By now everyone knows that Meera Jee is stuck in New York. The actor has appealed to Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Government of Pakistan to repatriate her and has been sharing constant updates of herself isolating in a hotel room in the city.
However, Meera’s latest update is not from her hotel room but is in fact from Times Square. Meera said that she visited Manhattan and Times Square after three weeks for five minutes to take some pictures and videos.
“The biggest city in the world, New York, is sleeping because of COVID-19,” she said.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jewnhDX1k/
An hour later, she shared that she is back in her hotel room and isolating.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jk2ltj-nb/
It is still unclear whether the actor is stuck in New York or is with her family. After Meera’s appeal to PM Imran Khan, several media outlets had reported that the actor was misleading the public and that she was living at her husband’s house with her in-laws in New York. Later, Meera trashed these reports and asked the media not to spread false information.
“In my video, I had asked requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to bring me home. As a Pakistani, it is my right,” she said. “This is not the time to mock or ridicule people.”
Slamming those twisting her story, Meera further said that the Pakistan embassy in New York knows of her whereabouts and that she is grateful to Council General Ayesha Ali [for her help].
Irrfan Khan’s sudden and unexpected death has sent the world into shock. Tributes and messages of condolences are pouring in for the legendary actor from across the world as everyone mourns his demise.
After Saba Qamar’s heartfelt tribute, Adnan Siddiqui has also penned an emotional note in memory of the actor and recalled his fondest moments with him.
Adnan started by sharing a story from their very first meeting on the sets of A Mighty Heart, which had Angelina Jolie in the lead.
“I had the honour of first meeting Irrfan as a co-star on the sets of A Mighty Heart,” wrote Adnan. “We’d become friends on the sets and used to hang out together after the shoot.”
Adnan then shared stories of their time on set before wrapping up his note by recalling the last time he met his friend.
“In 2018 while attending IPPA in London. I found out that he was in London, though he wasn’t meeting anyone he agreed to meet me. We had a long chat about movies and the world in general. He looked so positive. His last words were- “Adnan, I’ll be fine very soon and I’ll be back. InshAllah!”
“Condolences and strength to his family. Irrfan, you will be missed a lot. Rest in peace my friend,” concluded Adnan.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_j4mcinxwI/
Khan was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018 and spent most of the year and the next battling the disease in London. However, he was admitted to a Mumbai hospital earlier this week with a colon infection which ultimately took his life. He was 53.
“Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him,” his publicist said in a statement. “Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, ‘As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it’.”
He was laid to rest at the Versova graveyard in Mumbai, a few hours after he passed away. According to local media, his family, close relatives and friends were present during the burial.
The Netflix series has been trending in Pakistan and was number one when part four came out. It was even bigger this time since this year it included invaluable help from Pakistanis for the rebellious gang. Every Pakistani fan was so excited to have Pakistan be a part of the revolution and the joy hasn’t died down yet.
So we had to ask? Doesn’t every single major character in the show look like a Pakistani actor? Don’t believe us? Here we go:
We have to begin with the Professor because we love him. And who better to play him than the distinguished Fawad Khan, who keeps his cool, deals with so many people and always looks like he has a plan. Moreover, with a beard and glasses, you can barely tell the two apart.
Monika is everyone’s hot favourite this season and there is literally no difference between her and Ayeza Khan; and after seeing her stellar, strong performance in Meray Paas Tum Ho we all know that Ayeza can totally pull the role off.
Rio’s innocence can only be replicated by Shehroz Sabzwari. He might not act well enough to be Rio but he’s definitely got the look.
The global coronavirus pandemic has resulted in either a partial or full closure of most industries, wreaking havoc on the country’s economy. Though food scarcity is not a problem yet, during Ramzan, the closures can spell misery for people despite the government’s assurance of consistent supply. In order to simmer down the current food panic and hoarding of goods, it is to be ensured that the production and availability of essential goods are not halted by the arrival of COVID-19 in Pakistan.
There are two sources of concern in this situation.
First, despite growth in livestock, which contributes to almost 2/3 of the agricultural output in Pakistan and accelerated slightly to 4.0% in fiscal year (FY) 2019; agricultural production as a whole expanded by only 0.8%. Second, with COVID-19 escalating, Pakistan has recently suspended its trade and closed its borders, leaving many distressed and worrying about the shortage of essential Iftar items.
In order to address the first concern, it is imperative to note that an overall decline in all sectors was already being witnessed before COVID-19. The slowdown in the agriculture industry was exacerbated by weaker demand and higher costs until the disease arrived. As for the shortage of essentials food items, Punjab alone is a mass producer of many food essentials that will be easily available during Ramzan. An analysis by the Urban Unit states the availability of most essential items from April to June 2020:
Tomatoes: Punjab’s production was recorded 1,38,397 tons during 2018-19
Potatoes: Punjab has 96.94% share in the total domestic production of potato and the total arrival in local wholesale markets was recorded at 510 to 515 trucks/day on an average
Garlic: Domestic production was recorded at 72,598 tons in 2018/2019.
Chilies: Production of chilies in Punjab is 11,698 tons
Onions: 20% in total domestic production
In addition to these, all forms of meat and dairy will be available as 3.7 million litres of milk are supplied per day and the daily supply of beef and mutton is 518,861 tonnes and 130,000 tonnes per day, respectively.
Under essential items, rice is the only commodity that is expected to suffer a blow by the pandemic, but it is harvested in September. All vegetables and fruits such as capsicum, cabbage, cauliflower, bittergourd, cucumber, turnip, guava, melons and strawberries will be available in an abundant amount.
While no serious panic has been witnessed in consumer behavior in Pakistan unlike in Europe or the United States (US), the government must exercise extreme vigilance on supply-demand trends during Ramzan. There should be no hoarding, and a robust price control mechanism must be put in place at the grass-root level by respective provincial and district administrations.
For example, the Food Department of the Punjab government has taken effective and strict measures and warned of a crackdown on unnecessary stock holdings.
So far, collective efforts by the Food Department along with the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and the Industries Department have led to the collection of fines worth Rs2,883.71 million from accumulators of food items, out of which Rs882.03 million was collected within just 40 days i.e. from March 1 to April 9.
In an attempt to reduce the current wheat prices, the department is further identifying and disqualifying ghost mills from the official quota and borders are also being sealed, barring wheat transportation outside the province and ensuring food security.
Saba Qamar who shared the screen with the late Irrfan Khan in the 2017 superhit Hindi Medium says that she is “deeply disturbed” to hear about the passing of her co-star.
“I still can’t absorb the news”, said the actor. “It feels like yesterday coming back from the sets of Hindi Medium. You taught me a lot as an actor and a mentor. It is indeed a huge loss to the cinema world.”
Sending her heartfelt condolences to Khan’s family, Saba ended her note using her character name from the film.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jyVgUhO3P/
Similarly, Adnan Siddiqui who worked with Khan in the Hollywood film A Mighty Heart also penned an emotional note in memory of the actor and shared his experience of working with the actor. He shared that he learnt a lot from Irrfan and that the two became good friends. Adnan also opened up about his last meeting with Khan.
“In 2018 while attending IPPA in London. I found out that he was in London, though he wasn’t meeting anyone he agreed to meet me,” wrote Siddiqui. “We had a long chat about movies and the world in general. He looked so positive.”
“His last words were: “Adnan, I’ll be fine very soon and I’ll be back. InshAllah!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_j4mcinxwI/
Khan, whose international movie career included hits such as Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi and The Amazing Spider-Man was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018. He spent most of 2018 and 2019 battling the disease in London. However, he was admitted to a Mumbai hospital earlier this week with a colon infection which ultimately took his life. He was 53.
“Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him,” his publicist said in a statement. “Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, ‘As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it’.”
Other Pakistani actors who mourned the actor’s death include Mahira Khan, Imran Abbas, Zara Noor Abbas and Sajal Aly.
Meanwhile, across the border, the entire Bollywood fraternity is mourning the loss of their loved one. From Amitabh Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan to Sonakshi Sinha, everyone has expressed their grief over the actor’s death.
T 3516 – .. just getting news of the passing of Irfaan Khan .. this is a most disturbing and sad news .. An incredible talent .. a gracious colleague .. a prolific contributor to the World of Cinema .. left us too soon .. creating a huge vacuum .. Prayers and duas
My friend…inspiration & the greatest actor of our times. Allah bless your soul Irrfan bhai…will miss you as much as cherish the fact that you were part of our lives. “पैमाना कहे है कोई, मैखाना कहे है दुनिया तेरी आँखों को भी, क्या क्या ना कहे है” Love u pic.twitter.com/yOVoCete4A
Big loss to the film industry, his fans, all of us n specially his family. My heart goes out to his family. May God give them strength. Rest in peace brother u shall always be missed n be in all our hearts.. pic.twitter.com/KFQ1RoC1H8
Rest in peace @irrfank you have no idea what your kindness meant to me at a time I was at my least confident . My condolences to your family and loved ones.
Sad to learn that Irfan Khan has passed away His death is untimely in the real sense of the word He had achieved a unique status after a long struggle n great perseverance . As an actor he was a voice not some one’s echo. He still had so much with in him We all will miss him .
My first ever acting was in a workshop for my first film where all I had to do was try to recreate a scene of Irrfan sir from Maqbool. And I failed. I keep trying that scene often. And I fail. First face that comes to mind when we think Actor. #IrrfanKhan Sir RIP pic.twitter.com/TRs8sXWSHt
Saddened to hear about the passing of Irrfan Khan. What a phenomenal talent and dearly touched everyone’s heart with his versatility. May god give peace to his soul
With a heavy heart I post this tweet . A phenomenal actor , such an inspiration his performances have been for me . He battled for his life but sadly leaves us today . RIP Irrfan Khan . OM Shanti
With former military bigwig Lieutenant General (r) Asim Bajwa being appointed as the special assistant to the prime minister (SAPM) on information and broadcasting earlier this week, the list of military men discharging their duties in various sectors to serve Pakistan has been added to.
The development falls in line with the beliefs of various members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including PM Imran Khan and his federal ministers such as Fawad Chaudhry, who have time and again praised the armed forces of the country for being the most powerful and well-organised national institutions.
While some elements appear bothered by the increasing list of both former and serving military officials working with the government at a time when civil-military relations in the country “stand at their historic best”, here is what you should know about those working to revamp different sectors for the cause of ‘Naya Pakistan’.
Interior Minister Brigadier (r) Ijaz Shah:
The Ministry of Interior, which is primarily responsible for implementing the internal policies, state security and administration of internal affairs involving the state, is being led by Brig (r) Ijaz Ahmed Shah. Prior to entering politics, Shah has served as a spy military officer of the Pakistan Army. He has also served as the minister for parliamentary affairs.
SAPM on Information & Broadcasting Lt Gen (r) Asim Bajwa:
Lt Gen (r) Bajwa, who replaced former information minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan as the premier’s media aide on Monday, is a retired three-star general. During his military career, he has served as the director general (DG) of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) as well as the commander of Pakistan Army’s Southern Command. He is also the chairman of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority.
NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal:
Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) — a federal authority mandated to deal with disasters and their management in the country — has risen to the occasion over the past few weeks as the coronavirus situation in Pakistan started worsening. Other than his experience with the Frontier Works Organization (FWO), he is qualified in international law of conflict with a special focus on civilian casualties and displaced persons.
FROM CIVIL AVIATION TO HEALTH AND BEYOND:
Among other not so familiar names are Squadron Leader (r) Shahrukh Nusrat, who is serving as an executive at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) after he was reappointed as the authority’s DG last year; National Institute of Health (NIH) Executive Director Maj Gen Dr Aamer Ikram, Air Marshal Arshad Malik, who is serving as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA); Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairperson Lt Gen (r) Muzammil Hussain and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chief Maj Gen (r) Amir Bajwa.
ABC News reporter Will Reeve went on air wearing a suit coat and no pants, not realising everyone could see his legs.
Reeve appeared Tuesday on a show Good Morning America to talk about pharmacies using drones to deliver prescriptions to patients.
Reeve, who was working from home not only as a reporter but also as a cameraman, was positioned so in front of the camera that it was quite clear he was dressed in a suit jacket but no pants.
The sudden and unexpected death of Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan has sent the world into a shock. The actor, who was only 53, passed away in Mumbai after battling a medical complication arising from a colon infection.
Tributes and condolences for the actor poured in from all over the world, including Pakistan. Among those who expressed their sadness and offered condolences was Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Senator Sherry Rehman. However, she ended up calling Khan “one of Pakistan’s best.” Though Sherry later deleted her tweet, it was not before screenshots were taken.
Khan, whose international movie career included hits such as Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi and The Amazing Spider-Man was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018. He spent most of 2018 and 2019 battling the disease in London. However, he was admitted to a Mumbai hospital earlier this week with a colon infection which ultimately took his life.
“Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him,” his publicist said in a statement. “Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, ‘As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it’.”
Khan was last seen in Angrezi Medium, a sequel to 2017’s superhit Hindi Medium, in which he shared the screen with Saba Qamar.
While tributes for the actor poured in from all over the world, members of the Pakistan film fraternity also took to express their grief. Among those who expressed their sadness over the actor’s death include Meera, Sajal Aly, Shaan and Vasay Chaudhry.
#RIP .. a sad news indeed , my prayers for his final journey .may his soul rest in peace ..may ALLAH grant him jannah..and give his family sabar..A fine actor Who’s work will be remembered by the generations to come .♥️ pic.twitter.com/siRwLqrQJv
Truly tragic. He had crafted such a unique place for himself in Indian/world cinema. Always riveting on screen. Huge loss. And kind person. I remember him from the KAra days. May he Rest In Peace.
Trails and parks in Islamabad that had been shut down to control the spread of COVID-19 have now been opened up for the public but with strict SOPs in place.
According to a notification issued by the district administration of the city, hiking trails are to be reopened for the public under social distancing rules. Sports grounds will remain closed.
According to the order, residents can hike while strictly following the rules of social distancing. A six feet distance has to be maintained between people at all times. Residents are happy over the decision and said everyone could protect themselves from the virus if social distancing is practised in daily life.
The notification held the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation and the environment directorate responsible for ensuring government SOPs are followed.
Award-winning Indian actor and cancer survivor Irrfan Khan on Wednesday died in Mumbai after battling a medical complication arising from colon infection, his publicist confirmed.
He was 53 and is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikdar and two sons Babil and Ayan.
“‘I trust, I have surrendered’, these were some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer. And a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen,” Khan’s spokesperson stated.
“It’s saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away. Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him. After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it. Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, ‘As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it’,” the spokesperson added.
News of Khan’s death was also confirmed by director and his close friend Shoojit Sircar.
“My dear friend Irrfan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you. We shall meet again,” he tweeted.
The two worked together in the Bollywood blockbuster ‘Piku’.
Khan, who spent most of 2018 and 2019 battling high-grade neuroendocrine tumour in London, is one of India’s finest actors who understood the syntax and grammar of Hollywood films.
The Indian National School Of Drama graduate was last seen in director Homi Adjania’s ‘Angrezi Medium’, a heart-warming father-daughter tale in March this year. But the film couldn’t enjoy an uninterrupted screening at cinemas worldwide because of the coronavirus outbreak. Even though his last film wasn’t allowed to blossom, Khan, who has appeared in over 100 Hindi and foreign language films, has charted a fruitful career filled with cinematic gems.
