Senior PTI leader Senator Faisal Javed Khan has advised Fahad Mustafa to not view Diriliş: Ertuğrul as a threat but as an opportunity after Mustafa in a recent interview commented that the star of the Turkish show Engin Altan Düzyatan came to Pakistan, made money and left.
“Ertuğrul [Düzyatan] also came, posed with a lion, took money, and left, didn’t he?,” Fahad had said. “That’s all you guys were for him. For you, there is Humayun Saeed. It’s us. Admit it or not, we were here and we will be here in the future.”
In response to his remarks, Khan tweeted: “Engin Altan is one of the finest actors we have seen on TV and Diriliş: Ertuğrul brought him a huge fame across the world.”
“A lot to be learnt from such a great production and director’s meticulous attention to detail,” he added. “It is not a threat, it’s an opportunity.”
Engin Altan is one of the finest actors we have seen on TV and Dirilis Ertugrul brought him a huge fame across the world. A lot to be learnt from such a great production and director’s meticulous attention to detail. It is not a threat, it’s an opportunity. https://t.co/NfjiOQoJPK
Interestingly, in the same interview, Fahad had said that he is here to make money and entertain the masses not educate them while talking about why his production house chooses to make dramas like Jalanand Nand.
Earlier this month, Engin Altan came to Lahore for a short visit on the invitation of a private company. The actor toured Lahore on his visit and met with Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar.
In a press conference, Engin said that his trip was the first of many more visits to come. He even said that he would “love to work in a Pakistani drama or film, given the right opportunity”.
“If the script is good then why not,” the actor had said.
As the debate surrounding convicted former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif’s extradition to Pakistan from the United Kingdom (UK) intensifies, Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed has said that “only Allah can bring Nawaz back to Pakistan”.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, the minister said that the current government could bring neither Nawaz nor former finance minister Ishaq Dar back to Pakistan because there existed no extradition treaty between the two countries.
“Now, only Allah can bring them back,” he said while speaking of the former chief executive of the country, Nawaz, and his finance minister, Dar.
Dar had left the country for “medical treatment” in the midst of investigations by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against him, whereas his ex-boss, ailing Nawaz, had left the country after bail on medical grounds while serving a jail term.
While the government has been trying its best to bring the two back, they have managed to remain in London and appear on talk shows or at anti-government public gatherings via video link.
Earlier this week, it was reported by a local English daily that British Home Secretary Priti Patel had written to PM Imran Khan’s adviser on accountability, Shahzad Akbar, pointing out that the UK government was subject to international law in the case of Nawaz.
The home secretary had reportedly confirmed that the British government would give Pakistan’s extradition request full attention under the provision of UK law if a formal request were received. At the same time, Patel had stressed that the UK was subject to international law and could not go against the established legal principles.
The report had quoted sources as saying that Pakistan had asked for the deportation of Nawaz in a letter sent via British High Commission but a formal extradition request had not been filed. The home secretary’s letter to Pakistan meant that the UK would not consider deporting Nawaz, acting on the deportation request made by Pakistan.
2020’s most controversial Pakistani drama, actually one of the most controversial dramas, Jalan came to a close Wednesday night after 31 painful episodes which had all the ingredients of an over-the-top soap opera. There was a love triangle, infidelity, abortion sprinkled with lots and lots of drama to draw all the haw hais and ensure that audiences are hooked.
SPOILERS AHEAD
As expected and predicted, Jalan ends with Nisha (Minal Khan) losing her wits and ending up in a sorry state with a disfigured face after getting involved in a car accident. On the other hand, Asfi (Emmad Irfani), who spent the final couple of episodes feeling desolate and depressed over everything that transpired died with what we assume was a heart attack – the makers never clarify how he died. Karma finally catches up with the ‘bad’ characters with the makers giving them the end they assumed would satisfy audiences.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t. The last episode was a bit of a drag with Asfi getting constant flashbacks of his life and relationship with Meenu. He seeks redemption by going to her grave and praying and giving away charity in her name – as if that was enough to cover up all the pain he caused her with his actions and callous behaviour. But as always our writers give the heroes an easier end compared to the female protagonist, who has to suffer every day for her sins. Even Kinza Apa (Nadya Hussain) in the end prayed that Asfi and Meenu would reunite in heaven.
Nisha, on the other hand, has a sudden bout of pagalpan in which she starts dragging and pushed Areej (Hajra Yamin) out of the house. In an attempt to protect herself, Areej locks herself up in her room till Ahmer (Fahad Sheikh) comes home and orders Nisha to her room. And Nisha obediently listens to him and goes upstairs to sleep. When she wakes up, she starts seeing Meenu (Areeba Habib) which causes her to lose her mind further and she eventually ends up crashing her car and burning her face. I’m no expert, but from whatever little knowledge I have, I am assuming that Nisha clearly had psychological issues and instead of getting her proper help, her family abandoned her and let her become a mess. They never really addressed the problem and in the end, packed up and left her alone.
Areej and Ahmer are the only ones who got a happy ending with a fulfilling marital life and a baby on the way. Though I have to add that I am still confused over how Ahmer suddenly had a change of heart for Areej. I’d also like to add here that in 31 episodes, never once did we get to see Areej’s family or brother who is married to Ahmer’s sister Humaira (Maira Khan). There were so many loopholes and missing pieces that you wonder if the writer dropped half the script on her way to the sets.
Jalan’s finale was as absurd as the rest of it and the makers only used sensationalism to build up the drama and hype. While the initial couple of episodes could have qualified as a guilt-watch for some, after Meenu died in a tragic and melodramatic manner, things went downhill. The direction and production were weak and the script even poorer. There was a lot of violence in the drama with Nisha being slapped right, left and centre. There was also a scene in which Asfi almost strangled Nisha to death. Such scenes are unwarranted, unnecessary and serve no purpose except to create furor.
The only highlight of the drama, for me was probably the performances. It was refreshing to see Minal play a strong and villainous character unlike the damsel in distress she usually plays and she and Emmad both gave good performances. The scenes in which they fought were actually pretty intense and credit for that goes to them and not to the writer or director.
Jalan has also given Pakistani television and new hero – Fahad Sheikh and a new hit pair – Fahad and Hajra. The two have good onscreen chemistry and it seems like audiences also enjoyed this pairing because their short film Naam Kya Rakha on See Prime gathered a million views within a week of being released.
I, for one, am glad that Jalan has ended and though it unfortunately did leave a mark, I hope that writers and producers will focus on intelligent scripts which along with entertaining audiences also give a positive message – like Sabaat for instance. However, given the success of the show, I have little hope.
Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi wrote a letter to former premier Nawaz Sharif to offer his condolences after the death of the latter’s mother Begum Shamim Akhtar, it has emerged.
Begum Shamim passed away last month.
The letter, dated November 27, was delivered to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad last week. Charge d’ Affairs of Indian High Commission Gaurav Ahluwalia asked her to convey the letter to her father Nawaz.
In the letter itself, Modi shared a personal memory of meeting Sharif’s late mother during his visit to Jati Umra residence back in 2015.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of your mother Begum Shamim Akhtar on November 22 in London. My heartfelt condolences are with you in this hour of intense grief,” wrote the Indian premier.
“I recall my interaction with her during my brief visit to Lahore in 2015. Her simplicity and warmth was indeed very touching,” Modi wrote, expressing his personal bond with the Sharif family.
“In this moment of profound grief, I pray to the Almighty to bestow strength upon you and your family to bear this irreparable loss. May the departed soul rest in peace,” Modi added.
It may be noted that it was Nawaz who started developing a personal relationship with Modi soon after he was elected PM in 2014 by personally making a visit to his oath-taking. Nawaz also sent a white sari for Modi’s mother, who had gifted a shawl to Nawaz’s mother when he had visited India.
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has said that he is retiring from international cricket.
Speaking to journalist Shoaib Jatt, Amir said that he will release a detailed statement sharing his reasons behind his retirement when he arrives back in Pakistan from Sri Lanka, where he has been playing for Galle Gladiators in the Lanka Premier League. However, he made it clear that he cannot continue playing under the current management which is why he made this announcement.
“I have been tortured,” says Amir in the video.
Here is Pakistani fast bowler @iamamirofficial announcing retirement from international cricket as protest against Pak team management’s behaviour. he was talking to me pic.twitter.com/TMC2LDEZHb
Amir, who had an impressive campaign for Galle Gladiators in Lanka Premier League, said he will be playing franchise cricket but has made up his mind not to carry on playing for Pakistan. Amir had retired from Test cricket last year citing workload issues.
“No, I am not going away from cricket. If you have seen the way the atmosphere over here and the way I have been sidelined,” said an emotional Amir. “I got a wake-up call there when I was not selected in 35 boys. If I don’t get selected in the 35-member squad, then it is a wake-up call for me.”
“I don’t think I can play cricket under this management. I think I should leave cricket this time. I am being tortured mentally,” he continued. “I don’t think I can tolerate any more torture now. I have seen a lot of torture from 2010 to 2015. I was away from the game and sentenced for my mistake.”
According to a press release issued by PCB, Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Wasim Khan spoke with Amir this afternoon following reports that the fast bowler had announced his retirement from international cricket.
The 29-year-old confirmed to the PCB chief executive that he has no desires or intensions of playing international cricket and as such, he should not be considered for future international matches.
“This is a personal decision of Mohammad Amir, which the PCB respects, and as such, will not make any further comment on this matter at this stage,” stated the press release.
Amir made his debut for Pakistan in a T20I match against England in June 2009 and was part of the team which won the 2009 T20 World Cup.
However, his career went downhill after he was found guilty of spot-fixing and was banned for five years. He made his international comeback in 2015 and went on to play an instrumental role in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2017.
The man who hosted Dirilis Ertugrul star Engin Altan Düzyatan during his Lahore visit is allegedly facing at least eight cases, including those of fraud and robberies, and has not even paid the promised amount to the actor.
As per reports, Zameer struck a deal of one million dollars with the Turkish actor but paid only half of it.
According to reports, the eight alleged cases against Zameer are those of fraud, betrayal of trust, car theft and robbery.
The cases have been registered against the managing director of Chaudhry Groups of Companies.
In an interview with Daily Pakistan, Kashif Zameer said that a deal of Rs17 crore with Engin Altan has been finalized and he is the global brand ambassador of his company.
Previously, the Turkish series star was planning to visit Pakistan as the brand ambassador for Blue World City. Later, it was revealed that the project was an illegal housing scheme and the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) had even filed charges against Blue World City.
Stressed spelt backwards is desserts and nothing better than something sweet and delicious to make your day. Being a hard-core foodie with a very intense sweet-tooth, I love my desserts and pretty much spend all my money trying out new things. All through the year (and the pandemic), I have tried a vast variety of meetha from different home-based businesses and here are the ones I keep going back to.
Without a doubt the best chocolate chip cookies I have had in Lahore. They are crispy on the outside but gooey on the inside and melt the moment they hit your mouth. The light dusting of sea salt adds to the flavour and I guarantee you that you will not stop at one. Priced at Rs 180 (without tax), they are a steal given that they are pretty big in size too.
Look at that chocolate!
Chocolate Brownie Dessert Box by Deliciuex
There are often times when you feel like having something cool and sweet which is not ice-cream. Something that you can eat while watching your favourite season. Something that feeds the soul. In those situations, the Chocolate Brownie Box by Deliciuex is ideal for you. The dessert box, which includes layers of brownies, fudge and mousse topped with a layer of crunchy biscoff, is the stuff of dreams. You will not regret trying this.
P.s. Deliciuex does amazing Lotus Milk Cake also.
Frosti Ice-Cream
There is something very enjoyable about having cold ice-cream in the chilly weather. Frosti has one of the best gelatos the city has to offer and that too in a variety of flavours. Creamy, smooth and oh-so-delectable, Frosti is a must-try for those who love to spend their winters curled up in front of the television watching their favourite show.
Our picks – Salted Caramel, Oreo Crunch and Belgian Chocolate
Cheesecake (Lotus, New York) by The Sweet Rack
I was not a big fan of cheesecakes till I tried the New York Cheesecake by The Sweet Rack. While the cream is rich and absolutely delicious, it was the base that set it apart from other cheesecakes. It does not have your usual biscuit base – it has hints of walnuts and cinnamon which add so much flavour to the overall experience. Highly recommended. The Sweet Rack Lotus Cheesecake is also great and I am sure Lotus lovers will thoroughly enjoy it.
P.s. Their brownies are also divine.
Donuts by Big Fat Rolls
Honestly speaking, I am a Dunkin Donuts loyalist. I have tried multiple donuts from multiple places at multiple food festivals but nothing came close to Dunkin for me…till I discovered Big Fat Rolls. Their donuts are ah-mazing: airy, soft and melt-in-your-mouth kind. My picks from their collection have to be Cherub Classic and Cupid Chocolate.
Note – Before someone attacks me for not including Layers, please note that these picks are from home-based businesses only.
Turkish actor Engin Altan Düzyatan, who arrived in Lahore on Thursday for a short visit “at the invitation of a private business company”, seems to be having a great time in the city. He was spotted taking a tour of the historic Badshahi Masjid, visiting the grave of Allama Iqbal and even met Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.
Engin was hosted by the CEO of Chaudhary Textiles, Kashif Zameer, who reportedly arranged the meeting between the Turkish actor and CM Buzdar at his residence. Engin has reportedly signed a contract worth Rs 17 crores with Chaudhary Textiles and will be their official brand ambassador.
The lead actor of #Ertugrul, Engin Altan Düzyatan @eadksk, called on Chief Minister Punjab @UsmanAKBuzdar in Lahore yesterday.
Chief Minister presented Chief Minister House Shield and traditional gifts to the respected guest. pic.twitter.com/ag5QuIq1hl
Kashif has also been sharing pictures of Engin’s trip on his social media account.
He also introduced the actor to his pet lion. Kashif, who earlier met Engin in Turkey, also framed the picture of their meeting and put it up on his wall along with other pictures of himself.
Meanwhile, addressing a press conference in Lahore on Friday, the star of Diriliş: Ertuğrul revealed that he had signed multiple new projects in Pakistan and that this visit was the first of many more to come.
He also expressed his desire to work in Pakistani dramas.
When asked if he would consider working in Pakistani dramas, Engin responded: “Why not! I would love to work in a Pakistani drama or film, given the right opportunity. If the script is good then why not.”
The actor also won hearts when he said a few words in Urdu.
As per details, Engin has concluded his trip and his on his way back to Turkey. Meanwhile, the hashtag ‘#ThankYouEnginAltan’ is trending on social media as fans thanked the actor for coming to the country and expressed their love for him.
With several Pakistani dramas coming to an end soon, TV channels have started dropping teasers and promos of their upcoming releases. Four new dramas with brilliant casts and directors are expected to hit our screens in the coming weeks and we are looking forward to them.
Starring Bilal Abbas Khan, Sana Javed and Naumaan Ejaz in the lead, Dunk is about sexual harassment in universities and colleges. The first promo of the drama dropped to a mixed response but we’re going to hold our thoughts and opinions till we watch the first few episodes.
Pehli Si Mohabbat
The drama will mark Maya Ali and Sheheryar Munawar’s return to the small screen after a long break. From the BTS and first looks, the drama promises to be an intense love story and I am definitely looking forward to this. It has been written by Faiza Iftikhar and directed by Anjum Shehzad of Khaani fame.
Maya, in a recent interview, revealed that the drama will not have “typical saas-bahu fights and affairs in it”.
“You will feel that you have heard or seen this story, because there’s a love story as evident from the title Pehli Si Muhabbat, and everyone has experienced their first love story. Some people find their first love and some people live with keeping it in their hearts,” she shared.
Raqs-e-Bismil will see Sarah Khan and Imran Ashraf share the screen together for the first time. A fresh pairing is always intriguing and given that both are brilliant actors, I am sure this drama will be a treat. From the teasers, the drama appears to be intense and uncomfortable. According to the makers, the drama “follows the soulful story of a conservative and conformist family who adhere to strict family values”. Raqs-e-Bismil will also see Hadiqa Kiani make her television debut.
It is expected to air on Hum TV by the end of the month.
A multi-starrer drama, Amanat will feature Imran Abbas, Urwa Hocane, Saboor Aly, Haroon Shahid, Saba Hamid, Sheheryar Zaidi, Babar Ali, Asad Siddiqui and Gohar Rasheed.
According to Imran, Amanat is a “circumstances-based love story”, while producer Sana Shahnawaz says it is “a family drama with love, romance and all other elements audiences wish to see in our dramas.”
Turkish actor Engin Altan Düzyatan arrived in Lahore on Thursday for a short visit “at the invitation of a private business company”.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Friday, the star of Diriliş: Ertuğrul revealed that he had signed some new projects in Pakistan, adding that he was set to become the brand ambassador for a private textile company. He also said that this visit was the first of many more to come.
Talking about the popularity of series in Pakistan, the Turkish actor said it was a “great pleasure” for him that Prime Minister Imran Khan praised the drama series and recommended his countrymen to watch it.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Imran Khan for praising Diriliş: Ertuğrul,” said Engin at the press conference. “It was a big drama series based on an Islamic story.”
Sharing details about how his visit is going, Engin said: “I know Pakistani people love me. I am also aware about the natural beauty of the country,” adding that he would love to visit the mountains the North.
He also said that he enjoyed tasting Pakistani food and that it was “very delicious, but much too spicy”.
When asked if he would consider working in Pakistani dramas, Engin responded: “Why not! I would love to work in a Pakistani drama or film, given the right opportunity. If the script is good then why not.”
Engin also showed off his Urdu vocabulary by saying “Shukriya” and “Lahore, Lahore Hai“.
Altan landed in Pakistan on Thursday upon the invitation of a business company Chaudhary Textiles with who he has reportedly signed a contract worth Rs 17 crores. Pictures of his visit have been going viral on social media.
Often described as the Turkish Game of Thrones, Diriliş: Ertuğrul is being aired on the recommendation of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Set in 13th century Anatolia and based on the struggle of Ertuğrul Gazi, father of Osman I – the founder of the Ottoman dynasty, Diriliş: Ertuğrul has been trending in the country ever since its first episode aired on the first of Ramzan.
In an exclusive interview with The Current, Senator Faisal Javed Khan had revealed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had gifted the drama series to Pakistan as a goodwill gesture.
Earlier in September, Cavit Çetin Güner, who plays Dogan Alp the series also visited Pakistan and spent a few days in Islamabad.
