Latest news with #SabaQamar
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
A child welfare law
EDITORIAL: The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill signed by President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday marks a significant step in protecting rights of children, adding momentum to reform efforts subsequent to a similar law enacted by Sindh back in 2013. Raising the minimum legal marriage age to 18 years for both genders, the legislation introduces stringent penalties for those facilitating underage marriages and also classifies sexual relations with minors as statutory rape. It's been warmly welcomed by children and women's rights advocates. UNICEF Pakistan launched a video campaign on Thursday featuring its National Ambassador for Child Rights, famous film and TV star Saba Qamar. In it, she raises a crucial question: 'Why any child in Pakistan be forced into a marriage and a future they did not choose?' Qamar also emphasises that with all the risks to their health and education, the practice should not be allowed to go unchallenged. The National Commission on the Status of Women has also hailed the law, noting the amendment is based on extensive consultations and the legal principle that marriage, a legally binding contract, must meet the same foundational requirements as other civil contracts. In simple words, the two parties to a matrimonial agreement should be able to fully fathom the implications of what they would be getting into. This affirms the familiar and forceful arguments that if under-18 people cannot obtain a national identity card, a driving licence, or serve in the armed forces because they are deemed too immature to make sound decisions the same should apply to a more serious business of getting married. All the more so, considering that such marriages have lifelong effects on physical and mental development as well as health of underage brides. The UNICEF points out that Pakistan has one of the highest numbers of child brides in the world, with an estimated 19 million girls married before age 18. Half of them become pregnant before their 18th birthday, posing serious health risks to both mother and child. Besides, only 13 percent of married girls finish secondary school compared to 44 percent of unmarried peers, limiting opportunities for betterment in the future. Not surprisingly, the new law has drawn criticism from religious parties and like-minded entities. The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), in its advisory capacity to Parliament on Islamic issues, has taken exception to the legislation, saying Islam permits marriage upon reaching puberty and thus setting a fixed minimum age for it is un-Islamic. It is pertinent to recall here that the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act was challenged in the Federal Shariat Court. And the court had upheld the law, declaring that setting a minimum age for marriage was not against the injunctions of Islam. The way forward, clearly, is to reconcile religious interpretations with contemporary socio-legal norms and needs. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
UNICEF launches video drive to end child marriages
ISLAMABAD: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has launched a video campaign featuring Unicef's National Ambassador Saba Qamar, to raise awareness about the urgent need to end child marriage in Pakistan. The video calls on communities to speak up against this harmful practice and reinforces UNICEF's commitment to protect the rights of children and empower girls across Pakistan. In the video, the UNICEF's National Ambassador for Child Rights, Saba Qamar, highlights the impact of child marriage on young girls' futures and calls for unified action to protect children. Pakistan has the sixth highest number of child brides globally, with an estimated 19 million girls married before age 18. Nearly half become pregnant before their 18th birthday, posing serious health risks for both mother and child. Only 13 per cent of married girls finish secondary school compared to 44 per cent of unmarried peers, limiting their future opportunities and independence. Why should any child in Pakistan be forced into a marriage and a future they did not choose? With all the risks to their health and education, we cannot allow this to go unchallenged. Last year in Sujawal, Sindh, Saba Qamar said, I witnessed firsthand the impact of child marriage and the difference UNICEF's work is making. 'I met inspiring young champions like AnamNazir, 14, who stopped three marriages in her community,' said Qamar. 'I am proud to lend my voice to this campaign, for all the girls, and sometimes boys too, who suffer behind closed doors because of child marriage.' 'We cannot allow the circumstances a child is born into dictate their entire futures. Child marriage is often fueled by poverty, but it is also deeply rooted in entrenched gender norms and societal expectations,' said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. 'We need legal reforms and enforcement, cultural change, and greater investment in adolescent girls – in their rights, their well-being and their potential. How can Pakistan succeed when half the team is left on the sidelines?' UNICEF welcomes the recent decision by the Islamabad Capital Territory to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18, joining Sindh province, and encourages all remaining provinces and territories to seize the momentum and follow suit. The campaign video is part of UNICEF's broader advocacy work in collaboration with UNFPA, UN Women, and government partners. Efforts included raising the legal age of marriage to 18 across all provinces, engaging communities through dialogue with parents, caregivers, and religious leaders and communication campaigns such as BOLO (Speak up) and promoting girl-led activism and youth champions. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Saba Qamar hints at dance school dreams
Saba Qamar is ready to take her passion for dance to the next level. In an Instagram story posted on Sunday, the Kamli star wrote, "Dance. Something I've always wanted to do and I will. Just waiting for those days off when work slows down ... and then I'm heading straight to dance school." She paired the post with throwback photos from her unforgettable performance at the 22nd Lux Style Awards in 2023, where she dazzled in a golden, embellished ensemble and lit up the stage with effortless grace. Fans were quick to cheer her on. "She is phenomenal," one wrote. "Can't wait to see her dance," said another. The comments were filled with heart emojis and praise, hailing her as the "Queen of hearts." Saba has always brought intensity and expression to her performances, whether in front of the camera or on stage. Her Lux Style Awards appearance wasn't just choreography; it was charisma, elegance, and full-bodied storytelling. From her iconic turns in drama serials to her electrifying energy on stage, Saba's connection to movement has been clear. On the work front, Saba continues to captivate audiences with her compelling performances. Per local reports, the actor is set to take up the role of Malika in Pamaal, alongside Usman Mukhtar, marking a bold step into her journey of layered roles and performances. Fans are also eagerly awaiting details on Case No. 9, an upcoming project Saba has referred to on Instagram, keeping her audience guessing. Meanwhile in 2024, Saba played Noore Saba in Pagal Khana, a role that delivered emotional depth and grit in equal measure. While acting has made her a household name, this new chapter in her artistic journey might just reveal another dimension of her brilliance. With the star expressing a serious intent to join dance school once her schedule allows, fans are hoping the wait won't be long.
Express Tribune
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Saba Qamar shares peaceful birthday celebration on instagram
Listen to article Pakistani showbiz icon Saba Qamar has once again captivated the internet, this time with a serene and intimate celebration of her 41st birthday. The actress shared beautiful pictures of her quiet evening on Instagram, choosing a peaceful celebration over grand festivities. In the photos, she is seen wearing an elegant black western outfit, enjoying the calm surroundings of a poolside setting, complete with fresh fruits and her favourite chocolate cake. Saba captioned one of the posts, 'The kind of birthday that completes your heart for a lifetime,' expressing contentment and joy in the simple pleasures of life. Saba Qamar's birthday served as a reminder that sometimes, the most fulfilling celebrations come with peace, self-love, and a touch of sweetness.
Express Tribune
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
I will be back really soon, promises Saba Qamar
After a minor health scare necessitating hospitalisation, A-lister Saba Qamar posted an update on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday reassuring her followers that all was well. "Hey, my amazing fans! I know a lot of you were worried about me, so I just wanted to let you know that I had severe diarrhoea, but Alhamdulillah, I'm feeling much better now," began the Cheekh actor. Saba's caption sits atop a picture of herself smiling in a hospital bed as she is flanked by a team of well-wishers, including Maat co-star Aamina Sheikh and Ishq Jalebi actor Hina Khwaja Bayat. Paying homage to her medical team Saba continued, "I'm healing, recovering, and my wonderful team is taking great care of me." Saba also acknowledged the good wishes and well-intentioned queries of her fans and followers with a sweet note, hinting that it would not be long before she returned to work. "Your love and prayers mean so much to me, and I promise I'll be back really soon," she penned. "Love you all, please keep me in your duas!" Proving how much she was moved by the love of her fans, the actor also shared on her Stories a photo of a message held up by a fan performing Umrah. The picture simply shows a fan holding up a notepad with the words "Saba Qamar Zaman" with a shot of the Kaaba in the background, along with the caption, "Praying for your speedy recovery." Earlier in the week, when fans now know she must have been recuperating from her illness, Saba had addressed her followers on Instagram Stories as reassurance that her absence from social media was no cause for alarm. "Sometimes in life, you just need to take a step back, be quiet for a bit, and give yourself some time to heal and recharge," she had written at the time. That's all it is – I'm okay, so please don't worry about me. "I promise this is just a little pause, not the end of anything. Even the brightest stars need to rest sometimes so they can shine even brighter." Adopting an upbeat tone, Saba had added, "I'll be back soon, full of energy and positivity, and I can't wait to share more moments with you all. In the meantime, take care of yourselves and keep smiling. Love you all so much! SQ." One of Pakistan's most bankable stars, Saba has won hearts not only with her screen presence, but also with her philanthropic efforts. Last October, the Mrs & Mrs Shameem star was appointed as the UNICEF National Ambassador for child rights in Pakistan, a cause close to the actor's heart.
