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  • No, divorces are not rising because of Aurat March, but because women are recognising their right to live

    On Saturday, actress Nazish Jahangir set social media ablaze when during a podcast with controversial YouTuber Nadir Ali, the model turned actor claimed that she did not identify as a feminist, because apparently “not all crying women are truthful.”

     “…l believe in equality, and I still confidently say that not all crying women are truthful. I am always standing with the right person whether it is a woman or a man.”

    The abysmal part of this conversation begun when Nazish Jahangir went on to address Aurat March, saying that the movement is responsible for the rise of divorces in the country, adding that it was not a solution to any problem:

    “I don’t believe in these Aurat Marches. It’s not benefiting the women for whom we are fighting. They are not reaching the women they’re standing up for. Such poor women would be sitting in villages and making food while they chant slogans on the streets here. I think these fake feminist movements will never get you justice,”

    “I wonder who they are protesting for then. Are they protesting for us? Because our league knows everything about it. We know our rights and we know the value of equality. The ratio of khula has also increased after these marches,” The ‘Thays’ actor claimed. “I’m not asking women to bear cruelties or abuse. They can leave their houses if they like but at least give it a shot. Our parents are the biggest example of sacrificing and surviving relationships with patience and love. Because now women are getting divorced only after one month.”

    Yes this is a deeply messed up argument, there is a lot to unpack and a lot of myths to dissect which are once more churning up harmful stereotypes towards organisations working for women’s rights. Perhaps the worst statement was about Aurat March encouraging divorces in Pakistan. A sweeping statement Jahangir gave without any proof that it is true.

    In reality, Aurat March is not the reason why women are choosing divorce Aurat March is the solution to a long term issue: the limited support and neglect shown towards women in a patriarchal society that demands that everything be sacrificed for the sake of a marriage.

    Since Ms Jahangir is from the acting profession, and our dramas claim to know best about what women should want from a marriage, can we all collectively recall one drama that has portrayed a healthy marriage? Can we say that ‘Tere Bin’, which features a man stalking and slapping his wife was what women should look up to in order to understand how to keep their marriages intact?

    Furthermore, if Ms Jahangir is claiming that women who break away from their marriages do not understand sacrifice and hard work because Aurat March tells them to be less tolerant, then she needs to be aware that more women in Pakistan have died trying to stay married. Sara Inam was murdered by her husband in Islamabad after three months of marriage, was the murder her own fault? Qandeel Baloch‘s murderer, her brother, was pardoned by the court despite confessing his crime to authorities, only because his parents pardoned him. Just five days ago, another man walked free from a court in Karachi after murdering his daughter, because he was once again pardoned by his family. Another man in Lahore murdered his wife and then sent her body back to her family via a rickshaw.

    All these nameless women, the countless ways they were let down by the law and society in Pakistan. How is that we know about them, Ms Jahangir? It’s definitely not because of the family system, which continues to hide predators, and pardon them after unforgivable crimes. This heroic act solely belongs to Aurat March, which has time and time again raised placcards for countless women you claim it does not protect.

    You claim to say that Aurat March cannot help the women in villages because they’re too busy shouting slogans, but it is through Aurat March that we know these women’s names. Working class women like Dua Zehra, whose parents couldn’t make an announcement at a mosque because she was a Shia, and who was slammed by media organisatons, who claimed she had disohonored her family. It was local activists who pressurised authorities to take child abduction seriously, helping her come back home.

    Claiming that you’re unaware about a topic is one thing, but making sweeping generalisations about women’s rights, especially during a time when laws seek to further restrict women’s access to escaping abusive marriages, and more feminist activists are being trolled onine, it is incredibly disheartening to see a public figure as yourself talking without properly fact checking yourself.

    If you are still confused about how to be a well informed and articulate public figure, then take an example from Ayesha Omar and Kiran Malik, who carefully broke down why watching the rise in divorce rates is a good sign that more women are learning to stand up for themselves and escape their abusive marriages.

  • Man kills six-year-old grandson to marry daughter-in-law

    Man kills six-year-old grandson to marry daughter-in-law

    Police have arrested a man in Lahore for kidnapping and killing his six-year-old grandson to marry the child’s mother.

    As per details, Nazir Ahmed wanted to marry his daughter-in-law, and had asked his son to divorce her.

    His son refused act on his father’s desire after which Nazir kidnapped his grand-son Ghulam Mustafa, to blackmail his son, Tanvir Ahmed.

    Tanvir told police there his father had killed his son and thrown his body in a drain.

    Police are investigating the case.

  • A desi adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’? Here’s who we want in the cast

    A desi adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’? Here’s who we want in the cast

    Period dramas are all the rage now days, with Queen Charlotte becoming Netflix’s biggest hit this year, and more film adaptations like ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’, ‘Macbeth’ releasing in the last few years. But what we have yet to see, and are patiently waiting for, is Pakistani writers picking up their pen and writing a desi adaptation of a popular period book.

    Because as we all know, there is literally no difference between societies during the Victorian era, and how women in Pakistan are treated today. We’re still told that marriage is our biggest accomplishment, restricted to our homes and only allowed to visit relatives rather than travel independently on our own.

    So this idea flouted around the internet, when a twitter user Aimun asked how in the world has there not been a good Pakistani adaptation of Jane Austen’s popular novel ‘Persuasion’.

    “So much discourse on Pakistani dramas but imagine a desi adaptation of Persuasion,” she wrote.

    If you’re living under a rock and have poor reading taste, let us treat you to some culture. Persuasion revolves around a woman, Anne, who is in her late twenties and living with her family. When she was 18, she had rejected the marriage proposal of her true love, Frederick Wentworth, because of her family’s elitist assumptions that he wasn’t fit to marry into their family, a decision that breaks her heart and because of which she decides to remain single. But years later, when Wentworth becomes rich and comes back in town in search for a bride, both of them chose to avoid each other, yet cannot deny that they’re in love with each other.

    And like the rest of Twitter, we are down with the idea, infact we are pitching in our own idea about who we feel should direct, write and act in this adaptation.

    Marina Khan is the perfect choice for directing the project.

    Why? Because Marina Khan knows how to play powerful, independent and strong-minded women from dramas like ‘Tanhaiyaan’ and ‘Tum Se Kehna Tha’. So who better than her to take on Jane Austen and give the book the justice it deserves?

    For screen writing: Sarah Majeed

    For someone who wrote such a compelling and gorgeous drama like ‘Fairy Tale’, we would be anticipating the project with glee if she decided to take on this drama and rewrite it for the Pakistani audience.

    For our broody and lovelorn Wentworth, we think no one but Ahad Raza Mir can capture the character.

    As for the leading lady, we think Dur-e-Fishan Saleem would capture the tenderness and warmth of Anne so well.

    When it comes to Anne’s father, Sir Walter Elliot, who would capture his snobbery and entitled attitude better than Behroze Sabzwari?

    As for Anne’s confidant and best friend, Lady Elliot, who helps her navigate coming out of her shell and becoming brave enough to go after what she wants, we think Saba Qamar would do this character justice.

    As for the villain, William Elliot, who aspires to marry Anne in order to steal her wealth, Bilal Abbas would be a great choice.

  • Fairytale, Tanhaiyaan, Hum Tum: Here are some of our favourite men written by women

    Fairytale, Tanhaiyaan, Hum Tum: Here are some of our favourite men written by women

    If you’re chronically online like us, then you’ve heard the phrase floating around on this internet a lot – “written by a woman”.

    This phrase is used to describe a male character from a book or a drama who is not toxic or misogynistic. He does not pass degrading remarks about women; instead, he is kind and supportive towards them. Which means he was written by a woman.

    There are a lot of beloved characters from our television screens that could fit this description, like the Hot Priest from ‘Fleabag’, Otis from ‘Sex Education’ and King George from ‘Queen Charlotte’. But in Pakistan, can we say that male characters written by women are non-problematic and wholesome?

    There are female screenwriters like Nooran Makhdoom and Umera Ahmed who seem to be in a competition to see who can horrify their audience the most with the most unbearable male character.

    However, very rarely, women screenwriters in Pakistan have written some of our favorite, wholesome and well-rounded male characters who won audiences with charm and attention to female characters.

    Farjaad Bahadur from ‘Fairytale’

    Farjaad starts off as a warning flag in ‘Fairytale’ as a grumpy businessman who is dismissive of people unimportant to him, sticks to a strict routine. That means when he and Umeed meet, he comes of as a jerk who dismisses her as ‘spoilt’ and not capable of meeting his standards. However, when he starts falling in love with Umeed, we come to see how much Farjaad is a green flag because of the way he immediately reforms to help empower and never wants to tame or control her. Mr I-can’t-come-to-my-own-birthday-because-I’m-working to following the love of his life around and giving her flowers. He drives to a police station in the middle of the night because Umeed is stuck there, then successfully gets her out of there without complaining? Settles arguments without gaslighting or demeaning Umeed, but instead takes her on a chai date?

    Who were we before Sarah Majeed introduced this absolutely wholesome character in our lives? We’re glad we don’t know either.

    2 Zain from ‘Tanhaiyaan’

    No one can talk about the phrase ‘written by a woman’ without mentioning the beloved writer Haseena Moin, who set high standards for men with her beloved dramas like ‘Tanhaiyaan’ and ‘Ankahi’. A key token of her dramas were the strong, empowered women who took destiny in their own hands, refused to sit around and wail to be saved, and the men in their lives respected their power rather than shunning them. Zain from ‘Tanhaiyaan’ was a beloved male character because he respected Zara’s ambition, was caring and considerate to her sister Suniya, and chose not to impose his love on her but respectfully walk away until she was ready to love him back.

    3 Maahir from ‘Doobara’

    There is a settled notion within Pakistani dramas that a romance must take place between some balding dude who is a self-declared bad boy and some sheltered, naive girl who is barely in her twenties, who must shift between being a full-time therapist, punch bag and mommy to her lover. But rarely do we see this toxic trope switched and audiences are given a beautiful love story like Mehrunnisa and Mahir’s in ‘Dobara’.

    Although he is younger than her, Maahir works hard to prove that despite the setback he receives from Mehrunnisa’s family, he is worthy to be her husband. He works hard to get a job, empowers Mehru to start taking life in her own hands and do the things she was always restricted from doing, never standing in the way of her dreams. Kudos to Sarwat Nazir for giving us this absolute gem of a character

    4 Adam from ‘Hum Tum’

    Saima Akram Chaudhry already won hearts with ‘Suno Chanda’, but we feel that it was ‘Hum Tum’ that was one of her best works and also her most feminist drama because of how it introduced us to empowered female characters, and men who are more ‘female-centric’. We have women who have impressive careers like working in psychology, chemistry and computer science, but it is the men like Adam (played by Ahad Raza Mir) who take care of the chores around the house, is attentive and kind to his little sister and his elder brother Sarmad is a successful chef, a trait mostly associated with women.

  • PM Shehbaz urges Turkish business community to boost investments in Pakistan

    PM Shehbaz urges Turkish business community to boost investments in Pakistan

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, amid increasing debt burden and declining foreign exchange reserves, has invited Turkish investors and businessmen to expand their investments in different sectors of Pakistan. The premier is currently in Ankara on a two-day official visit to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

    During a meeting with a delegation from the Anadolu Group, which included Coca Cola CCI CEO Karim Yahi, Chief Strategy Officer Atilla Yerlikaya, and Head of Public Policy Taylan Coban, the PM expressed his encouragement for the Anadolu Group to invest in Pakistan and provide job opportunities to the people.

    Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatimi, and Pakistan’s Ambassador in Turkey Dr Yousuf Junaid were also present at the meeting.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Turkey is a result of an invitation from Turkish President Erdogan, who emerged victorious in the second round of elections held on 28 May. Upon his arrival at Ankara airport last night, the Prime Minister was received by senior officers of the Turkish Foreign Ministry and Pakistan’s ambassador in Turkey, emphasising the significance of the visit.

    Pakistan, facing economic challenges, is actively seeking foreign investments to alleviate its debt burden and stabilize its foreign exchange reserves. The Prime Minister’s appeal to Turkish investors and businessmen reflects the government’s commitment to attracting international investment and fostering economic partnerships.

    By engaging with the Anadolu Group and inviting increased investment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aims to leverage Turkish expertise and capital to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities in Pakistan.

    During the ongoing visit, it is anticipated that discussions between Pakistani and Turkish officials will focus on exploring potential areas of collaboration, identifying investment opportunities, and strengthening bilateral ties. The outcome of these engagements may play a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s economic trajectory, leading to increased foreign investment and a revitalized economy.

    In a time of economic challenges, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s proactive approach and diplomatic outreach to Turkish investors send a clear message of Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and attracting much-needed investment.

  • Woman murders tutor, after crime shows spike her ‘curiosity’

    Jung Yoo-Jung of South Korea posed as a student to murder her tutor with whom she had scheduled an online consultation.

    Yoo-Jung signed up on an online app by posing as the concerned mother of a daughter who was looking for a suitable English tutor. After connecting with another woman who was in her 20s, both agreed to meet at the victim’s home for a session.

    On May 26, Yooo-Jung showed up at the deceased’s house wearing a school uniform, pretending to be a student. Once she was let inside, she murdered the tutor, stabbing her multiple times and then dismembered her body.

    Afterwards, Jung placed the victim’s body parts in a suitcase, hiding her mobile phone, ID card and wallet to make it seem like the victim was travelling. She tried to dispose of the body by travelling to Nakdong River in a taxi. The cabbie made a call to the police to report Yoo-Jung’s suspicious behavior. Police discovered the suitcase along the riverside and arrested Jung from her home.

    According to the police, Jung confessed to the crime. She said that watching crime shows and reading about illegal activities spiked her curiosity and led to the murder:

    “Jung was found to have premeditated the crime driven by a desire to kill someone after she became obsessed with murder from TV programs and books,” a police spokesperson from Busan said. “Jung also said she feels sorry for what she did. We are conducting tests to see if she is a psychopath.”

    On Friday, Jung was indicted for murder.

  • Pakistan’s merchandise exports dive for ninth consecutive month, drop by 16.69% in May

    Pakistan’s merchandise exports continue to decline for the ninth consecutive month, plunging by 16.69 per cent year-on-year to $2.18 billion in May, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

    The downward trend has persisted throughout the first 11 months (July to May) of the 2022-23 fiscal year, with exports experiencing a dip of 12.14 per cent to $25.36 billion compared to $28.87 billion during the same period the previous year.

    The decline in export proceeds can be attributed to a combination of internal and external factors, raising concerns about the potential closure of industrial units, particularly within the textile and clothing sector.

    In line with this, imports also experienced a significant decrease of 36.76 per cent to $4.27 billion in May compared to $6.76 billion in the corresponding month last year. From July to May, imports fell by 29.22 per cent to $51.15 billion, down from $72.28 billion during the same period last year.

    The government has implemented restrictions on luxury and non-essential goods while promoting imports of raw materials, semi-finished products, pharmaceuticals, food, and energy products. This policy shift has resulted in a substantial decline in the import bill over the past 11 months.

    As a result of these developments, the trade deficit has narrowed by over 40 per cent, reaching $25.79 billion between July and May of the fiscal year 2022-23, compared to $43.40 billion during the corresponding months of the previous year. In May, the trade deficit saw a year-on-year decline of 49.49 per cent to $2.08 billion.

    According to Dawn, the textile and clothing sector, which constitutes over 60 per cent of total exports, has been severely affected, making it challenging for the government to achieve its export target for the current fiscal year. Exporters have pointed out that the federal government lacks a clear strategy and effective prioritization, leading to a decline in textile exports.

    Exporters have also highlighted several root causes contributing to the export decline. These include shortages in working capital and liquidity, delayed refunds of taxes and levies, technology upgradation fund, and duty drawbacks.

    The promised faster refund system has not functioned as intended, resulting in refund processing times of 3-5 months instead of the expected 72 hours. The sector is also grappling with increased financial and energy costs.

    In addition, exporters are facing challenges in procuring raw materials and other inputs, both domestically and through imports. The State Bank of Pakistan’s hurdles in opening letters of credit have further contributed to the decline in exports.

    The negative growth in exports, except for a slight increase in August due to backlog clearance, poses a significant concern as it threatens the balance of the country’s external account.

    The government needs to address these issues promptly and formulate effective policies to revive the export sector and stimulate economic growth.

  • Pakistan will not default, reforms underway for economic recovery: Finance Minister

    Pakistan will not default, reforms underway for economic recovery: Finance Minister

    Pakistan’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has assured the nation that the government is committed to implementing long-term reforms aimed at improving the country’s economic situation.

    Speaking to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dar emphasised the need for collective efforts to overcome the current economic challenges. He outlined key areas of focus, including the agricultural sector, the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, and the development of the IT industry.

    Additionally, he addressed concerns about the delay in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, expressing confidence in Pakistan’s assets and downplaying the possibility of default.

    Reforms for Long-Term Improvement: In his address to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing reforms that would pave the way for long-term improvement.

    He acknowledged the importance of the agricultural sector, emphasising the need for an agricultural revolution to enhance productivity and ensure food security.

    The establishment of a sovereign wealth fund was also highlighted as a means to generate additional revenue and support sustainable economic growth. Furthermore, Dar expressed determination to prioritise the neglected IT sector and capitalise on its potential for job creation and technological advancements.

    No technical reason behind delayed IMF program

     Addressing concerns regarding the delay in the IMF program, Dar reassured the delegation that there was no technical reason behind it. He emphasised that Pakistan, as a sovereign country, possesses valuable assets worth trillions of dollars, thereby implying that default is not a plausible scenario. While external liabilities stand at approximately $100 billion, the finance minister pointed out that Pakistan’s gas infrastructure alone is valued at around 40 to 45 billion dollars, underscoring the country’s significant assets.

    Recognising the vital role of the business community in Pakistan’s economic development, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar called upon them to present reasonable demands for the upcoming budget. He assured the delegation that the government would cooperate with the business community to address their concerns and promote a conducive environment for trade and investment. By fostering a constructive partnership, the government aims to create a business-friendly climate that supports entrepreneurship and economic growth.

    IMF loan requirement and government’s approach

    Amidst recent developments, it was revealed that the IMF rejected Pakistan’s request to lower the requirement of arranging $6 billion in new loans. Minister of State for Finance Dr Aisha Pasha highlighted that returning to the IMF was Pakistan’s only option, stressing the urgency of fulfilling the financing requirement. Pakistan had sought a reduction in the external financing requirement based on new current account deficit data. However, the IMF insisted on the full $6 billion to demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to implementing necessary economic reforms.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s reassurances regarding the government’s commitment to long-term reforms and the denial of Pakistan’s possibility of default provide a glimmer of hope amid economic challenges.

    The focus on sectors such as agriculture and IT, the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, and the emphasis on cooperation with the business community signal the government’s determination to foster economic growth and stability.

    While the IMF’s rejection of Pakistan’s request poses a hurdle, the government remains steadfast in its efforts to revive the deal and secure the necessary financing to support the country’s economic recovery.

  • Sharmeen Obaid directs Gucci campaign starring Julia Roberts, Alia Bhatt, Serena Williams

    Sharmeen Obaid directs Gucci campaign starring Julia Roberts, Alia Bhatt, Serena Williams

    Just being the boss she is

    Powerhouse Pakistani director Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy keeps setting new milestones like becoming the first Pakistani to win two Oscars, then going on to helm a Marvel show about a Pakistani-Canadian girl with incredible powers, and now she is also marking the 10th anniversary of Gucci Chime, an initiative set up by fashion house Gucci, by directing a series of videos featuring celebrities like Idris Elba, Julia Roberts and even other activists on what they chime for.

    Breaking the news on social media, Chinoy wrote:

    “When we got everyone in their chairs and the cameras started rolling the conversations always ended with people saying we have to ensure that the world moves towards gender equality! In the fight for a more gender equal world who do you chime for? @gucci @gucciequilibrium“

    The Gucci CHIME campaign was founded ten years ago in partnership with singer Beyonce and Pinault. Gucci hosted The Sound Of Change: Live in London which featured artists like Beyoncé, Florence Welch, John Legend and Jennifer Lopez. It was broadcast to one billion viewers and raised over $3.9 million to support girls and women worldwide.

    Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on why she chose to become an advisory member for Gucci Chime, the director revealed that she was inspired by the work the organisation had done to promote gender equality around the world:

    “I joined Chime for Change in 2013 because of its mission to promote gender equality and empower women and girls around the world. My career as a social justice filmmaker aligned itself with Chime’s three key pillars of education, health and justice. I have seen firsthand how the money raised through Chime improves the lives of women and strengthens communities.

    In my own home country of Pakistan, Chime helped build a girls school. I have seen the work put into key projects in Africa and South America, but what speaks to me the most is that Chime builds partnerships. It invests in women, not simply with funding, but also with advocacy, enabling them to then further champion other women. [Chime’s] model is unique and so many of the women they have championed now sit on its board. The work they have accomplished over the past decade reminds us of the importance of advocating for those striving to make a difference.”

    Since the post was uploaded yesterday, Pakistani celebrities like Mahira Khan, Mehreen Syed and Azfar Rehman have offered congratulations to Chinoy for the presitigious win.

  • PM Shehbaz, FM Bilawal express sorrow on Indian train accident

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in Friday’s horrific train accident in Odisha, India.

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also sent condolences to the families of the victims.

    “Saddened to learn of the high death toll in the tragic train accident in Odisha, India. Our condolences for the families of the victims. Wish speedy recovery to the injured,” the foreign minister tweeted.

    At least 233 people have been killed as the result of the train accident, while scores more are injured.

    As per local authorities, the death toll is expected to rise.

    “Officials said several carriages from the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed in Balasore district, hit a stationary goods train and several of its coaches ended up on the opposite track”, BBC has reported.

    “Another train – the Howrah Superfast Express travelling from Yesvantpur to Howrah – then hit the overturned carriages.”

    The exact reason for the accident is still unclear.