Punjab cybercrime crackdown, 28 suspects arrested

Singer, activist and philanthropist Shehzad Roy is heading to the United States next month, and this time he is bringing comedian and actor Tabish Hashmi along for the journey. The two have announced Zindagi Trust’s annual fundraising dinner tour, scheduled to take place across six American cities between September 18 and 25, with the aim of rallying support from the Pakistani diaspora for one of the country’s most pressing challenges: quality public education. Roy shared the announcement through a video posted on his Instagram account, speaking with the urgency and conviction that has come to define his advocacy work over many years. He was direct about what the tour was trying to achieve and why the Pakistani diaspora’s involvement matters. “That time is not far when people in Pakistan won’t have to beg for education, and parents will be able to send their children to government schools with confidence, knowing they will learn from the best local teachers,” Roy said. He also emphasised the structural reforms he believes are essential to getting there. “We also need proper licensing and qualifications for teachers,” he added. Speaking about the tour itself and what it would offer those who attend, Roy described it as an opportunity for supporters to understand the full picture of what Zindagi Trust has been doing on the ground. “We are coming to share how the organisation is changing the paradigm for government schools and government teachers,” he said. His invitation to the diaspora was direct and personal. “We will share everything that has been accomplished, what still needs to be done, and how each of you can play an integral part in this cause. So please be there,” he said. Roy also explained his decision to bring Hashmi along as a companion for the tour, offering what is clearly both a personal and strategic reason. “He is a great entertainer and will bring happiness into your lives. The reason I am bringing him is because he truly believes in our cause,” he said. The combination of Roy’s advocacy record and Hashmi’s ability to connect with audiences through humour and warmth suggests an event format designed to be as engaging as it is purposeful. The tour will take in Chicago, New Jersey, Washington, Dallas, Houston and San Francisco, covering a significant spread of cities with large Pakistani diaspora communities. Zindagi Trust was founded by Roy with the mission of transforming Pakistan’s public school system, improving access to quality education for children who would otherwise have no alternative, and raising the professional standing of government school teachers across the country. Over the years, Roy has remained one of Pakistan’s most persistent and credible voices on children’s rights and education reform, using his platform as an artist to keep the conversation alive in ways that formal advocacy alone rarely manages. The American tour represents an effort to extend that conversation beyond Pakistan’s borders and bring those who have left the country into a direct relationship with the work being done on the ground. For the communities in those six cities, September’s fundraising dinners will offer both an evening of entertainment and a meaningful opportunity to contribute to something real.

Journalist Naeem Hanif has come under fire on social media after commenting on veteran actor and writer Syed Mohammad Ahmed’s recent claims of being mistreated by younger actors on a drama set. His remarks sparked widespread criticism, with many internet users accusing him of being disrespectful toward a senior artist. Syed Mohammad Ahmed recently revealed that he had faced inappropriate behaviour from younger actors during a shoot. In his interview, he named actors Fahad Sheikh, Faizan Sheikh, and Jenan Hussain, saying they repeatedly made fun of him and crossed professional boundaries on set. The veteran actor’s statements received overwhelming support from fans and fellow celebrities, many of whom praised him for speaking openly about the issue. Ahmed later clarified that he had not intended for the interview to be uploaded publicly. However, once the video surfaced online, it quickly went viral, bringing the alleged incident into the spotlight and triggering a wider conversation about respect for senior artists in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Reacting to the controversy, Naeem Hanif argued that Syed Mohammad Ahmed had exaggerated the situation. According to Hanif, actors on drama sets often joke with one another, and the incident should not have been presented as a major issue. During his analysis, Hanif said, “Muhammad Ahmed, before you make such a big thing, understand where you are. You are not a lecturer. You are not teaching an Islamiat lecture in a university that you got so offended by someone making fun of you.” He further added, “What is your venue where this all happened? You are doing a drama. You are doing acting. You are in showbiz.” His comments quickly drew backlash online, with many social media users saying his remarks were insensitive and failed to acknowledge the importance of treating senior colleagues with dignity and respect, regardless of the workplace. One user criticised Hanif for disrespecting an elder, saying it was shameful for someone calling himself a journalist to speak in such a manner about a veteran artist. The commenter also questioned his credibility as a journalist. Another social media user accused Hanif of having double standards. The commenter argued that if he believed interactions with unrelated women in the media were inappropriate, he should also reflect on his own work in television and digital media. The user questioned why he was preaching morality while continuing to benefit from the same industry. Many others echoed similar views, stating that professionalism should never be compromised and that no one, especially a senior actor with decades of experience, deserves to be ridiculed on a professional set. The debate continues online, with a large number of fans standing by Syed Mohammad Ahmed and maintaining that respect for senior artists should remain a fundamental value within the entertainment industry.