Blog

  • Indian court grants bail to two men who made apps to auction Muslim women

    Indian court grants bail to two men who made apps to auction Muslim women

    An Indian court in Delhi granted bail to the creators of ‘Sulli Deals’, Omkareshwar Thakur and ‘Bulli Bai’, Niraj Bishnoi, on humanitarian grounds on Monday. Both applications, Sulli Deals and Bulli Bai were created to humiliate and mock Muslim girls by uploading their photos and putting them up “for sale” on the applications.

    According to the court, the accused were released as they committed the offence for the first time and it is not appropriate for their well-being to imprison them for a longer time.

    However, the court also imposed strict conditions on both of them, so that they are not able to threaten victims and tamper with evidence.

    Under the conditions, the accused are not allowed to contact or influence any victim. The accused will be responsible for always keeping their mobile phones turned on and providing locations to police. They also cannot travel abroad and have to appear before the court on every date. They must not commit a similar crime during the duration of their bail.

    Earlier this year, Delhi Police arrested Omkareshwar Thakur and Niraj Bishnoi.

    The two application developers uploaded more than 100 photos of Muslim women for sale without their consent. The Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai, was also included in the auction list uploaded by ‘Bulli Bai’. In both applications, there was no actual sale but the sole purpose was to defame Muslim women.

  • PM Khan ready to share ‘written letter of foreign conspiracy’ with CJP Bandial: Asad Umar

    PM Khan ready to share ‘written letter of foreign conspiracy’ with CJP Bandial: Asad Umar

    Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan is ready to share the “threat letter” with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial. PM Khan claimed during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) March 27 rally that he had evidence of a “foreign-funded conspiracy” to topple his government and showed a letter to the audience.

    Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Minister for Planning and Development Umar said he has seen the letter himself, adding that if someone had doubts, the “prime minister is ready … he thought we can share with the chief justice of the Supreme Court”.

    Chief justice has a very good reputation

    Asad Umar said that after the masses questioned the credibility of the letter, the prime minister deliberated over sharing the letter with someone, and he thought that it would be right to share it with the CJP — as he is a credible person.

    “He holds a high office […] and the chief justice himself is a well-respected man,” the federal minister said, noting that it would be shared with the CJP when the need might arise.

    “Obviously, it is the highest office of justice in Pakistan, it is a huge position that has respect in this country. Personally too, the chief justice has a very good reputation. The prime minister said that on the nation’s behalf, if necessary, and for the people’s satisfaction, he is ready to present the letter to the chief justice of the Supreme Court.”

    Letter stated that if Imran Khan remained the prime minister, it would lead to “horrific consequences”

    “This is a very concerning thing and it is important because this letter clearly mentions the no-confidence resolution. There is no ambiguity that the no-confidence motion is being talked about.”

    Umar further said the letter stated that if Imran Khan remained the prime minister, it would lead to “horrific consequences”.

    ‘Letter shared with top civil, military leadership’

    Without naming anyone and in an apparent reference to opposition leaders, Umar referred to demands sharing contents of the letter.

    “They are asking why can we share the letter with them,” he said, adding that “national secrets are very sensitive in nature and there are clear laws on with whom these could be shared”.

    Umar then insisted that the letter was a “reality” and revealed that he had seen it.

    “I bear witness to it,” he said.

    Umar further said the letter had only been shared with the top civil and military leadership and a few members of the federal cabinet.

    Nawaz Sharif is involved in the “conspiracy” against PM Imran Khan

    Without naming anyone and in an apparent reference to Opposition leaders, Umar referred to demands sharing contents of the letter.

    “They are asking why can we not share the letter with them,” he said, adding that “national secrets are very sensitive in nature and there are clear laws on with whom these could be shared”.

    Umar then insisted that the letter was a “reality” and revealed that he had seen it.

    “I bear witness to it,” he said.

    Umar further said the letter had only been shared with the top civil and military leadership and a few members of the federal cabinet.

    Pakistan has a leader who is not attending foreign phone calls and is connected with the people

    “Until now, they were unaware, but now, they have been informed about the letter. So, it is up to them to decide whether they will side with forces working against Pakistan or not,” added Chaudhry.

    Chaudhry said this is “not a new thing” as earlier ex-prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated, former premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was prosecuted, and former military ruler Gen Zia-ul-Haq lost his life in a plane crash.

    The information minister said that the decisions taken in the past were part of Pakistan’s history. “But now, Pakistan has a leader who is not attending foreign phone calls and is connected with the people.”

  • Banks to remain closed for public dealing on 4 April

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and all other banks will be closed for public business on Monday, 4 April, to observe a ‘Bank Holiday’ for Zakat deduction.

    Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Microfinance banks (MFBs), and all other banks will be closed to the public on Monday.

    On the Bank Holiday, which will be observed as a working day, all of these institutions’ employees will carry out their official tasks except client dealing, in-office, or through work-from-home (WFH), as per the official instructions.

    According to the central bank’s announcement, it will be closed for public trading on Monday, “which shall be observed as Bank Holiday for the purpose of Zakat deduction”.

    “However, all staff of banks, DFIs, and MFBs will report to work on Bank Holiday as a normal working day (except for public trading),” the statement continued.

  • ‘Maybe she watches Bulbulay’: Ayesha Omar gets candid about Esra Bilgic following her on Instagram

    ‘Maybe she watches Bulbulay’: Ayesha Omar gets candid about Esra Bilgic following her on Instagram

    Actor Ayesha Omar appeared on Ahsan Khan’s chat show on which the Rehbara star got candid on why she is the only Pakistan actor to be followed on social media by Turkish star Esra Bilgic.

    She started off by saying, “Pata nahi kaisay hua yeh mojza (miracle).”

    The Turkish beauty rose to the pinnacle of fame for essaying the role of Halime Hatun in the Turkish historical television series Diriliş: Ertuğrul from 2014 to 2018.

    The Yalghaar diva delved into details about how the Ramo star started following her on social media, “I have no idea how and why Esra Bilgic started following me as I personally don’t know her but I would definitely love to know about her.”

    “Well, there can be a lot of possibilities maybe she liked any of my statements or something that I did but at that time I was the only Pakistani celebrity whom she followed.”

    She also joked that Esra could have followed her on social media after seeing her performance in the super hit ARY Digital’s sitcom Bulbulay.

    On the work front, Esra is working on action thriller, Adanis: Kutsal Kavga.

  • Pak-China trade to resume through Khunjerab pass after 2-year hiatus

    A lucrative trade route connecting Pakistan and China, the Khunjerab Pass will finally reopen for trade activities on April 1, 2022 after more than a 2-year hiatus. The pass was closed in November 2019 as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19.

    As per a credible resource, Chinese authorities sent Pakistan a letter requesting the reopening of the border, in reference to the agreement made in May 2013 between the neighboring countries.

    Port authorities on the Chinese side have been advised to take all preventive measures related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

    Likewise, the Pakistani border authorities have also been instructed to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus spread.

    The Khunjerab Pass was temporarily opened for less than two weeks from July 29, 2020 to August 10, 2020 to allow the passage of stranded containers filled with goods. The prolonged closure of Khunjerab Pass had caused severe financial hardships to the local business community.

  • ‘Good driver, sharif admi, I eat whatever is given to me’: All things we will miss about soon to exit CM Buzdar

    ‘Good driver, sharif admi, I eat whatever is given to me’: All things we will miss about soon to exit CM Buzdar

    Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar, whom Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan protected through thick and thin and called ‘Wasim Akram Plus’, is now getting sacrificed as the premier nominated Punjab Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Elahi for the much-sought-after Punjab’s chief ministership.

    Buzdar was known for keeping a low profile and not many know much about him. So here’s all you need to know about our soon-to-be-former-chief minister.

    Last year in May, Usman Buzdar appeared for an interview on Express News morning show, “Expresso”. During his interview, a rather candid Buzdar revealed his favourite food, choices in clothes, his favourite colour and his love for jeep rallies.

    “Whatever I am given to eat, I like it. My personal favourite dishes are daal ghost and Balochi dish Sajji,” said Buzdar, adding, ” I don’t have any specific food choices. I eat whatever is given to me.”

    Anchorperson Hina Nizai questioned Buzdar about his favourite colour. “I like simple clothes. Blue, black and white are my favourite colours.”

    “Earlier I used to go out for shopping but ever since I became chief minister, I don’t get the time to buy my own clothes,” said Buzdar.

    Talking about his music choices, Buzdar said that he enjoyed listening to folk music. He revealed that he could speak English, Urdu, Siraiki and Pashto.

    Buzdar said that he really enjoyed jeep rallies. “I really enjoy driving, especially off-road driving, which I enjoyed since my childhood. I am a very good driver as well,” he said.

    “Who is the chief minister of your house?” asked the anchorperson.

    “Everyone is a chief minister in the house,” responded Buzdar.

    In September 2019, Buzdar gave an interview on Dunya News programme, “On The Front with Kamran Shahid”. Anchorperson Kamran Shahid questioned Buzdar about his background and why he deserved the CM slot, to which he responded, “Main koyi miss nahi karta tha trainings [I did not miss any training].”

    CM Buzdar was asked how can a “sharif admi [decent man]” could be CM Punjab. He said, “Was there any criteria that a sharif admi could not become a chief minister?”

    Shahid asked Buzdar how many times he met PM Khan before he became the chief executive of Punjab. Buzdar said, “I met Imran Khan at Banigala the day I was nominated [for Chief Minister].”

    Talking about his relationship with Elahi, Buzdar said, ” I have a very good understanding with Pervaiz Elahi. It wouldn’t be wrong if I say that I have an ideal understanding …. he supports me a lot… he is an elder to me.”

    Responding to the question of his removal, Buzdar said, “Jab tak meray quaid ka mujh par aitebaar hai aur meri assembly ka, tou mujhe koyi nahi hataa sakta [Till the time my leader and assembly believe in me, no one can remove me],” adding, “Jis din mujhe jaana hoga, aik minute mujhe koyi tok nahi sakega [The day I have to leave, no one can stop me for a minute].”

    On Monday, Elahi was nominated for the post of the Chief Minister of Punjab after Buzdar tendered his resignation to the premier.

  • Private students in Punjab will soon be able to take FSc exams

    Punjab’s Higher Education Department (HED) has decided to make another alteration to the intermediate test guidelines to facilitate private students in the province.

    Private students will now be eligible to sit at the FSc yearly examinations, according to reports, with the latest modification due to take effect in the academic year 2023.

    However, the students will be required to submit certificates to confirm their appearance in practical exams before taking the annual exams.

    The students will be able to obtain these certificates from any college affiliated with any of the eight boards of secondary and intermediate education.

    This change is undoubtedly great news for private candidates who wanted to enroll in sciences. Previously, private students were bound to choose between humanities and commerce.

  • Female teacher killed after 13-year old girl ‘saw’ her committing blasphemy ‘in her dream’

    Female teacher killed after 13-year old girl ‘saw’ her committing blasphemy ‘in her dream’

    In a horrific incident, female madrassa teachers have allegedly ‘slaughtered’ their fellow teacher for allegedly committing blasphemy in Dera Ismail Khan on Tuesday, Journalist Iftikhar Firdous tweeted.

    “Female Madrassa teachers have slaughtered another female teacher from the same seminary in the street leading to the seminary this morning an official from Dera Ismail Khan has confirmed, the reason they cited has been alleged blasphemy. Two women have been arrested so far,” the tweet read.

    However, as per Dawn, three women have been arrested. According to the first information report (FIR), when police reached the location, they saw the victim lying in a pool of blood with her throat slashed.

    As per, DPO Hasnain the suspects are 17, 21 and 24 years of age. They killed the 21-year-old victim over allegations of blasphemy and “difference of opinion on religious issues.” The victim, he added, was a devotee of well-known Islamic scholar Maulana Tariq Jameel, who the accused didn’t like.

    The suspects further claim that a 13-year-old female relative witnessed a dream in which she learned of the alleged blasphemy committed by the victim and was then “ordered to slaughter her”, according to the DPO. The relative who claimed to see the dream has also been arrested.

  • Karachi man charged for molesting woman for the second time after viral video

    Karachi man charged for molesting woman for the second time after viral video

    Karachi police have arrested a man for molesting a woman on the streets of Karachi. Fahim Ahmed was arrested after he molested an unidentified woman, reports Samaa.

    The CCTV footage shows Fahim riding a motorbike. He slowed his bike as he approached the victim, who was coming from the opposite direction. Fahim groped her before speeding away.

    The victim claimed that Fahim did similar act with her a week ago. He was arrested after the CCTV footage of him went viral.

    “I was coming back from school when he misbehaved with me,” said the victim. She also said she wants to press legal charges against him.

    A case has been registered against Fahim and he also confessed to the crime. According to the statement, he said he is sorry, it was a mistake and he won’t do it again.

  • Mila Kunis raised $35 million for Ukraine relief in less than 30 days

    Mila Kunis raised $35 million for Ukraine relief in less than 30 days

    Since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, individuals all over the world have come together to offer monetary and non-monetary relief to the war-torn country. Mila Kunis and her husband Ashton Kutcher were among the first fundraisers to help.

    The American actress instantly created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees fleeing for their lives. They even kicked off the fund with a $3 million donation of their own, and donations only escalated from there.

    The couple had exceeded their $30 million goal in less than 30 days and then increased it to $40 million. They have raised more than $35.3 million from nearly 73,400 donors as of March 29, 2022.

    DST Global and Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, are among the fund’s major contributors. DST contributed a total of $3.5 million to the cause, with Ellison donating the most money of all, $5 million.

    Several anonymous donors, in addition to many others, gave significant contributions totaling more than $1 million.

    GoFundMe created a hub for verified fundraisers trying to raise money for humanitarian help in Ukraine in the wake of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

    Presently, the hub organizes fundraisers ranging from supporting major humanitarian groups such as ‘Save the Children’ to raising donations for particular Ukrainian families.

    To get verified on the donation hub, GoFundMe’s trust and safety team need to know the identity of the organizer along with how the funds will be used and who they are raising money for.