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  • Indian celebrities, journalists complain of not being allowed to vote in elections

    Indian celebrities, journalists complain of not being allowed to vote in elections

    Elections in India are entering the last phase, with polling in Mumbai on Monday. While there was a buzz surrounding celebrities coming out to vote in India’s tinsel town, complaints of celebrities and journalists not being able to vote surfaced. It was overwhelmingly stated that their name was not on the voting list while they have been voting for decades.

    Actress Vidya Maladev, famous for her role in Netflix series Mismatched complained about what she said was really “upsetting” as she was not able to vote because she could not find her name in the voting list.

    Famous singer and musician Amit Trivedi also posted a video with the caption, “Voting is our constitutional right. Today I was denied that right and I feel helpless.”

    Actress and model Gauhar Khan vented out her frustration of being denied the right to vote in a video where she was seen saying, “Why do we have Adhaar Cards (voting cards) when we are not considered citizens enough.”

    Journalist Rana Ayyub, who is also vocal about intolerance in India towards Muslim community, posted an Instagram story stating that she went with her family to vote and their names were missing from the voters list in Nayi Mumbai area despite the fact that they have been voting in this constituency for the last eighteen years. “Never missed a vote since I turned 18. Frustrating to say the least.”

    Producer and Entrepreneur Gayatri Pahlajani posted on X, “After having voted in not one but four general elections, my name has been struck off the voting list.”

    Reports of low voting turnout in many states have emerged in Indian media.

    Muslims not able to find their names in the voting list made rounds on social media during the elections in Gujrat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state.

    Haroon Khan posted on May 6 that the names of 575 Muslim fisherman in Gujrat were deleted from the voters list. “Is this beginning of a “Hindu Rashtra” by snatching voting rights from Muslims?”, he posted.

    Journalist Radhika Bordia posted a video of a Muslim man from UP who was denied the right to cast a vote as his name wasn’t missing from the voting list.

    Videos of both Muslim women complaining about their voting cards being downplayed as fake and them being dragged by the same police to not allow them to vote also emerged.

    All of this poses a big question mark over the transparency and effectiveness of the election process in India.

  • ‘Noor Jahan’ teases audiences with a new toxic saas in Pakistani drama world

    ‘Noor Jahan’ teases audiences with a new toxic saas in Pakistani drama world

    The Pakistani drama scene has long been known for its saas-bahu narratives, but recently, there’s been a shift. New dramas now explore love stories, ambitious characters, complex love triangles, toxic relationships, and mental health issues. This evolving landscape brings us the trailer for Noor Jahan. However, is it bringing back the Saas-Bahu drama we thought we were done with?

    At first glance, ‘Noor Jahan’ seems like typical drama. But the teaser suggests something different. It introduces Noor Jahan, a powerful woman who rules her family with an iron fist. No one dares to disobey her. Yet, beneath this strict exterior, hidden tensions and desires may be brewing. The trailer hints at a clash between tradition and modernity.

    Watch the trailer here:

    Tumhain kese laga tum meri jagah per beth sakti ho? Baghair meri ijazat ke?

    Noor Jahan appears to be the typical domineering mother-in-law, scrutinising every move of her daughter-in-law. Her critical eye and constant interrogation make everyday life challenging. From attire to meal timings, nothing escapes her judgement.

    Saba Hamid takes on the familiar role of a tough mother-in-law, a part she often plays. However, there’s hope she’ll bring a new perspective to this character. With Kubra Khan leading the cast, there’s anticipation for a fresh take on the daughter-in-law role. The teaser shows tension and drama, but ‘Noor Jahan’ needs more than just the usual saas trope to capture today’s audience.

    Despite the saas-bahu angle, ‘Noor Jahan’ holds promise due to its impressive cast. Zoya Nasir, Alina Abbas, and Hajra Yamin also bring their talents to the ensemble.

  • Farmer slams Dr. Qaiser for targeting watermelons

    Farmer slams Dr. Qaiser for targeting watermelons

    Dr. Affan Qaiser, a doctor from Multan is known on social media for videos that are usually part social commentary and many times, factually incorrect.

    In his latest video, he raised the issue of “adulterated watermelons” i.e. injecting watermelons with chemicals in order to give them the red colour that consumers accept as a sign of the fruit being sweet.

    The video was followed by criticism as people debunked the supposed myth — particularly farmers.

    One farmer pointed out that today, in the age of social media, everyone is a supposed expert in everything, adding that while Dr. Qaiser gives his two cents on everything, he doesn’t realise how his claims can be detrimental for certain people.

    He also said that Qaiser should instead focus on his profession i.e. doctor, and talk about the exploitation by medical labs and pharmaceutical companies instead of farmers.

    A couple days later, Dr. Qaiser released another video, justifying his claims with online articles while also pointing that he never put the blame on farmers.

    Who is Dr. Qaiser?

    Dr. Affan Qaiser and his partner-in-crime – his wife, Nazish Butt -are widely followed on social media.

    As internet personalities, apart from explainers, they also host podcasts and interviews.

    Time and again, people have criticised Dr. Qaiser for having a holier-than-thou attitude while being hypocritical all the same. For example, he persistently and strongly disapproves eating out in efforts to encourage a healthy diet yet simultaneously, he and his wife have often been seen at restaurants.

    But he is mostly known for his criticism of the widely loved Pakistani snack: samosa.

    According to Dr Qaiser, the samosa is an “atom bomb of 400 calories”, and that samosas are fried in poor quality oil.

  • ICC allots Nassau cricket stadium to India for warm up match against Bangladesh in yet another favour

    ICC allots Nassau cricket stadium to India for warm up match against Bangladesh in yet another favour

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has allotted the Nassau Cricket Stadium in New York to the Indian cricket team for the warm-up match against Bangladesh.

    The high voltage match of Pakistan and India is also scheduled to be played in this stadium on June 9.

    Fans expressed their disappointment on allotting the Nassau Cricket Stadium to India saying that the Indian team has been given a warm-up match on the ground to get used to the conditions so that they can see the pitch and formulate strategies against Pakistan.

    Top officials of ICC are leaning towards the Indian board.

    Earlier, ICC had controversially changed the timing by allotting the second semi-final slot to India for the convenience of Indian cricket fans.

  • Security forces killed 29 terrorists over last month: ISPR

    Security forces killed 29 terrorists over last month: ISPR

    Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Wednesday that security forces have killed almost 29 terrorists over the last month along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border area.

    The intelligence-based operations were carried out in response to a “surge in terrorist incidents orchestrated from Afghan soil, wherein terrorists from Afghanistan attempt to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan Border and target security forces as well as the innocent civilians.”

    The military’s media wing also stated that security forces conducted operations in Balochistan’s Zhob district and other border areas.

  • Spain, Norway, Ireland recognise Palestine state in historic move

    Spain, Norway, Ireland recognise Palestine state in historic move

    Spain, Norway and Ireland have officially recognised the Palestinian state on Wednesday, paving the way for other European countries to do the same.

    The momentous development comes as yet another setback to Israel after the ICC announced this week that it will seek arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Gallant for war crimes.

    “Today, Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine,” Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris announced at a news conference, adding that other countries will join them within a few weeks.

    Israel reacted by announcing that it has recalled its ambassadors to Norway and Ireland. The occupying country’s ambassador to Spain had already been recalled in November last year.

    During the news conference, Harris said that he viewed the two-state solution as the only viable pathway for peace and security for the peoples of Israel and Palestine.

  • Faysal Quraishi reacts to mother’s viral statement

    Faysal Quraishi reacts to mother’s viral statement

    Television star Faysal Quraishi has addressed his mother’s comments about disobedient children.

    He joined the show Meri Saheli on Samaa TV via video call and discussed how people use social media to gain attention. He also addressed his mother Afshan Qureshi’s most recent statement.

    Speaking about his mother’s viral message and the reasons for individuals posting critical comments,

    Faysal Quraishi said, “People on social media share stuff about me to get a rise out of me. When I react, they claim they just wanted my attention. These days, websites and apps need clicks and likes, so they focus on negative content. I don’t think people pay much attention to positive news – they’re drawn to drama. I found the viral post about me funny and told my mom to ignore it, but she still responded. I think the ones making a big deal about it are people who never got scolded by their moms or never saw their moms get angry. I have a great relationship with my mother.”

    Background:
    An old interview of Afshan Qureshi, Faysal’s mother, went viral on social media, showing her discussing her son’s success and personality. She mentioned that while she prayed for his success, she didn’t pray for him to be a good son and person. The edited clip led to speculation about Faysal’s behavior towards his mother. However, she was actually giving a general message to all children to respect and care for their parents.

  • PTI’s spokesperson Raoof Hassan attacked by unknown people in Islamabad

    PTI’s spokesperson Raoof Hassan attacked by unknown people in Islamabad

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) central spokesperson, Raoof Hassan, was attacked on Tuesday by transgender people in Sitara Market, Islamabad.

    “Extremely shameful and deplorable,” the party said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, adding: “Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan attacked by unknown persons outside the office of a private channel.”

    It is not known why Hassan was attacked.

    In another statement, PTU said that if the spokesperson of the “largest party” is not safe and can be attacked in the capital city, then “what can we make of the safety of others? ”

    The attackers used a sharp instrument to injure Raoof Hassan and escaped easily after the incident.

    On the other hand, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and information minister Attaullah Tarar condemned the attack and urged a thorough investigation into the incident.

  • Sonya Hussyn and Sami Khan shine in ‘Aik Chubhan Si’

    Sonya Hussyn and Sami Khan shine in ‘Aik Chubhan Si’

    It’s too early to know where ‘Aik Chubhan Si’ will go, but with Sonya Hussyn and Sami Khan on screen, there’s more to the story than meets the eye. Here’s why we’re giving this one a go.

    The story is different from the usual stuff on screen. There’s no love story with our hero and heroine falling in love at first sight. This Pakistani drama is about post-marital (non-marital) bliss. Naila and Haroon are happily married, but we see a husband who’s not too happy to serve Naila’s family. However, the story’s subtle and relatable details keep us watching.

    Naila insists on looking after her uncle because he raised her. Haroon agrees, but reluctantly, with no toxicity (yet) in his attitude. There’s curiosity about Maheen, played by Hira Khan, as her character seems to have more to reveal, especially in the final scene of the first episode. Is there a hint of mystery, thrill, or something else in the drama? The first episode sets the stage and keeps us intrigued to learn more.

    As the drama unfolds quickly, we hope the story won’t fall into the trap of overly stretched plots and typical ‘other woman’ conspiracies.
    Sonya Hussyn and Sami Khan share great on-screen chemistry. If you’re a fan of this couple, then Aik Chubhan Si is a drama you should try. They appear comfortable on screen and make their characters believable and true to life. Their effortless interactions make the drama more enjoyable to watch.

    Fahad Sheikh plays Moiz, Hira’s cousin, and his performance here is a step up from his past roles. Whether it’s the direction or Fahad’s acting, his character evokes sympathy, even in the first episode. We’re looking forward to more from him. Hira Khan’s character seems a bit toxic, but we hope she will prove to be more complex and interesting.

    ‘Aik Chubhan Si’ is written by Rukhsana Nigar and directed by Mohsin Talat. The cast features Sonya Hussyn, Sami Khan, Asma Abbas, Hira Khan, Fahad Sheikh, and others.

  • Government to end solar net-metering & introduce gross-metering

    Government to end solar net-metering & introduce gross-metering

    The government has briefed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about plans to change the country’s solar power policy, Geo News has reported.

    According to the government, almost 1938 MW of electricity in the system through roof-top solar system under net metering mode.

    Because of this revenue loss of Rs100 billion in the system has been shifted to consumers by passing a hike of tariff to Rs1.90 per unit on those who have not installed solar systems on their roofs.

    The government intends to introduce gross metering instead of net metering.

    The tariff would be reduced to Rs7.5 to 11 per unit instead of Rs21. They will be provided electricity from the national grid at Rs60 per unit during night or peak hours.

    However, under this new policy, a buyback tariff from solar consumers would be brought down to Rs7.5-11 per unit due to a significant decline in solar panel prices and the government would sell them electricity from the national grid at Rs60 per unit during night time or peak hours.