Latest news with #Zafar
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Did you know Detective Sherdil producer Ali Abbas Zafar made his OTT debut with THIS Ananya Panday film?
Streaming of Z5's newest original film, Detective Sherdil, starring Diljit Dosanjh, has begun today, June 20, 2025. Ali Abbas Zafar, the film's producer, who made his producing debut with 2020's Khaali Peeli, now made his return to Z5 (OTTplay Premium) after five long years. Catch Diljit Dosanjh at his entertaining best in Jatt & Juliet 3, Jodi, and Babe Bhangra Paunde Ne—now streaming on OTTplay Premium. Ali Abbas Zafar, who had previously directed blockbuster theatrical features like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, made his digital production debut with the Z5 original Khaali Peeli, which featured Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter. A pioneer among mainstream audiences' first forays into direct-to-digital distribution, the film debuted during the COVID-19 pandemic when theatres were closed. In the time after, Zafar maintained a consistent rate of production and directing. He oversaw the production and directing of the historical drama Jogi in 2022, which starred Diljit Dosanjh and was based on the anti-Sikh riots of 1984. Due to its delicate treatment of the issue, the Netflix original film launched to positive reviews. An action film directed by Zafar and featuring Shahid Kapoor, Bloody Daddy debuted on now-JioHotstar in 2023. The stylised treatment and digital-first distribution of the high-octane thriller, which was adapted from the French film "Sleepless Night," garnered attention. In 2024, Zafar helmed the massive action entertainer Bade Miyan Chote Miyan that hit theatres. Returning to big-screen extravaganzas after a string of streaming releases, the film featured Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. Detective Sherdil marks Zafar's return to the OTT, albeit this time he is producing genre-based stories rather than directing or producing big-budget films. Diljit Dosanjh brings a lighter side to Zafar's filmography with his comic-investigative part. Not only that, but it shows that he is still actively involved with digital platforms outside of his theatre work. While the film adds to his production credits, it also reflects the increasing overlap between theatrical names and streaming platforms—a trend that continues to shape release strategies across the industry.
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
GDP figure based on old data
Listen to article Pakistan's Chief Statistician Dr Naeemuz Zafar said Thursday that the 2.7% economic growth estimate for this fiscal year is based on a 15-year-old livestock survey and assumes full utilisation of the Rs1.1 trillion development budget. While responding to questions about the controversy over this year's economic growth figure along with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Dr Zafar claimed that there would be no major downward revision in the 2.7% figure for the outgoing fiscal year. Iqbal also proposed a new formula for resource distribution under the National Finance Commission (NFC), moving away from the current population-centric model. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS)'s chief statistician called objections to the 2.7% growth rate "unfortunate" and said if a committee is formed to investigate, the PBS is ready to appear. The government claims a 2.7% GDP growth this year, which independent economists have disputed, estimating it to be closer to 2%. A major objection concerns the 4.8% livestock sector growth. The livestock sector's 4.8% growth was based on a survey conducted back in 2010, admitted Dr Zafar, adding that there was no deviation from the standard methodology. When asked how the agriculture sector showed 0.6% growth despite a 14% output decline in major crops, Dr Zafar said the growth was driven by livestock, forestry and minor crops. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth figure has been worked out in a transparent manner by following a methodology endorsed by the United Nations and the international financial institutions, he said. He also confirmed a new agriculture and livestock census has been completed but awaits the planning minister's approval due to his budget commitments. He added that the Household Integrated Economic Survey, Labour Force Survey, and agriculture census would be ready by October for the next National Accounts Committee (NAC) meeting. Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan raised the disputed GDP issue during the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance meeting held on Thursday. In a statement, the statistician also stated PBS used the full Rs1.1 trillion federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) figure for GDP calculationshighlighting a glaring methodological flaw. However, Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal told the same committee that against the Rs1.1 trillion PSDP allocation, only Rs662 billion had been spent so far. He added that by June-end, spending would remain below the revised Rs967 billion figure. When asked whether the GDP would be drastically revised in the next NAC meeting, Dr Zafar again said no major revision was expected. Speaking at the meeting, the planning minister said the country was on a path to steady economic recovery with a goal of sustainable economic growth. Iqbal added that Pakistan continues to face structural problems of fiscal constraints. Due to limited space, next year's federal PSDP will be just 0.8% of GDPdown from 2.6% seven years ago. The planning minister noted that the federal government's Rs11 trillion net revenues were barely enough to cover defence and debt servicing. "With limited tax contributions, people cannot hope for international standard facilities," said Iqbal. He also called for reforming the NFC award by shifting away from the predominantly population-based distribution formula with broader indicators like education and forestation. Iqbal is the second federal minister after the finance minister to propose a shift in the NFC criteria this week. Currently, 82% of total resources are allocated based on population, which Iqbal argued incentivises population growth, harming national interests. He said the Planning Commission would recommend shifting to a broader formula that rewards education and forest preservation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he added, has decided to constitute a Pakistan Population Council, comprising provincial chief ministers, to design strategies for population control. Pakistan's annual population growth rate stands at 2.6% — nearly equal to this year's GDP growth rate. Responding to a question whether the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) took him into confidence before imposing taxes on the digital economy, Iqbal said these were levied with the intent to create a level playing field for conventional retailers. Commenting on the upcoming PSDP, Iqbal said Rs230 billion had been allocated for Balochistan projects from the Rs1 trillion envelope. Despite limited resources, the government would invest more in water reservoirs. He said Diamer Basha Dam with 6 million acre-feet capacity and Mohmand Dam with 1 million acre-feet would be completed by 2030 to mitigate water shortages caused by potential Indian efforts to block Pakistan's share of water. Iqbal added that construction of Diamer Basha Dam would be advanced by two years with increased investment, aiming for completion by 2030 in response to regional water developments. Due to budget constraints, funding for the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has been reduced to Rs39.5 billion. Iqbal suggested provinces should bear the responsibility of funding universities.
Mint
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Detective Sherdil OTT release date: Where and when to watch Diljit Dosanjh's thriller movie online
Detective Sherdil OTT release date: Diljit Dosanjh is all set to bring a fun-filled mystery thriller to your homes with his upcoming movie, Detective Sherdil. The Amar Singh Chamkila star is playing the titular role in the thriller movie, directed by first-time filmmaker Ravi Chhabriya, who earlier assisted Ali Abbas Zafar on projects like Sultan, Bharat, and Tiger Zinda Hai. 'Our film will charm you with comedy, and thrill you with mystery, it's an out and out family watch,' Zafar said. Diljit Dosanjh's Detective Sherdil will be released on ZEE5 on June 20, the streamer officially announced on Sunday, June 8. In a post on X, Zee5 said, 'Sherdil's detective skills are about to be an ATE/10. Don't say we didn't warn ya. Detective Sherdil premiering on 20th June, only on ZEE5!' The movie is presented by Zafar's banner AAZ Films and Offside Entertainment. It is a Maurya Entertainment Production. Chhabriya and Ali Abbas Zafar have also penned the script with Sagar Bajaj. Shot in Budapest, Detective Sherdil tells the story of a unique detective tasked with solving a case that is far from ordinary. 'Diljit and I have previously worked on Jogi. After wrapping that film, I was sure we must work together again. He is one of the biggest stars we have, and now, as we bring Detective Sherdil to audiences on ZEE5, I still can't believe we've wrapped up our second collaboration!' Zafar said in a statement. Kaveri Das, ZEE5's business head in Hindi, said Detective Sherdil has a mystery mixed with a 'twist of wit and unconventional storytelling'. 'Think shadowy secrets, eccentric suspects, and plot turns you won't see coming—all delivered with a wink. This title is a sharp, stylish addition to our slate of movies, proving once again that ZEE5 is the destination for mystery lovers who like their crime stories with character,' she added. Other than Diljit Dosanjh, the Detective Sherdil ensemble cast also includes Diana Penty, Boman Irani, Chunky Panday, Ratna Pathak Shah, Banita Sandhu and Sumeet Vyas. Detective Sherdil is produced by Himanshu Mehra, Rohini Singh and Manmeet Singh.
Express Tribune
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Imran to lead movement from behind bars
Listen to article Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former premier Imran Khan announced on Saturday the launch of a nationwide protest movement against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led ruling coalition, declaring that he will lead the campaign from behind bars. The announcement was conveyed by PTI Senator Ali Zafar following his meeting with the incarcerated party's supremo at Adiala Jail. Addressing the media outside the prison, the senator said the former PM had decided that the waiting game was over and the party would now take to the streets in a well-organised countrywide campaign. "The protest will not be limited to Islamabad," Zafar said. "It will be held across the country. The chairman [Khan] said we have been pushed to the wall. We are left with no choice but to go to the people." Khan, who has been behind bars since August 2023 on a raft of charges including corruption and incitement to violenceallegations he deniestold Zafar he would oversee the movement from jail and directly issue instructions to party leaders. According to Zafar, Khan has tasked him with preparing a comprehensive plan for the protest campaign, which will be finalised after further consultations with the party's legal team and senior leadership. "The chairman has full faith in the leadership, but he insists on leading the movement himself," Zafar said, "he [Khan] has asked me to draft the initial protest strategy, which will be presented in the next meeting." The announcement comes against the backdrop of months of political gridlock and PTI's persistent claims of being denied a fair shake. Khan and his party have maintained that the legal actions against him were politically engineered and aimed at erasing him from the political playing field. Khan's statement followed closely on the heels of his recent overtures to the country's powerful stakeholders, during which he expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue for national unity. He had reiterated openness to a "give and take" with the establishment, but "only for Pakistan's interest," not for personal relief. However, Saturday's message marked a shift in gears. "We are not getting any relief from the judiciary or the executive," Khan was quoted as saying. "No option has been left for us. We must now go to the streets." According to Zafar, Khan was adamant that this round of agitation would not be like previous attempts that fizzled out due to internal rifts and external pressures. "He wants the campaign to be fully planned and effective," Zafar said. "He knows there will be obstacles, but he believes we also have ways to overcome them." This is not the first time PTI has threatened to launch a street movement. The party had announced a protest after Eid earlier this year, but the plan never got off the ground, fuelling scepticism even among some supporters. However, Khan's renewed resolve suggests a return to a more confrontational path ahead. Moreover, the development is likely to dial up tensions between PTI and the military establishment. Despite Khan's earlier calls for reconciliation, relations remain fraught. Notably, PTI leaders were absent from a recent military-hosted dinner celebrating the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, Pakistan's retaliatory operation following Indian aggression in May. The conspicuous absence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur from the event further underscored the lingering chill. Despite moments of cooperation during the Pakistan-India standoff, the mutual distrust between PTI and the establishment appears to have deepened. Meanwhile, ministers from the ruling PML-N coalition have continued to scoff at PTI's protest plans, pointing to the party's failure to mobilise mass support since Khan's arrest. However, Khan's call to action from a prison cell may still energise PTI's base, which has remained active online and during sporadic public gatherings. Party leaders have been hinting for weeks that a decisive moment was in the offing. "This time, the movement will not be symbolic," Zafar said. "It will be decisive. And the chairman will lead it from his prison cell." PTI insiders say the final contours of the protest strategy will be shaped in the coming days. Observers note that whether Khan's call translates into sustained public mobilisation remains to be seen, especially in a political climate where opposition space has been sharply curtailed.
Express Tribune
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Imran signals readiness to 'give-and-take'
Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan once again expressed willingness to hold direct talks with the country's powerful stakeholders on Thursday, saying he was ready for a "give and take" only in the interest of Pakistan. Speaking to party leaders at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, the PTI founder, while emphasising that he wasn't seeking any personal relief, said that the doors for dialogue with the establishment were open, saying he was ready to talk at any time for the sake of country and national unity. PTI Senator Ali Zafar, after meeting Khan in jail, told the media that the former premier had made it clear that any settlement would be for the country, not for personal gain. "There is no personal give and take involved," Zafar said before quoting Khan as saying: "if I wanted concessions for myself, I would have asked for them long ago and wouldn't have spent 600 days in jail." To a question about recent remarks by Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, Zafar said that Khan clarified that any notion of a give-and-take approach would be strictly for Pakistan's benefit. "I am not asking for any relief in my cases," Zafar attributed to Khan, adding "I only want justice, and I want my cases to be heard without delay." Reportedly, Aleema recently called for direct talks with the "unseen forces" to secure her brother's release through a possible "give and take" arrangement. Speaking to media in Islamabad, she claimed that judges handling Khan's cases were under pressure, pointing out that Khan's cases come on the cause list but are then not taken up. Khan, who was ousted from office via a no-confidence vote in 2022, has been in jail since August 2023. He faces a range of charges, including corruption and abetting violence, which his party maintains are politically motivated. To another question, Zafar said that Khan also confirmed that a protest campaign against the ruling PML-N-led coalition had already been announced and that the party would unveil its strategy in the coming days. Zafar said that Khan has instructed the party leadership to prepare for the movement, warning that he would no longer remain patient if no one comes out. "No one will be allowed to play from both sides of the fence," he said. Khan's renewed outreach has come at a time when his party hasn't been able to get any relief for him since he was arrested and sent behind bars in August 2023. His party says that the imprisonment is aimed at sidelining him from the national political landscape. Nevertheless, Khan's continued imprisonment has not only remained a rallying point for PTI leaders and supporters but become a central issue in the party's ongoing standoff with the establishment. The rift between PTI and powerful stakeholders was evident last Friday as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had skipped a formal dinner hosted by the newly-elevated Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir – also the Chief of Army Staff. Surprising as it may seem, PTI leaders were not invited for the dinner to celebrate success in the operation Bunyanum Mursoos. On May 10, 2025, Pakistan had launched a retaliatory response to unprovoked Indian aggression, including missile strikes on Pakistani airbases and civilian areas.
