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  • IHC to hear PTI petition about Imran Khan’s transfer to Adiala Jail

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will hear a petition asking that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be transferred from Attock Jail to Adiala Jail after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman was sentenced to three years incarceration in the Tosha Khana case.

    IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq will hear the petition today. Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had filed a petition in the IHC to transfer Imran Khan from Attock Jail to Adiala Jail to get A-class facilities.

    “Keeping in view the petitioner’s social and political status, his education, and his being accustomed to a better living style, the Petitioner was entitled to A-Class facilities in terms of Rule 243 read with Rule 248 of the Pakistan Prison Rules,” the petition read.

    It is also requested in the plea that personal physicians and family members be allowed to meet him.

    Imran Khan’s lawyer said on Monday, after meeting his client in jail, that Imran Khan has been kept in an unhygienic and suffocating environment. However, he stressed that Khan’s morale was high.

  • Robots tell UN conference they can run the world better than humans with help of AI

    Robots tell UN conference they can run the world better than humans with help of AI

    AI-powered humanoid robots stole the spotlight at a United Nations summit in Geneva, boldly claiming they could run the world more efficiently than humans. These robots, like Sophia from Hanson Robotics and Ameca with a lifelike artificial head, gathered at the AI for Good Global Summit, where around 3,000 experts aimed to figure out how AI could tackle big problems like climate change and social care.

    While the robots proudly touted their knack for crunching unbiased data, they also recognised that humans bring the emotional smarts and creativity needed for making smart decisions. The summit made history by hosting a news conference with a panel of AI-enabled humanoid social robots, a first-of-its-kind event.

    The UN’s ITU tech agency, which organised the summit, also highlighted the downsides of rushing into AI without caution. Job losses and social unrest are concerns, the agency warned. The robots had mixed views on whether there should be global rules for AI. Some urged careful discussions about rules, while others were all about embracing the potential without holding back.

    However, these robots, despite their impressive abilities, confessed that they can’t quite grasp human emotions yet. They admitted that human feelings, like joy and pain, are a mystery to them. Although they understand that emotions matter, they made it clear that they can’t really share those feelings.

    This conference shone a light on the exciting possibilities and tough challenges of AI’s growth. It started conversations about using AI in ways that make sense and don’t cause harm to our society. As AI keeps getting smarter, these humanoid robots remind us that we need to be smart about how we use it in our world.

  • No shower in washroom aur kamra bhe woh jahan Sazai-e-maut kay qaidiun ko rakha jata hai: Imran Khan’s lawyer reveals details of his cell

    No shower in washroom aur kamra bhe woh jahan Sazai-e-maut kay qaidiun ko rakha jata hai: Imran Khan’s lawyer reveals details of his cell

    Naeem Panjutha, former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s lawyer, has revealed on Monday details of the conditions in which his client is being incarcerated.

    After meeting Khan in Attock district jail, the lawyer said that the behaviour of the jail administration was not satisfactory. He said that Imran Khan is living in a very small jail cell, while the washroom has no shower.

    Naeem Panjutha stated that Imran Khan has been kept in a very unhygienic and suffocating environment. However, Imran Khan was happy with PTI’s victory in Peshawar against JUI-F, the lawyer narrated.

    “Imran Khan’s morale was high,” Panjutha told media personnel outside the jail.

    “If they keep me in more severe condition than this, I’m ready for this too,” Khan reportedly told his lawyer.

    Imran Khan gave a message to the nation from the Jail through his lawyer: “I will not bow down”.

    According to PTI, the police ransacked and tortured the staff in Bani Gala while attempting to arrest Imran Khan. It is also mentioned by the PTI that while arresting Imran Khan, the policeman said “Chal Saday Nal” and “Kapra Pao Aeday mun ty”.

  • Taylor Swift gives $55 million bonuses to crew behind worldwide tour

    Taylor Swift gives $55 million bonuses to crew behind worldwide tour

    Cruel Summer? Not on Taylor’s watch.

    Like the outstanding artist that she is, Taylor Swift pulled off an awesome move, becoming the boss everyone will want to work with. People Magazine has reported that the superstar has given bonuses amounting up to $55 million to the hard working crew behind her mega-popular Eras tour, which is set to earn around $1 billion in sales, according to CNBC.

    The ‘Anti-Hero’ singer reportedly gave truck drivers around $100,000 each ahead of the concert stop in Santa Clara. Bonuses were handed out to dancers, sound technicians and caterers working on the tour.

    An account has shared a picture of the hand-written note the singer gave to her truck drivers.

  • Mysterious closure: Kia Lucky Motors Pakistan closes four showrooms despite rising sales

    Mysterious closure: Kia Lucky Motors Pakistan closes four showrooms despite rising sales

    Lucky Motor Corporation Limited (LMC) shocked the automotive industry in Pakistan with a surprise announcement on Monday. In a press release issued on the same day, LMC revealed its decision to close four of its dealerships in the country, effective immediately.

    The affected dealerships include Kia Motors Hanna Lake in Quetta, Kia Motors Chenab in Gujrat, Kia Motors Avenue in Dera Ghazi Khan, and Kia Motors Gateway in Mardan. While the announcement was unexpected, LMC emphasized its commitment to transparency and customer-centric practices by informing all its customers promptly.

    Curiously, the press release did not provide a specific reason for the abrupt decision. It comes as a puzzling move for LMC, considering the company’s positive performance in 2023. In contrast to its competitors experiencing declining sales, LMC saw a significant boost in sales during the same period.

    According to Mettis Global, Kia Sportage, one of the company’s popular models, saw a notable 4 per cent increase in total sales Month-over-Month (MoM). Furthermore, LMC managed to sell impressive numbers of other models, with 163 Picantos, 53 Stonics, and 72 Sorentos sold in February 2023 alone.

    The closure of these dealerships raises questions among industry experts and customers alike, as the company’s sales figures seemed to indicate a flourishing business. However, without a clear explanation from LMC, speculation continues to circulate regarding the true motives behind this unexpected decision.

  • Transgender activist Zaakraa’s story takes sinister turn, wipes all previous posts

    Transgender activist Zaakraa’s story takes sinister turn, wipes all previous posts

    TRIGGER WARNING: discussion of abuse, torture, homophobia

    Zaakraa has wiped out all of her social media posts, and posted a video saying she didn’t mean what she said previously, and had said it because she had anxiety.

    “I had uploaded my last video on the recommendation of someone, and at that point I was panicking and severely depressed. I am sorry for everything, and for insulting anyone.”

    Meanwhile, transgender activists Hina Baloch and Mehrub Moiz Awan have alleged that Zaakraa has been ‘kidnapped’ by the facility after she made public allegations of suffering abuse, torture and beatings while she stayed there.

    Mehrub Moiz revealed she was on the phone with Zaakraa for eight seconds when she heard screaming and a voice saying: “Dr Imran is here.”

    Hina Baloch requested friends from Lahore to spread the word so she may be found.

    Soon after Zaakraa took to Instagram, deleting her previous videos.

    A transgender activist who goes by the name Zaakraa has appeared back online after disappearing from social media for six months.

    She has posted videos on her Twitter and Instagram page, stating that her parents forced her to take conversion therapy at the Focus Life Rehabilitation Centre, detailing the torture and abuse she was subjected to at the hands of the doctors.

    In the video, Zaakraa says that for three months, she was stripped naked, beaten, and slapped by staff when she refused to eat because of her eating disorder. She also revealed that Dr Samina, who was present at the clinic, would question why Zaakraa was so invested in Aurat March, and other issues related to women. Another psychiatrist, Dr Imran, was informed by Zaakraa’s sister about his bisexuality. He berated the activist for his support for Aurat March and Moorat March.

    https://twitter.com/BubblesKhanum2/status/1688117427241095168?s=20

    The Current reached out to Zaakraa for a statement. She responded as follows:

    “I want Focus Life Rehab to be held accountable.”

    Zaakraa also shared pictures on her social media account of the doctors who she says were responsible for the torture and abuse during the time she was there.

    https://twitter.com/zaakraaaa/status/1688171062243315712?s=20

    We have reached out to Focus Life for a statement, and will update the article with their response.

    Prominent transgender activists like Mehrub Moiz Awan have expressed outrage on social media and called for the organisation to be shut down.

  • Season 2 of ‘Fairy Tale’ is back and social media users are enchanted as ever

    Season 2 of ‘Fairy Tale’ is back and social media users are enchanted as ever

    Just a few months after receiving critical acclaim for Season One, Hum TV’s beloved drama ‘Fairy Tale’ is back with a second season. The series, penned by Sarah Majeed, revolves around the energetic, fun-loved Umeed Pasha (played by Sehar Khan), a middle class girl who dreams of getting rich. Farjaad Khan (played by Hamza Sohail), her complete opposite in many ways, finds her naiveness opposing with his stiff and cold demeanor, but slowly comes to fall in love with her.

    The first season wrapped in April, with fans across India and Pakistan showering praise on the powerful female lead, the romance and the stellar script writing. The overwhelming praise

    Newcomers Hamza and Sehar were taken aback by the meteoric rise of the show, while in an interview with Fuchsia, Ali Safina admitted being shocked by how popular the show was.

    In this season, Umeed and Farjaad are more in love than they were previously, as she gears up to start her career as well as being married to Farjaad. The story wouldn’t be memorable without hilarious road blocks between our beloved kharoos and his larki right? The fanbase has not gone anywhere, already heaping praise on the first episode.

  • TW: Father beats daughter with metal bar for wearing makeup to school in UK, daughter saves him from jail sentence

    TW: Father beats daughter with metal bar for wearing makeup to school in UK, daughter saves him from jail sentence

    Hussein Alinzi, 59, was arrested in the United Kingdom last year on charges of battering his 15-year-old daughter on the morning she was to take a GCSE English exam.

    Alinzi accused his daughter of deceiving him to secretly meet a boy, and of wearing makeup. The girl has reportedly put on makeup to hide the bruises the father inflicted on her the night before.

    Alinzi was charged with beating his daughter with a metal bar right up to the point where she lost consciousness. However, she later tried to sit for the exam but was immediately taken to the A&E after she complained of dizziness and nauseau.

    The teenager reported to her teachers and the police that her father subjected her, on numerous occasions, to beatings and threats, reportedly saying, “I will run you over”, “I will kill you,” and “I hope you die.”

    Medics reported there were 14 injuries on the girl’s body along with a bite mark on her left temple.

    However, Alinzi, who works as a delivery driver, has avoided jail time after an eight month prison sentence was suspended for 18 months after the girl gave an emotional plea in court. He is also required to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and 25 days of rehabilitation activity days.

    “I initially didn’t want to provide a statement or evidence as I did not want to cause further pain to my family,” the girl said in a statement.

    “When my father was arrested, I felt safe that he was not here, but sad that he was not home.”

    ”My Mum struggles to look after my younger brother and I felt guilty that I bought shame on my family. I love my Dad and I can see that his attitude has now changed. This has made me realise how people can actually change.

    ”Since he has not been living with us, I have become more independent. My brother needs to live with his Dad, and he needs him back.

    “I actually feel happy as all this has changed him, it has made him realise what can and can’t do.”

    During the sentencing, Judge Mr Recorder Peter Wright KC spoke to Alinzi, reminding him to be kinder towards his children:

    “You’re the father of a big family of which there ought to be pride rather than shame, but that shame has been bought on your family by your conduct.

    “You have not behaved like a father should to his children, you behaved like a monster to them.

    “She should have been expected to be loved and protected by you, not assaulted and abused. She lived her life in fear of you, enduring your physical conduct towards her. You are a bully, and what you did was not protecting your child.

    “Your conduct was unforgivable and indicates your will for a combination of fear and violence. This is not acceptable, it is inexcusable and shameful.

    “She is now left with the emotional scar of now being the cause of you becoming separated from the family. This is a feeling that is natural for a child, but she is blameless.”

  • Pakistan launches its own WhatsApp-like messaging platform called Beep

    Pakistan launches its own WhatsApp-like messaging platform called Beep

    Federal Minister for Information Technology Syed Amin Ul Haque unveiled ‘Beep Pakistan,’ the country’s own messaging app, to serve as an alternative to the popular platform WhatsApp. The app was introduced during a launching ceremony, where Minister Haque emphasised its significance for Pakistan’s IT industry.

    During the initial 30-day trial run, ‘Beep Pakistan’ will facilitate internal communication between the Ministry of IT and Communication and the National Information Technology Board (NITB). In subsequent phases, the app will be rolled out to all government departments and eventually made available to the general public across the country.

    Minister Haque acknowledged that while neighbouring countries like India and Bangladesh had already introduced alternative messaging apps, Pakistan was still making a crucial stride in the right direction. He highlighted the app’s unique selling point, assuring users that it will be 100% secure, with its servers and source code residing in Pakistan.

    The app boasts an array of features, including data sharing, audio calling, video calling, and conference calling capabilities. Its focus on data security and privacy resonates with the nation’s growing concerns regarding cybersecurity.

    Praising the efforts of the National Information Technology Board (NITB), Minister Haque expressed pride in Pakistan’s successful creation of a WhatsApp alternative. The app’s development signifies the country’s ambition to bolster its domestic IT industry and reduce dependency on foreign platforms.

    According to Brecorder, beyond messaging app developments, Minister Haque highlighted the Ministry of IT’s broader initiatives. Over the last 3.5 years, the ministry has spearheaded 83 new projects, investing a total of Rs77 billion across Pakistan. These projects primarily targeted second- and third-tier cities to enhance connectivity and digital infrastructure in remote areas.

    Additionally, the Ministry of IT has been actively promoting digital literacy and skills development among young Pakistanis. As of now, over 3.3 million children have received digital skills training, empowering them with valuable knowledge for the digital era.

    The government has also demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem through the establishment of three new National Incubation Centres (NIC) during Minister Haque’s tenure. These centres provide vital support and resources to budding entrepreneurs and innovators across the country.

    As ‘Beep Pakistan’ begins its trial phase, expectations are high for the app to gain traction among government officials and eventually become a popular communication tool for citizens. With an emphasis on security, user-friendly features, and localization, the app aims to carve its own path in the digital landscape of Pakistan.

  • India landing on the moon makes us miss Fawad Chaudhry and his wadaa

    India landing on the moon makes us miss Fawad Chaudhry and his wadaa

    India’s space agency has shared pictures of their spacecraft Chandrayaan-3, as the rover gets closer and closer to the surface of the planet. BBC revealed that by August 23, Chandrayaan’s rover and lander are due to reach the surface of the earth. It was released from the Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota in the Andhra Pradesh state on July 14.

    This would be the second time after thirteen years that the country has launched a spacecraft to the moon. The first time was in 2008 after which the discovery of the presence of water molecules in the moon’s atmosphere was made.

    Scientists from the Indian Space Research Agency (ISRO) spoke to the media, stating that Chandrayaan-3 was in “good health”, adding that this was the third time in succession that ISRO had successfully injected a spacecraft into a lunar orbit.

    If the mission is successful this would make India the first country to perform a controlled soft landing near the south pole, and the fourth country after USA, China and the former Soviet Union to achieve a soft landing on the moon.

    Congratulations to India but we do remember how a certain promise was made by the former Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry, whol announced in a tweet in 2019 that by the year 2022, Pakistan will send their first person to space. He even mentioned that selection for the project was to begin by Feb 2020 after which 25 people will be selected. Kya hua tera wada, wo qasam wo iraada?