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Category: pakistan

  • Pakistan’s FM calls for mechanism to monitor crimes against women in IOK, other foreign occupation territories

    UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Tuesday called for establishing a monitoring mechanism for crimes committed against women and girls in territories under foreign occupation, including the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

    The most egregious atrocities and crimes against women and girls occur in situations of foreign occupation and suppression of the right to self-determination to peoples,” he said during a high-level debate in the UN Security Council on ‘Women, Peace and Security (WPS) towards the 25th Anniversary of Resolution 1325’.

    Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that women continue to be the principal victims of war and conflict despite 90 states have adopted National Action Plans to protect women and girls.

    He thanked the Veronica Nataniel Macamo Dlhovu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Mozambique for convening this Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, on the eve of International Women’s Day.

    The world today is facing a pandemic of conflict, violence, war, hate, extremism and terrorism. Despite the Geneva Conventions, civilians are increasingly the primary targets of war and violence. And, as the Council’s landmark resolution 1325 observed, women and girls suffer disproportionately and inordinately from war, conflict and violence.

    The strategy adopted in Security Council resolution 1325, and the 10 subsequent resolutions on women, peace and security, has served to enhance national and international recognition of the challenge and its manifestations.

    Almost 90 states have adopted National Action Plans to protect women and girls and to empower them to contribute to prevent and respond to conflict, war and violence.

    The UN’s Special Rapporteur on Sexual Violence in Conflict has helped to enhance recognition of this challenge. The larger presence and role of women peacekeepers has visibly contributed to preventing and containing conflicts and violence and crimes against women.

    “Yet, we are far from realizing the objectives of the Women, Peace and Security Agend,” Bilawal said.

    The somber reality is that women continue to be the principal victims of war and conflict. We hear the cries of mothers, sisters and daughters – in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, in Africa – suffering from the consequences of wars that were imposed on them. We have yet to implement the strategy to prevent war, ease its suffering, establish accountability for the crimes against women and girls and empower women, through skills, access and leadership, to contribute to prevention, recovery and redress from their imposed and disproportionate suffering.

    We are disappointed at the restrictions imposed on education and work on women and girls in Afghanistan. The right of women and girls to access all levels of education and work is a fundamental right in keeping with Islamic injunctions. We urge the defacto authorities to take steps towards resumption of female education and allow them to contribute to Afghan Society.

    The most egregious atrocities and crimes against women and girls occur in situations of foreign occupation and suppression of the right to self-determination of people. Here, the very object of violence is to suppress the civilian population. This is manifested most vividly in the occupied Palestinian territories and occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

    The women, peace and security strategy will remain incomplete and unfulfilled so long as the acute dimension of the plight of women under foreign occupation is not addressed frontally and vigorously. Above all, occupation forces must be held accountable.

    To ensure implementation of the WPS strategy, it is essential to establish a monitoring mechanism for crimes committed against women and girls in territories under foreign occupation, including Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

    The Security Council called for improved monitoring in resolution 1888 (2009), through the deployment of military and gender expert teams to conflict areas, and in resolution 1960 (2010) it endorsed measures to end the impunity of perpetrators. These provisions must be implemented.

    Pakistan also supports effective implementation of the other measures in the Council’s resolutions on Women, Peace and Security: The deployment of Women Protection Advisors; A larger role for UN Women Peacekeepers, especially in leadership positions; addressing the root causes of conflicts; increasing the resources for women in conflict zones;stronger and equal role for women in the prevention of conflict, in the delivery of relief and recovery assistance and in forging lasting peace; the peaceful resolution of conflicts in accordance with the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions, utilizing the various mechanisms available under the UN Charter.

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  • Students of University of Texas, Dallas making efforts for promotion of cricket on their own

    TEXAS: The students of University of Texas Dallas are making efforts to promote cricket on campus on their own despite no financial support from the University administration.

    Since cricket is not included in the official sports in the educational institutions of America, the students who play cricket in most of the universities are not provided any kind of financial support from the educational institutions here.

    The students of the University of Texas Dells are active for the promotion of cricket.

    These students are not only cricket fans but also play excellent cricket.

    Cricketer students of UT Dales say that they organize cricket matches and various tournaments here throughout the year, but the university administration does not support them like other sports.

    Students believe that one of the main reasons for this is that cricket is not a regular sport here.

    These students also say that if the cricket-loving local community supports them, they will be able to make cricket a regular sport in the university.

    They said that they want to represent Dalles in the NCCA cricket tournament to be held in Houston.

    If the community supports them, they can effectively represent the Dales by playing the best cricket.

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  • OPGF and OPC ink MoU to resolve issues of overseas Pakistanis

    Lahore: Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation (OPGF), and Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) have joined hands to work together for the welfare of overseas community members and resolve their issues.

    The MOU signing ceremony was held on January 09, 2023 in Lahore.

    Shaikh Shakil Vice Chairman of OPGF, and Syed Tariq Mahmood-Ul-Hassan Vice Chairperson OPC signed the documents on behalf of their respective organizations.

    OPGF has its Head Office in NeW York, while Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) office based in Lahore.

    The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to confirm the relationship of cooperation between the Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission & OPGF for the purpose of mutually strengthening each other’s capacity and in playing their role in providing all the welfare facilities and best services to resolve the major issues facing by
    Overseas Pakistanis.

    OPGF will provide all the relevant complaints of Overseas Pakistanis on the behalf of Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission. Along with all required information and complaint registered on Web Portal of OPC.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the MOU is not legally binding on either parties. Either party may terminate this MOU with upon one-month prior written notice to the other party stating its intention to withdraw from the relationship as
    described in this MOU. This termination will be without any cost or expenses to either party.

    The terms of the understanding may at any time be amended as needed in writing and as agreed upon by both the parties.

    As per the document, available with VOSA TV, said: “The parties hereby agree not to disclose any confidential infomation of the other party to
    any person, fim or enterprise, or use for its own benefits, without the written consent and approval of the other party, confidential information includes any reports, data, systems materials or other intomation of one party that the other party may have gained or acquired access to as a result of this MOU.”

    However, the Foundation & Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission being a nonprofit and public organization can inform its shareholders about the general nature of this agreement, its benefits and services being availed in its annual report or through any other publication.

    Any dispute in respect of any issue arising out of this MOU will be resolved with mutualconsultation.

    If unresolved, the matter will be referred for arbitration to the Vice Chairperson Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission and the President of OPGF for decision.
    Their decision will be final and binding and cannot be challenged in any court
    of Law.

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  • PTI USA holds an event to discuss the current issues of Pakistan in New Jersey

    New Jersey: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf USA chapter held a grand program in New Jersey to discuss  the immediate solution of various problems being faced by Pakistan.

    PTI leader and Senator Faisal Javed was the chief guest of the event.

    The program was organized at a local banquet in New Jersey which was hosted by senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf New Jersey Sam Khan and Khurshid Bhalli.

    The program started with the recitation of Holy Quran.Khursheed Bhali administrated the program.

    Addressing the participants, host Sam Khan and Khurshid Bhalli said that there was more love for Imran Khan among overseas Pakistanis than in Pakistan.

    Speaking on the topic of the program, Senator Faisal Javed, the chief guest of the event, said that overseas Pakistanis are suffering more because of the current situation in Pakistan.

    Allah has blessed Imran Khan with the ability to make the impossible, possible.

    While PTI OIC Secretary Abdullah Riad said that Imran Khan’s struggle is for the real freedom of Pakistan.

    Other participants of the event while talking about the immediate solution of various problems faced by Pakistan said: “we are fortunate to have the leadership of a person like Imran Khan,”

    No one coined the term ‘real freedom’ except Imran Khan. It is the heartfelt wish of the overseas Pakistanis that the reign of Imran Khan returns soon.

    During the program, overseas Pakistanis also raised slogans in favor of Imran Khan along with Senator Faisal Javed.

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  • MOS lives up to it’s commitment, reconstructs houses for flood affected police in Sindh

    By: ALI ABBAS

    KARACHI: The New York Police Department’s (NYPD) Muslim Officers’ Society (MOS) has fulfilled its promise to the Sindh Police by constructing new houses for the flood effected officials of the provincial police in the Dadu district.

    Ali Gohar Panwar, Head Constable of Sindh Police, who lives on the outskirts of the MNV Drain, in Johi Taluka of Dadu District, has been gifted a new house comprised two-room by the Muslim Officers’ Society of New York Police Department, where his family is now living, happily.

    No one knows when, how and in what way the Allah almighty helps his creatures in difficult times.

    Muslim Officers Society in America, which is based in NYC some 7 thousand miles away from Pakistan, decided to help the flood victims and arrangements were made as soon as they saw the devastating situation in the province.

    Five months ago, after the stormy rains, the devastating floods washed away everything that came in it’s way.

    The houses of the policemen residing in Dadu district were also flooded.

    The story of Constable Nisar Ahmed Panwar, who lives in a flood-affected area with his elderly mother, wife and three children, is no different.Nisar Ahmed’s father was also in the police who was martyred during his service and he got a job in the police on the basis of his father’s quota. But his income was not so much that he could rebuild his damaged house.

    In a meeting with MOS President Deputy Inspector Adeel Rana in November last, the Inspector General of Sindh Police Ghulam Nabi Memon requested MOS to provide fifty thousand dollars for the construction of houses of flood affected policemen.

    Allocated amount is more than one hundred crore rupees in Pakistani currency and MOS fulfilled its promise to the Sindh Police by constructing new houses for the police constables and head constables living in different areas of Dadu district.

    MOS has constructed houses in Dadu of Sindh the worst affected district in the history of Pakistan, in the first phase, MOS constructed homes for the policemen who find it difficult to maintain their homes on their meager salaries.

    With the provision of financial assistance from the Muslim Officers Society, new houses were provided to the policemen in different tehsils and talukas of Dadu district.

    After construction of houses in the first phase, MOS has started construction of more new houses after complete survey and inspection of flood damaged houses by police personnel in other areas of Dadu district which will be completed by next month.

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  • Dr. Ehsanullah laid to rest in Washington Memorial Cemetery in Long Island

    New York: Dr. Ehsanullah, owner of the Polyclinic on Coney Island Avenue was laid to rest at the Washington Memorial Cemetery on Long Island, amid groans and sobs.

    He was regarded as well-respected and one of the beloved members of Pakistani community in New York City.

    He died after a cardiac arrest while doing a treadmill exercise, a couple of days back.

    His funeral prayer was held yesterday at Makki Masjid.

    A large number of business and social personalities of the community participated in the funeral prayer.

    In his address to the participants, Qari Usama quoted the Quranic verses and said that the time of death of every soul is fixed, but no one knows when, in what condition and in which place the death occurs.

    Therefore, he said every soul should worry about hereafter more than worldly affairs. After performing the funeral prayers, the body of the late Dr. Ehsanullah was taken to the Washington Memorial Cemetery in Long Island, where he was laid to rest with groans and sobs.

    Dr Ehsanullah has left behind a widow and three children to mourn his death. Pakistani community has prayed for forgiveness and elevation of the departed soul.

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  • Pakistani expats move SHC to seek ownership rights of plots, villas they ‘booked’ in Bahria Town

    By FARHAN RAJPUT

    KARACHI: Some four overseas Pakistanis living in the US and Canada have approached Sindh High Court against Bahria Town, a privately owned real-estate development tycoon for ‘depriving’ them of ownership rights of plots, and villas despite making full payments.

    In a petition filed before the Sindh High Court (SHC), the complainants said they booked plots and villas in Bahria Town Karachi and made regular payments through installments, since the launch of the mega project in Karachi in 2013.

    The complainants, named Noor Jahan Bibi, Uzma Shaheen, Asadullah Khan and Naveed Rasheed claimed that they have been deprived of the villas and plots despite making full payments.

    Noor Jahan Bibi booked a plot of 125 square yards, Uzma Shaheen also got a plot of 125 square yards,  Asadullah Khan paid for plots of 500 and 125 square yards. Similarly, Naveed Rasheed paid full payment for a 250 square yard residential plot in Bahria Town.

    But, the real estate company, they claimed, has not allotted plots and villas to them. They have been deprived of their ownership rights, and allotments, yet.

    The complainants say that they tried to contact Bahria Town several times, but the administration remained silent, which shows a moral decay on the part of Bahria Town.

    They said that despite being a multi billionaire, Bahria Town usurped their rights, and the management is dealing with new investors in BTK-2.

    The petitioners said when the balloting took place, their names were astonishingly missing, after which the Supreme Court took up the Bahria Town case, and the land which they had booked was included in the illegal land portion.
    Thay posed question as who ordered Bahria Town to include our names in the illegal land, despite they made regular payments.

    They said their parents are suffering from heart disease, urging the court to ensure speedy justice to them, saying “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

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  • Overseas Pakistanis in NYC introduce scholarship for NUML students

    New York: Overseas Pakistanis in New York have introduced a scholarship program for Pakistan-based National University of Modern Languages (NUML) students.

    Under this program, a scholarship of $ 35,00 will be given to each student annually.

    The NUML Scholarship Dinner was held at the residence of Tasawur Ahsan in Old West Bury, New York.

    The host Parvaiz Riaz and Zameer Chaudhary welcomed the guest of honor and Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khanum and presented her with a bouquet.

    Addressing the participants on this occasion, Aleema Khanum explained the aims and objectives of establishing NUML University.

    He said that there is immense talent in the young generation of Pakistan, it is necessary to improve their skills.

    Business and social personalities of the Pakistani American community also participated in the event.

    On this occasion, Imran Khan’s special message regarding NUML University was also presented to the participants.

    On this occasion, senior leader of PTI, Sajjad Barki informed the audience about the method of donating in the scholarship program.

    The hosts of the event, Tasawur Ahsan, Pervaiz Riaz and Zameer Chaudhary also announced their and their family’s financial support for the scholarship program.

    The organizers said that they want the deprived and underprivileged children in the Pakistani society to be equipped with the jewel of education.

    At the end of the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were presented to the donors of the scholarship club program.

    The participants reiterated their commitment that overseas Pakistanis will continue to play their best role in providing better and higher education to the Pakistani youth.

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  • ICNA Relief conducts funeral of a converted Muslim, 3-month after his body was kept unattended at a non-muslim mortuary

    New York: Islamic Circle of North America, known as ICNA Relief performed the last rituals of Aqib, who had died on November 26 in Philadelphia, days after embracing Islam and his body was kept unattended in a mortuary being run by Non-Muslims, for three months.

    The mortuary had finally decided to cremate Aqib’s body as none came forward to carryout his last rituals in accordance with Islamic teachings.

    Aqib’s daughter, who is a Christian, came to know about this, she did not agree with mortuary administration because Aqib had converted into Islam from Christianity, and cremation of a Muslim’s death body is against the norms of Islamic principles.

    The information reached the women’s wing of ICNA Relief, so they informed their organization which came forward.

    After necessary legal proceedings, ICNA Relief transported the dead body of the Muslim Aqib to New York from the non-Muslim mortuary and arranged for his bath shroud and buried Aqib with full honor and respect according to Islamic way.

    The funeral prayer was attended by hundreds of people in the Makki mosque of Brooklyn.

    Qari Osama addressed the attendees at and said that no one knows where his death and burial will take place.

    On this occasion, Muwaz Asad Siddiqui, spokesperson of ICNA Relief, said that a sister struggled to save her brother’s dead body from being cremated, but her efforts were not in vain.

    After the funeral prayers, the body of Aqib was taken to a local cemetery in New Jersey where he was laid to rest.

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  • COPO dispatches relief goods to the earthquake victims of Turkey, Syria via Turkish Airlines

    New York: The Council of People’s Organization (COPO) has dispatched a container of relief goods to the earthquake victims of Turkey and Syria through Turkish Airlines from US.

    The relief items include food items, warm clothes, blankets, shoes, medicines and surgical stuff.

    On this occasion, the head of COPO Muhammad Rizvi said that the New York Police Department’s  Muslim Officers’ Society (MOS) and other organizations have been participating in all the activities.

    Muhammad Rizvi and officers of the Muslim Officers’ Society of the New York Police were also present on the occasion of the loading of trucks.

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  • APAG distributes warm clothes amongst hundreds of people as part of its winter drive

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  • NYC cop’s parents robbed in Karachi

    Karachi: Parents of a New York police officer arrived in Karachi were robbed by unknown men in densely populated Liaqatabad neighbourhood.

    As per details, Fazal Karim, the father of a New York police officer, arrived in Karachi from America on the night of February 9 and 10 and was on his way home from the airport when his car was stopped in Liaquatabad.When the driver did not stop the vehicle, the suspects pretended to be government officials started checking the car, and fled with thousands of US dollars, mobile phones and other items.

    Fazal Karim arrived in Karachi along with his wife to attend the Dastarbandi of his second son and participate in Jamia Banuria Ceremony regarding completion of Bukhari Sharif.

    The suspects claimed themselves as government officials and asked to check the passport. During the search, thousands of US dollars, gold ornaments and other valuables were taken away.

    Fazal Kareem is an American National. He said that accused checked the passport and returned it and took his wife’s purse with them.

    Abdul Hameed, a teacher of Jamia Banuria, says that every year parents come from foreign countries for the certificate distribution ceremony, but no security is provided despite repeated requests.

    The police have registered a case and started investigating the incident.

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  • Pakistani American Think-tank holds Kashmir Day event to condemn Indian atrocities

    New York: Pakistani-American Think-tank organized a Kashmir Day event in New York to denounce the continued atrocities and human rights violations of the Indian government in the IOK, and to support the Kashmiris’ struggle for freedom and self-determination.

    Tahir Hanafi, a well-known poet from Pakistan, was the chief guest at the event that was held at a local restaurant in Brooklyn.

    Addressing the event, Tahir Hanafi said that Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan.

    Pakistan-American thinks tank chief Raja Razak said that holding the G-20 conference in the occupied territory is a very wrong move.

    While the general secretary of the organization, Farida Bibi, said that Kashmir is a region which is called heaven, but due to Indian persecution, Kashmir is presenting a scene of hell.

    Kashmiri leader Sardar Sawar Khan and retired Colonel Maqbool Malik said that February 5th is celebrated all over the world to express solidarity with the Kashmiris and that the 220 million people of Pakistan, their wishes and efforts are with the Kashmiri people.

    The Sikh community participating in the event said that during the freedom struggle, Gandhiji, Nehru and other leaders made various promises to the Sikh community and other minority communities but they could not be fulfilled.

    The participants of the event expressed their solidarity with the Kashmiri people and described only Pakistan’s efforts regarding Kashmir’s freedom as insufficient, but the whole world should raise their voice regarding atrocities in Kashmir.

    The organizers of the event thanked the Chief Guest and other participants for attending the event.

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  • APPAC holds Meet and Greet in honor of U.S Senator Cory Booker

    New York: American-Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) organized a ‘Meet and Greet’ in honor of US Senator Cory Brooker in Staten Island, New York.

    Speaking at the event, Cory Brooker said that he always feels happy with the Pakistani community.

    “Pakistani people have always given respect and support to me,” he said.

    The host committee of the event included Dr. Mazhar Malik, Sadia Malik Sheikh, Sara Malik Malhiban, Dr. Inam Haq, Dr. Fakhira Haq, Dr. Mahmood Alam and Asad Chaudhry.

    The National Anthem of Pakistan was also played at the beginning of the ceremony.

    A gift representing Pakistan’s  culture (Gilgit-Baltistan’s traditional cap) was also presented to US Senator on behalf of APPAC.

    APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, New York Assemblyman Charles Fall, and former US Congressman Ed Towns also participated in the event.

    In the ceremony, the attack on New York Police officer Adeed Fayyaz and the tragedy of Peshawar were also condemned.

    The post APPAC holds Meet and Greet in honor of U.S Senator Cory Booker first appeared on VOSA.

  • Over 400 accused involved in land grabbing, yet to get punishment from Karachi courts

    By Farhan Rajput

    KARACHI: More than 400 accused involved in some 110 cases including the illegal occupation of government land could not be punished so far, through the court of law as most of the accused have been released on bail.

    According to the details, mafias have seized the land worth billions of rupees of Karachi Development Authority (KDA), Malir Development Authority (MDA) and Board of Revenue and deprived hundreds of citizens of their life long savings.

    Despite the presence and actions of anti-encroachment police and other law enforcement agencies in Karachi, the land mafia has not been brought to justice.

    The anti-encroachment police registered more than 80 cases last year. In the first month of this year, a number of cases have also been registered against the occupation of land worth billions of rupees by KDA, MDA and Board of Revenue.

    The case was transferred to the special anti-encroachment court in Karachi. After which the number of such cases under hearing in the court has increased to 110.

    The number of accused involved in the said cases is more than 400 as the Sindh prosecution has not been able to punish the accused involved behind this crime.

    The accused have secured freedom on bail by hiring highly paid lawyers, including politicians and other land grabbers.

    According to records, the anti-encroachment police have registered two cases against PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh and his 11 associates for occupying 40 acres and 25 acres of land in Mangopir area.

    The police have also imposed provisions on Haleem Adil Shaikh for illegally building a housing society on 25 acres of occupied land.

    Similarly, a case has been filed against Ali Hasan Brohi and six of his associates, which is being heard in the relevant court.

    The police arrested Azim Marri, Aleemuddin alias Mulla and Akbar Chandio, Gul Sher and others in a case of similar nature. The accused have developed a network to occupy the government lands and the accused have also determined the procedure for the occupation of the government lands.

    Land mafia operatives burn the bushes one by one before demarcating the plots and some of the operatives clear the bushes with an ax after which plots are made in different sizes. They erect walls with giving written numbers.

    Speaking to Voice of South Asia, Special Counsel Board of Revenue Senior Counsel Ahmed Pirzada said that the cases against the occupations of MDA, KDA and Board of Revenue lands are established only in the complaint of the officers of the relevant institutions. But, unfortunately no accused has been punished.

    A senior lawyer says that the court will give the sentence only when the case is made according to law and the plaintiffs follow the cases effectively.

    Experts advised that before investing their hard earned money in property, people should get information from the relevant institutions before making any investment.

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  • PACOLI pays tribute to Peshawar Mosque tragedy victims, holds candlelight vigil

    New York: Pakistani-American Community of Long Island (PACOLI) organized a prayer ceremony in memory of recent Peshawar mosque tragedy victims in New York State.

    The prayer event participants including the officials and community members of PACOLI expressed solidarity with the heirs, and also expressed their heartfelt regret over the incident.

    Over a hundred Muslims were killed when a suicide bomb ripped through the Peshawar Peshawar Police Line Masjid a few days back, that left the entire nation in state of fear and shock.

    The prayer ceremony began with recitation of a few verses of the Holy Quran by PACOLI Director Muhammad Ali.

    Addressing the participants of the event, Qamar Bashir, the founder of PACOLI said that terrorism is a global problem, all countries are affected by it.

    PACOLI President Azra Dar strongly condemned the terrorist attack on worshipers in a holy place like a mosque. “This attack is the height of brutality. We pray for the forgiveness of the martyrs and patience for the bereaved families,” she said.
    PACOLI General Secretary Atiq Qadri also condemned the incident and paid tribute to the martyrs.

    Senior Vice President of PACOLI Dr. Ijaz ul Hasan, said “no matter how much can be said about this sad incident, our heart cries tears of blood, we want to ask the concerned authorities to take strict security measures to prevent the loss of innocent human lives.”

    On this occasion, Comptroller PACOLI Salman Sheikh said that all Pakistanis living in America have been deeply shocked by this incident and we all share the grief of the bereaved.

    “We request the government of Pakistan to give severe punishment to the elements involved in the incident,” he sais.

    In the prayer ceremony, the participants were carrying placards and banners of condemnation.
    A minute’s silence was observed in the ceremony against the incident.

    Candles were lit in the memory of the martyrs and the state institutions were demanded to take full action against the terrorists.

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  • From education to healthcare, APAG comes up with multiple community development initiatives in 2022

    New York: The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) organized multiple community development programs in the year 2022 from the provision of better education to healthcare,  from uplifting community members in the United States to conducting relief and rehabilitation activities in flood-hit Pakistan.

    The APPAG’s community development initiatives include food drives, scholarship programs, parades, and flood relief and rehabilitation activities for Pakistan.

    APAG hosted the first-ever Pakistani flag hoisting ceremony at Bowling Green Park, Manhattan in August.

    The event was attended by Mayor Eric Adams, Consul General of Pakistan in New York Ayesha Ali, NYC Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs Manuel Castro, and other officials.

    NYC’s 38th annual Pakistan Day Parade was also held in August.

    APAG also collaborated with New York Police Department (NYPD’s) Muslim Officers Society (MOS) to help flood victims in Pakistan.

    The organization also introduced a first-of-its-kind scholarship, the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah Scholarship, to guide and support Pakistani-American students.

    In November, APAG along with the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York organized the Kashmir Black Day event, in which the participants censured Indian troops’ atrocities on the innocent Kashmiris and the  human rights violations being committed in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOK).

    At the end of last year, APAG’s care group organized an annual holiday ‘Toy drive’ in partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office for Immigrants.

    In this drive, toys were distributed to newly arrived immigrant children at the Red Cross Navigation Center.

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  • Gilgit-Baltistan Cultural Fest NYC showcases region’s natural beauty, cultural diversity

    New York: The Gilgit-Baltistan Cultural Fest in New York showcased the region’s natural beauty, lofty mountains, lush green fields, diverse culture, history, people, and above all its untapped tourism potential.

    Gilgit-Baltistan is known to be the most attractive and picturesque region located in the extreme north of Pakistan. Much of its natural beauty, and tourism potential is still untapped.

    Thanks to Sony Watan Gilgit-Baltistan (NYC) USA for organizing a magnificent yet colorful event titled ‘the Gilgit-Baltistan Cultural Fest’ at Queens Boulevard, Forest Hill, in the bustling city of New York.

    Raja Nasir Ali Minister of Tourism Gilgit-Baltistan asked the people across the world to visit Pakistan’s northern region of Gilgit Baltistan and witness the natural beauty, peace, and cultural diversity. He also hailed the cultural services of Naseem Gilgiti in US for the last many many years.

    Besides G-Bians, people from other communities, US officials, etc. thronged to the venue and were amazed by GB’s traditional, yet peaceful songs and folk music, presented on this occasion in traditional attire.  The guests were also given gifts of traditional hats and awards.

    The festival was organized by Naseem Gilgiti, Chairman of Sony Watan Gilgit-Baltistan USA, and his team.

    The event started with a recitation of a few verses of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of the USA and Pakistan.

    Sony Watan Gilgit-Baltistan USA Chairman Muhammad Naseem Gilgiti told the audience that the nature loving people across the globe to visit Gilgit-Baltistan – the true beauty of Pakistan.

    Another official Sher Ali presented the welcome speech and appreciated the arrival of the guests.

    A documentary film was also shown on the dedicated screen to make the audience aware of the beautiful valleys, waterfalls, high mountains and natural beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan.

    Mr. Tim of Grace Community thanked for inviting himself and praised the role of Gilgit-Baltistanis in the development of America.

    Secretary Tourism Gilgit Asifullah Khan drew a picture of the beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan in such a way that the audience gave him a standing ovation.

    The musicians presented a traditional folk dance of the region in Burushaski, one of the regional languages, which was well received by the audience.

    Deputy Inspector Adeel Rana, President of Muslim Officers’ Society (MOS) of New York Police Department (NYPD), expressed his happiness to be a part of the event.

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  • Travel Adventure Show NYC showcases Pakistan’s tourism  potential, natural beauty

    New York: Travel Adventure Show 2023 in New York has also showcased the untapped  travel and tourism, and investment opportunities in Pakistan.

    The magnificent two-day show was held  at the famous Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, New York.

    In the program, stalls were set up by different countries for the promotion of tourism. People showed great interest in the Pakistani stalls.

    The Pakistani stall in the show was inaugurated by the Pakistani Ambassador to US Masood Khan, Advisor to the Prime Minister Aun Chaudhry and Minister of Tourism of Gilgit-Baltistan Nasir Khan by cutting the ribbon.

    The Ambassador of Pakistan and other guests were welcomed in traditional Pakistani attire.

    The staff at the Pakistani stall introduced Pakistan’s culture to the visitors of different countries who took special interest.

    Meanwhile, a grand ceremony was held at the Pakistani Consulate to promote tourism in Pakistan.
    The event started with the recitation of Holy Quran, while the attendees were informed about the history and heritage of Pakistan.

    Ambassador Masood Khan said that the purpose of today’s ceremony is to tell the world that Pakistan is rich in natural beauty but also a safe country for tourism.

    Minister of Tourism Gilgit-Baltistan Nasir Ali appreciated the organization of the event and assured cooperation to solve the problems faced by the tourists.

    Ayesha Ali, the Pakistani Consul General posted in New York, expressed her views and assured all kinds of cooperation for the promotion of tourism in Pakistan.

    Pakistan is a suitable country for tourism while many authors have written their works on its natural beauty.

    The purpose of participating in the Travel Adventure Show in America was to draw the attention of other countries to the tourist destinations of Pakistan.

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  • NYPD’s MOS constructs new houses for the flood victims in Pakistan

    New York: The New York Police Department’s (NYPD) Muslim Officers’ Society (MOS) has built a number of new houses for the flood victims in Pakistan, and the construction phase is underway, with full swing.

    Sain Dad, a village predominated by the Rind tribe in Kandiaro region of Sindh’s District Naushahro Feroze was hit by the ruthless floods five months back. However, now life is slowly returning to normalcy.

    Ali Nawaz,49, is one of the worst victims to pay a heavy price of climate change in the Sain Dad village, as the floods washed away his home, leaving his extended family homeless and helpless.
    Eventually, he was left with no choice, but to move his family to the port city of Karachi. Indeed, it was a painful migration.

    But, thanks to MOS for its generous humanitarian work. It has constructed a new house for Nawaz’s family and they are back from Karachi.

    Nawaz’s wife informed that when the New York Police Department’s Muslim Officers’ Society started reconstruction of houses in this flood-affected village of Kandiaro, her family was overwhelmed with joy.

    Ali Nawaz Rind said after the construction of a new house, the flood-affected family is very happy and prays for the Muslim Officers Society.

    Muslim officers’ Society’s delegation comprised Sagheer Ahmed, Nauman Malik and Sergeant Moinuddin Qureshi visited the flood-affected districts of Sindh two and a half months ago under the leadership of MOS President Deputy Inspector Adeel Rana.

    They visited the victims in their respective villages in Pakistan.

    Meanwhile, in a video message, Adeel Rana said the possible help is now visible on ground in the form of construction of new houses.

    Adeel Rana expressed his happiness and   reiterated his commitment that the Muslim Officers Society will continue to do whatever is possible to help the flood victims of Pakistan.

    Financed by the Muslim Officers Society, he said the construction phase of more new houses with quality materials, is going on, rapidly in Kandiaro.

    MOS President  said that as soon as the construction phase is completed, the organization will begin rehabilitation of the victims.
    The humanitarian work and rashan distribution activity will also begin in the Muslim holy Month of Ramadan.

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  • Virginia family in US sentenced for human trafficking of Pakistani woman

    VIRGINIA: A family in the US state of Virginia was sentenced by a federal court on Tuesday for committing forced labor of a Pakistani woman for 12 years.

    Defendants callously exploited the victim’s vulnerabilities and brutally coerced her labor,

    The federal court in Richmond, Virginia sentenced Zahida Aman, 80, to 12 years in prison; Mohammed Rehan Chaudhri, 48, to 10 years behind bars; and Mohammad Nauman Chaudhri, 55, to five years in prison, according to AA.COM.

    Aman and Rehan Chaudhri were further ordered to pay the victim, who was not publicly identified, $250,000 for back wages and other financial losses.

    The defendants were found guilty by a jury in May of conspiracy to commit forced labor. Aman was separately found guilty of forced labor and document servitude while Rehan Chaudhri was found guilty of forced labor.

    Aman was accused of arranging her son’s marriage to the victim in 2002, and keeping the victim in the Virginia home alongside the other defendants even after the husband left the household in order for her to serve the household as a domestic servant.

    “These defendants callously exploited the victim’s vulnerabilities and brutally coerced her labor through physical violence and emotional abuse,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said in a statement.

    “Human trafficking is an affront to human rights and to our nation’s core values. The Department of Justice is committed to vindicating the rights of survivors and bringing human traffickers to justice.”

    Prosecutors said the family physically and verbally abused the victim, and forbode her from communicating with her family in Pakistan. In one particularly gruesome incident, prosecutors said the family hog tied the victim and dragged her down a set of stairs in front of her children.

    They further confiscated her passport, and money, prohibited her from speaking to anyone outside the family, and threatened to separate her from her children by deporting her to Pakistan, according to the Justice Department.

    The Justice Department said that Aman, Rehan and Nauman were convicted following a seven-day trial in May of last year. The jury had declared the three of conspiracy to commit forced labour, convicted two of the defendants of forced labour and convicted Aman of document servitude.

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  • Watto Family organizes Fateha for the salvation of Mian Muhammad Aslam Watto, M. Ayub Watto (late)

    New York: New York: The Pakistani-origin US-based Watto Family organized Fatiha (prayer) ceremony for the salvation of their family head Mian Muhammad Aslam Watto, and Muhammad Ayub Watto.

    The Qur’an recitation and prayer session began at Makki Masjid located on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.

    The event was attended by a large number of religious scholars and the Pakistani community.

    People from different walks of life in the Pakistani community participated in the prayer event and they expressed condolences to the members of the Watto family.

    The members of the Watto family thanked the people of the Pakistani community and other friends for remembering the departed souls of Watto family and standing with the bereaved family in this hour of sorrow.

    Mian Muhammad Aslam Khan, the head of the Pakistani American Watto family, had died in a private hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, due to illness. He was laid to rest in a local cemetery of his native Jaranwala village in Punjab. Muhammad Ayub Watto, a young man of the Watto family, also passed away last year.

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  • NICVD becoms world’s largest facility for free cardiac surgeries, primary PCIs

    KARACHI: The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) included 10 hospitals and 24 Chest Pain Units, has become the only healthcare facility in the world to have treated over 2.2 million patients and performed 3,641 cardiac surgeries and 19,888 primary PCIs free of charge in 2022.

    The Executive Director of NICVD Professor Nadeem Qamar said that NICVD’s motto is to provide state-of-the-art cardiac treatment to everyone at their doorstep, totally free of cost.

    NICVD Spokesperson said this on Friday. According to him, teams of NICVD surgeons performed the aforesaid cardiac surgeries and procedures on children and adults in various cities of Sindh during 2022.

    “NICVD has emerged as the only cardiac healthcare facility in the country which performed around 3,641 cardiac surgeries and over 74,758 procedures all free of charge at main NICVD centre in Karachi and nine satellite centres spread all over Sindh,” the NICVD’s spokesperson said.

    He added that the NICVD Karachi also emerged as one of the largest centres in the world in terms of performing primary PCI or angioplasty during heart attack as well as elective angioplasties in a single year. Cardiologists at the NICVD Karachi performed 9,466 primary PCIs in the year of 2022. Moreover; a total of 86 interventions in acute stroke procedures were done so far.

    Regarding the number of cardiac patients examined at the main facility of the institute in Karachi, the spokesperson said the NICVD Karachi received 1,138,240 cardiac patients, of whom 2,768 required surgeries and were operated.

    “A record number of 9,466 primary PCIs or angioplasties in emergency, around 3,735 elective angioplasties & early invasive, over 17,470 angiographies, 18 TAVI procedures, 2,196 thallium scans, 51,420 echocardiograms, 914 PPM, and 134 ICD & CRT procedures, were performed by the NICVD Karachi in 2022”, the institute spokesperson said.

    He further said that, 304,414 cardiac patients visited the OPD at the NICVD Karachi in 2022, while 276,865 patients were treated in emergency and more than 51,162 patients admitted to the wards. NICVD Karachi has also performed more than 20 minimally invasive cardiac surgery or keyhole surgeries.

    He added that during the year 2022, a total of 275,568 patients visited NICVD system from other provinces of the country, who were provided free treatment. A total of 63,639 patients from Punjab, 184,387 from Balochistan, 12,492 from Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, 13,102 from Azad Kashmir and 1,948 from Gilgit-Baltistan benefited from the latest and expensive treatment absolutely free.

    Satellite centres

    Apart from Karachi where the main facility of the NICVD exists, the institute has been operating through its nine satellite centres, including Larkana, Tando Muhammad Khan, Hyderabad, Sehwan, Sukkur, Nawabshah, Mithi, Khairpur and Lyari.

    All the satellite centres offer diagnosis facilities and other cardiac procedures. The centres at Sukkur, Larkana, Tando Muhammad Khan and Hyderabad even have facilities of open-heart and bypass surgeries, included paediatric cardiac surgeries as well. Adding that 873 open-heart surgeries were performed at these centres during 2022.
    A total of 214,254 cardiac patients were treated at the NICVD facility in Sukkur, 165,994 in Tando Muhammad Khan, 118,613 in Larkana, 30,922 in Nawabshah, 135,895 in Hyderabad, 21,983 in Sehwan, 50,410 in Khairpur, 30,979 in Mithi, and 62,258 in Lyri” in 2022, the NICVD spokesperson said.

    Chest Pain Units (CPUs)

    Besides satellite centres spread all over Sindh, the centre has also opened small units, named chest pain units, in various locations of Karachi and other cities of the province so that in case of emergency, patients living nearby could receive first aid as soon as possible.

    “There are currently a total of 24 chest pain units, 17 CPUs are in Karachi, 1 in Ghotki, 1 in Tando Bago, 1 in Jacobabad, 1 in Umerkot 1 in Tando Allahyar, 1 in Mirpurkhas and 1 in Shikarpur” he said.

    The NICVD spokesperson added that more than 295,634 patients were treated at these units, of whom 7,662 patients had suffered from severe heart attacks and they were immediately shifted to the main NICVD for primary angioplasty in 2022. 10 more chest pain units would soon be established at different locations in Karachi and other cities of the province.

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  • Watto Family to organize Fateha for the salvation of Mian Muhammad Aslam Watto (late)

    New York: The Pakistani-origin US-based Watto Family is organizing a Qur’an recitation (Fatiha) for the salvation of their family head Mian Muhammad Aslam Watto, and Muhammad Ayub Watto.

    The event is being held on January 22, at a mosque in Brooklyn.

    Mian Muhammad Aslam Khan, the head of the Pakistani American Watto family, died in a private hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, due to illness.

    He was laid to rest in a local cemetery of his native Jaranwala village in Punjab.

    Muhammad Ayub Watto, a young man of the Watto family, also passed away last year.

    The relatives of the Vito family have appealed to the community to participate more in the recitation of the Qur’an and Fatiha and get the reward.

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  • W2W Forum set to hold its 5th annual International Women’s Day

    New Jersey: Like every year, Women2Women Forum (W2W) is organizing an annual International Women’s Day event this year as well. The program of its 5th International Women’s Day will be held on March 5. 

    In the pre-organization meeting of the Women2Women Forum at a local restaurant in New Jersey, the host committee informed about the details of the event.

    Nusrat Sohail, the chairperson of the Woman2Women Forum, said that International Women’s Day is an annual event of the forum in which panels discuss various topics of community interest while talking about bringing social changes in America with the help of women from the community.

    Sabeen Sarmast, a woman abuse survivor who participated in the meeting, said that she had been a victim of domestic violence and was aware of all the problems faced by women.

    “So I myself want to help people through this forum,” she said.

    It was informed in the meeting that Woman2Woman annually selects Women of Distinction or Heroes community and awards them in recognition of their services.

    Like every year, this year too, the Women2Women Forum will award five American women and one man who have rendered valuable services to the community.

    In the meeting, a discussion was held with the host committee about the event and sub-committees related to the program were also formed.

    The pre-event meeting was also briefed about the newly established transitional home Shahzavari House by the Women2Women Forum.

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  • U.S yet to grant TPS for a hundred thousand Pakistani immigrants, as government at home is unmoved

    New York: The future of over a hundred thousand Pakistanis including students living in the U.S. without proper documents is bleak, due to the indifference and apathy of the Pakistani government.

    If Pakistan writes a letter to the US, requesting it to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to those who have been living in the United States without documents for years, the US government will consider the request, Pakistani immigrants in America said.

    Due to the incompetence of the Pakistani government, the future of more than 100,000 undocumented Pakistanis living in the United States is at stake.

    At a press conference held at a local restaurant in Brooklyn, New York the Executive Director of DRUM Organization Fahad Ahmed said more than one hundred thousand Pakistani immigrants and students are living in the United States without documents.

    He said that getting TPS status saves citizens from deputation and get a work permit that allows them to work in any sector while also getting permission to return to their homeland.

    The purpose of the press conference was to draw the attention of the government of Pakistan to request the US government to grant Temporary Protected Status to Pakistanis in US.

    Fahad Ahmed said that The United States has granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for many immigrants from different countries living in US, but Pakistan has not yet received this status.

    The Pakistani students participating in the press conference said that those who call the youth the capital of the country are least bothered. They are nothing to do with resolving their issues.

    We are demanding TPS because we want to benefit our country.

    In the press conference, Nisar Khan of Brooklyn Emerge said that everyone has to do their part to deal with this problem and we also have the right to protest on the relevant platforms.

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  • A Pakistani-American organization dispatches consignment of relief goods to flood-hit Pakistan

    New York: The Council of People’s Organization (COPO) has dispatched a consignment containing relief goods from New York to Pakistan.

    Another container comprising humanitarian aid will be sent to Pakistan next week.

    The Council of People’s Organization sent its relief supplies to Pakistan in a container from its office in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

    The New York Police Department’s (NYPD’s) Muslim Officers’ Society (MOS) also handed over aid collected for the flood victims to COPO, and MOS and COPO volunteers participated in the packing and containerization process of the relief items.

    COPO head Muhammad Rizvi said that the flood victims of Pakistan still need a lot of help from the world at large; “we are trying to do something for our brothers and sisters who are in trouble with the support of our community,” he said.

    The goods sent in the container include clothes, medical supplies and other items for the flood victims.

    On this occasion, Sagheer Ahmed an officer representing Muslim Officers’ Society said that the community’s trust in MOS has increased due to its recent aid activities in Pakistan, and now the society is sending relief goods to Pakistan through COPO.

    The Council of People’s Organization and the Muslim Officers Society have more supplies to help the flood victims and another container is likely to be sent to Pakistan next week.

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  • APPAC’s efforts pay-off as US announces another $100m in aid to Pakistan

    New York: The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee’s efforts to bring international aid to Pakistan yield fruits, as the US government has announced to grant another $100 million in aid to Pakistan to deal with the flood devastation.

    According to the State Department, this aid money will be given under the Pak-America Green Alliance.

    The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee is an important and representative organization of the Pakistani American community, which has highlighted the grim situation of Pakistan after floods wrecked havoc.

    In the special international environmental conference held in Geneva, the US has announced an additional 100 million dollars in aid to Pakistan.

    This aid money will be given under Pak-America Green Alliance and, spent on food, medical aid, agriculture and infrastructure construction and maintenance.

    APPAC has welcomed the announcement of another 100 million dollars in aid to Pakistan by the United States.

    APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmad, National Executive Committee President Dr. Mehmood Alam, Vice President Dr. Tariq Ibrahim, Secretary General Ayesha u-kio and board members thanked US Senator Bob Menendez, Senator Cory Booker, Senator Lindsey Graham, and the president Joe Biden for the announcement of generous aid.


    US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement that the US will provide an additional $100 million in financial aid to Pakistan and both countries are working together to Materialise this.

    Now our share in aid has reached 200 million dollars.

    The USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman has further announced that his agency will spend on agriculture, health, education and governance in Pakistan.

    While speaking in Geneva, Isobel Coleman said that seeing the flood disasters in Pakistan, the USAID decided that it will not leave Pakistan alone in this difficult situation.

    Isobel Coleman said that a disaster response team was appointed in September. American officials and USAID administrator Administrator Samantha Power visited the flood-affected areas and reviewed the damage caused by the flood.

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  • Uptick in teenagers’ involvement in Karachi street crimes

    By: Farhan Rajput

    KARACHI: Underage boys are allegedly found involved in street crime in Karachi and the rate of their indulgence in street offenses has alarmingly increased up to 25 percent in 2022, as compared with 2021.

    According to reports, until December 31, 2022, police and paramilitary rangers have arrested more than 1,000 accused (boys) from different areas of the metropolis on charges of robbery, mobile phone theft/snatching, motorcycle and car theft, drug peddling, etc.

    The law enforcers claimed to have recovered stolen valuables, cash, gold ornaments, motorcycles, cars, drugs, weapons, etc. from the under-arrest accused.

    The nabbed accused have been moved to juvenile jail on directions of the respective courts during the period.

    In this regard, social leaders working for the welfare of children say that society needs to do a lot of work for the protection of youth through awareness campaigns, education, and trainings. They said parents should also keep an eye on the activities of their children, besides fulfilling their needs such as pocket money, school fee.

    On the other hand, the under trial accused while talking to Voice of South Asia (VOSA) rejected charges framed by the law enforcement agencies upon them by declaring as ‘baseless’. They insisted that they are innocent and they have nothing to do with the crimes framed against them by the police.

    Media Advisor of Karachi Bar Association, Saba Somro, said that the cases against these accused are still pending in the court of law, the police have to prove whether the under arrest accused have committed crime or not.

    However, she admitted with concerns that the youth are involved in crimes, we all have to play a role for this; especially parents have to keep an eye on their children.

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  • Pakistani Hindus to immerse ashes of their deceased relatives in the Ganges River?

    KARACHI: In a historic development, the Indian government has reportedly revised the sponsorship policy for Pakistani Hindus and now the ashes of 426 cremated Hindus of Pakistan are expected to be immersed in the Ganges River in Haridwar, India, by their family members.

    The move will also develop people-to-people (P2P) contact between the two countries. P2P is considered a useful diplomatic tool to ease tension and ensure peace in the region.

    Since the partition of the Indian subcontinent back in 1947, Pakistan and India have not been able to enjoy good relations as close neighbors. Rather, they have fought three wars, and border clashes on several occasions during the last seven decades, resulting in the loss of precious lives on both sides (military and civilians) and the waste of public resources to the tune of billions of dollars.

    According to a report published in Express Tribune, earlier the Modi government did not allow entry to Pakistani Hindu pilgrims without any sponsorship from India, but now New Delhi has indicated that a 10-day visa would be issued to the family members of a dead Hindu to travel to India to immerse the ashes of their loved ones in the Ganges River.

    The ashes are currently kept at the Hindu temples and crematoriums in Karachi.

    Entry into India was not allowed without a sponsor and a Pakistani Hindu could bring the ashes of a deceased relative to the river Ganges only if a relative or acquaintance living in India took responsibility.

    In Karachi, Soldier Bazaar and Ranchore Line have sizable Hindu communities who have been living here since long before the Partition of the Subcontinent. Some estimates put their numbers between 100,000 and 150,000. Another nearly half a million Hindus live in Kunri, Nagarparkar, and Islamkot, in Tharparkar District, according to the ET report.

    Since most Pakistani Hindus have no relatives in India, it was difficult to fulfill the last wish of the deceased person.

    Pakistani Hindus will immerse the ashes of their 426 deceased relatives in the Ganges River in the Hindu religious city of Haridwar in India.

    The last rites of these deceased Hindus have been performed in Pakistan. Their bones and ashes are kept in ‘Kalash’ (urns) in Hindu temples and crematoriums.

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