Category: Uncategorized

  • Nawaz ready to support COAS’s extension legislation, but has conditions: report

    Former prime minister (PM) has agreed to lend support for the legislation in army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s extension matter, but with a condition, The Express Tribune reported.

    According to the details, former premier is flexible to supporting the Pakistan Tehreeke Insaf (PTI) government legislation to fix the army chief’s tenure but has reservations on giving a legal cover to giving extension to an army chief.

    The government reportedly before filing a review petition against the Supreme Court’s verdict in Gen Bajwa’s extension case tried to gain support of the opposition parties, including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), for required legislation.

    “The government had approached us through intermediaries”, reports quoted unknown officials from two opposition parties belonging to the PPP and the PML-N.

    But after failing to gather ‘desirable support’ from them, the government after nearly a month decided to file review petition in the apex court.

    Reports also reveal that a senior legal advisor of the PML-N has said that most party lawmakers believe that by supporting the ruling government on the extension issue could potentially harm the party’s own narrative which it has adopted since the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif as PM on July 28, 2017.

    He furhter alleged that the government stage-managed the arrest of PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal and denied Maryam Nawaz permission to fly abroad to London after its failure to bend the PML-N and secure ‘unconditional support’ for the extension legislation.

    On the other hand, the PPP has reportedly set certain preconditions for supporting the legislation, which include proposed legislation on the NAB [National Accountability Bureau] law, the appointment of chief election commissioner, and elections reforms.

    On November 28, the Supreme Court had allowed the federal government to grant a six-month conditional extension to Chief of Army Staff (COAS). SC also directed the government to bring necessary legislation within six months’ time.

  • Another copyright violation for Coke Studio Season 12

    Another copyright violation for Coke Studio Season 12

    Ever since Coke Studio began in 2008, it has had its fair share of highs and low. After a disastrous Season 11, the music platform brought back Rohail Hyatt for the 12th season. Unfortunately, Season 12 didn’t impress audiences either and it hasn’t been a smooth sailing considering three of its songs have been taken down for copyright infringement.

    According to latest reports, the studio has been taken to court over the track Mundeya, sung by Ali Sethi and Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch. The song has also been struck down due to a copyright violation claim. The studio says that the song, also featured in the film Mukhra, was a tribute to its original singers: Madam Noor Jehan and Nadeem.

    The ownership of the song’s censorship certificate originally belonged to Muhammad Sadiq. After his death, the ownership was passed down to his son Muhammad Saleem, who is now taking Coke Studio to court for copyright violation.

    Saleem claims that Coke Studio did not seek any permission before remixing the song. Hence the studio has been directed to stop airing the song.

    Previously, Abrarul Haq’s Billo, Rachel Viccaji and Shuja Haider’s Saiyaan and Sanam Marvi’s Hairaan Hua were taken down for copyright infringement.

  • ‘Kahin Deep Jalay’ is terribly typical but full of masala

    ‘Kahin Deep Jalay’ is terribly typical but full of masala

    Neelam Muneer and Imran Ashraf’s Kahin Deep Jalay is halfway through and though the drama is problematic at points and follows the typical nand-bhabi jealousy, it is still a fun, masalaydaar watch and works.

    Written by Qaisra Hayat and directed by Saima Waseem, Kahin Deep Jalay is centred on Rida, played by Neelam Muneer, who is the only sister of three brothers. Her brothers and mother, played by Saba Faisal, dot on her and pamper her to no extent. Despite that she is not a spoiled brat. Rida’s brother Fahaam is married to their Khala’s daughter Shamila, played by Nazish Jahangir, who is the main antagonist in the plot. Shamila bhabhi is a materialistic woman and is super jealous of Rida because of the love and attention she receives from her brothers. Let’s just say her middle name is ‘troublemaker’.

    On the other hand, we have the humble Zeeshan, played by Imran Ashraf, an ordinary guy from a middle-class background. He sees Rida at her brother’s wedding and falls head over heels in love with her. Eventually Rida and Zeeshan get married and begin their new life together. The latest episode shows the beginning of their new life and sets the grounds for the troubles that are to come.

    While the plot is typical, the heavy dose of masala and dramatic dialogues coupled with superb acting make it a fun and entertaining watch. The drama is perfect for those times when you feel like watching something that doesn’t require too much attention or brain cells.

    All the lead actors have performed brilliantly and Imran particularly has slipped into his character of a romantic hero with ease. His expressions and the way he shies away everytime he sees Rida are brilliant. Nazish as the spiteful and vengeful Shamila bhabhi is also great – you cannot help but hate her character.

    Fahaam bhai and Shamila bhabi

    Meray Paas Tum Ho may be the drama everyone is talking about these days, but Kahin Deep Jalay is not too far behind either – the drama is usually trending at number four or five on Youtube and has a couple of millions views on each episode. If you’re the sort of person who likes their dramas to be extra, slightly Star-plussy (I just made up that word) and full of masala, you’ll definitely enjoy Kahin Deep Jalay.

    It airs every Thursday at 8pm on Geo Entertainment.

  • Another ‘leaked’ video is here and this time it involves Wasim Akram

    Another ‘leaked’ video is here and this time it involves Wasim Akram

    Looks liked ‘leaked videos’ are the latest marketing trend in town.

    Late Thursday night, a video of Wasim Akram speaking about change and ragra went viral on social media and became the number one trend in Pakistan.

    In the video, the former captain can be heard saying ‘’Soch badalne k liay tareekay badalne partay hain. Thori soch badalni parti hai.”

    When the other person in the video commented, “Yeh ragray khatay rahen gay“, Wasim remarked, “Samajh nahi aati, baatein bari bari aur performance zero.”

    Wasim’s words become inaudible following that and when the other person asks him to explain further, he chuckles, “Abhi bataoon ga, abhi dekhtay hain na kya hota hai.”

    Things took a turn when Shoaib Akhtar tweeted in support of the leaked video.

    People had questions.

    https://twitter.com/Shujaatsays/status/1210251528923156486?s=20

    Some people thought he was referring to the current situation of Pakistan’s cricket team.

    While others thought it was an advertisement for the washing powder Akram endorses.

    But most people were of the consensus that the acting was not very convincing.

    https://twitter.com/ablmir2/status/1210255294070218757?s=20

    While netizens were debating over what exactly the deal was, Wasim took to social media to request his fans to not share the video and that he will hold a press conference tomorrow at 8:50 pm to answer all questions.

    https://www.facebook.com/wasimakramliveofficial/posts/2766331500076957?__xts__[0]=68.ARCIu-wqwQdhW9Hkuq6pzVG4dXSWG3pvvnnoiDgBx899vu1-wUApBiv7B0Nx5FHHWvxIpBcQypp8xImRs6lFUySyFKcEIWLPlFjarj8tP_XzIPNfAXV56tIuOPuktHh4FO8dSeh1AJbHOdUqEjgu5o-MRVhl1yRe7ZhYjdAHMeOxTuqXLdMpDy7si6P3nwCK02HKg-Pm1ywhQy1ZQLlpjNAImc26Rq6FIZynC-_KK-FXpnYDqAWNfn_fXVYyx18oHn661mbOx0896pbW3pw37W0C261oaKsy7xi_Y_sXYe9iHBvQotY_Lr5AGX_t33ZCK-kr7jtcnLCeZ9NunSuvBQ&__tn__=-R
  • IN PICTURES: Iqra and Yasir’s colourful mehndi

    IN PICTURES: Iqra and Yasir’s colourful mehndi

    Though Yasir Hussain and Iqra Aziz had a full-blown public proposal, their wedding events have been pretty low-key in comparison. The couple’s wedding festivities began with a bright, yellow mayun followed by an intimate mehndi. The nikkah is on December 28, according to a card shared by the two on their social media.

    Here is the radiant couple on their mehndi

    Their pictures are full of love

    Iqra looked lovely in a pale, yellow outfit by Faiza Saqlain

    Yasir was the ultimate cool cat in a plain, white shalwar kameez paired with a bottle-green velvet shawl

    The couple did not shy away from enjoying their mehndi and took to the dance floor to express their happiness

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6i_J9ZFnb8/

    All of the couple’s celebrity friends were in attendance including Nomi Ansari, Zara Noor Abbas, Asad Siddiqui, Hania Aamir, Asim Azhar, Muneeb Butt, Aiman Khan, Minal Khan, Gohar Rasheed, Kubra Khan and Saheefa Jabbar Khattak. They all made sure it was a night to remember.

    There were qulfis also!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6i_X-LlD4Z/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6i-OyNFnk1/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6i9pJwF05b/

    Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly also made an appearance

    Rounding off the night with a grand selfie

    Picture credits – SS Photography by Saba Sahar

  • Danish Kaneria faced ‘discrimination’ for being a Hindu: Akhtar

    Former cricketing star Shoaib Akhtar has claimed that his teammate Danish Kaneria faced discrimination at the hands of a few Pakistani cricketers, who were reluctant to even eat with him because he is a Hindu.

    According to The News, Kaneria, who is only the second Hindu to play for Pakistan after his maternal uncle Anil Dalpat, took 261 wickets in 61 Tests at an average of 34.79, and also played 18 ODIs.

    Akhtar made the revelation during a show ‘Game on Hai‘ aired on PTV Sports, foreign media reported on Thursday. “In my career I fought with two three (in the team) when they started talking on regionalism. Things like ‘who is from Karachi, Punjab or Peshawar’, that used to infuriate.

    “So what if someone is a Hindu, he is doing well for the team. They used to say ‘sir ye yaaha se khaana kaise le raha ha‘ (how is he taking food from this place)?’” said the 44-year-old, who played 46 Tests and 163 ODIs. “The same Hindu won the Test for us against England. If he is taking a bagful of wickets for Pakistan, he should play. We could not have won the series without Kaneria’s effort. But not many gave him credit for that,” said Akhtar.

    When contacted, Kaneria supported Akhtar’s claims.

    “Shoaib has been a legend of the game. His words are also as blunt as his bowling. When I was playing I did not have the courage to speak on these matters but after Shoaib bhai’s comments, I do. He has always supported me and also Inzy bhai (Inzaman-ul-Haq), Mohammad Yusuf and Younis bhai (Younish bhai),” Kaneria told a news agency over phone from Karachi.

    “Those who did not support me, I will make their names public soon. Having said that, I feel fortunate and honoured that I got to play for Pakistan,” added Kaneria.

    Kaneria, now 39, was found guilty of spot-fixing alongside Mervyn Westfield while playing for Essex against Durham in 2009.

    The leg-spinner was found to have convinced Westfield to concede 12 runs during the one-day game. Westfield was handed a four-month prison sentence and ECB banned him for five years.

    Kaneria admitted to spot-fixing in 2018 after six years of denial.

  • Is marriage easier or running the government? Here’s what Asad Umar has to say

    Is marriage easier or running the government? Here’s what Asad Umar has to say

    Minister for Planning and Development and PTI stalwart Asad Umar recently set the dance floor on his son’s wedding and internet on fire with his bhangra on Abrarul Haq’s Billo. The clip of him dancing was widely shared and people absolutely loved his swag.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6fUzrxh72z/

    In a recent interview, when the minister was asked if compromising in marriage was easier or when in government with “razor-thin” majority, Asad said, “There is a actually strong analogous behaviour in both.”

    “Just like in a marriage, if you’ve married the person for who he or she is and what they stand for, then you’ll go through the highs and lows, the ups and downs, the difficulties which will come – you’ll make compromises because you’re clear of why you are with that particular person in this big wide universe and not with somebody else.”

    He continued, “The same is true with being in government. If you have clarity, if you have conviction of what you want, what you stand for, what you want to achieve, then you know where you want to compromise and where compromise is actually taking you away from what you stand for and why you’re in that government. It also helps you give clarity of when you should stay to continue to be in government and when you should say there are options which are better.”

  • IN PICTURES: ‘Ring of Fire’ eclipse enthralls observers in Asia

    IN PICTURES: ‘Ring of Fire’ eclipse enthralls observers in Asia

    Skywatchers from Saudi Arabia and Oman to Pakistan and Singapore were treated to a rare “ring of fire” solar eclipse on Thursday.

    Annular eclipses occur when the Moon is not close enough to the Earth to completely obscure the Sun, leaving a thin ring of the solar disc visible.

    While these types of eclipses occur every year or two, they are only visible from a narrow band of Earth each time and it can be decades before the same pattern is repeated.

    Depending on weather conditions, this year’s astronomical phenomenon was set to be visible from the Middle East across southern India and Southeast Asia before ending over the northern Pacific.

    Hundreds of amateur astronomers, photographers and set up by Singapore’s harbour for what some described as a “once in a lifetime” event.

    Bahrain
    Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, India
    Singapore
    Bangkok, Thailand
    Sanaa, Yemen
    Bangkok, Thailand

    Meanwhile, in Pakistan due to the dense fog, smog and cloudy skies, the eclipse wasn’t very visible.

    The next annual eclipse in June 2020 will be visible to a narrow band from Africa to northern Asia.

    The following one in June 2021 will only be seen in the Arctic and parts of Canada, Greenland and the remote Russian far east.

  • Astrologers blame Pakistan’s woes on eclipse

    Astrologers blame Pakistan’s woes on eclipse

    As Pakistan prepares to witness a magnificent annular solar eclipse, after almost 20 years, astrologers are of the view that the eclipse has brought with it plenty of problems for the country. The last annular solar eclipse was witnessed back in 1999.

    The annular solar eclipse is also called the ‘Ring of Fire’ because only the boundaries of the sun will be observable from behind the moon.

    According to a report in The Express Tribune, astrologists say the eclipse’s negative effects are experienced 15 days before and after the event. The eclipse affects both domestic and societal lives.

    Astrology expert Sayed Musaddiq Zanjani said that “the eclipse even has effects on newborns, and pregnant women must stay inside their homes while it takes place, so as to stay safe.”

    Zanjani also claimed that the worsening situation in Pakistan was due to the eclipse and that the PIC tragedy in Lahore and the death penalty awarded to former military dictator Pervez Musharraf were all caused due to the eclipse.

    Read more: Here’s when and how you can observe rare solar eclipse

    Meanwhile, scientists and religious scholars have struck down the superstition.

    A religious scholar said that “the Sun and Moon are signs of Allah and that eclipses can do no harm to humans.”

    According to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the annular solar eclipse will begin at 7:00 AM on December 26 and will end at 1:00 PM and will be visible in Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Gilgit.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Shehryar Afridi reveals how he felt when Rana Sanaullah was arrested

    Minister of State for Safron & Narcotics Control Shehryar Afridi in an exclusive interview with The Current in August shared how he felt when PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah was arrested for possessing drugs.

    “The most important for me are families who suffer because of this [drugs] menace,” said Afridi. “Positions and stature do not count. No one is above the law.”

    “No matter what position one is on, if found involved in such activities, they’ll be made an example [out of],” he asserted.

    When asked the one thing he liked about Rana Sanaullah, the minister responded, “I think his commitement to his party, which one should have.”

    Watch the complete interview and the place where Rana Sanaullah was first kept when arrested in this video:

    On July 1, Rana Sanaullah was arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) after the discovery of a large stash of drugs in his vehicle from near the Sukheke area in Punjab. The former law minister was arrested while travelling with his guards to a meeting from Faisalabad to Lahore.

    The case against him was filed in accordance with the Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 1997.

    He was granted bail by the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday due to lack of evidence. The LHC directed Sanaullah to submit two surety bonds worth Rs1 million each to secure his bail.