Tag: #hunza

  • How a trip to Hunza started the love story between Anzela, Tashfeen

    How a trip to Hunza started the love story between Anzela, Tashfeen

    Actress Anzela Abbasi, the daughter of Javeria Abbasi and Shamoon Abbasi, recently appeared in ‘Good Morning Pakistan’ hosted by Nida Yasir.
    The host asked, “How did you two first meet? Was it through something like therapy, or did you just happen to meet Tashfeen by chance?”

    Anzela Abbasi said, “I met Tashfeen on a trip to Hunza with a large group of friends, and we became friends, but we only kept in touch sporadically. It wasn’t until we reconnected two years later that our friendship blossomed into something more. Tashfeen confessed his feelings for me, and I felt the same way. Our parents were thrilled about our relationship, and my mother was particularly fond of Tashfeen as a partner for me.”

    They also discussed the backlash Anzela received for wearing a white bridal dress. She said, “I know red doesn’t look good on me, and even my family members suggested I wear a red dress, but I did what made me happy and enjoyed my wedding day. I also want to say that it’s terrible how people troll and criticize others on their wedding day, causing them pain on what should be a joyful occasion.”

  • Wet autumn or dry winter? The forecast is here

    Wet autumn or dry winter? The forecast is here

    Last week’s spell of rain helped bid farewell to summers. So, what’s next? Will we have more rains to make autumn a wet one? Or are we heading for our traditional dry winters?

    Read on for details.

    One last spell of monsoon is about to hit the upper parts of Pakistan and will likely impact the entire country.
    A weather advisory issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said that the westerly rain-producing wave is likely to enter upper regions of the country on the evening or night of Thursday, September 28.

    Under the system, moderate to heavy rains with wind and thunderstorms is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, areas of Kashmir including Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, and areas of Gilgit Baltistan including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar from September 28 to 30.

    Isolated spells of rain and thunderstorm with hailstorms are also expected in Kohat, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Haripur, Kurram, Waziristan, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, and Sheikhupura between September 28 and 29.

    Meanwhile, Zhob, Barkhan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Okara, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar are also expected to witness similar weather conditions during the said period.
    Moreover, snowfall is expected over the high mountains of the upper areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan during this period.

    Under the possible impacts, the Met Office has also predicted a significant drop in the temperature in the areas affected by the spell.
    PMD advised farmers and tourists to manage their crop activities and remain cautious to avoid any untoward situation during the period, respectively.

    Meanwhile, the general public has been advised to stay at safe places during windstorms, lightning, and downpours as loose structures like electric poles, solar panels, billboards etc. may be damaged by the gusts.

  • Nadia Jamil opens up about being sexually abused in childhood, reveals healing process

    Veteran actor Nadia Jamil recently opened up on battling sexual abuse in childhood. The ‘Damsa’ actor took to her Twitter handle to share picture collages of herself from different years of life. “1st time I was sexually abused I was 4 yrs old, then 9, then 17/18,” she wrote along with the snaps on the micro-blogging site.

    “Its taken me years 2 fight deep depression, sadness, fear & a shame I had,” she revealed further. “No business feeling,2b where I am now. Healed.”

    The Damsa star took to her Instagram handle and wrote, “Off to beautiful @hunza_valley.pk. Stopped en route for a karak chai and met up with the amazing @venturer.pk team. My next adventure will have to be on a motorbike.”

    Additionally, the actor announced that she is just not ‘surviving’ anymore, but is ‘thriving’ in life, before concluding the tweet with “There is a way from the pain 2 peace. You are never alone.” In the end, Jamil extended her love to fans and followers.

    It is pertinent to mention that Nadia Jamil was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 as announced by the actor on her social media handles. She had developed stage one breast cancer with a grade three tumour.

    In 2021, Nadia Jamil confirmed that she is ‘officially cancer-free after a year-long battle with the illness. With a smiling picture of herself, she shared the happy news with her followers in a lengthy caption. “Officially cancer-free. All tests are cancer clear. Shukar Alhamdolillah,” she penned, before acknowledging all the love, prayers, and support.

    The Mere Aas Paas star also assured her fans that she will be regularly updating them about her trip. “Will keep sharing the many amazing people, foods and places I’m about to visit!” she said.

    Earlier in June, Nadia announced that she’s officially cancer-free, taking to Instagram to announce the happy news. “Officially cancer-free, all tests are cancer clear. Shukar Alhamdolillah,” she said, before thanking her fans and followers for their love, prayers, and support.

  • International pop icon Akcent drools over The Current’s latest interview with Ayesha Omar

    International pop icon Akcent drools over The Current’s latest interview with Ayesha Omar

    Romanian singer Adrian Sina, who is better known as Akcent has expressed love for The Current’s latest interview promo with Ayesha Omar and Ahsan Khan.

    In the interview, the Bulbulay diva is seen opening up on her connection with Akcent. Ayesha reveals, “It started when he once stated in an interview that from Pakistan if he wants to collaborate with someone in acting or singing, it’s Ayesha Omar.”

    Since then the two have been connected on Instagram. Adrian was quick to drop multiple red hearts in the interview’s comment section.

    The Rehbra duo also answered multiple entertaining questions ranging from their bold shoots to controversies.

    Earlier this year Akcent announced that he will be arriving in Pakistan to spend the holidays in Hunza. He aims to show the world that Pakistan is a ‘safe and beautiful country.

    The How Deep Is Your Love singer turned to Instagram and Twitter simultaneously and posted a video wherein he can be heard saying “Hello, this is Akcent and I am so happy to see you again in Pakistan.”

    In the caption of the video, Sina said “Hello Pakistan, This time I have decided to spend some of my holidays in Hunza Pakistan to show the world that Pakistan is a Safe and Beautiful country.”

    The Romanian singer has held several music concerts in Pakistan in the past.

    Pakistani fans welcomed Akcent’s announcement in the comment section. Ayesha was quick to warmly welcome him to Pakistan.

    She commented “Welcome!!!!” followed by a heart emoji.

    Last month, he also turned to social media and said “I have been to Pakistan many times and I always felt it like a home.”

  • Twitter lauds ‘Referee’ Canadian High Commissioner in girls’ ice hockey match in Hunza

    Twitter lauds ‘Referee’ Canadian High Commissioner in girls’ ice hockey match in Hunza

    Several pictures and videos of an ice hockey match played by young girls in Hunza’s Altit are circulating on Twitter and one thing that caught most Twitterati’s attention was Canadian High Commissioner Wendy Gilmour refereeing the match. The pictures have led to praise for the Canadian diplomat for encouraging winter sports in Pakistan and advocating for female athletes.

    Pamir Times, a community news portal of Gilgit and the surrounding mountain areas, shared pictures and videos of the ice hockey match on Twitter, making note of the high commissioner refereeing the match.

    Taking to Twitter, Gilmore called it “an amazing match”. She congratulated Altit’s Sports Club And Rising Federation for organising the fourth Winterlude festival. Addressing the young players from Hunza and Chitral she said “my colleagues and I had a blast!”

    Pakistani Twitter was flooding the post with love and praise. They were thankful to the High Commisioner for coming and promoting winter sports, especially for girls.

    https://twitter.com/seeyabasad/status/1482480145889964035?s=20

    https://twitter.com/OmarBinMuaz1/status/1482710749902356480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1482710749902356480%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.dawn.com%2Fnews%2F1189267

    As per Radio Pakistan, Gilgit Baltistan Minister for Tourism and Culture Raja Nasir Ali Khan, while addressing the inaugural ceremony of ice hockey and ice skating competitions in Hunza, had said the government is focusing on promoting winter sports in the area.

    The minister assured that strenuous efforts are being made for the inclusion of Hunza ice hockey teams in international competitions.

  • Case filed against organisers for partying at tourist destination Hunza

    Case filed against organisers for partying at tourist destination Hunza

    A case has been filed against the people who organised a music and dance event in Hunza’s Gojal for spreading obscenity, reports Samaa.

    The organisers were berated after videos and pictures of the event went viral.

    A youth organisation had filed a complaint against the organisers at the Gulmit police station on June 16. The complainants said that the event was held in Passu from June 12 to June 15. People from across the country attended it.

    They said that tourists used drugs during the event, adding that some women were seen in “inappropriate” clothes and that is against the traditions and norms of Hunza. The event organisers disrespected the culture of the region.

    A case has been registered against Farhan Bhatti and his friends under section 294 (obscene acts and songs) of the Pakistan Penal Code. Those convicted under the law can be sentenced to jail for a maximum of one year and carries a fine of Rs100,000.

    Following the controversial event, the district administration has decided to ban all music and cultural programmes in Hunza.

    Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Minister Raja Nasir Ali Khan said that the government wants to bring more tourists to the region and promote its tourist industry.

    “We will provide them all kinds of assistance but tourists must respect the culture and traditions of the region.”

    Prior to this, a Canadian traveller Rosie Gabrielle, who has been exploring the northern areas of Pakistan, took to social media to call out the local tourists for ‘destroying Hunza’s beauty’ and ‘spreading vulgarity’ in the area.

  • Ushna Shah lashes out at Rosie Gabrielle for calling out local tourists

    Ushna Shah lashes out at Rosie Gabrielle for calling out local tourists

    Ushna Shah has lashed out at Rosie Gabrielle as she recently called out the local tourists in her social media post for ‘destroying Hunza’s beauty’ and ‘spreading vulgarity’ in the area.

    “You know what we don’t appreciate? Judgmental, condescending ‘white saviour’, wanna-be’s,” wrote Ushna

    “We don’t need you to ‘fix us’. Govt of Pakistan needs to stop handing out YouTube visas,” the actress added.

    Earlier, this week Rosie shared a post calling out local tourists,” Keep The North Pure’ with pictures of the pollution caused by the local tourists, a collage of an event and a few screenshots of her conversation with distressed residents.”

    Rosie first visited Pakistan in December 2018. She had extensively documented her trip on social media and she converted to Islam in January 2020.

  • ‘Local tourists spreading vulgarity,’ Rosie Gabrielle calls out visitors to Hunza

    ‘Local tourists spreading vulgarity,’ Rosie Gabrielle calls out visitors to Hunza

    Canadian traveller Rosie Gabrielle, who has been exploring the northern areas of Pakistan, took to social media to call out the local tourists for ‘destroying Hunza’s beauty’ and ‘spreading vulgarity’ in the area.

    Rosie shared a post, ‘Keep The North Pure’ with the pictures of the pollution caused by the local tourists, a collage of an event and a few screenshots of her conversation with distressed residents.

    Sharing a detailed post, she wrote, “Since covid happened & travelling outside the country has decreased, there’s been an influx of people flocking north.”

    “But instead of bringing just their smiles & leaving only good memories, they are bringing bad behaviours, drugs, vulgarity, rave parties & leaving a lot of TRASH!,” she added.

    She further wrote, “I understand that people need to express themselves, release pent up energies & get out of their suffocating lives. But coming to a sacred land, feeling privileged & entitled to destroy it, bringing your toxic habits to innocent communities is NOT okay!”

    Sharing that some locals reached out to her with their concerns, she stated, “I received countless msg’s from local Hunza people, PLEADING me to help stop this carnage. They are losing their traditional values, indigenous cultures & land. Because this world is not ours to destroy. These lands & cultures are not yours to abuse.”

    She ended her post by saying, “The north is PURE, PLEASE KEEP IT THAT WAY ?? or STAY HOME!”

  • Nestlé Pakistan switches to paper straws for the environment

    Nestlé Pakistan switches to paper straws for the environment

    Nestlé Pakistan has introduced paper straws across its entire ready-to-drink (RTD) product range, making it the first food and beverage company in Pakistan to do so. The initiative will eliminate over 400 million plastic straws, marking a breakthrough in its sustainable packaging transformation journey.

    This is in line with the company’s global pledge to make its packaging 100% recyclable and reusable by 2025. Nestlé Pakistan’s brands – NESVITA, MILO®, FRUITAVITALS, NESFRUTA and NESCAFÉ’s RTD products – are now in the market with paper straws that are made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper.

    All paper straws across RTD products have been sourced responsibly, meet stringent quality requirements and are safe to drink from.

    Highlighting Nestlé’s global sustainable packaging transformation journey, Chedid stressed, “Our vision is that none of our packaging, including plastics, ends up in landfill nor in oceans, lakes and rivers. To achieve this, we have set ourselves the commitment of ensuring 100% of our packaging is reusable and recyclable by 2025, and the switch to paper straws is a major step towards this.”

    Chedid also added that while many people are used to plastic straws, making the switch to paper straws will bring a slightly different consumer experience. “We encourage millions of trusted Nestlé consumers in Pakistan to embrace this change and join us in our journey towards a more sustainable future,” he said.

    Cognizant of the challenges and the importance of plastic packaging, Chedid pointed out, “Plastic packaging plays an important role in safely delivering high-quality food and drinks to consumers and reducing food loss and waste.”

    “We believe that with the right approach, collection and recycling of plastic is possible without causing a detrimental effect on the environment,” he added.

    The entire RTD pack is recyclable after you finish drinking it. All you need to do is push the paper straw into the RTD pack. When you’re done, do these 3 simple steps:

    Step 1 – Flip the sides of the pack up

    Step 2 – Flap the bottom of the pack

    Step 3 – Flatten the pack

    And put it into the nearest paper recycling bin!

    In 2020, Nestlé Pakistan operationalised the Clean Hunza Project, with the support of District Council Hunza and Gilgit Baltistan Waste Management Company. The project focuses on managing 200 tons of packaging waste in 2021, eventually leading up to 1000 tons by 2025 to make Hunza waste-free.

    Similarly, Nestlé Pakistan also partnered with World Bank and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the TREK initiative to make northern areas waste-free and promote responsible tourism in the region.

    Nestlé Pakistan is also one of the founding members of CoRe (Collect & Recycle), the first ever packaging alliance in Pakistan formed with the mission to eliminate packaging waste by enabling formal collection and recycling, while also raising awareness at a mass level.

    These efforts to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste by improving its management and recycling are in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals 12 and 17 – Responsible Consumption & Production and Partnership for Goals.

  • VIDEO: 50 rare Himalayan ibex spotted in Hunza valley

    As many as 50 rare Himalayan ibex, including females with their young ones, were spotted by officials of the World Wide Fund (WWF) near Khyber village in Hunza Valley.

    According to WWF, the Himalayan Ibex is found at an average altitude of 3,660 meters and they usually come down the mountain due to snow and in search of food in the winter season.

    Elaborating further, the animal rights body said: “The population faces numerous threats across its range in Pakistan, from habitat loss to illegal hunting, climate change, and lack of awareness about the species.”

    “Despite these challenges, a significant increase has been recorded in their population as a result of continued and concerted efforts of the local community, Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Department and WWF,” it added.

    A survey conducted in 2019 by the government and local communities revealed that almost 1500 ibex were sighted in Ghulkin catchments in recent years.

    “The sighting of such a large herd is a welcome indicator of the conservation success of WWF in its fiftieth year in Pakistan,” expressed WWF-Pakistan Senior Director Programmes Rab Nawaz.

    VIDEO: Man in Chitral jumps into river to save baby Markhor from drowning

    The photographs of the ibex have been captured by photographers Nyal Mueenuddin and Imtiaz Ahmed.