Author: News Desk

Legendary writer Anwar Maqsood has come up with a statement that has left social media bewildered. The witty writer believes that men in Pakistan are deprived of basic rights, and until that changes, society cannot move forward nor can women’s rights be genuinely addressed.

Anwar Maqsood recently appeared on Gohar Rasheed’s program, where he shared his candid views on various social issues.

“In a country where men do not have rights, how can women’s rights be discussed,” he asked.

“If men get rights, Pakistani society will be fine.”

He stressed that while a father’s role is traditionally seen as the one who provides, it is the mother who truly shapes the individual.

“Although the responsibility of raising a man falls on the father, in fact, it is the mother who does it,” he said.

“In our society, the mother teaches children civility, distinction, and discipline.”

He continued by highlighting the father’s role, “The main role of the father is to bear the expenses of the family including his parents, wife, and children.”

Anwar Maqsood further said that he has been speaking up for men’s rights for decades, though the conversation often centers around women’s issues.

“Women’s rights are talked about a lot in Pakistan, but I am the only man who has been raising his voice for men’s rights for the last seventy years,” he said.

“How can women’s rights be discussed in a country where men do not have rights?”

Explaining what he meant by men’s rights, he elaborated, “Men should be allowed to do whatever they want to do. They should not be prevented from saying what they want to say, and they should also be allowed to write freely.”

He expressed hope for change, “Pakistan’s society will be fine the day men start getting their rights.”

Citing the famous case of writer Saadat Hasan Manto, he shared an example of how truth in art is often misunderstood: “A case was filed on one of Manto’s short stories, in which he had said, ‘I do not write on my own behalf, I write what happens in society. My society is dirty, that is why my writing is also dirty.’”

In response to a question about male ego, he stated, “In most men, ego appears after success although it shouldn’t. The way they used to live on a low salary, they should always live a simple life.”

He also offered a deep reflection on human desire, “Desires can destroy anyone. It is a bottomless well. If a person does not want anything, then he is the most successful person.”

On the topic of truth, Anwar Maqsood made a strong statement, “A person becomes worse than an animal when he lies because an animal never lies. Unfortunately, lying is respected in Pakistan and speaking the truth is not allowed.”

He ended the conversation with advice for men, “Men should continue to work until they die, because they are the guardians of their homes, and it is the responsibility of a guardian to fulfill his responsibilities well.”

Senior actress Atiqa Odho has stirred major controversy on social media after criticising the concept of arranged marriages during a recent drama review show aired on a private TV channel.

Speaking candidly about societal pressures and the emotional challenges faced by individuals in arranged marriages, the actress said, “Forced marriage is painful for anyone, be it a man or a woman. It is psychological torture.”

She added, “We are part of a conservative society where boys and girls do not meet, do not talk, and then suddenly get married.”

Odho also highlighted, “I often talk to couples who had arranged marriages and ask them what they thought about marriage. Their answers are really surprising.”

Expressing concern over the lack of connection between partners before marriage, she said, “I am surprised by the idea that a girl lives behind the scenes her entire life and then suddenly gets forced to marry a stranger.”

Her comments have divided public opinion. While some praised her for addressing a taboo topic, others criticised her views, accusing her of pushing a “liberal” narrative.

Critics also brought up her personal life, with some users pointing out, “If she couldn’t succeed despite three love marriages, then there’s a big question mark. Instead of reviewing dramas, she’s now judging people’s personal lives.”

Others accused the actress of crossing cultural lines: “Atiqa Odho has been making bold statements that go against our values.”

Several social media users argued that arranged marriage dynamics have changed in modern times.

“Nowadays, boys and girls do get the chance to know each other before marriage calling it ‘forced’ is an exaggeration,” one user noted.

Some even called for action from media regulators, saying such remarks should be monitored.

“PEMRA should ban shows like these that spread controversial ideas,” a user wrote.

YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed has proved he’s got real speed, defeating fitness influencer Ashton Hall in a foot race four times.

The two internet stars met on Wednesday afternoon at a park near Speed’s streaming setup to settle their online argument over who was faster.

Ashton Hall is widely known for his viral morning routine videos, where he wakes up at 4 am, dunks his face in ice water, and sprints outside. Meanwhile, IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., is famous for his dramatic streams and unpredictable antics.

Speed dominated from the start as they raced along a 50-yard track they marked on the grass.

He easily won the first two races. Hall, 29, then insisted on a rematch on pavement, but Speed, 20, still came out on top.

Despite Hall’s protests, a third race was held, and once again, Speed crossed the finish line first.

Hall appeared increasingly frustrated with each loss. After the third race, Speed began to walk away. When Hall asked why he was leaving, Speed replied, “Because I beat you three times.”

Speed even called Hall “Ashton Fraud.”

After losing the fourth and final race, Hall finally accepted defeat. “I got caught in the sauce,” he admitted, adding that he lost “fair and square.”

This real-life race followed a heated moment on Speed’s stream earlier the same day, where Speed accused Hall of dodging him. Hall responded, “This is not going to be a good look for you, brother,” to which Speed fired back, “I promise you, I’mma smoke your sh*t.” 

Their race attracted massive attention online. A live stream of the showdown was broadcast on YouTube, with around 300,000 viewers watching at its peak.

Superstar Mahira Khan has finally opened up about the harassment she faced during a promotional event for her film Love Guru in London.

Speaking about the incident on ARY Digital’s show Buzz Launch, Mahira said, “I can usually handle myself and never felt the need for anyone’s help, but at that moment I felt very uncomfortable.”

“I turned back and saw Humayun, upon which Humayun Saeed immediately intervened and brought the situation under control,” she added.

Humayun Saeed also addressed the matter, saying, “If my sister or any woman were in such a situation in front of me, I would definitely come forward and defend her.”

Discussing on-screen pairings, Mahira commented, “Humayun Saeed’s chemistry with Mehwish Hayat and Ayeza Khan looks great, and he always looks good on-screen with Ayesha Khan.”

She also praised a Pakistani cinema legend, saying, “The real ‘love guru’ of the Pakistani showbiz industry is Waheed Murad, who looked like a hero in a true sense.”

Earlier, during a promotional event for Love Guru at the Indo-Pak Supermarket in Ilford, London, Mahira Khan was physically harassed by at least three people. Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes at the venue, where poor management led to a massive crowd losing control.

Sources told The Current that Mahira was harassed by a security guard and two other individuals inside the store. “It happened when she was trying to make her way to the terrace to wave at fans as part of the promotional event,” a source shared.

They added that she appeared visibly shaken and hesitant to continue with the event, especially after the display of Indian flags at the venue during a time of sensitive cross-border relations.

However, the event continued as planned, reportedly because the actors had already been paid for their participation. According to sources, the store paid £5,000 for the appearance, but “She has not taken any money for the appearance. She agreed to attend the event for the film promotion. What happened there was shocking,” said a source close to Mahira.

Despite her distress, Mahira and Humayun were later seen waving at fans from the store’s terrace in videos that surfaced online.

The clips making rounds on social media showed a visibly uncomfortable Mahira struggling to make her way into the store through the crowd.

Sources confirmed that Mahira filed a protest with the event organisers and expressed her disappointment and shock.

According to reports, a female reporter from a private news channel was also harassed during the same event and filed a police complaint.