Category: Uncategorized

  • Moocs doesn’t have anything new to offer

    Moocs doesn’t have anything new to offer

    Located behind Khaadi on MM Alam Road, Moocs is the latest addition to the Lahore food scene but not exactly a promising one, given that there was only one other party along with me, that too on a Saturday night.

    Rewind a few weeks and Moocs was all over our Instagram after it had a grand opening with Lahore’s socialites in attendance. A couple of weeks later, the hype seemed to have completely died down.

    Nonetheless given how much I like to try out new places, I decided to check out Moocs. After all, the name was kinda catchy.

    Read more: NOI-Stir Fry Kitchen – The takeout Lahoris have been waiting for

    Moocs has a standard menu: pizza, burgers, Chicken Parmesan, Polo Chicken, Stuffed Chicken, etc – you know pretty much the same things you’ve tried a million times before.

    We decided to start our dinner with Pizza Fries from their ‘Starters Menu.’ The fries came in a skillet topped with cheese, sauce and jalapenos. The overall taste of the dish was pretty decent while the fries themselves were nice and crispy. But to be very honest, I’ve had better. Like for example, have you tried the Alfredo Fries at Urban Kitchen? Now those are divine.

    From the main course, we tried their Chef’s Special Stuffed Chicken and Muslo De Pavo Burger. Both the items were very typical. The Chef’s Special Stuffed Chicken was not all that special – the flavour wasn’t strong enough and fettuccini pasta was on the bland side. The sauce, meanwhile, was tasty but given the extravagant price, I’m not sure if it was worth it.

    Meanwhile, the Muslo De Pavo Burger tasted just like Jalal Son’s Crispy Chicken Burger but at double the price. Plus the bun wasn’t good because it was so crumbly. The thigh fillet had a thick layer of batter which though made it very crunchy, made it impossible to taste the chicken within.

    The dessert was probably the best thing we ate that night. We ordered their Cookie Pudding on our waiter’s recommendation and it was differently delicious. Loved the mix of pudding, cookie dough and ice-cream.

    While the food was somewhat passable, and ambiance on the cosy side (great for winters) the bill certainly wasn’t. For one starter, two main dishes and one dessert, our total bill amounted to a little more than Rs 5000/- which is definitely a hefty amount to pay, especially in such trying financial times.

    Read more: DOCK 27 has a secret saviour

    My overall experience at Moocs was average so I don’t think I’ll be venturing there again.

    DISCLAIMER: The Current’s food reviews are unpaid and are not sponsored.

  • Celebs praise PM Khan for Kartapur opening

    Celebs praise PM Khan for Kartapur opening

    It was a historic day for Pakistan, India and their relations as the world witnessed the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor – an initiative that will allow 5,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit the second holiest place for their community on a daily basis without a visa.

    The opening ceremony was performed on both sides of the border by Prime Minister Imran Khan on the Pakistan side and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Indian side.

    Like the rest of the country, Pakistani celebs including Mehwish Hayat, Wasim Akram, Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed, took to social media to express their joy on this ‘corridor of peace’ and praised PM Khan and his government for taking this step and seeing this through.

    PM Khan’s cricket buddies Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar applauded him for this efforts.

    Read more: Aneel Mussarat didn’t get a selfie with Manmohan but guess who all he did get one with

    Armeena Khan and Mehwish also took this moment to compare the Kartarpur Corridor Project to the Ayodha Judgement that was announced earlier in the day.

    https://twitter.com/ArmeenaRK/status/1193062120067420160?s=20
  • Is ‘Alif’ trending for the right reasons?

    Is ‘Alif’ trending for the right reasons?

    Every Saturday night, the hashtag Alif – a nod to Hamza Ali Abbasi and Sajal Aly’s drama – begins to trend on Twitter, intriguing everyone. But that probably has more to do with Hamza Ali Abbasi’s star power on Twitter because if you look at the views and compare them to the views of rival drama, Meray Paas Tum Ho, you get a completely different picture.

    While Alif in its essence is thought-provoking, layered and intense, the pace of the drama is killing interest and ultimately making it tiresome to watch.

    Read More: Meray Pass Tum Ho EP 13: Predictable or more to it?

    The sixth episode shows Momin get rid of his ladylove Neha, played by Sadaf Kanwal after she continuously pushes him to cast her ‘friend’ in his next film. The breakup isn’t very pleasant and the two vow to get their revenge from each other. While I do commend Sadaf for doing an above-average job as far as her acting is concerned, her performance doesn’t match that of Hamza, who is giving this character all of him. Sadaf’s dialogue delivery is monotonous and sounds as if uss nay ratta maara hai – it is completely devoid of emotion.

    Other than that, we are given another flashback to Momin’s childhood, when someone mentions Husn-e-Jahaan. To be very frank, I’m sick of watching these flashbacks because all Kubra does in them is cry, while the child Momin is borderline annoying.

    On the other hand, Momina (Sajal Aly) is struggling with the death of her brother Jahangir. The entire family is broken after his death and the emotions shown by the actors are brilliantly raw and invoke sympathy in you.

    While the rest of the episode was slow, it picked up in the last ten minutes with the interactions between Momin and Neha and Momina and her master (Saifee Hassan).

    Oh and one thing: a message for the producers/director – that cut jump in one of the scenes was abrupt and highlighted lazy production. Not cool guys, we expect better.

    Read More: ‘Alif’ is slow-paced but intense

    The teaser for the next episode is catchy with the return of a previous character and Momin heading to Turkey to visit his grandfather.

    Everyone on Twitter keeps praising Alif for its “great acting, storyline and powerful dialogues.” I do agree with the great acting and [somewhat] powerful dialogues bit, but I’m still waiting for a proper storyline to develop and become more engaging. Six episodes should be more than enough to get the ball rolling. No?

  • Meray Pass Tum Ho EP 13: Predictable or more to it?

    All the theories we all had after EP 12 have gone down the drain. No one thought “a few months later” Danish (Humayun Saeed) will be pining for his ex-wife Mehwish (Ayeza Khan) and putting his kid Rumi in boarding school. All everyone talked about was how it seemed obvious that Shehwar’s (Adnan Siddiqui) wife would come back and ruin Shehwar and Mehwish’s plan to get married for a happily every after.

    Mehwish and Shehwar returning to Pakistan after spending a few months abroad

    Wrong. Although Mehwish is looking super beautiful, and surprisingly more relaxed, in this episode, the do takey ka aadmi Shehwar is not interested in marrying the do take ki aurat. In a dialogue that’s bound to become popular Shehwar tells Mehwish that Shaadiyon mai divorce ho sakti hai lekin muhabbat mai divorce nahi hoti.

    READ MORE: Meray Pass Tum Ho EP 12: Danish sweeps the show

    Mehwish has travelled all over Europe and has the travel glow

    Danish on the other hand, has gotten a promotion and has become besties with Mateen sahib, the older guy who works with him and had cheated on his wife and lives in utter regret of that. Danish has put his son in boarding school and is called by the principal for a meeting. He is told that Rumi is a terrible student and in walks Hania (Hira Mani) who is Rumi’s teacher.

    Hira Mani makes her entry in the drama as Rumi’s teacher

    She complains to Danish about how terrible a student Rumi is and how he needs to take his kid out of school. Danish asks for one last chance and they agree.

    In the end of the episode we see Danish meeting with Mateen sahib to tell him that he’s planning to become a very rich businessman. Mateen sahib tells him his sob story again (in some very pretty dialogues) and then has a heart attack and is taken to the hospital.

    Danish and Mateen sahib’s heart to heart

    Danish calls his daughter and finds out that surprise surprise, Hania is his best friend’s daughter and when she walks in the hospital, she and Danish find out her father has died.

    Hania finds out her father has died

    Ok so, what will happen next? Danish will have to marry Hania and find love again (and become a rich businessman because of course, he has to) and Mehwish will realize that Shehwar will never marry her and she will always be the side wali.

    That’s it? Predictable and boring, here’s to hoping that this won’t happen although all the signs point to the fact that this is the most obvious route the drama will take.

    Hira Mani is a good actress and did a good job portraying a daughter who has just lost her father. But she lacks expression and comes across as a rather boring figure. Earlier, in .a behind the scenes interview, she spoke about her role in the drama and said, “[my role is]In fact it’s very similar to how I am in my life, a soft hearted girl. H for Hira and H for Hania, you’ll like this character very much”.

    She will really have to take her acting up a notch for her role to become a prominent one and to take the drama out of the boring path it is about to take.

  • VIDEO: Imran’s millionaire aide ridiculed by Manmohan Singh’s guards

    VIDEO: Imran’s millionaire aide ridiculed by Manmohan Singh’s guards

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s aide and British-Pakistani businessman Aneel Mussarat on Saturday was ridiculed by former Indian prime minister (PM) Manmohan Singh’s security as the former approached the Indian National Congress (INC) leader for a selfie.

    In a video, widely being shared over the internet, Mussarat was seen introducing himself to Singh as he shakes his hand. He, however, is stopped from taking a selfie by the ex-Indian premier’s guards who push him back.

    WATCH VIDEO:

    KARTARPUR INAUGURATION:

    Earlier in the day, PM Imran Khan, his team, ex-Indian PM Singh, cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu and Bollywood actor Sunny Deol among other prominent Pakistanis and Indians reached the Kartarpur to attend the opening ceremony of the much-awaited corridor.

    Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, situated in Kartarpur, is the second holiest place for the Sikh community. Located 120 km away from Lahore, it is at a distance of only 4 kilometres from the Pakistan-India border.

    It has been said in the agreement reached between Pakistan and India — to fulfill the much-awaited demand of the Sikh community — that 5,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims will be allowed to visit the Gurdwara through the Kartarpur Corridor on a daily basis.

  • Sidhu stopped from entering Pakistan through Wagah despite having a visa

    The Indian government on Saturday stopped Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu from entering Pakistan through Wagah border despite having a five-day visa, a private media outlet reported.

    According to reports, Sidhu will now enter Pakistan from Kartarpur.

    The Indian government on Thursday finally allowed cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu to attend the inauguration of the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Corridor after the latter wrote his third letter to the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday requesting permission to visit Pakistan.

    Pakistan has already issued a visa to Sidhu after Prime Minister Imran Khan invited him to attend the historic opening of the corridor, which has been built for Indian Sikh pilgrims travelling to the holy Gurdwara Darbar Sahib temple from a visa-free border crossing.

    Indian media, quoting official sources, reported on Thursday evening that Sidhu had been given political clearance by the government to take part in the Kartarpur Corridor inauguration ceremony on the Pakistani side.

    However, quoting sources, Indian media reported that Sidhu was granted permission only to travel as part of the first group coming from India for the pilgrimage to the Kartarpur Gurdwara, the world’s largest Sikh shrine and the final resting place of Sikhism founder Baba Guru Nanak.

    The permission from the Indian government has come through after Sidhu wrote three letters requesting to Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar asking for the government’s clearance for his visit.

    In his third letter, Sidhu pleaded to Jaishankar for a reply, saying he would proceed to Pakistan other Sikh devotees if the minister doesn’t respond.

    “Despite repeated reminders, you have not responded to whether or not the government has granted me permission to go to Pakistan for the inauguration ceremony of Gurdwara Darbar Sahid Kartarpur Corridor. The delay and no response is a hindrance to my future course of action,” the former cricketer wrote in his letter.

    “I categorically state that if the government has any inhibitions and say no then, as a law-abiding citizen, I will not go. But if you don’t respond to my third letter, then I will proceed to Pakistan as millions of Sikh devotees go on eligible Visa,” he added.

  • Babri Masjid case: Indian SC decides in favour of Hindus

    Babri Masjid case: Indian SC decides in favour of Hindus

    Putting to rest the decades-old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case, the Indian Supreme Court (SC) on Saturday decided in favour of Hindus as it allotted Ayodhya land to Ram Janambhoomi Nyas (Ram Birthplace Trust).

    Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas is an organisation to promote and oversee the construction of a temple in Ayodhya at the Ram Janmabhoomi, the reputed site of the birth of Rama, the seventh and one of the most popular avatars of Hindu God Vishnu.

    With a five-judge bench pronouncing its unanimous judgment that was reserved last month on the Ayodhya case involving the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid, it ordered allotment of five-acre alternative land to Muslims for setting up of a mosque while deciding in favour of Hindus.

    The ruling said the Indian government will formulate a scheme in three months to set up a board of trustees for the construction of the temple at the disputed structure.

    “This court must accept faith and accept the belief of worshippers. The court should preserve balance,” Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi said while reading out the judgement.

    The court said Hindus believe that Lord Ram was born under the dome, adding that faith is a matter of individual belief.

    It said there is evidence that Ram Chabutra, Sita Rasoi was worshipped by the Hindus before the British came. The court said evidence in the records shows that Hindus were in the possession of outer court of the disputed land.

    “Arguments were made on archaeology report. Archaeological Survey of India’s credentials are beyond doubt and its findings can’t be neglected,” the court said.

    The court said that titles can’t be decided on faith and belief but on claims. The judgement stated that historical accounts indicate the belief of Hindus that Ayodhya was the birthplace of Lord Ram.

    The Indian SC dismissed the plea of Shia Waqf Board on a claim to the Babri Masjid, saying there was no evidence that Muslims abandoned the mosque. Hindus always believed the birthplace of Lord Ram was in the inner courtyard of the mosque, the verdict added. 

    According to the court, it is clearly established that Muslims offered prayer inside the inner courtyard and Hindus offered prayers in the outer courtyard.

    Ahead of the verdict, appeals for peace were made by the Hindu and Muslim organisations and various political leaders, including Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.

    Meanwhile, Delhi Police said it will initiate strict legal action against mischief-mongers or those found indulging in any activity that may adversely affect peace and public order.

    “Activities on social media platforms will be under observation,” said the police.

    Earlier, authorities banned the assembly of more than four people at one place in and around Ayodhya, a town in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh while the government ordered all schools and colleges to remain closed until Monday.

    BABRI MASJID DESTRUCTION:

    Babri Masjid was a mosque in Ayodhya, India. Located in Ayodhya district, at a spot believed by Hindus to be the birthplace of Hindu deity Rama, it has been a bone of contention between the Hindu and Muslim communities since the 18th century.

    The destruction of the mosque in 1992 sparked massive Hindu-Muslim violence that left around 2,000 people dead.

    Hindu hardliners say the mosque was built after a temple dedicated to the Hindu god was destroyed by Muslim invaders. After the demolition of the mosque, Hindus and Muslims took the issue to a lower court, which, in 2010 ruled that the disputed land should be divided into three parts — two for Hindus and one for Muslims.

  • GO LOCAL? Yeah, We can eat that

    GO LOCAL? Yeah, We can eat that

    As the dollar rises and prices soar, all of us are beginning to feel the crunch. Can’t afford the cheeses you bought all so frequently? Or that cooking chocolate you loved? Here are some local alternatives that are tried and tested.

    Adams Burger Cheese

    Even though we have some local artisanal cheeses available, their prices are also really high. We tried Adams Buffalo Mozzarella and Burger Cheddar Cheese on homemade pizzas and grilled cheeses and are pleased to report that they are excellent. Will never go imported for these commonly loved cheeses

    Baker’s Choice Cooking Chocolate

    As home-based and small bakery owners cry about the rising prices of cooking chocolate, we tried Baker’s Choice Dark Chocolate for baking fudge brownies and damn, they’re just as good as the Malaysian counterpart.

    Opa! Frozen Fries

    Those bags of imported fries aren’t worth the price (and the import if you ask us). Opa! Fries are local, thin and crispy and perfect for you and your kids. Crunch!

    Quinoa

    No need to spend thousands on imported Quinoa. There are excellent local options, like The Soul Food Company and Green Horizon. We’ve tried the Soul Food’s quinoa and it’s super.

    Dipitt Sauces

    We aren’t missing Heinz as much anymore. Dipitt Sauces are great, a local, no preservatives and no MSG and their whole range is pretty darn good if you ask us.

    Nuts

    Hit shops selling dry fruits from Hunza and Gilgit Baltistan, especially if you’re in Islamabad. They’re just as good, if not better than their foreign competition.

    DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored and is unpaid.

  • WATCH: Maulana Fazl angrily shrugs off innocent supporter trying to get selfie

    WATCH: Maulana Fazl angrily shrugs off innocent supporter trying to get selfie

    A video of Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman brushing off a supporter trying to get a selfie with his leader has gone viral on the internet.

    JUI-F supremo with his thousands of followers and opposition support has been protesting against the incumbent government since the last week of October. Maulana and the opposition have demanded Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s resignation.

    However, it seems that the continuous meetings, prolonged journey and stay in the capital have taken a toll on JUI-F chief.

    Watch Video:

    In a recent video clip, Fazl can be seen impatiently brushing off a supporter, whose only crime was to wish to be pictured with the JUI-F supremo.

    In the video, Fazl strikes an indignant pose and hastily shrugs off the supporter who has his phone ready to take a selfie with his leader.

    Following the move, Fazl continues to move forward in a bad mood while the supporter backs off completely.

    Meanwhile, the Defence Minister Pervez Khattak has alleged that Maulana Fazl considered negotiations with the government committee as “time pass”.

    “They [opposition] are not even ready to listen. Maulana sahib says that this jirga is a time pass. Fine, then we are also passing time with you,” Khattak said.

  • India revokes journalist Aatish Taseer’s overseas ID because of ‘Pakistani father’

    The Indian government has revoked the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card of journalist Aatish Taseer over his alleged attempt to “conceal information” that his father, Salmaan Taseer, was of Pakistani origin, Dawn reported.

    According to the details, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, in an official statement, has said that Aatish “failed to dispute the notice” it had sent, asking him to explain the lapse, however, Aatish has denied this claim.

    The statement further said that Aatish had only provided details of his mother, who is a veteran Indian journalist, Tavleen Singh.

    Disputing the government’s version, Aatish on Thursday tweeted the picture of an email exchange with the Indian consul general, wherein he had objected to the ministry’s claim.

    He said that he would not be able to travel to India now, even on a tourist visa, adding, “They have accused me of fraud. They have blacklisted me. I cannot come to India as an ordinary citizen. My grandmother is 90 years old and lives in India and I may never see her again.”

    Aatish also said that cancellation of his Indian overseas citizenship was part of a “sinister plan”. “First they ruined my reputation by getting one of their men to call me a radical Islamist and then they moved against me after leaking the story to the press,” he added.

    He said he had lived in India between the ages of two and 10, and then 26 to 35. “I have local bank accounts, a biometric identification number and have paid taxes in the country.”

    Aatish, who grew up in Delhi and studied at the Kodaikanal International School in Tamil Nadu, now lives in New York. He had received his Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card in 2000.

    PIO is a facility that provides visa-free travel to India, which in Aatish’s case, had later converted into an OCI card.

    In his OCI application, he had referred to his mother as an Indian national and his father, former Pakistani Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer, who was assassinated in 2011, as a “British national” as, to the “best of his knowledge”, his father held a British passport.