Latest news with #Abbasi
India Gazette
07-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
PoJK newspaper vendors on the brink amid declining sales and lack of support
Muzaffarabad [PoJK]. July 7 (ANI): Newspaper vendors in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) are facing an existential crisis, with plummeting sales and a complete absence of institutional support pushing them to the verge of collapse. According to reports, before the COVID-19 pandemic, newspaper reading was a daily ritual in many households across PoJK. However, the pandemic brought a sudden halt to this practice. With lockdowns and movement restrictions, newspaper circulation suffered a dramatic decline. Even after restrictions were lifted, the readership never fully recovered, and digital media further eroded the market. 'Before the coronavirus, selling newspapers was a sustainable job. We used to sell around a thousand copies a day. Now, we barely sell a few hundred. Thousands of vendors have left the profession, only a few dozen of us remain,' said Safaid Abbasi, President of the Press Sell Association in PoJK. Despite their contribution to promoting public awareness and supporting movements, newspaper vendors say they have been sidelined and ignored. Many had played a critical role in distributing material and information during political rallies and protests. Yet, the same system that once relied on their services now turns a blind eye to their plight. 'In my 31 years in this profession, neither the government nor the newspaper publishers have provided a single penny of support. Journalists have made some efforts to raise our issues, but we, the ones called the backbone of rallies and processions, have never been given our due recognition or assistance.' Abbasi lamented. The decline of newspaper vendors is not just an economic concern; it reflects a deeper erosion of traditional information networks in the region. With no intervention from authorities or media houses, many fear that this vital link between the press and the public may soon vanish altogether. As the digital shift accelerates, the absence of policies to protect traditional media workers leaves hundreds at risk of unemployment, with little hope of recovery. (ANI)
Express Tribune
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Abbasi takes on Austen
Is Jane Austen the gift that keeps on giving? Whatever disgruntled literature students may feel, when you are a filmmaker, there is only one answer to this question, and it is this: yes. And thus, as per Variety, Pakistani director Asim Abbasi – he who brought us Barzakh last year, along with web series Churails (2020), feature film Cake (2018), as well as an episode of Famous Five Season 2 – will be stamping his mark as co-director on a production of BBC and BritBox adaptation of The Other Bennet Sister. Abbasi will work with fellow director Jennifer Sheridan to bring the ten-part series to life, which will be based on Janice Hadlow's novel of the same name. Hadlow's novel, in turn, can be best described as a fan fiction novel paying homage to the plain (and painfully average piano player) Mary Bennet from Austen's Pride and Prejudice. "The series follows Mary as she steps out of her sisters' shadows in search of her own identity and purpose – finding herself in the middle of an epic love story along the way," reads the BBC official synopsis, also shared by Abbasi on Instagram Stories. "Her journey will see her leave her family home in Meryton for the soirees of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District, all in search of independence, self-love and reinvention." Mary's tale of independence and reinvention looks to premier in 2026, with UK screen heavyweights Ruth Jones, Richard E Grant, Indira Varma, Richard Coyle cast in key roles. Mary, the titular other Bennet sister, will be played by Bridgerton actor Ella Bruccoleri. Readers who stay away from fan fiction but have devoured Pride and Prejudice may (or nay not) be pleased to learn that the rest of the Bennet sisters will also feature in the series, along with their nemesis Caroline Bingley, friend Charlotte Lucas, and even bigger nemesis Mr Collins. Having brought to life Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed's web series Barzakh last year – a show that got banned in Pakistan within weeks of premiering due to its contentious plot and the choices made by its characters – Abbasi is no stranger to experimenting on the screen and taking on unconventional projects. Churails proved to be groundbreaking in its female-centric story; Cake shone a different lens on family drama and was Pakistan's submission for the 2019 Oscars. Last year, taking on an episode of Enid Blyton's Famous Five series proved the different directions Asim is willing to stretch to; having his name attached to what can ultimately be traced back to Pride and Prejudice highlights the filmmaker's versatility. Whilst it is difficult to categorise a period drama as 'bold' purely due to the subject matter, with Austen's catalogue of work still being particularly relevant to a Pakistani audience, it is only fitting that a director of Pakistani origin will bring his expertise to his latest project. 'Sense and Sensibility' soon It is not just Mary Bennet who is being dragged to the forefront; a much more beloved Austen character, Elinor Dashwood, is also due to have her moment in the sun once again after another film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility starring Daisy Edgar Jones (Normal People) was announced last week. As per the Guardian, production on the film begins next month. The film will be helmed by producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, no strangers to Austen, having previously worked together on 2005's Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley and 2020's Emma with Anya Taylor-Joy. The last time Sense and Sensibility was presented to the big screen in 1995, it starred all the names anyone associates with British cinema; Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and (the late) Alan Rickman. Although the film contained a well-known cast, director Ang Lee famously reduced a young Winslet to tears by informing her that she would "get better". In addition, at the time, fans were left unconvinced with Thompson's pairing with a floppy-haired Grant looking eerily similar to his Four Weddings and Funeral role. With all these glaring flaws in mind, news of this latest version of Sense and Sensibility, at least, has not quite upset fans in the same way as Netflix's Pride and Prejudice announcement from April this year. Austen adaptations abound A swift glance at the outpouring of Austen films or series over the past 30 years shows that this Regency author may have died 250 years ago and written a scant six books before doing so, but she continues to be the gift that keeps on giving – despite what disillusioned literature students may have to say about it. Her classic meet cutes and staidly rom-coms – relatable even two-and-a-half-centuries down the line – prove that Austen is the Marvel equivalent of period dramas. There is always another adaptation waiting in the wings. And if the well is running dry vis a vis adaptations, Penguin can always be counted upon for releasing garish, historically inaccurate BookTok-friendly Austen covers in a bid to lure in modern readers. If you want nothing to do with BookTok covers of classics and are also tired of Austen adaptations filling up streaming platforms, you will have surmised by the above that unfortunately 2025 is not the year for you. Not only can we expect The Other Bennet Sister and Sense and Sensibility in the near future, earlier this in April, Netflix dismayed purist fans by announcing that yet another version of Pride and Prejudice is in the works. Meanwhile, straying only slightly further from Austen's work itself, French film Jane Austen Wrecked My Life (telling the story of a woman who yearns to live in Austen's world) unveiled in May. Lesson learned: Austen is here to stay, and has been for a long, long time.
Business Recorder
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Minister concerned over rising number of derailments
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Friday, expressed concern over the rising number of derailments and called for a detailed analysis and proactive measures to prevent future occurrences. Abbasi said this here on Friday, while chairing a high-level meeting on the occasion of his first 100 days in office which he celebrated with releasing of a special documentary on Pakistan Railways, highlighting key achievements and progress during his tenure. The meeting attended by senior PR officials focused on train safety, administrative performance and ongoing corruption investigations within Pakistan Railways. On the occasion a comprehensive briefings on recent train accidents and operational issues, with particular attention to incidents reported in Sukkur, Multan, and Peshawar during June 2025 was presented. The documentary showcases various initiatives and improvements undertaken by the ministry under Hanif Abbasi's leadership, reflecting efforts aimed at reforming and revitalising the railway sector. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said, 'This is just the beginning of the journey.' He reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, efficient, and developed institution. 'We are determined to make Railways a progressive and modern organisation,' he stated, adding that in the remaining three and a half years of the government's tenure, 'We will work with full energy and dedication to ensure the growth and development of the railway network.' Hanif Abbasi directed that clear recommendations and an action plan be formulated and submitted to the relevant authorities. He also sought a report on the delay of the Awam Express departing from Karachi and ordered an immediate inquiry into the recent foot over bridge incident in Khanewal. Regarding the closure of the Shahinabad Quarry, the minister instructed officials to identify those responsible and take appropriate action. The meeting also reviewed the Railway Constructions Pakistan Limited investigation, where the Inspector General of Pakistan Railways Police reported that the fact-finding inquiry was nearing completion. The inquiry recommends criminal proceedings against implicated officials and proposes the case be handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further investigation. Reaffirming the ministry's zero-tolerance stance on corruption, Minister Abbasi said that financial, administrative and structural reforms remain a top priority. He also said that strict disciplinary action against non-performing staff, while assuring that employees who demonstrate exceptional performance will be recognised through rewards and commendation certificates. Hanif Abbasi called on all officers and personnel to perform their duties with sincerity, transparency and accountability, emphasising the government's commitment to restoring public confidence in the national rail system. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
27-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Minister vows to push for Karachi-Rohri track funding
The Karachi-Rohri section will be the most vital segment of the of the Mainline (ML)-1 project in terms of freight connectivity with Central Asia and Russia, as well as providing transportation link to the Thar coal and Reko Diq mines, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said on Friday. Talking to the reporters outside the Parliament House, the minister said that a major freight route from Lahore to Russia via Rohri, Zahedan and then in Tajikistan had been prepared, but its launch was delayed because of the 12-day between Iran and Israel. Abbasi highlighted termed the ML-1 segment between Karachi and Rohri the most challenging portion. "If needed, I will personally request the prime minister and the chief minister of Sindh to allocate funds to ensure its completion," he said. "This section is vital for the success of future projects like Thar coal transportation, Reko Diq project, freight connectivity with Central Asia and Russia, and realisation of the greater Asian rail linkage dream," he said, adding that the ML-2 and ML-3 lines were equally important for Pakistan's economic uplift. The minister revealed that a major international freight initiative - a rail route from Lahore to Zahedan via Rohri, extending to Tajikistan and Russia - had been prepared. "Had it not been for the war, this international cargo train would have rolled out on June 22," he noted. He stated that $5 million had been allocated in the budget to enhance regional railway connectivity with Uzbekistan. "The country's development is directly linked with the modernisation of the railway system," Abbasi stated, reaffirming his resolve to deliver on the Prime Minister Shehbaz's vision. To a question, he said that he would visit Karachi on July 6 and meet with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to discuss the province's demands for branch lines. "We aim to build the same kind of coordination with Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa [K-P] as we have with Punjab and Balochistan," he said. On the occasion, the minister shared updates on the railways development projects in Balochistan, stating that stations in Sibi, and Machh were being upgraded, and many such projects had already been implemented or were in progress. Abbasi highlighted major improvements in the facilities being provided to the passengers. "People who buy tickets worth Rs12,000 to Rs14,000 deserve better travel conditions," he said. "With the cooperation of the Punjab government, free Wi-Fi facility is being provided to 40 stations," he said. "We are going to install digital Point-of-Sale (POS) systems and ATMs at 348 stations across the country. "These digital initiatives will not only boost revenue but also enhance passenger facilitation," the minister added. "Previously, passengers would wait in queues for hours. They were asked to bring cash. Now, with digital payment machines and ATMs, we're eliminating these hurdles," the minister said. "The railways is being moved towards digitisation." He said a comprehensive plan for the recovery and optimal utilisation of the railways' vast land assets was being prepared, which would be presented to the prime minister. He noted that many encroachments had already been removed. Speaking about the other segments of the railway track, the minister said that the Punjab chief minister had allocated over Rs350 billion for upgrading the Lahore-Rawalpindi section and different other branches. The Balochistan government has also allocated Rs3 billion for Saryab and Kuchlak area. He also highlighted infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of three international-standard railway stations and modernisation of Quetta station. "Quetta's station has been upgraded, and a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train will soon begin operations within the city," he said.
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PR to assemble 200 Chinese trains
Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi stated on Tuesday that 200 advanced Chinese trains are currently being manufactured at the Railway Carriage Factory under a technology transfer agreement. He made these remarks while speaking at the "Meet the Press" event at the National Press Club in the federal capital. Abbasi called the development of Pakistan Railways (PR) key to the country's progress, highlighting the major initiatives taken during his first 100 days in office that have resulted in meaningful improvements. He said the uplift of PR is also vital for the success of strategic projects such as Thar Coal, Reko Diq, and regional connectivity. "Without the upgradation of ML-1, ML-2, and ML-3, the development of railways cannot be envisioned," he stated. Abbasi maintained that 200 advanced Chinese trains are currently being manufactured at the Railway Carriage Factory through a technology transfer agreement. On the occasion, he noted that the Punjab government had allocated billions in the 2025-26 budget, including Rs250 billion for three years for the renewal of the Lahore-Rawalpindi track — expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to two hours and benefit over 30 million people. Additionally, Rs50 billion was earmarked for the development of eight railway stations, and Rs9 billion allocated for the upgradation of level crossings across Punjab to help reduce accidents. The minister shared that the Balochistan government has allocated Rs3 billion, with a commitment to increase the amount, for upgrading existing stations and establishing new ones. He added that development initiatives are also being planned in Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Highlighting passenger amenities, Abbasi said that steps have been taken to improve the overall passenger experience - including the establishment of information desks, sanitation facilities, upgraded food outlets at stations, a modern helpline system, and other services.
