A woman in Islamabad slaughtered her husband for hiding his first marriage, Shakeel Anjum has reported for The News. As per the details, the incident took place on Tuesday, in Sector G-12, Merabadi, Islamabad.
According to the police, the man was already married but had not told Marjan Bibi, his second wife, about it. After finding out about it, despite the victim having long divorced his first wife, Marjan Bibi, who hails from Kohat, took revenge.
As per the details, differences developed between the couple when the accused asked her husband about his first marriage. He admitted to having been married earlier, however he clarified that he had divorced his first wife years ago.
The woman attacked her husband with a sharp weapon and killed him by slaughtering him with a dagger.
The oppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is no secret. India’s historically oppressive treatment of the Kashmiri Muslims and its human rights violations are well-documented. Scrapping Article 370 on August 5, 2019, meant the Indian state went ahead with colonising the region. India’s ruling BJP has long advocated the idea of Indians being allowed to buy and settle in Indian-occupied Kashmir, disguising it as the region’s economic development. Yet, these illegal actions are an attempt at changing the demographic makeup of the region. An attempt to silence the Kashmiri voice. An attempt to dilute the calls for self-determination.
German Foreign Minister (FM) Annalena Baerbock’s latest statement on Kashmir is of utmost importance. Speaking at a joint press conference on Friday with her Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in Berlin, she said, “Germany has a role and responsibility with regard to the situation in Kashmir. Therefore, we support intensively the engagement of the United Nations (UN), to find peaceful solutions in the region.”
Moreover, Bilawal highlighted the grave human rights violations in the IIOJK, and said that the alarming situation posed risks to regional peace and stability. Pakistan has consistently urged the international community to hold India accountable for its brazen persecution of innocent Kashmiris. The German FM’s statement as well as US Ambassador Donald Blome’s visit to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has caused quite an uproar in India and its diplomatic circles, which shows that Pakistan’s efforts at building a case for Kashmir is having an impact after all.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar recently said, “The Indian side needs to understand that if they are really genuine and serious in resolving this dispute, they have to proceed in accordance with this international legal framework, which is there, which has been there for seven decades, and which has the legitimacy and acceptance of the international community.”
The present crisis is an outcome of more than seven decades of injustice imposed on Kashmiri people just because they want to decide their destiny, which is a fundamental right. Pakistan has successfully and relentlessly been building a case for the freedom of the people of Kashmir. Pakistanis will not stop raising their voice until justice is served to the people. The world has been turning a blind eye to the sufferings of the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir for over seven decades. However, Ambassador Blome’s visit and the German FM’s statement result from Pakistan’s consistent foreign policy. The world should wake up to what India has done to innocent Kashmiris over the decades. India’s impunity must end. Kashmiris in Indian-occupied territory deserve freedom.
Any marginalised community in a country goes through struggles and challenges of its own. From their right to live to their right to freedom, their existence revolves around many obstacles. Pakistan is no different. The transgender community in Pakistan is a marginalised community that on a daily basis is ridiculed, harassed, abused, and given life threats. And this has been a pattern for many years. The recent propaganda about the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights), Act (2018) is extremely dangerous and life-threatening.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2018 has come under intense criticism from some sections of society during the past few weeks with two petitions also having been filed in the Federal Shariah Court against the Act. The act was enacted in the year 2018 to guarantee transgenders’ equal rights to education, basic health facilities, issuance of CNICs and passports, and giving them a right to vote and contest elections. The Supreme Court’s decision on September 25, 2012, that said that eunuchs were entitled to all of the rights protected by the Constitution and enjoyed by other members of society led to the passing of the 2018 Act. However, now a few religious parties are seeking amendments to the act. The major amendment that is being considered is that a trans person should be allowed to change their gender identity after evaluation from the medical board instead of their self-perceived identity.
A lot of misinformation is being propagated about the Act, including accusations: “The bill is merely a disguise for the LGBT community,” while others are saying that it is creating a pathway for same-sex marriages. There is a common misconception going on that as per the act, any person can change their ID card from M to F and F to M based on their own perception. However, that is simply not the case. The rules that were notified under this act clearly say that if you are a transgender man or a woman, you can change your identification card on the basis of your self-perception but only to X, not to Male or Female.
A person having an X card cannot marry a person with an ID card with a male or female gender mentioned on it.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Mohsin Aziz on Monday said that the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2018 is “disgusting”.
“Why do we have to protect the rights of transgenders? How can we accept the rights of gays and lesbians?” he asked in the Senate.
Siraj-ul- Haq, the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), has said that all religious groups will demonstrate at Lahore’s Shuhada Mosque if the government does not withdraw the Transgender Rights Act seriously. He further said that the Act is more dangerous than the atomic bomb dropped by the United States on Japan in 1945.
The question remains: why are the rights of a marginalised community such a threat? Why can some sects of society not let them live? Did anyone actually read what the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2018 stands for? More than 20 transgender people have lost their lives. We hope the people threatening the transgender community understands that they have a right to live and the right to dignity. Let the transgender community live: they’re already marginalised in Pakistan.
Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan’s former aide Maulana Tahir Ashrafi confirmed the authenticity of the latest audio leak of Khan and his party members discussing cipher in a meeting.
While on the Geo News’ programme Jirga, Ashrafi, referring to the second audio leak, said, “Mei meeting mei mein majood tha”. (I was present in the meeting too)
Ashrafi was a special representative to the former PM on religious harmony.
Ashrafi also confirmed that the former PM told the participants of the meeting that they would call it a letter instead of cipher, reports Geo News.
The former PM said he would not like anyone to name the US while talking about the regime change conspiracy, but then he himself named the US impulsively, Ashrafi remarked.
The former aide also added that Khan’s five cabinet members should tell on oath if they were sure of the US regime change conspiracy against their government.
How could a Grade-22 officer dare say he would change the cipher, asked Ashrafi.
Ashrafi also revealed that Khan said he had a “terrific thing”, and he would play with it.
What is in the audio leaks?
In the first audio leak, Khan can be heard telling his then principal secretary Azam Khan about cipher, “Khelna hai is ke uper” (We will play on this)
In the second audio leak, Imran Khan directed his close aides not to take America’s name while talking about the US cipher in public. He also insisted on using the word “letter” instead of cipher, because according to him “People wouldn’t have understood the word transcript if you say things like this in your jalsa.”
The age of uncertainty grappling Pakistan is rather appalling. Lately, women in Pakistan and around the world are nothing but just another hashtag. Their name, story, and pain last only till another hashtag replaces them. We as a country are still dealing with the horrors of the murder of Noor Mukadam. We haven’t healed as a nation and now we have witnessed the bone-chilling gruesome murder of Sara Shahnawaz at the hands of a man who too was raised as a result of the patriarchal world in Pakistan.
A harrowing murder took place in Islamabad on Friday morning. The daughter-in-law of senior journalist Ayaz Amir was murdered in Islamabad. 37-year-old Sara was found murdered at a farmhouse in Chak Shahzad. According to details, journalist Ayaz Amir’s son Shah Nawaz killed his wife at their home with a gym dumbbell. After murdering her, the accused dumped her body in a bathtub. Senior Journalist Ayaz Amir expressed his grief and shock over the murder of his daughter-in-law by his son.
In Pakistan, men get away with crimes against women, which is why they think they can even commit murder without any repercussions. Our society and justice system have failed the women of Pakistan. It is because of these attitudes that Pakistan ranks as the second-worst country on the gender gap index.
The story of Masha Amini from across the border is equally tragic. The 22-year-old Iranian woman breathed her last days after being arrested by a police unit responsible for forcing Iran’s strict dress code for women. She was arrested for not complying with hijab rules. Mahsa Amini was beaten while inside a police van when she was picked up in Tehran on Tuesday. Photographs of Mahsa lying in a hospital bed have gone viral, showing the young woman in a coma with her head wrapped in bandages and breathing through tubes. #MahsaAmini became one of the top hashtags on Persian-language Twitter as Iranians fumed over the death of Amini. Later we saw that women in Iran protested against the death of Amini by setting their hijabs on fire. Her death sparked widespread protests in Iran.
What is happening to women across the world is a reminder that all this is about control, power, and oppression. One of the key reasons women are marginalised is because a powerful and educated woman leads to a powerful and educated community. Women need to be empowered by those in power. We as individuals have failed. We have failed our women and young girls. The silence of the state on matters that need the most attention is rather appalling. For how long will people keep suffering? What are our policymakers doing to make the lives of people in Pakistan better? Who should the families of the victims look up to? Who will give them justice? The beasts who killed their daughters are very much alive. Who will bring solace to the plight of the mothers and fathers of the one dead at the hands of men who could not take no for an answer or whose temper was so fragile that they had to kill women when they raised their voices for their rights.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of2018 has come under intense criticism from some sections of society during the past few weeks with two petitions also having been filed in the Federal Shariah Court against the Act.
The act was enacted in the year 2018 to guarantee transgenders equal rights to Education, basic health facilities , issuance of CNICs and passport and giving them a right to vote and contest elections.
The Supreme Court’s decision on September 25, 2012, that said that eunuchs were entitled to all of the rights protected by the Constitution and enjoyed by other members of society led to passing of the 2018 Act.
However, now a few religious parties are seeking amendments in the act. The major amendment that is being considered is that a trans person should be allowed to change their gender identity after evaluation from the medical board instead of their self-perceived identity.
Criticism:
A lot of misinformation is being propagated about the Act, including accusations that “The bill is merely a disguise for the LGBT community”, while others are saying that it is creating a pathway for same sex marriages.
Transgender Protection Bill has been passed by National Assembly. Alas! We have not been able to do anything against it. Can’t we even raise our voice? What has happened to the Muslims of Pakistan. I raise my voice against it because it allows SAME SEX MARRIAGE.
Former Additional Advocate General Punjab/Advocate Supreme Court Chaudhry Faisal Husain while talking to The Current said that transgenders have been given protection in this act. Calling the debate ‘needless’ Hussain added that every law has minor issues.
He further said that if people are trying to identify themselves as something in particular then NADRA should take precautionary measures.
Does the act allow same sex marriage?
There is a common misconception going on that as per the act, any person can change their ID card from M to F and F to M based on their own perception. However, that is simply not the case, The rules that were notified under this act clearly say that if you are a transgender man or a woman you can change your identification card on the basis of your self-perception but only to X, not to Male or Female.
A person having an X card can not marry a person with an ID card with a male or female gender mentioned on it.
This provision rules out the possibility of same-sex marriage under the transgender act 2018
Lawyer Reema Omar has also shared some ‘”facts and context”, regarding the social media campaign against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018.
The social media campaign against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, is malicious, opportunistic and entirely baseless
Barrister Muhammad Ahmad Pansota, Supreme Court while talking to The Current said, “The bill is criticized by certain religious parties based on some misconceptions that this law would open doors for homosexuality, which is against Islamic injunctions. Complaints of these religious groups are from a perspective that there is possibility of it being misused in terms of same sex marriages. However, nothing in the bill allows room for same sex marriage. It is only strengthening the rights of the transgenders by providing them protection, relief and rehabilitation of the rights of transgenders persons.”
“It is not true as the bill is only for transgenders and doesn’t provide/mention that any person can come up and say that he/she wants to change his/her gender/sexual orientation, only a transgender can do it,” he added.
Even otherwise, same sex marriages are against Islamic principles and cannot be allowed in Pakistan as the same is unconstitutional and un- Islamic, thus will not be allowed in any manner whatsoever.
“No where in the bill has it been stated that same sex marriages are permitted.”
This bill only promotes what has only been guaranteed to the citizens of Pakistan in the Islamic Constitution of Pakistan. There shall be no discrimination against the transgenders. They will be given right to inheritance, the right to education, the right to health, and the right to employment for transgender persons, hence, guaranteeing all constitutional rights. This law only upholds basic human rights.
Talking about the formation of medical boards, Pansota said, “Opinion of medical board can be taken into account. Sensitive history of transgenders may be required to understand the individualized changes and characteristics in the context of hormone administration and surgical intervention. It is important to discuss procedures with the patient beforehand, including the order in which steps will occur and to provide/allow time for the patient to express any concerns prior to beginning the exam.”
Talking exclusively to The Current, Dr Mehrub Moiz Awan called the criticism “unjustified”, adding that it is a part of global far right conspiracy
Nobel laureate and social activist Malala Yousafzai while expressing her anger on the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran, said that a woman has the right to decide whatever she wants to wear.
“Whatever a woman chooses to wear, she has the right to decide for herself,” Malala said, adding that, “As I have said before: If someone forces me to cover my head, I will protest. If someone forces me to remove my scarf, I will protest.” she wrote on her Instagram story. “I am calling for justice for Mahsa Amini.”
Masha breathed her last on Friday, days after being arrested by a police unit responsible for forcing Iran’s strict dress code for women. She was arrested for not complying with hijab rules.
According to eyewitnesses, Mahsa Amini was beaten while inside a police van when she was picked up in Tehran on Tuesday. Photographs of Mahsa lying in a hospital bed have gone viral, showing the young woman in a coma with her head wrapped in bandages and breathing through tubes. Her death has sparked widespread protests in Iran, with women taking to the streets and setting their hijab on fire.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry took to Twitter to extend a hand of friendship between the civil and military forces.
Chaudhry suggested that “Power should be transferred to the people of Pakistan.”
“I call upon political parties and establishment let’s rewrite political framework Let’s agree on rules of game. Present system has failed Pak, we need to look up for fair rules,” tweeted Chaudhry.
We must strive for balance in Civil-Mily relationship,Power must be transferred to people of Pakistan,I call upon political parties and establishment let’s rewrite political framework Let’s agree on rules of Game. Present system has failed Pak we need to look up for fair rules
Chaudhry’s tweet comes after PTI Chairman Imran Khan instigated the public to revolt against ones who are making “threatening calls.”
“Those who call you from unknown numbers and threaten you, you threaten them back. Who ever tries to scare you, scare them back,” said Khan.
“I am asking Pakistanis to break the fear of idols, those threatening you by calling from unknown numbers and frightening you, threat and scare them in return,” said Khan.
He claimed that since ‘Mr X and Mr Y’ have been issuing threats to people, they should be on the receiving end of their own medicine.
“Frighten people by calling them from unknown numbers, and threaten them with inflicting harm,” he stated.
توڑ دو خوف کے یہ بت، جو تمھیں ڈراتا ہے واپس اسے ڈراؤ، یہ ہوتے کون ہیں۔ آپ عوام اس ملک کی قیادت کا فیصلہ کرنے والے ہو۔ چیئرمین عمران خان #ChakwalJalsapic.twitter.com/LDaPH3LK7g
Although the former Prime Minister has stopped short of naming the individuals he alleges are behind removing his government and threatening people, it is widely believed that he is talking about the security establishment of the country. At various times in his interviews and speeches, Imran Khan has referred to “neutrals”, “Mir Jaffar”, “Mir Sadiq”, “Mr. X” and “Mr. Y”.
Data has revealed that 2,211 children were sexually abused in Pakistan in 2022 from January to June. This horrifying number comes to approximately 12 children who are abused each day according to Sahil, an NGO that works against child sexual abuse. At least 1,207 girls and 1,004 boys were reported to be victims of sexual abuse according to the report.
Earlier this week, a 10-year-old boy was allegedly raped by the Imam of a mosque in Lahore. As per media reports, the child had gone to offer Fajr prayers in the mosque where the accused, Abbas, took him to the basement and allegedly raped him. Then there was a case where a 16-year-old girl, a grade 9 student, was working as a translator for a Chinese national on a monthly pay of Rs15,000 since May 2021. She was raped by a man for months, who threatened her with dire consequences if she resisted.
Statistics reveal how bad and ugly it is but what is being done? Answer: nothing. These are just the official numbers or cases that have been reported. There is a growing concern that most cases of rape, sexual abuse, and other such forms of violent abuse against children and young girls are not reported due to societal taboos. Despite laws in place that address these issues, not many victims have found justice. And the way our society reacts to such crimes, by blaming the survivors makes it all the more difficult for people to come forward and report these crimes. With each passing day, a child is raped, a minor girl somewhere in Pakistan is forced to get married, and somewhere someone gets abducted. The silence of the state on matters that need the most attention is rather appalling. For how long will people keep suffering? What are our policymakers doing to make the lives of people in Pakistan better? With all the abuse, harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and rapes being reported, where are we headed as a society? Has humanity died completely? Imagine the pain of the children and the families who have been victims and survivors of these horrific crimes. This needs to stop and the state needs to wake up from its slumber.
For our part, The Current has been following up on rape cases for almost two years since the Motorway rape incident which happened in October 2020. As of yet, a total of 1584 cases have been recorded from what we found in news outlets. The number is likely way more than this since these are only the ones we found in the news.
The state also needs to raise more awareness about such crimes. We need to teach our children from a very young age about these sensitive issues. We cannot hide away from these crimes that take place on a regular basis just because our society casts aspersions. If there is justice for the survivors, then more people will find the courage to report these crimes. We cannot let our children down.
2022’s Emmy Awards, held in Los Angeles, California celebrated the year’s best television shows and performances. Hollywood’s A-listers in slayed in the most stylish formalwear. Sticking to tradition, many stars in attendance adhered to the event’s signature glamorous feel. The designer dresses were heavy on the sequins.
Given the night’s best gowns went all in on sequins and beads, many of the silhouettes were simple and streamlined as a result. Squid Game star Hoyeon Jung’s sequin patchwork, for instance, was done on a no-fuss slip dress; Amanda Seyfried’s lilac sequins came via Armani Privé’s strapless column dress, with a sheer (and barely-there) accent of tulle at the bust. Both allowed for the frocks’ delicious texture to shine. Equally, Lily James’s slinky Versace chainmail dress, and Christina Ricci’s bedazzled Fendi Couture slip dress, were formfitting—and all about accentuating the shape.
It wasn’t all razzle-dazzle, though. A few celebrities opted for more of a pared-back elegance. Zendaya, in custom Valentino, embraced old Hollywood with her strapless, full-skirted gowns. It’s a nod to an archival Valentino design from its fall-winter 1987 collection. The White Lotus’s Alexandra Daddario also stood out in a sheer, one-shoulder tulle gown from Dior Haute Couture, finished with sublime beadwork.
Zendaya
The perennial Best Dressed list resident takes top honors yet again in her elegant strapless black ballgown with bow detail and sparkling Bulgari jewels.
Elle Fanning
Looking like she walked right out of a 1950s issue of Vogue, the star served major pose in a gown created for her by the costume designer Sharon Long.
Jung Ho-yeon
The Squid Game star dons a delicate custom multicolor beaded gown with matching headband, which, like her jewels and accessories, are all Louis Vuitton.
Andrew Garfield
The star (nominated for Under the Banner of Heaven) makes wearing an all-white Zegna ensemble look surprisingly effortless. (He accessories with Zayn x Arnette shades, David Yurman jewels and Christian Louboutin shoes.)
Lizzo
The star ensures you can’t miss her from any angle in her voluminous crimson tulle gown with a long train, plus 40 carats of Lorraine Schwartz diamond earrings.
Christina Ricci
The Yellow Jackets diva impressed in her slinky custom Fendi Couture gown with matching bag.
Mindy Kaling
The presenter looks award-worth in her yellow chiffon gown with plunging neckline, high slit and delicate beadwork.
Amanda Seyfried
The actress (and winner, for The Dropout) raved about her lilac “mermaid” gown by Armani Privé, which was topped by the palest pink tulle ruffle and delicate Cartier gems.
Quinta Brunson
The multi-nominated Abbott Elementary star and creator glows in a caramel-colored gown with fully beaded bodice, high slit and sheer sleeves that she said had “teeny, tiny Jessica Rabbit vibes.”
Lily James
Lily won us in a custom Atelier Versace gown she called “just heaven” on the PEOPLE pre-show, plus De Beers diamonds.
