Author: optimum_tech

  • The Minister for Human Rights Should Resign: Here is His Resignation Letter

    The Minister for Human Rights Should Resign: Here is His Resignation Letter

    Last month, a 24-year-old woman was gang-raped at gun point by two men in Islamabad’s F9 park. The First Information Report (FIR) filed by the victim stated that after she was raped, the assailants gave her Rs1,000 and told her that she should not have been in the park at night.

    How did the federal Minister for Human Rights react to this heinous crime? Almost three weeks later, in a televised interview with Nadir Guramani, on the topic of the F9 rape case, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada said that mothers of ‘tarbiyat’ (good upbringing) do not let their children go out at night. In one breath, Mr Pirzada not only victim-shamed the victim of the rape but he also blamed her mother for not having “properly reared” her daughter.

    Clearly, Mr Pirzada has no understanding of what his job entails as the federal Minister for Human Rights. Here is a tailor-made letter of resignation he can sign on his way out.

    TO:​​ Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
    FROM:​​ Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada
    RE:​​ Letter of Resignation (Federal Minister for Human Rights)

    Dear Excellency,

    I write to you with the heavy weight of self-awareness on my shoulders. I have come to see that I am a misogynist and therefore I cannot represent fairly and equally the rights of all the citizens of Pakistan.

    The term “misogyny” is often linked to woman-hating. The problem with this outdated view of misogyny is that, when it is used like this, it is a circuitous nonsense. As soon as I tell you that I love my mother and my wife, which I do, I have proven to you that I simply cannot be a misogynist.

    What I have come to learn is that misogyny is an enforcement system that keeps women in gendered roles. A woman who carves out her own path, or steps outside the role of being a well-behaved, supportive, giving woman, is disrespectable in the eyes of a misogynist and he (or she) is then entitled to put that woman back in “her place” to ensure she complies with the norms and expectations of patriarchy.

    In my interview with Mr Guramani, I concurred with the F9 rapists: the woman who got raped had it coming because good girls do not venture out at night. I went one step further and I also blamed the victim’s mother because, clearly, she has not raised a good girl. This justification of rape makes me a misogynist. I wonder if the rapists’ criminal defence will quote my words and use my line of reasoning?

    As the Minister for Human Rights, I should have known that Chapter 1 (Fundamental Rights) of the Constitution of Pakistan provides for equality of citizens and “no discrimination on the basis of sex” (Article 25) and that security of person entails that no person shall be deprived of life or liberty (Article 9).

    As the Minister for Human Rights, I should have demanded that my own government (and the police) do more to protect our citizens, who have every right to enjoy their liberties, which include taking in the night air, free of fear and discrimination, whether man or woman.

    As the Minister for Human Rights, I should have made clear that the rapists are the real and only culprits of the F9 rape and that I stand firmly with the victims, enraged at the violation of their human rights.

    I am an embarrassment to the Ministry of Human Rights and I hereby resign, with immediate effect.

    Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada

  • Editorial: Are we betraying our culture if we accept something might be different?Bilkul nahi

    Editorial: Are we betraying our culture if we accept something might be different?Bilkul nahi

    Sar-e-Rah, a drama well known to the Pakistani audience, recently aired one of its most anticipated episodes that explored the struggles of a transgender boy who tries to gain acceptance from his family by studying hard.

    The episode delved into how Sarim (played by Muneeb Butt) is bullied by his stepmother and brother because of the fact that he is an intersex boy. However, Sarim and his father have a close bond, who encourages him to work hard and is the only one who embraces his true nature rather than hiding it away.

    In a scene that gained massive audience attention and praises on Twitter, the father and son are sitting by the sea where he teaches his son that there is no shame in wanting to be feminine, and he can choose to be whatever he likes because it won’t diminish his father’s love for him.

    Many users praised the way this episode depicted the relationship between the father and son, as portrayed by Nabeel Zafar and Butt’s moving acting. The show was lauded for handling a taboo subject in a delicate manner, and showing how important it is for parent’s to empathise with and support their children.

    In a time when censorship overrules freedom of thought, and many drama creators refuse to engage with the audience, there are creators who are making stories for the audience by taking bold steps in crafting unique stories that tackle social issues in a sensitive yet thorough manner.

    Unfortunately this message did not resonate with everyone, as harsh critics like fashion designer Maria B once again stepped up to criticise the drama for ‘promoting vulgarity’ and encouraging the acceptance of the transgender community. This isn’t the first time Maria B has targeted the transgender community through her hate campaigns and probably won’t be the last time either. But it all comes down to a few questions we really need to ask ourselves: How is being an intersex a bad thing? Why can’t we as people accept everyone for who they are and what they are? Why is it so hard for us to choose kindness? What are we so afraid of? How is accepting a child for what and who they are a problem? At a tender age, a child only needs validation and acceptance. Parents don’t love in categories, their love is unconditional. Then why do we always put conditions on things which only need love and kindness.

    Moving forward to the larger debate, which is about culture and what will people say. We need to understand that the world has massively changed. It’s the 21st century and people have a way of living on their own terms. Why do we always bring society, culture in things we ourselves are afraid to handle? Take the example of the scene in this drama itself, in our society a father is mostly shown as the angry adult, who doesn’t speak much, expresses even lesser and then here was a father, calm, tender and accepting of his son. We should promote such culture where fathers shower their children with kindness and love.

    Kindness and love is the need of the hour. Pakistan already has a lot of problems. Let’s not make acceptability a problem as well. Our children deserve better. They deserve peace, security and assurance that yes our parents have our back. It all starts from home. Children need these little affirmations from a young age. Let’s not disappoint them just because they are different.

  • Woman kills seven-year-old step-granddaughter for allegedly stealing toffees

    A woman tortured her seven-year-old step-granddaughter to death for allegedly stealing toffees, ARY News has reported.

    The deceased girl could not sustain the injuries she received and lost her life.

    The minor girl was accused of robbing two toffees from a neighborhood store. The shopkeeper’s wife complained to the girl’s step-grandmother after which the woman tortured the child.
    A case was registered by the police over the complaint of the girl’s mother. The accused woman was identified as Hameedan.

  • Gomal University, are you listening? Women deserve the same education as men

    Gomal University, are you listening? Women deserve the same education as men

    Gomal University in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Dera Ismail Khan implemented a total ban on joint gatherings of male and female students on campus. The university issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday, which stated: “Gathering/coupling (male and female) is totally banned in any ground, roads etc. beyond the premises of department. Female students are directed to be careful and limit themselves just in their class rooms and department common rooms.” Interestingly, the notification was issued a day after Valentine’s Day.

    The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) rightly demanded that the notification must be withdrawn immediately. HRCP said that it takes strong exception to the said notification and that “segregation will reinforce a culture of ignorance and inequality”. This notification reminds us of the Afghan Taliban and their regressive mindset. Universities are not supposed to ask women to restrict themselves or limit themselves. In fact, universities are the learning grounds for both men and women so that they are prepared to go out into the world once they finish their education. This is the year 2023, a world where that is progressing rapidly and then comes such actions and/or notifications that make us question our choices towards education and developing critical mindsets. Are we against women’s education or moves like these are done just for restricting and policing women? We must not forget that in a patriarchal society like ours, females are told how to sit how to speak, how to dress. Policing of women’s behaviour is quite common in our country. Every year at Aurat March, the women are told not to raise slogans that challenge patriarchy, that challenge their own lived experiences. They are told by men, who have no idea what it is to be a woman in Pakistan, on what to do, what to say, what words to use for their slogans, what tone to take when they chant those slogans, how to ask for their rights, etc.

    According to the university administration, the decision would help provide a better and safer environment for female students. If it is all about safety, then one thinks of how is it logical that restricting the movement of women would help in providing security. The regressive outlook makes us one wonder if the male-dominated university administration would enforce the same or stricter curbs on the movement of male students and will the same kinds of bans and limitation be put on male students?

    In 2018, the KP government called for banning the entry of male MPs and politicians in girls’ schools as guest speakers. In 2019, the provincial government decided to make the wearing of an abaya or burka mandatory. And now a ban on joint gatherings by a university. We can only hope that those who make such rules understand that universities are a place for education. They act as places where individuals are trained, developed and prepared to be change-makers, influencers and leaders. Imagine how such restrictions and bans will hamper students’ growth and evolution. We hope these regressive double standards end, and both our men and women are treated equally.

  • Exclusive: Iffat Omar reveals all about THAT Shah Rukh Khan video

    Exclusive: Iffat Omar reveals all about THAT Shah Rukh Khan video

    We should probably stop posting selfies with celebrities, because actor Iffat Omar won the day when she received a video message from THE Shah Rukh Khan himself!
    Earlier this morning, Omar shared the video message on her Instagram page, writing in the caption:

    “Happy Valentines my all time crush @iamsrk  and thanks for these 2 seconds of your life you gave me is one of the happiest moment of my life.
    Congratulations for the success of #pathaan superstar ”

    The Current reached out to Omar, asking her she got this spectacular Valentines gift, and turns out, she just casually happens to be an aquaintance of SRK all this time.
    Omar revealed that a mutual friend, who knew about her love for the Bollywood Badshah, had later sent the video message to her.
    “He sent me this message earlier, but I just posted it today to thank him and wish my crush on Valentine and congratulated him on the success of Pathan,” said Omar.
    Omar was definitely very pleased that her favorite hero knows who she is, calling it “a fan’s dream come true ”
    She further elaborated that she would love it if more Pakistani and Indian actors are able to interact freely in this manner.
    On whether in the future if she got a chance to work with SRK or any other actor, Omar’s response was she would definately do it, and would also love a chance to work with K.K Menon.

  • Restaurant shut down by Assistant Commissioner for refusing to give discount, claim owners

    Restaurant shut down by Assistant Commissioner for refusing to give discount, claim owners

    Yak Grill in Gilgit has shared a post on their Instagram page revealing that their eatery had been sealed by Assistant Comissioner Gojal, Rao Rafy Afzal, because they had refused to give the administration a discount.
    In the caption, the owners revealed that they would be challenging this order in court and called out the AC for the corrupt practice.

    “AC Gojal Rao Rafy Afzal has illegally sealed Yakgrill restaurant in Passu, Gojal, Hunza due to the restaurant not providing discounts to the administration.
    He made electric heaters in the restaurant a base and sealed the restaurant. The right to operate a business and offer services is protected under the law, and it is important that these rights are upheld and respected.
    We will challenge this in court to restore our operation as soon as possible.
    Our restaurant will remain close till further notice .”

    In a video that is currently circulating on Twitter, AC Afzal can be seen in an argument with the owners.

    The Current reached out to AC Afzal who explained that the restaurant had broken Section 144, which is a law pertaining to using electric heaters. Upon inspection, the team had found electric heaters in use and thus gave orders to shut down the place.
    “The owners are spreading propaganda to hide the truth. We had imposed Section 144 CrPC on the use of electric heaters. On spot checking and inspection they were found using them. Thus, orders were given to seal the restaurant and to confiscate the heaters. Upon which the owner and his team used threatening and offensive language. They came up with this fake story to cover up. The owner is being prosecuted against under PPC for relevant offences.”

    On whether this Section has been imposed before on other restaurants before and why was this the issue to focus on, the AC responded that it was due to the electricity shortage problem which is why it was emphasized on.

    “This is enforced all over Gojal. There is shortage of electricity in Gojal. Which is why this was imposed.”

    Regarding whether Yak Grill and its owners were given a prior warning about their use of electric heaters before being sealed, the AC responded with:

    “The administration issues a notification/ order under Sec 144 CrPC which is displayed on social media and showcased at different places also. Individuals/ hotels/ restaurants can’t be sent such an order individually as it’s administratively impossible.

    It’s an open truth. Spot checking is done afterwards and legal action is taken. The notification/ order was passed on November 28th which has validity of 90 days.”

  • Cheesier than cheese Valentine’s day gift ideas

    Cheesier than cheese Valentine’s day gift ideas

    Disclaimer: If you are someone who does not like the idea of expressing love, then this list of gifts is not for you because this article is cheesier than the actual cheese.

    There is a difference between loving someone and making them feel loved. When you love someone, it is not necessary that they feel it too. Valentine’s Day provides you the opportunity to make the person you love, feel loved and no, this day is not about your parents, siblings or friends. This day is about romantic love.

    What better way can there be to show your love than giving a thoughtful gift to someone to cement your commitment, dedication, and loyalty? There is no better feeling in the world then to be shown and told that you are loved.

    So here are some gift ideas that will make you feel really special:

    A book about them:

    This one is my personal favorite, making a book about the person you love. This has to be one of the most thoughtful gifts one can ever get. You can write the things you love about someone in the book. You can write about your love story. Make your loved one feel special by mentioning which of their personality traits inspires you.

    This gift is easy to give, more fun to give and it will definitely make them blush!

    You can get an idea about how to make a book about someone you love by watching this video.

    Scented-Candles

    Scented-cables have have an association with romance which makes them a perfect Valentine’s gift. Scented candles are able to evoke strong emotional reactions and affect how we feel. Our sense of smell is more powerful than we can imagine, so pick a scent that you believe might bring back fond memories.

    Love Jar

    This gift will help you save money. Only a box, some scissors, and papers are required. You tear the paper into small squares. You can write the reasons why you love them on those square papers.

    You can learn how to make a DIY Love Jar by watching this video.

    Chocolate Bouqet

    This tutorial will help you to learn how to make a chocolate bouquet.

    Create a playlist for your partner:

    Create a playlist for you partner with all of the songs that makes you think of them . Creating a playlist filled with lovey-dovey songs for your partner isn’t going to cost you any money at all. You can make a playlist for your partner on Spotify.

    Customized jewelry

    A piece of jewellery, such as a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, can be a sentimental and meaningful gift. In addition you can give Engraved Split Hearts Shape Necklace to your partner.

  • Punish the victim, protect the rapist. Will Pakistan change?

    Punish the victim, protect the rapist. Will Pakistan change?

    In a shocking incident, a young woman was raped by two armed men at the F-9 Park in Islamabad on February 2. According to the 24-year-old victim, she was visiting the F-9 Park along with a male companion around 8pm when two armed stopped them at gunpoint, separated them and then took her towards a thicket and raped her. They also threatened her to remain silent or they would call “more friends” to rape her. After raping her, she was told by the rapists that she should not have been in the park at night. A police complaint at Margalla police station mentioned that the woman had marks of torture on her legs and face. “I was slapped. My hair was pulled and I was thrown on the floor,” the woman’s statement to the police read.

    People in Pakistan have expressed anger over the country’s “rape epidemic” and also slammed negligence over such cases of violence against women. Hundreds of protesters gathered in the F-9 park slamming the law enforcement’s response to the assault as they tied their dupattas to the railings in solidarity with the rape victims and survivors.

    It was also quite shocking that the Islamabad Police asked people after this incident to only visit well-lit areas in the park when the rapists took the girl to a thicket to rape her at gunpoint. Instead of taking responsibility and providing security to citizens, the police want to restrict people’s movement. As anger and rage engulfed Pakistan over the issue of women’s safety, we still look for answers to whether this will ever end and whether women will find happiness, security and peace in Pakistan. Will victim-blaming ever stop? Will there ever come a time when society and the lawmakers all unanimously stand as one with the victims and survivors? Will the predators of such heinous crimes be punished? Will the war on women ever come to an end?

    To the hopelessness and rage that fills our hearts, may women find security, protectiveness and justice in this country. Will Pakistan ever stand with its women? The women are angry, and rightly so as they have been betrayed by their own system, society and law-enforcers.

  • When will provincial assemblies elections take place?

    It’s been almost a month now since the dissolution of the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assemblies, however, no consensus on the election dates has been reached so far.

    It is to be noted that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had recommended that the elections be held between April 9 and 17.

    On January 27, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) approached the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking an order for the Punjab governor to immediately announce the date for elections in the province.

    Later, the high court directed Punjab Governor Muhammad Baligur Rehman and the ECP — to submit their replies to the court by Feb 10.

    In his reply, the Governor stated that he had not created any obstacle for the ECP to announce the election date.

    “If the governor did not dissolve the assembly on the so-called advice of the chief minister, then it is not the responsibility of the governor to give the date for the polls,” he said.

    No security forces avaible for elections

    Another hindrance in holding the election has come forth now as the government has said that it wouldn’t be able to provide full security during elections due to unavailability of personnel.

    Earlier this week, ECP had written to the federal government, seeking the deployment of troops of civil armed forces for the conduct of general and by-elections in various constituencies of the national and provincial assemblies.

    However, the interior ministry, headed by Rana Sanaullah, informed the ECP that the armed forces would not be able to perform security duties during the provincial assembly elections in Punjab and KP as well as by-elections on 64 National Assembly seats as it was busy conducting census and counter-terror operations.

    According to the ministry, both the armed and civil forces are overwhelmed with work on dealing with the threat of terrorism in the country. In addition, the troops are also required to undertake widespread deployment to achieve secure conduct of the census.

  • ‘India can go to hell’- Javed Miandad bursts out on Asia Cup controversy

    ‘India can go to hell’- Javed Miandad bursts out on Asia Cup controversy

    Pakistan’s former captain Javed Miandad has slammed Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on its refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023.
    “India can go to hell,” if they do not want to come to Pakistan, the batting great said to media on Monday.

    BCCI secretary and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Jay Shah had warned that India will not travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup this year. Shah also said that BCCI will insist on a neutral location for the Indo-Pak clash and for the tournament.

    In October 2022, Indian cricket authorities said that they would not send a team to the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan, prompting Pakistan’s cricket authorities to hint they may pull out of the upcoming ICC World Cup, scheduled to be held in India later this year.
    Pakistan cricket officials also warned India that if they mess with them they will also going to mess with India and the move can split the international cricket community.
    The PCB said Shah’s comments could “impact Pakistan’s visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and future ICC Events in India in the 2024-2031 cycle.”

    “I have always been saying, if India doesn’t want to come [to Pakistan], we don’t care. They can go to hell. We are playing cricket. It’s International Cricketing Council’s (ICC) job to control such things or there’s no point in having a governing body,” Miandad said.

    If a team don’t come, no matter how strong they are, ICC should remove them, Miandad said.

    “They should play, why aren’t they playing? They are afraid of consequences.”
    He added that India is scared of Pakistan. “Even in our time, they were scared to play cricket against Pakistan because Indian crowd is ‘nasty’. Whenever they lose, no matter they play well or not, Indian cricket fans burn their houses. So that’s why they are afraid of to play cricket against Pakistan.”
    Despite being considered one of cricket’s greatest rivalries, India and Pakistan have not met on home soil in any version of the game since 2012, and only play each other in international tournaments on neutral grounds.

    The ACC will make a final decision on the venue of Asia Cup 2023 in its Executive Board meeting next month.

    An emergency meeting of ACC was held in Bahrain on Saturday which was also attended by Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi. Among other issues, the fate of the Asia Cup was also discussed but no decision was made.