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In surprise move, Veena Malik declares she's now devoting herself to Islam

In surprise move, Veena Malik declares she's now devoting herself to Islam

No stranger to controversy, the one-time model claims Junaid Jamshed was instrumental in her decision
Updated 07 May, 2016

In case you were wondering what Veena Malik's been up to these days, here's an update: she's going to devote herself to the study of Islam under the tutelage of Mufti Naeem, of madrassah Jamia Binoria, and will ensure that her children receive an Islamic education too, reported Dawn News.

The one-time model and actress, who has spent the past few years abroad, said this at a press conference today in Karachi, where she conversed with the media with her husband and Mufti Naeem by her side.

"In my two years in America, I read a lot of literature recommended by Junaid Jamshed sahib and said that I would study at Mufti Naeem's institute. Jamai Binaora is one of the best institutes," she said.

"My life was turned upside down a while ago and my elders cautioned me that it's very hard to stay on the right path in times like this. And indeed, in the past three years, I have been tempted to stray several times, but thankfully, I have had Mufti Naeem, Maulana Tariq Jamil and Junaid Jamshed sahib to guide me," she added.

When asked if she would invite fellow celebrities to follow her example, she said she could only do that when she becomes "a perfect person, which will never happen". She added, "but the doors of Jamia Binora have always been open for me, and are open for anyone who chooses to seek its guidance."

She concluded with a message to the youth: "The teen years are a very fragile time, when we have lots of questions in mind. I would advise my young brothers and sisters to listen to their elders, for they will never disappoint us and want the best for us in this world and the hereafter."

The announcement is surprising given Veena Malik's relationship with the religious community in the past. In 2011, after Veena appeared on Indian TV show Bigg Boss, members of the religious community in Pakistan criticised her harshly, with Mufti Abdul Qawi saying on national TV: "You have insulted Pakistan and Islam."

Veena was also criticized for this FHM cover inn 2011
Veena was also criticized for this FHM cover inn 2011

This led to a heated exchange: a furious Veena shot back, saying Qawi targeted her because she is a woman, reminding him that the Quran admonishes men not to stare at a woman's beauty beyond a first glance, and telling him there were bigger problems in Pakistan, including the alleged rape of children at mosques.

After this TV appearance, commentators hailed Veena for her brave opposition to the religious right — which she now seems to be embracing.

On its website, Jamia Binoria says it is a seminary with "contemporary education and latest disciplines." The website claims the degrees it issues are equivalent to university degrees and recognized by Higher Education Commission. Courses listed include "Learning the Holy Quran by Heart," "Specialization in Islamic Jurisprudence" and others.

Interestingly, Mufti Naeem has previously made statements critical of women and women's rights activists. In a TV appearance he referred to fimmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy as a ‘fahisha aurat.'

Apart from her appearance on Bigg Boss, Veena also shot to relevance when she appeared topless on the cover of Indian FHM sporting an 'ISI' tattoo on her arm.

Over the past few years, Veena has withdrawn from the public eye and given birth to two children. In public Instagram posts here, she's more often than not seen covering her head.

Veena didn't specify any other plans for the immediate future, but we're sure she has more to say — soon.

Comments

IBN E ASHFAQUE May 07, 2016 06:08pm
Mufti Naeem Sahib good luck to you.
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sana May 07, 2016 06:14pm
Should we say America radicalized her now ?
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Silent Mercury May 07, 2016 06:23pm
She made mistakes, she learnt from it! n now she is on right track.. happy for her :)
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Hasnain Haque May 07, 2016 06:23pm
Why does one have to join madrassahs and mufti's to be a good Muslim. Why cant Muslims be good citizens first? Best Muslims, in my view are those who are honest, caring and love all citizens.
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Philosopher (from Japan) May 07, 2016 06:23pm
Only time will tell.
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Arif May 07, 2016 06:25pm
Is that because Ramadan is approaching and some celebs do shows and make millions in Ramadan shows?
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Sameer May 07, 2016 06:26pm
@sana Yes! Indeed USA did radicalize her... hahahah the Irony.
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Harmony-1© May 07, 2016 06:30pm
@Hasnain Haque - Point well made!
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PAKISTAN ZINDABAD May 07, 2016 06:30pm
@Hasnain Haque Present your self as an example.
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Awesome Lyrics May 07, 2016 06:37pm
Will people accept that?
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Janjuah May 07, 2016 06:39pm
Preaching is the basic duty of every Muslim to introduce Islam and its basic concepts to those who are unaware of it. However, a preacher should be well conversant to the Islamic knowledge. Instead of teaching others, she must learn first.
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paul adam May 07, 2016 06:46pm
Need to be in the limelight always.
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paul adam May 07, 2016 06:48pm
sending ones child to any jamia dosent require an interview or a press conference
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50 Shades of Khaki May 07, 2016 06:51pm
Nothing wrong in being religious as long as you do not flaunt your religiosity and use it for commercial gains -
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Abdullah Javed May 07, 2016 06:51pm
Her move is much appreciated. Good luck to her.
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Harmony-1© May 07, 2016 06:53pm
@PAKISTAN ZINDABAD - What makes you think he is not "an example"?
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Erik May 07, 2016 07:10pm
Welcome home sister
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Ua May 07, 2016 07:12pm
Good choice veena.... Very happy for you .
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N_Saq May 07, 2016 07:13pm
Good for her, do what you want. Its your choice and you are free to choose. However, religion is between a man/woman and his/her God, as long as we stick to this principle then we are good but when we start imposing our religion or enforcing what we believe down the throats of others that's where the problem begins.
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Exlim May 07, 2016 07:19pm
Always wary of celebrities going from one extreme to another. Staying in the limelight is their main goal. Religion sells when everything else failed. Wouldn't it be impressive if she had not announced it to media and kept this a personal matter, while extolling education and going to university to learn liberal arts or something that relates to her show biz experience.
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Khanm May 07, 2016 07:20pm
The conscience of every one is formed by the influences that surround them; their notions of good and evil are the result of the moral atmosphere they breathe....good luck Veena. .may God guide us all...
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Dawn May 07, 2016 07:29pm
We do not have the right to criticize her, if she has chosen this path for her. Also i guess this is unwanted on part of her to always publicize what plans she has regarding religion.
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Malik May 07, 2016 07:32pm
What is surprise about it? she needs media attention
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Ahsan Gul May 07, 2016 07:34pm
Good move.
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Salman May 07, 2016 07:56pm
@Hasnain Haque can you become a PHD without joining a university. i dont think so. you cant learn everything on your own.
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expatriate May 07, 2016 08:04pm
Best wishes
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Iamnotjoking May 07, 2016 08:05pm
Her husband wants her to be a good wife and therefore she's changing .As far as she wish her children to get education from Jamia Binoria,there is no harm,provided she keep attention,that children are not distracted towards violence,or hatred. She must see that clerics teachers are not fanatics, rigid,or extreme to their ideas.Ofcourse her husband could see this .BTW we must salute her husband Asad Bashir Khan Khattack,for awarding respect to daughter of Pakistan,and caring for future of his family.
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independentthinker May 07, 2016 08:09pm
Some people just want to be in the lime-light - no matter what!
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Abdullah May 07, 2016 08:19pm
So proud of you Veena Malik, hope you become the role model of women in Pakistan.
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Abdullah May 07, 2016 08:21pm
@Hasnain Haque She didn't "have" to join this institute, but they were the ones that guided her.
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Usama May 07, 2016 08:28pm
@Hasnain Haque Why do you go to school when you can buy all the books and study yourself? the same reason applies here. To study relegion
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fahd May 07, 2016 08:34pm
good decision sister. just one advise keep a low profile and stay away from media announcements. because ppl will always critcize you as long as you r in public eye and that can disappoint you,
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Pathanoo May 07, 2016 08:45pm
So, why not do it quietly. Why the promotion?
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AXH May 07, 2016 08:50pm
Why did she feel the need to announce it in front of the media? Why not just go and do it? Ah, because she wants to remain in the limelight and any shape and form.
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jehanzeb May 07, 2016 08:52pm
Why does she need to announce it. We should stop making Islam a marketing brand. Its a personal matter and truth is between a person and God. Announcements dont make sense in such matters.
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aslam shaikh May 07, 2016 08:53pm
We will see her religious talk show on TV in a couple of months.
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Ibneadam May 07, 2016 08:58pm
@Hasnain Haque Because we have not taken up educating ourselves about Islam on our own as it should but left it to Madrassahs and Muftis to teach us about it.
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johnpauljones May 07, 2016 09:01pm
The next she will say that she is joining politics to help the poor... mark my words
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Battleaxe May 07, 2016 09:06pm
Somthing personal should be kept personal , no need of media circus .
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R.K. Mohindra May 07, 2016 09:15pm
Whatever Veena Malik does,it is a private business of a person. Why it should be dignified or condemned in public form..
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ali abbas May 07, 2016 09:15pm
Its interesting how living in the US alters ones self of Self from the vantage point of self preservation. What we are seeing here is the in-ability of an individual to deal with the "responsibility that comes with freedom", un-fettered freedom in the West. This scares of many individuals, especilally those who have Children, and they flock back to their Immigrant roots. I wouldnt be reading material from any one who isnt rooted in the Islamic Sciences and the West, hence I recommend William Chittick, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, works of Mevlana Rumi Balkhi, Rene Guenon, Frithjof Schoun, Ibn al-Arabi I have taught Islamic Sunday schools for over 20 years in New Jersey, and most of the Children who come to the religion with a critical look tend to stay on longer, others who absolve their responsibility (as done by Veena to her Binori outfit) take the short road lLahu Alam
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Khilari May 07, 2016 09:18pm
Love you Veena Ji for how you handled the press conference.There were two men sitting with her, none of them dare talk and it was Veena who took the centre stage. For the first time mullahs were quite and a woman talked without any hijab or abaya. Only Veena could pull off such a feat.
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Saad Abbasi May 07, 2016 09:20pm
My humble advice help humanity , may be give Mr Edhi a hand, good humanitarian is what Pakistan needs
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TKhan May 07, 2016 09:33pm
Going forward she will never have another Bad Hair Day!
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Harmony-1© May 07, 2016 09:43pm
@Abdullah - Is Islamiyat not one of other subjects at school? That's how it should be, part of overall education.
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Mashman May 07, 2016 09:43pm
What a drama. If a person wants to go on the right path he or she does not need to confess to the public but to his or her creator. Abasement of his creatures is not preferable in the sight of the almighty.
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Nida May 07, 2016 09:49pm
Happy to see u
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Adil Jadoon May 07, 2016 10:01pm
Maybe she was on the right track before. Her religious inclinations are her business with God and she should keep them private, unless this is for us.
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Jaatboy May 07, 2016 10:05pm
But why advertise it??
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LK May 07, 2016 10:39pm
Ok whatever!
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Q May 07, 2016 10:41pm
What does she has to announce it to the world? What happened to Islamic moderation?
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Bilal Ahmed May 07, 2016 10:56pm
Author, what is surprising in it ? Many many people repent & come to the right path every day !
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Farrukh May 07, 2016 11:01pm
Time to make big money now on TV shows as Ramadan right on corner! I have a question for the writer... You said " will other celebrities will follow you Veena"? Is she a celebrity???
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Asad Khan May 07, 2016 11:11pm
@Hasnain Haque You are absolutely right. Also, if someone wants to embrace their faith they should do it privately without telling the whole world. True faith is in your heart. I have watched Veena on YouTube and now as a completely different person but it does'nt make any difference. She has the right to lead her life the way she likes.
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Satt May 07, 2016 11:21pm
Drama.
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Asad Khan May 07, 2016 11:28pm
Different strokes for different folks!!
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F S May 07, 2016 11:39pm
@Hasnain Haque So with yout logic, if I want to study medicine or engineering, i shouldnt go to an institute?
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SAEED MASOOD May 07, 2016 11:41pm
God says you change your path to good at any time and at any stage in life and I ( GOD ) will forgive you...wish you all the best VM Good luck to you...Ameen..
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Nasir May 07, 2016 11:47pm
@Abdullah God forbid, NO NO NO.
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Sri1 May 07, 2016 11:54pm
@Silent Mercury She made mistakes, she learnt from it! n now she is on right track. Really funny, keep it up.
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Nasir Soomro May 08, 2016 12:18am
Let me laugh, she is best drama Queen!
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Nehar Shirin May 08, 2016 12:25am
Here I come in the media again, now for religious programs! hire me for the Ramazan programs. Vow Veena! what a smart move.
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zack May 08, 2016 12:32am
I do not agree that you have to join madrases and bring Mufti's to the press conference specially in view of mufti's comments regarding Chnoi. Good Luck To Her!!
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Junaid May 08, 2016 12:33am
You don't need to announce that. If she is making an effort to be on straight path should not be an exception. Lot of people are making such efforts everyday. Secondly, this is just a talk so far, no practice. This should not make NEWs per say.
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Badar Saleem May 08, 2016 12:49am
Hopefully she won't have to hide like her mentor .
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Osman May 08, 2016 12:51am
I see a "V." in the making. Fashionable burkas.
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nasir siddique May 08, 2016 12:56am
First JJ and now Veena Malik. Will she start hosting her own religious show? Either way can't wait to see her cashing into the religious craze on the backbof her past celebrity status. Just what the nation needs.
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Naeem Syed May 08, 2016 01:01am
Many Years Ago I had the privilege of next to Baba Zaheen Shah Taji, and after ther Prayers I leaned forward and asked Babji in the most Humblest way to make Dua for me. He just looked at me and said" "TUMARI HAAT TUTEY HUAIN" My life changed there and then.
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MMM May 08, 2016 01:05am
Now she will regain her much needed media attention.
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nasr May 08, 2016 01:21am
@sana You can and you cannot
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Imran khan May 08, 2016 02:00am
Thank you Dawn for this report but please she is on the right path do not show her dirty pictures and do discuss her bad time.
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raj May 08, 2016 02:53am
She is also taking advise from JJ. Rest assured new program starts next month.
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Taimur May 08, 2016 04:06am
This is not new in my country. Veena Malik will also become an Islamic scholar just like Amir Liaqat or Junaid Jamshed.
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Ikram May 08, 2016 04:35am
Why was this something that required her to have a press conference. All she needed to do was start going to the Institute with her head covered like any other person seeking to learn Islam.
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apakmuslim May 08, 2016 04:48am
well done Veena mam. Now I know why you were not visible in public for a few years
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Suchbaath May 08, 2016 07:14am
This is the last option Verna picked to live safely in Pakistan. Any legal proceedings harming Pakistan image should continue which has nothing to do with his change in heart.
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zuhaib May 08, 2016 07:38am
life has many turning points.
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kuku May 08, 2016 07:51am
Wish people wanting to lead a more fulfilling life not turn to religion, but find it in service to others and other activities practices like meditation. Religions are nothing but curse for mankind because it makes one see others who do not follow the same as lesser beings, whereas knowing oneself via reflective thinking and calming oneself using well known practices makes one more of universal being.
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Iconic Hereafter May 08, 2016 07:56am
Please give her a chance and a lot of guidance.
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omran May 08, 2016 08:45am
Dont publicist it and go for Islam
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ASB May 08, 2016 08:48am
Its her life and her spiritual path
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JYD May 08, 2016 08:51am
@Hasnain Haque ; If one get cancer is that person go to the Docter to get treated or just be nice with the cancer and hope he'll get better?
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Siddiqui May 08, 2016 09:07am
If some body is going on the right track the society should encourage , instead of recalling any of her pervious acts. Was it very necessary for DAWN to publish cover photo of FHM above?
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Nadra khan May 08, 2016 09:49am
You should not display her old pic. You should encourage her to follow the right oath
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Adnan May 08, 2016 09:57am
Just to grab some slot on TV Ramadan transmission drama ....
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bil_VA May 08, 2016 10:23am
She came to US for giving birth to her babies, in her first interview she said:' I want my kids to learn Pakistani culture, language and tradition'....
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Owais May 08, 2016 10:35am
Dawn should not print past pics for someone who has given up the old life. Positive journalism please.
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SABER May 08, 2016 11:18am
Drama queen
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neutral May 08, 2016 11:20am
I doubt it is a welcome move. The past of a person always follows him/her no matter at the top of the world. Look at Mr 10% !
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Malik May 08, 2016 11:26am
@N_Saq: Or may be she is here to encourage people to open their eyes and get on the right track.
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Malik May 08, 2016 11:36am
@Iamnotjoking: you dont have to go to Jamias to become violent. I remember my college days when there were student political organizations (which still exist) that used to lead students astray. These people become hardened criminals and dacoits and rapists. Moreover, i still see people becoming addicted to drugs during their school and college times. Should this mean that colleges and schools are places where students are taught these crimes?
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Ahsan May 08, 2016 11:43am
Yeah because ramzan is around the corner and what sells better than religion in Pakistan. She may even get her own ramzan show on tv.
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shakeel Jalil May 08, 2016 12:36pm
I hope this is not another "Celebrity Stunt"!
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Pakistani May 08, 2016 01:41pm
This is all image make over...you never know in next couple of years she will be contesting election and probably will win also....
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optimist May 08, 2016 02:07pm
I hope Dawn and other magazines will not share her pictures when she was active in show biz. If someone has chosen the right path then its the responsibility of the society not to remind the person her / his old days which he / she want to remove from the memories.
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Sufyan May 08, 2016 02:47pm
@Hasnain Haque why u need admission in a medical university to be doctor.. because u need an environment... same applies here
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ranrha11 May 08, 2016 04:18pm
She choices write path now. Good luck
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Abdul Ruaf May 08, 2016 07:06pm
GOD knows intentions, Good luck for her in future !
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j90 May 08, 2016 09:35pm
@Hasnain Haque Well said. I agree with you and appreciate your comments.
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j90 May 08, 2016 09:38pm
@paul adam May be your are right.
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Atheroth May 08, 2016 10:36pm
I hope she is bluffing.
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Aatir ehrar May 09, 2016 01:02am
Everyone makes mistakes in this world I am glad she chose the right path. I hope every young Pakistani become a tolerant,caring,loving and practicing Muslim in this world for Islam teaching nothing but kindness and good deeds. Let's be a example to other people so that we can inspire an average person as well as those who hate Islam.
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BNY May 09, 2016 05:16am
@Hasnain Haque of course she can be all that the way you have described she should be, and at the same time she can do what she feels is best for her. Now stop judging people because that what u are making me do.
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Fazal Karim May 09, 2016 09:47am
She wants to remain in media, every time a new stunt.
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VenoM May 09, 2016 11:54am
@Suchbaath : Agreed
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Alward Siyyid May 10, 2016 09:34pm
@Salman U can become a PHD without joining a university, through self learning, hard work, original ideas and dedication
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