NEW YORK: Gold prices retreated to a one-week low on Monday as the dollar firmed and traders digested US President Donald Trump’s extension of his July 9 tariff deadline to August 1 and assertion that the US is close to several trade deals.
Spot gold was down 0.8% at $3,307.87 an ounce at 1302 GMT after hitting its lowest since June 30 at $3,296.09. US gold futures lost 0.7% to $3,318. The stronger dollar, up 0.2% against a basket of other major currencies, makes dollar-priced gold more expensive for buyers with other currencies.
“The market volumes remain quiet at this moment, and price action is probably still just reflecting the latest piece of economic data, but also starting to look forward to the potential for trade deals to be announced,” said Daniel Ghali, commodity strategist at TD Securities. Last week’s stronger than expected US payroll data cemented expectations that the Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut interest rates as early as previously expected.
Minutes of the Fed’s latest policy meeting and speeches by several Fed officials are due this week for further insights into the central bank’s policy path. Elsewhere, China’s central bank added gold to its reserves in June for an eighth consecutive month, official data from the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) showed on Monday. “The PBoC in particular has been diversifying foreign exchange reserves substantially and an uptick in uncertainty and geopolitical risk may speed up the process,” said Zain Vawda, analyst at MarketPulse by OANDA. In other precious metals, spot silver fell 1.6% to $36.32 an ounce, platinum shed 2.9% to $1,350.97 and palladium lost 3% to $1,100.65.
New research on Monday contradicted the commonly held idea that males dominate females among primates, revealing far more nuanced power dynamics in the relationships of our close relatives.
“For a long time we have had a completely binary view of this issue: we thought that a species was either dominated by males or females – and that this was a fixed trait,” Elise Huchard, a primatologist at the University of Montpellier in France, told AFP.
“Recently, this idea has been challenged by studies showing that the truth is much more complicated,” said the lead author of a new study published in the journal PNAS.
The French-German team of researchers combed through scientific literature for interactions between male and female primates that revealed their hierarchical relationships.
These included aggression, threats and signs of dominant or submissive behaviour, such as when one primate spontaneously moved out of the way of another.
Related: Wild Chimps Appear to Administer ‘First Aid’ to Each Other
Over five years, the team gathered data from 253 populations across 121 primate species, including a range of monkeys, lemurs, tarsiers, and lorises.
They found that confrontations between members of the opposite sex were much more frequent than had been previously thought. On average, more than half of these interactions within a group involved a male and a female.
Studying primates like slow lorises reveals complexity in how different genders dominate social groups. (praisaeng/Getty Images Pro/Canva)
Males clearly dominating females, which was defined as winning more than 90 percent of these confrontations, was only observed in 17 percent of the populations. Among this minority were baboons and chimpanzees, which are the closest living relatives to humans.
Clear female domination was recorded in 13 percent of the primate populations, including lemurs and bonobos.
This meant that for 70 percent of the primates, either males or females could be at the top of the pecking order.
Battle of the sexes
When male domination was particularly pronounced, it was usually in a species where males have a clear physical advantage, such as bigger bodies or teeth.
It was also more common among ground-bound species, in which females are less able to run and hide compared to their relatives living in the trees.
Females, meanwhile, tended to dominate over societies when they exerted control over reproduction.
For example, the genitals of female baboons swell when they are ovulating. Males jealously guard females during these few days of their menstrual cycle, making sure that other competitors cannot mate with them.
However in bonobos, this sexual swelling is less obvious.
“Males never know when they are ovulating or not. As a result, (the female bonobos) can mate with whoever they want, whenever they want, much more easily,” Huchard said.
Female bonobos mate with whoever they want, whenever they want, far more easily. (mmcclain90/pixabay/Canva)
Female dominance is also more common when females compete with each other, and when males provide more care for the young.
In these species, females are often solitary or only live in male-female pairs. This means that monogamy is closely linked to female dominance.
Can these results be extrapolated to our own species? There are a great many differences between humans and our fellow primates, Huchard emphasised.
But we would broadly fall into the middle category in which neither males nor females always have strict dominance over the other.
“These results corroborate quite well with what we know about male-female relationships among hunter-gatherers, which were more egalitarian than in the agricultural societies that emerged later” in human history, Huchard said.
Samsung has settled claims that it conspired with Alphabet’s Google to shield its app store Google Play from competition, “Fortnite” video game maker Epic Games said on Monday.
Epic in a court filing dismissed its claims against Samsung in an antitrust case it filed against both companies last year in federal court in San Francisco, California. Epic also withdrew some related allegations against Google.
Samsung, the world’s largest Android phone manufacturer, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Epic’s court filing did not describe the terms of the settlement, and the company declined to provide more information.
“We are grateful that Samsung will address Epic’s concerns,” Epic chief executive Tim Sweeney said Monday in a post on the social media platform X.
Google had no immediate comment. Both companies had denied wrongdoing.
Epic’s lawsuit focused on Samsung’s mobile security feature Auto Blocker, which Epic said was intended to deter users from downloading apps from sources other than Google Play or Samsung’s Galaxy store.
A narrow part of Epic’s case will continue against Google over what Epic said were continued efforts to dissuade users from downloading apps from sources other than Play.
Fortnite, a battle royale game released in 2017, is one of the world’s most popular video games.
In a separate case, Google has appealed a jury verdict and court ruling won by Epic that would require Google to overhaul its app store.
The case is Epic Games v Samsung Electronics et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 3:24-CV-06843.
The achievement was the result of a joint international study, including the research arm of Suntory and research institutions from Japan and the Czech Republic.
The research found that the EXER gene was critical in determining sex on hops plants, such as Humulus lupulus, which is essential for brewing beer.
Unlike many plant species with both male and female reproductive organ, hops have male and female reproductive organs in separate plants.
It requires both requires both male and female plants to reproduce, but only the female hops flowers are used to brew beer.
The findings are expected to speed up the development of new hop varieties with better flavour, aroma, and growth traits, said Suntory.
The study, which was published in Nature Plants on June 18, found that when the EXER gene is expressed, it promotes the growth of female reproductive parts while hindering the growth of male parts.
When the gene is repressed, it promotes the growth male reproductive parts.
“The contrasting results confirmed that the sex of hops and other dioecious plants in the Cannabaceae family is determined by EXER,” said the researchers.
Methods and findings
This study was based on previous understanding on the X-A balance system in the sex determination of hops.
In 2014, research led by Suntory published a near-complete DNA sequence of female hops.
However, the team could not fully explain how sex was determined, as the technology was not advanced enough yet.
For this research, they utilised an advanced genome sequencing techniques to determine the genome sequences of a female and male hop.
From this, they constructed high-quality genome sequences assembled at the chromosome level.
To identify sex-determining genes in the X-A balance system, the team also conducted a comparison of the X and Y chromosomes of both hops.
This study also revealed the genome of the male Humulus japonicus, a wild relative of hops, which provided helpful comparative data.
According to the study the EXER gene was found in all the X chromosomes of dioecious plants within the Cannabaceae family, which also includes plants like cannabis.
This helped to confirm the EXER as the sex determinant gene across the family.
These findings are also expected to advance the understanding of sex determination across other organisms.
Source: Nature Plants
Evolution and functioning of an X-A balance sex-determining system in hops” on the website of the world-renowned scientific journal
The Xiaomi 16 has been rumored to launch in China by the end of September, right after Qualcomm unveils the chipset that will be powering it. The phone has now received the EEC certification, ahead of its global launch.
It’s unclear when that will take place – its predecessor was introduced to international markets this February at MWC, but if the Xiaomi 16 launches in China in September, waiting five months for it to make its global debut is stretching things quite a lot, so perhaps Xiaomi will change things this time around – it remains to be seen.
The certification reveals the Xiaomi 16’s model number for global markets, which is 25113PN0EG. The Chinese model will have a “C” at the end instead of the “G”, while the Indian model – you guessed it – will end in “I”.
According to previous rumors and leaks, the Xiaomi 16 will have a massive 7,000 mAh battery, a 6.3″ to 6.39″ flat OLED display, and three 50 MP cameras on the rear (including a main with a 1/1.3″ type sensor and a periscope telephoto).
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. File.
| Photo Credit: AP
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir on Monday (July 7, 2025) rejected assertions that Islamabad received external support during the four-day conflict, saying such assertions are “factually incorrect”. This follows statements by Indian Army’s Deputy Chief Lt Gen Rahul R. Singh where he said that India had to deal with three adversaries during Operation Sindoor, with Pakistan being the “front face” and China and Türkiye providing vital support to India’s western neighbour
In an address to the graduating officers at the National Defence University Islamabad, Gen. Munir reiterated that any misadventure or attempt to undermine Pakistan’s sovereignty will be met with a swift, and resolute response without any constraints or inhibitions.
“Insinuations regarding external support in Pakistan’s successful Operation Bunyanum Marsoos are irresponsible and factually incorrect and reflect a chronic reluctance to acknowledge indigenous capability and institutional resilience developed over decades of strategic prudence,” he said.
“Naming other states as participants in the purely bilateral military conflagration is also a shoddy attempt at playing camp politics…,” he said.
His comments came days after Indian Army’s Deputy Chief Lt Gen Rahul R. Singh suggested that Beijing provided active military support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor using the conflict as a “live lab” to test various weapon systems.
Addressing a seminar in Delhi last week, Gen. Singh said while Pakistan was the “front face”, with China extending all possible support to its all-weather ally, Turkiye was also playing a major role by supplying military hardware to Islamabad, adding that India was actually dealing with at least three adversaries during the May 7-10 conflict.
Gen. Munir claimed that in contrast to India’s strategic behaviour resting on “parochial self-alignment”, Pakistan has forged lasting partnerships based on principled diplomacy, anchored in mutual respect and peace, establishing itself to be a stabilizer in the region.
“Any attempt to target our population centres, military bases, economic hubs and ports will instantly invoke a deeply hurting and more than reciprocal response,” Gen. Munir said.
He added that wars are not won through media rhetoric, imported fancy hardware, or political sloganeering, but through faith, professional competence, operational clarity, institutional strength and national resolve.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in territories occupied by Pakistan in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10.
New Delhi has been maintaining that India’s fierce counterattack that day forced Pakistan to plead for ending the hostilities.
The 2025 Steam Summer Sale is going on in full force, and those insane discounts and prices won’t last forever. With 10 AM PT on July 10 as the deadline, there is still time for you to add some fantastic indie games to your collection that may have been in your wishlist already, but not in your cart.
And hey, if they weren’t already in your wishlist, then you’re welcome. Steam sales are some of the best times of the year to buy games from indie devs who always need the support. However, it isn’t always that easy to justify buying loads of indie games you may or may not like for full price. That’s why the Steam Summer Sale is a boon for our wishlists and our wallets, even if not so much for our collective backlogs.
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10
Sea of Stars is a wonderful RPG adventure ($23)
A 16-bit co-op RPG adventure in a gorgeous world
Winner of the Best Independent Game award at The Game Awards, Sea of Stars is a gorgeous 16-bit indie RPG game that excels at everything it sets out to do. Its inspirations from 16-bit RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG are rather apparent, but that doesn’t take away from the game’s originality when it comes to sheer charm and personality.
The 30-hour campaign takes you across a vast fantasy world with a plethora of locations, and the turn-based combat is quick and urgent — tedium is simply not on the table when Sea of Stars is involved. Do yourself a favor and play Sea of Stars today, because it also offers the entire campaign in shared/split screen co-op, and even supports Steam’s Remote Play.
Sea of Stars
Released
August 29, 2023
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language
Developer(s)
Sabotage
Publisher(s)
Sabotage
Engine
Unity
Multiplayer
Local Co-Op
9
The Precinct is a love letter to ’80s cop drama ($24)
Everything ripped apart in a New York minute?
A love letter to ’80s cop dramas, The Precinct is a top-down indie game that puts you in the shoes of a police officer in a New York-inspired fictional city. A law enforcement simulator, The Precinct includes both traffic policing and parking enforcement. The game will have you chasing down suspects on foot, getting into shootouts, and the occasional but thoroughly enjoyable cop car chase.
You run your daily shift, earn XP by doing things by the book, and soon enough, as the player, you find yourself sacrificing sleep to go on one more patrol. There’s an assortment of characters around the protagonist, who are all cookie-cutter versions of cop tropes done to death, such as the grizzled detective, or the soon-to-retire partner. However, what works in favor of The Precinct is that it doesn’t shy away from its cheese and campiness, making for an experience with an insanely rewarding and addictive gameplay loop, paired with endearing characters.
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8
Animal Well is a fantastic solo dev game ($19)
A metroidvania unlike anything you’ve seen
One of the most impressive Metroidvanias in recent history, Animal Well is a remarkable feat achieved by a solo developer. Published by YouTuber videogamedunkey’s publishing house Bigmode, Animal Well has no story or plot. Instead, it relies on the player to uncover the depths and secrets of its world.
The platforming is crisp, the sound design and the game engine’s physics are nothing short of stellar, and the overall experience of playing Animal Well is one of the player constantly being rewarded for being curious and wanting to explore more nooks and crannies of the game’s world.
Animal Well
Released
May 9, 2024
ESRB
E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Shared Memory
Publisher(s)
Bigmode
Engine
Proprietary Engine
7
Solar Ash is one of the best 3D platformers ($16)
An indie cosmic adventure you won’t soon forget
An unforgettable cosmic setting, humongous bosses, and an unparalleled sense of scale — that’s what you’re in for when you start playing Solar Ash. As Ray, your planet is marked for destruction, unless you prevent it by journeying into the center of a black hole.
Solar Ash is a game that’s all about movement — hyper-fluid is the only way to describe the traversal in this game, as you run and jump through wildly untraditional platforming sequences, with both the camera and the world itself having a personality of their own. If you hated using fast travel in the Sony Spider-Man games and loved the act of going from one point to another in the game itself, Solar Ash is definitely the game for you.
Solar Ash
Systems
Released
December 2, 2021
ESRB
T For Teen due to Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
Developer(s)
Heart Machine
Publisher(s)
Annapurna Interactive
Engine
Unreal Engine 4
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6
Coffee Talk is about coziness, conversations, and coffee ($6)
Make coffee while the Summer Sale shines
Not only is Coffee Talk one of the coziest indie games you could ever play, but it’s my favorite coffee-making game — believe me, I’ve played a lot of them. Set in a fantasy world where elves, orcs, and all manner of creatures co-exist with humankind, Coffee Talk takes place over the course of a fortnight.
As a barista in a Seattle-based coffee shop, you serve various drinks to multiple patrons, all of whom build connections with you and each other while sitting at the counter in your shop. The gameplay loop is about making the right concoction of coffee, tea, or other drinks, experimenting with other items to help your patrons, all while listening to their life’s problems and offering advice you deem best. Inarguably one of the coziest and heartwarming games you’ll play, Coffee Talk is the perfect game to have in your library the next time it rains outside.
Coffee Talk
Released
January 31, 2020
ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Sexual Themes, Strong Language
Developer(s)
Toge Productions
Publisher(s)
Toge Productions
Engine
Unity
5
Dredge is a wonderful fishing game hiding a dark secret ($12)
There’s more than meets the eye here
Ever since I played Call of Cthulhu back in 2018, I’ve been a sucker for anything Lovecraftian. The pandemic era, for me, was all about reading Lovecraft on my Kindle and playing The Sinking City between bouts of multiplayer shooter games. Dredge may start out as a simple fishing game where the basic gameplay loop is all about starting off small, and catching and selling enough fish to upgrade your vessel.
Over time, you’ll travel into murkier waters for better rewards, only to uncover far more than you bargained for. The core gameplay loop really is perfect as it is — the mini-games are enjoyable, there are more fish types than you can count, and the time you spend fishing is nothing if not cozy. Of course, you must do all of that while ensuring you don’t go mad while dredging in the game, and running into all sorts of Lovecraftian creatures that are definitely not fish.
Dredge
Released
March 31, 2023
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Tobacco
Developer(s)
Black Salt Games
Publisher(s)
Team17
Engine
Unity
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4
Dorfromantik is a sweet world builder ($8)
A pastoral wonderland built block-by-block
Dorfromantik is a game that’s rather close to my heart — having built a gaming PC for my partner not too long ago, it’s one of the first games I bought for her Steam account. A cozy game that is part city-builder and part puzzle game, Dorfromantik ultimately is a soul-soothing, relaxing title to put on at the end of long, tiring days. You’re given hexagonal tiles which have forests, rivers, railways, or villages on them. All you have to do is lay them down to expand an ever-growing postoral world.
The game is simple, slow, and it doesn’t demand anything but your own imagination. The core gameplay loop is about laying down the right kind of tiles together, cozily building your farms and forests, and the act of getting a new high score is nothing but an added bonus. Even without the scoring, Dorfromantik is one of the most rewarding and soothing indie game experiences out there.
Dorfromantik
Systems
Released
March 25, 2021
ESRB
e
Engine
Unity
3
Saturnalia takes you on an eerie horror adventure ($4)
This indie horror game is as beautiful as it is terrifying
Saturnalia is a fever dream of a survival horror game that somehow manages to be as beautiful as it is terrifying. It’s set in a remote Italian village that is drowning in folklore, dread, creepy vibes, and a nightmarish purple hue. This third-person indie horror game is eerie, and its unique visual language is reminiscent of hand-drawn, stop-motion animations.
As the player, you control four characters, each of whom has their own backstory, and all of them want to, of course, survive in this horrific town. The game is disorienting, terrifying, and, in places, even liminal — making you feel like you’re constantly being watched even when there’s no one in sight. Saturnalia isn’t a regular horror game, though. It’s far more stylish and suffocating than your average indie horror game, and if you play it the way I did — lights off, headphones on — you’re going to have trouble sleeping for a while.
Saturnalia
Released
October 27, 2022
ESRB
M For Mature Due To Blood, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence
Developer(s)
Santa Ragione
Publisher(s)
Santa Ragione
Engine
Unity
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2
Twelve Minutes remains an all-time great indie game ($10)
Stuck in a time loop with the Green Goblin next door
One of my favorite indie games of all time, Twelve Minutes marries incredible writing with a genre of media I can never get enough of — time loops. As the player, you return home to your wife in a small apartment, and are soon attacked by a mysterious assassin. You then realize you’re stuck in a time loop, and slowly begin discovering things around the house that you can use and prep for the next time the armed man breaks down your door and comes through.
Why is it happening? What’s going on, and what does the man want? Those are answers that the game very methodically and steadily provides you, and the plot, with the jaw-dropping plot twist at the end, is one I’ll never forget. Making things even sweeter are some fantastic voice acting performances by A-list actors James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and the one and only Willem Dafoe. I played Twelve Minutes on stream with my partner, and can confidently state that it’s better enjoyed with someone watching and providing suggestions for the next loop. There’s no loss here — just the next idea for the next loop.
Twelve Minutes
Systems
Released
December 7, 2021
ESRB
m
Developer(s)
Luis Antonio
Publisher(s)
Annapurna Interactive
Engine
Unity
1
1000xRESIST is the narratively complex cyberpunk game you’re looking for ($15)
A sci-fi future that is equal parts Orwell and Evangelion
1000xRESIST is what happens when an indie game decides to focus on narrative, lets go of any leashes, and goes as hard as it can. Set in a distant, sci-fi future where an all-powerful leader, the ALLMOTHER, rules everything, you play as a clone tasked with uncovering the truth behind your very existence. Sure, there are a few tropes in the game that feel cliché, but the overarching narrative, the twists and turns of the story, and the conclusion, all make for a story you might not agree with, but won’t ever forget.
1000xRESIST impresses you from the get-go with stylized visuals, sharply-written dialogue, and a bold sense of theatricality — all of which come together to create something genre-bending. The gameplay loop will have you exploring, solving mysteries, and engaging in the occasional action-heavy combat sequence, but the meat and potatoes of the game are certainly its narrative weight and tone. It’s part Orwell, part Evangelion, and definitely unlike anything you have in your library.
There’s not a lot of time left before the Summer Sale is over
Sales and slashed prices help great indie games reach more libraries.
When it comes to major releases — your Borderlands, Call of Duties, and other AAA titles, you know you’re going to purchase them no matter what. It’s almost always the indie games that go under the radar. However, when a major sale like the Steam Summer Sale rears its head, that’s when these games get a real chance to shine.
That isn’t to say that they aren’t worth buying at full price, no. But sales and slashed prices help these games reach more libraries, and that is never a bad deal.
Art, in all its forms, continues to serve as a mirror to society – shaping narratives, questioning norms, and capturing both the intimacy of individual experience and the pulse of collective history. In a time where technology increasingly intersects with creativity, and where ownership of original work is more complex than ever, conversations around intellectual property have become central to global cultural dialogue.
It is within this transformative phase that the Pakistan International Film Festival (PIFF) 2025 recently concluded in Karachi with a strong emphasis on creativity, innovation, and the evolving dynamics of intellectual property (IP) in the cultural and creative industries. Hosted by the Karachi Film Society (KFS), the festival’s opening day also marked World Intellectual Property Day in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO) Pakistan.
The event brought together a diverse group of attendees including media professionals, university students, artists, cultural thinkers, and corporate stakeholders. The first day featured discussions around the intersection of technology, law, and creative ownership – particularly in the music and visual arts industries – alongside a celebration of cultural storytelling.
Senior Minister Sindh, Shirjeel Memon, attended as the chief guest, with President Sultana Siddiqui, present as guest of honour. The day was anchored by two panel discussions, each approaching IP from distinct yet interlinked angles.
The first panel, titled ‘Impact of Technology, particularly AI, on Creativity & Ownership of IP Rights in the Music Industry and Creative Arts – Local & Global Perspective,’ was moderated by visual artist and educator Mahwish Husnain. Panellists included Dr Kashif Laeeq, associate professor and data science trainer; Muhammad Jawwad Paracha, a global technology strategist with over 20 patents; PEMRA Sindh’s Director General Tufail Channa; and Faisal Jalal, a Pak-China JV entrepreneur and PhD scholar. Together, they navigated the implications of AI on authorship, creative labour, and policy gaps in local and international contexts.
The second panel discussion, moderated by Syed Nasrullah, was titled ‘Youth, Music & Innovation – How IP Empowers the Arts and Singers’ Community to Secure Ownership and Financial Empowerment of Their Creativity.’ The panel included some of the country’s most seasoned voices in music and IP advocacy. Arshad Mehmood, composer and long-time NAPA mentor, emphasised the importance of institutional support for young artists. Teymour Aslam, COO of the Collective Organisation of Music Rights in Pakistan and a lawyer, explained legal tools available to protect music rights. Baber Sheikh, multimedia artist and director; Nadeem Jaffrey, one of Pakistan’s early music producers; and Umnia J. Iftikhar, founder of Siren and co-founder of Aikman Road Studios, all shared experiences from the production and rights-management side of the industry. Iftikhar noted that “a lack of formal mechanisms for licensing and residuals” continues to hinder growth in the sector. The day concluded with a live musical performance and a networking lunch.
The next three days of the festival centred on international screenings and climate storytelling. In collaboration with Goethe-Institut, two German films were screened following a discussion with PIFF organisers. The first, ‘Beyond the Blue Border’ (2024), directed by Sarah Neumann, depicted the harrowing journey of two East German teenagers attempting to flee across the Baltic Sea. It was followed by ‘Red Sky’ (2023), a Christian Petzold film set during a scorching summer, exploring friendship, envy, and ecological disaster.
Day 3 featured a line-up of three German films. ‘She Chef’ (2023), a documentary following a young Austrian woman through Michelin-starred kitchens; ‘Seven Winters’ in Tehran (2023), a haunting documentary centred on Reyhaneh Jabbari’s wrongful imprisonment and her role as a symbol of women’s resistance in Iran; and the much-anticipated premiere of ‘HunDan – An Echo of a Dirge’ (2025), a Burushaski-language feature.
Directed by a debut filmmaker from Hunza, HunDan explores the emotional journey of a shepherd who, after losing his daughter to pneumonia, kills a protected Markhor and is tormented by ancestral spirits. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hunza Valley, the film is being recognised for merging folklore with environmental grief and cultural identity. As the first feature-length film in Burushaski, it stands out not only for its language milestone but also for its striking cinematography and urgent climate message.
The festival concluded on Day 4 with two more German screenings: ‘Greetings from Mars’ (2024), a touching narrative of an autistic child navigating the world through the lens of space travel; and ‘Two to One’ (2024), a humorous yet moving story set in post-unification East Germany. Local animation took centre stage in the final segment, with screenings of ‘The Donkey King’ by Aziz Jindani and ‘The Glassworker’ by Usman Riaz – both highlighting home-grown talent and youth-centric storytelling.
Over the course of four days, PIFF 2025 brought together artists, academics, policymakers, and audiences to engage with pressing questions around ownership, access, creativity, and culture. From panel discussions on artificial intelligence and intellectual property to screenings that highlighted both global cinema and local storytelling, the festival underscored the transformative role of film in reflecting and shaping contemporary discourse. With a strong focus on youth, innovation, and climate storytelling, the event served as both a celebration of cinematic expression and a call to protect the creative rights that sustain it.
Some days, getting dressed feels like a chore, and on others, it’s an instant mood-lifter. The sweet spot is when you find pieces that do the work for you, effortless silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and small thoughtful details that make you feel put together without trying too hard. That’s the energy this season’s lineup from Gulabo by Maheen Khan taps into. Think flowing cuts, vintage-inspired charm, and playful nods to desi truck art, all tied together with a sense of ease that makes these outfits perfect for everyday dressing or the occasional festive plan.
The brand’s signature mix of comfort and character shows up in delicate beadwork, lace edges, gold tassels, and soft, roomy fits that let you move freely while still looking sharp. This week, You! breaks down a few styling ideas to help you get the most out of these versatile looks…
Go for this oversized short kurta with a front-open cut to keep things breezy and elevated. Pair it with relaxed straight pants for a cool, unfussy silhouette. Add chunky silver jewellery and a top knot for a laidback glam look. Stick to minimal makeup with a bold lip. Feels like something you’d wear on a casual Friday that turns into dinner plans.
Short kalidar cuts create a flattering fit that never goes out of style. Elevate it with a beige-gold embroidered neckline that adds just enough richness. Pair with flowy pants for a relaxed yet refined outfit. Add soft curls, pearl studs, and dainty bangles. Great for tea invites or festive dinners at home.
Turn heads with a bold floral print in warm tones and delicate gold lace finishing. The neckline’s lace detailing and tassel accent instantly dress things up. Let your outfit shine by pairing with sleek lowers in a solid tone. Add nude heels and statement earrings. Perfect for late lunches and daytime wedding events.
Pick wide-leg lowers with a relaxed fit for a mix of comfort and flair. Works well with short or long kurtas depending on your mood. Style with metallic flats and stackable rings for an effortlessly styled finish. Add a lightweight scarf or dupatta for an added layer. Ideal for warm afternoons and errands in style.
Let warm-toned prints do the talking with just the right hint of shimmer from a gold-trimmed hem. Lace-lined necklines and tassel details bring in that lux feel without overdoing it. Ground the look with cigarette pants and a neat bun. Throw in mirror-work sandals and light gold eyeshade. Works beautifully for day-to-evening transitions.
Opt for this flowy silhouette with side-tie detailing and delicate beadwork to bring movement and drama to your look. Wear it with a lehenga skirt for a graceful spin on traditional wear. Add jhumkas and a gajra in your hair for an old-world festive charm. Keep your makeup soft and romantic. Ideal for twirling through mehendi nights or dholkis.
The author with Mr Abbas Husain and Mr Wasif Rizvi.
Sumera Naqvi has extensive experience in media and communications, with over 35 years of impactful expertise in journalism, communications, and advocacy. Armed with a Master’s degree in Mass Communications from Karachi University, she began her career with The News International in 1991 as a member of its launch team. In 1994, she joined Dawn News, where she worked for almost 20 years, contributing feature articles, investigative reports, columns, books, and theatre reviews. In 2014, she decided to shift her focus to the development sector and joined a non-profit organisation dedicated to mental health and rehabilitation. She has also worked as consultant for low-budget non-profits, providing them structural and communications support, as well as assisting with corporate compliance.
Naqvi has recently come up with her maiden book ‘The Future of Civilization’, a translation of Syed Mohammad Taqi’s book, ‘Karbala, Tehzeeb ka Mustaqbil’. According to her, this book is a labour of love. In an exclusive interview with You! Magazine Naqvi shares her thoughts with our readers…
You! Tell us a bit about your early life…
Sumera Naqvi: I grew up in a family that valued books and knowledge, in an environment that encouraged tolerant and civilised discussions on sensitive societal and political issues. Both of my parents were authors, and they often took me to places where such discussions took place; they also organised them at home. One memorable event I attended was a mushaaira where the fiery poet Habib Jalib recited his poem, Dastoor.
Art, music, and culture were very close to my parents’ hearts. Their inspiration for fostering open discussions about art and culture stemmed from my grandfather, Syed Muhammad Taqi, whose house in Garden East, a central area in Karachi, became a gathering place for people of all ages – politicians, poets, writers, and thinkers.
I inherited my interest in journalism from my grandfather, who served as the editor of Daily Jang for 25 years. My father was a strong advocate for public service, which ultimately led me to work in the development sector.
You! What inspired you to translate Syed Mohammad Taqi’s book – Karbala, Tehzeeb ka Mustaqbil?
SN: More than just feeling inspired, I believed it was my duty as a member of such an illustrious family to carry on the legacy. Rais Amrohvi and Jaun Elia were the brothers of Taqi Sahab. My father, Syed Mumtaz Saeed, was considered the management guru of Pakistan.
The book ‘Karbala, Tehzeeb ka Mustaqbil’ had gained significant popularity among Urdu readers. I had previously read the original manuscript in Urdu, but it never occurred to me to translate it until I was approached for the task.
My mother had also been looking for someone to translate Taqi Sahab’s major works, such as Rooh aur Falsafa, Mantiq, Falsafa aur Science, and Tareekh aur Kaainat- Mera Nazariya, into English. At that time, I didn’t consider myself capable of translating these highly intellectual works on philosophy.
However, as I began re-reading Karbala, Tehzeeb ka Mustaqbil for the translation, I was struck by the novel and compelling arguments Taqi Sahab presented about the profound impact of monumental sacrifices in history made for one’s principles. The tragedy of Karbala and the noble sacrifice of Imam Hussain(AS) and his family serve as a poignant exemplar for standing firm in one’s principles and the Islamic ideal. I felt it was essential to translate these insights into English for a broader audience.
You! What is the book all about?
SN: Syed Muhammad Taqi examines the profound impact that the virtue of sacrifice has on the application and implications of civilizational, moral, and ethical values. In his work, he challenges readers to think critically and bases his arguments on the crucial need for positive resources and methods to achieve beneficial and far-reaching outcomes. If these goals aren’t met, the significance of sacrificing for a cause, especially a humanitarian one, remains short-term.
Taqi reveres three monumental sacrifices in history: those of Socrates, Hazrat Eesa(AS), and Imam Hussain(AS). These sacrifices not only altered the course of history but also profoundly influenced humanity, guiding individuals to choose honest and positive means to achieve their objectives. He explains the background and circumstances under which Imam Hussain(AS) sacrificed his life and draws parallels among the three sacrifices, arguing that Imam Hussain’s(AS) sacrifice holds a higher significance. Additionally, he mentions important factors that are instrumental in building a civilised and humanitarian society.
You! How long did it take you to finish your first book?
SN: I started working on translating the book in 2020. Those were the COVID years, and I was confined to my home. I used to start out early in the day with a fresh mind to comprehend the text.
I completed the first draft of the book in two years. I held revisions at least 10 times, revisiting the arguments made by Taqi Sahab in the Urdu version to ensure I understood them correctly. In 2024, my cousin sent the manuscript to Ameena Saiyid who, after having it read, decided to publish it. The rest is history.
Author with friends.
You! How have the readers received your work so far?
SN: I received tremendous response which, honestly, I was not expecting. The book’s first edition sold out in a matter of days. I received encouraging remarks from literary icons such as Dr Azra Raza, Iftikhar Arif Saab, Dr Noman ul Haq, Mr Wasif Rizvi, and Mr Abbas Husain.
You! Translating a book from one language to another is a gigantic task. How was your journey?
SN: Indeed, it is. Translation is also a huge responsibility. The journey of translating ‘Karbala, Tehzeeb ka Mustaqbil’ was a challenging endeavour. The primary challenge arose from the brilliance of Syed Muhammad Taqi, a genius philosopher who employed his deep analytical skills and logic to present his arguments. While reading the book, one can observe how skillfully he utilises the Socratic Method – asking questions and revisiting his arguments to emphasise his points. It feels as if one is in a courtroom, listening to arguments from both sides to help reach a conclusion. Another challenge was the complexity of the vocabulary in the original Urdu version. I discovered many new Urdu words during the translation process.
A third challenge was Taqi’s numerous references that necessitate extensive research. For example, he elaborated on the difference between de facto and de jure when describing Imam Hussain’s(AS) refusal to take the oath of allegiance. He mentioned Herodotus and Sartre to strengthen his viewpoints. My goal was to make this book an easy read, while preserving the author’s original flow of thought and retaining his character in the translation.
You! What is your favourite subject which is close to your heart?
SN: I consider myself a storyteller, crafting narratives on a variety of subjects. However, social issues, reforms, and the arts – especially theatre – are topics that are particularly dear to me. I have written extensively about social issues, and some of my work has attracted the attention of the legal community, resulting in suo motu notices being taken against certain matters. Additionally, I enjoy writing about parenting and its challenges.
You! What are your five favourite books?
SN: I am not sure if I can pinpoint five books, but I can certainly count some of my favourite authors: Elif Shafak tops the list, followed by Arundhati Roy, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Tennessee Williams, the playwright. One book that I loved reading was Lesley Hazelton’s ‘After the Prophet’. Her writing style is most engaging. ‘Clash of Civilizations’ by Samuel Huntington is also a favourite. In Urdu prose, Masood Ashar was one of my favourite short story writers.
I also thoroughly enjoy reading Syed Muhammad Taqi’s prose.
You! Are people still interested in reading and buying books in today’s techno world?
SN: Fortunately, there still is a dedicated segment of the population that values and seeks out literature. However, there remains a pressing need for authors to receive fair royalties for their work. Unfortunately, the structure of the book publishing industry in Pakistan doesn’t provide authors with the same benefits as those in the West. I remember when my father published his book, ‘Managerial Challenge in the Third World’, in the US through Praeger Publishers. He would receive royalty cheques every time copies of his book were sold.
As a family of authors whose books were locally published, we can’t help but feel dissatisfied with the current state. Whether books are sold online or in bookstores, it’s crucial that a system is established to ensure that authors benefit from their hard work. This would not only honour their contributions but also encourage more writers to share their stories and ideas.
You! What is the most important advice you can give to women?
SN: We generally live in an environment of fear, and women are conditioned from a very tender age to internalise fear as a normal emotion. Thus, they lack the confidence to encounter fear at times of personal danger. They fail to defend themselves and fall into the trap.
Syed Muhammad Taqi
My advice to women is to focus on honing their skills and strengths, and then forge ahead with their passions. Women must be financially empowered and problem-solvers.
You! Could you name a woman who’s inspired you the most?
SN: One of the greatest influences in my life is my mother, Shaista Saeed. She’s always been a go-getter, someone who always looks at the brighter side of life, and offers advice that puts you in a positive mood.
You! Are there any lessons learnt the hard way?
SN: One should walk away from toxicity because it simply isn’t worth it. Whether it’s at work, at home, in a store, or around certain individuals, one shouldn’t let trivial or mundane issues affect their goodness.
You! What did you like to read when you were a little girl?
SN: Enid Blyton was my favourite author, and my second favourite was the stories of Winnie the Pooh; I particularly liked the character itself. My father would often take me to the bookstore to choose new books to read. After I finished reading, we would discuss the stories together. Our dinner table conversations revolved around what the story was about, what I liked, and what I didn’t like – a great way to develop my analytical skills.
You! What are some of your favourite ways to relax and have fun?
SN: One of my most relaxing moments is spending time with my triplet children, who are now all grown up. When they were little, I cherished the time I had with them after work, listening to their stories about their experiences in school, college, and finally university. I still enjoy listening to their stories and also to their fresh and different perspectives. Since my husband and I are food enthusiasts, we also enjoy trying out new kinds of food. I also enjoy meeting friends. I am fortunate to have wonderful friends around me, so we often make plans to meet, laugh, and share good times together.
You! How do you keep a balance between family life and work?
SN: I have always believed that good communication was essential to keep my children’s queries answered and their emotional needs met. If I had to stay late at the office, go on an official trip, or attend a late meeting, I would call them to explain why I was late and let them know when I would be home. I made it a point to reach home around the time I promised. They were understanding and grew proud of me. Additionally, personal care and mental well-being is very important to keep a happy balance. I enjoy swimming and attending yoga sessions in my free time. That’s what I call my ‘me time’.
You! What’s next on your agenda? Are you considering writing an original novel or book?
SN: I will be publishing my journalistic articles soon. There are some translation projects in hand that I am working on. And soon, I will be writing about my experiences as a working mother who raised triplet daughters in a typical Pakistani society.
