20 stories you loved most this year

[ghazi52]

20 stories you loved most this year

The stories are diverse — they range from satire and Twitter reactions to celeb interviews and travel accounts. Many are about Qandeel Baloch.

Based on total number of pageviews, here are the stories you liked the most in the past year:

1) Meet the woman who honeymoon'd alone after her husband's visa got rejected

One woman's Facebook post about her honeymoon sans husband goes viral. We spoke to Huma Mobin about her solo adventure in Greece.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "Best wishes to the couple. The honeymoon may not have worked out as planned, but after witnessing this couple's sense of humour I get the impression they are going to have a fun married life Try the Maldives next time, you will not need a Visa and its beautiful."
  
  
• "Hard to be Pakistani now a days!!!!!" (
  
  
• "It is their personal business how they wanted to handle the adversity. Nothing wrong in accompanying her in-laws on a foreign trip without her husband. It shows the maturity of her husband. Love is about seeing each other happy."
  

2) Who is Qandeel Baloch and what is she doing on my timeline

Our first of many explorations of the phenomenon that was Qandeel.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "I love you Qandeel Baloch she's awesome"
  
  
• "Qandeel has definitely beaten all the Meera, Reema and Veena etc; she is one we needed"
  
  
• "looooooool. her singing voice is actually quite good, unfortunately coupled with low IQ it can't end up well."
  

3) Pakistan reacts to Qandeel Baloch's shocking murder

Tributes poured in as news of the Facebook celebrity's death surfaced.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "I was not a fan or anything of her but how can you kill a women? Pakistan and its people who are moderate and doesn't support this, that there is a very big majority of people who even support this and happy on this. We should understand that one day we can be killed under the name of Honor and of Blasphemy law. If you do something different from the culture you will be killed. This kind of issues will never help Pakistan to move forward."
  
  
• "I couldn't believe it when I read this. I always found everything about her very amusing. There was naivety in her risqué antics. Turns out her brother was the one who really disgraced the country. How can people define moral conduct and more importantly expect women to adhere to it. Western countries are not liberal because women can wear revealing clothes or do things that 'cultured' girls don't but because they are not judged. And what's with the sudden rise in 'honor' killings in Pakistan?"
  
  
• "What a sad and tragic end to a wonderful life. A very sad and dark day indeed for women empowerment in Pakistan. I hope she finds peace in afterlife."
  

4) Sindh's new sports minister has some serious swag, and wants you to know

We noticed that the 28-year-old Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar is more stylish than sporty. Cue a stalking session.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "What a poser. Thinks he is a bollywood star. Get a grip man and do something good for ur country and people instead of grooming yourself day and night."
  
  
• "Maybe a new ministry for fashion is what he should be heading?"
  
  
• "Wished there was "swag" in his grammar as well" :p
  

5) Qandeel Baloch is dead because we hate women who don't conform

On the eve of Qandeel Baloch's murder, editor Hamna Zubair pens this tribute to the misunderstood social media celebrity and wonders what her murder signifies about the state of women in Pakistan.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "A disgusting act of taking away the life of another human being and which never be pardoned .After all ,this is an act of double standards outside and inside of ones home. The brother needs to be tried and convicted for murder."
  
  
• "We, in South Asia, are such a culture of double standards! Men in our culture are brought up in a manner where they grow up to become control freaks. In a vicious circle where women, as mothers, are mostly responsible for, subconsciously, teaching their sons to grow up to become controlling monsters and these same men grow up to control the next generation of women. Mullahs help with suggestions like, "lightly beating" women. Life goes on... But not for those who try to effect change. This cycle is so deeply rooted in our society that I frankly don't see a way to end it."
  
  
• "Only if people try to educate their 'sons' instead of their 'daughters' then they will not commit such murders of their sisters, wives or daughters or even a road crossing women! The problem in Pakistan is everyone try to restrict their daughters, teach their daughters, have an opinion on them and the sons are allowed to do whatever they want to.....that is where the problem starts!"
  

6) Everything you need to know about the Qandeel Baloch video we never asked for

Qandeel Baloch made her debut as the main attraction of a music video. We interviewed the singer and producers to learn more about the making of 'Ban'.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• Nothing different than what we see in Lollywood movies these days."
  
  
• "People tolerate all kinds of vulgarity like bribery, lies, theft of national treasures. The only reason one would watch this is if they go to YouTube seeking it. She is free to do whatever she wants because you don't own her and she doesn't own you. Each to his own."
  
  
• "What is happening to the country that produced the likes of Mehdi Hassan, Noor Jehan, Abida Parveen and Alam Lohar? I had believed that at least Pakistan with its conservatism would save some of our joint traditional music."
  

7) Twitter trolls Shafqat for getting national anthem wrong at Eden Gardens

When Shafqat Amanat Ali sang the qaumi tarani out of tune at the World Twenty20 final, Twitter was merciless in its wrath.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "What went wrong with Shafqat, he did not memorized National Anthem good, he committed mistake. Ordinary person could have read the national anthem better. Pity."
  
  
• "After all he is human. Show some tolerance!"
  
  
• "Non seriousness on the part of singer. Out of tune, out of passion..."
  

8) This American was quizzed on Twitter about her travels to Pakistan and her answers will amaze you

Former Goodwill Ambassador to Pakistan, Cynthia D. Ritchie gushed about her travels through Pakistan on Twitter and Pakistanis bombarded her with praise and questions.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "Yes, the best way to understand each other and the world around you is to see for yourself. We have to open up to others and others have to open up to us. Have a open mind. Two weeks back I visited the Lake Districts in the U.K. and the scenery was like heaven on earth. Pakistan is bestowed with matchless natural beauty, we have to learn to appreciate what we have, and share it with the world."
  
  
• "A lot of white people travel to Pakistan. Why is this so special? If one White woman traveling to Pakistan is news, that means the situation is not as good as we think "
  
  
• "I have been living in US almost 45 years and love of Pakistan takes me 2 or 3 times-to the country of my Birth. But all the talk about criminal activities prevent me to take my wife to this beautiful place with me most of my trips. My utmost desire and prayers are that this stigma of security can be rid from our country and common people of Pakistan can live freely like the eletes lives. And country can use the resources to give chance to commoners to see this Diversify beautiful hospitiable people and cultures. Hope more and more foreigner can feel safe and visit our country. May Almighty bless this country and people."
  

 

[ghazi52]

9) 7 key moments from Taher Shah's Angel you may have missed

From Louis Vuitton shoes to his magic wand, we bring you a list of all the little details that went into the making of Taher Shah's second viral hit, 'Angel'.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "It takes some serious talent to make people laugh while being all serious. Way to go Mr. Taher Shah - living life to the fullest!"
  
  
• "Still better than most of the Pakistani singers"
  
  
• "each scene was bringing a bigger shock. how can anybody think like that and then goes on to spend money and energies on such a project. ther is one thing that we must miss is that Tahir and lady angel and the kids are all too healthy to act as Angels. I could not see the whole of it. my kids were asking Papa what you're watching."
  

10) A comprehensive list of things you can beat other than your wife

When the Council of Islamic Ideology proposed that it be permissible for husbands to "lightly beat" their wives, we generated a list of all the other things they could spend their beating energies on.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "Though the article is satirical but still we have to understand and show respect to the diversity or difference of opinion. This is how our society will evolve tolerant."
  
  
• "Hahaha this was such an amazing read! Hilarious!!!"
  
  
• "A superb response you have for that stupid law. Salute DAWN"
  

11) Here's what critics had to say about Mawra Hocane's Bolly debut Sanam Teri Kasam

A round-up of the leading Indian publications' take on Mawra Hocane's performance in her debut film.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "I thought the Indian critics were generous."
  
  
• "Mawra Hocane needed a better Bollywood launching pad.Not only she is beautiful but talented."
  
  
• "Why is she crying most of the time in the movie"
  

12) Shafqat deeply hurt by Pakistan backlash after national anthem slip

Singer Shafqat Amanat Ali spoke out against the reactions to his unfortunate goof-up during Pakistan's national anthem at the Pak vs Ind World T20 clash in March.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "Similar audio glitch marred the singing by Edele at Oscar ceremonies. she is the greatest singer in English speaking world. It must be said that Pakistani are greatly attuned to trivia and never shy away from pointing fingers at others.."
  
  
• "We all are criticizing the singer but I bet you 80% people of Pakistan themselves do not know Pakistan anthem both educated and uneducated"
  
  
• "Going through the replaying of the recording three places he committed mistake, even a class 5 student can notice these. To err is human so the best thing is regret & apology."
  

13) Justin Trudeau unleashes his inner desi and Pakistan loves what it sees

Pakistanis discover that the new Canadian Prime Minister has plenty in common with them.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "He may have dethroned IK!!! don't think so"
  
  
• "Wow, Wow, Wow, this guy sure knows how to enjoy life. Now I am most definitely emigrating , no two ways about that. I am so happy for him and Canada, wish other world leaders were more like him, be less aloof, more people friendly, more down to earth, and enjoy life to the fullest, that is what is life is about."
  
  
• "Too early to judge him."
  

14) What is Pakistan's problem with Qandeel Baloch?

Soon after Qandeel offered to strip for Pakistani cricket captain Shahid Afridi earlier this year, she found her Facebook page temporarily blocked. Assistant Editor Mehreen Hasan muses over what it is about Qandeel that offends Pakistan so much.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "The absolute issue is with our population here. It's a facebook page and everyone has discretion of liking the page. Qandeel has not coerced anyone of the 400,000 into following her. Whist everyone keenly views and shares the videos, everyone also criticises and reports the page for exactly what they enjoyed watching 10 seconds before; as if to feel better about their ownselves. It's nothing but a case of sheer hypocrisy that seems to be strongly embedded in the very core of our society."
  
  
• "The problem is simple. If people say that Religion should be kept private and is a matter between God and man then i say vulgarity should also be kept private and spreading it in society should be a punishable crime."
  
  
• "She wants attention that's what she's getting if she gets no attention she will dissappear she is the unfortunate product of our obsession with social media her detractors are probably her best fans she does in public what our so called upholders of decency and wholesome values do in private more power to her maybe she should start her own political party and call it the liberal party with all her fans she should win by a landslide."
  
  

 

[ghazi52]

15) You can only talk politics with Imran: Reham

Reham Khan breaks her silence about the rumours surrounding her 10-month marriage and eventual split from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chairman, Imran Khan.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "As her husband, it was his job to protect her...from the idiots in his party who thought she had to be contained! Tough it does appear she had her hopes set too high also. Sad for both of them. I thought they looked good together."
  
  
• "Even if they both dont do that, we people must stop talking about their personal lives. Focus on your own personal lives....yes it will be a very tough thing for you folks to do...because it is not even interesting (LOL), but keep trying. Try, because its your life, you get only one chance at it... and its very short."
  
  
• "shameless pro male society in pakistan, pathetic"
  

16) Noone gives me credit for speaking about girl power: Qandeel Baloch

In this candid interview with Hufsa Chaudhry, Qandeel told us about her marriage controversy, her past, and 'that' music video.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "A very brave and determined woman. Everyone has their own limitations. It's easy for affluent city people to mock her on her English skills. But she has done more to challenge Pakistani taboos, taboos which enable the treatment women as second class citizens, than anyone else ever has. There can of course be other ways of challenging the status quo, ways which are not as shocking, but this is a perfectly legitimate way. In some ways, this is the most appropriate way of responding to the types of nasty ways in which women are shamed and humiliated into submission in Pakistan. Qandeel Baloch is exactly what this country needs. Pakistani women can disown her now, but in 20 years, she'll be the one whom all women will point to as the person who freed them. This is unfortunately how the world works."
  
  
• "I am sure no sane pakistani girl would want to follow your footsteps of cheap popularity especially through nudity and obscenity, and stop talking about girl power when you have literally no idea what it should stand for."
  
  
• "QB, future belongs to those who have courage to act."
  

17) Qandeel Baloch wiped off Facebook, Instagram

The deceased star's social media accounts were removed by Facebook for reasons unknown.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "As much as there might be legitimate reasons for deleting her social media accounts, this is depressing because it represents an erasure. Rest in power Qandeel."
  
  
• "Off from Facebook. Not from conscience!"
  
  
• "Folks, in a world without facebook this girl might still be alive."
  

18) 7 reasons why Doraemon is a threat to Pakistan

Staff Writer Sonia Ashraf's satirical listicle inspired by a proposal by a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf member to ban the animated series Doraemon for its harmful effect on children.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "What a double standard........ Can watch movies in Hindi, but cannot watch cartoon in Hindi"
  
  
• "Why only doremon. Pakistan should have it's own cartoon channel that should have limited on air time and sifted programs. Bheem and other such cartoons are not of good standard either"
  
  
• "i know doaremon do show content which is inappropiate for younger audience ,but disney dont show those parts. We have grown watching tom and jerry ,jhonny bravo,dexter etc nothing happens to us . If government wants that their children should play outside then first provide them safe environment."
  

19) Sharmeen Obaid wins second Oscar, makes Pakistan proud

The director picked up her second Oscar for her documentary A Girl in the River, which follows the life of an 18-year-old survivor of an honour killing attempt.

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "Congratulation Sharmeen, we are proud of your bravery, hard work and talent. Keep it going. Thanks for fighting for women."
  
  
• "I cant decide that should i proud on our Oscar or embarrass on our indigenous honor killings!"
  
  
• "Awesome! So proud of yet another female Hero in Pakistan!!"
  

20) The story behind the Qandeel selfie that got Mufti Qavi suspended

A he-said she-said account of Qandeel Baloch's infamous selfie with Mufti Qavi

And here's what you had to say about it:

• "One Picture Worth Ten Thousand Words.. and these "ten thousands words" are speaking something else Muft sahb !"
  
  
• "Still, the photo has certain artistic aspect to it."
  
  
• "mufti sb was trapped isnt it mufti sb?"