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  • ‘Discipline, not spectacle’: Marriyum Aurangzeb’s transformation secret

    ‘Discipline, not spectacle’: Marriyum Aurangzeb’s transformation secret

    By Hareem Shahid

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz’s son Junaid Safdar got married over the weekend and it is all anyone can talk about.

    From desi glam to a high-profile guest list, the wedding events spanning three days had it all; however, one thing that caught everyone’s attention was the transformation of senior Punjab minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, sparking conversations across social media.

    Her visible change sparked widespread conversations online, many of which unfortunately veered into speculation and trolling. This reaction reflects a troubling trend in society where personal health journeys are reduced to gossip rather than understood in their proper context.

    Weight fluctuations are common. Changes in routine, stress, professional demands and family responsibilities often lead to periods of weight gain or loss. For many, marriage and career pressures bring lifestyle adjustments that affect health. But what matters is not the fluctuation itself but the decision to reclaim fitness and prioritise well-being.

    The minister’s transformation does not seem like the product of fad diets or overnight fixes. Minor changes visible in her pictures from over the past couple of months reflect consistent effort based on balanced nutrition, portion control, regular exercise or mindful habits, underscoring that meaningful change is gradual, requiring discipline and patience rather than quick solutions.

    This was also highlighted by veteran actor Bushra Ansari. “I know Marriyum closely as a person. Her weight loss journey speaks of commitment, strength and consistency. Well done, Marriyum, you look beautiful, MashaAllah,” she wrote in a social media post, sharing a picture of the minister from one of the wedding events.

    Countering false claims about her transformation, colleagues also expressed support for the minister.

    “For the past few days, a social media debate has been going on regarding Marriyum Aurangzeb’s weight-loss journey. Some people gained motivation by seeing her, and some felt jealous. But the facts are very simple… such a transformation usually does not seem possible,” wrote Badar Shahbaz, media coordinator to the prime minister.

    Badar also drew parallels between the minister’s transformation and rather frequent ones of showbiz personalities. He went on to cite the example of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, who made headlines for rapidly gaining and losing weight for his 2016 movie Dangal.

    “No one said that he must have undergone any surgery because he was not a political personality… anti-PML-N trolls considered it necessary to show their ‘expertise’,” he wrote, adding that the minister had proven that where there is will, nothing is impossible.

    An old friend of the minister also shared pictures from back when the two were students. “Quaid-e-Azam University farewell, 2002,” wrote the friend, namely Hina Hasan, in response to those perceiving her journey as a dramatic shift from obesity to leanness, as the pictures showed that Aurangzeb had successfully been working towards restoring her former self.

    True transformation is not about returning to a past version of yourself but about building a healthier present. Fitness is measured in stamina, energy and resilience, not simply in dress size, and Aurangzeb’s story seems to highlight that health is holistic, encompassing both physical and mental strength.

    Health progress is rarely linear. Plateaus, setbacks and moments of discouragement are part of the process. What makes her journey inspiring is her persistence in continuing despite obstacles. This determination is what resonates with countless individuals who struggle with similar challenges.

    Reducing years of effort to memes or negative commentary ignores the reality of health journeys. Everybody responds differently to lifestyle changes, and public figures face amplified scrutiny. Social media often trivialises discipline and perseverance, turning personal victories into targets for mockery. Such trolling is unjustified and diminishes the value of hard work.

    The minister’s transformation is a reminder that health is not about chasing perfection or pleasing critics. It is about reclaiming control, building resilience and committing to long-term well-being. Her journey stands as an example of what determination can achieve, inspiring those who face their own struggles with weight management.

    In a society quick to judge appearances, her story challenges assumptions and offers a powerful lesson: transformation is not a spectacle, but self-discipline. Rather than ridicule, it deserves recognition as a testament to persistence and the pursuit of health.

    The author is a fitness coach and trainer, passionate about sustainable health transformations.

  • Polish deputy PM hits out at India after Jaishankar criticises his Pakistan visit

    Polish deputy PM hits out at India after Jaishankar criticises his Pakistan visit

    Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has said that discussions with India on regional issues were “frank”, while raising concerns over New Delhi’s participation in military exercises with Russia, following Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s remarks linking Pakistan to terrorism.

    Speaking to reporters after talks with Jaishankar in New Delhi on January 19, 2026, Sikorski said India and Poland were of “one mind” on terrorism but added that India’s participation in the “Zapad-2025” military exercises in Russia was viewed as “threatening”.

    “We all have regional concerns and we all have neighbours, and with neighbours you have opportunities and challenges,” Sikorski said. “We also have concerns. India took part in the Zapad exercises in Russia that we find threatening.”

    The exchange followed Jaishankar’s comments during the meeting, where he referred to Poland’s engagement with Pakistan and urged Poland not to help “fuel terrorist infrastructure” in India’s neighbourhood.

    In televised opening remarks at Hyderabad House, Jaishankar said he wished to “discuss some of Mr. Sikorski’s recent travels to the region”, a reference to the Polish foreign minister’s visit to Pakistan in October 2025, during which he met Pakistan’s senior leadership.|

    The Indian minister’s remarks on Pakistan had earlier triggered a reaction among Pakistani social media users after a video of the comments circulated online. In the clip, Jaishankar told Sikorski that Poland was “no stranger to our region” and called on it to “display zero tolerance for terrorism”.

    The remarks came in the context of Pakistan–Poland discussions held in October 2025, where both sides had stressed the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.

    Following the circulation of the video, Pakistani users criticised India’s position. One user wrote, “Lol, what does India think it is? A superpower or economic power or some shit so it thinks it can dictate the world?” Another said, “India can not dictate world and their governments on their foreign policy.”

    Other users questioned whether similar language would be used towards the United States, while some accused India of attempting to influence the foreign policy decisions of other countries and alleged that Jaishankar routinely makes statements directed at Pakistan.

  • Legendary fashion designer Valentino Garavani dies at 93

    Legendary fashion designer Valentino Garavani dies at 93

    Legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, founder of the luxury fashion house Valentino, has passed away at the age of 93.


    The news was confirmed by his foundation in a statement shared on social media, which said Garavani died peacefully at his residence in Rome, surrounded by family and loved ones.


    Known as Valentino, Garavani launched his fashion label in Rome in 1960 and went on to redefine luxury couture with his signature romantic silhouettes and refined elegance. 


    He became globally recognised for “Valentino red,” a distinctive shade that became one of the most iconic colors in high fashion.


    His designs attracted some of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor wore a Valentino gown to the premiere of Spartacus in 1960, while former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was among his most notable clients. She famously commissioned several couture pieces from him, including her wedding dress for her marriage.


    During the 1970s and 1980s, Valentino’s creations became synonymous with Hollywood glamour, dressing leading actresses such as Joan Collins, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Courteney Cox, Anne Hathaway, and Nicola Peltz Beckham. 


    His designs have continued to dominate red carpets in recent years, worn by stars including Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, Zendaya, Dakota Johnson, and Florence Pugh.

    Beyond the runway, Garavani made a cameo appearance as himself in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada and was the focus of the 2008 documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. 


    Although he officially retired in January 2008, he remained a revered figure in the fashion industry, widely celebrated for his lasting influence on couture and timeless approach to design.

  • ‘Who is this uncle?’; Hande Erçel breaks silence on viral Shah Rukh Khan clip

    ‘Who is this uncle?’; Hande Erçel breaks silence on viral Shah Rukh Khan clip

    Turkish actress Hande Erçel had a hilarious comeback after Indian media outlets claimed she is a fan of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan following a viral video from the Joy Awards 2026 held in Riyadh.


    Shah Rukh Khan attended the high-profile ceremony as a presenter. Several clips from the event circulated widely on social media. 


    One such video, recorded by Hande Erçel during Shah Rukh Khan’s appearance on stage alongside Egyptian actress Amina Khalil, sparked speculation online, with users labelling the Turkish star a devoted admirer of the Bollywood actor.


    Amid the growing buzz, a screenshot allegedly taken from Hande Erçel’s Instagram story surfaced, showing the same clip with a pointed remark directed at Shah Rukh Khan. 

    In the story, she wrote, “Who is this uncle?” while clarifying that she was filming her friend and not expressing admiration for the Bollywood celebrity.

    “I was just filming my friend Amina Khalil. I am not his fan. Please stop spreading false information,” the actress said in the viral screenshot.

  • UK launches consultation to ban social media for kids under 16

    UK launches consultation to ban social media for kids under 16

    As part of broader measures to reduce mobile phone use among young people, the United Kingdom (UK) government has launched a consultation to examine whether children under 16 should be banned from using social media.

    Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced the consultation on Monday, saying the Online Safety Act had already introduced steps to create a safer online environment.

    “These laws were never meant to be the end point, and we know parents still have serious concerns. That is why I am prepared to take further action,” she said.

    The consultation will consider introducing an age limit, methods to enforce it, restricting social media firms’ access to young users’ data, and limiting features such as “infinite scrolling” that can drive compulsive use.

    Responses to the consultation will be sought from parents, young people and civil society. Officials will also explore stronger age verification methods and limiting features that encourage compulsive social media use. The government plans to respond to the consultation in the summer.

    While the government also expects schools to be “phone-free by default”, the announcement comes ahead of a House of Lords vote on Wednesday on an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would set the social media age limit at 16 within a year of the bill passing.

    The move also follows calls from Esther Ghey, mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, who highlighted how her daughter’s eating disorder and self-harm tendencies were worsened by social media. 

    In a letter to the Prime Minister (PM) Keir Starmer, she wrote, “Brianna had a social media addiction and struggled with her mental health from the age of 14. She developed an eating disorder and was self-harming, and all of this was significantly exacerbated by the harmful content she was consuming online.”

    The premier said he is open to the idea of a ban but wants to examine evidence from Australia, where a similar ban came into effect in December 2025. “We’re obviously looking at what’s happened in Australia, something I have discussed with the Australian prime minister.”

  • ‘Talks can produce results, but PTI is not sincere,’ says Khawaja Asif

    ‘Talks can produce results, but PTI is not sincere,’ says Khawaja Asif

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the government remains serious about holding talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), but questioned the opposition party’s sincerity, saying its leaders keep flipping their stance.

    Speaking to a private news channel, Asif said the government wants dialogue, but PTI does not appear committed.

    “They speak in many languages,” he said sarcastically.

    “Some talk in English, some in Punjabi, some in Urdu. Even the KP [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa] government says one thing, while PTI members sitting in the assembly say something completely different. Which version are we supposed to believe?”

    The defence minister also said that people sitting outside the country who constantly resort to abusive language should be stopped first, adding that those people were doing so as part of a strategy and not on their own. 

    “There is an organised plan under which people sitting outside are abusing institutions and individuals,” he added.

    Asif accused PTI of keeping room for backtracking and said the party wanted to leave space for double-dealing rather than committing to talks. 

    “This is a problem of intent. If PTI is sincere, talks can happen and they can produce results. But then there are ill intentions. It feels like a card game where everyone is playing together,” he said.

    In reference to Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s election as the opposition leader, Asif questioned why the largest opposition party did not nominate its own leader for the slot.

    “He is like a brother to us, and I respect him greatly. I may disagree with his politics, but I have a strong personal relationship with him. It is a good decision that he has become opposition leader, and I welcome it,” he added.

  • Namra Shahid calls out journalist for forgetting her name in Muamma review

    Namra Shahid calls out journalist for forgetting her name in Muamma review

    Actor Namra Shahid voiced her frustration during an appearance on Nadia Khan’s morning show after a drama critic failed to mention her name while reviewing the Hum TV serial Muamma.

    Namra, who plays Asiya in the psychological thriller, expressed disappointment when discussing a review by Aamna Haider Isani of Something Haute, who reviewed the drama’s third episode.

    “Yesterday, when Muamma’s third episode aired, Something Haute reviewed it. I was so hurt that I literally messaged Amna,” Shahid said during the show. “She reviewed it and said, ‘That girl, jiji’s helper, did an amazing job.’ Sorry, I forgot her name.”

    The actor questioned the professionalism of the oversight. “This is too much. You sit down to write a review and you forget the name? When you are reviewing it for the public, you have a diary in front of you. Can you not write down a name? ‘I forgot the name’, why did you forget the name?”

    Nadia Khan’s co-host suggested the omission might have occurred deliberately.

    Shahid made clear her respect for co-star Saba Qamar while making her point. “Saba Qamar is in the same project, and I completely respect her. She is an amazing artist and an amazing human being. But other people have also worked on the project.”

    She emphasized the responsibility critics hold when reviewing content. “If it is your responsibility to review a drama, then at least write the names on a piece of paper so you don’t forget.”

    Nadia supported Namra’s position, noting that she has substantial screen time in the production. “Yes, and in this drama you have many scenes, even as many as Saba has.”

    Muamma, directed by Shaqielle Khan and written by Imran Nazir, features Saba Qamar as Jahan Ara with Usman Mukhtar, Ali Ansari, Anoushay Abbasi and Namra Shahid also starring in it.

  • CCTV shows suspect snatching earrings from toddler’s ears in Rawalpindi

    CCTV shows suspect snatching earrings from toddler’s ears in Rawalpindi

    A suspect snatched earrings from a three-year-old girl while she was playing in a street in Ashraf Colony in Dhimal police station in Rawalpindi. The suspect ran away, however, CCTV footage of the incident has emerged online. 

    The footage shows the girl chasing the suspect, crying while holding her ear in pain as he moved quickly through the street.

    The girl’s father Parvez reported the incident to the police, and authorities registered a case against the suspect.

    Central Police Officer Rawalpindi Khalid Hamdani ordered immediate action. He instructed Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Malik Tariq and SSP Investigation to trace the suspect and arrest him. 

    Police teams have started reviewing CCTV footage to identify and catch the suspect.

  • Trump releases French president’s chat screenshots online as Greenland row escalates

    Trump releases French president’s chat screenshots online as Greenland row escalates

    French President Emmanuel Macron told US President Donald Trump that he could arrange a meeting in Paris after the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Thursday afternoon, screenshots of messages sent by Macron to Trump have revealed.


    The screenshots, released by Trump on his Truth Social account, also showed Macron inviting Trump to dinner in Paris later the same day. However, any reply from Trump was not visible in the shared screenshots, and the White House has not responded to foreign media’s request for a comment as of yet.


    “My friend, We are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things on Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland. Let us try to build great things: 1) i can set up a g7 meeting after Davos in Paris on thursday afternoon. I can invite the ukrainians, the danish, the syrians and the russians in the margins 2) let us have a dinner together in Paris together on thursday before you go back to the us. Emmanuel [sic],” read the messages in the screenshot.


    The screenshot was released amid escalating tensions after Trump linked his efforts to take control of Greenland to his failure to secure a Nobel Peace Prize, stating that he no longer thought “purely of peace” as the dispute over the territory threatened to revive a trade conflict with Europe.


    In a text message sent on Sunday to Norwegian Prime Minister (PM) Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump said that because Norway had not awarded him the Nobel Peace Prize despite his claim of having stopped eight wars, he no longer felt obliged to think solely about peace, though it would remain a priority, and would instead focus on what he believed was best for the US. 


    Norway’s government released the messages on Monday. Støre had initially contacted Trump along with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, urging de-escalation, prompting Trump’s response within half an hour.


    In his message, Trump reiterated his claim that Denmark was incapable of defending Greenland against threats from Russia or China, questioning Denmark’s right to ownership and stating that global security required the US to have “complete and total control” of the island.


    Earlier, in an interview with NBC News, Trump declined to say whether he would use force to take Greenland but repeated his warning that European countries could face tariffs if an agreement was not reached.


    The standoff risks further straining the NATO alliance, which has already been under pressure due to the war in Ukraine and Trump’s stance that allies must increase defence spending to receive US protection.


    The threats have unsettled European industries and shaken financial markets, with investors concerned about a repeat of the volatility seen during the 2025 trade war, which eased only after tariff agreements were reached in the middle of the year.

  • Lahore cop arrested after bribery video goes viral

    Lahore cop arrested after bribery video goes viral

    Police in Lahore have arrested a constable after a viral video showed him demanding and pocketing a bribe during a vehicle check on Ring Road.

    According to reports, Constable Abdul Rehman, posted at the Ravi Road Police Station, stopped a citizen near Ring Road and took money from him. A video of the interaction was secretly recorded by the motorist.

    The video also showed Rehman asking the citizen to pay a higher bribe, and reciting “Bismillah” before putting the cash in his pocket.

    He then instructed the motorist to keep vehicle documents with him at all times.

    Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran took notice of the viral video and ordered Rehman’s immediate arrest.

    Authorities detained the constable shortly after the footage gained widespread attention on social media platforms.

    The DIG also ordered Rehman’s immediate dismissal from service and directed strict action against him.