Tag: Pakistani Celebrities

  • Armeena Khan slams Shaniera for staying silent about Palestine

    Armeena Khan slams Shaniera for staying silent about Palestine

    Actress Armeena Khan slammed philanthropist and wife to former cricketer Wasim Akram, Shaniera, for remaining silent about the genocide of Palestinians.

    Shaniera tweeted her sorrow at the recent tragedies around the world, writing:

    “Helpless. I feel so totally and utterly helpless. Ive never been scared of saying what I want or how I feel, but right now im very emotional and actually just don’t have any words left to give and i am really sorry if that offends anyone”

    To which Armeena had responded:

    “You have plenty of words to give when it’s Pakistan. Either talk about Palestine openly or keep your dramatics to yourself.”

    In a now-deleted tweet, Shaniera criticised Armeena’s response by writing: “Seriously? With the state of the world and the pain we are seeing daily, you are still throwing hate at me. For what? You don’t know me or what I am dealing with. Whatever we are, we are both mothers, you should be using your voice to promote unity and sisterhood. I think it’s about time you grew up. You are really sinking pretty low for headlines now.”

  • ‘This is so sad’: Armeena Khan calls for end to Afghan refugees deportation

    ‘This is so sad’: Armeena Khan calls for end to Afghan refugees deportation

    Pakistani actress Armeena Khan has called for an end to the deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Armeena wrote:

    “It would be CRIMINAL of me not to talk about 1.7 million Afghans who are being displaced from Pakistan, their homes being bull dozed. This is absolutely vile! How can we treat them this way? I cannot talk about Gaza without talking about the plight of the Afghans. This is so sad.”

    When a user tried to school her, Armeena slammed him on the double standards of Pakistanis who are protesting for a Free Palestine but on the other hand, are pushing Afghan refugees out of their country.

    “People like you are no different than the war mongering factions of the Israelites. Two sides of the same coin. Spare the Palestinians your hypocrisy. The Pakistani Afghans are also your Muslim brothers and sisters.”

    Veteran actress and model Iffat Omar also joined in by sharing a picture of a boy stranded on a truck and writing in the caption “This is really heart breaking.”

  • ‘The gora complex is still present among Pakistanis’: Shaista Lodhi

    ‘The gora complex is still present among Pakistanis’: Shaista Lodhi

    Actress and aesthetic surgeon Shaista Lodhi appeared as a guest at the late night talk show ‘Mazaaq Raat’ where she criticised Pakistani obsession with fair skin.

    The actress revealed that several women come to her clinic to improve their skin tone by makin it fairer.

    “Literally, I say to them do you want to look like pigeons? Kyun kay wo already is tarhan ki complexion ki hoti hain kay aur zarorat nah hain. Ab sirf rang phat sakta hai.”

    Previously, speaking on ‘The Talk Talk Show’, Lodhi opened up about coming across clients who came to her after being bullied by their husbands on their physical features. She recalled a patient coming along with her husband, who jokingly suggested to the surgeon to make his wife look like her.

    Previously, speaking on ‘The Talk Talk Show’, Lodhi opened up about coming across clients who came to her after being bullied by their husbands on their physical features. She recalled a patient coming along with her husband, who jokingly suggested to the surgeon to make his wife look like her.

    READ MORE: ‘A patient revealed she was kicked out of her house by her husband because of her stretch marks’: Shaista Lodhi

    “You can see the way women are treated in our society,” lamented the ‘Pardes’ actress. “That girl was sitting in a corner and politely laughing while I wanted to slap him right away. But that woman kept silent, even though it must be torturous for her to stay with such a man who keeps taunting her with things like ‘Tumharay baal hain’, ‘tumharay boaht ziada baal hain’..”

  • ‘Show more mercy’: Sanam Saeed calls for Pakistani government to stop deporting Afghan refugees

    ‘Show more mercy’: Sanam Saeed calls for Pakistani government to stop deporting Afghan refugees

    The Pakistani government is set to deport more than 90,000 Afghan refugees by November 1, prompting protests among civil rights activists. Actors, too, are condemning the expulsion. Viral videos show Afghan children in tears as they say goodbye to their friends, expressing sadness over being deported.

    Actress Sanam Saeed has appealed to the government of Pakistan asking that in light of circumstances around the world, Pakistanis must extend their kindness to people seeking shelter in this country.

    “Deporting refugees who seek shelter here will not make our fundamental issues go away. It looks like we are deflecting blame from challenges that the govt or the country overall is facing. At a time like this in the world right now, we need to show more mercy.”

    Veteran actress Nadia Jamil expressed her outrage over a post showing how Afghan children were taken to court and treated as criminals. She shared Osman Khalid Butt’s post and wrote “Statelessness. Their crime is their families Afghan refugee past. Most of them were born here.”

    Columnist Fatima Bhutto shared a video of an Afghan child tearfully saying goodbye to his classmates as he was set to be deported. In the caption she wrote:
    “This is just wrong of Pakistan. It’s inhumane. We must protect the Afghan refugees of this country and allow them a chance to rebuild their lives.”

  • ‘Depression is not being away from God’: Anoushey Ashraf, Zara Noor Abbas encourage followers to recognise mental illness

    ‘Depression is not being away from God’: Anoushey Ashraf, Zara Noor Abbas encourage followers to recognise mental illness

    After the tragic news of Maulana Tariq Jameel’s son passing away in what is being said was suicide, celebrities are urging their followers to recognise the importance of taking care of their mental health. Asim Jameel, the younger son of the Maulana, passed away after shooting himself with a gun at his ancestral home in Tulamba.

    Social media was left heart broken after Yousef Jamil confirmed to the press that his brother Asim had passed away from suicide. Now more public figures like Zara Noor Abbas want people to understand that depression should be recognised as an illness.

    “For all those who say that depression happens because of deen say duri, please take the example of Maulana Tariq Sahab’s son who was suffering from it even though he had a house full of religious activities and his father being such an honoured religious scholar,” the actress penned.

    “Please understand that depression is real like any other illness,” Zara stressed to her followers. “It sucks everything out of you. Please seek help and support for it. My heart goes out to the family of the deceased. May Allah grant him Jannah and peace after all.”

    Actress and VJ Anoushay Ashraf slammed the common assumption that depression happens when people are away from God, and spoke about how it should be recognised as a medical issue.

    “I hope those celebs who unknowingly but hurt fully speak about how depression is being away from Allah (SWT) realise that it’s very much a medical issue. Many troubles and issues in life can perhaps be because of your disconnect with the higher being, I get your viewpoint but depression is a ‘real’ sickness and disease. It’s not being away from God, it’s being ill. Very ill in such cases.”

  • Director Hassan Askari passes away from cancer

    Director Hassan Askari passes away from cancer

    Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un

    Acclaimed Pakistani director Hassan Askari has passed away at the age of 78 in Lahore. He was suffering from cancer and had been admitted to Shaikh Zayed Hospital.

    During his career, Hassan directed more than 60 Punjabi and Urdu films, including the hits Toofan, Salakhain, Sher Dil, Talash, Dil Kisi Ka Dost Nahi, Doorian, Qanoon and Tere Pyar Mein.

    The Pride of Performance winning director was the first filmmaker to introduce the concept of the popular Punjabi hero Maula Jatt and his gandasa with his film Wehshi Jatt (1974), years before Maula Jatt was adapted on the big screen.

    Speaking about Askari’s demise, Punjab Minister of Information and Culture Amir Mir expressed sorrow while acknowledging his services for the Pakistani film industry. He said Hassan Askari had directed many phenomenal films during his career and no one else in the industry could compete with him.

    Secretary Information and Culture Daniyal Gillani offered condolences on the in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) writing:

    “Saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary film producer, director, and writer Muhammad Hassan Askari. His contributions to Urdu and Punjabi cinema, with classics like “Salakhain,” “Wahshi Jutt,” and many more, will always be remembered. His legacy will continue to inspire many in the world of cinema. Allah darjaat buland farmaye. Ameen!”

    Director of the crime thriller film ‘Javed Iqbal’ Abu Aleeha expressed his sorrow on the passing of Hassan Askari on his X account.

  • Ushna Shah’s opinion on McDonald’s workers has divided social media

    Ushna Shah’s opinion on McDonald’s workers has divided social media

    Ushna Shah’s recent take on boycotting McDonald’s and other international franchises has divided social media. The actress is currently among the vocal celebrities calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Yesterday she expressed her outrage at a video showing IDF soldiers in Israel enjoying McDonald’s. The Israeli franchise was subjected to international backlash when they announced they were providing free meals to soldiers. Ushna shared the video and urged her followers to boycott the brand, writing:

    “I swear to God if I see anyone touch #McDonalds or have it anywhere near me I’m going to rage. Keep it the hell off my sets & if you choose to eat it or endorse it stay the hell away from me, & be prepared for an earful. And for Muslims, consider it as Haram as pork.”

    A commentor under her X post questioned if Ushna was thinking about the countless workers in local McDonald’s franchises, who would be jobless if the restaurant was boycotted. To which the ‘Habs’ actor responded:

    “Shut up. Those people can find employment at a local fast food chain . McDonalds is a Franchise and as a Franchise it has chosen to send 4000 daily meals to an army that is annihilating Gaza. Closing this franchise in Pakistan will open doors for local businesses to flourish which is far better for our economy. This argument is ridiculous. McDonalds needs to be banned. Simple.”

    While some users agreed with Ushna’ take to boycott McDonald’s, other’s felt her tweet reeked of elitism.

    There were users on X who agreed to stop purchasing McDonald’s to ensure their support for Palestine remains strong.

    “Mcdonalds is next to where i play football in Singapore. I sometimes had it on my way back. Today, i chose to walk 2 km to a local joint instead. If i can, you can.”

    But others felt her tweet especially regarding workers finding job elsewhere read like elitism, and many users pointed out there needs to be conversation on how the middle class survives boycotts like these.

    “an elite woman telling people who live the consequences of poor economy to go find another job is insane,” a user wrote.

    This user pointed out that we should help employees find new jobs so they’re not affected by the McDonald’s boycott.

    “An average #McDonalds employee earns 25 to 30K, and in a country where people beg for jobs, you’re asking them to leave their jobs? Who will provide them with new jobs? First get them jobs at local chains with same salary and a ration of a month then lash out at them. #Pakistan“

    “Someone please tell her that your boycott wont have any impact on global chain of McDonalds since they operate via franchise in Pakistan and the only loss would be Pakistan’s economy and people employed there. Get them job first then come up with such activism.”

    “and until those ppl dont get re-employed at a local chain, they’d be on Ushna’s payroll ? Its easier said then done. people do not estimate the impact. Its 5,000 to 8,000 families getting affected if a chain closes. Its not really about not having a big mac, that’s the easy part”

  • ‘It had to happen’: Aina Asif defends why Mayi-Ri had to end with divorce of Ainy and Fakhir

    ‘It had to happen’: Aina Asif defends why Mayi-Ri had to end with divorce of Ainy and Fakhir

    Child star Aina Asif was a guest on ‘Mazaaq Raat’ where an audience member asked her about the controversial ending of the drama ‘Mayi-Ri’. The serial centered around the forceful marriage of a 15-year-old girl to her cousin, and the birth of their daughter. The drama’s ending divided opinions when Ainy divorces Fakhir, decides to live with her single mother to raise her daughter and completes her education.

    The ending was applauded by some users for showing divorce as something that empowers a woman rather than shameful, with Ainy choosing to live her life on her own terms. While other users slammed the show-makers for ‘glamorising divorce’.

    READ MORE: ‘Mayi Ri’ ends with mixed responses from fans

    Aina defended the scene as something that was necessary to depict in order for audiences to fully understand why child marriage is wrong. “There could have been a different ending, but we have to emphasise that child marriage is wrong. We were trying to show that.”

    Aina further stressed the drama’s characters Ainy and Fakhir were good for each other but their timing was wrong, hence they had to part ways.

    Watch the clip

  • Shae Gill, Maanu headlining concert to raise humanitarian aid for Gaza

    Shae Gill, Maanu headlining concert to raise humanitarian aid for Gaza

    As the number of Palestinians killed in Israel’s bombing of Gaza continues to rise, Pakistani musicians are coming together for a fundraiser to help provide humanitarian aid for the strip.

    Shae Gill, Natasha Noorani, Maanu and five other artists are performing at a fundraiser at COLABS campus in Gulberg. COLABS announced on their Instagram account that the event will be held on October 27, with all proceeds from the event going to Anera Organisation in order to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

    Commenting under their post, the organisation mentioned the event will include a panel talk with Palestinians settled in Pakistan who are innvolved in taking the initiative forward.

    “COLABS as a brand understands the sensitivity of the cause, and initiates a dialogue of how companies can do their part to raise funds.

    Sounds of Solidarity with Gaza is a first of its kind fundraiser where we host events that support a cause that we truly believe in. We have gathered artists from around the city who believe in the cause and can leverage their influence to raise funds for millions of people affected in Gaza, where humanitarian aid is severely limited.

    100% of the proceeds will be going directly to Anera Organization, to provide urgent aid to affected families amidst the unfolding crisis in Gaza. The fundraiser will be covering a panel talk with Palestinians settled in Pakistan who are helping us take this initiative forward, followed by artist performances using their art and talent to create an impact.

    We urge people to donate however they feel comfortable and join the cause.”

  • ‘Save the country, but do not become anyone’s tool’, Khursheed Shah advises Nawaz Sharif

    ‘Save the country, but do not become anyone’s tool’, Khursheed Shah advises Nawaz Sharif

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader Kursheed Shah has said on Tuesday that former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has returned to the country via a backdoor deal, stressing that he should not come to “save Pakistan” in this manner.

    The former opposition leader of the National Assembly, Khursheed Shah, has advised Nawaz Sharif to “save the country but not become anyone’s tool.”

    “I will appeal to Nawaz Sharif to save Pakistan but not come to [power] with anyone’s help,” said Shah, while talking to media in Sukkur.

    He also stated that PPP was very clear that general elections were not being held in 90 days to facilitate the PML-N leader.

    “Nawaz Sharif should clearly announce that he is back, and elections should now be held. If Nawaz Sharif comes via the wrong path, he will also be remembered in history as [selected],” said Shah.