Latest news with #Luqman
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Lions confiscated after social media stunt
Two African lions have been seized by the Punjab Wildlife Department after a viral TikTok video showed them being paraded through a residential neighbourhood in Gujranwala alongside firearms. The wildlife department officials said the video featured a man identified as Luqman - known on social media as "Loha" - walking a chained lion through the Batala Sharam Singh area on the outskirts of the city. Automatic weapons were also seen in the footage, prompting fears of both a potential animal attack and a threat to public safety. Following the video's circulation online, Deputy Director Wildlife Rangers Gujranwala Region Sheikh Zahid Iqbal ordered immediate action. Senior Wildlife Ranger Muhammad Umair led the investigation, tracing the incident to a private farmhouse where two African lions were being kept without a license or any legal documentation. "No permits or registrations had been submitted to the department, as required under the Punjab Wildlife Act," said Ranger Umair. A formal case has been registered against a man named Muhammad Akram, believed to be connected to the illegal possession. However, Luqman, the individual seen in the video, is still at large. Under the amended Punjab Wildlife Act of 1974 - revised in 2025 - the private keeping and public display of big cats in residential areas is strictly prohibited. The act also criminalizes sharing social media content that features wildlife in ways that may endanger the animals or the public. Officials emphasised that the lions have now been transferred to a certified wildlife breeding facility, and legal proceedings are underway. "This is not just a violation of animal welfare lawsit's a public safety issue," said a spokesperson for the Wildlife Department. "No one is above the law, and using wild animals for online fame will not be tolerated."
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Two lions seized in Gujranwala after man's TikTok stunt prompts outrage
Listen to article The Punjab Wildlife Department siezed on Monday two lions that were being kept illegally by a resident in Gujranwala. A case has been registered under the Wildlife Act, and the animals have been seized. A video went viral on social media showing a man, identified as Luqman, carrying firearms and parading a lion on a leash through a residential neighbourhood. The footage caused panic among local residents, who feared the lion might attack someone. On the instructions of Wildlife Deputy Director Sheikh Zahid Iqbal, Senior Wildlife Ranger Muhammad Umair was tasked with locating the suspect and taking appropriate action. A raid was carried out at a farmhouse in the Batala Sharam Singh area, where the two lions were found being kept illegally. According to Ranger Umair, the suspect had neither declared the animals to the authorities nor obtained any licence for their possession. A case has also been filed under the Wildlife Act against another individual, Muhammad Akram, who was present at the farmhouse. However, Luqman, the man featured in the viral TikTok video, has not yet been arrested. It is important to note that under the Punjab Wildlife Act of 1974, as amended in 2025, keeping or displaying big cats in urban areas is a criminal offence. Punjab wildlife authorities have banned the keeping of big cats in populated zones and has also prohibited the sharing of dangerous videos involving big cats on social media.
Muscat Daily
21-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Luqman al Hooti reveals his passion for geological gold
From mountain trails to gemstone tales, Omani explorer Luqman al Hooti unearths hidden treasures beneath Quriyat's peaks A deep love for hiking and the rugged mountains of Quriyat led Luqman Saeed al Hooti down a path few in Oman have walked – one that didn't just traverse winding trails, but delved into the rich, untapped world beneath them – the world of gemstones. 'While hiking, I used to wonder whether there were precious stones beneath our feet,' Luqman told Muscat Daily. 'And if they did exist, why hadn't anyone studied or spoken about them seriously?' That question marked the beginning of a journey that would transform Luqman's life. Fuelled by curiosity, he immersed himself in the science of gemology, poring over texts, learning how gemstones form, and how to identify them in nature. In 2015, he set off on his first exploratory expedition in the Wilayat of Quriyat – and struck geological gold. 'Thanks to my research and preparation, I was able to locate and document several types of gemstones and semi-precious stones,' he said. Among his early discoveries were varieties of agate, citrine, amethyst, tourmaline, aquamarine, opal, and turquoise. Luqman is quick to clarify the distinction, 'Precious stones are emeralds, sapphires, diamonds, and rubies. The rest, like amethyst, turquoise, malachite, lapis lazuli, opal, and tourmaline are classified as semi-precious, most of which are forms of quartz.' But for Luqman, the allure went far beyond classification. 'People are naturally drawn to gemstones for their colour and shine,' he said. 'But for me, it was the thrill of discovery – finding them with my own hands – that made me fall in love with this world.' One moment remains etched in his memory – the discovery of his first semi-precious stone. 'It was a hexagonal quartz crystal, clear, gleaming, perfect. That single find validated all my study and effort. It was my first real success.' Soon after, Luqman began sharing his finds on Instagram, posting photos and insights about each stone. To his surprise, the audience grew, and so did the demand. 'People started asking to buy the stones I posted. At first, I sold them as raw stones. Then I thought – why not turn them into something more?' That thought sparked the next phase of his journey – jewellery design. 'I began designing jewellery using silver and gold, incorporating the gemstones I found in Oman,' he said. 'The response was overwhelming. It was the first initiative of its kind in the country.' Luqman says, 'Before I begin crafting any gemstone, I sketch the design I have in mind with a pencil and imagine how it will look in its final form. Every piece starts with a simple line, but it carries a complete story.' What began as a passion project evolved into a full-fledged business. Luqman established his own workshop, taught himself digital design, and began crafting bespoke pieces that combine Omani gemstones with artistic flair. 'Through my experience, I've seen growing local interest in Omani gemstones. But awareness is still limited – largely due to a lack of gem hunters and minimal media coverage of these natural treasures,' he noted. Beyond Oman, he's received growing interest from buyers in the Gulf and wider Arab world. 'There's global potential, but again, awareness is key. Countries like India and Thailand promote their stones through exhibitions and scientific publications. We need similar initiatives to build a gemstone industry that contributes to our economy.' Luqman uses his Instagram account as an educational platform, posting videos that document his explorations, identify stone types, and explain their handling. His content has attracted followers from around the world and helped raise awareness of Oman's geological richness. 'So far, I haven't faced major challenges,' he said. 'I rely on myself -conducting my own research, doing lab tests, and recording everything in a book I hope will one day become a reference for Omani gemstones.' His advice for aspiring gem enthusiasts? 'Start by learning about gemology, geological conditions, and rock types. And most importantly, respect nature – don't tamper with or damage exploration sites.' Luqman dreams of discovering precious stones such as rubies, emeralds, and diamonds in Oman. He also hopes to launch a luxury jewellery brand that promotes Omani gemstones globally. 'My ambition is to show the world that Oman has its own treasures -not just oil and history, but stunning stones shaped by nature and brought to life through design,' he said.
Khaleej Times
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
UAE artists ask where 'rights, ethics end' after Ghibli trend goes viral
'Artificial intelligence (AI) makes theft easy." This is how a visual artist in the UAE, Jalal Luqman, responded to the Ghibli trend that has gone viral. As the animation-style AI-powered imagery continues to captivate audiences worldwide, artists in the region are voicing apprehensions. They fear that the Ghibli trend could overshadow individual artistic expressions. On social media platforms like Instagram, this trend has spread rapidly, with people transforming their own photos into Ghibli style. As more creators adopt this style to attract attention and followers, the hashtag #Ghibli has exploded. It now features countless posts, encompassing everything from home decor to food and landscaping, even some companies have used it to turn their workers and workplace to the style. Luqman, who is a multi-disciplinary Emirati artist, acknowledged that artificial intelligence exists and will continue to evolve, but stressed that society is still in the primitive stages of understanding its capabilities. "Over time, rules and laws will emerge, but what has happened is unfortunate. I hope the artist wins his cases so that laws are established to limit the misuse of this technology.' He was referring to Studio Ghibli co-founder who filed a lawsuit against OpenAI for copyright infringement. Luqman was one of the first to embrace technology in visual arts in the UAE back in 1996, utilising digital art in his exhibitions. "I have no issue with the popularity of digital art, but where do rights and ethics end when it comes to using others' properties?" "I personally embrace technology, but not in a way where I just press a button and claim the work as mine. I use it as a tool that helps and inspires me," he said. However, Luqman highlighted the danger of artists presenting others' works as their own, noting, "If it's trending for people to see how they look its fine, but if someone is benefiting financially from the work without crediting the original creator, it becomes problematic." He pointed out that while the Ghibli trend may be captivating, it risks diluting the originality of individual artists. "This cartoon style we see everywhere now is often misappropriated, and it's wrong for anyone to claim it as their own. Additionally, the institutions that have worked on employing this style for their benefit are also at fault." Luqman also mentioned that he has a list of clients who appreciate the uniqueness of his work and understand the value of an artist's history. "They do not want common work; they want something unique." Sudanese artist Soma Siddig, who resides in Sharjah, said AI can never replace artists. 'AI art is repetitive and lacks uniqueness; creativity and human quality reside only with human artists." She believes that while AI may develop in the artistic realm, it will never reach the level of creativity and ideas that human beings possess. Shama Khalil Al Ashkhari, an Emirati painter and art business owner from Al Ain, highlighted how AI is fast and saves time. However, many still prefer the personalised touches of painters. "There are details that a painter adds which no AI can replicate, and there will always be uniqueness between the two."
Daily Tribune
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Emirati Artist Jalal Luqman Rebuilds Career After Dh5 Million Art Loss in Fire
JL Emirati digital art pioneer Jalal Luqman has risen from the ashes after losing 33 years of artwork—valued at Dh5 million—in a devastating fire last year. The fire, which engulfed his Abu Dhabi warehouse studio in May 2024, destroyed over 140 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and digital works. 'I was like a parent left childless,' said Luqman, recalling the heartbreak of seeing his life's work reduced to ashes. However, rather than succumbing to despair, the 58-year-old artist vowed to rebuild. Within six months, he staged an artistic comeback, using artificial intelligence and industrial materials salvaged from the fire to create a new body of work. Long recognized as the UAE's first digital artist, Luqman has always been at the forefront of artistic innovation. He pioneered digital art in the region, exhibiting internationally since 1996. His signature style blends digital techniques with metal and steel, earning him the moniker 'Iron Man of Art.' The fire forced Luqman to redefine his creative process. He painstakingly reconstructed his lost works using AI and digital tools, while also welding and sculpting molten metal from the debris. This transformative journey culminated in his exhibition What the Fire Left Behind (Oct 31–Nov 11, 2024), where visitors experienced the devastation and resilience through immersive installations. 'Art is our history; it documents our struggles and triumphs,' he reflected. His new works—comprising immersive experiences, AI-enhanced digital art, and sculptures forged from the fire's remains—are now available on CIFRA, a Dubai-based global streaming platform that documented his remarkable resurgence. For Luqman, the fire was a test of endurance. 'Creativity is about adapting and evolving. Life happens, but resilience is what defines us. When we fall, it's our will to rise that makes all the difference.'
