A bride in Mardan has asked her husband to give her Rs 100,000 worth of books as Haq Mehr.
According to details, Naila Shamal Safi is a writer and says that she wanted books to highlight their importance in our daily lives. Naila is a resident of Tangi area of North Safi Charsadda while her husband Dr Sajjad Jwandun is a resident of Bhai Khan area of Mardan. Dr Jwandun has completed his Ph.D in Pashto while Naila is currently pursuing her Ph.D.
Haq Mehr is the obligatory gift or dower given to the wife by the husband at the time of nikkah.
Talking to BBC Urdu, Dr Sajjad said that he was happy to hear about his fiancee’s demand and hopes that this step will pave the way to end the practice of asking a big amount in Haq Mahr.
“In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, boys are often asked for Rs 10 to 20 lacs in Haq Mehr, while different demands are made for dowry,” said Dr Sajjad, adding: “People criticise when the first step is taken against the norm but our work is appreciated by all so far and I think the world has come a long way so we must move forward.”
Naila said that she is now in a relationship with not only her husband but also with the books.
“I have a lot of books in my bedroom and other rooms in my house. We have put some books in the cupboards but many are still in cartons. I will set those up after my wedding rituals,” she shared.
The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) will decide on long march and resignations from assemblies today in a meeting chaired by PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Maulana Fazl, while talking to the media on Monday had said that in his personal opinion, without submitting resignations, the Opposition alliance does not stand to gain much benefit from the long march.
سینیٹ الیکشن میں اداروں کی مداخلت نظر آئی،کل پی ڈی ایم کا سربراہی اجلاس ہوگا، جس میں لانگ مارچ سےمتعلق حتمی حکمت عملی طےکی جائے گی، پارلیمنٹ سے استعفے نہیں دیتے تولانگ مارچ کی زیادہ افادیت نہیں ہوگی۔ pic.twitter.com/My4MxJBVqp
— Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman (@MoulanaOfficial) March 15, 2021
PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz also said that the issue of resignations will be decided in the PDM meeting on Tuesday. She said the PML-N will try to convince those who don’t agree on resignations.
“We have also agreed to their ideas before and they should also help us with the last push to get rid of this government in the larger interest of the nation,” said the PML-N VP.
تکلیف آواز اٹھنے کی نہیں جتنی عوام کے اندر پذیرائی کی ہے.اتنے ظلم اور انتقام کے باوجود عوام نے جس طرح اس آواز میں آواز ملائی ہے یہ بہت حوصلہ افزا بات ہےاسکا مطلب یہ ہے پاکستان اب کسی بہتر مستقبل کیطرف بڑھے گا.@MaryamNSharifpic.twitter.com/7LDrEwlwiq
Pakistan ambassador in Colombo and a United Nations expert have expressed concerns over Sri Lanka’s proposed move to ban the wearing of burqas.
Last week, Sri Lanka announced plans to ban the wearing of burqas and said it would close more than 1,000 Islamic schools known as madrassas, citing national security.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Sri Lanka, Saad Khattak, tweeted the ban would “only serve as injury to the feelings of ordinary Sri Lankan Muslims and Muslims across the globe.”
at international fora, such divisive steps in the name of Security, besides accentuating economic difficulties, will only serve as fillip to further strengthen wider apprehensions about fundamental human rights of minorities in the country.
The United Nations’ special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed, tweeted that the “burqa bans are incompatible with [international] law guarantees of the right to manifest one’s religion or belief & of freedom of expression.”
Burka bans are incompatible with int’l law guarantees of the right to manifest one’s religion or belief & of freedom of expression!
Sri Lanka to ban burkas, shut Islamic schools for ‘national security’ https://t.co/w0dhgtMUc8
On Saturday, Sri Lanka’s minister of public security, Sarath Weerasekara, called the burqa a sign of religious extremism and said it has a direct impact on national security.
Weerasekara signed a paper on Friday seeking Cabinet approval to ban burqas.
The wearing of burqas in Sri Lanka was temporarily banned in 2019 soon after the Easter Sunday bomb attacks on churches and hotels that killed more than 260 people in the Indian Ocean island nation.
Two local Muslim groups that had pledged allegiance to the Daesh group, or Daesh, have been blamed for the attacks at six locations — two Roman Catholic churches, one Protestant church, and three top hotels.
Sri Lanka also plans to ban more than 1,000 religious seminaries, saying they are not registered with the authorities and do not follow the national education policy. The decision to ban burqas and seminaries is the latest move affecting Sri Lanka’s minority Muslims they make up about 9 per cent of the 22 million people in Sri Lanka.
Walk-in vaccination for seniors aged 70 and above will be available in Pakistan from today.
According to the National Command Operation Center (NCOC) registered senior citizens aged 70 and above can get vaccinated from any health centre. However, the walk-in corona vaccination facility will only be available for registered senior citizens.
Punjab Minister for Health Dr Yasmin Rashid has urged all citizens to register themselves before heading to the facility to avoid inconvenience.
People above 60 years are being sent a confirmation message with details after the registration confirmation message. Please wait till you receive it.
Vaccination of people over 60 years and above commenced on March 10. Among those who received their shot isPresident Arif Alviand Samina Peerzada, who also praised the government for the facility.
Meanwhile, 2511, people tested positive in last 24 hours in Pakistan and the positivity rate has jumped to 7.21 %. Whereas, 58 people have lost their lives to the virus.
Amid the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, various corona related restrictions have been re-imposed in different cities of country. The Sindh Government has imposed smart lockdown across the province until April 15 to fight against the third wave. The Punjab Government has also issued a notice and urged people to follow strict SOPs in the province.
Meanwhile, Dr Yasmin has also said that administrative officers and police staff will be vaccinated in the next phase.
Administrative officers and police staff will be vaccinated in the next phase of vaccinations in sha Allah #PunjabCovidVaccinations
Hey, *|MERGE1|*. It’s March 15th. It’s Monday, and our records show that you have been opening our emails most frequently . Is there anything you want us to change or is there any anything we are missing?
Our inbox is always open for your feedback
Today the weather forecast is calling for a great deal of sunshine.
Have a nice day!
Laila-The Current
MORNING MEME
Government offers opposition to hold talks ?
While addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry along with Information Minister Shibli Faraz, offered to hold talks with the Opposition on ‘electoral reforms’.
“We want to make future elections fair and transparent,” said Fawad. He also added that National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser was ready to form committees on the issue while Adviser to the PM, Babar Awan and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan were already working on the matter.
Endangering innocent lives
Aurat March has rattled many a misogynist over the years. Women out on the streets, marching for their rights and raising their voice is somehow considered ‘vulgar’ and ‘obscene’. This year, though, what the anti-women brigade did was unforgivable. By their false and malicious propaganda, they have put the lives of thousands of women at stake.
It is time that we all raise our voice against this dangerous and vicious campaign against Aurat March. Some from media have tendered an apology for sharing the doctored video and deleted their tweets but is a mere apology enough for putting the lives of thousands of women at risk with allegations of a topic as sensitive as blasphemy? These people must be held accountable. The government should not only provide protection to these women but must also take action against all those who took forward the false propaganda against Aurat March.
Minister for religious affairs Noor-ul-Haq Qadri has said that an “investigation” is being conducted in relation to the alleged banners and “blasphemous slogans” chanted at the Aurat March.
Those who “photoshopped” the Aurat March banners would be given “exemplary” punishment, said his statement, referring to the “doctored” social media posts against the Aurat March.
HUM Women Leaders Awards
Our entertainment editor Saman went to attend HUM Women Leaders Awards (HWLA), which took place on March 9 at the President House in Islamabad.
The HWLA, which “aims to recognise and honour the contributions and achievements of iconic women from Pakistan and around the world”, celebrated eleven national and international women icons and one man for their contributions and achievements in the fields of diplomacy, social work, education, healthcare, human rights, journalism and women’s rights.
Read the story to get a sneak peak of the event.
Spring in Lahore would be incomplete without Basant, with the colours of the festival filling the skies. Many people also earned their living through this festival. Phir hua yoon keh sheeshay ki tez dorain istemal honay lagi jiski wajah se logon ki janain janay lageen resulted in a ban on Basant. This week, The Current asked people if it should be allowed or not.
Today on this day, in 2015, Tehreek-e-Taliban bombed Roman Catholic Church and Christ Church during Sunday service in Youhanabad, Lahore, which resulted in 15 deaths. After the incident, the second leg of the Asian Cup qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifier match between Pakistan and Yemen, which was supposed to be played in Lahore after a few days got postponed.
Current Baba’s prediction
Today love birds are advised to be polite to each other warna conflict can arise. ?
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Haseeb Hasan has shared the first teaser of the most anticipated upcoming web series Dhoop Ki Deewar.
Wishing Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly a happy first wedding anniversary, the award-winning director shared the first teaser of the web series and wrote: “Always make each other smile! Happy Anniversary Ahad and Sajal.”
“Cherishing my favourite moment of Vishal – Sara from Dhoop Ki Deewar on this day,” he added.
As per details, the series follows the story of two teenagers whose lives change forever overnight.
Besides Sajal and Ahad, other actors who play key roles in the series include Adnan Jaffer, Zara Tareen, Paras Masroor, Hammad Siddiqui, Ainy Zaidi, Salma Hasan, Lubna Aslam, Raza Talish, Samiya Mumtaz and Zaib Rehman.
Written by Umera Ahmad, Dhoop Ki Deewar is directed and co-produced by Hassan under the banner of Hamdan Films along with Shailja. Haseeb is one of the leading directors in the industry with popular drama serials including Nanhi, Mann Mayal as well as feature film Parwaaz Hai Junoon to his credit.
Earlier, while speaking to The Current, Haseeb had shared his experience of shooting the series, saying that he had total creative liberty with the project.
“It had creative input but I enjoyed total liberty which was becoming a challenge in the [local] industry each passing day,” said Hassan. “Indeed there were better budgets which justified enabling to achieve the required product and standards,” adding that the budget was “not crazy enough to buy an aeroplane”.
A 14-year-old Muslim boy in India was beaten up for drinking water from a temple.
The incident of the temple caretaker beating a child in India’s Ghaziabad gained public attention after a video of the incident surfaced online.
As per reports, the 23-year-old temple caretaker, Shringi Nandan Yadav, beat the boy who went in to drink water.
The video showed the caretaker kicking and punching the boy after he asked the boy’s and his father’s name. On revealing his name and his father’s name, Yadav started beating the boy. The identity of the boy’s father is being withheld as per law to protect the child. The child’s father is daily wage labour.
“My son stopped to drink water from a tap located inside the temple as he was thirsty. He was beaten up after they asked about his identity. He suffered a head injury. He generally doesn’t venture inside the temple but this time he told me he was just very thirsty. I have asked him not to go there in the future.”
The temple authorities say they had banned the entry of non-Hindus inside the temple. Another caretaker of the temple, Yati Narsimhanand Saraswati accused that the boy was beaten for spitting inside the temple, implying that the abuse was justified.
“There are several taps outside the temple from where people drink water. Our caretakers caught the boy spitting inside the temple. They have been arrested and we will seek to legal recourse to get them bail.”
Ghaziabad police arrested Shringi Nandan Yadav and another caretaker, Shivanand Saraswati, who recorded the incident.
बच्चे को पीटकर विडीओ बनाने वाले अपराधी की गिरफ़्तारी की जानकारी @Uppolice द्वारा प्रसारित की गयी है,@NCPCR_ बच्चे को न्याय दिलाने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है। pic.twitter.com/aS6NApn5Hp
— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (मोदी का परिवार) (@KanoongoPriyank) March 12, 2021
President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi and his wife Samina Arif Alvi have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in Islamabad on Monday.
— Imran Ghazali | #DigitalStrategy (@ImranGhazaliPK) March 15, 2021
As per details, President Alvi and Mrs Samina Alvi got their COVID-19 vaccination administered after they registered themselves for the vaccine. They received the confirmation message on Sunday along with the designated vaccination centre.
Speaking to the media after getting vaccinated, Dr Alvi said: “Elites around the world broke the line for the vaccination. The vaccine is being administered to senior citizens in Pakistan as per age categories.”
The President added that he registered himself on the 1166 helpline and got the shots “as per my turn”.
“In wake of third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, people should continue wearing face masks, wash their hand frequently and maintain social distancing.”
He also lauded the PTI regime’s efforts and strategies in light of the pandemic, saying the government’s smart lockdown policy “reduced economic losses”.
The Government of Pakistan has started the COVID-19 vaccination drive for those above the age of 60, with various vaccination centres operating in different cities of the country.
Among those who received their shot is Samina Peerzada, who also praised the government for the facility.
Sharing a picture of herself receiving the jab, the veteran actor said: “Thank you and Shabash Pakistan”.
Other prominent personalities who received the shot include lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan and journalist Najam Sethi, both of whom praised the vaccination facility set up by the government.
A very good experience of vaccination at Expo centre Lahore. Got my parents vaccinated, everything went very smoothly and professionally. Well done Punjab Govt and all other implementation partners. Get vaccinated and stay safe.
I visited Expo ctr Lhr today to get my father vaccinated for COVID-19 and the process was seamless. I urge everyone 60 and above to register for the vaccine by sending their CNIC to 1166 and get vaccinated now. pic.twitter.com/ot2yRKWqqe
My father received first dose of vaccine at Expo Center Lahore today. The process went smoothly & Alhamdulillah he is doing well.
Impressed how quickly he got the call after texting his CNIC no. to 1166. Please encourage family members & others to register as soon as possible. https://t.co/R7yhBS8VGI
Women won every major Grammy at Sunday’s history-making gala, a joyful night for music’s biggest stars after a devastating year for the industry, with Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion and Taylor Swift triumphing at the socially distanced event anchored by electrifying performances.
It was a monumental night for Beyonce, who broke the record for most career wins by a female artist with 28 trophies.
“As an artist, I believe it’s my job and all of our jobs to reflect the times. And it’s been such a difficult time,” Beyonce said, with her husband Jay-Z looking on, as she received her history-making award. “So I wanted to uplift, encourage, celebrate all of the beautiful Black queens and kings that continue to inspire me and inspire the whole world.”
Meanwhile, Swift became the first woman to win the coveted Album of the Year prize three times, this year for Folklore, the first of her twin quarantine releases.
Rap sensation Megan Thee Stallion charmed while accepting her three awards including Best New Artist — and disarmed viewers with a performance that set the Los Angeles stage ablaze.
Megan and Queen Bey earned two awards together, for their remix of the rapper’s smash hit Savage.
The Houston rapper teased with that track along with her single Body, before serving up a thirst trap of a duet with none other than Cardi B, both of them in metallic gear that left little to the imagination. The audacious duo performed WAP, a gyrating, thigh-baring celebration of female sexuality that ended atop an enormous bed.
The night featured a host of impressive performances featuring Dua Lipa, DaBaby, Swift, Bad Bunny and Record of the Year winner Billie Eilish, among others — a line-up that kicked off with chest-baring Harry Styles, who won his first-ever award. It was hosted by Trevor Noah.
The ceremony, which fell nearly a year to the day after Covid-19 grounded tours and forced performance venues to close, stood as a concerted effort by the music world to try to move past a crushing 2020 by celebrating its biggest stars.
And there is perhaps no one bigger than Queen Bey, whose Best R&B Performance award for her summer track Black Parade, a homage to Black power and heritage, sent her into the Grammy record books.
It was a less shiny night than predicted for British star Dua Lipa, who was shut out of the major categories but won Best Pop Vocal Album, for her sparkly disco ball of a record released just as the pandemic took hold.
Though most of the rock fields were unprecedentedly dominated by women, The Strokes won for Best Rock Album for The New Abnormal, their first Grammy ever.
Rap legend Nas also won for the first time after 14 nominations, with his King’s Disease winning Best Rap Album. Nigerian superstar Burna Boy also scored his first trophy for Best Global Music Album, ecstatically accepting the prize which he said: “is a big win for my generation of Africans all over the world.”
But it wouldn’t be the Grammys without controversy.
The Weeknd has pledged to stop submitting music for awards consideration after he surprisingly received no nominations, despite a big year commercially, while Zayn Malik has openly criticised and lashed out at the Grammy jury for excluding him.
