Tag: women empowerment

  • Meet Abdul Hadi, legal eagle and Imaan Mazari’s husband

    Meet Abdul Hadi, legal eagle and Imaan Mazari’s husband

    Daughter of former federal minister Shireen Mazari, Imaan Zainab Mazaari Hazir, recently married the love of her life Abdul Hadi Ali Chattha, in a ceremony in Islamabad.

    Have you searched on Google who is Imaan Mazari’s husband?

    Abdul Hadi Ali Chattha is the Vice Chairman of the Human Rights Committee, Punjab Bar Council and Founder of Fair Trial Defenders Legal Aid Cell.

    Well, we got a chance to talk with him and as a Multani, I am filled with happiness and joy that Imaan married someone who was born and raised on a farm (Pind) in Multan.

    Abdul Hadi Ali Chattha did his O levels and A levels from Beaconhouse and went to Newcastle University UK for LLB Hons.

    He takes pride in being a Multani and honestly, so do I.

    When asked when the couple first met, Hadi said, “We first met in F-8 Katcheri because I was there for a client and got introduced to Imaan. We appeared in court together for that case.”

    He started working at AGHS legal aid cell with the late human rights giant Asma Jehangir after coming back from the UK.

    After her death, he worked at Justice Project Pakistan with Barrister Sarah Belal.

    When asked why he left the U.K. or cities like Islamabad and Lahore and came back to Multan, Hadi said, “In 2018 I came back to Multan and established my legal aid cell, Fair Trial Defenders Legal Aid Cell, to give back to the people of my land. We provide free legal representation to clients who can’t afford legal expenses. We have a core team of six lawyers with my co-founder Suleman A Zeb.”

    What do you love the most about Imaan?

    “It’s very difficult to answer that because it’s everything about her.”

    He was initially attracted because of her passion and bravery for the work she does. It’s also the side of her no one else knows, she keeps it hidden from the public eye.

    Head over heels in love with Imaan, Hadi said, “I have never met anyone like her. She’s the only one of her kind.”

    Since Imaan has been to jail recently, I asked him if he would go to jail for her. “I would go to jail with her. No one’s arresting my wife unless they arrest me too.”

    Hadi has decided to move his practice to Islamabad, getting an office there in June 2023. “We will be living in Islamabad, serving the people in Multan through Legal Aid Cell.”

    I asked if they intended to start a podcast together Hadi said nothing of the sort is happening in the near future.

    Hadi has been a great support and core organizer of Aurat March Multan since 2020. He looks after all the legal matters and NOCs required.

    When asked whether the couple will be seen in Aurat March Multan 2024 together, Hadi said, “Maybe one year in Islamabad March and one in Multan March. Wherever our comrades need us. “

    The most thoughtful part is that they didn’t have a wedding hashtag or an extravagant wedding. “We both wanted it to be as small and intimate as possible. We feel guilty being extravagant especially because of what is happening around us with our Baloch brothers and sisters and the situation in Gaza.”

  • ‘Massive dissapointment’: Malala’s failure to mention genocide in Gaza during lecture has Twitter angry

    ‘Massive dissapointment’: Malala’s failure to mention genocide in Gaza during lecture has Twitter angry

    Girls education activist Malala Yousafzai was selected to give the 21st Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Johannesburg. In her speech, the Noble Prize Winner spoke at length about the gender apartheid in Afghanistan against women and girls, with no mention of the genocide of Gaza where the death toll has now crossed 15,000 civilians.

    In an interview with The Associated Press, Malala urged for a ceasefire in Gaza, pointing to attention to the countless schools and homes that have been bombarded in the war, and for war criminals to be held accountable.

    Nelson Mandela was a staunch pro-Palestine supporter, who famously said during his visit to Gaza in 1999 that he “felt at home among compatriots”.

    “There is an apartheid state committing a genocide at the moment which you’ve been disappointingly silent on. If you take away anything from this trip, it should be the courage to speak up about what is happening in the here and now,” wrote a user.

    “Ironic that she mentioned apartheid, reason for Mandela’s struggle, yet not a word about Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians, brutal human rights violation and the ongoing genocide. Nothing but just a mouthpiece can’t be my inspiration anymore,” wrote another user.

    “She’s visiting South Africa, a country with apartheid history and she chooses to stay silent on an ongoing genocide. Mandela would have hated her bigotry if he was alive, his resistance was against the same mindset,” said a tweet.

    Previously Malala released a statement on October 10 grieving for the Palestinian and Israeli children who were caught in the war. Many were quick to slam the feminist activist for failing to recognise that this was a genocide where more Palestinian lives were being lost everyday.

    Many have drawn comparisons between Malala’s silence and climate change activist Greta Thunberg’s outspoken resistance against the genocide of Gaza. Greta published an op-ed for The Guardian where she criticised Israel as the death toll grows in Gaza, with more children passing away from Israeli airstrikes.

  • 10th Shell Tameer Awards – The Brilliance of Future Innovators

    10th Shell Tameer Awards – The Brilliance of Future Innovators

    A visionary concept like that of the likes of Shell’s flagship programme, the Shell Tameer, is one that gives youth a dynamic platform where sustainable, revolutionary, and scaleble ideas can prosper. Shell Tameer Awards is a beacon of hope for innovators and their developmental portfolios designed to fortify economies. Shell Tameer lays the foundation of entrepreneurship, and innovation to create meaningful changes in the country. A nationwide spectacle became the nexus where innovative ideas and creative minds across Pakistan came together to share a platform for the benefit of the country.

    Shell Tameer Awards 2023 saw a plethora of impeccable ideas poised to redefine Pakistan’s trajectory of progress. These ideas promise to bring transformative solutions to the challenges faced by the nation and its people, acting as a catalyst for economic growth.

    Diverse in scope and impact, the Shell Tameer Awards boast a spectrum of categories that mirror the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of our time, let’s shed some light on a few of many extraordinary visions that we encountered on the 10th Shell Tameer Awards.

    Clean Energy Solutions

    Clean Energy Jamal Ahmed – Solar Safe – A pioneering startup from Peshawar, specialising in solar panel cleaning, maintenance, and repair services for solar PV systems. It aligns with the principles of sustainability and circular economy by extending up to 10 years the lifespan of solar panels and maximising the energy of energy production.

    Sheraz Khalid – ECO CHAR – An environmentally friendly clean-tech based charcoal manufacturer that addresses the issue of sub-standard fuel in domestic, industrial, and commercial sectors.

    Empowering Women

    Shehnaz Akhtar – HALANCE NATURALS PVT LTD – A company that works towards creating natural and clean skincare, hair oils and essential soaps, scrubs, and shampoos nurtured through organically grown fruit goodness that grows from pesticide-free farming.

    Technology Innovation

    Farha Masood – BIO-NANO INNOVATIONS – A young startup developing specialised wound dressing for diabetic patients who consistently face issues of foot ulcers, bacterial invasion, and infections. The business aims to commercialize affordable adhesive dressings to provide aseptic conditions and promote wound healing for diabetic patients.

    Abdul Hanan – Softwares Solution – A smart system designed to serve over 70 million people suffering from stammer/stutter by taking voice input and predicting the next word/sentence as transcribed output.

    Anjum Javed – AGRIBOTX – Forefront runner of a transformative solution – Precision Robotics for future farming harnessed with cutting-edge technology, AI, and data-driven insights to develop a comprehensive suite of robotic solutions.

    Circular Economy

    Humza Rehman – RDUINOTRONICS – A high-quality filaments producer that uses discarded plastic bottles to manufacture filaments suitable for 3D printers, hence addressing the issue of plastic waste and fulfilling the need for more accessible and cost-effective filaments.

    Bushra Ali Khan – BAAZYAFT – An eco-friendly initiative where underprivileged communities, including transgenders and deserving females, produce home accessories, stationery items, and fashion accessories from textile waste.

    The Shell Tameer Awards extend beyond the winner’s podium, all 30 finalists benefit from global consultancy, exposure, and constructive feedback from industry leaders, helping them progress their business and further their ideas from concept to reality.

    Shell Tameer emerges as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and a flag-bearer of creative potential across Pakistan. It empowers leaders, game-changers, and trailblazers to shape national economic growth. Two decades on, the program continues to foster innovative solutions, building a modern, convenient, and vibrant ecosystem that propels the future of the nation. As we celebrate another successful year of the 10th Shell Tameer Awards, we eagerly anticipate the untold stories and hidden brilliance that will shape the next chapter of Pakistan’s journey towards progress and innovation.

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  • ‘Anti hero’ Taylor Swift sparks outrage for befriending allegedassaulter Jackson Mahomes

    ‘Anti hero’ Taylor Swift sparks outrage for befriending allegedassaulter Jackson Mahomes

    ‘It must be exhausting always rooting for the Anti Hero’? Not for Taylor Swift it seems so.

    Taylor Swift has garnered backlash from fans because of the singer’s silence on the ongoing genocide of Gaza, and several videos showed Israeli fans dancing to the screening of ‘Eras tour’ movie. Now, fans are outraged after the singer who wrote ‘Mad Woman’ was spotted laughing along side the younger brother of NFL player Patrick Mahomes, Jackson Mahomes, who is accused of sexual assault.

    A twitter thread by a Swiftie, detailing the charges filed against Jackson, who was seen in a video grabbing a woman and forcibly kissing her, is going viral. Jackson was arrested and charged with three counts of sexual battery and misdemeanour. But he was released on $100,000 bail.

    The thread further revealed reports that alleged Jackson had tried to bribe the victim to force her to withdraw the case, which had attracted further outrage.

    Taylor Swift attended a football game where her boyfriend Travis Kelce was playing, and several videos showed her high fiving Jackson, attracting intense backlash. Many criticised the singer as a hypocrite, for speaking up against sexual assault and rape but refusing to defend others who do the same thing.

    Swifties were also taken aback when Taylor’s best friend and wife to Patrick, Brittany Mahomes, defended her brother-in-law in an Instagram story by writing “He’s just a human trying to live his own life”, when a fan asked her about the sexual assault allegations.

    Many slammed Taylor Swift for failing to live up to her political beliefs and the feminist stance she had reaffirmed with songs like ‘Dear John’, ‘All Too Well’ or ‘Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve’ where Taylor has publicly discussed surviving abusive relationships and sexual harassment.

    Others were shocked that Taylor continued to remain silent about her friendship with Brittany Mahomes, when she was named as Time Magazine’s Silence Breakers in the 2017 issue, when the singer had gone to court after her abuser sued her.

    The Boycott, Divest Sanctions Movement (BDS) also called out Taylor Swift and Beyonce for allowing their films to play in an apartheid state where the genocide of Gaza is still going on. On their official Instagram account, the movement acknowledged that the two singers had refused multiple offers to play in Israel, but urged them to pull their films and music from playing in the country.

  • Pakistani shepherdess, midwife make it to BBC’s top 100 women list

    Pakistani shepherdess, midwife make it to BBC’s top 100 women list

    Two Pakistani women have been included into the BBC’s list of this year’s top 100 inspiring and influential women. The list highlights women who became trailblazers in their field and worked to spread awareness about issues like climate change, political instability and natural disasters. Among the list are famous Muslim figures like lawyer Amal Clooney, Pakistani Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Iraqi-American beauty mogul Huda Kattan.

    The first Pakistani woman included in the list is Afroze-Numa, one of the last Wakkhi shepherdess who has taken care of goats, yack and sheep for over three decades.

    “Having learnt the trade from her mother and grandmothers,” the BBC description reads, “she is part of a centuries-old tradition that is now dying out in Pakistan’s Shimla valley.”

    “Every year these shepherdesses take their flocks to pastures 4,800m (16,000ft) above sea level, where they prepare dairy products to barter, while their animals feed.

    Their income has brought the village prosperity and allowed them to provide an education for their children. Afroze-Numa still fondly remembers being the first woman in the valley to own a pair of shoes.”

    The second Pakistani woman included in the list is Neha Mankani, a midwife who travelled to flood-affected areas in order to provide life-saving birthing kits and midwifery care to mothers and their babies.

    “Her typical practice focuses on low-resourced settings, emergency response and climate-affected communities,” the BBC said, adding that Mama Baby Fund has now raised enough money to launch a boat ambulance that will transport pregnant women living in coastal communities to nearby hospitals and clinics for urgent treatment.

    Taking to Instagram to share the post, Mankani wrote she was honoured to receive the acknowledgement from BBC.

    “Really honoured to be on the @bbc100women list this year as a climate hero, celebrating the important role of midwives in climate emergencies and highlighting my work with @mamababyfund in last year’s floods and in the climate affected island communities of Karachi. Head over to @bbc100women to read about all the really amazing women highlighted this year”

  • ‘Do takkay ki larki’ ka yeh matlab nahi’: Adnan Siddiqui defends controversial dialogue from Mere Pass Tum Ho

    ‘Do takkay ki larki’ ka yeh matlab nahi’: Adnan Siddiqui defends controversial dialogue from Mere Pass Tum Ho

    Adnan Siddiqui appeared on a recent episode of Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast ‘Excuse Me’ where he addressed his role in the controversial drama ‘Mere Pass Tum Ho’ and the dialogue ‘do takkay ki larki’ which sparked intense outrage from women in Pakistan.

    Butt revealed that he had a conversation with the writer Khalil ul Rehman about the line, to which the writer had responded that he used the word ‘larki’ for one woman. Siddiqui pointed out it was solely directed towards the female character Mehwish (played by Ayeza Khan) rather than a generalisation of all women. He further stressed that audiences should contextualise the dialogue within the drama.

    “Mehwish and Shehwaar were both equally blamed for this. Danish, who was deeply in love with his wife, sacrificed a lot for her happiness and was madly in love with her. When he discovered the affair he was outraged, which led to the dialogue. In his rage, he couldn’t use a slur because he’s a man of culture. So this was his slur. Let’s stick to that scenario because that dialogue was solely meant for Mehwish and not all women of Pakistan.”

    The host behind reality TV series ‘Tamasha’ urged audiences not to conflate characters to real-life people, pointing out that the characters in the story line were not a reflection of reality.

  • Misogyny rears its head once more with Mohib Mirza’s sexist comments

    Misogyny rears its head once more with Mohib Mirza’s sexist comments

    What is this, misogyny month?

    Another male actor has decided to raise the misogyny flag with a gross comment and this time, its Mohib Mirza. The actor was featured in a podcast for FHM Pakistan where he talked at length about his career and the controversy surrounding the actor’s marriage to Sanam Saeed. Everything was going well, and we were quite proud of how Mohib shut down allegations of cheating against his first wife Amina Sheikh.

    But this was all shot down when Mohib was asked about whether it was him or Sanam who controlled the house.

    To which Mohib responded:

    “If you’re a man you cannot be shareef. No one should remain in this delusion that a man can be innocent. A woman can be innocent but not a man. It can’t be possible because of genetics. The way it was made it’s not possible for that reason. Do you know how many cells you generate in THAT specific area? Billions! You are made like a machine so you are a machine.”

    Where do I even begin with this nonsense. Why do women need to deal with this?

    Sab say pehlay tou Mohib sir, equating manliness with strength and femininity with weakness is a relic of the past. If such a thing were real, then men wouldn’t be throwing around chairs and breaking television sets every time their favourite team lost a cricket match. And women wouldn’t be quietly toiling while suffering intense period pain. Have you ever had a chance, Mr Mohib, to read up on our history? Or even perhaps spoken with the women of this country? Sit down with an ordinary Pakistani woman who is not only working at a job, but also taking care of her children, cleaning her house and then dealing with her in-laws. While men in this country, who were apparently born with superior genes, can’t provide proper financial support for the family. The gender you’re calling weak by associating it with femininity is the one holding families together.

    And also sir, this is not the first time you and Sanam went viral with your sexist comments. Earlier this year, both Mohib and Sanam were guests on Fahad Mustafa’s show. Sanam was asked whether men need to be dealt with like babies, to which she responded: “You need to take care of men like they are children.” The statement reeks of entitlement and ignorance, and as a couple with a lot of power and social status, you need to be mindful of the kind of words you say publicly.

    But you’re lucky Mr Mohib, you’re not the only celebrity who made us want to slam our heads on the wall this week. Javed Sheikh decided it was super cool to publicly announce that he refuses to believe in the slogan ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’. He emphasised that a woman is beautiful when she is covered.

    Please tell us when and where did any woman ask you for your opinion? Did Haseena Moin ask you for reference when she cast you in her critically acclaimed drama ‘Ankahi’ where you acted opposite a head-strong, opinionated woman who didn’t need to cover up to demand respect from a man? Exactly, sit down.

    Why are we still addressing this topic? There’s a war in the Middle East. India is making more progressive movies like ‘Rocky and Rani’ centring around consent and holding men accountable for misogyny, and we’re still debating whether femininity makes a woman weak?

    All we will say is these are distractions from real issues, and we are done lecturing men on the basic elements of feminism. Which is why I didn’t bother to go into any details in this piece. Google is free, and at this point celebrities need to realise we can see through their PR attempts. We know what you’re doing when you bring up sexism because it will bring along another month’s easy coverage. Women don’t owe any man an explanation for why they deserve to be respected, and we’re done doing so as well.

  • Five suspects granted bail in two honour killing cases

    Five suspects granted bail in two honour killing cases

    Peshawar High Court has granted bail in two separate cases involving honor killings.

    The first case involved Swat resident, Akhtar Ali, suspected of being involved in the killing of his wife and another man over three months ago.

    The bail was granted by Justice Shahid Khan of a single-member bench, who directed the submission of two surety bonds of Rs200,000 each for Ali’s release.

    The incident, which took place on July 22, 2023, was initially reported at the Shaheedan Wenai police station in Swat under sections 302 and 311 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 15 of the Arms Act.

    The complainant in the FIR, station house officer of the police station, Mohammad Zaib Khan, claimed that he along with a police team went to the crime site after learning about the murder of a man and a woman and found out that the deceased were killed by the petitioner, who suspected that the two had an extramarital affair

    During the hearing, the bench noted that the case lacked substantial evidence against Ali.

    It added that the complainant in the case had neither disclosed the name of the person who informed him about the involvement of the petitioner nor did he produce any other “cogent and reliable information, which could prima facie spoke about the guilt or otherwise of the petitioner.”

    Lawyers Saeed Khan, Askar Khan, and Dunya Zeb, representing the petitioner, emphasized the absence of witnesses and evidence connecting Ali to the crime.

    They added that the murders took place at nighttime and that there was no evidence to connect the petitioner with the commission of the offense.

    Similarly, the court also granted bail to Habib Khan and his three sons – Talim Khan, Owais Khan, and Zarif Khan – from Lower Dir district.

    It accepted the joint bail petition of suspects on the condition of furnishing two surety bonds of Rs100,000 each.

    They were arrested on suspicion of the honor killing of Habib’s daughter-in-law, Nish Bibi, whose body was found at their residence on Sept 23, 2023.

    An FIR was lodged by the mother of the girl, who alleged mistreatment and torture by her husband and in-laws.

    The complainant claimed that her daughter was married to Dawood six years ago but she didn’t have kids and she often asked her husband for medical treatment.

    She claimed that for the same reason, relations between the couple were strained and that she was mistreated by her husband and in-laws and was also tortured by them.

    Legal counsel Shabbir Khan Daulatkhel defended the petitioners, maintaining that the prosecution’s case was founded on rumors, lacking any concrete evidence against the accused.

    The initial bail application of the petitioners was rejected on Oct 12, 2023, by an additional sessions judge in the Chakdara area of Lower Dir district.

  • ‘Importance of finding someone who accepts you for who you are’: Sarah Majeed talks about Fairytale

    ‘Importance of finding someone who accepts you for who you are’: Sarah Majeed talks about Fairytale

    We’ve seen several romance dramas in Pakistan make a splash and then fade away. But this year ‘Fairy Tale’ emerged out of the blue and shifted the Pakistani entertainment scene like nothing else before. It was composed of new actors, and was given a terrible time slot, but a few weeks later it became a stand out drama, and made the writer Sarah Majeed a star overnight.

    Pakistani women would never recommend Pakistani dramas to others, but suddenly ‘Fairy Tale’ is the sole drama that created a female fan cult no other drama has developed. There are groups dedicated to fan girling on Hamza Sohail, the internet’s new boyfriend, and fan-fics written online about Umeed and Farjaad, but most importantly Sarah Majeed was hailed by modern women for making a progressive drama at a time there seemed to be a dearth of them.

    The Current had a chat with Sarah Majeed about how she formulated the idea of the drama, it’s gorgeous and feisty female lead Umeed and how she created a feminist drama in an entertainment industry known for championing misogynist tropes.

    Q. First of all, what inspired you to write a drama like ‘Fairy Tale’? Did you get any inspiration that made you want to write this rom-com?

    Sarah: Fantasy always sparks my imagination and inspires me to create a magical world where happiness, pure friendship, family bonds and unconditional love can be found.
    I aim to bring laughter and warmth to viewers, reminding them of the beauty of love and the humorous moments that come with it.

    Q. Did you have a personal preference for who you wanted to pick to play Umeed and Farjaad? Or did you go with Sehar and Hamza Sohail after their auditions?

    Sarah: No, all credit goes to Mahesh Waswani and Saira Ghulam Nabi. But I was very happy to know that Hamza Sohail and Sehar Khan are playing the role of Farjad and Umeed.

    Q. No one was expecting ‘Fairy Tale’ to become an overnight success the way it did- because it featured unknown actors and was given a bad time slot- but it exceeded expectations to get international praise. How did you feel about all of that?

    Sarah: This is an amazing and incredible success and proof that content is everything and we can gain popularity by creating progressive content too.
    I also would like to appreciate the entire team of Fairytale, because of all of them, this journey of success was possible.

    Q What is more endearing about Fairy Tale is how it has established a cult following on Twitter- which is not something a lot of Pakistani dramas are remembered for. A lot of young women have fan accounts, group chats and even fan fictions dedicated to Umeed and Farjaad! Why do you think this drama has established such a strong following of women online?

    Sarah: The charm of a fairy tale is that it is an ordinary story written and acted in a very special way. I focus on relevant and relatable content and incorporate modern storytelling techniques.
    I am grateful to my fans for their amazing support. I am overwhelmed by all the love and support! Thank you, fans, for making our drama trend!

    Your support fuels my passion. Sending you all my love and thanks.

    Q. When we come to Umeed, what fans love about her most- and the thing she is criticised for- is that she’s super loud and makes mistakes all the time. But every time in interviews this critique is brought up after Season one, you’ve been quick to shut it down. This is quite a shift in how female leads are treated, seeing how another critically acclaimed drama with a loud and bold female lead, but the writer consistently approved the idea that she should be slapped by the male lead.

    Sarah: As a writer, I have immense love for all my characters, not just Umeed. Because I spend so much time making and preparing them, they become like my dear friends. I invest in their stories, their growth and their journey. I think that’s the sign of a passionate writer who really cares about his/her craft. I embrace my characters with love and they guide me in making them authentic and compelling characters. My viewers can feel this love too.

    Q. Farjaad embodied the literal opposite of what we typically see male leads on screen do, which is that he is a powerful and successful man but he never overshadows Umeed and uplifts her more often. Could you tell us why you chose to craft him in this way?

    Sarah: Men like Farjad are rarely seen be it on screen or in real life. That is why I created Farjad. Farjad is a powerful and successful male character who promotes and supports the heroine. By making sure he doesn’t overshadow her, I’ve tried to create a balanced dynamic that celebrates the strengths of both characters.

    Farjad allows Umeed to shine and grow, while still showing the positive qualities of the male character.

    It’s all about creating a story that empowers and inspires.

    Q. ‘Fairy Tale’ can be seen as a feminist rom-com, but it’s made in an entertainment industry where mostly viewer ratings demand screenplays include miserable women rather than happy ones. Writer Syed Mohammad Ahmed made this intelligent insight how entertainment producers- and audiences to an extent- aren’t mostly fond of seeing women happy and independent on screens, and which is why most progressive dramas have a hard time establishing a popular following. Would you agree with him on this?

    Sarah: Oh, I understand what you’re saying. It’s true that usually happy female leads on screen may not get as much attention as other types of characters. However, it’s important to remember that representation is key. By showcasing happy and positive female characters,we can inspire and uplift audiences.

    Yes, it can be a challenge for progressive dramas to gain popularity initially. Sometimes, it takes time for the audience to tell a new and innovative story. But remember, quality and authenticity always prevail in the long run. I believe in creating thought-provoking content, staying true to my vision, and engaging with my target audience. In time, my progressive drama will find its dedicated fans and make a positive impact.

    Q. A lot of drama writers we see achieve fame in Pakistan have written shows that were based on misogynist tropes like Khalil ul Rehman Qamar, which is the anti-thesis of the message surrounding ‘Fairy Tale’. Does this put any kind of pressure on you regarding the kind of dramas you want to write, but also balancing the expectations of what the entertainment industry wants?

    Sarah: Yes, I understand exactly what you mean. Misogynist tropes can be harmful and perpetuate negative stereotypes about women. It is very difficult to challenge and avoid such tropes in storytelling. Let’s strive for more inclusive and positive representation on screen!

    Q. Among a lot of the secondary characters we’ve seen fleshed out in Season Two, Haya is a beloved one among fans because she steps out of the Sati savitri trope a lot of fans felt she was boxed in during Season One.

    Sarah: Of course! Haya has learned from her past experiences and overcome her flaws and has tried to change from a sati savitri girl to a balanced character.

    I know watching Haya’s character grow is incredibly satisfying and inspiring for the audience. So, I did not forget to give opportunities to all my characters be it Haya, Pasha Sahab, Umeed, Farjad, Sameer, Niggo, Zeenat Chachi, Hilal Pasha and Aago Jaan all to grow and develop.

    Q. A lot of writers talk about using music to get into their characters. Do you do the same thing, or do you do something else to get into the minds of your characters?

    Sarah: Not any specific thing I do, it all depends on my mood.

    Q. After the success of your drama, what message do you wish the entertainment industry would take from the love story of Farjaad and Umeed?

    Sarah: The message from the love story of Farjad and Umeed is that stories can be written and created without evil characters and evil deeds and still be appreciated. Love can be found in unexpected places and is worth taking risks for. Fairytale reminds that relationships can be messy, but they can also bring joy, growth, and connection. This story emphasises the importance of communication, vulnerability, and finding someone who accepts you for who you are.

    Q. Will we see you writing more rom-coms in the future?

    Sarah: InshAllah

  • Huawei aims to boost Pakistan’s IT ecosystem: CEO and PM Kakar hold key talks

    Huawei aims to boost Pakistan’s IT ecosystem: CEO and PM Kakar hold key talks

    A delegation from Huawei Pakistan, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ethan Sun, held a formal meeting with caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, wherein they engaged in discussions concerning potential investment opportunities in Pakistan. 

    During this high-level encounter, CEO Sun articulated the company’s keen interest in making investments in Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) sector, a proposition that garnered appreciative acknowledgment from the PM. 

    Furthermore, the Huawei delegation provided comprehensive insights into their ongoing initiatives aimed at cultivating and elevating the IT ecosystem within Pakistan. 

    Of notable mention is Huawei’s establishment of approximately 100 IT centers within various universities across Pakistan, as officially documented.

    The PM, recognising the significance of Huawei’s endeavors, lauded the company’s commitment to advancing the field of IT in Pakistan.

    He expressed optimism regarding potential collaborations between Huawei and the government for the purpose of equipping the youth and women, particularly those residing in remote regions, with valuable skills in the domain of IT.

    According to Brecorder, PM Kakar extended a cordial invitation to Huawei, encouraging the company to consider establishing manufacturing facilities for mobile handsets within the borders of Pakistan.