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  • Iffat Omar calls Imran Khan Pakistan’s biggest cricket superstar

    Iffat Omar calls Imran Khan Pakistan’s biggest cricket superstar


     
     Imran Khan, Pakistan legendary cricketer-turned politician, is best known for leading the national team to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup.
     
    During a recent episode of Say It All With Iffat Omar, actor and model Emmad Irfani reminisced about growing up during the Imran Khan era. 
     
    Emmad said, “I was quite a lucky child, I had a very good atmosphere at home, my father was posted at GHQ, and I spent my formative years there. Imran Khan, his personality, his charm, he was like the David Beckham of the 80s. His impact went beyond sports, he became a global icon. And during 80s, seeing Pakistan bloom and grow really shaped my passions and thought processes.”

    Host Iffat Omar also praised Khan, aaying, “Imran Khan is the biggest star Pakistan has ever produced, and that’s a fact. Whenever his Pepsi ad aired, we would sit down and watch it every single time it came on.”


    Currently Emmad Irfani is starring in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum where he plays the character of Adeel and the drama is written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Badar Mehmood.
    The drama airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital.

  • Hina Dilpazeer surprised to find out Anil Kapoor is her fan

    Hina Dilpazeer surprised to find out Anil Kapoor is her fan

    Actress Hina Dilpazeer shared a surprising revelation during a recent interview, stating that Bollywood star Anil Kapoor is a fan of her work.

    Recently, she appeared as a guest on the show ‘Zabardast’, where she talked about how a Bollywood actor admired her.

    “Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, after watching my drama ‘Quddusi Sahab Ki Bewah,’ appreciated my work and invited me for a project. There were talks about an Indian film as well, but due to the political situation between the two countries, I couldn’t take on the project. If another offer comes, I will work there,” she states.

    Hina also described a bitter experience from a private award show, which later turned into a heartwarming moment.

    Narrating the incident, she said, “Once, I was invited abroad with the promise of receiving an award at a show, but the award was later given to someone else.”

    She continued, “I can never forget the humiliation I felt at that moment. But later that night, as everyone was returning with their awards, the hotel lobby was filled with my fans, including mentally and physically challenged children who loved my character ‘Momo.’”

    She further shared, “At that time, I wasn’t wearing ‘Momo’s’ signature glasses, so a child gave me his glasses in fear and hid behind his mother. I wore those glasses and performed as Momo for the children. Seeing the smiles on their faces instantly cooled my anger. I forgave everyone who mistreated me, and asked Allah for forgiveness because maybe He brought me abroad for this purpose.”

  • Doraemon ke awaz khamosh hogayi: Woman behind the voice passes away

    Doraemon ke awaz khamosh hogayi: Woman behind the voice passes away

    A Japanese actor who was the voice of “Doraemon”, a cartoon cat robot beloved by children in Japan and other countries has died, her agency said Friday. Nobuyo Oyama was 90.

    For a quarter of a century until 2005, Oyama lent her endearingly hoarse voice to the titular blue feline from the 22nd century with his “magic pocket” and its supply of fantastical gadgets, including a door that lets you travel anywhere.

    She “passed away on September 29 due to old age”, her talent agency told AFP. Her funeral was attended by close relatives, it said.

    “Doraemon” is still on air as one of the longest-running Japanese anime series, popular across Asia and farther afield.

    While Oyama’s successor has played the role for nearly two decades, her voice remains the definitive sound of the robot for many who grew up hearing it.

    In “Doraemon”, the cuddly robot cat with its huge smile travels back in time to help a lazy schoolboy called Nobita overcome the trials of everyday life.

    Created by the artist Fujiko F. Fujio, the character first appeared in manga strips in 1969, making the transition to the small and big screen over the following decades.

  • Saba Qamar joins UNICEF as Pakistan’s first national ambassador for child rights

    Saba Qamar joins UNICEF as Pakistan’s first national ambassador for child rights

    Actress Saba Qamar has been appointed UNICEF’s first national ambassador for child rights in Pakistan.

    The announcement was made on the International Day of the Girl Child, on October 11 2024.

    Saba said, “I am honored to join UNICEF and support their mission to ensure every child’s rights.”

    Abdullah A. Fadil, who is serving as the Representative for UNICEF in Pakistan, tweeted: “Delighted to announce that Saba Qamar will join the UNICEF family as the first National Ambassador for Child Rights. Together we can make an even bigger difference in the lives of all children in . Welcome onboard @s_qamarzaman Thank you for sharing your powerful voice.”

    While talking to Independent Urdu, Qamar said, “I have been in Karachi for three days now, and I visited a place where I met young girls, children, and women. I was happy to see that UNICEF has done a lot of work there, providing proper medicine and education. However, I still feel that these children need clean water and a safe environment. For this, I need the support of my nation and my people. When we work together, we can bring about change.”

    The Serial Killer actress emphasized the importance of using her voice and platform for positive change, stating, “I believe we, especially as actors, are blessed people. Allah has given us everything, fame, name, and most importantly, a voice that people look up to. They want to see us and hear from us. If we talk about these issues and want to bring about change, they will support us.”

    Saba also highlighted the urgent need to change the mindset surrounding child marriage, particularly in regions like Sujawal (Sindh).

    “At this stage, children need love, security, and a sense of identity. If you marry off a child at this age, what will happen to her future? After a year or two, these girls become pregnant, and they face various complications during pregnancy that only they understand”, Qamar added.

    Saba also said, “I met a girl named Anam who told me she was about to get married, there was a fire in her eyes, and I was so impressed by how UNICEF is raising awareness and educating these children. They are providing education centers, medicine, and teaching about good touch and bad touch, among other things.”

    However, Saba acknowledged that many more areas in Pakistan need support and change saying, “I am happy to see how many girls are coming forward. Each girl represents a society, a family. When we educate one child, imagine how much change we can bring to society. I have seen a group of girls who had confidence, a fire in their eyes, and a desire to bring about change. They understood the difference between right and wrong, good and bad touch, and even spoke English. I was impressed that such positive change could happen in a small area like Sujawal.”
    In Pakistan, child marriage is a major problem, with around 19 million girls married before the age of 18. Many of these girls faces serious health risk due to early pregnancies.

    Across the border, Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor has also been appointed as UNICEF India National Ambassador for Child Rights on May 4, 2024.

    Here is the tweet shared by Abdullah A. Fadil:

    Here is the post shared by Saba Qamar:

  • Pakistani players should watch ‘Lagaan’ movie for motivation: Ahmed Shehzad

    Pakistani players should watch ‘Lagaan’ movie for motivation: Ahmed Shehzad

    National cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has advised the Pakistan cricket team to watch the famous Bollywood hit ‘Lagaan’ after its stunning defeat against England in the first Test.

    Talking on his YouTube channel, he said, “Pakistani players should watch ‘Lagaan’ movie for the spirit because the Pakistan Cricket Board has to spend money from their pocket, and you people have no idea about the honour of the country. Take a bowler like Kachra (A bowler in the Lagaan movie) who dismissed England players because our spinners don’t have leisure with chai pani.”

    “Any team coming on the Pakistani home ground is beating them, and we are witnessing a historic defeat against Bangladesh for the first time, followed by a poor performance against England. Changes in the team have become inevitable as social media can no longer fool the nation; the selectors and the chairman will have to give young players a chance,” he said.

    Pakistani team is in its worst form, getting defeated by a smaller teams like Bangladesh on their home ground. Now England beat them in the first test match by an innings and 47 runs in Multan.

  • Kareena Kapoor spills the beans on Karisma’s first crush

    Kareena Kapoor spills the beans on Karisma’s first crush

    Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor has revealed that her sister, former actress Karisma Kapoor’s first crush was a Bollywood A-lister.

    Actresses Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor will appear together for the first time on Netflix’s “The Great Indian Couple Show”, and the trailer for the show has been shared on Indian media’s social media pages.

    During the show, Karisma and Kareena will talk about their careers, cherished moments, and personal lives.

    Host Kapil Sharma asked Kareena Kapoor who Karisma’s first crush was. To this, Kareena, also known as Bebo, revealed that she thinks it was Salman Khan.

    Upon hearing Kareena’s answer, Karisma looked at her sister in surprise, causing Kareena to laugh nervously.

    Karisma Kapoor and Salman Khan worked together in many films in the 90s, including hits like Judwaa, Andaz Apna Apna, Biwi No. 1, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge, Chal Mere Bhai, and Hum Saath Saath Hain.

    Karisma and Salman were one of the most loved duos of the 90s, delivering many superhit songs and they remain good friends to this day.

    Kareena Kapoor admitted during the show that regarding her relationship with Saif Ali Khan, she said, “I told Saif that I love him, and he tattooed my name on his hand at my request because I told him to do it if he loved me.”

  • Sheema Kermani’s stunning performance brings Fehmida Riaz’s poem to life at World Cultural Festival

    Sheema Kermani’s stunning performance brings Fehmida Riaz’s poem to life at World Cultural Festival

    World Culture Festival in collaboration with Arts Council of Pakistan, Jang and Geo continues in full swing in Karachi.

    The sixteenth day of the festival included an evening of classical dance titled The Sound of Tinkling Bells, attended by the Consul General of Russia, Andrey Viktorovich Fedorov.

    Renowned dancer Sheema Kirmani started the performance with well-known poet Fahmida Riaz’s poem “Come Compatriots Dance” and enthralled the audience with other performances along with the group.

    A large number of classical dance enthusiasts watched the performances and applauded them.

    World Culture Festival Karachi will continue till November 2 at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, in which various programs are organized daily.

  • How an Indian billionaire changed Nazia and Zoheb lives

    How an Indian billionaire changed Nazia and Zoheb lives

    Pop royalty Nazia Hassan and Zoheb Hassan ruled the radio in the 1980s, not just in Pakistan but in India too. But their eventful musical journey may have looked quite different if not for a simple phone call from a famous Indian billionaire.

    Zoheb Hassan shared this amazing story on his Instagram, remembering how the late Ratan Tata, who passed away at the age of 86 on October 09,2024 reached out to them and offered them a chance to create their iconic album, Young Tarang.

    Zoheb wrote, “Nazia and Zoheb you have a telephone call from some gentleman by the name of Mr. Ratan”, my mother said while handing Nazia the phone. “My name is Ratan and I am starting a music company by the name of CBS India. I would like you and Zoheb to record an album for us if possible.”

    Excitedly, Nazia asked her mother if Mr. Ratan could come over to discuss the project the project. They set a meeting for Friday, and the family eagerly waited for his arrival. When he came, he was tallm well dressed, and spoke kindly.

    Ratan Tata said, “If you guys agree then let’s make it happen. I will get someone to get in touch with you regarding the agreement. Make sure you get a lawyer and your parents to look at the agreement. If you don’t agree with anything speak to me directly.”

    With Ratan’s support, Nazia and Zoheb created Young Tarang, which features some of the first music videos in India and South Asia. During this time, MTV was just starting in the USA, and the network even reached out to express how amazed they were by the album.

    “The rest is history and we produced the YoungTarang album with possibly the first music videos India and SouthAsia had ever seen. This was around the time MTV had just launched in usa . MTV called us and said they had never seen anything like this and asked if we had done anything in English. Doordarshan played the music videos in India and the album outsold even #DiscoDewane”, Zoheb added.

    Reflecting on an unforgettable encounter with a true gentleman, Zoheb Hassan shared his memories of meeting Mr. Ratan Tata during the launch of their iconic album.

    Zoheb wrote, “When we finally met Mr. Ratan Tata on the launch of the album at TheTajHotel in Mumbai we were then told by the MD of CBS India who this great man was. Until then we had no idea who Mr.Ratan was. After the launch of the album he invited Nazia and I to his residence for dinner. We thought he probably lived in a palace. When we reached we were taken aback that the most powerful industrialist lived in such a humble abode. A small 2 bed flat sparsely decorated. We met his sister, one servant and an alsatian whom he loved dearly.”

    “It was a simple dinner with a great man which to this day I will never forget.
    A true gentleman and an icon of the business world. RIP” Hassan concluded.

    Ratan Tata was India’s most recognized business leader and he also took over the family empire in 1991, riding the wave of the radical free-market reforms India had just unleashed that year.

    Tata is also known for his philanthropic work, contributing to education, healthcare, and rural development initiatives in India

  • The cost of unrest: PTI protests could deter foreign investments at SCO summit

    The cost of unrest: PTI protests could deter foreign investments at SCO summit

    As Islamabad ramps up security efforts for eight high profile delegations attending the SCO summit 2024, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has thrown a spanner in the works. While whispers of multibillion dollar international investments deals can be heard amongst lawmakers in Islamabad, murmurs about a potential PTI march on the SCO summit are also raising concerns.

    With world leaders slightly shaken by the recent BLA attacks that claimed the lives of two Chinese engineers in Karachi, economic negotiations are progressing relatively unhindered. However, a possible large scale mobilization of PTI protestors poses a severe threat to the economy and businesses.

    This is because foreign investors are likely to perceive Pakistan as a suboptimal destination for their investments due to political instability. This pullback of investor funds will come at a cost to the Pakistani economy in terms of a loss of potential FDI – A loss that cash strapped Pakistan cannot afford to bear.

    As such, in preparation of wide scale protests and possible riots, the government has imposed section 144 until the conclusion of the SCO summit to deter the gathering of dissidents and rioters. This move is a way to portray a politically stable picture of Pakistan so that the multibillion dollar deals with Saudi Arabia and China are not at risk.

    The projects for which Pakistan wants to secure investments include the Reko Diq mining operation and the completion of the M1 railway from Karachi to Peshawar. If investors sense danger from large rallies and protests, Pakistan will lose out – big time.

    There will be no clear winners if PTI protests break out while the SCO summit is in session. Perhaps it would be best if a moratorium of hostilities is observed between the government and opposition. Will PTI temporarily put its differences aside for the interest of the nation or will political interest prevail?

  • PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan urges party to call off protest for SCO summit

    PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan urges party to call off protest for SCO summit

    Ali Muhammad Khan, a central leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed opposition to his party’s call for a protest at D-Chowk during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which is to be held in Islamabad on October 15 and 16.

    “In my personal opinion, there should not be a protest during the SCO meeting. However, if we are continually pushed against the wall, then we will have no option left,” he told Rahman Azhar on Express News’ program Center Stage.

    On the other hand, the PTI political committee announced a protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad on October 15 last night.

    The meeting was held without the presence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Ali Ameen Gandapur, yet the Secretary of Information Sheikh Waqas Akram, in a statement, confirmed that a large-scale protest will be held at D-Chowk on October 15.

    He instructed all organisational heads, from the central committee to the regional level, to prepare for the protest.

    Additionally, the party has rescheduled protests across the Punjab province in the wake of the D-Chowk demonstration, emphasising that this protest is against the “illegitimate rulers”.

    It was claimed in the recent party meeting that PTI founder Imran Khan, currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail, is being subjected to a new wave of brutality.

    Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, while visiting Police Line Headquarters, addressed the media and slammed PTI as a “chaos-monger”.

    “The Islamabad police foiled the fanatic group’s deadly plan,” Shehbaz asserted. “In 2014, these chaos-mongers rioted day and night for seven months at D-Chowk, forcing the government to postpone the visit of our close friend, Chinese President Xi Jinping,” he said, alluding to PTI’s 2014 sit-in.