- are they any good?

By Adeel Pathan

Almost since its birth Pakistan has been witness to great hue and cry over women’s rights. For most part it seems women’s voices fall on deaf ears and their efforts pass by unnoticed by blind eyes. Women’s rights have for most part largely been ignored. However, times are now changing and more and more females are now gradually becoming aware of their social and legal rights. Although there are now several NGOs and organisations dedicated to promoting and preserving women’s rights, true change - if any - can only come from the administrative side of things i.e. the government. Women councillors can bring about great changes in the lives of ordinary women.

After a long process of struggle and hardship, a new era for women in politics was observed in 2001 when the National Reconstruction Bureau (NRB) introduced a local body system, which brought about major changes regarding the participation of women in politics. It enhanced their representation to 33 per cent in the union, town and district levels. This was the first step towards allowing women to raise their voice for their right to work and exist along with their male counterparts as equals. However, things were not as easy as most hoped, as most of these women councillors had to struggle for even the most basic rights as councillors along with their participation and admission into training workshops and seminars. Sad as it may be, most were unable to resolve even basic problems of their community because they were unaware of their role in the system. And their prime duty of counselling women still remains a distant dream.

Presently, women in politics are largely the butt of jokes, at times also called showpieces. At the time of introduction of the local bodies, more that 36,000 women councillors were inducted through reserved seats and it was claimed that they would be included in the decision making process. Sadly enough most of such women only attend the council sessions without raising their voices for a single cause pertaining to the real problems that women face. While some choose not to speak, there are a few who are barely “permitted” to utter a word. Admittedly, sitting along with their male counterparts from the government does give them moral courage to face confrontations, but their prime responsibility, which is counselling for women, is greatly ignored. 

For any change to come about a collective effort is needed. There are no women issues that are being ferociously pushed by these councillors as they should have been. When only a small number of women speak up about any issue, most pay no heed. These women councillors have been elected from union to district level on reserved seats and attend the council sessions on regular basis. Some of them do take part in the heated debates in the council but records of district councils shows that only a handful of these councillors speak while others remain mute and witness the session as mere spectators.

When they were introduced into the local body systems in 2001, our female politicians faced many hurdles. Those who tried to have a say in the houses and other political activities were largely disappointed. Raising their voices for any issue seemed hard, and raising their voices for women, near to impossible. But when they got the opportunity they just wasted it. Instead of focusing on the actual problems, they got busy struggling for their honorarium and later participation in trainings, workshops and seminars.

Malka Khan, program officer of Aurat Foundation, informs that women councillors have tried their level best with the available resources to bring about some change in the mindset of the women of their respective communities “Yes, you are right that the dream for participation of women in the decision making process is not 100 per cent complete but an improvement and change of at least 50 per cent has been brought about,” she observes. She further imposes that women councillors have proved themselves as good managers and have highlighted the issues of women in their respective councils because most already have experiences working for women rights and other issues. She believes that women councillors should be issued the right to utilise their funds according to their wishes as presently the funds are mismanaged and depleted before the councillor even comes to know about them.

In this respect The Aurat Foundation has released two issues of a book which narrates the experiences of women councillors across the country under the title of ‘Aangan Say Aiwan Tak’. Through this book these women, who are from different schools of thought, have shared their lives and experiences - both bitter as well as pleasant - as part of the political fabric of Pakistan. The volume holds their stories of the difficulties and troubles they faced during their struggle for the participation of women in politics.

“We are not mere show pieces and should raise our voices in the councils and in every forum,” asserts Sajida Baloch, a former councillor who was elected as union council Nazim in the 2005 local body elections. Asked about the benefits of being the union council Nazim, she stated that being the Nazim she had the authority to solve the problems of women and resolve other civic issues, which would not  have been possible for her as a simple councillor.

It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that we have come a long way as a nation and in promoting women’s rights. But it also wouldn’t be an understatement to say that we still have a lot of work to do before we can truly claim to uphold any kind of civic and social rights for women. At present the new government needs to take initiative. There is a dire need for guidelines with which councillors can work. Without specific tasks and goals they will really be nothing more than ‘show pieces’ in the truest sense of the words.

With a proper framework they can improve and redefine the role of women in the society, especially those at the grass root level.

Are you crazy?

By Zunaira Nadeem

It’s a typical scene, where a gathering of well ‘educated’ people are discussing topics, we’ll assume, of importance. A person randomly complains of being stressed out with feelings of anxiety that just won’t go away. Someone just as random, though obviously not as well educated, suggests a therapist. Amongst the rolled eyes, the anxious person says ‘What? Are you crazy?’ Oh the irony.

Generally speaking, the mention of psychiatrists and psychological treatment, in our part of the world, broadly means lunacy.  After all, in a society where health can only mean physical well being it’s hard to digest concepts such as ‘mental health’.  It is very difficult to convince people to accept what psychological therapy has to offer. For the simple person, and even for those who have managed to accumulate significant knowledge of the world, psychological illnesses remain a mystery.

Though more and more people have been turning to psychiatric and psychological help for their psychological problems in the last decade or so, for the means to their cure, a prevailing sentiment of distrust still hangs over the typical mindset. For many years people did not even know that psychology was a valid study, though in the western world it was steadily becoming more and more popular. Work on psychology was being carried on as early as the mid-19th century in the west. Freud didn’t just say in jest ‘I do not think that our success can compete with that of Lourdes. There are so many more people that believe in the miracles of the Blessed Virgin than in the existence of the unconscious.’

In our society people were fearful (and are still) of being called ‘crazy’. The social taboo restricts individuals from getting the professional help they need. Though psychiatry has gained recognition as an authorised practice, people are still reluctant to go for their treatments as they are afraid of being ridiculed and shunned by the society. History should have taught us by now that isolating problems, hoping that they will go away has never been a good idea.

Normally, it is assumed that people suffering from psychological problems or depression are possessed by Jinns. They are then sent to fakirs and alims, and all sorts of religious doctors. Many a time these poor souls subject to mental torture at the hands of fake pirs who are there to fool simple people.

Actually, therapeutic practices help in curing people suffering from mental disorders.

It’s too cliched to say that abnormality is dependant on your definition and perspective alone. It’s also too cliched to say that everyone needs to go crazy a little now and then so that won’t be said either. But it isn’t cliched to say that consulting a therapist is a wise decision in matters of mental health importance. But sadly, that won’t be said either since that’s just crazy talk.

Make me beautiful!

When it comes to bridal hair and makeup every bride is extra careful since it is her big day and she has to look her best. Brides-to-be are actually getting aware of makeup these days and they just don’t want to look like typical brides any more. Brides everywhere are deviating from conventional trends to choices that fit their modern tastes. A corrective, subtle makeup that enhances your best features and makes you naturally radiant and beautiful is probably the best because the first thing people will notice alongside your shadi ka jora on your wedding day is how stunning and radiant you look. And to get that look you definitely need a professional makeup artist.

Finding an expert makeup artist is by no means an easy task. Good ones get booked early, so give yourself at least six months before the wedding to find a suitable match. Getting makeup artist referrals from friends who’ve had positive experiences is a good starting point. Try to meet the artist beforehand to gauge how comfortable you are with him. Once you’ve found a makeup artist, set up a makeup and hair trial. Having a trial two to three months before the wedding is ideal, it is advisable taking a digital camera to the trial. It’s a good way to see how the makeup looks in pictures and for your own reference when deciding on an artist.

On the wedding day most brides are extremely tensed so it is better to keep the make up as vibrant as possible. When it comes to wedding makeup, the eyes have it.  More emphasis is given to the eyes. A lot of colour is used but proper blending is very necessary or else it could turn out to be a disaster. Use primer and, of course, waterproof mascara to add length. For more drama, some brides use fake eyelashes. But if you’ve never worn fake ones before, your wedding day is not the day to try them out.

Many brides have the misconception that their makeup needs to match their outfit, but how many of us really look good in red-orange lipstick?”

This season bridal makeup is blended and the base is subtle. The pancake look is gone. The trend is for the entire look to blend and be of same palette, not the colours of the outfit. For instance, a red or bright magenta lengha can be worn with gold and bronze eye makeup and plum lip gloss. Softer outfit colours, like peach or pink, are complemented by pearly or coral eyes and rosy shades of pink for the lips. And you don’t have to stick to the reds and golds,

“The bridal makeup is not only about makeup for the occasion but also about pre-bridal skin and facial care and treatments. Correct use of colours and expert highlighting and contouring leave you looking as stunning and dazzling as you want. The whole trick to makeup is not to look overdone,” says beautician Ishrat.

“Every bride should use foundation to some degree. Foundation and concealer are the most important aspect to looking good in photographs. Even the tiniest blemishes can show up in your photographs. Also, since many of us don’t have perfect skin, these products allow a flawless look,” she adds.

No matter how great your makeup looks, you’ll probably need some fine-tuning throughout your day. It is suggested that every bride must keep an emergency kit containing compact powder to dab on when you experience shine overkill; lipgloss for touch-ups, and a Q-tip for kohl or mascara smudges.

“So these days you have to keep a certain look in your mind while doing the bridal makeup because it has to be different from others. It is more contemporary and the less the better,” she concludes.

Today’s modern brides don’t

want a typical look any more.

The ‘pancake’

look is gone, now the buzz word is ‘blending’

Credits:

Compilation:

Shaza Khalid

Coordination:

Umar Mushtaq

Photography:

Abid Ali (0321-2129311)

Model: 

Amna Karim

Makeup:

Ishrat - 0333-3169158

Hope and healing for women

Sometimes it feels like you can’t open a newspaper or switch on the TV without seeing another grim account of breast cancer. The facts and figures seem bleak too: breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and the the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. It’s always refreshing to find the good news that’s out there. And as medical science and research progress at a furious pace, it seems there’s a lot to report.

It’s important to remember that younger women are generally not considered to be at risk of breast cancer - only 5% of cases of breast cancer worldwide occur in women under 40. The risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. Over 75% of cases of breast cancer develop in women of 50 years and above. However, in younger women breast cancer is likely to be larger and more aggressive than in older women. The good news though is that doctors are learning new ways to protect women against this disease. These days if breast cancer is diagnosed at a very early stage, it is treatable. More than 90% of women whose cancer is found at an early stage will survive.

Females who are suffering from breast cancer today have a much brighter future than those a generation ago. Almost 65% of the females suffering from this disease are now likely to survive for more than two decades. The death rate of women with breast cancer has decreased since 1990, and this decline was larger among younger age groups. This decrease has been attributed both to improvements in treatment and to earlier detection.

Breast cancer treatments are based on many factors, including the type and stage of the cancer. Advances in drugs and special treatments that specifically target different types of breast cancer are enabling more and more women to survive the disease. In general, cancer treatments may include chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, radiation therapy to destroy cancerous tissue, surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, and the use of several newly introduced drugs which can help remove cancerous tissues and block certain hormones that fuel cancer growth. Until now, a drug named ‘Tamoxifen’ was used - it works by interfering with oestrogen activity in the body. Around 60% of breast cancers around the globe are fuelled by the hormone oestrogen, which causes malignant cells to grow. Today, however, new drugs have been developed that actually lower oestrogen activity in the body, making them more effective than ‘Tamoxifen’. Such drugs are known as aromatase inhibitors. Studies show that the use of aromatase inhibitors lowers the risk of the cancer returning by 30%.

Most drugs used for cancer treatment are given intravenously or by injection, which can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. However, an oral ‘wonder drug’ could be available soon that can be taken once a day at home. Although yet to appear on the market, these tablets can slow down the speed of the growth of breast cancer. It works by killing two rogue proteins, which between them fuel the growth of at least a third of breast cancer, while other cancer drugs usually target just one of the proteins. This wonder drug kills off malignant cells- the outlook really has never been so good.

The most widely used cancer treatment, chemotherapy, has one devastating side effect; infertility. Chemotherapy can prevent the ovaries from producing any more eggs. However, new research shows that surgeons can now remove slivers of the ovaries and freeze them before starting chemotherapy- and after the treatment is completed, the slivers are put back to produce eggs again. Another drug in the works is ‘Cetrorelix’- it will temporarily shut down the ovaries before chemotherapy by blocking the brain chemicals responsible for ovulation. Once chemotherapy is finished, the drug is stopped and the ovaries ‘switch back on’ with their store of eggs intact. 

Breast cancer does not necessarily mean losing a breast - a mastectomy is often unnecessary. A lumpectomy - removing just the diseased tissue- could save as many lives in women with small tumours. However, in some situations, the size and position of a tumour may make a mastectomy unavoidable. If that’s the case, consider this: not only have reconstructive techniques become more sophisticated; they can often be carried out as part of a breast removal operation so that the patient wakes up with her shape intact. The latest cutting-edge operations mean women get a more natural looking and feeling breast. Since silicon implants can be hard and inflexible, existing muscle and tissue is used from elsewhere in the body.

- Compiled by Ayesha Mysorewala

How to reduce the risk of breast cancer

Many risk factors, including your genes and family history, can’t be controlled. However, an increasing number of studies point to simple things you can do to help reduce your risk. A healthy diet and a few lifestyle changes may reduce your overall chance of cancer in general. Studies show that weight gain is one of the biggest causes of breast cancer. Therefore, keeping the weight at a healthy level may give significant protection- studies indicate that if women maintain a stable weight, there may be a 50% reduction in their chances of getting the disease. In addition to that - regular exercise and eating green vegetables and fresh fruits can also help in reducing the risk. There are never any absolute guarantees, but these simple lifestyle changes may dramatically reduce the chances of getting the disease.

Inherited breast cancer occurs in only 10% of cases, but if a close relative is diagnosed, then it’s natural to worry about your own risk. Now, thanks to pioneering research, you can find out for sure whether you should be concerned. Scientists have already identified most of the faulty genes which give carriers a chance of developing breast cancer. And thanks to new research, scientists reckon that within a few months, they’ll have identified every gene responsible for the development of inherited breast cancer. Gene testing not only wipes out worries of a family link, it means that if you do turn out to be a carrier, you can make an informed strike against the disease, either through increased screening, or surgery.

IT’S ACTION TIME!

This week           has selected few of the best summer movies of this season - filled with action and thrills...

Compiled by

Waqas Hasan Sharif

Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda is a fun and action-packed movie which anyone can enjoy.Whether you are 5-years old or 50-years old, the movie will have you in stiches. Dreamsworks’ new computer- animated film is a departure from the pop culture referencing SHREK films. Most of this comes from a painstaking attention to detail by directors Mark Osborne and John Stevenson. They do a wonderfully stunning job creating a world true to the classic Kung Fu movies of the past including art work, title sequences, design of the village and music.

The story follows old school martial and takes place in Ancient China, Po (voiced by Jack Black) is a fat panda who works in a noodle restaurant. He dreams of being a Kung Fu master, and is a big fan of the Furious Five. They are Monkey, Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Snake, Crane and Mantis. During a festival in which the great master Oogway is going to choose the Dragon Warrior, Po shows up. Oogway picks him to be the great warrior to save the world. Trouble is, Po doesn’t know any martial arts. With the help of Oogway’s right hand man, Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), Po begins his training. Meanwhile, the evil Tai Lung escapes from prison to get revenge on Shifu and steal the Dragon Scroll. Po is the only one destined to defeat him.

The strength of this film is its visual presentation. The characters are well designed and they move with the necessary precision and grace. The scenic backgrounds are also well-rendered, with a distinct style that is ancient yet also modern. It’s one of the most action-packed movies in theaters now! Besides IRON MAN, it’s the best film of the summer!

- The movie is being shown @ Cineplex

Wanted

Wanted is a movie that never takes a breath. It races full throttle from beginning to end. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, the film exudes danger and desire. The cast is wonderful, from the stern presence of Morgan Freeman to the playful confidence of Angelina Jolie. Seeing her driving a car while fighting off enemies is a hoot and what is more enjoyable is the fact that she makes it look believable. The inspiration of The Matrix is felt throughout Wanted, not in the form of ‘bullet time’ but in the sheer poetry of motion and mayhem.

The story revolves around Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) who only six weeks ago, was just another office worker making close to nothing per hour and generally letting life have its way with him... until Fox (Angelina Jolie) walked into his life, guns ablaze. It turns out that Wesley has a destiny and a talent, both for assassination. Under the tutelage of Fox, her boss Sloan (Morgan Freeman), and a host of other assassins, “The Fraternity” trains Wesley in their art. But first he has to go through a training program which is brutal to say the least. Still when he graduates he is a different man than he was before. The transformation of James McAvoy from dreaded “office boy” to empowered guild assassin is the real meat and potatoes of the movie, taking the audience from the mundane to the day-dreaming fantastic and back again.

Leave the kids at home but make sure you see this adrenaline fueled thriller. “Wanted” engages and wows throughout, thanks to its exceptional visuals and something far more rare in a summer blockbuster: a stellar lead performance. ‘Wanted’ is the one you want to see.

Mummy 3

The blockbuster global “Mummy” franchise takes a spellbinding turn as the action shifts to Asia for the next chapter in the adventure series, ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’. The film is directed by Rob Cohen and stars Brendan Fraser, Jet Li, Maria Bello, John Hannah, Michelle Yeoh, Anthony Wong, Luke Ford and Isabella Leong. Mummy 3 was filmed in China and its main characters are based out of Chinese historic and mythology elements.

Brendan Fraser returns as explorer Rick O’Connell to combat the resurrected Han Emperor (Jet Li) in an epic that races from the catacombs of ancient China into the frigid Himalayas. Rick is joined in this all-new adventure by son Alex (newcomer Luke Ford), wife Evelyn (Maria Bello) and her brother, Jonathan (John Hannah). And this time, the O’Connells must stop a mummy awoken from a 2,000-year-old curse who threatens to plunge the world into his merciless, unending service.

- Wanted and Mummy 3 will soon hit the local cinemas

Kab aur khahan?

Just as the controversies and spurs caused by his first film began to lose their fizzle; a new buzz started going around in both the Lollywood and Bollywood circuits about Shoaib Mansoor’s new film. News had it that the big wig had finalised plans for a follow up to ‘Khuda Kay Liye’, and supposedly has Shaan as the main lead. Well, a little bird has told us that the ‘follow-up’ of the colossal hit “Khuda Kay Liye’ is not going to kick off any time soon. The idea was proclaimed ludicrous by the director himself who said it he was still in the middle of considering different ideas and projects and hasn’t finalised a thing! He also laughed off the idea that Shaan would be part of his next project; if any. Hmmm... seems like the superstar did not give Shoaib an easy time on the sets of KKL. Could it be it’s because he did so little to support the film’s rocky progression after its release? So who will it be? Maybe some of the Indian talent is about to cross the border. Well, as far as Shoaib Mansoor’s next film is concerned, keep your fingers crossed for something amazing, we can expect no less!

Boys to rock again!

India is fast becoming a hot-spot for international artists, and our very own band Jal seems to have climbed the bandwagon. The lip gloss sporting boys are now headed to Agra to shoot their next music video. Well, we know there’s nothing new in that piece of info but guess where the video is meant to be shot... the Taj Mahal! That’s right; one of the wonder of the new world will be a setting for a song from their album. The lads said that the romantic monument is an ideal location for their shoot, and are overwhelmed by the response given to them there. Hmmm... looks like we can all look forward to yet another soulful number from Jal, who first took us and all of India by storm with their hit, “Woh Lamhey”. There is yet to be any word on the name of the song. We’re looking forward to it and hopefully the new video will live up to the hoopla.

Food for Thought

Cheese mousse with plum sauce
Dessert aficionados everywhere!

This week you’re in for a sweet treat as            along with Mrs. Lubna Shariff brings you a creamy, decadent mousse recipe that is easy to prepare... Happy dessert!

Ingredients:

Soft cottage cheese          1 cup

Cream 1/2 cup

Castor sugar          1/2 cup

Gelatin 1 tsp

METHOD:

‑Combine the cottage cheese, cream and castor sugar; fold together until it is a soft mixture.

‑Melt the gelatin in hot water and add it to the mixture.

‑Put the mixture in a mould and let it set for at least three hours. 

n ‑For the plum sauce, take plums and make a puree with sugar.

n ‑Set it around the mould, and garnish with mint leaves.

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

Dear Goldfish in Trouble,

It seems that J is extremely immature and inconsistent. As a friend he is okay, but any relationship with him spells trouble. He is certainly not in love with you, but talks to you because you are good company. Also, he is still studying and needs a lot of time to settle down, whereas according to what you have written that your parents would not wait that long! Besides, he has not officially proposed to you; even his family has not initiated any contact with yours. Doesn’t this tell you that he is not serious with you? He treats you with contempt and contacts you when he wants, yet you think he loves you. Don’t be naive, girl, and pay heed to what your mother and sisters have told you. Coming to the other point, love marriages, like arranged matches are not always successful. Just because your sister’s marriage was arranged and her marital life was bad, it doesn’t mean that you would automatically suffer the same fate. Have trust in your parents’ judgement and pray to God for a good marital life. Best of luck!

Dear Nadine Khan,

I am a 37-year-old married woman and a mother of three sons and a daughter. My husband is a distant relative and ours was a love marriage. I say ‘was’ because it seems ‘love’ is no more a part of our married life. We have been living like strangers; we hardly talk to each other unless it is necessary. I am busy all the time with my children, the kitchen chores and besides that I live with my in-laws. My husband works from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. He comes home by 8:30 and spends about an hour with my parents-in-law. We have our dinner usually at 9:30. Get the picture? He goes to bed after dinner. By the time I finish tidying up the kitchen, he is already asleep. It is very frustrating because I don’t get to spend time with my husband but my in-laws think that I am very dominating and don’t let my husband mingle with his family! His sisters, who visit us without fail every Sunday, are especially very vocal about this issue. When I complain to my husband he says that he has to spend time with his parents because they keep on telling him that since his was a love marriage he has changed and does not care about them.

After 12 years of marriage, I still have to listen to my sisters-in-law’s taunts about ensnaring their brother. The problem is that he is always trying to please them but in the process he ignores me. I am extremely depressed with this life. How can I have his attention back? How can I live a normal life without any problems?

Frustrated Wife

Dear Frustrated Wife,

Life, before and after marriage, is very different. The courtship period is romantic and idyllic but once practical life starts, humdrum of daily life and problems set in and both husband and wife find they don’t have enough time to spend with each other. While your husband is busy with his routine, aren’t you caught up with daily household chores? So, when you think that love is not a part of your life anymore, you are wrong. It’s just that at times people are so busy that they, inadvertently, pay less attention to those whom they consider understanding. Your husband probably thinks that you, as his wife, know how stretched he is and understand that he needs to appease his parents and sisters. This attitude is not justifiable, but don’t harbour ill feelings based on your opinion about his lack of love for you. It is his routine which does not allow him to spend as much time with you as possible. To improve things, both of you will have to discuss the matter in a relaxed mood. Throughout the week, he is busy so you must plan this conversation on his off day. Initiate this conversation and make him realise that the present routine is affecting your marital life. Tell him that you miss his company and want him to take out time for you on Sundays. It doesn’t matter what his sisters think; just as they visit their parents’ house every Sunday, you have a right to go out with your husband on that day. Insist on this, but not in a shrewish manner! You have to make it clear to him that you yearn for his company, without mentioning anything adverse about his family. Just talk about yourself and how you feel due to his apparently indifferent attitude. My dear, if you really want to have a good relationship, don’t hesitate to take the initiative. It’s the lack of communication that is responsible for so many misunderstandings. You might even discover that it is your husband who is considering himself the aggrieved party! In that case don’t flare up; just ask him to start afresh. Good luck!

Dear Nadine,

I am a 24-year-old doctor. I recently got married and my husband works in a multi-national at a good post. I live in a joint family set up. In addition to my parents-in-law, my two sisters-in-law and a married brother-in-law live with us. I work at a private clinic but my mother-in-law has been asking me to quit my job. She says that like other females I must do my bit with the household chores. My husband has no objection to my working but since he is financially very sound he doesn’t need my income. I worked very hard to obtain my MBBS degree and I don’t want to quit! How can I possibly continue my work when my mother-in-law is giving me so much trouble? When she brought my proposal I was doing my house job, so she knew I was a working doctor. If she had wanted a housewife don’t you think she should have looked elsewhere?

In this entire situation, my husband has been neutral so far. But daily I have to listen to taunts about not doing anything but eating like a princess. How can I make things better without leaving my job?

Distressed Doctor

Dear Distressed Doctor,

It seems that the crux of your problem is your lack of participation in the house hold chores. This is antagonising your in-laws because they are carrying out their responsibilities and feel that you are just lording it over. So, if you think rationally about their view point you would feel they are justified. You can overcome your problem, but you will have to take some pains. You can discuss the matter with your mother-in-law and offer to chip in with the house work, be it cooking or cleaning. Once you have ascertained your responsibilities you can either get up early in the morning and wind up your work, or you can hire a maid to do the work that is supposed to be done by you. You will, of course, have to pay the maid yourself to avoid any bickering. Supervise the maid properly and no one will be able to accuse you of lording it over like a princess. 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. Write to Prof. Nadine Khan, c/o Editor ‘You!’ magazine, The News, Al-Rehman Building (4th Floor)  I.I Chundrigar Road, Karachi.

  The homely place

By Fatima Zakir
Photography by
Syed Nadeem Ali

You need to have the creative bone in your body to make proper use of your resources, which is also in accordance with your mood and style. Check out this week’s house

Comfortable living is not just about big houses and expensive furniture but it’s the way you convert your place aesthetically into your safe haven. And when it comes to furnishing with the right kind of furniture and enhancing it with accessories, it often takes a lot of time and effort. It goes without saying that one can ruin the architecture with insipidly chosen furniture or even enhance its beauty with the right choice of furnishings.

As you enter Mr. and Mrs. Shaukat Ali Khan’s abode, you are taken in by a huge garden which is decorated with beautiful flowers and lush green plants. The area is large enough for the children to play and the adults to have their evening tea in a fresh environment.

Stepping into their house, you are greeted by an underground aquarium, host to many colourful fish. On the other side, you will find an exotic fountain with colourful plants and clay pots. “Setting up aquarium flooring is a unique concept and I was tempted by the whole idea. It is the first thing that captures your attention as soon as you enter the house. And it adds a sense of beauty and class to the room.  It is hard to maintain, but the unique look makes it all worthwhile,” says Mrs. Razia Shaukat.

At the right of the entrance is the drawing room which is elegant and simple. They have used two colour schemes keeping off white and light brown in one corner and greyish brown on the other side. The offwhite sofas are accompanied by beige and brown curtains. The centre and side tables are dark brown with glass table top and assorted accessories. 

The dining room is done in the combination of brown and black. It is a simple room with less furniture and accessories. The black coloured eight-seater dining table has black and brown chairs complementing the brown curtains.

From there you are taken into the TV lounge which is contemporary yet capacious. It is done on a funky colour scheme of dark blue and white. The sofa set and the curtains are a combination of both the colours - making the room lively. Even the glass centre table has blue decoration items on it. “Our immediate family prefers to sit in the TV lounge instead of the drawing room. Keeping in mind its functionality, we have tried to keep it roomy, trendy and, at the same time, comfy,” shares Razia.

On the left side of the TV lounge is the American kitchen which is done on simple and neat black and white lines. The white cabinets with black slab accompanied by black stools makes the area look even better. In one corner they have a smaller kitchen, where most of the cooking and washing is done.

You are then taken into their younger son”s bedroom who shares it with his wife and two little kids. It is done in a combination of beige and green. The off white bedroom set is artistically designed with a tinge of brown. The whole furniture goes well with the green upholstery of the room. Even their bathroom is done in a combination of light brown and green. It has a stylish glass wash basin with artificial plants for beautification.

Their elder son, Salman, with his three young kids resides in the upper portion of the house. The lounge upstairs has a rural touch to it. The furniture is interestingly designed with wooden pieces put together. It looks as if  fire stock has been used to make the sofa sets. The wooden seats are complemented with orange seat and arm cushions. On one corner they have set up a takht of the same material with a number of colourful embroidered cushions. “It looks like we have gathered some pieces of wood from the forest and made this on our own. It is exclusive as I have not seen anything similar to it anywhere. Along with that, we needed something which could be roughly used as the children constantly play here. And, it proved to be our perfect choice for all the practical reasons,” shares Razia.  

To the left is Salman’s bedroom which is elegantly done in the combination of light and dark brown. The bed set is of carved wood and gels well with the lighter hued curtains. In one corner they have set up a small sitting area with two modern chairs and a small round table. A striking flower arrangement sets in its centre. While, on the other corner they have a floor sitting arrangement with maroon rug and matching cushions.

The other room is the children’s haven, with lots of funky colours and stuffed toys. The three single beds are spread side by side with toys in between. The bed set is fluorescent blue with red upholstery. Light green and light blue bean bags sit with ease in the two corners of the room. Even the flooring is of pink and beige marble tiles.

But the fun is not reserved for kids only - they have set up a room with a billiard table where they can enjoy a good game after a long day of work. It may look like an easy job which could be accomplished by a heavy bank balance but money isn’t everything; You need to have the creative bone in your body to make proper use of your resources, which is also in accordance with your mood and style.