Monthly Archives: September 2025

Puri-Vijay Sethupathi’s film event postponed after Karur stampede

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**Puri-Vijay Sethupathi’s Film Event Postponed Following Tragic Karur Stampede**

*By Isha Sharma | September 28, 2025 | 1:25 PM*

The much-anticipated title and teaser launch of director Puri Jagannadh’s upcoming pan-Indian film featuring Vijay Sethupathi has been postponed. Originally scheduled to take place in Chennai this past Saturday, the event was called off in light of a tragic stampede that occurred during Vijay Sethupathi’s political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, resulting in the loss of approximately 39 lives.

**Official Statement from the Film Team**

In response to the unfortunate incident, the film’s makers shared a heartfelt statement on social media expressing their condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. The statement read:

*“Owing to the unfortunate incident in Tamil Nadu, Team #PuriSethupathi has postponed the Title & Teaser Launch Event planned for today.”*

**About the Film**

The untitled project stars Vijay Sethupathi alongside notable actors Tabu, Samyuktha, and Duniya Vijay in pivotal roles. Generating significant excitement among fans, the film is set for a multi-language release. Reports indicate that the movie will be titled *Slum Dog* and is being produced on a grand scale with music composed by Mahati Swara Sagar.

The production team has assured fans that the title and teaser launch will be rescheduled and held soon.

**Government Response and Support**

In the wake of the tragedy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced compensation of ₹10 lakh to each family of the deceased. Additionally, ₹1 lakh has been allotted for every injured person.

To ensure a thorough examination of the incident, the Chief Minister confirmed the constitution of a one-member Commission of Inquiry. The commission will be headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, who will investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede and submit a detailed report.

—

The film industry and fans alike await further updates as the community comes together in mourning and support during this difficult time.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/event-of-vijay-sethupathi-s-film-postponed-after-karur-stampede/story

In the picture

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**Black Rabbit**
*Starring:* Jason Bateman, Jude Law, Cleopatra Coleman, Abbey Lee, Dagmara Dominczyk, and Troy Kotsur
*Created by:* Zach Baylin and Kate Susman

While Jude Law’s criminally underrated crime thriller *The Order* failed to make its mark on the awards circuit, its production ultimately led to a limited series poised to become Netflix’s next big conversation-starter—if it can break through the binge-model barrier.

Created by *The Order*’s Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, *Black Rabbit* is a dark, cautionary tale about brotherhood, addiction, and keeping things above board. If you thought Cain and Abel were bad, you simply haven’t met Jake (Jude Law) and Vince (Jason Bateman) Friedken yet.

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### A Slow Burn Introduction

*Black Rabbit* starts slow, introducing viewers to Jude Law’s Jake Friedken in isolation from the chaos he’s on the precipice of experiencing. Jake is a well-dressed glad-hander who manages to avoid being pegged as a sleazeball by virtue of being down-to-earth, loving his son, maintaining a good relationship with his ex-wife (Dagmara Dominczyk), and displaying a degree of earnestness that isn’t just for show.

All of these traits come forward within the first five minutes as Jake makes his way to his restaurant, the eponymous Black Rabbit. But things fall apart quickly. After giving a speech about the ethos of the restaurant and his desire to make a place where “the night could go anywhere,” gunmen suddenly emerge, things get stolen, and people get shot. It’s an explosive introduction filled with nuances that become even clearer on a rewatch.

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### Flashbacks and Storytelling

With a gun shoved in Jake’s face, *Black Rabbit* jumps back in time to precisely one month before the hold-up. Flashbacks, often a divisive storytelling tool, are deftly handled here. Susman and Baylin maintain the same pace and stakes across the present, the recent past, and childhood flashbacks. Some of these moments are pure fun, providing a glimpse into the brothers’ former lives as rock stars.

Watching a Temu Kurt Cobain-styled Jude Law sing grungy music alongside Jason Bateman—amidst a sea of rabbit-headed bodies—is a brief, lighthearted diversion from the tense, nail-biting narrative unfolding around them.

—

### A Tense Whodunit

The mystery of who would attack Jake and the Black Rabbit family turns *Black Rabbit* into somewhat of a whodunit. As laid out in the premiere, Vince has dropped back into Jake’s life after circumstances drove them apart—and he’s nothing but trouble.

Vince is the kind of trouble who lacks remorse after killing someone, conjures convincing lies from thin air, and carries a laundry list of enemies across New York City, especially local bookie Joe Mancuso (Troy Kotsur). Mancuso has longstanding ties to the Friedken family and an axe to grind with Vince. Joe’s son, Junior (Forrest Weber), is hot-headed and desperate to prove himself to his father, while his right-hand man, Babbitt (Chris Coy), attempts to keep Junior in line.

—

### Brotherhood in Conflict

Both Jake and Vince are grifters, though in very different styles. Vince is not as slick or clever as Jake but knows how to use his beleaguered, squirrely personality to his advantage. He quickly transforms from black sheep to prodigal son, if only briefly.

Jake is well aware of his brother’s flaws, but like many with troubled family members, he clings to the hope that this time will be different. As a character glibly remarks later in the series, Vince may be an addict—but Jake is addicted to his brother.

Law and Bateman fully sell this Cain and Abel dynamic to the point where viewers forget they are watching two of the greatest dramatic actors of their generation. Over eight episodes, they’re simply two born-and-bred New Yorkers bickering with a familiarity that feels genuinely brotherly. They rarely try to one-up each other during their confrontations, but the script and their performances nudge the scales, causing viewers to question who they should truly root for.

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### Trouble Within Black Rabbit

Trouble was brewing inside Black Rabbit long before Vince’s return. His comeback only exposes how ill-equipped Jake is to run a restaurant. Jake’s negligence—not as malicious as Vince’s actions—shows just how similar the brothers truly are.

The series explores the incestuous nature of the restaurant industry, especially in spaces where the lines between employee and family are blurred. This subplot has mixed success. Much of the interpersonal drama within Black Rabbit is overshadowed by Jake and Vince’s desperate attempts to escape their debts with the bookie, which is unfortunate since many of the best character dynamics exist outside of the brothers.

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### Supporting Characters and Dynamics

The Black Rabbit began as Vince’s lofty dream before his recklessness forced Jake to cut him out. Together, they had assembled an underdog team:

– Wes (Sope Dirisu), a rising music star and investor
– Estelle (Cleopatra Coleman), Wes’s esteemed interior designer girlfriend
– Roxie (Amaka Okafor), an ambitious chef
– Tony (Robin de Jesus), a bright-eyed bartender and Roxie’s second-in-command
– Anna (Abbey Lee) and Mel (Gus Birney), their hosts

By design, these characters exist primarily when crossing paths with Jake or Vince. Though this sometimes leaves them underdeveloped, it ultimately serves the narrative—both men are so self-centered that these supporting characters cease to exist outside their peripheral vision.

Jake and Estelle’s relationship stands out as a surprising bright spot, though it’s hard to tell how much of it is genuine and how much stems from Jake’s self-sabotage.

—

### Standout Performances

Four years after his Oscar win for *CODA*, Troy Kotsur remains a stalwart performer. His role in *Black Rabbit* is small but haunting. Whenever he appears, he shines as an intimidating mobster-type, embodying a duality that the series unfortunately doesn’t fully explore.

Another standout is Gen (Odessa Young), Vince’s estranged daughter, who finds herself a victim by association. Though her role is minor, her scenes—especially those with Bateman—leave a lasting impression.

Morgan Spector also weaves in and out of episodes, commanding every scene with the same intensity he exhibited in *The Gilded Age*, but with a far darker, more menacing aura.

—

### Final Thoughts

*Black Rabbit*’s only notable flaw is that it has so many compelling characters that it doesn’t spend enough time developing them all. The series sometimes feels lost in its own relentless pace but ultimately delivers a satisfying—albeit devastating—conclusion that rings frighteningly true to life.

This unsettling realism is what makes *Black Rabbit* so compelling but also presents a challenge. Each 45-minute episode demands a hefty breather after the credits roll, which isn’t ideal for the binge-watching model Netflix often relies on.

Given its storytelling style and reliance on fully engaged viewers, *Black Rabbit* could very well become a sleeper hit long after its initial release. The element of mutual assured destruction set against the backdrop of a restaurant makes this new Netflix series feel like *The Bear*—but on cocaine.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346804-in-the-picture

A hard-hitting thriller

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Written by GEO News anchor Shahzeb Khanzada and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain, the new play *Case No. 9* has already caused quite a stir despite only two episodes having aired to date. Boasting a stellar supporting cast and a gripping plot, the series promises to raise the bar for future productions.

Featuring accomplished actors like Faysal Qureshi and Saba Qamar, and with Syed Wajahat Hussain at the helm, it is hard for the production to go wrong. Saba Qamar plays Sehar Moazzam, the head of sales and marketing at KKR—a company owned by Kamran Haider, portrayed by Faysal Qureshi.

Sehar, a star employee, is invited to dinner by Kamran. However, upon arrival, she is surprised to find that she is alone. Suspecting something terribly wrong, she tries to escape but is sexually assaulted by her boss, who is frustrated by her repeated rejection of his advances. Kamran’s wife, Kiran, is away at her parents’ house and is soon due to have a baby.

Junaid Khan plays Rohit, Kamran’s friend. After receiving a text from Sehar inquiring about Kamran’s whereabouts, Rohit grows concerned. Following a conversation with Kamran, he rushes to the location, only to find Sehar lying in a distressed state on the powder room floor. It appears she has been sexually assaulted. Sehar is traumatized and leaves, while Rohit, enraged at Kamran’s actions, later agrees to hush things up under pressure.

After nearly a week, Sehar finds the courage to file an FIR against her boss. Mirza Gohar Rasheed appears as Shafique, the police inspector assigned to the case. Under the supervision of the SP, he investigates Sehar’s complaint. Sehar undergoes invasive questioning at the police station and is sent for a medical examination.

Kamran, with the help of his company lawyer, obtains bail before arrest and hires a powerful lawyer to defend him. The unfolding of the play brings forth several pressing questions: Will Sehar get justice? Will Kamran be convicted?

*Case No. 9* highlights numerous social issues. For example, Saba’s character, Sehar, is a divorcee—an aspect exploited by misogynists around her who view it as justification for Kamran’s advances. When she rejects him, Kamran’s attempt to retaliate leads to the assault. Rohit, as a witness, is torn between loyalty to his friend and the truth.

The supporting cast delivers excellent performances, effectively propelling the narrative. Faysal Qureshi excels as the arrogant and supercilious boss. Junaid Khan is an on-screen revelation, having developed into a fine actor. However, it is Saba Qamar who steals the show. She portrays a survivor with incredible conviction and maturity, continuing to raise the bar with every performance. Her previous roles in productions like *Cheekh* and *Baaghi* cemented her reputation as one of television’s finest actresses, and she has only improved since.

The play boasts a big-budget production with a slick look, complemented by great acting and excellent dialogues. With a masterful director leading the charge, the audience is in for a treat.

Far removed from the usual fare, *Case No. 9* aims to raise awareness about a crime that occurs every day worldwide—sexual assault—wherein the conviction rate remains abysmally low in Pakistan, at a mere 3 percent. This low rate is partly due to delayed reporting and societal pressure on survivors to remain silent.

As the story progresses, viewers will be eager to find out whether Sehar obtains justice, if Kamran will be held accountable, and whether Rohit will protect Kamran or reveal what he witnessed.

**Verdict:**
A hard-hitting and powerful production, *Case No. 9* is definitely one to watch out for. Tune in to GEO every Wednesday and Thursday to see how the plot unfolds.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346824-a-hard-hitting-thriller

Puri-Vijay Sethupathi’s film event postponed after Karur stampede

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**Puri-Vijay Sethupathi Film Event Postponed Following Karur Stampede**

*By Isha Sharma | Sep 28, 2025, 01:25 PM*

The much-anticipated title and teaser launch of director Puri Jagannadh’s upcoming pan-Indian film featuring Vijay Sethupathi has been postponed. The event was originally scheduled to take place in Chennai on Saturday but has been deferred in light of a tragic stampede that occurred during Vijay’s political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, resulting in the loss of approximately 39 lives.

**Official Statement from the Film Team**

The film’s production team shared a heartfelt statement on social media, expressing their condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. The statement read,
“Owing to the unfortunate incident in Tamil Nadu, Team #PuriSethupathi has postponed the Title & Teaser Launch Event planned for today.”

**About the Film**

While the film remains untitled, it stars Vijay Sethupathi alongside notable actors Tabu, Samyuktha, and Duniya Vijay in pivotal roles. The project has created a buzz among audiences due to its multi-language release strategy. Reports suggest the film may be titled *Slum Dog* and is being produced on a grand scale, featuring a soundtrack composed by Mahati Swara Sagar.

The team has reassured fans that the title and teaser launch will be rescheduled soon.

**Government Response**

In the wake of the tragedy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh each to the injured. Additionally, the Chief Minister declared the formation of a one-member Commission of Inquiry, led by retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, to investigate the incident and submit a detailed report.

The entire film fraternity and supporters continue to mourn the loss while hoping for swift justice and support for the victims’ families.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/event-of-vijay-sethupathi-s-film-postponed-after-karur-stampede/story

History’s unanswered questions

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The creation of Pakistan, as proposed by the Two-Nation Theory, asserts that Hindus and Muslims are separate nations incapable of coexisting. This claim prompts several important inquiries that shed light on the complex factors involved in Pakistan’s formation and subsequent history:

1. **What was the significant role of the Muslim-majority provinces in the establishment of Pakistan?**
2. **What motivated Jogendranath Mandal, a Dalit leader from Bengal, to advocate for the establishment of Pakistan?**
3. **Why did Abul Ala Maududi and other prominent Islamic religio-political parties oppose the Pakistan Movement?**
4. **What factors contributed to the separation of East Pakistan from West Pakistan within 24 years?**
5. **Why did it take nine years to establish Pakistan’s first constitution, despite the possibility of implementing Islamic laws sooner?**
6. **What were the reasons behind Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s appointment of Jogendranath Mandal as the inaugural chairman of the Constituent Assembly and later as the first minister for law and labour?**

Let us explore these critical questions in detail.

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### The Role of Muslim-Majority Provinces in Pakistan’s Creation

The contribution of Muslim-majority provinces, especially Punjab, to the establishment of Pakistan has been extensively studied. Historians highlight Punjab’s strategic significance during the Pakistan Movement as a crucial factor in the All-India Muslim League’s success in the 1945-46 general elections.

In the 1946 elections, the Muslim League won 73 out of 175 seats in Punjab, all of which were Muslim constituencies. These seats were won mainly by local notables, including landlords, who are believed to have aligned with the Muslim League due to fears of potential land reforms proposed by the Indian National Congress. This suggests that their support may have been motivated more by the protection of their economic interests than by religious nationalism alone.

In contrast, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly North-West Frontier Province), another Muslim-majority region, did not have a Muslim League-led cabinet. Its government strongly resisted the idea of Pakistan’s creation, highlighting the diverse political dynamics even within Muslim-majority provinces.

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### Jogendranath Mandal and the Support of Bengali Dalits

Jogendranath Mandal, a prominent Dalit leader from Bengal, supported the Pakistan Movement with hopes that the new political framework would address entrenched social inequalities. The rigid caste system severely curtailed individual freedoms for Dalits, and the Islamic principle of equality presented an attractive alternative.

This participation indicates that the demand for a new state stemmed from social and class struggles rather than purely religious identification. Religion played a role in rallying support in certain areas, but the core of the movement, especially in Bengal, was about structural and social change for the oppressed.

Mandal’s advocacy embodies Marx’s theory of class struggle, where marginalized groups seek liberation through systemic transformation, demonstrating that Pakistan’s foundation was also intertwined with social emancipation aspirations.

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### Opposition from Jamaat-i-Islami and Abul Ala Maududi

Not all Muslim leaders supported the partition of India. Jamaat-i-Islami, led by Abul Ala Maududi, opposed the creation of Pakistan. They viewed partition as a violation of the concept of the **Ummah**, the global Muslim community united beyond geographical borders.

Maududi argued that dividing the subcontinent with artificial borders risked weakening Muslim solidarity and identity. For Jamaat-i-Islami, partition was not just a political change but also a fracture in the religious and cultural unity of Muslims, challenging the idea of the Ummah’s cohesion.

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### Factors Behind the Separation of East Pakistan

The separation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) from West Pakistan in 1971 resulted from a complex interplay of long-term and immediate causes.

– **Long-term factors** included linguistic discrimination against Bengali speakers and disputes over provincial autonomy.
– **Short-term triggers** involved the 1970 general elections, in which the Awami League, representing East Pakistan, won a majority but was denied power.
– **Immediate causes** comprised military actions such as Operation Searchlight and the intervention of foreign powers like India and the USSR.

This multi-causal explanation for Bangladesh’s independence contrasts with the often-simplified mono-causal narrative of the 1947 partition. A consistent analytical framework comparing both partitions can offer a deeper understanding of the region’s complex historical developments.

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### The Nine-Year Delay in Pakistan’s First Constitution

Pakistan’s constitution was not finalized until nine years after independence, despite the foundational assertion of the Two-Nation Theory and calls for implementing Islamic laws early on.

This delay arose from debates over several critical issues:

– Should Pakistan be a secular state or an Islamic theocracy?
– Which democratic system was preferable: parliamentary or presidential?
– Should the government structure be federal or unitary?
– How should power be balanced between a strong central government and autonomous provinces?
– Would the legislature be bicameral or unicameral?

These fundamental questions reflected the complexities of establishing a new nation-state and negotiating diverse interests and identities within Pakistan.

—

### Quaid-i-Azam’s Appointment of Jogendranath Mandal

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s decision to appoint Jogendranath Mandal, a Hindu Dalit leader, as the inaugural chairman of the Constituent Assembly and later as the first minister for law and labour is particularly noteworthy.

This appointment challenges a narrow interpretation of the Two-Nation Theory by demonstrating attempts at inclusive governance in early Pakistan. It also raises important questions about minority representation and the vision Jinnah had for Pakistan as a state that could accommodate religious diversity and social reform.

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### Conclusion

An analysis of these questions reveals that the creation of Pakistan in 1947 — like the formation of Bangladesh in 1971 — was influenced by a complex set of intertwined factors rather than a single cause. To gain a comprehensive understanding of these historical events, it is essential to examine the partitions within a unified analytical framework.

Moreover, Pakistan’s foundation cannot be seen solely as a product of religious nationalism. Particularly in Bengal, class struggle and social emancipation were powerful driving forces, with marginalized communities seeking improved living conditions within an Islamic socialist vision. These multifaceted motives contributed to the mobilization and collective aspirations that shaped Pakistan’s early history.

—

By exploring the intricate dynamics behind Pakistan’s creation and evolution, we better understand not only the nation itself but also the broader socio-political context of South Asia’s turbulent mid-20th century.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346769-historys-unanswered-questions

‘We were back to zero’: Triptii recalls ‘Laila Majnu’ failure

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**“We Were Back to Zero”: Triptii Dimri Recalls ‘Laila Majnu’ Failure**

*By Isha Sharma | Sep 28, 2025, 10:03 am*

Triptii Dimri, who made her lead debut in the 2018 romantic drama *Laila Majnu*, recently opened up about the film’s initial box office failure in an interview with *Filmfare*. Despite receiving positive reviews, the film, which also starred Avinash Tiwary, underperformed commercially.

“When the film did not do well, I felt very disappointed because we were back to zero,” Dimri shared.

**Dimri’s Empathy for Co-star Avinash Tiwary**

Dimri expressed particular concern for her co-star Avinash Tiwary, who had been in the industry much longer than she had. “I had been around for at least two years, but Avinash Tiwary had been here for 14 years,” she recalled. “Then we started giving auditions again, and I felt bad for him.”

Despite the setback, Dimri remained optimistic about the film’s lasting impact on audiences.

**The Film’s Journey: From Failure to Cult Success**

Although *Laila Majnu* struggled initially, it has since gained a huge following and achieved cult status. The film found commercial success during its re-release in 2024, surpassing the lifetime collections of its original run.

“I knew it would receive appreciation, because even today, eight years after its release, people still talk about it,” Dimri said.

**Behind the Scenes of *Laila Majnu***

Reflecting on her experience filming the movie, Dimri described it as both challenging and rewarding. “There were many challenges on a day-to-day basis because we were shooting in the valleys of Kashmir for 20 or even 24 hours at a stretch,” she recalled. “Many times, I cried during that period, wondering what I was doing, because none of it was easy.”

Despite these hardships, she considers *Laila Majnu* a special film that taught her a great deal about acting.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/triptii-dimri-talks-impact-of-laila-majnu-box-office-failure/story

Soundcheck: What Struck A Chord

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Music plays a central role in life, culture, and counterculture. Research shows that listening to music reduces stress hormones, slows the heart rate, and improves mood. It is a simple way to cope with everyday pressures. People turn to music when they want to manage anxiety, recover from grief, sharpen focus while studying, or stay motivated regardless of their goal.

The act of singing or playing an instrument stimulates brain activity, strengthens memory, and builds discipline. It also creates new pathways within the brain and generates new neurons, which is important because it can protect from diseases of the mind that have no cure once the onset begins. Playing an instrument is a skill that carries over to other areas of life.

A familiar melody can unlock memories and help us express emotions that some individuals can’t articulate. It’s almost like magic that a single song can transport you back to a specific moment in time.

Beyond individual well-being, music acts as a social glue that binds communities together. Shared playlists, family gatherings, weddings, and live concerts create spaces where people connect and celebrate together. These shared experiences foster joy and empathy. Feelings of love, loss, and many other emotions become easier to deal with and find expression in a way that language alone sometimes struggles to match. Even the simple act of exchanging song recommendations can deepen friendships.

Culturally, music preserves history and identity in ways that textbooks simply cannot. In Pakistan, centuries-old folk songs pass down stories of place, language, and folklore. They keep a variety of traditions alive from Sindh to Gilgit-Baltistan. These songs carry the voices of our ancestors—their struggles, celebrations, and dreams.

Qawwali, for instance, can open a spiritual door, particularly when all others fail. It is an expression of divine will and consequently lifts the soul. Meanwhile, contemporary genres such as hip-hop, pop, and electronic music give younger generations a platform to reflect on modern realities and global influences.

Streaming services like Spotify and YouTube have dramatically widened this reach. They allow regional artists to find audiences far beyond the regions from which they come. The rules of geography and man-made borders take a backseat. They also make it easier for listeners to explore both ancestral sounds and cutting-edge trends.

Whether ancient or modern, personal or collective, music remains a universal language that speaks to everyone, regardless of background and belief. National shows such as Pakistan Idol add another layer by uncovering hidden singers and giving them a stage to be heard. This serves as a reminder that talent exists everywhere, not just in the big cities. These platforms provide a chance for extraordinary voices to emerge from the most unexpected places, coming from small towns as well as bustling neighborhoods.

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### 313 Productions to Produce Pakistan Idol as It Enters Phase 2 with Record Participation

HL Global has named 313 Productions as the official producing partner of Pakistan Idol, with seasoned producer Badar Ikram at the helm. The show is set to premiere today, a date that means a great deal to music fans across the country.

Badar Ikram, a veteran of Pakistan’s television industry, launched Karachi-based 313 Productions in July after eleven years as SVP and Head of Film at a well-known local channel’s film division. In the past, he was also the Managing Director of Geo TV, which produced the program’s first and only season more than a decade ago. This gives Ikram unique insight into what made the original show work and what needs to be improved for the upcoming second season.

Pakistan Idol hopes to raise production standards and audience engagement while offering a platform to undiscovered singers. The goal is not only entertainment—it is about creating real opportunities for talented individuals who might otherwise never get their big break. Badar Ikram called the project both an honour and a responsibility, words that reflect the weight of nurturing new talent in a country that has an immense pool of ability and potential.

Meanwhile, MHL Global’s Director, Zoya Merchant, praised the energy at auditions and expressed confidence that the show will inspire viewers and highlight new talent. Auditions have been held nationwide, and state-of-the-art sets have been prepared. The competition has now moved into Phase 2 as organizers begin shortlisting contestants from a vast pool of applicants.

This is a task that’s both exciting and daunting given the sheer volume of talent. Auditions drew singers from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Sukkur, Quetta, and Peshawar. There was also notable turnout from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and many smaller towns including Khairpur, Jacobabad, Gujrat, D. G. Khan, D. I. Khan, and Hyderabad. The geographic diversity is remarkable.

Those who auditioned wanted to prove that talent knows no boundaries. While many will not make it as contestants, it was heartening to see the turnout. Venues were busy, often with long queues and hundreds of hopefuls auditioning for a chance to progress to the next round. Many contestants traveled for hours just to perform, carrying dreams that had been years in the making.

Pakistan is more than one thing, and this show is ample proof.

The judging panel for Pakistan Idol includes musician and actor Fawad Khan; qawwali and playback singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan; singer Zeb Bangash; and singer-songwriter, scriptwriter, storyteller, and director Bilal Maqsood.

“What makes Idol special is how it brings Pakistan together through music,” said Zoya Merchant. “From the smallest towns to the biggest cities, every voice matters here. This is where dreams meet opportunity and where the next star is born.”

Her words capture something essential about the show’s mission. It’s not just about finding one winner but about celebrating the musical diversity that exists across the country. As part of the global Idol franchise, the show offers the average individual an opportunity to transform their passion into a profession.

Ultimately, Pakistan Idol aims to create a cultural moment that could resonate for years to come. With 313 Productions at the helm and record participation from across the country, the program has the potential to reshape the local music ecosystem. The show could become a genuine launchpad for new careers rather than a one-season spectacle. This depends on whether production value, the judging panel, and broadcast partnerships match the ambition shown at auditions.

The stakes are high, but so is the potential.

For now, the biggest story is the sheer breadth of talent that turned up. It’s a reminder that opportunity, when paired with the right platform, can change lives and revive interest in the local music scene. In a country where musical talent often goes unrecognised, Pakistan Idol represents hope—hope that the next generation of artists will have better opportunities than those who came before them.

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### How to Make the Most of Spotify Free

Spotify, the world’s largest audio streaming platform, is always doing new things to keep listeners engaged. Spotify Free is another step in that direction. It puts a huge library in anyone’s pocket, letting listeners search, play, and share without a subscription.

In Pakistan, many users begin their streaming journey on the free tier, and honestly, it’s a good starting point. You can search for any track, play a suggested playlist, or jump straight into a song a friend has shared. The appeal lies in its simplicity and immediate access to millions of tracks.

Personalized lists such as Discover Weekly and Release Radar help you find new music. The more you listen and share, the more accurate the recommendations become. It feels like having a friend who understands your taste in music and keeps introducing you to new favourites.

Daylist adapts throughout the day to match your routine, providing upbeat tracks for your morning workout and mellow tunes for your evening wind-down. Meanwhile, real-time lyrics make it easy to sing along and share lines to Instagram or WhatsApp. There’s something satisfying about posting those perfect lyrics that capture exactly how you’re feeling at a particular moment.

For local listeners, Spotify Free is an entry point to both familiar favourites and new voices from across the country. It’s where you might discover that incredible singer from Multan or that indie band from Lahore that’s about to blow up. It lowers the barrier to discovery. There’s no financial commitment, only curiosity and a willingness to explore.

For emerging artists, this openness can lead to real exposure. For listeners, it can spark an interest in gigs, particularly local ones or talent shows such as Pakistan Idol. In that sense, the free tier is more of a beginning than an ending. It’s a first step in an ongoing conversation between artists and audiences that helps keep the music alive—the digital equivalent of discovering new music through word of mouth, just on a much larger scale.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346799-soundcheck-what-struck-a-chord

Covering the basics

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Thousands of residents of Farash Town and James Town in the twin cities are pleased because they now have access to clean drinking water. Not just that, they have also learned useful skills like how to reuse water and recharge the water table by employing rain harvesting techniques. This positive change has come through a megaproject focused on water security.

The project was a collaborative programme started by the World Wildlife Fund-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) and the Australia-Pakistan Water Security Initiative, an Australian Aid-funded project aimed at strengthening cooperation between Australia and Pakistan on urban water resources management. The megaproject consisted of a series of smaller projects, all scheduled to be operational by the end of December. It is expected that these will be maintained and run with community help.

The primary goal was to tailor, adopt, and demonstrate the Water Sensitive Cities approach in Pakistan. Islamabad and Rawalpindi—two major cities in the country—are among those expected to face water scarcity over the coming years.

### Focus Areas: James Town and Farash Town

The pilot project focused on two neighbourhoods of the twin cities:

– **James Town, Rawalpindi:** Home to over 450 Christian households, James Town has faced acute water shortage problems.
– **Farash Town, Islamabad:** This neighbourhood, with a population of over 20,000, has also been struggling with water scarcity.

“Our area had a severe water shortage. The water table had also gone down. With the help of these projects, we were able to recharge the aquifer and get water from filtration plants installed at various places in the town,” says Yasmin Bibi, a resident of Farash Town.

### Clean Water Access and Community Involvement

WWF installed seven water filtration plants—five within the locality and two in larger schools. As many as 24,500 people now have access to clean drinking water. Impressively, the filtration plants are maintained by the community itself.

“This is a blessing for us,” says Imran Ali, another resident. “Earlier, many families had to go to the Chak Shahzad government filtration plant to get water. We even had to hire rickshaws to fetch water from there. Now, we have clean drinking water at our doorstep.”

Before these interventions, people were so distressed by the water scarcity that those who could afford to were selling their properties and moving to other parts of the city. “But now, with this project, our lives and priorities have changed. It is such a relief not to have to go out of our way to get something as basic as water,” Imran adds.

### Project Interventions

Started in April 2021, the project included several key interventions in both neighbourhoods:

– **James Town:**
– 275 rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS)
– Six water recharge interventions
– Two green spaces
– Two large and one small filtration plants
– 15 solid waste skips
– Two rain gardens
– A sewerage system for 450 houses

– **Farash Town:**
– 375 rainwater harvesting system interventions
– Four ablution water reuse systems
– 31 recharge interventions
– Three green spaces
– Three communal RWHS
– Five large and two small filtration plants
– Four solid waste skips
– Two rain gardens

### Promoting Water Security Awareness

“Such projects are very important. They provide a serious demonstration of models creating awareness about water security,” notes Farah Nadeem, the project lead.

“We have also included water security issues in the curriculum of local schools under this initiative,” she adds.

Through this project, WWF-Pakistan has helped improve access to safe water and sanitation services for two disadvantaged communities. The initiative has also ensured community resilience to climate change and other water-related shocks, while building the capacity of key stakeholders regarding water use and conservation.

### The Bigger Picture: Water Stress in Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with an average per capita water availability of only 964 cubic meters per annum. Scientific studies suggest that Pakistan is undergoing significant depletion of groundwater resources. This problem adds to the climate change-induced vulnerabilities faced by millions of people already affected by the lack of water, food, health services, and energy security.

The success of the Farash Town and James Town water security megaproject offers a hopeful example of how community involvement, innovative techniques, and international cooperation can address critical water challenges in Pakistan.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346830-covering-the-basics

Famed roboticist thinks spending billions on humanoids is a waste

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**Famed Roboticist Warns: Spending Billions on Humanoids Is a Waste**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025, 10:01 AM*

Rodney Brooks, a leading roboticist and co-founder of iRobot, has issued a stark warning to investors pouring billions into humanoid robot startups. In a recent essay, Brooks criticized the prevalent approach of teaching robots dexterity by showing them videos of humans performing tasks, calling it “pure fantasy thinking.”

### The Challenges of Replicating Human Dexterity

Brooks emphasized the unmatched complexity of the human hand, which is equipped with approximately 17,000 specialized touch receptors. According to him, no robot has yet been able to replicate this intricate level of sensitivity and control.

He also raised safety concerns regarding full-sized walking humanoid robots. These machines consume significant amounts of energy to maintain balance and pose serious risks if they fall.

### A Different Vision for the Future of Robots

Looking ahead, Brooks predicts that successful “humanoid” robots 15 years from now will likely feature wheels, multiple arms, and specialized sensors — rather than attempting to closely mimic the human form.

He expressed skepticism about the massive investments currently being made, suggesting that much of the funding is directed toward expensive training experiments unlikely to scale to mass production.

This isn’t the first time Brooks has challenged the lofty expectations set by overly optimistic entrepreneurs and investors in the robotics industry.

### Market Growth Despite Warnings

Despite Brooks’s cautionary stance, the market for humanoid robots continues to expand rapidly. Apptronik, a prominent humanoid robot manufacturer, has raised nearly $450 million from investors including Google. Similarly, Figure — another key player backed by Microsoft and the OpenAI Startup Fund — recently announced over $1 billion in committed capital from its latest funding round.

As investments pour in, the debate over the most realistic and practical paths for humanoid robotics development remains very much alive.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/famed-roboticist-warns-investors-on-humanoid-robots/story

Strategic alignment

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**Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement: A New Chapter in Regional Security**

On September 18, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, marking a significant milestone in regional geopolitics. Under this pact, any attack on either nation will be considered an attack on both countries. Sparked by Israel’s attack on Qatar, the agreement reflects a strategic pivot by both states to counter the perceived unreliability of traditional Western security guarantees.

**A Historic Milestone with Strategic Nuance**

Hailed as a historic milestone, the agreement establishes a reciprocal defence framework, committing both nations to support each other in countering foreign aggression. However, will this pact automatically result in military support whenever either nation is threatened? Such agreements are best understood through historical context.

Pakistan, with its long history of forming strategic alliances—especially during the Cold War when it joined US-led security arrangements like SEATO and CENTO—did not receive automatic military assistance during its wars with India in 1965 and 1971. Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi highlighted Pakistan’s tradition of strategic restraint, noting its decisions to refrain from deploying troops in the Korean War to avoid confrontation with China, and its choice to decline participation in the 2015 Saudi-led intervention in Yemen.

She further indicated that, given Saudi Arabia’s growing ties with New Delhi, Saudi support in an India-Pakistan conflict would likely be diplomatic or economic rather than military. Saudi Arabia’s trade volume with India is 10 to 14 times larger than with Pakistan, offering considerable economic leverage to deter aggression.

**Strengthening Pakistan’s Strategic Position**

Analyst Michael Kugelman observed that while the pact is unlikely to deter India from aggressive actions, it significantly strengthens Pakistan’s regional stance. The backing of Saudi Arabia, China, and Turkey could elevate Pakistan’s strategic standing, potentially encouraging India to reconsider its regional policies to avoid economic repercussions.

Thus, the agreement’s political significance arguably outweighs its immediate military utility. It functions as a multi-layered signal—reassuring Saudi citizens of Pakistan’s support, warning Israel and other actors that Saudi Arabia is not isolated, and nudging the United States to give Gulf security concerns greater priority.

Salman Bashir, former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, describes the pact as “a strategic political gesture and deterrent signal, rather than an operational blueprint for military integration.”

**Maintaining Traditional Security Partnerships**

Riyadh has long sought a US defence pact and nuclear cooperation as part of normalizing relations with Israel. However, progress in these areas was disrupted by the Gaza conflict. Bashir clarified that this pact does not signal a departure from Saudi Arabia’s longstanding security partnership with the United States.

“The US remains close to Saudi Arabia. They understand the significance and context of this agreement between two of its allies,” he stated.

The primary purpose of the pact is to project solidarity and deter aggression by signaling that an attack on one nation is an attack on both. As Bashir puts it, “It serves as a strong declaratory warning to potential adversaries, emphasizing that any aggression will face a unified response.”

**Historical Defence Cooperation**

Defence collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan dates back to the 1960s, beginning with training agreements. It expanded notably after the 1979 incident, with Pakistani troop deployments including a brigade in 1983 and over 20,000 personnel through the 1980s. Pakistan also sent 11,000 troops during the 1990-91 Gulf War.

Cooperation continued with arms purchases and participation in the 2015 Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition, which was led by a former Pakistani army chief.

**Responding to a Collapsing Regional Security Framework**

The pact responds to a collapsing regional security framework, particularly following Israel’s attack on Qatar—a non-NATO US ally—which exposed the fragility of American security guarantees. The US’s failure to protect Gulf countries during the Doha attack drove Saudi Arabia to seek alternative alliances.

In the Middle Eastern context, where many nations lack the capacity to counter Israeli aggression, Pakistan emerges as a natural, practical, and credible partner. This perception stems not only from Pakistan’s military capability—a battle-hardened, professional force—but also from the profound reverence its people hold for the Haramain Sharifain (the two holy mosques in Saudi Arabia).

For Saudi Arabia, this alliance also supports Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s domestic transformation agenda.

**Ambiguity Over Nuclear Dimensions**

The publicly released text of the defence agreement employs general language such as “strengthening joint deterrence” and avoids referencing specific weapon systems. The notion of a nuclear umbrella remains speculative.

Salman Bashir asserts that Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine remains exclusively oriented toward deterring India, with no indication that this posture has changed. The pact is a diplomatic instrument designed to reinforce deterrence and stability, not to enable the sharing or deployment of nuclear capabilities.

Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi suggests the agreement was designed with deliberate ambiguity regarding the employment and deployment of strategic assets. In the case of an existential threat, depending on circumstances, the nuclear option “cannot be ruled out.”

Nonetheless, she clarifies that such assets are unlikely to be stationed in Saudi Arabia. Similar to how the US deploys nuclear weapons in Europe—including non-NPT signatories—while retaining full control, Pakistan, a non-signatory that respects the NPT, mirrors this stance. Saudi Arabia, by contrast, is an NPT signatory.

Ultimately, the extension of the nuclear umbrella remains uncertain, as the official text contains no mention of nuclear weapons.

**Pakistan’s Emerging Role in Middle Eastern Security**

The agreement formally acknowledges Pakistan’s vital role as a security provider, integrating it into Middle Eastern defence architecture.

Bashir commented, “Essentially, it brings Pakistan to the fore in the Middle Eastern situation. Pakistan becomes as much a Middle Eastern power as it is in South Asia.”

This elevated role carries inherent risks. Pakistan must proceed with strategic caution to avoid entanglement in intra-Arab disputes.

China’s mediation facilitated a Saudi-Iranian detente, with Iran acknowledging Saudi and Pakistani support during its conflict with Israel. This was demonstrated by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid’s urgent meeting with Iran’s Supreme Leader to pledge solidarity, alongside Riyadh’s successful lobbying against US-led regime change efforts pushed by Israel.

Following a meeting between Iranian official Ali Larijani and Saudi leadership, Islamabad must actively address Tehran’s concerns to maintain this diplomatic momentum.

Ambassador Javed Hafiz reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding policy of never initiating aggression against Iran—a stance maintained for decades. Despite challenges from India and Afghanistan, Islamabad’s policy has been to avoid a “hot border” with Iran. Pakistani armed forces have never been deployed along the Iranian border, though there have been occasional spikes in counter-terrorism operations, which Ambassador Hafiz characterized as border management issues rather than hostility.

This clarification has come amid a recent thaw in Islamabad-Tehran relations, underscored by Pakistan’s full support for Iran in the UN Security Council.

He also pointed to Iran’s strategic challenges, surrounded by Azerbaijan, GCC states, and Pakistan. Even before recent Israeli attacks, Iran’s regional influence had waned due to the weakening of its proxy forces in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.

**Potential Risks and Regional Security Dynamics**

Ambassador Hafiz warned that the defence agreement could make Pakistan a target for Israel. While an attack on a nuclear-armed state with strong conventional forces is unlikely, Israeli policy has historically opposed Muslim nuclear powers, as seen in its destruction of Iraq’s Osirak reactor and similar attempts against Iran.

An Israeli attack on Pakistan could trigger massive retaliation and risk all-out war. Pakistan must therefore strengthen its counter-terrorism efforts and safeguard its national interests in light of intelligence suggesting Israel used Indian agents to prepare for attacks on Qatar and Iran.

Should Israel contemplate an attack on Saudi Arabia, the risks escalate dramatically. Such a move could ignite a massive, uncontrollable regional war expanding beyond previous engagements in Qatar and Iran.

Having already targeted several neighbours, Israel must carefully reassess the prohibitive risks and consequences of initiating conflict with a state of Saudi Arabia’s stature and alliances.

**Pakistan Air Force Preparedness Against Israeli Threats**

The historical rivalry between the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Israel includes notable victories for Pakistani pilots.

– In the 1967 Six Day War, Flight Lieutenant Saif-ul Azam, flying a Jordanian Hawker Hunter, downed three Israeli jets—Dassault Mystere IV, Vautour IIA, and Mirage III—setting a record for the most Israeli Air Force aircraft shot down, according to Air Marshal Arshad Aziz Malik (retired).

– In 1973, Flight Lieutenant Sattar Alvi, flying a Syrian MiG-21, destroyed an Israeli Phantom.

For decades, the PAF has prepared and rehearsed contingency plans against potential threats from Israel alongside its primary focus on India.

Air Marshal Malik noted that Israel had at least three times planned to attack Pakistan’s nuclear facilities. The PAF regularly conducts rehearsals with aircraft and sensors, practicing war plans to counter threats from all directions.

Pakistan has repeatedly thwarted potential airstrikes by Israeli forces. On one occasion, a timely alert from an ally exposed an Israeli Air Force strike package using a civilian airliner as cover to evade radar. PAF fighter jets were scrambled immediately, forcing the Israeli mission to abort.

In another instance, Israeli Defense Forces jets reached Afghanistan with a refueller aircraft to attack Pakistan. However, PAF air controllers vectored the pilots to border areas, causing the Israeli strike package to quickly withdraw.

These successes followed earlier threats of a joint Israeli-Indian plan to attack the Kahuta nuclear facility in the 1980s. Ahead of the 1998 Chagai nuclear tests, the PAF kept fighters airborne on high alert. Jets also rehearsed sending a one-way strike package to retaliate against critical Israeli facilities and naval platforms using Exocet missiles—demonstrating Pakistan’s strategic reach and resolve in an era before long-range missiles.

Today, an arsenal of missiles and integrated air defence provides Pakistan with greater assurance and sustainability in projecting power.

“Israel is part of our threat spectrum; we have always prepared against them and have the intent, resolve, and capacity to hit where it hurts the most,” said Air Marshal Malik.

Recent Israeli support to India through Harop drones and technical advisory assistance has further underscored the importance of this preparedness.

**International Reception and Future Outlook**

Regarding global reactions, Ambassador Hashmi noted that the agreement arrived with tacit blessings from both the United States and China.

– China views the pact as a stabilizing force safeguarding its massive Belt and Road Initiative investments.

– The US, recognising Saudi security anxieties, may tolerate the agreement given its alliances with both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. However, Washington will firmly oppose any arrangement that threatens or undermines Israel’s security.

Significant diplomatic work lies ahead, including clarifying expectations and operational boundaries to ensure both countries can manage future crises effectively.

Barring extreme and direct threats, this pact is unlikely to compel either country into military actions instigated by the other.

The term “strategic” now encompasses broad domains aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s economic and social transformation goals. Unlike Cold War-era alliances, this agreement could meld Saudi financial resources, Pakistan’s skilled workforce, and Chinese technology.

**Economic and Defence Collaboration Prospects**

The pact opens avenues for defence collaboration, with Saudi investment potentially funding joint production of Pakistani military systems such as Al-Khalid tanks and JF-17 fighter aircraft, reducing reliance on US supplies.

Such cooperation could catalyse Pakistan’s economic growth by creating jobs and expanding vocational training—mutually supporting the development ambitions of both nations while promoting regional stability.

By integrating Pakistan into Middle Eastern security architecture, the agreement enhances regional stability, pressures global powers like the US to prioritize Gulf security, and supports China’s Belt and Road investments as a strategic deterrent.

Nonetheless, Pakistan must clearly define its operational boundaries to avoid entanglement in Middle Eastern conflicts or becoming an unnecessary target for Israel and its Western allies.

—

This defence pact marks a transformative shift, underscoring evolving alliances in a turbulent region and highlighting the complex interplay of military, economic, and diplomatic interests shaping the future of Middle Eastern and South Asian security.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346524-strategic-alignment