Former actress Noor Bukhari, married to Aun Chaudhary, an ally of PMLN, couldn’t help but admire Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s beauty after viral photos and videos showed her in a Punjab Police uniform. “Maryam Nawaz is very beautiful in real life too, the camera did not do justice to her beauty, Allah has made her very beautiful,” she said.
Morning show host Madiha Naqvi echoed the sentiment, stating, “Whatever you say, I have never seen such a lovely Chief Minister.” Maryam Nawaz herself reflected on the experience, saying, “When I wore the police uniform, I realized how big a responsibility it was. Yes, but I make decisions, you have a greater responsibility if you implement them.”
She emphasized her journey, saying, “I had to prove myself to come here, I had to go through the river of fire and it was good that I was trained, no one can say that now. She is sitting here because her father was the Prime Minister.”
However, not everyone was impressed. A request to register a case against Maryam Nawaz for wearing the police uniform was filed in the Sessions Court Lahore by Aftab Bajwa Advocate. The petition argued that wearing the uniform of a state institution is against the law.
Amidst Shaniera Akram’s digital feud with actors Feroze Khan and Imran Ashraf, veteran actor Noor Bukhari slammed Shaniera for being nosy.
“Please ignore her she has commitments on every celebrity,” the former host penned on Instagram.
“She commented on one of my and Resham’s posts, and we completely ignored her. I don’t even know who she is.”
Bukhari then lent support to Imran Ashraf, who clarified his driving reel with son Roham, and added, “You don’t need to explain as every parent is aware of their child’s safety and well-being. More power to you. Stay blessed, we all pray for you and your family.”
Akram then took to her Instagram story and addressed Bukhari’s criticism. “Are you kidding me?” the activist wrote. “I never said anything to you, Noor other than disagreeing that Humayun Saeed was too old to play romantic heroes. Give me a break.”
Akram continued, “I’m sorry if it offended you or anyone else, but it kills me to see people, especially ones with big followings, doing dangerous things with their kids and then posting on social media. It’s just not okay with me.” In the next story, Akram wrote, “And please get over yourself. You know exactly who I am and what I stand for.”
Later, Bukhari apologised to Akram while agreeing with the latter about the kids’ safety issue. “You are absolutely right on the safety part of our kids,” she shared on her Instagram story. “I apologise that I misunderstood you. I feel no shame to apologise as my comment was not in good taste. I’m sorry.”
Surprised by Bukhari’s apology, Akram thanked her and shared, “Wow, thank you! Really didn’t expect that. At least this is cleared up and we can move forward.”
Earlier this year Akram come forward to share her thoughts on the ageist remarks made by Noor about Humayun Saeed.
“I don’t know about this. From my experience, I think many incredible love stories happen a lot in the second half of life,” said Shaniera Akram.
“So many people haven’t found their true love or are still looking for it. There are many unmarried, divorced [and] widowed people in the world — don’t rule them out. Theirs is the true story of finding love,” she wrote in her Instagram story.
Taking to the Instagram story section, Noor said that the storyline of London Nahi Jaunga is extremely weak. She also took a jab at Humayun, believing he should be doing more mature roles. Bukhari added that “Love doesn’t happen in this age.”
The much-anticipated Lollywood film was released on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha and its leading cast includes Humayun Saeed, Mehwish Hayat, Kubra Khan and Vasay Chaudhry.
Veteran actress Noor Bukhari has expressed her concerns about the growing trend of Halloween celebrations in Pakistan. The former host took to social media to share her views about Halloween and said “Jitna Pakistanio ny Halloween celebrate kiya hai woh kafi alarming hai.“
Noor further said, “This will become a part of our culture”.
Last year Noor condemned netizens for trolling Saba Qamar over her birthday outfit. Following the outrage, someone photoshopped a hijab and tights onto her picture which also went viral on the internet.
However, Noor Bukhari did not like the photoshopped image and expressed her disappointment over it.
Sharing the picture on Instagram, Bukhari said: “Shouldn’t make fun of Saba or hijabis like this please.”
Senior politician Sharmila Faruqi recently schooled local celebrities (with the noted exception of Hadiqa Kiani) for not doing enough for flood relief.
“Here is Angelina Jolie visiting our worst flood affected district Dadu, spreading love and hope, appealing to the international community to come for our help,” she wrote, sharing pictures of Jolie’s trip to Pakistan during which she has met several people affected by the floods. Jolie is the special envoy for the UN refugee committee, the UNHCR, and served for 11 years as a goodwill ambassador for the committee.
The PPP leader exclusively discussed the matter with The Current. She stated, “I am not calling out a particular celebrity, I have called out everyone involved in the event, including the organisers, sponsors, channels and defiantly the personalities attending it.”
She continued, “In times of crises, celebrities around the globe come forward to help the people affected by natural disasters, however not even one celebrity came forward in Pakistan.”
Although she acknowledged the initiatives and contributions of actress Resham and singer Hadiqa Kiani. Faruqi also cited that global personalities like Angelina Jolie have shown such concern for the Pakistani flood victims, but local celebrities are aloof.
“Celebrities have a huge following, when they come out for special causes, it helps the cause, the issue, it inspires other people as the masses follow them.”
“If there’s a dead body in the house (nation), one expresses grief but these celebrities are enjoying in Toronto instead.”
“For the sake of publicity some celebrities post statements on social media but that doesn’t articulate into practical help.
She added, “I am not saying to donate everything that you have but at least show concern and help in being the victims’ voice.”
Apart from Sharmila, former actor Noor Bhukari also expressed her disappointment with local celebrities for snubbing the flood crises in the country.
Former actress Noor Bukhari recently watched actor Humayun Saeed’s latest movie London Nahi Jaunga at a cinema in UK and penned her honest views on social media.
The much-anticipated Lollywood film was released on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha and its leading cast includes Humayun Saeed, Mehwish Hayat, Kubra Khan and Vasay Chaudhry.
In the movie, Saeed’s character Jamal goes to London to chase after Mehwish’s character in the film to bring her back to Pakistan as his bride.
Taking to Instagram story section, Noor said that the “story is extremely weak.” She also took a jab at Humayun, believing he should be doing more mature roles. Bukhari added that, “Love doesn’t happens in this age.”
The veteran actress however praised Kubra Khan for her acting skills as she wrote: “I love her she is so pretty and her acting”.
Earlier this year when Humayun was roped in to play Dr Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s love interest in Season five of the hit Netflix series The Crown, Noor defended his casting.
Senior actor and director Sakina Samo took to her twitter handle to condemn the choice of casting by the Netflix makers.
She suggested the name of Humsafar star Fawad Khan in place of Humayun.
On the contrary former host and actor Noor disagreed with the Dobara diva. She stated that the Meray Paas Tum Ho star is the best choice for the film.
Saeed will star alongside Australian actor Elizabeth Debicki who has been cast as Princess Diana.
The ruling government has increased the price of petrol by Rs12.03/litre, diesel Rs9.53/litre, kerosene Rs10.08/litre and light diesel oil (LDO) by 9.43/litre. The new rates will be effective from today (February 16) and will be revised at the end of the month.
As per the press release issued by the Government of Pakistan’s Finance Division, the prime minister has considered the recommendation to increase the prices of petroleum products in line with changes in the international oil prices.
The previous price of petrol was Rs147.83 per litre.
Actress Noor Bukhari took to her Instagram stories to take a dig on the government due to the increased prices of petrol in the country. She jokingly said that we should start investing on cartwheels.
The Chupke Chupke star Arslan Naseer also commented on the same.
Earlier Arsalan took a jibe at PM Imran Khan’s government for his taxation policies especially in regards to Iphone 13.
Dunya Metaverse mai bethi hai humari “Digital Pakistan” waali Government iPhone pe 70 hazar tax laganay mai busy hai, Bhai Wah ♂️ #pta#ptatax#shabash
He took to his twitter handle to share his stance on the matter.
A government source has informed The Current that phones from abroad are now being subjected to 17% sales tax instead of a fixed sales tax. The total tax will also include customs tax.
Earlier, the fixed sales tax on the iPhone13 Pro max was Rs. 10,000 but if you now calculate a 17 per cent tax on 305068.94 PKR in our case, the tax will be 51,861.7198. The customs tax is Rs 34,000 on the iPhone.
If you now want to buy an iPhone 13 Pro max in Pakistan, the total tax will be 51,861.7198+34,000=85,861.17 for the high end iPhone.
If you have a passport on which you came back with the phone, it will cost you a little less, 51,861.7198+26,000=77,861.7198.
Government sources while talking to The Current said, “If a person can afford a phone worth almost 300k, then he can pay 78k too. These phones have inelastic demands.”
“Most smartphones sold in Pakistan (more than 80%) and mid category (between $150-200). 70% of these are now made in Pakistan and have very little tax on them. The ones in the range that are imported have a tax of around Rs 5-8k on them,” the source added.
Sadaf Kanwal received backlash on social media for her gendered statements in a recent interview.
A few prominent members of the entertainment fraternity expressed their support for the Alif star.
Ahmed Ali Butt, known for his comedy roles, came forward and shunned those who are bullying Sadaf Kanwal over her remarks. He called out people who are making a mockery of a woman.
His wife Fatima Khan also shared her thoughts on the matter, saying: “Liberals fail to practice what they preach about tolerance.”
She also wrote a detailed note on women attacking a woman.
Actor and host Noor Bukhari also supported Sadaf, saying that whatever she said is in accordance with the true teachings of Islam.
Recently, Yasir Hussain took to social media bashed the bloggers who are using dancing pictures of the actor.
“Mujhy aik samajh nahi aati k Sadaf ki 50 hazar Khoobsurat pictures mai se ye aik dance wali picture hi kyon post ki jati hai? Dance buri cheez nahi magar mai bloggers ki is image building ko bakhoobi samajhta hun,” wrote Yasir addressing the social media websites.
Earlier, Ali Abbas came in support of Sadaf saying that it is her husband and she can treat him the way she likes to do it.
Notable personalities from the local entertainment industry have taken to social media to criticise the dressing of female celebrities. Several actresses are receiving flak for wearing allegedly ‘bold’ dresses.
Mahira Khan, Yasir Hussain, Yumna Zaidi and Aima Baig among others have extended their love and support to Saba Qamar after she announced her breakup with Azeem Khan.
“You do YOU. Happiness is just around the corner,” said Mahira, commenting under Saba’s post.
Saba’s co-star from Lahore Se Aagey Yasir Hussain also sent love and strength to the actor, saying: “Jitni strong Saba hai wo utna hi strong mard deserve karti hai (Saba deserves a strong man like herself).”
“Aur yaad rakhna mard darhi mooch se nahi balky apni sachai aur imandari se banta hai. Stay strong my friend,” he added.
Others who sent love to Saba include Bilal Ashraf, Rabia Butt, Aima Baig, Hadiqa Kiani and Yumna Zaidi.
“You’re a strong badass woman,” said Aima. “Also deserves the best of the best of the best.”
“Sending you a lot of love and light,” said Hadiqa, while Yumna said: “Your journey has been tough and you have made it worth it, we all love it for who you are.”
“Always pure best wishes for you,” added Zaidi.
Other actors and celebrities like Noor Bukhari, Adnan Ansari and Abdullah Sultan also commented under Saba’s post to show their support in her difficult time.
Earlier, Saba had announced her split, saying: “It’s a very hard time on me right now but as we all know ‘This too shall pass’.”
Later, Azeem in a statement, Azeem took full responsibility for the breakup saying: “Saba you have the most amazing soul and you deserve all the happiness in the universe.”
“May God bless you with all the success and love,” he added.
Noor’s comments irked Zoya Nasir who jumped in to defend the bride.
“It’s her wedding day. It’s her dream day,” said the actor. “The bride is not enforcing her beliefs or lifestyle on anyone and no one has the right to publicly disgrace her very personal choice with their own two cents.”
“Lest no forget what the person in objection has done in the past,” she continued. “She had pretty good role to play where we are headed. If Ms Noor was free to do what she did, same goes for everyone else.”
“It’s good that she had a calling and is following her faith but that doesn’t give her the authority to name and shame,” she added.
Responding to Zoya’s outrage, Noor apologised to her.
“I apologise Ma’am Zoya Nasir. I did very wrong in past and I regret what I did,” said the former actor.
“It concerns me because there use to be a time dulhan looked so pretty in haya,” said Noor. “But still I realised my mistake and took down the post.”
“Where is the freedom of speech? Why [does] it [have] to become news whenever I post anything on my post or page?” questioned Noor.
“Still I apologise for my mistake. Ab me chup hi rahun gi,” she added.
Bukhari turned to religion to seek contentment after her fourth divorce. She has often used social media to share her religious experiences and spread spiritual awareness. In January 2020, she reportedly remarried ex-husband and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Awn Chaudhry. The couple has two daughters together.
