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Garam Chashma
Thursday, 13 August 2026

Some places are so idyllic and unspoiled that it is almost unbelievable. One such place is picturesque, tranquil and pollution free town Garam Chashma (meaning hot spring) in at the edge district Chitral. The very sound of it is (sort of) strategic - the role Garam Chashma played during Russian occupation in Afghanistan not very long ago. The town is located on the bank of a turbulent torrent known as Luthko Gol that is full of trout; about two hours drive from Chitral City.


As the Fokker Friendship hovers over Chitral before committing to landing, one can see the beautiful sights through window of small aircraft: red roof houses dotted on the hill contours, alpine trees, and fruit orchards. Chitral airport is built in one of the serene gorges of the River Kunar. I stayed at the deepest place in district Chitral known as Mir Khanni - over seventy kilometers from Chitral. As per the plans that I had made to see different sights in Chitral valley during free brakes in the schedule of my assignment, I boarded a passenger Mazda that was ready to go to Garam Chashma right from the airport early one April morning.
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posted by S A J Shirazi @ Thursday, August 13, 2026, ,

Alexander’s Garrison in the Salt Range
Wednesday, 12 August 2026

This article appeared in Daily The Nation

The Salt Range derives its name from extensive deposits of rock salt. The Range stands as remnant of forts with bastions and temples. Exceptionally, this region maintains an almost continuous record of history that can define the evolution of society. Forts and temples surviving along the range are a reminder of how untouched many of the ancient remnants are. Alexander from Macedon came to this Range twice; one from Taxila and later when his forces refused to go any further from the banks of the River Beas. From here he marched towards the Arabian Sea on his way to Babylon. And, now an NGO is constructing a monument of Alexander near Jalalpur town in the foot of the Salt Range in district Jhelum.


For those who take their first chance to the area, the landscape all along the Salt Range is rock-strewn, lacking in softness and loveliness. In many parts, it becomes barren and uninviting. But, in truth, the range is dotted with historical wonders, romantic legends, archaeological remains, and varying geological formations. The surroundings are very quiet. Urial is also found in the Range though facing extinction. A journey along the range is exciting as well as informative.
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posted by S A J Shirazi @ Wednesday, August 12, 2026, ,

Pakistan Iconic Brands
Tuesday, 11 August 2026

A memorable evening at the launch of Pakistan Iconic Brands: Making of Pakistan’s Power Business Houses at Islamabad Club.


The book, authored by Arshad Awan, documents the remarkable journeys of some of Pakistan’s most enduring brands and business houses. Drawing on years of research, archives, advertisements, newspapers, interviews, photographs and brand literature, it seeks to preserve an important but often overlooked chapter of Pakistan’s corporate and entrepreneurial heritage.


The launch witnessed an exceptionally large and diverse gathering, bringing together diplomats, politicians, senior civil servants, leading members of the business community, advertising and communications professionals, academics, media personalities, entrepreneurs and friends of the author.


The overwhelming participation reflected the continuing relevance of these iconic Pakistani brands and the stories of vision, resilience, innovation and enterprise behind them.

https://islamabadpost.com.pk/author-reveals-9-year-journey-behind-iconic-brands-book

A celebration not just of a book, but of Pakistan’s business heritage and the people who helped build it.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ Tuesday, August 11, 2026, ,

Chaudhry Norbert Pintsch


Village Thatta Ghulamka Dheroka - a cluster of mud and brick houses - looks like any typical Pakistani village. The fact is that awareness, community work and use of appropriate technology has changed the village all together. Influence from Indus civilization from nearby Harappa and modern techniques brought by use of appropriate technology can be seen in the village together.

The toys and handicrafts made in the village are on display in international museums, prestigious galleries and showrooms in Pakistan and abroad. Thatta Ghulamka Dheroka (TGD) got an international fame when village project Thatta Kedona (meaning toy from Thatta) was selected as one of the 767 worldwide projects presented in the "Themepark" at global expo in Hannover (Germany) as an example of thinking of twenty first century. The toys and handicrafts from TGD show how culture goes beyond simple work of art and becomes collaboration among applied and natural sciences as well as other forces that affect our lives.


Thatta Kedona is a project, first of its kind, in rural area where handmade quality toys are crafted using all indigenous materials and traditional designs based on cultural and folklore themes. The workmanship of the dolls and toys has acclaimed international recognition through their participation in numerous international events, exhibitions, fairs and displays. These toys are the embodiment of dreams, hopes and most of all self-reliance of the hands, which breathe a part of their own soul into them.
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posted by S A J Shirazi @ Tuesday, August 11, 2026, ,

Pakistan Iconic Brands by Arshad Awan
Monday, 10 August 2026

Being Launched Today

 
"Pakistan Iconic Brands" by Arshad Awan is being launched on today at Islamabad Golf Club.

The book examines how brands go beyond just names, logos, or products; they are living symbols of a country's enterprise, innovation, values, and dreams. They tell stories of visionary entrepreneurs, dedicated employees, and generations of consumers whose trust has transformed businesses into lasting institutions. This volume celebrates Pakistan's top brands that have shaped industries, influenced consumer culture, and contributed greatly to the country's economic and social progress. From well-known names to pioneering industrial firms, each brand showcased here demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to quality despite market shifts and economic obstacles.

Instead of just detailing corporate histories, the book delves into the strategic choices, entrepreneurial drive, brand identities, and market changes that helped these organisations secure a lasting place in the lives of millions. Collectively, these stories highlight the strength and diversity of Pakistan's business scene and show how powerful brands inspire confidence, generate jobs, foster innovation, and boost the country's global image.


Hope is that this book will serve as a record of business success and as inspiration for entrepreneurs, students, researchers, policymakers, and business leaders. By highlighting Pakistan's iconic brands, the book also celebrates the creativity, perseverance, and optimism that fuel the country's growth and shape its future.

All are invited to join the book launch ceremony.

Stay tuned for images and more...

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ Monday, August 10, 2026, ,

Long Trail of the Heritage
Saturday, 1 August 2026

Punjab is a gold mine for history seekers and curious travelers. You may find much more than what you hear or read. It pays to get out into the countryside and talk to ordinary people. What is more, people of the area are eager to help – on their own expense - when you ask anybody. One finds volunteer 'guides' who were forth coming with wealth of information. The distances in the hinterland are short but the landscape is so enormous that it had to be studied in parts like a large mural seen by a child.



Given the history and heritage, it is easy to fall in love with ‘out of the way’ town like Malka Hans. Once an abode of Waris Shah, who stayed here and composed universal romance Heer Ranjha, malka hans is still serene, tranquil and pollution free. Legend has it that Malik Muhammad (alia Malka) who was a member of Hans tribe founded the town some 700 years ago. Hans became powerful when Mughal King Alamgir conferred a vast land around Malka Hans on Sheikh Qutab Hans. In 1764, Muhammad Azam who was the descendant of Qutab Hans became head of the clan. Ran Singh Nakka treacherously took Muhammad Azam prisoner where he died in confinement.
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posted by S A J Shirazi @ Saturday, August 01, 2026, ,


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