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**Leading Pakistani actress, producer, and television host Harem Farooq has become the subject of intense social media criticism following the release of a video showing her wardrobe choice during an awards rehearsal.**
The renowned star, celebrated for her roles in multiple successful dramas—and currently earning acclaim for her performance in the serial *Shar Pasand*—found herself at the center of a storm after the video was posted on Instagram. Farooq, who boasts over 3 million followers on the platform, was seen wearing a plain white cotton kurta paired with severely distressed denim jeans, completely torn at the knee.
The casual outfit immediately captured the attention of social media users, leading to a swift outpouring of negative commentary. Critics widely labeled the ensemble as “inappropriate and unsuitable.” One user remarked that fashion choices should be flattering, while another noted, “All attention is being drawn to the jeans and the knee.” Furthermore, some users directed their frustration toward the actress’s stylist, demanding she replace her design team, while others dismissed the look by comparing it to “children’s ripped clothes.”
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### Industry and Cultural News Roundup
**Bollywood Legal and Travel Mishaps**
Indian filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari, were sent to judicial custody after a court denied their interim bail application in an alleged ₹300 million (30 crore) fraud case.
Meanwhile, flight delays plagued two prominent actors. Veteran star Anupam Kher missed his connecting Indigo flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho but turned the setback into an “interesting experience” by opting to travel via train instead. Separately, actress Sonakshi Sinha publicly criticized the national carrier, Air India, after her 5:00 AM flight was delayed for six hours without any updated information, though she later deleted the critical post.
On the professional front, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan expressed humility, stating, “I do not consider myself a great actor.”
**Pakistani Showbiz Updates**
Several Pakistani artists faced public scrutiny or made health revelations this week:
* Popular actress Yumna Zaidi also drew criticism online regarding her choice of clothing, categorized by users as “bold attire.”
* Armeena Rana Khan disclosed that she is grappling with multiple health issues.
* Internationally acclaimed singer Atif Aslam’s scheduled concert in Dhaka was abruptly cancelled, generating significant disappointment and anger among his fanbase.
* Actor Usman Mukhtar revealed his hesitation regarding performing romantic scenes on screen.
**Political and Cultural Controversies**
Controversy flared in India after a video went viral showing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pulling back the headscarf (hijab) of a Muslim female doctor during a government event. The incident drew immediate and severe backlash, with the Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRCP) issuing a strong condemnation of the action.
In Pakistan, ruling party PML-N leader Mian Javed Latif claimed that former ISI Director General Faiz Hameed had expressed a desire to hear his screams.
On the cultural front, the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted a major press conference for the 18th World Urdu Conference 2025, themed “Jashn-e-Pakistan.” The briefing, held in Auditorium II, featured prominent figures including Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah and renowned poetess Zehra Nigah.
**Miscellaneous**
* Argentine football legend Lionel Messi is currently visiting India, with images and videos of his meetings with several famous Indian personalities circulating widely.
* In the realm of crime, Australian authorities issued a statement regarding Sajid Akram, a terrorism suspect linked to the Bondi Beach attack in Sydney. The father of the citizen who subdued the attacker, Muhammad Fateh, credited his son’s bravery with saving dozens of innocent lives.
* Action has reportedly been initiated to declare Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi an absconder.
