Tag: trending

  • Man allegedly involved in spreading fake news triggering UK anti-Muslim riots arrested in Lahore

    Man allegedly involved in spreading fake news triggering UK anti-Muslim riots arrested in Lahore

    In an interesting development, Pakistani citizen Farhan Asif was taken into custody in Lahore for being involved in spreading fake news which sparked far-right racist riots in the United Kingdom a few weeks ago.

    During the last few weeks, Britain witnessed dangerous, widespread, violent riots as a result of misinformation about the identity of the alleged attack that killed three young girls on July 29.

    The riots targeted immigrants, Muslim communities, asylum centres and numerous mosques as well.

    The UK police authorities said that they had arrested over 1,000 people in connection with the weeks-long riots in England.

    The Lahore police stated that the suspect was arrested in the DHA area of Lahore and handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime wing for interrogation.

    Geo News reported that the suspect works for a news platform based in Pakistan. He has already confessed to the interrogators that he once published a story on his news website that went viral.

    Background

    On August 8, BBC’s Marianna Spring reported about the involvement of a Lahore man in spreading misinformation regarding the Southport stabbing.

    The BBC report was followed by an ITV report stating that Farhan Asif was the owner of the website which misquoted the name of the stabber as Ali Al-Shakati and declared him an immigrant from Syria, who had arrived in the UK on a boat. Later, a UK court announced that the name of the teenager charged with the murders was Axel Rudakubana, who turned out to be a British national.

    ITV said that they couldn’t find out who is the real owner of the website but Farhan Asif has “a significant role in a network of news websites that have promoted falsehoods.”

    Dawn’s sources in Pakistan said that the person identified in the ITV report was a freelancer working for Channel3Now, which collects crime-related news from the UK and the USA and republishes the stories for the sake of clicks and advertisements.

    The BBC report also cracked down on people attached to Channel3Now and asserted that it was actually “a commercial operation attempting to aggregate crime news while making money on social media”. The analysis of the website also showed that all the the freelance writers were recruited from several countries, including Pakistan and India.

    The BBC report elaborated that there are “more than 30” people in the US, UK, Pakistan and India who work for the site, which usually recruits freelancers.

    According to ITV, Channel3Now regularly publishes sensational news stories under the garb of being an American-style TV channel.

    However, BBC quoted Kevin as saying that Farhan Asif in particular was not involved in the false Southport story, which the site has publicly apologised for, and blamed there UK based team for that.

    Wider disinformation network

    Even though the report speculated that the website had links with Russia, it could not come up with a proof for that. Marianna Spring stated, “I did not find any evidence to substantiate claims that Channel3Now’s misinformation could be linked to the Russian state. [A] person claiming to be from Channel3Now‘s management told me that the publication of the false name “shouldn’t have happened, but it was an error, not intentional”.

    Atika noted that there are chances of website be linked to Srivastava Group, an Indian company that ran a vast network of anti-Pakistan fake news websites, which was unearthed by the EU DisinfoLab in a 2019 investigation.

  • Imran Khan seeks help from UK PM Keir Starmer

    Imran Khan seeks help from UK PM Keir Starmer

    In an interview with British media outlet ITV at Adiala jail through his lawyer, former Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) Keir Starmer on his election victory and sought help disseminating awareness of democracy being at risk in Pakistan.

    Founder Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said, “I urge PM Starmer and his cabinet, who assumed power through the genuine will of the people without any electoral manipulation, to imagine if their overwhelming victory was stolen”.

    “Picture a scenario where a party that barely won 18 seats usurped your mandate, where your party symbols were stripped, and your leaders were imprisoned or tortured until they switched allegiances or left politics altogether. Imagine homes broken into and women and children abducted in the dead of night.” Khan stated.

    “I am in a seven feet width and eight feet length prison which is usually allocated for death penalty perpetrators and terrorists,” he said, a statement that has been refuted by the government multiple times.

    “Surveillance is permanent, and privacy has been torn apart. Despite these hurdles, I am getting energy from exercise, prayer, and study,” Khan concluded..

  • Asad Qaiser apologises for Gen Bajwa’s extension

    Asad Qaiser apologises for Gen Bajwa’s extension

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser apologised to the people of Pakistan on July 20 for extending the tenure of former Army Chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

    “I apologise to the nation for granting an extension to General Bajwa. It was a mistake that we deeply regret,” said Qaiser on Samaa TV.

    In 2019, former Prime Minister Imran Khan approved an extension of then-Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure for another three years in a notification which stated, “The decision has been taken in view of the regional security environment.”

    The former Speaker of the National Assembly admitted that the decision backfired on the party. Qaiser also hinted at starting peaceful protests if party founder Imran Khan faces a military trial.

    He further suggested that legal international avenues like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) could be explored if the situation arises.

  • 28 killed as bus carrying Pakistan pilgrims crashes in Iran: State media

    28 killed as bus carrying Pakistan pilgrims crashes in Iran: State media

    At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Iraq for a Shiite Muslim ritual were killed as their bus crashed in central Iran, state media reported early Wednesday.

    “A bus carrying 51 Pakistani pilgrims overturned and caught fire in front of Dehshir-Taft checkpoint in the central province of Yazd on Tuesday night,” state television reported.

    “28 people have been killed and 23 injured so far with the possibility of the death toll increasing,” it added.

    Yazd province crisis management chief Ali Malek-zadeh told the broadcaster that some of the injured were in critical condition.

    “Of the 23 injured, six have already been discharged from hospital, while the condition of seven others is critical,” Malek-zadeh said.

    “The dead consisted of 11 women and 17 men,” he added.

    The Pakistani pilgrims were headed through Iran to Iraq to attend the Arbaeen commemoration, one of the biggest events of the Shiite calendar which marks the 40th day of mourning for Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

    Last year, some 22 million pilgrims attended the commemoration in the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala, where Hussein and his brother Abbas are buried, according to official figures.

  • Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck divorce after two years of marriage

    Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck divorce after two years of marriage

    Hollywood singer Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from actor Ben Affleck after two years of marriage, ending weeks of speculation of the fairytale romance ending.

    The duo, affectionately called ‘Bennifer’, have had a whirlwind relationship since the early 2000s, when they became engaged after Affleck gave Lopez an engagement ring featuring a 6.1-carat pink diamond.
    However, in 2003, the couple announced their separation. They both married other partners and had children.

    The two rekindled their relationship in 2021 and got married in July 2022 in Las Vegas.

  • Shraddha Kapoor aur Rajkummar Rao nai Stree 2 ke liye kitnai paisay liay?

    Shraddha Kapoor aur Rajkummar Rao nai Stree 2 ke liye kitnai paisay liay?

    Bollywood’s most recent hit, ‘Stree 2,’ released on August 15, has since become a huge hit at the box office. With Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead roles, this horror comedy has captured viewers’ attention with a perfect mix of humor and suspense.

    In just four days, Stree 2 has collected INR 190.55 crore net in India and INR250 million worldwide.
    As per reports ABP News, Shraddha Kapoor charged INR five crores while Rajkummar Rao INR six crores.

    Varun Dhawan and Akshay Kumar made a surprise appearance in the film.

    The film also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee.

    Talking at the trailer launch of Stree 2, Kapoor said, “The character I’ve played in Stree is special for me in many ways. I’ve never done a role like this, and Stree 2 has a lot more in store for those who waited so long.”
    The film is written by Niren Bhatt and directed by Amar Kaushikh.

    The film is a supernatural thriller that takes place in the town of Chanderi. A headless monster named Sarkate is kidnapping women, causing fear among the residents. A group of friends, including Vicky, Rudra, Jana, Bittu, and a mysterious woman (Shraddha Kapoor), team up to stop the monster and save the town.

  • ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ tackles parental favoritism

    ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ tackles parental favoritism

    Smash hit ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ isn’t just a romantic fest, it also sheds light on a societal issue that often remains hidden: the undue emphasis on financial stability as a measure of parental affection. The series explores how this relationship impacts a family, focussing on the experiences of two brothers, Adeel and Mustafa.

    Before marriage, the show shows clear favoritism in the family. As the main provider, Adeel has a lot of say in family decisions, which creates an imbalance. His busy schedule excuses him from family events, leaving Mustafa to handle chores and family duties. Mustafa, who is always there emotionally and helps out, is often ignored compared to Adeel, whose financial success is more valued.

    The family dynamics shift after Adeel marries Rubab, the daughter of a businessman. When their father falls ill, Mustafa and his wife, Sharjeena, manage his care with dedication. However, the arrival of Adeel and Rubab changes the situation. Despite Mustafa and Sharjeena’s efforts, the mother’s focus shifts entirely to Adeel and Rubab, who are praised and asked for additional financial help for the father’s heart surgery. This favoritism highlights the mother’s bias towards her financially successful son.

    Mustafa’s emotional well-being suffers. Despite his significant contributions to his father’s care, he faces belittlement from his mother, and his wife Sharjeena endures unwarranted criticism. The drama emphasizes the emotional toll of such favoritism, as Mustafa’s efforts are overshadowed by his brother’s financial success, leading to a diminished sense of self-worth.

    Sharjeena, Mustafa’s wife, provides a contrasting view. Despite facing resistance from her mother-in-law, she actively participates in household duties and tries to contribute financially. Her efforts challenge traditional gender roles and highlight the bias against women’s financial contributions. The disparity in how Sharjeena and Rubab are treated underscores the prejudices based on socioeconomic status.

  • Pakistan successfully tests Shaheen-II ballistic missile

    Pakistan successfully tests Shaheen-II ballistic missile

    Pakistan has successfully conducted a training launch of the surface-to-surface Shaheen-II ballistic missile, Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release.

    The military media wing stated that it aimed at performance evaluation of different subsystems incorporated for improved accuracy and enhanced survivability.

    The training launch was witnessed by senior officers from the Strategic Plans Division, Army Strategic Forces Command, scientists and engineers of strategic organisations. ISPR noted

    Moreover, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the three services chiefs congratulated the scientists and engineers on this accomplishment.

  • ‘It is not short-term relief but two months’: CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz

    ‘It is not short-term relief but two months’: CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has strongly criticised Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah’s remarks against the Punjab government’s decision to raise electricity prices, calling it “foolish.”

    On Monday, while addressing a ceremony, Murad Ali Shah said that such “strange announcements” put them (Sindh govt) in a fix. “We (Sindh government) find it difficult how to respond to these foolish statements. But I don’t want to get into politics,” he added.

    Likewise, another Sindh minister, Saeed Ghani, also questioned the Punjab government’s policy, asking, “What will happen after two months of relief to the people of Punjab?”

    However, Maryam Nawaz expressed disbelief at the Sindh CM’s comments, remarking, “I laughed when I heard someone say it’s foolish to reduce electricity prices. Isn’t it foolish to pocket money from corruption and spend it on protocol, planes, helicopters, and convoys while denying relief to the public?”

    Last week, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif announced a relief package for the people of Punjab: Rs 14 per unit of electricity will be reduced for two months.

  • ‘Fauji’; Indian movie starring Sajal Aly is not about the army

    ‘Fauji’; Indian movie starring Sajal Aly is not about the army

    Actress and model Sajal Aly is making a highly anticipated comeback in Bollywood after a seven-year gap. Her new film ‘Fauji,’ will be directed by the acclaimed Hanu Raghavapudi, known for his beautiful storytelling in films like ‘Sita Rama.’

    Sajal will star opposite South Indian superstar Prabhas. As per Filmfare, the shooting of the film is scheduled to start in Hyderabad on August 24.

    Raghavapudi has said ‘Fauji’ will be a historical action drama. The love story will be set during a war before India and Pakistan gained their independence. There are rumors that Prabhas might play a British soldier in the film. The team is thinking about casting an actress from Asia, and Sajal Aly is one of the names under consideration.

    Read this also: Sajal Aly to star opposite Prabhas in Bollywood?

    Sajal Aly started her Bollywood career with 2017’s ‘Mom,’ where she played Sridevi’s daughter. Prabhas is doing well with his latest movie, ‘Kalki 2898 AD,’ which is about a future world and inspired by Hindu stories.

    As reported by Pinkvilla, the action-packed drama will take place during the pre-independence era.