Current Final

Blog

  • Wasim Akram urges authorities to look after players’ mental well-being

    Wasim Akram urges authorities to look after players’ mental well-being

    Wasim Akram on Tuesday emphasised on the mental well-being of cricketers going through tough isolation, calling authorities to ensure there are measures that can counter the implications of quarantine restrictions.

    Akram, while speaking to media outlets, maintained that it is never easy for an individual to spend two weeks in isolation, adding that such circumstances can have serious implications on one’s mental health.

    “It is imperative to look after players’ mental well-being in this scenario in order to keep them positive and motivated for the game. There’s a serious need to have a regular psychologist with teams when they travel to new environments,” said the legendary fast bowler.

    “I’m sure seniors like Waqar Younis and Misbah would have spoken to players in New Zealand to keep them motivated during isolation period,” added Akram.

    Calling for a uniform policy worldwide, the former cricketer said that it is never easy for anyone to move from one isolation to another.

    “I think ICC should talk to governments in this regard,” he shared.

    Green shirts were kept in strictly managed isolation in New Zealand for the last 14 days before the isolation period ended today (Tuesday). The team has been in a biosecure bubble since summer, playing back-to-back cricket.

    Akram also said that New Zealand team is in good form and Pakistan will have a tough time in the upcoming series.

    Akram’s remarks come after two England cricketers recently pulled out of Big Bash League in Australia complaining of biosecure bubble fatigue.

  • ‘Dunk’s’ promo leaves social media divided

    ‘Dunk’s’ promo leaves social media divided

    The teaser of Bilal Abbas Khan, Sana Javed and Naumaan Ejaz’s murder mystery Dunk dropped yesterday and created quite a stir on social media.

    Read more – Private school in Lahore comes under fire for covering up harassment

    The short teaser gives a glimpse into the drama’s plot and reveals that Dunk will highlight the issue of harassment at educational institutes. Professor Humayun (Ejaz) is accused of harassment by Amal (Javed) and he denies any wrongdoing. It appears that Haider (Bilal) will help Amal get justice.

    Besides Bilal, Naumaan and Sana, the lead cast also includes Yasra Rizvi and Fahad Sheikh.

    https://twitter.com/fahadmustafa26/status/1335933652539224064?s=20

    While most fans praised the teaser and expressed their anticipation, others called it out for being problematic.

    https://twitter.com/kanundrum_/status/1336031963342319616?s=20
    https://twitter.com/Scrivenshaft_/status/1335999082440105988?s=20

    In any case, we all should just listen to this person.

  • COVID-19 vaccines to be provided in three phases

    COVID-19 vaccines to be provided in three phases

    The federal government has completed the plan for the COVID-19 vaccination drive. Vaccines will be distributed in three phases with the first phase expected to start from March 2021.

    A spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Sajid Hussain Shah told The Current that in the first phase, vaccines will be provided to 0.5 million frontline essential health workers while in the second phase, it will be given to the population over 65 years of age.

    The remaining population will be given COVID-19 vaccines in the third phase. During the third phase,  the number of people to get the vaccination will depend on the available quantity of COVID-19 vaccines.

    Earlier, a special cabinet committee led by Federal Minister Asad Umar, had been formed for the procurement of the COVID-19 vaccine.

    The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) had approved the ‘Vaccine Administration Plan’, the comprehensive strategy prepared by the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) of the health ministry.

  • Atif Aslam, Mahira Khan & Aiman Khan among ‘Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars’

    Yet another proud moment for Pakistan as Mahira Khan, Aiman Khan and Atif Aslam have made it to the inaugural Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list. The list highlights celebrities from across the Asia Pacific region who have taken the digital world by storm, according to a press release.

    Writing about Mahira, who earlier also featured on BBC’s ‘100 women of 2020’, Forbes said: “The star of Pakistani musical Superstar will return to the screen this year in action drama The Legend of Maula Jatt, Pakistan’s most expensive film to date. Khan uses her social media presence—nearly 7 million Instagram followers and over 4 million on Facebook—to raise awareness about mental health issues, violence against women and breast cancer.”

    Similarly, while writing about Aiman, the magazine said: “With nearly 8 million followers, Khan is the most-followed Pakistani celebrity on Instagram. She and twin sister Minal run the clothing site Aiman Minal Closet, with 249,000 Instagram followers. Last year she was nominated for Best Actress at Pakistan’s Hum Awards for roles in TV shows Ishq Tamasha and Baandi.”

    Meanwhile, while writing about Atif, Forbes spoke about his recitation of the 99 names of Allah.

    “Released in May, his song Asma-ul-Husna recites Allah’s 99 names to encourage hope during the pandemic and has over 22 million views on YouTube. Aslam urged his 20 million Facebook followers to stay home to curb the spread of the coronavirus,” read Atif’s write-up.

    Other prominent celebrities who featured on the list and are popular in Pakistan include South Korean band BTS, Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Ranveer Singh, Hrithik Roshan, Margot Robbie, Chris Hemsworth, Hugh Jackman, Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.

    In a statement, Forbes also explained how they chose those featured on the list.

    “To determine the finalists, Forbes Asia evaluated the candidates’ combined social media reach and engagement. Their recent work, impact and advocacy, brand endorsements and business endeavours, and their recognition profile on a local, regional and global level were also considered. Only those active in film, music, and TV were eligible,” said the publication.

    About Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list

    Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list features 100 singers, bands, film and TV stars with a strong social media presence. With millions of followers across popular platforms, these celebrities have maintained their relevance and popularity in this challenging period by leveraging on the power of social media. Many have also used their influence to support worthy causes, especially those with a Covid-19 focus.

    “The inaugural Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list couldn’t have come at a more relevant time. Artists rely on social media platforms to connect and communicate with fans, especially in the absence of live entertainment due to Covid-19 restrictions around the region,” said Rana Wehbe Watson, editor of the list. “The 100 celebrities highlighted on the list range in age from 20 to 78, proving that social media influence is a cross-generational phenomenon.”

  • Shehbaz is losing PML-N to Maryam: report

    Shehbaz is losing PML-N to Maryam: report

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz is practically steering the PML-N in the absence of party president Shehbaz Sharif, who is not even consulted on important political decisions.

    According to a report in The News, Maryam, due to her hawkish stance, has gained popularity in the party and the public. Her control on the party is strengthened to such an extent that she has stopped “consulting him [Shehbaz] for political advice”.

    Quoting an unnamed N-League leader, the report stated that Maryam doesn’t discuss “party’s confrontational approach towards the establishment” with Shehbaz because both stand poles apart on the issue.

    But it is Maryam’s word against Shehbaz because it’s supported by her father Nawaz Sharif and Maryam’s the real crowd puller.

    Shehbaz Sharif, the party president facing imprisonment on graft charges, is not happy with this new arrangement. He still insists on a “national dialogue to steer the country out of the present crisis”, the report adds.

    “Shahbaz Sharif is extremely worried that the outcome of the confrontational strategy could be ugly and could benefit someone else,” the report quotes an aide of Shehbaz as saying. The PML-N president also relayed his reservations to the senior leadership of the party in a meeting.

    Also, Shehbaz “firmly believes that PM Imran Khan is targeting him because he is the only acceptable alternative to the establishment”.

    “And if there is a process of forming a national government or any future national dialogue, he will be a key player,” the report added.

    However, Shehbaz, due to his non-confrontational approach, is losing grip on the party. Whereas, Maryam has proved her as the future leader of the PML-N and the party stalwarts, who don’t agree with her approach, also acknowledge her as de facto president.

  • Anti-govt protests: PML-N’s Khokhar brothers resign as lawmakers

    After MPA Rana Munawar Ghous, Lahore’s Khokhar brothers of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have also handed over their resignations from respective assemblies to the party leadership.

    As per the details, MNA Malik Afzal Khokar and MPA Saiful Malook Khokhar submitted their letters amid talks of mass resignations by opposition lawmakers in protest against the government.

    PML-N leader Azma Bukhari has said that the party has not asked lawmakers to hand in their resignations but they are submitting them on their own.

    On the other hand, the leadership of the 11-party opposition alliance, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), will meet in Islamabad today to devise strategy for the second phase of the anti-government movement.

    Resignations from the assemblies by PDM lawmakers will also be discussed in the meeting.

  • Hania Aamir opens up on how damaging mean comments are

    Hania Aamir opens up on how damaging mean comments are

    Hania Aamir is no stranger to social media trolling and the actor, in a recent Instagram post opened up about how damaging it can be.

    Read more – ‘Har jaga muhalle ki phupho nahi bante’: Asim Azhar hits back at trolls

    “This was me trying to get myself together after shedding two tears over three mean comments,” said Hania while sharing a picture of herself.

    “Words are powerful. They can create and destroy. Why use them to knock people down when you can use them to lift each other up,” she questioned.

    “Being mean is easy and weak and projection of your own fears and insecurities. Use your words wisely,” she added.

    Earlier in an interview, Mawra Hocane had also talked about being attacked and criticised on social media.

    “I am getting used to it now, but six years ago it was very difficult,” said the actor. “Like, if I am giving an interview right now, it is possible that I may say something wrong. But I realised five years ago that anything wrong that comes out of your mouth is no longer wrong when it reaches social media, it becomes a sin.”

    “You can’t even think about making a mistake, because you have been placed on a pedestal where you can’t say anything wrong. So the first time this hit me I was like, I want to stop using it. I want to stop acting and I just want to leave. And I actually went to Sydney and told my parents ‘I don’t want to do this anymore,’” she shared.

    “I told my parents people here want to kill me because I said something wrong. And even today I don’t want to defend myself, I am scared of it. I say ‘you know what? I am wrong! But are you really going to take my life for it?’” she questioned.

    Mawra further shared that the fear has never left her which is why she prefers to play it safe in her interviews and has started opting for giving standard responses.

  • Romantic thriller on KFC’s Colonel Sanders is coming soon

    A short film on KFC’s Colonel Sanders is on its way. The film titled A Recipe for Seduction will premiere on December 13 on Lifetime.

    Starring Mario Lopez as a hot Colonel Sanders, the film will be only 15 minutes long and will be available on the network’s streaming platforms. 

    “As the holidays draw near, a young heiress contends with the affections of a suitor handpicked by her mother,” reads the official description.

     “When the handsome chef, Harland Sanders, arrives with his secret fried chicken recipe and a dream, he sets in motion a series of events that unravels the mother’s devious plans. Will our plucky heiress escape to her wintry happily ever after with Harland at her side, or will she cave to the demands of family and duty?”

    Watch the trailer here:

  • PM Imran unfollows everyone on Twitter

    PM Imran unfollows everyone on Twitter

    Prime Minister Imran Khan, who used to follow 19 accounts on Twitter, has unfollowed everyone on the microblogging site, including the official handle of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    PM Imran, who has 12.9 million followers, used to follow Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood, Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari, Planning Minister Asad Umar, estranged PTI leader Jahangir Khan Tareen and late Naeemul Haque.

    He also followed organisations he founded, i.e. Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Namal University. He also unfollowed his ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith.

    Imran Khan emerged as the ninth most-followed world leader on the microblogging site in July this year, according to a study by Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW). 

    In past, social media users had observed that the premier had unfollowed journalist Hamid Mir. It was assumed that the decision was taken amid rising criticism of the government by the anchorperson and his channel.

  • Chomsky says Pakistan has no future if it doesn’t come out of world of ‘religious superstition’

    Chomsky says Pakistan has no future if it doesn’t come out of world of ‘religious superstition’

    Professor Noam Chomsky, renowned linguist and analytic philosopher, has said that Pakistan lacks “serious scientists” to preserve a rational education system to deal with the reality of the world.

    Speaking at a seminar organised by Karachi’s Habib University, Prof Chomsky said it’s sad that science has virtually disappeared from the country’s educational system.

    “Pakistan used to have an advanced scientific establishment, Nobel Prize laureates [Abdus Salam] and so on,” the American linguist said. “Now science has virtually disappeared from the educational system.” “Pakistan has no future if it is going to live in a world of religious superstition,” he said.

    During the lecture, Chomsky talked about a number of issues, including climate change, nuclear weapons, and the rise of populist leaders.

    Speaking about Indian PM Narendra Modi, the US professor said India is destroying the remnants of Indian secular democracy, crushing the Muslim rights and placing Kashmir under a brutal rule. “Pakistan is not too far behind,” the philosopher said, referring to the rights abuses in the country.

    Speaking about Iran-US ties under outgoing president Donald Trump, he said the Trump admin “is in a state where it is willing to do anything”. He said the tensions between US and Iran boiled over after Trump came to power.

    The assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a US airstrike in Baghdad and the recent killing of its nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh near Tehran have further escalated these tensions. Iranian authorities have pointed fingers at two US allies – Saudi Arabia and Israel.

    “There is a possibility of war,” he said, adding that Iran has no “match for the US war machine” because its relatively low defence expenditure. But Iran would respond by attacking Saudi oil installations and other US allies in the region and that could lead to a full-blown war, said Chomsky.

    Speaking about sanctions imposed on Iran by the US government, Prof Chomsky was of the view that “sanctions against Iran have absolutely no legitimacy”. These sanctions “are means of torturing and terrorizing the Iranian population”. He said the people of Iran have to suffer from those sanctions because the Iranian government is not obeying the US orders.

    He also talked about Iran’s nuclear programme, saying it is very likely that Iran wants to use it as ‘deterrent’. Chomsky believes the countries that want to rampage freely in the region don’t want deterrents, and the US is one of them and its “Israeli client” another.

    “They don’t want a deterrent,” Chomsky said. The US doesn’t even admit that Israel has nuclear weapons, let alone getting its nuclear war inspected, the American philosopher said, pointing out the problems with the US approach towards the Middle East region.