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  • Lawyer, allegedly a PML-N supporter, submits application for treason case against Fawad Chaudhry

    Lawyer, allegedly a PML-N supporter, submits application for treason case against Fawad Chaudhry

    A lawyer, who is allegedly a supporter of opposition’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has submitted an application seeking the registration of a treason case against Federal Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry over the latter’s Pulwama remarks from last week.

    According to reports, the application has been submitted to Civil Lines police station in Lahore by Advocate Rohail Asghar, a picture of whom with PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz has now gone viral over the internet.

    Fawad had in a faux pas on the floor of the National Assembly last week mentioned 2019’s Pulwama attack in held Kashmir, which had killed 40 paramilitary troops and brought the two countries to the brink of war.

    Speaking of Pakistan’s swift response to its air space being violated by India following the said terrorist attack, Fawad had mistakenly named Pulwama, drawing strong reactions.

    READ: ‘Pulwama attack’: Fawad says Indian media twisted his words to malign Pakistan

    While Pakistanis had called out the minister for carelessly making the statement that he went on to clarify later on, Indians, including Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and several journalists, had added fuel to fire by extensively reporting it.

    In a formal statement, the minister had said that the Indian media “acted with gross irresponsibility by misrepresenting the context of the speech” he delivered during a session of the National Assembly.

    Wednesday’s development comes as a series of treason cases between members of the government and opposition continues.

    READ: ‘Abhinandan’s release’: Banners calling Ayaz Sadiq ‘traitor’ surface in Lahore

    Last week, former National Assembly speaker Ayaz Sadiq had landed in hot water for his remarks regarding Abhinandan’s release by Pakistan soon after he was captured.

    The controversy surrounding his statements had led to the military also clarifying the situation, which was followed by the government announcing how the parliamentarian could face legal action.

  • Bollywood thrashed for ‘ruining’ Junoon’s iconic ‘Sayonee’

    Bollywood thrashed for ‘ruining’ Junoon’s iconic ‘Sayonee’

    Bollywood’s golden days are long gone. One of the world’s biggest film industries is now surviving on remakes and its latest remake has irked Pakistanis for ‘ruining’ a classic.

    Lucky Nadiadwala’s upcoming musical thriller Sayonee includes a remake of Junoon’s 90’s classic Sayonee. The remake has been sung by the much-loved playback artist Arijit Singh. According to Indian media, the music of the song has been composed by Joy-Anjan, while Alaukik Rahi penned the lyrics.

    The makers of the film dropped the teaser for the song on Tuesday.

    “Get ready to revive the 90’s legendary song,” read the caption of the teaser.

    Read more – T-Series removes Atif Aslam’s ‘Kinna Sona’ from YouTube, issues apology

    The modern rendition has left Pakistanis fuming, who took to Twitter to express their rage.

    https://twitter.com/jas11234/status/1323722064008720384?s=20
    https://twitter.com/StaunchInsafian/status/1323705186506989569?s=20
    https://twitter.com/PsychedSam/status/1323687107341262850?s=20

    Some users even appealed to Prime Minister Imran Khan to take action against India for this.

    A Twitter user also pointed out that this is not the first time Bollywood did something like this.

    Meanwhile, Salman Ahmad, sharing his thoughts on the song said: “Now Bollywood is singing Junoon. Sayonee has become the most covered, most performed Pakistani song in the subcontinent.”

  • VIDEO: Turkish chef Burak Ozdemir eats meal at Islamabad panahgah

    VIDEO: Turkish chef Burak Ozdemir eats meal at Islamabad panahgah

    Renowned Turkish chef Burak Ozdemir arrived in Pakistan today (Saturday) and ate Pakistani food at Islamabad panagah with several citizens there.

    Burak has become a global sensation with almost 500,000 followers on Twitter and 17.2million followers on Instagram.

    Upon his arrival in Pakistan, the celebrated chef said that both countries share an extraordinary harmony when it comes to cultures and food and he has traveled all the way from his country to experience what Pakistan actually looks like in reality.

    The chef became famous after one of his videos of making a giant-sized kebab, went viral on social media. The 26-year-old Turkey-based chef relishes cooking large-sized meals on camera.

    Talking to media in Islamabad, Burak said that he was happy to visit the country and thanked Pakistanis for their messages and support for the recent earthquake in Turkey’s Izmir.

    The two countries have always cherished excellent relations, he noted.

    He said that this time he will go back after a short trip due to the earthquake but promised to visit different cities including Lahore and Karachi when he visits Pakistan next time.

    “I will start learning to cook more Pakistani food, Today I will go to the shelter home and will cook Pakistani food there,” he said while telling about his plans for the day.

    “We love Kashmir,” the Turkish chef said, adding that he has especially come to Pakistan to eat Kashmiri food.

    https://twitter.com/HniaziISF/status/1322498468758380544?s=20
  • Netflix is raising streaming prices…do Pakistanis have to worry?

    Netflix is raising streaming prices…do Pakistanis have to worry?

    Netflix Inc has raised monthly charges in the United States for its standard and premium subscription plans.

    As per details, Netflix increased the cost of its standard subscription by $1 a month to $14, and the price for the premium tier rose by $2 per month to $18. The standard plan, the company’s most popular, enables two streams at the same time, while the premium plan allows for four simultaneous streams. Its basic plan, which allows only one stream at a time, remains unchanged at $9 a month.

    The price increase was the first for US customers since January 2019.

    The move had been widely expected after Netflix raised its prices in Canada earlier this month and then ended free 30-day trials in the US.

    The new prices will take effect starting immediately for new members while current members will be notified that their subscription is going up as it rolls out over the next few months.

    Read more – Every Pakistani girl wants to be ‘Emily in Paris’

    “We understand people have more entertainment choices than ever and we’re committed to delivering an even better experience for our members,” a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement. “We’re updating our prices so that we can continue to offer more variety of TV shows and films.”

    The spokesperson added that Netflix offers “a range of plans so that people can pick a price that works best for their budget.”

    Netflix, the world’s dominant streaming service, enjoyed a boom in subscriptions at the beginning of the year as viewers around the world were told to stay at home to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. The company expects to end 2020 with more than 200 million streaming subscribers around the world, with 73 million of those from the United States and Canada. It is pertinent to add here that after Netflix raised its US prices last year, the streaming service suffered a decline of 130,000 subscribers in the US and Canada from the end of March to the end of June.

    At the same time, it also is facing a growing list of competitors including Walt Disney Co’s Disney+, HBO Max from AT&T Inc and Apple Inc’s Apple TV+.

    Read more – Pakistan to get its own version of Netflix

    What does this mean for Pakistan?

    The question which comes to mind with this news is whether Pakistani audiences will be affected by this price rise. However, for now, prices for South Asian and Pakistani viewers remain unchanged and they will be unaffected by this price hike.

    You can subscribe to Netflix for Rs 950 – Rs 1,500 a month in Pakistan, depending on your plan.

  • Ameer Gilani releases his first song ‘Sabaat’

    Ameer Gilani releases his first song ‘Sabaat’

    Budding actor Ameer Gilani, who won applause for his role in the recently concluded Sabaat as Hassan Fareed, has launched his own YouTube channel where he released his first song titled Sabaat.

    Gilani has also penned the lyrics for the soulful melody as well as done its original composition. Meanwhile, the music video has been directed by Usman Mukhtar.

    Later, in an Instagram post, Ameer said that the song was in response to the love he has received from his fans.

    “Mere pyaaray doston,” said the actor. “Mein bata nahi sakta ke aap ka pyaar kitna special hai. Mein ne koshish ki hai ke likh ke bayaan karoon. I’m sure this represents the feeling of the entire team.”

    He also said that the song was a small gift from the team of Sabaat to their audiences.

    “Ek chhota sa gift humari taraf se. Ek aakhri baar Sabaat ke liye. Aap ka Aur humara saath ho Sabaat.”

    Sharing the song on his social media, Mukhtar said: “Guys check out this really cool music video I directed for Ameer.”

  • Wasim Akram thinks Pakistan should take inspiration from Turkey

    Wasim Akram thinks Pakistan should take inspiration from Turkey

    Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram, who was recently vacationing in Turkey, says that Pakistan should take inspiration and model itself on Turkey.

    “If Pakistan should model itself on any country, it should be Turkey,” said the former left-arm pacer who was vowed by the Turkish people’s “hospitality, food and their ability to welcome the world”.

    “Pakistan has so many untapped resources, InshAllah we will get there one day,” added Akram in his tweet.

    Wasim, his wife Shaniera and their daughter Aiyla have been having a great time on their first trip to Turkey. They have been keeping their fans updated with pictures and videos from there.

    The former cricketer also referred to Istanbul as a “mesmerising city”.

    Wasim enjoying the delights of Istanbul

    Turkey appears to be Pakistanis favourite vacation spot this season. Several Pakistani celebrities including Komal Aziz Khan, Imran Abbas and Kinza Hashmi have also been spotted there.

  • Imran gets clean chit in PTV, Parliament House attack case

    Imran gets clean chit in PTV, Parliament House attack case

    Prime Minister Imran Khan has been acquitted by an Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) in a case pertaining to an attack on Parliament House in 2014.

    The verdict announced by ATC judge Raja Jawad Abbas Hassan absolved the prime minister of all the charges filed against him by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government. The court said it would indict Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Asad Umar, Pervaiz Khattak, Shafqat Mahmood at the next hearing on Nov 21.

    The court had on October 26 reserved its verdict on the PM’s acquittal plea in the case. The prime minister through his counsel Babar Awan had pleaded that court to quash the case against him. He had said the prosecution was no longer interested in pursuing the case.

     Awan had maintained that there was no evidence proving the involvement of the prime minister in the case. He had also mentioned that no eyewitness has come forward regarding this.

    In September 2014, hundreds of PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers had attacked parliament premises and the PTV office in Islamabad during the 126-day protest against the then PML-N government.

    During the riot, at least 50 people were injured, including police officer Asmatullah Junejo. Subsequently, the government pressed terror charges against the PTI chairman and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri.

  • Unmasked model tests positive for COVID-19 days after walking the ramp

    Unmasked model tests positive for COVID-19 days after walking the ramp

    Model Farwa Ali Kazmi tested positive for COVID-19 less than a week after walking the ramp for Hussain Rehar’s solo show in Lahore. According to writer and stylist Haiya Bokhari, the model “frolicked sans mask throughout the event” after assuming it was seasonal flu.

    “Super-spreader event but make it fashion,” wrote Bokhari on Twitter.

    Later it emerged that the model in question was Farwa Kazmi, who announced in an Instagram story that she has tested positive for coronavirus and is in quarantine.

    She also advised people who were in contact with her or husband Ali to quarantine themselves.

    “All those with cough, body aches and headaches but no fever, please get yourself tested. I had delayed it thinking its seasonal cold but it’s not,” added the model.

    Farwa further said that she thinks she got it by “sharing food and cigar with a COVID-positive”.

    The model also shared her quarantine experience.

    Designer Hussain Rehar had organised a solo fashion show in Lahore in which he showcased his traditional wedding-wear. The show was a glamorous event attended by celebrities, critics and socialites.

    According to details, Hussain’s brides, bridegrooms and a colourful entourage of baraatis twirled to the tunes of popular wedding songs and the beats of the shehnai played out by a live wedding band, enacting the events that are inherent to the big fat Pakistani wedding.

  • ‘Sabaat’ manages to tie up loose ends in a rushed finale

    ‘Sabaat’ manages to tie up loose ends in a rushed finale

    Sabaat, with its refreshing storyline and empowered female characters, won acclaim over the weeks for being different from other dramas being shown on television. It drew to a close Sunday night with a finale that felt a bit rushed but successfully managed to tie up loose ends.

    Warning: Spoilers ahead

    Miraal & Dr Haris

    The final episode of the drama saw Miraal (Sarah Khan) get involved in a car accident and damage her spinal cord which leaves her paralysed from the hip down. That one incident changes everything and gives all major characters in the series a happy ending. When Miraal regains consciousness after her accident, she discovers that her current love interest and ex-fiancé Ali, who was driving the car has run away, while her estranged husband Dr Haris (Usman Mukhtar) is by her side. She realises that she has done wrong to a lot of people and starts redeeming herself – first by telling Hasan (Ameer Gilani) that she was the one who ruined his relationship with Anaya (Mawra Hocane) and then apologising to Anaya personally (That one scene was very well executed). Later, she also seeks forgiveness from her husband, who she was seeking khula from. Everything comes full circle and all characters in the series get a happy ending, including Anaya’s mother (Simi Raheal).

    Anaya and Hassan

    Though in its essence, Sabaat is a family drama with all the usual tropes like a mistrusting husband, nand-bhabhi tensions, etc, its treatment was what set it apart from other dramas. Besides, the drama resonated well with audiences because of its realistic presentation.

    Sabaat was beautifully written by Kashif Anwar (Fun fact – Kashif played Yasir Qureshi in the drama), with some impactful dialogues and brilliant story development (I will forgive the makers for stretching the drama in the last few episodes). The performances were solid – it will not be wrong to say that Mawra Hocane delivered her career-best performance as the quiet but headstrong Anaya, while Sarah Khan played the manipulative and spoilt Miraal to perfection. The boys (Ameer and Usman) also gave great performances and Usman, in particular, blew me away. Not only was Dr Haris an incredibly likable character but Usman also did complete justice to it. I will never forget that tear that dropped from his eye when he received the divorce papers. Laila Zuberi and Simi Raheel were wonderful as the supportive and encouraging mothers while Moazzam Ali Khan was brilliant as the arrogant Fareed Sahab.

    Another reason why the drama stood out was because of its strong and empowered female characters. Though Anaya was a mild-natured person, she did not resort to being a bechari when things went bad and made the best of her circumstances. Even Hassan and Dr Haris were a rare breed – they were shown as sensitive and caring individuals. It is unusual to come across such characters on Pakistani television these days.

    Personally, what I liked best about Sabaat was that nothing about it was over-the-top. Even in her angriest moments, Miraal was restrained and did not resort to screaming (read: screeching) like a mad person.

    Read more – ‘Sabaat’ will have you hooked

    The OST and background music was lovely and perfectly complemented the drama and storyline. Also a shoutout to the drama’s styling team – Miraal’s wardrobe was amazing. I loved each and every outfit and Sarah carried them all so well.

    Sabaat is definitely one for the keeps and is highly recommended. For me, it is going in the same category as Humsafar, Diyaar-e-Dil, Yakeen ka Safar, Ehd-e-Wafa and Zindagi Gulzar Hai.

  • Deepak Perwani sparks outrage for fat-shaming journalist on live chat

    Deepak Perwani sparks outrage for fat-shaming journalist on live chat

    It’s 2020 and Pakistani celebrities are still guilty of fat-shaming. Last week it was Amna Ilyas and this week it’s fashion designer Deepak Perwani.

    In an Instagram live session with Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, Deepak while talking about fashion critics – including journalist Aamna Isani – had said: “Are they critics or the people who take money? They post reviews for money, even on Instagram”.

    On referring to her, he said, “Agar front pay na behtao to moti shor kar rahi hoti hai, motiyan shor kar rahi hoti hain kay free ka bag nahi mila.”

    “80% of the reviews are favourable to the people that they like,” he added.

    Later, when asked to share his thoughts on the Lux Style Awards, Deepak said: ” We don’t allow you to nominate us, who are you to dominate us? Apnay kapray toh dekho. Kya pehan kar ati ho. Humay baatao gi kay kapray kya hotay hain.”

    “You [Hassan] said this to me: ‘That woman, she doesn’t even know how to wear clothes herself and she is going to write a review about my clothes. She doesn’t even know what she is talking about’.”

    “These are your words from five years ago,” Deepak said to Hassan.

    Soon after the video from the live session went viral, social media users lashed out at Deepak for fat-shaming.

    https://twitter.com/ManalFaheemKhan/status/1320274167871246336?s=20
    https://twitter.com/zainaconda/status/1320317910900932610?s=20
    https://twitter.com/AliaChughtai/status/1320431377448423430?s=20

    Interestingly, just a few days back, Aamna had lauded Deepak’s new upcoming collection Shalimar.

    Following the backlash, Deepak apologised to Aamna for his comments.

    “I’m not the kind of person who would body shame anyone,” wrote the designer on Twitter. “My sincerest apologies for my choice of words. It just happened and was not meant to hurt anyone’s sentiments.”

    Deepak’s close friend designer Maheen Khan also encouraged everyone criticising to accept the apology and move on from the incident.