Author: optimum_tech

EXCLUSIVE: Decision on when to kick out PM Khan to be announced in one hour

The three notable Opposition leaders — Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, and Jamat-e-Ulema Islami-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman — have decided the date for moving a no-confidence motion, confirms senior journalist Hamid Mir to The Current.

Mir without revealing names took to Twitter and hinted upon ‘big news’ coming from the Opposition.

تین بڑوں کی طرف سے ایک بڑی خبر سامنے آنے والی ہے ، آج شام سے پہلے

— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) March 8, 2022

Mir while talking to The Current said, “Wait for an hour and big news shall be revealed to all. The date on when to present a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan will be announced.”

It is also being reported that the Opposition troika, Shehbaz, Zardari, and Maulana are scheduled to do a combined presser at around 4:30pm.

شہباز شریف ، آصف زرداری اور مولانا فضل الرحمان آج سہ پہر ساڑھے تین بجے پریس کانفرنس میں اہم اعلان کرینگے

— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) March 8, 2022

The no-confidence motion is being moved to remove PM Khan and his party from the government.

March 8, 2022
When Fawad Khan signed a film each with Priyanka, Katrina and Deepika

Pakistani superstar Fawad Khan achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success an actor in India’s Hindi film industry, Bollywood.

In his Bollywood stint, Fawad won Filmfare’s best debut award for his performance in Anil Kapoor’s Khoobsurat. He attained commercial success with roles in projects like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Kapoor & Sons.

In his brief stint in India, he managed to impress the bigwigs of the fraternity. However the Indo-Pak border tensions resulted in the banning of Pakistani celebrities in India and hence the Satrangi hero lost out on a list of A-list feature films with female superstars.

Hindi cinema’s numero-uno film producer Karan Johar roped in the Zindagi Gulzar Hai star opposite box-office queen Katrina Kaif in Raat Baaki. The film was to be helmed by URI fame Aditya Dhar. The team also roped in Vicky Kaushal for a supporting role. A musical romance with the backdrop of a North Indian wedding.

Talaash‘s director and Dil Dhadakne Do‘s writer Reema Kagti casted Fawad as the leading hero of her film, Mr Chalu opposite Priyanka Chopra. The Humsafar star replaced Saif Ali Khan in the film. The film’s genre was thriller.

Devdas fame director Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted to rope in Fawad for Shahid Kapoor’s role of Maharaja Ratan Singh in his blockbuster Padmavaat alongside Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh.

Fawad was later replaced in Padmavaat with Shahid Kapoor whereas Raat Baaki and Mr Chalu got shelved.

The Dastaan star will be seen next opposite Mahira Khan in Neelofer, he is also gearing up to shoot Aan alongside Sanam Saeed and Zara Noor Abbas.

March 2, 2022
Ten superstars who allegedly rejected these Blockbuster dramas

Any project rightfully belongs to the actors who have worked in them. However many a times, stars have passed on some iconic roles for reasons like scheduling conflicts or lack of interest. In hindsight, some of them probably regret their choices after seeing those projects becoming a rage with the audiences.

Here’s a list of eleven popular stars who turned down these super successful projects.

Humayun Saeed – Humsafar & Pyaray Afzal

Humayun Saeed, who busted all TRP charts with his last outing, Mere Paas Tum Ho, revealed in an interview for the promotions of Punjab Nahi Jaungi, that he regrets refusing Fawad Khan’s role in Sarmad Khoosat’s Humsafar. Humsafar became an instant hit when it aired in 2011 and brought in the leading couple, Mahira and Fawad immense love and appreciation, not only in Pakistan, but from across the border too. Humayun also turned down the offer of starring in Nadeem Baig’s Pyaray Afzal, the actor decided to produce it rather and got on board Hamza Ali Abbasi for the same role.

Mahira Khan – Ainee Ki Ayegi Baraat

Mahira Khan was offered the titular role in Ainee Ki Ayegi Baraat, but she turned it down for being a multi-starrer, the character then fell in the lap of her Humsafar co-star, Naveen Waqar who agreed to do the part. The acclaimed series broke all records of ratings and also catapulted Naveen to stardom.

Hira Mani – Dilruba

After the success of Do Bol, Hira Mani was flooded with offers, surprisingly she was offered two big projects, Dilruba and Kashf at the same time from the same production house and she chose the latter. Dilruba’s script didn’t appeal her therefore she rejected it. Hira stated that she wants her characters to be different from her previous ones and that they should have a message for the viewers.

Fawad Khan – Pyaray Afzal & Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu

Fawad Khan was the first choice for Pyaray Afzal but he had to reject the offer for his Bollywood debut, Khoobsurat opposite Sonam Kapoor. Khan was also the first choice for playing the role of Ibad (Aabi) in Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu after Humsafar’s success. Penned by Farhat Ishtiaq, of Bin Roye fame, Fawad could not be part of the project because he was not in the country and could not get the visa on time.

Ayeza Khan – Ishq Zahe Naseeb

Before Yumna Zaidi’s entry in Farooq Rind’s Ishq Zah-e-Naseeb, the role of Shakra was offered to Ayeza Khan and Neelam Munir but they turned it down as the other female character essayed by Sonya Hussyn had more screen-time.

Sonya Hussyn – Mere Paas Tum Ho

Sonya Hussyn was the first choice for playing the role of Mehwish in Mere Pass Tum Ho which was later played by Ayeza Khan. The producer of the play Humayun Saeed shared in an interview that initially he wanted to cast Aisha Khan in the role but she got married and left showbiz. Sonya was the next choice for playing the role. She however refused to play the role because she did not want to play a character that portrayed the female protagonist in a negative light.

Mere Pass Tum Ho was a massive hit but Sonya does not regret her decision at all. She shared in an interview that her decision was well-thought-out.

Sohai Ali Abro – Chupke Chupke

Sohai Ali Abro was the first choice and the actor had even shot a few scenes for the drama before the shoot was halted due to Covid-19 and lockdowns. Later, Abro had to exit the show due to personal reasons. The role was later played by Ayeza khan and netizens were divided over Ayeza’s casting in the show.

Mikaal Zulfiqar – Udaari

Mikaal Zulfiqar was offered the role of Imtiaz in Udaari but the actor refused it as it was out of his comfort zone. The character of a child molester was later performed by Ahsan Khan and made him win all the best actor awards the same year.

Mohsin Abbas Haider – Khaani

Khaani turned out to be a game-changer for Feroze Khan but it was previously offered to Mohsin Abbas Haider who confessed the same in an interview.

Kubra Khan – Mushk

Kubra was being selective when she turned down three projects in a row, Mere Paas Tum Ho, Mushk and even Alif. Although Kubra ended up doing Alif and even gained critical acclaim for her performance. She refused Mushk after the project went through a script change and was replaced by Momal Sheikh in the show. Kubra was also offered Hira Mani’s role in Mere Paas Tum Ho but she turned it down as it was a supporting character.

March 1, 2022
Gehraiyaan: The movie actually makes you sink

Note: This review contains small spoilers

Gehriyaan, the much talked about movie released after much delay on February 11 on Amazon Prime. The movie revolves around four main characters, Alisha (Deepika Padukone), Tia (Ananya Panday) who are cousins, Karan (Dhairya Karwa) who is Alisha’s boyfriend and Zain who is (Siddhant Chaturvedi) Tia’s boyfriend. The movie starts off with a couples weekend at Tia and Alisha’s childhood home where Alisha and Zain fall for each other.

The movie’s main plot was the twisted love affair between Alisha and Zain. Their relationship starts off in a predictable way but ends rather dramatically.

I started watching the movie thinking it was about infidelity and expected a millennial version of Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. However, to my surprise, the movie had more to offer than that. Gehriyaan discusses how childhood trauma impacts our relationships when we grow up. It also talked about mental health issues in a very sensitive manner.

The movie also stars Naseeruddin Shah who is Alisha’s father, but he is given very little screen time which was an injustice to his character. His character had a very strong impact on Alisha and the choices she made as an adult was the product of her childhood. In fact, one of the scenes in the movie in which Deepika and Naseeruddin Shah are having a conversation is one the strongest scene of the movie, and their conversation leaves you wanting more, which you don’t get.

What worked for me and even for the people who did not like the movie, is the fact that Deepika looked effortlessly hot in the movie. Some might disagree but her hotness is the reason that doesn’t make us hate her character even after she leaves her fiance for her cousin’s fiance and starts a torrid affair. But the way she looks, the trials she suffers makes Deepika the ‘end-all, be-all’ of this movie.

Final word: The movie does justice to the name Gehriyaan, as the movie actually makes you sink, especially in the last half of the movie. Its unpredictability and sudden twist in the story is what I liked most. However, the movie is facing criticism for the exact same reason, that it didn’t make much sense. However, the movie is worth the watch since it does highlight issues that affect all of us in the relationships that change the way we are.

February 14, 2022
Saffronised India: Shah Rukh Khan at Lata’s funeral

Legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday at the age of 92 and was given a state funeral by the Indian government. Music lovers from across the globe paid tributes for the “nightingale of India”. It is said that music transcends borders, which was proved by the condolence messages for Lata and shows how loved she was across the border in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted, “With the death of Lata Mangeshkar the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known.” Pakistani politicians, sportspersons, journalists, actors, artists, and people from across the country posted condolence messages on social media platforms. Pakistani state-owned broadcaster PTV and other television channels played Lata’s songs and paid rich tributes to the melody queen.

Thus, it was extremely disappointing but not surprising to see the hate campaign against Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan after he went to Lata’s funeral yesterday and paid respect to the departed soul by saying a prayer for her and blowing the dua (prayer) in the air near her body, a custom that many Muslims around the world follow. The anti-Muslim, Islamophobic propaganda campaign against SRK was started by leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

BJP’s Arun Yadav was the first to tweet a video of SRK at the funeral, blowing a prayer in the wind with the misleading and hateful caption: “Kya isnay thooka hai?” (Did he spit?)

Soon after Yadav, another BJP leader Prashant Umrao tweeted: “Shahrukh is Spitting!” while he quote-tweeted another anti-Muslim tweet against the Bollywood star. These tweets led to many BJP-affiliated accounts and Hindutva trolls abusing and spreading false information about Shah Rukh’s actions at Lata Mangeshkar’s funeral on Sunday.

Many rightly called out the BJP leaders as well as their followers for starting an evil campaign against SRK just because of his faith. Minorities in India, especially Muslims, have been facing the worst persecution and injustice under the Modi government. Such misleading campaigns are nothing new under the BJP regime. When the coronavirus pandemic started in India, the Modi government and its mouthpieces in the Indian media falsely blamed the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi for being a super-spreader event, which was later rubbished by Indian courts. Such misleading, false, and ‘communal reporting’ has become a norm in India now.

Therefore, it was not surprising to see the false and malicious attacks against a superstar of Shah Rukh’s stature just because he is a Muslim. A Muslim artist saying a prayer for a Hindu singer at her funeral could be communalised to such an extent that some people would actually think that SRK would spit on Lata’s body is unimaginable. It just goes on to show how India under Modi has become extremely communal and uninhabitable for minorities. The Saffronisation of India seems to be complete.

February 7, 2022
Quetta bomb blast: two FC personnel injured

Two Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were injured in an explosion on Quetta’s Sariab Road today (Monday). They have been shifted to the FC hospital, an FC spokesperson confirmed, reports Dawn.

Following the blast, the area was sealed and security personnel along with a bomb disposal squad reached the site to initiate an operation.

The spokesperson further said that the two injured personnel were on routine patrol in a village when the bomb, which was fitted in a motorcycle, blew off.

Today’s incident is the latest in a string of attacks in Balochistan and has occurred a couple of days after a terrorist attack on security forces in Balochistan’s Panjgur and Naushki.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Zia Langove had revealed that several threats had been issued in February. “We had threats from Daesh and so-called nationalists,” he had said.

February 7, 2022
Debut Projects: How were these twelve leading ladies launched in Pakistani showbiz?

Pakistani entertainment industry has flourished over the last two decades, one such reason has been an influx of promising new comers who went onto become leading ladies with scene-stealing performances and crackling screen-presence.

The audiences might remember an actor’s breakthrough project but, not many people are aware of the projects with which they started their careers. Often underrated and even undocumented, the very first or the debut projects of many of the popular actors are not known by the audiences.

Despite there being many actors that dominate our television screens, only a handful of actors have proved their mettle over the years in a way that makes them worthy of the title of being a “leading star”.

These divas have been working in the industry for quite some time now and have cemented their positions as being part of the top-of-the-list category of stars. The journey of these stars is truly inspirational.

Take a look at and see which projects actually launched these actresses’ careers and how much they have grown in the industry since then:

Mahira Khan

Mahira Khan was a popular video jockey prior to becoming an actress. She was approached by several filmmakers during her stint as a VJ, however, she ended up saying yes to the celebrated director Shoaib Mansoor. Mahira first made her acting debut in the 2011 film Bol where she was cast in a supporting role opposite Atif Aslam. The song picturized on the pair, Hona Tha Pyaar, became a national anthem and contributed to Mahira’s first brush with mainstream popularity. Later that year, The Hum Kahan Kay Sachay thay star made her television debut with Mehreen Jabbar’s directorial Neeyat on ARY Digital. She also made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan with Raees in 2017. Mahira’s last film project was the blockbuster film Superstar (2019) and her next film, Quaid e Azam Zindabad will be released on Eid this year.

Saba Qamar

In 2004, Saba had gone to see a shooting of a play but when the heroine for the play opted out at the last minute, Saba was asked by the director to perform in her place. Saba acted out the lines given to her and received praise from the director and the crew. It led to Saba initially making brief appearances is some PTV plays that are undocumented. However, in 2005 Saba debuted with a prominent role in the drama Main Aurat Hoon for which she won PTV Award for Best Actress. Later in 2007 with Khuda Gawah on PTV, Saba got more mainstream popularity and was approached by several private channels. Saba was last seen on TV in the drama Cheekh (2019). Her next projects include two feature films, Kamli and Ghabrana Nahin Hai, and a web-series titled Mann Jogi.

Mehwish Hayat

Mehwish got her first experience of being in front of the camera at the age of eight in a commercial as a child artist. She forayed into the world of acting with a short film, InshaAllah with Mohib Mirza which was premiered at international film festivals in 2009. However, Mehwish’s first prominent performance was in 2010 with the multi-starrer soap Larkiyan Mohallay Ki, produced by Momina Duraid for Hum TV. She did her first drama in the lead role in the following year titled Mere Qatil Mere Dildar. Mehwish’s last project was the film Chhalawa (2019). She will be next seen opposite Humayun Saeed in the Nadeem Baig directorial film London Nahin Jaunga.

Sajal Aly

Sajal’s first acting stint was in Nida Yasir – Yasir Nawaz starrer sitcom Nadaaniyaan in 2009, where she appeared briefly in one episode. She auditioned along with her sister Saboor Ali for ARY’s soap, Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain produced by Humayun Saeed’s banner. Both sisters passed the audition and got cast in the ensemble soap serial. Sajal impressed the critics with her natural yet impactful performance and she immediately signed on more projects. She later made her Bollywood debut with Sridevi starrer Mom. She was last seen in the critically acclaimed film, Khel Khel Mein opposite Bilal Abbas Khan. The Mom star will be seen next in Jemima Goldsmith’s Hollywood production, What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Ayeza Khan

Ayeza was discovered through an event held at her college. She had auditioned for a commercial campaign during her teenage which ultimately led her to make her acting debut in a supporting role in Fahad Mustafa – Sunita Marshal starrer Tum Jo Miley (2009). Despite limited screen time, Ayeza managed to make an impressive acting debut and the project got her more work as an actor followed by a breakthrough performance in Pyaray Afzal which made her the most searched actress in 2014. She peaked her career with a smashing hit in Meray Paas Tum Ho.

Maya Ali

After a brief stint in the field of television hosting, Maya landed a small supporting role in the Sanam Baloch – Mikaal Zulfiqar starrer Durr-e-Shehwar. She played the role of Sanam’s younger sister in the drama. The project was produced by Momina Duraid, directed by Haissam Hussain, and written by Umera Ahmed. Maya managed to impress the team with her dedication and the director signed her as the leading lady in his following project Aik Nayi Cinderella (2012). Maya was last seen in the 2019 blockbuster film, Parey Hut Love and is currently starring in drama, Jo Bichar Gaye.

Mawra Hocane

Mawra’s first stint on television was a VJ on ARY Musik before she got noticed by television producers. Her debut as an actress happened through a sitcom titled Kichari Salsa in 2011 which aired on A-plus where Mawra displayed her acting chops. She was immediately noticed by bigger channels such as HUM TV. Her Bollywood debut is Sanam Teri Kasam (2016), followed by Pakistani film debut was blockbuster Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2. She is currently seen in the Hum TV drama serial Qissa Meherbano Ka.

Yumna Zaidi

After a brief stint with hosting, Yumna was encouraged by fellow-actor Affan Waheed, who was friends with Yumna’s older sister, to pursue acting in a serious capacity. She bagged her debut role in ARY’s Thakan (2012) which was produced by Asif Raza Mir. Yumna acted as the antagonist in the drama, which starred Saba Qamar as the protagonist. Despite being her first acting project on television, Yumna managed to impress the audience and ended up getting more projects as a lead actor. Her last drama Pyar Kay Sadqay got much critical and commercial success including two awards at the Lux Style Awards. She is currently featuring in Ishq-e-Laa and Sinf-e-Aahan.

Sanam Saeed

Sanam debuted with Mehreen Jabbar’s Daam in 2010 which starred Sanam Baloch, Amina Sheikh, and Adeel Hussain in lead roles. Sanam played the antagonist in the drama and was praised for her refreshingly subliminal performance in the role. Before her television debut, she did theatre plays, modeling and even hosting as a teenager. Sanam got her first drama as a parallel lead in 2011 with Mera Naseeb followed by a leading role in Blockbuster Zindagi Gulzar Hai. Her next project is a film titled Ishrat Made In China and Zee5 web-series with Fawad Khan.

Hira Mani

Hira started off as a VJ followed by a stint in hosting. Hira made her acting debut in a sitcom Teri Meri Kahani in 2013 opposite her husband Salman Saqib a.k.a Mani. Hira played a fictionalized version of herself in the sitcom. She displayed her humorous side on the show and was appreciated for her comic timing. The show, which initially aired on ARY Digital, was extended due to its popularity with its target audience and had a second season which aired on Hum TV. The Sun Yaara diva attained A-list stardom with Kashf in 2020. Hira is currently seen in ARY’s Yeh Na Thi Hamari Kismat.

Saboor Aly

Saboor started her acting career with a brief role in Choti Si Kahani, followed by a supporting role in the family drama Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain on ARY Digital in 2011. In September 2016, she made her film debut with Nabeel Qureshi’s socio-comedy film Actor in Law, starring Fahad Mustafa and Om Puri. Her portrayal of a supportive sister of Mustafa’s character earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at Lux Style Awards. She entered the big league with Geo’s Fitrat in 2020.

Minal Khan

Minal’s acting debut was in the Geo TV’s drama Kaash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti in 2011, as a child star. This was followed by a supporting role in the sitcom series Quddusi Sahab Ki Bewah (2012) on ARY Digital. She recently catapulted to stardom with back to back hit projects, Hassad, Nand and Jalan.

February 5, 2022
Ken Rosenthal lays bare Manfred’s thin skin

Calling a spade a spade is one of the cardinal virtues of journalism and is what all journalists are meant to do. The broader challenge, however, is when it comes to having the gall to speak up against those in the upper echelons of power and it is then when impartial journalism can congeal into a baptism of fire. When 59-year-old Ken Rosenthal, one of baseball’s highly regarded and acclaimed baseball journalists, dared to dip his toes in that fire, he had to pay a heavy price in the form of abrupt termination of his 12-year association with the MLB Network.

It may not have been the start Ken Rosenthal would have wanted for the new year. Way back in 2020, when all industries and organisations moiled to stay afloat amidst the deadly coronavirus pandemic, Ken Rosenthal penned dismissive columns in The Athletic in which he launched scathing attacks on Major League Baseball’s commissioner Rob Manfred and brought his mishandling of the situation into focus.

“He (Manfred) and the owners, supposed stewards of the game, are turning the national pastime into a national punch line, effectively threatening to take their ball and go home while the country struggles with medical, economic and societal concerns,” Rosenthal wrote in his column.

Questioning Manfred’s abilities to do his job properly, Rosenthal further wrote: “Manfred and the owners keep sinking lower. Unless making dead-on-arrival proposals, tone-deaf public remarks and other assorted blunders is your idea of negotiating savvy.”

Unable to digest the vitriol hurled at him, Manfred flexed his muscles and Ken was taken off the air. On January 4, 2022, Andrew Marchand, senior sports writer for the New York Post, broke the unfortunate news that the MLB Network had let go of Ken Rosenthal. Manfred’s decision invited severe backlash from journalists and deservedly so. The Athletic’s senior MLB writer Britt Ghiroli tweeted that Ken cares about the truth and doing things the right way even if it’s uncomfortable.

Former American professional baseball player and television sports commentator Ken Singleton, an Orioles Hall of Famer, called the decision terribly shortsighted and stated that it reduces the credibility of the whole product. MLB has long grumbled about how it strives to offer quality journalism to its viewers.

However, if it thinks that a bit of criticism is a fireable offence, it would be foolish to hope that impartial journalism can thrive in the baseball industry. As a matter of fact, Major League Baseball has historically been dictatorial and authoritarian. Prior to firing Rosenthal, MLB surprisingly ended much-loved Intentional Talk’s co-host Chris Rose’s contract at the end of 2020. Rewind to September 1964, New York Yankees terminated Mel Allen’s contract before the start of the World Series for reasons unbeknownst to all save Yankees themselves.

Luckily for baseball fans, Ken Rosenthal, a seasoned journalist and author of “Best of the Best: 35 Major League Superstars” and “Dean Smith: A Tribute”, hasn’t been completely consigned to the scrapheaps and would still be plying his trade for multiple widely-followed platforms like Fox Sports and The Athletic. Still, whichever way you look at it, it cannot be disregarded that the dictatorial firing of Ken from the MLB Network epitomises thin-skinned MLB’s hubris syndrome and their attempts to divest the sport of impartial journalism, which sets an extremely wrong precedent for up-and-coming journalists that they should not dare to speak up against those in power.

January 16, 2022
‘New Prime Minister?’: Who will replace Imran Khan if there is a coup in the party?

Is Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) pitted against itself? Are there signs of trouble ahead? Fingers are being pointed towards the leader from within the party. Blame and questions are being allegedly hurled at the premier. Something is up in the capital and people have started talking. They’re saying that it is possible that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan can be replaced as prime minister by someone else in the party itself.

PM Khan and Defence Minister and former Chief Minister (CM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pervez Khattak on Thursday allegedly exchanged bitter words during the parliamentary party meeting chaired by the premier himself.

Reports of a clash between the premier and the PTI leader spread like wildfire within the media. It was reported that Pervez Khattak during the meeting said, “we have made you the prime minister.”

“Gas is banned in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we generate gas and electricity and we are the ones who are suffering,” said Khattak, adding, “We will not be able to get votes if this is your attitude.”

Khattak told media persons after the meeting that he neither talked harshly to the prime minister nor hurled any threat of not voting for PM Khan.

“No one spoke harshly, I spoke for my right,” said Khattak.

The damage had been done and to remove a prime minister, a no-confidence motion has to be brought in Parliament. Some analysts think that the wheels are already in motion.

The Current reached out to political analysts and senior journalists to ask their opinion as to who could replace PM Khan if the rumours of a change in command were true.

Senior journalist Hamid Mir shedding light on the recent squabble within the party leadership said, “Imran Khan will remain head of the PTI because the party is registered in his name but the revolt of Khattak may break the party. Khattak can muster support from the Opposition easily.”

Resident Editor Dawn Fahd Husain terming a coup within PTI an ‘unlikely scenario’ said, “A coup in PTI is an unlikely scenario at this moment. It seems unlikely that the party can coalesce behind any one person except PM Imran Khan.”

Journalist and Analyst Asma Shirazi talking about the dynamic political milieu in Pakistan said, “Will be too early to guess, things are changing every moment.”

Analyst Mehmal Sarfraz commenting on the recent rift in the PTI said, “There may be many contenders for the PM slot — as there are in other political parties — but there is no PTI without Imran Khan. I don’t think PM Khan can be replaced. Whoever tries to ‘replace’ him will have to leave the party first.”

Senior journalist and anchorperson Sabir Shakir responding with a Persian quote said, “ہنوذ دِلی دُور اَست [The heart is still far away].

Columnist Hafeezullah Niazi while commenting on the verbal altercation between the PTI leaders said, “In case of change within PTI, Pervez Khattak will replace Imran Khan,” adding, “Establishment is already tipping Pervez Khattak to replace Imran Khan as prime minister.”

January 14, 2022
EXCLUSIVE: Accused journalists, Fawad Chaudhry respond to leaked audio allegations by Maryam Nawaz

In a 2022 first, another leaked audio conversation between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz and PML-N Leader Pervaiz Rashid has come to the surface.

Audio leak: “There is not one single person [journalist/analyst] whom we can call a spokesperson for the party,” Rashid

As per the leaked audio, Pervaiz Rashid, referring to how criticism was directed towards PML-N on a political talk show on Geo News, said to Maryam Nawaz, “They have a programme called ‘Score Card’ [Report Card], Hassan Nisar is a part of its [panel] he abuses us a lot.”

“They have added Irshad Bhatti as well,” added Maryam Nawaz. “Irshad Bhatti whom they have added gives derogatory remarks [against us],” said Rashid.

“Mazhar Abbas has a tilt against us in his comments. He criticises us and sometimes spins the conversation and makes fun of us, but it is primarily against us,” said PML-N leader Rashid.

Rashid lamented the fact that there was not one single person [journalist/analyst] whom they could call a spokesperson for the party.

LISTEN: An audio tape of an alleged conversation between Maryam Nawaz and Pervaiz Rashid has surfaced. They can be heard talking about journalists who are their “spokesperson” on a program on a private TV channel. pic.twitter.com/ePoC1Rmux0

— Samaa News (@SamaaEnglish) January 4, 2022

“Sattar Babar [Babar Sattar] has his independent opinion,” said Rashid. “He [Babar Sattar] generally isn’t in our favour,” interjected Maryam.

“There was another one who didn’t give our point of view. Just like these people abuse us, he used to do the same to [Prime Minister (PM)] Imran Khan,” said Pervaiz Rashid. “Niazi [Hafeezullah Niazi]”, added Maryam Nawaz. “Yes, Niazi,” replied Rashid. “They have removed him and are not publishing his columns as well.”

“This is really unjust and cruel [behaiour] towards us,” said Rasheed.

At this point in the alleged audio, Maryam says she would first ask Niazi the reason for his removal from the panel and then take up the matter with Jang Group owner Mir Shakeel-ur-Rehman.

“I will request you to ask Mir Shakeel-ur-Rehman, that why is this happening, in this way the programme will be unbalanced. There was one check on Imran Khan, you have stopped that and you have imposed barking dogs on us,” Rashid continued.

“You are absolutely right uncle, this is biasness towards us,” said Maryam Nawaz.

Towards the end of the clip, Maryam allegedly passes instructions that a pair of baskets that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif brought from Azerbaijan should be sent to journalists Nusrat Javeed and Rana Jawad.

“Maryam Nawaz has been trying to dictate the media in a rather stupid manner”: Fawad Chaudhry

The Current contacted Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry to provide the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) stance on the leaked audio.

“Many anchors consider themselves as God when they sit on TV channels. They speak against people,” said Fawad, adding “Language is very important. When one sits to analyse or critique on someone they should be careful with their words.”

“PML-N has been mananging the editorial policy. Maryam Nawaz has been trying to dictate the media in a rather stupid manner,” said Fawad.

In an exclusive conversation with The Current, the journalists and analysts who have been called out by the PML-N leadership had rather interesting revelations to make.

“I am not surprised. I stand by words and comments”, Journalist Mazhar Abbas

Senior Journalist Mazhar Abbas, while talking to The Current, said, “I am not surprised, be it Maryam Nawaz, Pervaiz Rashid, Fawad Chaudhry or anyone from Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), I stand by my words and comments.”

Responding to the allegations of PML-N Abbas said, ” I do not spin my words, though I have been a left-arm leg spinner in my earlier days and that has nothing to do with my journalism.”

“I have been a journalist for 40 years and I am not bothered by the criticism of these politicians.”

Agreeing with Fawad Chaudhry, Abbas said that the use of proper language is very important but the minister needs to tell this to his party fellows as well.

Taking a jibe at PML-N, Abbas said, “The PML-N should also ponder on their own actions and the way they talk. I will not comment on the way they do it. I have my way of criticism. However, I shall want to correct Rashid Saab, the show he is talking about is called ‘Report Card’, not Score Card.”

“Fawad Chaudhry publically slaps anchors and now he is schooling us about language,” Columnist Hafeezullah Niazi

Columnist Hafeezullah Niazi while commenting on the leaked audio said, “This conversation is from 2017 after former PM Nawaz Sharif’s visit from Azerbaijan.”

“In 2017 Maryam Nawaz was handling the PML-N media cell. And this audio is of a private conversation. Whatever is being said in this audio is absolutely correct,” said Niazi.

“They have said the right thing about me. I used to come hard on Imran Khan. Unfortunately, some loose talk does take place on private news channels political talk shows,” said Niazi.

Reacting to the words of Fawad Chaudhry, Hafeezullah said, “Fawad Chaudhry publicly slapped anchors and now he is schooling us about language. Why didn’t he remember ethics and language then? He is taking out some old grievances with PML-N.”

Talking about the remarks of Pervaiz Rashid, and his derogatory words, Hafeezullah said, “Pervaiz Rashid talks like this. It’s his private style of talking. These talks weren’t for the public,” adding that Maryam Nawaz has never denied these conversations.

“Maryam’s fame in politics started with her managing the media cell of PML-N. Her career is from social media,” said Niazi.

The Current has also reached out to senior Journalist Hassan Nisar, Irshad Bhatti, and Geo News and we are still waiting for a response.

January 4, 2022