Film produced by Pakistani expats in Dubai set for global release on UAE national day

This screenshot captures a scene from an upcoming Pakistani film, Yaara Vey, which is scheduled to be globally released on December 2. (Photo courtesy: Asad Raza Khan)
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Updated 27 November 2022
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Film produced by Pakistani expats in Dubai set for global release on UAE national day

  • The story of ‘Yaara Vey’ is weaved around the life of a self-confident female protagonist, says the writer of the film
  • The movie has been described as a ‘UAE product’ and will be globally released on the national day of the Gulf country

DUBAI: A Pakistani film, which is mainly produced by the country’s expatriate community in Dubai and focuses on the unpredictability of life, is all set for a global release on the national day of the United Arab Emirates which falls on December 2, confirmed its writer and actors on Sunday.

Shot in Dubai, Georgia and Thailand, “Yaara Vey” will be simultaneously launched in Pakistan, the Middle East, United Kingdom and the United States.




A poster of an upcoming Pakistani film, Yaara Vey, which was mainly produced by the country’s expatriate community in Dubai and is scheduled to be globally released on December 2. (Photo courtesy: Aleeze Nasser)

Mahwash Ijaz, the co-author of the story, described the film as “UAE product,” saying the storyline was heavily structured around characters based in the Gulf state.

Speaking to Arab News, she said the film “shows that life is unpredictable and can throw curve balls at you.”

“You have to listen to your heart when you want to make the right decision,” she continued, as she hoped that “people will come out of the film feeling loved and having experienced a beautiful journey.”

Ijaz said the central character of the production was an expatriate.

“The film shows many of the struggles and feelings we go through as people on the move,” she said. “It has a global appeal in the sense that love and unpredictability of life are universal themes.”

Asked how “Yaara Vey” planned to set itself apart from other films focusing on similar subjects, she said its central character was a modern, self-confident female which was a rarity in most Pakistani big-screen productions that heavily relied on male protagonists and heroes.

Ijaz maintained this pattern was unlike television productions “where most stories are centered on women.”

“This is a film written by two women,” she continued. “I feel we have a unique grasp of female psyche. When we were writing the film, we were very mindful of how women talk and behave with their male counterparts. So, I think one of the key ideas in the story is how women see women and love as well. A lot of inspiration comes from there.”

Aleeze Nasser, a Dubai-based actor, debuts in the film as the female lead and appears with popular Pakistani television actor Sami Khan.

She described acting as her passion in an email interview with Arab News.

“After my business graduation, I went on to New York Film Academy to graduate in acting,” she said. “I have always had this deep-rooted desire to act. Hence, I prepared myself by professionally, learning various forms of dancing and horse riding etc.”

Nasser maintained many girls would identify with her role.

“My character has a lot of elements that resonate with me and I am sure it is the story of many girls who can relate to it,” she said without sharing further details.

She was previously associated with the Dubai Film Commission and actively participated in its growth. She also made appearances in short films and commercials in the past.

Nasser, who was also involved in the production of the film, said she enjoyed acting more than anything else.




This screenshot captures a scene from an upcoming Pakistani film, Yaara Vey, which is scheduled to be globally released on December 2. (Photo courtesy: Asad Raza Khan)

Another Dubai-based Pakistani actor, Asad Raza Khan, who plays the friend and love interest of the protagonist in the film, said many international projects were shot in the UAE after its government started giving facilities, such as the golden visa and subsidies.

“Dubai is a melting pot of cultures,” he said. “That is why the 300-odd people working onscreen and behind are from different nationalities.”

“People can expect to see a spectrum of emotions, stunning visuals and locations while the music is a treat to the ears,” Khan continued.

A creation of Beeline Productions, “Yaara Vey” is directed by Manish Pawar, an Indian filmmaker who has previously done successful projects for Zee 5 and Amazon Prime.

The writer of the film promised that “audiences will get breathtaking views of Dubai” and see “how truly cosmopolitan it is.”

Among its several strengths, she added, were the vocals of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who has a massive fan following in South Asia.


Pakistan PM gives 48 hours to draft fuel-saving plan as global oil prices surge

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Pakistan PM gives 48 hours to draft fuel-saving plan as global oil prices surge

  • Government warns against hoarding after sharp fuel price hike amid Middle East tensions
  • PM wants provinces to enforce anti-profiteering measures and prevent public exploitation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked his administration to formulate a strategy for fuel conservation and austerity in government affairs within 48 hours after a sharp rise in global oil prices pushed the country to increase domestic fuel rates, a senior minister said on Saturday.

The directive comes a day after the government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 ($0.20) per liter, citing a surge in international energy prices triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran. The situation has rattled global oil markets and threatened key shipping routes.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said Sharif had instructed officials to urgently prepare a practical plan aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting austerity across government institutions.

“The prime minister has given 48 hours to formulate an actionable strategy on savings, austerity and simplicity in government affairs,” he said in a social media post on X.

Tarar said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik had also been tasked with consulting the country’s four provincial chief ministers to coordinate measures against fuel hoarding and ensure strict enforcement of government directives.

He informed the ministers had been asked to ensure that speculation and profiteering in fuel markets were prevented, adding that authorities would take strict action against violators.

“The prime minister has directed that no leniency be shown to elements involved in exploiting the public,” he said, warning that licenses of those petrol pumps violating government orders could be revoked.

Tarar also urged the public not to pay attention to rumors regarding petroleum supplies or pricing, saying the government and relevant ministries would continue to release verified information as the situation evolves.

He said Pakistan was not alone in facing rising energy costs, noting that many countries were grappling with similar pressures due to volatility in global oil markets.

Pakistan relies heavily on imported fuel to meet its energy needs and is particularly vulnerable to global price shocks, which can quickly push up inflation and strain the country’s fragile external accounts.