Category: Entertainment

  • ‘Abducted’ cybercrime officer was investigating Ducky Bhai, court told

    ‘Abducted’ cybercrime officer was investigating Ducky Bhai, court told

    Officials have told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that missing National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Deputy Director Muhammad Usman was investigating important cases, including the one against popular YouTuber Saadur Rehman aka Ducky Bhai.

    As per the details, District Superintendent of Police (DSP) Legal Sajid Cheema informed the court that investigations were “underway” to trace the NCCIA official, adding that the senior superintendent of police investigation was looking into the matter.

    “The missing deputy director was investigating the Ducky Bhai case,” the DSP said, adding that the “rest of the people investigating this case are also missing” and the police station investigating the case was in Lahore.

    It merits a mention that the case stems from a first information report (FIR) registered at Shams Colony Police Station on the complaint of the missing officer’s wife Rozina Usman. In her complaint, she said that her husband was taken away by four unidentified armed men on October 14.

    Rozina said that the incident took place at around 7:30 pm when the armed men arrived in a white car and abducted her husband on gunpoint.

    During the hearing on Friday, the lawyer representing Rozina, Advocate Raja Rizwan Abbasi, told the court that she had also disappeared after filing the petition.

    DSP Cheema added that Rozina was previously in Lahore and then in Islamabad, according to data available till October 18. He said that her last known location was Empress Road in Lahore, after which her phone had been switched off.

    The hearing was conducted by Justice Muhammad Azam Khan, who gave a three-day ultimatum to the police in the federal capital for Usman’s recovery.

    During the hearing, Justice Khan remarked that the court aimed to solve the issue rather than merely give dates.

    Hearing the case for the first time on October 20, Justice Khan had said that the Islamabad IG and the NCCIA’s central officers should appear before the court in person if the police were unable to recover him within three days.

    The court has adjourned the hearing of the case until October 31, giving the authorities an extra week to recover the missing officer.

  • Court extends Aroob Jatoi’s bail in betting apps promotion case

    Court extends Aroob Jatoi’s bail in betting apps promotion case

    A sessions court in Lahore has extended the interim bail of Aroob Jatoi, the spouse of YouTuber Saad Ur Rehman aka Ducky Bhai, in the case pertaining to the alleged promotion of online gambling apps.

    As per the details, Additional District and Sessions Judge Dr Sajida Chaudhry on Thursday presided over the case hearing as Jatoi appeared upon the expiry of her bail period.

    After arguments, the court extended her bail till November 6 and instructed police to present a progress report on the investigation during the next hearing.

    The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had filed a case against Rehman and Jatoi among others, accusing them of promoting gambling applications on social media for significant monetary compensation.

    Officials labeled the case as part of an ongoing effort to combat unauthorised online betting promotions in Pakistan as various influencers allegedly endorsed such platforms, inflicting financial harm on citizens.

    During the hearing, the court told investigators to submit a comprehensive report by the next date and directed the plaintiff to ensure legal representation during the proceedings.

    Meanwhile, Ducky Bhai continues to be held in jail on judicial remand after both a magistrate and a sessions court rejected his post-arrest bail applications. 

    The prosecution previously informed the court that the defendant had promoted a prohibited gambling app on social media and served as its brand ambassador. It asserted that evidence of money laundering had emerged during the investigation and that the accused were unable to explain the origin of the funds obtained through such activities.

    The defence attorney, on the other hand, asserts that no direct complainant or eyewitness has appeared in the case. He noted that no gambling app or incriminating evidence was found in the possession of the accused and argued that the sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) cited in the case had been incorrectly applied.

  • Mahira Khan wants to pass on her wedding dress to her ‘future bahu’

    Mahira Khan wants to pass on her wedding dress to her ‘future bahu’

    Mahira Khan’s charm isn’t just limited to her acting or smile. It even shines through when she talks about any topic, including her wedding dress. 

    In a recent YouTube interview, the superstar opened up about a deeply personal and heartwarming detail from her wedding where she wore a dress made by none other than Umar Sayeed Couture.

    Talking about the big day, Mahira said, “My wedding began with a Dua-e-Khair, something my mother really wanted. The dua was done by Zehra Khala, Zehra Negha,” she smiled.

    Instagram Post

    And then came the outfit. With a hint of nostalgia and pride, Mahira revealed, “Umar made the jora (wedding dress). That’s also a special one. I mean, I’m going to pass that on to my daughter-in-law.”

    That is a statement only Mahira could make, elegant, emotional, and effortlessly funny. She added that the dress, a classic Hyderabadi creation, was “made with a lot of love and passion.”

    So yes, Mahira Khan plans to hand down her bridal jora to her future bahu. Honestly, whoever she is, she will be one lucky girl. Not only will she get a cool dress but also a very well dressed mother-in-law.

  • ‘We could’ve gotten married’: Hania Aamir’s birthday wish for bestie is epic

    ‘We could’ve gotten married’: Hania Aamir’s birthday wish for bestie is epic

    Superstar Hania Aamir might be best known for her acting but her Instagram stories and posts are epic as well.

    To celebrate one of her best friends, musician Maria Unera, she posted a series of Instagram stories, describing their friendship.

    Hania mentioned how they shared an “awkward hi in a parking lot” and if they had not met, life would’ve been “really sad, boring and blekh”.

    She also jokingly said that they “would’ve gotten married if Saadu bhai had not been so impatient”, referring to Maria’s wedding with her husband Saad Bashir in April this year. 

    Maria Fatima Unera is a musician, originally from the Philippines and now lives in Pakistan. She has also acted in a plays, including “The Lion King” and “Grease”, and has also done tribute videos with her close friend and lead guitarist of the band “DissBelief”, Fahad Humayun.

    Maria also used to co-host a cooking show focusing on Philippine cuisine and culture in 2009.

    Hania’s Insta game has been appreciated by many including her fans in Bangladesh when she visited Dhaka earlier this year and went to a famous YouTuber’s house to eat Bangladeshi food. She’s got a massive Instagram following of 19.1m.

  • First Pakistan-China fashion show at great wall brings cultures together

    First Pakistan-China fashion show at great wall brings cultures together

    Pakistan and China have hosted an inaugural joint fashion show at the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing, uniting designers from both nations to display their combined collections. 

    The event, organised by the Pakistani embassy in Beijing alongside the China International Cultural Communication Centre (CICCC) on Sunday, was curated by Adnan Ansari of Riwayat, which attracted Chinese officials, diplomats, business figures and members of the press.

    Pakistani designers Maheen Khan, Moazzam Abbasi, Ayesha Tariq, Rizwanullah and Zain Hashmi unveiled collections that fused the textile traditions of Pakistan and China. 

    Chinese designer Liang Suyun also presented his creations, with jewelry provided by Pakistani businessman Aqeel Chaudhary.

    Models from both countries graced the runway, showcasing elements from each culture.

    Long Yuxiang, chairman of CICCC, said that the fashion show went beyond mere cultural exchange, calling it a manifestation of the strategic partnership established between the two countries. He expressed that the event highlighted the shared heritage of the two nations and illustrated the potential of the fashion industry to enhance connections.

    Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi said that the event exemplified the essence of the Silk Road, acting as a contemporary bridge of textiles, art and friendship between the two nations. He pointed out that the timing of the show coincided with the 60th anniversary of President Ayub Khan’s visit to the Badaling area, which was the first by a leader from Pakistan.

    Hashmi emphasised that the exhibition sought to highlight the allure of Pakistani fashion in the Chinese market and to seek further opportunities for trade and cultural partnerships. He viewed the design fusion as indicative of the commercial prospects and creative collaboration between the industries of both countries.

    The event blended cultural celebration with market possibilities, drawing attention to the increasing significance of fashion in fostering cross-border relationships.

    High-ranking officials from Pakistan and China were present, signaling official backing for ongoing engagement in the industry.

    The collaboration at the Great Wall spotlighted the creative sectors of both nations, and the joint participation of designers emphasised the focus on partnership through professional exchange. The event served as a venue for designers to showcase their work to new audiences and investigate future collaborations within cultural and commercial domains.

  • Masarrat Misbah opens up about abuse during first marriage

    Masarrat Misbah opens up about abuse during first marriage

    Beauty expert, social activist, and businesswoman Masarrat Misbah has revealed that she endured abuse during her first marriage and eventually ended the relationship when the situation worsened.

    In a recent podcast, Masarrat Misbah spoke about her personal life and upbringing. She described her family as educated and independent, where no distinction was made between her and her brothers. She has five sisters, and her father supported their education, allowed them to work, and encouraged them to make their own choices.

    Despite such a supportive environment, Masarrat Misbah said that her father arranged her marriage when she was young. She had wanted to continue her studies, but her father had assured her that her future husband would allow her to pursue education after marriage. She married at the age of 18, and the marriage lasted for a few years.

    Masarrat Misbah said that her marriage initially was consensual, but soon after, her husband began abusing her. The abuse continued in front of their children. She stated that the domestic problems escalated over time, which led her to make the decision to end the marriage. Her parents supported her choice once they realized what was happening.

    After the divorce, Masarrat Misbah moved to London to complete a course in beauty. A year later, she returned to Pakistan, and her parents helped her open a salon, supporting her decision to make it her profession. She explained that their support allowed her to establish a career at a time when few women pursued similar work.

    Masarrat Misbah added that the failure of her first marriage left her hesitant about entering a second marriage.

    Her reflections highlighted the role of family support in overcoming personal and professional challenges. She emphasized that having a supportive environment enabled her to pursue her ambitions and build a career despite early setbacks.

  • ‘They should be ashamed’: Humaira Arshad slams Pakistan Idol for appointing ‘unqualified judges’

    ‘They should be ashamed’: Humaira Arshad slams Pakistan Idol for appointing ‘unqualified judges’

    Singer Humaira Arshad has criticized the popular singing competition Pakistan Idol for appointing judges with “no background in music”, calling the move disrespectful to both the art form and deserving musicians who have spent their lives mastering it.

    Appearing on a show, Humaira was asked whether the panel of judges on Pakistan Idol, particularly the inclusion of actor Fawad Khan was appropriate. She did not hold back.

    “This isn’t the first time Pakistan Idol has appointed judges who have no connection to music,” she said. “Judges should feel ashamed. If you have nothing to do with singing, then don’t take a seat on a show meant to judge singers. Let people who are relevant to the field take that place. They should say ‘If you want to include us, include us properly’ and not just as a gimmick.”

    Humaira acknowledged that celebrities often bring in sponsorships and attention, but urged them to decline judging roles they aren’t qualified for. “You’re insulting your own show,” she said.

    “What happens when a contestant asks the judge to sing in tune, and the judge can’t respond? Will they say, ‘Give me two months to learn and then I’ll answer you?’”

    Sharing her disappointment, the singer recalled a moment from the show where a child’s off-key performance inexplicably moved a judge to tears. “It was funny, honestly,” she remarked.

    She lamented the exclusion of true legends from such platforms, naming iconic singers like Taranum Naz, Tasawur Khanum, Ghulam Ali, Saira Naseem, Shabnam Majeed, Saima Jahan, and Azra Jahan, artists who, according to her, rightfully deserve a seat at the judging table.

    The singer seemed to be unaware that before becoming a megastar, Fawad was very much part of the music industry.

    The heart throb is an actor, producer, screenwriter, songwriter, and singer. Khan served as the lead vocalist of the band called Entity Paradigm (EP), which went on to gain national fame after appearing in the finale of Pepsi Battle of the Bands in 2002. Their debut album Irtiqa, released in 2003, was met with critical acclaim and helped establish Khan as a music icon. The romantic track Rahguzar from the album became especially popular.

    EP was not just a band, it was a movement. Before the merger that formed EP, two bands had dominated Lahore’s underground music scene: Ahmed Ali Butt’s Entity and Fawad Khan’s Paradigm. Their collaboration on the Jutt and Bond title track led to the fusion of the two bands into one powerhouse.

    Though EP eventually disbanded in 2007, they reunited in 2010 for a special appearance in Coke Studio Season 3, where they performed a cover of Sajjad Ali’s Bolo Bolo. Later that year, they released the single Shor Macha, which quickly became a hit. The song’s music video, directed by Bilal Lashari and featuring Khan, further cemented the band’s legendary status.

    According to Khan, he performed in nearly 250 live shows as a musician before leaving the band in 2012 to fully dedicate himself to his acting career. But time and again, Fawad has not only judged music shows but also delivered performances that reminded fans he can sing as well.

  • ‘Disgusting man’: Ram Gopal Varma slammed for making fun of Gaza genocide

    ‘Disgusting man’: Ram Gopal Varma slammed for making fun of Gaza genocide

    Indian filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, known for his work in Hindi and Telugu cinema, has landed in hot water after a disgusting post on X comparing the festival of Diwali to Israeli genocide in Gaza.

    While Diwali is celebrated as a festival of light and hope, Varma thought it was a good idea to post, “In INDIA, only one day is DIWALI and in GAZA, every day is DIWALI,” adding three fire emojis for extra effect. but it didn’t go down well at all.

    People across India and beyond expressed disgust at the filmmaker’s lack of empathy. One user from India wrote, “Reason I feel proud to be a Muslim, we never celebrate genocide.” 

    Another said, “Comparing a sacred festival like Deepawali with the acts in Gaza is totally wrong and unacceptable.”

    Pakistani sports journalist Faizan Lakhani didn’t hold back either. He wrote, “Ram Gopal Varma’s tweet tells us everything about the moral decay of some in India. This is the most shameless thing you’ll read on X today. From flopping movies to failed humanity, this man’s fall is complete. Anyway, expecting sense from RGV was like expecting a hit film from him, won’t happen.”

    Indian activist Rakhi Tripathi, daughter of Professor VK Tripathi who has been vocal about Gaza’s suffering, also called him out, writing, “You will take years to become a human. You don’t even know the difference between celebration and devastation.”

    Other users echoed the outrage: “Gaza doesn’t need your dark humour. They need humanity.” Another said, “Shame on you, such an evil person you are.” One more added, “Disgusting tweet.”

    The post received thousands of likes from right-wing Hindutva extremists.

    Diwali stands for light over darkness, peace over hatred. Using it to joke about a genocide like Gaza is not edgy, it’s cruel.

  • Pakistan Idol 2025 locks its top 30: A season of soul-stirring talent wins hearts nationwide

    Pakistan Idol 2025 locks its top 30: A season of soul-stirring talent wins hearts nationwide

    Pakistan Idol 2025 has officially locked in its Top 30 contestants, and fans across the country and even beyond are showering love on the extraordinary talent revealed during the audition rounds.

    With auditions held across Pakistan, the panel of respected judges — Fawad Khan, Zeb Bangash, Bilal Maqsood, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan handpicked 30 contestants, awarding them the coveted golden mics and sending them into the next round of the competition. From bustling cities to remote towns, singers arrived with dreams stitched into every note, and the result has been nothing short of magical.

    This season, the stage has come alive with a diverse range of music, from heartfelt ghazals to high-energy modern numbers. Every performance has managed to strike an emotional chord with audiences, as reflected in the overwhelming response across social media platforms.

    Some auditions were so captivating that they crossed borders, resonating not just with Pakistani viewers but also attracting admiration from Indian social media users. One audition, in particular, featured a powerful rendition of Ankhon Ke Sagar, which left the judges swaying in their seats. Viewers on social media called it a “goosebumps-inducing moment.”

    One account wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “You’re telling me we had all this talent in our country and yet we still end up with besuray singers whining on Instagram??? Mainstream this, NOW!”

    One of the standout moments came from Minam from Karachi, whose performance of Ranjish Hi Sahi by Mehdi Hassan brought the judges to their feet in a rare standing ovation. His emotional delivery and rich vocal depth have made him one of the most talked-about contestants of the season.

    Another viral sensation is Syed Ahmed Hassan, who not only performed but also composed and sang his original track Khwaab. The performance received widespread acclaim online. Judge Bilal Maqsood, in particular, was impressed and remarked: “I haven’t heard this tone in the competition before. This is the kind of voice you’d love to hear on the radio or in a full album.”

    One user on X summed it up, saying: “Pakistan Idol is the best thing to happen to Pakistani entertainment. This contestant, Ahmed Hassan, has already stolen the show with his beautiful, unique voice and perfect sur.”

    Adding to the list of emotional highs was Muhammad Ibrar, who performed a classical number that moved Zeb Bangash to tears.

    Among the women contestants, Romaisa Tariq from Lahore turned heads and won hearts with her modern yet soulful rendition of the folk classic Long Gawacha. Her unique vocal tone and inventive twist on the song lit up the Idol stage, and her performance has since gone viral.

    As the videos of these incredible performances continue to flood social media, fans are expressing amazement at the depth of talent in Pakistan. Many users have commented that this season of Pakistan Idol is “a celebration of Pakistan’s musical soul.”

    The show’s host, renowned comedian and entertainer Syed Shafaat Ali, took to Instagram on Monday to share a photo with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Bilal Maqsood, writing: “It’s a wrap from the audition round! Top 30 locked.”

  • Pakistan’s first-ever rap reality show promises entertaining journey of musical discovery

    Pakistan’s first-ever rap reality show promises entertaining journey of musical discovery

    Pakistan’s music industry is set to enter a bold new era as Pixel Entertainment unveils the country’s first-ever rap reality show, a high-energy competition series that brings underground hip-hop culture into the mainstream spotlight.

    Billed as a game-changer for the local entertainment landscape, the show promises to highlight the raw talent, lyrical prowess, and cultural richness of Pakistan’s emerging rap scene. From the bustling streets of Karachi to the heart of Lahore, and from Islamabad to Peshawar, aspiring rappers and lyrical artists will battle it out for the coveted title of Pakistan’s next big hip-hop star.

    “This show isn’t just entertainment — it’s a movement,” a Pixel Entertainment representative said. “We’re redefining what mainstream music can look like in Pakistan and giving a platform to voices that have long remained unheard.”

    Each episode of the series will feature electrifying performances, intense lyrical face-offs, and compelling personal stories, offering a rare glimpse into the lives and struggles of young Pakistani artists who have long used hip-hop as a form of self-expression.

    The format combines traditional reality TV drama with authentic storytelling, capturing the essence of the genre while offering a platform for cultural expression, social commentary, and artistic evolution.

    With its finger on the pulse of street culture and a commitment to innovation, Pixel Entertainment’s latest venture aims to challenge norms and break barriers. The show is expected to ignite a rap revolution across the country — not just as a musical genre, but as a voice of a new, expressive generation.