Tag: Pakistan

  • Lyari River to be cleaned up with help of public, private orgs: Sherry

    Lyari River to be cleaned up with help of public, private orgs: Sherry

    Federal Climate Change Minister Senator Sherry Rehman on Wednesday announced the launch of a Lyari River clean-up drive in collaboration with public and private organisations.

    She made the announcement while speaking at a round table discussion that was organised by Coca-Cola Pakistan in collaboration with the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), ministries of maritime affairs and climate change.

    Held in continuation of the World Water Week, the theme of #SeeingTheUnseen, the roundtable session was chaired by Senator Sherry Rehman, with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari, attending as a guest of honour and led by S.M Tariq Huda, Chairman of the Karachi Port Trust All these people represented apex bodies most impacted by the report that revealed catastrophic levels of waste accumulation over the last 20 years, of which less than 2 per cent is removed.

    Federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman, who formed a committee to lead the Lyari Cleanup Project, said, “Pakistan has been identified as the most vulnerable to climate change as we clearly see from the present floods the country is facing. Broad-based partnerships are going to play a crucial role in ensuring that we develop solutions that can be scaled up by the use of technology.

    Fahad Ashraf, Vice President, The Coca-Cola Company, Pakistan said, “We have always known that the communities in Karachi’s harbour area are adversely impacted by poor waste management, but this is not a responsibility that falls on just one single entity because the quantum of the problem is too large. This is a call to anyone who cares about Pakistan’s water security to step in.”

    Moderated by public policy expert, Mosharraf Zaidi, this event aimed to co-create solutions that can be used to scale up sustainable interventions, emphasising on local and international expertise. In attendance were representatives of the global NGO, The Ocean Cleanup, WWF-Pakistan, Unilever, Nestlé, Engro, the packaging alliance CORE, SEED Ventures, Indus Earth Trust and the National Institute of Oceanography, to name a few.
    As part of The Ocean Cleanup and Coca-Cola’s global partnership to stem the tide of plastic waste by intercepting it in rivers around the world, they are looking to build a coalition that explores solutions to clean the Lyari harbour area.

    Mr Tariq Huda, Chairman of Karachi Port Trust, a partner in making the project a reality, said “This port connects Pakistan’s northern provinces and the overall Pakistan economy to the world, and water security, therefore, is a national security issue that we must neither deny nor delay solving.”
    The Environmental Scoping Study reveals that the Lyari harbour area, which was meant to be a spillway to control the flow of flood water, is now choked by accumulated debris. Every month, 9,000 tonnes of debris enter this river, almost entirely unclean.

    With about 33 million people nationwide impacted by the floods and an impending food security issue, this timely report calls for urgent and substantive action in densely populated cities like Karachi that are at a perpetual threat to urban flooding.

  • ‘It is water everywhere, just like a sea’: PM Shehbaz visits flood-affected areas

    ‘It is water everywhere, just like a sea’: PM Shehbaz visits flood-affected areas

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif visited Dera Ismail Khan, KP to review ongoing restoration and rehabilitation work in flood-affected areas today (Wednesday).

    During the visit, while talking to the media, PM Shehbaz said, “You wouldn’t believe the scale of destruction there. There is water everywhere as far as you can see. It is just like a sea.”

    The premier emphasised the need for a “sustainable system” to cope with the challenges of climate change.

    He said trillions are needed for relief and rehabilitation activities post floods. “We will need trillions of rupees to cope with this calamity”, he observed.

    “The country is grappling with an unprecedented situation, witnessing floods that have resulted in the loss of lives, infrastructure and crops,” he said, adding that it was time to “rise above politics and demonstrate the spirit of service and welfare.”

    The Premier announced that a sum provided by a philanthropist for flood relief would be used for installing 100 prefabricated houses in DI Khan.

    Moreover, the premier announced that under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), every flood-hit household would be given Rs25,000 and Rs1 million would be given in compensation to the relatives of the deceased.

    According to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA),18 more people died from the flood in the past 24 hours, taking the death toll to 1,343. Eight children were among the dead in the last 24 hours.

    The government has said 33 million people have been affected. The floods were brought by record monsoon rains and glacier melt in Pakistan’s northern mountains. A total of 116 districts have been adversely affected.

    World Health Organisation (WHO) said more than 6.4 million people need humanitarian support in the flooded areas.

  • FACT CHECK: Woman was not raped by 20 men in Karachi

    FACT CHECK: Woman was not raped by 20 men in Karachi

    Several media reports on social media are claiming that a woman was gang-raped by 20 men at an industrial unit in Karachi’s Korangi district. The alleged rape occurred at Artistic Milliners, a vertical denim manufacturing company. The hashtag ‘Artistic Milliners Rape Case’ has been trending on Twitter since (Wednesday) morning.

    However, the police have denied the news reports.

    “Police have checked and verified that no such incident took place,” Deputy Inspector General (DIG) East Muquddus Haider, said while talking to Dawn.

    Police have conducted an inquiry into it. No victim has come forward while the factory management told the police that it was a drive to defame them,” he added.

    Police found that a YouTube channel called Dhoom is behind the alleged false propaganda. As per the police, it was an attempt to defame the company.

    Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) has also condemned the fake news. “We reiterate that M/S Artistic Milliners (Pvt) Ltd is a very old and valued member of KATI. It is one of the largest exporters of Pakistan earning precious foreign exchange for Pakistan and enjoying an excellent repute among industries,” read a statement issued by KATI.

    According to the police, the alleged video circulating of the woman is actually of a woman found in a park and has no association with the alleged Karachi incident.

  • Shaan Shahid hits out at netizen for scrutinising his controversial remarks about Fakhar Zaman

    Shaan Shahid hits out at netizen for scrutinising his controversial remarks about Fakhar Zaman

    Film Star Shaan Shahid recently criticised cricketer Fakhar Zaman’s recent performance on the field during the Asia Cup 2022 series. During the last match between Pakistan and India, Zaman could not perform to his full capacity, for which he was also scrutinised on social media.

    The hashtag of Fakhar Zaman’s name was also among the top trends on Twitter.

    During the match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup, actor, Shaan was extremely displeased with Fakhar’s performance. He took it to his Twitter, where he denunciated Fakhar’s batting and fielding, in multiple tweets.

    Post his comments, several netizens trolled him for his remarks. The social media user told him that only 2-4 films of his are worth watching out of his filmography ranging over 500 films.

    The Majajan star clapped back at him by saying that there is a difference between arts and sports.

    Earlier this year, the Zaraar hero grilled former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for wishing former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on his birthday and not wishing birthday to former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    “Happy Birthday @sachin_rt . Hope you’re having a wonderful day,” wrote Shoaib Akhtar while sharing an old picture with Tendulkar.

    Shaan, in the comments section of twitter account, expressed anger at Shoaib for wishing birthday to Sachin, reminding the former pacer that he had not wished former Prime Minister Imran Khan on his birthday.

    “Wah bhai inki to yaad hai .. @ImranKhanPTI ki 5th October ko birthday thee 2021 main .. ek bhi message nahi apkay twitter account per .. bhai?,” wrote Shaan.

  • Missing Afghan boy found murdered after being raped

    Missing Afghan boy found murdered after being raped

    A missing five-year-old Afghan boy was found murdered on Monday in Karachi. The boy was also raped before being murdered, police have confirmed.

    The minor went missing on Sunday, however, at the time the deceased’s father didn’t register any report. The father has told the police that he had no enmity with anyone.

    Later, the area Station House Officer (SHO) said that an First Information Report (FIR) was lodged on the complaint of the child’s father, who is an Afghan.

    Police Surgeon Summaiya Syed said that after the autopsy it was found that the boy was sexually assaulted, reports Dawn.

    “The face was covered with a plastic bag. His hands were tied behind his back with nylon wire and he was strangled to death,” she said.

    Taking notice of the incident, Karachi police chief formed an investigation team and directed it to submit a progress report within three days.

  • Who are all the Nishan-e-Haider recipients?

    Who are all the Nishan-e-Haider recipients?

    Pakistan is observing Defence Day today to pay tribute to the martyrs of the country and to their sacrifices in defending its borders.

    Nishan-e-Haider is the highest military gallantry award in Pakistan. It is conferred upon soldiers who perform acts of great heroism in circumstances of extreme danger and to those who demonstrate the bravery of the highest order.

    Here is the list of eleven recipients of Nishan-e-Haider.

    Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed

    Captain Sarwar was the first person to receive Nishan-e-Haider in the history of Pakistan. He served as a Company Commander in the Uri Sector in Kashmir. He was awarded Nishan-e-Haider for laying down his life during the first Pakistan-India war in 1948.

    Naik Saif Ali Janjua Shaheed

    Born in 1922 in Khandbaz Tehsil Nakial (Azad Jammu & Kashmir), Naik embraced martyrdom during a battle on 26 October 1948 for which the Defence Council of Azad Jammu & Kashmir adorned him with Hilal-e-Kashmir (posthumous) the next year. In1995, the government of Pakistan declared his Hilal-e-Kashmir equivalent to Nishan-e Haider.

    Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed

    In 1958, the Indian Army troops occupied the Lakshmipur area in East Pakistan. Major Tufail was tasked with recapturing the occupied area. In the line of his duty, the Major launched an attack on Indian infiltrated troops and set an example of bravery and leadership. During the operation, he embraced martyrdom.

    Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed

    Born in 1928 in Hong Kong, Major Raja embraced martyrdom while defending the country during the 1965 war with India.

    Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed

    He was commissioned as a pilot in Pakistan Air Force in 1971. The same year Pilot Officer Minhas stopped his plane from entering Indian territory. He tried to regain control of the plane but was unable to do so. Knowing that it meant certain death, he damaged the controls and forced the aircraft to crash thirty-two miles short of the border for which he was awarded Nishan-e-Haider.

    Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed

    Major Shabbir Sharif embraced martyrdom fifty years ago on December 6 at Sulemanki Sector during the 1971 war.

    Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed

    During the 1971 war, Sowar took an active part in every battle with the unit. During the battle, he was hit in the chest with machinegun fire and embraced martyrdom on 10 December 1971.

    Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed

    Major Akram was leading an anti-tank party in front of the forward defended locations and destroyed three tanks of the enemy. During the battle, he was hit in the chest and embraced martyrdom on 5 December 1971.

    Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz Shaheed

    During the 1971 war, Naik participated in the famous Pul Kunjry operation and captured the area. He was stabbed with bayonets and embraced martyrdom on the night of 17 December 1971. The next morning ceasefire was ordered and the enemy commander himself praised the Lance Naik while handing over his dead body wrapped in the Pakistani flag.

    Captain Karnal Sher Shaheed

    During Kargil War, the Captain set up personal examples of bravery and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. He also chased the enemy and conducted many raids in the enemy area. During one of those raids, he went inside the enemy camp where he inflicted heavy losses. During the battle, he was hit in the chest and embraced shahadat (martyrdom) on 5 July 1999.

    Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed

    Like Captain Karnal Shaheed, the Havaldar embraced martyrdom during Kargil War. On 7 July 1999, he sustained serious injuries as enemies pounded the area with heavy mortar shells. But despite being injured, he retained his position and frustrated the Indian assault.

  • Floods damage Mohenjo Daro, site may be withdrawn from world heritage list

    Floods damage Mohenjo Daro, site may be withdrawn from world heritage list

    The department of archaeology has asked for immediate attention to conservation and restoration work at Mohenjo Daro, fearing that if such work is not taken up immediately, the site may be withdrawn from the World Heritage list.

    From August 16 to 26, the archaeological ruins of Mohenjo Daro received record rains of 779.5mm. It caused significant damage to the site and the partial collapse of several structures, including the stupa dome’s protective wall.

    It caused significant damage to the site and the partial collapse of several structures, including the stupa dome’s protective wall.

    The curator of the site wrote a letter to the director of culture, antiquities and archaeology on Aug 29 about the condition of the heritage site. “We have put in efforts to protect the site with our resources,” it read.

    Rainwater from neighbouring agricultural lands had flooded the disposal channel due to neglect of the negligence of different departments including irrigation, roads, highways and forest.

    “The archaeology official had called for immediate contact with the irrigation and roads departments for the repair of the bund, breached canal dykes and removal of pipes.”

    The curator has proposed sending experts (conservators and engineers) to assess the damage caused by the downpours. Archaeology officials stationed at Mohenjo Daro are currently repairing the structures that have been damaged.

    Pakistan is experiencing one of the worst floods in its history. In the last 24 hours, 11 more deaths have occurred, which has taken the death toll to 1,325. More than 1/3 of the country is inundated with millions displaced from their homes.

  • Majority of property owners in London are Indians, followed by English and Pakistani people

    Majority of property owners in London are Indians, followed by English and Pakistani people

    Indians are among the people who own the most real estate in the capital of the United Kingdom (UK), London, more than the English themselves.

    According to London-based residential developer Barratt London, the largest group of property owners in London are Indians, who are represented by those who have lived in the UK for generations, NRIs, investors from other countries, students, and families who travel to the UK for education. English and Pakistani people are next in number.

    These Indian investors, who reside in both the UK and India, are prepared to spend anywhere between GBP 290,000 and GBP 450,000 for a one, two, or three-bedroom property in London, the nation’s capital.

    “We are seeing a strong demand from Indian investors looking to purchase properties in London and invest in the stable and long-term property market. Outside of London, most of our products are sold to UK residential buyers, who buy these properties and live in them,” Stuart Leslie – International Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt London, told Financial Express.

    In London, 30 per cent of sales are made to pure investors (those who want to use the apartments as rentals), and 30 per cent of those buyers come from foreign markets.

    “This year we have seen a growth in the percentage of Indian homebuyers, who make up 7-8 per cent of the overseas market players. We are really reacting to where the demand is coming from rather than speculating and looking for business,” Stuart Leslie said.

    According to a Knight Frank survey, 10 per cent of India’s UHNWIs intend to purchase a new home in 2022, and they prefer to invest in domestic real estate, followed by homes on the UK, UAE, and US foreign markets.

    London is well-liked by Indian investors and homebuyers because it is a hub for finance and education and one of the major international entry points for investors.

    Additionally, it makes sense for Indian homebuyers to look at the real estate market in London given that the cost per square foot is roughly comparable between London and Mumbai and that the two cities also share a similar legal framework, making transactions simpler.

    “The reason why Indians are comfortable with buying property is because of the market fundamentals and confidence along with a history of Indians investing in houses in London. They’re eager to invest in the UK residential markets because they are getting better returns owing to the exchange rates and market presence presently. It is relatively a safer market in comparison to the UAE or India,” he said.

    In addition to being a “stable market” for residential real estate, the UK has advantages over other international potential markets, such as good weather and quicker travel times.

    Many families and students, especially those from India, relocate to the UK for educational opportunities. According to Stuart Leslie, the number of Indian students applying to UK colleges and universities has surged by 128 per cent in just one year.

    Therefore, there are several reasons why Indians have traditionally preferred to invest in the UK, including the country’s high-quality educational institutions, business-friendly environment, cosmopolitan mindset, language familiarity, and expanding investment opportunities.

    Currently, there is a demand for finished or nearly finished projects since people are looking to move quickly after the pandemic. Barratt London’s common price range for real estate is between GBP 390,000 and GBP 450,000.

    “This is not a price which people normally associate with the London market but with tier-II or tier-III cities. This makes people want to own properties in London rather than smaller cities of the UK,” he said.

  • Hafeez, Harbhajan support Arshdeep amid abusive trolling

    Hafeez, Harbhajan support Arshdeep amid abusive trolling

    Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has come to the defence of India’s young fast bowler Arshdeep Singh who is being trolled for dropping Asif Ali’s catch in a high-voltage Pakistan vs India Match in the Asia Cup on Sunday.

    Right-wing Indian fans are trolling Arshdeep for his age or calling him anti-national.
    “My request to all Indian team fans. In sports, we make mistakes as humans. Please don’t humiliate anyone for these mistakes,” wrote the Pakistani cricketer in support of the Indian sportsman.

    Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh also extended his support to the young cricketer. “Stop criticising young @arshdeepsinghh .. No one dropped the catch purposely..we are proud of our boys .. Pakistan played better.. shame on such people who r putting our own guys down by saying cheap things on this platform bout arsh and team.. Arsh is GOLD.” he tweeted.

    Check out some other tweets:

    https://twitter.com/SagrikaKissu/status/1566515122901635072

    After a blazing start by India, Pakistan bowlers did well to halt India’s march, restricting the defending champions to 181/7 in 20 overs.

    Chasing 182, Pakistan achieved the target with one ball to spare. Pakistan will play its second Super Four stage match against Afghanistan on Wednesday.

  • Hong Kong’s batting collapse against Pak sparks meme fest

    Hong Kong’s batting collapse against Pak sparks meme fest

    Pakistan knocked out Hong Kong yesterday on 38 runs in their second group match of Asia Cup 2022. Hong Kong had the lowest score against a Full Member in T20 internationals.

    Pakistan scored 193 runs in the match. Mohammad Rizwan was the highest run scorer from Pakistan’s side with a dazzling 78 . In response, Hong Kong only managed to make 38, and handed 155-run victory to Pakistan. None of Hong Kong’s batters could make it to double figures.

    Pakistan has now advanced to the Super Four stage of Asia Cup.

    The collapse of Hong Kong’s batting order has sparked a meme fest on Twitter.

    Have a look at the memes:

    Read more– Hong Kong’s Captain takes tips from Babar Azam ahead of match

    India and Pakistan will play against each other for the second time in the Asia Cup 2022, tomorrow (September 4). Pakistan lost to India by 5 wickets in the last encounter.