Author: News Desk

Resistance to govt officials costs IG Motorway Police his post

A Grade 21 officer of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) Salman Chaudhry has been removed from the post of Inspector General (IG) of the Motorway Police (MP) after reportedly resisting the transfer of administrative control of the National Highway and Motorway Police (NH&MP) from the Ministry of Communication to the Ministry of Interior, Dawn News reported on Thursday.

During a recent top brass meeting chaired by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in Islamabad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi favoured a proposal to shift the administrative control from the Ministry of Communication to the Ministry of Interior. However, Mr Salman Chaudhry had opposed the proposal, officials said.

Following his removal as IG MP, the federal government instructed Mr Chaudhry to report to the Establishment Division until further orders.

Meanwhile, Rifat Mukhtar has been appointed as IG MP.

According to officials, Mr Chaudhry emphasised that NHMP, under the control of the Ministry of Communication, had attained a distinctive position in the country through effective enforcement by applying the highest standards of professionalism, fearing the transferring process could undermine or compromise its current standing.

It was a surprise for Mohsin Naqvi when Khawaja Asif apparently supported Mr Chaudhry’s stance, maintaining that NHMP’s administrative control should be under the control of the Ministry of Communication.

Reportedly, differences between the two federal ministers also led to the transfer of the Grade 21 officer.

An official privy to the development told Dawn News that Chaudhry had differences with the Minister of Communication Abdul Aleem Khan over recruitment in various ranks.

According to the sources, Mr Chaudhry is one of the few senior policemen who had served in all four provinces at various senior positions and was known among police circles as an upright officer.

“He survived two earlier attempts to transfer him. However, he couldn’t survive a third time,” said sources.

As per sources, Mr Chaudhry was informed that as a gesture of goodwill, he would be transferred in mid-February 2025 after completing one year as IG MP; however, senior police officers were shocked by his early transfer.

The federal government appointed Mr Salman Chaudhry as IG MP on 10 January 2024.

There is an unwritten understanding in the bureaucracy that if an officer is transferred after completing a year at his post, it is considered a routine matter.

Ministry of Communications is the central policy-making body and administrative authority in road infrastructure, road transportation, provision of communication links between individuals and businesses, provision of research & training to relevant stakeholders and policing on National Highways & Motorways.

December 26, 2024
BGT: Australia at 311/6 on day one against India

The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia commenced today, December 26, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. At the end of Day One, Australia posted a total of 311 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.

The day’s play was highlighted by significant contributions from Australian batsmen Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja, both scoring fifties. India’s bowling attack was led by Jasprit Bumrah, who spearheaded a fightback, claiming crucial wickets to keep the visitors competitive.

This Test holds substantial importance as the series is currently tied at 1-1, with both teams vying for a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final. The match is scheduled to continue over the next four days, concluding on December 30, 2024.

Social media bashes Virat Kohli for sledging teenaged player

Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has become social media’s target for getting into a fight on Thursday with 19-year-old Australian opener Sam Konstas, who was making his Test debut during the 4th Test of Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, with Sam Konstas playing brilliant shots against ace Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

A video shot during a break in the over shows Virat intentionally crashing into Sam’s shoulder on the side of the pitch. Kohli then turned around and started challenging the young batter.

First, Usman Khawaja tried to end the matter with a smile and placing a hand on Kohli’s shoulder. Match officials intervened and cooled the matter down.

Despite Kohli’s attempt at bullying the young debutant, Sam played confidently and scored a half-century off 52 balls.

Later, Sam Constas scored 60 runs off 65 balls before being bowled out lbw off Ravindra Jadeja.

Virat’s behaviour was largely met with disapproval, leading to severe criticism on social media.

Today is the first day of the fourth Boxing Day Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India at the MCG.

December 26, 2024
Hania Aamir says was told to ‘get out’ by organiser at Dallas event

Actress Hania Aamir’s Meet and Greet with fans in Dallas took an unexpected and shocking turn when she was allegedly told to ‘get out’ by an event organizer, leaving fans stunned and sparking outrage across social media.

Taking to Instagram the superstar explained: “It’s no secret that I love and respect my fans more than words can describe. Everyone who came to meet us at the Dallas event, I love you to bits and it’s unfortunate that it had to end so abruptly. I am proud of the fact that we have built a community of love, trust, and support and of just seeing each other as human beings. So it is only fair that there is transparency regarding this matter as well.”

The event was going well as Hania Aamir took pictures with fans, but things changed when she heard an argument.

“Everyone saw videos of me walking to the crowd and taking pictures and everything was fine. When I was going back to my seat, I heard one of the organizers verbally abuse my manager. So I walked up to her and asked what had happened and told the man (one of the organizers) that he cannot speak to her like this. She was so distraught that she went backstage. I followed her to make sure she was okay, and Fahad, being a gentleman, also came to check up on her,” the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress continued.

After the argument, Hania and Fahad decided to take photos with fans backstage, but things got worse.

“Then we decided to start with the photos with the fans backstage. At this point, he came running after us, calling us names, telling us to get out, called off the security protocols, and verbally assaulted us even more (people had to hold him back). We were rushed out by our promoter, Arif Khan, to not further escalate anything, and we managed a personal means of transport to get back safely to the hotel,” Hania Aamir added.

The Mere Humsafar actress shared her thoughts on the whole situation, saying, “Firstly, whatever your position may be, big or small, it gives you no right to disrespect anyone. Secondly, just because we women are in male-dominated fields gives you no right to assume that you can get away with almost anything and that we will not take a stand for ourselves. Thirdly, we as a fraternity put in a lot of effort to make our fans happy. And such people with their theatrics are mostly trying to paint us black. I don’t know; maybe it does something for their ego. But promoters/organizers need to step up and make sure such clowns don’t ruin the events and the experience for the fans and the artists.”

The Parwaaz Hai Junoon actress also called out the media for spreading false claims, saying “Fourthly, I understand it’s a juicy story that a female artist left a show or misbehaved, but it would be really nice if media houses showed some responsibility with their journalism and stopped putting allegations on us as artists without getting their facts straight.”

Hania Aamir ended her message with an apology to her fans saying, “Last but not least, I would like to apologize to every single one of you who came. And I dearly love every single one of you. I am sorry things had to end this way. Just have to get through with the bad days, I guess.”

Fellow celebrities stood by Hania and called out the organizer’s behavior.

Anoushey Ashraf wrote on Instagram: “No room for disrespect and abuse for anyone. Artists are our pride and assets. Am sorry you had to experience this @haniaheofficial at the end of the day, people show their own upbringing and mindset when they decide to disrespect a woman (and many a times ones from media).
Shame on whoever this man is, shouldn’t be allowed to organise/attend any events if he can’t conduct himself with decency.”

Maya Ali also voiced her disappointment, stating: “Disrespect is unacceptable at any cost or under any circumstances. I am so proud of you @haniaheheofficial and @maidaazmat for handling this situation with such grace. It’s truly disappointing that some individuals failed to show respect to our Pakistani stars and their teams.”

Yashma Gill shared her support saying, “Like always, immense respect for @haniaheheofficial and @maidaazmat for handling the situation not only professionally but also with bravery. There’s no place for disrespect in this or any industry/workplace.”

December 26, 2024
Pakistani stars light up Christmas 2024 with festive cheer

The holiday season is in full swing, and Pakistani celebrities are celebrating Christmas 2024 with joy. This day is extra special in Pakistan as it also marks the birthday of the nation’s founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. While the Christian community celebrates Christmas, the entire country comes together to honor this special day.

Celebrities in the Christmas Spirit

Many Pakistani stars have embraced Christmas spirit, celebrating with their families and friends. Some celebrities are even on vacation, enjoying the festive season in different countries. Here are some wonderful moments of Pakistani celebrities celebrating Christmas 2024:

Saboor Aly: The beloved actress shared cozy pictures with her friends and husband Ali Ansari, surrounded by Christmas decorations and a beautifully lit tree.

Minal Khan: The talented actress posted heartwarming photos with her husband Muneeb Butt and their family, enjoying a festive dinner together.

Javeria Abbasi: The versatile actress celebrated with her loved ones, sharing joyful moments and holiday treats.

Yashma Gill: The popular actress celebrated Christmas with her friends Amar Khan and Sidra Niazi, sharing fun moments and festive cheer.

Mariyam Nafees: The beautiful actress is enjoying a snowy Christmas in London with her husband Amaan Ahmed, sharing stunning winter wonderland photos.

The festive cheer is contagious, and it’s wonderful to see how Pakistani celebrities are making the most of this joyful time. Whether at home or abroad, they spread love and happiness.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mariyam Nafees Amaan (@mariyam.nafees)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Yashma Asad Gill (@yashmagillofficial)

December 26, 2024
Google Wallet is coming to Pakistan

Internet giant Google has announced that its digital payment system Google Wallet will be introduced in 16 more countries including Pakistan.

Google Wallet is already available in dozens of countries. Now the company has announced that its facilities will be launched in 16 more countries, including Pakistan, Egypt, Venezuela, Tajikistan, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Monaco and Kosovo, between December 2024 and January 2025.

Google Wallet will be launched in Pakistan in January of next month.

Google Wallet is a digital payment and document storage system under which users can pay and receive money by linking their credit and debit cards to their accounts.

The aforementioned system and application are considered the most secure. The company claims that the information stored in Google Wallet is encrypted and is not available to any other person.

Google Wallet is actually a digital wallet or purse in which each user can also store different cards and documents.

According to the company, payments made through Google Wallet are encrypted, and each purchase is sent a unique code to use the wallet and process payment information.

In Google Wallet, users can store bank cards, boarding passes, tickets, and other digital passes like their wallets. The app also uses encryption and device security features to ensure data protection.

December 26, 2024
‘This is cruelty’; Pope Francis slams Israel

Pope Francis has called out Israel for bombing children on Christmas day, saying, “This is cruelty. This is not war.”

The head of the Catholic Church took time out from his Christmas address to call for “arms to be silenced” around the world in his Christmas address, appealing for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan as he denounced the “extremely grave” humanitarian situation in Gaza.

He used his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city and the world”) message to the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics to call for talks for just peace in Ukraine as the country was pummelled by 170 Russian missiles and drones on Christmas morning.

“May the sound of arms be silenced in war-torn Ukraine,” the 88-year-old pontiff said, his voice strained and breathless. “May there be the boldness needed to open the door to negotiation and to gestures of dialogue and encounter in order to achieve a just and lasting peace.”

In front of thousands of the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Pope also appealed for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the freeing of the hostages.

“I think of the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is extremely grave. May there be a ceasefire, may the hostages be released and aid be given to the people worn out by hunger and by war,” he stressed.

Francis extended his call for a silencing of arms to the whole Middle East and to Sudan, which has been ravaged by 20 months of brutal civil war where millions are under the threat of famine.

“May the Son of the Most High sustain the efforts of the international community to facilitate access to humanitarian aid for the civilian population of Sudan and to initiate new negotiations for a ceasefire,” he said.

Christians across the world celebrated Christmas on Wednesday, with the mood darkened by wars.

With the genocide in Gaza also showing no signs of ending, Pope Francis was expected to call for peace in the Middle East during his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” speech at midday in Rome, which he did eventually, as he recounted in his address, “Yesterday they didn’t let the Patriarch [of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa] enter Gaza as they had promised & yesterday children were bombed. This is cruelty. This is not war.”

December 26, 2024
Former Indian cricketer’s father convicted in embezzlement case for seven years

Former Indian cricketer Naman Ojha’s father has been convicted in an embezzlement case before being given a seven-year prison sentence.

Indian media reported that Ojha’s father was among the four people who were convicted for embezzling 1.25 crore Indian rupees, 11 years ago at a Bank of Maharashtra branch in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh.

Reports have said that the police had registered a case against six people. The Multi Additional Sessions Court pronounced the verdict in the case on Tuesday (December 24).

According to the report, Vinay Ojha was a branch manager in the bank 11 years ago. He has now been fined INR 700,000 in addition to the imprisonment.

Mastermind Abhishek Ratnam was sentenced to 10 years in prison and handed out a fine of 10 lakh rupees. Two other brokers were also sentenced to seven years in prison and a fined seven lakh rupees.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, has played four matches for India.

He made his ODI debut in June 2010 against Sri Lanka in Harare alongside the recently retired Ravichandran Ashwin.

Naman has also played two T20 Internationals for India while also playing a Test under Virat Kohli’s leadership against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2015.

December 26, 2024
Social media bashes Virat Kohli for sledging teenaged player

Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has become social media’s target for getting into a fight on Thursday with 19-year-old Australian opener Sam Konstas, who was making his Test debut during the 4th Test of Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, with Sam Konstas playing brilliant shots against ace Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

A video shot during a break in the over shows Virat intentionally crashing into Sam’s shoulder on the side of the pitch. Kohli then turned around and started challenging the young batter.

First, Usman Khawaja tried to end the matter with a smile and placing a hand on Kohli’s shoulder. Match officials intervened and cooled the matter down.

Despite Kohli’s attempt at bullying the young debutant, Sam played confidently and scored a half-century off 52 balls.

Later, Sam Constas scored 60 runs off 65 balls before being bowled out lbw off Ravindra Jadeja.

Virat’s behaviour was largely met with disapproval, leading to severe criticism on social media.

Here is how social media is reacting to the altercation:

Today is the first day of the fourth Boxing Day Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India at the MCG.

December 26, 2024
Pakistan squad for first Test against South Africa revealed

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced playing XI for the first Test against South Africa.

As per the details, Pakistan will field four fast bowlers, including Mohammad Abbas, who last played a Test for Pakistan in August 2021 against West Indies.

Abbas made it to the Test squad due to his excellent domestic performance, claiming 31 wickets in five matches of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy this year.

The playing eleven also includes captain Shan Masood, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas.

The two-Test series is due to start tomorrow (Thursday, Dec 26). The Boxing Day Test will be played at the Super Sports Park in Centurion.

The second Test will begin in Cape Town on Jan 3.

While Pakistan won their last Test series against England 2-1 in Oct this year, changes have been made to the winning batting lineup for the upcoming series.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that Pakistan has planned to field seven batters in the first Test against South Africa.

Captain Shan Masood will open the innings along with in-form Saim Ayub.

Former Test captain Babar Azam, who was dropped from the second and third Tests against England in October this year, is once again being included to the team in place of out-of-form Abdullah Shafique.

In the first Test against South Africa, Babar will play at number 3, Kamran Ghulam at number 4 and vice-captain Saud Shakeel at number 5.

ODI and T20 skipper, wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan, will bat at number 6.

In addition, all-rounder Salman Ali Agha will come to bat at number 7.

December 25, 2024
Why is Arshad Nadeem our person of the year?

The first-ever Pakistani player to win a gold medal in the Javelin throw competition in the Paris Olympics 2024, Arshad Nadeem united a deeply polarised country in the best way possible. The moment his javelin sneaked through the air on its way to breaking records went down in history, every single Pakistani felt the achievement personally.

Many mothers were left teary-eyed seeing the pride in his mother’s eyes, and many fathers learnt to support their children’s dream.

For us, it was Arshad’s thoughtfulness that won us over.

“A university should be established in the Mian Chunno City so that [it brings ease] to our sisters who have to travel to Multan for education covering a long distance spanning over 1.5 to two hours,” the gold medalist said in his first interview after reaching home with his son in his lap and a crowd waiting to greet him.

Arshad’s words were loud and clear, demanding a solution to the long and strenuous journey of going to Multan from his city that discourages many from pursuing academic aspirations.

It was not just the medal that made him popular but the nobility of thought that made the glory permanent. Moreover, it was the sheer display of hard work and dedication that made people from all walks of life come around and celebrate Arshad’s achievement as the success of all the underdogs, the poor, the sportsmen playing any sport other than cricket and just everyone trying to make it big without any resource in a country like ours.

Winning a gold medal and setting a new record of 92.97 metre long throw in the history of the Olympics was one thing, inspiring people to think beyond the usual is another. With Arshad’s resounding success, so many got to know about the unique sport of javelin throw. Many videos popped up, featuring children practising their throws.

It also gave us that rare moment of mutual love when India’s Neeraj Chopra and Arshad’s mothers celebrated each other’s sons, going against the tide of expected rivalry.

Last but not least, the throw realized the age-old parable of the tortoise and the hare in its true sense. Arshad’s slow and steady win was nothing short of the tortoise, who reached the finish line despite all the hurdles. From fifth in Tokyo 2020 to winning gold at Paris 2024, he kept his head low and spirits high, raising the morale of the country.

December 25, 2024