Author: News Desk

Pope Francis prays in front of Baby Jesus wrapped in Palestinian Keffiyah

The leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, inaugurated the seasonal nativity scene presented by Palestinian officials, featuring baby Jesus wrapped in a keffiyeh- the traditional scarf worn by Palestinians as a national symbol- in Vatican City on Saturday.

It is a widely held historical belief that Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, Palestine, making him a Palestinian.

While speaking at the ceremony, Pope Francis criticised Israeli aggression in Gaza, “Enough wars, enough violence!.”

This declaration by the wheelchair-bound Pope was preceded by his address to the people suffering around the world. “Remember the brothers and sisters, who, right there [in Bethlehem] and in other parts of the world, are suffering from the tragedy of war,” the Pope lamented.

Vatican News reported that the Pope also warmly received a delegation of representatives from the Palestinians who organized the project by Bethlehem-based artists Johny Andonia and Faten Nastas Mitwasi.

A poignant picture of the Pontiff deep in prayer while observing the Baby Jesus wrapped in a keffiyeh went viral on social media.

The collection of the series was titled as “Nativity of Bethlehem 2024”. The biblical tableau that was showcased in the ceremony featured figures of the holy family as described in the Christian scriptures carved from olive wood, also a national Palestinian treasury, while baby Jesus was placed atop a keffiyeh- a white scarf with a black pattern worn across the Middle East which has become a symbol of Palestinians’ resistance to the ongoing Israeli occupation.

The unveiling of the nativity scene comes after a series of statements by the religious leader about the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza.

The Catholic leader has also previously called the public to support a ceasefire between Palestine and Israel as well as the safe release of hostages taken in the October 7 events.

The head of the holy city of the Vatican has also directly questioned Israel’s aggressive military response in interviews from a new book published last month in which he called for an investigation into Israel’s actions in Palestine “fits into the technical definition” of genocide.

Palestinian Liberation Organization executive committee member Ramzi Khouri joined the pope on Sunday in presiding over the scene’s dedication on Sunday and conveyed “warm greetings” from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Khouri expressed “deep gratitude for the pope’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and his tireless efforts to end the war on Gaza and promote justice,” according to a PLO press release.

December 9, 2024
Alleged harassment case: Lahore Hight Court extends stay order against decision to register case against Babar Azam

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has extended the stay order against the decision to register a case against former national cricket team captain Babar Azam in an alleged harassment case.

Lahore High Court’s Justice Waheed Khan heard a petition against the order to register a case against former national team captain Babar Azam in an alleged harassment case and extended the stay order on Wednesday against the decision to register the case.

Lawyer Barrister Haris Azmat represented petitioner Babar.

The High Court, summoning the woman who had asked for the registration of the case, adjourned further hearing on the petition till December 12.

In January 2021, a Sessions Court in Lahore ordered the police to take action according to law on a petition to register a case of alleged sexual harassment against Babar, which the former captain has challenged in the Lahore High Court.

The harassment case against Babar Azam first came into the public eye in late 2020 when Hamiza Mukhtar, a woman from Lahore, accused him of multiple offences, including sexual harassment, blackmail, and coercion.

Hamiza alleged that she and Babar had been in a relationship since their teenage years. She claimed that Babar had promised to marry her but later backtracked after achieving fame in cricket. According to her, during their relationship, Babar not only exploited her emotionally and financially but also sexually, even forcing her to undergo an abortion under false promises of marriage.

In her legal complaints, she also accused him of blackmailing her with private photos and videos, as well as making threats to keep her from pursuing legal action.

Court Proceedings

The accusations gained significant media attention in late 2020, with Hamiza holding press conferences to share her story. She also filed a petition in a sessions court requesting legal action against Babar Azam.

In March, the Court’s session court in Lahore directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to register a case against Babar Azam. Hamiza had alleged that he continued to harass and threaten her through various means.

Babar’s legal team approached the Babar’se High Court (LHC), challenging the session court’s decision. His counsel argued that the case was being pursued without substantial evidence and that the trial court’s directive was passed without considering Babar’s side of the story.

The Babar temporarily halted the registration of a case against Babar Azam and granted him relief from immediate legal action. This suspension has been extended multiple times as the case has moved through the legal system.

Babar Azam and his legal team have also filed a defamation suit against Hamiza Mukhtar, claiming that her allegations are baseless and intended to tarnish his reputation.

December 9, 2024
Rajab Butt, Eman kick off wedding festivities with vibrant dholki night

YouTuber and content creator Rajab Butt has gained fame over the past few years with his family vlogs and prank videos. Known for his collaborations with big creators and a few controversies, Rajab became the top Pakistani YouTube creator last year. Now, he’s starting a new chapter in his life with his soon-to-be wife, Eman.

Rajab Butt and Eman are getting married, and their first dholki night was a joyous occasion. The couple celebrated with their families and friends, performing traditional haldi rituals. They both wore beautiful traditional outfits.

A special highlight of the evening was Eman’s brother playing the guitar and singing a song for her. Towards the end of the night, Eman also delighted everyone by singing a lovely song.

Here are some delightful moments from Rajab Butt and Eman’s first dholki event:

December 9, 2024
‘Dreams come true in Mumbai’: Bilal Saeed shares his India experience

In a city where dreams are made, singer and music producer Bilal Saeed says he found his own path to success, overcoming fears and embracing new opportunities.

Appearing as a guest on ‘Hasna Mana Hai’, Bilal shared his experience of working in India.

“When you went to India and collaborated with Neha Kakkar and many other Indian singers… what was the experience like?” asked a member of the audience.

“It was a lot of fun… I really enjoyed it… the reason is when I was in Mumbai, the ‘big film industry’ thing hit me. I felt like fulfilling dreams there was no big deal… ‘tomorrow, I could become Shah Rukh Khan’… there are so many opportunities there,” Bilal replied.

He also talked about how hardworking Indian artists are.

“What I really liked was that they are very hardworking. They respect work a lot and take it very seriously. And when working, you don’t think about who you are… when you’re on set, you’re just working. There’s no star status. No one cares about anything else. I really liked that. I feel that kind of openness should exist in our industry,” Bilal added.

When asked by Tabish Hashmi how a Hafiz [someone who has memorised the Quran] became a singer, Bilal shared how he felt about it and who supported him.

“In the beginning, I wouldn’t even go to Sialkot… I’m from Sialkot and I was so scared of my teacher that if I saw him anywhere, I would turn around and take another route. I was afraid that he might judge me for starting singing.”

“However, I think credit goes to my father. He said he was going to let me do this so that someday I don’t say to him that he never let me do anything,” Bilal added.

Earlier, ‘Superstar,’ the much-awaited album by singer Bilal Saeed is out, and the buzz on the latest release from the song is already going high as ‘Misunderstood’ which is now up on YouTube on One Two Records. And with that message, it carries into being an empowering anthem as it calls for the listener to accept their weaknesses and stand above those battles.

On Instagram he wrote, “This goes out to all those who bear their struggles in silence, a gentle reminder that vulnerability is a mark of courage, not weakness. It’s okay to stumble, to feel the weight of the world, and to shed tears in the darkness. But remember, it’s also okay to rise once more.”

The music video for “Misunderstood” is directed by Abdullah Haris, with music by Alex Shahbaz and mixing by Bloodline Music. It beautifully captures the essence of the song’s theme, creating a visual experience that resonates with its emotional depth.

December 9, 2024
‘I can’t even imagine joking about our martyrs’; Anwar Maqsood apologises for controversial remarks

Renowned writer and satirist Anwar Maqsood has apologised for his recent controversial remarks about navy officers after receiving criticisms from social media users on his satirical jibe at the country’s soldiers.

Speaking at the Aalami Urdu Conference at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi on Sunday, Maqsood expressed deep regret regarding his recent remarks about navy officers, saying, “I can’t even imagine joking about our martyrs. Their sacrifices are the reason the country exists, and I am alive today.”

He faced backlash when three days ago at the same Aalami Urdu Conference in Karachi, he recalled a visit to the navy dockyard, saying, “Navy is the most honorable among the army, airforce and navy because they [navy officers] drown themselves to death.”

On Sunday, he clarified, “I only make humorous comments about people who are alive, but I will no longer do so. Many people in the Navy are my friends, and I intended no harm. However, I will not make such jokes again.”

The satirist revealed that some of his friends and family members associated with the navy had grown distant from him due to the controversy. “If my comments hurt anyone, I apologise to them,” he stated.

Maqsood, while rubbishing rumours on social media that he was arrested after his satirical jibe at the navy officers, clarified, “Many friends and family members have been calling from across the world and asking if I was abducted, but I want to clarify that these reports are false.”

However, following his remarks about the Navy officers, social media users were divided.

One social media user said, “It’s a sad reality when the people of #Pakistan can’t even take a joke. #AnwarMaqsood’s satire stings too much for some, but what’s worse is the silence on real issues. Attacks on free speech are common—it’s only a miracle he hasn’t been arrested yet.”

Another social media user wrote, “Dear Anwar Maqsood, you’re 85 years old, right? A Navy soldier who drowns at the age of 20 or 30 has lived a far better life than you.”

Many social media users also posted about his “abduction” after his satirical statement about Navy officers.

Many netizens spread the false news that Anwar Maqsood was abducted or arrested.

December 9, 2024
Swiss airline crew under fire for recording, leaking couple’s sexual activity on plane

Crew members of Swiss International Airline are being investigated after a video of two passengers engaging in intimate acts was leaked on social media.

The airline’s spokesperson informed media that during a November 29 flight from Bangkok to Zurich, crew members in the cockpit observed two passengers “engaging in intimate acts.”

The couple was in the front galley near the flight deck.

Notably, the airplanes typically have cameras throughout, while pilots and crew members have access to video footage from the cockpit.

However, on the Zurich-bound flight, crew members apparently recorded the couple from a monitor on the flight deck using a phone.

Later it was leaked and began circulating on WhatsApp.

The news was first reported by the Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten.

The airline’s spokesperson emphasised that it expected crew members to intervene immediately because it was “intolerable” whereas they filmed it instead.

Resultantly, the airline is considering disciplinary action against the ones who recorded it.

“Filming people without their clear consent and sharing these recordings is contrary to our guidelines and values,” the spokesperson asserted.

“The behavior of the passengers in question was inappropriate — therefore, our employees should have acted in line with our protocols and intervened immediately,” the official said while adding “Why the crew did not act accordingly is the subject of the ongoing investigation.”

The airline said it intends to increase employee education and training to avoid such incidents in the future.

December 9, 2024
Is A.R. Rahman taking a break from music? Family clears the air

Rumors are rife that renowned Indian musician AR Rahman is taking a break from work after his divorce from wife Saira Banu, after 29 years of marriage. However, his children have strongly denied the rumors.

AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu announced their divorce last month. Following the announcement, news started circulating that AR Rahman will take a break from music for a year.

However, his daughter Khadija Rahman and son Amin have strongly denied the rumors.
A post was shared on social media platform X, which said that AR Rahman is going to take a break from music, to which daughter Khadija replied: “Please stop spreading such useless rumors.”

AR Rahman’s son Amin shared a screenshot of the news on his Instagram story, writing, “This is fake news. This is wrong.”

Earlier, his son, Amin, has expressed disappointment over the circulating rumours regarding his father.

Following the announcement of his divorce, AR Rahman, his former wife Saira Banu, and their children requested privacy, but the appeal fell on deaf ears.

After 29 years of marriage, A.R. Rahman and Saira Banu announced their separation on Tuesday evening, asking the public to respect their private lives. Despite this, rumours have been circulating, with some linking Rahman’s divorce to Mohini Dey’s recent split. Rahman’s son has dismissed these speculations as baseless and disheartening.

On social media, Amin shared a picture of a child and his father, captioning it, “What’s the difference between these two? Just their age.”

In his post, Amin further wrote, “My father is a legend, not just because of his work but because of the values, respect, and love he has earned over the years.”

Amin expressed frustration over the spread of false and unfounded rumours, urging people not to circulate incorrect information regarding his parents’ marriage.

He clarified in an Instagram post that there is no connection between A.R. Rahman’s divorce and Mohini Dey’s separation.

Earlier, Rahman’s daughter Raheema also took to social media, writing, “Always remember, rumors are spread by haters and fools, and only fools believe them. Live life honestly.”

December 9, 2024
I conducted an inquiry before making Shaheen my son-in-law: Shahid Afridi

Yes, the tradition of conducting investigations into the backgrounds of prospective grooms and brides is still alive and well. Even a superstar fast bowler like Shaheen Shah Afridi isn’t spared the background check.

Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team Shahid Afridi, has confessed that he put Shaheen through the same check.
“I conducted an inquiry before making Shaheen Afridi my son-in-law,” Boom Boom said.

During a session of the World Urdu Conference’ titled I am Karachi’, the former captain spoke on many topics.

Talking about the choosing Shaheen Afridi for his daughter Ansha, Shahid Afridi said, “No man gives his daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone without thinking about it. Shaheen was well trained. My elders and Shaheen’s elders knew each other well, but when we shifted to Karachi, we did not have much contact with Shaheen’s family. However, all the coaches under whom Shaheen played praised him a lot.’

He continued to say, “I conducted an inquiry before making Shaheen Afridi my son-in-law. An inquiry is very important at the time of a daughter’s relationship, but also to take any relationship forward. Both the boy and the girl must be good so that a good generation can be prepared for our country.”

When asked about becoming a grandfather, the former captain said, “I do not consider myself a grandfather yet, but when the fifth daughter gets married and has children, then I will consider myself a grandfather.”

Well, we can’t really blame Shahid Afridi for making sure his daughter is marrying a responsible and good human.

National cricketer Shaheen Afridi got married to former captain Shahid Afridi’s daughter, Ansha, on February 3, 2023. The two became parents to first son Aliyaar this year.

December 9, 2024
‘I had an issue with Shagufta constantly scolding Sharjeena’; Bushra Ansari on Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum

Imagine playing a character that the entire audience loves to hate, but you can’t help feel conflicted about their actions. This is exactly how veteran actress Bushra Ansari felt about her role as Shagufta in the smash hit drama serial Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.

Appearing as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, the Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum actress shared her thoughts on Shagufta’s meanness.

“I had a bit of an issue with my character (Shagufta) in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. It’s been a while since you’ve probably heard the term ‘shaki’ (doubtful/skeptical), but that’s how I felt. I needed logic for why my character was constantly scolding that girl (Sharjeena). As an actor, and maybe as a writer within me — I wasn’t challenging the scriptwriter, but I did raise the issue with the production team. I just asked them to justify it.”

She continued to question the logic of the character’s actions “Look at it this way, one son rejected the girl, and then the family married her off to my other son. So, what’s the girl’s fault in all of this? Tell me, what mistake did she make? Yet, I was constantly scolding her, and I had an issue with that.”

The Very Filmy actress also talked about industry limitations, saying, “There are limitations. They have a content department, and they have their own processes. I can only interfere up to a certain level. After that, it’s out of my hands. That’s how it is most of the time. The ‘mother’ is always shown as the villain. Whether she speaks in a cultured way or a crude one, she’s portrayed as the antagonist. It’s the same with the ‘mother-in-law’ character, she’s also the villain.”

Reflecting on her work behind the scenes, Bushra said, “I even wrote a drama myself (Mere Dard Ko Jo Zuban Mili), which aired on Hum TV. It was the debut of Sheheryar Munawar and also featured Hamza Ali Abbasi. In that drama, I had a son (played by Sheheryar) who was mute. It was a small but unique concept. I’m not praising myself, but you have to think differently sometimes. Since my son was mute, we brought in an instructor on set to teach sign language. We incorporated it into the story. It was just a bit of homework, but it added depth to the show.”

Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum was written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Badar Mehmood.

December 9, 2024
Fazl warns ‘people in agencies’ not to send threats

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has strongly criticized the government and the establishment, saying, “Do not send us a threat; this does not scare us.”

During a speech delivered on Sunday, Maulana did not mince his words, saying: “People in uniform, people in agencies, don’t send threats; we are not afraid of threats. If you are going to do bad things, then we will be worse than you,” warned Fazl.

Maulana Fazl also threatened to start a long march towards Islamabad if his party’s demands on the Madaris registration bill weren’t met.

Last week, President Asif Ali Zardari refused to sign the bill and returned it, raising some objections, including the fact that education is a provincial subject.

Addressing the participants, Fazl questioned: “Is not signing the bill malice and fraud? Are you ready or not If we decide to march on Islamabad?”

JUI-F Chief is against religious seminaries falling under the education ministry; Fazl added: “Attempts were made to keep Madaris under the Ministry of Education by forming a directorate.”

“So-called reforms were being imposed on madrassa in the name of bringing the seminaries into the mainstream. You declared war on us; we did not,” remarked Fazl.

Earlier on December 6, the JUI-F had given the coalition government the deadline of December 8 for the passage of the bill.

On the other hand, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain said yesterday that registration of seminaries was a long-standing requirement.

“It will take some time to give the Madrasa Registration Bill a legal shape,” the minister said.

Accepting the Maulana’s demand, the government approved the bill from both houses of parliament, he said. “Madrasa are also educational institutions that only fall under the education ministry.”

The minister said: “18,000 Madrassas were registered with the Directorate General of Religious Education.”

Meanwhile, Allama Tahir Ashrafi, the head of the Pakistan Ulema Council, publicly opposed Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s position on the registration and regulation of madrasahs in Pakistan.

In his recent statement, Ashrafi emphasized that madrasahs are educational institutions and should, therefore, be registered under the Ministry of Education rather than the Ministry of Industries, as suggested by Rehman.

Ashrafi recalled the consensus reached in 2019 on the registration process of madrasahs following multiple discussions and consultations. Key figures, including former Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood, played a central role in ensuring that the registration framework was carefully deliberated and finalized.

The agreement designated the Ministry of Education as the sole authority responsible for collecting data on religious schools.

Reportedly, Maulana Fazl was assured by the coalition government regarding the Madaris registration bill for his cooperation in passing the 26th constitutional amendment.

“Madrasas will be registered but not subordinated. Agreements made in 2010 are being violated, but we will ensure our rights are protected,” stated Fazl.

December 9, 2024