Tag: trending

  • Wes Anderson in DI Khan? Believe it (or not)

    It’s true that there are a lot of reasons to be miserable in Pakistan right now: inflation, political instability, religious conflicts, the list keeps going.

    But it’s heartwarming to witness how talented Pakistani people are that they keep blowing us away with their creativity and sense of humor, such as a new trend that is re-imagining what Wes Anderson films would look like if instead of the West, they were shot in Pakistan.

    A social media user reimagined how Anderson’s film would look like in a village in Dera Ismail Khan.

    The result: mindblowing.

    Another video that kick started the trend was when a man decided to re-imagine how the iconic Hollywood director’s film would be shot if he landed in Chitral-and seriously we would love to pitch these ideas ourselves to Anderson.

    Twitter users are blown away by the creativity and honestly we agree with all of them. Let’s start calling directors like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino to Pakistan!

    https://twitter.com/percyakr21/status/1653496868134088704?s=20
  • Supreme Court judges get three-month summer holidays

    Supreme Court judges get three-month summer holidays

    Chief Justice (CJ) Umar Ata Bandial has approved a three-month summer vacation for all the judges in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

    The holidays will start from June 15 and last till September 15.

    However, the notification for the vacations said that urgent cases will continue to be heard during these holidays. In the last three years, important cases were heard during this period.

    Currently, the apex court is hearing the matter of Punjab elections as the divide between judges becomes more apparent.

  • Jameela Jamil slams celebrities for attending Met Gala that honoured controversial designer Karl Lagerfeld

    Activist and actress Jameela Jamil took to Instagram to publicly slam the celebrities who attended this year’s Met Gala, where late German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld- who was a controversial figure for his many sexist and racist comments- was honoured.

    Lagerfeld had been outspoken against allowing curvy women to pose for magazines or model, in response to women’s magazine ‘Bridgette’ when the publication announced that they would only publish pictures of real women instead of models:

    “You’ve got fat mothers with their bags of chips sitting in front of the television and saying that thin models are ugly. The world of beautiful clothing is about ‘dreams and illusions’.”

    Lagerfeld had also been a vocal opponent of the #MeToo movement, speaking to Numero in 2018 after three models accused the creative director of Chanel of sexual harassment:

    “If you don’t want your pants pulled about, don’t become a model! Join a nunnery, there’ll always be a place for you in the convent.”

    Jamil criticised the celebrities who had been vocal about social issues like #MeToo movement and body positivity for refusing to call out the controversial legacy of the late ‘Chanel’ fashion designer:

    “Last night Hollywood and fashion said the quiet part out loud when a lot of famous feminists chose to celebrate at the highest level, a man who was so publicly cruel to women, to fat people, to immigrants and to sexual assault survivors. And all the women’s publications, and spectators online, chose to gleefully ignore it. Suddenly your appetite to find someone’s tweets from when they were 12, has gone.”

    The ‘Good Place’ actor went on to share that the selective cancel culture within liberal politics needs to stop, because it further erodes the trust people have in progressive politics that it will actually make a difference in the world:

    “This isn’t about cancel culture. Its not even about Karl. It’s about showing how selective cancel culture is within liberal politics, in the most blatant way so far. It’s about showing why people don’t trust liberals. Because of slippery tactics and double standards like this.”

  • Exclusive: ‘I am not against the film’: Actor Shaan Shahid defends his viral comment about Money Back Guarantee

    Exclusive: ‘I am not against the film’: Actor Shaan Shahid defends his viral comment about Money Back Guarantee

    Veteran actor Shaan Shahid has been criticised by social media users when his Facebook comment went viral where he had slammed the director of ‘Money Back Guarantee’ Faisal Qureshi, saying that Ufone commerical directors should not be allowed to direct films:

    “Ufone commercials are 45 seconds… producers should be held responsible for getting directors who have no experience when it comes to films.”

    The Current spoke to the ‘Waar’ actor about the controversy. He defended his comment by saying that it was not directed targeted towards anyone, in particular, towards Pakistani films because he supports them.

    “This was an exchange between two colleagues. I had made this comment under a Facebook post by Rashid Khawaja, who is the CEO of Entertainment Pakistan.”

    Shahid added that he hoped that the film did well, adding that this was his own personal comment which everyone is allowed to express.

    The central argument made by most social media users was that with an industry that already has limited support, veteran actors like Shahid were further harming it by making such comments about ‘Money Back Guarantee’.

    When we asked Shahid about this, he responded:

    “My comment wouldn’t come across as degrading, because the film is already playing in cinemas and people are watching it. I feel that as a professional actor, you have to be good at executing what you are doing.”

    He further added that this was not only his sole opinion, but the cinema reviews coming out show people also have mixed responses to the film.

    The ‘Khuda Kay Liye’ actor further added that the filmmakers did not make a wise choice to release the film in these timings due to ongoing political instability, especially due to the curfew imposed by the government because of which cinemas shut down at 10 pm, calling it a ‘poor choice’.

  • ICC ODI rankings; Pakistan just two wins away from becoming Number 1

    ICC ODI rankings; Pakistan just two wins away from becoming Number 1

    Pakistan beat New Zealand in the third encounter of One-Day International ternational (ODI) series against New Zealand last night and is now aiming to win the next two thrillers on Friday and Sunday so that they can vault from third to first spot on the ICC ODI Team Rankings.

    Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam stitched together a ninth century-partnership, also breaking the famous record of Muhammad Yousuf and Younis Khan’s partnership as Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 26 runs to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. At this time Pakistan is on number three in the rankings and just two wins away from the number one position.

    The two lads added 108 runs for the second wicket off 121 balls as Pakistan, put into bat, posted 287 for six on a slow surface. New Zealand capitulated after a solid and positive 83-run first wicket stand to be bowled out for 261 in 49.1 overs.

    With the series in their pocket 3-0 their first against New Zealand after 12 years Pakistan is super charge all eyes on Imam, Babar and Fakhar to take the team on the top of the ODI rankings now Pakistan have 3,133 points with 112 ratings in ODI rankings after the remaining Two wins they will white wash New Zealand first time and also make the history by becoming number 1 ODI team first time ever.

    Imam and Babar were dismissed in identical ways – both dragging Matt Henry and Adam Milne’s deliveries onto their stumps. Imam was the fourth batter dismissed after scoring a watchful 90 from 107 balls with seven fours and six, while Babar struck three fours and a six in his 62-ball 54.

    The two had joined hands after Fakhar Zaman, who earlier in the day was named as the number-two ranked ODI batter in the world, was back in the hut after scoring a 26-ball 19 with four fours.

    Mohammad Rizwan (32) and Salman Ali Agha (31) added 54 runs off 48 balls for the fifth wicket to give an impetus to the innings, which ended with a 10-ball 21 not out by Shadab Khan. The Pakistan vice-captain hit a four and two sixes, including a last-ball six.

    Pakistan scored 82 runs for the loss of two wickets in the last 10 overs, including 46 runs for two wickets in five overs.

    In their run-chase, New Zealand raced to 99 for one after 20 overs before Pakistan bowlers put the brakes on the scoring-rate, allowing New Zealand to score 92 runs in the next 20 overs. This meant the visitors needed 97 runs in the last 10 overs and despite fielding lapses. They managed only 70 runs to be dismissed for 261 in 49.1 overs.

    Opener Tom Blundell struck 78-ball 65 with seven fours featured in three useful partnerships. After adding 83 runs for the first wicket with Will Young (33), he added 30 runs from 40 balls for the second wicket with Daryl Mitchell (21) and 14 runs for the third wicket in 21 balls with Tom Latham (45).

    Debutant Cole McConchie scored 64 not out (45 balls, six fours, two sixes) and put on 25 runs (34 balls) for the sixth wicket with Latham, 31 runs (21 balls) for the seventh wicket with Adam Milne, 19 runs (14 balls) for the eighth wicket with Henry Shipley and 12 runs (9 balls) for the ninth wicket with Ish Sodhi.

    For Pakistan, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Junior and Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets apiece.

    Match Highlights

    Pakistan won by 26 runs, 3rd ODI.

    Pakistan 287-6, 50 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 90, Babar Azam 54, Mohammad Rizwan 32, Salman Ali Agha 31, Shadab Khan 21 not out; Matt Henry 3-54)

    New Zealand 261 all-out, 49.1 overs (Tom Blundell 65, Cole McConchie 64 not out, Tom Latham 45, Will Young 33, Daryl Mitchell 21; Naseem Shah 2-42, Mohammad Wasim Junior 2-50, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-53)

    Player of the match – Imam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)

  • Serena William’s second pregnancy, Jared Leto in a cat costume: Here is all the drama that went down at this year’s Met Gala

    Serena William’s second pregnancy, Jared Leto in a cat costume: Here is all the drama that went down at this year’s Met Gala

    Met Gala is considered as fashion’s biggest night of the year, with celebrities coming out in droves wearing the most elaborate costumes.

    The event is hosted by the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, and is actually a fundraiser benefit for the Metropolitan Museum Of Art’s Costume Institute. Each year a new theme is decided upon for invitees to adhere to.

    This year, the Met Gala theme was ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty’ which was a celebration of the life and career of the late German fashion designer, who was the head of Chanel.

    Celebrities from all over the world came to celebrate the occasion with wild and creative choices that definitely ensured that the biggest night of fashion lives up to its name. We had some old faces making a comeback, Bollywood stars who graced the red carpet and even some of Lagerfeld’s own muses who made an appearance.

    Let’s go through all the biggest stars of the night and what they had worn to celebrate the occasion:

    Bollywood starlet Alia Bhatt made her debut wearing a dreamy white gown designed by Prabal Gurung, which was embroidered with pearls. In her Instagram post, the ‘Gangubai’ actor wrote that her look was inspired by supermodel Claudia Schiffer’s 1992 Chanel bridal look.

    The ruler of the fictional lanf of Genovia and queen of our hearts, Anne Hathaway, was the star of the evening with a stunning Versace gown, which was decorated with swarovski crystals and paired with a coin necklace by Bulgari.

    But what makes the Met Gala live up to it’s name is that there is no strict dress code demanding beautiful gowns and polished appearances, with attendees allowed to go as wild as they want with the theme.

    Actor Jared Leto decided to wear a full animal suit, honoring Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette.

    Rapper Lil Nas X took a creative spin on the theme with his bold look: wearing a metallic colored thong and covering his body with silver paint, along with embellished jewels and pearls on his face and neck.

    Among the A-listers were also some of the iconic super models of the 90’s, who had opened and closed for the late German designer’s fashion shows. Super model Naomi Campbell, who had began working with the late German designer when she was 16 years old, chose to wear a salmon pink silk sari from Chanel’s spring/summer 2010 collection.

    Iconic 90’s supermodel and actresss Devon Aoki made her debut at the Met Gala along side with designer Jeremy Scott, wearing a custom Moschino designed by him.

    Aoki had been famously hand-picked by Lagerfeld to be the ‘Chanel bride’, his choice ‘it girl’ who would close out Chanel couture shows.

    Famous sports figures had also shown up dressed to the nines to celebrate the glamorous night.

    Tennis legend Serena Williams attended the Met Gala alongside her husband Alex Ohanian, wearing a custom Gucci gown, where she also announced that she was expecting her second baby.

    Tennis champion Roger Federer, who was also one of the co-hosts of the night, made a stunning comeback after attending last in 2017. He had worn a sleek black tuxedo paired with black sunglasses, and posed at the event with his wife, Mirka.

  • Taliban refuse to let women work and go to school

    Afghan Taliban have once again rejected international calls to lift the ban they imposed on women’s work and education, after the United Nations sanctions committee concluded in Doha without formally recognising the administration in Afghanistan.

    Suhail Shaheen, head of the Taliban political office in Doha pointed out that the meeting’s decisions cannot be accepted or implemented when the government in Afghanistan is not part of the process.

    In a meeting where over 20 countries’ representatives were present, the Taliban administration was not invited.

    When asked by a journalist if there will ever be a situation when he will meet the Taliban directly, UN Chief António Guterres said: “If the time is right, I will not deny the possibility.”

    Afghan Foreign Minister (FM) Amir Khan Muttaqi will reportedly visit Pakistan in a couple of days.

  • Fact Check: Is Asia Cup getting delayed?

    Fact Check: Is Asia Cup getting delayed?

    There is no possibility of postponing the Asia Cup or shifting the tournament to a neutral venue, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) sources have confirmed to Dawn News, stating that it did not send any notification to the member countries.

    Pakistani media reports have claimed that if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) does not agree to play the Asia Cup at a neutral venue, the tournament may be out of the hands of the country.

    Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah and the Chairman Asian Cricket Council (ACC) have stated that India will not travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023. The tournament is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan but BCCI continuously threatens PCB that they will not send their team to the host country and force the Cup to shifted to a neutral venue.

    Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to be played in September but the final date has not been announced yet.

    PCB management committee has proposed a hybrid model in which Pakistan will play their matches in Pakistan but India will play their matches in Dubai. Najam Sethi had clarified that “We will decide where the Indian team will play their matches, not them. We have the right to decide and we will not back off from the hosting”

    The Indian cricket board is believed to want the entire tournament to be shifted to the UAE, as was done in 2018 and 2022 when India and Sri Lanka hosted the tournament.

    A member of the ACC board said on condition of anonymity that “messages have been exchanged but no discussion or proposal has been made to postpone the Asia Cup”.

    He further said that if the Asia Cup is canceled, the PCB will be informed first, but nothing has happened so far.

    According to him, the ACC will have to convene an executive board meeting to postpone or cancel the event.
    Sources further said that Chairman Jay Shah can call a meeting (virtual or physical) in 7 days, but so far there is no information about any such meeting.

    ACC sources said that to the best of their knowledge, the last official exchange of mail between the PCB, ACC and BCCI was an invitation to assure the Indian team of maximum security and best hospitality.

    He said that however, obviously, it is difficult for India to travel to Pakistan in the current sensitive political environment.

    Another issue is how much money the official broadcaster has promised on contracts, which include at least two guaranteed Pak-India matches and a bonus third match if both teams reach the final.

    “We should remember the media rights and the deal with Star Sports who have paid crores of rupees for at least two Pak-India matches in the Asia Cup,” he said.

    Sources are clear that if the board meeting of ACC will decide to cancel the tournament so it will not only effect the participation of Pakistan in World Cup 2023 but will be a dangerous thing for the bilateral relationships of Pakistan with other countries.

  • Stranger Things, Abbott Elementary, Yellowjackets: Here’s why your favourite shows are in jeopardy

    Thousands of Hollywood movie and television writers are participating in a nation-wide strike, protesting for better wages and shares of the profits from streaming platforms.

    Members of the Writers’ Guild Of America (WGA)- which represents 11,500 writers working in film, television and other forms of entertainment, had been in negotiations for six weeks after which the strike was announced on May 2, in a letter written to The Alliance Of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP):

    “Though we negotiated intent on making a fair deal — and though your strike vote gave us the leverage to make some gains — the studios’ responses to our proposals have been wholly insufficient, given the existential crisis writers are facing. The companies’ behavior has created a gig economy inside a union workforce, and their immovable stance in this negotiation has betrayed a commitment to further devaluing the profession of writing.”

    A report shared in March by WGA stated that while the number of jobs has soared in the entertainment industry, budget allocations towards television and film writers has largely reduced by 4% in the last decade. Vox reported that as television shows have begun shortening their seasons by going for 8-10 episodes in comparison to 22 episodes per season, writers are paid less for their jobs. Adding that for movie screenwriters, their salary has not increased since 2018, which means that during inflation, their salaries have reduced by 14%.

    The guild demanded that studio owners address the rise of the ‘mini-room’, a practice in which two or three writers are hired to work on a show rather than the usual seven, before it is even picked up for production. The letter highlighted that with this practice, writers are paid less than they generally receive for a regular writer’s room, and are usually disposed off when production begins.

    What does this mean for all of our favorite shows? The last time a strike happened was in 2007, causing several hit shows like ‘The Office’ and ‘Breaking Bad’ to delay production and cut down several episodes.

    This time, the popular shows whose production is under threat include Netflix’s monster hit ‘Stranger Things’. Los Angeles Times reports that although writing for the 5th season began last year in August, Netflix did not confirm that the scripts had been completed.

    Showtime’s hit comedy series ‘Abbott Elementary’ has already put its Season 3 on hold with several writers participating in the protest to improve their wages. Speaking to Democracy Now, writer Brittani Nichols demanded that the studio start prioritizing their workers, rather than Wall Street.

    Critically acclaimed thriller series ‘Yellowjackets’ has also announced a halt in production, as confirmed by the co-creator Ashley Lye. In a tweet, she revealed that work on Season 3 has stopped until a fair deal is negotiated with WGA

    Popular late-night talk shows like ‘The Late Show’ and ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ have already shut down production and popular television host Seth Meyers addressing the strike during a segment and sent solidarity to the writers:

    “I love writing. I love writing for TV. I love writing this show. I love that we get to come in with an idea for what we want to do every day and we get to work on it all afternoon and then I have the pleasure of coming out here. No one is entitled to a job in show business. But for those people who have a job, they are entitled to fair compensation. They are entitled to make a living. I think it’s a very reasonable demand that’s being set out by the guild. And I support those demands.”

  • From 157 to 150: Pakistan’s press freedom ranking improves

    In a positive development, Pakistan’s press freedom ranking has improved, with the country moving up seven spots to number 150 on the list.

    However, India’s position has slipped to 160 compared to last year’s stats when the country was placed at 150. China has been placed in the second last spot in the ranking list and North Korea has been put in the last.

    May 3rd marks World Press Freedom Day, an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; to assess the state of press freedom throughout the world; to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

    The World Press Freedom Index also revealed a shocking general slide, with an unprecedented 31 countries deemed to be in a “very serious situation”.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif took to Twitter to pay his tributes to all journalists across the world “for the commendable work they are doing to inform and educate the people.”