Journalist Shiraz Hassan wrote, “I don’t know in what context he said that but we know that Nigeria has already won two medals in #Tokyo2020 – both by women athletes.”
Another Twitter user wrote, “Pakistan 2020 GDP: $263.6B, Nigeria 2020 GDP: $432B. How Mr. Vawda came to the conclusion that Nigeria is ‘small and poor’ really escapes me.”
Pakistan population: 220.8 million Nigeria population: 206.1 million
Pakistan landmass: 340.5K sq mi Nigeria landmass: 356.7K sq mi
Ali Safina has responded to the criticism on a character he is playing in a Hum TV’s special Ramzan series Chupke Chupke.
When a social media user asked Safina how he feels about the criticism on his role of a ghar damad, the actor said: “Bhai jab Miskeen bhai apni family k saath khush hai to logon ko kya fikar hai? Chill karein sab and enjoy the show (If Miskeen is happy with his family then why are people worried? Chill and enjoy the drama).”
Bhai jab miskeen bhai apni family k sath Khush hai to logon ko Kya fikar hai? Chill karein sab and enjoy the show. https://t.co/8aDM6C073C
Safina’s character has sparked a heated debate on social media with many saying that the drama is showing sons-in-law in poor light. Safina, who plays Miskeen is married to Gul (Mira Sethi) and lives in his wife’s house with her family. His duty is to look after the kitchen and to do all the other house chores.
Miskeen’s in-laws and wife never leave a chance to insult him and mock him for being “useless” and only a burden to the family. Some viewers are unhappy with this problematic portrayal of a ghar damad.
Earlier, Osman Khalid Butt had justified the character saying that Miskeen is ridiculed because he refuses to work even though he has an opportunity to join the family business.
“And while he’s played for broad comedy, has his own arc,” he had added.
Maybe she just doesn’t…want to? I think if anything, Gul-e-Rana is in complete control of her life. I can’t believe we’re policing the choices of a fictional character?
Written by Saima Akram Chaudhry and directed by Danish Nawaz, Chupke Chupke is a comic caper involving two families. It also features Ayeza Khan, Asma Abbas, Farhan Ali Agha, Aymen Saleem, Arsalan Naseer, Mira Sethi and Tara Mahmood besides Butt and Safina.
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has said that it rejects any attempts to further gag the fundamental right of freedom of expression in the name of preventing defamation and disrespect of the armed forces.
In a statement, Senator Farhatullah Babar expressed grave concern over a bill moved by a PTI MNA and approved by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior seeking to amend the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) to send anyone to jail for two years with fine Rs 500,000 or both for what has been described as ‘defamation of the army”.
He said that Section 500 of the PPC already provides punishment for the defamation of anyone, and the addition of Section 500-A is aimed only at gagging freedom of expression guaranteed under Article 19 of the constitution in name of national security. It is not acceptable and will be opposed at every platform he said.
“The nation has witnessed enough of how behind the facade of ‘national security’ citizens have disappeared mysteriously, national resources diverted, internment centres set up, ex-tribal areas made a no-go area, foreign and security policies hijacked and security establishment’s business and commercial empire expanded exponentially.”
Section 500-A is liable to be grossly misused in the name of national security as Section 295-C has been misused in the name of religion, he said.
“Defence forces working within their constitutional limits are universally admired and do not need any legislation to protect their honor and respect. Similarly, no legislation can stop people from questioning those who transgress their limits with impunity,” he said.
While the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) reportedly tried to block the bill from approval by NA Standing Committee on Interior, saying it was a violation of right to freedom of expression, some government members have also expressed concern.
While Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari had earlier blocked a similar bid to curb criticism, Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry has now said it was an “absolutely ridiculous idea”.
absolutely ridiculous idea to criminalise criticism, respect is earned, cannot be imposed on people, I strongly feel instead of new such laws Contempt of Court laws should be repealed …. https://t.co/iKMuaK6gwU
In a tweet, he said he strongly felt that instead of introducing new laws to quell criticism, the laws dealing with contempt of court “should be repealed”.
Shahid Afridi has criticised Cricket South Africa (CSA) for releasing their players for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the middle of the three-match ODI series against Pakistan.
Following Pakistan’s 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa, the former all-rounder said: “Surprising to see CSA allowing players to travel for IPL in the middle of a series. It is sad to see T20 leagues influencing international cricket.”
“Some rethinking needs to be done,” he added.
Surprising to see @OfficialCSA allowing players to travel for IPL in the middle of a series. It is sad to see T20 leagues influencing international cricket. Some rethinking needs to be done!! https://t.co/5McUzFuo8R
South Africa, playing without several star players — including Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada — showed great grit and determination but eventually suffered a 28-run loss in the third and final ODI.
Anrich Nortje, who was a serious threat to Pakistani batsmen, and David Miller also left to play IPL 2021 in India.
Meanwhile, Afridi also congratulated Pakistan on their “fine series win”. He was particularly impressed with opener Fakhar Zaman who scored back-to-back centuries in the last two ODIs and played a key role in Pakistan’s win. Afridi also praised the batting of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, who missed out on his century by just six runs in the third ODI, getting out to Andile Phehlukwayo on the last ball of their innings.
“Congratulations to Pakistan on a fine series win. Great to see Fakhar follow his brilliant innings in Jo’Burg with another 100. Babar was once again all class, excellent bowling effort by all. A job well done,” said Afridi.
The national side clinched the series 2-1 with a comfortable 28-run win at Centurion, becoming the first ever Asian team to win a bilateral series twice in South Africa.
Singer turned actor, who seems to have good knowledge of cricket also thrashed CSA, saying: “T20 + [bags of money] > national pride. Sorry to say but @OfficialCSA has let the whole cricketing world down.”
T20 + > national pride Sorry to say but @OfficialCSA has let the whole cricketing world down. #ICCRankings
Shoaib Akhtar has come under fire for mocking and ridiculing the anthem of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The former cricketer had trashed Groove Mera, calling it the worst anthem ever. He also said that he uses the song to put his children to sleep as they are scared of it.
Following Akhtar’s comments, several celebrities including Adnan Siddiqui, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), Hira Mani, Ahmed Ali Butt and Wasim Akram stepped forward to defend the song. Though they did not name Akhtar directly, they subtly shaded him for his comments.
“Least we can do for our artists is respect them,” said Adnan. “It’s very easy to be keyboard warriors and shred someone’s hard work to pieces.”
“Naseebo Lal doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this,” added the actor.
Least we can do for our artists is respect them. It’s very easy to be keyboard warriors and shred someone’s hard work to pieces. How ungrateful to forget so conveniently all the melodious songs Naseebo Lal has given us. #groovemera doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this
Sharing his thoughts on the brouhaha, Wasim Akram said: “Hope all this well. Aap log theek hain, exercise kar rahay hain or mou chukk kay criticise kar rahy ho har cheez nu. That’s you guys.”
“Abhi mene PSL anthem pay bohat saray views sunay or theek hai, har aik ki marzi hoti hai magar ennay Tan Sen therday ni tussi, har gal tey bolna hai. Tareef na karna tussi,” he added in Punjabi.
Sharing Wasim’s video on Twitter, Omair Rana said: “I love this man! Wasim Akram. Jewndy raho!”
HSY also praised Groove Mera, saying that he is listening to it on repeat.
#NaseeboLal sounds strong and her voice is iconic. Aima is killing it and the Young Stunners give it that contemporary punch making this first female led sports anthem all the more impactful. #groovemera is on repeat.
“When will we learn to take things in perspective and react accordingly,” questioned Faysal Quraishi.
“Let’s go with the spirit of sports and celebrate little things. I personally think Naseebo Lal who is very popular with masses will rock the stadium with her ‘groove’ and high notes,” remarked the actor.
When will we learn to take things in perspective and react accordingly . Song getting hate ? Lets go with the spirit of sports and celebrate little things . I personally think Naseebo Lal who is very popular with masses will Rock the stadium with her ‘groove’ and high notes .
Similarly, in a detailed note posted on Instagram, Ahmed Ali Butt said: “For people who don’t know… Naseebo Lal is a Pakistani folk singer with over 30 years of singing experience. She never got the limelight that she deserved because most of her songs were during the “raunchy” Punjabi film era. But that does not change the fact that she is a Pakistani folk legend with hundreds of songs to her credit.”
“Groove Mera is a great song and a bold step by PCB. For all the people making fun of her pronunciation are the same people who love UK or Canadian Punjabi singers,” he said further. “So shut up and be proud of your nation’s talent. God knows you didn’t contribute to their success or hard work, so the least you can do is be respectful towards them.”
“Ab volume kholo or bolo…aaj vaykhay ga crowd mera groove TV tay,” he concluded.
Hira Mani, in a lengthy note posted to social media said: “We respect you madam. Bas yeh so-called elite burgers music critics internet kay dour kay hum jese chunnay munnay followers walay. Inko kia pata kay asal fan following houti kiya hai.”
Meanwhile, other celebrities, including Farhan Saeed, Anoushey Ashraf and Haroon Shahid directly responded to Akhtar for his comments.
“It’s his opinion, that’s ok! He has the right, but that’s a stupid opinion is what is my opinion,” stated Farhan Saeed.
“This song will be a winner in the stadiums, mark it,” he added.
Haroon Shahid also directly responded to Akhtar saying: “So when Shoaib Akhtar was being paid millions by Kolkata Knight Riders and this song came up I bet he would have danced on this track at the Eden Gardens just to impress Shahrukh jee.”
So when Shoaib Akhtar was being paid millions by Kolkata Knight Riders and this song came up I bet he would have danced on this track at the Eden Gardens just to impress Shahrukh jee!
In a later tweet, the singer-turned-actor said: “This guy talks about aesthetics! Here’s a guy who commentates in English defining ‘Groove’ for us in musical terms.”
This guy talks about aesthetics! Here’s a guy who commentates in English defining ‘Groove’ for us in musical terms.
PS. Groove by any definition does not mean Naali! We all know where this is stemming from. Pathetic to see such pettiness.Still love Shoaib for the bowler he was! pic.twitter.com/IAlTzgzmAg
Enough said on Shoaib Akhtar’s comments on the PSL 6 anthem. The fact is I’d stand behind if someone tried to disrespect him in the same manner. Peace! Let’s hope for a fantastic cricket competition once again. Pakistan Zindabad ❤️
Sharing her thoughts on the controversy, Anoushey Ashraf said: “Oh dear, this is in bad taste. One thing to not like a song, another thing to run down artists, musicians this way. Big fan of Shoaib Akhtar but not the way he’s bashing the anthem.”
Television actor, Naveed Raza also participated in the debate, commenting: “Learn to appreciate Shoaib Akhtar bhai. The worst virus is a human, dehumanising another human. Groove Mera is a solid stadium-feel song.”
Groove Mera is currently trending at number one on YouTube Pakistan with more than five million views till the filing of this report.
What did you think of Groove Mera? Let us know in the comments below.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not including a single Pakistan player in their T20I team of the decade, announced on Sunday.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Akhtar criticised the parent body of cricket, terming their team of the decade an IPL XI instead of being a world cricket team.
“They did not pick a single player from Pakistan in the team. We don’t need your (ICC) T20I Team of the Decade because you announced the IPL team, not a world cricket team,” Akhtar said in the video.
The former speedster also cited the current T20I rankings indicating that Pakistan skipper Babar Azam should have been included in the T20I team of the decade.
“I think ICC forgot that Pakistan is also a member of ICC and they also play T20I cricket. They did not pick Babar Azam, who is currently the number one batsman in the ICC T20I rankings.”
Akhtar further openly criticised the working of ICC and claimed that the organisation is ruining the game for money.
“ICC only thinks about money, sponsorships and TV rights. They introduced two new balls and three powerplays (in the ODI cricket). Where is Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, big five of West Indies, Wasim (Akram) and Waqar (Younis)? Where are the world’s fastest bowlers and leg-spinners? They went away because ICC commercialised and materialised cricket so much and allowed ten leagues to earn more revenue,” Akhtar said.
“They just want two World Cups in three years and leagues. ….There is a big difference between today’s cricket and in 70’s cricket. If there is no Sachin vs Shoaib then what’s the point of watching cricket? There is no big player than Babar Azam in T20I. He is a top-scorer for Pakistan and his averages show what he has done for the country, even in comparison with Virat Kohli. It is so embarrassing and I’m sure after this video they will think that they have to announce the World Team of the Decade, not the IPL team,” Sohaib concluded.
Earlier in the day, ICC included Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, and Jasprit Bumrah in its T20I Team of the Decade. Dhoni has also been named as the skipper of the ICC’s T20I Team of the Decade.
In the team, four players are from India, two are from Australia, two from West Indies, one from Sri Lanka, South Africa, andAfghanistan.
The ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Decade. And what a team it is! ⭐
Meanwhile, Pakistan cricket fans and analysts are enraged and questioning ICC for not including any Pakistani cricketer in the list. Here are some reactions:
Islamabad main itni sardi hai kay @ICC ki Teams of dDecade dekh kar mera ghussa bhee freeze ho gia! Phir aik dost nay bataya k ye awards merit per nahi voting per diyey jaatay hain or India ki abadi hum sai bohat ziyada hai! ♀️So keep supporting ur players.
Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has approved spending Rs42 million of taxpayers’ money for the constitution of a digital media wing at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the only responsibility of which will be to defend the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government over the internet.
According to Geo, the 27-member digital media wing will defend over social media any decisions made by the government while also dealing with critics of the ruling PTI and explaining the policies of the Imran administration.
ڈیجیٹل میڈیا ونگ حکومتی اقدامات کا دفاع کرے گا اور مخالفین کو مؤثر جواب دے گا۔ حکومتی اقدامات کے دفاع کے لیے ڈیجیٹل میڈیا ونگ کے لیے 42 ملین روپے کی منظوری بھی دی جاچکی ہے۔ ڈیجیٹل میڈیا ونگ 27 افراد پرمشتمل ہوگا جو کہ حکومتی پالیسیوں کی تشہیر کرے گا۔ https://t.co/GBsoqgkZAi
No allocations were there in the budget for the ongoing fiscal year and the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had also rejected the government’s summary for the constitution of a digital media wing, the report said, adding that Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has clarified how supplementary grants do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Finance Ministry.
“The ECC had left the matter of the digital media wing’s budget up to PM Imran,” she reportedly said.
Meanwhile, Focal Person to the PM on Digital Media Dr Arslan Khalid said it was the first time any government was building the capacity of the Information Ministry on the digital media front. He tweeted:
For the first time any Gvt is building capacity of info ministry on digital media front.The wing will safeguard interests of the Govt/State of Pakistan.From it’s approval to recruitment to it’s working everything will be infront of peoplehttps://t.co/HQqk6j1GhA
Separately, in an exclusive conversation with The Current, he maintained that digital media was a reality and capacity building of the Information Ministry on digital front was something to cherish. “From its approval to recruitment to its working, all will be public knowledge,” he said.
