Blog

  • Dear readers, the Duke of Hastings will not be returning for ‘Bridgerton’ season 2

    Dear readers, the Duke of Hastings will not be returning for ‘Bridgerton’ season 2

    Regé-Jean Page will not return for the second season of record-breaking Regency romance Bridgerton, Netflix said Friday, prompting howls of despair from fans of the dashing Duke of Hastings.

    The wildly popular series from Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes puts a modern twist on the books about an upper-class family in early 19th-century England. British-Zimbabwean actor Page was a breakout star for the first season, but his character’s storylines largely conclude in the opening volume of Julia Quinn’s original books, which each follow a different sibling of the Bridgerton family.

    “Dearest Readers, while all eyes turn to Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s quest to find a Viscountess, we bid adieu to Regé-Jean Page, who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings,” said a letter on the show’s Twitter account.

    “We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family.”

    In January, Netflix announced that Bridgerton had become the streaming platform’s most popular new series, watched by over 82 million households.

    “Remember: the Duke is never gone,” wrote Rhimes on Instagram. “He’s just waiting to be binge watched all over again.”

    But some fans were apoplectic, with one writing: “It’s a joke, right? If not then you just killed that show.”

    “This better be a belated April fools joke,” wrote another.

    The first season followed Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) as she made her debut in Regency London, seeking a husband, while the second will focus on her brother Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey).

    “Daphne will remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother navigate the upcoming social season and what it has to offer— more intrigue and romance than my readers may be able to bear,” read the announcement letter further.

    Read more – ‘Bridgerton’ is the arranged marriage we all want

    Meanwhile, speaking to Variety Magazine, Page said that he always saw the role as short-term.

    “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end, give us a year,” Page remarked, recounting early conversations with producers.

    “It felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on,” he shared.

    The actor also mused that retiring the character at the end of season one provided some closure for audiences.

    “I have nothing but excitement for Bridgerton continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe,” he said, adding: “But there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing.”

  • Punjab police make face-mask violators stand in scorching sun

    As the country battles the third wave of COVID-19, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has asked the provinces to ensure the strict implementation of SOPs to control the spread of the virus.

    Talking to Dawn, Lahore Commissioner retired Capt Muhammad Usman warned that those found violating the SOPs will be sent to jail.

    “We are passing through peak time of the third wave of the coronavirus that is spreading very fast in Lahore in particular and other parts of Punjab in general. Since many Covid-19 positive patients are being shifted to hospitals [in Lahore] on a daily basis, we have decided to ensure strict preventive measure to avert the further spread of the virus,” said the commissioner.

    He added: “We have decided to launch a crackdown from March 28 against all those not wearing masks, besides flouting other SOPs. We have been left with no option but to arrest all those found without masks on the city roads, markets, hospitals, parks, shops, malls etc.”

    As per reports, more than 400 first information reports (FIRs) have been filed against face-mask violators in Lahore with dozens of them taken into custody.

    The assistant commissioner of Jhelum’s Pind Dadan Khan city came up with a rare punishment for mask violators as he made them stand in the scorching sun for over half an hour.

    Punjab has already imposed a partial lockdown in the province banning mass transport, weddings and ordering markets to close by 6 pm to avoid the spread of the virus.

  • Mahira, Yasir, Aima send love to Saba Qamar post breakup

    Mahira, Yasir, Aima send love to Saba Qamar post breakup

    Mahira Khan, Yasir Hussain, Yumna Zaidi and Aima Baig among others have extended their love and support to Saba Qamar after she announced her breakup with Azeem Khan.

    “You do YOU. Happiness is just around the corner,” said Mahira, commenting under Saba’s post.

    Saba’s co-star from Lahore Se Aagey Yasir Hussain also sent love and strength to the actor, saying: “Jitni strong Saba hai wo utna hi strong mard deserve karti hai (Saba deserves a strong man like herself).”

    “Aur yaad rakhna mard darhi mooch se nahi balky apni sachai aur imandari se banta hai. Stay strong my friend,” he added.

    Others who sent love to Saba include Bilal Ashraf, Rabia Butt, Aima Baig, Hadiqa Kiani and Yumna Zaidi.

    “You’re a strong badass woman,” said Aima. “Also deserves the best of the best of the best.”

    “Sending you a lot of love and light,” said Hadiqa, while Yumna said: “Your journey has been tough and you have made it worth it, we all love it for who you are.”

    “Always pure best wishes for you,” added Zaidi.

    Other actors and celebrities like Noor Bukhari, Adnan Ansari and Abdullah Sultan also commented under Saba’s post to show their support in her difficult time.

    Earlier, Saba had announced her split, saying: “It’s a very hard time on me right now but as we all know ‘This too shall pass’.”

    Later, Azeem in a statement, Azeem took full responsibility for the breakup saying: “Saba you have the most amazing soul and you deserve all the happiness in the universe.”

    “May God bless you with all the success and love,” he added.

  • Azeem Khan takes ‘full accountability’ of breakup with Saba Qamar

    Azeem Khan takes ‘full accountability’ of breakup with Saba Qamar

    Azeem Khan has taken full accountability and responsibility of breakup with Saba Qamar.

    “Saba Qamar Zaman you have the most amazing soul and you deserve all the happiness in the universe,” said Azeem in a statement. “May God bless you with all the success and love.”

    He further wrote: “Difficult roads often lead to the beautiful destinations.”

    “And yes, I’d like to go take full accountability of this breakdown,” added the Australia-based entrepreneur.

    Earlier in the day, Saba had announced her breakup, saying: “We are not getting married now. Hope you guys will support my decision just like you all have been supporting me always, and I guess it’s never too late to realise the bitter realities!”

    Responding to Saba’s post earlier, Azeem had said: “She hasn’t written my side of [the] story and yes it’s my fault.”

  • Pakistan set to export beef to China

    For the first time ever, Pakistan will be exporting beef to China in the near future.

    Organic Meat is a local public listed company that got approval and registration by Chinese customs authorities to export heat-treated beef to the People’s Republic of China.

    According to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the Organic Meat company has new heat machines that kill bacteria and root out the virus from the meat, which is a mandatory process for meat products.

    The export of meat and meat products by Pakistani companies is gradually increasing due to their adoption of new technologies.

    Due to the adoption of new technologies, several Pakistani companies have started exports to different regions, including Gulf countries (GCC) like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

    Last year, two Pakistani companies had received approval from the concerned Malaysian authorities to export meat and meat products to Malaysia.

    According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), meat exports have maintained a growth of 12 per cent year-on-year. The exports surged to $216 million from July to February during the financial year 2020-21, in comparison to $210 million recorded in the previous financial year.

    The consistent growth of exports to both the traditional and new emerging markets will also attract new investments in the local companies and the area of livestock.

    Organic Meat won an export deal of supplying meat to markets in Saudi Arabia. The company also claims that their new system will enable them to export.

    The company was listed with the PSX last year for raising of funds, which resulted in the expansion of its operations and businesses.

  • Legendary folk singer Shaukat Ali passes away

    Legendary folk singer Shaukat Ali passes away

    Renowned Pakistani folk singer Shaukat Ali passed away in Lahore on Friday after battling a prolonged illness.

    As per details, Ali’s health had deteriorated a day before his demise. His son Amir Shaukat Ali had said that his father’s condition was critical and his liver was not working at all and had requested everyone to pray for his quick recovery.

    Ali had been suffering from liver disease for a long time. He was also facing multiple medical issues, including diabetes and a liver transplant. Moreover, he had undergone a heart bypass surgery a few years ago.

    Last year, on the instructions of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, he was admitted to Gambit Institute in Sindh where he had remained under treatment for several days. Later, he was admitted to CMH Lahore on the special instructions of Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

    Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan also extended her condolences to the grieving family.

    Dr Awan said that she was saddened to hear about Ali’s demise, saying that Ali had played a key role in putting Pakistan on the map with his songs.

    Senator Faisal Javed Khan also prayed for him in his tweet.

    Yasir Hussain and Shaan also expressed their grief over the demise of the Punjabi singer.

    Shaukat Ali, who hails from the Malakwal family of Gujarat, was renowned across the world for his mystical speeches and Punjabi songs.

    He was also awarded the Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan in 1990.

    The Ghazal maestro was one of the most prolific artists of the Pakistani music industry, with a singing career spanning five decades.

  • Sputnik vaccine reportedly available in Karachi

    Sputnik vaccine reportedly available in Karachi

    Sputnik vaccine is now available in Karachi for people who want to go for private vaccinations. As per details, the vaccine is available at Karachi’s Southcity Hospital for Rs 17,268 for two shots.

    Journalist Omar Quraishi shared the news on social media, saying: “Rs 17,268 for two doses of the Sputnik vaccine being charged by Karachi’s Southcity Hospital. Rs 12,268 is the price of the doses plus Rs 5,000 ‘administration charge’ by the hospital.”

    Later, the journalist said that he called the hospital to get some information, finding out that the whole process is a “complete mess”.

    People who booked their appointments have to call for the appointment again when the system starts working.

    Giving an update, Quraishi said: “Whoever managed to book an appointment for a Sputnik vaccine dose at South City Hospital in Karachi will have to re-book and go through the entire process all over again – when the system is reopened and when the hospital actually has vaccines.”

    OMI hospital is also reportedly administering vaccinations after registration.

    Meanwhile, the government has started the vaccination drive for citizens 50 and above. The government has also allowed walk-in vaccination for seniors aged 65 and above at different health centres.

    Pakistan is currently battling with its third wave of COVID-19. According to the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), Pakistan has reported 5,234 cases and 83 deaths in the last 24 hours.

  • Wasim Akram sends best wishes to Sachin Tendulkar

    Wasim Akram sends best wishes to Sachin Tendulkar

    Former Captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team Wasim Akram has extended his best wishes to Sachin Tendulkar after he was hospitalised for COVID-19.

    “Even when you were 16, you battled [the] world’s best bowlers with guts and aplomb,” said Akram wishing his former rival well. “So I am sure you will hit Covid-19 for a SIX!”

    “Recover soon master! Would be great if you celebrate India’s World Cup 2011 anniversary with doctors and hospital staff…do send me a pic,” he added.

    Sachin shared that he was hospitalised on Friday, April 2 as a precautionary measure after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He had previously been isolating at home, but medical professionals advised him to get admitted into a hospital.

    Shahid Afrdi also wished Tendulkar a swift recovery, saying: “Wishing you a speedy recovery Legend . No doubt that you will make a strong recovery.May your hospital stay be short and your recovery even shorter!“

    Earlier, Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar also posted a picture with Tendulkar and wished for his speedy recovery.

  • Mobile vaccination program launched for senior citizens in four cities

    The Government of Pakistan has launched a mobile vaccination service for senior citizens aged above 80 years and for differently-abled persons aged above 50. As per reports, the service is initially available in four cities of Punjab including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan.

    Read more – Lahore: 550 doses of COVID-19 vaccine go missing from one hospital, 350 spoiled at another

    The step has been taken to speed up the process of vaccination amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.

    “Senior citizens who are 80 years and above and those with disabilities over 50 years of age don’t have to leave home for the vaccine as the government vaccine vans will reach them wherever they are,” said Punjab Minister for Health Dr Yasmin Rashid while talking about the initiative.

    Chief Minister Usman Buzdar urged people to get vaccinated and said “citizens can simply call the health helpline 1033 to get vaccinated at home.”

    Vaccinations for people over 60 years and above commenced on March 10, while registrations for people above 50 started last week on March 30.

    Meanwhile, 5234, people tested positive in the last 24 hours in Pakistan whereas, 83 people have lost their lives to the deadly virus. The positivity rate has jumped to 10.43 %.

  • SC rejects PTI’s appeal; Daska re-polling order by ECP upheld

    SC rejects PTI’s appeal; Daska re-polling order by ECP upheld

    The Supreme Court on Friday rejected an appeal by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding re-polling in NA-75 Daska’s entire constituency.

    A three-member bench headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial gave a short order upholding the earlier order of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for re-polling in NA-75.

    Celebrating the SC’s decision, Maryam Nawaz tweeted that it had once again been proven that the government had tried to rob the votes of the people of Daska. She said that only re-polling is not enough. “Those who robbed the votes will have to be made answerable.”

    Reacting to the same, Punjab chief minister’s aide Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that they respected the apex court’s judgement and the PTI would win again.

    The development comes a day after PML-N demanded re-polling in 109 ‘controversial’ polling stations of the NA-75 Daska, if not the entire constituency.

    In February, the ECP had announced that new elections will be held in NA-75 after its returning officer alleged irregularities during the by-polls in a report submitted to the commission.