Author: newsdesk

  • Fact Check: Bilawal Bhutto was not rejected as speaker by NYU, Columbia University

    Fact Check: Bilawal Bhutto was not rejected as speaker by NYU, Columbia University

    Claim: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto reached out to Pakistani students in Columbia University and NYU, both rejected to being his audience for a talk

    Fact: Bilawal Bhutto never contacted Pakistani students in NYU or Columbia University and so was never rejected by him

    On May 27, Shandana Gulzar Khan, a former PTI MNA made a tweet claiming that she has been told by “a person in a sensitive post”, that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reached out to Pakistani students at Columbia University and New York University, requesting them to arrange a talk with him but both organizations refused. The thread continues onwards and claims that after these two disappointments, Bhutto asked Pakistani students at Cornell to arrange a talk with him, which they first accepted and then at the insistence of the general student body, eventually rejected as well.

    This thread gathered 1,622 Likes, RTs and replies and has been shared to at least 562,647 followers on Twitter.

    Shandana Gulzar Khan’s tweet which refers to Bilawal Bhutto’s rejected request.

    The following day, on May 28, the Pakistani Students Association at NYU and the Organization of Pakistani Students at Columbia University both made announcements on Facebook clarifying that Bilawal Bhutto never contacted them so naturally they never rejected his proposal.

    To confirm with the final university, we reached out to the Pakistani students’ organization at Cornell on their Facebook page ‘Cornell University Pakistani Students Association’. They directed us to an Instagram post which clarified the same as the other two organizations.

  • ‘Produce missing persons or appear before court’: IHC sends notice to Musharraf, IK, PM Shehbaz

    ‘Produce missing persons or appear before court’: IHC sends notice to Musharraf, IK, PM Shehbaz

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the government to issue notices to former President General Pervez Musharraf, former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and the current PM Shehbaz Sharif for following an “undeclared tacit approval of the policy regarding enforced disappearances.”

    The court directed that the federal government shall produce the missing persons before the court on June 17 or justify the failure of the state to effectively investigate.

    IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Athar Minallah said, “Musharraf and all other successor chief executives [PM Shehbaz and Khan] shall submit their respective affidavits explaining why the court may not order proceedings against them for alleged subversion of the Constitution in the context of undeclared tacit approval of the policy regarding enforced disappearances and thus putting national security at risk by allowing the involvement of law enforcement agencies, particularly the armed forces.”

    The court also noted that the involvement or even a perception of the involvement of the armed forces in acts “amounting to a violation of human rights and freedom of the citizens weakens and undermines the rule of law.”

    On Sunday, the high court issued a 15-page order in a case related to the disappearance of journalist Mudassar Mahmood Naro and five other people after their petitions were in their final phases, but the federal government requested an “adjournment.”

    The court also noted the fact that how the Pakistani media ignores this form of abuse and that reporting on the matter is not a priority. Moreover, the court also expressed dissatisfaction over the role of parliament in regard to the disappearances. It said that “they are the most important and crucial organs of the state but nothing has been placed on record to indicate that they may have adopted a proactive role to fulfill their Constitutional obligations.”

    Journalist Mudassar has been missing since 2018 from Khyber Pakhtunkhua.

  • A new visa scheme allows graduates from world’s top universities to come to UK

    A new visa scheme allows graduates from world’s top universities to come to UK

    Under a new visa scheme, graduates from the world’s finest universities will be able to apply to come to the United Kingdom. The “high-potential individual” path, as per the government, will attract the “brightest and greatest” early in their careers.

    According to BBC, alumni of major non-UK universities who graduated within the last five years will be eligible for the scheme. Graduates will be eligible regardless of where they were born, and they will not be required to apply if they have a job offer.

    If you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you will be awarded a two-year work visa, and if you have a Ph.D., you will be given a three-year work visa. If they achieve certain standards, they will be eligible to switch to other long-term employment visas.

    There will be no limit on the number of graduates that are eligible.

    A person must have graduated from a university that was ranked in the top 50 of at least two of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, or The Academic Ranking of World Universities in the year they graduated to be eligible.

    The government produced an online list of qualified colleges for 2021 that included 20 US universities, including Harvard, Yale, and MIT.

    The University of Hong Kong, the University of Melbourne, and the Paris Sciences et Lettres University were among the other 17 qualified universities.

    Some scholars, on the other side, have expressed displeasure that no universities from South Asia, Latin America, or Africa have been featured on the list.

    It’s a deeply inequitable method, according to Christopher Trisos, director and senior researcher at the University of Cape Town.

    “They need to be recognised and including varied skills and in-depth knowledge held by many graduates from institutions in developing nations,” he said, if the UK wants to play a part in addressing the century’s big challenges, such as energy access, climate change, and pandemics.

    The visa will cost £715 plus an immigration health premium, which permits migrants to use the NHS in the United Kingdom.

    Graduates will be able to bring their families, but they must have a minimum of £1,270 in maintenance funds. They must also pass a security and criminality check and have at least a B1 intermediate level of English proficiency, which is characterised as having the “fluency to communicate with native speakers without effort.”

    Changes to the plan allow international students studying in the UK to stay and work for up to two years.

    The student visa scheme, which was reintroduced two years ago, overturned a 2012 decision by then-Home Secretary Theresa May, which required international students to leave four months after completing their degree.

    The combination of university lists used by the Home Office “provides independent validation for institutions and opens up the option for new foreign universities to progress up the ranks and join this list in the future,” according to a spokesman for the department.

    They went on to say that each of the qualified universities attracts students from all over the world, and that there are “many alternative paths eligible for graduates from other universities, including the Graduate, Skilled Worker, and Global Talent routes” for graduates from other universities.

    “The approach implies that the UK will grow as a major international hub for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship,” stated Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

    Via: BBC

  • ‘Is say zaida Allah ki kya lanat hogi ke Madina mein aap ke khilaaf naray lagay’: Khan

    ‘Is say zaida Allah ki kya lanat hogi ke Madina mein aap ke khilaaf naray lagay’: Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Monday said that the incumbent government was cursed by Allah to the point that even when they [governemnt officials] were in Madina, people couldn’t stop themselves from chanting slogans against these corrupt leaders. Khan was addressing a lawyers’ convention in Peshawar.

    “What was our [PTI’s] fault if ordinary people chanted slogans against these people in Madina? We had kept a Shab-e-Dua on the day it happened. We came to know through social media that slogans had been chanted against them,” said Khan.

    I am the chief executive of the country. Who is being addressed by the US, saying that Imran Khan needs to be removed?

    Khan once again criticised the government and blamed it for conspiring with the United States (US) to take him out of power.

    “This is the first time a democratic government was taken out of power. Since our government was not removed because of corruption, people took to the streets instead of distributing sweets,” said Khan.

    Khan explained the conspiracy against him and said that the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu threatened the Pakistani ambassador to the US that you need to remove Imran Khan.

    “When I saw the cipher, I thought to myself: I am the prime minister of the country. I am the chief executive of the country. Who are they addressing when they say that Imran Khan needs to be removed?”

    “When they say that once he [Imran Khan] is removed, you will be forgiven. I immediately got to know that forgiveness was being given to Cherry Blossom [ Shehbaz Sharif].

    They are compromised bootlickers

    Khan said that Pakistan has been ruled by the military but two political families [Sharifs and Zardaris] monopolised the political arena and remained in power for the last 62 years.

    “They [the then opposition] comprised bootlickers, that’s why the US wanted to bring them back to power.”

    “I ruled for three-and-a-half years and they started having issues with my government just because Pakistan wanted to maintain friendly relations with other countries but refused to fight their wars,” he said.

    “We had no relation with 9/11. I will not give Pakistan’s bases to America.”

    Khan also said that Pakistan neither wanted bad relations with any country nor did it want to become their slave.

    I have never seen anyone more filthy than this family

    “I have never seen anyone more filthy than this family,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif killed a record number of people between 1997-1998 in police encounters.

    Khan took a jibe at the PML-N and said that the Supreme Court had rightly called the Sharif family a “Sicilian Mafia”.

    ‘I will come back … this Jihad for me’: Khan

    “If these people stay in the government, the rule of law in the country will be destroyed,” said Khan.

    Talking about PTI’s Azadi March, Khan said that the party has approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP).

    “We are approaching the SC tomorrow. We will be taking a ruling from the Supreme Court and ask them if we have a democratic right to protest or not. Why were we stopped? How can they stop the chief minister of KP and Gilgit Baltistan?”

    Khan said he decided to stop because of police brutality and shelling. “I was afraid that there would be bloodshed and people will die.”

    “If the Supreme Court gives us the protection that is one strategy, otherwise I am telling you, I will use my other strategy. We plan ahead for all the hindrances being planted our way. We were not prepared this time. This is Jihad for me. I will not accept this imported and corrupt government.”

    “

  • Sidhu Moose Wala was set to tie the knot and visit Pakistan this year

    Sidhu Moose Wala was set to tie the knot and visit Pakistan this year

    Indian singer Sidhu Moose Wala, 28, was shot dead on Sunday by unidentified assailants in Punjab’s Mansa district, a day after the Punjab government curtailed his security cover to crack the VIP culture. 

    According to Punjab police, Canada-based Goldy Brar has claimed responsibility for the murder of Sidhu.

    The singer was touted as a youth icon as he established his name with chartbusters like Jatt Da Muqabla, Dollar, So high and Bambiha Bole.

    Now a video from a concert of his in Dubai is going viral in which he shares his plan of visiting Pakistan by the end of this year. He wanted to perform in Lahore and Islamabad. The Game singer was also in talks for the same.

    Sidhu first asked from the crowd how many had come from Pakistan to watch his show. He then said that he received many messages from the people of Pakistan to conduct a concert in their country. Listening to their demands, Sidhu then went on to make the most awaited announcement.

    He announced from the stage that a live show will first be held in Lahore and the second in Islamabad. He also promised all the fans that the live show will surely be held in this year, 2022, itself. There couldn’t have been happier news for the Pakistani fans of Sidhu Moosewala and it was very well visible in the cheers of the crowd following Sidhu’s announcement.

    His mother, Charan Kaur is inconsolable and demands justice for her son. Her last wish to see Sidhu married is left unfilled. She was preparing for Sidhu’s marriage since January 2022, and in one of her interviews, Charan Kaur had mentioned that her son would soon get married and had also revealed that it was a love marriage. The singer was engaged and was all set to get married soon.

    Sidhu Moose Wala's Mother, Charan Kaur Is Inconsolable, Was Preparing For His Marriage Since January

  • Video: When legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan reacted to Bollywood copying his songs

    Legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a powerhouse vocalist, musician, composer and music director, primarily known for his qawwali. He has been an inspiration to many musicians across the globe.

    While Khan is widely credited for introducing qawwali music to the international audience, he has also had a big impact on contemporary South Asian popular music, including Bollywood music.

    The Shahenshah-e-Qawwali once opened up about music composers copying his music. He even took names of composers Anu Malik and Viju Shah.

    While interacting with Zee TV a few decades ago, Khan was asked about Indian music directors, who were inspired by his work. Responding to the question on who he thought made the ‘best copy’ of his songs and deserved the ‘best copy award’, the Pakistani musician said, “Not best copy, they have done good work. Viju Shah has done well. Anu Malik has also copied me well.

    Bollywood has often been called out for plagiarising Khan’s songs.

    Hindi cinema has been accused of adapting and copying NFAK’s qawwalis and songs a few of which include, Mera Piya Ghar Aya, Kitna Pyara Tujhay Rab Ne Banaya’ which happened to be a rip-off NFAK’s song ‘Kina Sona Tenu Rab Ne Banaya’ and another ‘Mujhe Ek Pal Chain Na Awe’ from the film Judaai that happened to be a copy of ‘Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Awe’ by the legend himself.

  • Excise, Taxation Department intensifies action against tax defaulting vehicle owners

    Excise, Taxation Department intensifies action against tax defaulting vehicle owners

    The Sindh government has issued a warning to car owners who have not paid their taxes. The Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control (ET&NC) Department has been conducting a road inspection for more than a week now. Authorities have inspected a total of 21,303 vehicles across the province.

    A total of 1,358 automobiles were seized for various reasons, with the paperwork of 1,958 vehicles also being confiscated during the road check, according to The News.

    Mukesh Kumar Chawla, the provincial minister in charge of (ET&NC), has planned a tax-collecting campaign. He went on to say that the campaign will run until June 3, after which the government will take action against automobiles that have not paid their taxes.

    Kumar issued a statement urging citizens to pay their taxes as soon as possible. Meanwhile, authorities claim to have recovered over Rs252 million in taxes from non-compliant car owners.

    The authorities had collected about Rs21.4 million in taxes from the car owners by the fourth day. Chawla has directed that non-compliant car owners be dealt with harshly by the authorities.

  • ‘Such mean tactics can’t deter me from asking questions’: Matiullah reacts to rape comments by Journalists

    ‘Such mean tactics can’t deter me from asking questions’: Matiullah reacts to rape comments by Journalists

    Matiullah Jan has reacted to rape comments by Journalists. “Thanks everyone for massive support.Such mean tactics can’t deter me from asking Qs. For the record, allegations (now clarified as a joke) r rubbish & reflect upon anchors’ true nature. My offer stands – invite me to your live show & if I prove you wrong you quit journalism,” he wrote.

    Twitter has lashed out at Anchor turned YouTuber Imran Riaz Khan for making a crude rape joke regarding Senior Journalist Matiullah Jan. In the video clip, that has gone viral on social media, Imran Riaz Khan, Sami Ibrahim and Jameel Farooqui can be seen making insensitive comments about rape, while Matiullah Jan is also present.

    In the video, Imran Riaz Khan is asking Matiullah to pursue the case against his alleged rape in army barracks.

    https://twitter.com/asadkharal/status/1531174191323656193?s=21&t=4v5eGPSi5BD5EU1_AZeO9w

    Twitter users have lashed out at Imran Riaz Khan for ‘insensitive, condemnable, and unacceptable’, comments.

    Have a look at the Twitter reactions:

    w

    https://twitter.com/No_Xtra0rdinary/status/1531192420821618690
  • PM says ‘no question of cut in HEC budget’, two days after educationist raises issue in Op-ed

    PM says ‘no question of cut in HEC budget’, two days after educationist raises issue in Op-ed

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said there is no question of a cut in the budget of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

    “There is no question of a cut in the budget of Higher Education Commission. I am aware of the negative effect that cuts have had on higher education during the past four years. I have given clear directions to Planning Commission & Ministry of Finance in this regard,” he wrote in a tweet.

    Two days before PM’s statement, an opinion piece was published in The News titled ‘Abandoning higher education‘ by Dr Ayesha Razzaque.

    “For the next fiscal year, the HEC requested a recurrent budget of Rs104 billion. However, a few days ago an official letter (dated May 23, 2022) from the Finance Division regarding the 2022-23 budget emerged. It directs the HEC to prepare a new budget for next year that fits into Rs30 billion, – less than a third of what was requested and less than half of this year’s Rs65.25 billion. Here I would like to acknowledge that Federal Minister for Planning and Development Dr Ahsan Iqbal has voiced his opposition to this news.”

    Dr Ayesha Razzaque took to Twitter to share PM’s statement.

    A thread by Dr Razzaque on the issue of HEC budget can be accessed here.

  • Honda Pakistan records 40 per cent increase in earnings

    Honda Pakistan records 40 per cent increase in earnings

    Honda Atlas Cars Limited (HACL) concluded the financial year with a 40 per cent increase in earnings, giving investors reason to be optimistic. This is despite several challenges including an ongoing chip shortage, rising commodity prices on overseas markets, hefty freight rates, and the rupee’s depreciation.

    “The result is below our expectations, which is mainly due to higher-than-expected distribution costs and effective tax rate,” Ismail Iqbal Securities auto sector analyst Muqeet Naeem stated.

    The automaker benefited from the fact that demand for four-wheelers remained high despite the problems.

    Honda purchasers appear to be unconcerned with price changes, preferring to purchase their preferred vehicles whenever they want, regardless of how much more expensive they are now than they were only two years ago.

    Prices have continued to rise at a rapid pace. There may also be a sense that prices will continue to rise. However, in a market known for “own money” or high premiums, continued demand despite price increases should not be surprising.

    The earnings per unit sold is a great marker of how quickly prices have risen. Honda sold 57 per cent more automobiles in MY22 than the previous year, which ended in March 21.

    The introduction of a new Civic generation considerably attributed to Honda’s sales growth.

    Not only have imports become more expensive as the PKR has depreciated against the greenback, but inflationary pressures on inputs and rising fuel prices have also contributed to cost increases. Revenue and cost per unit sold have generally increased in lockstep.

    As a result, despite strong demand growth, margins have fallen to 5 per cent.

    Other income, which consists of customer advances, has significantly bolstered the company’s profitability. Other income boosted the bottom line by 47 per cent in MY22, compared to 33 per cent the previous year. This also suggests that demand will continue to rise in the coming months.

    However, as lending rates continue to skyrocket, the company may lose demand from purchasers who plan to finance their vehicles through a bank.