Tag: trending

  • How is gas shortage worsening health crises in Karachi?

    How is gas shortage worsening health crises in Karachi?

    The number of gastroenteritis cases in Karachi has been steadily increasing, a statistic that doctors claim is ticking upwards because of the consumption of contaminated water for drinking purposes owing to the shortage of gas and its soaring prices which has forced many people to use water without boiling it.

    Water supplies to the city had been found to be highly contaminated on multiple occasions. The general practice is to properly boil or filter to make it safe for drinking.

    Faiza Ilyas from Dawn talked to the doctors at the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), where around 1,500 patients daily report to the emergency department, shared that the cases of gastroenteritis had seen a rise in recent days.“Currently, gastroenteritis constitutes 70 to 80 percent of our cases being reported at the hospital’s emergency department on a daily basis. There are a few cases of cholera as well,” shared CHK additional medical superintendent Dr Liaquat Ali Halo.

    Patients have been complaining of acute watery diarrhea and are administered intravenous fluids for rehydration.

    Most patients are discharged within a few hours while some require admission.

    Dr. Halo said the reasons behind the increase in gastroenteritis cases as lack of chlorination and filtration been a major factor that contributed to frequent episodes of outbreaks of gastroenteritis in the city, besides consumption of contaminated foods from roadsides and poor hand hygiene.“Many patients tell us that they are forced to use unboiled water for drinking as gas supplies are highly inadequate in their localities and the filtered water has become costlier,” Dr. Halo said, adding that inadequate cooking and eating contaminated raw food and vegetables could also cause illnesses.

    Commenting on the city’s public health situation, Dr. Altaf Hussain Khatri, a senior general physician based in the old city area, said gas shortage amid a drastic increase in prices of food and utilities had made the survival of poor families extremely challenging.

    “The gas shortage has further compounded miseries of the masses and compromised public health,” he said, adding that along with gastroenteritis, patients with respiratory infections were still reporting in high numbers to general physicians.

    “They are very effective as they filter sediments and kill pathogens,” he said.

  • Tehreek e Namoos Pakistan sends threatening letters to SC

    Tehreek e Namoos Pakistan sends threatening letters to SC

    After arriving at the doorsteps of Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges, letters containing suspicious powdery substance and threatening messages have been sent to the four Supreme Court (SC) judges – including Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah.

    Importantly, on the same day four judges of Lahore High Court received the threatening letter as well containing suspicious powdery substance.

    The suspicious powder was suspected to be anthrax.

    The letter sent to the SC jurists read, “You people at the Supreme court of Pakistan are pretending to do justice since the inception of this country. Year after year this country is pluming into chaos, poverty, corruption and disorder. SCP was supposed to be the final and ultimate check for all that is wrong in our holy country instead it became very part of the problem and rescuer of evil.”

    It further said, “Judges, Generals and politicians are the curse and disease of motherland. We Tehreek e Namoos e Pakistan say NO More…”

    Tehreek e Namoos Pakistan (TNP) is a relatively new militant group whose name emerged once before last year. It was when a team of the Wild Life Department discovered explosives and maps related to sensitive installations of the Red Zone at Margalla hills, on Trail 5 of Islamabad, September 17 2023.

  • Change culture of lying, accusations’, Maryam wants speedy trials in defamation cases

    Change culture of lying, accusations’, Maryam wants speedy trials in defamation cases

    The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz presided over the fifth session of the provincial cabinet on April 3.

    The cabinet approved the creation of special speedy trial courts across the province aimed at the expedition of cases related to the physical and sexual assault of children.

    Furthermore, the cabinet was briefed on the proposed amendments to the defamation laws and the establishment of speedy trial courts in defamation cases as well.

    A bill is set to be presented in the Punjab Assembly which would aim to issue decree within ninety days and most importantly completion of trial within 180 days in defamation cases.

    “The culture of lying and accusation will have to be changed,” said Maryam Nawaz in the session.

    It was also observed that the notices in defamation cases could be given through major newspapers, social media, and courier services following the passage of the bill.

  • Atif Aslam’s heartfelt Naat captivates audiences

    Atif Aslam’s heartfelt Naat captivates audiences

    Atif Aslam, one of the biggest stars in the country, has captured hearts once again with his latest naat. His talent extends beyond mainstream music, as seen in his memorable rendition of ‘Tajdar e Haram’ for Coke Studio, which resonated deeply with audiences, especially the younger generation.

    Atif Aslam has been delving into his spiritual side more deeply. He has expressed that the kalaams (spiritual poetry) he recites are the legacy he wishes to leave for his children. His latest naat, ‘Main Sadqay Ya Rasool Allah,’ reflects this commitment and has been praised for its beauty and serenity.

    Watch the video:

    The heartfelt naat has touched many, with listeners expressing their admiration and sharing their love for it.

    Check the comments below:

  • How Qari Muawiyah’s acquittal in attempted rape case is violation of Supreme Court orders

    How Qari Muawiyah’s acquittal in attempted rape case is violation of Supreme Court orders

    A high-level police inquiry into the case of attempted rape of a 12-year-old boy in Tandlianwala, Faisalabad, has declared the acquittal of the suspect nominated in the initial FIR on the mediation of a ‘Jirga/Panchayat’ a sheer violation of the Supreme Court’s judgment.

    The legal status of the ‘council of elders’, ‘Panchayat’ or ‘kangaroo courts’ operating as alternative to the judicial system or for mediation in tribal belts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and rural areas of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan was challenged in the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment that appeared in January 2019.

    The inquiry asked the police to challenge the acquittal of the suspect Qari Abubakar Muavia, by a magistrate after the father of the boy gave a statement in his favour.

    Pakistan Peoples Party’s Member of National Assembly Abdul Qadir Patel also spoke about the case. He asked the state to be a complainant in the case if the child’s father had forgiven the alleged perpetrator on the intervention of the clerics. He also sought a proper investigation into the case.

    Reinvestigation

    Dawn sources have said that reinvestigation into the case was launched on the order of Inspector General Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar when Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice of the incident and directed him (the IGP) to hold an impartial inquiry to know on what grounds the suspect was discharged in the case and determine the role of the police.

    What happened in the court?

    Qari Abubakar was discharged from the case by Tandlianwala Judicial Magistrate Nauman Tahir on March 30 when the police presented him in the court, seeking further physical remand to continue interrogating him.

    The complainant along with his son also appeared and submitted a written statement that he got his FIR lodged on the basis of ‘suspicion’ against Mawiyah during the hearing. The magistrate’s decision mentioned that the complainant had submitted an affidavit too.

    “On query, the minor/victim also stated that the present accused didn’t commit the offence as mentioned in the FIR,” reads the magistrate’s decision.
    Additionally, the request of the remand of the police was turned down by the court.

    This complainant’s statement appeared to be the turning point that prompted the Punjab police high-ups to get the case reinvestigated as it mentioned the decision of a ‘Jirga Panchayat’, as per Dawn.

    Supreme Court’s judgment

    The supreme court judgment declares that the Jirgahs, Panchayats etc do not come under the Constitution or any other law whatsoever to the extent that they attempt to declare verdicts on civil or criminal matters.

    An official, privy to the development, said that during the inquiry, the legal branch of the police referred to the Supreme Court’s 2019 judgment when the matter of legality of Jirgas or Kangaroo courts was raised and so it recommended to the department high-ups to issue directions to challenge the magistrate’s decision of acquittal of the suspect.

    The IGP confirmed that the matter was investigated at a high level in light of the magistrate’ decision. He said he and the prosecutor general had met the victim boy and his father and discussed the issue of allegations levelled against the suspect, as per Asif Chaudhry’s report in Dawn.

    Read more: Cleric allegedly rapes a boy, ‘forgiven’ after religious scholar intervenes

  • Rizwana is back from hospital after arm surgery

    Rizwana is back from hospital after arm surgery

    Rizwana, the minor girl who was subjected to violence at the house of a Civil Judge in Islamabad, has been discharged from General Hospital Lahore and returned to the Child Protection Bureau after a surgery was performed on her arm.

    Talking to Geo News in Lahore, Chairperson Child Protection Bureau Sarah Ahmed said that Rizwana was under treatment at the General Hospital for two months.

    Now Rizwana is able to walk normally and feels better than before, said Sara Ahmed.

    Doctors have told her to rest for ten days. Rizwana’s right arm had undergone surgery that involved removing a rib bone and inserting it into the injured arm. Rizwana will not be able to bend her arm until she recovers.

    Background

    Last year, in July, it was revealed that Rizwana, a young girl working at the house of a civil judge in Islamabad, was subjected to assault by her employers. The torture continued and when her condition worsened, the civil judge’s wife handed her over to her mother.

    Rizwana had torture marks all over her body. A wound on her head had rotted due to lack of treatment, becoming infected by worms.

  • Arieb Azhar shares memories of instrument maker Muhammad Ziauddin

    Arieb Azhar shares memories of instrument maker Muhammad Ziauddin

    Muhammad Ziauddin, Lahore’s master musical instrument manufacturer, has passed away. He was known for his skill in making instruments and for preserving culture. The news of his death was shared by famous musician Arieb Azhar on Facebook. Azhar praised Ziauddin’s special personality, wisdom, and his role in keeping Pakistan’s musical traditions alive.

    Azhar wrote on Facebook, “I just found out that the great instrument maker from Lahore, Muhammad Ziauddin, passed away four days ago. He was a unique personality, full of wisdom and humor.”

    Azhar continued to pay tribute, saying, “On many occasions, I spent hours at his shop listening to his stories and jokes, and learning from his deep knowledge about Pakistan’s musical traditions. He was a master at making Sitar, Sarod, Sarangi, and Surmandal, along with other stringed instruments. His family has been crafting instruments for 300 years.”

    Many people, like Azhar, were lucky enough to spend hours at Ziauddin’s shop. There, they didn’t just admire his instruments but also enjoyed his stories, jokes, and wide knowledge of Pakistan’s music. Ziauddin put his all into his craft, showing his dedication by pouring his heart and soul into every instrument he made.

    Azhar also said, “He was a key figure in our film ‘Indus Blues,’ which is about the endangered musical instruments of Pakistan. Despite receiving a Presidential award, he couldn’t even own the shop he worked in. These are the people our country should invest in and support to bring back a culture of decency and beauty in the world.”

    In his tribute, Azhar expressed sadness over the lack of support for artisans like Ziauddin. He stressed the importance of the government investing in and supporting people like him to revive and keep Pakistan’s cultural heritage alive. Ziauddin’s death isn’t just a loss for his family and the music world, but also a reminder of how crucial it is to acknowledge and preserve the contributions of such individuals. Azhar said, “Our country has lost a precious person, and many don’t even realize it.” He ended by saying, “His son Kashan continues his father’s legacy. May Ziauddin Sahab’s journey be blessed forever!”

  • Rana Sanaullah says Imran Khan sentences won’t sustain

    Rana Sanaullah says Imran Khan sentences won’t sustain

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah has said that the convictions against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan before the elections damaged the ruling party PML-N.

    He stated that either of the sentences awarded to Khan would not “sustain” before an honest judge.

    “The cases in which the PTI founder was sentenced significantly damaged us [PML-N] in the elections due to the victim card used by the PTI. The manner in which the case proceedings were held and the sentences were awarded, they would not sustain before a judge who upholds principles of justice,” Sanaullah said while speaking to Kamran Shahid on Dunya News.

    Sanaullah even said that either the judge would remand back the case or could even exonerate Mr Khan and further said that his party would have no objection if he got a bail.

    Former interior minister Sanaullah was also of the opinion that PTI took advantage of its victim card and also pushed the country into a crisis – which PML-N government now has to look after.

  • Singer Rabi Pirzada admitted in hospital

    Singer Rabi Pirzada admitted in hospital

    Calligrapher and former singer Rabi Pirzada is in the hospital following a brief sickness.
    After leaving the entertainment industry, Rabi Pirzada began making special artworks and said she’s interested in religion now.
    She also has a store named ‘Haya by Rabi’ where she sells pretty clothes.
    Recently, Rabi Pirzada posted a picture on her ‘X’ account showing her lying in a hospital bed with a medicine drip hooked into her hand.

    The accompanying caption conveyed that Quran classes had been postponed due to her health condition, urging followers to pray for her swift recovery and wishing for Almighty Allah’s blessings.
    Fans, upon seeing the post, flooded the comments section with prayers and well wishes for the former singer’s health.

  • ‘Kisi ka koyi aur agenda hai…woh chief justice bun jayein’, CJ Isa says won’t allow attack on judiciary

    ‘Kisi ka koyi aur agenda hai…woh chief justice bun jayein’, CJ Isa says won’t allow attack on judiciary

    Justice Qazi Faez Isa has said during the hearing of Supreme Court’s Suo moto notice taken on the Islamabad High Court judges’ letter that, “There is zero tolerance on the independence of judiciary.”

    The hearing is being conducted by a seven-member SC bench headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising six other judges — Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan.

    CJP Isa remarked, “Judges must be sure that they are not in danger.” He also emphasized that he could not exercise contempt power in any other court because “the court which is in contempt will exercise this power itself.”

    Importantly, the lawyers had demanded a full court in the suo moto case to which CJP raised an important point that where were these lawyers when not a single meeting of the full court was conducted in four years.

    The chief justice said: “My colleagues and I will stand before any attack on the independence of judiciary.”