Author: newsdesk

  • Shah Mahmood Qureshi shifted to hospital after becoming ill

    Shah Mahmood Qureshi shifted to hospital after becoming ill

    Former foreign minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vice chairman, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, was urgently shifted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad on Thursday after he became ill while incarcerated at Adiala jail.

    According to sources of Geo News, Qureshi has been given permission by jail authorities to urgently shift him from jail to the hospital.

    The result of tests conducted at PIMS will determine whether Qureshi will be kept in hospital.

    It should be noted that a special court has indicted Chairman PTI Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the cipher case.

  • Finally, ECP gives date for general elections

    Finally, ECP gives date for general elections

    A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Athar Minallah, is hearing petitions filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SBCA) and others seeking directives to hold general elections within 90 days as stipulated by the Constitution.

    During the hearing, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) lawyer, Sharjeel Sawati, said that elections will be held on February 11, as per Geo News.

    After being questioned about wether they have consulted with the president of Pakistan on the date or not, the lawyer was instructed to consult with Arif Alvi today.

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa on Thursday remarked that President Arif Alvi violated the Constitution by not giving a date for general elections.

    At the outset of the hearing, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) counsel Farooq Naek told the court that his party had submitted the request to become a party in the case.

    After this, PTI’s lawyer Ali Zafar started his arguments by saying that the party has limited its petition to only seeking timely elections.

    “Elections must be held within 90 days after the dissolution of assemblies as per the Constitution,” he stressed. At this, CJP Isa said that the plea seeking polls within 90 days has then become ineffective.

    “The court was told that it was impossible to hold polls within 90 days in the previous hearing,” he remarked.

    Zafar then said that PTI only wants elections.

    He further said that there won’t be any parliament and law if elections are not conducted.

    “Giving a date and schedule of elections are two different things. President Dr Arif Alvi had written a letter to hold consultations with the ECP,” he remarked.

    The CJP observed that the president had written in his letter that the court should look into the matter of elections.
    “Is the president saying that court should take notice of the issue about elections,” he questioned.

    At this, Zafar replied that the president had said that the court can also review the matter.

    CJP Isa then said that the president did not give any date for elections in his letter. “Did the president not fulfil his constitutional duty,” he asked.

    Zafar said that the president fulfilled his responsibility by consulting on the elections.

    On this point, Justice Minallah asked why the president wrote the letter in September and not on August 15 after the assemblies were dissolved on August 9.

    “Did the president only ask the Supreme Court verbally to take notice of the matter,” asked CJP. He further said that the head of state wrote the letter to the ECP and not to SC.

    CJP Isa then questioned whether the apex court had the authority to give a date for polls. “Is it necessary for the president to consult the prime minister to give a date,” he inquired.

    Zafar replied that consultations are not necessary as the president has his own constitutional duty to give a date.

    During the last hearing, the SC had issued notices to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the federal government for their input on polls within 90 days.

    The ECP had earlier set the date for elections in Punjab on April 30, but then postponed them to October 8 — in Punjab as well as KPK.

    PTI filed a plea in the top court against this decision.

    On April 4, the SC had ordered the government and the ECP to hold elections for Punjab assembly on May 14 but both institutions said this would not be possible due to shortage of resources, including funds and manpower.

    On September 21, the ECP announced that general elections will be held in the last week of January 2024. However, it did not issue a specific date.

    The commission also published the preliminary constituency lists.
    According to the ECP, objections to the preliminary constituency lists will be entertained until October 26, with hearings on these objections slated to run until November 25.

    The final electoral rolls are scheduled for release by November 30, and within 54 days following this publication, the election commission has outlined the election timetable.

  • Remember their names: Al Jazeera breaks down casualty report from Gaza

    Remember their names: Al Jazeera breaks down casualty report from Gaza

    Last week, Gaza’s Health Ministry released a list of Palestinians killed by the on-going Israeli attacks on the besieged strip.

    The list was released a day after US President Joe Biden questioned the accuracy of the death toll of the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza.

    “I have no notion that the Palestinians are telling the truth about how many people are killed,” he said.

    This was followed by a release of a comprehensive report on October 26, detailing the names, ages, gender and ID numbers of 6,747 of the victims.

    From October 7 to October 25 alone, a span of 19 days, at least 7,028 people were killed in Israeli attacks which included 2,913 children.

    Al Jazeera has now broken down the data, revealing that 7,028 deaths in 19 days means 370 average daily deaths. While 16,297 injuries indicated 858 average daily injuries.

    Moreover, 73 per cent of those killed in the attacks were women, children and the elderly.

    Among the victims are:
    133 babies below the age of one
    482 toddlers (1-3 years old)
    344 preschoolers (4-5 years old)
    1,042 primary school children (6-12 years old)
    664 high school children (13-17 years old)
    966 young adults (18-25 years old)
    2,506 adults (26-55 years old)
    521 Nakba survivors (56-74 years old)
    89 Nakba survivors (75+ years old)

    Read more: Know their names

  • Vogue Arabia pays homage to the frontliners of Gaza

    Vogue Arabia pays homage to the frontliners of Gaza

    For its November issue, Vogue Arabia paid tribute to the journalists and doctors of Gaza who are fighting to save countless lives during Israeli air strikes. Since the war began on October 7, close to 9000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel, including 3000 children.

    “Dedicated to the brave doctors, nurses, and reporters in Gaza,” the statement read. “The issue pays homage to their heroic commitment as they implement vital work amid inhuman conditions. The cover also features traditional hand-embroidery from different regions of Palestine, in an ode to its culture and a further appeal for humanity.”

    The statement further said the current crisis in Gaza can be called one of the biggest disasters in history “and a failure shared by all.” It urged audiences to raise their voices “putting pressure on governments and international organizations to find a peaceful solution to stop the violence. This should be a global effort, regardless of our ethnicity or religion.”

    The people honoured in the cover are photographer Motaz Azaiza, journalist Plestia Alaqad, Youmna El-Qunsol, Doctors Ghassan Abu-Sittah and Mohammed Al Ghoula.

    For the cover of the issue, Vogue Arabia used a cloth featuring traditional Palestinian embroidery called tatreez.

    Explaining the significance of the fabric, the publication elaborated on how this design emerged in Palestine as well as the significance it holds within the culture.

    “The fabric seen on the issue is covered in an embroidery also known as tatreez, which originated in Palestine 3,000 years ago, and has since carried a deep meaning in the region,” the article explained. “It is also popular in other Levantine countries like Jordan, with each nation presenting some changes in the embroidery pattern. Over centuries, the skill has been passed on by women as an inter-generational practice and used as a means to tell the story of Palestine and its people. Each nuance in color and pattern denotes everything, from the region the wearer is from, to personal milestones including social and marital status. In 2021, the United Nations cultural agency (Unesco) also added tatreez to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List.”

    Palestinian designer Zaid Farouki was consulted for Vogue Arabia’s cover. He acted as a cultural advisor and used different motifs from cities across Palestine to be represented on the cover.

    The tatreez was popularised when public figures like Queen Rania of Jordan wore the fabric on several occasions. In 2018, Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib, the first American legislator of Palestinian origin, made history as the first Palestinian and one of the two Muslim women elected to the Congress. She was seen wearing the traditional tatreez which was embroided by her mother.

  • Caretaker government approves 45 percent pay raise for bureaucracy’s top brass

    The federal caretaker government has just approved a hefty pay rise of 45 percent for top bureaucrats in management positions. These are distinct from career diplomats and are the ones typically drawn from the private sector because of their expertise in a relevant field.

    In a notification released by the Ministry of Finance, the increase would apply to all MP-I, MP-II, and MP-III positions, including basic salaries, house rents, and utilities as approved by the caretaker prime minister.

    The ministry said the monthly remuneration of officers on the MP-I scale used to begin from Rs554,600, including basic salaries, house rent, and utilities with a terminal amount of Rs699,250 per month. The minimum and maximum remunerations would now be Rs804,180 and Rs1,013,920 per month, respectively. The officers in this grade would also be drawing Rs95,910 per month for transport monetisation allowance, taking the revised monthly package to between Rs900,090 and Rs1,109,830.

    Likewise, the minimum and maximum monthly package of MP-II scales was Rs255,750 and Rs413,600 per month. This will now range from Rs370,850 to Rs599,740. The monthly monetisation allowance for this scale will be Rs77,430.
    The officers in the MP-III grade used to get Rs165,855 to Rs233,750 per month. The amount has now been revised to Rs240,460 and Rs338,960, apart from a monetisation allowance of Rs65,060.
    The rumenarations were last viewed in July 2017 and the current rise is effective from October 1.

  • Zardari Accountability Court mein hazir hon

    Zardari Accountability Court mein hazir hon

    Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has been summoned by an accountability court in Islamabad in connection with the Thatta water supply case.

    The court, headed by Judge Mohammad Bashir, has also summoned several other individuals, including Ijaz Ahmed Khan, former secretary to the Sindh government, Hassan Ally Memon, former head of the committee responsible for procurements related to the water supply scheme, Khawaja Abdul Ghani Majeed, CEO Omni Group, Menahel Majeed, spouse of Khawaja Abdul Ghani Majeed and others to appear on December 15.

    The case revolves around allegations of illegal contract awards to private contractors.

    Earlier this year, proceedings in the case had been halted due to changes in the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO).

    The case was among dozens of references transferred from accountability courts because of the amendments made in the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) by the PDM coalition government headed by then-prime minister Shehbaz Sharif.

    These amendments were struck down by the Supreme Court on September 15.

    This development comes as the latest in a series of legal battles for Zardari, who was indicted in the water supply reference back in October 2020, as part of the broader fake bank accounts case.

    The reference specifically focuses on the alleged award of a contract by the special initiative department for the Thatta water supply scheme to a private contractor.

    The accountability court has directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to ensure the reference is properly presented before the appropriate forum.

  • PPP ready to form alliance with PTI in Punjab

    PPP ready to form alliance with PTI in Punjab

    The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Punjab chapter has expressed its willingness to form an alliance with any political party, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), against Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), in the upcoming general elections in Punjab, Geo reported on Wednesday.

    “PPP opponents are making alliances, and the party is also ready to devise its strategy for the upcoming elections,” said PPP Punjab acting president Rana Farooq Saeed at a press conference after a meeting.

    Former state minister Tasneem Qureshi, Secretary Information PPP Punjab Shahzad Saeed Cheema, Mian Azhar Hassan Dar, Ali Sanwal, Azhar Awan, Haji Azizur Rehman Chan, and others attended the huddle.

    Shahzad Saeed Cheema criticised PML-N for depending on deals, stating that PML-N could not sustain a competitive stance without a deal in its favour. He further said that the party led by former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ensures a “level playing field” only for itself in the elections.

    The PPP constantly emphasised the importance of a “level playing field” for all political parties taking part in the upcoming general elections, which are scheduled for January 2024.

  • Angelina Jolie issues second statement within one week, condemning Gaza bombing

    Angelina Jolie issues second statement within one week, condemning Gaza bombing

    The Israeli forces bombed Jabalia, the largest refugee camp in Gaza which has left over 195 killed and 120 civilians missing, bringing the death toll closer to 9000.

    Hollywood actress and philanthropist Angelina Jolie shared a picture of the aftermath of Israel’s attack as well as a statement critcising Israel for attacking innocent civilians and children. Angelina urged for a ceasefire, pointing out that world leaders were complicit in these crimes by refusing to prevent these atrocities.

    “This is the deliberate bombing of a trapped population who have nowhere to flee. Gaza has been an open-air prison for nearly two decades and is fast becoming a mass grave. 40% of those killed are innocent children. Whole families are being murdered. While the world watches and with the active support of many governments, millions of Palestinian civilians – children, women, families – are being collectively punished and dehumanized, all while being deprived food, medicine and humanitarian aid against international law. By refusing to demand a humanitarian ceasefire and blocking the UN Security Council from imposing one on both parties, world leaders are complicit in these crimes.”

    In the second slide of her post, Angelina shared significant history behind Jabalia which holds one of Gaza’s largest refugee camps.

    “Jabalia refugee camp is the largest of the Gaza Strip’s eight refugee camps. After the 1948 War, refugees settled in the camp, most having fled from villages in southern Palestine. The camp covers an area of only 1.4 square kilometers, 116,011 Palestine Refugees are registered with the UNRWA in Jabalia camp alone, 75 years since the Palestine conflict.”

    Just a few days earlier, Angelina issued a statement urging her followers to help the people in Gaza who were being violently displaced by the ongoing attrocities and shared links to places that were taking donations to help the Palestinian civilians.

  • Shah Rukh Khan’s Pakistani fans finally have a chance to watch ‘Jawan’

    Shah Rukh Khan’s Pakistani fans finally have a chance to watch ‘Jawan’

    Pakistani fans were heart broken while watching the rest of the world celebrate in the streets when Shah Rukh Khan’s thriller ‘Jawan’ was released in theatres everywhere. But since it’s the King’s birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY SRK!!), he has sent fans a treat- a chance to finally watch the film. Jawan is now available to watch worldwide on Netflix.

    Netflix uploaded a hilarious short clip announcing the release of the film on the streaming platform, an extended cut which wasn’t included in the theatre version.

    Jawan released on September 7 in cinemas, quickly getting declared the highest grossing film in India. It recieved critical acclaim for performances by Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan as well as for screen writing, action sequences and music score.

  • Chances of rain in Bangalore during Pak-New Zealand match

    Chances of rain in Bangalore during Pak-New Zealand match

    As the race for World Cup 2023 semi-finalists takes shape, Pakistan will compete in a make-or-break match against New Zealand in Bangalore on Saturday before playing their last match against England.

    However, weather forecasts show that Bangalore will receive rain on Saturday afternoon, with a 70 to 80 per cent chance of rain in the city from 2 pm onwards on Saturday.

    If the match is washed out due to rain, both teams will get one point each, leaving the net run rate unaffected.