Beena Sarwar

1 week ago | southasiamonitor.org | Beena Sarwar

The idea of a 'Young South Asian Artists' exhibition struck a chord when acclaimed Lahore-based artist and educator Salima Hashmi mentioned it some years ago, after writer and curator Manmeet K. Walia from New Delhi approached her about it. Salima Hashmi, known for her creativity and longstanding commitment to peace, democracy and human rights, is also a founder member and advisor for the Southasia Peace Action Network which nearly 90 of us launched online in March 2021.

2 months ago | dawn.com | Beena Sarwar

‘Tribute to Dr Haroon,’ by Sharjil Baloch, charcoal on paper, 2024 He was a renowned psychiatrist and so much more. A peace activist, humanist and upholder of human rights, his work as a foundational leader in the fields of mental health, peacebuilding and human rights are well known.

2 months ago | thefridaytimes.com | Beena Sarwar

Dr. Haroon Ahmed was to be one of the key speakers at the Southasia Peace Action Network, or Sapan, seminar on the last Sunday of June 2021. The seminar, titled 'Neighbours in Peace and Health' focused on public health as a basic human right, and I was excited about having Haroon Cha, as I called him, on the same platform as another public health giant, Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury, from Bangladesh. Sadly, Dr. Haroon suffered a stroke just a week earlier and was unable to join.

Feb 24, 2025 | southasiamonitor.org | Beena Sarwar

"It's the girls that give me hope," says the celebrated poet and writer Zehra Nigah. She leads a quiet life at her home in Karachi, without a mobile phone or email. Yet those who seek her are able to find her. Besides the school and college students who look to her for guidance, there are advertising companies looking for classy jingles. And there are organisers of literary festivals wanting to invite her.

Feb 22, 2025 | kashmirtimes.com | Beena Sarwar

"It's the girls that give me hope," says the celebrated poet and writer Zehra Nigah. She leads a quiet life at her home in Karachi, without a mobile phone or email. Yet those who seek her are able to find her. Besides the school and college students who look to her for guidance, there are advertising companies looking for classy jingles. And there are organisers of literary festivals wanting to invite her.