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  • PM wants to make spiritualism a ‘super science’

    PM wants to make spiritualism a ‘super science’

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has announced making rohaniyaat [spiritualism] a “super science”, saying that the doctrine needs research.

    “I had been thinking about creating this university for the past 23 years and telling the students about the Ideology of Pakistan,” he said while laying the foundation stone of Al-Qadir University in the Sohawa town of Jhelum district.

    WATCH VIDEO:

    The premier further said the varsity was named after Abdul Qadir Jilani, who linked science and spirituality. “Research on spirituality will be conducted here,” he added.

    Here’s what Twitterati had to say about PM Imran’s statement:

    Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz also took a jibe at PM Imran.

    “There is craft in daubing. He who used to criticise [others] for reading off a paper was neither able to read out his own oath nor deliver a speech,” she tweeted.

    Maryam further said that he [PM Imran] reading off a paper was a spectacle, and so was he delivering an unprepared speech.

  • Tired of being bored? Here’s how you can explore your city

    Tired of being bored? Here’s how you can explore your city

    Karachi – Mohatta  Palace

    Art, architecture, and culture come to play at this 20th-century residential palace, which has now been converted into an art gallery and museum surrounded by trees and statues.

    While we were doing our research, a Karachi historian told us a lesser-known story about the palace. She told us that the building was constructed by Mohatta, a Hindu Marwari business, for his wife who was ill. The doctors suggested that her illness could be cured if she gets refreshing winds from the sea. Thus, Mohatta had this fascinating structure built on a large piece of land facing the sea.

    Lahore – Badshahi Mosque

    While taking a stroll through the masjid, one is almost transported back in history. The red bricks and perfectly round domes signify traditional Mughal architecture.

    Historians say that the Badshahi Mosque was initially planned to guard a strand of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) hair.

    The mosque is also famous for its unique echo system. The Muazzan used to recite the azan at one corner but the sound of it would be heard all around, as if he was speaking in a microphone. The sound system was destroyed when the floor was replaced, but one can still experience its remains.

    Islamabad – Pakistan Monument

    Everyone who visits this place says that it’s a must-visit. The Pakistan Monument in Islamabad represents all four provinces of Pakistan. Who knew that one day we would have five provinces?

    Apart from the large structure, the place also has a museum where you can learn about Pakistan from realistic models, which are informative and fun.

    Bahawalpur – Derawar Fort

    The fort was initially known as Dera Wal is one of the oldest and most architecturally fascinating forts in Pakistan. Located in the heart of the magnificent Cholistan Desert, the Derawar fort is also connected to other forts in the Cholistan through a network of underground tunnels.

    There is an old canon of historic value in the courtyard of the fort that was used against enemies during war. The walls inside the structure are damaged but their former glory is still intact.

    Tomb Shah Rukne Alam Multan

    Shah Rukn-e-Alam was an eminent Sufi from Multan, also known as the city of saints and sufis. The shrine of Shah Rukn e Alam is one of Pakistan’s architectural treasures. The shrine itself, its ambience and the presence of qawwals in the courtyard give you a peaceful vibe. A large number of devotees from every corner of the country visit Multan annually to attend the urs.

  • The ultimate guide to travelling with kids

    The ultimate guide to travelling with kids

    Gone are the days when before travelling I used to plan out what clothes I’ll be packing or what jewellery and makeup to pack; which books to take along and which songs to put in my travel playlist.

    Three kids later, my travelling experience has undergone a complete shift. As someone who travels regularly, within Pakistan and outside, on planes as well as car rides, I have now devised a system which makes my life slightly easier. I say slightly because as mothers, we all know how difficult it is to travel with kids. A great deal of learning has come from experiences which include children getting sick on flights to us looking for hospitals in locations such as Thailand, Skardu and Nathiagali, to missed or delayed flights. Hence, one has to be prepared for anything possible.

    My go-to list of essential items to put in the hand carry include:

    • Spare plastic bags (these can be used as vomit bags or dirty pamper bags)
    • Wet wipes
    • Tissues
    • Medicines such as pain-relief medicines, saline drops for the nose, anti-nausea medication as well as any other medication that your child might be on
    • Snacks: Keep any snacks that your kids like, preferably dry items. I like to keep biscuits, dry fruit, and a few bananas
    • Toys, books and iPad to keep the kids entertained on the way and when you get to the locations
    • For long flights and car rides, always pack extra clothes for yourself and the kids because you never know when you might need to change
    • Extra pampers and formula milk (if the baby is using formula) for in case the flight gets delayed
    • If your child is less than a year old, carry a sling as you might not get a pram immediately at the airport
    • If you’re travelling with under 4-year olds, a good pram is a must

    Things to carry in the suitcase:

    • Try to carry the brand of pampers and formula that your baby is used to
    • Try to pack just the right amount of clothes, especially for short trips, as you don’t want to be doing laundry on a vacation
    • Don’t forget to pack any medication that you might need on the trip. Most doctors give a travel list for medication which includes probiotics, pain relief medication, anti-nausea medication and anti-allergies. It’s always best to ask the doctor for a recommendation for an antibiotic for kids and adults as its difficult to get that everywhere without prescription.
    • I recently came across these really cool packing organisers or packing cubes which act as drawers in the suitcase. These will help you organise your packing so when you reach your destination you will know exactly where your things are
    Packing Organisers

    When travelling with kids, it is very important that you are mentally prepared that the holiday will be mostly about them.

    Research and go-to places which are children-friendly and have lots to offer them. Places, where there are open spaces, are always best because there the children can run around and use their energy. I personally prefer taking the kids to the beach or up north where they have plenty of space to run around.

    These are special times for a family so enjoy and cherish them; they make for amazing memories that will last forever. And always remember that if the parents are relaxed, the kids will also be at ease.

    Happy travels.

  • Three times Punjab Assembly passed rather ‘interesting’ resolutions

    Three times Punjab Assembly passed rather ‘interesting’ resolutions

    A resolution seeking ban on celebrities hosting Ramzan transmissions has been accepted by the Punjab Assembly.

    The resolution, tabled by a Pakistan Rahe Haq Party lawmaker, states the “unfortunate practice afflicts the spirits of millions of Muslims every year”.

    While the internet is divided over the proposed ban, many believe the Punjab Assembly is only keeping up with its tradition of discussing resolutions that “do not even affect the people”.

    Here’s a list of some other interesting provincial house resolutions that don’t really make much sense.

    SUMMONING GOOGLE CEO:

    A resolution filed in December 2018 called for summoning Google Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sundar Pichai for showing Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s photo under “bhikari” (beggar) search.

    APPOINTING ISHAQ DAR IN ASAD UMAR’S PLACE:

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmakers in April submitted a resolution calling for the reinstatement of Ishaq Dar as minister of finance “on contract”.

    The resolution, reportedly tabled by PML-N MPA Hina Pervez Butt, stated that then Finance Minister Asad Umar was “incompetent to resolve economic issues of the country” and urged the government to accept the “golden chance”.

    It is also mentioned that Dar had recovered the
    value of Pakistani Rupee (PKR) from Rs111 to Rs98 against the United States Dollar (USD) during the tenure of the PML-N.

    ALEEMA KHAN’S ‘SEWING MACHINES’ FOR WOMEN:

    Another resolution submitted in January this year called on the government to “benefit from Aleema Khan’s advice” and provide women across the country with sewing machines.

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s sister Aleema, who is named as the owner of properties in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), had claimed that she bought properties from the money she earned through sewing machines.

    The resolution was tabled by PML-N lawmaker Azma Bokhari.

  • Meesha Shafi wants judge in the Ali Zafar defamation case to be changed

    Meesha Shafi wants judge in the Ali Zafar defamation case to be changed

    In the latest turn of events, Meesha Shafi on Saturday filed an application of no confidence in the judge who is hearing the defamation case filed by Ali Zafar. Additional session judge Shakeel Ahmed is hearing the defamation case for the past six months.

    Meesha in her petition said that she has no confidence in the judge hearing the defamation case against her and has claimed that the judge is biased, adding that he reprimanded her lawyers for no reason. She requested the case to be transferred to another court.

    Her petition read, “Judge Ahmad has shown a clear and obvious bias in favour of the plaintiff which is apparent from the mode and manner in which he has so far conducted the proceedings.”

    Meesha’s lawyers said that they felt the bias from the first day but their intuition was confirmed by the judge’s conduct during the cross examination of the first witness of the plaintiff.

    The sessions judge will now hear Meesha’s plea seeking a new judge.

    Meanwhile, Meesha’s lawyers have also filed a separate petition in the Supreme Court appealing that the court was “not giving a right to a fair trial to Meesha.” The hearing for the case has been scheduled for May 9. Meesha’s lawyer, Nighat Dad said that the trial court had not permitted delaying the cross-examination of witnesses and that sufficient time was needed to cross-examine the witnesses.

  • ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ faces another twist

    ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ faces another twist

    Ever since the teaser for The Legend of Maula Jatt was dropped, the film has had to face some issue or another. The film, which was initially scheduled to be released on Eid-ul-Fitr this year, has now been postponed and a new release date has not yet been announced.

    The film was mired in controversy when Sarwar Bhatti came forward and claimed that Maula Jatt was his property. He then filed an application for a stay order to prevent the director from using the character, name and dialogues and asked for the film to be banned from releasing. However, the Lahore High Court, after listening to the hearing, forwarded the case to the Censorboard and asked them to determine whether copyright issues exist or not.

    In the latest turn of events, it has emerged that the Punjabi classic was reportedly produced by six partners that made up the Bahu Films Corporation, of which Chaudhry Jamil and Sarwar Bhatti were the main investors. This means that Sarwar Bhatti does not solely own the copyrights to the film. Chaudhry Jamil’s son has come forward with the claim and accused Sarwar Bhatti of misrepresenting facts and concealing important information.

    Meanwhile, Sarwar Bhatti has rubbished the claims saying that he separated his business from Chaudhry Jameel in 1984, ten years before he was murdered. He also accused the film’s director, Bilal Lashari, and producer Ammara Hikmat of using “cheap tricks to corner him.”

  • Gender Roles in Pakistan’s Media Industry

    Gender Roles in Pakistan’s Media Industry

  • Interpol arrests Qandeel Baloch’s brother in Saudi Arabia

    Interpol arrests Qandeel Baloch’s brother in Saudi Arabia

    Qandeel Baloch, who was brutally murdered by her brother and cousins in July 2016, may finally get the justice she deserves.

    According to lawyer and human rights activist, Nighat Dad, Qandeel’s elder brother Arif, who was nominated in the FIR under Section 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) for abetting and encouraging his brother to murder Qandeel has been arrested by the Interpol on Thursday night.

    Arif has been living in Saudi Arabia for the last three years, avoiding arrest.

    Qandeel’s other brother, the main accused, Waseem is under arrest and his bail has been cancelled by the High Court twice. However, Mufti Qavi, Haq Nawaz (cousin), Abdul Basit (relative) Zafar, (a relative of Haq Nawaz) and Aslam (brother) are all out on bail.

    Parents can’t pardon any of their sons under Section 311 of the PPC, added on the request of the Prosecutor General after the amendment. Under this, the court may punish an offender against whom the right of Qisas has been waived. Under this amendment, relatives of the victim would only be able to pardon the killer if he is sentenced to capital punishment. However, the culprit would still face a mandatory life sentence of twelve-and-a-half years.

    Qandeel was murdered by her family members for bringing “dishonour.”

  • Waqar Younis was a ‘mediocre captain and terrible coach’, writes Afridi

    Waqar Younis was a ‘mediocre captain and terrible coach’, writes Afridi

    Former cricketing stalwart Shahid Afridi has noted that his colleague Waqar Younis was a “mediocre captain and terrible coach” who couldn’t hold the team together.

    “Waqar and I had a history, dating all the way back to his tiff with Wasim [Akram] over the captaincy crown. He was a mediocre captain but a terrible coach, always micromanaging and getting in the way, trying to tell the captain – me – what to do… It was a natural clash and it was bound to happen,” Afridi said in his memoir “Game Changer”, co-written with journalist Wajahat Saeed Khan.

    The former skipper also revealed some other never-shared-before details about his personal and cricketing life.

    AFRIDI’S REAL AGE:

    The former captain revealed that he was 19 years old when he
    debuted for Pakistan, however, his documented age was 16.

    “I was just nineteen, and not sixteen like they claim. I was
    born in 1975. So, yes, the authorities stated my age incorrectly.”

    2010 SPOT-FIXING
    SCANDAL:

    Regarding the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, Afridi revealed he
    already knew it was going to happen. Despite informing the Manager Yawar Saeed,
    no action was taken. Team management was either non-serious or worried and this
    prompted him to give up the captaincy.

    Salman Butt was appointed in his place.

    ABOUT JAVED MIANDAD:

    Boom Boom called Miandad a legend but a “small man”. He said
    that Miandad hated his batting style. After scoring a test century in India, he
    was asked to praise Miandad at the presentation ceremony, Afridi claims.

    Moreover, he wasn’t allowed to practice with the team ahead
    of the match in Chennai as Miandad wanted to field Asif Mujtaba.

    GAUTAM GAMBHIR:

    The book has also made its way to Indian press owing to certain comments regarding cricketers of the neighbouring country.

    Slamming former India opener Gautam Gambhir, Afridi termed him as someone who has no personality and has a lot of attitude.

    “Some rivalries were personal, some professional. First the curious case of Gambhir. Oh, poor Gautam. He and his attitude problem. He has no personality. He who is barely a character in the great scheme of cricket. He who has no great records just a lot of attitude,” Afridi said.

  • Minister says people will buy fuel ‘even for Rs200 per litre’

    Minister says people will buy fuel ‘even for Rs200 per litre’

    Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda has said that people would buy petrol “even if fuel prices soar to Rs200 per litre”.

    Addressing the ground-breaking ceremony of Mohmand Dam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Thursday, the minister said the people of Pakistan have voted Imran Khan to power so that the corrupt are held accountable.

    “The public will buy petrol at Rs200 per litre and will cut their expenses, but they won’t compromise on accountability of the corrupt,” he added.

    This, however, wasn’t the first time that Vawda made a rather uncalculated statement as last month he had stirred controversy with the claim of “two billion jobs within a month”.

    He had said the government would announce one billion jobs within the next two weeks and another billion within April.