Author: newsdesk

  • EXCLUSIVE: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry reviews Khel Khel Mein

    EXCLUSIVE: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry reviews Khel Khel Mein

    Khel Khel Mein starring Bilal Abbas Khan and Sajal Aly is the the first Pakistani film to release post the pandemic and it has brought life back to cinemas which were witnessing a lull for the last two years.  The film is based on true events and is set on the backdrop of a university group investigating the ‘secrets’ of 1971’s liberation of East Pakistan.

    The special screening of the movie was held last night (Monday) in Islamabad. Notable personalities including President of Pakistan Arif Alvi, First Lady Begum Samina Arif Alvi, Minister of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan Fawad Chaudhry and Senator Faisal Javed Khan graced the event.

    Read more- Bilal-Sajal’s ‘Khel Khel Mein’ brings back life to cinemas, mints 2.5 crores at the box-office

    The movie has been receiving mixed reviews from critics and audiences. The Current reached out to Fawad Chaudhry to find out what he has to say about the newly released movie.

    The minister said that what he liked most about the movie is the choice of topic as not much work has been done on the tragedy that took place in 1971. “Still millions of people are stuck in Karachi, Lahore and Dhaka and no one has talked about them, so this movie talks about them,” said the minister.

    Read more- IN PICTURES: Khel Khel Mein’s star-studded premiere in Karachi

    “It’s a sensitive subject and they [movie makers] have made the movie in a very balanced way,” says Fawad.

    Fawad continued by praising the production quality of movie saying, “Cinematography, direction and sets are really good.” He concluded by saying, “It is a worth watch movie.”

    The movie was released on November 19. The historical drama is directed by Nabeel Quershi.

  • ‘Affidavit was sealed, don’t know how it was leaked’: Rana Shamim’s response on Saqib Nisar

    ‘Affidavit was sealed, don’t know how it was leaked’: Rana Shamim’s response on Saqib Nisar

    The former chief judge of Gilgit-Baltistan Rana Shamim on Tuesday told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the affidavit he had signed accusing former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar was leaked.

    “My affidavit was sealed and only [kept] with my family. I don’t know how it was leaked,” said Rana Shamim.

    Chief Justice IHC Justice Athar Minallah had previously taken notice of the story published in The News, in which Judge Shamim in a signed affidavit wrote that he was a witness to Nisar giving directions to a high court judge, not to release Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz on bail at any cost before the 2018 general elections. The report was written by senior journalist Ansar Abbasi.

    IHC judge had directed the ex-judge to submit his response.

    Presiding over the hearing, Justice Minallah said the case was related to his court and its accountability, adding, that the judiciary’s freedom was dependent on the freedom of the press.

    Justice Minallah asked Shamim whether he had submitted his response as asked by the court earlier to which the latter replied that there had been a tragedy in his family and requested the court to give him time till December 12 and schedule the next hearing after that.

    The IHC chief justice gave Shamim five days to submit his written response.

    “I have not yet seen my affidavit,” the ex-GB judge informed the court.

    “You must have recorded the affidavit for some purpose. You will inform in the written response how the affidavit was revealed after three years,” pressed IHC judge, inquiring whether Shamim had given the affidavit or not.

    Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan, who was also present in today’s hearing, requested the court to direct Shamim to present the “original” affidavit in the IHC, stating, “This case is related to Article 19 and Article 19-A of the Constitution. The media’s role is secondary, responsibility lies on Rana Shamim.”

    “Maybe his son leaked the affidavit,” he contended, referring to Ahmed Hassan Rana, Shamim’s son and lawyer.

    Shamim said he had only one son, reiterating that he had not seen the affidavit himself.

    At this, Justice Minallah directed Shamim to submit his affidavit in court.

    When Shamim sought time to submit the affidavit, the AGP countered that the document was not 10 years old.

    The former GB chief judge repeated his statement that he had not seen the affidavit, and read it in the news report published.

    “Does he not remember [what happened on] November 10? If he has not written [the affidavit], who has?” the AGP questioned. “Every day is very important,” he added, referring to Shamim’s requests for more time.

    The IHC chief justice remarked that he does “not believe in contempt of court”, adding that judges should be held in higher regard.

    “Rana Shamim’s statement today has further complicated the case. Judges should not be used for political narratives,” said Minallah.

    The IHC adjourned proceedings of the case till December 7.

  • Pakistan beats Bangladesh in first Test with a convincing win

    Pakistan beats Bangladesh in first Test with a convincing win

    Pakistan has beaten Bangladesh in the first Test match of the two-match series by 8 wickets in Chittagong on Tuesday.

    Courtesy of openers Abid Ali and Abdullah Shafique, the Pakistan opening pair formed a 151-run opening stand before Shafique was dismissed on 73. Meanwhile, Abid Ali fell short of his fourth Test century by 9 runs as Taijul Islam caught the Pakistan batter in front of the wickets.

    The openers capitalised on their century partnership and took it further to 151 runs before Abdullah was dismissed by Mehidy Hasan.

    Earlier, resuming Day 4 at 39/4, overnight batter Mushfiqur Rahim (16) was bowled by pacer Hassan Ali and the hosts lost their fifth wicket with the lead still being under 100. Yasir Ali had to retire, hurt after playing a knock of 36 and this brought Liton Das and Mehidy Hasan together at the crease.

    Shaheen Shah Afridi went on to take five wickets as Bangladesh was bowled out for 157, setting a 202-run target for the visitors.

    Meanwhile, leading the way to the win, Babar Azam and Azhar Ali sealed the deal for the side with a winning partnership and with back-to-back boundaries, Pakistan takes a 1-0 lead.

    Pakistan stands on 24 points on the points table of the ICC World Test Championship.

    Abid Ali bagged the Player of the Match award after his prolific innings against the hosts in Chittagong.

    Meanwhile, in the post-match ceremony, skipper Babar Azam said: “The way Bangladesh played in the first innings that was really good but Shaheen and Hassan were outstanding. That’s the beauty of Test cricket that it allows you to make a comeback. We didn’t have much time to prepare for the Test but we gave our best. I am really pleased with the way Abdullah Shafique built his innings. Abid Ali was outstanding, scoring tough runs to pull the team out from difficult position.”

  • Twitterati say President Alvi promoting own family business is ‘conflict of interest’

    President Dr Arif Alvi’s son, Awab Alvi took to Twitter to announce that Alvi Dental [ a family business] signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bringing Smiles Unites States of America (USA).

    He further added, “[We will] open a chain of dental practices, bring affordable dental care to Pakistan with no compromise in quality of treatment or sterilisation but focus on the best treatment possible at affordable rates.”

    President Alvi congratulating his son tweeted, “Congratulations @DrAwab Wish you success in this collaboration with your friends who are also bringing in foreign investment.”

    In the picture shared on Twitter, president Alvi along with his wife can be seen standing along with their son as he signs the MoU.

    Reacting to the news, Twitter reminded the president of a conflict of interest that this promotion has with his holding the position he does in Pakistan.

    Journalist Adil Shahzeb took to Twitter and wrote, “As a President of Pakistan, I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct.”

    Journalist Waseem Abbasi tweeted, “Is [it] not [a] conflict of interest for the President to promote his family business in official capacity??”

    Journalist Bashir Chaudhry tweeted, “Keep in mind that the private business function of the President was held at Governor House, Sindh.”

    A Twitter user wrote, “Why is this guy using a public office for his personal matters?”

    Adeel a Twitter user wrote, “@ImranKhanPTI sir, with all due respect how is that even legal? Personal business is thriving under the supervision of excellency?”

  • PTA grants manufacturing license to Select Technologies for the manufacturing of Xiaomi mobile phones in Pakistan

    Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has granted manufacturing license to Select Technologies Pvt. Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Link Communication Ltd.) for the manufacturing of Xiaomi mobile phones in Pakistan. Air Link Communication Limited is consolidating its position as one of the leading mobile phone distributors and manufacturing company of the country.

    Air Link Group already has license to manufacture mobile phones of Transsion Holding’s major brands i.e. Tecno & iTel. This license makes Air Link Communication Ltd, the only company in Pakistan having manufacturing contracts and license for two leading mobile phone companies in the world.

    Earlier this month, Xiaomi, the global consumer electronics and smartphone giant, joined hands with Select Technologies (Pvt) Limited (SELECT), as its manufacturing partner for Xiaomi mobile phones in Pakistan targeting a production of initially around 2.5 million to 3 million handsets annually.

    This is a significant milestone for the economy as it will reduce the import bill and create jobs for the local population. This a result of Government’s policies to enhance localization and stimulate the industrial growth of the country.

  • Manish Malhotra uses Parizaad’s OST for latest campaign, Ahmad Ali Akbar reacts

    Manish Malhotra uses Parizaad’s OST for latest campaign, Ahmad Ali Akbar reacts

    HUM TV’s drama serial Parizaad starring Ahmed Ali Akbar as the titular character has been making headlines ever since the drama went on-air.

    Recently, Indian designer Manish Malhotra used the OST of the hit drama for his promotional video proving that Parizaad is not only loved in Pakistan but has a strong following across the border as well.

    This is what the video looks like when you open the Reels

    The highlight of the video became the background music. which the Laal Kabootar star was quick to notice, “I like the music,” shared Ahmed on his Instagram story.

    He also commented under the original post. “Well doesn’t that sound familiar.”

    Netizens mentioned that the best thing about the shoot is the soundtrack from the Pakistani drama.

    The ace designer used an instrumental version of the OST.

    The feature gave credit to Waqar Ali, the song’s composer.

    The story has been penned by Hashim Nadeem and is based on his novel by the same name.

    Apart from the stellar performances and great narrative, the OST in itself has a separate fanbase; it is sung in Asrar’s powerful voice which gives more depth to the heartbreaking lyrics.

  • Video: Hania Aamir dances at Asim Azhar’s concert, netizens express shock

    Video: Hania Aamir dances at Asim Azhar’s concert, netizens express shock

    Singer Asim Azhar and actor Hania Aamir had a public break-up in 2020. The Tum Tum duo indulged in a cyber war earlier this year in June.

    The Tera Woh Pyaar crooner took to his Twitter account to post a GIF that people assumed was directed towards Hania, who was trending on social media and received a lot of backlash from her fans on posting a video with the Wajahat brothers.

    The GIF posted by Asim siad, “Bal Bal Bach Gaya.”

    Now a video is circulating on social media in which the Janaan diva can be seen grooving to Asim’s songs at his concert.

    Netizens expressed a polarizing response to the viral video.

  • New Zealand MP rides a bicycle to hospital to give birth

    New Zealand MP rides a bicycle to hospital to give birth

    A New Zealand lawmaker, MP Julie Anne Genter rode to the hospital while in labour last night to give birth, reports The Guardian.

    She wrote on her Facebook, “Big news! At 3.04 am this morning we welcomed the newest member of our family. I genuinely wasn’t planning to cycle in labour, but it did end up happening. My contractions weren’t that bad when we left at 2 am to go to the hospital – though they were 2-3 min apart and picking up in intensity by the time we arrived 10 minutes later.”

    Ms Genter, an advocate for cycling, was a minister three years ago when she took a similar trip to deliver her first child in 2018.

    Netizens have given mixed reactions on Twitter.

    In 2018, The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern also made history for the first time, bringing her infant to attend the United Nations General Assembly. She received appreciation from the world for setting an example for women’s empowerment.

  • ‘Doesn’t mean now I’m babe’: Anoushey Ashraf blasts colleague

    ‘Doesn’t mean now I’m babe’: Anoushey Ashraf blasts colleague

    Spending a big chunk of her life in this industry, Anoushey Ashraf often shares the wisdom she’s gathered all these years. Recently, she blasted a man who thought if “they’ve worked together, he could hold her from her waist and call her babe”.

    Taking to Twitter, Anoushey wrote: “Just because we worked well on a project together doesn’t mean I’m now ‘babe’ and you can hold me by the waist to take selfies at events. We’re colleagues, NOT friends. Know the difference. Understand the concept of personal space. #rant“

    Later, Anoushey hosted a live session in which she opened up about her experience with an old colleague she met in an event where he called her ‘babe’. “Yes we have worked together but why are you calling me babe,” she said.

    “The second thing he did was, he put his hands on my waist and said let’s take a picture. Very nicely I put his hand off me and asked why you’re holding me? Do not touch me,” she added.

    She further went on to say: “I told that guy that we have a professional relationship, you and I are professional people and we are colleagues, not friends. So you are not allowed to say babe or call me at 2 O’clock in the morning and asking things like send me pics or selfies. No, this is where we draw boundaries. So, when he put his hand on my waist, I knew that touch was not right. The niyyat behind that and not a friendly sort of gesture.”

    She requested the boys that: “I just want you to know that the person should be comfortable with you. It can come after time you spend together and long-term friendships.”

    She also urged parents to train their children about their “personal space”. She said that she want people to tell their children that no one can touch them and hold them inappropriately even if that person is someone they know.

    She said when a man touches a woman, she gets the feeling that with what intention he is touching her. She said same rule applies on children, adults, introverts or even animals.

    She urged everyone to speak up whenever their personal space is attacked. “Whenever someone attacks your personal space, say it out loud, just say it,” she concluded.

  • PM Khan takes offence at Nawaz Sharif’s presence at conference

    PM Khan takes offence at Nawaz Sharif’s presence at conference

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan while talking about the Asma Jahangir (AJ) Conference that took place in Lahore last week, pointed out how the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo was allowed to address the event, reports Geo News.

    Speaking at the inauguration ceremony PM Khan further said, “Unfortunately, due to colonialism, Muslims suffered from mental slavery around the world,” he said.

    He further added that Pakistan’s youth was confused about it in today’s world and said that the young Pakistanis studied the Western culture and were misled by it.

    The premier urged universities to research the disastrous effects that Western culture was having on family life, and spoke out against how pornographic material was widely available on smartphones these days.

    PM Khan said, “A seminar happened in Lahore where Supreme Court (SC) judges were invited. But the chief guest there was an absconder, convicted by the very judges present there.”

    “This person had escaped abroad after lying,” he said while adding that if our society doesn’t consider corruption an evil, it can’t progress.

    However, the AJ Foundation in a press statement clarified the rumours surrounding Sharif’s closing speech.

    “Nawaz Sharif, has addressed gatherings previously and it is entirely regrettable not to say embarrassing, that internet cables were disabled to blackout his speech. This act in itself is an indication of the state of freedom of expression in the current regime where Pakistan is ranked as 145 out of 180 countries,” reads the statement.

    They also revealed that several prominent members of the ruling party were invited to all three conferences, many of whom spoke at all three conferences, and others declined the invitation.

    Furthermore, they argued that the “ruling regime is diverting attention from the real threat to institutions, the state of the economy and freedom of expression in the country” while adding that the platform will not follow vendettas of political parties when inviting speakers and they will remain an open and uncensored platform.

    In response to this, Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari termed the foundation’s statement “bizarre” and tweeted, “AJ Foundation claiming that convict Sharif being asked to address the conference did not show a political bias because I [Mazari] had been invited to the first conference to address closing session is absurd. I was invited as Human Rights Minister. I was not and am not a convict or a fugitive.”