Latest news with #Zainab
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Akhil Akkineni shares heartwarming wedding photos with Zainab Ravdjee; calls it "Best day of my life"
Picture Credit: Instagram Tollywood actor Akhil Akkineni delighted fans on Friday night as he shared precious moments from his intimate wedding ceremony with Zainab Ravdjee. The actor, who tied the knot on June 6, 2025, in Hyderabad, posted a series of heartwarming photos on Instagram, giving a peek into what he described as "the best day" of his life. With the pictures, Akhil wrote, "June 6, 2025. My heart felt like sharing a few moments from the best day of my life." The couple, dressed in matching outfits, looked both regal and deeply in love. Zainab wore a classic ensemble that matched Akhil's traditional style. Their chemistry was clear in every shot. Candid moments from the big day In the picture, the couple is seen taking in the touching moments of the ceremony. One image captures Akhil seated beside his parents, veteran actor Nagarjuna and actress Amala Akkineni, near the mandap. Another candid moment shows the groom putting a mangalsutra, around Zainab's neck. Another captures the sacred ritual of pheras, with the couple walking around the holy fire, bound together by tradition and love. The wedding reception had seen several popular names from the Telugu film industry and the political world in attendance, although the ceremony itself remained an intimate affair with only close family and friends. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Nagarjuna's note for the couple On their wedding, Nagarjuna shared some pictures from the ceremony on social media and wrote, "With immense joy, Amala and I are delighted to share that our dear son has married his beloved Zainab in a beautiful ceremony (3:35 am) at our home, where our hearts belong. We watched a dream come true surrounded by love, laughter, and those dearest to us. We seek your blessings as they begin this new journey together. With love and gratitude. " What's next for Akhil? On the professional front, Akhil Akkineni is currently working on his next project, an intense action thriller titled 'Lenin'. However, recent rumours suggest the film is facing a casting shake-up as the buzz on the internet suggested the film's female lead, Sreeleela might no longer be working in the film and Bhagyashri Borse might be replacing her.
DW
a day ago
- DW
Pakistan: How social media can become a danger to women – DW – 06/27/2025
As more women in Pakistan embrace self-expression and economic freedom online, they're often met with harassment, privacy violations and violence. Earlier this month, 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf was shot dead by a man who had repeatedly contacted her online, according to police. The killing of the popular Pakistani teenager, who had more than 1 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, has raised renewed concerns over the safety of online personalities in Pakistan, particularly young women. "I had posted a story on social media while at a burger shop," Hira Zainab, a Pakistani social media user, told DW. "On my way back, a car passed by, and someone called out my name." Zainab, who has been active on Instagram since 2017, has maintained several public accounts, including a food blog and a society column. She said this wasn't the only instance where online stalking turned into a real-life encounter. "Once, I was at a salon, and after I left, I received a message saying, 'That color looks nice on you.'" Both times, Zainab said the messages came from strangers who had previously made online advances she had ignored. Other recent incidents — such as leaked video footage purporting to show TikToker Maryam Faisal in a private moment with a partner — have highlighted concerns about women's digital safety. In Pakistan, self-expression and economic independence in digital spaces comes with a surge of threats, privacy violations, and social backlash pressures that often escalate into real-world violence. According to a 2023 study by the Digital Rights Foundation, an NGO that advocates women's rights in the digital space, 58.5% of online harassment complaints in Pakistan are filed by women. But public conversation rarely addresses the deeper, systemic issue — particularly the patriarchal norms that stretch from the online world into homes, workplaces, and society at large. Women with public-facing digital lives have been asking why does visibility so often come at a cost? DW spoke with several Pakistani women who use social media in a public capacity. Yusra Amjad, a Pakistani poet, has used Instagram publicly since 2017. "What started with poetry grew into opportunities for content creation and collaboration," she told DW. "The coolest thing that happened was when Yrsa Daley-Ward, a British African poet, selected someone from Instagram comments for a video call and I won" Amjad said. "I also connected with Indian writers and poets." She recalled one of many hate comments she has received. "When my mother and I did yoga in a park. Hate comments alluded to it being shameless and dishonorable." To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Bisma Shakeel, who is based in the Pakistani city of Kohat, uses social media to raise awareness about mental health, focusing on narcissistic abuse and domestic violence. Her motivation stems from personal experience, having left a toxic relationship in which her partner was controlling and discouraged her from using social media to build a professional presence. But the 29-year-old's journey wasn't straightforward. Securing permission from her family to post videos showing her face took time. For many women, freedom on social media, just like in offline spaces, exists on a spectrum. "My father is liberal, but even he said, 'You shouldn't post. People will talk. In our community, girls don't do that.'" Though Shakeel is now active on social media, she said it doesn't come without risk. "Not so much on Instagram, but on TikTok, you can't imagine the kind of threats we get. Rape threats, death threats," she said. Women in Pakistan — especially those who are visibly active online, whether talking about politics or society or simply owning their space — are often judged and perceived as a threat to religious and cultural values. ''That framing is what makes the harassment feel 'deserved' to many. It's not random, it's deeply structured: she's labeled as immoral or un-Islamic, and then attacking her becomes a form of social or religious duty,'' said Maham Tariq, a feminist activist associated with Pakistan's "Aurat Azadi March" (Women's Freedom March). "It allows people to feel righteous while being violent." To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Several women interviewed expressed frustration that social media platforms often fail to adequately support victims of online harassment. The complaint process is slow and often ineffective. Aisha*, a Karachi native now based in Berlin, has used Instagram as a blog and community platform for years. She shared her experience of being impersonated online with fake profiles and doctored photos. ''Family members would screenshot my photos,'' she said. ''And I saw fake profiles of myself.'' Aisha said that a recent Instagram feature whereby blocking an account also blocks associated IPs has dramatically reduced the number of fake accounts. Following Sana Yousaf's killing, rights expert Dad noted that many women influencers have become active in reporting victim-blaming comments. "They also reported profiles glorifying Sana's murder,'' said Dad, who noted that low digital literacy combined with widespread internet access remains a challenging and risky mix in Pakistan. ''So bad actors, somehow, they have this sort of trust in the system that it won't work for victims and survivors,'' she said. While authorities often act swiftly on victims' complaints, that's not always the case. For some, like Aisha, safety remains a major concern when visiting Pakistan, even from abroad. She says she keeps her accounts private during view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Billboards pose risk as storm season nears
A constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the Government of Sindh, the Director General of SBCA (Sindh Building Control Authority), and others on a petition filed against the installation of billboards. The petition, filed by Altaf Shakoor was presented by the petitioner's counsel, Khurram Lakhani Advocate. He argued that despite a clear ruling by the Supreme Court, illegal billboards have been installed throughout the city. With the monsoon season approaching, these billboards pose a serious threat and could lead to major accidents. In some cases, billboards have even been installed on people's homes without their consent. Taking notice of the concerns, the bench issued formal notices to the concerned authorities. The court remarked that the petition would be heard in detail immediately after the judicial vacation. Protection ordered The SHC has ordered protection for a couple who embraced Islam and married of their own free will. The court heard a petition filed by Zainab and her husband Shabbir, who approached the court against harassment. The couple's lawyer stated that Zainab willingly converted to Islam and married Shabbir Ahmed by choice. However, her family has been harassing them by lodging complaints at multiple police stations against Shabbir. They are reportedly issuing threats of honour killing (Karo Kari). The petitioner requested the court to stop the police from registering further cases against them and dismiss the existing complaints.
TECHx
5 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
The Quiet Ascent of Zainab Al Lawati in Tech
Home » Women In Tech » The Quiet Ascent of Zainab Al Lawati in Tech From the classrooms of Muscat to boardrooms across the MENA region, Zainab Al Lawati, Business Development Manager at PowerDMARC, proves that women in tech can lead with confidence, credibility, and impact. Featured in TECHx Media's Women in Tech series, her work is opening doors for both markets and mindsets. From Muscat, With Ambition Zainab Al Lawati was born and raised in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Growing up in the 1990s, she witnessed a time of significant transformation in the role of women in society. 'Women were beginning to enter the education sector, take up ministerial positions, and hold influential roles,' she recalls. Her own schooling experience was progressive. She studied in a co-ed environment where girls received equal attention and encouragement. 'The teachers invested in shaping us. Girls had the same rights and attention as boys,' Zainab says. Being the first child, and the first daughter, in her family made her journey even more meaningful. Her mother, a highly educated professional, became her first mentor and strongest supporter. 'She made sure I received quality education and even arranged for tutoring after school. I hated it at the time,' she laughs. 'But looking back, it made all the difference.' Her upbringing was shaped by a belief that women could, and should excel. Today, she proudly notes that women in Oman are not only ministers but also governors and decision-makers, enjoying full rights and opportunities. A Global Opportunity Opens Zainab's educational journey took a significant turn when she received a government scholarship to pursue higher education abroad. At just 17, she moved to the Netherlands to study International Business Administration at NHL Stenden University. 'It was a major shift. Living independently in Europe, surrounded by diverse cultures and ideas, shaped me deeply,' she says. Her undergraduate program blended theory with real-world application. 'We didn't just learn business concepts, we applied them in real scenarios. That practical exposure gave me a head start professionally.' Zainab didn't stop at a bachelor's degree. She continued at the same institution to earn a Master's in Digital Innovation. The program bridged her interest in tech with her business background. 'I've always been drawn to technology. The master's helped me see tech from a business lens,' she explains. 'It wasn't about coding. It was about understanding how tech can transform industries.' This passion sparked a deeper interest in cybersecurity. On returning to Oman, she pursued further professional certifications, including Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). 'I'm a saleswoman, yes. But I believe a saleswoman should speak tech fluently. That's how you add real value to your clients.' First Job, First Principles Zainab Al Lawati's first job came while she was still in the Netherlands. She joined Neat, a Norwegian hardware firm specializing in video conferencing solutions, as a Business Development Representative. Her job involved more than just client relations. 'I was on the front lines, handling live chats, troubleshooting, and doing video support for technical issues.' This early exposure to hardware gave her a taste of real tech. When she moved back to Oman, she shifted focus to cybersecurity. 'Cybersecurity fascinated me. The more I learned, the more I realized how essential it is to modern businesses.' She dove deep, learning how cybersecurity infrastructure is built, how products are integrated, and how organizations stay protected. This technical understanding became a cornerstone of her career. Proving Herself in a Man's World As a woman in the cybersecurity space, Zainab faced hurdles early on. 'I did feel underestimated, both by colleagues and clients. Some assumed I didn't have the technical know-how,' she says. Instead of being discouraged, she chose to rise above it. 'I spoke confidently about what I knew. And what I didn't know, I made sure I learned. I joined technical demos, I asked questions, I showed up.' Another challenge was managing the emotional dynamics of the workplace. 'As women, we're often expected to do more. That strength sometimes becomes an excuse for others to offload more on us,' she observes. She also recalls how emotional manipulation or 'valuation games' sometimes affected professional interactions. 'People, whether male or female sometimes use emotional angles to influence women in business discussions. But these experiences have made me tougher, more composed, and emotionally intelligent.' Her message: 'Challenges will come. But they shape you. Let them.' North Africa, Levant & Beyond Today, Zainab Al Lawati is steering growth across the MENA region at PowerDMARC. As Business Development Manager, she handles both channel partnerships and direct end users across the region. 'I work with a brilliant team, technical implementers and account managers who support our regional expansion,' she shares. In the past year, she's led some of the company's most significant milestones. 'We expanded into Morocco and Tunisia. In Morocco, we onboarded Onetech Africa as our first distributor. In Tunisia, we successfully partnered with Ooredoo Tunis for one of the largest regional implementations.' Her work also helped PowerDMARC solidify its presence in the Middle East through key partnerships. 'We signed with Spire Solutions, adding PowerDMARC to their cybersecurity portfolio,' she says. The roadmap ahead includes entering new, complex markets. 'We're looking at Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt in the coming months pending political and economic conditions. These are markets with huge potential.' A Word to Women & the World As a prominent woman in cybersecurity, Zainab has a message for aspiring female professionals: 'We are survivors. We know more than they think. We can always do more.' Her advice to young women entering the tech industry? 'Don't doubt yourself. Learn the tech. Understand the business. Speak with confidence. And never let a 'no' define you.' To the industry at large, she adds: 'Technology is shaping the world. It doesn't discriminate. There is room for everyone, regardless of gender. What matters is passion and knowledge.' Zainab Al Lawati is not just building markets, she's building momentum for women in tech. Her career is a case study in how education, determination, and a bold vision can lead to real impact in a male-dominated industry.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysian evacuated from Iran recalls enduring similar trauma 40 years ago
SEPANG: A sense of relief sank in as the 24 people, including 17 Malaysians, evacuated from conflict-stricken Iran stepped foot at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport last night. For some, it was a return to peace. For others, it was déjà vu as the evacuees from Iran recounted their ordeals. Dr Suraiya Ali, one of the evacuees, said the evacuation marked the second time she had been trapped in conflict in the Islamic republic, the first being over four decades ago during the Iran–Iraq war. "Forty years ago, after I got married and finished my studies, I lived in Iran. I was there when the Iran–Iraq war broke out. "I even worked there briefly but had to return to Malaysia when my son was just two years old. "I never returned until two weeks ago, and once again, war broke out. I was trapped twice, 40 years apart," she told reporters when met at KLIA. Dr Suraiya had travelled to Iran on June 13 with her husband to celebrate Aidiladha and visit her family. They were scheduled to return on June 18, but flight cancellations and airport closures left them stranded. "We didn't know what to do. My husband bought tickets to Dubai for June 29, but the situation kept deteriorating," she said. Her prayers were answered when her son in Malaysia informed her that the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran and Wisma Putra had arranged an evacuation. "That same night, we boarded a 15-hour bus ride from Shiraz to Tehran to meet the embassy's departure deadline. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Malaysian government and Wisma Putra. "The embassy staff treated us like family. It wasn't easy, we endured long journeys and dangerous roads, but we were never left on our own," she said. Meanwhile, for 33-year-old Fadli Yusni, the crisis pushed him to make a bold decision. He attempted to fly to Iran to be with his wife, Zainab, an Iranian national and student in Malaysia who had been stranded while visiting her parents. "I couldn't just wait here. I wanted to go to her, to bring her home myself," he said. But his effort fell short. Fadli only made it as far as Uzbekistan before the conflict forced him to abandon the mission. "The past 10 days were filled with panic. I kept checking the news, my phone. Every time I couldn't reach her, I feared the worst," he said. Fadli eventually sought help from the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran, staying in close contact with Ambassador Khairi Omar, who assisted him in registering Zainab for evacuation. "I told her to immediately get in touch with the embassy. Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly after that. "I'm truly grateful to everyone involved," he said. The evacuees' journey involved a 1,000 kilometre overland route from Tehran to the Iran–Turkmenistan border, an overnight stop, and flights from Ashgabat via Bangkok before finally landing at KLIA. They were greeted by their loved ones at KLIA's arrival hall, with smiles and sighs of relief as families reunited after their arduous journey across borders and multiple countries.
