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  • Authorities to restore historic mosque near Lotus Lake

    Authorities to restore historic mosque near Lotus Lake

    City managers have decided to restore a historic mosque near Lotus Lake in Shakarparian.

    According to details, the mosque is believed to be over 100 years old. It was a  worship place for villagers of Pairan, who migrated from the area in the 1960s during Islamabad’s development.

    Like Pairan, many villagers from Islamabad moved to Rawalpindi and other parts of the capital after getting compensation from Capital Development Authority (CDA) for their homes and land.

    “During construction of Lotus Lake, when we carried out cleanliness operation and removed bushes etc., we found an abandoned mosque,” said Environment Director Irfan Niazi, adding construction material of the mosque suggested that it was built over 100 years ago. The banyan tree located in the mosque’s courtyard is believed to be 500 years old.

    CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed said that the authority will restore this historical mosque. “I have already directed my team to take steps for restoration of this mosque, which is also our heritage,” he said.

    He further said that the construction of the lake is in its last stage and will soon be a new facility for tourists.

    There was a natural lotus lake in the area which diminished during the construction of a cultural complex between 2004-5. CDA is now constructing the lake at a new place near the Natural History Museum. The new Lotus Lake is 100ft long and 68ft wide.

  • Punjab House in Murree handed over to HEC

    The Punjab House in Murree has been handed over to the Higher Education Department (HEC) for the establishment of Kohsar University, as per a notification issued by Punjab Board of Revenue. The secretary of the Colonies Department has forwarded the notification to the Deputy Development Commissioner of Rawalpindi.

    As per details, the Punjab House in Murree is a mansion built over 96 kanal. It comes under the provincial government and is used for different purposes.

    Read more – Inside pictures of Murree’s Government House Murree are royal

    PTI MNA Sadaqat Ali Abbasi, in a statement, said that along with theory, students will also be given practical education in tourism at the university.

    He further added that in one block of the Punjab House, classrooms will be built and to generate extra income other blocks will be made available to tourists under the supervision of the university. The plan is likely to materialize within the next three years.

    The decision to establish Koshar University in Punjab House was taken two years ago and is in the accordance with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to use government buildings for the interest of the general public.

    Earlier in 2018 and 2019 Punjab’s and Murree’s Governor’s House opened its doors for public respectively. In November 2020, Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar inaugurated the Governor House Café that is set up in a double-decker bus inside the Governor House in Lahore for the general public.

  • Karachi’s Burns Road to be converted into a traffic-free food street

    Karachi’s Burns Road to be converted into a traffic-free food street

    The district authority of South has decided to turn Karachi’s Burns Road famous for its food variety into a food street.

    As per reports, the Deputy Commissioner for the South district has created a team of nine members to supervise the transformation of the spot.

    The buildings constructed in the pre-partition era will be restored for their aesthetics, while furniture and signboards, inside and outside the cafes and restaurants will be designed to enhance the look.

    The established team will present its suggestions and ideas on the cleanliness, sewerage and how to beautify Burns Road.

    The food street will be lit with ornate lights after road repair work is completed with new tiles.

    The management plans to make the food street made traffic-free in the evening and will divert the general traffic and pedestrians passing by.

  • Khokar resigns as Bilawal’s spokesperson

    Khokar resigns as Bilawal’s spokesperson

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar has confirmed his resignation from the position of spokesperson to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari a day ahead of the joint opposition’s power show in Lahore.

    In a statement on Twitter on Saturday, Senator Khokhar responded to the reports that claimed he had quit the PPP, saying that he will remain in the PPP and will stand by Bilawal “through thick and thin”.

    “In my years as his spokesperson, have given counsel with honesty, sincerity and in the best interests of the country and the party,” he added.

    Insiders say the PPP chief’s spokesperson had issues with the party’s stance on mass resignations, resulting in his resignation from the post on Thursday. Subsequently, Senator Khokhar also quit the party’s Whatsapp group, giving birth to speculations about his departure from the party.

    However, PPP media cell was quick to shoot down these reports. In a statement issued on Friday, the media cell said that Khokhar will remain in the PPP and serve as the spokesperson of the chairman. Whereas, Khokhar on the other hand remained silent on the issue till his aforementioned tweet wherein he confirmed his resignation from the post of the spokesperson.

    Dawn had reported that Senator Khokhar was “angry over the PPP’s decision about resignations from the assemblies and party leadership’s back-channel contacts with the military establishment”.

    It further reported that while almost all important PPP leaders are in Lahore ahead of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) plan to hold a rally on Sunday, the PPP senator preferred not to go to Lahore.

  • Harrison Ford is coming back for a fifth and final ‘Indiana Jones’ film

    Harrison Ford is coming back for a fifth and final ‘Indiana Jones’ film

    Harrison Ford may be pushing 80, but he’s not too old to don the wide-brimmed fedora of adventurer Indiana Jones for one final film.

    Disney has announced that Ford will be returning as Indiana Jones for a fifth and last Indy flick in 2022 — which has been in development for years.

    “We’re in pre-production on the next and final installment of Indiana Jones,” Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said on Disney’s mammoth investor day presentation.

    “Of course, Indy himself, Harrison Ford, will be back to conclude this iconic character’s journey. Indy will begin shooting late spring of 2021, and will be released in July of 2022.”

    At the helm will be James Mangold, director of racing flick Ford vs Ferrari and Logan, the final chapter in the long-running series of Wolverine flicks starring Hugh Jackman.

    Steven Spielberg, who directed the first four Indy flicks, had initially been set to direct the final chapter in the Indiana Jones saga but has instead handed the reins to Mangold. He will, however, remain involved as a producer.

    Ford, now 78, first created the role of Indiana Jones in 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark, just a few years after achieving global fame as Han Solo in the original Star Wars film.

    Three years later, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom followed. In 1989, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade hit theatres, with Sean Connery playing Indy’s dad. Connery passed away in October this year at the age of 90.

    Nearly 20 years would pass before Ford starred in the fourth film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which had box office success but was critically panned.

    Disney first announced plans for a fifth film in 2016, with a 2019 release date, but the project was delayed over creative differences between Spielberg, screenwriters and producers.

    Then the coronavirus pandemic upended Hollywood’s production schedule.

  • Teen arrested for vandalising Ranjeet Singh statue at Lahore Fort

    Lahore police have arrested a teenager for vandalising a statue of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, who ruled Punjab in the 19th century, installed in front of the Haveli of Rani Jindan at Lahore Fort.

    Police said that the boy Zaheer — a resident of Harbanspura — was inspired by the speeches of late firebrand cleric Khadim Rizvi. As per the teenager, Ranjeet Singh killed Muslims and converted Badshahi Mosque into a stable, adding that these reasons compelled him to destroy the statue of the Sikh ruler.

    It was learned that Zaheer broke the arm in an attempt to damage the statue. He was caught by the security guards on the spot, who stopped him from further damaging the statue.

    A Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) spokesperson said that a case has been lodged against the suspect at the Tibbi City police station. Strict action will be taken against the accused, it said, adding that the statue would be repaired by the WCLA at earliest.

    The nine-foot-tall statue of Ranjeet Singh, who died in 1839, was unveiled in June 2019 on his 180th death anniversary. The statue, made of cold bronze, depicts the emperor sitting on a horse with a sword in his hand. Popularly known as Sher-e-Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh ruled over the Sikh empire in the Punjab region in the early half of the 19th century. 

    After almost decade-long infightings, his empire came to an end in 1848 with the colonisation of Punjab by the East Indian Company.

  • IN PICTURES: Engin Altan tours Lahore, meets CM Usman Buzdar

    IN PICTURES: Engin Altan tours Lahore, meets CM Usman Buzdar

    Turkish actor Engin Altan Düzyatan, who arrived in Lahore on Thursday for a short visit “at the invitation of a private business company”, seems to be having a great time in the city. He was spotted taking a tour of the historic Badshahi Masjid, visiting the grave of Allama Iqbal and even met Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

    Engin was hosted by the CEO of Chaudhary Textiles, Kashif Zameer, who reportedly arranged the meeting between the Turkish actor and CM Buzdar at his residence. Engin has reportedly signed a contract worth Rs 17 crores with Chaudhary Textiles and will be their official brand ambassador.

    Kashif has also been sharing pictures of Engin’s trip on his social media account.

    He also introduced the actor to his pet lion. Kashif, who earlier met Engin in Turkey, also framed the picture of their meeting and put it up on his wall along with other pictures of himself.

    Meanwhile, addressing a press conference in Lahore on Friday, the star of Diriliş: Ertuğrul revealed that he had signed multiple new projects in Pakistan and that this visit was the first of many more to come.

    He also expressed his desire to work in Pakistani dramas.

    When asked if he would consider working in Pakistani dramas, Engin responded: “Why not! I would love to work in a Pakistani drama or film, given the right opportunity. If the script is good then why not.”

    The actor also won hearts when he said a few words in Urdu.

    As per details, Engin has concluded his trip and his on his way back to Turkey. Meanwhile, the hashtag ‘#ThankYouEnginAltan’ is trending on social media as fans thanked the actor for coming to the country and expressed their love for him.

  • Sindh govt revises restaurant timings for outdoor dining, takeaways

    Sindh govt revises restaurant timings for outdoor dining, takeaways

    The home department of Sindh government has released new COVID-related instructions allowing take-aways and deliveries of restaurants till 1 am.

    The notification reads that the restaurants can provide dine out service until 10 pm while they can facilitate customers for take-away services for up to an hour into the midnight.

    Previously, the restaurants were only allowed to operate  till 10 pm for dine-out, take-aways and deliveries.

    The notification is valid until January 31.

  • Lahore admin puts 13 more localities under ‘smart lockdown’

    Lahore admin puts 13 more localities under ‘smart lockdown’

    Amid an increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the city, the district authorities have decided to impose “smart lockdowns” in 13 more areas of Lahore in a bid to contain the virus.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan reported 71 deaths and 2,700 cases as the infections continue to peak across the country.

    According to a notification issued by the Punjab Primary & Secondary Health Department, smart lockdowns with “controlled entry and exit points” have been imposed in several localities of the provincial capital.

    Due to the lockdown, all types of gatherings, including social and religious ones, will be completely banned. On the other hand, medical services, pharmacies, laboratories, collection points, hospitals, and clinics will remain open 24 hours a day.

    Shops selling essential items, including milk shops, meat shops, and bakeries will remain open from 7 am to 7 pm, as per the notification. The grocery stores, general stores, flour mills, fruits and vegetable shops, and petrol pumps will remain open from 9 am to 7 pm, it added.

    According to the notification, smart lockdowns will be imposed in the following areas of Lahore due to a high number of COVID-19 positive cases.

    Khucha Mission Das, Mian Wacho Wali Street, Rang Mehal; Street No 7, Androon Sheran Wala Gate; Street Adjacent to Fazal Sweets, Mochi Gate; Street Kosha Alam Yar, Androon Bhatti Gate; Main Street H No.100 near Butt Sweets, Chuhan Road, Islamia Park; Street 61, Almadad Pak Colony, Ravi Road; Tufail Street, Kila Lakshman, Ravi Road; St#3, Ravi Road, St#13 Kasur Para, Ravi Road; Main Street, Moh Khokhar Road, Badami Bagh; Street No 6, Data Nagar, Badami Bagh; St No7-A Siddiaqia Colony, Badami Bagh; St No 3, Mohalla Kachi Abadi, Iqbal Park, Badami Bagh.

  • RFAK steals the second episode of CS2020 with ‘Dil Tarpe’

    RFAK steals the second episode of CS2020 with ‘Dil Tarpe’

    With the first episode of Coke Studio 2020 well-received by both critics and the public alike, Coke Studio dropped Episode 2 on Friday featuring performances by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Meesha Shafi and Ali Pervez Mehdi among others.

    RFAK joined hands with classical singer Zara Madani to perform a beautiful tarana Dil Tarpe, bringing a fusion and Qawwali-like flavour to the track.

    In the song, the protagonist is exhibiting distress by emotionally imploring their beloved to have mercy on the heart; longing for the comfort and peace of their beloved’s company.

    Talking about the song, Zara said, “This song is about longing with a very special spiritual connotation; a conversation taking place between a person and their inner self where one pleads for help from the Almighty.”

    Excited about the new collaboration, Khan said, “I don’t think anyone has ever experimented with a tarana the way that we have tried to in this season.”

    In the second song of the episode, newcomer Wajiha Naqvi debuted with a solo performance titled Yaqeen. The song has been written and composed by the artist herself. Carrying a modern pop-rock style, the song has pronounced elements of Indian classical instruments, thus classifying as raga rock, a popular musical genre from the 60s.

    With its powerful lyrics, Yaqeen tells the story of a woman showing resilience and self-reliance in the journey of life. Speaking about the song, Naqvi said: “If men and women are not encouraged or taught to rely on themselves or have faith in themselves, this usually leads them not really knowing who they are and what they are truly capable of. If each person is given the opportunity to explore and discover his/her own self and true potential, they can contribute to society in a more informed manner.”

    Lastly, Ali Pervez Mehdi and Meesha Shafi came together for a catchy Punjabi folk song Gal Sunn. With a contemporary funk element, the song represents the longing between lovers. The rhythm instruments playing interlocking grooves create a toe-tapping and danceable feel.

    “In these times, going through [Covid-19], I wanted people to listen to something positive and fun. That is why I created this song,” said Mehdi, adding that the song gave him hope.

    “I dance to it and I want everyone else to dance to it too!,” he added.

    Meesha, while talking about the song said: “This song has a lovely flirtatious vibe. It is a beautiful composition. Ali has a beautiful voice and his songwriting is really really catchy.”

    Along with a groovy bass line, Serbian brass players have also been incorporated playing the trumpet, tenor saxophone and trombone enhancing the funk feel to this desi melody.

    Produced by Rohail Hyatt, CS2020 started on December 4 and will have only 12 songs, featuring 13 artists.