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    The Hive: Blending Work with Entertainment

    Written by: Sana Shahid
    Posted on: May 30, 2016 |

    Interior of 'The Hive'

    The Hive is an innovative co-working space that has just been introduced in Islamabad. It is an office catering to all the small companies, freelancers, and artists who need a place to work but don’t have one. All you need to do is visit their office and rent a seat. Alternatively, a group of people can rent tables for meetings, conferences, and studio work.

    The concept of blending work with entertainment and a social atmosphere is fairly new to Pakistan, and this initiative is the first of its kind in the capital, brought forth by two bright minds, Muhammad Abdul Wajid and Owais Zaidi. “It is a community space for the promotion of entrepreneurial musicians, artists, freelancers and small companies”, says Zaidi, explaining the idea behind the place. This is their first project in Islamabad. It doesn’t end here, though, as they are planning on creating nine more Hives across different areas in Pakistan.

    The office boasts modern, industrial design and furniture, which includes hanging egg chairs, private conference rooms, and a large blackboard wall for sharing ideas. One striking part of the interior is the ‘Reading Nook’, which is a cushioned box projecting out of a wall. It has been designed as a peaceful spot for people who wish to work in solitude.

    The Hive: A Co-working Space in Islamabad

    The blackboard wall

    The owners of this unique workspace have also introduced the idea of musical jam sessions on a weekly basis under the title ‘Sound Check’. This activity serves a twofold purpose: to bring forth the emerging talent that exists in our country, as well as to provide visitors at The Hive with live entertainment. “Fun while working, and working while fun”, is how Owais Zaidi describes it.

    The Hive: A Co-working Space in Islamabad

    Owais Zaidi standing in front of 'The Hive' logo

    The first Sound Check took place this Saturday, 28th May, 2016, where the Music Society of the National College of Arts (NCA), Rawalpindi, mesmerized the guests with their extraordinary talent and versatility. The show started off with soothing classical tunes such as Khwaja Mere Khwaja and Diyar-e-Dil, sung in the delightful voice of Ali Asghar. After the performance, the down-to-earth singer thoughtfully quoted, “Ganne wale ko listener chahye hota hai(“Every singer needs an audience”).

    The Hive: A Co-working Space in Islamabad

    Zoha Zuberi's powerful vocals captivated the audience

    One of the young and emerging singers, Zoha Zuberi sang Hello by Adele. Her beautiful, mature voice and flawless pitch captivated the audience. Adnan Khan, Youaf Jamil and Hadi Bokhari put together a fusion of Eastern and Western music. The rubab was played alongside a mellow guitar sequence and strikingly synchronized beatboxing, adding a new level of energy and excitement to the event, and ending in a huge round of applause from the audience.

    The Hive: A Co-working Space in Islamabad

    Irtiza Ahmed on vocals and Yousaf Jamil on the guitar

    Towards its conclusion, the event turned into more of a karaoke night, with versatile singing performances by a number of people. Adnan and Ramsha, two of the music society’s members, said that they would love to come here again and perform, as this was a very different experience than singing in college.

    Seeing how the entire crowd left with wide smiles on their faces, it’s safe to say that The Hive’s first Sound Check was a sweeping success. Here’s hoping that this bold initiative sets the tone for the opening of other co-working spaces in Islamabad as well.

     

    All images have been provided by the author.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021