Popular Indian fashion brand Rubaaiyat by Mini Bindra launched its first franchised standalone store in Pakistan at the Gulberg Galleria in Lahore on April 17. This heralds the formal launch of the first Indian fashion brand in the country.

The event was a well-attended affair featuring designers, models and other social and media personalities. Chairperson of the executive committee of the PFDC, Sehyr Saigol; PFDC CEO Saad Ali; fashion designers Maheen Kardar Ali, HSY, Mohsin Ali, Yahsir Waheed, Zara Shahjahan, Asifa and Nabeel; TV personalities Ayesha Sana and Huma Amir Shah; stylist Shahzad Raza and former model Iman Ali among many others attended the event. The launch was hosted by veteran model Natasha Hussain with event management by QYT Events and public relations by Lotus.

Rubaaiyat by Mini Bindra also introduced their new collection titled ‘L’amore D’oro – Love for Gold’ at the event. The collection consists of delicate gold screen prints in shades of subtle hues like white, nude, beige, ochre, wheat, tan and fawn. The collection endeavours to fuse a diversity of thread work such as the famed Lucknowi chikankari and Banarsi brocade with traditional techniques such as Ari and Zari work.

On the occasion, Mini Bindra said: “As an Indian brand, we are extremely proud to be launching our first store in Pakistan. My husband Deepinder Singh and I have always championed the belief and business of crossborder fashion and to this end are already stocking a selection of Pakistan’s leading designers at the PFDC Delhi multi-label store of whom we are the official Delhi partners and owners.

Bringing Rubaaiyat to Pakistan is an extension of this commitment to the accessibility of fashion between our two countries and it is because of the demand for our own label that we bring to Pakistan an entire store of our own. I really feel this collaboration between the Pakistan and Indian fashion business communities is becoming a launching pad for many more trade collaborations.”

A team of Postal Service Officers on a three-week training course organised by ECO Postal Staff College Islamabad, visited the National College of Arts on April 16.

They met Principal Dr Murtaza Jafri and visited the college. The officers belonged to Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran as well as Pakistan. They visited classrooms and different departments of NCA. Assistant Prof Zahid Usman and Archives In-charge Rao Dilshad Ali conducted the tour. Principal Dr Jafri presented the visitors with college catalogues and newsletters on their departure.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah inaugurated an exhibition of old collections of senior artists at Zahoorul Akhlaq Art Gallery, NCA.

The minister said NCA was a historical institution and had produced great artists. Principal Prof Dr Murtaza Jafri introduced paintings of renowned and famous painters, including Sadequain.

Sanaullah also met with senior faculty members, including Prof Maqsood Pasha, Prof Fakharullah, Prof Naheed Fakhar, Rao Dilshad Ali, Shahzad Tanvir and Navid Ahmed.

Dr Jafri told the minister he had requested Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to upgrade NCA to a federal university of art because now NCA had 13 departments. Sanaullah ensured he would try his best to facilitate NCA.

At the end, the principal presented his painting to the minister.

The Fatima Memorial Hospital (FMH) College Dramatics Club presented Drama Fest 2k14, featuring students of FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry and FMH Institute of Allied Health Sciences at Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall.

The event featured five plays, five short movies, a lucky draw, musical session, followed by a prize distribution ceremony.

The plays included ‘Wake up before we never wake up’ - a short play to make people realise life is short and they should prepare for the life hereafter. ‘Mad House’ - a story on an asylum, ‘Pukaar’ - an original Urdu play paying tribute to the people of Thar and portraying their current living conditions, a satire tinged with humour and music to highlight the plea of the community.

This was followed by ‘Pakistan ka matlab kya’ – a historical play portraying the formation of Pakistan, separation of Bangladesh and the current issues faced by the country with a message of hope.

Next was ‘Mera Pakistan’ - a Punjabi play chronicling the journey of a Pakistani who comes back home after staying abroad and despite all difficulties he faces he chooses to remain in his homeland. The play attempted to convey a message of resilience, hope and love for the motherland

The last play showcased was ‘Ye watan hamara hai’ - a story about ambition in which a doctor emigrates from the country but comes back, focusing around patriotism.

‘Pukaar’ won the best drama prize, followed by ‘Ye watan hamara hai’ as the runner-up.

Muhammad Bilal Tahir was adjudged the best actor, Sheharbano and Zamina best actresses and Zinda Hoon the best movie.