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  • Suzie and Bubloo to fly to Jordan on December 17

    Suzie and Bubloo to fly to Jordan on December 17

    Islamabad Zoo’s last remaining animals Bubloo and Suzie are all set to leave for Jordan on December 17. The two Himalayan bears were initially scheduled to leave Pakistan on December 10, but the government had barred the animals from leaving at the last moment despite court orders.

    https://twitter.com/fourpawsint/status/1338391109639286785?s=20

    https://twitter.com/IsbZooFriends/status/1338406553905455105?s=20

    In a written order, the court said: “The natural habitat of Suzie and Bubloo was the high altitude plateau of Deosai National Park in the Himalayas. It was indeed inhumane to have deprived them of living in their natural habitat merely for the entertainment of the human species.”

    “They have remained caged in the Marghazar Zoo for more than a decade. A zoo, no matter how well equipped, is no less than a concentration camp for living beings. They were born free and taking them out of their natural habitat and caging them was in violation of the natural rights bestowed upon them by the Creator.”

    “They have suffered enough and they lack the ability to let the human species know what they must have gone through. Their abnormal behaviour while imprisoned was sufficient to speak volumes for the unimaginable pain and suffering.”

    “The relocation of Kaavan the elephant, and the two Himalayan brown bears, Suzie and Bubloo, to appropriate sanctuaries has set a precedent for others to follow. They will always represent the people of Pakistan and their resolve to treat living species with respect and dignity,” it added.

    The transfer of the former dancing bears to Jordan was first announced in early October, with the Jordanian government saying it would facilitate the relocation. Back then Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) Chairman Dr Anisur Rehman had said that the two bears, including their import and export permits, are ready. He had said that he is confident that the bears will receive better psychological and physical treatment in the sanctuary abroad.

    “The bear sanctuary is looked after by the (Jordanian) king’s aunt, Princess Alia, and she has given us an import permit within a day,” Dr Rehman had shared.

    It was earlier reported that the bears are not being moved to Jordan permanently. They will reportedly be flown back to Islamabad once they have fully recovered and their enclosures at Islamabad Zoo are ready. Animals at the Islamabad Zoo are being relocated after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled that the zoo is not fit enough for them and lacks the necessary facilities.

    Both the Himalayan brown bears suffer from psychological problems due to living in a substandard enclosure, with the female Suzie undergoing major surgery in the summer after a tumour was removed from her chest. Local vets were unable to stitch up seven inches open cut in the centre of her chest and she developed an infection. Four Paws vets, who arrived in August, operated on Suzie again and cleaned the infected wound. This was also the reason why sanctuaries within Pakistan refused to take them in.

    “She is now recovering and healthy. Both bears are doing well physically now that we have put them on a better nutritional diet of fruits and vegetables. Suzie had diarrhea all the time because she was mostly fed milk,” a spokesperson for Four Paws, Marion Lombard, told local media outlets.

    Friends of Islamabad Zoo (FIZ), who have been campaigning for the animals, in a note posted to social media, also addressed those who said that the bears should have been moved to a local sanctuary instead of an international one.

    “Both the bears have no teeth and have been dependent on humans since birth,” wrote the animal rights body. “They will not be able to survive wild in the Deosai Plains and will need constant care.”

    “Other than that from what we were told, Deosai now has 76 bears and adding two bears with no experience of living with other bears won’t be able to survive and will need to be kept confined.”

    FIZ said that Al Ma’wa for Nature and Wildlife is the ideal place for the two bears because it is located 3500 feet above sea level, double the height of Islamabad and is climatically suited to Himalayan brown bears. They added that their facilities are top-class and the bears will be well taken care of there.

    Meanwhile, speaking to a local media publication, veterinarian Dr Amir Khalil, who is overlooking the bears move to Jordan, expressed his relief over the decision and said that Suzie and Bubloo would find a species-appropriate home and proper care in Jordan. Dr Khalil also oversaw the relocation of Kaavan to Cambodia.

    “As a vet, I am delighted that in the end, humanity and the bears are the winners,” Khalil said.

    https://youtu.be/0tIDW23n2D8
  • COVID-19: Jawad Sohrab of Sohrab Foundation emerges a pandemic hero

    COVID-19: Jawad Sohrab of Sohrab Foundation emerges a pandemic hero

    2020 has been a tough year for everyone across the globe considering the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdowns that followed. The World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a recent address remarked that the pandemic has shown humanity at “its best and worst”, pointing to “inspiring acts of compassion and self-sacrifice, breathtaking feats of science and innovation, and heartwarming demonstrations of solidarity.”

    In Pakistan, people have come together to help those in need and those most-affected. While the government mobilised resources to help the affected, members of civil society also stepped up and extended their support. Among those who offered their assistance is British-Pakistani businessman Jawad Sohrab Malik, who is also credited as being one of the top donors to the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Dam Fund.

    Jawad Sohrab Malik

    Jawad, through his charity organisation, The Sohrab Foundation, donated over 50,000 ration bags worth Rs 4,000 plus cash donation to daily wagers affected by the pandemic for distribution through the Pakistan Army. His efforts were appreciated by the armed forces and DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar honoured him with a memento to acknowledge his efforts and contribution for supporting the society and providing relief during these troubled times. He was also lauded by Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa for his charity work, which is a huge feat in itself.

    According to details, the Sohrab Foundation has been engaged in charitable work for the last 10 years. Speaking about the foundation’s journey, Jawad had said: “We started with Iftar Dastarkhwan for 1000 people and the scope kept increasing every year. Now, under our Ramazan Dastarkhawn Programme, we provide meals to at least 300,000 people each year at multiple locations across the country.”

    He explained that due to the pandemic, the foundation decided to divert funds towards those affected by the virus and lockdown.

    “The needs of our times are increasingly urgent and this is a time when our countrymen need us the most. We must do all we can in our capacity to help those in need as this is the essence of our religion too. After all, we must not forget that Allah brings us in this world just so that we can help others and a person’s most useful asset is his or her willingness to assist another.”

    Furthermore, speaking exclusively to The Current Jawad added: “Charity has always been a focal pillar in our lives. This is what I learnt from my father and am just carrying on what he taught us on a larger and more organised scale and structure.”

    “Helping is above all, this doesn’t necessarily mean financially. It could be assisting someone with your time, advice, with kind words. As long as you can somehow comfort and help someone and make them feel better that’s what matters,” he continued.

    Meanwhile, Jawad is also playing a key role in building up trade relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Earlier, in March 2019, Jawad had invited Labour MPs Naz Shah, Faisal Rasheed and former cabinet minister and Tory peer Baroness Sayeeda Warsi to his residence in Islamabad and informed them that Pakistani government under Prime Minister Imran Khan was committed to building stronger relations between the two countries and wanted businesses to invest in Pakistan. He shared the incentives the country was offering and encouraged them to also assist in building ties.

    “Life is too short, so let’s do everything we can today to help people now,” is what Jawad says his motto in life is and he is trying to do whatever he can to give back to his people and his country.

  • Teachers should receive vaccine priority: UNICEF

    Teachers should receive vaccine priority: UNICEF

    The head of the UN children’s agency, UNICEF, has said that teachers should be among those given priority access to the COVID-19 vaccines.

    “The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on children’s education around the globe. Vaccinating teachers is a critical step towards putting it back on track,” Unicef chief Henrietta Fore said in a statement.

    Teachers should be “prioritised to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, once frontline health personnel and high-risk populations are vaccinated,” she said.

    “This will help protect teachers from the virus, allow them to teach in person and ultimately keep schools open.”

    According to UNICEF, at the peak of the first wave of the pandemic at the end of April, “school closures disturbed the learning of almost 90% of students worldwide.”

    Assuming that schools are not the main driver of community transmission, Unicef said in its statement that unfortunately, classes currently remain closed for “nearly one in five schoolchildren globally — or 320 million children.”

    We must “do everything in our power to safeguard the future of the next generation. This begins by safeguarding those responsible for opening that future up for them,” Fore said.

    “The consequences of extended, missed or impaired education are steep, especially for the most marginalized. The longer children remain out of school, the less likely they are to return, and the more difficult it is for their parents to resume work,” she said.

  • Celebs spotted at Aima Baig’s sister’s wedding

    Celebs spotted at Aima Baig’s sister’s wedding

    Aima Baig’s sister Komal Baig recently tied the knot with a Dubai-based blogger Salem AQ in a beautiful afternoon wedding and the event had several celebrities in attendance including Momina Mustehsan, Shahbaz Shigri and Ammara Hikmat.

    Komal and Salem

    Aima looked stunning at the wedding in a red Mohsin Naveen Ranjha saree with a velvet blouse. Aima’s beau Shahbaz Shigri was also seen at the event wearing a light-coloured suit.

    Aima and Shahbaz

    Read more – It’s official: Aima Baig is Shahbaz Shigri’s ‘better half’

    Momina Mustehsan
    Ammara Hikmat

    Heer Maan Ja director Imran Raza Kazmi was also spotted at the event with his wife Sadia.

    Komal and Salem had gotten married at the Faisal Masjid in Islamabad on December 12.

  • Police give clean chit to Babar Azam in harassment case

    Police give clean chit to Babar Azam in harassment case

    Police have given a clean chit to Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam in the harassment case against him.

    According to reports, Additional Sessions Judge Nauman Naeem had taken up the petition of a woman, namely Hameeza Mukhtar, against the Pakistani skipper.

    During the proceedings, the counsel of the petitioner sought time to submit documents in the court and said that the entire case was based on medical reports.

    Azam’s counsel, Barrister Harris Azmat, while requesting the court to reject the petitioner’s plea, said that Azam was a national cricketer and hero, adding that Hameeza had started blackmailing the national cricket team captain in 2016 whereas the police had cleared him in an investigation.

    Police also submitted an investigation report in the court, as per which the national cricketer was found innocent and the woman was levelling baseless allegations.

    “The court should reject the petitioner’s plea,” he said.

    Barrister Azmat said that Azam’s case was being covered by Indian media and the woman may have targeted the national cricketer once again at the behest of someone.

    The court adjourned the case after summoning petitioner Hameeza Mukhtar’s counsel on December 15 (today) for final arguments.

  • Shoaib Akhtar praises Indian artist for making amazing sketches of him

    Shoaib Akhtar recently praised an Indian artist for drawing a hyper-realistic ballpoint sketch of the former cricketer.

    Chitrakar, a freelance artist from New Delhi had posted his art on Instagram. The sketch shows two expressions of the fast bowler, one in black ink and the other in red.

    Taking to Twitter, the cricketer wrote, “I can’t thank you guys enough who make these illustrations by giving so much time & dedication.”

  • Top economist wants govt to make Maulana Tariq Jamil chief of FBR

    Top economist wants govt to make Maulana Tariq Jamil chief of FBR

    If honesty is the sole criterion for the appointment of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) head then the government should request cleric Maulana Tariq Jamil to head the tax watchdog, said top economist Dr Ikramul Haq while criticising the government’s tax policies.

    In an Express News show, the economist said the use of technology and enforcement of laws were important to achieve tax targets.

    “If tax collection can be increased through honesty alone, we should request Maulana Tariq Jamil to head the FBR,” the economist said, alluding to the remarks made by Imran Khan before the 2018 elections that an “honest leadership” could convince people to pay taxes and become a tax-compliant nation.

    He also urged the government to relax the definition of non-resident person to one year to facilitate those who were stuck in the country due to Covid-19.

    Haq was of the view that the government should make a general rule to facilitate the people instead of waiting for them to individually plead their cases regarding overstay due to the pandemic as scores of non-resident persons have accidentally become Pakistani residents.

    According to the economist, the FBR should send tax returns to the people to measure the response. According to the TV show, at least 72 per cent of people didn’t file tax returns: 4.7million out of the total 6.5m.

  • Pakistan women cricket team to tour South Africa in January

    Pakistan women cricket team to tour South Africa in January

    The Pakistan women’s national cricket team is expected to tour South Africa next month. As per details, the team will play three ODIs and three T20Is during the tour in Durban and Pietermaritzburg from 20 January to 3 February.

    This series has been organised to prepare the team for ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier to be held in July 2021.

    Women’s chief selector and head of the women’s cricket, Urooj Mumtaz, in a statement, said: “I am delighted that Cricket South Africa have agreed to host us for a full tour despite having already qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022. This is yet another indicator and reflection of our relationship with the member boards who are willing to help and support each other in any possible way.”

    She added: “South Africa is ranked above us, both in the ODI and T20I formats and, as such, I am sure this series will go a long way in not only assisting us to further improve our standards but also prepare for June’s ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2021 as we aim to finish in the top three and progress to the event proper in early 2022 in New Zealand.”

    While the final squad for the tour is expected to be announced on Thursday, 31 December 2020, 27 probables for the tour include Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Ayesha Zafar, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana Khan, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Javeria Rauf, Kainat Imtiaz, Kaynat Hafeez, Maham Tariq, Muneeba Ali, Nahida Khan, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Saba Nazir, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz and Syeda Aroob Shah.

    The above mentioned 27 players have been invited by the women’s national selection committee for a training and preparation camp, which will be held at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi from 20 December.

    Read more – Women cricketers travel to Karachi ‘in bags’

    Tour schedule:

    11 Jan – Departure for Durban

    13-19 Jan – Training, practice and intra-squad matches, Durban

    20 Jan – 1st ODI (d/n), Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

    23 Jan – 2nd ODI (d), Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

    26 Jan – 3rd ODI (d), Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg

    29 Jan – 1st T20I (d), Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg

    31 Jan – 2nd T20I (d), Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg

    3 Feb – 3rd T20I (d/n), Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

  • Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Sarwat Gillani, Bilal Abbas among Asia’s Top 50 celebrities of 2020

    Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Sarwat Gillani, Bilal Abbas among Asia’s Top 50 celebrities of 2020

    Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Sarwat Gilani and Bilal Abbas and Ali Zafar have been listed in Eastern Eye’s Top 50 Asian Celebrities of the World in 2020.

    According to the publication’s website, “The list is based on those who did good work, made a positive impact, broke boundaries, shattered glass ceilings, gave hope, did philanthropic deeds or were just inspiring in their own unique way.”

    The highest Pakistani on the list was Sarwat Gilani on number 21 beating the likes of Salman Khan and Pankaj Das.

    “The Pakistani actress headed the cast list of the best new South Asian serial of the year, Churails, which exploded onto the scene and destroyed all existing rule books,” wrote the publication about the actor. “With the electrifying drama, she opened the door for a new era of TV content in Pakistan box and consolidated her position as a feminist icon.”

    Read more – Did you know Sarwat Gilani has royal roots?

    Bilal Abbas Khan was number 28 on the list and was acknowledged for his work in Eik Jhooti Love Story and Pyar Ke Sadqay.

    “The fastest rising acting star in Pakistan continued reaching new heights in 2020. The unstoppable actor started the year with HUM TV series Pyar Ke Sadqay and ended it with ZEE5 sleeper hit Eik Jhooti Love Story. With some more high-profile projects on the way, Khan looks like the future of Pakistani film and television,” wrote Eastern Eye about the heartthrob.

    On number 39 was actor and singer Ali Zafar.

    “The Pakistani singer, actor, musician and humanitarian saved the Pakistani cricket league this year by giving them a better anthem than they had. He also promoted new talent with his record label. More meaningful was the immense humanitarian work the actor did for those who were suffering during Covid-19. His actions inspired others and consolidated his star credentials,” said the publication about Zafar.

    Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at number 49 was the only director included in the list.

    “The only director in the list once again used her platform to raise awareness about social issues, nurture new talent and gain international attention for her work. A big highlight was the stunning animated short Sitara: Let Girls Dream, which premiered earlier this year. The Oscar winner was also signed up to direct superhero series Ms Marvel.”

    Meanwhile, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood topped the list because of his relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

    “No celebrity did more to help others during lockdown than the big-hearted Bollywood star,” said Eastern Eye. “What started off with him helping impoverished migrant workers stranded by lockdown get back home evolved into a spectacularly philanthropic mission that made a difference to so many during the pandemic.”

    “Whether it was paying for surgery, setting up a scholarship, campaigning for women’s rights, or buying a new tractor for a farmer, so his daughters could study and not plough a field, super Sonu helped in any way he could in 2020. He became a strong symbol of hope during a crushing year where it was needed more than ever and that is why he is named as the greatest Asian celebrity in the world for 2020,” it added.

    The star-studded list also included major names like Anushka Sharma, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Zayn Malik.

  • Newsletter – 14th December 2020, Monday

    Newsletter – 14th December 2020, Monday









    *|MC:SUBJECT|*

    Good morning subscriber. Today is Monday, 14th December and the world is celebrating Monkey Day! Do you know that monkeys in Burma sneeze uncontrollably whenever it rains? Weird right! Aj the weather will be cold and sunny in most cities and no rain is expected. So, maybe the monkeys can come here.

    Morning Meme

    PDM to march to the capital with resignations

    Did you attend the Lahore Jalsa last night? The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has announced a long march to Islamabad, by late January or early February. Fazlur Rehman said that all Opposition parties will take their resignations with them.

    Commenting on PDM’s power show, Federal Information Minster Shibli Faraz said that the Opposition could hardly gather 10 thousand to 15 thousand people as against their tall claims. According to police sources, around 8,500 people participated in the Lahore rally at Minar-e-Pakistan. 

    A lion attending PML-N rally

    The Punjab Wildlife Department has rescued a lion that was being manhandled by supporters during Maryam Nawaz’s rally in Lahore. A viral video of the lion on social media sparked outrage among netizens who demanded the government to take action against those involved in harassing the animal. ‘A young lion, a wild animal, a living being reduced to a toy by supporters.,’ one person tweeted. 

    The good news is that the lion has been shifted to the zoo while the Wildlife Department has initiated legal action against five persons who were involved. That is why for yesterday’s jalsa in Lahore, the PML-N especially instructed their supporters not to bring any animal.

    Read on

    Free ticket for a passenger accompanying a coffin of a loved one

    A new Pakistani airline, AirSial, will be providing free of cost traveling to a passenger accompanying a coffin of a loved one. It has become the first airline to take this step, as others only provide free transport of the coffin. Last week, PM Khan inaugurated AirSial in Sialkot, while designer Nomi Ansari announced that he will be designing the uniform of the crew members.

    Read on

    Ayeza Khan family vacay pictures

    Power couple Ayeza Khan and Danish Taimoor are currently enjoying vacations abroad with their daughter Hoorain Taimoor and son Rayan Taimoor. While it is not clear where the family is vacationing, the actors have been sharing romantic pictures from their trip on social media, which is turning up the heat. Check them out!

    Read on

    Current Baba’s prediction

    It’s almost mid of December aur new year bilkul sarr par hai, is sab main you are done with almost all your peechlay saal kay kaam. But tonight out of nowhere your friend will call you up to remind you that ‘tumnay meray 20rs udharr denay hain abi’

    HEY, WAIT A SECOND PLEASE. 
     
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