Six Pakistani celebrity resolutions that will inspire you in 2021

A combination of photos of Pakistani celebrities who shared with Arab News their New Year's resolutions.
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Updated 01 January 2021
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Six Pakistani celebrity resolutions that will inspire you in 2021

  • 2020 was a tough year for everyone and that includes our favorite celebrities
  • Arab News spoke to stars about their goals and dreams for the year ahead

KARACHI: 2020 was a tough year for everyone, and that includes our favorite celebrities. Below, a look at what their goals and dreams are for the year ahead:

Sarwat Gilani, actress and activist:




In this photo, Pakistani actress and activist Sarwat Gillani poses for a photo at an event. (Photo Courtesy: Sarwat Gillani Instagram)

My Goal is to work toward creating more awareness of laws that protect our women and children.
Personally, I will focus more on my physical fitness.

Hira Mani, actor and TV host:




In this photo, Pakistani actress and TV host Hira Mani holding her t-shirt that says Good Bye 2020. (Photo Courtesy: Hira Mani Instagram)

My family is and would be most important for me in 2021 as we. I will do more work to make my family proud. I have many dreams which I think have to come true in the coming years. I wish everyone a sparkling New Year!

Ahmed Ali Butt, actor and TV host:




In this photo, Pakistani actor and TV host Ahmed Ali Butt poses for a photo. (Photo Courtesy: Ahmed Ali Butt Instagram)

For 2021, I hope that our film industry gets back on its feet because there are a lot of films and other projects that are pending. I am looking forward to my new international projects as well and hopefully we will see you in cinemas soon InshaAllah.

Mansha Pasha, actress:




In this photo, Pakistani actress Mansha Pasha poses for a photo. (Photo Courtesy: Mansha Pasha Instagram)

My personal goal for 2021 is of self-improvement. I will try to find opportunities myself rather than to wait for them to come on my way.
I also collectively pray for everyone that 2021 may prove to be a good and prosperous year for us and we all remain safe and secure from any of the calamities.
As far as tying the knot with fiancé Jibran Nasir is concerned, it can also be in plans but that is not a resolution and or a personal goal.

Aijaz Aslam, veteran actor:




In this photo, Pakistan's veteran actor Aijaz Aslam poses for a photo. (Photo Courtesy: Aijaz Aslam Instagram)

I have realized how important it is to make a little effort to achieve your dreams, so from now on I have decided that no matter how busy I am, I will keep working on things which I always wanted to do and let others benefit from what I have learned. Hence, my resolution each year will be to have a better year than the previous one.

Junaid Khan, TV actor:




In this photo, Pakistani TV actor Junaid Khan poses for a photo. (Photo Courtesy: Junaid Khan Instagram)

My planning for the year 2021 is to take care of myself and the people who are important to me. I believe in celebrating life for the little things you achieve. We should be grateful for what we have because I believe that there is always something to be grateful for. We should learn from our mistakes and do better and better and show appreciation toward people who are there for us and always ready for help and support and we should never take anything for granted.
My goal for the next year is to focus on my career more enthusiastically and bring unique ideas on the table. I will work on my weaknesses and ways to enhance my skills.


Pakistan eyes ‘multibillion-dollar benefits’ as it plans direct ferry link to Oman

Updated 04 July 2025
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Pakistan eyes ‘multibillion-dollar benefits’ as it plans direct ferry link to Oman

  • Pakistani minister says Oman can boost regional ties via maritime corridor to South and Central Asia
  • He proposes boosting bilateral trade through improved port infrastructure and closer cooperation

KARACHI: Pakistan and Oman have agreed to deepen maritime cooperation, including launching a direct ferry service between Gwadar and the Sultanate, in a move that Islamabad says could unlock billions of dollars in trade, investment and transit revenue.

The development follows a high-level meeting on Thursday between Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Oman’s Ambassador Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi.

Both officials emphasized the need to boost maritime connectivity and capitalize on their long-standing economic and cultural ties.

“Minister Junaid Chaudhry underscored the economic potential of launching a direct ferry service from Gwadar to Oman, projecting multi-billion-dollar benefits in trade expansion, investment inflows and transit revenue,” said an official statement issued after the meeting.

“He stated that Pakistan stands to earn an estimated $10–15 billion annually through Gwadar’s maritime operations, while Oman could establish a maritime corridor to South and Central Asia, significantly enhancing its regional connectivity,” it added.

A view of newly constructed highway connecting to Gwadar port in the coastal city of Gwadar, Balochistan, Pakistan on January 14, 2025. (AP/File)

Earlier this week, the government announced its plan to launch a ferry service connecting Gwadar Port, a centerpiece of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, aiming to strengthen regional ties, improve passenger movement and access new markets across the Middle East.

Pakistan’s minister of maritime affairs said his country’s exports to Oman stood at $224 million in 2024, and stressed the need to scale this up through improved port infrastructure and bilateral collaboration.

As part of long-term cooperation, he also offered maritime training and education opportunities for Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy.

The Omani ambassador welcomed the proposals and emphasized the importance of expanding cultural and commercial ties.

He acknowledged the positive contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to Oman’s development and noted that Urdu was widely understood in his country, reflecting strong social bonds between the two nations.


Tensions rise for Imran Khan’s party as Punjab speaker signals opposition disqualifications

Updated 03 July 2025
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Tensions rise for Imran Khan’s party as Punjab speaker signals opposition disqualifications

  • Malik Ahmad Khan says lawmakers violating constitution have no place in the provincial assembly
  • KP Governor Faisal Kundi has also hinted at a no-trust move against PTI-backed CM Gandapur

ISLAMABAD: Political temperatures rose on Thursday as Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan, suggested opposition lawmakers backed by Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan could be disqualified from the provincial legislature.

Earlier, the speaker had suspended the membership of 26 lawmakers supported by the former premier’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for 15 sessions following chaotic scenes during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s speech during budget proceedings last month.

However, the issue of their disqualification gained traction a day after PTI announced a nationwide protest movement against the government in response to a Supreme Court ruling that denied the party reserved seats for women and minorities in national and provincial legislatures.

“Lawmakers violating the Constitution have no right to remain part of the provincial assembly,” the speaker told reporters on Thursday.

He maintained creating disruption in an assembly was wrong for any political party.

“I will fight this case to uphold the Constitution,” he continued. “I have exercised restraint for over a year and a half as speaker … I now have to fulfill my responsibilities as speaker.”

Last month, Pakistan’s top court upheld a verdict by the Peshawar High Court, ruling that the PTI was not entitled to reserved seats for women and minorities in national or provincial assemblies. The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench ruled that since PTI candidates had contested the February 8 general elections as independents after losing their electoral symbol, they could not claim reserved seats under proportional representation.

The fallout from the Supreme Court verdict has also rattled the PTI’s traditional power base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province where the party managed to form its government.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who represents the federal government, has warned that a no-confidence motion could be tabled against PTI-backed Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, a close aide of the jailed former prime minister.

Gandapur, however, has dismissed concerns about his government’s stability, saying there is no constitutional way to remove him from office.


European climbers complete rare alpine-style ascent of Nanga Parbat’s deadly Rupal face

Updated 03 July 2025
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European climbers complete rare alpine-style ascent of Nanga Parbat’s deadly Rupal face

  • German climber David Göttler paraglided from near the summit in a daring solo descent
  • Nanga Parbat is infamous for its high fatality rate, earning it the nickname ‘Killer Mountain’

ISLAMABAD: Three European climbers achieved a rare feat on one of the world’s most dangerous peaks, scaling the treacherous Rupal face of Nanga Parbat in alpine style, with one of them paragliding down from near the summit in a daring solo descent earlier this week.

German climber David Göttler was joined by French mountaineers Tiphaine Duperier and Boris Langenstein for the climb via the Schell route, a steep and rarely successful line up the mountain’s massive southern wall. The Rupal face, rising nearly 4,600 meters from base to summit, is considered the world’s highest mountain face and among the most technically demanding.

“Sometimes you need to be patient … It’s taken five attempts, but now that I’ve achieved it, I know it’s all been worthwhile,” Göttler wrote in a social media post on Tuesday, describing his 12-year pursuit of the route.

He said summiting with his teammates in alpine style was “incredible,” and added that being able to fly down from around 7,700 meters to base camp in the same day took his joy “to the next level.”

Unlike traditional expedition climbing, alpine style involves climbing in a single push without establishing fixed ropes or pre-stocked camps, requiring climbers to carry all their gear. The approach demands speed, efficiency and a high degree of skill, especially at high altitude.

“It’s been a long time since an expedition has successfully summited from the Rupal side,” Naiknam Karim, CEO of Adventure Tours Pakistan, which facilitated the expedition’s logistics, told Arab News over the phone. “Normally, people climb from the Diamir face.”

“What makes this climb special is that they did it in alpine style ,” he continued. “What’s even more remarkable is that Göttler paraglided down from the summit. So, that’s his special achievement.”

Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest peak at 8,126 meters, is infamous for its difficulty and high fatality rate, earning it the nickname “Killer Mountain.”

Over 100 climbers and porters have died on its slopes, with the Rupal face considered particularly unforgiving due to avalanche risk and exposure to extreme weather.


Pakistan pushes ahead with agri bank privatization under IMF-backed reform plan

Updated 03 July 2025
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Pakistan pushes ahead with agri bank privatization under IMF-backed reform plan

  • The Privatization Commission Board appoints financial advisers for the sale of Zarai Taraqiati Bank
  • An official statement mentions ZTBL among the priority transactions in the privatization pipeline

KARACHI: The government on Thursday appointed a consortium of financial advisers for the sale of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), a state-owned agricultural lender, according to an official statement.

The decision, made during a meeting of the Privatization Commission (PC) Board chaired by Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister, signals the government’s intent to fast-track key transactions under its broader economic reform program.

The board approved the selection of a consortium led by Next Capital Limited, which ranked highest among six qualified bidders.

“ZTBL is among the priority transactions in the current privatization pipeline. The appointment of a top-tier consortium of FAs [financial advisers] reflects the government’s strong commitment to executing the process in a professional, transparent and timely manner,” the Privatization Commission said in a statement.

Pakistan’s privatization program, long encouraged by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under various loan arrangements, is aimed at reducing fiscal losses from poorly performing state-owned enterprises (SOEs), improving governance and boosting private sector participation.

The IMF has repeatedly called for structural reforms, including divestment from commercial entities, to ease pressure on public finances and strengthen the country’s economic outlook.

Alongside the appointment, the PC Board also approved the formation of a Negotiation Committee to finalize the Financial Advisory Services Agreement (FASA) with the selected consortium.

Other shortlisted bidders included major consortiums led by Arif Habib Limited, A.F. Ferguson, AKD Securities, Bridge Factor and JS Bank.

ZTBL provides agricultural credit and rural banking services across Pakistan.

Its privatization is seen as part of a broader effort to reform the financial sector and reduce the state’s commercial footprint.


Utility Stores employees vow resistance as government plans shutdown from July 10

Updated 03 July 2025
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Utility Stores employees vow resistance as government plans shutdown from July 10

  • Workers’ union says closure will affect over 11,000 direct and 5,500 indirect employees
  • A committee will discuss Voluntary Separation Scheme with union members on Friday

ISLAMABAD: The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) employees’ union on Thursday vowed to resist the government’s decision to shut down retail operations by July 10, saying it would fight for the rights of over 11,000 workers by initiating protests, sit-ins and legal action.

Established by the government in 1971, the corporation has a nationwide chain of retail outlets that provide essential commodities to the general public at prices lower than those in the open market.

The corporation took over 20 retail outlets at the beginning but now operates 6,000 stores across the country. The government allocated Rs65 billion ($229.7 million) to subsidize the products sold by the retail chain in the last fiscal year.

One of its spokespersons confirmed to Arab News the corporation’s public retail stores will be closed by July 10, adding that all operations will shut down by the end of the month.

“We have received instructions from the Ministry of Industries and Production to close down all the stores by July 10, shift remaining goods to warehouses and completely shut down operations by July 31, 2025,” Sajid Marwat, USC Public Relations Officer, said.

Meanwhile, Arif Shah, Secretary General of the All Pakistan Workers Alliance of Utility Stores, said the union will use all available avenues to protect the corporation and its employees.

“We will pursue both options, challenging the decision in court and staging on-ground protests including a sit-in at the [USC] headquarters,” he told Arab News.

“In total, around 17,000 people — including 11,500 direct employees of Utility Stores, 2,000 to 2,500 vendor staff and 3,000 franchise store workers from 1,000 to 1,200 outlets — will be affected by the closure,” Shah said, adding the authorities had already terminated around 4,100 employees.

He maintained the institution has remained in existence for 55 years, and shutting it down was not the government’s sole prerogative.

“If it is truly necessary to close this institution, the decision should be approved by parliament,” he said.

Shah noted that during emergencies and disasters, the corporation stood at the forefront to provide relief items and ensure food security due to its big presence all over the country.

He pointed out if the government was determined to shut it down, then at the very least, the employees should be given a fair and respectable voluntary separation scheme (VSS) package to help absorb the financial shock.

Asked about the possibility of offering such a proposal, USC spokesperson Marwat said a human resource committee would convene on Friday to review the issue in consultation with union representatives and the management.

“The union is not accepting the current terms as they are demanding compensation packages for everyone, including daily wage laborers and contractual staff, as all categories of workers are being affected,” he informed, adding that the government was considering a financial deal for regular employees.

Under the package for regular staff, the government is planning to offer two or three month of basic salary.

“But based on mutual consultations, the committee will prepare a comprehensive package for the outgoing employees,” he added.

Raja Miskeen, a USC employee for over two decades, termed it completely wrong to shut down Utility Stores, saying it would put the livelihood of thousands of employees like him and their families at risk.

“We are waiting for the official written order, after which we will challenge this move in court,” he told Arab News.

“We are also in contact with our unions, urging them to develop a joint strategy that includes protests, sit-ins in the federal capital and legal action,” he added.

Miskeen said the employees have dedicated many years to the corporation, adding that it had been functioning well.

“We are not against restructuring or improving its operations, but a complete shutdown is simply unacceptable,” he added.

Ayesha Anwar, a regular customer at the USC in Islamabad’s G-6 sector, said she had been shopping at Utility Stores for years, as their quality goods and subsidized rates had always helped stretch her household budget.

“Sugar at the store costs Rs164 per kilogram [$0.58], while in the open market it is around Rs200 [$0.71]. Similarly, price differences exist for other essential items as well,” she said, adding that closure of these stores would deeply affect the public, especially low-income families.