Tag: life-stories

  • Royal Visit – Kate, William bid goodbye to Pakistan

    Royal Visit – Kate, William bid goodbye to Pakistan

    Prince William and Kate Middleton, after a short tour of the Army Canine Centre in Rawalpindi, left for the United Kingdom Friday afternoon. The couple was on a five-day visit to Pakistan for the first time.

    They were seen off at the Nur Khan airbase by British High Commissioner Thomas Drew and other officials.

    The couple arrived in Islamabad from Lahore earlier in the day. Their trip to Lahore was initially planned for a day only but stormy weather, rain and lightning played havoc with their schedule and forced the couple and their entire crew to spend the night in PC Hotel Lahore.

    They departed for Islamabad the next morning. Kate looked fresh and lovely in a black and cream embroidered kurta by fashion powerhouse Elan.

    According to the royal reporters who were present on the flight with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the jet flew into the storm and twice had to abort landing at the military base in Islamabad. They said that the unexpected turbulence shook the plane violently and forced everyone, including the aircrew, to strap themselves to their seats.

    Royal reporter Chris Ship added that there were many experienced pilots and aircrew (including Prince William) onboard but every one of them said they had never experienced turbulence like that before.

    Meanwhile, recounting her own experience, Duchess Kate said that though it was “a bumpy ride”, she had enjoyed the “adventure.”

    “I think it was quite an adventure really, it was pretty bumpy up there. But we were looked after so wonderfully by the RAF who did a great job liaising with everyone and got us home safely, so we are hugely grateful to them,” the Duchess said.

    Kate and William were reportedly scheduled to visit Khyber Pass and Landi Kotal (Afghan border) on the last day of their tour but due to their delayed return to Islamabad, their plan had to be cancelled. Instead, they visited the Army Canine Centre in Islamabad, where Britain provides support to a program that trains dogs to identify explosive devices.

    Pictures from the event showed the couple feeding and petting trainee bomb sniffer dogs. Kate looked regal in a black flora coat from Beulah London.

    Kate, who is dog-lover, appears to have had a blast with the canines.

    The couple was also treated to a dog show.

    For all the royal updates from Day 1, 2 and 3 click here, here and here.

  • Royal Visit Day 3 – Kate & William return to Lahore

    Royal Visit Day 3 – Kate & William return to Lahore

    After a jam-packed schedule, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrapped up their visit to Lahore and were expected to head back to Islamabad but due to bad weather in the capital, their plane had to turn back.

    According to details, Kate and William departed for Islamabad but had to return due to bad weather. Reports said that the royal couple will leave for the federal capital in the night if weather turns normal otherwise they will stay at a local hotel in Lahore.

    Kate and William spent the day in Lahore where they had a jam-packed schedule. The couple traced Lady Diana’s footsteps on most of their visit.

    Their last engagement of the day was a visit to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, where they interacted with patients and doctors. The doctor who had given Diana a tour of the hospital gave the Duke and Duchess a tour as well.

    Kate wears a toy tiara as she attends a tea party in the children’s ward

    Late afternoon, they visited Badshahi Masjid where they toured the historic mosque, engaged in an interfaith discussion and listened to a recitation of the Holy Quran.

    Kate wore a sea-green outfit by Maheen Khan for the visit and covered her head as she entered the mosque. The couple also took off their shoes.

    After exploring the capital and the mountainous North, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge landed in the heart of Pakistan – Lahore earlier on Thursday.

    Princess Kate looked elegant in an ivory outfit by Gul Ahmed and a shawl by Maheen Khan.

    The couple was received by Governor Punjab Chaudhry Sarwar and Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar.

    At the airport lounge, they held a brief meeting with Governor Sarwar and CM Punjab who presented them souvenirs. While Sarwar gave the couple a painting, CM Buzdar gifted Kate a shawl.

    After that, they visited the SOS Village on Ferozepur Road where they interacted with orphans and even celebrated a birthday party.

    Kate also gave her first speech of the tour there. She finished her speech by wishing the children in Urdu, and it is the most adorable thing you’ll see today.

    They then went to National Cricket Academy where they played cricket with professional cricketer including Hassan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Sana Mir and Azhar Ali.

    Kate changed from her heels into a pair of sneakers for the game while William also wore a pair of blue joggers.

    For all the royal updates from Day 1 and 2, click here and here.

  • Royal Visit Day 2 – Kate & William explore the mountainous North

    Royal Visit Day 2 – Kate & William explore the mountainous North

    After creating waves and winning hearts on the first day of their visit, the Duke and Duchess began the second day of their trip by heading straight to the beautiful mountainous North of the country.

    On the third day of their five-day visit, Kate and William are visiting the mighty Hindu Kush mountain range to witness the effects of climate change, which is one of the key areas of focus of their visit.

    They arrived in Chitral on a helicopter where they were gifted the traditional Chitrali cap and a book of photos commemorating the trip of Princess Diana, who visited the valley in 1991.

    Upon receiving the book, William remarked “Fantastic,” as he sifted through the pages of the book. The residents also gifted an embroidered coat to the Duke and a shawl to the Duchess.

    The Duchess wore a long taupe-coloured skirt and a darker coloured shirt under a leather vest for the visit. She opted for flat knee-high brown boots and accessoried with gold earrings and a beige pashmina, while William wore a teal shirt and beige chino trousers. People couldn’t help but compare her to Diana.

    The couple then visited the northern tip of the Chiatibo Glacier in Broghil National Park and were shown how it has retreated rapidly in recent years due to global warming. It was the first time the couple had seen a melting glacier.

    Standing between the snowy peaks of the mountain range, the duke said communities “vulnerable to change” needed “more education, more awareness and political action.”

    Following that, they travelled to Bombaret village in Kalash valley, where they interacted with the locals and spent time with children. They also enjoyed performances of traditional dances and music by the local people.

    The Duchess was all smiles as she took part in the festivities.

    A special cultural show, focused on the life in the Northern Areas, was also held for the royal couple.

    After completing their engagements, the couple flew back to Islamabad.

    For all the royal updates from Day 1, click here.

  • Royal Visit Pakistan Day 1: Kate & William arrive in a rickshaw for grand reception

    Royal Visit Pakistan Day 1: Kate & William arrive in a rickshaw for grand reception

    Prince William and Kate Middleton’s maiden tour of Pakistan is in full swing and the two won the hearts of all the countrymen by arriving in a brightly-painted rickshaw for an event hosted by British High Commissioner Thomas Drew and his wife.

    While Kate shimmered in a dress by Jenny Packham, William looked absolutely dapper in a sherwani by Karachi-based designer Naushemian. Kate accessorised her look with bespoke earrings by Onitaa, which were sourced from Pakistan.

    Prince William also addressed the event which had Pakistan’s who’s who – from politicians to entrepreneurs – in attendance.

    He started his speech, which he had penned himself, with a “Shukriya” to the people of the country for a warm welcome, adding that he was enjoying the delicious food here.

    He then said: “For a country so young, Pakistan has endured many hardships, with countless lives lost to terror and hatred. Tonight I want to pay tribute to all those who have endured such sacrifice and helped to build the country that we see today.”

    “The challenges ahead are great. But we cannot be daunted, nor distracted.”

    He continued: “Instead we should draw strength from our shared bonds and heed the words of Muhammed Ali Jinnah as we do so. My message to you all is of hope, courage, and confidence.”

    The royal reception was the last event in their jam-packed schedule.

    The royal couple commenced their trip with a visit to Islamabad Model College for Girls where they interacted with the staff and students and visited classrooms.

    Kate looked stunning in a beautiful custom Periwinkle Silk outfit by designer Maheen Khan. Her nude court shoes were from British high-street brand New Look.

    Following their visit to the school, they went to Trail 5, Margalla to attend an event regarding environmental protection. They also set a leopard camera trap with children.

    After a change in outfit, Kate and William visited Aiwan-e-Sadr where they met with President Arif Alvi and his wife as well as Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his wife.

    Following that, they arrived at the Prime Minister House for a lunch hosted by PM Imran Khan in their honour.

    Kate is wearing trousers by Maheen Khan and a tunic by Catherine Walker, with a scarf by Satrangi and earrings by Zeen.

    Several members of PM Imran’s cabinet were present on the occasion including Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari, Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood, Special Assistant to the PM for Overseas Pakistanis Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari and Special Advisor to PM for Information and Broadcasting.

  • Prince William to honour Diana on Pakistan tour with a special visit

    Prince William to honour Diana on Pakistan tour with a special visit

    With the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, arriving in Islamabad as part of their royal tour of Pakistan, the former will be honouring his late mother and Princess of Wales, Diana, with a special visit.

    The five-day visit to the country — which has been described by Kensington Palace as their “most complex” to date — will see William and Kate attend a series of engagements focusing on security and the effects of climate change beside education for girls and young women.

    According to reports, during the trip that will see the couple visit Islamabad, Lahore, the mountains in the north and regions bordering Afghanistan in the west, the Queen’s grandson will also seek to honour his late mother Princess Diana’s humanitarian work.

    In 1996 and 1997, shortly before she died in a fatal car accident, the princess visited the country to see her friend Jemima Goldsmith and then-husband Imran Khan, who is now the prime minister (PM).

    During the latter trip to Lahore, Diana had helped Imran with raising funds for his Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital.

    William is now due to meet the premier, who he has known since childhood, as well as President Dr Arif Alvi. It is also thought the Duke and Duchess, who have left their three children at home, will see sites visited by the Queen during tours in 1961 and 1997.

    “The duke and duchess will be covering a lot of ground and are keen to put Pakistan back on the map as a country that is now much safer than people expect it to be,” reports quoted a royal source as saying.

    Precise details of the trip — the first royal tour to the country in 13 years after Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall — haven’t been released for security reasons.

  • PICTURES: Royals arrive in Pakistan

    PICTURES: Royals arrive in Pakistan

    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, touched down in Islamabad Monday night on their first official visit to the country.

    The royal couple was welcomed by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, his wife and British High Commissioner in Pakistan Thomas Drew after their airplane landed at the Nur Khan Airbase.

    Kate looked resplendent in a sky blue flowy outfit by Catherine Walker accessorised by earrings and clutch by Zeen.

    Here’s a closeup of the Duchess’ accessories:

    The five-day visit, which will end on October 18, has been organised at the request of the United Kingdom’s (UK) Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The last royal visit was in 2006.

  • Here’s who will be meeting the Royal couple

    Here’s who will be meeting the Royal couple

    With the Royals due in Pakistan, excitement levels in the country are high as everyone waits for the historic moment. Their schedule is being tightly guarded due to security reasons which means we don’t exactly know what is on their itinerary but media and social media has been lit with speculations of their four-day visit.

    Kensington Palace in an official statement had shared that the royal couple’s trip “will range from the modern, leafy capital of Islamabad to the vibrant city of Lahore, the mountainous countryside in the North, and the rugged border regions to the West.”

    UK envoy Thomas Drew said that Kate and William “hope to meet as many Pakistanis as possible during the course of the visit. They are looking forward to building a lasting friendship with the people of Pakistan.”

    While the full guest list has not yet been revealed, here’s who is expected to meet the Duke and Duchess, according to our social media sleuthing:

    Hina Butt

    PML-N MPA Hina Butt, in a Tweet, shared that she will be attending a reception in honour of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Pakistan Monument on Tuesday.

    Maheen Khan

    Fashion designer Maheen Khan recalled Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to Pakistan and said that she looks forward to meeting “TRH the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in person.”

    Khadija Shah

    In response to Maheen’s tweet, Khadija Shah of Elan said that she’ll also be there at the [under wraps] event.

    https://twitter.com/khadijah_shah/status/1183358920796131329?s=20

    Besides, Kate and William are scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Dr Arif Alvi on October 15.

  • Tight security arrangements for Kate & William’s Pakistan visit

    Tight security arrangements for Kate & William’s Pakistan visit

    The day has finally arrived. Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to arrive in Pakistan Monday night and extensive security arrangements have been made for their visit.

    According to The Telegraph, more than 1,000 police officers will be deployed to ensure foolproof security to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Details of the five-day trip, described as “the most complex” by Kensington Palace, have also been kept under wraps. Officials privy to the matter have said their itinerary will be tightly guarded by the military, with local media being informed of details at the last minute.

    The goal of such detailed arrangements is “to secure the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as Pakistan hopes the visit can repair the country’s image.”

    Kensington Palace in a statement, earlier this month, had shared that the royal couple’s trip “will range from the modern, leafy capital of Islamabad to the vibrant city of Lahore, the mountainous countryside in the North, and the rugged border regions to the West.”

    The royal couple is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi on October 15 after which they will visit Lahore and Chitral.

    Meanwhile, UK envoy Thomas Drew has said that the royal couple’s visit would show Pakistan as “a forward-looking country”.

    In a video message on Twitter, Drew said, “Most importantly, they hope to meet as many Pakistanis as possible during the course of the visit. They are looking forward to building a lasting friendship with the people of Pakistan.”

    Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi while speaking on the royal visit said: “This is a goodwill visit, and they want to promote good relations between Pakistan, England and our new generation.”

    Kate and William’s visit to the Commonwealth’s second-most-populous country was announced in June and planned at the request of Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office. It will be the first trip to Pakistan by members of the royal family since Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, travelled there in 2006.

  • Seminary caretaker ‘unleashes’ pet lion on worker

    Seminary caretaker ‘unleashes’ pet lion on worker

    A caretaker of a Shahdara seminary allegedly unleashed his pet lion on an electrician for demanding his wages.

    According to reports, the caretaker of Imambargah Sada-e-Imam Hussain Ali Raza had hired an electrician Mohammad Rafique to do some work at the Imambargah. After Rafique completed his work, he asked Raza to give him his wages but Raza asked him to come some other day.

    Later, the caretaker kept delaying the payment and finally when Rafique insisted, he got annoyed and unleashed his pet lion on him.

    The lion mauled the electrician’s arm and severely wounded him on his face. Rafique suffered multiple injuries in the incident.

    The complainant said that during the attack, the suspect and his three unidentified accomplices watched from aside and did nothing to rescue him. Upon hearing his screams and cries, some passer-bys rushed to the scene and managed to rescue him.

    The police after verifying the details said that a case was lodged against Raza under Section 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code for attempted murder. Though the incident happened more than a month ago, the complainant said he filed a case after the suspect refused to get his wounds treated as per his commitment and denied him the compensation he had been promised.

  • Cafe Rustic – A burger lover’s delight

    Cafe Rustic – A burger lover’s delight

    Nestled in a quiet corner in Shaheen Market, E-7 Islamabad is a tiny eatery called Cafe Rustic. According to the cafe’s Facebook page, the eatery is the “dream mixed with a perfect dash of passion, vision and perseverance” of two foodie friends. With Cafe Rustic, they hope to present a “handcrafted selection” of foods from around the world. Though the eatery has several options on the menu, it is their burgers that really stood out.

    Considering burgers are a staple diet of millennials, it was actually my teenage son who introduced me to this cosy, little cafe. Though I was content with my favourite joints in Islamabad, I decided to give this place a shot and I’ve been a regular ever since.

    I’m not really a big fan of chicken burgers, so I opted for their lamb burger and voila! I was sold. The patty was thick, juicy, with just right amount of toppings. And the best part is that the burger was not sloppy. Lamb burgers are tricky to make and not everyone can get them right, but Cafe Rustic managed to nail it with their offering. The size of the burger is also adequate and leaves you more than full.

    Watch how they make their lamb burger in this video:

    https://www.facebook.com/caferusticislamabad/videos/688691434935829/

    Meanwhile, my friend ordered their chicken burger and he was quite satisfied with it. According to him, the chicken burger was the right amount of juicy and full of flavour – it struck the right balance between mild and spicy – which was a winner. The bun was also great as it didn’t crumble.

    Apart from their burgers, we also tried their fries. Cafe Rustic offers three different types of fries – Halloumi, Green and Sweet Potato – and each one of them has a unique flavour, are absolutely delicious and a must-try. Their Halloumi fries, in particular, are excellent- they are crunchy, fried to perfection, and have an amazing taste.

    Photo Credits – Momina’s Space

    As far as the drinks are concerned, once you’re done eating, you will definitely need their Peshawari Tea to wash down all the food and digest it. Other than that, their coffee is authentic and frothy – absolutely loved it.

    The only problem with the eatery is that it is small and there is not much place to sit which can be a little overwhelming and a nuisance, especially if you’re a bigger crowd.

    Nonetheless, the place is a must-try for everyone who loves their meat and is looking to try some succulent, gourmet burgers. Hope the owners can maintain the standards and their interest in keeping it alive.