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Tag: Turkey

  • Pakistan to send coronavirus relief assistance to Palestine

    Pakistan to send coronavirus relief assistance to Palestine

    Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said on Tuesday that Pakistan would send coronavirus and medical emergency relief assistance to Palestine on humanitarian grounds.

    This decision was taken during the cabinet meeting held on Tuesday. Fawad said the cabinet thoroughly discussed the prevailing situation in Palestine and expressed indignation over the unfortunate situation of Palestinians.

    “Pakistan was the first country that took a strong, clear, and unflinching stance on Palestine,” said Chaudhry.

    Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi went on an official visit to Turkey, where he held a meeting with his Turkish counterpart on the Palestine issue.

    Foreign ministers of different Islamic countries including Pakistan, Turkey, Sudan, and Palestine will leave for New York in a group form to attend the special session of the United Nations General Assembly on Palestine, he said.

  • Turkey, Maldives emerge celebrity pandemic vacation hotspots

    Turkey, Maldives emerge celebrity pandemic vacation hotspots

    If you’re an avid social media user like us, who loves following celebrities, chances are you have seen some of them jetting off to luxury destinations in recent weeks – despite rising coronavirus infection rates and restrictions across the world.

    From Imran Abbas to Sarah Khan to Bollywood stars including Madhuri Dixit, Janhvi Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, several celebrities have been spotted vacationing in Turkey and Maldives.

    Imran Abbas

    Abbas has been keeping us updated with his whereabouts by sharing photos of himself in Turkey. The actor has also been spotted hanging out with several Turkish actors including Yeşim Ceren Bozoğlu, who essays the role of Hazal Hatun in Kurulus: Osman.

    Last month, Abbas also visited the sets of the popular dramas Diriliş: Ertuğrul and Kuruluş: Osman, where actor Celal Al presented him with a handmade flag from the historical series.

    Meanwhile, the Pakistani actor is also all set to host a Ramzan transmission from Istanbul titled Baraan e Rehmat, which will be co-hosted by Reema Khan from Pakistan.

    Sarah Khan and Falak Shabbir

    Sarah and Falak, who tied the knot during the lockdown, have jetted off to Turkey for what appears to be their honeymoon.

    The couple has been sharing loved up photos with each other giving us all the feels besides a serious case of wanderlust.

    Sumbul Iqbal

    Sumbul Iqbal seems to be having the time of her life in Turkey. The Dulhan star shared some gorgeous clicks of herself with fans on her Instagram.

    Iqbal is giving us major fashion inspo also.

    Sumbul is enjoying her Turkish vacation with sister Kompal Iqbal.

    Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt

    Power couple Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt certainly know how to enjoy a getaway and show it too.

    Though the couple was in the country for an ad campaign, they sure struck a balance between work and pleasure.

    The couple also went for a cruise on the Bosphorus.

    Nida Yasir

    Nida was spotted enjoying some family time in Turkey back in February.

    Zara Noor Abbas

    Actress Mariam Mirza and Zara Noor Abbas are recently in Turkey. Mariam Mirza shared pictures, enjoying her holidays with her husband in Turkey and Zara is also having fun there with her freind.

    Fawad Khan

    Recently, Fawad Khan and wife Sadaf were also spotted in Turkey. The photos and videos shared on social media show that they are accompanied by their friends and industry mates.

    This is their first public appearance after the birth of their child. Producer Ammara Hikmat and others shared the snaps on their Instagram stories.

    Madhuri Dixit

    Madhuri Dixit has joined the long list of Bollywood celebrities who went to the Maldives for a family holiday recently.

    The actor has been sharing snippets from her Maldives vacation, which she is enjoying with her husband and sons.

    Dixit’s Maldives itinerary also included thrilling water sports experiences, snorkelling and a date night with husband.

    Janhvi Kapoor

    Janhvi Kapoor is enjoying a vacation in the Maldives with her friends. The actor posted pictures of herself looking absolutely gorgeous in beach wear.

    “Last to get on the Maldives bandwagon but I fully get the hype,” said the actor.

    Dia Mirza

    Dia Mirza, who recently announced that she is expecting, spent the past few days holidaying in the Maldives with her husband Vaibhav Rekhi.

    In fact, Dia announced her pregnancy with a sunset shot from her vacation.

    Shraddha Kapoor

  • Speaker NA Asad Qaiser tours the sets of ‘Kuruluş: Osman’

    Speaker NA Asad Qaiser tours the sets of ‘Kuruluş: Osman’

    Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser on his recent visit to Turkey toured the sets of Kuruluş: Osman and met with the lead cast and producers of the show.

    Read more – Fawad Chaudhry visits sets of ‘Kuruluş: Osman’ in Turkey

    Sharing pictures from his visit on social media, Qaiser said: “Walking through the set of Kuruluş: Osman has been a joyful experience for us.”

    “I shall always cherish the hospitality and warmth given to us in Turkey. We are grateful for the love with which you hosted us,” he added.

    The Speaker praised the show’s producer Mehmet Bozdağ for “penning down a masterpiece like Kuruluş: Osman.”

    He also thanked him for “navigating us through the sets,” calling it an “incredible experience”.

    Qaiser also met Burak Özçivit, who plays Osman in the super hit series, saying it was a pleasure to meet the Turkish actor.

    Bozdağ also shared pictures from Speaker’s visit, saying that he was honoured to host them and sent his greetings to all the people of Pakistan.

    Meanwhile, it is being reported that the production team of the series will be visiting Islamabad after Eid to work on Pakistan and Turkey’s joint production venture and will also hold a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan.

  • People cannot stop arguing over whether Pakistani culture is more like Turkey or India

    The Pakistan Day celebrations at Parade Avenue in Islamabad, which took place on March 25 caught everyone’s attention this year for a different reason. The unusual thing that happened was a performance by a Turkish musical band, who played the theme song of Diriliş: Ertuğrul’s on the occasion.

    Referring to the performance, a Twitter user said: “You think the Turks secretly laugh at our unhealthy obsession with Ertuğrul?”

    While the tweet was meant to be humorous tweet, it started a debate on whether Pakistani culture reflects India or Turkey given most Pakistanis have grown up watching Bollywood.

    “Don’t know is it unhealthy? The whole country obsesses over Bollywood, a propaganda industry for a country that’s been trying to destabilize us for decades. I think a little Ertugrul is nothing in comparison,” said one Twitter user.

    https://twitter.com/cereal_twit/status/1375090276700729355?s=21

    Another user said: “We are obsessed with Bollywood because it has not been a century since Pakistan and India have been parted. We share the language and culture with them. Idk what do we have in common with Turks though.”

    https://twitter.com/rishamfs/status/1375349976298049537?s=21

    Check out some more tweets over the debate here:

    https://twitter.com/guzelrumz/status/1375349402542481410
    https://twitter.com/carpedisk/status/1375460787016228867
    https://twitter.com/rishamfs/status/1375472372757622784
  • VIDEO: Turkish military band plays ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’s’ theme song at Pakistan Day celebrations

    VIDEO: Turkish military band plays ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’s’ theme song at Pakistan Day celebrations

    The Pakistan Day celebrations at Parade Avenue in Islamabad were a grand affair. The event which takes place on March 23 every year to mark Pakistan Resolution Day was rescheduled to March 25 due to bad weather conditions.

    While everything was taking place as per the norm, what caught everyone’s attention was the Turkish band’s performance of Diriliş: Ertuğrul’s theme song. As per Radio Pakistan, the Turkish military band also presented different tunes including Dil Dil Pakistan during the parade.

    To reaffirm the strong bond between Pakistan and Turkey, a Turkish fighter jet also presented a whole range of dazzling maneuvers.

    The Turkish band was holding three flags, white red and green.The white flag represented peace, red represented Ottoman Empire and the green represented Islam.

    Meanwhile, President Arif Alvi, who was the chief guest at the occasion, said: “Pakistan is laced with capabilities to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty, categorically stating that any misadventure will receive a befitting response.

    The President added that Pakistan is a strong nuclear power and “apart from making progress in the socio-economic sectors, the country has achieved self-reliance in defence”. He also expressed satisfaction that Pakistan is also exporting its defence products.

    The floats of Ministry of Science and Technology and the front-line healthcare workers against Covid-19 were also part of the parade.

    Performers from Pakistan also participated in the parade. Ali Hamza from Noori the band and Young stunners were also performing.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the Prime Minister Imran Khan was unable to attend the parade because he had tested positive for coronavirus last week.

  • Modi, Bilawal, Tariq Jamil among others wish PM Khan a swift recovery

    Prime Minister Imran Khan on March 20 tested positive for COVID-19. According to details, the premier is suffering from ‘mild symptoms’ and is self-isolating at home. PM Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi has also tested positive for the virus.

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, while talking to the media, said that they “are monitoring his clinical parameters, and medical treatment will be given to him if required.”

    “Right now, there is no need for any treatment, as such,” added Dr Sultan.

    Soon after the news of PM Imran testing positive spread, prayers started pouring in for his speedy recovery. Among those who sent him good wishes include Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maulana Tariq Jamil, PPP co-chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and PML-N’s Ahsan Iqbal.

    “Best wishes to PM Imran for a speedy recovery from COVID-19,” said PM Modi.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with him during this time of difficulty,” said PM Rajapaksa.

    “May Allah grant him full and speedy recovery,” said Maulana Tariq Jamil.

    PPP’s BBZ and Sherry Rehman and PML-N’s Ahsan Iqbal also prayed for the PM’s swift recovery.

    PM Khan’s former teammates Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja and Waqar Younis also prayed for his swift recovery.

  • Imran Abbas visits the set of ‘Kuruluş: Osman’ in Turkey

    After Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Abbas is the latest Pakistani to visit the set of superhit Turkish drama Diriliş: Ertuğrul and Kuruluş: Osman in Turkey.

    Taking to Instagram, the Khuda Aur Mohabbat star shared posted the photos with Turkish star Celal AL, who portrays the role of Abdur Rehman in Diriliş: Ertuğrul, and producer of Kuruluş: Osman.

    Celal also presented him with a flag of the Kayi tribe. Thanking them, Abbas wrote: “Thank you, Celal Al and Ozcan Ayma, for presenting me this handmade flag and showing me around the sets of Ertugrul Ghazi and Kuruluş: Osman.”

    Last week, Imran posted a video of himself and Celal jamming to the late Junaid Jamshed’s popular song Dil Dil Pakistan.

    Celal also hosted Pakistani actors Reema Khan, Sadia Khan, Adnan Siddiqui and Humayun Saeed in Turkey last month.

    Earlier, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry visited Turkey on a trip with his family. He also visited the sets of Kuruluş: Osman where he interacted with the actors of the Turkish historical series.

  • ‘Turki Lala’: Everything you need to know about Pak-Turk’s joint production venture

    Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to air Diriliş: Ertuğrul on state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) has opened new doors for the Pakistani entertainment industry with a new alliance formed between Pakistani production house Ansari Films and Turkish production house Tekden Films.

    According to a press release, “Countering the narrative of Islamophobia and highlighting the teachings of Islam and the goodness the religion propagates will be a key focus of the new alliance between Pakistan-based Ansari Films and Turkish production house Tekden Films. This was discussed during one of the many meetings held during the recent Turkey visit of Pakistani delegation to Turkey.”

    The Pakistani delegation comprising of Adnan Siddiqui, Humayun Saeed, producers Dr Kashif Ansari of Ansari Films and Dr Junaid Ali Shah met senior ministers in the Turkish government and discussed an upcoming series Turki Lala, which will be a joint production venture between the two countries. Turki Lala is expected to go on floors soon. The plot of the upcoming venture is based on “Turki Lala who is considered to be one of the most glorious Muslim nationalists to have assisted Turkey during the Balkan War and World War I.”

    According to the Ansari-Tekden team, this will [the partnership] start a new chapter in the cross-border talent exchange including actors and writers and more programmes on popular names in the history.”

    During their three-day visit, the Pakistani delegation also met several Turkish dignitaries including Governor of Istanbul Ali Yerlikaya, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Youth and Sports Minister M. Muharrem Kasapoglu.

    Speaking about the project, Humayun said: “Turkey has very graciously extended its cooperation to us when we start shooting the series. Turki Lala is a formidable figure in Pak-Turkey relations that go back centuries. The programme will be a tribute to his heroics as well the great friendship between the two nations.”

    Similarly, Adnan while sharing his thoughts on the project said: “Plans are afoot to create content that breaks the myth surrounding Muslims which, unfortunately, has led to unnecessary hatred towards the community. We want people to know that Islam is all about purity of thought and deeds through our future productions. We had a detailed dialogue on the same with the communication director of Presidency Fahrettin Altun.”

    Earlier, Turkish actor Celal Al warmly welcomed Humayun, Adnan, Reema Khan and Sadia Khan in Turkey.

    In January when a Turkish delegation visited Pakistan, Humayun had announced that he and his “friend Adnan Siddiqui” are bringing the biggest project ever in collaboration with Kashif [Ansari] and “our Turkish brothers”. He revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed between Tekdin Films and Dr Kashif Ansari of Ansari Films and TRT Films which would lead to a collective project and Adnan and Humayun would be overseeing casting and production-related decisions in Pakistan.

    While a release date for the project has not been announced, it is being speculated that the series will begin to air some time in 2023.

    Meanwhile, Adnan and Humayun have been sharing pictures of themselves enjoying the beauty of Turkey.

  • IN PICTURES: Celal Al welcomes Humayun, Adnan and Reema to Turkey

    IN PICTURES: Celal Al welcomes Humayun, Adnan and Reema to Turkey

    Turkish actor Celal Al on Sunday welcomed Pakistani actors Humayun Saeed, Reema Khan, Sadia Khan and Adnan Siddiqui in Turkey.

    Sharing a picture of Pakistani celebrities enjoying their meals together in his Instagram stories, Celal wrote: “Adnan, Humayun, Reema and Sadia welcome to Istanbul. Turkey-Pakistan brotherhood zindabad.”

    Earlier, Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui left their fans excited when they informed them of their visit to Turkey.

    Reema also shared a picture with the production team of Diriliş: Ertuğrul on her Instagram account.

    Later Reema shared some fascinating pictures and video of their tour to Hagia Sophia Mosque. Posting a video on Instagram, she also shared the history of this Mosque and wrote: “The world-famous Hagia Sophia mosque ( Which has converted into museum also in Istanbul. A world Heritage site, was originally built as a cathedral around 1,500 years ago by the Bazantine Empire.”

    She also shared some pictures of the meetup with Kamal Tekdin, the famous series’ executive producer and other participants.

    Adnan Siddiqui also took to Instagram and shared a video of their tour. Sharing how he felt, the actor wrote: “It was spellbinding to offer prayer at the iconic Hagia Sophia Holy Grand Mosque. It is grand in ever sense of the word—history, beauty, political significance.”

    “A little lesson in history for those who may not be aware. The world-famous Hagia Sophia museum in Istanbul, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, was originally built as a cathedral around 1500 years ago by the Byzantine empire. The architectural marvel was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. In 1934, it became a museum,” he added.

    “Only in July last year, it became a mosque again and opened for prayer and worship,” he wrote.

    Earlier this year, a Turkish delegation comprising Diriliş: Ertuğrul executive producer Tekdin and actor Celal visited Pakistan where they met Prime Minister Imran Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz, Shehryar Afridi, Humayun and Adnan. It was reported that the two countries are working together on a joint production to strengthen ties and people-to-people contact. This tour of Pakistani celebrities to Turkey depicts that something very interesting is coming our way.

  • Engin Altan cancels agreement with Kashif Zameer, promises to visit Pakistan again

    Engin Altan cancels agreement with Kashif Zameer, promises to visit Pakistan again

    Diriliş: Ertuğrul star Engin Altan Düzyatan has renounced his agreement with Chaudhry Group of Industries, saying he no longer represents them as the brand ambassador. The Managing Director of the company is Mian Kashif Zameer, who had in January, claimed that Engin will be visiting Pakistan in three days.

    In a statement, the Turkish actor said: “I, Engin Altan Düzyatan, would like to announce that I have renounced the agreement with the Pakistani company, Chaudhry Group of Industries as its brand ambassador.”

    Engin added that he visited Pakistan to discuss and finalize the terms and conditions of the agreement, which both parties agreed on.

    “Despite constant reports in the Pakistani media about this agreement, we adhered to terms and conditions of the agreement and agreed to wait for a month to and give time and opportunity to Chaudhry Group of Industries to clarify its position,” said Engin further. “However, we were deeply saddened by the lies and misinformation given to the media by the company’s MD, Kashif Zameer regarding the agreement.”

    The statement further said that “Kashif Zameer has not fulfilled any of the conditions despite the period given under the agreement” adding, “we have unilaterally cancelled the agreement.”

    The Turkish actor said that the company has not paid even half of the agreed amount.

    “We no longer have any connection with Mian Kashif Zameer, Mohammad Ismail and their company Chaudhry Group of Industries,” stated Engin.

    The statement further said: “Our visit to Pakistan has given us the opportunity to meet the loving people of Pakistan and see the beautiful country. We are determined to further develop Turkish-Pakistani relations and promote friendship and each other’s cultures.”

    VIDEO: Engin Altan says ‘Lahore Lahore Hai’

    Expressing his delight over the love he received in Pakistan, the Turkish actor said: “The deep interest shown by the people of Pakistan in the Turkish dramas has impressed me immensely, and I consider it an honour to again visit Pakistan soon.”

    “I assure you that, InshAllah, I will soon visit Pakistan again with a new and right plan to embrace the people of Pakistan,” concluded Engin.

    “Long live Pakistan-Turkey Friendship.”

    In December 2020, Engin Altan visited Pakistan for a short visit and was hosted by Kashif Zameer. Later, it was reported that Zameer struck a deal of one million dollars with the Turkish actor but paid only half of it.  Zameer, later trashed the rumours saying that Engin had assured him that the deal will not be disbanded.