Stories by Mashael Shah

Through lumps and bumps: Breast cancer isn’t a battle fought alone

During this life-altering journey, patients can find strength in support groups that their families can’t always provide.

Published 25 Oct, 2025 11:18am

Why Lahori musician Asfand is an artist in the ‘truest sense’

He's done a lot behind the scenes for other artists. We're taking a deep dive into his own, deeply personal work.

Published 18 Aug, 2025 05:01pm

Two dermatologists on why brown people need to wear sunscreen too

As one doctor put it, slip, slap, slop on that sunscreen!

Published 19 Apr, 2025 11:42am

‘Focus on what to do, rather than the how’: CG artist Haris Ahmad on crafting animation

British-Pakistani computer graphics supervisor Haris Ahmad is making waves in the animation scene with movies like StarDog and TurboCat.

Published 11 Apr, 2025 12:43pm

Funny girls — four women changing Pakistan’s male-dominated comedy scene

Women? We're hilarious.

Published 28 Mar, 2025 12:25pm

Going Loco for Local: Lo-Kal Bites’ chocolate mousse is a deliciously guilt-free indulgence

Stress-free chocolate heaven.

Published 07 Mar, 2025 03:16pm

Saniya Chughtai is blending Pakistani folklore and mythology with young adult fantasy to create magic

The author's new series The Rise of the Energy Warriors is set entirely in Pakistan, and, as she puts it, belongs to the soil of Pakistan.

Published 19 Feb, 2025 11:42am

KLF Day 2: Experts say social media is not the villain at panel on youth mental health

Day 2 of the festival highlighted the need for media, schools, and society to adapt rather than villainise social media.

Updated 08 Feb, 2025 03:19pm

‘So proud, grateful’: Pakistani chef Maryam Ishtiaq on making it to Gordon Ramsay’s cooking show

The private chef and content creator was selected from "thousands of applicants" to take part in Next Level Chef.

Published 01 Feb, 2025 04:19pm

Book review: Nazneen Sheikh’s I Left You Behind encapsulates the complexities of being alive

Through 17 short stories, readers journey from Murree to Ontario with an unnamed protagonist who teaches them what it means to be a woman.

Published 16 Nov, 2024 01:46pm

Asma Abbas, women over 30 don’t have an expiry date

The actor recently said women should be married before they turn 30, lest they become too "opinionated". I humbly disagree.

Published 26 Oct, 2024 05:32pm

Going loco for local: Block Prints by Afifa offer tote-ally chic bags for daily use

Super cute, super unique and locally made — what else could you possibly need?

Published 18 Oct, 2024 04:00pm

Through lumps and bumps: Breast cancer isn’t a battle fought alone

During this life-altering journey, patients can find strength in support groups that their families can’t always provide.

Published 11 Oct, 2024 01:14pm

From Gaza with love: 20 Palestinians who inspire us

As the assault on Gaza rages on, these individuals have stayed in the besieged city and shown the world what it means to be brave.

Published 07 Oct, 2024 10:38am

HUM Awards 2024 — A night of fashion faux pas

Save for a very few outfits, it was very apparent that these weren't the HUM Style Awards.

Published 30 Sep, 2024 02:24pm

10 must-have bites to grab on the go in Bangkok

Confused about what to eat while you're zooming around the Thai capital? We've got you covered!

Updated 24 Sep, 2024 01:24pm

Flashes and the inevitable fallout: The cost of invading celebrities’ privacy

People sometimes forget that figures in the public eye have a right to their personhood and don't owe their fans anything.

Published 12 Sep, 2024 05:08pm

Going Loco for Local: Transport yourself to floral heaven with Koel’s motia body lotion

If you're obsessed with all things motia, this is the lotion for you!

Published 16 Aug, 2024 02:58pm

Imane Khelif is not trans and the drama around her gender is a classic case of weaponising white tears

With a cocktail of bigotry — racism, transphobia and misogyny — the Algerian boxer has faced intense hatred for doing absolutely nothing.

Published 03 Aug, 2024 05:01pm

Review: Banchan brings the Seoul of Korean barbecue to the heart of Karachi

The stars of the show were the beef bulgogi and kimchi, which paired with the steamed rice to create the perfect bite.

Published 24 Jul, 2024 04:19pm