Tag: Pakistan

  • Bollywood celebs who wore Pakistani designers at Ambani’s wedding

    Bollywood celebs who wore Pakistani designers at Ambani’s wedding

    Anant Ambani, the youngest child of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, may be on track to set a world record for the longest wedding celebration. The extravagant affair has featured numerous pre-wedding functions attended by celebrities, businessmen, and politicians from around the globe.

    Money has been openly displayed, culminating in an exhaustive series of events before Anant finally tied the knot with his fiancée Radhika Merchant.
    The wedding itself was a star-studded extravaganza, with Bollywood stars donning Pakistani designer dresses and joining in the celebrations.

    Notably, celebrities like Sara Ali Khan, Hardik Pandya, AP Dhillon, and Anand Piramal were spotted wearing outfits by Pakistan’s top designers Faraz Manan and Iqbal Hussain. The Ambani family radiated joy as they celebrated the marriage of their youngest son, with Bollywood celebrities dancing the night away while influential figures showered blessings on the happy couple.

    Check the pictures below:

  • Azfar Ali says three actresses need to improve their acting skills

    Azfar Ali says three actresses need to improve their acting skills

    With his recent comments, Azfar Ali, an actor and director, has sparked a debate in the entertainment industry. On Madeha Naqvi’s show, he stated that Kubra Khan, Ramsha Khan, and Nazish Jahangir need to improve their acting skills by gaining.

    During his appearance on Madeha Rizvi’s show, Azfar Ali was asked a pointed question, “Who do you think shouldn’t be working in films?” The options presented were Nazish, Kubra, and Ramsha, leading to a discussion on their acting abilities.

    Reflecting on his personal experience, Azfar Ali shared, “I remember casting Nazish Jahangir in her first lead role in my play ‘Gali Mein Chand Nikla’. She was a fresh face in the industry from Islamabad, and I saw potential in her. However, in the initial years, she struggled to secure lead roles. It’s heartening to see her now in prominent roles.”

    While talking about acting, Ali said, “But I believe that anyone who wants to act should understand that acting is a profession that requires hard work, not just beauty. You need to learn your craft, practice acting, and perform in theater to hone your skills. Find a mentor who can guide you, and don’t just rely on your looks to get ahead.”

    He added, “Not everyone can act; I mean, Kubra can’t act, Nazish can’t act, Ramsha can’t act. It’s a skill that requires talent and hard work to develop.”

  • Suspect held over bodies in suitcases at UK Bridge

    Suspect held over bodies in suitcases at UK Bridge

    UK police on Saturday arrested a man after two suitcases believed to contain the remains of two men were dumped on a famous bridge.

    The suitcases were discovered Wednesday after police got a report of a man behaving suspiciously on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, southwest England.

    “Detectives have arrested a man in connection with an investigation into the discovery of human remains on Clifton Suspension Bridge,” said Metropolitan Police.

    The 24-year-old suspect was detained at a major train station in Bristol and will be taken to London for questioning later on Saturday.

    “Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident,” they said.

    The London-based force took over the investigation after evidence suggested that the wanted man had travelled to Bristol from the UK capital earlier on Wednesday.

    While searching a flat in west London, officers found more human remains.

    Police believe that they are connected to the human remains found in Bristol and that there are two male victims, both known to the arrested man.

    Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by the pioneering engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is one of the oldest surviving suspension bridges in the world.

    Opened in 1864, the bridge over the Avon Gorge is one of Bristol’s top tourist attractions and a symbol of the city.

  • Delta Airlines fires employee who posted from airline’s account against Palestine

    Delta Airlines fires employee who posted from airline’s account against Palestine

    A recent post of a Zionist Twitter user went viral where he compared Palestine flag pins that Delta Airlines wore with Hamas.

    In his tweet, the bigoted user expressed disappointment at the display of solidarity with Palestine, stating that he was required to take his shoes off in every airport as per security protocols. “Now imagine getting into a Delta flight and seeing workers with Hamas badges in the air.” He posed the question to American Airlines by tagging their official handle.

    An hour later the airline responded, “I hear you as I’d be terrified as well, personally. Our employees reflect our culture and we do not take it lightly when our policy is not being followed.”

    This created an uproar on social media.

    Religious scholar and speaker Omar Suleiman shared a screenshot of the exchange online and asked people to boycott Delta Airlines. “These airlines won’t learn until you stop giving them business,” he stressed.

    However, Delta removed the tweet recently. “On Wednesday, we removed a reply that was not in line with our values. We strive for an environment of inclusivity and respect for all, in our communities and our planes. The employee responsible no longer supports Delta’s social channels We apologize for this hurtful post.”

    The flight attendant in the picture also posted a picture of him making a victory sign with the caption, “Thank you to everyone for all of the kinds messages. It has been an overwhelming few days but I’m grateful for all of the love and support. See you in the skies!”.

  • ‘If Khan,Bushra Bibi are not wanted in other case, they are free’: Judge Afzal Manoka

    ‘If Khan,Bushra Bibi are not wanted in other case, they are free’: Judge Afzal Manoka

    An Islamabad district and sessions court accepted appeals filed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, against their conviction in the Iddat case, clearing them of the last known legal cases against them.

    Khan and his spouse were sentenced to seven years in prison and awarded a fine of Rs500,000 each, in February earlier this year after a trial court found their nikah to be fraudulent.

    The couple challenged their conviction and moved the IHC, seeking varying relief from the court.

    The recent verdict, a significant milestone for the founder of PTI, holds immense importance. Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August last year in the Toshakhana case, and this decision could potentially change his circumstances.

    While Khan got relief in significant cases like Toshakhana and cipher cases earlier this month, he remained behind bars in the Iddat case.

  • Pakistani celebs rally against rising power bills

    Pakistani celebs rally against rising power bills

    Rising inflation across society has hit all sectors, leaving now one immune from its effects, not even celebrities. A few days ago, senior Pakistani actor Rashid Mehmood made headlines after sharing his hefty electricity bill for June 2024. His story resonated with millions on social media, who expressed their support and shared their own struggles with rising costs and inflation. Many reported finding it increasingly difficult to manage household expenses.

    Recently, more actors have found the courage to speak out againsy high electricity costs and the burdensome bills they are receiving.

    Humaira Channa Speaks Out

    Famous singer Humaira Channa, known for hit Lollywood songs, said, “You all know about the current situation in Pakistan. We are suffering from heavy bills. I urge government officials to give us relief. I got a bill worth 60,000 PKR, and we only use one AC at night. We are barely managing because we have kids studying in university, and we have to handle everything on our own.”

    Watch the video:

    Nooran Lal’s Struggle

    Another renowned singer, Nooran Lal, also opened up about her difficulties. She said, “I got two meters at home to keep our units controlled, yet we received heavy bills on both meters—40,000 and 33,000 PKR, along with taxes. We are artists with no other businesses and are barely managing. As a single woman running a household, it is really tough to deal with these finances. Is this what we deserve?”

    Maria Mir’s Concerns

    Singer Maria Mir also talked about receiving heavy electricity bills, stating that it has become extremely challenging for her to pay them.

    Watch the video here:

    Zahid Sharif’s Desperate Measures

    A former Pakistani Olympic player, Zahid Sharif, was reported to have considered selling his kidney to pay his electricity bill.

    Read the post here:

    Shugufta Ejaz’s Experience

    Even seasoned actor Shugufta Ejaz, who is relatively well-off, has expressed her distress over receiving hefty electricity bills.

    Read her posts here :

  • IMF and Pakistan reach agreement on $7 billion extended fund arrangement

    IMF and Pakistan reach agreement on $7 billion extended fund arrangement

    In a significant development, Pakistani authorities and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team have reached a staff-level agreement on a 37-month Extended Fund Arrangement (EFF) worth SDR 5,320 million or $7 billion, as per a statement issued by the IMF.

    This agreement is contingent upon approval by the IMF’s Executive Board and the timely confirmation of necessary financing assurances from Pakistan’s development and bilateral partners.

    The programme aims to build on the macroeconomic stability achieved over the past year by further strengthening public finances, reducing inflation, rebuilding external buffers, and removing economic distortions to promote private sector-led growth.

    In response to a request from Pakistani authorities, an IMF team led by Nathan Porter, IMF’s Mission Chief to Pakistan, held discussions from May 13-23, 2024, in Islamabad and virtually thereafter on IMF support for Pakistan’s medium-term policy and reform plans.

    The key policy goals of the programme include:

    1. Sustainable public finances: This will be achieved through gradual fiscal consolidation by broadening the tax base and removing exemptions, while increasing resources for critical development and social spending. The authorities plan to increase tax revenues by 1.5% of GDP in FY25 and 3% of GDP over the programme duration. The FY25 budget targets an underlying general government primary surplus of 1% of GDP (2% in headline terms). Revenue collection will be enhanced through simpler and fairer direct and indirect taxation, including properly taxing net income from the retail, export, and agriculture sectors.

    2. Fiscal balance between federal and provincial governments: A National Fiscal Pact has been signed to rebalance spending in line with the 18th constitutional amendment. This will see provincial governments taking on higher spending responsibilities for education, health, social protection, and regional public infrastructure. Provinces will also increase their tax collection efforts, particularly sales tax on services and agricultural income tax. From January 1, 2025, all provinces will harmonise their Agriculture Income Tax regimes with federal tax regimes.

    3. Reducing inflation and building external buffers: Monetary policy will focus on supporting disinflation to protect real incomes, especially for the vulnerable. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will maintain a flexible exchange rate and improve the functioning and transparency of the foreign exchange market to build reserves and buffer against shocks. Financial stability will be enhanced by deepening access to financing, strengthening financial institutions, addressing undercapitalised banks, and upgrading the crisis management framework.

    4. Energy sector reforms: The authorities aim to restore energy sector viability and minimise fiscal risks through timely adjustment of energy tariffs, decisive cost-reducing reforms, and avoiding unnecessary expansion of generation capacity. Targeted subsidy reforms will replace cross-subsidies to households with direct BISP support.

    5. Private sector and export dynamism: Efforts will be made to improve the business environment, create a level playing field for businesses, and remove state distortions. This includes improving the operations and management of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), prioritising profitable SOEs for privatisation, and enhancing transparency and governance of the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund.

    Additionally, incentives for Special Economic Zones will be phased out, agricultural support prices and subsidies will be reduced, and no new regulatory or tax-based incentives will be introduced that could distort the investment landscape.

    6. Anti-corruption and governance reforms: The authorities have committed to advancing anti-corruption measures, governance, and transparency reforms, and gradually liberalising trade policy.

    “The IMF team is grateful to the Pakistani authorities, private sector, and development partners for their hospitality during the visit to Islamabad and for the fruitful discussions,” the statement reads.

  • ‘Princess Diana’s wedding inspired me to pursue fashion’: HSY

    ‘Princess Diana’s wedding inspired me to pursue fashion’: HSY

    Fashion maestro Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, popularly known as HSY, recently appeared as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, ‘Excuse Me,’ where he reminisced about his younger days and discussed his fashion inspirations.

    Hassan Shehryar Yasin recalled spending time in a women’s hostel with his mother, where he would enter and exit through the window because children were not allowed to stay with their mothers in the hostel.

    “I was so scared of being caught that I didn’t speak for two months,” he said.

    When Hassan started working abroad at the young age of 12, he realised that having money would lead to a better life.

    “I’ve had many different jobs. I worked at a petrol station, a burger shop, and even carried bricks at construction sites,” he remembered.

    Talking about his journey to becoming a fashion designer, HSY reveals that Princess Diana’s wedding played an important role in inspiring him.

    “I watched Princess Diana’s wedding with my mom and loved her dress. I thought, ‘That’s what makes someone famous.’ I wanted to make clothes like that too. I even made tissue paper dresses for my sister. That’s how my dream of becoming a fashion designer started,” he said.

    HSY deems his first fashion show as “a turning point” in his career.

    He auditioned in Lahore in 1994 and got selected. “It was a dream come true,” he says.

    “I rose to fame quickly, but I don’t attribute it to any special talent or skill. I believe it was pure luck and divine blessings that got me where I am today. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to do what I love,” HSY believes.

  • After major relief by SC, trouble for Khan in May 9 case

    After major relief by SC, trouble for Khan in May 9 case

    A day before the Supreme Court granted major relief to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the reserved seats case, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) affirmed the allegations of Imran Khan’s involvement in the May 9 conspiracy against the state in its verdict.

    Senior journalist Ansar Abbasi has stated that while Friday’s SC verdict was a major political victory for PTI and Khan, the verdict by ATC Lahore is a major setback for them.

    Lahore’s anti-terrorism court has become the first judicial forum to uphold that Imran Khan and senior PTI leaders hatched an anti-state conspiracy on May 9.

    Justice Khalid Arshad of the ATC Lahore upheld the prosecution’s view that Khan, in collusion with PTI’s top leadership, was involved in a conspiracy and war against the state on May 9 of last year.

    The court also rejected Khan’s bail application while pointing out that the court was not convinced by founder PTI’s allegation that he was being targeted with politically motivated case.

  • No intention to form government with PPP, says Barrister Gohar Ali Khan

    No intention to form government with PPP, says Barrister Gohar Ali Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said that the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision on reserved seats put a dead stop to predictions of a ban on PTI, ARY News reported.

    Khan told journalists that his party has no intention of forming a coalition government with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

    “This option was also available to us on February 09,” Barrister Gohar remarked.

    “We will act as a strong opposition party,” the PTI chairman said.

    Gohar Khan also clarified that the party’s top leadership didn’t decide anything about the no-confidence motion.

    “The option of talks still is open,” Gohar stated.

    Previously, the top court on Friday announced its verdict about reserved seats and allowed PTI to obtain their reserved seats in National and provincial assemblies.