Tag: Top News

  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Oath of Khatm-e-Nabuwat made mandatory before Nikkah

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Oath of Khatm-e-Nabuwat made mandatory before Nikkah

    The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has made the oath of Khatm-e-Nabuwat mandatory for marriage certificates.

    According to the Department of Local Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government has made amendments to serial numbers 13 and 25 of the Muslim Family Ordinance.

    As per the amendment, details of the dowry must be entered in the form of cash, movable and immovable property, and the oath of end of Prophethood ﷺ has also been made mandatory in the marriage certificate. Both the bride and groom will be bound to take the oath of end of Prophethood ﷺ.

    The marriage certificate must be signed by the bride, bridegroom, bride and groom’s lawyers, and witnesses, while the signature and seal of a marriage registrar are also mandatory on the marriage certificate.

    The Oath of Faith form on Khatm-e-Nabuwat for marriage already exists in Punjab.

    In a conversation with Geo News, Secretary Local Government Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Daud Khan said that the provincial cabinet had decided to amend the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, the amendments were related to the educational qualification of Nikah Khawan.

  • Writer Mohammed Hanif returns Sitara-e-Imtiaz to protest against Baloch persecution

    Writer Mohammed Hanif returns Sitara-e-Imtiaz to protest against Baloch persecution

    A Case of Exploding Mangoes and Red Birds famed writer and journalist Mohammed Hanif has returned the prestigious civilian award, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, in protest against this week’s crackdown on Baloch protestors by Islamabad police.

    In a post on X, Hanif shared the video of a Baloch girl stating her demands and wrote, “In protest, returning my Sitara e Imtiaz, given to me by a state that continues to abduct and torture Baloch citizens.”

    He went on to mention two female Baloch activists Sammi Baloch and Mehrang Baloch, writing that journalists of his generation have seen these young women grow up in protest camps. “Ashamed to witness a new generation being denied basic dignity,” Mohammed Hanif lamented.

    Hanif’s literary genius was recognized by the government of Pakistan back in 2018 when one of the highest national laurels, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, was conferred upon him.

    Along with being a journalist and novelist, Hanif is also a playwright and writes for the BBC.

    His novel A Case of Exploding Mangoes was long-listed for the Booker Prize, shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award, and won the Commonwealth Prize for Best Book. His second book, Our Lady of Alice Bhatti, won the Wellcome Book Prize.

    Baloch protesters are on roads demanding the release of all “missing persons” and an end to “extrajudicial killings” in Balochistan under the leadership of activist Dr Mahrang Baloch and Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).

  • KMC admits traffic engineering department is dysfunctional

    KMC admits traffic engineering department is dysfunctional

    The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered that strict action be taken against those who run illegal charged parking in other places in Karachi.

    While hearing a petition against illegal parking in the Court, DIG Traffic submitted a report which was then made part of the record as well.

    In the report, the court was informed that charged parking lots have been constructed on 46 roads of Karachi.

    The court ordered that a case should be registered if parking lots are made anywhere other than the charged ones.

    During the hearing, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) admitted that the traffic engineering department is dysfunctional, reports Geo News.

    The traffic engineering department plays a key role in traffic matters.

    The court adjourned the hearing by directing the Secretary of Local Government to implement court orders.

  • ‘Virtual Prison Meetings’ coming to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

    ‘Virtual Prison Meetings’ coming to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

    In a historic move, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has introduced a virtual system in prisons to facilitate inmates’ meetings with their family members.

    It has also unveiled a transformative digital governance initiative, shifting the entire arms licensing system to an online platform.

    The groundbreaking initiative was announced during a comprehensive progress review meeting for the “Khushhal Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa” program, where Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retired) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah presided over the session.

    The meeting brought together key figures, including concerned provincial ministers, the chief secretary, administrative secretaries of relevant departments, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners attending via video link. The primary focus of the meeting was to assess the progress of various initiatives under the “Khushhal Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa” program.

    Significant headway has been made in the digitization process of manual mutations, resulting in a notable decrease from 813 to 386 cases in recent weeks.

    The statement released on X (former Twitter) also added, “The CM emphasized the program’s vital role in public welfare, urging a collective effort for its full implementation. He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach against issues like encroachments, drugs, adulteration, corruption, and illegal activities. Addressing concerns about revenue matters, he directed swift resolution of cases, emphasizing personal responsibility for officers.”

    One of the major highlights of this digital transformation is the transition of the entire arm licensing system to an online platform. This move is expected to streamline and modernize the licensing process, bringing it into the digital era.

    Simultaneously, the innovative approach of virtual systems in prisons to facilitate inmates’ meetings with their family members aims to enhance communication and connection between inmates and their loved ones, contributing to their overall well-being.

  • PMLN aur IPP ka breakup ho gaya?

    PMLN aur IPP ka breakup ho gaya?

    Discussions between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and the Istehkam Pakistan Party (IPP) about a potential electoral alliance have hit a roadblock.

    PML-N is hesitant to forge partnerships on a significant number of its seats, sources cited by The News have said.

    As per sources, PML-N is not ready to make adjustments on the seats where its top leaders will contest elections.

    Sources also disclosed that the party is cautious about entering into alliances on numerous other seats.

    IPP reportedly proposed adjustments on 50 provincial assembly seats and 26 National Assembly seats during talks between the two parties. However, negotiations have failed to yield any substantial breakthrough, leading to a standstill in the alliance talks.

    Maryam Nawaz and Aleem Khan will face each other in the election for NA-119 (Lahore-III), sources said. NA-119 is a stronghold of the PML-N as it won the seat back-to-back in 2013 and 2018 elections.

    To explore potential alliances, the PML-N is reportedly considering an electoral partnership on NA-117 (Lahore-I) for Abdul Aleem Khan and contemplating NA-127 for Aun Chaudhry. It can also go for an alliance on the Lodhran seat for Jahangir Tareen.

    Meanwhile, complications have also arisen in Karachi as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is reportedly hesitant to concede the NA-242 seat to PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif. In response, Shehbaz Sharif is anticipated to visit Karachi for crucial talks with MQM leaders, addressing this matter and other pertinent issues.

  • Climate activist Greta Thunberg commends Baloch protestors; Islamabad police gets trolled in replies

    Climate activist Greta Thunberg commends Baloch protestors; Islamabad police gets trolled in replies

    Climate activist Greta Thunberg has expressed solidarity with Baloch Protestors who had to face police brutality on Wednesday night after marching to Islamabad.

    Taking to X, Thunberg tagged the female leader of the march Mehrang Baloch, and condemned Islamabad Police for detaining, torturing, and disrupting peaceful protestors. “Climate justice activists all over the world stand in solidarity with Mehrang Baloch and other peaceful protesters who have been detained, tortured and disrupted by Islamabad police for protesting against human rights abuses in Balochistan.”

    Islamabad Police is being slammed for using baton charges, water cannons, and arrests to deter the protestors. However, the response by the police under Greta’s post enraged many.

    The official handle of the police stated, “There is no evidence of any injured persons at all.”

    To this people started sharing the pictures and videos of police assaulting the protestors as proof.

    A user responded sarcastically, “Dear Islamabad Police, Greta doesn’t watch Pakistani TV channels.”

    Baloch protesters are on roads demanding the release of all “missing persons” and an end to “extrajudicial killings” in Balochistan under the leadership of activist Dr Mahrang Baloch and Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).

  • Class of 2022: Apply for this Chinese scholarship before it ends

    Class of 2022: Apply for this Chinese scholarship before it ends

    China Scholarship Council (CSC) is providing a great opportunity for Pakistani students to pursue a degree in the country with the support of the Chinese government.

    For the academic year 2024–2025, the Chinese government has entrusted the Higher Education Commission (HEC) with the responsibility of managing these scholarships on behalf of the Government of Pakistan.

    Interested individuals can submit their applications through the relevant HEC portal or the CSC’s portal before the December 28 deadline.
    The initiative is a proactive step towards promoting educational opportunities for international students and researchers pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees.

    Eligibility:

    To be eligible for consideration under the Chinese Government Scholarship Program for the academic year 2024-25, applicants must possess a valid Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) or Higher Education Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) score obtained after January 01, 2022.

    How to Apply:

    According to the official Higher Education Commission (HEC) website, the China Scholarship Council (CSC), under the auspices of China’s Ministry of Education, assumes responsibility for the enrollment and administration of the Chinese Government Scholarship Program.

    Applications for the concerned programme can be submitted to the related HEC portal or the CSC’s portal by December 28.

    Enrollment:

    According to the official HEC website, the CSC — entrusted by China’s Ministry of Education — is responsible for the enrollment and the administration of Chinese Government Scholarship Program.

  • Transgender persons set to contest elections 2024

    Transgender persons set to contest elections 2024

    Nayyab Ali, a transgender person from the federal capital city of Islamabad, and Sobia Khan, a transgender individual from Peshawar, are all set to contest in the upcoming general elections.

    Nayyab Ali, a resident of the federal capital city of Islamabad, has submitted nomination papers to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to contest the upcoming general elections from National Assembly Constituency 47. Nayab is the second transgender individual to submit nomination papers for the 2024 elections so far.

    Nayyab took to X (former Twitter) and worte, “Just arrived at the returning office to submit my nomination papers for NA46 & NA47 as a candidate for the National Assembly. Proud to represent the trans community as the sole candidate thus far. Grateful for the warm welcome from the community!”

    Her supporter were chnting, “Aap ka na Janaab Ka, Vote Hai Nayyab ka.”

    Peshawar native Sobia Khan, has filed nomination papers for a provincial assembly seat in constituency PK-81. The upcoming polls are scheduled to be held on February 8 next year.

    Sobia Khan was also the first transgender person to be elected as a jirga member of the Dispute Resolution Council (DRC) in March 2021.

    Running as an independent candidate, Sobia Khan aims to be a voice for the transgender community, women, and children, advocating for their rights if she secures victory in the elections. With a Bachelor’s degree to her name, Sobia holds the distinction of being the first transgender radio jockey in the province.

    She said that not only her family but also the people of the area are supporting her. Sobia said that she would request NGOs and social welfare to support her election campaign.

    She will also ask the district administration to provide security to her during this time as it has happened for the first time that a transgender is directly participating in the elections.

    Sobia Khan said that she will conduct a door-to-door election campaign in the area and will also meet the women of the area to support her. She also praised Assistant Commissioner Syed Ahsan Ali Shah who encouraged her a lot while submitting nomination papers.

    Sobia Khan said that because there was no separate seat for transgenders, she submitted the papers for the general seat. It should be remembered that Sobia Khan belongs to Peshawar district. She holds a BA and also holds the distinction of being the first transgender broadcaster of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    The general elections are set for February 8 next year across the country, following the Supreme Court’s directives.

    It is pertinent to mention that in the 2018 elections, Maria, the lone transgender candidate from KP, secured 536 votes as an independent candidate, surpassing the votes of many women candidates.

  • ‘I will not contest the election, even if Imran Khan asks,’ Aleema Khan

    ‘I will not contest the election, even if Imran Khan asks,’ Aleema Khan

    Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has stated that none of his family members will contest the upcoming general elections slated for February 8 next year.

    During a chat with journalists outside the Islamabad High Court on Thursday, she remarked: “I will not contest the election, even if Imran Khan asks (me), I will not participate in the election.”

    Aleema clarified that neither Khan’s sisters nor his wife will contest. “None of us is contesting elections. We only come for the cases of the PTI founder”.

    She emphasized that treating the PTI founder in the same manner as former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was unwarranted, highlighting the absence of a young generation during Bhutto’s time.

    She alleged that Nawaz Sharif, the leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), had got two umpires, asserting that he was preventing other political players from entering the political arena, stressing that evidence supporting this claim became apparent during the nomination paper submission process, where individuals are allegedly being deprived of their papers.

    She dismissed the cipher case as a mere joke, expressing concern over the rapid pace of the trial and raising the possibility of a death sentence being pronounced by December 30.

    “Our hope for justice is from Allah and justice should also be expected from the Supreme Court, but what is happening is in front of everyone. We are no longer disappointed with the Supreme Court. If you don’t expect anything from the Supreme Court, who will you expect from? If we do not get justice from there, we will definitely get it from Allah,” she remarked.

  • ‘Khamosh hojaao,’ Maryam Nawaz gets furious at female PML-N worker

    ‘Khamosh hojaao,’ Maryam Nawaz gets furious at female PML-N worker

    The Parliamentary Board of Muslim League-N is conducting interviews of candidates for the distribution of party tickets.

    More than 400 women gathered at the meeting to give interviews to the Parliamentary Board. Each of the N-League women gave details of the work they had done for the party and the time and hardships they had put in.

    According to We News, Madiha Niazi, a worker from Lahore, got up and said, “I am a common political worker, I am neither someone’s niece nor nephew,” implying that she has no reference. She went on to say that party workers like her are not paid any heed and their sacrifices are ignored conveniently.

    Madiha Niazi complained, “We are not even being listened to fully,” to which Maryam Nawaz angrily said that you should be quiet and sit down, other women have to be heard too.

    Madeeha Niazi replied, “I have not come to sit here, I have come to relate all my sacrifices for the party, if you want to throw me out, throw me out, I will not leave without completing.”

    When Madiha Niazi finished her speech, several other women also started narrating their sacrifices for the party.

    According to PML-N sources, before this fiasco, senior leaders sitting in the parliamentary board praised the work of some women, including Hina Parvez Butt, Saba Sadiq and Uzma Bukhari. A woman who came for the ticket of reserved seat got up, asking, “What are the sacrifices of Hina Parvez Butt for the party? We stood with the party in difficult times, surrounded the courts, remained outside the NAB, raised slogans for the leaders, during this time we were penalized by the then authorities but we stood with the party.”

    She went on to criticise the elitism of the mentioned women “They come wearing branded clothes and good makeup, they have no services to offer.”

    She continued: “We poor workers have been there in front of courts during the trials of party leaders but how many times has Hina been spotted there? We should not be underestimated.” The woman demanded to be given the same status as those who wear branded suits.

    Tehmina Daultana also jumped in and had a heated debate with Maryam Nawaz.

    Maryam asked Tehmina Doultana, a stalwart, “What are your services for the party,” to which an infuriated Tahmina Doultana replied, “What do you want? What should I do at this age, you want me to die?”

    At this point, Nawaz Sharif had to intervene to control the situation, saying, “You women are our strength.” He told the women that the party is moving forward because of them, calling them the party’s pride. “All of us went to assemblies because of you, you are an asset to the party.”

    Hina’s response

    Hina Parvez Butt took to Twitter and refuted that any such conversation never happened at the meeting.

    She stated categorically that none of this happened.