There are certain moments in time that remain frozen on collective memory. People will be able to remember where they were and what they were doing at the exact moment when certain famous personalities died. For example people could tell you exact details of the day Elvis Presley, Marilyn Munroe and Princess Diana died. In the same manner, they can also tell you details on the day certain star status politicians like President Kennedy, Indira Gandhi and Prime Minister Liaquat Ali were assassinated.

Similarly, people recall exactly what happened on the fateful day when Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. People were in denial when news of her death started filtering in on that fate December evening. Even those who didn't agree with her politically, were shocked to hear that one of the icons whose life had been intervened with theirs for decades had been snuffed out by a cowardly attack of terrorism. It was incredible that a woman of such strength and full of life, had been killed by an assassin, but to tell you the truth there was no other way this larger than life figure could have ended her life. She made history in anything she did, and she proved to the world that Pakistan was a country to reckon with, whose women given the chance could rise to great heights and prove their mettle in any field.

People exchanged notes about the life of this political colossus who rose above in the male dominated arena. The people of Pakistan had watched her from the time she was a young newly orphaned slip of a girl dodging various agents to becoming the most respected and known Pakistani politician in the world.

In her 56 years Benazir Bhutto must have faced more than her fair share of problems in her personal as well as her political life. Benazir was born on June 21, 1953, in Karachi into the Bhutto dynasty. She was educated at Lady Jennings Nursery School and then Convent of Jesus and Mary in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Presentation Convent, she was sent to the Jesus and Mary Convent at Murree, passing her O'level exams when she was 15 years old. In 1969 she got admission at Harvard University's Radcliffe College from where she graduated in 1973 with a degree in political science. From there she went to Oxford University, where she was elected to the Standing Committee of the most prestigious Oxford Union Debating Society. In 1976 she graduated in P. P. E. (Politics, Philosophy and Economics).

However, she returned to Oxford in 1976 to do a one-year postgraduate course, where a year later she was elected as the president of the Oxford Union. She returned to Pakistan in June 1977, where she showed interest in the Foreign Service but her father had other plans for her and wanted her to contest the Assembly election. She assisted her father Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto as an advisor, from where he probably sensed that his eldest child was his heir.

Since then Benazir Bhutto's life would never be the same ever again. In July 1977, her father was ousted by his own Army Chief, General Zia-ul-Haq and executed. Reportedly, Benazir Bhutto the young girl sat outside Adiala jail in Rawalpindi all night, silently weeping and praying as her father was taken to the gallows inside, but emerged a strong determined woman who would face the world and fate, no matter what was thrown at her.

Her father was executed, her brothers forced into exile, she herself spent six and half years in jail. Her education and her resilient nature gave her the strength to emerge from this incarceration stronger and more able to tackle what life still had in store for her. She and her family would never be the same, life would never have been the same. A lesser woman would have collapsed under all the stress, but she not only managed to stay afloat but returned to life and politics with a renewed vigour.

Her family looked to her for strength after her father's execution; they found solace in her when her younger and beloved brother Shah Nawaz died under mysterious circumstances in Paris. Her mother, the former charismatic first lady of Pakistan, also sought her eldest child for comfort. She returned to Pakistan in 1986 to fight the elections for the National and Provincial assemblies under General Zia.

On December 18, 1987, Benazir married Asif Ali Zardari in Karachi and had three children - Bilawal; Bakhtwar and Aseefa. But married life nor motherhood could quash her thirst for politicians.

In 1988, she contested the elections after the death of General Zia, and became the first elected prime minister of Pakistan in 11 years. Apart from this, she was the youngest prime minister in Pakistan's history - last but not least she was the first female prime minister of a Muslim country.

Armed with her education at the most prestigious educational institutions in the world, she authored several books, two of which are 'Foreign Policy in Perspective' (1978) and her autobiography, 'Daughter of the East' (1989).

All her life, Benazir Bhutto was the pivot of her family, and later she single-handedly reared her three children. Apparently, family life was extremely important for her, for even as prime minister she had time for her three children, and proved to be a doting and dedicated mother. She kept the Pakistan People's Party intact even during the most difficult times, which earned her the trust and respect of leaders and politicians many years her senior.

She said in an interview with Jason Burke for The Observer that: "Under my leadership, the PPP will bring moderation, democracy and the basics that the nation's poorest need. We represent the underprivileged, the peasants, women, young people, the minorities, all those who have been neglected by elite governments..."

If the people of Pakistan want me there and want to trust me with the leadership of my country it will be a great honour to accept it."

Aware of the threats to her life, she was determined to return to Pakistan, as if to prove that terrorists could not scare her away, for in the same interview she said: "My return will take place irrespective of the dialogue process."

Even after facing an assassination attempt on October 18, 2007 in Karachi as she returned to Pakistan after her exile, she addressed a gathering in Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi. Incidentally this was the very spot where Pakistan's first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated in 1951, where five decades later Benazir Bhutto would be killed. Also nearby was the very spot where her father had been executed three decades ago. Only she knows what she felt as she looked around at the sea of people flocking her today, comparing it to the day her father was executed when she waited all alone in an unmarked car outside the wall of the prison.

However, even on this fateful day, aware of threats to her life, Benazir Bhutto braved the public gathering in Liaquat Bagh and gave a speech, despite the fact that her political rival Nawaz Sharif's supporters had been fired upon killing four.

Unaware of the immediate danger to her life, she opened her speech with: "Wake up, my brothers! This country faces great dangers. This is your country! My country! We have to save it."

Day by day Pakistani women are rising and doing something constructive not only for themselves but for their country too. You! speaks with Sharleen Ghauri who has outsmarted many in her field of work...

Sharleen Ghauri has been working as a Corporate Affairs Manager of Intel Pakistan & Bangladesh for over four years now. Sharleen is an MBA graduate from IBA Karachi. Before joining the company, she had acquired 5 years of experience in Marketing, customer services and operations in oil, telecom and IT industries. She is mainly responsible for managing the Intel(r) Education Initiative in Pakistan and Bangladesh, building relationships and collaborating with key stakeholders, including the government, donor agencies and relevant players in the education ecosystem of the two countries. Here are a few excerpts from her detailed interview:

You! What is your professional background?

Sharleen Ghauri: My first job was a very brief encounter with a technology start-up company called Avicenna, after that I worked in a few oil marketing and exploration companies. My tenure with technology started with a cell phone company, where I worked for a year and a half in customer services.

You! Where do you place your company in the current Pakistan IT market?

S.G: Pakistan's IT market has developed considerably in the last decade. Our company is one of the first players to enter the market from the hardware point of view. We have ensured year after year that the latest technology, available across the world, is also available in Pakistan.

You! Tell us something about the Teach Programme and which offerings are available in Pakistan?

S.G: It is a professional development programme that has been driving systemic change in teaching and learning since 1999. The programme trains educators to effectively use technology in the context of local classroom curricula and education standards. We have over 6 million teachers trained in 40 countries. Our company focuses on educational transformation through the use of technology. The programme offerings include both face-to-face and online instruction.

The company has an expertise with respect to the training curriculum in the ICT arena. We believe that each teacher's and student's circumstances are unique so a variety of trainings are offered. For teachers who have little or no prior experience with technology, we have a basic level course. Recently, the company launched a series of short courses. Each of these courses is 5 hours long. Our curriculum team is actively working on developing 3-4 more short courses in 2010. These courses are available online, free of cost, for teachers to complete when they have time and can be used as support materials for teachers and institutions who are actively focusing on technology.

You! Tell us how the Teach Programme is important in our education system?

S.G: Teachers in Pakistan must be equipped to build students 21st century skills because teachers don't know how to teach these skills. There is a lack of adequate resources and infrastructure of computer labs and trained IT faculty at schools and colleges. We are trying to support the government and these schools to accelerate the move to modern teaching methodology and to ensure that we as a nation are not left behind. Teachers are the architect of our future generation and they need to adapt to change if they are to survive and keep up with the rapid pace of development in teaching methodologies and technology. Our programmes not just focus on theory but also on practical use and application of IT.

You! Can the individuals already in the field benefit from your programmes?

S.G: We have trainings for both in-service and pre-service teachers. The In-Service Programme enables teachers to make innovative techniques the core of their teaching practices that have brought about a marked difference in student learning. The Pre-Service programme enables teacher educators and future teachers to discover how to use powerful productivity software, multimedia tools and internet to promote inquiry based learning.

You! In Pakistan how many teachers have been trained up till now?

S.G: To date we have trained 220,000 teachers, reaching out to over 60 districts. Intel Education also conducts forums and workshops and so far has reached out to over 28,000 teachers and principals. The government has also understood the important role of IT. Although the right steps are being taken by the government, there is still a great deal that can be done. Instead of viewing technology as a threat, we must all realise that technology is a means of power to the Pakistanis so they can be equal to the rest of the world.

You! Is there anything else that is being done besides training the teachers?

S.G: A great deal of time and effort is focused on education policies in the country. We work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education and provincial education departments to share our expertise with reference to ICT in education and to support education transformation goals. We also work closely with the network of trained teachers to ensure implementation in the classrooms of the techniques learnt during the trainings.

You! Tell our readers about the Intel Education Awards?

S.G: The Education Awards are held each year in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan. These awards aim to recognise teachers and schools that have enhanced student learning by using technology. All participating teachers and schools must have been trained under the programme that we offer. Earlier the contest was held only for in-service teachers however, we have now expanded the contest since 2008 and also involve pre-service teachers.

Here's how you can use your favourite shades of pink for your daily wear and look feminine yet ravishing...

The new season brings softness, freshness and optimism into make up. Natural tones are combined with bright, vivid ones. The new make up trends are all about fresh pink flushed cheeks, strong eyes (throw back inspiration from the '80s), colourful hues from fuchsia to aquamarine tones. Pinks are perfect for the summer but when you add plum shades to the eye socket and a bit of black eyeliner, the look can easily be worked with any winter outfit for almost any occasion.

If you find yourself uncertain about how to wear pink on your face then don't worry. Pink need not be blushingly feminine - as proven by edgy hot pink eye shadows - nor old-fashioned like your grandma's dusty rose lipstick. Here are a few suggestions that would help you to mix and match for everyday wearable pink make up.

Crimson eyes:

Pink is everywhere this season, and a deep fuchsia or coral are great eye shadow colour choices. One of the big trends this season is using light-reflecting hues to create soft, pretty eyes. For this look, choose a shimmery eye shadow in a pastel colour like light pink, blue or yellow and apply it all over the eyelid and brow bone. An alternative is to go for golden tones and light khakis for an earthier twist on the look. Skip the liquid eyeliner; for softer definition, use a thin brush to line your eyes with a deep brown shadow instead, and finish with a layer of mascara for this look.

Rosy cheeks:

Pink is also the 'it' colour for cheeks this season. Choose a paler shade to complement dramatic eye make up, or pair a deeper pink with more subtle eyes and lips. Make your cheeks pop with a pink blush. Don't worry about looking too much of a girly girl if it's not your style. Pink on cheeks can be used to merely brighten up your look without the actual pink being the first thing people see. Over the apples of your cheeks, dust on a medium flesh tone blush or bronzer. Layer a clean, pure pink blush on top of your first layer for a complexion that looks naturally radiant and vibrant rather than flat. Blend any evident lines away with the cosmetic wedge.

Cherry lips:

Pucker up, buttercup! Hot pink lipstick or gloss is the perfect way to enhance your pout while adding a dash of flirty fun to your look. It goes perfectly with jeans and a white tee or your favourite classic black dress, making it the ultimate all-in-one shade for day to night use. This season's lips are enhanced with a hint of shiny pink gloss or lipstick. Discreet, fresh and feminine, pink is ideal for setting off a nude complexion or highlighting inky blue eyes. Apply gloss and lipstick with a small, fine brush. Alternatively, apply straight from the tube or stick in small quantities. Build up your colour gradually, but apply lots - you want your colour to get noticed!

When choosing a pink lipstick, use your skin as a guide to avoid make up mistakes. Those with pink tones should go for a blue-based pink. Yellow tones require a warmer, browner shade. You can choose the one with a sheer, glossy texture if you're shy or not completely sure about your pick. You can apply two coats of the colour to make your lips sparkle pink.

Pink Tip:

Use a mint colour corrector on a too-red complexion to avoid looking extra ruddy when wearing pink. This should be applied evenly and very sparingly all over the face after moisturiser and primer but before foundation. You can also use it on only the spots which are overly red. In any case, simply dot on where needed and blend away excess with a cosmetic sponge so the rest of your makeup goes on flawlessly.

Credits:

Compilation: Shaza Khalid

Coordination: Thomas Fernandez @ Reddhaute Agency

Designer: Mehwish Lehri

(Female)

Grooming: Rizwan Saloon

Model: Jasmine

Dear Nadine,

I am a 28- year-old Pakhtoon doctor, presently in the U.K. (Glasgow). I have a very good job and pay, and cannot ask for more from Allah, but have regrets about the time I spent in Pakistan. Being from a very well off family and per traditions I was sent to boarding schools, which was not a bad thing at that time. I was very good in sports and administration as well as studies and made my way to the top most medical school in Pakistan. The problem is that I never spent time with my parents or my relatives and the time I was at home I was not allowed to mix up with local people in my area. I would be given lectures about my family's past and present and preserving good traditions. I ended up having friends who were not friends.

During my holidays my mother never gave time to me due to her busy daily schedule. My father was a really busy man. As a result I have no sentimental feelings for anyone back home as I never really knew anyone including my parents and that scares me. Doctors here from Pakistan talk about their mothers; how they looked after them, and cooked them food. They talk fondly of their caring sisters, wives or girlfriends waiting for them. I have everything back home: wealth, big cars, family reputation, but no feelings or love. My sisters, now married in very well off families in Pakistan, have no time for me as they are busy in their own superficial life just like my mother. I never felt this way before, and it really worries me. I need help.

KK

Dear KK,

A man cannot choose the family he is born into, and is brought up according to the norms of his parents and grandparents. This is exactly what happened in your case. Your siblings accepted the family traditions and lifestyle and are happy with them. Had you remained a part of your family, returning to them after the completion of your education, you would probably have imbibed their values and thought process. The interaction with people from different social classes has got you thinking about family ties that are cemented with love and sacrifice. You need to understand that you are from a different background where people do not express themselves in emotional terms. Of course it means that you were deprived of the unadulterated love and affection that is bestowed by parents on their children, but it doesn't mean that your folks back home do not love you; it's simply that they express it differently by providing you all the material things money can buy as they probably don't have time for such 'trivial' stuff. Due to your interaction with different people you perceive things differently and have become worried about relationships. Instead of worrying about the attitudes of your family members, try to initiate a close relationship with them. Talk to them as much as you can, and tell them that you miss them. Don't expect miracles to occur in a short while, but perseverance on your part may introduce your rich family to finer and nobler aspects of relationships. You may or may not succeed with them, as they were brought up differently and are set in the way they are. However, when you are married and have children of your own bring them with love and affection, remembering that your children need emotional fulfilment, too, along with things money can buy that you were denied. You also will be busy with your professional life and its commitments but don't forget to take out time for your wife and kids. It is not impossible to devote a couple of hours during the 24-hour-day to one's family if one really wants. It is not necessary to spend hours and hours with them. The real beauty of life rests in caring for the people who are attached to you, and sharing things with them; it gives spiritual satisfaction and makes a person well balanced. So, even if you don't succeed with your parents and siblings, you can work on your own family when you are married. Good luck!

Dear Nadine,

I am a 19-year-old college student. My problem is that my mother is very strict and she doesn't trust me. I am not allowed to go to my friends' house. I cannot even attend college functions that are held after college hours. Some days back I caught her checking my text messages. I am not into any wrong stuff. I don't talk to boys but she was checking my messages! I felt hurt and insulted. When I ask her why she does all this she simply says that I am not mature and it is her duty to look after me so I don't get into mischief. At times I feel so frustrated that I feel like doing something wrong! I often wonder if my mother is normal. I have never given her cause yet she treats me like a criminal. I have to control myself because I often feel like shouting at her when she snoops around trying to find out God knows what! Please suggest something to help me.

Daughter on Edge

Dear Daughter on Edge,

In these troubled times conscientious and loving parents are always worried about their children, which means not only girls but boys as well. Your mother's attitude seems harsh to you and I am not saying it is totally normal, but try to understand her anxieties. She wants you to remain safe and unhurt and goes overboard trying to do that which irritates you, but don't doubt her love and sincerity. She probably thinks of you as a child and that is why she is extra protective towards you. You need to talk to her more often and explain your point of view. Share small things about your college life and friends and seek her opinion. This would help build her trust and show her that you are a mature person. She will feel closer to you and will be better able to understand your perspective about things. Explain to her that you feel hurt because of her lack of trust. Don't feel frustrated because in her own way your mother is trying to look after you in the best possible way she knows. Try to find out why she feels so overly protective about you and reassure her by addressing her fears. Try to understand her concerns in the light of today's circumstances when no one is secure; not even in educational institutions. That is why she doesn't want you to travel alone. Instead of feeling ashamed in front of your friends, you should be proud that you have such a caring mom. Not many mothers do it because they don't have the time or opportunity of doing it. Just relax and keep a positive frame of mind. Best of luck!

Problems that need a solution? You can e mail Prof. Nadine Khan at nadinekhan_34@yahoo.com

Note: If you feel you need someone to talk to when you are alone, to share a problem with, or just to get something that has upset or disturbed you off your chest, share it with us.

Our current fashion industry incorporates scores of people as versatile designers, ravishing models, endowed make up artists and talented photographers. Pakistani fashion is making its way in the map of the world slowly but surely.

Recently, fashionistas of Islamabad enjoyed a glamorous evening. The focal point of the evening was a colourful fashion show which was organised by Volunteer Women's Organisation (VWO) - which has been working dedicatedly since 2001 to serve the under privileged women and children of the society. Five upcoming talented designers showcased their latest collections at the show while 10 gorgeous models flaunted their creations on the ramp.

The show started with stunning Natasha Hussain who hosted the event. She introduced Sameena Shah Pirzada, charity chairperson of VWO, who told the audience about the kind of work her organisation is doing.

"We pledge to educate women in the different fields of health, rehabilitation, literacy and particularly vocation so that they acquire skills to become self-sufficient and improve their socio-economic status. While the women learn sewing, embroidery and other skills at the vocational centres, their children are taken care of and provided with a sound foundation in education at the child friendly, 'Roshni' Primary Schools and Day Care centres," explained Sameena Shah Pirzada.

After her detailed speech about her organisation, the show finally started with Bushra Aftab who sent her eye-catching collection on the ramp. Her attention to details was noticeable. Then came Shakir Roohi whose collection was much appreciated by the audience as it was an interesting mix of cuts and colours.

Next came Bina Sultan with her latest creations. She also did not disappoint the audience and presented a collection which was fashionable as well as wearable. The clothes were done in stylish cuts and solid colours. Saim also showcased his flamboyant collection and gained applause from the audience. Embellishments were used to enhance the beauty of the dresses. However, YAS (Yaseer Anees Seikh), an Islamabad-based designer, stole the show with his fabulous bridal collection. The collection consisted of ensembles with intricate work and embroidery. All in all one could notice a lot of versatility and creativity in the creations of these designers.

For all you sweet lovers and especially chocolate lovers, here's another yummy delight for all of you girls out there. This week You! brings a special creamy dessert 'Chocolate mousse'. This mousse turns out great and is quite easy to make. Just follow the recipe and viola you have the creamiest chocolaty mousse ever. Bon Appetite!

-Cream 2 cups

-Egg yolks 4

-Granulated sugar 3 tablespoons

-Vanilla essence 1 teaspoon

-Bittersweet chocolate,

melted and kept lukewarm 7 oz

- Heat 2/3 cups of cream in small saucepan until it just begins to steam.

- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar, and then add half of the hot cream, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thoroughly combined.

- Add the warm egg-cream mixture back into the hot cream in the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly.

- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla essence and melted chocolate. Chill the chocolate custard thoroughly.

- Beat the remaining 1 1/3 cups of cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.

- Thoroughly stir half cup of the whipped cream into the chilled chocolate custard, and then gently fold in the remaining cream.

Farhana has been into interior designing for the past eight years. She used to work as a specialist at colour compositions and designing for different multinational companies. However, after several years of hard work and experience she realised her potential as a furniture designer and then she decided to come up with something of her own.

Recently, she has launched her own label 'Gulmohar'. According to Farhana her collection of furniture at 'Gulmohar' is the work of art. While explaining her intriguing label she says, "Gulmohar is actually a flamboyant tree in flower - some say the world's most colourful tree. For several weeks in spring and summer it is covered with exuberant clusters of flame-red flowers. The peacock-appearance structure of Gulmohar drew my attention. Inspired by this vivid tree, I have designed some pieces of furniture having vibrant motifs."

Farhana's design philosophy revolves around nature and environment. "A lot of creativity and hard work is required to craft a single piece of furniture. I always want to give something different to my clients, not run-of-the-mill sort of stuff which you find in furniture markets. The intricate hand work on my finished pieces gives uniqueness to my furniture," maintains Farhana who is a graduate in fine arts from Karachi School of Art.

Farhana is mainly into period furniture. She is heavily inspired by the 17 Century period furniture. She believes that this type of furniture never go out of fashion. "I usually use wood and metal to create classic pieces of furniture. I usually take orders. I have my own setup and karigars. As a professional I make sure to give delivery on time. I don't make delays," she claims.

She is of the opinion that one should hire the services of an interior designer. "People think that it's a waste of money whereas I think interior designer as professionals make sensible use of your money, saves you from a lot of hassles and saves your precious time."

She also shares some useful interior tips with our readers, "Please don't discard your old pieces of furniture. One can do wonders with antiques. You can always polish them and get them painted in interesting colours. Secondly you don't need to decorate your room with expensive objects, use indoor plants as decorative items and it gives an instant boost to your surroundings. Placing big mirrors and lamps around also enhances the beauty of a room. Last but not least, don't clutter rooms unnecessarily! It's better to have a few things on display, so that one can focus on them, rather than having too many items which distract the eye."

"Bright colours and straight lines are very in these days. So while decorating your home, try to paint your walls in vibrant hues to give a fresh feel to the ambiance," she adds.

Recently, Saim Ali, an up-coming designer, showed his latest collection in Bosnia. You! takes a look…

Nowadays many Pakistani designers are having their shows on foreign shores – exhibiting their latest collection. The purpose is twofold: to market their product as well as to introduce Pakistani fashion and culture in the international market. Rizwan Beyg, Deepak Perwani, Nilofar Shahid, Shaiyanne Malik, are some of the few designers who have done shows abroad and have received accolades from fashion critiques all around the world. Since the world has become a global village this trend is healthy. It not only gives new avenues to our designers but also gives boost to our indigenous and fragile fashion industry.

Recently, Saim Ali, an up and coming fashion designer, attended the international fashion week of Sarajevo, Serbia. He showcased his latest 'Intoxicated' collection there which included pishwas, churidaars, kaftan shirts, sherwani's, flaired shirts, flaired paints, long dresses etc. He exhibited more then 18 outfits in interesting cuts and styles. Along with Saim there were 22 designers from around the globe including Malaysia, Paris, Australia, Croatia, Hungary, Belgrade, Italy, Serbia, Russia etc. The hair and make-up was done by Stella team @ MAC. Top international labels like River Island, Springfield, Philosophy, Stefenal and Illan Mac also displayed their line in the fashion week.

Saim kicked off the 1st day of the fashion week with his flamboyant collection. The gorgeous models sashayed on the ramp with the famous tracks of Noor Jahan playing in the background. This segment was choreographed by Saim himself. The audience really appreciated his collection.

For all the up-coming designers out there Saim has this message to concentrate on their work and be professional. "We need to respect our seniors and work as a family if we want to see the name of Pakistan in the international fashion scene," he comments. 

Way to go Saim!