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  • Syed Noor, Jannat Mirza face-off on responsibility for flop debut film

    Syed Noor, Jannat Mirza face-off on responsibility for flop debut film

    Social media star and TikToker Jannat Mirza is a social media sensation with 25.1 million TikTok followers and 5.8 million Instagram fans and recently appeared in the movie, Tere Bajrey Di Rakhi, directed by veteran director, Syed Noor.

    Recently, Mirza appeared as a guest on ‘Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, Excuse Me’.
    Host Ahmed Ali Butt asked her, “Syed Noor thought your followers would watch the film, but they didn’t. How do you feel about his statement, especially since you were part of his film?”

    Jannat replied, “Well, I think the movie’s script was a little weak. Let me tell you, that movie was good; I did it with my parents’ permission; I’m not sure why he said that, and a successful film needs a modern script and story. Syed Noor is my uncle, and I respect him a lot. Also, I did the movie because I thought that I should try acting in films.”

    “I thought they [the producers] were telling me a nice story, but it was actually something else. I didn’t do my homework because it was my first time, and the Canadian male lead also made his debut in this movie,” she explained, “I was let down after seeing it. I had no idea at the time that I should read the script before shooting a movie.”

    Talking about her debut, Jannat Mirza confessed,

    “I understand that people don’t always come for great stories, and that sometimes Shahrukh Khan’s films fall flat. I also realize that my fans didn’t show up. Many of our well-known actors perform badly; the script is everything.”

    The director of the film, Syed Noor also had a lot to say. He recently gave an interview to Ambreen Fatima on her Youtube channel. Talking about the experience of working with Jannat Mirza,
    Noor said, “Jannat is a very educated girl; she comes from a very learned and well-off family. She was an accomplished Tiktoker and didn’t feel affected by the film’s failure because she didn’t have the desire to be a movie star. I added her in the film because I like her and we get along well with her family. We didn’t force her to dress provocatively or imagine scary scenarios. We signed her because we wanted her fans to see the movie, but Humayun Saeed was correct, not many people showed up.”

    Noor added that he felt that Mirza’s fan didn’t show up because they had to pay to watch the movie. “It happened because Tiktok content is typically viewed for free. Jannat had previously experienced great success in her life, and her fans were receiving free content from her.”

  • Exclusive: Pakistani scientist on the verge of curing baldness

    Exclusive: Pakistani scientist on the verge of curing baldness

    Unexpected discoveries have long been a catalyst for scientific research, leading to major breakthroughs in fields ranging from medicine to technology.

    Now, in an unexpected development, scientists have discovered a crucial piece of the puzzle: hereditary baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia.

    Dr. Muhammad Yar, a tenured associate professor at COMSATS University Islamabad and a biomaterial researcher, and Sheila MacNeil, an Emeritus Professor of Tissue Engineering at the University of Sheffield in the UK, are the two minds behind this latest development.

    Years ago, Dr. Muhammad Yar was working on the development of biomaterials for advanced wound care i.e. dressings (medical gels) which can help faster healing of chronic wounds, and agents which can support new blood vessels formation known as angiogenesis.

    So, in 2014, during a visit to the University of Sheffield, Dr. Muhammad Yar discussed the angiogenic potential of 2-deoxy-D-ribose with Professor Sheila MacNeil.

    Following their discussion, they decided to test the compound together.

    From chickens to rats

    Initially, when the dressing gel, containing 2-deoxyribose, was tested on chicken fertilised eggs, a lot of new increased blood vessels were seen growing towards tested material.

    “We were really happy and then we went towards patent filing. A company was interested in its commercialization as wound care drafting for diabetic and burn patients,” he recalls.

    The deoxyribose gel was then tested on full-thickness wounds, where it successfully promoted healing. It was, however, also observed that longer and thicker hair grew along the edges of the wounds.

    “We thought that 2-deoxy-D-ribose is doing something else as well. Apart from helping in faster regeneration, it’s helping in faster growth of hair as well,” he says.

    And that is how, after working on the development of wound healing, they dived into the possible baldness treatment.

    They tested the deoxyribose gel on mice with testosterone-driven hair loss and applied a small amount of the gel to their bare areas.

    In weeks time, the fur grew back thicker and longer, showing results comparable to minoxidil, the well-known hair loss treatment sold as Rogaine, which doesn’t actually prevent hair loss and often results in minimal regrowth in some cases.

    “This is working really nicely,” Dr. Muhammad Yar updates on the latest developments.

    Happy news for bald people?

    With ‘impressive results’ in mice, the scientists believe there’s a good chance that 2-deoxyribose will be tested on humans next.

    Dr. Muhammad Yar confirms that while testing on humans is the goal, it will first require further lab work to understand the mechanism of action of 2-deoxyribose and to obtain approvals from regulatory bodies.

    “We are expecting around a year and a half to two years’ time before we test this on humans.”

    If deoxyribose gel proves effective on humans, it could treat alopecia and support hair regrowth after chemotherapy.

    Why does Pakistan lag behind?

    When asked why it’s rare to hear about Pakistani scientists working on groundbreaking research, Dr. Muhammad Yar believes that the key is in translational research.

    “We have to develop something in the lab and put this in the market. This is very, very important for economic uplift in Pakistan as well as for the universities.”

    He also asserts the need for business training programs for faculty and students at Universities.

    “The research which academics are doing at the universities is really important. There is a space in the market evaluation and business knowledge among faculty and students that could help translate these technologies from the lab to the clinic,” he points out.

  • Pakistan produces 11.15 million smartphones, 6.19 million 2G mobiles in first half of 2024

    Pakistan produces 11.15 million smartphones, 6.19 million 2G mobiles in first half of 2024

    During the first half of 2024 (January-June), Pakistan’s local mobile assembly and manufacturing sector produced a total of 17.34 million mobile phones. In contrast, commercial imports for the same period amounted to 0.84 million units.

    Breaking down the local production figures, 11.15 million of these devices were smartphones, while 6.19 million were 2G models.

    Notably, Infinix emerged as the leading manufacturer, producing 2.49 million units during the first half of the year. It was followed by TECNO and Itel, which manufactured 1.89 million and 1.83 million units respectively.

    The industry has faced challenges, with production figures showing a downward trend since 2022. Economic difficulties and rising interest rates have constrained local manufacturing.

    In 2021, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported a production of 24.66 million devices, but this dropped to 21.28 million in 2023, a decrease of approximately 13.71 per cent.

    Commercial imports have also seen a significant decline, falling from 24.51 million units in 2020 to just 1.58 million in 2023. This drop is largely attributed to import restrictions imposed by the central bank, aimed at narrowing the trade deficit and conserving foreign currency.

    Despite these challenges, the penetration of smartphones in Pakistan has increased, with the proportion of smartphone users on the national network rising to 61 per cent in 2024, up from 59 per cent in 2023 and 56 per cent in 2022.

    Conversely, the share of 2G devices has decreased to 39 per cent, down from 41 per cent in 2023 and 44 per cent in 2022.

    This evolving landscape reflects both the resilience and adaptability of the local mobile industry amidst economic fluctuations and regulatory changes.

  • Mannjogi starts strong with bold take on Halala

    Mannjogi starts strong with bold take on Halala

     

    Veteran producer Sultana Siddiqui is back with yet another impactful new series that has started making waves. Mann Jogi’s star-studded cast includes Bilal Abbas Khan, Sabeena Farooq, Gohar Rasheed and Asma Abbas.

    The first episode aired last night and it is a great beginning to what looks like an intense, gripping drama. Mann Jogi tackles a sensitive topic, how some people misuse the concept of Halala.

    The opening scene shows a mosque and the call to prayer. This contrasts with the struggle in the characters’ lives. Aliya is clearly upset as she prepares for a marriage she doesn’t want. Ibrahim is also struggling with his emotions.

     

    Mirza Gohar Rasheed stands out as Shabbir, Aliya’s first husband, who is deeply affected by what’s happening. Asma Abbas, playing Shabbir’s mother, adds to the emotional depth of the scene.

     

     

     

    The drama is written by Zafar Mairaj and directed by seasoned director Kashif Nisar.

    Bilal Abbas is playing the character of Ibrahim and Sabeena Farooq is playing the character of Aliya.

    With its strong performances, gripping storyline, and timely themes, Mann Jogi is shaping up to be a must-watch drama.

     

  • Military’s stance unchanged about May 9, responsible must be punished: DG ISPR

    Military’s stance unchanged about May 9, responsible must be punished: DG ISPR

    Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmad has stated that the military’s views on May 9 are the same as before, and those responsible for the May 9 events must be brought to justice.

    “There has been no change in that nor there will be,” the military spokesperson asserted referring to the military’s stance about May 9.

    He also recalled last week’s government notification in which the TTP was declared as “Fitna al-Khawarij” for distorting the image of Islam.

    The DG ISPR also warned that those involved in “digital terrorism” will be punished because they want to drive a wedge between the armed forces and the people of Pakistan.

    “The law is not taking its course against it, but the armed forces take it very seriously,” he stated that legal action would be taken against those involved.

    Talking about the recent protests by Baloch Yakjehti Committee, he said, “In the guise of a peaceful march, BYC protestors are committing violence against forces.”

  • Meet the celebrities and new faces set to star in Tamasha Season 3

    Meet the celebrities and new faces set to star in Tamasha Season 3

    Meet the celebrities and new faces set to star in Tamasha Season 3

    The biggest reality show of Pakistan, Tamasha, was launched by ARY Digital in 2022.

    The show’s format was based on Big Brother and Big Boss with Adnan Siddiqui performing the duties of host, a role he is set to reprise in Season 3 as well.

    The show has provided a platform to many renowned Pakistani media figures, while a few contestants belong to other fields as well.

    The list includes Junaid Akhter, Arslan Khan, Zoya Khan, Ayaz Sammo, Saima Baloch, Anam Tanver, Abdullah Ejaz, Mahnoor Pervaiz, Mahi Baloch, Agha Talal, Dania Anwar, Humna Naeem, Malik Aqeel, Sherharyar Shahid, Emaan Fatima, Wajeeha Khan, Noman Habib, and Mani Liaqat.

    Tamasha Season 3, which will be broadcast at 10:00 p.m. every day, is expected to be the most exciting yet. Watch the drama, action, and entertainment unfold with well-known stars and fresh faces.

    Here is the cast:

    Emaan Fatima

    Saima Baloch

    Ayaz Samoo

    Anam Tanveer

    Noman Habib

    Mahnoor Pervaiz

    Sheheryar Shahid

    Huma Naeem

    Arsalan Khan

    Zoyaa Khan

    Wajeha Khan

    Abdullah Ejaz

    Dania Enwer

    Junaid Akhtar

    Mani Liaquat

    Mahi Baloch

    Agha Talal

    Malik Aqeel

  • Komal Aziz wants husband who is more successful than her

    Actor and entrepreneur Komal Aziz Khan recently shared her thoughts on what she looks for in a life partner. Speaking on a podcast, the 34-year-old said she isn’t against marriage but will only get married when she finds someone who meets her standards.

    “My standards are high, and no one has met them yet,” she explained.

    When asked about her ideal partner, Komal said, “He should be brave and a risk-taker. He must be true to himself, not disregarding family or society’s expectations.”

    She added, “I prefer entrepreneurs because they think big. He should be very masculine, as I’m very feminine.”

    Komal also mentioned, “He should be more successful than me so I can respect him as my husband. He needs to be ahead of me spiritually, emotionally, financially, and physically.”

  • Flash floods in KP, Balochistan, Gilgit claim a dozen lives

    Flash floods in KP, Balochistan, Gilgit claim a dozen lives

    Heavy rainfall across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday has resulted in at least 12 deaths and 21 injuries over the past 24 hours.

    The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa confirmed the 12 fatalities. According to PDMA, six people died in Karak district, and one each in Lower Dir, Charsadda, and South Waziristan districts. In Karak’s Lawaghar Algada area, four individuals were swept away by floods.

    In Tank district, a woman and her two children were killed, and four other family members were injured when their roof collapsed. The deceased have been identified as Asma Bibi, her daughter Sadia Bibi, and her son Waheed Ullah.

    Tank-South Waziristan road is closed due to flood conditions in local streams and nullahs. In Mansehra district, thousands of tourists and locals stranded in Kaghan and Manor valleys for six days could leave on foot after the Frontier Works Organisation constructed a temporary pavement on the Manor stream in Mahandri. Flash floods caused significant damage in the Kaghan and Manor valleys, including the destruction of the central bridge on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad road. A woman and her son and approximately two dozen hotels, houses, and electric turbines were washed away in the floods.

    The district administration has advised tourists to avoid Kaghan Valley until conditions improve. An artificial lake formed at Mahandri due to large boulders blocking the Kunhar River flow is causing concerns, and authorities are debating whether to burst it or create spillways.

    In Mohmand district, a bridge on the Aqrab Daag to Shaheed Banda Daman link road near Babi Mohmand has been damaged. This has disrupted traffic between Aqrab Daag and Ekkaghund Bazaar, and authorities have closed the bridge.

    In Balochistan, the National Disaster Management Authority has warned of high to very high levels of flash flooding in several regions, including the Zhob, Kalat, Nasirabad, and Sibbi divisions and local nullahs in D.G. Khan. These floods could damage infrastructure and impact communities near these waterways.
    Northern regions, including the catchment areas of the Kabul River and its tributaries, have received substantial rainfall, potentially causing high flooding in Nowshera and its tributaries. Authorities have been instructed to prepare for the effects of these extreme weather conditions.

    In Gilgit-Baltistan, flooding from the Rahimabad nullah has damaged cultivated land, uprooted trees, and destroyed water supply channels downstream. The floodwaters have crossed the Rahimabad bridge on the KKH, though the bridge remains intact. The flood also blocked the Hunza river flow at Rahimabad village, causing land erosion in the Jutal, Nomal, and Faizanad areas. Additionally, flooding from the Jaglote Guru nullah has damaged a hotel and other properties, and the Babusar-Chilas Road at Diamer has been blocked and damaged. The Mushkay area has also significantly damaged land, private properties, and water supply channels.

  • PPP prepared for fresh elections if PM dissolves Assembly

    PPP prepared for fresh elections if PM dissolves Assembly

    The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led federal government was given a veiled threat by its ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), that the party is prepared to go into fresh elections if Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chooses to dissolve assemblies.

    PPP Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari said on Neo, ‘’If the government is in danger, then the Prime Minister should dissolve parliament and go for new elections.’

    Furthermore, he questioned the ruling party’s leadership for not ‘‘sharing details with PPP if it is facing any danger.”

    He also alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is an ‘’untrustworthy man who takes U-turns in politics as a matter of pride.’’
    Bukhari says that President Asif Ali Zardari had offered to mediate and help negotiate political disputes, but ’’someone should express willingness to sit and talk.’’

    Though not part of the ruling coalition, PPP is a key ally of the governing

  • Domestic cricket to see high-performance camps, increased match fees: Mohsin Naqvi

    Domestic cricket to see high-performance camps, increased match fees: Mohsin Naqvi

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a press conference in Lahore on Monday to share plans for domestic cricket and announce an increase in match fees for domestic players.

    “There is no need to change the domestic structure, Pakistan’s domestic structure is not bad. We are launching the Domestic Champions Cup, held annually and played in all three formats to improve it further. One team will be allotted a high-performance camp,” he told the members of the press.

    “Foreign players will also play in the Champions Cup, and domestic players’ match fees have also been increased. Five teams will participate in the Champions Cup, each with five legends.”

    Talking about domestic cricket, he said that PCB will not tamper it. “There is no need for much change in the domestic infrastructure; because of the system, we were not able to select quality players.”

    In response to a question about Waqr Younis’s responsibility, Naqvi said, “Waqar Younis is being given the responsibility to polish 30 boys. He has taken responsibility for making this team the best, and we will improve our domestic cricket in every way.”

    “The chief selector will be able to select the players on merit, and the best players will be chosen for the team. The five players (Legend players) are also coming as advisors, and they will work with Waqar Younis and make an excellent advisory board,” Mohsin Naqvi added.

    Advisor chairman Waqar Younis said, “The state of cricket is in front of us. It has to be improved. Cricket is our product. Unless it is fixed, cricket will not be able to move forward. When the chairman proposed that the Champions Cup should be held in which legends play a role, I liked this concept very much. It’s a good move, and I hope it pays off going forward.”

    The news that Waqar Younis had been appointed as the chairman’s advisor to PCB was circulating in the media. However, PCB confirmed this news on Monday.