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  • ‘Surahs & duas on YouTube should not be monetised’, says Bilal Maqsood

    ‘Surahs & duas on YouTube should not be monetised’, says Bilal Maqsood

    Bilal Maqsood has voiced his distaste for advertisements which start running every time you tune into YouTube. As annoying as they are, advertisements while watching a drama or listening to a song are not as bothersome as the ones that pop up when you are listening to or watching religious content.

    “Imagine listening to Surah-e-Rehman and it is interrupted in the middle by a lawn or a cooking oil ad, it’s highly disrespectful,” said the singer in an Instagram post.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDjdLL5peeW/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Most of Bilal’s followers agreed with him under the post.

    Read more – Did you know Bilal Maqsood is ambidextrous?

    Meanwhile, the Strings band member has been keeping his followers entertained by sharing throwback pictures and interesting tidbits of the band’s journey through the years.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDbu5_VpkOj/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDMapiyJp7r/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDElcrvpDWG/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CC3sNzoJuA2/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCWOVCMpv4x/

  • Coronavirus in Pakistan: A July-August diary

    Since the beginning of July, there has been a decline in new coronavirus cases and the number of recovered patients has also increased. By the time this report was filed, there were 26,834 active COVID-19 cases in the country.

    While Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, as well as members of his team and other experts, repeatedly urged people to follow social distancing guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) on Eidul Azha in order to avoid a June-like surge in coronavirus cases in the days to come, people were seen flaunting the same not only over the Eid weekend but also during rallies protesting illegal Indian annexation of held Kashmir on August 5.

    It was reported by Gulf News that the upper class of Karachi completely ignored Sindh government directives by sacrificing animals wherever they wished to despite 500 sites being designated by the provincial administration for the purpose. “Residents in the most expensive and posh neighbourhoods of the city were no exception… officials didn’t make any effort to ensure the people followed the law,” the report said.

    Meanwhile, the Punjab government on August 3 announced to lift the smart lockdown two days ahead of the scheduled date. The government announced to lift all restrictions on the third day of Eid because of a “significant” reduction in coronavirus cases.

    While Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar expressed satisfaction over the observance of SOPs on Eidul Azha, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar announced on Thursday that restrictions on the hospitality and recreational sectors, put in place nearly five months ago to curb the spread of the coronavirus, would be lifted by August 10.

    Dine-in restaurants, parks, cinemas, tourist spots and salons would be re-opened while marriage halls would remain closed at least until September 15 and the decision to re-open educational institutes would be looked into during the first week of September, he said.

    However, just a day after the announcement, Punjab witnessed a sudden increase in the number of new coronavirus cases. The everyday cases that had on an average dropped to below 100 during the past one month after reaching a new high in June, once again increased to around 300.

    Although some medical experts were not perturbed and declared it a routine surge, others believed that it might be a signal for the beginning of the second wave of the outbreak. Punjab reported 277 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 besides five deaths during the last 24 hours against 235 a day earlier, Dawn reported.

    Besides the lifting of lockdown restrictions for the economy’s sake in July, the surge is also being attributed to the fact that next to none social distancing guidelines were followed during the preparations and hosting of seminars and rallies to mark ‘Youme Istehsal [Exploitation Day]’ on the first anniversary of Narendra Modi-led India’s annexation of occupied Kashmir.

    Even though the coronavirus situation in Pakistan is getting better on paper, how the pandemic turns out over the next few days is subject to the behaviour of the masses and the policies of the government.

  • VIDEO: Balochistan Government offers financial assistance to Wasu

    VIDEO: Balochistan Government offers financial assistance to Wasu

    Wasu Khan, whose appeal for financial assistance went viral on social media, has caught the attention of Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal who has taken notice of his situation and has decided to offer him financial help. Wasu, who hails from the Jaffarabad district of Balochistan has appeared in several songs of acclaimed singer Shehzad Roy.

    According to Government of Balochistan’s spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani, the government will help Wasu in his treatement and provide him other other financial assistance. Shahwani also shared a video of himself meeting Wasu.

    In an interview, Wasu has said that he is not only unable to pay his house rent, but he is also unable to provide his family with two meals a day. He had hoped that his message will reach the authorities and they will help him.

  • TikTok launches Urdu version, updated community guidelines to moderate ‘vulgarity’

    TikTok launches Urdu version, updated community guidelines to moderate ‘vulgarity’

    After negotiations with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), TikTok has not only upgraded its ‘Community Guidelines’, but also released its Urdu language version for Pakistani users.

    The platform is now localised and will work as per the local laws and norms. The new Community Guidelines provide general guidance about “what is and what is not allowed” on the platform to keep it a safe place for joy and creativity.

    TikTok has taken measures to remove content that violates the Community Guidelines and suspends or banned accounts involved in severe or repeated violations. (this sentence needs a little more clarity)

    TikTok has an in-app reporting feature for users to flag potentially inappropriate content or accounts to the management of the platform.

    These measures demonstrate TikTok’s commitm­e­­nt to removing any potentially harmful or inappropriate content reported in Pakistan.

    The content moderation is performed by deploying a combination of policies, technologies and moderation strategies to detect and review problematic content and accounts and implement appropriate penalties.

    After receiving complaints that some of the so-called funny videos being uploaded at TikTok are immoral, obscene, vulgar, and even hurt sentiments of respectable citizens, PTA issued a warning to TikTok on July 20.

  • Sarfaraz Ahmed carrying water to the field sparks controversy

    Sarfaraz Ahmed carrying water to the field sparks controversy

    While everyone commends Pakistan’s performance in the Test series against England and celebrates Shaan Masood’s century, on the other hand, controversy also erupted after a picture of former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed bringing water to the field went viral on social media. The matter became so big that even Head Coach Misbah ul Haq had to address it in the post-match press conference.

    Several of Sarfaraz’s fans were disappointed over the incident and said that he deserved better treatment being a senior player.

    Shoaib Akhtar and Rashid Latif also expressed their outrage over the matter.

    “I didn’t like the visual. If you want to make an example out of a boy from Karachi, then it is wrong. You can’t do this to a player who has led Pakistan for four years and has won Champions Trophy for the country. You have made him carry the shoes. If he has done it himself, then stop him. Wasim Akram never brought shoes for me,” Akhtar is reported to have said.

    “This shows that Sarfaraz is such a docile and weak man. He must have lead Pakistan in the same way as he carried the shoes. That’s why Mickey Arthur always dominated him. I am not saying carrying the shoes is a problem, but former captain can’t do that,” he added.

    “Senior players like Amir and Wahab who are also sitting out, are not even in their kits. They are wearing track suits. This is not team spirit, but this greatness of Sarfaraz because he is passionate about the game. This should not have happened,” said Rashid Latif.

    However, others lauded Sarfaraz for his team spirit.

    https://twitter.com/Amermalik12/status/1291422381857218568?s=20
    https://twitter.com/eb_abraham/status/1291463798352732162?s=20

    Others shared pictures of other cricketers carrying water bottles and said that it was not a big deal.

    https://twitter.com/AliBukhariShah/status/1291497644641136643?s=20

    Misbah ul Haq while addressing the matter said: “Discussions like this can only happen in Pakistan. I also performed the duties of a 12th man, when I was captain and was sitting out in a match against Australia. There is no shame in doing that.

    He added: “Sarfaraz is a wonderful human being and player. He knows that it is a team game. When other players are practicising outside, so the player who is available has to help out. It is not a matter of disrespect. In fact, it is big of Sarfaraz that he doesn’t mind doing it. Plus, it is a sign of a good team. I don’t think it’s a big deal,” he added.

    IN PICTURES: Pakistan cricket team trains at Worcestershire

    Meanwhile, Shaan is being lauded for his outstanding performance in yesterday’s match. According to details, Masood is the first Pakistani opener to score a century in England in this century (21st century).

  • FIA launches investigation against platforms selling sacrificial animals online

    FIA launches investigation against platforms selling sacrificial animals online

    Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an investigation against the online platforms that were selling sacrificial animals this Eid.

    Majority of complaints filed are about late delivery of meat, lesser meat quantity, and in some cases, the meat was not even delivered. There are also complains that the animal meat got stale to the point where it became un-edible.

    A few weeks before Edi-Ul-Adha several meat brands, cattle farm owners, and regular businesses set up their website offering multiple services regarding the Eid.

    Among them, the lowest-ranked online Eid services providers are Meat Master, ARY Sahulat Bazar, and Laal Meat. The online platforms offered the substandard facilities to the users and did not deliver what it promised the users.

    The Deputy Director of Crime Cell Abdul Ghafoor said that after receiving hundreds of complaints, the unit finally decides to conduct a thorough investigation.

    Iftikhar Shalwani, the Commissioner Karachi, has advised FIA to take stern action against such companies along with the others which will be deciphered fully after the investigation.

    Earlier, the government has urged the citizens to avoid going to the cattle market and buy cattle online to curb the spread of COVID-19.

    It was not the first time when online platform became an option for the selling and purchasing of the sacrificial animal it has been done for years.

  • Pakistan Railways appoints first woman station manager

    Pakistan Railways appoints first woman station manager

    The Lahore railway station has hired a woman officer as station manager for the first time in its history.

    Railway authorities have appointed Lahore Assistant Transport Officer (ATO) Syeda Marzia Al-Zahra as the station manager of Lahore railway station. She has replaced the additional charge of station manager Lahore from station master Lahore Cantt Younis Bhatti.

    As per reports, Syeda Marzia is the first woman station manager of Pakistan Railways (PR).

    Meanwhile, the Railway Sampars Union protested the appointment. Union Central Chairman Muhammad Irfan, while expressing reservations over the appointment, said that the union would protest if the notification was not cancelled.

  • ‘Disband NAB,’ ex-PM Abbasi demands

    ‘Disband NAB,’ ex-PM Abbasi demands

    Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has demanded that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) should be disbanded.

    He addressed the media after appearing before the court in connection with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) case on Thursday.

    Earlier, the hearing of the LNG case against Abbasi was adjourned without any proceedings till September 7 due to the unavailability of Accountability Court Judge Azam Khan.

    The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart told the media that despite the passage of 13 months, he has not been provided with a copy of the reference. Abbasi also thanked NAB for inducting him to the list of billionaires.

    Replying to a question, the former prime minister ruled out allegations of money laundering and stated that he and his son paid all the taxes, and money in their accounts is legitimate.

    Abbasi, Miftah Ismail, ex-PSO MD Imranul Haq, and others are facing charges of corruption over awarding a LNG import contract allegedly at exorbitant rates in 2015, which caused a big loss to the national exchequer.

    According to NAB, in 2013 Abbasi had awarded a LNG import and distribution contract to the Elengy Terminal in violation of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules and relevant laws.

  • ‘Only 7% of Pakistanis own laptops, 2% own tablets’

    ‘Only 7% of Pakistanis own laptops, 2% own tablets’

    Gallup Pakistan, a research organisation has performed research on the topic of laptops and tablets ownership in Pakistan.

    It was discovered that only 7% of Pakistanis own a personal laptop, whereas 2% said that they have a tablet. Islamabad and urban Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have the highest ownership stats with 27% and 16% respectively.

    The main goal of the survey was to study the effects of the pandemic and how it has impacted the ownership of smart devices since it has made them a necessity rather than a luxury.

    The survey is conducted once every two years by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and it covers more than 24,000 households and over 115,000 respondents.

    In a regional breakdown, Balochistan reports the lowest number with only 2% ownership stats. 5% of the people from Islamabad and Karachi own a tablet while provincially, urban Sindh and Punjab report the highest in this regard.

    This further adds authenticity to the criticism raised by the country and many students about the lack of facilities available to continue their education through the ongoing pandemic.

  • NAB summons Buzdar for ‘issuing illegal liquor licences’

    NAB summons Buzdar for ‘issuing illegal liquor licences’

    The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar on August 12 for what it says was illegal issuance of liquor licences.

    The anti-graft watchdog has accused the provincial chief executive of illegally using powers of Excise director general (DG) and issuing liquor permits to a private hotel in Lahore.

    The hotel in question is the same as the one in regard to which reports had falsely claimed that a local company was setting up a “liquor bar” at the Allama Iqbal International Airport after approval from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led Punjab government.

    “A section of local media wrongly reported that the provincial government has granted a license to a company to sell liquor at the airport,” then spokesperson to the CM, Dr Shahbaz Gill, had said in a video message in January last year.

    He had further said that an under-construction five-star hotel near the airport had sought permission, which was duly granted after all the legal requirements were fulfilled.

    “This is not something new and all the major hotels in the country are permitted under the laws,” Gill said.

    However, the issuance has reportedly landed the Punjab CM in hot water.

    Earlier, on May 24, in view of the threat of sale of poisonous liquor on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, Punjab Excise and Taxation DG Hafiz Ziaul Mustafa issued a letter to stop the sale of illegal liquor and take necessary steps, The Express Tribune reported.

    Some unscrupulous elements use clinical alcohol, sedative tablets and juices of rotten fruits to brew liquor which is then sold in bottles of local and foreign brands. In the past scores of people have died and many more have gone blind from this locally brewed concoction.

    The DG also directed to pay special attention to liquor license holders on the occasion of Eid. A letter issued from the office of the DG said that several people have been affected by drinking toxic liquor in recent years which has embarrassed the government.

    Bootleggers making this toxic moonshine were likely to bring out their product on the festive occasion of Eid to grab the merriment mood of poor people who could not afford a pint of legally sold liquor available from licenced excise shops.