Author: newsdesk

  • Akshay Kumar launches FAU-G after India bans PUBG

    After India banned PlayerUnknown’s BattleGrounds (PUBG) along with 117 other Chinese apps, Akshay Kumar announced the launching of a multiplayer action-game, Fearless and United: Guards (FAU-G). According to the actor, the game is in “line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “AtmaNirbhar Bharat’”. ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is the vision of PM Modi of making India a self-reliant nation.

    Kumar shared that through the game, players “will also learn about the sacrifices of our soldiers.” He added that 20 percent of its net revenue would be donated to ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ trust – which gives homage and support to the country’s brave hearts.

    Talking about the new game, Kumar said: “For youngsters in India, gaming is becoming an important form of entertainment. With FAU-G, I’m hoping that as they play the game they will learn about the sacrifices of our soldiers and also contribute to the families of the martyrs; and with this, each one of us has the ability to support PM Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar”.

    According to details, FAU-G is based on real scenarios encountered by the Indian Security Forces to deal with both domestic and foreign threats. It is expected to launch at the end of October with its first-level set in the Galwan Valley backdrop followed by third-person shooting gameplay in the subsequent releases. The game will be available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

    Earlier, Ajay Devgn had announced a film based on the tensions between Indian soldiers and Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley. According to details, the film will narrate the “story of the sacrifice of 20 Indian army men who fought the Chinese army”.

    Meanwhile, recent reports have stated that India and China have agreed to work towards reducing tensions along their contested border, following a meeting of the defence ministers of the two countries. Both sides had deployed additional forces along the frontier running through the western Himalayas after a clash in June, during which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in hand-to-hand fighting. China has not released casualty figures for its troops.

  • Kaghan to be developed into an all-time tourist destination

    The industries department has announced that Kaghan Valley will be developed into an all-weather tourist destination under the Economic Revitalisation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Project.

    As per reports, the chief minister’s special adviser on industry Kareem Khan handed over snow-blowing and other heavy machinery to Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) deputy director Sajjad Jan for the purpose.

    Kareem told reporters that the KDA would find places in Kaghan Valley, where landslides are a common occurrence and make them accessible for tourists. He said the government wanted to boost tourism in these areas so it provided modern machinery to the Kaghan and Galiyat Development Authorities for garbage dumping to preserve the environment.

    The chief minister’s aide said his department had allocated the financial support of Rs64 million to small and medium entities to promote tourism in the province.

    “The government in collaboration with the World Bank has launched the Economic Revitalisation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Project in 2012 to support small and medium enterprises through the matching grant along with the promotion of integrated tourism through the clean and green initiative,” he said.

    KDA deputy director Sajjad Jan said the industries department had given the authority heavy machinery, so it can clear landslides from the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road to control and restore traffic efficiently.

  • PEMRA directs ARY to review ‘Jalan’s’ content after multiple complaints

    PEMRA directs ARY to review ‘Jalan’s’ content after multiple complaints

    The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed ARY Digital and the makers of Jalan to review its content and script and modify it in accordance with Pakistani values.

    In a press release, the media regulatory body said that it has been getting multiple complaints regarding the drama, its content and script through the Pakistan Citizens Portal, PEMRA social media accounts, and PEMRA call centres. It added that the content of the drama, especially the main storyline, is being strongly criticised by audiences on social media.

    “Audiences have strongly criticised the drama saying that it has made a mockery of sacred relationships,” said the press release.

    Jalan is about two sisters Nisha (Minal Khan) and Misha (Areeba Habib). While Misha is the sweet and obedient sister, Nisha is a spoiled brat and wants to be better than her sister, so she sets her sights on her brother-in-law Asfandyar (Emmad Irfani) because he’s rich and good-looking. Ignoring the fact that her sister is married to Asfandyar, Nisha openly flirts with him and urges him to divorce his pregnant wife. Despite, it’s convoluted and twisted storyline, the drama trends on TV and social media every week.

    Similarly, PEMRA also banned the repeat telecast of Ishqiya and Hum TV’s Pyar Ke Sadqay saying that the content of the dramas is against the “morals” of society. Though both dramas have completed their prime time run, they are being re-aired at different times. The notification added that the dramas cannot have a repeat telecast on the ARY Zindagi or HUM Sitaray sub-channels either.

    Read more – ‘Pyar Ke Sadkay’: All’s well that ends well

    Furthermore, the regulatory body warned drama makers that if they do not oblige with their recommendations, PEMRA will take strict action under Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance and stop the drama from being aired without any prior notice.

    Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance prohibits the broadcasting or re-broadcasting or distributing of any programme that PEMRA deems is against society values. The section states: “The Authority shall by order in writing, giving reasons, therefore, prohibit any broadcast media or distribution service operator from broadcasting or re-broadcasting or distributing any programme or advertisement if it is of the opinion that such particular programme or advertisement is against the ideology of Pakistan or is likely to create hatred among the people or is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order or is likely to disturb public peace and tranquility or endangers national security or is pornographic, obscene or vulgar or is offensive to the commonly accepted standards of decency.”

    PEMRA said that the channels have been repeatedly informed about viewers’ concerns regarding the content and have been directed to produce content according to Pakistan’s social, religious, social and moral values. It is pertinent to mention here that in June Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a video meeting with renowned writers across the country, urged them to promote family values and national identity through their writings and dramas.

    “As there was no improvement in the script of the dramas by the channels, a final instruction was given to the channels on August 18 to produce the content of the dramas in accordance with the values ​​of Pakistan,” read the press release.

    Read more – ‘Ishqiya’ ends on a bittersweet note

    PEMRA has also requested all stakeholders, including TV channels and production houses, to immediately review the content of their future dramas.

    “Regardless of the cost and time invested in the drama, if the content of a play is against national values and expectations of the audience, the play will be banned without any warning,” stated the press release.

    Watch The Current’s review on Jalan here:

  • ‘Band karo isay’: Twitterati suspect more than a technical fault on Shahzeb Khanzada’s Thursday show

    ‘Band karo isay’: Twitterati suspect more than a technical fault on Shahzeb Khanzada’s Thursday show

    With Lieutenant General (r) Asim Bajwa’s call dropping during his appearance on Geo News show ‘Aaj Shahzaeb Khanzada Kay Sath’ as he rebutted the news report linking his family’s businesses to his military career, Twitterati, owing to some background chatter, are suspecting more than just a technical fault.

    As per the details, Bajwa on Thursday issued a detailed press release rubbishing claims made regarding the assets of his family members by journalist Ahmad Noorani.

    The press release was followed by Bajwa appearing on multiple current affairs shows later in the day to further clarify the situation.

    In an on-air telephonic conversation with Shahzeb Khanzada, Bajwa reiterated his statements aimed at rubbishing the claims made in the story that he has called “malicious propaganda”.

    As the interview continued, the phone call dropped amid questions posed by Khanzada.

    WATCH INTERVIEW:

    But Twitterati suspected there was more to the dropped call than an alleged technical fault as they pointed out some background chatter.

    The former military officer, however, returned after a commercial break and responded to the question.

    What do you think of the interview? Let The Current know in the comments below

  • Usman Mukhtar’s ‘Bench’ selected at the first Cannes International Independent Film Festival

    Usman Mukhtar’s ‘Bench’ selected at the first Cannes International Independent Film Festival

    Congratulations are in order for Usman Mukhtar, whose short film Bench has been selected at the first Cannes International Independent Film Festival. The film earlier also won the ‘Best Short Film Award’ at the South Shore Film Festival, New York.

    Sharing the exciting news on social media, Usman said, “With great humility, joy and pride do we announce that Bench has been selected at the first Cannes International Independent Film Festival – CIIFF.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEraLQaJh32/

    Rubya Chaudhry, who is Mukhtar’s co-star in the film also expressed her excitement on social media.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CErdGZcl_QL/?utm_source=ig_embed

    The film which has been directed by Mukhtar and written by Ali Mudar the film sees two people at difficult crossroads of their lives, cross paths.

    Speaking to a local media publication, Mukhtar shared that the “film is about two people who meet on a bench. It’s a dialogue based film which takes a very interesting twist and turns.”

    He had also shared that the film has been submitted to a lot of film festivals including the Toronto, Cannes and Busan Film Festivals but due to the current situation, they’re screening the film online but he is yet to hear back from them.

    Watch the trailer of the film below:

  • CPEC Authority chief Lt Gen (r) Asim Bajwa rubbishes report on family’s assets, resigns as Imran’s aide

    CPEC Authority chief Lt Gen (r) Asim Bajwa rubbishes report on family’s assets, resigns as Imran’s aide

    Lieutenant General (r) Asim Saleem Bajwa has categorically rebutted all corruption allegations levelled against him and resigned from the post of special assistant to prime minister on information and broadcasting, however, he will continue to remain the chairman of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority.

    Defending the businesses and enterprises owned by his brothers in countries abroad, he said that shameless allegations were levelled against him to tarnish his image.

    Lt Gen Bajwa, in rejoinder to a story published on an “unknown website”, lamented that the allegations were “false and incorrect”. He insisted that on the date of filing of his declaration, i.e. June 22, 2020, his spouse was no longer an investor or shareholder in any business of his brothers.

    “My wife had disinvested all her interests as at 01.06.2020 in any entity abroad and such fact has been duly documented in the official records in the USA. It may be pointed out that the company registered in the SECP [Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan] in Pakistan was Liaison Office of the companies in the USA,” he maintained.

    About the investments abroad, Lt Gen Bajwa said that since 2002 till June 1, 2020 his wife had only invested $19,492 in his brothers’ companies. He said that all investments came from his savings over the last 18 years, and no regulations of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) have been broken.

    Concerning the alleged investment of businesses in the pizza chain Papa John’s in the US and DQ, UAE, Lt Gen Bajwa said that facts and figures were fully documented.

    He insisted that Bajco Global Management, LLC did not have any ownership interest in any Papa John’s in the USA, DQ, UAE or any real estate.

    READ: ‘Who is this Mr Bajwa you are talking about?’ NAB DG on alleged assets of Lt Gen (r) Asim Bajwa’s family

    “The author further makes a false claim that Bajco owns 99 companies. The author has listed many companies multiple times on his list. There is a total of 27 active companies in the US and two in the UAE,” he said.

    “For eighteen years, the actual out of pocket cash investment into the said businesses by my brothers and wife has been about US$73,950/-. It is further pointed out that out of US $73,950/-, my wife’s contribution, as stated aforesaid, is US$19,492/-. Thus, the total out of pocket cash contribution of my five brothers, for eighteen years, has been US$54,458/-,” Lt Gen Bajwa added.

    He added that the cash contributions of $54,458 by his five brothers were fully accounted for and traceable to their sources. He further said that apart from his five brothers and his wife, the businesses have at least 50 other investors. He maintained that any further investments were a result of profits generated from the business, while also mentioning the various qualifications of his five brothers as a source of income.

    “One question that may be underscored is whether three persons who have worked in the US up to the positions of a Vice President in a US Bank, a Controller in a restaurant operating company, and as an operating partner of a restaurant; and two persons having worked as doctors, would not be able to save US$54,458/-,” argued Lt Gen Bajwa.

    Responding to the allegations made about businesses of his children, he said that the company Scion Builders and Estates (Pvt.) Ltd owned by his sons and registered in the SECP had never done any business and same is dormant since inception. He said the same about other businesses owned by his sons, namely Advance Marketing (Pvt.) Ltd, Scion Natura LLC, and Mochi Cordwainers.

    READ: ‘Lt Gen (r) Asim Bajwa to issue clarification on report linking military career to family’s businesses’

    Regarding an allegation about a house owned by his son’s Scion Management Group LLC, he asserted that the house was only 31,000 and had been bought by his sons through their independent resources in “cheap foreclosure proceedings”.

    “Baseless allegations have been levelled that a business entity of my two brothers by the name of Silkline Enterprises (Pvt.) Ltd has been formed to acquire CPEC contracts. It may be stated that this company has never acquired any CPEC contract. This company is in Rahim Yar Khan and has only provided labour/human resources to industries in Rahim Yar Khan region,” he added.

    He said that one of his sons owns a house in the USA but it has been acquired through a mortgage in the manner that 80 per cent of loan/mortgage remains unpaid.

    “This again is a small time-house. All my sons are above 18 years and none are my dependents. Masha’Allah their ages are 33, 32 and 27 years respectively. It shall be noted that my sons completed their business degrees from reputable universities in the United States and have had well-paying jobs,” concluded the retired general.

    On August 27, a website known as Fact Focus published a story, claiming that Lt Gen Bajwa’s family had set up 99 companies in four countries, including a pizza franchise with 133 restaurants.

    The website further claimed that Lt Gen (r) Bajwa’s wife was a “shareholder” in at least 86 companies. Of them, 71 were set up in the US, seven in the UAE and four in Canada.

    The rebuttal followed the statement of Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz, who had earlier this week said that Bajwa will soon be issuing a clarification on the news report.

    Bajwa had earlier called the report a “malicious propaganda story”.

    The story had been called an attack on CPEC by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

  • ‘Meet the Khans’: Faryal Makhdoom, Amir Khan are getting their own reality TV series

    ‘Meet the Khans’: Faryal Makhdoom, Amir Khan are getting their own reality TV series

    British-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan and Faryal Makhdoom have announced that they are getting their own show: a BBC Three documentary titled Meet The Khans: Big In Bolton.

    Faryal took to social media to make the announcement and express her excitement.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEpPifthkbE/?utm_source=ig_embed

    According to MSN, the ‘all-access’ documentary, is set to air on BBC Three and will follow Faryal and Amir as they juggle their family life and their careers. The couple’s three children will also feature in the documentary. The series has been advertised as a no-holds-barred and access all areas behind the scenes glimpse at the pair.

    The show was announced at a session for Edinburgh TV Festival earlier this week, where BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell spoke about new titles that will be coming to the channel.

    Sharing her thoughts on Meet the Khans, Campbell said: “It’s about family and struggles and relationships. It epitomises what BBC Three wants to be. It’s going to be really cool.”

    Meanwhile, BBC in its official statement said that the documentary will “take us into the world of Olympic medalist and boxing World Champion Amir Khan and his fashion and beauty influencer wife, Faryal Makhdoom. It’s an all-access area look into the dynamics of this young couple in Amir’s beloved Bolton as they juggle a young family, their relationship and career pressures under the glare of modern media.”

    It is pertinent to mention here that the couple’s life is nothing short of a reality series marked with a long feud with the in-laws followed by an emotional reunion, cheating allegations, extramarital affairs and public scandals.

    Read more – Boxer Amir Khan expresses desire to become sports minister

    Amir is also no stranger to reality tv – he has also taken part in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Countdown, Beat the Star, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Celebrity Juice.

  • British vlogger Jay Palfrey converts to Islam

    British vlogger Jay Palfrey converts to Islam

    British YouTuber J. Palfrey has converted to Islam.

    In a video titled ‘I became a Muslim’, the YouTuber shared his experience and what lead him to embrace Islam.

    He said that he did not intend to share his journey with anyone but later changed his mind.

    “I was originally not going to share this with you, but a lot of people have found peace and inspiration in my journey through researching Islam,” said Palfrey in the video.

    He said that his visits to Muslim countries inspired him to take this decision.

    “As I travelled around the world, I met wonderful people. During my constant travels, I learned a lot and gained experience, but at the same time, I had the opportunity to understand spiritual existence, … While living in Islamic countries, I also came to understand the truth of Islam, which is a very beautiful, peaceful but most misunderstood religion,” he said.

    Palfrey thanked all the fans for their support and said that he has been receiving many messages following his announcement.

    The Youtube star also shared a video on his reasons for converting to Islam. He also recorded his mother’s reaction when he told her about his conversion.

    The British travel vlogger has around 534,000 subscribers on YouTube. Earlier, a Canadian traveller Rosie Gabrielle has converted to Islam. The traveller took to social media to make the announcement and share the reasons behind the decision.

  • ‘Who is this Mr Bajwa you are talking about?’ NAB DG on alleged assets of Lt Gen (r) Asim Bajwa’s family

    ‘Who is this Mr Bajwa you are talking about?’ NAB DG on alleged assets of Lt Gen (r) Asim Bajwa’s family

    National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore Director General (DG) Saleem Shahzad has expressed ignorance when asked about media reports claiming that businesses of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (PM) on Information and Broadcasting Lt Gen (r) Asim Bajwa’s family were linked to his rise in the military, Dawn reported.

    “Who is this Mr Bajwa that you are talking about?” Shahzad volleyed back when he, during an informal talk with journalists on Wednesday, was asked about the possibility of a NAB inquiry in the wake of the news story about the alleged assets of Bajwa’s family.

    The reporter’s question followed the statement of Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz, who had earlier this week said that Bajwa will soon be issuing a clarification on the news report. 

    Faraz, in a statement on Twitter, had said that he had spoken to Bajwa, who will in a few days issue a “detailed” clarification on reports regarding his assets.

    Bajwa, who is also the chairperson of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority, has already rubbished the report while calling it a “malicious propaganda story”.

    The story that went viral last week has been called an attack on CPEC by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    BUZDAR LIQUOR LICENCE CASE:

    Earlier, the NAB DG also said that Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar had not yet submitted a reply in different investigations against him despite two notices.

    “CM Buzdar has not yet filed a reply. He has been served two notices in this regard,” he said, over which Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan has said that the government would file the reply shortly.

    The CM is accused of receiving Rs50 million bribe to force the Excise and Taxation Department head to issue a liquor licence to the hotel in question in violation of the law. He is also facing charges of acquiring property, mostly in south Punjab, in the names of his relatives and others and awarding the Gateway-II Thokar Niaz Baig project to a “blue-eyed” contractor.

    ‘DON’T WANT TO BE STONED AGAIN’:

    To another question, Shahzad said that the watchdog had not yet decided on once again summoning former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif’s daughter and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz “to avoid being stoned again”.

    “We have not decided about it,” he said when asked about the next appearance of the PML-N leader, whose arrival at NAB Lahore had led to a clash between party workers and the police last month.

    On a lighter note, Shahzad added, “Do we have to be welcomed with stones again?”

    NAB had on August 8 been unable to record the statement of Maryam in an illegal land requisition case as her party workers ran berserk and clashed with riot police in an attempt to force their way into the office of the national graft buster.

    News channels showed chaotic scenes outside the NAB Complex at Thokar Niaz Baig as Maryam drove in accompanied by hundreds of PML-N activists in vehicles and on foot.

    The situation turned ugly when some activists in the PML-N caravan pelted stones at police, who responded by using batons, water cannons and tear gas on the rioters.

    Videos on social media and aired by TV channels showed vehicles of the PML-N activists loaded with sacks full of stones which, according to government ministers, indicate the rioting was not spontaneous — a charge the opposition party denies.

  • Asim Azhar, Noori and Ali Azmat’s upcoming song will honour the jawaans of Pakistan

    Asim Azhar, Noori and Ali Azmat’s upcoming song will honour the jawaans of Pakistan

    Asim Azhar, Ali Azmat and Ali Noor and Ali Hamza of Noori have come together for a ‘Melody of Pride’ which will honour the jawaans of Pakistan.

    All artists featuring in the song shared their excitement for their upcoming song and teaser on social media with Ali Hamza saying that it is “one of the most exciting projects” he has done as a music producer. The singer also shared that the song is “a first of its kind rock anthem, which is the re-make of a popular patriotic song from the ’80s.”

    https://twitter.com/AsimAzharr/status/1301176440310960129?s=20
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEorQpRpp39/

    The short teaser shows shots of cadets training, jawaans fighting and a glimpse of the flag ceremony at Wagah Border. The singers feature in only shot.

    Meanwhile, ISPR in a statement, said that the melody is “a unique music composition”.

    “Pakistan’s top melody voices: Ali Hamza, Ali Azmat, Ali Noor and Asim Azhar have collaborated for this Defence & Martyrs Day. They pay a very special tribute to the services rendered by our Armed Forces and its operational readiness. The song showcases the sacrifices of Pakistan as a nation in fighting terrorism and the transformation of our Armed Forces into a cutting edge military structure, second to none.

    It adds: “Renowned music maestro, Ali Hamza with his unique creativity, has composed a first of its kind rock music, blending modern techno beats with the military instruments of the Army School of Music. The video also incorporates stylized shots of the singers patriotically supporting their heroes.”

    Ali Noor also shared some BTS shots from the making of the song on Instagram.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEoIOPtDjlt/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEZCWuhjAbr/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEnwsGzDkEe/

    Asim and Ali Azmat have previously also collaborated for the PSL V anthem Tayyar Hain for which they received a lot of backlash.