Latest news with #Faysal
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Faysal defends Fawad, Hania
Faysal Quraishi, currently promoting his upcoming film Deemak, recently addressed the backlash that fellow actors Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir have faced in recent weeks. In a candid interview with journalist Ambreen Fatima at a promotional event for the film held on last week, Quraishi expressed his disapproval of the way fans and critics have attacked the two stars, urging the public to avoid vilifying their own artists. "Who chose to speak, who didn't, and who delayed speaking out against India ... We shouldn't bash our own people. That's not our job," said Faysal, referring to the online scrutiny Pakistani celebrities have faced regarding their responses, or lack thereof, on the recent political tensions between Pakistan and India. He emphasised that calls for unity should also extend to public behaviour online. "We talk about unity, so why should I expect others to speak? I will do my part," he said. Using Fawad and Hania as examples, Faysal pointed out that while fans may have expected a faster or louder reaction from them, attacking them publicly was unnecessary and potentially harmful. "Okay, let's talk about Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir - why are people going after them? I didn't like the bashing they received," he said. Acknowledging the criticism Fawad received for not immediately speaking up, Faysal offered a more empathetic perspective. "Yes, we admit that Fawad tweeted (for Pahalgam) and he wasn't vocal otherwise but he tried to save his film (Abir Gulaal), a project he worked on for six months," he explained. "After whatever happened, he did speak out." Fawad had remained relatively silent during the initial wave of protests and statements in support of Kashmir and Palestine, prompting criticism from fans who expected him to take a firmer public stand. However, Faysal urged people to consider the pressures artists face, especially when involved in international projects. "Hania tweeted and Mahira has been vocal from day one," Quraishi added, noting that Mahira Khan's stance was appreciated by many. "But still, it wasn't appropriate to attack Fawad and Hania." He further suggested that Fawad's silence might not have come from indifference, but from fear of damaging a career milestone. "Fawad just tried to protect his film. Maybe he realised later that he was wrong," Faysal said. "Nowadays, people get angry and lash out at artists which puts them in danger." Learning from the past In a pointed reminder of how public outrage can escalate dangerously, Faysal recalled a past incident involving late singer Junaid Jamshed. "The same thing once happened to Junaid Jamshed. People spread hate about him, and he was physically attacked," he reminded viewers. "Is this what people want?" Commenting on how fellow host Nadia Khan had been vocal about her stance, he added that he had cautioned her from the beginning. "Nadia is a very good friend of mine, and I had personally warned her that it wasn't our concern and we shouldn't do this," he noted. Throughout the interview, the actor maintained that while everyone has the right to speak, or not to, public dialogue should not come at the cost of safety or compassion. "Let's not destroy our own people. Let's understand. Everyone has a reason, everyone has pressure," he said. Set to hit cinemas this Eidul Azha, Deemak offers a chilling departure from the season's typical romantic releases. Directed by Rafay Rashdi and written by debut screenwriter Ayesha Muzaffar, the film blends psychological horror with haunting family drama. The trailer hints at a tense power struggle between Faysal's character, his new wife (Sonya Hussyn), and his domineering mother (Samina Peerzada), layered with elements of possession and dark magic. Through this promotional event held in Lahore, fans got a sneak peek of the cast's onscreen personas, and the buzz has only grown louder since. While the lead trio commands attention, the supporting cast is no less impressive, featuring Bushra Ansari, Javed Sheikh, and Saman Ansari in intriguing roles shrouded in secrecy. With Deemak competing against the star-studded rom-com Love Guru, audiences this Eid will have two wildly different cinematic experiences to choose from: fluff and frights, laughter and lore.
National Post
01-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Li-Cycle Announces Leadership and Operational Changes
Article content TORONTO — Li-Cycle Holdings Corp. (OTCQX: LICYF) ('Li-Cycle' or the 'Company'), a leading global lithium-ion battery resource recovery company, today announced leadership and operational changes. Article content Article content As announced by Li-Cycle earlier today, the Company is undertaking a process to seek buyers for its business or its assets and is retaining Hilco Corporate Finance, LLC, a financial services company, and certain of its affiliates, to support the sales process. Article content Leadership Updates Article content Li-Cycle is announcing the following leadership changes. Article content Ajay Kochhar has stepped down from Li-Cycle's Board of Directors and, on May 15, 2025, will transition from President and CEO to a senior advisory role for the Company to support its sales process. Mr. Kochhar co-founded Li-Cycle in 2016 and has provided strong leadership and a strategic vision as Li-Cycle developed its patented technology, completed its successful initial public offering, and grew to become a leading company in the lithium-ion battery recycling market. Article content William Aziz, FCPA, FCA has been appointed by Li-Cycle's Board of Directors as Chief Restructuring Officer ('CRO'). Mr. Aziz has over 35 years of corporate restructuring experience, playing a key role in major Canadian restructurings, including as the CRO of Walter Energy Canada and UK, The Toronto Star Group and U.S. Steel Canada. He is a seasoned senior executive and director with deep experience in multi-party negotiations, strategic partnerships, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. He is currently President and CEO of BlueTree Advisors, Inc. and a Board member of Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Article content Craig Cunningham, Chief Financial Officer ('CFO'), has stepped down as CFO. Since first joining Li-Cycle in March 2024, Mr. Cunningham has made many contributions to strengthen the Company's financial processes. Article content Michelle Faysal, FCPA, FCA has joined Li-Cycle as interim CFO. Ms. Faysal has extensive experience as a hands-on senior executive and director. She has provided strategic direction and leadership through her independent consultancy practice in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Ms. Faysal was at Ernst & Young, LLP for over 20 years earlier in her career. Article content Jacqui Dedo, independent Chair of Li-Cycle's Board of Directors, commented: 'Li-Cycle's mission and technology provides an important capability to the growing market need of critical materials recycling and energy security independence. On behalf of the Board, we want to thank all the stakeholders who have supported us in this key mission, and especially Ajay for his vision and leadership as co-founder and CEO, and our employees for their hard work and dedication to the Company.' Article content Operational Updates Article content Li-Cycle is also taking steps to curtail operations to optimize liquidity and support the Company's sale process. The Company has commenced the process to suspend operations in a safe and compliant manner at its Arizona Spoke and Alabama Spoke recycling facilities. As a result, the Company will be furloughing approximately 85 employees at these facilities. The Company is also reducing its workforce by approximately 32 positions, primarily at its Toronto headquarters. Article content Operations at the Germany Spoke are currently continuing. Article content Li-Cycle (OTCQX: LICYF) is a leading global lithium-ion battery resource recovery company. Established in 2016, and with major customers and partners around the world, Li-Cycle's mission is to recover critical battery-grade materials to create a domestic closed-loop battery supply chain for a clean energy future. For more information, visit Article content Certain statements contained in this press release may be considered 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of words such as 'believe', 'may', 'will', 'continue', 'anticipate', 'intend', 'expect', 'should', 'would', 'could', 'plan', 'potential', 'future', 'target' or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include but are not limited to statements about: the efforts to seek buyers for Li-Cycle's business or its assets; the transition of Mr. Kochhar into an advisory role with the Company; the curtailing of Li-Cycle's operations to optimize liquidity and support the Company's sale process; the furloughing of employees at the Arizona and Alabama Spokes, and the reduction in Li-Cycle's workforce; and the continuation of operations at the Germany Spoke. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, including but not limited to assumptions regarding Li-Cycle's funds and sources of liquidity; the timing and scope of any significant modifications or terminations to Li-Cycle's operations; the purchase value of Li-Cycle's projects, facilities and other assets; the timing, scope and cost of any dissolution, liquidation or insolvency; the timing and scope of any efforts to curtail or suspend operations at the Arizona and Alabama Spokes, or reduce Li-Cycle's workforce; the timing, scope and cost of Li-Cycle's continuing projects and facilities; general economic conditions; currency exchange and interest rates; compensation costs; and inflation. There can be no assurance that such estimates or assumptions will prove to be correct and, as a result, actual results or events may differ materially from expectations expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Article content These forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding certain key elements of Li-Cycle's current objectives, goals, targets, strategic priorities, expectations and plans, and in obtaining a better understanding of Li-Cycle's business and anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes and is not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on, by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Article content Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Li-Cycle, and are not guarantees of future performance. Li-Cycle believes that these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: Li-Cycle's inability to economically and efficiently source, recover and recycle lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion battery manufacturing scrap, as well as third party black mass, and to meet the market demand for an environmentally sound, closed-loop solution for manufacturing waste and end-of-life lithium-ion batteries; Li-Cycle's inability to develop the Rochester Hub and other future projects as anticipated or at all in a timely manner or on budget or that those projects will not meet expectations with respect to their productivity or the specifications of their end products; Li-Cycle's history of losses and expected significant expenses for the foreseeable future as well as additional funds required to meet Li-Cycle's liquidity needs and capital requirements in the future not being available to Li-Cycle on acceptable terms or at all when it needs them; Li-Cycle's ability to negotiate a strategic transaction with Glencore on acceptable terms, or at all; Li-Cycle's estimated total addressable market; risk and uncertainties related to Li-Cycle's ability to continue as a going concern; uncertainty related to the success of Li-Cycle's cash preservation plan and related past and any possible further workforce reductions; Li-Cycle's inability to attract, train and retain top talent who possess specialized knowledge and technical skills; Li-Cycle's failure to oversee and supervise capital projects and obtain financing and other strategic alternatives; Li-Cycle's ability to service its debt and the restrictive nature of the terms of its debt; Li-Cycle's potential engagement in strategic transactions, including acquisitions, that could disrupt its business, cause dilution to its shareholders, reduce its financial resources, result in incurrence of debt, or prove not to be successful; one or more of Li-Cycle's current or future facilities becoming inoperative, capacity constrained or disrupted, or lacking sufficient feed streams to remain in operation; the potential impact of the pause in construction of the Rochester Hub on the authorizations and permits granted to Li-Cycle for the operation of the Rochester Hub and the Spokes on pause; the risk that the New York state and municipal authorities determine that the permits granted to Li-Cycle for the production of metal sulphates at the Rochester Hub will be impacted by the change to MHP and the reduction in scope for the project; Li-Cycle's failure to materially increase recycling capacity and efficiency; Li-Cycle expects to continue to incur significant expenses and may not achieve or sustain profitability; problems with the handling of lithium-ion battery cells that result in less usage of lithium-ion batteries or affect Li-Cycle's operations; Li-Cycle's inability to maintain and increase feedstock supply commitments as well as secure new customers and off-take agreements; a decline in the adoption rate of EVs, or a decline in the support by governments for 'green' energy technologies; decreases in benchmark prices for the metals contained in Li-Cycle's products; changes in the volume or composition of feedstock materials processed at Li-Cycle's facilities; the development of an alternative chemical make-up of lithium-ion batteries or battery alternatives; Li-Cycle's expected revenues for the Rochester Hub are expected to be derived significantly from a limited number of customers; Li-Cycle's reliance on the experience and expertise of senior management and key personnel; the potential for Li-Cycle's directors and officers who hold Company common shares to have interest that may differ from, or be in conflict with, the interests of other shareholders; Li-Cycle's insurance may not cover all liabilities and damages; Li-Cycle's reliance on limited number of commercial partners to generate revenue; customer demand for recycled materials; an active, liquid trading market for our common shares may not be sustained; Li-Cycle's inability to compete successfully; increases in income tax rates, changes in income tax laws or disagreements with tax authorities; natural disasters, unusually adverse weather, epidemic or pandemic outbreaks, cyber incidents, boycotts and geo-political events; failure to protect or enforce Li-Cycle's intellectual property; Li-Cycle may be subject to intellectual property rights claims by third parties; Li-Cycle may be subject to cybersecurity attacks, including, but not limited to, ransomware; Li-Cycle's failure to effectively remediate the material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting that it has identified or its failure to develop and maintain a proper and effective internal control over financial reporting; the risk that Li-Cycle may lose access to funding under the DOE loan facility; risk of litigation or regulatory proceedings that could materially adversely impact Li-Cycle's financial results; and the terms of the warrants. These and other risks and uncertainties related to Li-Cycle's business are described in greater detail in the section titled 'Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors' and 'Part II – Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation' in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC and the Ontario Securities Commission in Canada. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Express Tribune
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Celebrities don't preach but learn, says Faysal
In two video clips circulating online, actor Faysal Quraishi addressed the common critique that celebrities face when they host Ramazan transmissions during the auspicious month. In one clip, Faysal spoke up on the matter during a local transmission. "I've often seen and read people saying, 'Now, celebrities will teach us Islam.' That is absolutely not my or anyone else's intention. Be it any programme, it is not our aim to school you. In fact, we are here to learn, too," he began. Touching upon the principles he has picked up over the years, he added, "Believe me, it's my fourth consecutive year hosting a Ramazan transmission, and I've learnt a lot myself. There is so much that I've studied, grasped, realised, and understood that it has helped me shape my daily routine. For example, Surah Rehman has taught me to keep the scale of justice balanced." Aside from bringing up the topic on television, the 51-year-old actor also replied to a question pertaining to this criticism in a video shared to social media on Tuesday. "Normally, people think we can't do Ramazan transmissions because of our behaviour throughout the year, because they think we preach religion. We are not here to teach religion; there are respected scholars that teach Islam. They tell us what to do," he maintained. "Alhamdulillah, we are also Muslims. We pray and we fast. I don't think we need to show that off to the world. We also perform our work duties. It's not as if we compromise on our values and then host these shows. That would even make us feel weird," he said. Faysal added that it is the job of celebrities to act with respect to the audience that follows them. "I feel that we are also learning along the way and we would like the public to do the same," he concluded. The Farq actor's level-headed response earned him the appreciation of netizens, who flooded the comments section with clapping emojis. "Let the world talk; that's what it does best. You're doing a very good job. Please, keep doing it. Love you, Faysal bhai," a user wrote. "Allah is giving you the opportunity to sit with these respected scholars and learn the ways of the faith from them. Other than that, only Allah knows who He favours. May He grant us all the ability to do good," prayed another. "It is upsetting that we judge others and criticise their faith instead of minding our own. You aren't doing anything that should forbid you from taking on Ramazan transmissions. Those who dictate other people's lives are in the wrong," a user echoed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Yahoo
Myanmar scam center escapees recall torture and coercion
STORY: :: February 19, 2025 :: Mueang Tak District, Thailand :: Myanmar scam center escapees recall torture at a notorious crime compound Faysal/21-year-old Bangladeshi scam compound victim 'I asked one of my colleagues from this place, what happened there? What is the job? He was telling me about the punch, electric shock. And same at night, I informed to the (inaudible) I want to go back to my country. I don't want to work.' 'We are not scammers. We are victims. They use us. And if somebody don't want to work with them, they're in Myanmar they say, in Chinese said, they have one of biggest market, the place where they're selling the organs, human organs, kidney, eyes, like this. They are warning us, if you are not working with us, we can (do this) with your body.' Yotor/19-year-old Ethiopian scam compound victim 'I got a lot of punishments, like I receive shock, electric shock everyday. I received punch everyday. Like nothing, they just want to punish us, and they punish us. Because, like, we were working for 18 hours without salary, without, like they did not allow us to contact our family.' "I got a lot of punishments," said 19-year-old Yotor, who gave only one name and had cuts along his leg. "I received electric shocks every day." Yotor and his countrymen are among 260 people, most of them human-trafficking victims, who were sent from Myanmar to Thailand last week as a multinational crackdown on scam centers along the border between the two countries gathers pace. For years, according to the United Nations, criminal gangs have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people to scam compounds across Southeast Asia, including along the Thai-Myanmar frontier, where victims have been forced to work in illegal online operations. But Thai authorities launched a renewed clampdown last month after the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who had been lured to Thailand by the promise of a lucrative acting job. He was later found near the Myanmar town of Myawaddy and has since returned home. Around 7,000 people rescued from scam compounds in Myanmar are waiting to be transferred to Thailand, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Wednesday. Of these, around 600 Chinese nationals will be sent home on three flights starting Thursday from the Thai border town of Mae Sot once they cross over, Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said. Some of those rescued from the scam compounds said they were forced to work nearly 20 hours each day to defraud men using instant messaging applications like WhatsApp. "When a client says 'I love you', then we start washing his brain how to get money," said Faysal, 21, from Bangladesh. But when scam workers were unable to meet targets, he said, they were beaten. "We are not scammers," said Faysal. "We are victims."
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
Myanmar scam centre survivors recall torture and coercion
FORT WACHIRAPRAKAN, Thailand (Reuters) - Inside a Thai military camp, four Ethiopian men on Wednesday showed the bruises and scars on their bodies they said were sustained during their time in one of Myanmar's most notorious scam compounds. "I got a lot of punishments," said 19-year-old Yotor, who gave only one name and had cuts along his leg. "I received electric shocks every day." Yotor and his countrymen are among 260 people, most of them human-trafficking victims, who were sent from Myanmar to Thailand last week as a multinational crackdown on scam centres along the border between the two countries gathers pace. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. For years, according to the United Nations, criminal gangs have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people to scam compounds across Southeast Asia, including along the Thai-Myanmar frontier, where victims have been forced to work in illegal online operations. But Thai authorities launched a renewed clampdown last month after the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who had been lured to Thailand by the promise of a lucrative acting job. He was later found near the Myanmar town of Myawaddy and has since returned home. Thailand this month cut electricity, fuel and internet supplies to some border areas, a tactic China has asked it to continue. Yotor, who was also rescued from the Myawaddy area and is currently sheltering in a military camp, said he was drawn to Thailand for a job in the capital Bangkok but then taken to Myanmar. "They lied," he said. Around 7,000 people rescued from scam compounds in Myanmar are waiting to be transferred to Thailand, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Wednesday. Of these, around 600 Chinese nationals will be sent home on three flights starting Thursday from the Thai border town of Mae Sot once they cross over, Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said. Some of those rescued from the scam compounds said they were forced to work nearly 20 hours each day to defraud men using instant messaging applications like WhatsApp. "When a client says 'I love you', then we start washing his brain how to get money," said Faysal, 21, from Bangladesh. But when scam workers were unable to meet targets, he said, they were beaten. "We are not scammers," said Faysal. "We are victims."
