In a momentous occasion that marked a significant step towards forging a more compassionate society, the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Karachi played host to a historic event that will be remembered for years to come. The unveiling of the first-ever SOS Children’s Village in Tharparkar, under the visionary leadership of Senator (R) Javed Jabbar, Chairman, SOS Children’s Village of Sindh, was a testament to the power of communal harmony and collaboration.
As the sun shone brightly on the iconic NAPA building, a sense of excitement and hope filled the air. The gathering was a who’s who of Karachi’s prominent citizens, donors from Islamabad and other parts of the country, children, teachers, staff, youth, and volunteer members of SOS units in Sindh. The atmosphere was electric as children from the SOS Children’s Village in Karachi took to the stage to showcase their talent with three short musical segments celebrating Pakistan and its people.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the plaque by former Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (r) Maqbool Baqar. In his speech, he praised the selfless services of the “mothers” who nurture the deprived children as their own, and highlighted the success stories of alumni from existing SOS Children’s Villages in Karachi, Jamshoro, and Khairpur who have become educated and self-reliant citizens.
Javed Jabbar presenting a memento to the Chief Guest Justice (r) Maqbool Baqar
The architect of the new Village, Mr. Tariq Hasan, explained how an innovative approach is being used to create eco-friendly and culture-friendly structures. Dr. Ramesh Vankwani, former MNA and Chairman of the Sital Das Premnagar Trust, which has donated 11 acres of land near Islamkot for the construction of the new SOS Village, shared how the Premnagar multi-sectoral welfare project spread over 110 acres is modelled on Rashidabad near Tando Allah Yar and will help advance social development in the area.
As the event came to a close, Mrs. Zahida Hashmi, Regional Director of SOS Sindh, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the children, mothers, staff, and volunteers of SOS Sindh. This historic day marked an important milestone in bringing hope and opportunities to disadvantaged children in Tharparkar.
Women and Children of Tharparkar at the event.
As we look back on this momentous occasion, it is clear that this initiative is not just about providing a safe haven for vulnerable children but also about empowering them to become future leaders who will contribute positively to their communities. The SOS Children’s Village in Tharparkar is a beacon of hope for a brighter future for these children, and we cannot help but feel inspired by this incredible journey that promises to transform lives and forge a path towards a more compassionate society.
Shabana Mahmood, UK’s first woman Muslim Lord Chancellor
In a historic ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice, MP Shabana Mahmood was sworn in as the first female Muslim Lord Chancellor of the United Kingdom.
The event marked a milestone in British history, with Shabana Mahmood swearing her oath on the Holy Quran. By law, the Lord Chancellor is the secretary of state for justice and the minister of the Crown responsible for administering the courts and legal aid in England and Wales.
Presiding over the ceremony, Dame Sue Carr, the first female Chief Justice, highlighted the multiple historical elements of the occasion. She noted: “Today marks a ‘triple first’: the first Lord Chancellor to swear on the Quran, the first female Lord Chancellor, and the first time a female Chief Justice has sworn in a Lord Chancellor. These milestones represent the ongoing evolution of our constitution to mirror the society it serves.”
Shabana Mahmood, known for her “shrewd advocacy and deep knowledge of professional ethics”, expressed gratitude and commitment. She reflected on her journey from a young girl in Small Heath, Birmingham, working in her parents’ corner shop to her current role.
“Being the ‘first’ is both a privilege and a burden. Getting this right can open doors for future generations, showing that even the oldest titles of the land are within reach for us all,” she stated. She also noted that she was the first Lord Chancellor to speak Urdu.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Law Society President Nick Emmerson and Bar Chair Sam Townend KC, who praised Mahmood’s dedication to justice and anticipated her positive impact on the legal system.
Shabana Mahmood pledged to continue “defending the international rule of law and upholding human rights” as she was sworn in at a ceremony in London. She also said that the judiciary must make decisions “without political pressure and undue influence,” pledging to be a “champion for the rule of law” during the Royal Courts of Justice event.
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The author is an assistant editor of SouthAsia Magazine and a visiting lecturer at the University of Karachi.
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