Following the killing of an elderly man during the hearing of a blasphemy case against him at the Peshawar Judicial Complex on Wednesday, Hamza Ali Abbasi has urged authorities and the government “to take decisive action against individuals/organisations who are glorifying murderers”.
“If we don’t legally/ideologically tackle them now, very dark times await us,” said Abbasi.
The actor also urged his followers to “rise above sectarian and political biases and see Islam for [what] it really is”.
More importantly, the people of Pakistan, those who can rise above sectarian/political biases & see Islam for it really is, RISE UP & ORGANIZE YOURSELF EFFECTIVELY AGAINST THESE MURDERERS & THOSE WHO GLORIFY THEM or else prepare for a very turbulent time ahead.
Abbasi condemned the unfortunate incident and said that “if you support murder and oppression in the name of Allah, his Deen and his last Prophet (PBUH)…then know that you are among those evil people who knowingly attribute lies to Allah.”
If u support murder & oppression in the name of Allah, his deen & his last Prophet S.A.W & you refuse to even hear those few people who are trying to tell you that this is NOT ALLAH'S DEEN then know tht u r among those evil ppl who knowingly attribute lies to Allah.
Later, Hamza emphasized his stance further, by penning a detailed note on his religious views, urging everyone to rise about sectarian, political and emotional biases.
PS: Musailma, Saja, Kaab etc were DIRECT ADDRESEES OF RASOOL ALLAH SAW.
According to details, 47-year-old Tahir Ahmed Naseem, a resident of Pishtakhara, appeared before the court for the hearing of a blasphemy case against him when a man barged in and opened fire on him.
The 24-year-old shooter, Khalid, was arrested by the police on the spot.
Javeria Saud has rejected Salma Zafar’s “baseless allegations and derogatory remarks against the Saud family” and has announced that she will be taking legal action against the actor. Salma had accused Saud’s production company JJS Productions of fraud and non-payment.
In a statement, Saud said: “JJS Productions have exercised their legal rights and their lawyer initiated legal actions against Ms Salma Zafar for her baseless allegations and derogatory remarks against the Saud family.”
The statement added that the production company will also take legal action against those who shared Zafar’s video without verification.
“They are also exercising the same right against people who have shared the said video without verification, as per Cyber Crime Criminal Laws of Pakistan,” read the statement.
Veteran actor Salma Zafar, in an Instagram live session, had accused Javeria and her husband Saud Qasmi of not paying her and multiple others. She added that the couple also mistreated their staff.
Salma Zafar
Salma had said she considered Javeria as her daughter and worked in the couple’s production house for years. However, they treated her badly and refused to pay her her dues.
“When I sent a message to Javeria asking for my money of ten million rupees (Rs 1 crore) she blocked me”, said the actor.
Later, actor Sherry Shah also came forward and levelled the same accusations against Javeria and Saud. In a video posted to social media, Shah says that JJS Productions owes her approximately Rs 90 lakhs. She said that she had been a part of JJS Production’s projects for many years and had done two projects with them.
Sherry Shah
“I saw Salma Zafar’s video and I can completely understand her pain because I went through the same ordeal,” says Shah, adding that it is time to share the truth. She also said that she has sent an official legal notice to the production house through her lawyer.
“During this time period of six to seven years, I suffered a lot,” stated Shah. “My hard-earned money which was very important to me was not given. I am not saying that I have entirely been not paid, they have given me small amounts and the highest I remember they paid me was 3.5 lacs [and] they owe me almost 1 crore,” she said.
“We didn’t even sign a contract because you were my friend, Saud Bhai,” said Shah. “We had a brother and sister relation, but was I only your sister till the time I quietly worked for you? Did the relationship end the moment I demanded my money?”
Shah requested Saud to clear his dues and close the chapter gracefully.
Cake director Asim Abbasi’s original web series Churails, featuring Sarwat Gilani, Nimra Bucha, Mehar Bano and Yasra Rizvi, is all set to stream from August 11 on ZEE5 Global’s Zindagi channel. Churails is the first of five original Pakistani web series expected to stream on the Indian platform.
According to a press release, the show “aims to challenge the hypocrisy of patriarchal societies that vanquish women and their rights” and will narrate the story of “four self-proclaimed Churails who come together to open a covert detective agency to expose cheating husbands amongst the city’s elite. As their operations expand, they come to be saviours of abused, harassed and mistreated women.”
“The gripping and fast-paced storyline covers myriad issues such as child abuse, sexism, the domination of class and race and aims to challenge the hypocrisy of patriarchal societies that vanquish women and their rights,” it adds.
The makers of the show define churails as “she who takes ownership of her life and is unapologetic of her being. She who breaks the glass ceiling and every prejudice that society has created against women.”
“She who is strong, she who is fierce, she stands for what she believes in… she is a ‘churail’.”
Director Asim Abbasi, while speaking about the project said that the story is about “strong women, embarking on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment and sisterhood. I believe Churails is a timely show with pertinent themes that will resonate with audiences globally.”
Meanwhile, the cast of the show expressed their excitement on social media and shared a preview of their characters. They even changed their handles on Instagram, adding the word ‘Churail‘ before their name.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDMBmb5DUTk/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDL_iQ9p0Hd/
ZEE5is the digital entertainment destination launched by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, a global media and entertainment platform. The platform launched across 190+ countries in October 2018 and has content across 18 languages. ZEE5 brings together the best of originals, movies and TV shows, music, cineplays, live TV and health and lifestyle content.
There are often times in life when you’re at loss for words. And writing this review is one of those moments because there is so much to say but no words to express my emotions. Sushant Singh Rajput passed away on June 14 due to suicide but the mystery surrounding his sudden death remains, leaving one restless and searching for answers. His unexpected death impacted Bollywood fans across the world in a way no one could have imagined. In midst of all this, Disney Hotstar announced that they would release the actor’s last film digitally on their streaming platform and make it available to everyone with the aim to celebrate his life and legacy. The move was welcomed by his fans as they felt that the film would give them the closure they have been searching for. But unfortunately, the film ends up widening the void instead of closing it because, by the time the credits roll in, you’re emotional, teary-eyed and wishing that the film would never end because you just want to continue watching Sushant weave his magic on screen.
Dil Bechara is the official Hindi adaption of The Fault in Our Stars. It is the story of two cancer patients Kizie and Manny, whose paths cross at a cancer support group. Though Kizie initially finds Manny ‘irritating and annoying’, Manny with his goofy antics soon becomes the centre of Kizie’s universe. He makes her laugh and forget her worries and gives her ‘boring’ life a whole new meaning. The two bond over music and movies and become inseparable. But life throws them another curveball and Manny, whose cancer was believed to have gone, returns leaving him terminally ill.
While Dil Bechara Sushant’s last film, it is debutante Sanjana Sanghani’s first film and also marks the directorial debut of renowned casting director Mukesh Chhabra. Sanjana makes a sound debut and is confident in her role but for me, the film is only Sushant, who steals the shows with his infectious smile and on-screen presence. From the minute he comes on the screen to the minute he says Seri in the last shot, my eyes were glued to him throughout and I wished the film didn’t end. A master performer, Sushant did not let his fans down with his swan song. His expressions and body language were brilliant and he slipped into Manny’s character with finesse.
Given the circumstances surrounding the film’s release, emotions are naturally running high and it is impossible to not relate Sushant’s untimely death with Manny’s. In particular, the last scene, when everyone gathers to watch Manny’s film. At that point, the lines between real and reel were so blurred you forgot you were watching a movie because everything just felt so real.
The last scene
A.R Rahman’s music beautifully blended in with the mood of the film and the setting of the frames, giving the film a magical touch. My personal favourite from the album has to be Main Tumhara.
Some of the film’s dialogues were also amazing and I see them becoming a thing. One of them – “Jeena kab hai aur marna kab hai yeh hum decide nahi kartay, laikin jeena kaisay hain, yeh hum decide kar saktay hain” – has already become iconic and synonymous with Sushant.
As much as I want to only heap praises on the film for having its heart in the right place and being a touching watch, it would be unfair to ignore its shortcomings which mainly lied in the direction and editing. The story and characters are underdeveloped, especially Manny’s. All through the film, I kept waiting for a backstory on Manny – just some basic details would have sufficed. However, apart from the fact that he’s rich and doesn’t need to work, we don’t get much on Manny or his family. Sushant’s portrayal of Manny was the only saving grace of an otherwise poorly written character.
More so, the editing is choppy and appears to have been lazily done. Given that the film was a tribute to Sushant, I wish the makers had put in more effort in post-production. The film currently runs for one hour forty minutes and could have easily been stretched to two hours to tie up loose ends.
Since its release, I’ve watched Dil Bechara twice and will perhaps watch it a couple of times more but only for Sushant. He effortlessly carried the weight of the entire film and pulled it through despite its shortcomings. Sushant lit up the screen every time he made an appearance and I wish the film was longer so he could have stayed with us more.
Later, Humayun celebrated his day with his boys gang which included Adnan Siddiqui, Nadeem Baig, Asim Jofa, Farhan Saeed and Imran Ashraf.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDKeeNqnvoH/
Wishing our favourite actor a very happy birthday! If it was not for COVID-19, we would have been seeing Humayun on the big screen this Eid ul Azha in London Nahi Jaunga.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)’s outrage over a Republican lawmaker’s verbal assault has garnered attention far and wide. AOC’s take on the sexist culture of “accepting violence and violent language against women” made noise across the world and people lauded her for standing up against this.
Among those who appreciated AOC and her words was Mehwish Hayat, who is often at the receiving end of sexist trolling and hate for her unfiltered take on various topics.
“Thank you AOC for saying this out loud,” wrote Mehwish on Twitter. “I cried – and can so relate to what you say. For me as an actress, men passing remarks and using abusive language is the norm. There’s a pattern here and it is becoming a cultural thing.”
She continued, “We mustn’t give any man permission to be abusive. Today I stand up and say, ‘I, too am someone’s daughter and I haven’t been raised to accept abuse from anyone!’”
daughters & sisters at home. However,this alone does not make them ‘decent’! We mustn’t give any man permission to be abusive. Today I stand up & say,“I, too am someone’s daughter & I haven’t been raised to accept abuse from anyone!” If you do one thing today – listen to this!2/2
According to reports, Ocasio-Cortez’s speech was in response to Republican congressman Ted Yoho calling her “disgusting” on a staircase in the Capitol last Tuesday for her comments linking poverty and crime. As she left, Yoho allegedly said, ‘”f***** b****.”
In an apology delivered on the House floor the next morning, Yoho denied saying those words to AOC.
“Having been married for 45 years with two daughters, I’m very cognizant of my language,” he had said. “The offensive name-calling words attributed to me by the press were never spoken to my colleagues and if they were construed that way, I apologise for their misunderstanding.”
However, AOC dismissed Yoho’s apology, saying that the congressman was “refusing responsibility”.
In the speech that went viral on social media, AOC said: “About two days ago I was walking up the steps of the Capitol when Representative Yoho suddenly turned a corner, and he was accompanied by Representative Roger Williams. And accosted me on the steps right here in front of our nation’s capitol.”
“I was my minding my own business, walking up the steps when Representative Yoho put his finger in my face, he called me disgusting, he called me crazy, he called me out of my mind. And he called me dangerous.”
She continued, “I walked back out and there were reporters in the front of the Capitol, and in front of reporters, Representative Yoho called me, and I quote, a f—— b—-. These are the words Representative Yoho levied against a congresswoman. A congresswoman that not only represents New York’s 14th district but every congresswoman in this country because all of us have had to deal with this in some form, some way, some shape at some point in our lives.”
“Mr Yoho was not alone. He was walking shoulder to shoulder with Representative Roger Williams. And that’s when we start to see that this issue is not about one incident. It is cultural. It is a culture of a lack of impunity, of acceptance of violence and violent language against women, an entire structure of power that supports that.”
She adds: “But then yesterday, Representative Yoho decided to come to the floor of the House of Representatives and make excuses for his behaviour. And that I could not let go. Which is why I’m rising today to raise this point of personal privilege.”
“I do not need representative Yoho to apologise to me. Clearly, he does not want to. Clearly, when given the opportunity he will not. And I will not stay up late at night waiting for an apology from a man who has no remorse over calling women and using abusive language towards women. But what I do have an issue with is using women, wives, and daughters as shields and excuses for poor behaviour.”
“Mr Yoho mentioned that he has a wife and two daughters. I am two years younger than Mr Yoho’s youngest daughter. I am someone’s daughter too. My father, thankfully, is not alive to see how Mr Yoho treated his daughter. My mother got to see Mr Yoho’s disrespect on the floor of this house towards me on television, and I am here because I have to show my parents that I am their daughter and that they did not raise me to accept abuse from men,” AOC further said.
“And so, what I believe is that having a daughter does not make a man decent. Having a wife does not make a decent man. Treating people with dignity and respect makes a decent man. And when a decent man messes up, as we all are bound to do, he tries his best and does apologise. Not to save face, not to win a vote.”
AOC’s speech made waves across the world and resonated with millions of women who suffer abuse – verbal and physical – at the hands of men.
Meanwhile, Mehwish also hit back at trolls who criticised her for her recent picture.
I’m so glad there was one photo where my Casio watch is clearly visible,the chai stained pillow isn’t there,my legs can be seen & my neck is a little low (as requested) This ones for all the sick minded. You know who you are & I’m sure you’ll still find something wrong here also! pic.twitter.com/0dP11mYbTD
While PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) continues to remain banned in Pakistan, Asim Azhar has voiced his protest against the ban and requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to not let his youth down. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) banned the game after parents approached it complaining that the game was addictive for their children. According to details, three children in Lahore had also recently committed suicide due to the online game.
In a series of tweets, Asim expressed his thoughts on the matter and said that banning the game won’t make any difference until we educate the youth.
“Only if we invest in our education system as much, that we make our children – the future of this country, into humans with stable minds, we would never have to worry about any playform or game being harmful to the society,” said Asim.
Only if we invest in our education system as much, that we make our children – the future of this country, into humans with stable minds, we would never have to worry about any playform or game being harmful to the society. Basics change karo, pubg nahi.
He continued: “I want to live in a country where there is no banning culture. Where the youth has enough awareness to know what is right and wrong for them.”
I want to live in a country where there is no banning culture. Where the youth has enough awareness to know whats right & wrong for them. For that we must invest everything we can in our basics & schooling to get results in coming years. Not by banning games. #ImranKhanPUBGKholo
Arguing his stance further, Asim appealed to PM Imran Khan and said that “the last time we banned something (YouTube) it took us so many years back”.
“This is not just about a game, it is about the digital future of Pakistan,” argued Asim. “Every field will be affected. I am a victim of the ridiculous ban we had to face on YouTube for five years. We are again at the same stage. Please don’t let it happen again, sir Imran Khan.”
#ImranKhanPUBGKholo Even tho I have never played this game but I believe in freedom of speech & actions that do not harm. I am with you guys & against the ban of any platforms or games. @ImranKhanPTI sir, the last time we banned something (YouTube) it took us so many years back.
This is not just about a game, it is about the digital future of 🇵🇰 Every field will be affected. I am a victim of the ridiculous ban we had to face on YouTube for 5 years. We are again at the same stage. Please don’t let it happen again, sir @ImranKhanPTI 🙌🏽 #ImranKhanPUBGKholo
He also requested everyone protesting against the ban not to use any hate speech.
#ImranKhanPUBGKholo Also, a message to the youth, I know it can be very frustrating & demoralising leken har subha se pehle andhera hota hai. I request everyone protesting the bans to not use any hate speech. InshaAllah @ImranKhanPTI sir will not disappoint his youth 🙏🏽
Meanwhile, Waqar Zaka expressed his disappointment at PM Imran Khan for not responding to the youth’s protests. He announced that he will contest in the next election and initiate a technology movement in Pakistan.
The hashtag #ImranKhanPUBGkolo is currently trending at number one on Pakistani Twitter.
Other celebrities including Hania Aamir also expressed their displeasure over the ban.
Gaming is not a crime and bans achieve little other than angst and resentment. Instead of shutting down #PUBG, address and counter the issues that are a cause for concern and let them play for it is only but a game! 🙏🏽#Pakistan#ImranKhanPUBGKholo
Earlier in the day, PTA announced that the ban on PUBG will remain in place as the game developer has not yet responded to the authority about its suitable framework to address key concerns.
Three days ago, on July 24, the Islamabad High Court had ordered the government to lift the ban on PUBG, much to the delight of PUBG fans in Pakistan. However, PTA, in a statement, said: “The order has been issued in accordance with Islamabad High Court’s orders after a hearing conducted by PTA on July 9 and in accordance with the provisions of PECA 2016.”
Press Release: PTA has issued a detailed order regarding blocking of online game PlayerUnknown's Battle Ground. The order has been issued in accordance with Islamabad High Court's orders after a hearing conducted by PTA on July 9 & in accordance with the provisions of PECA 2016. pic.twitter.com/cRyYzMVizN
Imran Abbas has revealed that he is working on an international film and will not be seen on television for at least the next year and a half.
In an interactive question and answers session with his fans on Instagram, when a follower asked if he was growing his hair for a special project, Imran said that he is working on an international film. He added that although extensions can be added, “your own hair makes it feel different”. While the actor did not share further details on his upcoming project, it is likely that he is referring to the British feature film, titled The Trojan Horse, he had announced he will be doing back in May 2018. Imran had shared that he will be playing a spy in the film who is of Syrian-Morrocan descent.
“I have many get-ups in the film and I will be seen in about six to seven disguises as I play the lead protagonist,” the actor had said. Filming for the movie was scheduled to begin in July 2018 but it appears that it might have been delayed.
Later, when another follower asked when he will be seen next on television, Imran responded: “You won’t be able to watch me on TV at least for another one and a half year more (And even don’t know about after that either).”
Meanwhile, Imran also joked that one of his recently concluded serials Jo Tu Chahy “kaafi farigh tha”. He added that this is what happens when you sign a project without reading the script.
Imran also said that he is looking forward to watching Dil Bechara because it is his “moo bola bhai” Mukesh Chhabra’s first film and “the last film of the very talented Sushant Singh Rajput”. Dil Bechara released on Disney Hotstar on Friday and has become a huge hit. On the other hand, Imran has done several Bollywood films, the last one being Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in which he played Alizeh’s (Anushka Sharma) boyfriend.
An old video of Mawra Hocane on Nida Yasir’s morning show has gone viral on social media with netizens criticising the actor for her comments on the eve-teasing culture in Pakistan.
In the video, when Yasir asks Hocane if anyone has ever teased her, Mawra responds by saying: “I think that’s just Lahore’s fun, boys tease you. They play loud music from their cars. I think that’s just the feel of Lahori Eid.”
“So we don’t mind. It’s okay, keep looking at us,” she added.
When Nida further asks if she would mind if someone was to tease her now, Mawra said: “Yes, no problem.”
While the video is from 2018, Twitter users are calling out Mawra for “normalising harassment”.
Boys catcalling girls from roaring cars is not "fun." Celebrations based on women's discomfort are not "fun." Objectification of our bodies on the streets is not "fun." Harassment is not "fun." Molestation is not "fun." It is disrespectful and degrading @MawraHocane
the fact that Mawra hocan is a barrister at law 🤡 uno the funny thing is that she’s currently playing a character who started a small movement on her campus to fight against harassment. dfkm😭
Meera has requested Rs 40 million from the Punjab Government under the Artist Support Fund, launched by the Punjab Information and Cultural Department, claiming that she is in financial trouble. However, the department denied her request, adding that they can only offer her Rs 5000-10,000 at this point.
In other news, Punjab Information and Culture department has declined actor Meera's application for financial assistance. She had asked for 40million Rs to help her through the pandemic but officials say they can at max giver her 10k or so. So yes, this happened!
According to reports, a meeting was held at the Alhamra Arts Council after the actor appealed to senior officials for financial support. In the meeting, it was unanimously decided that the department cannot give the actor more than ten thousand rupees. Moreso, it was also decided that an artist should have a monthly income of less than Rs 15,000 and be above the age of 50 in order to receive aid from the fund.
Meanwhile MPA Sadia Sohail Rana, who supervised the meeting said that she was surprised with Meera’s request.
“I am surprised why Meera applied for the help as in this situation she herself should be supporting other poor artists,” said Rana. “Meera should understand that everything is not a joke. Artists of her stature should set aside funds for difficult times when they earn large amounts.”
However, Meera said that she had no choice because her shows in USA and Canada had been cancelled due to the pandemic because of which she had to suffer financially.
“I suffered a loss of around $100,000. I have to pay back a loan I took in Dubai. I am forced to apply for financial support,” said the actor.
Meera added that she intends on taking up the matter with the Federal Government also.
Earlier, Meera had also appealed to the government to assist her journey back home when she was stranded in New York due to the COVID-19 lockdowns across the world.
