shehzad roy tabish
| |

Shehzad Roy and Tabish Hashmi to tour US for Zindagi Trust

ByJustpaste.in

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.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Afghan fathers struggle as girls remain barred from secondary schools

    ByJustpaste.in

    KABUL: Afghan fathers are facing growing distress as their daughters remain unable to continue their education beyond primary school under restrictions imposed by the Taliban authorities. Families across Afghanistan say the education ban is creating deep emotional and financial pressure. Some fathers are openly questioning the policy, despite their religious beliefs and support for other government measures. The Taliban administration has defended the restrictions as temporary and based on its interpretation of religious principles. However, many Afghan men say they cannot understand why girls should be prevented from receiving secondary education. A United Nations survey conducted last year found that about nine out of 10 Afghan men considered it important for girls to attend secondary school. Nearly two-thirds also viewed supporting a daughter’s education as a religiously commendable act. Girls were barred from secondary schools after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Women were later also prohibited from attending universities. The restrictions have affected a large number of young Afghan women and girls. For many families, the approaching end of primary education has become a source of fear. Fathers worry that their daughters will lose their chance to pursue higher education and build professional careers. One father, identified as Ahmad, said he had never imagined that his daughters could be forced to stop studying. His wife is a mathematics teacher who is also unable to continue teaching secondary-level students. Ahmad said his eldest daughter is approaching the end of primary school. The family has considered private and underground educational options, but the cost is difficult to manage. Another father, a doctor identified as Mohammad, said he had always wanted his daughters to attend leading universities. He believes women are essential to Afghanistan’s development and should have opportunities beyond household responsibilities. His daughters are approaching the age when they will be forced to leave formal schooling. The family has considered sending them abroad, including to Pakistan, but changing regional circumstances have made that option difficult. Some families have turned to private schools that secretly provide general education alongside religious studies. These institutions often charge high fees and may not provide recognised graduation certificates. Parents also fear that authorities could take action against schools operating outside official restrictions. This leaves families caught between protecting their children and trying to continue their education. Another father from Kandahar said his young daughter has a strong interest in astronomy. She asks questions about the solar system, gravity and science. The girl reportedly asked her father how she could continue learning if she could not study beyond the sixth grade. Her question has become a painful reminder of the limited opportunities available to girls. Some families have moved to Kabul in search of better educational opportunities. Others are relying on online courses, home schooling and secret classes. The restrictions are also affecting children emotionally. Parents say many girls feel frustrated, isolated and uncertain about their future. One father said his teenage daughter often stays at home and becomes deeply upset when she thinks about her education. He said he sometimes leaves the room because he cannot control his emotions and ends up crying privately. Another family has created a home-schooling routine using old secondary-school textbooks. The parents try to maintain a school-like schedule so their daughters can continue learning. However, the parents say home education cannot fully replace a formal school environment. They worry about the lack of recognised qualifications, social interaction and access to trained teachers. Some girls have also begun attending secret classes. Their families remain concerned about possible consequences if the authorities discover them. The prolonged restrictions have created uncertainty for an entire generation of Afghan girls. Parents fear that years without formal education will limit their daughters’ future opportunities

  • |

    HBO renews ‘It: Welcome to Derry,’ teases darker season 2

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pennywise is set to return, as HBO officially renews “It: Welcome to Derry” for a second season. The horror prequel is heading back further into the past for its next chapter. According to multiple reports, the new season will shift its timeline to 1935, deep in the Great Depression era. That marks a significant jump backward from season one’s 1962 setting. The upcoming season’s logline centers on the brutal massacre of the Bradley Gang, a group of bank robbers who stop in Derry to buy ammunition. Instead, they end up facing horrors far beyond anything they anticipated. Andy Muschietti, who co-created the first season, is returning to helm season two as well. He has previously hinted that the new instalment will lean into an even darker tone and direction. Speaking to Variety, Muschietti described the atmosphere fans should expect from the Depression-era setting. He explained that hardship and desperation would run through the characters, as everyone struggles to survive their circumstances, often resorting to increasingly extreme choices. He added that the show wouldn’t shy away from the harsher social and cultural realities of the period. According to Muschietti, those darker historical elements will sit at the very core of the story, not on its edges. While casting details for the new season have not been revealed yet, Brad Caleb Kane has been confirmed as solo showrunner for season two. His role marks a shift in creative leadership as the series moves forward. “It: Welcome to Derry” first premiered last October as a prequel to the film franchise based on Stephen King’s iconic horror novel “It.” The series quickly earned a strong response from both critics and audiences. That positive reception appears to have played a direct role in HBO’s decision to renew the show. With a new era, a bloodier premise and a returning creative force behind it, season two looks set to push the franchise’s horror even further.

  • | |

    Rs2.68bn loan default at Bank of Punjab raises rec…

    ByJustpaste.in

    An internal report has revealed that 268 borrowers have defaulted on loans worth more than Rs2.68 billion at the Bank of Punjab (BOP), raising questions about the recovery of outstanding loans at the province’s government-owned bank. According to the report, each of the 268 borrowers has outstanding liabilities exceeding Rs1 crore. The list reportedly includes individuals, firms and companies with significant loan defaults. Sources familiar with the matter claimed that some prominent political and business figures may also be included among the borrowers. However, the identities and details of the alleged defaulters have not been independently verified. The reported figures have renewed concerns over the bank’s loan recovery mechanisms and lending practices. Large loan defaults can affect a financial institution’s liquidity and its ability to extend credit to other customers, particularly when recovery remains delayed. The Bank of Punjab is a major government-owned financial institution in Punjab and conducts both commercial and government-related banking operations. The Punjab Provincial Cooperative Bank is another state-owned financial institution, but its activities are primarily focused on the cooperative sector. Banking experts have called for stronger monitoring of large loans, improved recovery mechanisms and greater transparency in lending by state-owned banks. They say timely recovery of defaulted loans is essential to protect public resources and maintain confidence in the banking system. The report has also raised questions about the circumstances under which the loans were approved and the steps taken by the bank to recover the outstanding amounts. The Bank of Punjab management has so far not issued an official statement confirming or rejecting the figures contained in the report. Further verification of the reported list, including the identities of the borrowers and the status of recovery proceedings, would be necessary before any individual or company can be held responsible for the alleged defaults.

  • |

    Nicole Kidman shares family photo honoring Dolly Parton

    ByJustpaste.in

    Nicole Kidman has shared a touching family photograph featuring herself, her former husband Keith Urban, their two daughters and country music icon Dolly Parton following the devastating news of Parton’s death at the age of 80. As tributes continue to pour in from celebrities, musicians and fans around the world, Kidman remembered the legendary singer by posting a special photograph on her Instagram Story. The image captured a memorable family moment with Parton at a Nashville event. In the photograph, Dolly Parton appeared in her signature glamorous style, wearing a shimmering metallic silver crochet-style top paired with matching fitted trousers. She completed her look with elegant heels, statement jewellery and her iconic platinum blonde hair. Kidman’s decision to share a photograph that also featured Keith Urban attracted particular attention, especially following the former couple’s reported separation. The pair had been married for 19 years before their relationship came to an end. Kidman and Urban separated in 2025, and Kidman reportedly filed for divorce in September that year, citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was formally finalised by a Tennessee judge in January after the couple reached agreements regarding their finances and parenting arrangements for their two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret. Alongside the family photograph, Kidman added an emotional message dedicated to the late country music star. The text read, “We will always love you, Dolly,” reflecting the affection and admiration she and her family had for Parton. Urban also paid tribute to Parton following the news of her death. The Australian-born musician, who grew up listening to Parton’s music, shared his grief with his followers through his Instagram Stories. He posted a black screen accompanied by a heartfelt message expressing how deeply affected he was by the loss. “Heartbroken today. Dolly Parton. Honestly….. I have no words right now,” Urban wrote. Parton held a particularly meaningful place in Urban’s professional journey. When Urban was chosen for induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023, he made it clear that there was one person he wanted to present the honour. Urban personally wrote to Parton and asked her to induct him into the prestigious institution. He later explained that she was the only person on his list, highlighting the enormous respect he had for the legendary performer and songwriter. Parton’s influence extended far beyond her own music career. Throughout her decades in the entertainment industry, she became known not only for her distinctive voice and songwriting but also for her generosity, warmth and ability to inspire fellow artists. News of Parton’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment world. Her representatives confirmed that she had died following a brief battle with cancer, although specific details about the type of cancer were not disclosed. Her passing has left a lasting impact on country music and popular culture. For artists such as Urban, Parton was more than an iconic performer; she was also a source of inspiration and a respected figure whose influence shaped generations of musicians. Kidman’s emotional family photograph offered another glimpse into the personal connections Parton formed throughout her remarkable life, while Urban’s tribute reflected the profound admiration he had for the singer and songwriter. Together, their messages highlighted the enduring legacy of a music legend whose influence will continue to be remembered around the world.

  • | |

    PTI questions Imran Khan’s transfer to Pims

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Opposition leaders have raised serious questions over the decision to take former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) instead of Shifa International Hospital. The issue has created a fresh political dispute between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Speaking in the National Assembly, senior politician and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai said a positive atmosphere had developed after reports emerged that Imran would be taken to hospital. Achakzai said people across Pakistan were happy to hear that Imran was being taken to hospital for a medical examination. He said his party had instructed its workers not to go to any hospital. The decision was aimed at avoiding any situation that could create security problems, he added. Achakzai also claimed that Imran’s sisters were stopped at Shifa International Hospital. He said the development had caused concern among people across the country. He questioned why the situation changed after an apparently positive atmosphere had developed. Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan strongly criticised the decision to take Imran to Pims. Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Gohar said the party had not expected Imran to be taken to another hospital. He also expressed concern over the lack of clear information about the former prime minister’s medical examination. Gohar claimed that the Supreme Court’s order had not been implemented. He said the court’s directive was clear and contained no ambiguity. According to Gohar, failure to implement a clear judicial order was unfortunate. He questioned how democracy could function if court orders could not be implemented. “If implementing a court order is difficult, then how will democracy function?” he asked. Gohar also said political negotiations could not take place under such circumstances. He maintained that democracy required institutions and political actors to respect the law and judicial decisions. Despite his criticism, the PTI chairman said his party remained committed to negotiations. He said the PTI wanted political disputes to be resolved through dialogue. He added that efforts in this regard would continue. The controversy follows Information Minister Attaullah Tarar’s statement about Imran’s medical examination. Tarar said Imran was examined at Pims rather than Shifa International Hospital. He said doctors from Shifa were also present during the medical examination. The government has maintained that security concerns led authorities to take Imran to Pims. The issue has now become a new point of confrontation between the government and PTI. The PTI is questioning the decision to change the hospital and the implementation of the Supreme Court’s directive. The government, meanwhile, is defending the move on security and medical grounds.

  • |

    Brandon King injured after brilliant Babar Azam run-out

    ByJustpaste.in

    TRINIDAD: West Indies endured a significant setback on day three of the second Test against Pakistan after opener Brandon King was forced off the field with a painful lower back injury moments after producing a brilliant run-out to dismiss Babar Azam. The dramatic incident unfolded during Pakistan’s first innings when Babar, who resumed play on an overnight score of 84, looked well placed to end his long wait for a Test century. However, a costly mix-up with fellow batter Abdullah Shafique brought his innings to an abrupt end. Attempting a quick single after guiding the ball into the off side, Babar found himself stranded halfway down the pitch as King reacted sharply from cover. The West Indies fielder gathered the ball cleanly and unleashed a direct hit that caught the Pakistan star well short of his crease. While the dismissal gave the hosts a much-needed breakthrough, it came at a heavy price. King appeared to injure his lower back during the throwing action and immediately collapsed to the ground in visible pain. Medical staff rushed onto the field, and after several minutes of treatment, the 31-year-old was taken off on a stretcher, leaving teammates and spectators concerned. Cricket West Indies later confirmed that King had suffered lower back muscle spasms and would take no further part in day three’s play as a precaution. Team officials added that his condition would continue to be monitored by the medical staff before a decision is made on his availability for the remainder of the match. Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed on 266-2, with Babar and Abdullah adopting a cautious approach as the West Indies bowling attack maintained disciplined lines and restricted scoring opportunities. The pressure eventually paid off with Babar’s dismissal in the 75th over after he added just two runs to his overnight total. King’s injury has added fresh concern for the West Indies camp at a crucial stage of the Test, with the hosts now awaiting further medical updates while trying to keep Pakistan’s batting lineup under control. The coming days could prove decisive not only for the outcome of the match but also for King’s immediate cricketing future.

Leave a Reply

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