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  • CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja satisfied with Punjab govt initiatives to hold elections

    CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja satisfied with Punjab govt initiatives to hold elections

    Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja is satisfied with the initiatives taken by the Punjab caretaker government to conduct polls in the province.

    The CEC gave the statement while discussing the upcoming general elections in today’s meeting with Punjab caretaker cabinet.

    The commission provided an extensive overview of the arrangements for the upcoming provincial elections.

    Provincial election commission members Nisar Ahmad Durrani, Shah Muhammad Jatoi, Ikramullah Khan and Babar Hasan Bharwana also attended the meeting.

    During the huddle, the CEC stressed that general election will be held on time as well as the electoral body will fully support the interim government in conducting a free and fair election in the province.

    Raja has also mentioned that the process of delimitation will be finished by November 30, adding that ECP is ready to conduct free and fair elections in the country.

    The interim Chief Minister (CM), Mohsin Naqvi, said that caretaker government will fully support the electoral body for peaceful and transparent elections.

    “Fool-proof arrangements will be made to ensure the free conduct of elections in Punjab,” CM Naqvi said, adding that the interim government will follow the ECP.

  • Kurram Agency’s sectarian clashes leave 50 dead before peace-deal

    Kurram Agency’s sectarian clashes leave 50 dead before peace-deal

    The six-day long sectarian clashes in Kurram have ended with a peace deal mediated by local jirgas. According to The Nation the armed fight took the lives of of 50 people.

    Kurram Agency is traditionally a volatile region. This round marks the third major violent eruption of the year, causing a major blackout of electricity and internet, traffic of the roads, schools and other institutions being closed.

    The two warring groups are based in Khar Kalay Village and the Baleech Khel. 

    Firing from both sides continued since the last week, resulting in extreme unrest and scarcity of basic necessities from food to the medicines. The local administration has called for the military intervention and the elders of the two group were trying to bring an end the violence. 

    The agreement was made in the backdrop of the attacks on vehicles in Charkhel between the leaders of the two main sects after different rounds of talks in Alizai Qila under the supervision of district administration and local scouts. 

    It has been agreed upon by the two sides to maintain peace and abandanoing the use of weaponary and bunkers.

  • Jail mein Imran Khan ki kaun kaun si khwahish puri hogayi?

    Jail mein Imran Khan ki kaun kaun si khwahish puri hogayi?

    Former Prime Minister and Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has reportedly had all his desires fulfilled during his time in Adiala Jail, so far.

    A few days ago, the Advocate General of Punjab informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that Imran Khan was being provided with facilities under the jail manual. He also talks to his sons who live in the UK via WhatsApp.

    As per sources of Jang newspaper, Imran Khan has been provided with the following: 

    • Space to walk
    • An exercise machine
    • Television
    • Charpoy
    • Mattress
    • Chair
    • Table
    • Newspapers
    • Books
    • Attached bathroom

    It is reported that the exercise machine, weighing approximately 75 kilograms and valued at Rs1 million, is commonly known as a “mini-gym” in the public domain. 

    Additionally, six doctors and three male nurses have been assigned to him.

    In line with the regulations of the central jail, four cells have been allocated for the former PM during the daytime. 

    A “pehra” in jail parlance refers to a set consisting of four cells or silos where four individuals are accommodated. However, for high-profile prisoners, for security reasons, they are kept separate from other inmates. 

    Therefore, a “pehra” comprising four cells was assigned to Imran Khan, which allowed him to have a 40-foot walkway in front of it, meeting his request for more space. Following a court order, the jail administration also removed the inner wall between the cells during noon, granting him permission to walk in the area in front of eight cells.

    Imran Khan also gets Desi Murgh as per his meal requirements.

    The jail authorities facilitate meetings with his family on Tuesdays and meetings with his lawyers on Thursdays. Permission has been granted to Khan’s lawyers to meet Imran Khan on Tuesdays now as well.

  • Hilary Clinton gets slammed online for saying ceasefire ‘not an option’

    Hilary Clinton gets slammed online for saying ceasefire ‘not an option’

    After Barack Obama, former United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has come out in support of Israel in her latest address.

    “People who are calling for a ceasefire now do not understand Hamas, that is not possible,” Clinton remarked at a public talk.

    “It would be such a gift to Hamas because they would spend whatever time there was a ceasefire in effect rebuilding armaments, creating stronger positions to be able to fend off an eventual assault by the Israelis,” she added.

    Clinton also asserted that “We are in a very different world. I don’t think it had to be the world we’re in, but that’s where we are, and we have to figure out our way forward through it.”

    People react:

  • #ShameOnYouZaka trends as Pakistan has three more matches left in World Cup

    #ShameOnYouZaka trends as Pakistan has three more matches left in World Cup

    #ShameOnYouZaka trends as Pakistan has three more matches left in World Cup.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials leaked Babar Azam’s private whatsapp chat on a live show on ARY NEWS hosted by Waseem Badami, leading to a storm of condemnation.

    Former wicket-keeper Rashid Latif claimed on Saturday that Babar Azam is calling PCB’s senior officials but they are ignoring his messages. However PCB’s Chairman Zaka Ashraf denied these allegations and said, “Rashid Latif’s statement was wrong, which is regrettable, I think it is also part of an agenda”.

    During the show on ARY NEWS, Shoaib Jutt showed a screenshot of Babar and PCB official Salman Naseer’s chat on live show.

    In the chat, Salman Naseer asks Babar on Whatsapp chat, “Babar there is also been this news circulating on TV and social media that you have been calling chairman and he isn’t answering, did you called him recently?”

    The screenshot showed that Babar Azam replied, “Salam Salman sir. Mene to sir ko koi call nai ki.”

    Azhar Ali then remarked, “Has he (Salman Naseer) gotten permission from Babar Azam before forwarding to this chat to him (Shoaib Jutt), and to show this chat on live show, I think you have to get permission from Babar before showing this on live show”.

    To this Shoaib Jutt replied, “I don’t think we need to ask Babar Azam. We are journalists, it is our job to show whatever we have. [Mujhay nahin lagta ke mujhay Babar Azam se pochna chaiay tha. Hum journalist hein, hamara to kaam hee yehi hai, jo mile us ko dikha dein]”

    Social media in Pakistan and India reacted uproariously, with many senior journalists too slamming the incident. PCB is being slammed for leaking a private chat.

    Later on in the night, Badami released a video message in which he apologized, saying the decision was “not an ideal one”.

    National former cricketer Waqar Younis slammed this act.

    Here are some reactions on social media:

  • ‘What a loss’: Maggie Wheeler, Friends creators mourn the death of Matthew Perry

    ‘What a loss’: Maggie Wheeler, Friends creators mourn the death of Matthew Perry

    Hollywood actor Matthew Perry’s death left the world in mourning. Celebrities and social media users paid condolences to the beloved actor. Perry was best recognised for his performance as the socially awkward and sarcastic Chandler Bing from the critically acclaimed comedy sitcom ‘Friends’. Colleagues from ‘Friends’ stepped forward to send their condolences to the actor.

    Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice in ‘Friends’, shared a picture of her and Matthew together on her Instagram account, writing that she mourned the loss of her close friend. We’re just going to keep hoping he’s still in Yemen.

    “What a loss.The world will miss you Matthew Perry . The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared. ♥️”

    Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler’s mother Nora Bing on ‘Friends’, shared a picture from Chandler’s wedding when his mom and dad both walk him down the aisle.

    “I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my “son”, Matthew Perry. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. And such a sweet, caring man, too! I’m sending love and condolences to his friends and family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Falcon Crest & Flamingo Rd. Lovely family and such a heavy loss! #ripmatthewperry #ripmatty  “

    Paget Brewster, who played Chandler’s love interest Kathy in Season 4 of Friends, wrote the actor would probably be too busy making everyone laugh in heaven.

    “I’m so very sad to hear about Matthew Perry. He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after. Please read his book. It was his legacy to help. He won’t rest in peace though.. He’s already too busy making everyone laugh up there.”

    The show-runners of ‘Friends’ Marta Kauffman and David Krane released a statement to US Weekly expressing their sorrow on the death of Matthew.

    “We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives. He was a brilliant talent. It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words.”

    “From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us. We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment — not just to his work, but in life as well. He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart.”

    Social media users are remembering Matthew’s brilliance as Chandler by sharing some of his best lines from the show.

    One user wrote “This hurts. he was a light in so many peoples lives. thank you for being our chandler bing, thank you for always putting a smile on our faces. i hope he knew how loved he was, thank you matthew perry.”

  • ‘End her career’: Gal Gadot roasted after rejecting calls for ceasefire

    ‘End her career’: Gal Gadot roasted after rejecting calls for ceasefire

    The call to ban actress Gal Gadot from working in Hollywood has reached unprecedented heights. Social media users are now vowing to boycott her upcoming film ‘Snow White’ where she plays the evil stepmother. Gal Gadot, an Israeli national, has previously worked in the IDF. She was also among the several Hollywood actors who wrote a controversial open letter denouncing the October 7 attack on Israel which did not condemn the growing death toll in Gaza from Israeli airstrikes.

    The Hollywood actress was recently part of a panel slamming the Palestinian protests, that have called for an end to the genocide in Gaza where now 8000 civilians are dead.

    “But I ask myself what has happened to humanity?” Gal could be heard saying. “Why do we need to convince people that it is not okay when others are asking for a ceasefire?”

    Twitter users were shocked at Gal’s insensitive comment and were all in favor of watching her Hollywood career end.

    Users are calling for a boycott of Snow White and for audiences to stop purchasing products made by Disney. Disney was previously embroiled in controversy after the organisation declared its support for Israel and donated $2 million dollars.

    “remember that gal gadot served in the idf (so she is a murderer) and was miss israel 2004 (is proud to represent murderers). disney money goes toward funding israel. to hell with every person involved in this production and every person who supports it. BOYCOTT,” one user wrote.

    The casting of Snow White was overshadowed with controversy after Peter Dinklage called out the production house in 2022 for choosing to adapt a film with offensive stereotypes towards people with dwarfism.

    “You’re progressive in one way but you’re still making that f*****g backward story of seven dwarves living in the cave. What the fuck are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough,” Peter said as quoted by The Guardian.

    Recently, a picture featuring Rachel as Snow White and seven dwarfs surrounding her was criticised by the internet. Users alleged that it looked like one actor, Martin Klebba, had played all the seven dwarfs in CGI versions.

  • Pakistani-American doctor stabbed to death in front of 17 people

    Pakistani-American doctor stabbed to death in front of 17 people

    52-year-old Pakistani American paediatrician Dr. Talat Khan was stabbed to death in a park in her apartment complex on Saturday afternoon, in front of 17 people.

    The suspected murderer is 24-year-old Miles Joseph Fridrich, and is a white male.
    One of the witnesses, Mathew Amador explained what he saw when he got to the scene of the crime. He said that Fridrich stabbed Khan in broad daylight over and over again, checking to see if she was alive. “When I got there, he was checking her pulse to make sure she was alive,” Amador said, “and then stabbed her three more times.” Amador also yelled out the description of the suspect as the police arrived and they quickly took him into custody. The relationship of the suspect with the victim is unclear and witnesses declared that they have not seen him in the locality before. “I’ve never seen evil like that in my life,” Amador said.

    The Council on American Islamic Relation (CAIR) stated that, “police have not released a motive for the killing. We want to assure everyone that we are in conversation with law enforcement agencies. We are unsure at this moment if this was a hate crime; however, given the tragic circumstances, we are paying very close attention to the investigation.”

    Khan’s brother Wajahat Nyaz said his sister was a kind soul. “Talat’s life revolved around those two things, her kids — her son and daughter — and her kids [patients] she looked after as a paediatrician,” he said.

    The Associate Director of the Al Ansaar Mosque, Mohammad Ayubi said that Khan was a regular visitor and the whole community of 300 to 400 families are grieving. The security around the complex has also been increased.

  • PMA refuses to appoint military officials at public hospitals

    PMA refuses to appoint military officials at public hospitals

    The Islamabad chapter of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on Monday recommended to the federal health ministry to not appoint serving military officials as executive directors for Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital.

    According to Geo News, the PMA condemned the letter of appointment of serving military officials sent by the federal health ministry.

    In response to a letter, PMA officeholders warned the federal health ministry about appointing serving military officers to manage public sector health institutions.

    The officials expressed strong disapproval of replacing federal government officials with military personnel, emphasising that such a move would be unacceptable under any circumstances. Furthermore, they mentioned that even military authorities would be unwilling to endorse the action initiated by the federal health ministry.

    On the other hand, a spokesman of federal health ministry said earlier that the appointment will be conducted as per recruitment rules, adding that the government believes in merit.

    The health ministry’s spokesman further stated that the government believes in providing best health facilities to Pakistanis by appointing competent officials.

  • Here are the celebrities who are hackers’ hot favourites

    Here are the celebrities who are hackers’ hot favourites

    A study by McAfee reveals a list of 10 celebrities which are used by hackers as bait while searching for them online may lead to malware and risky websites. The list includes celebrities spotted in deepfake and other AI driven content as well.

    ‘Barbenheimer’ fever is not over yet as the two movies were not just huge hits at the box office but for cybercriminals as well. Internet searches of the two films have got consumers in a rash of ticket scams, download scams and other attacks that were capitalising on these summer hits.

    Who made it to the list?

    In that context, our very own Ken, Ryan Gosling, is the hacker’s favourite celebrity, making it to number one. His co-star Margot Robbie and the titular character of the film Barbie makes it to number eight on the list.
    Emily Blunt, the leading lady of Oppenheimer, is at number two.
    Pop culture icon, actor, singer and producer Jennifer Lopez, known as JLO, is the third most malware attracting celebrity.
    Zendaya, famous for her portrayal of nerdy MJ in Spiderman, makes it to the fourth spot.
    Notoriously popular Elon Musk, owner of X (former Twitter) is unsurprisingly standing on number six.
    Among others are academy award winning actor Kevin Costner on number five, American weather presenter Al Roker on number seven, singer Bad Bunny on number nine and Barbie’s guide Gloria, played by America Ferrera, makes it to the tenth position.
    Football superstar Lionel Messi is also on the list, standing at number 18. Taylor Swift, singer with a huge fan following, made it to number 25.

    The plethora of crimes that can be committed and how?

    The hackers commit crimes with these searches as they pair celebrity names with terms like audiobook, lyrics, deepfake, free ringtone, free movie, free download, MP4, among others—which generate results that lead to shady sites. They carry out fraudulent activities with that because they understand people’s liking for the free celebrity content.

    The study finds out that between 25 to 135 deepfake URLs were celebrity searches. These could be malicious, recreational or cases of false advertising.

    A word of caution:

    Using trusted websites, sticking to legitimate streaming and downloading services and using antivirus softwares may help keep your devices protected and enable safe internet search. Searching about your favourite celebrities is not wrong because their names are used by hackers to attract more traffic. This just needs to be done with a sharp eye.