International Mountain Day: G-B asks renowned climber Hassan Sadpara to lend expertise as an instructor

G-B asks renowned climber Hassan Sadpara to lend expertise as an instructor. PHOTO: EXPRESS

GILGIT: 

The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Ministry of Tourism and the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature held a seminar to mark International Mountain Day on Wednesday.

On the occasion, the G-B government acknowledged the achievements of renowned mountaineer Hassan Sadpara, and offered him a coaching position at a climbing institute which the government is planning to establish. The offer was extended by Adviser to the Chief Minister on Tourism Sadia Danish during the seminar.

“We are establishing a mountaineering school and would like your expertise,” said Danish, referring to Sadpara. The chief guest also promised to give Sadpara and Samina Baig, another climber, cash prizes for their achievements.

Sadpara, who hails from G-B, was the first Pakistani to scale the 8,848m high Mount Everest without supplementary oxygen in May 2011. He complained, however, about the lack of recognition he received for the feat. “Despite this, I am ready to offer whatever I can in my individual capacity,” he told the audience, which included environmentalists, experts and researchers.

“The mountains of G-B are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy,” the adviser stated, referring to the glaciers that provide water for the country’s irrigation. Danish had earlier mentioned how landslides and disasters undermine the mountains’ ecosystems and said a widespread awareness campaign needs to be undertaken to keep the health of the highlands intact.

WWF’s Dr Babar Khan said G-B was important because three of the world’s greatest mountain ranges meet here. “Almost 75% of the water in the Indus River is contributed by tributaries emanating from the northern mountains, including Shango, Shyok, Shigar, Hunza, Ghizer and Astor.”

A larger landing strip and an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway might be part of future initiatives to bolster tourism in the region, shared G-B Department of Tourism Deputy Director Yasir Hussain.

December 11 was designated as International Mountain Day by the United Nations in 2002. Its purpose is to raise awareness and highlight the importance of identifying sustainable development opportunities for communities living in highland areas without degrading mountain ecosystems, according to the United Nations websit

Italian town invites Peshawar to become twin city

K-P Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak. PHOTO: APP/FILE

PESHAWAR: Agerola, a commune in the Naples province of Italy and the ancestral town of Peshawar’s Italian governor under Sikh rule General Paolo Avitabile, has expressed its desire to enter into a twin city affiliation with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s (K-P) capital.

The mayor of Agerola Luca Mascolo has, in this regard, sent a letter to K-P Chief Minister Pervez Khattak.

The letter was sent through UK-based historian and filmmaker Bobby Singh Bansal when he recently visited Italy. Bansal is conducting research in Peshawar, where he made the letter available to The Express Tribune.

The letter says the invitation is on behalf of many citizens of the community who have come to know Peshawar as General Avitbile was governor of the city. It outlines arrangements to strengthen bonds of friendship between Agerola and Peshawar by encouraging the study of culture, art, literature and language of both cities. Links between non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and trade associations of both cities was one possible method highlighted.

The document notes there is a growing awareness and appreciation between the two cities for each other’s culture and people which will further develop as a result of the proposed alliance. “We look forward to the limitless possibilities of this relationship,” it read.

“Although this partnership must begin on an official basis between the governments of our two communities, we see the strength and vitality of this long-term association resting wholly in the hands of our citizen volunteers and participants.” The letter informed that they have designated a group of volunteers for the cause, suggesting the same should be done in Peshawar as well.

Bansal is the author of ‘The Lion’s Firanghis: Europeans at the Court of Lahore’ and director of 2012 documentary ‘The Sikhs of Kabul- A forgotten community’.

He explained that Ranjeet Singh had entrusted Peshawar to Avitabile as he believed only the general could manage this city. He credited Avitabile for redesigning the city on European lines and restoring the Bala Hisar walls. Bansal also expressed his wish to meet K-P chief minister and PTI chief Imran Khan for further alliance of both cities.

Economics and the popularity of private tuitions in Pakistan

The monthly per capita fee for individual tuition in urban areas range from Rs1,000 to Rs50,000, depending on the subjects, location and reputation of the tutor. PHOTO: FILE

LONDON: 

According to a survey, 67% and 59% of school-going children in urban and rural areas, respectively, attend private tuition centres in the evening. Private tuition is an obsession and, in some cases, an absolute need felt by the parents aspiring good careers for their children.

It is an obsession of such a magnitude and intensity amongst Pakistanis and other Asian nationalities even in the UK that most of the private tuition centres in London are inundated with children from non-European ethnic groups.

A lot has already been written on the economics of private schools, but it is not a secret that private tutors earn a lot of money. The monthly per capita fee for individual tuition in urban areas range from Rs1,000 to Rs50,000, depending on the subjects, location and reputation of the tutor.

Tuition centres (with various names such as coaching centres, academies and evening classes) abound. From villages to a cosmopolitan city like Karachi, there exist hundreds of thousands of such tuition centres across the country.

Given the popularity of private tuition, it could be developed as a viable alternative profession for teachers. Indeed, if it is modernised and combined with some innovative ideas and practices, it can become a new model of education that can be exported to other countries.

For example, Bill Strickland, an American educationalist, has developed an alternative tuition system that combines traditional education with arts and crafts. This system has helped thousands of disadvantaged children who felt excited to attend his tuition centres, after having been repelled by traditional schools in their localities.

The model is very much relevant to Pakistan, where thousands of “ghost schools” exist (The Express Tribune, December 13, 2013) and children either find no education at such schools or less rewarding than doing petty job. Consequently, they end up working as child labour.

In the contemporary world where information has literally come on tips (Google, Wikipedia, specialist web pages covering almost all disciplines, and virtual learning environments developed by individuals, universities and others), the need for classroom teaching has certainly gone down. In fact, because of the gadgets now so commonly in use, most of the students in large classrooms either WhatsApp each other or their friends elsewhere, or surf the net (updating Facebook profiles!).

For teachers, it is now a never-ending struggle to convince students to focus on their lectures. The smart ones already know what the teacher normally covers and the students on the other side of the spectrum have the comfort of knowing that learning aid material is available online.

If private tuition is developed as an alternative to regular school or college education, it is expected to bring a number of socio-economic benefits to the country:

Employment generation

Given the huge unemployment in the country and limited employment opportunities, a significant proportion of new graduates end up providing individual tuition to young children by paying home visits to the families, who prefer to have private tuition for their kids in the safe environment of their homes.

This proves to be a lucrative self-employed business, as it requires no investment in premises and other infrastructure for setting up a business. In fact, some of the well-established private schools in the country evolved from this initial business model of the owners.

Savings on fuel costs

If developed as an alternative to sending children to schools, the private tuition model can help a very large number of families to save on their fuel costs on sending their children to schools. This may not have any significant impact on the budgets of the individual families but it should have implications for consumption of petrol and gas in Pakistan, which is in a crisis-like situation with respect to petrol, diesel and CNG.

Easing out traffic problems

In big cities, traffic congestion is a huge problem, particularly in areas with a lot of private schools and colleges. An alternative private tuition-based educational system is also expected to contribute to easing out the traffic problems.

Savings on infrastructure costs

There is no denial of the fact that traditional schools, colleges and universities are going to fade away to give in to a new technology-based model of learning. A business based on this futuristic view of education can help in developing a new model of education, which is individual-centric and focused on providing what the child wants to learn and not what the system wants them to learn.

For this model to emerge, one will have to start with the highest income classes, to trickle it down to all income strata of the society

Six of my favourite experiences while getting lost in the magical world of Turkey!

I was truly awed by the remarkable wonders of nature and history that exist in Turkey. PHOTO: FARWA AAMER

In my earlier blog, I wrote about the influx of Turkish dramas on Pakistani television channels. Ever since Urdu 1’s Ishq-e-Mamnoon shot to fame there has been no looking back. In fact, the Pakistani audience has been literally swept off their feet.

For me, this was followed by a desire to appreciate the wonderful Turkish culture in person. While making travel plans with four of my friends we unanimously agreed on Turkey as our vacation destination. Our plan was to have an adventurous backpacking sort of trip for nine days and we set out with our ambitious itinerary.

I am glad to say that our trip turned out to be nothing short of what we expected.

Our hectic tour consisted of eight flights, four train journeys, several shuttles and a night spent at the airport but we successfully managed to see some of the most spectacular places on earth.

Turkey offers a myriad of cultural and sacred experiences, from the ancient Greek city of Ephesus to the glorious history of Topkapi Sarayi (Palace) and from the Virgin Mary’s last abode to the iconic Blue Mosque.

Inside the grand Blue Mosque. Photo: Farwa Aamer

The region literally encapsulates the best of what the world has seen over the decades.

I was truly awed by the remarkable wonders of nature that exist in the country, particularly the travertines of Pamukale and the colossal cave city of Cappadocia. I had been told that I would lose my mind at these two sites, but trust me this was an understatement. In spite of having seen so much, I still feel that there is a lot left to be explored, discovered and admired.

In addition to indulging in all the touristy activities, my friends and I embarked on a different journey – one that offered us a deeper insight into the daily life of the Turkish. It took me no time to get smitten by the whirling dervish, the aromatic kahve (tea) houses and the mouth-watering baklava, but besides the basic allure of Turkey, I have my very own list of the ‘Best of Turkey’:

• Cay

Served in tiny tubular cups, Turkish tea is a customary favourite. Brewed in uniquely styled kettles, it is consumed numerous times during the day and also serves as a symbol of hospitality.

Turkish tea is a must-have the next time you are in Turkey. Photo: Farwa Aamer

• Grand bazaar

How I loved this place! It is a shopper’s paradise where bargaining is the order of the day. You will find it next to impossible to resist the beautiful ceramics and the blazing glass lamps. Of course, the shopping experience here is enhanced by the harmless and occasional flirting that the vendors indulge in, not to mention the opportunity it creates for you to score a good deal!

Looking for ceramics, lamps, clothes and spices? The Grand Bazaar is the place to go! Photo: Farwa Aamer

• Bosphorous

Istanbul and its’ beauty owes a lot to this stunning piece of nature, with its gentle waves and wide expanse. A ferry ride across this strait is not to be missed.

A cruise on the Bosphorus. Photo: Farwa Aamer

• Simet and chestnuts

These are the traditional street foods which you must munch-on while strolling around the sites and squares of Turkey. Simet, which looks like a pretzel is a delightfully crunchy and chewy twisted ring studded with a generous topping of sesame seeds. Vendors sell it for a lira and it is the local favourite.

Enjoy some Simet as you get lost in the history of Turkey. Photo: Farwa Aamer

Chestnuts are another local favourite snack and are sold roasted and warm.

Roasted chestnuts are easily available in Turkey and are wonderful to munch on while you stroll through the cobbled streets. Photo: Farwa Aamer

• Taksim

Connected to Istiklal Avenue, Taksim Square gives you a taste of modern Turkey and the area boasts fashion and food. With several international high street brands, this square is a gastronome’s heaven of Turkish delicacies and it is not surprising that Taksim is known to be a celebrity hot spot.

Tourists and shoppers on Istiklal Street. Photo: Farwa Aamer

I especially love the fancy little trams that run between the streets.

A tram weaving its way through Istiklal Street. Photo: Farwa Aamer

• People

The most admirable thing about Turkey, without a doubt is its people. Hospitality, generosity and warmth are at the core of their personalities and they can befriend anyone. In spite of language barriers, they try their best to help you out and make you feel at home in their country.

I can go on and on about the marvels of Turkey but for now, you will have to be content with this excerpt from my travel diary. Those nine days are etched in my memory and I cannot wait to be back to see more of what Turkey has to offer!

So people, you know where to plan your next escapade. But a word of caution – avoid planning a vacation in Turkey during winters. They are harsh! But beautiful. The rest is up to you!

Bon voyage!

Saudi activist sentenced to 300 lashes, 4 yrs in jail after calling for constitutional monarchy

Saudi's King Abdullah (AFP Photo / HO / SPA)

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ACPRA’s Omar al-Saed, 24, was jailed after the organization called for democracy and made statements criticizing the country’s ruling family over its human rights record, Reuters reported. A Saudi Arabian political activist was sentenced to four years in prison, 300 lashes, and a travel ban after calling for a constitutional monarchy. He is the fourth member of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA) to be jailed this year.

Al-Saed berated the motivations behind his imprisonment via the ACPRA website in a statement released by the group on Friday: “I am the proud prisoner Omar Mohammed al-Saed. I read out to you the motives and causes of my imprisonment: my hatred of injustice, the fabrication of pain and misery, taking advantage of passive attitudes, treating them as if they were fools, and denying them their livelihoods for brutal personal ambition,” he said.

Al-Saed was not allowed legal representation at the secret hearing in which he received his sentence, according to an ACPRA statement. The judge denied that the session had been kept secret, but al-Saed rebutted that for a session to be public, it must be announced prior to its taking place so that proper representatives are able to attend and people can bear witness to its proceedings.

“This unjust sentence is an honor and pride to Omar al-Saed and a disgrace and shame to Judge Issa al-Matrudi,” the activist’s brother, Abdullah al-Saed, tweeted after learning of the sentence late on Thursday.

“It's just another troubling instance of Saudi authorities' absolute refusal to countenance any activism or criticism of Saudi policies or human rights abuses,” Adam Coogle, a Middle East researcher at Human Rights Watch told Reuters on Sunday.

A spokesman for the country’s Justice Ministry would not confirm the accuracy of the report to the agency.

Media in the country is strictly self-censored. Political dissent or criticism of the royal family is not tolerated, and protests are outlawed.

At the end of November, two Saudi men were arrested for offering ‘free hugs’ to passersby, on the grounds that they were “indulging in exotic practices” and offending public order.

Amnesty International has spoken out against the regime’s oppressive practices, releasing a report titled “Saudi Arabia: Unfulfilled Promises” in October.

The report slammed the country for failing to implement any of the main recommendations they accepted under a previous review by the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) which took place in 2009.

Saudi Arabia remains one of the top five executioners in the world. The death penalty is still applied to a wide range of non-lethal crimes such as adultery, armed robbery, apostasy, drug smuggling, kidnapping, rape, “witchcraft,” and “sorcery.” Since 2009, appeals by the growing human rights movement in the country have been met with harsh measures such as arbitrary arrests, detention without charge or trial, unfair trials, and travel bans, Amnesty stated

I am a terrible businessman: Arshad Warsi

Actor feels that a producer’s job is a thankless one.

MUMBAI: 

Moviemaking is as tough as running a business. It is tricky and taxing says actor Arshad Warsi, who tried his hands at production with Hum Tum Aur Ghost, and ended up burning his fingers.

Director Kabeer Kaushik, of Sehar fame, wielded the megaphone for Hum Tum Aur Ghost, which showed Arshad as a man who can see dead people. The unoriginal story failed to connect with either the audience or the critics.

The 45-year-old’s experience has taught him that a “producer’s job is a thankless job.” Arshad says that it was an enlightening experience that showed him what his shortcomings were. “It is one of the most difficult things to do and especially with someone like me — I am a terrible businessman. If I want to produce, I have to get somebody involved,” said Arshad.

Nowadays, a producer’s job description has evolved to include a head for business, because movies are treated like products the packaging of which has become essential to get right. “It’s a tough job in today’s time when movies are not just films, they have become products. So you are not a producer any more, you are a businessman who needs to sell his product. It’s a whole different ball game now. The whole charm of making a movie has gone. Now it’s very taxing to do it,” he explains.

Arshad has now put film production on the backburner. Currently he is busy with his acting projects and he is looking forward to the release of films Dedh Ishqiya (a sequel to Ishqiya) and Mr Joe B Carvalho. Both are coming out in January next year.

Arshad has done some very intimate scenes with co-star Huma Qureshi, despite the fact that his wife Maria Goretti doesn’t like him getting cosy with co-stars on screen. “Maria doesn’t like it at all. There are no two ways about it and I can totally understand,” said the actor, who has two children with his wife. “I don’t like it myself. There was no hint of me ever becoming an actor. It happened by default. Poor thing, she didn’t know what she was getting into,” he added humorously.

Survival is not easy in filmdom as there is tough competition everywhere, but Arshad is not insecure. “I am not competitive. A lot of people say that ‘the numbers game doesn’t matter to me’, but very few mean it,” he asserted. “When I do a film, for me, every person in that film is important. I don’t feel insecure at all. I want my film to do well. It becomes easy to work with a person like me. I improvise for everybody on the set.”

Male Style Icon 2013: Tom Hiddleston

What a dapper dreamboat. Photo: Tomo Brejc/ES Magazine

Looks like Loki has finally emerged from Thor’s shadow. With our female style icon last week being a princess, we decided to cross over to the dark side to find her equally royal male counterpart.

We present to you Tom Hiddleston, the British actor who shot to fame playing Marvel’s Loki, as our Male Style Icon 2013. He’s not only an A-list actor, but a rising style icon who we feel is the very definition of a well dressed modern man. With his pitch-perfect elocution, old-school good looks, a mischievous edge and a sharply-tailored yet youthful fashion philosophy, Tom Hiddleston leads a growing group of English thespians with a thoroughly modern sense of style.

He seems to have terrible luck with rankings, coming in at No 2 on Empire’s The 100 Sexiest Movie Stars List 2013, and just losing out to Dan Stevens for the title of GQ’s Best Dressed Man, but he’s definitely on the top of all our lists. Hiddleston is a quintessentially British gentleman, who looks like he goes to sleep in a three-piece suit, so much so that Esquire used him to illustrate a ‘How to wear Black-tie’ guide. That’s not to say that he can’t pull off casual cool, his personal favourite item from his wardrobe is an Armani leather jacket. We say that any man that can pull off a horned helmet or a studded Versace jacket is an absolute keeper. With an array of hairstyles ranging from short and cropped to long and slicked back like his iconic character, Hiddleston doesn’t shy away from experimentation.

As menstylefashion.com puts it, there’s a playful edge to this look that comes across both in Tom’s body language — the key to all successful styles — and in his choice of accompanying pieces. Whether it’s thick framed sunglasses, a bookish scarf or a cheeky pair of cowboy boots, Tom ensures that a flash of personality keeps the look from becoming intimidating. This is reflected in his more casual wear, which functions as the very definition of ‘smart casual’; those same tailored suit trousers and Oxford shoes paired with a simple T-shirt and leather jacket combo.

He’s currently serving on the London Collections: Men committee of the British Fashion Council because Chair of London Collections Dylan Jones recognised how influential Hiddleston is when it comes to style. Whether he is in medieval kingly garb, a WW1 soldier’s uniform or in a tuxedo on the red carpet, he looks effortlessly well put together. It’s no wonder why he has been named Glamour’s Man of the Year.