Author: newsdesk

  • Ahad Raza Mir opens up about upcoming projects, future plans

    Ahad Raza Mir opens up about upcoming projects, future plans

    Ahad Raza Mir opens up about upcoming projects, future plans

    Ahad Raza Mir, the heartthrob of Pakistani drama, is back with not one but two exciting projects that promise to leave fans hooked.

    The Yakeen Ka Safar actor opened up about upcoming projects in an interview with Gloss Etc by Maliha Rehman.

    In Meem Se Mohabbat, Ahad Raza Mir will star opposite Dananeer Mobeen, marking their first on-screen pairing.

    “It’s lighthearted with a little bit of a heavy undertone. It’s the kind of story I’ve been looking for because it’s multi-dimensional… has its moments of depth. Not to say that lighthearted work doesn’t have depth, but this has something worth exploring, and that’s why I signed up. It’s written by Farhat Ishtiaq, and I have trouble saying no to her scripts. Her storytelling is phenomenal. Every time I read or hear one of her stories, I get hooked.”

    Speaking about his much anticipated Netflix project Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, the Ehd-e Wafa actor reflected on the timing and significance of the series. 

    “I think I’m waiting for ’Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo’. I’m hopeful and all, but everything has its time, you know? It had to happen at this time, and that’s when it did. I think there are reasons for that. There must be a reason behind it in the cosmos. That’s kind of how I’ve been living life anyway now. I think there’s no point in worrying as long as we, as human beings, think that way… like there’s a greater plan for everything. That’s the way I look at it. I’m just happy it’s coming.”

    Ahad Raza Mir’s future plans also include branching out beyond his established relationship with Hum TV to explore new opportunities with other channels. 

    He’s excited to see how working with different networks will change his experience as an actor.

    “I am moving on to other channels as well and I’m excited for that… just to kind of see what the difference is, and obviously, I think every channel also has their own mandate of the kind of content that they want to do. So I’m excited to see myself in that position.”

  • 38 individuals dead in Kurram gun attack

    38 individuals dead in Kurram gun attack

    38 people, including three women, were killed in an attack when assaulters opened fire on a passenger bus in the Ochat area of the Kurram district on Thursday.

    The attacker targeted the convoy, which was travelling from Parachinar to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s capital, Peshawar, as per the police officials.

    Ahmady Shama Station House Officer (SHO) Kaleem Shah confirmed to Dawn that 38 people were killed, including three women, and 11 were injured.

    1732199735-2Z4Y3SIOBZ.jpg

    Interior Minister, while speaking to media outside Islamabad High Court (IHC), stated, “This past week has been difficult and upsetting; now 38 people have been martyred in Kurram.”

    President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the dead.

    “Attacking innocent passengers is a cowardly and inhumane act,” Pakistan Peoples Party media cell quoted President Zardari, adding that those responsible for the incident must be punished, and he directed that timely medical aid be provided to the injured.

    1732199764-3I4AKNTR6S.jpg

    The Kurram attack has been seen as the most lethal attack of the decade in Pakistan’s history, according to reports.

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also condemned the attack and directed the Chief Secretary, provincial law minister and the area’s Member National Assembly and Member Provincial Assembly MPA to visit the Kurram district immediately.

    “The provincial government, police and all relevant institutions are making serious efforts to improve the law and order situation in the area,” he said.

    Kurram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javedullah Mehsud told AFP that “Two separate convoys of members of the Shia community … were targeted by the terrorists in the Kurram district.”

    “Both convoys consisted of around 40 vehicles travelling under police escort,” DC Mehsud added.

    Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the attack, saying, “The enemies of the peace of the country attacked the convoy of innocent citizens which is tantamount to brutality. All attempts of anti-national elements to destroy the peace of the beloved country will be thwarted.”

    Earlier, around 24 people were killed and 46 injured on November 9 in a bomb blast at Quetta Railway Station.

    The banned and militant outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) had claimed responsibility for the explosion.

    In another attack on November 1, nine people, including five school-going children, were killed, and 29 were injured in a blast near girl’s schools in Mastung, a Balochistan district.

  • Internet, mobile services to be ‘partially suspended’ ahead of PTI protest

    Internet, mobile services to be ‘partially suspended’ ahead of PTI protest

    The federal government has announced the partial suspension of internet and mobile services in Islamabad and other areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab in light of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24.

    Maryam Nawaz from Geo News reports that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will activate a firewall for mobile internet service from November 22, and the internet services will be suspended from November 23.

    The report also quotes sources that have claimed that internet and mobile services might be suspended at certain locations at any time.

    The shutdown will result in users being unable to download audio and videos from social media apps.

    The interior ministry has asked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, which is administered by the PTI, to ensure that the province does not utilise state machinery to facilitate the protest.

    “[…] in the wake of protest by PTI, it is requested that it may kindly be ensured that Government of KPK does not utili[s]e state machinery, equipment, officials or finances for political protest by the political party,” read the ministry’s letter.

    The Punjab government has also made known that the PTI protesters will be dealt with iron-handedly, while Information Minister Azma Bokhari asserted that the demonstrators will be handled the “same as terrorists.”

    The Islamabad administration announced on Monday the imposition of Section 144 in the federal capital for the coming two months to avoid any lapse in law and order.

    A ban, moreover, has been placed on all processions, rallies, demonstrations and gatherings having five or more than five people, as per the notification issued by Additional District Magistrate Usman Ashraf.

    Additional security has also been requisitioned by Punjab and Islamabad police. For this, over 10,700 police personnel from across Punjab have been put on standby equipped with tear gas, rubber bullets, and anti-riot gear.

    Islamabad administration alone has requisitioned 8,000 additional personnel from Punjab, Sindh, and Kashmir.

    Rangers and the Frontier Corps (FC) are already deployed in the capital, which is likely sealed off with shipping containers by Friday (November 22).

  • Pakistani AI robot in hijab upsets Faryal Mehmood

    Pakistani AI robot in hijab upsets Faryal Mehmood


     Actress Faryal Mehmood, who is known for speaking her mind, seems to be upset over Pakistan’s new AI robot that wears a hijab.

    Taking to Instagram to share her thoughts, Wakhri actress posted a news piece featuring the robot and wrote, “Okay but the hijab on the [expletive] robot?”


    Here is the story shared of Faryal Mehmood on her Instagram.

     


    The robot has been created by Abul Hassan Isphani, head of the AI Department at Happy Palace School.

    “The purpose of creating this [robot] was that I have been in the education field for the past 13 years. One common problem that all teachers face is that sometimes the answer doesn’t come to mind when put on the spot,” said Isphani, who has been an academician for over 13 years, while sharing the rationale behind creating the robot.

    Other than the need for it to wear a hijab, the robot has also been receiving mixed reactions over its functionality.

    Here are the comments:


    Artificial intelligence has become a global trendy hot topic, thanks to platforms like ChatGPT, an innovative AI tool that has been able to make talking to machines feel natural and interactive, therefore rewriting the way people see and use AI.


    ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is highly valued for its ability to provide responses in a human-like manner. Whether it’s answering questions, producing an essay, creating a story, or helping complete technical tasks, ChatGPT has demonstrated the enormous scope of AI in various areas. The ease with which access to it can be gained through laptops and mobile devices has encouraged individuals, students, and businesses to pursue AI for learning, productivity, and creative projects.

    One key reason for the AI popularity boom is the simplification of complex task tasks that use tools like ChatGPT to save precious time and effort in such mundane activities as composing emails, brainstorming ideas, or even researching.     Its role in supporting professionals, writers, and developer further establishes AI as a reliable workplace companion.
    AI platforms have also triggered interest and excitement about the future, as ChatGPT introduced millions to the concept of generative AI: machines that create content based on user inputs.

    This approach to AI opens doors for innovations, education, entertainment, and technology, although there are greater challenges in the rise of AI, such as the potential ethical implications and impacts on jobs, tools like ChatGPT could still showcase the prospect for revolutionizing industries and making technology more approachable.

     

  • Day after AR Rahman’s divorce, bassist Mohini Dey announces her own separation

    Day after AR Rahman’s divorce, bassist Mohini Dey announces her own separation

    Mohini Dey, the bassist for renowned Indian musician AR Rahman, has announced her separation with composer Mark Hartsuch, hours after Rahman went public with the news of his divorce.


    Rahman had on Tuesday announced separation with his wife, Saira Banu, after 28 years of marriage.


    Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah, released a statement citing emotional strain and unbridgeable differences as reasons for the separation. The statement emphasised that despite their deep love for each other, the couple could not overcome the challenges in their relationship. Rahman and Saira, who got married in 1995, have three children – Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen.


    Hours after the news was confirmed, Mohini and Hartsuch announced their separation, adding that it was a mutual decision and the two would continue to work together professionally.


    “Mark and I have separated with mutual understanding. We remain great friends and will continue to work together. We kindly ask for your respect and understanding during this time,” Mohini said in a social media post.


    Despite separation, both Mohini and Hartsuch assured fans that their professional work remained unaffected.


    Mohini, who gained prominence through her performances with Rahman’s troupe, released her debut album in August 2023. The former couple has collaborated on several projects, including their joint music venture, MaMoGi.

  • Islamic Ideology Council blames ‘clerical error’ for declaring VPN ‘un-Islamic’

    Islamic Ideology Council blames ‘clerical error’ for declaring VPN ‘un-Islamic’

    Dr Raghib Naeemi, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), recently addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier remarks about VPNs, clarifying that deeming their use as “un-Islamic” and “against Shariah” was a clerical mistake.

    A 10-point agenda was adopted during the CII’s 240th meeting on Wednesday, which reaffirmed that Article 191 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression and access to information, provided it aligns with religious principles, national unity, and the laws of the land.

    Dr Naeemi also clarified the confusion caused by his previous statement, explaining that it was the result of a “clerical error.” He asserted that one had declared VPNs un-Islamic or against Shariah and that a “typing mistake” in their earlier statement, “where the word ‘not’ was omitted, led to this misunderstanding.”

    The CII Chairman further explained that the typing error in the statement from his Friday sermon was a mistake that was overlooked by his staff. He categorically rejected any pressure behind the earlier remarks, asserting that they were made independently.

    Stance on blasphemous content 

    Dr. Raghib Naeemi, during a press conference, addressed the government’s stance on the use of VPNs to access blasphemous and vulgar content. He described it as a matter of shame for the nation that 20 million Pakistanis visit websites containing such material, including content that threatens national security.

    He also reiterated the government’s deadline of November 30 for VPN registration and emphasized that all users, including ministers and officials, must use registered software applications.

    Dr. Naeemi further stated that whether using a VPN is un-Islamic depends on its purpose and how it is used or misused.

    Previous statement

    Previously, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported that the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has termed the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) “un-Islamic”. 

    CII Chairman Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi, in that statement, said the federal government had the prerogative to curb evil and prevent access to it, declaring that adopting measures to prevent or restrict access to immoral and offensive content was in accordance with the Shariah.

    Ironically, this was also announced on the blocked microblogging site X, which is widely used in Pakistan via VPN.

  • Federal orders bureaucracy against use of KP govt resources for Nov 24 protest

    Federal orders bureaucracy against use of KP govt resources for Nov 24 protest

    Fearing that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) might use state machinery for its upcoming protest, the Interior Ministry has ordered Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry to ensure that state resources were not used.


    In a letter to the KP chief secretary, the ministry said the provincial government must not utilise “state machinery, equipment, officials or finances” for political protests.

    1732185799-SO8MU6HZ9H.jpg


    The development comes a day after the ministry also approved deployment of both the Frontier Constabulary (FC) and Rangers in Islamabad to deal with any law and order situation due to the PTI’s Nov 24 march on the federal capital.


    The federal government has already imposed section 144 in the capital city for two months.


    Last week, PTI founder and former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan had issued the “final and decisive call” for countrywide demonstrations on November 24.

    The PTI demands revocation of the recently-passed 26th Constitutional Amendment, “restoration of democracy”, the return of “public’s mandate” in light of irregularities in the 2024 General Election, and the release of all political prisoners, including party founder Imran Khan.


    Meanwhile, police have reportedly launched a crackdown on PTI leadership and workers, arresting at least 30 activists so far.


    The development came despite Imran Khan’s permission for the party leadership to negotiate with the government and establishment.


    Imran’s lawyer and PTI leader Faisal Chaudhry, while speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail, said that if the talks between the government and opposition leadership remain successful, then there “won’t be a protest but celebration”.


    “If negotiations make progress by tomorrow (Thursday), then it is fine… if the talks do not progress, then we will definitely protest,” Faisal quoted incarcerated Khan as saying.

    Previously, former PM Khan was arrested on August 5 last year from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, shortly after his conviction in the Toshakhana case and has been in jail since then on multiple charges.

    Currently, he is held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail under high security and with B-class facilities due to his status as a former premier.

    It may be noted here that incarcerated PM Imran Khan is facing several cases, including the £190 million reference (Al Qadir Trust case).

    However, the Founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has been granted bail in the ToshaKhana case 2.

    Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Wednesday granted bail to party founder Imran Khan in ToshaKhana case two.


    However, the party founder was reportedly not released as he has been in judicial remand in multiple cases in Lahore.

  • 10 power distribution companies likely to be transferred to president

    10 power distribution companies likely to be transferred to president

    The World Bank has proposed transferring the ownership of 10 power distribution companies (DISCOs) to the president of Pakistan before their privatisation.


    According to reports, Power Division officials, during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Privatisation, revealed that the World Bank had outlined at least nine conditions for DISCO privatisation, of which only two had been met so far.


    The recommendations include notifying tariff rules, clarifying subsidies and revising eligibility criteria for licenses.


    The global lender has also emphasised cleaning up DISCOs’ balance sheets, recognising liabilities and implementing a clear electricity policy to define roles and responsibilities aimed at reducing technical and commercial losses.


    Officials expressed optimism that the remaining seven conditions would be met by January 2025.  
    The privatisation process is backed by the World Bank under its Non-Lending Technical Assistance programme. 

    However, Federal Minister for Privatisation Abdul Aleem Khan stressed that unresolved legacy issues and off-balance sheet liabilities must be addressed before moving forward.  


    The additional secretary of the Power Division disclosed that the government’s uniform tariff policy would remain intact even after privatisation.


    This means consumers in efficient regions, like Punjab, will continue subsidising those in areas with higher line losses, such as Sindh and Balochistan. Furthermore, the government will maintain subsidies for privatised companies, keeping the budget under strain.  


    In August, the cabinet had approved a phased privatisation plan for DISCOs. In the first phase, profitable entities such as Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) and Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) will be sold outright. 


    The second phase will include loss-making entities like Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) and Hazara Electric Supply Company, while the highest loss-making firms such as Hyderabad and Peshawar DISCOs, will be offered under long-term concession agreements.

  • PTI worker dead after police raid in Narowal

    PTI worker dead after police raid in Narowal

    A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker from Narowal, who was injured after falling from a roof during a police raid at his home, has died while admitted to a hospital.

    The PTI district president has also confirmed the worker’s death in his statement, Geo News reported.

    The worker’s name was Yasir Malhi, and he was not just a die-hard PTI fan but also a father. His relatives protested against the police brutality in front of the Baddo Malhi police station.

    His young son, while talking to the media, said that during the raid, his father had climbed onto the roof of the house, and the police personnel had hit him with a brick on his head.

    A video of Yasir’s son has been widely shared on social media, and the child can be seen crying and narrating the whole incident of his father’s fall. He laments that he has been “orphaned”. 

    Describing the incident, he also detailed that as the police raided their house, his father “ran to save himself. He was followed by a servant. He tripped, and they [police] hit him hard with a brick.”

    NL News Alert, a local channel from Narowal, has reported the details. Reporter Rana Muhammad Imran shared the video of the child on TikTok. The text on the viral video also claims that the victim’s family has also pardoned the police, indicating a settlement between them. 

    The spokesman of the local police representing the District Police Officer, however, said that the police had nothing to do with Yasir’s death.

    In another video shared from another TikTok account by the name of Hafiz Shahid Express shared the picture of the deceased. He also posted a video of the victim’s family negotiating with the police and stating that the purpose of the protest was to curb this problem of people getting killed at the hands of the police.

    “We request you not to do this kind of injustice from here onwards with anyone else,” a man said to the police officer with the tag of Deputy Superintendant of Police (DSP) on his uniform, who can be seen nodding in affirmation. 

    In the same video, another person could be heard crying and wailing. 

    Social media is simultaneously abuzz with the criticism of the Punjab Police and the ongoing crackdown on PTI followers in the light of the upcoming PTI protest on November 24. 

  • Rs8 crore becomes unexpected star of ‘Sunn Mere Dil’

    Rs8 crore becomes unexpected star of ‘Sunn Mere Dil’

    What do you get when a drama revolves around a number that’s never been seen but constantly mentioned?

    The obsession with ‘8 crore’ in Sunn Mere Dil has taken the drama by storm, but not in the way fans would expect.

    Controversial writer Khail Ur Rehman Qamar, known for his misogynistic scripts and problematic plots, previously faced heavy criticism for ‘2 takay ke larki’, one of the dialogues from ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’, and now, he is facing the same backlash for the constant use of ‘8 crore’ in Sunn Mere Dil.

    The ‘8 crore’ reference is to the conversation when Sadaf learns that her brother, Zaviyar, has cancer. The doctor says he could survive with a transplant, but the treatment is only available in the U.S. Sadaf goes to Bilal Abdullah’s office, where she meets him and asks for help. She requests him to lend her eight crore, saying, “Whatever you ask, I will do it.” Bilal agrees, signs the cheque, and hands it to her.

    Maya Ali and Wahaj Ali play the lead roles in Sunn Mere Dil, however, despite the hype, the execution has not had a positive response from fans.

    Maya Ali portrays Sadaf, and Wahaj Ali plays Bilal Abdullah.

    The script and character development have left viewers disappointed, with many questioning the storyline that seems to lack coherence.

    Now, ‘8 crore’ is the most discussed subject on social media as it has been persistently used in a number of episodes.

    Instagram blogger Miss Malik compiled a list of the many times ‘8 crore’ is referenced, and so far, it has been used 13 times in the drama.

    This is followed by another repeated dialogue: “crore chahiye” and “Mirza Shahab ne mujhe bola, please sir, peete waqt meri beti ko discus mat kare” said by Bilal played by Wahaj Ali.

    Fans have been vocal about their frustration with the constant repetition of 8 crores and its impact on the drama.

    Here’s how fans are reacting:

    A fan commented, “I can’t believe they keep talking about 08 crore like it’s just pocket change. The drama’s plot should be more than just this number.”

    Another fan jokingly commented, 8 “Whole drama is dancing around 8 crore8 crore crying in corner8 croor q chahiye, BMW M5 f90 leni hei. Bro. Isliya.”

    A viewer couldn’t contain their amusement and commented, “The 8 crore obsession is so intense, and I’m starting to feel like I need it too. Who else is watching this drama just for that magic number?”

    Sun Mere Dil features a talented cast, including Amar Khan, Saba Hamid, Hira Mani, Usama Khan, Syed Mohammed Ahmed, and Shavir Kadwani.

    Written by controversial writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar and directed by Haseeb Hassan, ‘Sunn Mere Dil’ may have missed the mark in some areas, but one thing is for sure: ‘8 crore’ has taken over the conversation.