Bani Gala can be seen decorated with lights and lanterns.
PM Imran Khan, in a special message, announced, “12th Rabiul Awal will be the biggest celebration in the history of Pakistan, the world will see that such joys have never been celebrated before.”
بارہ ربیع الاوّل کو ملک کی تاریخ کا سب بڑا جشن ہوگا، دنیا دیکھے گی کہ ایسی خوشیاں کبھی نہیں منائی گئی۔
بارہ ربیع الاوّل عیدمیلادالنبیﷺ جوش وخروش طریقے سے منانے پر وزیراعظم عمران خان کا خصوصی پیغام
Pakistan has been plagued by episodes of rape and abuse over the years that it has now become common to the extent that people have started normalising such acts.
Back in 2002, Mukhtaran Mai’s gang-rape was one of the most horrifying gang-rape incidents that were reported.
Another major incident that took place in 2014 was the Layyah gang-rape case, where a 20-year-old girl after being gang-raped, was found hanging from a tree. Such inhumane incidents haven’t stopped even now.
Two men stole her money and the jewellery she had on her. They then raped her in front of her two children in a nearby field and escaped.
The incident sparked national outrage but what happened next? Before the arrest of the two culprits, questions like “Why was she out on the motorway so late without a brother or husband? Why didn’t she check her gas tank before leaving the house? And if she had to travel, why didn’t she take the more public GT Road route?” were asked because, sadly, in our country ‘getting raped’ is the woman’s fault. Apparently, a woman gets raped because ‘she was driving alone, on the wrong road, at the wrong time, in the wrong place’.
Later, the motorway rapists were sentenced to death but rape cases continued to rise in Pakistan.
On October 12, 2020, our team started counting rape cases on a daily basis from 13 different sources, which included these newspapers: Dawn, The News, The Express Tribune, The Nation, Pakistan Today, Daily Times, Nawa-e-Waqt, Daily Jang. And from these websites: ARY News, Geo News Samaa News Dunya News Aaj News.
It is to be noted that the given stats only include the reported incidents, not the ones that go unreported.
During the process, we have included reported rape cases of girls, boys, women, men and transgenders. Moreover, we have divided the rape cases province-wise, according to which Punjab till date has the highest number of rape cases, i.e. 936 rape cases and 44 attempted incidents.
It has been a year since we have started posting our rape template daily to analyse the record of reported rape cases. We have collected the data of the entire year (October 12, 2020 to October 12, 2021) and prepared slides of reported cases of each month provinces-wise.
Provinces Categorisation:
Sindh
Till date, Sindh has recorded a total of 60 reported rape cases in which 10 are attempted incidents. 11.6 per cent of cases were reported in the month of April and August as per the graph.
Punjab
Punjab has recorded a total of 936 reported rape cases in which 44 are attempted incidents until now. 13 per cent of cases were reported in August.
Islamabad
The capital has recorded a total of 13 reported rape cases which no attempted cases until now. The reported cases are relatively low as compared to other provinces’ data. However, 38.46 per cent of rape cases were reported in June this year.
Balochistan
Balochistan has reported a total of 11 reported rape cases. Most of the months show zero reported rape cases, according to the graph.
KPK
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) has reported a total of 20 reported rape cases of which 2 were attempted incidents. The numbers throughout the months are quite the same.
Deaths (province-wise)
As per the graph, the death rate was high in the month of January i.e.14.5 per cent.
Numbers of the recorded cases after the highlighted incidents of 2021
After the following incidents, we noticed an increase in the reporting of rape cases.
Mufti Aziz-ur-Rehman: sexual assault case
On June 17, police registered a criminal complaint against Mufti Aziz after a male student accused him of sexual abuse. In the aftermath of a viral graphic video that showed Mufti engaging in sexual intercourse with the male student, who was the victim, the action was taken against Mufti Aziz. After the incident, we noticed an increase of 10.7 per cent in the reporting of rape cases in the month of June.
Usman Mirza’s sexual assault on a couple
Usman Mirza was arrested on July 7. He was seen torturing and assaulting a couple. He was also seen stripping naked a woman in the video. The video sparked outrage across Pakistan. After the petrifying incident, an increase of 9 per cent was observed in the reporting of rape cases in the month of July.
Noor Mukadam’s murder case
On July 20, Noor Mukadam, daughter of former Pakistani diplomat Shaukat Mukadam, was raped, beheaded and murdered, in a posh neighbourhood of Islamabad in July. Noor’s murder led to nationwide protests. After her murder, as per the reported cases we have monitored, there was an increase of 12.6 per cent in the month of August.
There are many more cases that are still unreported due to various reasons.
According to The News, official statistics obtained from the Police, Law, and Justice Commission of Pakistan, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Women’s Foundation, and provincial welfare agencies in 2020 revealed that there are at least 11 rape cases reported in Pakistan every day with over 22,000 rape cases reported to the police across the country in the last six years.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar, captain of Pakistan cricket team Babar Azam along with other cricketers and politicians have extended their prayers after a powerful earthquake of 5.9-magnitude hit several cities of Balochistan early Thursday morning.
Taking to Twitter, PM Khan directed all federal departments to fully assist the Balochistan government in provision of relief to the earthquake victims.
Prime Minister said the federal government will extend all possible assistance to Balochistan government in this difficult hour.
I have ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis for the Harnai, Balochistan, earthquake victims & for an immediate assessment of the damage for timely relief & compensation. My condolences & prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones.
CM Buzdar said that he is saddened by the loss of life and property caused by the earthquake in Balochistan.
“In this hour of sorrow, we stand with our brothers and are ready to assist the Balochistan government in every possible way in rescue activities,” he said in a tweet.
بلوچستان میں زلزلے سے ہونے والے جانی اور مالی نقصان پر انتہائی دکھ اور افسوس ہے-
دکھ کی اس گھڑی میں ہم اپنےبھائیوں کے ساتھ کھڑے ہیں اور ریسکیو سرگرمیوں میں بلوچستان حکومت کی ہر طرح سے معاونت کے لیے تیار ہیں!!
“Terrible to wake up to this sad news. Prayers with the lovely and brave people of Balochistan. I hope and pray that the situation remains under control with immediate rescue efforts. Stay safe and strong, Balochistan,” said Babar while extending his prayers on Twitter.
Terrible to wake up to this sad news. Prayers with the lovely and brave people of Balochistan. I hope and pray that the situation remains under control with immediate rescue efforts. Stay safe and strong, Balochistan. ❤️
Other cricketers also extended their prayers and wishes on Twitter.
Lots of prayers for everyone in #Balochistan. May Allah grant health to all those who are injured and give comfort to the families who have lost their loved ones. Duas for all the departed souls #earthquake
Gutted to hear about the #earthquake in Harnai. May Allah keep everyone safe and give patience to all the families who lost their loved ones. Prayers all the way
President Dr Arif Alvi expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in Harnai, Balochistan.
In a tweet, he condoled with the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.
میں ہرنائی، بلوچستان زلزلے میں جاں بحق ہونے والوں کے اہل خانہ کو تعزیت پیش کرتا ہوں۔اللہ انکی ارواح کو سکون نصیب فرمائے اور زخمیوں کو صحتیاب کرے۔ مجھے یقین ہے کہ صوبائی اور قومی ڈیزاسٹر مینجمنٹ اتھارٹیز فوری امداد فراہم کریں گی۔
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 7, 2021
A strong earthquake in different parts of Balochistan killed at least 20 people and injured more than 300 others.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), most of the deceased are children.
The quake affected Quetta, Sibi, Harnai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Ziarat and Zhob in Balochistan. The magnitude of the quake was measured at 5.9 on the Richter scale.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan shared a helpline number on Twitter for complaints and assistance.
081 111400400 PDMA balochistan Help line اس نمبر کو شیر کریں
Kindly share it with local and rest people, so that they can call and put their matter, complain, any assistance regarding the #harnaiearthquake
October five marks the birthday of Prime Minister Imran Khan, one of the most loved former cricketer in the history.
Imran Khan has fans around the world, as his stardom isn’t limited to Pakistan alone. Cricketing legends admire him for the skipper he was, leading Pakistan to its first and only ‘World Cup’ victory back in 1992.
Imran Khan was born in Lahore in 1952, October 5, 2021 marks his 69th birthday. Pakistan has been avidly wishing its leader, while celebrities also wished their PM.
Mama jee, one of the most crucial figures of my cricketing journey. His no compromise on punctuality actually made me a better cricketer and taught me things which will accompany me all my life. Respect your teachers, as they define your future. #WorldTeachersDaypic.twitter.com/9tKoSSXkvt
Happy birthday to our honourable Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI May Allah fulfill all your dreams that you’ve for the prosperity of Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/aKN76lvDBC
American Magazine ‘Newsweek’ has published an exclusive interview with Pakistani Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, conducted by its Senior Foreign Policy Writer Tom O’Connor.
PM Khan talked about the troubles occurring in Afghanistan, China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the US emerging close relations with Pakistan’s top rival India and shed some light on Sino-US rivalry.
In reply to a question by Tom about recognising the new Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, PM Khan said, “Pakistan is obliged to engage with the de-facto authorities in Afghanistan to prevent an economic and humanitarian collapse.”
“Once a government in Kabul establishes control over the entire country, it would legally qualify for recognition. However, Pakistan would prefer to reach a decision regarding recognition of the new government together with other neighbors of Afghanistan,” he added.
He stressed that the authorities in Kabul [Taliban] need to neutralise terrorist groups present in Afghanistan, particularly the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and said, “Pakistan will work with the authorities in Afghanistan to halt TTP and other terrorism from there.”
While answering the question about the US and China’s influence in South Asia after Washington’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, Khan stated, “The US can work with a new government in Afghanistan to promote common interests and regional stability and can play an important and positive role in Afghanistan by providing humanitarian assistance.”
“But if China offers economic support to Afghanistan, it’s natural that the Afghans will accept it. The Taliban have welcomed the prospects of being incorporated in the CPEC and establishing close relations with China,” he added.
Talking about the close ties between the US and India, PM Khan stated, “We understand that the U.S. military support to India is designed to contain China. However India will never confront China, especially not to serve U.S. strategic objectives. India’s purpose in arming itself so massively is to establish its hegemony in South Asia and especially to threaten and coerce Pakistan.”
“We believe that the current US-China rivalry is unnecessary and contrary to the interests of both these global powers,” he said while hoping that both countries will reach the same conclusion in the near future.
He concluded by saying that Afghanistan will only be stabilized through help and that the U.S., China and Russia and all other countries must “contribute” to reconstructing the country.
Pakistan T20 World Cup team met Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday. The cricketers were motivated after having a pep-talk with the premier.
Taking to their social media, Pakistani cricketers expressed their joy at meeting Imran Khan.
“Had a great meeting with the PM. Always a pleasure to learn from legend of the game himself,” wrote the captain of Pakistan cricket team Babar Azam on Twitter.
Had a great meeting with the PM. Always a pleasure to learn from legend of the game himself. pic.twitter.com/9l2M9gRfyJ
Hassan Ali wrote: “A great and much needed meeting with Pakistan’s greatest cricket hero of all-times. Thank you honourable prime minister @ImranKhanPTI for your time and the words of motivation. Pleasure meeting you always.”
A great and much needed meeting with Pakistan’s greatest cricket hero of all-times Thank you honourable prime minister @ImranKhanPTI for your time and the words of motivation. Pleasure meeting you always pic.twitter.com/9Qk3H1kcIC
Former West Indian captain Daren Sammy has said that there is no security problem in Pakistan. He also expressed his disappointment at New Zealand cancelling its Pakistan series due to “security reasons”.
Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, Sammy said that field experts are saying that if Pakistan is safe, then one should trust then. “I have been coming to Pakistan for the last 6 years, it has always been a good experience.”
While talking about New Zealand cancelling the tour, he said: “I was very disappointed with New Zealand’s decision. There is no security problem in Pakistan. I remember people used to ask me to go to Pakistan or not but now people ask me to go to Pakistan and play golf and eat.”
“نیوزی لینڈ کےفیصلے پربہت مایوسی ہوئی. پاکستان میں سیکورٹی کا کوئی مسئلہ نہیں. مجھے یاد ہےپہلےلوگ پوچھتےتھے پاکستان جائیں یا نہیں مگر اب لوگ پوچھتے ہیں پاکستان جاکر گالف کہاں کھیلیں کھانا کہاں کھائیں. “ ڈیرن سمی#GeoNews#NayaPakistanpic.twitter.com/lzmsQpExDV
He said that attacks have taken place in New Zealand and England, incidents have also been seen in Australia, and incidents are happening everywhere in the world but there is no noise. He also added that the situation in Pakistan has changed. “Earlier, people used to ask, is it safe to go to Pakistan? Now people ask where to go and eat in Pakistan.”
The New Zealand cricket team cancelled their tour shortly before the first ODI match against Pakistan on the grounds of security reasons, which has drawn frustration from cricket fans all over the world. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to take a strong stand against the New Zealand Cricket Board.
“Earlier today, New Zealand Cricket informed us they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series,” said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a statement.
“Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan Government made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams. We have assured the New Zealand Cricket of the same. The Pakistan Prime Minister spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and informed her that we have one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team,” said the statement.
“The security officials with the New Zealand team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Pakistan Government throughout their stay here,” it added.
The statement concluded, “PCB is willing to continue the scheduled matches. However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last minute withdrawal.”
The Black Caps reached Pakistan on September 11 and were set to play three ODIs and five T20Is. Spectators outside the stadium were set to enter the when the first ODI between the teams was called off just a few minutes before the toss.
Meanwhile, a sports journalist Elliot Smith has shared a statement that arrangements for the departure of NZ team are now being made.
Veteran comedian Umer Sharif requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to help him reach abroad, urgently for the treatment of an undisclosed illness in a video message recorded by anchor Waseem Badami.
The video clip, shared by Waseem on his social media, went viral and the fans started praying for Umer Sharif’s speedy recovery.
The clip showed the renowned comedian in a severely ill condition requesting PM Imran Khan to help him out as he always supported his Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital in all the ways he could.
A number of transnational showbiz stars sent their wishes and prayers for the legendary comedian on social media.
Actor and producer Adnan Siddiqui also took to social media to request PM Khan to help Umer Sharif get US visa. He also offered to extend any help required for his treatment.
Sir @ImranKhanPTI, I fervently request you to expedite US visa for veteran comedian #UmerSharif before it’s too late. Being here in US, am more than willing to extend any help required for his treatment. Expecting other industry folks to do whatever they can in their capacity. pic.twitter.com/8T9GqxDN0H
The widely circulated video grabbed the attention of the Special Assistant to Prime Minister who took to his Twitter handle and announced that the PM office is in touch with Umer Sharif on the directives of PM Imran Khan.
وزیراعظم کی ہدائیت پر وزیراعظم آفس ان سے رابطے میں ہے۔ بادامی صاحب سے صبح ہی بات ہو گئی ہے۔ جیسے ہی ہمیں بادامی صاحب سے درکار مزید معلومات ملتی ہیں اس پر فوری کام شروع کر دیا جائے گا۔ اور آپ کو اپ ڈیٹ رکھیں گے۔ https://t.co/7n5SaO9QBw
The King of Punjabi Pop and Bhangra, Daler Mehndi also appealed for prayer for the veteran comedian.
In a video message, the singer/composer speaked his heart out for Umer Sharif. He requested Imran Khan to also pay immediate attention to the matter and try his level best to save the comedy legend.
While Indian comedian and film actor Johnny Lever prayed for the speedy recovery of Pakistan’s comedy king Umer Sharif.
In a video message, the Dulhe Raja actor paid a rich tribute to Umer.
Johnny said, “Our beloved star Umar Sharif is unwell these days. I am so sad to hear this.”
The Bollywood actor also urged his fans to pray for Umar’s speedy recovery. “Umer bhai May God bless you with good health,” he added.
https://youtu.be/ggfMMQaAUAA
Meanwhile, anchor Waseem Badami took to Twitter and shared that he received a call from the Prime Minister’s Office and it said that all possible work would be done to ensure Umer Sharif’s early trip abroad.
Prime Minister Imran Khan is the most-followed politician on social media in the country with 14.2 million followers on Twitter, 11 million on Facebook, and 5.4 million on Instagram.