Tag: trending

  • Social media calls for boycotting Marvel movie with Israeli ‘superhero’

    Social media calls for boycotting Marvel movie with Israeli ‘superhero’

    The global anti-Israel movement led by BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions ) and other pro-Palestinian groups are calling for a boycott of the Disney and Marvel film Captain America: Brave New World, featuring Israeli comic-book superhero Sabra (Ruth Bat Seraph).

    On July 12, Marvel dropped the first teaser for the film, set to release next February, which portrays Sabra as a “high-ranking US government official” instead of a Mossad agent, which she is in the comics.

    The change has come in the context of critique that was showered upon Marvel after it announced that the character will be part of the new movie. The character of Sabra was first introduced in the 1980s Hulk comics but Marvel studios has said that it would be “taking a new approach to the character.”

    While this change of approach is criticised by pro-Israel factions, it was also heavily lambasted by pro-Palestinian groups. In a social media post, BDS stated: “Palestinians call for intensifying pressure on Disney and Marvel to drop anti-Palestinian character.”

    “We call for boycotting Disney+ subscriptions, Marvel merchandise and all screenings of Captain America: Brave New World,” the BDS National Committee, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Movement for Black Lives collectively posted. “Disney’s superficial changes to the character cannot erase its decades-long complicity in Israeli propaganda,” the post added.

    The slider, posted by BDS, emphasised that “By reviving this racist character in any form, Marvel is promoting Israel’s brutal oppression of Palestinians.”

    The criticism is also deeply rooted in the casting of Shira Haas, who has previously volunteered for the genocidal Israeli military even though she was exempted due to “stunted growth” because she suffered from a form of cancer while she was a toddler. She voluntarily enlisted herself in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Military Band and theatre unit.

    “The character has long glorified violence against Palestinians, working for the Israeli government and military, which are now annihilating Palestinians in Gaza,” the post elaborated.

    A user on X shared that “(Marvel) has announced the character on the 40th anniversary of the event. BDS are calling for a boycott. Don’t watch.”

    Another user shared her stance by writing, “Just a reminder now that a new Deadpool & Wolverine trailer was released that Marvel is being boycotted just like McDonald’s and Starbucks because the next Captain America movie is going to have an Israeli superhero, Sabra, played by a literal IDF soldier, Shira Haas.”

  • UN expert compares Netanyahu with Hitler

    UN expert compares Netanyahu with Hitler

    Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights situation in the Palestinian territories responded to a post on X, formerly Twitter, displaying a picture of Hitler being celebrated by a crowd with Nazi salutes and cheers above a shot of Netanyahu appearing to be greeted by US congressmen this week.

    “History is always watching,” Craig Mokhiber, another former UN human rights official who resigned late last October accusing the world body of failing to prevent the “genocide” of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, wrote in the post.

    “This is precisely what I was thinking today,” Albanese, an independent expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in 2022 but who does not speak on behalf of the United Nations, said in her response on Thursday.

    Israel’s foreign ministry was quick to respond, slamming her on X as being “beyond redemption.”

    “It is inconceivable that (Albanese) is still allowed to use the UN as a shield to spread anti-Semitism,” it said.

    “When a current UN ‘expert’ endorses Holocaust distortion spread by the former (UN rights office) director in New York… the system is rotten to its core,” it said.

    “It’s high time to #UNseatAlbanese!“

    Israel’s new ambassador in Geneva, Daniel Meron, used the same hashtag, decrying that “Francesca Albanese abuses her (UN) title to spread hatred and inflammatory rhetoric.”

    Israel’s top ally the United States also weighed in.

    “UN Special Rapporteur’s comparison of Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler is reprehensible and antisemitic,” US ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva Michele Taylor said on X.

    “There should be no place for such dehumanizing rhetoric. Special rapporteurs should be striving to improve human rights challenges, not inflame them.”

    Albanese on Friday hit back at the criticism, insisting that “the memory of the Holocaust remains intact.”

    “Institutional rants and outburst of selective moral outrage will not stop the course of justice, which is finally in motion.”

    Israel’s has killed at least 39,175 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.

  • PTI’s Neeli Pari sent on judicial remand for assaulting PML-N worker

    PTI’s Neeli Pari sent on judicial remand for assaulting PML-N worker

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker Aneela Riaz, aka Neeli Pari, has been sent to jail on judicial remand by a local court in Lahore for assaulting comedian and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) worker, Tahir Anjum, on Thursday.

    The arrest comes after a day police registered a case against Aneela and sought her physical remand following the complaint by the victim.

    However, the court rejected the police’s request for physical remand.

    Videos emerged on social media in which Neeli Pari was seen assaulting Anjum by stopping his car and even tearing his clothes outside the Punjab Assembly.

  • Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Aya Nakamura may headline Paris Olympics opening ceremony

    Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Aya Nakamura may headline Paris Olympics opening ceremony

    World-famous stars are in line to perform at Friday’s opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, which will take place along the Seine River. The exact line-up is a tightly guarded secret, but here are three performers strongly rumoured to be appearing:

    Lady Gaga

    One of the world’s biggest-selling artists, pop queen Lady Gaga – real name Stefani Germanotta – brings extravagant showmanship and costumes to the stage, along with her infectious electropop beats. She won an Oscar for Shallow, a song she co-wrote for the 2018 film remake A Star is Born. In that film, she sang the classic La Vie en rose by French legend Edith Piaf – whose songs are expected to feature in the Olympics extravaganza.

    Lady Gaga was seen arriving at a hotel in the French capital days ahead of the opening bash. Her anticipated Olympic turn comes during a busy year for the Oscar-winning US songwriter, 38. Earlier this month she announced she was back in the studio at work on a new album. She also appears as love-interest Harley Quinn in the new Joker movie, screening at the Venice Film Festival that starts in late August.

    “Music is one of the most powerful things the world has to offer,” she said prior to her electrifying 2017 Super Bowl halftime show performance. “No matter what race or religion or nationality or sexual orientation or gender that you are, it has the power to unite us.”

    Celine Dion

    Canadian superstar singer Dion is set to return to the spotlight after her fight against a rare illness was laid bare in a recent documentary. She has been posing for selfies with fans around Paris since the start of the week. Sources have indicated she may sing Piaf’s stirring love anthem Hymne A l’Amour at the ceremony. If she performs it will be the 56-year-old Dion’s second time at the Games, after the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.  Last month, she vowed she would fight her way back from the debilitating rare neurological condition that has kept her off stage.

    Dion first disclosed in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, an incurable autoimmune disorder. But she told US network NBC in June: “I’m going to go back onstage, even if I have to crawl. Even if I have to talk with my hands, I will. I will.” She has sold more than 250 million albums during a career spanning decades and picked up two Grammys for her rendition of My Heart Will Go On, the hit song from the 1997 epic Titanic.

    Aya Nakamura

    Franco-Malian R&B superstar Aya Nakamura, 29, is the most listened-to French-speaking singer in the world, with seven billion streams online. She is known for hits such as Djadja, which has close to a billion streams on YouTube alone, and Pookie. She faced down a wave of abuse from right-wing activists over her mooted Olympics appearance. The backlash came after media reports suggested she had discussed performing a song by Piaf at a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. Neither party confirmed the claim but Macron publicly backed the singer for the Olympics ceremony. Far-right politicians and conservatives have accused her of “vulgarity” and disrespecting the French language in her lyrics.

    Born Aya Danioko in the Malian capital Bamako in 1995 into a family of traditional musicians, she moved with her parents to the Paris suburbs as a child. She told AFP in an interview in 2020 her music was about “feelings of love in all their aspects”.

    “I have made my own musical universe and that is what I am most proud of. I make the music I like, even if people try to pigeon-hole me.”

  • Hum Dono: Will Wafa and Asad’s love story defy the odds?

    Hum Dono: Will Wafa and Asad’s love story defy the odds?

    Wafa and Asad are deeply in love. Wafa, full of life and ready to marry her hero Asad, is adventurous and carefree. Asad, in contrast, is practical and thoughtful, always considering the consequences of Wafa’s wild ideas. Their main obstacle is Wafa’s wealthy family. Her father, Ejaz Durrani (played by Nauman Ejaz), has chosen Shehroz (Zaviyar Naumaan) as a potential husband for her.

    Adding to the drama, Wafa’s cousin Sumbul (Rabya Kulsoom) also has feelings for Shehroz, but his feelings for her remain unclear. The standout character in this episode is Samar Abbas. His humor and charm make the show enjoyable, and we look forward to seeing more of him in future episodes.

    The drama starts with beautiful rooftop scenes where Wafa and Asad meet. Director Aabis Raza enhances the visuals with creative details, like shots of the hero and heroine climbing a ladder to the rooftop. Azaan Sami Khan’s pairing with Kinza Hashmi is fresh and promising. Both actors have a strong presence on screen. Zaviyaar Naumaan Ejaz joins the cast, adding to the potential love triangle. Rabya Kulsoom, as Sumbul, watches from the sidelines. Naumaan Ijaz plays Wafa’s calculating father, hinting at interesting family dynamics.

    Wafa’s carefree attitude sometimes seems unrealistic, especially when she talks about eloping so casually. This might be to highlight the contrast with Asad, who is practical and deeply in love. While we hoped for a story beyond the typical love triangle, writer Bee Gul always adds depth to her characters, so there’s hope for more complexity.

    The first episode showed a lot of romance between Wafa and Asad. It would have been better with more backstory to make their relationship more relatable. But it’s just the beginning, and there’s plenty of time for the story to develop.

    Let’s see what happens in the next episodes of ‘Hum Dono’

  • Mastaani: Affan Waheed’s perfect mix of love and laughter

    Mastaani: Affan Waheed’s perfect mix of love and laughter

    Pakistani cinema is always trying to bring something new and different to the screen. This year, films like ‘Na Baligh Afraad,’ ‘Abhi,’ and ‘Umro Ayyar’ offered unique stories. But let’s face it, we all love a good rom-com, and Mastaani is here to give us just that!

    ‘Mastaani’ centers around Aaliya and Shakil, and it’s Affan Waheed’s big-screen debut!

    Aaliya, played by Amna Ilyas, is a brave and spirited young woman who wants to make a difference in society. However, she faces many challenges and tough situations along the way. Her journey is the heart of the movie. On the other hand, Shakil, played by Affan Waheed, is a simple, kind-hearted man whose life changes when he falls in love with Aaliya. Their contrasting personalities create an interesting dynamic that drives the story forward. The film blends romance, fun moments, and a touching mystery, promising a rollercoaster of emotions.

    The trailer starts with a classic enemies-to-lovers storyline. Aaliya is fierce and strong-willed, while Shakil doesn’t make a great first impression. Aaliya isn’t going to fall for him easily.

    At first, the plot seems like a typical romance with lots of sweet moments. But there’s a hint of mystery as Aadi Adeal Amjad and Hira Khan’s characters are investigating something. The trailer doesn’t reveal much, keeping you guessing about what’s really going on.
    Could the film be highlighting a hidden issue in society? The mystery element adds depth, making it more than just a simple romance.
    Hira Khan and Aadi Adeal Amjad also join the cast, adding extra excitement. With Aadi Adeel Amjad, we can expect lots of fun moments. Plus, veteran actors Perveen Akbar and Shahnawaz Zaidi add to the anticipation for the film.

    The film is written and directed by Usman Rizvi and produced by Daniya Nizami.

    Watch the trailer here:

  • Khan urges General Asim Munir to stay ‘neutral’

    Khan urges General Asim Munir to stay ‘neutral’

    Founder Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, recently talked with journalists saying that she has a message for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir from Imran Khan.

    “The two parties (PPP and PML-N) have completely lost in every aspect; therefore, they want to bring the people of Pakistan up against the army,” said Aleema, delivering Khan’s message to the Chief of Army.

    According to Aleema, Khan stated, “Army is the backbone of our country and we must honor our army because it protects our country.”

    She said that Khan condemned the lack of rule of law in the country and the degradation of democracy, blaming it for causing “brain drain and loss of confidence in businesses in Pakistan.”

    She finally stated that Khan had asked General Asim Munir to stay “neutral” for the sake of the country.

  • Woman gang-raped in front of family while police argued over jurisdiction

    Woman gang-raped in front of family while police argued over jurisdiction

    A woman was allegedly gang-raped in front of her husband and three-year-old daughter in district Hafizabad of Punjab while police argued over jurisdiction.

    Dawn reports that robbers took the woman on gunpoint to nearby fields and sexually assaulted her in front of her husband and daughter.

    Originally a resident of Chiniot, the family was reportedly going back to the city via motorcycle after meeting a relative when it was stopped by three robbers near Sukheke around 11:30 pm, Dawn has reported.

    Arguing over jurisdiction

    Reports say that instead of helping the victim family, police officials of the Hafizabad and Nankana Sahib clashed over jurisdiction, a violation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued in the wake of the Lahore-Sialkot motorway gang-rape incident [2020] to respond to sexual assaults on women.

    For an hour or so, the victim and her family remained unattended while the gangsters fled the spot.

    The incident was reported to 15 Nankana police, who then diverted the call to the Hafizabad police, claiming that it was not their jurisdiction.

    The Hafizabad police sent a team to the crime scene and, after a brief investigation, announced that the crime spot is in the jurisdiction of Nankana police.

    An official told Dawn that DPO Hafizabad directed the police to reach the spot and lodge a case.

    Sukheke police registered a rape case against the unknown suspects and took into custody a suspected robber, recovering from his custody two pistols.
    Later, the police of both districts again entered into yet another dispute over jurisdiction.

    Nankana police again rejected the claim that the incident took place in their area. The matter remained under discussion all day on Thursday, bringing the investigation to a halt. To establish jurisdiction rights, Hafizabad police took a tehsildar and staff from the Board of Revenue to the crime scene.

    Hafizabad DPO Faisal Gulzar asserted that even though the incident took place in Nankana Sahib, he ordered an FIR be registered in his district’s police station.

    “We arrested one of the three criminals who looted the family and raped the woman”, he told Dawn, adding that during the investigation, the arrested suspect told the police that his accomplices fled towards Rawalpindi.

    A team has been sent to trace the other men and investigate the incident.

    The DPO also claimed that the woman was raped by one criminal.

  • Top 10 must-watch dramas of the week

    Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster with this week’s binge-worthy picks! From Munna’s heartfelt romance in ‘Gentleman’ to comedic clashes in ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum,’ these dramas are packed with love triangles, revenge schemes, and unexpected twists. Here’s the ultimate list you can’t afford to miss:

     Zard Patton Ka Bunn

    ‘Zard Patton Ka Bunn’ made an emotional impact this week, though it didn’t quite shine as brightly as other dramas. Despite being lower on the list, it remains a favorite for its powerful storyline and strong acting. The flashbacks showing a young girl with perfumed soap highlight the harsh realities of child labor and the desperation that drives parents to have more children for financial reasons. Meenu’s emotional outburst was a standout moment, showcasing the show’s excellent writing and character development.

    Jafaa

    ‘Jafaa’ kept viewers hooked with its first episode, leaving us excited for what’s next. The drama combines thought-provoking themes with engaging storytelling. The contrast between Deebu’s struggles and Moiz’s carefree life adds depth to the plot. Questions about Deebu’s forced marriage add to the drama’s complexity.

     Noor Jahan

    ‘Noor Jahan’ continues to be a guilty pleasure with its thrilling plot and suspenseful twists. The drama’s family dynamics and the surprising turn of events, including Mukhtiar Chacha’s death, keep viewers on edge. The anticipation for Noor Jahan’s next moves adds to the show’s appeal.

     Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum

    ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ is a visual delight with a standout direction. The relatable moments, like bathroom-sharing issues and late-night snacks, are well portrayed by Hania Aamir and Fahad Mustafa. The chemistry between Sharjeena and Mustafa’s characters is captivating, making this drama a must-watch.

     Gentleman

    Taking the top spot this week is ‘Gentleman.’ This drama offers a heartwarming and uplifting love story. Zarnab’s emotional journey and heartfelt prayers for Munna create a deeply moving experience. The combination of emotional depth and strong support from other characters makes this drama a favorite.

     Radd

    ‘Radd,’ featuring Hiba Bukhari and Sheheryar Munawar, continues to speed ahead with its exciting mix of action and romance. With Zain’s return, the drama has become even more gripping. The evolving dynamics between Emaan and Zain add plenty of twists and turns that keep viewers hooked.

    What sets ‘Radd’ apart is its nuanced characters. Both Zain and Salaar are not purely villains; their actions are influenced by complex life situations, adding depth to their roles. This complexity makes the drama even more engaging.

    Jaan Nisar

    ‘Jaan Nisar’, produced by 7th Sky Entertainment and airing on Geo Entertainment, kicks off with a compelling mix of drama and romance. The story follows Dua, a young woman with big dreams, and Nosherwan, a mysterious figure with a hidden past. As the plot unfolds, viewers are introduced to unexpected twists, including a dramatic revelation about Nosherwan’s marriage and a dark mystery surrounding his brother’s death. Tune in from Friday to Sunday at 8:00 PM to catch all the action.

    Teri Chhaon Mein

    Danish Taimoor and Laiba Khurram team up for ‘Teri Chhaon Mein.’ Despite its old-fashioned title, the characters are fresh. Danish plays a soft, loving boy, while Laiba plays a family-oriented girl who lacks confidence and independence. The teasers suggest their relationship will face challenges, adding suspense. Danish’s character might show unexpected traits, keeping viewers curious. Let’s see how their story unfolds in this new drama.

    Dil Manay Na

    At the heart of ‘Dil Manay Na’ lies a poignant narrative surrounding adoption dilemmas and familial relationships. Madiha Imam portrays Hania, a young woman who discovers that she was adopted at a young age by her mother, Dr. Shabana, depicted by the talented Sania Saeed. As Hania grapples with this revelation, she must navigate the complexities of her identity and confront the challenges within her family.

    The stellar cast, including Shahood Alvi, Noreen Gulwani, and Aina Asif, delivers powerful performances that breathe life into the characters. With themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery, ‘Dil Manay Na’ promises to resonate with audiences on a profound level.

    Pas-e-Deewar: Intense Drama with Dark Twists

    ‘Pas-e-Deewar’ takes viewers on a captivating journey through the intricacies of marriage, adversity, and resilience. Noor Zafar Khan and Arsalan Naseer lead the cast as Ujala and Iftikhar, a young couple whose seemingly perfect life is shattered by unseen enemies and unforeseen circumstances. As they confront financial struggles and dark intentions, their bond is tested in ways they never imagined.

    With compelling performances and a gripping storyline, ‘Pas-e-Deewar’ immerses viewers in a world filled with tension, emotion, and unexpected twists. Ali Rehman Khan’s portrayal of the chief antagonist adds layer of intrigue to the narrative, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

  • British Pakistani kicked in head at Manchester found to have cyst in brain, lawyer reveals

    British Pakistani kicked in head at Manchester found to have cyst in brain, lawyer reveals

    The British Pakistani man who was hit in the head by a UK cop at Manchester Airport has a cyst on his brain, the lawyer reveals.

    The video of Fahir and Ammad, the two brothers assaulted by UK cops at Manchester airport, went viral on a global level. Their lawyer told media outside Rochdale Police Station that Fahir has a cyst on his brain after a CT scan was conducted post-incident. He informed the media that Fahir’s condition deteriorated overnight.

    “The people who were assaulted are members of a police officer’s family,” said Yakoob as he shared that Fahir’s older brother, who works as a police officer for Greater Manchester Police, is now “afraid to go to work.”

    “He went in today and spoke to his supervisor, and the only reason he is not going to work is because he fears for his own safety,” Yakoob said while talking to the media.

    The lawyer stated that he was unaware of the events leading up to the incident but insisted that “nothing justifies the barbaric treatment from the police officers.”

    Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham told Sky News said that the assault is a disturbing image and “hard to justify.” He and his deputy have met with both the home secretary and the regional director of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). They agreed that the ongoing IOPC investigation will be carried out swiftly, involve community stakeholders, and remain fully independent.

    Several videos of armed UK police officers holding a taser over a man lying face down on the floor are going viral on social media yesterday while it turned out that the incident happened late at night on Tuesday.

    However, the officer was suspended by GMP and later acknowledged the public’s concern and assured them of an imminent investigation that has been taking place.

    Read more: Police brutality on British-Pakistanis provoke protests in Manchester