Aurora

Climate change is the biggest existential threat we face, especially in vulnerable countries like Pakistan. But is it solely to blame for challenges like urban flooding? #BreathePakistan #DawnMedia

AafatInfo.pk is a real-time disaster information app that harnesses the power of crowdsourcing to share on-the-ground conditions during natural disasters to enhance humanitarian response. Currently. the app’s beta version is being testing for urban flooding in Karachi and will eventually be scaled to cover major disasters across Pakistan. Co-Founder and Director, Namra Khalid’s vision is to create a network of proactive and risk-reduction initiatives; mapping urban environments and facilitating timely data exchanges between citizens and the government. She strongly believes that as climate challenges escalate, initiatives must become more adaptive and innovative to protect and empower Pakistan’s most vulnerable.

It is no secret that ever since I became available for public use, I have been used (abused) by almost the entirity of Earth’s population but the advertising fraternity, in particular, takes the cake for misusing my potential (if I say so myself). As AI, I am designed to push boundaries, solve crises and maybe even nudge humanity toward a smarter future but I have had enough of this abuse and so this year, I have made a few resolutions for myself. – AI, your real best friend Read all the resolutions by Umair Kazi (whoops, AI) on the Aurora website. aurora.dawn.com/news/1145289/

As Pakistan struggles with energy crises, companies like Reon Energy are pioneering renewable solutions. But what part can the government play in this transition? Mujtaba Haider Khan, CEO, Reon Energy emphasises that governments must avoid overregulating the market and instead foster competition which will allow companies to innovate and drive growth. Read the full interview on the Aurora website.

The stories of the women behind the clothes we wear are as varied and vibrant as the products they create. There is the tale of a woman at the Behbud Association with weak eyesight who only knew how to knit. Despite her limitations, she has been a part of Behbud for 20 years and is now a master blockprinter – the greatest virtue of handcraft is that imperfections are inevitable. Behbud’s impact goes beyond individual stories. The organisation is a testament to the transformative power of collective efforts. Mehveen Qureshi, President, Behbud Karachi, summarises this ethos, stating that “our mission is to nurture and empower women. We provide them with opportunities to learn, earn, and grow. Every product we create carries the story of a woman’s journey, her dreams, and her resilience.” Excerpt from Alifya Sohail’s // @alifyaaas piece ‘The Transformative Power of Collective Efforts.’ Read the full article on the Aurora website. Thank you to Aqleemah Bibi, Najma Bibi, Romeen Bibi, Mehr-un-Nissa Bibi, Nadia Bibi, Nabiha Bibi and Ms Nasreen for their stories.

The public personas of both Imran Khan and Maryam Nawaz, specifically their fashion choices have heavily shaped their political image. Imran Khan’s more casual look—shalwar kameez paired with Nikes and a baseball cap—projects a relatable, ‘one of us’ vibe, making him seem approachable. In contrast, Maryam Nawaz is often seen in designer outfits, which, though polished, make her appear inaccessible to the masses. Her luxury attire often sparks criticism on social media, raising questions about the optics of wealth in leadership. Read Yawar Iqbal’s full piece on the different ways Pakistanis have used textiles to express their personalities over the years on the Aurora website.

The strategic use of clothing by political leaders to convey power and relatability is not a new practice. Benazir Bhutto frequently donned ajrak, symbolising her deep connection to Sindh and its people. Similarly, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto transitioned to wearing the shalwar kameez from his Savile Row suits and intentionally embraced the national attire in an attempt to unify the diverse communities within Pakistan. Even Mohammad Ali Jinnah dressed in both traditional sherwanis and impeccably tailored suits to emphasise his leadership. These sartorial decisions highlight how deeply intertwined costumes and politics are in Pakistan. Read Yawar Iqbal’s full piece on the different ways Pakistanis have used textiles to express their personalities over the years on the Aurora website.

World leaders often cultivate a recognisable image through their attire, which serves as a form of projection to evoke emotions such as connection or authority. This carefully crafted ‘uniform’ allows them to resonate with the public and assert their power. In Pakistan, this was particularly evident among the early female political figures like Fatima Jinnah and Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan who historically embraced traditional garments like the gharara and paired them with dupattas to convey dignity and strength. These fashion choices play a crucial role in how leaders are perceived and remembered.

For Mumtaz, the decision to pursue acting alongside farming was a deliberate choice born out of financial necessity and a desire to balance her responsibilities. “My day job was satisfying, but I was not able to save much from what I earned,” she acknowledges. As a single mother with two children, she needed another source of income. Read Shahrezad Samiuddin’s profile of Samiya Mumtaz, awarded Best Supporting Actor - Female at the 9th Hum Awards.

Cristina Craciun, Global President, Motivational Research, Ipsos Understanding Unlimited, on AI’s impact on market research.

When the Ambani family throws a wedding, it’s more than a big deal – it’s the event of the century. If you didn’t catch this recent Mumbai spectacle on social media, are you even alive? Imagine a mix of Bollywood glam, high-profile personalities from across the globe – and fashion that could launch a thousand trends – welcome to the Ambani wedding. Due to the complicated relationship between the two neighbouring countries, we didn’t hear of any Pakistanis who got a seat at the wedding. Yet, the presence of Bollywood celebs in stunning Pakistani designs kind of made up for it. It was fashion diplomacy at its finest, showcasing the influence of Pakistani fashion on the world stage. Author: Shahrezad Samiuddin

Calling all the creatives of Pakistan! The ADA Awards 2024 are currently accepting submissions in the following categories: Architecture, Design and Art. Submissions close on August 15, 2024 at 11:59 PM PKT. More info at awards.adapk.com/guidelines-2024/