Weekly News Round-Up (4th – 10th September)
This past week Atif Aslam released a song in collaboration with the ISPR, we had few updates in the ongoing Ali Zafar defamation case, Minal Khan’s wedding festivities got people talking and news of the PISA’21 nominations have Pakistanis excited! Read on more to find out what you missed this week:
PM Takes Notice Of Umer Sharif’s Plea
Pakistani comedian Umer Sharif has been ill and has requested the Prime Minister to help him get treated abroad. He said,”Doctors are telling me I can get the best treatment in America. I, Umer Sharif, am now addressing the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan sahab. Whenever you have called me for anything, I have always been there for you, which is why I believe that you will also be there for me.” Waseem Badami stated that Umer Sharif doesn’t require financial assistance from the government but needs help in making travel arrangements for his treatment during Covid-19 restrictions. Soon after, Dr Shahbaz Gill tweeted that the Prime Minister’s office had gotten in touch and had ensured their immediate assistance. We wish Umer Sharif a speedy recovery.
Atif Aslam & Ameer Gilani Honour Pakistan’s Brave Soldiers At The Border
Singer Atif Aslam and actor Ameer Gilani join ISPR in honouring Pakistani soldiers risking their lives at the border. The song called, “Paighaam Layi Saba” aired on Defence Day and is written by Masood Alam and directed by Mohsin Kamal.
In accordance with the spirit of Pakistan Defence Day, this song is a tribute and an acknowledgement of the ultimate sacrifices made in the line of duty by our fearless men in uniform. ‘Paigham Layi Saba’ is dedicated to the iron will and perseverance of every soldier and every martyr. It showcases the courage and valor of the daring men, who tirelessly serve their country… Words of this song come straight from the heart of a Pak soil’s brave son. The track is an honest expression of his passion and devotion towards both; his home and homeland. It is an earnest promise he makes to himself, his loved ones and his country and the way he keeps that promise even as he breathes his last.
ISPR
Minal Khan’s Wedding Festivites Made The News
As Minal Khan and Ahsan Mohsin Ikram get ready to tie the knot, their wedding festivities have people talking online. While many are in awe of their picture-perfect event and how well they both looked together, the images from their mayun and dholki have caused quite a stir. The news of the event, and the fact that there was music and dancing involved, seems to have offended some Pakistanis who believe that they didn’t show enough respect towards the month of Muharram.
Arrest Warrants For Saba Qamar & Bilal Saeed Cancelled By Lahore Court
Earlier this week arrest warrants had been issued by Judicial Magistrate Jowaria Munir Bhatti for Saba Qamar and Bilal Saeed and their bail was set at PKR 30,000 after they failed to appear at their recent court hearing. This news was related to the alleged desecration of the Wazir Khan mosque by both actors for their ‘Qubool Hai’ music video. Even though both Saba Qamar and Bilal Saeed had apologized profusely for the incident an FIR was registered against them under Section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code (defiling a place of worship with the intent to insult the religion of any class). However, on the 10th of September, the arrest warrants were cancelled by the district court in Lahore and they are scheduled to appear at their next hearing scheduled for October 6 and submit personal surety bonds worth Rs30,000 each.
An Update In The Ali Zafar Defamation Case
Earlier this week Magistrate Yousaf Abdul Rehman summoned Meesha Shafi and Maham Javed for the next date of hearing. “So, keeping in view the above, absent accused ladies be summoned through summons,” the order said. The magistrate also issued bailable arrest warrants for Oct 6 of Ms Omar and non-bailable arrest warrants for Ali Gul Pir, who remained unrepresented, according to Dawn News. The FIA had lodged the FIR under section 20 of the Pakistan Electronic Crime Act and section 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code against nine persons allegedly for running a smear campaign against the complainant (Ali Zafar) on social media. The agency in its challan (investigation report) said the investigation established that all the suspects including Shafi posted serious/direct allegations and defamatory /derogatory content on social media against the complainant – reported Dawn News. Responding to the news of the arrest warrants, Ali Gul Pir remained unapologetic and stated the following on Twitter:
PISA’21 Award Categories And Nominations Revealed!
Organizers of the 2nd annual Pakistan International Screen Awards (PISA’21) – to take place at the stunning Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, on November 5th, 2021 – has revealed the exciting list of 24 award categories for PISA ’21, along with the diverse and eclectic nominees. This year, with a new and prestigious jury, made up of stalwart industry professionals, PISA has developed an array of glittering categories encompassing outstanding performances and achievements of artists who shone brightly in 2020. Voting lines will be open shortly but in the meantime see who the nominees are for each of the categories by clicking here!
