After Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood announced that there will be no delay or cancellation of exams, Asim Azhar once again voiced his support for students, urging the minister to reconsider his decision in view of the ongoing third wave of COVID-19 across Pakistan.
“A, AS, O Level and IGCSE exams will be held as per the date sheet announced by CAIES,” said Mahmood, asserting they will be no cancellation or delay in the exams.
It was also decided with complete consensus among ministers that A, AS, O level and IGCSE exams will take place as per date sheet announced by CAIES. There will be no delay or cancellation. Those students wishing to take exams in Oct/Nov can do so in the same fee already paid
Mahmood added that Cambridge has assured that all SOPs will be strictly followed.
Meeting was also informed that Cambridge has decided not to give teacher assessed grades this year therefore those not taking exams will take them in the next cycle Oct/Nov. Cambridge also assured that all SOPs will be strictly followed
Earlier, Twitter had raged with students advocating for the cancellation of board exams this year following the deadly third COVID-19 wave across the country.
Students demanded to cancel board exams 2021 amidst their disturbed learning schedules. Several students were also demonstrating on the streets so that the government take proper notice of their demands.
#ExamCancelHoga, #cancelboardexams2021 and #ShafqatMahmood were among the top trends on the micro-blogging site as social media users and students expressed their concern over the sharp rise in cases of COVID-19 and its effect on their studies.
Asim and Hadiqa Kiani had also voiced their support for the students over exams cancellation.
Soul Sisters Pakistan’s (SSP) Kanwal Ahmed recently called out Chupke Chupke for portraying ghar damads in a negative light.
Ahmed, who was recently selected by Facebook as one of its 115 ‘Community Leaders’ using the social network to help others, criticised the serial for “disempowering audiences by reinforcing problematic stereotypes.”
Referring to a character (played by Ali Safina) belittled in the drama for staying with his in-laws, Ahmed said: “Such as here the ‘ghar damad‘ character is an object of constant ridicule. Only yesterday a woman on SSP was asking how she and [her] sisters can manage her old parents as none of them can move in with them.”
Trust our dramas to disempower audiences by reinforcing problematic stereotypes. Such as here the ‘ghar damad’ character is an object of constant ridicule. Only yesterday a woman on SSP was asking how she & sisters can manage her old parents as none of them can move in with them. pic.twitter.com/58F51J3Qc2
Responding to Kanwal’s tweet, Osman Khalid Butt – who plays the lead character in Chupke Chupke – said that in the context of the drama, the ‘ghar damad’ is not the victim.
“This is an interesting take. However, it’s important to mention that this ‘ghar damad‘ refuses to work despite being offered a job in the family business. He isn’t with his in-laws because of financial (or any) duress and while he’s played for broad comedy, he has his own arc,” said Butt.
This is an interesting take; however it's important to mention this 'ghar damad' refuses to work despite being offered a job in the family business, isn't with his in-laws because of financial (or any) duress, & while he's played for broad comedy, has his own arc.
Ahmed, in response, argued the character’s incompetence is to deliberately put him in a bad light to validate age-old stereotypes.
“My concern though is that comedy that identifies with problematic, existing stereotypes reinforces them in society. For example, how many men would want to be ‘ghar damads’ after watching this?” questioned Kanwal.
Thanks for the response Osman. My concern though is that comedy that identifies with problematic, existing stereotypes reinforces it in society. For example how many men would want to be ghar damads after watching this?
Agreeing with Ahmed that the stereotype was not as nuanced as it should have been, Butt said: “But viewers will also be considering the fact that his wife is shown to be quite obviously dominating / demeaning (which she’s called out on, albeit in a comedic manner). And he’s a slacker, no?”
I understand that this isn't a nuanced take on the stereotype but viewers will also be considering the fact that his wife is shown to be quite obviously dominating/demeaning (which she's called out on, albeit in a comedic manner), and he's a slacker, no?
Though the two are yet to reach a cohesive conclusion, it won’t be wrong to say our TV screens are yet to project behaviour that does not conform to societal norms in a positive light.
Written by Saima Akram Chaudhry, Chupke Chupke is a story of two families of late Daar Ji (grandfather), who married twice. The first wife Bebe (Asma Abbas) is a Punjabi woman and the second wife Bakhto (Uzma Beg) is Saraiki. Both gave birth to two children (hilariously emphasizing his equal treatment of wives) and unfortunately, both lost one of their children. We see Farhan Ally Agha as Bebe’s stingy son who has two daughters; Meenu (Ayeza Khan) and Muneeba aka Mirchi. On the other hand, Fahad aka Fazi and Gul (Osman Khalid Butt and Mira Sethi) are twin siblings and grandchildren of Bakhto.
If this seems confusing to you, embrace for more actors: Hadi and Wali (Arslan Naseer and Aadi Khan) are brothers, Ali Safina (Gul’s husband and a ghar damaad), Mishi (Aymen), and Roomi as OB’s sisters.
Veteran actor Naila Jaffery’s appeal for royalties spearheaded a movement for royalties in the Pakistan entertainment industry. While initially only a handful of celebrities came forward to demand their “due right,” the movement soon gained traction with A-listers from the industry including Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Vasay Chaudhry, Mehwish Hayat, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Maya Ali and Ahmed Ali Butt uniting to demand royalties for their work.
Others who are also participating in the campaign and have raised their voice for it include Yasir Hussain, Iqra Aziz, Mansha Pasha, Sakina Samo, Asad Siddiqui, Zara Noor Abbas, Armeena Khan, Kübra Khan, Bilal Abbas Khan, Yumna Zaidi and Junaid Khan.
“In every industry, there are some rules. Some laws,” said Zara Noor Abbas. “Let’s have it set in ours too. Let’s acknowledge the ones who entertain you on the cost of their lives.”
Mehwish said: “Royalties must be paid to artistes on all re-runs,foreign & cross platform sales as is the case everywhere else in the Actors on my fav show “Friends” for example make more out of royalties each yr than the original fees they were paid.”
She also added: “Bottom line-Artists need to be valued!”
Royalties must be paid to artistes on all re-runs,foreign & cross platform sales as is the case everywhere else in the 🌍 Actors on my fav show “Friends” for example make more out of royalties each yr than the original fees they were paid. Bottom line-Artistes need to be valued ! pic.twitter.com/uRNxmQmtgS
Sharing her thoughts on the matter, Kübra said: “Not Just actors. Writers, musicians, directors.. and soo many more.”
“In the passing years, we’ve seen some of our seniors who have ruled the industry request respect when it should’ve been their right. There are rules and regulations that set a well-run system and it’s high time we implement them so that our industry can run as smoothly as it should. Every artist deserves that,” asserted the actor.
Meanwhile, Osama Tahir, who gained popularity for his roles in Ruswai and Mushk, explained the concept of royalties and what exactly Pakistani artists are demanding.
“Actors normally aren’t paid very well, and most times they aren’t paid on time in Pakistan (not talking about A-listers),” said Tahir. “But what channels and production companies do is that they pay you for that project (if they do), and keep selling the drama again and again to different channels and countries.”
Elaborating his point, Tahir said: “So the least we should be offered is royalty from every show that we do. If royalties are not possible then at least pay actors well enough that they don’t rely on royalties. As it is the case, everywhere else, where there’s a thriving TV industry.”
“Pay 100× times better or pay solid royalties… it’s not complicated,” he added.
Later, the actor further explained: “#GiveRoyaltiesToArtists isn’t a ‘give us more money,’ it’s a right.”
“You use us to make money many times in Pakistan and beyond, and you refuse us to ever have that conversation. Many artists have struggled and can’t make ends meet because they aren’t paid on time or at all. So pay up,” he added.
#GiveRoyaltiesToArtists isnt a "give us more money", it's a right. You use us to make money many times in pk and beyond, and you refuse us to ever have that conversation. Many artists have struggled and can't make ends meet because they aren't paid on time or at all. So pay up.
Similarly, Ayesha Omar while explaining the concept to a social media user, said: “I think you haven’t understood the meaning of ‘royalties’. Artists are not demanding to be treated like royalty.”
“‘Royalty’ is a fee to artists who have created or contributed to create something whenever that work is performed/used/aired,” she added.
‘Govt working to introduce royalty payments for artists’
Earlier on April 12, PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan had announced that the federal government is working to introduce a comprehensive bill to ensure that artists are given financial credit for their work.
“Most countries around the world give royalties to artists every time a show, their work is re-run, a second time or more,” Senator Faisal had said. “Sadly in Pakistan where many artists are already underpaid, there is no policy or law ensuring that artists be given financial credit for their work.”
The Senator further said that it is “very critical to fill the gaps and bring proper framework via amendments in legislation to ensure that our producers [and] artists get their rights to royalties.”
Speaking exclusively to The Current on the matter, Senator Faisal said: “Royalty is very important and I am working on this bill to ensure our artists get their due right. I am hoping to get it passed soon without any further delays.”
Asserting that the government is committed to addressing this issue, Senator Faisal said: “Actors, musicians, singers – all artists must be supported,” adding that they will soon be entitled to royalties.
Gunga Saain, a specially-abled dhol player, passed away in Lahore, after suffering from a heart attack, Hum News has reported.
Saain was famous across the country for his spiritual dance on the beats of dhol. The famed musician used to dance and perform while playing the dhol himself. He used to perform on Thursdays on the shrine of Baba Shah Jamal in Icchra. He had also performed in various national and international festivals.
Imran Abbas, who was recently shooting a special Ramzan Transmission from the heart of the Ottoman Empire Istanbul, has been selected as a ‘Goodwill Ambassador from Pakistan’ to visit different countries in Africa along with the ‘leading Turkish actors’.
“Honoured to be selected by the government of Turkey and its Ministry of Religious Affairs as the Goodwill Ambassador from Pakistan to visit, this week, to Tanzania and many African countries along with leading Turkish actors to provide water, food, education and other basic needs of life to the people of those countries,” wrote Abbas on social media while announcing the news.
He added that he will also be “presenting the gift of thousands of Quran to Muslims as well” during the trip.
Abbas has made several visits to Turkey in the past couple of month and is popular among Turkish stars. He was earlier also spotted hanging out with renowned actors including Celal AL, Yeşim Ceren Bozoğlu (Hazal Hatun in Kuruluş: Osman) and Cenk Kangöz (Diriliş: Ertuğrul). Abbas alsovisitedthe sets of Kuruluş: Osman, where he was presented the flag of the Kayi tribe.
Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday bid farewell to her late husband, Prince Philip, at a royal funeral like no other, restricted by coronavirus rules but reflecting his long life of military and public service. The Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away on April 9 at age 99, was interred in the Royal Vault at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle after a 50-minute service attended by just 30 guests.
The Queen, 94, seen for the first time since his death, was dressed in mourning black, with a white-trimmed, black face mask. Close family, also masked, sat socially distanced in the historic 15th-century Gothic chapel.
Philip — described by royals as “the grandfather of the nation” — was Britain’s longest-serving royal consort and was married to the Queen for 73 years. He was an almost constant presence at her side during her record-breaking reign that began in 1952 as Britain rebuilt from World War II, and as its global empire began to unravel.
Unseen photo of Queen and Philip in 2003 on the Balmoral estate
His death, which the family said had left a “huge void” in the Queen’s life, has robbed her of the man she called her “strength and stay” and closes a remarkable chapter for Britain’s most famous family, and in the country’s history.
https://youtu.be/OdYWnSZ2rWc
The last high-profile funeral of a senior royal was for the Queen’s mother, who died in 2002, aged 101. But unlike then, when more than one million people thronged outside Westminster Abbey in central London to watch the sombre pageant, the public was noticeably absent from Saturday’s ceremony.
Government guidelines limited the number of mourners and a quartet performed hymns the duke chose himself in a barren nave stripped of seating.
The ceremonial funeral from behind the stately castle walls was broadcast live on television to millions across Britain and the world.
Beforehand, a military gun fired to signal a minute’s silence, when his coffin, draped in his standard and topped by a wreath of white roses and lilies from the Queen, his naval cap and ceremonial sword was borne by a bespoke Land Rover hearse he designed himself, arrived at the chapel.
Across Britain — on the streets, in shops, railway stations and at sporting events — people bowed their heads with respect.
Flights in an out of nearby Heathrow Airport were stopped for the duration of the ceremony.
Despite the restrictions, the stripped-down sendoff for the former Royal Navy commander still combined centuries of royal protocol with pomp, pageantry — and military precision.
Members of the British armed forces, in formal dress, lined the procession route, heads bowed, as the cortege passed, as a minute gun rang out across the grounds and a bell tolled.
Philip’s grandsons William, 38, and Harry, 36, joined the procession, in their first public meeting since a reported falling out about Harry’s shock move to California, and his stinging criticism of royal life, including racism in the family.
Harry had to quarantine when he arrived back in Britain for the first time since his move to the United States with his wife, Meghan, last year. Meghan reportedly watched the funeral at her home in California after she was advised by her doctor not to travel while pregnant. US networks showed the funeral live as did British TV stations.
The religious service was a simple affair, reflecting the wishes of the straight-talking duke, who was known for his aversion to “fuss”.
In keeping with his wishes, there was no sermon, but the service reflected his love of the sea, and long association with the Royal Navy, including hymns and Bible readings.
The Queen, who had been escorted to the chapel by a lady-in-waiting in the royal Bentley, watched from the chapel choir as her husband’s was lowered steadily into the Royal Vault by electric motor.
The Pipe Major of the Royal Regiment of Scotland played a lament, and buglers of the Royal Marines sounded The Last Post.
When the Queen dies, he will be transferred to lie alongside her in the King George VI memorial chapel, which houses the remains of her father, George VI, her mother, also called Elizabeth, and the ashes of her younger sister, Margaret.
Falak Shabir has left fans confused after he shared an illustration of a woman carrying a baby and her husband worried about it.
“This is the beauty of a relationship! Subhan Allah,” Falak captioned the photo.
While Falak did not explain his post further, many are convinced that this is a pregnancy announcement from the couple.
Sarah had earlier been hospitalised due to ill health. Her manager had confirmed to The Current that the actor has contracted typhoid due to which she had to be admitted to the hospital.
Later in a short video clip, Khan had informed her fans that she has returned home from the hospital and is doing better.
Meera has finally addressed rumours of being admitted to a mental health facility in the United States. Reports of the actor being admitted to a psychiatric facility in America were doing the rounds on social media as well as television.
Speaking to BBC Urdu, Meera shared that she was on a private trip to the US, during which she visited a hospital.
“I was vaccinated in a Brooklyn hospital, and went through some regular medical tests,” said Meera.
When asked to address rumours of being admitted to a psychiatric facility and being deported from America, Meera ignored the question saying: “It’s very late here, everyone is sleeping I can’t talk in detail.”
The actor later said that she was subjected to mental torture, adding that she had to go to the hospital “because I was suffering from depression. But they thought I’m mentally unstable and took away my phone from me.”
She further shared that she tried to explain the difference between mentally unstable and being depressed to them but they refused to understand and admitted her in the hospital.
“I was screaming the entire night, calling for help, and no one came. It was a really scary night for me,” remarked Meera.
Meera further shared that Sheikh Rasheed called the Pakistani Embassy in the US to help her, which made her release possible from the psychiatric facility.
She further clarified that she is not being deported from America but will in fact be returning to Pakistan to record a show.
Earlier, when reports of Meera being admitted to a mental facility were rife, her manager confirmed to The Current that the actor had only gone to get vaccinated and that reports of her being admitted to a facility were completely baseless.
Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Philip will be laid to rest today (April 17) at Saint George’s Chapel in Windsor. The 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh passed away on April 9, 2020.
The funeral ceremony will just have 30 guests in attendance, in line with government COVID-19 regulations. Heir to the throne Charles, his wife Camilla, and the monarch’s three other children and eight grandchildren, as well as all their spouses, will be among those present.
Attendees including the Queen will be required to wear face masks, sit apart and observe COVID-19 social distancing rules.
Queen Elizabeth will be accompanied to the venue in the state Bentley by a lady-in-waiting, before sitting alone in the chapel.
Furthermore, William and Harry will not walk side by side in the procession, Buckingham Palace has revealed, giving traction to reports of rifts between the two. According to details, Princess Anne’s son, Peter Philips, is positioned between them and William will move ahead of his younger brother as the royal mourners enter in pairs.
Meanwhile, here is the full list of mourners who will attend the funeral of Prince Philip at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle:
Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Charles, eldest child of the queen and Prince Philip
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Charles’ wife
Princess Anne, second child of the queen and Prince Philip
Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Anne’s husband
Prince Andrew, third child of the queen and Prince Philip
Prince Edward, youngest child of the queen and Prince Philip
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Edward’s wife
Lady Louise Windsor, Edward and Sophie’s daughter
James, Viscount Severn, Edward and Sophie’s son
Prince William, eldest son of Charles and the late Princess Diana
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, William’s wife
Prince Harry, younger son of Charles and Diana
Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne and her first husband Mark Phillips
Zara Phillips, daughter of Princess Anne and Mark Phillips
Mike Tindall, Zara’s husband
Princess Beatrice, elder daughter of Prince Andrew and ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Beatrice’s husband
Princess Eugenie, younger daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah
Jack Brooksbank, Eugenie’s husband
Lady Sarah Chatto, daughter of the queen’s late sister Princess Margaret
Daniel Chatto, husband of Lady Sarah Chatto
David Armstrong-Jones, Earl of Snowdon, son of Princess Margaret
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, a cousin of the queen
Edward, Duke of Kent, a cousin of the queen
Princess Alexandra, a cousin of the queen
Bernhard, Hereditary Prince of Baden, a German great-nephew of Prince Philip
Prince Donatus, Landgrave of Hesse, a German cousin of Prince Philip
Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, a German great-nephew of Prince Philip
Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, a friend of Prince Philip, married to the grandson of Philip’s uncle Lord Mountbatten
Anushka Sharma has shared a video of her ‘priceless moments’ from 2020, which shows her and her husband, Virat Kohli playing with dogs.
In the new video, the couple, who are strong animal activists, could be seen playing with a bunch of dogs; feeding them, going on walks with them, and petting them, around what appears to be a farmland where they spent some time last year. Anushka’s dog, Dude, can also be seen with them.
Fans showered love on the couple in the comments section with some commenting that the video was ‘superb’ and ‘awesome’. The video also crossed five million views on Instagram.
Earlier this month, Virat had announced that he was collaborating with an animal healthcare company and NGO supporting stray animals to build safe spaces and ensure easy medical access to the stray animals of our city. Kohli said that the the aim of his shelters is to “ensure health and support” to stray animals. He also thanked Anushka for inspiring him.
To ensure health & support to stray animals, @vkfofficial has now taken its first step towards animal welfare in collaboration with Vivaldis. I want to thank my wife @AnushkaSharma for inspiring me by her passion towards animals & for being a constant advocate for animal rights. https://t.co/OWWL6z33W0
“Looking after the welfare of animals is a cause very close to my heart now as Anushka is very passionate about this issue. Her vision to help stray animals across India is truly inspiring for me and since I have met her, I have tried to understand more about animal rights and the urgent need for medical assistance for strays. It is our dream to create a safer space for the stray animals of our city,” Kohli had said in a statement.
Anushka and Virat became parents for the first time earlier this year. Their daughter Vamika was born in January, but they’ve been particular about not sharing pictures of the baby on social media. They have also requested the press to not carry unauthorised images of the baby.
