Pakistani musician Asim Azhar has come up with a statement after being trolled for his recent song’s cover version ‘Tu Hai Wohi Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha’ and controversy involving social media star Rajab Butt.

Social media was divided over the singer’s take on the famous track, with many users condemning the performance and saying the original song had been ruined.

The dispute escalated when Rajab Butt posted a lip-sync video in support of the song. Asim Azhar thanked the influencer for the gesture but his reply prompted more criticism from social media users who questioned his decision to recognise the support.

Asim Azhar reacts to controversy over his TikTok video. Amid the rising reaction, Azhar took to Instagram to remark that someone praising him and him replying to someone’s appreciation does not mean that he shares the same ideas or principles.

He said he understood the worries of his followers and supporters and agreed with many of them, adding that his purpose was just to respond to kindness with compassion and that the problem was not as serious as it had been portrayed.

On a happier note, the musician asked fans to keep on enjoying his new music and luscious mangoes.

The clarification has not stopped debate on social media. Some admirers believe the singer should not have taken Rajab Butt’s assistance while followers of the influencer have condemned Asim Azhar for stepping away after public response.

Pakistani film and television star Mahira Khan has underlined the need to create awareness about mental health, stating the topic still has social stigma attached to it.

Many individuals still feel ashamed to speak freely about mental health problems, the actress told the media at a British Asian Trust event in London.

Mental diseases should be treated the same as any other medical issue, she said, stressing the need of measures to promote mental wellbeing. The participation of King Charles in the trust’s efforts was also called significant by Mahira Khan.

The actress also decried the occurrences of harassment and violence in the society and said there is a need to change the public attitude and guarantee that those involved are held accountable to set an example.

“We need more awareness and collective action to tackle both the social problems and the mental health issues,” she said.

Pakistan, Uzbekistan agree to strengthen institutional linkages to promote cultural exchange, people-to-people contact through media APP ISLAMABAD:- Pakistan and Uzbekistan have discussed to strengthen institutional linkages to promote cultural exchange and people-to-people contact through media. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev held a meeting here in Islamabad, APP reported on Monday.

“Pakistan values its partnership with Uzbekistan and is committed to turning shared ideas into tangible results for both countries”, In a post on X, Tarar said.

The minister said both sides discussed ways to boost cooperation in media, cinema and cultural exchanges, including potential joint productions and digital collaboration.

The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in film production including cooperative short films, documentaries and drama series, the report stated.

“The ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s contribution in the promotion of peace in the region and efforts made by Islamabad for peace-related initiatives and negotiations,” APP said.

Pakistan, he said, pays significant value to its relations with Uzbekistan and is willing to further enhance cooperation in the fields of media, cinema and culture.

He said such initiatives would need the participation of established production houses and large scale film projects might be initiated through collaborative financial agreements between the two countries.

The minister highlighted the need to promote joint media content on the common historical and cultural legacy of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

“Both sides agreed to improve co-ordination between their respective social media teams for development of joint digital content and co-ordinated online promotional strategy,” the APP report said.

It was also agreed to improve collaboration between the media organisations of the two countries.

The exchange of study tours of journalists of both sides will enhance mutual understanding and professional exchange, the minister added.