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  • Kuch Ankahi breaking stereotypes, encouraging better family relations

    Kuch Ankahi breaking stereotypes, encouraging better family relations

    Our morbid fascination with domestic violence seems have become one of the essential tools required to make a hit drama. There aren’t many television dramas which depict healthy family relations, where women are accepted and loved without being told to lose their identity.
    Kuch Ankahi, therefore, is an anomaly, a breath of fresh air on our screens because it depicts a supportive family where the father isn’t holding back his daughters from their dreams, women aren’t constantly plotting to one-up each other and the male lead isn’t a toxic, triggering person. It proves that more dramas need to follow its lead and start portraying women in a positive light.
    On last night’s episode, we witnessed how the youngest sister, Tania, is openly dancing at her sister’s wedding event when a person behind her body shames her, forcing her neighbor to stand up for her.

    The moment resonated with viewers and clips of the scene are now being widely shared.

    https://twitter.com/koilak2/status/1629547537500901382?s=20

    What social media users have called the most touching moment in this episode is the scene between the father, Agha Jee, and the eldest daughter Samiya where he witnesses her unhappiness and reminds her that if she refuses, then he will call off the wedding. This kind of empowerment and kindness is rarely depicted in Pakistani dramas, and is teaching fathers to be more gentle to their daughters as Agha Jee assures Samiya that he will keep holding her hand regardless of whether she chooses to get married or not.

    This kind of warmth and support between the family members is not once-in-a-blue-moon, but a regular occurrence in this drama. Agha Jee never shies away from praising his daughters’ strengths and consistently empowers them to advance further in society. In several episodes, we witness Agha Jee doing his own chores while telling his daughters that they’re not responsible for household duties.

    This gentleness and respect towards women isn’t just prevalent in Agha Jee, but extends to all the men in the drama. The way they are completely the anti-thesis to the kind of male lead we have grown up watching is frankly shocking. Like the male lead Salman, who is time and again shown doing his own work. In one scene, he makes his own roti, an act we have only ever seen women perform.

    https://twitter.com/mawoxdeepxbillu/status/1626870264809263106?s=20

  • In historic first, Sabahat Rizvi becomes first female secretary of LHC Bar

    In historic first, Sabahat Rizvi becomes first female secretary of LHC Bar

    In a historic first, on Saturday Sabahat Rizvi has become the first woman Secretary of the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA). The Bar has selected a female secretary for the first time since its establishment.


    After receiving 4,310 votes in the Saturday election of the LHC Bar Association, Rizvi was chosen as the organizationā€™s first female secretary. Rizvi was the candidate of the independent group.

    Rizvi was followed by Mian Irfan and Qadir Baksh Chahal who secured 3,745 and 2,627 votes respectively.


    Another female candidate, Rabbiya Bajwa got elected as Vice President LHCBA after bagging 3590 votes.

  • Chinese student misses girlfriend, creates device with lips to send kisses

    Chinese student misses girlfriend, creates device with lips to send kisses

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    A device made by a Chinese student has gone viral for allowing long-distance partners to send kisses to each other.
    The device features silicone lips and allows users to upload their kisses, as well as receive them through an app.
    According to South China Morning post, the device has sensors that can mimic ‘the actual pressure, movement and heat of a kisser’s lips.’
    The device was created by a university team from China’s Jiangsu province. Lead inventor Jian Zhongli said that he got the idea for the device after missing his girlfriend, with whom he was in a long-distance relationship.
    ā€œIn my university, I was in a long distance relationship with my girlfriend so we could contact each other only through phone. That’s where the inspiration of this device originated,’ Zhongli explained.
    The app-driven device is available to download at Chinese app store Taobao and costs 260 yuan.

  • Pakistan accepts IMF pre-condition to increase interest rate by 2%

    Pakistan accepts IMF pre-condition to increase interest rate by 2%

    Pakistan has agreed to increase its policy (interest) rate by two percent or 200 basis points, as a pre-condition for the release of $1.1 billion in critical funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The funding is part of a $6.5 billion bailout package.

    The increase is based on rates set by the government in an auction to raise domestic debt and will push the interest rate to 19 per cent. This is just below the previous record of 19.5 per cent set in October 1996.

    Sources from the Ministry of Finance stated that there had been technical-level discussions between Islamabad and the IMF review mission and that it was expected that Islamabad would increase the interest rate by two percent. Most of the pre-conditions set by the IMF had been fulfilled, according to these sources.

    Sources also indicated that discussions on some issues related to the power sector were in the final stages, after which a staff-level agreement with the IMF would be reached. Additionally, Pakistan provided a detailed briefing to IMF officials on the sources of foreign exchange until June.

  • Junaid Khan addresses career change, band split up on ‘The Fourth Umpire’

    Junaid Khan addresses career change, band split up on ‘The Fourth Umpire’

    Actor and ex-member of Call, Junaid Khan, was a guest on the show ‘The Fourth Empire’ where he addressed the reason why he had chosen to switch to acting.
    Khan said,
    “I thought it was a logical decision to try another art form.”
    Khan also addressed the breakup of his band, Call, and whether he was on good terms with the rest of the members.
    Call the band, which also included music producer Xulfi, had been responsible for a number of hits including ‘Sab Bhula Kay’ and ‘Lari Chooti’.
    Khan said that the band members are like family which is why they would sometimes fight, but there is also a lot of love between them.
    ‘Just like there are problems in a relationship, similar things can happen in a bandā€¦When we broke up there were some differences between us. But when we got back together, we were able to put our differences behind us.”

    Listen to his answer here:

  • ‘T-series did not reach out to me’: Farasat Anees on ‘Biba’ plagarism

    ‘T-series did not reach out to me’: Farasat Anees on ‘Biba’ plagarism

    Pakistani singer Farasat Anees took to Instagram to call out Bollywood production company T-series for plagiarising his song ‘Biba’ for the soundtrack of an upcoming movie.
    The song ‘Biba’ was originally written for the Pakistani Oscar-shortlisted film ‘Joyland’.
    Anees also spoke to the Indian magazine The Print, where he revealed that the music corporation had not reached out to him for using his song:
    A billion-dollar company like T-Series should be professional in its approach. They (the music directors) could have at least reached out to me or perhaps mailed me once before putting out the song. There was no communication from their end. Perhaps there could have been a counter-quote, and we could have made something together.”
    Anees also said that he felt weird when he heard T-series’ ‘Biba’ and said the organization is known for plagiarising Pakistani songs:
    ā€œThis is not the first time they have done something like this. Theyā€™ve earlier done this with Abrarā€™s song. If nothing else, this only motivates me that such a big label has copied my song and that makes me want to do better work further,ā€ he said.
    In his post, Anees shared clips of both songs to point out their similarity, and called the organization a ‘disgrace’.

    “What a disgraceĀ @tseries.officialĀ stealing out work because it has been trending in the world.

    Me & my brothersĀ @toshaayy@slicktrickkĀ worked day & night to bring this song where it is. PLEASE HAVE SOME SHAME & stop ruining every good song from

    The love & respect indians showed to our version of Biba was massive. We will always be greatful for that. Also Supporting us on the comment section of this cheap copy of BIBA. Will always be thankful to listeners across the border! ā™„ļø

    Even if you wanted to reproduce the song, you should have done with original stuff. Clearly stole chords, intro, arrangements of our version. CLEAR THEFT!

    Really hoping someone responsible take action fromĀ @tseries.officialĀ & I request all of our fans, friends & family to share this.”

  • Sukkur has largest number of BTS ARMY, says Spotify

    Sukkur has largest number of BTS ARMY, says Spotify

    If you’re planning your next BTS streaming party, then Spotify’s latest report will definitely make you excited because they have revealed which regions will you find the most hardcore fans of the popular Kpop band.

    According to Dawn, Spotify Pakistan’s region-based breakdown has revealed that Sukkur is the place where BTS has the most fans. Three BTS songs ‘Yet To Come’, ‘Dreamers’ and ‘Dynamite’ are among the top five favorite tracks.
    Among major cities like Karachi, Peshawar and Lahore, Spotify reported that local musicians are currently holding the top spots which included ‘Pasoori’ by Ali Sethi and Shae Gill, ‘Iraaday’ by Abdul Hannan, ‘Bikhra’ and King’s ‘Tu Ake Dekhlay’.

    Spotify also revealed that currently the top trending artists in Pakistan include Atif Aslam, Young Stunners, Asim Azhar and Hasan Raheem. While several artists from across the border have also bagged spots like Arijit Singh, Pritam and AP Dhillon.

  • ‘It was misunderstood’: Ranbir Kapoor clarifies statement about Pakistani filmmakers after backlash

    ‘It was misunderstood’: Ranbir Kapoor clarifies statement about Pakistani filmmakers after backlash

    Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has addressed backlash from Indian fans after he was called ‘unpatriotic’ for saying that he would love to work with Pakistani actors, and that art has no boundaries.
    The incident took place last year at the Red Sea International Festival as shown by Diva Pakistan.

    The Indian Express reports that the ‘Tamasha’ actor addressed the controversy while at a promotion event for his upcoming film ‘Tu Jhooti Mein Makkar’ where he said: I think my statement was misconstrued. I had gone to a film festival and there were a lot of Pakistani filmmakers asking me this question, ā€˜If youā€™ve got a good subject would you do it?ā€™ So, I didnā€™t want it to be controversial in any way.’
    Furthermore, Kapoor said he had previously worked with Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan and didn’t think that art should have any boundaries:
    I donā€™t think it was such a big controversy. But, for me, films are films, art is art. I have worked with Fawad (Khan) in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. I have known a lot of artists from Pakistan. Rahat (Fateh Ali Khan) and Atif Aslam are such great singers who used to contribute to Hindi cinema. So, cinema is cinema. I donā€™t think cinema sees boundaries.ā€

  • Some of our favourite OSTs from Pakistani dramas

    It’s an undisputed fact that Pakistani dramas will never stop one-upping each other on who can make the most cringe worthy, mediocre version of the good-girl-saves-bad-boy-by-becoming-his-punch-bag trope. But another important element of Pakistani dramas remain unchallenged as being the best: the title songs. If a drama disappears from public attention because of churning out the same old stale storylines, their title songs will still remain evergreen and loved by the social media users.
    After a lot of careful searching, here are some of our favourite title songs from Pakistani dramas!

    1 Humsafar by Quratulain Baloch


    No one can start an article about this topic without mentioning the song that kickstarted it all. Humsafar will remain a prominent element of pop culture discourse for creating the kind of chemistry between the main leads that no television show has been able to match to this day, but one can’t talk about the drama without acknowledging the grip this song had over the entire country. Even today, this song is considered as Baloch’s finest hit.

    2 Ranjha Ranjha Kardi by the Justin Bibi’s and Rahma Ali


    Fans of ‘Peechay Hutt’ should give this iconic song some justice and credit the prodigious sisters for making something that will forever remain among the best title songs for Pakistani dramas.

    3 Mein Na Munh Kholi by Azad Asim and Shehroze Butt


    This gorgeous, moving song was the title track for the drama ‘Habs’ and had captured the hearts of fans on Twitter as soon as it released. It reflects the anguish of a couple who are unable to express their true feelings to each other, despite being married.

    4 Mujhay Apnay Jeenay Ka Haq Chahiye by Tahira Syed and Roshaneh Zafar Ft. Shabana AzmiĀ 


    Written for the drama ‘Akhri Station’ and penned by legendary Urdu poet and writer Amjad Islam Amjad, the powerful melody is an anthem for every woman out there struggling to find her own voice, and reflects the anguish of the main characters and their difficult backgrounds.

    5 Dil Moom Ka Diya by Soch the band ft Sanam Marvi


    Fans are obsessed with the band’s Coke Studio song ‘Neray Neray Vas’, but please do give this song the acclaim this deserves, as it is rarely mentioned as one of the best written title songs for Pakistani dramas.

    6 Dobara by Sehar Gul Khan and Shuja Haider


    Hadiqa Kiani’s powerful drama ‘Dobara’ about a woman who reclaims her life after the death of her controlling husband deserves an equally gripping song that captures the anguish and nervousness of the main characters and the stigma society has towards aging women, and this song does an excellent job at it.

    7 Asamanon Se by Sohail Haider


    Only real fans who stick with us till the end will be happy to see a timeless classic included in this list. The gorgeous period piece features stunning performances from actors like Fawad Khan, Sanam Baloch, Saba Qamar and is still regarded as one of the best dramas produced in Pakistan.

  • Pakistan Tobacco Company fears surge in smuggling, fake cigarette supply after tax hike

    Pakistan Tobacco Company fears surge in smuggling, fake cigarette supply after tax hike

    Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC) has expressed serious concern over the recent mini-budget announcement, stating that new taxes on cigarettes will result in an increase in smuggling and counterfeit products in markets. Speaking to the media on Friday, PTC’s Director Legal and External Affairs, Syed Asad Shah, explained that the increase in federal excise duty (FED) and the lower minimum price set by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would lead to less revenue collection from the cigarette industry.

    Shah displayed several illicit cigarette packs available in markets across the country, including some smuggled brands without health warnings, counterfeit products of local brands, and unregistered and non-tax-paid locally produced cigarettes.

    Shah projected that the share of illicit cigarettes in Pakistan would increase from the current 35 per cent to 40-50 per cent in the current year. He added that if the government did not rationalize the policy of managing the threshold price level and did not restrict illicit trade, its revenues would also decline after two years. Illicit cigarettes are sold below the minimum price because the applicable tax per pack is not paid on these products.

    The cigarette industry paid total taxes of Rs150 billion in fiscal year 2021-22, and the expected tax receipts this year would be around Rs185 billion because of the new taxation measures. According to the industry, tax contribution by PTC and Philip Morris, two multinational companies, alone will be around Rs182 billion.

    Shah pointed out that around 35 cigarette companies were running in Pakistan, making some 200 brands, but local players paid only Rs3 billion in taxes and duties. He added that many companies were not paying due taxes, which was why some were selling cigarette packs for Rs7.

    PTC officials emphasized the need for a rational increase in the minimum legal price of cigarettes. After the recent rise in FED, taxes, and duties on tier-2 cigarette packs came in at Rs101, but the minimum sale price of the same packs was Rs108.

    According to Express, the company officials demanded that the finance ministry take stringent action against the illicit cigarette trade and ensure across-the-board implementation of the FBRā€™s track and trace system that monitors the production and supply of cigarettes.