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  • ‘Nafrat Jeet Gai’, Indian Muslim comedian quits after 12 shows cancelled in 2 months

    ‘Nafrat Jeet Gai’, Indian Muslim comedian quits after 12 shows cancelled in 2 months

    Indian Muslim stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui has hinted that he won’t be doing any shows from now on saying, “Nafrat jeet gai, Artist haar gaya. Im done! Goodbye! INJUSUSTICE.” Faruqui’s statement came after the comedian’s Bengaluru show was cancelled on Sunday due to threats from right-wing groups.

    “Aaj Bangalore show cancel ho gaya (under the threats of venue vandalism). We sold 600+ tickets. Month back my team called late Puneeth Rajkumar sir organisation for charity which we will be going to generate from this show in Bangalore. We agreed to not sell the show on the name of charity as suggested by the noble organisation,” Munawar Faruqui tweeted.

    “Putting me in jail for the joke I never did to cancelling my shows, which has nothing problematic in it. This is unfair. This show has gained so much love from people in India irrespective of their religion. This is unfair. We do have censor certificate of the show and it’s clearly nothing problematic in the show.”

    At least 12 of Faruqui’s shows were cancelled in the last two months due to threats from right-wing groups.

    “I think this is the end. My name is Munawar Faruqui and that’s been my time. You guys were wonderful audience. Goodbye, I’m done,” he concluded.

    Earlier this year in January, Faruqui was forced to to stop his performance at a café in Indore by Hindu right-wing nationalists, who accused him of insulting Hindu gods during the rehearsals of his show. He was then handed over to the police with four others. He spent 37 days under police custody.

  • ‘Not a film set, apologise’: Fawad Chaudhry lashes out at model for posing at Kartarpur bareheaded

    ‘Not a film set, apologise’: Fawad Chaudhry lashes out at model for posing at Kartarpur bareheaded

    Minister of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan Fawad Chaudhry has lashed out at a model for hurting the Sikh community after she posed ‘bareheaded’ for a clothing ad at the Kartarpur Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.

    Taking to Twitter, the information minister wrote: “The Designer and the model must apologise to Sikh Community. KartarPur Sahib is a religious symbol and not a film set.”

    According to reports, the woman who runs Mannat, a ready-to-wear women’s online clothing store in Pakistan, got a photo-shoot done at the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib complex in the recent past with the model posing bareheaded with her back towards the Gurdwara.

    In the now-deleted photographs, the woman is seen wearing a red suit posing for the camera without covering her head with the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in the background.

    It should be noted that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the single largest representative body of Sikhs, has pasted posters inside the gurdwara complex cautioning devotees not to shoot entertainment videos after a few of them were caught shooting TikTok videos.

    Many have criticised the model and demanded her apology. Former president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Paramjit Singh Sarna said in a statement that this is a “highly objectionable” act that has “severely hurt” the Sikh religious sentiments.

    Sarna said that he would take up the issue with the Chairman of Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board Dr Amar Ahmad on priority and ask him to make the PMU staff aware of the Sikh “rehat maryada” (Sikh code of religious conduct).

    He called upon Pakistani authorities to place written instructions in Urdu about Sikh “Maryada”. He also urged the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) and local authorities in Narowal that visitors to the historical shrine must be sensitised about the Sikh code of conduct applicable at gurdwaras.

    Last week, several Sikh pilgrims visited the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan on the 552nd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

  • PTI sends notice to member over false ‘fight’ allegations against Zartaj Gul

    PTI sends notice to member over false ‘fight’ allegations against Zartaj Gul

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a show-cause notice to PTI Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Riaz Fatyana for making “false” allegations against two members of the federal cabinet, reports Dawn.

    Fatyana alleged that the Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (PM) on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam got into an argument during the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.

    The notice was sent on the complaint of Aslam by the PTI’s Standing Commi­ttee on Accountability and Disci­pline (SCAD).

    “Upon your return, as a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), you have made some absurd and totally fabricated and false assertions in the meeting held on November 25, including that there was a brawl between two senior officials and Zartaj Gul which led to her leaving the conference early, whereas she had left early only to attend the joint session [of parliament],” reads the show-cause notice.

    In the notice, Fatyana has been asked to submit a written statement by December 4 along with documents and evidence. He has also been offered to be heard in person to elaborate his written statement.

    Aslam, in his complaint, alleged that the MNA had come to Glasgow to attend the conference funded by a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) during his visit he made some “unreasonable demands” such as becoming a part of the official delegation.

    Last week, both cabinet members issued a joint statement denying any fight or misunderstanding at Conference of the Parties (COP)-26 and termed the allegations made by Riaz Fatyana “baseless”.

    On Friday, during a session of PAC, Fatyana alleged that the argument between Zartaj and Aslam made the former leave the conference and return to Pakistan.

  • ‘Lahore, Lahore hai’: Sania Mirza falls in love with Lahore

    ‘Lahore, Lahore hai’: Sania Mirza falls in love with Lahore

    Indian tenis ace, Sania Mirza, who is currently in Pakistan, has fallen in love with the city after she has been showered with love in the heart of Punjab.

    Read More – ‘Pakistan or India?’: Sania Mirza finally puts the banter to rest by revealing who she supports

    Several videos of her visit to Karachi and then Lahore are circulating on social media.

    In one of the videos, she can be seen saying Jinhay Lahore ni vekhya O jammiya nahi with her fans. Her husband can also be seen in the video.

    In another video, Sania can be heard saying that she received this much love on her wedding and whenever she visits Pakistan. She also thanked her Pakistani fans who came to meet her.

    The star tennis player was in Pakistan to launch her signature perfume Splash in a collaboration with a Pakistani brand.

    She was also seen in Karachi with her husband and son Izhaan on the launch of her and Shoaib’s perfume.

  • Veteran journalist Muhammad Ziauddin passes away at 83 after prolonged illness

    Veteran journalist Muhammad Ziauddin passes away at 83 after prolonged illness

    Veteran journalist Muhammad Ziauddin passed away on Monday in Islamabad after a period of prolonged illness. He was 83.

    Ziauddin had a career span of 60 years in journalism. He earned a Master’s degree in Journalism from Karachi University in 1964. Later that same year, he made his entry in the profession.

    One of the most respected names in journalism, Ziauddin worked at almost all the major newspapers of the country—The Muslim, The News, Dawn, The Express Tribune.

    Many people paid tribute to Ziauddin after the news of his death was confirmed. 

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted, “One of the most capable fiercely independent journalist I came across with has left for his final abode #Ziauddin was no commoner a wise man—integrity and boldness added to his personality.”

    Afrasiab Khattak tweeted: “The death of iconic journalist Ziauddin sahib is a huge loss to journalism in Pakistan. He maintained professional standards and integrity under under circumstances when it wasn’t easy to do so.”

    Abbas Nasir tweeted: “An iconic journalist; a personal friend of 35 years; a senior who was generous with his counsel and love; and a giant who stood up to autocrats for over 50 years.”

    Mubahsir Zaidi tweeted, “Icon of Pakistani journalism Mohammed Ziauddin dies.”

    Journalist Nasim Zehra tweeted, “One of Pakistan’s leading illustrious old guard experienced and widely respected journalist, former Editor of Dawn & the News; currently a columnist with Express Tribune #MZiauddin sahib passes away.”

    Journalist Hamid shared a picture of Ziauddin and tweeted, “I always told #Ziauddin sahib ‘your experience in journalism is equal to my age’.”

    Journalist Khurram Husain tweeted, “Deeply grieved to learn of the passing of Zia saab. He was grace, dignity, and professionalism personified.”

    Journalist Murtaza Solangi tweeted, “#Ziauddin lived his life on his terms, his values and his principles. He did not waver and vacillate on his progressive and democratic ethos for a single day. His over half a century work is a compass in our dark days and nights. Goodbye my comrade!”

    Journalist Shahbaz Rana tweeted how Ziauddin had taught him “to keep emotions separate from the noble cause” of journalism.

    Journalist Amber Shamsi tweeted, “Gutted to learn Ziauddin sb is no more. A fine gentleman and a finer journalist, who was so accessible and willing to teach.”

  • Pakistan’s bowling consultant Philander to leave amid Omicron fears

    Pakistan’s bowling consultant Philander to leave amid Omicron fears

    Pakistan cricket team’s bowling consultant, South African Vernon Philander is set to leave the Pakistan team midway through the on-going Test against Bangladesh after suspension of flight operations in South Africa amid the spread of new coronavirus variant, Omicron.

    According to reports, Philander will leave Bangladesh for South Africa between Monday and Tuesday night.

    It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistan team is currently playing a two-match Test series against Bangladesh and initially Vernon Philander was scheduled to leave Dhaka for Cape Town on December 1 after the first Test.

    However, due to the suspension of flight operations in South Africa amid the spread of the new variant, he will be separated from the Pakistani squad today.

    It may be recalled that in view of the spread of coronavirus variant, Omicron, Pakistan imposed travel bans on six African countries, including South Africa.

    The United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria and the European Union have also imposed travel bans on African countries over the threat of a new Corona variant.

    Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Liton Das digged in and helped the side to take the lead of 159 runs before lunch. Both teams are trying to win the first Test. Pakistan needs four wickets, while Bangladesh is trying to set a bigger total to defeat the visitors.

  • Alleged audio clip of Maryam Nawaz giving instructions to private news channels leaked

    Alleged audio clip of Maryam Nawaz giving instructions to private news channels leaked

    An alleged audio clip of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz has been leaked on social media in which she can be heard talking to someone on phone. During the telephonic conversation the PML-N Vice President can be heard saying, “I talked to Mir Shakeel Sb [owner of Geo News] personally,I told him that are showing facts from both sides, instead you should tell people Imran Khan lied without any verification, and Imran Khan not only repeated this lie but also made ten other things.”

    She further said that she told Mir Shakeel that he has to do it [to push her narrative], and he [Mir Shakeel] did it.

    Maryam further said that she told Mian Amir Mahmood [Owner of Dunya News] the same, and he replied “Aap Dekhein me krta kia hun iske saath” [Now see what I do with him.]

    Earlier, another audio clip of Maryam went viral on social media in which Maryam Nawaz can be heard saying, “We have given many chances to Samaa News. The kind of news Samaa [airs] and the way its anchor Nadeem Malik is, we can no longer work with the channel. So we are not giving any ads to Samaa.” ”Samaa News, Channel 92, ARY News, and Channel 24 will not get any ads from us [PML-N],” said Maryam.

    Read more- Maryam Nawaz admits to blocking ads, media bodies urge govt to not use adverts to control editorial policy

    Maryam on November 25, confirmed the authenticity of her viral audio clip but the date of the clip is still not known, whether it was when PML-N was in government or opposition.

  • Those who chant ‘vote ko izzat do’ bought votes for Rs2,000: Fawad hits at PML-N over a leaked video

    Those who chant ‘vote ko izzat do’ bought votes for Rs2,000: Fawad hits at PML-N over a leaked video

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday said those who chant “vote ko izzat do” (give respect to vote) slogan bought votes for Rs2,000 for the upcoming by-election in Lahore.

    His comments come in relevance to the viral video in which workers of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) can be allegedly seen distributing cash among the voters of the Lahore constituency. The video surfaced days ahead of the by-election in Lahore’s NA-133 constituency scheduled for December 5.

    https://twitter.com/SHABAZGIL/status/1464717252846964739

    Addressing a public gathering Fawad said, “I hope that when the offices of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would open on Monday, they would take notice of the matter and would ask the PML-N how getting votes by distributing money was a service to democracy and giving respect to the ballot.”

    Taking a jibe at PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz, Fawad said that she and her husband Captain (retd) Mohammad Safdar should bid adieu to politics, further adding that whenever their case was about to be heard in courts, they leaked fake videos to pressure judges and state institutions.

    “Maryam Nawaz had said she did not own any property in London and even in Pakistan but after Panama Leaks, we came to know that she owned property worth billions not only in Pakistan but also abroad. We repeatedly ask them to show receipts, else there are only two options: to return the money or go to jail,” said Fawad.

    The video created an uproar in the political arena, as PML-N and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders accused each other of trying to buy votes in the constituency.

    Later on Sunday, Returning Officer (RO) Syed Basit Ali wrote separate letters to the Punjab Police chief, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Lahore deputy commissioner, and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), drawing attention and seeking more information about the persons seen in the video clips to take action against them.

    The lower house seat from Lahore fell vacant due to the death of PML-N MNA Pervaiz Malik, who died on October 11 due to heart-related complications.

  • Sajal Aly opens up on special moments with Sridevi and Janhvi, responds to Sonam

    Actor Sajal Aly is currently basking in the glory of her latest big-screen outing, Khel Khel Mein.

    The Yeh Dil Mera star opened up on working with Sridevi in her Bollywood debut Mom, and the bond that she shared with her family including actor Janhvi Kapoor.

    In an exclusive conversation with The Current, Sajal said that she is aware of her popularity in India and feels lucky when co-star Sridevi’s daughter Janhvi and Punjabi Indian actor Sonam Bajwa praise her work publicly.

    “I think I’m very lucky. When I did ‘Mom’ with Sridevi Ji in India, I had a chance to build a relationship with her family on a personal level. We did not have a professional dynamic with each other,” as there was a personal element in their equation.

    Speaking further about her connection with the Dhadak diva, she mentioned that the entire experience became more meaningful as her mother and the English Winglish star passed away one after the other after she wrapped the film.

    “Only a few days after my mom passed away, Sri ma’am also passed away. But I feel that her love and the memories will always remain with me,” concluded Sajal.

    The Aangan diva also got candid about her favourite film and television serial.

    READ MORE: Janhvi Kapoor, Sonam Bajwa awestruck by Sajal Aly’s look in Atif Aslam’s ‘Rafta Rafta’

  • ‘Pakistan or India?’: Sania Mirza finally puts the banter to rest by revealing who she supports

    Indian tennis player Sania Mirza and her cricketer husband Shoaib Malik were seen engaging in a cute banter over which side Mirza supports: India or Pakistan.

    During the recording of programme ‘Time Out with Ahsan Khan’, the host asked Mirza what is the worst question any journalist or any host has asked her.

    She replied, “One question that I am asked all the time, which is very bad and stale and I don’t want to be asked again is, “Who do I support when India is playing against Pakistan?”

    In a video, Malik can also be seen teasing his wife over this. He questioned Sania: “One second, this is not over yet. Who do you support when India and Pakistan play?”

    Sania in a witty reply questioned her husband back and asked him who he supports during India versus Pakistan tennis matches.

    Playing safe, the all-rounder said: “Of course I support my wife,” while adding that he loves his country.

    Mirza instantly said, “Same,” while requesting not to ask her this question again.

    The star tennis player is currently in Karachi.