Hamza Ali Abbasi has cancelled his Netflix subscription and is urging everyone to do the same after Netflix ignored criticism and went ahead with the release of Cuties. The streaming platform had received immense backlash from outraged audiences who accused them of ‘sexualising’ young girls in the film.
Sharing a picture of his cancellation, Hamza said: “Despite global condemnation, Netflix still went ahead and released Cuties.”
“Yup, now we have softcore pedo porn on a mainstream media platform. That’s a deal-breaker for me”, he said further. “Can’t do much, but what I can do is cancel my Netflix subscription.”
Hamza also urged his followers to do the same.
Despite global condemnation, Netflix still went ahead & released CUTIES! Yup, now we have soft core Pedo Porn on a mainstream media platform. Thats a deal breaker for me. Cant do much but what i can do is Cancel my Netflix subscription, maybe YOU SHOULD TOO! #cutiesnetflixpic.twitter.com/QuqJPUJacj
Earlier, Hamza had expressed his “horror” to see a show in the “mainstream blatantly sexualising 11-year-old kids.” He had signed a petition calling for Netflix to cancel the movie and had stated that he would cancel his subscription if they don’t. Till the filing of this report, 205,042 had signed the petition.
Its horrifying to see a show in the mainstream blatantly sexualising 11 yr old kids. If this show is still there by next month..i am canceling my Netflix subscription and so should you.
According to details, the film, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, is about Amy, a Senegalese Muslim girl who lives in a poor neighbourhood in France. After she develops a fascination with dance, she joins a dance group called the ‘Cuties’.
Meanwhile, the film’s official synopsis states: “Eleven-year-old Amy starts to rebel against her conservative family’s traditions when she becomes fascinated with a free-spirited dance crew.”
The film is originally a French-language film titled Mignonnes. It was written and directed by Maïmouna Doucouré, who is also Senegalese. The director, in an interview, had shared that the inspiration for the film came from seeing an amateur talent show in Paris.
“There were these girls on stage dressed in a really sexy fashion in short, transparent clothes. They danced in a very sexually suggestive manner,” said Doucouré. “There also happened to be a number of African mothers in the audience. I was transfixed, watching with a mixture of shock and admiration. I asked myself if these young girls understood what they were doing.”
However, parents and audiences say that the film exploits and sexualises children and demanded Netflix to remove the film from the streaming platform. Multiple petitions were filed on change.org in an attempt to force Netflix to cancel the movie.
“The movie Cuties shows children dressed provocatively, dancing sexually and is rated only for adult viewers,” read a petition. “It was created for the entertainment of adults who are paedophiles. Please sign the petition to protect our children from exploitation in movies.”
Following the backlash, Netflix apologised for the “inappropriate” artwork used for the film.
We’re deeply sorry for the inappropriate artwork that we used for Mignonnes/Cuties. It was not OK, nor was it representative of this French film which won an award at Sundance. We’ve now updated the pictures and description.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has ordered an immediate ban on ARY Digital’s ongoing drama Jalan, saying that the content of the drama goes against the “social and moral ethics of Pakistani society”.
In a notification, PEMRA said that the content of Jalan goes against the values of the Pakistani society and that viewers and audiences have been strongly criticising the drama and its storyline. It further said that the channel and the drama’s makers had been repeatedly told to modify the script and content of the drama and bring it in line with Pakistani morals and ethics. But because they did not comply with PEMRA’s order and ignored its warnings, the regulatory body had no choice but to ban the drama under Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance.
Jalan is about two sisters Nisha (Minal Khan) and Misha (Areeba Habib). While Misha is the sweet and obedient sister, Nisha is a spoiled brat and wants to be better than her sister, so she sets her sights on her brother-in-law Asfandyar (Emmad Irfani) because he’s rich and good-looking. Ignoring the fact that her sister is married to Asfandyar, Nisha openly flirts with him and urges him to divorce his pregnant wife. Despite, its convoluted and twisted storyline, the drama trends on TV and social media every week.
Earlier, in a notice issued on September 4, PEMRA had directed ARY Digital and the makers of Jalan to review its content and script and modify it in accordance with Pakistani values.
In the press release, the media regulatory body said that it has been getting multiple complaints regarding the drama, its content and script through the Pakistan Citizens Portal, PEMRA social media accounts, and PEMRA call centres. It added that the content of the drama, especially the main storyline, is being strongly criticised by audiences on social media.
“Audiences have strongly criticised the drama saying that it has made a mockery of sacred relationships,” the notification had read.
PEMRA had also requested all stakeholders, including TV channels and production houses, to immediately review the content of their future dramas.
“Regardless of the cost and time invested in the drama, if the content of a play is against national values and expectations of the audience, the play will be banned without any warning,” stated the press release.
While the lead cast and makers of the drama have yet to respond to the ban, Fahad Sheikh who plays Ahmer in the drama, expressed his disappointment over the decision.
ICYMI, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned the repeat telecast of Pyar Ke Sadqay and Ishqiya saying that the content of the dramas is against the “morals” of society.
While the makers of the dramas have not commented on the matter, Atiqa Odho, who had a leading role in Pyar Ke Sadqay lashed out at PEMRA for their decision.
“Really PEMRA? Is this the democratic way of life?,” questioned Odho.
“Television dramas bring up important social problems which need correction. It helps educate people about mental health, social injustices, hypocrisy, abuse, misuse of power, etc. If we start to brush things under the carpet and not bring them out for discussion, we will never grow as a nation towards positive change,” said Odho.
She added: “Stop treating viewers as if they are dumb and don’t have exposure to the rest of the world! PEMRA should be making policies to create more social awareness through Pakistani dramas and not reducing content to falsified garbage.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CE3lW6tg5DO/
While PEMRA did not clarify what they found offensive in the drama, it is being assumed that the scenes which showed the father-in-law hitting on his daughter-in-law are what PEMRA felt was against “Pakistani values”.
Directed by Farooq Rind and written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah, Pyar Ke Sadkay also featured Bilal Abbas Khan, Omair Rana, Yumna Zaidi, Salma Hassan, Srha Asghar, Khalid Anam, Gul e Rana and Shermeen Ali.
Both Ishqiya and Pyar Ke Sadqay have completed their primetime run and are being re-aired. PEMRA’s notification banned their repeat telecast and said that the dramas can also not be aired on ARY Zindagi or HUM Sitaray sub-channels either.
PEMRA has also directed the makers of Jalan to review its content and script and modify it in accordance with Pakistani values.
Meanwhile, Chairman PEMRA Muhammad Saleem Baig on Tuesday held a meeting with United Producers Association in Karachi for “sensitizing topics and trends in dramas.”
A meeting of Muhammad Saleem Baig, Chairman PEMRA held with United Producers Association in Karachi for sensitizing on topics & trends in dramas and way forward for betterment of content. pic.twitter.com/b8eqFEo0Js
Naumaan Ijaz, who is popular for his unfiltered take on the Pakistani drama industry, has found himself at the receiving end of criticism after an old interview of his went viral on social media. In the interview, the actor talks about cheating on his wife and getting away with it because he is such “a great actor”.
When host Iffat Omar asks Naumaan the secret behind his successful marriage, Naumaan said that he is very lucky as far as his wife is concerned.
Iffat then remarked that artists are ‘aashiq mizaaj log‘ and asked Ijaz if he ever felt his heart waver, to which the actor replied, “Multiple times”.
“But then how do you control it; know your limits,” asked Iffat.
“I don’t control it,” laughed Naumaan in response. “I fall in love daily. I am a very loving person. If I come across a woman who is beautiful inside out and has a difficult personality, I fall in love with her.”
“Toh phir aap karletay hain ishq,” questioned Iffat.
“Main karleta hoon ishq,” said Naumaan, adding that his wife doesn’t find out because he is such “a great actor and an intelligent man.”
When Iffat probed further and asked about the reaction of those he gets involved with, Naumaan said that they know and reciprocate but their husbands don’t find out.
“I need to learn a few things from you,” chuckled Iffat in response.
Naumaan with his wife and son
Later, while discussing the #MeToo movement, Naumaan said that this movement has arisen because “we have distanced ourselves from deen (religion).”
Soon after the clip went viral, social media users slammed the actor for endorsing infidelity and passing misogynistic comments.
In the same interview, Noman Aijaz supported Mohsin Abbas and rubbished the allegations (with pictures as evidence) levelled against him by his wife Fatima of severe domestic violence. I wonder how Noman’s wife is content with his hypocritical personality.
Also, Nauman Ejaz, how are you great actor when even your face tells youre a tharki and have all the boxes ticked for being a cheat which you already are. https://t.co/hk5ZvuwQTh
Ok honestly no words- this man who openly cheats and probably harasses young women is saying women calling out predators like him goes against religion. But you cheating is ok. This is disgusting and so sad that these ppl are given a platform.
Noman Ijaz has only exposed the thinking espoused by a large majority- men don’t see anything ‘fahaash’ or vulgar in cheating on their wives, but as soon as outspoken women talk about their rights, it automatically becomes against cultural values. Mental perversion at its peak.
Some social media users also called out Iffat for not handling Naumaan’s comments in an appropriate manner.
Iffat doesnt challenge him in anyway, instead she says with a nervous giggle I need to learn from you . Im not holding her responsible but surely there were better responses ?
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed ARY Digital and the makers of Jalan to review its content and script and modify it in accordance with Pakistani values.
In a press release, the media regulatory body said that it has been getting multiple complaints regarding the drama, its content and script through the Pakistan Citizens Portal, PEMRA social media accounts, and PEMRA call centres. It added that the content of the drama, especially the main storyline, is being strongly criticised by audiences on social media.
“Audiences have strongly criticised the drama saying that it has made a mockery of sacred relationships,” said the press release.
Jalan is about two sisters Nisha (Minal Khan) and Misha (Areeba Habib). While Misha is the sweet and obedient sister, Nisha is a spoiled brat and wants to be better than her sister, so she sets her sights on her brother-in-law Asfandyar (Emmad Irfani) because he’s rich and good-looking. Ignoring the fact that her sister is married to Asfandyar, Nisha openly flirts with him and urges him to divorce his pregnant wife. Despite, it’s convoluted and twisted storyline, the drama trends on TV and social media every week.
پیمرا کی اے آر وائی ڈیجیٹل اور ہم ٹی وی کے ڈرامہ سیریل “عشقیہ” اور “پیار کے صدقے” کی نشرِ مکرر پر پابندی pic.twitter.com/ZEarENCEU7
Similarly, PEMRA also banned the repeat telecast of Ishqiya and Hum TV’s Pyar Ke Sadqay saying that the content of the dramas is against the “morals” of society. Though both dramas have completed their prime time run, they are being re-aired at different times. The notification added that the dramas cannot have a repeat telecast on the ARY Zindagi or HUM Sitaray sub-channels either.
Furthermore, the regulatory body warned drama makers that if they do not oblige with their recommendations, PEMRA will take strict action under Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance and stop the drama from being aired without any prior notice.
Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance prohibits the broadcasting or re-broadcasting or distributing of any programme that PEMRA deems is against society values. The section states: “The Authority shall by order in writing, giving reasons, therefore, prohibit any broadcast media or distribution service operator from broadcasting or re-broadcasting or distributing any programme or advertisement if it is of the opinion that such particular programme or advertisement is against the ideology of Pakistan or is likely to create hatred among the people or is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order or is likely to disturb public peace and tranquility or endangers national security or is pornographic, obscene or vulgar or is offensive to the commonly accepted standards of decency.”
PEMRA said that the channels have been repeatedly informed about viewers’ concerns regarding the content and have been directed to produce content according to Pakistan’s social, religious, social and moral values. It is pertinent to mention here that in June Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a video meeting with renowned writers across the country, urged them to promote family values and national identity through their writings and dramas.
“As there was no improvement in the script of the dramas by the channels, a final instruction was given to the channels on August 18 to produce the content of the dramas in accordance with the values of Pakistan,” read the press release.
PEMRA has also requested all stakeholders, including TV channels and production houses, to immediately review the content of their future dramas.
“Regardless of the cost and time invested in the drama, if the content of a play is against national values and expectations of the audience, the play will be banned without any warning,” stated the press release.
After months of being patient and forgiving Pakistani viewers for their comments on her choice of clothes and outfits, Esra Bilgiç has finally hit out a troll who asked her not to wear “such dresses”.
Under a recent Instagram post, a social media user by the name Astounding Ali commented: “Please don’t wear such dresses Halima baji, not good.”
In response to his comment, Bilgiç remarked, “Let me give you a little advice: Don’t follow me. Thank you.” Go Queen!
Esra has been on the receiving end of such comments ever since her character Halime Sultan became popular in Pakistan after PTV aired the Urdu-dubbed version of the superhit Turkish series Diriliş: Ertuğrul. A group of fans, who apparently do not understand the concept of acting, had a meltdown because the actors, who play different characters in the show based in the pre-Ottoman era, are much different in their real lives of the 21st century. These ‘fans’ have left hundreds of unwarranted comments on Esra’s choice of clothing and have called her out for it.
The actor even had to close the comments sections on some of her posts to avoid such comments. Meanwhile, Ahsan Khan defended the actor and urged Pakistanis to “at least spare the cast”. In a tweet, the actor had said: “I know people in Pakistan think it’s okay to troll actors here and judge them, [but] at least spare the cast of Ertuğrul. It’s bloody shameful what’s going on! Who the hell are we to do this to them?”
Despite all such comments, Esra’s popularity in Pakistan has been soaring and the actor has been chosen to be the brand ambassador of two major Pakistani brands: Khaadi and QMobile. Her visit to Pakistan is also much-awaited.
As many as 19 people died in various rain-related incidents in the port city on Thursday, taking the tally of deaths during the three-day monsoon spell in the city to 30.
While blame games continue as authorities hesitate to take responsibility for the lack of monsoon infrastructure in the country’s largest city, the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) wants all stakeholders to contribute in ameliorating the situation instead of politicising a “pure natural disaster”.
As of yesterday Sindh had seen its worst monsoons in 90years. Today super monsoon torrential rains & floods continue unabated. Please keep all those in your thoughts who have already been working 24/7 to assist citizens during this record breaking unprecedented natural disaster.
Meteorological officials said downpours in August have shattered the 89-year-old record for the city. Some 484mm (19 inches) of rain has fallen this month so far, 130mm on Thursday alone, they said.
According to data released by the Met Office, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Faisal Base recorded 130 millimetres of rain while Nazimabad has recorded 105.6mm since Thursday morning. Mausamiyat received 74.3mm of rain, while Saadi Town recorded 72mm. About 98.5mm of rain was recorded in PAF Masroor Base, Surjani received 73mm while Kemari recorded 82.5mm.
Many major arteries witnessed severe traffic jams. Power was suspended in several areas as a precautionary measure, a K-Electric spokesperson said.
Karachi Commissioner Muhammad Suhail Rajput urged people not to leave their homes during the spell which, according to a Met Office prediction, is expected to continue for another two days.
Videos and photos making rounds on social media showed submerged cars and motorcycles and water entering houses and buildings, wreaking havoc in the provincial capital.
PPP is running Sindh & thus Karachi for the past 12 years; Bilwal needs to focus to understand & resolve Karachi’s problems before saying a single word about any other issue – this is where test of his intelligence & leadership rests; Karachi can make him “National Leader” pic.twitter.com/x17U3hmQM2
Containers that were put for security purpose on MA Jinnah Road #Karachi for upcoming processions going for a swim. Uncontrollable and dangerous for cars, pedestrians already stuck on the roads. pic.twitter.com/zRkkaWpUVt
Scores of social media users, including Federal Minister Ali Zaidi, posted videos and pictures showing Defence Housing Authority flooded with rainwater after heavy showers pounded the city for hours.
“This is DHA KHI,” Zaidi wrote on Twitter, adding, “Bang in front of my house- which is now partly flooded- but many homes in the neighborhood are under 4 feet of water”.
This is DHA Phase 6 Karachi. What is happening in the low lying areas of KHI today is devastating yet once again. Testing times for Karachiites yet again! No doubt Allah tests those he loves the most.#KarachiRain#KarachiSinks#RainEmergencypic.twitter.com/MEBgRxWMCs
“May Allah have mercy on those who live in low lying areas of this city,” he said in another tweet.
“This is DHA Phase 6 Karachi. What is happening in the low-lying areas of KHI today is devastating yet once again. Testing times for Karachiites yet again! No doubt Allah tests those He loves the most,” he said in another tweet.
Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, in a tweet, said that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan is monitoring the situation that has arisen in Karachi due to the torrential rains.
Briefed PM @ImranKhanPTI over Sindh rain situation, Karachi needs special attention. This is unusual and abnormal rain situation which requires emergency response. PM is monitoring the situation and assured to take any action required.
“Briefed PM Imran Khan over Sindh rain situation, Karachi needs special attention. This is an unusual and abnormal rain situation which requires an emergency response. PM is monitoring the situation and assured to take any action required,” tweeted Ismail.
The premier himself has also tweeted over the disastrous situation in the port city.
Have directed Chairman NDMA to immediately not only rescue stranded ppl, but also provide emergency medical assistance, food & shelter to all those in need. I have also asked NDMA Chairman to ensure restoration of utilities on an emergency basis.
In a subsequent tweet, he said that a plan for a permanent solution to the problems facing the people of Karachi will also soon be announced.
RELIEF, RESCUE OPERATION CONTINUES:
In a statement, the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that many areas were inundated and people stranded due to heavy rains in various parts of Sindh.
An Army Flood Emergency Control Centre has been established in Karachi for assisting flood victims while a medical camp has been set up at the district centre of Gulberg, Liaquatabad and New Karachi for providing necessary medical care, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
It said the dewatering of more than 36 sites in Karachi had been completed while cooked meals covering 10,000 people had been distributed among flood victims in various areas.
The following telephone numbers can be contacted for immediate assistance by the army:
• 021-34491082
• 021-99247267
• 021-99207795
Meanwhile, army engineers completed the enhancement of the bund along M9 near the Northern Bypass to avoid flooding.
Army troops also filled a breach in the Malir River near Quaidabad, according to the ISPR. “Pakistan Army engineer boats are busy shifting people to safer places,” the statement said.
A relief and medical camp has also been established in Latifabad area of Hyderabad. Food was provided to the affected population while army engineers were busy in dewatering various areas, it added.
According to the ISPR, army troops “have been forwardly placed at Dadu for any eventuality and spillover at Nai Gaj Dam”.
The banks of Puran Nullah in tehsil Jhudo of Mirpurkhas district had been damaged due to heavy rains, as a result of which water entered the nearest five villages. However, the breach was plugged with the combined efforts of army troops and civil administration to stop the flow of water to these areas, the ISPR said.
The statement came a day after the army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, directed Karachi crops to step up flood relief operations.
#COAS directed karachi Corps to step up flood relief operations to assist affected people due to recent rains in interior Sindh and #Karachi. “Troops must reach out to affected population in distress and extend all necessary care”, COAS.
Meanwhile, the personnel of Pakistan Rangers Sindh continued the relief and rescue operation in the rain-affected areas of Karachi in a coordinated manner.
According to the Rangers spokesperson, the Rangers constituted separate teams for relief and rescue work to carry out the operation in a faster manner while reserve teams were also present in various areas to deal with any kind of emergency.
Rations were also being distributed in the areas where food supply is low with the help of philanthropists.
Rangers asked the people to contact Rangers helpline 1101, Rangers check post or WhatsApp number 0347-9001111 for immediate assistance regarding rescue or relief.
Pakistan Navy’s rescue and relief operation also continued in various parts of the city during heavy spell of rain.
Pakistan Navy Emergency Response and rescue teams evacuated stranded people to safer places and recovered bodies being washed away in flash flood, a Pakistan Navy press release said.
In assistance to civil administration, Pakistan Navy Emergency Response teams along with boats and requisite life-saving equipment were deployed in different areas of the city, including Diamond City Malir, Shah Faisal Town, Korangi Crossing, Sammo goth and Bahria Town Karachi.
During search and rescue operations, Pakistan Navy divers recovered two dead bodies from Shah Faisal Town and Korangi crossing areas while 55 individuals were evacuated from flooded areas of Malir and Korangi crossing. Besides, Rescue teams have also evacuated 20 families stranded in Sammo Goth and shifted them to safe place.
Pakistan Navy’s helicopter conducted aerial recce of Korangi crossing, Quaidabad (Malir nadi), and Goth Shafi Muhammad while aerial recce with the help of a quadcopter was also carried out in Saddar Town in support of relief operations to localise individuals requiring assistance. Additionally, ration bags and cooked meal was also dropped at various areas.
FLIGHT SCHEDULE DISRUPTED:
Meanwhile, the flight schedule was disrupted at Jinnah International Airport Karachi due to rough weather and heavy rainfall. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced the suspension of a number of its flights on Thursday due to torrential rains in the port city.
A Lahore-bound private airline flight-522 and Islamabad bound PK-368 flight have been delayed, said the CAA spokesperson.
Moreover, Karachi to Faisalabad flight PK-540 and Lahore-bound Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flight PK-304 have also been delayed.
NETWORK OUTAGES AMID POWER BREAKDOWN:
The national telecom regulator informed on Friday that cellular services in the city were not blocked and outages faced by users were due to the prolonged power breakdown.
Speaking to Geo, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) spokesperson Khurram Mehran said, “Due to prolonged power failure in the city, many towers are out of service and their generators are shut because there’s no fuel to power them.”
Mehran said the blockages have nothing to do with Muharram security, as was being speculated in some circles.
The power utility, K-Electric, meanwhile claimed that its teams were working to the best of their ability to deal with the current circumstances and restore electricity with limited available resources.
Many KE vehicles got stuck in flooded roads and streets across the city. Also, our staff is working in long shifts because relievers were unable to make into service centers due to water logging. 2/3
“Many KE vehicles got stuck in flooded roads and streets across the city. Also, our staff is working in long shifts because relievers were unable to make it to service centers due to water logging,” the company said in a statement issued earlier today.
KE therefore warned that restoration work may take longer than expected time as the situation remains ‘difficult’.
HUB DAM FILLS TO MAXIMUM CAPACITY:
The water level in Hub Dam, which supplies water to Karachi and meets the water needs of several areas in Balochistan, crossed the 339-foot mark yesterday and filled to its maximum capacity for the first time in 13 years.
The water level in the dam had risen due to the recent spell of torrential rains in Karachi and Sindh and the dam has now begun to flow out from the spillways into the sea near Mubarak Village.
The WAPDA administration had earlier closed the Hub Dam to visitors in view of health hazards. However, residents of the settlements around the dam, residents of the Hub Dam Residential Colony, Karachi residents and others arrived in large numbers in the spillway area to witness the streams overflowing, which look much like waterfalls.
In the catchment area of Hub Dam, which stretches up to the mountain range of Balochistan, the water level has risen by more than 9 feet in three days.
Apart from being the year of coronavirus and various other mishaps, 2020 will also be remembered as the year of babies – celebrity babies to be precise given the number of announcements and babies we have seen this year.
Here is a list of celebrity couples who have just had a baby or are expecting one.
Momal and her husband Nader welcomed a baby girl, who they have named Aleya, on August 20. This is the couple’s second child together. They also have a son named Ibrahim.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEmTNuhDxvF/
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli
Anushka and Virat just announced that they are expecting their first baby in January 2021. The couple tied the knot in December 2017.
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom welcomed a baby girl on the same day (August 27) Anushka and Virat announced their pregnancy. The couple has named their daughter Daisy Dove Bloom.
Orlando confirmed the news by sharing a post by charity Unicef, of which the couple are ambassadors.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEYSKzEpWzS/
Katy first revealed her pregnancy in a music video for her track Never Worn White in March.
Mohammad Amir
Cricketer Mohammad Amir and his wife Narjis Amir were blessed with a baby girl in July. This is the couple’s second child together – they have another daughter named Minsa.
Kareena and Saif on August 13 announced that they are expecting their second child. The couple, who are also parents to four-year-old Taimur, in an official statement said: “We are very pleased to announce that we are expecting an addition to our family! Thank you to all our well-wishers for all their love and support.”
Saif recently celebrated his 50th birthday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CD8NXeYJ36H/
Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn
Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and his wife Cherry welcomed their first child – a daughter named Lyra Antarctica Seaborn Sheeran – in late August.
Sheeran said the couple was on “cloud nine” after their daughter’s arrival.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEliNEOBw3O/
Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik
Gigi is just days away from welcoming her first child – a girl – with boyfriend, Zayn Malik, and she finally shared some pictures of her baby bump. The model, who is due in September, spent the majority of her pregnancy on her family’s Pennsylvania farm during the pandemic. The couple has reportedly traveled back to New York City, where the 25-year-old plans to give birth.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEWoTaynvz2/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEWorgXniHr/
Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas
Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas welcomed their daughter Willa on Wednesday, July 22, at a Los Angeles-area hospital.
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara
Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix and his fiancé Rooney Mara are reportedly expecting their first child together. According to details, Mara was “about six months along” in May. This child will be the first for both Mara and Phoenix.
Nicki Minhaj
Nicki Minaj and her husband, Kenneth “Zoo” Petty are expecting their first child together. The news 10 months after Minaj, 37, announced that she is retiring to focus on her family.
Virgin Atlantic airline is all set to operate flights between the UK and Pakistan from December this year. According to details, it will launch three new routes: London Heathrow to Lahore; London Heathrow to Islamabad; and Manchester to Islamabad. Flights will go on sale in September.
We’re thrilled to announce that from December, we’ll be flying direct to Pakistan. We’ll have flights from @HeathrowAirport to both Lahore and Islamabad, plus direct services from @manairport to Islamabad. Flights go on sale in September, and we can’t wait to welcome you. pic.twitter.com/61FS9dkaFb
In a statement, Virgin’s chief commercial officer Juha Jarvinen said: “Pakistan is an extremely exciting opportunity for us – it boasts one of the largest foreign-born populations in both the UK and the US and, as people start to travel to visit loved ones, we’re anticipating the demand to visit friends and relatives will increase post-COVID-19.”
“Both Lahore and Islamabad are popular year-round destinations and we look forward to welcoming travellers onboard as demand for leisure and business travel gradually increases to the region,” he added.
The carrier said that the services would offer “seamless, speedy connections and a consistent long-haul onboard experience for customers travelling from destinations throughout North America, including New York JFK, Los Angeles, Washington, Boston and San Francisco via London Heathrow onwards to Pakistan”.
“We also see a significant opportunity to increase competition in the US – Pakistan market. Using the strength of our transatlantic services we’re able to offer customers the shortest journey to and from destinations in the US such as New York, Los Angeles and Washington by connecting through London Heathrow”.
Welcoming the announcement, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Christian Turner in a tweet said, “Another sign of #UKPakDosti- Welcome to Pakistan Virgin Atlantic.”
It is pertinent to mention here that British Airways is currently operating five flights a week between London and Islamabad. On Wednesday, it was reported that the airline is also seeking permission from Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to start operating flights to Lahore, as a team of experts from the airline visited Allama Iqbal International Airport earlier this week to review arrangements made by the airport management.
Social Activist Faisal Edhi, the son of late Abdul Sattar Edhi was rescued by a fisherman after a boat carrying him and five others capsized into deep water during a rescue operation.
Edhi’s rescue boat which was on rescue mission in #Korangi capsized in deep water near sea. There were 6 people in the boat including Faisal Edhi. A nearby fishing boat rescued him & his team. Faisal Edhi & others are being shifted to Ibrahim Haideri Jetty. #karachi#KarachiRainpic.twitter.com/BriGLcCEcv
According to reports, Edhi was going to rescue eight missing persons on the request of their families when the boat overturned. Edhi and Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) MPA Raja Azhar were on the same boat.
All officials were rescued by a nearby fishing boat and Edhi and other vIctims were taken to the Ibrahim Haideri jetty.
Recounting the experiences, Edhi said: “We were a total of six people and were wearing life jackets that helped us swim towards our boat. We held onto its rope and when we saw a fishing boat pass by, we called the fishermen for help.”
Karachi experienced record torrential rains this year, wreaking havoc on the city’s infrastructure and drainage system. According to the Met Office, Tuesday’s rainfall broke a 90-year record with 345mm of rain recorded at Karachi’s PAF Faisal Base.
Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah has declared an emergency across the province while roof-collapse, electrocution and drowning incidents make headlines.
In Karachi, Malir, Korangi, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Saadi Town, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area, North Karachi, Surjani Town and North Nazimabad are some of the areas that are underwater after receiving heavy rainfall since Monday night.
Power outages are also spelling misery for the people of the country’s largest city.
