Pakistan, Bahrain military leaders discuss regional security, bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s leading fuel station company, Wafi Energy Pakistan, this week announced its partnership with public relations and advocacy firm Nutshell Communications to enhance its presence in the South Asian country. 

Wafi Energy, an affiliate of the Asyad Group, made headlines last year when it became the majority shareholder of Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) in November 2024. It now holds approximately 87.78 percent of the total issued share capital of SPL. However, the Shell brand will remain in Pakistan through retail and brand licensing agreements, with SPL as the exclusive brand licensee.

Wafi Energy announced it had partnered with Nutshell Communications, which says on its website it offers clients integrated PR, full spectrum marketing and communications services to build its brand’s reputation. 

“Nutshell Communications are experts at strategic communications and brand positioning,” Wafi Energy Pakistan CEO Zubair Shaikh was quoted in a press release issued by Nutshell Communications. “This partnership will play a key role in helping us build a strong, trusted presence in Pakistan’s energy landscape.”

Shaikh said the company aimed to invest in sustainable fuel and lubricants solutions, and advancing infrastructure to support Pakistan’s evolving energy needs.

Nutshell Group Chairman Azfar Ahsan reaffirmed his firm’s resolve to support transformative industry collaborations. 

“Global partnerships are essential to strengthen Pakistan’s economic resilience and energy independence,” Ahsan was quoted as saying. “Wafi Energy Pakistan’s presence significantly enhances Pakistan’s regional standing, and we are committed to nurturing this partnership toward continued growth and mutual success.”

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have moved in recent months to further strengthen trade and investment ties. Pakistani and Saudi businesses signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in October 2024 worth $2.8 billion. 

Islamabad is also eyeing Saudi investment in key sectors such as oil and gas, renewable energy, mining and minerals, infrastructure and others to keep its fragile $350 billion economy afloat.

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.