Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi’s Lahore Biennale forging a cultural catalyst

An undated portrait of Sharjah's most renowned contemporary art personality, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, who has curated the 2020 Lahore Biennale, bringing a plethora of international artists with her. (Photo courtesy: Sebastian Bottcher)
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Updated 28 January 2020
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Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi’s Lahore Biennale forging a cultural catalyst

  • Al Qasimi is credited for transforming Sharjah into an international art capital
  • With her, she has brought a plethora of international artists to the historic city of Lahore

LAHORE: “The world has to understand what the history of Lahore is,” curator Sheikha Hoor Al-Qasimi said, as she explained how the Lahore Biennale could illuminate the richness and culture of the region and simultaneously foster international dialogues.
Themed “Between the Sun and the Moon,” the 2020 Lahore Biennale is now on view at various venues around the eastern Pakistani city. It is the first time that such a significant number of contemporary artists from all over the world have flocked to Lahore to display their work at historical sites across the city.




Rasheed Araeen's Shamiyaana -Food for Thought: Thought for Change displayed at the National College of Arts in Lahore on Jan. 28, 2020. (AN photo by Aisha Zaman)

In 2018, the inaugural Lahore Biennale attracted 1.5 million visitors according to its organisers-- an extraordinary number for an exhibition that only ran for a fortnight.
But it was Sharjah’s renowned Sheikha Al-Qasimi, considered one of the foremost authorities in the contemporary art world, who proposed the second edition, which launched over the weekend and will run through the end of February.
At the inauguration ceremony on Sunday evening, set against the backdrop of the majestic Lahore Fort, the audience comprised not just a spectacular line-up of local and international artists and politicians, but also eminent Middle Eastern personalities ranging from members of the Sharjah royal family to cultural authoritative figures such as Noura Al Kaabi, UAE’s Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development-- all of them in attendance simply because of their trust in Al Qasimi’s vision.




Barbara Walker’s “Transcended,” a series of site specific charcoal wall drawings depicting soldiers from the Commonwealth in World War I at Lahore’s historic Tollinton Market on Jan. 28, 2020. (AN photo by Aisha Zaman)

“I have blind faith in her curatorial skills. I am here because I know she will deliver a spectacular show,” said Mia Eldib, Sotheby’s Middle East consultant on Contemporary Arab Art, on her first visit to Lahore.
Some of the most popular contemporary artists recognised in the West belong to Pakistan, such as Shazia Sikander, Imran Qureshi, Aisha Khalid and Huma Mulji to name a few.
But, Al Qasimi’s mission is quite the opposite.
“Art is not just for the art elites,’ she said and added that it was not enough to offer international recognition to brilliant artists from the region, but instead to also bring foreign artists to engage with local artists and the community; a herculean task, which could only be accomplished by someone of Al Qasimi’s stature.




 Anwar Saeed’s “Habits of Being II (2011)” at the NCA, Lahore on Jan. 28, 2020. (AN photo Aisha Zaman)

Al Qasimi’s list of job titles, accolades, and collaborations is so long that it is hard to keep track of them all. The President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation, she is renowned for transforming Sharjah into an international art capital. She curated the UAE National Pavilion for the Venice Biennale in 2015 and is President of the International Bienniale Association. She also serves on the board of directors for the Museum of Modern Art PS1 in New York, Kunst-Werke in Berlin, Ashkal Alwan in Beirut and Sharjah Architecture Triennial as well as advisory boards for Khoj, New Delhi and Darat al Funun, Amman.
Her vision has led to the formation of the Sharjah Art foundation and other side projects, including the Africa Institute and the new Africa Hall. The Sharjah Biennale is consistently rated as one of the top 10 biennales in the world, which is quite the tribute when there are hundreds of art exhibitions taking place around the globe every year.
Yet, Al Qasimi said many artists were initially hesitant to travel to Pakistan, mindful of warnings that foreigners may be targeted and the threat of terrorist attacks. She managed to convince them otherwise. Now, works by around 80 artists, including 20 new commissions, will go on display in different venues across Lahore. British artist Barbara Walker will also be crafting a large wall mural in the city’s historic Tollington Market.




Inauguration of Lahore Biennale, Hazuri Bagh, Lahore Fort on Jan. 26, 2020. (Image Courtesy Lahore Biennale)

Lahore is new to the curator, which is one of the reasons she accepted the invitation to organise it from Qudsia Rahim, co-founder and director of the Lahore Biennale Foundation.
“I initially stated I will do it if I have the time, but I didn’t have the time, yet here I am,” Al Qasimi said with a mischievous smile.
“I was very interested because there is a long history between Pakistan and the UAE,” she said.
Over a series of speedy visits, she discovered Lahore--- a city with an abundance of historic sites, colonial-era markets as well as interesting modern buildings.
“Originally, I wanted the event to span the whole city, but then I had to cut it down due to practicality,” she said of selecting her venues.
The chosen sites include Lahore’s cricket ground, the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Fort and various other heritage sites. However, securing the city’s planetarium, which is run by Pakistan International Airlines, was her biggest achievement. It is a place many from the current generation have never heard of.




Installation by Khadim Ali at Summer Palace , Lahore Fort in Jan. 26, 2020. (Image Courtesy Lahore Biennale)

With Rahim’s help and countless negotiations, Al Qasimi persuaded the national carrier to open the planetarium’s doors to a new commission-- an immersive multimedia installation created by Berlin-based, Kazakhstan-born artist Almagul Menlibayeva, that was inspired by the astronomical discoveries made by Islamic astronomers in ancient Samarkand.
It will include site-specific performances by the Amsterdam-based sound artist German Popov and Russian artist Inna Artemova. 
This work befits the title of the biennale: ‘Between the Sun and the Moon,’ although the exhibition’s main focus will be on earth, and in particular, on the ‘Global South,’ which is the curator’s longstanding area of interest.
Commenting on the theme, Al Qasimi said: “For centuries, inhabitants of these regions oriented themselves with reference to the sun, the moon and the constellations. How do we reflect on our place within the universe today, at this junction of climate crisis and polarities between societies?”
“I wanted to do something about identities and connecting cultures because of the diaspora of British Asians and South Asians in the Middle East,” she said. 
Given the relative scarcity of regional dialogues within South Asia, the Biennale aims to foster a deeper and multifaceted exchange within Asia and the rest of the world; where physical boundaries are blurred to initiate conversations and to embark on a global mission to carve out a sustainable future.
At the same time, the city of Lahore becomes a wonderful catalyst for engaging local audiences with contemporary art and incorporating regional artists into the global art scene. 
“It is time to celebrate the opening up of this rich country,” Al Qasimi said. “With its plethora of artists, institutions and cultural heritage.”


Pakistan police say four militants killed in operation in Punjab’s Dera Ghazi Khan

Updated 01 June 2025
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Pakistan police say four militants killed in operation in Punjab’s Dera Ghazi Khan

  • The operation in DG Khan was launched on intelligence reports about militant movement near the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border
  • Pakistan is currently battling twin insurgencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which Punjab’s DG Khan district borders

ISLAMABAD: Police killed four militants in a successful operation in Dera Ghazi Khan district of Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province, Pakistani state media reported on Sunday.

The Dera Ghazi Khan, or DG Khan, district borders the southwestern Balochistan and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) where Pakistan has been battling twin insurgencies.

The operation was conducted in DG Khan’s Kot Mubarak area and the law enforcers recovered a sizeable cache of heavy weapons and ammunition from the site of the encounter.

“The swift and effective action of the police teams thwarted the terrorists’ nefarious plans,” the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported, citing officials.

“Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr. Usman Anwar commended the efforts of the Dera Ghazi Khan Police and said the Punjab police stand as a strong barrier against anti-state elements.”

Pakistan is currently battling twin insurgencies: one led by religiously motivated groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), mainly in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province and the other by ethno-nationalist Baloch separatist groups in Balochistan.

Militants often seek refuge in border areas of neighboring provinces amid intensifying counter-insurgency operations in KP and Balochistan.

The operation in DG Khan was launched on intelligence reports about militant movement near the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, the APP news agency reported, citing a police spokesman.

“Some suspects fled using cover from bushes and mounds,” it said. “A search-and-sweep operation is ongoing to track them down.”
 


Pakistan Navy conducts exercise to counter sub-conventional, asymmetric threats to major ports

Updated 01 June 2025
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Pakistan Navy conducts exercise to counter sub-conventional, asymmetric threats to major ports

  • The exercise comes weeks after Pakistani and India air and ground forces engaged in a four-day military conflict that killed 70 people
  • Reports suggests an Indian aircraft carrier maneuvered toward Karachi, but Pakistan Navy kept it confined to Indian territorial waters

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy has conducted a comprehensive two-day exercise to counter sub-conventional and asymmetric threats to all major ports and harbors, its Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR) said on Sunday, weeks after a four-day standoff with India.

While air forces and armies of both countries traded jet, drone, missile and artillery strikes last month, the two navies did not reportedly engage each other during the four-day standoff.

Media reports, however, suggested that Indian aircraft carrier Vikrant had maneuvered toward the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi, but Pakistan Navy kept it confined to the Indian territorial waters.

The DGPR said on Sunday the naval exercise was aimed at validating and refining Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) to ensure robust defense of critical maritime infrastructure against “evolving” asymmetrical threats.

“The exercise involved coordinated operations by PN (Pakistan Navy) Fleet units, Pakistan Marines, SSG (Special Services Group of Navy) and Naval Aviation assets,” it said in a statement.

“The exercise’s scenarios were designed to simulate a range of sub-conventional threats including sabotage, infiltration and unconventional attacks, enabling participating units to enhance inter-agency coordination, situational awareness and rapid response capabilities.”

During the exercise, Pakistan Coast Commander Rear Admiral Faisal Amin visited various operational setups at ports and harbors and witnessed live action simulations carried out by participating units.

“COMCOAST appreciated high level of preparedness and professional conduct demonstrated during the exercises,” the DGPR said.

“He emphasized the importance of maritime installations and added that secure functioning of ports and harbors is directly linked to national economic stability and growth.”


Haris hits maiden hundred as Pakistan whitewash Bangladesh

Updated 01 June 2025
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Haris hits maiden hundred as Pakistan whitewash Bangladesh

  • Haris, playing in his 17th T20I, carted seven sixes and eight boundaries in his 107 off just 46 balls
  • Pakistan chased down 197 runs in 17.2 overs for their first home T20I series win in over three years

LAHORE: Mohammad Haris hit a swashbuckling maiden international century to guide Pakistan to a 3-0 clean sweep of Bangladesh with a seven-wicket win in the third and final Twenty20 international in Lahore on Sunday.

Haris, playing in his 17th T20I, carted seven sixes and eight boundaries in his 107 off just 46 balls as Pakistan chased down a challenging 197-run target in 17.2 overs for their first home T20I series win in three-and-a-half years.

Pakistan won the first two matches by 37 and 57 runs at the same venue.

Bangladesh’s Litton Das (right) with teammates walk off the field on the end of the third Twenty20 cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, in Lahore, Pakistan, on June 1, 2025. (AP)

Parvez Hossain smashed four sixes and seven boundaries in his solid 34-ball 66 to lift Bangladesh to 196-6 in their 20 overs.

Pakistan lost Sahibzada Farhan for one in the first over but Haris, whose hundred came up off 45 balls, added 92 for the second wicket with Saim Ayub and an unbroken 60 for the fourth with Salman Agha who made 15 not out.

Ayub hit four sixes and two boundaries in his 29-ball 45 while Hasan Nawaz scored 13-ball 26 as the home batters enthralled a near-capacity 30,000 crowd at Gaddafi Stadium.

Bangladesh’s Litton Das (right) with teammates walk off the field on the end of the third Twenty20 cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, in Lahore, Pakistan, on June 1, 2025. (AP)

Earlier, Parvez shared a 110-run opening stand with Tanzid Hasan (32-ball 42 with three sixes and as many boundaries) after the tourists were sent in to bat.

The Parvez-Tanzid stand gave Bangladesh an ideal start for their highest T20I total against Pakistan beating the 175-6 they made against them at Pallekele in 2012.

Bangladesh’s Tanzid Hasan Tamim (right) plays a shot as Pakistan’s Mohammad Haris watches during the third Twenty20 cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, in Lahore, Pakistan, on June 1, 2025. (AP)

Towhid Hridoy, who scored 25 from 18 balls with a six and two boundaries, then added 49 for the third wicket with Litton Das who made 22.

Fast bowlers Abbas Afridi (2-26) and Hasan Ali (2-38) were the pick of the home bowlers.


Pakistan reaffirms commitment to macroeconomic stability as Ipsos survey shows rising consumer trust

Updated 01 June 2025
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Pakistan reaffirms commitment to macroeconomic stability as Ipsos survey shows rising consumer trust

  • The latest Ipsos survey revealed that 42% Pakistanis now believe the country is heading in the right direction
  • The development comes amid stabilization of key indicators, including inflation, exchange rate and forex reserves

KARACHI: Pakistan on Sunday reaffirmed its commitment to macroeconomic stability after Ipsos, a Paris-based global market research and consultation firm, said consumer confidence grew in the South Asian country in the second quarter of this year.

The Ipsos survey revealed a significant surge in consumer confidence, with 42% of Pakistanis now believing the country is heading in the right direction — the highest level recorded in six years.

Perceptions of the economy being strong reached their most favorable levels since August 2019, and optimism overtook pessimism that marked a key psychological shift among the population, according to the survey.

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the “encouraging” data reflected the success of his government’s disciplined and targeted macroeconomic strategy implemented over the last 14 months.

“He highlighted that consumer confidence in making major purchases and investments has doubled compared to the same period last year, indicating that households are beginning to feel more secure in their financial prospects. Similarly, confidence in job security is now at its highest since 2019, a sign that

labor market conditions are gradually stabilizing in response to pro-growth policies and reforms,” the finance ministry said.

“Senator Aurangzeb reaffirmed that the government remains committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability, accelerating structural reforms, and ensuring that economic growth translates into real and inclusive progress for all citizens.”

The development comes amid stabilization of key economic indicators, including inflation, exchange rate, foreign exchange reserves and fiscal discipline, that has led a renewed public trust in Pakistan, which is currently on path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program secured in Sept. last year.

Aurangzeb pointed out that this upswing in consumer confidence spans across urban and rural areas, and is particularly evident among youth and women, demonstrating the broad-based nature of the economic turnaround.

He linked this optimism to sustained government efforts to create an enabling environment to enhance private sector growth, exports, social protection and financial inclusion.

“The findings of the IPSOS survey are a timely validation of Pakistan’s economic direction and a clear signal that the country is on a steady path toward recovery and resilience,” the minister said.


India arrests 81 for ‘sympathizing’ with Pakistan

Updated 01 June 2025
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India arrests 81 for ‘sympathizing’ with Pakistan

  • There has been a clampdown on social media since an April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir
  • New Delhi blamed Pakistan for backing the militants it said carried out the attack, Islamabad denies the allegation

GUWAHATI: Indian police have arrested scores of people for “sympathizing” with Pakistan, a month after the worst conflict between the arch-rivals for decades, a top government official said Sunday.

The arrests took place in the northeastern state of Assam, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said “81 anti-nationals are now behind bars for sympathizing with Pak.”

Sarma, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist ruling party, said in a statement “our systems are constantly tracking anti-national posts on social media and taking actions.”

One of the persons was arrested after he posted a Pakistani flag on his Instagram, Assam police told AFP.

No further details about other arrests were given.

There has been a wider clampdown on social media since an April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, the deadliest on civilians in the contested Muslim-majority territory in decades.

New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the militants it said carried out the attack, charges that Pakistan denied.

India and Pakistan then fought a four-day conflict, their worst standoff since 1999, before a ceasefire was agreed on May 10.

India’s counter-terrorism agency last month arrested a paramilitary police officer for allegedly spying for Pakistan, while authorities have arrested at least 10 other people on espionage charges in May, according to local media.

Sarma is also pushing efforts to stem the contentious issue of illegal immigration.

Assam shares a long and porous border with neighboring Muslim-majority Bangladesh.

Indian media have reported that Assam’s government has allegedly rounded up dozens of alleged Bangladeshis in the past month and taken them to the frontier to cross.

The Times of India newspaper on Saturday reported that Assam was “dumping them in no-man’s land,” suggesting that at least 49 had been pushed back between May 27-29 alone.

The Assam government has not commented on the reports.

Bangladesh, largely encircled by land by India, has seen relations with New Delhi turn icy, after the Dhaka government was toppled in an uprising last year.

Bangladesh has also moved closer to China, as well as to Pakistan.