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  • VIDEO: Woman booked for abusing, threatening traffic warden

    VIDEO: Woman booked for abusing, threatening traffic warden

    A case was registered against a woman who slapped and misbehaved with a traffic warden who stopped her for parking her car in a no-parking area in Lahore’s Liberty Market.

    In a video doing rounds on social media, a traffic warden requests a woman not to park her car on the road as it is a no-parking area. In response, the unidentified woman started abusing and slapping the warden on his face and giving him threats.

    The warden then could be seen calling women police constables to arrest the woman for violating traffic rules and hitting him. He filed a complaint at the Gulberg police station after which a case was registered.

    According to reports, the incident took place two days ago when the woman had wrongly parked her car on a main road near the Liberty Market exit that resulted in a traffic jam. Warden Furqan asked her to park the car properly on the side. The woman started abusing and asked the warden to speak to her father. Upon his denial, the woman allegedly slapped the warden and escaped from the scene.

    As the video went viral on social media, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) retired Capt Syed Hammad Abid ordered raids for arresting the woman. A police team raided her house, but could not find her there. Her vehicle was detained.

    However,  a sessions court in Lahore granted bail to the woman today (on Thursday). The court directed the woman to deposit a surety bond of Rs50,000 to secure her bail.

  • VIDEO: PPP leader tries to hit Murad Saeed with headphones in National Assembly

    In yet another unusual occurrence in the National Assembly, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Shazia Soomro on Thursday tossed her headphones towards Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Federal Minister for Communication and Postal Services Murad Saeed as the latter read out the confessional statement of Lyari gang war kingpin Uzair Baloch, who was allegedly affiliated with the PPP.

    As per the details, the minister, during the session of the Lower House, delivered a speech on the joint investigation team (JIT) report related to criminal gang war leader Baloch. In its response, Soomro attempted to hit him with her headphones but missed.

    WATCH VIDEO:

    https://twitter.com/Khaista90/status/1281153858522288128

    Earlier, while addressing the assembly, Saeed read out the confessional statement and said the Lyari gang war kingpin harassed people around Bilawal House and vacated 40 houses.

    “Uzair Baloch used three police officers and a mobile phone in a murder,” he said, adding that Baloch had confessed that extorted money, as well as that obtained through other illegal means, was transferred to former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur.

    Earlier, the Sindh government made public the JIT reports on infamous Lyari gang war leader Baloch, Baldia Factory tragedy and Nisar Morai.

    JIT report of Lyari gang war leader Uzair Baloch consists of 36 pages that include the names of dozens of accomplices, including Ahkhana, Habib Jan, Habib Hassan, Saif Ali and Noor Mohammad. According to the report, Baloch has also confessed to killing 198 people.

  • Metro, causing ‘Rs3.6 million loss a day’, remains shut for over three months

    Metro, causing ‘Rs3.6 million loss a day’, remains shut for over three months

    The Punjab Mass-Transit Authority’s (PMA) deficit has reached Rs375 million due to the closure of the metro bus service for 105 days while officials believe that a single-day shutdown of metro bus causes a loss of Rs3.6 million, Pakistan Today reported.

    According to reports, while no decision has been taken to restore the service by the government so far, the Punjab government had earlier also cut subsidy of PMA by Rs1 billion and the fourth quarter’s funds were not fully released in the last fiscal year (2019-2020).

    “Due to non-issuance of funds, there have been problems in payment to contractors,” reports quoted officials as saying.

    They lamented that the government’s policies were beyond understanding as it had allowed intra-city and inter-city transport to operate but had not yet restored the metro bus service since after the first coronavirus lockdown.

    “An average of 130,000 commuters were benefiting from the metro bus service daily. The authority is currently facing the worst financial crisis. No strategy has been formulated to restore the financial damages nor has it been decided how the foreign company which is operating the metro bus will be supported.”

    Due to the outbreak of coronavirus, the Punjab government had decided to close Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan metro bus service in March. However, local transporters were later allowed to operate inter and intra-bus service while following certain guidelines.

    The report also quoted sources in the Punjab government as claiming that the metro bus service was a white elephant. “The service had been subsidised by the previous government but it is very difficult for the present government to subsidise the bus service further.”

    PMA General Manager (Operations) Uzair Shah said the decision to reactivate the bus service would be taken by the Punjab government whereas no order had so far come from the government. “The authority is facing problems due to non-receipt of subsidy,” he added while also requesting the government to release funds.

  • Jadhav refuses Pakistan’s offer to challenge conviction in IHC

    Jadhav refuses Pakistan’s offer to challenge conviction in IHC

    While refusing Pakistan’s offer to file an appeal in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against his conviction, Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav has decided to apply for a mercy petition, the Foreign Office (FO) has said.

    Jadhav alias Hussein Mubarak Patel — a serving commander of the Indian Navy associated with Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) — was arrested on March 3, 2016, from Balochistan while attempting to crossover into Pakistan through the country’s border with Iran. Subsequently, in April 2017, a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) handed him death sentence on charges of espionage and terrorism.

    In a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Ahmed Irfan and Director General (DG) (South Asia & SAARC) Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry said that an ordinance was promulgated by the government on May 20, which allowed the Indian government, Jadhav and his legal representative to file a review petition in IHC within 60 days, which expire on July 19.

    According to Dawn, they said Indian authorities had requested to appoint an Indian lawyer to advocate for Jadhav but if an appeal is filed in the IHC, only a lawyer that holds a license of the respective court would be able to represent the spy. Therefore, an Indian lawyer cannot advocate for the convicted spy but they may be allowed to assist Jadhav’s counsel.

    The Pakistani government had allowed consular access to Jadhav twice in the past and has offered to do so again, the officials said. Authorities have also offered to arrange Jadhav’s meeting with his father and wife, they added. The AAG and DG (South Asia & SAARC) expressed hope that the Indian government will respond positively to this offer.

    Both officials recalled that Pakistan had earlier allowed Jadhav’s mother and wife to meet him and said that the government had complied with the verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) passed last year.

    They said Pakistan had provided evidence of Indian state terrorism to the international community multiple times and will continue to do so.

  • Govt pledges to promote the film industry

    Govt pledges to promote the film industry

    The government has announced that it will be creating a film task force which will be responsible for promoting the entertainment industry and resolving its issues.

    In a virtual meeting with artists and stakeholders involved, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz shared the government’s intentions and discussed issues being faced by the film industry and their proposed solutions. Among those present included Humayun Saeed, Vasay Chaudhry, Ali Zafar, Fizza Ali Meerza and Nadeem Mandviwala.

    According to APP, Senator Faraz, while addressing the meeting, said that artists were assets of the nation who play an important role in the promotion of national culture and image apart from the growth of society. He added that the government realises the importance of artists and values their contribution to society.

    The minister elaborated that the government is working towards setting up a task force which will play a key role in promoting the film industry, assisting in the implementation and improvement of the film policy and resolving related issues. The task force will include government officials and those associated with the film industry.

    Read more – PM Imran urges TV writers’ to promote family values, national identity through dramas

    Speaking to The Current, Vasay Chaudhry said that the meeting went “really well” and that the “Honourable Minister showed a lot of interest in matters pertaining to film and seemed very committed and serious.”

    He added, “Being the son a great Urdu poet (Ahmed Faraz Sahab), Faraz showed keen interest in the issues of royalties when it was brought up by me. He told us that the issue of royalties of artistes is very close to his heart and he will make sure to do something about it.”

    Addressing this topic, Faraz in the meeting had said that artists had the right to receive royalties for their work and that practical steps will be taken to ensure that their copyrights are protected.

    Information Secretary Akbar Durrani briefed the participants about the national film policy and the Artist Welfare Fund. He said that a database of artists across the country was being created which will help them financially. It is pertinent to mention here that the Artist Welfare Fund has been increased from Rs 25 crore to 1 billion in the new budget on the recommendation of President Dr Arif Alvi.

    Meanwhile, Ali Zafar thanked Senator Faraz for calling this meeting and assuring the entertainment industry of the government’s support.

  • In a first, Hugo Boss places sportswear order with Pakistan

    Amid economic woes, there is a glimmer of hope after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood announced that Germany’s luxury fashion brand Hugo Boss has placed its first order of sportswear with a Pakistani company. The fashion house is renowned across the world for its smart men’s suits. As of late, the brand has dabbled into casual and sportswear styles in order to attract young buyers.

    In a Twitter update, Dawood shared the news and congratulated Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) for their efforts.

    The 35th International Apparel Federation’s (IAF) World Fashion Convention was held in Lahore on November 12-13, 2019 in collaboration with Dutch industry association Modint.

    Meanwhile, Dawood also congratulated the exporters for their performance despite unprecedented challenges.

  • Karachi police station gives shelter to newly-wed girl after husband abandons her

    Karachi police station gives shelter to newly-wed girl after husband abandons her

    A newly-wed girl from Nawabshah reportedly found shelter at a women’s police station in the metropolis’ west zone after her husband abandoned her.

    According to details, the women’s police station staff is searching for the family of the young girl. The girl said she got married to a man named Ahmed six months ago. After a few weeks, her husband kicked her out of the house. She had to come to Karachi as she was left with no other option.

    After being admitted to a shelter home in Karachi’s Central district, the facility’s management found her uncles and sent her to their house. However, her uncles also refused to keep her at their home. Since then, the girl had nowhere to go.

    For now, she has taken refuge at the Liaquatabad women’s police station. According to the girl, her mother had died and her only brother also passed away two-and-a-half years ago and she has no idea where her father is.

    According to Station House Officer (SHO) Liaqatabad Uzma Khan, Karachi police is trying to trace her father by contacting their counterparts in Nawabshah.

  • News producer allegedly tortures wife to death after she confronts him about blackmailing women

    News producer allegedly tortures wife to death after she confronts him about blackmailing women

    News program producer Ali Salman Alvi has been arrested and put behind bars for allegedly torturing his wife Sadaf Zahra to death for confronting him about affairs and blackmailing women for money. According to the FIR registered against Alvi, there are signs of torture on his wife’s body. Initial post-mortem report suggests that Zahra was strangulated to death. The police have sent the evidence to Lahore’s Forensic Lab for further inquiries. Alvi has claimed that his wife committed suicide whereas the family has accused him of murdering his wife.

    Zahra’s death and the circumstances surrounding it was brought to light by her friend who took to Twitter to give details on the case. She tweeted that Zahra and Ali had a love marriage and had met on Twitter but soon after they were married, Zahra found evidence that Ali was blackmailing other women.

    She also mentions that Zahra tried to leave her husband but tried to save the marriage after he promised to change and since they had a young daughter, she felt it was necessary to give it a shot.

    Zahra, herself had taken to Twitter to talk about domestic violence and how it affects a person and a marriage. She said that a friend of hers was going through it but people are now assuming that she was talking about herself.

    Twitter has taken it upon itself as well to get #JusticeforZahra as the hashtag has started trending online.

    Rawalpindi police has vowed to take up the case and make sure that justice is served.

    Ali Salman Alvi was producer of Asma Shirazi’s program. Asma took to Twitter to condemn the murder. She tweeted that she was shocked and numbed the moment she found out about this incident and the FIR against Alvi. “Not just myself but the media group I’m working with strictly condemned & terminated accused.” She hopes that justice must prevail.

  • Chinese brand Shein apologizes for selling Muslim prayer mats as decorative rugs

    Chinese brand Shein apologizes for selling Muslim prayer mats as decorative rugs

    Online Chinese retailer Shein has apologised for selling Muslim prayer mats as decorative mats after people on social media criticised it for religious insensitivity.

    In an apology note, posted to social media, the brand said: “We offer our sincerest apology to all those whom we have hurt and offended, and hope we can earn your forgiveness.”

    The brand informed its customers that the product was instantly removed from its website and that other retailers were also ordered to stop selling the products to others.

    “We have also formed a product review committee with staff from different cultures and religions so a mistake like doesn’t happen again,” read the post.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCRK5UPHgY0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Many people expressed disappointment in the brand and said that the brand’s act is “unacceptable” and “highly offensive”.

    https://twitter.com/Nabela/status/1279139954250170368?s=20

  • Usman Mukhtar’s short film ‘Bench’ wins big at New York’s South Shore Film Festival

    Usman Mukhtar’s short film ‘Bench’ wins big at New York’s South Shore Film Festival

    Usman Mukhtar’s short film Bench has won the ‘Best Short Film Award’ at the South Shore Film Festival, New York.

    Mukhar shared the news with his followers and audiences on social media.

    https://twitter.com/MukhtarHoonMein/status/1280216996706242561?s=20

    Later, the actor, who was over the moon with the win, also shared a heartfelt note in which he said that he had no words to express his happiness and thanked his co-star Rubya Chaudhry for being the “heartbeat of this film”.

    “I do not have words to explain my happiness with you,” said the actor. “This is our first win so I am going to be very emotional. Since as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to be a filmmaker. Starting from those VHS cameras to right now. Winning this makes me feel that all the hardships that I went through, meant something. Thank you all for your support and I cannot wait to share the film with you all.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCVz9yWpVwq/

    Rubya also expressed her excitement on social media and called Mukhtar “a true gem, a star, a guy that deserves everything amazing and then some”.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCWAis8AgIH/

    The film which has been directed by Mukhtar and written by Ali Mudar the film sees two people at difficult crossroads of their lives, cross paths.

    Speaking to a local media publication, Mukhtar shared that the “film is about two people who meet on a bench. It’s a dialogue based film which takes a very interesting twist and turns.”

    He added that the film has been submitted to a lot of film festivals including the Toronto, Cannes and Busan Film Festivals but due to the current situation, they’re screening the film online but they are yet to hear back from them.

    While it is not clear when the film will be screened in Pakistan, we’re hopeful we get a chance to watch it soon.

    Watch the trailer of the film below: