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In a dazzling display of cultural exchange, the Pakistan-Tajikistan Cultural Festival, organized by the Punjab Information and Culture Department, witnessed a breathtaking performance by a Tajik singer who left everyone in awe with her rendition of the iconic Pakistani song, “Meri Rehsham Qamar”. The festival, held in Lahore, saw a delegation of 75 members from Tajikistan participate, while the audience was treated to a mesmerizing display of qawwali and folk dance.
Punjab Information Minister, Azma Bokhari, emphasized that such cultural events play a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting trade links between Pakistan and Tajikistan, ultimately contributing to the country’s economy. However, not everyone was impressed with the festival’s arrangements, with some questioning the need for a large team when a smaller one could be just as effective.
In related news, popular television actress and host, Naveen Waqar, opened up about playing the role of a Hindu woman in her hit TV drama, “Case Number 9”. Waqar clarified that the reality is quite the opposite of what the show portrays, and that the statistics themselves speak the truth.
Senior actress, Hina Khawaja Bayat, shared a poignant story about the pain of loveless marriage, while renowned director, producer, and actress, Angelina Malik, who has been battling cancer, has sadly passed away. In another twist, actress Faiza Ali accused her colleague, Neelam Muneer, of deliberately releasing provocative clips about her divorce on social media.
The 18th World Urdu Conference 2025, organized by the Arts Council in collaboration with Geo, continues to celebrate Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage. Meanwhile, American socialite and businesswoman, Kym Cardishian, made headlines by claiming that the US government and NASA fabricated the moon landing in 1969.
In a similar vein, the life of poet Parveen Shakir was celebrated through a film, highlighting her various stages of life through her writing. However, her family has been dealing with her son Tyler Mendez’s struggles with mental health and addiction for over a decade.
Palestinian actor and filmmaker, Muhammad Bakri, passed away at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding work. Protests were held outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford, UK, in response to the alleged torture of a Pakistani citizen by Israeli authorities.
Finally, the Israeli government has officially recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state, while the police have released footage from a web camera that was installed in a car involved in a recent murder case, which has been deemed a crucial piece of evidence.
As the city of Lahore prepares for a possible cold snap, the Met Office warns of potential temperature drops due to a western wind system that may affect the region from Tuesday to Wednesday.
