Category: Entertainment

Unknown attackers opened fire at the house of controversial YouTuber Rajab Butt in Lahore on Thursday. 

Media reports citing Lahore police confirmed that two unidentified men on a motorcycle opened fire and quickly fled the scene. The shooting took place within the jurisdiction of the Chuhang Police Station, where Rajab Butt’s house is located.

According to reports, no one was present inside the house at the time of the fire.  Authorities have launched an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby cameras to help identify the suspects.

The shooting incident comes shortly after a legal complaint was filed against Rajab Butt by a citizen named Shehzada Adnan who submitted a petition requesting the court to register an FIR against the YouTuber. The complaint accuses Rajab Butt of using disrespectful language about the companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in one of his vlogs during the month of Muharram.

The petitioner’s lawyer Mudassar Chaudhry told the court that Rajab Butt had made offensive remarks against revered religious figures.

He also informed the court that a request for action had already been sent to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), but no FIR has been registered so far.

Police have not yet confirmed if the shooting is directly linked to the controversy, but further investigation is underway.

Actor and TV host Imran Ashraf has surprised fans with a major step forward in his acting career, sharing on social media a poster of his upcoming Punjabi film titled “Enna Nu Rehna Sehna Nahi Aunda”.

“We all have worked very hard on this film,” Imran wrote while sharing the poster that also features several well-known Indian Punjabi artists, highlighting a powerful cross-border collaboration.

He went on to announce that the movie will be released worldwide on August 22.

The film is written by Surendra Arora and directed by Rapan Bal, an Indian-origin Canadian filmmaker. It is a Canadian-Punjabi comedy that focuses on the challenges faced by international students.

The shooting of the film was completed last year and it features a diverse and impressive cast, including Imran Ashraf, Nasir Chinyoti, Indian actor-singer Jassi Gill, Ranjit Bawa, Nirmal Rishi and Navpreet Kaur Banga.

This marks Imran’s first international film and makes him the second Pakistani actor after Hania Aamir to collaborate with Indian actors in a major production. Interestingly, while Hania Aamir’s film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ is still awaiting clearance for release in India, it has seen massive success in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, promotions for ‘Enna Nu Rehna Sehna Nahi Aunda’ are in full swing, building excitement on both sides of the border.

Renowned YouTuber Rajab Butt has reportedly left Pakistan amid blasphemy allegations against him.

As per the details, Butt has left for an undisclosed location and announced a temporary break from vlogging. His sudden departure comes as he faces potential legal action under the country’s blasphemy laws for allegedly making disrespectful remarks against Islamic figures.

“I will not upload any new vlog without my mother’s permission,” Butt said during a TikTok live session on Thursday evening, explaining that his mother was deeply concerned about the current situation and had accompanied him to the airport. While he did not disclose his location, Butt went on to added that he would continue going live on TikTok.

“I’m not saying goodbye to vlogging, but I will wait for the situation to improve. I’ve recorded videos to clarify things and I’ll release them at the appropriate time,” he said further.

Earlier, a concerned citizen’s petition in a Lahore court accused Butt of using derogatory language about the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a social media video. According to the petition, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had already been approached, but no FIR was registered.

This was not the first time Butt found himself embroiled in legal trouble.

Butt has remained in the spotlight over the past six to seven months for various controversies. In May, a video went viral allegedly showing him and his associates assaulting a young man. The victim later approached Satu Katla Police Station for legal action. However, Butt issued an apology and called the incident a misunderstanding. The matter was eventually resolved after the victim withdrew the complaint.

In another serious case, an FIR was registered against Butt and his cousin Salman Haider. Haider was accused of rape, blackmail, and unlawful confinement, while Butt was accused of aiding in detaining the complainant and her sister. He secured bail in the case, and the interim bail of Salman Haider was also extended.

Earlier this month, Butt was stopped by the Dolphin Force in Lahore as part of a citywide crackdown on vehicles with black tinted windows. During a routine inspection at Thokar Niaz Baig, officers removed black paper from his car windows. DSP Mubashir Awan led the team, and SP Arslan Zahid warned that similar actions would continue across the city.

The YouTuber also previously sparked backlash after naming his perfume “295” in a reference to Pakistan’s blasphemy law. Amid the uproar, he left the country. In January, he was arrested just a day after his wedding for illegal possession of a lion cub and for displaying weapons.

He also drew online criticism when he, along with fellow YouTubers Ducky Bhai and Nadeem Nani Wala, launched a paid online course platform. The venture was mocked by fans who pointed out that much of the course content was already available for free on YouTube.

The team of late Sidhu Moosewala has announced a world tour that will use artificial intelligence to recreate the Punjabi singer and rapper’s presence on stage. Named Signed to God, the tour is scheduled for 2026 and will showcase Moosewala’s hit songs through an AI-generated avatar and holographic technology.

The announcement was made via Moosewala’s official Instagram page, which is handled by his team. Performances are anticipated to occur in Indian Punjab as well as in Toronto, London, and Los Angeles. This technology will merge holograms, augmented reality, and other tools to create a stage experience that aims to make audiences feel as if they are witnessing Moosewala perform live.

This marks the first posthumous world tour announced for any South Asian musician. The idea of using technology to bring back late artists has already been explored globally. Tupac Shakur appeared as a hologram at Coachella in 2012, and Michael Jackson’s The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil generated over $370 million. Additionally, Jackson’s hologram performed at the Billboard Music Awards in 2014.

Moosewala’s upcoming tour has ignited discussion among his supporters. Many are thrilled at the prospect of “seeing” him perform, particularly those who missed his live shows during his lifetime. Conversely, some are sceptical about whether this is in line with what the artist would have preferred.

Moosewala was recognised for exercising strict control over his creative output. In 2020, he established his own record label, 5911, to independently release his music. His untimely death in May 2022 abruptly ended a career that was deeply intertwined with themes of identity, politics, and marginalisation.

The utilisation of artificial intelligence to recreate artists has sparked concerns about the extent to which their likeness can be managed posthumously. Fans and critics are questioning whether such tours are tributes or commercial projects designed to keep artists’ legacies active through technology.

Moosewala was shot dead in May 2022 in Mansa district, Punjab, a day after his state security cover was scaled back. The attack, which involved multiple gunmen, was linked to gang rivalries, according to police investigations. His death sparked protests and widespread mourning among fans in India and abroad.

In the latest development in Humaira Asghar’s case, police have revealed that the actress had Rs. 400,000 in her private bank account, and her ATM transactions indicated she was not in financial distress.

A senior investigating officer told the media that while she appeared financially stable, she might have been emotionally or mentally isolated.

Two national ID cards were also recovered from her flat. One showed a changed date of birth, possibly reflecting the pressure to appear younger in an industry that values appearance over age.

Actress Humaira Asghar’s nine-month-old body was found in a severely decomposed state inside her flat in Karachi’s Defence area last week. She had been living alone in the rented apartment.

The body was discovered only when a court bailiff arrived to vacate the flat on the landlord’s request. Humaira had been living alone on rent, and no one had checked on her for months.

Her mysterious death has sparked more questions than answers. Police investigations are ongoing but have yet to produce any major breakthrough.

Phone data showed that on October 7, 2024, she tried to contact 14 people, including a well-known director currently in Islamabad, but no one responded.

Her phone, diary, and even a damaged tablet have become key pieces of evidence. Among the 2,215 contacts saved in her phone, not one could be there for her in her final moments.

Investigators believe she may have slipped while doing laundry. Clothes soaked in detergent were found decaying in the bathroom. The kitchen had no food, raising further concerns about her condition before death.

Police are also investigating why the odour from her decomposed body went unreported for so long. Residents in the lower flat said they noticed a smell back in November, but the building’s watchman reportedly ignored it.

On the other hand, her brother Naveed Asghar made some serious claims about her death. In an interview, he said, “My sister did not die accidentally. She was murdered as part of a planned conspiracy. Police officers told me that when the flat’s door was broken open, the back door was already open and the roof window had also remained open. This is why the smell did not spread. We are 90 percent sure this was a murder.”

He further added, “I believe there should be a full and transparent investigation. The landlord’s complete data and call records must be obtained. It should also be checked how long he has been living in Karachi and whether he has any links to Lahore.”

Naveed also demanded a detailed probe into Humaira’s travel history. “It is important to know whether she used to travel alone or with someone. That aspect also raises many questions,” he said.

Expressing disappointment over the lack of cooperation from people in the industry, he said, “Even the cast and crew from her recent projects are not fully cooperating. I don’t understand why they are not speaking openly. Are they afraid of someone? If they are innocent, they should come forward and help uncover the truth.”

Sanam Saeed is officially returning to television after seven years, and is taking a moment to reflect on how far she’s come.

The renowned actor will soon be seen in the upcoming drama Main Manto Nahi Hoon, alongside Humayun Saeed and Sajal Aly.

To celebrate her return, she shared an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday, reflecting on the powerful female characters she has played over the years and how those roles helped shape her.

“Miss Maria But first… dipping into the past for some inspiration and motivation to continue playing these amazing, vulnerable yet empowered women,” she wrote, along with a series of throwback pictures from her past dramas, including a glimpse of her new role.

She also shared how special TV is to her, writing, “I have to admit, there’s really nothing like television and the love and appreciation we get from the audience. TV is also the most impactful medium and the best place to showcase pure Pakistani talent, from the storytelling to the cinematography, direction, acting and soundtracks.”

Sanam listed some of her most memorable roles from dramas like Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Talkhiyan, Mera Naseeb, and Diyar-e-Dil. She said each character gave her the “privilege” of playing strong and complex women.

She added, “Excited to be back to long form after an extended hiatus, in a totally new role. Also thrilled I got to work with a new team and some of my favourite actors for the first time.”

Her post included characters from Main Manto Nahi Hoon, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Shukk, Mera Naseeb, Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu, Diyar-e-Dil, Deedan, Talkhiyan, Kadoorat, Dil Banjara, and the telefilm Dil Mera Dharkan Teri. She also mentioned missing photos from Daam and Aakhri Station.

Sanam didn’t forget her film career and posted memories from her movies like Bachaana, Mah-e-Meer, Rehm, Cake, Dobara Phir Se, and Ishrat Made in China.

Legendary American singer Connie Francis has died at the age of 87.

According to reports, the news was confirmed by her close friend and label president, Ron Roberts, in a Facebook post on Thursday, July 16. He wrote that it was with a heavy heart and deep sadness that he shared the passing of his dear friend Connie Francis the night before.

Her death comes just weeks after Francis revealed that she had been hospitalized due to extreme pain and was undergoing medical tests.

Born Concetta Franconero in Newark, New Jersey, Connie Francis became a global music sensation in the late 1950s. She gained fame with hit songs such as “Who’s Sorry Now?,” “My Heart Has A Mind Of Its Own,” and “Where the Boys Are.” In 1960, she became the first solo female artist to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the song “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool.”

Francis expanded her fanbase by recording songs in multiple languages and appearing on major TV shows like American Bandstand and The Ed Sullivan Show.

Her life, however, was marked by several personal tragedies. In 1974, she survived a rape incident. She also lost her singing voice temporarily due to nasal surgery. In 1981, her brother was murdered in a mafia-related case. These events led to mental health challenges, including multiple psychiatric hospital stays, which she later said were due to misdiagnosis.

Despite all these hardships, Connie Francis made several comebacks in her career. She worked with the Ronald Reagan administration to support victims’ rights and partnered with Mental Health America to raise awareness about trauma and recovery.

Francis was married four times and adopted a son, Joseph Garzilli Jr. In a 2017 interview, she shared that she hoped people would remember her not just for her success but for the strength she showed through her struggles. She is survived by her son.

Pakistan’s biggest horror film Deemak has set a new record in Pakistani cinema, earning a massive Rs. 160 million in just 38 days.

This hit from Geo Films has grabbed public attention and even surprised critics.

“The film’s scary moments, gripping plot, and emotional characters kept the audience hooked in cinemas,” said a spokesperson for Geo Films.

Featuring brilliant performances by Faysal Quraishi, Sonya Hussyn, Samina Pirzada, Javed Sheikh, and Bushra Ansari, Deemak has turned horror into a hit genre on the big screen in Pakistani cinema.

“Long queues of moviegoers in cinemas across the country are testimony to the fact that the Pakistani people are now fully accepting quality and unique content,” added the spokesperson.

The film is written by Syed Murad Ali and directed by Rafay Rashdi and Ayesha Muzaffar.

 
Deemak, however, isn’t just about jump scares. The film dives into deeper issues like emotional trauma, generational neglect, domestic abuse, and the complicated bond between women in a household, especially the tense dynamic between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law. The haunting becomes a metaphor for how unspoken, unresolved pain can slowly and quietly destroy families from within.

Geo Films has previously delivered several blockbuster hits, including Khuda Ke Liye, Bol, Teefa in Trouble, The Legend of Maula Jatt, Donkey King, and Glass Worker, further solidifying its place as a pioneer in modern Pakistani cinema.

Senior journalist Jasmeen Manzoor has accused her ex-husband of severe abuse, sharing disturbing photos of her injuries on social media.

On July 16, Jasmeen shared multiple posts on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that she was subjected to brutal abuse during her marriage to her ex-husband. She also shared several photos from her mobile gallery, dated June 4 (year not visible), showing clear signs of physical abuse.

While posting the images, Jasmeen wrote, “The tortured woman is none other than myself, this is my story.”

In her series of posts, she alleged that the torture was inflicted by her ex-husband. She stated, “The gift of torture was given to me by my ex-husband.”

“Despite the worst torture on me, he has been living a luxurious life in Jinnah Hospital for the past six months,” she added.

She also opened up about her emotional state during the abuse, revealing that it occurred while she was still grieving her mother’s death. “I was subjected to the worst torture when I was already going through a difficult time, my mother had passed away,” she said.

In another emotional post, she added, “My beautiful life was ruined by a brutal man.”

Despite the trauma, Jasmine said she has left her case to divine justice. “I have left my decision to Allah,” she stated.

Her posts have sparked an outcry on social media. Many users have condemned the violence and demanded immediate action and strict punishment for her ex-husband.

In 2024, TV host Ayesha Jahanzeb also accused her husband of domestic abuse. He was arrested following her statements, though she later forgave him.