Worried About Increasing Petrol Prices? 5 Ways You Can Save Up Your Fuel Cost

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Jul 7, 2022

petrol fuel cost save — Image Source: Good To Know

The petrol prices are touching the skies and it’s making the common man stressed beyond belief. What can one do after all? We have to get to places and petrol will be used but with these prices, it might be time to start reverting to donkey carts now. Jokes aside, the situation is incredibly tough but it’s not one that can not be managed. Here’s what you can do to save petrol costs:

1. Car Pool

We don’t have a tradition of saving fuel costs by carpooling in our culture. Be it because we’re less trusting of others or because it is seen as a petty thing. However, carpooling actually helps save fuel costs greatly. If you and a neighbor or even a relative are going to the same place every day, best to coordinate times and divide the journey. One day, it can be your car and the other day it can be theirs.

2. Plan Ahead

We also often leave filling tanks to the last minute. However, now with petrol costs rising every day, it’s best to plan ahead and be efficient. If you have a journey coming up after two days, get your tank full already. It might cost more to do the same when the day comes close.

3. Drive Smoothly

This is another problem that we face a lot which also drives up fuel costs. People just don’t drive smoothly in Pakistan! There’s always an unnecessary rush or maybe it’s because they bribed the officer to pass their driving test. Driving smoothly means driving at an average speed without unnecessary acceleration and braking. It consumes less fuel!

4. Keep Tyre Pressure Checked

Did you know that your tire pressure affects how much fuel your car is using? If the tyre pressure is below normal, your car will be using more fuel to push them around. Since we get tyre pressures checked so randomly, you might be putting in a fortune for the fuel cost without knowing about it.

5. Go Out In Evenings

If some things can be done in the evening or in the night it’s best to do them at that time. Leaving in the day means there is no way you won’t be turning on the AC. That obviously eats up your fuel!

Have any other tips to add? Let us know in the comments below. We would love to know your thoughts.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

5 Movies That Predicted Metaverse Long Before Zuckerberg Introduced It

By

Usman

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Jul 7, 2022

Movies That Predicted Metaverse — Image Source: ucsdguardian.org

The Metaverse, by Mark Zuckerberg, is one of the most popular concepts of today. When it was first introduced, it sparked quite an interest in a lot of people. In fact, it is one of the most interesting parts of this century. To be able to create a universe where people can reside online is quite engaging. There are many movies that actually have this concept embedded within them, long before it was announced. These movies that predicted Metaverse one way or another and have quite a way of representing it.

That said, let us check out some of these movies. These movies show some of the probable aspects of the metaverse.

metaverse and movies inspired from it — Image Source: medium.com

1. Ready Player One

This is one of the best movies out there today. It shows the concept of the metaverse in the perfect manner. In the film, the universe exists with the name of ‘Oasis’. Players can enter and roam and work at will. They can earn and save their progress or they can take part in various events all throughout the Oasis. However, if they die inside the metaverse, they are going to respawn without any of their earnings and accolades. The movie is one of the best representations of the metaverse.

2. Tron

We are not talking about the most recent Tron film, rather the older one from the 80s. It also portrays a dystopian concept lined with an entire universe within. In this, a video game programmer goes head to head against a self-aware A.I, hell-bent on terrorizing the human world. As we dive deeper into the film, it gets more interesting!

3. The Matrix

We cannot make this list and leave out the most defining movie of the last generation. It shows that humans are living inside a computer simulation that has been designed with the utmost detail. Rather than trying to fight the system, many humans continue to live out their lives inside the simulation, unaware of what is going on. The protagonist, however, comes to know that he is the Chosen One against an army of machines.

4. Minority Report

This film revolves around the concept of the metaverse in a different manner. It shows that humans have developed a new type of technology. It allows them to predict and foresee if a person is going to commit a crime or not. That way, they can prevent the crime before it even happens. However, what happens if there is a flaw in the system?

5. Inception

This is one of the best movies that was made by Christopher Nolan. Not only is it an example of a universe within a universe, but it also shows much more. It shows that a person can dive deep within certain levels of subconsciousness, the next more unstable than the previous one. The concept is to be able to plant an idea deep inside the subconscious through entering the person’s dream. Check it out if you are a fan of the metaverse. You are going to love this film.

Stay tuned for more from Brandsynario!

5 Nail Bars In Karachi That Do A Fabulous Job

By

Dr. Rida Qamar

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Jul 7, 2022

Gone are the days when you used to pay a visit to a salon to get your nails done. Thanks to nail bars, you don’t need to wait for hours in a salon to get an appointment. The concept of nail bars is not something new. In fact, we can find a variety of nail bars in Karachi to get our favorite set of manicure, gel, or acrylic nails. Besides, nail bars also provide a cozy space for you to chill and relax and often offer aesthetically pleasing vibes. If you are in the mood to experience any of these, hop on to one of these nail bars in Karachi.

1. Shehla Nail Bar

Shehla Nail Bar is located in the DHA phase 5, Tauheed commercial. They offer a variety of designs and colors, including acrylics and gel nails. They also offer a wide variety of colors and gems to choose from. You can also take a reference picture and ask the staff to create the look of your choice. However, if you want a more budget-friendly option, look out for their deals and discounts.

2. Nailed It

Nailed It is located in Ocean Mall and is the best spot for you to relax and unwind as you get your nails done. The bar welcomes you with soothing vibes and pink hues of floral decor. Sit back and enjoy on huge pink couches as you get your manicure and pedicure done. Their collection of nail colors mounted on the wall offers wide options to choose from.

3. The One Salon

Located at Badar Commercial, the nail bar at the one salon is a one-stop solution for all your nail concerns. Not only do they offer a variety of looks and ideas you can choose from, but they can also do over-the-top comprehensive looks with absolute precision and care. From chrome to metallics, glitter to matte, you can get everything and anything done.

5 Nail Bars In Karachi That Do A Fabulous Job — Image source: facebook.com

4. The Nail Studio By Zara and Sara

They are situated at DHA phase 5. The nail studio by Zara and Sara offers amazing options, which include both acrylic and gel nails. The nail bar offers amazing hues of both neutral and bright tones. However, the best part is their aesthetically pleasing location which offers relaxing and soothing vibes.

5. Mq’s Salon & Spa

Mq’s in Clifton Block five and is one of the go-to places for Karachiites for beautiful manicures. The relaxing environment plus affordable options make it one of the must-visit places for all nail art lovers.

Which one would you visit first? Let us know in the comments!

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Hajj 2022: Must-Have Guidance Apps You Should Check Out

By

Yasin Ansari

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Jul 7, 2022

The holy act of pilgrimage demands perfect guidance from an authentic scholar who knows the ins and outs of the fifth pillar of Islam and has performed Hajj and Umrah himself more than once.

That is why a number of would-be pilgrims or Hajji face the annoying situation of whom they should consult and when. They need to learn how to manage time with a hectic schedule of their own. Thanks to the new digital age technology comes to the rescue by making the complex simple and the simple compelling for us.

For the convenience of intending pilgrims, we are presenting a round-up of useful Hajj guides and help apps as well as websites that comprehensively cover all the aspects of Hajj and Umrah and also essentials of Islamic learning and belief system for those who seek knowledge through principal source i.e. Quran and Sunnah:

1. Smart Hajj

Smart Hajj is an Android application developed by GIS Technology Innovation Center. The application has been developed by the professionals at Umm al Qura University in Makkah. It uses maps of all the sacred areas to help the Hajjis perform Hajj using satellites to ensure the individual is at the right place at the right time.

The application informs your loved ones back at home about your location; offline maps are also available. There is a Hajj Messenger feature that allows you to send text and images to friends and family. You can locate your companions with the touch of a single button and receive weather updates, emergency calls, and messages can also be sent.

2. Salam Haji: Hajj and Umrah Guide

Salam is a Hajj and Umrah guide application by Hajjnet for both iOS and Android. The applications help you to know when it is time to pray Namaaz, the direction of the Qibla, keeps you updated in regards to all new Islamic events, has a planner so that you can plan your entire pilgrimage or Umrah. There is even a Quran reader in the application for translation.

There are step by step guidance for both Umrah and Hajj, even special Du’a and an Umrah map. You can even track your family members and friends who have the application as well. The application comes with Tawaf & Sa’i counters to keep track of progress and provides the pilgrim with Du’a to recite

3. Tanzil.net Quran

Tanzil is a Quranic project launched in early 2007 to produce a highly verified Unicode Quran text to be used in Quranic websites and applications. The mission of the Tanzil project is to produce a standard Unicode Quran text and serve as a reliable source for this standard text on the web.

This app has the largest number of translations in various languages with multiple choices of translators in any language. For example, this website has all the major translations in Urdu by different scholars of fame. At present, there are a number of websites and applications using Tanzil Quran Text.

Read More: Top 5 Muslim Matrimonial Websites

4. Hajj and Umrah Guide

Hajj and Umrah Guide, by Gallant Apps provides a comprehensive and easy-to-understand Guide about the Holy Pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). Captivating interface, striking graphics, audio support, and visual maps, make it a perfect user-friendly guide.

Pilgrims can learn rituals alongside their respective places; like, what to perform or recite at Kaaba, Masjid Al-Haram, Mina, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah, Muzdalifah, and Mount Arafat.

5. Hajj & Umrah Guide Urdu

An easy and comprehensive guide to know all the information related to Hajj in the Urdu language.

The app allows you to learn how to perform Hajj with step-by-step instructions, Du’a (Prayers) of Hajj at different points, Do & Don’t of Hajj, Islamic Information on Hajj, Hajj in Quran, Hajj in Hadith and Other Islamic Information related to Hajj.

6. Hajj and Umrah

Designed to provide the Pilgrims with thorough knowledge and essential information about Hajj and Umrah, this application contains a detailed account on how to perform Hajj and Umrah correctly including the method of putting on Ihram, Ihram of women, types of Hajj, Shariah terms, different Du’a (supplications), useful suggestions for Hujjaj, and much more besides.

It also consists of a detailed account about Shariah rulings in the form of questions and answers. Moreover, it comprises a captivating and spiritually uplifting account on how to make the holy pilgrimage to Madinah-tul-Munawwarah.Download this mobile app to learn about Hajj, Umrah and visit to Madina tul Munawara.It’s a user-friendly application with an eye-catching interface.

7. Hajj o Umrah

Hajj and Umrah are vitally important acts of worship in Islam. Designed to provide the Pilgrims with a thorough knowledge and essential information about Hajj and Umrah. Download this mobile app to learn about Hajj, Umrah. It’s a user-friendly application with an eye-catching interface.

8. Hadith Collection

Hadith Collection for Android is an ultimate collection of Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The app contains Arabic commentary and translations in different languages of most accepted and authentic Hadith books including Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawud and Malik’s Muwatta.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Prices Of Sacrificial Animals In Pakistan Raises Concern

By

Lyza Rashid

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Jul 7, 2022

prices sacrificial animals — Image Source: Deccan Herald

Eid-ul-Adha may be called the ‘bakra’ eid but this year, for many of us, there won’t be any bakra. Last year alone, the prices had massively shot up for sacrificial animals and this year, with the current inflation rate, many have given up the hopes of sacrificing their own animals. The prices are raising concern: read about it here.

What’s Going On?

Did you know that there is a price for mandi entry also? People are claiming that even the mandi’s entry fee is so much that it affects their budgets for the sacrificial animals they come to buy.

Sir kya gareeb pr action len gy aap !! Mandi ki entry ki fees Mashallah itni rakhi hai har bnda ni afford kr skta wahan gareeb bnda jo gareeb udhr se kamaye ga per bail or Bakra fees chali jaye gi !! Meharbani kren gareebo pr is door me in ky sath zyadti na kren

— Taha Gujjar (@tahaa_gujjar) July 5, 2022

Besides that, the price for goats this time around has jumped to the bracket of Rs.50,000 to Rs.60,000. This massively affects not only the number of people who can buy a bakra but also the number of people who will continue to sacrifice animals. If a bakra is this much, the cow’s figure has gone up to Rs. 600,000. Let’s not even get to the camel.

What Are People Saying?

People are as concerned as can be about the prices. The prices have increased because the prices of commodities have increased. Where does the middle-class man go whose monthly salary is Rs.70,000-100,000? These sacrificial animals are not affordable for them. We’re just in our twenties but we remember the time when a bakra was bought for Rs.10,000.

Have a look at what people have to say:

You are economist too ..and Bakra minimum price will be approximately 40000 .

— Zeeshan Malik (@mh_zeemalik) May 27, 2022

Price of this cooler its 85000 pkr atm 😭
Or bakra
35-40000 ka hai phr kia karna hai @HNadim87

— Ademé  (@Bend_the_kneee) June 18, 2022

Aj neighbors 25k wala bakra 55k ka lai hain

— Arslan Khan 🇵🇰 (@Arslanlohani) June 23, 2022

Who Are We Concerned For?

People are also concerned about the people selling sacrificial animals. They buy them as babies and nurture them to become healthy to the age where they are perfect for selling. If they require this price and some profit to compensate for that, can we altogether leave them high and dry? It’s imperative to keep in mind here that they are also from the lower class and this is their means of sustenance.

However, this doesn’t negate the fact that the middle class can no longer afford sacrificial animals also. It means there’s a growing distance between the buyer and seller that will be mutually harmful.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Generation Responds Back After Being Accused Of Stealing Designs

By

Lyza Rashid

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Jul 7, 2022

generation stealing designs — Image Source: Instagram

Generation is a brand whose work spans decades and millions of wardrobe staples. What do they not have going for them? They’re inclusive, they have a loyal fan base, and their collections are superb. However, all that glitters may not be gold. Generation was recently accused of copying a small brand and they also responded. Here’s what went down:

What Happened?

A woman posted on Facebook asking if anyone knew the creative director or someone relevant in Generation. This is because her friend owns a small-scale brand called ‘Sohimo’ and Generation has been copying their designs ‘shamelessly’. She also said this keeps happening and they also copy the name of her collections. This is for sure a big accusation and she also supports it with evidence.

She puts a picture of both the ‘shalwars’ next to each other as evidence. Have a look at the post and the pictures here:

There’s more:

Generation Responds

However, Generation isn’t a brand that would sit quietly in the name of such accusations. They immediately responded to the post through their representative. She mentioned thoroughly and logically how the friend behind the brand never reached out. How can this be the case if someone is copying your designs?

Besides that, they made strong points about how Generation whites, Generation’s small embroidered shalwars, and their collections are uniquely done by them alone. She also mentioned that all the collections are designed and shot months in advance so even the timelines don’t match. The final conclusion from their end? That this similarity is purely coincidental. Have a look at what they said:

What Should Be Done Here?

In this case, Generation is seeming more convincing. The brand has never been accused of copying someone else. They always collaborate with artists and give due credit! Moreover, if the designs really were being stolen, is it not required of the person being stolen from to first contact the brand?

What we do appreciate is the respect with which Generation’s respondents responded to the complaint. Moreover, the fact that all of this was clarified in public is even better! There are witnesses everywhere who can decide for themselves.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

5 Times Netflix Impressed Everyone With Their Marketing Stunts

By

Dr. Rida Qamar

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Jul 7, 2022

Netflix’s marketing strategies have always wowed its customers. Netflix marketing is an integrated, agile approach to brand development and customer relationship management, which works great in the digital age thanks to innovation, adoption of the latest technology, creative advertising, and real-time data analytics.

With a blend of traditional and digital marketing strategies, modern marketers can capture audiences across a wide range of channels.

Marketers must seek innovative ways of bringing multiple channels and tools together to offer a better customer experience, the way Netflix does.

But how is Netflix paving a way for innovative and nimble marketing? Take a look at some of the amazing marketing strategies from the streaming giant.

1. Altered Carbon

The Netflix original series became the talk of the town ever since its trailer release. Netflix left no stoned unturned in coming up with a marketing strategy to promote the show. While the same cannot be said about the success of the show, the dystopian series landed itself a stellar marketing campaign. Imagine waiting at the bus stop, scrolling through the Facebook news feed, and with a sudden turn of the head – a human body encased in plastic, right beside you.

The campaign was received well through organic conversations on social, local news reports, and discussions on the news.

2. Narcos

The marketing campaign for the drug war was meticulously strategized to resonate with the curious audience and get them hooked, even before the show began. Meanwhile, they started with the Narcos Bills Campaign. They tampered with real euro bills and placed traces of cocaine on them, and circulated all over France.

The bills would react to the flashlight of the smartphone and display the message ‘#Narcos’. The campaign garnered immediate response and hit the trending hours.

Another brilliant campaign was the ‘Learn Spanish with Narcos’, in partnership with Babble.com, helping fans to learn Spanish through an online platform in Narcos-style. Each campaign wreaked havoc on social media and got fans geared up for the drug war, both with and without Escobar.

3. Stranger Things Season 2

Stranger things brought a glimmer of the fictional world upside down. While putting unique features on different social media platforms Netlfix allowed users to switch a camera filter on to turn backgrounds into The Upside Down. Snapchat got the best of the lot, though, with a special Lens launched creating a portal into the eerie living room from the series. Once ‘inside’, the public could find various items linked to the plot and explore the chilling surroundings.

4. Black Mirror

Charlie Brooker’s cutting-edge dystopian series was one of Netflix’s clever purchases and remains a trophy piece. The latest mini-series went live in 2017, when the service first acquired the rights from Channel 4, it needed to let people know Netflix was the new home for this acclaimed show.

Taking a lead from an episode called ‘The Waldo Moment,’ it targeted Turkey’s equivalent to Reddit. Members of the community received mysterious direct messages from a user called ‘iamwaldo’, which read “We know what you’re up to. Watch and see what we do.” A fittingly bold and shocking way to garner attention given Black Mirror’s vibe.

5. House Of Cards

Netflix partnered with BBH New York and gave them a new piecea as they hijacked their attention to the fictional President from the original presidential elections. Frank Underwood starred in a faux political ad that run during December 2015’s GOP Presidential debate on CNN and eclipsed the real political conversations. The fake campaign became the talk of the town. The campaign topped the trending list on Twitter and Facebook within an hour. Netflix took one step forward with – a political campaign website, a real campaign headquarters, and political campaign merchandise.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Beaconhouse School System Signs MoU With Pearson Education For The Provision Of Assessment Services And International Academic Qualifications In Pakistan

By

Web Desk

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Jul 6, 2022

LAHORE – July 06, 2022: Pearson Education and Beaconhouse School System, Pakistan’s largest network of private educational institutions, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the provision of assessment services and international academic qualifications to support students’ learning by offering world-class qualifications.

The MoU signing ceremony was held here on Wednesday at a local hotel and was signed by Kasim Kasuri, Chief Executive (CE) Beaconhouse, and Emma Whale, Vice President International Sales & Marketing, Pearson Schools Qualifications. The ceremony was attended by the senior leadership team from both organizations, including Premila Paulraj, Director Employability & Qualifications, Pearson South Asia, and Ali Ahmed Khan, Chief Operating Officer Beaconhouse.

Under the MoU, Pearson will facilitate the digital transformation required for the International GCSE examinations to be conducted onscreen and online, along with mock exams via the Mocks Service, marked by Pearson examiners. Beaconhouse will initially be offering Pearson Edexcel IGCSE qualifications at three branches, and will later expand to other branches. In addition to this, Pearson will also offer course preparation e-books to students in all available subjects, as well as online teacher training courses to prepare teachers for the relevant Pearson Edexcel exam syllabus.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, CE Beaconhouse, Kasim Kasuri stated, “At Beaconhouse, we have always strived to go the extra mile to bring better academic opportunities for our students. I congratulate my team at Beaconhouse and everyone at Pearson Education for this partnership and I am confident that this joint effort will be fruitful for further educational excellence at Beaconhouse.”

Speaking on the occasion, Emma Whale, Vice President International Sales & Marketing, Pearson Schools Qualifications, termed the MoU a milestone towards students’ online advanced learning opportunities in Pakistan. She said that Beaconhouse is the flag bearer in the education sector and the collaboration would usher in a new era of online learning.

Beaconhouse being an entity providing educational services to a large and diverse group of individuals of varying ages, socio-economic backgrounds and nationalities over 4 decades, has always aimed to bring educational excellence to the masses in Pakistan. There are currently more than 315,000 enrolled across various campuses of Beaconhouse School System in Pakistan.

Jazz xlr8 Invites Startup Applications For Its New Cohort

By

Web Desk

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Jul 6, 2022

Islamabad – July 06, 2022: Jazz xlr8, Pakistan’s premier accelerator program for startups, has opened registrations for its new cohort of 2022. The program offers mentorship and training at Islamabad’s National Incubation Centre (NIC) for startups looking to scale their businesses. Interested startups can apply on Jazz xlr8’s website. The last date for submissions is 18 July 2022.

To enable business advancement, startups part of this program are provided access to a global pool of mentors, data and analytics, Jazz’s distribution networks, industry experts and investors and payment gateway integration via JazzCash. Innovators are introduced to rigorous training, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and access to state-of-the-art usability lab for UI/UX research.

Speaking about the development, Jazz’s Chief Digital Officer, Aamer Ejaz, said, “Our mission is to discover Pakistan’s best startups, help them scale, and build a thriving and inclusive startup ecosystem. By leveraging on Jazz’s expertise and resources, the program offers the innovator community a quicker go-to-market pathway and enables them scale to the next level, both locally and internationally. We look forward to welcoming startups joining the new cohort and to supporting their entrepreneurial journey in line with our vision.”

Jazz xlr8 is a sustainability led initiative of Pakistan’s leading digital operator, Jazz. Over the past four years, Jazz xlr8 has helped mentor and groom 26 startups, including 10 women led initiatives. Combined, these startups have earned a revenue of PKR 543 Mn, and secured funding worth PKR 1.4 Bn. The program supports startups operating in key areas, such as; Health, Education, Tourism, Agriculture and Gaming.

6 Intense Movies On Storms That Will Bring You To The Edge of Your Seat

By

Lyza Rashid

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Jul 6, 2022

storm movies intense — Image Source: Ranker

There is a range of movies based on real-life and fictional natural disaster events. However, storm movies are some of the most epic, gripping and terrifying ones. Though they have become rare over time as plots follow more absurd and other-worldly disasters, these are some of the best storm movies out there.

1. The Hurricane Heist

One of the classics, this storm movie is set in Alabama. In it, a destructive hurricane named Tammy is approaching the town and a scientist working on hurricanes gets stuck in the facility. However, while she works on the generator, thieves storm into the property to conduct a heist worth $600 million.

2. Twister

An oldie but a goldie for sure. The movie’s plot follows the expectation of the most powerful storm in decades. To prepare, a university professor and his students prepare a ground-breaking device that gathers data on tornadoes. However, the device gets copied by their rivals and in doing so, the tornado is almost here.

3. Into The Storm

This storm movie truly captures our worst fears. What begins as a normal day for the people in the movie ends with the onslaught of the most powerful tornado in the town.

4. Geostorm

One of the most interesting movies on the list. The story follows that an unprecedented series of natural disasters threaten the planet. As a result, a network of satellites is created to control the climate. What do you know? The satellites themself start attacking Earth. It’s only hours before a worldwide geostorm wipes out everything and everyone along with it.

5. The Perfect Storm

This storm movie is based on a true story. The movie shares the story of those valiant men and women who risk their lives every working day on seas. One day, they unexpectedly meet the greatest, fiercest storm in modern history which is then called the Perfect Storm.

6. 500 MPH Storm

This movie is believable and that is all the more terrifying. Basically, a disastrous energy experiment in the United States triggers a series of devastating hurricanes across the entire country. During that, a science teacher realises that the movement of the winds towards each other will result in a single continent-destroying storm. Will America survive? This movie has your answer.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

From Small Town Girl To A Successful E-Commerce Entrepreneur

By

Web Desk

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Jul 6, 2022

From Small Town Girl To A Successful Entrepreneur

Life is never easy for anyone; you have to work for it. People who have reached various levels of success in their lives understand that there is no return without dedication and sacrifice. Success, for the vast majority of people, does not come without a fee. That fee is hard work and Saira is a real-life example of it, she made her identity through constant hard work.

Saira belongs to a small town in Pakistan, born and raised with 6 sisters and a brother. She always dreamt big and believed in herself. With great zeal and devotion, she completed her master’s degree and moved to the nearest big city Sialkot looking for a job. However, it was extremely challenging for her to find a good line of work in the initial days due to lack of experience. After much struggle, finally Saira got a job offer from an export company to manage its operations on Alibaba.com, a global business-to-business (B2B) platform for companies to conduct trade. They trained her in 8 months on how to work and generate business on Alibaba.com.

Saira devoted all of her time and effort into becoming an expert on the platform. She participated in all of the online training offered by Alibaba.com. As a result, she fully comprehended how the platform operated and how to conduct business on Alibaba.com by getting a grip on product posting and keywords ranking. Seeing Saira’s knowledge, e-commerce sellers wanted to work with her and she started to work part-time for them to help establish their online presence.

“I would assure my customers that I can generate business for them on Alibaba.com because I know for sure that hard work does pay off, especially on a platform like Alibaba.com,” says Saira.

Once the Alibaba.com membership of one of Saira’s teachers was going to end within three months. Saira was sure that she could generate business for him before the membership expired, and indeed generated three orders for him within one month. She saw a huge opportunity right in front of her. She realized that export, e-commerce, and B2B can be a real game-changer for Pakistani exporters in years to come. With her skills and the scale of Alibaba.com, which has over 34 million business buyers, she started to have an idea of starting her own business – she was confident that she would get a good number of business orders in a short span of time to break even.

She first signed up for an account on Alibaba.com and began as a trader for garments, sourcing products including sportswear, apparel and gym wear from local markets and selling them online to buyers abroad. Till now, Saira has earned PKR 25 Lakhs just in the first 8 months by selling to customers in countries like the Netherlands, France, Spain, Canada, Italy and Saudi Arabia, to name a few.

Saira has only recently established her own production plant with 8 staff because of her success on Alibaba.com. She is a successful e-commerce entrepreneur who also teaches and inspires several female business owners in Sialkot about the chances they can generate for themselves by leveraging opportunities available online. Saira is slowly shaping the future for herself as well as the next generation of Pakistani entrepreneurs tapping the power of e-commerce.

Root, Bairstow Rewrite History Books After Run Chase Against India

By

Huzaifa Gaba

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Jul 6, 2022

England was three down 109 on Day 4, when Jonny Bairstow joined Joe Root at the crease in their pursuit of a mammoth target of 378. Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah was bowling exceptionally well and picked up two wickets in 4 balls. England’s previous highest run chase was 359 against Australia back in 2019; Joe Root was on the center stage of that chase too.

The stage was set, chips were down; it was a perfect opportunity to rewrite record books. Joe Root had an excellent 2021, while Jonny Bairstow was already running high on the back of his excellent form and a bossy first innings hundred. Since McCullum-Stokes took over, Bairstow has shown great transformation, scoring 3 quick destructive hundreds.

Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow started toying with Indian bowlers and they wreaked havoc until the end of Day 4. They walked to the ground on Day 5 with only 119 runs remaining to complete the record run chase, and they comfortably pulled this off.

Root played a masterclass inning of 142 not out, his 28th hundred in test cricket, while Bairstow scored a smooth 114 not out. Root and Bairstow became the first England pair to score hundreds in a successful fourth-innings chase in Test cricket. Their 269-run partnership was the fourth-highest partnership for any wicket in the fourth innings of a Test match. England has also become the first team to complete four successful chases of 250-plus targets in a calendar year.

Bairstow now has 6 hundred in the ongoing year, with 6 more tests to go this year, he is the favorite to break Mohammad Yousuf’s record for most test hundreds in a calendar year. Mohammad Yousuf scored 9 hundreds, in his record-breaking year 2006. Bairstow is also tied with Denis Compton, Michael Vaughan, and Joe Root, scoring the most Test centuries by English batters in a calendar year.

Since McCullum took the reigns in his hand, he has injected a newfound passion and confidence into the depleted England team after a disastrous 2021. Bairstow’s Second Coming is a clear indication of how McCullum changed the culture and mentality of the team. The way this team is performing at the moment, they are turning into a force to be reckoned with in test cricket, just like Andy Flower – Andrew Strauss days.

5 Things To Be Mindful Of During Eid-ul-Adha 2022

By

Lyza Rashid

-

Jul 6, 2022

things mindful eid-ul-adha 2022 — Image Source: DW

Eid-ul-Adha is just around the corner and we’re all busy in the hustle and bustle that precedes it. From looking for the right animal in your budget to planning the Eid menus and clothes, everyone is preoccupied with a gazillion things at the moment. However, in all of this, we often forget to be mindful of certain things that demand sensitivity and attention from us.

Here’s how you can have a more mindful Eid in 2022!

1. Don’t Make Other Places Dirty

Often times when we make a sacrifice in our own homes, the people who come to do the deed throw all the remains out on the road. There is even that scenario where people wash their own homes and leave the bloody water standing on the roads. Don’t be one of those people— be respectful of others and the sacrifice you just made. Respectfully dispose of it.

Considering it’s going to be raining too, it’s imperative to keep the streets clean to prevent diseases from spreading!

2. Let Others Come First

Many will not be able to afford an animal this year, considering the inflation. In that case, what you can do is ensure your servants, workers, and other deserving people get a share of the meat first. Our family members not only get it from many places all at once, but they can also most likely afford their own animals.

3. Don’t Make The Sacrifice A Show

Be it a small animal or a big one, don’t make it a circus show that everyone watches and films. It’s not how religion dictates the moment to be. If possible, play some Surah on a speaker nearby and ask your butcher to be gentle. Don’t let the neighborhood stand and watch and make fun of it.

4. Be Kind To Animals

It’s that time of the year when we’ll see saddening videos of people pulling cows’ legs from all directions. From running after camels and then stabbing them with knives. Please don’t do that and advise others not to do that. It ruins the element of ‘sacrifice’. Be gentle to animals and help make their last moments free of fear because they can feel fear and pain too.

5. Keep Corona In Mind

As much as everyone would hate this, another wave is simmering right now and Eid might help it boil over. Wherever you can, observe a mask and keep sanitizing your hands. Protect your loved ones!

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

4 Reasons Stranger Things Season 4 Vol. 2 Has Left The World Emotional

By

Esha Azhar

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Jul 6, 2022

Viewers waited over a month for Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 2 to be released, but was it worth it? Yes! Vol. 2 included emotional, exhilarating, exciting, and nerve-racking situations that made everyone leap out of their chairs. In the lead-up to the final season, the Duffer Brothers ensure that the coming-of-age themes are still present through countless memorable — and brutally painful — moments in which the characters must conquer their inner demons and rise to the challenge. Here are four reasons why Season 4’s conclusion was so emotional.

The last episode is a whole movie

Stranger Things demonstrates once again why it is one of Netflix’s greatest shows, both conceptually and visually. Despite its film-length conclusion, we never feel lost. The show’s psychological horror aspect has always been its strength, and it reaches new heights with Vecna’s encounters this season. The buildup keeps you on your toes and even though the last episode stems for 2 and a half hours, you don’t want it to end because it never feels boring.

The 80s vibe

The first volume of Season 4 put Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill back to No. 1 years after it was published, the second volume promises more foot-tapping 80s music. One of the finest passages is one in which Joseph Quinn’s Eddie belts out a Metallica song. The show’s closing fifteen minutes, in particular, come together with Bush’s song playing while numerous situations play out towards a finale that feels right given how the season originally began.

Confusions are cleared

When all of Season 4’s parallel narratives come together in the end, it’s a beautiful jumble of sorts. Several doubts are cleared into answers, Eleven’s powers are revealed once more, and much more. To add to an already hefty season in terms of grim components, the showrunners include a lot of sentimental elements to warm our hearts.

Reunion

I believe we can all agree that the reunion of all the characters was an emotional way to close the season. It was something that all the fans had been hoping for all season. With everything going on, the characters coming together had a pleasant feel to it. It gave you the impression that no matter what was going on, if you were surrounded by the people you care about, everything would be perfectly all right.

Pakistani Brands That Are Truly Making A Difference By Promoting Inclusivity

By

Lyza Rashid

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Jul 6, 2022

pakistani brands inclusivity — Image Source: Instagram

Inclusivity in clothing or fashion brands is a relatively new concept in Pakistan. The movement has been led by many influencers and activists suggesting or rather questioning the lack of plus-size clothing in Pakistan.

However, inclusivity does not start and end at bigger sizes. It also means thinking and designing for people from all walks of life, be it a mother, an older person or someone disabled. Additionally, it also means to include non-typical and non-fair-looking models in your shoots. So which Pakistani brands are doing an excellent job at being inclusive?

Generation

Generation has always been the everything and every one brand. It’s been an intergenerational brand for a reason. Their campaigns are always thoughtful: remember the time their campaign celebrated an old couple’s marriage? From those types of campaigns to ones especially for mothers, they’ve done it all.

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A post shared by GENERATION (@generation_pk)

Their sizes are also vast-ranging going from 6-16. Generation is indeed a powerhouse of a brand leading the way for inclusivity.

Lulusar

Lulusar is another brand that has defied all odds and made a permanent yet dynamic space for itself in the Pakistani clothing scene. The brand began online and became popular for their unique designs and flowy cuts. They have now also opened their shop!

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A post shared by Lulusar (@lulusaronline)

What makes them exclusive is their sizing— in most articles, they also have 2XL. Moreover, they’ve done campaigns with several plus-sized models to show that they don’t just design for skinny people! Lulusar makes the kind of clothes everyone can wear, and that’s how they promote inclusivity.

Khaadi

Another powerhouse of a brand that has been around for decades now. Khaadi is a global brand now and it only makes sense if it keeps up with the global requirements. The brand caught on very early that promoting inclusivity is the only way forward.

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A post shared by Khaadi (@khaadi)

From keeping models of all skin colors in their shoots to offering plus-sized clothing, Khaadi knows how to incorporate inclusivity.

Inclusivitee

The brand is named ‘inclusivitee’, what more can one say? This brand is the brainchild of the woman who started the ‘Soul Bitches’ group on Facebook, which was all about empowering women and giving them a safe space. The brand promises unisex clothing as well as clothing that can be tailored to anybody’s size. No one gets left out!

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A post shared by Inclusivitee Apparel (@inclusivi.tee)

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

3 Delicious Chutneys To Make With Seasonal Fruits

By

Esha Azhar

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Jul 6, 2022

3 Delicious Chutneys To Make With Seasonal Fruits — Image Source: Daring Gourmet

One can never go wrong with chutneys and when we talk about seasonal fruits, there are so many different fruits you can experiment with.

Ready to take your taste buds on a spin? Try these three delicious chutney recipes and take full advantage of the seasonal fruits available right now!

1. Plum chutney

Plum chutney is a refreshing alternative to ketchup and BBQ sauce. The combination of acidic and sweet-sour-spicy flavors is an outstanding winner. And the best part is that altering the sweet/sour/spicy ratio is so simple and entirely a personal choice – there isn’t a specific formula for this. Add sugar to make it sweeter. To increase the heat, add additional red chili powder or pepper; to increase the sourness, add vinegar. This recipe may be as varied as you like. Make it your own and enjoy it with every snack.

INGREDIENTS:

200 grams dried plums
5 cups sugar
1 finger-sized chunk cinnamon
5 tsp pepper
salt, to taste
75 tsp red chilli powder
5 tsp cumin powder
5 tsp coriander powder
vinegar, as required, optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a pan, add all the ingredients except the vinegar and enough water to cover by 2-3 inche
Bring to a boil and then simmer on medium heat uncovered until the dried plums swell up, release their seeds and begin to melt into the water to form a thick and jammy sauce.
How thick or fluid you want to keep the chutney is up to you. Once the plums have integrated into the water and formed a chutney, you can either add more water or continue to dry up the chutney till your desired consistency. I ended up adding about 1/2 cup of additional water to get to the consistency shown.
Once you have reached the desired consistency, turn the heat off and taste. Adjust the spice and salt if you feel the need to and if you want more of a tang, then add the vinegar half a tbsp at a time. I only added 1/2 tbsp.
Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

2. Mango chutney

Fresh, vibrant, and absolutely BURSTING with flavor, you’re going to love this versatile and wonderfully delicious condiment! Mangoes are a favorite especially for us Pakistanis. This recipe is the easiest guide to make a delicious mango chutney that’ll become your go to for the rest of summer.

INGREDIENTS:

1tablespoon cooking oil (neutral tasting)
2teaspoons fresh ginger, finely minced
2cloves garlic, finely minced
1red chili, sliced (optional: remove seeds and membrane for less heat)
2teaspoons whole nigella seeds (kalonji). This is optional but HIGHLY recommended for incredible flavor
1teaspoon ground coriander
1/2teaspoon ground cumin
1/4teaspoon turmeric
1/4teaspoons ground cardamom
1/4teaspoon ground cloves
1/4teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4teaspoon salt
4-5large mangoes (about 250-300 grams each), peeled and diced
2cups white granulated sugar
1cup white vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat the oil over medium-high in a medium stock pot. Saute the ginger, garlic and red chilies for a minute. Add the spices and saute for another minute. Add the diced mangoes, sugar, salt, and vinegar and stir to combine. Bring it to a rapid boil and reduce to medium-low. Steady simmer for 1 hour. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. If you prefer smaller chunks, use a potato masher to mash the mixture to the desired consistency.
For storage, chutney will keep for a while because of the high acidity content. A conservative time frame would be up to 2 months in the fridge (in a sealed jar) or for several months in the freezer.
Canning Instructions (for even longer shelf-life): Pour the hot mixture directly into sterilized jars and process in a water bath for 10 minutes. Let sit undisturbed for 24 hours, then store in a dark, cool place. Will keep for at least a year.
This makes roughly 2 1/2 pints of mango chutney.

3. Papaya chutney

A sweet and savory sensation, this papaya chutney recipe makes a great accompaniment to many snacks, sides, and mains.

INGREDIENTS:

1 onion, chopped
1 fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup brown sugar or jaggery
½ cup white vinegar
½ cup water
1 tbsp red chilli powder
900g peeled, deseeded, and chopped papaya
1 tbsp garam masala
Salt, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place the onion, ginger, garlic, sugar, vinegar, water, and chilli powder in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

Continue to cook for 5 minutes.
Tip in the papaya and garam masala, then season to taste.
Cook for 10 minutes or until the chutney thickens to the desired consistency.
Spoon into hot, sterilised jars. Seal and then let it cool down.

3 New/Upcoming Coffee Places In Karachi That Are Worth Trying

By

Dr. Rida Qamar

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Jul 6, 2022

Be it summer or winter, the hunt for the best coffee places never stops. While it’s more about the feeling than the drink itself, the quest for finding the perfect blend is real, especially for working adults when our life revolves around that cup of coffee once a day.

While Karachi is home to many coffee shops, a few stand out due to their widespread success and glowing customer feedback. If your old coffee shop no longer feels like home and you’re looking for a new one, get going. We have found the newest coffee places in Karachi that are worth a try.

1. Steamin’ Coffee

Located in Bukhari Commercial, phase 6 – Steamin coffee has launched last month. The neutral-toned interior with minimal aesthetics and finished wooden details reminds us of old-school coffee shops. This cafe is a perfect place to unwind after a long work day as you sip your favourite coffee with a favourite book by your side. The menu offers an extensive range of hot brews and cold coffee, including frappes, and if you are not into coffee, then stopping by for your favourite mocktails and smoothies can be worth it.

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A post shared by Steamin’ Coffee (@steamincoffee)

Read More: Hot Coffee For Hot Days!

2. Mood Coffee Cafe

Mood Coffee Cafe is a wholesome place for your next breakfast visit. With gleaming funky lights, neon signs and a cosy interior, the cafe is the best place to have fun with your friends. Their menu offers a great variety of coffee and savoury items, making it a perfect spot for midday cravings.

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A post shared by Mood coffee bar (@mood_coffeecafe)

3. Trevi Caffe

Another favourite fan, Trevi, is spreading its wings as they are all set to launch their new cafe in DHA. The restaurant will be following its classic menu as well as some new additions to sandwiches and pasta. Foodies can try their hot and cold beverages, including Trevi’s classics.

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A post shared by Trevi Caffè & Bar (@trevicaffe)

Are you planning to visit any of these locations? If you did already, then how did you find them? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

5 Brilliant Product Placements In TV Shows You Probably Missed

By

Dr. Rida Qamar

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Jul 6, 2022

Product placements are a marketing technique used in movies, TV shows, music videos, and other productions. The products are used to make references to a specific brand or product. These can be a ‘part’ of the script and incorporated to promote that particular brand or product.

Companies use this form of advertising to target large audiences by incorporating their product or service into the script of a movie or TV Show of their choice and paying production companies in cash, goods, or services.

So next time you see a brand in a movie or TV show, know that the advertiser has paid for that privilege, and it is not appearing in the film or TV show ‘by chance.’

Some product placements are apparent. Some are incredibly clever. Today we discuss some of the most mind-blowing product placements you might have missed in your favourite TV shows or movies.

1. Ray-Ban – Top Gun

Everyone knows about Aviator sunglasses. So much so that the glasses have become a household name. However, what you may not know is that Ray-Ban makes those glasses.

Seeing them worn while flying jets and riding motorcycles looks fantastic. And it is also reflected in sales as well.

According to the reports, “After Ray-Bans product placement in Top Gun, its aviator sunglasses sales skyrocketed by 40% in the following seven months.”

2. Manolo Blahnik – Sex And The City

If there is one thing, SATC has taught us. It is to keep our enemies close and shoes closer. Any fan of Sex and the City knows about Carrie Bradshaw’s utter addiction and obsession with the Manolo Blahnik Designer shoes, which has massively contributed to the brand becoming a household name.

The shoes were mentioned and shown 16 times across 94 episodes. The pair on the show was custom designed by the brand themselves.

This bespoke pair then made a guest appearance in the Sex and the City movie, where the shoes were a prop when Carrie’s boyfriend proposed to her—talk about a starring role?

3. Pottery Barn – F.R.I.E.N.D.S

The most successful product placement in Friends is the episode featuring Pottery Barn. Obsessed with this brand, Rachel goes there to shop for new furniture after moving in with her roommate Phoebe.

Since Phoebe is not a fan of, well, anything that is not from a thrift store, Rachel lies to Phoebe by saying that she bought it from a thrift store as well.

As the episode progresses, we see Rachel buying different products from Pottery Barn until Phoebe realises where the furniture is coming from. To top it off, at the end of the episode, Phoebe, too, falls in love with the brand and goes there to shop with Rachel. Since Friends was (and still is) very popular, the episode had a lasting effect on Pottery Barn.

4. Purell – Big Bang Theory

This is one of the most controversial product placements in that it is not clear whether the placement was done on purpose or not. In one clip, Sheldon tried to scare Raj by putting a snake inside his table drawers. Once he was done, he went on to say, “Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, Purell, Purell, Purell,” while using a Purell hand sanitizer product.

Bill Prady, a co-creator of the show, has tweeted that he was unaware of any product placements in Big Bang Theory. According to Prady, they use real brand names so the dialogue doesn’t sound fake.

5. Modern Family- iPad

Apple products are often involved in TV shows and films and are a popular choice for obvious reasons. Modern Family, however, dedicate a whole episode to the iPad.

One of the main characters, Phil, pleads with his wife for an iPad for his birthday present. When he finally gets one, he is seen cradling the iPad proclaiming his love for it, words his wife believes are aimed at her.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

5 Pakistani Songs Featuring Bollywood Stars You Didn’t Know About

By

Mehak Zehra

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Jul 6, 2022

purani jeans pakistani songs — Image Source: Videogram

Bollywood and Pakistan have always had an interesting love-hate relationship. We watch almost all Bollywood movies and get excited over whenever Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, or Sajal Aly appear in them. But did you know that Bollywood stars have also worked on Pakistani projects? Yes, there are some old Pakistani songs that you must have on your playlist and these extremely famous songs had Bollywood actors and actresses as their cast.

1. Jal the Band – Chalte Chalte

Amrita Rao, the bubbly Sanjana from Main Hoon Na, or the sweet Poonam from Vivah won our hearts from these movies. But she was also featured in Jal the Band’s song, Chalte Chalte.

2. Fusion – deewane

A little-known fact about “Deewane chaley jab sath, to ban jaye baat,” was that it had Urmila. The actress from the thriller movie, Ek Haseena Thi was in this Pakistani song.

3. Ali Haider – Purani Jeans

Ali Haider’s famous song, Purani Jeans, gets you all nostalgic every time you listen to it. I also cast Kim Sharma alongside the singer himself. You may remember her from the movie Mohabbatein.

4. Strings – koi aaney wala hai

Strings were definitely the heartthrob sensation. They could hit just the right chords every time they sang. And if they don’t cast Bollywood stars then who will, am I right? In their song, Koi Aanay Wala Hai, the band features John Abraham.

5. Atif Aslam – Doorie

Atif Aslam needs no introduction. He has made his place in not just the hearts of Pakistanis but also everywhere his song is heard. In his Doorie, the song featured Urvashi Sharma who is also known as Raina Joshi.

So, tell us! Did you know that these Pakistani songs featured Bollywood stars?

Let us know in the comments.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

4 Disappointing Pakistani Dramas That Were Initially Exciting

By

Lyza Rashid

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Jul 5, 2022

disappointing — Image Source: Brandsynario

Sheheryar Munawar, the Pakistani heartthrob, has posted a trailer of his upcoming drama coming soon on ARY TV. Of course, people are excited at the prospects of another exciting drama! But how long will that excitement last?

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A post shared by Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui (@sheheryarmunawar)

You Lost Us

Pakistani dramas tend to fall flat at the end. We’ve all been excited about a drama and followed it only for it to be bitterly disappointing by its end. If you’re wondering which ones they are, we’ve created a list of such dramas, so you don’t have to suffer!

1. Mere Paas Tum Ho

This recent, explosively popular drama piqued the interest of many. The hype it built for itself was magnanimous and unprecedented. There has never been a drama before whose finale was aired in cinemas because it was that suspenseful and awaited. However, the drama was extremely problematic in its portrayals of femininity, relationships, and respect.

Moreover, the ending was the most disappointing. A long-winded, flat, and overly emotional conversation between a father and a son. While that’s all alright, it just does not make sense when the entire drama was about unrequited love and marriage. Plus, to show a dying man speaking this much should be biologically barred!

2. Aangan

Aangan had a star-studded cast and crew, so people had high hopes. Mawra Hocane had often popularized this serial by calling it her magnum opus. Though the drama’s entirety wasn’t exceptional, people were still following it because it was gripping! However, the show’s ending left everybody frazzled, to say the least.

In an unconvincing and abrupt fashion, the two protagonists come together. Even though the entire drama revolves around both of them not showing any signs of reconciliation, they suddenly come together again. Critics often noted that the streak of romance was also carelessly handled, making it seem indecent at best.

3. Mere Bewafa

Mere Bewafa was another popular drama this year that gripped viewers from the start because of the cast and plot. The cast included Agha Ali and Sara Khan, while the plot was the same tale people love watching— a disloyal husband torturing his wife while the wife still tries to redeem him.

agha ali sarah khan — Image Source: HIP in Pakistan

The drama went on for 20-some weeks and maintained good viewership, but the ending spoiled the show. Suddenly, the husband has a drastic change in attitude and returns to his wife. She forgives him for everything with just a few words— is that what is expected of women? This is why it was utterly disappointing.

4. Ye Dil Mera

Ye Dil Mera was many people’s favorite because of its cast! Imagine seeing Sajal Aly, Ahad Raza Mir, and Adnan Siddique together; it’s a dream. However, as many started watching it for the cast expecting a good show, they were disappointed.

ahad sajal — Image Source: Hit in Pakistan

The whole plot was poorly executed, and the ending seemed like it was entirely disjointed from the plot—the main characters suddenly disappeared, and the villain just died! Moral of the story: never watch a drama for the cast!

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.