An incident of a group of women allegedly violating the law and misbehaving with the motorway police near Kallar Kahar has come to light.
A video capturing the confrontation where both sides were accusing each other of wrongdoing has gone viral on social media.
The incident occurred when the motorway police stopped women drivers for overspeeding and dangerous driving. This was recorded by the police officer as evidence.
The woman complained of being robbed of her mobile phone and getting bruises on her hand.
As per The Express Tribune, the disagreement began when the officer started filming the woman without her consent after stopping her for speeding. This action provoked the woman, prompting her to film the officer in return, escalating tensions between the two parties.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Motorway police has initiated legal proceedings against the women involved. Reportedly, they not only disregarded signals to stop but also resorted to verbal abuse and threats against the policeman. The motorway police said that they are pursuing legal action as per established procedures.
A few days ago, a woman tried to run over a patrol officer on the highway. A video of that altercation also went viral.
The Government Postgraduate College in Timergara, Dir, has formally issued a directive telling female students not to “take part in political gatherings, birthday parties and other extra-curricular activities” on the way to the campus and returning home.
The directions issued by the college’s chief proctor, Prof Riaz Mohammad, asked the parents of girl students to stay in contact with the administration to help improve academic standards.
Prof Riaz Mohammad justified the move while talking to Dawn, saying it was in the “best interests” of girl students and in line with local customs. He said several unpleasant incidents were reported in some colleges with co-education, so his college took the initiative to prevent them altogether.
The Avicenna Medical College continues to spiral deeper into controversy with Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) taking notice of the death of a female student, and launching a probe into the matter, reports Dawn.
On the other hand, University of Health Sciences (UHS) has taken up the serious complaints of students about imposition of heavy fines, harassment, torture and physical punishments. It has directed all the affiliated public and private sector medical colleges of Punjab to establish ‘Students Counselling Cells (SCCs)’, to be constituted of senior faculty members, including teachers from the psychiatry departments, besides the students themselves to address the issues of harassment of any kind and other such complaints. It declared the setting up of cells mandatory to prevent incidents like the one that recently surfaced at the Avicenna Medical College in Lahore.
The decision was made in a meeting chaired by UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore, exclusively called after the mysterious death of a girl student, Mahnoor Nadeem, of the Avicenna Medical College, followed by a protest by its students.
The students had alleged that the girl had died due to mental stress she had to suffer in the ‘toxic environment’ created by the college management. They condemned the college’s owner and the faculty for imposing heavy fines, ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs100,000, and strict punishments and humiliation.
“It is our duty to ensure the holistic well-being of our students, particularly in light of the demanding nature of professional education in the medical and dental fields,” reads a letter issued by the Vice Chancellor to all the 12 public and 44 private medical institutes of Punjab. The letter was addressed to the principals of the medical colleges.
“I am writing to emphasize the importance of paying special attention to the psychological well-being of our students. The rigors of professional education can often take a toll on their mental health, and it is imperative that we provide them with the necessary support and guidance to navigate through these challenges successfully,” reads the letter.
The UHS VC urged the principals to consider establishing a dedicated students counselling cell at their institutions.
Answer within 72 hours
Additionally, the Avicenna Medical College has been directed to give its point of view within 72 hours so that responsibility could be ascertained. “The PMDC, as the apex regulatory body for medical and dental education in Pakistan, is deeply saddened by the loss of a promising medical student and extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this unfortunate incident.
“In line with its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and patient care, the PMDC has initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident,” the statement issued by the council stated.
PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj stated, “We are deeply concerned about the circumstances leading to the untimely demise of a medical student and are committed to ensuring that justice is served. The welfare and well-being of students are of paramount importance to us, and any form of misconduct or mistreatment will not be tolerated.”
He also added that Mahnoor’s family will be welcomed to reach the council to file the complaint.
The PMDC will also collaborate with relevant authorities and stakeholders to implement measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
‘Don’t guess the age’ is a new trend seen on Indian Twitter, and it has caught our eye. We sure want to see it in Pakistan.
We despise the very common age-shaming in our desi culture, it is high time that we start embracing that age is just a number. It’s not creases on the face but the coolness of the spirit that matters the most.
It all started with activist Viji Venkatesh posting an uber-cool and stylish picture of hers on X that prompted people to appreciate their own age and the coolness that comes with it.
— Viji Venkatesh وجی وینکٹیش (@vijivenkatesh) April 29, 2024
She captioned it, “Don’t guess the age, I’m 72 and killing it. #nofilterneeded”
Her friends and other X users started posting pictures of themselves. Author Rana Safvi posted a picture with the caption, “Don’t guess the age, I’m 67 and trying to emulate dear Viji as far as the coolness quotient is concerned.” She also stressed it by adding #nofilterneeded
Filmmaker and human rights activist Onir posted a picture of him smiling at an event and reiterated the point of no filter needed with the caption, “Don’t guess the age, I am 55.”
The thread kept on expanding as an academician Latika posted a picture of hers playing basketball with the caption, “Don’t guess the age, I am 53 and some more.”
Climate activist Natasha Ramaratham embraced the #nofilterneeded trend by posting a picture of her carrying a poster and telling the world that she is 52.
AI product designer Subbakrishna Rao joined the trend, posted a picture of him receiving an award and smiling ear-to-ear. His caption was “53 and rocking it”.
Sandeep Roy posted a picture of him holding the camera and quipped in the caption, “Don’t guess the age, but 56 in a few months. Mom would have sworn it was “Bao ki teo” (old bong joke)”.
Humans grow, evolve, change and this should be considered an absolutely normal thing. While physicality isn’t in anyone’s control the spirit is very instinctual. We hope to see people embracing this in our own society.
Pakistan is about to send a satellite mission to the moon with help from China.
Talking to Geo News, Dr. Khurram Khurshid, a member of the Core Committee of the Institute of Space Technology, said that Pakistan’s first satellite mission will be sent to the moon on May 3 at 12:50 pm from China’s Hainan Space Launch Site. The launch of satellite ICUBE-Q will be telecast live on the website.
Institute of Space Technology (IST) has said that satellite ICUBE-Q has been designed and developed by IST in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University and Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO.
ICUBE-Q orbiter carries two optical cameras to image the lunar surface. Following successful qualification and testing, ICUBE-Q has now been integrated with the Chang’e6 mission. Chang’e6 is the sixth in a series of China’s lunar exploration missions.
The launch activity will be telecast live on the IST website and social media platforms, informs The Express Tribune.
Chang’6 will touch down on the moon’s far side to collect samples from the surface and return to Earth for research. The mission holds significance for Pakistan as it will also take a Pakistan CubeSat Satellite iCube-Q, developed by IST.
CubeSats are miniature satellites typically characterised by their small size and standardised design. They are constructed in a cubic shape, consisting of modular components that adhere to specific size constraints.
The primary purpose of cubesats is to facilitate scientific research, technology development, and educational initiatives in space exploration.
These satellites are utilised for a wide range of missions, including Earth observations, remote sensing, atmospheric research, communications, astronomy, and technology demonstration.
Due to their compact size and relatively low cost compared to traditional satellites, CubeSats offer opportunities for universities, research institutions, and commercial entities to participate in space missions and gather valuable data for scientific advancement.
AstraZeneca has admitted in court that its vaccine can cause rare side effects, including blood clots and low platelet count.
The vaccine, which was developed with the University of Oxford, was sued over claims that it caused death and serious injury in dozens of cases.
The lawsuit was spearheaded by Jamie Scott, whose life took a tragic turn after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in April 2021. Scott suffered a permanent brain injury, prompting legal action against this pharmaceutical giant.
“We need an apology, fair compensation for our family and other families who have been affected. We have the truth on our side, and we are not going to give up” said Kate Scott, the wife of the victim.
In total, 51 cases have now been lodged in Britain and victims and relatives are seeking damages worth £100 million.
BOMBSHELL NEWS
AstraZeneca just ADMITTED IN COURT that their covid injection can cause a severe blood clot side effect.
This is absolutely huge news.
They are now being sued in a class action lawsuit from victims that have suffered after being lied to by the “experts” about… pic.twitter.com/4CcISuihLA
“It is admitted that the AZ vaccine can, in very rare cases, cause TTS (Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome). The causal mechanism is not known,” the company said in court documents, quotes Dawn.
While the company has contested the claims of Scott, the court submission marks the first time it has admitted that the vaccine can cause side-effects that are characterised by blood clots and a low blood platelet count in humans.
“Further, TTS can also occur in the absence of the AZ vaccine (or any vaccine). Causation in any individual case will be a matter for expert evidence,” the admission in court added.
The UK government has indemnified AstraZeneca against any legal action but has so far refused to intervene.
According to the Council for International Organisations of Medical Sciences, “very rare” side effects are those reported in less than 1 in 10,000 cases.
AstraZeneca vaccine was developed by the British-Swedish company in collaboration with Oxford University, and produced by the Serum Institute of India. It was widely administered in over 150 countries.
Some studies conducted during the pandemic found the vaccine was 60 to 80 per cent effective in protecting against the covid-19.
The controversy of Avicenna Medical College where the students had levelled serious allegations against the chairman and college administration has taken a turn as the Principal cum Chairman Abdul Waheed Sheikh has agreed to the demands of the students.
Background
The matter of the medical college being a torture cell has been in the news ever since 2018 when The Express Tribune reported a viral video of a man destroying the cell phones of the students and the college turning into a prison for the young learners. As recently as two days ago (April 28), following the news of a student Mahnoor Nadeem allegedly committing suicide because of the strict policies of the college while it was claimed she died of a heart attack, the matter was all over social media. Netizens expressed concerns over the claims of torture, heavy fines, and verbal abuse and so it got the momentum.
Yesterday (Monday) students and parents launched a protest against the torturous policies of the college and as it got media attention, chairman Sheikh came out to address the protesting students who kept on chanting, “We want Justice”.
He assured them of compensation for the grievances of the past. He started off by saying that “I will be more sympathetic in the future”. Moreover, he said, “Mein apki har bat sunon ga, taqreeban manon ga” which can be translated as, “I will listen to you and will almost accept everything as well.” Later, while addressing the crowd, Sheikh announced that the “pink list” policy of punishing students will be terminated. Additionally, there shall be no fines in the future and the policy of issuing a leave will be in accordance with the monitoring body of UHS (University of Health Sciences). He promised the students that no action would be taken against those who are protesting.
In a video released by students on YouTube channel Digital Diary 7127, it can be seen how the fine policy and the clause of action against the students was deliberated with the Chairman and then he finally agrees to it.
Professor M.N Tabassum, who was allegedly fired from King Edward Medical University on allegations of sexual harassment, will not be involved in any sort of teaching and academic activities along with the discipline committee.
The Current got a hold of the exclusive footage of the Chairman talking to the media where the reporter asks him about being known for using abusive language with female students, but he denies it altogether. When he is asked about physical torture and viral videos he said, “It used to happen in the past, probably before 2015 but it does not happen anymore.” The students behind the camera can be heard saying, “Woh mukar gaya hai” meaning “He has backtracked.”
Response of the students
The same student who shared the video with The Current on the condition of confidentiality explained how fellow students are reacting to it. Do you think the matter is resolved now, The Current asked. “For now, yes, but in the long run, I don’t know. Because the thing that has been going on for so long and on such big scale… it can’t be resolved just like this.”
“According to many students we might have gotten this off our backs but we will still face the consequences,” the student expressed concern.
She also alleged how the administration is making crores of rupees with fines and exempting them will be a huge loss for them which is highly unlikely for them to let go of.
Social media reactions
Netizens reacted to the video in which the Chairman is pledging to address the students’ demand. Hmad Nawaz wrote, “Concern after being exposed is always hollow.” She urged the people in authority who can even remotely help with “the cause to initiate a governmental inquiry into Avicenna Medical College’s torture story.”
Meet Abdul Waheed Sheikh, an Ex-Army man, now running a prison called Avicenna Medical College who came up with grotesque punishment concepts like “pink-lists”, shaving heads, cutting clothes, protecting sexual harassers. Concern after being exposed is always hollow. pic.twitter.com/72TPQrbxR1
As the whole protest ended with the students praying for the dead student, Mahnoor Nadeem, Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan on Twitter asked for the end of the mistreatment of the students by the college and “hold perpetrators responsible” before moving forward.
Asma Jahangir Conference that was held in Lahore over the weekend was disrupted by protests of pro-Palestine students during the German Ambassador’s speech. The Ambassador was there to speak about civil rights. He was interrupted by students calling him out for his country being complicit in the genocide by Israel in the Gaza Strip. To this, the ambassador responded, ‘If you want to shout, go out!’”. The students were reportedly expelled from the event.
Founder of Digital Rights Foundation Nighat Dad spoke at the conference and condemned the act of expelling students as she said, “What happened yesterday should not be taken lightly, as this sets a very wrong example”.
Ikram Ullah Maseed criticised the organizers of the conference by saying, “Shameful betrayal of Asma Jahangir’s legacy. If radical voices aren’t welcome, why hold the conference?”
Organizers of #AJCF assaulted @PSCLahore comrades for protesting against the inclusion of a genocide sympathizer and exclusion of vocal voices from the Peripheries. Shameful betrayal of Asma Jahangir’s legacy. If radical voices aren’t welcome, why hold the conference? pic.twitter.com/ixJv1FnnNV
Senator Allama Raja Nasir called out the organizers of the conference for blatantly banning the voices of dissent. “Germany’s systematic suppression of pro-Palestinian voices, including the banning of prominent speakers like former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, exposes a shameful bias and undermines the very foundations of democratic discourse.”
The German ambassador Alfred Grannas and Asma Jahangir conference organizers’ brazen attempt to silence protesters and shut down dissenting voices is outrageous and deeply alarming. Their actions – shouting down students and forcibly removing them – constitute a blatant assault… pic.twitter.com/YKEs2NBHvU
— Senator Allama Raja Nasir (@AllamaRajaNasir) April 27, 2024
Journalist Arafat Mazhar who was one of the first to share the videos of the German Ambassador shutting down the protestors recently tweeted that, “Twitter has completely banned me from retweet or comments of on the video of German ambassador shouting at civil rights activist at the asma jahangir human rights conference”
Twitter has completely banned me from retweet or comments of on the video of german ambassador shouting at civil rights activist at the asma jahangir human rights conference pic.twitter.com/3osnCAhipE
The protesting students, who belonged to Progressive Students’ Collective, released a statement calling out the German Ambassasor for speaking about human rights while the German government is supporting Israel in its aggression and genocide in Gaza.
A detailed video statement by Progressive Students’ Collective regarding the protest against German Ambassador at Asma Jahangir Conference Lahore.
PSC is going to organize Palestine Solidarity Protest against the genocide of Palestinians at the hands of Israel.#AJCONF24pic.twitter.com/T3OXDaIwti
— Progressive Students’ Collective (@PSCollective_) April 27, 2024
In its latest annual report, the Freedom Network states that the shutdown of mobile networks and suspension of the internet during the February 8 general elections was a restriction on access to information and freedom of expression.
The report further highlights that e-safety and personal data protection bills will pose a threat to Pakistan’s digital economy.
If the bills are passed, it will oblige Google, Facebook, X and YouTube to provide Pakistani users’ data upon demand by Pakistani authorities, institutionalizing forced censorship.
Moreover, according to the report, four journalists were killed in Pakistan in 12 months, whereas 104 incidents of harassment of journalists were reported, and more than 70 legal notices were sent to more than 200 journalists and bloggers.
Unknown persons entered a mosque and allegedly tortured and killed the imam in Ajmer, India.
The 30-year-old imam of the mosque, Mohammad Mahir, was allegedly tortured and killed by three masked men, according to Indian media.
Police say that the killing took place on Saturday morning when the Imam was present in the mosque along with a few students. The suspects allegedly entered the mosque and assaulted the imam with sticks and then fled, as per the local police.
The imam succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The reasons for the murder have not yet been revealed. However, suspects are being identified with the help of the CCTV camera footage of the area.
A case has been registered under Section 302 of the incident. “This is a case of senseless violence, and we are utilising all available technical and investigative resources to identify the perpetrators,” said Ajmer SP Devendra Kumar Bishnoi.
