The star of HUM TV and ISPR’s joint project, Ehd-e-Wafa is undoubtedly Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations, Major General Asif Ghafoor’s dog, Zoro.
Not only did Zoro steal the show, but after The Current broke the news that he wasn’t just anyone’s dog, his pictures have gone viral.
Here are a few exclusive pictures of Zoro that are too cute to handle.
A pedigreed Thai Golden retriever, Zoro has more than 10.3K followers on Instagram
After Zoro’s television debut, his followers on Instagram doubled and he now has 10.3K followers.
A Champion, Zoro has taken part in dog competitions
According to Zoro’s Instagram (@zoro_retriever) he has taken part in dog competitions in Islamabad and has taken home the prize.
Exclusive picture of DG ISPR with Zoro
D.G. ISPR Asif Ghafoor is also lucky enough to be the only person Zoro is following on Instagram, along with the official account of Ehd-e-Wafa.
Zoro’s portrait photograph
Zoro doesn’t have a Facebook page and everyone seems to be waiting for his YouTube channel to launch. But one things for sure: we are going to get to see a lot more of this beautiful dog on social media – and the silver screen.
If you missed The Current’s exclusive video revealing the identity of Zoro, watch it here:
Following the backlash that followed after a 15-second clip of Mehwish Hayat, refusing to comment on the Kashmir issue went viral, the actor has now shared a video in which is openly discussing the matter.
The video which appears to be from the same charity event has Mehwish saying that the Kashmiris should be given their rights and that the curfew should be lifted immediately.
Not that any clarification is needed. But here are clips frm the same event as the leaked video where I think I am talking abt Kashmir – there are several others as well. Before defaming me in future – look at the whole picture first. Tarnishing my image in this way will not..1/2 pic.twitter.com/VVYEIoU4qn
2/2… Tarnishing my image in this way will not stop me from fighting for the Kashmiri cause as I have been. I am humbled by the fact that my opinion means so much. I see it as a responsibility and will not shy away for fighting for injustices where ever I see them.
Meanwhile, an eyewitness also stepped forward to defend Mehwish.
I was at this PR event and @MehwishHayat is telling the truth. We had been asked to stick to questions related to the charity strictly. Slow clap for media that beats its standards down itself. Disgusting. https://t.co/paZjOBiOym
ARY’s on-going drama, Gul o Gulzaar, which has a few episodes left, drags a bit but hits a realistic note.
Two besties, Gul, played by Saboor Aly and Gulzar played by Kinza Hashmi are inseparable. Gulzar’s father is a teacher while Gul’s father is a fruit seller. Gulzar is the prettier, richer, sweeter and the beychari one of the two.
One day a creepy guy Adil, played my Omer Shahzad, sees Gulzar outside her school and gives her his number (and also a declaration of love). Gulzar is so shocked kay haw hai, dekho kaise number dia and Gul agrees – except Gul has ulterior motives and a plan to get with this loaded, “gari wala” guy herself. So she calls Adil and tells him how Gulzar is a terrible person, doesn’t like him, and is also getting engaged.
Of course, Adil and Gul then get together and Gul decides to run away with him – the twist is that she doesn’t tell Gulzar about her plans. Not only that, she also steals Gulzar’s brother’s honay wali biwi’s wedding jewellery from Gulzar’s closet, the night before Gulzar’s brother’s wedding). So all hell breaks loose, with Gul’s father accusing Gulzar of making her daughter run away with some guy.
So Gulzar’s reputation is also being ruined because she is best friends with a runaway woman, so her father and brother decide to get her married to a guy she hasn’t seen. The guy is the only child, good, sharif (obviously). She agrees and sees the guy’s picture the day of her mehndi and the guy, Jamal played by Paras Masroor, isn’t the best looking. It’s also really really uncomfortable HOW they portray this darker-skinned, not so bad looking guy as soo ugly that Gulzar cannot fathom marrying him.
Gul has called Gulzar and told her how happy she is living her huge house with a hot husband who will take her to London. So Gulzar calls up Gul after she sees Jamal’s picture and asks her to help her run away. Gul jumps at the chance and says she’ll pick Gulzar up at dawn and when Gulzar is running away from her house, she hears the Azaan. So she goes back in and does the right thing and marries Jamal.
Poor Gulzar and now-loaded Gul
Gulzar soon realizes that money is not everything and sharif log and amazing saas are so much more important. Meanwhile, we find out that Gul’s life is not as rosy as she made it sound. Her husband has given her a lot of money and a huge house but hidden her from his family. In this time, Gul finds out that Adil is getting married to someone else and she’s the secret wife. So she goes over to his parent’s house and exposes the truth – and finds out that Adil was married to another girl before her and his parents had to pay off the first wife. Before they could do the same with Gul, Gul finds out she’s pregnant and there’s no way she will let Adil go (Adil is also a physically abusive husband, but that’s not as important as money right?)
Adil gets married to another girl with Gul still living as the secret wife and Gulzar is still super conflicted about living a happy life on a motorbike or wanting the rich life.
The drama is pretty dramatic at points and slightly cringe-worthy too but it does reflect key elements in our society – and any society; people will live in crappy marriages for money, best friends can betray each other and family values change from family to family. The episodes drag a lot and one is tempted (and does) forward a lot but the highlight of the whole drama is Gul. Saboor Aly’s acting in the drama is excellent (a little over at times) but overall, excellently done.
There’s bound to be a twist – most likely between Adil and Gulzar since they were the original couple – and it’ll be interesting to see how the dynamics change when it comes to love or money.
Veteran actor Firdous Jamal is back in the limelight after his comments on Imran Ashraf’s acting went viral.
Speaking on a TV show, Firdous said that Imran Ashraf’s act as Bhola in the superhit drama Ranjha Ranjha Kardi was pretentious.
On the TV show, Jamal was asked who he thinks has a bright future as an actor in the industry, he replied, “There isn’t one.”
He added, “The thing is all these new actors are models. They are all showpieces. They don’t know how to act; they don’t have the wisdom.”
Firdous then went onto compare today’s actors with dummies and said “You know how the manager at the departmental stores changes their wigs or clothes sometimes to make them look different every day. Unfortunately, our young actors are in the same boat.”
The host then remarked that there is talent in the industry and gave Imran’s example.
But Firdous was not having any of it.
“The character Imran did wasn’t spontaneous though. It was all pretension,” Firdous responded. “How can I explain spontaneity in acting lingo? There is a difference between acting and pretention. This role was previously done by a lot of other actors too. They just didn’t act it they behaved it. Unfortunately, none of you have watched good performances.”
Imran Ashraf took to social media and responded very humbly.
Pretty sure by now everyone knows that Mahira Khan is attending the Paris Fashion Week as L’Oréal Paris Pakistan official Spokesperson. Pictures and videos of her attending soirees, fashion shows and after-parties have made their way to social media and honestly, Mahira has blown us away with her looks and confidence.
Starting off with her first two looks – a lime-green blouse paired with black pants and red heels and all-black leather jumpsuit with silver boots. Mahira looked every bit the diva she is in these two looks.
Mahira then turned heads in her next two looks – a black sequenced outfit and an off-white one.
Being an L’Oréal Paris representative, Mahira also walked the runway for the late fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, at Le Défilé L’Oreal Paris (L’Oreal Paris Parade) where she also shook a leg with Dame Helen Mirren. Her rock-chic look was uber cool and completely unlike Mahira’s usual style.
Mahira then vowed in a sparkly Ralph & Russo outfit as she attended the designer’s show.
Mahira was also spotted hanging out with Eva Longoria at an after-party.
This is not the first time Mahira has vowed us from Paris. Last year, she was L’Oréal Paris Pakistan’s official Spokesperson at the Cannes International Film Festival.
Ace filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat has returned to the silver screen with yet another riveting film, Zindagi Tamasha (Circus of Life).
The film which starres Arif Hassan, Samiya Mumtaz, Eman Suleman and Ali Qureshi in the lead is centred around a Naat Khwan Rahat Khawaja (played by Hassan) and his family who are outcast from society when a secret of Khawaja’s is leaked.
Meanwhile, the official synopsis states: “The film is an intimate portrait of a family as well as a scorching political commentary on little gods on this earth who police our private passions.”
The trailer also hints that the topic of blasphemy will be touched upon in the film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAYXVRQeT5U
Given the intolerance and misuse of the religion card in our society, Zindagi Tamasha will be a harsh wakeup call.
The film will initially premiere at the Busan Film Festival in South Korea later this week and will release locally some time this year.
Pakistani celebs took to social media to express their excitement for the film.
Loved it when I first saw it.. love it every time I watch it now ♥️ @KhoosatSarmad https://t.co/eDAwSbz9QQ
@KhoosatSarmad never one to shy away from the elephant in the room. I’m so glad YOU’RE telling THIS story. Love, respect and power to you my brother. Can’t wait for this. https://t.co/L7REv53R0B
Mehwish Hayat recently came under fire after a video of her’s went viral on social media.
The 15-second video clip which appears to be from a charity event shows a reporter asking Mehwish about her stance on Kashmir.
To this, Mehwish responded that she cannot comment on the matter as she has been told to refrain from speaking on the subject.
“Mana kardiya hai (I have been told not to),” she says in the video.
The video soon made its way to social media and everyone started calling out Mehwish for being a hypocrite.
Mehwish then came out with a statement in which she clarified that her video is being taken out of context. She said that she will continue to remain vocal on the Kashmir issue and that she was requested by the charity event’s PR “not to be political and not distract from the orphans” she was there to help.
The leaked video is being taken out of context. I’ve been the most vocal on #Kashmir issue globally & will continue to do so. I have big plans for next steps. This was a charity event & was requested by the PR not to be political ¬ distract from the orphans I was there to help
Several members of the film and media industry defended Mehwish.
The way you articulated the human rights violation in Kashmir and passionately promoted pakistan and the way it was reported in the international media, makes me a proud Pakistani. As Colleagues we are behind you. You don’t have to give clarifications for any leaked video https://t.co/gljW5ZDqJn
It’s a dream of every Pakistani Artist to work in Bollywood but recently Mehwish Hayat proved by criticising Indian Policies that she loves her Country more than her Career… We all know she has always been vocal about Kashmir and Indian policies https://t.co/QsXlVsxerp
Mehwish, in the recent past, has been vocal about Islamophobia, the depiction of Pakistanis and Muslims in Hollywood and Bollywood and Indian atrocities in Indian occupied Kashmir.
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday addressed the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. From climate change to destroying the Indian government over the Kashmir crisis, his historic speech had it all. So much so, that even his biggest critics lauded him for being bold and straight-forward.
Apart from politicians and journalists, Pakistani celebs and sportspersons, including Mahira Khan, Wasim Akram, Humayun Saeed, Hamza Ali Abbasi and Sanam Saeed took to social media to appreciate PM Khan’s speech.
Spoken like a true leader with the voice that speaks for our whole country. We are now being heard by the world and proudly represented as a nation of peace and integrity! Pakistan Zindabad #ImranKhanSpeaksForPakistan#PakistanForPeace#Kashmir4Freedom
Dear Pm @ImranKhanPTI I cried I clapped & I felt proud . you spoke as the son of the soil a true leader who strives for peace and betterment of his people . You spoke like a lion who will fight for freedom till the last breath . The nation sir stands behind you in every word.
Thankful to Allah for blessing us with PM Imran Khan who today proved that he is not just a leader of Pakistan & Kashmir but a Leader for all Muslims & one of the biggest voices of Humanity & Islam. May Allah protect him. #UNGA2019#IKFinalTalkForKashmir#ImranKhanVoiceOfKashmir
Our PM’s address to the UNGA was awe inspiring. So glad that we have a leader who so eloquently put our case to the world. The UN has to take heed & end the oppression in Kashmir. Remember the Pakistani nation are like cornered tigers don’t provoke us! #ImranKhanVoiceOfKashmir
Prime Minister Imran Khan packs a powerful punch with his eloquent speech and tremendous passion. As a truly dynamic leader, he gets the message across loud and clear. So proud of him! #UNGA2019pic.twitter.com/n9jlZ6LbzK
This is the stuff leader’s are made of. A heartfelt, sensitive, well backed and impassioned plea for #HumanRights and awareness by our PM @ImranKhanPTI to the United Nations General Assembly.@PTIofficial.
I feel proud to have voted for you, I feel proud to have you as my leader, I feel proud to have you as Pakistans Prime Minister, I feel proud to have you @ImranKhanPTI , I feel proud to be a Pakistani. What a vision, what a speech !#ImranKhanVoiceOfKashmir
reasons; the most pertinent being the welfare of #kashmiri people and the most terrifying being the danger of open hostility among two nuclear powers. I also especially liked the part of Islam being blamed for Radicalisation which in fact made it sound like Islam is in some way
“Will the world community appease a market of 1.2bn or stand for justice and humanity?” I’m a proud Pakistani today, whose leader raised such concerns so fearlessly on a global platform. #PakistanZindabad
No one has ever represented not only Pakistan but 1.3billion Muslims the way PM @ImranKhanPTI did today during his speech at #UNGA2019 A true leader spoke 2day who has the right to represent Muslim world.May Allah protect him and make him achieve what he is willing for Humanity
PM @ImranKhanPTI just clean bowled the lies of @narendramodi and hit all his doubters/haters for a SIX. His closing sentences were the roar of a lion. His message is clear we want PEACE but if u impose WAR then you will find a worthy opponent that will rattle your foundations.
A model court in Multan sentenced Qandeel Baloch’s brother Wasim Azeem to life in prison for murdering his sister. Life imprisonment means 25 years in jail.
The social media star was strangled to death in Multan in July 2016 and her brothers Waseem Azeem and Aslam Shaheen were accused of murdering her. The brothers said that they killed their sister because she brought dishonour to their family and the “Baloch name” with her inappropriate videos and statements. While Waseem was arrested immediately, Aslam, who was accused of urging Azeem to kill Qandeel was arrested in Saudi Arabia this year with the help of Interpol.
Waseem
Waseem had initially admitted to drugging and killing his sister but later changed his statement. The court had been hearing the case for three years. A high court had dismissed his bail applications twice before. The court had reserved its verdict after the defence and prosecution completed their arguments.
Meanwhile, six others accused in the case, including Mufti Abdul Qavi and Qandeel’s other two brothers Aslam and Arif, were not found guilty. Arif was reportedly the one who instigated Waseem to strangle his sister to death. Mufti Qavi was showered with rose petals as he exited the court.
While Qandeel’s father had initially lodged a murder case against his son Waseem and his accomplices in 2016, he later had filed a petition seeking a pardon for his sons but the court turned it down.
The affidavit said that the Anti-Honour Killing Laws (Criminal Amendment Bill) 2015, which prevents killers from walking free after being pardoned by the victim’s family, was passed months after Baloch was murdered and cannot be applied to her case.
Shah Rukh Khan and Emraan Hashmi’s Netflix project Bard of Blood received immense criticism when its trailer released late last month. Most Pakistanis, including Director General ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor slammed Bollywood for its anti-Pakistan storyline. (In case you missed that controversy, you can followthis linkfor a quick update.)
Stay in bollywood syndrome @iamsrk . For reality see RAW Spy Kulbhushan Jadev, Wing Comd Abhinandan & state of 27 Feb 2019. You could rather promote peace & humanity by speaking against atrocities in IOJ&K and against Hindituva of Nazism obsessed RSS. https://t.co/0FWqoRQsO6
The eight-episode series, which revolves around the story of an ex-RAW agent in Balochistan, will premiere on Netflix this Friday. Based on Bilal Siddiqi’s novel of the same name, Bard of Blood has been produced by SRK and starres Emraan in the lead.
Emraan has been promoting and discussing the projects on various platforms. In a recent interview, when asked about his reaction to DG ISPR’s comments on the series, Emraan responded, “This way, you don’t end up making any film because whenever you have content that has even remotely anything associated with anything political related to these two countries [India and Pakistan], emotions do run high. And you have to bear the brunt in this. Social media is full of this.”
He continued, “I think that one tweet [Gen Asif Ghafoor’s] led to other people spewing hate. But to put things to rest, there is no propaganda here.”
“This is based on a book that is written by a then 20-year-old kid back in 2014,” Emraan added. “The political climate at that point of time was very different.”
Emraan finished off saying, “There is no agenda to it. Our show is based on that book and that’s that. You can’t please everyone. You make a show of this nature, which has some kind of political relevance, and it going to snowball and you will have people talking. Everyone has an opinion these days.”
Meanwhile, in another interview, Emraan said that he doesn’t let such issues bother him and said that he is “excited” for the series “since the promo got a lot of traction.”
“I want everyone to see it and I’m sure everyone will love it,” he said.
Speaking to Gulf News, Hashmi said that inordinate care has been taken not to hurt any particular country’s sentiment.
“Remember, it’s primarily for entertainment … It’s a pure work of fiction and all the character and are mission are fictional,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the series has opened to positive responses from critics.
