Sadequain , A Tribute

Sadequain was a world-renowned Pakistani artist, best known for his skills as a calligrapher and a painter. He is considered as one of the finest painters and calligraphers, Pakistan has ever produced.  He was constantly at work and specializes for work on large scale. He repeatedly stated that he was not interested in decorating drawing rooms of rich and powerful. He worked on large murals for public buildings and his work was mostly donated to the public.

He also painted and presented the poetry of greats such as Iqbal , Ghalib and Faiz. He adores large workspace and his work (Murals) in State Bank of Pakistan, Frere Hall Karachi and Lahore Museum are a treat to watch.

He was born in Amroha, India in 1930 and died in Karachi in Feb 1987. His work was recognized by many awards including Tamgha-e-Imtiaz Pakistan, Pride of Performance and Sitara-e-Imtiaz Pakistan.

A Tribute to Moin Akhter on his 1st Death Anniversary

Moin Akhter was a well known Pakistani TV artist who also performed on radio, film and stage.  He was known as a humorist, comedian, impersonator, and a host. He was also a play writer, singer, film director and a producer. Above all he was great human being, as disclosed by his close associates.

He was adored for providing humor for people of all ages, and with special emphasis on moral and social values. His attempts to avoid vulgarity in his humor and respect for religious ethics, rendered him a favorite amongst family audiences. Moin performed for many writers and performers, but his team with writer Anwer Maqssod was undoubtedly gave both world wide fame and liking.

He won several national and international awards including ‘Pride of Performance Pakistan’, ‘Honorary citizenship of Dallas’, listed in ‘Amazing Pakistani’, etc.

He died on 22 April 2011 in Karachi after suffering from a heart attack. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons. Junaid Jamshed led his funeral prayer which was attended by thousands of people including Governor of Sindh. The world famous wax museum London’s Madame Tussauds has expressed its wish to include a statue of Moin Akhtar in their London museum and it will be the first of its kind for any Pakistani entertainer.

  

Sindh after Pir Pagara

Pir Sahib Pagara, the spiritual leader and president of Pakistan Muslim League (F) passed away on Jan 10, 2012. He was an instrumental figure in the Pakistani politics and has played a key role in resolving many political disputes as well as formation of many coalitions. He was very famous in prediction about national politics. He was sometimes termed as a man of Pakistani Establishment because of his support to past army rulers. Political elites and prominent businessmen all over country have always sought after Pir Sahib’s support.

Pir Sahib was very vocal and perhaps the only challenging source to confront the might of PPP in rural Sindh. His support and backing was considered essential for smooth operation of ethnically divided Sindh provincial assembly. In the past, Pir Sahib played a crucial role in reducing tension and bringing urban and rural politician on one table. Pir Pagaro was considered master mind in forming coalition of anti-PPP forces like MQM, PML groups and independents. His maestro was clearly behind the formation of Jam Sadiq’s government in Sindh from 1990 to 1992 despite PPP’s majority in assembly.

Pir Sahib’s departure in the current political turmoil will be beneficial for PPP to great extent especially when new elections could be announced any time. Rural Sindh political grounds may become easy turf for PPP as it will have only nationalist as their rival. Pir Sahib was the leading campaigner for unification of PML groups and was it not the PML(N) refusal, we might have a unified PML in Pakistan. His departure will also upset the PML unification campaign. Besides other family and tribal issues, the new crowned Pir Pagara will have a daunting task to organize a political campaign to deal with the political might of PPP.