While we are seeing new Pakistani films coming up, the drama industry still remains on the top. Most of the country’s population prefers Pakistani dramas because they say the dramas portray the realness of life. But does that mean Pakistani dramas have stayed constant too? Not so much! The trends in the dramas have changed, and these changing trends give the current Pakistani dramas a whole new outlook compared to the older ones.
1. Female Character’s Profession
Pick up Alpha, Bravo, Charlie or dhoop kinarey, or Tanhayian. In each of those dramas, you will see a proper balance in the professions of the female characters. You will see women as full-time housewives, but you will also see women working full time in other positions; positions such as doctors. But now, what you see is an imbalance of the professions. It seems as if all women, be it the ones currently studying or working women, eventually become housewives. That is the ultimate profession. I believe that by doing this, we are looking down upon the career of a housewife.
Image Source: Twitter
2. One Whole Genre’s Disappearance
Remember the time when there used to be fantasy dramas. Remember Ainak wala Jinn, Zakoota, and Bil Batori. There were many other such dramas. In fact, I also remember a period drama from Mughal times or even further back. But these genres have disappeared, and it’s all about the current times and relationships.
3. Everything is about Divorce
As a society, we should normalize divorce because otherwise, people stay in toxic relationships and not just ruin their own lives but also the lives of their children. But now everything is just about that, one of our colleagues said. Apparently, everything is just about divorce: men divorcing their wives, women asking for a divorce from husbands. There is much more to life than that. If you don’t like a specific person, don’t get married from the get-go.
Image Source: Samaa
4. Cheating Cheating and S’more Cheating
The dramas of today are mostly on cheating. Spouses are cheating with their significant other’s siblings or their colleagues. Doesn’t that fuel more deceit? What will be housewives sending their husbands to the office be thinking because all they see on dramas is that husband cheat with colleagues? What will the in-laws think when their daughter-in-law goes to the office? And they will have these thoughts because of the perception the industry fuels in us; “they are based on reality.”
Do you agree with us that these above aspects have changed in Pakistani dramas? Do you have more to add? Let us know!
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!
It’s a good budget. But it’s good only because it’s the first of many for 2022-23.
In simpler words, the supposedly “annual” budget-making exercise will most likely be followed by a mini-budget(s) going forward. Why? For starters, it’s highly unrealistic.
This means the government will miss its key targets like inflation, economic growth and tax collection. That’ll upset the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and force the government to change its fiscal course mid-year through a mini-budget. The government will impose new taxes to bring a semblance of balance to its books and obtain fresh loan tranches under the currently stalled IMF loan programme.
For example, there’s zero chance that inflation will stay at or below the anticipated level of 11.5 per cent in 2022-23. There’s no end to the Russian-Ukraine war in sight. Oil, coal and gas prices are going through the roof. Margins on finished petroleum products that Pakistan imports in bulk are at an all-time high. So how exactly the government thinks it can bring down inflation from the existing level of nearly 14pc to 11.5pc in spite of a fresh increase of Rs60 on every litre of petrol and diesel is beyond comprehension.
Similarly, the envisaged economic growth rate of 5pc is hogwash given the ongoing fiscal belt-tightening coupled with the rapidly rising benchmark interest rate. Demand will shrink, people will scale back consumption and the economy will grow a lot slower than before. Pakistan will miss its economic growth target of 5pc in 2022-23.
Image Source: The News
The biggest lie in the proposed federal budget relates to the total revenue collection target of Rs9 trillion, up 14pc from the budgeted figure for the outgoing fiscal year. The target seems ridiculous. The petroleum development levy (PDL) of Rs750bn makes up for 68.5pc of the envisaged increase of almost Rs1.1tr in the total revenue collection.
Margins on finished petroleum products that Pakistan imports in bulk are at an all-time high. So how exactly the government thinks it can bring down inflation from the existing level of nearly 14pc to 11.5pc in spite of a fresh increase of Rs60 on every litre of petrol and diesel is beyond comprehension.
According to AKD Securities, the PDL collection estimate for a single litre of fuel comes out to be Rs38, which is higher than the notified ceiling of Rs30. Assuming the government sticks to its plan and further jacks up the retail fuel price, it’ll result in further inflationary pressure and render the 11.5pc inflation target moot.
“Given the soaring crude oil prices in the international market, we may see a shortfall in collection under this head, which will need to be compensated elsewhere,” said the brokerage house. The last government missed its budgeted PDL collection target of Rs500bn for the outgoing fiscal year by a wide margin amidst mounting oil prices internationally and political troubles at home.
Hence, one can say it safely that the mini-budget is unavoidable. In fact, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail just dropped a hint to that effect. He said in his post-budget press conference that the relief on personal income tax announced a day earlier in parliament may well be withdrawn. The IMF is “still unhappy” and not willing to give relaxation on the demand for higher tax revenue.
The outlay of the budget is Rs9.5tr, with a development component of Rs808bn. The country will spend 41.5pc of its total annual budgetary outlay just to make interest payments on past loans. The absolute figure for debt servicing (Rs3.95tr) is 25.6pc higher than what the government has paid in the outgoing fiscal year.
The budget has been nothing but bad news for the banking sector. It’s set to pay income tax at the rate of 42pc as opposed to the earlier 39pc in addition to a poverty alleviation tax of 2pc.
The nation will spend Rs1.5tr on defence, up 11pc from the amount budgeted for the outgoing fiscal year. This constitutes about 16pc of total annual expenditures.
The good, the bad and the neutral
It’s most likely that your income tax will go down if you live on a monthly salary. The government has reduced the number of income tax slabs for salaried people from 12 to seven and increased the exemption threshold from Rs600,000 to Rs1.2m a year.
This means there’s zero income tax on a monthly salary of less than Rs50,000. You’ll pay only Rs100 in annual income tax if your salary is less than Rs1.2m a year.
If your annual salary exceeds Rs1.2m but is less than Rs2.4m, you’ll have to pay 7pc on any income that’s in excess of Rs1.2m. There’re four more slabs with the maximum income tax rate of 32.5pc a year.
Image Source: Gulf News
One of the best features of the proposed budget is its focus on taxing the real estate. If you have property worth more than Rs25 million other than the one you currently occupy, the government will “assume” you’re earning an annual income equalling 5pc of the property’s fair value. Subsequently, you’ll be liable to pay a 20pc tax on your “assumed” rental income.
Moreover, advance income tax on the purchase and sale of property will be increased from 1pc to 2pc for filers and to 5pc for non-filers. So your taxes are going up significantly if you’re rich and own multiple real estate assets. Otherwise, you should be happy that the government is finally looking for ways to tax the untaxed.
For stock market investors, the government has proposed rationalising capital gains tax (CGT). As such, your tax rate on any gains earned on shares that you owned for less than one year will be 15pc. The tax rate will go down by 2.5 percentage points a year and become zero after six years.
“The average CGT rates now will be lower than old rates, which were fixed at 12.5pc for a holding period of six years,” said Topline Securities in an explanatory note to its clients.
The government has withdrawn the tax credit that was available to individuals on mutual fund and pension fund investments. As a result, the brokerage foresees redemptions from equity mutual funds with some amount being diverted to direct stock market investments.
The budget has been nothing but bad news for the banking sector. It’s set to pay income tax at the rate of 42pc as opposed to the earlier 39pc in addition to a poverty alleviation tax of 2pc.
Electricity users who consume less than 200 units a month will be eligible for soft loans on easy terms from banks for the purchase of solar panels — a move that’ll directly benefit the middle class struggling under the weight of ever-rising utility bills.
Image Source; Dispatch News Desk
As for the automobile buyers, the proposed budget seeks to increase the advance tax on the purchase of vehicles above 1,600cc. This measure will result in an increase in the car prices for Indus, Honda, KIA and Hyundai, but not Suzuki, which sells mostly small cars.
The government is exempting customs duties (CD) on more than 26 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, which are the main ingredients of drugs. The move will stabilise drug prices and promote local production.
The budget envisages a reduction of customs duties on woven fabrics and raw materials for the footwear industry. Topline Securities says the step will lower the cost of raw materials for local manufacturers like Bata Pakistan, Service Industries and Service Global Footwear. There’s also going to be a reduction in the customs duties on the import of raw materials for snacks manufacturers.
Thanks to its overambitious targets, the budget is likely to have fewer hits than misses. Barring a sudden (and improbable) drop in global energy prices, there’s little chance its projections will stand the test of time.
Not a good thing, but I overheard a conversation one day. It was a mother-in-law telling her daughter-in-law how she cannot be a saas; it’s not in her DNA. Another day, I got to know a friend who had the idea that somehow in-law by definition is something terrible. I mean, the mother of the groom, by definition, is saas, is she not? This led me to wonder what is going on in society; why is something objective being perceived as such?
The In-law Stereotype
But where does one form ideas from? From what they are seeing around them. And there is one thing which the majority of the population has in common. It is a Pakistani television drama. Bring up Humsafar, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Nand; you can have a conversation with almost any Pakistani. And one way or the other, each of these drama shows that the in-laws do or say something which is always going to hurt you. Sometimes it’s the mother-in-law who is the victim, and at other times it is the daughter in law.
So, wanting to dissociate from what they see on the screen, they invalidate the definition of the word itself.
Eastern Wear Vs. Western Wear
Another stereotype that doesn’t sit well with me is the dressing of the female characters. Firstly, if they are two female characters, the clothing will always decipher which one is the protagonist. If the person is wearing western dresses, they are often the villain in the story.
Change of Wardrobe
The dressing also feeds into another weird stereotype. Apparently, when a girl gets married, her wardrobe changes. If she is used to wearing Kurti and jeans, she will now have a 3-piece suit with 3-meter log dupattas. And if she does not, well, it is indicative that the girl does not want to adapt and continue her married life; an evil woman!
Image Source: HUM
The point is that the Pakistani dramas promote many stereotypes that the audience consumes and believe them to be very real. They start altering their own beliefs and lifestyles according to that. They forgo the definition that was objective; they forget that clothing is just a way of wearing something, and it does not define the character traits of a person. And it indeed does not say if a girl is divorce-prone or not! So it’s a request to the drama industry; let’s be responsible and promote healthy concepts!
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!
Have you already started thinking of the dishes you’ll make on Bakra Eid? So have we! However, all our plans have one thing in common— we’re focusing on meat. If you’re confused about which recipe to follow for a mutton leg roast, we’ve got your back.
1. Masala Roast Leg of Lamb
Just like there is Tawa Chicken, there is a masala roast leg of lamb. It focuses on the spices and flavours more to give you a flavourful dish. The leg roast is a famous dish that can be made on many days. If you’re into flavour bombs, this is your best option! Here is the recipe.
Image Source: Afelia Kitchen
2. Mutton Raan Roast (steamed)
Another great option for those wanting to eat their hearts out without going overboard on calories. This recipe focuses more on techniques and teaches how to make raan roast by steaming it. The end result is a super soft and juicy leg roast, sure to make your Eid even better.
FoodFusion always has some of the best recipes in store for desis. Check out their chatpatti raan recipe which is different from all others. It’s sour, spicy and full of flavour with all the spices that go into it. The trick is in the marination for this one. Try it out, it’s a fan favourite.
4. Roasted Mutton Raan (without oven)
Not everyone has an oven at their disposal. If you haven’t invested in an oven, don’t think you can not enjoy a raan. This recipe teaches you how to make an excellent mutton raan roast even without an oven. What stands out for us is the pairing with boiled eggs— it’s interesting! Here is the recipe.
Image Source: KFoods
5. Special Mutton Leg Roast
This is a great recipe for beginners. It is a comprehensive guide on how to select the best raan, how to store it, preserve it and then cook it. The ingredients are not very different from the rest so rest assured, the flavour punch will be ever-present. Try this special creation out to wow your family and friends.
6. Pakistani Raan Recipe
Chef Shireen Anwar is famous for her creations hence, this recipe can be trusted with closed eyes. This recipe focuses on the technique as well and what is unique is its marination overnight. This will ensure the flavour goes deep inside the meat. Try it this Eid if you want to make mutton raan roast, it’s incredible! Here is the recipe.
Image Source: Recipes Pk
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
Lahore – July 08, 2022: Building on their previous collaboration with her for the realme 9 Pro+, realme has just announced that Sajal Aly will carry forward the 9 series legacy as the brand ambassador for the upcoming realme 9 4G. The actress has stunned everyone in the past with her incredible performances in every facet of her career, locally as well as in the international sphere. With a versatile and unique sense of style, the talented actress exudes effortless charisma just like the realme 9 4G.
Every time a new generation of number series phones is released, realme aims to innovate in the market it serves. The majority of these products include cutting-edge technology that makes them stand out from rivals because they are the first in their category. As the fastest-growing smartphone brand, realme has been committed to bringing nothing but the best to the market since its arrival. The tech democratizer always wants to give its users the opportunity to experience flagship features in their phones at an economical price. This commitment to performance and desire to live up to the expectations of their fans is shared by Sajal and realme.
Sajal Aly has the extraordinary ability to light up the screen whenever she appears on it, captivating your gaze and keeping you hooked to her mesmerizing performance. Active in the industry since 2009, Sajal made her debut with Nadaaniyaan, which was followed by an impressive role in Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain. From playing Dr. Zubia in Yaqeen Ka Safar, to the chirpy and confident Sasi in O Rangreza and then across the border with her big Bollywood debut with Mom, Sajal has proved that she is one of our industry’s finest actresses.
More recently, Sajal took on challenging roles in Ishq-e-Laa where she played character of a fearless journalist who strives to tell the truth no matter what, as well as Sinf-e-Aahan where she was part of a brigade of girls from diverse backgrounds who join the Pakistan Army and rise in the ranks, becoming the eponymous ‘women of steel.’ She is now all set to make her Hollywood debut in Shekhar Kapur’s What’s Love Got to do with it? She is indeed an exceptional dynamo with unique talent who is diversifying in an effort to stray from playing just one type of role. This spirit is shared with the realme 9 series which always bring new innovation with its launch, including the latest realme 9 4G.
The realme 9 4G is coming to Pakistan very soon with a launch event on the horizon in the near future. The new smartphone will be available in three stunning colors: Stargaze White, Meteor Black, and Sunburst Gold. With a unique Holographic Ripple Design, the realme 9 4G is built for aesthetics as well as performance. Sajal’s presence in the cultural zeitgeist of Pakistan is undeniable. Her status as a household name in Pakistan will be highly beneficial in drawing attention to the new, next-level realme 9 4G so that it can have a more sustained impact in the Pakistani market. Stay on the lookout for more exciting details about the upcoming realme 9 4G.
It is a well-known fact that Asim Azhar’s music is loved worldwide. From the US to Australia, wherever a person from the subcontinent lives, they listen to Asim Azhar. Asim Azhar’s fandom has also warmly welcomed his newly engaged fiancé Merub.
Yesterday, resulting in a great uproar, the engaged couple launched a music video in collaboration with Free Fire. This is the first time they’re appearing on-screen as a couple and fans are ecstatic to see them! Free Fire announced the collab on their social media letting the fans know that the music video is a part of Free Fire’s Eid-ul-Azha campaign.
Experience Free Fire in the New Music Video
The newly launched music video takes you onto the experience of battle style in Free Fire Arena. Asim sings “Lakhon Style” which refers to the billion styling and customizing options in Free Fire. The video is about styling up your character for Eid and supporting your squad in the Free Fire battle.
Free Fire’s Styling Options
Styling options have always been Free Fire’s unique feature amongst the gamers and that is what the music video highlights for you. You can explore a billion styling options within the game to make your character look cool and stand out. All you have to do is log in to the game and choose from the many different bundles available to you.
Free Fire’s Special Campaign for Eid-ul-Azha
Free Fire’s Eid-ul-Adha campaign is full of surprises including exciting contests and the special music video that was hinted at by Free Fire before the launch. Free Fire promised something exciting and fulfilled the promise with the newest jam for BBQs this year
As highlighted in the music video, battle in style with your squad in Free Fire with massive customization options within the game!
If anyone has made a list of all things that carry a part of Pakistan with them, Rooh Afza would probably be on top of that list.
Recently, in the seventh TV series of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), “Ms. Marvel“, Rooh Afza was spotted in a shadi-ka-ghar (wedding house) sequence. The brand is subtly placed to reinforce values of overseas Pakistanis, among other things like customs and traditions of events in a wedding, overall attire of the members and the vibe that relatives create at such events.
Not just that, in another recent release of Disney+, “American Eid”, a similar kind of subtle placement of Rooh Afza, was spotted in a scene.
It seems like attention to detail is high among these Hollywood cultural consultants who are hired for such projects, as they are now placing the brands that make a home feel like home for us Pakistanis. They didn’t even have to show the label from the front as the bottle and its cap is enough to know that it is nothing else but Rooh Afza.
The interesting thing is that this is not a branded placement, as confirmed by Brand team and creative agency; instead, it was the Marvel team’s choice that made the TV series. This shows that Rooh Afza is the true market leader and has a vast legacy, which makes it inevitable to place it in a frame to depict a true Pakistani home anywhere in the world.
It turns out, no matter how far you take the Pakistanis out from Pakistan, you can’t take Rooh Afza out of Pakistanis’ homes!
Islamabad, Pakistan – 7 July 2022: 173,878 students worldwide, including 264 students from Pakistan, receive their Diploma Programme (DP) results from the May 2022 examination session. Pakistan’s DP total points average is 31.14.
In Pakistan, students who participated in the May 2022 session will be subject to the revised conversion formula as per the updated Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) Equivalence Committee guidelines for International Baccalaureate (IB).
Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate, said: “Our students have shown outstanding resilience and dedication to learning. The pandemic has thrown up challenges at almost every step of their educational journey and yet they have overcome them. I am proud of every single one of them.
To recognise these challenges the IB provided adaptions to our programmes – but it is the IB World Schools and teachers who deliver our programmes that have also been incredibly resilient and dedicated to help their students get to this point. Today is an incredible day for the whole IB family and I salute everyone involved in making it this far. The character on display illustrates everything the IB stands for.”
The IB understands that students globally continue to face disruption to their lives and their teaching and learning as a result of the global pandemic. To ensure that all students could continue to the next step of their learner journey and achieve valid results, the IB made adaptations to help address the challenges caused by the pandemic, including adjustments to learning, teaching, and assessment, for the May 2022 examination session.
The IB also developed a procedure to award grades without written examinations as a contingency measure for the circumstances preventing exam administration.
The impact of the pandemic on students was deeply considered throughout the grade awarding process for the May 2022 examination session and appropriate grade boundaries were set to account for the disruption to education. A review of results was undertaken to ensure the IB mitigated the disruption students face.
The IB is immensely proud of all IB students who have reached this milestone. Throughout the DP two-year learning journey students have acquired the knowledge and skills to thrive and make a difference in the world. This achievement has been reached through the incredible efforts and ongoing support of the whole school community.
The IB is offered by 5,603 schools in 160 countries around the world, and 31 of these schools offering 48 programmes are located in Pakistan. In addition, the IB is widely recognized by prestigious universities globally and employers alike, for the depth and breadth of its programmes.
Learn more about the May 2022 examination session here.
Dr Miftah Ismail presented a budget on June 9 that appeared reasonable and fair to most observers. The Wharton-trained public economist received congratulations readily as pundits went on to look into the nitty-gritty of the document to fill up newspaper columns.
But one key stakeholder wasn’t happy. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was miffed that the budget didn’t do much to increase tax revenues and instead doled out generous largesse to individuals and the corporate sector in the name of tax relief.
The view of the IMF matters. We’ve been camping out at the IMF’s door for months on end to receive a long-pending loan tranche of about $1 billion agreed back in 2019. More than the cash injection per se, Pakistan is looking for the seal of IMF’s approval that the country must have to unlock inflows from other global lenders. Multilateral institutions, international banks and bond investors trust the country with their money only if it’s in an IMF programme, thanks to Islamabad’s ongoing balance-of-payments crisis.
As a tax policymaker, you don’t get to discriminate between a beverage company and a confectionary company, especially when you’re the owner of the latter. No minister, regardless of his credentials, should be allowed to arbitrarily notify different tax rates for different industries. It’s whimsical and unethical.
So, the IMF stepped in and Dr Ismail had to renege on his ‘relief’ promises in a couple of weeks of the budget presentation.
On June 24, the government announced a second round of tax measures — to be incorporated into the 2022-23 budget — to comply with the revised tax revenue target of Rs7.47 trillion.
The most salient feature of the June 24 bombshell of announcement was the awesome-sounding “super tax”.
In simple terms, the super tax is a 10 per cent levy – 6pc if you count it separately from the 4pc poverty alleviation tax already proposed in the June 9 budget — on companies with earnings of more than Rs300 million in 13 specific sectors.
Interestingly, the tax will apply to the earnings reported in tax year 2022 (more on that later). The 13 sectors are airline, auto, bank, beverage, cement, chemical, cigarette, fertiliser, LNG terminal, oil and gas, steel, sugar and textile.
The tax measure is expected to help the government generate additional Rs80bn, according to Amreen Soorani, head of research at JS Global.
The super tax is highly regressive. Here’re eight reasons why it’s bad.
IT’S DISINGENUOUS
The government shouldn’t get to pick winners and losers through tax policy. Of course, governments sometimes impose vice tax on tobacco and alcohol to discourage their consumption or give tax breaks on the use of renewable energy. But that’s a tool that should always be used sparingly.
Image Source: PakScoop
As a tax policymaker, you don’t get to discriminate between a beverage company and a confectionary company, especially when you’re the owner of the latter. No minister, regardless of his credentials, should be allowed to arbitrarily notify different tax rates for different industries. It’s whimsical and unethical.
Raise the existing tax rates across the board by the same proportion if the government is so short of cash. But don’t play favourites. That’s ingenuous.
IT’S RETROSPECTIVE
The super tax will apply to tax year 2022. It means businesses didn’t know they’d be charged a much higher tax ex post facto. No self-respecting administration tweaks tax rates mid-year. This government is changing the tax rate for the whole year in the eleventh month. It’s like telling your tenant at the end of the year that their rent for the past 12 months is going up substantially.
WHAT CHANGED?
One would assume professionals ran the Ministry of Finance. But recent events suggest otherwise. When the budget came out on June 9, many writers — including this reporter — said it was a good ‘first’ budget and that mini-budgets would likely follow. We didn’t have to wait even for the passage of the budget for a mini-budget to arrive!
The ministry proposed fundamental changes in the initially proposed budget within two weeks of its presentation. If business reporters with rudimentary knowledge of the IMF policies knew well in advance the proposed budget would be short-lived, what excuse did Dr Ismail, a PhD in public finance, have for presenting a flimsy Finance Act? Did he expect the IMF to look the other way while he collected congratulatory messages from his party workers?
WRONG SIGNAL FOR INVESTORS
Trade bodies are wondering aloud what kind of a country changes its benchmark corporate tax rate so frequently. The change would earlier take place every year. Now it’s even more frequent. Does tax policy continuity matter at all to our policymakers?
Foreign investors, in particular, operate in close liaison with their overseas headquarters for budgeting and expansion plans. Did it ever occur to the worthy minister how the foreign sponsors of multinationals react to such frequent policy U-turns? After all, nearly one-third of the total tax revenue comes from only 200 foreign companies operating in Pakistan.
BAD TIMINGS
Budgets are usually announced on weekends when capital markets are closed. That’s because the government wants to protect investors from sudden, uninformed reaction.
Image Souce: The express tribune
But the government dropped the June 24 bombshell on a Friday. The result was a bloodbath on the stock exchange in which intraday losses took away more than 2,000 points from the benchmark index. People lost money unnecessarily. Couldn’t the announcement be made after the market closure? At least people would’ve gotten the time to process the new information and calmly decide whether they wanted to sell shares or wait for an upswing. One prominent reporter wondered on Twitter whether the prime minister was following a buy-the-dip policy for his own portfolio.
IT WON’T JUST AFFECT THE RICH
No matter how loudly they tell you the super tax is on the rich, don’t believe them. The tax will be passed on to consumers. Don’t expect the rich to bear the increased tax burden. They never did, and they never will. A bag of cement will get expensive, airline tickets will be dearer and the price tags on clothing items will get revised upwards. A tax on the rich always gets passed on.
INFLATION WILL GO FURTHER UP
I went to a photocopy shop yesterday. The price of a single-page photocopy went up from Rs3 to Rs5. Overnight. I could explain to the shopkeeper that the official inflation number was still less than 14pc and his 66pc increase in the per-page rate defied logic, but I didn’t. I knew what he’d say. I paid him two extra rupees and left.
Ours is a high inflation economy. People expect and accept price hikes more readily. Prices shoot up while wages remain sticky. That’s why income inequality is rising. Dr Ismail is lying that the super tax won’t fuel inflation. It will.
TAX THE UNTAXED
It’s become a cliché, but that doesn’t mean it’s untrue. Pakistan is always short of money, although it taxes the hell out of those that are already taxed. If you’re a salaried person, you pay a tax on your income at source. Then you pay tax on everything ranging from a matchbox to electricity, fuel, cell phone use and tea.
Who doesn’t pay taxes in proportion to their income? Real estate developers don’t. Land-owning farmers don’t. Government employees, civilians and otherwise, don’t. If you have any doubt, just look at the Prados and Land Cruisers green number plates parked around every government office in the country.
Nepotism is rampant across all entertainment industries. However, the rise of it in Bollywood is what got the conversation started. This has encouraged people to look within and also contemplate to what extent nepotism plays a role in our own industry. So far, it’s apparent that nepotism is strengthening its hold in the Pakistani entertainment industry also. Here’s what it’s doing:
Consider Shahroze Sabzwari, Ahad Raza Mir, Noor Zaffar Khan. These are all names that have proven their existence in the industry only because of their older siblings or parents. Now, naturally, they have become big names too. What does this do? It discourages new people from joining the industry because it shows them that the cycle continues working within families only.
Image Source: ARY News
Talent Of The Industry Is Discounted
Moreover, while some may join through nepotism but then prove their talent, others may simply flop. When nepotism becomes rampant and it gives space to those individuals who can’t stand on their own, it shows outsiders that our entertainment industry is not worth it.
This can discount the impact of the work created by Pakistanis. When the nepotism debate sparked in Bollywood, the business of the industry greatly declined.
Image Source: Awami Web
People Don’t Want To See Local
Recently on Eid, the whole “watch local, support local” fiasco blew up in our faces. Local producers were upset about the fact that people prefer Hollywood productions rather than their own. Can we blame Pakistanis for doing so when the local movies are full of nepotism? Who would want to see the same generations going on again and again and again! First Javed Sheikh and then her daughter Momal Sheikh which is also a sign of nepotism.
Image Source: Something Haute
Why This Needs To Stop
This needs to stop because nepotism discourages people from supporting the industry. Pakistani industry is a nascent industry and when people become dissuaded from watching something from a nascent industry, the industry then has no future. As a result, to build confidence and trust in the people of the nation, it is important to rid the industry of this mark of nepotism.
Our love for food knows no bounds. Even our festivals revolve around it. Eid ul Azha, while carries a strong message about gratitude and sacrifice, we fast forward that aspect and head towards food.
Even after sharing the sacrificial meat with others, there is enough left, making people wonder what to cook with it. Almost every dinner table has the same old Nihaari and Paaya.
It’s time to try something different. Here are some of the best BBQ Bakra Eid recipes that are not only easy to make, they also add a new and exciting variety to your dinner table.
BBQ Lamb Chops
The rich smokiness of BBQ makes any dish delectable. Your average lamb chops too get an upgrade with this recipe!
BBQ Beef Tikka
If you are looking for some relaxation, we recommend you pick up a tenderizer and beat away a chunk of beef. Not only will you feel better, you will also be done with half the work required to make this next dish.
Pahari Chapli Kebabs
Stretching the definition a little to call put them in BBQ recipes, but this recipe is worth a try. Chapli Kebabs beat the regular Shami ones anytime and every time.
Gola Kebab
The smaller and fatter brother of Seekh Kebabs, Gola kebabs are very easy to make and quite delicious indeed.
Spicy Raan BBQ
The gluttony continues. Why chop up the meat into tiny pieces when you can just BBQ the whole leg? Add this to the list of Bakra Eid recipes to try.
BBQ Steak
If you can make a killer sauce to accompany it, go ahead and attempt this recipe that will help you make BBQ Steak.
Which recipe are you planning to try out? Let us know in the comments below.
Pakistan’s television industry has given us some of the greatest dramas that are worth binging amidst coronavirus. If you make a list of dramas that were truly commendable, then you’d be surprised to see how much our entertainment industry has evolved.
However, keeping that list concise, we have randomly selected a few of the drama serials that are based on actual events and left a lasting impression on the masses.
Have a look:
1. Baaghi
Source/ Tribune
Baaghi was written by Shazia Khan, directed by Farooq Rind and produced by Urdu1 and was based on the life of Qandeel Baloch.
2. Sadqay Tumhare
Source/ Dawn
Penned by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, this drama serial was directed by Muhammad Ehteshamuddin and produced by MD Productions Channel. The story is based on the life of Khalil-ur-Rehman.
3. Meri Guriya
Source/ ebuzztoday
Penned by Radain Shah and directed by Ali Hassan, Meri Guriya’s basic story was based on the tragic and brutal murders of several little girls and Zainab’s murder in particular.
4. Rehaai
Source/ Dramabaaz.com
Rehaai was written by Farhat Ishtiaq, directed by Mehreen Jabbar and focuses on child marriages.
5. Lahaasil
Source/ icons.pk
Lahaasil is an adaptation of the novel with the same name. Written by Umera Ahmed, the novel is dedicated to a woman named Najma, who came out and told her story.
6. Mein Sitara
Source/ TV One
The series highlighted the struggles of actress’s and is based on the story of a Pakistani actress. It was written by Faiza Iftikhar, directed by Seema Taher Khan and produced by TV ONE.
7. Pyare Afzal
Source/ ARY Digital
Penned by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, directed by Nadeem Baig and produced by Six Sigma Entertainment this tale of Rehman’s friend back in college who would write love letters to himself.
8. Mubarak Ho Beti Hui Hei
Source/ Tribune
Written by Faiza Iftikhar, this drama was directed by Badar Mehmood and Produced by Big Bang Entertainment this drama revolves around Faiza Iftikhar’s mother.
9. Ruswai
Source/ Medium
Ruswai was written by Naila Ansari, directed by Rubina Ashraf. The writer in an interview shared that plot was inspired by an incident that occurred at Do Darya where a father saved his friend’s daughter while his daughter was kidnapped.
10. Inkaar
Source/ Dawn
Inkaar’s script was penned down by Zafar Mairaj, Kashif Nisar directed it. The show was inspired by Khadija Siddiqui real-life struggles and story. Khadija Siddiqui was stabbed by her class fellow in broad daylight and she fought for many years to achieve justice.
11. Khaani
Source/ Tribune
The plot of this drama serial was based on a tragic incident that was highlighted in the media over and over again and garnered a lot of popularity. It was written by Asma Nabeel and was directed by Anjum Shehzad.
12. Damsa
Source/ Dawn
Asma Nabeel wrote Damsa’s script, Najaf Bilgrami directed it. The plot revolves around children who have been kidnapped or trafficked.
13. Mere Pass Tum Ho
Source/ Samaa
Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar wrote drama serial Mere Pass Tum Ho, Nadeem Baig directed it, and Six Sigma Plus produced it. The serial was inspired by a man who endured the same pain as the lead character did in the serial. This news was told by Rehman himself on media.
A designer’s craft says a lot about themselves. While many stay true to their roots, others try to step out of mediocrity once in a while. Sometimes it pays off, while sometimes, not so much. Recently, a Pakistani designer Jazib Qamar has come out with the latest eid collection, which is artistic, to say the least.
Not every day do you get to experience monsoon. However, the artist has made sure to make you feel like you are in the monsoon state of mind with his vibrant collection. The design might seem ordinary; however, the idea behind it is the amalgamation of current weather conditions and Eid-ul-Adha.
Drenched
The collection named ‘Drenched’ features an electric blue Shalwar Kurta. With accents on the collar and shoulders, the design adds a little oomph to the entire outfit. However, wait till you see the overall print! It is as if you have stepped out in the rain – literally. The stains, which represent water, show the effect of being drenched in the rain.
The sleeves feature tags on the interior with written Left and Right on the respective sleeves. Representing the right and wrong choices in life – left and right.
With the current weather conditions and Eid-ul-Adha, the designs set the mood for the upcoming festivities.
Wearing the designer outfit might also make you feel like you are reminiscing about the monsoon long after it’s gone, which is another excellent reason to get your hands on it. While creativity knows no boundaries, we can’t wait to see what fashion designer has to offer in the future.
In Pakistan, many designers have tried their hands at extraordinary designs and cuts. A household name in an experimental fashion, Ali Xeeshan is the epitome of such designs and collections.
Fawad Khan reached the heights of fame in Pakistan and then it appears he made a nest up there somewhere. It’s been six years since his last role. However, the majestic actor has now once again agreed to grace the hearts, minds, and eyes of all his fans and lovers in Ms. Marvel. He has been termed the ‘perfect bait for desis’ and here’s why:
Fawad Khan appeared in Ms. Marvel’s episode in a limited role. He was shown for a little while, but while his role was limited it was also important. He is brought in when the topic of colonialism is touched upon in the remarkable series. Some romantic scenes between him and Mehwish Hayat also make people go crazy.
What Are People Appreciating?
With Fawad Khan, there’s a lot to appreciate. However, besides his enchanting appearance, people have more to talk about. Everyone is also praising his acting skills which once again showed people why he reached where he did. He just made his Hollywood debut and the acting was phenomenal.
Not even that, it’s been nearly a decade since his last role, yet he looks just the same? Do our eyes deceive us?
What Are People Saying?
We told you, fans are going gaga over his appearance. Have a look at the memes and thoughts of your fellow people on Twitter:
Fawad Khan’s acting was amazing in #MsMarvel Episode 5, the expressions were brilliant and the struggle to get independence from British and the pain in his eyes when talking to Muslims was real❤️ pic.twitter.com/GGwjpcD59Z
— 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨 𝕂𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 – Ms Marvel Era ⚡️ (@MarvelUpdatesPK) July 6, 2022
Fawad Khan made his Hollywood debut with Ms Marvel today and dude hasn’t posted a single thing on his gram. He’s like yeah i’m fuckin awesome lol what’s new??
You probably know that HUAWEI nova 9 is already out. The phone has received many media accolades and gotten young millennials excited with a refreshing design, a camera that gives popular flagships a run for their money, all-day battery life, and cool EMUI 12 features. It is a phone that is rightfully called the Trendy Flagship and Camera King. Now, let us look at some of the things you can do with it that will make your life easier.
Shoot continuously using front and back cameras
Generally, when shooting videos, every camera on the phone only works independently. This limits what you can do with multiple cameras on the phone. For instance, when recording a video using the front camera, you have to exit the recording before switching to the rear camera. That means there will be two separate recordings. If you want to make them into one footage, you have to edit them together afterwards. This process not only takes more effort, but you won’t be able to share the video right away on social media. But the new HUAWEI nova 9 features the Continuous Front/Back Recording feature. Using this feature, you can easily switch between front and rear cameras whilst filming to produce a single video featuring both footages in one go. Use the power of the Continuous Front/Back recording to tell better stories with your phone.
Dual View offers a better way to vlog
The Huawei nova 9 comes with Dual-View Video that allows you to shoot using both front and rear cameras simultaneously. Or you can record a zoomed shot and wide shot together, both taken on the rear camera system, in one frame. Whether you are vlogging about your vacation, your college life, or your cookout, you can switch between the cameras at any time and record your moments. With Dual-View video, vlogging is easier than ever.
Juice up your phone in a jiffy
The HUAWEI nova 9 has a high-capacity 4300mAh battery that only takes 15 minutes to charge to 53 per cent and 38 minutes to charge to 100 per cent. You don’t have to worry about running out of battery ever again. If you plug in the phone, you will have enough battery to get you through the day by the time it takes to finish your lunch.
These are just some of the things that you can do with HUAWEI nova 9. Definitely, the phone is capable of even more amazing things. The chic design of the phone is yet another reason to get your hands on this device. To make it even better, there is the all-new colourway called Colour No. 9. Offering a smart and seamless experience, the trusted, innovative and secure AppGallery comes pre-installed on the HUAWEI nova 9, where you can search for and download a wide range of high-quality apps.
The petrol prices are touching the skies and it’s making the common man stressed beyond belief. What can one do after all? We have to get to places and petrol will be used but with these prices, it might be time to start reverting to donkey carts now. Jokes aside, the situation is incredibly tough but it’s not one that can not be managed. Here’s what you can do to save petrol costs:
We don’t have a tradition of saving fuel costs by carpooling in our culture. Be it because we’re less trusting of others or because it is seen as a petty thing. However, carpooling actually helps save fuel costs greatly. If you and a neighbor or even a relative are going to the same place every day, best to coordinate times and divide the journey. One day, it can be your car and the other day it can be theirs.
Image Source: Hindustan Times
2. Plan Ahead
We also often leave filling tanks to the last minute. However, now with petrol costs rising every day, it’s best to plan ahead and be efficient. If you have a journey coming up after two days, get your tank full already. It might cost more to do the same when the day comes close.
3. Drive Smoothly
This is another problem that we face a lot which also drives up fuel costs. People just don’t drive smoothly in Pakistan! There’s always an unnecessary rush or maybe it’s because they bribed the officer to pass their driving test. Driving smoothly means driving at an average speed without unnecessary acceleration and braking. It consumes less fuel!
Image Source: Hit News
4. Keep Tyre Pressure Checked
Did you know that your tire pressure affects how much fuel your car is using? If the tyre pressure is below normal, your car will be using more fuel to push them around. Since we get tyre pressures checked so randomly, you might be putting in a fortune for the fuel cost without knowing about it.
5. Go Out In Evenings
If some things can be done in the evening or in the night it’s best to do them at that time. Leaving in the day means there is no way you won’t be turning on the AC. That obviously eats up your fuel!
The Metaverse, by Mark Zuckerberg, is one of the most popular concepts of today. When it was first introduced, it sparked quite an interest in a lot of people. In fact, it is one of the most interesting parts of this century. To be able to create a universe where people can reside online is quite engaging. There are many movies that actually have this concept embedded within them, long before it was announced. These movies that predicted Metaverse one way or another and have quite a way of representing it.
That said, let us check out some of these movies. These movies show some of the probable aspects of the metaverse.
This is one of the best movies out there today. It shows the concept of the metaverse in the perfect manner. In the film, the universe exists with the name of ‘Oasis’. Players can enter and roam and work at will. They can earn and save their progress or they can take part in various events all throughout the Oasis. However, if they die inside the metaverse, they are going to respawn without any of their earnings and accolades. The movie is one of the best representations of the metaverse.
2. Tron
We are not talking about the most recent Tron film, rather the older one from the 80s. It also portrays a dystopian concept lined with an entire universe within. In this, a video game programmer goes head to head against a self-aware A.I, hell-bent on terrorizing the human world. As we dive deeper into the film, it gets more interesting!
We cannot make this list and leave out the most defining movie of the last generation. It shows that humans are living inside a computer simulation that has been designed with the utmost detail. Rather than trying to fight the system, many humans continue to live out their lives inside the simulation, unaware of what is going on. The protagonist, however, comes to know that he is the Chosen One against an army of machines.
4. Minority Report
This film revolves around the concept of the metaverse in a different manner. It shows that humans have developed a new type of technology. It allows them to predict and foresee if a person is going to commit a crime or not. That way, they can prevent the crime before it even happens. However, what happens if there is a flaw in the system?
This is one of the best movies that was made by Christopher Nolan. Not only is it an example of a universe within a universe, but it also shows much more. It shows that a person can dive deep within certain levels of subconsciousness, the next more unstable than the previous one. The concept is to be able to plant an idea deep inside the subconscious through entering the person’s dream. Check it out if you are a fan of the metaverse. You are going to love this film.
Gone are the days when you used to pay a visit to a salon to get your nails done. Thanks to nail bars, you don’t need to wait for hours in a salon to get an appointment. The concept of nail bars is not something new. In fact, we can find a variety of nail bars in Karachi to get our favorite set of manicure, gel, or acrylic nails. Besides, nail bars also provide a cozy space for you to chill and relax and often offer aesthetically pleasing vibes. If you are in the mood to experience any of these, hop on to one of these nail bars in Karachi.
1. Shehla Nail Bar
Shehla Nail Bar is located in the DHA phase 5, Tauheed commercial. They offer a variety of designs and colors, including acrylics and gel nails. They also offer a wide variety of colors and gems to choose from. You can also take a reference picture and ask the staff to create the look of your choice. However, if you want a more budget-friendly option, look out for their deals and discounts.
Image source: facebook.com
2. Nailed It
Nailed It is located in Ocean Mall and is the best spot for you to relax and unwind as you get your nails done. The bar welcomes you with soothing vibes and pink hues of floral decor. Sit back and enjoy on huge pink couches as you get your manicure and pedicure done. Their collection of nail colors mounted on the wall offers wide options to choose from.
Located at Badar Commercial, the nail bar at the one salon is a one-stop solution for all your nail concerns. Not only do they offer a variety of looks and ideas you can choose from, but they can also do over-the-top comprehensive looks with absolute precision and care. From chrome to metallics, glitter to matte, you can get everything and anything done.
Image source: facebook.com
4. The Nail Studio By Zara and Sara
They are situated at DHA phase 5. The nail studio by Zara and Sara offers amazing options, which include both acrylic and gel nails. The nail bar offers amazing hues of both neutral and bright tones. However, the best part is their aesthetically pleasing location which offers relaxing and soothing vibes.
Mq’s in Clifton Block five and is one of the go-to places for Karachiites for beautiful manicures. The relaxing environment plus affordable options make it one of the must-visit places for all nail art lovers.
Image source: facebook.com
Which one would you visit first? Let us know in the comments!
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
The holy act of pilgrimage demands perfect guidance from an authentic scholar who knows the ins and outs of the fifth pillar of Islam and has performed Hajj and Umrah himself more than once.
That is why a number of would-be pilgrims or Hajji face the annoying situation of whom they should consult and when. They need to learn how to manage time with a hectic schedule of their own. Thanks to the new digital age technology comes to the rescue by making the complex simple and the simple compelling for us.
For the convenience of intending pilgrims, we are presenting a round-up of useful Hajj guides and help apps as well as websites that comprehensively cover all the aspects of Hajj and Umrah and also essentials of Islamic learning and belief system for those who seek knowledge through principal source i.e. Quran and Sunnah:
1. Smart Hajj
Smart Hajj is an Android application developed by GIS Technology Innovation Center. The application has been developed by the professionals at Umm al Qura University in Makkah. It uses maps of all the sacred areas to help the Hajjis perform Hajj using satellites to ensure the individual is at the right place at the right time.
The application informs your loved ones back at home about your location; offline maps are also available. There is a Hajj Messenger feature that allows you to send text and images to friends and family. You can locate your companions with the touch of a single button and receive weather updates, emergency calls, and messages can also be sent.
2. Salam Haji: Hajj and Umrah Guide
Salam is a Hajj and Umrah guide application by Hajjnet for both iOS and Android. The applications help you to know when it is time to pray Namaaz, the direction of the Qibla, keeps you updated in regards to all new Islamic events, has a planner so that you can plan your entire pilgrimage or Umrah. There is even a Quran reader in the application for translation.
There are step by step guidance for both Umrah and Hajj, even special Du’a and an Umrah map. You can even track your family members and friends who have the application as well. The application comes with Tawaf & Sa’i counters to keep track of progress and provides the pilgrim with Du’a to recite
3. Tanzil.net Quran
Tanzil is a Quranic project launched in early 2007 to produce a highly verified Unicode Quran text to be used in Quranic websites and applications. The mission of the Tanzil project is to produce a standard Unicode Quran text and serve as a reliable source for this standard text on the web.
This app has the largest number of translations in various languages with multiple choices of translators in any language. For example, this website has all the major translations in Urdu by different scholars of fame. At present, there are a number of websites and applications using Tanzil Quran Text.
Hajj and Umrah Guide, by Gallant Apps provides a comprehensive and easy-to-understand Guide about the Holy Pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). Captivating interface, striking graphics, audio support, and visual maps, make it a perfect user-friendly guide.
Pilgrims can learn rituals alongside their respective places; like, what to perform or recite at Kaaba, Masjid Al-Haram, Mina, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah, Muzdalifah, and Mount Arafat.
5. Hajj & Umrah Guide Urdu
An easy and comprehensive guide to know all the information related to Hajj in the Urdu language.
The app allows you to learn how to perform Hajj with step-by-step instructions, Du’a (Prayers) of Hajj at different points, Do & Don’t of Hajj, Islamic Information on Hajj, Hajj in Quran, Hajj in Hadith and Other Islamic Information related to Hajj.
6. Hajj and Umrah
Designed to provide the Pilgrims with thorough knowledge and essential information about Hajj and Umrah, this application contains a detailed account on how to perform Hajj and Umrah correctly including the method of putting on Ihram, Ihram of women, types of Hajj, Shariah terms, different Du’a (supplications), useful suggestions for Hujjaj, and much more besides.
It also consists of a detailed account about Shariah rulings in the form of questions and answers. Moreover, it comprises a captivating and spiritually uplifting account on how to make the holy pilgrimage to Madinah-tul-Munawwarah.Download this mobile app to learn about Hajj, Umrah and visit to Madina tul Munawara.It’s a user-friendly application with an eye-catching interface.
7. Hajj o Umrah
Hajj and Umrah are vitally important acts of worship in Islam. Designed to provide the Pilgrims with a thorough knowledge and essential information about Hajj and Umrah. Download this mobile app to learn about Hajj, Umrah. It’s a user-friendly application with an eye-catching interface.
8. Hadith Collection
Hadith Collection for Android is an ultimate collection of Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The app contains Arabic commentary and translations in different languages of most accepted and authentic Hadith books including Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawud and Malik’s Muwatta.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
Eid-ul-Adha may be called the ‘bakra’ eid but this year, for many of us, there won’t be any bakra. Last year alone, the prices had massively shot up for sacrificial animals and this year, with the current inflation rate, many have given up the hopes of sacrificing their own animals. The prices are raising concern: read about it here.
Did you know that there is a price for mandi entry also? People are claiming that even the mandi’s entry fee is so much that it affects their budgets for the sacrificial animals they come to buy.
Sir kya gareeb pr action len gy aap !! Mandi ki entry ki fees Mashallah itni rakhi hai har bnda ni afford kr skta wahan gareeb bnda jo gareeb udhr se kamaye ga per bail or Bakra fees chali jaye gi !! Meharbani kren gareebo pr is door me in ky sath zyadti na kren
Besides that, the price for goats this time around has jumped to the bracket of Rs.50,000 to Rs.60,000. This massively affects not only the number of people who can buy a bakra but also the number of people who will continue to sacrifice animals. If a bakra is this much, the cow’s figure has gone up to Rs. 600,000. Let’s not even get to the camel.
Image Source: Asian Age
What Are People Saying?
People are as concerned as can be about the prices. The prices have increased because the prices of commodities have increased. Where does the middle-class man go whose monthly salary is Rs.70,000-100,000? These sacrificial animals are not affordable for them. We’re just in our twenties but we remember the time when a bakra was bought for Rs.10,000.
Have a look at what people have to say:
You are economist too ..and Bakra minimum price will be approximately 40000 .
People are also concerned about the people selling sacrificial animals. They buy them as babies and nurture them to become healthy to the age where they are perfect for selling. If they require this price and some profit to compensate for that, can we altogether leave them high and dry? It’s imperative to keep in mind here that they are also from the lower class and this is their means of sustenance.
Image Source: Hindu Times
However, this doesn’t negate the fact that the middle class can no longer afford sacrificial animals also. It means there’s a growing distance between the buyer and seller that will be mutually harmful.
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