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Tag: Pakistan

  • Transgender activist Zaakraa’s story takes sinister turn, wipes all previous posts

    Transgender activist Zaakraa’s story takes sinister turn, wipes all previous posts

    TRIGGER WARNING: discussion of abuse, torture, homophobia

    Zaakraa has wiped out all of her social media posts, and posted a video saying she didn’t mean what she said previously, and had said it because she had anxiety.

    “I had uploaded my last video on the recommendation of someone, and at that point I was panicking and severely depressed. I am sorry for everything, and for insulting anyone.”

    Meanwhile, transgender activists Hina Baloch and Mehrub Moiz Awan have alleged that Zaakraa has been ‘kidnapped’ by the facility after she made public allegations of suffering abuse, torture and beatings while she stayed there.

    Mehrub Moiz revealed she was on the phone with Zaakraa for eight seconds when she heard screaming and a voice saying: “Dr Imran is here.”

    Hina Baloch requested friends from Lahore to spread the word so she may be found.

    Soon after Zaakraa took to Instagram, deleting her previous videos.

    A transgender activist who goes by the name Zaakraa has appeared back online after disappearing from social media for six months.

    She has posted videos on her Twitter and Instagram page, stating that her parents forced her to take conversion therapy at the Focus Life Rehabilitation Centre, detailing the torture and abuse she was subjected to at the hands of the doctors.

    In the video, Zaakraa says that for three months, she was stripped naked, beaten, and slapped by staff when she refused to eat because of her eating disorder. She also revealed that Dr Samina, who was present at the clinic, would question why Zaakraa was so invested in Aurat March, and other issues related to women. Another psychiatrist, Dr Imran, was informed by Zaakraa’s sister about his bisexuality. He berated the activist for his support for Aurat March and Moorat March.

    https://twitter.com/BubblesKhanum2/status/1688117427241095168?s=20

    The Current reached out to Zaakraa for a statement. She responded as follows:

    “I want Focus Life Rehab to be held accountable.”

    Zaakraa also shared pictures on her social media account of the doctors who she says were responsible for the torture and abuse during the time she was there.

    https://twitter.com/zaakraaaa/status/1688171062243315712?s=20

    We have reached out to Focus Life for a statement, and will update the article with their response.

    Prominent transgender activists like Mehrub Moiz Awan have expressed outrage on social media and called for the organisation to be shut down.

  • Season 2 of ‘Fairy Tale’ is back and social media users are enchanted as ever

    Season 2 of ‘Fairy Tale’ is back and social media users are enchanted as ever

    Just a few months after receiving critical acclaim for Season One, Hum TV’s beloved drama ‘Fairy Tale’ is back with a second season. The series, penned by Sarah Majeed, revolves around the energetic, fun-loved Umeed Pasha (played by Sehar Khan), a middle class girl who dreams of getting rich. Farjaad Khan (played by Hamza Sohail), her complete opposite in many ways, finds her naiveness opposing with his stiff and cold demeanor, but slowly comes to fall in love with her.

    The first season wrapped in April, with fans across India and Pakistan showering praise on the powerful female lead, the romance and the stellar script writing. The overwhelming praise

    Newcomers Hamza and Sehar were taken aback by the meteoric rise of the show, while in an interview with Fuchsia, Ali Safina admitted being shocked by how popular the show was.

    In this season, Umeed and Farjaad are more in love than they were previously, as she gears up to start her career as well as being married to Farjaad. The story wouldn’t be memorable without hilarious road blocks between our beloved kharoos and his larki right? The fanbase has not gone anywhere, already heaping praise on the first episode.

    https://twitter.com/phirleayadil_/status/1687878161491755008?s=20

  • Pakistan launches its own WhatsApp-like messaging platform called Beep

    Pakistan launches its own WhatsApp-like messaging platform called Beep

    Federal Minister for Information Technology Syed Amin Ul Haque unveiled ‘Beep Pakistan,’ the country’s own messaging app, to serve as an alternative to the popular platform WhatsApp. The app was introduced during a launching ceremony, where Minister Haque emphasised its significance for Pakistan’s IT industry.

    During the initial 30-day trial run, ‘Beep Pakistan’ will facilitate internal communication between the Ministry of IT and Communication and the National Information Technology Board (NITB). In subsequent phases, the app will be rolled out to all government departments and eventually made available to the general public across the country.

    Minister Haque acknowledged that while neighbouring countries like India and Bangladesh had already introduced alternative messaging apps, Pakistan was still making a crucial stride in the right direction. He highlighted the app’s unique selling point, assuring users that it will be 100% secure, with its servers and source code residing in Pakistan.

    The app boasts an array of features, including data sharing, audio calling, video calling, and conference calling capabilities. Its focus on data security and privacy resonates with the nation’s growing concerns regarding cybersecurity.

    Praising the efforts of the National Information Technology Board (NITB), Minister Haque expressed pride in Pakistan’s successful creation of a WhatsApp alternative. The app’s development signifies the country’s ambition to bolster its domestic IT industry and reduce dependency on foreign platforms.

    According to Brecorder, beyond messaging app developments, Minister Haque highlighted the Ministry of IT’s broader initiatives. Over the last 3.5 years, the ministry has spearheaded 83 new projects, investing a total of Rs77 billion across Pakistan. These projects primarily targeted second- and third-tier cities to enhance connectivity and digital infrastructure in remote areas.

    Additionally, the Ministry of IT has been actively promoting digital literacy and skills development among young Pakistanis. As of now, over 3.3 million children have received digital skills training, empowering them with valuable knowledge for the digital era.

    The government has also demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem through the establishment of three new National Incubation Centres (NIC) during Minister Haque’s tenure. These centres provide vital support and resources to budding entrepreneurs and innovators across the country.

    As ‘Beep Pakistan’ begins its trial phase, expectations are high for the app to gain traction among government officials and eventually become a popular communication tool for citizens. With an emphasis on security, user-friendly features, and localization, the app aims to carve its own path in the digital landscape of Pakistan.

  • India landing on the moon makes us miss Fawad Chaudhry and his wadaa

    India landing on the moon makes us miss Fawad Chaudhry and his wadaa

    India’s space agency has shared pictures of their spacecraft Chandrayaan-3, as the rover gets closer and closer to the surface of the planet. BBC revealed that by August 23, Chandrayaan’s rover and lander are due to reach the surface of the earth. It was released from the Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota in the Andhra Pradesh state on July 14.

    This would be the second time after thirteen years that the country has launched a spacecraft to the moon. The first time was in 2008 after which the discovery of the presence of water molecules in the moon’s atmosphere was made.

    Scientists from the Indian Space Research Agency (ISRO) spoke to the media, stating that Chandrayaan-3 was in “good health”, adding that this was the third time in succession that ISRO had successfully injected a spacecraft into a lunar orbit.

    If the mission is successful this would make India the first country to perform a controlled soft landing near the south pole, and the fourth country after USA, China and the former Soviet Union to achieve a soft landing on the moon.

    Congratulations to India but we do remember how a certain promise was made by the former Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry, whol announced in a tweet in 2019 that by the year 2022, Pakistan will send their first person to space. He even mentioned that selection for the project was to begin by Feb 2020 after which 25 people will be selected. Kya hua tera wada, wo qasam wo iraada?

  • Pakistan Cricket Team confirms participation in ICC World Cup 2023 in India

    Pakistan Cricket Team confirms participation in ICC World Cup 2023 in India

    The Pakistan Cricket Team has been granted the green light to travel to India for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2023, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Monday.

    In a press release, MOFA underscored the significance of sportsmanship and the country’s passion for cricket, stating that Pakistan has always promoted the idea that politics should be kept separate from sports. “Regardless of our bilateral relations with India, we believe in upholding our international sports-related commitments,” the statement said.

    However, the ministry also expressed deep concern about the safety and security of the team during their stay in India. These concerns have been duly communicated to both the ICC and Indian authorities. The MOFA stressed, “Pakistan, however, has deep concerns about the security of its Cricket Team. We have conveyed these concerns to the International Cricket Council and the Indian Authorities.”

    The MOFA’s statement also recalled India’s refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. In contrast, Pakistan’s decision to participate in the World Cup in India exhibits a constructive and responsible approach, as emphasized by the ministry.

    This decision marks an important step in separating sports from political tensions, while prioritizing player safety and maintaining international sportsmanship standards. As preparations for the ICC World Cup 2023 continue, the world eagerly anticipates the performances of the participating teams.

  • PTI wants Imran Khan to be transferred to Adiala Jail for A-class facilities

    PTI wants Imran Khan to be transferred to Adiala Jail for A-class facilities

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed an appeal with the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday, asking that party Chairman Imran Khan be transferred to Adiala Jail for A-class facilities.

    According to the petition, “Since childhood, the petitioner is from an affluent family, and later, due to his education, habits, and social and political status in the society, has got accustomed to a better mode of life. He is a graduate of Oxford University, UK, and the captain of Pakistan national Cricket”.

    After a district and sessions court found Imran guilty in the Tosha Khana case on August 5, he was arrested on the same day and taken to Attock Jail.

    Judge Humayun Dilawar sentenced Imran Khan to three years imprisonment and fined him one lac rupees. According to the judgement, “Charges of misdeclaration of assets have been proven against the PTI chairman”.

    Imran Khan’s lawyer, Naeem Haider Panjotha, filed a petition today to transfer Imran Khan to Adiala Jail. It was also mentioned in the appeal that Imran Khan is living in a “small cell of 9 x 11 feet” in Attock Jail.

    A-class prisoners get a 21-inch television, a table and two chairs, a mattress, personal bedding and clothing, while all meals are provided for. However , the prisoner needs to pay for all this. The government is only responsible for giving them security in a high-security ward.


    A-class inmates are kept separate from ordinary prisoners but it is not the same in the case of B-class prisoners.


    Attock district jail has multiple facilities for the prisoners. Prisoners can play Luddo and Carrom board. There is a rehabilitation center in the jail.
    One medical officer and a women medical officer are also available for medical treatment, if needed.

  • Arslan Ash wins EVO Tekken 7 Championship for 4th time

    Arslan Ash wins EVO Tekken 7 Championship for 4th time

    Pakistani Tekken master Arslan Ash has won the EVO Championship held in Las Vegas (USA) on Sunday. He has won the EVO title for the 4th time; twice in Japan, and twice in the USA. He is still undefeated in EVO Championship.
    Arslan Ash also won the EVO Japan Combo breaker this year. His winning percentage with ZAFINA is 76% while with KUNIMITSU, it stands at 72%.
    In the top 6, Arslan beat Ulsan where he was so close to a upset but at the last moment, he prevailed. Then he beat AO twice in finals and then in the grand finals by 3-0.
    His last obstacle in this year is the Tekken World Tour.

  • Rizwana torture case: Judge’s wife claims Rizwana never worked for her, says she wants to commit suicide

    Rizwana torture case: Judge’s wife claims Rizwana never worked for her, says she wants to commit suicide

    An Islamabad court has on Tuesday reserved verdict on appeal to grant physical remand of Somia Asim, the wife of a civil Judge accused of torturing Rizwana.

    During the hearing, the police requested the court for the suspect’s physical remand for further investigation. The defense lawyer argued that the police have been investigating since Somia Asim got arrested, and emphasizing that she has nothing to do with it.

    Furthermore, Somia while giving her statement to the court, shared that she has been facing a lot of criticism and pressure, even though she has not been proven guilty yet. She said that she’s a mother of three and with the current circumstances she feels like committing suicide.

    Stating that she is being given a “media trial”, Somia also complained about media coverage while she is being brought to the court, to which the judge replied that it doesn’t matter because she is fully covered and no one could see her face.

    The judge also inquired about the victim’s health. Rizwana’s sister apprised the court that she is doing better and has been shifted out of the ICU.

    Later, the court reserved the verdict.

    On Monday, the main suspect Somia Asim was arrested from the court after her bail plea was rejected.

    The court went on to issue an arrest warrant against Somia Asim, the wife of a civil judge, after she presented herself in the court of Additional Sessions Judge Farrukh Farid.

    During the court hearing, Asim’s lawyer claimed that she had appeared before the JIT and proclaimed her innocence. He stated that police records did not indicate any instances of violence committed by Asim. In addition, the defense attorney maintained that Somia had tried to send the minor girl back multiple times and had eventually handed her over to her mother.

    However, the plaintiff’s lawyer contested the claims, stating that Rizwana, aged between 13 and 14, had been repeatedly subjected to torture. According to him, employing a minor is an illegal act in itself. He pointed out that the civil judge and his wife should have been aware of this illegality. He further claimed that there were allegations of blackmail against the girl’s parents.

    He questioned how parents could cause such severe injuries to their own daughter and pointed out that the medical report of the girl had not been challenged by defense lawyers.

    The plaintiff’s lawyer questioned the basis on which the accused was seeking an extension of her bail. He argued that if women are granted bail in such grave cases, it would lead to societal decay.

    The shocking incident of severe torture on a teenage maid allegedly perpetrated by the wife of a civil judge in Islamabad has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. The victim, a resident of Sargodha, was shifted to Lahore General Hospital, prompting an investigation into accusations against the judge’s wife.

  • Shaadi season abhi tak chal raha hai? Pakistani woman marries Indian man virtually

    Shaadi season abhi tak chal raha hai? Pakistani woman marries Indian man virtually

    Ye konsa shaadi ka jadoo hai jo Pakistan mein khatam nahi ho raha? Lagta hai sirf KPK nahin hai jahan kay paani mein kuch hai. Another cross-border wedding took place on Sunday when a woman from Karachi, Ameena, married Arbaaz from India, as reported by the Hindustan Times.

    Arbaaz comes from the Indian city of Jodhpur. He is related to Armeena. An Indian outlet reported that a previous family member had also married a woman from a neighboring country.

    Arbaaz’s father Mohammad Afzal spoke to the local media, telling them that the ceremony was held in a simple way in a virtual ceremony.

    “A grandson of mine is a chartered accountant, who is married to a girl from Pakistan. Seeing their happiness, Ameena’s family asked our son’s hand in marriage, which we accepted,” the father gushed about the wedding.

    Arbaaz revealed to the media that his wife would be applying for a visa, and said that the ceremony was held online otherwise they would have to obtain visas twice.  “I didn’t marry in Pakistan as it would not be recognised and we would have to remarry on reaching India.”

    Previously, an Indian woman named Anju travelled to Pakistan, to marry her lover Nasrullah, after meeting him on Facebook.

    READ MORE: Anju weds Nasrullah: Bride’s father breaks all ties

    Afterwards a string of marriages sprung up on the news, including women from Chile, China and Mexico, all travelling within the same month to marry the Pakistani men they met on social media.

    READ MORE: Dir-Zara? Indian woman flies to Upper Dir to marry Pakistani man

  • Hafeez Sheikh in, Ishaq Dar out; Rana Sanaullah says interim PM names shortlisted

    Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said on Sunday that former finance minister Hafeez Shaikh has been shortlisted among the names being discussed for caretaker prime minister.

    Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the National Assembly would be dissolved three days before the completion of its tenure, on August 9.

    The assembly will complete its term on August 12, in which case the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would be responsible for holding the election in the next 60 days.

    Speaking on Geo News’ programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, Sanaullah said that the name of a retired judge of Supreme Court is also among the shortlisted candidates for caretaker PM.

    “The interim prime minister will be finalised by Tuesday or Wednesday (August 8 or 9),” he added.

    He also mentioned that the names of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi are not among the shortlisted candidates.