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  • VIDEO: Driver rams car into gate of Masjid al-Haram

    VIDEO: Driver rams car into gate of Masjid al-Haram

    A driver rammed his car into the outer-perimeter gate of Masjid al-Haram — the Grand Mosque in Makkah — late on Friday in an incident that did not cause any casualties, local media reported.

    Videos posted on social media showed the car plowing through plastic barricades in the outer courtyard of the mosque before driving straight into one of the large outer doors.

    Saudi newspaper Okaz reported that no civilians were injured in the crash, while other videos posted on social media showed a number of people pushing the vehicle away from the mosque complex.

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    It said the driver, a Saudi citizen, was arrested and being referred to the public prosecutor for questioning.

    Saudi Arabia’s state-run channel Saudi Qur’an continued to broadcast live video from inside the mosque during and after the incident.

  • Marriott Hotels fined £18.4m for data breach that hit millions

    Marriott Hotels fined £18.4m for data breach that hit millions

    The United Kingdom’s (UK’s) privacy watchdog has fined the Marriott Hotels chain £18.4m for a hack that compromised the data of more than 339 million guests.

    The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said names, contact information, and passport details may all have been compromised in a cyber-attack.

    The breach included seven million guest records for people in the UK. The ICO said the company failed to put appropriate safeguards in place.

    The first part of the cyber-attack happened in 2014, affecting the Starwood Hotels group, which was acquired by Marriott two years later. But until 2018, when the problem was first noticed, the attacker continued to have access to all affected systems, including:

    Names
    Email addresses
    Phone numbers
    Passport numbers
    Arrival and departure information
    VIP status
    loyalty program numbers

    On that basis, the ICO said Marriott had failed to protect personal data as required by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

    “The cyber-criminals had been in the systems for years and were effectively thrown into the merger deal without Marriott having a clue. Herein lies the issue, though – it seems that the hotel didn’t check what it was buying,” said cyber reporter, Joe Tidy.

    The ICO report makes clear Marriott beefed up the security of Starwood’s IT systems far too late and the hackers had free rein to move around, cherry-picking the data that would sell best on criminal forums.

    The fine is nothing like the £99m the ICO planned to issue, but it’s still a massive deterrent for future companies. It may make executives planning their next big mergers look more carefully and cautiously at the databases they’re about to acquire.

  • Imran Abbas celebrates Eid Miladun-Nabi at an old-age home

    Imran Abbas celebrates Eid Miladun-Nabi at an old-age home

    To celebrate Eid Miladun Nabi, Imran Abbas visited an old age home in Karachi and spent time with the elderly there.

    According to details, Abbas visited an old home run by the JDC Foundation (Jafaria Disaster Management Cell Welfare Organisation Pakistan). In the pictures that have been shared on social media, the actor can be seen laughing and having a good time with the people there.

    The actor also went live on Instagram from the old-age home and shared his experience.

    “This day is recognised for the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) who is Rahmatul Lil Alameen (Mercy for all the worlds). And when we talk about mercy, Zaffar Abbas is the person who comes in our mind,” said the actor in his opening remarks.

    He continued: “I am surprised to see this old age home, it does not look like an old home because I don’t see them as old people, they look like young people because of the happiness on their faces and I am very happy to meet them as they have been so well-taken care off.”

    “They have been given internet facilities, health facilities, personalized rooms and every facility that we have at our homes is been given to them,” shared the actor lauding the NGO’s facilities.

    He further said, “I came here with hope, with happiness and sadness at the same time, I feel sad for those unfortunate people who don’t look after their parents. This is so painful thing to know but I am happy because when your own people leave you, we have people in our society who take care of you even more than your family. These people are a blessing of our society.”

    Read more – ‘Darkest time of my life’: Imran Abbas pens emotional note on father’s demise

    Concluding the live session he said, “I request you all to value your elders, they are a blessing. You will ruin your Akhira and your lives in this world. You all should worry about the time when your children will dump you like this.”

    He finished the video with the promise to visit this Old Home again and to participate in every project of JDC in Karachi, Lahore and other cities as well.

  • Cher ‘can’t wait’ to sing to Kaavan ‘on way to Cambodia’

    Cher ‘can’t wait’ to sing to Kaavan ‘on way to Cambodia’

    American singer Cher, who has long campaigned for Kaavan’s freedom has said she cannot wait to sing for Islamabad Zoo’s lone elephant, who caught international attention in recent years for his mistreatment. Kaavan is all set to leave for a wildlife reserve in Cambodia, where he will spend the rest of his life.

    Sharing pictures of Kaavan’s travel crate on Twitter, Cher said: “Can’t wait to sing to him on way to Cambodia. I have two songs.”

    Kaavan is reportedly very fond of music and his vet Amir Khalil has revealed that the elephant is a Frank Sinatra fan and that the singer’s music calms him down. Khalil, who was tasked with assessing whether Kaavan can be moved from Islamabad Zoo to a sanctuary in Cambodia, shared that when he arrived in Pakistan, he started to train the elephant by singing to him.

    In a separate tweet replying to a fan, she said “I’ll be there,” hinting that she would be in Cambodia when Kaavan arrived there.

    36-year-old Kaavan is being relocated to a wildlife sanctuary in Cambodia for retirement after the Islamabad High Court in May this year ruled that the Margazhar Zoo is not fit for the animals. Kaavan has spent most of his life in a small enclosure with meager shelter, and the last eight years alone after his companion elephant died. The court’s decision came after a four-year global campaign, backed by Cher.

    Read more – Cher thanks PM Khan for ‘making her dream come true’

    Earlier, Adviser to Prime Minister Imran Khan on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam had said authorities would “ensure that he lives a happy life”.

    “We are bidding Kaavan farewell with a heavy heart. It is a sad decision,” he had said, adding that Prime Minister Imran Khan was also concerned about Kaavan’s well-being.

  • Govt for legal action against PML-N leader ‘for weakening state’

    Federal Minister for Information Shibli Faraz has hinted at legal action against former National Assembly speaker Ayaz Sadiq for accusing the government of releasing Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman of the Indian Air Force (IAF) under pressure, fearing Indian attack.

    “What Ayaz Sadiq said is not forgivable,” he tweeted, adding that law will take its course now.

    Faraz asserted that “weakening the state” was an “unpardonable offense”, and promised that Sadiq and his followers will be punished for it.

    The statement by the government’s premier spokesperson comes a day after Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar set the record straight about the events surrounding February 27 — the day Pakistan downed two IAF planes and captured Abhinandan.

    “Yesterday such a statement was given in which facts were attempted to be twisted surrounding the events that day,” the military spokesperson said during a media briefing that had come a day after Sadiq among other senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) parliamentarians accused the government of taking the decision to release the pilot under pressure.

    READ: Army breaks silence after PML-N leader accuses govt of releasing Abhinandan fearing Indian attack

    Earlier, Sadiq had said that FM Qureshi “was present in the meeting, which Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan had refused to attend”.

    “India never attacked Pakistan but the government nonetheless handed over Abhinandan to the Indian authorities,” he had said, adding that it was the PTI government and not the opposition that had passed an ordinance to “facilitate” Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav.

    Reacting to his claims, the FM regretted how “responsible people were making irresponsible statements”.

    He said he had not expected the former NA speaker to say Pakistan let go Abhinandan under pressure and that his comments were “contrary to the truth”.

    Qureshi explained that in the meeting, the government had taken all parliamentary leaders into confidence regarding the intelligence reports it had received but made no mention of the captured Indian pilot. “Highly irresponsible statements are being issued for political gains,” he lamented while also slamming the opposition for its stance on Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav.

    “These people are misleading the nation on the issues of Kulbhushan and Abhinandan,” he had maintained.

    Ahead of the military’s version, Sadiq had also questioned PM Imran’s motives behind delaying a meeting related to Abhinandan on the day of his capture.

    He lambasted the Indian media for “distorting” his comments from the National Assembly session a day earlier when he had alleged that the government took the decision to release the IAF pilot under pressure.

    “One thing is clear: Abhinandan did not come to Pakistan to distribute sweets; he had attacked Pakistan,” the PML-N leader said.

  • Historical British-era tunnel restored and reopened in Ayubia

    Historical British-era tunnel restored and reopened in Ayubia

    Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Climate Change, Malik Amin Aslam, on Thursday, reopened a 129-year old historical ‘Motto Tunnel’ at Ayubia National Park.

    Read more – Sindh Govt comes under fire for ‘painting ancient archaeological sites white’

    The tunnel has been reopened for tourists after almost 20 years. Restoration work on it has been done by the Ministry of Climate Change in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife.

    According to a press release, Aslam while inaugurating the tunnel said that unsustainable and exploitative tourism practices in various parts of the country, particularly in biodiversity-rich and environmentally-sensitive areas, over last several years have badly harmed local fragile ecosystems that house wildlife species and their habitats.

    The special assistant said: “Given the realisation, the incumbent government is taking all-out measures to usher in sustainable models of eco-tourism in consultative with local partners and communities as a part of Prime Minister’s vision for Clean and Green Pakistan.”

    Sharing details about the tunnel, Aslam said that the tunnel was built in 1891 between Ghora Dhaka (presently Ayubia) to Khaira Gali (Murree) beneath the road and residential area in Ayubia Town. The tunnel had remained in terrible condition due to lack of maintenance over the last several decades.

    He said that this tunnel is 12 kilometres long and has a flat track. This track was 4 kilometres long before 12 more kilometres was added to it – it is now 16 kilometres in total.

    “Besides, reopening and renovation of the different segments of the tunnel, the tunnel site has also been provided with various facilities for tourists including paved track to the tunnel, information centre, guiding facilities, sitting and resting areas and coffee shop,” highlighted Aslam.

    The PM’s aide hoped that the glorious cultural icon would add value to the natural beauty of the national park and provide added attraction to tourists.

    He said: “We are taking practical steps to promote tourism. The restoration of this tunnel is also a link to the same series.”

  • Shibli Faraz says filmmakers must be given creative liberty

    Shibli Faraz says filmmakers must be given creative liberty

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shibli Faraz has said that filmmakers must have creative liberty to make films.

    In an interview with Independent Urdu, the minister revealed that the government will launch the film policy in March next year under which they will officially give the status to Pakistani films as a film industry and will provide incentives to facilitate and assist filmmakers.

    “Commercial films have their own needs and all the ingredients to make a commercial film should be allowed whereas art films should also be made and we should make films on our heroes. Why don’t we make films on national heroes?” questioned the minister.

    He further said: “Filmmaking is creative work and we don’t want to be a hurdle in it so we are also working on strict censor policies. But one thing should be kept in mind: any content that can hurt religious and cultural sentiments should be avoided.”

    Faraz also said the government is working towards having a single censorboard.

    “After the 18th Amendment, unfortunately, there are two censor boards in the country – federal and provincial. We are trying to unify the censor boards so that filmmakers do not face difficulty in approvals. Governments in the past have made very complicated procedures and if any department has more technicalities than the convenience then organisations are not attracted towards it,” said the minister.

    Meanwhile, last month in an exclusive interview with The Current, Senator Faisal Javed had shared that under the policy, filmmakers and cinema owners will be offered several incentives including access to locations. The government hopes to build a soft image of Pakistan through film and promote ‘Pakistaniat‘, which is why it also hopes to make cinemas affordable for the masses.

    “We hope that are we are able to promote our country, tourism and rich culture and history through our films,” said Senator Javed.

    The film policy was developed by former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Gen (r) Asim Saleem Bajwa.

  • COVID-19: Pakistan’s positivity rate exceeds 3% after 70 days

    COVID-19: Pakistan’s positivity rate exceeds 3% after 70 days

    Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar on Thursday announced that the country’s coronavirus positivity ratio was higher than 3% on October 29.

    In a tweet, the minister wrote that the coronavirus positive rate exceeded three percent after a period of more than 70 days. 

    “However, the rising spread of the disease can only be controlled if people believe in the need for precautions,” added the minister, appealing to everyone to follow the necessary SOPs.

    Meanwhile, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) has tightened restrictions on some high-risk public activities to address the coronavirus pandemic.

    NCOC has also launched a helpline to report the COVID-19 related violations by the public.

    Now people can report the violation of COVID-19 SOPs like non wearing of mask, non-adherence to Social distancing, over-crowding at public places etc, at 03353336262 (0335333NCOC) along with a picture and the following details:

    Location Name:

    Tehsil/district/city:

    Date and Time:

    Event:

    The coronavirus seems to be gradually spreading again across the country as 1,078 new cases have reported over the past 24 hours. According to the NCOC, the total number of confirmed patients of coronavirus has risen to 332,186. 20 people succumbed to the infection during the past 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 6,795.

  • Hamza Ali Abbasi lauds CII’s approval of Hindu temple construction

    Hamza Ali Abbasi lauds CII’s approval of Hindu temple construction

    Hamza Ali Abbasi has said the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) approving the construction of the Hindu temple in Islamabad is a sign of hope. Sharing the news on Twitter, the actor said: “Shukar Allah…hope”.

    When a social media user commented that he should go and worship there, Hamza said: “It’s a temple for our Hindu Pakistani brothers and sisters who are equal human beings and equal citizens of Pakistan.”

    The CII, a top constitutional body responsible for giving legal advice on Islamic issues to the government, has ruled that there are no constitutional or shariah constraints against constructing a Hindu temple in Islamabad or any other place in the country.

    The CII, in a meeting on Wednesday, also allowed the government to hand over the temple site as well as its adjoining Dharamshala (community centre) in Saidpur village of Islamabad to the Hindu community “so that it can offer religious rites as per their beliefs”.

    However, briefing media about the recommendations of the three-day CII meeting, council chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz said that there was no tradition of constructing places of worship with public money so the Hindu temple could not be constructed with public money.

    The CII recommended to the government to establish a ‘special welfare fund’ for minorities which they can utilise without any outside hindrance.

    Meanwhile, the actor also put to rest rumours that he has left the country and settled abroad. Hamza said that since he is “contributing to the Ghamidi Centre”, he will be frequently visiting the United States. The Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning is located in Carrollton, Texas.

    He also said that he will be visiting Pakistan next month.

    Earlier, the actor had also condemned blasphemous caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which have been republished by the Charlie Hebdo magazine in France.

  • ‘Pulwama attack’: Fawad says Indian media twisted his words to malign Pakistan

    ‘Pulwama attack’: Fawad says Indian media twisted his words to malign Pakistan

    Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry has slammed Indian media for taking his remarks on Pakistan’s response to the Balakot airstrikes out of context and twisting his words to “malign” Islamabad.

    In a statement, the minister said that the Indian media “acted with gross irresponsibility by misrepresenting the context of the speech” he delivered during a session of the National Assembly on Thursday. During his address, the federal minister gave his two cents on the controversy surrounding the release of Indian pilot Abhinandan after the Balakot strikes.

    “Humne Hindustan ko ghus ke maara (India was given a beating on its own turf). Our success in Pulwama, is the success of the people under the leadership of Imran Khan. We are all part of that success,” Fawad Chaudhry had said.

    Following these remarks, the Indian media said that the minister admitted Pakistan’s involvement in the Pulwama bombing that left at least 40 Indian soldiers dead in Feb 2019. Some Indian outlets used these statements to link Pakistan with deadly Pulwama bombing, allegations that Pakistani denies.

    Reacting to thes reports, the minister issued a rebuttal, saying the media was twisting his words, as it was obvious he meant the dogfight that resulted in Abhinandan’s capture. “The India jets that entered the Pakistani airspace and got shot down by the Pakistan Air Force. The PAF also captured a pilot, who was returned by the government as a gesture of peace.

    “As a matter of fact, [Fawad] Hussain referred to the ‘Operation Swift Retort’ which was a successful military response by the PAF to the transgression by the Indian airforce into Pakitan’s territory, as a result of which two Indian jets were shot down, not to mention the arrest of the widely discussed pilot, who was later released by the government of Pakistan as a diplomatic gesture of peace,” said the statement issued by the spokesperson of the Science and Technology Ministry.

    “It is reiterated that Pakistan has always upheld the international norms of peace and tranquility, and believes in mutual co-existence and cordial relations with its neighbouring countries,” said the minister, as he cleared the “gross” misinterpretation.

    The Indian media should promote peace with Pakistan instead of trying to capitalise on polarising rhetoric, the statement concluded.

    WAS ABHINANDAN RELEASED UNDER PRESSURE?

    This all started when former National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq among other senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) parliamentarians accused the government of taking the decision to release the India pilot under pressure. Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi had “begged the opposition to release Abhinandan, otherwise, according to the FM, India would have attacked Pakistan at 9 pm that day,” the lawmaker said during a session of the National Assembly.

    In response, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar held a press conference to set the record straight about the events surrounding the capture and release of the Indian wing commander, Abhinandan.

    “Yesterday such a statement was given in which facts were attempted to be twisted surrounding the events that day,” the military spokesperson said during the media briefing.

    Reacting to the claims that have been made a mountain of by Indian media, Maj Gen Iftikhar said that after the Pulwama incident, on February 26, India violated all international principles and attacked Pakistan. “They not only faced defeat but humiliation all over the world,” Geo News quoted him as saying.

    “Our timely response derailed their efforts. Their planes and the explosives they had come to rain down on the Pakistani people, they instead dropped on empty mountains. They left in a panicked state after being confronted by our planes.”