Author: Ali Qasim

Gamers Galaxy, Pakistan’s biggest esports event with a prize pool of 2 Crores PKR, to be held in Islamabad

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Galaxy Racer Pakistan is excited to announce the launch of Gamers Galaxy, the largest esports event to take place in the history of Pakistan. Gamers Galaxy is set to happen on the 8th and 9th of January at the Pak-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad. The all-inclusive esports event will be free of entry to the public and will have a grand prize pool of 2 CRORE Pakistani Rupees.

The event will be jam-packed line-up of gamers’ favourite console, PC and esports. Each day will be closed with an exhilarating concert from some of Pakistan’s biggest musical superstars. The gaming festival will feature meet and greets and panels with the country’s most popular content creators, action-packed live entertainment, and so much more.

The event will also be televised in partnership with Ten Sports for the first time in the country’s history. The expansion of Galaxy Racer into Pakistan and the launch of Gamers Galaxy will boost the country’s gaming ecosystem and nurture gaming talent, giving them a platform for competitive esports. This also aligns with Galaxy Racer Pakistan’s vision of creating jobs and making the country one of the world’s gaming hubs.

Fakhr-e-Alam, CEO of Galaxy Racer Pakistan, said: “Pakistan has one of the largest young populations in the world, and we want to give that youth the opportunity to participate and compete globally. Our youth deserves the best esports experiences and through Galaxy Racer Pakistan and our flagship event Gamers Galaxy, we will provide the youth the right platform to compete and succeed on a global level.”

Walid Singer, Chief of Staff of Galaxy Racer Global, said: “We’re very excited to be hosting Pakistan’s biggest gaming event – it’s such an exciting market for us as it’s one of the youngest populations on earth. There is incredible talent that we just can’t wait to fully tap into, and this all begins with Gamers Galaxy.”

Get ready for a new era of gaming!

To sign up to attend or take part in the qualifiers, please head to https://gamersgalaxy.com.pk

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter to know more.

About Galaxy Racer:

Galaxy Racer (GXR) was founded in 2019 and is one of the fastest-growing global esports, gaming and lifestyle organizations in the world, with an impressive roster of twelve esports teams under Nigma Galaxy, the competitive esports team division of Galaxy Racer; in esports titles such as Dota 2, League of Legends, CS:GO, Fortnite, Valorant, PUBG Mobile, BGMI and Free Fire.

GXR values diversity and equal representation in esports, with over 60 male and female esports athletes from over 20 countries, with over 100 content creators across Middle East North Africa (MENA) and Southeast Asia (SEA), amassing over 370 million followers and generating over 2 billion monthly views.

GXR has formed a global partnership with Waverider, an IP content creation and management company centred around pop culture and entertainment.

GXR has joined forces with Waverider, to organise the inaugural edition of POPC Live! in Dubai in March 2022, the Middle East’s biggest esports, comics and YouTubers’ pop culture festival, with the support of Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO).

Additionally, GXR is the organizer in Dubai for the Girl Gamer Festival – the first and only ‘Esports Festival’ to celebrate women’s competitiveness in video games.

GXR recently organized Australia’s largest independent Fortnite tournament for the esports community and Fortnite tournaments in India and Pakistan, each tournament with a US$10,000 prize pool.

GXR joined forces together with Arsenal superstar English Premier League footballer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his brother William-Fils “Willy” Aubameyang, by hosting the first-ever Fortnite esports tournament between Europe and the Middle East with a EURO 10,000 prize pool.

GXR has formed a partnership with eLaliga, the top professional football division of the Spanish league system. This partnership is the first time a Dubai-based esports organisation will team up with a significant worldwide FIFA event.

GXR has announced a three-year partnership with Spanish football league LaLiga. The partnership will see both entities collaborate to create an original content series that will feature players from LaLiga, as well as GXR’s influencers.

GXR provides live streaming and gaming talents with brand endorsement deals, streaming contracts, creator collaborations, digital rights management, monetization, offline event opportunities, managing their social media channels and content programming.

Galaxy Racer website: https://galaxyracer.gg 

For the latest Galaxy Racer news and activities, please follow us on: 

 YouTube:            https://www.youtube.com/c/GalaxyRacer  

 Instagram:         https://www.instagram.com/galaxyracerdxb 

 Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/galaxyraceresports 

 Twitter:               https://twitter.com/galaxyracerdxb

 LinkedIn:            https://www.linkedin.com/company/galaxy-racer-dxb 

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Sajal Aly reveals she ‘failed’ in Mathematics at school: ‘We never became friends’

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Star Actor Sajal Aly is detailing her ‘traumatic’ relationship with Maths in school.

In a rare clip during an interview with Nida Yasir, the Khel Khel Mein stars Sajal and Bilal Abbas Khan touched upon their first failure in life.

“Where do I start from?” Sajal asked co-star Bilal Abbas Khan, prompting a nod from him.

“I think you can fail in any step of your life, even during school tests. I remember I was very bad at Maths and I failed once,” shared Sajal.

She continued, “In fact, my relationship with Maths was very traumatic. We never became friends. Not like I did not try, I really tried hard but the subject did not like me {laughs].”

Meanwhile, Sajal and Bilal are currently busy promoting their movie Khel Khel Mein. The actors pose as university students in the theatrical film.

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Sajid Khan etches name in history alongside Pakistan’s bowling greats

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Pakistan’s right-arm off-break bowler Sajid Khan single-handedly propelled Pakistan into the driving seat of the rain-hit Dhaka Test Wednesday after he finished with figures of 8/42. 

After rain hampered play for a day-and-a-half in Dhaka, the Test match was headed for a certain draw, given Pakistan declared their first innings on Day 4. However, Sajid Khan breathed life back into the game, taking six quick wickets on Day 4 and then two again the next day, to finish with eight wickets. 

Pakistan have enforced a follow-on against Bangladesh and are eyeing a victory against the hosts. Taking eight wickets is no easy feat and by achieving it, Sajid has etched his name in history alongside some of the greatest of the game that Pakistan has ever produced. 

Here’s a brief look at the most number of Test wickets taken in an innings by Pakistani bowlers:

Pakistan’s most prolific leg-spinner, Abdul Qadir, took 9/56 against England in the 1987/88 series. 

In March 1982, now Prime Minister Imran Khan, once Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketer, ran through a Sri Lankan batting order in Lahore to finish up with figures of 8/58. 

In the 2000/2001 England vs Pakistan Test series, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq bagged figures of 8/164 in the first Test of the series. 

Former right-arm fast bowler Sikander Bakht, now a prominent cricket analyst, took 8/69 against India in the second Test match of the 1979 series, in Delhi. 

Former Pakistan fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz ripped through an Australian Test batting line-up in the 1978/79 series when he took 9/86 to hand Pakistan a 71-run victory over the Aussies. 

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“The Optimist” The House of Kamiar Rokni Celebrates 20 Years of Kamiar Rokni with Solo Fashion Show

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

The House of Kamiar Rokni is set to celebrate 20 years of the indomitable Kamiar Rokni with an immersive fashion presentation, titled ‘The Optimist’.

The Optimist is a collection poignant in name even more so in this new world era of change, evolution and upheaval. It chronicles Kamiar Rokni’s artistic oeuvre over the last two decades, chronicling his past, present, and future.

The ties that bind fashion, art, culture and imagination make up the very fabric of The House of Kamiar Rokni’s DNA. Rokni is a colourist whose inspiration is steeped in history, music, his lineage and a perspective of memory that is deeply visual.

The Optimist explores artistic and cultural influences from Russia to China and extends to the Subcontinent, while playing with the diversity within femininity, from the modern to the classic, from softer to bolder expressions. The Optimist is based in rich velvets, organzas, jacquards, chiffons with handwoven silk trims, detailed silk and tissue nets, also introducing multiple rich textiles within one outfit. The collection explores many silhouettes across a colour palette that channels rich, high contrast bursts to the softer, dreamier and more ethereal hues.

Speaking on the vision behind this celebration, Kamiar Rokni commented, “I was thinking about past and the present and the future as a concept to commemorate 20 years of design. The more I looked back on my own work, the more I felt that The Optimist would be a completion of a trilogy that starting with The Orientalist and went to The Modernist. When I looked to the future, I thought of what encapsulated my design best and I believe it is the optimism inherent in all that I craft.”

 About The House of Kamiar Rokni

Launched in late 2007, The House of Kamiar Rokni is among Pakistan’s premier fashion design houses. The brand strives to provide an immaculate essence of style in all their creations, designing signature one-of-a-kind pieces that evoke a sense of individuality and elegance in the people that wear them. Kamiar Rokni is one of South Asia’s most celebrated and awarded fashion designers, his work symbolic of an old-world charm and traditional heritage.

Facebook: www.fb.com/TheHouseofKamiarRokni

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheHouseofKamiarRokni

Official Hashtag: #KamiarRokni20

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SOC FILMS AND THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY LAUNCH THE “INHERTIHANCE” ANIMATED SERIES

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Multi-award winning production house SOC Films, in collaboration with The Legal Aid Society [LAS] and National Commission on the Status of Women [NCSW], have launched their latest animation series, “Inheritance Rights of Women according to Pakistani Law”, with the release of the first short film, “Inheritance Laws”.

Understanding the need for improved legal awareness amongst women in Pakistan, the animated “Inheritance Rights of Women according to Pakistani Law” series comprises of 9 distinct animated films, shedding light on Women’s right to marital and legal property in Pakistan. The films are available in 8 regional languages to facilitate communities across the country, making a total of 72 different films. The first film “Inheritance Laws” focuses on Pakistan’s inheritance laws and the cultural values that make it challenging for women to secure their inheritance.

With this animation series, SOC Films, LAS and NCSW aim to further enhance women’s knowledge of fundamental rights and legal remedies through the dissemination of these films across an array of communities.

These 9 films will be released during the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence Campaign, with a focus to strengthen urban & rural communities at the grass-root level by providing women with insight into legal knowledge and pathways that can be undertaken for the deliverance of their fundamental rights. SOC Films will be leading the effort to further disseminate the films through a mobile-cinema tour and school, college and universities outreach program aimed at reaching and facilitating dialogue with women across Pakistan. 

Earlier in November 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between The Legal Aid Society (LAS) and The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) for the provision of legal awareness among vulnerable women at risk of discrimination, abuse and other human right violations across Pakistan.

“It is alarming how many women are blatantly denied their inheritance, their dower & marital property, their share in their families’ agricultural income, the right to rent property on fair terms and whilst independent of any male family members, or even a place in their families NADRA records. We hope that this initiative, taken with the support of NCSW and in collaboration with SOC Films, will allow us to create awareness and make these issues part of the mainstream public discourse. We hope that these videos and the programming around them will encourage, not only women but all family members to seek out more information and eventually become change-makers.” said Palvasha Shahab, Advisor for The Legal Aid Society.

“The responsibility of putting a stop to Violence Against Women is on society, including us all. NCSW is proud to collaborate on such a project with the Legal Aid Society and SOC Films. It will bring awareness to women & men about women’s inheritance rights digitally and through the on-road cinema. The significance of launching these films now is that they aren’t just films but tools for activism during the 16 Days of Activism global campaign for Ending Violence Against Women. NCSW intends that these tools, partnerships, and collaborations continue beyond the 16 days as the struggle for equal rights continues”, said Nilofar Bakhtiar, Chairperson of The National Commission on the Status of Women.

“It is extremely important for women across Pakistan to be educated about their rights it is only when we are armed with knowledge that we can fight for our rights and equal place in society. And that is how we will gain more space and achieve an equal status in society” said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, SOC Films.

The animated film Inheritance Laws can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/kAHjX2SMW7A

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Nominations for 2nd Shahkaar Awards Invited

Posted on by Ali Qasim

LAHORE (NUT-DESK)

Ajoka Theatre has invited nominations for the second Shahkaar Theatre Awards. The awards have been instituted to acknowledge the contribution and perseverance of theatre practitioners and artists. Ajoka launched Shahkaar Arshad Durrani Awards in 2020, in the memory of Ajoka’s veteran actor Arshad Durrani (late) with collaboration of the Shahkaar Higher Education Research Hub, a project by Sumaya Durrani, Doctoral Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney. Veteran actress Nadia Jamil and young actor Sibt-e-Hasan were the recipients of first Shahkaar Arshad Durrani Awards.


The 2nd awards were announced at a memorial meeting held to mark the 3rd death anniversary of the late Arshad Durrani at Ajoka office. The meeting was chaired by Ajoka’s chairperson Zara Salman and attended by Ajoka members, friends of Arshad Durrani and students of Ajoka Institute’s acting class. Tributes were paid to Mr Durrani for his undying commitment to theatre. Co-actors shared memories of his passion and will power to keep performing despite illness and old age.

The Awards are in two categories: “Theatre Excellence” and outstanding contribution to performing arts, “Against All Odds”. The nominations can be submitted to Ajoka office with supporting information by 24th December. The nominations can be made by performing arts organizations and practitioners including those associated with Ajoka Theatre. A 7-member jury of eminent professionals will make the final selection. The awards include cash award and a shield.

For “Theatre Excellence”, nominees should be under the age of 40 and at least 10 years’ experience in socially meaningful theatre while for “Against All Odds“ award, preference will be given to nominees over the age of 50, who have been associated with performing arts for over 20 years.


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Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Gets Awarded by British Organization ‘The People’s Portfolio’ for Contributing to Human Rights Causes Through Films

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Two-Time Academy Award Winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has been awarded by British human rights organization The People’s Portfolio, for “inspiring leadership, [and showing] great courage and compassion for fellow human beings” through her documentaries.

The organization is founded by Platon, a lauded British portrait and documentary photographer. It aspires to create a visual language that breaks barriers, expands dignity, fights discrimination, and enlists the public to support human rights around the world.

Each year, the organization hosts a fundraiser to help with their future work and projects. The highlight of the event is always awarding a human rights defender who has shown extraordinary leadership of our time, in light of which, this year’s award is going to Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy in honor of her directorial efforts in creating extraordinary movies about women’s rights in her country. Previous winners esteemed with the award have been Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, and Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

The People’s Portfolio is holding their annual fundraiser this year on December the 8th at 6:00 PM EST (or December the 9th at 4:00 AM as per Pakistan Standard Time) where Platon will be celebrating Sharmeen and all her achievements as well as debuting a short film that he has made about Sharmeen. The fundraiser aims to generate donations to lift the voices of human rights leaders around the world and give them the resources and tools to amplify their essential stories in 2021—and beyond.

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Fashion Gives Back! The Fundraisers’ Bargain Basement Sale 2021 is set to Support 6 Super Charities

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

The Fundraisers are back again with their much-awaited Bargain Basement Sale 2021 (#BBS21), which is an annual fundraising event that has been going strong since 2005 when it was founded. Featuring hundreds of coveted designer and branded items – ranging from clothing and accessories to furniture, home decor as well as vintage wear, showcased under one roof at heavily discounted prices, BBS21 is scheduled to take place this Sunday 5th December from 11 AM – 4 PM at Avari Hotel, Lahore outdoors on their beautiful lawns being mindful of COVID-19 precautions with all SOPs being followed. Indeed, this year over 200 leading Pakistani brands are participating and giving back to the community along with scrumptious goodies in-store for shoppers at the BBS Baked Goods Stall featuring the best bakeries of Lahore plus artwork from a wide array of leading artists of Pakistan including Nazia Ejaz, Mohsin Sheikh, Shazly Khan, Shiblee Munir, Faiza Sheikh and more!

100% of the proceeds raised from the event this year will go to the following six charities working for education and healthcare: (i) RS Foundation – for education of the underprivileged; (ii) Pink Ribbon Pakistan – for treatment of breast cancer; (iii) Lahore Hospital Welfare Society – for treatment of the sick and needy at Shams Shahabuddin Convalescent Home; (iv) Sunbeams School System – for education of the underprivileged (v) Mama Baby Fund – for infant and maternal health; and (vi) The Giving Tree Foundation – for cancer patient care. The premium tier sponsor for the event is Sapphire and second tier sponsors are Avari Hotel Lahore, Interwood, Siddiq Trade Centre, Arif Sons, and Guard Filters along with Daewoo as the logistics partner, LumenSoft as the tech partner, City FM 89 as the radio partner, and PR being provided by Lotus Client Management and Public Relations.

The event will feature the BBS Raffle boasting star prizes such as a motorbike, courtesy of Ravi Motors, two-nights complimentary stay at Byarsa Hotel in Skardu, a three night get-away at the exclusive Hindukush Heights Hotel in Chitral, a weekend-stay at the ever so chic Ambiance Hotel, along with an array of vouchers including Walled City naashta tours, Gulbaan flowers, Bandana clothing and high-value restaurant and salon vouchers. Raffle tickets can be purchased on the door for Rs.200 a pop.

 

BBS will also incorporate a Live Auction which will take place at 12:30 PM. With cash or credit card in hand, attendees can bid on unique items including a cozy round sofa-chair by Zahra Ebrahim, a three day stay at the exclusive Luxus Attabad in Hunza, a weekend-stay for 8 people at the luxurious and ever so pretty Blue Mountain Cottage near Muree, plus stunning works of art by Farhan Manto and Mohsin Sheikh. Then when you want to rest your tired feet or fuel up on some extra shopping energy, you can visit the BBS Food Court where one of Lahore’s favorites, Room Service will be serving up a selection of delicious savory treats which are bound to hit the spot!

Admission tickets can be bought at the door on the day of the event. The admission entrance donation is Rs. 500 from 11 AM – 1 PM and thereafter, Rs. 200 via cash or credit.

BBS founder Nuria Rafique-Iqbal has said, “We are so happy that we are able to hold BBS this year after last year’s absence due to Covid. It is crucial for the many charities that rely on us, that BBS continues and keeps raising funds for them so they can continue the great work they are doing. BBS is a platform for businesses to give back, be they in fashion, retail, services, food whatsoever –– BBS is done by the community, for the community. This is our 16th year of operations, and we are so grateful to enjoy the continued support of our sponsors, designers, brands, charities and the public at large. After the year we have had, I think we all deserve a day of fun so come and shop with us this Sunday, 5th December – not only will you get the most amazing bargains ever but every single rupee spent will be distributed to the six charities we are supporting this year! Remember, it is first come, first served so get there early to get the best deals. We look forward to welcoming our BBS Shoppers!”

For more information, please visit:

Website: www.fundraisersbbs.com (to shop online)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fundraisersBBS

Twitter: @fundraisersBBS

Instagram: @thefundraisersbbs

Official Hashtags: #FundraisersBBS #BBS21 #FashionGivesBack #6SuperCharities 

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Aijaz Aslam’s father breathes his last

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Actor Aijaz Aslam’s father has passed away, confirm celebrity friends.

The news has been announced by Aslam’s friend and actor Adnan Siddiqui.

Siddiqui turned to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday to share his grief with fans. The cause of the death has not been disclosed.

“Saddened to inform you that our dear friend Aijaz Aslam’s father passed away a while ago. Keeping the family in our prayers. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah,” wrote Adnan Siddiqui.

Updating fans about the obituary, co-star Faysal Quraishi announced the funeral prayers of the deceased will be held on Wednesday, December 2.

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Mahira Khan pens loving note in honor of late grandmother.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Renowned actress Mahira Khan recently took to social media with a candid tribute in honor of her late grandmother Razia Khannum.

The tribute post was shared on Instagram and included a caption that read, “My dearest my most beautiful my nani.. Razia Khannum.. Left us Thursday afternoon for her eternal resting place. It’s been a rough month.. sometimes very painful but most times beautiful.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW8g3nyscIV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“She was a force of a nature. A little girl who lost her mother when she was just 5.. she lived and breathed to have what she felt was the biggest possession one can have— family. And family she made. She was a great story teller, graceful sari wearer, fiercely independent, a woman with great pride, a health freak, a great listener, a doting mother, an expressive human being.. anybody who met her felt special around her… and most of all she was a great believer of love.”

“As she transitioned… I kept imagining her mother and the love of her life holding her hand and taking her with them. I used to pray that she goes the way she lived. With dignity. She was surrounded by all her children, grand children and great grand child.”

She also went on to write, “I am blessed to have had this time with her. We all are. To have looked after her.”

“It is an honor to be her grand daughter and I hope to honor her life by living the way she lived – with dignity and courage. While you read this, please make a prayer for my Nani.”

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