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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.

Pakistani actor Nadia Afgan has spoken out against animal cruelty, arguing that violence toward stray animals reflects a much broader problem of weak accountability and the normalisation of abuse in society. During a recent interview, the actor discussed Punjab’s ongoing efforts to control the stray dog population. She questioned whether killing animals can provide a lasting solution and raised concerns about the enforcement of laws concerning animal welfare. Nadia said the country already has legislation covering a range of issues but argued that the bigger problem is the failure to properly implement those laws. She questioned how citizens can be expected to respect regulations when government institutions themselves are perceived as failing to enforce them consistently. For Nadia, the issue goes beyond stray dogs. She linked animal cruelty with violence against other vulnerable groups, including women, children and workers. She argued that abuse often becomes normalised when victims have little power to defend themselves. In her view, the same lack of accountability allows different forms of violence to continue across society. The actor also spoke about the emotional impact of repeatedly witnessing disturbing incidents. She said that people who attempt to raise awareness online can often feel powerless when serious social issues receive less attention than entertainment and celebrity-related content. Nadia revealed that the constant exposure to such incidents has affected her emotionally and, at times, prompted her to distance herself from social media. She also defended animal rescuers and volunteers against accusations that they misuse public donations. According to her, many rescue groups operate with extremely limited resources and depend heavily on individuals who contribute their own money, time and belongings. She said young volunteers sometimes sell personal items to help animals and provide emergency care. Nadia believes the public often notices animal rescue efforts only after particularly disturbing cases become viral online. Once the attention fades, however, volunteers are frequently left to continue the work without sustained institutional support. The actor further stressed the importance of teaching children empathy toward animals. She argued that repeatedly presenting animals as dangerous or treating cruelty as acceptable can influence how children understand violence and vulnerability. Instead, she favoured introducing children to animals in a safe and compassionate environment. She said empathy is more effectively developed through personal examples and positive experiences than through fear. Nadia ultimately presented the debate over stray dogs as part of a wider discussion about social responsibility. She maintained that protecting vulnerable beings, enforcing existing laws and holding people accountable are essential steps toward reducing violence