mehwish hayat hiba
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Mehwish Hayat, Hiba Bukhari to star together in upcoming drama

Two of Pakistani television’s most beloved actresses are set to share the screen in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated drama productions of the year. Mehwish Hayat and Hiba Bukhari will both appear in Rutba, a mega drama series coming to ARY Digital that has already generated considerable excitement online since the news broke.
The drama is written by Umera Ahmed, whose work consistently draws large audiences and critical attention in equal measure. It is directed by Haseeb Hassan, who has built a strong reputation for handling ensemble productions with care and precision, and is produced by Six Sigma and Next Level Entertainment. The cast assembled for Rutba is a genuinely impressive one, bringing together Mehwish Hayat, Hiba Bukhari, Saif Ali Khan, Zahid Ahmed, Talha Chahour and others in what promises to be a story of considerable scope.
The news was confirmed by Saif Ali Khan during a recent interview, where he spoke about being part of the production alongside several of the show’s other key cast members. The confirmation sparked immediate excitement among fans of the actors involved.
Mehwish Hayat is one of Pakistani drama and film’s most consistent and high-profile performers. She has delivered hit after hit across both mediums, with drama serials including Dil Lagi, Meray Qatil Meray Dildar, Dayan and Mirat-ul-Uroos cementing her standing as one of television’s most capable leading ladies. On the big screen, she has been part of two of Pakistani cinema’s biggest commercial successes, Punjab Nahi Jaungi and London Nahi Jaunga, both of which crossed major box office milestones and established her as a genuine film star rather than simply a television name.
Hiba Bukhari has built her own formidable body of work across the same period. Her performances in Deewangi, Fitoor, Meray Humnasheen and Jaan Nisar have made her one of the most consistently watched actresses on Pakistani television, with a fanbase that follows her work with considerable loyalty and enthusiasm.
The online response to the Rutba announcement has reflected exactly that. Fan comments flooded in with excitement over the pairing, with particular curiosity around the roles that Hiba Bukhari and Saif Ali Khan will be playing. Some fans expressed anticipation over the prospect of seeing Hiba in a new and different kind of character, while others simply celebrated the fact that two of their favourite actresses would be appearing in the same production.
With Umera Ahmed’s writing, Haseeb Hassan’s direction and a cast of this calibre, Rutba arrives with substantial expectation behind it. No air date has yet been announced, but the confirmation alone has been enough to put the drama firmly on the radar of Pakistani television audiences well ahead of its premiere.

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    Kriti Sanon turns a year older, here is a peek into her most stunning style moments

    As Kriti Sanon celebrates her birthday, there is plenty to toast than just another year. Beyond her impressive career as an actor, producer, entrepreneur, and National Award winner, she has quietly earned a reputation as one of the country’s most stylish celebrities. Whether she is commanding the red carpet, drawing attention at international fashion events, or effortlessly nailing a promotional look, every public appearance tends to become a talking point. To mark her birthday, here is a look back at some of her most memorable fashion moments over the years. One of her boldest looks came in the form of a sleek, body-hugging black dress featuring a dramatic thigh-high slit. The structured design and confident styling made it an instant standout. Equally unforgettable was an emerald green satin gown with striking cutouts and elegant draping, a look that quickly captured fans’ attention online. For a softer, more romantic vibe, Kriti wore a lavender couture gown with flowing sleeves and delicate layers, giving off an almost storybook quality. At an award ceremony, she chose a shimmering embellished gown that struck the right balance between glamour and understated elegance. She also proved that simplicity can make just as strong a statement, opting for a beige floral ensemble rich in subtle texture and detail. On another occasion, an off-shoulder black gown showcased her more classic, refined side, relying on clean lines rather than heavy embellishment. A sculpted white couture gown pushed her style further into high-fashion territory, giving the look an architectural, globally-inspired edge. She later brought old Hollywood glamour into the present with a crystal-embellished silver gown that sparkled effortlessly on every red carpet appearance. When it came to traditional wear, Kriti embraced regal elegance in a deep red embellished saree paired with statement jewelry, blending timeless tradition with a modern touch. Representing India on an international stage, she also turned heads at London Fashion Week in a Burberry ensemble complete with a trench coat, boots, and scarf, reflecting polished, global sophistication. From experimental couture to graceful Indian wear, Kriti Sanon continues to explore fashion fearlessly, letting every outfit reveal a different side of her personality. As she celebrates another year, her evolving style journey remains just as compelling as her accomplished career, proving she’s not just an actor to watch, but a true fashion icon in her own right.

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    Javed Sheikh says he refused fee for Om Shanti Om

    Veteran Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh has revealed that he initially refused to take any remuneration for his role in the hit 2007 Bollywood film Om Shanti Om, stating that sharing the screen with Indian megastar Shah Rukh Khan was an honor in itself. ​Speaking in an interview with Vasay Chaudhry, the veteran actor reminisced about playing the role of Rajesh Kapoor—Shah Rukh Khan’s on-screen father in the Farah Khan directorial—and reflected on the immense warmth and respect he experienced during the film’s production. ​Recalling the financial negotiations prior to filming, Sheikh shared that when the production manager approached him to finalize his contract and discuss his fee, he immediately declined monetary compensation. He emphasized that being chosen out of countless actors across India to portray Shah Rukh Khan’s father felt like a massive privilege that transcended money: ​”Farah Khan wanted me to play Shah Rukh’s father and they started discussing my fee. I said, ‘Money? I won’t take it.’ They said that was impossible. I told them it was such a big honour that, out of everyone in India, they had chosen a Pakistani actor to play Shah Rukh Khan’s father. Money wasn’t important.” ​When the production team insisted that working without pay violated contract guidelines, Sheikh jokingly proposed accepting a symbolic fee of just one rupee. However, both director Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan rejected the gesture, insisting on compensating him generously to honor his professional standing. Sheikh praised Shah Rukh Khan for his exceptional hospitality and care on set, describing their working relationship during the shoot as superb. ​Reflecting on his journey in the entertainment industry, Sheikh spoke candidly about his early career struggles. He disclosed that despite his deep passion for acting—which often involved running from school to Radio Pakistan—his father remained strict and skeptical. After his debut film Dhamaka (1974) failed at the box office, his career faced significant setbacks, leaving him devastated when industry insiders initially labeled him a “flop actor.” ​Five years later, his fortunes took a dramatic turn with the hit television drama Ankahi, which earned immense popularity across both Pakistan and India, effectively cementing his star status. Sheikh concluded by highlighting the mindset that guided his decade-long career: focusing entirely on self-improvement rather than competition, envy, or status. ​With a career spanning over four decades, Javed Sheikh continues to remain a vital force across Pakistani media, recently appearing in prominent projects including Delhi Gate, Aag Lagey Basti Mein, and the drama series Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.

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    Rihanna shares emotional Barbados homecoming with her children

    Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, recently gave fans a touching glimpse into a family trip to her childhood home in Barbados, sharing how meaningful it was to return to the place where she grew up with her own children. On Tuesday, August 11, the 38-year-old singer, entrepreneur, and businesswoman shared a three-slide carousel on Instagram featuring moments from her getaway with her children. The photos offered fans a rare look at the superstar enjoying time with her family while revisiting a place that holds deep personal significance. Reflecting on the emotional experience, Rihanna described how surreal it felt to return to her roots as a mother. She recalled growing up as a young girl in Westbury and now being able to introduce her children to “Rihanna Drive,” a street named in her honor on Westbury New Road in St. Michael. “One minute I feel like that kid from Westbury… the next minute I’m bringing my own kids back to ‘Rihanna Drive,’” Rihanna wrote in the caption. She continued by expressing her amazement at how unexpectedly life can come full circle. “Trippy how life works! And the Glory STILL and WILL ALWAYS belong to the Almighty Creator!!!” she added. The heartfelt post quickly attracted attention from Rihanna’s millions of followers, many of whom celebrated the special family moment. Fans expressed their excitement at seeing the global music icon embrace motherhood while also sharing a meaningful part of her childhood with her children. One fan described the moment as incredible, while another called it a beautiful example of life coming full circle. Others praised Rihanna for allowing her children to experience the place where she grew up and highlighted how special it must be for them to understand their mother’s journey. The Barbados visit also comes as Rihanna and her longtime partner, A$AP Rocky, continue to balance their busy professional lives with raising their young family. During a recent appearance on The Jason Lee Show, A$AP Rocky opened up about their parenting routine and explained that the couple receives support from their mothers as well as nannies. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have welcomed three children together. Their first son, RZA, was born in May 2022. The couple later welcomed their second son, Riot, in August 2023. In September 2025, they expanded their family once again with the arrival of their daughter, Rocki. For Rihanna, returning to Westbury with her children appears to have been more than just a family getaway. It represented a powerful connection between her past and present, allowing her to revisit the place that shaped her while creating new memories with the next generation of her family.

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    Naomi Watts breaks silence on her secret role in S…

    Naomi Watts has officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but many moviegoers did not realize it until after watching Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The acclaimed actress recently surprised fans by revealing that she secretly voices E.V.I.E. (E.V.), Peter Parker’s self-created artificial intelligence assistant in the blockbuster superhero film. The announcement came through an Instagram post, where Watts shared her excitement about becoming part of the Marvel franchise in an unexpected way.  The 57-year-old actress reflected on the special project by posting a behind-the-scenes photo from a Zoom session with director Destin Daniel Cretton. In her caption, Watts joked about her long history with Tom Holland, writing, “From playing your mom to playing your AI (100% human made).” The lighthearted message referenced their earlier collaboration in the 2012 disaster drama The Impossible, in which Holland portrayed her on-screen son. Nearly 14 years later, the pair have reunited in a completely different way within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Although her role remained a closely guarded secret before the film’s release, Watts’ voice is now recognized as the intelligent AI companion who assists Peter Parker throughout his latest adventure. Following the memory-erasing events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter finds himself more isolated than ever, making E.V.I.E. one of the few constant presences in his life. The digital assistant helps him navigate both everyday challenges and dangerous missions, serving as a trusted guide similar to Tony Stark’s iconic J.A.R.V.I.S. system.  Watts also congratulated Holland, Cretton, and the entire cast on the film’s remarkable success. She said she felt “immensely proud” to have contributed, even if only in a small way, to such a historic project. Despite being a voice-only performance, her role has generated considerable excitement among Marvel fans, many of whom were delighted to discover the surprise cameo after the film’s release.  Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Spider-Man: Brand New Day follows Peter Parker as he embraces life as a full-time superhero in a world that no longer remembers his true identity. The film stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Sadie Sink, Jon Bernthal, and Mark Ruffalo, while introducing several new twists that expand Peter’s story in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  For Watts, the project represents an exciting milestone. Although she has enjoyed an acclaimed career with memorable performances in films such as Mulholland Drive, The Impossible, and King Kong, this marks her first official appearance in the MCU. Her surprise role demonstrates that even in one of the world’s biggest film franchises, there are still secrets waiting to be uncovered. As fans continue celebrating Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Watts’ unexpected reveal has become one of the movie’s most talked-about behind-the-scenes surprises. Her reunion with Tom Holland and memorable contribution as E.V.I.E. adds another fascinating chapter to both actors’ careers while giving Marvel audiences one more reason to revisit the blockbuster. 

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    Sindh plans PPP model to transform Keti Bandar into deep-sea port and economic hub

    KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the provincial Investment Department to urgently formulate a comprehensive public-private partnership (PPP) framework for transforming Keti Bandar into a modern deep-sea port and a major commercial, industrial and energy centre. The directive was issued during a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House on Saturday, where officials discussed a broader plan to develop Sindh’s coastal belt and unlock the economic potential of the Indus Delta. The proposed project is being planned in line with the vision associated with Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and aims to establish Keti Bandar as an important maritime gateway connecting port operations with industrial, logistics, fisheries and energy-related activities. Integrated economic corridor planned Chairing the meeting, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said Keti Bandar should be developed as part of an integrated maritime and economic corridor rather than as a standalone port project. He directed the relevant departments to prepare detailed proposals covering port infrastructure, industrial estates, transportation and logistics networks, fisheries, energy facilities and tourism. The chief minister also called for a phased implementation strategy that would identify the project’s immediate, medium-term and long-term development requirements. According to the proposed plan, the Keti Bandar Integrated Corridor would become a major engine for economic activity, employment generation and investment in Sindh. The project is also expected to provide a platform for attracting domestic and foreign investors to the province’s coastal areas. PPP framework to attract private investment The Sindh government intends to develop the project through a PPP model, allowing private-sector investors to participate in financing, construction, development and operation of various components. Under the proposed framework, Keti Bandar could eventually host a deep-sea port alongside logistics and warehousing facilities, industrial zones, energy infrastructure, fisheries-related businesses and tourism projects. The government believes that bringing private capital and expertise into the development process could help accelerate infrastructure construction while reducing the immediate financial burden on the provincial government. Officials have been directed to develop an investment-oriented model that clearly identifies potential projects, financing requirements, revenue opportunities and possible areas of private-sector participation. $1 billion to $2.5 billion investment potential According to the Sindh budget 2026-27, the proposed Keti Bandar Maritime, Fisheries and Petroleum Economic Corridor has an estimated investment potential of between $1 billion and $2.5 billion. The planned corridor would include a modern fishing harbour, seafood processing and export facilities, petroleum-handling terminals, logistics infrastructure and industrial support zones. The development of seafood-processing facilities is expected to create opportunities for value addition and increase the potential for exports from Sindh’s coastal areas. Similarly, improved port and logistics infrastructure could facilitate the movement of goods and provide industries with better access to domestic and international markets. Keti Bandar as future energy gateway Chief Minister Shah has also instructed officials to explore the potential of Keti Bandar as a future energy gateway. The proposed energy infrastructure would include facilities for the import and handling of LNG, RLNG and LPG, along with other supporting infrastructure required for energy-related operations. The development of such facilities could allow Keti Bandar to play a role in meeting future energy requirements while creating opportunities for investment in storage, transportation and related industries. A feasibility study has already identified approximately 4,000 acres of land for the proposed development. Officials have been asked to incorporate the identified land into the broader planning process and determine the infrastructure requirements for different components of the corridor. Focus on coastal and industrial development The proposed project is expected to have a broader impact beyond port operations. The provincial government plans to combine maritime infrastructure with industrial development, logistics, fisheries, energy and tourism to create an integrated economic zone. The Indus Delta and surrounding coastal areas have significant potential for fisheries and other maritime activities, but inadequate infrastructure has historically limited their commercial development. The government believes that modern transport links, processing facilities, storage infrastructure and port connectivity could help unlock this potential and generate new employment opportunities for local communities. The development of tourism facilities is also being considered as part of the wider strategy, with officials tasked with identifying suitable investment opportunities along the coastal belt. Long-term economic vision The proposed Keti Bandar project forms part of Sindh’s broader ambition to strengthen its position as a maritime and logistics centre in the region. The provincial government aims to use the coastline’s strategic location to attract investment, expand trade-related infrastructure and promote industrial activity. For the plan to succeed, however, authorities will need to complete detailed feasibility studies, establish an effective PPP structure, address infrastructure and connectivity requirements and ensure that environmental and coastal considerations are incorporated into the development process. The chief minister has directed the Investment Department and other relevant agencies to move quickly on the project and prepare a comprehensive roadmap. If successfully implemented, the Keti Bandar Integrated Corridor could transform the coastal area into a major maritime gateway while creating new opportunities in port operations, logistics, fisheries, energy, manufacturing and tourism.

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    13 migrants missing after boat sinks off Tunisia

    TUNIS: At least 13 Tunisians are missing after a migrant boat sank off the country’s coast while attempting to reach Italy, according to a migrant rights official. Two people were rescued following the incident, but one of them was reported to be in critical condition. The head of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, Mostafa Abdelkebir, said the boat had departed early Thursday. One of the survivors told rescuers that the passengers had spent hours stranded at sea after the vessel overturned. Rescue efforts were launched after the boat sank, but the whereabouts of the missing migrants remained unknown. The incident highlights the continuing dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean in overcrowded or poorly equipped vessels. Tunisia has been a major departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe, particularly Italy. However, the number of departures from the country has declined significantly over the past two years as authorities have strengthened maritime surveillance and border controls. The tighter measures have received financial and technical support from European countries, particularly Italy, as part of efforts to curb irregular migration across the Mediterranean. The European Union’s migration cooperation with Tunisia has also faced criticism from international rights organisations. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and other humanitarian groups recently accused the EU-Tunisia arrangement of contributing to serious abuses against migrants and asylum seekers. The organisations have urged the EU to suspend funding for migration and border-control operations involving Tunisian security forces. Tunisian authorities have defended their position, saying the country is facing intense pressure from the growing number of migrants attempting to use its territory as a route towards Europe. The central Mediterranean remains one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world. Migrants from African and Middle Eastern countries frequently attempt the journey in boats that can be overcrowded, poorly maintained or unsuitable for long sea crossings.

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