It’s polling day across Pakistan. People are turning up at polling stations to cast their votes, and celebrities are right in there too.
Many Pakistani stars, including Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ayeza Khan, Khalid Anam, Hina Bayat, Kashif Mehmood, Afzal Khan, Sahiba, Osman Khalid Butt, Mahira Khan, Nadia Hussain, Naveen Waqar have already voted. Hina Bayat gave a special message, asking everyone to vote quickly.
Below, you’ll see some pictures and videos of them taking part in the elections.
A “Star Wars” actor backed by Elon Musk’s X is suing Disney for firing her over inflammatory social media posts about the Holocaust, the pandemic and trans rights.
Gina Carano, who had a major role in the wildly popular Disney+ series “The Mandalorian” until 2021, filed a lawsuit in California on Tuesday claiming wrongful termination.
The suit says Carano was expressing personal political views but was hounded by an “extreme progressive” online mob, and alleges that Disney’s actions and comments had damaged her reputation and ability to find work in the future.
The lawsuit is being funded by X, a spokesman for the company confirmed to AFP.
Carano, an outspoken former martial arts fighter-turned-actor, was fired by Disney for what the company at the time dubbed “abhorrent and unacceptable” social media posts “denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities.”
One particularly controversial post shared by Carano appeared to liken being a conservative in the United States to being Jewish in Nazi Germany.
Another post appeared to mock a person for wearing multiple masks during the Covid-19 pandemic in California.
And Carano had earlier drawn the wrath of members of the trans community for adding “boop/bop/beep” as preferred pronouns on her Twitter profile.
In a statement, Carano said she had “never even used aggressive language” but had shared “thought provoking” posts with “respect & the occasional comedy.”
Both her statement and the lawsuit allege that Carano was afforded less right to exercise her freedom of speech than some of her male colleagues.
Carano said she had been contacted by an X lawyer offering to take on her case after she publicly replied to an open offer from Musk to help anyone fired after using X to exercise free speech.
“As a sign of X Corp’s commitment to free speech, we’re proud to provide financial support for Gina Carano’s lawsuit,” said an official post by X on Tuesday.
The lawsuit does not specify the amount of damages Carano is seeking, but claims she lost a role on planned “Mandalorian” spin-off “Rangers of the New Republic” that would have been worth “$150,000 to $250,000 per episode.”
Former actress and television host Sahiba Afzal, daughter of yesteryears’ superstar Nisho, has recently shared surprising details about her life.
The star admitted that she has never seen or met her biological father.
During an episode of Meri Maa, hosted by veteran actor Sajid Hasan, Sahiba said that although she never had the chance to meet her real father, she had a wonderful relationship with her step-father until he passed away. The ‘Kanpain Tang Rahi Hain’ actor said, “I’ve never seen or met my real father. My mother had split up with him before I was born. My step-father, who I don’t even like to call ‘step,’ because he means more to me than my biological father, gave me a lot of love and affection.”
She added that it’s been five years since her beloved step-father passed away, and until his very last moment, she had a strong connection with him. “He was like a friend to me, someone I confided in with all my secrets, even ones I didn’t share with my mother. Because of him, I never felt the absence of a father in my life.”
“His name was Jamal Pasha, and he used to be a pilot. He also worked for TV channels,” Sahiba explained.
The setback of not knowing her biological father has not stopped Sahiba from enjoying success. Not only did she become an A-list star in films but also went on to have a happy marriage with Jan Rambo, and raising two sons.
Actor Asad Siddiqui’s father and father-in-law of actress Zara Noor Abbas, passed away last night at the age of 85.
The star took to his Instagram and shared the sad news. “Last night (February 6) I dug up my canopy, my courage, my strength and my everything. We have lost our father, the most powerful pillar of our family.”
He wrote, “It is with great regret that we are telling you that Abu is no longer with us. His departure has created a huge void in our lives and we are deeply saddened.”
Asad wrote that his father’s presence was a beacon for the family, calling him “an unconditional pillar of love, wisdom and courage for us.”
Sharing another Instagram story, he wrote that the funeral prayers will be offered in the local mosque of DHA area of Karachi tomorrow (Thursday) after noon prayer.
He requested his fans to pray for his father and his family during this difficult time.
On the other hand, actress Zara Noor Abbas also expressed her grief by sharing a post on Instagram.
Pakistani actress and model Hira Tareen has said that its not necessary that every man only looks at women with lust. Recently, Hira Tareen participated in the FHM, where she openly discussed various issues.
During the program, the actress confessed, “I am a feminist, but being a feminist does not mean that women’s rights are spoken of in one tone. I was invited to participate in the women’s march but did not participate because the march serves many purposes, it is not solely for women’s rights and autonomy.” She said that while there is talk of equal rights for women in the country, there is also a discussion of superiority over men. “Violence against women is condemnable in every way, but it is also a reality that the pleasures enjoyed by women in Pakistan are nowhere to be found.” She clarified her point by saying that women are respected in Pakistan. “Now, if a woman goes out in bold clothes, people will definitely see her, but men looking does not always mean they see women with lust and dirty thoughts.”
She stressed that men who leer at womenbwill also see women in a veil, hijab, or shalwar kameez in the same light.
At least 28 people have been killed and 40 injured in two separate blasts in Balochistan on Wednesday afternoon, just a few short hours before polling starts on election day.
The first attack claimed at least 15 people’s lives while over 30 were injured after an explosion took place outside an independent candidate’s office in Balochistan’s Pishin. The second blast took place outside a Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) office in the Killa Saifullah district. The Pishin blast happened outside the political office of independent candidate Asfand Yar Khan Kakar in the Khanozai area.
Injured people have been shifted to the Tehsil Hospital Khanozai, while the bodies have also been transferred, the hospital’s MS Dr Habib told Geo News.
Arisha Razi has recently shared beautiful photos from her Mayun ceremony, but without showing her groom. Now, she’s posted a delightful video with her husband from the same event and they both look stunning. In the video, they’re twirling happily in matching orange outfits. Arisha’s makeup and hair were done by Rabia Anam Salon, her outfit was from Haseens Official, and her jewelry was by Allure by MHT.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief organizer Maryam Nawaz has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to stop indulging in what she described as politics of hate. “Today I want to say that I am ready to forget all the oppression against us,” Maryam said. “I promise today and invite everyone to put an end to all this once and for all,” she said at a rally in Kasur. “I want a Pakistan where the government concentrates on serving people instead of avenging the past,” she said.
Be it daily soaps or serials, Pakistani dramas have an enormous viewership around the globe. In 2023, we witnessed blockbuster gems like Tere Bin, Kuch Ankahi, Fairy Tale, and Mayi Ri, depicting unconventional stories that kept the audiences hooked to their screens. While 2023 was a good year for Pakistani television, 2024 seems to be even better with a good line-up of projects including a few fresh concepts and pairings. Here are the top TV shows that everyone is excited about this year:
1: Tere Bin Season 2 Drama – Har Pal Geo TV
On Dec 29, 2023, Abdullah Kadwani announced news about Tere Bin Season 2, exciting fans for Wahaj Ali and Yumna Zaidi’s return in a love story tackling social barriers. With Bushra Ansari and Sohail Sameer in supporting roles and the potential return of Sabeena Farooq, anticipation is high. The cast yet to be fully confirmed but may include Wahaj Ali, Yumna Zaidi, Bushra Ansari, Sabeena Farooq, and Sohail Sameer.
2: Radd drama –Ary Digital
Radd, made by Abdullah Seja and Jarjees Seja, stars Hiba Bukhari and Sheheryar Munawar in the main roles. Ahmad Bhatti directed the show, and Sanam Mehdi Zaryab wrote it. The first episode of the series will air on 19-4-2024 at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital, the official channel for the show.
3: Fanna – Green TV
Fanna promises a captivating journey of love, loyalty, and resilience, featuring powerful performances and emotional storytelling. Scheduled for release in 26-2-2024 at 8 PM, the drama will be aired on GREEN TV.
4: Dil Pe Dastak- Hum TV
Dil Pe Dastak is a Pakistani drama produced by Momina Duraid, starring Khaqan Shahnawaz and Aena Khan in leading roles. It features many supporting actors and is produced by MD Production. Episode 1 will air on March 11, 2024, at 9:00 PM on HUM TV.
5: Tum Bin Kesay Jiyen- ARY Digital
Tum Bin Kesay Jiyen is a Pakistani drama on ARY Digital, centered around true friendships, genuine love, and keeping promises. Starring Junaid Jamshed Niazi, Saniya Shamshad, and Hammad Shoaib, this fresh take is written by Edison Idrees Masih and directed by Saqib Khan, produced by IDream Entertainment. Episode 1 airs on 25-2-2024 at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital.
Actor Mikaal Zulfikar has expressed his opinion regarding a second marriage.
Mikaal was the guest on a T.V. programme, and opened up about his personal life as well as issues within the industry.
In response to a question about the second marriage, the actor said, “My father advises me to marry a foreigner; he often says, ‘Do what I have done and marry a foreigner.’ Well, I have had the experience of marriage in Pakistan. To be honest, I don’t think about getting married again because I have two kids, and I am at peace. I want to live like that.”
Mikaal Zulfiqar’s first marriage was with Sara Bhatti, which ended in 2017 after seven years.