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  • Faisal Mosque is the 16th most beautiful building in the world: Research

    Faisal Mosque in Islamabad is featured amongst the top 50 most beautiful buildings in the world.

    Faisal Mosque is the largest South Asian mosque, and it is ranked as the 16th most beautiful building by Roofing Megastore.

    Roofing Megastore is one of the biggest roofing merchant online stores in the United Kingdom (UK).

    Roofing Megastore studied and analysed the 100 most famous architectural works in the world, and they had also compared them using the “golden ratio” to evaluate their visual attraction to the human eye.

    Golden Ratio is a mathematical equation, which is also known as the divine proportion, and it has been used many times by notable historical artists and architects to create perfect compositions.

    “The fifth largest mosque in the world is striking from every angle, featuring a contemporary eight-sided design which is inspired by a typical Bedouin tent. It took a decade to build Faisal Mosque and now it is also a major tourist attraction in Pakistan while remaining an important place of worship,” Roofing Megastore states in their recent research.

    According to Roofing Megastore, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is the most beautiful building in the world. Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore is on the second followed by Westminster Abbey in London.

  • Opposition infighting: PPP’s Khokhar calls spade a spade

    Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar has said the recent decisions taken by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) have not gone down well in the public.

    “The people are sick and tired of rising inflation. Unemployment rate is at an all-time high. They want to get rid of this government,” he said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

    The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader maintained that the infighting between opposition parties had given breathing space to an anti-people government.

    “On the issue of resignations, the other parties had a weak argument. But at the same time, the PPP’s decision on the leader of opposition in Senate was also not correct,” said Khokhar.

    He added that the pressure on the PPP to resign was unnecessary while the party, too, should not have taken support from Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).

    “I believe that taking votes from the ruling alliance has damaged our ideological narrative. If we want to take back space in other provinces, we have to give priority to the issues of the people rather than indulging in power politics.”

    Senator Khokhar said he hoped the Central Executive Committee (CEC) would look into these issues. “Difference of opinion is a democratic right and I hope my statement will also be taken in the same light.”

    Tensions have been brewing between opposition alliance members ever since PPP’s decision to nominate former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani for the slot of opposition leader in Senate.

    The PML-N believed it deserved to nominate one from its ranks, and Gilani’s successful election only made things worse.

    Now other members of the PDM are mulling refusing to accept Gilani as their leader, which might serve yet another blow to the anti-government alliance.

  • Pakistani film ‘Swipe’ makes it to International Animation Film Festival

    Pakistani animated film Swipe has become the first Pakistani animated film to make it to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

    Announcing the news on social media, the official Twitter account of Swipe said: “Celebrations! Swipe has made an official selection at Annecy Festival 2021.”

    “Swipe is the first Pakistani animated film to be featured at the oldest and highest-profile animation festival in the world,” said the announcement further, adding: “It’s a dream come true for Puffball Studios which was launched just 2 years ago.”

    According to the film’s official synopsis, “Swipe is a hand-painted animated short film about Pakistan made by a team of 20 Pakistani animators, musicians, storytellers, and actors over the course of one year.”

    It was been “written, drawn, animated, composed [and] acted all under one roof, Puffball Studios.”

    “Swipe is our attempt confronting a growing crisis resulting from a culmination of the nexus of technology, extremism and fascism. At the heart of this story is a confrontation with increasingly hostile, alienating, divisive circumstances and a plea for greater empathy, before it’s too late,” adds the official description further.

    The short film has been directed and produced by Arafat Mazhar and co-produced by Rasti Farooq.

  • Shah Rukh Khan teases fans in witty #AskSRK session

    Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has a fine sense of humour and we often witness it in his interviews, public appearances and interactive sessions on social media.

    After a long break, the actor recently held an #AskSRK session on Twitter during which he teased fans about his upcoming projects, gave some hilarious responses and shared some words of wisdom before going back to “doing more of nothing”.

    SRK, who has not been seen on the big screen since 2018 in Zero, told fans that he is working on his next film and that all his upcoming films will feature him.

    “Bhai bana raha hoon…bana raha hoon,” said the megastar when asked when he will be seen on the big screen.

    Replying to another user, SRK said: “Jaldi jaldi shooting karta hoon. Don’t worry.”

    When a fan asked him when he will be announcing his next film, SRK said: “Announcements are for airports and railway stations my friend…movies ki hawa toh khud ban jaati hai.”

    It is pertinent to mention here that on New Year, SRK, in a quirky video, had promised fans that he will return to the big screen in 2021. As per details, SRK will be part of the action-thriller Pathan, alongside Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.

    Meanwhile, SRK also shared some words of wisdom, advising a fan to mix passion and stability and that age is just a number.

    During the session, Khan also revealed his favourite Aamir Khan movies. His list includes Raakh, Qayamat Say Qamayat Tak, Lagaan and 3 Idiots.

    The actor also shared that he has never been good at multiple-choice questions and that he hopes his Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wins this year because he wants to drink coffee in the trophy cup.

    Check out some other hilarious responses by King Khan here:

  • Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid are not married

    Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid are not married

    Sorry guys, but Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid have not gotten married in secret as being speculated and reported.

    Social media was recently abuzz with news that the former One Direction star and his long-time girlfriend had tied the knot in secret after Zayn’s collaborator Ingrid Michaelson referred to him as a married man during a live session. Soon after fans of the couple started trending the hashtag #ZaynisMarried on social media to express their excitement.

    Turns out Michaelson made a blunder because she later issued a clarification, apologising for the accidental blunder.

    “So, I should be asleep, but it’s been a crazy hour, hour and a half,” said the 41-year-old Girls Chase Boys performer in her Instagram stories. “On my Patreon live stream, I said that I’m working with Zayn. I mentioned that he was married, and he’s not married. As far as I know, he’s not married. It was a mistake. I’m so sorry, I said I was sorry.”

    “I don’t live in this world. So the level of fame, makes me really, truly admire Zayn and anybody with that level of fame. Every little thing you say is just, wow! I’m not built for it,” she continued.

    Michaelson further said: “My apologies to Zayn and Gigi, if any of this trickles to you and is annoying. I’m sorry—that’s not my intention.”

    “And to his fans, I’m sorry for getting you all riled up, and much love to you all,” she added.

    Zayn and Gigi, who welcomed their daughter Khai in September 2020, have been dating on and off over the years. They reportedly met at the 2015 Victoria’s Secret after-party, where Zayn recognised the model “from her picture”. In an interview, Zayn revealed that he asked her to have dinner with him at a New York City restaurant called Gemma.

    “She’s a very intelligent woman. She knows how to carry herself. She’s quite classy and that. She’s not, like, arrogant in any way, she’s confident. She carries it well. She’s cool,” Malik had said in the interview.

    They confirmed their romance in December 2015, though they have had several breakups along the way. Their most recent split happened in January 2019, and the couple spent nearly a year apart before they reportedly began casually talking again 11 months later. In April, the couple gave fans a surprise when they announced that they were expecting their first child together. After the birth of baby Khai, rumours have often circulated that the two have gotten married. However, there has been no official announcement by the couple.

  • Abbasi, Haideri of PDM decide to not accept Gilani as Senate Opp leader

    Abbasi, Haideri of PDM decide to not accept Gilani as Senate Opp leader

    • PPP sources share a counter strategy

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Abdul Ghafoor Haideri of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) have refused to accept ex-prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani as the leader of opposition in Senate.

    According to reports, the two, during a meeting, said that the behaviour of opposition alliance’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had disappointed all others.

    “Seeking support from Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) was disappointing,” they said and added that a new huddle would decide future course of action in light of PPP’s backstabbing.

    They, however, announced the decision to not accept Gilani as the opposition leader in the Upper House.

    Abbasi also inquired after the health of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman during the meeting.

    Meanwhile, PPP sources told The Current that if the other members of the opposition alliance decide to sit on separate benches in Senate and not accept Gilani as the leader of opposition, the party would also have to take drastic measures.

    “If it stays like this, they should also know that we could sit separately in the National Assembly and not recognise Shehbaz Sharif as the leader of opposition in the National Assembly.”

  • Humayun Saeed turns down Indian girl’s marriage proposal

    Humayun Saeed turns down Indian girl’s marriage proposal

    Humayun Saeed, who was recently awarded the Pride of Performance from President Dr Arif Alvi for his contributions to the drama and film industries of Pakistan, received a marriage proposal on social media from an Indian fan.

    “Will you marry me? I know you are married,” wrote the user on Twitter. “But kya hi karun iss dil ka.”

    “I am from India and I love you like hell,” she said further, adding: “I am 24 years younger than you, but seriously [I] love you.”

    “Will you marry me in next janam” she then asked. “This janam not possible”.

    Replying to the proposal Humayun said: “Mujhe pyar karne ka shukria (Thank you for your love). Magar shaadi ke liye InshAllah aapko mujhse behtar log milenge (But you will find someone better to marry).”

    After getting a reply from Humayun, the Twitter user could not contain her excitement, saying that she felt like crying with happiness.

    Earlier, Shehzad Roy had also received a marriage proposal on Twitter to which the singer had had a hilarious response.

  • ECC allows import of cotton, sugar from India

    ECC allows import of cotton, sugar from India

    The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet has approved two summaries of the commerce and textile ministry to lift ban on import of cotton and white sugar from India.

    According to reports, there were 21 items on the agenda of the ECC meeting to be chaired by newly appointed Finance Minister Hammad Azhar. Commerce and Textile divisions had submitted five crucial summaries for approval besides others.

    At the agenda no. 16, the Textile Division summary sought permission from the ECC to lift ban on import of cotton and cotton yarn from India in a bid to bridge raw material shortfall for the value-added textile sector.

    In addition to this, another summary of the commerce ministry at agenda no. 20 also sought permission to allow import of white sugar from India through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and commercial importers.

    The resumption of import of these goods will lead to partial revival of trade relations. On Aug 9, 2019 Pakistan downgraded trade relations with India in reaction to the latter’s decision to revoke Article 370 of its Constitution that granted occupied Kashmir a special status.

    In May 2020, Pakistan lifted the ban on import of medicines and raw material from India to ensure there is no shortage of essential drugs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the first step of reversing of complete suspension of trade with India.

    However, Indian premier’s letter to Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Pakistan Day was the first step in the right direction amid reports of UAE Royals brokering peace.

    On Tuesday, PM Imran replied to Modi’s letter, saying Pakistan also desired peaceful relations with India.

    “The people of Pakistan also desire peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India,” he said in his reply.

    “I thank you for your letter conveying greetings on Pakistan Day.”

  • Adnan Siddiqui recalls memories with Strings with an unseen music video

    After entertaining us for more than three decades, Strings called off their partnership as a band on March 25, leaving fans heartbroken across the world.

    Among those upset with the news was Adnan Siddiqui. To express his sorrow over the development and to recall memories with them, Adnan shared an unseen music video from 1993, which featured him alongside Natasha. The video was directed by Bilal and shot in Gwadar and Hawk’s Bay.

    “Millions of us are still anguished with Strings ending their divinely gifted partnership of more than three decades. An entire generation grew up on their legendary music,” wrote the actor in the caption. “Whether it was the first brush of love, careless abandon of youth, heartbreak or experiments with finding our calling—Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia were always there with their symphonies, ballads [and] rock songs.”

    “I am also overcome with a flurry of emotions and gush of memories as I see them going their own way,” shared the actor further. “My personal and professional association with them dates back to the late 80s, almost from the time Strings made a splash in the world of Pakistani music for the first time.”

    Recalling the memories, Adnan said: “My first performance with them was in 1989 during a stage show at Funland where they played Maine Tujhe Kabhi Dekha Na Tha. We were in our early 20s, ready to take on the world. From then on till 2015 World Cup, we worked together at intermittent intervals.”

    “In Aankhen Chhupa Ke from their third album Duur in 2002, I shared space with my wife. The video was shot on a shoe-string budget at Mubarak village. The World Cup theme Phir Say Game Utha Day was the last time we performed together. I think I would be the most common face in their videos,” he remarked.

    Talking about the video he shared, Adnan said: “Sharing here a rare gem from their talented stable with an almost juvenile looking yours truly. The song is Aaj Main Khudi Say Ladta Gaya.”

    “The year was 1993. Bilal decided to expand his genius to direction, but more so to give me orders and directions,” said Adnan. “Natasha and I shot it at Hawk’s Bay and Gwadar desert in Balochistan. A rather bold video for its time with animal carcass and snakes featuring along with two good looking people and a very hummable song.”

    Replying to Adnan’s post Faisal said: “Thank you for always being there.”

  • ‘Our industry is very hypocritical,’ says Yasir Hussain

    ‘Our industry is very hypocritical,’ says Yasir Hussain

    Yasir Hussain has addressed all controversies surrounding him and has opened up on why he feels he ends up in one.

    Speaking to BBC Urdu, Yasir said: “Our industry is very hypocritical – it has always been. The actors in our industry are hypocrites. Whenever I get into a controversy, they call me. Why do they call me? Who are they to talk to me about the controversy if I have done something right or wrong? They talk to me for like 15 minutes over a phone call and then just hang up.”

    “Why don’t they speak about it on social media and say they support me?,” questioned Yasir, adding: “They will not because they know if they will support me or say that they support my point of view, they will get bashed as well. I don’t care about the backlash, but they do.”

    Talking about his “controversial” comments, Yasir asked why don’t people question the talk show hosts or the channels for asking silly questions.

    “I went on a show and was asked some controversial questions. They told me that if I will not answer the questions then I have to drink some spicy drinks. I had no other option but to answer those questions – it was either that or I give myself a stomach ulcer. I even took my name or their name to play safe but they told me saying that taking our or your name is not allowed. So I had to take some names.”

    The actor further said: “I took Azfar Rehman’s name because I knew he won’t mind as he is one of my closest friends in the industry. Even he said in an interview that I am overrated. This is because we know each other and we won’t mind passing such comments on each other.”

    “Why am I always wrong? Why aren’t the hosts, the producers or makers of those shows are not wrong?,” asked Yasir.

    “People say that I am controversial and share only controversial stuff. I also share good things but no one shares that,” said Yasir. “No one talks about my good things, they only share my controversies because they know that no one will read anything which is not masalaydaar.”

    Meanwhile, talking about his comments on Diriliş: Ertuğrul being aired on Pakistan Television, Yasir said that he was not against the series being aired but was pushing for a joint production venture between the two countries.

    Hussain is well known for speaking his mind and passing statements which often evolve into controversies. Recently, his comments on a television show erupted a clash between him and Shahroz Sabzwari. When Yasir was asked to name an actor who should have stayed on television instead of doing films, the actor had named Shahroz.