Current Final

Category: Politics

  • Three Pak army officers, three soldiers embrace martyrdom in UN Peacekeeping mission

    Three Army Officers and three soldiers were martyred including two other UN Peacekeepers from Russia and Serbia in a helicopter crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) on Tuesday.

    Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released a statement that stated, “Pakistan Aviation Unit is deployed in UN Mission Congo on peacekeeping duties since 2011. On Mar 29, 22 while undertaking a reconnaissance mission in Congo, 1 PUMA Helicopter crashed.”

    According to the mission, “the causes of this disappearance are not yet known. Research is ongoing.”

    ISPR released the names of the martyred who are Lt Col Asif Ali Awan, (Pilot), Maj Saad Nomani (Co-Pilot), Maj Faizan Ali, ​​N/Sub Sami Ullah Khan (Flight Engineer), Havaldar Muhammad Ismail (Crew Chief), and L/Hav Muhamad Jamil (Gunner).

    Earlier on Tuesday, the UN Stabilisation Mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO) tweeted that they had ‘lost contact’ with one of its helicopters in which eight UN peacekeepers were on board. They were on a reconnaissance mission in the area of Tshanzu, southeast of Rutshuru in North Kivu Province, an area which has been the scene of recent fighting between government troops and rebel group M23.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed his “deep sense of shock and grief”, the Prime Minister’s office stated.

  • Maryam Nawaz reason for the big CM split

    Maryam Nawaz reason for the big CM split

    Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has revealed that after Shehbaz Sharif came to his residence and invited them for a dinner at their place, he came to know that not everyone in Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was on board with him and those people matter.

    Geo News’ anchorperson Hamid Mir asked Elahi that if he were to become PTI’s candidate for Punjab’s chief minister, why did he meet key Opposition leaders.

    “Maryam Nawaz and her group did not like the fact that the PML-N was giving so much to the party with only 10 seats.”

    “This has happened thrice with us, because of which we were skeptical,” he added.

    “I have a feeling that you have some issues with Maryam Nawaz, do you feel the same about Shehbaz too?” asked Hamid Mir.

    To which Elahi did not give a clear answer.

    The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday announced PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as its candidate for Punjab Chief ministership after incumbent Usman Buzdar presented his resignation to the prime minister.

  • Indian court grants bail to two men who made apps to auction Muslim women

    Indian court grants bail to two men who made apps to auction Muslim women

    An Indian court in Delhi granted bail to the creators of ‘Sulli Deals’, Omkareshwar Thakur and ‘Bulli Bai’, Niraj Bishnoi, on humanitarian grounds on Monday. Both applications, Sulli Deals and Bulli Bai were created to humiliate and mock Muslim girls by uploading their photos and putting them up “for sale” on the applications.

    According to the court, the accused were released as they committed the offence for the first time and it is not appropriate for their well-being to imprison them for a longer time.

    However, the court also imposed strict conditions on both of them, so that they are not able to threaten victims and tamper with evidence.

    Under the conditions, the accused are not allowed to contact or influence any victim. The accused will be responsible for always keeping their mobile phones turned on and providing locations to police. They also cannot travel abroad and have to appear before the court on every date. They must not commit a similar crime during the duration of their bail.

    Earlier this year, Delhi Police arrested Omkareshwar Thakur and Niraj Bishnoi.

    The two application developers uploaded more than 100 photos of Muslim women for sale without their consent. The Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai, was also included in the auction list uploaded by ‘Bulli Bai’. In both applications, there was no actual sale but the sole purpose was to defame Muslim women.

  • PM Khan ready to share ‘written letter of foreign conspiracy’ with CJP Bandial: Asad Umar

    PM Khan ready to share ‘written letter of foreign conspiracy’ with CJP Bandial: Asad Umar

    Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan is ready to share the “threat letter” with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial. PM Khan claimed during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) March 27 rally that he had evidence of a “foreign-funded conspiracy” to topple his government and showed a letter to the audience.

    Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Minister for Planning and Development Umar said he has seen the letter himself, adding that if someone had doubts, the “prime minister is ready … he thought we can share with the chief justice of the Supreme Court”.

    Chief justice has a very good reputation

    Asad Umar said that after the masses questioned the credibility of the letter, the prime minister deliberated over sharing the letter with someone, and he thought that it would be right to share it with the CJP — as he is a credible person.

    “He holds a high office […] and the chief justice himself is a well-respected man,” the federal minister said, noting that it would be shared with the CJP when the need might arise.

    “Obviously, it is the highest office of justice in Pakistan, it is a huge position that has respect in this country. Personally too, the chief justice has a very good reputation. The prime minister said that on the nation’s behalf, if necessary, and for the people’s satisfaction, he is ready to present the letter to the chief justice of the Supreme Court.”

    Letter stated that if Imran Khan remained the prime minister, it would lead to “horrific consequences”

    “This is a very concerning thing and it is important because this letter clearly mentions the no-confidence resolution. There is no ambiguity that the no-confidence motion is being talked about.”

    Umar further said the letter stated that if Imran Khan remained the prime minister, it would lead to “horrific consequences”.

    ‘Letter shared with top civil, military leadership’

    Without naming anyone and in an apparent reference to opposition leaders, Umar referred to demands sharing contents of the letter.

    “They are asking why can we share the letter with them,” he said, adding that “national secrets are very sensitive in nature and there are clear laws on with whom these could be shared”.

    Umar then insisted that the letter was a “reality” and revealed that he had seen it.

    “I bear witness to it,” he said.

    Umar further said the letter had only been shared with the top civil and military leadership and a few members of the federal cabinet.

    Nawaz Sharif is involved in the “conspiracy” against PM Imran Khan

    Without naming anyone and in an apparent reference to Opposition leaders, Umar referred to demands sharing contents of the letter.

    “They are asking why can we not share the letter with them,” he said, adding that “national secrets are very sensitive in nature and there are clear laws on with whom these could be shared”.

    Umar then insisted that the letter was a “reality” and revealed that he had seen it.

    “I bear witness to it,” he said.

    Umar further said the letter had only been shared with the top civil and military leadership and a few members of the federal cabinet.

    Pakistan has a leader who is not attending foreign phone calls and is connected with the people

    “Until now, they were unaware, but now, they have been informed about the letter. So, it is up to them to decide whether they will side with forces working against Pakistan or not,” added Chaudhry.

    Chaudhry said this is “not a new thing” as earlier ex-prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated, former premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was prosecuted, and former military ruler Gen Zia-ul-Haq lost his life in a plane crash.

    The information minister said that the decisions taken in the past were part of Pakistan’s history. “But now, Pakistan has a leader who is not attending foreign phone calls and is connected with the people.”

  • ‘Good driver, sharif admi, I eat whatever is given to me’: All things we will miss about soon to exit CM Buzdar

    ‘Good driver, sharif admi, I eat whatever is given to me’: All things we will miss about soon to exit CM Buzdar

    Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar, whom Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan protected through thick and thin and called ‘Wasim Akram Plus’, is now getting sacrificed as the premier nominated Punjab Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Elahi for the much-sought-after Punjab’s chief ministership.

    Buzdar was known for keeping a low profile and not many know much about him. So here’s all you need to know about our soon-to-be-former-chief minister.

    Last year in May, Usman Buzdar appeared for an interview on Express News morning show, “Expresso”. During his interview, a rather candid Buzdar revealed his favourite food, choices in clothes, his favourite colour and his love for jeep rallies.

    “Whatever I am given to eat, I like it. My personal favourite dishes are daal ghost and Balochi dish Sajji,” said Buzdar, adding, ” I don’t have any specific food choices. I eat whatever is given to me.”

    Anchorperson Hina Nizai questioned Buzdar about his favourite colour. “I like simple clothes. Blue, black and white are my favourite colours.”

    “Earlier I used to go out for shopping but ever since I became chief minister, I don’t get the time to buy my own clothes,” said Buzdar.

    Talking about his music choices, Buzdar said that he enjoyed listening to folk music. He revealed that he could speak English, Urdu, Siraiki and Pashto.

    Buzdar said that he really enjoyed jeep rallies. “I really enjoy driving, especially off-road driving, which I enjoyed since my childhood. I am a very good driver as well,” he said.

    “Who is the chief minister of your house?” asked the anchorperson.

    “Everyone is a chief minister in the house,” responded Buzdar.

    In September 2019, Buzdar gave an interview on Dunya News programme, “On The Front with Kamran Shahid”. Anchorperson Kamran Shahid questioned Buzdar about his background and why he deserved the CM slot, to which he responded, “Main koyi miss nahi karta tha trainings [I did not miss any training].”

    CM Buzdar was asked how can a “sharif admi [decent man]” could be CM Punjab. He said, “Was there any criteria that a sharif admi could not become a chief minister?”

    Shahid asked Buzdar how many times he met PM Khan before he became the chief executive of Punjab. Buzdar said, “I met Imran Khan at Banigala the day I was nominated [for Chief Minister].”

    Talking about his relationship with Elahi, Buzdar said, ” I have a very good understanding with Pervaiz Elahi. It wouldn’t be wrong if I say that I have an ideal understanding …. he supports me a lot… he is an elder to me.”

    Responding to the question of his removal, Buzdar said, “Jab tak meray quaid ka mujh par aitebaar hai aur meri assembly ka, tou mujhe koyi nahi hataa sakta [Till the time my leader and assembly believe in me, no one can remove me],” adding, “Jis din mujhe jaana hoga, aik minute mujhe koyi tok nahi sakega [The day I have to leave, no one can stop me for a minute].”

    On Monday, Elahi was nominated for the post of the Chief Minister of Punjab after Buzdar tendered his resignation to the premier.

  • ‘All on same page’: Chaudhry Shujaat denies rumours of rift between brothers

    ‘All on same page’: Chaudhry Shujaat denies rumours of rift between brothers

    Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has denied all rumours that there is a rift between their party and family.

    In a statement released by the PML-Q, it said, “All political decisions were made with my consultation and I fully support them. Our family and party are on the same page, so the rumors that are circulating or are being spread are wrong.”

    “All decisions at the party or at home are made with my consultation and consent. I do not believe in explanation. I would like to say that I am considered the head of the family,” read Hussains’ statement.


    The PML-Q chief said that the term “use of money” is wrong and shouldn’t be used as educated people do not like such discussions.

    Hussain reiterated that it is inappropriate to do propaganda or manipulate facts. “Those who want to gain political advantage by propagating differences will be disappointed,” he asserted.

    “I have been told that there are differences in my family, there is no truth in this. Our family has been in politics for the last 50 years not only in Punjab but across Pakistan,” he said, vowing that all decisions are taken with his consultation.”

    On Monday, Punjab Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Elahi was nominated for the post of the Chief Minister of Punjab. It is being speculated that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has unleashed what appeared to be the long-promised ‘trump card’ by nominating Elahi as his candidate for the provincial chief executive’s slot.

  • Taliban threaten to fire govt employees for not keeping a beard

    The Taliban government in Afghanistan has threatened all government employees that they will be laid off if they do not comply with the new orders of keeping a compulsory beard and maintaining the dress code.

    Employees were instructed not to shave their beards and to wear loose trousers and shirts with a hat or turban. They were also instructed to make certain that they offer their five prayers on time.

    According to media reports, the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice were seen patrolling the entrance gate of government offices to inspect if everyone was following instructions on Monday. If any employee violated the order, he was not allowed to enter the office premises and would eventually get fired.

    Recently, the Taliban government barred women to travel alone on planes unless they were accompanied by their male guardian. If women have to travel abroad to study, they have to be accompanied by a male relative.

    Prior to this, the Taliban government also banned girls’ education above 6th grade. The announcement came only a few hours after they reopened for the first time in nearly seven months.

  • Is Firdous Apa going to join PML-N?

    Is Firdous Apa going to join PML-N?

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) leader and former special assistant to the Prime Minister (PM) on information and broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has termed the news regarding her wish to join the government’s rival political party —PML-N as “fake”.

    According to Geo News, it was earlier reported that the former SAPM had conveyed the message to the PML-N leadership in London through renowned singer Waris Baig — who had met PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and former finance minister Ishaq Dar in London.

    As per the news outlet’s sources, Awan did not demand a ticket from her constituency Sialkot.

    Geo News further revealed that the PML-N’s top leadership discussed the matter for ten minutes.

    However, Awan was not given any assurance regarding her addition to the party and was told to contact the PML-N leadership in Punjab.

    It is pertinent to mention that Awan has been not seen by the public on mainstream media for quite a while.

  • Can a jalsa turnout be determined through number of mobile phones?

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s jalsa’ was held on March 27 at the Parade Ground in Islamabad as the opposition geared up to remove the PM from his office via a no-confidence motion. The very first thing that the media speculates is that how many people were present at the location of the rally.

    Several Pakistani digital news platforms have stated that “more than 0.6 million unique mobile devices were detected in Islamabad on Sunday, as per the data traffic analysis shared by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)”, which means that they are suggesting that more than six lakh people were present at the PTI rally.

    It is pertinent to mention that PTA or any authentic personnel have not officially released any statement regarding this. In fact, a number of netizens have commented that the ones who are claiming the presence of 0.6 million people at the Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s march do not have the authentic source of information.

    The crowd was reportedly estimated by Islamabad police to be between 60,000 – 70,000 people, while the Intelligence Bureau (IB) said it was only 26,000 people.

    Independent sources claim that not more than 35,000 people attended the rally, and some suggest that the crowd was not even close to 100,000 people.

    But the question remains: Can you determine a jalsa turnout through the number of mobile phones in the area?

    Whenever a cell phone is used, it emits an electromagnetic radio wave, called a radio frequency, which is received by the nearest cell tower’s antenna. Once the cell tower receives this signal, it will transmit the signals to a switching center.

    Also, the cellular towers have limitations to accommodate a certain number of phones, this might allow the network provider to determine the devices connected to it.

  • Harvard University congratulates Ayesha Malik for becoming first female Supreme Court judge

    Harvard University has congratulated its alumnus, Ayesha Malik who is the first woman appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 75 years of its history.

    She has studied law and earned a degree of LL.M ( Master of Laws) in 1999 from Harvard Law School where she was named a Landon H. Gammon Fellow for academic excellence. Harvard Alumni Association also published an article on her achievement on its website.

    “Congratulations to @Harvard_Law alum Ayesha Malik LLM’99, who was appointed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan! She is the first woman to serve as a justice of Pakistan’s Supreme Court in the country’s 75-year history,” Harvard Alumni Association tweeted on March 27.

    Justice Ayesha Malik took oath as the Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan on January 24, 2022. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed administered the oath.