Author: News Desk

  • Journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat ‘arrested’ by FIA

    Journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat ‘arrested’ by FIA

    Senior journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat went missing on Saturday morning from Lahore.

    Hamid took to Twitter and confirmed the news. “Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crimes Wing Lahore kidnapped journalist Amir Mir in Lahore this morning.”

    “We came to know about his location after 5 hours. FIA snatched his [Amir Mir’s] phone and laptop,” read the tweet. Amir Mir is Hamid Mir’s brother.

    Hamid Mir also wrote about the disappearance of Imran Shafqat, stating that FIA arrested him as well.

    Meanwhile, Imran Shafqat was arrested from his house by use of force. As per reports, around10 people, both men, and women barged into his residence, raided his place, and took him away.

    Talking to BBC, Imran Shafqat’s sister Anum Noor said, “The bell rang at our house in Mughalpura area of Lahore at 12:30pm today. My brother Imran Shafqat opened the door after which 10 people entered our house.”

    Anum Noor said eight of the 10 people were without uniforms and two were wearing “white uniforms”.

    “They said we came from the FIA. Didn’t say more than that. Neither did they show an arrest warrant,” added Noor.

    “They dragged my brother out of the house,” said Noor Anum.

    Journalist Shahid Aslam confirmed that both Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat are in the custody of FIA.

    Director FIA Cyber Crimes Wing Lahore, DIG Babar Bakht is supervising the investigation, as per Shahid Aslam.

    Reportedly Imran Shafqat is accused of doing a Vlog against the “First Lady” whereas the reasons to arrest Amir Mir are still unknown.

    Some say Amir Mir has been arrested for a news story that ran on his YouTube channel, Googly News.

    Twitter reacted to the alleged abduction of both Imran Shafqat and Amir Mir.

    Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) tweeted, “We demand safe return and an immediate inquiry into the circumstances of his disappearance.”

     Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto strongly condemned the arrest of journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat and demanded their release.

    Journalist Raza Rumi tweeted, “I have spent about 18 summers of my life in England. I have seen the British media, they are very open and free. But the Pakistan media, in my opinion, is freer than the British media: PM Imran Khan.”

    Journalist Asma Shirazi questions, “When will the disappearance of journalists stop?”

    Journalist Zebunnia Burki tweeted, ” I’d say unbelievable, but it’s really not.”

  • ‘Yeh kaisi maa banay gi? It’s a propaganda’: Shahroz Sabzwari on feminism

    ‘Yeh kaisi maa banay gi? It’s a propaganda’: Shahroz Sabzwari on feminism

    Actor Shahroz Sabzwari is on an interview giving spree post Sadaf Kanwal’s gendered statement received public backlash. The Nand actor slamed Aurat March and the slogan ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’.

    Talking on 92 News he said, that feminism a propaganda under the disguise of a ‘strong woman’.

    “What kind of mothers will they become? How will they be able to build a nation,” he questioned.

    The Chain Aye Na star recently reacted to the public’s backlash in another interview with a local media channel by stating that the criticism is only from a 10% segment of the society whereas the vast majority is ‘supporting Sadaf’s statement.’. The Dilruba star questioned the fellow panelist by asking her if she thinks that Vulgarity has become the primary motive of feminism.

    Earlier the Hassad star took to his Instagram stories to express his gratitude on not being a Liberal. He even tagged his wife Sadaf in the post.

    On the work front, Shahroz was last seen in ARY’s telefilm Mr and Mrs Chooza.

  • PM Khan, others pray for Arshad Nadeem’s win at Olympics Javelin Throw finals

    PM Khan, others pray for Arshad Nadeem’s win at Olympics Javelin Throw finals

    Prime Minister Imran Khan along with other politicians and notables have prayed for Arshad Nadeem, who will be competing for the finals of the Javelin Throw competition at Tokyo Olympics today.

    Taking to Twitter, PM office’s account wrote: “We pray for #ArshadNadeem’s podium finish in the finals of the Men’s Javelins Throw.”

    He further added: “With the nation’s prayers and your hard work, victory awaits you, Insha’Allah. Way to go, champ!”

    Other people who wished him luck include Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam, journalist Hamid Mir, actor Faysal Quraishi, among others.

    Arshad Nadeem, in a video message, thanked his fans for their prayers.

  • Ahsan Khan called out for being a biased host

    Actor Ahsan Khan is a seasoned host, he is currently hosting a chat show, Time out with Ahsan Khan. Certain clips of his show have surfaced on the web and netizens have called out the Udaari star for being a biased host as he allegedly favours bigger stars out of the two guests.

    A short clip from the show has gone viral on social media in which the host Ahsan Khan can be seen helping the guest Adnan in a game segment as he appeared on the show as a guest with Rabia Butt.

    Previously actor Fahad Sheikh also expressed feeling left out as Ahsan was constantly talking to the female guest, Yashma Gill. Actor Sami Khan also mentioned that he is being cheated during the segment with Kinza Hashmi.

    Netizens have reacted to Ahsan’s biased attitude:

    The show airs every Saturday on Express Entertainment.

  • VIDEO: 106-year-old Karachi woman recovers from Delta variant

    A 106-year-old woman in Karachi has recovered from coronavirus after contracting the Delta variant, ARY News reported.

    Haseen Bibi had been admitted to a Covid-19 centre established at Karachi’s Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College Lyari. She successfully fought the battle against the deadly Delta variant and has been discharged from the Covid ward.

    The hospital staff, along with her family, celebrated her recovery by cutting a cake at the medical centre.

    Last year in July, a 103-year-old man recovered from the coronavirus in Booni Chitral.

    The Delta variant was detected in India for the first time in September 2020 and is more dangerous and contagious than the other Covid-19 variants.

  • Corona Relief Funds: Auditors find fictitious purchases of items worth Rs881 million by KP govt

    Corona Relief Funds: Auditors find fictitious purchases of items worth Rs881 million by KP govt

    Investigative reporter Zahid Gishkori has revealed that the country’s top auditors have pointed out fictitious purchases, huge irregularities, wasteful expenditures, and losses to public funds of more than Rs3 billion by the health department of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). According to a report published in The News, a special audit team of the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) found “fictitious purchases of items worth Rs881 million by the KP government”.

    “The auditors scrutinised the allocation of Rs8.8 billion made for the fiscal year 2019-20, including Rs7.8 billion released by the finance department KP government. Furthermore, auditors also audited an amount of Rs1.7 billion allocated by the finance department to the health department, home & TA department, and the Pandemic Response Effectiveness in Pakistan (PREP), KP, for fighting the Covid-19 pandemic,” read the report.

    “The auditors pointed to doubtful purchases of equipment worth Rs14.358 million, which included stockpiling and logistics, noticing irregularities in an amount of Rs1 billion, which was allocated for provision of death compensation under the relief package for frontline workers dealing with Covid-19.”

    The report also features irregularities in funds of Rs140 million, which were released to the Home and Tribal Affairs Department for screening of prisoners.

    “The audit team also pointed out that the management of PDMA incurred an expenditure of Rs62 million on the purchase of PPEs without any market survey. The audit team pointed to losses of Rs117 million public funds in the purchase of some specification cardiac monitors recommending a high-level inquiry for fixing responsibility and making good the loss sustained by the government,” stated the report.

    “The AGP also questioned non-supply of ICU ventilators despite payment of Rs43.425 million and non-supply of medical equipment worth Rs150 million. Auditors also recommended a doubtful award of contract and payment of Rs11 million to M/s Dawazai & Company, pointing out a supply of 400,000 substandard masks by M/s Protech Solutions to the PDMA accordingly.”

    Meanwhile, Finance & Health Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Taimur Khan Jhagra tweeted, “[The report is] confusing, misleading & irresponsible; this article is based on an on-going audit process in the province.”

    However, as per The News, the complete audit report has been sent to President Arif Alvi.

  • Six star-studded dramas announced with exciting themes

    Six star-studded dramas announced with exciting themes

    Ever since the pandemic woes have damaged the film industry’s progressions in Pakistan, the biggest of stars and technicians have switched to the medium of television. A boast of exciting ensemble casts are teaming up for exciting small screen projects.

    Here’s a list of six recently announced projects that audiences are keenly awaiting:

    Baddua

    Syed Ramish Rizvi, of Jhooti fame, will be directing this drama penned by Samina Ijaz, who has previously worked on Yaariyan and Kaisa Hai Naseeban. Muneeb Butt and Amar Khan will be starring in lead roles, reuniting after Choti Choti Baatein. The supporting cast includes names like Mehmood Aslam, Saba Faisal, Rubina Ashraf, Abdullah Ejaz and Komal Rizvi.

    Amanat

    Shahid Shafaat of ‘Tou Dil Ka Kya Hua’, has roped in names like Imran Abbas, Urwa Hocane, Saboor Aly, Haroon Shahid, Asad Siddiqui, Salman Saeed and Babar Ali in his directorial project. The shooting is almost complete and the drama can release by the end of this year.

    Jhooti

    Actors Farhan Saeed and Hania Aamir will soon be seen opposite each other in the upcoming drama serial Jhooti by ARY Digital and Six Sigma Entertainment. The cast includes names such as Zoya Nasir, Saba Hameed, Waseem Abbas, Osama Tahir, Samina Ahmad and Angeline Malik.

    Sinf-e-Aahan

    ISPR has roped in five leading ladies in their forthcoming drama titled as Sinf-e-Aahan which will be co-produced by Humayun Saeed and is to be directed by Nadeem Baig. The small screen mega project is based on the theme of women empowerment and has been penned by the acclaimed writer, Umera Ahmed. Sajal Ali, Yumna Zaidi, Kubra Khan, Syra Yousuf and Ramsha Khan will be seen in pivotal roles.

    Mein Haari Piya

    Written by the acclaimed novelist Qaisera Hayat, who was also behind hits like Alif Allah Aur Insaan and Saya-e-Dewar Bhi Nahi. Dunk director Badar Mehmood will helm this project. The show features a fresh pairing with Hira Mani and Sami Khan in the leading roles. The cast also includes Sumbul Iqbal and Hamza Sohail. Seeing the names attached to it and this new exciting pairing, we cannot wait to experience it on television.

    Ek Jhoota Lafz Mohabbat

    After a short hiatus, Baaji star Amna Ilyas is returning to television with a new drama. The actress will be seen alongside Junaid Khan, Emmad Irfani, and Aiza Awan in an upcoming Express TV drama serial Ek Jhoota Lafz Mohabbat. Amna will be seen playing the role of Aleeza, whereas Junaid will be seen as Maaz and Emmad will be portraying the role of Hassan, who is not only rich but is deeply in love with Areesha.

  • Man arrested for attacking 10 women who ‘looked happy’ to him

    Man arrested for attacking 10 women who ‘looked happy’ to him

    A man who stabbed 10 female passengers on a train in Tokyo was arrested by the Japanese police, public broadcaster NHK reported.

    As per reports, the 36-year-old man told the police that he wanted to kill women who appeared happy and chose his targets randomly. A woman in her 20s who was attacked is critical, according to the Japanese media.

    The Tokyo Fire Department said nine of the 10 injured passengers were shifted to nearby hospitals, while the tenth was able to walk away. All of the injured were conscious according to the fire department officials.

    The Japanese capital is currently hosting the Olympics, which end Sunday. The site of the stabbing spree was about 15 kilometers (9 miles) away from the main National Stadium.

    Read More: Bride calls off wedding after uncle injured in celebratory firing

    The suspect left his knife behind when he ran away, and later walked into a convenience store and identified himself as the suspect on the news, and said he was tired of running away. The store manager called the police after seeing bloodstains on the man’s shirt.

    Another local media outlet said he told the police he developed the intent to kill women who “looked happy” and stabbed a woman who happened to be seated near him in the train. He also told the police that he chose to stage the attack inside a train because it offered the chance to kill a large number of people.

    The suspect was also carrying cooking oil and a lighter, with which he allegedly intended to set fire inside the carriage, NHK reported.

    A witness at a nearby station where the train stopped said passengers were moving out of the carriages asking for help and shouting that there was a stabbing. Another witness told NHK that he saw passengers smeared with blood come out of the train, as an announcer asked for doctors and for passengers carrying towels.

    Paramedics and police immediately arrived at the station, one of the witnesses said.

  • Aima Baig hosts a luxuriant wedding ceremony for sister Komal Baig

    Singer Aima Baig hosted a lavish wedding ceremony for her sister Komal Baig in Lahore. Her fiancée and actor Shahbaz Shigri also graced the event and posed for the shutterbugs.

    Have a look at the pictures:

    Aima Baig wore brown minimal outfit and accessorised it with heavy jewellery.

    The bride did her entry in a very unique style.

    Earlier, Aima Baig hosted a dholkhi ceremony for her sister on which she was captured dancing on traditional songs. Komal and Salem had their Nikkah ceremony in December 2020. The Kalabaz dil musician made sure her sister feels special and that their guests enjoy the event to the fullest.

  • Sara Ali Khan reveals the reason behind Saif and Amrita’s divorce

    Sara Ali Khan reveals the reason behind Saif and Amrita’s divorce

    Sara Ali Khan recently appeared on Voot‘s chat show, where the Judwaa 2 actress revealed the reason of her parents’, Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s divorce. She stated on the show that her parents weren’t happy together and hence decided to part ways.

    The Kedarnath star stated, “It’s very simple. If you see there are two options, either live in the same house where no one is happy or live separately, where everyone is happy with their own lives and you also get a different kind of love and warmth every time you meet.”

    She continued talking about her relationship with them, saying: “I live with my mother. She’s my best friend and means everything to me. I have a father too who is always available on the phone and I can meet him whenever I want. I don’t think they were happy together ultimately, so I guess separating was the best decision at that time.”

    “They both are happy in their own world and lives, because of that their kids are happy too. All of us are much happier than we would have been for sure. So, everything happens for a reason,” added the Simmba star.

    Saif and Amrita tied the knot in 1991 and officially parted ways in 2004. The ex-flames have two children together Sara and Ibrahim.

    On the work front, Sara will be seen next in Anand L Rai’s Atrangi Re opposite Akshay Kumar.