Two enormous explosions ripped through Beirut’s port on Tuesday, wrecking buildings across the Lebanese capital. The explosions — which were heard in Nicosia, 240 kilometres (150 miles) away in Cyprus — were logged by seismologists, registering as the equivalent of a 3.3-magnitude earthquake. According to the Lebanese Red Cross, more than 100 people have been killed while over 4,000 have been injured.
“Until now over 4,000 people have been injured and over 100 have lost their lives. Our teams are still conducting search and rescue operations in the surrounding areas,” a statement said.
Following the devastating incident, Pakistani celebrities including Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, Mehwish Hayat, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Saba Qamar and Asim Azhar extended their prayers to those affected by the tragedy.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also said that he was “deeply pained to hear” of the incident.
Deeply pained to hear of the massive explosions in Beirut with precious lives lost & thousand injured.We stand in solidarity with our Lebanese brethren in their difficult hour, sharing their sorrow & grief. May Allah grant speedy recovery to the injured & strength to the bereaved
My heart goes out to you Beirut! Heartiest prayers for all those who have been affected by this tragic blast. Such a beautiful country going through the worst of times! #Beirut#Lebanon
The footage coming in from Beirut is truly devastating. My heart grieves for all the people suffering… Sending them lots of prayers and love #Beirut#BeirutExplosion#Lebanon
This is devastating. I just called every friend and family member I have in Beirut and each of them were directly impacted. Praying for Lebanon. https://t.co/jvElTyCEOU
Authorities are appealing to residents of #Beirut to remain indoors, wear a mask or leave the city for the mountains as the air has become highly toxic. But the residents are out on the streets going through rubble or to hospitals looking for their loved ones. #BeirutBlast
The apocalyptic carnage caused by the #BeirutExplosion has left me speechless. May the people of #Beirut find strength somehow – sending lots of love and prayers their way#Lebanon لبنان#
Horrific scenes emerging from videos regarding the Beirut Blast. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their people in this time of need. Stay strong Lebanon #PrayForLebanon#prayforbeirut#BeirutBlast#Beruit
While PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) continues to remain banned in Pakistan, Asim Azhar has voiced his protest against the ban and requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to not let his youth down. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) banned the game after parents approached it complaining that the game was addictive for their children. According to details, three children in Lahore had also recently committed suicide due to the online game.
In a series of tweets, Asim expressed his thoughts on the matter and said that banning the game won’t make any difference until we educate the youth.
“Only if we invest in our education system as much, that we make our children – the future of this country, into humans with stable minds, we would never have to worry about any playform or game being harmful to the society,” said Asim.
#ImranKhanPUBGKholoOnly if we invest in our education system as much, that we make our children – the future of this country, into humans with stable minds, we would never have to worry about any playform or game being harmful to the society. Basics change karo, pubg nahi.
He continued: “I want to live in a country where there is no banning culture. Where the youth has enough awareness to know what is right and wrong for them.”
I want to live in a country where there is no banning culture. Where the youth has enough awareness to know whats right & wrong for them. For that we must invest everything we can in our basics & schooling to get results in coming years. Not by banning games. #ImranKhanPUBGKholo
Arguing his stance further, Asim appealed to PM Imran Khan and said that “the last time we banned something (YouTube) it took us so many years back”.
“This is not just about a game, it is about the digital future of Pakistan,” argued Asim. “Every field will be affected. I am a victim of the ridiculous ban we had to face on YouTube for five years. We are again at the same stage. Please don’t let it happen again, sir Imran Khan.”
#ImranKhanPUBGKholo Even tho I have never played this game but I believe in freedom of speech & actions that do not harm. I am with you guys & against the ban of any platforms or games. @ImranKhanPTI sir, the last time we banned something (YouTube) it took us so many years back.
This is not just about a game, it is about the digital future of Every field will be affected. I am a victim of the ridiculous ban we had to face on YouTube for 5 years. We are again at the same stage. Please don’t let it happen again, sir @ImranKhanPTI#ImranKhanPUBGKholo
He also requested everyone protesting against the ban not to use any hate speech.
#ImranKhanPUBGKholo Also, a message to the youth, I know it can be very frustrating & demoralising leken har subha se pehle andhera hota hai. I request everyone protesting the bans to not use any hate speech. InshaAllah @ImranKhanPTI sir will not disappoint his youth
Meanwhile, Waqar Zaka expressed his disappointment at PM Imran Khan for not responding to the youth’s protests. He announced that he will contest in the next election and initiate a technology movement in Pakistan.
The hashtag #ImranKhanPUBGkolo is currently trending at number one on Pakistani Twitter.
Other celebrities including Hania Aamir also expressed their displeasure over the ban.
Gaming is not a crime and bans achieve little other than angst and resentment. Instead of shutting down #PUBG, address and counter the issues that are a cause for concern and let them play for it is only but a game! #Pakistan#ImranKhanPUBGKholo
Earlier in the day, PTA announced that the ban on PUBG will remain in place as the game developer has not yet responded to the authority about its suitable framework to address key concerns.
Three days ago, on July 24, the Islamabad High Court had ordered the government to lift the ban on PUBG, much to the delight of PUBG fans in Pakistan. However, PTA, in a statement, said: “The order has been issued in accordance with Islamabad High Court’s orders after a hearing conducted by PTA on July 9 and in accordance with the provisions of PECA 2016.”
Press Release: PTA has issued a detailed order regarding blocking of online game PlayerUnknown’s Battle Ground. The order has been issued in accordance with Islamabad High Court’s orders after a hearing conducted by PTA on July 9 & in accordance with the provisions of PECA 2016. pic.twitter.com/cRyYzMVizN
Days after releasing the biggest collaboration of the year Tum Tum, Asim Azhar is back in the groove with a new single titled Soneya. But unlike his previous song, Soneya is darker and more sombre.
Before the song begins, the singer reveals that the music video was shot under very challenging circumstances.
“To the one’s who made it happen, and to all my fans who have stood by me, this one’s for you,” says the singer.
According to details, the “heartbreak anthem” has been written by Kunaal Vermaa and composed by Asim. It features models Roshanay Afridi and Reham Rafiq.
Soon after the song released, it began to trend on social media platforms following which Asim thanked everyone for their love and support.
Feels so good to be about what I am. My music. Thank you for the overwhelming response on Soneya ! ♥️ when I made this a year ago, for some reason I thought it would never release because every time we would try we’d face a new challenge. Today, its here. ♥️ #asimazhar#soneya
Asim also joked that he is finally trending for the right reasons this time. For the unacquainted, the singer was referring to how he has recently been trending due to his relationship with Hania Aamir.
Hania Aamir’s big revelation that Asim Azhar and her are just good friends sent the awaam (masses) into a frenzy considering everyone was convinced that the two are dating. After Hania cleared the air regarding their relationship, social media was lit with memes and fans poked fun at Asim for being ‘friend-zoned’.
Following the trolling and flood of memes, Hania had hit back at trolls and said that Asim is a “beautiful part” of her life.
“Asim is a beautiful part of my life and we have seen some insane times together and we share a bond beyond anyone’s comprehension,” the actor had written on social media. “We choose to look at and acknowledge love not hate. That being said, we know Pakistanio ka humour acha hai lekin easy hojao. Social media kai troll siphayon. Bilkul free na ho. Aur zayada over bhi nahi. Shukriya.”
And now a few days later, Asim has broken his silence on the matter.
“As Hania said, the bond we share is beyond anyone’s comprehension. It is bigger than any label for me,” said Asim in a social media post. “Tou araam se betho saare, har jaga muhalle ki phupho nahi bante.”
The singer then went on to praise Hania.
“She’s the kindest and most beautiful human. I will always be there for her and vice versa because that’s the impact she’d had on me. Made me learn to give and love. Like I said, it is beyond a label.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCydpXmFfQR/
Meanwhile, Asim also opened up about his journey as a singer.
“It has not been an easy journey from the beginning. Imagine a 16-year-old putting himself out there for the world to judge. I’ve had my fair share of sleepless nights and irritable mornings but if it wasn’t for these challenges and the support from my loved ones – I wouldn’t have been the man that I am today & would definitely not have the courage to write this,” shared Asim.
He then went onto thank everyone for the love and support they have shown.
“Thank you for showing love to all my songs and especially the response on Tum Tum, which has been overwhelming,” said Asim.
Asim also revealed that his new single Soneya is releasing next week on July 23.
Hania Aamir’s big revelation that Asim Azhar and her are just friends is the talk of the town considering that everyone was convinced that the two are dating. After Hania cleared the air regarding their relationship, social media was lit with memes and fans poked fun at Asim for being ‘friend-zoned’. The two have been trending on Twitter all day.
Following the trolling and flood of memes, Hania took to social media to celebrate three million followers and tell off the trolls for all the jokes.
“Every day I’m learning new things. About myself. About life. Every day I see myself learning, healing and evolving. I’m learning to be more thankful for the life I have. Thankful for the people I have in my life. I say Alhamdulillah for the good and the bad,” wrote Hania.
“I am growing stronger every day and God knows how much I pray for everyone’s happiness. How much I pray that I stay true to my family, my job and my fans. Cannot be more grateful for the love of my followers and my beautiful fan pages have shown me in these three and a half years of my career. Cannot be more grateful for the people I have in my life who support me, guide me and love me,” she continued.
She added: “Today this Instagram family has grown to three million of you and I am here thanking you with all my heart for sticking with me through thick and thin and watching me grow up from an eighteen-year-old kid to the woman that I am today. Your love makes the toughest social media moments a breeze.”
Concluding her note, Hania addressed the trolling and said: “Asim is a beautiful part of my life and we have seen some insane times together and we share a bond beyond anyone’s comprehension. We choose to look at and acknowledge love not hate. That being said, we know Pakistanio ka humour acha hai lekin easy hojao. Social media kai troll siphayon. Bilkul free na ho. Aur zayada over bhi nahi. Shukriya.”
Hania, in a recent live chat with Aima Baig, had said that she is not in a relationship with Asim and the two are just very good friends.
“He’s asking if we’re still together. We’re friends, we’re not together, we’re not dating, we’re not a couple. But we are best friends,” Hania had said.
Hania Aamir just answered the burning question her fans have been asking ever since she was first spotted with Asim Azhar – are the two dating?
In a recent live chat with Aima Baig, Aamir clarified that she is not in a relationship with Asim and the two are just very good friends.
Responding to a fan during the live session, Hania said: “He’s asking if we’re still together. We’re friends, we’re not together, we’re not dating, we’re not a couple. But we are best friends.”
Hania’s answer shocks Aima, who responds: “Yeh tou mujhe bhi nahi pata tha (Even I didn’t know about this).”
Hania, then went onto clarify, saying “No no, listen, actually, we’re great friends. We’re there for each other and I even played a part in his video.”
She also shared that she’s working with Asim on a new project.
“I’m going to make him help me with a song that I’m doing. He’s going to be there for that and I hope I can make him do it,” shared Hania.
Not too long ago, Asim Azhar was celebrating 100 million views on YouTube on his song Jo Tu Na Mila and now the same song is embroiled in a plagiarism controversy.
100 MILLION VIEWS. ♥️ #jotunamilaAnd it gives me immense honour to become the youngest & only the 4th Pakistani artist (after Rahat Fateh Ali Khan sb, Atif Aslam & Momina Mustehsan) to have 2 or more songs in the 100 million club. thank you. I love you guys. pic.twitter.com/T8donMa54H
According to social media users, Jo Tu Na Mila has been loosely copied from Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service. Kiki’s Delivery Service is a 1989 Japanese animated film about a young witch, Kiki, who moves to a new town and uses her flying ability to earn a living. The soundtrack of the anime was composed by Joe Hisaishi.
After the allegations surfaced, Asim while speaking to a local media publication said that the rights for the music had been acquired through legal means.
“That part of the song has been sampled through proper and legal means under Universal Music India, who released the song,” he said, adding, “Such a big company won’t let such a big release go just like that.”
It is pertinent to mention here that the song’s music in the video is licensed to UMG (on behalf of Universal Music India).
Jo Tu Na Mila is a love ballad which talks about unrequited love. The song, which features Iqra Aziz, has been composed and sung by Asim while the lyrics have been penned by Kunaal Vermaa.
Asim Azhar’s latest song Tum Tum, which had received a lot of hate for featuring Tiktoker Areeka Haq, has finally released.
Touted as the “biggest collaboration of the year”, the song features Asim, Areeka, Shamoon Ismail, Mooroo, Talha Anjum and Talha Yunus. Hania Aamir and Asad Siddiqui have a guest appearance in the song.
While the song garnered more than a million views within hours of being released, the storyline is not so impressive and shows Areeka as a heartless gold-digger who gets together with boys and fleeces them of their money.
Even the music video begins with the quote: “If you choose money over love, you will always be poor.”
Watch it here:
Despite the views, the song did not resonate well with the audiences who took to social media to voice their criticism.
Although to be fair to them, regardless of the times they can only create what they are capable of.
Asim Azhar’s upcoming song Tum Tum has already created waves before it even released. The reason for this is because Tiktok star Areeka Haq is featuring in the song. Asim’s fans were disappointed with him for including the Tiktoker and sent a lot of hate his way. It is pertinent to mention here that Haq has more than a million fans on Instagram.
Areeka Haq in a still from the upcoming songAsim and Areeka in a still from the song
Following the backlash on social media, Asim responded by tweeting:
Kamaal hai waise… pehle depression aur mental health pe lectures dete hain aur kuch din baad khud kisi ko depression ka shikaar bana dete hain apni bullying aur nafrat se.
Meanwhile, several celebrities including Saba Qamar, Yasir Hussain, Hania Aamir and Zara Noor Abbas extended their support to the singer and Tiktok star and requested people to stop spreading unnecessary hate and learn to respect each other.
@AsimAzharr I’m eagerly waiting for your upcoming music video! ❤️ Also, I’m proud of this little beautiful girl @areeqa__haq and all the other young talented people, trust me guys I’m your biggest cheerleader, no matter what! Keep Growing and Shining! Lots of love! 2/2
“Please be kind towards each other,” asserted Saba. “Learn to support each other. Don’t make these beautiful, young talented people depressed with hate comments and trolls because you have no idea how harsh and unkind it is.”
Saba Qamar
Yasir said that Tiktok has more talent than television and that Asim featured Haq because of her talent.
“We all need to grow up,” remarked Hussain.
Yasir Hussain
Zara said that she was proud of Asim for supporting new talent.
Zara Noor Abbas
Hania extended her support towards Areeka and wished her all the best.
Hania Aamir
Hania Aamir
Asim also shared that Hania came all the way from Islamabad to be part of the song.
The song touted to be “the biggest collaboration of the year” also features Shamoon Ismail, Talhah Yunus, Talha Anjum, Raamis, Hania Aamir, Mooroo and Asad Siddiqui and is scheduled to release on July 2. Watch the teaser for the song below:
Asim’s last song Humraah, featured in the Bollywood film Malang was a massive hit garnering more than 4 million views to date.
Asim Azhar, whose Bollywood plans were cut short after Indo-Pak tensions reached an all-time high, has finally released his song Humraah which was featured in the film Malang featuring Aditya Roy Kapur, Disha Patani and Anil Kapoor in the lead.
The song which was originally composed and sung by Asim was replaced with a versionsung by Sachet Tandon when the situation between the two neighbouring deteriorated. The lyrics for the song have been penned by Kunaal Vermaa.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAnc5NZF0GE/
Talking about the song and the story behind its release, Asim’s close friend Hania Aamir in her Instagram stories shared, “I remember being really, really upset when things went bad [between India and Pakistan] and we found out that Asim’s voice may not be used and his name would not be anywhere. Everyone who had heard the song and knew about it was pretty upset.”
“I even had a grudge for some time,” she continued. “But for some reason, Asim was very calm about it and had no bitter taste. When the song released in someone else’s voice, Asim still did not let it bother him and he shared with us that he will make his own video and release it later.”
“If someone takes my content and uses it and doesn’t give me any credit just because two people don’t get along, I would be really annoyed,” she added. “Somehow Asim saw the bigger picture and was calm about it and talked about making his own video, which has now finally been released.”
Fortunately, Asim did receive his due credit and the singer took to social media to share his excitement.
