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Zara Noor Abbas reveals her first move as a police officer

Zara Noor Abbas

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Zara Noor Abbas said she would seek severe punishment for those convicted of sexual abuse against women and children if she were given the opportunity to serve as a police officer for a day.

Speaking to digital podcast during the promotion of her upcoming film “Shehroze,” Abbas said she would take action against offenders, adding that she would not consider what the law says in such a situation.

Abbas is returning to the big screen after seven years and plays the lead role in the film’s segment “Gear Up,” directed by Saqib Khan.

Describing her character, also named Saira, Abbas said she plays an officer in a bomb disposal squad whose abilities are initially overlooked because she is a woman.

She said her character discovers that a bomb has been planted and must not only defuse it but also prove that she is capable of handling the task.

Asked what she would do if she became a police officer for one day, Abbas said she would pursue cases involving violence against women and children and seek the harshest punishment for those responsible.

In a lighter part of the interview, Abbas was asked which celebrity she would arrest if she became a police officer. She jokingly named her husband, actor Asad Siddiqui.

Asked whom she would place in an interrogation room, Abbas named actor Fahad Mustafa.

“Shehroze,” an anthology film produced by Tamasha Films, is scheduled to be released in cinemas across Pakistan on Oct. 2.

The film features three stories centered on different women. Ushna Shah and Kinza Hashmi play the lead roles in the segments “Punch” and “Artist,” respectively.

98% of men make fun of wives among friends, Sunita Marshall claims

98% of men

KARACHI: Pakistani actress and model Sunita Marshall has spoken about what she described as inappropriate behavior by men toward their wives, particularly in social gatherings.

Speaking on a morning show recently, Marshall said, “Around 98% of men make fun of their wives when they sit with friends. This is more common in our Desi culture, but you don’t see anything like this in the West.”

She said men sometimes ridicule their wives when they offer advice in front of others, even though the issue could be discussed privately and respectfully later.

“If a wife gives advice in front of everyone, the husband immediately says, ‘Keep your advice to yourself,’” Marshall said, adding that he could instead explain privately that he disagreed with her advice.

The actor said societal attitudes often condition men to view their wives as inferior.

She also pointed to differences in the way husbands and wives address each other, saying wives often use respectful terms such as “aap” when speaking to their husbands, while husbands commonly use the informal “tum” for their wives.

Marshall said some husbands believe they have the right to make fun of their wives because they consider them younger or inferior.

Her comments have gone viral on social media, with users sharing their views and many agreeing with her observations.

Actress Mahira Khan opens up about pregnancy at 41

Actress Mahira Khan

 Pakistani actress Mahira Khan says she never expected to become a mother again at this stage of her life, describing her pregnancy as an emotional and physically challenging new chapter.

Khan announced on Instagram a day earlier that she was expecting her second child, prompting an outpouring of congratulations and good wishes from fans and fellow celebrities.

Speaking in an interview with a female journalist during the Toronto International Film Festival, Khan opened up about her pregnancy and how different the experience has been from becoming a mother for the first time.

“I did not expect to become a mother again at this stage of my life,” Khan said, explaining that her life had already taken a particular direction. Her son had grown older, while she had become accustomed to her work, routines and independence.

The actor said she had imagined her life following a certain path, but beginning the journey of motherhood again after many years had brought a significant emotional change.

Khan said people make plans for their lives, but “Allah has His own plan,” which she described as the best plan.

She said the experience had taught her that people do not need to control everything or know the answer to every question in advance. Sometimes, she added, it is necessary to allow life to surprise you and surrender to God’s will.

Khan also reflected on the difference between her first pregnancy and her current experience.

She said she was 24 when she first became a mother and is now 41, making her emotionally and physically a different person.

The actor said her first experience came with a certain innocence, when she was healthy and less concerned about the possible challenges. This time, she said, the pregnancy has been physically more difficult.

“There are days when my body does not allow me to do what my mind wants,” Khan said, noting that she has always been used to staying busy, working, traveling and managing several things at once.

She said the experience was also emotionally different because people become more aware and cautious with age and develop a deeper understanding of life’s fragility and importance.

Khan said she was experiencing “fear, exhaustion and vulnerability” alongside immense happiness during her second pregnancy.

Khan married Ali Askari in 2007, and their son, Azlan, was born in September 2009. The couple divorced in 2016.

She later began a relationship with businessman Salim Karim, and the couple married in Bhurban in October 2023.

Hania Aamir faces criticism over dance video amid PIMS tragedy

Hania Aamir

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Hania Aamir has come under criticism after sharing a dance video on social media amid a series of tragic incidents in the country.

Aamir recently posted a video on Instagram in which she was wearing a Pakistan cricket team shirt and dancing to a song while drinking coffee in an open-top vehicle.

The video drew criticism from social media users, who questioned the timing of the post as the country mourns recent tragedies. Some users argued that public figures with large followings should use their platforms to raise awareness about important issues.

Several users specifically referred to the deaths of 14 newborn babies in a fire at PIMS hospital in Islamabad and questioned why Aamir had not spoken about the incident.

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Others referred to the reported rape and killing of 4-year-old Ayat Noor in Haripur and called on the actor to speak out about the case.

The criticism has sparked discussion on social media over the role of celebrities and influencers in addressing serious social issues during times of national tragedy.

Maryam Nafees breaks down over violence against women and children

Maryam Nafees

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Maryam Nafees broke down in tears while speaking about cases of sexual violence and killings involving women and young children.

Nafees shared an emotional video on her Instagram account in which she was seen crying as she expressed her distress over the repeated incidents of violence against women and minors in society.

The actress referred to several reported cases, including the alleged gang rape and killing of a 5-year-old girl whose body was later found in a well. She also mentioned a newborn girl found outside an orphanage and the killing of a woman named Hina, allegedly by her husband.

Nafees also referred to reported cases involving a 20-year-old woman and an 18-month-old girl, expressing frustration over the continued violence and asking what could be done to prevent such incidents.

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“Are we doing anything? What are we supposed to do?” she said while speaking emotionally in the video.

Her comments came amid renewed public concern over violence against women and children and calls for stronger measures to protect vulnerable members of society.

Mahira Khan voices support for justice in Mir Raza murder case

Mahira Khan

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has expressed support for efforts seeking justice in the murder case of young Karachi businessman Mir Raza.

The internationally recognised actress reacted to statements by lawyer and activist Jibran Nasir, whose comments regarding the case have been widely shared on social media in recent days.

In a social media comment, Mahira praised Nasir for his efforts, saying, “Jibran Nasir, you are doing excellent work. We will all come out on the streets against this injustice.”

She added that “this nonsense must end now.”

The comments came after a preliminary medical report following Mir Raza’s exhumation revealed that he was shot from behind and had signs of physical torture on his body.

According to the report, fractures were found on his right thigh and jaw, while blood marks were also found on tissues in the lower part of his body.

During the investigation, forensic examination of Raza’s shirt reportedly found traces indicating that acid was thrown on his hands and face, allegedly in an attempt to conceal his identity.

The case has drawn public attention, with calls for a thorough investigation and justice for the victim’s family.

Sanam Saeed to represent Pakistan at Cannes Film Festival

Sanam Saeed

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Sanam Saeed and model Roma Riaz will represent Pakistan at the Cannes Film Festival, marking another presence for the country on the global cinematic stage.

Saeed is set to make her debut at the prestigious festival and has been included in the inaugural honorary group of South Asian Women Excellence in Cinema & Arts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sanam Saeed Mirza (@sanammody)

Sharing a video on social media, she said she will carry the legacy of legendary Pakistani actress Begum Shamim Ara to Cannes.

Meanwhile, model Roma Riaz will also represent Pakistan at the international platform, highlighting the country’s growing visibility in global fashion and film circuits.

It is worth noting that in 2018, renowned Pakistani actor Mahira Khan became the first Pakistani actress to debut on the Cannes red carpet.

Hina Altaf recalls disturbing experience during drama shoot

Hina Altaf

KARACHI: Pakistani actress and host Hina Altaf has revealed a disturbing and unsafe experience during the shooting of a drama project, drawing attention to workplace safety in the entertainment industry.

In an Instagram story, Hina Altaf said she felt “highly unsafe and extremely uncomfortable” after an interaction with a person present on set.

She said she immediately sensed that the situation was not secure and chose to remove herself from the environment without delay. The actor added that she also reported the incident to the relevant production house.

Following her statement, social media users praised her courage and decision to speak out, expressing strong support for her stance.

Many users described her disclosure as an important step toward highlighting harassment issues in professional workplaces and stressed the need to ensure safe working environments for women in the entertainment industry.

Fiza Ali faces backlash over Labour Day show featuring workers

Fiza Ali faces

KARACHI: Pakistani actress and host Fiza Ali has once again come under scrutiny on social media, this time over a special programme aired on Labour Day.

On May 1, Fiza Ali invited individuals from various working-class backgrounds to her show to pay tribute to their contributions.

During the programme, she was also seen holding a shovel and recording a video reel alongside labourers, highlighting the importance of the working class.

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A post shared by Real Fiza Ali (@fiza_aali)

However, despite the intended tribute, many social media users criticized the segment, calling it an attempt to gain attention rather than a genuine effort to honor workers.

Critics argued that instead of treating the labourers as respected guests, they were presented in a manner that appeared staged for ratings and online engagement.

Some users commented that the workers should have been invited and treated with dignity rather than being used for social media content, while others sarcastically remarked on the style of content creation.

Several voices also pointed out that if the aim was to truly acknowledge the contributions of labourers, the presentation should have been more serious and respectful.

While the video drew attention from fans, it also sparked widespread criticism, igniting a fresh debate online over the portrayal of workers and the ethics of content creation.

Hina Tariq’s remarks on gender roles spark debate on social media

Hina Tariq’s remarks

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Hina Tariq has stirred debate after sharing her views on women’s rights, feminism, and traditional gender roles during a recent YouTube interview.

Hina Tariq described “feminism” in strong terms, stating that she does not support modern interpretations that, in her view, blur traditional responsibilities between men and women.

During the discussion, she said she prefers men who are strong, decisive, and responsible, rather than overly sensitive or “soft-natured.”

According to her, a man should take charge of planning, financial responsibilities such as paying rent, and expressing affection through gestures like giving flowers and providing emotional support.

The actress added that while she is financially independent herself, she still expects men to fulfil their traditional roles, arguing that women appreciate love, attention, and respect in a more conventional relationship structure.

She further stated that she does not admire women who take on traditionally male roles, such as handling heavy tasks or managing all practical responsibilities independently, suggesting that such roles should remain balanced between genders.

Hina Tariq emphasized that, in her opinion, women are “gentle and beautiful beings” who deserve affection and care rather than anger or conflict.

Her comments have triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some users supporting her views as aligned with traditional values, while others criticized them as being opposed to modern feminist thought.