Tag: Pakistan

  • World Health Organization’s annual report highlights growing threat of malaria due to climate change

    World Health Organization’s annual report highlights growing threat of malaria due to climate change

    World Health Organization (WHO) has released an annual malaria report which includes, for the first time, a dedicated chapter focused on the intersection of the disease with climate change. “We are at the crossroads of opportunities and challenges,” says the report.

    As described in the report, climate change is one of many threats to the global response to malaria. Millions of people continue to miss out on the services they need to prevent, detect, and treat the disease. Conflict and humanitarian crises, resource constraints and biological challenges such as drug and insecticide resistance also continue to hamper progress.

    The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted malaria services, leading to a surge in both incidence and mortality rates, exacerbating already stalled progress against the disease. The world is in danger of losing the fight against malaria, as cases of the disease rose by around 5 million year-on-year in 2022, exceeding global targets to contain it, a new World Health Organization (WHO) report.

    Pandemic-related disruptions and extreme weather events linked to climate change have hindered the fight against malaria in recent years.
    Cases surged in areas where weather was most extreme.

    Floods in Pakistan last year, for example, led to a five-fold increase in malaria cases in the country, the report showed.
    Two new malaria vaccines, both of which are due to be available next year, provide some hope.

    But the report also showed a significant funding gap in the response. While $4.1 billion was invested in the global effort to tackle malaria in 2022, roughly $7.8 billion was needed, it said.

    Globally there were an additional five million malaria cases in 2022 over the previous year and five countries bore the brunt of these increases. Pakistan saw the largest increase, with about 2.6 million cases in 2022 compared to 500 000 in 2021.

  • When will ECP issue schedule of general elections in Pakistan?

    When will ECP issue schedule of general elections in Pakistan?

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) revealed on Friday that the eagerly awaited schedule for the general polls will be issued 54 days before the February 8 elections, as per Geo News.

    The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Sikandar Sultan Raja, said during an informal discussion with journalists that the election body is diligently working on completing all prerequisites for the upcoming polls.

    In June, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government amended Section 57 of the Elections Act, empowering the ECP to set the general election date while defining a timeline of procedures from the announcement of the schedule to the polling day.

    CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja assured that the election schedule, appointment of returning officers (ROs), and district returning officers (DROs) will be announced promptly. He mentioned that updated constituency lists had already been released, and the ECP was proactively handling election-related responsibilities ahead of schedule.

    Despite concerns and speculations in political circles about potential delays in the already postponed polls, the ECP recently issued the final list of delimitation of constituencies for national and provincial assemblies, dismissing reports of possible delays.

    According to the notification issued by the ECP, the National Assembly (NA) has a total of 266 seats; 60 seats are reserved for women and 10 for religious minorities.

    Balochistan has a total of 20 NA seats, including 16 general and four reserved seats for women; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 45 general NA seats and 10 reserved seats for women; Sindh has a total of 75 NA seats, of which 61 are general and the remaining 14 are reserved for women.

    On the other hand, considering population, Punjab is a big province, and it has 141 NA seats, of which 32 are reserved for women. The federal capital has three general NA seats, with no reserved seat for women.

    Article 106 pertains to the constituencies of the four provincial legislatures. According to this article, Balochistan comprises 51 general seats, with 11 reserved for women and three for non-Muslims, making a total of 65 seats.

    In the case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there are 115 general seats, along with 26 reserved for women and four for non-Muslims, bringing the total number of seats in the legislature to 145.

  • ‘Fine line between enforced disappearances and self-disappearance’, says Sarfraz Bugti

    ‘Fine line between enforced disappearances and self-disappearance’, says Sarfraz Bugti

    Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, while addressing the issue of missing persons in Pakistan, stated that the assemblies in the country represent “legitimate voices” for separatists expressing their perspectives.

    During an interview with DawnNewsTV program Doosra Rukh, Bugti delved into the complexities of missing persons cases, shedding light on the challenges faced in resolving them.

    Bugti’s comments come against the backdrop of an ongoing missing persons case being heard by the Islamabad High Court.

    On November 29, the court issued a warning that a case might be filed against the caretaker prime minister and others if they did not facilitate the reunion of missing Baloch students with their families.

    He also emphasized the delicate nature of the missing person issue, stating, “We have a commission on this matter, and it has resolved around 85 per cent of cases.”

    The commission was established in 2011 to trace missing persons and fix responsibility on the individuals or organizations responsible for it.

    In the interview aired on Friday, Minister Bugti pointed out the fine line between “enforced disappearances and self-disappearance”, highlighting that the commission had encountered cases with surprising details.

    “There were cases wherein people left their homes after a domestic dispute, and it transpired weeks later that they had left home themselves.”

    He also noted instances where individuals lost their lives in “encounters” with security forces.

    Minister added, “Then there are cases in which suspects are absconders required by a court, and their families submit pleas claiming their family member as missing to avoid court [action].”

    He remarked that such cases had been reported and documented.

  • ‘Dangerous and irresponsible’: Ushna Shah calls out Maria B for misusing Palestine activism

    ‘Dangerous and irresponsible’: Ushna Shah calls out Maria B for misusing Palestine activism

    Actress Ushna Shah took to her X (formerly Twitter) account to call out controversial fashion designer Maria B for misusing her tweets and photos from the Palestine march in Karachi to malign the transgender movement.

    “Maria B’s collaboration with questionable low grade bloggers and use of my tweets and photos from the Palestine March — where I was incidentally standing with a transgender rights activist — for her agenda is dangerous and irresponsible. She’s misusing edited content to stir controversy, exploiting trending topics like Palestine in a way that’s beneath even her.”

    “I am not aligned with her extreme right-wing or any extreme left-wing views,” continued the ‘Habs’ actress. “I have a diverse social circle, like most actresses working in showbiz, and I don’t subscribe to any political agenda. I value all life, from minorities to even animals. I urge Maria to realize the harm and potential risks to my safety her actions cause. In layman’s terms: please keep my name out of your mouth & don’t drag me in a war that has nothing to do with me.”

    “I am not pushing any agenda except the liberation of Palestine, do not use me to push yours.” Ushna wrote. “I’m sorry I rejected coming to your march, but this was a sick retaliation which has endangered me. Me not wanting to associate with Maria and her march doesn’t make me an LGBTQ activist. It has nothing to do with that. She has made me uncomfortable since her stunt with the covid patient working in her home, I see her as an irresponsible person who weaponises religion to push her brand & her recent stunt proves just that. Using the photo from a *Palestine* march in which an activist Shahzadi came next to me for a while & posing it as an LGBTQ March is again highly irresponsible of her, not to mention spreading lies online to endanger someone is illegal.”

    In the next tweet Ushna wrote: “To the fundamentalists threatening me: I’ve written this in Urdu. Simple words “meri dosti SAB ACTRESSES ki tarah SAB sey hei, meinay Palestine ke ilawa koi agenda push nahi kiya, Jo sawal mujhse karney hein woh sab actresses sey karein. LogoN ko mazhab Matt istemal karney dein sales banaaney ke liye. Mere Falasteen make stance ke baad haath sey endorsements jaa rahi hein, matlab high paying multinational waqfay, Jo ke aap sab ko patah hei mujhe bohot miliey thee alhamdulilah, Aur yeh logue Falasteen ko Aur mujhe istemaal kar rahey hein ratings ke liye”. I am at Umrah, let me get back to it without fearing propaganda. Jo masla mera hei hee nahi uss mein mujhe mutt ghaseetein. Aur meri avaaz falasteen ke haq mein Jo uthee hei ussey chup Matt karwayein.”

    Ushna Shah ended the thread by writing: “Maria, I am not new to cheap made up controversies by bloggers but a woman in your position should know better than to use me and to use this genocide. You are old enough to be my mother. Since you decided to address me online and open me up to threats, even though you have my number, I’ve decided to do the same. What you have done is dangerous, irresponsible & illegal, and if I had time to visit FIR offices, I would.”

    Maria B has yet to comment on Ushna Shah’s statement.

  • In anticipation of Gunjal, we recommend you watch these three dramas starring Ahmed Ali Akbar

    In anticipation of Gunjal, we recommend you watch these three dramas starring Ahmed Ali Akbar

    The thriller mystery film ‘Gunjal’ is set to release in a few weeks and Ahmed Ali Akbar is about to take on a challenging role that will completely change the way the entertainment industry has seen him. The actor is will essay the role of journalist Shahbaz Bhatti who investigates the events surrounding the death of prominent child labor activist Iqbal Masih.

    If you, like the rest of us, are anxiously waiting for the arrival of the movie, we recommend you watch some amazing projects he did in the past. We’re listing down some dramas that definitely show the range and seductiveness of Ahmed.

    1 Yehe Raha Dil (2017)

    Yes, we know the first drama that comes to your mind is ‘Parizaad’ but please don’t pay dismiss this series. Ahmed proves his chemistry with Yumna is superior to any other we’ve seen, and deserves more coverage. Even years past its release, fans are not over the amazing chemistry between the two and are still hoping that there’s a chance we might get another drama with the two of them and yes, we’re absolutely standing with this.

    2 Idiot (2023)

    Mansha Pasha and Ahmed were terrifyingly good in the thriller ‘Lal Kabootar’. They once more left audiences in awe with their roles in ‘Idiot’. Ahmed’s character questions the traditions and values of society, for which he is regarded as an ‘idiot’, saying things other people are too afraid to say.

    3 Parizaad (2021)

    Now coming to the drama that turned everyone into an Ahmed Ali Akbar fan. He stars as Parizaad, a man who sets out on a journey to understand the meaning of life, while coming across different people on his path. Since its release two years ago, the message of the drama and how brilliantly Ahmed carried the drama are still on point.

  • PTI and Army are on the same page, says Zulfi Bukhari

    PTI and Army are on the same page, says Zulfi Bukhari

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Zulfi Bukhari said on Saturday that his party and the Pakistan Army are still on the “same page.”

    Zulfi Bukhari also stated that PTI is ready to talk with all the political parties, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

    While engaging with journalists in London, Bukhari discussed the party’s strategy for participating in the upcoming general elections, set to take place on February 8 next year.

    He emphasised that omitting PTI from the forthcoming elections will not enhance the political and economic stability of Pakistan.

    “It seems like the elections will not take place until PTI is finished,” said Bukhari, adding that the party will not accept the elections if they are held in “certain circumstances.”

    Former prime minister Khan and his political party have consistently advocated for fair competition. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has directed the party to organise internal polls, which took place today in the absence of Khan.

    During these intra-party elections, the former chief designated his legal advisor, Barrister Gohar Khan, as his successor.

  • Armed forces ready to defend the motherland from challenges: Gen Asim Munir

    Armed forces ready to defend the motherland from challenges: Gen Asim Munir

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir said on Saturday that the armed forces are ready to face any challenges or threats faced by Pakistan and are fully prepared to respond back to enemies of the country.

    According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the COAS was in Khairpur Tamewali to witness the field exercise of the Bahawalpur Corps.

    “We are cognisant of the challenges and with the support of the nation we are prepared to thwart any nefarious designs of the enemies of Pakistan”, COAS emphasised.

    “Pakistan Army is fully prepared to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan against all odds. Pakistan Armed Forces are focused on defending the frontiers of the motherland against the full spectrum of threats and with the support of the nation, Armed Forces will defeat the enemies of Pakistan, InshaAllah,” said the army chief during his visit. 

    COAS Munir received a briefing on the field exercise, which focuses on advancing professional skills across different levels and refining battlefield procedures to address future challenges in an operational environment.

  • Intra-Party Polls: Barrister Gohar Khan elected new PTI chairman

    Intra-Party Polls: Barrister Gohar Khan elected new PTI chairman

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chose Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as the new party chairman on Saturday after former Prime Minister Imran Khan nominated him to contest for the top position.

    PTI’s chief election commissioner announced the results, saying that Barrister Gohar Khan got elected unopposed after today’s intra-party elections.

    Niazullah Niaz said that Umar Ayub got elected as PTI’s central general secretary. On the other hand, Ali Amin Gandapur and Dr Yasmin Rashid were chosen as the party’s provincial presidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, respectively.

    As per the guidelines of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), PTI was scheduled to hold its intra-party elections today, adding “finishing touches” to its preparations.

    The primary polling centre is established at Rano Garhi near the Motorway Toll Plaza in Peshawar, and Ali Zaman, the Presiding Officer for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has arrived at the location.

    Zaman said while talking to Geo News that the PTI Chief Election Commissioner, Niazullah Niazi, has arrived at the centre. He also said that the number of registered voters is more than 20 million for the polls.

    “The vote can be cast through an online app and ballot paper at the election centre in Peshawar,” Zaman told Geo News.

    Zaman said all candidates will be elected unopposed.

  • Karachi police identified unknown men who left body of eight-year-old boy outside Karachi hospital

    Karachi police identified unknown men who left body of eight-year-old boy outside Karachi hospital

    Update: Police investigation has revealed new details in the case of an eight-year-old boy left by two unknown men at the Jinnah Hospital, Karachi.

    DIG South Asad Raza said that the cause of the death is a road accident but the postmortem examination has revealed that the boy was raped sometime in the near past. DNA report is awaited to proceed with that, reports Geo.

    The police has obtained more CCTV footage regarding the unfortunate incident and has been able to identify the two men who left the body in the hospital emergency. The procured footage shows that the car hit the boy on Korangi Road and brought his dead body to the Jinnah Hospital.

    The family of the eight-year-old Rawal has refused to take any legal action. They have taken the body to their native city, Lodhran.

    Departmental surgeon Samiya has confirmed that the postmortem of the body has revealed that he was tortured and raped, reports Geo.

    The grey car used in the incident is identified as BMT-868 registered in the name of Ahmed Raza who is a resident of Defence Karachi. The team to arrest the suspects has been established.

    Two men have left the body of a young boy at Jinnah Hospital in Karachi, CCTV footage has shown. The men arrived at the hospital in a grey car, while a dent over the car’s dumper is evident, reports Geo.

    The two men, one dressed in a white shalwar kameez and the other in a green shirt and jeans, were seen bringing in the body and leaving instantly when asked to get an entry slip at the reception.

    The footage has been shared with the police by the hospital administration. The eight-year-old boy has been identified as Rawal Fayaz, a resident of Qayyumabad. He was reportedly missing since morning.

    DG South has ordered the concerned SHO to start an investigation. The owner of the car has been tracked down and a lead is expected in the case shortly.

  • How to find a snatched mobile phone? Peshawar police knows the way

    How to find a snatched mobile phone? Peshawar police knows the way

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police have devised a way to curb the snatching and stealing of cell phones, a menace for most of the major cities of the country. FMC (Find my Cell), an app launched by police authorities at the Malik Saad Shaheed Police Lines Peshawar, will help trace your stolen phone.

    Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Ashfaq Anwar has said that the new app will connect registered mobile dealers to local police stations to stop the sale of snatched or stolen mobile phones.

    Registered dealers, in case of any suspicion, will get details of all the stolen and snatched phones. The dealers will be registered after verification from the concerned police stations and concerned associations.

    All the mobile dealers would be given forms of registration. These forms will hold the details of all those who are selling phones to them. “This will be uploaded to a database that will be available on the FMC,” CCPO added.

    CCPO Ashfaq Anwar said the local police were taking measures to improve law and order and stop the snatching and theft of phones and using modern technology.