Tag: Pakistan

  • Imran Khan is in jail for 10 years: what does he want you to do?

    Imran Khan is in jail for 10 years: what does he want you to do?

    In a recent message issued from jail, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan has told his supporters what to do in case he is sentenced in the cipher case.

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi were sentenced to 10 years each in the cipher case today. Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard delivered the verdict orally at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

    Khan expressed concerns about the ongoing trial and other alleged false cases in a post on X (former Twitter). He highlighted the challenges faced in ensuring a fair trial, emphasizing the manipulation of legal proceedings and attempts to prematurely conclude the case.

    “Cipher case has twice been declared null and void by the Islamabad High Court followed by orders of a retrial because both times this case was being tried outside of law and constitution,” Prime Minister Khan stated.

    He further pointed out that despite the central witnesses’ testimonies yielding no substantial evidence against him and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the orchestrators of the ‘London Plan’ seem determined to conclude the trial without following proper legal procedures.

    “It’s not a trial; it’s a fixed match, with results predetermined by the architects of the London Plan and their cohorts. Hence, I am aware of the outcome even before the trial concludes,” Khan asserted.

    Addressing his supporters, Khan cautioned against falling into the trap set by those who wish to exploit the situation for their interests. He urged them to stay vigilant and not be swayed by provocations aiming to incite protests on the streets.

    “Some want me to receive a harsh punishment in this case to fuel public outrage, leading to street protests akin to the May 8 scenario. Others hope for a sense of despair and disappointment among you, keeping you confined to your homes on February 8,” he stated.

    Khan called upon the people to view the situation as a test of their resilience and commitment to justice. He reminded them of the power of their vote, urging them to stand against the manipulative forces and ensure a fair electoral process.

    “My faith is that just as you broke free from the chains of fear in the past, you will come out in millions on election day, defeating the architects of the London Plan and showing them that we are not helpless animals to be herded. I believe February 8 will be a day of victory, Insha’Allah,” concluded Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    What is a Cipher case?

    Imran Khan faced allegations that he violated the Official Secrets Act when he disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, called the Cipher. This was sent by Pakistan’s embassy in Washington in March 2022. Khan reportedly lost possession of the diplomatic cable later.

    Both Khan and Qureshi claimed that the cable had a threat from the US to topple the PTI government which was then in power in Pakistan.

    Khan was ousted from the prime ministerial office in April 2022 after a no-confidence vote. Since being relieved of the premier post, more than 150 cases have been slapped against him.

  • ECP to complete printing of ballot papers by February 2

    ECP to complete printing of ballot papers by February 2

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said on Tuesday that it will complete the process of printing ballot papers by February 2, as the upcoming elections are set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    Electoral authorities directed security officials to deliver ballot papers in all provinces across the country.

    The ECP spokesperson said that three government press institutes are currently printing ballot papers, and the process is going well.

    “The printing work, which started on January 16 after the allotment of election symbols by returning officers (ROs), will be completed in the next four days, i.e. by February 2,” the ECP official said.

    He also stated that returning officers (ROs) and district administrations have started the delivery process of ballot papers with the help of security officials. The ballot papers will be delivered by both road and air.    

    Other than that, the ECP official also said that people can send SMS at 8300 to get information about their polling station.

    Voters will have to send their identity card number to 8300 to get their vote information. All voters have been requested to get details of their and their families’ votes on time so that they do not face any problems finding polling stations.

  • ‘Mujhay shouq hai kawwon se batein karne ka’; Man calling crows goes viral

    ‘Mujhay shouq hai kawwon se batein karne ka’; Man calling crows goes viral

    Heartthrob actor Ahsan Khan recently shared a video of a guard who is fond of calling out to crows and it will be the most baffling thing you will ever see.

    In the video, Ahsan showed a clear sky to indicate that there are no crows flying about in the sky nor are they perched on trees. He then lets the man do magic with his voice. The man shouts out as if he is cawing. Within seconds, the sky gets filled with a large number of crows, all gearing up to settle on the trees around.

    Ahsan expressed amazement after seeing the crows. To this, the security guard humbly says, “Mujhay shouq hai inn say baatein karne ka”, implying that he loves talking to the birds.

  • Guitarist, music maestro Adnan Afaq passes away

    Guitarist, music maestro Adnan Afaq passes away

    Famous Pakistani guitarist Adnan Afaq passed away in Karachi yesterday. The Arts Council of Pakistan confirmed the sad news on their official Instagram account. Adnan Afaq had been battling stomach cancer and was getting treatment at a private hospital in Karachi.

    Adnan Afaq was not only a renowned guitarist but also the Head of the Music Department at the Arts Council of Pakistan. He taught music to many talented young artists, helping them enter the music scene in Pakistan.
    For many years, Adnan Afaq contributed to the music industry in Pakistan. The Arts Council of Pakistan honored his services at the conclusion of its first Alumni Festival.

  • After Ayodhya, Hindutva leaders now targeting muslim dargah in Mumbai

    After Ayodhya, Hindutva leaders now targeting muslim dargah in Mumbai

    Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ignited controversy by announcing his intent to “liberate” the 700-year-old Haji Malang dargah, a historic Muslim shrine situated on the outskirts of Mumbai, exclusively for Hindus. The shrine, known for its Sufi heritage and cultural significance, has become the focal point of a heated religious dispute.

    After the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invoked a significant amount of “divine” support from his followers for upcoming elections. The next target to double the effect is the Sufi shrine. This is aimed to polarize the voters even more.

    CM Shinde while speaking at the annual Malang-gad Harinam Mahotsav in Thane distinct, broke away from the late Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena to lead a BJP-backed coalition, said he is “committed to liberate Malang-gad”, adding he would not rest till he has fulfilled the promise.

    Malang-gad (’gad’ means a fort in Marathi) is famous for its 12th-century shrine of Sufi saint Haji Abdul Rahman, popularly known as ‘Haji Malang’. According to Kashmir Media Service, Haji Malang dargah, atop a hill, is believed to house the tomb of an Arab missionary who arrived in India over seven centuries ago. On the contrary, Hindus believe the place holds the samadhi of Machindranath, a revered deity in the Nathpanthi sect, which was later converted into a dargah.

    An article published in The Times of India on Feb 14, 1993 reveals the arrest of Thane’s top Shiv Sena leader late Anand Dighe while leading an agitation demanding the renaming of Malang-gad as Shri Malang. Dighe was Mr Shinde’s mentor and the promise to liberate Malang-gad is a logical political move on the chief minister’s part to claim his master’s legacy, quotes Dawn.

    Nasir Khan, chairman of the Peer Haji Malang Saheb Trust, refers to the Gazetteer of Bombay Presidency which mentions the structure as the shrine built in honour of Arab missionary Haji Abd-ul-Rahman. “It is only in the 1980s that the Shiv Sena began making claims of it being a Hindu temple. If it was a Hindu temple, why did the Peshwa kings send gifts to the shrine?” asks Mr Khan.
    According to the chairman of the Trust, Haji Malang is equally revered by Hindu and Muslims. He says that even Christians and Parsis visit the shrine to seek blessings.

  • Shehzad Roy tweets about ‘time flying’; fans have hilarious reaction

    Shehzad Roy tweets about ‘time flying’; fans have hilarious reaction

    We all know Shehzad Roy is refusing to age. While the world marches past him on the endless loop of time, the singer, social worker, and humanitarian stays put, refusing to let time ravage him. Roy, actively involved in promoting education and child rights through his organization, Zindagi Trust, is revered and adored for his altruistic projects and, you know, being ageless.

    Recently he took to his X (formerly Twitter) account and shares a photo with Fatima, who he said is like a little sister to him. He wrote: “Fatima, just like my younger sister, grew up in front of me, and now she’s stepping into a new chapter as she gets married. Time flies so fast. May she stay happy always, and all my best wishes are with her.”

    Well, the photo and post was adorable enough but Roy’s reference to time flying triggered his fans into reminding him that time has no effect on him.

    Here are some funny reactions from twitter:

  • ‘I am strongly against stopping criticism, as freedom of the press is enshrined in the constitution,’ Chief Justice Faez Isa

    ‘I am strongly against stopping criticism, as freedom of the press is enshrined in the constitution,’ Chief Justice Faez Isa

    The Supreme Court (SC) has instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to promptly withdraw notices sent to journalists involved in a “malicious campaign” against the judiciary and institutions on social media as per Geo News.

    A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, heard the case pertaining to harassment of journalists by FIA.

    CJP ISA told Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan that verbal abuse was a different matter and that the FIA should not take action against journalists, especially on criticism.

    The AGP assured the Chief Justice of Pakistan that journalists would not face any action.

    The chief justice remarked that he is strongly against curtailing criticism, as freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution. “I don’t care if you make fun of me, but if you make fun of the judiciary, the country will suffer. You can criticise the Supreme Court, but the Constitution also has some limitations,” he said.

    “If you think that you are benefiting me or the Supreme Court by stopping criticism, then you are harming [the institution],” CJP Isa remarked.

    Qazi Faez Isa also said that media persons are allowed to criticise, but the matter of incitement is different. “We can never restrain a common man or a journalist from criticising.”

    Justice Musarrat Hilali stated that there is no issue with fair criticism, but the language used is wrong.

  • Ali Afzal Khan finally reveals why he left the entertainment industry

    Ali Afzal Khan finally reveals why he left the entertainment industry

    Ali Afzal Khan was a regular feature on our television screens, playing all sorts of roles. Then suddenly, the actor disappeared, and fans were left wondering what had happened. Khan has finally opened up about what transpired behind his departure from the industry.

    Ali has said that he was inspired by singer-turned-preacher, the late Junaid Jamshed, and bid farewell to the showbiz industry.

    Talking on a podcast, he said, “I worked in the industry for 20 to 22 years, and during my extensive career, I undertook numerous projects as both an actor and a host. During this time, Junaid Jamshed, who was a renowned Naat reciter and singer, and I, being an actor, often had frequent meetings.”

    He began to explore and understand the Holy Quran. However, due to some personal differences, he left hosting duties. “It was during this time that Junaid Jamshed inclined me towards religious preaching. In this period, I spent three days and then 40 days in seclusion, initiating the practice of regular prayer.”

    Stressing that it is not easy for an actor who is at the peak of his career to leave it, Khan said, “The decision was difficult for me too but I had made a commitment to myself eight to nine months before leaving showbiz, that I would quit and after that I stopped signing contracts.”

    He shared that he is still being offered different roles but he refuses them now.

    “But I am still willing to play a historical role, so if someone offers me such a role, I am ready.”

  • Pak-Iran Foreign Ministers meet to mend relations after tit-for-tat strikes

    Pakistan’s Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian met today (Monday), agreeing to strengthen ties between the two countries. The Iranian Foreign Minister landed in Islamabad early morning for “in-depth talks” with Pakistani counterpart, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

    Involvement of the third country

    “There is no doubt that the terrorists located in the common border regions and areas of Iran and Pakistan are led and supported by third countries and they never favour any good action in line with the benefits of the Iranian and Pakistani governments and nations,” the Iranian foreign minister said.

    He made the remarks while addressing a joint press conference alongside interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani in Islamabad. Abdollahian had arrived in Pakistan earlier today, following which he and FM Jilani discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

    Stress on dialogue and cooperation

    According to the Foreign Office (FO), the two had “underscored the importance of robust dialogue and cooperation as the pathway for a positive, forward-oriented and upward trajectory in bilateral relations”.

    “The two sides agreed to work towards promoting the mutually desired goals of peace and prosperity, based on mutual respect and a collective approach to address common challenges,” it added.

    Joint action against terrorism

    During a joint press conference, Minister Jilani affirmed that both countries are committed to expanding their relationship and cooperating across multiple sectors.

    He stressed the necessity of united efforts against the menace of terrorism, citing it as a shared threat to the stability and security of both Iran and Pakistan. Minister Jilani underscored the importance of respecting national security and sovereignty, expressing a desire to create economic opportunities along the borders.

    Security as priority

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abdullahian echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the people of Iran and Pakistan as one nation with deep fraternal ties. He asserted that Pakistan’s security is a top priority for Iran, and both nations are resolute in not allowing any space for terrorists.

    The ministers discussed measures to counter terrorism during their talks and deliberated on enhancing security at the border, recognizing the shared challenges posed by terrorist activities. “We are here, so in a loud voice we will tell all terrorists that Iran and Pakistan will not provide them with any opportunity to endanger our common security,” Abdollahian asserted.

    Economic opportunities

    Minister Jilani further underscored the commitment to solving political and security issues, highlighting economic collaboration as a key aspect. Both ministers discussed the establishment of trade centers along the border, aiming to create economic opportunities and strengthen bilateral trade ties. The diplomats reiterated the depth and strength of the diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Iran.

    Constructive relations

    In closing, Foreign Minister Abdullahian affirmed that both nations have constructive and robust relations. The ministers pledged to work together to ensure the common security of their borders, vowing not to allow terrorists to jeopardize the stability and well-being of their respective countries.

    The joint press conference concluded with an optimistic outlook for the future, as Pakistan and Iran expressed their commitment to furthering cooperation and maintaining strong ties for the development and security of the region.

    The meeting has happened after Pakistan and Iran mutually launched strikes against each other with Iran killing two kids and injuring three girls and Pakistan conducting an operation named Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar resulting in the death of nine militants. Moreover, on Saturday nine Pakistani workers were gunned down by unidentified attackers in Sistan-Baluchestan. Pakistan has demanded a comprehensive investigation and swift prosecution of those responsible for the brutal attack.

    At the outset of his speech, the Iranian minister highlighted that both countries “never had territorial differences”.

    “Our historical bilateral relations and connections testify that we are a single nation located in two different geographical positions,” he said.

  • Usama Khan dreams of tying the knot with Maya Ali

    Usama Khan dreams of tying the knot with Maya Ali

    Usama Khan , the hero of the recently released Pakistani film Nayab, has admitted that he likes actress Maya Ali.

    Usama Khan participated in a show to talk about his debut film ‘Nayab’.

    Answering a question during the conversation he said he has a crush on actresses Mahira Khan and Maya Ali in the Pakistani showbiz industry and wants to work with both of them.

    The actor said, “I have mentioned about my liking many times, so Maya will also know that I like her.”

    On Usama’s answer, the host asked, “If you want to express your love, who will you express your love to?” On this the actor laughingly said, “If I have to express myself, I will do it with Maya Ali because she is unmarried.”
    When the host asked Maya Ali about her thoughts on marriage, the actor said, “It is too early to say anything about it.”