Author: newsdesk

  • TW: UK police launch hunt for Pakistani father after daughter found dead in Surrey home

    TW: UK police launch hunt for Pakistani father after daughter found dead in Surrey home

    Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old girl, has been found dead in her home in Surrey with multiple injuries inflicted over her body. Her father, along with the child’s step mother and their five children, have seemingly left for Pakistan.

    According to the Surrey police, Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool, along with five children, left for Pakistan on Wednesday 9 August. The next day, Sara’s body was discovered in their home in Woking. Sharif made a call to the police station, after which officials arrived to discover the dead body.

    Sara’s body has multiple injuries, inflicted over a period of time, police have said.

    In a press release to the media, Detective Mark Chapman said the Surrey Police was working with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Interpol, National Crime Agency, Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office to ensure that the culprits are caught and brought to swift action.

    “Firstly, on behalf of Surrey Police, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences following Sara’s tragic death,” Chapman said. “Our thoughts are with her mother at this difficult time. We also fully appreciate the impact this devastating incident will have had within the local community,” he stated.

    “While the postmortem has not provided us with an established cause of death at this time, the fact that we now know that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period has significantly changed the nature of our investigation, and we have widened the timescale of the focus of our inquiry.

    “As a result, we are trying to piece together a picture of Sara’s lifestyle but we cannot do this without the public’s help. That is why we are appealing for anyone who knew Sara, had any form of contact with her, or has any other information about her, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to come forward as soon as possible.”

  • Cricket legends unite: Star-studded commentary panel revealed for Asia Cup 2023

    Cricket legends unite: Star-studded commentary panel revealed for Asia Cup 2023

    The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled the impressive roster of commentators set to headline the eagerly anticipated 50-over Asia Cup 2023. The tournament is set to unfold in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, promising cricket enthusiasts an enthralling experience.

    A lineup of cricket legends is poised to represent Pakistan on the commentary panel. The quartet of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Aamer Sohail, and Bazid Khan will bring their extensive expertise to the table. Notably, Australian cricket sensation Matthew Hayden will also grace the commentary box, offering his unique insights.

    India’s presence on the commentary panel is equally noteworthy. Renowned figures including Ravi Shastri, Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Sanjay Bangar, Piyush Chawla, Sanjay Manjrekar, Deep Dasgupta, Mohammad Kaif, Aditya Tare, and Rajat Bhatia will provide comprehensive analysis and commentary.

    The commentary panel will also feature the esteemed contributions of former cricket luminaries such as Marvan Atapattu, Dominic Cork, and Andy Flower. Their insights will enrich the coverage of the 13-match, 50-over Asia Cup.

    In a surprising turn of events, cricket enthusiasts will notice the absence of renowned cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja and Indian cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle from the commentary panel.

    Complete panel:

    The panel comprises a comprehensive range of experts, including:

    • Wasim Akram
    • Waqar Younis
    • Aamer Sohail
    • Bazid Khan
    • Matthew Hayden
    • Andy Flower
    • Dominic Cork
    • Marvan Atapattu
    • Ravi Shastri
    • Gautam Gambhir
    • Harbhajan Singh
    • Irfan Pathan
    • Sanjay Bangar
    • Piyush Chawla
    • Sanjay Manjrekar
    • Deep Dasgupta
    • Mohammad Kaif
    • Aditya Tare
    • Rajat Bhatia

    The prestigious tournament will kick off with Pakistan locking horns with Nepal on August 30th at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The event will be marked by an extravagant opening ceremony. A highly anticipated encounter between arch-rivals Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, and India is scheduled for September 2nd at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This clash promises to be a major highlight of the event.

  • Is Umar Akmal Joining PML-N?

    Cricketer Umar Akmal has met former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in London. Following the moot, rumors begun circulating on social media that Akmal might be joining Pakistan Muslim League-Noon (PML-N).

    However, while talking to the media, Umar Akmal said “I have made a special request to Nawaz Sharif and he hoped it will be accepted,”. Adding that he thankful to the PML-N head for taking time out for him. “It is an honor for me,”. He stated but did not reveal the nature of his request.
    When someone asked him about the status of Pakistan Cricket, Akmal said “It will be improved when Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan.”

    In 2020 Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suspended Umar Akmal from playing cricket under their Anti-Corruption Code. But he was allowed to play domestic cricket.

    Faheem Ashraf has also met Nawaz Sharif in London last year. He played his last match in 2021. However, he has been included in the squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan starting on August 22 2023 and also for Asia Cup 2023.

  • Punjab Police says officer seen beating journalist is mentally ill, receiving treatment

    Punjab Police says officer seen beating journalist is mentally ill, receiving treatment

    Punjab Police have said in an official statement that their constable filmed beating a journalist, is mentally ill.

    The video shows a police officer on a motorcycle being stopped by a journalist and questioned about the missing number plate of his vehicle. Upon confrontation, the policeman slaps the journalist. Later, he hits out at other people who tried to stop the feud. The video stoked outrage on social media, with many users condemning the brutality displayed by the officer and demanding that strict action be taken.

    Punjab Police have released a statement on their Twitter account, while Inspector General Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar has also addressed the violent feud, saying that the police officer in question is a constable who is mentally ill, and is currently being provided treatment.

    The constable has also been taking absences from his work, the police have said.

    The IGP went on to talk about the launch of an initiative that involves psychosocial profiles of 200 police officers across the province, reassuring constables that the purpose of these measurements was to ensure that they were all screened against 10 conditions and that it will provide counselling and treatment to affected employees.

  • Verified organisations helping Jaranwala Christians: here is where to send your money

    On August 16, a large mob of Muslims attacked the Christian community residing in Jaranwala. The violence erupted after two Christians were accused of committing blasphemy, alleging that the holy Quran had been desecrated.

    The mob, armed with batons and sticks, congregated after clerics in mosques incited violence. According to Christian leader Akmal Bhatti, at least five churches were set ablaze including the Salvation Army Church and the Saint Paul Catholic Church. Copies of Bible were also descrated. The crowd also attacked and looted private homes which residents had escaped from to protect their lives.

    So far, the police have arrested two men who have been accused of inciting violence on August 16. Moreover, the Punjab interim government has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident. Resultantly, over 100 people have been arrested.

    But while the Christian community awaits justice, they are left out in the open without food and shelter. Following the incident, they have spent nights sleeping in fields and roadsides.

    Here is how you can help:

    An instagram page, Reformistan, has shared sources that are collecting funds in order to provide the people of Jaranwala with emergency aid.

    You can directly donate to the Christian community members working to rehabilitate those in need:

    Raja Sharoon Lewis — Jazz
    Cash Account: 03084269400

    Zonobia Bhatti — Askari Bank
    Account Number: 00630210143074

    Raja Sharoon Lewis — Muslim Commercial Bank Account
    Number: 1228017681000588

    Actavia Farhat (Owner of Actavia Orphan Foundation) — Meezan Bank
    Account Number: 02930104441837

    For donations from outside of Paksitan:

    Zonobia Bhatti — Askari Bank
    Account Number: 0630210143074
    IBAN: PK34ASCM0000630210143074
    Swift Code: ASCMPkKA

    Raja Sharoon Lewis — Western Union
    Account Number: 35404-2962653-7

    Be The Change (Pakistan) is raising money for the Jaranwala Christian community to help them rebuild their homes and churches:

    Bano
    Number: +923004004952

    Aalia
    Number: +923174319994

    You can also donate to The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation — MCB

    Account Number: 0000000013138796

  • Weekly inflation increases to 27.5%, impacting household expenses

    Weekly inflation increases to 27.5%, impacting household expenses

    According to official data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) shows that inflation for the week ending on August 17 increased by 27.57 per cent compared to the same period last year. In simpler terms, things are getting more expensive.

    Looking at shorter periods, within a week, inflation went up by 0.78 per cent. This means prices are rising quickly and there’s no sign of them slowing down, which is worrying for both economists and consumers.

    Comparing some numbers, the overall price index was 275.57 on August 17, up from 273.43 on August 10 this year, and a significant increase from 216.02 on August 18 last year.

    Out of the things people buy, 32 items got pricier, 7 got cheaper, and 12 stayed the same. Among the things that became more expensive this week compared to a year ago were things like chillies powder (up 7.58 per cent), rice irri-6/9 (up 7.48 per cent), garlic (up 5.06 per cent), sugar (up 4.02 per cent), gur (up 3.23 per cent), and chicken (up 2.83 per cent). non-food items like diesel (up 7.29 per cent) and petrol (up 6.40 per cent) also got more expensive.

    On the flip side, the price of some things dropped. Tomatoes got 13.60 per cent cheaper, cooking oil (5 liters) became 1.65 per cent cheaper, and there were smaller drops in prices for things like vegetable ghee and wheat flour.

  • A Twitter user asked 26 y/o’s about the advice they would give to those in early twenties, and people had the best responses

    A Twitter user asked 26 y/o’s about the advice they would give to those in early twenties, and people had the best responses

    What advice would you give to someone in their early twenties? This was the question posed by twitter user @1ov1bri when she asked her followers about all the things they had learned too late- whether it was about life, career or love. And Twitter users had some amazing replies.

    A user said that the best lesson to learn is on how to be alone so that later in life you don’t invite people in who don’t deserve it.

    Another user said it’s never shameful to feel like you’re behind in life, because everyone works on their own progress.

    On careers, some users said it is better to question misbehavior at the workplace rather than stay silent and endure it.

    Another woman said its better to be absolutely certain about following a hard career like medicine.

    https://twitter.com/aishahbg/status/1691867199214866927?s=20
  • AB de Villiers predicts ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 finalists

    AB de Villiers predicts ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 finalists

    Former South African wicketkeeper-batsman AB de Villiers recently unveiled his top picks for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India, scheduled for October this year. During an engaging session on his YouTube channel, De Villiers shared his preferences, highlighting Australia, England, and South Africa as his favoured non-subcontinental teams to make it to the final four.

    De Villiers acknowledged the risk in his choice of three non-subcontinental teams, yet he maintained his stance. He also made a prediction that India, as the host nation, would clinch the World Cup title, envisioning a fairy-tale ending for the home team.

    Expressing his support for South Africa, De Villiers believed in their potential to secure a semi-final spot, even though he recognised Pakistan’s strong chances of qualification. He emphasised the team’s capabilities and underlined his confidence in their coach, Rob Walter.

    The ICC World Cup 2023 is scheduled for October and November in India, featuring 10 participating teams. The tournament will commence on October 5, culminating in the final match on November 19.

  • ‘Judge’s wife tortured me daily’: Rizwana speaks up

    ‘Judge’s wife tortured me daily’: Rizwana speaks up

    Rizwana, the 14-year-old domestic helper whose case of being subjected to severe mistreatment at the hands of a civil judge’s wife in Islamabad, has given her statement to the Islamabad police on Friday. Her case came to light on July 25 when Rizwana was transferred to a Lahore hospital due to grave injuries.

    An earlier report indicated that the civil judge himself also mistreated the teenager, according to Rizwana’s grandmother.

    In her official statement to the police, Rizwana detailed how the judge’s wife, Somia, used to beat her with sticks, iron rods and other objects. The minor revealed, “She used to kick and slap me in fits of anger,” adding that she would also grasp Rizwana’s hair and forcefully strike her head against the wall.

    Rizwana further detailed that whenever the judge’s family left the house, she was forced to stay in a room for days without access to food or water. “I was not allowed to meet my parents. The judge’s wife stood next to me whenever I talked to my parents on the phone.”

    The young girl also disclosed that Somia frequently threatened her, warning her not to inform her parents about the beatings. “They did not even bandage my wounds,” Rizwana stated.

    According to the police, the civil judge hasn’t appeared before joint investigation team yet. It’s noteworthy that the civil judge was removed from his position and assigned the role of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) by the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Muhammad Ameer Bhatti.

    READ MORE : Next 24 hours critical for tortured 13-year-old, attempted murder case registered against judge, wife