Author: newsdesk

  • Six Muslim students wearing hijab banned from Indian college, forced to sign false statements

    Six Muslim students wearing hijab banned from Indian college, forced to sign false statements

    A group of muslim students at a college in the southern Indian state of Karnataka were stopped from attending classes for weeks after the principal refused to allow them to wear headscarves in the classroom.

    “When we arrived at the door of the classroom, the teacher said we cannot enter with the hijab,” one of the students told Al Jazeera. 

    “She asked us to remove it.”

    The college is a government-run women’s college in Udupi district of India’s Karnataka state in the south. The students were forced to sit outside the classroom because the college administration alleges they are “defying the rules” since hijab is not part of the uniform.

    The girls told Al Jazeera the hijab is “part of their faith” and wearing it is “their right guaranteed under the law”.

     The girls have been marked as absent since December 31 despite visiting the college daily.

    “We are not going to budge, no way,” Aliya Assadi, who is a part of the group, told Al Jazeera.

    A photo has gone viral on social media of the students clad in hijab and college dresses sitting on the steps outside their classroom.

    “It is because of this photo that our issue got highlighted in the media,” said Assadi.

    Their protest has riled up the college administration which, according to the group, forced them to write a letter accepting they missed the classes by staying home on their own.

    “We tried to refuse but the principal and the teachers threatened us that they would ruin our careers,” Muskan Zainab, another student, told Al Jazeera.

  • Moin Khan addresses Mohammad Hasnain’s ‘nice throw, mate’ bowling controversy

    Moin Khan addresses Mohammad Hasnain’s ‘nice throw, mate’ bowling controversy

    Former Captain of Pakistan Cricket Team and the Head Coach of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators Moin Khan has addressed Mohammad Hasnain’s bowling action controversy after his action was reported by the on-umpires of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL).

    Hasnain will get his bowling action test done in Lahore today (Wednesday) to see whether his action comes within the permissible 15-degree limit.

    “Sometimes these things are done to bring players under pressure. He [Hasnain] has been playing all over the world for the past five to six years and no such thing was reported,” Moin Khan told Samaa TV.

    “Maybe, he tried to change his action to improve his bowling which resulted in this problem,” he added.

    “Otherwise, I think he is a very fair action bowler and I don’t think it will affect his participation for Quetta Gladiators in PSL this season.”

    The Hyderabad-born pacer’s action came under the radar on January 15 in the match against Sydney Sixers.

    Read More – VIDEO: Wow triple wicket maiden in Mohammad Hasnain’s first over in BBL

    During the first innings, he hurled a shape bumper that Moises Henriques found it hard to face and there was a heated exchange as Moises remarked ‘nice throw, mate’, implying his action to be illegal.

    The result of the bowling action test could take up to 14 days which means Hasnain’s availability for the first few matches of the PSL 7 is not going to be affected. Having said that, if his action comes out to be illegal then he would be suspended from bowling any further in any form of cricket until he fixes his action.

    The seventh edition of the PSL is set to begin from January 27 while the first match will be played between the defending champions Multan Sultans with former winners Karachi Kings.

    Taking to former Pakistan cricketer and bowling coach Waqar Younis said he did not find any issue with Hasnain’s bowling action when he was the coach of national team.

  • Usman Mirza Case: Court issues non-bailable arrest warrant against victims

    Usman Mirza Case: Court issues non-bailable arrest warrant against victims

    A district and session court in Islamabad has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant on Tuesday against the victim couple in the Usman Mirza harassment case after they did not appear in the court hearing.

    Judge Mohammad Ata Rabbani expressed anger over the absence of the couple in court. On this account, the non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against the couple on the orders of the judge.

    However, the lawyer representing them pleaded that both victims are out of the city and it would take three hours to reach the court.

    The court has dismissed the hearing till January 19, 2022 (today).

    Last year, a video of Usman Mirza harassing a couple went viral on social media which created an outrage across the country. The following day Islamabad police arrested Usman Mirza who is the prime suspect in the case.

    Recently at the time of hearing on January 11, the female victim refused to identify any of the accused and said she does not want to pursue the case and a journalist reported that the couple has reportedly taken one crore rupees from Usman Mirza.

    READ MORE: State will prosecute Usman Mirza case despite victims refusal to give statement

    She also told the court that she did not want to appear for subsequent hearings in the case. However, the judge told her that she would have to appear and adjourned the hearing for January 18.

  • ‘[PTI leaders] spent winter nights in heated bedrooms,’ Maryam blasts govt, says no rift in party

    ‘[PTI leaders] spent winter nights in heated bedrooms,’ Maryam blasts govt, says no rift in party

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday rejected the claims of the government of having a forward bloc within the party and said that the government was fabricating such stories to divert attention from its incompetence.

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday claimed that four PML-N leaders were “hell-bent on removing the party supremo Nawaz Sharif from the party.”

    Addressing a gathering in Lahore, Fawad said that there is a “rat race going on among senior PML-N members as to who would lead the party next,” adding that, “four top-most party leaders want to remove PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in a bid to take over the party’s leadership.”

    When asked about the reported attempt by her party leaders to replace the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Maryam said that Fawad’s statement was a way to hide from the questions of media about rising inflation and the government’s inabilities that led to the recent Murree tragedy.

    She said that after the death of tourists, instead of providing a balm to the wounds of the bereaved families, the inconsiderate ministers and government machinery started victim-blaming.

    Criticising the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leadership who used to make fun of PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam said, “Instead of following his example and borrowing the boots from him, they [PTI leaders] spent winter nights in the heated bedrooms of their official residences, maintained on public expense while tourists were dying in the snow.”

  • ‘How can you say that?’: Kinza Hashmi claps back at Osama Tahir for his recent confession

    ‘How can you say that?’: Kinza Hashmi claps back at Osama Tahir for his recent confession

    Actor Osama Tahir was recently asked in an instagram Q&A session that why doesn’t he works in a television serial with A-list actress Kinza Hashmi, to which the Neeli Zinda Hai star replied that Kinza doesn’t likes her.

    He also added a sad emoji.

    Kinza was quick to repost his story and added that “How can you say that?” The Ishq Tamasha diva also added emoticons symbolising a sense of shock.

    The duo have earlier worked together in a serial.

    Earlier in June 2021, when the Uraan star appeared on Geo’s Jashan-e-cricket, the host Shahzad Iqbal asked her to choose the best cricketer amongst four players. The options included, Imad Wasim, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab khan, Kinza chose Babar in terms of his talent and cricketing skills over others.

    On the work front, Kinza recently garnered praise for her performance in Geo’s telefilm, Ruposh.

    ALSO READ: Video: Kinza Hashmi dance her heart out at Saboor’s bash on peppy Bollywood tracks

  • Coke Studio’s ‘Tu Jhoom’ not an original melody?

    Coke Studio’s ‘Tu Jhoom’ not an original melody?

    The grand showcase of Coke Studio season 14, featuring the iconic Naseebo Lal and legendary Abida Parveen kicked off on January 14.

    Tu Jhoom is a song about a conversation about letting yourself go, opening your heart and understanding that you are enough and nothing will be gained by running after worldly things.

    The song rapidly gained fame among the masses leaving everyone captivated with the lyrics and its soothing melody.

    Tu Jhoom has been credited as written by Adnan Dhool, composed and mixed by Xulfi, arranged and produced by Xulfi and Abdullah Siddiqui. However, according to The Express Tribune, Nirmala Maghani, an up-and-coming singer from Umarkot would like to differ to some aspects of the credits list.

    As per a news report published in The Express Tribune, Maghani claimed that the melody of the song Tu Jhoom has been lifted from a sample she had sent to Xulfi back in June 2021, while eyeing a slot as featuring artist in Coke Studio 14.

    Xulfi didn’t reply to any of her messages, which she thought was expected from such a senior musician being suddenly reached by a singer he doesn’t know via WhatsApp. But the moment she heard Tu Jhoom she realised that one of the melodies she had sent had been used in the song without any acknowledgment.

    Speaking with Tribune, Maghani said, “The melody is exactly the same. I have been calling Xulfi since I heard the song and after a day he finally responded by saying I didn’t even download your audio file, which isn’t true because all my messages were received with blue ticks.”

    Maghani stressed the point that all she wants is recognition and due credit for her work and nothing else. “It’s about recognition of my work and being acknowledged for it, nothing else.”

  • Pakistan pacer Mohammad Hasnain’s bowling action reported

    Pakistan pacer Mohammad Hasnain’s bowling action reported

    Pakistan pacer Mohammad Hasnain’s bowling action has been reported and he will undergo a test on his bowling action after it was reported by the umpires in the Big Bash League (BBL).

    Hasnain ended a five-game debut BBL stint for the Sydney Thunder where he took seven wickets. He will undergo the test at the ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory in Lahore, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.

    During his last game against Sydney Sixers, he bowled a bouncer to Moises Henriques when the batter replied to Hasnain, “nice throw mate”.

    After Henriques couldn’t play the bouncers, he accused Hasnain of chucking.

    Hasnain picked up 7 wickets at an average of 15.71 at an economy rate of 6.00 in 5 matches he played in the tournament. Hasnain was remarkable on his debut as he bowled a maiden and picked up three wickets in his first over in the competition.

    The 21-year old is set to represent Quetta Gladiators in the upcoming PSL 2022. If his action is adjudged illegal then he will be unable to play for the Gladiators.

  • Forward bloc in PML-N: Will Nawaz Sharif be replaced by another party member?

    Forward bloc in PML-N: Will Nawaz Sharif be replaced by another party member?

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has claimed that four Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders were “hell-bent on removing the party supremo Nawaz Sharif from the party.”

    Addressing a gathering in Lahore, Fawad said that there is a “rat race going on among senior PML-N members as to who would lead the party next,” adding that, “four top-most party leaders want to remove PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in a bid to take over the party’s leadership.”

    The federal minister even claimed that the four members he was referring to “even went out to meet someone and confessed that since Nawaz had treated the country in a bad manner, they should instead be given a chance to lead the party.”

    When asked for names Fawad said that their names will soon be out and that the four of them sit in the front row.

    Energy Minister Hammad Azhar took to Twitter and asked the PML-N leadership to show courage and come forward with their ambitions.

    “It is a good thing that there are four members in the Noon League who have the courage to consider themselves more qualified and entitled to lead than the Sharif family,” said Hammad.

    “However, they should express this commitment openly, not behind closed doors. Will you spend your whole life in fear?” tweeted Hammad.

    Confirming what Fawad had said, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s Special Assistant on Capital Development Authority (CDA), Ali Nawaz Awan, while speaking on Geo News programme, ‘Captial Talk’ said, “The entire city is talking about [replacement of Nawaz Sharif.]”

    I will name two members [out of the four hinted by Fawad] Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Khawaja Asif,” said Awan.

    Prior to this, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed had hinted on a minus Sharif leadership and said, “They [Opposition] want that the hand [protecting] Imran Khan should be on their head as well,” adding, ” this hand can be on their [Opposition] neck but never on their head.” Rasheed’s words hint towards the establishment.

    “I would like to say a historical sentence that all four Sharif’s are minus from the politics of Pakistan,” said Rasheed.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda, while speaking on ARY News programme, ‘Off the Record’ was questioned about the four names who wanted to replace Nawaz Sharif.
    “Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ayaz Sadiq, Ahsan Iqbal, and Miftah Ismail are the names who wish to replace Nawaz,” said Vawda.

    Anchorperson Kashif Abbasi asked Vawda as to where did the above-mentioned people go and whom did they meet? Vawda said, “Any door can be knocked, one can go and meet anyone.

  • Sindh bans meals in public transport amid Omicron upsurge

    Sindh bans meals in public transport amid Omicron upsurge

    A notification issued by the Home Department, Government of Sindh, on Tuesday says that “in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3(1) of the Sindh Epidemic Diseases Act, 2014 (The Sindh Act VIII of 2015) is pleased to impose ban on serving of meals / snacks in domestic air travel and public transport within the territorial jurisdiction of the province of Sindh with effect from 17 January 2022 and till further orders”.

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Saturday banned the serving of meals on domestic flights in line with the directives of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to curb the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus in the country while Sindh has also banned meals in public transport.

    The NCOC decided to extensively engage with provinces, especially with the Sindh government, for necessary measures to tackle the rising disease.

    The Sindh Home Department empowered the deputy commissioners, additional deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, Mukhtiarkars, as well as the transport department and police officers not below the rank of inspector to take legal action against any violation of the direction.

  • Boxer Muhammad Waseem talks about how he was forced to ‘bribe’ the Pak Boxing Federation

    Boxer Muhammad Waseem talks about how he was forced to ‘bribe’ the Pak Boxing Federation

    Pakistan Professional Boxer Muhammad Waseem has made a shocking revelation about how he was forced to pay a bribe to the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF).

    In an interview with Daily Scoop TV, Waseem talked about the tournaments he has won and about where he did his training. He also revealed that he was forced to sign an agreement with the federation’s president in order to get the nod for his contract with Korean Promoter Andy Kim.

    As per the deal, 20 percent of whatever money Waseem earned, from prize money, monthly allowance or anything else, went to the federation.

    “Fraud and deception are commonplace in all facets of life in Pakistan,” said Waseem. “When I found the Korean Promoter, he [Andy Kim] told me that he would be happy to sign contract with me and help me become a professional boxer. But he said that he wanted to have a chat first with the President of Pakistan Boxing Federation and only then could he share the contract with me.”

    “When I approached the federation’s president, he asked me to sign a contract with him as well. I didn’t have any other option but to accept. I could not say no to him because then it was likely that my talent would also go to waste. So, I agreed to it and they even took my thumb impression. It happened here in Karachi,” he added.

    Waseem, who recently won the World Boxing Council (WBC) silver flyweight title for a second time, also lamented the lack of support for local boxers in Pakistan.

    “Unfortunately, in Pakistan not much attention is paid to sports other than cricket. I have reached a point in my career, thanks to Allah Almighty, where I don’t need any help or sponsorship from anyone in Pakistan,” he said. “But there are so many fighters of Pakistan, from Lyari, Quetta and elsewhere, whose talents have gone to waste. They didn’t get an opportunity like I did. If they had gotten similar opportunities, they would have been giving interviews now as well.”

    The boxer also urged parents to allow their children to play and participate in different games. He said that they take sports as a non-serious thing but they should also let their children play sports. He said this is the reason why Pakistan is behind in sports.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Waseem has 12 wins in his professional boxing career, eight through knock-outs, and only one defeat.

    Celebrities like Fakhr-e-Alam and director Nabeel Qureshi called out the boxing federation while Alam urged the authorities to take notice of this fraud.