Saudi Wafi Energy hires top stratcom firm to build ‘trusted presence’ in Pakistan

KARACHI: As dusk falls over Burns Road, Karachi’s busy food street, a man in a bright blue curly wig and neon-yellow jacket steps into the crowd, a red clown nose perched on his face. His hands, covered in red gloves, juggle colorful balls, drawing the attention of people, particularly children who watch with excitement.
This is Jamal Shah, a street performer whose journey from stage artist to roadside entertainer is a tale of resilience and a deep desire to connect with people through his passion for performance.
Before the coronavirus pandemic shuttered theaters and circuses, Shah was a seasoned performer, traveling across Pakistan’s four provinces and receiving praise for his magic shows and juggling acts.
Since 1998, the 41-year-old has led a life of artistic fulfillment. But the pandemic changed everything, leaving him and countless others jobless.
“Before COVID, I used to perform in theaters, circuses, variety shows, magic shows, and festivals,” Shah said, his voice cutting through the noise. “I am not just a street artist. I am a trained theater and stage performer.”
Yet, circumstances forced him out of familiar settings, leaving him to perform on the streets, where passersby are often too absorbed to notice his skillful acts.
“I turned to street performances after [theater] shows were shut down,” he said. “Without these shows, I had to find a way to survive with a wife and five children. I live on rent, so I had no choice but to perform on the streets.”
Every evening, Shah leaves Quaidabad on his motorcycle, making a 25-kilometer journey to the Burns Road in heart of Saddar, which has been his lifeline for the past five years.
During Ramadan, he performs from Iftar to Suhoor, his efforts barely enough to cover his family’s basic needs.
“My family is struggling,” Shah told Arab News. “One of my children is unwell, I am also unwell, and so is my wife. But I decided that I would not beg from anyone. Instead, I would use my skills here.”
But the street is a harsh stage where sometimes speeding motorcyclists crash into him and passersby occasionally hurl mocking remarks. Despite the hardships, Shah takes comfort in the smiles he brings to children’s faces.
“When I see children smiling, my personal sorrows fade away,” he said. “I never bring my grief to the public. As for my tears, I know when they well up and when I hide them. When I am performing, the character I embody requires me to conceal my tears, which I do, while striving to keep people happy and smiling.”
His children, who once went to school, now attend a seminary for religious education. Shah said his greatest desire was to provide them with a brighter future.
“I want to support my family and children so that my children can also go to school and study, educate themselves, play a positive role in society and become its valuable members,” he said. “If my children get an education, they will develop a good character.”
Shah’s dedication to his craft is unwavering, making him pledge to perform until there is strength in his body.
“One must fight for survival,” he added. “Whether it’s scorching heat or cold, I am here.”
Shah said performers like him felt duty-bound to spread joy among people.
“Every person deprived of happiness should find joy in watching us, and their sadness should be transformed into smiles and happiness,” he said, his eyes reflecting the flickering lights of the food street and hope for a better future.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani and United Arab Emirates (UAE) officials have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the railways sector, the Pakistani railway ministry said on Monday.
The statement came after Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi’s meeting with UAE First Secretary to Pakistan Ahmed Al-Tahiri, at which both officials discussed strengthening bilateral relations across all sectors.
Abbasi highlighted that Pakistan Railways is continuously working to improve its services through long-term agreements with domestic and international suppliers, emphasizing that Pakistan offers a business-friendly environment and presents significant opportunities for investors.
“Both sides deliberated on various aspects of railway operations and mutual trade interests,” the Pakistani railways ministry said in a statement. “Both leaders agreed to continue and expand bilateral cooperation in the railway sector and other economic domains.”
Pakistan Railways faces many challenges like aging infrastructure, outdated tracks, locomotives and signal systems. Poor maintenance and a lack of modern safety measures often contribute to train derailments and accidents. Notable tragedies include the 2005 Ghotki train disaster, which killed over 130 people and the 2021 collision that left at least 65 people dead.
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE’s foreign ministry. Both countries have stepped up efforts in recent years to strengthen their economic relations. In Jan. 2024, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure.
During Monday’s meeting, the UAE first secretary emphasized the deep-rooted ties of brotherhood and mutual respect between the two nations, according to the Pakistani railway ministry.
“He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation,” the ministry said.