Nayabs Pakistani Khanay, famed for its signature hi-tea and authentic desi cuisine at the Johar Town branch, has now opened a new branch in Bahria Town, opposite the Eiffel Tower.

The new branch boasts elegant interiors that offer a scenic view of the Eiffel Tower, creating a perfect ambiance for diners. Guests at the launch enjoyed a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with friends and family.

While the hi-tea menu continues to be a crowd-pleaser, don’t miss out on their standout dishes like Chicken Chilman Biryani, Mutton Karahi, and the Royal Platter, featuring a mouthwatering assortment of Chicken Kebabs, Boti, Beef Kebabs, Chops, and Fish. Make your way to Nayabs Bahria Town for an unforgettable dining experience!

Dunya Pur has already made a massive impact with its grand premiere, signaling the start of what promises to be a revolutionary chapter in Pakistani television. Touted as one of the most expensive productions in the country’s TV history, the show has set new standards for visual storytelling. But behind the on-screen brilliance is the creative engine driving it all—Green TV’s content department, a team built by none other than Fasih ur Rehman.

As the founder and owner of Green Entertainment TV, Fasih is not just an ordinary CEO. He has invested heavily in the channel, both financially and creatively. His family, a conglomerate in the construction industry, has provided the backbone of this investment, ensuring that Green TV stands on solid financial ground. Despite persistent rumors that the channel is now owned by ISPR, it remains entirely in the hands of Fasih and his family. This independence has allowed Green TV to thrive without the influence of external entities, giving Fasih the freedom to shape the channel according to his own vision.

Fasih’s journey into media may seem unconventional given his background in construction engineering, but his passion for storytelling has been the driving force behind his success. His decision to launch Green TV was rooted in a desire to produce high-quality content that breaks away from the formulaic, often predictable storytelling that dominates Pakistani television. He has not only set out to disrupt the industry but also to raise the bar for what Pakistani dramas can achieve. Dunya Pur is the embodiment of that vision—a show that balances commercial appeal with narrative depth.

A crucial aspect of Fasih’s leadership is his ability to build a talented team around him. One of the key figures he has brought on board is Saji Gul, the Head of Content, whose prior successes include shows like O Rangreza. Known for his ability to craft emotionally resonant and complex stories, Saji has been instrumental in bringing Fasih’s vision to life. This is why Dunya Pur has evolved into more than just a drama; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of human relationships, societal norms, and cultural dynamics and Intense rivalry between two clans competing for power.

At the same time, Fasih’s commitment to excellence doesn’t stop with content creation. He has placed a strong emphasis on fostering an inclusive, creative environment where innovation can thrive. This philosophy extends to his collaboration with Tehreem Chaudhary, the Executive Director of Green TV. With her extensive background in digital and global media, Tehreem has overseen the channel’s marketing efforts, ensuring that Green TV’s content reaches the right audience. Her work has been crucial in establishing Green TV as not just another entertainment channel, but a brand synonymous with quality and innovation​.

Fasih’s hands-on approach in shaping Green TV’s trajectory is evident in every aspect of the channel’s operations, from the strategic decisions to the everyday production processes. His vision of producing meaningful, socially relevant content has led to the creation of shows like Dunya Pur, which push boundaries and challenge the norms of traditional Pakistani dramas. By investing not just money but also his personal commitment and belief in the power of storytelling, He has created a platform that is as much a cultural movement as it is a television channel.

At the heart of it all, the CEO remains dedicated to redefining the future of Pakistani television. His leadership has turned Green TV into a creative powerhouse, where each production reflects his mission to inspire, challenge, and engage viewers. Dunya Pur stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose, and it marks just the beginning of Green TV’s journey toward becoming a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.

Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef Maha has embarked on a new chapter by relocating to Lahore, Pakistan. With her exceptional culinary creations and passion for pastries, she aims to enhance the city’s vibrant food scene. After honing her skills at Le Cordon Bleu Istanbul and successfully running a restaurant in Dubai, Chef Maha is eager to share her international experience.

Her culinary journey began in Istanbul, where she earned a diploma in pastry arts. This training, combined with her innovative approach, led to the opening of her restaurant in Dubai, which quickly gained recognition for its unique desserts and fine pastries. Her establishment became a favorite among food lovers, showcasing her ability to blend traditional techniques with modern flavors.

Feeling a strong connection to her roots, Chef Maha decided to return home and share her culinary passion. “Food has the power to bring people together,” she explains. “I wanted to take everything I’ve learned abroad and contribute to Lahore’s rich food culture.”

Now in Lahore, she plans to conduct workshops and classes for aspiring bakers and pastry chefs, offering a chance to learn world-class pastry techniques. “Education is key to preserving culinary traditions while fostering innovation. I’m eager to inspire the next generation of pastry chefs here,” she adds.

We attended her Tarts Masterclass at The Cookery, Lahore, where she guided us through making tart dough (Pâte Sucrée) in both cacao and vanilla, along with a variety of delicious fillings. The experience was amazing, and we created fillings like chocolate ganache, lemon curd, strawberry compote, and caramel. We highly recommend her cooking classes!

SAZGAR Engineering Works Limited recently hosted the a test drive event for the all new ORA 07 at their prominent Islamabad dealership called Haval Experience, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing partnership with Great Wall Motors (GWM). Since forming their alliance in 2021, these two automotive powerhouses have consistently pushed the boundaries, bringing a range of innovative vehicles to Pakistan, including both hybrid and fully electric models.

SAZGAR’s journey in the New Energy Vehicles (NEV) sector has been nothing short of transformative. The company has firmly positioned itself as a leader in eco-friendly transportation, highlighted by the introduction of Pakistan’s very own first electric three-wheeler. With five standout NEV models now in their lineup, the Ora 03 (fully electric hatchback), the Ora 07 (fully electric sedan), Tank 500 HEV, H6 HEV, and the Jolion HEV. SAZGAR offers a vehicle for every kind of driver, ensuring a perfect fit for diverse consumer preferences.

The event’s biggest highlight was the unveiling of the GWM Ora 07, an all-electric sports sedan that seamlessly blends style with performance. The Ora 07 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, promising a heart racing acceleration experience. Equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, an impressive range that dispels range anxiety, and a powerful battery, this vehicle represents the future of electric mobility. It is priced at PKR 17,500,000 for the top variant and PKR 15,299,000 for the lower trim, with a booking amount of PKR 5,000,000.

Attendees had the chance to get behind the wheel or the passenger seat of the GWM Ora 07, experiencing firsthand the exceptional performance and crazy speed this car offers. The event drew a diverse crowd, with the excitement in the air as palpable as the energy of the cars on display!

Watch the video below for a glimpse of the event’s highlights, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!

The Lost Chapter, nestled in the heart of Model Town, Lahore, is a fresh haven for book and stationery enthusiasts. Founded by Kinza, a passionate entrepreneur, the store is more than just a business—it’s a manifestation of her love for books and the tangible world they represent.

Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, Kinza has always been drawn to the idea of owning a business. But for her, The Lost Chapter is more than a commercial venture; it’s a way to keep people connected to the physical and emotional experiences that only books can offer. “As long as I can remember, my family and the people around me have always read books to be transported to another world,” Kinza shares. “This led me to realize that as AI is taking over, we should give people the opportunity to read real books and stay connected to the non-virtual parts of life.”

Kinza’s vision is clear: she wants The Lost Chapter to be a space where the smell of new books, the sight of rows upon rows of bookshelves, and the deep meanings found in literature create a sense of community and grounding. “The innate, penetrating feeling that I am somehow making the community a little brighter and perhaps a little more grounded excites me. A community that a good book can bring together is what we should all thrive for,” she adds.

The store offers a diverse range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, self-help, and children’s books. Beyond literature, The Lost Chapter also stocks a variety of stationery, bags, uniforms, and study packs, making it a go-to spot for residents in Model Town. Whether you’re in search of a good read or essential school supplies, The Lost Chapter is a welcoming place for all.

Arshad Nadeem’s journey to becoming Pakistan’s first Olympic medalist in 32 years is a tale of extraordinary resilience and determination. His record-breaking 92.96-meter throw in the javelin final not only secured him a place in history but also highlighted the power of perseverance against all odds.

Hailing from a small village in Pakistan, Nadeem’s path to greatness was paved with challenges. Unlike many global athletes who benefit from robust institutional support, Nadeem’s early years were marked by scarcity. His passion for javelin emerged in an environment where resources were limited, but the local community’s unwavering support played a crucial role in his development. Muhammad Ashraf, Nadeem’s father, emphasized the community’s pivotal role, stating, “People have no idea how Arshad got to this place today. His fellow villagers and relatives used to donate money so that he could travel to other cities for his training and events in his early days.” This collective effort became a lifeline that fueled Nadeem’s ambitions and enabled him to pursue his dreams.

At 27, Nadeem made history by securing Pakistan’s first gold medal in javelin, becoming the country’s third Olympic medalist, following wrestling and boxing triumphs in Rome 1960 and Seoul 1988, respectively. His victory is a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across Pakistan, showing that determination and community support can lead to success, even when resources are scarce.

Nadeem’s journey, however, has not been without its hurdles. Earlier this year, he publicly appealed for a new javelin to aid his training. In an inspiring show of sportsmanship, Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra responded with support on social media, underscoring the camaraderie that transcends national boundaries in the world of sports. This moment highlighted the mutual respect between the two athletes and the power of sportsmanship.

In addition to financial struggles, Nadeem has faced significant physical setbacks, including elbow, knee, and back injuries that required knee surgery last year. Despite these challenges, he has remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence, shifting some of Pakistan’s sports focus from cricket to athletics.

Arshad Nadeem’s story is a powerful reminder that talent and determination, when combined with community support, can overcome even the most daunting challenges. His success not only brings pride to Pakistan but also serves as an inspiration to future generations, encouraging them to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Nadeem’s gold medal is historic in many ways: it is Pakistan’s first individual Olympic gold, the country’s first track and field medal, and only the second time a South Asian athlete has reached the podium in a track and field event. The last time Pakistan secured an Olympic gold was in 1984, when the men’s hockey team triumphed in Los Angeles. Nadeem’s achievement marks a new era for Pakistani sports, one where the spotlight is no longer solely on cricket but also on the diverse talents that the country has to offer.

Pasta La Vista is well-known for its pasta and pizzas, but their new restaurant, Cocta, in Raya, DHA, Lahore, takes it a step further by blending Italian warmth with continental elegance. The beautiful ambiance, tasteful furniture, and exquisite lighting create a perfect setting.  

From classic Italian dishes to sophisticated continental cuisine, Cocta offers a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. Here’s what we tried and loved:

Quinoa Kale Salad: Fresh kale tossed with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and candied walnuts, all dressed in a zesty mustard vinaigrette and infused with olive oil. This salad was super fresh and packed with flavor.

Pesto and Truffle Oil Pizza: A treat for pesto lovers! This pizza features a creamy pesto sauce, a blend of cheeses, smoked chicken, cherry tomatoes, granulated pistachio, basil leaves, and a drizzle of truffle oil.

Stuffed Chicken: We were pleasantly surprised by this dish. A chicken breast stuffed with spinach, artichoke, and cheese, served with mashed potatoes and butter mushrooms. It was a hearty and satisfying choice, even though we came primarily for the pizza and pasta. 

Pistachio Milk Cake: This dessert was equally delicious, offering a rich and creamy finish to our meal.

We can’t wait to go back and try more from their menu, especially the tomato soup and tiramisu, which come highly recommended. Cocta is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking to enjoy a mix of Italian and continental delights.

Nestled in DHA Phase 3, Lahore, The Krae is the newest eatery by Chef Zunaira Faisal and her talented team. This newly opened eatery boasts a beautifully designed space, featuring elegant furniture by Arshi Interiors designed and executed in collaboration with Arkmett.

Chef Zunaira, the creative force behind The Krae, has meticulously curated a menu that transforms each dish into a story, celebrating vibrant, fresh ingredients and innovative cuisine. Our dining experience at The Krae allowed us to sample a variety of things from the menu and here are our top picks. 

The evening began with an array of refreshing drinks. The standout was undoubtedly the Berries Basil Lemonade. 

We started with the dumplings, which were exceptional. The dumplings were paired with a flavorful sauce that elevated the dish. Another highlight was the chicken salad, which was delicious on its own but truly shone when enjoyed with the dumpling sauce—a combination worth considering for the menu.

The onion jam burger was delicious, featuring a juicy, well-cooked patty complemented by the sweet and savory notes of the onion jam.

The desserts were the highlight of our dining experience. The churros were perfectly crisp and paired with a delectable dipping sauce. The Tres Leches cake, with its rich, moist texture and exquisite flavor, made it the best item on the menu.

The 2024 Paris Olympics will showcase over 10,000 athletes competing in 32 different sports. With global attention focused on Paris, more than 200 countries will be represented in this grand event. Pakistan has confirmed its participation with an 18-member squad competing in athletics, shooting, and swimming. The Pakistani national team, featuring seven athletes, will begin their journey on July 26.

ATHLETICS

Arshad Nadeem (Qualified)

Arshad Nadeem, the pride of Pakistan in javelin throw, has secured his place in the Paris Olympics. Known for his exceptional performances, Nadeem clinched the gold at the NR Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK, and followed it up with a silver at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Faiqa Riaz (Wild Card)

Faiqa Riaz, another promising athlete, will represent Pakistan in the 100m sprint at the Paris Olympics. She has demonstrated her speed with a gold at the 2nd Aitchison Fastest Championship and topped the podium at the Rising Punjab Games 2024 in Lahore.

SHOOTING

Gulfam Joseph (Qualified)

Gulfam Joseph has qualified in shooting for the 10m Air Pistol individual event. He recently achieved a silver medal in the Air Pistol Men category at the Shooting Sports Championship of Thailand and contributed to a team bronze in the Air Pistol Mix Team event during the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship in Indonesia.

Kishmala Talat (Qualified)

Kishmala Talat will compete in multiple shooting events at the Paris Olympics, including the 10m Air Pistol and 25m Pistol categories. Her accolades include a bronze at the 19th Asian Games in China and a silver in the Air Pistol event at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship in Indonesia. She also claimed two gold medals at the Shooting Sports Championship of Thailand.

Ghulam Mustafa Bashir (Qualified)

Ghulam Mustafa Bashir has qualified in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event. His achievements include a bronze medal at the ISSF Shooting World Championship in Cairo and multiple medals at the South Asian Games in Nepal.

SWIMMING

Muhammad Ahmed Durrani (Wild Card)

Muhammad Ahmed Durrani earned a wild card entry for swimming in the 200m Freestyle event at the Paris Olympics. He showcased his prowess at the 66th MILO Malaysian Age Group Olympic Qualifiers and the 19th Singapore Open.

Jehanara Nabi (Wild Card)

Jehanara Nabi will join Durrani in the swimming events, competing in the 200m Freestyle. Her achievements include gold medals at the Fukuoka Japan National Games in both the 100m and 200m Freestyle events.

This diverse group of athletes from Pakistan is set to make its mark at the Paris Olympics 2024, showcasing skill, determination, and the spirit of sportsmanship on the global stage.

Haven’t we all dreamt of a career that feels like destiny? That’s the dream Kasif Ali lived, being a classical singer residing in the colourful and vibrant streets of Kutcha Setha, Lahore. But like most success stories, his journey wasn’t a straight line either. It’s a journey that was fuelled by his passion, that was tested by struggles, and was shaped by his victories.

Stepping into Kashif’s home is like entering Kucha Setha itself. The walls, soaked with music, speaks volumes about the generations of artists the street has produced. Imagine this: a faded blue wooden cabinet, with a pigeon inside peaking curiously through the sliding doors, a cloth draped on the wall with a frame and the Hamsa hanging proudly on the wall. Here, amidst the constant hum, sits Kashif, with stories waiting to be sung. For him, music wasn’t a choice he made. It was woven into the very fibre of his being. At just 12, under the guidance of his uncle and brother, he began his musical training. From that moment onwards, he dreamt of a world where his voice could travel through the narrow streets of Kutcha Setha to faraway lands.

“Success doesn’t come knocking. You have to value your craft, understand it and respect what you have created”

Kashif’s future wasn’t as harmonious as he had imagined. With inflation at it’s peak in the country, his professional life spiralled out of control, mirroring the struggles of countless others. Financial problems became a constant companion, and the dream of being known in the music world was slipping away. Making ends meet was a constant battle and life abroad seemed heavenly. Lured by promises of a ‘beautiful life and a handsome salary’ abroad, Kashif embarked on a journey he had never imagined. Falling victim to a devastating scam, he lost a significant amount of money.

Heart-broken but not defeated, he moved to Dubai. He constantly hunted for musical opportunities, but odd jobs became his reality. “I suffered a lot,” he recalls, “But I never lost hope.” Kasif’s resilience was what he needed to soar, and not just survive. His talent opened doors, and made way for opportunities. “It was like someone’s prayers for me had been answered.” From collaborating with Indian artists to performing at various social events; his music finally found a stage.

Even after decades of performing, Kashif sees himself as a student of his art, and believes it might take him a ‘lifetime to truly understand this art’. Kashif not only encourages passion, but emphasizes on values and hard work. “Success doesn’t come knocking, you have to value your craft, understand it and respect what you have created,” he stresses. And this understanding, he believes, empowers artist to demand respect and fair treatment. “Unlike Pakistan,” he shares, “I’m paid what I deserve quicker than my sweat dries in Dubai.”

Kashif’s story also highlights the hurdle of digital divide for Pakistani artists. Before every gig, artists are asked about their online presence and follower count as digital platforms like Tiktok and Instagram play a crucial role in promoting an artist in Dubai, while Pakistan’s opportunities solely depend on personal connections as artist lack basic digital knowledge and cannot showcase their talent to the best of their ability. This struggle resonates by many in the streets of Kucha Setha.

“This art is difficult to learn, but once you do; you understand it, you value it and you worship it”

Kashif’s journey of success hasn’t reached its destination, but it has travelled from the streets of Lahore to the stages of Dubai. It’s story of clinging onto hope for those who haven’t found their stage yet.  It’s a reminder that talent carves its own path, and creates its own opportunities. “With the right tools and a determined spirit, you’ll be knocking at success’ door.”

His story isn’t unique, many aspiring singers from Kucha Setha are yearning for their voices to be heard but are battling the harsh realities of the music industry today. In a world that feels impersonal or disconnected, Kashif’s voice portrays raw emotion. A voice that would move you, inspire you and stay with you. So, the next time you hear a classical singer pouring their heart out, remember Kashif. Remember the countless voices waiting to be heard and known. Because somewhere in that aching tune, lies not only a singer, but a storyteller, a dreamer and a human. And who knows, your own song of success might just begin to play.