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  • 11m children under five exposed to hazardous smog in Punjab: Unicef

    11m children under five exposed to hazardous smog in Punjab: Unicef


    The toxic smog has reached alarming levels and almost engulfed entire north and central Punjab, including the provincial capital, and some parts of south Punjab in the last few weeks, more than 11 million children under the age of five are currently exposed to toxic air across the province. 


    “The worse air quality will affect young children and pregnant women the most,” United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) country representative Abdullah Fadil cautioned the other day. 


    The intensity of smog could be gauged from the fact that it peaked in Multan a couple of days ago after Lahore despite ‘so-called’ anti-smog measures adopted by the Punjab government.


    The smog-related diseases have also prevailed as a good number of people, especially children, are being admitted to hospitals in different cities.


    Realising the gravity of the situation, the provincial authorities restricted all outdoor activities in Lahore, including school closures, a ban on entry in parks and open eateries and closure of shops at 8pm last week.


    On Monday, the provincial government also banned all outdoor activities in Multan, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad, the most affected districts after Lahore, till November 17. 


    “Approximately 12% of deaths in children under five in Pakistan were due to air pollution but the impact of this year’s extraordinary smog [on children and pregnant women’ will take time to assess,” UNICEF’s Fadil said. 


    “Young children are most affected because of smaller lungs and lack of immunities. They also breathe twice as fast as adults and consume more air, often through the mouth, along with pollutants, leading to life-threatening respiratory diseases,” he noted.


    The Unicef representative further said that the potential impact of air pollutants could be extreme on babies’ developing lungs and brains, as breathing in particulate air pollution could damage brain tissue and undermine cognitive development, with lifelong implications and setbacks.


    “When pregnant women are exposed to polluted air, they are more likely to give birth prematurely, face respiratory issues, and their babies may have a low birth weight.” 


    The Unicef, Fadil added, was supporting awareness measures as part of the Punjab government’s official plan to reduce the smog. “The global body is also advocating and working with government departments to reduce emissions with the help of strategies like transitioning to renewable energy,” he maintained.

  • Short cut to feminism: How an assault changed Korean woman’s outlook

    Short cut to feminism: How an assault changed Korean woman’s outlook

    Aspiring South Korean writer On Ji-goo never considered herself a feminist but changed her mind after being physically attacked by a man for having short hair.

    “I know you are a feminist,” her attacker yelled as he beat her up at the convenience store where she worked part-time.

    Her assailant, in his 20s, also severely assaulted an older man who tried to intervene, telling him: “Why aren’t you supporting a fellow man?”

    On was left with hearing loss and severe trauma but insisted on pressing charges—resulting in a landmark ruling last month where, for the first time in South Korea, a court recognised misogyny as a motive for a hate crime.

    “I now think I’m a feminist,” On, who wanted to use her pen name for security reasons, told AFP in an interview.

    The Changwon District Court ruling “has historical significance, but it seems to hold even greater meaning for me personally”, she said.

    The attack generated outrage in South Korea, and On became an inadvertent heroine for the country’s women’s rights movements.

    Short hair has been very loosely associated with feminism in South Korea, which remains socially conservative despite its booming economy and the global popularity of its K-pop and K-drama content.

    Same-sex marriage is not recognised, and among advanced economies it has relatively low rates of female workforce participation and one of the worst gender pay gaps.

    Militant moments

    As part of the global #MeToo movement that emerged around 2017, South Korean women held enormous rights demonstrations and won victories on issues from abortion access to harsher punishment for spycam crimes.

    In their most militant moments, some campaigners went viral by destroying makeup products or cutting their hair short on camera to protest against the country’s demanding beauty standards.

    It also saw the emergence of the extreme 4B movement, which rejects dating, sex, marriage, or childbearing with men.

    The movement, which means “Four Nos” in Korean, has been trending since Donald Trump won the US presidential election.

    But South Korea has also seen a recent anti-feminism backlash, with President Yoon Suk Yeol courting young men on the campaign trail with denials of institutional discrimination against women and promises to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality, which his supporters claimed was “outdated”.

    The backlash previously ensnared unsuspecting victims such as triple Olympic archery champion An San, who was bullied online during the 2021 Tokyo Games for her short hair.

    Writer On said she followed the furore at the time, even reporting online abuse she saw.

    “When I first heard that having short hair meant you were a feminist, I found it absurd,” On said.

    “Athletes often find it more convenient to have short hair when they are training,” she added, noting she had cut her own hair short before being assaulted last year because of the hot weather.

    Archer An never officially commented on the online abuse, and her “pride and confidence, along with her ability to simply ignore negativity, were truly impressive,” said On.

    “Over time, I found myself (inspired by) her sense of dignity and confidence… thinking: ‘Is there really anything that I should be ashamed of?’”

    Getting worse?

    A spate of high-profile deepfake pornography cases were uncovered this summer, targeting female students and staff at the country’s schools and universities.

    A Seoul court jailed one perpetrator for 10 years last month for assaulting women who attended the nation’s top Seoul National University, saying his actions stemmed from “hatred toward socially successful women”.

    One victim, whose campaign name is Ruma, told AFP that her assailant “wanted to emphasise that no matter how accomplished a woman is, she can be trampled on and treated like a prank by men.”

    Activists such as Jung Yun-jung, who supported On through her trial, say the situation could worsen as inequality and competition for jobs increase.

    South Korea has one of the world’s lowest birthrates as well as a falling marriage rate, with experts pointing to intense competition over jobs and housing a factor, leaving young people despondent for their futures.

    On is still on medication to treat the mental and physical wounds of her attack, but she has found purpose in supporting other women who may find themselves victimised in similar circumstances.

    Feminism, in the end, is about believing that “women’s rights are equally as important”, she said.

    “In that sense, I had indeed been a feminist even before the incident.”

  • Dr. Numair ya Dr. Strange? Usman Mukhtar defends his character in Jafaa

    Dr. Numair ya Dr. Strange? Usman Mukhtar defends his character in Jafaa

    Usman Mukhtar’s performance in Hum TV’s hit drama Jafaa has won over fans with his character, Dr. Numair, stirring up heated debates online. One of the most talked-about scenes is when Dr. Numair takes his newborn baby to the hospital for a DNA test.

    The scene sparked controversy on social media, with fans sharing their thoughts. Usman Mukhtar, who read all the feedback, shared his perspective on the matter.


    He defended Dr. Numair’s actions, saying, “Numair’s journey may not be perfect, and he’s certainly not handling things well, but imagine how this news might affect someone who believed he was infertile for most of his life.”


    Usman also addressed Andaleeb’s character and her reaction to Numair’s actions. He explained that her response was completely justified, adding, “She feels unsettled by Numair’s unpredictable behavior, which leaves her confused and frustrated. When she heard about the DNA test, my wife, Zunaira, said, ‘If I were in her place, I would’ve broken your face!’”


    Usman also shared that he chose the Jafaa script because it tackles important social issues like domestic violence and infertility, which are often stigmatized or ignored in society.


    He also posted on Instagram: “I know, I know, everyone’s frustrated with Numair right now! But here’s the thing, sometimes we underestimate the impact of personal struggles, especially with respect to men who feel societal pressure to always appear strong and in control.


    Trauma isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and everyone handles it differently. Numair’s journey may not be perfect, and he’s certainly not handling things well, but imagine how this news might hit someone who believed he was infertile for most of his adult life.


    Jafaa last night wasn’t just about mistakes, it was a look into the silent battles that can shape how we respond to the unexpected.”

  • Former Indian cricketer’s son changes gender

    Former Indian cricketer’s son changes gender

    Former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar’s son has changed his gender.

    Reports in Indian media state that the 23-year-old son of former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, previously named Aryan, has now became Anaya after undergoing gender reassignment surgery. 

    She shared her gender journey through hormonal transformation on social media a few months ago, getting a lot of attention.

    Aryan, who was born a boy, started hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in 2023 and now has a new identity as a transgender girl. 

    Anaya is currently playing cricket in the UK. She shared the story of her complicated and emotional journey on social media, writing in an Instagram post that after 11 months of hormone replacement therapy, she was able to achieve complete happiness.

    Sanjay Bangar played 12 Tests and 15 ODI matches for India. He also performed coaching duties.

  • Fahad Mustafa teases his sad fans

    Fahad Mustafa teases his sad fans


    Fans of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum are feeling a bit lost this Monday without their favourite drama serial to look forward to.   

    For weeks, they had grown used to tuning in every Monday and Tuesday to watch Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir light up their screens.
    But with drama now over, and the finale even airing in cinema, the weekly tradition has come to an end.  

    The finale episode of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum was aired on November 5, 2024.

    Adding a pinch of nostalgia, Fahad Mustafa shared a post on Instagram with the caption, “Aaj Monday hai aur aaj hum nahi ayengay intezar mat karna .”
    His post stirred up emotions among fans who were already missing their weekly dose of Mustafa and Sharjeena scenes.  

    This powerful comeback in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum has reminded everyone why Fahad Mustafa remains one of the country’s most loved actors.
    Fans are now left eagerly waiting to see what Fahad Mustafa will do for the next project.  

    Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum has broken records, with the drama surpassing a billion views and gaining international acclaim. 

    It is written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Badar Mehmood.
     

    The cast includes Fahad Mustafa, Hania Aamir, Naeema Butt, Bushra Ansari, Tauseeq Haider, Javed Sheikh, Emmad Irfani, Maya Khan, Yousaf Bashir and Annie Zaidi.

    Earlier, speaking to the media at the finale of ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum,’ Fahad Mustafa expressed his gratitude for the success of the drama.

     
    Fahad said, “This all happened because of Allah, we can only try, we only tried our best. Maybe I’m a bit of a favorite of Allah. So at every stage of life at the age of 20, something happened, at 30, something else.
    Now that I am 40, this is a 40-year gift. Now, we’ll wait and see what happens at 50.” 

    Recently, actress Hania Aamir has shared her thoughts about marriage with her fans.

    During a program organized by fans in Canada for Hania Aamir.


    Where the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress was asked various questions.

    In response to a question related to marriage, Aamir said, “I have no intention of getting married right now.”

    Continuing in the same vein, Mujhe Pyar Huha tha actress stated, “I am a simple girl.
    Whenever I get married, I will make sure to announce it loudly and clearly.”

    In response to another question, the actress said, “Borders at the frontiers cannot separate people. No one can put restrictions on whom you love from the heart. That’s why I travel abroad, so I can meet those who like me. It brings me joy to meet all of you.”

  • Smog hits business activities: Warnings and fines issued

    Smog hits business activities: Warnings and fines issued

    Business owners in Punjab have been hit hard by government environmental regulations. With AQI levels crossing 2000 in Multan and Lahore following close behind, authorities must do everything in their power to improve the air quality – even if it’s at the expense of business activity.

    Shopping Malls

    Punjab has directed shopping malls to install air purification systems indoors to combat the worsening air quality. However, the cost of a high-end HVAC system can reach as high as 50 million rupees per kanal. This price is so high that most small shopping malls might not be able to afford it. 

    However, for commercial establishments that can afford this equipment, the cost may not be entirely borne by the owners themselves. Since the majority of the shops in malls are rented out, businesses operating within the mall may see a rise in their rents in the coming months. This is because mall owners might try to recuperate the losses they incurred in paying for an air purification system.

    For business owners, the higher rents will create a dilemma. They will have to either raise their costs to maintain their profit margins or have to absorb the extra cost in the form of reduced profit levels. Either way, the choice is not easy for businesses as they lose out. 

    Brick kilns and Industrial activity

    Brick kilns have been hit hard by government regulations, too. A large number of brick kilns have been found in violation of environmental regulations due to the large amount of smoke that they emit. As such, 890 kilns have been noted to be in violation of regulations and have received warnings from the government. These warnings can turn into hefty fines if they don’t comply, which will severely impact the construction sector.

    Since bricks are the staple input of construction projects across Pakistan, widespread fines on kilns will be detrimental to the construction sector. This is because the imposition of fines will cause bricks to cost more than usual. The result will only be a fall in the profit margins of construction companies that use bricks by the hundreds of thousands.

    Aside from kilns, industrial activity in general is facing warnings and fines. District Authorities have reported a total of 312 industry-related environmental regulation violations. While the crackdown on industrialists will undoubtedly help the environment, the government should consider helping out. This could be done by handing out subsidies and guidance on the adoption of more environmentally friendly business practices. 

    Transport

    While authorities are down on smoke-emitting vehicles in general, businesses may experience the effects twofold: Payment of fines and increased business costs. 

    Travel busses and other commercial travel via private channels (i.e. Indrive and Yango) are also expected to be negatively impacted as traffic police officials are stopping high smoke-emitting vehicles and fining them – even impounding vehicles at instances. These businesses already operate on slim margins and an excessive fine can mean the difference between employment and a lack thereof.

    Moreover, for businesses that require the transport of goods from supplier warehouses to stores, rising fines imply a chance of extra costs. Businesses can simply avert this cost by making their trucks compliant with environmental regulations, but that comes at a cost.

    Purifier and mask manufacturers

    Manufacturers of air purifiers are bound to see an increase in the sale of their products. Experts are predicting massive sales volumes and profits for air purifier producers. Manufacturers such as Royal fans and Tamoor fans are expected to log sizable profits due to the deteriorating air quality index across Pakistan.

    As for KN-95 masks, profit margins are expected to rise once again for local manufacturers as they are purchased in even higher quantities than air purifiers – as they are considered to be cost-effective and can be used outdoors too.

    While other industries are expected to suffer, many predict great growth levels for mask and air purifier manufacturers. The measures taken by the government are tough for businesses; however, they are necessary to ensure the welfare of the general public. For now, all eyes are on Islamabad to see what lawmakers do next to tackle this precarious issue.

  • Govt blocks passports of 23 individuals involved in attack on Qazi Faez Isa

    Govt blocks passports of 23 individuals involved in attack on Qazi Faez Isa

    The Pakistani passports of 23 persons allegedly involved in the attack on former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa have been blocked. 

    Appearing on Geo, journalist Asif Bashir Chaudhry claimed that 23 Pakistanis had been traced through the help of CCTV footage, including former Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Maleeka Ali Bokhari, who was involved in the alleged attack on ex-CJP Qazi Faiz Isa.

    The passports were blocked following strong reactions from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi last month, who had vowed to take stern action against the assaulters in London.

    Shayan Ali, a famous Tik Toker known for spearheading PTI protests in London and often seen outside the residence of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, has also been nominated in the Passport Control List (PCL).


    Sadia Faheem, Faheem Gulzar, Maheen Faisal, Sadra Tariq, Habba Tariq, Waqas Chohan, Mohsin Haider, Zameer Akram, Sardar Taimoor, Mohammad Pervez Ali, Rukhsana Kausar, Sheikh Mohammad Jameel, Mehran Habib, Zaheer Ahmad, Rehman Anwar, Mohammad Sadiq Khan, Khadija Kashif, Mohammad Naveed Afzal, Shehzad Qureshi, Suleman Ali Shah, and Bilal Anwar, are among those whose passports have also been revoked.

    Asif Bashir Chaudhry further revealed: “The 23 names involved in the attack on ex-CJP Qazi Faez Isa are not dual nationals except two.”

    Citing Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime case no 3,906/2024 against 23 Pakistanis, Chaudhry stated: “As soon as these suspects land in Pakistan legally, they will be arrested instantly.”

    FIA included 153 other names on the list, which reportedly are dual nationals, a journalist said.

    In October, dozens of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf followers and party leaders, including Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, Sahibzada Jahangir and former MNA Maleeka Bokhari, had protested against former CJP Qazi Faez Isa on his arrival for dinner at Middle Temple in London.⁠



    Outside the entrance gate of London’s Middle Temple, PTI followers had chanted, “Go Qazi, Go Qazi.”⁠

    Interior Minister on October 30 condemned the attack and ordered the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to block the ID card of those involved in the attack on the Pakistani ambassador in which former CJP Qazi Faez Isa was present.



    In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Interior Ministry wrote, “We cannot remain silent on this incident,” and questioned why there was no security given to the Qazi Faez Isa amid threats.⁠

  • Internet reacts to Sidhu’s return to Kapil Sharma’s show

    Internet reacts to Sidhu’s return to Kapil Sharma’s show


    Former Indian Punjab Minister and Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, once the heart and soul of The Great Indian Kapil Show, has made an unexpected return to the stage, much to the excitement of the show’s fans. Sidhu, famous for his infectious laughter, sharp one liners and poetic flair, played a pivotal role in making the shows successful and enigmatic until his controversy-laced exit in 2019.


    Even Sidhu’s statement during Pulwama attack 2019 created ruckus in India and extremist Hindus had demanded that he should be removed from the show.

    After Sidhu departure, actress Archana Puran Singh took over his chair and has been a regular presence on the show alongside Kapil. 


    The Great Indian Kapil Show episode featuring Navjot Singh Sidhu will premiere on Netflix on Saturday, November 16.

    Recently, The Great Indian Kapil Show released its latest promo that surprised fans by showing Navjot Sindh Sidhu back in his chair.
    Sidhu humorously takes his seat while Archana Puran Singh jokes with Kapil Sharma, asking for her chair back. The unexpected twist has sent waves of excitement through the show’s fan base. 


    The promo for the show reveals Navjot Singh Sidhu comfortably seated in the judge’s chair, while Kapil jokes about Sunil Grover adopting Sidhu’s appearance once again.
    Sidhu quickly clarifies that he’s the real deal! Moments later, a visibly concerned Archana Puran Singh appears, anxious about potentially losing her seat to the original judge, Sidhu. She turns to Kapil and anxiously asks if she’s been replaced.

    Navjot Sidhu has reunited with the show’s team after five years.  

    Sidhu shared the promo on his instagram acount with the caption, T”he Home Run ….. @kapilsharma @whosunilgrover @navjot1618 @harbhajan3.”

    Fans flooded social media with excitement, celebrating Navjot’s return with messages and likes. One fan wrote, “Welcome back, Sidhu, missed you!” while another said, “The king is back!” 

    Many fans expressed how much they missed his presence, saying, “Legend is back., Missed you, paaji!”
    and “So good to see you back on the show. This show was never the same without you.”
    With Sidhu’s return, The Great Indian Kapil Show seems to have regained its charm, delighting its loyal audience once again.

    Here are the comments of fans: 

     

     

    Kapil Sharma host ‘The Great Indain Kapil Show’ on Neflix where he interacts with different celebrities from Bollywood and other filed. 


    The show is a mix if standup comedy, interviews and funny skits keep the audience entertained.
    The cast of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ includes Kapil Sharma, Sunil Grover, Archana Puran Singh, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, and Rajiv Thakur.


  • ‘People responsible are not in the city’: Lahore High Court’s thinly veiled criticism of Maryam Nawaz, CS

    ‘People responsible are not in the city’: Lahore High Court’s thinly veiled criticism of Maryam Nawaz, CS

    Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Shahid Karim has reprimanded missing officials of the Punjab Government while also alluding to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman’s absence from the city.

    He remarked that the court ordered all kinds of construction work to be stopped for two months, yet it has not been implemented. “Educational institutions are closed, so why are construction sites not being closed,” he asked. 


    The court questioned WASA’s Senior Legal Advisor Advocate, Mian Irfan Akram, along with the officers and lawyers of the relevant departments. 


    During the hearing, Justice Shahid Karim said that the Deputy and Assistant Commissioners should go out on roads to perform their duties. He further remarked that the CCPO and DIG should also look for measures being imposed when they go out for work.


    The Punjab government submitted a report regarding the measures that have been taken so far to tackle smog before the court. The provincial government’s lawyer said that officials in the administration will go and inspect the lorry and truck stands themselves. He informed the court that three major terminals on the busy Bund Road have been closed.  Meanwhile, 400 vehicles were checked.


    The Judge then questioned the officials about the vehicles that were inspected and their condition. 
    The lawyer replied that 42 vehicles failed the inspection. However, he defended the government by saying: “All the Deputy Commissioners of Punjab will be informed to conduct these  inspections, but because it was Sunday, the Secretary of Transport could not issue instructions.”


    To this, Justice Shahid Karim expressed his disappointment and said, “What are you talking about? Look at the situation outside. Every minute is very important. I am ready to hear this case even on Sunday.”


    The court further remarked that despite the seriousness of the matter, the transport department did not even come to hear the court proceedings.


    The lawyer of the Punjab Government went on to explain that operations were conducted at three bus stands in Lahore while action was taken against 60 exhaust-emitting buses.


    Justice Shahid Karim reprimanded the absent Deputy Commissioner Lahore asking could he not work on a Sunday. 


    One of the members of the Judicial Commission present inside the court said that simply stopping the buses on the roads is not the solution; rather, the buses should not be allowed to leave the bus stand.


    Justice Shahid Karim remarked that while the city is battling with smog, “the people responsible are not present in the city.”


    Alluding to Chief Minister Punjab’s jibe at the court on the provision of bikes by the government, he said, “I don’t want to go in the details but when the court ordered against government’s policy of providing bikes, some people in the government made fun of it. Do you now have an answer to this.”


    The court also expressed anger at the Advocate General Punjab who was not present in the court today, “This is the most important matter, he should have been in the court today, I am very disappointed.” 


    The court, while talking to the Punjab government’s lawyer, said that you convey my displeasure to them.


    Justice Shahid Karim asked what is the procedure for checking the vehicles at the bus stand. Advocate Punjab Government said that vehicles are checked for smoke emission. Justice Shahid Karim remarked that no one from the transport department is in the court, and Advocate General Punjab is not present in the court. “Is this how the government is taking the matter seriously,”  the court asked. 


    The court recounted that it had been giving orders regarding smog for two years. “The government departments have failed to take steps to control smog as it has worsened in the past two months.” 
    Additionally, the court remarked, “When you announced the bikes, and I passed the order, then everyone just talked. Now go out and see the situation.”


    The court asked about the Chief Secretary of Punjab, who is in Geneva. 


    Therefore the court remarked that where is the acting chief secretary is and how the province is being run. 


    Justice Shahid Kareem identified that construction is going on in many places in Lahore, which is the main cause of smog. Schools have been closed, construction would have been closed, is there any order that the deputy commissioner will do? Or there is no such order with respect to the Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner.


    In his final remarks, Justice Shahid Karim said that the government should impose duties on DCs and ACs across Punjab and ask them to leave their offices. “Has the government issued any notification that if the vehicle is not in good condition, it will be fined Rs.1 lac.”


    He added that a fine of 1500 to 2000 rupees will not change the situation, the necessary measures and notifications should be taken by the government, the government should think seriously to stop the construction.


    The court made it a point to mention that “I was hopeful that the current government would do better in this regard, but their actions are not enough. I am not giving any orders; I just want to see what the government does. A decision has to be made regarding construction immediately.”


    The court adjourned the hearing till November 12 after seeking reports from various departments. 

  • ‘It’s not easy’: Sanam Jung gets real about life as a pilot’s wife

    ‘It’s not easy’: Sanam Jung gets real about life as a pilot’s wife

    Actress Sanam Jung recently shared a short video on Instagram, discussing her life as the wife of a pilot.

    She explains, “My husband is a pilot who is at work for 15 days, spending 15 days at home and 15 days on duty.”


    She further explains, “There is no one else to work in my house, so I do all the work myself while taking care of the children is also my job.”

    Jung then said something very relatable for all women and moms: “I get tired of doing housework and taking care of children, so I talk to my husband and share my problems with him.

    When I talk to my husband, he asks me, ‘You are at home all day, what work do you do?’ I should make a vlog and send it to him and show him what I do all day.”


    She then ticks off all the work she does: “I do all the housework, water the plants, take care of the children, and handle all other tasks, but my husband asks me what I do. So, I am thinking of making a vlog of all my work and sending it to my husband so that he can understand what his wife does throughout the day.”


    Her husband, Qasam Jafri, also shared the video story.