Islamic State, aka Daesh, has claimed responsibility for an attack on Sunday that killed 11 miners from minority Shia Hazaras in Balochistan.
Reuters reported that the attack took place early in the morning in the Mach area of Bolan district, killing the miners who were in a shared residential room near the coal mine where they worked.
“The throats of all coal miners have been slit after their hands were tied behind their backs and (they were) blindfolded,” a security official told Reuters. A video clip of the victims making the rounds on social media showed three bodies lying outside the room and the rest inside in pools of blood.
The incident that shook the country drew criticism from all quarters. Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the killings, calling them “a cowardly inhuman act of terrorism”. “Have asked Frontier Constabulary to use all resources to apprehend these killers and bring them to justice,” he said in a tweet.
The condemnable killing of 11 innocent coal miners in Machh Balochistan is yet another cowardly inhumane act of terrorism. Have asked the FC to use all resources to apprehend these killers & bring them to justice. The families of the victims will not be left abandoned by the govt
Following the attack, the members of the Hazara community held a protest in Quetta. The protesters blocked the western bypass and burnt tyres to protest the killings.
It is not the first time that the minority community has faced attacks from radical Islamist outfits, such as the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. In April, a market suicide bombing killed 18 people, half of whom were Hazaras. In 2013, three bombings killed more than 200 people in Hazara neighbourhoods in Quetta.
Contrary to what the rumour mills have been churning, Sanam Jung is not getting divorced and is all set to celebrate her sixth wedding anniversary next week.
In a note posted to social media, Sanam trashed the rumours saying that she was not planning to post a clarification but concerned phone calls from family member prompted her to do so.
“I would just like to clarify that there is no truth to these rumours about Qassam and I splitting up,” stated the actor. “This rumour started from a fan comment on my Instagram post and it’s completely ridiculous.”
“I didn’t plan on posting any kind of clarification or explanation but Qassam and my family have been getting concerned phone calls almost daily about this pressing issue” she continued.
Sanam further said: “Qassam and I are happily married and are about to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary next week. I would really appreciate it if people stop posting these false rumours.”
“We look forward to spending the rest of our lives together,” she added.
Sanam also requested her followers to not “instigate such rumours and claim their truth without any factual knowledge.”
“This is a very serious accusation at someone’s family, and we have all been very distressed because of this silly rumour. Please have some empathy for our families as we are real people too!”, she concluded.
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mahmood Khan has approved Rs 23.56 million to purchase the ancestral houses of two Bollywood legends Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor in Peshawar.
As per reports, the value of Raj Kapoor house is Rs 15 million, while Kumar’s home is worth Rs 8.56 million. Both houses will be converted into museums after restoration work.
The owner of the Kapoor Haveli Hajji Ali Qadir had earlier demanded at least two billion rupees for the mansion in Qissa Khawani Bazaar from the government. The province’s archaeology department at the time had said that it will use legal powers to purchase the Kapoor Haveli as well as Dilip Kumar’s house if needed.
The department had earlier declared the two houses as national heritage sites that were recognised internationally.
Earlier, Kumar himself took to social media to express his excitement over the government’s decision. The legendary actor asked his fans living in Peshawar to share photos of his ancestral house on Twitter.
Quetta is probably the coldest city today but it has plenty of sunshine. The rest of our major cities — oh boy, here comes either rain or sad clouds. In our morning mood poll on our Instagram handle (@thecurrentpk) yesterday more than 400 people voted that they were not getting out of bed. Sunday will prove to be the same.
If today’s the day you plan to keep scrolling on your phone, Saman’s review of Netflix’s Bridgerton is a must read because it doesn’t matter if you’re married or single, the arranged shaadi in Bridgerton is the marriage we all want. Yesterday’s viral video of a Saudi billionaire marrying her Pakistani driver was super controversial — is it true or not? The major political debate was about Prime Minister Imran Khan saying that there is nothing wrong with ‘taking U-turns’ if they don’t compromise your ideology. The problem with feeling so cold is that you really want something to pick you up. Maybe brave it, like Ashar and check out Yasil Al Luab, a restaurant in Lahore which promises authentic shawarma. Or if you need something to heal you, maybe you’ll learn something from Urooj’s visit to the Samadhi of Bhai Vasti Ram, who was Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s spiritual leader and renowned for his medicinal skills. Watch the video for a tour of the monument and how stories of his healing power and spirituality spread around Punjab. Or maybe the feel good story of the Pakistani origin doctor who wiped away $650,000 debt of 200 cancer patients in the US or if a local feel is what you’re looking for, check out our video of the people who made a major difference in Pakistan in 2020. If nothing is going to work, and nothing will get you out of bed, perhaps convince someone to get you garam chai while you stay cosy. And also reflect, like I have been, on how awkward it will be to actually meet and interact with people ‘normally’ once COVID is over. Would it be the same? Or would they (or you) have changed? Now that’s something heavy to think about while lying cozy in your bed on this rather dreary Sunday morning.
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Have you ever seen a television show that you just want to immerse yourself into? One that makes you forget the mundaneness of everyday life and transports you to a realm where everything is perfect? Netflix’s latest Christmas release Bridgerton is just that.
Created by Shondaland, the production house behind Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder, Bridgerton is based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling series of romance novels of the same name.
Set in 1813 London, the series opens with Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynover)of the illustrious Bridgerton family making her society debut. She is to find a husband during the upcoming social season and settle down by the time it wraps up. Though she was declared “flawless” by Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), her brother Anthony Bridgerton’s (Jonathan Bailey) constant meddling and critique of potential suitors dampen her prospects which are further thwarted by Lady Whistledown, who writes that her “value” is falling. Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) is the city’s resident Gossip Girl, who reports on the happenings of the city and whose words are big deal.
Daphne and her mother
In comes the Duke of Hastings Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), the town’s most eligible bachelor, who has sworn not to get married. Daphe and Simon, who with a stroke of fate end up crossing paths and hatch a plan to fool society and Lady Whistledown by pretending to be together in a bid to make Daphne more desirable in society and him less pestered by eager mothers looking to set up their daughters. Will they be successful in fooling Lady Whistledown who knows everything and anything or will they be exposed? And even more, will Daphne find her perfect match?
Whether Daphne finds her match or not you’ll find out in the show, but Bridgerton has given us some major arranged marriage goals. Imagine landing yourself a rich and handsome Duke with the sexiest smoulder, one who has no immediate family (which mean no in-laws) and is smitten by you? One who is kind, caring and sensitive too. The stuff of dreams, right? Besides, Page plays the Duke to perfection owning every scene he is in and I won’t be lying if I say that we have a new hero to swoon over.
One the other hand, Daphne is also the season’s “diamond” – young, fair, pretty and innocent to the point that she had no idea how babies are made. The two are the perfect match, even if it is just a ruse and their chemistry is crackling – you can almost feel it through the screen.
Though Daphne and Simon are the main attractions, other characters on the show are also a delight to watch. My favourites have to be Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury and Eloise Bridgerton, Daphne’s younger sister. Eloise, who is not interested in getting married or following her sister’s footsteps adds the perfect comic relief, while Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury – both women of colour – add a different flavour to the show with their cool demeanour and wise words. Daphne’s mother is also a voice of reason and is shown as someone progressive and one who encourages her daughter to marry for love and not money and teaches her how the first step to a successful marriage is always friendship. Desi moms can definitely learn a thing or two from Mama Bridgerton.
Bridgerton, in a nutshell, is a dreamy and escapist – a delightful mix of drama, romance, fantasy, gorgeous costumes and opulent sets. The series is indulgent and will have you hooked throughout and by the end of it, even eight episodes will appear too less.
The show’s creator Chris Van Dusen, in a recent interview, said that series is a period drama which marries history and fantasy and is for a modern audience.
“The show is for a modern audience, and everything on this show is filtered through a modern lens. People talk quickly, the story moves fast, it’s funny, and it’s really sexy, which you don’t always get with a typical period piece,” said Dusen. “We’re re-imagining this world; it’s not a history lesson and it’s not a documentary. There weren’t actual Bridgertons in 1813, so we took some creative liberties there. The first thing you see is the cast, this amazing diverse cast, everyone from Phoebe Dynevor to Regé-Jean Page to Julie Andrews.”
Queen Charlotte
“We knew we wanted the show to reflect the world we live in today, and even though it’s set in the 19th century, we still wanted modern audiences to relate to it and to see themselves on screen. I feel we did it in a way that makes sense,” he adds.
Dusen’s vision and take on the show is perhaps the reason why the show resonated so well with audiences. Modern romcoms are fun to watch but there is something magical about period shows and Bridgerton is one done just right. The show is the perfect escape in such dreary times and as I told my friends, it is like a mug of hot chocolate on a freezing winter night.
While Netflix has not yet revealed whether the show will be coming back for a second season, given the show’s popularity, it is only a matter of time till they make an official announcement.
Later, Nadia released her complete wedding album on YouTube. The bride looked lovely in a sea green ensemble with glowy makeup and a bright pink lip.
While many believe that it is Nadia Khan’s third marriage but replying to a comment under her post she clarified that it is her second marriage. “Kiaan is my adopted son and this is my second marriage,” wrote Nadia.
Hasnain Lehri has dedicated his fourth Lux Style Award (LSA) to his younger brother, who passed away in May 2019 due to a cardiac arrest.
In a post shared on social media, the model said: “I dedicate this award to my younger brother, whom we lost last year. It has been my biggest trial and a tough time for my family.”
“For me, this isn’t just an award for creating art but the acknowledgement to myself that I am strong enough to be on my feet again. After his passing I had no motivation, I lost faith in myself.. one day I was just sitting going through Facebook and saw my younger brothers’ old status saying ‘Keep on making me proud’ which gave me the strength I needed, and because of his words today I am holding my fourth award.”
The model further shared: “I read this somewhere that ‘Jo loug gir ke khud apnay pairoun per kharay hotay hain Khuda unn ki bohut madad kerta hai’ and I tried to stand back on my feet and Allah has always been there for me! And for people out there who have lost their loved ones, always remember one thing, they are far away from you ‘per woh aapkay dil mei hamesha rehte hain’.
Thanking his fans he said, “Last but not least, I love my fans. This is possible because of the love and respect you show me. Thank you.”
Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings has appointed Herschelle Gibbs as the new head coach for the 2021 edition.
The former South Africa opening batsman Gibbs has replaced Dean Jones who passed away earlier this year due to cardiac arrest.
He changed the way the game was played with his aggression & passion and taking it into his coaching as well. A great believer in the strength of teamwork & discipline, the #karachikings are proud to announce our new Head Coach @hershybru . Welcome to the family, Gibbsy!#PSLpic.twitter.com/K4JiGDs7nN
46-year-old Gibbs has represented South Africa in 90 Tests, 248 ODIs and 23 T20Is where he collectively managed to score 14,661 runs, which included 35 centuries and 66 half-centuries.
Meanwhile, Kings emerged the winners of the fifth edition of the PSL after beating arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the final.
The player draft for the sixth edition of the PSL is expected to take place in Lahore on January 9 and the tournament is set to begin from February 20. It is likely to be played in Karachi and Lahore only due to coronavirus pandemic. It has also been reported that spectators will not be allowed in the stadiums due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic.
A doctor of Pakistani origin in the United States of America Dr Omar Atiq waived of $650,000 in debt for nearly 200 of his patients with cancer. Dr Atiq, an oncologist who founded a cancer treatment centre in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, sent out a holiday greeting to patients before Christmas, announcing that their outstanding payments would be cleared.
“I hope this note finds you well. The Arkansas Cancer Clinic was proud to serve you as a patient. Although various health insurers pay most of the bills for [the] majority of patients, even the deductibles and co-pays can be burdensome,” the card read.
“The clinic has decided to forego all balances owed to the clinic by its patients. Happy Holidays.”
Working on a sweet story tonight.
Around 200 cancer patients in Pine Bluff got this holiday card a few days ago— Dr. Omar Atiq who founded the Arkansas Cancer Clinic is forgiving all outstanding debts owed by patients.
As per details, Dr Atiq’s clinic provided cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and diagnostics. It was closed in late February due to staff shortage.
The outstanding amount was nearly $650,000 (Rs 104,645,320). However, the clinic worked with a billing company to cancel the debt.
“We thought there was not a better time to do this than during a pandemic that has decimated homes, people’s lives and businesses and all sorts of stuff,” said Dr Atiq. “We just thought we could do it, and we wanted to, so we went ahead and did it.”
“Being sick is hard, having cancer is harder, and having cancer in this pandemic is devastating. I am just a regular physician—a regular person that they have in the neighbourhood—just so happens to be me standing here. The ones struggling couldn’t pay, so we thought we could just write off the debt.”
“It is really fate,” he said, referring to the decision to move. “We have been very grateful. This has been home for a long time. We are grateful for the opportunity for what has happened to our lives here.”
Atiq said he was happy to give his patients a bit of relief.
“I love them, I care for them and I am glad I was able to do a little bit at this point for them,” he added.
The Arkansas Medical Society President said his clinic, in part, amassed the outstanding debt because “we have never refused to see a patient.”
“Not for lack of health insurance or funds nor for any other reason,” he said. “I’ve always considered it a high honor and privilege to be someone’s physician—more important than anything else.”
Five officials of Islamabad Police have been arrested after they gunned down a 21-year-old youth, Usama Satti, in cold blood near Srinagar Highway, G-10 sector in the federal capital.
Unconfirmed reports say that the policemen who belonged to the Anti-Terrorist Squad fired 22 shots at the vehicle on Friday night, killing Satti on the spot. According to reports, shots were fired from the front and hit him mostly on the face and upper body. No weapons etc discovered from the boy’s car, they added.
A source in the capital police said that the ATS officials and the youth had an argument on New Year’s Eve when the police officials stopped his vehicle for checking. The source claims that the police officials stopped the guy even though they were off-duty at the time. This altercation between the cops and the youth may have resulted in this killing, the source claimed.
A departmental inquiry has already been initiated against the arrested police officials, with Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed vowing to deliver justice in the case.
The IGP has also taken notice of the incident and formed an investigation team to probe the “suspicious shootout”.
سیکٹر G-10 میں مشکوک گاڑی پر فائرنگ کا معاملہ
آئی جی اسلام آباد نے واقعہ کا نوٹس لیتے ہوئے @DigIslamabad کی سربراہی میں تحقیقاتی کمیٹی تشکیل دی ہے جو معاملے کی انکوائری عمل میں لائے گی۔واقعہ میں ملوث اہلکاروں کو گرفتارکر لیا گیا ہے۔ قانون کے مطابق کارروائی کی جائے گی۔
In 2017, a policeman had shot dead a youth in I-10 sector after he had failed to stop at a checkpoint. The policeman who had opened fire had claimed that the deceased failed to stop at the checkpoint despite his signal.
