Pakistani power couple Urwa Hocane and Farhan Saeed have always set couple goals for the rest of us! From a grand wedding, beautiful wedding pictures to their latest sizzling couple photo shoot, they are able to rock it all.
Just recently the two have been spotted in a gorgeous photo shoot for the Home Interiors brand, Dolce Vita.
Of all the photos from the Dolce Vita campaign, this picture has become the Joke of the town!
Greenery is always a sight for sore eyes ! Mother nature has always been a scarce sight in Karachi which is a bustling metropolis. Unfortunately, hardly any attention is given to building green public places like parks where seasonal flowers bloom and trees are planted to give some respite from busy urban life.
Instead, we see piles of trash being burnt, releasing deadly gasses like carbon-dioxide, causing health hazards and preventing the growth of plants surrounding the area.
There are few NGOs working on protecting the remaining natural parks. One of them severely condemned the decision of the city’s municipal authorities to host Karachi Eat Festival at a local park in Clifton after hosting the annual event at Frere Hall.
Lately, a decision was made to commercialize the Zamzama Park, to which residents have protested. The park is used by locals residents walking, jogging and other forms of exercise. Recently, the condition of the park also appears to have deteriorated with hardly any upkeep.There is news that the authorities wanted to convert it into an amusement park with commercial benefits.
Protesters were seen holding signs and chanting that they do not want their park to be destroyed and replaced by something that will prove to be chaotic to its surroundings and spread noise pollution and litter.
Former civil servant Aslam Sanjrani had to say;
“Zamzama Park was a gift to the residents of Defence by the Pakistan Army after they converted the place into a park from barracks, it is a public place now. So technically, we all own it. The army thinks they are the custodians of this park but we have not returned it to them. They will be doing a grave injustice to us by handing it over to someone who will turn it into a commercial venture,”
The signs read slogans like Custodians, please don’t commit breach of trust’, ‘Please corps commander save environment, our request no commercialization’ and ‘save families park’.
Another resident added the trees were removed, emptying the park from its natural beauty. She said, “They were very old trees from the time when this place used to be barracks, it is the right of citizens to have a patch of green in the shape of a park near where they live. It will be hurting the environment if they give way to commercial construction here,”
PPP leader Syed Najmi Alam also joined residents in the protest. He said, “From what we have seen of the theme park in Gulshan, they may also want to build a shopping centre on this land,”
“It is such a misfortune that amenity plots and parks in our country become victims to China-cutting and the construction of marriage halls,” said well-known businessman Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, who was also there.
“I come to jog in this park. When I do I see children from katchi abadis coming here to play and enjoy the greenery and clean, fresh air. Parents come with their kids to relax after a busy day in the office. It is also a good thing that the current management has waived off the Rs20 ticket fee for children. Entry is also free in the morning,” he said.
“It is a decent place for decent people. It should not be turned into a business venture,” he added.
Dubbing it as lobby awards, Khan’s savage reaction literally made us ROFL!
Last year, it was Saba Qamar who totally boycotted Lux Style Awards even though she was nominated for three different dramas!
Speaking to the Express Tribune, the Hindi Medium actress revealed her reasons for the strong action:
“They never bothered to honor me during the past 12 years and now that I have the Bollywood stamp, everyone is acknowledging me all of a sudden.”
In 2015, Faysal Quraishi too protested against the body for not including the top-rated drama, Bashar Momin in any category.
“Seriously, I have no idea what to say as we were expecting a lot from Bashar Momin. I am not talking about me being nominated as the Best Actor, but my other team members from the writing and direction department”
What more drama is yet to unfold this year, let’s wait and watch!
The global leader in technology – Samsung has launched its highly advanced smartphones – Samsung Galaxy A8, Samsung Galaxy A8+, and the Grand Prime Pro-2018 in Pakistan.
A glitzy launching ceremony was held at a local hotel in Lahore on Monday, 15th of January, 2018, where the President Samsung EC Pakistan– Mr. Y.J. Kim was the chief-guest, accompanied by many Samsung dealers and distinguished personalities.
The President of Samsung Pakistan – Mr. Y.J. Kim stated that:
“With the objective of expanding the Galaxy A8 family, the A8 and A8+ are the perfect mid-ranging smartphones for the consumers. The value of these devices lies in their advanced features and functions that offer more convenience than ever before. The Grand-Prime Pro is enriched with many fascinating technologies, including a Super AMOLED screen that delivers crystal-clear viewing, whereby this phone also enjoys great popularity among the Pakistani consumers.”
Samsung Galaxy A8 & A8+
The A8 has a 5.6-inch touch-screen, while the A8+ comes with a 6-inch touch-screen, comprising of 2.5D glass on the front and 3D curved glass on the back for added durability.
These Infinity display screens deliver a crisp HD resolution (1,280 x 2220), to bring out the finest detail while offering a wide horizontal view and stunning cinematic experience. The ‘Always On Display’ keeps the user informed at all times, as it allows you to view information at a glance without unlocking your phone.
These smartphones are powered by 1.6GHz Octa-core processor and both the devices come with 4GB of RAM. They have an internal storage capacity of 64GB, that can be expanded up to 256GB via an external memory card. The ‘Samsung Pay’ feature enables you to complete financial transactions more quickly and easily, using your phone.
For the first time in the Galaxy, A series, the Galaxy A8 and A8+ feature a 16MP+8MP F1.9 Dual Front Camera, with an impressive bokeh effect. The ‘Live Focus’ feature allows you to adjust the background blur.
16MP F1.7 rear cameras with low-aperture lenses capture high-quality images in low-light conditions. The Digital Video Image-Stabilization technology eliminates shaky footage, while the camera also offers a hyper-lapse feature to create time-lapse videos.
These devices give amazing power to multi-task swiftly. The Galaxy A8 has a 3000 mAh battery, while the A8+ is powered by a 3500 mAh battery, enabling the phones to perform consistently for many more hours. Both devices have an IP68 rating for water and dust-resistance.
The year 2018 has started off with a huge bang, with one celebrity wedding after the other it has definitely been a dazzling start to the year!
After Asad Siddiqui and Zahra Noor Abbas, another star-studded wedding has created waves over social media. Libah Chaudhry, a model by profession is actress Maya Ali’s best friend tied the knot over the weekend. The wedding was attended by various showbiz personalities including Sanam Baloch, Nimra Khan, and singer Amanat Ali.
Meet the Beautiful Couple Libah Chaudhry and Humza Ghauri
The Bride and Groom Look Picture Perfect at their Reception
Maya Ali shares a special message for her bestie Libah just before the shaadi kicked off!
Careem has made our lives easier, you can call for a ride anytime, anywhere nowadays. The company has used out-of-the-box campaigns to catch the attention of individuals all over Pakistan.
From ‘Rishta Aunty’ to ‘Bakra on Wheels’ and its #TakeOff campaign, the marketing strategies have been quite impressive. However, this time around, their subliminal message has stirred some confusion, debates, and backlash on social media!
Apparently, the ride-hailing service sent a text message to its customers, asking, “know any losers?”
While some awoke to this weird message, others were shocked that a reputed company like Careem has asked this question! Many people took out different reasons behind the service provider’s strange message.
While some are convinced they have been hacked, given that their recent Twitter status is not something we’d expect from them; others are calling it another marketing strategy.
Many individuals have also spoken out that this is not the right way to market your product as calling someone a loser is unethical and can affect their customer base!
You’ll be losing one of your PRIORITY CUSTOMER anytime as my tolerance is about to reach its limit already your team have seen a major DECLINE in my careem usage. Traveling in public transport these days.
Then there are those who are claiming that Careem is subliminally targeting their drivers in Islamabad who are protesting against the company because of the sudden hike in prices, which has discouraged customers to travel in a Careem, affecting the income of the drivers.
At 6 am, @Careem sent a mass text message (“advertisement”) to users asking “Know any losers?” This is apparently how they recruit new drivers. Nothing objectionable about this?? @careempak (Stop the spam). 🤔 pic.twitter.com/x08kweEB1M
Spirit of Math (SoM) is Canada’s largest after-school math enrichment program with over 8500 students and 40 campuses spread across Canada, United States and now Lahore, Pakistan. Spirit of Math started classes in Lahore at the end of August 2017 in two locations, and are now opening two new locations this month. For more than 30 years, SoM has met the needs of high-performing and gifted students with its unique elite after-school mathematics enrichment program.
On Monday, January 15, 2018, Spirit of Math held a Press Conference at Pearl Continental (PC) in Lahore, where the legendary Bushra Ansari, announced a SoM bursary for ten high achieving students of grades 1-5 from underprivileged backgrounds studying at welfare schools in Lahore. Each high-performing student is selected based on their report card average being B+ or higher and that they successfully passed the qualifying SoM interview process. Ms. Ansari, an advocate for SoM’s mission, added that her own granddaughter attends Spirit of Math.
Ms. Kirsti Langen, Academic Director for SoM Pakistan welcomed all attendees and briefed them on the work SoM has been doing in Pakistan. Nathan Langen, Vice President Campus Operations, introduced World Mathematical Olympiad (WMO) Pakistan, an upcoming initiative by SoM to select and train high-achieving students nationwide to participate as Team Pakistan at the WMO. Mr. Langen went on to state how in August 2016, SoM trained Team Canada that went on to win gold, silver and bronze awards at the World Mathematical Olympiad in Beijing, China. In 2018, the Olympiad will be held at Stanford University in California, USA.
Spirit of Math CEO and Co-Founder, Mrs. Kim Langen, led an engaging panel with Pakistani educators and leaders to discuss crucial skills needed for future success of students in Pakistan and how educators can instill these skills in each student, new skills that teachers will need to learn, new skills parents will need to acquire to ensure future success of their children, and corporate responsibility and how their involvement is crucial to the success of Pakistan’s economy.
Bushra Ansari, Actor, Presenter, Comedian, and Singer spoke on the Spirit of Math,
“We have an outdated education system with an outdated syllabus and method of teaching. So this is something new and incredible. I am thankful to my Canadian friends for introducing Spirit of Math to Pakistan. For the sake of our children, we need to keep making advances in our education system and apply new methodologies in teaching. We need to innovate a healthy, enjoyable and nurturing learning environment not just in Math but in all other subjects as well.”
For interviews or inquiries about the event and our Spirit of Math Pakistan (SMP) program, please contact:
Kirsti Langen, Academic Director SMP
Zorain Masood, Operations Manager SMP at 0306-9386880
About Spirit of Math Schools Inc.
Spirit of Math Schools Inc. is an innovative and exclusive global leader in after-school mathematics enrichment education with more than 8,400 students in grades Kindergarten to 11 attending 40+ campuses across Canada, in the United States and in Pakistan.
Spirit of Math offers an after-school math enrichment program for high-performing and gifted students in Kindergarten to grade 11, Summer Camps for all students grades 1 to 9, an expanding publishing series of math workbooks for Levels 1 to 6 and Teacher Training programs for Elementary and Intermediate Educators.
Spirit of Math is taking students from the top of their class to the top of their world with our unique curriculum that focuses on mathematics Drills, Problem Solving, Core Curriculum and Cooperative Teamwork
CREATING PROBLEM SOLVERS OF TODAY AND LEADERS OF TOMORROW!
As 2017 came to an end, we all made our new year resolutions, as they say ‘ a new year, a new us’. While some vowed to start exercising, others promise to eat healthily!
Philip Morris International, an American cigarette and tobacco manufacturing company, also made a New Year resolution. Thousands of people each year decide to give up on smoking, hence the cigarette manufacturing giant decided to give up on manufacturing cigarettes.
The tobacco company recently placed full-page adverts in several UK newspapers claiming that the firm’s “New Year’s resolution” for 2018 is to “stop selling cigarettes.”
Philip Morris stated:
“Our ambition is to stop selling cigarettes. It won’t be easy. But we are determined to turn our vision into reality. There are 7.6 million adults in the UK who smoke. The best action they can take is to quit smoking”.
“Philip Morris is known for cigarettes. Every year, many smokers give them up. Now it’s our turn,” reads the ad.
The company now aims to help people give up on smoking by not only quitting manufacturing cigarettes but also by stopping the production of any tobacco product. However, they have decided to come up with other smoking-free alternatives like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
The company claimed;
“It can achieve a significant public-health benefit only when a large number of these smokers switch from cigarettes to better products.”
Peter Nixon, managing director of Philip Morris, reported:
“We believe we have an important role to play in helping the UK become smoke-free. The commitments announced today are practical steps that could accelerate that goal.”
“We recognize that never starting to smoke — or quitting altogether — are always the best option. But for those who continue to smoke, there are more alternatives than ever available in the UK.”
The company, since its start, had invested billions of dollars for the production, and manufacturing of the cigarettes. But now, suddenly, they have decided to close its core business and switch into the production of its alternative in which they have already invested d £2.5 billion into the research and development of smoke-free products to date.
What are your views on this decision? Let us know in the comments below.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.
Pakistan’s latest heartthrob, Feroze Khan has taken the country by storm with his drama Khaani aired on Geo Television. His character, ‘Meer Haadi’ has created a frenzy over the country and fans cannot get enough of Khan.
Feroze Khan stars alongside the beautiful actress, Sana Javed who is known for her superb acting skills in various Pakistani TV shows.
The actor is known for his suave looks and dapper style has gained popularity not only in Pakistan but across the border in India too!
Popular Indian YouTubers have given a thumbs up to ‘Khaani’ and could not help praising the storyline and the drama’s OST which has been sung by the legendary, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
The team of Indian Youtubers by the name ‘Swaggy D’ talked about Khaani and the video has received more than 300k Views!
This reactor is definitely head over heels for the bubbly actress, Sana Javed who plays Feroze Khan’s love interest in the drama.
The video has received more than 21k views on YouTube.
Pakistani content is always appreciated across the border, however, unfortunately hardly any of the Pakistani movies or TV shows are aired in India.
Keeping in mind the booming popularity Khaani has gained in a short time, we wouldn’t be surprised if Feroze Khan or Sana Javed would be seen in an upcoming Bollywood flick.
Another video reacting to Khaani posted by ‘Gautam’ has received over 70k views!
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates.
Scams have gotten even easier nowadays! While some call individuals and fake to be belonging to different organizations and sectors, others use the vast platform of the internet! Because of the lack of awareness, many even fall into their trap!
One popular scam is free airline tickets, and it’s surely not the first time where free tickets by Emirates were offered. However, the official page denies its evolvement and says they have no such competition or scheme going on.
While, on the other hand, a hoax website claimed that Emirates is offering free tickets to everyone. The website read “We are giving away two free tickets to everyone to celebrate our 33rd anniversary.” Followed by a question asking “Do you think Emirates is the best?”
To counter this Emirate’s official spokesperson said; “Emirates has become aware of fraudulent websites purporting to offer free airline tickets to those who take an online survey. We advise anyone not to click on any links or share these links on social media. Emirates is investigating the source of the scam and will take appropriate legal action against the perpetrators.”
These hoax links are popularly shared amongst groups and chats through WhatsApp and on Facebook. The website claims that in order to win these tickets, the individual has to fill a survey with only 196 tickets remaining.
Do NOT fall for this trick, it is not authentic and is a scam!
Stay aware, stay alert!
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.
Winters has successfully taken Karachi under its wing and the city has been hit by a vicious bout of flu!
While we all cannot stop sneezing and coughing, latest weather updates surely will not make us any happier.
According to Pakistan Metrological Department, normal rainfall throughout the country is expected during the month, along with cold and dry weather prevailing in most parts of the country.
Reports by Weather Updates Karachi reveal that an intense Western Disturbance (WD) is likely will affect various areas of Pakistan including Sindh by early next week.
Heavy rains are expected with heavy snowfall over mountainous regions.
Karachi will also experience shower under the influence of the upcoming. However, there is only a 40% chance of rain in Karachi and the probability is bound to increase in the next few days.
A RAIN SYSTEM IN SIGHTAn strong Western Disturbance (WD) is likely to affect different areas of Pakistan including…
Yesterday was the third and the last day of one of the biggest food festivals of Pakistan, the Karachi Eat festival.
Karachi is the hub of food and the residents are aware of the innumerable amount of mouth-watering dishes this city has to offer. So, when the dates for the Karachi Eat are announced, people go all gaga about it and cancel all other plans, making sure they make it to the event.
The event turned out to be a success with thousand and thousands of people making it to the festival, not caring about the traffic, not caring about the queues, only hoping to have fun and eat loads and loads of food!
The yearly event took place at Benazir Bhutto Park this year and the ticket cost for an individual was Rs. 300, but its worth it when you have 125 stalls waiting to serve you food inside, cooked right in front of your eyes.
As soon as the event began, people started to pour in their reviews on social media regarding the festival which were good and bad both. We at Brandsynario, also went to the festival to check out if Karachi eat lived up to its hype or not, and we believe, it surely did but there were ways, it could’ve been made better.
So here’s the good and bad of this year’s Karachi Eat Festival.
From No Lies Fries to Cafe Paraha, this festival had to offer all the varieties of food that one could ever imagine. From Firangi to desi, you were able to treat your taste buds with almost all the flavors you were craving for.
2. The larger than life Food Stalls
Along with the small stalls, there were others that were stealing the limelight with their grandness. The competitors, Shaan and National, definitely gave a tough competition to each other and it is difficult to decide which one was better than the other.
There was even a Biryani Vending Machine. Yes, you read it right!
To be honest, this was really cool!
3. The Celebrities
Everyone was there, obviously not at the same time but there was a very good chance for you to see one or more of your favorite celebs when you made it to the event. There was celebrities who were promoting their upcoming shows and films, while others were there to just enjoy the food and have a good time.
A post shared by socialistaan (@socialistaan_official) on
4. Trash Management
This is something which was commendable. It’s not easy when you have thousands of people entering a vicinity which is offering them a variety of food to eat. It could’ve gone wrong but the place was clean, there was no smell, and there was no trash to be seen anywhere. There were of plenty of trash cans available for you.
5. The entertainment
Apart from food, there was good music. In fact, there was Atif Aslam… do we need to say more?
To enter the event, there was a queue which seemed like it would never end but it eventually did. Thank God. Some people actually waited for about an hour or so to enter the festival which is definitely a turn off.
2. One entrance
For an event as big as Karachi eat, there was only one entrance. The security might be the reason behind it but it could’ve been managed. Because there was one entrance, there was lots of chaos and waiting outside which bored people like hell.
3. Washrooms
The washrooms were in one corner of the festival which made it very difficult for the people. If the management had arranged more washrooms, it would’ve been easier.
4. The Traffic & Public Transport
Facebook: Karachi Eat
The traffic outside Benazir Bhutto Park was a major turn off. People had to wait for their cars for hours to reach the destination. Tariff based taxi services offered amazing deals for the event, but disappointed the commuters with their services yesterday.
5. No Volunteers
There were no volunteers inside to help you at the event. You were just on your own.
There were printed maps given to people on the entrance, but they were of no help. If huge maps were installed at some points, it would have made people’s trip to the festival more convenient.
7. The Jammers
What is the point of installing signal jammers in Karachi Eat? Also, can’t these people manage these events properly? Why should i fucking stand in que for an hour?
People were unable to connect with their taxis and drivers because of the jammers. The networks were down, there as almost no connectivity. People also had troubling using their data to update their statuses from the event.
Though Benazir Bhutto was bigger than Frere Hall, it is still too far away for someone who is coming from Gulshan or North. If there’s a place that is located in the middle of the city, it will be more convenient for people to make it to the event and the turn up might be even more.
The ambiance could’ve been made better. Apart from a few grand stalls, there was a lack of decor! To be honest, if you check out from a millennial’s point of view, there was no cool background to click a picture with, except for the “EAT. Eat. Eat” one at the entrance. The plethora of stalls was a big no. It felt like they have just adjusted all the stalls in an enclosed area.
Over all, the event was a success. The traffic, the crows, the peak-factors, at the end of the day, it was all worth it!
Pakistan’s love for cricket has no end, our boys just proved that no disability can stop them from conquering anything in this world!
Pakistan Blind Cricket Team just performed one of the best games of their lives, and all-time.
The gave their rival Australia a massive pileup of 564 runs to chase while creating a new world record in World Blind Cup’s history! Pakistan scored the highest total of 563 runs in One-Day International games.
The boys broke their own record of 517, their previous best, which they made against South Africa at Sahara Park Newlands Cape Town in December 2010.
Pakistan Blind Cricket Council chairman Syed Sultan Shah and World Blind Cricket Council president Mahantesh, World Cup Director Program Syed Mustafain Kazmi, Special Assistant to CEO Interloop Col Ijaz Ahmed Nasir and other were guests at the occasion and distributed prizes amongst the players.
We wish our players all the best in their future games! It’s amazing how they have proved that no disability can stop them from doing what they love the most, and cannot keep them away from their passion for cricket.
Well done boys! Pakistan Zindabad!
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.
Pakistan is home to the most beautiful scenic landscapes in the world. Unfortunately, due to security concerns, it has never been a popular destination for tourists across the world.
However, it looks like things are about to change on the tourism front for Pakistan as the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has decided to review visa policies to attract more people from across the world to visit.
The PTDC has also reported that tourism in the country has tripled after 2013 due to the decrease in terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
The concerned departments have been asked to list down the new plans for changes to be made in the current visa policies in order to facilitate more tourists during 2018.
Managing Director of the PTDC Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor has mentioned,
“We will focus on overseas Pakistanis and foreign tourists during the year 2018.”
Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor also requested Civil Aviation Authority to provide a place for Tourism Information Desks at all the international airports in the country to make it easier for foreigners.
PTDC has also decided to appoint focal persons in major cities of Pakistan and other coordinators for tourism in foreign countries to work as a link between various tourism departments and tourists.
The increased activity on the tourism front is due to the recent report by a renown British travel company which has ranked Pakistan as the top adventure tourist destination in the world.
It takes tremendous courage for a victim to talk about sexual abuse.
Many feel embarrassed, judged and afraid to come forward and share their tales of torture. Some are even criticized and not taken seriously when they finally gather up the strength to do so.
With the barbaric rape and murder of the seven-year-old Zainab, a wave of outrage has erupted in the nation. Countrywide protests are demanding the criminal to be given the worst possible punishment.
Since then, much has happened in Pakistan’s entertainment fraternity
Various starlets are now coming forward with their accounts of sexual harassment, realizing that its crucial to share their struggling stories to help other individuals that are coping with the same trauma.
The first Pakistani celebrity to break the silence was the veteran T.V actress, Nadia Jamil.
She boldly narrated her painful story of being a victim of sexual abuse when she was just 4 years old!
I was 4 the first time I was abused sexually. I was in college when it blew out of proportion. People tell me not to talk to respect my families honour. Is my families honour packed in my body? I am a proud,strong,loving survivor. No shame on me or my kids. Only pride 4 being me
However, she enunciated the importance of reaching out to sexual assault survivors whose stories remain unheard!
Regardless of abuse I experienced in life as a child & teen,im a happy,privileged woman.2 many children DO NOT hv love,comfort,nurturing support.Dont hv a platform or voice.They r lying drugged on streets or being abused in & out of homes by relatives,teachers,strangers,staff NOW
Famous designer, Maheen Khan too encouraged survivors to come up by revealing her own experience with sexual abuse
#childabuse#saynotochildabuse#metoo The Maulvi who came to teach me the Quran abused me sexually .I froze in fear day after day . Share in support of children subjected to the sick acts ..by so called custodians of our religion
Tremendous respect to @FriehaAltaf & @NJLahori for speaking up abt the abuse they suffered.There should be no shame attached to women speaking out against abuse.Shame is with those that carry out these heinous crimes &rob these children of their innocence #EnoughIsEnough#timesuphttps://t.co/MRHzfBFh0G
So immensely proud of u @FriehaAltaf abuse is never easy to speak about. I haven’t had the courage yet to speak about mine. Kudos! https://t.co/PpE7BJWQGx
I think it’s incredibly brave of women like @FriehaAltaf@NJLahori and @Maheenkhanpk to not only speak up against sexual abuse but to share their own experiences with it.
It is important to understand that speaking out against sexual abuse is always scary.
It is indeed a proud moment that our gutsy Pakistani women are speaking up against sexual assault, stepping forward and sharing their own experience with it. With the power of social media, they are raising awareness to help eradicate the stigma, and give survivors a feeling that they too, can be heard!
The Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) has launched a public service message for the residents of Pakistan.
According to the notice, the people have been warned about fake calls from scammers claiming to be Pakistan Armed Forces officials.
They call individuals asking for personal information such as their CNIC numbers, addresses, and other personal bank details which are not to be disclosed.
These impersonators claim to be doing CENSUS verification and are using other pretexts as excuses.
It is highly urged for all citizens to be aware of this scam and not to fall for the trick. The Pakistan Army is not making any such calls. For those who have already received, or if you do, inform 1135 or 1125 about it and report them immediately.
Earlier, Chinese individuals with the help of some Pakistanis were caught trying to hack into bank accounts via ATMs.
The Chinese were caught on CCTV images replacing ATM parts with other parts which had scanners.
When an individual used the hacked ATM, their PIN and details were recorded by the scammers and their entire bank account was emptied, tracing back to cities in China. Now, the scammers have found another way around to trick innocent people into giving away their personal information.
The Punjab Food Authority has been known for taking strict actions against substandard quality foods, imperfect manufacturing, and unhygienic conditions.
The regulatory body has now banned bottled water from three companies that have failed to meet the quality standards required by the PFA. It comes as a shock as some renown drinking water brands are on the list too!
A survey was conducted in Lahore and collected samples from across the city which were then to Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research for testing. 14 Samples were collected in total.
3 Companies Banned by the Punjab Food Authority
Aquafina
Kinley
Springley
Samples from the Water and Sanitation Agency have also been collected, it was also reported that various samples were taken from private and government hospitals too. The results have not been received as yet.
The 14 Companies Included in Testing Were:
Aquafina
Sufi
Kinley
Aqua Safe
Blu Water
Sparkle
Kinz
Naimat
Bottle Water
Pure Drinking Water
Nestle Pure Life
Murree Sparkletts
Zam Zam
Springley
The 14 ‘mineral water’ brands were tested and only 11 passed the of being ‘Plain or Safe Water’. However, none of these were passed as ‘Mineral Water’.
It has been reported that the three companies have been banned from producing and supplying water. As per the samples tested it was discovered that hazardous material including germs and chemicals were found in the water that is harmful to human health.
The companies have now been asked to have a product recall of their stock already present in the market.
It is sad to see big renown brands misleading the public by using the term ‘mineral water’ when their brand has only passed being ‘plain or safe water’. These water companies have now been asked by the PFA to make changes.
The Director General of the PFA has informed company representatives that they can appeal after which samples would be re-tested from both government and private labs. However, if the company were to fail the test again, their premises would be sealed and production would be halted.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates.
For all those who are willing to perform Hajj this year, branches of 13 banks have now started receiving Government Scheme Hajj applications.
Following banks are now receiving Hajj applications:
United Bank Limited
National Bank of Pakistan
Muslim Commercial Bank
Allied Bank Limited
Agriculture Development Bank Limited
Bank of Punjab; Bank Alfalah
Meezan Bank
Habib Metropolitan Bank
Dubai Islamic Bank Limite
Faysal Bank Limited
Askari Bank Limited
Deadline
The deadline to submit applications is January 24
Balloting Date
Balloting to choose pilgrims would be held on January 26
Hajj Inquiry Number
051-9205696
Hajj 2018 Policy Details
Hajj quota for Pakistanis
179,210
No. of Pilgrims to be managed by Government
120,000
Seats reserved for citizens over 80 years of age
10,000
Northern region
Rs. 280,000.
Southern region
Rs. 270,000.
Extra Amount to be given for Animal Sacrifice
Rs. 13,050
A person performing Hajj through Government Scheme has been declared not eligible for applying for Hajj, the only exception is mehram accompanying a woman for Hajj.
Accompanying a Mehram has been made mandatory for each Haji women.
However, over 45 years women of Fiqia-e-Jafria would be exempted from the condition.
For the first time, three private airlines have been included in Hajj flight operation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, apart from PIA.
The successful pilgrims could see the status of their application on the ministry’s website, www.mora.gov.pk and www.hajjinfo.org.
The annual LUX Style Awards for excellence in Fashion, Film, Music, and Television will be held next month and can be seen on national television.
Entertainment Nominees for the 17th Lux Style Awards 2018
FILM
Best Film
Balu Mahi
Chupan Chupai
Na Maloom Afrad 2
Punjab Nahi Jaungi
Verna
Best Actor
Ahsan Khan in Chupan Chupai
Fahad Mustafa in Na Maloom Afrad 2
Humayun Saeed in Punjab Nahi Jaungi
Mohsin Abbas in Na Maloom Afrad 2
Osman Khalid Butt in Balu Mahi
Best Actress
Ainy Jaffri in Balu Mahi
Mahira Khan in Verna
Mahvish Hayat in Punjab Nahi Jaungi
Uzma Hasan in Arth 2
Neelum Muneer in Chupan Chupai
Best Film Director
Haisaam Hussain for Balu Mahi
Mohsin Ali for Chupan Chupai
Nabeel Qureshi for Na Maloom Afrad 2
Nadeem Baig for Punjab Nahi Jaungi
Shoaib Mansoor for Verna
Best Supporting Actor
Ali Rizvi in Chupan Chupai
Faizan Khawaja in Chupan Chupai
Sohail Ahmed in Punjab Nahi Jaungi
Javed Sheikh in Na Maloom Afrad 2
Gohar Rasheed in Rangreeza
Best Supporting Actress
Durdana Butt in Balu Mahi
Humaima Malik in Arth 2
Sadaf Kanwal in Balu Mahi
Urwa Hocane in Punjab Nahi Jaungi
Zhalay Sarhadi in Chalay Thay Saath
Best Singer (Male) – Film
Adnan Dhool for Sadqa from Chupan Chupai
Haroon Shahid for Sambhal Sambhal from Verna
Mohsin Haider Abbas for Heeray from Na Maloom Afrad 2
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from Sawaar De Arth 2
Sahir Ali Bagga from Murshid Jee of Arth 2
Best Singer (Female) – Film
Aima Baig for Kaif O Soroor from Na Maloom Afrad 2
Aima Baig for Sadqa from Chupan Chupai
Jonita Ghandi for Baqiya from Rangreeza
Nirmal Roy for Raunaq-e-Aashiqui from Punjab Nahi Jaungi
Sana Zulfiqar for Aadat from Arth 2
MUSIC
Album of the year
36 by Sikander ka Mandar
600 Saal by E Sharp
Elhaam by Sounds of Kolachi
Fanoos by Zohaib Kazi
Wajd by Hadiqa Kiani
Singer of the Year
Abid Brohi for The Sibbi Song from Patari
Ali Azmat and Qurat ul Ain Baluch for Chal Diye from Cornetto Pop Rock
Ali Hamza, Ali Sethi & Waqar Ehsan from Tanak Dhin from Coke Studio
Lyari Underground for Players of Lyari from Patari
Riaz Qadri and Zohaib Kazi for Takht Hazar from Fanoos
Best Music Video Director
Qamar Anwer for Kasani
Raza Shah for The Sibbi Song
Sana Jaffri for Madam
Taimoor Salahuddin for Chan Kithan
Waleed Ahmed for Super Cat
Best Emerging Talent
Abdullah Siddiqui for Fiction
Badnam for Khwaja ke Diwani
Kashmir for Kaghaz ka Jahaz
Keeray Makoray for Island in the City
Roots for Pagal sa
TELEVISION CATEGORIES
Best TV Play
Alif Allah Aur Insan
Muqabil
O Rung Reza
Sammi
Sang E Mar Mar
Best TV Actor
Adnan Siddiqui in Sammi
Ahad Raza Mir in Yakeen ka Safar
Imran Abbas in Khuda Aur Mohabbat
Mohin Abbas in Muqabil
Noman Ijaz in Pinjari
Best TV Actress
Bushra Ansari in Seeta Bagri
Kubra Khan in Muqabil
Saba Qamar in Baaghi
Sajjal Ali in Yakeen Ka Safar
Sajjal Ali in O Rung Reza
Best TV Director
Ahsan Talish for Alif Allah Aur Insan
Farooq Rind for Baaghi
Kashif Nisar for O Rung Reza
Safie Hassan for Sammi
Saife Hassan for Sang E Mar Mar
Best TV Writer
Mustafa Afridi for Sang E Mar Mar
Noor ul Huda Shah for Sammi
Qaisara Hayat for Alif Allah aur Insan
Saji Gul for O Rung Reza
Zafar Mairaj for Muqabal
Best Original Sound Track
Adnan Dhool and Sana Zulfiqar for Bay Khudi
Ali Azmat for Rasm e Dunya
Jimmy Khan for Tumharay Hain
Nabeel Shaukat for Woh ek Pal
Richi Robinson for Shayad
