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  • Meesha Shafi’s rendition of ‘Boom Boom’ gets a thumbs up from Zoheb Hassan

    Meesha Shafi’s rendition of Nazia Hassan’s iconic Boom Boom created waves across the country and had everyone grooving to the tune and remembering the late pop queen. The latest person to appreciate the rendition is Hassan’s own brother, Zoheb Hassan.

    In a message posted to social media, Zoheb lauded Meesha’s tribute to his sister as well as the song’s producer Bilal Maqsood.

    Responding to his message, Meesha said: “Of all the love and appreciation pouring in from all over the world, nothing can match the emotional value of this acknowledgement.”

    “This means the absolute world to me and all those who worked on this tribute.”

    “Millions of Nazia Hassan and Nazia-Zoheb fans continue celebrating their undying love for an iconic legend today just as passionately as they did decades ago,” she added.

    Boom Boom was released as part of the Velo Sound Station produced by Bilal Maqsood and co-directed by Bilal and Yasir Jaswal.

    Shafi, known for her powerful vocals and edgy style performed a dance club cover of Nazia’s 1982 pop hit. Her powerful voice with outstanding control and projection is heard reciting these evocative lyrics as the words waft down cloud-like on the oversize LED screen: “Can you feel this force, this sweet design. How our minds are together, how we are so aligned. Felt the hush in the world. The only sound I heard was the way you made my heart go Boom Boom.”

  • President okays anti-rape law for speedy trials, harsher sentences

    President okays anti-rape law for speedy trials, harsher sentences

    President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday approved Anti-Rape Ordinance 2020, under which special courts will be set up across the country to expedite trials of rape cases on a priority basis and award harsher sentences, such as chemical castration.

    The special courts will dispose of the rape cases within four months, as per the ordinance that also abolishes the ‘two fingers’ virginity test in the rape cases.

    The ordinance also suggests setting up of anti-rape crisis cells under the supervision of the prime minister, which will be authorised to conduct medico-legal examination within six hours of the incident.

    A record will be prepared at the national level with help of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to register the perpetrators of sexual abuse. The ordinance prohibits revealing of the identity of rape victims, making it a punishable offence.

    Police and government officials who show negligence in investigating the cases would be jailed for three years along with the imposition of fines. Additionally, police and government officials who provide false information would also be punished.

    On Nov 7, the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases had approved two ordinances to introduce harsher punishments, including chemical castration, for sex offenders.

    According to a statement issued by the law ministry at the time, the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Ordinance, 2020 and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 would introduce the concept of chemical castration mainly as a “form of rehabilitation”.

    Responding to the new ordinances after their approval by the cabinet in November, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman had expressed her displeasure over lowering the statutory age for rape to 13 from 16.

    “The age of alleged ‘consent’ has been moved to 13 from 16 in the new ordinance, which is terrible,” commented the lawmaker. “How will an adolescent be responsible for ‘consent’. This makes younger children even more vulnerable.”

  • Teachers should receive vaccine priority: UNICEF

    Teachers should receive vaccine priority: UNICEF

    The head of the UN children’s agency, UNICEF, has said that teachers should be among those given priority access to the COVID-19 vaccines.

    “The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on children’s education around the globe. Vaccinating teachers is a critical step towards putting it back on track,” Unicef chief Henrietta Fore said in a statement.

    Teachers should be “prioritised to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, once frontline health personnel and high-risk populations are vaccinated,” she said.

    “This will help protect teachers from the virus, allow them to teach in person and ultimately keep schools open.”

    According to UNICEF, at the peak of the first wave of the pandemic at the end of April, “school closures disturbed the learning of almost 90% of students worldwide.”

    Assuming that schools are not the main driver of community transmission, Unicef said in its statement that unfortunately, classes currently remain closed for “nearly one in five schoolchildren globally — or 320 million children.”

    We must “do everything in our power to safeguard the future of the next generation. This begins by safeguarding those responsible for opening that future up for them,” Fore said.

    “The consequences of extended, missed or impaired education are steep, especially for the most marginalized. The longer children remain out of school, the less likely they are to return, and the more difficult it is for their parents to resume work,” she said.

  • Police give clean chit to Babar Azam in harassment case

    Police give clean chit to Babar Azam in harassment case

    Police have given a clean chit to Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam in the harassment case against him.

    According to reports, Additional Sessions Judge Nauman Naeem had taken up the petition of a woman, namely Hameeza Mukhtar, against the Pakistani skipper.

    During the proceedings, the counsel of the petitioner sought time to submit documents in the court and said that the entire case was based on medical reports.

    Azam’s counsel, Barrister Harris Azmat, while requesting the court to reject the petitioner’s plea, said that Azam was a national cricketer and hero, adding that Hameeza had started blackmailing the national cricket team captain in 2016 whereas the police had cleared him in an investigation.

    Police also submitted an investigation report in the court, as per which the national cricketer was found innocent and the woman was levelling baseless allegations.

    “The court should reject the petitioner’s plea,” he said.

    Barrister Azmat said that Azam’s case was being covered by Indian media and the woman may have targeted the national cricketer once again at the behest of someone.

    The court adjourned the case after summoning petitioner Hameeza Mukhtar’s counsel on December 15 (today) for final arguments.

  • Top economist wants govt to make Maulana Tariq Jamil chief of FBR

    Top economist wants govt to make Maulana Tariq Jamil chief of FBR

    If honesty is the sole criterion for the appointment of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) head then the government should request cleric Maulana Tariq Jamil to head the tax watchdog, said top economist Dr Ikramul Haq while criticising the government’s tax policies.

    In an Express News show, the economist said the use of technology and enforcement of laws were important to achieve tax targets.

    “If tax collection can be increased through honesty alone, we should request Maulana Tariq Jamil to head the FBR,” the economist said, alluding to the remarks made by Imran Khan before the 2018 elections that an “honest leadership” could convince people to pay taxes and become a tax-compliant nation.

    He also urged the government to relax the definition of non-resident person to one year to facilitate those who were stuck in the country due to Covid-19.

    Haq was of the view that the government should make a general rule to facilitate the people instead of waiting for them to individually plead their cases regarding overstay due to the pandemic as scores of non-resident persons have accidentally become Pakistani residents.

    According to the economist, the FBR should send tax returns to the people to measure the response. According to the TV show, at least 72 per cent of people didn’t file tax returns: 4.7million out of the total 6.5m.

  • Pakistan women cricket team to tour South Africa in January

    Pakistan women cricket team to tour South Africa in January

    The Pakistan women’s national cricket team is expected to tour South Africa next month. As per details, the team will play three ODIs and three T20Is during the tour in Durban and Pietermaritzburg from 20 January to 3 February.

    This series has been organised to prepare the team for ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier to be held in July 2021.

    Women’s chief selector and head of the women’s cricket, Urooj Mumtaz, in a statement, said: “I am delighted that Cricket South Africa have agreed to host us for a full tour despite having already qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022. This is yet another indicator and reflection of our relationship with the member boards who are willing to help and support each other in any possible way.”

    She added: “South Africa is ranked above us, both in the ODI and T20I formats and, as such, I am sure this series will go a long way in not only assisting us to further improve our standards but also prepare for June’s ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2021 as we aim to finish in the top three and progress to the event proper in early 2022 in New Zealand.”

    While the final squad for the tour is expected to be announced on Thursday, 31 December 2020, 27 probables for the tour include Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Ayesha Zafar, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana Khan, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Javeria Rauf, Kainat Imtiaz, Kaynat Hafeez, Maham Tariq, Muneeba Ali, Nahida Khan, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Saba Nazir, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz and Syeda Aroob Shah.

    The above mentioned 27 players have been invited by the women’s national selection committee for a training and preparation camp, which will be held at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi from 20 December.

    Read more – Women cricketers travel to Karachi ‘in bags’

    Tour schedule:

    11 Jan – Departure for Durban

    13-19 Jan – Training, practice and intra-squad matches, Durban

    20 Jan – 1st ODI (d/n), Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

    23 Jan – 2nd ODI (d), Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

    26 Jan – 3rd ODI (d), Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg

    29 Jan – 1st T20I (d), Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg

    31 Jan – 2nd T20I (d), Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg

    3 Feb – 3rd T20I (d/n), Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

  • Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Sarwat Gillani, Bilal Abbas among Asia’s Top 50 celebrities of 2020

    Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Sarwat Gillani, Bilal Abbas among Asia’s Top 50 celebrities of 2020

    Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Sarwat Gilani and Bilal Abbas and Ali Zafar have been listed in Eastern Eye’s Top 50 Asian Celebrities of the World in 2020.

    According to the publication’s website, “The list is based on those who did good work, made a positive impact, broke boundaries, shattered glass ceilings, gave hope, did philanthropic deeds or were just inspiring in their own unique way.”

    The highest Pakistani on the list was Sarwat Gilani on number 21 beating the likes of Salman Khan and Pankaj Das.

    “The Pakistani actress headed the cast list of the best new South Asian serial of the year, Churails, which exploded onto the scene and destroyed all existing rule books,” wrote the publication about the actor. “With the electrifying drama, she opened the door for a new era of TV content in Pakistan box and consolidated her position as a feminist icon.”

    Read more – Did you know Sarwat Gilani has royal roots?

    Bilal Abbas Khan was number 28 on the list and was acknowledged for his work in Eik Jhooti Love Story and Pyar Ke Sadqay.

    “The fastest rising acting star in Pakistan continued reaching new heights in 2020. The unstoppable actor started the year with HUM TV series Pyar Ke Sadqay and ended it with ZEE5 sleeper hit Eik Jhooti Love Story. With some more high-profile projects on the way, Khan looks like the future of Pakistani film and television,” wrote Eastern Eye about the heartthrob.

    On number 39 was actor and singer Ali Zafar.

    “The Pakistani singer, actor, musician and humanitarian saved the Pakistani cricket league this year by giving them a better anthem than they had. He also promoted new talent with his record label. More meaningful was the immense humanitarian work the actor did for those who were suffering during Covid-19. His actions inspired others and consolidated his star credentials,” said the publication about Zafar.

    Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at number 49 was the only director included in the list.

    “The only director in the list once again used her platform to raise awareness about social issues, nurture new talent and gain international attention for her work. A big highlight was the stunning animated short Sitara: Let Girls Dream, which premiered earlier this year. The Oscar winner was also signed up to direct superhero series Ms Marvel.”

    Meanwhile, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood topped the list because of his relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

    “No celebrity did more to help others during lockdown than the big-hearted Bollywood star,” said Eastern Eye. “What started off with him helping impoverished migrant workers stranded by lockdown get back home evolved into a spectacularly philanthropic mission that made a difference to so many during the pandemic.”

    “Whether it was paying for surgery, setting up a scholarship, campaigning for women’s rights, or buying a new tractor for a farmer, so his daughters could study and not plough a field, super Sonu helped in any way he could in 2020. He became a strong symbol of hope during a crushing year where it was needed more than ever and that is why he is named as the greatest Asian celebrity in the world for 2020,” it added.

    The star-studded list also included major names like Anushka Sharma, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Zayn Malik.

  • Newsletter – 14th December 2020, Monday

    Newsletter – 14th December 2020, Monday









    *|MC:SUBJECT|*

    Good morning subscriber. Today is Monday, 14th December and the world is celebrating Monkey Day! Do you know that monkeys in Burma sneeze uncontrollably whenever it rains? Weird right! Aj the weather will be cold and sunny in most cities and no rain is expected. So, maybe the monkeys can come here.

    Morning Meme

    PDM to march to the capital with resignations

    Did you attend the Lahore Jalsa last night? The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has announced a long march to Islamabad, by late January or early February. Fazlur Rehman said that all Opposition parties will take their resignations with them.

    Commenting on PDM’s power show, Federal Information Minster Shibli Faraz said that the Opposition could hardly gather 10 thousand to 15 thousand people as against their tall claims. According to police sources, around 8,500 people participated in the Lahore rally at Minar-e-Pakistan. 

    A lion attending PML-N rally

    The Punjab Wildlife Department has rescued a lion that was being manhandled by supporters during Maryam Nawaz’s rally in Lahore. A viral video of the lion on social media sparked outrage among netizens who demanded the government to take action against those involved in harassing the animal. ‘A young lion, a wild animal, a living being reduced to a toy by supporters.,’ one person tweeted. 

    The good news is that the lion has been shifted to the zoo while the Wildlife Department has initiated legal action against five persons who were involved. That is why for yesterday’s jalsa in Lahore, the PML-N especially instructed their supporters not to bring any animal.

    Read on

    Free ticket for a passenger accompanying a coffin of a loved one

    A new Pakistani airline, AirSial, will be providing free of cost traveling to a passenger accompanying a coffin of a loved one. It has become the first airline to take this step, as others only provide free transport of the coffin. Last week, PM Khan inaugurated AirSial in Sialkot, while designer Nomi Ansari announced that he will be designing the uniform of the crew members.

    Read on

    Ayeza Khan family vacay pictures

    Power couple Ayeza Khan and Danish Taimoor are currently enjoying vacations abroad with their daughter Hoorain Taimoor and son Rayan Taimoor. While it is not clear where the family is vacationing, the actors have been sharing romantic pictures from their trip on social media, which is turning up the heat. Check them out!

    Read on

    Current Baba’s prediction

    It’s almost mid of December aur new year bilkul sarr par hai, is sab main you are done with almost all your peechlay saal kay kaam. But tonight out of nowhere your friend will call you up to remind you that ‘tumnay meray 20rs udharr denay hain abi’

    HEY, WAIT A SECOND PLEASE. 
     
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  • ‘Mujhe shaadi par koi nahi bulata,’ says Hira Mani

    ‘Mujhe shaadi par koi nahi bulata,’ says Hira Mani

    Hira Mani has expressed her disappointment with Iqra Aziz, Sarah Khan, Sajal Aly and Mira Sethi for not inviting her to their weddings.

    In a recent interview with actor and host Mira, Hira said that Pakistani celebrities don’t invite her to their weddings. Naming all those who didn’t invite her, Hira remarked that her colleagues don’t invite her because they don’t consider her as their friend.

    Pointing her guns at the host, Hira said, “You didn’t invite me to your wedding, Sajal didn’t invite me to her wedding, Sarah [Khan] did the same and Iqra also didn’t invite me.”

    “I don’t know why I am not being invited to weddings? Maybe I am not their friend,” said the actor.

    Sethi right away apologised to Hira and said that she had invited people via WhatsApp, and people who were on her contact list got the invitation.

    “Please forgive me, I forgot to invite you to my wedding because I cannot even say that I will invite you next time,” said Mira.

    In reply to this, Hira said, “Don’t worry, I will invite everyone to Muzammil’s (Hira’s sons) wedding.”

  • Miftah blasts PTI senator over allegations of NRO

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Miftah Ismail lashed out at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Faisal Javed after the latter accused him of seeking an NRO [national reconciliation ordinance].

    Miftah, who appeared on Geo’s Naya Pakistan show alongside Senator Javed and Hamid Mir to discuss the Lahore jalsa, took exception to the remarks made by the PTI senator.

    “Miftah sent a message to late PTI leader Naeemul Haq through his brother Maqsood Iqbal for an NRO,” said Senator Javed in response to Miftah Ismail, who challenged him to reveal the names of people seeking NRO from the government.

    At this, Miftah asked why would he seek NRO? Senator Javed responded that he wanted graft cases against quashed that’s why he asked his brother to approach the PTI leader for relief.

    “You should feel ashamed for lying,” said a visibly incensed Miftah, going to call the PTI senator ‘shameless’. “Tell me who sought the NRO; if you are a son of your father then tell me who asked for an NRO,” Miftah lashed out, asking for proof.

    “Entire Pakistan knows that Miftah Ismail is an honourable man,” said the PML-N leader, adding that he doesn’t live off of the back of others.

    At this, Senator Javed said Naeemul Haq has passed away else he would have given proof.

    The government ministers, including PM Imran Khan, have accused the opposition of seeking NRO — a charge the opposition denies.