EditorInjila Baqir Zeeshan

Sub EditorsFatima Zehra NaqviSahar Iqbal

Creative HeadBabur Saghir

Graphic DesignersJaveria MirzaSana AhmedMian Nasir

PhotographerMohammad Amir Baba

Contents

sublime

All that Glitters

The Furniture Gallery 16

House of Couture 22

Care’s Annual Fundraiser 24

Masala! Awards 30

Decade of Fashion 32

Fashion: Simple, Sharp… Sublime 39

Style Spotting with Ammar Belal 48

Cash up on the Year Gone By 49

A New Year, a New Resolve 52

What women want 58

Taroscope 66

39Simple,sharp...

Amina Saeed recently launched her

furniture line by the name of ‘The

Furniture Gallery’ in Lahore. The launch

was organised by Bilal Mukhtar Events

& PR and was a huge success.

The ‘House of Couture’ was

launched at Y-Block Defence.

The boutique stocks up to 20 dif-

ferent designer collections from

Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad

at affordable prices.

Highsandlows of a decade of fashion

By Injila Baqir Zeeshan

Some 18 long years ago: Ri-zwan Beyg held a fashion show in Lahore. I have yet to witness a more delight-ful show. I remember sit-ting open-mouthed, as the evening unfolded into a

superbly planned out performance that captivated and entranced the audience no end. Truly, being a ‘thing of beauty’ the long ago event still remains indel-ibly imprinted on my mind. Apparently Beyg knew his business better than the back of his hand even then.

16 years ago: Working for the then ‘most happening English daily’ of La-

hore, I would often find myself in strange locations for photo shoots, along with my team of the paper’s photographer and usually some new, unknown models, who were later to be-come famous international film and TV stars. It was a time when we did things

the painstakingly meticulous way. It was an era when things were beginning to take shape for the future of fashion in Pakistan.

Various publications provided the much-needed platform to the fast emerg-ing phenomenal fashion trendsetters

A r o u n d - u p o f t h e p a s t d e c a d e

While many designers including big guns like Umar Sayeed and Sonia Azhar told me how they lament their designs being copied and mass produced at a local adda waala, some designers such as Nilofer Shahid hold that this unpardonable act should only be looked at as a compliment to one’s design talent!

F A S H I O N - 2 0 0 1 - 2 0 0 2

32 I January 02 - 08, 2011

International press was present for the coverage of Fashion Weeks, and the foreign journalists’ surprise at seeing backless saaris and shoulder-less gowns on the ramp (and otherwise) in Pakistan was such a bold defiance in the face of all Taliban threats, that they could not write enough about it!

like Khawar Riaz and Ather Shahzad. Photographers like Mirza Khurshid Masud and Arif Mahmood, stylist Na-bila and designer Maheen Khan held the fort in Karachi. They moulded and steered the industry into a completely different direction, revolutionising fash-ion. Massarat Misbah rocketed to star-dom, altering the concept of makeup and Annie Mansoor of Alle’nora rose to fame. Qayum was recognised as one of the fathers of photography, who always believed in passing on his knowledge to keen learners. It was a time of original-ity and creativity, and a time when at least some of the talented figures began to think out of the box.

A decade ago: The year 2000 brought us to a far greater awakening,

fashion and style wise, as the globe start-ed shrinking, knitting us ever closer, but a sense of pride was lacking in most of us. We spent our money on foreign-made goods, and took pride in owning something designed by our neighbour.

As for our formal joras, we would order at Bunto Kazmi, Nilofer Sha-hid’s Meeras, Waseem Khan, Shamayl, Sana Safinaz, Imrana Ahmed, Taufiq Hussain, Sonya Batla and a few other selected names, which had been ruling the roost for some time now.

Pakistani born Parisian fashion designer Mehmud Bhatti staged some thrilling shows, which raised the bar for the local designers. Bhatti has to his credit a lot of welfare work for Pa-kistanis, including fashion students,

about whom he seems quite enthusi-astic, whenever I have had a chance to meet him.

Bege, Nickie & Nina, Umar Sayeed, Faiza Samee and Sonia Azhar’s labels soared as far as bridals and formal out-fits were concerned. And their work truly captivated the hearts of one and all. This led to a slow realisation of our excellent quality of design and work-manship.

Then, up came labels like Imbias, Satrangi, Goal, Asifa Nabeel, Aasia Saail, Sublime, Saadia Mirza and many more! Their work might not have been at par with that of the more coveted la-bels, but they became highly sought af-ter, being within the reach of the wallet of a large majority.

I 33January 02 - 08, 2011

Almost at the same time came the magazines, just a few of them to begin with. I am not suggesting that before this time there were none, but during this decade, suddenly they blossomed. These helped take the work of Pakistani designers to every part of the globe. Event planning became a specialised field and the world of fashion swung to a whole new beat, with so many shows being put up, but mostly individually by the designers as yet.

With graduates from PIFD (pre-viously PSFD) taking the market by storm, suddenly there was a boom in the fashion industry. HSY, Maria B, Maheen Kardar, Kamiar Rokni, Nomi Ansari, Mehdi and many more broke new frontiers in the world of fashion. Accolades of praise for all of them, for being proud Pakistanis and propagat-ing as much candidly before the world. HSY for one, never forgets to mention it, every single time I see him and has vehemently worked for the cause.

If someone asked me what the most significant change in fashion industry is, in the past decade, I would say that it is the attitude of ownership brought

about by these years. I have been interacting regularly with the people related to this field for longer than a decade; they may often disap-point or surprise me; they may irritate or intrigue me, and most of the time they amuse me no end. But this recent attitude is the one positive trans-formation that makes me proud.

Highlights of a dec-ade of fashion:

1. Designers joining hands for the fashion weeks, both Karachi and Lahore, (although separately) portray-ing a ‘softer image’ of Pakistan to the world is a feather in the industry’s cap. International press was present for the coverage of Fashion Weeks, and the foreign journalists’ surprise at seeing backless saaris and shoulder-less gowns on the ramp (and otherwise) in Pakistan was such a bold defiance in the face of all Taliban threats, that they could not

write enough about it.2. In the absolute dominance of

Khawar, the master of male fashion photography, and Ather Shahzad, the geniuses behind the stunning fashion photography that was making headlines across the country, emerged the tal-ented photographer Rizwan Beyg with his wife Monazza of Deevees. Rizwan became famous for his creative use of light in his photographs, so much so

Iman w

ears Mehdi’s bridal. Photo by: A

ther Shahzad

Nadia w

ears Um

ar Sayeed. Photo by : Ather Shazad

34 I January 02 - 08, 2011

that designer, while talking to me once, said two whole words in Beyg’s praise, and we all know how much of an impos-sibility it is to get even one out of Beyg!

3. Amir Adnan considered the retail king, is truly a pioneer in groom’s wear. Deepak Perwani and Usman Dittu’s names should not be left unmentioned either. Ammar Belal also captured a large following.

4. The designer lawn trend initiated by Yahsir Waheed, Vinny, and then Ma-ria B., Sana Safinaz and even ZQ, were all successors of industry giants such as Gul Ahmed and Al Karam, hiring the likes of Nilofer Shahid and Rizwan Beyg for their designing.

5. Afzl’s admirable rise to the num-ber one in bridal photography was an-other defining factor of the decade as he gave a new meaning to the method in which bridal shoots were done, trans-forming the age old frozen, mummified couples in wedding shots to appearing so natural and life-like, that even I had no qualms in putting one of my wed-ding photos up on the wall, without my child getting nightmares!

6. Switching to digital photography had both plusses and minuses as some of even the biggest names struggled with it for a long time. The work of many was on a downward spiral, before they could find their feet again. And when they did, I believe some of our photog-raphers started producing work, which could equal any good photographer anywhere in the world. Digital, in turn paved the way for impeccable printing quality, giving birth to many more fash-

ion glossies.7. Some of

Guddu Shani’s work turned out to be breathtak-ing, especially Sana Safinaz’s shoots. Maram & Abroo also gave us some very unique and crea-tive ideas. Tapu Javeri’s recently published coffee table book cov-ers some of his interesting work of the past many

years. Tapu did some fantastic under-water photography. Amean J., Fayyaz Ahmed, Fazal Abbas and Rizwan ul Haq are all those who are working hard to produce something b e t -ter each day.

8. Corpo-rates like Bareeze, Khaadi, Chen One, Nishat, Generation and Crossroads are all striving to take the lead in the local retail market, which was earlier dominated by Bo-nanza and Cambridge. Platforms like 10 Q and FP Lounge are an ex-cellent opportunity for designers. Hats off to Sehyr Seigol for her efforts for 10 Q and PFDC.

Lowlights of the past decade: - Fashion Pakistan (Karachi) and

the Pakistan Fashion Design Coun-cil (Lahore) fail to co-exist harmo-niously.

-The Lux Style Awards also commenced nine years ago. This was an excellent concept, in practice though it has constantly downslided, being unable to decide what it is that they re-ally want. Every year has been a new experiment, not quite there yet. The Bridal Cou-ture Week, held recently, again d i s appo in ted the participants

for being unable to attract the kind of clientele and production orders they had been expecting of it.

11. While many designers includ-ing big guns like Umar Sayeed and Sonia Azhar told me how they lament their designs being copied and mass produced at a local adda waala, some designers, such as Nilofer Shahid, hold that this unpardonable act should only be looked at as a compliment to one’s design talent!

Tragedy of the past decade: Like most things related to other spheres of our lives, the fashion industry is get-ting bogged down by peple who are not worthy of it and those who do not be-long here. Mediocrity is the bane of the present times. And then how can any housewife, any nurse, any doctor, any engineer, any businessman decide to become a fashion designer, fashion photographer, fashion editor/jour-nalist or event planner? It

seems as if a

With graduates from PIFD (previously PSFD) taking the market by storm, suddenly there was a boom in the fashion industry. HSY, Maria B. Maheen Kardar, Kamiar Rokni, Nomi Ansari, Mehdi and many more opened a world of fashion, the like of which we had not seen before. Accolades of praise for all of them, for being proud Pakistanis and propagating as much candidly before the world

Sana Safinaz design. Photo by : Guddu Shani

I 35January 02 - 08, 2011

lot less effort is being put into the things, which were previously being done with tremendous loving care. In-stead of being a specialised field, it is mostly revolving around the whims of social circles.

- The second tragedy and it com-petes neck to neck with the first is the increasing level of intolerance. As a person related to the magazine/fashion journalism field, I have been blamed to be a satanic hand helping in the spread of vulgarity and obscenity. Once, not long ago, a pious, God-fearing woman wrote threatening letters to me. She

made many hysterical phone calls, try-ing to inculcate the fear of God and the after-life in me, saying that all those who publish such pictures as I do with the kind of content I write about in my pieces, will burn in hell. When that didn’t work, I suppose she must have gone and joined an extremist organi-sation and is still planning how to out root all evils like me from her society.

- Brand consciousness has envel-oped us all in a web in which we find ourselves struggling to meet or beat the person standing next to us. It’s amazing how much we know about the many

brands these days, and how little we know about ourselves. I often see very fashionably dressed women roaming around knowing nothing about the plight of women in Swat, being unable to hold a conversation beyond their Birkin bag. If you detect a jealous pang here, stemming from my lack of possess-ing Birkin, then you are not totally off the mark!

To sum it up, the fashion industry saw colossal growth in the past decade. The reason (and with apologies to all those who stubbornly refuse to accept the fact that the bridal/formal wear is where the big bucks are): The affluent/growing middle class invested heav-ily in designer wear, having been made conscious of the designer’s importance through the media including the new generation of bridal and fashion maga-zines. This in turn led to the designers having the necessary cash flow which unleashed a creativity that is now pa-rading the whole world, the true worth and potential of the Pakistan fashion industry.

Like most things related to other spheres of our lives, the fashion industry is getting bogged down by people who are not worthy of it and those who do not belong here. Mediocrity is the bane of present times. How can any housewife, any nurse, any doctor, any engineer, any businessman decide to become a fashion designer, fashion photographer, fashion editor or event planner?

Iraj wears Meeras.Photo by: Rizwan (Deevees)

Iman in HSYPhoto by: Ather Shahzad Khawar’s earlier work

Dress: MeerasModel: Gia Ali

36 I January 02 - 08, 2011

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48 I January 02 - 08, 2011

I 49January 02 - 08, 2011

Cash up on the year gone by

I love watching the last sunset of the year that we are leaving behind just as I look forward to witnessing the very first dawn of the New Year. This special evening

which marks a grand transi-tion, is all that it takes for us to switch over from one year of our lives to another, but do we really pause for a mo-ment and ponder over what we have lost - an entire year of our lives!

Every year we make and break New Year resolutions, planning or as we may more aptly call it “unplanning” for the year that lies ahead of us. But this time let’s try and go backwards to examine the year that we have let pass. A period in our lives, if only spent thoughtfully would have earned us a great deal of satisfaction and some true in-

Suggests how the turn of the year should be a time to ponder upon the lessons learnt in the past, and focus on doing things which can bring about a worthwhile change

ner joy that is so lacking in our lives today.

This time round I am not making any New Year resolutions. Instead I would focus on where I went wrong the previous year. If we merely direct our attention to what lies ahead of us, we can easily miss out on all the impor-tant lessons that life pre-sented for us to learn from, in the past. It is just as if you are trying to find your way on a map - how can you get home if you do not know where you are coming from? Would it not be strange to arrive at a new destination without our luggage - our dear belongings lost in the wilderness of time! Let us now peep into all those windows of invaluable moments of the past year that we let go of, without a trace of guilt: when one morning, a poor hungry beggar sat on the roadside, we were just too busy to help him, even when there were so many leftovers from last night’s dinner back home.

But getting to the market for the shop-ping trip seemed far more important.

What about the time when our elderly parents waited all day for us to spend perhaps half an hour chatting with them but we chose instead to spend a good three hours at a din-ner with friends or in the cinema watching the latest film released.

How about when one night our kids went

off to sleep without us reading them a bed-time story just because our favourite soap op-era was on at the same time? What about that afternoon, when we should have taken our ill housekeeper to the hospital instead of mak-ing her complete her undone chores? What about the time when buying a designer outfit was preferred over buying a disabled girl a wheelchair which would have brought some comfort to a life in utter misery?

So you see how many things need to be done and how the New Year should be a time for change, a time for switching over to some-thing better, something that will last, some-thing that will stay with us long after the de-signer dresses go out of fashion. Something that make us a better, more feeling human.

As the inexorable change comes, leading us to 2011, so must we make amends. Let the dawn of the New Year shine in our eyes and enable us to visualize a better tomorrow. As somebody said, “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.”

The future is something which everyone reaches at

the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does,

whoever he is. –C.S.Lewis

This time round I am not making any New Year resolutions. Instead I would focus on where I went wrong the previous year. If we merely direct our attention to what lies ahead of us, we can easily miss out on all the important lessons that life presented for us to learn from, in the past

Cash up on theyear gone by

resolveA new year, a new

By Sahar Iqbal

Ali Zafar“More work, more thought, more

compassion”. Oh yes Ali, wish you would cut down a little on the ‘yes to Indian films’, and

incorporate more patriotism in your work this year.

“My New Year resolu-tion is to release lots of new songs.”Haroon, Lounge ad-vises you to focus more on quality instead of quantity. Pakistan can’t afford to have a new Justin Beiber in its pop industry.

Haroon Rashid

“I don’t keep New Year resolutions.”Do you believe this attitude suits you

Nadia? Resolve to be more down-to-earth this year.

Nadia Jamil

New Year brings us a new dawn with new hopes. Lounge has peeked into the lives of celebrities so let’s see what some people have to tell us about their New Year resolutions.

“My New Year resolution is related to my charity

work. I want to make one thousand homes for the

flood victims. I also want to make vocational train-ing schools for the flood affected children so they don’t have to depend on

anyone in future.”Abrar, Lounge is quite

impressed with your philan-thropy. Keep up the good

work.

Abrar-ul-Haq

“This year I am plan-ning to make my own film which is a dream project and it’s an in-ternational flick. It pro-motes a softer image of Pakistan. This film will reflect a very positive image of our country.”Faheem, Lounge asked about your New Year resolution not an advertise-ment of your upcoming movie.

Fahem Burney

“What sort of question is this? Are we kids that we will be making New Year

resolutions?” Ali, let Lounge help you in making your

New Year resolution: ‘I hereby resolve to be nice to people’.

Ali

Azm

at

52 I January 02 - 08, 2011

“First of all I want to work on my personal-

ity. This year I’ll put my efforts on becom-

ing a better person. Instead of offering

two, three prayers a day, I’ll offer all five

prayers. In context of my career, I am put-ting all my energies

to get to the top. This time I’ll try to reach

the grand finals of tennis.”

Way to go Aisam!

Aisam-ul-Haq

“My New Year resolution is to bring as much beauty into this world as possible.”Maram, it is equal to attaining the impossible but best of luck!

Maram Azmat

“My New Year resolution is to top the cover shoot that I did for a magazine. To create diversity in my work in different avenues and last but not the least I want to be even happier, more positive and more successful, if that’s possible.”QYT, Lounge thinks you might not have heard the proverb, ‘Greed is a curse’.

Qas

im Y

ar T

iwan

a

“This year I’ll try to become a good human being. I’ll try to learn more about who I am. After all it’s all about me

growing as a better human being.”Seemi, Lounge thinks that you already are a good human being

so take it as a compliment.

Seemi Raheel

“I think my New Year reso-lution is to get to the gym as often as I can.”Mehreen, keep it up, Lounge will pray that you drop some kilos this year for a change.

Mehreen Jabbar

“My New Year resolution is to

be more tolerant about the people

around me.”Nadia, Lounge is a bit confused - it can

also be the other way around, you

never know.

Nadia Afghan

“I’ll stop answering this New-Year-resolutions question every year, honestly!”Omair, Lounge suggests you use your mind more so that you can make New Year resolutions instead of not answering simple questions.

Omair Rana

I 53January 02 - 08, 2011

Yous

af S

alah

uddi

n

“My New Year resolution is not to have any resolution this entire year.”Mian Sahib, this was quite expected already of you, so no comments.

Shiraz Uppal

“My New Year resolution is to do something for hu-manity. This year I’ll give more char-ity to the poor.”Pakistan needs more bighearted celebs like you dearie.

Hamza Ali Abbassi

“My New Year resolution is to make sure I live such a life that when I am dying and

I look back, I have no regrets and I feel content that I lived a life worth living.”Ok people, here’s a motto instead of a New

Year resolution.

Affan Waheed

“This year I will control my emotions. I am saying a big ‘no’ to relationships and of course I’ll work more on my personality.”Affan, you are doomed to reduce your female fan fol-lowing.

Zulfi

“I want to learn something new every

day. I want to make everyone around me

smile. I don’t like stress in any form, political, social or

personal, becoming a part of our lives and

ruling it.”Zulfi, you are talking

about others’ happiness, but what about yours? Lounge doesn’t want

you to be the part of the story of the man who tries to keep everyone

happy at his own cost.

“This year I will try my best to help

and build Pakistan. My Smile Again foundation will

help as many vic-tims as it can. I will

also try to remove the criminal act of burning from

Pakistan.”Mussarat Apa,

Lounge lauds your efforts for the empow-

erment of women in Pakistan.

Massarat Misbah

“To be less of a control freak.”Good girl Maheen, self awareness is the key to success!

Maheen K

ardar

54 I January 02 - 08, 2011

From the backstage at London’s Fashion Week to working with the coolest man on the plan-et, Toni Moscolo, founder of Toni&Guy International, Sham-mal Qureshi, Brand Ambassador for Toni&Guy in Pakistan knows what women want in their man! Catch his blog every fortnight on Men’s styling, and fashion along with trends both local & global.

Well guys, it’s that time of the year where some of our dreams and others worst nightmares come true the Shaadi season! Understand-ably most guys are confused at this point in their life, and most will still be confused from this point onward. I get so many lost souls in the salon asking me all sorts of questions “what do I wear?”, “how

should my hair be?”, “should I wear makeup?”, “when should I get my facial done”? Well guys, guess what, read on and you shall receive all answers today.

As we all know they are three major functions that all guys must endure before their better half is truly theirs the Mehndi, the Barat and the Valima.

Getting preparedTo get prepared for all the ruckus life holds ahead for the next three days, I recom-

mend all grooms to come in for a nice, relaxing facial. There are many facials that one can choose from depending on one’s skin type. One may choose a simple cleansing facial or an aromatic one or an exfoliating one. The point is to look fresh for the days ahead. Secondly get your manicure and pedicure professionally done. Just sit back, relax because these may be the last precious moments you get to spend on your own.

What women want

Well, that’s all from me today, wishing all of you who are getting married this season a happy and prosperous marriage. However, before I take leave I just want to leave you with a few vignettes that I have gathered from my married clients over the years:

1. Once married you must master the art of speaking very slowly, and thinking hella fast!2. “Boy enjoy the first year of your marriage ‘cuz it’s the only one she’ll give ya!”3. “Keep your eyes wide open before marriage and half-shut afterwards.” -Benjamin Franklin

If you’ve questions that you would like Shammal to answer, he can be reached at shammalq.whatwomenwant@gmail.com

The MehndiBy far my favourite

function. For this guys are recommended to wear a rougher style. They say that you don’t want to look your best for the mehndi but who says a rough look can’t look good? My recommenda-tion is to keep a day-old stubble with the hair styled in a textured way, kind of like sophisticated bed head if you will. Since the Mehndi is a festivity full of fun and frolic, my suggestion for the shalwar kameez would be one that you can easily dance in. Colour wise stick to col-ours that fit your theme. Recommended colours for the winter are either a deep maroon or a royal blue.

The BaratOkay so this is the function where you

have to look your “best”. The look we aim for is suave and debonair. A nice professional shave for the day should get you looking just the way the mother-in-law pictured you to be. Further let’s not forget tonight’s the big night you will be taking the girl home. This is when you will need your back the most. Treat your-self to a nice body massage and scrub. This will have your skin feeling smooth and should get the blood to circulate in all the right places. Since most men wear a qulla on their head, I would recommend that we go for something slicked back. Any other hairstyles risks going out of shape by the time the qulla comes off. Toni&Guy just finished the last day of Bridal Couture Week recently and I have to say they were some amazing sherwanis done by HSY, Mehdi and Ali Xeeshan. Royal blue, deep pur-ple, lime green and rusted gold seem to be the palettes of the season. A helpful tip: Try and match this outfit with that of your wife. This will look good on stage, not to mention the brownie points you will be getting later on that night for thoughtfulness.

The ValimaBoys this is your big day. Look

happy! And if you aren’t, pretend. The look for hair this day is something in between the Valima and the Barat. You want to look like a man, yet not quite that uncle-ish. Perhaps something side swept yet a little messy in texture. Wardrobe wise you will be wearing a suit. A quick tip: If you are heavier in build, then a two button is the way to go. However the one button makes the shoulders look broader. Another trend is a tux. This is the best way to make the right statement. Most people think that a tux has to be worn with a bow tie; however this season opt for a pearl white tie instead. Looks great! If you don’t know where to find one try Republic by Omar Farooq it has some great stuff. Lastly, should one wear makeup or not? The answer is yes. Light makeup is a must when you are taking pictures under 8000 watt bulbs! This is how you will be remembered for the rest of your life.

58 I January 02 - 08, 2011

Your spread indicates that you will need to push aside your bigger goals and work on those things that will help you make extra money. Short dis-tance travel is on your agenda this year. Participation in sports will be successful. Health will be fine and finance good. Your quiet efforts could lead to some re-wards for you, and you may get the respect and appreciation you deserve. You could be laying the ground work for some successful financial dealings for yourself. You will feel a little uneasy about certain issues and many things may seem a bit up in the air. Stone of the year is sapphire. Meditating on the name of Allah “Ya Nooro” (for the cleansing the soul) is recommended.

The ambition card Dec 22 - Jan 21

AFTAB/CAPRICORN

Special tips for this year: enhance expression and avoid being cynical. You might find that you have a great yearning to become a star. Your home life could be a little problematic at this point, as you may face trouble understanding your situ-ation. Keep both eyes open: there are some illusions and misconceptions that could trip you. Be a little conservative, especially in love, where compromise is best. There are big changes on the horizon; gear yourself up for a little accelera-tion. Your dreams will get you where you want and creative passion is possible. Meditating on the name of Allah “Ya Ma-liko” (for power) is recommended.

The self-card Jan 21 - Feb 19DUA/AQUARIUS

Your spread shows that legal and trav-el matters are focused this year. This year is favourable for education and learning.Employed persons are under constant pressure of work. This year is particularly favourable for women. Businessmen may find this year a bit dull. Be careful in your diet or else your may suffer digestive problems or stom-ach pain. Avoid making any new plans until the month of January ends. At work you will face op-position from colleagues and associates. Meditating on the name of Allah “Ya Shahido” (for discipline) is recommended.

The aura card Mar 21 - Apr 20FIZA/ARIES

See influential people; pursue business and career interests; attend to duties.Home, family and psychological issues will be clarified as the year progresses. Overall health is good, but rest and relax more. This is a time to take care of family and domestic ob-ligations and to relax your career efforts. Special tips for this year: enhance intelligence and avoid arguments. Your spread indicates that your dominating attitude will bring in criti-cism from your friends. Health and finances need careful handling. Meditating on the name of Allah “Ya Fattaho” (for success) is recommended.

Health and energy need to be care-fully controlled this year. Handle priorities,avoid power struggles, avoid difficult people and rest and relax more. Regular massage or reflexology treatments are a good investment. Health will improve after mid Janu-ary. Finances are going to be excellent. Your spread indicates that it is good time for builders and commission agents. Your creativity will bring you appreciation and rewards. Losses are likely if you don’t take care of your belongings. Family life will be satisfactory. Meditating on the name of Allah “Ya Basito” (for increase in wealth) is recommended.

WISAAL/TAURUSThe physical change card Apr21 - May21

The love card May 22 - Jun 21ASHIQ/GEMINI

Your spread indicates that various du-ties and obligations are likely to be in the spotlight for you, and things might not be going that smoothly. Whatever you have to deal with, there is bound to be some confusion, and some mis-understandings could come as a result. Just be careful that you don’t allow yourself to get too tense or stressed out. Your social blow is much more powerful than you first figured. You may be sitting down with loved ones to work out the rules and regulations of the relationship. You may develop an interest in spiritual studies and self-improvement. You feel optimistic, tolerant and secure. Meditating on the name of Allah “Ya Shakooro” (for blessings) is recommended.

JAL/PISCESThe sensitivity card Feb 20 - Mar 20

By Mariam Aftab

Janu

ary

02 -

08,

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TAROSCOPE: THE ZODIAC AND EASTERN TAROT 2011

What does this year hold for you?

63 I January 02 - 08, 2011

The growth card Jun 22 - Jul 23IRTIQA/CANCER

Master a new recipe or an approach to fitness. Outfit yourself like a runway model. The urge to create a fashion statement is strong. Let your conserva-tive nature guide your purchases. Save well and spend well. Become a devotee of the mystic arts. Invite a friend to share in an arts exhibition or film. Refuse to surrender to despair. Take appropriate action to secure your home and valuables. Be a dutiful listener when a mentor speaks. Meditating on the name of Allah “Ya Mujibo” (for attainment of wishes) is recommended.

The strength card Jul 24 - Aug 23QUWAT/LEO

It is time to make some bold career moves. You will need to shed the scales of past and start working towards a brighter idea. Use knowledge and break free from fear and indecision. It should be a pretty good time to indulge in some of your dreams and fantasies; just try not to get too lost in the clouds, if you can help it. Your intuition should be right on, so try to listen to that inner voice. If your intuition leads you to believe that someone else might be interested in you, you just might be right. Meditating on the name of Allah “Ya Wadudo” (for love) is recommended.

The patience card Aug 24 - Sep 23THEHRAO/VIRGO

Health still needs to be watched, es-pecially in the middle of this year. Love is still tense and stormy. Vola-tile, love is expressed in terms of fi-nancial support. Material gifts turn you on. You are allured by wealth and wealthy people – people who can help you attain your fi-nancial goals. The problem here is that you should also be looking at other issues – other compatibilities. Be careful of not treating your beloved as another possession or bauble. You are in a position where you need to contemplate your own needs for changes. This year you will achieve the poten-tial to do the most amazing things in your life. Meditating on the name of Allah “Ya Qudduso” (for easing anxiety) is recommended.

The magician card Sep 24 - Oct 23SAHIR/LIBRA

Contact authority figures; ask reason-able favours; buy jewellery, gold orna-ments, quality clothes; attend theatri-cal erformances. Special tips for this year: enhance reliability and avoid stress. What do you want to do with your life? I expect that you will come to some very profound convictions. It is the love of your life that will get you through this year; and a vision of someone who has been in your dreams for quite some time will come true. Your loved ones will appreciate your talent. Be honest and to-the-point in your approach. Your determination will get noticed and so will your skills. Medi-tating on the name of Allah “Ya Azizo” (for popularity) is recommended.

The confusion card Oct 24 - Nov 22

INTISHAR/SCORPIO

Your spread shows that this year is likely to be a good year; you will find yourself re-evaluating some of your most important goals and expectations. You might also have to defend some is-sues concerning your money or personal possessions right now. And you could end up spending your money a little unwisely if you are not careful. Social life and political activities will bring you in contact with different sets of people. Consult your experts before mak-ing any commitment. Outstation travel will not be com-fortable, but will help build important social and career contacts. Friends will be more helpful than you might ex-pect. Meditating on the name of Allah “Ya Qadiro” (for the fulfillment of desires) is recommended.

The luck card Nov 23 - Dec 21KISMET/SAGITTARIUS

Don’t overlook chances to be kind. Work on perfecting a recipe or enjoy-ing a collecting hobby rather than tak-ing up a stick for a cause. Too much zeal will backfire. The profit potential is high. You may encounter a few problems. Mend a romantic or friendship fracture. You will be ready to do some investi-gative work, but you may find that people are not willing to talk about secrets. You will be much more balanced if you are willing to puzzle things through in a calm man-ner. Travel and socialisation will pick up. Time is perfect for spiritual activities. Other people will find you totally charming and intellectual. Meditating on the name of Al-lah “Ya Haqo” (for the removal of difficulties) is recom-mended.

I 64January 2 - 8, 2011

Tel: +92 (42) 35751231, 35710452Websites:

www.mariamhealingcenter.com, www.innerstrengthhome.org

Celebrity Couples&

Compatibility

Goldie Hawn and Kurt RussellAntonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith

Goldie HawnNovember 21, 1945

Washington DC9:30 am

Sun Sign: ScorpioMoon Sign: Gemini

Kurt RussellMarch 17, 1951

Springfield, Massachusetts10:42 am

Sun Sign: PiscesMoon Sign: Cancer

Antonio BanderasAugust 10, 1960Malaga, Spain

9:00 pmSun Sign: Leo

Moon Sign: Aries

Melanie GriffithAugust 9, 1957

New York, New York11:49 pm

Sun Sign: LeoMoon Sign: Aquarius

Q: My name is Muhammad Jamil and my date of birth is January 1. What are my lucky numbers for

2011?A: Your lucky numbers are 1, 10, 19 and 28

Q:My date of birth is January 12 and my wife’s date of birth is September 11. We have three

daughters. Will we have a son in 2011?A: Yes, your fourth child will be a son

Q:What is my lucky gem for 2011?A: Your lucky gem is Amethyst

Mariam Aftab is a renowned healer offering self-help courses and counselling services. Readers can send in their questions regarding any problems at mariamhealingcenter@gmail.com

Ask the Expert:

Mariam Aftab

Goldie and Kurt are serious about each other and their relationship. There is a serious tone, a sense of responsibility in their relationship. This can be

positive or it can put a damper on things, it depends on what each of them wants from the other. One meaning of this aspect is that they have some

important work to accomplish together and they could even go into business together. Discussions of emotional or financial security will likely arise early

in the relationship. With practice working together, they quickly become adept at problem solving, planning, organising and honoring commitments

they’ve made. Important issues between the two of them will concern responsibility, keeping promises, maintaining integrity, timeliness, parents,

children and the overall structure or pattern of their life together.

This should prove to be a compatible combination, but it is not always true. In bedroom, as well as everywhere else, Leo tends to think only of him/

herself. The question is: is it possible for two “I’m” to turn to one “we’re”? Both Lions are extremely romantic and sexually compatible. They should allow

each other “to shine”, and to share the light in case they want to be together. In business. Co-worker match-ups between two Leos are strong, dependable

and therefore of great value to the company of which they form a part. Occasional battles are inevitable between them, however, with Leo fur flying

in all directions. Little if any quarter is not generally given in such combat; nor is it advisable to come between Leo adversaries – they must be left to

settle things alone, whether physically or verbally.

65 I January 02 - 08, 2011