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  • See Prime’s ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’ is Pakistan’s biggest creative ensemble with three directors

    See Prime’s ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’ is Pakistan’s biggest creative ensemble with three directors

    The upcoming anthology film ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’ is bringing together a star-studded cast with some of the biggest directors and actors for three short films which will be directed by Nadeem Baig, Nabeel Qureshi and Marina Khan.

    The film will feature diverse tales from the minds of storytellers like Khalil-ul-Rehman Qamar, Vasay Chaudhry, Ali Abbas Naqvi and Basit Naqvi. Pakistan’s biggest stars like Wahaj Ali, Mehwish Hayat, Shehryar Munawar, Ramsha Khan, Hira and Mani are cast in lead roles, making it one of Pakistan’s biggest creative collaborations.

    The Current spoke to veteran actress, director and producer Marina Khan, one of the directors helming the project. We asked her how this collaboration came into being, and she revealed that originally, Qureshi had made a short film for See Prime. But the production house decided to expand it into an anthology film by reaching out to Baig and then her:

    “Nabeel had been making a short film for See Prime, which turned out nicely, and they did not want to only upload it on YouTube. So the team of See Prime approached Nadeem for the second film, who reached out to me for the third film.”

    The film features three unique stories with a different cast. Nadeem Baig will be narrating a classical love story “Aik Sau Taeswaan” written by Khalil-ul-Rehman Qamar, which will star Mehwish Hayat and Wahaj Ali. Nabeel Qureshi will helm a ghost story “Jin Mahal” which will feature celebrity couple Hira and Mani, while Khan will be directing a modern love story “Pasoori” which will star Ramsha Khan and Sheheryar Munawar. Speaking on what her short film is about, the ‘Dhoop Kinare’ actress revealed:

    “It is the story of a girl whose childhood dream has come true. But, she now has to make a choice between the dream or her wedding day.”

    Nadeem Baig was also contacted by See Prime for the idea of an anthology film. Speaking to The Current, he said he was also looking forward to watch it in the theatre.

    Discussing the casting choice behind his short film, which will feature a classical love story between the main leads, the ‘Kuch Ankahi’ director revealed that he felt that there would be good chemistry between Mehwish and Wahaj:

    “I thought Wahaj would suit the character and I thought he and Mehwish would have quite interesting chemistry, and I hope it works for the audience as well.”

    The film will release on Eid-ul-Azha in theatres across Pakistan. Watch the complete trailer below:

  • Russian crude oil shipment faces delay, expected to reach Pakistan on June 11

    Russian crude oil shipment faces delay, expected to reach Pakistan on June 11

    In a recent development, a Russian cargo vessel carrying 100,000 tonnes of crude oil has experienced delays and is now expected to reach the Omani port of Duqm on June 7. This delay has caused a setback in Pakistan’s plans as the oil was initially scheduled to arrive in Oman on May 27-28.

    According to an official, the crude oil will be transported to Pakistan via smaller ships from the Omani port, which will take approximately two weeks to reach Port Qasim in Karachi. The Russian vessel, loaded with Ural crude on April 21 at a Russian port, encountered a delay of 10 days due to technical issues. Subsequently, it arrived at Egypt’s Suez Canal on May 17, where it faced a lengthy 12-day wait in a queue to cross the canal.

    Following its journey across the Red Sea, the vessel is anticipated to reach Duqm on Tuesday. Upon arrival, the crude oil will be unloaded onto a smaller vessel with a capacity of 50,000 tons. This smaller vessel is expected to reach Port Qasim on June 11. The remaining 50,000 tons of Russian crude will be transported separately and is scheduled to arrive at Port Qasim on June 20.

    According to The News, authorities have assured the safe and smooth arrival of the Russian crude, despite the logistical challenges that caused the delay. The official stated that the transportation cost has already been settled with the Russians, so the delay will not result in additional expenses. However, there is a concern that if the price of crude oil decreases during this period, it could have detrimental effects on the country.

    Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) has been entrusted with the responsibility of refining the test cargo of Russian crude oil. PRL will blend this oil with crude imported from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Aramco. The test cargo will provide valuable data to the government regarding the quality, yields, and commercial viability of the Russian oil. Additionally, it will assist the government in assessing transportation costs, refining expenses, and refining margins for the country’s refineries.

    The government is eagerly awaiting PRL’s test report, which will aid in making informed decisions about future oil imports and refining processes.

  • Rising inflation forces over 80% of Pakistanis to reduce monthly expenses

    Rising inflation forces over 80% of Pakistanis to reduce monthly expenses

    A recent survey conducted by PulseConsultant in the month of May has shed light on the significant increase in downtrading among urban Pakistanis, attributed to the high inflation rate. The study surveyed more than 1,360 respondents across the top 12 cities of Pakistan.

    The findings of the study reveal a notable shift in consumer behavior and attitude towards purchasing and consumption patterns in light of the current inflation wave. As prices continue to soar, many respondents have altered their buying preferences to cope with the economic challenges.

    According to the study, 55 per cent of respondents reported that they have switched from expensive brands to more affordable ones. This percentage represents a considerable increase from the previous month of April, where the trend stood at 45 per cent. This shift highlights the growing financial strain faced by consumers, prompting them to seek cost-effective alternatives.

    Moreover, the data indicates a decline in the phenomenon of purchasing the same brands but reducing the quantity. In April, 46 per cent of respondents claimed to be adopting this strategy, whereas in May, the number dropped significantly to 38 per cent, showing an 8 per cent decrease. This suggests that consumers are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their previous consumption habits.

    In terms of monthly home purchases, the study reveals that 81 per cent of respondents reported a reduction in May, marking a 3 per cent increase compared to April when the figure was 78 per cent. This indicates that consumers are actively curtailing their household expenses in response to the inflationary pressures.

    To gain a deeper understanding of consumer behavior and attitudes towards the current inflation wave, PulseConsultant invites individuals to join their syndicated research initiative. The study aims to gauge the impact of inflation on purchasing and consumption behaviors across 40+ categories, focusing on five parameters: consumption increase/decrease, brand switching, quantity reduction while retaining the brand, changing the stock keeping unit (SKU) while retaining the brand, and category consumption drop.

    The research methodology involves face-to-face interviews with a sample size of 1,704 individuals across the top 17 cities in Pakistan. The gender distribution comprises 30 per cent males and 70 per cent females, while the age group considered is 22-55 years. The socioeconomic classes targeted range from SEC A-D. The research is scheduled to take place over a period of four weeks.

    As inflation continues to affect the purchasing power of consumers in urban Pakistan, the study by PulseConsultant aims to shed light on the evolving trends and behaviors within the market. The findings will help businesses and policymakers make informed decisions to navigate the challenging economic landscape and cater to the changing needs of consumers.

  • Markets nationwide to close at 8 pm to save energy

    Markets nationwide to close at 8 pm to save energy

    The National Economic Council has decided to close shops across the country at 8 pm.

    The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the participation of the Chief Ministers of Sindh, Punjab, and KP.

    The Balochistan Minister of Planning also participated in the meeting. During the meeting, it was decided to close shops across the country at 8 pm.

    In a press conference held after the meeting, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal stated that the decision to close shops at 8 pm was made to save energy.

    He further mentioned that commercial areas will be closed at eight o’clock, green energy will be promoted, and LED bulbs will be installed.

  • WhatsApp introduces user-friendly picture tool for editing

    WhatsApp introduces user-friendly picture tool for editing

    WhatsApp has rolled out a highly anticipated feature on the app, showing its commitment to improving user experience.

    The latest feature on the instant messaging platform is the picture editing tool, which has been introduced for the Desktop version of the app, as reported by WABetainfo.

    An article published on the website stated that the recently added feature is a “crop tool” for the drawing editor that allows users to trim images as required.

    “This addition has been eagerly awaited, as previous versions didn’t have this functionality. With this update, WhatsApp beta users on Windows can now enjoy the convenience of cropping their images within the app itself, making it easier for users to edit media,” it said.

    The “crop tool” also saves time for users as they no longer have to crop pictures using external image editing tools before sending them via the Desktop version.

    The built-in crop tool lets users easily crop their images without leaving the WhatsApp interface.

    However, not all users currently have access to the new feature as it has initially been released to some beta testers. It will be made available to more users soon.

  • This Twitter user is leaking audios of judiciary, politicians and the big judge wants to find him

    This Twitter user is leaking audios of judiciary, politicians and the big judge wants to find him

    Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Tuesday asked authorities to track a Twitter account, which had been responsible for leaking audio conversations linked to judiciary.


    The CJP mentioned the Twitter account which goes by the username @indibell_.

    “Check out Indibell’s Twitter handle, is it operating from outside the country or inside the country?” The CJP directed the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan.

    Here is the Twitter account:

    Justice Bandial made the remark while hearing petitions against the audio leaks inquiry commission. The five-judge bench conducted the hearing is led by CJP Bandial, and includes Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shahid Waheed.


    The federal government set up the Commission on May 20 in exercise of its power under Section 3 of the Pakistan Commissions of the Inquiry Act, 2017, to inquire about the audio leaks.

  • Exclusive: Usman Mukhtar discusses ‘Umro Ayyar’ and why such films are needed today in Pakistan

    Right now, it looks like the Pakistani film industry is morphing, with a string of upcoming movies that cover a range of diverse topics. Babylicious is gearing up for release, an exes-to-lovers story. Kukri which explores the story of serial killer Javed Iqbal. And now, director Azfar Jafri is developing an adaptation called ‘Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning’ from the Urdu novel “Dastan-e-Amir Hamza”.

    The beloved Urdu novel, is based on the Persian folklore written by Ghalib Lakhnavi in 1855. It is an epic tale about the legendary exploits and adventures of Amir Hamza and his crew. Umro Ayyar, the central character of this film, is described as a thief who is known for his cleverness and steals from the rich to help the poor.

    The upcoming film will star Usman Mukhtar, Sanam Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Ali Kazmi and veteran actor Simi Raheal.

    The Current reached out to Mukhtar to ask why he chose to take part in such a project, and spoke about his love for the original novels:

    “I chose this project because I have loved Umro since I was a child, and have read all of its books. I was very excited when I became a part of this film.”

    Mukhtar also talked about the need to familiarise today’s generation with stories like Umroo Ayyar.

    “I think that it’s about time. I think there are so many stories we have in the sub-continent, in our own culture, that are un-explored that we don’t make films about. I honestly don’t understand why producers don’t focus on our own stories. I think it’s about time that it’s happening and I’m really excited and I hope people, when they watch the film, they like it.”

    Mukhtar last appeared in ‘Sinf-e-Ahan’ along side Sajal Aly and Kubra Khan. In 2022, he released his horror short film ‘Gulabo Rani’ which received rave reviews from audiences, and also received the ‘Best Short Horror Film’ Award at the Los Angeles Sci-Fi & Horror Festival.

    Speaking about whether he will step back into dramas once more, the ‘Sabaat’ actor said he’s waiting for a good script to come around:

    “I hope so as well, I just feel that the scripts…are not that great, but as soon as I’m offered a good script I’d love to come back on television.”

  • Video: Money Heist-inspired dacoits loot 10 million from Lahore bank

    Video: Money Heist-inspired dacoits loot 10 million from Lahore bank

    A group of dacoits rushed into a private bank at Barki Road in Lahore and plundered millions in cash on Monday morning before running away, police have confirmed.


    Five armed men went inside the bank, snatched away the security guard’s weapon and collected over Rs10 million cash.
    The suspects deprived a customer of Rs4.1m and looted Rs6m from the cash counter.

    The gunmen also manhandled security guards and injured them on offering resisting.

    A police team rushed to the spot on an emergency call, collecting necessary evidence including CCTV footage, and launched an investigation.

  • What, huh, Sindhi no longer spoken in Pakistan? Cha toh pee ain, Shah sb?

    What, huh, Sindhi no longer spoken in Pakistan? Cha toh pee ain, Shah sb?

    Naseeruddin Shah, Bollywood’s acting powerhouse, recently spoke to ‘Tried & Used Productions’ about the BJP government’s attacks on Urdu language. Condemning the enmity displayed towards Urdu, he said that other than Pakistan, India is the only country where the language is spoken.

    However, a comment given by the actor ignited the ire of Pakistani Twitter users. Shah said that in Pakistan, people speak more Punjabi than Urdu, and Sindhi is not spoken there at all.

    We would like to point out that Sindhi is the official language of Sindh province and is taught as a compulsory language in all schools there.

    Turns out, Naseeruddin Shah may know everything there is to know about acting, but he doesn’t have much general knowledge.

    https://twitter.com/aliawhs/status/1665975930035027968?s=20

    Many users had to question Naseeruddin’s confidence in saying that Sindhi isn’t spoken in Pakistan, when in reality it is the official language of the province, and is proudly spoken by locals.

  • Pervaiz Elahi family used Punjab Assembly peon’s accounts for money laundering, FIA tells LHC

    Pervaiz Elahi family used Punjab Assembly peon’s accounts for money laundering, FIA tells LHC

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has informed Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday that former chief minister Pervaiz Elahi son and two daughters-in-law committed money laundering through a peon of the Punjab Assembly.

    The report submitted by the FIA ​​revealed the son of Pervaiz Elahi, Rasikh Elahi, his wife Zara Elahi and sister-in-law Tehreem Elahi (the wife of Moonis Elahi) were involved in money laundering and used the bank accounts of Qaiser Iqbal Bhatti, who works as a peon in the Punjab Assembly.

    The report also revealed that millions of rupees in unexplained transactions had been found in the accounts of Parvez Elahi’s peon and family.

    According to the report, Bhatti has been engaged in mysterious transactions totaling Rs175 million.

    Rasikh Elahi and others have challenged the FIA inquiry and the alleged harassment.

    “No fundamental right of the petitioners is jeopardised. The FIA is investigating the case on merit,” the reports state.