To improve social and health indicators in Pakistan, World Bank has approved $300-million financial package, including a loan of $200-million, reported Express Tribune.
The loan has been approved under the Punjab Human Capital Investment Project that will strengthen services regarding health and social protection for poor and vulnerable households in various districts in Punjab.
World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu said that “investing at the start of life, especially for girls and women, is essential to empower citizens to thrive.”
He further added, “the project would help the Punjab province to invest in early years now to create a productive workforce for the future. The project is also aimed at increasing the quality and uptake of health services, including maternal care, immunisation and childbirths attended to be qualified professionals, reaching up to 18 million people.
It will provide early childhood education and skills training for young parents and will improve systems to more efficiently manage economic and social inclusion programmes.”
The recent Human Capital Index (HCI) has highlighted that an average girl born in Pakistan will have realized only 40% of her overall human capital potential by the time she turns 18.
Pakistan’s high stunting rate among children under five and poor educational and learning outcomes also highlights the challenging human capital outcomes.
Pakistan ranks 76th out of 100 countries on the inclusive internet index 2020 released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), reported DAWN.
The ‘Inclusive Internet Index’ place countries on the availability, affordability, relevance and the readiness of masses to use it. This annual report is generated by Facebook.
This report covered 100 countries, which includes 91 per cent of the world’s population and 96pc of global GDP.
On a benchmark of one (best) to 100 (worst), Pakistan stood at the 76th place out of the total countries surveyed. Apart from the global index, Pakistan ranks 24th out of 26 Asian countries.
The fundamental reasons for this ranking are gender gaps, low levels of digital literacy and relatively poor network quality, according to the EIU report.
In terms of availability — a category that examines the quality and breadth of available infrastructure required for access and levels of internet usage — Pakistan ranked 86th out of 100.
The country fared relatively better on affordability (57th) that is described as the cost of access relative to income and the level of competition in the internet marketplace.
In terms of readiness — measured on the basis of access to the internet, including skills, cultural acceptance, and supporting policy — the country ranked 64th. Finally, Pakistan stood 71st on relevance, which is the existence and extent of local language content and relevant content.
Looking at South Asia, Pakistan ranked the lowest, Bangladesh at 70th, Sri Lanka at 56 and India on the 46th spot.
The first country ranked in this year’s index is Sweden, followed by New Zealand and the United States. Australia and Denmark both ranked fourth, followed by South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Spain.
Among the global worst are Burandi at 100th, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi and Burkina Faso.
Khalil ur Rehman Qamar, who is rather infamous for his misogynist views both on and off the screen, has stirred a storm once again after he launched into verbal vitriol against journalist and rights activist Marvi Sirmed on live television.
The incident sparked widespread debate on social media and TV channels, following which journalist Mansoor Ali Khan invited Qamar to his show to discuss the matter and understand why Qamar did what he did.
Qamar was extremely unapologetic about abusing a woman on live television iterating that she started it. When the anchor probed him further, Qamar lashed out on him and the two exchanged heated words on the matter. However, the anchor managed to settle the matter before inviting his other two guests – Resham and Dr Aamir Liaquat – to the show.
Resham, who was initially part of Qamar’s directorial Kaaf Kangana but later opted out of the movie, said that Qamar is a big name in the country, remarking that he has been blessed with a lot of respect and love, an honour most writers usually don’t get.
Referencing to Qamar recent superhit drama Meray Paas Tum Ho, Resham continued, “Main kehti hoon keh yeh do takay ki aurat ka dialogue likhnay wala Khalil ur Rehman Qamar aaj khud aaj eik takay ka bhi nahi raha (I will say that the Khalil ur Rehman Qamar who wrote the infamous ‘do takay’ dialogue, is not worth a taka today).”
Resham further said that she, as a woman, was a big fan of the writer’s work and like other women, would make her family watch his dramas. She said that Qamar because of his actions has turned all those women against him. She reminded him that he has only been given respect and love by his fans, but people die to work with him. However, he lost all that respect with his actions.
The actor also appealed to PEMRA take notice of Qamar’s comments and take action against him.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9UwXJ7hzJY/
Meanwhile, Dr Aamir Liaquat said that Qamar needs medical treatment and should be kept in an isolation ward because he does not know how to interact with people. Dr Liaquat’s comments elicited a peal of laughter from Resham. Dr Liaquat further added that everyone’s opinion needs to be heard and that no one has the right to abuse others.
Qamar on Tuesday had appeared on a talk show to discuss the aftermath of a petition against the forthcoming Aurat March being trashed by the Lahore High Court (LHC). The petition calling the march “un-Islamic” with a ” hidden agenda to spread vulgarity” was wrapped up by the court that said it couldn’t be banned under the law of the land.
Qamar appeared to have a problem with the slogan, ‘Mera jism, meri marzi‘ and was commenting on it when Marvi murmured the same. This irked Qamar who started abusing her.
While some say the slogan ‘mera jism, meri marzi’ is “vulgar” and is used by women marchers in “an attempt to westernise the Pakistani society”, the marchers themselves say it pertains to “the right of choice and that to safety of women and even minor girls who are subjected to sexual assault in this very society”.
With Lahore Qalandars failing to gain winning momentum after being crushed by 71 runs in the match against twice champions Islamabad United, the latter have poked fun at the former for losing their fourth match out of the total five they have played so far.
“Naraz ho? @lahoreqalandars,” tweeted Islamabad as Lahore struggled to chase a huge target of 199 runs. The Qalandars were all out for 127 in 18.5 overs.
Earlier, only four of Lahore Qalandars’ batsmen could get into double figures — Usman Shinwari (30), Ben Dunk (25), Salman Butt (21) and Mohammad Hafeez (10).
For Islamabad, left-arm paceman Rumman Raees and left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar claimed three wickets each for 29 and 31, respectively, while skipper Shadab Khan took two wickets.
United had plundered a big score of 197 for the loss of only three wickets after being put to bat. Luke Ronchi and Colin Munro provided a fine start with an opening wicket stand of 103 runs.
Colin Munro top-scored with an unbeaten 87 — eight fours and three sixes during his 59-ball innings –, which contributed to Islamabad’s third victory in six matches of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a show-cause notice to Neo News following the fiasco that took place on the show Ayesha Ehtesham Kay Sath, where Marvi Sirmed and Khalil ur Rehman Qamar were guests.
The authority sent the notice for the language for the use of ‘vulgar’ language on the show. The notice was issued after famed writer Qamar and social activist Marvi Sirmed were involved in a verbal spat during the show.
Qamar’s use of abusive comments against Sirmed stirred a debate on social media with artists, journalists and politicians condemning the incident and calling for a boycott of Qamar.
Following the incident, Executive Director of the channel Nasrullah Malik and the host of the show Ayesha Ehtesham both have apologised but people are calling for stricter action to be taken.
@marvisirmed Please accept my sincere apology on the incident which happened today on our screen. Being Head of NEO NEWS I am extremely sorry for that and strict action will be taken. We condemn the behaviour of Khalil Qamar. Nasrullah Malik Executive Director NEO NEWS
Meanwhile, acclaimed actor Resham also appeared on a show in which she appealed to PEMRA to not only take action against the channel and the host but also against Khalil ur Rehman Qamar.
Khalil-Ur-Rehman Qamar curses himself for casting Mahira Khan as ‘Shano’ in his drama serial Sadqay Tumharay. The writer had previously said that he made a mistake while casting Adnan Malik as the male lead as well.
In 2020, Adnan Malik who played Khalil ur Rehman Qamar in Hum TV’s Sadqay Tumharay opened up about playing him in the drama.
I think this sums up my views in general regarding KUQ & me playing him in Sadqay Tumhare. https://t.co/zEQckWOgLu
The superhit drama was penned by Qamar and directed by renowned director Mohammad Ehteshamuddin. The plot was based on Qamar’s real-life story. While Adnan played Khalil, Mahira Khan played Shanno, Khalil’s love-interest.
Set in the 1980s, Sadqay Tumhare follows the story of Shanno who is betrothed to her cousin Khalil the day she was born. While Shanno grows up in the village and is a simple girl, Khalil moves to the big city. He is treated as the ‘Prince of Punjab’ because of which he turns out to be an arrogant prick. The two know about their engagement since day one.
Initially, Khalil is hesitant about meeting Shanno and avoids her but he then sees her in his dream and decides to meet her. The two fall in love at first sight, but fate intervenes and Shanno’s parents break off the engagement as they want her to marry her paternal cousin Fayaz. A family friend of theirs advises them to elope but the two decide against it. However, later they decide to run away and get married. But just as they are about to get married Shanno’s mother pretends that she is committing suicide causing Shanno to abandon her plans. A family drama ensues, dark secrets are revealed and Shanno and Khalil end up not getting married to each other.
A Twitter user commented that by not marrying Khalil, Shanno dodged a bullet and the Cake actor agreed with her, in turn of recent events. Sadqay Tumharay was Malik’s debut project.
In a successive tweet Malik talked about the power of the ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi‘ slogan.
I’m in awe of the sheer power of 4 words strung together: #MeraJismMeriMarzi This slogan has destabilized centuries of patriarchy & triggered a man renown for his eloquence; unmasking a rabid, inarticulate, hate-spewing misogynist. Just 4 words. How frail our male egos can be.
Meanwhile the Raees diva also expressed her disbelief at Qamar’s comments. Seems like Qamar’s remarks are because of the female superstar’s difference of opinion on some of his antics.
I am shocked at what I have just heard and seen!! Sick to the core. This same man who abused a woman on tv is revered and given project after project because of what? We are as much to blame if not more for perpetuating this thinking! #khalilurrehmanqamar
Dear channels, get him on your shows.He works day and night for the betterment of our future. Let your children listen to men and women like him! Thank you https://t.co/8QfztZ5IwH
With the Aurat March scheduled to take place this weekend, things are heating up and the controversy surrounding it keeps growing.
A petition was also filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) against the march with the petitioner calling the march “un-Islamic” with a ” hidden agenda to spread vulgarity.” However, the LHC dismissed the petition saying it couldn’t be banned under the law of the land.
The slogan ‘Mera Jism, Meri Marzi’, in particular, stirred a storm with Khalil ur Rehman Qamar abusing journalist and human rights activist Marvi Sirmed on live television. While some say the slogan is “vulgar” and is used by women marchers in “an attempt to westernise the Pakistani society”, the marchers themselves say it pertains to “the right of choice and that to safety of women and even minor girls who are subjected to sexual assault in this very society”.
Here are some interesting posters from the Aurat March’s official Instagram account which explain ‘Why Women March’.
With the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League officially underway in Pakistan, there is little Pakistanis can talk about except cricket.
Former cricketer and Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has been hosting some players and his old adversaries in his office. From Daren Sammy to Dean Jones, here is everyone who met the prime minister:
Vivian Richards said he was delighted to meet his friend again.
Shane Watson referred to PM Khan as his “cricket hero.”
This was incredibly special for me to meet and chat with one of my cricketing hero’s, the Great All-Rounder, Imran Khan. What an inspiring life he has lived on and off the cricket field!!! So amazing to hear Sir Viv, Greg Chappell and Imran relive the good old days!!! #dreampic.twitter.com/Zqz2jww7P8
Meanwhile, PM Khan congratulated Sammy on receiving honourary Pakistani citizenship and praised him for playing his role in helping to revive international cricket in the country.
In his meeting with Peshawar Zalmi, Khan remarked that he was happy that the whole Pakistan Super League (PSL) was being staged in Pakistan.
“People are happy too,” PM Imran is reported to have said. “It is encouraging to see the stadiums filled with enthusiastic spectators. This will send a positive message from Pakistan to the world.”
The Indian government imposed communication blackout in August last year and stripped India Occupied Kashmir (IOK) of its special autonomous status.
The administration has reached out to a US-based software firm Cisco Systems in order to prevent fixed-line internet users from accessing social media websites, reported ThePrint.
The step has been taken to remove the restriction on a fixed-line broadband connection, however, social media platforms will still not be accessible to local residents even when internet connectivity is restored.
Back in January, users were allowed 2G mobile internet and broadband for 1,500 individuals, including those providing essential services such as hospitals with access to only 1600 website.
The firewall is being analysed and tested, and if it will be capable enough to sustain the blockage, it will be purchased, a senior government official said.
Pakistani human rights activist and lawyer Jalila Haider is being honoured by the United States Department of State with the International Women of Courage Award for the year 2020. Jalila is among the 12 women from across the world who will be receiving the honour.
According to a statement posted on their official website, the award recognises women around the globe who have “demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment at great personal risk.”
The department stated that Haider was the “Iron Lady” of Balochistan, who had initiated a non-profit to support local communities by strengthening opportunities for vulnerable women and children.
The statement further read: “She has fought against violence against women in public spaces. She specializes in defending women’s rights and provides free counseling and legal services to poverty-affected women. The first female attorney of her Hazara community, Haider led a peaceful hunger strike to recognise the right to life for the Hazaras.”
Other women on the list include Zarifa Ghafari (Afghanistan), Lucy Kocharyan (Armenia), Shahla Humbatova (Azerbaijan), Ximena Galarza (Bolivia), Claire Ouedraogo (Burkina Faso), Sayragul Sauytbay (China), Susanna Liew (Malaysia), and Amaya Coppens (Nicaragua).
Haider is a rights lawyer giving free legal services to women in poverty. In October last year, Haider was named one of the 100 most influential women of 2019 by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Besides being a vocal activist for the rights of women, she is also the founder of We the Humans, a non-profit organisation working with local communities to provide opportunities for vulnerable women.
