I ran the CIA, now I endorse Hillary: former acting director

A former top official of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recently gave backing to presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. In an article written in the New York Times on Aug 5 , Michael J. Morell, CIA?s former acting director and deputy director from 2010 to 2013 said that in the upcoming presidential elections on Nov 8, he will vote for Clinton.

Morell in the article said that during his 33-year career at CIA he served the presidents belonging to both the political parties ? Democrats and Republicans. The former CIA official said that he was present at ex-president W.Bush?s side during the Sept 11 attack as deputy director while he stood with President Obama when Osama Bin laden was killed in 2011.

Morell said that as a government official he always kept silent about his personal political preferences, but that will no longer will be the case when he will vote for Hillary.

?Between now and then, I will do everything I can to ensure that she is elected as our 45th president,? he wrote.

The former CIA top official also gave reasons for the endorsement. ?Two strongly held beliefs have brought me to this decision. First, Mrs. Clinton is highly qualified to be commander in chief. I trust she will deliver on the most important duty of a president ? keeping our nation safe. Second, Donald J. Trump is not only unqualified for the job, but he may well pose a threat to our national security.?

Morell said that Trump does not share Hillary?s political acumen when it came to national security matters, adding that the businessman is already damaging the US?s national security.

The former CIA acting director also slammed Trump?s alleged bonding with Russian president Vladimir Putin in his writing.

?Mr. Putin is a great leader, Mr. Trump says, ignoring that he has killed and jailed journalists and political opponents, has invaded two of his neighbours and is driving his economy to ruin. Mr. Trump has also taken policy positions consistent with Russian, not American, interests ? endorsing Russian espionage against the United States, supporting Russia?s annexation of Crimea and giving a green light to a possible Russian invasion of the Baltic States.?

Morell also in the article criticized Trump?s earlier calls asking for restrictions on Muslims from entering the country.

"Mr. Trump has also undermined security with his call for barring Muslims from entering the country. This position, which so clearly contradicts the foundational values of our nation, plays into the hands of the jihadist narrative that our fight against terrorism is a war between religions. 

In fact, many Muslim Americans play critical roles in protecting our country, including the man, whom I cannot identify, who ran the C.I.A.?s Counterterrorism Center for nearly a decade and who I believe is most responsible for keeping America safe since the Sept. 11 attacks."

Read More

Explosion in Quetta's Civil Hospital, 15 feared dead

QUETTA: At least 15 people were killed and 35 injured when a loud explosion occurred on Monday in Quetta’s Civil Hospital.

The explosion occurred after Balochistan Bar Association's President Bilal Kasi was gunned down at Mano Jan Road. Former Balochistan Bar President Baz Muhammad Kakar was injured in the attack.

Lawyers and journalists had gathered at the emergency department where Bilal Kasi's body was brought, when the explosion occurred. Most of the injured are lawyers, eye witnesses said.

Police said that unknown men also opened fire after the blast. Panic tore through the hospital after the incident. The blast occurred near the emergency department of the hospital.

Security forces have cordoned off the area.

Emergency has been declared at the hospitals in Quetta.

 

Read More

Explosion in Quetta's Civil Hospital, 15 feared dead

QUETTA: At least 15 people were killed and 35 injured when a loud explosion occurred on Monday in Quetta?s Civil Hospital.

The explosion occurred after Balochistan Bar Association's President Bilal Kasi was gunned down at Mano Jan Road. Former Balochistan Bar President Baz Muhammad Kakar was injured in the attack.

Lawyers and journalists had gathered at the emergency department where Bilal Kasi's body was brought, when the explosion occurred. Most of the injured are lawyers, eye witnesses said.

Police said that unknown men also opened fire after the blast. Panic tore through the hospital after the incident. The blast occurred near the emergency department of the hospital.

Security forces have cordoned off the area.

Emergency has been declared at the hospitals in Quetta.

 

Read More

Terming held American a spy premature, inappropriate: Ministry

ISLAMABAD: An investigation report presented to Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan over the entry of blacklisted US citizen Mathew Craig Barrett in Islamabad indicated negligence on part of visa officer deputed in Pakistan Consulate, Houston, who had issued Pakistani visa within 24 hours after receiving an application from Barrett.

The minister had directed a senior ranking police official SP Captain (R) Ilyas to probe the entry of blacklisted US citizen Barrett in Islamabad from Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA). The official was tasked to probe the mater within 24 hours after the incident.

Chairing a meeting here on Sunday, Chaudhry Nisar was also informed that gross negligence was also registered by the investigators on part of the FIA immigration desk official dealing with Barrett. The FIA immigration desk officials at BBIA allowed smooth entry to US blacklisted citizen ignoring basic immigration assessments and protocols. Senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, Police and FIA were also present during the meeting.

The minister was informed by the investigators over how the FIA official, as a second check list procedure, detected entry of blacklisted US citizen into Pakistan, alerting the authorities who later swung into action for an immediate arrest of Barrett. The minister announced Rs100,000 for the system in-charge of IBMS Fahd Qayyum deputed at the BBIA, who had detected the case of Barrett within a short span of time soon after his exit from the airport.

Taking briefing over immigration operational procedures in place, Nisar directed the FIA top brass to review its immigration ground operational processes and ensure a mechanism to permanently plug entry of blacklisted individuals into Pakistan from its borders and airports.

The Interior Ministry spokesman also quoted Chaudhry Nisar as saying, “FIA should ensure implementation of a policy which must plug loopholes which allow entry of blacklisted citizens into Pakistan from our international airports (including land and sea point of entries).”

The minister said a policy must also be devised for future that foreigners should not be granted Pakistan visa by Pakistani missions abroad without the approval of Interior Ministry.

Meanwhile, the spokesman pointed out that it would be premature and inappropriate to declare the US citizen Barrett as a spy. Past history of Barrett in relation to his arrest in 2011 did not carry charges of espionage. The spokesman also called for not linking Barrett’s case with Raymod Davis case. “The two have no links and connection at all,” asserted the spokesman.

A report submitted on 31st January 2012 by DIG. (Inspection) from the inspector general of prisons, Punjab, Lahore (HRC No. 29261-G/2011 application by Binosche Khan Barrett s/o Abdul Rehman, House No. 346, Street No. 16, G-8/1, Islamabad), said, "It is submitted that on receipt of directions, superintendent Central Jail, Rawalpindi was directed to enquire the matter and submit report. As per report, husband of applicant/American national Mathew Barrett s/o Micheal Barrett was admitted in Central Jail Rawalpindi 12.06.11 on judicial remand being involved in the following cases: FIR No. 67 dated 14.5.2011 U/S 14 Foreigner Act 186/123-A PPC P/S Bahthar district Attock; FIR No. 143 dated 10.06.2011 U/S 14 Foreigner Act P/S Golra Sharif, Islamabad.

It is further submitted that husband of applicant/American national in question was in jail in case FIR No. 67/2011 P/S Bahthar Attock by the orders of learned court of Ch Basit Aleem, Judicial Magistrate Sec-30, Fateh Jang on 12.07.2011. He was also in jail in case FIR No. 143/2011 P/S Golra Sharif Islamabad by the orders of learned court of Kashif Qayyum, Judicial Magistrate Sec-30, Islamabad on 20.07.2011. As per record provided by Islamabad Police, prisoner in question had been blacklisted and his visa cancellation orders were issued with the request to Special Branch to ensure departure of the said US national from Pakistan within 15 days vide Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Interior, Islamabad letter dated 20.05.2011 and 10.06.2011, respectively.

It is further submitted that after being granted bail in the above cases by the concerned learned courts, the US national in question was detained in the jail as an internee for a period of three months w.e.f 20.07.2011 by the order of government of Punjab, Home Department, Lahore vide letter No. SO (IS-I) 2-159/2011 dated 21.07.2011 and in compliance with the said orders he was kept in the jail as an internee.

It is further submitted that husband of applicant/US national prisoner was released from Central Jail, Rawalpindi on 13.10.2011 by the order of government of Punjab, Home Department, Lahore vide letter No. SO (IS-I) 2-159/2011 dated 13.10.2011.

Moreover, during confinement in jail he was dealt in accordance with law and all facilities admissible under the rules were extended to him. The allegations of torture could not gain satisfaction from any corner and stood unproved." 

- Originally appeared in The News

 

Read More

Chenab, Tavi in high flood as India releases water

SIALKOT/ISLAMABAD: The Chenab and Tavi Rivers remained in high flood at Head Marala and Chaprar in Sialkot area, while heavy rains lashed various parts of Punjab including Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore on Sunday. The situation has worsened with India releasing water in the Chenab River.

Nullah Dek was also reported in high flood near Chahoor in Pasrur tehsil. Flood warning has been issued. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has sought a detailed report about the flood situation across the country.

A meeting of senior officials can be convened this week to examine the overall situation. Highly-placed sources told The News here on Sunday that the prime minister had already alerted the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and other relevant agencies to be ready for provision of assistance if a problem arises in any part of the country.

Nawaz would decide to review the flood-hit areas once the report he has asked for reaches the Prime Minister’s House. The sources said that the premier is also keeping a vigil on the opposition PTI’s agitation but he is concentrating on the pace of development activities, especially related to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), power generation and building of infrastructure.

Sialkot District Coordination Officer (DCO) Dr Asif Tufail told reporters that 311,840 cusecs of water was passing through the River Chenab at Head Marala. He said River Tavi was experiencing a high-flood tide with 27,444 cusecs of water. However, he added, the flood situation was under control in the Sialkot district.

Also, widespread rains lashed the region on Sunday. A government official in Sialkot, Dr Umer Sher Chatta, said the city received 37.2mm rain, which began early in the morning and continued the whole day. It inundated low-lying urban and rural areas causing serious problems for the people.

Meanwhile, the Federal Flood Commission (FFC) has said that a peak of high to very high flood level is expected in River Jhelum at Mangla (inflow) and high flood in River Chenab at Marala Khanki and Qadirabad during the next 24 hours.

According to the daily FFC report on Sunday, presently River Indus at Tarbela and Guddu and River Kabul at Warsak are flowing in low flood while other main rivers, including Rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej, are flowing normally.

The river flows and reservoir elevations indicate that Tarbela and Mangla reservoirs are at elevations of 1,526.90 feet and 1,236.50 feet, respectively, which are 23.10 feet and 5.50 feet below their respective maximum conservation levels of 1,550.00 feet and 1,242.00 feet.

According to the Flood Forecasting Division Lahore, Saturday’s trough of westerly wave still persists over the northern parts of the country whereas Saturday’s monsoon low pressure area also persists over the northeastern Madhya Pradesh (India).

Seasonal low continues to prevail over northern Balochistan. Moderate moist current from Bay of Bengal is penetrating into upper parts of country up to 5,000 feet.

As predicted by the Flood Forecasting Division Lahore, scattered thunderstorm rain with isolated heavy falls and one or two very heavy falls is expected over the upper catchments of Rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej during the next 24 hours.

Scattered thunderstorm rain may also occur over the upper catchments of River Indus including Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore and Bahawalpur divisions, besides Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (Peshawar, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan divisions) and northeastern Balochistan during the same period, which may generate flash flood flows in local nullahs.

- Originally appeared in The News

 

Read More

Jets pound rebels after they break Aleppo siege

BEIRUT: Syrian insurgents who broke the siege of rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Saturday in a significant territorial gain came under intense air attack from pro-government forces on Sunday trying to repel the advance which also cut government-held Aleppo's main supply route.

Rebels have taken most of a large government military complex southwest of Aleppo city in a major offensive begun on Friday to break a month-long siege and are now attacking further into government held territory.

The surprise advance in Ramousah allowed fighters from insurgent areas in western Syria to break through a strip of government-controlled territory on Saturday and connect with fighters in the encircled sector of eastern Aleppo.

But fierce fighting and continuous Russian and Syrian air strikes in and around the Ramousah area mean no safe passage for besieged east Aleppo residents has been established, activists and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Fighters from a coalition of Islamist rebel groups called "Jaish al Fateh" announced the start of a new phase to liberate the whole of Aleppo, saying it pledged to increased the numbers of fighters for the battle it said will only end by hoisting their flag on the ancient Aleppo citadel in government hands.

Jets believed to be Russian intensified their bombing of rebel-held Aleppo countryside and also hit opposition held Idlib city in north western Syria, rebels said.

They released video footage that showed huge flames of fire it said was caused by white phosphorus bombs dropped on the city.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad wants to take full control of Aleppo, pre-war Syria's most populous city, which has been divided between rebel and government-held areas.

Assad's government forces are supported in Syria by Russian air power, Iranian militias and fighters from Lebanon's Hezbollah group who have sent reinforcements to shore up the army .

Rebel gains this weekend could change the balance of power in Aleppo, after Assad said a siege by government and allied forces on rebel-held east Aleppo in early July was a prelude to re-taking the city. The loss of Aleppo would be a crushing blow for rebels.

"We have now seized full control of the Ramousah area...We are in our trenches but there are insane air strikes of unprecedented ferociousness. The regime is using cluster and vacuum bombs," said Abu al Hasanien, a senior commander in Fateh Halab, the coalition of moderate rebel groups inside the city.

Pro-Syrian government news channels have mostly played down the rebel gains and say Syrian army efforts have caused rebels to withdraw from some recently-gained areas.

But Lebanese pro-Syrian government news channel al Mayadeen said late on Saturday the Syrian army had "withdrawn from a number of positions southwest of Aleppo and repositioned itself in new defensive lines".

The Syrian military was not immediately available for comment.

As the insurgents took over parts of the government's Ramousah military complex, which contains a number of military colleges, they broadcast images of the weaponry and ammunition they were taking possession of.

Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, formerly the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, posted pictures of rows of armored vehicles, munitions, howitzers, rockets and trucks.

The rebel front line is now pushing northwest into western held Aleppo on the edges of the Hamdaniya neighborhood and a housing estate called the 3,000 project, rebels and the Observatory said.

North of Hamdaniya in the direction of the rebels' push is another large government military complex, the Assad military engineering academy.

The opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) congratulated rebels on making "spectacular gains (which send) a clear message to the Assad regime, Iran and Russia that they will not be able to defeat the Syrian people or dictate the terms of a settlement."

SIEGES

Fears are growing in government-held western Aleppo that it might become besieged by rebels, as east Aleppo has been by government forces, because the main route south to Damascus for goods transport, the Ramousah road, has been severed.

News of the rebel advance caused food prices to rise by as much as four times in western Aleppo, the Observatory said.

Following the cutting of the main Ramousah road, Observatory director Rami Abdurrahman told Reuters military vehicles can still get in and out of west Aleppo through remaining exit roads to the north, but these are not safe enough for civilians.

In eastern Aleppo, despite some scenes of celebration as fighters broke the siege yesterday, the lack of a safe route out means conditions for residents remain unchanged.

Three vans of vegetables crossed into east Aleppo, Abdurrahman said, but this was a symbolic gesture and the corridor is too dangerous for civilians or significant supplies to pass.

The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have said conditions in isolated rebel-held east Aleppo have become very concerning.

"Most recently I'm hearing that the markets are closed and it's next to impossible to purchase food. The UN estimates that collectively all aid supplies in east Aleppo will only last about two more weeks," Christy Delafield, senior communications officer for Mercy Corps, which runs the largest non-governmental aid operation inside Syria, told Reuters.

The multi-sided civil war in Syria, which has been raging since 2011, has drawn in regional and global powers, caused the world's worst humanitarian emergency and attracted recruits from around the world.

Read More

Pakistan rejects US remarks of selective approach as 'misplaced, self-contradictory'

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday termed as 'misplaced and self contradictory' the critical remarks by the United States (US) that it was being selective in targeting terrorists and did not go after the groups threatening its neighbours.

"We have taken a serious note of the remarks made by the US Department of State's deputy spokesman Mark Toner which are self-contradictory and oblivious of the fact that Pakistan has taken concrete measures to counter terrorism in a phase-wise manner keeping in view Pakistan's national security concerns," the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

Refreshing the US deputy spokesman's memory with some of the ground realities and observations, Nafees Zakaria said during their recent visit Senator John McCain and other US legislators and congressmen were unanimous in acknowledging the remarkable achievements made by Pakistan in its counterterrorism drive.

"They visited Miranshah and observed the situation on ground for themselves," he added, noting that Senator McCain on his return also wrote an article on his experience in Pakistan.

The FO spokesperson reiterated that terrorism was more of a concern to Pakistan than its neighbour.

"The arrest of the neighbour's active service officer who publicly confessed his state's involvement in perpetrating and financing terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan surprisingly did not prompt any statement by the US," lamented Zakaria, without naming India.

"I also wish to remind the US deputy spokesman of the statement by Mr Chuck Hagel in February 2013 that Pakistan's neighbour uses the soil of another neighbour of Pakistan to finance instability in Pakistan," he said.

"Gen McChrystal's 2009 report had also mentioned the neighbour's activities from the territory of another of Pakistan's neighbour and that they could be detrimental to stability in Pakistan and the region."

He went on to say that the factors behind spread of terrorism in Pakistan and the colossal losses inflicted on Pakistan in terms of loss of over 60,000 innocent lives and billions of dollars loss to the economy are obvious now.

Given these ground realities together with the inhuman treatment meted out by the neighbour's forces to the defenceless and innocent (Kashmiri) people struggling for their right to self-determination in Kashmir, the FO spokesperson said: "The remarks of Mr Toner are misplaced and are not sensitive to Pakistan's security concerns.

Earlier on Thursday, the US had alleged Pakistan of going after terrorists groups 'selectively' urging Islamabad to eliminate all groups, even those that might not threaten Pakistan itself but threaten its neighbours.

"Pakistan has taken and is taking steps to counter terrorist violence, and certainly focusing on those groups that threaten its stability. They?ve restored government control to parts of Pakistan that were used as terrorist safe havens for years," said U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner during the daily media briefing.

He said that these steps have contributed to security interests in the region and they?ve come at a cost of Pakistani lives lost.

"But at the same time, they must target all militant groups and close all safe havens," said the spokesman.

"They?re going after groups, but selectively," he continued further, adding that we need to see them go after even those groups that might not threaten Pakistan itself but threaten its neighbours.

Read More

Iran executes nuclear scientist for spying for U.S.

TEHRAN: Iran has executed an Iranian nuclear scientist detained in 2010 when he returned home from the United States, after a court convicted him of spying for Washington, a spokesman for the judiciary said on Sunday.

"Through his connection with the United States, (Shahram) Amiri gave vital information about the country to the enemy," Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei told a weekly news conference, state news agency IRNA reported.

Mohseni Ejei said a court had sentenced Amiri to death and the sentence had been upheld by Iran's Supreme court, IRNA said.

Amiri, a university researcher working for Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, disappeared during a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in 2009, and later surfaced in the United States. But he returned to Iran in 2010 and received a hero's welcome before being arrested.

A U.S. official said in 2010 that Washington had received "useful information" from Amiri.

Iran had accused the CIA of kidnapping Amiri. U.S. officials said Amiri had been free to come and go as he pleased, and that he may have returned because of pressures on his family in Iran.

Amiri had denied this, saying "my family had no problems". In a video aired by Iranian state TV in 2010, Amiri said he had fled from U.S. agents.

Iran, the United States and five other world powers reached a landmark deal last year, under which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in such a way as to ensure it cannot develop nuclear weapons in exchange for a lifting of economic sanctions.

Read More

Islamic State militants claim capture of U.S. weapons in Afghanistan

KABUL: Militants linked to Islamic State have released photos that purport to show weapons and equipment that belonged to American soldiers and were captured by the group in eastern Afghanistan.

The photos, which came to light on Saturday, show an American portable rocket launcher, radio, grenades and other gear not commonly used by Afghan troops, as well as close up views of identification cards for a U.S. Army soldier, Specialist Ryan Larson.

The U.S. military command in Kabul denied any suggestion the soldier had been captured, saying he "has been accounted for and remains in a duty status within his unit."

American special operations troops have been fighting alongside Afghan forces in a renewed offensive against militants who claim allegiance to Islamic State in Nangarhar Province, which borders Pakistan.

"SPC Larson was attached to a unit conducting a partnered (operation) with Afghan Forces," U.S. military spokesman Commander Ron Flesvig said in an emailed statement on Sunday. "The soldier's I.D. and some of the equipment were left behind after the (operation). The loss of personal identification is unfortunate."

In July, U.S. commanders said at least five special forces were injured in fighting in the province.

The website that published the photos speculated that the equipment and weapons were left behind during that engagement, but Flesvig said American officials are still trying to determine exactly when and how it was lost.

The push in Nangarhar came after President Barack Obama cleared American troops to take a more active role in fighting militants in Afghanistan.

Besides advising work and special operations missions, American aircraft deployed at least 545 weapons in the first six months of 2016.

Read More

Nurse killed, another wounded in Rawalpindi knife attack

RAWALPINDI: A nurse was killed and another wounded on Sunday in a knife attack by unknown men in Rawalpindi, police said.

The incident occurred within the remits of Morgah police station in Rawalpindi, when unknown men attacked two nurses with knife. The wounded women were immediately taken to hospital, where one of them succumbed to her injuries shortly afterwards.

The other injured was also in precarious condition, according to hospital authorities.

The perpetrators have wounded several women in the vicinity, police officials say.

Read More

Nurse killed, another wounded in Rawalpindi knife attack

RAWALPINDI: A nurse was killed and another wounded on Sunday in a knife attack by unknown men in Rawalpindi, police said.

The incident occurred within the remits of Morgah police station in Rawalpindi, when unknown men attacked two nurses with knife. The wounded women were immediately taken to hospital, where one of them succumbed to her injuries shortly afterwards.

The other injured was also in precarious condition, according to hospital authorities.

The perpetrators have wounded several women in the vicinity, police officials say.

Read More

'Suicide Squad' smashes records with $135.1 million debut, 'Nine Lives' dies

LOS ANGELES: "Suicide Squad" smashed records, scoring a colossal $135.1 million debut despite suffering some of the worst reviews of the year.

That sets a new high-water mark for an August launch, lapping "Guardians of the Galaxy's" $94.3 million bow. It also ranks as a new personal best for star Will Smith, trumping "I Am Legend's" $77.2 million debut in 2007.

The action spectacle is also resonating with foreign crowds. "Suicide Squad" earned $132 million overseas from 57 territories, bringing its global total to more than $267 million.

"It bested anything that we could have expected," said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. distribution executive vice president. "The marketing campaign was brilliant and the performances by the cast, starting with Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jared Leto were just extraordinary. They're fun and wicked and fans enjoy it."

"Suicide Squad" has been one of the most hotly anticipated films of the summer. Buzz on the film has built steadily since Warner Bros. released a teaser trailer at last year's Comic-Con that highlighted Jared Leto's grill-sporting Joker and Margot Robbie looking demented in pigtails as Harley Quinn. However, the studio was caught off guard by the fusillade of withering reviews and their were concerns that the poor reception would dampen the opening numbers.

And boy were those reviews awful. The Wall Street Journal's Joe Morgenstern called the film "...an all-out attack on the whole idea of entertainment," New York's David Edelstein branded it "the worst of the worst," and MTV's Amy Nicholson dismissed the picture as "two hours of padding."

Audiences appeared to like the film better than critics, handing the film a B+ CinemaScore. Younger consumers appear to like the film better than older moviegoers, with audiences under the age of 18 giving it an A rating. The question is will "Suicide Squad" show some endurance?

"There's a major disconnect with between what the critics are saying and what audiences are seeing," said Goldstein.

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," the previous entry in DC Comic's series of interconnected superhero films, was also a critical piñata. It managed to overcome the bad notices to debut to $166 million, but the poor word-of-mouth caught up to the film in its second weekend, pushing receipts down by nearly 70%.

There are signs the hostile reviews are already hobbling "Suicide Squad." The film dropped sharply on Saturday, falling 41% from its Friday numbers, although it should be said that those grosses include Thursday pre-show results.

The studio has a lot riding on "Suicide Squad." It spent $175 million making the picture, including tens of millions on reshoots. But the cost isn't the only concern. DC is struggling to generate the same level of excitement for its stable of Batman, Superman, and other Justice League fixtures that Marvel has managed to stoke for its movies about costumed avengers. It needs more of its films to be beloved as well as financially successful.

Production on the film was reportedly rushed with writer and director David Ayer having less than two months to turn a script around. The film centers on a team of super villains who are recruited for a black ops mission by the U.S. government.

Men accounted for 54% of "Suicide Squad's" opening weekend audience, with more than half of the audience clocking in under the age of 25. Warner Bros. released the film across 4,255 locations. Imax accounted for 381 of those venues, and the big screen company comprised $11 million of the first weekend gross.

The weekend's other new release, EuropaCorp's "Nine Lives," died a quick death. The story of a ruthless executive (Kevin Spacey) who gets transformed into a cat, coughed up $6.5 million, and managed to score even worse reviews than "Suicide Squad." Spacey barely promoted the movie, which was the brainchild of former EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert, who originally envisioned the film as a high-concept comedy before repositioning it as a family film. Ousted from the company last February, Lambert died of lung cancer in May. He was 51 years old. "Nine Lives" cost just over $30 million to make.

Last weekend's champ, "Universal's Jason Bourne," dropped 62% in its second frame, topping out at $22 million. That was strong enough for a second place finish and brings the spy sequels domestic haul to $103.4 million.

STX Entertainment's "Bad Moms" snagged third place in its second weekend, picking up $14.2 million. The raunchy comedy about a group of mothers who rebel against pressures to be perfect parents has made $51 million since opening, a healthy return on its $20 million budget. Universal's "The Secret Life of Pets" nabbed fourth place with $11.6 million. The family comedy is one of the year's biggest hits, having made $319.6 million during its run. Paramount's "Star Trek Beyond" rounded out the top five, earning $10.2 million to push its stateside gross to $127.9 million after three weeks.

 

Read More

'Suicide Squad' smashes records with $135.1 million debut, 'Nine Lives' dies

LOS ANGELES: "Suicide Squad" smashed records, scoring a colossal $135.1 million debut despite suffering some of the worst reviews of the year.

That sets a new high-water mark for an August launch, lapping "Guardians of the Galaxy's" $94.3 million bow. It also ranks as a new personal best for star Will Smith, trumping "I Am Legend's" $77.2 million debut in 2007.

The action spectacle is also resonating with foreign crowds. "Suicide Squad" earned $132 million overseas from 57 territories, bringing its global total to more than $267 million.

"It bested anything that we could have expected," said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. distribution executive vice president. "The marketing campaign was brilliant and the performances by the cast, starting with Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jared Leto were just extraordinary. They're fun and wicked and fans enjoy it."

"Suicide Squad" has been one of the most hotly anticipated films of the summer. Buzz on the film has built steadily since Warner Bros. released a teaser trailer at last year's Comic-Con that highlighted Jared Leto's grill-sporting Joker and Margot Robbie looking demented in pigtails as Harley Quinn. However, the studio was caught off guard by the fusillade of withering reviews and their were concerns that the poor reception would dampen the opening numbers.

And boy were those reviews awful. The Wall Street Journal's Joe Morgenstern called the film "...an all-out attack on the whole idea of entertainment," New York's David Edelstein branded it "the worst of the worst," and MTV's Amy Nicholson dismissed the picture as "two hours of padding."

Audiences appeared to like the film better than critics, handing the film a B+ CinemaScore. Younger consumers appear to like the film better than older moviegoers, with audiences under the age of 18 giving it an A rating. The question is will "Suicide Squad" show some endurance?

"There's a major disconnect with between what the critics are saying and what audiences are seeing," said Goldstein.

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," the previous entry in DC Comic's series of interconnected superhero films, was also a critical piñata. It managed to overcome the bad notices to debut to $166 million, but the poor word-of-mouth caught up to the film in its second weekend, pushing receipts down by nearly 70%.

There are signs the hostile reviews are already hobbling "Suicide Squad." The film dropped sharply on Saturday, falling 41% from its Friday numbers, although it should be said that those grosses include Thursday pre-show results.

The studio has a lot riding on "Suicide Squad." It spent $175 million making the picture, including tens of millions on reshoots. But the cost isn't the only concern. DC is struggling to generate the same level of excitement for its stable of Batman, Superman, and other Justice League fixtures that Marvel has managed to stoke for its movies about costumed avengers. It needs more of its films to be beloved as well as financially successful.

Production on the film was reportedly rushed with writer and director David Ayer having less than two months to turn a script around. The film centers on a team of super villains who are recruited for a black ops mission by the U.S. government.

Men accounted for 54% of "Suicide Squad's" opening weekend audience, with more than half of the audience clocking in under the age of 25. Warner Bros. released the film across 4,255 locations. Imax accounted for 381 of those venues, and the big screen company comprised $11 million of the first weekend gross.

The weekend's other new release, EuropaCorp's "Nine Lives," died a quick death. The story of a ruthless executive (Kevin Spacey) who gets transformed into a cat, coughed up $6.5 million, and managed to score even worse reviews than "Suicide Squad." Spacey barely promoted the movie, which was the brainchild of former EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert, who originally envisioned the film as a high-concept comedy before repositioning it as a family film. Ousted from the company last February, Lambert died of lung cancer in May. He was 51 years old. "Nine Lives" cost just over $30 million to make.

Last weekend's champ, "Universal's Jason Bourne," dropped 62% in its second frame, topping out at $22 million. That was strong enough for a second place finish and brings the spy sequels domestic haul to $103.4 million.

STX Entertainment's "Bad Moms" snagged third place in its second weekend, picking up $14.2 million. The raunchy comedy about a group of mothers who rebel against pressures to be perfect parents has made $51 million since opening, a healthy return on its $20 million budget. Universal's "The Secret Life of Pets" nabbed fourth place with $11.6 million. The family comedy is one of the year's biggest hits, having made $319.6 million during its run. Paramount's "Star Trek Beyond" rounded out the top five, earning $10.2 million to push its stateside gross to $127.9 million after three weeks.

 

Read More

People have rejected Imran Khan?s agenda of anarchy: Amir Muqam

PESHAWAR: In a public display of power, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) staged a rally in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?s capital on Sunday where party leader Amir Muqam, addressing the masses, criticised PTI chairman Imran Khan?s politics.

Prime Minister's adviser Amir Muqam, addressing the rally in Peshawar, said that the people have spurned Imran Khan?s agenda of anarchy and protest politics.

He said that the people of KPK have seen the real face of the PTI chief, who has failed to deliver on his promises of change and elimination of corruption.

In contrast, whatever PM Nawaz Sharif has done for the progress and prosperity of the country is clearly visible to the public, Muqam said.

Continuing with his criticism of Imran Khan, Muqam claimed even members of PTI say the government is indulging in corruption.

?There is no sign of the billion trees project in the province,? Muqam said, adding that the entire PTI is busy with a failed rally.

The PM?s adviser lauded the Peshawar public, saying that the people have made history by making the PML(N) rally a success.

?After Mansehra and Lakki Marwat, PML(N) has now displayed its power in Peshawar,? Muqam said, remarking that people were attending the rally in hordes despite obstacles and that the workers? enthusiasm was giving him fresh confidence.

Muqam said that PML(N)?s rally will prove that PTI has lost its popularity in KPK. Taking another jibe at PTI, he said that all of KPK?s police seemed to have been deployed at the PTI rally.

He said PM Nawaz Sharif will come to Peshawar in September or October.

?One soldier of Nawaz Sharif is enough to take on Imran Khan and his entire party,? Muqam said.

PTI chairman Imran Khan on Sunday mounted the party's famous container once again to kick off the accountability movement from Peshawar.

The PTI chief addressed the rally participants before commencing the anti-corruption campaign, which is currently heading towards Attock.

He said that the institutions of the country were destroyed due to corruption.

?This is a trailer, the match is about to start,? Imran said earlier.

The PTI had earlier said that it would go home peacefully after staging a protest if PM Nawaz Sharif accepted the united opposition?s ToRs.

Read More

People have rejected Imran Khan?s agenda of anarchy: Amir Muqam

PESHAWAR: In a public display of power, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) staged a rally in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s capital on Sunday where party leader Amir Muqam, addressing the masses, criticised PTI chairman Imran Khan’s politics.

Prime Minister's adviser Amir Muqam, addressing the rally in Peshawar, said that the people have spurned Imran Khan’s agenda of anarchy and protest politics.

He said that the people of KPK have seen the real face of the PTI chief, who has failed to deliver on his promises of change and elimination of corruption.

In contrast, whatever PM Nawaz Sharif has done for the progress and prosperity of the country is clearly visible to the public, Muqam said.

Continuing with his criticism of Imran Khan, Muqam claimed even members of PTI say the government is indulging in corruption.

“There is no sign of the billion trees project in the province,” Muqam said, adding that the entire PTI is busy with a failed rally.

The PM’s adviser lauded the Peshawar public, saying that the people have made history by making the PML(N) rally a success.

“After Mansehra and Lakki Marwat, PML(N) has now displayed its power in Peshawar,” Muqam said, remarking that people were attending the rally in hordes despite obstacles and that the workers’ enthusiasm was giving him fresh confidence.

Muqam said that PML(N)’s rally will prove that PTI has lost its popularity in KPK. Taking another jibe at PTI, he said that all of KPK’s police seemed to have been deployed at the PTI rally.

He said PM Nawaz Sharif will come to Peshawar in September or October.

“One soldier of Nawaz Sharif is enough to take on Imran Khan and his entire party,” Muqam said.

PTI chairman Imran Khan on Sunday mounted the party's famous container once again to kick off the accountability movement from Peshawar.

The PTI chief addressed the rally participants before commencing the anti-corruption campaign, which is currently heading towards Attock.

He said that the institutions of the country were destroyed due to corruption.

“This is a trailer, the match is about to start,” Imran said earlier.

The PTI had earlier said that it would go home peacefully after staging a protest if PM Nawaz Sharif accepted the united opposition’s ToRs.

Read More

Sindh Chief Minister expands cabinet

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has expanded his cabinet by inducting nine ministers and eleven Special Assistants.

The newly inducted members of the cabinet were administered the oath by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad at Governor House in Karachi on Sunday.

The nine ministers who took oath included, Mir Hazar Khan Bajarani, Nasir Hussain Shah, Imdad Ali Pitafi, Fayyaz Ali Butt, Muhammad Bakhsh Khan Meher, Manzoor Hussain Wassan, Muhammad Ali Malkani, Mumtaz Hussain Jakhrani and Jam Ikramullah Khan Dharejo.

The Special Assistants to the Chief Minister included Rehana Leghari, Nadir Khwaja, Burhan Chandio, Abid Bahiyo, Nawab Taimur Talpur, Syed Qasim Naveed, Umer Rehman Malik, Baber Afridi, Zulfiqar Bahiyo and Shahid Fahim. 

Murad Ali Shah was elected as the 27th Chief Minister of Sindh last month after former CM Sindh Qaim Ali Shah resigned. 

On July 30, nine ministers, four advisors, and four special assistants of the Sindh cabinet had taken oath for their office at Governor House.

The ministers included Dr Sikandar Mandhro, Makhdoom Jamiluz Zaman, Nisar Khuhro, Mahtab Hussain Dahar, Jam Khan Shoro, Suhail Anwar Siyal, Sardar Ali Shah, Shamim Mumtaz and Mukesh Kumar Chawla.

The advisors and special assistants included Saeed Ghani, Murtaza Wahab, Maula Bux Chandio, Asghar Junejo, Khato Mal, Erum Khalid, Dr Sikandar Shoro and Syed Ghulam Shah.

 

 

 

Read More

Turkey?s Erdogan stages mass rally in show of strength after coup attempt

ISTANBUL: Hundreds of thousands of Turks began gathering in Istanbul on Sunday summoned by President Tayyip Erdogan to denounce a failed coup - a show of strength staged in the face of Western criticism of widespread purges and detentions.

The "Democracy and Martyrs? Rally" at the Yenikapi parade ground, built into the sea on the southern edge of Istanbul?s historic peninsula, caps three weeks of nightly demonstrations by Erdogan?s supporters, many wrapped in the red Turkish flag, in squares around the country.

The vast majority of those gathering for the rally were Erdogan supporters, some with banners reading "You are a gift from god, Erdogan" or "Order us to die and we will do it".

"We?re here to show that theses flags won?t come down, the call to prayer won?t be silenced, and our country won?t be divided," said Haci Mehmet Haliloglu, 46, a civil servant who travelled from the Black Sea town of Ordu for the rally.

"This is something way beyond politics, this is either our freedom or death," he said, a large Turkish flag over his shoulder and a matching baseball cap on his head.

Erdogan has vowed to rid Turkey of the network of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whose followers in the security forces, judiciary and civil service he accuses of orchestrating the attempted power grab and of plotting to overthrow the state.

The cleric was an ally of Erdogan in the early years after his AK Party was elected in 2002. He has denied the charges and denounced the coup which came at a critical time for NATO "frontline" state Turkey, facing as it does militant attacks from across the border in Syria and from Kurdish rebels.

Tens of thousands of people have been suspended, detained or placed under investigation since the plot including soldiers, police, judges, journalists, medics and civil servants - prompting concern among Western allies that Erdogan is using the events to tighten his grip on power.

"The triumph is democracy?s, the squares are the people?s," said flyers put through doors overnight advertising free bus, ferry and subway transport to Sunday?s rally.

The slogan adorns banners hung from bridges and buildings across the country.

Erdogan, accused by critics in the past of dividing the country by an intolerance of criticism, has invited the heads of the secularist and nationalist opposition to address the crowds in what he hopes will show a unified nation in defiance of Western criticism.

"The only way to eliminate coups is to revive the founding values of the Republic.

These values that make our unity should be spoken out loud at Yenikapi," said Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the secularist opposition CHP, in a tweet ahead of the rally.

The brutality of July 15, in which more than 230 people were killed as rogue soldiers commandeered fighter jets, helicopters and tanks, shocked a nation that last saw a violent military power grab in 1980. Even Erdogan?s opponents saw his continued leadership as preferable to a successful coup renewing the cycle of military interventions that dogged Turkey in the second half of the 20th century.

Secularists and nationalists who oppose Erdogan also loathe Gulen?s Hizmet (Service) network, used by Erdogan in years past to help undermine the power of secularist generals suspicious of his ruling AK Party?s ideals.

They have so far been limited in their criticism of purges of alleged Gulenists, though they have raised questions about the pace and scale of the detentions. Such solidarity may not last.

There are already opposition concerns that the restructuring of the military is happening without parliamentary oversight and is going too far, with thousands of soldiers discharged including around 40 percent of generals.

WESTERN CRITICISM

Erdogan said this week he had initially misread the intentions of Gulen, whose network was once close to the AKP, and asked: "May my people and God forgive me."

"He is such a big leader that he can admit his mistake. No president has ever apologised to his people before," said Gurkan Cendeli, 21, a student from the southern city of Adana who slept outside the presidential palace in Ankara on Saturday night with a group of friends before taking an overnight bus to Istanbul.

"Ready for your order, commander-in-chief," read the slogan on his T-shirt.

The extent of the purges in Turkey, which has NATO?s second largest armed forces and aspires to membership of the European Union, have drawn criticism in the West.

Read More

Rain wreaks havoc in parts of Sindh and Balochistan, triggers flood fears

At least five people drowned while 49 others were rescued as rains, flash floods hit Balochistan?s Harnai district over the weekend.

The floods also swept away vehicles in their path. Five cars have been recovered so far, the district?s administration said.

Rains caused flooding in canals in Uthal, a city in Balochistan?s Lasbela District. Flood waters entered nearby villages, forcing residents to migrate to safety. The flood waters also interrupted traffic on the Uthal Lakhra road.

Meanwhile, flood water from nearby mountains caused severe flooding in Dadu?s Gaj river. The river?s water level has touched 18 ft (maximum level is 27 ft).

The Johi Wahi Pandi road was inundated at two places, because of which nearby villages including Drigh Bala and Gorakh hill station lost ground contact with Johi.

Flooding in the Gaj river is also likely to lift water level of Lake Manchar.

Persistent rain has also started to fill up Hub dam. According to the dam?s administration, the water level has increased by 18 ft to reach 292.2 ft. The total capacity of the dam is 339 ft, after which the water from the dam has started to overflow.

On the bright side, Karachi has been able to stock up on water for a year?s needs, experts said.

Following two days of rain in Karachi, water still remains on the roads in several parts of the metropolis and many areas are still without electricity.

Light rain has been forecast in Karachi for today. Interior Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Qalat, Sibi, Naseerabad, Quetta, FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are expected to get rain as well.

At least 21 people have died in separate rain-related incidents in Karachi and interior Sindh since Friday evening.

The rain began on Friday evening and continued intermittently till Saturday afternoon, leaving 50 percent of Karachi in darkness, as around 250 feeders of K-Electric out of a total of 1,400 were tripped.

Rescue and government officials said around 14 deaths were reported in Karachi from electrocution or roof collapse incidents in low-lying areas while another seven were killed in Badin, Mithi and Thatta in interior Sindh.

The showers also resulted in massive traffic jams and gridlocks in various parts of the city.

Read More

England declare; Pakistan need 343 to win

BIRMINGHAM: England declared at 445/6 four overs into their innings on the final day of the third Test at Edgbaston, setting Pakistan 343 to win off 84 overs.

Moeen Ali was not out at 86 and Chris Woakes had just come in after Jonny Bairstow was trapped lbw off a Sohail Khan delivery at 83 when Captain Alastair Cook sent the signal.

At stumps on Saturday, England were 414 for five in their second innings, a lead of 311 runs.

Bairstow was 82 not out and Ali 60 not out.

England's sixth-wicket duo had added an unbroken 132 runs inside 27 overs ahead of Monday´s final day.

Pakistan will now have to set a new record for the Birmingham ground if they are to go 2-1 up in the four-match series, as the most any side have made in the fourth innings to win a Test at Edgbaston is South Africa?s 283 for five in 2008.

Read More

England declare; Pakistan need 343 to win

BIRMINGHAM: England declared at 445/6 four overs into their innings on the final day of the third Test at Edgbaston, setting Pakistan 343 to win off 84 overs.

Moeen Ali was not out at 86 and Chris Woakes had just come in after Jonny Bairstow was trapped lbw off a Sohail Khan delivery at 83 when Captain Alastair Cook sent the signal.

At stumps on Saturday, England were 414 for five in their second innings, a lead of 311 runs.

Bairstow was 82 not out and Ali 60 not out.

England's sixth-wicket duo had added an unbroken 132 runs inside 27 overs ahead of Monday´s final day.

Pakistan will now have to set a new record for the Birmingham ground if they are to go 2-1 up in the four-match series, as the most any side have made in the fourth innings to win a Test at Edgbaston is South Africa’s 283 for five in 2008.

Read More

Imran Khan mounts container once again, kicks off accountability campaign from Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Sunday mounted the party's famous container once again to kick off the accountability movement from Peshawar.

The PTI chief addressed the rally participants before commencing the anti-corruption campaign, which is currently heading towards Attock.

He said that the institutions of the country were destroyed due to corruption.

?National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is providing cover to Ishaq Dar and Nawaz Sharif,? claimed Imran Khan.

He said that corruption makes the rich richer and the poor poorer.

Imran vowed that he would stay with the workers till the accountability of the prime minister.

?This is a trailer, the match is about to start,? said Imran.

Meanwhile, Information and Broadcasting Minister Pervez Rashid took a jibe at Imran Khan and said that the PTI chief has lost the reason to lead a movement.

The PTI had earlier said that it would go home peacefully after staging a protest if Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif accepted the united opposition?s ToRs.

Imran had decided to build more pressure on the government and invited the masses to actively participate in the movement for accountability starting from today.

In a series of tweets, Imran Khan had invited all Pakistanis to demand ehtesab (accountability) from their leaders as it is their right.

PTI container will be moving on its Tehreek again tomorrow. I invite all Pakistanis to demand ehtesab frm their ldrs as it is their right.

? Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 6, 2016

 

 

Read More

Imran Khan mounts container once again, kicks off accountability campaign from Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Sunday mounted the party's famous container once again to kick off the accountability movement from Peshawar.

The PTI chief addressed the rally participants before commencing the anti-corruption campaign, which is currently heading towards Attock.

He said that the institutions of the country were destroyed due to corruption.

“National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is providing cover to Ishaq Dar and Nawaz Sharif,” claimed Imran Khan.

He said that corruption makes the rich richer and the poor poorer.

Imran vowed that he would stay with the workers till the accountability of the prime minister.

“This is a trailer, the match is about to start,” said Imran.

Meanwhile, Information and Broadcasting Minister Pervez Rashid took a jibe at Imran Khan and said that the PTI chief has lost the reason to lead a movement.

The PTI had earlier said that it would go home peacefully after staging a protest if Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif accepted the united opposition’s ToRs.

Imran had decided to build more pressure on the government and invited the masses to actively participate in the movement for accountability starting from today.

In a series of tweets, Imran Khan had invited all Pakistanis to demand ehtesab (accountability) from their leaders as it is their right.

PTI container will be moving on its Tehreek again tomorrow. I invite all Pakistanis to demand ehtesab frm their ldrs as it is their right.

â€" Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 6, 2016

 

 

Read More

Fire breaks out in Karachi?s Gul Plaza shopping mall

KARACHI: A fire broke out on the first floor of shopping mall Gul plaza on Sunday in Karachi.

It was reported that 15 shops perished in the fire. According to officials, the blaze was caused due to a short circuit.

Currently, four fire brigade vehicles are trying to extinguish the blaze.

Earlier in 2008, another major incident of fire reduced goods to ashes at Gul Plaza?s ware house.The fire was said to caused by a short-circuit at the popular shopping mall?s second floor.

Read More

Lost in paradise

Legendary actress-turned-director Shamim Ara passed away this Friday leaving countless memories of her glorious innings in the Pakistani film industry. 

Veteran film actress Shamim Ara breathed her last in London on Friday morning, bringing an end to an era of glorious films, melodious songs and super hit films with her. Born Putli Bai at Aligarh in 1938, she started her career early on, in her teens, with Kanwari Bewah (1956) and remained an integral part of the industry till 1999; her last film was Pal Do Pal that saw her evolve from being a supporting actress to one of the most influential people on the film sets â€" the director.

Shamim Ara mostly took on supporting roles in the late ’50s. At the time when she played Noor Jehan’s younger sister in Anarkali, no one would have imagined that the latter would render some of Pakistan’s most popular songs  for the newcomer. From ‘Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat’ (Qaidi) to ‘Kahan Ho Tum’ (Humraaz); from ‘Chalo Acha Hua Tum Bhool Gaye’ (Laakhon Main Aik) to ‘Abhi Dhoond Hi Rahi Thee’ (Bewafa), Noor Jehan lent her voice to the leading lady for a number of iconic songs in the ’60s. Other playback singers of the era, including Mala and Runa Laila, also rendered their vocals for Ara whose career as a lead actress lasted 2 decades.

Shamim Ara set her foot in the film industry at a time when Sabiha Khanum and Nayyar Sultana were stars in their own rights, but she quickly went on to dominate the screen alongside Zeba Mohammad Ali, giving a tough time to the likes of Rani, Shabnam and Nisho. Her natural acting ability allowed her to make her presence felt opposite all leading men at the time. She played a tawaif and stood her ground in front of a daku (played by Mohammad Ali in Aag Ka Dariya); suffered in silence and still loved another man (Waheed Murad in Doraha, Ejaz Durrani in Laakhon Main Aik); was unafraid to come out clean for having an affair with her husband’s brother (played by Nadeem in Angaaray); was strong enough to deal with her ex-lover’s constant blackmailing (Nadeem in Suhaag) and played a widow who lost her husband (Syed Kamal in Farz) and son to the country.

Ara continued to act in films till the mid-70s and while at the top of her game, she decided to quit acting to try on the director’s hat. Earlier, she was also one of the renowned actresses of the 1960s to venture into film production (Saiqa, Suhaag). Her popularity can be judged from the fact that people actually took her seriously when she announced that she’d marry the person, who would hoist the Pakistani flag at the Red Fort in Delhi. However, she got married four times in real life (to Sardar Rind, Fareed Ahmed, A. Majeed and Dabeer ul Hasan) and eventually directed many films that were scripted by Dabeer ul Hasan (mostly in the ’90s).

However, it was her association with Babra Sharif that heralded the ‘Miss Films’ series that saw Babra take on men double her size and still come out winning. Be it Miss Hong Kong, Miss Colombo, Miss Singapore or Miss Bangkok, the combo of Shamim Ara - Babra Sharif offered the audience (especially women) an exciting retreat. She spent the ’90s making films that were heavily inspired from Bollywood but she also played a pivotal role in polishing the careers of then newcomers Babar Ali, Jan Rambo (Afzal Khan), Sahiba, Mohsin Khan, Resham and Meera as well as Saud. Her last film Pal Do Pal featured a soundtrack from the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and although the music was appreciated by fans, the film didn’t do well at the box office. The queen of the box office would have loved to go out with a hit, though.

- Originally published in The News on Sunday

Read More

Lost in paradise

Legendary actress-turned-director Shamim Ara passed away this Friday leaving countless memories of her glorious innings in the Pakistani film industry. 

Veteran film actress Shamim Ara breathed her last in London on Friday morning, bringing an end to an era of glorious films, melodious songs and super hit films with her. Born Putli Bai at Aligarh in 1938, she started her career early on, in her teens, with Kanwari Bewah (1956) and remained an integral part of the industry till 1999; her last film was Pal Do Pal that saw her evolve from being a supporting actress to one of the most influential people on the film sets ? the director.

Shamim Ara mostly took on supporting roles in the late ?50s. At the time when she played Noor Jehan?s younger sister in Anarkali, no one would have imagined that the latter would render some of Pakistan?s most popular songs  for the newcomer. From ?Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat? (Qaidi) to ?Kahan Ho Tum? (Humraaz); from ?Chalo Acha Hua Tum Bhool Gaye? (Laakhon Main Aik) to ?Abhi Dhoond Hi Rahi Thee? (Bewafa), Noor Jehan lent her voice to the leading lady for a number of iconic songs in the ?60s. Other playback singers of the era, including Mala and Runa Laila, also rendered their vocals for Ara whose career as a lead actress lasted 2 decades.

Shamim Ara set her foot in the film industry at a time when Sabiha Khanum and Nayyar Sultana were stars in their own rights, but she quickly went on to dominate the screen alongside Zeba Mohammad Ali, giving a tough time to the likes of Rani, Shabnam and Nisho. Her natural acting ability allowed her to make her presence felt opposite all leading men at the time. She played a tawaif and stood her ground in front of a daku (played by Mohammad Ali in Aag Ka Dariya); suffered in silence and still loved another man (Waheed Murad in Doraha, Ejaz Durrani in Laakhon Main Aik); was unafraid to come out clean for having an affair with her husband?s brother (played by Nadeem in Angaaray); was strong enough to deal with her ex-lover?s constant blackmailing (Nadeem in Suhaag) and played a widow who lost her husband (Syed Kamal in Farz) and son to the country.

Ara continued to act in films till the mid-70s and while at the top of her game, she decided to quit acting to try on the director?s hat. Earlier, she was also one of the renowned actresses of the 1960s to venture into film production (Saiqa, Suhaag). Her popularity can be judged from the fact that people actually took her seriously when she announced that she?d marry the person, who would hoist the Pakistani flag at the Red Fort in Delhi. However, she got married four times in real life (to Sardar Rind, Fareed Ahmed, A. Majeed and Dabeer ul Hasan) and eventually directed many films that were scripted by Dabeer ul Hasan (mostly in the ?90s).

However, it was her association with Babra Sharif that heralded the ?Miss Films? series that saw Babra take on men double her size and still come out winning. Be it Miss Hong Kong, Miss Colombo, Miss Singapore or Miss Bangkok, the combo of Shamim Ara - Babra Sharif offered the audience (especially women) an exciting retreat. She spent the ?90s making films that were heavily inspired from Bollywood but she also played a pivotal role in polishing the careers of then newcomers Babar Ali, Jan Rambo (Afzal Khan), Sahiba, Mohsin Khan, Resham and Meera as well as Saud. Her last film Pal Do Pal featured a soundtrack from the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and although the music was appreciated by fans, the film didn?t do well at the box office. The queen of the box office would have loved to go out with a hit, though.

- Originally published in The News on Sunday

Read More