From mechanic to maestro, fire dancing reignites Pakistani cancer survivor’s life

The screengrab taken from a video shows fire dancer Zulfiqar Hussain performs at an event in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 22, 2025. (Screengrab/AN)
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Updated 25 January 2025
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From mechanic to maestro, fire dancing reignites Pakistani cancer survivor’s life

  • Zulfiqar Hussain took up art of fire dancing in 1986 to ‘see outer world in a better way’ but says it is now about survival
  • Fire dancing is a dramatic artform in which artists manipulate flames to create striking visual displays before an audience

KARACHI: The crowd jumped up in excitement and applauded as flames erupted from the mouth of Zulfiqar Hussain, illuminating the darkened stage around him. 

Dressed in traditional ‘jangli’ attire with his face painted black, Hussain’s fire dancing performance is both a reflection of his struggle against a life of difficulties and a way to showcase the unique cultural identity of Lyari, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the Pakistani port city of Karachi. 

Fire dancing is a dramatic art form in which performers manipulate flames to create striking visual displays before an audiences or as part of rituals. Originating in Polynesia, it was part of cultural traditions like Samoan fire knife dancing but over time has evolved into global variations such as poi spinning from New Zealand, fire breathing, and baton twirling. In African culture, a fire dance typically represents a connection to the spiritual power of fire, signifying purification, courage and ancestral connection, with many tribes using it in rituals to appease fire deities. 

Modern-day fire performers blend traditional techniques with music and choreography to captivate audiences. In Lyari, dancers wear jungle-themed costumes and paint their faces with watercolors before each performance. They dance to the beat of drums, drawing influences from African tradition.

“The prime thing for me was not Lyari, but I wanted to see the outer world in a better way,” said Hussain, 57, who began fire dancing in 1986 at the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) in Karachi, inspired by his mentor Ibrahim Dada.

For Hussain, the ACP stage was his gateway to the world beyond Lyari, a neighborhood known for its vibrant sports and literary culture but which has also for decades grappled with drug abuse and gang violence.

“Our ancestor, the master of the masters, Malang Charlie, brought this art from Africa in 1947,” Hussain said, saying the blend of African and local traditions had given Lyari’s fire dancing a distinct identity.

The art form has also helped the father of four, who worked most of his life as a mechanic and a driver, fight personal turmoil, including an early-stage cancer diagnosis in 2019. Following a year of treatment, Hussain returned to the stage in 2020, saying his desire to perform again was a source of strength and motivation for healing.

“As long as life is in me, I will keep doing this,” he said.

Hussain, who has performed at weddings and shows across Pakistan and internationally, lamented that the art of fire dancing was “undervalued” in Pakistan.

“In our country, there is no value for such things,” he added.

But despite a lack of recognition, the performer continues to teach others, ensuring the art form survives.

Hussain has mentored a majority of the up to 30 students currently practicing the art in Karachi, with many of them going on to perform on the local and global stage, keeping the flames of the tradition alive.

Abdul Hafeez, 38, one of Hussain’s disciples, said the challenge of being a fire dancer was assuaged by the energy of the audience.

“When people around us feel good, we feel good doing it,” he said. 

But fire dancing is also replete with danger.

“You have to watch the wind, look at the audience, and check the place. Then you have to look at yourself. Only then you have to perform the item,” said Arsalan Majeed, another performer aged 24, describing the careful preparation required ahead of each performance.

Despite precautions, accidents are not uncommon, but the thrill and fulfillment of the art outweigh the risks.

“I’ve had a couple of accidents myself. I was pretty burned at one point,” Majeed confessed. “But it happens, the mind wanders, doesn’t it?“

Hafeez, Hussain’s student, also lamented the “unpredictable” income earned from the art form:

“It’s like air in the pocket. Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it’s not.”

But for Hussain, the fire he dances with symbolizes “the fire of the belly” — the need to survive.

“If there’s no fire in the belly, there’s no need to light this one,” he said, pointing to one of his torches made with cotton gauze. “The fire in the belly is greater, and for that reason, we keep playing with fire.”


Pakistan’s foreign minister discusses humanitarian crisis in Gaza with Malaysian counterpart

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Pakistan’s foreign minister discusses humanitarian crisis in Gaza with Malaysian counterpart

  • Development takes place amid US President Trump’s controversial comments on relocating Palestinians from Gaza
  • Ishaq Dar expresses support for convening OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting to discuss Palestine crisis 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza with his Malaysian counterpart and expressed steadfast support for the Palestinian cause on Monday, the foreign office said in a statement, amid calls by US President Donald Trump to relocate people from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan. 

Dar previously spoke to the foreign ministers of Iran and Egypt on Sunday to drum up support for Palestinians in Gaza. His interactions come after last week’s comments by Trump in which he floated the idea of US administration over Gaza, envisioning rebuilding the devastated territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East” after resettling Palestinians elsewhere, namely Egypt and Jordan.

The remarks have prompted global backlash, mostly from Arab countries who have firmly rejected the proposal and insisted on a two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. 

Dar spoke to Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Hajji Mohamad bin Hajji Hasan over the phone to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the overall situation of the Middle East region, the foreign office said. 

“The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister expressed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their just cause,” the statement said. “He also conveyed Pakistan’s support for the convening of an Extraordinary OIC meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers to discuss this urgent issue.”

The development also takes place ahead of Egypt hosting a summit of Arab nations on Feb. 27 to discuss “the latest serious developments” concerning Palestinian territories, its foreign ministry said on Sunday.

Aid trucks have flooded into Gaza after an uneasy ceasefire between Hamas and Israel began on Jan. 19, raising hopes that the war that led to seismic shifts in the Middle East may be headed toward an end. The truce, however, is fragile. 

Israel has said it won’t agree to a complete withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas’ military and political capabilities are eliminated. Hamas says it won’t hand over the last hostages until Israel removes all troops from the territory.

During the 42-day first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is gradually releasing 33 Israeli hostages captured during its Oct. 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and a flood of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The deal also stipulates that Israeli troops will pull back from populated areas.

In the second phase, all remaining living hostages would be released in return for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and “sustainable calm.” 


England’s Bethell ruled out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy— captain

Updated 10 February 2025
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England’s Bethell ruled out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy— captain

  • Left-handed Jacob Bethell sat out second ODI against India with hamstring injury
  • England call up Somerset batsman Tom Banton on Sunday as cover for injured Bethell

NEW DELHI: Jacob Bethell is set to miss next week’s Champions Trophy after the left-handed batsman sat out the second one-day international against India with a hamstring injury.

The 21-year-old Bethell made 51 in the opening defeat last week, but was missing on Sunday as India took an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series in Cuttack.

The 50-over Champions Trophy begins on Feb. 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.

“I’m pretty sure (Bethell) has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, to be honest,” captain Jos Buttler admitted after England’s four-wicket defeat.

“That’s really disappointing for him. Obviously, he played nicely the other day and has been one of the really exciting players,” he added.

“It’s a shame that injury is going to rule him out.”

England have not made an official statement on Bethell’s status, but they called up Somerset batsman Tom Banton on Sunday as cover.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Banton, 26, was due to arrive in India on Monday and join the England squad for the final match of the series in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

Banton has played in six ODIs, with a top score of 58 and averages 26.80 with the bat.

England’s first match in the Champions Trophy is against World Cup winners Australia on Feb. 22.

Final squads must be submitted by Feb. 12.


On the frontline: Over 300 women officers join Balochistan police amid rising security threats

Updated 10 February 2025
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On the frontline: Over 300 women officers join Balochistan police amid rising security threats

  • Female officers will participate in snap checking of vehicles, conduct investigations and carry out raids
  • They completed seven-month training alongside their male colleagues, including intense shooting practice

QUETTA: In the heart of Quetta’s Fayaz Sumbal Shaheed Police Lines, 24-year-old Nimra Muhammad Suleman stands poised among over two dozen female police officials, all preparing for their morning parade.

Having completed a rigorous seven-month training in January at the Police Training College on Quetta’s outskirts, Suleman is driven by a singular purpose: serving and protecting the women and children of Balochistan’s conservative tribal society.

Pakistan’s largest province in terms of landmass, the country’s southwestern region of Balochistan has long grappled with security challenges, with separatist groups intensifying their insurgency in recent years, notably by employing female suicide bombers.

Two years ago, a 30-year-old mother of two blew herself up at Karachi University, killing a group of Chinese academics to avenge Beijing’s decision to jointly undertake infrastructure and energy projects with Pakistan.

The collaboration did not sit well with separatist Baloch outfits, who accuse Pakistan of exploiting the province’s natural resources without benefiting the local population— an allegation denied by successive governments, which say they are carrying out development projects to improve people’s quality of life.

Given the changing nature of the threat, law enforcement agencies have also inducted more female officials in recent years.

“We are not lady constables,” Suleman said while speaking to Arab News on Friday. “We are police officers, and we can do everything by standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our male colleagues, including protecting women and children and countering terrorism.”

Security personnel stand guard outside the Fayaz Suambal Shaheed Police Lines in Quetta, Pakistan, on February 7, 2025. (AN Photo)

The recent graduation of over 1,600 cadets from the Police Training College, including 386 women from 32 districts, marks a transformative moment for Balochistan’s security.

“In other areas such as Punjab and Sindh, [women] police constables were in higher proportion. And now in Balochistan, a very large batch has passed out this time,” she continued. “We will now be equal [in terms of our strength] to Punjab and Sindh.”

Nimra Muhammad Suleman (center) a police cadets, marches at the Fayaz Suambal Shaheed Police Lines in Quetta, Pakistan, on February 7, 2025. (AN Photo)

According to the provincial police department, the newly graduated women police officers have completed various training sessions alongside their male colleagues, including intense shooting practice and lessons on sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Now, female officers will also take part in snap checking of vehicles, conduct investigations and carry out raids against suspected criminals.

“When I was posted here in 2014, the total strength of women police personnel was 32, but as crime rates against women increased, the department raised the number to over 500,” said Station House Officer Zarghoona Kakar who trained Suleman and her batch.

“From now on, women will be seen everywhere in Balochistan because the time has changed when women police officers were limited to raids and office work,” she added.

The integration of these female officers comes at a critical juncture. In 2024 alone, Balochistan reported nearly 40 attacks against its police force, resulting in 25 fatalities and 61 injuries.

For many of these newly inducted officers, joining the police force required overcoming societal and familial hurdles. Javeriya Sarwar, another graduate, emphasized the importance of parental support.

Javeriya Sarwar (first right) and Nimra Muhammad Suleman (left) stand guard for a regular parade at the Fayaz Sumbal Shaheed Police Lines in Quetta, Pakistan, on February 7, 2025. (AN Photo)

“Many people in Balochistan have a negative mindset toward sending their daughters to the police department, but girls should join the police force since it provides us the opportunity to serve the masses,” she said.

Initially, Sarwar’s father was hesitant about her career choice, but she persuaded him to allow her to pursue her passion for policing.

“A man in uniform can sacrifice his life for the country,” she said. “With Balochistan being plagued by terrorism, it was my passion to sacrifice everything for the police force and Pakistan.”


Pakistani restaurants showcase culinary expertise, artistic creativity at Riyadh Food Festival 

Updated 10 February 2025
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Pakistani restaurants showcase culinary expertise, artistic creativity at Riyadh Food Festival 

  • Food festival organized from Feb. 5-9 featured prominent Pakistani restaurants, country’s iconic truck art
  • Pakistani embassy in Riyadh says event provided “excellent opportunity” for country to promote food industry

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani restaurants showcased their culinary expertise and artistic creativity during the five-day Riyadh Food Festival in Saudi Arabia, a statement from Pakistan’s embassy in the Kingdom said on Sunday, offering visitors from across the world a taste of the country’s cuisines and delicacies. 

The festival, which was held from Feb. 5-9 under the patronage of the Culinary Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, brought together diverse culinary traditions and cultural experiences from around the world, with Pakistan making a significant impact through its rich flavors and vibrant artistic heritage, the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh said. 

Among other outlets, Pakistan was represented at the festival by three prominent restaurants--Zouq Nihari, Lahore Village and Tikka Masala. 

“Visitors had the opportunity to indulge in traditional delicacies and an array of delectable Pakistani street food, all of which received an enthusiastic response from food lovers in Riyadh,” the embassy said. 

A Pakistani kiosks called "Lahori Village" is pictured at Riyadh Food Festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 6, 2025. (Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia)

It said Pakistan’s pavilion at the festival also featured two dedicated retail kiosks showcasing the country’s culinary and artistic brilliance. Mehran Foods, a leading name in Pakistani spices, set up a display of its premium spice range, offering visitors a chance to experience Pakistan’s “bold and aromatic flavors.” 

A special kiosk dedicated to Pakistan’s iconic truck art was also set up at the festival. It featured intricately designed truck art wares such as hand-painted decorative pieces, household items and souvenirs. 

“A live painting demonstration by skilled Pakistani truck artists further captivated audiences, allowing visitors to witness the meticulous craftsmanship and cultural storytelling embedded in this unique art form,” it said. 

A painter paints a truck at Riyadh Food Festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 6, 2025. (Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia)

“The enthusiastic response from visitors underscores the growing appreciation for Pakistani cuisine and craftsmanship in Saudi Arabia,” Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia said in a statement. 

The embassy said the festival provided an excellent opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen its cultural ties with Saudi Arabia while promoting its food industry and artistic heritage to a wider audience. 

“The Embassy of Pakistan remains committed to fostering deeper cultural exchanges between the two nations and looks forward to future collaborations that showcase Pakistan’s rich traditions on the international stage,” it said. 


Pakistan president in Lisbon to condole death of Aga Khan IV

Updated 10 February 2025
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Pakistan president in Lisbon to condole death of Aga Khan IV

  • Prince Karim Aga Khan IV passed away at age of 88 last week in Lisbon 
  • Asif Ali Zardari to meet Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari is in Portugal’s capital Lisbon to offer his condolences on the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, state-run media reported on Monday. 

The late Aga Khan, who led the global Ismaili community for nearly seven decades, passed away last week at the age of 88. His death was announced by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili religious community.

A private funeral service took place at the Ismaili community center in Lisbon on Saturday, attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Spaincs King Emeritus Juan Carlos, Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. He was laid to rest on Sunday at a private ceremony in Aswan, Egypt.

“President Asif Ali Zardari is set to meet Prince Rahim Agha Khan in Lisbon, Portugal,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said. “During the meeting, he will extend his condolences on the passing away of late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.”

The Pakistani president will also meet his Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa during his trip to the country, the state media said. 

Following the late Aga Khan’s passing, his eldest son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, 53, was named the Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the community, in accordance with his father’s will.

The AKDN, founded by the late Ismaili leader, has been instrumental in various development projects in Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions. Initiatives such as the Aga Khan Rural Support Program have focused on poverty alleviation, health care, education and cultural preservation, significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of these areas.

The Ismaili community in Pakistan, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, has benefited from these initiatives, which have also had a positive impact on the national economy through improved infrastructure and human development.