Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been denied permission by district authorities to hold a protest on March 30 in Islamabad. The party had reached out to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to get permission for holding a rally on March 30 after the district administration of Islamabad did not respond to the party’s request. However, the capital’s administration on Sunday finally refused to allow PTI to hold a public rally against alleged poll rigging in 2024 general elections, citing security concerns.
The reply from the administration came after the deadline given to them by the IHC to take a decision on PTI’s request to stage a protest in the capital city.
PTI’s regional president Aaamir Masood Mughal opined that his party would again approach the courts. “If you can’t provide security even in the capital, then you have no right to stay in the government,” he added.
PTI also planned to hold a press briefing about the upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) package, its consequences on the public and the economy on March 25.
A video of a professor being beaten by a student is doing the rounds on both mainstream and social media and has invited a myriad of views and interpretations. The details around the incident are more appalling than disconcerting, including allegations that the alleged harasser Dr Mehboob is being backed by the administration, more so by the Head of the Department, Dr Sajjad Ali Khan.
The video that went viral on March 20 featured a woman throwing hard-bound thesis books, among other things, at the professor who is trying to avoid them. Other girls in the office can be heard expressing their shock. The victim, who was later identified as Zaliha Javaid, remained unfazed, hurling abuses towards him while pulling his hair.
University records laid out that Zaliha is an alumni-a graduate of the Biotechnology Department back in 2016. Owing to the standard education policy, in the first two years of the four-year programme, all the students have to study four courses of Compulsory English throughout the degree. This connects the dots. Many publications painted it as a case of on-campus harassment but it is evident that she was a former student.
As the video came out, many ex-students start posting about his problematic behaviour. Mariam Naqvi on Twitter posted a screenshot of a student who recalled incidents quoted by some seniors about the manipulative behaviour of Dr Mehboob and how he “promised marriage and sought sexual favours from students and then abandoned them saying his family did not agree.” Marium shared that, “being a student of this person I know.” She shared how people like him exploit young students using their power.
Shireen aka BadmaashKhatoon posted in a story on Instagram the allegation that the professor has been a harasser from the beginning and many from the literature department and the debating society knew that. “It took a woman to ruin her life to expose his vile behaviour,” she stated.
An audio clip of another former female student is also making rounds accusing that “a network of harassers” has been operating inside the university which force students to get involved in explicit activities.
Students talked to The Current on the condition of anonymity, sharing how the professor lacked decency and was rude with them. “He does not even know how to talk properly. He fail students in bulk and exploits them. He is the reason our degrees are getting delayed,” a female student elaborated.
Former lecturer at the English Department and currently a news anchor Saad ul Hassan related, “Individuals like Mehboob Ahmed…exploit university grading systems to bolster their perceived power and proceed to harass and abuse students, causing severe mental, physical and emotional harm.”
Saad went on to allege that this is because of facilitators like Dr Sajjad, the Head of the English Department, that harassers like Mehboob Ahmed abuse students without fear of repercussions. Dr Sajjad will use his leverage “to influence students into providing statements in support of Mehboob,” according to Saad.
HOD Dr Sajjad’s statement refers to Zaliha as “the assailant” who was “accompanied by an accomplice”. In his message to his colleagues he laid out the timing of the incident and how Dr. Mehboob was subjected to a harrowing attack. He implored the faculty to join him ‘in support and solidarity to Dr Mehboob”.
The statement by the university director also lays out how violent Zaliha was. It is important to mention that he avoids taking the name of the professor but appreciates him for his professionalism. He further stated that an investigation has started.
The partiality hinted clearly in the statements coming out from inside the university raise questions and has been widely criticised.
Former student and students’ rights activist, Haider Butt from the platform of Progressive Student’s Collective wrote that, “We call for a fair investigation into the matter. The investigation should be conducted by an independent committee.”
Mohiba Ahmed, a former graduate and a prominent women’s rights activist, posted on X, “It is unfortunate to witness an important issue of sexual harassment at Government College University Lahore being reduced to dirty university politics.” She recounted how Mehboob Ahmed was notorious for his sexual exploits. “Yet he was never held accountable for his actions,” she lamented. She held HOD Dr Sajjad complicit and stressed that “he should not be allowed near this investigation.”
The investigation into the matter is the key yet the efficacy makes it questionable as the statement from Progressive Students Collective Lahore explains that, “the student body of GCU Lahore has been dealing with the administration’s ineffective anti-harassment committees and the biased result of such committees.”
Reinstating professors allegedly involved in harassment
The bottom line is this dilemma which promotes the predatory behaviour rampant in the educational institutions. In 2018 a student from the batch of 2017-2021 took up the case of a professor from the history department, Saeed Butt, who was accused of passing innuendos and sexual harassment. It took months for the investigation to start, only when the new Vice Chancellor took charge. After a number of students presented their testimonies, the result was not favourable as the professor continued working meanwhile, and even though expelled afterwards, he has resumed working with the change of the administration. This is one example. Lecturer Javaid Bajwa from Physical Education Deaprtment ousted for the allegations of sexual harassment is reinstated as well. It is a proof that the university is at their side.
This one individual has exposed more than what was already out: harassment, manipulation of students, department politics and how the university administration plays party to this perverse behaviour by not condemning the action and the doer.
Pakistan and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) have recently finalised significant agreements aimed at bolstering the country’s energy infrastructure.
In a ceremonial signing event held on Friday, two pivotal loan agreements were formalised.
The first agreement, valued at $66 million, pertains to the Shounter Hydropower Project, boasting a capacity of 48 MW.
The second agreement, worth $41 million, is dedicated to the Jagran IV Hydropower Project, with a capacity of 22 MW.
The signing ceremony, attended by key figures from both parties, including Sultan Bin Abdul Rehman Al Marshad, Chief Executive Officer of SFD, and Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Economic Affairs, marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
In a statement issued following the event, Minister Ahad Khan Cheema expressed gratitude towards the SFD delegation and commended their unwavering support in various sectors, including health, energy, infrastructure, and education, particularly amidst recent challenges such as flooding incidents.
These collaborative efforts are geared towards tapping into Pakistan’s abundant hydropower potential, with the aim of generating an additional 70 MW of electricity to be integrated into the national grid.
Beyond mere energy production, the projects also seek to address environmental concerns by offering an alternative to deforestation practices.
By providing electricity as a viable substitute for wood-based energy sources, local communities, predominantly reliant on forest resources, will benefit. This initiative is expected to catalyze economic growth and uplift the socio-economic landscape of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Minister Ahad Khan Cheema reiterated Pakistan’s appreciation for the pivotal role played by SFD during challenging times and pledged to further strengthen bilateral relations in the future.
In response, Sultan Bin Abdul Rehman Al Marshad reaffirmed SFD’s steadfast commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development endeavours.
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has greenlit a significant sum of $149.7 million in financing for Pakistan, marking a milestone in bolstering the nation’s development efforts.
The approval, granted on Friday, will allocate funds to support two vital projects aimed at enhancing the country’s infrastructure and digital landscape.
According to a press statement released by the international financial institution, a substantial portion of the funding, totaling $78 million, has been earmarked for the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP).
This initiative seeks to bolster digitally enabled public services delivery for both citizens and businesses, thereby fostering greater accessibility and efficiency.
Simultaneously, an allocation of $71.7 million has been designated as second additional financing for the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project. This endeavor aims to fortify resilience against floods while enhancing the reliability, safety, and management of the Sindh barrages, crucial components of Pakistan’s water management infrastructure.
Najy Benhassine, the World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, emphasised the imperative of fortifying infrastructure in the wake of catastrophic events such as the floods of 2022. He underscored the importance of bolstering barrages and their management to mitigate the impact of such disasters effectively.
Additionally, Benhassine highlighted the significance of nurturing Pakistan’s burgeoning digital economy. He stressed that fostering connectivity and access to government and financial services is pivotal for economic and social development, particularly for marginalised groups like women and entrepreneurs.
The Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP) aims to develop robust digital authentication and data-sharing platforms.
These platforms will enable Pakistan to respond more effectively to shocks, deliver enhanced e-government services, and facilitate regulatory reforms to promote private participation in the sector while strengthening personal data protection and online safety.
Moreover, the project endeavors to promote financial inclusion, particularly among women, by facilitating access to banking services and credit through smartphone applications. It also seeks to address barriers such as limited mobility and digital literacy, ensuring inclusivity in the digital realm.
Shan Rehman, Task Team Leader for the project, emphasised the comprehensive nature of the initiative, which adopts a holistic approach to digital transformation. He emphasised the importance of inclusivity and trust in digital platforms to meet the evolving needs of the populace.
Meanwhile, the second additional financing for the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP) aims to complete and commission rehabilitation works for barrages, including Guddu and Sukkur. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the management of three barrages in Sindh, namely Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri.
Francois Onimus, Task Team Leader for the SBIP, stressed the critical role of barrages in ensuring the livelihoods and climate-resilience of the Sindh Province. He highlighted the project’s focus on bolstering canal systems fed by these barrages, thereby mitigating the adverse impacts of extreme weather events.
In essence, the approval of financing for these projects underscores the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development agenda, spanning both infrastructure and digital innovation, in its journey towards sustainable growth and resilience.
Veteran actor Mahmood Aslam has shared that he was asked to play Nauman Ijaz’s father, but he turned it down. Recently, Aslam participated in a ‘Life Green Hai’ show Ramazan transmission in which he discussed contemporary dramas and raised objections to the casting of actors. The host asked the actor, “How do you feel when you’re asked to play the dad of actors who are just a few years younger than you?” Aslam said, “I was recently offered the role of Nauman Ijaz’s father, even though he’s just a bit younger than me. So, I refused to take that part.” At the same time, he said to Nadia Khan in a humorous manner, “Look Nadia, please take a stand on these kinds of roles.”
A Rawalpindi native, identified as Riaz Shah tortured his widow sister-in-law and her daughters along with other accomplices by attacking them with shovels. The incident occured in Sher Zaman Colony of the Garrison City.
SSP Operations Kamran Asghar has that the suspect Riaz Shah is the brother-in-law of the victim. A house dispute erupted between the two parties when the suspect asked for a share while the house is in the name of the late husband of the victim, reports Geo News.
Riaz Shah has been arrested and a case has been registered.
Taking notice of the incident, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has asked for immediate action against the accused. While seeking a report from police authorities, she has said that violence against women is not going to be tolerated.
SSP Operations Kamran Asghar and other police officers also visited the house of the victim’s family and inquired about their well-being. They sought information about the incident and assured them of cooperation.
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moqaddam has said that the United States may create obstructions in the payment procedure of Pak-Iran gas project, however, both countries could find a solution to this.
The Ambassador’s statement came after US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, in a congressional hearing, gave caustic remarks regarding the gas pipeline project and emphasized that the US would try to halt the mega project.
“I fully support the efforts by the US government to prevent this pipeline from happening,” he said during a congressional hearing on 19 March. “We are working toward that goal.” “We are tracking this planned pipeline between Iran and Pakistan … Honestly, I don’t know where the financing for such a project would come from. I don’t think that many international donors would be interested in funding such an endeavor,” the US official added, highlighting that the White House “will uphold both in letter and spirit all sanction laws related to Iran.”
The Iranian envoy pointed out that Iran had already completed its side of the agreement by constructing a 1,000 kilometers gas pipeline on its side and Pakistan had yet to start it. “The Iranian gas pipeline is in the wider interest of people of both countries,” he added.
Haroon Shahid was on the show ‘Life Green Hai’ where he surprised everyone by saying that a well-known Bollywood actress was first chosen to play Sara in the movie ‘Verna’, which is about women’s rights.
During the show, the musician and actor revealed that Bollywood sensation Kareena Kapoor was initially cast to portray the female protagonist. However, she withdrew from the project due to her marriage to Saif Ali Khan and impending motherhood. Consequently, Mahira Khan assumed the role of the leading lady.
The ‘Khaie’ cast isn’t just close on set, they shares special moments when they’re not acting. A peek at their gathering shows how they’re friends off-camera, making their bond even stronger. The cast often shares videos and pictures on their social media accounts, letting us see what goes on behind the scenes. Faysal Quraishi and Osama Tahir were caught sharing a hearty laugh, with Faysal playfully teasing Osama about his on-screen character’s antics.
Shuja Asad and Mahenur Haider were spotted in a deep conversation, showcasing their close friendship and mutual respect off-screen.
Nabeel Zuberi and Durefishan were seen sharing a light-hearted moment, with Nabeel trying to mimic Durefishan’s signature dialogue from the show, much to everyone’s amusement.
Late Khalid Butt and Hina Bayat were captured sharing a warm hug, reflecting the strong bond they share as co-stars on “Khaie.”
Uzma Hassan and Laila Wasti were spotted rehearsing a scene together, showcasing their dedication and professionalism as seasoned actors in the industry.
Shamyl Khan and Saba Faysal were seen enjoying a friendly game of chess during their break, highlighting their camaraderie beyond the camera lens. Noor Ul Hassan and Javed Jamal were captured engaged in a serious discussion about their characters’ dynamics, showcasing their commitment to delivering compelling performances.
These candid moments behind the scenes of “Khaie” reflect the genuine friendships and camaraderie that contribute to the success and charm of the drama serial.
Ali Azmat, the lead singer of Junoon, is one of the icons of Pakistan music industry. Though the legendary singer has many hits to his credit, he’s not always had the support he wanted.
The singer recently talked about how his family criticized him when he started his music career. Talking to Nida Yasir, he said, “My relatives used to taunt me to become a mechanic or learn some other vocation if I wanted to become financially stable. My grandmother used to say, ‘Just go out and make money by singing’ as I am not good at anything.”
“She felt bad because relatives didn’t like to meet us because of my interest in music. Later, when I became a star, I took my grandmother to a concert. She was very proud and emotional seeing my success.”
