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    Best Pakistani Drama Serials of 2019 – 2020

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    2
    Alif poster
    Alif poster

    The previously cringe-worthy industry of Pakistani drama has undergone a huge revolution. Like, seriously! Earlier, the vast majority of dramas were simply not worth watching.

    Today, dramas focus on real-life situations and display content which is truly riveting! Directors are increasingly utilizing the medium of dramas, highlighting issues that truly deserve attention. For example, topics such as rape and psychological issues.

    Equally exciting is the number of new faces that are making their mark on the industry in a very short time. Stars like Ayeza Khan, Iqra Aziz and Yumna Zaidi are taking the drama industry by storm with their scintillating performances.

    Nonetheless, this isn’t always the case. There are still plenty of dramas that are still revolving around the typical saas-bahu feuds. The list I’ve compiled so far mainly focuses on issues other than this! While you are at it, you may also want to check out our list of best dramas from 2019 or from the year prior.

    If you have the time to binge watch Pakistani dramas, these are the ones you should consider!

    Yeh Dil Mera

    Yeh Dil Mera poster

    The Pakistani drama ‘Yeh Dil Mera’ stars a spectacular cast which is enough to draw in a massive audience. The likes of Adnan Siddiqui, Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Ali play the lead roles in this uber successful drama.

    The main storyline revolves around the chemistry between opposites, bringing to life the cliché of opposites attract! Furthermore, Farhat Ishtiaq has written a truly mesmerizing script. Aehsun Talish’s direction too has received accolades by a majority of critics. The drama has all the trappings including murder, intrigue, a convoluted love story, shock, and betrayal. All in all, it is definitely a drama worth seeing.

    Kashf

    Recent dramas, as I have mentioned earlier too, have begun to see the wisdom in using the power of media on shedding light on important issues. Similarly, Kashf is a wonderful attempt by the director Danish Nawaz, to shed some light on a rare sleep disorder.

    The subject of the drama is dream anxiety disorder or nightmare disorder. Hira Mani has played out the leading character’s fear and anxiety perfectly.

    One can almost imagine the intense struggle of the character, Kashf Binte Imtiaz Ahmed, who is plagued by nightmares as they come true in reality.

    Her struggles also considerably shape her personal and social life. The drama serial helps us see the world through the lens of someone who is going through a mental disorder, an aspect which is sorely needed.

    Ruswai

    In a country rampant with rape cases, and in which harassment is a routine feature, Ruswai is an extremely relatable drama. The drama portrays the reality of what rape survivors go through. The drama accurately portrays the abandonment by the closest loved ones and the unbearable anguish it causes.

    Furthermore, the drama explores an extremely important social issue: the treatment of a rape survivor by the spouse and the lack of awareness about therapy. Moreover, a woman not hiding her rape case, rather fighting for justice simply takes the cake.

    Additionally, the acting is truly commendable. The actors go skin deep into the characters, making it a believable affair from the start.

    I must warn, however, that the drama serial does begin to drag near the end.

    Ghalati

    Anger is a truly vengeful thing with a mind of its own. However, there is a need to control it. It is particularly important to ensure, that in moments of anger, we refrain from actions that will cause serious consequences. Ghalati is a drama that shows us exactly this.

    Nevertheless, while it brings forward this learning aspect, it is also, for the most part, a typical drama in terms of arguments between the saas and the bahu, which can get a little tedious. I mean, we have enough of those already, don’t we?

    I shouldn’t really write this, but I hate how the husband (Affan Waheed) casually gives ‘TALAAQ’ to his wife. Moreover, how he pushed his sister in the recent most episode really put me off.

    Meray Paas Tum Ho

    Tales of men who are unfaithful are many. On the other hand, tales of women who are unfaithful, are few and far in between. In comes, the drama serial which has topped all charts. Aside from the star-studded cast, the drama truly has a lot to offer.

    The best part I feel is the fact that it tells the other side of the story, the one in which the husband is sweet, faithful, and loving, but the wife still strays. The twist where the husband also hits the financial jackpot was a bit much, to be honest. Also, the last scene was a super stretch. However, overall, it is a good watch!

    Alif

    Critics have long hailed Umera Arshad as one of the best novel writers in Pakistan. Likewise, the drama Alif – based on her novel, did not disappoint even her diehard fans.

    The storyline is fraught with emotions that viewers are sure to feel. The much talked about drama draws upon spiritual elements most Pakistanis can surely relate to. Therefore, it drew up a considerable fan base immediately upon it’s release.

    Hamza Ali Abbasi’s return to the screen after a brief hiatus also contributed to the drama becoming wildly popular.

    However, it is definitely not lighthearted. In order to truly grasp both the storyline and its philosophical elements, the drama demands attention and concentration from the viewers.

    Ranjha Ranjha Kardi

    Everyone faces hardships in life one way or another. At some point in our lives, we are forced to live a life that we could not have anticipated in our worst nightmares.

    Such is the fate of Noori in the drama, who is forced to marry a mentally challenged man, ‘Bhoola’. The character, and the storyline as a whole, became overnight sensations in much of Pakistan.

    The acting too is commendable. Imran Ashraf clearly shines in his portrayal of Bhoola, taking the screen by storm during every scene. This drama played a major part in a breakout year that marked him as one of the industry’s most promising actors.

    Ehd-e-Wafa

    Ehd-e-Wafa is another drama that has made a place for itself in the hearts of many. Granted, there was a bit of apprehension as it was an ISPR funded production. There were apprehensions that the drama has been produced with the sole agenda of molding public opinions.

    However, this all faded away when the true story unveiled.

    And even though it is patriotic and military-inspired, what is the harm in that? Our armed forces are our pride, and there is no wrong in being patriotic.

    The story progresses by following four key characters, portrayed as college friends. These are Osman Khalid Butt, Ahad Raza Mir, Ahmad Ali, and Wahaj Ali. Each character goes on to live separate lives, intermingled through carefully crafted plot narratives and conflicts.

    Although it may sound similar to Alpha Bravo Charlie, the drama eventually takes on an identity of it’s own.

    Khaas

    Our society is truly patriarchal. Males in our society are often condescending, demanding, demeaning and unappreciative. Yes, I know not all men! The drama serial Khaas, is a wonderful attempt to show how such characters hurt their significant others.

    It is also an accurate portrayal of the shift in the women, who no longer stand to put up with this behavior. One of the best things that this drama showed was the support of the girls’ parents for her actions.

    While in real life girls are often forced to live a humiliating existence merely for the sake of social standing and customs, Khaas showed that this doesn’t have to be the case.

    Simply because society expects adherence to age-old customs, does not mean they are right, or that they are the only way to go. It tells the women, it is right to stand up, because they deserve more!

    Moreover, women in Islam have the right to ‘Khula’.  For all the mothers out there with sons; make them watch this!

    Ishq Zah-e-Naseeb

    All over the country, fans are positively swooning over the spectacular production that is Ishq Zah-e-Naseeb. The storyline is truly unique. Along with this, the cast has rendered captivating performances that have kept the audience riveted.

    It is also one of the dramas which have tried to break the silence on topics that are often shushed.

    Unsurprisingly, psychological illnesses are for the most part not taken seriously in Pakistan.

    Going to the psychologist is still considered laugh-worthy. The drama serial Ishq Zah-e-Naseeb is, therefore, a breath of fresh air.

    Zahid Ahmed has played the role of Sameer, a character with a split personality disorder, with perfection. His passion and interest in the character are evident from the way he has acted it out.

    Overall, the drama is surely one you should not miss out on.. After all, It is the most searched Pakistani drama on Google for a reason.

    It is truly amazing that these dramas are being used to shed light on topics that truly matter. Rather than run-of-the mill gibberish in the form of this affair and that girlfriend – these are dramas that hold our attention, provide entertainment and help us learn valuable lessons as well.

    There is no dearth of dramas that are typical and focus on the storyline boy meets girl, or those annoying saas-bahu feuds.

    The need of the hour is to spread awareness about topics and issues that matter.

    We hope you enjoyed reading our list of top Pakistani dramas, are there any that we missed out on? Let us know what your favorite Pakistani drama 2020 and 2021 is by commenting below.

    10 Easy, Healthy, and Delicious Recipes for Absolute Beginners

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    0

    Cooking is one of the greatest pleasures in life! Especially more so today, since everyone has been confined to their houses. Therefore, cooking today is a skill that is as essential as breathing!

    Therefore, I am going to share a few of my favorite recipes that are simple enough for just about anyone to follow. In addition, these quicks will be amazing enough to totally melt in your mouth! Yum-yum indeed! Try your favorite and let me know!

    1.  Beef Pasta

    Ingredients:

    • Vegetables: bell peppers, spinach, onions, coriander. Or pretty much any vegetable you prefer.
    • Pasta,
    • Grated parmesan
    • Cheddar cheese
    • Seasoning (salt / oregano / crushed red chillies / black pepper)

    Instructions:

    Easily a winner, beef pasta can be cooked in a skillet. Thus, it comes with the added advantage of not having to scrub a million dishes! The best thing about this recipe is that you have the full liberty of incorporating any ingredients you want. In other words, this recipe can be customized completely according to your taste.

    All you need to do is pick your favorite vegetables. Cut them up any way you like and stir fry with a bit of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Once the vegetables are done, add minced beef and cook thoroughly. In a separate pot, boil pasta and add it to the beef and veggies. The last step is the addition of spices, (either white sauce or red), as per your own taste preferences.

    Voila! a scrumptious dish is ready which is both, healthy and delicious! Top it off with grated parmesan, serve and enjoy!

    Remember, Beef Pasta comes in many shapes and forms, so feel free to experiment.

    2.  French Toast

    Basic French Toast Recipe

    Ingredients:

    • Egg,
    • Bread,
    • Sugar,
    • Crushed cinnamon,
    • Dash of milk.
    • vanilla essence

    Instructions:

    Whisk 2 eggs thoroughly. Once that is done, the next step is to add a dash of milk, sugar, vanilla essence, and cinnamon. After this, whisk everything again thoroughly. Then, soak the slice of bread in the mixture. While it is soaking, heat up a pan with a little bit of oil. If you’re looking to cut calories, use a cooking oil spray instead! When the oil is hot, add the bread to it. Cook from both sides, until nice, crispy and brown from both sides.

    Can you believe that’s it? This breakfast favorite is ready! Top it off with Nutella, whipped cream or even fruits to enjoy!

    Disclaimer: I mentioned breakfast, but it easily tastes as good at midnight as well!

    3.  Cheese Omelet

    Cheese Omelette | Healthy Egg Omelette - Breakfast Recipe ...

    Ingredients:

    • Eggs,
    • Grated cheddar cheese,
    • Grated mozzarella cheese,
    • Sliced sausages,
    • Salt,
    • Pepper,
    • White pepper,
    • Hot sauce,
    • Sliced green chilies.
    • Veggies (tomato, onion and fresh mint leaves)
    • 2 tablespoon milk

    Instructions:

    My holy grail! A cheese omelet is one of the dishes whose fame has spread all around the world. And it is surprisingly easy to make. Simply whisk the eggs together, adding all the spices, as per your own preference. Add milk to the mixture. If you like it fluffy, whisk it well and add a dash of baking powder to it.

    Pour a teaspoon oil to the pan and heat it up. Then, add the egg mixture and top it off with sliced chilies and sausages. The next step is to cover and let cook on low flame. If you are super hungry and have decided to cook more than one egg, be sure to let the eggs cook through because they will take some time! If health is on your mind, add as many veggies as you want to make it healthier. Otherwise, load it up with cheese and enjoy!

    4.  Bread Pizza

    Bread Pizza {on a skillet (tawa) or pan }

    Ingredients:

    • Bread,
    • Tomato ketchup (or pizza sauce if it’s on hand),
    • KNN chicken tikka chunks,
    • Grated cheese,
    • Sliced onions, tomatoes, olives and bell peppers,
    • Oregano.

    Instructions:

    Let’s face it, we don’t always have the time to wait for pizza delivery (or the cash). This one’s a winner, even a favorite with the kids! All you have to do is cut off the crusts of the toast. Smear it generously with the sauce. Then add the vegetables and chicken tikka chunks. Top it off with grated cheese – the more the merrier and sprinkle oregano on it. Pop it in the oven for a bit and there you have it!

    I love making these for my family as a tea-time snack!

    5.  Mug Cake

    Ingredients:

    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour,
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder: 2 tablespoons,
    • ¼ cup white sugar,
    • Pinch of salt,
    • Pinch of baking soda,
    • Milk: 3 tablespoons,
    • Canola oil: 2 tablespoons,
    • Water: 1 tablespoon,
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.

    Instructions:

    Take a large mug which is microwave safe. First, simply add all the dry ingredients and mix them. Then, stir in milk, canola oil, water and vanilla extract. Next, put it in the microwave for about 1 minute and 45 seconds. The cake should be cooked through. This will depend on your personal microwave power settings so make sure to cook for longer or lesser time, as needed. This makes a perfect sweet treat for any time of the day!

    6.  Egg Sandwich

    Egg Sandwich Recipe: How to Make Egg Sandwich

    Ingredients:

    • Boiled egg,
    • Mayonnaise,
    • Vinegar,
    • Chopped green chilies,
    • Chopped cucumber,
    • Lettuce leaves,
    • Bread,
    • Salt, pepper and white pepper,
    • Boiled and shredded chicken,
    • Slice of cheese.

    Instructions:

    To begin with, mash the boiled eggs with a fork. Once this is done, add all the ingredients except for the lettuce leaves and bread. All the spices are of course as per your individual preferences. Once the mixture is ready, the next step is the assembly. Heat up the bread, and if you like your cheese melted, put the cheese on top to melt it! Put lettuce leaves on the bread, and then the mixture.

    Top it off with the second slice of bread. Not only is this particular recipe extremely tasty, but it is also healthy. It is also an easy way in which vegetables can be incorporated into the diet of kids who are picky eaters.

    7.  Strawberry-Banana Shake

    Healthy Strawberry Banana Milkshake - Chocolate With Grace

    Ingredients:

    • Strawberries,
    • Bananas,
    • Milk,
    • Sweetener of choice.

    Instructions:

    In order to make your shake thicker and hence even yummier, one amazing trick is to slice up the strawberries and bananas, and freeze them. For those who are in a hurry, especially mums, it always help to have frozen zip lock bags of cut up fruits in the freezer. When needed, pop the contents of a bag into the blender. Add milk and sweetener of your choice to it. Then, blend it! It’s perfect for those hot summer days when you are simply too lazy to make an effort for your meal. And on top of that, its extremely healthy and nutritious as well!

    While I have mentioned two specific fruits, there is really no end to the variations of fruits you can add to your shakes. It is really all up to you! This is also a filling drink for kids, especially those who shy away from drinking milk.

    8.  Potato Skins

    Cheesy Potato Skins - | Welcome to Prairie Farms

    Ingredients:

    • Potatoes,
    • White sauce,
    • Cheese,
    • Olives,
    • Oregano.

    Instructions:

    The first step to making potato skins is to halve the potatoes. No need to take the skin off! Add a bit of olive oil on top and put them in the oven for a little while. This will help to cook the potatoes a bit. After a little while, take out the potatoes and scoop out some of the pulp. Mix white sauce, mashed potato pulp any spices needed. Scoop this mixture back into the hollowed-out potatoes with skins, top off with cheese, olives, and oregano. Then, put them back in the oven for a while. Serve hot and relish in the oohs and ahhs as everyone enjoys it!

    9.  Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches

    Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Recipe | Land O'Lakes

    Ingredients:

    • Peanut butter,
    • Jam jelly as per preference,
    • Bread.

    Instructions:

    Don’t be fooled by the limited ingredients, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are super delicious and also very filling. The best part is how simple it is! Simply spread peanut butter on one slice, and jam jelly on the other. Combine – enjoy! If you are looking to make it healthier, opt for brown bread instead of white. There are also sugar free or diet versions of jam jellies available which can be used as well.

    10. Fruit Salad

    Easy Fruit Salad Recipe - How to Make Fruit Salad

    Ingredients:

    • Any and all available fruits,
    • Lime juice,
    • Spices such as salt and pepper.

    Instructions:

    These are the key ingredients needed. However, there is no right or wrong method when it comes to this particular recipe. Gather together all the fruits you can, and all the fruits you love! Cut them all into cubes and add them in a bowl. Next, pour in some lime juice and a pinch of salt and pepper.

    An alternative to this would be the addition of an abundance of cream. It is, of course, less healthier, but oh so delicious! When trying the variant with the cream, or even the one mentioned earlier, it is important that the salad be super cold when serving. It is refreshing and a wonderful way to consume a variety of fruits and hence nutrients. It is also one of the ways in which picky children can be encouraged to consume fruits. The bright colors will entice them to try it!

    Looking for more delicious food ideas? Check out more on ‘Food Nation’ at CurryFlow.com.

    Beat Boredom while being isolated at home with these cool tips

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    0

    2020 was touted to be the year for everyone. Needless to say, it started with a Bang.

    Unfortunately, almost four months in, the whole world is reeling from its after-effects. Moreover, presently, more than half of the global population is under a strict lock-down and quarantined at home.

    While it might have seemed like a vacation, in the beginning, it is only but natural to succumb to boredom once the novelty wears off. However, it doesn’t have to be like this. Are you sick of the situation too? Don’t worry, we have you covered.

    Here we share a few ways you can beat boredom while self-isolating at home. Yes. Even if you have kids!

    Set Up A Cool Routine

    Firstly, instead of walking around in boredom in your house, do yourself a favor and set up a routine for yourself and your family. Engaging yourself in a daily routine will not only make long days at home meaningful but will also give you something to look forward to.

    In fact, it has been revealed through studies that loss of daily routine can lead to boredom and depression. Therefore, settling down in a daily routine or creating a new one will generate a sense of coherence. So ‘chop-chop’!

    Get up and get ready, plan a cool day for yourself and your kids and enjoy innovative activities. Moreover, don’t sleep all day and wake up all night. Make it the other way around and get some sun.

    De-Clutter and Be in Control Foreva!

    Although this may seem counter-intuitive, decluttering your wardrobe and your house is one of the best ways to destress in these highly stressful times. In fact, you’ll be killing two or more birds with one stone.

    Again, not only will you be getting rid of things you don’t use anymore, but you will also find stuff that may be of use for you now.

    Moreover, this simple act of decluttering will actually give you a sense of control and command in these unprecedented times. Plus, you can let the kids help you and teach them so much by organizing stuff. Make it fun for them by creating a cool activity out of it (we will do kids special soon)

    Pamper Yourself like never before

    You finally have time on your hands to pamper yourself as much as you want. Although times are hard right now, this does not mean that you can’t indulge in a spa day! In fact, this might just be the perfect time to do so.

    • Take out your manicuring kit, slather some good hand cream and push down those cuticles. Use a bright and preppy color on your nails.
    • Experiment with your hair color and try on a different shade.
    • Set up some candles in your bathroom, turn on your favorite tunes and take a nice, long relaxing bath.
    • Dress up as if you are going out! Nothing beats boredom better than putting on a dress and a pair of high heels.
    • Don’t forget to take a picture and upload it on Instagram.

    Voila! Who said self-isolation is boring.

    Catch Up on Your Missed Reading

    If you are not big on reading, leave this tip out!

    In sum, these are trying times and it is hard to stay away from what is going on around us and hence, reading a book is one of the best ways to disconnect. In fact, this is the ideal time to catch up on your missed reading.

    In addition, since most of the books are available to read online, reading a book is literally just a click away.

    However, if you like to have a hard copy in your hands, you can simply order books from your local bookstore. Spice it up by experimenting and picking up a book that you wouldn’t read under normal circumstances. No one.. literally no one will disturb you now! Finish your book in peace.

    Bring it On, Master chef!

    Instead of moping around the house and getting bored, why don’t you pick up a knife and chopping board and get going? Trust me, this is the best time to brush up on your culinary skills! Moreover, if you are not alone in the house, you will be able to get some feedback on the food you cook.

    In the meantime, since most of the grocery stores are open and are delivering groceries right to your doorstep (in a few countries only), all you need to do is find a recipe and get going!

    Furthermore, if you are not that confident, you can even enroll in online cooking and baking lessons to perfect this art!

    Challenge Yourself!

    ‘A bored mind is a devil’s workshop’. This quote aptly portrays the current scenario of people who are isolating at home. That said, there is a lot that you can do to stave off boredom. Challenge yourself and learn a new language. In fact, learning a new language has never been easier.

    With apps such as Babbel, Rosetta and DuoLingo, you have the option to select from a number of available languages. Furthermore, these apps have audio-visual cues and quizzes along with lessons to turn you into an expert in no time!

    Move that A**!

    While you are isolating at home, you don’t necessarily have to turn into a couch potato! In fact, it is recommended that you move around as much as possible. After all, exercise releases endorphins and endorphins make you happy. While keeping the rules of ‘social distancing’ in mind, you can go out for a jog or a walk every day.

    Nevertheless, if you are not an out-door person, you can roll out your mat and pick up some weights to get in a good workout. Then again, the point is to move and burn a few calories. Simply dance away to your favorite tunes and be happy.

    Interestingly enough, a lot of famous trainers and exercise gurus are conducting free workout classes online to ensure that everyone stays active, both physically and mentally!

    Connect with Your Family and Friends

    Needless to say, stressful times call out for a family hug! Unfortunately, social distancing rules out any real hugs. However, this does not mean that you can’t connect with them and have a virtual group hug.

    From ‘Zoom’ to ‘Google hangout’ to our good old Skype and WhatsApp, it is now possible to stay connected with your loved ones 24/7.

    In fact, this is a very good time to reconnect with your old friends and even relatives that you have been meaning to call!

    Detox Mentally

    While this may sound a little too good to be true, it is important to detox yourself mentally. It is so easy to get terrified by what is happening around us and get affected by it mentally. Nonetheless, in order to maintain your sanity and keep yourself calm, try noting down five things that you are grateful for every day before going to bed.

    It can be something as small as having a good cup of coffee in the morning or baking a delicious brownie. Nonetheless, the point is that you go to bed with something to be grateful for!

    These are hard times, but we are all in it together and we’ll get through it!
    COVID19

    Why Shawerma Plus just might serve the best shawarma in North America?

    By
    Ali Salman
    -
    0

    One look at Shawerma Plus (based in Waterloo, Ontario) and you can tell this is not your average shawarma place. For one, they spell it shawerma (with an ‘e’) rather than shawarma. But the unique attributes of this growing restaurant chain go well beyond the spelling.

    In the last twenty years or so, shawarma has caught up with Pizza and American fast food staples such as burgers and fries in the quest to be labelled as the world’s most popular food. It comes in a number of variants, including Donner kebabs, pita rolls and wraps among others – but the end product is pretty much the same: a bunch of ingredients rolled up in a flatbread alongsidean array of sauces.

    But despite all the creative offsprings that we now see all across major North American metropolitans like New York and San Francisco, the traditional shawarma remains very much a middle eastern affair.

    Keeping It Simple

    So how does one differentiate between a good shawerma and normal one? If you ask Jawad Ghabra, the owner of Shawarma Plus, it is very much a combination of years of learning mixed in with the right philosophy: fresh ingredients, top-grade halal chicken, and no shortcuts.

    This is where so many shawarma places get it wrong. In order to create their own version of the Mediterranean classic, you can usually expect an experience where there is more madness than method. Not only can this backfire greatly, it also runs the risk of permanently alienating clientele that are not used to middle eastern / Mediterranean flavors.

    A good shawarma, as Shawerma Plus illustrates, needs to have it’s core right: tender, flavourful meat may seem like something that expected, but you would be surprised that almost 80 percent of shawarma places get this part incorrect. Bland or dry meat has been the death knell for many a shawarma. Another important ingredient, as Jawad highlights, is that the sauces need to be authentic and ideally homemade. When you use ultra-processed off-the-shelf sauces, not only does it jeopardize the end product’s flavour, but it makes it an unauthentic experience. You do not want that.

    Getting the ‘Shawarma Mix’ right

    You may have heard of the marketing mix – all of the key components of launching or positioning a product successfully in a market. But there is also a shawarma mix. If you following the key guidelines of the shawarma mix, the worst case scenario is that you will create a shawarma wrap that is fairly eatable. The best case scenario: you just might create a masterpiece. Here are the essentials where we feel Shawerma Plus has managed to outdo so many of it’s vaunted competitors (we are looking at you Halal Guys).

    • Oil: Don’t over do it. A big greasy shawarma might seem heavenly comfort food for the first few bites, but by the time you are done, you will never want to look at it again.
    • Flavor: Dont shy away from flavor. Be open options for all types of taste buds and spice levels.
    • The veggies: They must be fresh, and ideally, locally sourced. And by the way, did we mention they have to be fresh?
    • Sauce: Ideally homemade, not shy of providing an extra tinge of flavor.
    • The Meat: Needs to be succulent, tender, soft without being chewy. Ideally halal, because if you didn’t know – halal meat just tastes better. No compromise in sourcing.
    • The Presentation: A great shawarma without good presentation is no shawarma at all. Make the presentation neat – and try to serve up some fries wherever you can.

    Ranked as the best shawerma in the region by over 24 sources including Google and TripAdvisor, Shawerma Plus is well on it’s way to becoming a big player in a growing market. It is also a testament to the theory that family-owned businesses tend to offer the best food experiences at the best prices.

    As for shawarma lovers like us, we are ready to see brands like Shawerma Plus take shawarma to the next step of becoming the global food.

    Stunning royal wedding gowns that will make you want to get married (again)

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    0

    A wedding is an extremely joyous occasion. Indeed, there is something about witnessing a wedding that fills one’s heart with love. Royal weddings are no different. In fact, they bring with them an ‘oomph’ factor that can’t be overlooked.

    Significantly, it is the wedding gowns that literally take our breath away. Let’s go down memory lane and take a look at some of the most glamorous and remarkable wedding gowns till date.

    Queen Elizabeth 2, 1947

    We all know how Queen Elizabeth came into reign after the tragic demise of her father. However, she was always the next in line to the throne and knew how to win the hearts of the people.

    Interestingly enough, when she walked down the aisle in 1947, her wedding gown was more than a fashion statement.

    Apparently, in contrast to opulent wedding gowns of that era, her ivory silk wedding gown was embroidered with garlands of spring flowers and seed pearls. Depicting hope and renewal in the post-war Britain.

    Grace Kelly, 1956

    Apparently, Grace Kelly is credited for setting the trend for elegant and modern wedding dresses of the present times. Her beautiful wedding dress was a gift from MGM studios and had a lace bodice with a pleated silk skirt which required 100 yards of silk net!

    Moreover, the antique Brussels lace on the bodice had hundreds of seed pearls to hide the underlying seams. Instead of a tiara, Grace Kelly opted for a pearls and lace headpiece to hold her veil in place… And the trail was made of lace too!

    Queen Noor of Jordan, 1978

    Queen Noor of Jordan’s wedding dress was an epitome of minimalism and elegance to say the least. Instead of going for a traditional wedding gown, the house of Christian Dior was commissioned to create the ethereal silk-crepe tiered skirt and a sheer veil.

    Needless to say, she glowed on her wedding day! However, if you ask me, a royal dress should be ‘Royal’!!!!

    Princess Diana, 1981

    Obviously, if we are rounding up the best royal wedding gowns, the list can’t be complete without mentioning Lady Di’s exceptional wedding gown. This masterpiece turned the ‘princess wedding gown’ of fairy tales into a reality for every teenage girl.

    Also, interestingly, instead of opting for the Royal dress-maker, like her predecessors, Lady Di went with little-known designers, David and Elizabeth Emanuel.

    The gorgeous ivory taffeta gown had intricate embroidery of sequins and 10,000 pearls. Moreover, the fabric used in the gown was specially commissioned from a British farm.

    In addition to all this, the dress had a 27-foot trail! Can you ever think about walking in such a heavy dress?

    Duchess of Cambridge, 2011

    In contrast to her late mother-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge decided to walk the aisle in a traditional wedding gown. However, the traditional wedding gown had its share of modern touches as it was done by Sarah Burton who heads Alexander McQueen.

    The gown had a long train, classical silhouette and was decorated with intricate floral lace appliqués all over.  To summarize, the dress was amazing as it included patterns of rose, thistle, shamrock and daffodil. In addition, the way she carried herself was mere perfection. Don’t you agree?

    Charlene, Duchess of Monaco, 2011

    In contrast to her British counterpart, the Duchess of Monaco chose something different. Apparently, she tailored her wedding gown from Giorgio Armani.

    The exquisite wedding gown had silk organza and satin with around 40,000 Swarovski crystals and 20,000 mother-of-pearl teardrops sewn in it. Phew! Just imagine the amount of glamour she spread as she walked!

    In addition, the dress looked perfect, not only because of her sleek figure but also because it was totally stunning.
    Moreover, the bride’s bouquet was sketched by Armani himself! Cool, isn’t it.

    Duchess of Sussex, 2018

    Interestingly, the Duchess of Sussex also decided to break away from tradition on her wedding day. Instead of a typical lace and silk wedding gown, she opted for an off-the-shoulder dress with ¾ sleeves. Making a lovely fashion statement.

    Equally important, the 16-foot veil was the show-stopper as it had an intricate hand-embroidered floral pattern on it. This gown was designed by the house of Givenchy.

    Here Are Some Restaurants Where You Get Free Food

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    0
    Ahmed Ali Butt at Restaurant

    Just before you crash your next wedding and risk getting caught, hear us out for a minute. Turns out that there are some restaurants that offer free food. No, they haven’t gone crazy. It’s called marketing, fool.

    Espresso, for instance, gives a free cookie when you check-in online. This helps them create buzz around locations while simultaneously building up a loyal customer base. All this for just a cookie!

    We’ve all filled up Subway or KFC’s customer feedback form online just to get a free cookie or drink on our next visit, haven’t we? If you said yes – read on my cheap friend.

    Hwy 55 – USA

    Hwy 55 has a mouthwatering challenge for you – finish a towering burger of truly scrumptious beef patties layered with melting cheese. Of course, there is a catch! You need to be able to actually finish this beast, and trust me, it’s no easy feat. t. As scores of YouTube videos testify, this challenge requires an iron-clad stomach, tons of determination, and a dollop of hunger!

    Still, if you do manage to finish the mega burger, not only is the meal free but your name will also be mentioned on their official website for all that’s worth.

    BD’s Mongolian Grill, Kentucky USA

    This place deserves a special mention as their free meal is served with thoughtful intention as well. All you need to do us come on your birthday – and you get a free meal.

    Isn’t that just the sweetest gesture? The only issue is that you will need to bring a parent, your identification card, passport and a blood sample. Okay, we joke.

    IHOP – All Over The World

    Inducing rapid and immense salivation for pancake fans around the world, IHOP is a name unanimous with scrumptious breakfasts. Everyone wants free food, especially when it is coming from a place as yummy as IHOP. However, believe it or not, not many are aware of this deal.

    Standing true to its name, the ‘International House of Pancakes’ gives a free short stack of pancakes to all customers on international pancake day.

    What’s more? Customers who sign up from their rewards program are also eligible for a stack of free flapjacks on their birthday.

    And by God, that’s not all.

    It also makes you eligible for the same free flapjacks every year on your rewards program signup anniversary!

    Arby’s – USA

    Arby’s really knows how to strike the right chords. Rather than give away free food on happy days, it has decided to give free food on a much more ‘taxing’ occasion.

    Fortunately for Americans, it offers free curly fries to all customers coming in on April 15, Tax Day across the United States!

    Godfather Burger – Faisalabad & Lahore

    Godfather Burgers might be located in Iqbal Town, Lahore, but it does serve up a pretty mean burger. The challenge is to finish the beast of a burger in 3 minutes alongside three more of your buddies – if you do manage to do it somehow, let the owners handle the bills.

    Another variation challenges you to go solo and tackle the burger within 12 minutes.

    It’s not the hippest burger joint in town, but at least they’re putting their money where your mouth is.

    How Nafisa became one of Canada’s most popular halal restaurants

    By
    Ali Salman
    -
    1

    Nafisa Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine has popped up into everyone’s instagram feed as of recent. Throughout Canada and pretty much anywhere Instagram is to be found, we see Nafisa’s amazing cuisine being shared by people of all ages.

    Let’s look at the backstory here: in 2016 onwards, due to influencers like #saltbae and other middle eastern personalities, people have opened up to entire range of middle eastern delicacies. No other dish garnered the same viral reviews as the famous Kunafeh. Turkey and Dubai being global hotspots for tourists, it quickly became at trend to upload instagram videos while eating ‘Knafeh’ from one of the famous eateries located within these cities.

    Let’s look at the backstory here: in 2016 onwards, due to influencers like #saltbae and other middle eastern personalities, people have opened up to entire range of middle eastern delicacies.

    Fast forward to 2019 – and Nafisa introduced to the world what has often been called the ‘Best Knafeh out there’.

    Nafisa Arrives & Takes Over

    Fortunately for the people of Mississauga, Nafisa isn’t a one hit wonder. Infact, there main clientele comes for their amazing range of chicken, lamb and vegetarian dishes – all halal.

    Here, we are not only focusing on our sweets but introducing the timeless food recipes that have made these dishes legendary in Syria and much of the Arab world.”

    Unsurprisingly, this has attracted a large crowd of Greater Toronto Area based Indians and Pakistanis – who realized you don’t need to spend 5,000 dollars to go to Turkey for a few days and eat great Knafeh.

    Speaking with CurryFlow.com, the owner highlighted Nafisa’s past and future, “We have been in the sweets business for the last four decades back home in the middle east. Here, we are not only focusing on our sweets but introducing the timeless food recipes that have made these dishes legendary in Syria and much of the Arab world.”

    Located at the happening Queen St. S in the heart of Mississauga, Nafisa Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine has proven to be a mainstay of the local dining scene.

    Try these branding ideas and take your new business one step forward

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    1
    brand chart with keywords and elements on blackboard

    It isn’t news at all that competition in the market is tough! The question then arises – what can you do to make it in the industry? To this end, branding has been found to be one of the most effective ways of firmly establishing your business.

    Moreover, it helps give a unique face to your company and helps establish solid brand loyalty.

    Don’t know where to get started? For this purpose, here are a few effective strategies to help your business move forward in the right direction:

    Choose an Archetype

    But first – what is an archetype? An archetype is an idea of basing the logo of your business on characters that are recognizable. For example, the logo of KFC’s Colonel Sanders is recognized the world over!

    Nonetheless, while it may not exactly be drawn from folklore or a fable, it does bring to mind the tireless struggles of a man who made it big – and that story definitely has a nice ring to it!

    Pick a Smashing Logo!

    Your logo is literally the face of your organization. Above all else, this is what your preferred consumer base will remember and relate to your products. It follows logically that the logo should be designed to be memorable and unforgettable.

    In fact, if you are successful in leaving a lasting effect, your logo may very well symbolize the entire industry. To demonstrate this, consider the logo of McDonald’s which has become synonymous with the whole fast food industry.

    Critically evaluate your Social Media Strategy

    Social media, nowadays, is THE way to get your message across. Earlier, advertisements in newspapers, radios, and TVs were the mode of communication. However, times have changed and the paradigm has noticeably shifted towards campaigns being run dominantly on social media platforms.

    These include Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, etc. Hence, these are the areas that definitely need meticulous planning and immense attention to detail to ensure what’s being advertised is as close to perfect as possible!

    Ensuring a robust presence and engagement with potential customer base on these platforms is essential! In fact, it is here that your brand can achieve the most visibility. Apart from this, it can also be a cost-effective method of boosting your campaign. Win-win indeed!

    Packaging makes a significant difference

    After the official logo, when a customer or a potential customer looks at your product, what’s the first thing that they notice? That’s right – it’s the packaging!

    Consequently, it is imperative that the packaging is designed to really capture and hold the attention of the viewers. There are leaps and bounds of advancements in the field of graphical design. Clearly, they need to be harnessed and put to good use.

    Equally important is the fact that the packaging must go with the theme of your product. Further, this will help reinforce the message your brand is looking to put across. Besides, it is always good to produce something that is not only functional and effective but also aesthetically pleasing.

    Prior to launching your brand, all these factors need to be considered in great depth. Certainly, a well thought out strategy will help you on your path to success.

    Proof that music should be a part of every school’s curriculum

    By
    Miysha Usman
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    0

    Music has always been an integral part of our lives. Besides providing a unique way of expressing emotions, it is also known to play an important role in the intellectual development of individuals.

    Fortunately, a lot of schools are now offering music as part of their curriculum. Though, a lot of people don’t necessarily agree with its authenticity.

    Hence, here’s to explaining the imperativeness of music. Especially academically!

    Get Brainy with Some Musical Notes!

    Again, it is a no-brainer that we all want our children to be successful in life. Indeed, studies have shown that children who are exposed to music, particularly playing an instrument early in life have better neural processing and higher IQs.

    That said, playing some background music while the child is engaged in another activity will not suffice. In fact, it has been shown that playing a musical instrument significantly improves speech and comprehension in children.

    Consequently, why not kill two birds with one stone? Let your child enjoy music and get brainy at the same time!

    Get Socially Connected

    Clearly, technological advancements have made our lives easier. However, it has also disconnected us from one another. We rely on text messages and calls to communicate instead of personally seeing each other.

    Enrolling your child in music classes is one of the best ways to help him/her develop everlasting friendships with his peers. Interestingly, music classes cater to children of different age groups at the same time which allows them to explore friendships beyond a similar age bracket.

    In short, children are naturally social and in today’s fast-paced world. Nonetheless, this is a unique way to engage your children in a social and creative activity.

    Discipline your young ones without letting them know

    Needless to say, disciplining children is one of the toughest jobs in the world. Equally important, there is no easy way about it!

    However, learning to play a musical instrument instills discipline and time management in children and that too, in a fun way.

    The earlier this habit develops in a child, the better it will be as he/she grows up.

    Music is more than it meets the eye!

    Interestingly, we may not consider music classes as a serious academic pursuit, but we are far from the truth.

    Surprisingly, a single music lesson encompasses more than the subject itself. Indeed, in a beautiful and melodic way, a single music lesson integrates all the basic subjects such as mathematics, science, reading and even history.

    It relaxes and calms down your child

    We all know how taxing and frustrating daily life can be. In contrast to adults, children let out their stress in a different way. For example, they may misbehave or may get cranky. Hence, music lessons tend to calm down children and help them unwind at their own pace.

    In fact, a music lesson acts like a cocoon and a safe haven for your children.

    How Ridesharing Is Helping Support Students

    By
    Miysha Usman
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    0

    Let’s admit it, college and university times are the best part of one’s entire life. Nevertheless, it does come with its set of challenges. Above all, you are suddenly thrown into the adult world and are expected to manage things on your own.

    Bates Motel Life Is Hard GIF by A&E - Find & Share on GIPHY

    In addition, from managing daily expenses to managing a tiny apartment in some cases, it is not a piece of cake. In fact, throw in a daily nerve and body-wrecking bus ride in the mix and you are done!

    While this picture is worth a million words, the truth is, times have evolved and so have the transportation methods.

    Nonetheless, the picture is not as grim as it looks!

    New forms of Public Transportation

    Further, since things have changed as time has moved on, our daily transportation woes have come to an end. Indeed, with the introduction of outstanding public transportation such as Uber and Careem, comfortable rides form one spot to the other are possible.  Moreover, peer-to-peer ridesharing has also become a possibility and especially students are lauding it.

    Why, you ask? Here are some outstanding benefits of ridesharing. You surely need to give it a try!

    A Little Chit-Chat Session Never Hurts

    Interestingly, what can be better than a good chit-chat session with your best friend? Indeed, if you are ridesharing with your best friend, you are definitely going to have a ball of a time.

    Certainly, from sharing problems to indulging in a bit of college gossip, you’ll never know when the ride comes to an end. In addition, orally studying for the same test and sharing knowledge will be a plus point!

    Besides the obvious advantage of spending some extra time with your friend, you’ll never consciously register the heavy traffic flow and get stressed by it. A stress-free ride to and from college is exactly the cup of tea you need!

    Light on the Pocket

    Clearly, when you are a student, spending your money wisely is the first adult lesson you get. That said, ridesharing actually eases that burden off your shoulders.

    In particular, if you are ride-sharing with two or three of your friends, you are definitely going to cut down on your transportation expenses. What’s more, you may actually end up saving a substantial amount of money!

    Kevin Durant Were Gonna Save Dat Money GIF by Lil Dicky - Find & Share on GIPHY

    Specifically, how is that for impressing your mom and dad with your ‘sughar-pan’?

    Going Green!

    Apparently, going green is the new ‘in’ thing amongst students and we totally support it! Besides being the trend, awareness about climate change and its severe impact on our planet have actually changed our perspective too.

    On the other hand, it has given ridesharing a big boost. Firstly, ridesharing not only reduces the number of vehicles on the road but it also reduces the emission of toxic pollutants. In fact, it has been revealed that ridesharing may actually end up slowing down the global warming phenomenon!

    There are a lot of Ridesharing Companies to choose from!

    Interestingly, the market is booming with ridesharing companies. Significantly, this means that there is a tough competition amongst ridesharing companies and as a student; you are most likely to get good deals and even better services. Indeed, to keep up with modern times, ridesharing companies have their own mobile apps.

    You can customize your ride, rate the driver and even select the type of car you want for your ride. In short, ridesharing is like killing two birds with one stone! You get the ride of your choice which is actually cost-effective.

    What more could you ask for? Give ride-sharing a shot today and thank us later!

    Pakistan’s First Fighter Pilot is Giving Us Girl-Power Goals!

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    2

    Reach for the sky, as Woody from Toy story says or better yet, ‘To infinity and beyond’ from Buzz Lightyear!’

    Indeed, this is what Kainat Junaid has done. Showcasing your talents and skills is no mean feat. In fact, it becomes even more complicated if you are a woman in a male-dominated society.

    Who is Kainat Junaid?

    Hailing from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a relatively conservative part of our country, Kainat Junaid had her fair share of hurdles. However, she did not let them stop her. Being the daughter of a serving squadron leader at PAF Peshawar further strengthened her resolve.

    Interestingly, she has created history in doing so. Moreover, she is not only the first fighter pilot from KPK, but is also the only fighter pilot who will be serving alongside her father.

    She is Exceptional

    Clearly, Kainat Junaid is an over-achiever and her academics are a testimony to her resilience and hard work. Academically, she was an exceptional student and graduated from Jinnah College, Peshawar with honors in 2019, securing 937 marks.

    Turning Dreams into Reality

    Apparently, Kainat had always dreamed of becoming a pilot. Fortunately for Kainat, Pakistan Air force started recruiting female fighter pilots for combats in 2003 and the first batch joined the combat services in 2006.

    In particular, Kainat was always inspired by the courage of Marium Mukhtar who was the first female pilot of PAF and sacrificed her life in the line of duty.

    Interestingly enough, out of the 2000 candidates who had applied for three positions in the PAF, Kainat was selected, which reflects her passion and perseverance.

    Supporting each other matters

    Clearly, the people of Dir are overjoyed and took to social media to felicitate the proud family.

    In particular, her father, squadron leader Ahmed Junaid is super proud of his daughter’s achievement. He also understands the challenges that his daughter will face as he also served as a fighter pilot in the forces.

    The Iron Lady

    Nevertheless, this is an extremely proud moment for the entire family and the nation and the people did not hold back as they expressed their admiration for Kainat Junaid.

    Apparently, Kainat Junaid is being hailed as the ‘Iron Lady’ of Pakistan as she defied all odds to get selected for this coveted position. Significantly, this comes at a point in time when women empowerment has gained momentum.

    Indeed, this is a great achievement considering that women from Dir were not allowed to vote, in a not-so-distant past!

    Women who shaped Pakistan’s history will always remain legends

    By
    Miysha Usman
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    1

    Women are known for their intelligence, patience, perseverance and an amazing will power. In fact, even in the patriarchal system, some women have managed to carve their names permanently in Pakistan’s history. They have not only laid the foundational stones in creating what Pakistan is today, but have given so many women inspiration.

    Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi also added on the International Women’s Day that:

    https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/440966-pakistani-women-have-shaped-the-future-of-the-globe-fm

    While these women belong to different times, together, all these names are nothing less than legends.

    Find out about the top 7 women who shaped the dynamic of Pakistan over the years.

    Fatima Jinnah (1893-1967)

    One of the leading founders of Pakistan, Fatima Jinnah was the younger sister of Quaid-e-Azam Ali Jinnah. Further, she was a member of the Working Committee of the Bombay Provincial Muslim League till Pakistan came into being in 1947.

    Moreover, she created the All India Muslim Women Students Federation which later converted into the All Pakistan Women’s Association.

    Mader-e-Millat (Mother of the Nation)

    Fatima Jinnah helped her elder brother in many ways, one of them being an advisor to him. Therefore, known for her strength for standing next to his brother in tough times, Fatima Jinnah should always be remembered for her will-power, support and struggle to create this nation.

    In short, she is known as Madar-e-Millat (Mother of the Nation) and Khatun-e-Pakistan (Lady of Pakistan) because no one deserves these titles as much as she does.

    Begum Jahanara Nawaz Shah (1869-1979)

    Significantly, Begum Jahanara Nawaz was the main driving force behind the 1918 resolution against polygamy. At the same time, she was the Provincial President of All India Muslim Women’s Conference. Afterward, she became Vice President of the Central Committee of the All India Muslim Women’s Conference.

    Interestingly, she was a notable member of the Red Cross Society as well. Begum was the first woman to supervise a legislative session in Asia. Moreover, she believed in philanthropy and was hence associated with orphanage committees of the Anjuman-i-Himayat-Islam in Lahore.

    Read her novel Husn Ara Begam as well as her political autobiography titled Father and Daughter to know her better.

    Atiya Faizi

    Interestingly, being the first Muslim woman to be educated abroad, Atiya Faizi went to London in 1906-7 for the reason. In addition, owing to her open-mindedness, she joined various women’s organizations. Thus, becoming an inspiration for young girls and helping them turn their dreams into reality.

    Namely, she changed the lives of the following women.

    • Shireen: Indeed, the first woman in 1934 who passed and scored a great position in her MBBS examinations.
    • Sakina Mewzada : The first woman to start practicing law in the Bombay High Court after passing her L.L.B examinations back in 1941.
    • Zubaida Manor: The first banker in 1944 with the help of Begum Atiya Faizi.

    Fatima Sughra

    Begum Fatima Sughra, also referred to as Begum Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah, was not only a Pakistani activist but a true flag-waver like none other.

    Quite literally, she courageously risked her life and waved her green duppata to represent Pakistan. Where, you ask? Significantly, this happened at the British Union Jack on the Punjab Government Secretariat building in 1947. Equally important, she was only 14 years old at that time!

    In addition, her act did not only help her gain the spotlight, but she also received a gold medal for her brave service from the Government of Pakistan later.

    Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan

    The wife of the first prime minister of Pakistan, ‘Liaquat Ali Khan’, Begum was a strong woman who helped pave the right path for many.

    Indeed, she was the first woman to win the Human Rights Award. In addition, she is also known for starting the women’s voluntary service 1948 where she motivated women to become independent and responsible.

    While her husband was assassinated in 1951, her spirit did not shatter and she continued to provide services to Pakistan politically.

    Bilquis Edhi

    Top woman philanthropist of Pakistan, the widow of Abdul Sattar Edhi; Bilquis Edhi runs her husband’s charitable cause, the ‘Edhi Foundation’. Indeed, known as the mother of Pakistan, Begum Bilquis has not only saved more than 20,000 homeless children but has helped them sustain a decent living. The couple received various awards from the Government of Pakistan for providing unmatched social services to all the helpless and the needy.

    72 years old, even today she runs the foundation, aiding many without discrimination.

    Benazir Bhutto

    Iconic Benazir Bhutto was the first woman prime minister of Pakistan from 1988-1990 and again from 1993-1996. Unfortunately, she was assassinated in 2007 in Rawalpindi.

    A Harvard University graduate, Benazir Bhutto was not only adequately educated but was an open-minded Pakistani who helped her country grow in many ways. During her premiership, she portrayed the best image of Pakistan during her foreign political trips, from which, she helped re-admit Pakistan in the Commonwealth of Nations.

    She was a true leader and still resides in the hearts of many; ‘Jiye Bhutto’

    Pakistani Winter Foods To Keep You Warm And Cozy

    By
    Miysha Usman
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    0

    Pakistani winter foods, like every other seasonal food, has its own set of perks in Pakistan. While you can drape yourself in furry coats, stylish jackets, and colourful scarves; you can equally enjoy the onset of chilliness with perfect warm foods. Fortunately, Pakistanis spend winter like none other when it comes to indulging in totally scrumptious food delicacies and treats.

    With coldness making its way with full force this year, are you also struggling to stay warm and snugly? Interestingly, we have just the right dishes you need to try to do just that, effortlessly!

    Super Delicious ‘Savory Dishes’

    Here is a list of the top savory dishes you can enjoy during Pakistani (or Indian) winters.

    Lahori Masala Machli – Fried Fish

    Our winter’s speciality, the Lahori fried fish is an impeccable treat to try. In short, it is crispy, crunchy and light from the outside while it is juicy, flavorful, tender and super aromatic from the inside.

    Chapli Kabab from Peshawar

    Once again, an ideal recipe of meat to keep your belly full and body warm during the cold winter season.

    Interestingly, the spicy amalgam of mincemeat with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies and a few exotic herbs; one can eat these kababs any time of the day with naan or pulao.

    Firstly; a large round patty, slow-cooked in animal fat on a large horizontal pan. This Pakhtunkhuwa specialty is worth a try.

    Sarson ka Saag and Makki di Roti

    A Punjabi popular vegetarian treat, Sarson ka Saag is slowly cooked with mustard greens and additional spices. When mustard greens are blended with fenugreek seeds and spinach, the delectable taste enhances when served hot.

    Besides, one can only eat it with a special bread ‘Makki di roti’, literally translating to ‘bread of maize’. This combo is sure to keep you warm from inside out!

    Khadaa Gosht from Quetta

    Are you foodie just like me? If yes, you will fall in love with this delectable treat right away. Ideal for large gatherings, preferably for bonfire lovers; the slowly cooked lamb is finger-licking awesome!

    Surprisingly, cooking of the whole lamb takes place on charcoal flame inside a khadi (underground) for hours. Therefore, giving this unique dish its power-packed richness and divine flavour.  A complete warming package for your whole body!

    Here’s a detailed video for a better explanation or save link to watch later.

    Nihari

    Our traditional spicy beef stew is to die for! The slow-cooked shank meat, mostly beef or mutton is juicy, tender and loaded with desi flavors.

    In fact, since it is cooked along with bone marrow and sometimes maghaz (brain), the overall piquancy of this delicacy wins the bet like no other dish. Hence, Nihari is served only on special occasions.

    Masala Chaap from Multan

    Yet another meaty delight to rave about! Multani mutton chaaps are slowly barbequed and they get their aroma from the freshly roasted coals. The spicy blend reaches the deepest parts of the meat since it is pre-marinated, allowing you to savor every bit of it.

    Paye from Lahore

    A popular party dish, Paye are a delicacy doled out only once a year on treaty events. In contrast, while it might not sound too appetizing, when the trotters of a cow or goat are cooked in gravy, this dish tops all others.

    Served best in old Lahore by the name ‘Phajey ke Paye’, if you visit Pakistan, you should definitely give paye a shot!

    S’more Winter Favorites!

    Kashmiri Chai

    Pakistanis do not need a reason to drink black tea, even during the hottest days of Ramadan, while we are talking about it, you must crave about Ramadan eateries too, here all under a single click. Nonetheless, as soon as the winter chills begin, all of us jump towards the first chance of sipping on traditional Kashmiri pink tea.

    Mostly served during special events such as weddings and formal gatherings, this Gulabi (pink) winter beverage can also be bought from street stalls in almost all cities. Specifically, since it is cooked with gunpowder tea, sugar, baking soda and milk; this special drink will keep you craving for another cup!

    Halway

    Pakistani halway are mouthwatering desserts you simply cannot miss. Again, all halway are time-consuming when it comes to cooking, but the taste makes them worth the effort.

    Be it Gajjar ka halwa, daal ka halwa, badam halwa or sujji ka halwa (and the list goes on), they’re equally delicious. You have to try all this coming winter!

    Pakistani Halway That You Need To Try

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    1

    Oriental Pakistani Halwas are delectable desserts you simply cannot miss. In fact, enjoying them and distributing them among friends and family merit achievements, celebrations and special occasions in our culture. Indeed, to spread love and happiness, we cook these halway in Pakistani households on Islamic events such as Eid-ul-Fitr, Shab-e-Baraat, Ramadan. Additionally, we enjoy them on regular days as well.

    If you don’t know where to get started, here are our favorite 6 Halway you should definitely try.

    Gajar ka Halwa

    Sinfully delicious, Gajar ka Halwa is a Pakistani delicacy you simply cannot miss. As the name suggests, this sweet dish is created by cooking carrots in milk and sugar, and later topped off with chopped dry fruit and khoya.

    Moreover, the small carrot chunks infused in a milky mixture are amazingly palatable. Besides, it is the perfect dish to end your 3 course meal with! Furthermore, since this treat is served hot, it is relished during the winter season in our country.

    Haven’t had a bite yet? Try it now to fall in love with carrots like never before.

    Channay ki Daal ka Halwa

    To be honest, I love halway! Nonetheless, if you ask me about my favorite halwa, it definitely has to be Channay ki daal ka halwa.

    Specifically, a phenomenal take on chickpeas, that too, in the form of a dessert; this halwa simply melts in your mouth. Interestingly, what I love about this halwa is its smooth texture and heavenly aroma.

    Furthermore, since it takes forever to cook this treat, Daal ka Halwa is one winter favorite feast all kids wait for their moms to make. And I’d also like to add that this halwa is so special that Pakistani mothers only make it once a year.  Fortunately, they serve it in small quantities and freeze the rest for later!

    Sohan Halwa

    Sohan Halwa is a traditional Pakistani delight that you will easily find in various Mitahi shops in almost all cities. While sometimes you will find this dessert in the form of thinly cut slices, on the other hand, you will also find them being served in scoops, cubes or in a platter dish.

    To say the least, this halwa is positively sweeter than Daal ka halwa and gajar ka halwa. Why? Mainly because it is cooked with the ingredients: white flour, lots of sugar, ghee, and milk.

    Enjoy it at hi-tea, post-lunch, post-dinner or simply as a snack.

    Anday ka Halwa

    Anday ka Halwa. Really? While it might sound super strange to create halwa from just raw chicken eggs, the truth is, it tastes divine! Moreover, if you have guests coming over within an hour, serve them this treat and win the best-host-of-the-year award!

    To summarize, this halwa requires no more than 15-20 minutes to cook. All you need is eggs, flour, sugar, green cardamom, yellow food color and nuts for garnishing. Even though egg is the highlighting ingredient, the flavor of this dessert is so unique that no one can actually guess what it is made of!

    Suji ka Halwa

    Not too kitchen savvy? Don’t worry. You can still easily make Sujji ka halwa. In fact, another Pakistani household favorite dessert is Sujji ka halwa and we love to eat it in different ways.

    To enumerate, we eat this delight as a snack at hi-tea, post-dinner to refresh our palates and how can we forget this treat when it is time for breakfast. Yes. Breakfast! One of the traditional Pakistani breakfasts includes Halwa Poori and Sujji ka Halwa is the main ingredient.

    When enjoyed with freshly deep-fried, unleavened savory bread, the overall experience becomes blissful.

    Badam ka Halwa

    Badam ka Halwa or Almond Halwa is another dessert we Pakistanis make and share during special occasions such as Shab-e-barat, weddings, etc. Indeed, its aroma and outstanding taste leaves everyone craving for more.

    Mainly enjoyed as a dessert, this Halwa should also be on your foods–to-try list for sure!

    The Cybersecurity & Privacy Market is Scaling Rapidly Each Year

    By
    Nerjis Rizvi
    -
    0

    Cyber Security is serious business. The rapidly growing cybersecurity and privacy market has grown 37 times over the last 18 years. The 2018 CyberSecurity Market Report revealed that the cybersecurity industry, worth approximately 3.5 billion USD in 2004, had now reached 120 billion USD in value as of 2017. Let that sink in for a minute.

    Some unfavourable trends drive growth. The spread of cybercrime is now an issue of primary importance for most developed nations and many emerging economies. The 2017 Cybercrime report reveals that damages from cyber crimes will reach $6 trillion dollars annually by 2021. And expected to grow exponentially in the coming decades.

    A Booming Industry

    The leap from $3 trillion USD in losses (at present) to $6 trillion USD (in 2021) represents the greatest transfer of economic wealth in human history. Including the growth of privacy.

    This growth is the result of a massive spending shift on three fronts: national, organizational and personal.

    • Microsoft plans to spend $1 billion annually on cybersecurity. 
    • Governments are not far behind: the US Government, unsurprisingly, leads the pack – it has spent over 17 billion USD on cybersecurity in 2017.

    Cybercrimes

    So what exactly is cybercrime? While the definitional scope may vary from the industry. So there are some popular classifications for this crucial field.

    • Financial fraud and identity theft.  Financial fraud and identity theft occur through various means and methods. The internet is replete with daily news of major online fraud: in August 2018, hackers can execute over 13,000 transactions and looted 13.5 million dollars from an Indian Bank through  ATMs all across the world. As per a recent study, victims stated that most vulnerabilities (almost 47%) could have been prevented through patches or workarounds.
    • Cyberterrorism. Cyberterrorist attacks are usually undertaken through the support of governments or anti-state anarchical groups. The goal of any cyber terrorism attack is the same: to cause terror while causing great amounts of damage. 
    • Cyberwarfare. Cyberwarfare may seem like a direct offspring of Tom Clancy novels, but it is a crucial aspect of most modern military programs. Involvement of historical enemies such as Israel & Iran, so it’s rigorous cyber warfare activities. Countries such as Russia and China have sustained high-budget cyberwarfare programs that inflict huge losses on businesses and political targets in line but with the country’s policies. The recent mingling within the US Presidential elections by Russian hackers highlights just how relevant the issue is but within our modern world. 
    • Illegal markets. The deep web brings with it a host of challenges for authorities and law-abiding citizens. Illegal trades in drugs and banned goods is a major channel for criminals; causing millions in damages to the organised sector.
    • Ransomware. A new phenomenon in the world of crime ransomware is given employment by the government and individuals for financial gains. Important data, belonging to a person or firm, steal or made inaccessible; because this is then returned to the victim.


    The main structural factors that have pushed towards this quick increase in cybercrimes are:

    • The Internet of Things (IoT). The term refers to the billions of devices and systems, that are interconnected and being used in our everyday lives; sending and receiving huge amounts of data while leaving a digital footprint of our daily activities.
    • Huge amounts of data. Gone are the days when the primary deposits of data were physical registers and books. A majority of the world’s data now rests in one digital format or the other, with a sizable portion accessible through access gateways outside the remote physical location. The equation runs a bit like this: more data = higher cybersecurity needs.
    • The Payoffs. With virtually all major centralized systems dependent on the internet for their smooth functioning, the payoff for hackers is greater than it was before. All financial ecosystems are independent of information technology systems to provide services to their clients. The online banking industry alone is around worth of $29,976 million by 2023.

    With the internet of things (IoT) expectation increases in the years to come with more systems going online with each passing day, the cybersecurity market expects to grow for at least the next few decades. This presents not only enough opportunities but significant challenges for cybersecurity analysts and firms, as many firms get hacked over the period of time, you might want to read about multiple hacking: as experts devise better mechanisms to vent off cyber attacks, the attackers themselves are likely to upgrade their modus operandi incrementally in order to achieve their goals.

    Further reading:

    Global Cybersecurity Spending Predicted To Exceed $1 Trillion From 2017-2021
    https://www.itgovernance.co.uk/what-is-cybersecurity
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurencebradford/2018/03/30/why-people-should-learn-about-cybersecurity-in-2018/#74bc15ba5d00

    Pets People Own All Around The World

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    1

    Various psychological studies have revealed that owning pets is beneficial for humans. Apparently, findings in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology made known that ‘pet owners were happier and had greater physical fitness as compared to people without any pets.’

    Equally important, it is so effortless for us to classify pet owners into two distinct categories. Cat lovers and Dog lovers! Nonetheless, did you know that some people fall in neither of these groups and call the most unusual animals, their pets.

    You count keeping a unique bird in your house a big deal? Wait till you check out these pets and totally freak out!

    Bearded Dragons – Australia

    Talk about hating Pakistani house lizards clinging upside down in our driveways – your mom will disown you if you wish for a bearded dragon as your pet!

    Apparently, bearded dragons are very common pets across the world. Also known as pogonas, they can change the color of their beards. How cool is that? Moreover, they can fill up their throats with air and hence stick out the scales to scare off enemies.

    Am I going to keep one? I don’t think so!

    Nevertheless, if you decide on petting this reptile, here’s a tutorial which will be really helpful before you actually go ahead with the plan.

    Owls- Japan

    Interestingly, our childhood nursery rhymes favorite ‘hoot-hoot owl’ is big in Japan as a tamed pet. The trend shows that Tokyo has many ‘owl cafes’ where Japanese, as well as tourists, can go and indulge in ‘healing entertainment’.

    Does it sound astounding or what? Owl cafes allow people to interact with different species of owls where you can pat them, play with them, take pictures and feed them. Hence, now we know where love for owls is originating from for people to pet them in their houses.

    Snakes – Pakistan

    Hisss hissss snakes as pets? Well, maybe not the most conventional pets, however, some people love keeping them at homes. I don’t think snakes can ever be tamed and their main attraction remains their charm and fear. Nonetheless, ask snake owners and they will reveal their true feelings about them in a better manner.

    For this reason, the famous Pakistani pop singer, Rabi Pirzada was recently caught with keeping exotic animals in her adobe as pets. Surprisingly, the Shor Sharaba diva owned not only cobras and pythons, but also crocodiles and lions!

    In an interview with the Express Tribune, she stated, “My pets love me back too. Whenever I enter my room, I can tell that they are happy to see me and I try my best to look after them personally as they are familiar with only me.”

    At least now I know reptiles have feelings!

    Scorpions

    Really? A poisonous arachnid as a pet? Definitely not on top of the list of my pets, but hey! Everyone is unique and so are their choices.

    Apparently, it takes a lot of effort and knowledge to own a scorpion. Why you ask? To summarize, out of 1500 species of scorpion, 100 of them have poisonous stings which are extremely harmful for humans.

    On the other hand, the number of scorpion pets across the globe has significantly increased in the recent previous years.

    Lions and Tigers

    Believe it or not, people love big cats to the extent that they simply cannot resist keeping them in their houses for fun. Not long ago, boxer Floyd Mayweather was seen with his pet tiger in a crowded hotel room. For this purpose, a lot of animal rights activists popped up to fight for the poor animal’s wildlife rights and claimed it was being mistreated.

    In my opinion, I think some animals only belong in the wild.

    Lizards – India

    Finally, this category definitely tops the whole list of pets!

    What’s better than owning free pets? Meet Navratan Harsh from India who is obsessed with house lizards to say the least. Consequently, he loves feeding them, playing with them and even caring for them. Above all, he sticks them on his body for fun and even puts them in his mouth. Eww, right?

    Here’s a fun video for all lizard lovers!

    Pakistan’s Most Haunted Destinations Perfect For Thrill Seekers

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    0

    Listening to the scariest tales, your friend’s spooky encounters and old ghost stories often connotes to getting ready for the perfect Halloween! And, why not? After all, we get to dress up and flaunt our favorite costumes. Indeed, if you are an adventure junkie who wants to take his ghost stories to a new level when eating Barbeque toasting next to the bonfire with friends; here’s a list of some of Pakistan’s most haunted destinations.

    Interestingly, we have all heard creepy stories in our childhood. But believe me, they were JUST stories. However, I have a treat in store for you all. I have a list of Pakistan’s most haunted destinations which are not only eerie, but are totally authentic.

    So brace yourselves. Moreover, be ready for sleepless nights. These real stories will bring nothing but chills down your spine!

    The Sheikhupura Fort Lahore

    This four-story-high wrecked Haveli is so possessed that no one has dared to fix it till date! Apparently, over the years, female ghosts have revealed themselves in blood-curdling manifestations around the marked area.

    In sum, the rumor has it that queens and princesses from royal families used to reside in this palace and it is still their ghost adobe! I’ll definitely visit it.

    Shamshan Ghat Hyderabad

    Talk about the most macabre spot being haunted; a 200-year-old graveyard. Rumor has it that all the dead people buried in this crematory never saw the light, nor entered their final destination. Hence, people witness them in the shape of translucent spirits roaming around the area after sunset This place is the ultimate spirit hotspot!

    Moreover, the guards have also spotted and heard children playing inside the graveyard during late hours. They appear and disappear on their own. Interestingly, the guards haven’t seen anyone crossing the gates or climbing the walls.

    Apparently, Hindus held their dead-body burning rituals in this crematory back in the day and hence it is stated that the deceased are still on the loose!

    Need to add something to your bucket list? This place should be on your must-travel-destinations now!

    200 year old Haveli – Bandar Road Sukkur

    Apparently, an Indian family owned this Haveli (large house) before the subcontinent partition. Radhika, one of the family members is the spooky culprit!

    Interestingly, it is believed that her spirit roams the open streets as soon as the sky turns dark, asking men to marry her! For this reason, it is considered highly dangerous to be on the roads after 10:00 pm.

    How did she die, you ask? It’s still a mystery. Additionally, whenever someone has tried to take down the massive Haveli, immense paranormal problems have risen!

    Recent visits have shown paranormal activity and people have even seen unexplainable eerie things.

    Don’t believe it? Check out this video.

    The Bride at Karsaz Road – 1960’s

    Infamous for its hustle and bustle, Karachi is one city that never sleeps. In short, Karachi is Pakistan’s ultimate party spot. On the other hand, while there are so many happy stories to quote, the truth is that there’s one legendary supernatural tale you simply can’t miss.

    The main Karsaz Road in Karachi derives its name from the naval training center. However, the road is rather known for being one of Pakistan’s most haunted destinations.

    Back in the 1960’s, a newlywed couple was heading home after their wedding ceremony. Since the event lasted for many hours, they were forced to travel in the middle of the night. Consequently, to save time, the chauffeur took a short cut and turned on Karsaz Road. Being pretty sleepy himself, he hit the car on a pole and they all faced a terrible road accident.

    While the decked up bride in her traditional red dress managed to get up and look for help, the groom died on the spot. Soon later, her life was also claimed by death.

    Equally important, another narrative states that a girl was raped and her body was discarded on Karsaz road. Hence, her spirit frightens everyone crossing the area.

    To this end, people witness a girl dressed in a traditional bridal dress circulating Karsaz road asking for help or harassing them. Believe it or not, there have been many car accidents due to the ghost’s sudden appearance on the road.

    The Mohatta Palace

    Owing to its grand name, the Mohatta Palace was built in 1927 by Shivratan Chandraratan. Today, this palace is open for the public in the shape of a museum.

    Surprisingly, this museum is inhibited by either Jinns or spirits. Bizarre things seem to happen every day. When the lights grow dim and everyone leaves, various decoration pieces, furniture items, and other similar objects have a tendency to move around. Imagine things shifting to a new spot from their original location every time you see them! Scary, right?

    The guards feel the paranormal presence and believe that the area is spooked by ghosts from the past; the British Raj. Guess we will never know who the real culprit is.

    Have we missed out on any place which you feel deserves to be rated as one of Pakistan’s most haunted destinations? Let us know in the comments below.

    How Mahira Khan’s Award Show looks have evolved over the years

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    0

    When Mahira Khan initiated her career back in 2006 as a VJ on MTV Pakistan, who knew one day she would be the most cherished style icon of Pakistan? Apparently, her performance in the feature film BOL was only the beginning!

    Nevertheless, after landing the perfect innocent yet fierce role in Humsafar in 2011, she not only became the talk of the town but turned into every young girl’s inspiration.

    Interestingly, winning the Best Actress award at 12th Lux Style Awards for the same serial definitely made Khan jump on the bandwagon of Fashion spree. Always draped in awe-inspiring ensembles at award shows, Mahira Khan really knows how to come prepared for paparazzi.

    Hence, here’s dedicating our blog to tons of photos of the diva revealing how her style has truly evolved through the years.

    12th Lux Style Awards 2013

    Flaunting an Elan ensemble in 2013 paired with nothing but popping red lipstick, Mahira khan did know how to make a style statement even back then.

    Indeed, winning the first award is genuinely an achievement. Moreover, how could anyone else win the 12th Lux Style Satellite Actress Award after the kind of acting Mahira Khan showed on-screen in Humsafar!

    So here’s to marking her success on-screen as well as her 1st formal dress reveal at the award show. Check out how happy she looks after winning the award.

    14th Lux Style Awards 2015

    Indeed, Mahira Khan has been spotted wearing eastern clothing more than western, however, when she chose a Cinderella-like powder blue Hobeika dress, it didn’t really make a statement. At least not for me!

    Maybe it was the dull color or the poor dress fitting, the truth is that standing beside Mehwish Hayat in her green embellished gown and Amna Ilyas in her figure-hugging red dress, Mahira Khan didn’t really make the cut.

    What do you think?

    Vogue India Beauty Awards 2016

    ‘The face to watch out for’, an award title which fit Mahira Khan perfectly just like her figure-hugging green dress by Monisha Jaising was a treat for sore eyes.

    In addition to that, the cut, as well as the color, complimented her immensely. Especially, because she chose to stick with the ‘less bling’ rule in terms of jewelry as well as her hair.

    However, she could have totally ditched the pyramid shaped clutch and maybe settled for an emerald statement bracelet? 

    Mahira Khan at Vogue Beauty Awards 2016 on 27th July 2016 shown to user

    Here’s a video after she received the prestigious award.

    15th Lux Style Awards 2016

    Indeed, Khan didn’t win two awards the same day for nothing! The extraordinary performance in both, Bin Roye as well as Sadqay Tumhare not only stole the hearts of millions but certainly helped Mahira land on an entirely new level of fame.

    Moreover, being draped in a princess like baby-pink Shahira Lasheen gown had everyone’s jaws dropping down on the floor! The embellishment on the gown was extremely beautiful and intricate, while the trail at the back was fluffy and adorable. Check it out yourselves!

    Hum Style Awards 2016

    In particular, we usually see celebs adorning western outfits at award shows. Nevertheless, we witnessed Mahira Khan being elegantly wrapped in a Black and fawn lace saree by Rizwan Beyg in 2016.

    In regards to the outfit, the simple yet sensual styling definitely made her the show stopper of the whole event. The nude lips were a faultless fit! Do you guys agree?

    Beirut International Awards Festival 2017

    The 8th Beirut International Awards Festival was a treat for Mahira as she bagged two awards while rocking her Barbie look. The Nicolas Jebran Couture gown in pink and black was picture perfect, especially because Mahira Khan chose to show off her hair on one side.

    Obviously she won the ‘best dressed award’ at the event! She looked divine. Interestingly, the paparazzi couldn’t get enough of her either!

    16th Lux Style Awards

    You can never go wrong with black! Mahira Khan chose a skin-tight pure black, stretchable, floor length dress which clearly accentuated her slim figure. Still, in my opinion, I believe her stylist could have painted her lips red or maybe made her eyes smokey.

    The nude lips are definitely a ‘thumbs down’ for me. Especially with such a hot dress!

    17th Lux Style Awards 2018

    Mmm… why a shadi dress? As much as I have loved the previous dressing preferences, the outfit for 17th Lux Style Awards is a big NO for me. Maybe ideal for her friend’s wedding events – not for an award show in my opinion.

    6th Hum Style Awards 2018

    Going Desi again after LSA, this time Mahira carried an Elan ensemble exquisitely. Specifically, the dress’s intricately embellished bodice paired with a printed lower was nothing but eye-catching.

    Lux Style Awards 2019

    The supaastar from the feature film ‘Superstar’ looked gorgeous in a fresh golden gown. Finally some color! As soon as she shared her amazing photos on social media, her fans immediately started drooling over them.

    Take a look at them yourselves.

    View this post on Instagram

    ✨ #LSA19

    A post shared by Mahira Khan (@mahirahkhan) on

    View this post on Instagram

    Supaaastar✨ #LSA19

    A post shared by Mahira Khan (@mahirahkhan) on

    Let’s see what she has in store for us all at the next award show!

    11 Times Priyanka Chopra- Nick Jonas Gave Us Couple Goals

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    0

    Today, we are opening our stage to the power couple we all love and admire. From keeping a strong friendship bond, a commendable relationship and later tying the knot for eternity; Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas definitely are an inspiration.

    Above all, while on one hand we witness painful celeb divorces and fights, on the other, we have this Indian-American couple which actually demonstrates what true love is. Hence, since they prove how two different worlds can come together as one, it’s time to reveal how they give us serious couple goals!

    Here’s to 11 amazing times the couple restored faith in love and gave us goals!

    Wedding Goals

    What a wonderful way to get hitched! Apparently keeping the Indian tradition alive as well as saying their vows in the Church; this duo showed us how smoothly two families can join hands.

    In an interview, Priyanka happily stated, “I love that our wedding was a religious mash-up,”. “We took beautiful traditions that we both grew up with and personalized them in a way that made sense for us. It’s been incredible to find the commonalities between our beliefs and figuring out how to blend them in a respectful and meaningful way.”

    They play hard and party harder!

    Firstly, these love birds really know how to partaaay! Besides attending amazing events such as Ralph Lauren anniversary party and hosting their wedding receptions in style, they also party casually.

    Don’t they look perfect in black and white at the Ralph Lauren party?

    Interestingly, ‘friends who smoke together, stay together!’ Both casually enjoying their Miami Vacation with family.

    Aww! They also cook together

    In sum, I think the couple is truly adventurous and adorable!

    How delightful, the duo having a marvelous time cooking pasta together. Above all, just attending Nick’s brother’s wedding wasn’t enough when in Italy, right? Like they say, ‘When in Rome..do as the Romans do’: Make pasta!

    View this post on Instagram

    Date night cooking extravaganza.

    A post shared by Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) on

    He compliments her in public

    His eyes say it all. Moreover, her smile defines love beyond words!

    View this post on Instagram

    That smile. 😍

    A post shared by Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) on

    And this my friends, is true love!

    The duo doesn’t shy away from public display of affection (PDA)

    To this end, whether they are relaxing on the beach hand in hand, or are attending a red carpet event, they simply do not shy away from PDA. They surely know how to capture memories via pictures for eternity.

    They dress to impress. Coordination is always on point

    Surprisingly, even after receiving criticism from most of their fans on the MET Gala, they still didn’t shy away from dressing up confidently in the future.

    With this in mind, you will always see them color coordinated and adorning matching outfits.

    The couple admires and supports each other’s career

    Congratulating the Jonas brothers for their new song, Priyanka and Nick hold each other closely and show us how much they are in love.

    Moreover, Priyanka posts an adorable picture…but the caption takes the cake!

    He sang for her. She couldn’t resist taking pictures!

    Nick did a concert in Brazil in July 2018 at the VillaMix Festival. Interestingly, Priyanka was seen fan-girling throughout the event, shooting multiple pictures and videos of Nick Jonas from the VIP enclosure.

    Can you note their magnetic connection from afar?

    Always lending a helping hand!

    Talk about couple goals! In short, don’t they both look absolutely cute? Nick fixing his wife’s dress is just too adorable to handle!

    View this post on Instagram

    💜 🥰

    A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) on

    Family life is important for them too!

    In fact, their love life aside, both the celebs have a special place for their family members in their hearts. Be it Mama and Papa Jones or their siblings; the couple is seen giving the families their due affection.

    I’m a Sucker for you: 100 points!

    Above all, the 11th goal totally melted my heart! If you want to be inspired by couple goals, it won’t get better than this one!

    Check out the Jonas brothers featuring their better halves in a cool new song ‘Sucker’. Especially look at Nick and Priyanka. Their love on the screen is too good to be true.

    Naimal Khawar under the Spotlight

    By
    Miysha Usman
    -
    0

    Naimal Khawar: A name you have all been hearing and reading since months, obviously needs no formal introduction! Nonetheless, even though everyone has started following her on different social media platforms, very few people actually know about her. Hence, I thought it was time I brought her under the spotlight for all her fans to really get to know her properly.

    The pretty, charming and adorable Naimal Khawar is like an open book.

    Read on and find out amazing things about her you never knew before.

    Naimal Khawar has a Pakhtun Background

    Born on November 17, 1993, to a Persian mother and a Pakhtun father, no wonder Naimal Khawar is beautiful and has unique looks! Additionally, Naimal lives in Islamabad and has been residing there for years.

    Moreover, she has 3 siblings. Her sister Fiza Khawar is a lawyer in the making while her two younger brothers are still studying.

    Naimal was discovered by Shoaib Mansoor and Shahbaz Shigri

    The 25 year-old stunner was actually discovered by the renowned Pakistani director Shoaib Mansoor via her social media handles. When Shahbaz Shigri (assistant director) came across her Facebook and Instagram profile, he contacted her via a phone call and urged her to give showbiz a shot. He was the one who encouraged her to audition for the film Verna.

    Afterward, when the camera did justice to her doll-like face and approved her good dialogue delivery; Naimal become the talk of the town after starring in Verna!

    In the meantime, it is important to mention that Shoaib Mansoor is known for his eminent work in the Pakistani media industry. He has won a Sitar-e-Imtiaz as well as various other awards. In particular, his fine work can be seen in feature films like Bol, Khuda ke liye and a former drama serial Alpha Bavo Charlie.

    He has won a Sitar-e-Imtiaz as well as various other awards. In particular, his fine work can be seen in feature films like Bol, Khuda ke liye and a former drama serial Alpha Bavo Charlie.

    Naimal is artistic and super creative

    Not just a drop-dead gorgeous girl from the block, Naimal Khawar Khan is also super creative and talented. Before acting, Naimal studied in Nation College of Arts (NCA). She did her Bachelors in visual arts and therefore we can understand how she draws and paints meticulously and beautifully.

    Moreover, she revealed in an interview that she had participated in various college plays but never thought about pursuing acting as a career.

    Again, it would be an understatement if I say that Naimal Khawar is talented when it comes to painting. Apparently, she has held various art exhibitions in the past and on one held not too long ago, her fans could see Hamza Ali Abbasi supporting her all the way!

    Here are some more outstanding art pieces from her painted collection.

    View this post on Instagram

    ✔️

    A post shared by Naimal Khawar Abbasi (@naimalkhawarkhan) on

    She finds Item Numbers nonsensical and doesn’t want to do them!

    Fortunately, Naimal Khawar believes that item songs are totally senseless and she doesn’t want any part in them.

    When interviewed by the Express Tribune, Naimal was asked, “What is something you absolutely would not do?” With this in mind, she confidently replied “I think I would prefer roles that impact our society, in terms of social issues. I guess I wouldn’t ever do an item song or something of the sort.”

    She is a social activist too!

    Just like her husband Hamza Ali Abbasi, Naimal doesn’t stay silent when it comes to discussing taboo topics and supporting the oppressed. For this purpose, she mentioned in an interview that she took up Verna because she wanted to support the plot of the film.

    She stated, “The good thing was that Shoaib Sahab told us Verna is about the empowerment of women and I was up for that. I have always been very vocal in terms of such issues, through my art or other ways”

    She is a wonderful homemaker

    Surprisingly, Naimal received more attention from her fans on her wedding as compared to her acting skills on the screen. Indeed, she made a lovely traditional bride on her nikkah/rukhsati and truly looked like a fairytale princess on her valima.

    When she tied the knot with her friend Hamza Ali Abbasi, everyone just fell in love with the sweet couple. While the wedding pictures were a treat to watch, so are the recent pictures and tweets coming in post-marriage directly from the couple.

    The inseparable lovebirds went out for dinner and Naimal posted this picture:

    View this post on Instagram

    Post dinner date 🌚♥️

    A post shared by Naimal Khawar Abbasi (@naimalkhawarkhan) on

    This is what her loving husband replied:

    We wish Naimal a happy married life. Let’s see how she surprises us in the future.

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