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  • Fakhr-e-Alam says his leaked audio is being taken out of context

    Fakhr-e-Alam says his leaked audio is being taken out of context

    Social media, at times can be absolutely relentless and the latest victim of it is singer-host Fakhr Alam, whose voice note, sent to a private group chat, was leaked and widely circulated on the internet.

    In the audio, which has been shared on various social media platforms, Alam can be heard sharing his opinion on the current political situation in the country. The singer was brutally trolled for his thoughts and comments.

    Following the leaked audio, Alam released a video – which has since been deleted – in which he stood his ground and said that the audio was unintentionally released in the public and that it was sent to a private group chat, which included members of the government and the opposition among others.

    When The Current reached out to the talk show host for further details, Alam, in a statement said: “An out of context audio from a private Whatsapp group has been released where we exchange banter on politics and gossip. The group consists of various individuals of good standing in politics and other important institutions of our beloved country. A mistake by a member resulted in this audio to go out of the group. However, this was a private conversation weeks ago but the timing of making it an issue is directly related to my tweeting in favour of another celebrity who was being targeted by social media teams of a political party.”

    He added: “This was followed by my sharing a video of a hospital situation in Lahore that further aggravated this social media team and as a result, they have taken this private voice note which is clearly in a tone of banter and humour online. Which is a breach of privacy and copyright infringement.”

    Read more – Vasay Chaudhry, Omair Rana slam Punjab Govt spokesperson for making derogatory remarks against Shafaat Ali

    Alam said he does not want to discuss the matter further because “we have much larger issues confronting us as a country”.

    “Pakistan does not belong to a single political party or ethnicity or sect. Disagreement is a healthy thing, but as long as we remain within civility. Someone’s failure, insecurities and vulnerabilities are further amplified when they react to a private conversation between friends.”

    He concluded, “My intention was not to hurt or harm anyone. Everyone knows my love for Pakistan, our armed forces, LEAs, etc. Instead of getting lost in petty issues like private jokes lets focus on ensuring we fight the pandemic united and prepare our people for the very difficult days ahead. Pakistan Zindabad.”

    Meanwhile, the National Award winning actor has been actively raising his voice for Pakistanis stranded abroad and campaigning for their safe return.

  • Former eBay director arrested for shipping live cockroaches, fly larvae, spiders to a journalist

    Former eBay director arrested for shipping live cockroaches, fly larvae, spiders to a journalist

    Six former eBay employees have been charged for an “aggressive cyber-stalking campaign” targeting a couple that published the newsletter for their negative eBay coverage — sending the couple online threats, abuses, mailing live insects and bloody pig face masks, and driving to their Massachusetts home to surveil them.

    The Department of Justice alleges that James Baugh, David Harville, Stephanie Popp, Brian Gilbert, Stephanie Stockwell and Veronica Zea were involved in the harassment campaign.

    The accused created an anonymous account to send insults and threats to the editor of the newsletter and her husband. Later on, the harassment escalated into in-person harassment.

    They shipped pig masks, a box of cockroaches, another box of fly larvae and live spiders, pornography, a book on “surviving the loss of a spouse”, a sympathy wreath from a local florist and a “preserved fetal pig” — although the pig fetus was never delivered.

    The team also allegedly spied on the couple to find evidence that they were collaborating with troll commentators. At one point, they planned to break into their garage and install a tracking device in their car.

    Texts between an unnamed eBay executive and Baugh.

    eBay’s leadership supposedly didn’t know about the harassment campaign until being notified by law enforcement in August 2019. 

    The company posted a statement saying that they have terminated all the employees involved in the case and “eBay does not tolerate this kind of behavior”.

    “eBay apologises to the affected individuals and is sorry that they were subjected to this. eBay holds its employees to high standards of conduct and ethics and will continue to take appropriate action to ensure these standards are followed.”

    Baugh was eBays global security and resiliency director, Harville was director of global resiliency, Popp was senior manager of global intelligence and Gilbert was a former police captain who handled security and safety at eBay’s North American offices.

  • Maryam Nawaz shares the name of the book she read while in jail

    Maryam Nawaz shares the name of the book she read while in jail

    Good news for PML-N fans. Maryam Nawaz Sharif has joined Instagram, where she will be sharing snippets from her life, herself.

    In her first post, Maryam said: “Previously handled by my team, this account shall now be handled by me personally. I wish to keep it as apolitical as possible so you and I can have more human moments.”

    Staying true to her promise, Maryam’s next post was about a book she read while in Kot Lakhpat Jail, Lahore in October 2019.

    According to her notes, Maryam started reading Paulo Coehlo’s Manuscript found in Accra on October 6, 2019, and finished it two days later on October 8. She also shared some of her favourite lines from the book.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CBfr9OfjEes/

    Read more – Duchess of Cornwall Camilla Parker Bowles shares a list of her favourite books

    About Manuscript found in Accra

    According to Penguin Random House, “in 1974, an English archaeologist discovered a manuscript in Accra, the present capital of Ghana; carbon dating showed that it had originated in 1307. Written in Arabic, Hebrew, and Latin, the document describes a meeting in the year 1099 between the people of Jerusalem and a sage known as the Copt. It is the year in which the city, where Jews, Christians, and Muslims live together in harmony, is preparing for an attack by the armies of the Crusades.”

    It adds: “In this captivating novel, best-selling author Paulo Coelho brings to life the anguish of a city on the brink of annihilation. As the fearful citizens seek advice and reassurance, the Copt speaks of the principles that shape everyday lives and reveals why they will survive the destruction of Jerusalem and endure for generations to come. The novel unfolds as a sequence of parables exploring the meaning and value of love, faith, sex, friendship, beauty, bravery, loyalty, success, and community, and uncovering the sources of human fears and anxieties.”

  • ‘Hit-and-run’: Road accident in Islamabad further heightens Indo-Pak tensions

    ‘Hit-and-run’: Road accident in Islamabad further heightens Indo-Pak tensions

    • Two Indian High Commission officials detained briefly after running over pedestrian in Islamabad on Monday
    • Both officials of non-diplomat status handed back to Indian High Commission owing to diplomatic immunity while Indian reports claim they were let go off after New Delhi pressurised authorities in Pakistan
    • India had earlier claimed harassment and assault of officials and raised concerns over alleged abduction in response to expulsion of two Pakistan High Commission officials over ‘espionage’ in New Delhi

    A road accident in Islamabad has further heightened Indo-Pak tensions as diplomatic ties between the two neighbours continue to deteriorate ever since New Delhi’s abrogation of Article 370 for the annexation of held Kashmir last year in August.

    As per the details, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) police on Monday arrested two staff members of the Indian High Commission (IHC) over their involvement in a hit-and-run incident.

    A vehicle, reportedly a BMW, hit a pedestrian walking on the embassy road at around 8 am. The two staffers, identified as Silvades Paul and Dawamu Brahamu, tried to flee after the incident but were caught by bystanders and handed over to local police.

    The critically injured pedestrian, whose identity has still not been revealed, was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

    Eyewitnesses said the car was being driven irresponsibly and had gotten out of control due to speeding on Khayabane Suhrawardy.

    While it is said that the police were initially unaware that the two accused belonged to the IHC, an FIR [First Information Report] registered at the Secretariat police station of the federal capital, a copy of which is available with this scribe, revealed that one of the officials also possessed Rs10,000 worth of counterfeit currency.

    Local police later informed the Foreign Office (FO) about the incident. However, on Monday evening the two staffers, neither of whom were diplomats, were released because they had diplomatic immunity.

    The two reportedly belong to India’s Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). A sixteen-member specialised security unit from CISF has been deployed at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad since 2009 for the protection of the high commission and diplomats posted here.

    Both were booked by the police for reckless driving, causing injury due to negligent driving, and possessing fake currency.

    It is pertinent to note that officials at the FO were initially unaware of the development, while Indian media reports claimed that the two officials had been abducted and shifted to an undisclosed location.

    Amid Indian claims that the “missing” officials were let go off after torture and New Delhi pressurising Islamabad against the alleged abduction, officials, including the assistant sub-inspector concerned, deny the claims saying it was “nothing but regular action against two people accused of hit-and-run besides possession of counterfeit currency”.

    Pakistan was further asked to return the two Indian staffers along with the official car to the high commission.

    Deputy Superintendent of Police Iqbal Khan said the Indians were detained and shifted to the police station for completing the legal process.

    The FIR also suggests the same.

    Deputy Inspector General (FIG) of Police Operation Waqaruddin Syed said that both the detained Indians were hours later released from the police custody after confirming their status from the FO.

    PAYBACK?

    “The officials were out for an official work before they went missing. The Indian government has taken up the matter with Pakistani authorities,” said Indian reports earlier in the day as they hinted at the possibility of “payback” in response to India declaring two officials of the Pakistan High Commission (PHC) in New Delhi “persona non grata requiring them to leave India within 24 hours” alleging that they had been found guilty of espionage.

    Pakistan had condemned the Indian government’s decision to expel the staff members as part of a “persistent anti-Pakistan propaganda”.

    Islamabad had said that the two staff members of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi were “lifted by the Indian authorities today (31 May 2020) on false and unsubstantiated charges”. They were subsequently released after the Pakistan High Commission intervened.

    “We condemn the detention and torture as well as threatening and pressuring of the diplomatic officials to accept false charges,” the FO had said.

    DIPLOMATS AND RASH DRIVING:

    Earlier this year, an SUV belonging to the United States (US) Embassy drove into a car on a main artery of the federal capital, killing a woman and injuring five members of her family.

    The police arrested the Pakistani driver of the US Embassy, named Amjad Zaman, and registered a case against him at Margalla police station.

    Accidents involving vehicles belonging to diplomatic missions, especially the US Embassy, have been frequent in recent years and in most cases the drivers got away unpunished by invoking diplomatic immunity.

    In April 2018, a motorcyclist was killed after being hit by a vehicle driven by the military attaché at the US Embassy in Islamabad.

    In Feb 2013, an SUV driven by an administrative assistant at the US Embassy hit two motorcyclists near Kohsar Complex on Margalla Avenue, killing one of them and injuring the other.

    In July 2010, an officer attached to the US Embassy’s Force Protection Department hit and killed a young man riding a motorcycle on 7th Avenue.

    In 2011, a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) contractor, Raymond Davis, caused countrywide outrage after he killed two persons when he ran over a motorcycle in Lahore. The deadly incident had strained ties between Washington and Islamabad. Davis went scot-free after paying blood money to the families of the victims.

  • Delhi man hires juvenile to murder him so family can claim insurance money

    Delhi man hires juvenile to murder him so family can claim insurance money

    A man in Delhi,India hired a juvenile to kill him so that his family could get his insurance money.

    Gaurav Bansal, 37, was a grocery shop owner. He was found hanging from a tree near Kheri Baba Pul in Ranhola area of outer Delhi on June 10.

    both of his hands were found knotted so olice registered a case under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code and an investigation was started, said Deputy Commissioner of Police, Outer, A. Koan.

    Initial probe revealed that Bansal’s family members had filed a missing complaint. “On the basis of intelligence, a suspect identified as Suraj was apprehended. During sustained interrogation, Suraj revealed that he along with two others – Manoj and Sumit – were roped in to commit killing by a juvenile, who was in contact with the deceased,” the officer said.

    Following the revelations, Manoj, Sumit and the juvenile were arrested.

    The juvenile then revealed that Bansal contacted him on social media and said that he faced some financial problems due to which he wished to die. “He told the juvenile that he would pay him for his murder as because of this, his family would get his insurance payout,” the DCP added.

    Koan also said that two agreed for a sum of around Rs60,000 to kill him. “In order to execute the killing, the juvenile roped in his friend Manoj who later involved Suraj and Sumit for this alleged contract killing.”

    “The accused persons killed the victim by hanging him from a tree. During the questioning, they revealed that they had received money for this act from the victim. Bansal had told them if they killed him, his family will get the insurance money,” the DCP said.

    Further investigation of the case  is underway.

  • ‘Alvi, Imran ready to face consequences if SC quashes reference against Justice Isa’

    ‘Alvi, Imran ready to face consequences if SC quashes reference against Justice Isa’

    The government’s counsel has told the Supreme Court (SC) that the President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan were ready to face the consequences if the presidential reference against SC’s Justice Qazi Faez Isa was quashed.

    Dr Farogh Naseem, former law minister and currently the government’s counsel in the case against Justice Isa, submitted before members of the 10-judge full court that it appeared as if the top government functionaries were on trial and not the judge who has yet to explain the source of income for his family members’ properties.

    “We are ready to face consequences,” said Dr Naseem, adding that the consequences would be across the board.

    Earlier, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah had observed that the government is also accountable if the reference is not maintainable.

    “There should be consequences if the reference is quashed based on malice,” noted another judge, Justice Maqbool Baqar.

    Meanwhile, chief judge of the full court, Justice Umar Ata Bandial observed that no bar association has ever complained about Justice Isa being dishonest. None of the government’s allegations prove dishonesty of Justice Isa, he remarked.

    READ: Law minister resigns again; this time to represent govt in Faez Isa case

    The federal counsel maintained that a judge is the most powerful person in society, and therefore, he argued, we must have confidence that the judge is free of controversy. The independence of the judiciary comes through integrity, and there should be good public perception of the judge, added Dr Naseem.

    At this, Justice Shah inquired whether the counsel admits that this is a case pertaining to independence of the judiciary.

    Justice Shah further asked the federal counsel whether a husband could seek his wife’s tax records from the Federal Board of Revenue. To this, Dr Naseem replied that he would have to ask the relevant officials.

    Under which law can the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) ask a judge to disclose details of his wife’s properties, inquired Justice Shah. He observed that the public perception of a judge can also be destroyed on social media.

    At this, Dr Naseem said that fake news could not destroy public perception but if a judge is unable to explain the source of his family members’ properties than it would influence his reputation before the public.

    Justice Bandial told the federal counsel that instead of relaying a violation of Section 116 of the Income Tax law his main focus is on the issuance of the show cause notice to Justice Isa by the SJC.

    READ: New top lawyer excuses himself from fighting Justice Faez Isa case for PTI govt

    With regards to the show cause notice, Justice Maqbool Baqar noted that if the basis of the reference was illegal then all of the proceedings would be quashed.

    Referring to various SC judgements, Dr Naseem said that the office of a judge came under the definition of public office and it is mandatory for a public servant that their family members’ lifestyle is not beyond the ostensible source of income. He maintained that his case was about the source of income.

    The bench asked Dr Naseem yet again as to why the government did not question Justice Isa’s wife about her source of income for the properties in question. If the wife purchased these properties through inherited income, would the judge be liable to reply, asked Justice Shah.

    In the same vein, Justice Yahya Afridi asked whether all judges should be asked about their family members’ tax concerns by the SJC or by tax authorities. To this Dr Naseem said that disciplinary proceedings against a judge could only be initiated by the SJC.

  • Yashma Gill opens up about her battle with depression

    Yashma Gill opens up about her battle with depression

    The tragic death and suicide of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput has started a much-needed conversation on mental health, depression and importance of being kind in these testing times.

    Yashma Gill, who has been lauded for her recent performance in Pyar Ke Sadkay, opened up about her own battle with depression and said though that she has talked about this before, she will “keep talking about it till it doesn’t become normal”.

    Read more – ‘Pyar Ke Sadkay’ goes from ‘aik tarfa pyaar’ to a love triangle

    “As someone who has had first-hand experience of depression, panic attacks and anxiety so severe that it sometimes became derealisation, I can’t stress enough at the importance of reaching out and seeking help,” wrote the actor.

    She continued: “Please stop labelling someone’s depression as just a phase or sadness. Sadness and depression are two different emotional states with depression being way more difficult to carry your life with – it’s dark, hollow, emotionally debilitating and can take a toll on your logical thinking leaving u feeling hopeless.”

    Gill further said that there were times when she felt that the pain was so severe that she felt like giving up. However, her belief and faith kept her going and with that belief in Allah, she decided not to give up and reached out for help.

    “Despite the fear of being called mentally challenged, a psycho or someone that can just not be labelled normal (which are all such shameful terms to give to anyone suffering from the illness of an organ called brain just like other organs can get infected it can too) I started taking therapy,” shared the actor, adding that when therapy hit a wall for her, she opted for medication which helped her recover from depression.

    Yashma asserted that “just like other organs in our body that can get infected, the brain is an organ too and can get infected so there is nothing abnormal in that. What’s abnormal is for anyone to not worry about taking care of it or getting it treated like the rest of the organs.”

    She concluded by requesting her followers and those reading her note to be kind and empathetic towards each other and not to hurt anyone.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CBbk8zHDxUh/
  • Bodybuilders protest against govt, demand reopening of gyms

    Bodybuilders protest against govt, demand reopening of gyms

    Bodybuilders in Peshawar protested against government and demanded the reopening of gyms. Holding placards in their hands, they raised slogans against the government.

    While talking to a reporter, the president of KPK bodybuilder association said that we want the government to allow us to open gyms because this will help people build and strengthen their immune system. They also demanded the authorities give a relief package as “our gyms and clubs are closed since the lockdown was announced three months ago and our rents are due”.

  • ‘Meray phone kay darwazay hamesha khulay hain,’ Yasir Hussain tells his colleagues

    ‘Meray phone kay darwazay hamesha khulay hain,’ Yasir Hussain tells his colleagues

    The tragic suicide and death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput has prompted a debate on mental health and the importance of being there for your friends and loved ones. Yasir Hussain, in a social media update, has told his friends and colleagues in the industry that he is available for them and is just a phone call away.

    “Koi bhi depression ka shikar ho, toh mujhe call karay. Aap ko hasana mera kaam hai (Anyone who is experiencing depression, please call me. Making you laugh is my job then),” said the actor, adding “Love you all”.

    Other than Yasir, Mahira Khan, Maya Ali, Osman Khalid Butt and Mawra Hocane also urged their followers to be kind and listen to the silent cries of those around them.

  • Three must-play PS4 games before thinking of getting a PS5

    Three must-play PS4 games before thinking of getting a PS5

    Holiday Season this year will bring you a next-generation gaming console — PlayStation (PS) 5 — but before you upgrade, and over the next few months, while you wait for it to be available in the market, you must try these three new breathtaking games for the PS4.

    While one of them is already available in the market, the other two are about to launch. 

    1. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla 

    Launch: December 2020

    Developers: Ubisoft and Epic games

    Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC and Google Stadia

    The game has been produced by Ubisoft and Epic Games. You will take the character of a mighty Viking raider, who will lead his clan from the harsh shores of Norway to a new home amid the lush farmlands of 9th century England.

    You will explore an open world map, where you will encounter brutal enemies, raid fortresses, build your clan’s new settlement and create alliances to win glory and earn a place in the majestic Valhalla hall of Norse mythology.

    2. The Last of Us II

    Launch: June 2020

    Available on: PS4

    Developers: Naughty Dog 

    Publisher: Sony Interactive 

    The first part of this game was released in 2013. Players entered the role of 19-year old Ellie, who comes into conflict with a mysterious cult in post-apocalyptic United States (US). 

    The Last of Us 2 is the next part and it is the same action-adventure survival horror game. Players can use firearms, bows, improvised weapons, and stealth to defend against hostile humans and cannibalistic creatures. However, the graphics and mechanisms are on steroids.

    The trailer was mostly well-received by reviewers, and the critics also praised the improved graphics and features, enemy artificial intelligence, and combat mechanisms in the latest part. 

    3. Call of Duty: Warzone 

    Developers: Infinity ward, Raven software

    Publisher: Activision

    Series: Call of Duty

    Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC

    Warzone is a massive combat experience with up to 150 players from all over the world who can join the map… and above all it’s free! 

    It has two very interesting features to offer — Battle Royale and Plunder.

    In Battle Royale, you can join forces and jump into a battleground with three other online players of your team.

    Your team should be the last group standing in the field to win the game. 

    The second mode is Plunder. The best part about Plunder is that if you get killed, the player will respond every time until the match ends. Besides, you will get more points which enable you to unlock new weapons, their upgrades and other awesome equipment.  

    The best part about this game is that it is very close to reality. Games like Apex Legends or Fortnite are awesome and millions play it. However, they’re unrealistic from the point of view of story and graphics.

    Which games are on your list? Let us know in the comments.