on a runway. Each step felt choreographed by an unseen muse, as if the city had already stitched me into its story. I wasn’t out sightseeing, I was stepping into scenes that…

In Deemak, director Rafay Rashdi and writer Ayesha Muzaffar deliver a rare offering in Pakistani cinema: a slow-burning horror film grounded in emotional complexity and cultural authenticity. While the haunted house setting may feel familiar, the film’s real strength lies in how it uses supernatural elements to reflect deep-rooted generational trauma and domestic unrest. The performances are a clear highlight. Samina Peerzada delivers what many are calling one of the strongest roles of her career, portraying a commanding mother-in-law with chilling precision. Sonya Hussyn brings quiet vulnerability and emotional range, her evolution from a compliant daughter-in-law to a frightened, broken figure both raw and convincing. Faysal Quraishi captures the inner turmoil…

This Eid, cinemas across Pakistan buzzed with excitement as Love Guru – a much-awaited romantic comedy – made its theatrical debut. Headlined by two of the country’s most beloved stars, Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed – reuniting on screen after a decade- the film delivers a glossy, feel-good experience wrapped in charm, nostalgia, and visual splendour. Penned by Vasay Chaudhry and directed by Nadeem Baig, Love Guru introduces us to Adil (Humayun Saeed), a professional “heartbreaker for hire,” and Sofia (Mahira Khan), the only daughter of a billionaire. Built on classic rom-com tropes, the story feels fresh with its witty dialogue and poetic nods to literary icons like Munir Niazi and Jaun Elia. While…

Reviewing a Masterpiece of Family, Culture, and Lyricism Ever since its publication in 1997, Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things has become a staple read for literary enthusiasts in South Asia and beyond. Its enduring popularity and appeal, if nothing else, are testament enough to the novel’s quality and finesse.There are many qualities in The God of Small Things that justify its position as one of the best literary accomplishments of this century. The first is the plot, which spans multiple generations across a single family. The main protagonists of the story, Estha and Rahel, are twin siblings born into a wealthy family in…

Mindful journeys through memories of faith, reflection, and awakening. Alhamdulillah, Hajj 1446H (2025) has come to a close, and with it, millions of hearts return from the sacred journey forever changed. Over 1.67 million pilgrims from across the globe answered the divine call this year, each carrying hopes, prayers, and stories only they can tell. Saudi Arabia officially declared the pilgrimage a success, as pilgrims safely moved through every stage — from Mina on the Day of Tarwiyah to Arafat, Muzdalifah, and back to the blessed Masjid al-Haram. Behind the scenes, the effort was monumental. With over 94,000 staff and 3,000 volunteers,…

A conversation on craft, culture, and the quiet power of storytelling In a world where visuals speak louder than words, Hashim Ali has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most visionary, genre-defining art directors. His expansive body of work—spanning high fashion, film, television, music videos, and digital storytelling—has not only reimagined the role of art direction, but elevated it into a potent form of cultural expression. Hashim’s visual language is instantly recognizable: a seamless blend of the contemporary and the classic, the avant-garde and the deeply rooted. Whether it’s a fashion editorial layered with symbolism, a music video saturated with emotion,…

Raising Children with compassion, intention and purpose In an age of ‘no cap,’ ‘skibidi,’ ‘nanoship,’ viral trends, and ChatGPT homework, the need for parents to raise their children with deep awareness has never been greater. Times were very different for Gen X (1965–1980), Millennials (1981–1996), and even early Gen Z (1997 onwards). While every generation experiences a gap with the next, the digital evolution has made that gap feel massive—and the challenges it brings remain largely unknown. So, what remains timeless and relevant in parenting? And what does conscious parenting really mean or look like? That’s what we’re here to explore.…

By Dr. Amina Saeed Some wounds aren’t visible—and in the conservative, family-centered fabric of Pakistani society, “kionke dikhta nahin hai”(because it’s unseen), they often aren’t given the weight they deserve. When a family foundation cracks through divorce, separation, or toxic parental relationships, the psychological consequences run deep—especially for boys, who can grow up emotionally stunted or conflicted. Yet these effects remain largely unspoken, hidden beneath cultural stigmas around mental health and masculinity. Children absorb positivity and negativity in a deeply organic way—young minds take in far more than we often realize. No parent wishes to pass their pain to future…

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, stress has become a common experience across all ages and societies. On the surface, stress may seem like a harmless part of daily life, but it attacks silently—often overlooked or underestimated. Like a submarine beneath the waves, stress creeps into our lives subtly, with the potential to wreak havoc on both our physical and mental health. Stress is the body’s natural response to a perceived threat. In challenging situations, our body triggers the “fight or flight” response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This reaction is beneficial in the short term, helping us face immediate…

By Komal Faisal Relationships are like pathways that guide us towards more meaningful and productive lives. Their importance is recognised across both collectivistic and individualistic cultures, with marriage being one of the oldest institutions, socially and religiously sanctioned. We all need relationships to nurture our emotional and psychological needs, and it is essential to work on the ingredients that maintain their quality and foster growth. However, it is equally important to understand that no relationship should require us to sacrifice our dreams or compromise our dignity. The genuineness of any relationship begins with having a healthy relationship with ourselves –…