Veteran actor Ejaz Durrani has passed away at the age of 88 after battling a long illness, media reports have stated. His funeral prayers will be offered in Garden Town, Lahore.
Ejaz was born in 1935 in a village near Jalalpur Jattan. He started his career with a supporting role in the movie Hamida and worked in almost 150 movies during his 30-year career. Apart from acting, he also proved his skills as a producer and director.
Durrani is fondly remembered for his role of Ranjha in the movie Heer Ranjha in which he shared the screen with Firdous.
On the personal front, Durrani was married to Noor Jehan, and the two had three daughters together. However, they later parted ways after which he married his co-star Firdous. That marriage too ended in divorce.
Natasha Ali penned down heartfelt note for her late grandfather on Instagram.
“Beloved father, husband , son , brother , uncle , grandfather , friend & human Ejaz Durrani has left us today to rest peacefully in the heavens, still the most handsome man & furthermore an outstanding human being. You did more for your family, friends & those in need than anyone I know. What a life lived,” wrote Natasha.
“It breaks our heart to say goodbye but we find solace in the fact that we shall carry your legacy of goodness,kindness & quiet bravery forth for you. Because you always taught us that being kind & doing the right thing was always the most important thing in life. This is how I shall always remember you handsome , radiant with that irresistible smile. I love you Nana,” added Natasha
“I request you all to pray for his soul today and everyday, till we meet again,” She concluded.
Right from the beginning, Qayamat appeared to one of those dramas which follow a riwayati or typical storyline with domestic abuse, spoiled men and saas-bahu tensions sprinkled with lots of masala and sensationalism to shock audiences and keep them hooked. Fifteen episodes later, my initial assumptions were proven right because that is exactly what Qayamat is about.
Qayamat revolves around Rashid (Ahsan Khan), a spoiled overgrown man child who does not know how to walk or talk and is often spotted hanging out with an escort Pari (Sana Fakhar). Kudos to Ahsan for portraying him in the slimiest possible manner. Even Bollywood actor Zarina Wahab praised Ahsan for his performance in the drama.
When his parents Nargis (Saba Faisal) and Mukhtar (Shabbir Jan) are unable to find a match for him because of his attitude, they forcefully marry his cousin Samra (Amar Khan) to him. Nargis is not happy with the marriage because she wanted a ‘baray ghar ki larki‘ for Rashid and Samra is from a “low background” even though she is Mukhtar’s brother Fayyaz’s daughter. Basically, just the usual stuff.
Fifteen episodes of the drama have aired so far and in the latest episode, Samra passes away after Rashid pushes her, causing her to fall and go into early labour. Her death was a little rushed and unbelievable considering the drama’s timeline was messed up and we had no idea how many months had passed since she conceived. All we know is that the stage is now set for Rashid and Samra’s sister Ifrah (Neelam Muneer) to get married and look after the newborn, who they have named Sana. It seems that Neelam has decided to play similar characters considering her character in Bikhray Moti, her last release. In that, she also married her sister’s abusive husband to protect her nieces and nephews and give them motherly love.
Samra’s death has left Rashid stunned, though we don’t get to see much of his shock and emotions over his wife’s death. Like Samra’s demise, his reaction to his wife’s death is rushed, flawed and underdeveloped. It would have given audiences some relief to see him at least regret his actions and attitude towards Samra. But we get nothing.
In the meantime, Ifrah and Rashid’s brother Jawad (Haroon Shahid) have put their marriage on hold till things settle down. However, Rashid’s mother and khala hatch a plan to get Ifrah married to Rashid because one they don’t really like her and two so they can get a ‘heeray jaisi larki‘ for Jawad. As expected, Ifrah is going to end up getting married to Rashid and will spend her life caring for her niece and feeling miserable about her life. Moreso, her actions will also help redeem Rashid and make him a better human being.
If I am truly honest, Qayamat doesn’t have anything new to offer. It is a typical Pakistani drama repackaged differently. I’d be surprised if Rashid also doesn’t die at the end considering how much our dramas like to kill off the evil characters.
What makes the watch worthwhile is the performances. From Shabbir Jan to Neelam Muneer to Ahsan Khan, each actor has given a brilliant performance, adding life and layers to the characters. Saba Faisal, in particular, is phenomenal as Nargis, the family matriarch. Her expressions and body language are absolutely flawless and will have you glued to the screen.
Despite is predictability and run-of-the-mill storyline, Qayamat is gripping and makes for an entertaining watch. But what irks me is that the first ten minutes of every new episode is the last ten minutes of the previous episode. Geo does this with all its dramas, and frankly speaking, it’s pretty annoying.
Written by Sarwat Nazir and directed by Ali Faizan, Qayamat airs every Tuesday and Wednesday on Geo Entertainment.
The spokesperson of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has clarified that a fine of Rs 1,000 will be charged for late tax filers, not Rs 10,000. The clarification came due to the rumours about high fine charges imposed by FBR on filing late income tax returns.
This mistake occurred because of an error in a press release issued on February 24th. According to the clarification, Rs 1,000 will be charged from individuals (salaried and non-salaried) on late filing of income tax returns for the tax year 2020 for inclusion in the Active Taxpayers List (ATL).
Companies will pay a surcharge of Rs 20,000 and an association of person Rs 10,000 for inclusion in ATL. Association of persons is the relation between persons, who have agreed to share the profits of a business carried amongst all stakeholders.
It is noteworthy that the FBR surpassed its collection target by Rs 13 billion to Rs 2.911 trillion in the first eight months of the current fiscal year, as shown in the provisional data released by the tax authorities on Friday.
It was the second consecutive month that the tax collection surpassed its projection. The revenue collection increased by nine per cent during July-February when compared with Rs 2.681 trillion collected in the same period last year.
An official of FBR said that the revenue collection was achieved two days ahead of the end of the current month.
On Thursday, Pakistani and Indian director generals of military operations (DGMOs) issued a rare joint statement declaring ceasefire along the line of control (LoC).
The joint statement said: “Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021…In the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders, the two DGsMO agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence.”
The ceasefire agreement between the two countries was originally reached in November 2003.
The joint statement was welcome by Prime Minister Imran Khan, who tweeted: “I welcome restoration of the ceasefire along the LOC. The onus of creating an enabling environment for further progress rests with India. India must take necessary steps to meet the long-standing demand & right of the Kashmiri people to self determination acc to UNSC resolutions.” (sic) The US and the UN also welcomed this positive development.
To say that the relationship between Pakistan and India is complex would be an understatement. The two nuclear neighbours have come to the brink of war many a time and have also fought conventional wars as well as unconventional ones. It has been two years since the Balakot strikes when they came close to a full-blown war. India could not do any damage to our territory despite falsely claiming otherwise but Pakistan managed to capture Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan after the Pakistan Air Force shot down his aircraft.
In a joint session of parliament, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that as a peace gesture, Pakistan was going to release the Indian pilot. PM Imran also reiterated that there is no victory in a war. “Pakistan wants peace. Our interest lies in peace and de-escalation,” he said back in 2019.
Pakistan has continued to extend a hand of peace towards India over the years but the Modi administration in India has not been very forthcoming.
Thus, it was a surprise to see the joint statement, which could not have taken place without backdoor diplomacy.
Innocent people across the LoC have lost lives due to the Indian violations of the 2003 ceasefire agreement. Now with this joint statement, it will be good for the people living across the LoC. We don’t know yet what prompted the Modi government to agree to this but we do hope that both countries eventually restart dialogue.
Peace in the South Asian region cannot be achieved if India continues its strongarm tactics. Pakistan is committed to peace in the region. Let’s hope this ceasefire is just the first step in the restoration of peace.
Hira Mani celebrated her birthday in the sweetest way possible. The actor visited Shaukat Khanum on her birthday and celebrated it with young cancer patients.
Taking to her Instagram account Hira shared pictures of the birthday celebrations with young cancer patients and expressed her joy over celebrating a ‘tension less’ birthday.
She also thanked Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, for making her feel ‘special’ on her birthday.
Prince Harry, in his first interview after moving to North America, has revealed that he stepped down from royal duties and away from the spotlight because of the “toxic” British press adding that it was negatively affecting his mental health.
“I did what any husband and what any father would do,” said Harry. “It was like, I need to get my family out of here.”
The royal further went on to clarify that “it was never [about] walking away. It was stepping back rather than stepping down.”
“There was a really difficult environment as I think a lot of people saw,” he added.
When asked about his thoughts on Netflix’s The Crown, Harry said: “[The Crown doesn’t] pretend to be news.”
“It’s fictional, but it is loosely based on the truth. It gives you a rough idea of what that lifestyle and the pressures of duty and service over family and what can come from that. I am way more comfortable with The Crown than I am seeing the stories written about my family and my wife or myself because it’s the difference between [The Crown] is obviously fiction.”
“Take it as you will, but [the tabloids] have been reported on as facts because you’re supposedly news. I have a real issue with that,” said Harry further.
Harry also revealed that his and Meghan’s relationship went from “zero to 60” in the first two months because they were forced to spending so much time alone together.
“It’s kind of flipped upside down. All the dates become dinners or watching the TV and chatting at home, then eventually once you become a couple, then you venture out for dinners, the cinema, and everything else,” said Harry.
“Everything was done back to front with us. So we got to spend an enormous amount of time just the two of us … And that was great, an amazing thing.”
Earlier this month, Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle made a final split with the British royal family, telling Queen Elizabeth that they will not be returning as working members of the monarchy.
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan sent shockwaves across the world by suddenly announcing they were splitting from the family and embarking on a new future across the Atlantic – one of the most extraordinary royal exits in decades.
It is pertinent to mention here that Harry and Meghan are expecting their second child. The couple announced the newson Valentine’s Day.
Dananeer Mobeen, who rose to fame with her ‘Pawri Hori Hai‘ video, has made another funny video with Mahira Khan and Ali Rehman after joining the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi.
In the new video, the social media sensation can be seen partying with popular stars including Mahira, Ali, Danyal Zafar, vlogger Shahveer Jafry and others after the victory of their team against Quetta Gladiators in the PSL match.
The girl, who is behind the viral video #pawrihorihai, delivered the famous dialogue in Pushto to entertain fans in a different way, saying: “Da za yam, Da zama Malgari dee. Aau da zamoonga pawri’ rawana da.” (Yeh Main Houn, Yeh Mere Friends or Ye Hamari Pawri Hori Hai)
The official account of Peshawar Zalmi shared the video with the caption: “Give it up for the kingdom!”
Kashif Zameer, famed for defrauding Turkish actor Engin Altan Düzyatan has allegedly made an attempt to kidnap YouTuber Ali Virk.
According to reports, Kashif went to Hafizabad to meet Virk and tried to kidnap him there. However, the YouTuber jumped out of a moving car to save himself and injured himself severely in the process.
Talking about the incident, Virk said: “Kashif came to meet me in the garden and tried to kidnap me but I jumped out of the car.”
As per details, Virk resides in Turkey and Zameer stayed there with him for a few days when he visited Turkey last year. Reports have suggested that Virk has evidence against Kashif regarding his deal with Engin which is why Zameer tried to kidnap him.
Virk further said that Kashif had asked him to visit him in Lahore several times but when he refused, Kashif came to Hafizabad. Virk also alleged that Kashif visited him with the intention of murdering him.
Kashif has been involved in a controversy regarding a deal with Diriliş: Ertuğrul star Engin Altan Düzyatan.
In December 2020, when Engin Altan visited Pakistan, he was hosted by Zameer in Lahore. Later, it was reported that Zameer struck a deal worth one million dollars with the Turkish actor butpaid only half of it. Zameer, later trashed the rumours saying that Engin had assured him that the deal will not be disbanded.
However, on February 16, Düzyatan, in a statement said, that he no longer represents Zameer’s Chaudhry Group of Industries as brand ambassador.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz welcomed Hamza Shehbaz, her cousin and Punjab Assembly opposition leader, along with hundreds of party workers outside Adiala Jail.
On Thursday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) granted bail to Hamza Shehbaz in a money laundering case and ordered the authorities to immediately release him. Hamza spent 20 months in jail without conviction.
“Sher Aya sher Aya [The lion is coming],” the workers chanted slogans as Hamza Shehbaz came out of Kot Lakhpat jail.
Maryam Nawaz took to Twitter and shared her selfie with Hamza Shehbaz with Marriyum Aurangzeb sitting in the background.
Earlier, Maryam lashed out at Imran Khan, saying his party leaders aren’t even ready to cast votes. She said that the prime minister will not come back to power again if he gets ousted.
Maryam Nawaz said that PTI was now fleeing from re-election as their rigging has been exposed. She also paid tribute to Hamza Shehbaz, saying that the opposition leader of Punjab Assembly faced politically motivated cases bravely.
ووٹ چور آٹا چور چینی چور بجلی,گیس چور جان چکے ہیں کہ جو انکی کارکردگی ہے نااہلی ہے نالائقی ہے اس نے انکے ووٹ بینک پہ بھی برا اثر ڈالا ہے.میں نے پہلے بھی کہا کہ ایک مرتبہ تو عمران خان ووٹ چوری کرکے آگیا دوبارہ اسکا چانس نہیں ہے.@MaryamNSharifpic.twitter.com/PIyRlUK2rX
Hamza was a worker of the party just like him, she added. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers, especially the women workers are excited and happy over release of their leader Hamza Shehbaz from Kot Lakhpat jail.
Sharing a picture of himself with Humayun Saeed from a recent trip to Turkey, Imran wrote: “Someone I respect, love and admire the most in our industry, mera bhai.”
Commenting under Imran’s post, Ayeza wrote: “You two are my favourites. Amazing human beings.”
“It’s an honour for me to work with such brilliant actors with the best heart,” she added.
Responding to Ayeza’s comment, Abbas also praised the actress calling her “a gem of a person”.
Earlier, Imran also shared a picture of himself with Turkish actor, Celal AL who played the character of Abdul Rehman Alp in Diriliş: Ertuğrul. Pakistani and Turkish actors have been spotted bonding in recent times.
Meanwhile, Humayun is in Turkey to work on Pakistan and Turkey’s joint production Turki Lala. The Pakistani delegation comprising of Humayun, Adnan Siddiqui, Humayun Saeed, producers Dr Kashif Ansari of Ansari Films and Dr Junaid Ali Shah met senior ministers in the Turkish government and discussed the upcoming series.
Turki Lala is expected to go on floors soon. The plot of the upcoming venture is based on “Turki Lala who is considered to be one of the most glorious Muslim nationalists to have assisted Turkey during the Balkan War and World War I.”
