Prime Minister Imran Khan has been voted the ‘Personality of the Week’ by Al-Jazeera’s weekly program Sibaq-ul-Akhbar (News Competition), Radio Pakistan has reported. The primer was selected for his views and efforts to address the issue of Islamophobia.
PM Imran Khan had recently shared his views on Islamophobia in a series of tweets in which he sent out a message to “extremists abroad” who indulge in Islamophobia, and racist slurs to hurt and cause pain to the Muslims across the globe.
“We Muslims have the greatest love and respect for our Prophet PBUH who lives in our hearts. We cannot tolerate any such disrespect and abuse,” the permier had said.
Sibaq-ul-Akhbar is an interactive and live one hour weekly program in Arabic on Al Jazeera TV. It is very popular in Arab countries. During the show, the channel selects three to four top news of the week and subsequently viewers are asked to vote which is the top news story and personality associated with the story. Imran Khan secured 56 percent votes from the viewers.
Al-Jazeera’s viewers on the Sibaq-ul-Akhbar program held on April 24 voted for PM Khan as Personality of the Week for his candid views on the issue of Islamophobia.
It is not uncommon for celebrities to send each other products to promote. But when Justin Bieber decided to send Queen of Fashion Victoria Beckham a pair of crocs from his new collaboration, he probably never expected the reaction he got.
Sharing a picture of the crocs she received with her 28.9 million followers, Victoria Beckham said: “A lot of people have been asking me what I’m planning on wearing after lockdown, what do we think about this suggestion from Justin Bieber?”
While thanking Justin by saying that “it is very kind of him” to send her these, she moved the camera closer to display the features of the crocs before going on to say: “Never worn a pair of crocs. This did make me laugh”.
The former Spice Girls star also posted a poll asking her followers if they think she will ever wear these crocs or not. 57% of the voters voted ‘no’ bringing a sigh of relief to Posh, who said: “Well, that was close! I think I’d rather die but thank you anyway, Justin Bieber.”
While Victoria may have come across as sarcastic and mean, her act sure did bring Bieber’s new collection to light.
Prince Harry is reportedly “embarrassed and regretful” over his and wife Meghan Markle’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. The interview plunged the monarchy into its biggest crisis since Princess Diana’s death in 1997.
Duncan Larcombe, author of Prince Harry: The Inside Story, told the UK’s Closer Magazine that Harry is probably feeling “regretful and embarrassed” after disclosing his family issues in front of the whole world. The biographer believes while Meghan seemed “in her element”, Harry “clearly looked numb and torn” upon leaving back for Los Angeles after attending late Prince Philip’s funeral ceremony.
Larcombe is convinced that the 36-year-old Duke of Sussex and his wife may have a problematic marriage in the future because Harry will remain nostalgic about the royal life which he has given up while Meghan will keep enjoying her life in LA which had been her longtime dream.
Duncan justifies Harry’s anger towards the Royal family as his “hot-headedness”.
“Harry was clearly hurt and angry about Meghan’s experience with the royals — and used the interview to get it out,” said Duncan. “But after returning home, I’ve no doubt he’s been feeling embarrassed, regretful and awkward. He’s now facing the consequences. I believe he’ll regret that interview — and maybe his decision to leave the royal family.”
“Coming home has reminded him of everything he’s sacrificed in recent years — and of the recent damage done,” added the author.
When asked what his predictions are about Harry’s future equation with his family, the expert said: “I can’t see how Harry can live this new life and keep things harmonious with his family,” adding that it will be a “lose-lose situation.”
“I just don’t think that Harry will be able to live harmoniously as a part of these two worlds — the royals and the LA showbiz world.”
Duncan warns Harry of embarking on a “very difficult” journey due to his decision of marrying Markle and bidding farewell to his Royal roots.
A robber broke into a McDonalds branch in England and demanded chicken nuggets at gunpoint using a fake gun.
CCTV cameras caught the entire incident and the video shows22-year-old Rudi Batten entering the food outlet with a fake gun. The incident took place in Gloucestershire county of England.
According to reports, Batten claimed to have a gun and forced a manager to give him access to the store’s safe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNvKaMx2y6U&t=69s
On his way out, Batten demanded staff present to give him some of the fast-food franchise’s famous chicken nuggets but the restaurant was only serving items from its breakfast menu as it was too early in the morning.
Since he could not wait for the nuggets to be cooked, Batten took a double sausage McMuffin instead.
Batten stole more than $600 from the restaurant. He was identified by CCTV cameras and he later turned himself in to authorities. It was discovered that instead of an actual gun, Batten had been threatening his victims with an unloaded .177air pistol.
While a judge recently sentenced him to six years in prison, Batten said that he had committed the robbery to pay back a debt. His lawyer said that he was ashamed and embarrassed by his actions.
An Indian auto-rickshaw driver in Bhopal has converted his vehicle into an ambulance to help take people to the hospital for free.
According to reports, Javed’s rickshaw turned ambulance has been equipped with an oxygen cylinder, sanitizers, and other medicines to help COVID-19 patients.
India has reported the maximum number of deaths in the past few days amid a surging second wave as people are helpless in saving the lives of their loved ones infected with the virus.
34-year-old Javed Khan explained how he was traumatized by the plight of the people, who were not even able to get ambulances on their way to the hospital.
“I saw on social media and news channels how people were being carried to hospitals due to the shortage of ambulance. So I thought of doing this,” said Javed, while speaking to ANI.
MP: An auto driver in Bhopal has converted his auto into an ambulance & takes patients to hospitals for free. Javed, the driver, says, "I saw on social media & news channels how people were being carried to hospitals due to the shortage of ambulance. So I thought of doing this." pic.twitter.com/eaH4CpWGBO
However, due to the lack of resources, he had to sell his wife’s jewelry to finance the additions to his auto.
“I sold my wife’s jewelry for this. I queue up outside a refill center and get oxygen,” said Javed. “My contact number is available on social media. People can call me up if there’s no ambulance. I’ve been doing this for 15-20 days now and have taken nine serious patients to the hospital.”
I sold my wife's jewellery for this. I queue up outside a refill centre & get oxygen. My contact number is available on social media. People can call me up if there's no ambulance. I've been doing this for 15-20 days now & have taken 9 serious patients to hospital: Javed Khan pic.twitter.com/LiEphjHenJ
A video has been making rounds on social media, where a person can be seen begging and crying for an oxygen cylinder. Like him, millions of Indians are struggling to find oxygen for their loved ones amid a devastating second wave of coronavirus.
According to report, the second-largest populated country in the world has had 3,498 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.
The BBC has documentedthe breaking points of Indian hospitals and crematorium, which has left hospitals in India overwhelmed. Donations have been pouring in to India from all over the world and in different cities, the Indian Army is setting up temporary hospitals and making its medical staff available to fight the deadly Covid 19.
While talking to CNN, Narendra Taneja, a spokesman for the ruling Indian Party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that, “We are in power, we are the government in India so of course responsibility is first and foremost ours, good or bad, whatever it is. It is our responsibility and we’re trying our very level best.” The BJP came under fire when despite the several warnings, large mass rallies held between March and April ahead of state elections.
Earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Joe Biden and President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, for their help and support.
From Pakistan, in a letter to Indian PM Modi, Managing Trustee of Edhi Foundation Faisal Edhi offered to arrange all the necessary supplies. He stated,” As a neighboring friend, we sympathize with you greatly and during this strenuous time, we would like to extends our help in the form of a fleet of 50 ambulances along with our services to assist you in addressing, and further circumventing the health conditions.”
The Indian government has advised all its citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible. According to experts, a double mutant variant is adding fuel to India’s crisis as there are 243 cases every minute.
Minister for Health and Population Welfare Sindh Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho has alerted citizens that the South African and Brazilian variant of COVID-19 has been detected in samples taken by the Agha Khan University (AKU).
In a video message, the minister said: “13 samples were studied yesterday in Agha Khan University Hospital. 10 UK, two African and a Brazilian variant were found.”
Dr Pechuho further said that South African and Brazilian variants have a high fatality rate and that these variants are not vaccine responsive.
The doctor warned that those infected with these new found variants can get severely ill.
She further urged people to stay indoors, avoid gatherings and Eid shopping.
The minister also added that if citizen continue with such carelessness, hospitals and medical centres will be overburdened as “we have seen in India”. She added that if the virus begins to spread, it will become difficult to control it.
Minister for Health & Population Welfare, Dr. @AzraPechuho strongly recommends avoiding crowds & even small social gatherings, as well as travelling unnecessarily. If we dont enforce & follow these protocols we will face a humanitarian crises not unlike that in India #SindhHealthpic.twitter.com/I4ZC2ylqDB
— Heath & Population Welfare Department, GoS (@SindhHealthDpt) April 30, 2021
Last year in December, Pakistan reported three cases of the new strain of coronavirus that first emerged in the United Kingdom, prompting countries to ban travel with the UK.
Pakistan is experiencing a deadly third wave of Covid-19, with the positivity rate at an all-time high. According to the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), 5112 cases and 131 deaths were recorded in the country in the last 24 hours.
Mawra Hocane has sent love to Neetu Kapoor on Rishi Kapoor’s first death anniversary.
Commenting on Neetu’s post in which she remembered her late husband, Mawra Hocane posted three hearts to extend her love and prayers.
“All of last year has been of grief and sadness around the world for us maybe more as we lost him,” wrote Neetu, alongside a black and white picture of her and Rishi.
“Not a day has gone by when we have not discussed or reminisced him as he was an extension of our existence. Sometimes his wise advice, his wisecracks, his anecdotes,” she continued. “We have celebrated him all year with a smile on the lips as he will stay in our hearts forever we have accepted life will never be the same without him.”
Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30, 2020 in Mumbai after a two year long battle with cancer.
Adnan Siddiqui also remembered Kapoor, saying: “The man who remained young at heart till his last moments, who loved life, the most swashbuckling romantic hero Bollywood ever had. #RishiKapoor sahib you may be gone but you live in our hearts forever.”
The man who remained young at heart till his last moments, who loved life, the most swashbuckling romantic hero Bollywood ever had. #RishiKapoor sahib you may be gone but you live in our hearts forever. pic.twitter.com/hMlS9VpfBp
Meanwhile, our Pakistani celebrities who got a chance to meet with the actor shared pictures of themselves with the romantic hero and remembered him.
Humayun Saeed threw it back to the time they met Kapoor to cast him in Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2.
“He was the best of the best,” wrote Humayun.
What a great loss. Extremely sad that Rishi sahab is no more. Sharing this picture from when we had all gone to meet him and to cast him in JPNA2. May he rest in peace. He was the best of the best pic.twitter.com/viifGDdfHv
Zeba Bakhtiar recalled the time she shot the film Henna with the actor and wrote, “You were a superstar for us. RIP dear Rishi…my Chander Prakash. You are and forever will be in our hearts!”
Azaan Sami Khan thanked him for always supporting and pushing him to achieve better. While other celebs who paid a tribute to the late actor include Sajal Aly, Mahira Khan, Zara Noor Abbas, Imran Abbas, Saba Hamid, Yasir Hussain, Shaan, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar among others.
The Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has slapped a fine of Rs 500,000 to Express Entertainment’s celebrity talk show Time Out with Ahsan Khan for using animals as props.
Lawyer Faizullah Khan Niazi, who filed a “self-explanatory” complaint before the regulatory body on behalf of Santia Gulzar against the TV channel and show announced PEMRA’s decision on social media and shared a copy of the order.
“PEMRA saw fit to accept my arguments and impose a fine on Express Entertainment for using animals as props for the purposes of entertainment in its show Time Out with Ahsan Khan,” wrote Niazi on Twitter.
“The Council of Complaints (CoC) [in it’s 106th meeting] upheld the rights of animals and stopped unnecessary pain and suffering being caused to them,” added the lawyer.
“The Council after hearing the matter was of the considered view that the treatment towards animals in this specific show caused unnecessary pain and suffering to the animals used as props in the show. Subjugating animals to such uncalled-for treatment is clearly prohibited under Article 4 and Article 9 of the Constitution of Pakistan,” read PEMRA’s order.
Abuzar Khan Niazi, who is a Managing Partner at Lahore-based Crown Law Chambers also shared the judgment on social media, saying that the “treatment metted out to rabbits has been declared illegal and unconstitutional”.
We filed complaint against Express Entertainment in PEMRA, Council of Complaints for using rabbits as Props in their show. Today, we have won the case, rs 500,000 fine has been imposed on channel. Treatment metted out to rabbits has been declared to be ilegal and unconstitutional pic.twitter.com/hIyLgstVuU
— Barrister Abuzar Salman Niazi (@SalmanKNiazi1) April 29, 2021
Chairperson Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab and a Spokesperson of the Punjab Government Sarah Ahmad hailed the decision, calling it a “landmark judgement on animal rights”.
Council of Complaints, Lahore headed by @pansota1 passed a landmark judgment on animal rights which by all means was a case of first impression before any forum. Licensee was fined Rs.500,00/- for subjecting the animals to unnecessary pain and suffering.
Earlier in March, Crown Chambers had filed a complaint before PEMRA against Express Entertainment and the show for using animals as props.
“The captioned TV show has broadcasted insensitive and reckless content committing negligence and cruelty towards animals by subjecting them to unnecessary suffering and thereby, also mentally disturbing the general public at large,” the complaint had read.
For one of its segments, Time Out with Ahsan Khan used rabbits as props. The segment features a series of multiple-choice questions and if the celebrity answers a question incorrectly, a rabbit is placed on their lap. While some may see this as a harmless act, celebrities like Maya Ali were seen screaming out of fear. The complainant felt that this causes distress to the animal and accounts as animal cruelty.
Meanwhile, Ahsan Khan while speaking exclusively to The Current responded to the controversy, saying: “Let me clarify. These rabbits are basically pets and the person who owns them brings them to the set. When they are on set, we make sure that they are well-fed and taken care of and are not facing any issues. They are not uncomfortable at all. The person whose pets they are keeps them indoors and they are very easy to play with.”
“Araam say haathon main aa jaatay hain,” explained Khan.
The actor then said that being a pet lover he is very careful with the animals on set and cares for them.
“I myself am a pet lover,” said Ahsan. “I have dogs at home. I have cats. I also have parrots and hens and they are all like my own children. We try to provide them with comfortable environments. So naturally, we are very careful with the animals – all of us on set.”
He further said that after the show invited backlash for “using animals as props,” he and his producer decided to avoid it.
“My producer and I thought that if this is hurting people and they are not liking it, then we can avoid it. So we have cut out the segment in the last three to four episodes we’ve recorded,” stated Ahsan, clarifying that the ones which included the animals were shot before.
“Although this segment is one of my favourites because this is the only one in which we discuss general knowledge, which not only educates my guests but also those who are watching the show. Whoever gives a wrong answer has to hold the pet in their lap,” he shared. It is pertinent to add here that the male guests usually enjoy petting the animals but the female guests are scared of them and often jump around screaming when asked to hold them.
“We on our end have been very careful with handling them, but if some people don’t like it then we, including my producers and all can apologise to them,” concluded Khan. “It’s a mutual thing. If something is not right, we should look into it.”
Sheheryar Munawar has apologised for attending a birthday amid the deadly third wave of the coronavirus in Pakistan. The actor was recently spotted at Fahad Mirza’s 40th birthday celebrations, where he was photographed sans mask enjoying a candid moment.
After he was called out for being irresponsible, Sheheryar Munawar, in a statement apologised for his actions, saying: “Last week I went to wish my neighbour on his birthday on an invitation I had accepted two weeks prior.”
Munawar said that he was not expecting such a crowd and left five minutes after wishing the birthday boy.
“In a candid moment I was asked to take my mask off and pose for a picture,” continued Sheheryar. “Rightly so, I was called out for doing that and not following the SOPs. There is no justification for my actions and I stand corrected.”
Taking full responsibility, Sheheryar apologised for his “ignorance, lapse in judgement and lack of better sense” and thanked his social media family for “keeping my moral compass in check”
“Times are tough and we must all follow SOPs outlined by the government,” added the actor before extending prayers for those affected.
Later, while responding to a social media user, Munawar asserted that there are “no justifications for my actions”.
You’re right ! Like I said, no justifications for my actions. I was wrong and I stand corrected 🙏🏼
It is pertinent to mention here that Munawar had tested positive for COVID-19 when Pakistan experienced its first wave.
Meanwhile, Mirza’s birthday party was an extravagant affair with many celebs including wife Sarwat Gilani, Zeba Bakhtiar, Frieha Altaf, and Mansha Pasha in attendance. After pictures from the celebrations went viral on social media, people present at the event were heavily criticised for not following the SOps.
Frieha had defended the celebrations, saying: “First of all, it was a very small gathering and it was on an open rooftop. All SOPs were followed, there were masks, temperature checks at the gate and I believe most of the guests already vaccinated or had antibodies.”
