Celebrities
Shehzad Roy Warns: ‘Our Sense of Patriotism Has Degenerated’

As 2024 enters its later stages, Pakistan celebrated 77 years of Independence on August 14. The day was filled with festivities that began at midnight, with green and white flags, pennants, musical harps, and even bullets marking the occasion. A major form of celebration was aerial firing, an activity enjoyed by both the young and old. While many displayed their patriotism by hoisting the Pakistani flag, others took to the streets, firing randomly in all directions. Little thought was given to the fate of the bullet, dipped in green to symbolize national pride, once it left the gun. Singer-songwriter and activist Shehzad Roy used his Instagram Story to highlight the consequences of aerial firing.
Shehzad Roy Voices a Story
Shehzad shared the story of a 30-year-old woman who became the victim of a stray bullet fired in the name of patriotism while she was on her balcony. Although she is now out of danger after a successful operation, the incident raises an important question: Are there better ways to express the spirit of patriotism?
“On our Independence Day this year, a 30-year-old woman stepped out into her home’s balcony, only to become a victim of someone’s celebratory aerial fighting.” The Laga Reh singer expressed his utmost disappointment to his viewers while questioning the true meaning behind celebrations of independence and their consequences.
“When she was operated today, a green-tipped bullet emerged from her arm. Very sad that this is what our sense of patriotism has degenerated into,” he wrote.
Mass celebrations on historic days are commonplace all over the world. Unfortunately, in many areas of Pakistan, the means often endanger unsuspecting civilians and harmless fauna creatures. Although Shehzad makes an active effort to highlight one case, many go unreported within the broader expanse of the country every year.
Who is Shehzad Roy?
Shehzad Roy is a Pakistani singer-songwriter, guitarist, activist, social worker, producer, and humanitarian. He began his music career in 1995 and has since released six albums. Known for hits like “Saali,” “Teri Soorat,” and “Kangna,” he gained widespread recognition for his 2008 socio-political album Qismat Apney Haath Mein. Roy is also the founder and president of Zindagi Trust, a non-governmental charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of education for the average Pakistani.
Also Read: Shehzad Roy Clarifies: ‘My Humanitarian Work Isn’t for Sawab’
Celebrities
Tazeen Hussain Says Faisal Rehman Is a ‘Riot’ on Set

What’s It Like Reuniting with a Co-Star After 28 Years? For Tazeen Hussain, It Feels Like No Time Has Passed at All
When Tazeen Hussain reunited with fellow actor Faisal Rehman after 28 years, she picked up right where they left off—as if no time had passed.
“It didn’t feel like 28 years. It felt like 28 minutes—or even 28 seconds!” she recalled, referring to her onscreen husband in Qarze Jaan (2024), during a resurfaced clip from The Rafay Mahmood Podcast. Longtime fans of Pakistani television may remember their first pairing in Shahpar (1997), but for Tazeen, the decades in between haven’t changed a thing.
“Faisal hasn’t changed much—and he told me I haven’t either!” she added. “He’s a riot to work with. That’s how it was back then, and that’s exactly how it is now.”
Tazeen praised Faisal’s spontaneous energy on set, crediting his knack for improvisation. “A lot of our scenes involved improv. He’s amazing at it,” she explained.
She also pointed out Faisal’s playful tendency to tweak scenes without warning. “He’s very clever!” she laughed. “He knows if he tells me what he’s planning, I won’t agree. So he just does it on camera!”
Despite the surprises, Tazeen said their chemistry allows her to respond with instinct. “My reactions to him are totally natural,” she admitted.
Reflecting on one particularly challenging scene—her wedding night sequence in Qarze Jaan—Tazeen revealed how Faisal’s presence helped her stay grounded. “I was so stressed and told [director] Saqib [Khan] I couldn’t do it. But Faisal calmed me down, and the scene turned out beautifully. It worked because he was with me. Having that level of comfort with your co-actor makes all the difference.”
Tazeen praised Faisal for fostering a respectful, relaxed environment on set. “He respects all his co-stars, whether they’re new or experienced,” she said. “And he owns what he does—he’s totally shameless and unapologetic about it. That’s what makes him who he is.”
Also Read: Tazeen Hussain Starts a New Chapter with Her Marriage
Celebrities
Meera Makes Emotional Appeal to UK for Visa

Renowned Pakistani actress Meera has issued a heartfelt plea to British authorities, requesting the United Kingdom to consider her visa application on humanitarian grounds. The Lollywood star, whose real name is Syeda Irtiza Rubab, is seeking entry into the UK to visit her ailing sister undergoing cancer treatment in London.
Addressing the UK High Commission and High Commissioner Jane Marriott, Meera said, “My home is in London. My family lives there. My sister is battling cancer and I need to be by her side. I humbly ask the UK authorities to grant me a visa on merit.”
Meera submitted a new visa application this week after a string of setbacks. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the UK immigration authorities had imposed a 10-year entry ban on her—a restriction that has now expired. The ban was reportedly the result of miscommunication during an English-language interview, which caused confusion and led to her movements being restricted by immigration officials.
Following the expiry of the ban, Meera’s attempt to re-enter the UK hit yet another roadblock when her travel agent mistakenly submitted incorrect information, resulting in a denial due to “false representation.” Meera has since confirmed that she is now taking matters into her own hands and will reapply with complete transparency.
Her mother, Shafqat Zahra Bukhari, has also stepped forward in support, emphasizing that Meera’s family home is in London, and several film projects — in which Meera plays lead roles — are currently stalled due to her absence. “The ban is over. She should be allowed to enter. Meera is a respected artist and has worked hard for her place. Let her reunite with her family,” she appealed.
Meera’s younger sister lives in Germany, while another sister — a qualified solicitor — resides in London. Her mother spends most of her time in the UK at the family home, which was reportedly purchased with Meera’s earnings from her acting career.
Despite her frequent travel to the United States as a Green Card holder, Meera’s inability to enter the UK remains a deeply personal and professional setback.
Read more: Why Is Meera Jee Thanking Salman Khan & Captain Naveed
Celebrities
London Mayor Sadiq Khan Hails Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as a ‘Legend’

London Mayor Sadiq Khan lauded Pakistani musical icon Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as a “legend” and “genius” during a high-profile event held at the Royal Albert Hall. The celebrated Qawwali maestro was in London to perform at the 90th birthday celebration of Sir Anwar Pervez, founder of the Bestway Group.
Praising Rahat’s global legacy, Sadiq Khan said, “Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is a legend. I listen to his songs regularly. His performance at the Royal Albert Hall, joined by some of the top Western musicians, reflects the universal appeal and extraordinary talent he brings to the stage.”
The mayor went on to emphasize that Rahat has played a vital role as “a bridge between cultures and generations,” spotlighting the singer’s impact beyond music — one that unites communities and transcends borders.
The elegant gathering brought together a rare mix of political, business, and cultural elites, including former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Lord Zameer Choudrey, and a host of ex-Tory ministers. Over 1,000 distinguished guests, including more than 100 from Pakistan, attended the event, making it one of London’s most prestigious cultural nights of the year.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, visibly moved, shared his sentiments with Geo News: “London feels like a second home. It’s an honor to celebrate Sir Anwar’s incredible life in the presence of people like Sadiq Khan and David Cameron.”
This visit celebrated Rahat’s return to the UK after a three-month hiatus. Earlier in April, he mesmerised British audiences with three sold-out performances, organised by Rock On Music founder Vijay Bhola, demonstrating that Rahat’s magic remains undimmed across continents.
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