Life & Style

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    Ertugrul star Celal Al sends ‘Dil Dil Pakistan?…

    Turkish actor Celal Al has once again shown his affection for Pakistan, winning hearts among Pakistani fans with a warm message celebrating the close friendship between the two countries. Celal Al, best known for playing Abdurrahman Alp in the hit historical drama Diriliş: Ertuğrul, has developed a strong connection with Pakistani audiences since the series became hugely popular in the country. His portrayal of the loyal and courageous warrior made him a familiar face among viewers and helped build a passionate fan following in Pakistan. The actor recently confirmed that he plans to visit Pakistan again. In a message shared with his Pakistani followers, Celal expressed his excitement about returning and meeting fans. He also hinted that his upcoming visit will include several surprises connected to a collaboration with a Turkish brand. (Minute Mirror⁠) Celal ended his message with the much-loved phrase “Dil Dil Pakistan” alongside “Jan Jan Türkiye,” highlighting the cultural warmth between Pakistani and Turkish people. His words quickly attracted attention from fans who have followed his career since Ertugrul became a household favourite in Pakistan. (Minute Mirror⁠) This is not the first time Celal has celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day. In August 2020, the actor shared a special video message in Urdu for Pakistani fans. He wished them a happy Independence Day and paid tribute to the country’s martyrs. He also said that Türkiye and its people would always stand beside Pakistan. (Geo News⁠) The actor even wrote “Dil Dil Pakistan” in the comments and ended his message by saying “Pakistan Zindabad.” His effort to communicate in Urdu made the message particularly special for Pakistani viewers. Celal’s relationship with Pakistan has continued beyond social media posts. He has met several Pakistani celebrities, including Imran Abbas and Reema Khan, and has been seen singing Dil Dil Pakistan alongside Pakistani stars. He has also participated in humanitarian activities and publicly expressed his support for the friendship between Türkiye and Pakistan. (Wikipedia⁠) His popularity in Pakistan grew rapidly after Diriliş: Ertuğrul was introduced to a wider Pakistani audience. The drama’s themes of courage, loyalty and Muslim history connected strongly with many viewers. As Pakistan celebrates another Independence Day, Celal’s continued messages of friendship have added another warm moment to the long-standing cultural relationship between the two nations. For his Pakistani fans, “Dil Dil Pakistan” from their favourite Ertugrul star remains a memorable symbol of that bond.

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    Hania Aamir shares heartfelt Independence Day mess…

    Pakistani actress Hania Aamir has shared a heartfelt message for the country on Independence Day, wishing Pakistan a happy birthday while expressing a deeply personal hope for its future. As Pakistan marks its 79th Independence Day, the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum star took a moment to reflect on what freedom should mean for the people living in the country. While holding the national flag, Hania shared a message that focused not only on celebrating Pakistan but also on the safety and well-being of its children. “Happy birthday, Pakistan. I hope one day all your children can feel safe here,” Hania said in her Independence Day message. Her words quickly attracted attention online, with many people praising the actress for highlighting an important issue alongside the celebrations. (Instagram⁠) Rather than focusing solely on patriotic celebrations, Hania’s message carried a quieter and more thoughtful tone. Her wish for children to feel safe reflects a broader desire for peace, security and a better future for the younger generation. For many Pakistanis, Independence Day is a time to celebrate the country’s history and remember the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence. However, Hania’s message encouraged people to think about what the future of the country should look like for its youngest citizens. Children are often considered the future of any nation. Their ability to grow, study and build their lives in a safe environment is an important part of a country’s progress. Hania’s simple message therefore resonated with people who share the hope of seeing a more peaceful Pakistan. The actress has frequently used her social media presence to connect with her millions of followers and speak about issues close to her heart. Her latest Independence Day message continued that approach, combining a traditional birthday wish for Pakistan with a hopeful thought about the country’s future. Social media users responded to the message by praising its sincerity. Several posts sharing Hania’s words described her wish as a reminder that true freedom should include safety and peace for everyone, particularly children. (Facebook⁠) Hania’s message ultimately offered a different kind of Independence Day reflection. While flags, celebrations and patriotic songs remain an important part of August 14, her words focused on a hope that goes beyond a single day. Her wish is simple: a Pakistan where every child can grow up without fear and feel secure in the place they call home. As the country celebrates another year of independence, Hania’s message serves as a reminder that building a safer and more peaceful future is an important part of the meaning of freedom.

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    Sonia Hussyn calls for meaningful freedom in Indep…

    Pakistani actress Sonia Hussyn has shared a thought-provoking message on Independence Day, urging people to look beyond the usual celebrations and think about what freedom truly means. The actress took to social media to express her concerns about the way some Pakistanis celebrate Independence Day. Rather than focusing only on flags, decorations and festivities, Hussyn questioned whether a nation can truly protect its rights if its people do not first learn to protect their own dignity, discipline and principles. In her message, the actress asked what a nation can do to protect its rights when its citizens do not know how to remain organized, principled or protect their self-respect. She also criticized the tendency to limit patriotic enthusiasm to free cake, loud celebrations and modified motorcycle silencers. Her comments appeared to be a call for greater responsibility among citizens. The message suggested that patriotism should not be limited to one day of celebration but should be reflected in people’s everyday behavior and choices. Hussyn’s remarks came as Pakistanis across the country prepared to celebrate Independence Day on August 14. Streets, homes and public spaces were decorated with national flags, while people took part in rallies, concerts and other festivities. Social media was also filled with patriotic messages and photographs celebrating the occasion. However, Hussyn encouraged her followers to consider a deeper meaning of independence. Her message focused on discipline, self-respect and responsibility as qualities that can help strengthen society. The actress’s comments quickly attracted attention online. A social media post featuring her message was shared alongside reactions from other Pakistani celebrities who also reflected on the country’s challenges while celebrating Independence Day. (Instagram⁠) Hussyn’s message reflects a broader conversation that often emerges around August 14: whether national pride should be expressed through temporary celebrations or through actions that contribute to society throughout the year. For many people, Independence Day is an opportunity to remember the sacrifices connected to Pakistan’s creation. Hussyn’s words add another perspective, suggesting that maintaining freedom also requires citizens to take responsibility for their communities and their own conduct. Her criticism of noisy celebrations does not necessarily reject patriotism itself. Instead, it highlights the difference between celebrating independence and actively contributing to the country. Simple acts such as following rules, respecting others, maintaining cleanliness and standing up for one’s rights can also become meaningful expressions of patriotism. Ultimately, Sonia Hussyn’s message asks Pakistanis to think beyond the excitement of August 14. Her central point is that a strong nation needs citizens who are disciplined, principled and conscious of their dignity. As Independence Day celebrations continue, her words serve as a reminder that loving one’s country can mean more than displaying a flag. It can also mean helping create a society worthy of the freedom that people celebrate each year.

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    Karachi aerial firing leaves dozens injured on eve…

    Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations turned tragic in Karachi after celebratory aerial firing injured dozens of people across the city. According to rescue officials, at least 86 people were injured in separate incidents of aerial firing on the eve of August 14. The victims included 59 men, 17 children and 10 women, highlighting the serious danger posed by the unlawful practice. (Dawn⁠) The injured were transported to several major hospitals in Karachi for immediate medical treatment. Rescue officials reported that 24 victims were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, while 35 were shifted to Jinnah Hospital. Another 26 people were transported to Civil Hospital. One additional injured woman was taken to a private hospital. (PakTribune⁠) The incidents were reported from several areas of Karachi, including Lyari, Saddar, Korangi, Malir, Azizabad, North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Gulbahar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Orangi Town, Jamshed Quarters and Defence. The injuries occurred as residents gathered to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day. While Independence Day is traditionally marked with flags, decorations, patriotic songs and family gatherings, the use of firearms during celebrations has repeatedly turned festive occasions into dangerous situations. Authorities have consistently warned citizens against aerial firing. Despite these warnings and existing restrictions, celebratory gunfire continues to occur during major occasions such as Independence Day and New Year’s Eve. Police also launched a crackdown against people allegedly involved in aerial firing in different parts of Karachi. (Dawn⁠) The danger of aerial firing is particularly serious because bullets fired into the air can travel significant distances before falling. People who are completely unaware of the firing can be struck while standing outside, travelling through the city or even staying inside their homes. The latest incident also comes after a similarly tragic Independence Day last year. In 2025, three people, including a minor girl, were killed and more than 100 others were injured in celebratory gunfire across Karachi. Authorities subsequently arrested suspects and recovered illegal weapons. (Dawn⁠) The repeated incidents have renewed concerns about public safety and the enforcement of restrictions against celebratory firing. What some people consider a form of celebration can result in permanent injuries, loss of life and lasting trauma for innocent families. Independence Day is meant to celebrate Pakistan’s freedom and national identity. However, the injuries reported in Karachi serve as a painful reminder that celebrations should never put other people’s lives at risk. As authorities continue efforts to control aerial firing, citizens are also being urged to celebrate responsibly. Fireworks, flags, music and family gatherings can create a festive atmosphere without putting innocent people in danger. The Karachi incidents underline a simple message: patriotism should bring people together, not leave families rushing to hospitals. (Dawn⁠)

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    Bushra Ansari urges people to understand the respo…

    Veteran Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari has sparked discussion with her recent comments about multiple marriages in Islam, urging people to focus on the responsibility and fairness that come with such a decision. While discussing the subject, Ansari emphasized that people often highlight the permission for a man to have up to four wives but pay less attention to the requirement of treating those wives fairly. Her remarks have renewed conversation about how Islamic teachings on marriage are understood and practiced in society. The Quran permits a Muslim man to marry up to four women, but it places an important condition on that permission. If a man fears that he will not be able to deal justly with multiple wives, the Quran directs him to marry only one. (IslamQA⁠) This requirement of justice is at the heart of the discussion surrounding polygamy. It means that multiple marriage cannot simply be viewed as a privilege without responsibilities. A husband is expected to fulfill the rights of each wife and treat them fairly in matters within his control. Ansari’s comments appear to highlight this often-overlooked aspect. In societies where discussions about multiple marriages can become emotionally charged, her message encourages people to consider the consequences for everyone involved rather than focusing only on the number of marriages allowed. Islamic scholarship also emphasizes that justice between wives is a serious obligation. Financial responsibilities, living arrangements, time and other practical rights are among the areas in which fairness is expected. If a person believes he cannot fulfill these responsibilities, choosing one marriage is the safer course. (IslamQA⁠) The subject is particularly sensitive because marriage involves more than a legal relationship. It affects spouses, children and extended families. A decision that is made without careful consideration can create emotional and financial difficulties for everyone involved. Pakistan’s legal framework also places regulations around multiple marriages. Under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, a man seeking another marriage while already married is subject to specific legal requirements, including approaching an Arbitration Council for permission. Pakistani courts have also upheld the importance of these legal procedures. (Pakistan Lawyer⁠) Ansari’s remarks therefore arrive amid an ongoing conversation about the difference between religious permission and personal responsibility. The fact that something is permitted under certain conditions does not mean those conditions can simply be ignored. Her comments have encouraged audiences to look at the broader principles behind marriage: fairness, responsibility, respect and protection of rights. For couples and families, these principles can be just as important as the legal question of whether another marriage is permitted. Ultimately, the discussion surrounding Bushra Ansari’s statement is less about simply counting marriages and more about understanding the responsibilities that accompany them. Her message serves as a reminder that when people discuss religious rights, they should also acknowledge the duties and accountability that come with those rights.

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    Erica Robin urges Pakistan to protect children

    Pakistan’s first Miss Universe, Erica Robin, used Independence Day to highlight an urgent issue facing children across the country, urging parents to take stronger measures to protect them from sexual abuse. In a message shared on social media, Robin said that while Independence Day is a time to celebrate Pakistan, the occasion should also be used to speak about serious social problems. She said recent reports of violence and abuse involving children were deeply disturbing and required greater awareness among families. Robin offered parents three key suggestions for protecting their children. First, she urged parents not to assume that children are automatically safe with relatives or other people they know. She said families should remain aware of who has regular access to their children, regardless of whether the child is a boy or a girl. Her second recommendation was to teach children about personal boundaries. Robin said children should understand that their bodies belong to them and that they have the right to refuse unwanted physical contact. Parents, she stressed, should never force children to hug, kiss or show affection to another person if they are uncomfortable. Robin identified open communication as the most important step. She encouraged parents to create an environment where children can speak freely about anything that makes them uncomfortable or frightened. She also advised parents to pay attention to sudden changes in a child’s behaviour, particularly when the child appears uneasy around a particular person. The model urged parents to share these lessons with others and work collectively to create an environment where children feel safe, respected and heard. Her message comes amid continuing concerns over child abuse in Pakistan. More than 1,900 cases of child abuse were reported across the country during the first half of the year, according to data cited in the report. Several recent cases have intensified public concern. In Karachi, police arrested a 17-year-old relative after the father of a young girl reported that she had gone out with him to buy something and later returned unconscious after being sexually assaulted. Earlier, the deaths of two young girls in Karachi and Sargodha also sparked outrage. Police investigations into both cases involved allegations of sexual violence, while several suspects were detained in connection with the incidents.

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    Pakistan unveils star-studded civil awards

    The Government of Pakistan has announced its annual list of civil awards as part of the country’s Independence Day celebrations, honouring 372 individuals for their contributions across various fields. The recipients will be formally presented with their awards on Pakistan Day, March 23, next year. According to the announced list, 54 awards have been allocated for services to the arts, while 29 recognise contributions to literature and nine have been awarded in the field of sports. Several prominent names from Pakistan’s entertainment and cultural landscape have been included among this year’s recipients. Actors Sania Saeed, Maria Wasti and Mahmood Aslam, musicians Shiraz Uppal and Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, better known as Xulfi, and television host Shafat Ali are among the notable awardees. In the arts category, Sultana Siddiqi has been selected for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for her services to production, while Nisho Begum, Iftikhar Ahmed Thakur, Fasih Uddin Soharwardy, Shakir Hussain, Taranam Naz and several other prominent figures have been named for Sitara-i-Imtiaz and other civil awards. Mahmood Aslam, Sarfraz Hussain Ansari, M Ehtesham Warsi, Ghazala Kaifi, Shazma Haleem, Maria Wasti and Sania Saeed are among those receiving the President’s Award for Pride of Performance for their contributions to acting and direction. The list also recognises artists and musicians from different parts of the country. Classical musicians, singers, painters, sculptors, choreographers, qawwali performers and traditional craftsmen have been honoured for preserving and promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage. Among the recipients are Xulfi, awarded for music; Aftab Zafar for painting and illustration; Nadeem Salamat for qawwali; Tayyeba Aziz for painting and sculpting; and several artists recognised for traditional crafts including embroidery, block printing, stone carving and regional handicrafts. The literature category features a wide range of writers, poets, playwrights and researchers. Asad Muhammad Khan has been selected for the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to playwriting and poetry. Ejaz Rahim and Muhammad Khurshid Ul Hasan Rizvi are among those receiving the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, while writers including Shakeel Adilzada, Waheed Uz Zaman Tariq, Maqsood Hussain Jafri, Hashim Nadeem and other literary figures have been named for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. The President’s Award for Pride of Performance in literature has also been awarded to several writers and poets, including Dr Shahida Shaheen, Ali Muhammad Farshi, Aslam Javed, Rehman Faris and other contributors to Urdu and regional literature. The government has also recognised contributions to sports. Atta Mohammad Kakar and Dr Waseem A Tai have been selected for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz for their services to boxing coaching and yoga, respectively. The President’s Award for Pride of Performance in sports includes wrest­ler Bashir Bhola, shooter Kishmala Talat, squash player Noor Zaman, ramp-jump performer Sultan Muhammad Golden, boxer Muhammad Waseem and cricketer Sadiq Muhammad. Athlete Faiqa Riaz has been named for the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. The annual civil awards recognise individuals who have made notable contributions to Pakistan in areas including culture, literature, sports and the arts. The awards ceremony will be held on March 23, when the recipients will officially receive their respective honours.

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    Mariyam Nafees calls for priority queues for vulnerable people

    Pakistani actor and host Mariyam Nafees has called for the introduction of separate priority queues in Pakistan for people who may find it difficult to stand in regular lines for long periods. The actor raised the issue during a special Independence Day episode of Good Morning Pakistan, where she appeared alongside Sarwat Gillani, Amar Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Mohsin Abbas and Omair Rana. During the programme, Mariyam highlighted the difficulties faced by elderly people, pregnant women, young children and individuals with disabilities or health problems when they have to wait in long queues. She said priority lines are commonly available in many countries to facilitate people who need special consideration. In her view, young and physically fit individuals can generally wait longer, while vulnerable people may not be able to do so comfortably. Mariyam said Pakistan should also consider introducing dedicated queues at public offices and other places where people regularly have to wait for services. She stressed that simply allowing vulnerable people to move ahead is not always effective because some members of the public may ignore their needs. According to her, a formal priority system could make the process more organised and ensure that deserving people receive timely assistance. The actor’s comments focused on the broader issue of public behaviour and social responsibility. She suggested that a structured system could reduce disputes and make public spaces more accessible for those who need additional consideration. During the discussion, Saif Ali Khan also supported the broader point. He noted that the problem is not limited to queue arrangements. He pointed out that people sometimes give preference to friends, relatives or acquaintances at offices and other places. He argued that such preferential treatment should also be discouraged. The discussion drew attention to the importance of fairness in public spaces and equal access to services. Mariyam’s remarks have also sparked conversation about whether Pakistan should introduce more formal systems to assist elderly citizens, pregnant women, children and people with disabilities.

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    Christian Convery calls Anne Hathaway his ‘hero’

    Actor Christian Convery has opened up about his experience filming the sci-fi thriller The End of Oak Street, describing the production as both exciting and emotionally demanding while praising his co-star Anne Hathaway. The film features Convery alongside Hathaway, Ewan McGregor and Maisy Stella. The story follows the Platt family as they struggle to survive after their neighbourhood is mysteriously displaced into an unfamiliar and dangerous environment. Speaking about the filming experience, Convery said the production involved a sharp contrast between lighthearted family scenes and emotionally intense sequences. He explained that scenes involving ordinary family moments, such as a neighbourhood party or a meal together, were enjoyable to film. However, extended periods of emotionally heavy scenes became exhausting for the cast. The young actor said the demanding nature of the production helped the cast connect with their characters on a deeper level. According to Convery, the actors were placed under considerable physical and emotional pressure during filming, which helped them portray the fear, tension and uncertainty experienced by their characters more convincingly. Convery also discussed how the cast developed a believable family dynamic on screen. He said there was no special formula for creating chemistry because the cast members naturally connected when they first met. He credited the table read, preparation sessions and regular discussions for helping the actors understand their relationships within the story. The cast also spent time together away from the set, including during meals and weekends, which further strengthened their bond. The actor said the close relationship eventually extended beyond the principal cast, describing the entire production team as a large family. Convery also spoke warmly about working with Anne Hathaway, admitting that he initially felt nervous because she had been one of his acting heroes for many years. He said Hathaway treated him as a professional colleague rather than simply as a young actor. That approach helped him feel respected and gave him an opportunity to learn from her while maintaining a clear distinction between their on-screen relationship and their real-life professional relationship. Convery has been working in the entertainment industry since childhood. He said a major turning point came when he was around nine years old and landed the lead role in Sweet Tooth, a project he filmed over several years in New Zealand. He explained that the experience encouraged him to take acting more seriously and develop a deeper understanding of filmmaking. He began studying different performances, directors and classic films while learning more about the creative process behind cinema. Despite his early success, Convery said he remains focused on improving his craft and believes actors should remain grounded and recognise that there is always more to learn.

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    Prime Video renews ‘Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya’ for two more seasons

    Prime Video is bringing back “Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya” for two more seasons, confirming both Season 2 and Season 3 following the show’s successful debut run. The renewal marks a strong vote of confidence in the series. The streamer also confirmed that development on the upcoming seasons has already begun. Work is reportedly underway even before the current buzz around the first season has fully settled. The comedy drama premiered worldwide on July 24 and quickly became a global favourite. It trended at No. 1 among non-English titles on Prime Video’s worldwide Top 10 list. The show also achieved impressive domestic reach, connecting with audiences across 94% of India’s PIN codes. That level of penetration highlights just how widely the series resonated with viewers nationwide. At the centre of the story is Gyaneshwar Tripathi, a laid-back headmaster trying to bring order to one of Tinki Toli’s most chaotic schools. His attempts to manage the dysfunction form the emotional and comedic core of the series. The show is directed by Himank Gaur, with Biswapati Sarkar and Sameer Saxena serving as creators and executive producers under their Posham Pa Pictures banner. Their creative partnership has previously delivered several well-received comedy projects. Leading the cast is veteran actor Kay Kay Menon, joined by Archana Puran Singh and Abhimanyu Singh. The ensemble also includes Naveen Kasturia, Prasanna Bisht, Deven Bhojani, Ajitesh Gupta, Annapurna Soni and Prachee Shah. News of the renewal spread quickly across social media, with fans expressing genuine excitement over the announcement. One user said they were thrilled about the upcoming second season, while another simply called it an amazing series. A third fan described the renewal as some of the best news they had heard recently. The overwhelmingly positive reaction reflects just how strongly the show connected with its audience during its debut run. With development already underway on both new seasons, fans can expect the comedic chaos of Tinki Toli’s dysfunctional school to continue well into the future. For now, no release date has been announced for either upcoming season.