Ansa Hasan, a marketing manager at Porsche Pakistan, gestures as she prepares for an upcoming event, outside the Porsche showroom in Lahore February 21, 2014. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities and professions - from being a pilates instructor, to a textile retail entr
Interior designer Zahra Afridi (L) talks to a carpenter at a workshop on the outskirts of Islamabad February 10, 2014. Afridi runs her own interior design company. Her most recent project was a Classic Rock Coffee cafe in Islamabad. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities a
Interior designer Zahra Afridi (R) kicks a punching bag during a kickboxing training session at her home in Islamabad February 10, 2014. Afridi runs her own interior design company. Her most recent project was a Classic Rock Coffee cafe in Islamabad. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sor
Interior designer Zahra Afridi (L) talks to a carpenter at a workshop on the outskirts of Islamabad February 10, 2014. Afridi runs her own interior design company. Her most recent project was the Classic Rock Coffee cafe in Islamabad. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities
Educationalist and model Fatima (R) uses her mobile phone at her house in Lahore May 28, 2014.
Pilates instructor Zainab Abbas (R) smokes a cigarette as she sits with a friend after lunch in Lahore February 19, 2014. Abbas opened her fitness studio, Route2Pilates, in Lahore, after receiving training in Bangkok, Thailand. She carries out rehabilitation workouts for people with joint problems as well as specialised workouts for pregnant women. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion
Children take part in a reading session at the Treehouse Nursery and Kindergarten school run by Naadiya Manzur in Islamabad March 6, 2014. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities and professions - from being a pilates instructor, to a textile retail entrepreneur, to a membe
Sana Mir, captain of Pakistan's women's cricket team, smiles as she stands at home in Lahore February 23, 2014. Mir was enrolled in an engineering degree at a national university, but left to pursue her passion for cricket. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities and profes
Erum Ahmed, chief executive officer (CEO) of the textile retail brand So Kamal, talks to workers as she visits a factory in Faisalabad February 25, 2014. Ahmed started her brand three years ago. She encourages women to work at her company, located in the conservative city of Faisalabad. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of
Interior designer Zahra Afridi uses a circular saw as she sculpts a stone guitar outside the Classic Rock Coffee cafe in Islamabad March 8, 2014. Afridi runs her own interior design company. Her most recent project was the Classic Rock Coffee cafe in Islamabad. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part
Aleena Raza reads a book in her bedroom in Lahore May 29, 2014. Raza manages textile retail brand So Kamal, which is owned by her mother, Erum Ahmed. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities and professions - from being a pilates instructor, to a textile retail entrepreneur,
A girl attends a piano lesson at the Treehouse Nursery and Kindergarten school run by Naadiya Manzur in Islamabad March 6, 2014. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities and professions - from being a pilates instructor, to a textile retail entrepreneur, to a member of a roc
Ansa Hasan, a marketing manager at Porsche Pakistan, plays with a parrot at her house in Lahore February 21, 2014. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities and professions - from being a pilates instructor, to a textile retail entrepreneur, to a member of a rock band - offer
Pilates instructor Zainab Abbas (L) leads a class at her fitness studio in Lahore February 19, 2014. Abbas opened her fitness studio, Route2Pilates, in Lahore after receiving training in Bangkok, Thailand. She carries out rehabilitation workouts for people with joint problems as well as specialised workouts for pregnant women. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind
Rock climber Nazia Parveen descends during training in Islamabad February 15, 2014. Parveen is originally from a Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA). She said she wanted to change the image of women in these areas, and that nothing was impossible for a woman if she had a goal in mind. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Picture
Erum Ahmed, chief executive officer (CEO) of the textile retail brand So Kamal, sits in her study in Faisalabad February 25, 2014. Ahmed started the brand three years ago. She encourages women to work at her company located in the conservative city of Faisalabad. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking pa
Sana Mir, captain of Pakistan's women's cricket team, attends a training session in preparation for the 2014 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 competition in Muridke February 22, 2014. Mir was enrolled in an engineering degree at a national university, but left to pursue her passion for cricket. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle f
Lead guitarist and songwriter, Khurram Waqar (R), vocalist Umair Jaswal (L), bass guitarist Rahail Siddiqui (2nd L), and drummer Asfendyar Ahmad of the rock band Qayaas rehearse at a private studio in Islamabad April 30, 2014. The band feels that the current security situation has hampered the country's music scene. Most of the band's performances are at schools, colleges or private festivals. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's
Rock climber Nazia Parveen (R) jokes with her trainer Imran Junaidi during their practice in Islamabad February 15, 2014. Parveen is originally from a Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). She said she wanted to change the image of women in these areas, and that nothing was impossible for a woman if she had a goal in mind. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different ki
Educationalist and model Fatima walks past the swimming pool after working out in her gym at her house in Lahore May 28, 2014. Fatima is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Beaconhouse School System, a network of private schools, founded by her mother-in-law. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part
Sarah (R) and her brother, artist Usman Ahmed (2nd R), smoke a water pipe, also known as a narghile, as they sit with friends at home in Islamabad May 8, 2014. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities and professions - from being a pilates instructor, to a textile retail ent
Aleena Raza gets ready for a party in her dressing room in Lahore May 29, 2014. Raza manages textile retail brand So Kamal, which is owned by her mother, Erum Ahmed. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities and professions - from being a pilates instructor, to a textile reta
Aleena Raza stands behind her three-year-old son Ryan as he plays on a tablet computer in his room in Lahore May 29, 2014. Raza manages textile retail brand So Kamal, which is owned by her mother, Erum Ahmed. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities and professions - from be
Naadiya Manzur (C), director of Treehouse Nursery and Kindergarten school, watches television with her husband Omar and son Zidaan at her house in Islamabad March 8, 2014. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities and professions - from being a pilates instructor, to a textil
Sana Mir (C), captain of Pakistan's women's cricket team, sits with a physical therapist (L) and a team-mate during a training session in preparation for the 2014 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 competition in Muridke February 22, 2014. Mir was enrolled in an engineering degree at a national university, but left to pursue her passion for cricket.Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have w
Ansa Hasan, a marketing manager at Porsche Pakistan, gestures as she prepares for an upcoming event, outside the Porsche showroom in Lahore February 21, 2014. Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves. Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities and professions - from being a pilates instructor, to a textile retail entr

Through a foreign lens: The Other Pakistan

The country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves.
Reuters Published July 9, 2014

Though instability continues to plague Pakistan and many areas are dominated by social conservatism, some of the country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for themselves.

Writing on her photo feature, Algerian photographer Zohra Bensemra says:

"Welcome to Pakistan, a country of 180 million people whose residents are as varied as they come. Among them are millionaires and beggars, child brides and female executives, the Taliban and an ultra-chic international jet set.

Many Pakistanis feel angry that headlines about their beloved nation are dominated by violence and extremism, saying that a number of troublemakers has been allowed to define their country’s image."

Pictures of men and women taking part in all sorts of activities and professions - from being a pilates instructor, to a textile retail entrepreneur, to a member of a rock band - offer a different view of Pakistan to images of conflict that often make the news.

Zahra Afridi

Zahra Afridi runs her own interior design company with her most recent project being the Classic Rock Coffee cafe in Islamabad.

Zahra Afridi (R) kicks a punching bag during a kickboxing training session at her home in Islamabad February 10, 2014.
Zahra Afridi (R) kicks a punching bag during a kickboxing training session at her home in Islamabad February 10, 2014.
Interior designer Afridi uses a circular saw as she sculpts a stone guitar outside the Classic Rock Coffee cafe in Islamabad March 8, 2014. Afridi runs her own interior design company.
Interior designer Afridi uses a circular saw as she sculpts a stone guitar outside the Classic Rock Coffee cafe in Islamabad March 8, 2014. Afridi runs her own interior design company.
Interior designer Zahra Afridi (L) talks to a carpenter at a workshop on the outskirts of Islamabad February 10, 2014.
Interior designer Zahra Afridi (L) talks to a carpenter at a workshop on the outskirts of Islamabad February 10, 2014.
Zahra Afridi (L) talks to a carpenter at a workshop on the outskirts of Islamabad February 10, 2014.
Zahra Afridi (L) talks to a carpenter at a workshop on the outskirts of Islamabad February 10, 2014.

Sana Mir

Captain of Pakistan's women's cricket team, Mir was enrolled in an engineering degree at a national university, but left to pursue her passion for cricket.

Sana Mir smiles as she stands at home in Lahore February 23, 2014.
Sana Mir smiles as she stands at home in Lahore February 23, 2014.
Sana Mir (C), captain of Pakistan's women's cricket team, sits with a physical therapist (L) and a team-mate during a training session in preparation for the 2014 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 competition in Muridke February 22, 2014.
Sana Mir (C), captain of Pakistan's women's cricket team, sits with a physical therapist (L) and a team-mate during a training session in preparation for the 2014 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 competition in Muridke February 22, 2014.

Captain of Pakistan's women's cricket team, attends a training session in preparation for the 2014 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 competition in Muridke February 22, 2014.
Captain of Pakistan's women's cricket team, attends a training session in preparation for the 2014 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 competition in Muridke February 22, 2014.
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Fatima Kasuri

Educationalist and model Fatima is the CEO of PDLC Beaconhouse, and her mother-in-law is the founder of Beaconhouse School System, a network of schools.

Fatima walks past the swimming pool after working out in her gym at her house in Lahore May 28, 2014.
Fatima walks past the swimming pool after working out in her gym at her house in Lahore May 28, 2014.

Educationalist and model Fatima (R) uses her mobile phone while her Filipino domestic worker holds her glass of water at her house in Lahore May 28, 2014.
Educationalist and model Fatima (R) uses her mobile phone while her Filipino domestic worker holds her glass of water at her house in Lahore May 28, 2014.
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Naadiya Manzur

Naadiya Manzur is the director of Treehouse Nursery and Kindergarten school in Islamabad.

Naadiya Manzur (C), watches television with her husband Omar and son Zidaan at her house in Islamabad March 8, 2014.
Naadiya Manzur (C), watches television with her husband Omar and son Zidaan at her house in Islamabad March 8, 2014.
Children take part in a reading session at the Treehouse Nursery and Kindergarten school run by Naadiya Manzur in Islamabad March 6, 2014.
Children take part in a reading session at the Treehouse Nursery and Kindergarten school run by Naadiya Manzur in Islamabad March 6, 2014.

A girl attends a piano lesson at the Treehouse Nursery and Kindergarten school run by Naadiya Manzur in Islamabad March 6, 2014.
A girl attends a piano lesson at the Treehouse Nursery and Kindergarten school run by Naadiya Manzur in Islamabad March 6, 2014.
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Erum Ahmed and Aleena Raza

Erum Ahmed, chief executive officer (CEO) of the textile retail brand So Kamal, started the brand three years ago. She encourages women to work at her company located in the city of Faisalabad.

Her daughter Aleena Raza manages textile retail brand So Kamal.

Erum Ahmed sits in her study in Faisalabad February 25, 2014.
Erum Ahmed sits in her study in Faisalabad February 25, 2014.
Aleena Raza reads a book in her bedroom in Lahore May 29, 2014.
Aleena Raza reads a book in her bedroom in Lahore May 29, 2014.
Erum Ahmed, chief executive officer (CEO) of the textile retail brand So Kamal, talks to workers as she visits a factory in Faisalabad February 25, 2014.
Erum Ahmed, chief executive officer (CEO) of the textile retail brand So Kamal, talks to workers as she visits a factory in Faisalabad February 25, 2014.
Aleena Raza stands behind her three-year-old son Ryan as he plays on a tablet computer in his room in Lahore May 29, 2014.
Aleena Raza stands behind her three-year-old son Ryan as he plays on a tablet computer in his room in Lahore May 29, 2014.

Aleena Raza gets ready for a party in her dressing room in Lahore May 29, 2014.
Aleena Raza gets ready for a party in her dressing room in Lahore May 29, 2014.
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Zainab Abbas

Zainab Abbas opened her fitness studio, Route2Pilates, in Lahore, after receiving training in Bangkok, Thailand. She carries out rehabilitation workouts for people with joint problems as well as specialised workouts for pregnant women.

Pilates instructor Zainab Abbas (R) smokes a cigarette as she sits with a friend after lunch in Lahore February 19, 2014.
Pilates instructor Zainab Abbas (R) smokes a cigarette as she sits with a friend after lunch in Lahore February 19, 2014.

Pilates instructor Zainab Abbas (L) leads a class at her fitness studio in Lahore February 19, 2014.
Pilates instructor Zainab Abbas (L) leads a class at her fitness studio in Lahore February 19, 2014.
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Ansa Hasan

Ansa Hasan, a marketing manager at Porsche Pakistan, gestures as she prepares for an upcoming event, outside the Porsche showroom in Lahore February 21, 2014.
Ansa Hasan, a marketing manager at Porsche Pakistan, gestures as she prepares for an upcoming event, outside the Porsche showroom in Lahore February 21, 2014.

Ansa Hasan, a marketing manager at Porsche Pakistan, plays with a parrot at her house in Lahore February 21, 2014.
Ansa Hasan, a marketing manager at Porsche Pakistan, plays with a parrot at her house in Lahore February 21, 2014.
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Nazia Parveen

Rock climber Nazia Parveen is originally from a Federally Administered Tribal Area (Fata). She said she wanted to change the image of women in these areas, and that nothing was impossible for a woman if she had a goal in mind.

Parveen descends during training in Islamabad February 15, 2014.
Parveen descends during training in Islamabad February 15, 2014.

Rock climber Nazia Parveen (R) jokes with her trainer Imran Junaidi during their practice in Islamabad February 15, 2014.
Rock climber Nazia Parveen (R) jokes with her trainer Imran Junaidi during their practice in Islamabad February 15, 2014.
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Others

Lead guitarist and songwriter, Khurram Waqar (R), vocalist Umair Jaswal (L), bass guitarist Rahail Siddiqui (2nd L), and drummer Asfendyar Ahmad of the rock band Qayaas rehearse at a private studio in Islamabad April 30, 2014. The band feels that the current security situation has hampered the country's music scene. Most of the band's performances are at schools, colleges or private festivals.
Lead guitarist and songwriter, Khurram Waqar (R), vocalist Umair Jaswal (L), bass guitarist Rahail Siddiqui (2nd L), and drummer Asfendyar Ahmad of the rock band Qayaas rehearse at a private studio in Islamabad April 30, 2014. The band feels that the current security situation has hampered the country's music scene. Most of the band's performances are at schools, colleges or private festivals.
Sarah (R) and her brother, artist Usman Ahmed (2nd R), smoke a water pipe, also known as a narghile, as they sit with friends at home in Islamabad May 8, 2014.
Sarah (R) and her brother, artist Usman Ahmed (2nd R), smoke a water pipe, also known as a narghile, as they sit with friends at home in Islamabad May 8, 2014.
Comments (519) Closed
Ahtesham
Jul 09, 2014 11:12pm
We have some cartoons and jokers in the Country :)
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abdul manan
Jul 09, 2014 11:16pm
dawn,what you want to show of these?
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Mohammad Kumbo
Jul 09, 2014 11:17pm
Fatima, what's wrong with hiring local domestic workers. Pilates instructor Zainab smoking surely puts a new meaning to staying healthy.
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JK
Jul 09, 2014 11:17pm
how many of these people pay taxes? uh
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Sayyar Khan
Jul 09, 2014 11:20pm
Pilate Teacher smoking. Only in Pak.
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Saleem
Jul 09, 2014 11:23pm
.000000001 percent of Pakistan. Let's focus on real life in Pakistan and not show how brazen is the divide. Hated the picture where maid is waiting for Madam to get off her face book and take the water glass from her. Is this what we should be preaching?
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Jalaluddin S. Hussain
Jul 09, 2014 11:24pm
Great!
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Faraz
Jul 09, 2014 11:24pm
why are all these people wealthy? is it at expense of pakistan's millions n millions of poor?
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Truth seeker
Jul 09, 2014 11:25pm
Looks like bunch of losers and misfits, perfectly disorientated in time, place and person.
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Amin Syed
Jul 09, 2014 11:25pm
What is the percentage of these people???? and what? what so special about it? There are so many who are doing much better than these born rich people in Pakistan.
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faysal
Jul 09, 2014 11:28pm
These are the type of girls who write about women liberation and their rights knowing nothing about the real issues of women in Pakistan.
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Asad
Jul 09, 2014 11:29pm
The best home is one filled with peace and the love of your family, not swimming pools and hookahs :)
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Imran
Jul 09, 2014 11:30pm
This is the Pakistan of upper 1% The rest 99% live in some other planet.
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NASEER AHMAD VIRK
Jul 09, 2014 11:32pm
The culture what these people are trying to develop is totally unacceptable by the citizens of Pakistan... as it doesn't suit any way in our society. With such culture and lifestyle, we are about to loose our integrity, religious values, and recognition as well. Every nation in the world hold some specific values... and what we have....? Of course, such people are "Other Pakistan" ... they are mentally ill and abnormal as they can't survive socially either in Pakistan or abroad. They are living life but feeling hesitation to make themselves emerged in the society. There is no positive aspects of their life. Such lifestyle holds no respect to parents, no respect to elders, nothing have about religion, no respects for lower-class people. Such lifestyle have no vision and mission.... such lifestyle is selfish at all... Some people think this lifestyle is a European or American... I say No, Never.... dressing doesn't mean that we are european or americans... they people have ethical values, they have positive thoughts and respect for everyone.... so, we don't have all this....
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Fais
Jul 09, 2014 11:32pm
Nice pictures, but what your are showing is a normal living standard in europe, even a butcher or a mechanic or an engineer or a big business man can have the same standrad of living, but sad in Pakistan this standard is only for high class people, which are very few, so you cant change the image by this. The world knows what we are. Second thing that i have never seen such picture in any news paper in which the boss is calling on the phone and the maid is holding the glass and on the top the writer of this article who mention such thing specially..shame..
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Concerned
Jul 09, 2014 11:35pm
An educationalist showing off her I quote
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Md Imran
Jul 09, 2014 11:35pm
This article shows what i've been saying all along. Average Pakistanis are some of the most cash rich people in the world. We are progressive yet conservative. We are innovative and creative. Its just that the media keeps maligning Pakistanis. Maybe Indians can take a leaf out of this article to see how we live.
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Ajay
Jul 09, 2014 11:37pm
Well.....now this looks so much like Delhi and delhites.
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Ahmed
Jul 09, 2014 11:38pm
What is this article about? Didn't quite get the gist of it... Trying to explain to us the debauchery of the time? That on one side of the spectrum people are starving, and on the other the rich people's children have tablets? Come on Dawn! This could be expected off Tribune, but you guys???!?!?
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conflicted
Jul 09, 2014 11:38pm
Aaah! the ubiquitous paki judgementalism! Live and let live buddy :))
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dada
Jul 09, 2014 11:38pm
What is the point? You have Baithullah Mehsud who wants be more Bedouini than Bedouin themselves and these westernized chiks who are more Umriki than Umriki themselves. Both are parasites. Give us examples like this wiki/Ram_Chandra, wiki/Jagadish_Chandra_Bose or wiki/Anandi_Gopal_Joshi. Find more about Ramanujan. The examples you gave are not organically native. Like Baitullahs they are imports.
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Harmony
Jul 09, 2014 11:39pm
There are always 'Haves and have nots'. Anyway, good success stories!
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Ahmed
Jul 09, 2014 11:40pm
Well
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Kublai
Jul 09, 2014 11:41pm
Excellent article. These people have not given in to doom and gloom. They are motivated. They have made a life for themselves. Hard workers.
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Adeeb
Jul 09, 2014 11:42pm
What we are trying to prove here? They hardly represent the 1% of Pakistan population, these people have no connection with the socio-cultural roots of the country, but blindly following the trend in west or in India.
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Raza Sibtain
Jul 09, 2014 11:43pm
Oh look there are women in Pakistan who smoke Shhesha, cigarettes. Have flip piping maid servants working for them, done of them also have a luxary pool and well equipod gym facilities at their residence in posh areas of Islamabad and Lahore. Probably belonging to the few curropt families (it's not conspitoruil as it may be blamed later) ruling for generation. Most of these people have never had a thought to adress seriously precarious economic situation rising out of the massive inequality in wealth distribution. Most of these Porche riding, edgy haircut branding, bad arttists shallow intellectuals these people are vain and vacuous. These do not represent Pakistan but in isolation represent an unhealthy cross between their confused ideals and stupidity which plagues them.
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Haidery
Jul 09, 2014 11:44pm
Pakistan is a great country where anything and everything goes as long as you can afford to do so and have the will and courage to make it happen!
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Zain Cheema
Jul 09, 2014 11:45pm
Showing the 0.1% does prove Pakistan is progressing by leaps and bounds/
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Raaz
Jul 09, 2014 11:45pm
Pilates instructor Zainab Abbas (R) smokes a cigarette. AND SHE OPENED A FITNESS STUDIO. What a role model ......LOL
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Harmony
Jul 09, 2014 11:46pm
A Porsche 911 Carrera will cost at least Rs. 2 crore. I wonder who can afford it other than Arslan Iftakhar type?
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Faizan
Jul 09, 2014 11:46pm
Pity.
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Capt C M Khan
Jul 09, 2014 11:46pm
This is the Parallel Universe of Pakistan. Only for a few hundred out of the 180 millions.
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NHM
Jul 09, 2014 11:46pm
Owner of a fitness studio, photographed smoking in public....so much for professionalism
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Jamal
Jul 09, 2014 11:47pm
Artificial people - extravagant life - empty souls ...
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syed Afzal shah
Jul 09, 2014 11:54pm
.1 % people living style in our beloved country those confused people copy the western style but sates fiction is feeling inside not fined in things.....
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Khurram
Jul 09, 2014 11:54pm
May God have mercy on poors of Pakistan and give these folks a sense to contribute towards betterment of society
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NaMaaloom Fard
Jul 09, 2014 11:54pm
@JK ZERO with Pride!
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NaMaaloom Fard
Jul 09, 2014 11:56pm
Pakistan is poor country of rich people!
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sibghat khan
Jul 09, 2014 11:58pm
Wt means this article,this is not a Pakistan
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Zubair
Jul 09, 2014 11:58pm
@Md Imran these are not 'average Pakistanis' by any stretch of imagination. These are the elite 0.05% of the Pakistani population and maybe these people have never ever been bothered by problems of average Pakistanis. The title says it all, this is the other Pakistan which is on a different planet not related to the ground realities of living in Pakistan.
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N.Sid
Jul 09, 2014 11:58pm
@Ajay Apart from the looks and the appearance of the people. Pakistanis are generally good looking people.
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Vijay
Jul 09, 2014 11:59pm
Otherside of Pakistan is very beautiful!!.. In Pakistan is there is no middle class? only rich and poor?
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Usman Aftab
Jul 09, 2014 11:59pm
Perception management sciences is a reality, needs to be used by Pakistan. I have seen worse countries with a much favorable image internationally.
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Zubair
Jul 10, 2014 12:01am
Wow this is The Other Pakistan. Far away from the daily problems and struggles of real Pakistan. I bet that if you ask them, 99% of these would like to see 'tabdeeli' in Pakistan.
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waqas
Jul 10, 2014 12:01am
the title is 'The Other Pakistan' can anybody please mention what is different in them as compared to other pakistanis ?? if money then Zardari should be on top of the list.. if the work they do, then cobbler, mason works much harder than these..
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aisha
Jul 10, 2014 12:02am
It's just that non covered western bent life styles attract the writer .... the poor yet welcoming under some modest lifestyles' side od pakistan is much better than these aliens.... this is not our culture so stop having inferiority complex abt ur culture....
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Hammad
Jul 10, 2014 12:03am
The rich are the same everywhere, national borders don't apply to the elite.
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Qamar
Jul 10, 2014 12:07am
The Pakistan depicted in this article belongs to people that are part of ultra-corrupt segment of the population. Not all, but most of them make money (or steal public money) without working and live in luxurious bubble that separates them from the rest of Pakistan.
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pakistani
Jul 10, 2014 12:09am
what an absolute useless article!
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Noman
Jul 10, 2014 12:09am
It's a disgrace to call it "the other Pakistan". Is this the true representation?
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Maverick
Jul 10, 2014 12:13am
Myself Being liberal and belonging to the same class, I think this type of post can hurt the feelings of majority of our population.But at the same time it can encourage some to be independent and do what they are good at. However its nice to know that the mindset of our nation is changing.
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amir khan
Jul 10, 2014 12:14am
@Ajay This is middle - middle upper class Pakistanis that the western media would rather not show.
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syed
Jul 10, 2014 12:16am
the things which is very embarrassing is that zahra afridi who is interior designer has em boded ayat at her hand.. though she never in wazoo 24/7. ITS SHAME FUL
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ravi
Jul 10, 2014 12:19am
@Md Imran, these folks are Top 1% who don't even pay tax lol if I am right. Isn't it one of the problems in Pakistan, rich people not paying tax? And Indians taking a leaf out of it? Come on we have billionaires who figure in Forbes list and 1000s of millionaires and illegal millionaires who enjoy a lavish life style, but there isn't anything to be proud about given most part of the country struggles for basic needs. Pakistanis for namesake scream how patriotic they are, but given a chance they would love to have 2 passports and not pay tax. How are you responsible citizens? We pay tax and held Politicians accountable upto some extent. The anti corruption movement and AAP are a result of people of India fed up of politicians looting their money. In the coming years Indian democracy is going to be matured and may give a chance to millions of people to enjoy a life style as shown in the pics here ofcourse by paying their taxes.
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Shuaib Bhat
Jul 10, 2014 12:19am
All great. Now tax them.
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sandeep kumar
Jul 10, 2014 12:20am
Utter rubbish. .. paid journilism! !
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S. Khan
Jul 10, 2014 12:21am
keep it up!!! We need women to come out of the CHAINS of society!!!!
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Rizwan
Jul 10, 2014 12:22am
pesy ki masti h bhai... dont ask about tax...ask where this all comes from ..
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Schaheid
Jul 10, 2014 12:23am
@JK | One thing's for real, all of them rely on low paid labor. :D
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Mukesh
Jul 10, 2014 12:23am
All are great except the fitness instructor who smokes
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saeeds
Jul 10, 2014 12:24am
@JK these people work hard and talented ,with there Tax money Pakistan is still surviving .Otherwise majority of people with there negative thinking and full of hate bring Pakistan to its demise . Good Article for those who want make life and country beautiful.
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Yahya
Jul 10, 2014 12:24am
The real Pakistan lives below the poverty line, with upto 16hrs of power outages, hardly gets 2 meals a day, no acess to quality health and educational facilities. Real Pakistan dies everyday in bomb blasts and other acts of terrorism. These on the other hand are harldly 0.1% of Pakistan born in privilege.
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AA
Jul 10, 2014 12:29am
No doubt Pakistan is in such a mess where 70 % population is under poverty line and two independence wars in two provinces.... Shame....
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Mohammed Abbasi
Jul 10, 2014 12:36am
What a fantastic group of pictures and stories
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talk4real
Jul 10, 2014 12:37am
Riches sans frontieres
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SADAF KHAN
Jul 10, 2014 12:37am
the article started off nice and inspiring but then it turned into a fairy tale life of elite princesses!
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Ussama Yaqub
Jul 10, 2014 12:38am
The opulence shown in some of these pictures is absolutely grotesque. The fact that these people live in Pakistan, there has to be some extreme level of aloofness and distance they must feel from the abject poverty they must be exposed to on a daily basis. Even robber barons like Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie built trusts and universities for the betterment of their respective communities, non-what-so-ever in Pakistan. However what appalls me the most is the fact that we are suppose to celebrate this inequality as a "moderate" and "progressive" face of Pakistan! I am sorry Sir, but you disgust me!
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Makael
Jul 10, 2014 12:40am
I don't see the point in projecting these women to common people. No ordinary Pakistani can relate to them. These people with somewhat hint of money pretend to be part of super rich around the world. Even the super rich of the world don't live in a delusional state like the ones shown in this article. These people don't inspire, they are downright offensive to Pakistani culture, traditions and religion. They show an up bringing that instills inferiority complex prevalent in many Pakistanis since the end of Raj. Also, I don't see any of these people contributing to Pakistan. Opening a Cafe, climbing a mountain, a school for the rich promoting inequality and whats so new about playing cricket in Pakistan. These ladies are nothing but Paris Hiltons of Pakistan. If you want inspirational people may be show those women who go through the ranks of Civil Service, open a business in Engineering, technology or produce something in the society. No need to show us spoiled brats with a gold spoon. Sorry but only the pseudo intellectuals might find these photos inspirational. I find them obscene and not in good taste.
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Khalid
Jul 10, 2014 12:40am
@Md Imran One more correction in your comment. Either you don't know what "average" means or you have no idea how an average Pakistani lives!.
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Ali Khan
Jul 10, 2014 12:42am
The Elite or Upper upper class of Pakistan....definitely these people are from The Other Pakistan.
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Raza Shah
Jul 10, 2014 12:42am
Sad to see this part of a society. Load em on a boat and export them to GB, USA or where ever they belong. Sad to see such things in my beloved country.
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Maqsood
Jul 10, 2014 12:43am
"The country's more affluent residents have worked to fashion a very different kind of lifestyle for THEMSELVES" and this is the problem with Pakistan, no one does anything for Pakistan only for themselves.
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SADAF KHAN
Jul 10, 2014 12:44am
@Md Imran no doubt we are progressive and innovative and creative but this article fails to show any of these elements! Showing a group of elite people doesn't reflect conditions of an average Pakistani. Progress is never measured by looking at rich but poor!!
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Sajid
Jul 10, 2014 12:45am
They all seem to be living in their own shells, oblivious of the deprived humanity living a hand to mouth existence all around them. Obviously they are unaware of the simmering rage and hatred in the hearts of the underprivileged men and women around them. Which may explode anytime soon!
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Salma
Jul 10, 2014 12:46am
I can comment on most of these pictures and point at fakeness of this Pakistani gentery. They are at best a middle class portraying to a class above their reach. Look at Fatima's fake painting, Aleena's synthetic wooden floor or Ansa Hassan's no-brand jeans and you will know who they are. Anyhow wish them even better living. I must say there two reals in this series and they are Sana Mir and Nazia.
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Saeed
Jul 10, 2014 12:47am
And now we know who fiddles when Rome burns.
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Feroze KN
Jul 10, 2014 12:54am
All these are copy cats , flaunting their wealth spending probably thousands of rupees on gilded dresses where as a common working man is lucky to take home rupees 3-4 thousands/month. Decadent activities such as "Sarah (R) and her brother, artist Usman Ahmed (2nd R), smoke a water pipe, also known as a narghile, as they sit with friends at home in Islamabad May 8, 2014." they think it makes them look progressive, enlightened , apart from have nots of the society.
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Ahmed Omair
Jul 10, 2014 12:56am
What a contrasting life style. Where majority of people are below poverty line these rich people live so much luxurious life.
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Naren
Jul 10, 2014 12:58am
@Md Imran.... .Good for you guys. Just curious ... do you or anybody close to you live like what shown here in the article?
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Yoga
Jul 10, 2014 01:00am
@Hammad well said buddy
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Rahul
Jul 10, 2014 01:16am
@Md Imran dude ....speechless !!
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anum
Jul 10, 2014 01:18am
so its only the women they want to show in the other pakistan?
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MK
Jul 10, 2014 01:23am
I love the one of the fitness instructor smoking a cigarette!
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independentthinker
Jul 10, 2014 01:24am
It is unfortunate that these pictures might be portraying these people to be very happy with their lives. They are living in luxurious houses, have maids looking after them, driving fancy cars, etc., but they could very well be the "worst" off people. I heard a saying - "this person is so poor, all he has is money". If wealth was truly a source of happiness, then rich people will not become drug addicts, will not commit suicide, will not start giving away their wealth, etc. Once Dalai Lama was asked, why are people in the West not happy - his response "they have too many material things to worry about". The less you have, the less you worry about and the happier you become! So while some of us will envy these folks in the pictures, I can tell you "be content with what you have - you have no clue what these folks are going through". Photos can be deceiving.
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Jabbar
Jul 10, 2014 01:25am
@Imran I agree. I am from lower middle class family, got into UET Lahore EE. I never ever saw or experienced anything like this growing up :)
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Malik
Jul 10, 2014 01:26am
At least some folks are happy and enjoying it. Let us discover "more" of this Pakistan, and pray for peace and tranquility. No need to criticize these good people. Education is the panacea to every ills and we should disseminate as much education as possible. And, please stop this free notion, free hospitalization, free education, that creates bad education and bad health. Let everyone pay at least a decent price for every service including of course a good education. There is nothing good without a price--let us understand this.
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John
Jul 10, 2014 01:30am
A nation is built by expanding the number people who have something to loose rather than people who have nothing to loose. Our policies have worked to generate more people who have nothing to loose.
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khetran
Jul 10, 2014 01:32am
Mashallah good....... i want these elites should come forward in paying back to Pakistan in there respective fields. Not to stick with 1% upper class and Forget rest of 99%. Long live Pakistan!
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Ali Gohar
Jul 10, 2014 01:36am
One of the pictures caught my attention. The Filipino maid is obediently standing while holding a glass of water where as Fatima Kasuri is paying her no attention and instead she seems facinated by her cell phone. Actually that is downright rude and ignorant behaviour. Here in Canada I had a chance to meet a millionaire in connection with an interior photo shoot. He was so humble and down to earth that at first I thought he was just a care taker of the fifty acres estate house. There are many times more richer people in the west but they do not exhibit arrogance.
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muhibbewatan
Jul 10, 2014 01:38am
Aping western culture and values does not put Pakistan in the category of 'developed' countries. The truth lies in the rural areas (and slum areas) of the country, and the more 'progressive' behavior of a handful few will not change the truth. However, it is an eye-opener for the world to see that some Pakistanis have the knowhow and expertise as well as the vision to challenge the achievements of its neighbors as well as he West in certain areas of human activity. So, let's not become elated by these images as they are probably misleading in some way or the other.
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Muhammad Riyaz
Jul 10, 2014 01:42am
I live in America, and here in USA, Muslims usually do not have this kind of flashy life style. Most of the Muslims in USA has a sober and moderate life style. After seeing these photos, it looks if Pakistan is not an Islamic country and every one is very wealthy there.
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Aamir
Jul 10, 2014 01:45am
I love it. I also read the comments up until now. We should celebrate these people as they have found different ways to fulfill their dreams. They all look happy. With respect to some of the people commenting, these people worked hard to get where they got. Sana Mir loves cricket, one is an artist, another designer etc.. The point am trying to make is that all the comments sounded envious to me and unfortunately no one appreciated the hard work these women put in their lives to get where they are. They didn't do it to show India or someone else how its done.. These women are simply living and enjoying their lives. And whether they pay taxes or not, its none of mine and shouldnt be anyone's concern. My only concern should be that I pay MY taxes and stop pointing fingers at anyone and anything that looks happy and successful. Always always appreciate the good. This was inspiring to me. Thank you
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Muhammad Riyaz
Jul 10, 2014 01:47am
@Md Imran No you are not creative, not well educated, you are a consumer society, top in corruption, follower of the west no matter the following itself is of no moral values. In education, you are worse than a lot of African countries, in Medical help you are worse than most of the countries of the world, in corruption you are on the top, your more than 60% remain hungry. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF.
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Muhammad Riyaz
Jul 10, 2014 01:50am
Alas, Pakistan should be best in education, health, corruption free, progressive but conservative in their belief, rule of law. This flashy style does not suite for a poor country like Pakistan.
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Asher
Jul 10, 2014 01:53am
Nothing says "freedom" better than puffing out hukka-smoke in front of your brother. I see a lot of young girls striving to make ends meet by teaching in schools at minimum pay. Most of them save money for their dowery. I wish their lifestyle was featured here instead of these burger-types.
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Another Indian
Jul 10, 2014 01:54am
Good to see that at least few people are living normal life in Pakistan.
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nasir
Jul 10, 2014 01:59am
If you notice, most of them are off beat, they march to their own beat. I say good for them. Affluent yeah, but they dare to challenge the status quo.
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Sanaiah Malik
Jul 10, 2014 01:59am
The only reason this is shocking to many Pakistanis is that the country is merged in a sea of terror and mayhem mired in corruption and flawed with weak political will for change while some live like this.
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Akhtar
Jul 10, 2014 02:03am
I am glad dawn is highlighting positive and good things that can happen in Pakistan. More good stories like this should be promoted to enhance the image of Pakistan and Pakistanis.
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khan
Jul 10, 2014 02:08am
@Imran 0.001%
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Munawar Ali Rind
Jul 10, 2014 02:13am
These are wonderful pictures presenting a beautiful view of diverse, pluralistic, multicultural and colorful Pakistan. This country is amazing and full of surprises which keep astonishing the world. We are bold enough to tell the world that Pakistan cannot be just only metaphor-ed with just only bombs, talibans (read beasts) and killings. We have such a divergent society and rich urban lifestyle which any country of the world can think of. Well-Done Pakistani women. You make us proud. Stay Strong and Keep Shining..!!
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Sunny
Jul 10, 2014 02:16am
Appropriately said "The Other Pakistan ". I had not seen such photos of women flaunting flesh, smoking, wearing western dresses and indulging in hookah sessions in Pakistani media till now. Does this stuck up attitude on everyone's face and the show off a result of the money in their hands? Too sad. How about doing a story on how did they do this , whether they are self made or inherited the riches ? What are they doing to help their community and not SPENDING ON THEMSELVES.
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Mirza
Jul 10, 2014 02:20am
@Mohammad Kumbo Well said.
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Mirza
Jul 10, 2014 02:21am
@Fais But most of these guys shown have worked hard to achieve all this. they are not like your landlords or politicians who amass wealth by illicit means.
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abbas
Jul 10, 2014 02:22am
I cannot understand the logic of rehabilitation and smoking. From Scientific logic, if you are not going to quit smoking then there is no benefit of rehabilitation at all. Thx
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Nauman
Jul 10, 2014 02:25am
Notwithstanding the moral issues associated with these lifestyles, I think the problem lies in the opportunity structure of our society. When one has resources, it is his/her personal preference to own a Porsche or build an old home. The dilemma is that what legitimate ways our society offer to achieve these socially desirable goals. I am a postgraduate with two distinctions in successive degrees. I find no legal mean to achieve even a glimpse of such life styles. Thus deviancy from norms appears to be a prerequisite for social mobility. Perhaps that is why the aristocrats, in our society, are almost always the villains of our society.
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raj
Jul 10, 2014 02:34am
@waqas It is money and Style. These people will not come out like regular people. They need domestic help which can speak English and dresses well and They usually say Capital of Pakistan is Karachi or Lahore
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Bea
Jul 10, 2014 02:34am
Whats wrong with Fatima's hands can she not hold her own glass of water.and Aleena in that dress it shows money cannot buy taste.are these people paying tax and do they pay their workers a liveable wage thats what i would like to know.
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Ali Khan
Jul 10, 2014 02:51am
nothing, but a bunch of spoiled up girls promoting nothing but an open society for women within an Islamic state, clearly hukas and swimming pools prove this, not considering the dresses regardless.captain of the cricket team should be ashamed in the first place showing up her modesty in a cheap way.
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Daanish
Jul 10, 2014 02:58am
nice to know that people with lost identity living among us, its a shame that we put up those faces on those pages here. go away.
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rcav8or
Jul 10, 2014 03:04am
Why to show all this in media??? Why only in Punjab??? There are people all over Pakistan who are like this who does not want to show off like this. Another thing is that what percentage of these people pay tax and how many of the people can afforde with legitimate income?????
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M. Mushtaq Ahmed
Jul 10, 2014 03:23am
Don't rub salt over peoples wounds.
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Asad Khan
Jul 10, 2014 03:28am
We have these folks and then we have the Talibans, both are on extreme, and both do not represent Islamic republic of Pakistan.
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Anwar Siddique
Jul 10, 2014 03:37am
Here in America the poor are also angry at the rich. Just chill, these people are Pakistani. I remember as a child in Pakistan when I didn't know the bus routes, two older boys became very angry. They said to each other "Ye ameer hay is co nayhee pata ha".
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AA
Jul 10, 2014 03:58am
There are a lot of similarities between this favored and indifferent class and French / Russian autocracy before the revolution... Don't know who do they represent???
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Combaticus
Jul 10, 2014 04:03am
Seeing the contrast between the wealth of these people and the domestic worker in the background, it reminds me of this quote from the movie The Dark Knight Rises " There's a storm coming, Mr. Wayne. You and your friends better batten down the hatches, because when it hits, you're all gonna wonder how you ever thought you could live so large and leave so little for the rest of us."
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Rehan
Jul 10, 2014 04:04am
Naya Pakistan
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Ch.arslan
Jul 10, 2014 04:12am
Here we have a great affect of media.. it is no doubt informative that womens are taking their part in healthy activities. But still the representation of their coustumes, &luxury houses,, abolishes the concept of Pakistan to be a poor country.
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Subhash Chander
Jul 10, 2014 04:15am
Criticism, criticism and criticism, We Pakistani even don't motivate any one in this land. Why we are criticizing on this picture because these are women and rich. Everyone is stuck on glass of water and cigarette.Think more than this. Women should work in this land to improve economy of Pakistan.
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Omair
Jul 10, 2014 04:17am
Is this a joke? The only thing we can conclude from this report is Reuters filing for bankruptcy soon, if they continue printing such material.
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javed qamer
Jul 10, 2014 04:17am
I am glad you showed a different picture of Pakistan. I understand and appreciate what you are trying to present with these pictures. Please keep up the good work.
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Rozina Mirza
Jul 10, 2014 04:22am
This is how every Pakistani should live
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irfan
Jul 10, 2014 04:22am
Its not Dark Ages and the kind of women you have shown have not done anything exceptional or unique . Not even a single Scientist or PHD .
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Safad Khan
Jul 10, 2014 04:23am
@abdul manan I am also wondering what dawn would like to portray through this glimpse into the lifestyles of the ..... class.
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Ayesha
Jul 10, 2014 04:26am
These women are not the role models for us, Hazrat khadija RA Hazrat Ayesha RA Hazrat Zainab RA are
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Safad Khan
Jul 10, 2014 04:27am
educationist Fatima looks like she needs to get re-educated. I dont understand why does she need a Filipino maid hold a glass of water while she dials some one. And why does she need a Filipino in the first place, why not hire a Pakistani?
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ss
Jul 10, 2014 04:30am
@NASEER AHMAD VIRK What makes you represent the citizens of Pakistan? what cultures are we talking about.? Is wearing a shuttlecock burka for our women conforming to our culture? The cultures change over time and the countries that dont adopt to changes remain underdeveloped which breeds poverty. The typical example of progressive countries that have aopted other culture include Turkey, Japan, China and others. what recognition and integrity are we talking about? These women are successfull in their profesion, some are entrepreneur, athletes, managers and fitness instructor, and since they are succesfull they have the right to live the life style what ever they prefer.This is good for modern and progressive Pakistan
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Khan T
Jul 10, 2014 04:32am
It is good to have cultural diversity in a society. Role models, on the other hand, should be chosen a bit more carefully. What we need for example are highly accomplished people who have attained international recognition and admiration from everyone in their own field, despite living in Pakistan and being a Pakistani. We should focus on the areas which are important for us. Education, Science, Research, Economics and proper journalism are few of those. We do have people teaching in world's top universities. We have people doing their PhDs in nano-tech, bio-tech, gen-eng etc. We have people working in Nasa and european space agency etc. We have some top economists. We do need good quality journalists though (as it is pretty evident from the quality of the content of this article.) So please do some hard work next time.
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Sonny Afridi
Jul 10, 2014 04:37am
Nice pictures. They all live comfortable lives but they've worked hard for it. Keep up the good work. The only ironic thing I found about this was the fitness/pilates instructor who smokes Dunhills. Switch to electronic cigs or chew gum or something. Took me 12 years to quit the habit. As for the girl who markets for Porsche - I think I'm in love. Is she taking resumes? Mine is ready for submission.
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ashique afridi
Jul 10, 2014 04:38am
All negative commentators are JEALOUS. These ppl have succeeded in whatever they have been trying to succeed at. Don't we all try to do the same? This is how .5% of Pakistanis live, we should be trying to make this number bigger not 0%
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Furqan
Jul 10, 2014 04:41am
Apart from Sana Mir & Nazia Parveen, i don't find anyone relevant to the topic. They all are the young lads that are either born with a gold spoon in their mouth or somehow they have nothing better to do except showing off on their so called great family heritage. It's not THE OTHER PAKISTAN, rather it's a replica of the western culture that we normally observe in our elite class, the dilemma. Moreover, is anyone of them happen to be running some sort of trust or do we see these rich souls working as philanthropists?? Ask yourself, the situation will be cleared to you.
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Sonny Afridi
Jul 10, 2014 04:44am
Why are so many people here jealous just because they have money and have done well? Pakistan is a capitalist society. We are not the indians, we are not communists. If you have issues with the system, do something to change it. If you have issues with your Suzuki or Corolla, work hard and you can get a Mercedes. Stop complaining and bringing others down!
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Sonny Afridi
Jul 10, 2014 04:45am
@NASEER AHMAD VIRK all that talk about lifestyle of others - why not you focus on your own bro
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Sonny Afridi
Jul 10, 2014 04:46am
@dada Baitullah Mehsud is dead, genius. Pakistan Army had him exterminated from 20,000 feet above
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Parvez
Jul 10, 2014 04:48am
Good piece.
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Sonny Afridi
Jul 10, 2014 04:50am
@Harmony I can afford one. It's called saving hard earned money and working hard! I sold mine for a Land Cruiser, needed the extra space for family and luggage.
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Sonny Afridi
Jul 10, 2014 04:51am
@Faraz No that would be the politicians (crooks) that the common people, rich people and middle class people vote in. They are the looters.
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Raasti
Jul 10, 2014 05:06am
How many people knew them before reading this article. And seeing the comments, how many people will bother knowing them after reading it. Thats how little their achievement are. Even the owner of Porsche and guys like Warren buffet are so humble in demeanour? Shallow lives of shallow people trying to be westernised. They can't succeed abroad and can't blend in here. Feel sorry for them.
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Humayun
Jul 10, 2014 05:11am
Thank you guys for putting this article up :) I just got to Berlin for an artist residency and I thought this would be the best thing to share with all the new friends ive just made here. :) I skimmed through the comments.. and realized.. we have way too many haters in our country!
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Devendra
Jul 10, 2014 05:14am
@NaMaaloom Fard have we ever tried to find out why Pakistan or India is a poor country of rich people? Reason is very clear we always think for ourselves not for our country.
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Prince
Jul 10, 2014 05:18am
@Md Imran ... agree 100%, in the peak traffic times, all the highways become a parking lot with PORSCHEs !!
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Cardsman
Jul 10, 2014 05:18am
Didn't expect something like this from Dawn. It would have been encouraging and motivating for the readers and the masses had you shown stories of people who come from very humble (less privileged) background and have worked hard to move forward and gain something in life. This I believe will have a better and positive impact on our society rather than watching what the elite or rich in Pakistan do...
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Mickey
Jul 10, 2014 05:27am
So Pakistan has some rich people compared to others in their country, who look and act like middle class people in the west.
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Khan
Jul 10, 2014 05:27am
Poor confused countrymen/women......Born in wrong country.
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Khanny
Jul 10, 2014 05:30am
Nothing wrong if these girls work hard and achieve their goals. Women don't have to depend on man all the time, in some jobs and business women can do better than men. Good luck to all of you, I am all happy about you guys.
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usman ali
Jul 10, 2014 05:31am
Its unfortunate that DAWN is promoting smoking as it tries link smoking with the higher status by putting these pictures. While its good to explore diversity in Pakistan and put a different label to Pakistan I would have wished that these people should have been made aware of their responsibilities as affluent people of Pakistan. As rightly pointed out in a comment that it would have been useful to mention their tax filing as well. I was disappointed to see a Philippines national working as domestic worker while our own poor people are dying of hunger and poverty and they are working in other countries. FBR should read this article.
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Shahzad
Jul 10, 2014 05:42am
Am all for women's rights, education, and professionalism, but not at the expense of class and decency. Yes, one can argue about the definition of decency. I would have loved to see some images of our hard working doctors, teachers, public servants etc in our traditional garb that truly brings out the beautify and grace of our women. GOD bless the ladies listed above. DAWN, please write about successful women who carry themselves as Pakistani women. Yes, Nazia Parveen I do not expect you to climb mountains in a burka. GOD Bless Pakistan.
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Nizar
Jul 10, 2014 05:43am
@NASEER AHMAD VIRK: your rant against these people calling them mentally ill and abnormal is way too judgemental (a Pakistani trait) and borders on envy and jealousy. How do you arrive at such atrocious conclusions that there is no positive aspects of their life or that they do not respect their parents or elders? Do you personally know these people or have met them in person? They are doing more for education, health and creating/providing jobs thru their businesses than you ever will with you closed mind. They have every right to live a life they want without you and your ilk calling them names and being disrespectful of others.
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Nizar
Jul 10, 2014 05:45am
@Truth seeker: are you looking in the mirror and saying these things?
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Farhan
Jul 10, 2014 05:50am
Man, some comments here are absolutely ridiculous. This article highlights what ALSO happens in Pakistan apart from what we usually witness or the way we are perceived outside the borders. Stop with the hate. Learn to appreciate what your country has. It's showing a lady as a Marketing Manager for a not so ordinary car manufacturer, a lady running one of the largest school systems, the women's cricket team captain and lady entrepreneurs. There's so much trolling and hate going around that everyone has forgotten how to appreciate what we have. Even if this represents < 1% of the population, so what? It only highlights what we ALSO have. These are all wealthy because of their hard work. Yes, that is possible in this country and these people are examples. Stop stereotyping everyone and assuming they won't pay taxes. Think positive for once. I loved this article! Get me in touch with Zahra Afridi now!
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Farhan
Jul 10, 2014 05:50am
Man, some comments here are absolutely ridiculous. This article highlights what ALSO happens in Pakistan apart from what we usually witness or the way we are perceived outside the borders. Stop with the hate. Learn to appreciate what your country has. It's showing a lady as a Marketing Manager for a not so ordinary car manufacturer, a lady running one of the largest school systems, the women's cricket team captain and lady entrepreneurs. There's so much trolling and hate going around that everyone has forgotten how to appreciate what we have. Even if this represents < 1% of the population, so what? It only highlights what we ALSO have. These are all wealthy because of their hard work. Yes, that is possible in this country and these people are examples. Stop stereotyping everyone and assuming they won't pay taxes. Think positive for once. I loved this article! Get me in touch with Zahra Afridi now!
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sharig
Jul 10, 2014 05:50am
Good on them. Let them enjoy there self. We only live once on this planet. Jealousy with religion and mix of politics destroy the favourite of society. What we achieve, Big Zero, every one will tell you tomorrow will be better but that tomorrow never come. Basically we went backward instead of forward to prosper and become laughing stock for the rest of the world. lets give chance to liberalism.
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Anwar Amjad
Jul 10, 2014 05:51am
They are all entrepreneurs who seem to have achieved success through hard-work and skilfulness. They have every right to enjoy their success. It
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Hanbe
Jul 10, 2014 05:53am
@Faraz Not everyone in Pakistan is corrupt. No need to be so bitter.
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M Nusrat Saeed
Jul 10, 2014 05:55am
It takes all kinds of people to make this world a place to live in. They show nothing but the diversity by nature, for some it may be wonderful, for some distasteful, for some disgusting for some devil may care, for some to laugh about. So what? Life goes on.. But do not worry and increase your BP any way.
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Farhan
Jul 10, 2014 05:57am
Also, what makes the haters think that they are 'empty souls'? Or that 'The best home is one filled with peace and the love of your family, not swimming pools and hookahs :)' Who are you to call them empty souls or whatever that obnoxious choice of words means? They must be larger than life characters. You, on the other hand, are complaining and trolling sitting on your computer. Get up and do something remotely similar then we shall talk how empty your dumb soul is. What makes you think their homes are not filled with peace and love? They probably are. What you see in movies is not always the reality. The comments here reflect what is wrong with this country. Change your mentality and the rest of yourself to change this country. Learn to appreciate others.
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BRR
Jul 10, 2014 06:00am
This article is presented in such a way as to promote "envy", hatred for the other, a "these are bad people with no morals" attitude. This article is presented with a with an "us vs them" mentality. The apparent success of some of these through hardwork is neither acknowledged nor appreciated. Hate generating and discord generating way to look at life.
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Naveed Qalb Abbas
Jul 10, 2014 06:09am
i can only laugh..... none of them is inspirational enough to be put into a feature.As somebody put it earlier. None of them actually know what real Pakistan is
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Walayat Malik
Jul 10, 2014 06:18am
Reality is that almost 10% of the people in Pakistan live this life style. And then you have less than 5% who are Burqa-clad or with niqabs. Rest 85% are in the middle with moderately modest way of living- not fundamentalists or openly Western.
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Maj(Retd) Zahid Hussain Malik
Jul 10, 2014 07:02am
I am encouraged to see Ladies and Gentleman.Being from the generation which grew up and were groomed in liberal atmosphere I am up beat about the future of our country.The present generation cannot imagine how thing were good those days.Being a Old Ravian i still cherish my days in GC.The schools I have attended,the liberal and upright teachers we had.I still remember Madam Misra my class teacher in 1960.An Anglo Pakistani lady.I was studing in St Joseph's Convent Kohat.Madam Misra would wear skirt suit and come ladies cycle to school and move about in Kohat city in the same dress.Her husband Maj Misra was in my father's unit.Although my father was commanding officer of her husband she never gave any favours to me rather she would be more strict with me. I must add being religious is not bad at all but you have to keep a balance.Since I am appreciating the other side other side of pakistan i must reveal that I very regular in my prayers since I was 25 even offer my mid night prayers.But this does not stop me and my wife to dancing in family or friend wedding functions.Rather we are the most sought out couple on the occasion
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AHMAD GERMAN
Jul 10, 2014 08:30am
Seems like the reality hasn't kick in yet for these people. They live in shallow life.
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Engr. Aasim
Jul 10, 2014 08:32am
educationalist have some must changes in their own life ....and all other are appreciated at their work.
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Muhammad Ali
Jul 10, 2014 08:39am
Ansa hassan, probably the most unpleasant person i have met in my entire life. What is the point in achieving something if you dont even have courtesy
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Assad
Jul 10, 2014 08:45am
@Naveed Qalb Abbas How do you know that they are not where they are after seeing the rest of Pakistan and becoming motivated to be not like the rest? Also before we all start passing judgements, do notice this report was filed by Reuters. So its the view of outsiders into Pakistan. It seems like all of you have a chip on your shoulder that these folks got some attention. They all seem to be working hard for what they have. How can one fault them for it. Their lifestyles are their business. Who are we to judge them? Its not like we have amazingly perfect lifestyles ourselves.
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Noman
Jul 10, 2014 08:55am
U want us to draw inspiration or awe
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Habibur-Rehman
Jul 10, 2014 09:09am
Reflections of a Broken mirror piece !!!!
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Deepak Talwar
Jul 10, 2014 09:15am
This article is in poor taste. If your intention was to show the " other Pakistan" you could have shown pics of ordinary people happy and smiling in schools, gallis, bazars, parks and beaches, instead of these fashionable molls !! I usually enjoy your articles, but sorry to say this one was pretty low.
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bharat
Jul 10, 2014 09:22am
Are these people doing something unique ? Are they contributing more than the hard working labourer or the soldier ?
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Omar
Jul 10, 2014 09:34am
@Faraz People with more wealth will have to face tougher questions in the hereafter compared to people who ain't that affluent. The bottom line, remain modest and lead a simple life :)
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Tanuj
Jul 10, 2014 09:37am
The fact that you actually took the pain to publish this goes on to testify the nation's "wannabe" image..
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Farooq
Jul 10, 2014 10:03am
This class certainly exists in Pakistan mainly in urban cities of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. I feed sad for them since they are accidentally born in Pakistan as they have a mindset far more liberal This class is called 'burger family' or 'mummy daddy' which is very few
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Banana
Jul 10, 2014 10:18am
Wow I am so embarrassed on behalf of all the women in this country. This article reeks of privilege. Poor women such as Sana Mir and Nazia Parveen placed alongside the rest. Dear world, promise this is 0.000001% of the women in this country.
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Ali Rehman R. Khan
Jul 10, 2014 10:18am
how many of them honestly pay their taxes???
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Mir Owais Alam
Jul 10, 2014 10:21am
@Aamir: Absolutely spot on Aamir! Yes this is the super elite and yes this is not a representation of the Pakistani population, but that is exactly what this article was all about! And yes most of the posts had a hint of jealousy ... As the trucks always say - mehnat kar, hasad na kar!!
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KB
Jul 10, 2014 10:21am
We know that top one is a wanna be Afridi
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Banana
Jul 10, 2014 10:25am
@Md Imran You are actually proud to see this article? As a woman I am so ashamed
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Saad Suhail
Jul 10, 2014 10:34am
...what was the point of this whole article? OK fine, being elite has nothing to do with one's character or anything, but how come the Servants standing with water in their hands, waiting for their master's attention or servants standing with notebooks in their hands, ready to worship the words of their masters can show class???? We should all condemn this attitude, Pakistan is already infected with very poor work ethics norms....i don't think denoting class with this model shall do any good. Pakistan is among those countries where 90% of young smokers only smoke cause it is considered fashionable or graceful....We should understand our responsibility when we pen down something for public.
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Arif
Jul 10, 2014 10:36am
I wonder how many of these women are wonder women and not money made or society abstract of The Wonder women. Any how I guess it is the other Pakistan. I wonder if it is a good image a true image or even if it is a sincere image at all. I agree with Saleem it does reflect the vast division between the society and most certainly it is not a norm found on the streets of Pakistan or may be I've not come across em yet :)
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khaqan
Jul 10, 2014 10:37am
I don't see in the list anyone doing great job for the poor people of Pakistan. Everyone is involved in her/his personal benefits. So overall they are not paying any great roll in progress of average and poor people.
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Fahd Siddiqui
Jul 10, 2014 10:38am
Pretentious hollow souls mimicking a mutated version of western modernity oblivious to their surroundings. This article mocks the very existence of the real hardworking majority of Pakistan. I fail to see any other point behind this article but to show extravagant lifestyles of a minority.
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Banana
Jul 10, 2014 10:45am
Yes. Those of us not in Taliban are little snots with mansions and foreign workers
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Rizwan
Jul 10, 2014 10:46am
@Fais I wasn't aware butchers and mechanics had filipino maids or swimming pools in their homes in the west.
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Jawad Khan
Jul 10, 2014 10:48am
" Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending" - Maria Robinson It's an interesting and motivating read. I'm glad to see the success of these people in challenging environment. Everyone has the right to adopt the life style they intend to adopt. Unfortunately, our society is full of hypocrites, which is much bigger problem than the pilates instructor smoking or a domestic maid holding glass of water.
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Muhammad A. S.
Jul 10, 2014 10:55am
@faysal : So true.
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Ahsan Raheel
Jul 10, 2014 10:57am
you can count these people on fingers in Pakistan.they are not the real image of country nor our social norms.They are alliance to us , unequal wealth distribution leads such pictures.
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Abdul
Jul 10, 2014 10:57am
@Md Imran Why should Indians care about how you live ? Or rather about how a miniscule percentage of your people live ?
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MAD
Jul 10, 2014 11:00am
This whole feature is a bit of a joke and makes no sense atleast to me. What are you trying to say here Dawn?
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Tezza
Jul 10, 2014 11:03am
Good to see individuals progressing. However, I notice a bad taste or rather lack or on part of news editor in their choice of some of the activities - smoking as relaxing and showing maid waiting hold a glass or water while employer plays with a phone? Perhaps there is a need to lift standard of editorial a little bit.
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Amir Khan
Jul 10, 2014 11:03am
@syed What has the ayat being tattoed on her arm got to with wazoo ? Don't make the religion complicated for yourself and especially for everybody else.
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Raza Ali Khan
Jul 10, 2014 11:03am
The tone of a vast majority of comments and tweets on this show how threatened Pakistanis feel about women being financially empowered and making bold choices in life. Put these women in headscarves, even better make them arab, and watch for a flood of masha allahs break through. The reality is this is a side of Pakistan. The decision makers, and taste makers, opinion makers, don't, shouldn't live ordinary lives.
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Just saying
Jul 10, 2014 11:05am
After reading the article it appears the writer is fantasized by them. I won't even call them elite class. To me they are just wannabes....
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Banana
Jul 10, 2014 11:05am
@Anwar Amjad Um no. This article largely represents being born to a rich daddy and making good use of it
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Raza Shah
Jul 10, 2014 11:09am
I appreciate some of them ladies to representing Pakistan and putting a liberal face this nation but some of them with a guitar style restaurant, a marketing manager at Porsche Pakistan, Hukkah smoking brother and sister and Educationalist and model (An Islamic country and ladies dressed as Angraiz ki aulad)- Hello Wake up. A poor nation, no school, kids out in the street begging, pathetic health conditions, rapes and illiteracy all over, Polio and internal security issues. Wake up, what are you thinking? Does this nation needs Tommy boys and ABCD's or a Nation that unite, help each other, love Pakistan and pay taxes. Stop hurting this beautiful country and it's beautiful people. May Allah forgive our sins and make it easy on Muslims all over the world. Tax me first and also tax them as well or otherwise pack their luggage and send them abroad.
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Qadir
Jul 10, 2014 11:09am
I only see a group of yuppie Pakistanis trying to emulate an imagined North American life style (except for the cricket captain and not sure why she is in this group). Let me tell you that they are miserably failing at that. I live in Vancouver, which is among the top ten most expensive cities of the world. Where Lambos and Bentleys are parked like ordinary cars on the side streets. Not to raise my own horn, I am privileged enough (not because of wealth but my education) that I routinely hang out with people who either have managed, raised or are worth at least 100 million dollars. And guess what, none of them act like the people shown here. What a shame....
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irshad
Jul 10, 2014 11:09am
very good item. please publish such material more often.it improves Pakistan's image.
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Gaurav Arya
Jul 10, 2014 11:11am
Zahra Afridi sculpting a stone guitar
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Adnan
Jul 10, 2014 11:14am
Totally waste of time, just thought that some highly talented achiever would be shown here, but alas most of them were spoiled / super elite class with very little to do with Pakistan or its problems
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Amir Khan
Jul 10, 2014 11:14am
@Farooq accidentally born in pakistan ? what ludicrous suggestion....perhaps the ultra conservatives were born in the wrong country because this is the pakistan of quaid-e-azam....if the poor guy was alive you guys would hound him out of the country too since he was liberal and would have been "accidentally" a Pakistani.
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Wajahat Ali
Jul 10, 2014 11:20am
Well Friends its all about the money and the finances, because if they have it and earn it they shall spend it according to their will. Likewise if we put ourselves into their shoes we might do the same or go two step ahead of them. I shall prove it by example if you earning x amount and you are meeting you daily and monthly expenses neck to neck and if get double or triple of your salary then you should go for an expensive car, transfer your children from local or Government school, college and university to Beaconhouse, City, Headstart IBA or LUMS might be send him to foreign university for higher education. Easy to point out others. remember once you point a finger to others four fingers are always pointing yourself also.
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Scorpion
Jul 10, 2014 11:24am
Ain't they promoting our culture?
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love
Jul 10, 2014 11:38am
to me, things are different to different people. we should allow men to live their lives freely without hurting others. values, ethics and traditions are meant to facilitate human experience and such an experience that is healthy and pleasure inspiring need no construction either it belongs to acceptive or rejective social code.And, to be merely social does not mean good as society itself has such activities that hurt more than the rejective conduct. i need not to sermonize here but to say with fine sense of judgement that life is heavenly and we need not to live it according to the earthly purposefully set down ideas which befit nothing else except the systematizer.
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hassan
Jul 10, 2014 11:42am
whatever these guys have silver spoons but its reality they had to work hard fo achieving it...so appreciation is essential :) and 2nd thing elite culture is not considered the culture of state you can say its a subculture in pakistan..
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hassan
Jul 10, 2014 11:42am
whatever these guys have silver spoons but its reality they had to work hard fo achieving it...so appreciation is essential :) and 2nd thing elite culture is not considered the culture of state you can say its a subculture in pakistan..
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hassan
Jul 10, 2014 11:49am
i really dont know why all guys are criticizing this class whatever thay have silver spoon but thats fact they had to work hard fo achieving it so appreciate them at least they are not vely log like most of pakistanis... and 2nd thing elite culture is never considered the culture of state its a subculture
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Hameed
Jul 10, 2014 11:51am
Irrespective of what these people do in their personal lives, which is of course no ones business, they are still entrepreneurs' in their own fields. You may be born with a silver spoon but it cannot feed you. They have worked hard and managed to stay afloat generating employment and new ideas. They are still better than those who decided to flee their country for a "better life" but still bicker about it.
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alex peter
Jul 10, 2014 11:53am
@Faraz What is their fault bro? They have worked hard. It is their life. Let them enjoy it.
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imran
Jul 10, 2014 11:57am
Not to bad mouth these people but, This shows how Badly the wealth is distributed in Pakistan. A country founded in the name of Islam, Modeled on the British system AND In reality running as an American Capitalist system. Even after such a long time we are still confused as a nation.
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Mohammad Ali
Jul 10, 2014 12:02pm
Speaking English, wearing jeans, smoking cigarettes, driving Porsche, playing guitar only make these cartoons nothing but a laughing stocks. Only original has value and respect. Copy only brings shame.
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Farrukh
Jul 10, 2014 12:09pm
@faysal Agreed :)
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Ossy
Jul 10, 2014 12:09pm
It could have been a very positive article/new if the pictures only showed the ppl's achievements in their respective professions, rather than showing their lifestyles and affluence.
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ProudtobeanINDIAN
Jul 10, 2014 12:12pm
You people have everything in your country.. great landscapes, natural resources, good looking girls ;) Now you have made your country of only Muslims by converting all other religion people... Then why still you guys are fighting i dont understand.. Its time to think people.. Is it the problem of your country or Is it the problem of your society. If society is the problem then something is wrong with what you are following... That points to your religion because thats what preaches you... Some thing is wrong with your religious preaches or conveying... Time to think..
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Shankar Bandyopadhay
Jul 10, 2014 12:15pm
Whatever may be the worth of these persons shown in the photographs at least they dont come accross as Hate mongering Mullah or a suicide bomber. That itself is such a big relief.
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Asad
Jul 10, 2014 12:19pm
The other side of the picture for those who says Pakistan is Taliban State...
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muhammad haris saleem
Jul 10, 2014 12:19pm
@Khurram How do you know that they don't contribute?
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Legalade
Jul 10, 2014 12:21pm
@Concerned Exactly. Because you can't be empowered unless you have a 'servant' holding a glass of water for you. Silly article.
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Ovais
Jul 10, 2014 12:26pm
Being rich is not a crime!!!
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Planet of the Apes
Jul 10, 2014 12:28pm
Fantastic tongue in cheek imagery by Reuters showing the Pakistani version of the "planet of the apes" ( from aping western lifestyles). Are they role models for anyone when we have had a series of "cap-in-the hand" government ever ready to accept aids even on conditions that erode our sovereignty. Do they pay taxes, do they know anything about the "other Pakistan" in which 99.9 per cent of their compatriots live? I showed these images to my foreign friends and the comments generally were "Isn't Pakistan a very poor country?"
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Wardah Arain
Jul 10, 2014 12:29pm
above mentioned wanna bes are not real Pakistani Women.. A Pakistani women have essence of east, she is shy, modest, have soft heart and takes good care of her family with love and affection and that's what makes her more beautiful. bunch of girls with weird hair do, smoking on streets, showing of their body, having sheesha with brother are not the ones which we want our daughters to be!
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Legalade
Jul 10, 2014 12:32pm
What does female empowerment have to do with whether you have a 'domestic worker' doing trivial tasks for you? It doesn't seem like a coincidence that such an aspect should be included in the photos. The transparency offends me more than anything else. I would've expected this from a hilariously oblivious Pakistani blogger. But, Reuters, really?
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LongWayFromHome
Jul 10, 2014 12:41pm
@Muhammad Riyaz That is most likely because the US Muslims has to work for their money, unlike these creatures...
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Aarif
Jul 10, 2014 12:50pm
I understand what this article is trying to achieve. But is nowhere near the target and has fallen quite a distance short of its goal. The very first picture was great, but after that, it just went ridiculously downhill. I agree with all other comments about the domestic being shown as servitude, as well as a random picture of a pilates teacher smoking. When the rest of the entire "educated" world is banning smoking, the author of this article decides to show a woman smoking as being an empowered Pakistan? I'm sorry, but this is a sad insult to the greater idea.
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basit
Jul 10, 2014 12:58pm
nice mix of comments glad to see we can discuss a hot topic without resorting to name-calling (like the really bad kind) also interesting.. for those that keep saying that these people don't represent the real Pakistan, or are only 1% of the actual Pakistan (not that that isn't most blatantly obvious to anyone who's spent more than a week living here).. the title of the post is "the OTHER pakistan" cheers!
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Safi
Jul 10, 2014 12:58pm
Just goes to show the economic divide in Pakistan. At one end, there are people with huge mansions with interiors that even average Europeans can only dream of. And at the other end are people who cant afford to eat twice a day. There is nothing wrong with living extravagantly if you are paying your taxes, but thats rarely the case in Pakistan.
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asgher
Jul 10, 2014 01:11pm
Good to see people who are not being effected by any thing happening in Pakistan...whether military whether PPP whether PML they have their own world and they enjoy the show. The Elite! I wish they think about poor and less fortunate than themselves and offer a helping hand.
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An affected Pakistani
Jul 10, 2014 01:23pm
@Mohammad Kumbo the fact that these ladies are displaying their smoking passion in public shows how immature these "pro-west" people in Pakistan are. Perhaps they do not know, or think themselves to be beyond any rules of ethics. We all know how limited and outcast smokers have become in the West. You have to be many feet away from a building to be able to smoke and cannot smoke in public (at least in Canada).Smoking is no longer "cool" ladies - it is a sign of immaturity. Grow up now!
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DR.HAFIZULLAH
Jul 10, 2014 01:27pm
u see ok these people may be good professionals, but what percentage, only 2% of pakistan or people like them living in posh areas of khi,isb or lhr, what is there social contribution towards the pakistani society, nothing, its ok they may be good earners, but are they contributing in real sense for the scoietal change, no they may have children out in lavish schools or one day may go foriegn, so what, nothing. so they are not the true representation of the nation.
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Minerva
Jul 10, 2014 01:28pm
Apart from Sana Mir, I don't think I relate to any of these women. I don't know who these women are. I don't interact with them. None of them remind me of the regular Pakistani aurat. You know who I do think of? That woman who is wiping the big screen tv. The small red brick houses behind the Ferrari. The dupatta clad woman in walking past Ego. The Filipina maid. The dirty chappals of the workers advising the 'fashionista'. The little boy in the background. Absolutely terrible photography, horrible journalism, disgusting portrayal of what the average Pakistani woman is. She is not this person. She doesn't climb rocks, she doesn't own Ferraris, she doesn't have a Filipina maid. She's working at home to raise her kids, she's working as a teacher, an assistant, a daughter in law, she's trying her best to keep her anger under wraps when she sees gross injustices against her gender, against herself. She's struggling, she's trying, she has bigger issues in life than the kind of evening gown that go with her sandals. This is NOT the OTHER Pakistan. This is barely Pakistan at all.
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salman
Jul 10, 2014 01:29pm
Looks like Dawn gets excited by wrong things every now and then. We are an elitist society, a child who has a cycle calls out as
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Fowez
Jul 10, 2014 01:29pm
Is this collage supposed to be what is wrong with Pakistan? A pool really? And here I am having a hard time getting the government to provide water for my village. So it seems rich people don't have to worry about water and electricity, its the other 99.9% that do?
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samad khalil
Jul 10, 2014 01:33pm
I think such imagery is good to show it to the world that pakistan is not about only terrorism and extremism or bomb blasts.But we too have a dynamic life here just like others.GOOD EFFORT atlease on part of DAWN group as most media outlets just show negativity about our country.Our image is not as bad as our perception.
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Shivanshu Goswami
Jul 10, 2014 01:34pm
Shocking! I was almost tempted to visit Pakistan after reading.
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RIZWAN
Jul 10, 2014 01:35pm
INTERESTING...
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Aftab Zaki
Jul 10, 2014 01:47pm
Dawn! you always disappoint me when you try to impose stuff like this on others. You had one job and that was to represent the masses...
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RAKESH RAZDAN
Jul 10, 2014 01:54pm
Impressed? No. I am not.
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Khalid
Jul 10, 2014 01:55pm
@NASEER AHMAD VIRK I am the first one to usually have negative comments about these people but I think you have gone too far. Let us just look at ourselves and not make a generalised comment on others. Unless you belong to the same class, you can not say that they don't respect their parents and so on. By the way, how do you think Pakistanis are seen by outsiders?. How would you describe our national character?. What are the top 3 positive things Pakistanis alone can claim to have in their character?.
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Khalid
Jul 10, 2014 01:57pm
@Mohammad Kumbo Couldn't agree more. I don't care if they smoke or not but having this kind of picture published must be bad for their business!!. Teaching people to live a healthy lifestyle and smoking?. I hope because of this publicity their business doesn't suffer.
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RAKESH RAZDAN
Jul 10, 2014 01:59pm
We have a saying in India, more the road is in worse shape, the house of its engineer/contractor shall be of better quality.
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Ahmed
Jul 10, 2014 02:02pm
The photographers says, "The assignments that excite me the most are humanitarian pieces and stories related to people
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Khalid
Jul 10, 2014 02:03pm
@NaMaaloom Fard Not true Sir. The reality is that Pakistanis are one of the poorest of nations on earth. Showing 10 successful people in the country with such huge population is no big deal. Sudan, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Nort Korea would have no problems showing similar pictures of their citizens too. A country is only noticed by the world by the size of its middle class not by its rich or poor. India & China are two such examples near us. The real question is if we really want to learn from our neighbours?.
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Hopeful
Jul 10, 2014 02:06pm
Being conservative and thinking that these 1% have done all illegal, no-tax etc is easy. Because you don't need to work hard for that. Look at Malik Riaz Hussain, he started from nothing (he might have his weaknesses, but who is perfect?). Even Adam (AS) made a mistake. So we are just ordinary human. Let's try to be open and no hypocrisy and work hard. Everybody wants a life style like that, but nobody wants to work hard. You can not be judgemental for what people do/dont-do. If we start minding our own business, we will be a better nation!
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Harmony
Jul 10, 2014 02:07pm
@Sonny Afridi - Congratulations that you could afford one of those. But don't generalise it, not everyone can work hard just like that and posses a Porsche. There are many who labour all day but still cannot dream of owning one. As I said earlier there will always be
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Nausheen Siddiqui
Jul 10, 2014 02:11pm
showing a few odd images of a few odd people does not offer an alternate view of Pakistan but only reflects the topical understanding ( read ignorance) of the writer/photographer. Such oddities exist in every corner of the world.
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Omair
Jul 10, 2014 02:16pm
Check out the tattoo on Interior Designer cum Kick Boxer Aunty's arm. It sums up our nation's identity crisis rather well.
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Adnan
Jul 10, 2014 02:21pm
Well I do appreciate women taking part and playing their role in each trade of life. But still the world and women shown in these pictures are rare in this Pakistan being the daughters of Billionaire. Though actual and factual Pakistan is different.
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Harmony
Jul 10, 2014 02:25pm
@Omair - Why is tattoo (or decorating yourself with makeup for that matter) is an
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Amir Khan
Jul 10, 2014 02:26pm
@Mohammad Ali It would be logical and indeed reasonable to stop wagging fingers at others and improving your own lot. They aren't saying anything to you and consequently you shouldn't point your fingers toward them either. Instead of hating and/or despising what they have achieved, why don't your lot do it too ?
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Ganga Din
Jul 10, 2014 02:49pm
Its their money, they can spend it the way it suits them, My problem is with that fitness instructor smoking. She has to be fired.
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S
Jul 10, 2014 02:50pm
as many have already said, that these are those privlagied Pakistanis that dont know the problems that common (or 95% or more) Pakistnais actualyl face. Rich people reading books, while their maids cleaning in the background, shameful
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yasir
Jul 10, 2014 02:53pm
i don't know what dawn want to show......but it is ambrassing to see such kind of picture like sarah smoke
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Sunny
Jul 10, 2014 03:07pm
Progressive Pakistan
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Ihsan
Jul 10, 2014 03:11pm
Indicates a wide and dangerous gap. These are the people of one extreme causing all kinds of other extremism(s).
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Ahmed
Jul 10, 2014 03:11pm
@Ganga Din you said it
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Uzma
Jul 10, 2014 03:15pm
I don't understand all the negative comments?!?! I felt it was encouraging to see women doing what they wanted to do in a way they wanted to do it! That is the whole point of having an independent country, isn't it?
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Talha
Jul 10, 2014 03:16pm
THIS. IS. NOT. PAKISTAN.
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benne
Jul 10, 2014 03:23pm
Once the Kashmir issue is solved all Pakistanis will be like this. Inshallah
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Anon
Jul 10, 2014 03:29pm
Seems to me this other Pakistan is responsible for a lot thats wrong in the regular Pakistan...
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samina
Jul 10, 2014 03:31pm
After reading & viewing all the pictures i believe let GO stop judging others conduct or how they behave progressive Pakistan has to be judged by the actions only. This is nothing new its only how you expose others.If people of Pakistan wants to move forward stop peeping into others life styles see how they deliver. Rich or poor have always been standing side by side but the only difference is how one understands the "concept of Hard Work" People its high time comment less deliver more. stop wasting your time on others. Every individual or family is Answerable for their own deeds. Please concentrate & be focused & stop being judge mental.Move Pakistan forward that should be our motto nothing else.
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Shahid
Jul 10, 2014 03:37pm
Other Pakistan is perfect title for them .......
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Hina a
Jul 10, 2014 03:50pm
Good to see Pakistan changing but in the wrong way. Showing off wealth and getting influenced from western culture is not the way forward.
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E
Jul 10, 2014 03:53pm
@Faraz these people are the reason many Pakistanis have jobs. I am amazed at the comments! People hating on the wealthier lot just because they're rich. Wow.
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Hassan
Jul 10, 2014 03:58pm
Which part of Pakistan is this? What do you want to show here? That we are modern enough that we are using short dresses, smoking cigarettes and water pipes?? Is this our tradition? No question about their work and designation. They all deserve this but do you think dressing and other smoking stuff is good in this?
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Umair
Jul 10, 2014 04:06pm
okay. . . i came down to the comment section expecting some amount of hate for these people, but seriously i read the frist 15 to 20 comments, all of them full of hate! Why just cause they are more successful than you? well they worked hard to get there, born rich can only get you so far and this is what the article is portraying that even though we have problems, these people still made it work, yes they had more resources to work with but, they also made good use of it and people who are arguing that this doesnt portray our culture, i ask them to please go back and study our culture,where pretty much everything that is up there is a part of it. one person actually wrote why not hire a local maid. do u have any idea what sort of problem a local maid would have in working in a life style like that of fatima, it would nerve wracking to say the least
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sikander durrani
Jul 10, 2014 04:17pm
So, Big Deal these people are so out of touch and arrogant and have no care and regard about the rest of the country and the real citizens of this nation they are living in a utopia and a protected shield which have has been drawn up by these people, only the middle class can tale Pakistan out of crisis unfortunately middle class people have diminished to a very large extent in this country and have gone overseas these people are like not even 1% of the Pakistani society they are confused freaks.
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hasnat khan
Jul 10, 2014 04:27pm
why cant we let let art and artistic people dwell in pakistan. let's be respectfull about what people are doing ....irrespective of what they are doing.......
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Bang
Jul 10, 2014 04:33pm
Why is the maid standing with a glass of water? Shameful
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Pakistani.1
Jul 10, 2014 04:40pm
Diversity is the essence of life, accept the diversity in the nation. All 180 million people cannot dress, look, eat, live in the same way. There is bound to be class difference and discrepancies in income and lifestyle. Unless you have a welfare system like in Finland, Denmark, Norway , Canada. etc.
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Sonny Afridi
Jul 10, 2014 04:41pm
@AA what are you talkin about? Your figures are wrong. It's 44% not "70%" And there are no "independence" wars those are just proxy irritants supported by your india
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Mahine
Jul 10, 2014 04:42pm
Don't know whether to laugh, cry or pity some of the people featured in this article. Hats off to the educationists and the athletes who have accomplished something. But what about the socialites posing with their domestic help - do they not realise how pathetic they look? Is their only accomplishment being rich and living in luxurious homes with lots of hired help? Even if that is the reality of their lives, they should have the sense not to publish it in a national newspaper and have the world laugh at them!
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Raza Sibtain
Jul 10, 2014 04:44pm
@conflicted oh the apathy and indifference fuelling your self indulgence! Unless you are Zen, that is pretty awfull.
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noor
Jul 10, 2014 04:49pm
Its useless to argue about the existence of these people in Pakistan. They existence is as true as ours. No question about that. But a quick look at the profiles of the individuals clarifies a lot. For example photos on Facebook page Porsche Pakistan Lahore gives one an idea of their cliental and the Marketing manager is only matching to the image which that cliental wishes to achieve by buying this brand. Their demands are different from the demands of people buying suzuki mehran. Its business and not any rocket science. Same argument is applicable to other business women. Also it is the right of every free individual to live their life and spend their money the way they want to. I am more concerned about the Educationalists. If Ms. Fatima Kasuri would have had a Ph.D. in Education, I would have respected her choice. But the caption says it all: Educationalist/Model. I have yet to see an educationalist who is also a model. One can't become an Educationalist by merely saying "I am an educationalist". There has to be some sort of educational qualification like some degree from some university. Instead her qualification is "daughter-in-law of Mrs. Kasuri". Unfortunately, middle-/upper-middle class send their kids to private schools like BeaconHouse, City, Roots, etc which are being run by these so called Educationalists. It is time to think about the choices which we are making regarding sensitive issues like Education. One thing which is common in all these ladies is that they are being portrayed as Successful, Confident women of Pakistan (this might be true). Why does our print/electronic media fail to find women who are as successful and confident as these ladies are but look more like common Pakistani ladies. Its the media who is responsible to developing this image that only a mod-scod woman who wears western clothes and goes to gym can be successful in this society. The one who wears dupatta and has a humble dressing is only good to stay at home to do the dishes. This is not true and needs to be changed.
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noor
Jul 10, 2014 05:02pm
And off course I would have love to see SOME BOOKS in Erum Ahmed's study. Again things don't become what we want them to be by just calling them !!!
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zafar
Jul 10, 2014 05:23pm
This is not just any Pakistan. These are the members of the so called 'civic society' that rules Pakistan. What more can one say of the mess the country is in.
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Udaya Bose
Jul 10, 2014 05:25pm
Of course there are the rich and fashionable in Pakistan but they no more represent Pakistan than do the soap operas on Indian TV represent India.
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salman malik
Jul 10, 2014 05:33pm
No need to envy these people just work hard & innovative to get in picture!
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Mian G
Jul 10, 2014 05:39pm
Do not be scared. We do have some normal people here in Pakistan as well. Like shopkeepers, students, engineers, house wives etc. and they most of them are really great.
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Shabaz Hussain
Jul 10, 2014 05:43pm
I have been to Pakistan many times but unfortunately I struggle to see how the above article reflects the image of Pakistan that I have seen. Seems to me like a bit of a mockery to all those desperate people who are struggling to make ends meet.
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ROBINSON
Jul 10, 2014 06:02pm
Great to see a Different side of Pakistan, however the photography is not great, its more like promoting smoking,western culture and giving a message to the world how Cool these rich Pakistani's are- We in sub continent are the biggest hypocrites and show off people in the world- come on you telling me 2 women smoking Dunhill in a public place is a great lifestyle? please don't flaunt your wealth (nobody really know how you got it) and insult many millions for whom even arranging a days meal is a big task.
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Shoaib Iqbal
Jul 10, 2014 06:07pm
Only Rich ones?
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Ali S
Jul 10, 2014 06:09pm
Interestingly, all these pictures are from Punjab.
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zaeem
Jul 10, 2014 06:20pm
I afraid what you are showing here is not the real Pakistan, these people are ultra rich and soulless
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sadiq
Jul 10, 2014 06:21pm
It is extremely rare to become prosperous in Pakistan by honest and Halal means. Most have to steal from national treasury, or not pay taxes, or embezzle from various projects. Most of the politicians and Govt officials steal, Most of the professionals and business people do not pay taxes. Most of the poor are crushed. Has anybody cared to read The Quran.
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shah
Jul 10, 2014 06:21pm
Interesting. The wealthy do live a completely separate life in Pakistan. I do find the Filipino domestic worker odd though, no shortage of domestic workers in Pakistan.
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Mahmood
Jul 10, 2014 06:53pm
@Kublai , maybe they made it themselves by hard work. It's more likely that they are from a privileged background and are able to do what they enjoy. Nothing wrong with that. I am not sure if they truly represent the hard struggle majority of Pakistani's have to undergo just to survive, let alone make it big.
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Sohaib Khan
Jul 10, 2014 06:55pm
Cant we learn to accept all of us are different but still have to live together. If a woman in hijab and a woman in western dress can walk together in the west why cant they do it here. You expect westerners to be tolerant to our lifestyle in their Country why cant you tolerate your own people who live a different life
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Magister Ludi
Jul 10, 2014 06:58pm
The idle rich!
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Imran
Jul 10, 2014 07:00pm
Pointless to promote such an image that cant last more than 200 households.... 'Wanabees' and babies of the most corrupt politicians and bureaucracy. Honestly they are a burden on mother earth...
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sana
Jul 10, 2014 07:09pm
i find it quite shocking to read these comments. who gives you the right to judge someone by just a few pictures? so what she smokes a cigarette? so what she wears "western clothes" you cant expect every single person to dress the way you expect them too? how dare you judge someone based on how much money they have. these are successful independent women and true this is on the upper class elite side of Pakistan it doesn't mean they're bad people or they don't deserve what they have? and you people assume this because you see a Filipino a maid, a little shoulder, or god forbid a out there hairstyle. I'm fifteen and i can see how close minded all of you are, how do you know these women don't give charity? how do you know that they are jokers? the real idiot i'm sorry to say are people like you who condemn anything which is different, anything that goes against the status quo. you know what will really help this country? if people stopped judging and hating others simply on what they believe or what they wear or what they eat. it is their life NOT yours, how would you like it if people judged you just by looking at your house or your maid or your clothes. none of you would like it its downright rude. be it rich or poor, black or white you need to have respect for everyone. the purpose of this article was to show that Pakistan can be seen in many different ways, its diverse but obviously anything different or anything western or foreign must always be frowned upon. i suggest you look at yourselves before judging anyone else. pathetic ps: if a man was smoking that cigarette would you have such a problem? haha nope you totally wouldn't. stupid gender bias.
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Ejaz
Jul 10, 2014 07:11pm
To be rich is not criminality, unless has been earned in right way.
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asif
Jul 10, 2014 07:12pm
These people think they are like whites but whites speak their own language and are proud of it. most of these superficial people consider urdu to be a language for simpletons and wouldnt be caught dead speaking two or three whole sentences in urdu, unless they were talking to an 'ordinary' person. just copying europeans for their material life will never get you any respect in your native country.
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Farhan
Jul 10, 2014 07:20pm
Someone commented saying how these guys are doing anything better than a soldier etc. or how it helps the poor man. That's where your logic is flawed. These people are creating jobs for your country. How dumb do you have to be not realize that? 1. The cafe will create several jobs. Servers/chefs/security etc. 2. The interior designing studio has created numerous jobs. 3. The school system creates jobs. So on and so forth.
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Taimoor Khan
Jul 10, 2014 08:39pm
Whats the big deal about this? There is always a privileged class in every nation on the planet. Nothing out of ordinary here in Pakistan. However one thing is quite common among this privileged elite of Pakistan and perhaps in all those countries with colonial past that they try to emulate west in order to look different and project themselves as elite. Being blessed in no issue, perhaps they have earned it, but why cant these lot express their status as the privileged ones while staying true to their roots, ways and culture?
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Ali Khan Yousafzai
Jul 10, 2014 09:19pm
are you kidding me..... is it what real pakistan is..... r u sure about it & why do we have to be on extreme to convey our view points.... if at all you want to convey your view point get some good examples and i m sure of it u will find alot.....
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Saif alvi
Jul 10, 2014 09:24pm
If these are the agents of 'change' in Pakistan, that would be really sad. They should have profiled shireen obaid chinoy, asma jahangir, the lady who runs the beauty parlor staffed by the victims of acid, the lady who became the first female pilot in the air force, and countless other brave souls who are trying to make a difference everyday, not these privileged wannabe's who at best are confused about who they are and at worst are part of the problem.
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Hassan
Jul 10, 2014 09:27pm
I see plenty of jealous people on this forum. the purpose of the article is to show that Pakistan is just not about drone strikes and extremists burning flags and holding banners. It shows that there are a lot of liberal and yes rich people as well in the country. None of the people shown in this article have made money through corruption as is usually alleged when anyone with a nice car is seen in Pakistan. The first woman works hard and is an entrepreneur. Article also dis spells some stereotypes about Pakistanis. We are all not all wielding "dandas" and burning flags on the roads.
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Rizwan
Jul 10, 2014 09:34pm
Shows the unbalance in Society. This is not new in history of falling nations. This is what is Extremism and fundamentalism. These issues doesn't only exist in Mullas or talibans etc. but in every group of people who are way far than reality. Humans in general and my beloved people of Pakistan are trying to find inner peace through these things but forgot about peace comes with in and not with toys. The one who knows himself knows his Lord. We need to start journey inside ourself and find issues within own self. Fix it and find peace.. toys are toys and will be replaced with something new in the market .. ignorance..
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Khalid
Jul 10, 2014 09:34pm
This (wannabe) Afridi lady is a disgrace to all Pakistanis not just the Afridi tribe - that holy verse tattooed on her arm is sickening.
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Eran
Jul 10, 2014 09:36pm
Sorry to see dark side of Pakistan. We must not encourage our daughters and sisters to be like these pathetic people, who smoke, wear disgusting outfits, weird hairstyles. This article was so funny and miserable.
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shahab
Jul 10, 2014 09:38pm
It would be a much better article if the journalist could capture the middle class men and women in Pakistan doing extraordinary things and living their lives in a very unorthodox manner, contrary to the popular view .these people are the elitest of the elites. Normal middle class families are achieving the same if not more then them
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shahab
Jul 10, 2014 09:38pm
It would be a much better article if the journalist could capture the middle class men and women in Pakistan doing extraordinary things and living their lives in a very unorthodox manner, contrary to the popular view .these people are the elitest of the elites. Normal middle class families are achieving the same if not more then them
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JA
Jul 10, 2014 09:39pm
Whats the point of showing all this crap.......? The REAL problems around are much important than these useless 'big shots' !!!!
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zinaida iurchenko
Jul 10, 2014 09:44pm
they are aliens not only in pakistan but all over the world where ever they go. miserable class
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N.Sid
Jul 10, 2014 09:44pm
Pick any Fashion and Lifestyle magazine on Pakistan, you will see plenty of pictures even more stylized than this. Why the people are behaving like they do not represent Pakistan. They do...in a niche way. Go to any shopping mall or or any up market restaurant you will see upper middle to ultra rich people not in thousands, but in tens of thousands. Just look at the number of fancy cars on the street, driven by women, you can judge the number of middle class to upper middle class in the country. In Karachi university there are more girl students than boys enrolled, and else where too. There are millions of working class women in urban areas of cities. Break the stereotype notions held by people in the country and abroad.
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Nadeem
Jul 10, 2014 09:47pm
@Dawn, are you going to publish an article about "The Other 99.9 % of Pakistan"? And if you do please pick the bottom 40%, so we can have a clear picture. Thanks
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Abdul Khan
Jul 10, 2014 09:51pm
I laughed the hardest at: Educationalist and model Fatima (R) uses her mobile phone while her Filipino domestic worker holds her glass of water at her house in Lahore May 28, 2014. and the pilates guru smoking a cigarette
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Saad Ahmed
Jul 10, 2014 10:00pm
Whether it be rich or poor in our country, the point is; are they happy and moving towards the best ? ... and if they are happy, its enough a reason to be tolerant of them.
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SJ
Jul 10, 2014 10:14pm
Dawn should now show pics of how the maids of these very people live. How these people treat their gardeners, drivers and cooks will give a better perspective of these people's mentality. It's nice to be rich, but the real character of a person is better understood by how they treat others who have less material wealth than they do. Pakistan is full of wonderful people who are not rich but do what they can to help others with what little they have. Dawn needs to shine the light on those also.
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Saad Zafar
Jul 10, 2014 10:14pm
Saddening to see the huge amount of jealous comments. Learn to appreciate the success of other people and try to draw whatever inspiration you can instead of being jelly and obnoxious.
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s
Jul 10, 2014 10:17pm
Loved the article! keep it up except the smoking!
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Nastasya
Jul 10, 2014 10:21pm
Miraculous i call it when they try to save dying people for free. It seems like the human race has civilized itself. I tremble for humans when I reflect that Allah is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.
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Qamar
Jul 10, 2014 10:28pm
@Fais Chill out man!! Most Pakistani origin people in the UK are not living like this.. Maybe middle class white europeans or highly educated asians but in general no... If most British Pakistanis had enough cash they'll be living in Pakistan.. At least until the realisation kicks in that most people will rip you off there, these people in the pictures are not the problem the problem is Pakistanis in general, they have such a shitty outlook on everything that nothing will ever change..
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Azhar
Jul 10, 2014 10:31pm
What is with all the negative comments? Can't handle the fact that not everyone in Pakistan is the same? Love them or hate them, at least respect the fact that these people are doing something different.
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khattak
Jul 10, 2014 10:37pm
yes this is happening Quaid...
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Nasr
Jul 10, 2014 10:37pm
Wow! What a presentation by Dawn. They did full justice to one very tiny but very wealthy, ultra modern part of Pakistan. Wake up Dawn this is not the real Pakistan. All of them shown here are the imported lot of Pakistanis. They may be talented but may be wasted when it comes to culture and heritage. The most Hilarious and Startling life style presented here in these pictures is for an Educationist WITH A PHILIPINO MAID. An Educationist giving a very good education. Everyone knows how the Beacon of Beacon House School kept lighted in the last over three decades.
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aine
Jul 10, 2014 10:40pm
@Hassan Thank you for not being a hater. on another note, what a rubbish article.
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Sara
Jul 10, 2014 10:58pm
@Khalid I agree and enough is enough. Tatoo-ing is her choice but that does not mean to be too stupid and target feelings of other Pakistanis.
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Mahendra Singh
Jul 10, 2014 10:59pm
Wonderful story, just fearing how long such people would survive the onslaught of the fundamentalists... unfortunately the so called educated fundamentalists have already started complaining on the forum..
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Sara
Jul 10, 2014 11:02pm
@Asher Qasam se. But that doesn't entail ranking and does not follow international attention probably.
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Ziad Asim
Jul 10, 2014 11:14pm
@Sayyar Khan not just in Pakistan but I have seen it in middle east as well as in USA...
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Tariq
Jul 10, 2014 11:17pm
absolutely agree...
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Arsalan
Jul 11, 2014 12:00am
How many of them are really self made and not chasing the dreams on the riches of their parents? i think their liberalism is pampered with the elite society they were brought up in, i think these pictures reflect nothing but power of money, not discouraging them but these are not the what you will call the real pillars of a successful nation which would reflect more sacrifices
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Arsalan
Jul 11, 2014 12:04am
hmm
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Alexa
Jul 11, 2014 12:09am
really, a model as the CEO of the school system? what about the other deserving teachers, who spend decades teaching and imparting wisdom and receive just a humble salary for their work? I guess all the private school systems in Pakistan are run like family businesses with huge profits....look at their owners' lifestyles
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Gora Pakora
Jul 11, 2014 12:22am
A pirates teacher who disregards her own health and smokes, a woman who looks like a lesbian, some pompous madames showing off their lavish house, and a woman wearing jeans, stood in front of a Porsche. These people represent 0.00000001% of Pakistan. They have adopted the culture of the people who colonised them. People who wouldn't even urinate on them if they were on fire. :)
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ali
Jul 11, 2014 12:36am
These are only Exceptions and they prove the rule that majority, i mean over-whelming majority, does not look like and behave like the people shown here. We're often told that we must show our this, so-called tolerant and modern, side to the West to prove that we're not savages. The only problem is that they're only a needle in the haystack of Pakistani people. Misleading representation of what majority of Pakistanis look and behave like
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Sohaib
Jul 11, 2014 12:54am
Dance monkey dance, on the western tune.
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Mudathir
Jul 11, 2014 12:54am
What on the earth is an educationalist.....health instructors smoking to charge all the positive energy.....filipino maid to replace the kaali punjabi maid.....girls smoking waterpipe what everybody knows as sheesha/hooqa but the anglo-arabo-perso-elitisto mentality has chosen "Narghile" instead of sheesha/hooqa........
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Bing-Bud-a-Bang
Jul 11, 2014 01:11am
@N.Sid - Well, that's precisely the reason why he even considered comparing them to Delhites.........something obviously you weren't quite able to grasp, El Sid!
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ivehadit
Jul 11, 2014 01:22am
These are Pakistanis displaying Pakistani values: love of the arts, enjoying the good life, artistic and personal freedom, strong willed women, high living and ostentatiousness. Maybe one could complain about the last one, but that's Pakistani as much as anything else. Good to portray the other side, so it's not all crazies with long beards and women in robes.
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Truth seeker
Jul 11, 2014 01:22am
@NASEER AHMAD VIRK Well said. These people have no morals and ethical values. Infact if investigated most will have accumulated their wealth through corruption and will not be paying decent wages to their employees. Most disturbing is half naked alien being busy with her phone while a fillipino maid is holding a glass of water, couldn't she find a single person to work as domestic maid in entire pakistan? Are we now that rich a country that people don't want to do these type of job or this alien is making some sort of statement about pakistan and it's people??
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wasim
Jul 11, 2014 01:22am
Let me make it simple for all the confuse minds .. i dont know what would be our appraoch if we are ever exposed to such life ,because action speak louder then words , beside critcism and over judgment , matter of the fact is that they don't belong to this society , they are not representing this society , Our society ' in no way , .. there was nothing in these pictures except glimpse of people who are lost in abdnormal lifestyle , glamour , fashion , money and status , my sincere cry is , that i wish they find themselve some day , but i am afraid that would be too late ..
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VRM
Jul 11, 2014 01:26am
The more I read Dawn and educate myself on the cultural aspects of Pakistan and its people, I wonder as to why is there so much of acrimony and hate between the two neighbours. India and Pakistan have similar culture, similar food habits, similar ways of living and mannerisms, similar history, yet we consider ourselves different. I know that the sentiments expressed above have been voiced umpteen number of times, it is perplexing to understand as to why no one has been able to arrive at a logical solution to our problems. Does one points a finger at the ordinary people, or, are the politicians continuously stirring the pot to ensure that we never embrace each other?
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Shakeel Ahmed
Jul 11, 2014 01:28am
Now the women caught in picture walking behind two smoking ladies is a true Pakistani women, I wonder what planet these gaga ladies are from?
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N.Sid
Jul 11, 2014 01:47am
All readers, Just before going through the pics, and posting valuable comments, kindly read the introduction given by the photographer Zohra Bensemra. Says it all about it. No need for despondency, negativity, pessimism, jealousy, xenophobia, depression, OCD(obsessive compulsive disorder), here from the people. Writing on her photo feature, Algerian photographer Zohra Bensemra says: "Welcome to Pakistan, a country of 180 million people whose residents are as varied as they come. Among them are millionaires and beggars, child brides and female executives, the Taliban and an ultra-chic international jet set. Many Pakistanis feel angry that headlines about their beloved nation are dominated by violence and extremism, saying that a number of troublemakers has been allowed to define their country
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Pak. One
Jul 11, 2014 01:55am
Great pictures Zohra Benserma. Good composition, colors and lighting. A couple of pictures looks surreal(read extra stylized), but a different perspective about Pakistan, away from CNN, Fox news and what the western media shows about bomb blasts, female subjugation, Taliban, and all the bad stuff.
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Aftab Ahmed Shah
Jul 11, 2014 02:10am
Shame on all contributors of above including Dawn. What is being proved here.
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Pakistani.1
Jul 11, 2014 02:15am
@Shakeel Ahmed Do you live in a village or visually impaired. There are tens of thousands of educated and smartly dressed women/females(western/modern, whatever you call it) working in multinational companies like Unilever P&G, In advertising companies, in media houses(a case in point is Dawn). There are more than 200 TV media houses alone. In privates companies(hundreds of such companies). In pharma companies(Glaxo Pakistan has 60 percent female staff), and elsewhere. There are tens of thousands of female doctors, engineers working elsewhere in Karachi Lahore Islamabad and urban areas. All the private and public sector universities have more than 50 percent female enrollment. Many a top notch institutes like IBA, LUMS, NUST have a plethora of smart/casual/western/ dressed girls. The list is endless in urban areas of Pakistan.
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KB
Jul 11, 2014 02:16am
I would prefer living with a goat than most of these (rich) women in pictures .
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Waqas Ahmed
Jul 11, 2014 02:18am
@ali But do we have to show the west what we are at all?
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the truth
Jul 11, 2014 02:18am
Those who have commented negatively are simply jealous of them as they have achieved what you dreamt of having in your lives. Stop complaining and better get to work.
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Adil
Jul 11, 2014 02:30am
Sana Mir the cricketer can't be called rich but she is the only decent one.
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rehan
Jul 11, 2014 02:34am
every thing not in this picture need a lot of money or wealth.. kom on... learning karate, playing cricket, going to fitness center... these should not be dream for Pakistani muslim girls.. please give our women some space to breath . You let them watch cable and movies for many hours but cannot see them doing some thing positive..
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SHAHID AND FAMILY
Jul 11, 2014 03:17am
Classic of day is last picture,depicting ordinary life and thinking about life achievement of future prospects.SHAHID AND FAMILY
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Bilal
Jul 11, 2014 03:55am
So you wanna say that now the culture of Pakistan is to dress up like a hippi and smoke ciggerettes and water pipes. How lovely... Distorted the culture of Pakistan insyead of portraying it.
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Asad
Jul 11, 2014 04:10am
All of them tried to copy Western culture activities which is not bad if only you select good things out of them.99% of their culture have good things. Problem is that we always try to copy only those things which are bad in them.
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Lashes X
Jul 11, 2014 04:17am
Zainab Abbas is a Pilates , health & fitness instructor & yet smokes!!!! Contradictions or what ?!?!?
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Moin Kamal
Jul 11, 2014 04:33am
Great pictures and love it. Pakistan has talent and brains. No wonder We made Nuclear Bombs. If poor people 10 children which they cannot afford and do not work hard. Why Pakistanis overseas are successful abroad, its sheer hard work. Common man should use education to advance and we need a Govt like we had of honest President Mushraff not the corrupt Zardari and Nawaz Shareef.
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Faizy00
Jul 11, 2014 04:46am
We as a nation can accomplish anything. The people shown above are not at all misfits. The lifestyles projected above are a norm among the educated classes of urban Pakistan. With more encouragement and hard work, Pakistan can stand proud among the work community. We must shun voices of hate and pessimism. Most comments above are from those who themselves do not understand what is happening in Pakistan and what Pakistan is all about. The lifestyles depicted in these pictures project what is now common in urban Pakistan. And there is nothing wrong in anybody being super rich, as long as they pay taxes. Thank you Dawn, for showing that Pakistan is not just about suffering, terrorism, conservatism, acid attacks, murders and social chaos. Thank you indeed and I hope you continue with this with more vigor in the future.
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Rizwan
Jul 11, 2014 04:47am
What? Oh wait! It's people being normal!!
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Mehnaz
Jul 11, 2014 04:57am
Awesome! Way to go! Pakistan is a multifaceted society. We are proud of these people who show their creative side.
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E W
Jul 11, 2014 05:32am
Looking at all the comments; guess we are get the two things mixed up. Liberalism is one thing, reliving in essence, a century old lifestyle of our Gora colonial masters is another. All it is, is a case of a common identity crisis - takes time to make nations. I have lived half my life outside Pakistan & a lot amongst the most rich. Never I have seen an identification parity as huge as we have in our great country. A Nation is in the making. Equilibrium takes time.
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Saad
Jul 11, 2014 06:13am
This is surely the "Other" Pakistan!
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Sultan Rahi
Jul 11, 2014 06:15am
Excellent article! Most Pakistanis I know are fashionable, civilized, well-educated and very fun loving people. However, DAWN hardly shows that side of Pakistan. Thank you DAWN for showing the other side of Pakistan. Love and Peace from Kashmir.
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Nazia
Jul 11, 2014 06:49am
What I like the most in these pictures is a free woman that unfortunately we don't have very common in our society like Pakistan,we mostly observe a pity woman in the cage of boundaries ,oppressed by the society.I appreciate and admire this aspect and wish such a free and respectable equal freedom for women in our society.
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Bano
Jul 11, 2014 07:06am
Worst article ever, showcasing shallow values trying to appeal to shallow people
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Hyder
Jul 11, 2014 07:20am
sir, Well come to Naya Pakistan!!!
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Jawad
Jul 11, 2014 07:47am
Very interesting if you belong to the .0005% of Pakistan's population that these guys are from. Is this to show that these people have built a hybrid lifestyle of western comforts and current eastern trends of having servants ?
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Abdul
Jul 11, 2014 07:56am
btw what %age of population are these people ?
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vik3ings
Jul 11, 2014 08:11am
@Maj(Retd) Zahid Hussain Malik , well said, the population in Pakistan is taught not to expect much from life. here are well educated men and women who have achieved something and are enjoying the rewards
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Ishfaq Muhammad Din
Jul 11, 2014 08:36am
I believe in liberal thoughts and deeds without disturbing the others' independence. But, this report is worth null and void. No difference will be created by it. The societies, countries and nations are destroyed when the version of non-native religion, unnecessarily imported social and cultural rituals and above all the strange to local life style are promoted in a country or the geographical region which is culturally rigid enough.
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Kausar
Jul 11, 2014 08:58am
As Oscar Wilde said, " people who know the price of everything and value of nothing."
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Kausar
Jul 11, 2014 09:01am
Filipino maid and smoking instructor!!!! As Oscar Wilde said, " People who know the price of everything and value of nothing."
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Kausar
Jul 11, 2014 09:13am
As Oscar Wilde said, " people who know the price of everything and value of nothing."
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Kausar
Jul 11, 2014 09:15am
As Oscar Wilde said, " people who know the price of everything and value of nothing."
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Sher Ghazi
Jul 11, 2014 09:16am
Really encouraging if we have a society and group like this.
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SIAK
Jul 11, 2014 09:40am
The saddest part is that all of them look more westernized than a Pakistani. It is a shame that we choose foreign influences over our national identity. These pictures only portrary our enslavement to foreign cultures....
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iftikhar
Jul 11, 2014 09:55am
In this article there are two type of people covered by the writer... A) People who trying hard to pushing their limits within their own limitation, and struggling to paint positive and brave image of pakistan, within and outside pakistan. B) People who have nothing to do.. are crossing the limits.
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Kausar
Jul 11, 2014 10:05am
As Oscar Wilde said, " people who know the price of everything and value of nothing."
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Nasir Ali Khan
Jul 11, 2014 10:21am
I have learnt more from the comments on this article than the article itself.
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deep
Jul 11, 2014 11:29am
Amazing... Refreshing. A New look picture of Pakistan
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Absar
Jul 11, 2014 11:51am
I m sure this is not real face of Pakistan . This article misses few more assets of Islamic Republic of Pakistan such as Mathira , Meera , Veena etc...
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LA traffic
Jul 11, 2014 11:56am
I can't stop reading the endless comments even though I am about to loose my eyesight
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Anila Haq
Jul 11, 2014 11:57am
What's wrong with our people all they can see is negative, a teacher smoking , a foreign maid come on they can even appreciate the achievements of all these individuals. I loved this piece of writing bravo who ever is responsible keep up the good work.
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SK
Jul 11, 2014 12:00pm
Off the subject but Najm Sethi has been reinstated yet again
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lakhkar
Jul 11, 2014 12:02pm
Well i think know a days pakistan national game is to( criticise every thing anything) Guys no need to get jealous ,mashallah they struggled and they are rewarded.. Happy to see some1 is still living v happy in pakistan, 4 negative comments guys Dont impos ur life nd ur life style into some1s life style its a country every1 must have the right to live their life,
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Xubi
Jul 11, 2014 12:07pm
If you want to know the real Pakistani way then just read comments not the article...
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Xubi
Jul 11, 2014 12:13pm
I wonder why all these settled in just Lahore and Islamabad......
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Ahmed Adnan Prince Aadi
Jul 11, 2014 12:35pm
Dear Readers, I am Proud to believe that we have everything in Pakistan I believe People who Visit and Tourists who came to See Pakistan they only See what they want to See other than that its just sweet 50 year old Pakistan. Its Like National Geographic came for ( Unique Snow Leopard ) Algerian photographer came for the ( Hard & dedicated Individual of Pakistan ) United nation came for ( Poor Pakistan ) US ARMY came for ( Nuclear Missile of Pakistan ) ..... and list goes on. We entertained every one.
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Xubi
Jul 11, 2014 12:41pm
If you watched the movie Elysium, these people would be the first to buy their plots over that artificial planet.
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Rrr
Jul 11, 2014 01:02pm
@Fais agree. This is the elite of the nation and most of them live outside the nation half the time. Their world is drastically different than the majority of people... They drink different water than the majority. That is how you know a nations development capacity and level. In the developed world the majority middle class drinks the same water and his / her necessities are met so they aren't impacted as much.
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S.A.S
Jul 11, 2014 01:10pm
Well done to the one person mentioned in passing but not buy name or pictured that has made it on their own(founder of beacon house). The rest spend more than they earn and are supported by rich families whose wealth, in many instances, is apparent through political affiliations, tax avoidance and inheritance. None of these aside from the cricketer, carpenter, musician and rock climber inspire a view of an alternate pakistan but that's not what the underlying message in the article is about is it!
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S.A.S
Jul 11, 2014 01:20pm
@Malik can you put a price on love, life, health, family, human dignity and the grace of God?
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Blitzer
Jul 11, 2014 02:07pm
To all the commenter denouncing the people photographed above: please, live and let live. If anyone chooses to live their lives a certain way, please let them. Moral police, ghairat brigade, mullah brigade, et al, are one of the reasons of our great country's downfall.
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SK
Jul 11, 2014 02:13pm
@Pakistani.1 wow you are smart because you have memorized the names of those foreign firms like millions of other daydreaming............ And yes I am a villager if you want to call San Francisco Bay Area of California a village where I have been living for last 35 years and let me tell you- to me wearing western jeans ,having tattooed arms or smoking hookahs does not make a women look pretty, elite or important because modesty is the priceless jewel of traditional a Pakistani women - here in the silicon valley thousand of Pakistani and Indian women go to work in high tech firms wearing shalwar kameez (if it's not a safety hazard ) and earn utmost respect among locals because of their cultural values , we have prime example of Benazir Bhutto who didn't ghave to go to White House wearing a skirt but was probably the most respected women in world, who preferred to ware a scarf over her head.
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Syed Yaseen Shah
Jul 11, 2014 02:18pm
@independentthinker very true. Love all the comments
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Mumtaz
Jul 11, 2014 02:22pm
Seriously???.... Zohra Bensemra either you are really shallow and superficial to be impressed with this shameless display of ill-gotten weath or you've been taken for a ride, a fairytale ride far removed from reality. All the above are people who I know personally and you forgot to mention that ALL OF THEM are offsprings of rich wealthy parents whose source of wealth is unaccountable and NONE pay their taxes. Not a single of them have seen a day of genuine distress...the maximum probably not being allowed to buy the latest Hermes bag. Yes Pakistan is full of men and women who have made it big but by sheer grit, determination and self-growth in the face of unbelievable obstacles and not by belonging to rich families. Women who have fought against tribal oppressions and social subjugation; men who have fought the fuedal systems and systemic oppression of opportunities in the education and job market and today stand as icons of success. Find them, they are the other face of Pakistan, a real face. Show us some genuine professionalism, please!!!
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Ashar
Jul 11, 2014 02:24pm
Why the sample is taken from northern pakistan only/mostly?
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Hammad Afzal
Jul 11, 2014 02:55pm
Dawn often has a knack for perpetuating pseudo liberalism. Showing rich women in scant clothing (as per Pakistani standards) does not present a healthy image of a country that is tarnished by corruption, unemployment, energy crisis and terrorism. If that could improve the image of a country, Veena Malik would have been the perfect ambassador for Pakistan. These images just pronounce the stark inequality of wealth in Pakistan. Instead of showcasing these second grade copies of Western wealthy females, Pakistanis should show the beauty of their actual people, those who make more than 90% of its population.
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Ahmed Babar
Jul 11, 2014 03:02pm
Pathetic captions, pointless stories!
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gary
Jul 11, 2014 03:16pm
@syed Like most Pakistanis, she is wearing her religion on her sleeves.
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Asad
Jul 11, 2014 03:22pm
More suitable title of t this article should be "Rich & Spoiled females of Pakistan who do not represent the country or even the 0.5% of its female population" (except Sana Mir). If talking about the hidden female dimensions of Pakistan then it should include more respectable females who are flying Boeing, flying F-16, are paratroopers, squash player, economist, bankers, engineers etc etc. DAWN please be careful in selecting articles & their titles, it is not The Other Pakistan it is The Nerd Pakistan.
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Fouzia
Jul 11, 2014 03:22pm
I really didnt understand the point of this article. Pictures of women playing with their flashy gadgets while their maids hold on to their beverages doesnt really depict their success. Dawn, you shouldve focused more on how these women are contributing to the betterment of their society.
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Magnus
Jul 11, 2014 03:26pm
Used to live in Islamabad during the 70:s ! And travelled the whole country . Since then things have really gone south!
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Adeel
Jul 11, 2014 04:22pm
These Pakistanis and others like these deserve at least 50% of media space. If it happens....... then I am sure we will witness a very rapid "CHANGE" overall in Pakistan.
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anonymous
Jul 11, 2014 04:30pm
@Farhan well said! Gosh my eyes hurt by reading so much negativity.if someone wants to smoke, let them.whats ur problem?what's wrong with hiring a phillipino if u can afford one.noone has the right to call anyone an empty soul. What's wrong with u people.another thing which pisses me off is that if a girl wears jeans and a top people will start attacking her that ohh she's not a good Muslim and has no morals.i think they r better than those hypocrite women who are covered from head to toe in abayas and back bite and hurt others.grow up people and try to give respect to others.One commentator has gone as far as to say that why has ms kasuri hired a phillipino and why not local help.
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sehr j raja
Jul 11, 2014 04:57pm
@Abdul near zero --- but --- they decide for the remaining hundred percent.
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Realist
Jul 11, 2014 05:36pm
This is 0.001 % Pakistan and doest really give u a picture of Pakistan? :D
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Jawad
Jul 11, 2014 06:01pm
I cant believe how much hypocrite they are who are posting negative comments about all the ladies who are living their lives as they want, but in person they admire ladies from abroad and are in a constant effort to have better life-styles. What is wrong if the ladies above are living the life-style you always wanted? Secondly, when media shows the poor and affected side of Pakistan, you say why they only show this side to the world. And now when Dawn has shown that women are living the life-styles they want in Pakistan, when it is considered that women cant have good life in Pakistan by others, you again have a problem? We people can never get off of criticizing!
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omer
Jul 11, 2014 06:10pm
Amazing A list of over the moon ppl of Pakistan
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Jahanzeb
Jul 11, 2014 06:13pm
Surely sensible reporting has set it's Sun in dawn.
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ali
Jul 11, 2014 06:41pm
pakistan,s more than 50% people are living below the poverty line stop showing these burger upper class mummy daddies what do we do with them
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Nadil
Jul 11, 2014 07:37pm
I have no problem with the wealth some people have as long as they have earned it by legal means and have paid their taxes. These people are Pakistanis and are living in Pakistan. They are creating jobs in our economy and leading a fulfilling life in the process. The amount of jealousy shown in some of the comments is breathtaking!!!
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ROHIT PANDEY
Jul 11, 2014 07:56pm
Nice to see the inside of a tiny cacoon of affluence in Pakistan! Hope Pakistan prospers economically -that should pull up all the others outside of this cacoon----there will always be some super rich in every society-the more the economic growth-the more from bottom of the pile are brought up???:):):)
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abc
Jul 11, 2014 08:41pm
NAYA Pakistan!!
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Faras Khan
Jul 11, 2014 08:56pm
I used to think that this type of exuberance was ok. But it is not...given that 90% of the population do not get 1 meal a day and eran lerss than a $1 a day. Trying to emulate is certainly flattery for those you emulate but it is a lack of identity for the emulator. This is not the Pakistan I want or would like to be a part of.
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Faras Khan
Jul 11, 2014 09:02pm
@Harmony I am sorry to say this but none of these people made it on there own they have made it by squashing the lives of thousands. e.g your fashion designer is paying her workers less than a dollar a day and makes them work in sweltering sweat shops. Ms Porsche got the job because her father is a politician. Ms treehouse caters to the Rich and gives nothing back to the poor children of Pakistan who are the real life blood of our nation. A million Einsteins have been born in the villages and died without a chance in life. These are not .."success stories..." but stories of failure!
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Ajay
Jul 11, 2014 09:02pm
@N.Sid - generally speaking north indians are mostly good looking people. Moreover, "good looks" is a relative and subjective term. Frankly speaking, most of delhi middle class or upper middle class looks "much better" than these people in the pics. Dont believe me? Check out bollywood.
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Desi Strokes
Jul 11, 2014 09:03pm
Good Job Dawn. We have 12 free souls in our country...!!! They definitely need to be show cased to the world..!!!
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Ajay
Jul 11, 2014 09:04pm
I have many lovely pakistani friends but honestly speaking, these pictures look hilarious. Silly and ridiculous. SO there are some decent drawing rooms and young and rich spoiled brats in pakistan.
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Suni
Jul 11, 2014 09:16pm
This the reason that Taliban is in place. Unlike the West, India and Pakistan have not had a organic East based feminist movement. These entitled brats have no idea what the women or for that matter men undergo in an unequal society - and they have adopted Western concept of Freedom - without having to fight for it - or without undergoing the anguish of being repressed.. BTW - I am originally from India living in the US.
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Nadil
Jul 11, 2014 09:24pm
I am not sure why people are so bothered about a pilate instructor who smokes?.She happens to be a smoker in her personal life while she is a fitness instructor by profession. I know many top doctors who are overweight and/or smokers. Does that mean they should stop treating patients till they are in perfect health themselves.??
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Nadil
Jul 11, 2014 10:00pm
@KB .I have asked my goat and she has declined your offer.Sorry mate.!!!
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Mohsin
Jul 11, 2014 11:06pm
@Sayyar Khan
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Sachal
Jul 11, 2014 11:49pm
A lovely soft image of pakistan
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Saba
Jul 12, 2014 12:00am
My Pakistan is definitely a lot better than much of the stuff shown above. Respectable author just couldn't identify the true nature & life style of real Pakistanis & by this I definitely not mean the people living their lives from hand to mouth. There is much more to this prestigious land rather than the above which portrays less than 5% of my nation. I request you to use a better lens next time as I couldn't spot figures like Aisha Farooq (Pakistan's first fighter plane pilot) anywhere above...
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Zaheer Jan
Jul 12, 2014 12:53am
These young ladies, and men fill me with hope that there is still hope for the women and men of Pakistan. That they are not in the grip of mullah's, who purport to speak for God, ustugh-fay-rulLah. They are the shining light of what freedom should encompass: liberty and justice for all, irrespective of gender, religion, race, nationality or ethnic origin. Because that is what Islam is all about - one creation under God with Him and only Him being the final arbiter. No priests, no intercessor.
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Ali
Jul 12, 2014 12:53am
What about fashion designer Anam Durrani, owner of AED Designs? Add her to this list!
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KB
Jul 12, 2014 12:54am
@Nadil can you ask the sheep sheeps are more understanding and they are good cooks.
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Saad
Jul 12, 2014 12:57am
ye konsa pakistan dikhaya jareya ay bhyi ..
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Truth seeker
Jul 12, 2014 01:17am
@Ajay You mean to say that you are still being ruled by the farangi!!!
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Zahid mian bhutto
Jul 12, 2014 01:20am
This is a bit you exposed puppets or so called bigre huge bachy of corrupt culprits, go to the villages of sindh, Baluchistan, and Khyber, you will find the pplz in miserable conditions, that's the actual Pakistan. Show that one on media and to the world.
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atika
Jul 12, 2014 01:21am
such a waste of time. Who wants to see their extraneous lifestyle again? What fitness instructor smokes and gets herself photographed as an intro? What school director encourages TV time with her kids? I can't believe this SIDE of Pakistan needs to be addressed, rather being shown off like what has been done here.
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Faraz Waqar
Jul 12, 2014 02:57am
Very nice. Great pics. This Pakistan is as real as the Pakistan that is usually shown in international media. A face of Pakistan that is never showcased abroad or in media internationally. This is the Pakistan that I grew up in and observed while I was studying and working there. Many people seem to be denying that this Pakistan exists. That is ridiculous. Its a country of 200 million and obviously has many realities coexisting in one country.
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Amir
Jul 12, 2014 03:01am
Is any of the individuals covered in this article world class in what they do? Or lets say among the top 1000? Why are we wasting time portraying these people as someone worth giving a second thought? This is certainly not a true representation of Pakistan. While I agree that Pakistan is incorrectly portrayed as a country full of fanatics, I certainly do not think these losers represent the true Pakistan in any way, shape or form. The real stars of Pakistan are people like Dr. Abdul Salam, Edhi and many others like them.
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ghazi
Jul 12, 2014 03:24am
The problem with this article or composition is merely the title. It should have been 'another pakistan'. Regardless, why is there so much negativity towards this face of pakistan? I am sure these ppl work hard to get where they are. If they have the means, they will express it. You cant judge this face of pakistan based on some glossy pics.!
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Zainub
Jul 12, 2014 03:53am
LOL Who are these people?! This is by far the lamest thing I've read in a while. Do you even live in Pakistan?
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Z
Jul 12, 2014 05:21am
I don't get it. How is Fatima the "other" Pakistan? She is only a model, her mother-in law is the "other" Pakistan perhaps as Mrs. Kasuri is the one with the achievements. Fatima is just a model like many other women.
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ahsan
Jul 12, 2014 06:01am
Reality bits. We can be more madar pider azad than any one in the world. And we can be as conservative as hafiz Saeed. The point is why this disparity is there in our society. I think we don't know how to live together and every one is pursuing their vested interest rather than uniting and working together as a team. It is a pity that we have not be able to evolve as a nation and have been achieving wonders individually. The most sad part is we do not learn from out mistakes. If we are not going to help our self no body will bother caring for us.
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Agha Ata
Jul 12, 2014 07:09am
These girls are educated, a little westernized, fashionable and rich. I wonder if they are even 3 - 4% or even less of the population. To give them the name another Pakistan is a bit exaggeration.
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Farid
Jul 12, 2014 08:36am
Because of this class I left Pakistan and will never return.
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Freeha Razvi
Jul 12, 2014 09:02am
I certainly agree that these pictures aren't the true depiction of Pakistan but you cant blame people for having parents who gave their children education. A "dehari lgane wala" works just as hard as all of these people above. The reason why a mochi or a mistree doesn't live the same standard of life is because they lack an education which is why they couldn't get a proper job that pays well enough which is why they cant give THEIR children an education and the cycle goes on. BUT you cannot, I repeat CANNOT blame these 1% for the other 99%. Its not their fault a mistri's father refused to or didn't have the money, to give their child an education. The people mentioned in the article are not responsible for the other 99% not receiving an education. Yes they may be in a position to help people but they are certainly not responsible for it. They have a minimum obligation towards these people. A lot of people in villages still refuse to give their daughters an education. I'm not saying all of them do, but those who do, why don't we blame them? Why blame these 1% people for actually getting an education, working hard and getting paid higher. All the above pictures show successful women. Its not the lifestyle that bothers our judgmental awam. Its the wistfulness of what they COULD have. Yes some of these people's lifestyle is a bit questionable to some( for example the smoking Pilate instructor) but that has nothing to do with their success. Its not what THEY have that bothers us, its what WE DON'T HAVE, that does.
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Ekbal
Jul 12, 2014 09:10am
I have been meaning to chime in & am glad this is not dead yet. Interesting how so many want to defend these poor actions just to be patriotic. Smoking is addictive, but does not suit a pilates instructor. Did she have any say in when pictures were taken? The picture with the therapist in hijab is poignant . Smoking by women in 50-60 was supposed to be liberating. We saw the shedding of the burqa in the 60s, but with Zia's show off Islam we have come to the age of Hijab, which is not a core Islamic value as are honesty, honest living etc. There were princes, Rajas in India that had Rolls Royces; for what? There were hardly any roads. This woman SELLING Porsches is just another peddler; her linked in CV shows she sold brand items. India got ahead by banning foreign cars and China did similar things. We in Pakistan are NOT taking any steps to make us a country where the last thing we worry about is load shedding or corruption. The BeaconHouse lady has taken advantage as have others of weak educational system. but the fees are exhorbitant. No wonder they live in luxory. In fact many of the gains made in the West have been lost and we are struggling to stay afloat; Lived in USA for 40+ years!
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Ally
Jul 12, 2014 09:37am
It reinforces my faith that concentration of wealth in fewer hands is bad for society thus a fairer redistribution of wealth must take place through established market structures. I have no problem when people enjoy their wealth but I get upset when unevenness of society deprives huge majority from most basic needs to sustain life.
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Omair Shakil
Jul 12, 2014 09:41am
Sickening and disgusting. But I am sure your colonial masters will be proud.
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Khalid Khan
Jul 12, 2014 10:14am
@Farid Why Why Why?? please explain - these people look and dress weird but other than that I don't think they are a dangerous species .
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FM Awan
Jul 12, 2014 10:54am
Pakistanis - are you sure? Put some ticket on them, you ll get some revenue? How many hours they stay in Pakistan each year?
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Mumtaz
Jul 12, 2014 11:10am
@Blitzer yes, live and let live, just don't use connections to represent Pakistan and have yourself advertised publicly.
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Mumtaz
Jul 12, 2014 11:17am
@Aamir sorry but "they worked hard..." does not apply. They have ample wealth to simply buy whatever they want including businesses so please rephrase
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Mushman
Jul 12, 2014 11:53am
@Fais: And what happened to the only woman brewer in the only brewery in Pakistan? Is she not a part of the other Pakistan? What about the ethnic minority Pakistanis. Do they achieve anything under Islamic laws?
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Mushman
Jul 12, 2014 11:59am
@Ahmed :Yup! Pakistanis,too, can afford Pilipina maids! That is a remarkable achievement! There are no Pakistanis who want to to be maids-in-waiting to self-possessed 1% Pakistanis who live in Pakistan like the upper class in Amrika!
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WALTAZER
Jul 12, 2014 12:22pm
@Saleem Agreed
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Rob
Jul 12, 2014 12:26pm
Excellent work. This photo essay will show many people that there is a side to Pakistan they never knew existed.
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MAH
Jul 12, 2014 01:11pm
Having seen this, i would never have my child go to Beaconhouse .... they can't even seem to train a local domestic help!
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Kamran
Jul 12, 2014 01:21pm
Paid advertisement of Pakistani branded western culture. :P
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Kamran
Jul 12, 2014 01:21pm
What a message hey wait MAID holding glass of water ... she is playing on her phone and photographer wants to show ... foreign maid in Lahore ..... WTH
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Shavi
Jul 12, 2014 01:46pm
I'm overwhelmed with the level of negativity in most of these comments. How can anyone say whether these people don't pay their taxes or don't help the poor? Why is everyone assuming them to be corrupt, tax evaders who steal from the country? For all anyone knows all these people could be honest, hard working citizens who pay all their taxes and give to the poor. The comments show the diseased nature of Pakistanis who cannot help but spew hatred at anything they see.
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Faisal
Jul 12, 2014 02:15pm
Watch Movie Elysium, that movie sums up what we see here. This is Elysium of Pakistan.
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MAH
Jul 12, 2014 02:37pm
Other than the cricketer, the other women look a little weird or plastic!
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Nasser
Jul 12, 2014 03:52pm
This article actually shows the great economic and social divide. Pakistan is after all a country of 180 million.
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Khalid
Jul 12, 2014 05:20pm
This life style is available to the "common man" living in Europe" But it seems to a a "Big thing" in "third world countries" due to the the "abject levels of poverty" and very very few people will ever be able to afford such luxury (if you want to call it that). Any educated person who has come over from a third world country and is living and working in Europe has a same standard of living, but I will say "good to to anyone who has earned it in a halal way in Pakistan" then go ahead and "flaunt it"
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Brong
Jul 12, 2014 05:32pm
Most of the comments shows the real mindset of Pakistani male dominant society where it is deplorable for a women to be an entrepreneur, a cricketer, a women instigate a kindergarten, a CEO, running a fitness center or a rock climber.
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Tony Khan
Jul 12, 2014 05:45pm
This is a perfect list for the anti-corruption police. Unfortunately the anti-corruption police in Pak is even more corrupt then the people they are supposed to catch. It will also work as a hit list for the extortion mafia.
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Amir khan
Jul 12, 2014 05:45pm
@Truth seeker half naked woman ? Shameful comments about a woman.
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R Anant
Jul 12, 2014 05:50pm
It is not a crime to be rich. Everyone is entitled to live as they choose. These people are not spending the money someone else made. I am not denigrating the millions of honest and patriotic Pakistanis who cannot afford this lifestyle or choose to live differently. But surely these people are entitled to their own life.
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sajeda
Jul 12, 2014 06:03pm
Bizarre! Talk of common people making it there... not those already born with golden/silver spoons in their mouths....
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shaw
Jul 12, 2014 06:13pm
a Porsche what? lest read again, outside the Porsche showroom "!! have you seen the background? does this look like an area where you will have a Porsche showroom?
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Ronny Bengali
Jul 12, 2014 07:57pm
Lives of Super Rich Pakistanis.
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Dr parihar
Jul 12, 2014 08:34pm
i am not sure what exactly you guys at Dawn trying to tell the readers? With all respect Whats your point ? People like these are in all countries , whats Unique about them Totally dont get it
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Asim
Jul 12, 2014 08:58pm
wow...by reading most comments here, it appears that we Pakistani are something...we cry and spew hate at each other when bombs go off and we do the same when we see people minding their own business peacefully in their own homes! So sad and hurtfull and so needless. Why cant we learn to live and let live??? We spend most of our energy pleasing God, dead leaders, dead forefathers...guess what? None of whom can bring smile on our face...so lets keep crying and hating each other as if we have no enemies in the world!
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Asim
Jul 12, 2014 09:00pm
To people who are complaining that Dawn is not showing the reality....we see that on daily/hourly bases...isnt it nice of Dawn to give us a break from harsh reality of whats out there??
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saleemi
Jul 12, 2014 09:03pm
The chosen one not representing the majority
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Ekbal
Jul 12, 2014 09:18pm
@ Khalid: NO Porsche especially the Carrera is for the common man in Europe or USA!! In fact we in the West are declining as the manufacturing base is gone!! What is the point to flaunt a Porsche in Lahore with its horrible roads; I used the Motorway few years back; had to use the facilities for #1 only Went to the place and ran out; the smell was HORRIBLE; I remember when I came to California in the 70s and there was a service station in every corner almost, gas was 24c gallon but it was full service, restrooms with HOT water and cloth towels (paper or air is more hygenic, came later). Pakistan has to build its INFRASTRUCTURE; India has done a better job and the Asian Tigers, albiet small like Thailand, Hong Kong etc. have made tremendous strides in past 40 years while we are fighting terror or playing subserviant to the Arabs and Salafism!! The road we have taken leads to more of the same!! Just look @ the inflation, which is further destroying the nation!!
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Moiz Omar
Jul 12, 2014 09:32pm
The more positive and less frequently shown side of Pakistan.
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Virinder K Seth
Jul 12, 2014 09:36pm
Hi Guys: I am an Indian settled in the US. I just happened to see the pictures of the other side of Pakistan. It is nice to see people having a good time. But is not what Pakistan and India are all about. I was heartened to see that many Pakistanis are aware the true state of their country. We as countries may have difference but I personally believe that strong Pakistan is not only good for Pakistan it is very good especially for India and the whole world. So my Pakistani friends my advice is that young generation should take power in their hands and save this country from going down the drain. Maybe I am wrong but the civil govt is total ineffective against army. Good luck and good wishes
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Naila
Jul 12, 2014 10:08pm
This is what the rest of the world looks like, Wake Up Pakistan!!!
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RaastiThe
Jul 12, 2014 10:49pm
@Freeha Razvi . In Australia the labour class is paid on par with everyone else. Hence everyone goes to bed with a full stomach. In Pakistan these elites hire labour and pay them less than a dollar a day. That is how they contribute to this mess, which has now come back to haunt them with all the socio ethnic problems in the country. After all, they do have to get out of their five star palaces and drive on dirty roads like the rest of us. You should take a trip down under to see that not having a university education really isn't the end of the world.
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Bazigh
Jul 12, 2014 11:19pm
Hello Pakistan Dear there are many sides of Pakistan so we should not get angry but we should one by one bring all pictures on the screen. But question is why we bring all these pictures on screen ARE WE ON SALE.
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Fady
Jul 13, 2014 12:48am
@JK none!
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Reality Bites
Jul 13, 2014 01:48am
Pompous Punjab?
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Adnaan
Jul 13, 2014 04:51am
What's this ? Europe, it's a disgrace to dress and act like this on indegenous South Asian soil, why adopt a culture which 100 years old to a culture which is 9000 years old, a disgrace to South Asia, there's no expression in western culture, nothing but vulgar culture (punk and emo to name a few), folk culture has all but been eroded except in moravia and the baltic states, there is a lack of human expression in this vulgar culture, what a disgrace, looking at the world folk culture envisages expression, spirit and sophiscation. Be like the generic boring cultural zombies like the rest of the world who have followed suite, in china they are starting to wake up from their deep slumber in the form of the hanfu movement, to preserve what is pure and sophisticated,
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Anwar
Jul 13, 2014 07:14am
This is definitely not Pakistan. These are daughters of those powerful military generals, and politicians showing off their wealth. The real Pakistan is most women are in their hijabs, extremely religious, exploited & hardworking. An average family size is at least 8-10 with 4-6 children living in small homes sufferung with heavy power cuts. You hear the calls from the mosques periodically. I haven't seen any family having its own swimming pool.. Where did these people get such wealth?
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Ajay vikram Singh
Jul 13, 2014 07:17am
@Truth seeker - I am an Aryan. We all, except some few....are originally Aryans. The same aryans who lived from steppes of balkans to northern India. All Aryans are generally good looking people.
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Adeeb
Jul 13, 2014 07:57am
@Reality Bites Exactly
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Adeeb
Jul 13, 2014 07:58am
One thing is common they all belongs to greater Punjab (Islamabad and Lahore)
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Adeeb
Jul 13, 2014 08:04am
I respect Sana Mir and the rock climbing lady everything else is fake and rubbish
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Raja Muddasser Axad Khan
Jul 13, 2014 08:34am
No comments. Ooops!!
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Observer
Jul 13, 2014 09:01am
@Aamir Buddy, appreciate your attitude!
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imran Ahmed
Jul 13, 2014 09:07am
What was so revealing about this elite class phenomenon.they have been there for ages coexisting with less privileged..Reuters had nothing new to offer in this other Pakistan piece. They got the money, they will call the shots..
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Azmeen
Jul 13, 2014 09:14am
This does not represent 99.99999% of the Pakistani people.
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Rvel
Jul 13, 2014 09:19am
The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.
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sunil kumar
Jul 13, 2014 11:27am
It shows me the other side of pakistan . Nothing wrong in being independent (women) pursuing dreams.But it is not easy to live as you like (particularly women) in highly religious and conservative countries like pakistan.
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RAB
Jul 13, 2014 11:49am
This is excellent. This is a real eye-opener. Women don't have to fit your notions of Islamic women. it goes beyond the usual stereotypical pictures of burkhas and bombers. You travel to Bombay, and you see women like these too. Atleast, it shows there are men in Pakistan who don't mind working along with women, and for women bosses. it shows Pakistan is alive and ticking underneath all that religious rubbish.
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Naj
Jul 13, 2014 12:29pm
@Ali Gohar ..you are absolutely right..in my line of work..i happen to meet some of the top names on the Forbes list..one guy (dont want to name him) traveled with me for a business deal..our team member was not even able to get a business class seat so got himself on economy, whereas this guy was in first class..he voluntarily downgraded himself so as to travel with the whole team..and we played cards on this long haul..made all of us feel like normal ppl..guess what..through him i got to meet a whole bunch of ppl on the Forbes list..and all of them were like that..down to earth and humble..even to the extend that one guys doesn't like to sit behind with his chauffeur so sits with him and they both together have MacDonald quite often..
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Nadiyaas treehouse
Jul 13, 2014 12:35pm
Firstly ,Nadiya treehouse as the name suggests is a adult dream of a child not able to commit to what she says herself.I know this from personal experience. Also none of these ppl wud stay one second if anything like a revolution were to occur, they wud just find the next solution to earn better money. Yes they are the 0.001 that smooch on the 180 million without any philatrophic efforts to anything.
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Masooma Zehra
Jul 13, 2014 12:55pm
What a poor article.
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Abhishek
Jul 13, 2014 01:10pm
Haha.. I don't know what to say. May be these people represent the progressive side of Pakistan. But the pic choices are really bad, I mean showing the female running fitness studio smoking is 'bad for business'
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saharan
Jul 13, 2014 01:12pm
this is the negligible fraction of Pakistan, rest is living in hunger and terror....
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alam
Jul 13, 2014 01:13pm
An over whelming responders are of the same opinion that it does not represent Pakistan and these responders appear educated. The people depicted in this article represent INFERIORITY COMPLEX.
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Ahsan
Jul 13, 2014 02:36pm
Wealth in few hands!! and this should not be encouraged by making part of reports here - Dawn is requested to depict True Pakistan as well since those living in big cities and living luxurious lives have enough money to fashion their lifestyle, the other doesn't have.
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Nasser
Jul 13, 2014 03:50pm
@Faraz In civilised and well-balanced societies even the servants would be paying taxes on their income.
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Nasser
Jul 13, 2014 03:52pm
@Jamal You said it all - just in so few words!
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Nasser
Jul 13, 2014 03:56pm
@Ali Gohar This is most rich and "educated" Pakistanis behaves. This is the only way to show "power" in their sorry and souless lives.
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Nasser
Jul 13, 2014 04:01pm
@sana The point remains we all have the right to have and state our opinion. By apeing others and by showing disrespect to another human being is awful behaviour. You should analyse your thinking and take corrective action.
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Nasser
Jul 13, 2014 04:03pm
@Virinder K Seth For that, my Indian friend, we as a people have to be better persons. We would be as bad as our politicians, judges, media magnates, etc if we too had power.
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Nasser
Jul 13, 2014 04:06pm
@alam That is the essence; a tremendous inferiority complex amongst our elite, constituting 0.5% of our poulation. Apart from their dark skin, and funny English accent, they would look European.
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Nasser
Jul 13, 2014 04:11pm
An article by Reuters; now I understand.
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zak
Jul 13, 2014 04:23pm
Live and let live. People do and behave as they see fit and I am sure for good reason. It is incorrect for us to make judgement as to what they should or should not do just like we would not want others telling us what to do-like the Taliban imposing their ideology. Good luck to all and those that can earn foreign exchange for the country through their ventures all the better.
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kmsheikh
Jul 13, 2014 05:42pm
The comments are a worthy read and to some point the discussion has been lead on by the first 15 comments. The photographer in my view creates the foundation for such a blow back of supposed pr for the 'Other Pakistanis' I'm sure there are two stories here. 1. In which normal pictures were collected from the complete shoot and would've resulted in a boring read. 2. Journalistic view, 'picture speaks a thousand words' version. The writer/reporter only left the whole article and the captions open-ended and we (the readers) inked whatever we felt instantly. Provided the topic is positive, the only image worthy of being published, to cover someone's profile, is the one which contains humanity in some way. This seems quite the opposite. Can we look at the other photographs that the personalities above thought will be used for this article in the first place? I am sure our comments will slightly change.
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komal s
Jul 13, 2014 08:26pm
@Md Imran Hope u are reading comments from your fellow countrymen as to how common it is. Average Pakistani having Filipino maid servant would be a stretch nah!
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ROHIT PANDEY
Jul 13, 2014 08:44pm
@Rozina Mirza Agreed....Pakistani-Muslims should get to work? Modernize yourselves in THOUGHT FIRST? Give Islam a resting phase and focus on things like education,science and technology and enterprise and initiative...at long last after several decades of economic growth your wish might just happen?:):):):):)
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Amit
Jul 13, 2014 09:34pm
@Ajay : Yes these people are looking like Delhites. Same as showing off their money and total neglecting the conditions of poor people.
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Girish
Jul 13, 2014 09:44pm
@Adeeb : The article is written to motivate people like you to loosen up women folks in your family so they reach greater heights.
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izzah
Jul 13, 2014 10:55pm
Good to know that there are 10-15 modern people living in pakistan! is that the point of this article??
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sana
Jul 14, 2014 12:13am
I liked these pictures because everyone has a life one choose to live without restrictions.There people live the way they want,there is a happiness to being yourself.The comment in this section wants to highlight that everyone should be them,which is not right.
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Shuaib Yazdani
Jul 14, 2014 12:19am
Some of them, perhaps...
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faizan
Jul 14, 2014 12:44am
@Salma I second your analysis.
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hassan
Jul 14, 2014 01:34am
Dawn is for sure my favorite newspaper. but this article is the worse that i have ever read. no logic, no sense
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johnny
Jul 14, 2014 04:37am
This is pathetic. How much if the population does this represent? This is a joke, to paint a picture that this small percentage of people with private pools and gyms represent Pakistan is appalling This is not Pakistan, it's a bunch of rich spoiled kids, c'mon dawn, show the real Pakistan and paint a picture of what your country had to offer, not a bunch of rich kids!
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Farrukh Munir
Jul 14, 2014 04:49am
Don't know what's the purpose of this article. Yes, there are all sorts of people in every country. But a country's image is defined by the majority of it's people, not the minority.
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Walrus
Jul 14, 2014 07:12am
@Ahtesham This is no joke and these are real people. They have different values than yours. You may not like that and you also may be questioning the source of their wealth, perhaps some jealousy, maybe a little. I used to be like these people. I think Bulleh Shah sums it up nicely in this verse: Kaavan they Baccheh Huns na hoondey Torray mooti chog chugaiey hoo But I think we should be tolerant of them because they are a part of the fabric of our society and they could serve as living examples of what happen when you have too much money and really don't know what to do with it. The pictures are not the real story, some of these folks are fake wanna bees that follow the west blindly. You can spot them real fast. Long on fashion, short on talent. You get the picture!
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Adil AK
Jul 14, 2014 08:59am
This is the other extreme of Pakistan. Yes we need to show the world a different image, but to put on tight jeans and stand by a Porsche shows that we try to impress people from the West because we idolize them. In order to show people what we are all about we must show the beauty of our culture and country.
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aamir shah
Jul 14, 2014 10:15am
Pakistan is a country of contradictions. We fail to see the beauty in our heritage, architecture, Art, Music, Poetry and try to imitate and become someone else. Until we take pride in who we are, recognize what we have, improve on and develop what we have we will not be happy, nor content, nor recognized in the world. Lets be who we are take pride in our own Heritage, Art, Music, Poetry, Architecture. Lets see some photographs of those who do.
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NeoOne
Jul 14, 2014 11:53am
What is the message that you want to convey here? A smoker running health club ? - Seriously hilarious :) A model who employs Philippino domestic help rather than providing employment to a local...!!! I am at loss of words. Also, I am absolutely sure - most of these individuals have a dual citizenship...not the hardcore Pakistanis for sure..
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indian
Jul 14, 2014 12:30pm
I read most of the posts below and do you know what the best part is... its that young people like us from india or pakistan or srilanka or africa or any developing nations who realise the truth and have a developmental thinking which our parents and grand parents never had or never even thought off.. we use the internet know the issues with our own individual countries want to change the existing corrupt system. Its so amazing that we in 20s want to change the country when our fathers and grand fathers didn't even know the basics of change even in their 50s. Now this is what matters that we all want jobs good standard of living security a socially responsible govt and all so its great. We are the future and we can change our countries for good.
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Iraj Ahmed
Jul 14, 2014 02:19pm
Nice article though i was appalled to see the model educationist Fatima treating her Filipino maid this way. These elites can't even hold a glass of water. The message on the cell phone must have been more important than treating a 'servant' humanely.
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mohsin shah
Jul 14, 2014 02:40pm
How quick are we to judge these people. Lets look at the good things too. Progress, fitness, sports, the big read shelf that made you want to read. The interiors are well designed of these houses. etc
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Zehra Siddiqui
Jul 14, 2014 03:52pm
And so it is necessary to mention that her maid is a Filipino? It seems that it shows social status if her maid is a Filipino. Great!
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Civi varghese
Jul 15, 2014 02:38am
broad minded personalities
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Farid
Jul 16, 2014 02:34am
I am truly amazed to see the western and alive side of my Pakistan, terrible politics, killings, abductions and terrorism is all we see hear and fear .... Sitting far away from there, wish all Pakistanis a safe life and prosperity
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Rohit
Jul 16, 2014 02:49am
I am of Indian origin residing here in South Africa. My forefathers settled here more than a hundred years ago. We do not know much about your country, although we do have a large Indian and Pakistani community living here in South Africa. I found this article rather very interesting and invigorating, but more so the thought provoking comments, both positive and negative, but sensible. I hope to read and learn more of your country. ~Rohit~ Rohitex747@hotmail.com
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