Tag: trending

  • Rana Sanaullah denies PTI’s Swati’s claim of being tortured in custody by military officials

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has dismissed claims made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and Senator, Azam Swati, that he had been subjected to custodial torture and stripping by two military officials.

    In a joint press conference today (Friday), Sanaullah along with Additional Director Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Ayaz Khan and Head of Cybercrime Waqaruddin Syed responded to Swati’s allegations.

    The minister said that the FIA did not hand Swati over to any other institutions and denied allegations of torture, alleging that Swati and PTI were instigating mischief. “It is important to put facts before the nation, as they lie brazenly,” the minister added.

    He also invited the additional director of FIA to present the “facts” behind the raid that was conducted to arrest Swati in October.

    Ayaz said that the First Information Report (FIR) which was registered against Swati was for “a cognisable offence” after obtaining “proper” search, seizure and arrest warrants.

    He clarified that Swati was not arrested in front of his grandchildren. He further said his team went to Swati’s house with the police and before entering the house they “properly introduced” themselves at the gate.

    Talking about PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s allegations regarding the torture and stripping of his party members including Swati and Shahbaz Gill, Sanaullah said that he doesn’t understand why Khan keeps repeating the same narrative.

    “Imran Khan has adopted an anti-national agenda and instigates propaganda. He wants to take the country toward chaos and anarchy. His propaganda will be countered at all levels,” the minister said.

    Earlier today, Swati alleged that “Major General Faisal” and “Sector Commander Fahim” were the “two culprits” behind his abuse and custodial torture. During the press conference, he also showed the alleged torture marks present on his hands.

    He also demanded that “the infamous ISI political wing be buried” as he was of the view that it is responsible for the “insult and notoriety” for the country.

    Earlier this month, Swati was arrested in a case registered against him over a controversial tweet thought to be against the armed forces. Since his arrest, Swati has alleged he was stripped and tortured while in custody.

  • FIA summons Shah Mahmood Qureshi to investigate Khan’s audio leaks about cipher

    FIA summons Shah Mahmood Qureshi to investigate Khan’s audio leaks about cipher

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has summoned former Foreign Minister (FM) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, on November 1, to inquire about the conversation held between him, party Chairman Imran Khan and others on the cipher sent from Washington DC.

    Imran Khan has blamed the cipher and its contents for the ouster of his government through a Vote of No Confidence ( VoNC).

    The notice addressed to Qureshi states that “An inquiry team has been constituted by FIA on the directions of the federal cabinet to inquire into the matter of conversation of former PM Imran Khan, his political associates and Khan’s former Secretary, available on internet regarding Cypher message received from Parep, Washington.”

    “You are directed to appear in person before the inquiry team to record your version/statement”, it added.

    On September 28, an audio clip leaked on the internet in which Khan allegedly directed his then-principal secretary Azam Khan to, “Play with it [cipher]”.

    A few days later another audio clip surfaced in which Khan, when he was the prime minister, was directing his close aides not to take America’s name while talking about the US cipher in public.

    Qureshi has been summoned to show up on November 1 (Tuesday) at 12pm.

    Former Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood was also summoned today (Friday) in this matter.

  • ‘Agar isne wo gunah na kia hota to aaj yeh London Nahi Jaunga me hoti’: Khalil-ur-Rehman once again targets Mahira Khan

    ‘Agar isne wo gunah na kia hota to aaj yeh London Nahi Jaunga me hoti’: Khalil-ur-Rehman once again targets Mahira Khan

    Superstar Mahira Khan played the female lead in Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s Sadqay Tumhare and also received critical acclaim for her performance in the period saga.

    The Kaaf Kangana maker cursed himself earlier this year for casting the Hamsafar’s leading lady as ‘Shano’ in his drama serial Sadqay Tumhare. The writer had previously said that he made a mistake while casting Adnan Malik as the male lead as well.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is WhatsApp-Image-2022-04-28-at-9.03.14-AM.jpeg

    Explaining his ‘hatred’ for the superstar actress, Khalil Ur Rehman re-shared an old tweet of Mahira where she slammed the writer for verbally abusing human rights activist Marvi Sirmed on national television in March 2020.

    Khalil tweeted, “Ye hai iss aurat ka wo tweet jo iss ne Marvi Sarmad k sath honay walay incident k aglay din kia tha (This is a tweet by Mahira which she posted after the Marvi Sirmed incident)”

    Earlier he confessed on a chat show that he regrets getting on-board the Raees diva in a project based on his own life.

    Adding that he’ll always be upset about it, “Zindagi bhar yeh gham rahega.”

    Latest Comments

    Now in his latest interview, Khalil again commented about his feud with Mahira.

    Qamar said, “I will forgive Khan eventually for working on a project based on my life. I have nothing but respect for her, yet she committed a mistake during the infamous Marvi Sarmad incident. Hence she lost  out on Mere Paas Tum Ho and London Nahi Jaunga as a punishment, otherwise, she was my first choice for either venture. If not Mere Paas Tum Ho, I would have casted Khan in London Nahi Jaunga (instead of Mehwish Hayat.”

    London Nahi Jaunga Review Includes Mixed Feelings
    Humayun Saeed gave his opinion on the Ending of Mere Paas Tum Ho

    Another Controversy

    Last year the Celebrity Premier League series got halt due to the Meray Paas Tum Ho writer’s abusive conduct on the cricket field.

    According to reliable sources, Khalil, who was the captain of the Peshawar team got into a tussle with the opponent team members of ‘Rawalpindi Stars’ over a player. He argued that the player’s name wasn’t previously mentioned in the list and lost his cool on the matter.

    As a captain, the Pyaray Afzal writer was not allowed to come on the ground but he came and created a havoc, leaving the management and players in shock.

    He was reminded that live footage of the league is being presented on mass media and was taken off the ground.

    Celebrities like Faysal Qureshi and Aijaz Aslam were also present at the stadium.

    “I was shocked to hear the foul language used by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. Families and children were there too. The man has no manners, no shame. Totally disgraceful,” anchorperson Shahzad Iqbal told The Current.

    Entrepreneur and politician Zulfi Bukhari came on board as a replacement for the future series.

  • Ab teacher ki baari: Teacher gets suspended for taking naps during class hours

    Ab teacher ki baari: Teacher gets suspended for taking naps during class hours

    The Sindh Education and Literacy Department has suspended a primary school teacher in Sabu Kartio who was captured sleeping on camera during class hours.

    Sindh Elementary Education Department took notice of the occurrence and suspended him for sleeping in the class rather than teaching the students.

    The teacher, named Imtiaz Ali, can be seen in the pictures sleeping on chairs and on benches. The pictures went viral on social media and led to his suspension.

    The teacher was appointed at the Government Boys Primary School.

    Shortly after the pictures, he was immediately suspended by the District Education Officer and put on a suspension allowance.

  • ‘Institutional desire to transition must be encouraged’: Bilawal on DG ISI’s conference

    ‘Institutional desire to transition must be encouraged’: Bilawal on DG ISI’s conference

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari commented on the explosive first-ever press conference of Director General (DG) Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant (Lt) Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum.

    On his official Twitter handle, the foreign minister said that the press conference is “unprecedented and historic”, saying that his party has struggled for this for three generations.

    “Transition of establishment from controversial to the constitutional role is vital for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. PPP has struggled for this for three generations. Press conference by DGISI and ISPR is unprecedented and historic. Institutional desire to transition must be encouraged,” Bilawal said.

    Similarly, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also commented on the rare appearance of Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum, saying that this clearly conveyed to the nation that the institution intended to work within its constitutional limits.

    “The nation is witness to the institution’s decision to keep in its jurisdiction,” the interior minister added.

    Earlier in the day, a joint press conference by Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum and DG of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar was held in Islamabad to talk about journalist Arshad Sharif’s killing and former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s confrontational narrative against the military.

    The ISI chief said, “The military has been under a lot of pressure since March but they decided to limit themselves to its constitutional role.”

    Lt Gen Anjum also made the revelation that in March, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa was given a “lucrative offer” for an extension in his tenure by Imran Khan. “The offer was made in front of me. He rejected it because he wanted the institution to move forward from a controversial role to a constitutional role.”

    He said that he would have addressed the media earlier if it was for personal reasons. “Those sacrificing their lives should not have to face these lies. Hence, remaining silent was morally unacceptable to me,” he firmly stated.

  • ‘Cipher, Arshad Sharif, Khan’s hidden meetings with COAS’: History’s first joint DG ISI and Army press conference

    ‘Cipher, Arshad Sharif, Khan’s hidden meetings with COAS’: History’s first joint DG ISI and Army press conference

    In a historic press conference held on Thursday, the Director General (DG) Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum addressed media for the first time, accompanied by the DG of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Major General Babar Iftikhar. The two top ranking officers of the armed services spoke about journalist Arshad Sharif’s killing and former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s confrontational narrative against the military, his hidden meetings with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, foreign conspiracy, Washington cipher as well as a host of other related topics.

    DG ISPR says Imran Khan’s cipher and US regime change narrative is a complete pack of lies

    Talking about the cipher, General Iftikhar said that the COAS had discussed the contents of the document with Imran on March 11 where the then-Prime Minister had dismissed it as, “not a big deal”.

    “It was surprising for us when on March 27 a piece of paper was waved and an attempt was made to build a narrative that was far from reality,” the DG said, referring to Imran Khan’s rally where he first unveiled the ‘conspiracy’ crafted by America to oust his government.

    General Iftikhar then said that several facts had come to light regarding the cypher revealing the “baseless and unfounded” narrative surrounding it. The ISPR informed the National Security Committee that no proof was found regarding the conspiracy against the PTI government, he said, adding that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) also did not find any evidence of the conspiracy.

    “This is all part of the record. We wanted to bring this to the public. And we left the decision to the-then government,” he stated.

    “The word neutral and apolitical was turned into an abuse”

    Gen Iftikhar stated that it was being expected that the army would intervene in domestic politics. “The words neutral and apolitical were turned into an abuse words. Despite this baseless narrative, the army chief and the institution showed restraint and we tried our level best that politicians sit together to resolve their issues.”

    ARY News played the role of a spin doctor 

    “In this media trial, ARY News played the role of a spin doctor in targeting the army and promoting a false narrative […] the NSC meeting was presented in the wrong context,” said Gen Iftikhar. He noted that Arshad Sharif made strong comments about the army during this time but added that “We did not have any negative sentiments about him and we don’t have such feelings now”.

    At this time, Sharif and other journalists were fed a particular narrative and an attempt was made to defame Pakistan and the country’s institutions across the world, he revealed.

    ‘Salman Iqbal should be brought back’

    The DG ISPR went on to say that the name of the ARY CEO Salman Iqbal was surfacing again and again in the incident that ended in Arshad Sharif’s killing. “He should be brought back to Pakistan and made part of the probe,” the DG said without mincing his words.

    He said that after Sharif’s death, people had started pointing fingers at the army. “It has to be determined who exactly benefitted from his killing.,” General Iftikhar said, asking the large number of journalists gathered there to unearth facts and bring them to life. “We have to wait for the report from the inquiry commission. Until the report is released, it is not appropriate to make allegations,” he cautioned.

    Details of Arshad Sharif’s departure

    Offering more details of the circumstances of Arshad Shrif’s departure from Pakistan, Babr Iftikhar said that on August 8 2022,  ARY News aired Shehbaz Gill’s controversial statements about the army’s rank and file. The statement was roundly condemned, and Gill, the Chief of Staff for Imran Khan, was arrested a day later.

    He said that when the head of ARY News, Ammad Yousaf,  was arrested in August, it emerged that CEO Salman Iqbal had asked the former to send Sharif abroad as soon as possible.

    The DG ISPR stated that a manager in the ARY Group booked a ticket for Sharif for Dubai, according to which he was supposed to be back on September 9.

    “On Aug 10, he left Peshawar airport thorough PK-637 for Dubai. He was provided complete protocol by the KP government,” he said, adding that the late journalist was escorted by KP officers to the airport.” The institutions never tried to stop Arshad Sharif, if the government wanted to stop him they would have done it through FIA.

    Stating that Arshad remained in the UAE until he had a valid visa, the DG said that the late journalist left for Kenya when his visa for Dubai expired. He said that no one “forced” Sharif to leave Dubai at a government level and questioned who exactly forced him to leave. He also questioned who processed the journalist’s documents in the UAE, who arranged his accommodations, who forced him to not return to Pakistan and who assured him that he was safe in Kenya.

    He also questioned who was in contact with Sharif from Pakistan and who was hosting him in Kenya. “Kenyan police accepted their mistake and it has to be examined whether this is a case of mistaken identity or one of targeted killing. There are several questions that have to be answered,” he said, calling for a “transparent and fair probe”.

    Therefore, the government has been requested to form a high-level inquiry commission, he explained.

    “If you see him as a traitor, then why do you meet him through the back door?”: DG ISI

    The ISI chief also made an appearance in today’s press conference — the first time a spy chief has done so in Pakistan’s history.

    Talking about the former premier Imran, the ISI chief said that while citizens had the right to their opinion, he asked why had the Chairman of the PTI praise dthe COAS in the past.

    Referring to Imran Khan’s continued thinly veiled references directed at General Bajwa, the spy chief asked, “If you see him as a traitor, then why do you meet him through the back door? […] Don’t meet him quietly at night through the back door and express your unconstitutional wishes but call him a traitor in broad daylight. That’s a big contradiction between your words and your actions.”

    Lt Gen Anjum also made the revelation that in March, Gen Bajwa was given a “lucrative offer” for an extension in his tenure. “The offer was made in front of me. He rejected it because he wanted the institution to move forward from a controversial role to a constitutional role.”

    I did not make an appearance for personal reasons: DG ISI

    Explaining his unprecedented presence before the media, General Nadeem Anjum offered an explanation. “I would often see that lies [were being perpetuated] and the youth was accepting it. I did not make an appearance for personal reasons. I saw the way the country and institutions were facing threats due to lies which is why I broke my silence,” he said.

    “There were campaigns against me in March on social media. I got a call from the agency that a campaign was underway against me. I told them get in touch when the retweets exceed eight thousand million. Before that, I don’t care about myself,” the DG ISI explained.

    He said that he would have addressed the media earlier if it was for personal reasons. “Those sacrificing their lives should not have to face these lies. Hence, remaining silent was morally unacceptable to me,” he firmly stated.

  • ‘Hold India accountable’: PM Shehbaz, President Alvi expressed solidarity with Kashmiris on Black Day

    ‘Hold India accountable’: PM Shehbaz, President Alvi expressed solidarity with Kashmiris on Black Day

    On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s illegitimate occupation of Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and others have released messages to mark the sombre day.

    “This day is a testament to Kashmiris’ legendary courage and resilience they have shown in standing up to the Indian occupation forces over the last 75 years,” the Prime Minister said in his message shared on Twitter.

    In his tweet, the Premier urged the world to not “turn a blind eye” to human rights abuses in IIOJK.

    Similarly, Dr Arif Alvi called upon the international community to take practical steps to hold India accountable for its “egregious human rights violations in IIOJK”.

    The President reiterated Pakistan’s call for the immediate reversal of the Indian government’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, which stripped the IIOJK of its special status under the Indian constitution.

    In an official message, Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also paid tribute to Kashmiris for rendering sacrifices.

    “October 27 is the darkest day in the history of India which emerged as the worst dictator and colonialist country in the world 75 years ago,” Bilawal was quoted by Radio Pakistan.

    Federal Minister for Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman also expressed solidarity with Kashmiri brothers and sisters.

    “The people of Kashmir are still paying the price of this occupation. For the past 75 years, India has been violating the resolutions of the United Nations and oppressing Kashmiris”, the federal minister said in a tweet.

    It should be noted that Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and the world over are observing Black Day today (Thursday). The day will be marked by a complete shutdown and civil curfew by the people in IIOJK.

  • Iman Aly clarifies her controversial remarks about Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan

    Iman Aly clarifies her controversial remarks about Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan

    Model-actor Iman Ali is known for being candid and blunt in her interviews. She often expresses her opinions without filtering them in interviews, which lands her in hot water.

    Iman received severe backlash in 2020 when her tongue-in-cheek remarks about industry Pakistani superstars like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed.

    Iman released all her inhibitions and swung at every question with casual humour, giving usual rapid fire rounds a run for their money. She even said Humayun Saeed may as well have been a doodh/dahi bechnay wala (milk seller) with his typically Punjabi looks.

    When asked about the country’s favourite superstar at the moment, Mahira Khan, Iman had no second guesses. “She should’ve stayed a VJ. She was really good at that and I really liked her at that,” said Iman, chuckling at her own answer.

    Iman also made another revelation – she was offered Raees alongside Shah Rukh Khan before Mahira landed the coveted role. “The people who approached me told me it’s a role opposite Shah Rukh, so I asked them to send me the script. I guess they didn’t really like that,” said Iman.

    When asked about Fawad Khan, Iman said, “He used to make really stupid jokes on set (they were co-stars in their debut film Khuda Kay Liye) so maybe a failed stand-up comedian.”

    fawad iman

    During a recent interview with DIVAonline, the Bol star clarified that she was in no way insulting or being insensitive toward Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan when she said that Mahira should’ve stuck to being a VJ and Fawad would’ve been a failed comedian.

    According to the Khuda Kay Liye diva, her statement was spread in the wrong light from a throwback video. Now, Iman said that she was only answering the question ‘What career would they have pursued had they not been actors’. 

    On the work front, Iman is all set to grace the big screen with the upcoming film Tich Button co-starring Farhan Saeed, Feroze Khan, and Sonya Hussyn.

    Tich Button: High Powered Trailer With Engaging Storyline

  • Faisal removed: PTI kicks out Faisal Vawda from WhatsApp group

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda held a press conference on Wednesday in which he made huge claims regarding the death of senior journalist Arshad Sharif and said the party’s upcoming long march to Islamabad would be a “bloody” one with “bodies falling” and deaths of innocent people.

    “Imran Khan’s peaceful march is our right but I am clearly telling you I am seeing blood, deaths and funerals in this march,” said Vawda.

    Shortly after his hard-hitting presser, a show-cause notice was sent to him on the instructions of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and his party membership was suspended.

    The notification, shared by PTI’s Sindh chapter President Ali Zaidi, says, “You have grossly violated discipline by giving statements against party policies and guidelines.”

    “You are not allowed to hold any party office or represent the party in the media,” it added.

    After Vawda’s press conference, Zaidi tweeted: “Interestingly all channels and PTV covered the presser so it’s clear that Imported Government launched him. But he made no sense.”

    PTI senior leader Fawad Chaudhry said, “Frankly, I am surprised and confused at Faisal Vawda’s press conference.” He revealed that the party members didn’t know about the press conference.

    In a tweet, PTI Secretary-General Asad Umar said Vawda’s statement does not represent party policy and views.

    According to ARY journalist Abdul Qadir, PTI also kicked out Vawda from the party’s core committee WhatsApp group.

    Vawda repeatedly said that PTI is his party and he would always remain in PTI.

    Talking about Arshad Sharif’s tragic killing, the PTI leader dismissed the version of the Kenyan police about Arshad being killed in a case of “mistaken identity”.

    “The establishment has no role in this killing,” Vawda said, adding that the establishment had been in contact with Arshad Sharif.

    “Now you will all ask me how do I know all this and why. When Arshad Sharif went from this country, from that day to his last days, I was in contact with him and my phone is available for forensic analysis,” he added.

    He repeatedly said that Sharif’s murder was plotted in Pakistan and claimed to know about the details. Vawda stated that he is ready to share evidence with the Military Intelligence (MI) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

  • Pakistan has spoken: no space for men like Feroze Khan

    Pakistan has spoken: no space for men like Feroze Khan

    Domestic violence can be described as power misused by one adult in a relationship to control another. It is the establishment of control and fear in a relationship through violence and other forms of abuse. Domestic violence is not simply about an ‘argument’. It is a pattern of coercive control that one person exercises over another. Abusers use physical and sexual violence, threats, emotional insults, and economic deprivation as a way to dominate their victims.

    Pakistan is no stranger to this violence. In fact, our dramas promote violent men who become heroes in the end. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-2018, about 28 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 experience violence at the hands of their partners in their lifetimes. That’s a very high number. According to the survey, 80 per cent percent of married women who have experienced physical violence since age 15 report their current husband as the perpetrator, while 8 per cent name a former husband as the perpetrator. Previously, the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2012-2013 estimated that 32 per cent of women have experienced physical violence in Pakistan and 40 per cent of married women have suffered from spousal abuse at some point in their life. However, experts say that the actual number may be a lot higher as most women in Pakistan never tell others or even seek help.

    Syeda Aliza officially filed for divorce from actor Feroze Khan on September 3. Aliza’s pictures from the court hearing went viral on social media. The mother-of-two presented evidence of domestic violence against her, done by her husband Feroze Khan, in court. Aliza took to social media and shared she had to “endure infidelity, blackmail and degradation” by Feroze. After the pictures of Aliza’s bruised arms and eye, along with a medical report detailing her injuries, went viral, she received massive support from people who might have not spoken if evidence wasn’t revealed. These documents resulted in an outpouring of support from members of the entertainment industry. Multiple actors from the entertainment industry came forward to condemn Feroze’s alleged violent attacks on his ex-wife. Colleagues of Feroze categorically berated the actor’s ill-treatment towards his wife and lambasted him for subjecting Aliza to domestic violence. Actor Iqra Aziz in an Instagram post has said that she is retracting from a project with Feroze Khan after he was accused of domestic violence. Khan’s drama Habs director, Musadiq Malik, spoke up against Feroze despite having worked with him in Habs, an ongoing serial.

    In a classic act of cowardice, actor Feroze Khan released a statement denying all abuse allegations levied against him a day after fellow celebrities and social media rallied behind his ex-wife. Calling them false, he said as a believer in human rights, he has “never knowingly hurt another human being”. Despite Khan’s denial, the entertainment industry rallied behind Aliza en masse, offering their full support.

    This incident makes us question the morality of some men, their upbringing, and sheer arrogance. Why does a woman always have to show evidence of violence? Her word should be enough. But it has also given us hope. The way that celebrities have come out in support of Feroze’s wife, regardless of the fact that people usually remain silent when one of their own is tainted, is inspiring. Can it be? Will the public outcry against Feroze lead to a public and outright ban? Or like others, will Feroze also get away with it? ‘Kya Yaar, what’s the big deal, men will be men’ keh kar khatam kareinge baat? We don’t think so. This time women, men, and Pakistan has had enough.