TEdit Reports

We bring you a round-up of updates to keep you in the know of what’s happening locally and around the globe!

PM Imran Khan Inaugurates Katarpur Corridors



Prime Minister Imran Khan formally inaugurated the Katarpur corridors at a ceremony on November 9, paving the way for Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit their holiest sites in Pakistan without needing a visa. After tough negotiations between Islamabad and New Delhi, Pakistan and India finally signed an agreement regarding the project last month. Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led the first delegation of Sikh pilgrims as they crossed into Pakistan through the Katarpur Corridor. Indian Punjab’s Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Bollywood actor Sunny Deol and cricketer-turned politician Naviot Singh Sidhu were also part of the caravan. About 8,000 -10,000 pilgrims are expected to arrive from around the world to mark Guru Nanak’s 550th birthday on November 12. The government has employed hundreds of labourers to spruce up the shrine, including a border immigration checkpoint and a bridge.

Ali Xeeshan Ties the Knot



One of Pakistan’s fashion industry’s most celebrated designers, Ali Xeehsan tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony amongst close friends and family in Islamabad. Ali wore a traditional white sherwani and his bride Myrah, wore a salmon pink traditional lehnga, designed by Ali himself. Ali’s bride is an educationist and teaches at Roots School, Islamabad. Known for his energetic and extravagant demeanor, Xeeshan has been toasted among the fashion fraternity. Whether with a rooster atop his head or a monkey on the runway, Xeeshan always knows how to leave a mark.

Mahira Khan Appointed As Goodwill Ambassador



Mahira Khan has been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador by the UNHCR. She has joined the UN Refugee Agency and hopes to use her new position to speak up for the cause. The actor shared the news on Twitter saying, “grateful and honoured to be a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan..Proud to be born to a motherland that has opened its arms to refugees for over 40 years”. Khan in the video shared by UNHCR says, “Pakistan has set an example for the world where a country has hosted refugees for the last 40 years, this is one because I feel so strongly about it, this is something that I want to talk about, especially as Pakistan’s UNHCR National Goodwill Ambassador”.

Danyal Zafar Makes International Music Debut



Danyal Zafar releases his new single Blue Butterfly. The single is the first of Danyal’s upcoming album of the same name which also comprised of eight original tracks. The video for Blue Butterfly has already been shot in Los Angeles, the theme of which revolves around a falling out between two lovers. The video is expected to hit the market by mid-November. Talking about the inspiration behind his new single, Danyal said,“Blue Butterfly was the emoji-symbol of love in my last relationship, you can say that this is my “last calling” to her.

Charlize Theron Gets Honoured By Hollywood For A Fearless Career



Charlize Theron was honoured by Hollywood for a fearless career in which she tackled themes including sexual harassment long before the #Metoo movement up-ended the industry. The 44 year old South African Oscar winner, who has often played down her flawless looks to win more complexed parts, collected the prestigious 33rd American Cinematheque award at Beverly Hills gala. Theron earned Hollywood’s respect with a visceral performance which saw her pack on 30 pounds and render herself unrecognisable with make-up and prosthetics to play unappealing murderer. Next month Theron appears in another transformative role as former TV anchor Megyn Kelly in Bombshell, which depicts the downfall of Fox news co founder Roger Alies after a sexual harassment scandal.

Novels That Shaped Our World



BBC arranged a panel of leading writer, curators and critics to choose 100 genre-busting novels that have had an impact on reader’s lives and revealed its list for “100 novels that shaped our world” and it featured two prominent Pakistani authors. Authors Moshin Hamid and Kamila Shamsie made it onto the list that featured writers from around the world along with Bapsi Sidhwa. Shamsie’s Home Fire is in the “Politics, Power and Protest category while Hamid’s novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist joins the Crime and Conflict category. Sidhwa’s Ice Candy Man also featured in the same category of Crime and Conflict. BBC’s list ranges from classic to contemporary, with works like Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice and A Game of Thrones by George R R Martin .