Pakistan’s Oscar-winning director launches artist residency program, bringing together international talent

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy attends the "Ms. Marvel" New York Gold House Event at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on June 08, 2022 in New York City, US. (AFP/File)
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Updated 11 June 2023
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Pakistan’s Oscar-winning director launches artist residency program, bringing together international talent

  • The program will take place in the picturesque Shigar Valley located in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region
  • The artists will receive mentorship to pursue their dreams and get a chance to work in a shared studio

KARACHI: Four artists from Pakistan and the United States have been selected for an international artist residency program launched by Oscar-winning director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy which is due to begin today, Sunday, in the country’s northern areas, raising hopes that its participants will bring “diverse perspectives” to the table.

The residency program, called Neela Asmaan (Blue Sky), was announced in February 2023 by Obaid-Chinoy’s film company. Its aim is to offer artists an opportunity to draw inspiration from the picturesque Shigar Valley in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region.

Writers, photographers, philosophers, architects, and design practitioners, among others, were invited to apply to the program, which promised to provide private accommodations and shared studio spaces. Additionally, mentorship and a stipend of up to Rs100,000 ($348) were offered to cover travel expenses.

“Neela Asmaan is thrilled to announce the talented individuals selected for our prestigious Artist Residency Program! Join us in congratulating Amber Eswani, Ayesha Husain, Javaria Waseem, and Sania Maskatiya,” the program announced on its Instagram page on Friday.

“Over the next few months, these exceptional artists will immerse themselves in our creative haven, fostering inspiration and artistic growth. Stay tuned as we witness their journeys unfold and the magic they create.”

During a press conference on June 8, Obaid-Chinoy expressed her excitement about the diverse perspectives of the artists and their overall talents, stating they would undoubtedly make the experience dynamic and enriching for everyone involved.

“We can’t wait to witness the awe-inspiring journeys and incredible artworks that will emerge from this residency,” she said.

Each resident artist will be paired with a mentor who will provide meaningful feedback and help them hone their creative skills.

Among the creatives, Husain has a background in English literature and educational leadership. She recently published her first novel, “What More Could She Possibly Want?,” and applied for the program on her daughter’s suggestion to continue working on her writing and put together another work of fiction.

“My aim is to be able to put at least a plot and some characters, and the first chapter for my second novel during the residency program,” she told Arab News on Saturday.

Husain plans to set the novel in the 1800s, based on her mother’s ancestors who owned much of the fabled Qissa Khwani Bazaar (Storytellers’ Market) in Peshawar.

“This space to be away and cut off from society is just what I need to focus while reading, writing, and planning,” she added. “I will be paired with a writer [mentor] who will guide me. A platform like this is encouraging for artists because we tend to forget how important the arts are.”

Waseem, on the other hand, is a director and screenwriter who recently completed her postgraduate studies in filmmaking from École Internationale de Création Audiovisuelle et de Réalization (EICAR), an international television and film school in Paris. Although she made multiple documentaries during her undergraduate program, the script she plans to work on during the residency will be her first fiction film.

“I applied for the residency as a filmmaker to work on a project that is more focused on the screenwriting part, so I hope to develop the script by the end of the residency,” she told Arab News.

It’s a short film based on a “personal story,” she said, adding it would revolve around Pakistan’s social and cultural values and their impact on women.

“After spending two years abroad, I saw a lot of these opportunities for people in Europe and all around the world, but there was a void in Pakistan,” Waseem said. “We need more initiatives like these in Pakistan where we not just explore diverse cultures and voices from different creative mediums but also support them. Because, as an artist, it is not easy to kick off your career in Pakistan.”

Asked about the application process, she said it was very “easy” and led to an interview.

Waseem said she had not applied for anything like this in Pakistan before, making her a bit hesitant at first, though she added that she would like to recommend the program to others for future residency cycles.

Eswani, another selected artist, has found expression in creating content that delicately fuses Eastern and Western cultures. She plans to develop a web series that blends storytelling and cultural influences during the residency program.

Maskatiya, an acclaimed fashion designer in Pakistan, will be venturing into a new medium of expression by delving into the realm of painting during the residency.


Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa calls for talks with Afghanistan to address militancy

Updated 12 min 49 sec ago
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Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa calls for talks with Afghanistan to address militancy

  • The provincial administration held a meeting with religious and political leaders to discuss the issue
  • Chief Minister Gandapur says a jirga will be formed for result-oriented negotiations with Afghanistan

PESHAWAR: The administration of Pakistan’s militancy-hit northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province on Saturday called for government-level negotiations with Afghanistan, announcing that it would constitute a jirga, or a traditional tribal council, to engage with authorities in Kabul, according to an official statement.

The statement followed a consultative meeting convened by the KP administration under the title “National Unity Against Terrorism,” bringing together representatives from various religious and political parties. The discussions come amid a sharp rise in militancy in the region, including suicide bombings, attacks on civilians and security forces and kidnappings of local businessmen and government functionaries.

Pakistan’s top military and political leadership has blamed the surge in violence on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants launching cross-border attacks from Afghanistan, accusing Kabul’s administration of harboring and facilitating them, though the allegation is denied by the Afghan authorities.

The country’s security forces have also conducted intelligence-based operations against militant hideouts in KP and has reportedly launched airstrikes inside Afghanistan to target TTP militants. However, the consultative session in KP called for a more peaceful approach, seeking the government to engage in constructive talks with Afghan authorities.

“The security situation in our province is directly linked to developments in neighboring Afghanistan,” Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said, according to an official statement circulated after the meeting.

“To find a lasting solution to the issue of terrorism in the country, there is a need for government-level negotiations with Afghanistan,” he added.

“A jirga will be formed to hold meaningful and result-oriented negotiations with Afghanistan,” Gandapur said, referring to the traditional tribal assembly system used for conflict resolution and decision-making in Pashtun-majority areas.

KP’s administration is run by former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which has historically advocated negotiations with TTP to resolve militant violence.

The federal government in Islamabad, however, argues that past talks with militants only allowed them to regroup and launch more deadly attacks against Pakistan’s security interests.

Islamabad has repeatedly pressed Kabul to eliminate TTP sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, while the Afghan Taliban have called for dialogue instead of military action.


England opening batsman Ben Duckett fit for Champions Trophy

Updated 5 sec ago
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England opening batsman Ben Duckett fit for Champions Trophy

  • Duckett suffered a problem in his left groin during England’s 142-run loss to India on Wednesday
  • The injury placed a question mark over the 30-year-old’s availability for the Champions Trophy

LONDON: England’s prospects for the Champions Trophy received a boost on Saturday when opening batsman Ben Duckett was passed fit for the one-day international tournament.
Duckett suffered a problem in his left groin during England’s crushing 142-run loss to India in the third ODI in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
His injury placed a question mark over the 30-year-old’s availability for the Champions Trophy, which starts in Pakistan next week and features the eight top-ranked ODI teams qualified from the 2023 50-over World Cup.
But the dashing left-hander has now been given the all clear following a scan, with an England and Wales Cricket Board statement saying: “Scans on a left groin injury have confirmed that England Men’s batter Ben Duckett is fit and available for the ICC Champions Trophy.
“Duckett sustained the injury while fielding during the first innings of England’s third ODI defeat to India in Ahmedabad last Wednesday.”
England are set to arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday before they begin their Champions Trophy campaign against oldest rivals Australia in Lahore on Saturday, with all-rounder Jacob Bethell ruled out because of a hamstring injury and replaced by Tom Banton.
Since winning the 2019 World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup, England have struggled in white-ball cricket with Wednesday’s thumping defeat condemning them to a 3-0 series loss against India in what was Test coach Brendon McCullum’s first ODI campaign since he also took charge of the limited-overs side.


Pakistani and Saudi finance chiefs discuss boosting strategic ties ahead of AlUla conference

Updated 15 February 2025
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Pakistani and Saudi finance chiefs discuss boosting strategic ties ahead of AlUla conference

  • Muhammad Aurangzeb brings up enhanced bilateral trade, investments and collaboration with his counterpart
  • The ministers emphasize the need for continued economic dialogue, increased cooperation through joint initiatives

KARACHI: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Saturday discussed unlocking the full potential of their strategic relationship, as the finance chiefs of both countries met ahead of the Emerging Markets Conference in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, according to an official statement.
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb arrived in the Kingdom to attend the two-day conference, which begins on Sunday, at the invitation of his Saudi counterpart Mohammed Al-Jadaan.
The annual economic policy forum is organized by the Saudi finance ministry in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regional office in Riyadh. The event will bring together emerging market finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers, public and private sector leaders, international institutions and academics.
“The meeting [between the two finance chiefs] underscored a shared commitment to build bridges of economic cooperation and advance mutual prosperity,” Pakistan’s finance ministry said in a statement after Aurangzeb’s interaction with Al-Jadaan.
“The discussions highlighted opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade, investments and financial collaboration, with both ministers expressing their dedication to unlocking the full potential of their countries’ strategic partnership,” it added.
Pakistan is navigating a fragile economic recovery under a $7 billion IMF loan program secured in September 2024, after implementing austerity measures and policy reforms to avert a sovereign default in 2023.
To facilitate Pakistan’s economic recovery, Saudi Arabia signed 34 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth $2.8 billion last October to boost private sector investment in key areas, including energy, infrastructure and technology.
During their meeting, the two ministers explored avenues for collaboration in infrastructure, energy, technology and finance, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and joint initiatives to facilitate investment flows and economic opportunities that could benefit the broader region.
According to an earlier statement by Pakistan’s finance ministry, Aurangzeb is scheduled to participate in a high-level panel discussion titled “The Path to Emergent Markets,” hosted by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
The conference will feature nine sessions, with 200 participants and 36 speakers, focusing on economic resilience, financial policies for emerging markets and global economic challenges.
The discussions come at a time when the world economy is facing persistent shocks, trade tensions between major world powers, geopolitical instability and tight financial conditions.
“The conference will provide a unique platform for world leaders to discuss and analyze domestic, regional and global economic conditions and developments and to exchange ideas on solutions to global challenges,” the Pakistani finance ministry added.


Pakistan, Saudi military officials agree to deepen defense and security ties

Updated 15 February 2025
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Pakistan, Saudi military officials agree to deepen defense and security ties

  • General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is in Saudi Arabia for the Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting
  • His discussions with Saudi officials focused on military exchange programs, ongoing training initiatives

KARACHI: Senior Pakistani and Saudi military officials have agreed to further consolidate bilateral defense and security cooperation during their meetings in the Kingdom, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Saturday.
Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is currently visiting Saudi Arabia to attend the 8th round of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting.
The Kingdom remains one of Pakistan’s key defense and security allies, with ties encompassing a range of activities, including counterterrorism collaboration.
“Both sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation between Armed Forces of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, focusing on mutual exchange programs, training initiatives and other defense-related activities,” the ISPR said.

In this handout photo, released by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on February 14, 2025, Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza reviews the Guard of Honor at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Riyadh, as he arrives to attend the 8th round of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOD)

“The military leadership reaffirmed their commitment for further strengthening existing defense and security cooperation between the two brotherly countries,” it added.
During his visit, General Mirza held meetings with Major General Talal Bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Assistant Minister of Defense, and General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff of Saudi Arabia.

In this handout photo, released by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on February 14, 2025, Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza (left) reviews the Guard of Honor at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Riyadh, as he arrives to attend the 8th round of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOD)

Their discussions covered strategic and security issues, the evolving regional environment and bilateral defense collaboration.
The JMCC meeting, which Mirza and Al-Ruwaili co-chaired, serves as a key platform for defense dialogue and coordination between the two nations.

In this handout photo, released by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on February 14, 2025, Saudi military officials welcome Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Riyadh, as he arrives to attend the 8th round of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOD)

The ISPR said Saudi military officials praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against militancy.
Upon his arrival at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Saudi Arabia, General Mirza was given a Guard of Honor by a smartly turned-out military contingent, reflecting the strong defense ties between the two nations.

In this handout photo, released by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on February 14, 2025, Saudi and Pakistani military officials gesture for a group photograph following the 8th round of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Riyadh. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOD)

 


Pakistan’s interior minister calls for global unity against militant violence in meeting with US envoy

Updated 15 February 2025
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Pakistan’s interior minister calls for global unity against militant violence in meeting with US envoy

  • Mohsin Naqvi expresses optimism that Pakistan-US ties will strengthen under President Donald Trump
  • His recent meetings with US lawmakers focused on combating militancy, strengthening bilateral ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday described militant violence as an international challenge, calling for global solidarity to combat the threat during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker.
Baker assumed the role at the US Embassy in Islamabad in January, following the departure of Ambassador Donald Blome. The position is a temporary appointment, with her responsibilities including engagement with Pakistani officials on bilateral issues until a new envoy is confirmed.
“Terrorism is an international issue, and the global community must work together to address it,” Naqvi said during the meeting.
He also recalled his recent official visit to the United States, which took place earlier this month. The trip focused on bilateral cooperation, counterterrorism strategies and security concerns.
“The meetings with US Congress members were extremely positive,” the minister said. “Discussions focused on developing a joint strategy to combat terrorism and further strengthening bilateral relations.”
Pakistan and the US have historically cooperated on counterterrorism efforts, with both sides benefiting from intelligence-sharing support.
More recently, the US has repeatedly expressed support for Pakistan’s security concerns, particularly as Islamabad blames rising militant violence on cross-border attacks from Afghanistan — an allegation denied by authorities in Kabul.
Naqvi expressed optimism that Pakistan-US relations would strengthen under President Donald Trump’s administration.
He also invited Baker to attend Islamabad’s upcoming spring festival celebrations.