Tag: Pakistan

  • ‘ECP ne kaisay election ki date di?’: Justice Mandokhail drops bombshell in court, sticks to detailed order

    ‘ECP ne kaisay election ki date di?’: Justice Mandokhail drops bombshell in court, sticks to detailed order

    The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday resumed hearing PTI’s petition against the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) to delay polls for Punjab Assembly.

    A five-member larger bench — headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Justice Aminuddin Khan — is hearing the case.

    During the hearing yesterday, Justice Bandial obser­ved that the ECP did not have any right or legal backing to extend the election date till October 8 and asked the Attorney-General for Pakistan (AGP) to get instructions from the federal government in this regard.

    However, when hearing resumed today, Justice Mandokhail, explaining yesterday’s remarks, said that there was a lot of confusion on his comments and he wanted to clarify them. “I stand by my detailed order. One part of the judgement is related to the rules of administrative powers, and that the Chief Justice will be asked to form a committee of judges to look at the rules, the committee of judges will look at the rules of administrative powers, in the second part of the judgment, we four judges have automatically rejected the notices and petitions,” said Mandokhail.

    Justice Mandokhail stated that according to him the verdict of the four judges in the suo motu case was the ‘order of the court’. “The CJP has not issued an ‘order of the court’ to date.

    Justice Mandokhail said that the decision of the four judges is the order of the court. “The Chief Justice of Pakistan did not issue this order of the court. How did the president give the election date when there was no decision? Has the ECP released the schedule? Today bring in court record file; it [will not] have the order of the court; all the judges sign the order of the court.”

    He said that he stands by the brief and detailed decision he gave.

    The judge also said that the decision on who will take a suo motu case was an “internal matter” of the court.

    Here, the CJP noted that Justice Mandokhail had given his explanation but the latter interjected him, saying that he was still speaking.

    Subsequently,  PPP lawyer Farooq H. Naek demanded that a full court bench be constituted to hear the case to which Justice Mandokhail said: “Why full court? The same seven-member bench should hear the case.”

    However, the PPP lawyer contended that the current situation called for the formation of a full court bench. He also highlighted that clarification was needed regarding the SC’s March 1 verdict.

    At that, the chief justice told Naek to submit a written request in court.

    Bill:

    The government on Tuesday tabled a bill titled “The Supreme Court (Practice and Protection) Bill, 2023” in the National Assembly and adopted a resolution holding “undue interference by the judiciary in political matters as a cause of political instability in the country”.

    It is expected that the standing committee will pass the bill in its meeting scheduled for today.

    The bill proposes a committee of three judges headed by the chief justice which will be empowered to take suo motu notice as opposed to the earlier practice, which allowed the CJP to initiate proceedings under Article 184(3) in an individual capacity.

    According to the proposed law, every cause, appeal, or matter before the Supreme Court shall be heard and disposed of by a bench constituted by the committee comprising the CJP and two senior-most judges in order of seniority. It added that the decisions of the committee shall be by majority.

    In the bill, the right of appeal is being given to the accused party for the first time, which will be allowed to file an intra-court appeal within 30 days from the date of suo motu notice.

  • Prisoners in Pakistan exposed to diseases in overcrowded jails: HRW

    Prisoners in Pakistan exposed to diseases in overcrowded jails: HRW

    According to a report released by Human Rights Watch, Pakistani authorities have systematically deprived prisoners of adequate health care, leaving thousands at risk of disease and death.

    The report, titled “A Nightmare for Everyone: The Health Care Crisis in Pakistan’s Prisons,” highlights the widespread deficiencies in prison health care in Pakistan and the impact on a total prison population of over 88,000 people. Outdated and discriminatory bail laws have contributed to severe overcrowding, with most prisoners still awaiting trial or conviction.

    Pakistan’s prison system is one of the world’s most overcrowded, with cells designed for a maximum of three people holding up to 15. This overcrowding has compounded existing healthcare deficiencies, leaving inmates vulnerable to communicable diseases and unable to obtain even basic health care, let alone emergency medical treatment.

    Human Rights Watch interviewed 54 people, including former inmates, lawyers, prison health officials, and advocacy organizations working on prisoner rights, and found that the principal cause of overcrowding is the dysfunctional criminal justice system itself. Most inmates are under trial and have yet to be convicted, and the majority facing criminal trials are poor and lack access to legal aid.

    The crisis in prison health care reflects deeper failures in access to health care across Pakistan, exacerbated most recently by an economic crisis. Corruption among prison officials and impunity for abusive conduct contribute to serious human rights abuses.

    The report calls for urgent, systemic reform of Pakistan’s prison system, including changing bail laws, expediting the trial process, and prioritizing noncustodial sentences to reduce overcrowding. Pakistani governments at the federal and provincial levels should urgently adopt measures to bring health care in its jails and prisons in line with international standards, such as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

  • Bollywood set to make biopic on legendary Pakistani host, Begum Nawazish Ali

    Indian streaming platform EORTV has announced that they are in the process of making a biopic based on the life of the queer icon and Pakistani television host Ali Saleem, who was famous for his cross-dressing alter ego Begum Nawazish Ali. His popular talk show ‘Late Nights With Begum Nawazish Ali’ featured interviews with actors, politicians and even religious figures. In 2010, Saleem, along with actress Veena Malik, were the first Pakistanis to take part in the famous reality show ‘Big Boss’.

    Saleem had described himself as gay, bisexual and even transgender.

    According Deepak Panday, the CEO of EORTV, the channel was planning to approach actor Mallika Sherawat for the role. He also elaborated on the reason they had chosen to film this story:

    “This is a strong story, a story of boldness and courage. The character is multifaceted and needed someone as courageous and undaunted as the Begum thyself. I am planning to approach Mallika Sherawat for this role as she would be apt for a fearless performance like this. It is important to create stories like these that can encourage more and more people to be open about their sexuality and sexual preferences. This is going to be a story of an unapologetically fearless man who’s leading a life of his own choice in spite of living in a politically warm environment”.

    He further went on to say:

     “Begum Nawazish Ali’s background and childhood is interesting but the journey he makes in due course of his life is even more interesting. He has interviewed the who’s who from business, politics, entertainment with gusto. He has courted satire and controversy but managed to make a place in the hearts of the common man. His life will make for very compelling content on screen”.

  • ‘Ready to sit with anyone’: Khan willing to attend MPC if election date on agenda

    ‘Ready to sit with anyone’: Khan willing to attend MPC if election date on agenda

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has shown readiness to attend a Multi-Party Conference (MPC) if it is convened to discuss mechanisms and dates for elections.

    “I am ready to sit with anyone and all of those who are prepared to hold elections within the Constitution,” said Khan while talking to Kazim Khan, president of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors.

    Talking about Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Khan said, “Rana is more of a terrorist than an interior minister and this coward would be proceeded against for hurling threats on my life.”

    “He [Rana Sanaullah] is preparing the ground for my political or physical elimination as he is the key player. He is one of the three characters, who are after my life: both political and physical. I have already named other two (Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a high-ranking official of intelligence setup) and the interior minister has been cast as third character, who is now (mentally) preparing people for the eventuality,” said Khan.

    In a televised address, Khan said if elections are delayed beyond April 30, even for a day, it would mean there is no constitution or law in the country and his party would resist any such move. “I have told PTI candidates to continue their campaign for elections as if polls are going to held on April 30.”

  • Seven times Pakistani celebrities had cringe-worthy ideas about marriage, home making

    Pakistani celebrities should stick to their day jobs of making cringe worthy dramas and films, rather than sharing their totkay about how to make marriages last and tips on how to keep their susral happy.

    Muneeb Butt made news yesterday when he revealed that they did not have a chef, because his wife Aiman Khan cooks during Ramazan, stating that it improves the emotional connection between wife and husband.

    Jee sir, humein batain aap nay kya kiya hai jis say aap ki marriage mein emotional connection improve hui? Or is it just women who need to work to keep the spark alive.

    Sadly, this wasnt the only time celebrities did not think before speaking. We have witnessed a spectacle of events in the past few years of some cringe-inducing home making and housewifery tips from the mouths of the leading public figures of Pakistan.

    Like the time model Sadaf Kanwal lectured women on how to become their hubby’s nanny by cleaning up after him because obviously feminism and Aurat March is breaking up our families.

    Or the time Sanam Saeed stepped in to suggest that every woman should give their husband the same attention as they would provide to a child. Video courtesy of ARY DIGITAL

    Let’s not forget the moment when veteran actress Meera tried to prove her cooking skills with a 35 minute recipe that involved clean water, olive oil and thora sa namak. Video courtesy of Samaa

    Or if you need a tip on how to woo your wife on national television? Agha Ali has the best advice. Video courtesy of ARY DIGITAL.

    Ya phir any advice on how to pick your ideal man? Hira Mani has the best tip which involves back stabbing your best friend. Video courtesy of BOL Network.

    How to ensure women are respected in their homes and not treated as domestic labor? Nida Yasir thought she was hitting the jackpot when she decided to invite saas and their bahus on national television and encourage them to reveal their petty critiques to everyone. Video courtesy of Ary Digital.

  • Love, honour and respect: Pakistani Sikh community arranges iftar for Muslims

    Love, honour and respect: Pakistani Sikh community arranges iftar for Muslims

    In the spirit of Ramzan, the Sikh community in Peshawar has continued its tradition to serve Iftar to fasting Muslims with the objective of promoting love, fraternity, respect, and honour among people of different faiths.

    Sikh families living in the Mohalla Jogan Shah area of the walled city take turns to arrange food; as a result these ‘dastarkhawans’ work round the month.

    The community not only makes arrangements for Muslim brothers but also distributed rations among the needy and poor. Each of the ration packs consists of essential items including cooking oil, rice, pulses, chickpeas, beans, sugar, and tea.

    Chairman Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter of the National Peace Council for Interfaith Harmony Jatinder Singh said that the objective behind this practice by Sikhs is “to promote love, fraternity, respect, and honour among people of different”. Pointing out that his community had lived in the country for generations, he said they wanted to convey a message of mutual coexistence among its citizens.

    Sikh traders also announce special discounts in their shops during Ramzan besides donating money to the needy.

  • Pakistan awaits financial support confirmation from Saudi Arabia and UAE to sign IMF agreement

    Pakistan awaits financial support confirmation from Saudi Arabia and UAE to sign IMF agreement

    The signing of the staff-level agreement (SLA) between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is dependent on confirmation of financial support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Once support confirmation is received from KSA and UAE, the SLA will be signed with the IMF.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar reportedly informed diplomats in Islamabad at an Iftar dinner on Sunday that the issues with the IMF will be settled soon. However, it has been 46 days since the IMF and Pakistan concluded review talks in Islamabad on February 9, and the staff-level agreement is yet to be secured.

    There have also been dissenting views within the Finance Ministry on the issue of cross-fuel subsidy. While some bureaucrats from the ministry have opposed the scheme, the government went public with it, which has caused concern.

    Officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The News, that such schemes would jeopardize the revival of the IMF program, and it remains to be seen how the ministry will satisfy the global lender on the subsidy. The status of the 10th and 11th reviews, which were due on February 3 and May 3, respectively, is also unknown at this time, even if the IMF program is revived.

    The situation highlights the importance of financial support from KSA and UAE to Pakistan, as well as the potential impact of domestic policy decisions on the country’s relationship with the IMF. Despite Finance Minister Dar’s assurances, it is unclear when the SLA will be signed, and how the subsidy issue will be resolved.

    As the reviews remain in question, the situation underscores the need for Pakistan to address economic challenges and seek support from its allies to maintain its financial stability.

  • Desi Twitter is revealing which film couples emulate the tragedy of the ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ couple.

    Every one knows about the popular film ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ and the famous moment in the film when Waymond says to Evelyn “In another life, I would have liked doing laundry and taxes with you.” Yes, we all remember how much we sobbed.

    But the tragedy of Waymond and Evelyn not getting together in another life is something desi users are all too familiar with, because we can recall tragic dramas that made us wail for days. The main couple who could have had it all, end up never getting together.

    So did Twitter users find an example of the Pakistani drama that is their Evelyn and Waymond? Turns out there are plenty.

    One user quoted that it was Jamaal and Heer from ‘Qurbaan’ who should have been together but tragedy drove them apart.

    Fawad Khan’s forgotten but beloved telefilm “Behaad” made an entrance where he plays Jamaal, a man who falls in love with a single mother, who is played by the iconic Nadia Jamil, but soon begins facing difficulties from her family.

    Even Jamil herself approved this tweet!

    Did Bollywood also have its own taste of tragic couples who will still make us wail to this day. Turns out it’s way more worse than we thought.

    God this list is just getting worse

    Mera kaleja le lo

    He literally forgot his memories except for the name of his lover oh God

    Happy crying everyone

  • Govt ministers come forward to aid elephant Noor Jehan, address poor facilities at Karachi Zoo

    Social media got together to raise its voice for Noor Jehan, one of the elephants at Karachi Zoo, who was suffering from a joint and bone disease which had left her hind legs completely paralyzed. Pictures of the distressed elephant emerged on Twitter, prompting animal rights activists to demand that the government help with proper treatment and for her to be sent to an elephant sanctuary.

    Government officials have responded with Salman Sufi, Head of Prime Minister of Pakistan’s Strategic Reforms, and Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah pledging to provide immediate medical aid, as well as monitor reports of poor facilities at Karachi Zoo.

    Sufi shared a screenshot of Noor Jehan’s medical test on Twitter, writing that Karachi administration was keeping in touch with Four Paws, a global animal welfare organization that focuses on improving the living conditions of animals.

    “Thank you to everyone who keeps raising voice for #NoorJehan Her tests are being conducted regularly and so is the checkup. Karachi administration has assured of their cooperation with four paws. Team from Punjab wildlife is also arriving this week. We will keep pursuing.”

    The Current reached out to Sufi to ask how Noor Jehan is being provided with medical treatment and his response was:

    “Four Paws have been invited to assess the elephant and Wildlife Punjab has also been sent to assist them. Safari Park Karachi special room is also being constructed for her and regular tests are also being conducted.”

    When asked about whether the government is taking action on reports of negligence, especially food supply because of which many animals and birds were reportedly left to starve, Sufi said:

    “We are monitoring those reports and have requested the Karachi administration. Government of Sindh is actively pursuing this issue as well.”

    In regards to the vocal call by activists to shift Noor Jehan to an elephant sanctuary, Sufi responded that they would be following the doctor’s orders on what is best for the elephant.

    Nasir Hussain Shah visited Karachi Zoo on Monday, where he stated that an inquiry regarding the reports that food supply for animals had been cut off had been initiated and revealed that no such issues were found. He said that a team of doctors is arriving from Vienna. The government is in contact with them to provide the elephant with all the resources she needs.

    Yesterday, The News reported that Sindh Governor Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori made a visit to Karachi Zoo, where he told reporters that allegations regarding political support to the zoo staff was false, and action shall be taken against anyone found guilty for spreading this rumor. Moreover, Tessori also revealed that the government was holding an inquiry over the treatment and care of Noor Jehan.

  • Suzuki Swift experiences price increase of over Rs1.8 million since March 2022

    Suzuki Swift experiences price increase of over Rs1.8 million since March 2022

    In a little under a year, the price of cars in Pakistan has risen dramatically. Car companies across the country have announced successive price hikes since last year. Even the most affordable models, such as the Suzuki Alto, have become prohibitively expensive, with prices that the average salaried worker can scarcely afford.

    These price hikes can be attributed to a number of factors, including the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar and an increase in the cost of production. Unfortunately, this has resulted in even basic car models becoming unaffordable luxuries for many people in Pakistan.

    For instance, consider the Suzuki Swift – one of the country’s most popular cars. In March 2022, the base model of the Swift, known as the Suzuki Swift GL with manual transmission, was priced at Rs2,499,000. By March 2023, the same car jumped to Rs4,052,000 – an increase of Rs1,553,000.

    Those looking for a more advanced version of the Swift are in for an even bigger shock. The mid-variant, the Suzuki Swift GL CVT with automatic transmission, was priced at Rs2,699,000 just a year ago. Today, that same model will set you back an astounding Rs4,355,000 – an increase of Rs1,656,000.

    Furthermore, the top-of-the-line model, the Suzuki Swift GLX, has seen a significant price increase. One year ago, the GLX variant was priced at Rs2,899,000. Today, it costs an incredible Rs4,725,000 – a difference of Rs1,826,000.

    Overall, the sharp rise in car prices in Pakistan has made car ownership an unattainable dream for many people. It remains to be seen whether anything will be done to alleviate the financial burden of car ownership in the country.

    To provide a clear comparison, here is a table showcasing the prices of the three variants of the Suzuki Swift from March 2022 to March 2023:

    Model March 2022 Price March 2023 Price Difference
    Swift GL Manual Rs2,499,000 Rs4,052,000 Rs1,553,000
    Swift GL CVT Rs2,699,000 Rs4,355,000 Rs1,656,000
    Swift GLX Rs2,899,000 Rs4,725,000 Rs1,826,000