Category

Entertainment

Category

Laathi- A student-led project working to enhance financial literacy in Pakistan’s population

A student-led initiative called Laathi Pakistan aims to increase financial awareness among Pakistan’s citizens. Team Laathi is expanding its reach beyond the senior population of Pakistan in an effort to ensure that every Pakistani citizen is educated in economics, as they believe that one cannot make important financial decisions if one lacks financial literacy. 

People who pay taxes but are unaware of the system or the justification for doing so make up Pakistan’s unstable economy, as do those who shop on the black market without realizing how their purchases would affect the country’s overall economy. They inform people about strategies to protect their financial resources, warn them about fraud, and alert them to investment opportunities when they arise.

Laathi’s slogan is: Save, Invest, and Prosper with the aim to uplift Pakistan. 

Laathi has now started a series of podcasts with different influential people including journalists, financial analysts, and people from the governmental body who are able to provide unbiased opinions and approaches.

Suhail Warraich, a Pakistani journalist, television broadcaster, analyst, and media personality, participated in Laathis first podcast. He provided information about the budget deficit and how it is impacted by the political narrative that has resulted in significant economic losses.

He also offered the opportunity to vote for a “stricter” budget and a wider tax base. In addition, he suggested that the current cabinet should create a strategic strategy for boosting the Pakistani economy. He gave young people an emotive message of hope to close the podcast.

Listen to the full podcast here:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CujmA7cIW4g/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Laathi had Mr. Adnan Khalid Butt, the vice president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce, on his second podcast. He explained the kind of reinforcement the market requires while also pointing out the recent paucity of resources. He explained to us how firms in Pakistan struggle to remain viable as well as a possible course of action.

He went on to discuss overseas remittances as an alternative to IMF agreements while providing further details on those agreements. He ended the show by making some observations about the new transitional administration and Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-Ul-Kakkar.

Listen to the full podcast here:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxTMpO2tTQK/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng=

In a thrilling déjà vu, less than a year after an unforgettable night in Lahore, last Sunday, Red Bull Pakistan descended upon Karachi with the electrifying Red Bull Off The Roof concert-on-wheels, setting the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi ablaze. This was no ordinary show; it was a musical spectacle of epic proportions, an unforgettable night for those who got to witness Karachi’s coolest concert till date!

Noori, Young Stunners, and the dynamic duo Hassan and Roshaan didn’t just deliver remarkable performances – they did it perched atop a bus! Yes, you read that right, a bus! Talk about an epic and unparalleled setup that added a whole new dimension to their music.

The young and energetic duo of Hassan and Roshaan lit the stage with their melodic tunes and soulful voices. Their performance was a harmonious journey that resonated with every heart in the audience.

Following their act, the iconic Pakistani rock band, Noori, set the stage ablaze with their timeless classics and infectious energy. Their much-anticipated reunion was a testament to their legendary status in the music scene. As the first chords of their iconic hits echoed through the venue, it became crystal clear why Noori holds a special place in our hearts

The Young Stunners, known for their catchy hip-hop beats and razor-sharp lyrics, had the crowd grooving and rapping along to their chart-toppers. Their stage presence was nothing short of magnetic. The moment they set foot on stage, the crowd was in for a wild ride.

With their infectious hip-hop beats and razor-sharp lyrics, the Young Stunners had everyone in the audience grooving and rapping along to their chart-topping hits.

For those who missed out on this one-of-a-kind experience, fear not! Keep your eyes peeled for the next Red Bull Off the Roof event because, trust us, it’s an event you absolutely won’t want to miss!

  • A High-Drama Teaser Unveiled, Offering a Glimpse of Stars
  • With Over 250 Cast and Crew Members, a Full 68-Day Shoot Elevates Anticipation for the Film
  • Film to be released internationally later this year

22nd August, 2023; Dubai, UAE: UAE-based Q Film Productions is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the shooting phase for the highly anticipated biopic of Pakistani cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar, titled ‘Rawalpindi Express.’

Despite the challenges posed to the filmmakers, the production house remains steadfast and proud to unveil an intense cinematic teaser, offering a glimpse of the star-studded cast.

Addressing recent uncertainties surrounding the film’s production, Kafeel Anwar, producer of ‘Rawalpindi Express’ and Managing Director of Q Film Productions, remarked, “Completing the production of this film was not an easy task. When you are producing a film about a legend as big as Shoaib Akhtar, the margin of error is zero. We were fortunate to build a dedicated team in Pakistan that worked tirelessly to bring it to completion. Shoaib Akhtar is a larger than life personality with a worldwide fan base, so we had to ensure that we got it right.”

Regarding the release of the film, Anwar stated that the film will be released internationally later this year.

The Shoaib Akhtar biopic features an exceptional ensemble cast, with Mirza Gohar Rasheed, renowned for his role in Maula Jatt, in the lead. Other distinguished actors contributing to this outstanding film include Iron Man famed Pakistani-Hollywood actor Faran Tahir, the legendary Salman Shahid, veteran actor Usman Pirzada, Saleem Mairaj, a notable figure in Pakistani cinema; Rabita Ali, making her feature film debut; Adnan Shah Tipu, celebrated at the 76th Cannes Film Festival; and Rahim Pardesi, known for his versatility as a YouTuber, singer, actor, and host. Collectively, this exceptional cast forms the core of the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ biopic, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Faraz Qaiser, the Director of ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ shares his excitement, stating, “Completing the shooting of our dream project – Rawalpindi Express – fills me with both thrill and satisfaction. Crafting a biopic is a true filmmaker’s challenge. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Shoaib Akhtar, who personally recounted his life story and adversities. As the movie’s director, I shouldered the immense responsibility of translating his narrative into a compelling cinematic journey. I firmly believe we’ve achieved that goal. The ultimate verdict, however, rests with the audience.”

“It was an enormous undertaking, spanning a comprehensive 68 days of filming, involving a team of over 250 individuals comprising the cast and crew. This endeavor also marked an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to direct some of the most exceptional talents from the international and Pakistani film industry. Every actor delivered precisely what we envisioned for the film,” Faraz elaborated.

The movie ‘Rawalpindi Express’ is set to capture the incredible journey of the cricketing legend. The film aptly derives its title from Shoaib Akhtar’s nickname in the cricketing world, paying homage to his roots in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Notably, Shoaib Akhtar’s world-record-breaking feat of bowling the fastest ball at 161.3 km/h during a 2003 World Cup group match against England further intensifies the anticipation surrounding this cinematic tribute.

To View the official teaser of Rawalpindi Express, click below links:

Links to watch teaser:

https://fb.watch/mA3ufPOvU7/?mibextid=qC1gEa

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwPLsEvsZ72/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

-END-

Tayyab, 11 years old during May 2020 peak COVID decided he wants to do something to help others in this difficult time. After lots of thinking he came up with a unique idea. He saw that many mothers were struggling to make their kids wash their hands during the peak of COVID. He came up with the idea of introducing homemade organic soaps with toys inside them, the more you wash your hands the faster the toy comes out. After lots of experimenting and trials with the help of his mother, he was able to make a perfect soap which he gave to his 6-year-old sister. He noticed that she started washing her hands day and night so the toy comes out faster.

This is how he launched his business on Instagram called Soaptastic. Almost 100 percent of his profit goes to charity. He has been awarded as the youngest entrepreneur in Pakistan. Tayyab appeared in various newspapers and TV channels for interviews and now has 26.3K followers on Instagram. As soon as he is done with school and studies he focuses on his work. When he came up with this idea there was no one making soaps with toys in Pakistan, not even in any other country we know of. He was 11 and he got an offer from Dubai and UK to sell his idea and company, but he didn’t do it because his purpose was to help others and not make a profit.

By the grace of Allah and his hard work, he has built a mosque just from his personal profit. He has built three shops for three widows so they can stand on their own feet, and he wants to keep going and help many more. It’s been more than three years and a little business he started with a good intention has come a long way.

Here are a few links showing Tayyab’s work on different channels, news, and a tweet by British commissioner Christian Turner.

Tayyab’s interview on HUM TV:

Tayyab’s work featured on GEO TV:

https://urdu.geo.tv/latest/228515

Tayyab has a strong belief that the more he helps others the more he will get. From selling one soap a day to up to 100 soaps per day, his soaps now have so much demand that it is hard to meet the little home-based business he started. He made a major donation to families who suffered in a 2020 plane crash.

Samia, Tayyab’s mother said: “It was such an exciting moment when a one soap order came. Today he gets so many orders that he can’t handle them because of his studies. A little home-based business we thought would keep him busy for a good cause and a totally new idea for one month is on its way to the fourth year with zero help.”

Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has become the new Guinness World Record Holder for “marathon cooking.” On May 11, Baci lit her burners at 4 p.m. Eastern Time and continued to cook constantly for 87 hours and 50 minutes. She finished her last dish on Monday.

According to the BBC, Hilda Effiong Bassey, aka Baci, prepared nearly 100 meals in an effort to break the record. If Baci wins, Lata Tondon, the current world record holder, will lose her title while her time is still being evaluated. The Indian chef’s total nonstop cooking time in 2019 was 87 hours and 45 minutes.

Baci held her culinary marathon in Lekki, Lagos State, in Amore Gardens. Despite the bad weather, many people, celebrities, and even government representatives turned out to support Baci as she tried to beat the record. On Sunday, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, attended the event.

“We are proud to have Hilda embarking on this journey in our state,” Sanwo-Olu said. “I will continue to follow the updates and look forward to the final declaration.”

According to the BBC, the 27-year-old chef intended to spend 96 hours in the kitchen but had to leave early due to the exhausting effort of managing the kitchen. Food from Baci’s native West Africa made up the majority of her marathon menu. Guests were offered a variety of rice and pasta meals, including jollof rice and akara, a well-known street food made from deep-fried mashed beans. While Baci was cooking, some aid was given. She was permitted to keep one aide nearby and take one hourly five-minute break.

The chef spoke with BBC News Pidgin before stepping into the kitchen. “This attempt is proof of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform and support,” Baci said.

Baci is no stranger to taking the heat in the kitchen. In 2021 she pocketed $5,000, winning the first “Jollof Face Off Competition.”

It’s likely that you have an engaged audience if you’ve been developing your internet presence for a long enough period of time. Your suggestions are taken seriously, and people like sharing your content with others. You are now being questioned by brands about sponsored social media posts and other partnerships. A media kit for influencers is one of the finest methods to respond to their inquiries.

What is an influencer media kit?

An influencer media kit, in a nutshell, is a packet or page of material you can send to potential client businesses and media outlets. This is the influencer equivalent of a resume, CV, or portfolio, sometimes known as a press kit. In real life, this translates to a virtual handshake that you use to introduce yourself. When properly put together, this document will demonstrate your abilities as an influencer and provide instances of your work. They assist brands in finding the ideal influencers and services to meet their requirements.

Short biography with a picture

In many job interviews, the first question is “Tell me about yourself.” In essence, your personality, creativity, and experience serve as your product when you are an influencer. Because of this, your brief biography should be imaginative. In the scenario that you are a fashion influencer, think about describing what got you interested in the topic. With this response, you should ideally be able to establish a connection with potential customers.

In the same way, your profile picture needs to be both professional and inviting. In some circumstances, headshots are acceptable, but not in others. Make sure you have a nice smile on your face and are acting casually when choosing a headshot.

Your active social media profiles

Naturally, the social media platform where you provide sponsored content is the most crucial to highlight. If you have a great Instagram following, be sure to mention that this is what you do best. Please also include your Instagram handle.

Don’t stop there, though. Even though you don’t anticipate getting employed on other social media platforms, brands can engage with you by looking at them. Do you generally enjoy having a good time? This online persona usually spreads to other social media sites. Using your influence in a certain industry? Even if it isn’t being used for your influencer company, your LinkedIn profile can help build your credibility.

Follower counts

In contrast to some other analytics, follower counts are simple to locate and include in your influencer media kit reports. This is advantageous because one of the most crucial pieces of information about any influencer is their follower count. Many companies will pay you according to the size of the social media platform where you do your work, and they may have a particular audience in mind for a certain campaign. The majority of platforms will display your following count on your profile or home page; all you need to do is update it sometimes. The number of unique visits you receive each month can be found in your account dashboard and used with blogs.

Engagement rates

Audience engagement rates are frequently the unspoken truth in the world of influencer marketing. Even though having a lot of eyes is great, marketing goals aren’t as concerned if people don’t engage with your contact. Another indicator that is used to assess your influence and determine your rates is engagement. Brands can determine your suitability by looking at your engagement rates. Finally, avoid buying involvement only to increase those figures. Along with false Instagram followers, many of us have developed the ability to see this, thus trying to do this will backfire severely.

Past collaborations

As a content creator, think of your past partnerships with brands as the experience section on your résumé. Your influencer media kit should include prior partnerships. It may be impossible to discuss all of a seasoned social media influencer’s partnerships in a one-page document. If this is the case, choose between your greatest work, your favourites, and your best outcomes. The goal is to present yourself in the best possible light.

Services you offer

Keep brands from speculating about your level of willingness. Inform them! Brands often have a clear understanding of the services they need when searching for new influencers to work with. Some companies even harvest the data from the influencer press kit and store it for later use. They might search the database for this information as the need arises for an influencer who provides particular services. You have increased your “visibility” in the system by providing it. Include both your best skills and what you are willing to do.

Price list

Influencers who are just starting out may not have “set” rates, while more seasoned ones frequently do. By including a price list in your influencer media kit, you make it clear to businesses what you expect in terms of collaboration and what kind of material you can offer that will best serve their target audience. You might bargain with brands for services depending on your business plan. Additionally, you’ll let companies know whether your services are reasonably priced and what prospective choices for partnerships are available from your list of services.

Contact Information

Don’t leave businesses “guessing” how to get in touch with you. An influencer media kit’s main objective is to promote your services, and the main focus of this campaign is generating sales leads. It’s likely that a brand won’t bother if they have to find you. They’ll simply go on to the next person who has mentioned this. Give your preferred mode of contact when providing your contact information. Depending on your comfort level, you might also mention alternate approaches.

Couldn’t yet find the best Eid gift for your loved ones, friends, or family?  Consider gifting them some tasty sweets to brighten up the celebration of the day. Here is a list of the best sweet treats by Lahore’s top dessert experts:

The Cakery

Give your loved ones some extra love by sending them The Cakery’s tart box. Banoffee, Coffee, Walnut, Ferrero Rocher Tart, Lindt chocolate, and Classic Chocolate Tart, six different types of flavors are included in the box.  Their tart box makes the ideal Eid gift!

Price: Rs. 2100

Vanilla by Hafsa Zulfiqar

Know someone who doesn’t like traditional cakes? Send Vanilla by Hafsa Zulfiqar’s Eid Special lemon meringue cake. This cake has an exact lemon meringue pie flavor! Between the layers of vanilla lemon sponge, the custard filling has a distinct fresh lemon flavor, and the milk-crusted, torched meringue frosting gives a fancy touch. It’s a delightfully unique Eid dessert.

Price: Rs. 3875

The Brookie Lahore

For all cookie lovers, The Brookie Lahore’s mini Eid box is a wonderful gift option. Two mini Nutella stuffed cookies, two lotus stuffed cookies, and two mini double chocolate cookies are all included in the 4 x 6-inch box.

Price: Rs. 2400

Tarams Food Garden

Die-hard chocolate fan? Try Taram’s chocolate cake to get lost in the world of chocolatey goodness. Layers of delicious chocolate cake are filled with chocolate ganache and it’s frosted with whipped chocolate ganache. The cake looks even prettier with strawberry adornment!

DM them for the price.

Yum Prum

The cakes from Yum Prum are truly a work of art. Their cakes are flawless in every way, from the appearance to the flavor. With varieties including carrot cream cheese, chocolate malt, and vanilla lotus, these come in 1.5 lb, 2.5 lb, and other sizes.

Price: Rs. 3000-4800

In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is one of the most cherished and joyful months. The preparations for Sehr and Iftar make each day of Ramadan unique and enjoyable.

Here are several restaurants and cafés to consider if you reside in Islamabad and want to have a good time at Iftar.

Sage Café and Grill

Sage café and Grill located on Bhittai Road, F-7 Markaz is known for its good food, a wide variety of dishes, and cooperative staff. For the blessed month of Ramadan, they have introduced an iftar buffet that includes appetizers, a main course, and desserts.  

Price: Rs. 2395+Tax/Per head

Mandarin Kitchen Islamabad

Mandarin is one of the finest restaurants with beautiful views in the city. Their Grand Iftar Buffet includes a carefully curated selection of popular Chinese and Pan-Asian dishes coupled with traditional delicacies and an elaborate dessert spread. It also includes a choice of complimentary Black & Green Tea.

Price: Rs. 2795+tax/Per head

House of Commons

House of Commons is another excellent place for Iftar. With more than 35 items, the Iftar + Dinner buffet is budget-friendly. There are two primary categories on the menu. Iftar menu items include sandwiches, pakoras, samosas, and much more. There is also a wide variety on the dinner menu, including fish, biryani, seekh kebabs, wings, etc. Moreover, the menu includes drinks, salads, and delicious desserts.

Price: Rs. 2175+tax/Per head

Pita Pakistan

For all lovers of real shawarma, rice, and animal fries, Pita offers the ideal Ramadan feast. They have two extremely affordable Ramadan deals, and everything is quite flavorful. Deals also include beverages and salad.

Deal 1: Rs. 1649 (2 shawarmas, fries, salad, drink)

Deal 2: Rs. 2099 (3 shawarmas, fries, rice, salad, drink)

Kitchen Deli

Another amazing option for a reasonably priced Iftar is the Kitchen Deli. For all burger fans, it is highly recommended because they are known for serving mouth-watering, tender, and juicy burgers.

Café Rustic Islamabad

Café Rustic Islamabad is also doing three different platters this Ramadan. Their most famous is the Iftar Burger platter which includes a smash beef burger, chicken burger, drinks, fries, fritters, salad, onion rings, and cheesy bites. The platter is enough for two persons and it’s a great option for Iftar.

Price: Rs. 4000+Tax

Pakistani short film “Naam Badal Dena” produced under the banner of the company “Deepblue Doors Inc.” has been selected as one of the best short films at the Cannes WFF. Along with that, the movie has won 21 Awards for the Best international short film, 3 honorable mentions, and 8 other nominations at various prestigious film festivals around the world.

Directed by Arshila Salman and produced by Naveed Farooqi, the movie addresses the subject of woman’s psychology. The 26-minute movie stars Hira Khan and Arsalan Khan. This movie is a wonderful character study of how someone with a challenging upbringing tries to improve their own marriage’s course. The storyline centres around two married best friends and explores the deep connection and love that a husband and wife can share.

In an interview, the director Arshila stated that she could connect to the character of Shiza, played by Hira Khan and that this made directing the actor playing Shiza very simple because she knew precisely how she felt, what had happened, and what had gone good or wrong in her life.

Naveed Farooqi, of Pakistani origin, based in Canada, the executive producer, claims that it is uncommon for Pakistani or Indian society to formulate movies of this calibre, which accurately depict a healthy marriage, friendship, and true love.

Farooqi, said that the film’s inspiration comes from a very strong message that a married pair can have a real and enduring loving & lasting bond and a husband and wife can still experience true, straightforward, passionate, and pure love even after getting married.

He added another solid inspiration has been, Khalil Gibran’s famous quote regarding marriage/married couples:

Let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together, yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.”

The message that Naveed wishes to convey to the audience through this film is that marriage is a lovely and fruitful institution and that married couples may have a loving, trustworthy bond that may last for a very long time.

The film has already received awards from 24 different international film festivals, including the Golden Lion, Knight of the Reel Awards 2023, Sundarban, Beyond Border, Gliff, Mumbai Bollywood, Calcutta film Festival, Singapore International film festival, Munich New wave Film Festival, Makizhmithran, SIFF, Cult Critic Movie Awards 2022, Caravan, Dimond Bell, and last but not least, it is one of the finalists at the Cannes World Film Festival.

Naam Badal Dena is being distributed, promoted, and released by Pocket Films Pvt Ltd, in India and it will be displayed on their YouTube and OTT platforms. The film’s release date is 16th March 2023.

Ali Doger a middle age entrepreneur who started the Photography through his passion and interest. His early education is from Lahore and did his Graduation from here too. Soon completing his education, he opted for Wild life photography and gone to Sri Lanka for exploring his passion and interest. He spent around 6 months capturing the pictures of Wild Life animals and then came back to Pakistan to explore more about the Photography industry.

The first interest became is of Fashion industry he did Profile Photoshoots, Bridal wear, Casual wear, Routine wear for local market and Western shoots for international clients. Currently he is doing Fashion photography for prominent Brands and Designers from and outside Pakistan. What makes him differentiate from other photographs is the sense of Light making which he has the extraordinary sense that makes his grip on his work. He has emerged as the young motivation for the upcoming youngsters that passion, interest & exploring new ways in the Photography industry is the path to emerge as a brand. He usually says “Doing photography is satisfaction of inner soul for me, and this makes me complete in my life”.

Pin It