Latest news with #Jashn-e-Azadi


Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
PAA denies Islamabad airport will shut for eight days
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) denied on Sunday media reports claiming Islamabad International Airport will be closed for eight days, terming them 'incorrect and misleading'. The PAA said flight operations will only be suspended for two-hour intervals on specific days to facilitate rehearsals for Independence Day celebrations on August 14, reported PTV citing a statement by the PAA. According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the PAA, temporary flight restrictions will apply during the following periods: 6–9 August: 11.00am to 1.00pm 11–14 August: 8.00pm to 10.00pm All other operations will continue as normal. Passengers have been advised to contact their airlines for updated schedules to avoid inconvenience. Read: Country lights up for Jashn-e-Azadi The PAA said the temporary closures are part of security and logistical preparations for the official Independence Day flypast. Meanwhile, as Pakistan's 78th Independence Day approaches, a wave of green and white is sweeping across the country, exuding patriotic fervour, emotional pride, and historical remembrance. The national flag flutters atop homes, private and official buildings ahead of Independence Day, and the bazaars and streets are lit with green and white lights in celebration.


Express Tribune
3 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Country lights up for Jashn-e-Azadi
Cities across the country are adorned in festive and colourful lights as Independence Day approaches. Photo: Express As Pakistan's 78th Independence Day approaches, a wave of green and white is sweeping across the country, exuding patriotic fervour, emotional pride, and historical remembrance. While national flag flutters proudly atop homes, private and official buildings ahead of Independence Day celebrations, the bazaars and streets are alive with green and white colour and joy. More so, the celebrations depict a sense of belonging of being part of a great story that began with struggle and sacrifice during the Pakistan movement that continues with hope and resilience. In remote areas like erstwhile Fata, including Waziristan, Orakzai, Kurram, Khyber, Mohmand and Bajaur, the same spirit persists. "I have purchased 500 green badges and stickers for my family and relatives as part of Jashin-e-Azadi celebrations. It's our way of showing immeasurable love for Pakistan," said Asghar Afridi, a journalist from Bara, Khyber district in Peshawar said. With his young son helping decorate the family car at the bustling Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Afridi's joy was full of national enthusiasm. "This is our family tradition we have followed since creation of Pakistan and now I am passing it on to the next generation with immense pride," reiterates Afridi. From Landi Kotal to Torkham and Jamrud to Shalman valley, all bazaars, markets and streets in Khyber district are adorned with colourful bunting and lights. Irrespective of caste and colours, tribal youth, children, and elders alike can be seen donning green-and-white outfits, echoing a common sentiment such as this is our celebration and our tribute to the great nation and Quaid e Azam that gave us an identity and freedom on August 14, 1947. "Pakistan was not gifted to us rather it was earned through blood and sacrifices," said Shah Jee Gul Afridi, former MNA and a respected elder of the Afridi tribe, while talking to APP. "We are honouring those sacrifices by celebrating Jashn-e-Azadi with full zeal and patriotism." The connection of the tribal people with the creation of Pakistan is not just emotional but historical. In 1948, just months after the country's independence, Founder of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Peshawar where he addressed a grand tribal jirga at the Governor House here. There, in the heart of K-P, he acknowledged the loyalty and sacrifices of the tribesmen calling them a "frontline force" of the Pakistan Movement. "The great Quaid had deep respect for the tribes' patriotism and their love for Islam and Pakistan," said Prof Dr AH Hilali, former Chairman of the Political Science Department at the University of Peshawar. "He emphasised education and development as keys to their future and today, those words still resonate." Quaid's love for education led him to promise a university for the region, a vision fulfilled with the establishment of the University of Peshawar near the historic Islamia College - another site he visited three times and highly praised its students' role during the Pakistan Movement." The scenes playing out in these tribal regions today reflect a deeper narrative not just of celebration, but for peace and development. "We see lights, we see national flags, but we also see a determination among our youth to build a better and prosperous future for their country," said Afridi. "My son is already asking questions about the Pakistan Movement, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Dr Alama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam and what independence means. That's where the real celebration begins, creating awareness and education of young minds about Pakistan." In an area long known more for security and economic challenges than festivity, this great transformation speaks volumes of tribesmen's love for their country. Where once silence loomed, now laughter, joy and music echo through narrow alleys and open bazaars. The tribal belt, once on the margins of national attention, is today stepping forward, waving the national flag not just as a symbol of statehood, but as a badge of honour and prestige. As the clock ticks closer to August 14, the message from people of erstwhile FATA is clear that "We are Pakistan, and Pakistan is us."


Indian Express
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Kartik Aaryan denies association with event hosted by Pakistani national following film body's warning: ‘We have requested to remove all promotional materials…'
Kartik Aaryan recently made headlines after reports claimed he would participate in Azadi Utsav – an Indian Independence Day event organized by a Pakistani national. However, his team denied any association with the event after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued an official letter urging him to withdraw. The event will be held at Houston's Aga's Restaurant and Catering—owned by Pakistani national Shaukat Maredia. The restaurant is also organizing Jashn-e-Azadi, a celebration of Pakistan's Independence Day featuring singer Atif Aslam. In an official statement, the actor's team wrote, 'Kartik Aaryan is not associated with this event in any capacity. He has never made an official announcement about participating in this event. We have contacted the organisers and requested to remove all promotional materials featuring his name and image.' FWICE's letter to the actor read, 'Dear Mr. Kartik Aaryan, You are widely regarded as one of the most talented and promising young actors in the lndian film industry today. Your journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most popular and bankable stars is both commendable and inspiring. Your dedication to your craft, connection with the youth, and clean public image have made you a respected and admired figure across the country and among the lndians worldwide.' ALSO READ | Kartik Aaryan says he has a 'love-hate relationship' with Karan Johar, assures their new film will see the light of day unlike Dostana 2 'The Federation of Western lndia Cine Employees (FWICE) is the parent body of all the 36 crafts of the lndian film and television industry and represents scores of members working across various sectors of the entertainment industry. FWICE has always stood for the protection of the dignity, rights, and national interest of its members, and for upholding the sovereignty and sentiments of our country. lt is with a sense of deep concern and responsibility that the Federation of Western lndia Cine Employees (FWICE) brings to your notice a matter involving your scheduled participation in an event titled Azadi Utsav – The lndian Independence Day to be held in Houston, USA, on 15th August 2025,' the letter further read. 'As per the attached poster, you are being featured as the lead guest for this celebration. While such events are a source of pride and cultural expression for lndians abroad, we regret to inform you that this specific program is being organised by a Pakistani-owned restaurant, Aga's Restaurant and Catering, owned by Mr. Shaukat Maredia,' the film body wrote. It continued, 'The same restaurant and its associates are also organising a concert featuring Pakistani singer Atif Aslam and are promoting Jashn-e-Azadi, a celebration of Pakistan's lndependence Day. The simultaneous promotion of lndian and Pakistani national events by the same establishment not only creates a conflict of interest but also violates the ongoing national sentiment and directives.' 'We are confident that you, as one of the most influential and respected faces of today's lndian cinema, will act in a manner that aligns with national sentiment, the dignity of the lndian film industry, and your own stellar reputation. We look forward to your responsible and timely response on this matter,' the letter concluded. On the work front, Kartik Aaryan will next appear in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, opposite Ananya Panday.


Mint
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Kartik Aaryan clarifies after film body warns against participating in event hosted by Pakistani-owned restaurant
Kartik Aaryan is at the centre of controversy ahead of an Independence Day event – Azadi Utsav – in the US. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has reportedly issued a notice to the actor, urging him to withdraw from the event, which is being organised by a Pakistani-owned restaurant. Kartik Aaryan's team has now issued a statement, clarifying that the actor 'is not associated with the event in any capacity,' and has 'never made an official announcement about participating in the same.' The FWICE serves as an umbrella organisation for 36 different craft associations within the media and entertainment industry. The event in question, Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day is scheduled to be held on August 15, 2025, and features Kartik Aaryan as its lead guest, stated the FWICE in its notice. The Azadi Utsav poster featuring Kartik Aaryan The celebration is being organised by Aga's Restaurant and Catering, a Pakistani-owned establishment helmed by Shaukat Maredia. The same restaurant is also involved in another event — Jashn-e-Azadi —marking Pakistan's Independence Day, featuring Pakistani singer Atif Aslam. (This is a developing story. Keep checking for more updates)


India Today
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Film body warns Kartik Aaryan over event by Pakistani restaurant, actor denies link
Actor Kartik Aaryan's team has responded to claims of his participation in 'Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day' event organised by a Pakistani-owned restaurant. After the Federation of Western lndia Cine Employees (FWICE) wrote an official letter to the actor about violation of norms, his team addressed the team, in an official statement, wrote, "Kartik Aaryan is not associated with this event in any capacity. He has never made an official announcement about participating in this event. We have contacted the organisers and requested to remove all promotional materials featuring his name and image."advertisementThe event was being held in Houston, United States by Aga's Restaurant and Catering, a Pakistani-owned establishment helmed by Mr. Shaukat Maredia. The restaurant is also involved in a parallel event titled Jashn-e-Azadi, aimed at celebrating Pakistan's Independence Day, featuring Pakistani singer Atif Aslam. FWICE's letter to the actor read, "Dear Mr. Kartik Aaryan, You are widely regarded as one of the most talented and promising young actors in the lndian film industry today. Your journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most popular and bankable stars is both commendable and inspiring. Your dedication to your craft, connection with the youth, and clean public image have made you a respected and admired figure across the country and among the lndians worldwide."It further read, "The Federation of Western lndia Cine Employees (FWICE) is the parent body of all the 36 crafts of the lndian film and television industry and represents scores of members working across various sectors of the entertainment industry. FWICE has always stood for the protection of the dignity, rights, and national interest of its members, and for upholding the sovereignty and sentiments of our is with a sense of deep concern and responsibility that the Federation of Western lndia Cine Employees (FWICE) brings to your notice a matter involving your scheduled participation in an event titled Azadi Utsav - The lndian Independence Day to be held in Houston, USA, on 15th August 2025. As per the attached poster, you are being featured as the lead guest for this celebration. While such events are a source of pride and cultural expression for lndians abroad, we regret to inform you that this specific program is being organised by a Pakistani-owned restaurant, Aga's Restaurant and Catering, owned by Mr. Shaukat Maredia." FWICE warned Kartik Aaryan against participating in a Pakistani-organsied event. "The same restaurant and its associates are also organising a concert featuring Pakistani singer Atif Aslam and are promoting Jashn-e-Azadi, a celebration of Pakistan's lndependence Day. The simultaneous promotion of lndian and Pakistani national events by the same establishment not only creates a conflict of interest but also violates the ongoing national sentiment and directives," FWICE film industry union also mentioned the ongoing tensions with Pakistan after the brutal Pahalgam attack on innocent Indian civilians in April has not yet personally addressed the issue. The actor was last seen in 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' (2024).He will next be seen in 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri'.- EndsTrending Reel