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  • VIDEO: Woman shot ‘five times’ in Lahore’s posh Model Town colony in broad daylight

    VIDEO: Woman shot ‘five times’ in Lahore’s posh Model Town colony in broad daylight

    A woman was shot and injured in what was allegedly a robbery incident in the posh Model Town neighbourhood of Lahore.

    According to the details, a robber shot and injured the woman at an ATM and made off with cash from her at the colony’s Bank Square market.

    “The robber intercepted the woman and demanded cash and upon resistance, he opened firing leaving the woman injured,” an eyewitness said.

    Rescue 1122 responded to the emergency and shifted the victim to Hameed Latif Hospital while police reached the crime scene and collected forensic evidence.

    An official, on the condition of anonymity, told The Current that while it seemed like a robbery, it is highly unlikely for robbers to shoot a victim multiple times and that too in broad daylight.

    Meanwhile, an Instagram user, who claims to know the woman, has shared further details of the alleged robbery and an update on the victim’s health while also posting a horrifying video of the incident.

    WATCH VIDEO:

    View this post on Instagram

    This is a real footage of a beloved family member being shot five times in broad daylight in model town. Shehla Malik (former principal Divisional Public School) Shehli Api as we call her as she is our very close family member was shot five times outside a bank in a money looting spree. The shooter showed no mercy on her and kept shooting her to take off her bangles. I’m shocked and appalled at this ghastly act which also shows the real picture of disparity and how people are acting up in the times of corona outbreak and subsequent lockdown. It could have been anyone of us. Our shehli Api is a strong woman who has braved many a storms and thankfully her operation has been successful. Please do pray for her quick recovery as she’s a mother of two very young children. I hope that some sense prevail we should be careful while stepping out of the house. May allah keep all of us in His rehmat (Ameen) PS she didn’t put up any resistance but when the robber was taking off her bangle it got stuck in her hand and she screamed in pain when he began to shoot in panic .. (disclosed by shehli Api) in the hospital? it’s a huge shout out and word of thanks to my dear colleagues who helped while she was being shifted to services hospital @get.glamorized @social.inc @drushnahabib #stayhome #staysafe #quarantine #robbery #modeltown

    A post shared by Rubia Moghees (@rubiamoghees) on

    Further investigation is underway.

    It merits a mention here that while coronavirus lockdowns across the country have seen a significant decrease in street crime, experts believe such incidents of robberies are being led to owing to the economic crisis due to the pandemic.

  • Five million births in nine months in Pakistan since pandemic started

    Five million births in nine months in Pakistan since pandemic started

    Ahead of Mother’s Day, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for the world’s governments to maintain life-saving services for pregnant women and newborns that are under increasing threat from strained health services and supply chains as a result of coronavirus’ outbreak.

    The UN agency estimates that 116 million babies have been born since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Pakistan grouped among the countries that have the highest numbers of forecast births.

    It said that new mothers and their babies are facing systems in crisis, including overwhelmed health centres; supply and equipment shortages; and a lack of skilled birth attendants, including midwives.

    “Millions of mothers all over the world embarked on a journey of parenthood in the world as it was,” Henrietta H. Fore, UNICEF executive director, said in a statement.

    “They now must prepare to bring a life into the world, as it has become – a world where expecting mothers are afraid to go to health centres for fear of getting infected, or missing out on emergency care due to strained health services and lockdowns”.

    Mother’s Day, which will be celebrated on Sunday, is recognised by more than 128 countries.

    In her remarks, the UNICEF Chief warned: “This is a particularly poignant Mother’s Day, as many families have been forced apart during the coronavirus pandemic…It is hard to imagine how much the pandemic has recast motherhood”.

    In the nine months span dating from when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, the countries with the highest numbers of forecast births are expected to be India (20.1 million), China (13.5 million), Nigeria (6.4 million), Pakistan (5 million) and Indonesia (4 million). Most of these nations had high neonatal mortality rates even before the global health crisis.

    And wealthier countries are also being seriously impacted, as trust and supplies run low. The sixth highest country for expected births, the United States, is projected to see in excess of 3.3 million babies born between 11 March and 16 December.

    In New York City, authorities are looking into alternative birthing centres as many women are worried about delivering their babies in hospitals, due to the risk of infection.

    UNICEF warns that although evidence suggests that pregnant mothers are not at greater risk of serious illness due to COVID-19 than other groups, countries still need to ensure they have access to antenatal, delivery and postnatal services.

    Likewise, sick newborns need emergency services and new mothers require breastfeeding support, as well as medicines, vaccines and nutrition to keep their babies healthy.

    While it is not yet known whether the coronavirus can be transmitted from a mother to her unborn baby, UNICEF recommends that all pregnant women protect themselves from the virus, closely monitor themselves for COVID-19 indications and seek medical advice if they have concerns or experience symptoms.

    They are advised to also practice physical distancing, use online health services and seek early medical care if they live in at-risk areas and have fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

    And they should speak to their midwife or doctor about the safest place to give birth along with making a birth plan to reduce anxiety.

    Mothers with COVID-19 should wear a mask when feeding their baby, wash hands before and after touching the child, routinely clean and disinfect surfaces and continue to hold their newborn.

    Henrietta H. Fore said, ” We are living in time for unity, a time to bring everyone together in solidarity”.

    “We can help save lives by making sure that every pregnant mother receives the support she needs to give birth safely in the months to come”, the UNICEF chief added.

  • Adnan Siddiqui apologises to Sarfaraz Ahmed for ‘mocking’ him

    Adnan Siddiqui apologises to Sarfaraz Ahmed for ‘mocking’ him

    Following social media outrage and backlash, Adnan Siddiqui has now apologised to former captain of the Pakistan cricket team Sarfaraz Ahmed for ‘mocking’ him.

    Read more – Fans are furious with Adnan Siddiqui for mocking Sarfaraz Ahmed

    On the latest episode of Jeeto Pakistan, when Sarfaraz entered, Adnan said that he wanted to say something. In response, the host Fahad Mustafa joked “Pehlay in say pooch lein agar aap kuch sunana chahatay hain (First ask him [Sarfaraz] if wants to listen).”

    Sarfaraz quipped, “No, no, there is nothing to say.”

    When Adnan insisted, Fahad said, “Aap meray, Sarfaraz kay, humaray baray hain. Aap humain thappar bhi maarein gay toh humain koi faraq nahi parhay ga (You are our senior. Even if you slap us it won’t bother us).”

    “Ignore these unnecessary things,” Fahad continued. “We apologise to you that people make up such stories.”

    However, Adnan did not stop and said, “Sarfaraz, I apologise to you, your fans, your family and your friends. I swear I did not mean to do anything which would hurt him. Or his friends.”

    “Mitti pao, mitti pao,” remarked Fahad.

    Sarfaraz then quipped, “Adnan Bhai you don’t need to say anything. I am not upset at all.”

    Adnan was accused of ‘mocking’ his fellow captain Sarfaraz in an earlier episode of the game show outraging the cricketer’s fans, who took to social media to express their anger.

    Watch the video below:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_9dYRXJa6B/
  • British-Pakistani wakes up from coma to discover mother passed away from COVID-19

    British-Pakistani wakes up from coma to discover mother passed away from COVID-19

    A British-Pakistani man woke up from a 25-day coma to discover that his mother had passed away from COVID-19.

    According to a report in Geo News, Sohail Anjum went into a coma for almost a month after contracting a severe form of the deadly virus. He was admitted to the Croydon University Hospital in London. When he regained consciousness, he was told that his mother, 81, had passed away a few days after he was admitted to the hospital.

    Hospital staff lauds Sohail as he leaves the hospital

    Speaking to the publication, Anjum shared that he was in an induced coma when his mother passed away. He said that his brother was allowed to meet their mother under “exceptional circumstances” as the hospital had been put under lockdown and no visitation was allowed.

    He said that his mother asked his brother about him [Sohail] and told him that she was praying for his health.

    “I was told that while I was in a coma, it was only when she passed away that my vitals started improving. I believe it was my mother’s prayer before she passed away that saved my life,” said Anjum, who has now returned home after spending six weeks in the hospital. He shared that though he has recovered, he still feels weak and will be requiring physiotherapy to get back on his feet again.

    https://twitter.com/sohailanjum/status/1255408587318464514?s=20

    “It’s been an emotional homecoming. I guess I’m not used to not seeing mum around anymore,” said Anjum, in another interview. “She would be the first person I would see whenever I came home and she was constantly checking up on me as mothers do.”

    While Anjum is not exactly clear how he contracted the virus, he shares that he regularly travelled on London’s public transport network and could have contracted it from there. He developed symptoms around the second week of March and remained in self-isolation at home. The doctors told him to have paracetamol but when his health worsened and he started having difficulties in breathing, he was taken to the hospital where the doctors put him to an induced sleep. Anjum remained on a ventilator for over three weeks and was then placed under sedation. He woke up after a week. Doctors didn’t tell him his mother passed away to save him from trauma.

    However, Anjum said that when he woke up, he was almost certain that his mum had passed away.

    “I had a suspicion she had died. It may sound strange, but it came to me in a vision,” he said, adding “We never even got to say goodbye.”

    Anjum’s mother had started showing symptoms a few days after he was admitted. She was taken to the same hospital, where she passed away a few days later.

    Sohail with his family

    LIVE UPDATES: Coronavirus

    Anjum, who is an entertainment executive, has worked with prominent Bollywood and Pakistani celebrities as a photographer. His case garnered a lot of media attention and well-wishes poured in for him from all over the world.

  • Humayun Saeed vs Naumaan Ijaz: What’s going on?

    Humayun Saeed vs Naumaan Ijaz: What’s going on?

    A video clip of Naumaan Ijaaz criticising Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui’s acting is going viral on social media.

    In the video, Naumaan shared that he did not watch the superhit drama serial Meray Paas Tum Ho and remarked that Humayun needs to work on his acting skills.

    “Usually people groom over the years but [Humayun] hasn’t,” said Ijaz. “But maybe if he keeps working hard, he might just suddenly end up learning the art. I’m optimistic, one should never lose hope. I pray that he gets it soon.”

    Naumaan passed his remarks very lightly and Vasay Chaudhry who with him in the live session couldn’t hold back his laughter at the veteran’s comments. Chaudhry then proceeded to ask Naumaan what he thinks of Adnan Siddiqui. In response, the actor said, “Adnan is right there with Humayun, if he has been successful so far then it’s never too late [for him to learn].”

    Apart from that, Naumaan had also criticised Hamza Ali Abbasi and Hollywood legend Marlon Brando’s acting skills.

    Watch video:

    Following this, Humayun while appearing on Jeeto Pakistan responded to Naumaan’s comments with his trademark humour.

    Fahad while hosting the show shared that in his first television drama, Humayun played his father. Humayun immediately responded saying that Fahad’s character was of his fourth wife’s son. Humayun used this moment to add, “Naumaan Ijaz bhi mere abba banay thay, mere pehle dramay main (Naumaan Ijaaz also played my father in my first drama).”

    Read more – Fans are furious with Adnan Siddiqui for mocking Sarfaraz Ahmed

    Though Fahad responded by saying that he doesn’t want to be caught up in their ‘feud’, Humayun couldn’t resist adding, “Lekin wo aaj bhi mere Abba banay gein, meri next film main (Even today, he will play my father in my next film).”

    Looks like both the stars mean well and were just having a bit of fun.

  • Trouble for Imran? Govt’s allied PML avoiding accountability, adopting Opp’s stance

    Trouble for Imran? Govt’s allied PML avoiding accountability, adopting Opp’s stance

    With the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), in line with Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s vision of holding the corrupt accountable, planning to reopen a decades-old investigation against the Chaudhrys of Gujrat, trouble seems to be around the corner for the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that is in power owing to the support of its allies, including the Chaudhry cousins’ Pakistan Muslim League (PML).

    PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and his cousin, Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, have approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) against NAB Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal’s jurisdiction after reports said that an investigation into the assets of the two leaders was being re-opened 19 years later.

    Reiterating that the accountability watchdog has no authority to reopen an almost two-decade-old case that had already been closed, the Chaudhrys, in their petition, have questioned the jurisdiction of NAB to invoke provisions of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999 and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2010 simultaneously, arguing that the bureau has no power to hold an inquiry into allegations of money laundering under NAO 1999.

    While the court has directed the NAB chief and other parties to submit a reply till May 11, the bureau alleges that it is facing propaganda onslaught since after reports of reopening of the alleged cases against the PML leaders and the decision in this regard is yet to be taken by the NAB chief.

    The Chaudhrys, however, are convinced that the anti-graft watchdog is an institution of “political engineering”.

    “NAB is an independent institution and worked transparently without an influence,” NAB has in response to the allegations levelled by the PML leadership, which seem to support the stance of opposition parties, including the PML-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), as leaders of both the former ruling parties have time and again also accused the government of using the anti-graft watchdog for political vendetta.

    TROUBLE FOR IMRAN?

    “Relationship between PM Imran and the Chaudhrys is not based on principles, but is rather a marriage of inconvenience since the two need each other in the post-2018 election scenario, when Imran, despite all his reservations about them was left with no other choice but to reach an agreement to come to power,” sources told The Current.

    They said it was interesting how the PML leadership was trying to evade the process of accountability that the premier has a special place for in his heart, adding that members of the opposition parties and even some from both the PTI and PML are eagerly waiting for whatever is to follow the episode.

    “The PTI has a total number of 156 members in the Lower House [National Assembly] against rival PML-N’s 84 and the PPP’s 55. The two largest opposition parties also enjoy the support of a few independent lawmakers in addition to those from other parties of the anti-government alliance,” they said, adding that the support of MNAs from the PML among other allies such as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) was imperative for the PTI to keep on enjoying a majority in the parliament.

    “PTI seems to be struggling in this regard as it has lately not been the best of friends with many of its allies. Other than the PML and MQM-P, Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) is also not very happy and is finding it difficult to not break ties,” a senior member of the ruling party, on the condition of anonymity, told The Current.

    To a question, they said that if the PML strikes a deal with the opposition parties, the current system would collapse like a “house of cards” as it is no secret that PTI is in power in Punjab also only because of the Chaudhry’s support. “Independent members do not mind joining hands with whoever seems to be in charge.”

    “The recent developments regarding the NAB’s old case against Chaudhrys coincided with their recent meetings with some PML-N leaders, including Rafiq brothers and some backdoor exchange of possibility of cooperation between the two. This has led to them believing that the PTI is trying to force them back into the coalition and not jump ship,” said a close aide of Pervaiz Elahi.

    They, however, refused to shed light on the possible troubles facing Chaudhrys because of Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar, who had also elevated to the position of the provincial chief executive as part of the deal struck between the PTI and PML.

    MOONIS SAYS ‘NO COMMENT’:

    When contacted, senior PML leader and son of Pervaiz Elahi, Moonis Elahi, refused to comment on the situation.

    The PML leader was asked about his party’s goals with regard to taking NAB to court; why was the PML, despite being an ally of the PTI, not letting the anti-graft body go through with its aim to eradicate corruption; and who exactly was using NAB as a tool for political engineering as claimed by the party.

    He said that the party leadership and lawyers had strictly told them not to directly comment on the case as it was sub-judice and any statement could be used against them in court.

  • Saba Qamar reveals her ‘unfiltered side’

    Saba Qamar reveals her ‘unfiltered side’

    Seems like Saba Qamar is having a great time shooting for her YouTube videos because the actor recently uploaded a new video on her channel which includes behind the scenes footage from the shoot of her first episode.

    The shots show Saba having fun, goofing around and letting loose while shooting her video with her team. After a montage of footage, we are introduced to Saba’s team which includes her manager, stylist, videographer, photographer and director.

    Read more – Saba Qamar reveals why she hasn’t gotten married yet

    Saba introduces each one of them and shares what she loves about them the most. Saba added that her team is like her family.

    “I love my family,” says Saba. “Koi meri family kay baaray main kuch nahi kahay ga. Aur agar kahay ga, toh main andar say guzar jaoon gee (No one dare say anything against my family because if they do, I will not spare them.”

    Watch the full video here:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrj7T_6uzFg
  • Indian Air Force’s MiG-29 fighter jet crashes 117 km from Lahore, in Jalandhar

    Indian Air Force’s MiG-29 fighter jet crashes 117 km from Lahore, in Jalandhar

    A MiG-29 interceptor of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday crashed during a training mission near Punjab’s Jalandhar — 117 kilometres (km) from the provincial capital of Pakistan province of Punjab. The pilot ejected safely and was soon taken away in a rescue helicopter, the IAF said in a statement.

    “The aircraft had developed a technical snag and the pilot ejected safely as he was unable to control the aircraft. The pilot has been rescued by a helicopter. A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident,” the IAF said.

    The MiG-29 is a Soviet-era fast interceptor that has seen action in the Kargil war in 1999. It has also been used to escort other jets on bombing missions from incoming “bandits” or enemy fighter jets.

    The IAF operates over 60 MiG-29s, all of which have been upgraded with advanced avionics and better weapons to convert them into multi-role jets that can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions equally well.

    The Soviet-made jet had taken off from Adampur Air Force Station near Jalandhar which is the second-largest military airbase of India. The No. 47 and No 203 Squadrons of the IAF are stationed at this base. Adampur Base played a crucial role in the Indo-Pak War of 1965 as it is within 100 km from the Indo-Pak border.

    On February 26 last year, another variant of the jet — the MiG-21 fighters were up against much more modern Pakistani jets during aerial skirmishes.

    Indian planes had crossed the line of control and claimed to have bombed what New Dehli described as a terrorist training camp near Balakot. Islamabad had denied the Indian side of the story and provided sufficient evidence to back up its argument.

    A day later, Pakistani F-16s and other planes had crossed the line of control to attack Indian forces, New Delhi claimed. Indian MiG-21s were scrambled to intercept when  Islamabad shot down two MiG-21s of the IAF. An Indian Air Force MiG-21 pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was captured by Pakistani security forces.

    He was later released as what Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan had said was a goodwill gesture.

  • Mother’s day gifts that you can order online

    Mother’s day gifts that you can order online

    Mothers day is on 10th May, Sunday and we all are planning something special for our mothers even with the lockdown. Though it is difficult getting a gift for your mother given how all markets are closed.

    The Current did some research and listed a few brands that can deliver stuff to your doorstep.

    A perfect jora – perhaps something she can wear on Eid

    Khaadi

    Official Website: https://khaadi.com/

    Limelight

    Official website: https://www.limelight.pk/

    Zeen

    Website: https://www.zeenwoman.com/pk/

    Bags

    Sapphire

    Official Website: https://pk.sapphireonline.pk/collections/shoes-bags

    By The Way

    Official Website: https://www.btwonline.com/

    Perfumes

    Khaadi

    Website: https://pk.khaadi.com/accessories/woman/apf19204-apf19204.html

    J. Fragrances

    Official Website: https://www.junaidjamshed.com/fragrances/for-women.html

    Makeup

    Makeup City

    Website: https://makeupcityshop.com/

    Masarrat Misbah Makeup

    Official Website: https://www.masarratmakeup.com/pak/

  • PM eases lockdown as Pakistan continues to record 1,000 new virus cases on average daily

    PM eases lockdown as Pakistan continues to record 1,000 new virus cases on average daily

    The federal government has decided to gradually lift the lockdown restrictions, imposed to contain the coronavirus, from Saturday, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced after the National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting on Thursday.

    The announcement came in spite of the 46 deaths, highest recorded so far in the country, as the total number of coronavirus cases shot to 24,954 with the addition of over 1,300 cases in a single day. From April 28 to May 7, 297 coronavirus deaths have been reported in the country; these account for more than 49.7 per cent of the total number of deaths till May 7, which stands at 593.

    Pakistan is recording 1,000 new coronavirus cases on average daily, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily situation report about the disease in the country.

    The WHO report, dated May 6, stated that the number of cases reported per day has risen to 1,000 on average this week in Pakistan, doubling since mid-April.

    Punjab and Sindh have the highest number of infection, with 9,195 and 9,093 cases, respectively. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have reported 1,725 and 3,956 cases each. In Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan, the infection swelled to 521 and 388, respectively. However, Azad Kashmir has the lowest number of cases, with 76 infections so far.

    As per the WHO report, the highest case density is reported from Gilgit-Baltistan, followed by Islamabad and Sindh.

    Comparing the testing numbers of each province and the federating units, the report notes that Islamabad has the highest testing per million of its population, followed by Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    Majority of the country’s case fatalities have been reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the situation report.

    Moreover, 84% of the confirmed cases are between the ages of 20 and 64 years, while the highest mortality rate, 74%, is amongst the age bracket of 50-79 years.