A pro-Khalistan British Sikh organisation’s leader revealed that a well-known reporter of Geo and The News from London, Murtaza Ali Shah, received life threats from the Indian state for covering the Khalistan movement in Britain and other western countries.
In an interview on the Sikh Channel Akaal TV, Sikh Federation UK’s leader, Dabinderjit Singh, revealed that London police are aware that Shah is facing life threats. The Sikh organisation also tweeted about the issue on X (formerly Twitter).
Dabinderjit Singh, who is a retired civil servant, also said that senior reporter Murtaza Ali Shah is on the hit list in India due to his coverage of Sikh issues in London.
“Murtaza Ali Shah covers Sikh issues for Geo TV but is not a Sikh. In particular, Murtaza Shah has been covering the Khalistan Referendum organised by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in the UK, Canada, Switzerland, and Italy. He has been reaching to these places from London for coverage,” he said, linking his journalistic work to the threat.
China will put three minors on trial for allegedly murdering another child, a provincial prosecutor said Monday, in a case that has shocked the nation and sparked public debate over the treatment of juvenile offenders.
The three suspects, all aged under 14 at the time of the murder, are accused of bullying a middle-school classmate surnamed Wang over a long period before killing him last month.
The grim details of the case, in which the killers reportedly buried Wang’s body in an abandoned greenhouse, drew public attention to how the law deals with juveniles accused of serious crimes.
In 2021, China lowered its age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 for “special cases” such as inflicting death by “extremely cruel means”.
The Hebei case is thought to be one of the first to apply the lower age limit.
The provincial prosecutor said Monday it had received a police request last month to criminally try the suspects, surnamed Zhang, Li and Ma.
It said it had concluded that the three were between 12 and 14 when they “intentionally committed murder, causing the death of the victim Wang”.
“The circumstances were serious and they should be held criminally responsible,” the provincial office said, adding that the country’s top public prosecutor had reviewed the decision.
“While handling cases strictly in accordance with the law, the procuratorial organs will… further strengthen the prevention and treatment of juvenile crimes,” the provincial prosecutor continued.
Under Chinese law, murder is punishable by imprisonment or the death penalty.
Srha Asgr is shining as Hajra in the drama ‘Akhara’ and is stepping into hosting too. But the actress and model had an encounter that sounds quite weird. As a guest on Ayaz Samoo’s show, Srha shared a disturbing interaction with a senior actress. While shooting in Lahore, Srha preferred keeping to herself on set. However, on the final day, the senior actress approached her and gave her highly inappropriate advice, leaving Srha shocked.
The senior artist said, “You should get botox on your forehead as you are getting lines there.” Srha responded, “I was shocked as the actress started out by saying that she watched my dramas and she noticed the lines on my forehead.” Despite the unwanted advice, Srha firmly rejected it.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Latif Khosa has affirmed the claim of fellow party members that Imran Khan will be released from Adiala jail soon, confidently claiming that the former prime minister will likely be free from jail this month.
“I am saying this for sure that the PTI founder will be released in [this] April,” he said while speaking on Geo News programme Naya Pakistan on Sunday.
Earlier, several party members, including chairman PTI Gohar Ali Khan, made similar claims that the jailed PTI founder will be released very soon.
Khosa stated that labeling the release of the PTI founder as a result of any deal would be unfair.
He also said that Imran Khan doesn’t believe in the politics of revenge, as he is only in favour of the supremacy of the constitution.
Speaking about the cases against the PTI founder, Khosa downplayed Khan’s conviction in cipher and un-Islamic nikkah case, stating: “In the cipher case, the court has already observed ‘where is the cipher’, while Iddat case is shameful.”
Update: Local police on Saturday booked a reporter and a cameraman of a private TV channel for “illegally” recording and broadcasting on social media the interviews of the three in-custody suspects in the Maria murder case, reports Dawn.
In the First Information Report (FIR) complainant Station House Officer (SHO) Muhammad Hasan stated that the private TV channel’s reporter Rana Khalid Mahmood and cameraman Ali Ahmad violated the law by recording video statements of the suspects in custody, without permission of the concerned authorities.
However, no arrest has so far been made in the case.
Meanwhile, journalists’ organizations have expressed concern over the registration of the case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) declaring it beyond the Punjab police’s domain to book any media person. They also urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take notice of the alleged violation of law by the Punjab police and warned the government that journalists would be forced to stage protests if the “illegal” FIR against the two media persons was not dismissed.
The TV reporter, Rana Khalid, claims his lawyers had filed his pre-arrest bail plea before the court who refused to hear it with the remarks that the cases under PECA should be heard by a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) court.
However, in the case, BOL News is claiming that the brother who filmed the murder, Shehbaz, and his wife Sumera have been convicted by the court for hiding the murder of 22-year-old Maria under section 201 of the penal code of Pakistan. They have been sent to jail on judicial remand.
Previously, in the Toba Tek Singh’s Maria murder case, the brother, Faisal, who was seen murdering the sister in the video, and the complicit father, Abdul Sattar, lying on a bed beside him have alleged that the brother who filmed it raped her. The two were talking to the media when they said that.
The matter of the brutal murder and it being filmed was discussed by Zarar Khuro, Wusatullah Khan, and Shahzaib Jillani in their show Zara Hat Kay. The reporter Sultan Sidhu explained that a four day remand has been taken again and shocking revelations have been made in the case as the alleged complicit duo of father and son have told the police that Shehbaz the brother who filmed it was raping Maria and not them.
https://youtu.be/6jh5M4ybXd4?si=OEGBT7zHEYu_F4CK
Previously, lawyer Kamran Zafar, Maria’s elder brother Shehbaz’s lawyer announced the withdrawal of his advocacy in the case.
The lawyer announced the withdrawal of his letter of attorney in Toba Tek Singh, citing he cannot advocate for “beasts”
Maria,22, murder case was heard in a local court of Toba Tek Singh. The main accused Faisal and his father were presented before the court. During the hearing, the police requested 14 days remand of the accused in the case, however, the magistrate approved a four-day remand.
Lawyer said Shahbaz and his wife were misleading, and he could not represent such “beasts” before the court, reports ARY News.
Meanwhile, the family of Maria alleged that lawyer after taking Rs 400,000 decided to help the police.
Moreover, the elder sister of deceased Maria Bibi revealed shocking details and demanded justice from the authorities in an interview with ARY News.
The statement of the deceased Maria Bibi’s elder sister, Kosar, has come to light in which she stated that her brother informed her at 1 am that Maria’s condition had deteriorated but when she arrived home she was already dead. “She was subjected to severe torture and brutally murdered as she saw blood flowing from Maria’s nose, said Kosar.
Background
The horrific video of the murder of a 22-year-old girl in Toba Tek Singh has gone viral in which one of her brothers strangled her while being encouraged by their father while the other brother was filming. The father and the brother who killed the girl have been accused of allegedly raping the victim.
The video of the gruesome murder of Maria in 477 JB, a suburb of Toba Tek Singh, has invoked horrified reactions on the internet. The video, filmed inside what looks like a room in a rural home, shows Faisal strangling Maria while her father Abdul Sattar is lying down, seemingly not bothered by his daughter’s death. The other brother’s wife Sumaira can also be seen standing in the room in the video. Meanwhile the brother who was secretly filming the incident, Shehbaz, filmed the clip on the pretext of talking to a friend on the phone.
A two-day physical remand of the victim’s brother Faisal and father Abdul Sattar, arrested on the charge of murder, has been obtained, while the other brother of the victim, Shehbaz, who made the video, and the sister-in-law Sumaira, who is seen in the video, have also been made part of the investigation, as per the police.
The neck bone of the girl is broken, reveals the preliminary investigation.
Relatives of the victim and the neighbours say that the three of them- father and sons- killed the girl and tried to hide the crime by burying her and declaring her death to be natural.
The father and son strangled Maria together between the nights of March 17 and 18, according to the police report. The brother who made the video, Shehbaz, has accused his brother and father of killing the victim after she complained of rape.
https://youtu.be/a3M40PEV_XQ?si=yFCPQ2rgsv3KU2Mj
In the video, Maria’s brother Shehbaz could be heard suggesting to his father and younger brother Faisal to free the sister.
Reporter Geo News Sajid Majeed explained that Shehbaz instantly informed the police but no action was taken. Consequently, his lawyer shared the video in various groups and made it viral on social media. This prompted the police to arrest the two murderers.
Shahbaz said that when he tried to rescue Maria, his brother and father threatened to kill his daughters too.
“I cannot resist for the sake of my daughters but I recorded the murder from my mobile pretending to be speaking on a phone call,” he added while talking to Samaa News.
https://youtu.be/USGwB0im1uA?si=xNYEUw3b0VjNN5Qj
Shahbaz asked the police to register the case on his complaint, not on behalf of the state, reports 24 News.
Maria’s sister-in-law has said that when they entered the room, Maria’s hands and feet were tied.
DPO Ibadat Nisar Toba Tek Singh has said that DNA tests of the three fathers and sons are being conducted while the samples have been sent for forensics after the exhumation and post-mortem of the victim.
Pakistan cricket team star batsman Babar Azam has revealed that when the team lost to Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup 2023, under his captaincy, he couldn’t sleep.
During an interview on the YouTube channel Zalmi TV, Azam spoke openly about the shocking defeat against Afghanistan and the pain he went through.
“That match was very painful for me because losing to Afghanistan in the World Cup was very disappointing. Afghanistan played very good cricket in this match and we could not give such a performance but we tried.”
“We had a pretty good total but the way both the Afghanistan batsmen played, it looked like they were not going to get out on this pitch, I think they should also be given credit.”
The host asked how many days it took to get over the defeat, to which Babar replied, “It takes a while to get over it. Not every day is good and that is part of life.”
Tesla has made a significant shift in its strategy, announcing the cancellation of its long-awaited affordable electric car, a move that has left investors and consumers stunned.
The decision, revealed by three reliable sources familiar with the matter and corroborated by company messages obtained by Reuters, marks a departure from Tesla’s earlier mission of bringing affordable electric vehicles to the masses.
The automaker, instead, will pivot its resources towards the development of self-driving robotaxis, utilizing the same small-vehicle platform, according to insiders. This strategic redirection signifies a significant deviation from Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s previous commitments and vision outlined in the company’s initial “master plan” in 2006.
Musk, who has often emphasized the goal of making electric cars accessible to a broader audience, had initially promised investors and consumers an affordable vehicle following the success of luxury models. However, despite repeated assurances from Musk, including as recent as January, wherein he outlined plans for production at Tesla’s Texas factory by the second half of 2025, those aspirations have been dashed.
Tesla’s cheapest model currently available, the Model 3 sedan, comes with a price tag of approximately $39,000 in the United States. The now-scrapped entry-level vehicle, often referred to as the Model 2, was anticipated to be priced around $25,000.
In response to inquiries, Tesla remained silent, offering no official comment on the matter. However, Musk took to social media platform X to dispute the Reuters report, without specifying any inaccuracies, leading to a momentary fluctuation in Tesla’s stock prices.
Following Musk’s online intervention, where he hinted at an upcoming Tesla Robotaxi unveiling, the company’s shares experienced a rebound in after-hours trading. This abrupt change in direction comes amidst mounting competition in the global electric vehicle market, particularly from Chinese manufacturers offering vehicles at significantly lower price points.
The decision to prioritize the development of self-driving robotaxis, though potentially lucrative, poses considerable engineering challenges and regulatory hurdles, as highlighted by industry experts.
Leaks reveal that the decision to scrap the Model 2 was communicated to employees in a meeting held in late February, further underscoring Tesla’s strategic pivot in the face of evolving market dynamics.
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has intensified efforts to combat unauthorised constructions across Karachi, leading to the demolition of several structures, including wedding halls.
In a recent operation targeting illegal construction in District Central Karachi, SBCA personnel faced gunfire from unidentified individuals. Despite the danger, SBCA officials pressed on, successfully demolishing the fourth floor of a targeted building.
The Director General of SBCA, Abdul Rasheed Solangi, swiftly directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Central to apprehend the culprits and initiate legal action against those responsible for the shooting.
Solangi stressed the crucial need for resolute enforcement against illegal construction, commending the dedication and integrity of the SBCA staff. He assured them of unwavering support to ensure their safety and effectiveness in carrying out their duties amidst challenges.
The crackdown on illegal construction continues across various parts of the city. Abdul Rasheed Solangi, along with the Demolition Squad, oversaw the demolition of multiple buildings in areas such as Essa Nagri, Paposh Nagar, and Gulberg.
Additionally, over 13 illegal structures have been dismantled in localities including Saddar Town, Jamshed Town, Gulberg, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Director General Abdul Rasheed Solangi personally supervises the ongoing crackdown on illegal construction, underscoring the authority’s commitment to uphold building regulations and ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani has issued directives to eradicate all forms of unauthorised construction in the city. He emphasised the importance of taking stringent action against any SBCA officials found complicit in facilitating illegal construction.
The recent spike in petroleum prices has triggered a transportation crisis as transporters exploit passengers by hiking fares.
With Eidul Fitr set for April 10, families are flocking to their hometowns, crowding terminals and the Rawalpindi Railway Station.
The government’s decision to raise petroleum prices has made long-distance travel challenging for the public.
Transporters, citing increased fuel costs, have raised fares by 30 to 40 per cent, with some even doubling the usual rates. Despite this, authorities appear indifferent to commuters’ plight.
Secretary of the District Regional Transport Authority (DRTA), Muhammad Rashid, promises action to curb overcharging during Eid. He pledges strict measures, including fines and vehicle confiscation, and personally oversees terminals to enforce regulations.
Many families express frustration with the timing of the official Eid holidays, urging for an earlier start to aid travel plans.
Consequently, a significant number of non-local residents have already left, with more planning to depart by ‘Chand Raat.’ Concerns about overcrowded transportation hubs persist, especially at Rawalpindi Railway Station.
To avoid anticipated congestion, many office-goers have sent their families ahead. Rashid Mehmood, bound for Lahore, recounts past experiences of exploitation by private transporters during festivals.
Crowds gather at various terminals, eager to secure tickets for their journeys. However, irregularities in ticket sales emerge, with allegations of seat hoarding and ticket reselling at inflated prices.
Further complaints arise about the lack of available vehicles despite valid tickets, highlighting systemic failures in managing overcharging and overloading concerns.
As Eid approaches, addressing these issues becomes urgent, emphasising the need for swift regulatory measures to protect travellers’ rights and ensure fair access to transportation services.
