Interviews

Fatima Bhutto: Pakistan Lacks Effort in Crafting Laws to Protect Women

In an exclusive interview with VCast Online, author and activist Fatima Bhutto candidly assessed the state of women’s rights in Pakistan. She expressed skepticism about the impact of current efforts and called for tangible action to address ongoing challenges.

Bhutto’s remarks illuminated the persistent struggle for gender equality in the country, pointing out a perceived lack of concerted efforts to enact legislative changes that would better protect and support women. “I don’t think anyone is working hard to make the laws protect women or support women,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach to addressing systemic issues.

She continued, “I don’t think anyone is sitting there in a concerted way trying to alleviate the difficulty that women face all over this country. I don’t see that as an effort.” However, drawing attention to the resilience and determination of Pakistani women, Bhutto acknowledged their relentless pursuit of space and recognition in various spheres of society. “But at the same time, Pakistani women do great things and they fight for their space,” she remarked.

Undone Work – Fatima Bhutto

Even so, Bhutto tempered this praise with a call for greater action and accountability. Despite the inspiring efforts of Pakistani women, she emphasized that significant work remains to be done to effect meaningful change. “The room that women have, whether you’re talking in the city, or in the interior or you are talking in a home, or in a neighbourhood, or in a society – whatever space exists, exists because women fight for it,” she explained. She added, “So, Pakistani women in that sense are, of course, an inspiration. But I think a lot of work needs to be done. I don’t think we deserve congratulations yet.”

At a crucial juncture for women’s rights in Pakistan, amidst ongoing debates and activism surrounding issues such as gender-based violence, access to education and healthcare, and economic empowerment, Bhutto’s comments are made. Her insights serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges that persist and the urgent need for sustained advocacy and reform efforts.

As her words reverberate across the country, they prompt reflection and action among policymakers, activists, and citizens alike. The call to prioritize women’s rights and address systemic barriers resonates deeply, challenging society to uphold its commitments to equality and justice for all.

Also Read: Fatima Bhutto Criticizes Bollywood Stars for Glamorizing Babri Masjid’s Destruction

Interviews

Khaled Anam Laments Decline in Muharram’s Sanctity

Veteran actor Khaled Anam openly criticized how people now commemorate the tragedy of Karbala, arguing that Muharram has lost its sanctity and become a commercial event.

Speaking on the Off The School podcast, Anam lamented the shift from tradition, saying, “When finances enter the equation, things take a different direction.” He pointed out that some people who forbid music have no issue adding drum machine beats to naats and nohas. “These are not tunes!” he stressed.

He noted that senior artists no longer guide juniors, and juniors, in turn, reject any mentorship. “They just say they’re earning millions on YouTube and know better,” he added. Anam criticized the current trend of stylized Muharram videos, saying, “This is not a film!”

Recalling the past, he praised the respectful tone of PTV’s Muharram programming, where presenters wore black sherwanis and maintained solemnity. He contrasted that with the current culture: “Karbala and Muharram have become just another event — like Ramazan transmissions — with albums released just for the occasion.”

He criticized record labels for dictating what naats get recorded and condemned the glamourization of mourning. “You can’t blow-dry your hair and wear full makeup to perform a noha with theatrical gestures,” he said, gesturing in frustration.

Summing up his views, Anam declared, “People need to make the occasion meaningful without losing its message. The sanctity has been lost.”

Also Read: Bilal Qureshi on age gap in marriage and importance of respect

Interviews

Saqib Sumeer Shares Chilling Encounter with a Jinn

Pakistani actor Saqib Sumeer shared the most terrifying experience of his life when he encountered a girl allegedly possessed by a jinn.

During a recent TV program, Saqib recalled how his casual friendship with two neighboring girls took a frightening turn. “I was living in a rented house when I became friends with two girls who lived next door. One day, they told me that a jinn would sometimes possess one of them,” he said.

Wanting to help, Saqib told them to call him whenever it happened. When the jinn returned, the girls contacted him. Concerned about gossip, Saqib invited them to his house instead of going to theirs.

As the possession began, Saqib described how the girl’s hair covered her face and she made strange noises. Frightened, he began silently reciting Surah An-Naas — until the jinn looked at him and said, “Stop reciting.” The chilling moment left him trembling.

Despite his fear, Saqib stayed calm and continued supporting the girls through the ordeal. “It was the scariest moment of my life — something I’ll never forget,” he said.

Also Read: Samina Peerzada Claims Jinn Attack Before Deemak Shoot

Interviews

Samina Peerzada Claims Jinn Attack Before Deemak Shoot

Veteran actress Samina Peerzada recently opened up about a strange and frightening experience she had before filming her horror movie Deemak.

Speaking on a television program, she revealed that a jinn attacked her just before the shoot began.

“I was attacked by a jinn before the shooting of Deemak. It had already come to me,” she said, recalling the incident.

She explained that when the backyard light at her home wouldn’t turn on despite asking her house help multiple times, she decided to turn it on herself.

“As I turned on the light and walked back, something suddenly pushed me hard from behind,” she said. “I fell far and got several injuries—but there was no one else there. It was the jinn.”

Despite the terrifying encounter, Samina didn’t let it interfere with her work. “I bandaged my injury and went straight to the shoot. I completed the filming,” she shared.

Deemak, a horror film featuring Samina Peerzada, Faisal Quraishi, and Sonia Hussain, released on Eid-ul-Adha and has been well received at the box office.

Who is Samina Peerzada

Samina Peerzada began her career as a model in 1974 before acting in films like Nazdikiyan, Mukhra, and Bulandi. She performed internationally, including at Oslo’s Ibsen Festival, and starred in stage plays like Raaz-o-Niaz and A Doll’s House.

Her TV roles include Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan. She debuted in Hollywood with The Valley (2018) and directed Inteha, a film on marital rape, followed by Shararat. She now hosts the YouTube show Rewind with Samina Peerzada.

Also Read: Samina Peerzada Opens Up About 7-Year Break from Showbiz