Author: newsdesk

  • ‘PM Khan is a predator of free speech’: Pakistanis denounce PECA Ordinance

    ‘PM Khan is a predator of free speech’: Pakistanis denounce PECA Ordinance

    Since the promulgation of the Ordinance amending the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, the law has been receiving a lot of criticism from the Opposition, civil society, journalists and even government allies.

    In a joint statement, the Opposition termed PECA “fascist and dictatorship”. The statement was released after a meeting between Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership, reports Geo News.

    Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif took to Twitter and said, “So-called ‘defamation’ amendment to PECA, promulgated by presidential ordinance, shows the real fascist face of the ruling clique.”

    PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto- Zardari said that freedom of expression and press is being muzzled under the guise of preventing false news. “Khan Sahib himself is the biggest leader of fake news mafia in Pakistan,” said Bilawal.

    PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz was of the view that PECA is going to be used against the government.

    While condemning the Ordinance, PPP’s Senator Sherry Rehman said that such laws are unacceptable.

    Lawyer Reema Omer tweeted, “With PECA Ordinance, PM Imran Khan has proven yet again that he is a predator of free speech.”

    However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) restrained the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from making arrests under Section 20 of PECA despite its promulgation by President Arif Alvi on Sunday, reports Dawn.

    Federal Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication Amin Ul Haque has written to Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, urging him to either withdraw or review the Ordinance.

  • Court fines tailor for bad stitching, late delivery in Lahore

    Court fines tailor for bad stitching, late delivery in Lahore

    A consumer court in Lahore has fined a tailor for stitching badly made clothes and delivering them late, Ary News has reported.

    According to details, Muhammad Shahbaz Chishti gave two suits to tailor Muhammad Hafeez on April 1, 2021. In his appeal, Chishti said that the tailor promised to provide the clothes on April 8, but instead delivered them on April 25. “I was to wear these suits at the wedding ceremony of my best friend, but late delivery and faulty service compelled me from doing so,” said Chisti in his complaint.

    He demanded Rs2,000,000 as compensation for the damages but the court has ordered the tailor to pay Rs51,500 as fine.

    Earlier this month, a Lahore consumer court judge, Waseem Afzal Mian, imposed a fine of Rs60,000 on a salon for not completing the makeup of a bride.

  • VIDEO: Police officers in trouble for celebrating birthday in station, station house officer, lady sub-inspector suspended

    VIDEO: Police officers in trouble for celebrating birthday in station, station house officer, lady sub-inspector suspended

    The station house officer (SHO) and a lady sub-inspector belonging to the Faisal Town police station in Lahore were suspended for throwing a birthday party inside the police station and covering the CCTV camera to hide it.

    SHO Faisal Town Yasir Bashir and female Sub-Inspector Mehwish were suspended by Lahore DIG operations. The camera was purportedly covered for a cake-cutting celebration at the workplace and was blocked on the orders of now suspended SHO Yasir Bashir. In the video a man can be seen covering the CCTV camera with a cloth.

    The SHOs’ offices across the city have been outfitted with CCTV cameras that are monitored by the DIG Operations Office.

  • Multan Sultans’ key batter Tim David tests positive for Covid-19

    Multan Sultans’ key batter Tim David tests positive for Covid-19

    Multan Sultans’ key player Tim David has tested positive for Covid-19, reported Geo News.

    This can be a major blow to the Sultans who are leading the points table with 18 points in the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Tim has been a key player in the team as the Australian sensational six-hitting machine is leading the chart for most sixes in PSL 2022 so far. He has hit 20 sixes for Sultans.

    The 25-year-old had also smacked second joint-fastest 50 of PSL. He scored 50 in the 13th match of the tournament against Peshawar Zalmi.

    The report said that the player’s test returned positive during routine PCR testing. The team management, however, has neither confirmed nor denied the news.

    It is pertinent to mention here that it was reported that Peshawar Zalmi players Ben Cutting, Usman Qadir, and Sohail Khan had also tested positive for the virus on Tuesday.

    Multan is set to play Qualifier 1 with Lahore Qalandars today (Wednesday) at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Whoever wins the match today will directly qualify for the Final, scheduled to be played on February 27 at the same venue.

  • VIDEO: PTI leader’s son thrashes NADRA officer, police register case

    VIDEO: PTI leader’s son thrashes NADRA officer, police register case

    Police have filed a case against PTI leader’s Ghulam Abbas’ son, Ahsan Abbas, and his accomplices for thrashing a National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in-charge officer in Sialkot, reports Dawn News.

    Abid Abdul Rehman was in-charge of the NADRA office at Chawinda in Pasrur tehsil, Sialkot who complained against Abbas at Phalora police station.

    According to Rehman, Ahsan Abbas first called him to the NADRA office and asked to assist him in making voting ID cards on February 18. However, Rehman refused to give him protocol.

    He said that all citizens who visit the NADRA office are equal over which Abbas became violent. He started misbehaving and threatening him as well.

    The NADRA officer said, “After some time, Abbas, his right-hand man Shaukat Mitla and five other people entered the Nadra office and he grabbed me by the collar and slapped and abused me.”

    He also added that senior officers tried to rescue him but they were also beaten.

    A case has been registered against Ahsan Abbas and his accomplices under the Telegraph Act 25-D / 506 and section 186 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

    Sialkot police conducted raids to arrest the assailants. Police Officer, Muhammad Hassan Iqbal assured that the investigation would be conducted on merit.

    Ghulam Abbas was a former provincial minister and a ticket holder from  NA-74, Sialkot.

  • ‘Get rid of Khan’: Shehbaz meets Zardari to discuss kicking out PM

    ‘Get rid of Khan’: Shehbaz meets Zardari to discuss kicking out PM

    The Opposition has united to oust Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s government.

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari met Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday (February 22).

    The meeting was held at Bilawal House, Lahore. In a joint declaration after the meeting, it was announced that all-out efforts would be made to rid the country of the present government.

    The Opposition expressed concern over unrest and lawlessness in the country, as the ruling party failed to meet the basic needs of the people.

    The PML-N delegation that visited the Bilawal House included Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Marriyum Aurangzeb and Rana Sanaullah.

    PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) Parliamentary leader Maulana Asad Mehmood, former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervez Ashraf, former governor Punjab Makhdum Ahmed Mehmood, Rukhsana Bangash, former Chief Minister KP Akram Khan Durrani were also present at the meeting.

  • Covid-19: NCOC eases curbs for passengers travelling to Pakistan

    Covid-19: NCOC eases curbs for passengers travelling to Pakistan

    The National Command Control Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday announced that from tomorrow (February 24), requirement of negative PCR report for passengers travelling to Pakistan has been abolished for fully vaccinated travellers.

    According to the new orders, pre-boarding negative PCR has been abolished for inbound travellers who are fully vaccinated. It also says that passengers below 12 years of age are exempted from mandatory vaccination. Passengers between 12-18 years of age are allowed to travel without mandatory vaccination till March 31, 2022.

    The Sindh government on Tuesday revised Covid-19 restrictions. Ban on indoor dining and weddings have also been lifted.

    Under the new relaxed rules, the following will apply:

    Gatherings

    • Indoor gatherings of all types, including weddings, with a cap of 500 fully-vaccinated guests will be allowed
    • Outdoor gatherings allowed with strict enforcement of safety protocols

    Dining

    • Ban on indoor dining has been lifted. And, outdoor dining for fully-vaccinated citizens and takeaway service will be allowed

    Business timings

    • Businesses will continue without time restrictions

    Office routine

    • Offices will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity of fully vaccinated workers with normal working hours

    Education sector

    • Institutes for children under 12 years of age will open with stringent Covid-19 protocols.
    • Institutes for children above 12 years of age will open with stringent Covid-19 protocols (fully vaccinated)

    Public transport

    • Public buses will be allowed to operate with 80% of their seating capacity. Wearing masks will be mandatory throughout the journey. However, a complete ban on serving meals/snacks during the journey will remain imposed till February 28

    Gyms

    • All gyms will be allowed to remain open for fully-vaccinated individuals only

    Shrines

    • Open for fully-vaccinated individuals only

    Cinemas

    • All cinemas will be allowed to remain open for fully-vaccinated individuals only

    Amusement Parks

    • Open for fully-vaccinated individuals only

    Sports

    • All types of sports are allowed for vaccinated individuals

    Domestic air/land travel meals

    • A complete ban on serving meals/snacks during the in-flight or land journeys for domestic travel will remain imposed till February 28

    Railways

    • Railways will operate with a 100% occupancy level for vaccinated individuals only
    • A complete ban on serving meals/snacks during the journey will remain imposed till February 28

    Mask wearing

    • Compliance with compulsory mask-wearing while incorporating innovative measures for enforcement
    • Strict adherence to SOPs in mosques and other places of worship be ensured by the respective district administration

    Extended lockdowns

    • Smart lockdown with stringent enforcement protocols based on disease clusters.

    Pakistan’s daily Covid-19 death toll witnessed an increase after several days.

  • Senior PPP leader Rehman Malik passes away

    Senior PPP leader Rehman Malik passes away

    Senior politician and former Interior Minister Rehman Malik passed away at the age of 70.

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senator was hospitalised in Islamabad due to Covid-19-related complications and his lungs had been severely affected.

    Riaz Ahmad Turi, Malik’s spokesperson, confirmed his death.

     PPP Senator Sehar Kamran had announced on Twitter earlier this month that Malik’s condition had deteriorated because of which he was put on a ventilator. 

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan office tweeted, “May Allah Almighty forgive the deceased and grant patience to the mourners.”

    PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said, “When terrorism was on the rise in the country, it was Rehman Malik who played a pivotal role in eradicating terrorism.”

    PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Malik, saying he was a “hardworking and capable interior minister”.

    He added that Malik’s services to the country were unforgettable and the PPP leadership and workers shared in his family’s grief.

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed expressed his grief and extended condolences to the departed’s family.

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted, “Hudaibiya case was investigated under Rehman Malik’s leadership. Although justice has not been done yet, this investigation showed such modern methods of corruption that people were amazed.”

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Ahsan Iqbal tweeted, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of former Interior Minister Rehman Malik.”

    Rehman had a long career as a politician and held many portfolios, including his term as interior minister from 2008 to 2013.

    He was also a recipient of the Sitara-i-Shujaat for his services in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Nishan-i-Imtiaz.

  • Pakistan Test squad for Australia series to see some changes

    Pakistan Test squad for Australia series to see some changes

    Pakistan Test squad for the Australia series is reportedly to see some changes, reported Geo News.

    The report stated that the decision regarding the replacement for injured Mohammad Nawaz will be made in the next couple of days.

    Nawaz had to leave Pakistan Super League (PSL) following an injury to his foot. The left-arm spinner was representing PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators.

    It was also reported that the team management is concerned about the form of pacer Hassan Ali. Hassan is representing Islamabad United in PSL 7 and was unable to impress fans with his performance.

    Read More – Australia announces full-strength squad for Pakistan tour

    Pacer Naseem Shah, who is on the reserves list, is likely to get promoted to the original squad.

    Team Australia is set to tour Pakistan after 24 years and is scheduled to play three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I.

  • Khan family celebrates Jeh’s birthday in style, half-siblings Sara and Ibrahim load car with gifts

    Khan family celebrates Jeh’s birthday in style, half-siblings Sara and Ibrahim load car with gifts

    Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s second son Jeh Ali Khan turned one on February 21, 2022.

    Cuteness overloaded

    On the special occasion, the two celebrated the first birthday of the little munchkin with the family. Yesterday Jeh’s sister Sara Ali Khan took to social media to share glimpses from the birthday bash.

    . Take a look at all the happy pictures of Sara Ali Khan with her sibling gang from Jeh’s first birthday party.

    Adorable pictures from Jeh's first birthday bash
    Happiest first birthday!

    The Simmba star shared an adorable glimpse of the revelries that took place in the Khan house. She captioned the post as Happiest first birthday baby.

    All about love

    In this adorable picture, Saif, Sara, Ibrahim, and Jeh can be seen posing together. For little Jeh’s birthday, Sara Ali Khan decided to twin with her little brother in white outfits. Meanwhile, Saif and Ibrahim also opted for a similar colour to attend the party.

    Happy together
    Brother-sister goals

    Kareena took to social media to share a picture of her sons in a playful mood to wish Jeh on his birthday.

    In the picture, Jeh can be seen chasing his elder brother Taimur. Kareena wrote in the caption, “Bhaiii, wait for me I am One today. Let’s explore the world together. Of course with Amma following us everywhere. Happy birthday My Jeh baba…My life #Mera Beta and #My Tiger To eternity and beyond (sic).”

    As Jeh turns 1, Kareena shares cutesy pic of her sons on social media

    The Jab We Met star followed Jeh’s birthday post with another picture in the next, where Saif (who otherwise refrains from using social media), can be seen spending some quality time with Jeh. She put up the caption with Saif and Jeh’s picture, “Ok Abba will follow too I love you #MyBoys #Forever #MyTigers.”