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  • Upcoming Pakistani dramas we’re incredibly excited about

    Upcoming Pakistani dramas we’re incredibly excited about

    There hasn’t been a better time to watch Pakistani dramas than now, what with a whole range of shows and actors set to make their mark on our screens. It looks like finally the entertainment industry has started listening to our calls for something other than the saas-bahu jhagray, because these shows range from celebrating women in sports to satire to exploring the thrills of first love.

    It also looks like Pakistanis are about to see fresh faces as well as some beloved actors make their debute on screen as Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed are coming back once more, and Instagram influencers like Mamia Shahjaffer, Khushhal Khan and Dananeer are set to star as main leads.

    We’re definitely certain that you’re cancelling your plans to set up your movie night after scrolling through our list.

    22 Qadam

    Starring Hareem Farooq and Wahaj Ali, the drama is set to explore the lives of women in sports, through the story of Fari (played by Farooq) who aspires to become a cricketer. Speaking to The Current, Farooq called 22 Qadam “the voice of the unheard” and said that the sole inspiration behind this show was women like Sana Mir:

    “The first person that comes to our mind when you talk about women and cricket is Sana Mir, she’s been an inspiration for so many women out there. It is just about breaking stereotypes and the taboos out there that women can also excel in sports, and if nothing else it makes you more independent and gives you that confidence that allows you to face the world in the best way possible.”

    College Gate

    It looks like the entertainment industry has finally understood that there isn’t any one out there willnigly ready to sit down and listen to another shaadi story about underaged women marrying men twice their age, because we’re finally getting a story about college students and their personal experiences. The show, starring Khaqan Shahnawaz, Mamia Shahjaffer and veteran actress Saba Hameed, promises to be a drama unlike what has been shown before with topics like addiction, peer pressure and depression thrown into the story.

    Barzakh

    Starring power leads Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed along with newcomer model Khushhal Khan, the series has definitely captured our attention, especially the fact that it is written and directed by the mastermind behind Churails (2018), Asim Abbasi. Speaking to Variety, Abbasi said that the inspiration for the series came after the death of his father and watching his own son grow into a young boy:

    “In the aftermath of my father’s passing, and witnessing my son grow into a young boy, I found myself consumed with nostalgia, and memories of times gone and loves lost. And I began to think about my fears – the end of consciousness, the end of imagination, the end of love. And from these fears, grew a story where love was indeed eternal. Where it survived us – making it the ultimate human legacy.”

    Producer of the series Kerjiwal said:

    “‘Barzakh’ is a product of COVID brain – it was a time where like everyone else, Asim and I were talking about love, life, death, losing loved ones, unable to say our goodbyes. There was a sense of loss, but also confusion, because of a lack of completion. Death and parting didn’t seem like a finality like it used to because funerals and weddings were both happening on Zoom.

    This new reality was surreal and to make any sense of it, physical contact or in-person meeting with friends and family became crucial. Hence the idea about a show which essentially was a family reunion came up.”

    101 Talakhien

    This looks like the perfect drama for anyone (especially us) who is bored to death of marriage obsessed culture, and wants something dark and satirical- which is exactly what the show promises to deliver. Zahid Ahmed stars as famous lawyer Rustom Kavasji, who artfully decodes how couples begin to fall apart after getting married.

    Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri

    This seems like a Pakistani version of K-dramas which will explore the thrills of high school relationships, because this trailer has already got us counting down the days to the release. TikTok star Dananeer and model and actor Khushhal Khan are the main leads of the drama and are shown to be complete opposites, who slowly come to fall in love with each other. However, their relationship is threatened by their parents leading to the couple going to any lengths to protect their relationship.

    Idiot

    Fans of Ahmed Ali Akbar who loved him in ‘Parizaad’ and ‘Ehd-e-Wafa’ are in for a treat because the hearthrob has already sparked anticipation with his upcoming film ‘Gunjal’ and now with his drama ‘Idiot’ where he is set to star opposite Mansha Pasha.

  • What is bhambhal bhoochiyan? PM Shehbaz left us all confused

    What is bhambhal bhoochiyan? PM Shehbaz left us all confused

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif not only comprehensively won a vote of confidence on Thursday but also unwittingly gave us a lesson in language.

    While addressing the House, the premier used a word that left the internet scratching its head.

    “Woh kaam humein karny diye jaye, humein in bhambhal bhoochiyoon mei na uljhaya jaye,” he said.

    As soon as he used the expression, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique burst into laughter. PM Shehbaz turned around to look at the members seated closest to him. He asked if he pronounced the word correctly, to which they laughed and nodded.

    Former President Asif Ali Zardari can also be seen smiling up at Shehbaz Sharif from his chair.

    However, the exact meaning of the word eluded many. So we did some sleuthing on Twitter.

    According to one social media user ‘Bhambhal bhoochiyan‘ means putting someone in trouble or confusion.

    Another user suggested it may be the antonym of Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Another one said that it means leading someone on.

  • China’s $57.7 billion railway project aims to boost Pakistan’s economy

    China’s $57.7 billion railway project aims to boost Pakistan’s economy

    A study conducted by scientists from China Railway First Survey and Design Institute Group has estimated the cost of a proposed China-Pakistan railway project to be $57.7 billion. The railway will connect Gwadar Port with Xinjiang’s Kashgar, and is expected to have strategic significance, potentially reshaping trade and geopolitics. The project will improve connectivity among the countries along the ancient Silk Road trade routes and is part of a plan to reduce dependence on Western-dominated routes.

    The study urges the Chinese government and financial institutions to provide strong support for the project, including increasing coordination and collaboration among relevant domestic departments and striving for the injection of support funds. Pakistan’s economy is expected to receive a much-needed boost from the infrastructure and will easily trade with China. The researchers said the project is expected to create more jobs, boost infrastructure investment, and increase trade.

    However, the study notes that Pakistan’s GDP last year was just six times the estimated cost of the project, making sufficient financing difficult. Pakistan is mainly relying on Chinese enterprises for investment and construction, as it is unable to provide sufficient financial and material support.

    Moreover, the security issues in Pakistan pose a risk to Chinese workers and investments, which may hinder the railway project. Despite these challenges, the study emphasizes the strategic significance of the railway project and urges strong support and policy guarantees for its construction.

  • Pakistan trounces New Zealand, scores 500th ODI win

    Pakistan trounces New Zealand, scores 500th ODI win

    Pakistan defeated New Zealand by five wickets on Thursday night at the Rawalpindi Pindi Cricket Stadium to register their 500th One-Day International (ODI) victory, becoming the third team in the world to achieve the feat.

    The landmark was achieved after the Green Shirts played 949 50-over matches.

    Pakistan has won 92 ODIs against Sri Lanka, 73 against India, 63 against West Indies, 57 against New Zealand, 54 against Zimbabwe, 34 against Australia, 32 against England, and 32 against Bangladesh.

    Apart from Pakistan, Australia has won 594 50-over matches in 978 fixtures, while India has secured victories in 539 matches in 1,029 fixtures.

    Pakistan was able to register its 500th win with the help of Fakhar Zaman’s blistering knock in the run chase.

    Needing 289 to win, the opening pair of Fakhar and Imam-ul-Haq provided a solid 124-run opening stand. Imam was soon dispatched after scoring his 15th ODI half-century.

    He was trapped leg-before by Ish Sodhi in the 22nd over for 60 after facing 65 balls, which included five fours and one six. After Imam’s departure, Captain Babar Azam and Fakhar got together to add 90 runs for the second wicket and during the course of the partnership player of the match Fakhar also scored his ninth ODI century in the 35th over.

    Babar, who was all set to score big tonight, missed out on his 25th half-century and got caught behind off the bowling of Adam Milne for 49 off 46 balls in the 36th over.

    The top ODI batter in the ICC rankings struck three fours and a six at a strike-rate of 106.52. Milne went on to pick Shan Masood (1, 12b) in the 38th over to put pressure back on the home side, as suddenly the required run-rate climbed to six runs an over with 12 overs remaining. But Fakhar and Rizwan struck five boundaries and a six between them in the next three overs to bring the required rate back to under-five an over.

    Right-arm fast Naseem Shah was the most economical bowler for the hosts, as he gave away only 29 runs off 10 overs and took two wickets – both on the final two balls of the innings.

    Match Highlights
    Pakistan beat New Zealand by five wickets

    New Zealand 288-7, 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 113, Will Young 86; Naseem Shah 2-29, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-63, Haris Rauf 2-65)

    Pakistan 291-5, 48.3 overs (Fakhar Zaman 117, Imam-ul-Haq 60, Babar Azam 49, Mohammad Rizwan 42 not out; Adam Milne 2-60)

    Player of the match – Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

  • US urges Pakistan to implement IMF reforms as economic crisis deepens

    The United States has urged Pakistan to take urgent action to implement the necessary reforms required by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address the country’s rising economic crisis. Inflation has been a major issue for Pakistan, and discussions between the two parties have been ongoing since January to find a consensus on multiple conditions before signing a deal that includes external financing from friendly nations.

    Elizabeth Horst, the State Department official in charge of Pakistan, stressed the importance of Pakistan’s compliance with the IMF’s agreed-upon reforms to ensure the country’s financial stability and avoid falling further into debt. She emphasised that although the reforms may not be easy, they are essential for the growth of Pakistan’s economy.

    Horst also expressed the US government’s concern over Pakistan’s economic situation and promised support for the country, particularly in policy, business, and transparency. She pointed out that the trade relationship between the two countries is already worth over nine billion dollars and will continue to increase.

    Highlighting the close cooperation between the US and Pakistan in areas such as trade and investment, climate change, and security, Horst revealed that the Pakistan-US Green Alliance has been initiated to further enhance these relations. She emphasised the importance of Pakistan’s sovereignty and that it is free to make its own choices.

    The State Department official also emphasised that both countries are working together to ensure regional security, counter-terrorism, and counter-narcotics. She expressed concern over the rising number of terrorist incidents in Pakistan and stressed the importance of continuing cooperation between the two countries to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorists.

    Horst concluded by stating that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of both Pakistan and the US. She emphasised the importance of pushing the Taliban to fulfill their promises for peace and stability, as thousands of lives have already been affected by terrorism.

  • Here are the winners from the 68th Filmfare Awards

    Here are the winners from the 68th Filmfare Awards

    The 68th annual Fimfare awards took place yesterday with several A-listers like Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal gracing the red carpet and Salman Khan playing host. Some of the biggest winners of the night were ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and Baddhai Do, the two films that walked away with the most awards. Here is a list of all the winners from last night:

    Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi

    Best Actor: Rajkummar Rao for ‘Badhaai Do’

    Best Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’

    Best Actor In Supporting Role: Anil Kapoor in ‘Jug Jug Jeeyo’

    Best Actress in Supporting Role: Sheeba Chaddha in ‘Badhaai Do’

    Best Screenplay: Akshat Ghildial, Suman Adhikary and Harshavardhan Kulkarni for Badhaai Do

    Best Dialogue: Prakash Kapadia and Utkarshini Vashishtha for Gangubai Kathiawadi

  • Country could face constitutional crisis if elections not held on May 14, warns Imran Khan

    Country could face constitutional crisis if elections not held on May 14, warns Imran Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan appeared before Islamabad High Court on Friday to seek bail in a case pertaining to allegations against top officers of state institutions and inciting mutiny. The court approved Imran Khan’s interim bail till May 3.

    During an informal conversation with journalists after appearing at the Islamabad High Court, Imran Khan expressed concerns that if the upcoming elections were not held on May 14 as scheduled, it could result in a constitutional crisis.

    He stated that a failure to hold elections in a timely manner would amount to a violation of the constitution, suggesting that if the constitution were to be breached, the outcome would be determined by whoever was the strongest.

    Imran further said that any discussion of elections in September or October would be pointless. He emphasised that the government should take action and hold elections as soon as possible, as the constitution should always take precedence over the parliament. The responsibility of holding timely elections now rests with the government, the former Prime Minister observed.

    On Thursday evening, Imran Khan tweeted that a “bizarre” FIR has been registered against him because of “Tauheen-i-Dirty Harry and Tayheen-i-Psycopath”.

    It is pertinent to mention that Khan has often referred ro Major General Faisal Naseer as Dirty Harry and accused him of being involved in assassination attempt on his life.

  • Mattel introduces Barbie doll with Down’s syndrome

    Mattel introduces Barbie doll with Down’s syndrome

    On Tuesday, powerhouse toy producer Mattel unveiled their first-ever Barbie doll that represents an individual with Down’s syndrome. The doll was developed in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to ensure that it accurately depicts a person who has the genetic disorder. Mattel consulted with the NDSS to incorporate specific design features and clothing that carry significance to represent the community.

    “Barbie plays an important role in a child’s early experiences, and we are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play,” said Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls at Mattel.

    “Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls who do not look like themselves,” she added in a statement.

    Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition that results in the presence of an additional chromosome, leading to differences in physical and cognitive development. Mattel had previously introduced a range of Barbie dolls that honored feminists and other inspiring figures. With the introduction of the new Down syndrome Barbie, the total number of different looks available in the Barbie collection is 175, according to Mattel.

  • PTI wants general elections in July, amendment in constitution and much more

    PTI wants general elections in July, amendment in constitution and much more

    The Pakistan Democratic Movement-led government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) finally sat together to discuss the matter of elections on Thursday.

    According to Geo News, the former ruling party PTI has put forward three conditions for reaching a consensus. One of them is that they want general elections in July instead of October.

    Other than this, PTI has asked the government to dissolve Balochistan and Sindh Assembly as well as National Assembly (NA) in May. Thirdly, the party wants an amendment in the constitution for simultaneous elections and for that, the resignations of their Member of National Assembly (MNA) have to be withdrawn.

    The first round of the negotiations lasted for two hours while the second round will be held today.

    It is important to mention that Supreme Cout (SC) gave May 14 as the date for polls in Punjab and KP, but later asked the political parties to negotiate with each other to reach a conclusion.

  • Pakistan’s economic stability remains fragile despite increase in forex reserves

    Pakistan’s economic stability remains fragile despite increase in forex reserves

    As the country tries to find ways to secure external financing and keep itself afloat, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)-held foreign exchange reserves recorded a meagre rise. The SBP, in its weekly bulletin, mentioned its reserves have jumped by $30 million to $4.46 billion as of April 20, which will provide an import cover of less than a month — a position that has been the same for several months now.

    The net foreign reserves held by commercial banks stand at $5.56 billion, $1.1 billion more than the SBP, taking the total liquid foreign reserves to $10.02 billion. Although the central bank did not specify the reason behind the increase, there was a $300 million rise in the reserves last week — which was due to the loan provided by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

    The $350 billion economy is in turmoil amid financial woes and the delay in an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that would release much-needed funding crucial to avoid the risk of default.

    The government has been in talks with the Washington-based lender since end-January to resume the $1.1 billion loan tranche that has been on hold since November, part of a $6.5 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreed upon in 2019. A deal with the IMF will also unlock other bilateral and multilateral financing avenues for Pakistan to shore up its foreign exchange reserves.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said earlier this week that Pakistan has “fulfilled all the conditions” of the IMF and hoped that the Fund would soon sign the staff-level agreement. Speaking to Geo News, Dar said both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have informed the IMF about their commitments to provide $3 billion to Pakistan.

    Riyadh will provide $2 billion while Abu Dhabi has promised $1 billion to Pakistan, Dar said, adding that the Washington-based lender has also been informed in this regard.

    The finance minister said all the conditions for the staff-level agreement between Pakistan and IMF have been fulfilled. “Pakistan is hopeful that IMF will soon sign the SLA and get it approved by its Executive Board,” Ishaq Dar added.