Category: Uncategorized

  • LHC acquits couple sentenced to death for blasphemy

    In a landmark judgement, The Lahore High Court has acquitted a Christian couple who was on death row for seven years on the charges of alleged blasphemy.

    “I have to confess that after the justices had given their verdict I wept,” the lawyer of the acquitted couple told Catholic Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

    “There were times when I wondered if, after so long, justice would ever prevail in this case,” he added.

    The couple’s lawyer said that the case against the couple was always weak. “Who is responsible for taking eight years for justice to prevail?”

    The couple was arrested in 2013, under Section 295C on the charge of sending alleged blasphemous text messages.

  • Brothers at odds: Is Nawaz delaying Shehbaz’s trip to London?

    Brothers at odds: Is Nawaz delaying Shehbaz’s trip to London?

    After the Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) exit from the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), questions about the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) policy are being asked. Is the party going to go with the younger Sharif’s policy of reconciliation or the older’s more aggressive stance? After it was apparent that the majority in the party had disregarded Shehbaz’s point of view, questions arose about why Shehbaz was not pushing to go to London and get his name removed from the Exit Control List (ECL).

    Mian Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz’s spokesperson Mohammad Zubair denied that Nawaz had anything to do with Shehbaz’s silence on going to London after Anchor Shahzeb Khanzada asked if the older brother had told Shehbaz not to come to London.

    Khanzada asked Zubair: “Has Nawaz Sharif accepted that resistance is the only way to reconciliation and there is no need for Shehbaz to travel to London or hold his feet and ask him to return for the sake of national interest?”

    Zubair responded that it would be wrong to say that Nawaz and told Shehbaz not to come to London. “The lawyers are reviewing the case of Shehbaz Sharif to remove his name from the Exit Control List (ECL). The matter is being reviewed from both political and legal aspects,” he said, “This has nothing to do with Nawaz Sharif giving a message that you [Shehbaz Sharif] need not come to London.”

    Zubair added that Shehbaz travels to London every year for his medical treatment.

    In May, the Lahore High Court (LHC) granted conditional permission to Shehbaz to travel abroad for medical treatment. When his lawyers appeared in court, no reference of his ailment was mentioned.

    While talking to Kamran Khan on Dunya News, Shehbaz said, “Reconciliation is still possible; it’s never too late. Nawaz Sharif would be more than willing to do this, I guarantee you.” 

    He further added, “I am sure he [Nawaz Sharif] will promote national interest if there is a level playing field. Even if I have to hold his feet for national interest, I will do so because it is my national duty. I am a Pakistani first and then anything else.”

    Some senior analysts suggest that there is no political rift between the Sharif brothers. However, there are serious concerns within the PML-N that the party may face a split in the future due to the differences between Maryam Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif.

    On Saturday, Maryam Nawaz said that “power talks to power”. She said that if there is muzaahmat (resistance), only then will there be mufaahmat (reconciliation).

    Maryam camp believes in taking forward Nawaz Sharif’s narrative while Shehbaz Sharif camp believes in reconciliation and not taking any institution head-on.

  • Mathira, Veena strongly disagree with Malala on her views about marriage

    Pakistan’s Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai has made it to British Vogue‘s July cover. The interview covered her life after academic graduation from Oxford University, her big plans for her future, love and marriage.

    During the interview, Malala raised her concerns about the institution of marriage saying, “I still don’t understand why people have to get married. If you want to have a person in your life, why do you have to sign marriage papers, why can’t it just be a partnership?”

    Veena Malik and Mathira have took to social media to express their opinion on Malala’s comments.

    Mathira shared a news story about Malala’s comments on marriage and wrote, ” If you think having someone as a partner in your life is great then [it is also great] getting your future blessed in a halal way wonderful.”

    In another Instagram story Mathira said, “My vote is for nikkah”.

    “No matter how modern I am, I will always teach my kids to go for nikkah,” she wrote.

    She continued further by stating that despite being divorced she still believes in the institution of marriage.

  • Who will get the Pfizer vaccine in Pakistan?

    Who will get the Pfizer vaccine in Pakistan?

    Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said on Thursday that the government has decided to prioritise giving the Pfizer vaccine to those who have a work visa. The government aims is to inoculate Hajj pilgrims and students proceeding for education abroad first.

    The federal minister said that the government is working hard to accelerate the vaccination process across the country so that restrictions are lifted and businesses are resumed.

    Umar, replying to a question, said that Pakistan had received a limited quantity of Pfizer this month and therefore, preference for its administration had to be given to some segments.

    However, he added, Pakistan would receive more doses of Pfizer in the future.

    The minister further warned that countries not accepting vaccination certificates of Chinese vaccines would turn out to be a problem for the entire world if a decision was not taken on the issue at the global level.

  • FIR filed against Tiger Shroff, Disha Patani for violating COVID-19 SOPs

    FIR filed against Tiger Shroff, Disha Patani for violating COVID-19 SOPs

    Bollywood actors Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani have landed themselves in trouble as Mumbai Police registered an FIR against the two for allegedly violating COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures  (SOPs).

    As per reports, Shroff and Patani were roaming near the Bandra bandstand in the evening after the 2 pm deadline breaking the lockdown rules.

    “The case was registered under section 188 (Disobeying the order of public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). No arrest was made because it is a bailable section,” the police told ANI.

    Read More: Nisha Rawal accuses star husband Karan Mehra of domestic violence

    Amidst the second wave of the pandemic, Maharashtra is one of the worst-hit states in India with a total tally of 5.78 million cases. All essential shops are allowed to operate between 7 am to 2 pm in the area. The state is under lockdown till June 15.

    The country has reported 28,441,986 Covid’19 cases and 338,013 deaths so far.

  • ‘No salaries for non-vaccinated employees,’ Sindh govt

    ‘No salaries for non-vaccinated employees,’ Sindh govt

    Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed authorities to stop the salaries of government employees who are not getting themselves vaccinated against the coronavirus.

    During the Coronavirus Task Force meeting held under the supervision of the chief minister, the coronavirus situation in Sindh was discussed and the overall statistics of vaccination in the province were also reviewed.

    CM Murad said salaries of unvaccinated Sindh government employees should not be released if they did not get the coronavirus vaccination and issued directives to the finance ministry in this regard. 

    According to the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), more than 79.53 million people have been vaccinated across the country so far. The national coronavirus monitoring body has set a target of vaccinating 70 million people in the country this year.

  • PIA announces ‘Sadpara Air Safari’ to boost local tourism

    Pakistan International Airlines is all set to launch the ‘Sadpara Ali Safari’ service to boost local tourism in the country. The service is named after late mountaineer Ali Sadpara. The service is expected to start from June 12.

    As per the details, after the launch of the service, people will be able to book a flight from Islamabad and fly over to K2, Deosai, Nanga Parbat, and other mountains before landing in Skardu. During the flight the captain will enlighten the passengers with live commentary.

    The one way Air Safari service will cost Rs25,000, Express Tribune has reported.

    The return flight will operate as a normal flight carrying other passengers to provide travelling flexibility to their clients.

    Ali Sadpara lost his life earlier this year in February, along with two international mountaineers during their quest to conquer K2 in winter.

  • 7 Celebrity duos oozing BFF goals

    7 Celebrity duos oozing BFF goals

    In an industry with cut-throat competition, and inconsistent friendships, some bonds standout due to their consistency and public display of affection. Here’s a list of BFFs from the local entertainment industry who give us major BFF goals.

    Sajal Aly – Zara Noor Abbas

    Sajal Aly and Zara Noor Abbas became best friends much before Zara became an actress. Their bond started when Sajal shot multiple series in a row with Zara’s mother, Asma Abbas. They are frequently spotted together at various events, capturing their special moments like all best friends. Zara revealed in an interview that Sajal played a pivotal role in her marriage with the actor Asad Siddiqui.

    Read More: Sajal and Ahad’s Dhoop Ki Deewar to premiere this month on ZEE5

    Faysal Quraishi – Aijaz Aslam

    Faysal Quraishi and Aijaz Aslam have been friends since the initial years of their illustrious careers and have always flaunted their camaraderie on chat shows and game shows. The two have collaborated professionally on multiple successful projects, Main Aur Tum, Kis Din Mera Viyah Howay ga, Yariyan and Meri Unsuni Kahani to name a few. Both recieved critical acclaim for convincingly playing two best friends in ARY’s Log Kya Kahenge.

    Maya Ali – Wahaj Ali

    Wahaj Ali and Maya Ali are childhood best friends, the two have been spotted together at different events and ceremonies including her brother’s wedding, where the two posed like true childhood best friends and performed at the chartbuster song, Muqabala.

    Mehwish Hayat – Azfar Rehman

    Mehwish Hayat and Azfar Rehman is another duo that is known for their friendship in the entertainment world. They have worked together on blockbuster projects like Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Wajahat Rauf’s Challawa. Mehwish claimed on Nida Yasir’s show that Azfar is her best friend. Mehwish even pranked Azfar’s mother-in-law on his wedding day and told her that Azfar has cheated on Mehwish, by agreeing to marry her daughter, which everyone believed until Azfar told everyone that Mehwish is just pulling his leg, proving how real their friendship is.

    Sanam Jung – Imran Abbas

    Sanam Jung debuted alongside Imran Abbas in the hit television series, Dil-e-Muztar. They continued their professional association with another successful drama, Alvida, The two gradually turned into really good friends. On HSY’s talk show, Imran mentioned that even while he was in India, shooting for his Bollywood debut, co-starring Bipasha Basu, Sanam used to call him to check on his health. During an Interview with Ahsan Khan, Sanam said that she considers Imran Abbas her true friend in the industry and she wants him to shift to her city, Karachi, from Imran’s hometown, Lahore.

    Ayesha Omar – Maria Wasti

    Maria and Ayesha faced the biggest controversy of their career together when a bunch of private pictures from their vacation in Thailand surfaced on the internet much before the social media’s boom in Pakistan. The criticism that they received for posing in swimwear was panned by the general public and a section of the media. This dynamic duo of best friends appeared on HSY’s chat show, where Ayesha revealed that it made them stronger. Ayesha recently made an appereance on Maria’s game show, ‘Cororon Mein Khel’.

    Saboor Aly – Minal Khan

    For the section of the media which claims that two actresses in the same league can’t be friends, Saboor and Minal prove them wrong. The two are always spotted at each other’s special occasions. Saboor shared on Timeout with Ahsan Khan, that Minal shares all her life secrets with her. Minal also made Saboor meet boyfriend before they officially got engaged. Being a true best friend, Saboor took Minal’s sister, Aiman Khan’s televised advice about her weight in the right spirit.

  • Fayyaz ul Hassan offers to hold a joint press conference with Azma Bokhari

    Fayyaz ul Hassan offers to hold a joint press conference with Azma Bokhari

    Punjab’s Provincial Minister for Prisons Fayyazul Hassan Chohan and Secretary Information Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Azma Bokhari had an interesting exchange outside the Punjab Assembly earlier today.

    Fayyaz Chohan offered to hold a joint press conference in the Punjab Assembly with Azma Bokhari.

    “Azma sahiba can talk openly against our government and then it shall be my turn to comment on her party [PML-N],” said Fayyaz laughingly.

    https://twitter.com/arifawan779/status/1400038584984518667

    Azma Bokhari said she should be allowed to answer him point-by-point. Chohan Fayyaz said it would not be possible.

    On being asked by a reporter as to why the two individuals weren’t ready to do a joint press conference, Azma said, ” He [Fayyaz] should resign from his ministry, and stand beside me and hold a press conference as today’s presser is the Opposition’s.” Azma further added that she would happily welcome him [Fayyaz] and present him with a garland if he resigns and joins the Opposition.

    “I offered her [Azma] to speak first because I personally respect her,” said Fayyaz.

    Fayyaz Chohan later took to Twitter and said, “I offered Azma Bokhari to hold a joint press conference today, I was ready to give her the first turn but Azma did not dare accept.”

    To which Azma tweeted, “I asked you to resign. You are not destined to stand beside me.”

  • ‘You asserted yourself as rightful stakeholders,’ Jibran congratulates students after some exams are cancelled by govt

    ‘You asserted yourself as rightful stakeholders,’ Jibran congratulates students after some exams are cancelled by govt

    After the government announced that only elective exams and math papers would be taken by students, Pakistani Civil Rights Activist and Lawyer, Jibran Nasir, thanked the government for its prudent decision and congratulated students on gaining ‘relaxation from their exams’.

    Prior to the government’s announcement, Jibran strongly defended students against the government’s stance of having physical exams on schedule.

    Federal Minister of Education Shafqat Mahmood said that the issue of resolving complaints of non-completion of courses by the students was discussed in a meeting on Wednesday.

    “Several months ago, we reduced the curriculum by 40 per cent to make it easier for teachers and students to prepare,” said the minister.

    But Jibran stated otherwise. Speaking on a morning show on HUM News, ‘Subah Say Agay’, Jibran said, “The primary issue faced by students is that they were previously examined for a nine-month course, when schools used to conduct exams for four months. At present, each student was offered only two months of classes, and students were asked to come to their respective institutions on alternate days.”

    Jibran further said that the government should take a decision that will allow students to get back to their institutions and complete their curriculum. “This debate is not for the private sector students but for the ones studying in public/government institutions, who do not have the facility or access to the internet,” added Jibran.

    Jibran compared the decision-making of the government by comparing the present conditions of the students of Pakistan to India. “With a much bigger student population, India still managed to develop a local alternative to exams like school assessed grades (SAG) and in Pakistan, we can’t even complete syllabus,” tweeted Jibran.

    Jibran took a jibe at the government and tweeted, “Pak Govt: Our students are lazy, they want a free ride, they don’t want to study.”