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The rise of competitive chess in Pakistan At just 16, national champion and international representative Ahmed Moeed Yusuf reflects on Pakistan’s rapidly evolving chess landscape — from grassroots clubs to global tournaments — and what it will take to turn rising talent into sustained excellence. As a 16-year-old chess player who has spent the past several years competing across Pakistan and internationally, I’ve had a front-row seat to a transformation that many outside the chess community have yet to notice. Chess in Pakistan is rising — not slowly, but rapidly — driven by young players, passionate clubs, and growing national…

By Durrah Aman Trends that dominated the runway HUM Bridal Couture Week 2025 unfolded as a multifaceted exploration of bridal couture—one that honoured tradition while embracing reinterpretation. The runway reflected a shared design consciousness shaped by craftsmanship, cultural continuity, and the evolving sensibilities of the modern bride. 1. The Enduring Power of the Lehnga The lehnga remained a defining silhouette across collections, appearing in both classic and reimagined forms. Structured volumes, flared panels, and carefully balanced proportions reinforced its ceremonial stature, while updated cholis and refined waistlines introduced modern elegance. 2. Heritage Revived: Ghararas & Shararas Ghararas and shararas resurfaced with renewed relevance. Designers played with pleat definition, layering, and lighter…

A Winter Romance in the Heart of Lahore From the Mindful Review Desk When two of Pakistan’s biggest stars share the screen, you expect a little magic. Neelofar delivers exactly that — soft, poetic, winter-evening magic. As the temperature drops, Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan bring warmth to a film that unfolds like a gentle, unhurried love letter to Lahore. Fawad steps into the role of Mansoor Ali Khan, a writer adored for his romantic sensibilities, while Mahira plays Neelofar, a visually impaired young woman who embraces life with a radiance that lights up every frame. Together, they create a chemistry that feels familiar…

Life of Purpose and Legacy of Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmad A Tribute from the Family A story of service, vision, and humanity that shaped a nation’s medical future — reviewed by Dr. Mahnoor Mohydin. Genre: Biography / Historical and Inspirational Non-fiction Introduction The narrative is emotionally rich yet grounded, blending vivid storytelling with factual detail to illuminate the values that guided his professional brilliance. The prose is inviting and meticulously crafted, with each chapter opening with thoughtful quotes and photographs that capture the fabric of the times. Readers gain insight into the moral and intellectual foundations that formed the backdrop of…

سب کہاں کچھ لالہ و گل میں نمایاں ہو گئیں خاک میں کیا صورتیں ہوں گی کہ پنہاں ہو گئیں As part of the course evaluation, each student was required to deliver a seminar at the end of the term and articulate their thoughts for about two minutes. To speak in front of this formidable lady—this temple of language, literature, and its lasting legacy—was no small feat. With her spectacles perched on the tip of her nose, eyebrows raised in quiet calculation (was she impressed by our thoughts?), and a subtle smile as she took notes, we were granted the…

Chef Mustafa on ambition, pressure, and survival in Pakistan’s kitchens By Minahil Hussain It’s the day after an intense storm swept through Lahore. The city wakes gently; the air washed clean, the afternoon bright and forgiving. I make my way into Crafe Upstairs—a space already etched into the city’s dining conversation, where food and atmosphere come together with effortless ease. Inside, the café hums: tables full, conversations flowing, plates moving with purpose. I’m here to meet the man behind the dishes I’ve enjoyed over my last three visits. As I step inside, I spot Chef Mustafa behind a glass window,…

Daily Du‘ās for Parents, Children, and Generations By Misbah Momin “Indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” (Al Quran 2:186) Alhamdulillah, as I mentioned in my previous articles, my parents’ room is what I call “the tavern of love.” It is in this sacred space that we first learned to love Allah ﷻ — RabbDhul-Jalali wal-Ikram — and to cherish everything connected to Him and to His Beloved Messenger ﷺ, the Noble Habibullah. On my recent visit to Karachi, my mother and I cherished quiet moments reflecting on the Divine…

The heart work of raising pre-teens Dr. Amina Saeed shares gentle guidance and practical strategies to nurture independence, understand emotions, and help children navigate the delicate journey of early adolescence. Pre-teen (9–12) — yani: teenage years se qabl kuch saal. This stage is one of deep vulnerability, marked by significant physiological and neurological transitions. The brain is a complex organ that is still not fully understood; however, medical science tells us that at this age it is actively developing and undergoing rapid change. The prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for decision-making, organization, working memory, and other higher cognitive functions—has not yet…

By Tehreem Jamal A festive dinner isn’t just about the food—it’s about memory-making, storytelling, and the warmth of gathering around a beautifully set table. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner for two or a lively celebration for twenty, your tablescape sets the tone long before the first bite is served. With a thoughtful blend of texture, color, lighting, and personal details, an ordinary dining table can become a festive moment worth remembering. 1. Start with a Vision—and a Color Palette Great table design begins with intention. Before selecting décor, choose a theme and color palette to guide every styling decision.…

In Strasbourg, Colmar, and Eguisheim, Tehreem Jamal finds a winter world lit by tradition, nostalgia, and the enduring magic of Christmas in Alsace. There are places where Christmas is celebrated—and then there are places where it seems to have quietly taken up residence. In Alsace, winter doesn’t arrive so much as it is gently summoned: lights are lit with intention, traditions are whispered from one generation to the next, and the season feels lovingly held in place. From Strasbourg, the Christmas Capital of the World, to the painted storybook lanes of Colmar and the hushed, lantern-lit charm of Eguisheim, this…