about deja vu
The editorial board is proud to present to you the sixth
edition of déjà vu (2020-2021). We have worked tirelessly
with faculty advisors and the admin to produce this
edition to commemorate the student body’s time spent
on campus.
Our magazine this year is based on the themes of
contemporary and modern art. Through the content
published, we have tried to bring together students’
writings and various forms of art, and to provide them
with a platform to voice their opinions and share
creations.
We hope you enjoy reading this edition, and continue to
take pride in the fact that we were able to carry the
legacy forward, despite some very uncertain times faced
during the academic year.
To give us any feedback, email us:
editorialboard.opf@gmail.com
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Contents
editorial notes
notes from the admin
behind the scenes
the executive council
student council
accolades 2020-2021
university placements
interview with rahat fateh khan
opf mun'20
triathlon'20
lahore literary festival
auratnama
life at opf
perspective playlist
themed days at opf
student initiatives
an ode to palestine
letters to jt
a level farewell
senior quotes
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page 3
page 24
page 29
page 32
page 37
page 46
page 50
page 70
page 83
page 86
page 90
page 99
page 146
page 160
page 174
page 182
page 188
page 204
page 209
page 217
Chief Editor
AANIAH AHMED
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Well, here we are. Little did I know writing this
piece will turn
out to be harder than actually having to curate
the entire magazine. To be fairly honest, there is a
loss of words at this point & I truly feel
dumbfounded, but for the sake of this magazine,
I’d want to do this one last time.
I still remember how intimidated I felt by the
idea of a virtual e-magazine. The confirmation by
the admin that this edition will not be able to
make it to a hard copy form shattered me.
However, since you’re viewing this copy in PDF
right now, I guess that it did pan out for us!
This year, the editorial board has witnessed some
tremendously unprecedented times, dealing with
uncertainty at every step of the process. Yet, my
team has been able to deal with all that was
thrown their way. To the board: I am genuinely
so incredibly proud of each one of you. You all
have made it this far while carrying the legacy
that Déjà Vu holds, & I hope you continue to
take pride in this edition for the years to come.
I would especially like to thank Zahra Basil for
being such a big support; this edition would not
have been able to make it at all without her.
Thank you for being you, Zahra. I am also
forever grateful for having met Aimen & Famia,
who have not only contributed a vast range of
ideas to this magazine, but have also turned out
to be the most supportive people I know. I have
been greatly impressed by the way Aneesa has
taken the lead in the Urdu section of this edition.
It is truly commendable.
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Ansa, if you’re reading this, I hope you know that you have the
most contagious smile ever, & it has been an absolute pleasure
having you on board. Lastly, to someone who has not only been my
editor for this tenure of the magazine, but has also successfully
filled in my void of not having a sister: Mariyam, I do not have the
words to thank you, so I will leave it here. I just hope you know
how much you mean to me & to this edition.
With this parting note, I will continue to remember your sisterhood for a lifetime.
With this, here’s to the sixth edition of Déjà Vu; to us, to you, & to this campus that
has been home. Happy reading!
Lots of love & warmth,
Signing off,
Aaniah Ahmed
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English Editor
AIMEN ANIS
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Hello to you, about to flick through the pages
of this year's Déjà Vu, and thank you very much
for doing so!
When I wrote my first editorial note as an
English co-editor, I desperately searched
through previous years' notes for inspiration
and looked up 'deep, meaningful quotes' online
to try to work into the opening because it felt
like I had nothing I could say. Two years later, I
have the opposite problem, but I'm trying to
keep it brief and relevant. I'm pretty sure I've
failed already.
2020-2021. Yikes. What a year. The pandemic
has brought about as many changes to the
magazine as it has to the school year. I don't
think any of us expected our time with the
magazine to take the turns it did when we first
began as an editorial board, from conducting
virtual interviews to rarely being able to have all
seven members in the same room. This year's
magazine is consequently unique in many ways,
a product of both ambition and circumstance.
In hindsight, I wouldn't have it any other way,
both in spite of and because of the obstacles
placed in our path. Working on the sixth
edition of Déjà Vu has been nothing short of
exciting and rewarding, an experience which is
owed greatly to the amazing people I shared it
with.
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I can't even begin to articulate how proud I am of the others, or how
grateful to them. To Mariyam, whose photography skills and
inventory of ideas have been indispensable. Ansa, who has politely
laughed at every terrible joke I've thrown her way, and Aneesaendlessly contributive; quietly efficient. My fellow editors on the
English side of things-where do I begin? With Famia's meticulous and
dedicated approach to every task she faced? Or the quite frankly terrifying
efficiency with which Zahra ploughed through the mountain of work we had
like it was nothing? You two were far better co-editors than you had any right
to be, really. And of course, to Aaniah, our chief editor, thank you for your
infinite patience and constant unquestioned support. This magazine would
have been a truly different one without you in charge.
I can't help but recognise the familiarity with which I write this note, in stark
contrast with the hesitant formality I tried to express myself with as a co-editor.
It feels as though I'm personally addressing the you who will go on to read
through the rest of the magazine, or the team I helped organise it with, or the
me a few years from now who might remember what she took part in someday
and read through this note again with the same nostalgic sickness I recently read
my previous one.
Whoever this 'you' may be, I hope you take the time to appreciate, whether for
the first or tenth time, the effort placed into this year's Déjà Vu as with every
year, from the various issues discussed in interviews and thought pieces, to the
enormous creativity and talent made manifest in these pages through
contributions from our school's students. With that said, I can only leave you
to it.
Happy reading!
Aimen
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FAMIA HUMAYUN
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With the ‘to study or not to study’ debate
circling my mind for the nth time, I sit down to
write this note, in hopes of reminiscing over the
past few months of working with team Déjà Vu,
and bringing to you some behind the scenes of
this exhilarating venture.
The idea of designing a full-fledged magazine
always amused me, and so, my becoming part of
the editorial board was pre-meditated and well
executed in the 5 months that followed, postdiscovery of the existence of this council
position. I started texting the then co-editors,
with questions about the position and the
requirements for the successful fulfillment of it.
Fast forward to February 2020, I got the post
along with an un-wanted but much needed
realization of the work that had to go along with
it.
With the very first (unfortunately virtual)
meeting of the editorial board, I knew I was in
the right place. Our conversations ranged from
discussing potential themes of the magazine to
the highly anticipated release of Elite’s new
season, and that is one of the many things that
kept us motivated and woven together
throughout this process. It was never “oh
another boring meeting that I’m being forced
to attend”, but always “oh wow another chance
to converse with the dream team!” All the ties
that we developed throughout the past 9
months are reflective in our brainchild, the
Déjà Vu 2021 edition.
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We have put our hearts, our souls, and much of our laptops’
storage into this magazine.
Everything was going smoothly and we were all excited for the
forthcoming events and ways we could potentially include them
in the magazine, but alas!
Enter Covid
And such was the dramatic entry of a pandemic, into our previously mundane
lives. Everything changed. There was utter confusion and chaos- schools got closed,
exams cancelled, everything shut down. It would be wrong to say our magazine did
not initially suffer. All initial plans faced alterations, and everything had to be put
on pause so we as humans could make peace with the fact that a global virus had
become our new enemy, and that we all had to unite against it.
With Covid though, came uniqueness for our magazine. There have been many
firsts for this particular issue, and I am extremely thrilled to bring to the readers,
the magazine encapsulating what many refer to as “The Covid Year”. This year’s
magazine is all about community, about adjustments, about learning to fight
through the adversities, and about valuing the little things in life. This has been
nothing short of an awe-inspiring journey.
To end this note, some shoutouts: to Aaniah for being her amazing self and for
contributing her alluring aesthetics to the magazine, to Aimen for being super
cooperative and considerate, to Zahra for letting me annoy her with 2am texts, to
Mariyam for her brilliant photography skills, to Aneesa for her phenomenal editing
skills, and to Ansa for being the cutie of the team! A special mention for miss
Summer, for taking us under her wings and guiding us every step of the way. Love
you folks with all my heart!
Lastly, to the next editorial board, this is going to be one rip-roaring train ride. So,
fasten your seat belts, and be prepared to savor every moment to its fullest!
With dhair saara pyaar,
Aapki aspiring retiree,
Famia
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ZAHRA BASIL
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Can you believe we’ve made it here, the end of
the school year? As I stare at my blank Word
document, I am overcome with a strange
amalgamation of emotions, which I’m struggling
to articulate. So please bear with me as I take you
down memory lane!
When I first read the list of the available council
posts, I knew, immediately, that this post was
the one for me. It was only after I submitted the
application form that I was met with an old, notso-dear friend: the existential crisis. “Do I have
the ability to contribute to the memoir that is
Déjà Vu? Am I qualified enough for this post?
Am I worthy?” And just like that I wielded the
Mjolnir! Not that the process of producing this
magazine was any less strenuous or empowering,
for that matter.
The vicissitudes of this year need no
introduction. Whilst I would have previously
claimed that COVID-19 robbed me of my
editorial experiences, I can now express, with
utter gratification, that, instead, it bestowed
upon me an experience that was eccentric and
thus, all the more enriching. An experience I had
never anticipated before- the apex of my
schoolyear-from partaking in some mild law
breaking to morphing into an “editing
machine”, as Aimen so eloquently put. I also had
the opportunity to witness too many
“stimulating” conversations like
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“I’m so cranky, I could eat someone and to get (virtually) acquainted
with some of the most inspirational individuals- the true masters of
their crafts. Creating every single page of Déjà Vu was a labour of
love and so each page has an aspect of our personalities morphed
into it, encapsulating the tears of joy, exhaustion and fulfilment that
we shed.
S peaking of our personalities, this feels like the right time to express my thanks to
m y team. Aaniah. Mariyam. Aimen. Famia. Aneesa. Ansa. I wouldn’t trade the
memories we made together for a million dollars (ten million and we’ve got a
deal)! The wholesome and unflinching sisterhood, that we established evokes
within me a profound sense of gratitude. Thank you to Aaniah for leading our
team with such perseverance, and for constantly hyping us up. Thank you to
Aimen who so patiently averted the array of crises I sent her way and thank you to
Famia who elevated the magazine immensely with her remarkable ideas. Mariyam,
Aneesa and Ansa, I am truly enamoured by how impeccably you have
constructed the Urdu section. Lastly, thank you to my sister, who spent many
sleepless nights assisting me in completing my multitude of tasks, even if, at the
end, she would take all the credit just to get some validation from my mom!
Here’s hoping we were able to uphold the legacy that our predecessors set, and to
wishing our successors good luck.
Khuda Hafiz!
Until we meet again,
Zahra
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Urdu Editor
MARIYAM TALIB
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Urdu Co- Editor
ANEESA FARHAN
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‫ے‬
‫‪20‬‬
Urdu Co- Editor
ANSA ZAINAB
20
‫آپ‪،‬وجاِسزگیمنیوکڑپےنھےگلںیہ‪،‬آپ وکالسم!‬
‫اِساسلےکےبملےبملونسٹاور رساپھکےنواےلااحتمنےکدعبیھبارگآپ ہی‬
‫ڑپھرےہںیہ‪،‬وتآپ اکتہبتہبرکشہی‪،‬ںیمآپ یکتہبداددیتیوہں۔‬
‫ےبکش‪،‬ہیڈڑیھاسلااہتنیئبیجعورغبیاھتنکیلمہےنیسکہنیسکرطےقی‬
‫ےساِوکسہہسایلاوررسگنوکاپررکےکروینشڈوھڈنیل۔‬
‫اڈیوٹیرلیوبرڈ ‪۲۰۲۰‬ےس‪۲۱‬اکرفسیھبھچکااسییہاھت۔ےلھچپاسولںےستہب‬
‫فلتخمادنازںیمںیمہبسھچکرکانڑپا۔وروچلزگنٹیمےسےلےکاوکسل‬
‫یکھچکوحملںیکربسکیںیمےنلمکتہیبسوھتڑا لکشماھتنکیلتہبرُپفطل‬
‫اورزمدیاررجتہباھت۔‬
‫رکوانوارئسیکوہجےسمہتہبیسزیچںیوھکےئگنکیلاےکساسھتاسھتںیمہ‬
‫ےئناوررتہبراےتسرظنآےئجنکواانپےکمہےناکیاشدناراڈینشیانبای۔ان‬
‫دو اسولںںیموہےنوایلامہرقتابیتاوراسملئہپاضمنیمےسےلےک‬
‫اپاتسکنیکبسےسدنسپدیہایصخشتےکاسھتپگپشکتاساڈینشی‬
‫ںیمبساشلمےہ۔ادیمےہہکآپ وکڑپھرکزمہآےئاگ۔‬
‫ولعمامتاوررجتےبےکاسھتاسھتاسوپٹسےنےھجمےئندوتسانبےن‬
‫اکاورےلھچپدووتسںےکاسھتاقلعتتوبضمطرکےناکومعقیھبدای۔اوران‬
‫‪22‬‬
‫دووتسںےناینپاکھتنتنہمےسہیزگیمنیآپ کتاچنہپای۔انںیمےسبسےسےلہپںیمآہیناکرکش‬
‫ادا رکاناچوہںیگسجےنتہبیہوخوصبرت ادنازےساسوپرےراےتسوکاھبنسالاوررہزنملہپربس‬
‫یست‬
‫اوروحےلصےکاسھتریمیدمدیک۔اینتیہایپری تیصخش‪،‬نجےسںیمےناانپا ھینکیھبوچری‬
‫ایک‪،‬رممیںیہوہنجںےناردو نشکیسوکااھبرےنےکےئلرہنکمماکمایک۔اہسینےنیھبزگیمنیںیم‬
‫اھکنرالےنےکےئل اےنپبسےسرتہبنیاورامکلآڈیئایزشیپےئکاورریمیدمدےکےئلیھبرہوتقاحرضریہ۔‬
‫اےنتیہامہارگنزیینشکیسیکرسرباہ‪،‬انمی‪،‬اکیھبںیمتہبرکشزگاروہںویکہکناسےناےنپدمعہاطلفئاور زگیمنیانبےنےک‬
‫یلی‬
‫اسھتاسھتریمےےستہبیسر نینلابںیتیھبںیکاورےھجموحہلصدایہکریمےاسیجوکیئاور یھبےہ۔افایم‪،‬وکسجںیمتہب‬
‫رعےصےساجیتنوہں‪،‬ےناینپہشیمہیکرطحیکتنہمےکاسھتاساڈینشیوکیھبدمعہانبایاوراساسلےکوبرڈ وکریمےےئل‬
‫اکیوافقیسوابئدی۔آرخنکیلرتمکںیہن‪،‬زارہہ!زارہہےناینپریحتازیگناوروخوصبرت ڈزیاگننئےسانرصفےھجم‬
‫اریپسننشیدی ہکلباساسلےکزگیمنیںیموجوکیئیمکیھتاُےسوپرا رکڈاال۔ںیمسمزوہیباورسمرمساکیھبتہبرکشادا رکان‬
‫اچوہںیگویکہکناوہنںےنرہدقمرپامہری دمدیک‪،‬امہرا اسھتدایاورںیمہرہرطحےسآاسیناچنہپیئ۔سمزوہیباورسمرمس‪،‬آےکپ‬
‫ریغبہیزگیمنینبیہںیہناتکساھت!‬
‫اسزگیمنیوکانبےنںیممہےناانپوخنہنیسپاکیایک‪،‬اسےئلآپ یھباےسایہنزجابتےکاسھتڑپےئھاگ۔ادیمےہہکآپ وک‬
‫ااھچےگل۔ایسےکاسھتںیمیتلچوہںاورآپ وکاکیرُپفطلرگویمںیکویٹھچںاکہنیہمابمرک!اےلگاسلےتلمںیہ!‬
‫‪signing off,‬‬
‫‪your urdu co-editor,‬‬
‫‪ansa‬‬
‫‪23‬‬
NOTES FROM THE
ADMINISTRATION
24
THE PRINCIPAL
DR. ROBEENA TAHIR
We have come to the end of a very challenging year. I know we hoped for better things,
better days, better opportunities to show our potential but one must always try to look for
the silver lining and this year, the silver lining has been you; my students, my faculty, my
team who have proven that we are all in this together.
Like every year LGS OPF GIRLS continue to strive for excellence in all fields. Although we
had limited opportunities I know that all of you pushed the boundaries to make the most of
this year.
I look forward to this year's edition of 'Deja Vu' which I am sure is a testament to your
commitment, passion and perseverance..
I would like to congratulate the Editorial Board for producing yet another excellent edition of
Deja Vu' despite all the challenges and difficulties faced during the Covid Pandemic.
All of you have done us proud! Well done!
Happy reading.
Dr. Robeena Tahir
Principal
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It’s time to bid farewell…!
Dear All,
Leaving LGS OPF is the hardest feat that I have ever done.
The Senior Girls Branch was initiated in 2012 enthusiastically with extraordinaire objectives. Initially, just like any
other new venture, it received its share of skepticism and doubts, questioning its sustenance, which were
dissolved within the initial few years.
The foundation of an all Girls Programme was laid keeping in view a specific stratum of the society who is more
closely glued to their values and ethos. The challenge was huge, indeed; but with the dedication and devotion of the
entire team of JT Girls we made it a roaring success; and now it’s been 9 years of unending hard work, loyalty and
unfaltering determination that we stand tall.
Despite all odds we not only survived but we have won our place in the competition with all the existing and
established educational institutions. Alhamdulillah...
Looking back at this journey I feel it was the most rewarding yet a challenging one, nevertheless, on the way I have
developed the most beautiful relationships with whom I not only discovered my latent potentials but who also helped
me grow personally and professionally as well.
Lastly, I must say bidding farewell to LGS OPF is not at all easy as it constitutes a major part of my life and success.
I would like to thank everyone at OPF Girls and wish them success and good luck. I will surely miss you all …
Thank you.
Abida Manzur
A Level Vice Principal
A-LEVEL VICE PRINCIPAL
MS.ABIDA MANZUR
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A LEVEL CO-ORDINATOR
MS.SABAHAT MAZHAR
I am very enthusiastic about becoming a part of the LGS OPF Team. It is not only an educational
institution but, surely, it is an opening to great possibilities.
LGS OPF, a world of opportunities, not only prepares its students for academic excellence
but it also motivates and empowers them by giving a holistic view of life. Therefore, the
students are highly appreciated for their participation in co-curricular and extracurricular
activities along with their commitment to curriculum.
Undoubtedly, the School Magazine is a compilation of immense efforts and endless
dedication by the Editorial Board and the entire student body. It provides a platform for all.
and stimulates their imagination as well as arouses their creativity and thus brings out the
originality in their work.
It gives me immense pleasure to witness that, despite all odds in the last one year of COVID, our
students’ dedication and commitment never wavered. They surpassed all the hurdles and
uncertainties working with relentless determination proving that the school has prepared them
well for the practical life challenges.
Hoping to begin yet another exciting and cheerful new academic year with more zeal and zest.
Best wishes
Sabahat Mazhar
A Level Coordinator
27
LGS OPF’s annual magazine, DÉJÀ VU, serves as a memoir; allowing us to reminisce
the past year. Moreover, it provides a platform of expression to our students,
allowing them to showcase multitudes of their skills. It is a symbol of the excellence
our girls strive for, and subsequently accomplish each year. This year too, our girls
have managed to surpass our expectations and needless to say we are extremely
proud of them.
Despite the array of challenges the onset of Covid-19 brought us- we managed to pull
off our mega events; Triathlon’20 and OPF MUN. The success of such extracurricular
activities as well as the academic success is a testament to the power of dedication
and persistence. With this, I'd like to acknowledge the hardworking Editorial Board
for producing such a marvellous magazine, even in the face of such adversity.
Here's to hoping for a better tomorrow and for being grateful for having made it thus
far.
Thank you,
O Level Vice Principal,
Yasmeen Shahid.
O-LEVEL VICE PRINCIPAL
MS.YASMEEN SHAHID
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EDITORIAL BOARD
behind the scenes
29
30
31
EXECUTIVE
COUNCIL'S
NOTES
THE
TRIFECTA
OF FATIMAS
32
HEAD GIRL
SYEDA FATIMA SIKANDAR
I had never imagined that high-school would end in the middle of a pandemic,
without proper goodbyes, mandatory last day photo snaps, or any sense of closure. My
memory of my high-school experience is fading away, and I am worried that it will
soon disappear. All of us have been divorced from the "normal" experience of highschool for way too long now. Perhaps, this is the reason I, surprisingly, initially
struggled to write this note, often finding myself blankly staring at an empty google
document. However, I soon realised that this note may be my only chance to say a
proper goodbye to high-school for one final time.
When I first walked into the red-bricked building of JT, eager to start my "high-school"
journey, I was sure I would sit in every subject's class, do my homework on time and
work hard for my tests. This was the naive and simplistic perception I had of what highschool entailed. But high-school was so much more; it was the canteen's greasy fries, it
was waiting outside Miss Abida's office for eternity, it was overcoming the challenges
that I never thought I would, it was those enthusiastic discussions with Miss Summer, it
was making mistakes in O-levels and laughing at them in A-levels. And most
importantly, it was the incredible people that I met here!
Last year was, perhaps, the most challenging year for our community. I want to take a
moment to appreciate the fantastic spirit that people in this school brought to my life
and this school. Miss Kinzaah's thought-provoking classes instilled a sense of purpose in
our academic endeavours. Mis Momina's immense compassion and empathy for others
inspired a complete new outlook on life. Dr Robeena Tahir's constant support and
encouragement helped us remain connected to our community. Like multiple tributaries
flowing in one river to create an insurmountable force, each person brought so much
integrity and passion in our community that inspired us to live with courage during one
of our most trying times.
I am excited to start a new phase of my life, avail new opportunities, and explore
new interests. But JT will always have a piece of my heart. I wish this school all
the best and I am excited to see the community at JT reach new heights and
shine brighter under the incredible leaderships of DR Tahir, Miss Abida,
Miss Yasmeen, and Miss Sabahat!
33
DEPUTY HEAD GIRL
FATIMA TU ZAHRA
When I first arrived at LGS OPF my steps were uncertain as to where to proceed. Who knew
that a girl with no friends at all would end up with a bunch of amazing peers surrounding
her?After devoting 13 invaluable years of my life to my previous school, coming to LGS was
not undemanding. It took a lot of courage and endurance, that certainly paid off.
At first, a lot of people told me to reconsider going to a new school, including my mates,
mentors and the administration. They warned me that I would be bullied, unable to make
friends and adjust to an entirely new atmosphere. My father on the other hand was
determined to get me enrolled here because it was his utmost desire to do so. To be quite
honest, deep in my heart, I did not want to move here and rather preferred to glue myself to
my existing friends while remaining in my comfort zone- but my father’s passion proved to
be the absolute driving force.
After two years, I can confidently state that this was one of the most satisfactory decisions
of my life. Getting into LGS OPF did not only modify me as an individual but prepared me
to comprehend the practicalities of life. Having to speak to strangers, living outside of the
bubble of convenience, and striving to adapt to a new environment equipped me for a lot.
The same pupils are now extremely near to my heart, the same surroundings now feel like
home, and this is my real solace. When I came to this institute, I was timid and weak but, as
I am about to graduate, I am strong and self-reliant. I have with me abundle of wholesome
remembrances that I will forever cherish.
I did spend the initial days in isolation; I used to weep for hours when I reached home.
However, that sorrow was ultimately replaced by total contentment. When I was chosen as
the Deputy Head Girl, I was more than convinced that this school did not see me as an
outsider; once you walk into this edifice, you are a significant part of its community; you
belong here.
Today, I am grieved that it will all end soon. My incredibly dear friend Sehar,
who was one of the reasons I arrived grinning, and of course every person who
entered my life and helped me build a refined version of myself will be missed
immensely. I am grateful to this institute for doing so much for me and
asking for nothing in return. I owe you!
34
SENIOR PREFECT
FATIMA MANSOOR PAL
Just a few months ago, when we welcomed the 9s to the Senior Campus, the realisation
hit me- that the most precious time of my life was coming to an end. They looked at
me the way I looked at my seniors, with admiration and the hope to be like them
some day. But it all looked like a dream, really far away from what I thought I had the
potential to be. 4 years later as I write the farewell note as a member of the executive
council I feel so honoured, yet all of this feels surreal.
I can’t possibly say that this year has been easy for anyone considering what covid had
to offer. But personally as a Senior Prefect it has been extremely tough and testing. I
remember the first time the school opened after the lockdown, for 2 weeks straight I
was reporting to the school at 7:30 am with my tiger force :D (the DC and the Prefects)
Previously we had to ensure discipline; if correct uniform was worn or if anyone had
mobile phones but now it was all of this + if social distancing was maintained, masks
were on and if everything had been sanitised properly. I had to cope with irritation
of the O’ level students whenever I said “mask uper karo” or when I would disrupt A’
level’s photo shoots in the hall with “please door door hojao”.But in all honesty now
that I am still struggling with it and look back at all of it I would not want anyone
else here but myself.
Alongside the struggles we still had an eventful year to look back at. Managing two
mega events; Opf MUN and Triathlon completely online was the most challenging for
the executive council. We had sessions for the 9s, their welcome, Inter House
competitions, theme days, cricket matches, Genenv sessions and so much more. And to
make everything possible I can only thank the HG and the Deputy, the entire council,
my 18 helpful and cooperative A level prefects and 5 extremely obedient and
understanding DC members.
Now that I have talked about my duties and responsibilities let’s talk about the part I
have been avoiding the most - leaving. No matter how many times I have used this
statement but I will say it one last time (ouch) that OPF is my home. A place where I
have had my friends wrapped around me laughing at the stupidest oa bahi meme or a
day where nothing is happening right. The place where I have had my set of
heartbreaks but the right people around to encourage me, love me and tell me I
deserve better. And now that it is ending I fear the hollowness that it’ll leave within me
forever.
35
I wasn’t sure if A’ levels would offer me the same love that the O’ level’s teachers
and Miss Yasmeen did but fortunately, I was wrong. Sir Rauf is easily my
favourite admin member who has always opened his office to me, with a big
smile on his face and heard my rants and saved me from switching Miss Sabahat’s
and Miss Abida’s offices. I learnt that Miss Robeena indeed isn’t good with names
when she couldn’t even remember a single of the Fatimas let alone three when I
saw my name saved as SP in her phone. I have a guilty confession to make here
over how I found Miss Abida really similar to my mom and when my mom was
away in Denmark, I used to visit her office more often even when I had nothing
to talk about. (Sorry miss!!)
Entering the campus every day with academic stress, university complications
and council duties, a 2 minute chat with uncle Dildar would make everything look
easy. Uncles and Aya jees treating us like their own children and gave us our dose
of daant every time we used our council sashes to get away with using the faculty
stairs. I discovered a second home. A home where my problems were shared and I
was heard. A home away from home!
Sitting in the lobby as I see the names of the former Senior Prefects right in
front of me, thinking of the great things they have done for this school and our
society as a whole, I am truly honored that my name will be amongst such
strong and resilient women. Safe to say that whatever I have become or
whatever I will do in life, I owe it to this place that gave 14 year old Fatima the
courage to dream big from Day 1.
One last time.
Fatima
Mansoor Pal
With love,
Senior Prefect
36
SESSION 2020-2021
THE
COUNCIL
37
HEAD GIRL
FATIMA SIKANDAR
CHIEF EDITOR
aaniah ahmed
URDU CO EDITOR
ansa zainab
DEPUTY HEAD GIRL
FATIMA tuz zahra
URDU EDITOR
mariyam talib
ENGLISH EDITOR
aimen anis
38
SENIOR PREFECT
FATIMA mansoor pal
URDU CO EDITOR
aneesa farhan
ENGLISH CO EDITOR
zahra basil
ENGLISH CO EDITOR
famia humayun
EAGLE CAPTAIN
eeman khubaib
SWIFT VICE
areesh saeed
KESTREL CAPTAIN
noor fatima
EAGLE VICE
fatima asim
FALCON VICE
shanzay khan
39
KESTREL VICE
emaan aziz
SWIFT CAPTAIN
zuha habib
SPORTS PRESIDENT
emaan masood
ARTS PRESIDENT
fatima tahir
PHOTOGRAPHY VICE
syeda vania hassan
DANCE PRESIDENT
sehar salim
MUSIC PRESIDENT
palwasha mailk
MEDIA PRESIDENT
raina atif
DANCE VICE
maryam ahmad
40
PHOTOGRAPHY PRES.
hazina khan
MEDIA VICE
esha durrani
DANCE VICE
minahil waseem
EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE
RED TALKS
aayat tahir
URDU LIT. VICE
noma naeem
MATHS PRESIDENT
laiqa noor
PSYCHOLOGY PRES.
tehreem aurangzeb
ENGLISH LITERARY
PRESIDENT
bakhtawar atif
MATHS VICE
jaweria jamil
41
LAW PRESIDENT
maryam zafar
ENGLISH LIT. VICE
aimen adeel
SCIENCE VICE
maryam ali
BUSINESS PRES.
maida rizvi
COMMUNITY SERVICE
VICE
mahzeb mahmood
DEBATES PRESIDENT
alina akmal
BUSINESS VICE
maroosh shaheen
MUN PRESIDENT
mehru nisa shahid
DEBATES VICE
aina nadeem
42
COMMUNITY SERVICE
PRESIDENT
huda adeel
EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE
ARSSDC
saneyya naveed
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
MEMBER
mahin latif khan
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
MEMBER
laiba najeeb khan
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
MEMBER
saleha shoaib
PREFECT
emaan tabassum
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
MEMBER
zunairah nadeem
PREFECT
anum malik
PREFECT
fatima usman
43
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
MEMBER
faiqa saleem
PREFECT
areeba iqbal
PREFECT
fizza waqas
ARTS PRESIDENT
PREFECT
hamda ahmad
PREFECT
maham ahmed
PREFECT
shanzay waseem
PREFECT
hamna ahsan
PREFECT
sameera salman
PREFECT
zuha bilal
44
PREFECT
laiba zubair
PREFECT
shaeem tahir
YOUTH LEADERSHIP
PRESIDENT
sana abbasi
YOUTH LEADERSHIP
VICE
eliza fatima
ARTS VICE
myiesha sohail
ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY
PRESIDENT
shaza umar
FOOD & NUTRITION
VICE
hajra shahzad
IT VICE
unaiza naimal ali
45
ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY
VICE
neha sitwat
IT PRESIDENT
fizza rasheed
ACCOLADES 2020-2021
PSV MUN
Areesha Aziz: Best delegate
Hajira Arif: Outstanding Diplomat
Beenish Saeed: Outstanding Diplomat
Zainab Saleem: Outstanding Diplomat
Khadija Ijaz :Outstanding Diplomat
Manhnoor Hassan: Honourable Mention
LUMS PSIFI
Fatima Shehzad: Honourable Mention Winners: Scifinty Wars
Rabia Shehzad: Honourable Mention
Maryam Ali
Tamkanat Irshad: Honourable Mention
Rida Tariq
Sejal Shaukat: Honourable Mention
Aneesa Farhan
Fajar Sohaib: Special Mention
Eliza Fatima
Runners Up: Tech wars
Maaidah Kaleem
Aleema Faisal
Adeela Nasir
Hamna Babar
46
Runners Up: Galactica
Iman Khan
Marwa Imra
Fizzah Waqar
Maham Imran
Erfa bint Sajjad
Sicas Debating Championship
Semi Finalists
Zainab Saleem: 18th
Aina Nadeem: 3rd
Junior Nationals- Winners
Sicas Eloqian
2nd position: English Dual Interpretive Reading
Maham Imran
Erfa Binte Sajjad
2nd posiiton: English Declamations Senior
Ushna Bashir
LUMS Drama Line
Best Actress: Zunaira Bashir
UCL’s Dramatico’20
Best Actress: Zunaira Bashir
Best Actor in a Comic Role: Mahnoor Fatima
47
Global Trinity Womxn and Gender Minorities Tournament
MehruNisa: 18th Best Esl/16th Best Novice
Fatima Sikander: 19th Best Esl.
Empresario
Runners Up: Plug It In
Winners: Tricks of the Trade
JT Lumina
Runners Up: Whodunnit
Team C
Rahma Sohail 9B
Fatima Rizwan 9B
Naema Batool 9B
Mahnoor Fatima 9A
48
NASA AMES
3rd Prize (grade 12)
Team Parwaaz: Saneyya Naveed
Sejal Shaukat
Aleema Faisal
Maaidah Kaleem Butt
Fatima Azhar
Eman Naveed
Raahima Usman
Adeela Nasir
Khadija Nauman Khan
Iqra Athar
Emaan Fatima
Zeya Tariq
JT Law Moot
Quarter Finals:
Tamkanat
Sanya
Fatima Shahzad
Senior Nationals- breaking 4th
Beaconhouse Liberty Kasuri Cup- breaking 8th
Westminister Debating Championship
49
UNIVERSITY
PLACEMENTS
50
MEHRUNISA:
UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
WARWICK UNIVERSITY (100% SCHOLARSHIP)
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY (£5000)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN SYDNEY ($6000)
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
BILGI UNIVERSITY
JACOBS UNIVERSITY (9000 $)
SAMAH SHEIKH:
CARLETON UNIVERSITY $16000
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO $1500
UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO $2000
MCMASTER UNIVERSITY $1000
RYERSON UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA
FATIMA MANSOOR:
ROYAL HOLLOWAY
QUEEN MARY
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY (£5000)
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
WARWICK UNIVERSITY
AIMEN ANIS:
UNIVERSITY OF YORK (£1000)
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
DURHAM UNIVERSITY
NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY
51
FATIMA TAHIR:
TUFTS UNIVERSITY, ($79000 PER YEAR)
SAVANNAH
COLLEGE
OF
ART
AND
($54000)
GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART
DESIGN
ALEENA SAQIB:
HOFSTRA ($25,500)
HOLLINS ($34,830 PER YEAR)
AAYAT TAHIR:
WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY $39,900 PER ANNUM
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ($100,000 FOR 4YRS
$7500 FOR 1ST YR)
+
ZUHA HABIB:
CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
MIAMI UNIVERSITY
NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
JACOBS UNIVERSITY
LAIBA ZUBAIR:
UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO ($72000)
ABOUT 12 STUDENTS
LUMS SO FAR.
HAVE
52
BEEN
ADMITTED
TO
SUMMER SCHOOL ACCEPTANCES
ZAFIRAH KHAN
OXFORD SUMMER SCHOOL 10% SCHOLARSHIP
AINA NADEEM
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY SUMMER SCHOOL 100%
SCHOLARSHIP
FAMIA HUMAYUN
ST.JOHN'S
UNIVERSITY
SCHOLARSHIP
SUMMER
SCHOOL
100%
VANIA HASSAN
STANFORD SUMMER SCHOOL 15% SCHOLARSHIP
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
‫امہرےااحتمن‬
‫س‬
‫ر احض اي ر‬
‫سبلیھکرکزگاریمہےنوہرات‬
‫سجےکاےلگدناھتامہراااحتمن‬
‫دلںیماکیبیجعیساپکپکٹہیھت‬
‫آامسنںیمادنریھیاوراکیلاٹھگیھت‬
‫ج‬
‫ڑپںیھایہنڑپںیھایس ستسوںیممگےھت‬
‫ڑپںیھایہنڑپںیھ‪،‬ایسیکاتالشیھتر‬
‫ک‬
‫متسٹریڑپےتھوتابئولیجوھبلاجات‬
‫راییضڑپےتھوتوسویشولیجوھبلاجات‬
‫ااچکناکنںیموشروگانجنرشوعوہا‬
‫وکیئڈرااتوتوکیئروالاتر‬
‫وکیئاسنہاتوتوکیئالہباتر‬
‫ڑپےنھےتگلوتیسنہریکآوازآتر‬
‫ےنسنہےتگلوترچیٹےکالچےنیکآوازآتر‬
‫‪68‬‬
69
‫زیرِگفتگو‬
‫ع‬
‫ف‬
‫راحتِ تحِ لیِخاں‬
‫کےِسات ِھ‬
‫‪70‬‬
‫ممی(رپوجشآوازںیم)االسلمومکیلع ر!‬
‫ر‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪(:‬رکسماےتوہےئ) ومکیلعاالسلم!آپبسےسیکںیہ؟بسکیھٹںیہ؟ر‬
‫(انےکرپولخصرطےقیےسامہرااحلدرایتفرکےنےکدعبمہےناانپاعترفرکواای‪،‬اورانیکارٹنوویںیموموجدیگےکر‬
‫ےئلاناکرکشہیاداایک)ر‬
‫ممی‪:‬ارٹنوویاکآاغزاہسیناےنپوساالتےسرکںیںیگ ر!‬
‫اہسین‪:‬ےتہکںیہہکدیپاشئاکرہشدلےکبسےسرقبیوہاتےہ‪،‬آپراکقلعتلصیفآابدےسےہ‪،‬ایکیہیوہرہشےہوجآپےکر‬
‫دلےکبسےسرقبیےہ؟آپیکاسرہشےکابرےںیمبسےسدنسپدیہابتایکےہ ر؟‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪:‬مہلصیفآابدںیمدیپاوہےئاوروہامہرےدلیکتہبرقبیےہ۔نکیلریمیاسرہشےکابرےںیمبسےسر‬
‫دنسپدیہابتہیےہہکواہںےکولگتہباسدہںیہ‪،‬وہمکڑپےھےھکلںیہ‪،‬مکاجےتنوھبےتھجںیہاورمکوہایشریھبںیہ۔ر‬
‫اہسین‪:‬ریمااانپقلعتلصیفآابدےسےہ‪،‬واہںےکولگتہبامہمنونازوہےتںیہاوراناکاھکانتہبزربدتسوہاتےہ!ر‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪(:‬رسالہےتوہےئ)یجاہں!‬
‫اہسین‪:‬ایھب احلںیمیہآپوک'الفئاٹمیاویچٹیماویارڈ'المےہ۔اسےکالعوہیھبآپوکزدنیگرھباکیےسڑبھرکاکیر‬
‫پوکبسےسزایدہوخیشوہیئیھت ر؟‬
‫اویارڈلماکچےہ؛انںیمےسسکاویارڈوکےنلمرپ رآ ر‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪:‬وےسیوتاکیآرٹسٹےکےئلاکیاویارڈدایاجاناوراےسیاعنرامتےسرسااہاجاناےنپادنریہتہبڑبیابتوہیتر‬
‫ےہ۔رہاویارڈےہاسےکےئلذپرییئاکاکیارصنےہ۔نکیلےھجمبسےسزایدہوخیشااتسلگنںیںاووفسکرڈویوینریٹسےسر‬
‫ڈارٹکٹییکڈرگیدیاجےنرپوہیئ۔ویکہکناسوہجےسریمےاپاتسکناکانمتہبرسدنلبوہاسجیکوہجےسروہاویارڈریمےر‬
‫ےئلاانتامہےہ۔ر‬
‫‪71‬‬
‫اہسین‪:‬یجاہں!اےنپکلماکانمیسکنیبالوقایمحطسرپرونشرکےنیکوخیشھچکاوریہوہیتےہ!ر‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪:‬یجاہں ر!‬
‫اہسین‪:‬سکہگجرپافرمرکےناکآپوکبسےسزایدہزمہ رآاتےہ ر؟‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪:‬وخشیتمسقےسایدبیتمسقےس‪،‬ےھجمبسےسزایدہزمہامہکیںیمرپافرمرکےنںیمآاتےہ‪،‬اوراسےکر‬
‫دعب‪،‬ااتسلگنںںیمرپافرمرکےنںیم۔ویکہکنںیمنپچبےسںیمواہںرپافرمرکاتآراہوہں‪،‬ریمینیفافولگنوچبںےسابر‬
‫کھٹ‬
‫ڑبےوہےئگںیہ‪،‬اورابوادلنییھبنبےکچںیہ۔ےھجمانبسےسلمرکتہبااھچاتگلےہویکہکنمہےناکیرفسا ھےہہتر‬
‫ایکےہ۔ر‬
‫ہسین‪:‬آپیکبسےسایداگردماحےسالماقتسکرطحوہیئ؟ر‬
‫را ر‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪:‬ایداگروتویںوےسیریمےےئلبسیہوہےتںیہ‪،‬ویکہکنبسیہتہبزعترکےتںیہرگماکیابرالوہرںیمر‬
‫اکیواعقدرشیپآای‪2011،‬رےکرقبی۔ںیمربلیٹںیماکیاشدیاہلںیمررپافرمرکراہاھت‪،‬واہںومروجداکیدنبہریمےےسر‬
‫تہباسریرفامںیشئرکراہاھت‪"،‬آرفںیآرفںیانسدےیجی"‪"،‬اسوسنںیکامالںیمانسدےیجی"‪،‬ےھجماگلہکوہصخشتہبدھجمسارر‬
‫ےہ۔وہےھجمابرہکتوھچڑےنآایوتاسےنھجمےسوپاھچ‪"،‬اخناصبحوےسیآپریکابتےہ‪،‬آپاکمایکرکےتںیہ؟"‬
‫ںیمےناےساہکہکریمیومرٹابئکسیکاکیداکنےہاوروہامنایگ۔وتہیریمےےئلاکیتہبرایداگرواعقاھت۔ر‬
‫(بسےنسنہےگل ر)‬
‫اہسین‪:‬ایکآپےکاکایمیبےکرفسںیموکیئااسیزوالاکاقممآایسجےسآپےنتہباھکیس ر؟‬
‫‪72‬‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪:‬ااترڑچاہؤرہااسننیکزدنیگاکہصحںیہ۔انبیشنورفازوکانھجمس‪،‬انوکھجمسرکانلچاوروخدوکاپزوٹیرانھک۔ر‬
‫ویکہکنااسنناےسیمولحںںیماکیدمےسنیگیٹووہاتکسےہ۔ںیماپزوٹیرےنہےکاعمےلمںیم‪،‬اینپویبیوکتہبرداددوںاگ‪،‬ر‬
‫ویکہکناوہنںےناناواقتںیمریماتہباسھتدای۔ےھجمتہباھجمسایاوراپزوٹیرےنہیکنیقلتیک۔‬
‫کیدیپسچلر‬
‫حما ر‬
‫ںیمومیقیسروک ر‬
‫یاکتہبڑبااورامہرکداروہاگ۔آجلکےکدور ر‬
‫یکویب ر‬
‫ںیمًانیقیرآپ ر‬
‫ممی‪:‬اساسرےرفس ر‬
‫ر‬
‫ایکرراےئرےہاوروجاسنفوکر‬
‫ساھجمساجاتےہ۔آپیکراسرپ ر‬
‫یقون ر‬
‫شیپےکوطررپاانپانارثک رد ر‬
‫یقیسوکراکیر ر‬
‫اھجمساجاتےہاوروم ر‬
‫یےہ ر؟‬
‫یلایکروجت ر‬
‫شیپےکوطررپاایتخ رررک راناچےتہںیہرانےک ر‬
‫ر‬
‫حتف(رکسمارک)‪:‬انےکیلوجتریہیےہریمیرہکاساکموککیسررکرکاناچےئیہ۔ہیروشمرہرصفومیقیسرےکیلر‬
‫ااتسدراتح ر‬
‫ںیہنہکلبرہشیپرےکیلےہ۔ےسیجرکٹکےکیلیھبدنراتتنحماورنگلےسیہرریکئیراتنبےہاسرطحاوریھبتہبر‬
‫ےسہبعشاجتںیہرنجںیمرآپتنحمرکےترںیہوتوہرگنالیتےہ۔ومیقیسیکاڈنرٹسیرےکیلریھبتہبتنحمدراکرےہ۔ر‬
‫میی‬
‫اوراخصوطررپآجلکتہبزایردہاک شںےہ۔وسلشیمرایرےسیجرہکآپبساجےتنںیہرتہبزیتاوروعیسوہاکچےہہکر‬
‫راتوراتااسننوارئلوہاجاتےہاسیلوہشمروہانوتوکیئرابتںیہنرہیئگ۔وہشمرریاکوکیئرہلئسمیہںیہن۔اسرطےقیےسر‬
‫ہسیپیھبتہبامکایراجاتکسےہ۔اہںاسںیمرضو رریہیےہہکآپاسیممیوکذہمردارریےساامعتسلرکںیاتہکولوگںاکبھلہر‬
‫وہ۔ارگوکیئرومیقیسنھکیسراچاتہےہہنوتںیموہکںاگہکاےسوپزوٹرطےقیاورتینرےسیھکیسرہکںیمےناساعمرشےیکر‬
‫الھبیئاوراالصحرکنرےہاورانولوگںوکدہاتیدینیرےہاوررنیرگٹویٹیکرطفںیہنراجےندانی۔‬
‫یک‬
‫تان ر‬
‫حیج ر‬
‫یکومیقیسرںیمررت ر‬
‫ںیہ۔ایکرآپوکاتگلےہہکااسنن ر‬
‫یوہےت ر‬
‫یلتہبرضو رر ر‬
‫یجرنہاورتنحمرہہبعشےک ر‬
‫ممی‪ :‬ر‬
‫ر‬
‫تھکےہ؟‬
‫ترپارثر ر‬
‫یخال ر‬
‫تیصخشراور ر‬
‫حتف‪:‬اظرہسابتےہیجہکسجیھبزیچںیمرآپتہبدیجنسہوہںےگبسےسےلہپوتآپارثیلرےگ۔آپیکر‬
‫ااتسدراتح ر‬
‫تیصخشرپاساکماکوجآپنھکیسراچےتہںیہاساکارثآپیکروحرپوہاگ۔آپےکآاسبکتوہاتےہ۔آپلمکموطررپر‬
‫اسںیماونوولوہاجےتںیہوتہیوتبسےسرےلہپرضوروہاتےہ۔‬
‫‪73‬‬
‫ایکآپےنر‬
‫یگ۔ ر‬
‫یکتنحموہ ر‬
‫ھچیپتہباسولں ر‬
‫ًانیقیاسےک ر‬
‫ںیمتہبزعؔتاوررہشتامکیئرےہاورر ر‬
‫یحص!آپےند رینرھب ر‬
‫ممی‪ :‬ر‬
‫ر‬
‫یک؟‬
‫لصازفایئر ر‬
‫یکرامنہیئراوروح ر‬
‫شیمہآپ ر‬
‫اھکیسسجےن ر‬
‫اسیقبس ر‬
‫اساسرےرفسںیمروکیئررا ر‬
‫حتف‪:‬ںیمےناسہبعشںیمیہیاھکیسرہکدورسوںیکروحرلصازفایئرکناچےئیہر۔اوردورسیرطفارگوکیئرااسننر‬
‫ااتسدراتح ر‬
‫ںیہنرکاتکسےہوتآپاسوکاچسیئاورامیردنارریےساتبدوہکوہاانپوتقاضعئہنرکے۔اسیکردلآزارریےیکرریغباےساسر‬
‫ںی۔ںیمےنیہیاھکیسےہ۔ر‬
‫ےکیلرتہبراہداھکدر ر‬
‫یئ ر؟‬
‫شیپآ ر‬
‫ایک ر‬
‫ںیمبسےس رڑبیرراکوٹ ر‬
‫یگ ر‬
‫یلآپیکرزدن ر‬
‫نی!وماقیسررےننبےک ر‬
‫رتہب ر‬
‫ممی‪ :‬ر‬
‫ر‬
‫حتف‪:‬وماقیسرےننبںیمربسےسڑبیرراکوٹںیمروخداھت۔ںیمتہبدہعفوخداتھکلرھپاٹمداتی۔وخداگےنیکوکوپمزنشر‬
‫ااتسدراتح ر‬
‫راکرڈرکاترگمرھپوخدیہاینپآوازوکنسںیہناپاتاھت۔اےنپآپےساقمہلبرکےکاینپرآوازوخدےننسیکرتمہدیپایک۔رھپارگر‬
‫اسےکدعبدینوریررظنےیےسردراھکیاجےئوتریمےاےنپیہاخدناناکاانتڑباانماوررنہےلرکےنلچاکوبھجےہ۔سجااتسدےسر‬
‫آپیھکیساسیکوخوبشآنراچےئیہآپےس‪،‬آپےکاکمںیمروہزیچواحضوطررپرظنآناچےئیہ۔وتوہوخوبشدیپاررکےنےکر‬
‫میی‬
‫یلریماوک شںنبایگروہااھت۔ںیمےنیھباےنپاخدنانںیماانپانمانبانےہ۔ریمےیلروترصنتحتفیلعاصبحیہاٹرٹگر‬
‫رےہ۔‬
‫ہیآوازر‬
‫یر‪ ،‬ر‬
‫ہیولگاکر ر‬
‫ںیہ۔ر ر‬
‫ت ر‬
‫یصخش ر‬
‫ہسین‪:‬اببجآپےناخدناناکذرکایکرےہوتآپےکوادلاوراچاچدوونںیہرتہبانومر ر‬
‫ا ر‬
‫لی َ‬
‫اؔللاکدرایہفحتےہ۔اسر رگ رسیروکآپےنربرقارراھک۔‬
‫ؔ‬
‫حتف(رکسماےتوہےئ)‪:‬یجہیآپےنارکیتہبیہروخوصبرتابتیہکےہہکآوازدخایکدییئگالصیحرےہ۔ہیر‬
‫ااتسدراتح ر‬
‫نیےہسجوکہنوتآپرپرسٹکیرکےکانبےتکسںیہ۔آپرپرسٹکیرکےکآوازرتہبرکےتکسںیہر‬
‫اؔللیکردر ر‬
‫آوازںیمششکوہانابلکل ؔ‬
‫رگمایسیآوازوہانوجولوگںےکدولںرپارثرکدے‪،‬ہیاسامکلاکیہررکمےہ۔‬
‫‪74‬‬
‫ب‬
‫ب‬
‫ںیہ۔آپےنان رھ رٹمزراکااختنبر‬
‫ںیمتہبےسفلتخموموضاعتاور رھ رٹمزرےکابرےںیمرابترکےت ر‬
‫یقیس ر‬
‫ینپوم ر‬
‫اہسن‪:‬رآپا ر‬
‫ںیہ ر؟‬
‫یگےسسکدحکت‪/‬سکرطحےسقلعترےتھک ر‬
‫یتزدن ر‬
‫ایکاوروہآپیکرذا ر‬
‫ں ر‬
‫ویک ر‬
‫ر‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪ :‬اسرےےکاسرےوموضاعتوجںیہاُاکنامہریزدنیگےسوکیئقلعتںیہنوہاتےہ۔مہےنھچکےصقاہکینںر‬
‫ےنسوہےتںیہ۔مہاِینتدریےسےتنسوہےئےلچآےتںیہہک'اکیاھتابداشہاکییھتہکلم'‪،‬الفہنالفہن۔اِساٹپئےکتہبر‬
‫اسرےوموضاعتںیہوجمہاےنپنپچبےسےتنسآےتںیہوتاکیدمےسوہزیچوموضعنبےکاکیاگےنیکوصرتںیمرپیپر‬
‫رپآےکپاسےنمآاجاتےہوترھپآوکپھچکدریےکےئلوہواالذنہانبانڑپاتےہ۔اُےکسدعببجآیکپوجبڈنوہاجیتےہوتآپر‬
‫اُسزیچےسابرہآاجےتںیہ۔ر‬
‫ےہ ر؟‬
‫اہسن‪:‬آپاکدنسپدیہوماقیسر‪/‬وکیئااسیصخشسجےسآپےنتہباھکیسوہ‪،‬وکن ر‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪:‬ہیوترھپآپںیہکےگہکآپاینپیلمیفےکیہانمےئلاجرےہںیہنکیلںیمرکوںایک۔وپریدینہہکریہےہ‪:‬ر‬
‫رصنتحتفیلعاخناصبہ۔بلطماعقشوہںںیماُاکن‪،‬ےسیجراسرےولگںیہ۔ر‬
‫ئجی ر۔‬
‫غیپ رم رد ر‬
‫کیاعم ر‬
‫ایکانہکاچںیہرےگ؟انبسوکا ر‬
‫نونوجاونںوک ر‬
‫اہسن‪:‬رآپاسدورےکاپاتسک ر‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪:‬ںیمہیوہکںاگہکہیوجوسلشیممیےہاوکستہب ِ‬
‫وپزییلاامعتسلرکںیاورسجمسقیکنیگیٹویٹیےننسںیمر‬
‫ںیمہیتلمےہوہاناقِلبددیےہاوراسرطحیکوجوہشمریےہاُسےسرپزیہرکںی۔سجےسیسکاکدلدھکاجےئ‪،‬یسکاکدلر‬
‫ینکشوہاجےئ‪،‬ایکافدئہاُسزیچاک۔وتاُسزیچےساانتجبرکںی۔رصفاانپاکیآاکپوجدصقمےہوہآپاےنپاسےنمرںیھکاورر‬
‫وپزییلاجںیئ۔بجیھباجںیئ ِ‬
‫ِ‬
‫وپزییلاجںیئ۔ر‬
‫اہسن‪:‬ااسیوکاسناگانےہوجآوکپاگےنںیمایرپوفرمرکےنںیمبسےسزایدہزمہآایوہ‪،‬ایداگروہ‪،‬وجاگانآےکپدلےکبسےسر‬
‫رقبیوہ ر؟‬
‫‪75‬‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪':‬ہیوجاکلہاکلہرسورےہ‪،‬ہیریتیرظناکوصقرےہ'۔ہیےھجمرہدعفیہ‪،‬بجیھباگایےہںیمےن‪،‬ںیمےنتہبدلر‬
‫ےساگایےہ۔رہزیچیہدلےساگاتوہں‪،‬رگماِوکساگےنےکےئلاوراگےنےکدوران‪،‬ہیوجاکلہاکلہرسورےہ‪،‬ےھجمتہبااھچاتگلر‬
‫ےہ‪،‬فطلآاتےہ۔ر‬
‫اہسینر‪:‬ررھپآپںیمہہیوھتڑا ُگی ُگیاےکیھبانسدئجی ر۔‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪(:‬اگےنےگل)ر‬
‫ب ر! ایکآےکپومیقیسےکالعوہوکیئاوروشقںیہوجآیکپتیصخشرپارثرےتھکںیہ ر؟‬
‫اہسن‪:‬رتہبوخ ر‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪(:‬ےتسنہوہےئ)ںیہناورھچکںیہن۔ر‬
‫مہرےسےنلماکتہبتہبرکشای!ہیزدنیگںیماکیدعفآےنواالرجتہباھتاورمہروخدوکتہبوخشبیصنےتھجمسںیہ ر۔‬
‫ممی‪ :‬ر‬
‫ااتسدراتححتف‪:‬آپبسےسلمرکیھبتہبااھچاگل۔آپبسیھباانپتہبیخلرےئیھکاگ۔آپاکتہبرکشہی!دخااحظف!ر‬
‫(بسیتہجکیںیم)‪:‬دخااحظف ر!‬
‫‪76‬‬
77
78
din ki roshni
aur andheri raat
sab acha lagta tha
jab bachpan ka waqt tha
khul ke saans lena
hasna, muskurana
sab acha lagta tha
jab bachpan ka waqt tha
Bachpan
ka waqt
kia kahain ab hum?
bus yahi kewaqt beet gaya
aur hum kharch hogaye
naye log aaye
zindagi aik baar phir khul ke jeenay ka ehsaas hua
magar sab chalay gaye
sab chalay gaye...
aakhir mai reh gayi
wohi din ki roshni
wohi raat ka andhera
magar ab yeh bhi kaanton ki tarhaan chubte hain
dukh hua, rona bhi aaya
mout ki nikli dua dil se
laikin aik hasti thi
jisnay tham liya haath
khuda!
kirchi kirchi dil ko jornay ki salahiyat di
khuda ne!
soojhi hui aankhon ko himmat di
khuda ne!
maray huay jazbaat ko bhi zinda kiya
ussi khuda ne!
79
By Emaan Zafar
80
‫سلست‬
‫زدنیگاک ل‬
‫ق‬
‫آہنماث ل‬
‫اکانئتےکاظنمرپوغررکںیوتہتپاتلچےہہکزدنیگاکاوصلھچکآےگدےنیرپےہ۔درتخوکدےنھکیرپولعمموہتلےہہکل‬
‫اسیکڑجںیذغااحلصرکیتںیہ۔ابارگڑجیہذغاوکروکےلاورآےگرتلیسہنوہےندے‪،‬وتڑجوتیتلھپوھپیتلرےہ‬
‫یگنکیلدرتخےکابیقوصحںوکذغااہکںےسےلمیگ؟وسرجیکرکںین ِ‬
‫ایحتآرفنیںیہنکیلارگوکیئانرکونںوکاپدنبل‬
‫نکیلانےکچینلزنیمںیمرودیئیگل رکدےوتداھکیاجاتکسےہہکضعبہگجڑبے‪،‬ےنھگاوراسہیداردرتخوہےتںیہ‬
‫ںیہنوہیت‪،‬ویکہکنوسرجیکایحتآرفینیانلکتںیہنچنہپاپیت۔‬
‫ایسرطحارگابدلوخدںیموموجدیمنروکےلوتداینرپوموجدولخمقایپیسرہاجےئنکیلدقرتاکاظنماہللےنیہیانبایےہ‬
‫ہکابدلاپینرباسےئ‪،‬وہاںیئیمناچنہپںیئاوررکںینامتزتاورروینشآےگاچنہپںیئ۔ااسنینووجدںیمھبلااسییہاظنمرواںل‬
‫دواںےہ۔دلےسوخندبنےکرہےصحکتاتچنہپےہ۔دلجےسڈہیےکوگدےلکتاساکہصحاتچنہپےہنکیلارگیسکل‬
‫اقممرپاےسروکایلاجےئوتویہوضعاکیبروہاجےئاگ۔وییہنزدنیگےکواسلئیکرواینوکروانکزایدیتےہ۔ارگاعمیش‬
‫وبجمراےگنہمداومںرپزیچںیرخدیںیوتل‬
‫اثملیہیلاجےئاوراکیصخشاچےہہکلوہامتماانجساکذریخہرکےلاوررھپولگ ل‬
‫اسصخشےناینپاسلصفےسینتکااسنیناجونںوکالکشمتاکاسانمرکےنرپوبجمررکلدایےہ۔ایسرطحارگایسیسوطررپل‬
‫اکیصخشاےنپادتقاروکوطلدےرکوخدیہہشیمہادتقارںیمرانہاچےہوتوہاکیلصخشوپرےکلموکابتیہےکداہےنرپل‬
‫الڑھکارکداتیےہاوراسےکاسلعفےکےجیتنںیمکلماسفداتیکٹیپلںیملآاجتےہ؛دتشہرگدیرپوانڑچیتھےہ‪،‬ل‬
‫وعامااجتحجرکیتےہ‪،‬وپسیلاوروکحیتمالہاکرانرپدشتدرکےتںیہاورویںوہاکیصخشامتمالہوتکںاکذہمداراتنب‬
‫ےہ۔وکیئھبصخشارگداینویادتقارواایتخرایاملودوتلوکاہجںھبولخمقدخاکتےنچنہپےسرواتکےہواہںاسفداور‬
‫ابتیہیتلیھپےہ۔اہللےناینپرہمابینےسوجںیتمعنااسنونںلےکےئلریھکںیہاںیہنوکیئصخشدورسوںےسروانکاچاتہےہ‬
‫وتوہخبلرکتےہ۔خبہیےہہکبسھچکاےنپےئلعمجایکاجےئاوردورسوںکتاناکقحےنچنہپںیمراکوٹڈایلاجےئل‬
‫سجاکببسدایناکالچلےہ۔ل‬
‫مظع‬
‫تنحمیک ت‬
‫ش ش‬
‫ي‬
‫ن‬
‫عشناءبراخ ت‬
‫‪10-B‬‬
‫دن ي‬
‫يمرتیّقاپےناکراہتست‬
‫يلتنحموکالزمرقارد يي ي‬
‫يلالکشمتوکربداتشرکان۔ااسنونںےک ي‬
‫تنحماکبلطمےہاےنپدصقمکتےنچنہپےک ي‬
‫گےہ۔اس ي‬
‫ش‬
‫مہےنھجمس ي‬
‫تنحم ي‬
‫میباسےکدقموچیتمےہ‪"،‬سجوک ي ي‬
‫يمت ي‬
‫وپشدہےہ۔ ي‬
‫يمتہبت‬
‫ايتہبآاسنیساہکوتےہ‪":‬وجآدیمتنحمےساکمرکاتےہ‪،‬اک ي‬
‫لکشموہیتےہ۔ارگآپتنحمےسھچکاحلصرکو‪،‬آپرخفےسرسااھٹرکڑھکےوہےتکسوہ۔تنحمآپوکاثتبدقیماورنگلےساکمرکاناھکسیتےہ۔ت‬
‫يي‬
‫سریھےہوجآپوکرتیّقاورالفحیکرطفےلرکاجیتےہ۔ارگآپوکاےنپآپرپز ييدہیہوخداامتعدیوہوتيي آپےکاکم ي‬
‫يمت‬
‫رصفتنحمیہوہ‬
‫للخاوراکمےکوپراوہےن ي‬
‫اتخرکیتکسےہ۔اساکبسےس ي‬
‫يم ي ر‬
‫رہاتہکراےتست‬
‫رتہبيلحيي ےہہکآپاثتبدقیمےساےنپاکموکڈٹرکرکےت ي يت‬
‫نک‬
‫دي ي يہاتہکمہاہوھتںےساکم ي‬
‫رکي‪،‬اپؤںےس‬
‫یکاسریالکشمتآپوکآاسنلگييں۔اہّللےنمہااسنونںوکآ ھييں‪،‬دامغ‪،‬اہھتاوراپؤںاس ي‬
‫يل ي‬
‫ک‬
‫يلچيلييں‪،‬آوھکنںےسدن يھييںاوردامغےسرتہب ي ي‬
‫وسچ۔‬
‫اساکمےک يت‬
‫االسم ي‬
‫بھچکیھباحلص ي ي‬
‫يماہجں ي ي‬
‫گےہواہںييتیھباھکس يي ي‬
‫مہتہبھچکاتب يي ي‬
‫ن ي‬
‫گےہہکتنحمےک ي ر‬
‫کاجاتکس۔وضحرصـےنیھبيي رفام ييےہہکوکیئت‬
‫ي‬
‫ي‬
‫ي‬
‫امکیئاسامکیئےسرتہب ي ي‬
‫نوہیتکسوجاہوھتںیکتنحمےسیک ي‬
‫اجئ۔زدنیگوتیسکیکیھبآاسننوہیت‪،‬اسوکاینپتنحماوراثتبدقیمےسآاسنت‬
‫نيک‬
‫ي يش‬
‫انب يياجاتےہ۔ارگمہتنحمرکانرشوع ي‬
‫ايابروخدآزامرکد ھييں!‬
‫مہوھکاتلالچاجاتےہ۔ ي‬
‫رکي‪،‬اہّللامہریزنمولںیکرطفدروازے‬
‫‪82‬‬
OPF MUN
2020
In the midst of these trying times, our incredibly hard working Model UN society
hosted LGS OPFs first ever virtual Model UN. The event was much awaited by
everyone, especially because the Model UN had been postponed continuously since
the last JTGMUN’17. Needless to say, OPFMUN very much exceeded all the
expectations and, thus, it was definitely worth the wait.
OPFMUN set a number of precedents for the local circuit this year. With the theme of
women empowerment, it not only had a special committee for women and gender
minorities (FPAC) but it also had an equity team. The panel of Nayab Ali Jan and
Mahnoor Ali Syed, was another salient addition to the women empowerment
environment at OPFMUN.
The FPAC was a huge success. After all, there comes a time in your model UN
journey where you realise that you do not wish to debate with men anymore,
because you are actually much smarter than them ;). This special committee was
chaired and "acd-d" by amazing women and Mahnoor Ali Syed's presence, definitely.
set a feminist tone for the committee.
Other committees also proceeded with their debates and resolutions very smoothly.
Although there were times, when tech problems arose, our Secretary General tried to
constantly keep a check on everything. Speaking of the Secretary General, her
committee, UNSC, was the most competitive committee (which actually did not have
any best delegate award in the end). In fact, all committees progressed fruitfullyevident from the extremely positive feedback our team received.
OPFMUN was truly memorable. The directorate made sure the virtual entertainment
sessions were fun and inclusive for everyone even-though, the Equity Committee,
had to do a lot more work than they signed up for! The Daily Download was read and
stalked by everyone; keeping them engaged and updated. OPFMUN was,
undoubtedly, a huge success. There are not enough words to describe how special
this addition of Model UN was and we hope the MUN society continues with its
legacy and impresses everyone even more with OPFMUN’21!
83
84
85
TRIATHLON
2020
2020 has been an excruciating year for all of us. In the midst of this 12 month
time of tribulation, Triathlon’20 provided some much needed relief.
The second edition of Triathlon, OPF’s much awaited mega event, took place in
November of the year. Over a span of four days our 600+ delegates were
provided with an array of opportunities to showcase their skills and they did
not disappoint. Our management worked arduously to bring this into fruition
and considering it was virtual this year, the challenge was multiplied.
However, let’s not get into details of that, instead let’s reminisce
Unmuted mics, virtual hand-raising and pinned videos really epitomise the
entire event. Which reality are we existing in? Oh yes, it's the post Covid19 world. The opening ceremony was definitely a reminder of this but
nevertheless, our team persevered through it all; by logging into the
events’ official account, admitting innumerable delegates from the waiting
room and playing various (questionable) songs. The highlight of the event
was, undoubtedly, the Gig-night. Omar Mukhtar and Wajahat Rauf’s
performances acted as catalysts to our already rushing adrenaline and
overflowing excitement. The chords chimed and muse dived in; what a
melodic evening it was indeed.
This year we were also lucky to have an array of extremely talented judgesranging from brilliant entrepreneurs like Bisma Akbar to ingenious artists
like Haseeb Amjad- all of whom contributed to a fair competition. Speaking
of fairness, our Equity Officers played an essential role in upholding our
equity policy which ensured a safe and comfortable environment for all.
86
Here are a few of our favourite highlights from the event:
1) The Entertaiment Session
What started off as the “Scavenger Hunt” soon transformed into an
entertainment session. Whilst most delegates wanted to play “truth or
dare”, our noble Senior Prefect forced upon them a game of “never have
I ever” (democracy at its finest indeed :P). To say the game was an
amusing one would not be a lie; evident from the bursts of laughter that
echoed throughout the Zoom meeting.
2) The Diamond Heist Prank
On the last day of the category “Sabotage” a very diligent delegate sent
a mysterious link, which was posed as the answer to a riddle. Upon
clicking on this said link, the naive participants came across an iconic
music
video.
Take
a
look
at
it
yourselves:
https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ
3) A faux pas like no other
Our beloved “Arthemetrix” Category Head, Laiqa Noor, mistook Sir
Waseem (the judge of the category as well as OPFs math and physics
O’level teacher) for a delegate and berated him to keep his mic muted
(eek). This was followed by the painful realisation of the mistake and
a subsequent period of awkward silence. But hey, cut her some slack
she’s a newcomer and thus not fully familiar with our faculty!
Here's her realising:
87
4) The Great Wall of Memes
Our team got to have their share of fun through the renowned wall of memes this
year too. Surprisingly, it soon became very popular, with various delegates
sending in memes of themselves or their friends too. Here’s a few below:
Not to toot our own horn or anything but it can be concluded that Triathlon’20
was quite a success and the overwhelming appreciation we received is proof.
Needless to say, we’re all looking forward to Triathlon’21!
88
89
LAHORE LITERARY
FESTIVAL 2020
From the 21st to the 23rd of February 2020, I and nine other A1 students from OPF
Senior Girls had the privilege of volunteering at the eighth edition of the annual
Lahore Literary Festival (LLF 2020).
Taking place at the Alhamra Arts Centre, this was the first LLF after Lahore's
designation as a City of Literature by UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, honouring
the title with an unprecedentedly busy, animated and extensive gathering of the
eminent literary and cultural intelligentsia. The three-day event featured an eclectic
variety of discussions, book launches and presentations conducted by a selection of
panellists from both home and abroad, ranging from a presentation by K2 and
Everest-climber Adrian Hayes to a discussion on mental health integration in South
Asian culture. Taking part in the operation of one of the largest literary events in
South Asia has been a valued experience for all of the volunteers from our school.
"Volunteering at LLF was an amazing experience," said fellow volunteer Laiba
Zubair. "What fascinated me most about it was the diversity of people present
there: Pathans, Sikhs, Sindhis, children and adults. Literature has no bounds and
the event was the literal depiction of this."
As a literature student, being able to engage with prominent writers and literary
figures and learn about the different ways they approach their work was an
incredible opportunity. Writer Romesh Gunesekura discussed the development of
his writing career and his coming- of-age novel 'Suncatcher'; Nobel Laureate Orhan
Pamuk commented on the importance of his homeland Istanbul as a primary setting
in his work. Listening to these authors, among many others, talk about the
significance their personal experiences played in shaping their work was
enlightening, especially as an aspiring writer myself.
From catching snippets of talks on the allure of Turkish soap operas and the impact
of social media on traditional print to relentlessly trying to make extra room for an
exceedingly popular panel on mental health, volunteering at LLF has undoubtedly
been an enriching experience for all of us and an opportunity we would gladly rise
to again and again.
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
9
r
a
u
a tn a m a
This segment is curated with love
for all the beautiful women at opf:
this is a homage to you!
99
Womanhood
BY MISS MOMINA KHAN
“One is not born but rather becomes a woman” - What did Beauvoir mean? The Second Sex is a
must read for any teenage girl. But for those who can’t, or won’t, this infamous line perhaps
best captures the essence of what Simone Beauvoir and others like her have been trying to tell
women for over a century: your existence is not about ‘being’, it is about ‘becoming’. And that
the process or journey of becoming a woman is laden with choices. Real and profound choices.
We live in a world, a reality where centuries of patriarchy have established clearly defined
boundaries to define what is “masculine” and “feminine”. We accept these definitions as true,
natural and essential. Far from being natural, such categories are almost entirely socially
constructed and work to limit the existential autonomy of women. In order to counter this it is
important to understand the distinction between sex and gender. Sex pertains to a persons
biological features (anatomical and physiological aspects), gender refers to the social
construction of the meanings that are attached to those features. The trouble begins when
girls uncritically assume the view that ‘biology is fate’ or the notion that their life and choices
are biologically ‘determined’ and that they are designed for certain cognitive, emotional or
social roles. For instance, the idea that women want to and have to ‘be’ the ‘nurturing mother,
domestic wife or obedient daughter’ and that these roles are somehow inherent and ‘natural’ to
womanhood. Of course this also implies that other roles such as ‘becoming’ a scientist, athlete,
intellectual, leader, explorer and so on is ‘unnatural’ or somehow removed from what it really
means to be a woman. Importantly, what this implies is that becoming is secondary to the
primary purpose of being. Motherhood presents an interesting example here, because it just
‘is’ - it is supposed to be magically written in a woman’s DNA. But an athlete is something a
woman ‘becomes’ - it has to be acquired and attained, it is ‘other’ to her nature and most
certainly not in her DNA. There is nothing wrong with either list I stated. But what is wrong
are the knowledge/power hierarchies which both lists inhabit, or simply put the meaning and
ideas attached to them that girls accept without due questioning. And that’s the problem.
100
Women have always been told what they ‘are’, or ‘must be’ or ‘should be’. But where do these
dictates come from? Who is making these decisions? Controlling this language, these
meanings? And for whom? For what purposes? This, I believe, underlies the fundamental
question for young girls these days: What is a woman? How do you decide what it means to be
one? Well first of all you must realise you have an existential choice and a responsibility to own
this answer and recognise its significance. Secondly, although your biology or ‘fitrah’ is
significant, it is important to come to knowyour nature outside of the dictates of society’s
oppressive and patriarchal regimes. And thirdly, unlike what some people will tell you
feminism is about celebrating womanhood, not about women becoming more like men, or any
other myth being sold to you. So become a feminist.
I agree with Judith Butler, when she argues that gender is performative, it is about ‘becoming’;
that there is no metaphysical woman beneath the surface. I would argue that a healthier belief
would be in an underlying autonomous, eternal soul. Anyway, Butler argues that rather than
trying to define womanhood we should recognise its dynamic, recursive, and emergent
nature. She argues that we should focus on understanding how power and identity politics
influence the meanings that enliven our concept of womanhood. So whether you use religion,
feminism, sociology, psychology, neuroscience, culture, or any other frame of reference to
answer the question: what is a woman? Be critical. It is your prerogative; but also your
responsibility and privilege to make sure you find that fracture, that space to think about
womanhood freely, conscientiously, and above all fearlessly.
101
Feminist
Artworks
by the
Art
Society
at OPF
102
Noor Fatima, A2
103
Fatima Tahir, A2
104
SENIOR GIRLS OPF
Women's
Day
Seminar
105
President Red Talks,
Aayat Tahir
This was a successful head start to the Red Talks sessions for the
academic year 2020-2021, which I, Aayat Tahir, President of The Red
Talks Society, was honoured to host. It was a collaborative seminar
where our school's Youth leadership, Music and English Literary
societies rendered their services for the celebration of International
Women's Day. This allowed us to pay tribute to women belonging to
diverse ethnicities, backgrounds or professions, be it housewives or
career-oriented females. Nevertheless, one must always remember that
this celebration is not to be confined to a single day, but to be endorsed
every day in the form of earnest respect and affection for the women in
our lives.
On this auspicious occasion, our chief guest was Faryal Ashfaq, founder
of 'The Mirror' and also the alumnus of LGS from the Batch of 2018.
Moreover, a panel which held general discussions on this day consisted
of Miss Momina Khan, Zainab Basil, Musfira Khurshid and Iman
Muneeb. An enthusiastic music performance prepared by Palwasha
Malik, the Music President, and her choir was successful in enlivening
the spirits of the audience. It was followed by Bakhtavar Atif, the
Literary President's announcement for several poetry recitations which
revolved around the theme of female empowerment. In connection
with this, Zainaab Basil, the head girl of the outgoing batch, shared her
thoughts on feminism and its various connotations in the present
106
society. Similarly Miss Momina, the Philosophy teacher at our
institution also enlightened the students of her perspective on this topic.
After this, Sana Abbasi, the President of Youth leadership club, brought forth
a box containing anonymous paper chits which she had previously collected
from 9th graders, who had dauntlessly intimated their insecurities. This led
to an interactive question and answer session between our guests and the
audience, in response to these chits. Everyone felt free to relay their concerns
and viewpoints. The panelists very proficiently answered all queries and
everyone left with a sense of satisfaction.
Finally, an appreciation documentary was dedicated to our principal, Dr.
Robeena Tahir for her laudable efforts in always encouraging female
education as a means of empowerment. Miss Summer's efforts were also
acknowledged for her setting up the 'Girl Appreciation' soft board in the
school's main corridor where students wrote about their female role
models and sources of empowerment. Overall, the light-hearted and
informative aura of the event was well-maintained. Hence, continuing
with the legacy of this society, we were able to REVOLUTIONIZE and
EMPOWER DREAMS!
107
Alumnus, & Founder
of The Mirror
Pakistan, Faryal
Ashfaq
Second in opportunities. Second in rights. Second in safety. But must we
passively accept this secondary position granted to us in every avenue? I
refuse. I refuse to leave these asymmetric patriarchal structures
unchallenged. I refuse to let traditional gender roles prevail incessantly.
And I refuse to let my gender be a source of marginalization and
oppression when it is my pride and my strength. I will not let anyone tell
me otherwise.
This audacious vision and determination are some cardinal values that
LGS JT cultivated in me during my time here. The kind of support and
encouragement I received were instrumental in giving me the
confidence to start my own NGO, The Mirror. We live in an
increasingly digital and interconnected world, which creates even
more grounds for abuse. To address this plague called harassment, my
organization employs various mechanisms to help survivors and uplift
women.
108
There are very few spaces where young girls would feel safe in opening
up and sharing their deepest thoughts and insecurities, but sessions
like this one are changing that. It was exhilarating to be a part of a
setting where so many women came together, exchanging their points
of view, acknowledging the different struggles we endure, and most
importantly: being candid and honest. Such environments are not
only useful in promoting voicing out emotions, but also imperative in
creating a sense of bonding between each other. Women have so
much potential to achieve remarkable changes in the world which
sometimes tends to be overshadowed due to societal impediments,
but I firmly believe that the effective way to tackle that is through
women empowering women. I find nothing more monumental than
women being each other’s foundations, which is the route to
accomplishing anything that they strive for. Here is to more such
continued efforts in educational institutions, and here is to being
women!
109
110
the auratnama
mixtape
Inspired by the Behenchara
Magazine (@behencharamag)
111
112
ZANANA DAASTAN
Feminist Poetry Recitals Ahead
113
114
By Alina Akmal Khan
In a little corner of our world,
Behind the clayey, dusty walls,
Behind this simple, bony frame,
Hides her soul unheard.
She smiles with a grave glance,
As if to cry with silent tears.
She is my blood and yet she wakes,
With the rising sun,
With calloused hands, she works, she sweats.
Trapped in societal expectations, she cannot learn,
Cannot hold books or go to school while I do.
Already adjourned in a red dress,
Fresh as the first blood
A life of sacrifice- after all you are a girl.
What desire? What happiness with no family,
after all you're a girl.
And so what if your brother beats you?
Gulp your anger, dear, patiently...
My angel was dumped in trash, in rubble.
He tore her apart, he raped her.
I hold her hand against my face....so cold, so cold
They spit at her, at her mother:
"It was her fault, it was her fault!"
This is why I march!
We do not plead our rights from you,
We are born with rights.
Our voices shall not be silenced any longer.
Daughters of our nation, rise!
No more violence,
No more cries,
No more fear,
For our lives, we rise!
By Fizzah Waqar
Sitting in a bus, tumbling through the city, An invisible eye glared at
everything, From the young girls to the old lady, Criticising their every aspect.
Glaring at the young girls, loud and wild like boys,
Unaware of the pending doom of being expressive girls.
The eye shook its head vigorously,
Sending thoughts to 'tame' the girls.
Glowering at the young college girls, fussing about college life,
Conversing about grades and their career.
The eye disregarded their ambition.
And sent thoughts to make them more 'womanly'.
Frowning at the healthy young woman, Who was bullied for her size.
The eye cursed the young lady,
For not fitting the eye's 'lady' criteria.
Glaring at the mentally, physically abused divorcee, Who spent all her
married life serving her family.
The eye banished her,
For not fulfilling her 'one' duty.
Scowling at the independent woman,
Who fought against patriarchy, and for women's rights,
The eye laughed out rightly at her, For having far-fetched dreams.
Louring at the young mother, looking for a job,
Who had to work for a living, look after everything.
The eye pitied her luck,
But did not call her strong.
Glaring at the Old lady, who had a silver Crown atop her head,
Having years passed on her wise, wrinkled face.
The eye did not show her respect,
And called her opinion less and ignorant.
But then came one united voice from behind the eye,
A united force of all females in the bus,
115
From naïve young girls to experienced elderly, All disregarding the eye's
opinion.
Frowning at the healthy young woman, Who was bullied for her size.
The eye cursed the young lady,
For not fitting the eye's 'lady' criteria.
Glaring at the mentally, physically abused divorcee,
Who spent all her married life serving her family.
The eye banished her,
For not fulfilling her 'one' duty.
Scowling at the independent woman,
Who fought against patriarchy, and for women's rights, The eye laughed out
rightly at her, For having far-fetched dreams.
Louring at the young mother, looking for a job,
Who had to work for a living, look after everything.
The eye pitied her luck,
But did not call her strong.
Glaring at the old lady, who had a silver crown atop her head,
Having years passed on her wise, wrinkled face.
The eye did not show her respect,
And called her opinion less and ignorant.
But then came one united voice from behind the eye,
A united force of all females in the bus,
From naïve young girls to experienced elderly, All disregarding the eye's
opinion.
They called it ignorant, they called it weak,
For having stereotyped views on women,
For stifling the voice and ability to stand up,
Of women who were boundless and tough in their own ways.
They declared that women were united,
They were united despite their size, age and standards of beauty,
They were united in their beliefs and strengths,
They were united against the eye's unnerving sight.
116
Faint footsteps that approach her quiet,
Block the ways; all left and right,
The claws advance and deadly laughter echoes at night,
Unfathomable eyes give some but not all signs.
Questions that arise in the young mind,
Remain unanswered for some while:
Until, the truth of the tragedy arrives,
To keep her tongue-tied for all times.
Another daughter of eve is thrown,
Leaving her stranded on a street unknown.
The moonlight dims to hide her pain,
All efforts yet, in vain.
Her arrival at home finds no shade but rage,
And honour ,at last, ceases her existence.
Looking at the wounds inflicted on her: Satan cries.
Nothing much, but humanity dies.
117
By Maham Imran
No one was the antagonist of her story,
Neither did anyone testify the misdeed,
Nothing was heard but silence that screamed,
When she witnessed a nightmare undreamed.
By Aayat Tahir
Behold! The temptation that invokes thee The lust that
blinds thee of the purpose of thy creation:
Curb the thirst to unravel the darker almost unrealistic secrets
The sins you commit in ignorance propagated by sheer desires
Are the very acts which are the desecration and death of a
surviving morality.
Witness the glory which blooms from within:
The very call of a pure conscience...
Build a connection with the true version of yourself Cast aside the
urge to fit in the stereotypes generated by society.
Break off the facade that encloses thee
Vocalise thy anxious concerns amidst the caged existence
Therefore, unleash the soul of a warrior!
118
SPECIAL MENTIONs
*to celebrate the women around us
Fatima Mansoor Pal
bakhtawar atif
119
Shanzay waseem
eman masood
fatima sikandar
120
fizza rasheed
mehru nisa shahid
areeba ehsan
121
aaniah ahmed
mariyam talib
Areeba iqbal
122
The Interview Cut
IN CONVERSATION WITH YUSRA AMJAD
123
About the interviewee: Yusra Amjad (@yusraamjadwrites) is a
Pakistani poet, writer, teacher, and comedian based in Lahore. She
completed her bachelor’s degree in English Literature and has since
gone on to represent women in various spheres of life through her
comedy. Also an active member and one of the founders of the
Auratnaak troupe, Yusra wishes to further contribute to the society
by means of uplifting women through her poetry and writings.
4pm, 18th of May, 2020; the editorial board gathers together
(virtually, of course). As we sit behind our screens and wish for this
interview to have happened in person, we also recognize how this
might turn out to be one of the most insightful conversations we’ll
ever be a part of. In hindsight, I guess we were right. Read for
yourself:
124
Yusra: Hi, can everybody hear me?
Aaniah, Mariyam, and Aimen: (All jump in enthusiastically) Yes!
[At this point, the board was having a little ice breaker with Yusra, where we talked
about our daily schedules and routines, along with brief introductions of ourselves and
the magazine.]
Aaniah: Well then, we may proceed with the interview!
Yusra: Oh wait. Is this a bilingual magazine?
Aimen: Yes, it is!
Yusra: Oh, that’s great!
Mariyam: Shall we begin then?
Yusra: One last question, what is OPF?
Aaniah: (Laughs, remembering all the JT/OPF jokes made by the student body) It’s
actually a housing scheme!
Yusra: Oh, alright! Bring on the questions then.
Aaniah: So, you classify yourself as a feminist as we know from your social media
handles and from all your TED talks. What does feminism actually mean to you, and
what do you think it actually stands for?
Yusra: So, I was a little younger than you. It (feminism) is something that I always
identify with, but when I was your age it was a much lesser mainstream discussion and it
was a much lesser positively viewed label/concept. It kind of became more positively
portrayed and positively viewed in the mainstream media and especially the western
media, as the years went on. I grew up with being a very controversial label, but I also
grew up with some very progressive people in my family and I also grew up with some
very conservative people in my family. I grew up in quite an abusive household, and so, I
kind of traced all of those things that were going on, that were very traumatic around
me, to the way that women were treated, or the way that women were viewed. That
kind of made it very easy for me to see where the issue was in the society that we live in.
I know it’s quite difficult for some people to see, especially if they grow up in a happy or
healthy environment; then they can’t really see those issues directly. But as with me, I
grew up in a home which had all those issues; I could see that the way we think about
women, especially the ones in our home, and that can create really, really horrible
circumstances. I guess that was kind of my reaction to a very unhealthy or disruptive
household environment. I saw the way women were being mistreated, and I thought
there’s something wrong with the way we are thinking about what a woman is, or is
supposed to be. And for me, that’s what was causing all of these dysfunctional and
abusive relationships. So that’s how I found feminism for me.
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Aaniah: Truly understandable, thank you for sharing! Moving on, you also happen to be one of
the co-founders of the Auratnaak Movement, which is primarily a space designed to infuse
standup comedy and feminist views. How did the movement actually begin, and what were
some obstacles you faced during the establishment of it?
Yusra: Auratnaak started in Karachi with some friends of mine. They all got together and some
of the people in the first show were all of my friends too. These people gathered and wished
for there to be more women representation in comedy. A male friend of mine, who’s also a
comedian, happened to be there too at the show, and offered to provide training to all these
girls who wished to pursue comedy. He also set up a training camp for them and said that he’d
really like for all of them to join because he’d like to see more girls interested in comedy. That
was 2015, and in 2016, I got in touch with my friends in Karachi and asked them how they
pulled this off, because I wanted to initiate this (comedic shows) in Lahore. So they gave me
this guy’s contact who was their comedy coach. He came to Lahore and I started asking around
on social media if other people in Lahore would be interested in joining this camp. Around ten
girls showed up at the camp. Some of them I knew; some of them were my friends and some
of them, well, just random people who had seen posters of the camp on social media. We
conducted a week long comedy camp, where every day we would sit together and try to write
under the guidance of Hassan (the comedy coach). So, that was how the Lahore chapter of
Auratnaak was initiated.
Aaniah: Do you think there were any obstacles you faced while setting up all of this, especially
considering the fact that comedy and feminism both are considered stigmatized constructs in
our country?
Yusra: It’s actually interesting how our culture and society has a very rich history of comedy.
Comedic writing, Urdu mein ‘Mazahiya’ jisko hum kehte hain, it’s always been a part of Urdu
literature. There are a lot of Punjabi poets who use humour as their only medium for poetry.
The Subcontinent has a very rich history of humour in performance. Even a lot of things that
you would consider to not be very high-class, such as cultural entertainments, all contain some
element of comedy. The stage dramas that people watch today, most of them are in fact
comedic plays. They contain two important things: sexually explicit content and comedy. These
are the two elements that make a stage drama. So I think sense of humour is something that i
very rich, but the stand-up comedy format of doing comedy is something that is quite new. It
really took off in Pakistan, still. All these stand-up comedians who started doing their shows a
few years ago, did really well. Sami Shah was one of the first Pakistanis to do stand-up
comedy. He did his one-man show in 2011, and that was one of the first stand-up comedy
shows that Pakistan had seen. People were very receptive to it, and what it did was give us a
space to talk about stuff that people of that demographic would not usually talk about publicly
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Sami Shah was talking about masturbation and arranged marriages. He was even talking about
religious values and pornography and he was talking about these issues very openly. People
really liked it. If he had written about these things over a Facebook status or via a video,
people wouldn’t have accepted it that much. But because he talked about it through comedy, it
was quite well received. Now, he could also afford do that because he was a man. When
women try to use a platform and talk about anything sexual, anything adult, or not even
sexual, maybe just their experience about their body or menstruation, it is sometimes really
difficult. But then sometimes easier too. That’s where comedy helps. It’s easier to access topics
via jokes. You’re not very comfortable as a society with seeing women talk about religious
values or talk about menstruation. But when someone makes a really good joke, it’s actually
beyond one’s control, you just have to laugh. If it’s funny, you laugh. That’s where we begin to
question and think that okay, this was funny and this did make me laugh, tou shayad yeh itni
burri baat nahi hai. But then why was I so uncomfortable talking about it before? When people
laugh, it’s a human reaction that you are encouraged to think about things more openly that
you were uncomfortable thinking about before. Contrary to this is the idea of women talking
about, say, menstruation, and not only normally talking, but making jokes out of it, which
makes some people even more uncomfortable.
This sometimes brings out a more extreme reaction, where people acknowledge that not only
are they (women) talking about issues, they are not even talking about them seriously. All in
all, comedic shows allow for difficult conversations to happen and enable audiences to rethink
by putting them in a much more open state of mind. I remember, after the show, some people
came up to me and pointed out that although I made them laugh, I also made them rethink a
couple of things. The coverage of Auratnaak after all of the shows consisted of one hour of
content and almost ninety percent of this involved making jokes about Pakistan, politics,
books, Harry Potter, Twilight etc. When the newspapers, or other social media sites such as
Mangobaaz covered the event, they would never write about those jokes. They would always
try to look for that one sexual joke and base their entire article on it. Do you understand what
kind of effect that has? Now, that created a portrayal of Auratnaak that it talks about very
specific female experiences as opposed to universal experiences (which is what we actually talk
about), and we talk about things that are only controversial. The reason that those people do
that, is because it’s going to catch more attention and create more controversy. But for us, that
was a big obstacle. It really misrepresented and stereotyped what we were trying to do.
Aaniah: That was some wonderful insight! Also, this isn’t a question, but a comment: we’re all
really in awe of everything you’re doing with the Auratnaak Movement.
Yusra: Aw, thank you!
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Aimen: Was there ever a specific moment in your life that pushed you towards feminism as an
ideology?
Yusra: Well, I grew up with an abusive father. I could see very much that it was his general
attitude about women, what they should be doing and what they shouldn’t be doing, how the
should act and how they shouldn’t act, that was what was making him behave this way. I cou
also see that you know, if he had grown up in a different environment with a different
exposure he might not have thought that way. So I could also see that it was not entirely his
fault that he had not been given that kind of exposure. But that was a very individual
experience. When I noticed it on a systemic social level it was not just that there is one man
who is doing something wrong, but how is everyone encouraging all of this behavior. How is
this society enabling and allowing all of these things to go on? Because what you have to
remember is that what’s wrong with the world is not just one bad man. You know, Hitler was
one bad man but he didn’t kill 6 million people on his own, he killed 6 million people because
he took advantage of the system that allowed him to spread white supremacy, racism and
ableism. All of those people in that society and that system are also accountable. It’s not just
that one man woke up one day and caused all of this damage in the world. In the same way
when you look at one abuser who’s maybe done some terrible things: He has abused women,
he has assaulted women. You can’t look at just that one man; you have to look at how society
is allowing [the abuse] to happen. They are also responsible, it’s not just that one person. So
when I was growing up, I think in my early-to-mid teens, instead of focusing on my father as
the one that doing everything wrong, I started to focus on the people who were not holding
him responsible and who were enabling him, other people in the family. Other people in his
group, in his social circle. I started to then hold them accountable and see that it’s not about
this one person, but why no one has held him accountable and made sure that he is responsib
for how he has been treating his family. At that moment I kind of saw it as a social thing, as
systemic problem.
Aimen: As a teacher, you must have noticed the impact societal expectations have on younger
generations of girls. In what ways have you come across the effect of these expectations on
your students?
Yusra: You know, one thing which I heard a student say once which deeply disturbed me, and
this doesn’t really have to do with expectations of matrimony but I guess it’s kind of related
because it has to do with body-shaming: I was walking across the courtyard once and I heard
this 7th grader say, “I want to be as skinny as Miss Yusra when I grow up.” Now, when you’re a
teacher you want students to look up to you for many reasons. My weight is not one of the
things that I want students to admire about me. I would always hope that people would say
‘Oh, you must inspire your students so much.’ And in that moment I thought I was inspiring
people to write, or fight for their rights or follow their ambitions, and all I’ve done is inspired
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this girl to be thin. That made me really disturbed. Just the idea that a 12-year-old is watching
a 26-year-old woman and thinking ‘When I grow up I want to have a body like this.’ It made
me very sad that someone so young is even thinking about this, you know? Your body is not
even fully developed at that time; any kind of dieting at that age is obviously dangerous. You
don’t even know what your body’s going to look like at that age. One of the students I taught
was quite severely anorexic, it sounded like she had an eating disorder when I spoke to her
mother. Another time these girls in class started talking about someone who was ‘a skinny
legend’ and how they wanted to be one and lose weight. That’s something I saw a lot of. Girls
thinking a lot about how thin they were.
I didn’t feel like it was my place to address many of these things because I’ve never been fat
shamed and because I’ve always been thin, so I don’t really understand that experience.
Especially if it’s me who starts talking about that kind of thing, girls will start thinking ‘what
does miss know, she doesn’t know what it’s like to be fat-shamed.’ So I would rather that
someone who’s been through the same experience talk about it and how it affected them as a
young person. Apart from that I’ve seen girls with expectations regarding- because I taught at
two very privileged schools- class. And a lot of those expectations regarding class also have a
lot to do with marriage, and they place so much emphasis on class and ‘hamari family thou aisi
hai’ and ‘we have these many cars, and these many clothes’ that we teach them to our children
so that our children will marry someone from the same class. Because no one wants their child
to marry someone from the ‘wrong’ social class. So I would see quite a lot of young girls make
statements about different ways to show off their family’s wealth, whether it’s ‘Oh we go to
these kinds of restaurants’ or ‘My bags are from this country because my aunt sent it’ and you
know, these girls did not wake up one day and decide that it’s important to show off their
wealth. Obviously someone in their family has slowly taught them that you have to show off
your class and your wealth and that it is something to be proud of. And that’s something that
will very much transform into a marriage expectation as they grow older: That you have to
marry a man who makes a lot of money and whose family is rich. All of those things lead to a
woman who is being expected not only to marry, but marry a certain type of person. And any
other type of person is unacceptable.
Aimen: You’re someone who’s clearly multitalented: you’re a poet, a comedian and you make
music. How have all of these different art-forms shaped your approach to activism?
Yusra: Human beings create art and they’ve been doing it since they first evolved. So the best
way to make anyone listen to your message is very much through art. Whatever you’re doing,
whether it’s poetry, singing, comedy or dance. At one point you can get so good that even
omeone who is opposed to your message can’t deny your talent. And you know, they might
also kill you in Pakistan for having that talent in the first place, but they cannot deny it. You’ve
made an impact, even if they do not want to listen to your message, if you’re good then
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they’re forced to listen. And then they might have violent reactions so you know, be careful.
That doesn’t mean that all of these other things- politics, law, there are a lot of financial
policies that affect women badly, economic policies, the wage gap, all of those things are
important as well. It’s not that you can do your activism only through art and you don’t need
the legal activists, or the financial or political activists. You need all of those things and it’s a
very united effort. That’s to say that I’m an artistic activist, just because I put my message and
beliefs into my art, that doesn’t mean that any of this would be possible without my fellow
feminist lawyers
or journalists, who record the stories that show the world that ‘look, there’s something that is
wrong and that we have to change.’ So I think on all levels and in all fields you need to make a
concentrated effort.
Mariyam: Do you really believe in the idea of naming and shaming? What’s your take on the
Me Too movement?
Yusra: That’s a very complicated question that can really only be answered on a case-by-case
basis. Look at Harvey Weinstein: a habitual, violent predator who abused hundreds of women
over decades. That man built his empire and prestige on women that he abused. That man
needs to be named and shamed. It’s not just that one man raped and harassed a lot of women,
he has created an entire empire. A media, financial, global empire. In order to destabilize that
predator, you have to destabilize the system that he’s built. If someone were to ask me in that
instance about naming and shaming I would say that there’s no way that you can do it without
naming the predator. Harvey Weinstein was brought down by the legal system only after the
Me Too movement had brought him down and then the law, three decades late, said ‘acha
chalo hum trial be karley thay hain.’ He was already held accountable by society through a
social network of accountability. For years, there was a network in which Harvey Weinstein’s
victims would try to warn other women in his employment. The reason that that had to be
done by the Me Too movement was obviously that the legal system had failed. This man was
rich and white and so he had successfully victimized dozens of women. Now when it comes to
small communities: Do I believe that calling in is better than calling out? I certainly think that
you have to look at how much power a person has. Let’s just say a person had tried calling in
Harvey Weinstein instead of calling him out. So people who knew him got together in a room
and talk to him privately and were like ‘Look, we’ve heard you’ve made some women
uncomfortable. Is this true? Maybe you can go to therapy and maybe you can address your
behaviour and we think you should apologize.’ What do you think would have happened to the
handful of people that tried to call him in? They immediately would’ve lost their jobs, any
chance of opportunity in the industry, they would’ve been blacklisted, and their whole lives
would have been ruined. Some people you can’t call in. Some people you have to call out
because they have that much power. In your group of friends for example, things change very
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drastically. There might be an abuser in your group of friends who has a lot of class privilege.
He might have a lot of influence in the admin. Say someone has victimized one of you, but his
arents or his uncle is someone who is very powerful and knows someone on the LGS admin
or someone on the board of directors. It would be a lot harder to report him to the admin
because he could call his father or uncle, and they will make sure there are no consequences.
That is a small scale example of someone having too much power, like Harvey Weinstein. It is
very hard to call in that person, that’s why you have to name and shame them. You have to
bring a larger system into your confidence and say ‘Look, the system has not worked. The
admin or the justice system will not hold him accountable, therefore we have to hold him
accountable publicly.’ But I do believe in smaller communities, especially at your age where
people are very young and don’t know a lot of what they’re doing- I mean to me, an 18-yearold boy is a boy. That doesn’t mean if he does something to violate a girl I will say that he’s
just a child- he is responsible for that. But if he did something to violate me I would look at it
very differently. I wound think of him as someone very young. First, I would try to talk to him.
I would try to approach him and explain why this is wrong. If he did something to someone his
wn age or someone younger, say- if he harassed a fifteen-year-old, or someone your age, I
would understand that that girl would want to call him out. She would want to name him
because she doesn’t have that power that I have in terms of my age, and she has less privilege
in power than him so she has to use a public platform and she has to get that power from
elsewhere.
Mariyam: You’re seen voicing out your opinions on your Facebook and Instagram handles, and
we see that you often get a lot of criticism from people who have misogynistic views, so how
do you deal with that?
Yusra: I don’t usually get a lot of hate as compared to, others. I mean I have less followers,
maybe that’s why. I am afraid that one day I’ll go viral and then I’ll get death threats. I get
much more positivity than the negativity, and that’s probably because my audience is quite
small and completely organically built. Like I’ve never sponsored any posts, never paid for any
followers. All my followers follow me only because they like my content. For that reason, I
think the people who follow me are only those jo uss cheez ko smjhte hain, jo uss cheez se
agree karte hain. So I don’t get a lot of hate, but I do sometimes check my other messages an
find some really interesting things. The Auratnaak account, where I am admin, I was added
after Auratmarch 2019. They made a group, where they added like a lot of these female
organizations and someone sent these rape threats, death threats and some really, really
violent harassing messages. Apart from that I get some really funny, it’s kind of amusing, I
mean they are less violent, more of like, what did you just say? (laughs) One time this guy,
hom I actually know in real life, started chatting to me on DMs. I was quiet polite and then
eventually he said something like, “having a sense of humour in woman has the opposite effe
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than having it in a man has.” Like a sense of humour in a woman is less desirable in a woman
than having it in a man. And I was like, “-what?” He continued sending me some inappropriate
responses, so I eventually blocked him. There was this one guy who messaged me saying,
nothing else, just “still, you’re single.” I was like- “-dude,” (laughs)
So yeah, I find it really comedic. I know how social media works, so if you want to troll on my
page and start an argument about, ‘how women are liars’ or ‘the wage gap is fake’ or ‘how the
MeToo movement is cancer’, go ahead, because my engagement is going to go up, you’re just
doing me a favour, I don’t mind. The more people follow me the more power I have.
Mariyam: You told us your story about how you moved on from an abusive relationship with
your father, to being an activist. What is the piece of advice you would like to give to your
younger self or, just the younger girls out there?
Yusra: I didn’t just so much move on with the relationship with my father, given that my father
died. I didn’t feel all that trauma and anger anymore, I just felt sad that he was gone. I also felt
sad that he could not build a good relationship with his loved ones. He genuinely didn’t
understand that maine kya kiya hai. That’s because while growing up, he saw people around
him being violent to his wives and children, it was not considered something that bad. He was
confused about him, and he didn’t understand that, and I felt sad for him. I was talking to Noor
Unnahar- who is a poet friend of mine in Karachi, and we were like- if our dads wento therapy,
now, at the age of 50,60 years, they would just die. Itna trauma unke andar se nikle ga ke they
would not be able to cope with it. It’s too late for them to have any help and that’s what’s very
sad. If they had the tools to address those things back when they were young, they would not
have ended up in their 60s wondering ke meri beti meri se kyun naraz hai, maine isse itna kya
kardiya hai. When someone dies, you end up thinking about them very differently, you forgive
them, so I felt very glad that he was at peace. He was not suffering psychologically anymore. I
think that it’s very important to remember but that doesn’t change anything about what I
would have done with my father if he was still alive. I would not want speak to him, because
that is what’s best for me, I choose that I do not to be in contact with him, that I do not want
to do a lot of things, that I would not like to engage with him. While I am sad that he passed
away while we were not on good terms, I wouldn’t change that, because that is a decision that
I made for my best mental health. I now pray that he is at peace, but that is it. It doesn’t
change any of the decisions that I would have made.
Cover-page artwork by: @lina.naama
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‫رائے کی آزادی‬
‫ایک‬
‫بنیادی‬
‫حق‬
‫راےئیکآزادی اینپرا ےئاکااہظررکےنوکےتہکںیہسجںیمااستحبایاقونینزساہندی‬
‫اجےئ۔ہیاکیااسیاایتخرےہوجرہیسکاکاینبدی قحےہ۔رہیسکےکاپساےنپاافلظاامعتسل‬
‫رکےنیکاطتقوہیناچےئہ۔را ےئیکآزادی تہبرضوری ےہویکہکنہیاعمرشےےکےئل‬
‫رتیقاکابثعیتنبےہ۔اکیدورسےےسابترکاناوراسرپوغررکےنےساسداینںیم‬
‫ایھچدبتیلیالیئاجیتکسےہویکہکنتہبیسابوتںاکلحاکیدورسےیکےننسےسلماجات‬
‫ےہ۔‬
‫رہیسکیکاینپرا ےئوہیتےہ۔ولگاکیدورسےےس‪،‬ریغبڑلایئےیک‪،‬اافتقاوراالتخفرک‬
‫ےکاکیتحصدنموگتفگرکےتکسںیہ۔اکیدورسےیکراےئدبےنلیکوکششےسیہےلئسم‬
‫دیپاوہےتںیہ۔رہیسکیکدنسپدحیلعہدحیلعہوہیتےہ‪،‬ھچکولگھچکزیچوںرپنیقیرےتھکںیہ‬
‫اورھچکںیہن۔اساکہیبلطمںیہنہکمہاکیدورسےیکراےئدبتلیرکےنیکوکشش‬
‫رکےنںیگل۔اینپابترپلمعرکےکےلصیفےنیلےسیہآپ وکرجتہباحلصوہاتےہ۔‬
‫نجولوگںوکہتکنینیچیکاعدت وہیتاوروجدورسوںںیمصقناکنےتلںیہ‪،‬وہاےنپادنر‬
‫دبتیلیالےنےسرحموموہاجےتںیہ۔اسےئلںیمہاچےئہہکمہرا ےئرںیھک‪،‬دورسوںیک‬
‫ابتیھبںینساوردںیھکیارگںیمہاسےسوکیئافدئہوہاتکسےہایںیہن۔االسمرہیسکوک‬
‫اینپراےئرےنھکاکاایتخرداتیےہ‪،‬ارگاسیکابتےسیسکیکزعتاورواقررپابتںیہنآیت؛‬
‫ویکہکناالسمںیمربایئاورڑلایئیکوکیئہگجںیہنےہ۔ںیمہااہظرِراےئوکرہیسکاکاینبدی‬
‫قحھجمسرکبسیکابتیکزعترکیناچےیہ۔‬
‫اشیا بشیر خان‬
135
We Little Brittle Mademoiselles
Little and slender: gratified euphoria above the moons,
Sweet beauties in every meagre dot, work in infinite loops.
Prancing in the German frolics in evening or naps in noons;
Candles of age, melting, but still we can’t move in disciplined
troops.
Working hard, falling, and breaking into parts,
Doleful sorrows, drenched eyes, no way to stop wars.
Each day’s, each hour’s, each minute’s, each second departEveryone makes you realize that you’ve come from Mars.
Days come yet days to come are numbered,
A Little Woman faces them with fears outnumbered.
Women! Women! Women! No need for feminism;
They’ve got firmness and ambition in their own artful
expressionism.
By Sarosh 9C
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139
14o
Julie Khan
A N D T H E P L I G H T
O F A T R A N S G E N D E R
A H E F T Y P R I C E F O R
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I N P A K I S T A N :
H O N E S T Y ?
Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty,
truth, compassion against injustice, lying and
greed. If people all over the world… would do
this, it would change the Earth.” - William
Fa“ulkner
In a world full of duplicates, they say, “be an
original”; but is acting upon this statement as
easy as it is made to sound? Julie Khan- a
name, unfortunately, unknown to manydared to embark upon this mission but the
consequences proved to be disastrous for her.
Starting off with an Instagram page “TCM
Originals”, Julie rose to fame with her boneshaking revelations that patronized the
underlying hypocrisy and injustice of our socalled equitable society. In her words, a
transgender person is always under scrutiny
despite COVID 19 or not. Sadly, she stated,
people would always want to stay at a
distance of six feet from them. Her stance may
be controversial to many but that did not stop
her. Each word spoken by her compels you to
think whether we are heading in the right
direction or not? Ostracizing these evils and
speaking about sensitive topics like the social
hierarchy of Pakistan, she allured the
population by her statements and it soon felt
like there was no going back. Unfortunately
for her, this journey was never easy; in 2016,
she was sexually assaulted by a group of men
in Islamabad and they were given their
respective punishment. The point to ponder
upon is how if this would have happened to
another woman from our community there
would have been a huge uproar in the social
media community, petitions would be signed
and twitter hashtags would be trending by
now. Which realistically speaking also often
fail to achieve anything substantial. As
expected, there was no media coverage
because we have all become so insensitive to
such issues deeming tem as everyday, normal
occurrences. Climbing the corporate ladder
for any cisman would be far easier, as
compared to gender non-conforming people
who might not even be considered for their
job.
142
In sociological terms, the Margaret Mead
theory suggests that gender roles are not
biological
but learnt by those around us, co-relating to
the research done in the islands of Papua New
Guinea. Even daring lawyers like Hasan Khan
Niazi rose up and promised to investigate
further into the case but at what cost? Those
with political relations can find it quite facile to
detangle these deep-seated problems that are
in all honestly difficult to solve. In the positive
aspect, the public was quick to respond. They
began Twitter hashtags and posted regularly to
free Julie from imprisonment, which was
actually based on a false allegation that stands
baseless and dissolved.
For other transgender people, life is a rugged
terrain that is a tunnel with dead ends and
grave problems like assault and cat-calling. This
is a practice that we as a nation failed to
eradicate, even after hundreds of activists
speaking on it. Furthermore, victim blaming is
the part in parcel of these issues. Though we try
to give them their due rights by supporting
campaigns like the recent Pride March in
Pakistan and standing up for justice in our
capacities, it is not nearly enough. The situation
is different for people in the domestic situation,
who constantly ridicule them and attach
ignominious names with them. We, as a nation,
are trapped in an interminable cycle of
hypocrisy and social injustice, which has
become a chain reaction that is difficult to stop.
In retrospect, we have seen many such cases
with the transgender community of Pakistan
and it is about time we take action as a
community by stopping our fellows and peers
from making them uncomfortable and by
supporting our trans friends. Today, lets
promise change and work towards making
Pakistan a model of equity and justice.
Dying Fire
Rameen Khan A2
And I stare into his eyes, the fire in them burning bright,
As I take in his energy, his smile, and know that he's worth the fight,
But those eyes.... they shine with light and wonder,
Like a beacon of light, amidst rain and thunder,
I fought, he fought, we fought for that fire,
We fought for us, for that flame to never tire,
But times change, and change they did,
And in this chaos, we were left amid,
For now, as we stared helplessly at the sky,
I saw that the fire in his eyes started to die,
The person I used to love started to fade away,
Leaving me all alone, all alone in this never-ending fray,
I helplessly watch him drift away to the heavens, watch him till I can't see,
Watch him turn into a mere shadow of what he used to be,
And I grab his face, stare into those eyes,
And suddenly, all hope I have to save him dies,
And as I look down at the world, from the top of the beautiful spire,
The last thing I remember are his eyes and the dying fire.
143
H.B
By Aima Hashmi 10C
A light breeze swept the garden and the trees rustled, the leaves falling lightly on the ground. Somewhere
near, the wind chimes played a melodious sound. It was in the middle of Spring, Amelia's favourite season.
She sat, her shoulders stooped and her eyes closed, feeling the breeze lightly caress her wrinkly skin. She felt
relieved and free.
Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by a woman's voice, as she hurried towards Amelia with a little boy
at her feet.
"Mom! Hey... So, Jason found this really pretty flower," the woman said, passing a hand through the little
boy's dishevelled hair, the boy that stood beside her, "but, before I could stop him, he plucked it out and
there's no use scolding him because he wanted to give it to you."
Although Amelia was rather confused by a random woman calling her "mom", she still accepted the red
coloured flower that the boy, Jason, offered her. Turning it over in her hands, Amelia had a strange feeling...
It felt like something was tingling at the back of her mind. Her brows furrowed, Amelia felt lost. This
flower... It held significance to some event, but what was it?
The woman, noticing her confused look, asked: "Are you okay?" Amelia didn't hear the question, she was too
lost in her web of thoughts that were all entangled now, and she couldn't see a solution. She kept asking
herself what importance this flower held and why something like this would make her think so deeply.
Amelia sat ever so still, clutching the flower with a sweaty grip and her thoughts, a bundle of confusion. She
thought so much that she ended up annoying herself and got up from her chair, dismissing the woman and
the little boy who now looked at Amelia strangely. Amelia made her way to the house with slow, steady
steps, and rested herself in the chair in her bedroom. She felt mentally exhausted and her hands were now
trembling intensely. Only a single image would appear every time she tried thinking about the significance
of this flower: a hand adorned with rings, holding a bouquet of red flowers. The hand had this significant
ring with the initials "H.B". What could that be?
Amelia thought and thought but not a single thing would make itself clear so she gave up. She rested the
flower on the bedside table and thought about taking a little nap to freshen herself up and to remove the
bundle of thoughts that confused her.
The house slowly became quiet, except for the snoring from Amelia's room, where each day Amelia still
sleeps, dreaming about things she thinks she's never experienced for she can't remember... Amelia can't
remember who the strange man with beautiful, black eyes is or whose hand that was. She can't remember
whose initials "H.B” were.
They say it's Alzheimer's Disease, the reason why she can't remember. The reason why she sits confused...
... The reason why she can't remember Aria Black and Jason Black, her daughter and grandson. The reason
why she can't remember Hayden Black, Amelia Black's husband who passed away ten years ago.
144
145
HAIKUS
When autumn is here
Pumpkin spice is in the air
Leaves everywhere
Scintillating sun
Boiling seas in the summer
Hot Sirocco blows
Just trying to help
Glaciers will easily melt
You will be guilty
Cannot get up now
You neglected me whole night
Why are you mad now?
Butterflies are trapped
Fluttering inside my mind
Trying to break the cage
By Erfa Binte Sajjad
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
Happiness
She stood there alone, just her and the starless night,
Stood in complete darkness, hoping to, one day, see the light,
She runs aimlessly, trying to find it, to heal her broken soul,
To finally be happy, to finally be whole,
And then, one day, she reaches the realm of happiness, stands at the gate, And maybe
she deserves it now, maybe, finally, peace is now her fate, But then, why is she scared?
When she can be happy now? Feel loved? Feel cared?
She pulls at the gate, wanting to forget all her fears,
As the darkness thickens around her, all taunts and leers,
She sees a shadow of herself, standing in the darkness,
as everything around her starts to blur,
She isn't surprised though, after all, it was always in her,
That monster lives in her, resides in her soul,
The yang to her yin, the thing that makes her whole,
She ignores it, ignores her, wills her fears to not show,
Tries to move on with life, tries to let her past, her worries go,
But she can't, they won't let her live,
The darkness, her, they only have pain to give,
She tries to ignore it, to turn her life around,
To feel loved, to feel joyful, to feel safe and to feel sound,
But every time she is, her life like a stupid love song,
Does she speak from inside her, that it feels all wrong,
It's funny, she thinks, as the dread settles in her gut,
How all she wanted was to be at peace, and how she is anything but,
At last, she just stops, and with as much courage she could show,
She takes one last look at the realm of happiness, and lets it go,
She dives back into the darkness, who welcomes her with open arms,
As she turns, never to look back, and falls, once again into her deadly charms,
She wipes her tears away, and swallows the rising bile,
And as she disappears into the darkness, the last thing to be seen is her, and her smile.
Rameen Khan A2
155
Rameen Khan A2
Winter was the only season we could be together,
Just you and me, each touch light as a feather,
We stand in a constant embrace, in tandem our heats beat,
While we crave for the warmth we give off, that intense heat,
Winter was the only season we could be together, for he's the fire, and I'm the flame,
With the same fervour, the same vehemence, that no one can tame,
Fire and flame, the deadly combo, the forbidden blend,
Could only be together in the frozen world of pretend,
Winter, it's the only season that we, the doomed lovers can meet,
Because our raging fires, only the cold can beat,
In this bubble of perfection, we stay, to one another, we so desperately cling,
Not caring about anything but us, but only till the start of spring,
We stay there, locked in an embrace,
as we stare at each other for an eternity, just taking in each other's face,
We stay like that till the heat becomes too much to bear,
And we let go, as that perfect bubble starts to disappear,
I look into his eyes one last time, but no warmth do I find,
As we turn around and walk away, never to look behind,
Winter was the only season we could be together, as it is the perfect illusion, the perfect lie,
That tortures us by giving us hope of that utopia, hope that we grip on to, till the day we die.
156
IT'S OKAY NOT TO
BE OKAY
What is the definition of the complex word “life?” It is not a mere
word and never a permanent stage. It is an assured fact that we
are all made of dust and will soon become a part of it. It is
temporary; fragile- prone to break if mishandled. Sometimes
hurdles come toward us at the speed of lightning, but we, being
the strong humans that once walked the Earth with pride and
hunted animals far beyond today’s limited conception, must
dodge them. If they are lightning, we are the clouds that may
change colour but still cannot be eradicated.
Time to time, life will push us backwards, but we cannot run from
it. We always try to be the best versions of ourselves, plastering
on faces belonging to the society; a gift from the world. We
should never hide our scars, mistakes and bruises. After all, they
eventually heal when exposed. If you feel like everything around
you is not going as planned, wait for the phase to change; I
assure you that the universe always finds a way to hide joy inside
our souls.
Laugh off your misery, good times always come to those who
seek them in despondency. No person’s life is a Celtic fairy-tale.
Hurdles and failures push us to our limits, leading us to a meadow
where flowers blossom in the winds of spring and the smell of
ecstasy wafts through the air. An important thought to keep in
mind is that a boat never sets off expecting a storm, it only seeks
the destination. Sometimes it survives the thunder but in certain
cases it does not; always look for the objective, whether adversity
will rise or not is a mystery.
157
BY BEENISH SAEED
“It’s okay not to be okay!” This phrase seems strange to a lot of
people, everyone believes that being in difficulty isn’t something
to be proud of, however this mantra will never ostracize you from
the crowd. Those who believe it is a sign of progress and life’s gift
will always surpass the blizzards of shaking faith. To believe in
God, is a sign of undefiled faith and unblemished courage, no
worldly power can keep you from reaching your aim. The universe
will conspire to help you achieve. Never feel that the universe does
not play a role in helping you reach the meadows of elation; it
does, every choice, every mistake, every word and thought is
acknowledged by the universe which then paves a path for us by
closing all other doors. In this game of life, when the door of one
opportunity closes, a thousand others open, then it is upon us to
decide which one to go through.
Studies will always be a daunting task for many but an algorithm for
success to others; results may always bring down our spirits and may
even stop us from making many choices that are best for us. However,
we should remember that the result is never in our hands, it is in the
hands of God who may grant us success and failure according to His
mighty will. We should always work hard for the goal and never even
consider stopping. No matter how many fences we have to jump, the
aim should never become hazy. Society may dictate that misery is a
sign of weakness but it is imperative to remember that the strongest
boulder faces the most pressure to collapse whilst the feeble break
down to pieces of rubble and debris. We learn from these experiences
which shape us into the people we are today. You are not a burden and
never will be, just believe in yourself and etch this phrase in your
memory, “It’s okay not to be okay!”
158
rain by
Fatima Usman
Over the years I have observed that the impact rain has upon you
is almost entirely dependent on the circumstances that you are
in.
P e a c e:
I lay on my couch lazily with a cup of hot chocolate in my hand,
as the cool breeze blows softly through the wind. I am completely
immersed in my novel as the sound of the distant thunder
compels me to look out — the dark clouds move swiftly across
the sky as they swallow the radiant light of the sun. I sigh in
relief; eager to gain respite from the torturous heat spells. Just as
I return to my novel, I hear the rain drops, softly hitting the
ground and I smile to myself – finding comfort in the symphony,
each drop a promise for a better tomorrow.
T u r b u l e n t:
The gaping hole in my chest starts to expand as the anxiety takes
reigns of my heart, propelling it to beat faster. My room seems to
shrink. I jump up from my bed and rush to the closet, hastily
throwing a hoodie on – I need to get out of here. I sprint out of
my front door and begin walking in no definitive direction. I
gasp, desperately trying to get rid of the increasing tightness in
my chest – it does not work. I feel tears pricking my eyes as I walk
faster, eager to find some sort of relief when the sound of
thunder booms across the deserted neighbourhood. I come to a
halt, my heart races – I didn’t bring an umbrella. Just as this
realization dawns on me, I feel a thick droplet. The rain gains
momentum, leaving me completely drenched. My vision blurs as I
close my eyes in a desperate attempt to focus. The sound of the
thunder feels muffled compared to that of my heart beat. I feel
lost.
159
photo by: @mariyamsodessey
P
erspective (s)
laylist
160
Exhibit (i)
161
Exhibit (ii)
162
Exhibit (iii)
163
Exhibit (iv)
164
photo by: @mariyamsodessey
Playlist curated by:
Palwasha Malik (in collaboration
with the Music Society)
165
VOID AND DEVOID
At the tender age of seven, I was cared for and loved, setting a precedence
of unconditional love and affection which I ritually followed. At the
fostering age of twelve, I kept on loving and caring for everyone blindly,
and it was reciprocated.
At the reckless age of thirteen, life drastically changed. The path I was
moving along was no longer owned by just me, and the invisible thorns
that were now there, scarred me with every step. The love and affection
was being discarded and capitalised upon, by my friends and foes alike.
The utopia of 'give to get' hustled its way out, outdated itself. Immunity
from hurt and impunity from hate was the only survival mechanism.
166
BY AINA NADEEM
At the refined age of fifteen, I realised the delusion. I wasn't
wronged, I just wasn't special; just wasn't 'the one'. It was only
because a handful of people valued my love and my mere
existence, I adapted the tendency to lose emotion, to lose the
feeling of love for others and for myself. I became prejudiced
against all those who still loved me, by portraying my worth as
worthless to all. Being cold became “cool” until I became harsh,
when differentiating between happiness and sadness became
nearly impossible. It was a trap I slowly let myself fall into, an
indefinite and infinite trance and a void state, devoid of sanity.
Reklessly throwing myself in emotionally vulnerable states
(indefinitely as it seemed), brought me back to sanity and
humanity. If you're lucky, it might bring you back too.
We, as teenagers, do not recognise the emptiness of the glorified
uncaring life. It has become the new “cool” seen on movies and
social media alike. We look forward to being emotionless so that
we are finally able to be unaffected by the hurt caused to us. It
goes smoothly at first until it develops into a void, an empty but
familiar space. Differentiation between happiness and sadness
grows ungraspable day by day- unnoticed. It gets hard to explain
what you are going through, and more complicated to come out
of it. It does not feel like a trap or as if the walls are closing in,
rather it feels like travelling into a repeating tunnel with no end
or start. It should not be glorified because being a teenage lasts
for seven years only. The way you love, care and hurt are distinct
in their effect which is to be glorified rather than hated upon. To
simply put it, feel the love and hate, care for those you want to,
be a little reckless. That is life, full of colors and problems. It is all
about how you perceive it.
167
Nature
By: Khadija Noor
Nature is everywhere
Everything that lives and grows
Is nature
Animals tiny and big
The little tree by the old road fence
Grew in the summer sun
I want to grow tall, said the little tree,
Growing is much fun
The sight of the hills is beauty
The bright moon is the sign of purity
Refreshing rain of clouds
Changing of the seasons is charming
Leaves dance, and a new wind blows
New songs composed while birds sing
Butterflies fluttering around
Birds moving slowly
Across the subtle waves
Soft comes the husk of eventide
And singing birds hide,
In limbs of budded trees
Warm sun whisperings
Wind blowing
Flowers growing
Kids laughing and gawking
Bugs flying
Ducks fighting
Birds singing
In thy nature there is more to be seen
In thy nature is a beauty untold
Nature is of more worth than anything else.
168
Howling Winds
Rameen Khan A2
THE
IN
A
HOWLING
THE
WINDS
DARKNESS
STATUE
IN
THE
ARE
OF
THAT
STORM,
NOT
BLINKING,
THE
FALL
OF
HUMANITY,
THE
FALL
OF
WHO
THE
WINDS
SCREAM
THEY
WONDER,
IF
I
WANNA
SCREAM,
WANNA
LET
I
JUST
BUT
CAN'T,
A
IF
FEEL
IT'S
THE
MAYBE
THE
I
NO
A
WINDS
STAY
IN
BOTH,
TILL
THIS
THAT
AND
MAYBE,
AND
IT'LL
BE
IF
IT’S
IN
MY
NEVER
I'LL
BE
JUST
I'M
USED
FOR
TO
AT
EVER
SHONE,
THE
GREAT
FALL,
BE,
MY
ACTUALLY
CAN'T
I
EARS
JUST
IN
IN
A
WONDER,
DREAM,
SCREAM?
DIE,
A
DREAM,
SCREAM,
HOW
CAN
ME?
AND
I
FEEL?
NEVER
DREAM,
MIND,
MAKES
LETTING
TRUTH
ME
STRUGGLE,
ME
AND
WANNA
I'LL
HEAL?
LIE,
CRY,
ALWAYS
STAY,
DAY,
HERE
US
LIGHT
THUNDER,
ENDING
FATEFUL
NO
ME,
PULLING
JUST
REALITY
WHERE
ALONE,
ALL,
OF
I
THERE
CRY,
TO
DREAM,
IT
HOLE,
FALL
WHY
JUST
NEED
AT
STAND
WAITING
WHO
CAN,
WANNA
TO
I
JUST
WINDS
DEAFENING
UNCERTAINTY,
MAYBE,
I
GO,
JUST
IT'S
THE
THEN
CAN'T,
DREAM,
STARE
WONDER,
I
IT
I
AND
THEY
REAL,
I
BUT
THE
ALL
IT'S
AM,
AS
NEVER-ENDING
MOVING,
I
ROAR,
THEY
CAUSE
NOT
DEAFENING,
TILL
TILL
THE
THE
END
DAY
OF
I
DIE,
TIME,
169
THESE
HOWLING
WINDS
AND
I.
170
d
r
o
W
C
e
h
T
By Famia Humayun
We all know someone extremely extroverted, who socializes with each breathing entity around
them, and is seen with a different group of people every day. Now imagine putting that person
into a four-walled empty room with a talking chair that yells “YOU’RE ALONE!” every time they sit
on it. That is only a snippet of the misery Covid-19 initially put my mind through. I know for a fact
this was not just me; every person, in their own capacity, was taken aback by this virus that
infected our bodies as well as our social lives.
It was not until March of 2020, that this pandemic truly hit Pakistan. At the very peak of every
student’s nightmare season, the finals month, it was announced that the schools are being
closed, exams cancelled, restrictions implemented, and bazaars shut down. For a third world
country like Pakistan, it was very hard to develop strategies for efficient and socially distanced
communications. Our lives were put at pause for a month. The Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook
generation flourished in this period. The need and necessity of these platforms was finally a topic
of conversation in our households, and ownership of mobile phones was finally regarded a
blessing, and not subject to mockery by our parents. It was these platforms that helped keep us
connected. For communities like ours which rely largely on physical meetings and familial
gatherings as source of entertainment, complying with the rules or the " SOPs" was a trying task.
Not getting a chance to say goodbye to our campus or meeting friends for a last time before
everyone went their separate ways, and just not being able to fully express appreciation for
physical presence around us, is why Covid became a nemesis to me. Yes, the concept of
indefinite holidays and infinite use of Netflix/Instagram was exciting at first, but soon it dissolved.
The little joys of life that rest in these events for many people, were snatched away by the
sudden lockdown. The loss of sense of belonging and support that was felt especially by
students who were denied many events and opportunities due to Covid, and this frustration, took
the face of anger issues, deliberately avoiding conversations, not seeking help, lashing out, etc.
Communication during this period was fairly difficult to say the least. It was not the lack of
appropriate communication mediums that were causing this difficulty, but the mere exhaustion
and loss of interest in conversations post-covid infection. My whole family became a victim of the
disease with my parents bearing the worst of it. But luckily, we made it out alive. Seeing my
parents go through this took a toll on my mental health. The added isolation and not having
anything to do besides talking to yourself or sleeping repeatedly was truly depressing, especially
since these were the initial stages of the lockdown and not many coping mechanisms had been
developed by people and brought to public attention. People lost family members, lost weight,
and what not. As the pandemic progressed, people became more closed off. If initially, it was
three video calls a day with two therapeutic rants to friends and one post-covid get-together
planning session, a few months into the virus, this turned to fewer and fewer instances of
communication. From 3 video calls and constant texting to no video call and being least
expressive over text, Covid brought both the highs and lows to the ordinary person. Even
birthdays, which are supposed to be happiest days out of the year for young folks like me, were
sad, dull and depressing because of absence of friends and the feeling of not being able to
connect with people you’d usually have over for your birthdays. This whole lack of communication
lead for many, including myself, to feel like they have no one to turn to and no one who truly
cares for them. The isolation led to our minds possibly over-complicating existing scenarios.
Mental health problems were on a major rise because of people’s exhaustion, lack of
communication, and lack of availability of relevant help, specifically in the initial stages of the
lockdown. It was not until 6 months later, that tele-clinic appointments, online classes and eshopping were put into effect and managed efficiently, bringing back some sense of normalcy.
171
Covid also brought to us, sights we thought we’d never see; mothers group-calling on WhatsApp
discussing Eid outfits, recruitment conducted over zoom calls, fathers tuning in to Facebook lives
by politicians, mere 4-year-olds sitting in front of screens taking classes on laptops twice their
size, and 60-year-old teachers with air pods in their ears. Wearing button-down shirts with
pajamas for meetings, dressing up to go absolutely nowhere, messing up sleep schedules without
feeling guilty, is also something Covid brought to our lives. Zoom and WebEx became the driving
forces of the world, and Twitter became the new Facebook, in the span of only a few months, all
thanks to our buddy Corona.
Covid-19, despite its negative impacts, brought families together, more than ever. The very first
announcement for the lockdown, though sent chills down our spines, also lead for us to prepare
for this month-turned-year-long quarantine. We as a family stacked up on some necessities, but
also avenues of entertainment like Uno, Scrabble, Ludo, etc. It never crossed our minds how
close this pandemic would bring families. Every night turned into game night, deep philosophical
or personal discussions became the norm, and dining together was not a forced activity anymore,
but something everyone would look forward to. This period strengthened countless relations; I’ve
otten to know of people who came out during this time, people who confessed and sought help
for mental health issues, people who explored who they truly are with full support from their
relatives, and people who actually spent quality time with family rather than on phones. The
communication gap that technology had brought between families, was ironically bridged by this
21st century pandemic.
Not only this, but a stronger sense of
community was also felt all over Pakistan. Plasma donationdrives, blood donation drives, covid relief food drives and fu
plasma for their parents, the entire friend list united. It was not “oh I don’t know her”, or “hey this
doesn’t concern me”. It was always “hey this person needs help let’s spread their post as much as
we can”. The beauty of this new community woven together by shared struggles and sympathies
for those affected, brought people even more close to their surroundings. I could relate to
thousands around the country without ever meeting them, solely because we had sufferings from
Covid in common.
Therefore, the onslaught of the pandemic showed us what to value in life. Through Covid-19,
international opportunities were made available to us Pakistanis, which are usually inaccessible
ue to the distance and flight costs. International summer schools, remote jobs with international
companies, virtually attending international events, are just some of those opportunities. The
one-year break from human interaction gave us all some time for self-exploration. People
developed businesses of their own, discovered new talents, and found themselves during this
pandemic. Hence, as one united international community, there is nothing we cannot defeat. We
were all able to take the best out of Covid, despite all the challenges it had to offer.
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
Student
Body
Outside
Campus
182
y
s
t
r
a
@asc
h
a
i
n
a
by a
d
e
m
h
a
@irte
qa
by ain
a
nadee
m & el
iza
fatim
a
183
y
t
u
a
e
b
al
c
i
n
e
r
@se
if
s
a
w
a
h
i
b
a
n
by
@noor
draw
s
by noo
r fati
ma
184
x
x
z
e
m
@fra
a
i
n
a
v
by
n
a
s
s
a
h
@mar
iyams
odess
by ma
ey
riyam
talib
185
n
e
m
o
.w
e
s
i
a
r
@
q
i
r
a
t
a
y
e
z
by
@neut
raltu
nes
by som
aya ja
mil
& zeya
tariq
186
gh
u
o
r
o
b
y
r
a
n
i
l
@cu
zad
h
e
h
s
a
r
j
a
h
y
b
@zt_sn
aps
by zai
nab ta
hir
187
188
Created by:
Aneesa Farhan
Rida Tariq
Iqra Athar
189
Palestinian Pen Pal
190
191
Lubaina Aman
Maham Imran
192
193
Aneesa Farhan
A simple note
195
195
OPF Girls at
196
the
Palestine
Protest
197
Myt
ear
sl
ow
l
i
ket
hebl
oodt
hatgus
hesoutofabody
t
hatwasonc
eawal
ki
ng,
t
al
ki
ng,
dr
eami
ng,
c
r
yi
ngGaz
an
Iwi
l
lf
or
getnot
,
f
orasl
ongasIs
hal
ll
i
v
e
t
heat
r
oc
i
t
i
esandZul
m,
t
heoppr
es
s
i
onandApar
t
hei
d,
t
hes
et
t
l
erc
ol
oni
al
i
s
m
t
hemot
her
’
st
ear
s
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hi
l
dr
enwai
l
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andGaz
a
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ngc
ons
t
ant
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y
bombed!
‫ذ‬
‫ہ‬
‫و‬
‫رر‬
‫و‬
‫ا‬
‫ں‬
‫ےدل‬
‫وں‬
‫ر‬
‫د ےا‬
‫ر‬
‫د‬
73
‫ل‬
‫ا‬
‫ز ں‬
ُ
‫ہ‬
‫ا و‬
‫اڑ و‬
‫ر‬
‫و‬
‫ا‬
ُ
‫م‬
‫د‬
“
Donott
hi
nkt
hatAl
l
ahi
suna
war
e
ofwhatt
hewr
ongdoer
sdo.
Heonl
ydel
a
y
st
hem unt
i
laDa
y
whent
hei
re
y
eswi
l
ls
t
ar
ei
nhor
r
or
”
(
14:
42)
‫اے‬
!
‫ا‬
‫ا ا‬
‫ا‬
‫ں‬
‫ا‬
ٓ
‫ا‬
‫ں‬
‫ا ے‬
‫ں‬
ُ‫ا‬
‫ندل‬
‫ا‬
‫ں‬
‫ر ان‬
‫و‬
‫ا‬
‫ہ‬
‫ا‬
198
‫ہ‬
‫و‬
l
eti
tl
ow
f
eeli
ti
ny
ourhear
t
f
eely
ourpar
t
ofy
ourbr
ot
her
’
spai
n
andt
he i
r
el
i
ght
ed
byt
heZi
oni
s
t
s
t
hatc
annotbequenc
hed
wi
t
hal
lourt
ear
s
e
v
eni
fal
lofhumani
t
yc
r
i
ed
i
twoul
ds
t
i
l
lnotbeenough
f
ort
hec
r
i
mes
e
v
ent
heangel
swoul
dc
r
y
i
nt
hes
ki
es
andGodwoul
dwat
c
hov
er
andt
heangeloft
hel
ef
ts
houl
der
wr
i
t
i
ngt
heDeeds
i
nmas
s
i
v
ebooks
pi
l
i
ngt
hem ov
er
t
ower
i
ng
wai
t
i
ngf
ort
heDa
y
t
obeopened
“
Whent
hei
re
y
eswi
l
ls
t
ar
ei
nhor
r
or
”
(
14:
42)
ont
hec
r
i
mest
he
yc
ommi
t
t
ed
agai
ns
thumani
t
y
t
hei
rbr
et
hr
en,
t
hei
rbr
ot
her
s
bl
oodi
edt
heanc
i
ents
oi
l
wi
t
ht
hei
rbl
ood
O!doy
out
hi
nkHei
snotwat
c
hi
ng
O!doy
ounotf
earAc
c
ount
abi
l
i
t
y
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ey
oubl
i
nd
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ey
oudeaf
whydoy
ounots
eet
heat
r
oc
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andt
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l
l
ages
undery
ourmagnii
c
entc
i
t
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es
O!y
ours
i
l
enc
ei
sc
ompl
i
c
i
t
y
andt
hei
re
xi
s
t
enc
ei
sr
es
i
s
t
anc
e
199
Pai
n.
Agony
.
Cr
i
es
.
Ar
eal
li
nt
hepas
t
.
Li
es
.
Sc
ar
swoul
dr
emi
ndoft
hebl
as
t
s
.
Weaponswoul
dr
emi
ndoft
hepower
.
Tyr
ant
swoul
dki
l
lone;
Fol
l
owedbymanymor
e.
Bl
oodwoul
dgus
hout
.
“
Fi
el
dst
hatdon’
texpl
ode
Li
f
el
es
sbodi
es
.
Beneat
ht
hef
eetofr
unni
ngc
hi
l
dr
en”
Shat
t
er
edhomes
.
–WarPhot
ogr
apher
,
Car
olAnnDuf
f
y
Tr
aumat
i
z
edc
hi
l
dhoods
.
Gover
nment
swoul
ds
i
tandwat
c
h:
Themas
s
ac
r
e.
Hopef
ulc
our
ageoushumanss
l
aught
er
ed.
Howmanyt
i
meswoul
dyouer
as
et
hepas
t
?
Howmanyt
i
meswoul
dhi
s
t
or
yr
epeati
t
s
el
f
?
Andhowmanymor
e…
‫م ں‬
‫ور‬
‫ل‬
! ‫اےر‬
! ‫ہر‬
‫ا‬
‫وں‬
ِ
‫ؤں‬
‫ن‬
‫لڑ ن‬
‫ر‬
‫د‬
‫ہ رت‬
‫د‬
‫ر‬
‫ود‬
‫ان‬
‫ں‬
‫ا‬
‫ا‬
‫مو‬
200
‫ں‬
‫اس و‬
!‫ر‬
! ‫ہر‬
‫ا‬
!‫د‬
! ‫دا د‬
‫ف‬
‫ف‬
‫و‬
‫ر‬
‫و‬
‫‪ ،‬ا‬
‫‪،‬ا ن‬
‫رى‬
‫‪ ،‬د‬
‫ر‬
‫و‬
‫ا‬
‫آگ‬
‫د‬
‫ان‬
‫ان‬
‫اس‬
‫ن‬
‫ت‬
‫ا‬
‫د‬
‫اد‬
‫ك تد‬
‫دىد‬
‫ے‬
‫ر‬
‫و‬
‫ا‬
‫ا ب‬
‫دل‬
‫اں‬
‫ا نو‬
‫ا‬
‫" ج‬
‫‪-‬‬
‫اۓ‬
‫"‬
‫۔‬
‫د‬
‫۔‬
‫ر‬
‫۔‬
‫ر‬
‫‪201‬‬
202
Palestinian
Tracks
to Stream
203
204
205
The year is 2020- oh yes, THAT year. The year everything went to- well, we all know where it went.
Every time someone tells you that life is unpredictable, that no one knows what the future holds,
that there are a million things that could happen; may they be right or wrong, you think to yourself“wait. I already know this. Why is this individual telling me? Does this individual believe I have no
idea what life is supposed to be like? Do I have any idea what life is supposed to be like? Hold up,
what is life...?” No? That’s just me? Well, in that case let me tell you, life truly is utterly
unpredictable. When we ponder of the possibilities, we think ‘limitless’. There is so much that the
world has to offer, so much good. That’s the only thing that kept me moving through the year of the
pandemic, which I’m so sure it will be named by the time you are reading this. I’m here with my
fingers crossed, praying things are better than they are at this very moment in time (2020).
Back in my day, when yours truly pranced around adorned in a too-big-for-her sash and her crisp, white
LGS uniform, the notion of ‘Letters to JT’ was first introduced to her, and she thought to myself- ah,
university. When yours truly decided she didn’t get enough of the magazine, and staked her claim as the
Chief, she thought- ah university, closer now. Let’s be real, you can never know what the esteemed
‘university life’ has to offer till you’re waking up at 4AM, trying to sneak in as much revision time as you
possibly can before you’re supposed to be catching the bus at 7AM to drop you to said university before
your first 8AM lecture.
However, irrespective of that unnerving start- you never know how thoroughly you are enjoying that
exhausting routine, or the level of contentment you feel until it is taken away from you. That, ladies
and gentlemen, was what 2020 held for most of us. I decided at a dainty young age (picture a 12-year old
Amna: braces and big dreams) that I wanted to get into dentistry, and help in the same way
orthodontics helped me with my own self-image. The motivation that I attained from here led me to
achieve what I had always wanted, and I found myself enrolled in the Lahore Medical and Dental
College seven years later, practically rolling down the path that led here- it was quite the journey.
However, let me tell you this: it was absolutely worth it. That being said, I wish there were a couple
things that I had done differently; and so, what better way to feel validated than to allow others to learn
from the mistakes I made. Quite frankly, everything summed up into one: consistency, consistency and
consistency. Living in the moment is essential, and staying consistent is vital. Please remind yourself
every day, even when life pushes you to unbearable extremes and things seem as if they will never
really be okay again. Keep trying and keep pushing yourself. Believe me, you have more inside of you
than you could ever imagine.
206
Now, onto the part that this section actually features. My life at my university can be summed up in one
sentence: lasted too little. After the exhausting and arduous process of going through the MDCAT, the
admission procedure and everything the University of Health Sciences (the mother of all medical
schools) puts you through, I found myself in the auditorium of my dream dental college. The initial few
weeks were strange. It was an entirely new chapter in my life, and I had nearly forgotten how to make
friends. However, time flew (quite rapidly) and I found myself the people I wanted to surround myself
with. The people that made dental college easier, the people that made me want to get up and get ready
every day at unholy hours after the all-nighters before major tests. The same people that made
university so completely worth it. This chapter of your life, it’s scary. It’s new, and it’s unfamiliar. You
find yourself overthinking the details, of not wanting to make the same mistakes. To start fresh and
anew, there I was. After admissions were nearly cancelled two months into university (yes, we didn’t
even know if we were university students anymore), the universe decided to allow the pandemic to
quite literally, take over the world. There I found myself, under lockdown; and it is during the same
lockdown, that I am writing my letter to JT. It was during this lockdown that the terrible plight of May
occurred and my friend’s father lost his life flying the airplane from Lahore to Karachi which crashed
sixty seconds prior to the scheduled landing. When I said life was unpredictable, it truly is.
Here is my letter, dear JT/OPF. My letter is not to tell you how my life at university has been (even
though, just for the sake of tradition, I hinted at), but it is to tell you about a little lesson you learn as
you continue growing. No moment is ever the same, no moment can be anticipated. The most that one
can do is force oneself to take everything as it comes- in waves mostly.
Now that ‘Waves by Dean Lewis’ is playing in my head (you should probably pause here and start
playing the song for background effects https://youtu.be/dKlgCk3IGBg), I just want to say this one last
thing: No matter how many curveballs are thrown your way, and no matter the amount that knock the
wind out of you, the road of life must continue. You just have to keep trudging and pulling through. The
‘university’ step of your life is a big one, and by the time it rolls around you’ll be ready for it. Just take
care of yourself, stay safe and enjoy things while they last. The rollercoaster is almost always worth the
scare.
Take care,
Amna Ahmad Aziz,
Class of 2019
"
no moment is ever
the same, no moment
"
can be anticipated
207
When I was asked to write for the school magazine, my first thought was, ‘is it that time
already?’ I vividly remember browsing through old issues of school magazines, reading
about the journeys of graduating seniors in hopes of finding some solace, some everelusive optimism, some advice that would help me navigate the turbulent sea i.e., JT (yes, I
belong to the dinosaur generation. It was JT back then). Not so surprisingly, I did not find
the answer that I sought. I never found the key that would help me unravel the mystery of
my future and the anxiety of my present. If you came to this article, while searching for
something similar, I am sorry, that’s not what you will find here. You will find exactly
what I found. Reminisces of a journey that has somehow miraculously been summarized
into 800 words and an attempt to convey hopes, dreams, shattered illusions,
disappointment, and the realization that after all what you are going through is
precedented and unprecedented simultaneously. I am offering my experiences to you in
hopes that you will feel a little less alone, a little less bleak and a little more hopeful about
where life will lead you next.
My 4-year journey at Georgetown is coming to an end and as I sit here, overwhelmed by
nostalgia, I am rummaging through my memories, searching for words that would eloquently
sum it all up. I have none. Images of me sitting on the rooftop cafe, desperately fumbling with
my purse, trying to find the twenty rupees that we needed to buy a plate of biryani which we
would all split, assault me. I recall, frantically running around school, trying to find Miss
Yasmin to get her signature on the pink slip that would enable me to go home with my
friends. I remember, countless afternoons blending into evening and then nights as we
prepared for debate competitions, ordered McDonald’s, and lamented our World History
grades. Those red bricks could tell you many stories about me. They witnessed various
rejections from universities, fights with friends and also the birth of beautiful dreams. In
these moments of heartbreaks and elation, I never thought that it would get any better, or
even any worse for that matter. Oh, how wrong I was!
208
My time at JT, in hindsight, feels like a cocoon. You are saved and sheltered from the big bad
world out there, but the sorrows and joys of the world within, are equally as poignant and
impactful. I am not telling you that your high school experiences don’t matter. On the
contrary, I am telling you that they matter so much that in the moment, it feels like nothing
ever mattered and that nothing will ever matter again. Yet, I am reminding you to not lose
sight of what you feel, define you. Your friends are choosing different paths, your parents are
telling you to adopt specific careers and outlooks on life, but what you need to do is focus on
what you want to do. The answer to that is not always quite clear and that’s alright. This
uncertainty will somehow become your closest companion and also your guide. It will make
you try things that you had never considered before and yet became some of your best
decisions. Having said that, these choices will have their own hiccups and will leave you a
sogging mess of emotion and pain. There will be other times also where wild joy will fill every
corner of you being, making you feel like you have reached the epitome of happiness and
success. Both of these are equally valuable and will make your journey, worth it.
Coming to JT, was one such decision for me. Many felt that the blind girl with heightened
sensitivities and coming from a small Islamic school, would never fit in. To tell you the truth,
there were points when I felt like I didn’t fit in, grappling with concerns of accessibility, my
teenage angst and other family challenges. There were many moments where I felt like I was
the odd one out and was always destined to be it. That’s not true though, I did end up finding
my people. I found teachers who would mentor me, friends who would offer unquestioning
support, but most of all, myself. Those broken parts of me that refuse to heal began to
become darer. The ability to advocate for myself and my internal, unpaid therapist
cherished. I don’t know what parts of you, you are looking for, but keep on searching. Along
the way, you will accumulate a tally of unwanted grades, broken friendships, and
disappointed hopes and yet, the contentment of what you will gain will be far more worth it.
"
"
I D
KNO ON’T
W
PAR WHAT
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YOU S OF
, YO
ARE U
LOO
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FOR ING
, BU
KEE
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2
20
SENIOR
YEAR
QUOTES
BATCH OF 2020-2021
217
Haiqa Wazeema
"Don't worry, Alevels would be a
piece of cake — when chickens
have teeth, that is"
Aleena binte Usama
"When I say I miss school I miss
my friends and the fun not the
school🤙🏻."
Esha Amer
Maryam zubair
"Graduating during a pandemic
wasn’t something, I’m glad we all
made through it. So proud of
everyone 🤍
"I hate Shafqat Mehmood."
Aiza Mubashar
Maryam Zafar
"Thanks for nothing."
"It’s important to have a senior
year to write a senior year quote.
Thankyou COVID 19:(
They asked me to write
I cheated on all my
"Where's my Oscar for
something ,So here it is:
exams.
acting like my life isn t
"SOMETHING"
-Mahrukh Farrukh
Warraich
’
falling apart?"
-Rahima Imran
Khan
218
-Samah Sheikh
Soha Gohar
"qismat ki ghari kabhi naram ,
kabhi garam 💃🏻"
Hadia Ijaz
"Shafiq meri baat suno……..!"
"I am and always will be
the optimist. The hopes of
Momina Batool
"It’s our paradise and it’s our war
zone"
Noor Fatima
"And in the end of this terrible
year, I wanna thank me for
everything.."
Khadeja Riaz Anab
Fatima Tajamal
"Sarge, with all due respect, I am
going to completely ignore
everything you just said.."
"If idiots could fly, this place
would be an airport"
"The office, Season 7,
"Samah said my preferred
episode 19, minute 14:45"
quote was too
far flung hopes and the
inappropriate"
dreamer of improbable
dreams."
-Aliza Khalid Sheikh
-Neha Javed
219
-Zahra kamran
Mahnoor Omar
"If tomorrow isn't the due date,
today isn't the do date"
Saba Batool
"Live and let live."
"Sometimes I get emotional
over fonts. ~Kanye West"
Abeeha Ahmad Khan
"Khaiton mai chupi yaadain,dill
mai basay log, zindagi guzar jai gi
magar haam na bhool payen gai
bro"
Shanzay Waseem
“Don’t worry about what you can’t
control. Our focus and energy needs to
be on the things we CAN control.
Attitude, effort, focus- these are the
things we can control…”
Khadeja Riaz Anab
Malkani Malkah
"Sarge, with all due respect, I am
going to completely ignore
everything you just said.."
" Choose To See Good In Every
Situation "
"If you can survive A
"It is what it is, fuck
levels then you can survive
what it was."
literally ANYTHING."
-Aleena Saqib
-Laiba Zubair
220
-Areeba Iqbal
Maria Islam
Anum Malik
Shaeem Tahir
"Chaar deewaron kai andar dass
doston ki yaadon ko salam"
"This wasn't like highschool
musical at all"
"Don't live someone else's dream, find
your own."
Zuha Bilal
"Goodbye everyone, I'll remember
you all in therapy" - Plankton
’
"We can t stop what has
been happening hence, we
’
Maham Ahmad
""Can I please stay another year?"
– said no one ever."
"I hate Shafqat
Aisha Yousaf
" My only advice to you is, DO
NOT sleep during online classes. "
"We're all mad here"
Mehmood. "
can t change what we
’
couldn t stop~written by
esha zahra. "
-Esha zahra
-Huda Adeel
221
Alina Akmal Khan
Areesha Amna Haider
Zainab Naeem
Areeba Ehsan
"You still have time get out of this
school. Thank me later👌"
"Win, lose, I don't care because at
the end of the day I still have this
face so who's the real winner"
"What can I say about school? I
laughed I cried. It was fun."
Laiqa Noor
"trust the magic of
beginnings..."
"CLASS OF
QUARINTINED
Zainab Tahir
"Goodbye everyone, I’ll
remember you all in therapy."
Hajra Khan
“Make sure you’re very
courageous: be strong, be
extremely kind, and above all be
humble.” -Serena Williams
"i twerked in the
"I cheated in all my exams
courtyard"
;)"
SENIORS 2021."
-Marriyam Naeem
-Bakhtawar
222
-Eman Masood
Saneyya Naveed
zainab naeem
Areeba Ehsan
"Here's To Always Staying
Positive And Testing Negative"
"Win, lose, I don't care because at
the end of the day I still have this
face so who's the real winner"
"What can I say about school? I
laughed I cried. It was fun."
Laiqa Noor
"trust the magic of
beginnings..."
Zainab Tahir
"Goodbye everyone, I’ll
remember you all in therapy."
Hajra Khan
“Make sure you’re very
courageous: be strong, be
extremely kind, and above all be
humble.” -Serena Williams
"Its been 19 years and so
now, my trust in the
phrase
“apna time aaye
” and my will to live
ga
"Dont take life too
"Cheaters never win, but I
seriously, No one makes it
just graduated. Hopefully
out alive !!"
🤞"
are both rapidly declining
<3"
-Sehar Sibtain
-Soha Shabbir
223
-Eman Tariq
Qanita Faheem
"Here's to many more dreams, till
we stride towards our eternal
sleep"
Nigah Mir
"Learning how to break the
rules... And then the ankles"
Said Nigah calmly."
"When life shuts the door,
’
open it back up.That s
how doors work. :)"
Rameen Khan
ayesha imran
Life's short, and so are y'all 🤷‍♀️
"parhai mai kuch nahi
rakha bhaii."
Hadiqa Fawad
Abeera Tarar
"What feels like the end is
often the beginning."
“I think I’ll die choking on
my saliva"
"The expectations were of
"After three years in
self-discovery but the
college, here I am surfing
reality turned out to be
senior quotes off google. "
self-destruction
#noregrets"
-Hira Khan Afridi
-Fizza waqas
224
-Fatima Tahir
Hania Nasar
Hamna Ahsan
Fatima Usman
"F.R.I.E.N.D.S Season 10,
Episode 2, 08:22"
Hold on Let me overthink
this
"Jinne mera chain luteya,
OPF."
Tehreem Aurangzeb
"there's truly something
beautiful over having zoom
breakdowns with your friends.
."
"Wherever life plants you,
bloom with grace :)."
Fiza Jaffer
"Leaving high-school feels like
what Harry felt every time he
returned to Hogwarts.."
Hajra Khalid
“thanks opf i’ll be talking
about you in therapy"
"The best feeling in the
""The road to success is
world is knowing your
always under construction
parents are smiling because
" - Lily Tomlin"
of you :)"
-Amna Ashraf
-Fatima Ashraf
225
-Fatima Nuzhat
Aayat Tahir
Izza Naseer
"Did OPF really have beef with
every other student?"
"Wow! I'm glad we made it!
#YOLO"
Fizza Rasheed
"opf if you are bad then
i’m ur dad."
Ayna Imran
"Ye school or iske fries
dono sarray huay. ."
Fatima Tu Zahra
To the class below me: Stay
here as long as you can."
Sameera Salman
"The Office Season 2
Episode 14 15:26"
-Aleena Khan Tareen
"not to quote but this
place was toxic ;)"
-uswa hassan
226
“I relied solely on brownies to release
enough dopamine to survive ( the
walmart version of) highschool"
Natalia Batool
“No”
Zuha Habib
""It ain't over till it's over"~
Yogi Berra"
Hazina Khan
"You shouldn’t like things because
people tell you you’re supposed to —
Jonathan Byers [Stranger Things S1 E2
17:51]"
Sana Abbasi
"Hang in there! And if can't
then, get out of here as fast
as you can! ."
Maheen Waseem
Nothing matters. Except harry
styles' abs. They matter. But other
than that, nothing matters .."
Fatima Ahmad
"Just be persuasive as hell
if you wanna survive here"
-Zunairah Bashir
"We have a 'latte' to be
thankful for."
-Akasha Kainat
227
“skipped 2 grades, now gotta wait 2
years for my friends to graduate"
Fatima Sikandar
“Just float."
Mariyam Talib
"The girl to my right helped
me survive highschool"
Aaniah Ahmed
"The girl to my left helped
me survive highschool"
Sehar Salim
"Ek bekaar si udaasi hai
🌼"
"Finally."
"I had to put my grades
up for adoption because I
"Be kind."
couldn't raise them"
-Aimen Anis
-Manahil Shafiq
228
-Mehru Nisa Shahid