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Category: pakistan

  • NYPD Deputy Inspector and President M.O.S. Adeel Rana meet the press at KPC.

    Karachi,

    New York Police department, Muslim officer Society President and Deputy Inspector (D.I.) Adeel Rana visited the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Wednesday. General Secretary of KPC Rizwan Bhatti welcomed on his arrival.

    Former Secretary Press Club A.H. Khanzada also present on the occasion and briefed D. I. Adeel Rana about the historical prospectus of the Club and the political movements started for democracy from the club. While talking to reporters, D.I. Adeel told about the Muslim Officer Society of NYPD and said, the number of Muslim officers in the NYPD has increased every passing day. NYC is the largest police reformation state in US, 500 Pakistani-American and more than 2000 Muslims served in NYPD, Rana added.In response to a question, D.I. Adeel said, the Pakistani community in New York is participating in local politics and has gained good positions in government departments. More over Ahsan Chughtai becomes the first Pakistani-American who appointed as the Senior Advisor to the Mayor of New York.

    At last, KPC Secretary Rizwan Bhatti and members of the Governing Body presented him cultural and traditional gift of Sindhi Ajrak and Honorary Shield of Press Club.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Husband allegedly set on fire wife in Nawan Kot area, Lahore.

    Web desk,

    Husband and in-laws allegedly set a woman on fire in Nawan Kot area of Lahore on Wednesday, according to 24 News channel.

    Amna was burnt by her husband Hamza, sister-in-law Zoya and her mother-in-law, according to the victim’s relatives.

    Amna was taken to the Jinnah Hospital in critical condition. The suspects sent her to her parents’ house instead of the hospital.

    The victim had recently married Hamza her face and neck were affected by the burn, police said.

    Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Fayyaz Ahmed Dev took notice of the tragic incident and summoned a report from SP Iqbal Town. The CCPO has directed the concerned officers to thoroughly investigate all the aspects of the incident and immediate arrest of the suspects involved in the incident.

    Incidents of violence, abuse and harassment against women will not be tolerated, said Fayyaz Ahmed Dev.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistan observes Pakistan Day with traditional zeal and fervor

    Web Desk:

    According to The Nation, Pakistan is celebrating the 82nd Pakistan Day across the country with great national spirit and enthusiasm.

    The day is observed to commemorate the passage of the historic Lahore Resolution on 23rd March in 1940, under which Muslims of the sub-continent set the agenda of a separate homeland for themselves.

    The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajar prayers for the progress and prosperity of the country.

    Photo Courtesy: Radio Pakistan

    The main feature of the day is the grand military parade in Islamabad, where contingents of the three armed forces and other security forces are conducting the march past while fighter planes will present aerobatic maneuvers.

    The march of different floats depicting various aspects of culture of different provinces is also part of the parade, Radio Pakistan reported.

    Photo Courtesy: Radio Pakistan

    The dignitaries participating in the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation are also witnessing the Pakistan Day Parade as Guests of Honor.

    President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other guests are among the attendees.

    President Arif Alvi, in his address on the occasion, said Pakistan was a responsible atomic power that desired peace with all countries. He also stated that the country would never compromise on its security and sovereignty and would give a fitting response to any aggression.

    In his message to the nation, Prime Minister Imran Khan said March 23 was the day for the nation to renew its commitment to adhere to the principles of justice and equity; the real objectives of the creation of Pakistan.

    “Today, we pay tribute to the Father of the Nation and all the leaders of the Freedom Movement who struggled for uniting the nation through their unparalleled sacrifices. It is important for our youth to note that Pakistan came into being through a long democratic struggle and now the key to its stability and development also lies in hard work, honesty and morality.” “While commemorating this day, we need to adhere to the principles of unity, faith and discipline given by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and rededicate ourselves to develop Pakistan as a truly democratic welfare state on the model of Riyasat-e-Madina.”

    Various organizations and departments have also planned a number of activities including seminars, conferences and discussion programs to highlight the historical significance of Pakistan Day.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • OIC 48th conference for Partnering Unity, Justice and Development begins in Islamabad.

    Islamabad,

    Pakistan is hosting the two-day Council of foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) in Islamabad on March 22 and 23. The focus of the Ministerial Conference is ‘Partnering for Unity, Justice and Development’. The meeting will coincide with the Pakistan’s resolution 75th anniversary celebrations.Foreign Ministers and high-level dignitaries from OIC Member and Observer States are attending the conference and will also witness the Pakistan Day Parade on March 23 as guests of honor.

    State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China, is in Islamabad and will attend as a special guest.

    Senior officials from non-OIC countries, representatives from the United Nations, regional and international organizations, including the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council will also participates the two day conference.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan delivered a keynote address at the 48th CFM of the OIC in Islamabad and regretted that Muslims have failed the Kashmiris and Palestinians.

    “We are 1.5 billion people and yet our voice to stop this blatant injustice is insignificant. We are simply talking about human rights”, PM Imran Khan said.

    They were denied their right to a plebiscite even though international law was on their side and added that Kashmir’s special status was taken away by India illegally in Aug 2019.

    Imran said he was not saying that Muslim countries alter their foreign policies but unless “we have a united front on core issues these abuses will keep on happening”.

    India is changing the demography of Kashmir by bringing settlers from outside, this was a war crime but nobody censured India on it, P.M. added.

    Social media exposed the crimes committed by Israelis in Palestine, “Like Palestine, where daylight robbery is happening,” he added.

    The prime minister further said that the world was heading in the wrong direction, adding that there was a chance of the world being divided into blocks. “Unless we take a united stand, we would be going nowhere.”

    Speaking about Afghanistan, Imran said it was extremely important to stabilize Afghanistan. He said due to sanctions and non-recognition, Afghanistan may fall into another humanitarian crisis and the only way to stop terrorism emanating from Afghan soil is to support a stable Afghan government.

    Denying the existence of a “radical” version of Islam,

    Imran said there was only one kind of Islam that was preached by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

    The premier said the narrative of ‘Islamic terrorism’ went on unchecked after the 9/11 attacks.“We, the Muslim countries, did not do anything to stop this narrative,” he said, adding that the heads of Muslim states should have taken a stand on this issue but they “instead a lot of them kept saying things like we are moderate”.

    This meant that they were acknowledging that there was a radical version of Islam.

    “There is only one Islam that is of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH),” he said,

    There were fanatics in every human community but only Islam was singled out by the use of such terms Khan added.

    Islam was vilified yet there was no “coherent response” by the Muslim world. PM Imran said after the resolution on Islamophobia, he hoped that a narrative would be put forward that why blasphemy hurt Muslims so much.

    According to the premier, the Objectives Resolutions by the “founding fathers” in 1951 envisaged Pakistan as an Islamic welfare state based on the model of Madina. He said he came in politics for the very same goal.

    “In the history of mankind, there was never a more just and humane state than the state of Madina,” he said, adding that unfortunately, Muslims didn’t know about it.

    PM Imran said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came to “unite mankind not divide mankind”. The charter of Madina was signed with Jews, Christians, and Pagans, he said, adding that everyone became part of the community. “It was a revolution of ideas; he created a new system,” Imran said referring to the holy prophet (PBUH).

    Speaking about the rule of law, he said the poor countries have one thing in common, they cannot catch white-collar criminals. “The developing world is poor because they cannot put powerful criminals in jail.”

    Citing a UN report, he said $1.6 trillion are siphoned off from poor countries by powerful criminals.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Meet-the-press at National Press Club in honor of Sam Khan.

    Islamabad,

    Chairman American Council and Social figure of United States Sam Khan now days in Islamabad and has announced to launch the portal named Connect Pakistan Global. The purpose of the portal to connect Pakistani professionals in the US with Pakistanis. He was addressing a meet-the-press organized in his honor at the National Press Club Islamabad.Senior Journalist Afzal Butt Introduces Sam Khan and his organization “Pakistan American Council”. Syed Wasim and Khayam Ali Shakir also attend meet-the-press.While addressing the participants Sam Khan said that they are working on creating a Connect Pakistan Global Portal, which is expected to be launched by August and September.

    On the occasion, Sam Khan also announced that he will organize a mega convention in New York at the end of this year and will present all the products of Pakistan at the international level.Khayyam Ali Shakir of Pakistan American Council also addressed the meeting. The club officials and governing body presented a bouquet of flowers to Sam Khan.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • UN adopts Prime Minister Imran Khan Islamophobia resolution.

    Web desk,

    United Nations has adopted a land mark resolution on Islamophobia presented by Pakistan Prime Minister during UN session in 2021.

    While Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated the Muslim Ummah after the United Nations (UN) finally recognized the grave Islamophobia challenge confronting the world.

    The prime minister congratulates in a series of tweets.

    The prime minister congratulated the Muslim Ummah, and tweet “our voice against the rising tide of Islamophobia has been heard”.

    The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), designating 15 March as “International Day to Combat Islamophobia”.

    The OIC passed a resolution presented by Pakistan at the 47th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in the year in November 2020.

    The day (March 15) will mark the Christchurch mosque attack in New Zealand, where 51 people were murdered and dozens of others were injured the worst mass shooting in the country’s history.

    PM Imran Khan has raised his voice against the rising trend of Islamophobia at international forums, including at the UN, and called on the global community to combat the challenge.

    In January, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had said that Islamophobia is not acceptable at any cost and vowed to make his country safer for Muslims.

    In December 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said insulting Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) does not count as freedom of expression.

    Insults to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) are a “violation of religious freedom and the violation of the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam,” Putin had said.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Shahbaz’s midnight visit at Islamabad’s hotel.

    Staff Correspondent,

    Islamabad’s political temperature is soaring up for the Government and Requisition is submitted to Speaker of the Pakistan Supreme Assembly for vote of No confidence. Parliamentary session is due and opposition party calls for the long March on 23rd of March. Both opposition and Government were busy to raise their numbers for the voting session.

    In this situation, Leader of the Opposition Mian Shahbaz Sahrif of PML N’s reached 3:20AM on Tuesday morning to the private hotel located behind Islamabad convention center, many of PTI federal minsters, MNA’s, PTI overseas office bearers and officials stayed for attending the PTI overseas convention.

    On the occasion, Correspondent VOSA tv raise a question, “sir is your visit for any political scoring, but Mr. Shahbaz Sharif did not answer and avoid to talk about the reason of coming to hotel”. More over Shahbaz Sharif stayed till 5 Am morning and then left the hotel.

  • Journalist, poet and scholar, Farhad Zaidi passes away.

    Karachi,

    Leading journalist, poet and scholar Farhad Zaidi passed away in Karachi on Friday at the age of 91. Survivors include a widow and two sons, family confirmed.

    According to Hasan Zaidi, son of the deceased, funeral prayer will be offered at the Masjid-o-Imam bargah Yasrab, DHA, Phase 4, and will be laid to rest at the DHA Phase 8 Cemetery in Karachi.

    Farhad Zaidi had been the president of The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and vice-president of Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. He had also served as the managing director of PTV and an editor of a native publisher.

    PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Farhad Zaidi and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

    He prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Abdullah Riar and Amjad Nawaz arrives Islamabad for PTI overseas convention.

    Islamabd,

    PTI overseas convention preperations are in full swing and PTI overseas party workers office bearers arrived Islamabad to attend the convention.President New york PTI Amjad Nawaz alongwith several other PTI US officials arrived and meeting scheduled with Prime Minister Imran khan spokesman Dr. Shahbaz Gill in his office. The two party officials discuss the current political senario in Pakistan.

    Moreover, Abdullah Riar PTI USA also join the meeting.Earlier, chairman, National Press Trust of Pakistan Munir Ahmad Khan invites PTI USA overseas delegates in his office and discuss the party issues. Chairman emphasized that PTI USA overseas chapter work according to the PM Imran Khan vision and strngthen the Party and Pakistan.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Social Media flooded with International Women’s day in Pakistan.

    Web desk,

    International Women’s Day celebrates around the globe on March 8, a day women celebrate and raise awareness for their rights around the world. Many of Pakistan’s public figures, politicians and celebrities shared special messages on the occasion.

    Celebrities like Shehzad Roy, Atiqa Odho and Shaniera Akram to wish everyone a happy Women’s Day on Instagram.

    Roy wished the “students, teachers and management team of Zindagi Trust and everyone else” on the occasion and celebrated the achievement of school going girls in various sports. “There is no field that girls can’t excel in when given the opportunity,” he said. “They can leave all us men behind.”

    Odho shared her views Instagram, “May we always embrace our strengths and empower each other”.

    Akram wished everyone on March 8, saying the day is “not about putting down men but about respecting and uplifting each other”. “It is a day to celebrate so loud that those who don’t think they are enough will hear our roar!” she said.

    PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz took to Twitter to post a special message as well. “To every woman out there. You are the epitome of strength and courage. You define the very fabric of the society. You make the world beautiful. It is said that being a woman itself is a superpower. Make the most of it. You go girls,” she posted.

    Every year on March 8, men and women take part in Aurat Marches across the country to demand institutional and social change to uplift women in Pakistan. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman took to Twitter and urged everyone to keep fighting the good fight.

    Cricketers Shahid Afridi also posted on social media.

    “You are the nourishing power of the universe,” Afridi wrote. “You make it come alive, more colourful and inspirational. Being a father of 5 wonderful girls, I can proudly say women have the strength to move the world. Let’s celebrate them everyday and support them to break the bias.”

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Father guns down his seven-day-old daughter

    Web Desk:

    A cold-hearted man named Shahzaib, who wanted to have a son, brutally killed his seven-day-old daughter by shooting her multiple times.

    Per the report, the tragic incident happened in the Noor Pura neighborhood of Mianwali, where the father killed the infant by opening fire on her just because she was a girl. The police said that the man, who wanted a son, fled after committing the crime. A first information report (FIR) of the incident was filed by the deceased child’s maternal grandfather.

    Commenting on the incident, the National Commission on Status of Women’s (NCSW) Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar said that the sole purpose of killing the child was because of her gender, adding that the law enforcement authorities will leave no stone unturned to catch the culprit.

     

     “The protection of human rights, especially women’s rights, is very important in our country,” Bakhtiar said.

    Inspector General (IG) Punjab has taken notice of the killing and has summoned a report from RPO Sargodha. He ordered to arrest the accused immediately and take strict legal action against him. He also instructed to keep close contact with the victim’s family.

    The cruel incident has left Pakistan in anger. Netizens have flocked to twitter to condemn the brutal murder. The incident was widely condemned after reports and pictures of the innocent victim went viral. Ever since the incident occurred, netizens have been sharing images of the infant while calling for strict action against the culprit.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Former Pakistan President Rafiq Tarar passes away

    Web Desk:

    Former president of Pakistan Muhammad Rafiq Tarar died on Monday at the age of 92 after prolonged illness.

    Rafiq Tarar had been suffering from health issues since long, the sources said, adding that the time and place of his funeral prayers will be announced later today.

    Taking to Twitter, his grandson and PML-N leader Attaullah Tarar said,” My grandfather Muhammad Rafiq Tarar passed away.”

    Born on November 2, 1929, Muhammad Rafiq Tarar served as the ninth president from January 1998 until his resignation in June 2001. He had also been elected as a senator from Punjab in 1997.

    Before joining politics, Tarar served as senior justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan from 1991 to 1994 and as the 28th Chief Justice of Lahore High Court (LHC) from 1989 to 1991.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Legendary Pakistani actor Masood Akhtar passes away

    Web Desk:

    According to APP, Veteran Pakistani actor, Masood Akhtar who worked in a multitude of Pakistani films and television serials throughout his career, passed away on Saturday morning.

    As per details, the actor’s death was confirmed by his family. The famous actor had been facing multiple medical complications for a long time. On January 28, Pakistani well-known senior actor Masood Akhtar was transferred into hospital during the critical condition, a private news channels reported.

    Photo Courtesy: dailytimes.com

    Akhtar made several contributions to the film and television world. He participated in theatre productions too. Akhtar shot to fame with one of his early plays, Paisa Bolta Hai, which was staged at Alhamra Arts Council in the 1970s.

    He starred in around 150 Lollywood Punjabi and Urdu films, including Neelam, Qatil, Main Akela, Khoon Da Rishta, Badal and Zakhmi, among others.

    It is noteworthy here that actor Masood Akhtar received the “Pride of Performance Award” for his artistic services.

    Governor Punjab Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar, expressed his sorrow over Akhtar’s demise.

    “Masood Akhtar will always be remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry of Pakistan. The void he has left can never be filled,” said Sarwar. “With his roles, the late actor always aimed to right the wrongs in society. I pray he receive the highest rank in Jannatul Firdous and may God give his family the patience and strength to bear the loss,” he added.

    Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar also prayed for Akhtar and offered his condolences to the bereaved.

    “Akhtar was a versatile actor. He was always convincing onscreen and made several contributions to the field of entertainment. His serials and the characters he played will always be remembered by fans.”

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • A gun-and-bomb attack in Peshawar claims 57 and 150 injuries.

    Peshawar,

    A gun-and-bomb attack on a Shia mosque during Friday congregation in Koocha Risaldar area of Peshawar on Friday, reported News Media.

    So far, 57 people, including an Imam and two policemen, were martyred and 195 others sustained severe injuries. Earlier, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed had confirmed that over 40 people were martyred and more than 60 injured in the terrorist attack.

    Rescue officials had also told the media that rescue operation were underway and the injured had been shifted to Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar.

    According to spokesman of Lady Reading Hospital, Muhammad Asim Khan “We have declared an emergency at the hospital,” and confirming the death toll may rise.

    SSP Operations Haroon Al-Rasheed said that investigations is underway and initial investigations shows that the blast to be a suicide.

    “There were two security personnel deputed at the entrance of the mosque. One of them died during the exchange of fire while the other is seriously injured.”

    Capital City Police Officer (CCPO Peshawar) Muhammad Ijaz Khan said before the explosion, two armed terrorists tried to enter into the mosque but the policemen deployed there challenged them. In the exchange of gun shots, one police officer was martyred while another was injured. He also succumbed to his injuries later.

    The CCPO said that the bomb exploded in the mosque after attack on police officials.

    He also stated that the police had reached the blast site and evidence had also been collected.

    “It is too early to say anything about motive behind the blast. Media will be informed about latest developments,” he added.

    Ambulances rushed through congested narrow streets carrying the wounded to Lady Reading Hospital. “10 injured are in critical condition,” according to a hospital spokesperson.

    No one immediately claimed responsibility for the blast, but both the Islamic State group and a TTP had carried out similar attacks in the past.

    According to eye witness, Shayan Haider, was preparing to enter the mosque when a powerful explosion threw him to the street. “I opened my eyes and there was dust and bodies everywhere,” he said.

    KP government Spokesman, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said that security was provided to mosques as a general rule. He maintained that the administration had adopted security measures at the mosque as well, adding that such measures were always ensured during congregation prayers on Fridays.

    “Those martyred and injured in the attack will be given monetary assistance under the government’s special package,” he added.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the blast. He ordered immediate steps for medical aid to the injured and also sought a report on the incident.

    Former president Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the Peshawar’s mosque blast and said,

    “Had the terrorists’ nurseries been eliminated, this incident would not have taken place”.

    He added that terrorists were the enemies of the country and the nation, and they were needed to be crushed as an enemy.

    He prayed for early recovery of the injured and stressed for implementing the National Action Plan. He also sought stern action against the terrorists involved in the bomb blast and their facilitators.

  • Sports Gala for underprivileges and disable at Karachi University.

    Karachi,

    Four Days Sports Gala held at Karachi University Ground organized by Binae Welfare Association for disables and blinds.

    Head of Pakistani American Community Association and Dawn Travel’s, Saeed Hassan, was the Chief Guest on the last day of sports gala.Saeed Hassan said on the occasion that it is a great pleasure and blessings for individuals or organizations that work for the underprivileged and deprived of the society.

    First three days of the event, allocated for the training of blind and special peoples to compete and take part in the sports gala. While, on the fourth and last day, various competitions were held.At last of the event, prizes were distributed among the winners of the competition.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Qalander’s lift PSL7 trophy and handover to head coach.

    Lahore,

    Lahore Qalandars defeats Multan Sultans’s by 42 runs in a spectacular final match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 on Sunday and bag their first PSL title.

    PSL7 2022 champions Lahore Qalandars delivered the winning trophy to their head coach Aqib Javed at the doorstep of his room after returning to the hotel from the stadium.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the PSL 2022 total Prize Money of PKR 130 Million for Final Winner and Runner-Up. Winners receive PKR 80 million and Runners Up receives PKR 30.5 million, while Teams 3rd and 4th Place earn PKR 9.9 million each.

    A video released by the franchise showed the Qalandars celebrations while cheering for Javed as the Qalanders moved towards his room at the hotel’s corridor while he stood at his doorstep, constantly smiling.

    The winners then arrived at Javed’s door and presented him a bouquet, while the skipper, Shaheen Shah Afridi, placed the PSL 7 trophy near Javed’s feet. The head coach, overwhelmed, lifted the trophy and kissed it.

    Shaheen and other Qalandars gave credit for their success to Javed, telling him that this trophy belonged to him instead of team.

    The video ended with a merry Javed going inside his room and shutting his door before touching elbows with each of the team members in a COVID-19 safe way.

    Earlier, Javed had to detach from the squad and go into isolation after he tested positive for coronavirus. The head coach was not with the Qalandars in the PSL 2022 playoff and finale.

    Meanwhile, the runners up team captain Mummad Rizwan’s stunning and consistent performance earned him another rich reward when he was adjudged the Player of PSL 7.

    Rizwan becomes the Player of the tournament with 546 runs at a strike rate of 126.68 and earned Prize Money PKR 3 million. Multan Sultans won nine out of 10 league matches under Rizwan’s captaincy in PSL 7.

    Rizwan also collected the Wicketkeeper of the tournament award with Prize Money PKR 3.5 million. In 12 matches, he affected 9 wickets behind the stumps.

    All the individual winners, except the Umpire of the PSL7 2022 award, were selected by the members of the commentary team, who followed and described almost every ball of this highly entertaining, thrilling and exciting tournament. They considered player stats, but this was not the only criteria to pick the winners.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PPP senior leader Rehman Malik passes away at 70.

    Islamabad,

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senior leader and former interior minister Rehman Malik passed away in the age of 70 on Wednesday morning after severely ill after contraction with coronavirus in Islamabad. He is survived by his widow and two sons.

    According to his spokesperson Riaz Ali Turi confirmed the news on his official Twitter handle. “Deeply devasted to say that former interior minister, PPP’s senior leader Abdul Rehman Malik passed away,” he said.

    Earlier this month, Malik was shifted to a private hospital, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for treatment of lung complications, which he developed after contracting Covid-19.

    Malik was a senator for the PPP and had served as the interior minister for the country from 2008 to 2013.

    The news of the former minister’s demise going to public, politicians offer their condolences to the micro-blogging site.

    PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif expressed his “condolences and profound sympathies to the bereaved family and the PPP leadership.”

     

     

    PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed grief and deep sorrow over Malik’s demise and said the former minister had “always practiced politics of honesty and principles.”

    PPP senior leader Sherry Rehman also offered her condolences.

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid also expressed sorrow over PPP senior leader Rehman’s demise.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistan expands prison terms for online defamation to 5 years

    New York, February 22, 2022 – Pakistan authorities must immediately revoke a recently enacted ordinance that further criminalizes freedom of expression in the country, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday.

    On Sunday, February 20, President Arif Alvi enacted amendments to the 2016 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, increasing the prison term for online defamation on social media platforms from three to five years, following an expedited trial that would conclude “preferably not later than six months of taking cognizance of the case,” according to news reports and a copy of the ordinance, which CPJ reviewed.

    The amendments allow any member of the public to make a complaint and empower police to arrest suspects without warrants, according to those sources, which said that suspects arrested under the law will not be entitled to bail.

    In a press conference, Law Minister Farogh Naseem said the ordinance would not be used to gag the media, and that criticism would be allowed so long as it does not constitute “fake news.”

    “Pakistan’s recently amended defamation ordinance marks a dangerous escalation of the government’s ability to silence critical voices and curb press freedom online,” said Steven Butler, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator, in Washington, D.C. “Pakistan authorities must immediately revoke the ordinance, which would allow the government to imprison people for what it deems to be unacceptable speech.”

    The ordinance amends a section of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, pertaining to the publication of information that harms the “reputation or privacy of a natural person.” The new ordinance, officially titled the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance, 2022, also expands the definition of a “person” to include any company, association, group of people, or government body, including the military and judiciary.

    The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, created broad crimes related to the “glorification” of terrorist offenses and “cyber-terrorism,” and criminalized “spoofing,” or running a website or sending information with a “counterfeit source.” CPJ has repeatedly documented how the law has been used to detain, investigate, and harass journalists in retaliation for their work.

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry did not immediately respond to CPJ’s request for comment sent via messaging app.


    This content originally appeared on Committee to Protect Journalists and was authored by Erik Crouch.

    This post was originally published on Radio Free.

  • Pakistani-American Music Producer AyoAA on second of US global Chart.

    New York,

    Pakistani-American music producer Aswad Asif, known as AyoAA, risen-up on top of global charts. His work for Kanye West’s track and song written by Fivio Foreign “Off The Grid” from latest record-breaking album “Donda”.

    Asif, AyoAA is relatively unknown to the general public because his work is behind-the-scenes, however, his achievement was highlighted on Wednesday by Syed Zulfikar Bukhari on Twitter.

    Zulfi shares screenshots of the Apple Music Charts on which “Off The Grid” rose to the No. 2 spot on the Top 100.

    This achievement makes Aswad, as Ozzy also along with AyOAA. He is possibly the only South Asian and Pakistani origin music producer to climb this high on the US global charts.

    Asif was also present for Kanye West’s live concert stream for Donda that was a part of his album’s, even sharing pictures and videos from the event on Instagram. “Off The Grid #Donda Blessed to produce on the project. Thank you, family,” he said, tagging Kanye West and songwriter Fivio Foreign.

  • Amir Liaquat tie knots with teenager social media star.

    Karachi,

    Pakistani politician and TV host Aamir Liaquat third wedding news with an 18-year-old girl TikToker Syeda Dania Shah surfaces on Pakistani Media on Friday. ‘Haq Mehar’ for Dania Shah decided a total sum of Rs250,000.

    Wedding ceremony of Aamir and Dania was organized on 5th of January 2022, however the secret wedding had been made public earlier by Dania’s grandfather.

    TikToker Dania Shah likes to share consistent content on her TikTok handle and the youngster belongs from a Saraiki family. Moreover, Dania is a resident of Lodhran, South Punjab, belonging to a small locality known as Danwaran.

    Soon after Aamir Liaquat confirmed his marriage to Dania Shah by sharing pictures from his wedding ceremony, the TikToker wife flaunt her relationship with the prominent public figure by capturing moments and then posting them on her social media handles.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Road to Makkah project includes Lahore and Karachi.

    Islamabad,

    Saudi Arabia’s interior minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif was on a day-long visit to Islamabad, Pakistan. The meeting was scheduled with his Pakistani counterpart Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, he also met with Noor ul Haq Qadri.

    During the meeting, Umrah and Hajj pilgrims’ visa and immigration issues under COVID-19 standard operating procedures were discussed between the two dignitaries.

    Initially, interior minister decided to include Lahore and Karachi in ‘Road to Makkah Project, News broadcaster reported.

    The decision was also taken that pilgrims from Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi will directly land at the Makkah airport and their luggage will directly be transported to their hotels.

    Once these cities are included in the Road to Makkah project the pilgrims will not undergo custom checking at the Saudi airports.

    Cities inclusion agreement will be finalized and announced on the eve of the Hajj agreement this year.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Petition dismisses by LHC against ban PUBG.

    Lahore,

    Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza dismisses the petition for an immediate ban of online game PUBG, in Lahore High Court-LHC. The dismisses of petition due to petitioner’s lawyer did not appear before the court even on last scheduled hearing on Monday, news channel reported.

    Honorable Judge rejected the petition filled by Citizen Tanveer Sarwar, in which the Federal government, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) were made respondents in the petition.

    The plea stated that a 14-year-old boy killed his mother and siblings, while addicted a PUBG online game in Lahore. Playing a PUBG poses a serious threat to the mental health and lives of young people, the petition said.

    The petition further said that there is no law in Pakistan to regulate online games. Regular laws have been enacted in India to regulate online games, the petition stated.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistani woman donates liver to save her husband’s life

    Web Desk:

    According to Daily Pakistan News, in an exceptional case of unconditional love, a woman in southern Sindh province gives her husband the gift of life a second time with a key organ donation.

    The brave woman donated a part of her liver to save the life of her husband, Muhammad Khan, who was suffering from a chronic liver ailment. The crucial transplant was successfully performed at Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jilani Institute of Medical Sciences, Khairpur.

    Following the life-saving surgery, the surgeons said that both individuals are doing well. Speaking in a video clip from the medical facility, the woman carrying a big smile on her face said she is so happy following the successful transplant.

    Expressing her love for her better half, she said my husband is my ‘Jigar’ so that’s why I gave part of my liver to save him.

    Responding to a question of a surgeon who was recording the clip, she said they married around 10 years back while they have no children.

    “My husband is my everything and I can donate every part of my body to save him”, she added.

    Recently, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre (PKLI&RC) made history by performing one kidney transplant and one liver transplant the same day to save two lives in Pakistan.

    The liver and kidney grafts were initially transported to Dubai where the UAE Organ Donation and Transplantation and UAE Ministry of Health team airlifted the two organs in a specially hired small commercial jet to hand over them to the PKLI&RC transplant team.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistani woman donates part of liver to  save her husband’s life

    Web Desk:

    According to Daily Pakistan News, in an exceptional case of unconditional love, a woman in southern Sindh province gives her husband the gift of life a second time with a key organ donation.

    The brave woman donated a part of her liver to save the life of her husband, Muhammad Khan, who was suffering from a chronic liver ailment. The crucial transplant was successfully performed at Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jilani Institute of Medical Sciences, Khairpur.

    Following the life-saving surgery, the surgeons said that both individuals are doing well. Speaking in a video clip from the medical facility, the woman carrying a big smile on her face said she is so happy following the successful transplant.

    Expressing her love for her better half, she said my husband is my ‘Jigar’ so that’s why I gave part of my liver to save him.

    Responding to a question of a surgeon who was recording the clip, she said they married around 10 years back while they have no children.

    “My husband is my everything and I can donate every part of my body to save him”, she added.

    Recently, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre (PKLI&RC) made history by performing one kidney transplant and one liver transplant the same day to save two lives in Pakistan.

    The liver and kidney grafts were initially transported to Dubai where the UAE Organ Donation and Transplantation and UAE Ministry of Health team airlifted the two organs in a specially hired small commercial jet to hand over them to the PKLI&RC transplant team.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Your lives are in danger, police warn Pakistani dissidents in UK

    Exiles advised to keep a low profile as hitman is convicted in London

    Pakistani exiles seeking refuge in the UK are being advised by counter-terrorism police to keep a low profile following warnings that their lives may be at risk after criticising Pakistan’s powerful military.

    Counter Terrorism Policing, a collaboration of UK police forces and the security services, has told possible targets that they need to inform police if they intend to travel within the UK.

    Continue reading…

    This post was originally published on Human rights | The Guardian.

  • Kartarpur Development begins to facilitate Sikh devotees.

    Narowal,

    The 10 acres of land has been started cultivation at Kartarpur tehsil Shakargarh, district Narowal near the border area of Pakistan and India reported by News Channel on Friday.

    Four-star hotels and five guesthouses will also be built in the next phase, the decision honored by Sikh community members as the shrine of Baba Guru Nanak, the first guru of Sikhism, is located there.

    The purpose of development is to facilitate the Sikh devotees, visiting the shrine from all over the world, especially from India, to pay their respects.

    A corridor (border crossing) was inaugurated in November 2018 at Kartarpur. Sikhs from India could travel to Pakistan without visa to pay their respects at the shrine.

    Earlier, during 1999, the prime minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, were the part of Delhi–Lahore Bus diplomacy and gave the idea of a border crossing at Kartarpur. On 26 November 2018, the foundation stone was laid down on the Indian side by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Two days later, on 28 November 2018, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan did the same for the Pakistani side.

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Extra-judicial killing of 5 Kashmiris in IOJK, Pakistan strongly condemns.

    Islamabad,

    Pakistan reiterated United Nations for the accountability of the Indian occupation forces and strongly condemned the extra-judicial killing of five Kashmiris in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK).

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), issued a statement that Indian occupation forces killed five Kashmiris in Pulwama and Budgam on January 29 and 30, 2022.

    According to MOFA statement,

    “In the month of January alone, Indian occupation forces have martyred at least 23 Kashmiris in fake ‘encounters’ and so-called cordon-and-search operations”.

    Far-right extremist “Hindutva’ ideology provokes and condones genocide of Muslims, the Indian forces are ruthlessly targeting the Kashmiris, especially youth of the occupied territory.

    “The international community must act to stop this cruel oppression and persecution of the besieged Kashmiris under illegal occupation,” the ministry added.

    “We also reject and condemn the Indian officials’ lies insinuating the killing of an alleged ‘Pakistani’ resistance fighter. The Indian occupation forces are known to kill innocent Kashmiris and claiming them ‘alleged militants’, in the hope of getting monetary rewards or ‘gallantry’ medals,” the statement added.

    It further said that Pakistan salutes the resilience of the Kashmiri people who continue to stand firm in their just and peaceful struggle for their legitimate right to self-determination as pledged to them by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

    “We also reiterate to the international community, including UN, to accountable India for its systematic human rights violations and war crimes against humanity in IOJK, without further delay.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Karachi host’s PSL 7 launch ceremony, scheduled on Thursday 26th.

    Karachi,

    The preparations for launch ceremony of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 7th edition has been finalized and have entered in the final phase. The mega cricket blast PSL 7 kicks off from Thursday (tomorrow) at 6:30pm at National Stadium Karachi, reported Pakistan News channel on Wednesday.

    Authorities lit up National Stadium Karachi for the full scale rehearsal’s of the inaugural ceremony. Unique entry of the Paragliders into the ground is the part of rehearsal and inaugural ceremony.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan has also raised the excitement with the latest PSL promotional advertisement which was launched virtually.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • The first Britain crypto “Chai Ada”.

    London,

    A young Pakistani-British businessperson, Tayyab Shafiq, 26, has become the first to start a “Chai Ada” café which accepts payments in multiple cryptocurrencies in Britain.

    He established the Chai Ada coffee shop outside Westfield in Shepherds Bush, West London, to sell a variety of Pakistani and Asian chai(tea), parathas, biryani, kebabs, and rolls.

    Chai Ada decorated with Lahori truck art and situated next to the White City Bus station, it has become an instant hit as colorful chairs outside decorated in Pakistani truck art and gain a public’s attention.

    Earlier, Shafiq had made headlines in UK after opened a Biryani center in London using the iconic red phone box. He had to sell the phone box business as the local council and the English heritage didn’t allow him to continue his takeaway service due to regulatory issues. Now Shafiq has come up with unique idea on a much larger scale.

    Customers can pay at Chai Ada using digital currencies like classic Bitcoin as well as Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, XRP, Verge, Litecoin, and Horizen. Shafiq has set up an mobile app which is connected to his new business and payments are made from crypto wallet accounts against the British pounds.

    While Speaking to Pakistan based News channel, Shafiq said

    The response is impressive, within a week of opening about 20% of the payments are in bitcoins and other digital currencies.

    While, the growing trend of crypto currencies, there are extreme risk while using Crypto currencies and several regularized international financial institutions have warned against the use of digital currencies.

    Shafiq said that he was aware about the risks but this is the future.

    “We have to look into the future. I honestly believe that crypto is the future. It’s here to stay and it’s already working well. It has become a reality. When establishing Chai Ada, I believed that the Crypto, NFT, Metaverse (digital world) are the future and I just wanted to play my little part to encourage the use of cryptocurrency.”

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Indian former doubles world number one announce retirement.

    Web desk,

    Sania Mirza, wife of former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik and Indian former doubles world number one said on Wednesday that she will retire from tennis at the end of this season with continuous injuries.

    35-year-old, Mirza regarded her country with greatest women’s tennis player. Sania ousted from Australian Open in the first round with her partner Nadiia Kichenok of Ukraine.

    Sania said that “I have decided this will be my last season. I’m taking it week by week, not sure if I can last the season, but I want to,” she told press in Melbourne, in comments later confirmed to News Agency by her father.

    “I still feel I can play well, go deep into tournaments and all that. But beyond this season, I don’t see my body do it further. It’s beat.”

    Mirza, who has won six Grand Slam doubles titles, is paired with America’s Rajeev Ram in the mixed doubles at the Australian Open. They play on Thursday in the first round.

    She last won a women’s doubles title at the Ostrava Open in September, with China’s Zhang Shuai.

    But Mirza admits that injuries and a young family badly affected her career.

    “I do feel my recovery is taking longer, I’m putting my three-year-old son at risk by travelling so much with him, that’s something I have to take into account. I think my body is wearing down,” she said.

    “My knee was really hurting today and I’m not saying that’s the reason we lost, but I do think that it is taking time to recover as I’m getting older.”

    Mirza became the first Indian to win a WTA singles title, in 2005, in her hometown Hyderabad. She reached the fourth round of the US Open the same year and by 2007 was among the women’s top 30.

    But a wrist injury caused her to concentrate on doubles, forging a partnership with Swiss great Martina Hingis which produced three Grand Slam titles.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.