Six Pakistani celebrity resolutions that will inspire you in 2021

A combination of photos of Pakistani celebrities who shared with Arab News their New Year's resolutions.
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Updated 01 January 2021
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Six Pakistani celebrity resolutions that will inspire you in 2021

  • 2020 was a tough year for everyone and that includes our favorite celebrities
  • Arab News spoke to stars about their goals and dreams for the year ahead

KARACHI: 2020 was a tough year for everyone, and that includes our favorite celebrities. Below, a look at what their goals and dreams are for the year ahead:

Sarwat Gilani, actress and activist:




In this photo, Pakistani actress and activist Sarwat Gillani poses for a photo at an event. (Photo Courtesy: Sarwat Gillani Instagram)

My Goal is to work toward creating more awareness of laws that protect our women and children.
Personally, I will focus more on my physical fitness.

Hira Mani, actor and TV host:




In this photo, Pakistani actress and TV host Hira Mani holding her t-shirt that says Good Bye 2020. (Photo Courtesy: Hira Mani Instagram)

My family is and would be most important for me in 2021 as we. I will do more work to make my family proud. I have many dreams which I think have to come true in the coming years. I wish everyone a sparkling New Year!

Ahmed Ali Butt, actor and TV host:




In this photo, Pakistani actor and TV host Ahmed Ali Butt poses for a photo. (Photo Courtesy: Ahmed Ali Butt Instagram)

For 2021, I hope that our film industry gets back on its feet because there are a lot of films and other projects that are pending. I am looking forward to my new international projects as well and hopefully we will see you in cinemas soon InshaAllah.

Mansha Pasha, actress:




In this photo, Pakistani actress Mansha Pasha poses for a photo. (Photo Courtesy: Mansha Pasha Instagram)

My personal goal for 2021 is of self-improvement. I will try to find opportunities myself rather than to wait for them to come on my way.
I also collectively pray for everyone that 2021 may prove to be a good and prosperous year for us and we all remain safe and secure from any of the calamities.
As far as tying the knot with fiancé Jibran Nasir is concerned, it can also be in plans but that is not a resolution and or a personal goal.

Aijaz Aslam, veteran actor:




In this photo, Pakistan's veteran actor Aijaz Aslam poses for a photo. (Photo Courtesy: Aijaz Aslam Instagram)

I have realized how important it is to make a little effort to achieve your dreams, so from now on I have decided that no matter how busy I am, I will keep working on things which I always wanted to do and let others benefit from what I have learned. Hence, my resolution each year will be to have a better year than the previous one.

Junaid Khan, TV actor:




In this photo, Pakistani TV actor Junaid Khan poses for a photo. (Photo Courtesy: Junaid Khan Instagram)

My planning for the year 2021 is to take care of myself and the people who are important to me. I believe in celebrating life for the little things you achieve. We should be grateful for what we have because I believe that there is always something to be grateful for. We should learn from our mistakes and do better and better and show appreciation toward people who are there for us and always ready for help and support and we should never take anything for granted.
My goal for the next year is to focus on my career more enthusiastically and bring unique ideas on the table. I will work on my weaknesses and ways to enhance my skills.


Two Pakistani men indicted in $10 million Medicare fraud scheme in Chicago

Updated 12 February 2026
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Two Pakistani men indicted in $10 million Medicare fraud scheme in Chicago

  • Prosecutors say defendants billed Medicare and private insurers for nonexistent services
  • Authorities say millions of dollars in proceeds were laundered and transferred to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Two Pakistani nationals have been indicted in Chicago for allegedly participating in a $10 million health care fraud scheme that targeted Medicare and private insurers, the US Justice Department said on Thursday.

A federal grand jury charged Burhan Mirza, 31, who resided in Pakistan, and Kashif Iqbal, 48, who lived in Texas, with submitting fraudulent claims for medical services and equipment that were never provided, according to an indictment filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Medicare is the US federal health insurance program primarily serving Americans aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities.

“Rooting out fraud is a priority for this Justice Department, and these defendants allegedly billed millions of dollars from Medicare and laundered the proceeds to Pakistan,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement.

“These alleged criminals stole from a program designed to provide health care benefits to American seniors and the disabled, not line the pockets of foreign fraudsters,” he added. “We will not tolerate these schemes that divert taxpayer dollars to criminals.”

Prosecutors said that in 2023 and 2024, the defendants and their alleged co-conspirators used nominee-owned laboratories and durable medical equipment providers to bill Medicare and private health benefit programs for nonexistent services.

According to the indictment, Mirza obtained identifying information of individuals, providers and insurers without their knowledge and used it to support fraudulent claims submitted on behalf of shell companies. Iqbal was allegedly linked to several durable medical equipment providers that filed false claims and is accused of laundering proceeds and coordinating transfers of funds to Pakistan.

Mirza faces 12 counts of health care fraud and five counts of money laundering. Iqbal is charged with 12 counts of health care fraud, six counts of money laundering and one count of making a false statement to US law enforcement. Arraignments have not yet been scheduled.

Three additional defendants, including an Indian, previously charged in the investigation, have pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud charges and are awaiting sentencing.

An indictment contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.