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  • Senator withdraws resolution to ban Social Media in Pakistan

    Senator withdraws resolution to ban Social Media in Pakistan

    Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi has withdrawn his resolution aimed at imposing a blanket ban on several major social media platforms in the country.

    The resolution, which sparked controversy before its introduction in the house, called for the government to prohibit access to Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, citing concerns over their perceived negative impact on the younger generation.

    Even before reaching the floor of the house, Tangi’s resolution faced significant criticism from digital rights activists and journalists.

    Critics argued that the proposed ban would further restrict freedom of expression in Pakistan. The timing of the resolution’s emergence added to its contentious nature, coinciding with ongoing disruptions to access X following allegations of electoral rigging during the February 8 polls.

    Senator Brahmand Tangi, who was expelled by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) one month ago, had moved a resolution in the senate asking that all social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram be banned in Pakistan to protect the next generation from what he has dubbed their “negative and devastating” effects.

    Tangi was expelled by the PPP last month after he went against party policy and remained silent on a resolution asking for delay in Balochistan and KP general elections. However, DAWN has reported that the party has till now not moved a reference against him.
    The resolution has alleged that social media platforms were being used to promote norms “against our culture and religion” and creating hatred among the general populace.

    The document also charges the platforms with being used to run “malicious” campaigns against the army and spreading fake news.
    PPP has said that the senator should not use the party’s name anymore, swiftly distancing itself from the controversial resolution. Nonetheless, it will be on Monday’s agenda.

    Senator Tangi is set to retire on March 11.

  • Kate Middleton appears in public, putting coma rumors to rest

    Kate Middleton appears in public, putting coma rumors to rest

    The New York Post recently published images showing Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, seated in the front seat of a car, driven by her mother, Carole, near Windsor Castle. The photos have elicited a variety of responses from royal enthusiasts, showcasing their concern and admiration for the Princess and their support for other members of the royal family.

    In response to the images, one royal fan emphasized Princess Kate’s right to privacy, stating, “She should be allowed all the privacy she wants and needs, but no. Now people can stop speculating. People get ill and need rest.”
    Another supporter expressed their optimism about her recovery, saying, “It’s great that Catherine is coming along nicely. Hope for her to recover fully and be back in her typical energetic and beautiful state.”
    A third commenter defended Kate’s privacy amidst her health struggles and family commitments, asserting, “Leave Kate alone. She had serious surgery and has a family. She is wonderful.”

    Similarly, another fan extended their well wishes to Kate for a smooth recovery, commenting, “I hope that she is doing well and her full recovery is unimpeded. She seems to be a good person.”
    “God Bless the Future Queen of England,” wrote another one.
    With sparse updates from Kensington Palace regarding Kate Middleton’s recovery from surgery in January, speculation had intensified leading to unhinged rumors.
    Some conspiracy theories alleged that Kate Middleton is not only in a coma but that her absence from public events is due to more nefarious reasons. Some have gone as far as suggesting that Prince William may be involved in her disappearance or even responsible for her alleged death.
    However, Kensington Palace has attempted to quell these rumors by issuing an official statement affirming Kate’s positive progress in recovery. “Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales, who is currently recovering from abdominal surgery, continues to progress positively,” the statement reads.
    Despite these assurances, conspiracy theories persist, fueled by the lack of detailed updates on Kate Middleton’s condition and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her hospitalization.
    Amidst the speculation and conspiracy, one thing remains clear: the concern and support of royal fans for Kate Middleton’s well-being and recovery. As the Duchess of Cambridge continues her journey to full health, her admirers await eagerly for further updates and a return to her typical vibrant self.

  • Gaza detainees released by Israel ‘traumatized,’ report abuse: UNRWA

    Gaza detainees released by Israel ‘traumatized,’ report abuse: UNRWA

    United Nations (United States) (AFP) – Gazans detained by Israeli forces are coming back “completely traumatized” upon release and reporting abuses while in captivity, the head of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency said Monday.

    Detainees reported being subjected to a “broad range of ill treatment” including threats of electrocution, being photographed naked, sleep deprivation and having dogs used to intimidate them, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini told a media briefing.

    The comments follow reporting by the New York Times on an internal investigation compiled by UNRWA staff documenting the state of returning detainees at the Kerem Shalom border.

    “We have seen these people coming back from detention, some of them for a couple of weeks, some of them for a couple of months, and most of them coming back (are) completely traumatized by the ordeal they have gone through,” Lazzarini said.

    “A number of people have been… debriefed about their ordeal, and we have indeed (compiled) an internal report about their experiences.”

    The report had been shared with rights groups specializing in detention, he added.

    Lazzarini’s comments capped a tumultuous day during which Israel and UNRWA have traded accusations, with Israel accusing the agency of having employed more than 450 “terrorists.”

    Ahead of Lazzarini’s comments, meanwhile, UNRWA said Israeli authorities had “detained several of its staff from the Gaza Strip,” who later described abuses in custody.

    “Our staff have reported atrocious events while they were detained and during interrogations by the Israeli authorities. These reports included torture, severe ill-treatment, abuse and sexual exploitation,” UNRWA said in a statement to AFP.

    “Some of our staff have conveyed to UNRWA teams that they were forced to sign confessions under torture and ill-treatment” while being asked about Hamas’s October 7 attack.

    Israel in Gaza has killed 30,534 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from Gaza health ministry.

  • Declining sales: KIA slashes Sportage prices by up to Rs300,000

    Declining sales: KIA slashes Sportage prices by up to Rs300,000

    In a strategic move to stimulate demand, Lucky Motor Corporation, formerly known as Kia Lucky Motors Pakistan, has announced a significant reduction in the prices of its popular compact SUV, the Sportage.

    The revised prices, effective from March 4, have been lowered by up to Rs300,000.

    The basic variant, Alpha, has witnessed a substantial decrease of Rs250,000, now priced at Rs7.3 million.

    Additionally, the prices of Sportage’s FWD, AWD, and limited black edition variants have all been reduced by Rs300,000. Consequently, the new prices stand at Rs7.74 million, Rs8.47 million, and Rs9 million, respectively.

    This move comes amid challenging times for the automobile sector in Pakistan, which experienced a significant 50% year-on-year decline in sales during the first half of fiscal year 2024.

    Experts anticipate that Lucky Motor Corporation’s decision to lower Sportage prices could contribute to a resurgence in its sales.

    It’s important to note that while Sportage undergoes a price adjustment, other models such as Picanto and Stonic will maintain their current pricing.

    Kia had already implemented several promotional offers, including installment plans, cashback, and free registration, to entice potential buyers.

    This latest price reduction aligns with the industry trend, as competitors like Chery Tiggo and Changan Oshan have also lowered their prices by Rs300,000.

    Industry observers attribute Sportage’s recent sales challenges to intensified competition, particularly with the introduction of the Corolla Cross in the same price range.

    Although the latter is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), it has further heightened the competition in the market.

    Despite Lucky Motor Corporation’s efforts, reports suggest that the previously offered interest-free loan policy and other incentives haven’t generated substantial demand.

    Furthermore, a cashback offer of Rs150,000 on booking across all Sportage variants, which was in place before the price adjustment, failed to attract significant attention from potential buyers.

  • Gold price increases to Rs221,200 per tola in Pakistan

    Gold price increases to Rs221,200 per tola in Pakistan

    In a significant turn of events on the first trading day of the week, gold prices in Pakistan continued their upward trajectory, witnessing a surge of Rs900 per tola to reach Rs221,200.

    According to the latest data from the Karachi Sarafa Association, the price of 10-gramme 24-karat gold experienced a notable increase, rising to Rs189,643 per tola, reflecting a gain of Rs771.

    Similarly, the 10-gramme 22-karat gold was noted at Rs173,840 per tola.

    In contrast, silver prices remained unchanged today, with 24-karat silver holding steady at Rs2,600 per tola and Rs2,229 per 10-gramme.

    Last week, the local market experienced a substantial boost in gold prices, witnessing a surge of Rs5,200 per tola for 24-karat gold.

    This surge is closely linked to the international market rally, with international spot gold reaching a two-month peak on Friday.

    The boost in international spot gold was attributed to strengthened expectations of a rate cut by June, driven by economic data from the United States.

    The data indicated a slump in manufacturing activity, while price data aligned with market expectations. This led to a decline in the dollar, resulting in gains for the safe-haven asset.

    Presently, international spot gold is trading at $2,086.62, reflecting a gain of $3.76, or 0.2 per cent, day-on-day, further impacting the domestic gold market positively.

    In parallel with economic developments, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) saw a marginal depreciation of 7 paisa against the US dollar in Monday’s interbank session.

    The currency settled the trade at PKR 279.26, compared to the previous day’s closing of PKR 279.19 per USD.

    During the intraday session, the local unit reached a high (bid) of 279.6 and a low (ask) of 278.95. In the open market, exchange companies quoted the dollar at 279.41 for buying and 282.05 for selling.

    It is noteworthy that the Pakistani rupee closed last week with a gain of 17 paisa week-on-week against the US dollar, showcasing some resilience in the face of external economic fluctuations.

  • ‘Sexually assaulted in 7th grade,’ Adeel Hashmi reveals traumatic childhood incident

    ‘Sexually assaulted in 7th grade,’ Adeel Hashmi reveals traumatic childhood incident

    In a sincere moment on Masarrat Misbah’s show, Pakistani actor and television host Adeel Hashmi bravely shared his personal story of being a victim of sexual assault during childhood.

    Hashmi recounted the distressing incident where he was targeted by older students.
    “The smile you see now is after facing many challenges in life,” he said ruefully. He admitted that the trauma had left lasting scars on him.

    He revealed that the traumatic events happened when he was in 7th grade, causing him emotional distress as a younger and smaller student facing bullying from older peers. Describing the difficult times, Adeel mentioned, “It was the 1980s. I was in 7th or 8th grade. Since I was in a public school, many students were older due to failing grades. They had been in the same class for years while I had just moved up from 6th grade.”
    He went on to recount that he was not big or tall at that point. “Even my behavior was timid, like a cat or a mouse. These eight or 10 students would bully me.” Adeel bravely disclosed a distressing incident from those years, saying, “I can share one incident from that time. I might not tell everything as it’s hard for me. I was sexually assaulted in 7th grade. This happened in an all-boys school where no one could help me.”
    Seeking guidance, he turned to his elder brother at the time, unsure of how to handle the situation. Unfortunately, his brother, unaware of the gravity of the bullying and assault, advised him to deal with it on his own. This left Adeel feeling isolated and without a support system.

    “I would stutter and I knew if I told my teachers, these kids would bully me more. Only one time I said to my brother that these hostel kids tease me and whether I should tell our father. And he said no, you can resolve that on your own.”
    Despite the challenges, Adeel chose not to confide in his parents due to fears of their reaction and the difficulty of explaining his painful experiences. This conversation on the show marked the first time he openly discussed these difficult memories with the public.
    His mother would hear about these traumatic experiences through the show. Adeel stressed the importance of creating a safe space for survivors to speak out about child sexual abuse and its long-term effects on individuals’ lives.

  • HRCP condemns Senator’s proposal to ban social media

    HRCP condemns Senator’s proposal to ban social media

    The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has opposed a proposed Senate resolution seeking a ban on social media platforms.

    The rights body has warned the members of the senate that such “ill-judged measures that violate people’s constitutional right to freedom of expression” represent an erosion of democracy.

    HRCP released the statement on Sunday, a day after it was reported that the Senate is going to discuss today (Monday) a resolution moved by Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi calling for a complete ban on some social media sites—X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

    Tangi was expelled by the PPP last month. The senator is set to retire on March 11.

    His resolution had argued that the platforms are adversely affecting the younger generation in the country as they are being used to promote norms that are against religion and culture. “[The platforms are also] creating hatred among the people on the grounds of language and religion,” it said.

    The resolution also “noted with concern” the use of such platforms against the interest of the country for spreading negative and malicious propaganda against the armed forces of Pakistan.

    “The HRCP calls on civil society and digital rights activists to mobilise against all efforts to impose such arbitrary curbs, including reports of a ban on all VPNs, and demands that X be restored immediately,” the statement said.

    Previously, Senator Brahmand Tangi, who was expelled by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) one month ago, had moved a resolution in the senate asking that all social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, YouTube and Instagram be banned in Pakistan to protect the next generation from what he has dubbed their “negative and devastating” effects.

    Tangi was expelled by the PPP last month after he went against party policy and remained silent on a resolution asking for delay in Balochistan and KP general elections. However, DAWN has reported that the party has till now not moved a reference against him.

    The resolution has alleged that social media platforms were being used to promote norms “against our culture and religion” and creating hatred among the general populace.

    The document also charges the platforms with being used to run “malicious” campaigns against the army and spreading fake news.

    PPP has said that the senator should not use the party’s name anymore, swiftly distancing itself from the controversial resolution. Nonetheless, it will be on Monday’s agenda.

    Senator Tangi is set to retire on March 11.

  • Electronic goods including solar panels getting expensive as summer approaches

    Electronic goods including solar panels getting expensive as summer approaches

    In the latest price fluctuation to hit the market, an increase in electricity cost has been followed by a rise in prices of solar panels and other electronic goods.

    Within a span of one week alone, prices for electronics in the markets have increased by 20 per cent.

    It has been reported that electronic equipment have become more expensive in link with the increase in electricity prices i.e. by Rs 7.05 per unit.

    Likewise, the prices of solar plates have also increased by 20 per cent.

  • Shehbaz Sharif elected as 24th prime minister of Pakistan

    Shehbaz Sharif elected as 24th prime minister of Pakistan

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif has been elected the 24th prime minister of Pakistan on Sunday.

    “Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has been elected prime minister with 201 votes. [While] Omar Ayub obtained 92 votes,” announced Speaker Ayaz Sadiq during the session of the national assembly.

    The speaker then invited Shehbaz, the only politician to be elected as the PM for the second consecutive time, to sit in the prime minister’s seat and asked him to address the house.

    As soon as the result was announced, SIC lawmakers started causing a commotion and chanted slogans to disrupt Shehbaz’s speech after a victory that was expected as he enjoyed the support of seven other parties apart from the PML-N.

    The PM-elect has the support of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (PML-Z), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and National Party (NP).

  • Israel broadly agrees Gaza truce, US official says, ahead of talks

    Palestinian Territories – Israel has “more or less accepted” a proposal for a ceasefire in its attacks in the Gaza Strip, a US official said Saturday as Palestinian negotiators were expected in Cairo.

    Mediators have been scrambling to lock in a truce before Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month which begins on March 10 or 11, eyeing an end to the almost five-month conflict that has ravaged Gaza.

    In a sign of the dire humanitarian conditions as violence rages on, the besieged territory’s health ministry reported more than a dozen child malnutrition deaths in recent days.

    The US official told reporters on condition of anonymity that “there’s a framework deal” for a ceasefire which “the Israelis have more or less accepted”.

    “Right now, the ball is in the camp of Hamas,” the official said.

    A source close to Hamas told AFP a delegation from the group was headed from Qatar to Egypt on Saturday.

    Israel has yet to confirm that it has accepted the truce plan.

    Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said that Hamas would deliver its “official answer” to the plan, which resulted from talks with Israeli negotiators in Paris late last month.

    The mediators “will resume negotiations for a Gaza truce in Cairo on Sunday,” Egypt’s AlQahera News reported.

    Earlier the United States, which provides ally Israel with billions of dollars in military aid, said it began airdropping aid into war-ravaged Gaza.

    The start of the US relief operation came a day after President Joe Biden announced the move and spoke of the “need to do more” to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis.

    But parachuting aid cannot replace “the fundamental need to move assistance through as many land crossings as possible”, the US official said.

    ‘Unjustifiable’ shooting

    Gaza has faced dwindling deliveries of relief supplies across its land borders, which aid groups blame at least in part on Israeli restrictions.

    US Central Command, in a post on social media platform X, said the air operation was conducted jointly with Jordan and saw planes drop “over 38,000 meals along the coastline of Gaza allowing for civilian access to the critical aid”.

    Several Arab and European governments have carried out air drops over Gaza since November but Tuesday’s operation was the first involving the United States.

    At least 13 children have died from “malnutrition and dehydration”, the Gaza health ministry said Saturday, two days after a desperate rush for aid from a convoy of trucks in Gaza City ended in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians.

    The health ministry said Israeli forces shot civilians but the Israeli army insisted most died in a stampede or crush.

    A United Nations team that visited Gaza City’s Al-Shifa Hospital reported seeing “a large number” of gunshot wounds among Palestinians in the aftermath of the aid truck storming.

    Hossam Abu Safiya, director of the city’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, said all the casualties it admitted were hit by “bullets and shrapnel from occupation forces”.

    The European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell joined calls for an “impartial international investigation” into the “tragic event” early Thursday.

    The shooting “against civilians trying to access foodstuff is unjustifiable”, he said.

    The health ministry said 116 people were killed and more than 750 wounded in the chaotic scenes, which drew widespread international condemnation.

    The aid convoy deaths helped push the number of Palestinian war dead in Gaza to 30,320, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

    ‘Destruction is everywhere’

    Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN humanitarian office OCHA, said on Friday that “a famine is almost inevitable”.

    Laerke cited the near-total closure of commercial food imports, the “trickle of trucks” coming in with food aid, and the “massive access constraints” to moving around inside Gaza.

    The International Rescue Committee said the very fact airdrops were “being considered is testament to the serious access challenges”.

    The group said parachuting aid mostly distracts “time and effort from proven solutions to help at scale”.

    AFPTV images showed people running and pedalling fast on bicycles past bomb-damaged buildings on a rutted dirt road to reach aid floating down to Gaza City.

    Hisham Abu Eid, 28, of Gaza City’s Zeitun area, said he got two bags of flour from an aid distribution and gave one to his neighbours.

    “Aid that is getting into Gaza is rare and not enough for even a small number of people. Famine is killing people,” Abu Eid said.

    As mediators seek a deal that may include more aid into Gaza and the release of hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under increasing domestic pressure over the fate of the remaining captives.

    Israelis protesters reached Jerusalem on Saturday, capping a four-day march from the Gaza border to pressure the government to secure the hostages’ release.

    The US official said a six-week ceasefire was on the table, “starting today if Hamas agrees to release the defined category of vulnerable hostages… the sick, the wounded, elderly and women”.

    In Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Gazans displaced by the war have sought refuge, Israeli bombardment that hit a makeshift camp killed at least 11 people, the Gaza health ministry said.

    The strike near a hospital also left “about 50 injured, including children”, it added.

    The Israeli military said it was looking into the incident.

    An AFP journalist saw wounded people being rushed on stretchers to another Rafah hospital.

    “Destruction is everywhere and there are many martyrs,” said resident Belal Abu Jekhleh.

    burs-ami/kir

    © Agence France-Presse