Category: Uncategorized

  • Imran Khan suspends Jail Bharo Tehreek, decides to prepare for elections

    Imran Khan suspends Jail Bharo Tehreek, decides to prepare for elections

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has announced to suspend his party’s Jail Bharo Tehreek (Voluntary Arrest Movement).

    Taking to Twitter, Khan said, “We welcome the Supreme Court (SC) judgement. It was responsibility of SC to uphold Constitution & they have valiantly done that through their judgement today. It is an assertion of Rule of Law in Pak.”

    “We are suspending our Jail Bharo movement & moving forward with election campaigns in KP & Punjab,” tweeted Khan.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the announcement comes right after Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed all relevant authorities to hold elections in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) within 90 days.

    Reading out the verdict reserved on Tuesday evening, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should suggest a date for polls to President Arif Alvi.

    “Elections must be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the assembly,” the verdict says, emphasizing that it was the constitutional responsibility of the Governor to announce an election date.

  • Supreme Court orders to hold polls within 90 days both in Punjab and KP

    Supreme Court orders to hold polls within 90 days both in Punjab and KP

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan has on Wednesday directed all relevant authorities to hold elections in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) within 90 days.

    The decision was passed three-two in favour of the verdict by the five-member bench, with Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail giving dissenting notes.

    Reading out the verdict reserved on Tuesday evening, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should suggest a date for polls to President Arif Alvi.

    “Elections must be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the assembly,” the verdict says, emphasizing that it was the constitutional responsibility of the Governor to announce an election date.

    “Parliamentary democracy is a salient feature of the Constitution. There can be no parliamentary democracy without Parliament or the provincial assemblies. And there can be neither Parliament nor provincial assemblies without the holding of general elections as envisaged, required and mandated by and under the Constitution and in accordance therewith,” the top court remarked.

    The court order stated, “In situations where the assembly is not dissolved by order of the governor, the constitutional responsibility of appointing a date for the general election that must follow is to be discharged by the president.”

    “The Election Commission must proactively be available to the president or the governor, and be prepared for such consultation as required for a date for the holding of general elections,” the order said.

    The court directed President Arif Alvi to announce the date of the Punjab election after consulting with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), and directed the KP governor to announce the date for polls in his province.

    It further said that in ordinary circumstances, the general election in Punjab ought to be held on April 9 — the date given by the president — but because there were delays in the announcement of the poll date, it might not be possible for the province to meet the 90-day deadline.

    “The Election Commission is therefore directed to use its utmost efforts to immediately propose, keeping in mind ss. 57 and 58 of the 2017 Act, date to the president that is compliant with the deadline. After consultation with the ECP, the President shall announce a date for holding the general election to the Punjab Assembly.”

    Meanwhile, the SC directed the KP governor to appoint a date for elections in the province after consulting the ECP.

  • Supreme Court to announce verdict tomorrow at 11am in elections suo motu case

    A five-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) has reserved its verdict and said that it would announce the verdict in the elections suo motu case tomorrow (Wednesday) at 11am.

    The hearing of the case has been completed.

    Last Wednesday, the top court took suo motu notice of the delay in holding elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    SC orders PTI and govt to consult on elections dates themselves and inform court

    Earlier, the apex court directed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the coalition government to sit together and decide on a date for elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab by 4pm today (Tuesday).

    In this regard, the top court directed Shireen Mazari and Fawad Chaudhry to consult with their party chairman, Imran Khan—who has been making appearances before various courts since Tuesday afternoon— and coalition partners’ lawyers to consult with their leaders and update the court.

    The instructions were issued after a five-member bench resumed hearing the apex court’s suo motu proceedings regarding the delay in the provincial polls.

    During the hearing on Tuesday, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial stated that none of the institutions, other than the court, had the authority to extend elections further than 90 days.

    The CJP also said that the court wanted to wrap up the proceedings today. “Our entire work is on halt because of this case,” he added and adjourned the hearing.

    The hearing has resumed again.

    Bench toot gaya: Five judges resume SC hearing after four recuse themselves from suo motu

    On February 27, SC resumed the hearing regarding election date suo motu notice.

    The bench, which previously included nine SC judges, has been reconstituted to a five-member bench after four judges disassociated themselves. Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Yahya Afridi recused themselves from hearing the case.

    A five-member bench has now started listening to the hearing of the case. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has said that the case has to be wrapped up by 9:30 tomorrow.

    At the previous hearing, the coalition parties — Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Jamat-e-Ulema Islami-Fazl (JUI-F) — had presented a note in the apex court asking two SC judges, Justice Ahsan and Justice Naqvi, to recuse themselves from the case.

    CJP Bandial said that four members of the bench have disassociated themselves from the bench. “The remaining bench, however, will continue hearing the case.

    “We will continue the hearing for the interpretation of the Constitution because what the Constitution says depends on its interpretation,” he stated.

    CJP Bandial also pointed out that the note of one of Justice Mandokhail had emerged on social media even before the verdict was released. “We will take precautions so that such an incident does not recur in the future.”

    The CJP also addressed the issue of Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail’s objection note being leaked on social media, assuring that measures would be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

    He remarked that whatever written in the Constitution was conditional on the interpretation of it, noting that the case was critical and warranted swiftness.

    Starting out his arguments, PTI’s counsel Barrister Ali Zafar said that the chief minister of Punjab sent a summary regarding dissolution of assembly to the governor.

    However, he said that the governor did not comply to it following which the assembly automatically dissolved after 48 hours.

    The counsel argued that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had requested the date of polls from the governor, who refused, citing that he was not the one who dissolved the assembly.

    Zafar said that President Arif Alvi summoned chief election commissioner for finalizing the date for polls however he did not show up.

    Following this, the lawyer said that the president unilaterally announced the dates for elections in both provinces.

    He emphasized that the Constitution clearly stipulated that elections could not exceed 90 days after the dissolution of the assembly.

    Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that there was a difference between automatic dissolution of assembly and that performed by the governor.

    Barrister Zafar commented that there was a need for someone to intervene in matters of public interest and therefore, the president announced the date.

    In response, Justice Mandokhail asked whether the president unilaterally announced the election date or if he was instructed by someone else.

    The counsel clarified that the president had provided details regarding the election date in his letter. Additionally, Zafar highlighted that the president had sent two letters to the election commission, with the first one dated February 8 requesting the announcement of the election date.

    He added that the main issue at hand was related to the announcement of the election date, which nobody seemed to be prepared for.

    The chief justice then asked if the ECP had responded to the president’s first letter, to which the counsel replied in the negative.

    During the hearing, PPP’s lawyer Farooq H Naek highlighted that they had filed a petition for the formation of a full court.

    The chief justice responded by stating that they would decide on the matter after hearing the counsel’s arguments.

    Barrister Zafar maintained that the elections could not be delayed for ten years. The court inquired about the progress in KP and asked if the governor could write a letter seeking consultation on the election date citing terrorism.

    The lawyer responded by stating that, according to him, the governor does not possess such authority.

    Justice Mazhar asked if the elections could be delayed due to terrorism, to which Justice Ali remarked that the decision on whether the polls would occur could only be taken when a date was fixed for the electoral exercise.

    Justice Mazhar then stated that the entire month was wasted on consultations.

    Justice Mandokhail inquired if the law and order situation could hamper the organization of the election, to which the CJP responded by reminding everyone that the assemblies in 2013 and 2018 completed their five-year terms.

    The DG Law added that the president could only fix the date for the polls once the assemblies completed their term.

    Justice Munib Akhtar remarked that the advice of the chief minister was implemented in KP but not in Punjab.

    The CJP stated that holding elections was the ECP’s job, while Barrister Zafar pointed out that Articles 218, 219, and 222 of the Constitution declared the election commission responsible for holding elections.

    Justice Mandokhail asked who was responsible for announcing the election date, to which Barrister Zafar said that the same question was before the court.

    He went on to say that the ECP gets the right to announce the date if Articles 218 and 219 were read jointly.

    The hearing was adjourned for a short break and set to resume at 4pm.

  • Quaid-i-Azam University closed for indefinite period

    Quaid-i-Azam University closed for indefinite period

    The Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Islamabad campus has been shut down indefinitely following a violent altercation between two student groups on Monday.

    According to reports, several students were injured in the fight. Gehram, Danish, Wasim Shahzeb, Murad, Yahya, Mubarik, Faisal, Qasim, Mahmood, Farooq, Kamran,

    Jehanzeb, and Zikria are among the injured students. To control the situation, authorities had to send out sizable contingents of FC and police.
    Boys and girls staying in hostels have been directed to leave the buildings.

    https://twitter.com/rajaqaiserahmed/status/1630207459703898113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1630207459703898113%7Ctwgr%5E1f4cc3710eba38d995d30202cdebaa1b6f4b3d36%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.samaaenglish.tv%2Fnews%2F40028385

  • While Twitter praises Sar-e-Rah for encouraging empathy, Maria B claims it’s actually ‘spreading destruction’

    While Twitter praises Sar-e-Rah for encouraging empathy, Maria B claims it’s actually ‘spreading destruction’

    Sar-e-Rah dropped its most anticipated episode this Saturday which 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 step-mother and brother a because of the fact that he is an intersex man, who is regularly pushed away from spending time with them. 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 is gaining praises on Twitter, the father and Sarim are sitting near a beach 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.
    Prominent transgender activist Mehrub Moiz Awan praised this scene for its ‘beautiful message’.

    ‘What a beautiful message! Who wrote this scene?’ she wrote.

    Actress Iffat Omar also sent praises to this scene

    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. They lauded the show for handling a tabooed in a delicate manner, and showing how important it is for parent’s to empathize with and support their children.

    “The relationship between Sarang & his father is beautiful in #SarERah this week. This father is honest with his son, loves & supports him – what every child needs, but particularly those struggling against society. Nabeel Zafar & Muneeb Butt are brilliant,” one user wrote.

    Another user praised how the show was uplifting the minorities that it depicted on screen:

    “Best thing about #SareRah is that its not depressing. There is always hope and light at the end and thats what makes it special.”

    In a time when censorship overrules freedom of thought, and many drama creators refuse to engage with the audience they are creating stories for, this user praised Sar-e-Rah for taking a bold step in crafting unique stories that tackled social issues in a sensitive but thorough manner.

    “#SareRah @arydigitalasia a breath of fresh air,every minute worth spent. Meticulously crafted stories reflect talent, passion and time spent to study each one. Brought alive by superb acting,a rare positive take on negative social issues,absolutely no loose ends.”

    Unfortunately this message did not resonate with everyone, as harsh critics like fashion designer Maria B once more stepped up to criticize the drama for promoting vulgarity and encouraging the acceptance of the transgender community. On her Instagram stories, the fashion designer said:

    “So this is how you sell your soul…well done Pakistan.

    So this kid is intersex??? And instead of following sharia and getting corrective help to become male or female, his DAD is telling him to be gender fluid!!! Like transgenders.

    Now will you wake up Pakistan??

    Is the agenda still not clear? Lannat on all the people who sold their souls and will contribute to the destruction of our kids.”

  • Govts spent Rs65m on foreign tours in one year, Rs57m on vehicles

    Govts spent Rs65m on foreign tours in one year, Rs57m on vehicles

    The National Assembly (NA) was informed on Monday that an amount of Rs65.21 million (Rs6,521,1504) was spent on the foreign visits of federal ministers, state ministers, and advisors and special assistants to the PM from January 1, 2022 to December 2022. 

    In response to a question asked by Ghous Bux Mahar of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), the lower house was informed about the amount spent on the foreign visits.

    According to the report published in The News, “The list presented by the Cabinet Division, Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Abdul Qadir Patel tops the list with expenditure of Rs10.42 million (Rs10,420,163) incurred on his foreign visits, while Rs3.78 million was spent on Minister for Board of Investment Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Rs4.91 million (Rs49,14,459) on the foreign visits of Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman, Rs1.84 million (Rs1,846,632) on the foreign visits of Minister for Communication Maulana Asad Mehmood, Rs5.89 million (Rs5,893. 142) on the foreign visits of Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, Rs9.35 lakh on the foreign visits of ex-minister for defense production Zubaida Jalal, Rs2.5 million (Rs2,586,321) on the foreign visits of Minister for Defense Production Israr Tareen, Rs3.167 million (Rs3,167,951) on the foreign visits of Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Rs2.60 million (Rs2,604,456) on the foreign visits of Khurram Dastgir, Rs3.5 million (Rs3,500,222) on the foreign visits of Minister of State for Energy (Petroleum Division) Dr Musadik Malik, Rs1.5 million (Rs1,529,964) on the foreign visits of ex-minister for economic affairs Omar Ayub Khan, Rs9.12 lakh on the foreign visits of ex-minister for federal education and professional training Shafqat Mehmood, Rs178,401 on the foreign visits of federal minister for federal education and professional training Rana Tanveer Hussain, Rs912,239 on the foreign visits of ex-finance minister senator Shaukat Tarin, Rs4.59 million (Rs4,569, 160) on the foreign visits of ex-finance minister Miftah Ismael, Rs2.45 million (Rs2,451,289) on the foreign visits of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Rs4.096 million (Rs4,096, 290) on the foreign visits of Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus, Rs1.54 million (Rs1,541.475) on the foreign visits of Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Ehsan-ur-Rehman Mazari, Rs619,157 on the foreign visits of Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Rs1.8 million (Rs1.849,433) on the foreign visits of Minister for Information Technology Syed Aminul Haq, Rs818,646 on the foreign visits of Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Rs805,954 on the foreign visits of Minister for Maritimes Affairs Senator Faisal Sabzwari, Rs3.117 million (Rs3,117,488) on the foreign visits of Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Sajid Hussain Turi, Rs1.58 million (Rs1,587,652) on the foreign visits of Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Justice Shazia Marri and Rs791,256 on the foreign visits of Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Mufti Abdul Shakoor.”

    “Similarly, Rs39,850 was spent on the visits of ex-advisor to the PM on national security Moeed Yousaf to Kabul and Rs19,296 on China visit. Ex-Advisor to the PM on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood spent Rs466.285 and Rs481,854 on visits to Dubai.”

    “An amount of Rs328,332 was spent on the foreign visits of ex-SAPM on social protection and poverty alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar to Dubai, Rs195,309 on the foreign visit of ex-SAPM on climate change Malik Amin Aslam to Saudi Arabia, Rs457,383 on the foreign visit of ex-SAPM on tourism coordination Azam Jamil to Dubai and Rs1,437,139 on the visit of SAPM on poverty alleviation Faisal Karim Kundi to Egypt and Rs1,333,960 on visit to Istanbul.”

    “It was informed that Rs57.36 million (Rs573,260,000) had been spent on the purchase of eight new vehicles for the protocol squad of foreign guests.”

    “In a written reply to a question by Sikandar Ali Rahoupoto, the National Assembly was informed that the vehicles include one 29 seater Toyota VIP Coaster (Model 2022) costing Rs17,154,000, 14 seater Toyota high roof van (Model 2022) costing Rs10,772,000 and six 1800cc Toyota Corolla Cars (Model 2022) coting Rs29,400,000.”

  • Justice first, then elections; Maryam Nawaz wants ‘balanced scale’ before polls

    Justice first, then elections; Maryam Nawaz wants ‘balanced scale’ before polls

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Monday once again criticised the judiciary, stating that there justice has to be delivered first, and then elections will be held.

    Addressing a workers’ convention in Sahiwal, Maryam Nawaz demanded redressal of “injustice” against the party’s supremo, Nawaz Sharif. She said that first the accusations of “Sicilian mafia” and “Godfather” will have to be withdrawn and then elections will be held.

     “The scales of justice must be balanced,” she said, before unleashing a furious verbal attack on former Chief Justices Saqib Nisar and Asif Saeed Khosa. She emphasised that polls would be conducted in the country when the vote is given respect.

    Talking about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, Maryam said, “Elections will be held after Imran Khan will be measured on the same standards of justice set for Nawaz Sharif.”

    The PML-N senior vice president said Khan has been kept around to damage Pakistan, adding that he must be brought to justice.

    Maryam claimed Khan was running away from courts, making excuses about his plastered leg every time he was summoned.

    Khan is still being saved by the “remnants” of former spy chief Lieutenant General (retired) Faiz Hameed in the judiciary, she alleged.

    She then sought answers from the judges on the “Panama bench”, pointing the finger for its creation at ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed.

    “Why was Pakistan’s development put at stake?” she asked.

    She also blamed the “Panama bench” and its creators for inflation, and the country’s dependence on the IMF. She remarked that former prime minister Imran Khan’s alleged facilitators knew he was incompetent, incapable and damaging for the country. “They imposed him and destroyed Pakistan in Nawaz Sharif’s hatred,” she told the crowd.

  • Kaifi Khalil thanks fans for their support as ‘Kahani Suno 2.0’ bags spot in YouTube top 10 global videos

    Pakistani singer Kaifi Khalil has thanked his fans for their support and love after his hit single ‘Kahani Suno 2.0’ became one of the Top 10 most watched global music videos. The ‘Kana Yaari’ star wrote in a tweet on Sunday,

    “Thank you Allah Taala & Thank you so much all for your pure love and support lots of love and prayers for my all fans main humesha shukr guzaar rahunga or humesha koshish karunga ap sub k liye k humesha liktha rahun jo main mehsos karta hon ap sub k liye Love you all my broken homies ”

    Music producer Xulfi, who had produced Khalil’s Coke Studio hit ‘Kana Yaari’, also congratulated the singer, praising him for making the hit song on his own without any music label’s help.

    “Kahani Suno 2.0 reaches the Global Top Ten! Wah! What a news for all of us!

    This is probably one of the biggest achievements for a song and artist on the global stage in recent times for Pakistan. Kahani Suno 2.0 by Kaifi Khalil right now sits at no.8 on the @youtube Global Music Video Charts. The first song in Pakistan to ever do that. Others in the top include Rema and Selena with Calm Down, Shakira and Miley Cyrus and also a recent Latin hit Que Vuelvas. Also, there are Blackpink, Rihanna, Ozuna, Arijit outside the top ten. Just look at the company Kaifi is with in the charts!

    This is a humble guy from Lyari making music for the love of it. Expressing for the love of it. Expressing authentically without any layers. Sitting in his small studio space, creating while learning the ins and outs of music production and recording.. collaborating with others from Lyari only for audio engineering as well. And just like that, he brewed Kahani Suno. An independent artist releasing a song independently without any labels. What’s a more heartwarming and amazing belief story in recent times. I can’t think of one.

    I want to tell all of you that this is possible for all the artists. We have seen Pakistani music, with and without platforms, reaching global charts now in the recent past. The gate is open. The world is listening. The world wants to know our stories. Our unique stories with our unique narratives, textures, ideas and melodies. Just one thought – just try baking all of this in humility. It will have the universe’s blessing then.

    @kaifikhalilmusic – MashAllah. Jeete raho and aisay hee sacchay expressionist raho. Saari Dunya mein perform karte raho aur hamesha seekhte raho. Ye sub bhee ek aur shuruaat hee hai apke liye ✨♥️”

  • Sukkur has largest number of BTS ARMY, says Spotify

    Sukkur has largest number of BTS ARMY, says Spotify

    If you’re planning your next BTS streaming party, then Spotify’s latest report will definitely make you excited because they have revealed which regions will you find the most hardcore fans of the popular Kpop band.

    According to Dawn, Spotify Pakistan’s region-based breakdown has revealed that Sukkur is the place where BTS has the most fans. Three BTS songs ‘Yet To Come’, ‘Dreamers’ and ‘Dynamite’ are among the top five favorite tracks.
    Among major cities like Karachi, Peshawar and Lahore, Spotify reported that local musicians are currently holding the top spots which included ‘Pasoori’ by Ali Sethi and Shae Gill, ‘Iraaday’ by Abdul Hannan, ‘Bikhra’ and King’s ‘Tu Ake Dekhlay’.

    Spotify also revealed that currently the top trending artists in Pakistan include Atif Aslam, Young Stunners, Asim Azhar and Hasan Raheem. While several artists from across the border have also bagged spots like Arijit Singh, Pritam and AP Dhillon.

  • ‘It was misunderstood’: Ranbir Kapoor clarifies statement about Pakistani filmmakers after backlash

    ‘It was misunderstood’: Ranbir Kapoor clarifies statement about Pakistani filmmakers after backlash

    Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has addressed backlash from Indian fans after he was called ‘unpatriotic’ for saying that he would love to work with Pakistani actors, and that art has no boundaries.
    The incident took place last year at the Red Sea International Festival as shown by Diva Pakistan.

    The Indian Express reports that the ‘Tamasha’ actor addressed the controversy while at a promotion event for his upcoming film ‘Tu Jhooti Mein Makkar’ where he said: I think my statement was misconstrued. I had gone to a film festival and there were a lot of Pakistani filmmakers asking me this question, ‘If you’ve got a good subject would you do it?’ So, I didn’t want it to be controversial in any way.’
    Furthermore, Kapoor said he had previously worked with Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan and didn’t think that art should have any boundaries:
    I don’t think it was such a big controversy. But, for me, films are films, art is art. I have worked with Fawad (Khan) in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. I have known a lot of artists from Pakistan. Rahat (Fateh Ali Khan) and Atif Aslam are such great singers who used to contribute to Hindi cinema. So, cinema is cinema. I don’t think cinema sees boundaries.”