Tag: Pakistan

  • The Sajal Aly Five: Unforgettable roles that defined her career

    The Sajal Aly Five: Unforgettable roles that defined her career

    Sajal Aly is undoubtedly one of Pakistan’s most talented actresses today. She has also made her mark in international cinema with roles in Bollywood’s Mom and the British romantic comedy What’s Love Got to Do with It, written by Jemima Khan.

     

    Aly has received a number of awards, including the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz from the Government of Pakistan.

     

    Here are five of Sajal Aly’s most unforgettable performances:

     

    Meri Ladli (2010)

    Sajal Aly’s career took off after she played the role of a young girl in Meri Ladli, who faces numerous challenges in life. Her portrayal of a strong, independent character resonated with viewers and paved the way for her future success.

     The drama was written by Maha Malik and directed by Nadeem Siddique.

     

     

    Yakeen ka Safar (2019)

     

    Yakeen Ka Safar was one of Aly’s most recognized dramas. She portrayed Dr. Zubia, a kind and independent woman whose personal and professional growth captivated viewers.

     

     

    Aly earned two awards for her outstanding performance: Best Actress (Popular) and Best Onscreen Couple (Popular). The cast also included Ahad Raza Mir, Farhan Ali Agha, Hira Mani, Qazi Wajid, and Maryiam Nafess. The drama was written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Shahzad Kashmiri.

    Kuch Ankahi (2023)

     

    Sajal Aly played the role of Aliya, a strong woman who battles against the odds to protect her family’s rights.

    Her portrayal of a woman confronting misogyny and asserting her place in the world highlighted her ability to capture attention and convey strength and determination.

     

    The cast includes Bilal Abbas Khan, Mira Sethi, Mohammed Ahmed, Irsa Ghazal, Asma Abbas, and Ali Safina. The drama was written by Mohammed Ahmed and directed by Nadeem Baig.

     

    Alif (2019)

     

    Aly played the role of Momina Sultan, delivering a masterclass in understated brilliance that showcased her versatility as an actress.   

    Her extensive and heartfelt performance depicted a character on a profound journey of faith and self-discovery.

     

    The cast includes Hamza Ali Abbasi, Manzar Sehbai, Pehlaaj Hassan, Osman Khalid Butt, Kubra Khan, and Sadaf Kanwal. Sajal Aly was nominated for two awards: Best Television Actress (Critics’ Choice) and Best Television (Viewer’s Choice). 

     The drama was written by Umera Ahmed and Haseeb Hassan. 

     

    Zard Patton ka Bunn (2024) 

     

    In her latest drama, Zard Patton Ka Bunn, Sajal Aly plays the role of Meenu. The talented cast includes Hamza Sohail, Ali Tahir, Samiya Mumtaz, and Rehan Sheikh. The drama explores themes of social justice, gender dynamics, and personal transformation. 

     

    The story centres on Meenu, a strong and determined woman who challenges societal norms and fights against injustices. 

     Zard Patton Ka Bunn is written by Mustafa Afridi and directed by Saife Hassan. 

     

  • Khan calls Faiz Hameed ‘an asset’ that was wasted

    Khan calls Faiz Hameed ‘an asset’ that was wasted

    Founder Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, while talking to journalists in Adiala Jail, broke his silence on the recent arrest of former ISI chief Faiz Hameed, saying, “I have no connections with Faiz Hameed’s arrest.”

    On Monday, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), announced that it had taken Hameed into custody over allegations of land grabbing and stealing valuables from the owner of Top City Housing Society.

    It also stated that court-martial proceedings had been started against the former spymaster, who was once considered very close with former prime minister Khan.

    Khan also criticised this military’s treatment of Gen Faiz, calling him an “asset that was wasted.”

    He suggested that accountability is good but should be “across-the-board accountability.”

    Khan recalled that ex-army chief Gen Bajwa removed Hameed at the behest of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, and after that, a heated exchange occurred between Khan and Bajwa.

  • TV host Madiha Naqvi confirms divorce between Agha Ali and Hina Altaf

    TV host Madiha Naqvi confirms divorce between Agha Ali and Hina Altaf

    Famous TV host Madiha Naqvi has confirmed that the popular celebrity couple Agha Ali and Hina Altaf have divorced.

    Recently, renowned actresses Shagufta Ejaz and Vaneeza Ahmed appeared on Madiha Naqvi’s morning show, where they discussed various topics, including their careers.

    During a segment of the show, the actresses were shown pictures of famous Pakistani actors and asked to guess their identities based on clues about their work and popularity.

    Ejaz was shown a picture of Agha Ali but did not recognize him.

    Madiha Naqvi and Vaneeza Ahmed provided clues without naming Agha Ali, hinting that he is from Lahore, the son of a famous actor, has played roles as an angry man, and that he and his wife had hosted a show together.

    Eventually, Madiha Naqvi mentioned that Agha Ali had “unfortunately” separated from his wife, actress Hina Altaf.

    “They have not remarried and are currently leading single lives,” she said.

    Shagufta Ejaz failed to identify Agha Ali until she was shown his picture.

    Fans of Agha Ali and Hina Altaf are disappointed following Madiha Naqvi’s confirmation.

  • We now know the names of the officers arrested with Faiz

    We now know the names of the officers arrested with Faiz

    Sources have revealed the names of the three most senior retired military officers who were taken into army custody for acting as messengers between former Chief of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Faiz Hameed and senior politicians.

    The officers identified are Brigadier (retd) Ghaffar and Brigadier (retd) Naeem and Colonel Asim, who were allegedly involved in a communication network with politicians.

    Both Brigadiers are from Chakwal and are considered close associates of the former spymaster.

    Earlier, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement claiming that three senior-ranking officers had been taken into custody for compromising military discipline.

  • No, Khawaja Asif, there are no global firewalls to restrain social media

    No, Khawaja Asif, there are no global firewalls to restrain social media

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that safety firewalls are being implemented to ensure checks and balances on uncontrolled social media sites. He made this statement during his appearance on the talk show ‘Faisla Aap Ka’ with journalist Asma Sherazi.

    ‘’Everything will be fine after some days,’’ he said.

    Khawaja Asif added that developed, democratic countries like the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) also have protective systems to filter out content and websites deemed anti-state and anti-society.

    “Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) also have filters or use different technologies to address spam, phishing attacks, and other unwanted content, but these are all private companies,” explains Jason Pielemeier, the executive director of the US-based Global Network Initiative (GNI), in a conversation with Geo Fact Check.

  • Three more retired army officers taken into military custody: ISPR

    Three more retired army officers taken into military custody: ISPR

    Three more retired army officers have been taken into custody by Pakistan’s Army in connection with the recent arrest of Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid, according to a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

    This comes after the arrest of former spymaster Faiz Hamid earlier this week.

    “In connection with the FGCM proceedings of Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed, three retired officers are also in military custody for their actions prejudicial to military discipline,” noted the ISPR press release.

    The ISPR further stated that the retired officers were arrested for violations of military discipline.

    “Further investigations of certain retired officers and their accomplices for fomenting instability at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests are continuing,” the press release read.

    Faiz Hameed was taken into custody by the army on August 12, over allegations of land grabbing and seizing valuables from the owner of Top City Housing Society.

  • COAS holds a reception for Army veterans, but netizens notice some ‘missing officers’

    COAS holds a reception for Army veterans, but netizens notice some ‘missing officers’

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Asim Munir, hosted a reception in honour of Pakistan Army veterans on Independence Day that brought together many retired army officers and soldiers.

    In a press release, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated, “COAS paid heartfelt tribute to the contributions of the retired personnel, lauding their dedication and instrumental role in shaping the nation’s history.”

    “COAS also cautioned against the insidious threat of fake news and propaganda being perpetrated by inimical elements to weaken the bond between the people of Pakistan and the Armed Forces,” said the ISPR press release.

    However, in an interesting development, netizens noticed a peculiar absence of some officers in the pictures circulating on social media.

    Former COAS Gen (retd) Bajwa was not seen in the picture even though Gen (retd) Raheel Sharif and Gen (retd) Kayani were present.

    Likewise, General (retd) Ahmad Shuja Pasha and Gen (retd) Zaheer-ul-Islam were also noticeably absent from the reception.

    This comes after the Pakistan Army arrested former spymaster Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, in charge of corruption and misuse of authority.

  • LEAs arrest former Adiala Jail deputy superintendent for allegedly acting as messenger for Khan

    LEAs arrest former Adiala Jail deputy superintendent for allegedly acting as messenger for Khan

    Law enforcement agencies have arrested Muhammad Akram, the former deputy superintendent of Punjab prisons, who was transferred from Adiala Jail in June this year, on charges of “facilitating Imran Khan as a messenger,” Dawn News reported.

    He was reportedly picked up from the jail colony.

    The arrest follows the military’s detention of retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, the former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), on charges of violating the Army Act.

    The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been imprisoned for over a year, with multiple cases filed against him, including the Toshakhana case, the cypher case, and the un-Islamic marriage case.

  • Normalisation of ties with Israel puts Mohammad Bin Salman’s life at risk

    Normalisation of ties with Israel puts Mohammad Bin Salman’s life at risk

    Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) is at risk of assassination amid his normalisation of ties with Israel, reports Politico, a U.S.-based publication.

    MBS reportedly told a U.S. Congress member that he is risking his life for a significant deal with the U.S. and Israel.

    Posing a question to the U.S., he said, “What did they do to protect Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated after making a peace deal with Israel?”

    The crown prince, however, is reportedly determined to pursue the mega-deal with the U.S. and Israel despite the threats, deeming it pivotal to his country’s future.

  • Yumna Zaidi’s Nayab selected for Jaipur Film Festival

    Yumna Zaidi’s Nayab selected for Jaipur Film Festival

    Marking a milestone moment for Pakistan cinema, ‘Nayab’  has been selected for the Jaipur International Film Festival to be held in India from August 28 to 30.

    The recognition is a follow-up accomplishment to its recent success after the film won the ‘Best Foreign Film’ award at World Film Festival in Cannes.  Directed by Umair Nasir Ali, Nayab also won the Best First Time Film Maker award in the feature film category.

    The film is written by Basit Naqvi and Ali Abbas Naqvi The cast of the film includes Yumna Zaidi, Usama Khan, Ehteshamuddin, Faryal Mehmood Adnan Siddiqui, Mohammad Fawad Khan and Javed Sheikh.

    Umair Nasir Ali shared a story on his Instagram with the caption, “This Independence Day, we are delighted to share that Pakistan’s celebrations have become even more special with the official selection of our film “Nayab” at the 9th Jaipur International Film Festival in India., Nayab is a project close to our hearts, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of everyone involved. From our EPs to our Production Boys.

    Adding to this joy , our nation has also celebrated a remarkable achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics , where Arshad Nadeem secured a Gold Medal , surpassing India. These moments in cinema and sports fill us with immense pride as Pakistani continues to shine on the global stage.”