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Express Tribune
5 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Fazlur Rehman's stance on child marriage bill sparks online criticism
Listen to article Maulana Fazlur Rehman's announcement to protest against the child marriage bill has sparked widespread discussion online. President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday signed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill into law, setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 years. The new legislation criminalises the solemnisation of marriages where either the boy or girl is underage. In response, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday announced a nationwide protest against the government's proposed legislation aimed at restricting child marriages, arguing that the bill contradicts Islamic teachings and threatens Pakistan's religious identity. Many users criticised the move, questioning why such a stance was being taken on an issue concerning child protection. Numerous users criticised religious leaders for opposing a law aimed at protecting minors. One user remarked that these groups have never protested against child abuse but are enraged by the child marriage bill. READ MORE: NA passes bill criminalising child marriage Photo: ScreenGrab Photo: ScreenGrab Others emphasised the importance of confronting religious conservatives who are using religion to justify child marriages, warning that failure to resist would only embolden such views further. Several voices on social media called for organised counter-protests by the rational and progressive segments of society to stand up against the protesters opposing the bill. Photo: ScreenGrab Users argued that defending children's rights should be a non-negotiable priority and expressed strong support for the new law, highlighting that early marriage often leads to severe health, psychological, and social consequences for children, especially girls. READ MORE: Child marriages plague impoverished girls Under the new law that banned the underage marriage of boys and girls alike, violators face up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs100,000, while a man over 18 marrying an underage girl may face rigorous imprisonment of up to three years. Courts are also empowered to intervene and protect the identities of those reporting such cases. Despite the bill's clear intent to safeguard children from exploitation, it has faced fierce opposition from religious political parties and the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) . The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly criticised the CII for raising objections to the recently passed Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, calling the move a serious attempt to hinder vital child protection legislation. READ MORE: CII takes exception to child marriage bill Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Fazl claimed the proposed law is being influenced by foreign agendas. 'Pakistan's identity is Islam, and that identity is under threat,' he said, warning that the bill undermines the country's core values. Fazl accused the government of drafting the legislation based on demands from international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United Nations (UN), rather than adhering to Islamic principles. 'The UN's stance is being used to pass laws against early-age marriages. The President is also refusing to sign the religious seminaries bill,' he added. The JUI-F leader criticised the proposed law as violating the Quran and Sunnah, asserting that such moves weaken democratic processes and inadvertently strengthen extremist narratives. 'Democracy is losing its case, and such actions are empowering the narratives of armed groups,' Fazl warned.
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Atif Aslam opens up about ‘Aadat' criticism by Noori
Listen to article Singer Atif Aslam has recounted an early experience from his music career, stating that members of the band Noori had once criticised his first track, Aadat, during an informal review session. In a resurfaced video interview shared by a fan-run Instagram account named Anam S (@byyouraadee), Atif Aslam described the circumstances under which he first played Aadat for Noori. At the time, he said, the band was considered a major act in Pakistan's music scene, and he had asked a mutual friend to arrange a meeting for feedback. 'They were all sitting in a room,' Atif Aslam said in the video. 'I played the song. When it ended, most of them started commenting that it was a really bad, nonsense song. Some called it cheap. They said there was no need for this song in the market.' According to Atif Aslam, only one individual in the room responded favourably. He did not name the person. Despite the response, Atif Aslam continued to promote the song independently. Within a short span, Aadat was released and began to gain traction among listeners, eventually becoming widely circulated through local platforms and media. The song 'Aadat' was first released in December 2003 by Atif Aslam and Goher Mumtaz as the underground rock duo Jal. This initial release was made public via the internet and Pakistani music channels, quickly gaining viral popularity. At the time, Atif was Jal's lead vocalist, and he recorded 'Aadat' at age 17 using his own pocket money. The track became a youth anthem almost overnight – as soon as it hit the airwaves in late 2003, it blew up on radio and TV across Pakistan, In the same interview, Atif Aslam noted that less than two years after the initial criticism, the members of Noori were part of the lineup at one of his concerts, performing before his own set. Photo: ScreenGrab In response to Atif Aslam's account of early rejection, fans showed strong support online. As seen in the comments under the resurfaced clip, many praised his perseverance and acknowledged the challenges he had faced. Atif Aslam has not issued any additional comments about the video or the post. The band Noori has also not responded publicly. Aadat, released in the early 2000s, remains one of the most circulated tracks from Pakistan's pop-rock scene and played a key role in launching Atif Aslam's music career.
Express Tribune
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Arijit Singh to feature on Ed Sheeran's new album
Listen to article Global pop star Ed Sheeran has revealed that Indian singer Arijit Singh will feature on a track in his upcoming album, sending fans worldwide into a frenzy of excitement. In an interview with Heart Radio, the British singer-songwriter confirmed the collaboration, which had remained a closely guarded secret until now. 'I worked a lot with this Indian singer Arijit Singh, who is really good and really wonderful,' Sheeran said. 'He basically lives in the middle of nowhere in India. It's like a three-hour flight and a five-and-a-half-hour drive. I was in India with my dad. He was like, 'If you want the vocals, you'll have to come to me.'' The revelation follows Ed Sheeran's visit to India earlier this year as part of his Mathematics Tour. During the trip, he made a detour to Jiaganj, Arijit Singh's hometown in West Bengal, where the two artists reportedly recorded the track. 'It was like a pilgrimage with my dad,' Ed Sheeran said, reflecting on the journey. 'We travelled for almost an entire day to his village, and then he drove us around on mopeds. It was really a fun day.' The collaboration has been widely celebrated on social media, with fans describing it as 'epic', 'historic', and 'Cant wait.' Photo: ScreenGrab The project marks Ed Sheeran's first time working with Singh, one of India's most beloved vocalists, known for his soulful and emotional delivery. While the title and release date of the track remain under wraps, fans are already calling it one of the most anticipated cross-cultural collaborations in recent memory. In February, Ed Sheeran was seen riding a scooter with Arijit Singh in his hometown. The video of the duo, with Ed Sheeran seated behind Arijit , quickly circulated on social media, gaining attention for its simplicity and casual nature. The duo, along with a few friends, spent nearly five hours in Jiyanganj, followed by an hour-long boat ride on the Bhagirathi River.
Express Tribune
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
WATCH: Alizeh Shah refuses to forgive Zarnish Khan over past remarks
Listen to article Pakistani actress Alizeh Shah has refused to accept an apology from fellow actor Zarnish Khan, reigniting a long-standing dispute over remarks made three years ago. The controversy stems from Zarnish Khan's appearance on the digital show in 2022, where she was asked who would win a contest for being more disrespectful. Without hesitation, Zarnish Khan responded, "It doesn't matter who she [Alizeh Shah] is up against, she'll win." The comment resurfaced after Zarnish Khan recently reached out to Alizeh Shah via Instagram, expressing regret over her words. In a private message, which Alizeh Shah later made public, Zarnish Khan admitted that her comment was made in the spur of the moment and apologised for any hurt caused. "Hey Alizey, I know this is out of the blue, but I'm extremely remorseful for saying something silly in the spur of the moment on OVM. Please forgive me," Zarnish Khan wrote, offering to apologise publicly if that would make a difference. She further extended an apology to Alizeh Shah's mother, acknowledging that her remarks had affected her as well. "I really want to apologise to your mom. She was really hurt by it," Zarnish Khan added. However, Alizeh Shah firmly refused to accept the apology. In her response, she wrote, "It won't fix the damage you did. I DO NOT forgive you." She accused Zarnish Khan of choosing to criticise her despite having received kindness from her family, stating, "They weren't paying you to talk badly about me, but you still did." Alizeh Shah also revealed that her mother had personally called Zarnish Khan after the incident in 2022, crying and asking why she had made such a remark. According to Alizeh Shah, Zarnish Khan had assured her mother that she would release a video clarifying her statement but instead blocked her number shortly after. "Khuda sab dekh raha hai (God is always watching)," Alizeh Shah wrote on her Instagram stories, adding, "No, I can't forgive you! I still remember how helpless my mom felt that day. Her voice was trembling on that call, and you blocked her so she wouldn't ask you to apologise again?" Photo: ScreenGrab The exchange quickly went viral on social media, sparking debate among fans and industry insiders. Some believe that Zarnish Khan took responsibility for her past comments and Alizeh Shah should have accepted the apology, while others argue that Alizeh Shah had every right to reject it, given the emotional impact on her family. The controversy has once again placed both actresses in the public eye, reviving an old feud that had largely been forgotten.
Express Tribune
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ibrahim Ali Khan hits back at Pakistani critic after Nadaaniyan review: 'Irrelevant just like you'
Listen to article Bollywood star Ibrahim Ali Khan has found himself in the midst of controversy after a recent exchange with Pakistani film critic Taimoor Iqbal, following the critic's review of Ibrahim's debut film Nadaaniyan. Ibrahim, the son of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, made his acting debut in Nadaaniyan, a romantic drama that premiered on a popular streaming platform. While the film had generated considerable buzz before its release, it has received a mixed reception from audiences and critics alike. The debut performance of Ibrahim was widely discussed, with many commenting on his acting style and screen presence. Taimoor Iqbal, a Pakistani social media influencer and self-proclaimed film critic, was among those who expressed his opinion on Nadaaniyan. In his review, Iqbal criticised Ibrahim's acting skills, referring to his performance as 'unpolished' and making a comment about his physical appearance, particularly his nose. This comment was a significant point of contention in the ensuing conversation. Upon discovering the review, Ibrahim Ali Khan responded directly to Iqbal via Instagram direct message. The exchange quickly escalated, with Ibrahim expressing his dissatisfaction with the criticism. The actor wrote a series of pointed comments in his message, expressing his frustration at the review and calling out Taimoor Iqbal for his harsh remarks. Taimoor Iqbal, in turn, shared a screenshot of the message exchange on his own social media account, which quickly went viral. In the post, Ibrahim's words were shared with his followers, triggering various reactions from the public. According to the screenshot of the exchange shared by Iqbal, Ibrahim's response was laden with personal remarks, which included insults targeting Iqbal's appearance. Ibrahim wrote, "Tamur almost like Taimur... you got my brother's name. Guess what you don't got? His face," followed by a string of strong language. The exchange escalated as Ibrahim made further derogatory remarks about Iqbal's appearance and insinuated that Iqbal was "irrelevant" and a "piece of trash. While some social media users defended Ibrahim, others questioned the actor's approach to criticism. Photo: ScreenGrab Despite the heated exchange, Taimoor Iqbal later responded to Ibrahim in a more light-hearted tone, acknowledging that the comment about his nose was in bad taste but that he took full responsibility for his critique. Taimoor Iqbal also stated that he was a huge fan of Ibrahim's father, Saif Ali Khan, and encouraged Ibrahim to keep pushing forward in his career. The film Nadaaniyan, directed by Shauna Gautam, also features Khushi Kapoor and several other established actors, including Suniel Shetty and Dia Mirza.
