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  • ‘Those who mention democracy should be shot’, says Hassan Nisar, Twitter reacts

    ‘Those who mention democracy should be shot’, says Hassan Nisar, Twitter reacts

    Senior journalist and analyst Hassan Nisar has received backlash over his ‘anti-democracy’ and ‘dangerous’ comments wherein he said that Pakistan must have 15 years of fascism and those seeking democracy should be shot.

    During an interview with Samaa Tv’s political talk show ‘News Beat’, Nisar said, “Pakistan needs uninterrupted 15 years of authoritarian rule to fix everything from primary education to population control.”

    “Anyone mentioning democracy should be dealt by a firing squad and his family should pay for the bullets fired on him. It’s our moral job to try and give Imran Khan five years uninterrupted,” said Nisar.

    Lamenting the state of primary education in the country, Nisar also asked, “Are these children going to take over the country?”

    Twitter reminded Nisar that Pakistan was founded as a constitutional democracy, and calls dictatorship to go against the authority of the state.

  • ‘Riasat-e-Madina is one where you demolish Hindu temples’: JUI-F’s Secretary General Abdul Ghafoor

    ‘Riasat-e-Madina is one where you demolish Hindu temples’: JUI-F’s Secretary General Abdul Ghafoor

    Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam’s (JUI-F) secretary-general Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, during a press briefing, incited people to demolish Hindu temples.

    Ghafoor was explaining his interpretation of what Riasat-e-Madina looks like and said, “The main idea of Riasat-e-Madina is one where you demolish Hindu temples, destroy idols and build mosques.”

    “These people are making temples and idols,” said Ghafoor, adding, “When Babri Masjid was unlawfully desecrated, a lot of criticism was lamented on India. Protests took place against the attack. The ones who did this are kafir [non-believers].”

    “Today in Pakistan, one respected judge, whom I feel ashamed calling chief justice, he too should feel ashamed. On whose directives did he pass the order?” remarked Ghafoor.

    “For 40 years the court and chief justice were blind. Karachi is his city as well. He is an extremist,” added Ghafoor.

    “I would like to take names, the government minister Fawad Chaudhry when he won the election gave a statement that JUI-F is an extremist party. I [Ghafoor] want to put a mirror in front of him [Fawad], I want to tell him, his leadership and [prime minister] Imran Khan when you staged a dharna in Islamabad, you addressed the parliament from D-chowk and cursed the people sitting in the parliament, you cursed the parliament and army, and you didn’t stop here,” lamented the JUI-F leader.

    Ghafoor further criticising the government said, “Sheikh Rasheed who fits into every boot is the interior minister and this is such cruelty. We too came out from Karachi and held a march no one complained about us, their protest was a drama, we had a million people, and no one complained about us. My tehreek [movement] is in front of the country and so is their’s. My extremism and equality are in front of the people and your character is in front of the country as well.”

    “The country has to decide who is a terrorist the [government] or myself,” said Ghafoor.

  • ‘Memorable career’: Skipper, other cricketers pen notes for Hafeez

    ‘Memorable career’: Skipper, other cricketers pen notes for Hafeez

    Pakistani cricketers, along with skipper Babar Azam, took to their social media to congratulate and pen heartfelt notes for Professor aka Mohammad Hafeez after he announced his retirement from a successful career of 18 years in international cricket.

    Taking to Twitter, Babar wrote: “A memorable career comes to an end. I have learnt a lot from @mhafeez22 bhai and his experiences. Thank you for your guidance along the time we shared on the field. Happy retirement, professor!”

    Former Pakistani pacer Umar Gul wrote: “We started our career together and since that day, i have known u to be one of the most kindest and straightforward person. U have given so much to the world of cricket during these years n we will surely miss watchn u play for Pakistan. Wishing u prosperity ahead.”

    https://twitter.com/mdk_gul/status/1477901591277555712?s=20

    “Oye Ustaada @MHafeez22 great international career MaShAllah…You have been an outstanding player & a team mate.Thank you for serving Pakistan cricket. All the very best for future Happy Retirement Ustaad G,” said former Pakistani wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal on Twitter.

    Former Pakistan Women Cricket team’s captain Sana Mir also penned a message for the batter, saying: “Congratulations @MHafeez22 on a gritty career. You have always held the honour of our country high and we are all very thank you to you for all your services. All the best for all future plans.”

    Several other cricketers extended well wishes for the former Pakistan captain with many hashtags like Happy Retirement, End of an Era, Professor and Mohammad Hafeez.

    Taking to Twitter, Hafeez said: “My journey of pride representing Pakistan came to an end & i m proudly retiring from international cricket with great satisfaction & joy. Thank u all for 18 years of support. Maintaining highest level of pride & dignity always is my most valuable achievement.”

    “Pakistan Zindabad,” he added.

    Former cricketers Bazid Khan and Saeed Ajmal also congratulated him under his tweet.

    “I’m extremely lucky & proud to have been considered worthy of donning the national kit for 18 years. Every time I stepped on the field, I tried to raise the country’s profile & image by playing hard & tough but within the traditions & spirit of cricket,” he said in a press conference at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Headquarters today (Monday) in Lahore.

    Hafeez played 55 Tests, 218 ODIs and 119 T20Is while amassing 12,780 runs across formats, and grabbed 32 Player-of-the-Match awards, the fourth-highest among Pakistan players in all international cricket, with only Shahid Afridi (43), Wasim Akram (39) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (33) above him. In addition to that, Hafeez also earned nine Player-of-the-Series awards, joint-second with Imran Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis.

    Meanwhile, Hafeez’z on-field opponent Dale Steyn took to Twitter and said: ” Many a great battle with this man, end of the day, we had the best time and memories we can enjoy forever!”

    “Congratulations on a wonderful international career! Inspired your nation and played the game the right way, well done,” he added.

  • Transgenders to get Rs. 3000 per month financial assistance from Punjab government

    Transgenders to get Rs. 3000 per month financial assistance from Punjab government

    A Punjab government has officially launched a monthly financial aid programme called ‘Masawaat Programme’ for the welfare of the transgender community across the province under the support of the Punjab Social Protection Authority.

    In this programme, transgenders who are over 40 years old will receive financial aid of Rs 3,000 per month from the government whereas transgenders who are aged between 18 and 40 with special needs will receive Rs 2,000 monthly.

    The government also asked the transgender community to get themselves registered with NADRA under the category of ‘transgender’ to avail financial assistance. Those with ‘special needs’ are asked to produce the authentic certificate of disability for registration purposes.

    The Punjab Social Protection Authority emphasised to need to immediately register to avail benefits from the programme as the last date of registration is January 31. Financial assistance will be received on registered mobile numbers of the beneficiaries of the Masawaat Programme.

    The authority further added that they would assist transgender persons in finding employment.

  • Indian Muslim women ‘up for sale’ on app again

    Indian Muslim women ‘up for sale’ on app again

    BBC News Correspondent Yogita Limaye claims that Indian Muslim women find themselves ‘up for sale’ for a second time on an application called Sulli [a derogatory term used to refer to Muslim women in India] application.

    In a tweet, she said, “In the span of six months, Indian Muslim women find themselves ‘up for sale’ for a second time. The info tech minister says the content has been blocked. Perpetrators yet to be found.”

    This is not the first time that Muslim women were put up “for auction” online in India. In July, images of hundreds of women were uploaded via an auctioning app called “Sulli Deals”.

    Hana Khan, a commercial pilot whose name was on the list revealed that she was alerted to it when a friend sent her a tweet.

    Police opened an investigation but refused to say who could be behind the app.

    The experience had left women scarred. Those who featured on the app were all vocal Muslims, including journalists, activists, artists and researchers. A few have since deleted their social media accounts and many others said they were afraid of further harassment.

  • AR Rahman’s daughter Khatija announces engagement with Riyasdeen Shaik

    AR Rahman’s daughter Khatija announces engagement with Riyasdeen Shaik

    Internationally renowned Indian musician, AR Rahman’s daughter Khatija Rahman announced her engagement on her Instagram last night with audio engineer Riyasdeen Shaik.

    She shared a collage image of herself from the event and another picture of her fiance in black and white. She was wearing a pink dress with a matching mask on her engagement.

    Khatija penned down on Instagram, “With the blessings of the Almighty I’m happy to announce to you all my engagement with Riyasdeen Shaik Mohamed @riyasdeenriyan, an aspiring entrepreneur and a wizkid audio engineer. The engagement happened on 29th December, my birthday in the presence of close family and loved ones.”

    Several celebrities dropped their congratulatory messages under her post.

    Indian female singer, Harshdeep Kaur wrote, “Congratulations to the both of you. God Bless!!”

    Another Indian singer, Neeti Mohan said, “Many many congratulations. This is such a wonderful moment. @khatija.rahman @riyasdeenriyan.” Sreekanth Hariharan wrote, “Heartiest congratulations @khatija.rahman & @riyasdeenriyan !!”

    Famous Atrangi Re Indian director, Aanand L.Rai also sent good wishes, “Congrats. Best wishes always. Stay Blessed.”

    In November 2021, Khatija Rahman performed a spiritual song Farishton, at the Dubai Expo 2020, which was highly appreciated by the audience. It is also composed by AR Rahman.

  • IN PICTURES: Areeba Habib’s wedding trends on web, Aiman and Iqra attend

    IN PICTURES: Areeba Habib’s wedding trends on web, Aiman and Iqra attend

    Actor Areeba Habib’s Shendi took place yesterday on December 2nd in Karachi.

    The pictures from the event have gone viral on social media. Many celebrities including Mansha Pasha, Aiman Khan, Iqra Aziz, Yasir Hussain and Sadaf Kanwal and Shahroz Sabzwari were spotted having fun on the wedding.

    Areeba made a gorgeous bride in an off white ensemble paired with traditional jewelry.

    Have a look at the pictures:

  • America forced IMF to impose strict conditions on Pakistan: Shaukat Tarin

    America forced IMF to impose strict conditions on Pakistan: Shaukat Tarin

    Federal Minister for Finance Shaukat Tarin termed the geo-political situation of the region as a reason for the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) to impose strict conditions on Pakistan.

    The finance minister spoke about a number of issues, including the Supplementary Finance Bill 2021, inflation, State Bank Amendment Bill, prior actions demanded by IMF, and other core issues related to finance on Geo News‘ programme ‘Naya Pakistan’.

    The minister, terming the geo-political situation of the region as a reason for the IMF being forceful, said that the talks with the lender aiming to restore the United States (US) $6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) were not a piece of cake after the US pullout of Afghanistan.

    Tarin admitted that America was behind IMF to impose strict conditions on Pakistan.

    The finance minister said that the petroleum levy in fuel prices has been increased as per the IMF’s demand.

    “We had cut down the sales tax on petroleum products to zero but were compelled to apply the petroleum levy due to IMF’s strict behaviour,” said Tarin, adding that the IMF had lent the country some money back in March 2021 on account of an increase in the petroleum levy.

  • The Professor Mohammad Hafeez announces retirement from international cricket

    The Professor Mohammad Hafeez announces retirement from international cricket

    Former Pakistan cricket team captain Mohammad Hafeez has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career spanning more than 18 years with the Pakistan side. His international debut was in an ODI against Zimbabwe in 2003, and his last match was Pakistan’s defeat against Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-final last November.

    The 41-year-old top-order batter and off-spinner, has signed up with Lahore Qalandars for the upcoming edition of the PSL and will continue to be available for franchise cricket around the world.

    As per his ESPN cricinfo, Hafeez played 55 Tests, 218 ODIs and 119 T20Is while amassing 12,780 runs across formats, and grabbed 32 Player-of-the-Match awards, the fourth-highest among Pakistan players in all international cricket, with only Shahid Afridi (43), Wasim Akram (39) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (33) above him. In addition to that, Hafeez also earned nine Player-of-the-Series awards, joint-second with Imran Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis.

    Hafeez retired from Test cricket in December 2018, with selectors later deciding to move on from him in ODIs after the 2019 World Cup, where he played his last match of the format – against Bangladesh at Lord’s.

    He is the only Pakistan player to have played in all but one T20 World Cup – the one Pakistan ended up winning in 2009 – and holds the Pakistan record for most T20 World Cup appearances. Hafeez also led Pakistan to the 2012 World T20 semi-final.

    After he announced his retirement, his colleagues and Twitterati wished him good luck with heart-warming messages.

    https://twitter.com/mdk_gul/status/1477901591277555712?s=20

  • ‘Ahad feared he would lose me’: Sajal Aly makes revelations about Ahad’s magical proposal

    ‘Ahad feared he would lose me’: Sajal Aly makes revelations about Ahad’s magical proposal

    Actor Sajal Aly is opening about her relationship with husband Ahad Raza Mir and how their equation developed over the years.

    Speaking to journalist Maliha Rehman in a recent interview, the Khel Khel Mein spilled the beans on how the Sammi star proposed her.

    “Ahad has talked about me a lot in his past interviews but, somehow, I’m only doing it now,” she smiles. “It’s just that I rarely give interviews and I worry that, if I’ll get asked about Ahad, I’ll just end up going on and on.”

    Walking down the memory lane, the Mom star spilled how Ahad had asked her hand in marriage on the sets of Aangan.

    “We had just got engaged when we started working in Aangan together. He had proposed to me and I had told him that he needed to reach out to my family. The very next day, I had fallen ill and Ahad’s mother had come to take care of me for three days. My father had been very surprised but my sister told him that Ahad’s family were thinking of marriage. Once I got better, Ahad’s parents came to Lahore, met my family and we got engaged.

    Sajal Aly details big wedding proposal from Ahad Raza Mir

    She continued, “I later asked Ahad why he had been in such a hurry to get engaged. He told me that he had been afraid that, if he didn’t ask me to marry him, he would lose me, and I would marry someone else.” 

    Speaking about their Zee5 project after grand wedding in Abu Dhabi, Sajal revealed that her and Ahad have now decided to take a break from joint projects.

     “I thought that Dhoop Ki Deewar had a simple story and I would be working with a great team,” she says about the series. “But Ahad and I did decide that we had been acting together far too frequently and that we should take a break from it, unless, of course, the sort of story comes along that we can’t resist.”

    The pair posed with Sajal’s former co-star Nawazuddin Siddiqui from the movie Mom in Dubai at the prestigious Filmfare Middle East Awards ceremony. The Yeh Dil Mera diva shared picture on her Instagram stories.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is insta-sajal.jpg

    In an exclusive conversation with The Current, Sajal said that she is aware of her popularity in India and feels lucky when co-star Sridevi’s daughter Janhvi and Punjabi Indian actor Sonam Bajwa praise her work publicly.