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  • ‘Thriller’ becomes Michael Jackson’s fourth music video to hit 1 billion views on YouTube

    ‘Thriller’ becomes Michael Jackson’s fourth music video to hit 1 billion views on YouTube

    The 80s hit Thriller has become Michael Jackson’s fourth song on YouTube to cross one billion views.

    The music video for Thriller was released in 1984 – 13 minutes and 41 seconds long short horror film.

    The storytelling, choreography, especially the music, stole hearts and broke barriers in music around the world.The lyrics of the song were written by Rod Temperton, and the music video was directed by John Landis.

    The King of Pop has three other songs that have crossed 1 billion views on YouTube.

    Billie Jean has 1.6 billion views; and was composed and written by Michael Jackson, while the music video, directed by Steve Barron, was released on January 3, 1983.

    Beat It, released on February 14, 1983, has reached 1 billion views.

    Released in 1995, They Don’t Care About Us was a powerful song written and composed by Jackson, and it has 1.1 billion views on YouTube.

    Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles, California, USA.

  • National Assembly Secretariat declares PTI lawmakers as Sunni Ittehad Council members

    National Assembly Secretariat declares PTI lawmakers as Sunni Ittehad Council members

    The National Assembly Secretariat has issued a new list of party positions in the National Assembly (NA) and declared all Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers as Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) members.

    According to the new list, seats in the coalition government of political parties is two hundred thirteen as Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), hold one hundred ten seats; Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has sixty-nine seats, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) has twenty-two seats.

    Meanwhile, on the opposition benches, SIC has eighty seats, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) has eight seats, and PTI independent supporters have eight members.

    Secretariat officials did not mention twenty-three reserved seats and declared them disputed.

    Earlier, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had penned a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on September 19 stating that after the Elections Act Amendments, 2024, has been passed by the parliament, the Supreme Court’s reserved seats verdict of July 12 can no longer be implemented

  • Weekly inflation eases 0.52 per cent as prices of 15 essential items decline

    Weekly inflation eases 0.52 per cent as prices of 15 essential items decline

    Weekly inflation in Pakistan eased by 0.52 per cent in one week, while on an annual basis, the inflation was recorded up by over 12 per cent in the week ending September 19.

    According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), which calculates short term inflation through the sensitive price indicator revealed price movements for essential food items witnessed in the week under observation.

    The prices of 51 essential items were analysed in different cities across the country and it was revealed that prices of 17 items increased in Pakistan, while prices of 15 items declined and prices of 19 items remained almost unchanged.

    Looking at the data released by the PBS, a major reduction was seen in the price of diesel, onions, petrol, sugar, and tomatoes.

    On the other hand, pulse gramme, chicken, cooked daal, cooked beef, and shirting.

    Cement prices also reduced in the country as the rate for 50 kg cement bag was recorded at Rs1,466, about 22.85 per cent more than the previous year.

    Furthermore, yearly SPI for the lowest-income group has increased by more than 9 per cent.

    Item Change Direction
    Diesel -5.00 per cent Decrease
    Onions -4.45 per cent Decrease
    Petrol -3.88 per cent Decrease
    Tomatoes -1.93 per cent Decrease
    Sugar -0.70 per cent Decrease
    Chicken +1.49 per cent Increase
    Pulse Gram +0.83 per cent Increase
    Cooked Daal +0.81 per cent Increase
    Shirting +0.74 per cent Increase
    Cooked Beef +0.72 per cent Increase
    Price changes
  • Why is DuniyaPur one of Pakistan’s most expensive dramas?

    Why is DuniyaPur one of Pakistan’s most expensive dramas?

    The highly anticipated drama DuniyaPur starring Ramsha and Khushhal Khan, is set to make waves on our screens not just for its storyline but for its staggering budget.

    Recently Ramsha Khan and Khushal Khan appeared as a guest on Something Haute hosted by Hassan Choudhary and Amna Isani.

    Hassan Choudhary asked, “There are a couple of things that are creating a lot of buzz about ‘DuniyaPur’.One of the major points is that it’s said to be one of the most expensive dramas in Pakistan’s history. People are saying that the budget for this drama is around 25 to 30 crores. Is that true or just a rumor?”

    Khushal Khan replied, “We don’t know, the exact budget, but it’s definitely one of the most expensive dramas ever made in the country. While we don’t know the precise figures, what’s clear is that it’s a big-budget project. There’s been talk about it being the most expensive drama in Pakistan’s history, but we don’t know much about exact numbers.”

    The host again asked “What resources were used to make DuniyaPur such a high-cost production?”

    Khushal Khan said that everything used in production was of the highest quality available in the country. “Whether it’s the equipment for films, the lenses, or even the cameras, things that haven’t been seen in Pakistani film or drama productions before,,” he disclosed.

    He emphasized the involvement of a specialized crew, noting, “There were a lot of specialized crew members involved, like action directors, which is a rarity. Some days, there would be around a hundred people on set, with extensive action sequences and a great deal of coordination. There were also separate posters being made, which is a testament to the scale of the production.”

    Ramasha Khan piped in to talk about the locations. “The cast and crew were constantly traveling to various locations, including Wazirabad, Sargodha, Islamabad, Dadar, Pindi, and Kohat. We might be missing some places, but there were a lot of locations involved in the shooting, such as Neelum and Jehlum as well.”

    The drama is written by Radain Shah and directed by Shahid Shafaat. It will air on Green Entertainment.
    Duniyapur is a drama about a violent place where people fight for power and survival. Trust is broken, and violence is everywhere. It’s a thrilling show about ambition, betrayal, and staying alive.

  • Pro-Palestinian American rapper Macklemore releases ‘Hind’s Hall 2’

    Pro-Palestinian American rapper Macklemore releases ‘Hind’s Hall 2’

    Pro-Palestine American rapper Macklemore has released another song in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, titled as Hind’s Hall 2 featuring Palestinian artists.

    The song has been released four months after the release of the first Hind’s Hall which stood out as a key anthem of resistance against the ongoing genocide in Gaza and hypocrisy of the American government in showing support for Israel.

    Palestinian rapper MC Abdul, Palestinian-American author and comedian Amer Zahr, and Arab-American singer Anees Mokhiber have been featured in the second iteration.

    The rapper took to Instagram to announce the release of the song. He shared a picture of three smiling children and captioned the picture with credits given to artists involved in the making. He further declared that all the proceeds of the song would go to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It was the same for the first version of Hind’s Hall.

    The title Hind’s Hall refers to the renaming of the Hamilton Hall of Columbia University by protesting students in America as a tribute to six-year-old Hind Rajab who was killed by Israeli military.

    Unlike Hind’s Hall, there is no video in the second iteration. It just has a picture of three smiling children, captured by Gazan photojournalist Motaz Azaiza.

    The new song opens with a verse from Mohibker that says, “In our lifetime we will be free, and they can bury us, but they will find out we are seeds.”
    The verse was complimented by Palestine Kids Choir and the Lifted Youth Gospel Choir.

    As the song progresses, Macklemore also takes a jibe at Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris’s politics: “Hey Kamala, I don’t know if you are listening but stop sending money and weapons, you ain’t winning Michigan. We are committed, and hell no we ain’t switching positions, because the whole world turned Palestinian.”

    The song has amassed more than 12 thousand views since its release, while the announcement post has more than 67 thousand likes.

    Macklemore is one of the few mainstream musicians who has ardently advocated about the oppression faced by Palestinians.

    He recently cancelled shows in United Arab Emirates citing its compliance with Israel and has announced to perform at the Palestine Will Live Forever festival in Seattle on September 21 alongside Palestinian artists and speakers.

  • No rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, Punjab govt notifies PTI

    No rally at Minar-e-Pakistan, Punjab govt notifies PTI

    The Punjab government has decided to allow Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a rally in Lahore but not at the Greater Iqbal Park at Minar-e-Pakistan.

    In a high-level district intelligence committee meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lahore, various suggestions were floated whether to allow PTI to hold a rally in Lahore or not, Geo News reported.

    DC Lahore also sought a security report from Punjab police.

    The Lahore High Court, while rejecting an appeal for the suspension of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally scheduled on September 21 in Lahore, directed the DC on Friday to decide the venue for the rally by 5 PM today.

    Justice Tariq Nadeem lamented, “All the bureaucracy has left their work to be in the court today; the world has progressed so much. What message are we giving to the world?”

  • Constitutional court necessary if citizens unsatisfied with existing judicial system: Bilawal Bhutto

    Constitutional court necessary if citizens unsatisfied with existing judicial system: Bilawal Bhutto

    Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Thursday that he supported the coalition government’s proposed formation of constitutional courts in the since-postponed constitutional amendment legislation.

    “At least 50 percent of the cases in Supreme Court are constitutional — which consumed 90 percent of the time,” claimed the PPP leader, asking why a separate court should not be established for better dispensation of justice.

    Bhutto also emphasised that if citizens are not satisfied with the current judicial system, then a constitutional court must be established.

    Interestingly, the former foreign minister also stated that the proposed legislation by the government was “inadequate” because constitutional courts should be established at the provincial level as well.

    He also stressed that there is a need to revise the judicial appointment system, saying, “Parliament has decided that people will decide who will become the judge.”

    Bilawal alleged, “In Pakistan, there is a tradition that if you’re someone’s relative, you can become a judge,” adding that it has severely damaged the judicial system in Pakistan.

  • Bella Hadid’s photos with birthday girl Khai will make you smile

    Bella Hadid’s photos with birthday girl Khai will make you smile

    Singer Zayn Malik, father to daughter Khai, whom he shares with supermodel Gigi Hadid, did something different for his daughter’s birthday.

    On Khai’s fourth birthday, Malik posted a picture of them together on Instagram.

    The picture shows Zayn carrying Khai at the beach, both looking out at the sea.

    He started his message with a birthday wish and continued expressing his love, writing, “Happy birthday to the most important person in my life, I love you more than words allow me to express, beyond proud to call you my daughter…”

    “Grateful for every second I get to spend next to you, as you become the incredible person, I know you already are,” the 31-year-old singer said, showcasing his gratitude.

    He ended the sweet message by articulating, “Four years ago, today my life changed forever and I wouldn’t be the man I am today without you.”

    Gigi also posted pictures on her Instagram, captioning them, “Our girl is 4 today and we celebrated all week!!! She loves animals (fantastical ones too), music, baby yoda, all things nature & bugs, Descendants, anything squishy or miniature, and if possible- will be in the water from dawn til dusk.”

    “She is curious, adventurous, loving, and oh so witty Khai- it is my life’s greatest joy and pride to be your mama!!!!

    Thank you for the four best years of my life- you remind me to live life to the fullest every day, in the most simple & beautiful ways. Your possibilities are endless, my sweetest love.”

    Bella Hadid also posted a story on her Instagram, wishing Khai a happy birthday.

    See the pictures below:

    Former couple Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik started dating in late 2015 and had several break-ups and patch ups. They welcomed their daughter, Khai Malik, in September 2020. Although the couple is no longer together, they co-parent Khai

  • Amitabh Bachchan apologises for mispronouncing Marathi

    Amitabh Bachchan apologises for mispronouncing Marathi

    Bollywood’s legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan recently found himself in the spotlight for mispronouncing a Marathi word in a video, but he handled the situation with grace.
    The way Amitabh Bachchan mispronounced the Marathi phrase ‘Kachra,’ which means ‘garbage,’ in his video message went viral and sparked criticism.

    On September 19, Bachchan immediately apologized and corrected his mistake and shared the video again.

    Bachchan said, “Namasakar, I am Amitabh Bachchan a few days ago, I posted a video saying that ‘I won’t litter’. I also said this in Marathi too and my pronunciation in Marathi was not correct.My friend Sudesh Bhosale told me that my pronunciation of the Marathi word ‘Kachra’ is incorrect.”

    “I’m sharing this video again, as I say ‘Mi Kachra karnaer nahi,” the Sholay actor added.

    Recently he starred in the Kalki 2898 ad 2024 where Amitabh Bachchan palyed the character of Ashwattama.

    Here is the video:

  • Pro-Hasina student leader beaten to death on Dhaka campus

    Pro-Hasina student leader beaten to death on Dhaka campus

    A Bangladeshi student leader was beaten to death at his university campus in an apparent reprisal for attacks on protesters during the uprising that ousted ex-premier Sheikh Hasina last month.

    Shamim Ahmed was enrolled at Jahangirnagar University in the capital, Dhaka, and was a top member of the student wing of Hasina’s Awami League party, police officer Abu Bakkar said.

    Bakkar said Ahmed was beaten by unknown assailants on Wednesday night for leading an attack on student demonstrators at the campus in mid-July, when protests demanding Hasina’s removal from office were gaining momentum.

    “We took him to the Gonoshasthaya Hospital, where he later died,” the officer added.

    Staff at the hospital confirmed that Ahmed had died after being brought in with multiple injuries. Ahmed is at least the second leader of the Awami League’s student wing to be killed this month.

    Fellow leader Abdullah Al Masud died hours after being beaten by a mob in the northern city of Rajshahi on Sept 8, according to local media reports.

    He had also been accused of marshalling counter-demonstrations against the student-led uprising against Hasina, who fled the country in early August moments before protesters stormed her Dhaka palace.

    Hasina’s government was accused of widespread abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killing of political rivals. More than 450 people were killed in the weeks of violence leading up to the autocratic leader’s toppling.

    Since her departure for exile in neighbouring India, cabinet ministers and other senior members of Hasina’s party have been arrested, and her government’s appointees have been purged from courts and the central bank.

    At least 25 journalists seen as close to Hasina’s regime have also been taken into custody since her ouster and replacement with an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mohammed Yunus.