A 9-year-old domestic worker has died of burns in Lahore’s Millat Park area, reported Geo News.
As soon as the incident was reported, police arrested the head of the house where the child worked and registered a case.
The police said that the actual facts of the death will be revealed after the autopsy. The suspect has said that the girl was burnt when a gas cylinder exploded in the kitchen.
A 19-year-old girl from Karachi has received a heart transplant from a donor who is from Chennai, India, on January 31.
Ayesha Rashid, suffering from a heart condition, had a cardiac arrest in 2019. She travelled to Chennai for a medical evaluation. But in the years that followed, her condition became worse and so, she made her way to India once again in 2023.
Adding to the complications were financial hindrances. Ayesha is the daughter of a single mother. But Dr KR Balakrishnan, renowned Chief of Heart Transplant at MGM Healthcare in Chennai, took up the case in collaboration with Aishwaryam, a healthcare trust based in Chennai.
The heart donated to Ayesha was airlifted from Delhi to Chennai and the procedure was then performed.
“This child first came to us in 2019, soon after she came her heart stopped. We had to do CPR and put an artificial heart pump. With that she recovered and went back to Pakistan, then she became sick again, her heart failure worsened and she required repeated hospitalisation and in that country (Pakistan), it’s not easy, because the equipment required is not there and they had no money,” said Dr KR Balakrishnan, chairman of Institute of Heart and Lung transplant and Mechanical Circulatory support.
Co-directer, Dr Suresh Rao, also explains that the institute is the largest heart transplant centre — with around 100 transplants a year. And in times when Indians do not require the transplant, foreigners are given a chance at it as well.
Ayesha Rashid was discharged from the hospital on April 17.
Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Advisor to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information, has once again reiterated the need to start a dialogue with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as the country reels from a surge in terror attacks.
Saif stated that the recent significant loss of lives on “both sides” should prompt Pakistan to opt for a peaceful way to get out of this mess.
“We must consider the possibility of dialogue if terrorists are willing to renounce terrorism. The situation must be approached realistically. Lives are being lost on both sides, and the only way to halt this is to pursue peaceful means. This does not imply any form of surrender to the terrorists.”
The statement comes a few days after CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur also said that the country needs to open a dialogue with terrorists because “Whatever we have done has gained us nothing.”
The Advisor also revealed that the terrorists are in contact with him, “Members of the TTP have been in contact with me, discussing their issues. At times, when the TTP has issues with the Pakistan army, they communicate it through me.”
Social media reactions were mostly critical of Barrister Saif.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently ordered the launch of ‘Marghalla Trail Patrol’ to provide security on the trails that zigzag across the hills. The decision has been widely criticised by netizens for its potential to harm the wilderness of the trails.
Naqvi said in a tweet, “We’re launching the Margalla Trail Patrol to secure the beautiful trails of Margalla, especially for the safety of foreigners who love exploring them. Our tri-pronged security cover includes Trail Motorcycles, mounted Police (horses), and foot patrolling.” The minister even shared pictures of patrol police.
We’re launching the *Margalla Trail Patrol* to secure the beautiful trails of Margalla, especially for the safety of foreigners who love exploring them. Our tri-pronged security cover includes Trail Motorcycles, mounted Police (horses), and foot patrolling. pic.twitter.com/4emEH1u6wP
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) April 25, 2024
Renowned journalist Gharida Farooqi responded by pointing out how the motor vehicles will violate the wilderness and climate protection concept. She wrote, “Wrong decision to introduce motor vehicles to Margalla Hills Trails. Basically against the preservation of wilderness and climate protection concept. This must be reversed.” Gharida demanded, “Protect and save Margalla Hills”. In the end she added that “safety of everyone is vital alike; be they [are] locals or not.”
Wrong decision to introduce motor vehicles to Margalla Hills Trails. Basically against the preservation of wilderness and climate protection concept. This must be reversed. Protect and save Margalla Hills.
Also, safety of everyone is vital alike; be they locals or not. https://t.co/s9L3w4FGqN— Gharidah Farooqi (T.I.) (@GFarooqi) April 27, 2024
Netizens also jumped in the debate as another user agreed with Gharida by posting, “True. Safety matters”
Social media climate activist Dawar Butt shared his two cents by posting , “So, Motorcyclists are banned in the National Park because it disturbs wildlife, but Motorcycle mounted security guards constantly patrolling the national park are fine?”
So, Motorcyclists are banned in the National Park because it disturbs wildlife, but Motorcycle mounted security guards constantly patrolling the national park are fine? https://t.co/fPPu2DIjFx
— Dawar B. (@dawarhbutt) April 26, 2024
Urban development specialist Momin Sheikh’s had a cynical response as he said, “This is the first time I’m seeing a country introduce petrol motorbikes on a hiking trail inside a national park. Who says we don’t innovate, we are the world leaders in horrible ideas”
This is the first time I’m seeing a country introduce petrol motorbikes on a hiking trail inside a national park. Who says we don’t innovate, we are the world leaders in horrible ideas https://t.co/on1eUBozTJ
— Momin Sheikh (@shaykshack) April 26, 2024
Another user pointed out that Rangers are already appointed in Margallas. It could have been better had they been empowered more by the government.
For your information Naqvi sb @MohsinnaqviC42 we already have forest rangers in the Margallas, @WildlifeBoard
It would have been much better if you’d empowered them instead of this nonsense. No nature lover would appreciate this.@Islamabadies @FriendsofMHNP @rinasaeed https://t.co/2kdnBXX4Bo— Kamran Hashmi (@kaamran) April 26, 2024
Others pointed out that bikes will being noise and air pollution in the trails.
Bikes aren’t appreciated at all.
Disastrous decision to bring noise and air pollution into
Margalla Trails https://t.co/8Vxym2a02r— Mona Khan (@mona_qau) April 27, 2024
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Shehryar Afridi claimed on Friday that his party will soon hold dialogue with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI) instead of talking to individuals who he believes were rejected and reached parliament through Form 47.
Afridi gave his statement during an interview with the Geo News show Naya Pakistan when he was asked for his opinion on how to achieve political stability in the country.
The PTI stalwart criticized the PML-N led government, claiming that they are a group of “rejected people” who are being “controlled remotely” and got into parliament through “Form 47”. He also accused the ruling parties of being “backed by the establishment”.
Responding to calls for reconciliation, he said that there was no benefit for the former ruling party to hold dialogues with the “people rejected by the nation”.
“My leader doesn’t want any NRO. We want dialogue for the betterment of Pakistan,” Afridi said, adding that PTI founder Imran Khan wants to engage all stakeholders for a better country.
The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has sent a summary to the Ministry of Energy, proposing to impose taxes on domestic and commercial solar panels.
Geo reported that it has been proposed to collect a tax of Rs. 2000 per Kilowatt from domestic and commercial solar panels that are in use.
Furthermore, the summary suggested that tax be levied on 12 Kilowatt solar panel grids. According to sources, Rs. 24,000 would be charged to customers who are using a 12-kilowatt solar panel.
It is not clear as yet whether this tax will be a one-time expense or a monthly expense.
The summary has been sent to the Prime Minister for approval.
Social media reacted angrily to the news.
Meanwhile, reportedly the rates of solar panels are also under consideration and if the summary is approved, NEPRA will be requested to reduce the rates of solar panels further.
Former actress Noor Bukhari, married to Aun Chaudhary, an ally of PMLN, couldn’t help but admire Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s beauty after viral photos and videos showed her in a Punjab Police uniform. “Maryam Nawaz is very beautiful in real life too, the camera did not do justice to her beauty, Allah has made her very beautiful,” she said.
Morning show host Madiha Naqvi echoed the sentiment, stating, “Whatever you say, I have never seen such a lovely Chief Minister.”
Maryam Nawaz herself reflected on the experience, saying, “When I wore the police uniform, I realized how big a responsibility it was. Yes, but I make decisions, you have a greater responsibility if you implement them.”
She emphasized her journey, saying, “I had to prove myself to come here, I had to go through the river of fire and it was good that I was trained, no one can say that now. She is sitting here because her father was the Prime Minister.”
However, not everyone was impressed. A request to register a case against Maryam Nawaz for wearing the police uniform was filed in the Sessions Court Lahore by Aftab Bajwa Advocate. The petition argued that wearing the uniform of a state institution is against the law.
Model, actress, and TV host Mathira responded strongly to critics of her body shape, explaining that medical problems have caused changes in her appearance.
A viral video on social media shows Mathira delivering a sharp reply to critics and YouTubers who made inappropriate comments about her size.
In the video, Dr. Omer Adil is heard commenting on Mathira’s size, claiming she “hasn’t had fillers or Botox, but something else.” He also makes inappropriate remarks about women’s sizes.
Mathira dismissed his remarks as nonsense, expressing disappointment and embarrassment over the inappropriate comments made by two individuals regarding her size.
“I have other medical problems including thyroid, due to which my body structure has changed.”
Mathira further wrote, “I am proud of my weight and body shape, and I am proud of all such women. But some ignorant men will not understand this, and it is a failed attempt to gain people’s attention by talking about women’s size. Will continue to do.”
Even before this issue, Mathira had discussed her height and weight several times.
With the summer wedding season starting out, celebrities like Zaviyar Nauman Ijaz and Hania Aamir were spotted enjoying themselves at a recent event. While attending the festivities, Zaviyar showcased his Bhangra skills during the mehendi ceremony. Zaviyar turned heads in an off-white salwar kameez, while Hania stole the show in a stunning orange frock.
Images captured by Bilal Saeed Photography show the stars having fun with friends and acquaintances. However, Zaviyar’s dance moves failed to impress some members of the public.
Critical fans particularly noted Zaviyar’s combination of Bhangra and chewing gum, leading to mixed reactions online.
Here’s what some had to say about his performance:
Moonis Elahi, exiled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member, gave an interview with BBC News Urdu and said that his father, Pervaiz Elahi, was downhearted by the establishment’s behaviour toward him.
When Pervaiz Elahi asked Moonis whether he had any interaction with the establishment, Moonis replied in the negative then Elahi stated, “Don’t connect with them either, because I served them for 40 years and look what they did to me.”
Journalist Hussain Askari asked Moonis whether he was the reason the father-son duo chose to stick with PTI even though all matters had been settled with Asif Ali Zardari, Moonis replied, “I convinced him in the beginning but after that, all the decisions were his own.”
Askari then asked Moonis if former Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was involved in their decision to lean towards Imran Khan, he replied, “When we got offers from both sides my father called General Bajwa and asked what he should do. When Bajwa said that he should do whatever he wanted Pervez Elahi reiterated that he would do whatever General Bajwa wanted and then finally Bajwa replied that it was his wish that he [Pervez Elahi] support Imran Khan.”