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Category: Uncategorized
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Newsletter- 27th December 2020, Sunday
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Goodbye, 2020…
The coming week will usher us to a new year and the entire world is hoping that it would be better than 2020. This year was certainly one that we will remember for a long, long time.
Concepts like social distancing, wearing face masks and sanitising your hands regularly, ‘work from home’ and lockdowns have become a norm. Many regular travellers have not travelled in almost a year. A lot of people have lost their loved ones due to this novel coronavirus.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world in many ways. From exposing how the healthcare system was unable to deal with a global pandemic in most countries, to an economic crisis that many poor countries would take years to recover from, it affected all and sundry.
According to a blog published by the World Bank, “the pandemic has harmed the poor and vulnerable the most, and it is threatening to push millions more into poverty. This year, after decades of steady progress in reducing the number of people living on less than $1.90/day, COVID-19 will usher in the first reversal in the fight against extreme poverty in a generation.”
COVID-19 should also make the world think of how much damage we have done to our globe and environment. Climate change is a harsh reality that one can only ignore at their own peril. When lockdowns around the world started and travel restrictions were imposed, the level of air pollution compared to last year went down during that same period.
People were fascinated by the clear blue skies in their cities. According to researchers at Future Earth’s Global Carbon Project, the global COVID-19 lockdowns caused fossil carbon dioxide emissions to decline by an estimated 2.4 billion tonnes in 2020, which was a record drop.
This pandemic was also one of the main reasons why Donald Trump lost the US elections. The way Trump mishandled the pandemic and denied how serious it was, it led to more than 300,000 deaths till date. On the other hand, Pakistan was relatively successful in dealing with the pandemic after the first wave. Now that the second wave is here, we hope that people will take it more seriously and not be careless.
Hopefully, the next year will bring some semblance of normalcy once the vaccine is administered in all countries. Unfortunately, it seems that poor countries will get the vaccine much later than rich countries. Let’s hope that the world community will help each other in this hour of need.
Here is wishing everyone a peaceful new year!
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Akcent’s Adrian Sina ‘would love’ to work with Ayesha Omar
Lead vocalist of the Romanian band Akcent, Adrian Sina has expressed his desire to collaborate with Ayesha Omar.
During a live session on Instagram, when the interviewer asked Sina who he has a crush on in Pakistan, the singer replied: “I would love to feature with Ayesha Omar.”
“She is a genius and really talented,” he added.
However he said that he has never met the Pakistani actor.
Later while talking about his visit to Pakistan, Sina revealed that the one thing he misses is from the country is tea. The singer had enjoyed a “fantastic cup of tea” with former DG ISPR General Asif Ghafoor at the ISPR HQ.
Meanwhile, reacting to Sina’s desire to work with her, Ayesha expressed her disbelief and excitement.
“Akcent is a huge name, I have always been a fan of his music”, said Ayesha, adding that she is really grateful for his comments and would love to work with him.
“Thank you so much for your appreciation for me and my work. I would love to collaborate with you whether its a song, an album, a digital campaign, or a film. The possibilities are endless,” said Omar.
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Newsletter- 25th December 2020, Friday.
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The Current Insider
Friday, 25th December 2020
What does it mean to be successful? For me, lately, it’s if I manage to control myself from overeating – that Karachi biryani, those Lahore Layers wale cupcakes. Success ultimately is the feeling you get when you do what you set out to do – no matter how big or small – right? Sunny days for Karachi, Lahore and Quetta today but Islamabad and Peshawar aren’t as successful with their cloudy days. Looks like the Pakistan Democratic Movement isn’t going to be very successful either – cracks have appeared within the ranks as Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman’s spokesperson was heard on television, saying that Maulana might not be attending the rally on Benazir’s death anniversary in Larkana on the 27th. Even though he’s been invited. Maulana aside, the PML-N and PPP both look kind of uneasy about having to resign from their parliament seats – even though their leadership is saying they have to. Indian Actor Aamir Khan said in 2012 that he knew in his heart that PM Khan would be successful. He wished him the best and said he would come to Pakistan after PM Khan won the election – he hasn’t yet but you never know, right? The year is about to end and I don’t know, I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished much. Is there anything we remember about 2020 that isn’t coronavirus? Here are 10 iconic pictures of Pakistan in 2020 that will make you laugh and think oh haan year, yeh bhi tou hua tha. Fazeela Abbasi, Hamza Ali Abbasi’s sister, was successful in making people think she looked like Katrina Kaif – whether that was intentional or not, I have to admit she looked pretty amazing at Naimal’s sister’s wedding. Mahira Khan is in quarantine because she tested positive for corona, but she has been successful in getting the younger generation want to know more about Madam Noor Jehan – since Mahira has been spending her time listening to Madam’s golden voice in Chandni Raatein. In the end, on this glorious Friday, Christmas Day, and Quaid-e-Azam’s birthday, I hope and wish all of you success in whatever you want – even if it is wanting to know what to watch this weekend (don’t worry, we have you covered). And if you’re going to spend your time with the T.V. on while stalking people on Instagram, Fahad’s tech review this week is on how to keep your phone hack-proof (I’m hoping the next one is how to successfully hack into someone’s phone without them knowing).
We are off tomorrow, but see you Sunday!
Current Baba’s Prediction
Do you remember kis tarha bachpan mien you used to believe in Santa Claus? Chalen abhi nahi kartay tou kya hua? But make a wish or if you already have one tou I’m sure aaj something good will happen to you!
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‘Bigg Boss’ winner Gauahar Khan chooses Pakistani designer for nikkah ceremony
Bollywood actor and Big Boss winner Gauahar Khan tied the knot on Friday in Mumbai an intimate nikkah ceremony. For her big day, Khan donned a beautiful ivory and gold ensemble by Saira Shakira. Her groom Zaid Darbar’s sherwani was also from the same fashion label.
Sharing pictures from the nikkah on social media, Khan wrote: “Qubool Hai.”
The actor also thanked Saira Shakira and Laam for the customized “dream nikkah” outfit.
Gauahar accesorized her outfit with kundan jewellery and completed her look with clean makeup and a bright, red lip.
An adorable video of Khan giving her husband Zaid final touches before the ceremony has gone viral on social media.
The couple had first announced their wedding news on social media when Khan had posted pictures with the caption: “It gives us immense joy to announce that we are tying the knot and embarking on a journey of forever.”
Talking about their love story, Gauahar recently shared that there was no courtship period. “I met him, we hit it off and he didn’t think he would propose to someone, marriage was not on his mind. When he asked me, it wasn’t planned. It was in a flow and after meeting me, in literally over a month, he proposed to me. There were no second thoughts.”
While their nikkah was a low-key affair, their reception was a grand one with several notable personalities present including Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Manish Malhotra. Khan even donned a bold gold and maroon Manish Malhotra lehenga for the reception. Zaid complemented her in a black and gold sherwani paired with a matching shawl.
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ہنس کیوں رہی ہو؟
مجھے یاد ہے میرے بچپن سے ہی میرے ماں باپ پریشان تھے کے اتنی لا ابالی سی لڑکی، اتنی ہنستی مسکراتی لڑکی اگر لڑکوں میں پڑھی ، تو بڑا مسئلہ ہو جائے گا۔ میری ہنسی کی آواز بچپن سے ہی کم کروانے کی کوشش کی گئی تھی ۔ لیکن میرا مسئلہ ہی یہ تھا کہ مجھے ہنسی آتی ہی بہت تھی، آخر کہاں تک کنٹرول کر پاتی ۔ میرے قہقے سکول میں کافی مشہور ہوگئے ۔ کافی بار ٹیچرز نے بھی کہہ ڈالا کہ ” لڑکیاں اس طرح نہیں ہنستی ” اس وقت تو میں نے دھیان نہیں دیا کیونکہ بچپن تھا ، زندگی مست تھی ۔ لیکن بڑی ہوتی گئی تو احساس ہوا کہ لڑکیاں اس طرح ہنسیں، یا اس طرح ، لڑکیوں کا ہنسنا کسی طور بھی ٹھیک نہیں۔ میری ہنسی کے پیشِ نظر مجھے آل گرلز کالج میں بھیجا گیا ۔ مقصد یہی تھا کہ کہیں میری شوخ و چنچل طبیعت اور ہنسی کی وجہ سے کوئی مسئلہ نہ ہو جائے۔
پہلے تو مجھے اپنے والدین پر حیرانگی ہوئی تھی لیکن پھر احساس ہوا کہ او ہو ! میری ہنسی یا مسکراہٹ کا تو کچھ اور ہی مطلب نکل آتا ہے۔ میری طرح اور بھی خواتین اس بات سے متفق ہونگی کہ ہمارے ہنسنے پر پورا کمرہ، پورا محلۤہ بلکہ پوری کائنات الرٹ ہو جاتی ہے۔ کہ آخر یہ ہنس کیوں رہی ہے ؟ کبھی کبھی یوں ہی بیٹھے ہوئے چہرے پر مسکراہٹ آجائے تو گھر والے اور رشتہ دار پوچھ بیٹھتے ہیں ” کیا بات ہے ” ، کس کے بارے میں سوچ رہی ہو۔ اتنا مسکرا کیوں رہی ہو؟” بے شک آپ اس وقت دال چاول کے بارے میں ہی سوچ رہے ہوں ، وہ کچھ اور ہی سوچیں گے ۔ والدین کو بتا کر بھی کسی دوست سے فون پر بات کرتے ہوئے ہنسی نکل جائے تو والدین فوراَ پوچھتے ہیں ” اتنا ہنس کیوں رہی ہو؟”
جب کالج میں قدم رکھے ،تو لڑکیاں ہی نظر آئیں آس پاس ۔ تب کالج کے کوریڈور میں میں نے قہقہ مارا تو میری بہت ہی پسندیدہ ٹیچر نے میری کلاس لی کہ یہ کوریڈور میں ایسے کیوں ہنس رہی ہو؟
جب سہیلیوں کے ساتھ باہر جانے کی اجازت ملی تو ہنستے ہوئے کئی بار احساس ہوا کہ لوگوں کی نظریں مجھ پر ٹک جاتی ہیں۔ والدین کی سختی کی وجہ سے میری زندگی میں میک اپ کافی دیر میں آیا اس لیے اور بھی حیرت ہوتی تھی کہ میرے چہرے پہ کیا ہے جو اتنا غور ہو رہا ہے ؟ پھر وقت کے ساتھ احساس ہوا کہ او ہو ! لوگ خاص کر کے مرد حضرات کو یہ لگتا ہے کہ ہنستی ہوئی لڑکی ان کی توجہ چاہتی ہے ۔ اور زیادہ تر مرد حضرات “ہنسی تو پھنسی ” کو اپنے دین کا حصۤہ سمجھتے ہیں ۔ لڑکی کو بے شک اپنے آپ پر ہی ہنسی آ رہی ہو ، وہ یہی سوچ لیتے ہیں کہ یہ ہنسی ہمارے لیے ہی ہے۔
کالج کے بعد رشتوں کا مرحلہ شروع ہوا ۔ والدہ نے ایک بار کہا “بیٹا زیادہ ہنسنا نہیں ” ۔ تو میں بڑی مشکل سے منہ بسور کے بیٹھ گئی ۔ پھر اگلی بار کہا ” بیٹا تھوڑا ہنس ہی لیا کرو” ۔ تو جب میں نے ہنس کے دکھا دیا تو سب گھورنے لگ گئے کہ یہ ہنس کیوں رہی ہے ؟ اگر کوئی لڑکی رشتہ ہونے پر خوش ہو جائے اور منگنی پر خدا نا خواستہ ہنس پڑے تو سب صدمے کی حالت میں بول پڑتے ہیں ” یہ اتنا کیوں ہنس رہی ہے؟” کوئی لڑکی شادی پر ہنس پڑے ،تو بھی یہی سوال ہوتا ہے کہ “یہ ہنس کیوں رہی ہے؟”
ہاں جی لڑکیاں ہنستی ہیں ۔ ہم لڑکیوں کو ہنسنا اچھا لگتا ہے ۔ہم اپنے لیے ہنستی ہیں ۔ ہم کھل کے قہقے لگاتی ہیں ۔ کبھی ہم کو بھولی بھٹکی یاد پر ہنستی ہیں ، کبھی کسی کی بات پر ۔ کبھی اپنی کسی بیوقوفی پر ہنستی ہیں ، اور کبھی اپنی کسی کامیابی پر ۔ کبھی کسی تلخ حقیقت کو چھپانے کے لیے ہنستی ہیں اور کبھی آنسئوو کو۔ لیکن اگر نہیں ہنستی تو آپ کے لیے نہیں ہنستی ۔ جی آپ جو ایک ہنستی ہوئی لڑکی کو برداشت نہیں کر پاتے ۔ جی آپ، جو ایک ہنستی ہوئی لڑکی کر بارے میں طرح طرح کے خیال بنا لیتے ہیں ۔ جی آپ ، جن کے لیے لڑکی کا ہنسنا عزت بے عزتی کا مسئلہ بن جاتا ہے ۔ جی آپ یہ اطمینان کر لیں کہ لڑکی اگر ہنستی ہے، تو اپنے لیے ۔ صرف اور صرف اپنی ذات کے لیے ۔ آپ کے لیے نہیں ۔ تو اسے ہنسنے دیں ، خوش رہنے دیں ۔ کچھ نہیں کر سکتے تو اپنی نظر ہٹا لیں تاکہ آپ کو مسلئہ نہ ہو۔۔۔
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Maryam says over 95 per cent PML-N lawmakers have submitted resignations to her
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz has said that out of 160 Punjab lawmakers, 159 MPAs have submitted their resignations to the party leadership in line with the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) strategy to ramp up pressure on the government.
Speaking to reporters ahead of her visit to Sindh to participate in a rally organised by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to mark Benazir Bhutto’s death anniversary, Maryam said the deadline given to the lawmakers to turn in their resignations was Dec 31.
She said the only provincial lawmaker who hasn’t submitted her resignation letter is currently battling for her life after she was put on a ventilator.
Speaking about the National Assembly members, she said over 95 per cent MNAs have sent in their resignations to her. According to Maryam, the lawmakers will submit their resignations till 31st to the party leadership and the PDM will subsequently decide when to send them to the respective speakers.
Maryam said the lawmakers will not defy the party line, as they know that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has “no future”. She added that attempt to damage the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) also backfired because people have become politically aware.
Speaking about her uncle and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, the de-facto PML-N chief said that Shehbaz has always been loyal to his brother Nawaz Sharif. Shehbaz would have been the prime minister of the country instead of “incompetent” Imran Khan had he betrayed his brother at the behest of the powers-that-be, said Maryam.
Maryam also rubbished the reports of any potential “grand dialogue” between the government and the opposition. She said there will be no talks with the government and Imran Khan will have to go home.
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120-year-old chocolate found in poet’s personal belongings
A 120-year-old box of chocolate has been found from the personal collection of the late poet and journalist A.B. ‘Banjo’ Paterson by the staff at the National Library of Australia (NLA).
Conservators at the NLA unearthed the sweet treats in a souvenir chocolate tin that was given to soldiers by Queen Victoria during the Boer War.
The discovery was made by the library staff while unpacking the contents of the poet who wrote Waltzing Matilda and The Man from Snowy River. The purpose of unpacking the box that has the poet’s papers was to digitize the contents and make them available online.
According to the National Library of Australia (NLA), the souvenir tin was commissioned by Queen Victoria and sent to South Africa during the Boer War as a gift to troops serving on the front.
It is believed that the poet had brought the chocolates from a soldier while serving as a war correspondent in South Africa for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age for nearly a year starting in October 1899 before returning to Australia.
The NLA conservator told that there was quite an interesting smell when they were unpacked.
Paterson’s papers were passed on by his family after his death in 1941. However, the poet never referenced the chocolate bar in his writing.
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Yasra Rizvi hits back at critics of ‘Dunk’, ‘Churails’
Yasra Rizvi has hit back at critics of her latest projects Dunk and Churails. She also responded to those who are criticising her character, Jugnu Chaudhary, from Churails.
In a social media post, Yasra wrote: “Many saw Jugnu as a drunkard druggie who was selling be-hayai in the name of women empowerment and many think Saira will cause serious negative repercussions for harassment victims because she is a character in a story about false allegations.”
Read more – Who banned ‘Churails’?
“No one really knows who I am and what I do every day, how I work, what I truly believe in, many haven’t watched Churails or will not watch all the 20 something episodes of Dunk,” she continued.
“Many don’t know anything about my body of work and its detail to really understand what is it that I even stand for BUT everyone gets to talk because I am out there doing my thing so talk away,” remarked Rizvi.
Rizvi has done a number of dramas on television along with web series Churails and Ayesha. Senti Aur Mental is her upcoming Lollywood comedy film debut. The film is directed, written and cast by herself along with Zain Afzal, and Yousaf Bashir Qureshi as a lead cast. Initially, the film was set to release in 2020 but was stalled due to COVID.
Her latest project Dunk which has been produced by Fahad Mustafa has come under fire after Mustafa stated that the drama “is a tribute to every victim who has been falsely accused of sexual harassment”.
Beside Rizvi, Dunk also features Bilal Abbas Khan, Sana Javed, Shahood Alvi, Fahad Sheikh, Tara Mahmood, Saifi Hassan, Salma Hassan, Kanwal Khan, Noman Ejaz, and Azekah Daniel. It has been written by Mohsin Ali Shah and directed by Badar Mehmood.
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Journalist Saleem Safi claims Zardari, Bilawal are becoming ‘taabedar’
Senior journalist Saleem Safi has accused Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leadership, especially Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and father Asif Ali Zardari, of trying to reach a deal with the establishment.
Responding to the statement of Murtaza Wahab — the spokesperson to the Sindh CM — that Sindh IG Mushtaq Mahar was not kidnapped, Safi said such statements by the PPP leadership gave away its alleged secret dealings with the government and the powers-that-be. It also shows that they are on their way to becoming “taabedar”.
Alluding to the statement, he asked is there still any doubt left regarding the duplicity of the PPP in the anti-government alliance? According to the journalist, the PPP will oppose the mass resignations and long march in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) meeting on Jan 2 and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will likely endorse the PPP.
Safi claimed that the meeting of the government spokesperson held earlier this week also decided to “go easy on the PPP”. The government has decided to target Maulana Fazlur Rahman and his party, he said, adding that a strategy has been finalised in this regard. He claimed that decision to be lenient to the PPP speaks volume about the secret talks.
Safi also accused Bilawal and Zardari of becoming “tabedaar (obedient)” and said that Maulana should clear things up with the PPP and PML-N leadership before it’s too late.
The word ‘taabedar’ was first used by Maryam Nawaz as she used it to refer to Prime Minister Imran Khan for being “obedient to his selectors”.