We recently visited The Observatory, a modern Lahori Bistro perched on the 6th floor of The Fred Hotel. The moment we stepped in, the enchanting ambiance, captivating artwork, stylish furniture, and ambient lighting left us in awe. A haven for content creators and aesthetic enthusiasts alike!
The Observatory unfolds Lahore’s contemporary gastronomic tale, envisioning the future chapter in our city’s culinary odyssey. Their menu seamlessly blends indigenous creations—dishes rooted and nurtured in Lahore—with beloved favorites and dishes that have journeyed to Lahore, becoming our own over time.
We experimented with several items on the menu. The Brisket Bun Kebab and Chicken Thigh Sando were absolutely remarkable, with flavors hitting the mark, securing their place as our ultimate favorites.
We also sampled Chicken Parm, Pan-Seared Chicken, and Chicken Florentine. Regrettably, these dishes adhered to a rather standard profile, falling short of the anticipated Observatory twist we were hoping for.
SEAFOOD TAKA TAK, featuring finely chopped squid, prawn, crab, and sole served with puri-parathas, proved to be a delicious and innovative dish. We thoroughly enjoyed The Observatory’s unique take on the traditional Taka Tak.
Badam Berry cocktail turned out to be incredibly refreshing! A fancy title for an impressive mix featuring strawberry puree, almond syrup, lemon, and soda.
Despite our initial craving for the Shahi Cannoli dessert, its unavailability led us to opt for the Caked Alaska—a choice that left us eager for a return visit. The seamless combination of homemade vanilla ice cream nestled between layers of chocolate sponge, crowned with a decadent chocolate sauce, crafted a truly exquisite dessert, elevating our entire Observatory dining experience.
In a country like Pakistan, weddings are one of the most extravagant events in a person’s life. There is a lot of commotion attached to weddings and its festivities. However, how many people actually pay attention to the most significant aspect of a wedding – the Nikahnama? Not many, really. In fact, most women do not even know what is written in their nikahnama.
According to Pakistan Commission on the Status of Women, two-thirds of women in Pakistan do not comprehend their Nikahnama only because they can’t read. Even those who can read do not mostly go through all the clauses of nikahnama, which makes them unaware of their rights. In return, many clauses in the nikahnama are crossed out without consulting the bride.
In a groundbreaking move to empower women across Pakistan, easypaisa has initiated a transformative campaign aimed at addressing this crucial issue by launching a new feature called Audio Nikahnama. The audio launch of the Nikahnama translation, under the hashtags #AudioNikahnamaand #SunnTohSahi, is a significant step towards bridging this gap and ensuring that every woman understands her rights at the time of marriage.
easypaisa’s campaign focuses on raising awareness about the importance of comprehending the Nikahnama, a document that holds significant power in marital relationships. This legally binding document details essential clauses such as financial obligations, conditions of divorce, and provisions for the wife’s maintenance. Its significance lies in providing a transparent framework for the marriage, ensuring that both partners understand their roles and rights.
Multilingual support
The Audio Nikahnama allows women to listen to the explanation of nikahnama clauses in seven different languages, namely Urdu, English, Balochi, Pashto, Sindhi, Punjabi, Saraiki, and even has a Sign Language video for those with hearing disabilities. The audio explanation is not only a convenience but also a necessity, helping people understand the complexities of the Nikahnama before signing it. This initiative underscores easypaisa’s commitment to empowering women by providing them with the knowledge and understanding necessary to safeguard their rights in marriage.
You can access the Audio Nikahnama by simply giving a missed call to 0341 117 1222. Furthermore, the audio Nikahnama is also available on the easypaisa app in all seven languages.
Execution
As part of the campaign, easypaisa has also used graffiti art in three major cities of Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, highlighting the significance of Audio Nikahnama. The graffiti provides a visual representation of how easypaisa is reaching the masses, effectively communicating the crucial message of the campaign.
easypaisa’s Audio Nikahnama campaign is a commendable effort to empower women by breaking down language barriers and ensuring that every individual, regardless of literacy or hearing abilities, comprehends their nikahnama. By providing a platform for understanding, easypaisa is contributing to a more informed and empowered society, emphasizing the significance of the nikahnama in marital relationships.
The National College of Arts hosted the Bachelor’s Degree Show 2023, which was open to the public and art enthusiasts. Students’ work reached unprecedented levels of originality, as showcased by all departments within the college. In addition to visitors from Pakistan, art enthusiasts go from all over the world to engage in the spectacular exhibition of creativity and to honor the recent arrival of new artists in the field.
All graduating students have the chance to present their work to the public, industry professionals, friends, family, and prospective students at the annual degree show.
The Degree Show featured students from diverse departments like Textile, VCD, Fine Arts, Cultural Studies, Product Design, Ceramic Design, and Music. From personal narratives to captivating scents, the exhibit captured life events, nature, and various inspirations. This event is a culmination of hard work, providing a valuable platform for students to celebrate, share, and exhibit their final year projects. Here are a few captivating glimpses from the Degree Show that caught Paperazzi’s attention:
Paperazzi is always on the lookout for the newest restaurants, classic spots and gems that feel like a special find. Here is our recent find- The Mad Italian Lahore, which is located next to Fuschia Kitchen. The place is serving Neapolitan pizzas, pasta’s, panuzzo’s and more.
Our gastronomic journey commenced with the sampling of their comforting roasted tomato & cream of mushroom soups, providing a gratifying warmth on a cold day. Subsequently, we relished the Roast Chicken & Pomegranate salad, a harmonious medley of textures, flavors, and hues.
Continuing our culinary exploration, we indulged in the Truffle Mushroom Ravioli—a beautiful dish with a filling of mushroom & truffle, accompanied by cream sauce and fried spinach. Envision tender pasta pockets brimming with the earthy essence of mushrooms, intertwining with a luxurious cream sauce—a dream for aficionados of ravioli!
Chef Mustafa’s endorsement of the Lemon Butter Spaghetti proved to be equally delightful, offering comfort and opulence with its vibrant, silky, and sumptuous lemon butter sauce.
A visit to The Mad Italian would be incomplete without savoring their authentic wood-fired Neapolitan Pizzas—delivering a symphony of tender, light, and exquisite Italian flavors.
Concluding our culinary experience, we relished the perfection of Lemon Ricotta Cannoli, meticulously fried and filled with a delectable, sweet ricotta mixture—a genuine delight for discerning taste buds. Noteworthy are the charming hot chocolate shots. Overall, our experience was delightful, and we earnestly recommend exploring this place.
Lahore-based Momina Zaka is a gifted cook and culinary instructor. We just had a talk with her and asked about her experience in cooking as well as her future goals. She told us that she has always enjoyed spending time in the kitchen. She first recalls being in a kitchen when she was around 5 or 6 years old when her mother used to place her on the counter as she prepared meals. She has a deep passion for eating as well. As a child, she watched her mother make scrumptious dishes and that is how she started to cook. She was intrigued by the procedure as well and wanted to learn from the visiting chefs who frequently catered events at her home.
Momina has always been a foodie, but her love of delicious cuisine didn’t end there. She also wanted to duplicate it, so she decided to make cooking her vocation. She desired to perfect the craft that had always been her love, as well as to advance her knowledge and abilities.
Le Cordon Bleu entered my life later, and as Momina recalled, “Everything became about it, getting in, learning, and then eventually practicing what I love. I can still clearly recall the day I reached there and every day that followed. It fulfilled every wish I had. Everything, from butchery to food presentation, was taught to me by LCB. Every part of the culinary arts was introduced to me throughout my stay there, and I graduated with refined abilities and ideal techniques.”
Momina continued, “After LCB, my plan was to work at a Michelin-star restaurant before opening my own setup. However, after returning to Pakistan and serving as a guest instructor at COHMCA, I realized that I had a wealth of knowledge that I wanted to share with all aspiring chefs, so I started offering cooking classes. I continue to do so at Cookery P4 Lahore, and my goal is to open my own culinary arts institution that is comparable to Le Cordon Bleu in terms of professionalism and quality of instruction.”
In addition to offering cooking classes, Momima also serves as a consultant and provider of restaurant solutions. She completed 6 projects in the last 2 years, one of which was in Turkey, and she is currently working on further projects. Through her consulting efforts, Zaka seeks to expand the palette already present in Pakistan. It is a tremendously satisfying experience for her to match cooks from their CV pool to jobs that best suit them.
Momina wants to continue working in the culinary industry and eventually open her own cooking school with a test kitchen.
Laathi- A student-led project working to enhance financial literacy in Pakistan’s population
A student-led initiative called Laathi Pakistan aims to increase financial awareness among Pakistan’s citizens. Team Laathi is expanding its reach beyond the senior population of Pakistan in an effort to ensure that every Pakistani citizen is educated in economics, as they believe that one cannot make important financial decisions if one lacks financial literacy.
People who pay taxes but are unaware of the system or the justification for doing so make up Pakistan’s unstable economy, as do those who shop on the black market without realizing how their purchases would affect the country’s overall economy. They inform people about strategies to protect their financial resources, warn them about fraud, and alert them to investment opportunities when they arise.
Laathi’s slogan is: Save, Invest, and Prosper with the aim to uplift Pakistan.
Laathi has now started a series of podcasts with different influential people including journalists, financial analysts, and people from the governmental body who are able to provide unbiased opinions and approaches.
Suhail Warraich, a Pakistani journalist, television broadcaster, analyst, and media personality, participated in Laathis first podcast. He provided information about the budget deficit and how it is impacted by the political narrative that has resulted in significant economic losses.
He also offered the opportunity to vote for a “stricter” budget and a wider tax base. In addition, he suggested that the current cabinet should create a strategic strategy for boosting the Pakistani economy. He gave young people an emotive message of hope to close the podcast.
Laathi had Mr. Adnan Khalid Butt, the vice president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce, on his second podcast. He explained the kind of reinforcement the market requires while also pointing out the recent paucity of resources. He explained to us how firms in Pakistan struggle to remain viable as well as a possible course of action.
He went on to discuss overseas remittances as an alternative to IMF agreements while providing further details on those agreements. He ended the show by making some observations about the new transitional administration and Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-Ul-Kakkar.
In a thrilling déjà vu, less than a year after an unforgettable night in Lahore, last Sunday, Red Bull Pakistan descended upon Karachi with the electrifying Red Bull Off The Roof concert-on-wheels, setting the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi ablaze. This was no ordinary show; it was a musical spectacle of epic proportions, an unforgettable night for those who got to witness Karachi’s coolest concert till date!
Noori, Young Stunners, and the dynamic duo Hassan and Roshaan didn’t just deliver remarkable performances – they did it perched atop a bus! Yes, you read that right, a bus! Talk about an epic and unparalleled setup that added a whole new dimension to their music.
The young and energetic duo of Hassan and Roshaan lit the stage with their melodic tunes and soulful voices. Their performance was a harmonious journey that resonated with every heart in the audience.
Following their act, the iconic Pakistani rock band, Noori, set the stage ablaze with their timeless classics and infectious energy. Their much-anticipated reunion was a testament to their legendary status in the music scene. As the first chords of their iconic hits echoed through the venue, it became crystal clear why Noori holds a special place in our hearts
The Young Stunners, known for their catchy hip-hop beats and razor-sharp lyrics, had the crowd grooving and rapping along to their chart-toppers. Their stage presence was nothing short of magnetic. The moment they set foot on stage, the crowd was in for a wild ride.
With their infectious hip-hop beats and razor-sharp lyrics, the Young Stunners had everyone in the audience grooving and rapping along to their chart-topping hits.
For those who missed out on this one-of-a-kind experience, fear not! Keep your eyes peeled for the next Red Bull Off the Roof event because, trust us, it’s an event you absolutely won’t want to miss!
A High-Drama Teaser Unveiled, Offering a Glimpse of Stars
With Over 250 Cast and Crew Members, a Full 68-Day Shoot Elevates Anticipation for the Film
Film to be released internationally later this year
22nd August, 2023; Dubai, UAE: UAE-based Q Film Productions is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the shooting phase for the highly anticipated biopic of Pakistani cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar, titled ‘Rawalpindi Express.’
Despite the challenges posed to the filmmakers, the production house remains steadfast and proud to unveil an intense cinematic teaser, offering a glimpse of the star-studded cast.
Addressing recent uncertainties surrounding the film’s production, Kafeel Anwar, producer of ‘Rawalpindi Express’ and Managing Director of Q Film Productions, remarked, “Completing the production of this film was not an easy task. When you are producing a film about a legend as big as Shoaib Akhtar, the margin of error is zero. We were fortunate to build a dedicated team in Pakistan that worked tirelessly to bring it to completion. Shoaib Akhtar is a larger than life personality with a worldwide fan base, so we had to ensure that we got it right.”
Regarding the release of the film, Anwar stated that the film will be released internationally later this year.
The Shoaib Akhtar biopic features an exceptional ensemble cast, with Mirza Gohar Rasheed, renowned for his role in Maula Jatt, in the lead. Other distinguished actors contributing to this outstanding film include Iron Man famed Pakistani-Hollywood actor Faran Tahir, the legendary Salman Shahid, veteran actor Usman Pirzada, Saleem Mairaj, a notable figure in Pakistani cinema; Rabita Ali, making her feature film debut; Adnan Shah Tipu, celebrated at the 76th Cannes Film Festival; and Rahim Pardesi, known for his versatility as a YouTuber, singer, actor, and host. Collectively, this exceptional cast forms the core of the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ biopic, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Faraz Qaiser, the Director of ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ shares his excitement, stating, “Completing the shooting of our dream project – Rawalpindi Express – fills me with both thrill and satisfaction. Crafting a biopic is a true filmmaker’s challenge. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Shoaib Akhtar, who personally recounted his life story and adversities. As the movie’s director, I shouldered the immense responsibility of translating his narrative into a compelling cinematic journey. I firmly believe we’ve achieved that goal. The ultimate verdict, however, rests with the audience.”
“It was an enormous undertaking, spanning a comprehensive 68 days of filming, involving a team of over 250 individuals comprising the cast and crew. This endeavor also marked an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to direct some of the most exceptional talents from the international and Pakistani film industry. Every actor delivered precisely what we envisioned for the film,” Faraz elaborated.
The movie ‘Rawalpindi Express’ is set to capture the incredible journey of the cricketing legend. The film aptly derives its title from Shoaib Akhtar’s nickname in the cricketing world, paying homage to his roots in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Notably, Shoaib Akhtar’s world-record-breaking feat of bowling the fastest ball at 161.3 km/h during a 2003 World Cup group match against England further intensifies the anticipation surrounding this cinematic tribute.
To View the official teaser of Rawalpindi Express, click below links:
Tayyab, 11 years old during May 2020 peak COVID decided he wants to do something to help others in this difficult time. After lots of thinking he came up with a unique idea. He saw that many mothers were struggling to make their kids wash their hands during the peak of COVID. He came up with the idea of introducing homemade organic soaps with toys inside them, the more you wash your hands the faster the toy comes out. After lots of experimenting and trials with the help of his mother, he was able to make a perfect soap which he gave to his 6-year-old sister. He noticed that she started washing her hands day and night so the toy comes out faster.
This is how he launched his business on Instagram called Soaptastic. Almost 100 percent of his profit goes to charity. He has been awarded as the youngest entrepreneur in Pakistan. Tayyab appeared in various newspapers and TV channels for interviews and now has 26.3K followers on Instagram. As soon as he is done with school and studies he focuses on his work. When he came up with this idea there was no one making soaps with toys in Pakistan, not even in any other country we know of. He was 11 and he got an offer from Dubai and UK to sell his idea and company, but he didn’t do it because his purpose was to help others and not make a profit.
By the grace of Allah and his hard work, he has built a mosque just from his personal profit. He has built three shops for three widows so they can stand on their own feet, and he wants to keep going and help many more. It’s been more than three years and a little business he started with a good intention has come a long way.
Here are a few links showing Tayyab’s work on different channels, news, and a tweet by British commissioner Christian Turner.
Tayyab has a strong belief that the more he helps others the more he will get. From selling one soap a day to up to 100 soaps per day, his soaps now have so much demand that it is hard to meet the little home-based business he started. He made a major donation to families who suffered in a 2020 plane crash.
Samia, Tayyab’s mother said: “It was such an exciting moment when a one soap order came. Today he gets so many orders that he can’t handle them because of his studies. A little home-based business we thought would keep him busy for a good cause and a totally new idea for one month is on its way to the fourth year with zero help.”
Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has become the new Guinness World Record Holder for “marathon cooking.” On May 11, Baci lit her burners at 4 p.m. Eastern Time and continued to cook constantly for 87 hours and 50 minutes. She finished her last dish on Monday.
According to the BBC, Hilda Effiong Bassey, aka Baci, prepared nearly 100 meals in an effort to break the record. If Baci wins, Lata Tondon, the current world record holder, will lose her title while her time is still being evaluated. The Indian chef’s total nonstop cooking time in 2019 was 87 hours and 45 minutes.
Baci held her culinary marathon in Lekki, Lagos State, in Amore Gardens. Despite the bad weather, many people, celebrities, and even government representatives turned out to support Baci as she tried to beat the record. On Sunday, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, attended the event.
“We are proud to have Hilda embarking on this journey in our state,” Sanwo-Olu said. “I will continue to follow the updates and look forward to the final declaration.”
According to the BBC, the 27-year-old chef intended to spend 96 hours in the kitchen but had to leave early due to the exhausting effort of managing the kitchen. Food from Baci’s native West Africa made up the majority of her marathon menu. Guests were offered a variety of rice and pasta meals, including jollof rice and akara, a well-known street food made from deep-fried mashed beans. While Baci was cooking, some aid was given. She was permitted to keep one aide nearby and take one hourly five-minute break.
The chef spoke with BBC News Pidgin before stepping into the kitchen. “This attempt is proof of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform and support,” Baci said.
Baci is no stranger to taking the heat in the kitchen. In 2021 she pocketed $5,000, winning the first “Jollof Face Off Competition.”
