by Tim Blight | Aug 31, 2015 | News and Opinion
Cafes are the places where a lot of the world’s best stories are told, so therefore it makes sense that they are the location for this project, seeking to unlock the tales of ordinary people.
“Give a coffee, unlock a story” is the idea behind Coffee Stories, a meeting point for the world where we learn a little bit about other people’s lives and brighten their day by gifting a coffee.
Coffee is my favourite beverage, and I love to tell stories, so I was more than a little bit excited to tell my story over a cup of coffee! Click here to read my coffee story, and to find out more about this interesting project and how you can become a part of it.
by Urban Duniya | Aug 14, 2015 | News and Opinion
Independent Pakistan celebrates its birthday today, marking the 68th year of its existence as a separate state for Muslims in the subcontinent.
Security procedures are in place across the nation to ensure the safe observance of the day. A 21-gun salute will take place in each of the provincial capitals of Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta.
Pakistan was carved out of India in 1947 after the United Kingdom’s hasty retreat from their subcontinental colony. A bloodbath ensued when large numbers of Muslims and Hindus migrated to their future homelands, either side of the partition. Pakistan was envisioned as a homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent, however since its creation questions remain over the exact role of Islam in the country’s political system.
India celebrates its Independence Day tomorrow.
by Tim Blight | Aug 14, 2015 | Pakistan, Traveller
Note: this edition of Pakistan Traveller has been superseded by the much-expanded 2017 edition. Click here for the launch of the new book.
Firstly I must begin this article by apologising for the profusion of “I’ve just launched X” posts lately. But to be honest I just can’t help myself, because I’m a little bit excited.
On the 23rd March 2015 I announced what I wished would be the beginning of a new era of hope for Pakistan;s tourism industry, with the official launch of Pakistan Traveller by UrbanDuniya, a travel guidebook for travellers to Pakistan’s more stable and tourist-friendly regions. I chose the date of the 23rd March with a purpose; Pakistan’s Republic Day is second only to Independence Day in terms of national celebratory fervour.
OMG it’s tangible!! The first printed copy of Pakistan Traveller by UrbanDuniya
And so it is on 14th August, Pakistani Independence Day, that I have chosen to officially launch the paperback edition of Pakistan Traveller by UrbanDuniya. Available in markets around the world from US$39.99, the book’s launch as a paperback product is a moment that I had waited for. Always intended as a paperback rather than an e-book, Pakistan Traveller by UrbanDuniya is now available in the medium through which it can be truly utilised “on the road”.
Walking through the Karakoram Range in northern Pakistan
Early sales figures have been promising, which I believe is a reflection of the book’s content which I have faith in; every word, image or map was laid by myself. My good friend and designer Nawaz Khan deserves a mention, as he worked magic with the vision for the cover and overall formatting. CreateSpace, a division of Amazon.com, has done a remarkable job in rendering the book as beautifully and professionally as it is; even I was blown away by the result. And finally, thank you to all those who have supported me and this project along the way; many of you are listed in the credits section of the book itself, many have purchased the book, and more still simply know who they are.
On the beach in Karachi many moons ago, during my first trip to Pakistan in 2006.
So where to from here? The Pakistan Traveller by UrbanDuniya website will continue to be maintained and provide up-to-date information for travellers to Paksitan. I have already begun considerations and some preliminary work for a second edition of the book, but you’ll just have to wait to see when and what shape it will take.
Last year my gift to celebrate Pakistan’s 67th year of independence was a Love Letter to Pakistan, translated into Urdu for all to enjoy. This year my gift is not so much for the people of Pakistan, but for the wider world to discover and enjoy.
Welcome to Pakistan. I hope you love it as much as I do.
by Tim Blight | Aug 12, 2015 | News and Opinion
Hiba Arshad
Hiba Arshad
Hiba Arshad is a Lahore-based fashion designer and blogger with a sharp eye for unusual and different style. As part of Pakistan Week on UrbanDuniya I interviewed her about her fashion line Arsh, her inspiration for writing, and her thoughts on life in Pakistan.
What was the motivation for you to start Arsh?
I have always had an aesthetic temperament and I get inspired by things around me… plus I love decorating things and adding that spark. My brain keeps brimming with ideas and recently I had been giving it all a serious thought as I perused my way through different shops looking for the design I would love to wear; that fusion of trendy yet creative ideas. So one thing led to another and I just took the plunge.
Great! And what sort of things inspire you? How can it be seen in your designs?
The odd ones… I find beauty in weird and out-of-the-way things. If I had my way my designs would completely be dark and mysterious like symbols and stuff. But I am aiming to attract girls so I have made sure that colors and girly designs are added but with a personal touch.
How has the response been so far for Arsh?
Well it’s slowly picking up pace. With all the substandard stuff available online people take their time in trusting a new name, and I dont blame them considering my personal experience with online shopping.
So if I get to exhibit my work once or twice and people get to see it themselves I believe they will love them as much as I do.
Do you feel that Pakistan, and Lahore in particular, are ideal places for such a business
Pakistan is internationally recognized as a fashion hub, and like Karachi, the Lahore fashion scene is really sizzling these days. The competition is really high and the demand for innovation is increasing rapidly. People welcome originality and creativity and thats the only way to survive. It is not what you present, rather how you present it.
Interesting! You have a blog… Do you find inspiration from Lahore and Pakistan for your writing too?
Pakistan itself is an inspiration. You may look at the chaos before you, I focus on the flowers within. There is so much to be inspired by and I just hope that one day I can write such words in praise of my country that people can’t resist visiting and being inspired themselves.
I hope so too! What sort of things are you writing about these days?
I usually post random thoughts however it is difficult for people to comprehend my ideas and thus I have started writing about more ordinary things. I have recently started blogging about places I visit, the food and the environment.
Finally, what do you love about Lahore?
The Punjabi touch – its in the air. Even though it is a metropolis, still amidst its modernity the rustic soul lives on.
If you would like to see more of Hiba’s designs, go to the Arsh page on Facebook where you can contact her and even place an order! For her musings, head on over to Hiba’s Blog and get reading! Don’t forget to to hit ‘like’ when you’re there!
by Tim Blight | Aug 10, 2015 | News and Opinion
Interview: Musician Umar bin Naeem
Umar bin Naeem
Umar bin Naeem is an up-and-coming musical artist from Lahore. Three weeks ago he released ‘Mast Huwa’, a cover of the original track by Asrar. As part of Pakistan week on UrbanDuniya, I sat down with Umar to talk music, Lahore and Pakistan.
What was your inspiration to become involved in music?
Everyone has their own way to express their feelings, to show the world what they have in their hearts. Some people write, some paint, while others act. In my case I found that way in music. In the early days of my school life I started exploring my connection with music. I began as a bathroom singer and after few years I started learning professionally and rose as a stage performer: that’s how my music career began. And I feel lucky that I can express myself through music, as a lot of people can not do that.
Umar in the studio
Why did you choose this song in particular?
A lot of people have asked me why I have done a cover of this song, and why I didn’t do my own song instead. Or why I chose this specific song? Well the answer is that this song is very, very close to my heart. For the very first time when I heard it I felt that I was listening to my own story. Every word in this song reminds me of the events which happened in my life. So I couldn’t resist doing it. And now I have ended up doing a proper cover of this song. And I think that the biggest success of an artist is when people can relate to his song.
Do you feel that Pakistan, and Lahore in particular, are good places to be a musical artist?
Yes I believe Pakistan and particularly Lahore are very good places for upcoming musicians. Lahore has always had a rich music history. A considerable improvement has been seen in the past few years in every music genre, especially pop music. A couple of music institutions are also playing a vital role, where youngsters can go to learn different music skills.
Playing a few years ago
Speaking more generally, why do you love Lahore?
I love Lahore because of its culture, its food, its history and especially the Lahori people; they are very welcoming people with big hearts. It is said that a person who has not seen Lahore has not been born yet. As compared to other cities of Pakistan, Lahore is the most peaceful city. I think this is what makes Lahore so loveable. A person who visits Lahore can’t resist from saying “Lahore lahore ae” (“Lahore is Lahore”)
Umar in Lahore, aka home
Ok, and finally, what are your plans for the future, in regards to your music?
Music is the food of my soul; I cannot imagine myself without music. For me music is something through which I can express my feelings, sadness, pain, happniess, sorrow. I don’t know what I would do if i gave up doing music. In the coming future I see myself standing on a big stage performing with my band in front of a huge audience who know me, who love me, who follow me. When I tell them to clap they do. When I ask them to dance, they do the same. They would do what ever I said. It will be a dream come true for me. I want to write such songs that people can relate to. I always say that when someone will cry while listening to my song it will be the best day of my life. I know that sounds crazy but it’s what I want to see. I want to leave the mark of my name on the music industry of Pakistan as well as the music industry of world.
To listen to Umar’s single Mast Huwa click here, and don’t forget to follow Umar on his official Facebook page.
