Tag: Top News

  • Karsaz case: All you need to know

    Karsaz case: All you need to know

    A speeding SUV collided with a car and rammed motorcyclists in the Karsaz area of Karachi on August 19 evening, killing a father-daughter duo and injuring a few others. Police arrested the woman driver, identified as Natasha, who is said to be from an influential background and possessed a British driving licence.

    Several clips of the incident have come to light so far, showing Natasha’s route and how she was taken into police custody after the accident.

    Update

    Natasha Danish acquitted in Karsaz accident case

    Natasha Danish, the main suspect in the Karsaz accident case, was acquitted by the City Court of Karachi on Thursday.

    At today’s hearing, the defence lawyer told the court that Natasha is ill and so she cannot appear in front of the court. Upon which, the court ordered that the accused should be produced before the court by 2 o’clock, and the hearing was adjourned till then.

    Later, affidavits submitted in the court by the victims’ families were accepted by the court, acquitting the accused from the case.

    Daily Pakistan reported that the families of the victims have submitted an affidavit in the court in which they mentioned that they have forgiven Natasha for the sake of Allah.

    Geo News also reported that Natasha was acquitted after a settlement was reached by the family of the deceased.

    During the hearing, apart from the family members of the victim, families of the injured persons were also present in the court.
    The hearing was adjourned till October 31.

    Natasha granted bail for one million in drug case

    The Sindh High Court has granted bail to Natasha Danish, the main suspect in the Karsaz fatal accident that killed a father and daughter, for driving under the influence of drugs.

    Justice Abdul Kareem Khan Agha of Sindh High Court heard the bail application in the drug case while Barrister Farooq H. Naik appeared in the court on her behalf.

    The lawyer contended, “Our application for bail in one of the FIRs pertaining the death of father and daughter has already been approved.”

    The public prosecutor, however, stressed that Natasha was under the influence of alcohol when she was driving, to which Farooq H. Naik said that the medical report is also ambiguous because methamphetamine was not present in the blood but was present in the urine.

    The court asked the public prosecutor about the amount of methamphetamine present in the urine sample to which the public prosecutor said that the medical report did not mention the quantity.

    Advocate Farooq H. Naik said, “My client has been undergoing treatment from a psychiatrist for years, it is also possible that some medicine has been given which has been mentioned in the medical report.”

    Justice Agha remarked that it is important to mention that the victims of this case have reconciled with the accused while the accused is also a mother of three children and has been in jail since the last one and a half months.

    After hearing the arguments of both parties, the judge approved the bail in the anti-narcotics case.

    The court ordered Natasha to submit a bond of Rs 10 lac.

    Natasha’s bail plea rejected again

    The bail plea of Natasha Danish, the main suspect in the accident that killed a father and daughter on Karsaz Road in Karachi, has been rejected yet again in the drug use.

    Additional District and Sessions Judge East Shahid Ali Memon heard the case today related to driving under the influence of drugs. The court rejected the bail application, stating that the reasons for the rejection of the bail application will be given in the written order.

    The verdict was reserved after today’s hearing.

    Natasha Danish’s lawyer Aamir Mansoob Qureshi had argued that, as a matter of principle, only one case should be registered for a single incident.

    However, State prosecutor Syed Khursheed Abbas Bukhari stated that the bail application, arguing that the case was still under investigation as the final charge sheet is yet to be submitted to the court.

    Earlier, Judicial Magistrate East Muhammad Raza Ansari also rejected the bail application of the accused during the last hearing, stating that this will have a negative impact on society.

    Judge dismisses Natasha’s bail plea in drug case

    Natasha’s lawyer on Monday challenged the judicial magistrate’s decision to dismiss their petition seeking bail in the drugs case associated with the Karsaz accident case.

    In today’s hearing, the judicial magistrate denied post-arrest bail to Natasha Danish in a drug case which was filed against her by the police as her medical report showed traces of methamphetamine (crystal meth), commonly known as ice, in her urine.

    However, Natasha’s lawyer challenged the decision in the sessions court, arguing that the judicial magistrate overlooked pivotal evidence in the bail petition.

    During the last hearing on September 6, the suspect was pardoned by the families of two victims killed in the accident when her car hit their motorbike.

    The lawyer had argued that the investigating officer “manipulated blood and urine samples” taken from his client.

    The court reserved its order.

    The order, given today by Judge Mohammad Raza Ansari, said that Danish’s lawyer could not satisfy the court regarding section 11 (drinking liable to tazir) of the Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order (PEHO) of 1979 stressing that the claim of blood and urine samples being manipulated was false.

    “There is nothing as such in the police’s file,” the court said.

    The court said that the nine objections raised by the suspect’s family had “no legal value”, adding that it was surprising that a “highly educated woman” was driving under the influence of drugs.

    The judge remarked that granting the suspect bail in the drug case would “have a negative impact on society”.

    However, the order has now been challenged before the Additional District and Sessions Judge (East).

    Natasha pardoned by victims’ family in Karsaz case

    The case of the fatal driving-under-the-influence accident that occurred on Karsaz Road in Karachi has reached its end after matters were settled between suspect Natasha and the victims’ families.

    Geo reported on Friday morning that the family of deceased Imran Arif and Amna Arif have prepared affidavits that will be presented today in today’s hearing of Natasha’s bail application.

    As per the reports, the heirs of the father and daughter who died in the accident will submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

    The NOC will be submitted by Imran Arif’s wife on behalf of his son Osama Arif and the other daughter.

    “We have forgiven the accused, in the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most Merciful,” says the affidavit being shared on social media, implying that matters have been settled between the two parties.

    The affidavit also states that the victims’ family have no objection to granting bail to the suspect because the accident that happened was not deliberate, and they have given this certificate without any pressure.

    Earlier 92 News reported Natasha Iqbal, the main suspect in the driving-under-the-influence fatal accident that killed a father and daughter at Karsaz in Karachi, will pay deeyat (blood money) to the relatives of the victims, multiple journalists are reporting.

    According to 92 News’ Shahid Hussain, as of Friday morning, the family of the victims has forgiven Natasha and will be paid a hefty deeyat amount. One relative might also get a job in the rich suspect’s company.

    Journalist Asad Toor shared affidavits allegedly showing the No-Objection Certificates the family has handed over to the court.

    Conflicting reports: Natasha forgiven ‘in the name of Allah’, no Diyat taken, reports Dawn

    The lawyer for the victims in the Karsaz case, Barrister Aziz Ghouri has denied the claims that diyat (blood money) was paid to the family, saying that the suspect was pardoned “in the name of Allah”, as per Dawn News.

    “[They have forgiven the suspect] out of court in the name of Allah”, according to the affidavit that has come forward,“ he asserted.

    “They (the family) are saying that they have forgiven because those who forgive have the highest stature,” he added while dismissing reports of bloodmoney being taken by the aggrieved party.

    Earlier, news platforms stated that Rs 5.5 crore was being taken as diyat compensation.

    The defence counsel, Advocate Amir Mansoob Qureshi, has also told Dawn that he is “not aware” of any compensation provided to the victims’ family.

    He also revealed that the court had not placed travel restrictions on Natasha and that his client could leave the country if she wanted, adding that the matter is resolved because the family has pardoned her.

    The courts have granted Natasha bail in the accident case, but Dawn’s Ishaq Tanoli reported that she would remain under custody until the conclusion of the narcotics case.

    Natasha and her husband’s bails were set for Rs100,000 and Rs50,000, respectively.

    Natasha to stay in jail until narcotics case resolved

    The hearing for the narcotics case is to be held on Monday. However, Jibran Nasir opined in a post on X that “unfortunately this FIR will likely be quashed because the wrong section has been applied by the Police. Methamphetamine (Ice or Crystal Meth) is not a scheduled drug under the 1979 Order [Hudood law]. The Correct section to apply should have been either Section 9(2) or Section 16 of the Control of Narcotics Substances Act 1997 as Methamphetamine is a prohibited psychotropic drug under the 1997 Act.”

    Notably, these offences are also non compoundable meaning the accused would have to face trial.

    Complainant’s counsel Barrister Aziz Ghouri (L) meets defence counsel Advocate Amir Mansoob Qureshi outside sessions court on Friday. — Photo courtesy: Screengrab taken from a video provided by the author

    Victims’ lawyer denies claims of family accepting diyat

    Victims’ lawyer Barrister Uzair Ali has told the media that his clients Amna and Imran Arif’s family informed him about pardoning Natasha early today.
    He also made it a point to mention that the victims’ family has not taken blood money.

    The Current spoke with Jibran Nasir to understand the course of the case, as a list of non-compoundable charges pressed against her is still intact. These are the charges stated, i.e., police have pressed against her, and they can only be solved if the court finds them redeemable.

    “Family has settled, which means they can’t care less what happens to the case,” he makes it a point to mention. “Separate proceedings will now take place for the court to recognise the settlement, which will result in dropping all compoundable charges,” he said regarding the upcoming hearing.

    Commenting on the non-compoundable charges, he said, “As for non-compoundable ones, the accused’s lawyer will try to get around and mislead the court. It would be up to the prosecutor and the Judge to ensure those charges stay.”

    Victims’ family accepts Rs. 5.5 Crore in Diyat in Karsaz case: ARY

    ARY’s Asghar Umer has reported that the victims’ family has accepted 5.5 crore rupees as Diyat. One member of the family will also be given a job in one of Natasha Danish’s companies as part of the deal in the affidavit.

    Natasha’s bail approved for 1 lac rupees

    Geo’s Amin Anwer reported that during the hearing, the victim’s lawyer told the court that the matters were settled between his client and the accused’s side. After that, the court granted Natasha bail for one lac rupees.

    Jibran Nasir says he is not part of the Karsaz case

    On Thursday, September 5, lawyer and activist Jibran Nasir, reported to be representing the deceased Amna Arif and her father in the Karsaz case, announced that despite his efforts, he has been unable to contact the victims’ family.

    “Hence, though I can comment on the case for public awareness purposes based on information made available through media I am not in a position to either represent or make any comments on behalf of the family,” he posted.

    Previous

    Details of the September 4 hearing

    A local court in Karachi issued notices to the prosecutor and complainant on Wednesday, September 4, summoning them on September 6 in the Karsaz accident case.

    On the other hand, Natasha Danish has filed a post-arrest bail application for Friday in the Karsaz traffic accident case.

    Validity of British nationality and driving license

    The defence lawyer, Aamir Mansoob Qureshi, submitted copies of Natasha’s passport and driving licence in court, stating that his client possesses British nationality and has a valid UK driving licence until 2031.

    He claimed that the British driving licence was internationally recognised and valid under Pakistani law for six months after arrival in the country.

    According to the council, she landed in Pakistan from London on August 2, which means she can legally drive there. He also argued that the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) section is “neither applicable nor can be inserted in this case”.

    The court summoned the deputy district public prosecutor (East), the investigating officer (IO), and the complainant for September 6.

    Bail in drug case

    Natasha Danish’s lawyer has also pleaded before the Judicial Magistrate (East) to seek bail in a drug case. The magistrate then issued notices to the complainant and the state prosecutor for September 6.

    The defence lawyer contested in court, stating that his client was innocent and falsely implicated in a case under Section 322 (punishment for qatl-bis-sabab) of the Pakistan Penal Code with “malafide intentions and ulterior motives”.

    Medical reports

    Natasha’s lawyer has also submitted her medical record of the ongoing psychiatric treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital that began 19 years ago. He argued that his client’s “judgment and perception were impaired, rendering her unable to foresee the consequences of her actions.”

    “Her [the suspect’s] medical condition significantly diminished her capacity to anticipate the outcomes, making it impossible for her to foresee any potential harm,” Advocate Qureshi argued.

    “The alleged incident was not a result of wilful negligence but rather an unforeseen accident possibly exacerbated by her medical condition,” he said, adding that it was “unjustifiable and excessive” to add Sections 322 and 320 (punishment for qatl-i-khata by rash or negligent driving) of the Pakistan Penal Code in the FIR.

    Contending the delay in results

    Lawyer Qureshi elaborated on the prosecution’s “malafide intention” by contending that the Investigating Officer collected the blood and urine samples on August 19 and submitted them for examination on August 21 with a two-day delay.

    “Therefore, the samples so collected could not be said to be in safe custody/ without any break of a chain of safe custody,” he argued.

    The counsel also mentioned that the IO had moved an application before the magistrate on August 22 to obtain blood samples of his client again, stating that he wanted to cross-check the sample with the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences at Karachi University.

    However, the court dismissed the plea, declaring that a report on the blood samples had already been awaited.

    Advocate Qureshi claimed that despite the court’s dismissal, the IO approached the jail authority and collected the blood sample “illegally and unlawfully under his nefarious design just to manipulate the samples to obtain a chemical examiner report of his own choice”.

    Natasha’s husband gets interim bail

    After taking protective bail from the Sindh High Court, Danish Iqbal, husband of suspect Natasha Danish, surrendered before the trial court and moved an application before the sessions court, seeking interim bail on Wednesday.

    After hearing his counsel, the court granted him interim bail against a surety bond of Rs. 100,000.

    However, the court issued notices for September 6 to the deputy district public prosecutor (East) for confirmation or otherwise.

    Details of the September 2 hearing

    The IO appeared before Judicial Magistrate (East) Muhammad Raza Ansari, while the suspect, Natasha, appeared in court on Monday via video link from the prison.

    The proceedings of the case are as follows:

    Exemption from in-person appearance

    The court allowed the suspect to be exempt from an in-person appearance after the defence lawyer moved an application under Section 540 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

    Deputy District Prosecutor (East) Muhammad Younus told Dawn that the exemption might have been granted due to “security concerns”.

    Charges of driving under the influence added

    The IO also informed the court that Section 100 (driving while under the influence of drink or drugs) of the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965 have also been included in the FIR.

    CCTV footage sent to Punjab Forensic agency

    He further stated in front of the judge that CCTV footage of the incident had been sent to Punjab Forensic Science Agency as per routine practice of the Sindh police due to the lack of sophisticated equipment in the provincial labs.

    Letter written to UK High Commission

    Additionally, a letter has been written to the UK High Commission to verify Natasha’s UK driving license.
    The IO also mentioned that letters had been sent to the concerned union council of the area and the traffic DIG regarding the damage to public property but their responses are still awaited.

    Condition of injured motorcyclist Abdul Salam

    When the court inquired about the condition of the injured persons, including Abdul Salam who was shifted to a ventilator due to critical condition, the IO informed the court that their condition had improved and provided details about the injuries they sustained.

    Request for additional time to submit interim challan

    The IO requested the court for a period of 14 more days to submit the interim challan, stating that the responses to the letters were pending.
    After hearing the IO, the court granted three days and directed him to submit the interim challan by Sept 5.

    Hudood charges added, Investigating Officer allowed to grill Natasha in Karsaz case

    On Saturday, August 30, a local court allowed an investigation team to grill Natasha Danish, the suspect in the Karsaz accident case, who is currently in jail. Additionally, a fresh case under the Hudood law has also been registered against her because of alleged drug use.

    Natasha Danish was arrested and sent to a women’s prison on judicial remand on August 21.

    However, on August 31, Sub-Inspector Shakir Rind, the investigating officer of the case, filed an application before Judicial Magistrate Javed Ali Korejo, seeking permission to interrogate the suspect in a new FIR lodged under Section 11 (drinking liable to tazir) of the Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order, 1979.

    In his order, the judicial magistrate stated that medico-legal officer Dr Zainab Irshad had issued a final medico-legal certificate (MLC) and said that it had been confirmed that the suspect was under the influence of methamphetamine, commonly called ‘ice’, at the time of the incident.

    Thus, based on this report, a new FIR was lodged against the suspect at the Bahadurabad police station. Since it was a cognizable offence, the investigating officer was fully empowered to arrest the suspect, who is already in judicial custody, after adopting all legal formalities as per law in prison.

    Hudood Law

    On Friday, the Bahadurabad police filed a fresh case under the Hudood law against Natasha Danish based on her medical report.

    Bahadurabad police Station House Officer Mohammed Naeem Rajput informed Dawn that a separate FIR was registered against Danish under Section 11 (drinking liable to tazir) of the Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order (PEHO) of 1979.

    Section 11 of the Hudood Order states that those found guilty of drinking but not liable for hadd punishment (as ordained by the Holy Quran or Sunnah) will instead be liable for tazir (any punishment other than hadd). The punishment may include imprisonment for up to three years, whipping not exceeding thirty stripes, or both.

    The law was invoked after medical reports confirmed that Natasha was under the influence of meth crystal.

    Meanwhile, police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed confirmed that Natasha’s “chemical analysis report is positive for methamphetamine in the urine sample.”

    The FIR also states that, in her final report dated August 29, the police surgeon said the suspect was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the accident around 6:30 p.m. on August 19.

    If she is found guilty she could be punished with imprisonment of a term which may extend to three years or with whipping not exceeding thirty stripes or with both.

    On the other hand, Jibran Nasir argued in a post on X that he could not understand why the PEHO law was invoked, as the scheduled drugs under this law did not include crystal meth, nor was there any notification or amendment adding the narcotic to the schedule.

    He claimed that an offence could only be made out under the Hudood law if the drugs included in its scheduled list were consumed.

    Earlier, a case was registered against the suspect with provisions of murder and attempted murder.

    The Current talked to lawyer and activist Jibran Nasir about the legal course of action available for the prosecution in light of the revelation. He explained that offences under the Provincial Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 would be added for driving under the influence of a prohibited drug. “Another section under the Control of Narcotics Substances Act 1997 (as amended in 2022) will be added for consumption of a drug,” he added.

    However, when asked if the nature of the case would change now, Jibran replied, “It will still remain manslaughter due to rash and negligent driving.”

    Explaining further, he asserted that “It cannot be termed a murder because the drugs were not consumed with the intention to run over somebody.”

    Notably, Natasha is still in police custody as a local court sent her on judicial remand for 14 days.

    Prohibited substance found in Natasha’s urine: medical report

    The presence of prohibited substance was found in the urine samples of the accused woman who killed the father and daughter riding a motorcycle and injured a few others on Karsaz Road.

    ARY News has reported that the substance is Ice.

    Read more: What will Natasha be charged with now that an illegal substance has been found in her medical report?

    Confirmation of IG Sindh Police

    Sindh Inspector General Police Ghulam Nabi Memon also confirmed the presence of crystal meth in her medical report. “The medical report confirms that she was under the influence of the drug methamphetamine,” he told Dawn.

    He said the driver’s medical reports were issued by the medical examiner’s office for the Sindh Government Services Hospital.

    The police have received the medical report of the vehicle’s driver, Natasha Danish.

    Geo’s Kashif Mushtaq reports that the presence of prohibited substances was found in urine samples of Natasha. However, the police has sealed the medical report for 2 to 3 days.

    Read more: Natasha on Ice: What does it do to your body?

    Probe against SUV used in the accident

    The luxury vehicle Natasha used in the Karsaz accident is registered in the name of a private company. The police team has decided to detain the owner of the vehicle for investigation.

    Delay of medical report

    On August 25, it was reported that the suspect’s medical report had not come out yet. Geo noted that it may take another two to three days. Samples received from the suspect have also been sent to two different laboratories, one in Karachi and one in Lahore.

    Investigative sources assert that the medical report will lead to progress in the investigation.

    British driving license confirmed

    The investigation team has confirmed that Natasha has a British driving license but an investigation into her foreign nationality is still going on.

    Charges of manslaughter added

    Investigative sources have also said that the case was weakened by adding sections 320 (punishment for qatl-i-khata by rash or negligent driving), 337-G (punishment for hurt by rash or negligent driving), 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way) and 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), all of which were bailable offences.

    However, the magistrate in the local court added that during the investigation, the Investigation Officer had added Section 322 (manslaughter) of the PPC, which is a non-bailable offence.

    Investigative sources say that in the case of murder, the death penalty can be 10 to 18 years in prison. The family of the victim can take the amount of blood money equal to the value of 30 thousand 360 grams of silver. As per the rate of silver this year, the amount of blood money could be around 68 lakh 50 thousand rupees. If the blood money is taken, the case will be over.

    Read more: Man injured in Karsaz accident is fighting for his life

    New footage

    New footage of the incident has gone viral. In it, the accused can be seen threatening a spectator with a raised finger, saying, “Tum mere baba ko nahi janty. ” This can be translated as “You don’t know my father.”

    In the video, she is surrounded by a huge crowd while she is protected by a group of rangers. Several social media criticized her for showing no remorse even after having killed two and injuring others.

    Amna’s uncle’s interview

    Amna Arif’s uncle and Imran Arif’s brother said that Natasha’s team had not approached them with any offers to influence their stance.

    Amna’s uncle, Imtiaz Arif, told the media that Pakistan People’s Party MNA Sharmila Farooqui met Imran’s wife and assured her that the Sindh government would cooperate with them until the suspect was punished.

    Imtiaz said, “At the beginning of the case, there was a despair that justice would not be served, but because of some people, there is now hope that the accused will be punished.”

    On the question of a deal, Amna’s uncle said, “No, we have not been offered any deal by the suspect, nor has there been any meeting in this regard, nor has our family any interest in it.”

    He further said that under Section 322 of the Penal Code, the accused should be punished to set an example in society.

    Natasha’s mental condition

    While her husband has claimed that she has been a psychiatric patient for some years, the doctors at Jinnah Hospital have declared her mental condition to be fine, reported Dawn News.

    New CCTV footage showing SUV ramming the car

    Geo News has revealed that new CCTV footage has emerged in the Karsaz accident case. The video shows that Natasha, the woman accused of killing a father and daughter on their motorcycle, hit a white car on the same road moments before the fatal collision.

    It can also be seen that as she hit the white car that came in front of her SUV, she slowed down for a moment and then sped up. Natasha hit the rear door of the white car, and she also hit two people on a motorcycle behind that car, causing them to fall from the bike. After that, the woman escaped by driving fast.

    The video also reveals that citizens and security guards immediately gathered after the incident.

    In the CCTV footage, the time of the incident is recorded as 11 past six in the evening.

    She then hit the father and daughter on the motorcycle, causing their death on the spot.

    Geo reports that police sources say that the woman was driving her car at high speed while fleeing from the previous incident and thus collided with the bike carrying the father and daughter.

    A court in Karachi has sent the woman accused of killing a father and daughter and injuring five others at Karsaz has been sent to jail on judicial remand.

    The suspect appeared before the court with her face covered.

    The case pertaining to the death of father and daughter was heard in the local court on August 21, where the police produced the accused in the court of a Judicial Magistrate.

    Geo News’ Amin Anwer reported that the police requested the accused’s remand for 14 days, on which the accused’s lawyer stated the provisions against his client were bailable. The investigating officer responded that Section 322 has been added to the case for murder, and Section 322 is non-bailable.

    The court asked the accused if the police tortured her, to which the woman said no.

    The court sent the accused to jail on judicial remand and ordered the investigating officer to present a challan in the next hearing.

    Fact Check

    Natasha, the accused woman, hasn’t fled the country.

    Multiple posts on social media claimed that Natasha had fled abroad after paying blood money.

    However, the suspect is still in Karachi and has been remanded in judicial custody.

    The iVerify Pakistan team has reviewed this content and declared it to be false.

    Footage aired on August 21 showed her being brought to a court and subsequently being sent on judicial remand.

    CCTV footage

    Geo News shared a CCTV footage of the incident.

    The case

    DIG-Traffic Ahmad Nawaz Cheema told Dawn that a Toyota Prado driven in an ‘extremely negligent manner’ by a woman hit a motorcycle while negotiating a turn from Tipu Sultan Road towards the service road of Muslim League House. The car then hit two more motorcycles and overturned after colliding with a parked car on the road.

    Samaa News reported that the driver has been identified as Natasha, who was arrested by the police. Her car has been impounded. She was found to own a British driving license.

    The victims, Imran Arif, 60, and his 22-year-old daughter, Amna, residents of Scheme 33, were taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, where they succumbed to their injuries.

    The videos of a woman being held by a crowd after the accident emerged on Tuesday, August 20, whereas the accident occurred on Monday evening when an uncontrolled vehicle crushed a motorcyclist and other pedestrians on Karsaz Road, killing a motorcyclist’s father and daughter and injuring five people.

    Geo News reported that the lawyer deemed the suspect a ‘psychiatric patient’ who has been under treatment for mental stress for the past five years—a claim corroborated by her husband.

    A first information report of the traffic accident was registered on the complaint of Imran Arif, the brother of the deceased.

    Samaa reports that the woman driver suffered a head injury and was taken to Jinnah Hospital.

    Police also initiated a medical examination to determine if she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

    Geo reports that, in her initial statement, she stated that the unfortunate incident occurred because of overspeeding.

    What does the friend of Ntasha has to say about her?

    The Current talked to a close friend of Natasha, and she asserted that Natasha is openly against drugs and alcohol. She is known to be a level-headed woman, a mother of three children, a daughter and two boys. She described her reaction after the accident as a state of shock because she neither drinks nor smokes.

    The friend made it a point to mention that even the mob pushing and hitting her and making videos of her is a typical display of mob mentality and violates her sanctity as a person.

    What do relatives of Amna and her father have to say about them?

    The relatives of the father and daughter expressed grief over their passing. Imran’s brother said that my brother was a pious man. “He loved her daughter like Prophet (PBJUH) loved His,” he shared sadly. Another uncle demanded justice for Amna and her father.

    The neighbours told Aaj News that Imran used to sell finger chips and worked really hard to support his eldest daughter’s education. The family slowly became stable with Amna’s job, yet this accident changed everything. According to an Aaj News correspondent, the family is now suffering, and the mother has lost consciousness.

    Amna did her MBA from Karachi University. In one of her colleagues’ social media posts, she said that she specialized in Data Science. Her last text is being shared widely, in which she referred to herself as an MBA student asking to fill out a survey for her thesis.

    The colleague talked to The Current, and he shared, “Amna was a humble and determined individual, dedicated to supporting her middle-class family and their future goals. She had a very amiable nature, supporting her friends during challenging times, and exuded a cheerful personality. Her dream was to complete her MBA after she took on the responsibility for all her family members.”

    Amna worked as a Business Consultant for the Systems Limited. In a viral social media post, the company has made an Obituary Announcement in Amna’s honour.

    Kanwal Ahmed, the founder of Soul Sisters Pakistan, recently shared a screenshot of the deceased victim, Amna Arif’s note for her mother, which she posted in the group where she expressed gratitude for her sacrifices. In a heartfelt note, Amna said that her mother sold clothes just to meet the expenses of her education. “Her sacrifices knew no bounds. She put her own dreams on hold and sold clothes from home to provide with us with the best education we deserved. Her selflessness was unparalleled,” she had recounted.

  • ‘Karachi boy’ in Islamabad: Asad Monga championing culinary diplomacy at SCO summit

    ‘Karachi boy’ in Islamabad: Asad Monga championing culinary diplomacy at SCO summit

    Random scrolling on Instagram sometimes lands you in the right spot. It happened with me when I saw Asad Monga’s post about having participated in the SCO Summit as a chef.

    It was fascinating how he introduced himself as a boy from Karachi whose love for cooking weathered all the seasons of his life and took him to the corridors of power.

    In his Instagram post, Asad shared his insights about Culinary Diplomacy and his experience at SCO in these words: “The SCO summit was a warm display of Pakistan’s efforts to welcome global leaders with our hospitality and show our willingness towards stronger regional ties and a better Pakistan. Maybe if we are to consistently soften our image on the global stage, the first foot forward is Culinary Diplomacy and Hospitality.”

    Asad was summoned by the government of Pakistan to assist with the Dinner & Lunch service carried out for world leaders at the SCO summit in Islamabad. It was such a moment that he had to document it all on his account with a behind-the-scenes photo dump, giving credit to all those who helped him in the process.

    Asad is otherwise known for culinary retreats to understand seasonality in Pakistan and explore the use of fresh produce to curate meals.

    Asad Monga on his culinary retreats

    I sent him a message, and after a delay of some days, he replied. He was kind enough to actually explain to me the work environment of a kitchen, which he described as “an activity of trouble-shooting”. The reason behind this is that they are working with hands, and things are constantly changing as it involves too many variables, which one needs to keep in check, yet it is not something you cannot control. “We were doing a 15-16 hours shift in a day,” Asad told me.

    His reasoning for making this a career left me in awe as he delineated that he decided to go for culinary arts as a subject to study for his undergrad because he wanted to do something with his hands. I did my A-levels from Karachi, and when everybody was deciding where to go for college, “I didn’t want to do a traditional degree, so I thought I wanted to do or learn something from my hands, and I wanted to have a skill-based profession. So I applied for culinary school, and I did a degree program in Kuala Lumpur and France,” Asad said, adding that he had completed his initial training and internships there as well. After his arrival back in Pakistan, he has been associated with different kitchens ever since 2011.

    This got me to ask him how his experience of over a decade landed him this opportunity. To this, he replied that he was recommended by Okra- his previous place of work, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry reached out to him, and he put together a team to accompany him to Islamabad. In the capital, they collaborated with the team at Serena Hotel, where they prepared a nice mix of dishes, keeping in mind the sensitivities of global leaders.

    With utmost modesty, Asad gave credit to his team, describing that it was “a full team effort,” as he was just a part of this big machinery, and he considers himself lucky to have been selected for this job.

    Asad with the team at Islamabad’s Serena Hotel

    Speaking about his team, Monga introduced me to two other chefs, one from Karachi and the other from Lahore. Ramsha is from Karachi, and she runs a restaurant called d.brew’d on I. I Chundrigarh road. Another team member was Rabia from Lahore, who runs a restaurant called For the Table. “My team helped me execute all the things to the level I wanted and our stakeholders were expecting of us”. Asad said emphatically.

    Speaking on behalf of the team, he said, “We had a great time and had lots of learning, considering it was such a high-profile event. So many little things needed to be taken care of, which was a great information knowledge for us.”

    Shedding light on his experience at the Serena Hotel, Asad recalled it as something that stood out for him in this journey. “What stood out for me was the team at Serena and how committed, professional and welcoming they were,” he mentioned exuberantly. He elaborated this by saying that this is usually not the case when you enter somebody else’s kitchen.

    Asad Monga at Serena Hotel for SCO Summit 2024

    Famous chef Julia Child once said no matter what happens in the kitchen never apologize but most of all I was interested in knowing all the details from inside the kitchen so I asked Asad about the menu and all thay transpired in the kitchen.

    The menu has a mix of some Pakistani food and some international food. About the spice content and the making of the dishes, he commented, “Of course, we had to keep in check all the sensibilities of the global leaders that were coming in.” He further added that he and his team kept a nice mix of dishes in the overall menu which required the spices to be kept at a “base level” which means neither high nor low but flavourful.

    The food they made was a mix of some Pakistani, Asian and Western food. There were Mutton Chops and Keemay-walay Naan for Pakistanis and salmon to add a touch of Continental. Asad very interestingly pointed out how some indigenous dishes were recreated for the occasion. For example, they made a Dao Dao Soup, which is a Hunza special.

    He recounted how the dessert was specially made, keeping in mind the time of the year, which is the fall season. It had stewed apples with peanut butter cream and some dehydrated apple flowers on top of the apple crumble. “This was a play on apple crumble,” he ingeniously pointed out. “It’s funny, this was the first dessert I ever made, and I got an opportunity to serve it on such a big platform,” he added further.

    Last but not least, Asad Monga stressed how this experience changed his perspective on the people in the government. “You know, you always have a stereotypical image in your head about the people working in the government, and that was completely changed for me as I saw some really capable, hardworking, accountable, responsible people working for the foreign office and beyond. They had a very invested outlook and they were very keen because the image of Pakistan is on the line,” he emphasized while adding that this was his first experience of seeing things up close.

    Praising his collaborators further, he said that they were really hospitable towards his team. “I was feeling happy and proud that these people were given the charge to execute this kind of function.”

    Talking to him transported me to the world of Ratatouille, and I was no less than Linguini. Meanwhile, him having the calmness of Gusteau, the sharpness of Colette and the passion of Remy. It is such an enviable combination for a chef to have and all that a culinary artist aspires for.

  • PTI protest causes 240 million in damages

    PTI protest causes 240 million in damages

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) recent protests in the federal capital devastated 240 million rupees of private and public property.

    The Islamabad Inspector General’s office submitted a report to the Islamabad chief commissioner, which claimed that the federal capital’s 441 safe city cameras worth 140 million rupees were damaged, Geo News reported.

    One policeman was martyred, and 31 were injured, the report maintained.

    Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur had led the protest that was staged in Islamabad in a disorganised manner.

    Ali Amin Gandapur did not show up at D-Chowk. He instead went to KP House Islamabad and then disappeared . Surprisingly, he reappeared in the provincial assembly after one day.

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, while condemning the PTI’s recent protests, stated, “Such incidents are a replica of 2014-15 incidents when a sit-in was staged for months and was not called off despite the announcement of the Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan without bothering about its impact on the country’s image and national economy.”

    Addressing the federal cabinet, he further claimed, “We will not allow it to be repeated. We will not tolerate it at any rate, at any cost. This is my promise. I will not let it happen.”

  • Social media can’t stop laughing at Maleeka Bokhari calling Imran Khan ‘abba’

    Social media can’t stop laughing at Maleeka Bokhari calling Imran Khan ‘abba’

    Netizens took a jab at Barrister Maleeka Ali Bokhari for a post in which she wished a happy  birthday to the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, on X (formerly Twitter).

    The former Prime Minister is celebrating his 72nd birthday in Adiala jail, Rawalpindi.

    Former Member National Assembly (MNA) Maleek Ali Bokhari took to X (formerly Twitter) to post, “Happy birthday to our abba, my inspiration and leader who taught me to dream big, fight injustices & be proud of my identity. May Allah always protect you and give you a long life. Ameen.”

    One user wrote: “how abba.”

    Another user wrote, “Please leader ko leader rehny dain, abba mat banayein.

    And one online user expressed, “Please correct the system’s abba.”

    In a emotional way, a PTI affiliated account replied, “Happy Birthday father of the nation. Our superstar”

  • No political martyr, no Governor Raj: Faisal Karim Kundi

    No political martyr, no Governor Raj: Faisal Karim Kundi

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has ruled out the option of imposition of Governor Raj in the province, stating that he didn’t want to turn Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) “from a political orphan to a political martyr,” Dawn News has reported.

    Speculation of Governor Raj arose after a meeting between Faisal Karim Kundi with Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad .

    Later, Speaking to Hum News, Kundi maintained that he didn’t want to give the PTI any extra sympathy above what it had already garnered.

    Journalist Waseem Abbasi reported that the PTI caravan led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is just 35 kilometres away from Islamabad.

    Meanwhile, regarding the possibility of Governor Raj in KP province, interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that a decision could be made after a meeting of the KP Governor with PM Shehbaz Sharif.

  • ‘Agar Ali Amin Gandapur Islamabad enter huwy unkay baal aur moonchay kaati ja sakti hain,’ Asif Bashir Chaudhry

    ‘Agar Ali Amin Gandapur Islamabad enter huwy unkay baal aur moonchay kaati ja sakti hain,’ Asif Bashir Chaudhry

    Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur has been warned by powerful officials that he will face severe consequences if he dares to enter Islamabad.

    Speaking on the YouTube channel Talk SHOCK, journalist Asif Bashir Chaudhry claimed that Islamabad’s high-ranking official has reportedly sent a warning message of severe consequences if Gandapur enters the federal capital, adding, “There is no guarantee that his hair and moustaches will not be shaved off.”

    Yesterday, the Islamabad expressway was sealed in various locations. The metro bus in Rawalpindi was also suspended till further notice. And Motorcycle pillion riding is also banned.

    Meanwhile, speaking from Islamabad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi claimed that 80 Afghan citizens have been arrested from Islamabad so far.

    He also said that 80 police officials were injured following the stone pelting of protestors.

  • Mohsin Naqvi requests PTI to postpone protests

    Mohsin Naqvi requests PTI to postpone protests

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has requested Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership to postpone the party’s protests scheduled for today at Islamabad D Chowk.

    Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, Naqvi said, “We have requested PTI leadership yesterday that this is not the right time to protest; it is their right to protest but not the way they are doing.”

    On sealing the roads of Islamabad, he apologetically said, “We have to ensure the security of our guests who are coming from Peshawar. We have to make them realise that they are in a safe country.”

    The e incumbent government is requesting PTI to delay its protests because the Prime Minister (PM) Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim is in Pakistan, while top officials of Saudi Arabia and China are going to visit Pakistan soon.

    Meanwhile, PTI leader Zain Qureshi said that if the government delays tabling constitutional amendments till October 23, then their party would also delay the protests and rally, adding: “All issues will be resolved.”

  • Islamabad complete seal ho gya, Lahore ma Rangers pohanch gai

    Islamabad complete seal ho gya, Lahore ma Rangers pohanch gai

    As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for what it has said will be peaceful protests in Islamabad, the federal capital has been entirely sealed off, including major roads.

    The local administration of Islamabad has imposed section 144 while mobile phone services have been suspended in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and all link roads have also been blocked. Security is on high alert, and double-layer containers have been put on the Faizabad bridge, Geo News reported.

    Barbed wires have been placed at D Chowk Islamabad, and additional police and rangers have also been deployed; Capital police have arrested three individuals from D Chowk till now.

    Precariously, the Islamabad expressway has been sealed in various locations. The metro bus in Rawalpindi has also been suspended till further notice. And Motorcycle pillion riding is also banned.

    Punjab Interior Ministry has also imposed section 144 in Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha. Rangers have been called in at Lahore, Rawalpindi and Attock.

    A notification issued by the Punjab Interior Ministry stated that three company services of Rangers have been requisitioned for October 5 in Lahore.

    Lahore’s entry points have also been halted with containers including Babu Sabu interchange, Thokar Niaz Baig, and Lahore Sialkot motorway.

  • Netizens react hilariously to Ali Muhammad Khan’s post on 63-A verdict

    Netizens react hilariously to Ali Muhammad Khan’s post on 63-A verdict

    Social media users criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senator Ali Muhammad Khan for a tweet he posted after the Supreme Court’s October 3 decision to withdraw the 2022 verdict on the interpretation of Article 63-A of the constitution.

    In a major relief to the government, the Supreme Court on Thursday accepted a review petition against its 2022 verdict regarding the defection clause under Article 63-A.

    In its 2022 verdict, the SC had ruled that votes of elected members of the parliament that are against the parliamentary party’s decision should not be counted in voting.

    The PTI senator took to X (formerly Twitter), to post, “Horse Trading ”.

    Social media was taken aback at the short post. “Ali Khan sb; I urge you to take action and lead protests instead of focusing on tweets only! You were once looked upto by so many; now your allegiance is being questioned?! Please stand up for the people before people eventually stand up against all!”

    Another PTI-affiliated account commented: “Taqreer ready rakhen janab.”

    One X user quoted his tweet, writing, “Qazi just reversed his decision after this tweet.”

    And one user wrote, “Is say ziada mehnat tu yeh baal straight krnay main lga deta hai.”

  • ‘Bugging device found in bathroom after Netanyahu meeting,’ reveals Boris Johnson

    ‘Bugging device found in bathroom after Netanyahu meeting,’ reveals Boris Johnson

    Former Prime Minister (PM) of Britain Boris Johnson has disclosed that after meeting with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a bugging device was found in his bathroom of the foreign office.

    Boris Johnson wrote in his memoir, “Unleashed”, that in 2017, when he was Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Israel’s PM went to the bathroom after meeting with him; when he came out, the security discovered the listening device which Netanyahu had used during their meeting, The Telegraph reported.

    Johnson further wrote, “Thither Bibi repaired for a while, and it may or may not be a coincidence, but I am told that later when they were doing a regular sweep for bugs, they found a listening device in the thunderbox.”

    The former Tory MP said Mr Netanyahu had excused himself during talks at his old office to use the washroom, described as “a secret annex… a bit like the gents in a posh London club.”

    It should be mentioned here that in 2019 the United States (US) accused Israel of placing cellphone surveillance devices near the White House and other key locations in Washington, DC.