Tag: Pakistan

  • Processions underway across Pakistan amid tight security as mobile services remains disabled

    Processions underway across Pakistan amid tight security as mobile services remains disabled

    Ashura Muharram processions are being held nationwide today to commemorate the great sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and Karbala martyrs.

    On the day of Hazrat Hussain’s (RA) martyrdom in Karbala by the Yazidi army, funeral gatherings are being organised in various cities, and processions are being conducted.

    Stringent security arrangements have been implemented across the country, with mobile phone services also shut down in many cities.

    Karachi:

    The main procession of 10th Muharram started from Nishtar Park in Karachi and is proceeding along its traditional route, passing through MA Jinnah Road, Tibet Center, and concluding at Hussainia Iranian Kharadar.

    Mobile phone services are disrupted in several areas of the city today, and there is a prohibition on double riding of motorcycles, display of weapons, use of helicams, and flying drones in the city.

    Lahore:

    The main Ashura Day procession in Lahore commenced from Nisar Haveli within Mochi Gate and will culminate at Karbala Game Shah this evening.

    Mobile phone services will remain suspended today only in procession and assembly areas throughout Punjab.

    Peshawar:

    Twelve processions have been initiated from different Imam Bargahs in Peshawar, with the first procession commencing from Imam Bargah Syed Ali Shah Rizvi.

    Security for the processions involves 14,000 deployed police officers, bomb disposal units clearing procession routes, and closure of cellular and mobile phone services along all procession routes.

    Quetta:

    In Quetta, mobile phone services are suspended, and double riding of motorcycles is prohibited. The main procession will follow designated routes and conclude at Imam Bargah Hazara Nasirabad before Maghrib prayer.

    Islamabad:

    The main Ashura Day procession in Islamabad began from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool and will conclude at Imambargah Al-Padiq following designated routes.

    In Rawalpindi, the Ashura Day procession started from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Teli Mohalla, with partial suspension of mobile phone services in surrounding areas.

    Mobile phone and internet services have been shut down in Muzaffarabad on Ashura Day.

  • Man cuts buffalo’s tongue for eating his fodder

    Man cuts buffalo’s tongue for eating his fodder

    An owner of a loader rickshaw cut off a buffalo’s tongue for eating fodder from his rickshaw, reports Geo.

    The incident took place on July 15 in a village near Shahpur City. The culprit has been identified as Bilal.

    As per the details shared by the police, Bilal was putting fodder in his loader rickshaw when a buffalo started eating it. He got enraged and cut its tongue off.
    A case has been registered against the suspect at the request of the buffalo owner. Bilal has been arrested. Meanwhile, DPO Sargodha has ordered an investigation and sought a report.

    The Livestock Department also conducted a medical examination of the buffalo, which confirmed that its tongue had been bitten.

  • IMF deal to improve Pakistan’s financial outlook, but continuous reforms are essential: Moody’s

    IMF deal to improve Pakistan’s financial outlook, but continuous reforms are essential: Moody’s

    Moody’s Investors Service has stated that Pakistan’s recent staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) enhances the nation’s funding prospects.

    However, the global rating agency stressed the necessity of sustained reforms to mitigate liquidity risks.

    On 12 July, Pakistani authorities and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement on a 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) worth approximately $7 billion. This agreement still awaits approval from the IMF Executive Board, with no specific date set for the vote.

    Moody’s commented that once the loan deal is approved, which is highly anticipated, it will significantly boost Pakistan’s funding prospects. The new IMF program is expected to provide reliable financing from the IMF and attract additional funding from other bilateral and multilateral partners, addressing Pakistan’s external financing needs.

    Nonetheless, Moody’s cautioned that the government’s ability to consistently implement reforms will be crucial to maintaining continuous financial support throughout the IMF program, ultimately reducing liquidity risks.

    The new IMF EFF requires Pakistan to undertake extensive reforms, including broadening the tax base, eliminating exemptions, timely managing and privatising energy enterprises, phasing out agricultural support prices and related subsidies, advancing anti-corruption measures, enhancing governance and transparency, and gradually liberalising trade policy.

    Moody’s also warned that rising social tensions, driven by the high cost of living—which could be exacerbated by increased taxes and future energy tariff adjustments—might hinder reform implementation. Furthermore, the coalition government may struggle to maintain sufficient electoral support to implement these challenging reforms consistently.

    An IMF report published in May highlighted Pakistan’s external financing needs, estimated at $21 billion for fiscal year 2025 (ending June 2025) and approximately $23 billion for fiscal years 2026-2027.

    Moody’s noted that Pakistan’s external position remains precarious, with substantial external financing requirements over the next three to five years.

    The country remains vulnerable to policy slippages, weak governance, and high social tensions, which could impair the government’s ability to advance reforms, complete IMF program reviews, and secure external financing.

  • Actress Sana Javed seen avoiding the camera in viral video

    Actress Sana Javed seen avoiding the camera in viral video

    Sana Javed’s response to people filming her without her consent has gone viral on social media.

    Sana is currently traveling with her husband, Shoaib Malik, who is participating in the Legends League.

    While in Birmingham with the team and their families, Sana was filmed without her permission. The actress, visibly uncomfortable, tried to shield her face from the camera with her hands.

    The video quickly spread on social media, sparking a heated debate.

    criticized Sana, claiming she was overreacting.
    Others defended Sana, saying the filming invaded her personal space and privacy. One supporter wrote, “One should respect personal boundaries, regardless of a person’s celebrity status.” Another added, “Celebrities should have the right to protect their privacy. The public should be more mindful of personal boundaries.”

    This incident with Sana Javed is not unique. Actress Dur-e-Fishan Saleem faced a similar situation when she was filmed without her knowledge and also received both criticism and support.

    As one user summed up, “Just because they are celebrities, it doesn’t mean they don’t have any feelings. They’re normal people who get affected by such behavior. The one who made the video should be ashamed.”

  • Marriage in Pakistan is no simple task, says actress Anam Tanveer

    Marriage in Pakistan is no simple task, says actress Anam Tanveer

    Actor Anam Tanveer recently discussed why getting married in Pakistan is harder than in other parts of the world during a podcast with FHM.

    Tanveer pointed out that in many other countries, people can marry who they love without considering religion, social status, or background. However, in Pakistan, these factors play a significant role.

    She gave examples: “In Pakistan, if a guy from DHA likes a girl from Malir, they often can’t marry because of where they live. This shouldn’t be the deciding factor.”

    She added, “If I live in North Nazimabad, a guy might think it’s a cheap and backward area and refuse to marry me. Today, people prioritize where someone lives over compatibility, education, or character. A guy from DHA usually marries a girl from the same area.”

    Tanveer also talked about her ideal partner, saying he should respect women, support his wife, and trust her career goals. She concluded by saying, “I haven’t met a single Pakistani man who respects women well.”

  • Babur Junaid Jamshed shares his father’s wish for Shahadat 

    Babur Junaid Jamshed shares his father’s wish for Shahadat 

    Junaid Jamshed, known for his music and devotion to Islam, left a lasting impact on both, a legacy now carried on by his son.  

    Recently, Babur Junaid appeared as a guest on the Nadir Ali podcast. He talked about the last conversation with his father and his last wish for martyrdom (Shahadat). 

    During the podcast, Nadir Ali respectfully requested permission to share Junaid Jamshed’s last voice note, provided by a close friend. 

    Nadir Ali said, “With your permission, I’d like to discuss your last moments with Junaid Jamshed. I would also like to talk about his last voice note, which was shared by Arsalan Bhai, who used to be with him. I’ve listened to the voice note, and I noticed that Junaid Jamshed often used to say ‘MashaAllah’ and ‘Insha Allah’ frequently, but in his last message, he said, ‘I will come to Karachi’ without adding ‘Insha Allah.’ It seems that Allah had other plans, and it was not meant to be.”. 

    Talking about Junaid Jamshed Shahadat 

    Babur Junaid Jamshed said, “I was at home when we heard about Baba’s news. My mother told me, but there’s something I’ve never told anyone before: he wished for martyrdom. He often said, ‘I acknowledge my faults and wrongdoings; I seek forgiveness,’ which is why he desired martyrdom. Embracing martyrdom was our father’s greatest wish; you wouldn’t believe that he consistently prayed for it. We would become concerned, and my mother would sometimes get upset with his prayers, but that’s how it was.” 

     Junaid Jamshed was a very good, kind, humble, and friendly person, qualities bestowed upon him by Allah.” Babur added.

  • Shehbaz-led government finds little support from allies

    Shehbaz-led government finds little support from allies

    As the federal government announced yesterday to ban the main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the ruling government’s key ally, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), distanced itself from the unexpected and controversial decision.

    PPP’s Information Secretary Shazia Atta Marri has clarified the party’s position by saying that PPP wasn’t consulted on the decision to ban PTI. Her remarks came after the Shehbaz Sharif-led government decided to ban the PTI and start high treason references against their leaders, including Imran Khan.

    Elaborating on the PPP’s stance, Marri said the party would discuss the government’s decision to ban the PTI.

    Meanwhile, Sindh Planning & Development and Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said that the PPP “is not in favour of banning any political party”.

    PPP’s Senator Sherry Rehman also confirmed Marri and Shah’s remarks about not being consulted and noted that the party had no idea that such a move by the Centre would be taken and that the party

  • Five heartfelt Nohas: Resonating stories of sacrifice and resilience

    Five heartfelt Nohas: Resonating stories of sacrifice and resilience

    During the month of Muharram, people from Shia communities worldwide find solace and a deep spiritual connection by listening to nohas, emotional elegies that pay tribute to the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S) at Karbala. Recited by noha khawans, who convey the sorrow, bravery, and resilience of Imam Hussain’s story, Nohas resonating deeply with the audience and providing comfort and inspiration.

    Nadeem Sarwar, Ya Hussain (A.S)

    This noha is renowned for its lyrics and emotional rendition by Nadeem Sarwar, invoking the spirit of Imam Hussain (A.S).

    Farhan Ali Waris , Ayyam e Hussain (A.S)

    Farhan Ali Waris is known for his soulful voice and deep connection to the tragedy of Karbala, reflected in this touching noha.

    Mir Hasan Mir ,Ya Ali (A.S)

    Mir Hasan Mir’s rendition of Ya Ali is highly respected for its lyrical depth and devotion to Imam Ali (A.S), resonating strongly with listeners.

    Shadman Raza, Abbas (A.S)
    Shadman Raza’s tribute to Hazrat Abbas (A.S) captures the bravery and sacrifice of Imam Hussain’s (A.S.) loyal companion in a poignant manner.

    Ali Shanawar, Zainab (S.A)
       Ali Shanawar’s noha Zainab honors the courage and resilience of Hazrat Zainab (S.A), depicting her pivotal role after the tragedy of Karbala.

  • Mobile phone services to remain shut in some areas of Punjab

    Mobile phone services to remain shut in some areas of Punjab

    Punjab government has decided that cellphone services would remain partially suspended on the 9th and 10th of Muharram in different parts of the province.

    The spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department says cellular services would be suspended only in the surrounding areas of processions and Majalis.
    “Mobile services will be partially suspended in Gujranwala, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Bhakkar, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, Rajanpur, Faisalabad, Bahawalnagar, Hafizabad, Gujrat, DG Khan and Jhang.”

    However, the spokesperson clarified that cellular services will not be completely suspended in any city of the province.

    In a bid to ensure safety of the citizens, the partial suspension of mobile signals will continue from 8am till 10pm during the 9th and 10th of Muharram, he added.

    The spokesperson informed that cellular network services will be suspended at 28 locations in Rawalpindi, 15 locations in Rahim Yar Khan, 11 locations in Mianwali and Bahawalpur.

    Meanwhile, the services will remain suspended at 10 places in Layyah, seven places in Muzaffargarh and six places in Nankana Sahib.

    The cellular service would remain active in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, Khushab, Sialkot, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara and Chiniot, the official statement asserted.

  • 47 per cent Pakistani women face domestic violence: Report

    47 per cent Pakistani women face domestic violence: Report

    The National Commission for Human Rights has issued a report revealing that a large number of women in Pakistan are victims of domestic violence.

    According to the evaluation, 47 per cent of Pakistani women face domestic violence, and this cycle continues even after marriage, which often ends in divorce.