Category: Uncategorized

  • Is scrutiny of Hum awards amidst flood crises justified? channel releases statement

    Is scrutiny of Hum awards amidst flood crises justified? channel releases statement

    A-listers of Pakistani entertainment industry are currently in Toronto, Canada for the ceremony of 8th HUM Awards under fire, being held in Toronto on 24th September 2022.

    Senior politician Sharmila Faruqi recently schooled local celebrities (with the noted exception of Hadiqa Kiani) for not doing enough for flood relief.

    In an Instagram post, she shared pictures of several celebrities in Canada for the Hum TV Awards, along with an image of Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie in Pakistan.

    The backlash by prominent personalities started a scrutiny fest for the channel on social media. While sentiments of the local netizens have been hurt, the reaction on social media seems to be strikingly overwhelming.

    For the unversed, the event was planned months in advance, from the venue to the performances and guests, everything was keyfully planned weeks before the event itself.

    Earlier when HUM TV held its award show in 2018, it garnered a similar backlash due to the snubbing of the General elections.

    To be factual, bookings of venues of that scale for events that are high profile cannot simply be postponed or cancelled in a matter of days. Celebrities that are set to perform have contracts in place for set performances which cannot be revoked.

    The show from the get-go was advertised with a disclaimer that HUM will donate a portion of the earnings through ticket sales to the flood victims. HUM has done its part in helping those in need, also hosting a live fundraiser telethon via their foundation ‘HUMdard’ that was held in Karachi in early September. Another such fundraiser event was also held in Canada prior to the Awards which was attended by numerous celebrities. 

    Hum TV even officially addressed the controversy on social media.

    All this backlash led to several celebrities coming to their own and HUM’s defence. We saw the likes of Ahmed Ali Butt who took to Instagram stories, sarcastically mocking those praising Angelina Jolie and calling out our people’s double standards or lack of fact-checking skills by pointing out how a portion of ticket sales will go to relief funds and that the event is not just some lavish party.

    Mahira Khan, Ushna Shah and Haroon Shahid also joined in on this with Haroon taking to Twitter to let people know that they already are and will continue to do their part in raising awareness and doing everything they can to help those in need. 

    We also however saw Azfar Rehman announce via Instagram post that he has chosen to not attend the event, having withdrawn by choice.

    Ushna Shah, who is also in attendance at the fundraiser event in Canada, was seen posting from the event showing millions being raised for the relief funds.

    Despite all of HUM’s efforts, the backlash is still nowhere close to dying down. It’s rather unfortunate that in most such cases of online backlash, audiences are proven to assume the worst without any fact-checking done from their end.

    That’s exactly what we are seeing here, with #BoycottHumTV still being blasted at them under every post and #BoycottHumAwards trending on Twitter. The internet is a cesspool of misinformation and vicious hate cycles and unfortunately, this is just the next one.

    The ceremony will be screened on Hum TV later this year.

  • Malala meets PM Shehbaz, discusses floods, concern about Pakistani Taliban reappearance

    Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. She met with the PM after his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

    During her meeting with the PM she discussed the urgent needs of flood victims in Pakistan.

    “We are calling on the international community to ease debt pressure and provide immediate humanitarian support,” wrote Malala in a tweet while sharing a picture with PM Shehbaz.

    “The floods destroyed tens of thousands of schools, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without education. Humanitarian aid must include funding for emergency schooling, especially for girls,” the tweet added.

    Malala also expressed her concern about “The reappearance of Pakistani Taliban in my hometown of Swat Valley & other parts of KP province.”

    “Finally, I asked the Prime Minister to put more pressure on the Taliban to allow Afghan girls to go to school and women to go to work. Today Afghanistan is the only country where girls are banned from secondary school. Pakistan must stand for women’s rights and girls’ education,” wrote Yousafzai in the concluding tweet.

  • ‘Unless we get substantial relief how can the world expect from us to stand on our own feet? It is simply impossible’: PM Shehbaz

    ‘Unless we get substantial relief how can the world expect from us to stand on our own feet? It is simply impossible’: PM Shehbaz

    In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the damage caused by floods and urged that the world to pay more attention to the crisis.

    The premier said, “What the world has done is commendable but it is far from meeting our needs. We can’t do it alone”. He stressed that flood losses are estimated to be at $30 billion.

    “Unless the world comes up with billions of dollars for relief, rehabilitation, for building resilient infrastructure, things will not come back to normal. And I need to put the economy back on track and put millions of people back in their homes,” he told Bloomberg.

    “Unless we get substantial relief, how can the world expect us to stand on our own feet”, he asked. “It is simply impossible. The world has to stand by us”.

    He reiterated that although Pakistan contributes very little to carbon emission, the country is among the top ten most vulnerable countries to climate change, adding that around 1,500 people had died in the situation.

    Talking about the economic situation of the country, he said that Pakistan recently signed a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under “very tough” conditions, including taxes on petroleum and electricity.

    He went on to say that several world leaders had talked about the devastation in Pakistan.

    Recalling his meetings with the world leaders, he said that he is “very grateful” to United States (US) President Joe Biden for speaking about Pakistan’s plight. He added that Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and France’s Emmanuel Macron had also done the same.

    The premier was of the view that such action from the world shows the intentions and sincerity of global leaders. While saying that, he added that “But I think it should come very fast because time is running out and we are racing against time”.

  • ‘Imran Khan insists that armed forces should bring him back into power’: Bilawal

    ‘Imran Khan insists that armed forces should bring him back into power’: Bilawal

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that former Prime Minister Imran Khan insists that the armed forces should bring him back to power.

    “He [Imran Khan] doesn’t say how dare you remove me through a democratic means. He insists that the army, armed forces and intelligence agency should intervene to bring him back into power,” said Bilawal while speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

    “If they do not, they are in the wrong. For anyone who understands the history of Pakistan and watched our turbulent history, and our struggle for democracy, they will understand how dangerous it is for us,” said the foreign minister.

    https://twitter.com/tayyabbalochpk/status/1573032882272374784?s=20&t=dyU7fSBcsBBikBNy7aH7rg

    It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan’s parliament voted out Imran Khan in a no-confidence motion on April 9, capping a month-long political crisis that gripped the nation of 220 million.

    It is the first time a Pakistani prime minister has ever been ousted by a no-confidence motion put forward by the Opposition.

    Since then, Imran Khan and his party have become more popular but have criticized the security establishment in thinly veiled words, critiquing their “neutrality”.

  • Exclusive: Sharmila Faruqi schools local celebrities for attending award ceremony in Toronto amidst devastating flood crises

    Exclusive: Sharmila Faruqi schools local celebrities for attending award ceremony in Toronto amidst devastating flood crises

    Senior politician Sharmila Faruqi recently schooled local celebrities (with the noted exception of Hadiqa Kiani) for not doing enough for flood relief.

    <p>Photo: Sharmila Faruqi/Instagram</p> <p>” width=”626″ height=”352″/></figure> <p>In an Instagram post, she shared pictures of several celebrities in Canada for the Hum TV Awards juxtaposed with photos of Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie in Pakistan.</p> <blockquote class=

    “Here is Angelina Jolie visiting our worst flood affected district Dadu, spreading love and hope, appealing to the international community to come for our help,” she wrote, sharing pictures of Jolie’s trip to Pakistan during which she has met several people affected by the floods. Jolie is the special envoy for the UN refugee committee, the UNHCR, and served for 11 years as a goodwill ambassador for the committee.

    Angelina Jolie makes surprise visit to flood-hit Pakistan - ABC News

    The PPP leader exclusively discussed the matter with The Current. She stated, “I am not calling out a particular celebrity, I have called out everyone involved in the event, including the organisers, sponsors, channels and defiantly the personalities attending it.”

    PAKISTAN'S BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS SHOW, HUM AWARDS 2022, RETURNS TO CANADA

    She continued, “In times of crises, celebrities around the globe come forward to help the people affected by natural disasters, however not even one celebrity came forward in Pakistan.”

    Although she acknowledged the initiatives and contributions of actress Resham and singer Hadiqa Kiani. Faruqi also cited that global personalities like Angelina Jolie have shown such concern for the Pakistani flood victims, but local celebrities are aloof.

    “Celebrities have a huge following, when they come out for special causes, it helps the cause, the issue, it inspires other people as the masses follow them.”

    “If there’s a dead body in the house (nation), one expresses grief but these celebrities are enjoying in Toronto instead.”

    “For the sake of publicity some celebrities post statements on social media but that doesn’t articulate into practical help.

    She added, “I am not saying to donate everything that you have but at least show concern and help in being the victims’ voice.”

    Apart from Sharmila, former actor Noor Bhukari also expressed her disappointment with local celebrities for snubbing the flood crises in the country.

  • Ayaz Amir’s son murders wife with gym dumbbell, dumps body in bath tub

    Ayaz Amir’s son murders wife with gym dumbbell, dumps body in bath tub

    A harrowing murder took place in Islamabad on Friday morning. Daughter-in-law of senior journalist Ayaz Amir has been murdered in Islamabad. 37-year-old Sara was found murdered at a farm house 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.

    The police have arrested Shah Nawaz and the wife’s body has been sent to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for postmortem.

    As per media reports, Shah Nawaz and Sara got married only three months ago. According to the details, they met on social media. Sara came back from Dubai last night where she worked and resided.

    According to details, Shah Nawaz and Sara got into a fight on Thursday night after which he reportedly murdered her in the morning around 9AM.

    Sara was born in Canada. She was Shah Nawaz’s third wife, the police said, reports ARY.

    As per journalist Nausheen Yusuf, Ayaz Amir’s son allegedly murdered his wife.

    Islamabad Police confirmed that Ayaz Amir’s son has murdered his wife. Senior police officials and forensics teams are investigating the incident.

    Senior Journalist Ayaz Amir has expressed his grief and shock over the murder of his daughter-in-law by his son.

    He said he is speechless about the incident, adding that the murder is really heart-wrenching.

    While answering a question about his son being drunk at the time of the murder, Amir said that he could not answer legal questions.

    The journalist stated that he doesn’t want anyone to experience something like this.

    This is a developing story.

  • ‘Use of teargas shells, rubber bullets will be considered’: Rana Sanaullah ahead of PTI’s long march

    ‘Use of teargas shells, rubber bullets will be considered’: Rana Sanaullah ahead of PTI’s long march

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah talked about the long march call given by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

    The minister said that “it is not possible to talk to a person like Imran Khan, Khan has to prepare but we are fully prepared”, reports Geo Urdu.

    On the question about controlling the participants of the possible PTI sit-in, Sanaullah said that modern methods would be adopted to fire teargas shells and rubber bullets on the protesters and the use of drones would also be considered.

    When asked what if the provincial governments in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) where PTI is in power refused to provide police forces when Islamabad police asked for it. Sanaullah said that the government would take action against them in line with the Constitution.

    Rana also said that the red zone was sealed as a precaution, but warned that when PTI approach Islamabad, the red zone would be sealed again.

    However, Imran Khan warned the minister said that “he should be worried” because the PTI will be marching towards Islamabad with “full preparation” this time.

    “We promise you that you will not be able to hide in Islamabad,” Khan told Sanaullah, adding that he will make a decision on Saturday about giving a call to the public to take to the streets.

    Islamabad asks for more police forces to deal with a possible PTI protest

    Islamabad’s red zone has been sealed with containers and Section 144 has been imposed ahead of a possible Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in the federal capital.

    The city administration reportedly plans to dig trenches and place hundreds of containers at the entrances of Islamabad to prevent PTI supporters from entering the city.

    Moreover, Islamabad police have asked for 30,000 personnel of police, paratroopers, and the Frontier Corps (FC) force from the provinces — 20,000 from Punjab, 4,000 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and 6,000 personnel of the Rangers and the FC force.

    However, the provincial governments of Punjab and KP have not yet decided how to respond to the Islamabad request, reports Geo News.

    According to the Islamabad police, “Some people from Punjab have set out for the federal capital to get their political demands”.

    Entry to D-Chowk has been restricted and barbed wires and shipping containers are placed in the area.

    Earlier, PTI Chairman Imran Khan warned the government to stop the “persecution” of his party workers otherwise he would again march on Islamabad.

    He had directed the party leaders to start preparations for a long march to Islamabad. He also asked party workers to wait for the Islamabad call. The final date is yet to be announced.

    In May, PTI leaders and thousands of supporters reached Islamabad where a six-day deadline was given to the government for announcing elections and dissolving assemblies. That long march ended a day after it started.

  • DSP ko par gaye chor: Rs800,000 cash, two mobile phones snatched at gunpoint

    DSP ko par gaye chor: Rs800,000 cash, two mobile phones snatched at gunpoint

    The sense of fear in the city has grown as a result of a major increase in street crime. On Thursday, a group of armed men held a police officer at gunpoint and stole Rs800,000 cash along with two cell phones.

    Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Saad Jabbar was robbed of Rs800,000 and two cell phones as his car approached his apartment in Shanti Nagar, Dalmia, according to Aziz Bhatti police station.

    According to The News, the robbers were on two motorcycles. When the policeman was returning from a bank, the robbers pursued him.

    The incident was captured on CCTV, which the police have collected and are reviewing.

  • World Bank to provide Pakistan $22.2 million in financial support for flood-affected farmers

    World Bank to provide Pakistan $22.2 million in financial support for flood-affected farmers

    In an attempt to help Pakistan’s flood-affected farmers, the World Bank will provide financial support of $22.2 million.

    A delegation led by the World Bank’s South Asia Regional Director for Sustainable Development, John A Roome, met with the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Tariq Bashir Cheema.

    The discussion at the meeting focused on the farmer community and food security, as well as the rehabilitation and relief operations in the flood-affected areas.

    According to the minister, rain and flooding have wreaked havoc on the agricultural industry and destroyed the farming community. In order to restore normalcy, he claimed that at this crucial moment, all attention is being paid to restoration efforts in the flood-affected districts.

    He mentioned the government’s intention to provide subsidies for fertiliser and seeds to help the impacted farmers. According to the idea, the federal government will cost-share with the provinces to give farmers discounted inputs for the upcoming Rabi season.

    “We plan to provide subsidized wheat and edible oil seeds, and one fertilizer bag per acre to farmers in the calamity-hit areas,” he said.

    Provincial governments and the National Disaster Management Authority will handle the disbursement. He believed that with this support, farmers will be able to stand up again.

    According to John A. Roome, the World Bank would assist Pakistan by funding initiatives aimed at rebuilding the devastated neighbourhood. He consented to assist the World Bank’s Locust Emergency and Food Security (LEAFS) initiative in rehabilitating the farming community in the afflicted districts and locust-stricken regions. He said that the World Bank is assisting the farming community by collaborating with provincial agriculture agencies.

    He stated that he would ask the World Bank Group Board to extend aid to Pakistan as it attempts to recover from the damage brought on by unheard-of floods. The minister also praised the World Bank Group’s support at a time when assistance was most needed for the country.

  • ‘Judges ko chaahiye Imran Khan ko izzat dein’: Fawad Chaudhry

    ‘Judges ko chaahiye Imran Khan ko izzat dein’: Fawad Chaudhry

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry has said that party Chairman Imran Khan is the most popular and respected leader of Pakistan and should be treated with respect.

    While talking about the possible outcomes of the contempt of court proceedings against Imran Khan, Fawad Chaudhry said that the on-going case is between the contemnor and the court and they are not letting Khan speak.

    On being asked if Khan will “unconditionally apologise” today, Chaudhry said, “He can, there is no harm in it.”

    He further said that Khan’s lawyer, Hamid Khan, doesn’t know anything as he is “Ghuggu ghorra” [a person who doesn’t speak]. “I have told Khan saab many times that you yourself should speak [in the court]. Hamid Khan doesn’t know anything,” said Chaudhry.

    “If Allah Almighty gives respect to someone, it becomes obligatory on people to give that person respect as well. Imran Khan is the leader of millions of Pakistanis, so judges must also give him respect,” said Chaudhry.

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) is scheduled to formally indict Khan in a contempt of court case today (Thursday), for his controversial remarks about Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry during a rally in Islamabad on August 20.