SUNDAY
August 27, 2023
COVER STORY
Page 3
Saudis are clear the kingdom is adopting a
non-aligned position — Dr Kristian Coates
F
or decades, Saudi Arabia has basked in the
glory of an unparalleled oil boom, leverag-
ing a handful of family-owned companies
to amass riches and construct much of the
nation's current infrastructure.
However, nearly fifty years after its initial suc-
cess, and following yet another windfall from oil,
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the
de facto ruler of the country, is driving an ambi-
tious agenda of economic diversification, aiming
to reduce the nation's dependence on petrodollars.
After consolidating his authority, MBS has firmly
established his economic control and appears to be
steering the economy away from its longstanding
reliance on oil revenues.
A significant development occurred this June
when the government in Riyadh, which is domi-
nated by members of the Saudi Royal Family, en-
trusted the management of four premier domestic
football teams to the Public Investment Fund (PIF),
the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund. Experts who
have observed the crown prince's actions, view this
as part of a series of moves aimed at strengthening
the financial foundation behind Saudi Arabia's am-
bitious aspirations to move away from the oil econ-
omy. The conversion of football clubs – Al Ittihad,
Al Ahli, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr, where renowned
Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo plays – into
corporate entities represents another stride by the
$600 billion sovereign wealth fund toward realising
a post-oil economy, aligning with MBS's vision to
diversify the nation's economic landscape.
Recent assessments reveal substantial invest-
ments, with some analysts suggesting that Saudi
Arabia has allocated more than $6 billion to sports
deals since early 2021. The kingdom's inaugural
venture into international sports dates back to 2018
when the Saudi sports ministry secured a decade-
long deal to exclusively host World Wrestling En-
tertainment (WWE) events, capturing attention
due to its substantial financial impact – estimated
at a whopping $100 million annually, represent-
ing around 10 percent of WWE's yearly earnings.
According to experts, Saudi Arabia’s interest in
sports is evidenced by its generous allocation of re-
10 million
children in Pakistan suffer from
stunted growth
Oasis beyond oil
From stacking its football league with some of the sport's most
glittering stars to hefty investment in technology and tourism,
MBS's ambitious plan to transform the Kingdom is underway
The conversion of football clubs
– Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Hilal,
and Al Nassr, where renowned
Portuguese footballer Cristiano
Ronaldo plays – into corporate
entities represents another
stride by the $600 billion
sovereign wealth fund toward
realising a post-oil economy
sources to a diverse range of events, spanning box-
ing, tennis, horse racing, and Formula One. Fur-
thermore, Riyadh has made significant investment
in luring top soccer players to join domestic teams
with lucrative contracts. This highlights its ambi-
tion to establish a formidable presence in the global
sports arena.
The execution of these investments has primarily
flowed through the Public Investment Fund (PIF),
which currently ranks as the world's fifth-largest
sovereign wealth fund, as indicated by the Coun-
cil on Foreign Relations (CFR). The PIF's strategic
acquisitions include prominent soccer team New-
castle United, a contender in England's premier
professional league, and the transition of former
international rival LIV Golf into a collaborative part-
nership with the US-based PGA Tour.
These endeavors by MBS have not gone unnoticed.
The crown prince has strategically accelerated the
implementation of the Vision 2030 plan. Conceived
in 2016, this ambitious initiative aims to diversify
the Saudi economy beyond oil, encompassing hefty
investments in both the sports and technology sec-
tors. However, skeptics argue that the lavish spend-
ing on sports serves as a form of "sportswashing,"
deflecting criticisms of the Saudi Royal Family's do-
mestic and foreign policies.
Dr Ashok Swain, a prominent professor of Peace
and Conflict studies at Uppsala University, offers
ECONOMY
Page 4
Malnutrition fuelled by inflation is like a
slow poison — Dr Kaiser Bengali
his perspective on MBS's economic shift. While
acknowledging the intent to move away from oil
revenues, Professor Swain expresses reservations
regarding the heavy investments in sports and in-
ternational events in Saudi Arabia. He believes that
historically, such ventures have benefited individu-
als rather than the nation's image, and questions
the broader impact of such endeavors.
According to a report by the Financial Times, the
Saudi government seeks to establish a powerhouse
domestic football league by attracting top foot-
ballers. The signing of Cristiano Ronaldo by Saudi
Professional League (SPL) club Al Nassr for over $200
million annually marked a watershed, followed by
high-profile signings like Karim Benzema, N’Golo
Kanté, Roberto Firmino, and former Aston Villa
manager Steven Gerrard. Saudi Arabia's investment
to promote tourism, including a reported $25 mil-
lion for footballer Lionel Messi's social media pro-
motion, underscores the kingdom's determination.
Commenting on MBS's ambitious plan, Profes-
sor Swain highlights the crown prince's astute ac-
knowledgement of the uncertainties surrounding
Arab oil reserves' stability. “With the global empha-
sis on renewable energy and climate change mitiga-
tion, Saudi Arabia finds itself compelled to explore
alternative economic avenues, a path that MBS is
actively pursuing.”
This strategic shift, Professor Swain said, coin-
cides with broader changes in the global power
structure. “The kingdom is altering its approach,
becoming more active on the foreign stage by de-es-
calating tensions with adversaries and embarking
on extravagant domestic mega-projects.”
As Saudi Arabia's position on the world stage
evolves, the kingdom's diplomatic alliances are un-
dergoing a transformation. Historically linked to
oil, Saudi Arabia's influence is also shifting. MBS
also appears to be balancing relations with both Chi-
na and the US, leveraging Saudi Arabia's unique geo-
political position to ensure its strategic importance.
As Saudi Arabia embraces this transformative
journey, its ability to maneuver a changing global
order remains crucial. While the era of Saudi Ara-
bia's dominance solely through oil may wane, ex-
FASHION
Page 8
An entire generation has really skipped out
on the sari — Aiza Hussain
By Hammad Sarfraz
perts contend that its strategic significance and
international influence can endure through skillful
diplomacy, domestic stability, and adept leveraging
of its unique strengths. As the kingdom embarks
on a path to become a hub for tourism and busi-
ness, the extent to which societal shifts accompany
its economic evolution remains an open question.
On the personal front, despite facing setbacks,
MBS's resurgence is undeniable. His adept naviga-
tion of global politics, combined with Saudi Ara-
bia's vast resources and geopolitical influence, has
reinstated him on the world stage. While chal-
lenges persist, particularly in the aftermath of the
Khashoggi incident, experts suggest that MBS has
successfully reclaimed his position.
The execution of these
investments has primarily
flowed through the Public
Investment Fund (PIF), which
currently ranks as the world's
fifth-largest sovereign wealth
fund, as indicated by the Council
on Foreign Relations
And as the global landscape continues to evolve,
Saudi Arabia's ability to successfully navigate these
shifts will ultimately determine its place in the
new order.
Oil and influence
Throughout much of the world's recent history, the
sway of Riyadh’s influence has been unmistakably in-
tertwined with oil prices and supply dynamics. In 1973,
Saudi Arabia spearheaded an Arab oil embargo against
the US and other nations that backed Israel during that
year's Arab-Israeli conflict, contributing to a recession
in Western economies.
Continued on page 2
 cover story
Continued from page 1
Not too far in the past, specifically
in 2019, drone attacks attributed
to Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted
two pivotal oil installations within
the Arab kingdom. This calculated
strike inflicted significant dam-
age upon facilities responsible for
processing the lion's share of Saudi
Arabia's crude output, subsequently
triggering disruptions in the global
oil supply chain. The aftermath of
this attack saw an instantaneous
surge in oil prices as investors
swiftly responded to the assault on
one of Saudi Arabia's most critical
oil facilities—responsible for gener-
ating approximately 10 percent of
the world's oil supplies.
In 2016, MBS unveiled his stra-
tegic blueprint for diversifying the
Arab kingdom's economy. Ana-
lysts believe that Saudi Arabia's
influence on the global stage re-
mains closely intertwined with its
ability to consistently provide oil
supply. When the crown prince in-
troduced Vision 2030, he famously
envisioned Saudi Arabia's poten-
tial to transition away from oil reli-
ance by 2020. However, the reality
has diverged from this aspiration.
"The opposite has happened as
the Saudi authorities now find
themselves needing to maintain
oil prices at higher levels to gener-
ate the revenues to fund the giga-
projects associated with Vision
2030," remarked Dr Kristian Coates
Ulrichsen, a Middle East scholar
at Rice University's Baker Institute
for Public Policy. Attributing the
situation to foreign investment
levels in these projects falling no-
tably below initial projections,
Ulrichsen said: "Until the projects
and the vision can independently
generate revenues and become
self-sustaining, Saudi Arabia is
unlikely to meaningfully lessen its
dependence on oil."
When asked about Saudi Ara-
bia’s ability to maintain its influ-
ence on the world stage once it
makes its economy less reliant
on oil production, Dr Ulrichsen,
whose expertise delves into the
evolving roles of Persian Gulf states
within the global order, stated:
“This depends on worldwide en-
ergy transitions, and there exists
a potential scenario wherein Saudi
Arabia assumes an even more piv-
otal role in the global oil markets.”
Oil from Saudi fields, Dr Ul-
richsen said, has a lower cost of
production and fewer emissions.
“This could conceivably be mar-
keted as the ‘greenest’ form of oil
in the world. Consequently, Saudi
Arabia could potentially position
itself as the most environmentally-
friendly form of oil within a world
that will continue to rely on oil for
the foreseeable future."
With all that said, Saudi Ara-
bia's robust oil production not only
secures its position among the
world's key power players but also
furnishes the revenues that have
facilitated opulent domestic devel-
opmental policies.
Post-oil economy challenges
According to Dr Kristian Coates
Ulrichsen from Rice University's
Baker Institute, Saudi authorities
are currently reliant on oil rev-
enues to secure the essential fund-
ing required for the monumental
giga-projects that serve as the foun-
dation of Vision 2030. However, this
intricate balance could encounter
heightened difficulties should other
nations accelerate their own energy
transitions.
Furthermore, Professor Ashok
Swain of Uppsala University shares
a similar perspective, suggesting
that Saudi Arabia lacks a substan-
tial financial cushion to effectively
support its diversification endeav-
2 August 27, 2023
ors and withstand potential eco-
nomic downturns.
Dr Swain lists Saudi Arabia's
human capital as another chal-
lenge: “Saudi Arabia has not ad-
equately invested in developing
its workforce. With much of the
economic elite emerging from
the oil sector and a significant
reliance on foreign labor with-
in the workforce, Saudi Arabia
must prioritize cultivating do-
mestic human capital to transi-
tion successfully into a post-oil
economy.” According to Swain's
perspective, maintaining the ex-
isting societal structure and eco-
nomic framework will become a
complex endeavor in the absence
of a resilient oil-based economy.
Global alliances
Despite differences on human
rights and the Arab-Israeli con-
flict, Washington DC and Riyadh
maintain a close alliance that is
now in its seventh decade. But this
relationship was always based on
an exchange: The US gave security
guarantees to Saudi rulers, and they
promised access to the kingdom’s
vast oil reserves.
As per analysts, this arrange-
ment has survived periodic con-
flicts. With Washington DC no
longer entirely reliant on the
kingdom’s oil, of late, the relation-
ship’s moorings have weakened.
When asked about Saudi Arabia’s
diplomatic alliances after its tran-
sition, Professor Swain said: “The
kingdom's significance on the
global stage, previously tied to its
oil wealth, will naturally wane.
MBS is astute enough to compre-
hend this reality.” At this point,
the Saudi Crown Prince, Professor
Swain said, is less concerned about
pleasing the US. “He is adeptly ma-
neuvering geopolitics by engaging
both China and the US.”
“This strategic shift involves
playing the "China card" while
maintaining ties with the US and
potentially leveraging the strategic
importance of Saudi Arabia, in-
cluding its religious significance.
Although Saudi Arabia's influence
won't replicate its previous oil-
based prominence, it can still hold
sway through skillful diplomacy
and exploiting its unique geopo-
litical position,” the Sweden-based
academic explained.
Dr. Ulrichsen from the Baker
Institute asserts that Saudi Arabia
With the global emphasis on renewable
energy and climate change mitigation,
Saudi Arabia finds itself compelled to
explore alternative economic avenues, a
path that MBS is actively pursuing
will remain a partner of the US.
“Saudi authorities are increasingly
clear that the kingdom is adopting
more of a non-aligned position in
international affairs that contrasts
sharply with the role the country
played during the Cold War when
it was firmly a part of the anti-
communist camp,” said the Mid-
dle East specialist.
"In the 2020s, Saudi Arabia un-
der MBS is clearly conveying its
unwillingness to align with any
particular faction in the emerging
era of intense great power compe-
tition and strategic rivalry. It in-
tends to withstand external pres-
sures to choose sides and instead
aims to harmonize its associations
to optimize benefits for the Saudi
national interest," Dr. Ulrichsen
elaborated.
According to Professor Swain,
the key lies in MBS's skillful
navigation of relations between
China and the US while concur-
rently ensuring domestic sta-
bility. “Should this balance be
achieved, the kingdom can sus-
tain its capacity to exert interna-
tional influence,” he added. In
conclusion, the Sweden-based
expert said: “Saudi Arabia's fu-
ture hinges on its ability to navi-
gate a changing global order.”
While the kingdom’s dominance
stemming solely from oil may
diminish, Professor Swain be-
lieves its strategic importance
and international influence can
be upheld through adept politi-
cal maneuvering, safeguarding
domestic stability, and leverag-
ing its unique assets.
Is tourism an option?
According to the Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace,
Saudi Arabia's strategic "Vision
2030" involves the implementation
of extensive societal transforma-
tions to enhance the nation's at-
tractiveness to tourists and global
enterprises. In a bid to mirror the
successes of Dubai and establish
itself as an international epicenter
for business and tourism, the king-
dom recognized the allure within its
expansive geography and proximity
to the Red Sea.
Consequently, a substantial sum
of $810 billion has been earmarked
to foster the growth of the tourism
sector in the forthcoming years.
This initiative is anticipated to
generate a notable three million
jobs, with expatriates projected to
account for two-thirds of these po-
sitions.
But can the kingdom attract
tourism?
Baker Institute’s Dr. Ulrichsen
shared a rather cautious response:
“It remains to be seen whether any
social and cultural changes will be
limited to the giga-projects them-
selves, in which case they may be
containable within a specifically
defined area, or whether they will
be part of a broader transition that
covers Saudi society as a whole.”
“My guess is that the giga-proj-
ects will become enclaves of a sort,
albeit ones that will be open for
Saudis to participate in,” the Mid-
dle East expert explained.
To further broaden Saudi Ara-
bia’s transition, the kingdom has
increased the number of expats
who live and work in the Kingdom
from 30 percent to 50 percent. Ac-
cording to the Carnegie Endow-
ment for International Peace, the
government in Riyadh has intro-
duced new schemes to allow for-
eigners permanent residency and
access to economic benefits, such
as the ability to start a business
and invest in and purchase prop-
erty. But moves like this, experts
believe, will take years before any
tangible results can be recorded.
MBS and the future
After being ostracised in the after-
math of the killing of Saudi jour-
nalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018,
MBS, the de facto leader of the
kingdom, has staged an impressive
resurgence. Experts point out that
Prince Mohammed, aged 37, has de-
fied predictions that his leadership
was under peril, skillfully utilizing
the nation's abundant wealth, its
influence over global oil markets,
and its pivotal position in the Arab
and Islamic realms to elude re-
current attempts to isolate him
internationally.
During his election campaign,
President Biden had pledged to iso-
late Mohammed bin Salman and
punish him for Khashoggi’s kill-
ing. This was followed by a stern
warning from Biden of potential
repercussions for opposing Ameri-
can preferences on oil policy.
Republican Senator Lindsey Gra-
ham labeled Prince Mohammed
as a "wrecking ball" unfit to hold a
leadership role on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Jay Monahan, the
head of golf's esteemed PGA Tour,
indicated that players joining a
competing Saudi-backed league
were betraying the victims of the
September 11 terrorist attacks—ac-
tions orchestrated by hijackers,
most of whom were Saudi citizens.
Now, their words ring hollow;
contrary to what was said about
the crown prince’s fate, he has
made a full recovery. “To all intents
and purposes, the transition to
MBS as de facto leader has already
happened and been completed,”
said Dr. Ulrichsen.
Any lingering repercussions
faced by the Saudi Crown Prince,
in relation to human rights con-
cerns, such as the Jamal Khashog-
gi incident and the Yemen con-
flict, Dr. Ulrichsen explained, have
substantially diminished. “This
transformation notably transpired
during 2020-21, and it was particu-
larly accentuated by the full-scale
Russian invasion of Ukraine in
2022. As a result, Mohammed bin
Salman has resurfaced, reassum-
ing a prominent role on the global
stage,” the Middle East scholar
added.

By Muhammad Zafar Baloch
In a pioneering move towards
sustainable urban mobility, the
Balochistan Government recently
unveiled its Green Bus Service, an
initiative that seeks to transform
the daily commute for its residents
while significantly reducing the
carbon footprint. Launched on
the Public Private Partnership (PPI)
model with Faisal Movers, the ser-
vice was initiated in response to
the growing need for efficient and
eco-friendly transportation solu-
tions. It marks a significant mile-
stone in Quetta's transportation
landscape, addressing multiple
challenges that have long plagued
the city's commuters. The modern,
environmentally-friendly buses
will enhancing the overall quality
of life for Quetta’s residents.
The bus service spanning an
impressive distance of 18.7 kilo-
meters covers a comprehensive
route with 18 stops. Commencing
its journey from Balochistan Uni-
versity, the bus proceeds through
a well-planned route passing by
the QDA Office, Helper Eye Hos-
pital, Imdad Chowk, Hockey
Chowk, commissioner office, and
GPO Chowk ensuring accessibil-
ity to important administrative
and healthcare facilities, and
providing easy access to commer-
cial and government establish-
ments. The route further extends
to Ufone Chowk, Kohla Pattak,
and the Askari Park DHA stop,
while the inclusion of Kasi Bahria
Office, Ali Mehmood Super Mart,
Killi Gul Mohammad, and Killi
Almas ensures connectivity to
vibrant commercial areas within
the city. It also caters to the trans-
portation requirements of the ac-
ademic community, with stops at
educational institutions like BU-
ITEMS University and Agriculture
University before it concludes at
Baleli Custom stop.
Saleem, originally from Khuz-
Previously, I used buses to commmute
between the university, my
accommodation, and the library but
the fares were too high and the drivers
were reckless and indulged in
over-speeding
dar, is presently pursuing his
studies in Quetta. "Previously,
I used buses to commmute be-
tween the university, my accom-
modation, and the library but the
fares were too high and the driv-
ers were reckless and indulged in
over-speeding,” he says. With the
new bus service, commuting has
improved a lot in terms of conve-
nience and safety.”
By strategically connecting var-
ious neighborhoods to essential
educational institutions and bus-
tling commercial centres, the bus
service can cater more effectively
to diverse public needs. In partic-
ular, a prudent step would be to
extend the bus service all the way
to Custom Sariab Road, which
houses a significant population
from low-income backgrounds.
This expansion would not only
benefit these communities but
also uphold the service's commit-
ment to inclusivity and equitable
access to sustainable transpor-
tation solutions. Operations in
areas such as Brewery Road, Qa-
mbrani Road, Nawakilli, Spiny
Road, Sabzal Road, Jinnah Town,
and Smungli Road which are bus-
tling key commercial zones and
residential hubs within the city.
By expanding its reach to cover
these prominent regions, the bus
service can also help reduce traffic
congestion.
Asghar Baloch, a 32-year-old
resident of Burma Hotel Sariab,
From Quetta’s
heart to every
corner Deprived of a reliable mass transit system for long, locals hail the new eco-
friendly bus service project for Quetta and want it expanded to more areas.
However, private transporters plying dilapidated buses are not too happy
believes that this omission of
their area from the route is dis-
criminatory towards the poor
people living around Sariab Road.
Asghar points out that a majority
of the residents here come from
poor backgrounds and are com-
pelled to rely on expensive local
buses that have limited stops, go-
ing only as far as Salem Complex.
By extending the service to cover
Burma Hotel Sariab and the sur-
rounding neighbourhoods, the
underprivileged residents who
face financial constraints while
commuting will be relieved.
CULTURE & SOCIETY
Currently, the service operates
with only eight buses, which can
make it challenging to adhere to
exact timings. Unlike the Lahore
Metro, the Green Bus Service
lacks a separate route, and the
heavy traffic on Quetta's roads
adds to the difficulties faced by
the public.
However, implementing a mod-
ern GPS system along with a user-
friendly phone application can
effectively address this issue. In
this way, the passengers would
be able to track the real-time loca-
tion of buses and determine the
estimated arrival time at their re-
spective stops.
Currently, the service relies
on the traditional approach of
conductors who manually col-
lect fares from each passenger as
they board the bus. To enhance
efficiency and ensure a seamless
payment process, modern fare
collection methods should be
implemented such as contactless
smart cards or mobile payment
systems. With contactless smart
cards, passengers can simply tap
their cards upon boarding, al-
Clear and informative sign boards
would enable people to easily identify
the designated stops and bus routes
serving those locations. The provision
of water dispensers, trash bins, and
restrooms would further elevate
passenger experience and reflect a
commitment to passenger well-being
lowing for swift and hassle-free
transactions. Similarly, mobile
payment systems would enable
users to pay through their smart-
phones, eliminating the need for
cash and further speed up the
process. This not only reduces
the chances of errors in fare col-
lection, but also minimises cash
handling and associated security
risks, and provide valuable data
insights to optimise route plan-
ning and resource allocation.
"It is crucial to ensure its acces-
sibility and sustainability in the
long run," says Beberg Baloch, a
25-year-old student residing on
Sariab Road.
"The current paper ticket sys-
tem doesn't appear to be environ-
mentally friendly, and it poses
challenges for conductors to keep
track of every passenger board-
ing and alighting at each stop,”
he points out. “This could lead to
some passengers being missed,
resulting in uncollected fares.
A digital card system similar to
Lahore's Red-Bus system would
streamline the fare collection pro-
cess and make it more effective.”
To create a positive commut-
The current paper ticket system
doesn't appear to be environmentally
friendly, and it poses challenges for
conductors to keep track of every
passenger boarding and alighting at
each stop
ing experience, the bus service
must prioritise both passenger
comfort and safety through sev-
eral key measures such as regu-
lar maintenance of the buses. To
further enhance safety, it is ad-
visable to have a security guard
on board each bus. The presence
of a vigilant and trained staff
member can offer reassurance to
passengers and act as adeterrent
against potential untoward inci-
dents. Additionally, a complaint
number should be prominently
displayed on each bus to enable
passengers to easily report any
concerns or issues they may en-
counter during their journey. An
efficient feedback and resolution
system can help address problems
promptly, and instill confidence
in passengers that their voices are
heard and their safety is a top pri-
ority.
There are however a few chal-
lenges such as some bus stops
that lack adequate infrastruc-
ture. Wall chalking indicates
their location and there is no
designated waiting area. “A sim-
ple yet effective solution would
be for the government to install
benches and shades along exist-
ing footpaths for people to wait
for the buses,” says 55-year-old
Haji Ghulam Haider, a resident
of Quetta. “Clear and informative
sign boards would enable people
to easily identify the designated
stops and bus routes serving
those locations. The provision of
water dispensers, trash bins, and
restrooms would further elevate
passenger experience and reflect
a commitment to passenger well-
being.
The transporters in Quetta
have not welcomed the bus ser-
vice and deem it a conspiracy to
bring in transporters from other
provinces, potentially impacting
their source of income. While
they admit that the conditions
of their buses may not be ideal,
they are hesitant to cooperate and
integrate with the new measure,
even if the government offers fi-
nancial support.
It is believed that the transport-
er mafia’s resistance stems from
their longstanding monopoly in
the industry. “They have enjoyed
a strong grip on the transporta-
tion sector for a considerable peri-
od,” says 30-year old Nazeer, who
uses public transport for his daily
commute to work. “I hope that
as the new bus service expands,
people realise the disparities in
driving practices and conduct be-
tween the two options. I do not
wish for the source of income for
drivers and conductors to be tak-
en away, but integrating them
within the new framework would
work for everyone.
By continuously addressing the
needs and feedback of its passen-
gers and prioritising passenger
comfort, safety, and convenience,
the Green Bus Service will shape
the city's transportation land-
scape, fostering a greener, more
connected, and people-centric ur-
ban environment for the future.
Muhammad Zafar Baloch a is free-
lance journalist based in Quetta
All facts and information are the sole
responsibility of the writer
August 27, 2023 3
 ECONOMY & BUSINESS
A nation
starves, an
economy
suffers
Story by: Yusra Salim & Nabil Tahir Design by: Mohsin Alam
Malnutrition, driven by factors like poverty and inflation, hinders
economic growth and human potential in Pakistan. Collaborative
efforts, fortified foods, and awareness are crucial for a healthier,
prosperous future
At the heart of any country's pursuit of progress lies the well-being of its people. Yet, an
insidious foe silently erodes this foundation: malnutrition. This quiet crisis, manifested in
the hollow cheeks of children and the wearied eyes of parents, not only steals away vitality
but also stifles a nation's economic growth potential. Malnutrition, a complex adversary
encompassing undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity, is more than a
health issue—it is a key determinant of a country's development trajectory.
In bustling cities and remote villages alike, the impact of malnutrition creeps in. Chil-
dren grappling with stunted growth and compromised cognitive development face an
uphill battle to break free from the shackles of poverty. Mothers confront the challenges
of providing nourishment for their families amidst scarce resources. It is in these stories
of struggle and resilience that the profound connection between malnutrition and eco-
nomic growth emerges.
Economic growth, often measured in numbers and percentages, is reflected in the lives
of individuals. Malnutrition robs communities of their potential, clouding their futures,
and perpetuates a cycle of deprivation. The intricate relationship between malnutrition
and economic growth demands holistic interventions on an urgent basis, where both
health and prosperity intertwine, forging a path toward a brighter future for all citizens.
Malnutrition in Pakistan
Pakistan has been grappling with this formidable public health challenge. Malnutrition is
a multifaceted issue which encompasses not only undernutrition—characterised by stunt-
ing, wasting, and underweight conditions—but also overnutrition, linked to obesity and
diet-related non-communicable diseases.
The intricate web of factors contributing to the prevalence of malnutrition in Pakistan
is underscored by a confluence of socio-economic and cultural dynamics.
Poverty is a primary catalyst for malnutrition, affecting approximately a quarter of the
population who is unable to afford sufficient nourishment. Moreover, food insecurity,
aggravated by natural disasters, conflict, and insecurity, disrupts access to sustenance
even for those above the poverty line.
Inadequate breastfeeding practices further compound the issue. Despite the recognised
benefits, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life remains a chal-
lenge due to various factors. Poor sanitation and hygiene conditions also play a signifi-
cant role, increasing the vulnerability to diarrheal diseases that amplify malnutrition
risks. Alarmingly, improved sanitation facilities and clean drinking water remain inac-
cessible for a substantial portion of the population. Unhealthy dietary habits, marked by
a lack of nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, contribute to the malnutrition crisis,
particularly impacting children. Adding to the complexity is the lack of awareness about
the vital role of proper nutrition, leading to suboptimal dietary choices.
The new challenge is the increasing inflation in the country that affects the accessi-
bility, cost, and availability of food in various ways. The main connection between in-
flation and malnutrition is accessibility; food costs generally increase as a result of infla-
tion. When food prices rise, families with limited resources may find it difficult to afford
nourishing foods, which can compromise dietary choices. Because of this, there may be
a decreased intake of vital nutrients, which can lead to different types of malnutrition.
The interplay of these factors highlights the urgency of addressing malnutrition in
Pakistan comprehensively. The undercurrents of poverty, inadequate healthcare, and
cultural norms intertwine to create a perfect storm of persistent malnutrition. To break
this cycle, concerted efforts are needed not only to provide immediate food assistance but
also to foster awareness, improve healthcare infrastructure, and promote practices that
prioritise nutrition. By addressing these underlying issues, Pakistan can make strides to-
wards a healthier and more prosperous future free of malnutrition.
Tracing malnutrition's multi-faceted causes
The central impact revolves around the ability to purchase nutrient-rich food, as pur-
chasing power diminishes with unwavering inflation. High food prices leave individu-
als and families grappling with compromised dietary choices. Households compelled
by the rising cost of living often find themselves slashing food expenditures. This
budgetary strain can drive the selection of more affordable, calorie-dense alternatives
which unfortunately lack essential nutrients. A ripple effect unfolds—micronutrient
deficiencies and the spectre of overnutrition, embodied by obesity, emerge.
Economist Dr Kaiser Bengali underscores the direct link between malnutrition and
inflation. “Malnutrition is directly linked to inflation and there is no other way for it be-
cause people cut off fruits, nuts, dairy, and other items in their food when prices increase
as they think having wheat in the form of ‘chapati’ is enough for them because they are
unable to afford other items,” explained Dr Bengali, adding that the main idea is to fill
their stomach with minimal food rather than consuming protein, dairy, and other nu-
trients.
One of the primary contributors to childhood malnutrition, resulting in stunted
growth, is insufficient maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Stunting has a profound
impact, affecting around 10 million children in Pakistan. Sadly, only 38% of infants are
exclusively breastfed during the initial six months of their lives. This issue isn't a sud-
den development, as the country has been grappling with healthcare challenges for quite
some time. However, the recent surge in prices has exacerbated the situation, bringing
this long-standing problem to the forefront.
"It's like a slow poison that has been infiltrating society for a considerable duration,”
Dr Bengali said. “Historical instances in places like Tharparkar have demonstrated how
undernourished women give birth to malnourished babies. I have personally witnessed
cases where newborns weighed merely one kg birth. One can only imagine the dire cir-
cumstances the mother must have endured throughout her pregnancy — scarce nourish-
ment and minimal postnatal care. It's truly a lamentable situation," he expressed with
concern.
Ripple effects of nutritional deficiency
Much as food scarcity or limited food options can hinder a child's growth, deficiency
of proper nutrition doesn't just impact weight and physical well-being, it also affects
intelligence, skills, mental capacity, and physical activities. Dr. Bengali emphasised,
"It's not only maternal malnutrition during pregnancy that contributes to childhood
malnutrition, but also the quality of nutrition provided to children later on. In un-
derprivileged areas with limited resources, caregivers often have no choice but to feed
their children diluted milk due to lack of alternatives."
Children who are undernourished from birth or during their early years, failing to
receive the necessary nutrients for their bodies and minds to function adequately, may
grow up to be weak adults, both intellectually and physically. Dr. Bengali added, "His-
torical trends in sports performance illustrate this connection. The success or decline in
various sports isn't solely determined by training methods. The nutrition players receive
during those times also plays a pivotal role. For instance, the rise and fall of hockey in our
country can be attributed not just to the training but also to the nutritional intake during
those periods."
A noteworthy example can be seen in China where basketball was once unimaginable
due to the population's low average height. However, with sustained access to nutritional
food and supplements, basketball has flourished, and the country's average height has
4 August 27, 2023
increased. Dr. Bengali
highlighted, "Nutrition
has a transformative im-
pact on physical attributes
and capabilities."
Malnutrition, particularly
during critical brain develop-
ment phases like pregnancy
and early childhood, can result in
stunted brain growth. Brain tissue
growth and overall expansion rely
heavily on proper nutrition, encom-
passing essential components like pro-
teins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. An
economist pointed out, "When the body lacks
essential components, the brain's capacity is also
compromised. The escalating inflation poses a grim
outlook for future generations in terms of intelligence
and capabilities."
Deficiencies in vital nutrients such as iron, iodine, zinc, vi-
tamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids can lead to cognitive deficits in
children. These nutrients are crucial for effective brain communica-
tion, and their absence can manifest as challenges in learning, problem-
solving, memory, and attention.
Squeezed budgets and silent hunger
According to the World Food Programme, malnutrition incurs a yearly cost of $7.6 billion for
Pakistan, equivalent to roughly three percent of its GDP. While visible malnutrition is concern-
ing, a more significant impact occurs within middle-class households. Inflation forces people
to reduce their food choices to essentials like rice and flour, cutting out items like fruits, nuts,
and dairy products. Today, even someone earning 50,000 rupees monthly for a family of four
can barely afford basic sustenance. Escalating bills and food expenses are gradually eroding
the intellectual fabric of society.
A primary cause of stunted growth in children is inadequate maternal nutrition during pregnan-
cy. Stunting affects around 10 million children in Pakistan, and merely 38 percent of infants are
Only one quarter of childre
exclusively breastfed in their first six months of life. under 5 live in Southern
Hafeezullah Gambhir, the provincial program manager in Sindh for Nutrition International,
said that poverty is the sole reason for malnutrition. "All other factors are secondary in this race," he Asia, but this sub-region is
told Express Tribune. Picking up a handful of nuts from his table, Gambhir remarked that middle-
class individuals and average Pakistanis can no longer afford this luxury. Regrettably, the escalat-
home to more than half of a
ing inflation and the resulting dire circumstances seem unstoppable. children with wasting
Nourishing solutions amidst economic constraints
The financial crunch cannot be controlled and will only make eating healthy food a far-fetched
dream for people in the coming days. The easiest solution right now is for Pakistan to move
toward fortified flour, oil, and rice so the nutrients that are lacking can be provided to those
who are unable to afford a nutrient-rich diet.
For example, the most consumed food and easily available is flour. People eat flour in the shape of
bread and roti, so fortifying flour will help in the long run.“The cost of fortifying flour is in pennies
and would hardly increase the selling cost by 50 paisas but the mills association aren’t willing to
bear the cost while the government organisations do not have the will to step in and take initiative
In underprivileged areas
for this,” Gambhir said. “The pre-mix that has Vitamin B12, iron and folic acid costs 2,400-3,000 with limited resources,
rupees per kilogramme which can be mixed in 5,000 kg of flour and it’ll be fortified. The machines
and mechanism are already there and the mills are being provided with the machines as well but caregivers often have no
still none of the authorities are serious about the work.”
Similarly, two decades ago no one thought that iodized salty would be used in every household as
choice but to feed their
it is used now. It took decades for people to realize its benefits.“Fortified flour will also take five to 10 children diluted milk due
years even if the government starts implementing the law today,” Gambhir said.“Many conspiracy
theories also form around such initiatives. One such theory and media coverage can easily push the to lack of alternatives
idea three to five years back. The whole effort goes in vain with only one silly comment from any
authority,” the program manager explained.
Awareness and education on a larger scale are required to save people from this epidemic in the
making. In the next decade or two, Pakistani children who aren’t consuming nutrients and neces-
Numbers of chil
sary vitamins will be very visibly undernourished as compared to neighbouring countries. If the wasting, by Unit
youngsters won't be able to compete in the economy, we must consider where Pakistan will end
up.
As of now Sunridge is the only flour mill which is making and selling fortified flour and selling it
across Pakistan, giving it a monopoly over the prices. The reason flour mill owners don’t take a step
forward is their fear that people will not buy flour if they find even a 50 paisa increase in per kg cost.
Number of children u
This is where the role of the government comes in, as to where they are giving subsidy to the flour
mills. For example, if the cost of one bag of 40 kg of flour costs 4,000 rupees, the government gives Number of children u
a subsidy of 2,500 rupees. Similarly, it can add 50 paisa to that cost and consumers can get more
nutrients in their food.
“The solution is not 100 per cent but it is far better than just having people not consume nutrients
at all. As someone who is not able to afford fruits, nuts, or dairy in daily life, a person cannot even
afford multivitamins for themselves,” added Gambhir.
Malnourished children are more likely to encounter behavioural problems including anxiety,
sadness, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is related to both the stress
brought on by a life of hardship and food deprivation as well as the direct effects on brain chemistry.
Severe malnutrition, particularly in the early years of life, can permanently alter the structure
and function of the brain. Even if a person's nutritional health improves later in life, this may still
have an impact on their intellectual and cognitive ability. Other than that, children who are un-
dernourished frequently suffer in school because they have trouble focusing, remembering, and
learning. Poor academic achievement and few possibilities for future success may be the outcome
of these difficulties. 31.6
“Such children are just lagging behind in every way and it's not even their fault. The situation of
affordability and purchasing power is getting worse day by day. Given the condition, it will not get
better anytime soon,” Gambhir said sadly.
The role of international bodies
The year 1990 was a turning point in the global commitment to eradicate micronutrient defi-
ciencies, when world leaders convened at the World Summit for Children. Canada established
10.5
the Micronutrient Initiative in 1992 to address micronutrient malnutrition and pave the way
for a healthier world. This initiative transformed into Nutrition International (NI) in 2017, Asia
expanding its impact to over 60 countries, including Pakistan, where NI has taken an active
role in the fight against malnutrition.
In Pakistan since 2001, NI has been working to enhance the health of vulnerable populations, SOURCE: UNICEF, WHO, World Bank Grou
focusing on women and children. Through partnerships with the Government of Pakistan, NI has
played a pivotal role in advancing various nutrition-related initiatives across the country.
 ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Numbers (millions) of
children under 5 affected
by wasting, by United
Nations sub-region, 2022
0.2
Central Asia

0.1
Asia
31.6 million
Western Asia
1.0 25.1
Southern Asia
1.1
Eastern Asia

1.8 South-eastern Asia 4.3

0.1 Caribbean
Northern Africa
0.1
Central
America
4.6
0.2
South
Western Africa
1.9 3.5 Eastern Africa
Oceania
0.1 million
America Middle Africa
Africa
12.2 million
0.2
Latin America Southern
Africa SOURCE: UNICEF, WHO, World Bank Group Joint Malnutrition Estimates, 2023 edition

& Caribbean
0.7 million
95% confidence
Stunting Wasting Overweight interval

NI's efforts encompass a range of activities aimed at improving nutri-
tional outcomes. From enhancing vitamin A supplementation for chil-
dren under five to promoting zinc supplements and oral rehydration salts
en for managing childhood diarrhoea, NI's interventions touch multiple
facets of health. Furthermore, NI extends its reach to remote rural ar-
eas, ensuring that marginalised groups receive improved nutrition and
healthcare services.
s Working in tandem with national and provincial government depart-
all ments, NI has been instrumental in fortifying wheat flour to reach mil-
lions of people and improving levels of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid
among children and women.
One noteworthy accomplishment is NI's involvement in the Sindh
Food Fortification Act 2021. This groundbreaking legislation makes Sindh
the first province in Pakistan to enact a law focused on food fortification.
NI played a significant role in the drafting of this bill, showcasing its dedi-
cation to addressing malnutrition at a policy level.
Between 2016 and 2020, NI concentrated on building technical and hu-
man resource capacity, collaborating with government departments,
and strengthening industry associations. This holistic approach not only
enhances knowledge but also fosters sustainable change.
In Pakistan, where malnutrition remains a persistent challenge, NI's
efforts stand as a testament to the power of collective action. By working
hand in hand with governments, communities, and industry stakehold-
ers, NI seeks to contribute to a healthier, more nourished future for all,
embodying the spirit of collaboration and impact-driven change.
Need of the hour
The need of the hour is a strategic approach that encompasses both im-
mediate relief and sustainable solutions to effectively address the nexus
Percentage of children
under 5 affected by
between inflation and malnutrition. Such a strategy should
encompass implementing policies that not only regulate food stunting, wasting and
prices but also ensure food security for vulnerable populations. 33.0 overweight, global,
It should also incorporate targeted social safety nets, subsidies for
essential commodities, support for local food production, promotion of 2000-2022
agricultural efficiency, and facilitation of local food systems.
Gambhir highlighted the potential agents of change in this scenario.
"The key players who can bring about a transformation by introducing
fortified flour or other nutritional items to the public include the tradi-
tional bureaucratic establishment, the association of flour mills, and
the media," he said. He fexplained that this requires a substantial scale
of advocacy. The involvement of organisations like the Asian Bank and
22.3
USAID could swiftly propel implementation. However, these approaches
often remain unheard and overlooked in favour of established ideologies
and research. Gambhir emphasised, "Creating awareness, advocating for
change, and educating the masses are pivotal to fostering improved con-
sumption patterns."
In the journey towards a healthier and more prosperous future for Paki-
stan, addressing the interconnected challenges of malnutrition and in-
flation requires a multi-faceted approach. It's essential to recognise that
8.7
the battle against malnutrition isn't just a health concern; it is a fight for 6.8
economic growth, human potential, and the well-being of generations
to come.
Policy-makers, organisations, and individuals must join hands to ad-
vocate for better nutrition, affordability, and accessibility. By fortifying 5.3 5.6
food as well as societal awareness and education, Pakistan can break free
from the shackles of malnutrition. This journey is undoubtedly a chal-
lenging one, but with concerted efforts and collective determination, the
future holds the promise of a healthier and more nourished Pakistan.

ldren under 5 affected by wasting and severe

ted Nations sub-region, 2022

45.0 million with wasting of which 204.2

under 5 with wasting (moderate & severe) 197.1
13.7 million are suffering from
under 5 with wasting (severe only) severe wasting 184.8
169.1
Number (millions)
of children under 154.3
148.1
5 affected by
stunting, wasting and
overweight, global,
2000-2022
45.0
54.1 52.9
12.2 51.2 49.5 46.4 45.0

2.9 13.7
0.7 0.1 33.0 35.5 36.2 38.0 37.8 37.0
Africa Latin Oceania Global
America
and
up Joint Malnutrition Estimates, 2023 edition Caribbean

August 27, 2023 5

 BOOKS & LITERATURE

An anthem doesn’t just play

Historian and archivist of patriotic Pakistani songs, Absar Ahmed delves into the history of our patriotic songs. You
name the song and the book has it, along with the story behind its creation. The preachy narration aside, read it to
know how the battle was won on airwaves, with musical instruments as weapons
By Omair Alavi to do with the fact that PTV isn’t
looked up as the mother institution
We become ultra-patriotic in August or that Radio Pakistan is no more
because Independence Day falls in on the priority for listeners, but it
this month. Enter Absar Ahmed’s also has to do with quantity instead
Hartaan Pakistan and you have an of the quality.
extra reason to celebrate the coun- What makes this book stand
try’s birth anniversary because it is out in the market is its individu-
about the patriotic songs that have ality and how it manages to keep
shaped our lives. itself valid in an era where books
Each one of us has a top ten list of are considered old-fashioned. It
favourite patriotic songs, ones we brings forward war songs from
listen to when we feel like show- different parts of Pakistan’s his-
ering praise on our motherland. tory alongside patriotic songs that
Some have rated Tera Pakistan hai were launched at the change of
higher than Watan ki mitti gawah government, ahead of the elec-
rehna, while others have Zameen tions as well to celebrate some his-
ki goad rang se on their list at the toric moments. It also mentions
top, succeeded by Yeh watan tum- the many sports songs created to
hara hai. But did you know when boost the morale of sportsmen, es-
was the term Milli naghma first pecially cricketers who won laurels
coined, and who was the poet in the field during the 80s and the
behind that very first step in the 90s. While Khalid Waheed’s Hum
direction of patriotic songs? Ac- jeetenge, created ahead of the 1996
cording to Ahmed’s wonderfully- World Cup, gets mentioned here
researched book, it was Allama alongside Saleem Javed’s World
Iqbal, whose Cheen-o-Arab ha- Cup number, you also get to read
mara was sung in 1911 for the first about Jazba junoon which is now
time, and remained the quintes- considered a patriotic number,
sential national anthem until par- even though it came out as a cricket
tition, after which two new an- anthem.
thems were prepared. The book also talks about the

toofan se had become popular, but cided to grade them according to

At first, I thought of coming up with
an updated second edition of the first
book but once I started writing about
the songs, it shaped into a separate
book
This is just the tip of the iceberg
as the book is laced with informa-
tion that many of us have no clue
about. Did you know that before
PTV came into existence, it was Ra-
dio Pakistan that catered to the pa-
triotic element in the public or that
PTV’s contribution towards milli
naghmay was so diverse that songs
were sung in every language?
Ahmed is considered an author-
ity when it comes to patriotic songs
because a) he has been collecting
these songs from the age of six
years and b) he is an archivist who
has every patriotic song ever pro-
duced in the country in his library.
While talking to The Express Tri-
bune, he revealed that although
this was his second book about pa-
triotic songs, he considers it more
than a catalogue because of the in-
formation it offers.
‘My first book was titled Nagh-
may Pakistan Kay and it was a cata-
logue of Pakistan's patriotic songs,”
he says. “This one follows up on
that. At first, I thought of coming
up with an updated second edition
of the first book but once I started
writing about the songs, it shaped
into a separate book.”
He shared that through this
book, Pakistan has become the
first-ever country in the world
where the history of patriotic songs
has been compiled and published
in book form. “Before this, people
in the UK and US had compiled pa-
triotic songs from the World Wars
I and II, but nothing more was
done anywhere else,” says Ahmed.
“No one had gone beyond the war
songs, so you can say that this book
is one of its kind and I am proud of
it.’
Ahmed has been collecting patri-
otic songs since he was only eight
years old, and the details he knew
regarding these songs helped him
compile the book in less than two
years.
Not only is this book well-re-
searched and thorough it takes the
audience down memory lane and
helps them understand the history
of Pakistan, much better than the
Pakistan Studies book taught in
school. But the author’s descrip-
tion of the 1965 and 1971 wars be-
tween India and Pakistan seems to
be for school kids rather than ma-
ture readers.
There are a few more issues that
I had with the book. The first and
foremost is the way film Bedari
was applauded, a Pakistani film
released in 1957 where all the songs
were plagiarized from the Indian
film Jagriti (1954) with Ratan Ku-
mar who migrated to Pakistan two
years later and remade the film. By
the time the government found out
about this, the songs Aao bachon
sair karayen, Aye quaid e azam
tera ehsan hai, and Hum laye hain
were not promoted due to the pla-
giarism charge. Instead of criticis-
ing this act, the author hails it and
terms it as something that was
common in those days, when it
wasn’t and that’s the biggest issue
I have with the compilation.
Since the book was researched
and published in less than eight
months (a notable feat indeed), the
author deserves to be commended
and proofreading mistakes could
be ignored. It is through this book
that most of the readers would get
to know how songs helped the na-
tion during the different crises the
country went through. For me,
getting to know that Saleem Raza
was the first singer to offer his ser-
vices pro bono in the 1965 War, or
that Shaukat Ali went into the war
zone to boost the morale of the sol-
diers was something I might never
have found out, had it not been
mentioned in this book.
Ahmed’s dedication is the main
reason why this book comes out
as an encyclopedia of Milli Nagh-
may. He mentions how Alamgir
decided to stay back in Pakistan
despite hailing from East Pakistan
and how he went on to become part
of the TV fraternity; why Shehnaz
Begum was relevant for most of the
patriotic songs compiled after 1971;
and how PTV took over the duties
of Radio Pakistan once the new me-
dium became popular. His decision
to categorise patriotic songs accord-
ing to different eras also needs to
be appreciated because when you
have so many songs to present, cat-
egorisation could become a formi-
dable headache.
“The difficult decision was made
easy once I divided songs era-wise,
and since songs of the same era had
more or less the same composition,
and similar lyrics and were created
in the same political scenario, I de-
their era,” he says. That’s why the
first chapter tackles the pre-parti-
tion era followed by a dozen more
chapters which mention every
kind of patriotic song created in the
last 112 years.’
The book’s division is sort of its
superpower; if it was divided in a
haphazard manner, no one would
have found it interesting. That’s
why by categorising 13 eras of Paki-
stan’s history – from 1911 to 2023
– the author has done Pakistanis
a huge service. While the first
chapter deals with the pre-Inde-
pendence songs and ends at 1947,
the second chapter tackles the new
country’s emergence at an interna-
tional level and everything from
the creation of the national an-
them to the emergence of Kalam-
e-Iqbal where singers from all parts
of the country paid tribute to Al-
lama Iqbal by rendering his poems.
The third and fourth chapters
cater to the three major incidents
that changed the direction Paki-
stan was moving in; while the first
section celebrates the first Consti-
tution of the country implemented
in 1956, the second deals with the
first Martial Law in the country.
The fourth chapter is the best of
all chapters as it discusses the 1965
War between Pakistan and India
and how the artists of East and
West Pakistan joined hands to de-
moralise the enemy and boost the
morale of the nation.
The next chapter celebrates the
ceasefire between the two coun-
tries as well as the ten years of Gen-
eral Ayub Khan, the country’s first
Martial Law Administrator. Then
comes the second war between
Pakistan and India and despite the
best efforts of the showbiz person-
alities who appeared on TV and
Radio to fight the war in their own
way, Pakistan lost its East wing
The difficult decision was made easy
once I divided songs era-wise, and
since songs of the same era had more
or less the same composition, and
similar lyrics and were created in the
same political scenario, I decided to
grade them according to their era
forever. The songs mentioned in
this chapter as well as the next por-
tray the sentiments of the whole
nation who were sad, and angry,
but hopeful that normalcy would
return and help them to move for-
ward.
The eighth chapter in the book is
the one where PTV became the first
choice of music composers, sing-
ers, and poets as they collaborated
to present some of the best songs
known to Pakistanis today. There
was Sohail Rana’s Main bhi Paki-
stan hoon, Nisar Bazmi’s Khayal
rakhna, and Khalil Ahmed’s
Watan ki mitti gawah rehna which
were sung by Mohammad Ali She-
hki, Alamgir, and Nayyara Noor
respectively.
The ninth or last chapter deals
with popular songs because after
that the book would lose its charm,
as patriotic songs lost their charm.
How musical bands carried for-
ward the patriotic song legacy is ac-
counted on these pages, and how
the arrival of the private channels
kickstarted a healthy competition
between TV channels. The rest of
the book is about the songs created
in the last 23 years and apart from
a few, none of them are worth a
mention here. It might have more
many collaborations that made
PTV different from all the other
national TV channels in the area
including those in India ― after
all, before PTV brought Arif Lo-
har, Arifa Siddiqui, and the Fateh
Brothers Rustam, and Sultan for
Mere des main har pal chahon, or
before Farida Khanum led the im-
pressive line-up of singers in Hai
meri sar zameen roshan, not many
had executed it, let alone thought
about it. So, if you didn’t know that
Ahmed Rushdi was amongst the
few singers who were part of the
first official rendition of the Qaumi
tarana and that Mohammad Ifra-
him made Pakistan his home after
being mentored by the legendary
Mohammad Rafi in India, then
you need to be Hartaaned through
this compilation.
Interestingly, the author’s favou-
rite three patriotic songs are Mu-
nawwar Sultana’s Chand roshan
chamakta sitara rahay, Watan ki
mitti gawah rehna at second and
Mera naam hai Pakistan at num-
ber three.
Omair Alavi is a freelance contributory
who writes about film, television, and
popular culture. All facts and information
are the sole responsibility of the writer

T Magazine’s picks
Read this week: Watch this week:
Binge this week: Collapse: How Roadrunner: A Film Follow this week:
Fisk Societies Choose To About Anthony Bad Friends
TV Show Books Fail Or Survive Movies Bourdain Podcast

A work comedy on the lines of the Office,
but this one offers wry Australian humour
which goes down well with fans of British
comedy as opposed to laughter-prompt-type
American entertainment. Don’t be put off
by Helen Tudor-Fisk, the woman in the
baggy brown suit, because her done-with-
people personality and caustic lines gener-
ate lots of funny moments and situations
with quirky characters in the law firm crew
and clients that range from kleptomaniacs
to people with crazy food expectations in
meetings. Nothing bold or edgy, the six-
episode series is an easy watch.
Biologist, and anthropologist Jared
Diamond tackles the dramatic decline of
lost cultures such as the Easter Islanders,
the Anasazi in the Southwestern US, the
Mayans in Central America and the Norse
Vinland settlement in Greenland, which
unlike the ancient civilisations of Greece or
Rome, were small and isolated. He believes
they suffered drastic reductions in popula-
tion and productivity due to mismanaged
resources, lost friends, gained enemies,
climate changes, and their cultures and be-
liefs. An essential book of its time that nails
present days issues to ‘ecological suicide.’
You get the feeling of being at his wake
as hours after the funeral, people gather,
mingle and start sharing stories of how
they knew Bourdain. The illuminating
documentary explores the complex life of
a world-famous chef and traveller without
shying away from Bourdain’s tragic 2018
death, but reframing to celebrating the fig-
ure who meant so much to so many people
after his years of his fascinating filming
explorations and interactions all over the
world. Featuring interviews with those
who knew him best, it shows Bourdain like
never before.
Featuring the love/hate relationship of
comics Andrew Santino (Dave and I'm
Dying Up Here) and Bobby Lee (Magnum
P.I. or Pineapple Express), the whacky
podcast offers their spicy dynamic, but
it is not for the weak-hearted. It is filled
with hot takes and hotter jabs as Santino
and Lee discuss everything from hating
dolphins to ice-cream salads and beyond!
The duo started the podcast in early 2020,
quickly gaining traction for their amaz-
ing rapport, walking the line between
friendship and enemies. No matter what
they talk about, it is hilarious!

6 August 27, 2023


90s
underworld
for the
streaming
age
Small-town mystery collides with mushy mawkishness
in Guns and Gulaabs, where the atmosphere is charged
with intrigue, and the soundtrack subtly interwoven
with snippets of Hindi film songs from three decades
ago add to the nostalgia
By Shafiq ul Hasan Siddiqui
The much-anticipated web series
Guns and Gulaabs (GAG) has finally
arrived on Netflix, on, much to the
delight of Raj and DK fans who have
been waiting to experience their sig-
nature storytelling style. Known for
their unique execution, compelling
narratives, and eccentric character
development, Raj and DK have carved
a niche for themselves in the realm of
entertainment. From Go Goa Gone, to
Farzi and The Family Man, their uni-
verses are teeming with intriguing
characters that boast unpredictability,
uniqueness, and a touch of eccentric-
ity, making them truly captivating.
With GAG, the dynamic duo
brings us a seven-episode series that
dives headfirst into a world of Sher-
pur and Gulaab Ganj gangs, where
lives intertwine in unexpected ways.
Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer
Salman, Gulshan Devaiah, and
Adarsh Gourav take centre stage
in this latest offering. The series is
also enriched by the presence of ac-
claimed actors such as the late Satish
Kaushik, Vipin Kumar, Nilesh Dive-
kar, and Varun Badola, all of whom
play essential roles in weaving the
narrative's intricate tapestry.
The heart of GAG beats within the
two rival gangs from Sherpur and
Gulaab Ganj. Their actions have a
ripple effect that touches the lives
of those directly and indirectly con-
nected to them. Set against the
backdrop of the 90s, the show offers
a delightful rendezvous with nostal-
gia, particularly for those who grew
up during that era or experienced the
rollercoaster of their teen years at the
time.
From iconic Walkmans to cas-
sette players, bicycles, goggles, fra-
granced love letters, craze for wrist
watches and fizzy drinks, the series
masterfully captures the essence
of youth during the 90s. Even the
chapter titles of the show pay hom-
age to the music and films of the 80s
and 90s, such as Kasam Paida Karne
Wale Ki, Do Dil Mil Rahe Hain, and
Raat Baaqi, with one episode titled
Everything I Do I Do It For You, that
playfully borrows from a Bryan Ad-
ams classic.
The series kicks off with a poi-
gnant debate between two boys,
exploring the depth of their love as
they engrave their girlfriends' names
on their arms using a compass. As
the narrative unfolds, a delicate love
story emerges, where a girl and a
boy find themselves falling in love
while walking their bicycles along-
side each other instead of riding
them home. Intriguing classroom
dynamics, such as the class monitor
relinquishing his badge to the new
class topper, and the same monitor
penning the names of troublemak-
ers on the blackboard, add layers of
reminiscence and authenticity to
the tale. However, despite the ex-
tensive screen time allocated to these
children, their integration with the
main storyline occasionally feels
more contrived than naturally flow-
ing.
Embarking from the innocence
of childhood and crossing the terri-
tory to the shadowed realm of gang-
sters and opium fields, the series
sets sail on a voyage that interlaces
a tapestry of characters. Ranging
from the fledgling to the fearsome,
these characters are strung together
by their aspirations, inspirations,
dreams, and divergent lifestyles. It's
a symphony of lives, with each note
resonating through the screen.
Ganchi, portrayed by the late
Satish Kaushik, operates as a drug
dealer in Gulaabgunj and enters a
significant agreement with Sukan-
tao Chatterjee, a Kolkata-based busi-
nessman played by Rajatava Datta.
The terms of the deal require Ganchi
to deliver a substantial quantity of
opium to Sukanto within a month.
Meanwhile, an honest narcotics of-
ficer named Arjun Varma, played by
Dulquer Salmaan, arrives in Gulaab-
gunj with the intention of cracking
down on the illicit opium trade.
Paana Tipu, the son of Babu Tiger
(Arijit Dutta), a prominent member
of Ganchi's criminal organisation,
works as a mechanic and aspires to
avoid following in his father's foot-
steps. He is deeply in love with Chan-
dralekha, a schoolteacher played by
TJ Bhanu. However, Tipu's life takes
an unexpected turn when he ends
up killing two members of Chaar Cut
Atmaram's gang (Gulshan Devaiah)
in retaliation for his father's murder,
and inadvertently becomes a part of
the criminal underworld.
Meanwhile, Ganchi faces an un-
foreseen complication that forces
his son, Jugnu (Adarsh Gourav), to
step in and complete the high-stakes
deal. The intertwining of these char-
acters' lives forms the central narra-
tive of the series.
Yet, for all its intricacy, the core
plot is akin to a classic vanilla base ―
a touch familiar, a bit simplistic. It's
the unfolding of events, like domi-
nos cascading one upon the other
that charts the course of GAG. There's
Tipu, son of Tiger, a reluctant inheri-
tor of his father's legacy, a paradox
where desire clashes with destiny.
Then there's Jugnu, a son yearning
to carve his own path, amidst the
shadow of paternal expectations.
Arjun Verma, an enigmatic inspec-
tor, with layers more deceptive than
a magician's trickery. And hovering
menacingly is Aatma Ram, a soul-
less assassin with an untold back-
story that lies cloaked in myths and
ART, MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
mysteries.
It's the concoction of these char-
acters that furnishes the web series
with its unique hue and texture,
each stroke of their presence shap-
ing the canvas upon which the story
unfolds.
Raj Kummar Rao, the reliable gem
amidst the ensemble cast, finds
himself confined to a rather restrict-
ed playground in GAG. The blame,
it seems, lies at the doorstep of the
writers. Tipu, portrayed by Rao, is a
character that flirts with unpredict-
ability. On the surface, he may ap-
pear as basic as it gets, yet lurking
beneath is a potential for a complete
transformation when stoked by
provocation. Alas, it's his love esca-
pades that serve as the main ingre-
dient for the comedy pot, outweigh-
ing the emotional essence they were
meant to evoke. In a
couple of scenes, Raj Kummar Rao’s
prowess bursts forth, proving his
towering caliber as an actor.
The first such instance mate-
rialises when he gazes at Aatma
Ram, masterfully played by Gulshan
Devaiah, mercilessly snuffing out
the life of his dear friend. The inten-
sity of the moment is palpable, and
Rao's portrayal does justice to the tur-
moil. The second demonstration of
his acting prowess emerges when he
reminisces about that poignant mo-
ment shared with his love interest
atop a rooftop. However, amidst the
anticipation, the audience's thirst
for a little more from Rajkummar
remains somewhat unquenched in
GAG.
Dulquer Salman steps into the
shoes of Arjun Verma, a character
as intriguing as a crossword puzzle.
His quirks are a breath of fresh air
― a man staunchly devoted to the
authenticity of original film songs,
turning up his nose at the once-fa-
mous ‘Jhankaar’ remixes that pep-
pered the 90s. A curtain raiser to his
idiosyncrasies unfolds in the open-
ing scene. Here, seated behind the
wheel of a police jeep, he immerses
himself in the timeless melodies
of RD Burman's Hoga tum se pyara
kaun. Yet, the twist arrives when he
abruptly ejects the cassette from the
vehicle upon realising it's the dread-
ed Jhankaar version. This particular
event in GAG paints a vivid picture of
Arjun Verma's distinct persona. Dul-
quer Salman dons his role with apt
finesse, slipping seamlessly into the
skin of Arjun Verma. However, as
the curtain lifts, the one who takes
a slight stumble seems to be the
script itself. The character performs
his dance, yet the choreography of
the narrative appears to be slightly
askew, leaving a pinch of discontent.
Adarsh Gourav as Jugnu is what
you may call dangerous yet cute. His
actions are a mismatch of what he
is and what he tries to live ― which
is well defined in the climax. Here,
brownie points go to Adarsh for
playing his character so well. The
boy is getting better and denser as a
performer in every character that he
performs.
Gulshan Devaiah emerges as the
undisputed scene maestro in GAG,
and it's not just through a torrent of
words. In a canvas where dialogues
are rationed, his character blooms
into a force of nature, stitching to-
gether potency with every stride, ges-
ture, and glance. Kudos to Devaiah
for wrapping himself in the skin of a
character that thrives on subtlety yet
wields an air of authority that's noth-
ing short of captivating.
Sporting the iconic Sanju Baba
coif of the 90s like its second nature,
Gulshan Devaiah metamorphoses
into the epitome of intimidation.
His looks could curdle milk, and his
glares could freeze time itself. Aatma
Ram, a figure veiled in intrigue and
fascination, strides onto the screen
with a grand declaration, a line
that peels back his layers, "Dush-
man ke liye nahin, style ke liye hai"
[Not for the enemy, but for the flair].
Devaiah doesn't just play a character;
he breathes life into an enigma that
dances on the fringes of menace and
mystery.
Satish Kaushik, essaying the role
of Ganchi, unfurls his lines with the
kind of finesse that only a seasoned
virtuoso can summon. It's true
that on paper, the lines might not
be revolutionary, but the alchemy
Kaushik weaves with them is what
elevates them into a league of their
own. A magician with words, he
takes the ordinary and transforms
it into something extraordinary. A
handful of scenes become pedestals
for Kaushik's brilliance to bask in.
The resonance of his performance
ripples through instances such as
his rendezvous with Arjun Verma,
his meeting with Sukanto (the Cal-
cutta Drug Cartel handler), and the
poignant moment, delves into the
depths of his past as he clinks glasses
with his son Jugnu. These moments
crystallise Kaushik's masterful art-
istry, a class act that has left a void, as
he's now departed from this realm,
leaving his fans yearning for more.
While GAG offers a plethora of
twists and turns that keep audi-
ences on their toes, these surprises
sometimes come a bit too late in the
game. The initial episodes are dedi-
cated to building the foundation
of the story and establishing the
characters with intricate nuances.
The ensuing tale is entertaining
and occasionally engaging, though
at times it succumbs to moments
of dragging pace. By the time the
climax unfolds, the impact could be
diluted due to the late introduction
of significant plot elements. It's evi-
dent that Raj and DK invested con-
siderable effort in fostering a sense
of connection with the era's nostal-
gia, but in doing so, the intricate
storytelling, unique plot features,
and character arcs seem to have tak-
en a backseat. And for this, I’ll rate
GAG, three out of five stars.
By the way, Kumar Sanu’s song
Do raazi delightfully touches the 90s
again. This one is exactly how the
songs from that era used to be ― re-
freshing, soulful and romantic.
Shafiq Ul Hasan Siddiqui is an avid
movie buff, and film and drama critic
and a digital inbound marketer. He
tweets as www.twitter.com/shafiqul-
hasan81. All information and facts are
the responsibility of the writer
August 27, 2023 7
 FASHION
yards
of style
Move over Alya Bhatt! Our very own Aiza
Hussain has revived and reinvented the
sari trend with modern, affordable, and
sustainable pieces for everyday wear
By Rizwana Naqvi
As far as I can remember, my mother
always wore a sari, whether she was
at home doing household chores or
going out no matter what the oc-
casion was. First in the morning,
even before preparing breakfast, she
would change from her night dress
into a sari.
Those were the times when sari
was the preferred dress for most
married women, and girls too
would often wear it, especially for
functions, etc.
I am told that in the pre-Parti-
tion India, sari was mostly worn
by Hindu women and Muslim
women usually wore gharara or
chooridar pyjama, while Sikh
women wore shalwar kameez.
But gradually the distinction dis-
appeared and women began to
wear whatever they wanted, irre-
spective of religion. Sari and shal-
war pushed the gharara aside to
an extent that it seemed to have
been reserved for the elderly or for
occasions like weddings, when
even young ones would be dressed
in a gharara and look like dolls.
However, with the passage of
time, somehow in Pakistan, the
sight of sari-clad women began
to diminish, or in other words the
sari fell out of favour. While in
the 70s women used to wear sari
even in informal settings and in
day to day life, and one could even
see sari-clad women walk on the
streets and even at the work place,
but now fewer women wear it.
Aiza Hussain, CEO of The Saari
Girl, seems to have taken upon
herself to bring back sari in style.
She refutes the thought that it be-
longs to some particular commu-
nity, pointing out that the history
of sari in the subcontinent goes as
far back as the Indus Valley Ci-
vilisation. She mentions the sari
draped figurines of the Indus Val-
ley, which shows the historical
value of this dress.
“The sari has been here for cen-
turies and is common to many
communities,” Hussain says.
“But while growing up I did not
see the sari to be as popular as I
was told during my research; not
at least in the circles and spheres
that I come across. My mother
has never worn a sari, though
both my grandmothers loved
wearing sari. I feel that an entire
generation has really skipped out
on sari and that somehow propels
me towards this dress.”
Hussain, a socio cultural an-
thropologist by training, received
her education from LUMS and
University of Chicago where she
was a Fulbright scholar. She is
also a researcher and enjoys food,
travel, and saris. Seeing her pas-
sion, one would have thought
that she perhaps inherited it from
8 August 27, 2023
her family but she says, “It is my
personal passion.”
“The sari doesn’t care for our
origin or our colour; it is us who
have assigned these labels to the
sari that exist around it today,”
she says. “I have come across
women who worry about their
body type, colour, marital sta-
tus, and so many things when
it comes to donning this dress. I
am trying to normalise this dress
again and break all stereotypes
around it, using regional ethnic
prints, and trying to do that at a
cost that a lot of people can bear.
It is not supposed to cost you an
arm and a leg. We should own
proudly.”
The idea behind The Saari Girl is
to make sari more accessible and
affordable for the masses in Paki-
stan and generally to Pakistanis
or the desi diaspora abroad. “I
want to trace the cultural dynam-
ics around this particular dress
form and then to contribute to-
wards ‘The Saari Girl,’ Hussain
adds.
Why it fell out of style
When we talk about sari falling
out of style, usually Gen Zia and
his Islamisation drive is blamed for
this. It is true that “during Gen Zia’s
era sari was not encouraged in a lot
of places,” says Hussain. “In fact, in
most places it was frowned upon.
This was not exactly an active at-
tack but definitely a way to discour-
age sari, while shalwar kameez was
encouraged as the proper national
dress. Though, in later years, sari
did redeem in some places like in the
military uniform and among medi-
cal professionals.”
Another factor is that because
sari is more popular in India it is
often considered a Hindu dress.
Hussain calls this notion a false-
hood, saying “it is not correct at
all.” Sari is worn in other coun-
tries also such as Bangladesh;
also in Pakistan, it is worn by
different communities belong-
ing to all religions like Parsis.
Sari is also often passed on as
heirloom from one generation to
another.
“I believe that it depends on
how things are portrayed,” says
Hussain. A concept doesn’t come
out of thin air, it’s bred over time,
we are socialised into believing
certain traditions and values at-
tached to a dress form. I am a big
proponent of how things are engi-
neered over time.
The Saari Girl is not just dedi-
cated to promoting affordable
saris, but also battling notions
about the sari. “In the twenty-
first century, it is time that we
show more progressive thinking
and break past attaching religion
to a dress,” advocates Hussain.
Discussing how sari has been
politicised in the past few de-
cades, such as during Gen Zia’s
Islamisation drive which has had
its impact on women’s dressing,
especially the sari, Hussain says,
“When you think of the national
dress you think of the shalwar
kameez; when you think of ap-
propriate clothing for women you
go back to shalwar kameez, the
headscarf and abaya and all.”
She recalls Iqbal Bano’s per-
formance at the Alhamra in
1986, when she sang Faiz ‘Hum
dekhein ge’, wearing a black sari.
[Faiz had been banned by Zia be-
cause of his close association with
Bhutto, but Iqbal Bano continued
to sing his poems as an act of defi-
ance and resistance.] And because
she was wearing a sari which was
also considered improper and
not deemed something that can
be worn by the masses, the sari
came to be labelled as revolution-
ary and rebellious.
“I am particularly striving
against established norms,” she
says. I am not trying to introduce
something new, but only revive
something that has always exist-
ed in society.”
Fabrics and styles
Talking about the fabrics and styles
that are more popular Hussain says,
“Banarsi and silk are the main fab-
rics that we work with.” They have
all types of saris ― Indian banarsi,
Pakistani banarsi, cotton silk, pure
cotton, lawn, organza saris, tissue
saris, sequence net saris. “Ajrak sari
is very popular and I feel proud that
we are promoting Sindhi artisans’
work through those,” says Hussain.
“These hand block printed saris are
very close to my heart. The hand-
loom traditional khaddi banarsi is
again very traditional and involves
a lot of hard work and is also one of
my favourites. Apart from these we
have lace chiffon, georgette, chunri
saris too.”
Hussain and her team encour-
age all kinds of drapes, from the
standard and most popular drape
that goes on the left shoulder, to
Gujarati drape where the pallu
comes in front, to the Marathi
drape where the sari is draped
separately on the two legs in a
particular style. Customers are
assisted about how they should
wear a sari, how they should
feel confident about themselves,
what sort of look they need and
what will complement them,
what they have in mind for them-
selves, explains Hussain. “So it’s
the whole process that we work
on.”
Hand block-printed Ajrak sari
that is made on pure cotton is
gaining popularity. “I think it is
because of the history attached
to the organic, vegetable dye
process that is completely hand-
made. There is zero machinery
involved ― from blocks to dry-
ing to washing and final touch
up, everything is done by hands.
These are ancient techniques that
that are followed for sari making.
Each sari takes about two weeks
to make, so a lot of hard work
goes into this. Yet we try to price
them at reasonable rates; starting
from 5,000 onwards and goes up
to Rs7,000 -8,000.”
Another popular variety is the
silk saris which come in a variety of
colours such as peacock green, ma-
roon, plum and royal teal shades
are really popular these days.
According to Hussain, ‘The
Saari Girl’ is the country’s largest
e-commerce platform for saris. “I
was the first one to pioneer this
movement, and pioneer the idea
of an online sari store. Before this
no online sari store has emerged
from Pakistan.” Hussain was just
23 when she established ‘The Saa-
ri Girl’ and a year later established
the website. Now at just 26, she
leads an all women team, all of
whom are younger than her and
mostly students. “It’s like a girl
power sort of initiative, where I
am trying to empower women
by making them believe in them-
selves, to feel more confident
about themselves as well as en-
trusting them with responsibili-
ties, taking their creative input,
working together on ideas in a
holistic, teamwork kind of envi-
ronment. It’s a women-led and
women-run enterprise.”
Revival
As far as popularising the sari is con-
cerned, Hussain believes that there
has been a change. “I think it is a
journey where we have definitely
made a monumental impact. I can
say this because since we started off
many brands have picked up.”
She says this can be measured
by the fact that many popular
brands are marketing saris now,
which is evident from campaigns
by premiere fashion clothing
brands. Three or four years ago
none of these brands was mar-
keting the sari. She recalled that
while at a shopping mall recent-
ly, she noticed one mannequin at
premiere clothes outlet wearing
a sari. “The fact that it is being
mass produced by bigger brands
shows that people are wearing
sari more regularly.”
As a measure to revive the sari,
“We have done campaigns that
are very socially inclusive; for ex-
ample, campaigns that were ac-
tively targeted towards minorities
in Pakistan, such as campaigns
on Diwali and Karwa Chauth.”
One can say that revival of the
sari is happening as more and
more people are wearing saris for
Eids, for birthdays, etc. “There’s
a movement that is in place, but,
given the decades of pluralism
against the sari that we have to
fight, it will take time. It is some-
thing that we are actively work-
ing on and there is still a long way
to go,” says Hussain.
Being dedicated to social respon-
sibility, Aiza feels that in a coun-
try where majority of the popula-
tion lives below the poverty line it
is important to keep giving back
to society in whatever way possi-
ble, monetarily or through more
exclusive campaigns. “For this,
we have done campaigns where
we donate a percentage of 5-15
percent towards flood relief. I do-
nated 50 percent of proceeds for a
couple of months, and in August
last year I donated 100 percent of
my proceeds,” says Hussain.
To bring back the sari, just in-
troducing new styles and mass
marketing is not enough. As Aiza
says with so many women suffer-
ing from colourism, from body
image, etc. we have to be more
mindful of that and should have
more inclusive campaigns. And
this, she says, is her mission.
Rizwana Naqvi is a freelance journalist
and tweets @naqviriz; she can be reached
at naqvi2012rizwana@hotmail.co.uk
All facts and information are the sole
responsibility of the author