Tag: Top News

  • Jahangir Tareen faces tough challenges in Lodhran

    Jahangir Tareen faces tough challenges in Lodhran

    As the nation gears up for the upcoming general elections, political tensions have intensified in Lodhran district, specifically between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the newly emerged Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP).

    Failure to reach a seat adjustment formula between the two parties may result in a challenging electoral battle for Jahangir Tareen, the chief of the IPP, in his native district of NA-155.

    Reports from Dawn indicate that Jahangir Tareen, strategically evaluating the situation, has taken preemptive measures by filing nomination papers for NA-149 in Multan as well.

    Tareen has submitted papers for two National Assembly seats and four Punjab Assembly seats, indicating a readiness for multiple contingencies.

    The primary contender against Tareen, PML-N’s Abdul Rehman Kanju, has publicly opposed any seat adjustment with the IPP. Kanju has urged the party leadership not to impose such an arrangement, potentially setting the stage for fierce competition in Lodhran.

    Amid this uncertainty, 14 candidates have submitted their nomination papers for NA-154 (Lodhran), including notable figures such as Abdul Rehman Kanju and Imtiaz Begum.

    Meanwhile, 14 candidates who submitted their nomination papers from NA-154 (Lodhran) include PML-N divisional president and ex-interior state minister Abdul Rehman Kanju, and his mother Imtiaz Begum, PTI leader Akhtar Khan Kanju (an uncle of Abdul Rehman Kanju), ex-MNA Nawab Amanullah Khan, Ajmal Khan Kanju, Rana Faraz Noon, Rana Afzal Noon, Pir Raza Shah, Imdadullah Abbasi of PPP, Sohail Khan Kanju, Muhammad Zubair, Zafar Iqbal, Irfan Ahmed and Ismat Bibi.

    As many as 20 candidates have filed papers from NA-155, including Jahangir Tareen, former MNA Siddique Khan Baloch, ex-MNA of PTI Muhammad Iqbal Shah, his son, ex-MPA Aamir Iqbal Shah, Mudassar Jahanzeb Shah, Rana Muhammad Rafiq of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), Shah Nawaz of the PPP, Ziaul Rehman Tamimi of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Sajid Iqbal of Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, Saleem Abbas of Saraiki Democratic Alliance, Muhammad Akram Qaiser, Muhammad Qasim, Ghulam Mustafa, Wasim Ahmed, Ahmed Deen Malik, and Nafees Murad Meo.

    A total of 19 candidates have filed papers from provincial assembly constituency PP-225 (Lodhran -1), They include Abdul Rehman Kanju, ex-minister Jail Zawwar Hussain Waraich, ex-MPA Pirzada Jahangir Bhutta, Tahir Hussain Khan, Muhammad Razaq, Muhammad Saleem Akhtar, Ashiq Hussain Baloch, Imran Habib Bhutta, Kaleem Hassan, Ali Hassan, Nadira Hayatullah, Aftab Ali Babar, Muhammad Mubeen, Mumtaz Hussain Baloch, Shazia Hayat Tareen, Intizar Ahmad Attari, Muhammad Yuosuf, Rab Nawaz Khan and Waseem Abbas.

  • Benazir Bhutto left us 16 years ago today

    Benazir Bhutto left us 16 years ago today

    It has been 16 years since former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a brutal suicide attack on December 27, 2007.

    Bhutto, daughter of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was born in Karachi in 1953. Her political career started after the judicial murder of her father. Benazir formally stepped into practical politics by establishing the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD). In consequence, she was held in the jail in solitary confinement.

    Post Zia-ul-Haq’s death, Bhutto came back from exile, campaigned for the elections, and became the first female Prime Minister of the Muslim world on December 2, 1988. At 35, she was also the youngest elected Prime Minister in the world. She became Premier for the second time in 1993 and remained in exile during the military regime of Parvez Musharraf.

    In her book “Reconciliation” she wrote, “I suffered the punishment of my father’s arrest, imprisonment, and murder, and I knew that such wounds of the soul never heal. I was ready to do anything to spare my children from the pain I endured at my father’s death. However, this was the only thing I could not do.”

    Upon her arrival back in Pakistan in October 2007, she survived a suicide attack that took the lives of hundreds of supporters but Bibi remained unfazed and went on with her campaign. In every meeting, she used to declare, “I have risked my life for democracy in Pakistan.”

    She became the first high-profile victim of terrorism. The plague of terrorism is rampant again and the controversy around her death stands out as one of the leading factors behind the deficit of trust between the masses and the leaders.

    “With the country facing what is perhaps the most difficult and testing time in its history, the loss of Benazir Bhutto is felt more than ever. The long shadow of despotism is hanging over the country yet again…She had the intellectual capacity to engage with even her strongest critics, a quality rarely found in our political leaders. Her loss is more than that of a political leader. She came to symbolise the unity of an uneasy federation. Her death exacerbated political divisions and polarisation,” senior journalist and author Zahid Hussain sheds light on the contribution of the iconic leader.

  • 120 Kilos Of Cocaine Wash Up On Australian Beaches

    120 Kilos Of Cocaine Wash Up On Australian Beaches

    Australian police said Wednesday they were scouring beaches after mysterious packages believed to contain more than 120 kilograms (260 pounds) of cocaine washed up over the Christmas period.

    A first batch of 39 barnacle-encrusted, one-kilogram bricks of suspected cocaine was discovered on Friday near Magenta Beach, north of Sydney, police said.

    Since then, another 85 packages of  the same size had been spotted along about 80 kilometres (50 miles) of the New South Wales coastline, state police said.

    Police urged people to report any suspicious packages, Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein said in a statement.

    “Detectives and specialist police are currently combing beaches and coastlines for any outstanding packages and working behind the scenes to make sure we find and hold accountable those responsible,” said Weinstein, who is director of the state’s crime command.

  • PML-N raises objections to Imran Khan’s nomination papers from NA-122 Lahore

    PML-N raises objections to Imran Khan’s nomination papers from NA-122 Lahore

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Mian Naseer has challenged the nomination papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from NA-122 Lahore.

    The PML-N leader raised an objection to the nomination papers of the former prime minister, saying that Imran Khan is convicted while his sentence is suspended, not over, in the Toshakhana case.

    The PML-N leader further said in his objections that the nomination papers of the former prime minister should be rejected due to his conviction.

    However, the Returning Officer (RO) said that the decision on Imran Khan’s nomination papers will be made after hearing objections raised.

    On the other hand, the scrutiny of the nomination papers of PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and vice president Hamza Shehbaz has been completed.

    Objections have also been filed on the nomination papers of PML-N senior vice president Maryam Nawaz for the Punjab Assembly seat PP 80 from Sargodha.

  • Kya PTI leaders mein larai chal rahi hai?

    Kya PTI leaders mein larai chal rahi hai?

    As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming general elections, internal tensions have surfaced within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), notably between leaders Taimur Khan Jhagra and Sher Afzal Marwat.

    The disagreement revolves around Marwat’s decision to enter the electoral race in Peshawar.

    Jhagra, a prominent PTI leader hailing from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has expressed objections to Marwat’s choice to contest the elections scheduled for February 8 next year from the NA-32 constituency in Peshawar.

    During a recent statement, Jhagra emphasized, “It would be more fitting if a leader from Peshawar contested from that constituency.”

    He underscored that the party, rather than individual leaders, should determine the candidates’ election constituencies.

    In response to these objections, Marwat, in an interview with Geo News, stated that he has no personal interest in participating in the elections.”The PTI founder has directed me to contest elections from Peshawar,” he added.

    Marwat, who has already submitted his nomination papers, reiterated his commitment to contesting elections from Peshawar as per Imran Khan’s instructions.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reported a significant influx of nomination papers, receiving a total of 28,626 submissions from aspiring candidates across the country vying to participate in the upcoming polls.

    As per the ECP’s data seen by Geo News, 7,242 men and 471 women have filed nomination papers for national assembly seats (general), whereas for provincial assemblies, the number stands at 17,744 and 802, respectively.

    The ECP is currently scrutinising the nomination papers filed by the candidates with the stage set to culminate on December 30 (Saturday).

    Meanwhile, appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers can be submitted by January 3, and decisions on these appeals will be made by January 10.

    The top electoral body will issue the list of candidates on January 11, with candidates having the option to withdraw until January 12 i.e., before the ECP allots electoral symbol on January 13.

    As per the data shared by the ECP, a total of 459 and 1,365 nomination papers have been received by the electoral body for the reserved seats for national and provincial legislature, respectively.

    Meanwhile, on the reserved seats for non-muslims, 361 men and 32 women have submitted their nomination papers for provincial assemblies. For national assembly seats, the number stands at 140 and 10, respectively.

    A total of 7,713 people have submitted their nomination papers for national assembly seats (general), with the number standing at 18,546 for provincial assemblies (general).

  • ‘Free Palestine’; Macklemore reinstates support for Gaza

    ‘Free Palestine’; Macklemore reinstates support for Gaza

    Rapper Macklemore, a vocal supporter of the Palestine cause, has again reiterated support for Gaza during a concert in Seattle on December 21 at the Climate Pledge Arena. Before this, Macklemore had been on a successful tour in the United States and Europe for his new album ‘Ben’.

    He began with his famous song ‘Thrift Shop’ and another one from his latest album. Then, he talked about the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza and expressed his support for a free Palestine. Macklemore has been supporting this cause throughout the war. During the concert, he dedicated about four minutes to speak about the situation, using a style that resembled a poem.
    This isn’t the first time Macklemore has spoken out about the Gaza conflict. He had addressed the issue during a large protest in Washington D.C.

    “There isn’t a drop of antisemitic thought in my head or my blood. Never again means never again for all. Have we not learned the lessons?”
    “I love my Jewish brothers and sisters so much and my perspective is one that’s saying ‘Free Palestine’ is also rooted in your protection.”

    Macklemore didn’t hesitate to say that the attacks in Gaza are a genocide.
    “I want every soul in this arena to feel the reflection of love, but there’s innocent humans out in Gaza getting murdered with our dollars and those precious human lives are an extension of us.

    “The word genocide is such a point of contention for some. And it’s more hurtful than seeing dead babies getting pulled out of the crumbled cement and the dust. Comparative suffering leads to believing the lie: there’s a them and there’s a us.”

    He continued,
    “At some point, we drew lines in the mud based on the color of our skin, the Gods we worshipped, and the Divine up above. And historically, we’ve exploited black and brown bodies to climb up the rungs, but the ladder doesn’t work when it depends on the oppression of some.”

    Macklemore’s speech had even more significance because he spoke at the end of a big world tour and in his hometown of Seattle, in front of a huge crowd.
    “When I say ‘Free Palestine’, it’s not because I’m against anyone, it actually means we should protect everyone. It means equality for all, respect, peace, and love. It means a right to exist regardless of what sector you’re from,” Macklemore said.
    At the end of his speech, the artist shared a simple message, and the thousands of fans in the 18,000-capacity arena cheered loudly.
    “And imma say it till I die, with my chest to the sky. Free Palestine, the message is love.”

  • Candidate doesn’t need to appear before ROs to submit nomination papers, says ex-secretary ECP

    Candidate doesn’t need to appear before ROs to submit nomination papers, says ex-secretary ECP

    Former Secretary of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad, said on Wednesday that election candidates don’t need to appear before returning officers (ROs) to submit their nomination papers or for scrutiny of papers.

    Candidates who are hiding or proclaimed offenders need to appear before ROs to submit their nomination papers; otherwise, their nomination papers will be rejected.

    As per Section 62 of the Election Act of 2017, the election candidate is not required to be present at the time of submitting nomination papers.

    Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad also said that former President General Pervez Musharraf said in 2002 that a candidate needs to appear before RO to submit their nomination paper.

    The election order was illegal as Musharraf was targeting former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif at that time, and he wanted to keep Banazir and Nawaz Sharif out of the elections.

    He said that in 2007, the ECP amended the Election Order 2002, after which Bhutto and Sharif did not need to submit their nomination papers and appear in person at the time of scrutiny.

    “At the time of scrutiny of nomination papers, the candidate’s election agent, proposer and a voter who has registered an objection under sub-section (1) shall be present. The returning officer shall give him reasonable opportunity of scrutinising all nomination papers. Nowhere in this section is mentioned that the candidate must be present before the returning officer at the time of submission of nomination papers or scrutiny,” he added.

  • Priyanka Chopra joins calls for peace in Gaza

    Priyanka Chopra joins calls for peace in Gaza

    Priyanka Chopra is the latest celebrity to join the calls for peace in Gaza. On Monday she reshared a post by UNICEF on Instagram in support of the ceasefire in Palestine as thousands of children and minors got killed, while several others are missing amid the Israeli bombardment.

    Priyanka has served as the Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF since 2016. The agency offers humanitarian and developmental aid to children in over 190 countries and territories around the world.

    The post shared by Priyanka is attributed to Catherine Russel, the executive director of UNICEF, and reads, “Children need a lasting humanitarian ceasefire.”

    The reshared post was originally posted on December 2.

    The caption urged all parties to ensure that children are protected and assisted, following their obligations under international humanitarian law.
    In the caption, the organisation wrote, “Today, the Gaza Strip is once again the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. After seven days of respite from horrific violence, fighting has resumed. More children will surely die as a result.”

    It added, “Before the pause, more than 5,300 Palestinian children were reportedly killed in 48 days of relentless bombing – a figure that does not include many children still missing and presumed to be buried under rubble.”

    In November, Priyanka, along with other prominent personalities, extended support through an open letter while calling on the US Congress and US President Joe Biden to undertake immediate action for a ceasefire in the Gaza region in the Middle East.

  • Top 5 Drama OST in 2023

    Top 5 Drama OST in 2023

    In 2023, Pakistan’s TV drama music has been fantastic! The dramas themselves may have been hit or miss, but the music was always spot on. Let’s check out the best music from Pakistani dramas in 2023.

    Top Pakistani Dramas OST List

    1. Tere Bin

    OST Name: Tere bin
    Channel: Geo Entertainment
    Singer: Shani Arshad
    Lyrics: Sabir Zafar
    Youtube :Views: 78 Million

    The beautiful music from the TV show ‘Tere Bin’ expresses the emotions and passion of the story. Shani Arshad’s singing is amazing and heartfelt, and it perfectly matches the on-screen connection between Murtasim (played by Wahaj Ali) and Meerub (played by Yumna Zaidi).

    2. Ishq MurshidOST Name:
    Channel: HUM TV
    Singer: Ahmed Jahanzeb
    Lyrics: Sabir Zafar
    Youtube :Views: 6.1 Million

    ‘Ishq Murshid’ unfolds a compelling romantic story revolving around the two main characters, Shahmeer Sikandar and Shibra Salman. It’s lovely OST was performed by Ahmed Jahanzeb while the lyrics were by Sabir Zafar.

    3. Mein

    OST Name: Mein
    Channel: ARY News
    Singer:Asim Azhar
    Lyrics: Kunal Verma
    Youtube :Views: 10 Million

    Enjoy Asim Azhar’s soothing voice in the melodious OST of ‘Mein’, featuring the perfect on-screen duo, Wahaj Ali and Ayeza Khan. Viewers applauded the captivating soundtrack that adds emotion to the show, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

    4. Mujhe Pyar Hua Tha

    OST Name: Kahani Suno
    Channel: ARY News
    Singer: Kaifi Khalil
    Lyrics: Kaifi Khalil
    Youtube :Views: 57 Million

    The OST of Mujhe Pyar Hua Tha is the monster hit ‘Kahani Suno’, originally sung by Kaifi Khalil.This OST is one of the most viral songs of 2023.

    5. Kabli Pulao

    OST Name: Aankehn
    Channel: Green Entertainment
    Singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
    Lyrics: Imran Raza
    Youtube :Views: 14 Million

    Green Entertainment presents the melodious OST of drama ‘Kabli Pulao’, composed by Sahir Bagga. The romantic song adds charm to the show. Don’t miss out on another beautiful track, ‘Tooti Phooti Si,’ in this engaging drama. Enjoy the musical journey with Kabli Pulao, filled with emotions and captivating tunes.

  • Apple Watch import ban goes into effect in US patent clash

    Apple Watch import ban goes into effect in US patent clash

    A US import ban on certain Apple smartwatch models came into effect Tuesday, after the Biden administration opted not to veto a ruling on patent infringements.

    The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) decided in October to ban Apple Watch models over a patented technology for detecting blood-oxygen levels.

    Apple contends that the ITC finding was in error and should be reversed, but last week paused its US sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

    The order stemmed from a complaint made to the commission in mid-2021 accusing Apple of infringing on medical device maker company Masimo Corp’s “light-based oximetry functionality.”

    “After careful consultations, Ambassador (Katherine) Tai decided not to reverse the… determination and the ITC’s decision became final on December 26, 2023,” the president’s executive office said in a statement on Tuesday.

    Apple has been steadily ramping up fitness and health features with each generation of its Apple Watch, which dominates the smartwatch category.

    In September, Apple released its Apple Watch Series 9, touting increased performance along with features such as the ability to access and log health data.

    “Our teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness and safety features,” Apple said when the ITC ban was issued.

    “Masimo has wrongly attempted to use the ITC to keep a potentially lifesaving product from millions of US consumers while making way for their own watch that copies Apple.”

    In May, a trial of Masimo’s allegations ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict.

    Late last year, Apple filed two patent infringement lawsuits accusing Masimo of copying Apple Watch technology.