The National Assembly (NA) on Monday approved the federal budget for the fiscal year 2020-21. The session, however, was yet again marred by an altercation, this time between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Asif and Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry.
“Sir, bass vee kar deo [sir, please stop]” Fawad was heard as saying as Asif addressed the Lower House of the parliament.
To this, Asif replied, “Tuvaaday mutalak mai aisiyaan aisiyaan gallaan karaanga, Khuda di qasam tavanu jagaah nayi labnni ais hall ich [I will say such things about you that you will not find a place in this hall].”
Asif went on to say that for the past few days, Fawad had been “involved in some activities”, to which the federal minister said the PML-N leader would not “find any space in Sialkot — Asif’s hometown — either” and asked him to apologise for his remarks.
NA Speaker Asad Qaiser kept on asking both the lawmakers to stop.
“No cross talk please… sit down please. Please, Fawad Sahib. Take a seat. Khawaja Sahib, continue please.”
“No, how can you let this happen? How can one person say anything and not apologise? How dare he? He must apologise!” Fawad said.
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Speaking to The Current, Fawad said he was discussing something with Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri.
“Khawaja Asif got upset because we were not paying attention to his speech. Then he made up some lies about me, for which I asked him to apologise.”
Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has said that every day he is told by someone that it, or the day after, is his last in power, but he knows he can “easily complete his five-year tenure”.
Addressing a dinner reception hosted at the PM House to muster support of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers as well as coalition partners for the passage of budget 2020-21 in the face of its rejection by the joint opposition, the premier asserted that his government would definitely complete its five-year term because he was determined to face every challenge.
“I am the only choice,” he said, adding that all rumours regarding his government’s uncertain fate and the challenges facing his administration would cease to exist “if he strikes a deal with people”.
He was of the opinion that opposition leaders had a bigger stake than the ruling PTI.
According to Dawn, a participant of the event quoted PM Imran as saying that the members of opposition parties had a bigger stake because if PTI leaders lose the election they would only lose their seats while “if opposition leaders lose them, they would go to jail”.
Responding to the allegation that the government was being run by a team of non-elected people, the premier said, “If we have included some non-elected members in the cabinet, they [opposition parties] had filled the slots with their relatives.”
He reportedly also asked PTI leaders and all government allies to get the budget passed on Monday with a significant majority and spoke about the recent hike in petroleum prices, corruption as well as coronavirus in the country.
The function concluded after the PM’s address, as no one spoke after him on the occasion.
As many as 14 MNAs belonging to the Imran-led PTI, Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), Pakistan Awami Muslim League (PAML) did not attend the dinner, reports said.
It merits a mention that a day later, the National Assembly has approved the federal budget for the fiscal year 2020-21, despite the opposition’s vow to not let it sail through the house.
The first audit report of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has unveiled irregularities and corruption to the tune of Rs270 billion in 40 departments and ministries.
According to Dawn, the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has unearthed misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds to the tune of over Rs12 billion, with irregularities of government funds amounting to Rs258bn.
The AGP’s report covers the fiscal year 2018-19 — the first year of the PTI government — and recommends strict action, including references, to investigation agencies against those responsible. The AGP has finalised its report on audit year 2019-20 and it would be submitted to parliament and the president in a couple of days.
The report also disclosed that record for a number of entities and accounts was not given to audit teams in violation of rules.
The audit revealed corruption and fake receipts in ministries and departments to the tune of Rs12.56 billion. It stated that recovery cases of Rs79.59 billion in federal ministries were reported and a record of Rs17.96 billion was not provided to the auditor general by government departments.
The report further said that Rs8.89 billion in corruption cases had been recorded owing to weak internal controls and cases worth Rs152.20 billion were reported due to poor financial management.
The AGP recommended that government institutions not be allowed to undertake expenditures unless approved from the parliament and similarly, to not allow supplementary grants to these institutions without the parliament’s approval.
He recommended that corruption cases be handed over to investigative agencies.
A government minister while commenting on the audit report said that such irregularities during the period of past governments used to involve up to Rs1,000 billion. Geo quoted Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar as saying the graph had come down by 80 per cent but added that the PTI government needed to improve it further.
FAST Lahore has reportedly expelled students over making and sharing memes about the university on social media.
The university’s administration has also issued a notification demanding an apology from students that posted ‘defamatory memes’ on Facebook. According to the notification, six students were expelled and the academic grades of many other students were downgraded. The notification also directed students to post an apology on their social media accounts.
FAST Lahore has taken a disciplinary action against their students for making memes and even expelled some. pic.twitter.com/Ep56piLdgN
“Failure to comply with the orders will render the respondent liable for either cancellation of the degree; or blacklisting; or reporting to authorities for trial under cyberbullying and harassment laws; or all of the mentioned punishments,” the notification read.
The management of Lahore Grammar School (LGS) 1A1 Ghalib Market Branch, including female teachers, has come under fire for covering up harassment and inappropriate behaviour by instructors for years. It is pertinent to mention here that most of the girls studying at the school were minors at the time.
Such incidents had reportedly been going on for the past four or five years and the victims had been reporting the matter to the admin and their teachers. However, their teachers had been covering up for their colleagues and brushing the matter under the carpet. They resorted to victim-blaming and refused to take any action. Strict and immediate action was only taken after the girls shared their ordeal on social media.
For 4 years, girls registered continuous complaints to female admin of LGS1a1 against sexual predators,Teachers-on their perverted, inappropriate behaviour with students.The response would be "they're too old 'employees' to be kicked out" Let this sink in!
In awe of the bravery displayed by the alumni & students of LGS 1A1 to call out the predatory behavior of Zahid Warraich, Umer Shareef, Shehzad Irshad & Aitezaz Rahman. Forget any branch of LGS, these harassers shouldn't be allowed anywhere near 𝘢𝘯𝘺 educational institution.
— Osman Khalid Butt 🇵🇸 (@aClockworkObi) June 28, 2020
Student upon student studying in LGS school branches (1A1, JT) are coming forth with their experiences of sexual harassment and having to sit through inappropriate behaviour by male faculty, specifically for O/A levels. THESE ARE MINORS.
A friend of mine posted this about her school LGS 1-A 1. This is so disturbing. How can a school still have these guys roaming around their premises after all these allegations. Disgusting. More power to the girls who brought this up and saved many girls from becoming a victim. pic.twitter.com/YrEARSofkA
According to details, students have come forward and shared their experiences of being harassed by three teachers namely Aitezaz Rehman Sheikh, Umer Shareef and Zahid Iqbal Warraich. To make things easier to understand, here’s a breakdown of the details:
Aitezaz Rehman Sheikh
Aitezaz Rehman Sheikh, who used to teach politics and served as a MUN coach had been sending obscene pictures and messages to his students. The students accused him of being manipulative and said that he would coerce girls on international trips.
Aitezaz Rehman Sheikh
Zahid Iqbal Warraich
Similarly, Sir Zahid Warraich, who taught Chemistry to A’ and O’ Levels used to inappropriately touch his students and make them uncomfortable during class.
Umer Shareef
Sir Umer was reportedly a member of the admin who would make girls uncomfortable with his stares and glances.
Following the outrage on social media, the management of LGS 1A1 immediately fired the instructors and barred them from working at any branch of LGS.
A few students have also accused Omair Rana’s wife Maira Omair Rana for not taking action and “slut-shaming” the girls who came forward to report. One of the students has also accused the actor of exhibiting inappropriate behaviour.
the principal. Attaching all receipts in this thread. Please tag pages, help us expose these people 2/2
Police killed all four assailants who attacked the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) compound in Karachi on Monday morning, police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon confirmed to media.
Citing Memon, Reuters reported that the gunmen had attacked the compound on I I Chundrigar Road with grenades and guns. “Four attackers have been killed, they had come in a Corolla car,” Nabi said.
Initial reports said that four attackers entered the building around 10 am and opened fire. A grenade attack was carried out at the entrance.
At least two civilians were killed in the attack and multiple were injured.
Police surgeon Dr Qarar Ahmed Abbasi said that five bodies and seven injured including policemen were brought to Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital in Karachi.
Other reports said that four guards and a policeman were also martyred.
[GRAPHIC WARNING]
Police and Rangers’ officials arrived at the scene soon after the attack and killed all four attackers, Sindh Rangers said.
A clearance operation is underway in the vicinity. Weapons and hand grenades have been recovered from the attackers.
“An unfortunate incident took place at the Pakistan Stock Exchange,” said PSX director Abid Ali Habib. “They made their way from our parking area and opened fire on everyone.”
He said that the militants had stormed the Railway Ground parking area and fired outside the PSX ground. They made their way to the main gate of the building and stormed it after trading fire with security guards.
Habib said that the firing by militants caused panic among the people in the building.
The PSX building and surrounding areas were sealed by law enforcement agencies. People inside the PSX building were evacuated from the back door.
Police said the militants conducted the assault with sophisticated weapons and were carrying a bag filled with explosives.
Counter Terrorism Department’s (CTD) Raja Omar Khattab said that police would try to find out details about the car used by the attackers. “CCTV cameras are being monitored by law enforcement agencies to obtain clues.”
An earlier statement by the PSX said that its compound had been attacked by militants and that the “situation is still unfolding”.
“There was an attack on the PSX compound earlier today. The situation is still unfolding and management, with the help of security forces, is managing the security and controlling the situation,” tweeted the PSX.
There was an attack on the PSX compound earlier today. The situation is still unfolding and management, with the help of security forces, is managing the security and controlling the situation.
“We will issue a more detailed statement in due course once the situation is under control and more details are known,” it said in a subsequent tweet.
We will issue a more detailed statement in due course once the situation is under control and more details are known. For now firing has stopped and reinforcement are in place.
For now firing has stopped and reinforcement are in place, it added.
Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail condemned the attack.
Strongly condemn the attack on PSX aimed at tarnishing our relentless war on terror. Have instructed the IG & security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are caught alive & their handlers are accorded exemplary punishments. We shall protect Sindh at all costs.
“Strongly condemn the attack on PSX aimed at tarnishing our relentless war on terror,” he said, vowing to protect Sindh at all costs.
The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which was declared a global terrorist group by the United States (US) last year, has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.
Asim Azhar’s upcoming song Tum Tum has already created waves before it even released. The reason for this is because Tiktok star Areeka Haq is featuring in the song. Asim’s fans were disappointed with him for including the Tiktoker and sent a lot of hate his way. It is pertinent to mention here that Haq has more than a million fans on Instagram.
Areeka Haq in a still from the upcoming songAsim and Areeka in a still from the song
Following the backlash on social media, Asim responded by tweeting:
Kamaal hai waise… pehle depression aur mental health pe lectures dete hain aur kuch din baad khud kisi ko depression ka shikaar bana dete hain apni bullying aur nafrat se. 😂👏🏽
Meanwhile, several celebrities including Saba Qamar, Yasir Hussain, Hania Aamir and Zara Noor Abbas extended their support to the singer and Tiktok star and requested people to stop spreading unnecessary hate and learn to respect each other.
@AsimAzharr I'm eagerly waiting for your upcoming music video! ❤️ Also, I'm proud of this little beautiful girl @areeqa__haq and all the other young talented people, trust me guys I'm your biggest cheerleader, no matter what! Keep Growing and Shining! Lots of love! 2/2
“Please be kind towards each other,” asserted Saba. “Learn to support each other. Don’t make these beautiful, young talented people depressed with hate comments and trolls because you have no idea how harsh and unkind it is.”
Saba Qamar
Yasir said that Tiktok has more talent than television and that Asim featured Haq because of her talent.
“We all need to grow up,” remarked Hussain.
Yasir Hussain
Zara said that she was proud of Asim for supporting new talent.
Zara Noor Abbas
Hania extended her support towards Areeka and wished her all the best.
Hania Aamir
Hania Aamir
Asim also shared that Hania came all the way from Islamabad to be part of the song.
The song touted to be “the biggest collaboration of the year” also features Shamoon Ismail, Talhah Yunus, Talha Anjum, Raamis, Hania Aamir, Mooroo and Asad Siddiqui and is scheduled to release on July 2. Watch the teaser for the song below:
Asim’s last song Humraah, featured in the Bollywood film Malang was a massive hit garnering more than 4 million views to date.
What started of as a sweet and adorable love story has turned into a typical love triangle with evil in-laws trying to break up a marriage.
In my previous review, I had praised Pyar Ke Sadkay for being romantic and feel-good. However, a few episodes later I am very close to taking back my words considering how the story and plot have developed.
Mahjabeen
The recent episodes have seen Abdullah (Bilal Abbas Khan) sideline his wife Mahjabeen (Yumna Zaidi) and get involved with Shanzay (Yashma Gill), his ex-crush, who had ridiculed him when he proposed to her. Shanzay is now single after getting divorced and is hell-bent on getting married to Abdullah, just to satisfy her ego and get that confidence boost. Despite Mahjabeen’s efforts to make the marriage work, Abdullah seems to have forgotten his promises to his wife and the way Shanzay treated him and has is planning to marry Shanzay. Meanwhile, Abdullah’s stepfather Sarwar (Omair Rana) is also encouraging him to pursue Shanzay and divorce Mahjabeen.
Shanzay
On the other hand, Abdullah’s mother Mansoora Begum (Atiqa Odho) has developed a dislike for her bahu (daughter-in-law) after she commented on how much younger her husband Sarwar is to her. Mansoora, who was initially supportive of Mahjabeen is now okay with the idea of Abdullah divorcing her.
Sarwar and Mansoora
Abdullah is basically cheating on his wife, but because he’s a ‘simpleton’, he is being easily misguided by his stepfather and is falling into Shanzay’s ‘trap’. Shanzay is shown as the villainous other woman leading Abdullah astray. While Abdullah is conscious of the fact that he is not being fair to Mahjabeen, he is still allowing himself to be swayed by external elements, making him an extremely weak character.
Abdullah
Abdullah’s sister Washma (Shra Asghar) and his aunt Pho (Shermeen Ali) are the only two sane elements in the whole drama. They add the much-needed voice of reason and is one of the reasons why you don’t pull your hair out in frustration. That and solid performances by the entire cast. Bilal and Yumna are fantastic in their roles and the range of emotions they express in a single scene is brilliant. Yumna, in particular, is so convincing that you end up feeling what she is feeling.
Pho
Washma
What irks me most is the fact that makers had a great chance to educate the masses about sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour within the household by focusing more on Sarwar’s attitude towards Mahjabeen. However, they chose to go to the tried-and-tested route by bringing in a love triangle and complicating things unnecessarily. Given that a couple of episodes are still remaining, I’m hopeful that the drama will take a turn for the better and end in a less predictable manner.
The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) crash in May that killed 97 out of 99 people on board is still fresh in our memories. An initial report says it was due to human error by the pilot and air traffic control. Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan said the pilots were distracted discussing coronavirus and as a result, the pilot initially failed to perform the landing correctly when the plane scraped at the runway the first time before taking off again. In another shocking “revelation”, the aviation minister said that 262 pilots out of 860 active ones in Pakistan have “fake licenses” which he later changed to dubious or suspicious licences. It not only made international headlines but as a result, PIA grounded 141 pilots while there also are reports of Pakistani pilots in Vietnam and some Gulf countries being grounded, subject to a review.
On the other hand, Pakistan Airline Pilots’ Association (PALPA) on Saturday denied these allegations. Head of the pilots’ union said there is no truth in these allegations. According to a detailed report in BBC Urdu, the claim by the aviation minister is incorrect and the number of pilots with dubious credentials is not as high. The minister later conceded his original stance. The report explains that the examination process, which makes for about 5 per cent of the licensing process, changed in 2012. Before 2012, pilots had to give two papers but a new model of examination was introduced by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) which now requires pilots to take eight papers, mostly theoretical. It did lead to some pilots failing the exams as they were quite complicated or they didn’t get a proper understanding of the scope of exams.
While many cleared the new examination process, some could not, so an environment evolved where it was made easy for pilots to cheat and some eagerly resorted to cheating, which included making others sit in their place to clear the exams for a few hundred thousand rupees. It is said that while pilots around the world get their commercial licences after being tested for their technical know-how and flying hours as well as a basic examination process, Pakistan’s new examination process was thought to be cumbersome for most of the pilots since it was laid out in a way that was not clear to those who were taking it.
This is a case of moral dilemma as well as using unfair means. Being a pilot is one of the key jobs where there are extremely high expectations of moral obligation and trust. Cheating cannot be condoned at any cost nor the concept of facilitation of such unfair means. All pilots must be investigated properly and if they have resorted to shortcuts, they must be punished. That said, if the number is marginal compared to the minister’s claim, a clarification must be issued to clear the names of Pakistani pilots. Some complain that the CAA’s role in the entire process raises some red flags.
We cannot stress enough about air safety. Hundreds of lives are at stake each time a plane takes off. The Aviation Ministry, CAA and airlines must investigate thoroughly and make their findings public. Any such inquiry must involve international stakeholders to add credibility to an embattled CAA whose own credibility is also on the line. Pilots and their bodies also need to initiate a thorough, inward-looking review process that builds trust in their own profession and shows that they are not on the wrong side of the debate.
Despite being at the receiving end of heavy trolling, Armeena Khan has rarely lost her cool, which is why it was odd when the actor sent out a series of tweets against Shaniera Akram.
The tweets have since then been deleted and it is unclear what prompted Armeena to send those out. In the tweets, Armeena accused Akram of gaslighting her and shared that she is unfollowing her after the latter did the same.
While Armeena did not say what exactly happened, it is likely that Armeena is referring to a debate that sparked between the twowhen Armeena opened up about her fear of lizards and Shaniera said that they are harmless beings which should be ignored.
At that time when a media outlet reported that Shaniera and Armeena were involved in a public spat, Armeena said that she loves Shaniera and admires her for her efforts.
“I love Shaniera and have admired her for her Karachi beach work,” Armeena had said.
Whatever the case may be, we hope they make up soon.
![[GRAPHIC VIDEO] All terrorists, who attacked Pakistan Stock Exchange, killed](https://currenfinal.perceptiond.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/images-3-1.jpeg)
