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’

Related Topics:Independence Day Shehzad Roy

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Celebrities

Haider Sultan Opens Up About Last Meeting With Father Sultan Rahi

Sultan Rahi is the biggest film star of the country. He has made a world record by starring in more than 800 films in his career. He worked in both Urdu and Punjabi cinema and he ruled both till his demise in 1996. His son Haider Sultan also joined in his footsteps and became a film star later on. Haider was a guest on Wasi Shah’s show and spoke about his father.

Haider Sultan revealed the very last meeting that he had with his father. He shared that his father was leaving for Islamabad for visa related procedures. As soon as his car drove out of the porch, Haider waved at him. He then went to him which was not a usual occurrence and jumped over the door as the car was bigger in size. He kissed his father on the cheek as he was feeling a bit uneasy that day. He asked Sultan Rahi Sahab if he should go with him but his father said that he can go on his own and left. He was shot dead later that day and Haider was only 18 at the time.

Haider Sultan also revealed how humble his father was. He always used to greet people first. Once he went to the studio with his father and suddenly a sweeper stopped Sultan Rahi Sahab and said you did not say Salam to me today. Sultan Rahi got out of the car, hugged that man and greeted him. The man got emotional and said you can go now. Sultan Rahi lived his life according to Sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad SAW and tried to follow his teachings as much as he can as shared by his son.

Celebrities

Nawaz Anjum Gets Emotional Sharing Life’s Journey

Nawaz Anjum is a man of many talents. He is an actor, dancer, singer ,painter and writer. The man has worked in all the mediums of entertainment including radio, television, theatre and films. He is often seen as a jolly man and his comedy and dialogues leave the audience in stitches. He has the ability to perform both serious and comic characters but comedy has mainly been his forte.

Nawaz Anjum may look like a jolly person but he has seen a lot of pain and hardships in his life. He was a guest on Mazaq Raat and he broke into tears as he narrated a part of his life that is not known to many. He revealed that he has only studied till 5th standard and he started making paintings after that. His father passed away first and later on his mother also passed away while his two younger sisters were toddlers. The star shared that they are four siblings, two brothers and two sisters.

He broke into tears as he shared that he used to run a shop for paintings and at the same time he used to feed his sisters from a bottle and change their nappies. That is when one day Mohsin Gilani Sahab saw him at his shop. He was just 14. He rescued him and took him to a radio station where he started working as an artist.

Nawaz Anjum revealed that his sisters call him Abbu and treat him as their father as they never saw their own parents in their life. He has also brought the daughter of one of his sisters as his daughter-in-law.

Celebrities

Saba Qamar Joins UNICEF Campaign Against Child Marriage

UNICEF launched a powerful video campaign featuring renowned actress and National Ambassador for Child Rights, Saba Qamar, to raise awareness about child marriage in Pakistan.

In the video, Saba Qamar urges communities to speak up and take action, highlighting the dangers young girls face when forced into marriage—such as poor health, lack of education, and lost opportunities.

“Why should any child in Pakistan be forced into a marriage they didn’t choose?” she asks. She also shares the story of Anam Nazir, a 14-year-old girl who stopped three child marriages in her area, calling her a symbol of the change Pakistan needs.

With nearly 19 million girls in Pakistan married before the age of 18, the country ranks sixth globally in child marriage. Most of these girls drop out of school and face serious health risks from early pregnancies.

UNICEF Pakistan Representative Abdullah Fadil explained that poverty and harmful traditions fuel child marriage. “We need stronger laws, better support for girls, and a cultural shift,” he said. “How can Pakistan progress when half our children are left behind?”

Fadil praised Islamabad’s recent decision to raise the legal marriage age to 18 and urged other provinces to follow suit. He called Saba Qamar “a powerful voice for change,” emphasizing UNICEF’s joint mission with UN partners to protect children and empower youth across the country.

Also Read: Saba Qamar Opens Up About Feeling Her Life Is ‘Incomplete’