From suhoor drums to online apps: Ramadan through lens of three generations of a Pakistani family

From suhoor drums to online apps: Ramadan through lens of three generations of a Pakistani family
The screengrab taken on March 21, 2025, shows Mahmood Ahmed Hashmi (second right) and his family break fast during Ramadan in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Screengrab/AN)
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Updated 22 March 2025
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From suhoor drums to online apps: Ramadan through lens of three generations of a Pakistani family

From suhoor drums to online apps: Ramadan through lens of three generations of a Pakistani family
  • Digital age has significantly altered how Ramadan is observed, offering spiritual engagement through apps, social media and online platforms
  • Mobile apps have become indispensable tools for Muslims worldwide during Ramadan, whether to check prayers timings or order food

ISLAMABAD: The clatter of plates, spoons and forks filled the air as Mahmood Ahmed Hashmi, 67, broke his fast earlier this week at his home in Islamabad, seated with his three sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren around a large, colorful tablecloth spread on the floor.

Ramadan traditions and practices evolve across generations, influenced by changing demographics, media, lifestyles and digital apps, while retaining the core spiritual elements of fasting, prayer, and charity. As in other parts of the world, the digital age has also significantly altered how Ramadan is observed by Pakistani families, offering new avenues for spiritual engagement, community connection, and resource access through apps, social media, and online platforms.

Hashmi, a retired civil servant, detailed how Ramadan had changed through the generations of his family, beginning with the tradition of Ramadan drummers walking through the streets, beating drums to wake people for the pre-dawn meal (suhoor) before fasting began for the day. Once a typical feature of the holy month, today the tradition’s usefulness had been eclipsed by TV, mobile phones and alarm clocks.

“In those days, the elders used to come out in the neighborhood to wake up people for suhoor,” Hashmi told Arab News at iftar. “They used to do some drumming and other things so that people could get up, but now you have everything in your cell phone.”

Mobile apps have become indispensable tools for Muslims around the world during Ramadan, offering features like prayer time reminders, Qur’anic recitations, and fasting trackers, ensuring accurate timing and accessibility.

While many people used to visit neighborhood or community religious gatherings earlier, now platforms like YouTube and TikTok host Islamic scholars and influencers who share daily Ramadan reflections, Qur’anic tafseer (exegesis), and tips for spiritual growth, making Islamic education more accessible, especially for younger Muslims.

Social media platforms have also become main avenues for sharing Ramadan greetings, exchanging recipes, and discussing spiritual reflections.

Handwritten Eid cards — once widely exchanged among friends and relatives ahead of the post-Ramadan Eid Al-Fitr festival — were now a rarity in the age of digital greeting cards shared on Whatsapp and other messaging platforms, Hashmi lamented. 

“How good the feeling used to be to get Eid cards from your loved ones,” he said. “Your near and loved ones used to wait for them. People used to display them in their drawing rooms or bedrooms. Now a picture [card] will come [on mobile phone].”

Iftar and suhoor meals would also be made entirely at home, or with snacks and food bought from neighborhood eateries, and would be consumed as a family, while food was now increasingly ordered from online apps as per individual choices, Hashmi added. 

While the retired official lamented the decline in many of the Ramadan customs of his youth, his son Miraj Mustafa Hashmi, a professor at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), said digital innovations such as mobile apps had streamlined everyday rituals while still nurturing cherished Ramadan traditions. 

“Apps like FoodPanda have replaced traditional market trips for iftar [items],” Miraj said, explaining that this was beneficial for people who did not have the luxury of time due to jobs and other responsibilities. 

“It is a digital era, things are going on like that and people are comfortable in it. I think it is a very positive change … because people like us have to stay in the office all day and work … Obviously, we want to go to the market but the pressure of work and the load is there.”

Digital platforms and apps have also made it easier for people to donate to charity and support those in need during Ramadan, a core aspect of the holy month, Miraj said. 

For his 10-year-old son Ibrahim, a student of grade five who began fasting at the age of seven, Ramadan was about being able to order his favorite dishes online and checking the Internet for iftar and suhoor timings. 

“I love having noodles, pizza, macaroni, samosas, pakoras, and jalebis for iftar,” Ibrahim said as he had a piece of pizza for iftar. 

But was there anything Miraj missed about the way Ramadan used to be observed?

Relatives and friends used to meet each other more often at Ramadan events when they did not have the luxury to connect through video calls, he said. 

“When I think of my childhood, we used to go to social events, we used to go shopping with our grandparents, we used to do all these activities,” the professor said. 

“If we see, our parents spent a very tough life due to limited facilities, but they made it a little easier [for us] and our children are living a much easier life and technology is helpful.”


At Dubai exhibition, Pakistan’s envoy says art can shape global perception of his country

At Dubai exhibition, Pakistan’s envoy says art can shape global perception of his country
Updated 20 April 2025
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At Dubai exhibition, Pakistan’s envoy says art can shape global perception of his country

At Dubai exhibition, Pakistan’s envoy says art can shape global perception of his country
  • Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi visits Imran Qureshi’s exhibition during Alserkal Art Week in Dubai
  • He says art can build cross-cultural understanding, pledges support for future collaborations in UAE

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, said on Sunday art could serve as a powerful tool of soft power for his country, helping project its positive image on the world stage, as he visited an exhibition by a leading Pakistani artist in Dubai on its concluding day.
Titled “Vanishing Points,” the event ran from April 13 to 20 as part of Alserkal Art Week and was held at Concrete, a prominent contemporary art space at Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue.
Curated by Nada Raza, Director of the Alserkal Arts Foundation, the show featured Imran Qureshi’s latest body of work, spanning photography, video, painting and a site-specific installation, offering a vivid meditation on urban life and the visual chaos of South Asian cityscapes.
Known for pioneering a contemporary revival of Indo-Persian miniature painting, Qureshi’s practice blends traditional techniques with modern perspectives.
“Imran Qureshi’s art vividly transforms Pakistan’s day-to-day life into breathtaking visual narratives,” Tirmizi said after touring the exhibition.
“Through his lens, the bustling streets, Sufi shrines and architectural heritage come alive, arising a deep sense of connection,” he continued. “His depiction of a Sufi tomb with Qawwali resonating in the background is particularly mesmerizing and emotionally powerful.”
The ambassador emphasized the importance of art as a form of diplomacy, saying it could promote cross-cultural understanding and enhance Pakistan’s global standing.
He also pledged support for future cultural collaborations in the UAE, particularly with platforms like Alserkal Avenue that promote diverse artistic voices.
A recipient of Pakistan’s Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, and France’s Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, a prestigious distinction recognizing significant contributions to the arts and literature, Qureshi is among the internationally celebrated artists.
His works are housed in prominent collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Qureshi’s works are also featured in Art Dubai, another major international art fair running in the city.
This year’s Art Dubai edition includes work by 10 Pakistani artists, reflecting the country’s growing presence on the global contemporary art scene.


Peshawar Zalmi reignite media partnership with Arab News Pakistan for PSL 2025

Peshawar Zalmi reignite media partnership with Arab News Pakistan for PSL 2025
Updated 20 April 2025
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Peshawar Zalmi reignite media partnership with Arab News Pakistan for PSL 2025

Peshawar Zalmi reignite media partnership with Arab News Pakistan for PSL 2025
  • Zalmi clinched the 2017 title and have remained strong contenders in subsequent seasons
  • After a challenging tournament start, they have bounced back with 120-run win against Multan

ISLAMABAD: A popular franchise of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Peshawar Zalmi, announced on Sunday a renewed media partnership with Arab News Pakistan, continuing a collaboration that began in 2020.
The PSL, launched in 2016, is Pakistan’s premier T20 cricket league featuring six city-based teams.
Peshawar Zalmi, representing the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, clinched the PSL title in 2017 and have consistently been strong contenders in subsequent seasons.​
“Proud to go global with @arabnewspk as our International Newspaper Partner for #HBLPSLX,” Zalmi announced on their social media account on X, exclaiming, “Where cricket meets the world.”​


Arab News Pakistan was launched in February 2018 and has since provided in-depth coverage of Pakistan, including sports.
Its parent organization, Arab News, was founded in 1975 and is part of the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), one of the largest media conglomerates in the region.
Peshawar Zalmi had a challenging start to this year’s PSL but bounced back with a commanding 120-run victory over Multan Sultans on Saturday, marking their first win of the season. 
They are now set to face Karachi Kings in the next match on Monday at the National Stadium in Karachi.​

 


Punjab minister urges clerics to denounce Gaza-linked fast-food chain attacks in Pakistan

Punjab minister urges clerics to denounce Gaza-linked fast-food chain attacks in Pakistan
Updated 20 April 2025
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Punjab minister urges clerics to denounce Gaza-linked fast-food chain attacks in Pakistan

Punjab minister urges clerics to denounce Gaza-linked fast-food chain attacks in Pakistan
  • Azma Bokhari says attacks are not helping the oppressed people of Palestine but hurting Pakistan
  • The government has arrested over 150 attackers and promised strict action against others involved

ISLAMABAD: A senior minister in Pakistan’s Punjab province on Sunday urged religious scholars to publicly condemn recent attacks on an international fast-food chain, warning that such actions were damaging the country’s image and hurting its own citizens.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari’s remarks came a day after the federal government said over 150 people had been arrested for attacking the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlets amid rising anti-American and anti-Israel sentiment in the country over the war in Gaza.
Protesters have vandalized KFC branches in multiple cities, with at least one employee killed during the unrest, asking people to show solidarity with their Muslim brethren in the Palestinian territory who have been killed in great numbers since the beginning of the war in October 2023.
“I believe that all our forums where respected religious scholars are present should come forward more strongly on this issue and speak up,” the provincial minister said at a news conference in Lahore.
“Attacking these food chains is not helping the oppressed people of Gaza,” she continued. “It is hurting Pakistan.”
Bokhari noted that international franchises like KFC provided jobs to thousands of locals in Punjab and other parts of the country.
“Now tell me this: if the 25,000 Pakistanis working here lose their jobs, will that benefit the people of Gaza?” she asked. “Or have these incidents helped the oppressed people of Gaza in any way? No, it’s causing harm — harm to Pakistan’s image.”
She also referenced the killing of a KFC employee in Sheikhupura, questioning what his fault was.
Bokhari accused “an extremist group” of organizing the attacks and said the government would take strict action against those involved.
On Saturday, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudry said 12 police cases had been registered against the attackers in Punjab alone, with 142 arrests made. Another 15 suspects had been detained in Islamabad, he added.
“It cannot happen that someone brings investment into Pakistan, gives its people employment, pays 100 percent tax, and also spends on welfare, education and health activities, and then someone attacks it,” he said.
He maintained such incidents would be treated with the same seriousness as militant attacks, adding the government and interior ministry were “available 24 hours” to respond.
Pakistan does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel but has consistently voiced support for the Palestinian cause.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an immediate end to Israel’s military campaign, while Pakistan’s permanent mission to the United Nations has repeatedly urged accountability for Israeli “war crimes.”


Pakistani religio-political party relocates pro-Gaza march after Red Zone sealed in Islamabad

Pakistani religio-political party relocates pro-Gaza march after Red Zone sealed in Islamabad
Updated 20 April 2025
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Pakistani religio-political party relocates pro-Gaza march after Red Zone sealed in Islamabad

Pakistani religio-political party relocates pro-Gaza march after Red Zone sealed in Islamabad
  • Jamaat-e-Islami shifts Gaza march to Expressway after initially planning to rally outside the US embassy
  • JI leaders promise a ‘sea of people’ in Islamabad, urge government not to block roads across the city

ISLAMABAD: A popular Pakistani religio-political party shifted its Gaza Solidarity March from outside the United States embassy to Expressway between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, its spokesperson confirmed Sunday, after authorities sealed all routes to the Red Zone in the federal capital that houses embassies and sensitive government buildings.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) announced to organize the march toward the US diplomatic mission in Islamabad during its recent rallies in Karachi, Lahore and other Pakistani cities to protest Washington’s support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The party has also given a call for a nationwide strike against Israel’s war on April 22.
“JI will now hold the Gaza March on Islamabad Expressway near Zero Point, where a stage will be set up at the H-8 overhead bridge, and the party chief, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, along with other central leaders, will address the gathering,” Aamir Baloch, the JI spokesperson for foreign media, said in a statement.
He promised “a sea of people” in Islamabad as the march to express solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza proceeded.
“We urge the government to refrain from underhand tactics and ensure all routes remain open,” he told Arab News in response to a question about road closures across Islamabad.
The Islamabad administration issued a traffic advisory earlier in the day, saying all roads to the Red Zone had been closed except for two entry points.
“Containers are placed at all major Red Zone access points, including D-Chowk,” the administration said in a statement. “Only Margalla Road and Bari Imam gates are open.”
Responding to these developments, the JI general secretary, Amirul Azeem, said in a video message his party’s march would remain peaceful like its recent demonstrations in other parts of the country.
“The government of Pakistan has decided to stop this march,” he said. “I request the people of Pakistan to actively participate in it.”
Pakistan does not maintain diplomatic ties with Israel and has consistently condemned its military actions in Gaza, particularly the killing of thousands of unarmed Palestinian women and children. Islamabad has also urged the resumption of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory and called for renewed negotiations aimed at a two-state solution.
It has long supported the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has killed over 51,000 people and injured more than 116,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.


Pakistan PM launches second nationwide polio vaccination drive of 2025

Pakistan PM launches second nationwide polio vaccination drive of 2025
Updated 20 April 2025
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Pakistan PM launches second nationwide polio vaccination drive of 2025

Pakistan PM launches second nationwide polio vaccination drive of 2025
  • Pakistan plans to vaccinate 45 million children against poliovirus nationwide from Apr. 21-27
  • Shehbaz Sharif urges Pakistani parents to help vaccination teams administer polio drops 

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched Pakistan’s second nationwide vaccination campaign against poliovirus, scheduled to be held from Apr. 21-27, as Islamabad struggles to eradicate the disease. 

Polio is a paralyzing disease with no cure and multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine — along with completing the routine immunization schedule for children under five — are crucial to building immunity against the virus.

Pakistan, which has reported six polio cases so far in 2025, has planned three major vaccination campaigns in the first half of the year, with additional rounds scheduled for April and May. The seven-day campaign is going to be the second anti-polio drive to be held this year, and aims to vaccinate over 45 million children against the disease. 

“It is my request to parents all over Pakistan that they help us out in administering polio drops to their children,” Sharif said during a ceremony in Islamabad. 

“Help our teams in the field so that this virus can be eliminated for good.”

Sharif said the government has undertaken stringent security measures in sensitive areas for polio volunteers. He called on authorities to mobilize the public so that they become “soldiers” in the fight against poliovirus. 

Earlier, the prime minister kicked off the anti-polio campaign by administering polio drops to a few children. 

Pakistan’s polio program, launched in 1994, has faced persistent challenges including vaccine misinformation and resistance from some religious hard-liners who claim immunization is a foreign conspiracy to sterilize Muslim children or a guise for Western espionage. 

Militant groups have also repeatedly targeted and killed polio vaccination workers.

In 2024, Pakistan reported an alarming 74 polio cases. Along with Afghanistan, it remains one of the only two countries where polio is still endemic.