PHOTO ENCOUNTER PAKISTAN: An exhibition by DawnRelief

Published November 15, 2010
ENTERING THE SHAH RUKN-E-ALAM’S DARBAR
Shah Rukn-e-Alam’s Tomb, Multan, Punjab

The tomb of the Sufi saint Shah Rukn-e-Alam (The pillar of the world) was built between 1320 and 1324. This octagonal building rises to a height of 30.5 metres and has an internal diameter of 16 metres. The dome, said to be the second largest in the world, has a diameter of 17 metres. The exterior of the Mausoleum is made of red bricks, embellished with glazed tile panels, string courses and battlements. 

Photographer
ENTERING THE SHAH RUKN-E-ALAM’S DARBAR Shah Rukn-e-Alam’s Tomb, Multan, Punjab The tomb of the Sufi saint Shah Rukn-e-Alam (The pillar of the world) was built between 1320 and 1324. This octagonal building rises to a height of 30.5 metres and has an internal diameter of 16 metres. The dome, said to be the second largest in the world, has a diameter of 17 metres. The exterior of the Mausoleum is made of red bricks, embellished with glazed tile panels, string courses and battlements. Photographer
A SAINT FOR ALL
Madho Lal Hussain’s Shrine, Lahore, Punjab

A malang dances at Madho Lal Hussain’s shrine. Shah Hussain was a mystic and Mado Lal, a Hindu youth, was his friend and disciple. Shah Hussain was so close to Madho Lal that he is known by the composite name of Madho Lal Hussain, and they are buried beside each other. His death anniversary (urs) is celebrated with a Mela Chiraghan (Festival of Lights) every year in March.

Photographer: Mahmood Qureshi
A SAINT FOR ALL Madho Lal Hussain’s Shrine, Lahore, Punjab A malang dances at Madho Lal Hussain’s shrine. Shah Hussain was a mystic and Mado Lal, a Hindu youth, was his friend and disciple. Shah Hussain was so close to Madho Lal that he is known by the composite name of Madho Lal Hussain, and they are buried beside each other. His death anniversary (urs) is celebrated with a Mela Chiraghan (Festival of Lights) every year in March. Photographer: Mahmood Qureshi
MOUNTAIN FISHERMAN
Chitral District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

A local man throws a net into the glistening waters of the Chitral River, which is well known for trout fishing. Chitral, which is located at an altitude of 1,100 metres, lies at the foot of Tirich Mir Mountain, the highest peak of the Hindu Kush range (7,708 metres). For six months the district is snowbound. Chitral is home to the elusive snow leopards.

Photographer: Sharjeel Ahmed
MOUNTAIN FISHERMAN Chitral District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa A local man throws a net into the glistening waters of the Chitral River, which is well known for trout fishing. Chitral, which is located at an altitude of 1,100 metres, lies at the foot of Tirich Mir Mountain, the highest peak of the Hindu Kush range (7,708 metres). For six months the district is snowbound. Chitral is home to the elusive snow leopards. Photographer: Sharjeel Ahmed
RIDING INTO THE SUNSET
Kanjwani, Punjab 

These tent peggers with lances aloft ride away after a day in the arena. Tent pegging is a popular equestrian sport in Pakistan. A rider, carrying a lance or sword, attempts to pull out a peg screwed into the ground. He wins four points if he is able to carry the peg for a distance of three metres. If the peg drops before, he only wins points. If he is unable to pull the peg, he is dropped from the game.

Photographer: Umair Ghani
RIDING INTO THE SUNSET Kanjwani, Punjab These tent peggers with lances aloft ride away after a day in the arena. Tent pegging is a popular equestrian sport in Pakistan. A rider, carrying a lance or sword, attempts to pull out a peg screwed into the ground. He wins four points if he is able to carry the peg for a distance of three metres. If the peg drops before, he only wins points. If he is unable to pull the peg, he is dropped from the game. Photographer: Umair Ghani
THE BLUES OF BHIT SHAH 
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s Shrine, Bhit Shah, Sindh

Elaborate kashi tiles in shades of blue decorate the surfaces of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s shrine, which is built in typical Sindhi style with limestone domes, minarets, tile and mirror work. Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is a revered Sindhi saint and poet; he renounced material comforts, and chose a bhit or sand dune on which to sit and meditate. His poems have been compiled in a collection entitled Shah Jo Risalo.

Photogra
THE BLUES OF BHIT SHAH Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s Shrine, Bhit Shah, Sindh Elaborate kashi tiles in shades of blue decorate the surfaces of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s shrine, which is built in typical Sindhi style with limestone domes, minarets, tile and mirror work. Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is a revered Sindhi saint and poet; he renounced material comforts, and chose a bhit or sand dune on which to sit and meditate. His poems have been compiled in a collection entitled Shah Jo Risalo. Photogra
A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN
Lyari, Karachi, Sindh

A young boy from Karachi’s poverty and trouble stricken locality of Lyari dribbles a football, barefoot in the street. Football is a favourite sport in the neighbourhood but most young boys are forced to play in the street due to a lack of dedicated recreational spaces.

Photographer:  Hussain Afzal
A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN Lyari, Karachi, Sindh A young boy from Karachi’s poverty and trouble stricken locality of Lyari dribbles a football, barefoot in the street. Football is a favourite sport in the neighbourhood but most young boys are forced to play in the street due to a lack of dedicated recreational spaces. Photographer: Hussain Afzal
MEAT MARKET
Karachi, Sindh

Two transgender persons (hijras) loiter outside a butcher’s stall in Karachi. A marginalised group, they often live in communities headed by a guru; while historically hijras were the special group of people who were given access to the harems in royal courts, today they are reduced to prostitution, begging and performing at ceremonies for a living.

Photographer: Kohi Marri
MEAT MARKET Karachi, Sindh Two transgender persons (hijras) loiter outside a butcher’s stall in Karachi. A marginalised group, they often live in communities headed by a guru; while historically hijras were the special group of people who were given access to the harems in royal courts, today they are reduced to prostitution, begging and performing at ceremonies for a living. Photographer: Kohi Marri
TERRACE VIEW
Walled City, Lahore, Punjab

In Lahore’s Walled City, a woman standing in her balcony peers into the narrow street below. Originally the City could be accessed through 13 gates, although some have been destroyed. Several multistoried red brick havelis with carved wooden balconies and overhanging windows are also located in the Walled City.

Photographer: Mahmood Qureshi
TERRACE VIEW Walled City, Lahore, Punjab In Lahore’s Walled City, a woman standing in her balcony peers into the narrow street below. Originally the City could be accessed through 13 gates, although some have been destroyed. Several multistoried red brick havelis with carved wooden balconies and overhanging windows are also located in the Walled City. Photographer: Mahmood Qureshi
DIVINE INTERSECTION
Allahwala Chowk, Karachi, Sindh

The Allahwala Chowk stands resolutely at the intersection of Tariq Road and Shahrah-e-Quaideen, one of Karachi’s busiest commercial hubs. Tariq Road is a shopper’s paradise and is busy throughout the day and well into the night. 

Photographer:  Tahir Jamal
DIVINE INTERSECTION Allahwala Chowk, Karachi, Sindh The Allahwala Chowk stands resolutely at the intersection of Tariq Road and Shahrah-e-Quaideen, one of Karachi’s busiest commercial hubs. Tariq Road is a shopper’s paradise and is busy throughout the day and well into the night. Photographer: Tahir Jamal
CATHEDRAL AT NIGHT
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Karachi, Sindh

St. Patrick’s Cathedral stands tall and majestic in the night. The Cathedral was consecrated in April 1881. It was built in the Gothic style and designed by three members of the Society of Jesus: Father Wagner, Brother Kluver and Brother Lau.

Photographer:  Tahir Jamal
CATHEDRAL AT NIGHT St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Karachi, Sindh St. Patrick’s Cathedral stands tall and majestic in the night. The Cathedral was consecrated in April 1881. It was built in the Gothic style and designed by three members of the Society of Jesus: Father Wagner, Brother Kluver and Brother Lau. Photographer: Tahir Jamal
IN THE SHADOW OF MR. JINNAH
Mr. Jinnah’s Mausoleum, Karachi, Sindh

Boy Scouts and Girl Guides visit Mr. Jinnah’s Mausoleum on August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day. Mr. Jinnah once said that “scouting can play a very vital role in forming the character of our youth, promoting their physical, mental and spiritual development and making them well disciplined, useful and good citizens”.

Photographer:  Tahir Jamal
IN THE SHADOW OF MR. JINNAH Mr. Jinnah’s Mausoleum, Karachi, Sindh Boy Scouts and Girl Guides visit Mr. Jinnah’s Mausoleum on August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day. Mr. Jinnah once said that “scouting can play a very vital role in forming the character of our youth, promoting their physical, mental and spiritual development and making them well disciplined, useful and good citizens”. Photographer: Tahir Jamal
BEAUTY BECOMES HER
Pakistan Fashion Week 2, Karachi, Sindh

A model prepares for the ramp at Pakistan Fashion Week 2. Held in Karachi in March 2010, the event showcased local and international designers and was covered in the international media including New York Fashion, The Independent, The Telegraph, Time as well as CNN and the BBC.

Photography by: Malika
BEAUTY BECOMES HER Pakistan Fashion Week 2, Karachi, Sindh A model prepares for the ramp at Pakistan Fashion Week 2. Held in Karachi in March 2010, the event showcased local and international designers and was covered in the international media including New York Fashion, The Independent, The Telegraph, Time as well as CNN and the BBC. Photography by: Malika
PATRIOTIC FERVOUR
Shiekhupura Stadium, Sheikhupura, Lahore

A young cricket fan looks on to the field of play as he and a group of supporters cheer on the Pakistan cricket team at the Shiekhupura Stadium. The Stadium which was built as a multi-sport facility is mostly used to host cricket matches. It is the same venue where Wasim Akram scored his highest test score against Zimbabwe. 

Photograph: Arif Ali
PATRIOTIC FERVOUR Shiekhupura Stadium, Sheikhupura, Lahore A young cricket fan looks on to the field of play as he and a group of supporters cheer on the Pakistan cricket team at the Shiekhupura Stadium. The Stadium which was built as a multi-sport facility is mostly used to host cricket matches. It is the same venue where Wasim Akram scored his highest test score against Zimbabwe. Photograph: Arif Ali
CAMEL RIDE AT CLIFTON
Clifton Beach, Karachi, Sindh

A camel ride by the deceptively calm waters of the Arabian Sea is one of the main recreational activities for visitors to Clifton’s famous beach strip – Sea View. Besides wading through the shallow waves, visitors can enjoy horse rides as well. Cargo ships seen on the horizon are a reminder of the importance of Karachi as a regional hub of trade and commerce.
Photographer:  Tahir Jamal
CAMEL RIDE AT CLIFTON Clifton Beach, Karachi, Sindh A camel ride by the deceptively calm waters of the Arabian Sea is one of the main recreational activities for visitors to Clifton’s famous beach strip – Sea View. Besides wading through the shallow waves, visitors can enjoy horse rides as well. Cargo ships seen on the horizon are a reminder of the importance of Karachi as a regional hub of trade and commerce. Photographer: Tahir Jamal
BIG SISTER’S BABY BROTHER 
Taubat, Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu & Kashmir  

A young girl from Taubat carries her baby brother as she walks back to her hometown, Taubat in the Neelum Valley. The Neelum Valley is a 200 kilometre long valley and runs along the Neelum River (known as Kishanganga pre-Partition). It is considered to be the most picturesque of Kashmir’s valleys and is famous for its scenic beauty, fir forests and waterfalls.

Photographer:  Tapu Javeri
BIG SISTER’S BABY BROTHER Taubat, Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu & Kashmir A young girl from Taubat carries her baby brother as she walks back to her hometown, Taubat in the Neelum Valley. The Neelum Valley is a 200 kilometre long valley and runs along the Neelum River (known as Kishanganga pre-Partition). It is considered to be the most picturesque of Kashmir’s valleys and is famous for its scenic beauty, fir forests and waterfalls. Photographer: Tapu Javeri

PHOTO ENCOUNTER PAKISTAN is an initiative aimed at raising funds for Pakistan's flood affected people and will feature over 300 photographs by Pakistan’s top photographers including Arif Ali, Umair Ghani, Tapu Javeri, Pervaiz A. Khan, Arif Mahmood, Mahmood Qureshi and Ayesha Vellani. The exhibition will take place in several cities throughout the United Kingdom, from the end of November to early December.

In this collection are some of the photographs that will be on display at the exhibition.

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