Pakistani activist’s life and work commemorated



DUBAI // A group of Pakistanis organised a memorial in Dubai on the first anniversary of the death of human rights activist Sabeen Mahmud.

Mahmud, 40, was shot dead by terrorists in Karachi on April 24 last year. She was the director of The Second Floor cafe and arts space in Karachi, which held public forum discussions, film screenings and poetry events.

“Sabeen was a dear friend and mentor and what better way to remember her than by creating a moment that allows us to mourn, celebrate and share memories,” said Rubab Hasan, one of the memorial organisers.

“It was also about reminding us of her purpose and, perhaps, to think of ours in this world.”

Ms Hasan said the gathering, attended by about 20 people, was organised by word of mouth and social media just a few days beforehand. “The turnout was heart-warming,” she said. “Here we were, a bunch of strangers who showed up to share, listen and celebrate.”

They lit candles, listened to music and shared memories of Mahmud.

“We realised by the end of the evening that unknowingly, we had become part of something bigger than us – a community that will celebrate this spirit of creativity, love and light every year all over the globe,” Ms Hasan said.

Ayesha Imtiaz, one of the attendees, did not know Mahmud but had been impressed with her struggle to promote social change through progressive ideas and cultural activities. She said the gathering “was an initiative to gently remind everyone that one should remember the sacrifices of such brave individuals who have the courage to take a stand, voice it and act against the flawed system”.

Ms Imtiaz said Pakistanis living in Dubai should work to fulfil Mahmud’s dreams for their country. “We should contribute to continue her work and struggle that she started in Karachi, if not political, at least the social and cultural bit,” she said.

akhaishgi@thenational.ae

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
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German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor Cricket World Cup – Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side

8 There are eight players per team

There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.

5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls

Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs

B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run

Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs

Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full