o say that Pakistan has gone through a difficult period is an understatement. As we look back at 2024, what emerges most is a mix of political unpredictability, economic difficulties, and a disturbing rise in violence, which have collectively created a sense of despair.

Despite all this chaos, so many of us manage to live through these true-crime days because, as citizens, we have learned the art of responding to each crisis with some modicum of hope and the thought that tomorrow will be better.

As we continue to look for that silver lining in the new year, the entertainment sector remains a beacon, consistently finding ways to bring a little hope and joy.

During the first week of the new year, we look at messages from Pakistani celebrities who seem to have embraced cautious optimism and Insta-worthy enthusiasm.

From Mahira Khan’s words, which echo a song by Saeen Zahoor and Noori (‘Aik Alif’) to Adnan Siddiqui’s tongue-in-cheek take on the new year and the appearance of two actors on an international broadcast, the message was simple, “We must keep going.”

Mahira Khan posted on her Instagram, “My dearest pirate ship of a year, when you came, it felt like you would never end. Every moment felt like forever. And now, as you’re ending, it feels like time just flew. That’s the thing about happiness and sadness, highs and lows—it all passes. Nothing stays the same forever. Little moments of joy, though, remain the same. And those are to be made the most out of. I learnt so much this year, felt so much this year. More than anything, I learned so much about myself, and by the end of the year, felt so much like myself. When I look back, I will remember you as the year of faith. Looking ahead always… but do put in a good word for me with 2025!

In gratitude,

MK

X

Jo na jaaney haq ki taaqat

Rab na deway usko himmat”

Reema Khan posted on her Instagram, “Happy New Year 2025! May this year bring us endless joy, success, respect, and cherished moments with our loved ones. May Allah guide us to choose the right path. Ameen.

#happynewyear#2025#goodwishes.”

Momal Sheikh posted the following message, “As we celebrate the blessings of this year, I want to take a moment to thank Allah for His countless blessings, His guidance, and His mercy. I am truly grateful to be surrounded by my loving family and to be able to share this moment with all of you. I pray that the new year brings peace, happiness, good health, and endless blessings into our lives. Let us all pray for one another — for strength in times of challenge, for joy in every moment, and for prosperity in all our endeavors. May Allah continue to bless us all with His grace and protection, and may 2025 be a year filled with positivity, growth, and kindness. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy New Year! Let’s keep each other in our prayers for a bright and peaceful year ahead. With love and gratitude.”

Adnan Siddiqui posted this message on his Instagram, “Ah, 2025! A brand-new year, already judging us for the promises we probably won’t keep. But that’s the charm of life—it’s messy, unpredictable, and still worth every second. Here’s to another year of winging it with style. Happy New Year!”

Hania Aamir and Usman Mukhtar shine on CNN’s New Year special

Hania Aamir and Usman Mukhtar made Pakistan proud by appearing on CNN’s New Year special, showcasing their talent on an international stage.

The two actors reflected on an extraordinary 2024, a year marked by their outstanding performances and projects that captivated audiences. Hania was highly praised for her role as Sharjeena in the popular television drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, while Usman starred in the superhero-fantasy film Umro Ayyar- A New Beginning, playing the lead role of Amar.

During her CNN appearance, Hania answered numerous questions with ease and charm. When asked what she was most grateful for, she said, “All the love I’ve received, to be honest”.

Though she didn’t reveal anything about her role in the Netflix series (which also features Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Sanam Saeed, Ahad Raza Mir and many more), she simply shared, “Just that I’m very excited about it and not much else. It’s an absolute honor to be working with people who have been working in the industry for over a decade. They’re just lovely to work with.”

When questioned about the pressure of being the face of Gen Z, Hania thoughtfully responded, “I don’t take a lot of pressure. I just try to be myself, and whatever comes my way, I do it with as much honesty as I can.”

Addressing her strong cross-border connections, she remarked, “We’re like distant cousins; we’re so similar in so many ways. It’s lovely when we collaborate and are just appreciative of each other’s work.”

To her fans in Pakistan, India, and around the world, she shared a heartfelt message, “I wish them a lot of love and success, and I just hope they lead the new year with a lot of authenticity and just be kind to themselves.”

Usman Mukhtar also joined CNN’s special to reflect on his achievements. Discussing his role in Umro Ayyar- A New Beginning, he said, “It was a huge honor for me. The film took four years to make, and when it released in 2024, we were blown way. We hadn’t seen the movie prior to its release on the big screen. Seeing it for the first time with my fellow actors was just amazing. The young kids, who don’t often see material like this from Pakistan, really enjoyed the film. We’re hoping to create more superhero/sci-fi content for our audience.”

When asked about the global market for South Asian superhero/sci-fi/fantasy stories, Usman replied, “Absolutely. We have a lot of material in Pakistan that could be turned into films and comic books. The audience really wants to watch something different come out of Pakistan.”

Regarding his interest in this genre, he said, “I’m a big comic book reader, a huge DC comics fan, and Superman fan. I grew up collecting comic books, action figures, and film memorabilia. It’s something that interests me a lot. I want to create content for my children to watch and enjoy.”

When asked about his plans for 2025, Usman revealed, “Right now, we’re working on a web series called Fatima Jinnah, based on her life. Fatima Jinnah was a stateswoman, politician, philanthropist, and the sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. I’m playing Allama Iqbal, a South Asian Islamic philosopher and poet. I’m hoping people will like it.”