Current Final

Blog

  • 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.

  • Motorcyclist, 21, dies after kite string slits his throat in Lahore

    Motorcyclist, 21, dies after kite string slits his throat in Lahore

    A 21-year-old motorcyclist lost his life in Lahore’s Nawan Kot area after a stray kite string slit his throat while he was returning home from work.

    Police said the victim, identified as Noman Yousaf, was a medical representative and the sole breadwinner of his family. 

    He was a resident of Mozang and had a younger brother and two sisters. His cousin Usman, who was at the hospital for treatment, identified the body.

    According to reports, the dangerous sport of kite flying with glass and chemical coated string continues in Lahore despite repeated bans. Police have failed to control the situation as metal-coated strings continue to claim innocent lives.

    Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the incident and took notice of the tragedy. She directed the Lahore CCPO to submit a report and ensure immediate action against those responsible.

    Inspector General Punjab Dr Usman Anwar also ordered DIG Operations Lahore to arrest the kite flyers and strictly enforce the zero-tolerance policy against kite flying. He instructed police to take action against those selling metal strings or kites online and urged parents to stop their children from playing this deadly game.

    He added that citizens should inform the police by calling 15 if they witness any such activity.

  • 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.

  • Asif Afridi breaks 92-year-old record on Test debut

    Asif Afridi breaks 92-year-old record on Test debut

    Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Asif Afridi made history by breaking a 92-year-old record during the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi.

    At 38 years and 299 days, Asif became the oldest cricketer to take a five-wicket haul on debut, surpassing England’s Charles Marriott, who achieved the feat in 1933 at the age of 37 years and 332 days.

    Asif’s remarkable performance came after he was included in the playing XI for the second and final Test. He was not part of the team in the opening match, which Pakistan won.

    With this achievement, Asif has written his name into cricket history, proving that age is no barrier to success on the big stage.

  • Shehroze Kashif still waits for government reward despite repeated promises

    Shehroze Kashif still waits for government reward despite repeated promises

    Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif has said that the government has forgotten its promise of financial support after his historic achievement of climbing all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters.

    Taking to X (formerly Twitter) Shehroze wrote, “My government promised support, but all was forgotten. I sold my land, my car, and remain in debt from past expeditions. How can you do this to someone who raised Pakistan’s flag on all 14 eight-thousanders?” 

    He tagged Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, and federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, urging them to take notice.

    Shehroze revealed that he spent nearly Rs 40 million on his expeditions and is now struggling to recover financially. He also shared that he underwent a major back surgery and now has metal rods in his spine, which makes movement painful. “No one even took responsibility for my medical bills,” he said.

    Frustrated with the lack of recognition, Shehroze said that if this continues, he might consider moving abroad to pursue better opportunities.

    The 22-year-old climber holds the record as the youngest Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.

  • Top 5 Office Space Types for Startups in Lahore

    Top 5 Office Space Types for Startups in Lahore

    If you’re the owner of a business in Lahore (or are planning to be), selecting the best office space isn’t just about the cubicle you use to work in. It’s about flexibility, price accessibility to infrastructure, and a sense of community. In Pakistan, startups frequently face inconsistent electricity supplies, internet disruptions, and limited financial resources. That is why the right choice of workspace can make or break your early momentum.

    Before discussing types, let’s quickly ground ourselves in the real concerns startups face in Pakistan, and we are here talking about Lahore, especially.

    Real Concerns of Startups in Pakistan and Why Office Choice Matters

    1. Unstable infrastructure and utilities, frequent load shedding (power cuts), as well as internet outages and infrastructural problems, force startups to think about solutions that have the backup of power sources, dual Internet, and a resilience component.

    2. Less Budget and high fixed costs – Most companies are running on a budget, and the decision to sign long-term traditional leases for offices is dangerous. The flexibility or “pay-as-you-grow” models help reduce the risk.

    3. Problems with scaling up – A company may start with just two employees, but it will soon increase to 10+. It is essential to have a space that can expand (or reduce) without causing massive disruption.

    4. The ability to access talent, networking, and mentoring. The proximity of mentors, investors, cofounders, and incubators is essential. Distances from the incubator or tech corridor hubs could make you feel isolated.

    5. Credibility and image perceptions matter in meetings with investors and clients. Being in a shared café or in your home could hinder perception during the initial interactions with clients.

    Given these concerns, here are the top 5 types of office spaces that startups in Lahore should seriously consider, along with benefits and tips.

     

    1. Coworking / Shared Desk Spaces

    What is it? You rent a desk (hot desk or dedicated desk) in a shared workspace with other startups, freelancers, and small teams.

    Why do startups like it?

    • Less or almost no barrier to enter (no huge deposit, short-term commitments).

    • Shared utilities, backup power, internet, cleaning, and services are handled by the operator.

    • Networking & serendipitous interactions with other entrepreneurs.

    Best Choice – QuickOffice offers coworking plans with both dedicated desks and flexible desks.

     

    2. Private Office within a Shared Office Space

    What is it? You get a private office (only for your team) but within a managed shared office space. All services (internet, power backup, cleaning, security) are bundled.

    Why is a private office good for you?

    • Privacy and control over your internal operations.

    • No need to deal with landlord issues (repairs, infrastructure), the Office space operator handles that.

    • Easily scalable. You can move from a small private office to a larger office in the same building as you grow.

    Who’s best in Lahore? For startups seeking a dynamic and flexible workspace, QuickOffice Shared Workspaces MM Alam stands out as the top choice. It offers versatile private o ffices, small (6+ seats), and medium (8+), all equipped with premium amenities and located in the heart of Lahore’s business district. Ideal for startups seeking privacy, scalability, and a prestigious address.

     

    3. Plug-and-Play / Fully Furnished Office

    What is it? A ready to work office with furniture, internet, power, cooling, and IT infrastructure ready to use from day one. You just bring your laptops and people.

    What startups get:

    • No upfront setup hassle, no procurement of desks, chairs, cabling, or décor.

    • Faster onboarding, fewer delays.

    • Includes support staff (receptionist, admin)

    Many shared office spaces (including QuickOffice MM Alam) essentially provide plug-and-play offices bundled with their private offices.

     

    4. Custom / Build-to-Suit Office Lease

    What is it? You lease a commercial space (floor, building, portion) and then build it out to your specifications (walls, layout, interiors). Over time, you invest in your own “home base.”

    Why does this make sense in the growth phase?

    • Full control over design, brand identity, culture (you can set up lounges, meeting pods, etc.).

    • Long-term cost efficiency (as you amortize fit-out over many years).

    • Coworking rules do not constrain you.

    This model becomes more attractive when your team size becomes stable (say 30–50 employees) and growth risk is lower.

     

    5. Hybrid / Satellite & Remote-First Offices

    What is it? You maintain a minimal physical presence (hub) + remote or distributed workforce, or you use satellite offices closer to employees or client zones (e.g., in Lahore’s MM Alam Road). Some startups also use virtual offices + shared office spaces’ professional meeting rooms for meetings.

    Why this is relevant now:

    • Minimize risk; if one office faces electricity or connectivity issues, operations can shift to remote staff.

    • Reduces commuting burden for team members living far away.

    • You can operate a “mini branch” near key client zones.

     

    How to Choose: A Simple Decision Framework

    1. Size & Stage

      • Early stage (2–10 people) – start with coworking or private offices inside shared office space (QuickOffice MM Alam preferred).

      • Growth stage (10–30+) – serviced offices, plug-and-play, or custom leases.

      • Mature / scaling – build-to-suit or hybrid campus models.

    2. Risk tolerance / flexibility requirement

    3. If you expect rapid change in the team or uncertain growth, pick spaces with shorter leases and flexible expansion options like QuickOffice.

    4. Infrastructure reliability needs

    5. Ensure backup power, redundant internet, cooling, and security. Test them. Lahore’s climate, electricity load, and network instability make this non-negotiable.

    6. Location & access

    7. Proximity to transport, clients, talent hub, restaurants, or investor centers matters. Don’t sacrifice connectivity for cheaper rent if it hampers commuting or impression.

    8. Cost structure vs. fixed burden

    9. Try to minimize fixed overheads when you’re fragile. Avoid ballooning rent commitments too early.

     

    Why QuickOffice Is a Strong Option for Lahore Startups

    • QuickOffice has multiple locations in Lahore: Main Gulberg, Fortress (Upper Mall), and off MM Alam, making access geographically varied.

    • They already offer private offices, coworking desks, meeting rooms, boardrooms, enterprise solutions, and event space.

    • Their model inherently provides plug-and-play infrastructure: high-speed internet, power backup, furniture, and shared amenities.

    • The ability to scale within their ecosystem, from a private office to an enterprise solution, is a strong value proposition.

    • Their emphasis on furnished, serviced setups helps startups avoid upfront fit-out capital.

    So, for a startup looking to operate in Lahore, QuickOffice (especially their MM Alam branch) can be an excellent middle ground between shared coworking and full-blown custom lease.

     

    Final words 

    Choosing the right office space in Lahore isn’t just about cost; it’s about mitigating operational risk, ensuring infrastructure stability, preserving flexibility, and supporting growth. For startups in Pakistan, where uncertainty is part of the hunt, leaning on serviced, managed working spaces can free you to focus on product, customers, and team instead of plumbing, power, or WiFi.

    If you’re a founder or cofounder in Lahore, here’s a practical approach:

    • Start small with a coworking or private office inside a managed facility like QuickOffice co working space in Lahore (Upper Mall).

    • Plan your headcount and growth curve for the next 12–24 months, and choose a space that lets you scale without painful relocation.

    • Always test backup systems (internet, power) before signing.

    • Consider hybrid or remote options to reduce dependence on any single site.

    • Reevaluate your space annually. Don’t get locked into outdated configurations.

    And yes, if you want a managed, fully serviced office with growth options, QuickOffice is right in the mix. You can begin with a Private Offices MM Alam and upgrade into larger suites or enterprise packages as your team grows, all while benefiting from their infrastructure, locations, and support.

    Read Also: Ted McGinley: Life, Career & Hollywood Legacy

  • ‘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.

  • West Indies creates ODI history with unusual bowling lineup

    West Indies creates ODI history with unusual bowling lineup

    West Indies has created history in Mirpur by becoming the first team in men’s or women’s ODI cricket to bowl all 50 overs with spin during their match against Bangladesh.

    The Caribbean side used five spinners, delivering 300 balls, conceding 207 runs, and taking seven wickets on a turning track at the Shere Bangla Stadium. Remarkably, their only pace option, Justin Greaves, was not used at all.

    Before this, the record for most spin overs in an ODI innings stood at 44, achieved three times by Sri Lanka, against West Indies in 1996, New Zealand in 1998, and Australia in 2004.

  • 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.”