sarwat gilani celebrates
| |

Sarwat Gilani celebrates Special Olympics athletes

Renowned Pakistani actor and Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) Ambassador Sarwat Gilani shared heartwarming moments from the organization’s three-day national sports competition, which concluded following a vibrant celebration of inclusion, sportsmanship, and determination.
The three-day event, held from July 21 to July 23, brought together athletes with intellectual disabilities from across the country to showcase their athletic talents and foster a spirit of unity through sports. Taking to social media, Gilani shared a recap featuring photos and video clips highlighting her interactions with competitors, volunteering alongside organizers, and presenting awards to winners during the closing ceremony.
The national competition featured a total of 82 athletes representing diverse regions, including Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Federal territory. Highlighting the success of the games, Special Olympics Pakistan praised the participating athletes on its official social media channels, noting that every moment of the tournament reflected the intense passion and dedication of the individuals involved.
Reflecting on her long-standing commitment as brand ambassador and advocate for the organization’s mission, Gilani emphasized the broader societal importance of empowering individuals with special needs:
“At Special Olympics Pakistan, we celebrate athletes who redefine courage, resilience, and possibility every single day. They don’t just compete — they inspire a nation. They remind us that inclusion is not charity; it is justice. It is love in action.”
In addition to celebrating the sports gathering, Gilani used the platform to promote Inclusion Rocks, an upcoming concert series aiming to raise awareness and support for the cause. Featuring musicians Faisal Kapadia and Murtaza Qizilbash, the musical initiative is scheduled to take place across Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.
Special Olympics Pakistan continues to work towards transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sports, creating opportunities for nationwide participation and building a more inclusive society. Gilani’s active participation and advocacy during the national event served to further spotlight the remarkable resilience and achievements of the nation’s special athletes.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Netanyahu accuses New York Mayor Mamdani of ‘fomenting hate’ and rejects ICC war crimes charges

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of “fomenting hate” and attempting to divide the city’s population. The sharp exchange follows comments by Mamdani asserting that Netanyahu is unwelcome in New York City due to ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) war crimes charges linked to the war in Gaza, and urging federal authorities to execute the court’s arrest warrant when the prime minister attends the United Nations General Assembly in September. Appearing on Fox News Channel, Netanyahu dismissed the ICC charges as “bogus” and claimed the allegations were designed to divert attention from internal misconduct within the prosecutor’s office. He expressed concern over eroding bipartisan support for Israel within the United States, warning that political rhetoric from progressive Democrats risks fueling rising anti-Semitism in major American cities. Despite the mayor’s stance, US President Donald Trump has publicly assured Netanyahu that he will face no risk of arrest during his visits to the United States.

  • | |

    Tate McRae celebrates new milestone as Variety honours her rise in Hollywood

    Canadian pop star Tate McRae is entering a major new chapter in her career as she is recognised by Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood, celebrating her achievements as one of the most successful young performers in music today. The 23-year-old singer, songwriter and dancer has built a global following through her emotional songwriting, powerful vocals and high-energy performances. Variety’s recognition highlights her growth as an artist who continues to expand her influence across music and live entertainment. McRae is set to receive the Triple Threat Award at the Power of Young Hollywood event in Los Angeles, honouring her talents in singing, songwriting and performance. In a recent conversation with Variety, McRae reflected on the pressures of fame, explaining how she tries to keep her career exciting by approaching experiences with a sense of fun and imagination. She also opened up about the challenges of touring, including the emotional exhaustion that came after completing her demanding Miss Possessive Tour. The Miss Possessive Tour became a defining achievement in McRae’s career, earning more than $100 million in revenue and selling over one million tickets. The tour marked a significant rise in her status as a major pop performer and demonstrated the growing connection between McRae and her worldwide audience. McRae also shared a memorable story involving fellow pop icon Taylor Swift, revealing details about receiving homemade sourdough bread from Swift. The moment became one of the lighter highlights from her recent interview. Known for combining her dance background with modern pop performance, McRae continues to focus on improving her craft and creating memorable live experiences. From viral hits to sold-out shows, she has established herself as one of the leading voices of the new generation of pop artists. As she celebrates this latest honour, Tate McRae’s journey reflects the evolution of a young performer who has successfully transformed her passion for dance and music into an international career. https://variety.com/2026/music/features/tate-mcrae-interview-relationships-taylor-swift-sourdough-bread-1236825809/

  • |

    Wafflix owner found dead after alleged abduction

    The owner of popular dessert chain Wafflix was found dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar days after he was allegedly kidnapped from his home in Karachi’s PECHS area. The victim was identified as 25-year-old Mir Raza Ali, son of Mir Hassan Ali. He lived in PECHS Block 2 and operated Wafflix near Bahadurabad Chowrangi. Police recovered Raza’s body from bushes near Shadi Qila wedding hall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 1 on Wednesday. The body was shifted to Jinnah Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Investigators said the body appeared to be one to two days old. They also found apparent burn marks on parts of the body, which had made identification difficult. Raza’s father reportedly identified him through his clothes. Police also found a mark on the victim’s back. Authorities said the exact cause of death would be established through the post-mortem report. Ferozabad police said preliminary findings indicated that Raza may have been subjected to torture before being shot. Station House Officer Kamran Qureshi said investigators were collecting CCTV footage from cameras around the wedding hall to identify and trace the suspects. A kidnapping case had already been registered at Ferozabad Police Station on Tuesday following a complaint by Raza’s father. According to the initial police report, Raza returned home from his shop during the night between July 27 and 28. At around 4am, he told his mother that he was going outside for around 10 minutes. He never returned. His mother later tried calling his mobile phone, but it had been switched off. The family searched for him and contacted Madadgar 15 before approaching the police. The case was registered against unidentified suspects, while police launched an investigation into the alleged abduction and subsequent killing. The death of the young entrepreneur sparked grief among people who knew him. Condolences and messages of concern spread on social media, with many also raising questions about the worsening security situation in Karachi.

  • | | |

    Pakistan ‘not a hard state’, says DG I…

    Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Friday that Pakistan cannot yet be described as a “hard state,” stressing that the country’s laws must apply equally to all citizens without discrimination or elitism. Speaking at a press conference focused on the security situation in Balochistan, the military spokesperson said the briefing aimed to address concerns about the province and explain the broader national security landscape. He clarified that the term “hard state” does not refer to military rule but to a system where the rule of law is upheld uniformly, every citizen is treated equally, and all issues are resolved through legal and constitutional mechanisms. The DG ISPR urged citizens to balance demands for rights with their constitutional responsibilities. Referring to Article 5 of the Constitution, he said loyalty to the state and obedience to the Constitution and the law are fundamental obligations of every Pakistani. He added that national identity should take precedence over provincial or ethnic affiliations, emphasizing that every citizen’s foremost identity should be Pakistani. Highlighting the country’s counterterrorism efforts, Lt Gen Chaudhry said security forces have conducted 40,348 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Pakistan so far this year, averaging around 194 operations daily, with a significant number taking place in Balochistan. According to the military spokesperson, security forces have eliminated 2,084 terrorists during 2026, averaging nearly 10 militants killed each day. He said 3,145 terrorist incidents have been recorded this year, while 819 people have lost their lives, including 303 Pakistan Army personnel, 194 members of law enforcement agencies, and 322 civilians. He also revealed that 28 suicide bombings have occurred this year, claiming that most of the attackers were Afghan nationals. He said Afghan citizens, along with individuals linked to Afghan security forces, were among those killed or arrested during counterterrorism operations. Comparing recent years, the DG ISPR said security forces killed 2,597 terrorists throughout 2025, while the total for 2026 has already reached 2,084. He noted that the effectiveness of counterterrorism operations has improved over time, with security forces now inflicting heavier losses on militant groups. Responding to questions about the increase in terrorist incidents, Lt Gen Chaudhry said militant groups affiliated with the Taliban have intensified their activities because Pakistan has adopted a firm stance against them. He added that the rise in reported incidents also reflects the growing number of proactive intelligence-based operations, which lead to more engagements between security forces and terrorists. He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eliminating terrorism and maintaining stability across the country, particularly in Balochistan.

  • | | |

    Pakistan-origin Saadia Zahidi makes jistory as fir…

      Pakistan-origin business leader Saadia Zahidi has been appointed as the next Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), becoming the first woman in the organization’s history to hold the top position. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the global aviation industry and highlights the growing role of women in leadership positions within international organizations. Zahidi is set to officially assume her new role on January 1, 2027, succeeding the current leadership after an extensive international selection process. She brings decades of experience in global economic policy, leadership development, and strategic planning, making her one of the most respected figures in international business and public policy. Before joining IATA, Zahidi served as Managing Director at the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she played a key role in shaping discussions on the future of work, economic competitiveness, gender equality, innovation, and sustainable development. During her tenure, she worked closely with governments, multinational corporations, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to develop policies aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth and preparing societies for emerging global challenges. Her appointment is being viewed as a landmark achievement, not only because she is the first woman to lead IATA but also because she is of Pakistani origin. Many have described the decision as an important step toward greater diversity and inclusion in global leadership. Zahidi’s professional journey has inspired many young professionals, particularly women from developing countries, demonstrating that talent, expertise, and dedication can open doors to leadership at the highest international level. The International Air Transport Association represents hundreds of airlines worldwide and plays a central role in shaping the global aviation industry. The organization is responsible for promoting safe, efficient, secure, and sustainable air transport while working closely with airlines, governments, regulators, and other stakeholders to address industry challenges. As Director General, Zahidi will oversee efforts to support airline operations, strengthen international cooperation, advance environmental sustainability, and guide the aviation sector through future technological and economic changes. Industry observers believe Zahidi’s extensive experience in global policy and economic strategy will bring a fresh perspective to IATA as the aviation sector continues to recover from recent global disruptions and adapts to evolving passenger expectations, digital transformation, and climate commitments. Her leadership is expected to focus on collaboration, innovation, and long-term resilience for the industry. Her appointment has been widely welcomed by professionals across the aviation and business communities. Many have congratulated her on achieving a historic milestone, describing her selection as recognition of her exceptional leadership and international experience. For Pakistanis around the world, Zahidi’s achievement is a source of pride and inspiration. Her rise to the highest position in one of the world’s most influential aviation organizations reflects the growing global impact of professionals of Pakistani origin and reinforces the importance of diversity in shaping the future of international industries.

  • | | | |

    US launches heavy strikes on Iran after missile at…

    The United States has resumed large-scale military operations against Iran, launching what officials described as a “heavy wave” of precision strikes after a five-night pause, dramatically escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising fresh concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the overnight operation targeted dozens of sites linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including military command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal defence systems and maritime infrastructure. The strikes came in response to Iranian missile attacks a day earlier on American forces stationed at a US military base in Jordan. US President Donald Trump had warned that Washington would respond “very hard” to any attack on American troops, and the latest operation marked one of the most extensive US offensives since the conflict intensified earlier this year. Iranian state media reported that at least three civilians were killed in the strikes, including a couple and their two-year-old child after a residential building on Qeshm Island was hit. The IRGC also confirmed that three of its personnel were killed during the attacks. Explosions were reported across several southern Iranian cities, including Ahvaz, Abadan, Bushehr, Kazerun and Farashband. Iranian media said power outages affected parts of Ahvaz following strikes in the oil-rich Khuzestan province, while local officials confirmed that multiple locations in Abadan had also been targeted. The confrontation quickly spread beyond Iran. Jordan said its air defence systems intercepted five Iranian missiles launched toward its territory after Tehran targeted a US airbase and command headquarters inside the kingdom. No casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Kuwait confirmed that an Iranian strike hit a building belonging to a Chinese company in the country’s north, killing one worker and causing significant damage. Saudi Arabia condemned Iran’s attacks on Jordan, describing them as a violation of international law and regional stability. Despite the renewed fighting, diplomatic contacts continue behind the scenes. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said negotiations between Tehran and Washington remain active, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to reduce tensions. Iranian officials also confirmed that discussions with Omani mediators regarding the future of the strategic waterway are continuing. The Strait of Hormuz remains at the heart of the crisis. Iran insists the waterway remains closed because of US military actions, while Washington accuses Tehran of threatening global shipping and using maritime pressure to strengthen the IRGC’s influence. Adding economic pressure, the US Treasury imposed fresh sanctions on two Iranian companies accused of supporting an IRGC-backed maritime insurance network. Security analysts say Washington now faces a critical decision: continue targeting Iran’s military infrastructure around Hormuz or expand attacks on key national infrastructure. While the latest strikes signal a tougher military posture, experts believe both sides still have incentives to leave the door open for diplomacy, even as the risk of a wider regional war continues to grow.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *