Tag: trending

  • Hamza Ali Abbasi says his character in ‘Alif’ reflects his own journey

    Hamza Ali Abbasi says his character in ‘Alif’ reflects his own journey

    Hamza Ali Abbasi’s much-awaited project Alif has finally seen the light of the day and is set to air on Geo Entertainment some time this month or early next month.

    Two teasers of the drama have been released and from the look of it, the drama is pretty intriguing. Hamza plays a hotshot director who thinks the world of himself, while Sajal is an aspiring actor.

    The second teaser featured Kubra Khan and Ahsan Khan but it was hard to tell what their characters would be about.

    The drama has been penned by Umera Ahmed and directed by Haseeb Hasan (Mann Mayal, Parwaaz Hai Junoon).

    Meanwhile, Hamza took to Twitter to share that his character in a “lot of ways reflects my own personal ongoing journey.”

    He also said that “this project will set an example of how to use the medium of television to make people reflect on their lives and get back in touch with their Creator.”

    Guess we already know how the drama will end.

    Here’s a look at the teaser featuring Hamza and Sajal.

  • Indian defence minister trolled for posing in IAF uniform

    Indian defence minister trolled for posing in IAF uniform

    Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is being brutally trolled over Twitter for posing for a photograph in the uniform of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

    The photograph started doing rounds over the internet after Singh flew on board India’s indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas in Bengaluru, becoming the first Indian defence minister to do so.

    “Visit us for tea sometime,” journalist Ajmal Jami wrote while retweeting the image. Other Twitterati, including Indians, also took some time out to troll the defence minister.

    https://twitter.com/AMEYTRIVEDI/status/1174552243955060736

    Earlier in the day, Singh said that the 30-minute sortie was “very smooth and comfortable”, not knowing that the subsequent ride won’t be.

    The IAF has already inducted a batch of Tejas aircraft. The naval version of the LCA is currently in the development stage.

    Recently in Goa, Tejas successfully carried out an “arrested landing”, a key performance demonstrating its ability to land on board an aircraft carrier, making it a major milestone in the development of the naval variant of the fighter jet.

  • Who’s part of Coke Studio 12?

    Who’s part of Coke Studio 12?

    Coke Studio 12 has everyone buzzing. With Rohail Hyatt donning the producer’s hat once again, music lovers are excited for the upcoming edition of the show, especially considering last year’s debacle. Remember Ko Ko Korina?

    Nonetheless, the line-up of the latest season has finally been revealed. While it features some of the regulars, others who were the part of the previous seasons, including Momina Mustehsan, Strings and Asim Azhar, are not part of the lineup.

    Here are some of the artists who will be part of this season’s show:

    • Sanam Marvi
    • Fareed Ayaz & Abu Muhammad
    • Umair Jaswal
    • Atif Aslam
    • Hadiqa Kayani
    • Aima Baig
    • Zoe Viccaji
    • Ali Sethi
    • Shuja Haider
    • Rachel Viccaji
    • Nimra Rafique
    • Quratulain Baloch
    • Abrar ul Haq

    The season is set to air sometime around mid-October.

  • Two Pakistani models are going to the Milan Fashion Week

    Two Pakistani models are going to the Milan Fashion Week

    Models Mushk Kaleem and Alicia Khan are all set to walk the ramp at the Milan Fashion Week for Italian designer Stella Jean. Mushk also won the Lux Style Award this year for Best Emerging Talent in Fashion.

    • Mushk Kaleem
    • Alicia Khan

    Taking to social media, Mushk shared that she is en route Milan for the fashion week. She also said that she is “immensely honoured and proud” to represent the country at an international level.

    Speaking to a local media outlet, Mushk shared that the opportunity arose when the designer Stella Jean visited Pakistan earlier this year. The designer not only took inspiration from Pakistani heritage and culture but also decided to incorporate Pakistani models into her showcase.

    Mushk revealed that the vetting process was long and tedious because everything was very detailed.

    “There is a certain standard size and height that has to be met for a model to be accepted into the fashion week. We also sent images from the ramp, fashion shoots and videos,” she shared.

    Meanwhile, model Alicia Khan will also be going with Mushk to the fashion week. She also shared a picture of herself on board.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2mmrgol62o/

    The Milan Fashion Week, established in 1958, is part of the global “Big Four Fashion Weeks”, the others being Paris Fashion Week, London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. The schedule begins with New York, followed by London, and then Milan, and ending with Paris.

    Recognised as the first Black Italian designer, Stella Jean lives and works in Rome and is considered to be Giorgio Armani’s protégé. In 2019 she was highlighted by the New York Times as the most convincing of all the New Gen designers in Milan.

  • Muslims in Sindh head to temples to protect Hindu brethren

    Muslims in Sindh head to temples to protect Hindu brethren

    After blasphemy allegations against a Hindu teacher in Ghotki and the subsequent unrest, people, particularly Muslims, in Sindh are coming out of their houses to express solidarity with members of the Hindu community and promote harmony.

    As per the details, hundreds have taken to streets, condemning the actions of those who vandalised a Hindu temple in the area besides causing harm to others’ properties.

    They also demand immediate arrest of those involved in such acts.

    Among other incidents making to social media, people are visiting their nearby temples to guard members of the Hindu community as they offer prayers.

    https://twitter.com/Team_Sindhi/status/1173562028767797248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1173562028767797248&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpropakistani.pk%2F2019%2F09%2F18%2Fmuslims-guard-mandirs-in-ghotki-to-show-solidarity-with-hindus%2F
    https://twitter.com/Team_Sindhi/status/1173551796368941056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1173551796368941056&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mangobaaz.com%2Fmuslims-in-ghotki-are-guarding-hindu-temples-after-the-mob-incident-to-show-their-respect

    In another example, students at a local school gathered to form a Hindu Swastika, promoting the message of peace and national harmony.

    https://twitter.com/Team_Sindhi/status/1173998898299494400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1173998898299494400&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpropakistani.pk%2F2019%2F09%2F18%2Fmuslims-guard-mandirs-in-ghotki-to-show-solidarity-with-hindus%2F
  • Four ways you can help your planet

    Four ways you can help your planet

    Are all the reports regarding climate change or the deteriorating environment disturbing you? Do you want to play a part in saving the Earth?

    Headlines these days are flooded with bad news about global warming, dying oceans, melting glaciers and endangered animals. Frankly speaking, the situation is quite alarming and we are more affected with it than we thought. While most of us think that one person’s actions might not make any difference, the truth is that it all begins with one person and there are actually many ways you can help.

    Here are a few suggestions on how you can play your part for Mother Earth.

    Conserve water at home

    Water wastage is one of the biggest ways humans affect the health of the planet. Taking measures to use less water is something you can start doing right away.

    Here’s how you can save water:

    • Check and fix any water leaks – a leaky spout can waste a lot of water.
    • Don’t wash dishes with the water running continuously. Use a method that requires less water to get the dishes clean.
    • Turn off the washing machine’s water supply to prevent leaks. It doesn’t need to be on all the time.
    • Don’t use too much water to water your lawn – instead, use water used elsewhere to water the lawn.
    • Don’t leave the tap running while you brush your teeth.

    Avoid plastics

    • Carry a reusable shopping bag with you in the car, in your bag all the time and use it when needed.
    • Use food containers instead of plastic bags to get food from the market.
    • Stop buying plastic water bottles. Use refillable glass water bottles.

    For more ways on how you can reduce plastic in your life, watch this video.

    Plant trees and don’t cut them

    Trees are an integral part of the ecosystem. Trees not only protect the land but the water and air, too. Plus they provide shade to your homes in the long, hot summer. If you have room in your yard, consider planting a few trees.

    Use fewer chemicals

    Chemicals used to wash our bodies, homes, cars and everything else get washed down the drain or absorbed in the grass, and eventually, end up in the water supply. Chemicals are doing real damage to waterways and aquatic life. The chemicals aren’t good for humans, either, so do your best to use fewer chemicals.

    • Use organic products like organic soap, shampoo etc.
    • Learn about alternatives to household cleaning items that do not use hazardous chemicals. For example, using a solution of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 waterworks as well as most commercial cleaners for basic cleaning jobs. Baking soda and salt are cheap, non-toxic cleansers, but should be used in moderation.
    • Instead of using pesticides and herbicides, find natural ways to get rid of weeds and pests.
  • Nathiagali’s latest camping pods look impressive

    Nathiagali’s latest camping pods look impressive

    Provincial Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Tourism, Culture, Sports, Archaeology and Youth Affairs Atif Khan in a recent social media post shared pictures of the new opened camping pods in Nathiagali and the pictures are unbelievably impressive.

    Writing about its key features, Atif Khan said that the pods have very high thermal insulation which is ideal for extreme weather. He added that the pods have a “contemporary interior with modern facilities.”

    We called the number listed on the post for further details and the person who received the call said that the pods have all facilities including warm water, power sockets and 24 hours security. They further shared that the camping pods cost Rs 10,000/night for one pod and if you book more than one pods, you can get a discount.

    Here’s a look at the pictures shared by the minister.

    View of the room

    The room at night.

    Views from the room

    That bathroom looks better than my bathroom at home.

    These pods are located on Link Road, Nathia Gali, Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

    Our favourite vacation spot just got better. Who is planning a trip?

  • Adnan Sami fined 50 lakhs for illegal purchase of flats

    Adnan Sami fined 50 lakhs for illegal purchase of flats

    The Appellate Tribunal for the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) has imposed a penalty of 50 lakh on singer Adnan Sami for purchasing eight flats and five parking spaces in Mumbai in 2003 without prior permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) when he was a Pakistani national. However, at the same time, a tribunal in New Delhi has set aside the confiscation of the properties saying no foreign exchange was involved in their purchase.

    According to a report in the Hindustan Times, authorities had seized the properties saying Sami acquired them in 2003 without Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s permission in violation of the law. Given that Sami was a Pakistani national at that time, he needed special permission to make the purchases. A penalty of Rs 20 lakh had also been imposed on the singer. Foreign nationals are required to seek RBI’s permission to buy property in India.

    The court in its order quashing the previous order said, “Admittedly, in the present case, no foreign exchange is involved and concomitantly, there has been no loss of foreign exchange as the entire sale consideration has been paid by way of a loan and income which has not only been generated in India, but the tax which has so accrued on such income has also been paid by the appellant [Sami] herein.”

    Sami, who was granted Indian citizenship in January 2016, said that he was not aware of this rule when he made the purchases but was very happy with the ruling of the court. Expressing his joy, Sami is reported to have said he was very emotional as he got this victory on the day of his wife Roya Faryabi’s birthday and that made it even more special.

    “It has been a big struggle of nine years. I am ecstatic about the fact that being an Indian justice finally prevailed. Whatever I earned with my blood, sweat, and tears, I have finally got them all back,” Sami said.

    As for the fine, Sami will have to pay Rs 40 lakh within 3 months as he had paid Rs 10 lakh earlier.

  • VIDEO: Putin quotes Quran to urge Muslim countries for peace

    VIDEO: Putin quotes Quran to urge Muslim countries for peace

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for an end to the conflict in Yemen by quoting from the Holy Quran to urge Muslim countries for peace.

    According to RT, the Russian president was speaking in Turkish capital Ankara alongside President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani when he quoted a verse from Surah al-Imran.

    “And remember the favour of Allah upon you — when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favour, brothers,” he quoted.

    WATCH VIDEO:

    The Russian president’s references to the Holy Quran were noted with approval by both Erdogan and Rouhani, the report said.

    Tens of thousands of people have been killed in Yemen’s civil war and millions face the threat of starvation.

    The war in Yemen is an ongoing conflict that began in 2015 between two factions: the Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi-led Yemeni government and the Houthi armed movement, along with their supporters and allies.

  • Naya Pakistan: Police register blasphemy case against 50 rioters for attacking temple

    Naya Pakistan: Police register blasphemy case against 50 rioters for attacking temple

    Police have registered a blasphemy case against 50 rioters for vandalising a Hindu temple following blasphemy allegations against a local teacher in the Ghotki district of Sindh, journalist Mubashir Zaidi has claimed.

    “Police registers balsphemy case against 50 rioters who vandalized Hindu temple in Ghotki,” he tweeted Monday.

    Heavy contingents of police and rangers were deployed in the district Sunday after violent protests over alleged blasphemy by a school principal belonging to the Hindu community. A temple, school and businesses owned by Hindus in the city were ransacked by the rioters.

    The case against the individuals, who attacked the temple, was registered under sections 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class),  147 (rioting) and 149 (connivance) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

    Dawn quoted Sukkur Additional Inspector General (AIG) Jamil Ahmed as saying that Section 295 was included because the protesters had vandalised a Hindu temple.

    “The Sindh government and its ministers seem serious to bring the culprits to book,” a rights activist from the Hindu community told a private media outlet on the condition of anonymity.

    However, the activist said that the people still felt insecure and wanted an end to injustice on the basis of faith.

    Another case was lodged against 150 people — 27 named and 123 unidentified persons — for blocking roads. A third FIR [First Information Report] pertaining to rioting and theft was filed against 23 people, including 11 unidentified persons, over reports that protesters had stolen goods from multiple shops in Shahi Bazar.

    RIOTS OVER ‘BLASPHEMY’:

    Law and order of Ghotki and surrounding areas deteriorated on Sunday as people in large numbers took to the streets to protest against an alleged incident of blasphemy.

    The protests began on Saturday after an FIR was filed against the principal of Sindh Public School on the complaint of Abdul Aziz Rajput, a student’s father who claimed that the former had committed blasphemy.

    The FIR was lodged under Article 295(c) — that pertains to “derogatory remarks in respect of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)” — of the PPC.

    Residents of the area demanded that the police arrest the principal, issued a call for a shutter-down strike, and took to the streets in protest. Videos of stick-wielding protesters were shared on social media on Sunday, in which they were seen vandalising a Hindu temple and damaging the school where the alleged incident took place.

    The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also shared a video of protesters breaking the infrastructure of the school and expressed concern over the situation.

    “Alarming reports of accusations of blasphemy in Ghotki and the outbreak of mob violence,” it said in a tweet.