Author: newsdesk

  • Sharmeen Obaid directs Gucci campaign starring Julia Roberts, Alia Bhatt, Serena Williams

    Sharmeen Obaid directs Gucci campaign starring Julia Roberts, Alia Bhatt, Serena Williams

    Just being the boss she is

    Powerhouse Pakistani director Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy keeps setting new milestones like becoming the first Pakistani to win two Oscars, then going on to helm a Marvel show about a Pakistani-Canadian girl with incredible powers, and now she is also marking the 10th anniversary of Gucci Chime, an initiative set up by fashion house Gucci, by directing a series of videos featuring celebrities like Idris Elba, Julia Roberts and even other activists on what they chime for.

    Breaking the news on social media, Chinoy wrote:

    “When we got everyone in their chairs and the cameras started rolling the conversations always ended with people saying we have to ensure that the world moves towards gender equality! In the fight for a more gender equal world who do you chime for? @gucci @gucciequilibrium“

    The Gucci CHIME campaign was founded ten years ago in partnership with singer Beyonce and Pinault. Gucci hosted The Sound Of Change: Live in London which featured artists like Beyoncé, Florence Welch, John Legend and Jennifer Lopez. It was broadcast to one billion viewers and raised over $3.9 million to support girls and women worldwide.

    Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on why she chose to become an advisory member for Gucci Chime, the director revealed that she was inspired by the work the organisation had done to promote gender equality around the world:

    “I joined Chime for Change in 2013 because of its mission to promote gender equality and empower women and girls around the world. My career as a social justice filmmaker aligned itself with Chime’s three key pillars of education, health and justice. I have seen firsthand how the money raised through Chime improves the lives of women and strengthens communities.

    In my own home country of Pakistan, Chime helped build a girls school. I have seen the work put into key projects in Africa and South America, but what speaks to me the most is that Chime builds partnerships. It invests in women, not simply with funding, but also with advocacy, enabling them to then further champion other women. [Chime’s] model is unique and so many of the women they have championed now sit on its board. The work they have accomplished over the past decade reminds us of the importance of advocating for those striving to make a difference.”

    Since the post was uploaded yesterday, Pakistani celebrities like Mahira Khan, Mehreen Syed and Azfar Rehman have offered congratulations to Chinoy for the presitigious win.

  • PM Shehbaz, FM Bilawal express sorrow on Indian train accident

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in Friday’s horrific train accident in Odisha, India.

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also sent condolences to the families of the victims.

    “Saddened to learn of the high death toll in the tragic train accident in Odisha, India. Our condolences for the families of the victims. Wish speedy recovery to the injured,” the foreign minister tweeted.

    At least 233 people have been killed as the result of the train accident, while scores more are injured.

    As per local authorities, the death toll is expected to rise.

    “Officials said several carriages from the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed in Balasore district, hit a stationary goods train and several of its coaches ended up on the opposite track”, BBC has reported.

    “Another train – the Howrah Superfast Express travelling from Yesvantpur to Howrah – then hit the overturned carriages.”

    The exact reason for the accident is still unclear.

  • FIA Interpol arrests three wanted men from UAE

    FIA Interpol arrests three wanted men from UAE

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Interpol arrested three suspects wanted by Faisalabad Police from United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday.

    The FIA brought the three wanted men back to Pakistan, handing them over to local police at Faisalabad airport.
    Among the arrested suspects are Muhammad Zeeshan, Muhammad Usman and Muhammad Saqlain.

    FIA officials said cases of kidnapping and sexual assault were registered against the suspects. Interpol Pakistan had also issued red notices for their arrest.

    The suspects had been hiding in UAE since a long time.

  • Wife kills husband in Lahore with help of lover

    Wife kills husband in Lahore with help of lover

    A woman in Lahore murdered her husband with the help of her lover.

    As per details, the woman named Saima, served her husband Danish rice mixed with intoxicants at 10pm. She then called her lover Shehbaz, who came at 2am and shot the man.

    The woman then suffocated her husband to death with a pillow.

    The incident took place on May 21, and the police managed to catch the culprits within ten days.

    The police revealed that the woman was slowly poisoning her husband, since they both got married eight months ago.

    Shehbaz and Saima have been arrested while police are further investigating the case.

  • PM Shehbaz reaches Turkey to attend Erdogan’s inauguration

    PM Shehbaz reaches Turkey to attend Erdogan’s inauguration

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has reached Turkey for a two day visit to attend President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s inauguration, scheduled to take place today, Saturday.

    The PM is attending the ceremony on the invitation of Erdogan.

    “The fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkey are set to deepen further in line with our shared resolve and common destiny, wrote PM in a tweet before leaving for the visit.

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi are also accompanied the Prime Ministers on the Turkey visit.

  • Consumer suffering intensifies: Pakistan’s weekly inflation skyrockets to 42.67%

    Consumer suffering intensifies: Pakistan’s weekly inflation skyrockets to 42.67%

    Inflation in Pakistan continues to surge as the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) recorded a significant increase, jumping to 42.67 per cent on a year-on-year basis for the week ending on June 1, according to official data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The weekly inflation showed a marginal increase of 0.03 per cent compared to the previous week.

    The short-term inflation, measured by the SPI, reached an all-time high of 48.35 per cent for the period ending on May 4, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the economy. The Combined Index, a comprehensive measure of inflation, stood at 254.13 compared to 254.05 on May 25, 2023, and marked a significant increase from 178.12 recorded on June 2, 2022.

    The PBS report revealed that out of the 51 monitored items, the average prices of 19 items increased, 14 items witnessed a decrease, while 18 items remained unchanged during the week under review. This data indicates the volatile nature of prices in the current market.

    Analyzing the SPI change across different income groups, the weekly percentage change showed a mixed trend, ranging between -0.1 per cent and 0.12 per cent. However, on a yearly basis, the SPI increased across all quantiles, ranging between 40.2 per cent and 43.49 per cent, suggesting the broad impact of inflation across various income segments.

    Additionally, the statistics bureau reported that Pakistan’s annual inflation rose to 37.97 per cent year-on-year in May, further confirming the country’s highest-ever inflationary period. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded 36.4 per cent in April, which at the time was already the highest level according to the bureau’s historical records.

    Furthermore, the month-on-month rise in May was reported to be 1.58 per cent, with the bureau highlighting significant increases in the prices of vegetables, pulses, and chicken. These factors contribute to the overall rise in the cost of living and put additional strain on households and businesses alike.

    The continuous surge in inflation poses significant challenges to the economy, affecting consumers’ purchasing power and increasing the cost of doing business. The government and relevant authorities are urged to take immediate measures to stabilize prices, address supply chain issues, and implement effective policies to alleviate the impact of rising inflation on the population.

    As the situation unfolds, policymakers and economists will closely monitor the inflationary trends, devising strategies to bring stability and mitigate the adverse effects on the economy and the welfare of the people.

  • How to use familiar language with children to tell them about good and bad touch

    How to use familiar language with children to tell them about good and bad touch

    It seems that instances of child molestation and sexual abuse will never end.

    An 8 year girl in Islamabad was sexually assaulted in Shahzad Town area on Friday. The rapist managed to escape from the crime scene, in the presence of area residents.

    This should worry us all. As parents, as guardians, as relatives and as friends of people who have baby girls, who we dote on, we should all be alarmed.
    When discussing the topic of good touch and bad touch with your minor kids, it’s important to approach the conversation in a gentle and age-appropriate manner. Here are some suggestions on how to have a soft and conversational discussion:

    Choose an appropriate time and setting

    Find a calm and comfortable environment where your children feel at ease and can focus on the conversation without distractions.

    Use simple and understandable language:

    Adapt your language to the age of your children. Use words and phrases that they can easily understand and relate to. Avoid using complex or scary terms.

    Start with positive touches:

    Begin the conversation by talking about different types of touches that are generally considered good or positive. For example, you can mention hugs from family members, holding hands with friends, or receiving a pat on the back.

    Define personal boundaries

    Explain to your children that their bodies are their own and that they have the right to decide who can touch them and how. Teach them to recognize and trust their instincts when they feel uncomfortable with a touch or a situation.

    Introduce the concept of bad touches

    In a calm and reassuring manner, explain that there are certain touches that are not appropriate or safe. Emphasize that no one should touch their private parts (parts covered by a swimsuit) except for medical reasons and only in the presence of a trusted adult, like a doctor or parent.

    Encourage open communication

    Let your children know that they can always come to you or another trusted adult to talk about any uncomfortable experiences or if they have any questions. Assure them that they won’t get in trouble for speaking up and that you are there to support and protect them.

    Role-play and practice scenarios

    Engage in role-playing activities where you and your children can practice different scenarios. Teach them to say “no” assertively and to seek help from a trusted adult if they encounter an uncomfortable touch.

    Reinforce the message over time

    Remember that this conversation is not a one-time event. As your children grow and develop, it’s important to reinforce the message regularly and adapt the conversation to their increasing understanding.

    Use age-appropriate resources

    Consider using age-appropriate books, videos, or online resources that discuss the topic of good touch and bad touch in a child-friendly manner. These resources can complement your conversation and help reinforce the concepts.

    Remember, the goal is to create a safe and open space for your children to ask questions and understand the importance of boundaries and consent.

  • Pervaiz Elahi arrested after getting released

    Pervaiz Elahi arrested after getting released

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, was arrested again by Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Gujranwala moments after he was released on Friday afternoon.

    He was arrested again from outside a district court in Lahore. He has been arrested in a corruption case registered against him in Gujranwala.
    The district court earlier let Elahi go in the corruption case after he was arrested yesterday. “Pervaiz Elahi should be released if he is not wanted in any other case,” the verdict announced by Judicial Magistrate Ghulam Murtaza Virk read.

    Earlier today, in a video message recorded inside the court, the former Chief Minister said that he has done no harm and trusts the judiciary.
    “I have always been a supporter of the Pakistan Army. However, they should observe the people around them, and reflect on the direction in which they are taking the country.”
    While addressing PTI supporters, Elahi said, “You are on the side of truth, you are standing for what is rig

  • Summer blockbusters we are excited about

    Who said this is going to be a boring summer?

    With super stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Margot Robbie and powerhouse directors like Greta Gerwig and Christopher Nolan bringing their art to cinemas, this summer is going to be anything but boring.

    We have Pakistan’s first ever crime thriller, based on a serial killer no one has depicted on film, a gorgeous Disney adaptation of the beloved story ‘The Little Mermaid’ and yes, the woman ,the myth, the legend herself, Greta Gerwig, bringing the world to its knees with Barbie.

    Here is our list of summer blockbusters that have us already booking our tickets with glee.

    1 Kukri

    Abu Aleeha thrilled audiences with ‘Daadal’ starring the powerhouse Sonya Hussein, depicting a boxer from Lyari who turns to the sport to avenge her sister’s honor. Now, he is bringing to screens the story of child serial killer Javed Iqbal. Starring Ayesha Omar and Yasir Hussain, the trailer has us excited because this is the first time such a story is being released in cinemas.

    2 Barbie

    Icon and savior Greta Gerwig made history when she released the trailer for the upcoming comedy film ‘Barbie’, impacting the film industry in a way never seen before. In this adaptation, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling take on the roles of Barbie and Ken, taking us on a hilarious journey as Barbie steps out in to the new world in order to get to know who she is.

    3 The Little Mermaid (2023)

    If you’re looking for a good film to watch with family, this is the perfect one. Halle Bailey set our 90’s heart soaring when it was announced that she would be taking on the role of Ariel for ‘The Little Mermaid’. Featuring a star-studded cast with the likes of Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, Simone Ashley and Daved Diggs, the gorgeous special effects and the positive reviews have already gotten us excited.

    4 Oppenheimer

    If this list wasn’t up to your taste then wait for Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’. Featuring Cillian Murphy, the film is about Physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who is working with a team of scientists during the Manhattan Project, developing the atomic bomb.

  • Royal wedding in pictures: Jordan’s Prince Crown Prince Hussein married Rajwa Al Saif

    Royal wedding in pictures: Jordan’s Prince Crown Prince Hussein married Rajwa Al Saif

    The future king of Jordan, Hussein, 28, married Saudi architect Rajwa Al-Saif, 29, in a lavish ceremony in Amman, on Thursday.

    The lavish ceremony featured a star-studded celebrity guest list with royal families around the world attending. The British Royal Family members Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton were spotted congratulating the parents of the groom, Queen Rania and King Abdullah. Princess Beatrice along with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi was also present.

    The bride, Rajwa, is the youngest daughter of Khalid Alseif and Azza Al Sudairi. She was born in Riyadh, studied in the United States and earned a degree in architecture from Syracuse University in New York before completing her Masters degree in visual communications from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles.

    The couple reportedly met through a mutual friend.

    Hussien describing himself as lucky to meet someone like her in an interview with Vogue.

    They got engaged in 2022 at Rajwa’s home with her parents present, as well as Hussein’s family. The Royal Family of Jordan announced the news in a press release:

    “The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to Ms Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, and extends its sincere congratulations on this occasion.”

    The Crown Prince had shared the news on his official Instagram account saying:

    “Alhamdullillah. We pray that God grants us His blessings. Grateful to my dear Jordanian family for their heartfelt support and kind wishes.”

    Queen Rania shared pictures from the joyous occasion, and sent her blessings to the newly wedded couple:

    “May God bless you both and fill your home with love and happiness. From Hussein and Rajwa’s wedding ceremony.”

    She also shared pictures of the dinner banquet held in celebration of the newly married couple.

    Here are some more pictures from the wedding ceremony.