Mahira Khan faces crowd unrest in London due to security failures
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Pakistani actress Mahira Khan was met with an unruly crowd and apparent security lapses during a promotional appearance for her upcoming film at the Indo-Pak Supermarket in Ilford, East London.
The event, also attended by co-star Humayun Saeed, soon descended into disorder as the growing crowd overwhelmed limited security arrangements.
Eyewitnesses described instances of aggressive behaviour, with some individuals reportedly breaching the actress's personal space as she attempted to enter the venue.
While the event began smoothly, the situation quickly spiralled out of control as crowd numbers swelled and security arrangements proved inadequate.
Several young men in the crowd reportedly acted inappropriately.
Footage circulating on social media shows Mahira Khan appearing visibly distressed as she was jostled while trying to enter the store.
Some individuals allegedly attempted to touch her inappropriately amid the crowd surge.
Despite the disruption, Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed proceeded to the rooftop terrace for a scheduled appearance to greet fans, Express News reported.
However, video footage circulating online shows at least three individuals pushing towards the actress in a visibly unmanaged setting.
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Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan used own resources in 96-hour conflict with India: Gen Mirza
General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Pakistan's chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee, speaks during an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue security summit, in Singapore, May 30, 2025, in this screengrab from a video. Photo:REUTERS Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, told BBC that Pakistan fought the recent 96-hour conflict with India using only its own resources. His remarks counter reports from Indian media claiming China's military assistance to Pakistan during the clash between the two nuclear-armed neighbours last month. General Mirza emphasised that Pakistan used equipment comparable to India's and procured some military hardware from other countries. He highlighted that previous skirmishes were limited to disputed areas and did not reach the international border. However, he continued, "This time the borders were relatively peaceful and this time the cities were hot." He argued that this lowering of threshold where cities are considered focal targets is dangerous for both India and Pakistan in any future conflict. #Pakistani Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza talk to BBC: — Kashmiri Tales (@KashmiriTales) June 2, 2025 Tensions between Pakistan and India soared after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, killing 26 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India blamed Pakistan-based elements without presenting any evidence, which Islamabad denied calling for an independent probe. India closed the Wagah border, revoked visas, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, prompting Pakistan to call it an "act of war." Explosions hit Pakistani cities on May 6–7, as India launched air attacks on Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated with Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, targeting Indian military sites. A US-brokered ceasefire was later announced after escalating military exchanges. "This affects the trade, investment and development needs for 1.5 billion people," says Chairman Mirza. "There is no formalised conflict resolution or management mechanism at the Director-General of military operations of both countries have a hotline that is regularly used on Tuesday to exchange issues and information, and is available on currents if any untoward situation like this, and it can be used at any time. However, this is the only option available." He warned that future conflicts may not remain confined to specific regions and criticized the absence of an effective and organized mechanism to resolve Indo-Pak disputes. He continues that if there is only one defence mechanism available at all times and it faces an Indian polity with a reckless and extremist mindset, then the time window for intervention substantially decreases. He concludes by saying, "With the absence of any conflict management system, the chances of spiraling this conflict remains high". Regarding emergency communications, the chairman noted reliance solely on DGMO hotlines and expressed concern that extremist mindsets limit international intervention time. He added that global powers, including the US, have limited time left for mediation. Read Pakistan launches diplomatic offensive against India Previously, Pakistan on June 2 strongly criticised recent comments by Indian leaders, describing them as reflective of a hostile and dangerous mindset that undermines regional peace. The statement from Pakistan's Foreign Office followed remarks made by India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson on May 29, when he claimed that talks on Kashmir would only proceed if Pakistan 'hands over Azad Jammu and Kashmir' to India. Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said any attempt to blame Pakistan for instability in the region was disconnected from facts. 'The international community is well aware of India's aggressive conduct, including documented evidence of support for terrorism inside Pakistan,' he said.
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Sticks to stardom
Remember a time when your happiness was directly linked to cricket? Fortunately for those whose mood is entirely dependent on the sporting achievements of others, cricket no longer has to bear that burden alone. Now, thanks to Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, Pakistani glory and joy is best channelled through the man's right arm, as the athlete spearheaded his way to another gold medal in the men's javelin final with an 86.40m throw at the Asian Athletics Championship in Gumi, South Korea on Saturday. As Arshad proved in spades during the Paris 2024 Olympics, powering his way to golden glory following an epic 92.7m toss of his javelin, he has become a mascot for national pride. With an inevitable rendition of Dil Dil Pakistan (our de facto shot of joy) echoing through the stadium as South Korea's small Pakistani community cheered him on, the wave of tears and celebrations spreading throughout Arshad's hometown of Mian Channu showcased his already cemented heroic status. Arshad has done what few other Pakistani sportsmen have managed: he has proved that the Olympic victory that catapulted him to global fame last year was no shot-in-the-dark fluke. Becoming the first Pakistani in 50 years to win a gold medal at the Asian Asian Athletics Championship, Arshad's latest achievement has spread a warm glow of contentment in its wake as the rest of the country shares in the vicarious joys of one man. It will come as little surprise that a handful of celebrities, too, have entered the fray as they ping congratulatory messages for Pakistan's athlete of the hour on social media. Celebs say well done Barzakh star Sanam Saeed took to her Instagram Stories to post a screenshot of Arshad's winning shot, tagging in the athlete and adding just one word: "Hero". Not to be outdone, Sanam's husband, actor and director Mohib Mirza, also registered his praise, taking to IG Stories to offer his own congratulations in Urdu as he penned, "Salaam hai, Bhai." Continuing in Urdu, he added, "Amazing!" With IG Stories clearly being the preferred medium of choice and short and sweet being the motto, actor-singer Azaan Sami Khan posted a similar victorious photo of Arshad socials. Unlike Sanam and Mohib, Azaan did not use words; instead, he relied on a simple crown emoji underneath as he, along with the rest of the nation, metaphorically labelled Arshad the undisputed king of javelin. If a picture says a thousand words, so can an emoji. Proving that the javelin has well and truly entered the popular consciousness, possibly overtaking cricket for however long Arshad's career continues, singer-songwriter Farhan Saeed also turned to IG Stories to publicly mark his pride at the sportsman's latest milestone. Pasting a screenshot of a sports headline, Farhan's post read, "Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem wins gold at [the] Asian Athletics Championship, defeating Indian competitor in [the] men's javelin final." The musician sealed his post with just one more word that summed it all up: "Congratulations." As the icing on the cake, the Maula singer added a Pakistani flag emoji. Everyone else joins in Before the 2024 Paris Olympics, you would have been hard pressed to find a bystander knowing or caring enough about the javelin beyond the fact that it is a large, heavy pointy stick – but of course, Arshad changed all that with one mighty throw and awakened a frenzy in a country where frenzy was typically reserved for team sports, and not track and field. Now, of course, all it takes is one post from Arshad himself for a newfound crew of javelin lovers to flood social media with their words of praise. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, Arshad himself posted a reel of his performance and wrote, "This victory belongs to the Almighty first - His blessings, His will. Without His grace, none of this would be possible." Remembering to thank his crew and loved ones not unlike any athlete would in a post-victory press conference (for social media has surely become an extension of press conferences for any successful athlete), Arshad remembered to add, "To my coaches, my team, my family, and every Pakistani who prayed for methis medal is yours. Your support fuels my journey. Let's keep rising for our beloved nation! Insha'Allah, more to come." Racking up over 114,000 likes in just a day on Instagram (and over 19,000 hearts on X), the comments section of Arshad's posts are now replete with messages of congratulations from his followers. "Pakistan's Ronaldo," penned one fan fondly, as another wrote on X, "What a legend. Congratulations." Pinning all hopes for the country on Arshad's capable shoulders (or rather, his right arm), yet another fan on Instagram noted, "King never disappoints us. You are inspiring multiple generations with the accolades you bring to your nation." A dig at India With Arshad's direct opponent, Sachin Yadav of India, walking away with a silver medal, it would be inconceivable that no one would bring up this irresistibly juicy fact in the comments section – although the highlight should go to one refreshingly un-salty Indian fan intent on spreading positivity. "Arshad Nadeem is number 1, with love from India!" wrote the fan alongside an Indian flag emoji. "Finally Indians have admitted that they lost the war," added another fan, unable to resist bringing up the events of May still fresh in everyone's minds. Predictably, Pakistani fans, with their expertise in using memes to extract maximum hilarity in any situation, rose to the occasion – yes, even here where no humour was needed to act as a bandaid. The "disappointed cricket fan" meme (featuring the infamously appalled man in a chequered shirt and gilet turning away in disgust) made its usual appearance in Arshad's comments section, with a fan added the explanatory caption (in case you missed it), "The entire Indian community right now." Is it fair to hold one man – Arshad – responsible for collective national happiness? As any cricketer will tell you, there is only one answer here (and it is not "yes"). But what nobody can dispute is that king of javelin throwers that he is, Arshad aims for the heart of the nation. And so far, he hasn't missed.
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Express Tribune
We must dig deep to figure out someone's intentions'
In an interview with Ambreen Fatima, fashion designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY) shared his views on the vitriol that actors like Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir received for not condemning India's war crimes as strongly as their fans hoped they would. "The eyes are the windows to a man's soul. One must dig deep to figure out what someone's actual mindset and intentions are," HSY said. "I know Fawad very well, and I know how much of a die-hard Pakistani he truly is. He's my friend." The designer also added Mahira Khan to his observation. "Mahira, another friend of mine, is devoted to Pakistan. I know how much she works to promote the Pakistani sentiment and does what she can for those who cannot raise their own voices." Bringing up yet another showbiz friend, he continued, "Hania is a relatively recent entry in the industry. I've seen her since the beginning of her career. I've also worked with her. We're friends and we share mutuals. Hania is very pro-Pakistan." HSY reckoned that the criticism was fuelled by a collective anger or passion that netizens have for showbiz. "Those watching must believe that they are a part of a celebrity's life, and rightfully so because they are involved in everything, be it the movies or the promotions," he acknowledged. HSY reasoned that, perhaps, the mentioned stars weren't able to express themselves as strongly as their fans were hoping they would. "I can't say anything about that because your opinions are valid," he said. "But I can vouch for my friends and safely say that they didn't intend to cause any hurt." The designer added that everyone can speculate as much as they want, but they won't have the answers to everything. In the same way, he can speak about Fawad at a friend's capacity, nothing less or more. "I am aware of the public's disapproval of his statement," HSY said. "Because he is my friend, I'll share my perception of him. But neither has anyone paid me to do so nor is this benefitting me in any way. HSY is going to remain HSY. But I can uplift someone else's truth because that's the right thing to do." He, however, reiterated that public criticisms weren't misplaced. "Yes, the public's belief that celebrities should confidently speak out is valid. And we are the ones who should be taking that stand because every drop counts and makes one Pakistan, which is not a small thing. So wherever I am qualified to talk about Pakistan, I try to do so to the best of my abilities," he vowed. What the stars said Following India's aerial attack on Pakistani civilians last month, multiple local celebrities took to social media to condemn the aggression, stand in solidarity with the victims, and call out Indian celebrities who celebrated the loss of lives in Pakistan. This included Mahira, who decried India's "war and hate rhetoric" and asserted that the Indian entertainment industry was claiming victory in fear-induced silence. "To me, that silence is your greatest defeat. You attack cities in the middle of the night and call it a victory? Shame on you," she said. Fawad, meanwhile, offered his deepest condolences to those injured and killed in "this shameful attack". Adding a prayer for the deceased and the bereaved, he said, "A respectful request to all: stop stoking the flames with rabble-rousing words. It's not worth the lives of innocent people. May better sense prevail, InshaAllah. Pakistan Zindabad!" Joining the chorus, Hania rued India's aggression with a heavy heart. "A child is gone. Families are shattered. And for what? This is not how you protect anyone. This is cruelty - plain and simple. You don't get to bomb innocent people and call it a strategy. This isn't strength. This is shameful. This is cowardly. And we see you." Netizens criticised some of the artists for not outright naming India as the aggressor and upholding peaceful sentiments while Indian artists stood by their war-mongering narrative.
