Prime Minister Imran Khan on March 20 tested positive for COVID-19. According to details, the premier is suffering from ‘mild symptoms’ and is self-isolating at home. PM Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi has also tested positive for the virus.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, while talking to the media, said that they “are monitoring his clinical parameters, and medical treatment will be given to him if required.”
“Right now, there is no need for any treatment, as such,” added Dr Sultan.
Soon after the news of PM Imran testing positive spread, prayers started pouring in for his speedy recovery. Among those who sent him good wishes include Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maulana Tariq Jamil, PPP co-chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and PML-N’s Ahsan Iqbal.
“Best wishes to PM Imran for a speedy recovery from COVID-19,” said PM Modi.
Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19.
May Allah Grant recovery to @ImranKhanPTI from Corona Ameen! We should as leaders take precautions & wear mask to be model of safety. Please wear mask, wash hands with soap, & keep safe distances.
PM Khan’s former teammates Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja and Waqar Younis also prayed for his swift recovery.
Concerned to hear about your Covid positive test but I am sure you will fight it out Skipper all the prayers . Once a fighter always a fighter . #getwellsoonskipperhttps://t.co/G7XJFOo9Ip
Wishing @ImranKhanPTI a very speedy recovery. Proves the point that nobody is immune and that this pandemic is far from over. While we pray for our Prime Minister, lets also remain vigilant.#GetWellSoonPMIK
Pakistani celebrities are often trolled and moral policed for their choice of outfits and clothes. Minal Khan was recently at the receiving end of criticism for her choice of outfit.
The actor, who recently appeared on Timeout with Ahsan Khan with close friend Saboor Aly, ended up grabbing the attention for the wrong reasons. Though the show has not aired as yet, the moral police has been calling them out for their choice of clothing ever since behind-the-scenes pictures and videos from the episode went viral on social media.
Responding to a user, who commented “Begairti ki hd,” on one of her pictures, Minal said: “Kaheen aur jakr bhaashan dein pls, agli dukaan mein jayein. Yahan window shopping nahi horhi.”
Earlier, Ayesha Omar had also given a befitting reply to a troll who criticised her for her choice of outfit.
Responding to a social media user who had criticised her outfit for being revealing, Ayesha had said: “I’m definitely not promoting/ asking/urging women to expose their bodies. That is their own choice as wearing this dress was mine. As wearing whatever you want is yours.”
In another comment, when a user remarked that such outfits provoke rape cases, Ayesha hit back saying: “Oh so that explains 4-month-old babies, 5-year-olds and 7-year-old girls and being raped?”
Riz Ahmed, who played the role of a drummer who begins to lose his hearing in Amazon Studio’s Sound of Metalcharted history by becoming the first Muslim to be nominated in the leading actor category at the Academy Awards.
The actor, while responding to the nomination said that he was “honoured to be nominated by my fellow actors alongside such inspiring performances”.
“I am grateful to the Academy for their support and encouragement,” the actor added.
Wow! I’m honoured to be nominated by my fellow actors alongside such inspiring performances, and am grateful to the Academy for their support and encouragement. I’m equally thrilled for our visionary writer-director Darius Marder and the brilliant Paul Raci… pic.twitter.com/Z6ScOq08tf
Mehwish Hayat, Adnan Siddiqui and Sanam Saeed celebrated Riz’s big achievement and congratulated the actor on social media.
“Congratulations Riz. You have created history with your nomination as the first Muslim for lead actor at the distinguished Academy Awards,” said Siddiqui. “Hard work and talent always get recognised.”
“Pakistan is proud of you,” added the actor.
Congratulations @rizwanahmed! You have created history with your nomination as the first Muslim for lead actor at the distinguished #AcademyAwards. Hard work and talent always get recognised. Pakistan is proud of you! pic.twitter.com/U6du80ZGM6
Mehwish Hayat also expressed her delight over the nomination, saying: “In a world where we’re fighting for fairer representation in mainstream media, a Muslim nominated for Best Actor for the first time since 1929 is one hell of a big deal.”
The 2021 Oscar nominations were announced from London by presenters Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The Academy Awards would typically have happened by now but this year will be telecast on April 25. The film academy said Monday that the show will be held at both its usual home, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and the city’s railway hub, Union Station.
Ahmed Ali Butt seems to be having a blast after a clip of Mehwish Hayat schooling Vasay Chaudhry for body-shaming Butt went viral on social media. In a series of Instagram stories, the Jhooti actor posted memes and GIFs to express his thoughts and react to the matter. It is pertinent to mention here that Butt and Chaudhry are close friends and are just indulging in harmless banter.
Hayat, who recently appeared on Vasay’s show Ghabrana Mana Hai, called out the host after he joked about Butt’s weight.
When asked which Pakistani actor she thinks would be fit to play Ertuğrul, Mehwish named Humayun Saeed and Fahad Mustafa. She also said that Ahmed Ali Butt would make a good supporting character on which Vasay interrupted her and joked: “Ahmed Ali Butt ghoray ke uper aur woh ghora bhaage bhi“.
Responding to Vasay’s remark, Mehwish said: “Don’t talk to me about body shaming. You cannot do that in front of me.”
The actor further said: “Pass them [body shaming jokes] when you are with friends, but when you will do this on this platform, people will listen and pick, and they will repeat it.”
“Who will be responsible then?” she questioned. However, Vasay continued to defend himself, saying that Butt himself passes such jokes.
During the interview, Mehwish also talked about the criticism she faced on receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and dealing with online trolling and criticism.
“Mujhe milna chaiye tha, ya nahi milna chaiye tha sab ko haq hai is baare me bat karne ka. Laikin mujhe mila kisi aur waja se other than my talent and hard work that is where I put my foot down,” said Hayat, while talking about her accolade.
Talking about the social media trolls and responding to the suggestion of turning off the comments section, Mehwish said: “Turning off comments section means you are coward, or are doing something wrong “
Meanwhile, Vasay also took the ‘controversy’ in stride, saying “Ghabrana Mana Hai (You are not allowed to panic).”
“This is very disappointing to be having live concerts with so many people while we are still not free of COVID,” wrote the actor on Twitter. “Cases are on the rise again and we are experiencing a deadly third wave.”
Mehwish urged people to act responsibly and reminded them that “Jaan hai to jahaan hai!“.
This is very disappointing to be having live concerts with so many people while we are still not free of COVID. Cases are on the rise again and we are experiencing a deadly 3rd wave. Let’s please act responsibly. Remember.. Jaan hai to jahaan hai ! https://t.co/3OQFBaoBdt
According to the latest figures given by National Command Operation Center (NCOC), Islamabad has recorded 371 cases in the past 24 hours. While Punjab has recorded 1191 cases and total confirmed cases recorded in the last 24 hours are 2,253.
Amid the drastic increase in cases, the Punjab Government has reimposed numerous restrictions in different districts of the province including a complete ban on indoor and outdoor dining, closure of all commercial activities and markets by 6 pm on weekdays and suspension of all sports and all cultural activities. The Sindh Government has also issued directives for a smart lockdown in the province.
It’s a wrap for Wajahat Rauf’s upcoming fourth film, Parde Mein Rehne Do and the ‘Pawri Girl’ was spotted on the sets.
Taking to Instagram, Rauf shared a video featuring Dananeerr Mobeen with her viral ‘Pawri Ho Rai Hai’ meme. “And It’s a wrap for our 4th film. Thank you Dananeerr for visiting our set and lighting it up. A big thank you to our cast and Team Showcase for giving it your sweat and blood to this labour of love we call Parde Mein Rehne Do,” he wrote.
Dananeer was heard saying, “Ye mein houn, ye hamara set hai or yahan pawri ho rahi hai” (this is me, this is our set and this is our party going on).
Rauf’s wife and the co-producer of the film, Shazia Wajahat also took to Instagram, sharing the same video and another video while celebrating with firecrackers, she wrote: “Alhamdullilah it’s a wrap for our 4th movie, Parde Main Rehnay Do.”
“A big shout out to our amazing and talented cast and the most hardworking crew of Showcase Films… Our Dop Asrad Khan @asradkhan the best and camera team. MashAllah, it was a smooth journey thanks to Allah and to everyone who was involved in this project. Great teamwork always pays off,” she added.
She also thanked Mobeen for the shoutout she gave.
Tagging her husband she said: “Wajahat here’s to many more together Inshallah.”
She also tagged the cast and crew of the film including Hania Aamir, Ali Rehman Khan, Javed Sheikh, Saife Hasan, Noor ul Hassan, Hassan Raza, Sadia Faisal, Sonia Nazir, Munib Nawaz and Dananeer.
The film was announced last year, and the shooting for the film was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. With Ali and Hania featuring as lead roles, the film was expected to release last year.
The film is produced under the banner of Rauf’s Showcase Films. The release date of the film has not been announced yet.
Earlier, Mobeen also helped the struggling Aashir Wajahat, to make the ‘Pawri Ho Rai Hai’ meme video. She was also seen in a star-studded video of Yasir Hussain, Iqra Aziz, Azfar Rehman, Wajahat, Shazia, Saife Hasan and Mehwish Hayat.
Mehwish Hayat, Gohar Rasheed and Fatima Bhutto among others have stepped in to defend the official anthem of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL)Groove Mera after it received criticism on social media. This year’s anthem, released on Saturday, features Aima Baig, Naseebo Lal and Young Stunners.
“I don’t know what the fuss is about?,” wrote Mehwish on Twitter. “I loved the new PSL anthem 2021. It was bold and fresh.”
“This is what stifles creativity in our country, we always want more of the same and not prepared to accept anything different,” continued the actor. “This bashing has to stop. We need a diversity of voices and ideas.”
Idk what the fuss is abt? I loved the new #pslanthem2021 .It was bold & fresh! This is what stifles creativity in our country,we always want more of the same & not prepared to accept anything different.This bashing has to stop. We need a diversity of voices & ideas.Well done PSL! https://t.co/hYMuZqkx8D
Similarly, Rasheed questioned: “Why do we always have to bash PSL anthem? Has it become a ritual?”
“Groove Mera has a nice stadium anthem vibe to it,” said the actor, adding: “Remember putting up a show in these times is not easy. So let’s show some respect and support, because the world is watching us.”
Why do we always have to bash the #pslanthem ♂️? has it become a ritual ? #GrooveMera has a nice stadium anthem vibe to it, I LIKE IT !! remember putting up a show #PSL6 in these times is not easy so let’s show some respect and support coz the world is watching us !!
Mehwish Hayat has revealed that Courage the Cowrdly Dog is her all-time favourite cartoon.
“One of my all time faves,” said Mehwish in an Instagram story. “If anything…Courage The Cowardly Dog taught me that no matter how scary things may get, never be afraid to face them and everything will turn out fine in the end.”
Courage the Cowardly Dog is an American animated horror comedy television series created by John R Dilworth for Cartoon Network. The show ran from 1999 – 2002.
Mehwish, who recently turned 33, believes that society should not dictate the way we want to lead our life.
“Let’s not let society dictate the way we want to lead our life. I have come to realise that it is possible for a girl in her early 30’s to be totally happy without being married and with children. It’ll happen when it will and not to some timetable,” the actor had said.
Mehwish Hayat, who turned 33 on January 6, celebrated her birthday in a small and intimate party with her closest friends and family.
Sharing pictures from the celebrations on social media, Mehwish thanked her fans and well-wishers for their “wonderful birthday messages”.
“Your love means so much,” said the superstar.
Later, in a detailed post, Mehwish shared her reflections from the past year.
“As I turn 33, the past year gave me opportunity to reflect, assess my life and see what really matters to me,” said Mehwish. “Work has been so full on that I’d forgotten the simple pleasures in life; getting my hair oiled by my mother every Sunday, beating my brothers and nephew at video games, watching Netflix with my sister– all things that I’d missed.”
“Believe me nothing in life is as important as family,” she asserted.
The star went on to say: “Like everybody, I am glued to my phone most of my waking hours. While it connects us with the world, it also disconnects us from the world. We need to be present in the here and now and take in the wonders that abound. So much more to life, if only we appreciate it.”
Mehwish also talked about dealing with negative criticism and hate on social media.
“Let’s not let society dictate the way we want to lead our life. I have come to realise that it is possible for a girl in her early 30’s to be totally happy without being married and with children. It’ll happen when it will and not to some timetable,” said the actor.
Talkin about change, Mehwish expressed that it needs to be systemic.
“I am a little fed up of celebrities (including myself) made ambassadors for meaningful causes that fizzle out after a grand launch and photo op. How many times have we flooded social media, taken out rallies after some distressing event and then what.”
“Social media is great – it has really democratised freedom of speech like nothing else. But some have taken it as a licence to abuse and bully others. Others see it as an excuse to spread fake news and malicious gossip. Wikipedia giving my age does not make it true,” she wrote.
Continuing her note, she added: “Let’s not knock but support each other. We have this culture of bringing each other down. This has to stop if we are to succeed as a nation. Let’s understand that we are in this together and my success – or anyone else’s – is something of pride for every Pakistani.”
“Depression is real. Though my life may seem perfect, we all have our insecurities, shortcomings and setbacks. But as long as we work towards inner healing and connecting with the divine, we are capable of overcoming everything that life throws at us,” the actor added.
“The world was put on pause for us to reflect, how we come out of this is up to us. I, for one, know the direction I need to take. My mother always teaches that we have to create our own destinies wherever that may lead.”
“I will dare to dream and dare to dream big! Anything is possible,” she concluded.
Mehwish Hayat has requested authorities to close all zoos across the country, saying “animals are born free”.
Sharing a news article about the relocation of animals from Islamabad Marghazar Zoo, Mehwish commented: “In a country where we’re still fighting for human rights, animal rights are a long way off.”
Hinting towards Kaavan’s recent relocation to Cambodia after an intense campaign led by US pop icon Cher, Mehwish further wrote: “Why do we only take action when foreign celebrities get involved?”
“This is so embarrassing,” she added.
In a country where we’re still fighting for human rights,animal rights are a long way off. But come on,why do we only take action when foreign celebrities get involved?This is so embarrassing.Animals are born free- the authorities must shut these zoos now!https://t.co/jY6MzNXu7W
Meanwhile, Islamabad Zoo’s last remaining animals Bubloo and Suzie are all set to leave for Jordan on December 17. The Islamabad High Court in its order had stated that the zoo was not fit enough for animals and had requested authorities to move all animals there to temporary sanctuaries.
We are happy that the Ministry of Climate Change & the IWMB took yet another decision in favour of animal welfare. This week we will bring the bears to its Jordanian sanctuary Al Ma’Wa for Nature and Wildlife, which is run together by Princess Alia Foundation.
