Tag: Top News

  • ‘No Comments’ by PM Kakar on ‘extraordinary protocol’ for Nawaz Sharif

    ‘No Comments’ by PM Kakar on ‘extraordinary protocol’ for Nawaz Sharif

    Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar didn’t comment on the extraordinary protocol given to Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) head Nawaz Sharif on his return to Pakistan. 

    He was addressing a news conference three days after returning from China, where he attended the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) conference on the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

    The Pakistani high commissioner in the UK was at the airport to see Nawaz Sharif off, however, Mr Kakar didn’t comment on that either.

    When asked why the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) had to take a biometrics machine to the Islamabad airport to scan Mr Sharif’s fingerprints, the PM said being a citizen of the country, Mr Sharif has a right to undergo biometrics at the airport.

    He then added: “If someone thinks that an atmosphere of level playing field should be created for a particular party, which many want, this I can’t do. If Mian Nawaz Sharif is a Pakistani citizen, which I think he is, then he has a right to have biometric scans.” 

    “So what extra steps the government has taken in this regard. If NADRA facilitated him, has he gained any political advantage through this process? A normal database procedure was portrayed in a way that level playing field is not available. Do you remember what level playing field was given in 2018?” he asked. 

    PM Kakar also said that he did not believe in giving government ads to print media.

    At one point, Mr Kakar lamented that ghee manufacturers and real estate dealers had opened media houses and thus they did not follow the norms of journalism.

  • Suicide rate at an all time high in Gilgit Baltistan

    Suicide rate at an all time high in Gilgit Baltistan

    An astounding 85 people have committed suicide since January 2022 in Gilgit Baltistan, including 50 males and 35 females.

    In a shocking revelation made by the Pamir Times, the numbers are showing a grim and a less-talked-about reality of Gilgit Baltistan region where contrary to popular belief, more men and boys are dying by taking their own lives compared to girls and women.

    Due to the stigma attached to suicide, not all cases are reported in the media. Sometimes even homicides are presented as suicides to save the perpetrators.

    There could be a number of factors which are pushing people to the brink but at the heart of it is deteriorating state of mental health among the inhabitants of the region.

    Even though the Government has in recent years made mental health a priority by making a helpline to offer support and counselling, the efforts are not enough.

  • Two trains collide in Bangladesh, leaving 17 dead, 100 injured

    Two trains collide in Bangladesh, leaving 17 dead, 100 injured

    In a tragic incident on Monday afternoon, two trains in Bangladesh collided in the Eastern city of Bhairab leaving more than 17 dead and a hundred people injured.

    The incident occurred when a freight train collided with a passenger train traveling in opposite directions, resulting in the derailment of two passenger carriages.

    The railway administration has expressed concern that the death toll will rise because rescuers are still working to extricate bodies from under the overturned coaches. Two individuals have been recovered up till now as per the Red Crescent team.

    The initial rescue efforts were made by local residents and volunteers who rushed to the scene. Other response teams like the Rapid Action Battalion Security Force, Police and Fire Services have been sent there as well.

  • ‘Til trash do us part: Taiwan couple embraces garbage wedding shoot

    ‘Til trash do us part: Taiwan couple embraces garbage wedding shoot

    A Taiwanese couple decked out in a tux and gown embrace in front of a mountain of trash in an unorthodox wedding photo – one the environment-conscious bride hopes will discourage her guests from generating unnecessary garbage.

    Greenpeace campaigner Iris Hsueh and her fiance are having their “environmentally friendly wedding” in January, and have asked guests to bring their own containers for taking home leftovers.

    Deciding that showing – not telling – was a more effective communication method, the Taipei-based couple travelled three hours south for a photo shoot in Nantou county’s Puli township, where the amount of trash brought to a local dump has steadily risen over the years.

    “If any guests are not willing to bring along a container, I would show them the photograph and say, ‘would you reconsider?’” the 33-year-old told AFP, adding that the photos ended up drawing local media attention.

    “I didn’t think it would create such a big sensation.”

    Self-ruled Taiwan, an island of 23 million people, has had a recycling programme since 1987, with over 50 per cent of household trash processed through the system – among the highest rates in the world.

    But Puli township’s sanitation crew chief Chen Chun-hung said the amount of garbage there has mushroomed – back in the 1980s, it was about 20 tonnes a day; now, its about 50.

  • ‘If the Ministry of Interior cannot provide security to one person, how will it conduct elections’: Election Commission

    ‘If the Ministry of Interior cannot provide security to one person, how will it conduct elections’: Election Commission

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) faced a setback on Tuesday as PTI Chairman Imran Khan couldn’t make it to a hearing due to security concerns. The Interior Ministry and Islamabad police were worried about the risks involved in bringing him to the commission, as he’s currently in jail for cipher case.

    Although the commission had earlier ordered that Imran Khan’s appear in person, the police and the ministry raised serious concerns about the safety of such a move.

    The commission was hearing a defamation case against the PTI chief, Asad Umar, and Fawad Chaudhry. A four-member commission headed by Nisar Durrani adjourned the hearing till November 13.

    Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar appeared before the commission, while Imran Khan was not brought to the election commission from Adiala Jail.

    PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen said the real insult to the election commission has taken place today.

    The operations assistant inspector general of police (AIG) submitted a report regarding Imran Khan, stating that Rawalpindi was a densely populated area, which is not without dangers.

    PTI Chairman Imran Khan has himself said there are threats to his life, the report stated.

    ECP’s member from Sindh, Nisar Durrani, asked the AIG if he believed whatever Imran Khan said was true.

    The Interior Ministry suggested that the election commission go to Adiala Jail to conduct the hearing to which the commission questioned how the ministry ordered them, ordering the interior secretary to appear before the commission.

    The commission asked the ministry to get it in writing from Imran Khan that he was sorry.

    “If the Ministry of Interior cannot provide security to one person, how will it conduct elections?” the commission questioned.

    ECP’s production order stated, “Since the respondent is in Adiala Jail […] and his personal appearance is mandatory to proceed further with the matter. In such view of the matter, there is no alternate except to issue production order of respondent namely Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi.”

  • Indian father welcomes back divorced daughter with a ‘Baraat’

    Indian father welcomes back divorced daughter with a ‘Baraat’

    The father of a divorced daughter in Jharkhand, India, Prem Gupta broke away from all the norms and welcomed back his daughter with a grand procession similar to that of a ‘baraat’. In a viral video of the event, women can be seen chanting and welcoming the daughter with open arms. The beat of a drum follows her as she greets everyone.

    Mr. Gupta posted the video himself with a caption that stated, “When your daughter’s marriage is done with great pomp and show and if the spouse and family turns out to be wrong or does wrong things then you should bring your daughter back to your home with respect and honour because daughters are very precious.”

    As per the details, Sakshi Gupta got married to Sachin Kumar in April. A few days into the marriage she found out that the man was already married twice and that there allegations of harassment were filed against him. Divorce was filed with an alimony of INR 17 lakh that Gupta gave to her in-laws at the time of wedding is to be paid back to her. Sakshi is happy to have such supportive parents and Mr.Gupta has set an example to shatter the stigma around divorce.

  • Kazakhstan puts ban on Hijab in schools

    Kazakhstan puts ban on Hijab in schools

    Kazakhstan government, home to a population with 70 per cent Muslims, has announced a ban on head-scarves for students and teachers in schools and educational institutions.

    “Requirements for the school uniform prohibit the wearing of the hijab, since any attribute, symbol, element in one way or another implies propaganda of the dogma to which they relate. Ensuring the equality of all religions before the law, the principles of secularism do not allow the advantage of any religion,” the Kazakh Government’s website stated on October 16.

    The ban has initiated a fierce debate on different levels of the populace. The Government, however, has maintained that Kazakhstan is a secular country. The opposing group consider the ban a violation of the freedom of expression and conscience.

    Consequently, many students have dropped out of the school. Education Minister Gani Beisembayev confirmed that a total of 150 girls dropped out of school in the Atyarau region, whereas in Turkestan, two men reportedly beat a school director for not allowing the girls wearing hijab to attend lectures.

    As a sign of protest, many are posting videos of burning down their books or pictures of them wearing a hijab stating that they will not trade anything for their right to wearing the head covering.
    A member of Almaty Social Council in Qojaly believes that “First of all, you have to know that the hijab is actually a headscarf with which girls in Kazakhstan were covered from puberty, that is, from the age of 13.There is no religious connotation here. Second, the law enshrines the right to education, and the ban that has been enacted is an artificial barrier to exercising that right. Why do headscarves suddenly prevent Muslim girls from joining secular life? No one is banning the wearing of Christian crosses or tubeteika caps. In fact, we are talking about a certain form of segregation.”

    The Grand Mufti of Kazakhstan, Nauryzbay Kazhy Taganuly, has proposed that the girls who want to wear hijab should join Madrassas or any Muslim Educational institution from grade 10 onwards. So far nobody has objected to this.

    Amidst all this, President Kassym-Jomart has expressed his determination to ensure “freedom of religion” as per the law of his secular state.

  • ‘Last year took away my life’, Arshad Sharif remembered on first death anniversary 

    ‘Last year took away my life’, Arshad Sharif remembered on first death anniversary 

    It’s been a year since the demise of senior journalist Arshad Sharif who was killed in Kenya. The culprits, however, are still at large and the family awaits justice.

    The investigation so far has been futile. According to a Kenyan investigative journalist Nyaboga Kiage, five policemen involved in the case were initially suspended and have now resumed their duties without facing any liability. Two of them have been promoted. 

    Sharif’s death made headlines across the globe. On his first death anniversary, his family and colleagues are remembering him and pressing hard for justice. Journalism organisations are holding prayer ceremonies in his honour, where well-wishers are paying their respects and reflecting on the impact he had on the field.

    Sharif’s wife Javeria Siddique remembers the last twelve months as “last year took away my life”. She stated the struggles she is going through to get justice.

    Sharif’s former boss Salman Iqbal recalled his last conversation with the late journalist, saying, “bhai we are here to make this world a better place and we shall do what we were created for.”

    Fellow journalist Murtaza Ali Shah tweeted, “One year after assassination in Kenya, no justice for Arshad Sharif. Cops involved in firing bullets at him are back to their work.”

    Journalist Jameel Farouqi remembered him as a “big brother” and appreciated Sharif for his “sense of humour”

    His friend Tahir Malik misses him for ‘all the colours in life are lost after him.’

    Arshad’s colleague Kashif Abbasi still “can’t believe” he has lost his friend. It’s beyond ‘heart-breaking” for him. 

    Caretaker PM Kakar, in his meeting with Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto, when Kakar was in China last week, also asked for the process of investigation to be expedited.

    Sharif’s wife has already registered a case against the Kenyan Police in a Nairobi court.

  • Bodies of 12 girls found drugged and dumped in Karachi, says Sindh Police

    Bodies of 12 girls found drugged and dumped in Karachi, says Sindh Police

    In a shocking discovery by the Sindh Police, bodies of at least twelve young girls have been found over a short span of time. They are suspected to be killed by overdose of prohibited drugs at dance parties in different farmhouses in Karachi.

    The body of the first girl was found in the jurisdiction of Sachal Police Station on September 27. In a first of its kind case, Sindh Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) SSP Junaid Sheikh has revealed that as per the records of rescue agencies, 12 young girls have been found in the past few weeks. They were given illegal drugs before being dumped at unknown locations.

    Police could not find any related records of the deceased, leading them to connecting the dots and starting an investigation into the deaths as a continuation of previous occurrences.

    SIU has sealed the farmhouse of a government servant and arrest four caretakers, including a woman and a manager. They are being interrogated about the corpses.

    The police have also taken rescue agencies on board to prevent such cases in future.

  • Sheikh Rashid is back after a hard ‘40-day chilla’

    Sheikh Rashid is back after a hard ‘40-day chilla’

    President Awami Muslim League and PTI’s ally Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Friday made a comeback on TV in an interview with anchorperson Muneeb Farooq. 

    When asked about his long absence and reported arrest, Sheikh Rashid said that he had gone for a “40-day chilla” just like a tableegi mission where he was studying Quran. Sheikh said it was hard but he is thankful to the Almighty that he got this opportunity. Sheikh Rashid said he did not even get a chance to inform his family about it. “No one harmed me, everyone cooperated with me on this chilla,” added Rashid.

    Sheikh Rashid talked about his relations with the armed forces of Pakistan. He attributed his political career to General Akhtar Abdur Rehman. “I will always be proud to call myself a spokesperson of the army.” He said he had even advised Imran Khan to work in close coordination with them. 

    Rashid recalled that when the MQM talked to him during the no-confidence motion, he realised then that “PTI government is over”. However, he did maintain that he was part of the cabinet and was one of the signatories of the National Security Council (NSC) on the cipher. 

    Answering a question regarding Imran’s criticism of the army, Rashid said that he personally believes that nobody should criticise army officers and military institutions like that. Rashid said that he had condemned the May 9 violence but “it was not highlighted much”.

    Rashid reiterated that institutions are imperative for Pakistan and the biggest mistake of the PTI government was to criticise the army and hampering the appointment of Army Chief General Asim Munir. He has deduced from his experience that politicians should not meddle in the affairs of the army — their postings and transfers. Sheikh said that Imran Khan is a “stubborn” politician.

    Sheikh Rashid appeared on TV a day after the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court ordered the police to recover him by October 26. He was allegedly picked up from his residence in Rawalpindi on September 17 according to his lawyer.