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Tag: Pakistan

  • Suspects granted bail in yet another housemaid torture case

    Suspects granted bail in yet another housemaid torture case

    A Rawalpindi court has granted bail to a husband and wife on Thursday, both of whom were charged with torturing their minor housemaid. The father of the eight-year-old told the judge that the case was filed over a “misunderstanding.”

    The couple, Bakhtawar and Alisher, were arrested after the child maid escaped their house and informed her family about the beating. According to The Express Tribune, the case registered by police included sections pertaining to cruelty to children and uprooting hair, attempted murder, illegal confinement and trafficking not included.

    However, on Thursday, when the accused appeared before Judge Meharun Nisa, a document of a ‘compromise’ between the two parties was also presented. It contained the thumb impression of the complainant, a labourer from Rahim Yar Khan.

    Additionally, the investigation officer (IO) presented a statement of the girl’s father who no longer wants to pursue the case.

    The Express Tribune reports that the girl and her father appeared in the court teary-eyed. The girl’s head was covered in a dupatta.

    The court concluded the case with the release of the couple against surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each.

    Victim under pressure

    Initially, before the arrest, the girl’s family admitted that she had been repeatedly tortured. Her medical reports also revealed bruises, dislocations and fractures.

    The couple allegedly even tried killing her by placing a polythene bag on the girl’s face.

    However, the family back tracking within the span of 24 hours of the couple’s arrest indicates pressure from the accused as well as the family.

    The Express Tribune highlights that according to sources within the police department, the accused bribed the Investigation Officer who then deemed the argument as weak. Additionally, the IO pressured the complainant ‘in a sweet way’ while also threatening him with arrest for letting his under-age daughter work.

    He also urged for an out-of-court settlement.

    He stated in the court that the case was based on a misunderstanding, and that the family no longer wanted to pursue the case.

    According to people present in the courtroom, as reported by The Express Tribune, the father clutched his daughter’s hand throughout the proceedings. “Now I am going back to Rahim Yar Khan with my daughter and we are never coming back,” he told The Express Tribune.

    The accused and the investigating officer, reportedly, came out of the court smiling.

  • Another child dies after falling into a manhole

    Another child dies after falling into a manhole

    A four-year-old girl, Umra Baloch, died after falling in an open manhole in Mowach Goth in Karachi on Thursday.

    According to Moachko SHO Shahid Chaudhry, Baloch was playing outside her home in Ghazi Khan Wara when she fell and drowned in the gutter which was uncovered.

    Her body was retrieved by Edhi divers.

    The police said that the family does not want any legal proceedings.

    Previously on August 14, a three-year-old boy fell in an uncovered manhole in Memon Goth and died. According to Dawn News, the chief executive officer of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation had put the number of uncovered manholes in the city at 20,000.

  • Court orders release of PTI’s Parvez Elahi

    Court orders release of PTI’s Parvez Elahi

    The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to release the president of Pakistan Tehrrek-e-Insaf (PTI), Parvez Elahi, on Friday, after the accountability watchdog’s decision to arrest the former chief minister of Punjab was challenged in court through a petition.

    After Elahi was brought before the court, LHC Justice Amjad Rafiq announced the decision, telling NAB at the hearing today that if Elahi is not produced today, the court will issue a warrant against the director-general of the accountability body.

    On the NAB prosecutor’s reply, Justice Amjad Rafiq said that there will be a complete inquiry, ordering Parvez Elahi’s immediate release.

    It should be noted that when Parvez Elahi first filed an application in the Lahore High Court, the court granted him bail in all cases. But against the decision of the single bench of the court, the Punjab government filed an appeal before a two-member bench, which suspended the decision of the single-member bench.

  • Pakistani BTS fans are honouring Jungkook in the most adorable way possible

    Pakistani BTS fans are honouring Jungkook in the most adorable way possible

    Happy birthday Jungkook!

    The baby of the Korean pop band ‘BTS’ is 26 years old today and fans across the world, including Pakistan, are celebrating in creative ways. The singer released his solo ‘Seven’ feat Lattoo that took the world by storm, including Pakistan.

    A fan won hearts in July when she plastered posters promoting ‘Seven’ all over Gulistan-e-Johar in Karachi proving that Pakistani fans are super dedicated to the ‘Golden maknae’.

    READ MORE: Gulistan-e-BTS: Karachi K-pop fan plasters neighborhood with Jung Kook pictures

    Last year, BTS fans pulled all stops to make sure that the entire country celebrated Jung Kook’s birthday along with them, including setting up a birthday ad in Bahawalpur and Multan, and then a medical camp in Lahore offering free medication.

    This time, the fans have been working hard to ensure that their baby girl’s special day is celebrated with joy, as we take a look at some of the elaborate projects the fan base has organised, and honestly we love how caring and dedicated this fanbase is to their icon.

    The BTS Twitter account Pk_bts_land announced a project was set up to raise funds and provide education to children from poor families across Pakistan, along with the account details.

    In Quetta, a medical camp was announced by the page Jungkook_Pakistan to provide free services to people in need.

    Happy birthday Jungkook! In celebration of today, we’ll continue dancing to Seven!

  • IMF should help Pakistan uphold right to electricity, says HRW

    IMF should help Pakistan uphold right to electricity, says HRW

    For the past week, Pakistan has witnessed extensive protests against the recent surge in electricity prices. In several cities, these protests escalated into violence.

    The government-sanctioned price increase arrives at a critical juncture as Pakistan grapples with one of the most severe economic crises in its history. This crisis imperils the fundamental rights of millions, including access to healthcare, nutrition, and a satisfactory standard of living.

    According to Human Rights Watch, successive Pakistani governments have failed in reforming the country’s energy sector, contributing to the current crisis. The recent surge in prices is linked to a substantial US$3 billion agreement between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan.

    This pact, sanctioned in July 2022, stipulates the government’s obligation to eliminate energy and fuel subsidies, transition to a market-driven exchange rate, and implement tax increments.

    While Human Rights Watch fundamentally opposes fossil fuel subsidies due to their adverse climate impact, the removal of these subsidies without substantial investment in social security often results in disproportionate repercussions for individuals with low incomes.

    Elevated electricity prices can further elevate the costs of essential commodities like food, housing, and services.

    Recognising the right to an adequate standard of living, Human Rights Watch asserts that access to dependable, secure, clean, and affordable electricity without discrimination is imperative.

    Given the situation, it is imperative for the IMF to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the consequences of these adjustments. Rather than abrupt subsidy removal, the IMF should establish a comprehensive reform strategy aimed at mitigating price escalations and facilitating a seamless transition to sustainable energy sources.

    Such reforms could encompass the implementation of a universal social protection system designed to extend benefits to individuals at higher risk of income insecurity, including children, elderly citizens, and people with disabilities.

  • What will Imran Khan be reading in jail?

    What will Imran Khan be reading in jail?

    What will Imran Khan be reading in jail?

    On Wednesday, in a clip posted on X (formerly Twitter) Aleema Khan could be seen talking to the media, stating that her brother , former Prime Minister Imran Khan is doing well in Attock jail. Aleema Khan said that her brother told her that he has gotten time for himself after years. “He has started finishing the Quran for the second time and has also read Islamic history,” she said, adding that Imran Khan will adjust to any environment, no matter the conditions.

    Later in the day, Intazar Hissain Panjutha, Imran Khan’s lawyer, took to X, asking for book recommendations on the history of Pakistan, history of the region and current affairs.

    Today he posted a picture of the books being sent to Imran Khan for reading.

    So what is Khan reading?

    How Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky
    Published in 2018, this book is on comparative politics about how elected leaders can gradually destabilise the democratic process to increase their power.

    Monsoon By Robert D. Kaplan
    It reflects upon the vitality of India, Pakistan, China, Indonesia, Burma, Oman, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Tanzania for American power. Kaplan uncovers the effects of population growth, climate change, and extremist politics on the unstable region.

    People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn
    Zinn presents a different side of history from the more conventional “fundamental nationalist glorification of country”, exposing the exploitation and manipulation of the majority by rigged systems that cater to a few elite rulers from across the orthodox political parties.

    Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
    Diamond dismantles racially based theories of human history while discussing the way that the modern world came to be.

    World Order by Henry Kissinger
    The book escorts the reader through to the complex mechanisms that have governed international relations throughout history.

    Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Islam by A. Helwa
    Helwa uses references from the Quran, ancient mystical poetry, and stories of prophets and spiritual masters to help one grow spiritually and strengthen connection with God.

    The Narrow Corridor by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson
    The writers contend that a country’s rise and fall is dependent on culture, geography, or chance, but on the power of their institutions.

    Active Measures: The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare by Thomas Rid
    A history of disinformation which tracks the increase in secret organized deception operations from the interwar period to contemporary internet trolls.

    The Revenge of Geography by Robert D. Kaplan
    Another book by Kaplan in the list. This one explores the role geography and the national borders play in world conflicts.

    Indus Divided by Daniel Haines
    Indus Divided talks about the significance of the Indus Basin river system for Indian and Pakistan and the dispute between the two countries after the partition in 1947.

    Empires of the Indus: The Story of a River by Alice Albinia
    It is part-memoir, part-essay in which the writer reiterates her journey through Central and Southern Asia.

    The China-Pakistan Axis: Asia’s New Geopolitics by Andrew Small
    The book explores the outcome of Sino-Pakistani ties for the West, India, Afghanistan, and for Asia, overall. It highlights the sensitive facets of their relationship including Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s nuclear program, China’s dealings with the Taliban, and the Chinese military’s planning for crises in Pakistan.

    Balthasar’s Odyssey by Amin Maalouf
    It is a novel revolving around a quest to find a book supposedly published during the days of the Ottoman Empire.

    The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century by George Friedman
    The writer predicts the future wars — why and where will they happen and how they will be fought; who will acquire economic and political power and who will lose; and how new technologies and cultural trends will change the way we live in the new century.

    As Through a Veil: Mystical Poetry in Islam by Annemarie Schimmel
    It is a story of Islamic poetry that covers the ambit of traditions and cultures, from Arabic religious verse to the Persian Sufis and the popular folk poetry of India and Pakistan.

    Adrift: How Our World Lost Its Way by Amin Maalouf
    The book traces how civilizations have divided throughout the 20th century, combining personal narrative and historical analysis to caution in regard to the future.

  • WAPDA opposes ending facility of free units to employees

    WAPDA opposes ending facility of free units to employees

    WAPDA and the Ministry of Water Resources have opposed the termination of free units facility to the employees of electricity companies, reports Jang News.

    According to sources, the Ministry of Water Resources is of the opinion that there will be no savings by removing the free units.

    The finance ministry has proposed ending the facility of free electricity units, while Nepra has proposed to give utility allowance instead of free units.

    Moreover, the power division has proposed to give the employees an amount equal to the free units in monthly salary and the power division has presented the monetization proposal in the federal cabinet meeting.

    Jang news reports that according to sources, free units are being given to 1 lakh 89 thousand 171 retired and serving employees.

    Additionally, three crore 47 lakh 58 thousand 825 free units are being given to retired and serving employees every month.

  • After beating Nepal, Pakistani team is ready for India

    After beating Nepal, Pakistani team is ready for India

    After beating Nepal on Wednesday, captain Babar Azam has said that the Pakistani cricket team is ready to beat India on Saturday’s Asia Cup match, Dawn has reported.

    Iftikhar Ahmed scored an unbeaten 109 and Babar scored a masterful 151 runs in yesterday’s match held at Multan.

    Tournament co-hosts Pakistan bowled out Asia Cup debutants Nepal for 104 in 23.4 overs in their third-biggest victory in a one-day international.

    “This game was good preparation for the India game because it gave us confidence,” Babar, who was named Player of the Match for his 19th one-day hundred, said.

    “India-Pakistan will always bring high intensity. We want to give 100 percent in every match, and we hope to do that there as well.”

    “When I went in, the ball wasn’t coming on properly, so I was trying to build an innings with Rizwan,” Babar explained.

    “Iftikhar also played a great inning when he came on. I told him to play his natural game, and he was comfortable after hitting two-three boundaries,” the batting maestro stated.

  • ‘Not satisfied with the investigation in Jaranwala incident’: Christian Community

    Grace Bible Fellowship Church Pakistan, a missionary trust, has filed a writ petition through its chairman Peter Charles requesting the court to order a judicial inquiry committee to ensure a fair investigation into and trial of the perpetrators of the Jaranwala incident.

    The petitioner states that an incident of alleged defiling of the Holy Quran, unfortunately, happened in Jaranwala, and through announcements from local mosques, a severe riot took place by a furious mob of Muslim devotees. The mob ransacked the properties of Christian residents, and the riotous elements torched more than 25 churches of and over 50 houses, along with household articles, using petrol bombs.

    Petition submits that the members of the Christian community of the area still live in a state of fear and at risk to their lives and liberty, alleging that the local administration and law enforcement authorities deliberately failed to control the violent mob and the law and order situation.

    It further states that although joint investigation teams (JITs) constituted by the government will submit their findings after completion of due course, which is a time taking practice, whereas the victims seek instant remedies to restore their routine life.

    Expressing its concerns over the working of the JITs, the Christian body says more than 500 suspects were involved in the riots, but the police have only arrested 25 to 30, just to save their skins. It alleges that police officials are also under undue pressure from influential extremist elements.

    The petition pleads that the Christian community is dissatisfied with the performance and discriminating behaviour of the police, as well as the proceedings of the JITs.

    It urges the court to restrain the police from engaging in illegal abduction, harassment and pressurising of the members of the Christian community at the behest of religious elements for any undue, unfair compromise and settlement.

    Advocate Shahbaz Fazal Saroya, the petitioner’s counsel, resubmitted the petition after removing the objections raised by the registrar’s office.

  • PIA bank accounts frozen over non-payment of excise duty

    PIA bank accounts frozen over non-payment of excise duty

    On Thursday, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) froze 13 bank accounts of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) after the airline failed to pay Rs8 billion in Federal Excise Duty (FED).

    PIA bank accounts that are associated with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will also be frozen, FBR officials added.

    “A decision has been made to register a first information report (FIR) against PIA officials for not submitting the FED,” said FBR officials, adding that the duty tax was not submitted despite the accounts being restored last month.

    A PIA spokesperson has said that freezing of bank accounts will not affect PIA’s flight operations.

    “There is contact at the government level. PIA’s accounts will be restored soon,” the spokesperson added.