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Lux Style Awards ensures power-packed star night

Singer Momina Mustehsen was the first performer of the evening with a high energy performance.
Updated 08 July 2019
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Lux Style Awards ensures power-packed star night

  • Celebrates best of the best from the entertainment and fashion industries
  • Performances and controversies ensured audiences stated entertained both online and offline
Updated 08 July 2019
Sabah Bano Malik

Karachi There was controversy, glamor, and a whole lot of style, but it was comedian and actor Yasir Hussain who ensured that his proposal to actor Iqra Aziz stole the show at this year’s Lux Style Awards (LSA).
Known as one of the most prominent award events – celebrating achievement in Pakistan’s entertainment and fashion industries – this year’s LSA edition was packed with hits and misses.
Sparkling backdrops lined the red carpet at Karachi’s Expo Center – which was transformed into a breathtaking set by show director Freiha Altaf – where the creme de la creme from the fashion, film and television industries rubbed shoulders with each other, with Instagram serving the content up in real time.




The 18th Lux Style Awards at Karachi's Expo Center opened with a breathtaking instrumental rendition of Pakistan's national anthem played on a matka (clay pot), violin, rhubab and sattar by the band Grehan 

The show itself, which began two and a half hours late, ran smoothly, with hosts Shehryar Munawar, Maya Ali, and Mehwish Hayat keeping the momentum going.
Hayat didn’t miss the opportunity to deliver a crisp comeback to online trolls – who had questioned the actor’s credibility after she was bestowed with the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz award – by saying that one could be both a “Billi,” (in reference to an item number dance song she performs) and a star at the same time.
The show, which included singing and dancing performances from Momina Mustehsen, Atif Aslam, Maya Ali, and Meera, was laced with several thank you speeches, too.




Maya Ali performed a dance number during the show from her film "Teefa in Trouble," whose director Ahsan Rahim won for "Best Director"

This year’s awards were shrouded in controversy following a sizeable boycott which began with model Eman Suleman – who was nominated for “Best Emerging Talent” – rejecting the nomination due to singer and actor Ali Zafar also being nominated at the awards. 

Zafar had been accused by fellow actor and singer (and nominee) Meesha Shafi and other women of sexual harassment. Last year’s LSAs strongly aligned itself with the #MeToo movement leaving many disenfranchised by his nomination in lieu of the accusations.Following in the footsteps of Suleman, a number of fashion fraternity members, including veteran designer Maheen Khan, director Jami, and other nominees publicly stated that they would not support the LSAs and would not accept their nominations either.At the awards, the categories which usually boast at least five nominees were whittled down but an acknowledgment of the boycott never took place.
Reacting to the withdrawals, the LSA released a statement which was widely criticized.
In a cringe-worthy, “girl power” moment, Hayat was joined on stage by fellow thespian Zara Abbas Noor for a performance which did not execute well but was as close to toeing the line of women empowerment as possible.





Mehwish Hayat and Zara Abbas Noor introducing the fashion segment at the 18th Lux Style Awards

There were some stand out moments, too, such as Ahmed Ali Butt and Uzma Khan announcing the winner for “Best TV Actor” Viewers Choice, wherein Khan accidentally read out Feroze’s name and not the category she was announcing which lead to a warm laugh and roaring applause from the room.
The House of Kamiar Rokni’s Kamiar Rokni won the award for “Achievement in Fashion Design (Bridal Couture),” and gave a resounding speech, while the award for “Best TV Writer” went to Bee Gul for “Dar Si Jati Hai Sila,” whose speech included the importance of telling hard and uncomfortable stories on TV screens. Newcomer model Mushk Kaleem won the award for “Best Emerging Talent in Fashion,” and Chapter 2 took home the title for “Achievement in Fashion Design-Pret.”




The awards had a series of recognizable faces hosting including Fahad Mustafa, who entered the stage on a rickshaw. Mustafa took home the award for "Best Actor Male" for his role in "Load Wedding" 

But the top highlight of the evening was actor Hussain proposing to the love of his life, actor Iqra Aziz. Aziz had a fantastic night bagging both the Viewers Choice and Critics Choice awards for “Best TV Actor Female.”
A complete list of last nights winners:

FASHION


Model of the year (Female)

Winner: Sadaf Kanwal


Model of the year (Male)

Winner: Shahzad Noor


Achievement in Fashion Design (Bridal Couture)

Winner: Kamiar Rokni


Achievement in Fashion Design (Menswear)

Winner: Republic by Omer Farooq


Achievement in Fashion Design (Pret)

Winner: Chapter 2


Achievement in Fashion Design (Luxury Pret)

Winner: Sana Safinaz


Best Fashion Photographer

Winner: Rizwan ul Haq


Best Hair and Make-up Artist

Winner: Qasim Liaqat


Best Emerging Talent in Fashion (0-3 Yrs.)

Winner: Mushk Kaleem — Model


Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Nabila’s


FILM


Best Film

Winner: Cake


Best Director

Winner: Ahsan Rahim for Teefa in Trouble


Best Actor (Viewer’s Choice)

Winner: Ali Zafar for Teefa in Trouble


Best Actor (Critics Choice)

Winner: Fahad Mustafa for Load Wedding


Best Actress (Viewers Choice)

Winner: Mehwish Hayat for Load Wedding


Best Actress (Viewers Choice)

Winner: Sohai Ali Abro for Motorcycle Girl


Best Playback Singer

Winner: Atif Aslam for Thaam Lo in Parwaz Hai Junoon


MUSIC


Best Song

Winner: Ya Qurban by Khumariyan


Singer of the Year

Winner: Mohsin Abbas and Sohail Haider for Na Jaa


Best Emerging Talent

Winner: Saakin for Saqi-e-Bewafa


TELEVISION


Best TV Play

Winner: Suno Chanda on Hum TV Network


Best TV Play Director

Winner: Kashif Nisar for Dar Si Jati Hai Sila


Best TV Writer

Winner: Bee Gul for Dar Si Jati Hai Sila


Best TV Actor (Viewers Choice)

Winner: Feroze Khan for Khaani


Best TV Actor (Critics Choice)

Winner: Nauman Ejaz for Dar Si Jati Hai Sila


Best TV Actress (Viewers Choice)

Winner: Iqra Aziz for Suno Chanda


Best TV Actress (Critics Choice)

Winner: Iqra Aziz for Suno Chanda


Best Original Sound Track

Winner: Khaani by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan


Best Emerging Talent

Winner: Rida Bilal for Khudgarz — Writer

Topics: Pakistan lux style awards Ali Zafar Mahira Khan fashion style

Pakistan PM vows to ‘break any hand’ threatening relations with Saudi Arabia

Updated 7 sec ago
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Pakistan PM vows to ‘break any hand’ threatening relations with Saudi Arabia

  • Statement comes after Imran Khan’s wife released a video message widely viewed as critical of the Kingdom
  • Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close allies, with nearly 3 million Pakistanis living and working in the Kingdon
Updated 7 sec ago
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday vowed strict action against anyone attempting to undermine Pakistan’s close relations with Saudi Arabia, declaring that his government would “break any hand” threatening ties between the two nations.
Sharif’s statement appeared to reference recent remarks by Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who in a rare public message on Thursday assured state institutions that her jailed husband would not seek revenge against political opponents if he returned to power.
She also made remarks in her video message that were widely viewed as implying that the Saudi government had opposed Khan when he was prime minister from 2018-22.
“Such venom-spitting is an unforgivable crime,” Sharif said while addressing a ceremony on Friday. “I, as the prime minister of Pakistan, want to announce that the nation will break any hand trying to undermine the Pakistan-Saudi friendship.”
“This is not a joke,” he continued. “The allegation is beyond understanding. The biggest national interest is being slaughtered to serve the short-term political interest.”
He criticized the former first lady, whose husband’s PTI party is currently in opposition, saying that the Kingdom had never demanded anything in return from Pakistan for extending economic and diplomatic support but instead always “opened its doors.”
“I think there can be no greater enmity against Pakistan than this [issuing such comments],” he said, adding that Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was sacrificing the country’s interest for its political interests.
Sharif said “no one will be allowed to play” with Pakistan’s interests when it concerned “brotherly allies” such as Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also addressed the issue in a press conference, highlighting that over 2.8 million Pakistanis were working in the Kingdom, sending billions of dollars in remittances back to their country every year.
“Our cordial and friendly relationship with Saudi Arabia should not be affected due to someone’s political gains,” he said. “Such a controversial statement is an effort to save PTI’s sinking ship.”
Khan was ousted from the prime minister’s office in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in 2022, alleging that he was removed by his political rivals and the all-powerful military at the behest of the United States. All three parties deny the accusation.
The cricketer-turned-politician has been in prison since August last year, facing a slew of legal challenges. He denies any wrongdoing, claiming that all cases against him are politically motivated to keep him in jail.
His PTI party is set to kick off a “long march” to stage a protest in Islamabad on Nov. 24, aiming to pressure the government into releasing Khan from prison. Authorities have refused to grant permission to hold the gathering and imposed a ban on public assembly in the capital for two months.

Topics: Pakistan Saudi Arabia ties PM Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistani stocks break psychological 99,000 barrier on optimism over rates, reserves

Updated 22 November 2024
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Pakistani stocks break psychological 99,000 barrier on optimism over rates, reserves

  • An analyst attributes the intraday rally to broad-based gains across most economic sectors
  • The stock market has remained bullish since the government slashed policy rate in November
Updated 22 November 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday breached a major psychological barrier, surging past 99,000 points during intra-day trading before settling at 97,798.23, as analysts attributed the rally to investor optimism driven by falling lending rates and higher foreign exchange reserves.
The benchmark KSE-100 index climbed 2,057.40 points by 11:10 am, reaching 99,385.79 points from the previous close. However, the index closed at 97,798.23, marking an increase of 469.84 points or 0.48 percent.
Analyst Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corporation said bank levies on large deposits, surging global oil prices, and rupee stability were fueling investor optimism.
“Stocks remained bullish, led by scrips across the board, as investors weighed falling lending rates and the imposition of bank levies on large deposits following a drop in government bond yields,” he told Arab News. “Surging global crude oil prices, rupee stability, and higher forex reserves played a catalytic role in the record surge at the PSX.”
Last month, Pakistan’s external current account recorded a surplus of $349 million, marking the third consecutive month of surplus and the highest in this period. The current account reflects a nation’s transactions with the world, encompassing net trade in goods and services, net earnings on cross-border investments and net transfer payments.
A surplus indicates that a country is exporting more than it is importing, thereby strengthening its foreign exchange reserves.
A bullish trend has been observed in the stock market since Pakistan’s central bank cut its key policy rate by 250 basis points, bringing it to 15 percent earlier this month. Economic indicators have also steadily improved since securing a 37-month, $7 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in September.
In the past, the country faced a prolonged economic crisis that drained its foreign exchange reserves and saw its currency weaken amid double-digit inflation. Last year, Pakistan narrowly avoided a sovereign default by clinching a last-minute $3 billion IMF bailout deal.

Topics: Pakistan Stock Exchange Pakistan Stock Market Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)

US vows to be ‘steadfast partner’ after deadly attack in Pakistan’s Kurram district

Updated 22 November 2024
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US vows to be ‘steadfast partner’ after deadly attack in Pakistan’s Kurram district

  • American diplomatic mission says Pakistanis deserve to live free from harm, danger and threat
  • It offers condolences to victims’ families after 41 people were killed by unknown gunmen this week
Updated 22 November 2024
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: The United States on Friday condemned a deadly attack in Pakistan’s Kurram district that killed 41 people this week, reaffirming its commitment to stand with Pakistan in ensuring the safety of its citizens against such militant attacks.
Unidentified gunmen targeted vehicles carrying Shiite community members in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday, in one of the deadliest sectarian attacks in recent years. The assault, which also left many critically injured, occurred in a region already plagued by deadly clashes in recent months.
“The United States will remain a steadfast partner as Pakistan works to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens,” Jonathan Lalley, the spokesperson of the US diplomatic mission in Pakistan, said in a statement. “We stand in solidarity with Pakistan and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in this difficult time.”
Lalley expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for a full recovery for the injured.
“The Pakistani people deserve to live free from harm, danger, and threat, and to feel protected and secure in their daily lives,” he added.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which followed the reopening of a key highway in the region after it was closed for weeks due to sectarian violence.
Kurram, a volatile district near the Afghan border, has been a flashpoint for sectarian clashes between Sunni and Shiite communities, adding to the challenges of maintaining security in the area.
The US-Pakistan forged a counterterrorism partnership in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, to address regional security challenges. Over the years, however, the relationship faced friction, while the US-led international forces were in Afghanistan.
Despite the tensions, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts, especially in the wake of the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
The commitment to security partnership reflects a shared goal of combating extremism and ensuring regional stability.
 

Topics: Pakistan US Ties militancy in Pakistan kurram district parachinar

Pakistan, Malaysia agree to enhance military cooperation with focus on air force training

Updated 22 November 2024
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Pakistan, Malaysia agree to enhance military cooperation with focus on air force training

  • Malaysian air chief praises PAF’s advancements in indigenization on his first Pakistan visit
  • His Pakistani counterpart reaffirms commitment to training Malaysian Air Force personnel
Updated 22 November 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to deepen bilateral military cooperation, with a particular emphasis on joint training and air power collaboration, Pakistan’s military said on Friday.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
“The [Pakistan] Air Chief reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing military partnership between the two Air Forces through joint training initiatives, particularly within the realm of air power,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. “These initiatives will encompass provisioning of both basic and tactical level training for personnel of the Malaysian Air Force.”
The Malaysian air chief, making his first visit to Pakistan, praised the PAF’s advancements in indigenization and technological innovation. He also expressed interest in bolstering ties through enhanced collaboration in training, maintenance and operational excellence.
The meeting included discussions on defense cooperation, joint exercises and technology sharing, ISPR said, highlighting the robust defense relationship between the two nations.
During his visit, the Malaysian official toured the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park Silicon and the PAF Cyber Command, where he was briefed on Pakistan’s advanced operational capabilities.
He also lauded the innovative projects displayed at the ongoing International Defense Exhibition IDEAS-2024 in Karachi.
Earlier, the Malaysian air chief was presented with a guard of honor upon his arrival, ISPR added.

Topics: Pakistan Malaysia ties pakistan air force Pakistan air force chief  Zaheer Ahmed Babar

Pakistan government doubles down on preventing Imran Khan’s Nov. 24 protest

Updated 22 November 2024
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Pakistan government doubles down on preventing Imran Khan’s Nov. 24 protest

  • Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warns no talks if Khan’s PTI proceeds with the protest
  • Ex-premier’s party plans a ‘long march’ to Islamabad, seeking his release from prison
Updated 22 November 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday vowed to implement the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) order, refusing to allow former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to stage the Nov. 24 protest in the federal capital demanding his release.
The PTI has announced a “long march” to Islamabad, primarily to pressurize the government to end Khan’s imprisoned that has lasted for over a year on what his party contends are politically motivated charges. The protest also aims to raise PTI’s voice against alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections while calling for measures to ensure judicial independence, which the party says has been undermined by the 26th constitutional amendment.
Only a day earlier, the IHC directed the government to form a committee to engage in talks with the PTI, emphasizing the need to avoid disruptions during the three-day visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to discuss bilateral economic cooperation. The court expressed hope that the PTI would allow “meaningful communication” with the administration while acknowledging that the maintenance of law and order would be the government’s priority if there was no breakthrough between the two sides.
Addressing the media in Islamabad alongside the capital city’s chief commissioner and police chief, the interior minister highlighted that no rally, march or protest would be allowed in the federal capital owing to the Belarusian president’s visit to the country, as per the IHC order.
“No one will be allowed to stage a rally or protest in Islamabad in compliance with the high court order,” Naqvi said. “After the IHC order, we will implement it 100 percent at any cost. We are bound by the law to implement it.”
Regarding the IHC directions to hold talks with the PTI party leadership, the minister said he would speak to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the evening to constitute a committee “but definitely if they stage a protest, this [negotiation] will get difficult.”
Islamabad’s district magistrate has already imposed a two-month ban on the gathering of more than five people in the capital using Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which allows the government to prohibit various forms of political assembly, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations and other activities for a specified period.
In response to a question about whether the government was in touch with Adiala Jail, where ex-premier Khan is currently incarcerated, Naqvi said he has no contact with anyone there.
The interior minister also highlighted that the capital city’s administration did not receive any application from the PTI to stage a protest.
He made it clear that people violating the court orders would be responsible if there was any loss of life during the Nov. 24 protest.
Naqvi also said that he agreed with the residents of Islamabad that shops, roads, businesses and mobile signals should not be shut down but noted there was no other way of dealing with such protests.
“If they want to come and protest [in Islamabad], I’ll be the one who will say that no talks should take place,” he concluded. “If they want to hold talks, they should do it in a proper manner. This is no way that on one side they protest and on the other call for talks.”
Earlier this week, Pakistan’s interior ministry had authorized the deployment of paramilitary Punjab Rangers and Frontier Corps troops in Islamabad to maintain law and order.
Pakistan’s parliament also passed a law earlier this year to regulate public gatherings in Islamabad, specifying timings for rallies and designating specific areas. The law prescribes three-year jail terms for participants in illegal assemblies and 10-year imprisonment for repeat offenders.
 

Topics: PTI protest Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Mohsin Naqvi Imran Khan

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