Kaaba Sealed Off For Sterilization Amid Coronavirus Fears!
It happened and Muslims are shattered and confused!
What has shocked Muslims all over the world is the fact that the government of Saudi Arabia has temporarily banned Umrah. This now goes for Saudi residents as well. Previously, the Saudi government had banned Umrah for non-residents. The news was announced after the health ministry had announced three new cases of coronavirus in the country on Thursday.
Indeed, this news was heartbreaking and terrifying because it is said that Masjid al-haram is that one place where every second, there’s at least someone doing their ‘tawaaf’. However, the order was made to ensure Masjid al Haram is free of germs and disinfect the entire place.
Some more pics of the empty Mataf at al-Masjid al-Haram in #Makkah.
Everything is being cleaned and sterilized while Tawaf continues on the second floor. pic.twitter.com/jlIvVbdvv1
— تمر 🇸🇦 المدينة (@MadinahDate) March 5, 2020
Clarifying all the rumors about banning ‘Tawaaf’, the authorities said that people are allowed to do perform Umrah on the second floor of Masjid al Haram and urged people not to spread any false rumors.
But people are still heartbroken by the sight of emptiness!
Makkah Empty 😭video of the mountains, Safaa and Marwa.
Never in the history the Makkah has been so empty. Another sign of getting closer to the judgement day. #Makkah #Umrah #CoronaOutbreak pic.twitter.com/Beog82FZj6— Wasim Bariوسیم باری (@wasim_dr) March 2, 2020
This is heartbreaking!
Coronavirus changing the way Muslims worship across the world.
1.Saudia bans umrah pilgrimage
2.Iran cancels Friday prayer
3.UAE said the Friday prayer shouldn't be more than 10 minutes long
4.Singapore Muslims urged to bring own mats to mosqueMay Allah have mercy on us. Amen pic.twitter.com/yZnNcKih83
— yahya (@sarcastecc) March 6, 2020
This is devastating!
This video of Safa and Marwa was sent to me today by a friend…. Look at how empty it is due to the temporal ban on Umrah as a result of #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/WRMmI99Xkt
— Taha (@TahaAdam_) March 2, 2020
People are questioning the authorities
The person speaking is giving today's date and time…🙄
Saudi Makkah TV is also not showing tawaf and kaaba but Haram only.
Salat is being done way too far from Kaaba..
If thousands are allowed in haram, then why stop Tawaf?? 🙄 pic.twitter.com/5aDqLncfiT— Zaid Hamid (@ZaidZamanHamid) March 5, 2020
Exactly. This is shattering!
I once read an article that said one of the miracles of the Kaaba and a beauty of islam is that during every second of the day there is always SOMEONE making tawaaf. The tawaaf never ever stops.
The hairs on my hand are literally standing, the end is most certainly near. pic.twitter.com/hmUKNcZ9pM— 🌻 (@AaminawithtwoAs) March 5, 2020
Moreover, according to news, Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah and Masjid-e-Nabvi (PBUH) in Madinah will remain closed an hour after Isha and will reopen an hour before the Fajr prayer.
Adding on to that, a notification issued by the Abu Dhabi General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments said that Friday prayers across the United Arab Emirates will be limited to only 10 minutes.
What do you think about this? Do you think it was the right decision made by the government of Saudi Arabia? Let us know in the comments below.
For more news and updates, stay tuned to Brandsynario.
Khalil ur Rehman Responds Back To GEO’s Official Statement Of Cancelling His Contract
The last few days have been part of a heated debate between Pakistani drama Meray Pass Tum Ho writer, Khalil Ur Rehman and activist Marvi Sirmed. After Rehman used indecent, abusive language for Marvi Sirmed on national television, things have surely grown dire for the writer.
In the latest development, Geo Entertainment and 7th Sky Entertainment announced that they have suspended their contract with Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar after he used abusive language on live television against Marvi Sirmed.
The announcement mentioned Geo Entertainment suspending four drama serials and one movie script contract until Qamar apologizes for his crass behavior. The channel has further clarified that this was a non-exclusive agreement with the writer, the same as the ones he has with other channels.
Geo’s official statement further mentions,
“Geo believes in exchange of ideas and promoting the culture of Live and Let live (Geo our Jeenay do) we believe that everyone has the right to express their opinions and the culture of healthy debate should be encouraged. However, such debates should be held within the norms of decency and entail respect for one another”
Geo Entertainment Releases Statement of Suspension For Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar.
Announcement 📢 pic.twitter.com/B5xbIX99uT
— HarPal Geo (@HarPalGeoTv) March 5, 2020
Qamar is currently working with other TV channels as well and is knows to be involved in a movie that features two renowned actors, Mehwish Hayat and Human Saeed.
Upon receiving the suspension announcement, writer Khalil-ur-Rehman has responded to the entertainment channel. His statement mentions that he would not work with Geo and is canceling the contract himself.
Khalil-ur-Rehman’s Reply to Geo Entertainment Television!
Note down people And @HarPalGeoTv pic.twitter.com/oiHYJ0ci6h
— Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar (@KrqOfficial) March 5, 2020
Pakistani twitteratis and celebrities like Mahira Khan, Sarmad Khoosat and Shireen Mazari have lauded the stance taken by Geo and have taken to twitter to appreciate this feat!
Here’s what they have to say:
Someone, at least SOMEONE had the courage! Thank you Geo for setting the right precedence. https://t.co/0E33qlcDwi
— Sarmad Khoosat (@KhoosatSarmad) March 5, 2020
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) March 5, 2020
Good on you🙌🏼 @HarPalGeoTv https://t.co/7cTELpVtXy
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) March 5, 2020
Excellent step by Geo. Truly appreciable 👍🏼👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/VjXFg5WfaP
— Gharidah Farooqi (@GFarooqi) March 5, 2020
This is great! Well done Geo! https://t.co/1jn1ZjunXt
— Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir (@ImaanZHazir) March 5, 2020
Geo Entertainment has suspended the contract of Khalil ur Rehman Qamar. https://t.co/006SS38vgo
— Benazir Shah (@Benazir_Shah) March 5, 2020
Good action by Geo. No matter who the woman is, no one has the right to abuse and use filthy language against her especially on TV. It should never be acceptable & never be tolerated. https://t.co/QTrJizyXXG
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) March 5, 2020
Proud of our media partners for @MaulaJattMovie to take this stand and be on the right side of history !! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻#Geo
#khalilurrehmanqamar #KhalilUrRahmanQamar https://t.co/49PrzV8YLx— Ammara Hikmat (@AmmaraHikmat) March 5, 2020
Fellow writer Asma shares a befitting reply to KRQ!
What are your thoughts on the decision made by Geo Entertainment? Let us know in the comments below.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
4 Chocolate Brands That Disappeared From Markets
All of us still remember the snacks we used to eat in our childhoods, do we not? And when we start reminiscing about those times, it takes us down a memory-filled road. These snacks would range from chocolates to bubble-your-name. But how many of you remember those chocolate brands that we once loved but don’t see anymore?
We have compiled a list of those chocolate brands so you can revive your memory. Remember, reminisce, and relive those joyful moments.
1. BP Spacer
When talking about the oldies, not mentioning BP Spacer would be an actual crime. It was these long bars of chocolate that you’d fold in your mouth. Don’t tell me you didn’t do it. Gone in just one bite, but they were sure tasty. Now, those people who used to buy whole boxes are desperate for only one. If someone amongst you gets a hold of it, send it to us as well. We are as desperate as you for them.
2. Jubilee
Another chocolate that we all remember is Jubilee Chocolate. After all, who can forget that miracles, caramel wrapped inside chocolatey heaven? When we say we ascended whenever eating it, we meant it. Ah, the good old times. Now that we recall it, the golden packaging must be too much in the face. But did that stop us? It’s on this list, what do you think?
3. Chowki
Why chock? Because they are liquid. I never understood this phenomenon, but it sure was tasty. And the animated advertisements were funny as well.
4. Bunty
You know how we used to love vigilante movies, still do. Well, there is one thing common in almost all of them. The masks. This bunty right here had a packaging that tapped into just that. We would wear it and act out the vigilante scenes. And the colorful bounties made those plays all the more colorful.
I mean there must be a reason why these brand stops producing. But they indeed were great chocolates. Or maybe our memory of them was great and not the products? And what we are reminiscing is not how the product tasted but the life events that we experienced when we ate these chocolates. But we will never know until we get to taste them again.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!
LRBT Reaches Another Milestone!
LRBT is the largest eye network in Pakistan providing free treatment for the poor since 1985 and the one national safety net in eye care for the underprivileged in the country.
LRBT runs a network of 77 facilities (19 hospitals and 58 Primary eye centres) which covers around 70% of Pakistan’s poor population.
Most of LRBT’s facilities are located in small towns, villages and in the urban slums. LRBT addresses every aspect of visual impairment with state of the art technology including cataract, vitreo retina, glaucoma, cornea transplant and diabetic retinopathy.
LRBT Tertiary Teaching Eye Hospital, Korangi is the largest eye hospital of Pakistan has recently reached another milestone of treating 1648 patients in a single day where in past the record was of 1578 patients on 4th May 2019.
The average being 1050 patients a day at this hospital and over 10,600 patients daily average collectively at all LRBT facilities. These figures show how eye diseases are spreading at an alarming pace in the country and since LRBT is the single entity treating the highest number of patients, it brings severe burden on the charity to raise sufficient funding for this purpose.
LRBT has, since its inception so far treated over 44 million patients making it Pakistan’s largest NGO.
This year LRBT needs to raise over 1.5 billion rupees to meet the expenses for the treatment of millions of underprivileged eye patients expected to visit the facilities.
This generous support can be extended through Zakat or donation.
Nokia Phones to Feature in ‘No Time to Die’ as Official Mobile Devices!
HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announces it is the official phone partner for the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die.
The film will feature the soon to be announced first-ever 5G Nokia smartphone, alongside other future-proof Nokia phones.
In the lead up to the movie release, today HMD Global unveils the first look at their new commercial. It features Lashana Lynch as Agent Nomi and will form part of the company’s largest-ever global marketing campaign showcasing Nokia smartphones as ‘The Only Gadget You’ll Ever Need’. The advert is directed by BAFTA Award-winning director Amma Asante and inspired by No Time To Die.
The 90 second video to be released on Sunday 8 March reveals a glimpse of the soon to be announced Nokia smartphones. It is filmed against the backdrop of the distinctive London skyline featuring St Paul’s and The Shard. Agent Nomi utilizes the range of capabilities on her new, soon to be revealed Nokia smartphone, to complete her mission.
No Time To Die will feature a range of Nokia phones, forming part of an integrated campaign running across cinema, digital, social, OOH and retail which goes live on 8 March, International Women’s Day.
In the film, Agent Nomi utilizes the range of capabilities of the new Nokia phones portfolio, including the first-ever 5G Nokia smartphone which will be fully unveiled on 19 March, in plenty of time for No Time To Die, which is coming to UK cinemas on 12 November 2020 and demonstrates portfolio-wide commitment to delivering premium yet affordable experiences to all.
Other future-proof Nokia phones included in the film are the Nokia 7.2, featuring a powerful 48MP triple camera with Quad Pixel technology and ZEISS Optics and the iconic Nokia 3310 fans know and love. The film partnership allows HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, to demonstrate its status as a global provider of Android smartphones, showcasing its commitment to security, speed, and innovation, meeting the demands of the world’s toughest customers – MI6 agents.
Speaking about her experience with HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, Lynch explained: “My first phone was actually a Nokia 3210 when I was about ten years old. In retrospect, it was my smartphone of the ’90s. Being able to change the buttons and faces, whilst playing Snake blew my mind! So, after seeing how much Nokia smartphones have evolved over the years from my childhood to now, it’s exciting to play Nomi who helps unveil a new smartphone for this iconic brand.”
Amma Asante explains, “I am always drawn to projects that portray women as strong and intellectual – the campaign script was beautifully crafted to present Nomi as a kick-ass agent not afraid of going up against the bad guys and doing it with irreverent humour at the same time.”
Juho Sarvikas, HMD Global Chief Product Officer comments: “Following the announcement to postpone the movie launch to 12 November, we now have a really exciting year ahead of us in the build-up to this much-anticipated release. Few cultural properties place technology at the heart of their appeal quite like No Time To Die. The film’s commitment to innovation, paired with the amazing technology built into each Nokia smartphone, making our devices the only gadget that anyone – even a 00 agent – will ever need, makes this partnership a real force to be reckoned with.”
“Trust, security and iconic quality design are the foundations every Nokia phone is built upon and our values reflect those of No Time to Die and the trailblazing new 00 agents, Nomi. We take great pride in making the latest technology accessible to everyone and look forward to doing this via our latest partnership”.
HUAWEI Y7p Opens for Pre-booking in Pakistan!
Huawei, the global frontrunner of innovative technology is poised to introduce HUAWEI Y7p in Pakistan.
Boasting a 48MP Triple AI Camera and enriched with power-packed features, the smartphone goes on pre-orders beginning Friday, 06 March to Thursday, 12 March 2020.
To unveil the smartphone and present Huawei’s strategy for Pakistan, an insightful media roundtable was held where HUAWEI Y7p’s remarkable capabilities were demonstrated.
HUAWEI Y7p is the first smartphone based on Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) to be launched in Pakistan, promising great functionality and features. This New Age device will surely be a game-changing midrange smartphone, given the bestselling streak of HUAWEI Y Series in the country.
During the pre-order phase, people can get valuable gifts such as free Bluetooth Headphones, a 50GB Huawei Cloud gift card, 12GB free Zong data, and a three-month warranty extension.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Scott Huang, Country Manager, Huawei Pakistan stated: “Today marks an important milestone as we launch HUAWEI Y7p in Pakistan. With this launch, we are poised to change the game and embark on the new age of technology. Besides the spectacular 48MP AI Triple camera, this smartphone has segment-leading features that will be a hit amongst our consumers. The smartphone also has HUAWEI AppGallery that is the Top 3 app marketplaces around the world with more than 400 million ‘Monthly Active Users’ (MAU).”
The event was also attended by representatives from JazzCash and Daraz.pk who appreciated Huawei for its continued technological innovations and spoke about their collaboration with HUAWEI AppGallery.
HUAWEI Y7p comes with a 48MP Triple AI camera with an f/1.8 wide-aperture lens, capable of capturing the most vivid images with high-resolution. The 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera in this phone supports a 120-degree field of view for landscape shots or videos.
It has a separate 2MP camera to realistically capture depth in pictures, portraits, and videos. The large 1/2-inch sensor and Night-Mode allows clarity and details even in the dark, while it also stabilizes handheld, long-exposure shots.
It runs on EMUI 9.1 and an integrated Octa-Core Processor Kirin 710F which enables multitasking and high productivity. The device comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage, expandable to 512GB with a microSD card.
Moreover, this aesthetically designed device has a spectacular ‘Punch FullView Display’ measuring 6.39 inches HD+ resolution of 1560×720 delivering unmatched video and gaming entertainment.
The HUAWEI AppGallery – the world’s top 3 app marketplace comes pre-installed on the device featuring top global and local apps and a wide range of Huawei Mobile Services (HMS).
Moreover, this device also features system-level optimizations, such as EROFS along with a Full Scene Acceleration technology for better app experiences. It runs on a long-lasting 4000mAh battery with AI power-saving, on-the-go and carries a price tag of PKR 28,999/-.
GSMA Study Finds Over Half of Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Now Access Mobile Internet
Islamabad – 5th March, 2020: A new GSMA study launched today shows that despite progress, the gender gap in mobile internet usage remains substantial, with over 300 million fewer women than men accessing the internet from a mobile device in low- and middle-income countries.
Affordability remains the critical barrier to mobile ownership, while lower awareness, as well as a lack of literacy and digital skills, are vital factors preventing women’s mobile internet use. The industry is renewing its commitment to reaching women with digital and financial services to address the persistent mobile gender gap.
The study finds that the mobile internet gender gap has narrowed and 54% of women in low- and middle-income countries now use mobile internet, up from 44% in 2017. However, the underlying gender gap in mobile ownership remains largely unchanged and 165 million fewer women than men own a mobile.
The research found that mobile offers essential benefits to users. The majority of male and female mobile owners reported that mobile ownership makes them feel safer, better informed and supports them in their day-to-day lives.
“We are seeing important progress in driving equal internet access for women, but the pace of progress still remains slow. We urge business and government communities to continue prioritizing efforts to drive more equal access to mobile technology,” said Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA. “Ensuring digital and financial inclusion for women is critically important, as we know that when women thrive, societies, businesses and economies thrive.”
This year marks two significant anniversaries. It’s been 25 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and 10 years since the launch of the GSMA Connected Women programme. Today, the GSMA announced the first wave of operators to make or renew their Connected Women Commitment through to 2023.
The operators are Graeme phone Ltd. (Bangladesh), Mobi tel (Pvt) Limited – Sri Lanka, Mobile Money Limited (subsidiary of MTN Ghana), Ooredoo Maldives, Orange Finances Mobiles Sénégal (OFMS), Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (JIO) India, Robi Axiata Limited (Bangladesh), Safaricom PLC, Turkcell Turkey and Vodacom Congo (RDC) SA Democratic Republic of Congo.
The GSMA introduced the Connected Women Commitment Initiative in 2016 to catalyze action to close the mobile gender gap. Over this time, 39 mobile operators across Africa, Asia and Latin America have made formal commitments to reduce the gender gap in their mobile money or mobile internet customer base by 2020. These operators have already reached more than 35 million additional women with mobile internet or mobile money services, and are driving increased digital and financial inclusion for women.
“We applaud all operators who are partnering with us on this critical initiative and look forward to working together to accelerate digital and financial inclusion for women,” said Granryd.
The GSMA’s Mobile Gender Gap Report 2020 is available at: https://www.gsma.com/r/gender-gap/
Further information on the Connected Women Commitment Initiative can be found at: https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/connected-women/the-commitment/
Head Office of Pakistan International Airline Moved to Islamabad
The Head Office of Pakistan International Airline (PIA) has moved to Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad from Jinnah International Airport, Karachi. The directives came straight from the chief executive of the airline, Air Marshal Arshad Malik.
As reported by Express Tribune, the Aviation Division announced that the “Marketing Department, Procedure Bureau, Central Reservation Control, Revenue Management, HR and Security and Vigilance Department to Islamabad”.
The framework of the shifting plan has been sent to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan. While most of the departments are shifting to Islamabad, the finance department, engineering department, and the situation room will remain in Karachi as part of the framework.
Minister for Aviation, Ghulam Sarwar Khan while addressing the media at a conference room of Aviation Division emphasized that after the codal formalities 3 more airplanes will be added to the fleet.
“Of the total 31 PIA planes, four were grounded when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf came to power.” At the cost of $3 million, two planes had been repaired and one would be added to the fleet.
The financial condition of the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) was improving gradually as revenue had increased and expenditures have decreased. The minister highlighted that the domestic sector remains stagnant while international passengers have increased.
For more news and updates, stay tuned to Brandsyanrio.
#BehindTheMac: Apple Features Pakistan’s Malala In Their 2020 Women’s Day Campaign
International Women’s Day is Sunday (8 March), and Apple is extending it’s ‘Behind the Mac’ series of short films to accentuate women who are making a difference in the planet today and using a Mac to get there.
The latest installment of the “Behind the Mac” campaign, stars a blend of celebrities and aspiring stars, it features more than 20 women whose achievements span art, music, literature, film, sports and culture.
As Beyoncé’s Flawless, featuring the words of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, plays, black and white images of influential and powerful women are on-screen.
From musicians and filmmakers to authors and activists, to chief executives and company founders – you catch a glimpse of these 20 boss ladies!
This International Women’s Day, we are proud to celebrate the women using their creativity for something bigger than themselves. Meet the women making history #BehindtheMac, set to @Beyonce’s anthem ***Flawless. Tap for a thread of their stories. #IWD2020 pic.twitter.com/NsdZ7FHiHW
— Apple (@Apple) March 3, 2020
It begins with a photo of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel laureate and a champion of girls’ education who made a difference.
Malala is Pakistan’s youngest, second and only female Nobel clincher who has been featured by trillion-dollar tech giant Apple.
.@Malala is the youngest @NobelPrize laureate and founder of @MalalaFund, working for a world where every girl can choose her own future.#IWD2020 #BehindtheMac pic.twitter.com/FS6mefhVwS
— Apple (@Apple) March 3, 2020
The video then shows photos of Ava Duvernay, Marie Kondo, Greta Gerwig, Diane von Furstenberg, Lady Gaga, Gloria Steinem, Megan Rapinoe and Shannon Boxx, Olivia Wilde, Alicia Keys, Elizabeth Banks, Tarana Burke, Lilly Singh, Audrey Gelman, Victoria Monet, DJ Switch and Black Mamba.
Each image shows the women bringing their beliefs to life from behind their own Macs, some in work mode, others at home with family, some lounging on couches and beds.
The campaign will be heightened in social content, with localized versions of the film featuring additional talents such as Parasite producer, Kwak Sin Ae, former Vogue Russia editor Aliona Doletskaya and sustainable fashion pioneer, Huang Ningning.
We absolutely love this latest installment by Apple and all we would like to add is Happy Women’s Day in advance!
Stay tuned to Brandsyanrio for more news and updates!
PEMRA Cant’s Fine Khalil-Ur-Rehman for Remarks on Marvi Sirmed!
Renowned writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar was invited by NEO NEWS as a panel member for a talk-show.
However, the discussion got heated and both Khalil-ur-Rehman and known journalist Marvi Sirmed got into a heated debate.
Qamar used the indecent language of Sermid on-air, however despite the fact that such language and content are television against regulatory authority PEMRA’s rules and regulations, they cannot fine him, the show host or other guests.
On the other hand, PEMRA can legally fine and suspend NEO News. Reportedly, under Section 27 the media regulatory body can suspend a programme and under Section 29, they can impose a fine up to a million rupees, and under Section 30 the TV channel’s license can be suspended.
Aamir Liaquat Shuts Down Khalil ur Rehman on National Television
News channels are given a span of 7-10 seconds lag for producers to avoid/beep offensive comments from airing.
SAMAA Digital spoke to an official at the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to understand how this situation will be handled.
“The first step is to send the licencee a show-cause notice,” the official said. “Once this is done, we will call them in for a personal hearing then make recommendations.”
“Many programmes have been suspended because of poor editorial judgment,” the official said. “All TV channels are supposed to have a time delay mechanism as this gives them a cushion to edit out/omit objectionable material.” – the PEMRA official said.
“Many programs have been suspended because of poor editorial judgement,” the official added. “All TV channels are supposed to have a time delay mechanism as this gives them a cushion to edit out/omit objectionable material.”
Earlier, PEMRA fined a private TV Rs.1 million for airing defamatory content against Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari.
Before that, in January, PEMRA banned talk show ‘Off The Record’ for 60 days after Off The RecordFederal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda brought a boot to the show.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.
Khalil Ur Rehman Is Being ‘Called-Out’ For Abusing Marvi Sirmed On Air
Source: SAMAA TV
Pakistan Railways Announces A Reduction In Fares By 25%
There seems to be some good news for Pakistanis looking to travel within the country via Pakistan Railway.
The Pakistan Railways have announced a reduction in fares by 25% on some specific trains from March, 9th to May, 8th 2020.
The announcement has been made on the advice of Minister of Railways, Sheikh Rasheed.
The notification issued mentions the fares will be reduced on 21 express trains that include AC business class and AC standard class. However, the discount can only be availed by passengers if the tickets are booked in advance.
In a recent press conference held on 29th February, Sheikh Rasheed spoke about bringing back glory to the Pakistan Railways and changing it into a profitable organization once again by the end of the PTI governments’ tenure. He also mentioned that the losses faced by Pakistan Railways are slowly declining.
75% of the coaches under the Pakistan Railways would soon undergo renovations handled by the Chinese government.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
Here’s How Much Money Will Be Refunded to You by PSL If it Rains
Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 is currently taking place in Pakistan. If you’re someone who has already purchased tickets for the matches in advance you must know that PSL will refund your tickets if in case of rain in the cities where the matches are taking place.
Which province will be affected by the rain?
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, lower Sindh including Karachi is expected to have dusty winds and light showers on Thursday and Friday.
The PSL matches that are scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday that can eventually end up being called-off!
What are the conditions that apply for a full refund?
- A 100% refund can be claimed if the match does not take place at the designated day for which the ticket was valid.
- If in case of rain, spectators can claim a 100% refund on their tickets.
Other conditions where a partial refund can be claimed?
- A 75% refund can be claimed if incase the game stops midway due to any uncontrollable circumstances.
- A 50% refund can be claimed if the game is restricted to 5 complete overs and under 10 cumulative overs.
What are the refund policies for Hospitality Boxes and tickets?
In what circumstances will the PSL not entertain any refunds?
- No funds will be entertained after 10 overs or more have already taken place.
- If incase, toss has taken place already then you can not claim a refund.
If in case of any changes, PCB will provide fans with a media release as well as announce on all the official digital platforms.
For more news and updates, stay tuned to Brandsynario.
Aan The Film: Fawad Khan Is Ready To Steal Your Hearts Again!
It’s true and it’s going to happen soon. Fawad Khan is coming back to our screens! The best part is that this time, it is not a drama but a film! Yes, we know this year’s going to be super lucky for us as two movies of Fawad Khan are set to release this year!
Here’s what they posted:
1. The biggest news of the year is here! Mark your calendars because #HaseebHasan is bringing you another blockbuster-…
Posted by Hamdan Films on Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Even the stars took it to their respective accounts and teased their fans and followers!
Here’s what Zara Noor Abbas had to say about their upcoming movie:
“Taking a moment here to thank God for this one. Extremely honoured to be sharing the screen with @fawadkhan81 and the beautiful @sanammody.
Falling short of words here. So this is it for now. Keeping it authentic. The wait is finally over, and I’m all geared up to shoot for #HaseebHasan ‘s next venture- #Aanthemovie. Are you excited?”
Here’s how Director Haseeb Hasan, who previously directed the film Parwaaz Hai Junoon, broke the news on Twitter!
— Haseeb Hasan| Official Account (@haseebhasan) February 29, 2020
We’re looking forward to hearing more about the storyline and the roles these characters will be playing.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario to find out more details about this upcoming film ‘Aan’!
‘Corona Pizza’: This Satirical Ad Has Left Everyone In Utter Disgust!
Have you ever watched a video that you instantly regretted as soon as it ended? One such video is making rounds on social media for the past few days. Targetted towards the European country, Italy the French ‘Corona Pizza’ video shows a coughing chef putting phlegm all over the Pizza.
The 10-second video was aired on the satirical Groland program on France’s Canal+ Channel. The French ad took a jibe at Italy by portraying pizza sauce, mozzarella and green mucus (phlegm) making up the colors of the national flag.
Once you see it, you cannot un-see it!
Italians are outraged over the distasteful video that targets their country’s national dish. The Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio has cited it as “Shameful and horrifying!”
He further adds, “making fun of the Italians like that, with the coronavirus emergency we are facing, is profoundly disrespectful.”
Here’s the satirical video on ‘Corona Pizza’ here!
Disclaimer: Watch at your own risk!
polemiche per questo video di Canal + pizza corona 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/HlYx4Rzd1z
— Giuseppe (@Giusepp94144040) March 3, 2020
The video says, “Here’s the new Italian pizza which is going to spread around the world!”
Italy has the highest number of people affected by the deadly virus with a death toll of 79 and a further 2500 people affected.
Following the outrage from Italian ministers, the French channel, Canal+ has admitted its mistake and put out a statement of apology. The channel claims that the clip has been removed from their programs and reruns as well. Canal+ further sent a letter of apology to the Italian ambassador to Paris yesterday in the afternoon.
What are your thoughts on the satirical video posted by the French channel? We sure won’t be able to get that image out of our minds for a while!
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest updates.
PAMA Opposes Introducing ‘Local Standards’ for Vehicles in Pakistan!
Pakistan Automobile Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has objected to framing local standards for vehicles currently being produced in Pakistan, reported by Profit.
Furthermore, there is a dispute ongoing between the Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST) and manufacturers/assemblers of vehicles.
S&T Minister Fawad Chauhdry gave Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and auto sector stakeholders three months to frame a uniform “automobile standard”, but manufacturers are not happy with this move.
“no checks on the quality and safety of vehicles in the country because standards were not being followed” – Fawad Chaudhry.
Manufacturers have to say that the government should adopt international standards instead of coming up with new ones.
A meeting was then conducted with the representatives of the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) and Pakistan Automobiles Dealers Association (PADA).
Reportedly, the meeting was chaired by Fawad Chaudhry and was attended by Engineering Development of Pakistan (EDB), MoST and PSQCA officials.
“Once these standards are regulated and implemented, they will bring an end not only to sub-standard vehicles being manufactured in Pakistan, but will also ensure a strict check on vehicles being imported into the country,” the minister emphasized while directing PSQCA to expedite the standardization process.
“It is imperative for Pakistan to adopt European Standard ‘WP29’ because the local standards, without recognizing the international norms/regulations, will roll back the existing content level and will make them techno-economically unviable,” PAMA Director-General Abdul Waheed had said after attending the meeting.
“Adoption of WP29 is the only way to obtain global recognition of Pakistani products – that they are made in compliance with European standards; hence the government needs to provide sustainable quality conformance and upgrade PSQCA testing facilities to supplement support to the national economy, which to date PSQCA has failed to build.”
“It is imperative for Pakistan to adopt European Standard ‘WP29’ because the local standards, without recognizing the international norms/regulations, will roll back the existing content level and will make them techno-economically unviable,” PAMA Director-General Abdul Waheed had said after attending the meeting.
“Adoption of WP29 is the only way to obtain global recognition of Pakistani products – that they are made in compliance with European standards; hence the government needs to provide sustainable quality conformance and upgrade PSQCA testing facilities to supplement support to the national economy, which to date PSQCA has failed to build.”
An EDB official has shared that the cabinet has approved the accession plan of European automotive regulations i.e. WP-29 agreement.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is expected to get its membership by the end of this year.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.
Source: Profit
Khalil Ur Rehman Is Being ‘Called-Out’ For Abusing Marvi Sirmed On Air
Mere Pass Tum Ho’s writer, Khalil-ur-Rehman is being called out for abusing a feminist and a journalist, Marvi Sirmed on a live show on Neo News.
The panel that included Khalil-ur-Rehman, Marvi Sirmed, and JUIF’s spokesperson were discussing ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’ slogan in regards to the Aurat March where Rehman uttered horrendous slurs during the argument on the national television.
Rehman’s appearance on TV is proof that the institutions provide him with screen time and permit him to utter such slurs. People are calling out for a permanent ban of Khalil-ur-Rehman on social media.
Shehzad Roy, who has recently achieved a milestone by pushing a law to pass for banning corporal punishment for children tweeted in support of “My body is mine” saying that it “is a critical component of the Life Skills Based Education classes we teach to help children protect themselves from abuse & harassment.”
Don't understand the problem so many are having with #MeraJismMeriMarzi"-Mera jism meri marzi nahi toh kis ki marzi ho gi?? "My body is mine" is a critical component of the Life Skills Based Education classes we teach to help children protect themselves from abuse & harassment
— Shehzad Roy (@ShehzadRoy) March 4, 2020
The most sought out actress of the Pakistani film industry, Mahira Khan highlighted in her tweet that despite several public attacks on women by Qamar, he is yet again revered and given project after project by leading channels in the industry.
I am shocked at what I have just heard and seen!! Sick to the core. This same man who abused a woman on tv is revered and given project after project because of what? We are as much to blame if not more for perpetuating this thinking! #khalilurrehmanqamar
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) March 4, 2020
He should be boycotted
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) March 3, 2020
Solidarity with @marvisirmed – shameful, unacceptable conduct by someone who claims to be a 'writer')
( P.S. this guy needs professional help. The least TV channels can do is to ban him from the screens.)— Raza Ahmad Rumi (@Razarumi) March 3, 2020
More power to you Marvi, I am proud of how everytime you handle these filthy men.
— Gulalai_Ismail (@Gulalai_Ismail) March 4, 2020
HRCP demands an unconditional public apology from Mr Qamar. HRCP also asks PEMRA to take immediate notice of such behaviour on a TV talk show and penalise those who are responsible.
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) March 4, 2020
Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar may be a good scriptwriter in the opinion of many and I respect that, but he is also a douchebag with no manners whatsoever. The way he has misbehaved with @marvisirmed, he should no longer be invited to talk shows… pic.twitter.com/3KwiT0lfds
— Bilal Farooqi (@bilalfqi) March 3, 2020
All for conversation/engagement/ differing POVs but this man is repugnant with ugly views and full of hatred.
About time we call out all TV channels and artists who continue to work with Khalil ur Rahman and embolden him to directly threat women on TV. pic.twitter.com/bZJXeWfBUN
— Shehzad Ghias Shaikh (@Shehzad89) March 3, 2020
Others came forward in support of the stance on Twitter and expressed their concerns including Gharidah Farooqi, Benazir Shah, Yasser Latif Hamdani, and Ayesha Siddiqa.
It only reflected what millions of women undergo in their houses &other places of existence. It only affirmed how important is #AuratMarch2020 Say NO to abusive, aristocratic, manipulative male mindset. In solidarity with @marvisirmed MERA JISM MERI MARZI ✊🏼 #understandtheslogan
— Gharidah Farooqi (@GFarooqi) March 4, 2020
I am very sorry @marvisirmed. Please stop calling vile men like Khalil ur Rehman Qamar on your talkshows. Also, I really hope Geo would reconsider its decision to work with him.
— Benazir Shah (@Benazir_Shah) March 4, 2020
Yasser Latif Hamdani also requested Pemra to permanently ban the appearance of Qamar on TV Channels.
“There should be zero tolerance for people like Khalil Qamar on TV. @ReportPemra should bar his appearances on TV Channels in perpetuity.
— Yasser Latif Hamdani (@theRealYLH) March 4, 2020
#Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s abusive behaviour towards @marvisirmed is condemnable but it underscores an attitude that apes that of those who have planted a seed like Qamar. It signifies an arrogance of the institution that patronised him in the first place
— Ayesha Siddiqa (@iamthedrifter) March 4, 2020
Watch the Panel Discussion Here:
[arve url=”https://www.facebook.com/Shehzadgs/videos/2601919843268406/?t=0″ title=”The clip was on aired on Neo News ” /]For more news and update, stay tuned to Brandsynario.
Ramada Hotel Islamabad’s Latest Ad is One That You’ll Never Forget
Social media is full of various digital content that is literally in our faces 24/7. We often watch a huge number of videos per day that we then forget about soon after.
However, a recent ad by Ramada Hotels on Facebook is one that you will never forget!
The campaign has gone viral on Facebook with over 172k views, 1.3k shares, and 2.6k comments!
The ad starts off with a mellow tune but, oh, boy are you hit with an over joyous loud bang from the 6th second! Giving off yesteryear, Star Plus drama ‘Kyunki Saas Khi Kabhi Bahu thi’ vibes the ad begins with the doorman ushering you in, see what we mean?
With such a cheesy beginning, viewers must prepare themselves for what follows later, you’re going to be amazed, shocked and finally end up in a fit of laughter and a couple of ‘face-palm’ moments too.
We loved the initiative taken by the hotel to include their staff in this video. However, we’re not sure they were going for this over-the-top hilarious end result.
The hospitality team at Ramada are shown pulling off some bizarre stunts in the video that is sure to make you laugh! In case you missed it, yes, those grown men are playing the guitar with pillows.
You can watch the full video by clicking on the link below!
https://www.facebook.com/ramadaislamabadhotel/videos/241727826991053
With over 2.6k comments here’s how public on social media is reacting to this funny ad!
Some people have absolutely loved the ad and found the efforts made by the hotel staff and management highly commendable!
One user comments how the innocence and purity can be reflected which would not have been achieved had the hotel hired professionals for the job!
However, not everyone has loved the campaign and some are wondering how the ad got the green signal and was aired across social media!
Uh-Oh! Seems like this user has taken the video to heart!
Are Tik-Tok stars ready for some serious competition?
This user has absolute hate for the ad and is so upset, here’s what he has to say:
Team Ramada has been given some advice for their next campaign! We love the hilarious responses people have come up with!
Is this what your reaction was like? Well, as they say, any publicity is good publicity!
What are your thoughts on this ad? Let us know in the comments below. Stay tuned to Brandsynario for daily updates!