Category: Uncategorized

  • ‘Virtual Prison Meetings’ coming to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

    ‘Virtual Prison Meetings’ coming to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

    In a historic move, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has introduced a virtual system in prisons to facilitate inmates’ meetings with their family members.

    It has also unveiled a transformative digital governance initiative, shifting the entire arms licensing system to an online platform.

    The groundbreaking initiative was announced during a comprehensive progress review meeting for the “Khushhal Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa” program, where Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retired) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah presided over the session.

    The meeting brought together key figures, including concerned provincial ministers, the chief secretary, administrative secretaries of relevant departments, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners attending via video link. The primary focus of the meeting was to assess the progress of various initiatives under the “Khushhal Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa” program.

    Significant headway has been made in the digitization process of manual mutations, resulting in a notable decrease from 813 to 386 cases in recent weeks.

    The statement released on X (former Twitter) also added, “The CM emphasized the program’s vital role in public welfare, urging a collective effort for its full implementation. He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach against issues like encroachments, drugs, adulteration, corruption, and illegal activities. Addressing concerns about revenue matters, he directed swift resolution of cases, emphasizing personal responsibility for officers.”

    One of the major highlights of this digital transformation is the transition of the entire arm licensing system to an online platform. This move is expected to streamline and modernize the licensing process, bringing it into the digital era.

    Simultaneously, the innovative approach of virtual systems in prisons to facilitate inmates’ meetings with their family members aims to enhance communication and connection between inmates and their loved ones, contributing to their overall well-being.

  • No ‘bat’ for PTI; ECP takes away party symbol

    No ‘bat’ for PTI; ECP takes away party symbol

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released its verdict in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intra-party elections on Friday, declaring that the party will not be given the cricketing ‘bat’ symbol it has contested previous elections with.

    The verdict comes right after a delegation from PTI said that it had been assured by the ECP of a level playing field after the Supreme Court of Pakistan asked the two to hold a meeting.

    The order stated, “So keeping in view, the clear mandate of Elections Act, 2017 read with PTI constitution 2019, and for reasons mentioned hereinabove, it is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated 23rd November, 2023 and failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019 and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017. Therefore, the certificate dated 4″ December. 2023 and Form-65 filed by the alleged Chairman, is hereby regretted and rejected accordingly. The provisions of Section 215 of the Election Act, 2017 are hereby invoked and PTI is hereby declared ineligible to obtain, the Election Symbol, for which they have applied for.”

    PTI held intra-party polls on December 2, with Barrister Gohar Khan taking the Chairman’s seat after approval from party founder Imran Khan. The results of the polls were contested by founding member Akbar S. Babar, who moved the ECP against what he termed “fraudulent” elections.

    ECP had sought a reply from PTI on the polls violating the party constitution. The party itself meanwhile turned to Peshawar High Court in a bid to defuse what it termed as discrimination by ECP.

  • ‘I will not contest the election, even if Imran Khan asks,’ Aleema Khan

    ‘I will not contest the election, even if Imran Khan asks,’ Aleema Khan

    Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has stated that none of his family members will contest the upcoming general elections slated for February 8 next year.

    During a chat with journalists outside the Islamabad High Court on Thursday, she remarked: “I will not contest the election, even if Imran Khan asks (me), I will not participate in the election.”

    Aleema clarified that neither Khan’s sisters nor his wife will contest. “None of us is contesting elections. We only come for the cases of the PTI founder”.

    She emphasized that treating the PTI founder in the same manner as former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was unwarranted, highlighting the absence of a young generation during Bhutto’s time.

    She alleged that Nawaz Sharif, the leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), had got two umpires, asserting that he was preventing other political players from entering the political arena, stressing that evidence supporting this claim became apparent during the nomination paper submission process, where individuals are allegedly being deprived of their papers.

    She dismissed the cipher case as a mere joke, expressing concern over the rapid pace of the trial and raising the possibility of a death sentence being pronounced by December 30.

    “Our hope for justice is from Allah and justice should also be expected from the Supreme Court, but what is happening is in front of everyone. We are no longer disappointed with the Supreme Court. If you don’t expect anything from the Supreme Court, who will you expect from? If we do not get justice from there, we will definitely get it from Allah,” she remarked.

  • The top five most eligible Pakistani bachelors of 2023

    The top five most eligible Pakistani bachelors of 2023

    It is no secret that Pakistanis are obsessed with shadis. This is reflected everywhere, from television dramas to the daily discourse. The marital status of people in the limelight always attracts more curiosity. Politicians, actors, and sportsmen are the three types of public figures the masses are generally most interested in.

    So, it is impossible that anyone especially a man, a good-looking one, can escape the omnipresent question, “When are you getting married?”. While we are not asking that personal question, we at The Current bringing you our top picks of the most coveted bachelor’s in Pakistan, exceptional men achieving big things in their respective fields-be it acting, singing, sports, or politics.

    It is important to note that we conducted a poll on our social media platforms to incorporate the feedback of our followers.

    1. Babar Azam

    Former Pakistani cricket team’s captain, popularly known as ‘King Babar’, surpasses every other bachelor in the country with an overwhelming majority of the vote.

    The support and the fan base this Lahori cricketer has is unprecedented. Even though he may be enjoying his bachelor life, fans want him to settle down.

    Different names keep getting associated with him one after the other, the latest being Hania Amir. The actress refuted all such claims by saying “Babar bhai hain bro”.

    We really hope that next year the nation gets to see a “national bhabi”.

    1. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

    Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is the second most prized bachelor people want to see get married.

    The former Foreign Minister, son of the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, has been asked about his wedding plans multiple times but it seems like nothing is on the horizon for the 35-year-old politician. However, in an interview with The Current, he mentioned that the prospective bride must get along with his two sisters.

    1. Hasan Raheem

    Peechay Hut fame singer Hasan Raheem is a youth icon.

    He has not just the looks of a rock star but also a professional degree of MBBS, along with a smooth voice. There is a huge number of girls that are smitten. His political correctness has our hearts melted already.

    The singer seems to be eager to get married as well as he expressed in one of the interviews.

    1. Hamza Sohail

    Hamza Sohail has raised the bar high with the uber-romantic Farjad Khan Bahadur in Fairytale.

    A significant number of viewers want this boy-next-door to settle with his on-screen wife Sehar Khan but will settle for him tying the knot with anyone.

    1. Bilal Abbas Khan
      Bilal Abbas made it to the list as recommended by people, for the thirty-year-old actor is the very definition of an old-school hero.

    Two-time winner of the Lux Style Award, he is casting his spell on audiences with the role of Shahmeer Sikander in the drama serial Ishq Murshid. Known for his long-lashed eyes, we hope he someday enchants a girl for good.

    Towards the end, we want to share the results of the poll conducted by The Current where Babar Azam won the poll with a clear majority.

  • ‘Khamosh hojaao,’ Maryam Nawaz gets furious at female PML-N worker

    ‘Khamosh hojaao,’ Maryam Nawaz gets furious at female PML-N worker

    The Parliamentary Board of Muslim League-N is conducting interviews of candidates for the distribution of party tickets.

    More than 400 women gathered at the meeting to give interviews to the Parliamentary Board. Each of the N-League women gave details of the work they had done for the party and the time and hardships they had put in.

    According to We News, Madiha Niazi, a worker from Lahore, got up and said, “I am a common political worker, I am neither someone’s niece nor nephew,” implying that she has no reference. She went on to say that party workers like her are not paid any heed and their sacrifices are ignored conveniently.

    Madiha Niazi complained, “We are not even being listened to fully,” to which Maryam Nawaz angrily said that you should be quiet and sit down, other women have to be heard too.

    Madeeha Niazi replied, “I have not come to sit here, I have come to relate all my sacrifices for the party, if you want to throw me out, throw me out, I will not leave without completing.”

    When Madiha Niazi finished her speech, several other women also started narrating their sacrifices for the party.

    According to PML-N sources, before this fiasco, senior leaders sitting in the parliamentary board praised the work of some women, including Hina Parvez Butt, Saba Sadiq and Uzma Bukhari. A woman who came for the ticket of reserved seat got up, asking, “What are the sacrifices of Hina Parvez Butt for the party? We stood with the party in difficult times, surrounded the courts, remained outside the NAB, raised slogans for the leaders, during this time we were penalized by the then authorities but we stood with the party.”

    She went on to criticise the elitism of the mentioned women “They come wearing branded clothes and good makeup, they have no services to offer.”

    She continued: “We poor workers have been there in front of courts during the trials of party leaders but how many times has Hina been spotted there? We should not be underestimated.” The woman demanded to be given the same status as those who wear branded suits.

    Tehmina Daultana also jumped in and had a heated debate with Maryam Nawaz.

    Maryam asked Tehmina Doultana, a stalwart, “What are your services for the party,” to which an infuriated Tahmina Doultana replied, “What do you want? What should I do at this age, you want me to die?”

    At this point, Nawaz Sharif had to intervene to control the situation, saying, “You women are our strength.” He told the women that the party is moving forward because of them, calling them the party’s pride. “All of us went to assemblies because of you, you are an asset to the party.”

    Hina’s response

    Hina Parvez Butt took to Twitter and refuted that any such conversation never happened at the meeting.

    She stated categorically that none of this happened.

  • ‘I am more experienced than Barrister Gohar,’ Latif Khosa

    ‘I am more experienced than Barrister Gohar,’ Latif Khosa

    In a recent interview on Geo News’ program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath,’ senior vice president of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Latif Khosa, took a swipe at the party’s newly appointed chairman Barrister Gohar.

    Khosa expressed confidence in assuming a leadership role after Imran Khan.

    Directing criticism at Barrister Gohar, Khosa stated that the lawyer lacks the experience that he possesses. He emphasized his role as the senior vice president within PTI, positioning himself as a contender for leadership after Imran Khan.

    During the conversation, Khosa emphasized that, unlike the situation with Nawaz Sharif, the judiciary was not biased in favor of PTI.

    He highlighted the trial without jurisdiction in the Toshakhana case, stating that the punishment given was incorrect and could be rectified through a review order.

    Khosa asserted that the subsequent disqualification of Imran Khan by the Election Commission as a consequence of delaying the sentence was rushed, occurring within three days instead of the stipulated 30 days.

    He further stated that the basic rights of Imran Khan were being apprehended by the courts.

    Khosa mentioned that the situation is leading to uncertainty and keeping PTI out of elections means that the elections are not free and fair.

  • Is Bilawal expected to shake ‘Takht-e-Lahore’?

    Is Bilawal expected to shake ‘Takht-e-Lahore’?

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has decided to challenge the Sharif brothers in Lahore, famously known as Takht-e-Lahore, for a high voltage competition in the metropolitan, Azaz Syed has reported for Geo News on Friday.

    The report states that the PPP chief has decided to contest elections from Lahore’s NA-128 constituency in Lahore, traditionally the stronghold of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), with the party securing a majority of seats from the provincial capital in the last many elections.

    Along with Bilawal, Hafiz Mohiuddin, and party stalwart Misbah-ur-Rehman will file nomination papers for provincial assembly seats in the same constituency, PPP sources told Geo.

    Bilawal is expected to file nomination papers today (Friday) as December 22 is the last date for the submission of nomination papers.
    Although several political parties PML-N have sought an extension on the deadline, no decision has been taken by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) so far.

    PML-N’s Mian Ahmed Subhan will contest elections against the PPP chief in the NA-128 constituency.

    Lawyer Salman Akram Raja from PTI is expected to compete against Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

  • Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi get bail from Supreme Court in cipher case

    Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi get bail from Supreme Court in cipher case

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday approved post-arrest bail for former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case.

    The PTI founder and vice-chairman were indicted in the cipher case by a special court established under the Official Secrets Act 2023 after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared their jail trial null and void.

    During proceedings today, the top court heard the petition against Khan and Qureshi’s October 23 indictment, as reported by Maryam Nawaz on Geo News.

    At the outset of the hearing, Justice Masood remarked that the indictment that was challenged was already nullified by the IHC on November 21.
    As a result, Imran and Qureshi’s Oct 23 indictments in the case also stood null and void, and the trial was conducted again.

    Justice Masood said that the fresh indictment will not be affected by the previous proceedings that were declared invalid by the IHC.

    At this, Khan’s counsel Hamid Khan argued that the trial was taking place on the previous charge sheet.

    Justice Masood said that the petition against the old charge sheet has become infructuous. “If you have an objection to the fresh indictment then challenge it in the high court,” the judge told the lawyer.

    To this, Hamid requested the court to wait for the Islamabad High Court’s decision today against the in-camera trial in the cipher case.

    Khan’s other counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, said that Hamid had made amendments to his petitions, requesting the court to accept it as a fresh one.

    The court then adjourned the hearing on the plea against indictment while the hearing on bail pleas got underway.

  • Water cannons, arrests for Baloch protestors upon reaching Islamabad

    Water cannons, arrests for Baloch protestors upon reaching Islamabad

    An ethnic Baloch activist leader said on Thursday that Islamabad police detained and assaulted several peaceful protesters, demanding the release of all “missing persons” and an end to “extrajudicial killing” in Balochistan under the leadership of activist Dr Mahrang Baloch and Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).

    The march started in Turbat, Balochistan, on December 6 after the alleged extrajudicial killing of 24-year-old Balach Baloch.

    According to BYC, when the march reached the capital, the city administration didn’t allow them to protest in front of the press club. Maharng Baloch said in her live video from the Facebook page of BYC that Islamabad police arrested 300 male protesters, eight women, and 10 children.

    Dr Baloch also wrote on X (previously Twitter) on Thursday morning that police transferred the arrested protesters to various police stations in the city.

    “At this time they are taking women and children to another station. We are unable to connect to our male fellows, we fear that the state will abduct them.”

    Islamabad police also said in a statement that “Legal action will be taken against those blocking the road.”

    In a voice message sent to Arab News, Mahrang Baloch said that dozens of young Baloch men had been forcefully disappeared, and now a new wave of “extrajudicial” killing has started.

  • List of all public holidays in 2024

    List of all public holidays in 2024

    In a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Wednesday, the Government of Pakistan has officially declared the public holidays for the upcoming year 2024.

    The list encompasses a range of festivals and events significant to both Muslims and minorities across the nation.

    The 2024 public holiday calendar features a total of 11 days, each representing a momentous occasion celebrated widely in Pakistan.
    The notification also includes optional holidays for minorities.

    To avail those they will have to take prior permission from the head of their department.