Tag: Pakistan

  • ‘They believe women are queens’, Israeli hostage on Hamas

    ‘They believe women are queens’, Israeli hostage on Hamas

    A mother-daughter duo held hostage by Hamas for 52 days have opened up about their experience in captivity, detailing the “queen-like” treatment they received.

    Hin and Ajam, mother and daughter respectively, detail their experience during the time of their captivity in an interview. From keeping them together and not separating them, to the smallest details of daily life, they explain how Hamas militants were respectful to them as women and took every precaution to make them comfortable.

    Ajam recounts how she arm-wrestled with the fighters, stressing that they maintained distance and avoided physical contact by wrapping a towel around their arms.

    Upon asking why was that, they instantly replied it was forbidden for them to touch women.
    “For them women are sacred. Women are like queens,” she asserted.

    Moreover, Ajam shared how they sweetly named her “Salsabeel” which means “water” in Arabic and it is mentioned in the Quran. It was synonymous to her original name Ajam which means “lake” in Hebrew.

    The two of them were kept in an apartment along with two children and were given best possible facilities.

  • Murad Saeed’s papers rejected; Imran Khan to pay two lac fine

    Murad Saeed’s papers rejected; Imran Khan to pay two lac fine

    The Returning Officer (RO) for NA-4 on Friday rejected the nomination papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Murad Saeed as the candidate was on the absconder’s list.

    Murad Saeed has been absconding since the May 9 incidents.

    PTI’s lawyer has said that he has completed all the documents required by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and will appeal against the verdict in Peshawar High Court (PHC).

    Meanwhile, the Provincial election commissioner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has directed returning officers across different districts to recover unpaid fines from various political leaders, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as per Dawn.

    These fines, imposed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), are under scrutiny as part of the nomination paper review process for the upcoming February 8 elections.

    A letter dated December 28, issued by the provincial election commissioner and obtained by Dawn.com, reveals that a total of 62 political figures from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab have outstanding fines ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs50,000.

    The fines are linked to violations committed during election campaigns, with the severity of the violations determining the penalty amount.

    According to the letter, Imran Khan faces a substantial debt of Rs200,000 to the ECP, making him the highest debtor on the list.

    The former premier allegedly committed four separate violations in March 2022, each resulting in a fine of Rs50,000. Notably, these violations occurred just a month before Imran Khan’s removal through a parliamentary vote.

    Other prominent figures on the list include former Chief Minister of KP Mahmood Khan, who owes Rs150,000 for three violations, and ex-federal minister Murad Saeed, facing a fine of Rs100,000 for two violations.

    Several members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-P) are also included, with outstanding amounts ranging from Rs50,000.

    The ECP letter states, “Candidates and public office holders [in the past] violated the code of conduct during election campaigns of various previous elections… fines were imposed upon them under Section 234 sub-section (3) of the Election Act 2017.”

    It further notes that some individuals failed to deposit the fines and others filed appeals that were rejected by the ECP.

    The competent authority has directed returning officers to share the list of defaulters and ensure the recovery of unpaid fines during the scrutiny of nomination papers. The deadline for scrutinizing nomination papers is December 30, with the process commencing on December 24.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said on Friday that it will display the final list of the candidates’ list on January 23 (Tuesday).

    According to the electoral watchdog, the candidates will be able to withdraw their nomination papers until Monday, January 22.

    The ECP is expected to display the candidate list on January 20. The appellate tribunals will decide on the appeals until January 19.

    The appeals against RO’s verdict on the special seats can be filed until January 16.

    The electoral watchdog had revised the election schedule for the special seats. The scrutiny of the nomination papers of women and minorities candidates will continue until January 13.

  • Law for showbiz children drafted by Sindh Ministry of Culture

    The Sindh Ministry of Culture has drafted legislation to prevent children in the entertainment industry from working during school hours, reports the Express Tribune.

    Dr. Junaid Ali Shah, the interim culture minister, highlighted the importance of ensuring young artists balance work and education. The proposed law, the Children Drama Industry Ordinance, and Sindh Actor Royalty Ordinance, outlines regulations for children’s working hours, restricting their engagement during school hours and late-night shoots.

    It is important to note that in India, the work of child actors is dealt with under child labour laws. The producers are required to fulfill certain conditions to work with child labours.

  • Inflation may drop to 20-22% in the coming year: SBP report

    Inflation may drop to 20-22% in the coming year: SBP report

    In the Governor’s Annual Report 2022–23, released ahead of the upcoming national election, the Chief of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) conveyed that the country’s inflation is expected to decrease to approximately 20–22 per cent in fiscal year 2024.

    The SBP remains committed to making decisions aimed at preventing persistently high inflation. Notably, Pakistan’s economy fell significantly short of its fiscal and primary surplus targets in FY23, resulting in a contraction of the real GDP to 0.2 per cent.

    During FY23, Pakistan, with a population of 241 million, witnessed its highest-ever inflation, leading to historic lows in its currency value. The situation was mitigated by a $3 billion IMF bailout in July, preventing an imminent sovereign default.

    Governor Jameel Ahmed highlighted in the report that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) surged to 29.2 per cent in FY23, aligning with the upper bound of the bank’s revised projections.

    The SBP remains committed to anchoring inflation expectations to achieve its medium-term target of 5-7 per cent by the end of FY25.

    Fiscal and policy measures implemented before and after the bailout are contributing to stabilising Pakistan’s $350 billion economy as the country approaches the national election scheduled for February 8.

    Despite missing fiscal and primary surplus targets by a considerable margin, the SBP emphasises its dedication to curbing inflation.

    Simultaneously, the finance ministry anticipates a moderate inflation outlook for the remaining months of FY24, even with the upward revision of administered prices, particularly gas prices.

    According to the ministry’s monthly economic report, Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation in Pakistan for December is projected to be in the range of 27.5-28.5 per cent.

    Looking ahead, the ministry foresees a further easing of inflation to 24–25 per cent in January 2024.

  • Canal and wuzu water to be used to sprinkle on roads

    Canal and wuzu water to be used to sprinkle on roads

    The Lahore High Court has directed the Water And Sanitation Agency (WASA) to use stored canal and ablution water for sprinkling the roads to combat dust, reports Geo.

    Justice Shahid Karim of Lahore High Court heard petitions for remedying smog, in which federal government’s lawyer Asad Bajwa. appeared in the court.

    During the hearing, the court said that in light of the commission’s report, WAPDA should take immediate action against the industries, the stored water of the canal, and ablutions should be used for sprinkling the roads. If not, WASA will be responsible for violating the court orders.
    The court said that keep things simple and not make things difficult, set new resolutions and targets for the new year, in the new year we have to commit to keeping the environment of the world clean.

  • In pictures: Most iconic photos of 2023

    In pictures: Most iconic photos of 2023

    Pictures open a window into the past, document the present, and predict the future.

    Here we present to you some of the most iconic clicks of the year 2023, providing us a chance to have a glimpse into legendary moments captured by the lens of AFP photographers.

    This underwater picture shows a surfer riding a wave at Teahupo’o in Tahiti, French Polynesia on August 11, 2023, during the WSL Shiseido Tahiti pro surfing event.Teahupo’o will host the surfing event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

    This Photo was clicked by Ben Thouard / AFP.

    US’ Simone Biles competes on the Balance Beam in the Women’s Team Final during the 52nd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, in Antwerp, northern Belgium, on October 4, 2023.

    This photo was clicked by Lionel Bonaventure / AFP.

    SpaceX’s Starship rocket launches from Starbase during its second test flight in Boca Chica, Texas, on November 18, 2023. SpaceX on November 18, 2023, carried out the second test launch of Starship, the largest rocket ever built that Elon Musk hopes will one day colonize Mars, while NASA awaits a modified version to land humans on the Moon. It comes after a first attempt to fly the spaceship in its fully-stacked configuration back in April ended in a spectacular explosion over the Gulf of Mexico.

    This photo was clicked by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP.

    This handout image provided courtesy of Josh Lease on September 3, 2023, shows a rainbow over flooding on a desert plain on September 1, 2023, after heavy rains turned the annual Burning Man festival site in Nevada’s Black Rock desert into a mud pit. Tens of thousands of drenched festivalgoers were stranded on September 3, 2023, in deep, sticky mud in the Nevada desert after torrential rain turned the annual Burning Man gathering into a quagmire. All events at the counterculture festival, which drew some 70,000 people, were canceled after rain tore down structures for dance parties, art installations, and other eclectic entertainment.

    This photo was taken by Josh Lease / UGC / AFP.

    Humanoid AI robot “Ameca” looks on at the booth of Engineered Arts company during the world’s largest gathering of humanoid AI Robots as part of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, on July 5, 2023. The United Nations is convening this week a global gathering to try to map out the frontiers of artificial intelligence and to harness its potential for empowering humanity, hoping to lay out a clear blueprint on the way forward for handling AI, as development of the technology races ahead the capacity to set its boundaries.

    This photo was taken by Fabrice Coffrini / AFP.

    Muslims pray at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on April 17, 2023, during Laylat al-Qadr, one of the holiest nights during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

    This photo was taken by Karim SAHIB / AFP.

    This photo taken on December 2, 2023, shows pandas eating inside their enclosure at a zoo in China’s southwestern Chongqing municipality.

    This photo is by AFP.

  • Complaint registered against Ranbir Kapoor for hurting religious sentiments

    Complaint registered against Ranbir Kapoor for hurting religious sentiments

    A person from Mumbai has complained to the local police about Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, claiming that he and his family offended religious feelings in a popular video of their Christmas celebration.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-180.png

    The complaint alleges that the star violated religious sentiments in a viral video showing the family celebrating Christmas. In the video, the Kapoor family poured liquor on a cake before setting it on fire, with Ranbir uttering “Jai Mata Di.”

    The complaint alleges that the star violated religious sentiments in a viral video showing the family celebrating Christmas. In the video, the Kapoor family poured liquor on a cake before setting it on fire, with Ranbir uttering “Jai Mata Di.”

    According to reports, the complainant claims that using intoxicants and chanting religious slogans from another faith during the celebration was disrespectful. The complainant states that in Hinduism, the fire god is invoked before other deities. As of now, no FIR has been registered in the case. The video, captured during the Kapoor family’s annual Christmas lunch, gained significant attention on the internet.

    Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt introduced their infant daughter Raha to the paparazzi during the same event. The couple posed for photographs with their little one upon arriving for the family gathering.

  • Shehbaz Sharif will contest elections from Karachi’s NA-242

    Shehbaz Sharif will contest elections from Karachi’s NA-242

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif announced plans to take part in the upcoming general elections from Karachi’s NA-242 constituencies, Geo News reported on Friday.

    In the last general elections, Shehbaz Sharif contested from NA-249 constituency of Karachi, but former Pakistan Thereek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda defeated him by a slim margin.

    However, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) announced on December 23 that no agreement had been reached for seat adjustments with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding the NA-242 constituency in the Kemari district.

    The party’s representative dismissed all claims about a seat arrangement with the Shehbaz Sharif-led party.

    The spokesperson added that MQM-P Senior Deputy Convenor Mustafa Kamal is the party’s candidate for the seat.

    Shehbaz Sharif said while addressing a press conference in Karachi that PML-N will resolve the issue of transport in Karachi after winning the election on February 8 next year.

  • Govt withdraws NOC for fund-raising event for Shaukat Khanum

    Govt withdraws NOC for fund-raising event for Shaukat Khanum

    The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has revoked the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) granted to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, prohibiting them from hosting a fundraising event at a local hotel in Islamabad.

    The event, scheduled for Friday, aimed to gather support for the construction of a cancer facility in Karachi.

    The NOC, initially issued by the district administration, was withdrawn without providing any reasons for the sudden decision.

    The fundraising gala dinner, featuring a musical concert, was intended to generate funds for the development of the largest cancer treatment facility in the country.

    Despite efforts by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Faisal Sultan and other officials to secure permission, their attempts proved unsuccessful.

    The Shaukat Khanum Hospital official emphasized that the fundraising initiative was non-political and solely aimed at charitable purposes.

    Despite efforts to seek clarity on the reasons behind the NOC cancellation, the hospital administration formally announced the cancellation of the fundraising gala dinner late on Thursday.

    They cited “unavoidable reasons” for the cancellation and assured that a new date for the event would be announced soon.

    Social Media users started a trend on X (former Twitter) “Shaukat Khanum” and started urging people to donate online.

    “I’ve just made a donation to SKMH. I request all Pakistanis to do the same, even if it’s just a few Rupees. Let’s raise more money than the fundraising event canceled or refused for Shaukat Khanum. Save this hospital. Kindly share the screenshots.”

    “#SMS 7770
    Strong reaction to the cancellation of the permission of Shaukat Khanum Hospital Karachi,s Fundraising event by the caretaker government. Now social media users launched a compaign to send SMS to 7770.”

  • Why is ‘1 YEAR OF MEERASIM IN TEREBIN’ tending on Twitter?

    Why is ‘1 YEAR OF MEERASIM IN TEREBIN’ tending on Twitter?

    Tere Bin has gained immense popularity, winning the hearts of millions worldwide. Its engaging storyline and outstanding performances have made a lasting impact on audiences, creating a remarkable presence in the entertainment landscape. As the highly popular drama nears its conclusion, fans are preparing to bid a bittersweet farewell to the beloved characters of Murtasim and Meerab.

    To celebrate anniversary of Tere Bin season one, the star of the show Wahaj Ali. took to Instagram and announced,

    Alhamdulillah the most awaited announcement of the year is finally here… Your all time favourite couple Yumna Zaidi & Wahaj Ali the one & only #Yumhaj
    with their unmatched on-screen
    chemistry are back with a bang in Tere Bin Season 2…

    “Celebrating one year of Meerasim in Terebin” is trending on Twitter. Over 40k posts shared the love. Check out some tweets below!”

    “Yumna Zaidi recently marked one year as Meerub in the TV series ‘Tere Bin’ and expressed gratitude for the show’s success.”