Tag: Pakistan

  • Arrested journalist Asad Toor goes on hunger strike

    Arrested journalist Asad Toor goes on hunger strike

    Journalist and vlogger Asad Toor has initiated a hunger strike following his detention by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on charges related to his social media activities.

    Toor’s lawyer, Hadi Ali Chatta, disclosed on Thursday that the vlogger has abstained from eating since the past 36 hours. The update on Toor’s health came after his mother was permitted to visit him on court orders at the FIA office.

    “@AsadAToor specifically told me that he is not being asked any questions regarding the judiciary but is asked about his vlogs against military and questions are being asked about specific generals and vlogs against them . Questions are sent in the FIA office on a “parchi” and @AsadAToor‘s answers are also sent out thru a “parchi” . He is on hunger strike and has refused to eat anything for the last 36 hours. Last night rescue 1122 had to be called because of his deteriorating health,” wrote Hadi on X (former Twitter).

    Concerns about Toor’s well-being escalated when he fell ill last night, prompting the FIA to call in rescue personnel. However, despite his deteriorating health, Toor has not been questioned about the alleged anti-judiciary campaign but rather about his vlogs concerning other individuals, as indicated by his legal representation.

    Imaan Mazari, another lawyer representing Toor, emphasized that the ongoing investigation does not pertain to contempt of judges.

    “On court order, counsels & @AsadAToor’s mother were allowed to meet him today in FIA CCRC Isb. He is on hunger strike and though his spirits are high, he is physically very weak. We are very concerned abt his health. Not a single q in investigation has been on subject of enquiry,” wrote Imaan on X (former Twitter).

    The situation unfolded further on Tuesday when Judicial Magistrate Islamabad Muhammad Shabbir remanded the vlogger into custody for five days, with a directive for the agency to present him again on March 3, 2024.

    During the hearing, Toor, identifying himself as a journalist, refused to surrender his mobile phone. He asserted that he had appeared before the FIA twice and had received the notice on February 24. Moreover, he mentioned that he had challenged the call-up notice in the high court and arrived at the FIA office with the court’s order on February 26 to inquire about the FIR and the allegations against him.

    The FIR against Toor alleges that he conducted a malicious campaign against the judiciary on social media platforms, specifically X and YouTube, fueling anti-state activities. Consequently, he has been booked under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.

    Toor’s detention and subsequent hunger strike have sparked concerns among human rights advocates and journalists regarding freedom of expression and press freedom in Pakistan.

  • Mahira Khan shines in gorgeous clothes by Indian designer Sawan Gandhi

    Mahira Khan shines in gorgeous clothes by Indian designer Sawan Gandhi

    Superstar Mahira Khan routinely does photo shoots, for all sorts of products and projects. And she looks gorgeous in all of them. But perhaps she has never looked better than in a recent ad where she teamed up with Indian designer Sawan Gandhi, causing quite a stir with her stunning clothes. She showed off a range of beautiful outfits, looking just like a wow.

    Mahira Khan has always been admired for her style and grace. She’s known for setting fashion trends and winning hearts with her clothing choices. This collaboration with Sawan Gandhi was no different. It highlighted why she’s considered one of the most stylish stars around.

    Khan wore various outfits, blending traditional and modern styles flawlessly. With her confident smile, she brought out the beauty in Sawan Gandhi’s designs, adding her own unique charm to each look.

  • Karachi: Homeless siblings run over by car

    Karachi: Homeless siblings run over by car

    An unfortunate incident took place in Karachi when a fast-moving car ran over a sleeping family killing three siblings and injuring two other family members.

    The family was sleeping on a footpath near Nagan Chowrangi in the small hours of Wednesday morning when the car ran over them. However, the car driver managed to escape in injured condition, leaving behind his vehicle which was impounded by the police.

    The police said that two brothers and their sister were killed in the accident, reports Dawn. Bali Gopi Chand, 22, and Ashok Gopi Chand, 9, died on the spot. Later, Shri Ram Gopi, 15, died during treatment at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. Sita Gopi, 14, and Lalay Gopi, 6 were injured and admitted for treatment.

    “An FIR has been registered and police are working on the case,” said SSP Zeeshan Shafiq Siddiqi, adding that police will arrest the driver and whoever else was in the car. A case of manslaughter has been registered.

    Area SHO Qamar Kiani said that the police had conducted raids at three places to nab the suspect but to no avail.

    He also said that the case was registered on the complaint of a relative of the victims, who informed the police that he lived in the slum area of Sohrab Goth and sold vegetables on a pushcart. He was asleep in his home when at around 3 am someone informed him about the death of his relatives in a car accident.

  • Who was wearing Imran Khan mask in National Assembly today?

    Who was wearing Imran Khan mask in National Assembly today?

    In today’s oath-taking ceremony at the National Assembly (NA), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-supported candidates appeared wearing Imran Khan masks. Newly-elected members took oath today at the inaugural ceremony of the 16th NA.

    In solidarity with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, PTI leaders Ali Muhammad Khan, Sher Afzal Marwat, Zartaj Gul, and Shandana Gulzar, were wearing masks in today’s session at the lower house.

    Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), joined by independent candidates from PTI, began chanting slogans during the inaugural ceremony.

    The session is being held today under Article 91(2) of the Constitution, with President Arif Alvi refusing to sign an earlier summary for summoning the session on the reported grounds of non-allocation of reserved seats to SIC.

  • Hadiqa Kiani pays touching tribute to late mom

    Hadiqa Kiani pays touching tribute to late mom

    Hadiqa Kiani is a busy busy woman. Between singing, acting and philanthropy, our favourite superstar stays busy all the time.
    But not busy enough to not pay tribute to her late mother.
    Today is her mom’s birthday, but since her mom was born on February 29, so it’s a special day.

    Kiani took to Instagram to share photos of her mom.
    “Words cannot describe how much I miss my mother. Today we would have been celebrating her leap year birthday.”

    In the pictures, the singer can be seen hugging her mom in bed, posing alongside her when she was younger and celebrating a previous birthday.

    We hope her mother’s memory remains a source if comfort for Hadiqa forever.

  • Youngest YouTuber from Pakistan gets silver play button

    Youngest YouTuber from Pakistan gets silver play button

    Shiraz, a young YouTuber from a village in Pakistan, makes videos about climate change. Recently, he got a special award from YouTube called the Silver Play Button.

    Shiraz lives in Gilgit Baltistan. He tells interesting stories about his life in the village. He’s playful and kind-hearted, and his laughter makes people happy. In his videos, you can also see his little sister Muskan.
    Shiraz and Muskan like doing simple things like playing with goats and climbing hills. Their videos remind us that happiness can be found in small moments. Shiraz also talks about the problems in his village, like not having enough basic things.
    Shiraz really cares about Muskan. Some people think she’s talented too and should have her own YouTube channel.

    Lots of people are excited to see what Shiraz does next.

  • Newly-elected MNAs take oath

    Newly-elected MNAs take oath

    Newly elected members of the National Assembly (NA) swore their oaths today during the first meeting of the 16th National Assembly.

    Speaker Raja Parvez Ashraf presided over the session and administered the oath to newly-elected members.

    Earlier, MNAs elected on February 8 arrived at the lower house for their oath taking around 10 am. Former Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif were also present in the session.

    Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), joined by independent candidates from PTI, began chanting slogans during the inaugural ceremony.

    The session is being held today under Article 91(2) of the Constitution, with President Arif Alvi refusing to sign an earlier summary for summoning the session on the reported grounds of non-allocation of reserved seats to SIC.

  • Shadi karo aur bahir chalay jao; 17 countries that give citizenship after marriage

    Shadi karo aur bahir chalay jao; 17 countries that give citizenship after marriage

    Immigration is an important topic in Pakistan, especially with a looming economic crisis and rising inflation making the standard of living quite poor for most people.

    Many Pakistanis are eager to get the citizenship of another country through matrimony. There are a total of 17 countries where saying “I do” can pave the way to acquiring citizenship.

    Geo News took a closer look at the policies of each of these countries and how a couple can seek citizenship.

    Uruguay

    Uruguay, with its stable economy, grants citizenship after three years of marriage to a Uruguayan national.

    Dominica

    Dominica, a Caribbean gem, extends the opportunity for citizenship through marriage, beckoning individuals to a life of financial incentives and natural beauty after three years of union.

    Sweden

    Sweden opens its doors to couples married to Swedish nationals or those in registered partnerships, requiring three years of cohabitation.

    Germany

    Germany, a highly developed European nation, offers a short three-year timeframe for spouses of registered same-sex partners of German nationals.

    USA

    The United States, known for its diverse opportunities, requires three years of legal permanent residency and cohabitation for citizenship through marriage.

    Ireland

    Ireland presents a solid option, enabling citizenship through naturalization after three years of marriage or civil partnership.

    United Kingdom

    The United Kingdom stands out as a fast-track route, allowing citizenship by naturalization for couples residing for at least three years.

    Netherlands

    The Netherlands grants citizenship after three years of marriage or registered partnership, emphasizing cohabitation.

    Slovenia

    Slovenia provides a quicker path through marriage, reducing the usual 10-year naturalization period to just three years.

    Chile

    Chile prioritizes family reunification, granting citizenship after two years of marriage and cohabitation.

    Grenada

    Grenada, an enchanting Caribbean destination, allows spouses married after February 6, 1974, to become eligible for citizenship after two years.

    Bolivia

    Bolivia, although not offering many direct citizenship programs, presents marriage as a streamlined option, shortening the typical residency requirement to two years.

    Peru

    Peru simplifies the process further, allowing citizenship after two years of marriage.

    Argentina

    Argentina, with its rich culture and affordability, offers citizenship after two years of marriage, providing numerous benefits.

    Spain

    Spain, a treat for culture lovers, facilitates citizenship after one year of legal marriage, boasting a high quality of life and a moderate living cost.

    Belize

    Belize, a tropical haven, offers citizenship after one year of marriage to a Belizean national, combining a great climate with low living costs.

    Luxembourg

    Luxembourg stands out with a unique approach, requiring passing the Living Together in Luxembourg course or test and a Luxembourg language test for citizenship after three years of marriage. Known for providing a high quality of life, Luxembourg offers couples a distinctive route to acquiring citizenship.

    As we delve into the complex pathways of global citizenship through marriage, these 17 countries stand as diverse options, each with its own set of opportunities and advantages for couples embarking on this extraordinary journey together.

  • You’ll never guess where Reema is taking a vacation

    You’ll never guess where Reema is taking a vacation

    Our very own talent powerhouse Reema Khan is taking a much-needed vacation but in rather an unusual spot.

    The Lollywood actress has been sharing lovely photos from a recent trip to Australia. She’s having a great time enjoying the beaches and the awesome weather. After attending a fundraiser event for Shaukat Khanum, she’s been posting pictures and videos of her adventures with friends. She even got to feed kangaroos and birds. Check out these beautiful snapshots from her trip:

  • Pakistan will come out of difficult situation in two years, says Nawaz Sharif

    Pakistan will come out of difficult situation in two years, says Nawaz Sharif

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has said on Wednesday that Pakistan will come out of its current difficult situations in the next two years by taking tough decisions.

    The former prime minister said that his party is in a position to form a coalition government in the federal.

    “I believe the next one and a half or two years will be difficult, but we have to stay united [during the difficult times] and face our opponents,” he said while addressing a parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday.

    The former Prime Minister identified inflation as the biggest problem in Pakistan, but stated that his party will provide relief to Pakistanis and control rising prices.

    The PML-N supremo also heaped praise on his younger brother and party president, Shehbaz Sharif, the party’s candidate for Prime Minister, saying that he dealt with immense challenges during his brief stint in power.