Author: newsdesk

  • Pakistan launches first transgender anti-harrasment hotline

    Pakistan launches first transgender anti-harrasment hotline

    An anti-harassment/discrimination hotline for transgenders has been launched today (September 30 ) through a virtual conference.

    “Transgender citizens’ complaint management system is a breakthrough in streamlining and centralizing grievance redressal process. The system will enable Ministry of Human Rights and respective AIG office to respond to the queries and complaints of transgender citizens across the country promptly and efficiently. The Transgender Compliant Management portal is live on web.citizenportal.gov.pk where the transgender citizens can directly file their complaints regarding any issues they face and may also call 1099 for complaint registration. The complaint will be processed and addressed within 24 hours by the respective AIG office,” reads the press release.

    Head of Prime Minister’s Strategic Reforms Unit, Salman Sufi, while talking to The Current said, “It is a long awaited step which marks Pakistan government’s commitment to ensure transgender community is not abused, harrased or intimidated. This hotline will give them confidence to report abuse and get help so they can live as proud Pakistani citizens.”

  • ‘Madam Zeba ko batana ke Imran Khan aya tha maazrat karnay’: Khan ne maangi mafi

    ‘Madam Zeba ko batana ke Imran Khan aya tha maazrat karnay’: Khan ne maangi mafi

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan appeared before the court of Additional Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry on Friday to apologise for his remarks against her at a public rally.

    However, when Khan arrived at the court of Zeba Chaudhry, she was reportedly on leave and not present at the court.

    He asked the court Reader to stand witness to his appearance in Chaudhry’s court to offer an apology.

    Addressing the Reader, the former Prime Minister said, “Madam Zeba ko batana hai ke Imran khan aya tha, mazrat karna chahta tha agar un ke ilfaz se koi dil azari hui ho,” he told the reader. (Tell Madam Zeba Chaudhry that Imran Khan had visited and wanted to apologise if any of his words hurt her sentiments).

    Earlier this month, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) decided to frame charges against Khan in a contempt of court case registered against him for his controversial remarks about Zeba during a rally in Islamabad on August 20.

    However, after many delays, Khan apologised to the high court, saying, “Mai khaatoon judge se zaati taur pe maafi maangta hoon”, (I personally apologise to the female judge).

    Following this, the high court remarked that it would not be appropriate to conduct contempt proceedings against Khan. The PTI chairman also requested the high court to allow him to apologise to Judge Zeba Chaudhry in person.

    In August, Khan addressed a party rally to express solidarity with then-arrested PTI’s Shahbaz Gill and threatened Chaudhry. He said, “Zeba! Be ready, we will take action against you.”

    Chaudhry had approved Gill’s two-day physical remand at the request of the capital police.

  • Rs75 commemorative banknote is now officially available

    Rs75 commemorative banknote is now officially available

    The commemorative banknote of Rs75 is available for the general public from September 30 (today), which was released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on August 14th to mark Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day.

    At a ceremony held at the SBP offices in Karachi on August 14, 2022, the design of this commemorative banknote was presented.

    The SBP announced in a statement that starting on September 30, the general public can get the commemorative Rs75 banknote from SBP BSC offices and commercial banks’ branches.

    As a result, the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan are shown on the banknote’s obverse, according to the statement.

    According to SBP, the reverse of the banknote emphasises the nation’s commitment to combating climate change and its effects on Pakistan. This issue has become even more urgent in light of the unprecedented loss brought on by the recent torrential rains and flooding that affected large portions of Pakistan, according to SBP.

    The portraits of the national animals Markhor and Deodar on the reverse also draw attention to the threat of extinction and the necessity of protecting these species.

  • International acclaim: Ali Sethi makes it to ‘TIME100 Next list’

    International acclaim: Ali Sethi makes it to ‘TIME100 Next list’

    Pakistani musician Ali Sethi, has been featured in the TIME100 Next list after churning a global chartbuster in the form of Coke Studio 14’s Pasoori.

    “Proud to be included in the 2022 TIME100 Next list — that too with a write-up from guru Amitav Ghosh. [In] this old-world portrait of me by Umar Nadeeem, I am wearing ZN ALI and looking pyaar-se [lovingly] at the pre-colonial past,” he wrote on his Insta while sharing the news.

    The American magazine stated that Sethi’s song Pasoori has become a global sensation with close to 400 million views on YouTube. Even more remarkable, the song has found a huge following in neighboring India despite the escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

    “Sethi’s great gift is that he is able to use an ancient form of music from the region, the classical raga, to challenge and expand notions of gender, sexuality, and belonging. “Pasoori” is a virtuoso demonstration of how artists can, in subtle ways, subvert the restrictions that are being imposed upon them by new forms of authoritarianism and intolerance,” Time wrote about Ali Sethi.

    ‘Pasoori‘ has been written by Sethi and Fazal Abbas, while the composition has been done by Sethi and Zulfiqar J Khan, popularly known as Xulfi. The music has been produced by Abdullah Siddiqui and Xulfi.

  • How to identify and protect your mobile from cyber attacks

    How to identify and protect your mobile from cyber attacks

    Smartphones are ideal targets for hackers as they contain so much personal information all in one place, from email and phone contacts to banking and social media details. This information can be used by hackers to steal identities, sell them on the dark web, and perform a variety of other cybercrimes.

    Cybercriminals are always refining their methods, making their attacks increasingly difficult to spot. We have heard of the phone and call tapping but recently there has been a debate that if WhatsApp calls can be tapped.

    Can WhatsApp audio or video call be hacked?

    Bugging can occur at all kinds of levels from political worthies to average people with no technological wisdom. A cyber security expert claims that since nothing is impossible and no code is perfect, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption makes it safer.

    However, WhatsApp employs some of the best coders around, and the business has invested heavily in the security of its messenger. Therefore, for not-so-pro hackers, it is ‘almost impossible’ to hack WhatsApp.

    All WhatsApp conversations—video or audio—are encrypted from beginning to end. Although the implementation of that encryption can’t be examined for security because the app is closed-source.

    However, let’s presume it’s solid. Any video or audio data sent during your video chats that are end-to-end encrypted can only be decoded on the device you’re using to make the call. So even if anyone were to intercept the data, they couldn’t decrypt it, it’d be useless. Not ‘leakable’ in that manner.

    Unless you exploit your smartphone by doing these and have it compromised by:

    • Installing third-party apps or particularly APKs (not from the play store) which are modified by developers
    • Allowing hackers to install malware on your phone so they can access anything by clicking on a link
    • Installing fake WhatsApp, such as WhatsApp PLUS or GB WHATSAPP

    Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks or even data sniffing can be used to collect video processing from your device. However, a hacker must first get access, which it does by utilising social engineering to trick you into clicking links or downloading files.

    By simply copying the WhatsApp database file and encryption key from your phone by using some software, anyone may read your message.

    Each WiFi network adapter smartphone has a 12-character MAC address, a unique identification number that can be falsified. Hackers can use the MAC address of your phone to replicate your WhatsApp on their system.

    How to protect your WhatsApp account

    • Never give your phone to someone you don’t trust.
    • Keep your messages locked down with a different key so that no one else can see your messages.
    • Go to your WhatsApp settings and select “log-out from all browsers” or a comparable option if you are signed into numerous devices using your number to access WhatsApp Web.

    How to enable two-step verification

    To enable two-step verification, open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.

    You will be prompted to create a password at this step, which will stop someone else from using your phone number for WhatsApp verification.

    Additionally, according to the experts, hackers won’t be able to track the user’s whereabouts if they don’t get access to any vital information.

    Phantom Calls

    A call is deemed Phantom if there is no one chatting from the other side. They all come from various numbers, and you won’t be able to hear any of them. You should report PTA if you frequently receive phantom calls. Most likely, a hacker is attempting to access your mobile device if you receive excessive random calls.

    Random messages

    We must have gotten several texts from unknown sources. Just checking a text message will not cause your phone to be hacked. You should use caution when clicking on links or using coupon coupons in communications, though. Consider whether the link looks authentic before clicking it to ensure that your personal information won’t be disclosed.

    Malicious links

    You can accidentally tap a malicious link and wind up installing spyware on your phone, that may transmit private information to hackers, if you are unable to identify this fake message. Or else, you can be taken to phishing websites that request information from your private accounts.

    Therefore, if you receive a text message advertising a great offer that requires you to click on a link in order to activate it, wait before doing so. As these links will direct you to a trap. This can considerably decrease the risk of someone hacking into your phone using messages.

    By avoiding suspicious links and only downloading apps from Apple and Google stores, we can reduce the risk of being hacked.

  • Prince George warns his classmates to ‘watch out’ because his dad Prince William will be king one day

    Prince George warns his classmates to ‘watch out’ because his dad Prince William will be king one day

    Prince George warned his classmates who were on his bad side that they better “watch out” because his father, Prince William, will one day be king, according to royal author Katie Nicholl.

    The Daily Mail reported this incident citing a new book —‘The New Royals — Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown’ by Nicholl.

    “William’s aim as a father is to give his son a normal family upbringing, enabling the monarchy to stay relevant and keep up with modern times,” wrote the author of ‘Battle of Brothers’.

    Prince George, the eldest grandchild of King Charles III, is second in the line of succession to the British throne behind his father William.

    Aside from George, William and Catherine, Princess of Wales also shares two children—Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales.

  • ‘Relief activities for floods could continue for next two years’: Ahsan Iqbal

    ‘Relief activities for floods could continue for next two years’: Ahsan Iqbal

    Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, has said that relief activities after the devastating effects of floods across the country could continue for the “next two years”.

    “Natural disasters are a result of climate change, however, we are coming up with plans to deal with them in the future. For now, the government has allocated Rs40 billion for 20 underdeveloped districts.”

    The federal minister said that the armed forces, provincial governments and district administrations are working actively to provide relief.

    “The floods have caused wide-scale destruction”, he added while urging the nation to unite and help those affected by floods.

    On Thursday, Climate Change Minister Senator Sherry Rehman announced that the Parliament has approved the country’s largest “Living Indus” initiative that is aimed at protecting the cradle of civilizations which was under serious threat due to environmental degradation and anthropogenic activities.

    The floods have also raised questions on whether Pakistan will be able to pay its debts on time. Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari have sought climate justice to compensate for the destruction.

    It is pertinent to mention that the US is so far the largest donor to flood relief and rehabilitation funds. Washington has provided about $56 million to Pakistan since July.

    Devastating floods are responsible for killing more than 1,600 people and the damages to the infrastructure is estimated at nearly $30 billion.

  • ‘Worst projection’: Zara Noor Abbas bashes Kim Kardashian for her latest video

    ‘Worst projection’: Zara Noor Abbas bashes Kim Kardashian for her latest video

    Actor Zara Noor Abbas is currently garnering praise for her stellar dance performance at the Hum Style Awards. The Khamoshi star has often been frank about battling body shaming in the entertainment industry.

    Now the talented performer took to her Instagram stories to slam American model and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian for projecting uncomfortable and problematic beauty standards.

    Zara stated her opinion while sharing a video of the Keeping up with the Kardashian s diva. Kim was seen being severely uncomfortable and struggling to even walk up the stairs and sitting in her car because of her tight bodycon shimmery outfit.

    The reality star suffered a wardrobe malfunction at the Milan Fashion Week.

    The 41-year-old siren took to Instagram on Monday to share the hilarious moment she was forced to leap up a set of stairs in an extremely tight-fitting dress.

    Kim Kardashian suffers embarrassing wardrobe malfunction at Milan Fashion Week

    Kim donned a figure-hugging silver Dolce and Gabbana gown, showing off her hourglass curves.   

    Kim uploaded the side-splitting clip, paired with hilarious music, to her Instagram, sharing the funny moment with her 300 million followers.

  • ‘Our state institutions have carried out an exercise to secure PMO’: Tarar

    ‘Our state institutions have carried out an exercise to secure PMO’: Tarar

    Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has said that state institutions have taken steps to secure the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and changed some standard operating procedures (SOPs).

    “Our state institutions have carried out an exercise to secure the PMO and ensure [security],” he stated.

    “Some SOPs have been changed which I think is a government responsibility as oftentimes many sensitive matters are discussed in such places and there should be an environment where you are 100 per cent satisfied that you’re making national decisions in a secure environment,” he told reporters.

    He explained that basic SOPs were already in place for “sensitive buildings”, adding that further orders have been issued to make security measures effective and
    “It will be an effort to introduce a culture and environment, not just in the PMO, but in all departments where you can ensure that sensitive information will not be leaked.”

    These steps were taken after several audio leaks surfaced of PM Shehbaz and former PM Imran Khan.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry said that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa had informed Imran Khan multiple times that the PM House is unsafe for important conversations.

    “The army chief told Imran Khan that the points that what we discuss here is recorded and leaked later on,” he said, adding that, “General Bajwa had said Nawaz Sharif stepped out of PM House when he wanted to talk to him about some vital issue.”

    The PTI leader said that it is unacceptable for PM Office to be hacked, regardless of who is premier — whether Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif or Imran Khan.

  • ‘Imran Khan aur is ka coach shamil hain’, Maryam Nawaz claims that she knows who is behind audio leaks

    ‘Imran Khan aur is ka coach shamil hain’, Maryam Nawaz claims that she knows who is behind audio leaks

    After getting acquitted by Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz accepted that four recent audio leaks were hers.

    While speaking outside the court, Maryam claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his “coach” were behind these audio leaks.

    “I know who is doing all of this. Yeh Imran Khan aur is ka coach shamil ha” (Both Imran Khan and his coach are involved), she said.

    In response to a question, Maryam said a nexus comprising “Imran, his coach and a couple of TV channels” were behind the audio leaks.

    Reaction to her audio leaks:

    She also reacted to the leaks in which an unknown person and her uncle [Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif] could be heard talking about purchasing machinery for her son-in-law’s plant from India. She claimed that “Imran Khan should be ashamed because Raheel purchased the first half of machinery during his tenure as PM”.

    According to her, “Raheel submitted an application to purchase the second half of machinery but PM Shehbaz told him that now Pakistan has stopped importing things from India”. She added after that the “Matter was closed then”.

    Commenting on the audio in which she asked PM Shehbaz to discontinue the PTI’s Sehat Card initiative, Maryam insisted that the health project was launched by PML-N supremo Nawaz.

    “I asked the PM to own the programme launched by his party and I never said to discontinue the initiative,” she said.

    ‘Imran Khan did forgery in PM Office’: Maryam Nawaz

    On Imran Khan’s audio leaks, Maryam Nawaz said, “Imran thinks of Pakistan as Oval Ground and Qadaffi Stadium. He used to tamper then as a cricketer, now he is passing instructions that do tampering with minutes of the meeting.”

    In the audio leak, which was released on Wednesday, Khan discusses how to frame the narrative around the alleged conspiracy that resulted in the ouster of his government. He tells his then principal secretary Azam Khan: ‘Iss par hi khelna hai’, (let’s play with it) without mentioning the name of the United States and they discuss how to form a team on the issue.

    Maryam Nawaz also took a jibe at former First Lady Bushra Bibi, saying that “She told Ex Focal Person Digital Media to former PM, Arslan Khalid, to make a statement against Khan’s opponents and run a campaign to prove them, traitors, while her husband who was in power at the time did forgery in PM Office.”

    She also demanded that a “high-powered” joint investigation team (JIT) — consisting of government ministers, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials and law ministry representatives — be formed to probe the alleged audio leak of Imran Khan and Azam.

    “I believe the facts that have emerged should lead to his [Imran’s] arrest and he must be jailed straightaway,” she said.

    ‘NAB made a video of me while I was in night suit’: Maryam Nawaz

    Moreover, she said when NAB arrested her in Karachi, a person made a video of her without consent while she was in her night suit.

    “If they release this video, nothing can be more shameless and cheap”, she added.

    She also said, “If the video releases, people will see how they treated me in jail”.

    On Thursday, IHC acquitted Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (retd) Safdar in the Avenfield reference, nullifying the conviction handed to them in 2018 by an accountability court.