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Author: News Desk

  • Buzdar granted permanent Gymkhana membership worth Rs1.4 million

    Buzdar granted permanent Gymkhana membership worth Rs1.4 million

    Despite the club committee opposing it, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar has been granted permanent membership of the elite Lahore Gymkhana Club after a payment of Rs1.4 million, a private media outlet has reported.

    According to reports, the provincial chief executive was made a member while overlooking at least 3,000 people, the lease policy and terms, over which members of the club have sought details of the move — such as who paid Rs1.4 million for Buzdar’s membership.

    They have also said that at least 60 people were granted membership without following the due procedure, among whom is Buzdar, who was made a member of the social club without an interview.

    The report claimed that committee members had opposed granting membership to CM Buzdar, however, Chairman Kamran Lashari “misused his authority and overruled reservations so as to remain the director general (DG) of Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA)”.

    Lashari has been serving as the WCLA DG since 2016.

    While members of Lashari group have rejected the claims but supported the demand of an investigation into the episode, Lashari himself has said that Buzdar has been granted membership owing to the positive steps he has taken as the Punjab CM.

  • Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt leave fans gushing with their SAG Awards backstage reunion

    Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt leave fans gushing with their SAG Awards backstage reunion

    The one celebrity couple, no one is ever getting over is Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

    The two sent hearts racing after they were caught being adorable on camera backstage at the SAG Awards 2020 on Sunday night. Fans had been waiting for this moment at the Golden Globes held earlier this month but the two just exchanged pleasantries leaving fans wanting more.

    The couple — who split in 2005 after Pitt had an affair with co-star Angelina Jolie — was snapped going in for a hug and smiling at each other. Pitt, 54, and Jolie, 44, married in 2014, split in 2016 and their divorce was finalized in 2019. Since then, fans have been rooting for Brad and Jen to get back together.

    While Pitt took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Once Upon a Time in … Hollywood, Jen won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for The Morning Show.

    In his acceptance speech, Brad poked fun at his lackluster love life.

    Taking about his winning role as Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, Brad said, “It was a difficult part. The guy who gets high, takes his shirt off, and doesn’t get on with his wife? It’s a big stretch.”

    At this point, the cameras cut to Aniston, who ― while not appearing too enthused at the remark ― clapped.

    Meanwhile, when Jen was onstage accepting her award, Brad was caught on camera watching her.

    Talking about the world’s obsession with her and Brad, Jen told Entertainment Tonight, “It’s hysterical. But what else are they going to talk about?”

    Both Pitt and Aniston have been out and about during this year’s award show circuit in support of their projects.

    Over the years, the exes have remained friendly. Pitt attended Aniston’s annual holiday party, as well as her 50th birthday bash in February 2019.

  • Faisal Vawda to be disqualified for being an American citizen?

    Faisal Vawda to be disqualified for being an American citizen?

    Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda was a dual national by the time of filing nomination papers for 2018’s general election, and concealed his American citizenship by falsely declaring on the oath he submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), The News has reported.

    According to reports, his status was intact not only when he filed nomination papers on June 11, 2018, but even during the scrutiny of the same.

    The Supreme Court (SC), in a recent judgment, has categorically directed that the candidates who previously held dual nationality should have the renunciation certificate at the time of filing of nomination papers. Various lawmakers, including two senators of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have been disqualified by the top court on this count.

    Both of them had applied for the renunciation of foreign citizenship much earlier, but were unable to obtain the renunciation certificate at the time of filing of nomination papers because of long process.

    In Vawda’s case, the last date to file nomination papers for the election held in July 2018 was June 8 and later extended for another three days. Taking his document an evidence, Vawda submitted election papers on the last date — June 11, 2018 — along with an affidavit wherein he declared himself holding no citizenship other than that of Pakistan.

    The returning officer (RO) of NA-249 Karachi — Vawda’s constituency — approved the papers on June 18, 2018. It was only after this approval that the now federal minister applied for renunciation of his United States (US) nationality in US Consulate Karachi, meaning thereby he was American citizen at the time of filing.

    Vawda applied for revocation of his American citizenship in US Consulate Karachi on June 22, 2018. Normally, the process of renunciation of US nationality takes a couple of weeks or even months because it requires clearance from all the concerned departments. However, the US Consulate issued the ‘Certificate of Loss of Nationality’ to Vawda on next working day, documents revealed.

    Three top legal experts from Vawda’s own party, including Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry and former interim law minister Ali Zafar, are unanimous in their opinion that whoever holds dual nationality at the time of submitting nomination papers is set to not only face instant disqualification, but he or she can also be penalised on the charges of perjury.

    His dual citizenship didn’t go unchallenged. His rival candidate Abdul Qadir Mandokhel of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) moved Sindh High Court (SHC) in order to disqualify his candidature. However, after a couple of court hearings, Mandokhel withdrew his petition from the apex court. Explaining the reason of pulling out, he told The News he did so “under immense pressure” that he faced not only from certain quarters but also from the leadership of his own party.

    Taking opinion of top legal minds as a guide, Vawda stands disqualified as a member of the Lower House if his case is judged on the same standards which were applied when the apex court dealt with those of leaders of the PML-N, PPP and other political parties.

    A source close to Vawda was quoted as claiming by the media outlet that the now minister was not in favor of surrendering his American passport because he was unsure about winning the election. “However, once he was assured of his victory, only then he applied for the revocation of US citizenship,” he said.

    Meanwhile, ECP spokesperson Nadeem Qasim said the election watchdog cannot take notice on the dual nationality of any parliamentarian by its own. “Someone has to challenge the dual nationality of the said parliamentarian in the court of ECP. If proved that the said parliamentarian was a foreign national at the time of filing of nomination papers, then he will be disqualified,” he was quoted as saying.

  • VIDEO: Journalist, activist own ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’ writer on-air over gender issues

    VIDEO: Journalist, activist own ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’ writer on-air over gender issues

    Renowned playwright and writer behind the very popular TV serial ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’, Khalilur Rehman Qamar has been owned by journalist Owais Tauheed and social activist Tahira Abdullah, who argued with Qamar over gender issues and accused him of relating a woman’s reticence, in his dramas, to her dress.

    As per the details, Qamar, whose views from some TV and social media appearances have greatly irked a segment of the society, was invited for a show on SAMAA TV Sunday night. The other two panelists on Barrister Ehtisham’s show were Tauheed and Abdullah.

    With the journalist and activist calling Qamar out for his portrayal of women, the writer strongly denied it, saying that he was not in favour of measuring a woman’s reticence from what she wore. Tauheed also raised the point that Qamar always portrayed women as oppressed and needy beings.

    At this, the playwright remarked that Tauheed had not even seen the dramas written by him.

    WATCH VIDEO:

    Speaking on the show, Abdullah said they were tired of listening to the taunts of “western culture” and “privilege”. She added that systematic hatred of women was taught in the society. Heated arguments also marred the discussion.

  • Advance booking for ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ finale sets new record at the box-office

    Advance booking for ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ finale sets new record at the box-office

    Advance bookings for the finale of Meray Paas Tum Ho have hit a record high. Tickets for the the last mega episode of the drama which will be screened in cinemas across the country on January 25 are selling out fast as fans purchase them in large numbers.

    According to reports, advance sales hit a phenomenal 3.6 million (36 lakh) rupees till the close of business on Saturday.

    Given the response to the drama, cinemas are hosting multiple shows of the finale to cash on the drama as much as possible.

    It is also being reported that the episode will not be uploaded on YouTube as per the norm. This is likely to push the sales even more as people rush to book their tickets so that they do not miss out.

    Starring Ayeza Khan, Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui and Hira Mani, Meray Paas Tum Ho has been directed by Nadeem Baig and written by the critically acclaimed Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. It follows the story of a married couple whose life falls apart after the woman has an affair.

  • ATC sentences man to jail a day before his wedding

    ATC sentences man to jail a day before his wedding

    A man was sentenced to jail for 55 years a day before his wedding.

    According to reports, the bridegroom Mohammad Atif was among the 86 people sentenced by a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court (ATC) for holding protests over the arrest of Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi two years ago.

    Family members of the bridegroom said that Atif’s mehndi function was to be held on Friday at 3pm in Pindigheb while the baraat was planned for Saturday. A marriage hall had been booked and all arrangements were made for Valima reception on Sunday.

    However, he, and 85 others, were sentenced to 55 years in prison by the ATC on Thursday night in a case related to holding of protests, destroying property and interfering with the police duties in Pindigheb, the hometown of the TLP chief, in 2018.

    The case had been registered by the Pindigheb police of Attock on November 24, 2018.

  • Afridi, Reema, Humayun Saeed thank former DG ISPR Gen Asif Ghafoor for his services

    Afridi, Reema, Humayun Saeed thank former DG ISPR Gen Asif Ghafoor for his services

    Former DG ISPR, Major General Asif Ghafoor, who was a key figure in the liasons between the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and the entertainment industry has bid goodbye to his post. He has been transferred to the 40th Infantry Division (Okara), where he will serve as the general officer commanding (GOC). Gen Asif Ghafoor has been replaced by Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar.

    “Thanks to everyone I have remained associated with during the tenure,” Maj Gen Ghafoor wrote on Twitter as news of his transfer broke.

    Following his transfer, members of the film and sports fraternity including Humayun Saeed, Shahid Afridi, Reema and Shaan took to social media to appreciate the officer and his services.

    https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1217872486336847873?s=20
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7bnPASBS2g/
  • Mahira Khan, Hira Mani share words of wisdom for a successful life

    Mahira Khan, Hira Mani share words of wisdom for a successful life

    Mahira Khan and Hira Mani shared golden words by Pakistani educationist Dr Arfa Saeyda Zehra for a successful life.

    The actors shared the clip of the interview of renowned Pakistani educationist and Urdu language expert Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra with Samina Peerzada.

    Quoting Dr Arfa, Hira further wrote, “Kaamiyabi khush ikhalqi main hai Acha bolnay main hai Acha Sochnay main hai. kamiyabi ilm main hai or ilm paise Se nahi ilm mohabbat main hai (success is hidden in education that will come from love and not from money) 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7awG12nEyb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    In the interview, Dr Arfa said that education is necessary for life but not just to get a job.

    “Life needs a job but the job doesn’t need life,” she said.

  • Veteran Bollywood actor Shabana Azmi injured in road accident

    Veteran Bollywood actor Shabana Azmi injured in road accident

    Veteran Bollywood actor Shabana Azmi on Saturday sustained serious injuries after meeting with a car accident on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Press Trust of India tweeted.

    Reportedly, her car hit a truck from behind near Khalapur toll plaza. The actor has been admitted to MGM Hospital Panvel, Maharashtra.

    According to hospital staff, Azmi sustained injuries on her nose. “No other visible injuries till now. She is right now in state of shock. Treatment going on. Condition stable,” read a statement issued by the hospital.

    Police officials say the actor with her husband and renowned lyricist, Javed Akhtar, and her driver was travelling from Pune to Mumbai when the accident took place.

    Her husband remained safe in the accident.

  • Five episodes in, ‘Ghalti’ is a big mistake

    Five episodes in, ‘Ghalti’ is a big mistake

    Ghalti will make you cringe and even feel a little angry. Typical, typical, typical Pakistani drama re-enforcing the stereotypes we are trying to change in our society push through in the first five episodes of ARY Digital’s Ghalti.

    The drama is full of the more than typical saas-bahu drama, the word talaaq thrown in for good affect and the jealous nunday, Ghalti left nothing behind. All that’s left now is someone planning kaala jadu and all the ills of our society will be complete. What’s more shocking is that someone as brilliant an actress as Saba Hamid is acting and directing this incredibly regressive drama. Even if the moral of the story is for the good, the fact that the drama indulges in such barbaric stereotypes is disturbing in itself.

    Brilliantly regressive acting by the incredibly progressive Saba Hamid

    The story revolves around Zaira (Hira Mani), a happy, single daughter belonging to a wealthy family and nikkahed to her cousin Saad (Affan Waheed). Saad’s family, including his widowed mother Zaitoon (Saba Hamid) and sisters live in a house provided by Zaira’s father. Zaira’s father faces some financial issues and asks Zaitoon to vacate the house that belongs to him so he can pay off his debts. Zaitoon is enraged that she now has to return to her small little house (which is not in Defence) and plots revenge. Revenge plotting includes trying to break off Zaira’s marriage to her son, accepting the marriage and hoping that once Zaira is ruksatied her father will give them another house and when that doesn’t happen, plotting and scheming to make Zaira’s life miserable.

    This is how Hira Mani looks in almost every scene of the drama

    Only someone who has as blank an expression as Hira Mani could play the helpless, sad, little Zaira. So helpless that the viewer doesn’t get angry at Zaitoon for treating her daughter-in-law like trash, but more at this Zaira; an educated girl who should be able to stand up for herself but oh ho, her love for her incredibly mediocre husband Saad drives her to cook, clean, be treated like trash by her in laws because she must live with what’s been handed to her and suffer because she loves her husband.

    Cleaning when her cool mother walks in to find her daughter suffering and blubbering

    Woh bhi choro, Saad’s big ghalti is that he divorces Zaira once in a fit of anger and it’s like the worst thing that could happen, right? Wrong. Zaira is perfectly fine with Saad once he gets her imported flowers and they get on with their happy lives.

    Listen up ladies, if you get divorced, Ghalti says these flowers and a card should make it all okay

    People need to be educated that this concept of uttering talaaq once and the process that has to be followed by law is completely different than what is shown in our dramas. Talaaq at three different times, with proper methods to reconcile, are done to protect the woman and the couple and the way they are thrown around in our dramas, especially this one, is irresponsible and criminal.

    Hira Mani looking the same at the moment she is divorced

    What’s worse is the way the word talaaq is treated like a joke and reason to gossip. The defence of this drama would be that aisa tou hota hai and women can relate to their lives being as terrible as Zaira’s but really? Is that what we want people to watch and feel? That this happens to everyone, so it’s perfectly fine if it’s happening to them? Why do we constantly push this terrible narrative of saas bahu dramas to gain ratings?

    Because it gets ratings. The five episodes on YouTube have more than a million views each so we can keep expecting that such dramas will be created and actors like Hira Mani and Affan Waheed and director Saba Hamid will keep doing such roles.