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  • VIDEO: CM Buzdar’s arrival in Cholistan straight out of a Hollywood movie

    VIDEO: CM Buzdar’s arrival in Cholistan straight out of a Hollywood movie

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Sardar Usman Buzdar on Friday reached Cholistan in Bahawalpur via helicopter, with a 10-plus-vehicle motorcade receiving him at the landing site in the desert.

    Here’s a viral video of Buzdar’s convoy in Cholistan, which appears to be nothing less than one from a Hollywood flix.

    Earlier on Saturday, the provincial chief executive visited Tourism Development Corporation Punjab resorts.

    He inaugurated various development projects for Bahawalpur. He also participated in the ceremony of Cholistan Desert Rally 2021. He inaugurated TDCP Cholistan desert resort and double-decker bus service for the tourists for Bahawalpur. Usman Buzdar inspected the double-decker bus and purchased the first ticket worth Rs300.

    The route of double-decker bus includes SD High School, Commissioner House, DC Chowk, Bahawal Club, CMH Chowk, Museum, Central Library, BVH Hospital, Fawara Chowk, Noor Mehal, Ahmedpuri Gate, Darawar Gate, Farid Gate, Mori Gate, and zoo.

    Usman Buzdar announced to name after Civil Hospital Bahawalpur to Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi. Usman Buzdar said that tourism was very close to his heart, COVID-19 affected the tourist activities, now the same was being restored.

    He said that another promise made with the people of Bahawalpur had been fulfilled. Double-decker bus service was a gift for the citizens of Bahawalpur from PTI government. People would be able to visit tourist and historical places through this double-decker bus. Special rates had been fixed for the elderly and differently-abled people.

  • Azaan Sami Khan’s ‘Main Tera’ is the perfect Valentine’s Day song

    Azaan Sami Khan’s ‘Main Tera’ is the perfect Valentine’s Day song

    Azaan Sami Khan has released the title track of his debut album Main Tera, along with a music video just in time for the day of love. The song features Khan taking over the vocals and songwriting units for the first time. Meanwhile, the music video features Khan, alongside a newcomer Maheen Siddiqui.

    Backed by some serene visuals, the video shows us glimpses of the couple – Khan and Siddiqui – engaging in an adorable meet-cute.

    “It’s a very nostalgic ode to all the traditional, classic love stories that we, our parents and our grandparents have grown up watching,” says Khan while talking about the song. “It is a very simple, straightforward video. Rest assured, if you watch it in any part of the world, you still get what’s happening even if you don’t understand the language.”

    “It’s about the pure innocence of that first date or when you first interact with someone you like, and whenever you recount that feeling,” he explained.

    The music video of Main Tera has been directed by Ehteshamuddin, who has previously worked with the singer on Superstar.

    “It’s always an incredible experience working with him, and ever since Azaan started working on his album, he had wanted me to direct his first music video, despite me not having worked on music videos before. We’re really great friends and companions, and always learn a lot from each other. When two similar minds collide, it leads to great things,” said the director.

    The track is produced by Meghdeep Bose and features Baqir Abbas on flutes.

    Khan also performed a rendition of the track at the HUM Bridal Couture Week last week and garnered favourable reviews from the industry and fans alike.

    Sharing the pictures from the event, Azaan said: “I put a piece of my heart out there last night for all of you… zara khayal mera rakh lena.”

    Check out the song here:

  • Dilip Kumar’s nephew claims actor wanted to gift property in Peshawar to residents

    Dilip Kumar’s nephew Fuad Ishaque, who is based in Peshawar, has claimed that Dilip Kumar wanted to gift his property in Peshawar to the people of the city, Hindustan Times has reported.

    He further claimed that he has legal and proper power of attorney to the legendary actor’s property in Peshawar, adding that Kumar drafted the proper power of attorney in 2012.

    Ishaque further said that Kumar has great respect for the people of Peshawar and that the love and affection for his ancestral city has never diminished from his heart.

    In September 2020, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government announced its decision to buy and restore Kumar’s house located in Peshawar’s historical Qissa Khwani Bazaar – or Street of Storytellers. This announcement won the actor’s heart who took to social media to express his excitement. He also requested his fans residing in Peshawar to share photos of his ancestral house on Twitter.

    Not only Kumar but his wife, Saira Banu also appreciated the government’s move to conserve the actor’s house.

    Later, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mahmood Khan approved Rs 23.56 million to purchase the ancestral homes of Kumar and Raj Kapoor.

  • Akcent hints at making new PSL anthem after controversy

    Akcent hints at making new PSL anthem after controversy

    The official anthem of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Groove Mera has stirred up a storm in the country. While some, including celebrities, have appreciated the song, others have strongly criticised the composition and choice of artists.

    After Shoaib Akhtar claiming he could have done a better job with the anthem, several fans have requested Romanian band Akcent to remake the song, in what appears to have become a tradition before the start of PSL every year.

    Responding to fans’ requests, the official account of Akcent said that the band might remake the PSL 6 song.

    In another comment, the band said that they might make the official anthem for the next edition of the PSL.

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday defended its decision to hire Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig and Young Stunners to perform the anthem, saying that the three artists were chosen as the board wanted to feature voices that were new and had not sung any PSL anthem before.

    Earlier, Akcent had also tweeted: “PSL 7 or PSL 8?”

  • ‘!نہیں، عورت’

    ‘!نہیں، عورت’

    میری زندگی کا محدود تجربہ مجھے یہی بتاتا ہے کہ لفظ “نہیں” کہنا سب سے آسان کام ہے . دِل نہیں کر رہا ، میں نے نہیں جانا ، میں نے نہیں كھانا ، یہ نہیں ، وہ نہیں ، بس کہہ دیا نہ نہیں . بچہ جب بولنا سیکھتا ہے تو اماں ابا کے علاوہ “نو” فوراََ سیکھتا ہے . بچے پر تو پیار آتا ہی ہے لیکن یہی لفظ وقت گزرنے کے ساتھ اتنا تلخ ہوجائے گا اندازہ ہی نہیں ہو پاتا اور یہ تلخی صرف اِس سماج کی عورت ہی سمجھ سکتی ہے . عورت اپنی زندگی میں ہر رشتے سے اتنی بار نہیں سنتی ہے کہ اب مجھے لگتا ہے کہ اُردو لغت میں “نہیں” کی جگہ “عورت” کا لفظ بھی اِستعمال ہو سکتا ہے .

    یہ کپڑے نہیں پہننے سے لے کر ایسے نہیں بیٹھنے تک ، یہ نہیں کا لفظ مسلسل اک تلوار بن کر عورت پر لٹکا رہتا ہے . لیکن اصل فرق اِس “نہیں” کا تب نظر آیا جب گھر کے مرد حضرات بغیر اِجازَت کے گھر سے باہر نکل جاتے جبکہ مجھے اپنے دماغ میں اک پُورا مضمون باندھ کر اپنی سہیلیوں سے ملنے کی اِجازَت لینی پڑتی، اور جواب کیا ہوتا ؟ نہیں . یقین جانئے ہم عورتیں اِس نہیں پر صرف حیران نہیں بلکہ پریشان بھی ہوتی ہیں . کیونکہ یہ”نہیں” ایک سیکنڈ بھی ضائع کئے بغیر منہ سے نکلتا ہے . ایسے جیسے ہمارے والدین کے ڈی-این-اے میں بیٹیوں کے لیے “نہیں” شامل ہے اور وہ کچھ اور کہہ ہی نہیں سکتے . ہم عورتیں اکثر والداین سے اِس “نہیں” کی وجہ پوچھتی بھی ہیں . کبھی والدہ کہہ دیتی ہیں “بیٹا آپ کے ابو کو اچھا نہیں لگتا” ، کبھی وہ کہتی ہیں “یہ وقت نہیں ہے جانے کا” ، کبھی وہ کہتی ہیں “کیا کرنا ہے جا کر ؟ ” ، کبھی وہ کہتی ہیں “ابھی اس دن تو گئی تھیں” جو کہ زیادہ تر 2 مہینے پہلے کی ملاقات ہوتی ہے ، اور کبھی ان کے پاس کوئی جواب ہی نہیں ہوتا . کوئی وجہ نہیں ہوتی . اور سب سے زیادہ خوبصورت وجہ اِس “نہیں” کی ہوتی ہے “بیٹا شادی کے بعد خاوند کے ساتھ جانا” . اِس وجہ پر تو میں بالکل ہونقوں کی طرح گھورتی ہی رہ جاتی ہوں کہ زندگی کا کوئی بھروسہ نہیں ، کل ہے یا نہیں . اور آپ مجھے میرے خاوند کی اِجازَت کا انتظار کرنے کو کہہ رہی ہیں ؟

    اور اگر باخدا اِجازت مل جائے، تو عورت کو اپنی ہی دوست کا پُورا شجرہ نسب بتانا پڑتا ہے . دوست کہاں رہتی ہے ، کتنے بہن بھائی ہیں ، وہ کیوں نہیں آ سکتی ؟ ، تم ہی کیوں جاتی ہو ہر بار ؟ ، اور کون جا رہا ہے ، اور کوئی کیوں نہیں جا رہا وغیرہ . بس گھر کتنے رقبے پر بنا ہے اور کتنی گاڑیاں ہیں جیسے سوال ہی رہ جاتے ہیں . ان تفصیلات کے ساتھ ساتھ ، یہ بھی بتانا لازم ہے کہ دوست کے گھر کتنی دیر میں پہنچو گی ، کتنے گھنٹے بیٹھو گی ، اور واپس کتنے بجے آؤ گی . یہ تفصیلات فراہم کرتے کرتے وہ عورت اک عجیب احساس جرم کا شکار ہوجاتی ہے . ایسے لگنے لگتا ہے کہ جیسے دوست سے ملنے نہیں بلکہ بہت بڑا گناہ کرنے جا رہی ہو . ملنا سہیلی سے ہی ہوتا ہے لیکن لگتا ہے کہ شاید کسی نامناسب انسان سے ملاقات کرنے جارہی ہیں .

    جہاں مرد حضرات گھر میں محض اعلان کر کے روز ہی باہر نکل جاتے ہیں ، ہم خواتین ہفتے میں دوسری بار دوستوں سے ملنے کا ذکر کریں تو آگے سے جواب ملتا ہے “بیٹا آپ پِھر گھر سے باہر ہی رہیں . گھر کیوں آنا ہے ؟ ” . ہم لڑکیاں دِل ہی دِل میں دعا کرتی ہیں کے ملنے کا پروگرام ہی ختم ہوجائے . کوئی قدرتی آفت آ جائے یا ملک میں ایمرجنسی لگ جائے ، لیکن خدارا ! کوئی دوبارہ ملنے کا مت کہے !

    ٹویٹر پر اِس موضوع پر بات ہوئی تو ایک صاحب نے کہا “آپ اچھی طرح سے پوچھیں تو کیوں نہیں جانے دیں گے والدین ؟ ” اِس سے زیادہ اور اچھی طرح اِجازَت کیسے مانگیں جب ہم اپنی دوستوں کا پُورا شجرہ نسب ہی بتا رہی ہیں ؟ اور کس طرح اِجازَت مانگیں جب ہم اپنے آنے اور جانے کا وقت بھی بتا رہی ہیں ؟ اور کس طرح اِجازَت مانگیں کے ہم ہفتے میں صرف ایک ہی بار نکل رہی ہیں ؟ اور کس طرح اِجازَت مانگیں کہ ہم اپنی ملاقاتوں کو بھی کم کرتی جا رہی ہیں کے کہیں والدین کو یہ نہ لگے کہ لڑکی ہاتھ سے نکل گئی ہے

    ہنسی تو اس بات پر آتی ہے کہ اجازت کا طریقہ بتانے والے خود اجازت لیتے ہی نہیں۔ نہ وہ دنوں کی قید میں ہیں اور نہ ہی گھنٹوں کی قید میں۔ نہ ان کیلئے دن کی پابندی ہے نہ رات کی۔ نہ ان پر عزت کی قید ہے اور نہ ہی بے عزتی کی۔ اگر قید ہے تو وہ ہے سوچ کی، جو نہ بدلی ہے اور شاید نہ ہی بدلےگی۔ عورت کیلئے صرف ایک ہی چیز بدلتی ہے۔ اس کا گھر۔ لیکن اس گھر میں بھی “نہیں” کبھی نہیں بدلتا!

  • ‘Shallow-minded approach exposed,’ says Hafeez after Sarfaraz criticises him

    Mohammad Hafeez has hit back Sarfaraz Ahmed after the latter criticised him for his recent statements.

    “Shallow minded approach exposed,” wrote Hafeez on Twitter. Though he did not specify who the tweet was directed towards, it is being speculated that the tweet was for Sarfaraz who had earlier called him out for spreading negativity.

    Earlier, Sarfaraz, while responding to Hafeez’s tweet, in which he had praised Mohammad Rizwan for his performance and “wondered” how long the batsman will have to prove himself, had said: “Hafeez Bhai, whoever has played for Pakistan from Imtiaz Ahmed, Wasim Bari, Tasleem Arif to Saleem Yousuf and from Moin Khan, Rashid Latif to Kamran Akmal and even Rizwan right now has always been number one for the country and have been respected accordingly.”

    Ahmed also said that everyone is behind Rizwan and hope he plays many more innings for Pakistan.

    Aur ayende bhee jisko bhee chance milega wo Pakistan ke liye number one hee huga (And whoever is given a chance to play would be number one for Pakistan),” said Sarfaraz, adding: “We expect nothing but positiveness coming from an international player who has played so many games for Pakistan.”

    Later, replying to Sarfaraz’s tweet, Mohammad Amir who is currently feuding with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) management said: “You are also a number one wicketkeeper-batsman in Pakistan aur aap hi captain the jab team 2 saal team No 1 rahi in T20 or sab se bar kar Champions Trophy so you are [the] pride of Pakistan (You were the Captain when the Pakistan Cricket Team was the number one T20 team).”

    Meanwhile, social media users have set the internet ablaze with supporters from both sides weighing in their arguments, opinions and comments.

    https://twitter.com/fizike/status/1360467591689424897?s=19
    https://twitter.com/ArfaSays_/status/1360483665139097602?s=19
    https://twitter.com/BhattyHuzaima/status/1359923993097113600?s=19
    https://twitter.com/JawadMjk/status/1360441641950187520?s=19
    https://twitter.com/CricHassan/status/1360369676598063105?s=19
    https://twitter.com/ammarkhi/status/1360489901704310784?s=19

    Later, Senator Faisal Javed Khan also stepped into the conversation, saying: “Easy boys. Let’s motivate each other and be united as they say unity is strength.”

    “When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved,” he added.

    Later in a tweet, sports journalist Aliya Rasheed tweeted that PCB officials have talked to both of them and resolve their Twitter fight.

  • Good news for Gillani after arrival at ECP with two other prime ministers

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday approved former prime minister (PM) Yousaf Raza Gillani’s application to transfer his vote to Islamabad; after he arrived at the election watchdog’s office with two other former premiers.

    Gillani is reportedly being fielded for the federal capital seat in the upper house of the parliament by the join opposition, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

    The former premier’s vote has been registered at his address of Sector F-8 in Islamabad, making him eligible to contest the Senate elections from the federal capital.

    He had moved the ECP on Friday and arrived at the election watchdog’s office on Saturday with his successor Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, and ex-PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

    Earlier, Abbasi’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) announced to support Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Gillani in the Senate elections.

    The decision was taken after a meeting between Abbasi and Gillani to hold consultations to field a joint candidate of the PDM.

    The two former premiers, Ashraf and Abbasi, acted as the proponent and seconder in candidate Gillani’s papers.

    Meanwhile, Farhatullah Babar has been named as PDM’s joint candidate from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

  • Lahore Zoo’s white tiger cubs reportedly died of COVID

    Lahore Zoo’s white tiger cubs reportedly died of COVID

    Two 11-week-old white tiger cubs that died in Lahore Zoo last month appear to have died of COVID-19, zoo officials have said.

    According to reports, the cubs died on January 30, four days after beginning treatment for what officials thought was feline panleukopenia virus, a disease that zoo officials said is common in Pakistan and targets cats’ immune system.

    But an autopsy found the cubs’ lungs were badly damaged and they were suffering from severe infection, with pathologists concluding they died from COVID-19.

    Although no PCR test for the new coronavirus was conducted, zoo deputy director Kiran Saleem told Reuters the zoo believes the cubs were the victims of the pandemic that has killed 12,256 people in Pakistan.

    “After their death, the zoo administration conducted tests of all officials, and six were tested positive, including one official who handled the cubs,” Saleem said. “It strengthens the findings of the autopsy. The cubs probably caught the virus from the person handling and feeding them.”

    Pakistan’s zoos regularly draw the ire of animal rights activists, who say hundreds of animals have died from poor living conditions there.

    “The last two white tiger cubs have died at Lahore zoo and once again the negligence of the management and authorities has come out,” said Zufishan Anushay, founder of JFK (Justice for Kiki) Animal Rescue And Shelter.

    “White tigers are extremely rare and need a specific habitat and environment to live a healthy life. By caging them in unhygienic conditions with no medical arrangements, we will keep witnessing these incidents,” she added.

    However, Saleem rejected the allegations of neglect at the zoo, saying that animal rights activists were welcome to visit and check the facility’s safety and hygiene protocols themselves.

  • PPP, PML-N finalise names for Senate elections

    PPP, PML-N finalise names for Senate elections

    The Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have announced their candidates for the upcoming Senate elections on March 3, with both parties along with other Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) parties agreeing to propose ex-prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani as a joint candidate from Islamabad.

    According to reports, the PDM has also decided to name Farhatullah Babar as joint nominee on a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa seat.

    PML-N CANDIDATES:

    The list of the PML-N nominees against the general seats includes the name of PML-N parliamentary leader in the house Mushahidullah Khan, Pervaiz Rasheed and Professor Sajid Mir.

    The party has named former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s sister, Saadia Abbasi, as a nominee for a reserved seat for women while Azam Tarar will contest on the seat reserved for technocrats.

    PML-N’s KP chapter will later nominate the party’s candidates for the Senate from the province.

    PPP NOMINEES:

    Eight PPP senators are set to retire on March 11. But three of them — PPP Parliamentary Leader Sherry Rehman, Senate Deputy Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla and Farooq H Naek — are contesting the elections for this term as well.

    Former senator Taj Haider is also among the nominees. Former senator Farhatullah Babar and former PM Gilani are among the proposed joint PDM candidates from KP and Islamabad, respectively.

  • Best Valentine’s Day gift for your tech-savvy special someone

    Best Valentine’s Day gift for your tech-savvy special someone

    Perhaps the spread of the pandemic in 2020 didn’t give you enough chance to experience Valentine’s to its fullest.

    Most of you might still be thinking about the perfect gift you can give to your loved ones on Feb 14, 2021. 

    It is not about the material value of the gift, but about how meaningful it is. 

    To make it a worthwhile experience for your special one, who matters the most; The Current Tech brings you five valuable gadgets you can give. 

    Music lover on the go: JBL Flip 5

    JBL Flip 5 is a portable and waterproof Bluetooth speaker that has been retaining its position on the top of best-performing audio gadgets. 

    They are well designed, have plenty of bass with rubber-capped ends and waterproofing that you can take on hikes, beach trips and other trips. 

    For upgrading home office: HP VH240a 23.8-inch monitor

    In present times, a lot of people are working remotely. Not having the right equipment on your work desk can be daunting. So, if your loved one struggles to manage productivity and equipment issues; why not give them an affordableflexible, bigger and higher-contrast screen for a quick fix. 

    High-quality smart jewellery: Bellabeat 

    Bellabeat has been impressing many for years by making smart jewellery. It looks amazing as a necklace, bracelet, or brooch, but is packed with smart features. 

    The Leaf Urban and Chakra can track activity, mindfulness breathing exercises, and sleeping patterns. It also gradually doubles silent alarms so as to wake you up peacefully.

    Capture the best moment: Polaroid Instant camera

    Even though we have a range of digital camera series — from Canon to Nikon — the classy feel of instant cameras and films can never be replaced. 

    Instant camera company PolaroidNow is worthy of the increasingly crowded instant camera world. For pure point-and-shoot simplicity, Polaroid Now is hard to beat.