As late winter tightens its grip on the northern parts of the country, Naran, Kaghan, Shogran, and Murree, are transforming into winter wonderlands. The recent snowfall has not only captivated tourists but also prompted local authorities to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors.
In Naran, Kaghan, and Shogran, heavy snowfall has persisted for the third consecutive day, with Babusar Top expected to remain under its winter coat until the coming Sunday, according to Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) official Mozam Ali.
Notable snowfall accumulations include 1.5 feet in Shogran, 2.5 feet in Naran, 3.5 feet in Babusar, and seven inches in Kaghan.
The Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) road has been opened up to Rajwal, allowing tourists to explore beyond this point. To assist both tourists and locals, the KDA has established a tourist facilitation center at Balakot.
The typical winter pattern in these areas involves initial rains in the last 10 to 15 days of November, followed by snowfall in December.
However, climate change has disrupted the pattern, resulting in a lack of rain and snow. This deviation has significantly decreased tourist activity in the region, causing concern among those involved in the sector.
Meanwhile, in the popular hill station of Murree, the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) has proactively initiated snow clearing and garbage removal operations following the season’s first snowfall.
The efforts of the RWMC have allowed motorists to move easily in and around Murree, ensuring normal traffic flow.
RWMC CEO Rana Sajid Safdar’s instructions to deploy additional workers during the snow season have proven effective in maintaining cleanliness despite the influx of visitors.
The Murree district administration, under the directives of Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Abbas Sherazi, has finalized arrangements for the snowfall season. Tourists are being provided with weather updates and travel advisories at all entry points, with a special control room set up to facilitate inquiries and assistance.
The district administration advises tourists to take necessary precautions, follow traffic rules, and stay informed about weather conditions before traveling to Murree.
Strict actions are being taken against parking rules violators to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. In case of difficulties, tourists can seek assistance from dedicated tourist facilitation centers and the 24/7 operational control room.
Israeli forces disguised as doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff burst into a hospital in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday and shot three Palestinians dead, one of whom was lying paralysed in bed.
A border police counter-terrorism unit and a unit from the internal security forces, known as the Shin Bet, entered Ibn Sina hospital on the outskirts of the city’s refugee camp early Tuesday, CCTV footage of the aftermath of the operation showed.
The shooting was carried by undercover operatives while the men were sleeping at the hospital, according to the statements issued by the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the Israeli army.
The Israeli military identified one of the men killed as Mohammad Jalamneh, aged 27, who it claimed was planning an imminent attack and had been transferring weapons and ammunition to other members, Al Jazeera reported.
The two other men killed, brothers Basil Ayman Al-Ghazzawi and Mohammad Ghazzawi, were hiding inside the hospital and were involved in attacks, the military alleged. “A gun was found on a wanted person, which was confiscated by the forces.”
CCTV footage from the hospital showed a group of about 10 people, dressed in civilian clothes, pacing through a corridor, armed with assault rifles and moving into the hospital.
The hospital’s director, Dr Naji Nazzal, said the Israeli team had entered the hospital at around 5:30 am and made its way stealthily to the third floor, ringing the bell to enter the ward where the men were sleeping.
“They executed the three men as they slept in the room,” he told Reuters.
Hours later, a bloodied blue hospital pillow pierced by a bullet remained on a bed, while a folding bed nearby was also stained with blood, apparently from a shot to the head.
Targeted attacks
Dr Nazzal said Mr Basil had been receiving treatment since October 25 for a spinal injury which had paralysed him.
According to the medical staff, one of the three Palestinians killed in the hospital was being treated for an injury received during a previous army raid months ago, Al Jazeera reported.
“The Israeli army often surrounds and in some instances has attacked the three Palestinian hospitals in Jenin during nightly raids on the city,” he said. “But this is the first time they have entered a civilian medical facility in what seems to have been a well-planned, targeted assassination operation that Palestinian authorities are calling another violation of international law,” he said, adding that there were no attempts to arrest these men.
A Venezuelan man accused of burning his ex-girlfriend alive in a town square in Peru last year has been extradited to Lima, authorities said Tuesday.
Sergio Tarache Parra stands accused of dousing 18-year-old Katherine Gomez with gasoline and setting her alight on a central square in the Peruvian capital in March 2023.
She had broken up with him days earlier.
Tarache was tracked down and arrested in Colombia the following month.
Security cameras captured Gomez’s attacker fleeing the scene of the crime, and Peruvian police offered a reward equivalent to $12,500 for information leading to his capture.
Gomez was admitted to hospital with burns to 60 percent of her body and died after six days of agony in a case that shocked Peruvians.
Prosecutors are requesting life in prison for Tarache.
The country has one of the region’s highest femicide tallies in absolute numbers, according to the UN’s Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, though not one of the highest rates per 100,000 people.
In a crime similar to the one that claimed Gomez, a man boarded a bus in Lima in 2018, poured gasoline on his ex-girlfriend Eva Agreda, and set her alight. She died days later.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the recommendations of the reform committee regarding textbook size and the format in which they will be provided to students in the future, reports Geo.
According to the official announcement, the heads of government schools will collect the old books from the students and will encourage them to keep the books in good condition. It also said that 100 per cent of new books will be published for nursery to third class, 80 per cent new books will be published for fourth and fifth class and 20 per cent old books will be used.
Similarly, 50 per cent new books will be published for sixth to twelfth standard while 50 per cent old books will be given to students of sixth to twelfth standard.
The declaration also stated that the size of government textbooks will be reduced up to 8th grade in the year 2025-26 and the size of textbooks will be reduced without changing the syllabus.
The reform committee has suggested to use soft copies of books on mobile phones and laptops of students in the year 2025-26.
Previously, it was decided that to cope with the financial crunch in the country, the size of textbooks will be reduced and half of schoolchildren will be given old course books hoping this will save over three billion rupees for printing books.
Fraeeha never had an issue with her blood pressure in her 27 years of life, but things changed after she got married. She has been married for a year and it was her parent’s choice with whom she’ll spend the rest of her life.
She always visited a homeopathic doctor for any medical issues before her marriage and continued to do so till the physician told her to get her husband tested for infertility issue. Her husband got tested in June 2023 and that’s when everything changed for her.
Faizan’s sperm count was low, so the doctor recommended they take medicines. Even before a month passed, her periods got delayed. “I took the test, it was negative. There was nothing in the ultrasound, but the doctor still gave me medicines for growth,” she said while lamenting how this made her hypertensive and she never recovered from it. She was taken to the emergency room in a nearby hospital as her blood pressure was high. She fainted once she reached there.
As much as medical science has advanced, there is still a lot to be researched and taken into consideration regarding women’s bodies and the impact of different medications on them. Her husband ordered her not to tell anyone about his fertility issues and Fareeha was the one who took the brunt of its impact. She and her brother got married in the same month. When the other couple got pregnant within a month, everyone started asking her why she wasn’t pregnant yet.
Male infertility is characterized by a man’s inability to initiate a pregnancy with his female partner. Various factors can contribute to male infertility, such as insufficient sperm production or the presence of unhealthy sperm. Genetic issues, like cystic fibrosis, or a blockage in the genital tract, may also be underlying causes.
Certain predisposing factors, such as a history of genital infections, testicular injuries, or experiencing early or late puberty, may increase the likelihood of male infertility.
Treatment strategies are tailored to address the specific cause of infertility. Options may include artificial insemination, the use of medications, or surgical interventions, depending on the identified factors contributing to the fertility challenges.
Doctor Zarina Ashraf, a gynecologist by profession, recommends that a couple should wait for two years at least before starting medicines in case there is no issue of fertility in one of them. But this case was different. Fareeha and Faizan’s case was not something she hadn’t dealt with before but she still felt upset when she got to know that Faizan was not taking the medicines properly.
Fareeha said, “I sometimes have to treat him like a child. I must convince him to take medicines. He sometimes needs extra pampering to keep taking the pills. It is exhausting but I keep my spirits high.”
She is still among the ‘lucky ones’ whose spouse got tested and believes in treatment. Alina was not that lucky. She was married to Salman for nine years and she terms them a ‘nightmare’.
“Salman used to beat me up, he told me multiple times that I am a useless woman since I can’t bear a child. All my tests were normal while he never agreed to get tested as he believed that fertility can never be a problem for men,” she stated in a shaking voice with tears in her eyes.
Unlike Fareeha, who only got the chance to get an education till the intermediate level, Aleena got a master’s degree before getting married. She succeeded in her career but gave in to family pressure on marriage and still regrets it.
“I have forgotten the number of medicines I’ve taken. Doctors always said that there was no issue with me, but my husband forced them to give me medicines. He used to beat me black and blue if I ever missed a pill and, in the end, all I am left with is hypertension, irregular periods, body fat, trauma, and a divorce,” she said.
Aleena’s husband remarried and due to the wealthy background and influence of the girl’s family, he eventually got tested and doctors declared that he was infertile. The girl took Khula and left him, but this hasn’t given Aleena any closure. She is just relieved that the world eventually got to know the truth but the marks on her body and mental trauma are still there for her to deal with.
“I have been practicing for more than 20 years and I have barely seen men who are easily convinced to get tested let alone seek treatment in case of infertility,” explains Zarina. She further added that societal pressure is also usually on women and men easily get away with it. She has now set a rule that in case of infertility treatment, the couple must sit together in her office and get counseling. Zarina believes that this has helped in changing the dynamics a bit but there is still a long way to go.
Doctor Mehboob ur Rehman Asif runs a hospital in Lahore and often sees men with fertility issues. “They usually go for Hakims first instead of a professional doctor. Along with fertility issues we also see patients who have erectile dysfunction (ED), but they come to us after they have tried things like salajeet or other herbs,” he said.
He further stated that a lot of such men usually know inherently that the fault lies in them but barely acknowledge it in from of their wives. Her life partner, Doctor Rabia Nisa, who is also a gynecologist by profession, makes sure to recommend such patients to her in case the husband refuses to get tested or seek treatment.
The couple has been treating and counseling such cases for years but Rabia still thinks that in the end women are impacted more in such situations. “We see mothers-in-law and other family members verbally or even sometimes physically abusing the woman for not being pregnant. When we initially tell the patient that their husband needs to get tested, the first reaction is a no and that is primarily out of fear,” she said.
Asif also agrees that such behavior exists adding that sometimes the husbands get aggressive too. “In most of the cases, their immediate reaction is anger or denial. Even if they know before their marriage that they have ED or any other issue, men rarely admit immediately that they have an issue. Mostly it is their ego and sometimes shame which become a reason behind this behavior,” he adds.
Male Infertility in Pakistan
According to a study conducted by the Pakistan Journal of Public Health, approximately 21% of couples in Pakistan face infertility issues. Furthermore, the same study found that male factors contributed to infertility in 37% of cases, female factors in 51%, and both male and female factors in 12% of cases.
According to a study, “Prevalence of Infertility in a Cross Section of Pakistani Population” by Riffat Shaheen, Fazli Subhan, Sikandar Sultan, Khaula Subhan, and Faheem Tahir from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Government Services Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan (RS), and Department of Reproductive Physiology/Health, Public Health Laboratories Division, National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan, during the three years of their research out of 534 women presented for inability to conceive, indicating frequency of infertility in this population as 7%.
A standard protocol of investigations revealed several causes for fertility deprivation.
In the examined study, conducted at a public sector tertiary care hospital in the capital, it was observed that, over a three-year period, only 534 patients sought consultation with a history of infertility.
This pattern reflects the prevailing socio-cultural dynamics in Pakistan, where individuals with financial means typically opt for private medical practitioners, leaving public facilities mainly utilized by the economically middle and lower classes.
Despite being a significant portion of the Pakistani population, this demographic lacks awareness regarding available health facilities for investigating and treating infertility.
The study states, that to address this issue, there is a need to raise awareness among this segment of the population, leveraging the network of lady health workers. By facilitating referrals to major hospitals equipped with units for managing infertility cases, couples can undergo investigation and receive necessary treatment or counseling.
The data generated from these interactions could contribute to a consolidated national database by integrating it into the existing Health Management Information System (HMIS). This integration would enable the government to estimate the prevalence of both primary and secondary infertility cases, facilitating the development of targeted strategies for the welfare of individuals affected by infertility.
How is male infertility diagnosed?
Diagnosing male infertility involves a comprehensive approach by your healthcare provider.
The process typically includes a review of your health history and a physical examination. Various tests are conducted, such as:
Sperm Count (Semen Analysis): Your provider will collect at least two semen samples on different days to assess several factors. This includes the volume and uniformity of the semen, its acidity, as well as the quantity, motility, and morphology (shape) of the sperm.
Blood Tests: Hormone levels are evaluated through blood tests to identify any abnormalities and rule out other potential issues contributing to infertility.
Other Tests: Additional tests are performed to pinpoint the cause of sperm defects or reproductive system health problems. Imaging tests, like ultrasound, may be employed to examine the testicles, blood vessels, and structures within the scrotum.
Testicular Biopsy: If the semen analysis indicates a low sperm count or absence of sperm, your healthcare provider may conduct a testicular biopsy. This involves the removal of a small tissue sample from each testicle, which is then examined under a microscope to determine the root cause of the fertility issues.
Asif recommends that mandatory sex education in the early years of a child and constant sensitization among the public can change things. “The government needs to take a lead on this. Our society needs to stop shaming men for infertility and till the time men don’t stop making it an ego issue, this is not going to get better. We, as a society, need to be more accepting and at the same time be kinder and more empathetic towards women,” he adds.
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari talked about mental health, climate change, politics and other issues in The Centrum Media’s podcast with Talha Ahad. Bilawal’s conversation about mental health and climate change was the most relatable by any Pakistani politician.
When asked how he copes with the trauma of losing so much, especially his mother Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated, and if it has had any impact on his mental health, Bilawal responded candidly. He related the events that unfolded on December 27, 2007. He was in Dubai for his winter break from Oxford when his mother went to Pakistan for the election campaign. He was in Dubai with his father Asif Ali Zardari and his siblings when he heard the news about the attack on television. He was shocked and afraid. It was traumatic. He said he doesn’t even remember the conversation he had with his sisters about this.
Bilawal Bhutto said that mental issue is a real issue but we do not take it seriously like we do with other diseases. “Your mind is just like any other part of your body,” he emphasised.
How has Bilawal Bhutto dealt with mental health trauma over the years?
Bilawal said he never went to seek therapy or even talked to a counsellor after having lost so much. He moved on from it like a traditional Pakistani, thinking he should just ‘man-up’ and face it without seeking help. He acknowledged that it was years later that he started reading and understood what he was going through. It was partially because of the “macho” attitude of a typical Pakistani.
Bilawal admitted he feels the loss of his mother every day but he has learned to make this feeling of loss his strength instead of a shortcoming.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari makes his first-ever podcast appearance in this exclusive conversation with @talhaahad.
We delve into topics ranging from dynastic politics and the establishment's role in politics to mental health and trauma. Watch the full conversation to discover the… pic.twitter.com/iRYWITCM3L
Bilawal went on to explain his vision for dealing with mental health issues in Pakistan. He wants an “update” in the system. He wants to set up facilities through public-private partnership if he comes in power after elections.
When asked if he meditates, Bilawal admitted that he tried it but hasn’t done it consistently because he lacks consistency. He watches Netflix shows in his free time. When asked when was the last time he cried, Bilawal said he does not remember.
In an Instagram video post, morning host Ashfaque Satti has defended himself after his wife alleged that he beat her up while threatening to kill her, which was followed by his dismissal from ARY news.
“Every story has two sides. The police are investigating it, but no one should have a media trial,” he said.
ARY news suspended News Anchor Ashfaque Ishaque Satti “with immediate effect till the law takes its course”.
The ARY Management has taken serious notice on the allegations of domestic violence involving anchorperson Ashfaq Satti. He is hereby suspended with immediate effect till the law takes its course and decides the matter. ARY has zero tolerance policy on violence or threats of…
The development took place after Satti was lambasted on social media after his wife posted photos on Facebook depicting injuries on her face and body, allegedly inflicted on her by her husband.
According to Rabia Anum’s post on X (formerly Twitter), Nomaika Mehak is 27-years-old.
Trigger Warning ‼️ Nomaika , Age 27, this girl is suffering from multiple injuries right now on her entire body, mainly ribs, jaw & face. Every part of her body is badly injured. She was beaten almost to death by her own husband who is a News anchor and program host.
In her account, Nomaika writes that she was almost beaten “to death” by her husband Ashfaque Ishaque Satti who “repeatedly” threatened to kill her and then hide her body. The pictures she uploaded show the extent of violence inflicted, including extensive bruising and swelling.
“He beat me for hours and then locked me in my room. He took away my son ( 1.5 years old). He left me in the dark room badly injured without food and water while I continuously begged for help. I begged for mercy.”, she added.
Ashfaque Satti’s mother was also present in the house but did not help her.
Nomaika got a medical check-up and filed an FIR against her husband after she managed to escape. The police, she said, initially “resisted” taking action because of Ashfaque Satti’s “continuous pressure on them and his influence in the media”.
No further action, however, has been taken while Ashfaque Ishafque Satti “has just vanished,” writes Nomaika.
Setting the bar a bit too high for all Swifties around the globe, Pakistani boy Bilal Ilyas Jhandir (20) has officially secured a place in the Guinness World Records for identifying the most songs sung by the superstar from their lyrics in just one minute. The self-proclaimed “die-hard fan” broke the previous record of 27 by naming an impressive 34 songs, reported
.
“I have been listening to Taylor Swift since my childhood. I have listened to each and every song of hers. I can identify almost any song of hers from the lyrics,” Bilal shared with Guinness World Records.
To achieve the remarkable accomplishment, Bilal had to recognise Swift’s songs from their opening lyrics, read aloud without any accompanying music. Despite already being well-versed in the lyrics of all her songs, he dedicated 13 weeks to extensive preparation, even going so far as to recite them in his sleep.
Bilal characterised his record-breaking attempt as “an easy task,” acknowledging, however, that the complexity increased as the lyrics were spoken aloud by a man, rather than being sung by Swift.
Bilal had already broken three other world records earlier, including identifying the most animals from the sounds they make under one minute in 2021, and last year, identifying the most Justin Bieber songs from their lyrics in one minute.
“This record is my favorite of all of them. Being called a ‘Certified Swiftie’ or ‘Officially Amazing Swiftie’ is such an incredible feeling,” the fan expressed, adding that he considers this accomplishment his chart-topper, reports The Express Tribune.
Notably, Bilal, a college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, has been listening to the Red artist since the age of 13 and declared Folklore to be an “absolute masterpiece,” easily naming it as his favourite album.
Heartthrob actor Ahsan Khan recently shared a video of a guard who is fond of calling out to crows and it will be the most baffling thing you will ever see.
In the video, Ahsan showed a clear sky to indicate that there are no crows flying about in the sky nor are they perched on trees. He then lets the man do magic with his voice. The man shouts out as if he is cawing. Within seconds, the sky gets filled with a large number of crows, all gearing up to settle on the trees around.
Ahsan expressed amazement after seeing the crows. To this, the security guard humbly says, “Mujhay shouq hai inn say baatein karne ka”, implying that he loves talking to the birds.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ignited controversy by announcing his intent to “liberate” the 700-year-old Haji Malang dargah, a historic Muslim shrine situated on the outskirts of Mumbai, exclusively for Hindus. The shrine, known for its Sufi heritage and cultural significance, has become the focal point of a heated religious dispute.
After the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invoked a significant amount of “divine” support from his followers for upcoming elections. The next target to double the effect is the Sufi shrine. This is aimed to polarize the voters even more.
CM Shinde while speaking at the annual Malang-gad Harinam Mahotsav in Thane distinct, broke away from the late Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena to lead a BJP-backed coalition, said he is “committed to liberate Malang-gad”, adding he would not rest till he has fulfilled the promise.
Malang-gad (’gad’ means a fort in Marathi) is famous for its 12th-century shrine of Sufi saint Haji Abdul Rahman, popularly known as ‘Haji Malang’. According to Kashmir Media Service, Haji Malang dargah, atop a hill, is believed to house the tomb of an Arab missionary who arrived in India over seven centuries ago. On the contrary, Hindus believe the place holds the samadhi of Machindranath, a revered deity in the Nathpanthi sect, which was later converted into a dargah.
An article published in The Times of India on Feb 14, 1993 reveals the arrest of Thane’s top Shiv Sena leader late Anand Dighe while leading an agitation demanding the renaming of Malang-gad as Shri Malang. Dighe was Mr Shinde’s mentor and the promise to liberate Malang-gad is a logical political move on the chief minister’s part to claim his master’s legacy, quotes Dawn.
Nasir Khan, chairman of the Peer Haji Malang Saheb Trust, refers to the Gazetteer of Bombay Presidency which mentions the structure as the shrine built in honour of Arab missionary Haji Abd-ul-Rahman. “It is only in the 1980s that the Shiv Sena began making claims of it being a Hindu temple. If it was a Hindu temple, why did the Peshwa kings send gifts to the shrine?” asks Mr Khan. According to the chairman of the Trust, Haji Malang is equally revered by Hindu and Muslims. He says that even Christians and Parsis visit the shrine to seek blessings.
