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With differences apparently coming to the fore among ranks of the opposition alliance as the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) seems to be stepping back from confrontation, a statement by former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif has raised quite a few eyebrows.
Talking about the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) Tuesday meeting, Nawaz told reporters in London that the long march “was set to be held on its time”, but the PPP had sought time to discuss the issue of the resignation in its Central Executive Committee (CEC) due to “reasons you already know”.
He, however, dodged a question pertaining to the possibility of a deal being struck, “a consequence of which could be delays in joint opposition’s anti-govt plans, as sought by the PPP time and again over the past several months”.
Earlier in the day, PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari urged the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo to return to Pakistan to strengthen the PDM.
The two senior leaders spoke during the meeting of the anti-government alliance, wherein the former president told Nawaz that he must be ready to go to jail if they wish to fight against the establishment.
Zardari said that he remained in jail for 14 years. He urged the PML-N supremo to return to the country at the earliest. He complained that PML-N Senator Ishaq Dar did not come to Pakistan to cast his vote in the Senate election.
“The struggle against the establishment should be aimed at achieving democratic stability, instead of settling personal scores,” Zardari told the meeting.
Nawaz, who attended the meeting through video link, was told that he needs to return whether the PDM moves forward with a long march or a no-confidence motion. Zardari further said that Nawaz’s presence was extremely important to secure support from Punjab.
Speaking to Nawaz about the idea of mass resignations, Zardari maintained that such a move would only help PM Imran Khan and the members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.
He further stated that no move would be made to divide the parties of the PDM, emphasising that their war is within the parliament, not from the mountains.
“When you return to Pakistan, we will hand over our resignations to you,” Zardari added, urging both Sharif and Dar to return.
Defending her father, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz stressed that her father’s “life is in danger” and questioned how he could return under the circumstances.
“Does Zardari sahab guarantee that my father’s life will not be in danger in Pakistan?”
Maryam then reportedly said that she is there “of her own accord”.
“Just like you are on video link, so is Mian sahab,” she said.
She said that Nawaz’s life is “threatened under NAB custody” and that he had suffered “two heart attacks while in jail”.
While the episode has “exposed” cracks within the opposition alliance which analysts say have now been there for a long time, reports claim Zardari later apologised to Maryam.
“It was never my intent to have you apologise. I merely considered myself a daughter to you and complained as Bakhtawar or Aseefa would,” Maryam reportedly told the former president.
The Islamabad police receives approximately 2,700 fake calls daily because of which the police response system is being badly affected, Inspector-General Qazi Jamil ur Rehman has said.
The police chief appealed to the masses to avoid making hoax calls as it may put someone’s life in danger.
“If we are sent to a hoax call, it means we’re not available when someone really needs our help. It could be a matter of life or death,” said the IG in a statement.
He said that police emergency department 15 plays an important role in receiving and transmitting calls from the public.
However, the fake calls not only waste the time of the operator but may cause a delay in responding to an emergency situation.
The IG directed 15 authorities to book frequent callers and proceed with legal action against them.
SMS alert service launched
Meanwhile, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has taken several initiatives like issuance of smart driving licenses, online appointment system, SMS alert service for the convenience of motorists, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Farrukh Rashid announced.
Islamabad Traffic Police launched SMS Traffic Alerts System. Simply send “Update” to 03310487487 and get latest traffic update 24/7.
The ITP also revealed that over Rs20 million fine was collected from drivers by issuing as many as 73,609 challans over various traffic violations during the ongoing year. Some 1,420 were ticketed against over-speeding, 2,767 for tinted glasses, 566 for illegal lights, 2,590 for lane violation, 8,816 for not using a helmet and 3,150 for not fastening their seat belt. Similarly, 1,831 people were fined for using mobile phones while driving, 737 over wrong parking and 3,136 were charged for using fancy number plates.
Earlier, PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan had also shared a picture of himself getting fined by the police for not wearing a seatbelt.
I am really sorry for not wearing the seat belt while driving and hats off to the police officer as despite recognizing me he still went on to issue me the ticket. It’s a public service message to both Awam and Khawas of our country. https://t.co/Jms61C1taQ
Reacting to PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz’ tirade, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has dismissed the same as an attempt to halt ongoing investigation against the Sharif family in Chaudhry Sugar Mills and money laundering cases.
A day ago, Maryam had questioned who gave the bureau the right to “judge [her] statements”.
سنا تو یہ تھا کہ نیب احتساب کا ادارہ ہے احتساب میں تو وہ صرف الزامات اور انتقام تک رہےجب اس میں وہ بری طرح ناکام ہوگئے تو اب نیب نے خود ہی ٹھیکہ اٹھا لیا ہے کہ اب وہ سیاستدانوں اور عوامی نمائندوں کے بیان بھی جانچا کرے گا.@MaryamNSharifpic.twitter.com/mW0pnjZyQD
Taking notice of the allegations that came as NAB moved LHC seeking cancellation of Maryam’s bail, the bureau, in a press release, said that the PML-N leader was trying to cause differences among institutions.
“Statements against NAB and judiciary had been given in the past and attack over NAB Lahore office last year is evidence of it.”
The bureau claimed that Maryam had “challenged law and order by giving inciteful speeches”, citing the violence that had erupted during her appearance at the NAB Lahore office in August last year.
“NAB is an independent institution and striving to eliminate corruption from the country without any discrimination.”
It said that after NAB summoned her in a personal capacity, Maryam was “making efforts to create an environment of chaos in the country, besides continuing to give treasonous statements against respectable institutions like NAB, judiciary and law enforcement agencies”.
The primary purpose of these statements was to create obstacles in, and influence, the investigation of cases related to corruption and money laundering against the Sharif family besides promoting conditions that were detrimental to peace, the handout said.
Riz Ahmed, who played the role of a drummer who begins to lose his hearing in the Sound of Metal charted history by becoming the first Muslim to be nominated in the leading actor category at the Academy Awards.
This is also for the first time that two Asian actors have been nominated in the Best Actor category. Nine of the 20 acting nods went to non-white performers, including Riz and a South Korean Yuh-Jung Youn of Minari, in what Variety Magazine described as the most diverse acting Oscars slate ever.
Sharing his excitement on social media, Riza said: “Wow! I’m honoured to be nominated by my fellow actors alongside such inspiring performances, and am grateful to the Academy for their support and encouragement.”
“I’m equally thrilled for our visionary writer-director Darius Marder and the brilliant Paul Raci As well as our editor Mikkel, sound designer Nicolas, and co-writer Abe Marder,” he added.
Wow! I’m honoured to be nominated by my fellow actors alongside such inspiring performances, and am grateful to the Academy for their support and encouragement. I’m equally thrilled for our visionary writer-director Darius Marder and the brilliant Paul Raci… pic.twitter.com/Z6ScOq08tf
“These nominations represent the time, generosity and talents of so many — all of our incredible cast, crew, producers,” said the actor further. “Sound of Metal is about how a health crisis can cut you off from your life and loved ones, and force you to grow in unexpected ways. In a challenging year for so many, I hope this story can inspire us to forge new and deeper connections with ourselves and others.”
“And in particular I’d like to thank my mentors in the drumming, addiction recovery, and D/dead communities” Riz concluded.
Sound of Metal is about how a health crisis can cut you off from your life and loved ones, and force you to grow in unexpected ways. In a challenging year for so many, I hope this story can inspire us to forge new and deeper connections with ourselves and others. pic.twitter.com/Yl2eLuvmwf
Meanwhile, six nods each were earned by the other best picture contenders The Father, Black Panther story Judas and the Black Messiah, Korean-language drama Minari, Nomadland, #MeToo revenge tale Promising Young Woman, 1960s Vietnam War courtroom drama The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Amazon Studio’s deaf drama Sound of Metal.
The late Chadwick Boseman also got a first Oscar nod for his final film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
The nominations were announced from London by presenters Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The Academy Awards would typically have happened by now but this year will be telecast on April 25. The film academy said Monday that the show will be held at both its usual home, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and the city’s railway hub, Union Station.
This year’s awards season — typically a month-long circuit of screenings, cocktail parties and schmoozing — has been entirely virtual, taking much of the buzz and predictability out of the Oscars. Eligibility was extended to early 2021 releases and to movies that bypassed theatres.
Former president Asif Ali Zardari has reportedly asked former prime minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan in the ongoing meeting of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).
According to reports, Zardari asked Sharif to return to Pakistan while discussing the resignations from the assemblies. He also said that “if we have to fight together, then we have to go to jail together as well”.
“I have spent 14 years in jail,” said Zardari. He also complained about Ishaq Dar not returning to Pakistan for the Senate elections. Zardari asked both Sharif and Dar to return to the country, saying that if they return to the country, then the PPP will submit its resignations to Nawaz Sharif.
Zardari said that if the opposition resigns from the assemblies now, it will strengthen Prime Minister Imran Khan as well as the establishment.
Sources say that Maryam Nawaz has said her father’s life is under threat. She asked Asif Zardari to give a guarantee that nothing will happen to Nawaz Sharif upon his return.
Later, after the meeting, core members of the PDM including Maulana Fazl ur Rahman, Maryam Nawaz and Yousuf Raza Gilani addressed a press conference in which they confirmed Zardari’s request.
The Commonwealth has named British-Pakistani student Momin Saqib as itsYouth COVID-19 Hero. The award ceremony was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was streamed live on Facebook.
“In March 2020, Momin launched ‘One Million Meals,” an emergency response to the COVID-19 crisis,” read an official statement. “Led by volunteers, the programme has provided over 100,000 meals and beverages in over 200 locations to frontline key workers, NHS staff, homeless people and vulnerable families affected by the pandemic, including through 47 hospitals, trusts and food banks.”
— King’s College London (@KingsCollegeLon) March 11, 2021
The Commonwealth Youth Awards “have brought innovative, scalable and replicable projects of young people to the forefront of global leadership and have kicked local projects into the international arena for nearly two decades.”
Momin shot to fame after a video of him expressing his disappointment over Pakistan’s poor performance during the ICC World Cup 2019 went viral on social media. Saqib has also ventured into television and is currently part of two Hum TV productions: Raqs-e-Bismil and Be Adab. He will also be part of Adnan Siddiqui’s upcoming production Dam Mastam.
Ahmed Ali Butt seems to be having a blast after a clip of Mehwish Hayat schooling Vasay Chaudhry for body-shaming Butt went viral on social media. In a series of Instagram stories, the Jhooti actor posted memes and GIFs to express his thoughts and react to the matter. It is pertinent to mention here that Butt and Chaudhry are close friends and are just indulging in harmless banter.
Hayat, who recently appeared on Vasay’s show Ghabrana Mana Hai, called out the host after he joked about Butt’s weight.
When asked which Pakistani actor she thinks would be fit to play Ertuğrul, Mehwish named Humayun Saeed and Fahad Mustafa. She also said that Ahmed Ali Butt would make a good supporting character on which Vasay interrupted her and joked: “Ahmed Ali Butt ghoray ke uper aur woh ghora bhaage bhi“.
Responding to Vasay’s remark, Mehwish said: “Don’t talk to me about body shaming. You cannot do that in front of me.”
The actor further said: “Pass them [body shaming jokes] when you are with friends, but when you will do this on this platform, people will listen and pick, and they will repeat it.”
“Who will be responsible then?” she questioned. However, Vasay continued to defend himself, saying that Butt himself passes such jokes.
During the interview, Mehwish also talked about the criticism she faced on receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and dealing with online trolling and criticism.
“Mujhe milna chaiye tha, ya nahi milna chaiye tha sab ko haq hai is baare me bat karne ka. Laikin mujhe mila kisi aur waja se other than my talent and hard work that is where I put my foot down,” said Hayat, while talking about her accolade.
Talking about the social media trolls and responding to the suggestion of turning off the comments section, Mehwish said: “Turning off comments section means you are coward, or are doing something wrong “
Meanwhile, Vasay also took the ‘controversy’ in stride, saying “Ghabrana Mana Hai (You are not allowed to panic).”
In the video, Shahveer along with fellow YouTubers Hashir, Zarrar Khan, Khaqan Shahnawaz and other friends can be seen singing the anthem in a desi Punjabi style on their way to Gwadar.
It is pertinent to mention here that Jafry, Zarrar and Khaqan will soon be seen in a web series titled Baarwan Khiladi, which is being produced by Mahira Khan and Nina Kashif under their production house Soulfry Films.
According to details, the web series is featuring Danyal Zafar, Jafry and Kinza Hashmi in the lead is “a story about friendships, relationships, unity, failure, success, love and courage.”
The series has been penned by Shahid Dogar and directed by Adnan Sarwar of Motorcycle Girl fame. Saba Faisal, Sarmad Khoosat and Mira Sethi are also part of the cast.
Meesha Shafi has trashed and shut down fake news reports which stated that she is being “sentenced to 3 years in jail for falsely accusing Ali Zafar of sexual harassment”.
“Another day, another campaign spreading false information,” wrote the singer on Twitter. “Speaking up is way more exhausting than being groped.”
Meesha further said: “This is why we end up suffering in silence. Sending lots of love and solidarity to all who speak up. It’s hard!”
Meesha’s lawyer Asad Jamal also trashed the reports saying that “no such verdict has been passed by [the] trial court in the frivolous criminal defamation case instituted by Ali Zafar.”
Another day, another campaign spreading false information.
Speaking up is WAY MORE EXHAUSTING than being groped. This is why we end up suffering in silence. Sending lots of love and solidarity to all who speak up. It’s hard! @LegalPolitical setting the record straight https://t.co/en22Mc7I25
According to a report published in Samaa News, the entire matter started when fake news claiming that Shafi has been given a three-year sentence in a defamation case filed by Zafar started flashing on different Indian media outlets.
On March 12, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ)published an article titled ‘Pakistani Singer Faces Prosecution for Accusing Pop Star of Groping Her‘. The report explained how Meesha “set off the country’s most high-profile #MeToo debate when she accused a fellow pop star of groping her. And now she was being prosecuted on a criminal defamation charge and is facing possible prison time.”
UK-based tabloid Daily Mail misinterpreted the article in WSJ and wrote a misleading and false headline, which the Indian media picked and ran without verification. It is pertinent to add here that Zafar is a well-known name in India as he has worked in several successful Bollywood films.
Later, Meesha also shared how she deals with “propaganda, abuse and false information”, detailing an hour-by-hour account of her day.
10:35 am Made myself a black coffee. I quit coffee altogether around 1.5 years ago started beginning my day with celery juice. But on days like this, when I’m being juiced myself, coffee helps. Thank you coffee
10:55 My husband walked into the room, gave me a pep talk only a true feminist ally would. ‘I want you to remember that what they’re doing once again reeks of desperation and fear. Don’t let it shake you, I know it’s easier said than done.’ This makes me cry. Thank you M ♥️
12:11 am Making chicken yakhni pulao today. As a mother of 2 children, being strong for them has really kept me going. Got me out of the dark recesses of suicidal depression over the past 3 years. They will not lose their mother over this toxicity. Thank you my babies ♥️
4:37 pm Fed hungry kids. Helped them with their HW. Now being coerced to go play dodgeball outside. Running out of excuses fast. It’s -1C outside. HAALPPP! Although it’s crisp and sunny in a beautiful way. Facing outdoor fears easier than facing online fears tbh.
5:50 pm Yakhni update: smelling even better after lungs were filled with fresh air. Looking and tasting GRrrRrrReat as well. Cooking has been immensely therapeutic. So wholesome, creative, meditative and rewarding. An act of giving, time and love both.
Earlier, the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan approved Shafi’s harassment case against Ali Zafar for hearing, which meant that the SC granted permission to hear the appeal based on its legal points and will deliberate whether Shafi’s accusations of sexual harassment come under the workplace harassment law.
Background of the case
In 2018, Meesha first came forward with allegations of sexual harassment against Ali Zafar. She later filed a complaint with the provincial ombudsperson. After her appeal was rejected, she approached Governor Punjab, who upheld the ombudsperson’s decision. Meesha then challenged the Governor’s decision in Lahore High Court which again dismissed Meesha’s case for hearing on grounds that she did not have an employer-employee relationship with the accused.
