All Posts in "News"

Shortly after launching in Pakistan, global ed-tech firm Library 21 acquires UK-based leadership education company IDG to offer elite courses to the public 

Highlights: 

Inspirational Development Group (IDG) is the firm behind leadership courses in a strategic alliance with the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst

Many world leaders – including Pakistan’s top military leadership – have attended the institution. Now Pakistanis can avail the same courses through Library 21  

DUBAI, November 2 – Disruptive global ed-tech company, Library 21 Holdings Ltd (formerly known as Coded Minds), has acquired UK-based Inspirational Development Group (IDG), the firm behind leadership courses and in a strategic alliance with the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, UK where many world leaders – including Pakistan Army’s top brass – have studied. 

The Pakistan Army has been considered as one of the best performers in the UK’s Royal Military Academy. Recently, it won an international military drill competition known as the Pace Sticking Competition at the academy for the third consecutive time. Now Pakistanis can acquire the same courses as well through Library 21. 

Omar Farooqui, the Founder and President of Library 21 Holdings Ltd, said, “We feel proud, by virtue of this acquisition, we are an education partner of this prestigious institution that produces the world’s best leaders.”  

“The year 2020 has brought about many challenges to companies worldwide but we have used this opportunity to reaffirm our business model and drive to make education a right and not a privilege by bringing best in class offerings to the masses,” Farooqui added.

Library 21 is now providing education in Pakistan as well. The strategic acquisition means that the company will now be operating in more than 12 countries across the world and will have a complete 360 suite of education programs for pre-K to adults as well as corporates. 

IDG is the second major international acquisition by Library21. The company acquired a leading STEM and INNOVATION education company in Canada and the USA last year.

Peter Turpie, the Managing Director of IDG, said that they cherish the long-standing exclusive partnership with the Royal Military Academy for over 20 years. “We are proud that we have produced the world’s best leaders through our educational plans. Now as part of Library21 group, we are confident that we will be able to bring all our core expertise at the doorstep of tomorrow’s leaders” he remarked. 

He said the acquisition would bring world-class education to the doorsteps of students around the world. “With travel restrictions, education is now becoming more localized. Such an opportunity will benefit everyone wherever Library 21 is offering education, making it world-class education accessible”.

Turpie added, “Joining the Library21 group presents a fantastic opportunity for us and will further our ambition to build the next generation of leaders across the globe through high-quality learning experiences that are fun, innovative and accessible.”  

Web Desk by — November 4, 2020 in Business

Tabba Heart Institute Commemorates World Heart Day 2020

Use heart to beat heart diseases for society, your loved ones and you

World Heart Day is the biggest awareness-raising platform for Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD). CVD is the number one cause of death on the planet. It has many causes: from smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, to air pollution,

In the time of COVID-19, CVD patients are faced with a double-edged threat. Not only are they more at risk of developing severe forms of the virus, but they may also be afraid to seek ongoing care for their hearts.

Like every year, Tabba Heart Institute commemorates this day with full fervor and zeal by organizing various activities spread over a month with an objective to create awareness about heart disease and its risk factors and educate people about heart healthy life style and diet.

The series of activities started from 25th September with an educational program for general practitioners about importance of heart healthy lifestyle. The hospital website, social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube engaged the users through informative blogs, video messages from senior doctors and administration of the hospital. Active participation on live TV & FM radio shows on prominent channels was also arranged by the hospital to reach out to the mass audience.

The main event for this year Free Cardiac Screening Camp took place on the 27th of September at the hospital premises. The mega camp, which offered free cardiac screening through lab tests and doctor consultation, saw a huge turnout of public from all walks of life. The hospital also offered special discount on various hospital services including Free Calcium Scoring test to propagate the message of healthy life on world heart day.

The similar event is also planned at Tabba Heart Outreach Centre in Hyderabad on 9th of October.

The month long activities will continue till the third week of October, 2020.

outlooktimes staff by — September 28, 2020 in Events

TECNO, the fastest growing smartphone brand has launched its most awaited Hero Phone Spark 6 – a mid-range phone with 6 upgraded features at the BOL game show- hosted by Danish Taimoor. The premier of TECNO sponsored action movie ‘Real Hero’ was also revealed for the first time. The impressive transmission was also witnessed by millions at 7:00 PM on TECNO’s official Facebook page @TecnoMobilePakistan.

The audacious idea of the unveiling Spark 6 at the most popular game show ‘Game Show Aisay Chalay Ga’ received an overwhelming response. The entertaining show kept the audience engaged through a variety of interactive segments, specifically designed to appeal to the audience in attendance. Besides, the presence of many trending Tiktokers added glam to the show.

TECNO Spark 6 is the successor for Spark 4 brought many surprises, as unboxing reveals that the newbie phone is equipped with exclusive six upgraded features. Spark 6 is one of its kind due to its impeccable 16 MP Al quad Camera + flashes, dazzling 6.8′ HD dot –notch display, it has 4GB + 64GB memory, impressive 2K skin adjust video beautify feature, and advanced G70 processor. All these amazing features under the reasonable price tag of just PKR 20,599 is creating all the difference.

Moreover, the mesmerizing premiere of TECNO sponsored Action Movie, ‘Real Hero’, featuring heartthrob Ali Zafar, left every jaw dropped. The audience was thrilled to watch their favorite Ali Zafar in Hero style.

Creek Ma, the General Manager of TECNO said,
“Since TECNO’s entry in Pakistan, our brand mantra has been to strengthen the budget to mid-range smartphone category by introducing the features which are not available at such price point. We are optimistic that Spark 6 will be well received by the audience and will add spark to their lives.”


The newly launched smartphone is now available in online and offline markets, nationwide. Through the successful launch of Spark 6, TECNO is all set to overtake its rivals once again.

outlooktimes staff by — September 21, 2020 in Digital

The current COVID-19 pandemic has not been easy for anyone, in particular for the kids. Apart from symptoms and disease, this pandemic has had different effects on kids, including stress, fear, anxiety, and frustration and all the more so for children who need special attention.

Ahsan Khan makes a sweet connection

An actor, a philanthropist and Government of Punjab’s Child Protection and Welfare Bureau’s Ambassador Ahsan Khan has always had a soft spot for children and he always appears to be the main face for children rights!

Ahsan Khan makes a sweet connection

Recently a mom tweeted a video about her kid Raiyan, where he gushes about how much he likes Ahsan Khan and his show “Bol Nights with Ahsan Khan” and that due to coronavirus he can’t meet his favorite superstar.             

Ahsan Khan reached out to the kid and had a Zoom meeting with him and his mother, they had a very happy talk, Raiyan told Ahsan about his love for games, current load shedding situation and much more.

Watch the whole video here:

Web Desk by — July 2, 2020 in Artist

Currently garnering rave reviews for her brilliant performance in a negative role in Pyar Ke Sadqay, the versatile Yashma Gill is all set to appear on our screens in an entirely new avatar in ‘Gustakh’ opposite veteran actor Faysal Qureshi.

Starring as ‘Ania’; Yashma Gill will be essaying an innocent and sweet girl who is overshadowed by others and will be seen floundering for her love and loved ones in the play. Yashma will be sharing the screen with Faysal Qureshi, Faryal Mehmood, and Ali Ansari among others.

Talking about the new drama, Yashma Gill said, “I am so happy I got to work alongside this amazing cast – it was a wonderful experience! Playing this role has been really enlightening for me and I can’t wait for everyone to finally watch Ania’s story.”

Written by Saima Akram Chaudhary of Suno Chanda fame, the drama is directed by Najaf Bilgrami. The play is slated to go on-air from Thursday 9th July 2020 on Express TV.

Having proven her versatility and acting mettle with her commanding negative roles in ‘Pyar Ke Sadqay’ and ‘Alif’, this rising young talent has been impressive with her distinctive choices of role ever since her debut in the industry. The budding actress has also launched her own YouTube channel and has been stealing the limelight with her uber witty vlogs.

Yashma Gill to Star Opposite Faysal Qureshi in new play Gustakh starting from 9th July 2020

Web Desk by — June 29, 2020 in Drama

Fadia Shaboroz, U.K. based Pakistani,  is singing her way to fame and is surely here to stay! A cursory glance at the work of the rising star reveals that the songstress is brimming with immense talent, which has taken her places over the years. From Punjabi to Sufi, Urdu to Hindi, Classical to Pop; there is no musical genre she has not dabbled in!

If you are an ardent fan of watching the golden musical evenings of PTV Virsa: Heritage Revived, you might have spotted the versatile voice of Fadia Shaboroz, turning the atmosphere melodious with her earthy vocals.

From a very young age, she has harbored a love for singing. After kick-starting her professional music career in 2012, she made a splashing feat as she performed at the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, the Queen. She represented herself as the first-ever British Artist at the Palace of Westminster in the presence of Lords, MPs and Ministers of Her Majesty’s Government.

However, while living in Manchester, she has been passionately expressing her love for Pakistan. She has made us proud by being a cultural ambassador and reciting the national anthem on Pakistan’s Independence Day at various celebrations and flag-bearing ceremonial events hosted by Pakistan High Officials.

Her musical covers for Sang e Mar Mar’s OST, Teri Galiyaan, and Raksh e Qamar have gained immense popularity on YouTube and even made waves in India.

She has even penned her own tracks ‘Aatish Dil Di’ and ‘Megha Barse’. She is beyond a cover singer. Fadia is a champion of human rights and has been volunteering actively with different communities and charities in the U.K to work for humanity.

A Musical Icon in the Making: Meet Fadia Shaboroz
Web Desk by — June 26, 2020 in Artist

Yet another on-screen unconventional celebrity couple is all set to hit our screens this month and this time it is the power-packed pair of Ushna Shah and Ahsan Khan, all set to breeze their way in Geo Entertainment’s new drama ‘Bandhay Ek Dour Se’.

The story is penned by Faiza Ifthikar of Ranjha Ranjha Kardi fame and is helmed by the star director Ali Faizan. The drama is produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi’s 7th Sky Entertainment.

Joining Ahsan Khan and Ushna Shah in the cast are Hina Altaf in a supporting role,  Saba Faisal, Saba Hameed, Samina Ahmed, Noor Hassan, Madiha Rizvi, Ali Rizvi, Qavi Khan and many more.

The promos of the drama are grabbing eyeballs on social media and the duo has dazzled the viewers with their palpable chemistry in the teaser.

Ahsan Khan & Ushna Shah to Create Magic On-Screen in Bandhay Ek Dour Se

Speaking to media about his role in the drama, Ahsan revealed,” My character is of a young, guy-next-door, happy-go-lucky person and he tries to always keep his family united. There is also a love story revolving around him and he tries his best to take it to marriage while connecting two families to it. The character has satire in it which later turns serious and also has an innocence to it.”

Ushna Shah also revealed major details about her avatar and we can’t wait to see her in the exciting role.

“I play the role of Maheen- the protagonist in the story. She is Umar’s cousin, played by Ahsan Khan. She is a very nice, bubbly, well-mannered girl who is very mature for her age. She lands herself in a situation that is very painful but she has to handle it and maintain her dignity throughout. At the same time, there is a beautiful love and romance she gets involved in.”

The leading pair also divulged that the drama will be devoid of clichéd saas-bahu dilemmas and will highlight the sweet and sour life of middle-class households.

“If the audience wants to watch a story of a household and families, something very light while also very deep and which we all can connect to, then this drama is for them. It is very casual, light-hearted, and emotional. It is very well-shot and well-written describing issues that happen in common households. If the viewers are looking for entertainment and love old PTV, family-oriented dramas, then this project will take them back in time as it has enjoyable elements that fans will get riveted to,” stated Ahsan.

Ushna added the plot will also depict strong unity amongst women that is surely much needed on our television screens.

“It will be a whole-hearted Pakistani family drama which will be very entertaining. It is not a typical saas-bahu drama but about love, loyalty, and also about unity amongst women in a household,” revealed Ushna.

Ahsan Khan & Ushna Shah to Create Magic On-Screen in Bandhay Ek Dour Se
Web Desk by — June 13, 2020 in Drama

Sadaf Kanwal and Shahroz Sabzwari tied the knot in a simple nikkah ceremony. Sadaf shared a photo of herself with her in-laws and her new husband with a title ‘complete’ and disabled comments on her Instagram.

Sadaf Kanwal changed her name to Sadaf Sabzwari on her Instagram, and Shahroz Sabzwari wrote ‘Alhamdulillah’ on his Instagram post and also disabled comments.

Nikah Pictures with their immediate family members:

Instagram Posts of Shahroz and Sadaf Sabzwari:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA2o0gfj17R/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA2o3vQgoGF/
outlooktimes staff by — May 31, 2020 in Artist

Hareem Farooq has clearly been staying productive during quarantine, as the star recently revealed some exciting news about two new film projects underway from her end. The gorgeous award-winning actress and Pakistan’s youngest female producer revealed this news in a casual chit chat session on an Instagram live. According to Farooq, she is already working on these projects with her team and is planning to begin filming after quarantine comes to an end.

As Hareem shared with a live audience about her journey in the entertainment industry, she talked about how she has come a long way from a theater actress to now, as we call her, the leading face of the entertainment industry. We can see all the hard work that went into this journey from her body of work, and given the actress and producer is investing time and resources says a lot about her potential. We have seen her magic on-screen and in the producer’s chair with some of her previous blockbusters including Janaan, Parchi, and Heer Maan Ja.

In the live session, she also urged her fans to never give up on dreams. She quoted, “Ultimate failure is when you decide to give up.”

Hareem Farooq Reveals She Has Two New Film Projects in the Pipeline

As the session ended with her motivating others to be kind and empathetic, Hareem Farooq’s live session brought us the great news of more exciting content from the young producer. We are still completely in the dark about any details on these new projects, and we are wondering what the star would be bringing to the big-screen next!

outlooktimes staff by — May 20, 2020 in Artist

[Karachi,19th May, 2020] Ayesha Omar joins The Citizen Foundation Goodwill Ambassador program. Having endured a tough childhood with the loss of her father and seeing her mother’s dedication to her and her brother’s education, she grew up with the same dedication towards children’s betterment and aims to use her position to actively work with underprivileged students and children, to provide them with fair education.

Ayesha believes that education is truly powerful in helping individuals lift themselves out of a difficult life and make informed choices. She also believes that education is not a privilege but a right that every citizen should have access to, regardless of their financial situation. There are 22.8 million children who are out of school in Pakistan and the actress wants to use her voice to fil the gap.

Web Desk by — May 19, 2020 in Artist