Five months after testing positive for COVID-19 for the first time, Jawad Ahmad has tested positive for the virus again.
Sharing the news on social media, Ahmad said: “I contracted COVID again. Don’t know if I’ll survive or not.”
The singer-turned-politician further said: “Yes, I’ve enough money for its treatment if it gets worse, but truth is that it is no more fun to just keep living in this world full of poverty, helplessness and deprivation.”
“One needs to change it before going to heaven,” added Jawad.
I contracted COVID again. Don’t know if I’ll survive or not. Yes, I’ve enough money for its treatment if it gets worse,but truth is that it is no more fun to just keep living in this world full of poverty, helplessness & deprivation. One needs to change it before going to heaven.
Ahmad, whoentered politicsa few years ago with the Barabri Party Pakistan is very vocal about the rights of marginalized groups.
The vision of his party is “to establish a truly democratic state based on equitable distribution of wealth, equality of right over resources so that whatever is found, grown and produced in this country is equally accessible to all and equal access to opportunities regardless of race, religion, gender, and ethnicity.”
To celebrate one year of her YouTube channel and her birthday, Saba Qamar has released a new songChingariyan in collaboration with Mustafa Zahid and Emmad Irfani.
“Celebrating the first year anniversary of my YouTube channel and my birthday with the release of an episode very close to my heart,” said Saba, while sharing a clip from the song.
“I’ve put my sweat, blood, heart and soul into this project, I really hope that this story connects with you all exactly like I felt it while doing this because ‘Life goes on’,” she said further.
The actor also thanked her “two favorite people for making my dream project come to life”.
“This was not possible without Mustafa Zahid and Emmad Irfani,” said Saba.
Chingariyan, which has mostly been shot underwater, features Saba and Emaad. It has been composed by Saad Sultan and Zahid, while the lyrics have been penned by Shakeel Sohail, Mustafa Zahid, Ali Aftab and Saad Sultan.
Saba launched her YouTube channel last year during the COVID-19 lockdown with an episode on isolation. Titled Isolation, the episode followed the actor as she embraced her loneliness. She narrated her feelings as she walked around the house and raised some thought-provoking questions.
Meanwhile, Saba recently also called it off with Azeem Khan due to “personal reasons,” just a week after announcing that she is getting married to him.
Yasir Hussain, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ayesha Omar and Sabeeka Imam have stepped forward and raised their voice for veteran actress Naila Jaffery, who is currently battling ovarian cancer.
“TV walo yeh aap ki hi aik sathi adakara hain. Aur yeh apna haq mang rahi hain. imdad nahi,” wrote Yasir Hussain on social media.
The actor further said: “Fellow actor Naila Jaffery ki halat dekhny k baad bhi hum kehty hain k hamen khuda ka khouf hai aur hum aakharat se darty hain.”
“Ramzan main chanda aur signal pai bheek dene se kuch nahi ho ga. Hamen haq dena ho ga,” he added.
“It’s really time to take a stand on this,” said Mikaal sharing Yasir’s story. It is pertinent to add here that the Durre Shehwar actor has previously also demanded TV channels to pay actors for reruns.
Voicing her support, Ayesha Omar said: “Heartbreaking to see yet another senior actor and someone who has given so much to our industry suffering and reminding the government/industry giants about their due rights.”
Omar further added: “She’s absolutely right. Senior actors, especially those who don’t have family support and are undergoing long term treatments should be given royalties and financial support, if not all.
Sharing the video of Jaffri’s appeal, Sabeeka Imam wrote: “This is so heartbreaking.”
“I have worked with her and she is the sweetest person. Dear channel owners, please have it in your hearts to at least give her what she’s due,” said the model, adding: “I am certain Allah will reward you with more! Love you Naila Jee.”
This is so heartbreaking. I have worked with her and she is the sweetest person. Dear channel owners, please have it in your hearts to atleast give her what she’s due. I am certain Allah will reward you with more!!! LOVE YOU NAILA JEE!!! ❤ https://t.co/2aJOFZlYog
Ushna Shah also took to her twitter and said: “Royalties are meant to feed artists for life but in PK we are heartbreakingly forsaken. #NailaJafri shouldn’t have had to publicly request for what is hers on her cancer bed. Many artists have relied on the kindness of samaritan fans once their distress was made public.”
In another tweet, she wrote: “Artists deserve a royalties for their art, a retirement plan, a union, an insurance for difficult times, a dignified pension, like every other hardworking person on this planet.”
2/2 Artists deserve a royalties for their art, a retirement plan, a union, an insurance for difficult times, a dignified pension, like every other hardworking person on this planet.
In her appeal video, Naila had requested for compensation of her re-broadcasted dramas on PTV.
“For the last six years, I [have been tied to] hospitals, as well as illness and cancer,” said the veteran actor. “I have also not had my second round of chemo either because of persistent infection and during this time I wondered: ‘What if the government lends a hand in this? What if they set up some policies for older people from the arts and sports sector?’.”
She further said: “When I initially joined PTV, I would get royalties for re-run shows and while that amount was nowhere near enough, it was still something and I liked having a stream of disposable income on the side.”
“I have been confined to a hospital bed for six years now and while everyone has supported me, loved me, helped me, and motivated me I wish there was some way to gain royalties on some of my last re-run plays,” said the actor. “Though I understand that it might not look like a lot to many people, for people like me who stopped working years ago, this support becomes important.”
“I request and demand that something is done for senior artists in the future since it’s become harder and harder for us to manage,” requested Naila.
Later in the day, Yasir shared that someone reached out to him in order to the help the veteran actor.
“Zindagi mai pehli bar laga hai k social media ka kuch faida hai,” said Yasir. “Naila Jaffery jee k baray mai meri Insta story dekh k aik farishty ki call aai and now they are connected.”
“Alhamdulillah is mulk main bohot achy log bhi hain,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Sindh Government has announced that they will bear all medical expenses of the actor.
As per details, Sindh Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities Sardar Ali Shah, in a statement, said that his department would bear all treatment expenses of Jaffery.
Sardar Shah on Twitter announced that his department would bear all treatment expenses of Naila Jaffery. He said in his tweet: “Culture department will happily bear all her expenses .. can anyone share her contact number?
Culture department will happily bear all her expenses .. can anyone share her contact number?
In another Instagram story, Yasir said: “Shukria un tamam logoon ka jinhoon ney yeah royalty ka system iss mulk sey khatam kia warna aaj koi bhi fankar yeah bat na kar raha hota.”
Saba Qamar has ended up on the moral brigade’s radar after pictures from her birthday celebrations went viral on social media. Saba, who wore a blue off-shoulder dress to her party, has irked some social media users who then harshly criticised the actor for her choice of outfit.
While Saba did not bother with the trolls, Zoya Nasir, who is very vocal about her opinions, shut them down, saying: “These are the same men (and women) who, if run into Saba Qamar, would shamelessly beg for a selfie with her and would take pride in showing to their peers that they had the honour of meeting her.”
Zoya, who is often at the receiving end of criticism for her outfit and life choices, earlier also defended a bride after former actor Noor Bukhari criticised her outfit on her wedding day.
Saba Qamar celebrated her birthday Sunday night in Lahore with her closest friends and family in an intimate birthday bash. Celebrities spotted at the event included Bilal Saeed and Ali Azmat and model Aimal Khan.
Check out pictures from the event below:
The birthday girl looked lovely in a fitted blue dress with a pink pout.
Saba, who has a string of releases lined up for the coming year, last week announcedthat she has called it off with Azeem Khan due to “personal reasons,” just a week after she had shared that she was getting married soon.
Atif Aslam, Adnan Sami Khan, Shaan and Asim Raza among others have expressed their grief over the demise of legendary Pakistani folk singer Shaukat Ali, who passed away on Friday in Lahore.
“Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Shaukat Ali Khan,” said Aslam. “His immense contribution to traditional folk music stands unparalleled.”
“My heartfelt condolences to his family. May Allah forgive him and grant patience to his loved ones,” he added.
Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Shaukat Ali Khan Sb. His immense contribution to traditional folk music stands unparalleled. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May Allah forgive him and grant patience to his loved ones.#AtifAslam#Aadeez#ShaukatAliKhan
Adnan Sami Khan also extended his grievances, saying: “I’m extremely saddened to learn that the legendary folk singer of Pakistan, Shaukat Ali Sahib has passed away.”
“His contribution to music is priceless and he had an incredible voice,” said Sami, remembering the maestro.
I’m extremely saddened to learn that the Legendary Folk Singer of Pakistan, Shaukat Ali Sahib has passed away. His contribution to music is priceless & he had an incredible voice!!
“Saddened to learn about the loss of legendary folk singer Shaukat Ali Sahab,” said Zafar, sharing the musician’s classic song Kadi Tey Has Bol. “Deepest condolences to the family.”
Saddened to learn about the loss of legendary folk singer Shaukat Ali Sahab. Deepest condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace. Kadi Ty Has Bol – Shaukat Ali | EMI Pakistan Originals https://t.co/68PjDsEO90
Shaan also remembered the legendary singer, saying: “Rest in peace Shaukat Ali Sb.”
“Indeed you have served this nation with all your love, talent and hard work,” added the Pakistani superstar. “Your contributions will always be remembered by all of us.”
Rest in peace shukat Ali Sb indeed you have served this nation with all your love , talent and hard work . Your contributions will always be remembered by all of us May ALLAH bless your soul ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ufAlnsNZrp
Other celebrities and notable personalities who remembered Ali include Yasir Hussain, Asim Raza, Muhammad Basharat Raja, Naz Baloch, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and Faisal Javed Khan.
معروف گلوکار شوکت علی کے انتقال کی خبر سن کر بہت دکھ ہوا (اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّا اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْن)۔ شوکت علی نے اپنے فن خصوصا پرجوش ملی نغموں سے پاکستان کا نام روشن کیا۔ پروردگار مرحوم کو جنت الفردوس میں جگہ دے اور غمزدہ خاندان کو صبر جمیل عطا فرمائے۔ آمین۔
— Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan (@Dr_FirdousAwan) April 2, 2021
Sad demise of legendary folk singer Shaukat Ali, he will be always remembered for his patriotic songs. pic.twitter.com/FZRmEoLa6N
Saddened to hear of Legendary Shaukat Ali sb’s passing. He played a vital role in instilling affection for the country in hearts of everyone and in motivating & encouraging soldiers’ morale and rallied the nation. May ALLAH rest his soul in peace. Ameenhttps://t.co/fHOqV010ik
— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) April 2, 2021
Deeply saddened by the death of renowned singer Shaukat Ali. His artistic life is a memorable chapter of the country’s history, his songs & folk singing will always be remembered. May Allah forgive him & give patience to the family. Ameen!
— Muhammad Basharat Raja (@RajaBasharatLAW) April 2, 2021
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.
Iqra Aziz has opened up on why she chose Yasir Hussain as her life partner.
Sharing a video clip of Yasir’s interview in which the actor remarked that there is nothing wrong with publicly expressing his love for his wife, Iqra said: “I chose Yasir because he always speaks the truth and does not differentiate among people.”
“He respects everyone and gives them their due credit,” said Iqra further. “In addition to this, he knows how to respect a woman. After my mother and sister, no one has given me more confidence than him.”
Iqra continued: “This is important in these times that a man, your husband, supports you in your work, your dreams and wishes to see you succeed in your life.”
The actor further said that a man who loves and respects his wife, helps her achieve her dreams and prioritises her happiness over his own is the dream of every girl and that her “dream has been fulfilled. Alhamdulillah“.
Iqra has always praised Yasir for being in her life. On their first wedding anniversary, Iqra had penned a loving note for Yasir, saying that he is the positivity in her life.
On April 1, April Fool’s Day, Hania Aamir announced that she has gotten engaged. Sharing a picture of her hand with a ring on it and a rose, Hania wrote “01/04/2021”.
Soon after, people from her close friend’s circle started congratulating her. While Hania initially did not share who she had gotten engaged to, her friend Umer Mukhtar later revealed that the actor had gotten engaged to musician Shamoon Ismail.
Ismail added more fuel to the fire by resharing the story on his Instagram account leaving fans confused over whether the two had actually put a ring on it or were just fooling around.
Turns out Hania was just playing an elaborate April Fool’s joke on her fans and has not gotten engaged to Shamoon.
“Thanks guys. I’ll definitely have a better quality photo when it’s real. I love you guys,” said Hania.
She also thanked Shamoon for being “such a sport”.
Saba Qamar has announced that she has called it off with Azeem Khan due to many ‘personal reasons’, just a week after she had shared that she was getting married soon.
“I have a very important announcement to make,” said Saba in a statement. “Due to a lot of personal reasons I have decided to call it off with Azeem Khan.”
“We are not getting married now,” said Saba further. “Hope you guys will support my decision just like you all have been supporting me always, and I guess it’s never too late to realise the bitter realities!”
“I also wanted to clear one important thing that is: I have never met Azeem Khan in my life we were only connected over the phone,” shared Saba, adding: “It’s a very hard time on me right now but as we all know ‘This too shall pass’.”
Responding to Saba’s post, Azeem said: “She hasn’t written my side of [the] story and yes it’s my fault.”
Earlier, in an interview, Saba had shared that she has found her soulmate and “if everything goes well, I will be tying the knot very soon.”
She had also said ‘Qubool Hai‘ to Azeem when he commented under her post and said that let’s get married this year.
Meanwhile, Saba’s colleagues including Hadiqa Kiani, Yumna Zaidi, Noor Bukhari, Adnan Ansari and Abdullah Sultan commented on her post to show support to her.