Latest news with #SabaQamar
Express Tribune
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
'May their families find strength'
As thick black smoke billowed in the wake of the devastating Air India crash of Thursday afternoon, killing at least 265 people on board and on the ground, a global outpouring of grief and condolences has flooded the internet — with Pakistani celebrities also taking to social media to express their sadness. The London-bound aircraft plummeted from the skies in a residential area 90 seconds after takeoff in Ahmedabad, becoming engulfed in flames as it ploughed a hostel for medical staff from a nearby hospital. One passenger was able to escape from the aircraft door, but the remaining 241 passengers and crew have been confirmed dead, as per the BBC. A distressing video of the aircraft's doomed final final flight has gone viral, jolting netizens into penning prayers from the heart for all those affected by the aviation disaster. Condolences and sorrow Taking to Instagram Stories, A-lister Saba Qamar posted the now infamous video and wrote, "Heartfelt prayers for all the lives lost in the Air India tragedy, may their families find strength in this time of sorrow." In a similar vein but across a black backdrop as a homage to the lives lost, Love Guru star Mahira Khan kept her message succinct, stripped of excess emotion as her words honed in on the sadness engulfing all those whose lives have been forever changed. "Saddened by the crash of Air India. Tragic condolences to all who are grieving such a big loss." Composing a similarly sober message on IG Stories, also amid a plain black background, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum star Fahad Mustafa wrote, "Deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. May the departed souls rest in peace." Fahad's Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum co-star and fellow A-lister Hania Aamir had a similar message of sorrow to share on Stories. Like Fahad and Mahira, Hania, too, opted for a black backdrop as a mark of grief and posted on Thursday, "Deeply saddened by the tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad today. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. May the victims rest in peace and their families find strength." Actor Maya Khan, too, shared her shock online as she posted a picture of the destroyed aircraft and simply wrote, "Prayers for the departed souls." With understandably little variation in the tributes online that inevitably fill the vacuum left by lives lost in any such catastrophe, Zard Patton Ka Bunn star Sajal Ali also turned to Stories to show her solidarity with all those who left grieving amidst the tragedy. "Extremely heartbreaking news of the air crash today," posted the actor on Instagram on Thursday. Adding a broken heart emoji to sign off her message, Sajal finished, "Praying for the souls lost and strength for their families. May they find peace." A journey unfinished Meanwhile, Kattar Karachi actor Kinza Shah posted a short message underscoring the horror of a flight that would never reach its destination. "Air India tragedy. Some journeys never reach their destination " With the broken heart emoji proving to be the most apt after the horror of Thursday, Kinza continued, "Prayers for the family and the lone survivor." Posting a similar screenshot of the news, Tan Man o Neel actor Nadia Afgan, like so many others, offered prayers for all those who perished and wished strength for those they left behind. "So very tragic," penned Nadia. "Praying for the departed souls. Also praying for the families mourning the victims of the crash, Jafaa star Mawra Hocane wrote of her devastation on Stories. "Devastating news about the Air India plane crash. Countless lives lost," expressed the actor. "Can't imagine the state of their loved ones heartbreaking! Deepest condolences to the affected families. Praying for sabr [patience]." Sadness without borders Actor Armeena Khan, meanwhile, hinted in her post that geopolitical tensions lose their meaning in the face of a disaster claiming so many lives. Posting a screenshot of a news story relating to the crash, Armeena wrote, "As a human being, I'm so sorry this has happened. I never rejoice in death." Finally, model-turned-actor Saheefa Jabbar Khattak spun a harrowing, poetic note as a tribute to all those who had died and the loved ones grieving their loss. "Devastated by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. So many lives lost, dreams shattered mid-air, families forever changed." Painting a haunting picture of the horror the passengers must have felt in their final moments, and the chasm left behind for their loved ones, Saheefa added, "No words feel enough in the face of such pain. Praying for every soul abroad and every loved one left behind. May they rest in peace, and may we never take a single goodbye for granted." Saheefa also had an answer ready for those who questioned her allegiance after in the wake of her empathetic post. "I have nothing against the people of India," maintained Saheefa in a separate post as a reply to someone who questioned why she would support a country banning Pakistani artists. "I deeply mourn the innocent lives lost," continued the actor. "I can be against false propaganda, twisted narratives, and baseless accusations, but it takes someone truly cruel to not grieve the loss of innocent human lives." Saheefa's words, as well as the posts shared by the Pakistani showbiz community, prove that regardless of the military tensions between the neighbouring countries in May, few things unite people more than a single instant that wipes out so many lives.
Express Tribune
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Saba Qamar skipped Eid glamour for rest
Actor Saba Qamar has opened up about her absence from social media during Eidul Azha, revealing that she chose rest over ritual dressing this year. In a heartfelt Instagram story, the Kamli actor explained she spent the three days of Eid in quiet reflection, prioritising healing and self-care after a demanding year of non-stop work and travel. "I know so many of you were waiting to see my Eid look this time, and I just want to say that there wasn't one," Qamar wrote. "I didn't wear anything special, didn't dress up, and, for once, I didn't feel like I needed to." The actor added that she spent Eid taking it slow. "This Eid, I chose rest - pure, simple, and soulful rest," she said. "I spent these three days lying down, oil in my hair, good food in front of me, quiet prayers in my heart, and a whole lot of healing." "My heart was quietly asking for a break, and I listened," Qamar explained. "Sometimes, we have to pause, breathe, and come home to ourselves. This Eid, I did just that. No glam, no noise - just me-time." This is not the first time the star has emphasised the importance of a break. While most celebrities welcomed 2025 with a more energised online presence, Qamar worried fans with a brief social media hiatus. Taking to Instagram Stories, she reassured fans that her absence on social media was not a 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 penned. With more gentle words to dispense, Qamar continued, "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."
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.
