Celebrities
Ali Zafar calls Jaishankar-Ayaz Sadiq handshake a “positive start to 2026”
Renowned Pakistani singer and actor Ali Zafar called the recent handshake between Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar as an encouraging sign at the beginning of the new year.
Sharing the image on social media platform X, Ali Zafar expressed optimism, saying that seeing such a moment on the first day of 2026 was “heartening.”
He emphasized that if both Pakistan and India move beyond past hostilities, negative narratives, online trolling, and divisive rhetoric, it could open new pathways toward lasting peace, stability, and prosperity for billions of people in the region.
Zafar noted that meaningful progress can only be achieved when constructive dialogue replaces hatred and confrontation. He expressed hope that 2026 would emerge as a year marked by peace and development, calling the image of the two leaders’ handshake a symbolic and refreshing development amid otherwise strained relations.
The interaction between Ayaz Sadiq and Dr. Jaishankar took place in Dhaka, where both leaders were present to attend the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. According to diplomatic sources, the Indian foreign minister approached the Pakistani speaker, leading to a brief exchange of cordial greetings.
The meeting has drawn attention in political circles, as it is being viewed as the first high-level contact between the two countries since the escalation of tensions following the conflict in May last year, after which political and diplomatic engagements were largely suspended.
Read more: Ali Zafar Drops ‘Roshni’ After 15-Year Wait
Celebrities
Astrologer Predicts Momina Iqbal Wedding’s Future
Momina Iqbal is a popular and celebrated Pakistani television actress who recently grabbed headlines for her back-to-back viral and controversial affairs. She initially reported that she was being harassed by PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar; however, after investigations, it turned out that Saqib Chadhar was her ex-fiancé and that they had split just before their marriage was finalized. She also made headlines for her viral nikah and wedding with fiancé Hamza Habib, who stood by Momina through thick and thin. Both expressed their love for each other in front of the media and their fans.
Recently, the renowned astrologer Ahmed Farooqui predicted the future of Momina Iqbal and Hamza Habib in Samaa TV’s podcast.
Replying to the host’s question, “What do the stars of Momina Iqbal and her husband say?”, astrologer Ahmed Farooqui said, “Please don’t ask me, or don’t let me say anything, because I think this marriage won’t work out. I am sorry to say, but this is true because the positions of their stars were not ideal when they got married. Such marriages work with difficulty.”
Momina Iqbal’s fans are quite upset with the prediction and believe that her marriage will work out and that only Allah knows what is going to happen in the future. One social media user wrote that most actresses’ marriages do not work out and that zodiac signs and the position of the stars have nothing to do with it.
Celebrities
Shaan Shahid urges original storytelling in Pakistani cinema
Shaan Shahid has called for a fundamental shift in Pakistani cinema, urging the industry to abandon recycled formulas and invest in original, locally rooted storytelling. In a joint interview with Meera, he stressed that filmmakers must take creative risks rather than chase safe commercial bets.
“We cannot keep recycling romantic comedies or presenting ourselves as a budget imitation of Bollywood. The industry needs its own content, its own identity, told in the context of modern Pakistan,” he said. Meera echoed his views, citing her upcoming film Psychoas an example of bold, genre-defying storytelling closer to Hollywood standards.
Building on this creative direction, Shaan revealed that a new film is currently in development titled English Minglish, with Meera in the lead role. He has written the script, screenplay, and is directing the project himself.
“The pipeline ahead features a comedy film, and its name is English Minglish,” he said. “It stars Meera, and her character’s task in the movie is that she has to learn English in three months.”
When asked about casting the male lead, Shaan said he is considering a different actor this time, preferring to remain behind the camera. “I really enjoy being behind the camera. I feel I can define and shape a story much better if I don’t carry the full responsibility of acting on my shoulders.”
Meera said she is excited about collaborating again with Shaan on the project and is also working on Psycho 2.
The conversation then shifted to the challenges faced by artists in the industry and the way public perception often overshadows creative effort. Shaan noted that audiences tend to focus more on negativity than the work itself, particularly in the case of public figures.
Reflecting on Meera’s journey, he said her return to films came at a difficult time. “When Meera decided she wanted to do a film again, I felt here is an actress, a woman, struggling to define herself and find her domain. My effort is to develop an ecosystem of scripts around her,” he said.
He also urged audiences not to obstruct women trying to rebuild their careers, but to support their creative reinvention.
When asked what they value most about each other, Meera spoke with visible emotion. “The best thing about Shaan ji is that he is Shaan, and he is with me. I trust him, and I rely on him; I don’t trust anyone else besides him,” she said. “No one really understands me, but Shaan sahib understands me.”
She added that trusting him again has been an important step in her personal journey.
Shaan, in turn, praised her resilience and determination, saying she continues to move forward despite scrutiny and setbacks. He described her strength in simple terms, saying it is something he deeply respects.
Celebrities
Mahira Khan meets King Charles III at British Asian Trust gala
Pakistani superstar and philanthropist Mahira Khan was among the distinguished attendees at the British Asian Trust Annual Dinner, hosted at the Peninsula London hotel. Representing Pakistan in her role as a Trust Ambassador, she participated in one of the organization’s premier fundraising events.
A highlight of the evening occurred when Mahira met King Charles III. The British monarch, who established the charity in 2007 to combat poverty and inequality across South Asia, engaged with the actor regarding her continued advocacy and humanitarian efforts. Following the encounter, Mahira spoke to the media, conveying her gratitude for the meaningful interaction.
“I was pleasantly surprised that he knew about the work I have done with the British Asian Trust and was aware of the causes I have been supporting,” she said, adding that she was encouraged by the monarch’s interest in the organisation’s initiatives and development efforts in Pakistan.
Mahira also highlighted the purpose of the event, emphasising that raising awareness about mental health is as important as fundraising.
Reiterating her commitment to the Trust’s mental health initiatives, she noted that untreated mental health challenges can have a profound impact on individuals and communities and stressed that “no one should ever have to suffer in silence.”

For the occasion, Mahira wore an antique gold ensemble by designer Faraz Manan, paired with understated jewellery and soft, dewy makeup. Images from the event quickly drew praise across social media, with fans applauding her elegant look.
The event raised funds for the British Asian Trust’s mental health programmes, supporting community-based healthcare initiatives and counselling helplines in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Read more: Mahira Khan advocates for greater awareness of mental health issues
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