HUM TV launched the first two teasers of their much awaited magnum opus, Laa Pata starring Ayeza Khan, Sarah Khan, Ali Rehman Khan and Gohar Rasheed in lead roles. The teasers promise a colourful visual delight with loads of extravagance, great performances, weddings, light-hearted comedy, musical elements and top notch production value, vibrant sets, stellar ensemble cast, Khizer Idrees’s vision toppled with a crisp editing.
The drama also stars veteran actors like Asma Abbas in its supporting cast. Amidst the melodramatic and serious plays, Laa Pata seems like a breath of fresh air. Although the posters do give us a hint of some dark elements too especially with Ali Rehman’s character poster. The drama promises to be a blockbuster with all the right ingredients served with a star-studded star-cast.
The play has been directed and written by Verna fame Khizer Idrees, it is produced by Momina Duraid and will be aired soon on HUM TV.
Ayeza Khan will be playing the role of a TikToker in her upcoming drama Laa Pata after Hania Amir, who played a mischievous teen in Dilruba, smitten by the video-sharing app.
Ever since Ayeza revealed about her character in the play, her fans have been asking for more details about the Khizer Idrees directorial.
The Mere Paas Tum Ho actress recently created a TikTok account by the name of her character, “Geeti Princess” and urged her fans to follow and support the account.
While Hania received a mixed response from the audience on her portrayal of a flirtatious social media star, Ayeza seems to be involving her fans in the process much before the serial’s telecast.
In her live stream chat, the Chupke Chupke actress only revealed that Laa Pata cast includes Sarah Khan, Ali Rehman Khan, Goher Rasheed, and Asma Abbas, many more names are a part of the cast like Rabia Naureen and Munazzah Arif, giving us an interesting set of actors.
Indian channel Zee TV has recently announced to re-run Pakistan’s mega-hit drama serial ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai.’
The drama was aired earlier on Zee–Zindagi, a channel launched by Zee TV for Pakistani, Turkish, and Indian serials. The show had to be pulled down due to the sociopolitical turmoil between the two neighboring countries, which worsened when a ban was imposed on Pakistani celebrities to work in India.
The channel took to social media to break the news. The drama will be aired from 5th June at 12:00pm for two consecutive hours on weekends.
The drama serial directed by Sultana Siddiqui and written by Umera Ahmed was aired back in 2012 on Hum TV. This Fawad Khan-Sanam Saeed starrer is amongst the biggest television blockbuster of the last decade. It was also added to Netflix for transnational streaming in December 2015 with the current 4-star rating.
With no Eid milan parties, a ban on travelling and Apa keeping a close eye on all the pappiyan and jhuppiyan, Pakistanis are left with no other choice but to enjoy Pakistani television in the comfort of their homes.
This is the second Eid ul Fitr we will be spending in unusual circumstances where we have to keep our masks on and social distancing in mind while staying at home as per the government lockdown rules. So why not use this time to bond as a family and watch a family entertainer together?
Pakistani entertainment channels have a string of telefilms and Eid special shows lined up for the holiday weekend. Here’s your ultimate guide to those:
Ary Digital
Bulbulay
Bulbulay will air on all three days of Eid-ul-Fitr at 6 PM with it’s regular cast.
The Eid special telefilm features Yasir Nawaz, Nida Yasir and Shaista Lodhi in lead roles. It also marks Nida’s return to acting after 10 years. Uff Ye Biwiyaan will air on the first day of Eid on ARY Digital at 7 PM.
Nazish Jahangir and Hammad Shoaib will be seen in supporting roles.
Telefilm Tameezuddin Ki Batamez Family will air on the second day of Eid at 7 PM. Directed by Iftikhar Iffi and written by Hassan Imam (Taana Baana), the telefilm will feature Hina Dilpazir, Saba Faisal, Sidra Niazi, Humayun Ashraf, Raeed Alam and Qavi Khan.
Watch 1970 A Love Story, featuring Asim Azhar, Urwa Hocane and Javed Sheikh, on the second day of Eid at 9 PM. Written by Mohsin Ali Shah, the telefilm has been directed by Badar Mehmood.
The newly married Nadia Khan returns to the screens with Dilruba Cottage which is scheduled to air on the third day of Eid at 7 PM. Besides Nadia, the telefilm will also feature Babar Ali, Saifee Hassan, Daniyal Afzal, Ali Rizvi and Sabeen Syed.
ARY Digital isalso airing its blockbuster movies on all three days of Eid. Jawani Phir Nahi Aani, Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Parey Hut love will be premiered on Eid’s day one to three respectively.
Hum TV
Do Batta Aath
The Eid Special Telefilm 2 Batta 8, featuring Maria Wasti and Ahmed Ali Butt with eight children, will air on the second day of Eid at 7 PM.
What happens when two people who despise each other end up together? Find out in Dil Ke Chor on the third day of Eid at 6 PM. Hania Aamir and Momin Saqib will be featuring in Shazia Wajaht’s directorial debut.
It will also be airing its blockbuster films Superstar and Parwaaz Hai Junoon on Eid day one and Eid day two respectively.
Geo Entertainment
Teri Meri Kahani
Teri Meri Kahani will air on the first day of Eid at 10 PM. Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi’s telefilm film will be introducing Ali Faizan and Saira Raza in leads alongside big names including Bushra Ansari, Javed Sheikh and Usman Peerzada.
Filmy Siyappa
Filmy Siyappa is scheduled to air on the second day of Eid at 9 PM. The unique and film love story features Muneeb Butt and Hina Altaf in the lead.
Zoya Ne Haan Kardi
Featuring Aagha Ali and Hiba Bukhari in lead roles, Zoya Ne Haan Kardi will be televised on the third day of Eid at 8:30 PM.
Meanwhile, feature Films including Donkey King, Wrong No. 1, Heer Maan Ja, Maan Jao Na, Balu Mahi, Chupan Chupai, Wajood, Khulay Aasman Kay Neechay and Mehrunisa V Lub U will also be televised during the Eid weekend. Check out the Eid schedule here:
With Chupke Chupke continuing to dominate television ratings and Ayeza Khan receiving a lot of appreciation for her performance as Meenu, it has been revealed that Khan was not the first choice for the character of Maneeha Kifayat Ali.
As per reports, Sohai Ali Abro was the first choice and the actor had even shot a few scenes for the drama before the shoot was halted due to COVID-19 and lockdowns. Later, Abro had to exit the show due to personal reasons.
A source also confirmed to The Current that Sohai was the original choice for the character.
Meanwhile, netizens are divided over Ayeza’s casting in the show. While many are praising her for her performance, there are some who are criticising the makers for casting Khan as a young, 20-something clumsy girl, given that she has two children and her last roles in Meharposh and Meray Paas Tum Ho were mature ones.
Written by Saima Akram Chaudhry of Suno Chanda fame and directed by Danish Nawaz, Chupke Chupke airs on Hum TV at 9 pm daily. The ensemble cast also includes Osman Khalid Butt, Mira Sethi, Asma Abbas, Uzma Beg, Arslan Naseer, Aymen Saleem, Ali Safina and Salman Mani Shaikh among others.
Television host and actor Fakhar-e-Alam has escaped a fatal car accident unhurt.
Sharing the horrific experience on social media, Alam said: “Without question, Allah is the greatest protector of them all. I have just survived what could have been easily a fatal accident while on my [way] to to Hum News Pakistan for filming.”
“These trucks become killing machines in the hands of unlicensed drivers,” said Alam further, adding that Islamabad Capital Territory Police is handling the case.
Without question Allah is the greatest protector of them all. I have just survived what could have been easily a fatal accident while on my to to @humnewspakistan for filming.These trucks become killing machines in the hands of unlicensed drivers. @ICT_Police is handling the case pic.twitter.com/BmGwQSgpkq
Later, in a series of tweets, the 45-year-old actor detailed the entire incident.
“It was a close call to what would have been most certainly a fatal accident. This milk truck from Chiniot without indication made a U-turn from the far out lane forcing our vehicle to take evasive measure missing the truck, hitting the divider and ending up on the other side,” said Alam.
1/5 It was a close call to what would have been most certainly a fatal accident. This milk truck from Chiniot without indication made a U turn from the far out lane forcing our vehicle to take evasive measure missing the truck, hitting the divider & ending up on the other side. pic.twitter.com/f7bLDzXdQ0
“Once tossed to the other side we narrowly missed oncoming traffic,” he shared further. “The fact that the driver and I have walked away alive is nothing short of a miracle. These truck operators without proper training are allowed on our roads endangering all of us and our loved ones.”
“I am grateful to Allah that I will once again get to see my children but there are many who have never returned home because of extremely poor road safety & dangerous drivers. Tonight I followed up with Islamabad Police to do whatever was possible legally to stop this driver,” Alam added.
3/5 I am grateful to Allah that I will once again get to see my children but there are many who have never returned home because of extremely poor road safety & dangerous drivers. Tonight I followed up wid @ICT_Police to do whatever was possible legally to stop this driver
Alam shared that the traffic warden, who was an eye witness stated that the truck driver was wrong. “The driver had no ID card, no license. All I want is for Islamabad Police to make sure he never drives again & endanger anyone else’s life. He wrote a confession & maafinama, I just don’t want any family to be a victim of his,” Alam said.
He also urged people to report such drivers, saying: “Please report dangerous drivers, please wear a belt, it saved my life today and above all the law enforcement must not allow for such irresponsible people to drive on our roads. The truck is now at Aabpara police station. What happens next we will all be watching.”
5/5 Please report dangerous drivers, please wear a belt, it saved my life today and above all the law enforcement must not allow for such irresponsible people to drive on our roads. The truck is now at Aabpara police station. What happens next we will all be watching.
Meanwhile, in one of his tweets, Alam had revealed that he will be sharing studios with five gold medalists of Cambrian Patrol Britain, world’s toughest & largest military competition with 140 teams each year.
He said: “I will be bringing you the story of this league of extra ordinary gentlemen very soon with Hum Network.”
Had the honor of sharing studios with 5 gold medalists of Cambrian Patrol Britain, world’s toughest & largest military competition with 140 teams each year. I will be bringing you the story of this league of extra ordinary gentlemen very soon with @humnewspakistan@Humtvnetworkpic.twitter.com/1L8XQ7NWaU
According to him, this will be a “very special project” and “a big filming project,” presumably airing on Hum News/Hum Network.
Islamabad pre production meeting on a very special project into late night….a big filming spell starts tonight…Next few days will be awesome, tiring and entertaining…. pic.twitter.com/0LsenLtEm6
I’ll be honest. When the first teasers of Chupke Chupke released I was not impressed. Ayeza Khan as a clumsy, 20-something bewakuf larki didn’t really appeal to me and she appeared to have no chemistry with co-star Osman Khalid Butt. Don’t get me wrong here, both actors are brilliant but somehow I was unable to connect with the show.
Though I initially decided to avoid the drama altogether, the nature of my job doesn’t really allow me to do so and soon enough Chupke Chupke memes and fan edits started popping up on my social media feeds piquing my interest. And when ten-something episodes later, Faazi (Butt) and Meenu (Khan) tie the knot against their wishes, I ended up getting hooked to the show.
The premise of Chupke Chupke is by no means simple, given the number of characters in the show. Kudos to director Danish Nawaz for dealing with the script so skillfully and straightening out the creases. Nawab Sahab, the family patriarch had two wives – Bebe (Asma Abbas) and Ama (Uzma Beg). While Nawab Sahab has passed away, both his wives live in the same house but in different portions. The two cannot stand each other and are always putting each other down even though all their grandchildren are friends. Meenu, Haadi (Arslan Naseer) Mirchi (Areesha Sultan) and Waleed are Bebe’s grandchildren, while Gul Apa (Mira Sethi), Faazi, Roomi and Mishi (Aymen Saleen) are Ama’s grandchildren. Gul Apa is married to her maternal cousin Miskeen (Ali Safina), while Roomi is married to Mani (Salman ‘Mani’ Shaikh). Tara Mahmood and Farhan Ally Agha play Meenu and Mirchi’s parents and Qavi Khan plays Nawab Sahab’s elder brother.
Meenu and Faazi, who are constantly trolling each other, are set to marry outside the family on the same day. In a dramatic turn of events, the two end up getting married to each other and from there on there’s only trouble with a capital T. From the two refusing to acknowledge the marriage and later their feelings to the two grandmothers rejecting the nikkah and calling for an annulment to a ‘khufia’ (suspicious) and rushed rukhsati in the middle of the night – it is a mad caper.
If this drama was not enough, Haadi and Mishi, popularly known as Hashi, are also interesting in getting married to each other, while Gul Apa makes sure she makes life for the new bahu living hell with the help of the other ‘evil’ sister Roomi. Gul’s husband Miskeen, staying true to his name, will do or say something silly which is bound to make you laugh out loud. All the characters are so lovable that it is terribly hard to decide which one is your favourite. But if someone puts a gun to my head and forces me to choose, I’d go with Haadi and Miskeen.
The ‘evil’ sisters minus Mishi and Ama
What makes the drama stand out, even more, is the performances. Each actor from little Mirchi to the two dadis, everyone has brought their A-game lighting up the screen and bringing so much energy that it perks up the viewer also. Like mentioned earlier, I had some reservations about Ayeza playing Meenu, but I can now say with full conviction that the actor has done complete justice to her role and despite racking my brain for other options, I couldn’t think of a better actor for this role.
Meanwhile, Safina and Naseer in particular deserve a special shoutout. Safina’s transition into Miskeen is incredible – he has performed the role with such finesse that every time he comes on screen and says “Sarkar,” I want to cheer for him – his comic timing is excellent. Similarly, Naseer has made a promising debut as Haadi delivering one sarcastic comment after another with such ease.
The drama takes a while to set the stage but once it’s set its a rollicking rollercoaster.
As far comparisons with Suno Chanda are concerned, there are plenty, but I think I’ll leave those for another day. It’s Chupke Chupke’s time in the spotlight and it’s best to let it shine.
With only a few episodes to go till the finale, I am curious to know whether Haadi and Mishi will get married and what the future holds in store for Meenu and Faazi. Will Gul Apa go to Sadiqabad with her husband and leave them in peace? Can’t wait to find out!
Take a flashback to the past few years, we have been observing the trend of airing sitcoms or romantic-comedy dramas on different channels during the month of Ramzan. Although this trend initially received much criticism. However, with the passage of time, people have started to enjoy watching these entertainment packages. Chupke Chupke and Tanaa Banaa of HUM TV are giving us laughter dose after every Iftaar, while Geo TV has given Ishq Jalebi.
These dramas are offering comedy, controversies and family politics but they’ve also given us four delightful on-screen couples. Zain and Zoya from Tanaa Banaa, Hadi and Mishi, Meenu and Faazi/Ustaad Jee from Chupke Chupke and Basim and Bela from Ishq Tamasha.
Zain and Zoya
Zain (Danyal Zafar) is a young boy who fell in love with Zoya (Alizeh Shah) at first sight. The couple has interesting chemistry with Zain expressing all his love for Zoya and Zoya just starting to realise that how much Zain loves her. While Zoya is stubborn, Zain is a loving and caring husband. The two are poles apart and this keeps the drama interesting.
Hadi and Mishi
Arslan Naseer is playing the role of Hadi while Aymen Saleem is acting as Mishi in Chupke Chupke. There is a unique hidden chemistry between this couple that was initially growing in the form of one-sided love. But now that Hadi has also fallen in love with Mishi, this love story has taken a new turn and one of the reasons why you tune into Chupke Chupke every night.
Meenu and Faazi /Ustaad Jee
Ayeza Khan is playing as Meenu and Osman Khalid Butt is playing as Faaz aka Meenu’s Ustaad Jee. Faaz used to teach Meenu so she calls him Ustaad Jee. However, in a strange turn of event the two ended up getting married and while they were initially embarrassed by this development, they are now slowly beginning to catch feelings.
Faaz, who didn’t like Meenu for her carelessness and ignorance towards studies, is now falling for her innocence. Meenu too has started to like him and their cute ways of showing affection is making the drama more interesting. With many twists and turns, their wedding is at stake and everyone is eager to see what will happen next and what new problem will arise for the newly weds.
Basim and Bela
Ishq Jalebi stars the Madiha Imam and Wahaj Ali in leading roles. Basim who is on the lookout for a shortcut to go abroad is in cahoots with Bela (Madiha Imam). She is his sidekick, best friend, and partner in crime in all that he does and also his maternal cousin who was orphaned as a child and lives with them. While Basim may not have realised how much Bela truly loves him, we the audiences can definitely see it and are absolutely loving the chemistry the two have with each other. With scenes that will make your heart have a happy dance, these two stars are a treat to watch and we’re anxious to see what Ishq Jalebi has in store for them next.
While each couple has its own charm, my favourite has to be Meenu and Faazi. Both Osman and Ayeza have brought Meenu and Faazi to life brilliantly. Very much like Faaz, I used to detest Meenu and didn’t want him to marry her. But as the story progressed, I am also enjoying their naivety, blamelessness and non-romantic fondness. Looking forward to seeing how they will cross all obstacles among them and finally become husband and wife.
Ever since the phenomenal success of Suno Chanda, Ramzan dramas have become a thing on Pakistani television with a cult following. Chupke Chupke is Hum TV’s latest offering and it is safe to say the drama has gathered a huge audience with fans tuning in to watch the show every night at 9 pm.
While Chupke Chupke features many established stars including Osman Khalid Butt, Ayeza Khan, Tara Mahmood, Farhan Ally Agha, Asma Abbas, Ali Safina, and Mira Sethi, the drama also marks the debut of two new faces – Aymen Saleem and Arslan Naseer. Sidra Niazi is also a fresh new face who has made a mark in the drama.
Aymen Saleem
Daughter of former cricketer Saleem Yousuf and an alumnus of the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Aymen has won everyone’s heart with her performance as the sweet and innocent Mishi.
The hopeless romantic in the house, Mishi is secretly in love with her cousin Haadi played by Arslan Naseer. Not only Mishi but fans have been shipping Haadi and Mishi and we’re hoping to see their love story take off soon.
Saleem is also the first recipient of the esteemed Diana Award which “celebrates the achievements of 20 outstanding young leaders, visionaries and role models from across the world, aged 12-25, who have demonstrated their ability to inspire and mobilise new generations to serve their communities.”
Arsalan Naseer
One of Pakistan’s earliest YouTubers, Naseer is the brains behind Comics by Arslan (CBA), and no stranger to the camera. His spoof videos, movie reviews and commentary on pop culture have a cult following in Pakistan. In fact, there is even a CBA Army on social media.
Naseer, who spent several years studying and working in Ireland and the United Kingdom, plays the fun and easy-going Haadi in the series. Earlier, while talking to a local media outlet, Arslan shared that though he got several offers from the TV industry and Bollywood, this one came at the right time.
“I suppose this came at the right moment as I was about to take the leap of faith and was planning on quitting my corporate job. Though it happened all of a sudden, God has been kind and the timing was right,” shared Arslan, adding that he was thrilled to be a part of it because it was written by Suno Chanda writer Saima Akram Chaudhry.
Besides having great chemistry with Saleem, Arslan’s bromance with Faadi (Butt) is also winning hearts.
Budding actor Sidra Niazi is just a few projects old but the actor sure has left a mark on the screen. The actor played Hania in the drama, Faadi’s former fiancé.
Niazi is also part of Geo Entertainment’s Qayamat in which she is playing a grey character with finesse.
“Naya Pakistan will be incomplete without the inclusion of women,” said President Dr Arif Alvi as he concluded his speech at the second edition of HUM Women Leaders Awards (HWLA) which took place on March 9, 2021, at the President House in Islamabad.
The HWLA, which “aims to recognise and honour the contributions and achievements of iconic women from Pakistan and around the world”, celebrated eleven national and international women icons and one man for their contributions and achievements in the fields of diplomacy, social work, education, healthcare, human rights, journalism and women’s rights.
“The aim of these awards is to encourage women to think big,” said the network in a statement, adding: “[These women] are change-makers in their respective fields and a symbol and source of hope, courage, determination and inspiration for women across the globe. These iconic women are mentors and role models for girls who aspire to be achievers.”
Among those honoured that night included Ayesha Chundrigar, Lt General Nigar Johar, Ayesha Jalal, Hina Jilani, Shahzadi Gulfam and Malala Yousafzai. All winners received special hand-crafted trophies, designed by Amin Gulgee.
The night was a well-organised and starry affair with many senior actors including Bushra Ansari, Zeba Bakhtiyar, Vaneeza Ahmed and Naumaan Ijaz, in attendance. Hareem Farooq and Sanam Saeed were the hosts for the night while Strings, Umair Jaswal and Quratulain Baloch entertained the audiences with their music and mesmerizing performances.
Speaking at the event, President of the Hum TV Network Sultana Siddiqui said: “It has been my lifelong struggle to see that women are given their due importance in all fields. There should be no glass ceilings, no chains of traditions and customs to stop their flight. In today’s economy, it is imperative that women be given an equal chance to prosper. We cannot have a progressive economy with women shut indoors.”
President Alvi, in his speech, also emphasized on the importance of empowering women and giving them their due right. He asserted that the mission of Naya Pakistan will be incomplete without the inclusion of women and encouraged organisations to achieve a gender balance in the workplace. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan said that women’s entry into the workforce must be made easier and that men must play their role in empowering and facilitating women.
Meanwhile, meet the winners of the HWLA below:
Ayesha Chundrigar
Ayesha was honoured and recognised for setting up the first and largest animal rescue organisation in Pakistan – the ACF Animal Rescue. The rescue service has rescued and rehabilitated more than 7,000 animals so far, paving the way for animal rights to become a norm in society.
Shahzadi Gulfam
Shahzadi Gulfam is the first Pakistani woman police officer to receive the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award by the United Nations in 2011. In a career spanning over three decades, Gulfam has made her country proud, both nationally and internationally. She was also the first Pakistani female officer to be deployed in the UN Mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Tabassum Adnan
Tabassum Adnan the first woman in Pakhtun history to have founded an all-women jirga, Khwendo Jirga, which means Sisters’ Council, a milestone for the women of Swat. She was the first to be invited to the District Resolution Council paving the path for local women to participate in the decision-making process. In 2016, Tabassum received the Nelson Mandela – Graça Machel Innovation Award in the Individual Activist Category.
Abida Parveen
The undisputed queen of Sufi Music, Abida Parveen is among the 500 Most Influential Muslim Artists in the world. Besides, receiving a plethora of accolades internationally and nationally, Abida Parveen is also the recipient of eight Pride of Performance Awards, the Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
While receiving her award, Abida also recited a kalam, enthralling audiences were her magical voice.
Lt General Nigar Johar
Lt General Nigar Johar is the first-ever female three-star general in the history of Pakistan and the first female Surgeon General of the Pakistan Army. Hailing from Panjpeer Village, in Swabi District, Lt Gen Nigar was also the first female Commandant of any armed forces unit and the first female to have commanded the largest hospital of the Pakistan Army. An expert markswoman, she is the recipient of the Fatima Jinnah Gold medal, Tamgha e Imtiaz and Hilal e Imtiaz along with an honorary membership at the Royal College of Physicians (UK).
Malala Yousafzai
International icon for education and the world’s youngest Nobel laureate, Malala Yousafzai received an award for her unrelenting efforts to see that every girl completes 12 years of education.
Speaking at the event via video message, Malala said: “I dedicate this award to all the young girls who wish for a bright future, who have a desire to learn and get an education. The pandemic has amplified the education crisis in Pakistan, even more so for girls who continue to pay the highest price. With Malala Fund and our new projects, it is our mission to prioritise the education of girls with an even greater emphasis during this pandemic, so they can continue to learn during [the pandemic] without hindrance.”
“I hope for a day in Pakistan when every girl is able to go to school, get an education, be able to fulfil her dreams and lead without fear,” she added.
Ayesha Jalal
An insightful historian and educationist, Ayesha Jalal has published and written countless books and research articles that provide a unique insight into the culture and history of the subcontinent.
Masarrat Misbah
Cosmetologist and philanthropist Masarrat Misbah was honoured for her work with acid victims. In 2003, Misbah conceptualized the Depilex Smile Again Foundation to rehabilitate and support acid burn victims. Her organization helped many victims receive the best available medical treatment and psycho-social support.
Malik Rafique Awan
The only man awardee of the night, Malik Rafique Awan, has set a precedent for all fathers – all of his five daughters have passed the Civil Superior Service (CSS) exams and are serving their country with the zeal and passion they inherited from their father.
Speaking at the event, an emotional Awan said that on the birth of his fifth daughter, he and his wife Khursheed Begum were ridiculed for not having any sons and that is when he decided to empower all his daughters by giving them worthy education and raising them as strong individuals. He encouraged all men to educate their daughters and raise them as strong and independent individuals.
“I request all fathers to give their daughters degrees instead of jahez,” said Awan, who received the trophy from two of his daughters.
Awan’s eldest daughter, Laila Malik Sher is Deputy Commissioner Income Tax Department in Karachi. His second daughter Shirin Malik Sher is serving as Director at the National Highway Authority Islamabad while the third one Sassi Malik Sher is Deputy Executive, CEO Chaklala Cantt, Rawalpindi. Awan’s fourth daughter Marvi Malik Sher has been appointed as the Additional Assistant Commissioner Abbottabad and his youngest daughter Zoha Malik Sher has just joined the Officers Management Group.
Hina Jilani
Hina Jilani was honoured for her fight for human rights in the country.
International recipients of the HWLA included Princess Sarvath Al Hassan of Jordan and Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces from Ecuador.
Princess Sarvath Al Hassan
Princess Sarvath is the first leader to establish a nonprofit education programme that offered equal opportunities to every student in Jordan, presided over the Young Muslim Women’s Association and pioneered several initiatives such as establishing the Bunayat Center for Special Education in 1974. Princess Sarvath also served as the Honourary Vice President of the Jordanian Red Crescent from 1994- 2004.
Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces
A successful diplomat, profound academic and seasoned politician, Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces has set an example of woman empowerment with her illustrious career and fight for women inclusion in politics. She has headed various ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Defense and Culture and Heritage in Ecuador. Espinosa was also the first female ambassador of Ecuador to the United Nations in New York and Geneva and the fourth woman in history to serve as the president of the United National General Assembly.
Speaking at the event via video, Maria encouraged women participation in politics, asserting that countries will not succeed until women are represented properly in the governments.
The Hum Women Leaders Awards will be televised on Pakistan Day on Hum TV.
