Tag: Pakistan

  • Pakistan needs unity more than ever

    Pakistan is celebrating its diamond jubilee, the 75th anniversary of its Independence Day today. A nation that was created in 1947 has come a long way — 75 years of resilience, hard work, commitment, struggle, dedication, and courage to keep fighting the odds. A country that is more than seven decades old sure deserves congratulations but it is high time we introspect because this 75-years-old Pakistan deserves better.

    Look around, what do you see? A nation that was built on unity, faith, and discipline lacks the core of these words. We were founded to have freedoms — the freedom to live, practice our religion, and be who we think and feel. Support whichever notion finds home within us. Have a creative and critical school of thought. Be protective of our fellow Pakistanis. Not judge them for their religious beliefs, political choices, and ethnicities.

    But what are we now? The present day’s 75-year-old Pakistan is far from the idea of its creation. How did we end up forgetting our reason for birth? How did we as a nation fail to stay in discipline and unity? This 75-year-old Pakistan is an amalgamation of extremism, fascism, political polarisation, and pluralistic ignorance. This country has been in the scientific laboratory for a long time now. It is time we find a litmus paper, unanimously to build this country. It is time we come out of this experimental phase and move toward a country that does not discriminate on the basis of gender. Where political leaders stay political and do not misuse religion as they please. Where the sole purpose and work of leaders is towards nation building. We can only hope that the 75-year-old Pakistan becomes strong for its girls and provides them an equal opportunity just like its boys. Where we provide an equal chance at life to the ones who have religious beliefs other than Islam. Where our minorities are not suppressed but rather treated as equals. Where rape, child marriages, abuse, and harassment ends.

    May we all give this country what it truly deserves because all it really takes is unity, faith, discipline, and introspection. Long live Pakistan. Pakistan Zindabad!

  • ‘We are no less than anyone in the world’: PM Shehbaz on Independence Day

    Pakistanis all across the world are celebrating the diamond jubilee of Pakistan’s independence. The day dawned with 31 gun salute in the federal capital and 21 gun salute in the provincial headquarters.

    National flags, buntings, portraits of founding fathers, posters, and banners are also seen everywhere as part of the celebration of Independence Day.

    On occasion, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, President Arif Alvi and other politicians wished the entire nation.

    Addressing a national flag-hoisting and unveiling of re-recording ceremony at Jinnah Convention Centre, PM Shehbaz said that like their forefathers, on this 75th Independence Day, they vowed to transform Pakistan into an economic power.

    “If we can become a nuclear power, we can also become an economic power but for it we have to strive day and night and prove to the world that we are no less than anyone in the world,” he added.

    On Twitter, PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of economic sovereignty. He said, “Time has come for the nation to understand what true freedom means. It is a freedom from want, hunger and poverty. Without economic sovereignty, our freedom is incomplete. Our greatest strength is our people. It is about time we place their welfare at the center of public policy.”

    “While we celebrate our hard-earned independence, Pakistan at 75 calls for deep reflection. We have yet to fully realize the dream that our founding fathers dreamed,” he added.

    The premier went to meet the orphans of the Pakistan Sweet Home in Islamabad. A video shared by PM Office on Twitter showed PM Shehbaz and children cutting the cake.

    https://twitter.com/PMO_PK/status/1558751616773173248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1558751616773173248%7Ctwgr%5E306d44900a005e0c517f096de9b9ea28a4a08c24%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F433640-child-melts-pm-shehbaz-sharifs-heart-at-independence-day-ceremony

    President Dr Arif Alvi urged the nation to remain steadfast and work wholeheartedly for the development and progress and prosperity of the country.

    “We need to remain united to overcome financial, economic and security challenges faced by the country. Let us pledge that we will remain steadfast to render any sacrifice for the dignity and self-respect of our people and greatness and glory of our beloved homeland,” the president said in a message on the 75th anniversary of Independence of Pakistan.

    The president spent his day at Kashana Orphanage. Sharing a picture, he said, “I spent my 75th Independence Day at Kashana Orphanage, a shelter for girls. These happy faces are the real future of my country. I dream of a Pakatan where every girl is educated and becomes a contributor to the national economy.”

    Foriegn Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in his message to the nation also offered his felicitations to the nation. He said, “Pakistan stands tall today as the amalgamation of both ancient and modern. While preserving our historical identity, we are a nation with our eyes on the future.”

    In his messages on the eve of Independence Day, former president Asif Ali Zardari said that the supremacy of elected parliament of the people is essential for a free, independent and dignified Pakistan. “Now the time has come to make sustainable decisions for the country and the nation by fully implementing the Charter of Democracy.”

  • Amazon bans more than 13,000 Pakistani seller accounts for  fraudulent activities

    Amazon bans more than 13,000 Pakistani seller accounts for fraudulent activities

    According to reports, Amazon has suspended more than 13,000 Pakistani seller accounts over suspicions of fraud.

    Due to government backing through Pakistan Post’s many programmes to promote the cottage industry and boost Pakistan’s exports, the trend of small business owners choosing to become Amazon Sellers has been steadily increasing over the past few years.

    Mian Chanuu and Sahiwal, two cities in Punjab, have reportedly been designated as fraudulent red zones by Amazon because vendors based there have been discovered engaging in fraudulent activities, according to GVS.

    According to sources, Amazon has also blacklisted IP addresses from Mian Channu, therefore users from these areas are now using Dubai or the computers of other customers to access their accounts.

    When a buyer orders merchandise from a phoney Amazon seller, sellers use the Kabootar technique or false tracking. Two different websites offer fake tracking services.

    However, such merchants notify the buyers that it will take 15 to 20 days to deliver their goods. Typically, Amazon credits the amount to sellers within 14 days. Since the customer believes the sellers, there are no complaints made, and after 14 days, Amazon pays the money to the seller.

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    Actual buyers never receive their things, and the dishonest vendors profit. According to reports, sellers profit significantly from this Kabootar scam.

    On the other hand, carding is the main activity of those who register for an account on a dark web website. Such individuals purchase compromised cards from such websites for $100 to $200 with all pertinent information, such as the card number, expiration date, and Card Verification Value (CVV).

    These cards are used by these vendors to purchase and resell prepaid gift cards. They can avoid being caught by the authorities in this manner.

  • Sarfaraz Ahmed thanks Sindh govt for adding his biography to grade 4 book

    Sarfaraz Ahmed thanks Sindh govt for adding his biography to grade 4 book

    Sarfaraz Ahmed’s biography has been added in the fourth standard Urdu book by Sindh. Sarfaraz Ahmed took to Twitter to thank the Sindh government for the “big honour”.

    “Thank you! This is a big honour for me. As role models we endeavour to inspire children. I would always be there to play my part in these efforts,” wrote Sarfraz while tagging the Sindh government in his tweet.

    Sarfaraz’s wife Khushbakht took to Twitter to share the news.

    “Thrilled! Just by imagining when my kids would read about their father along with friends & teacher! Can’t be more proud! Alhamdulillah,” she wrote.

    Sarfaraz has won two ICC Trophies; U19 Cricket World Cup 2006 and the Champions Trophy for Pakistan. Sarfaraz has represented Pakistan in 49 Tests, 117 ODIs and 61 T20Is, scoring 5,700 international runs.

  • ‘He shouldn’t have said that,’ Imran Khan distances himself from Shahbaz Gill’s remark

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has distanced himself from Shahbaz Gill’s controversial remarks.

    There was an objectionable sentence in Shahbaz Gill’s statement. “He shouldn’t have said that,” he stressed.

    It is being reported that Gill reportedly made a confession during interrogation. According to Geo News, Gill said, “I think I did not give the statement in digression from the party’s policy. I gave the statement after contemplation.”

    Gill was taken into custody by the Islamabad police officers for inciting the public against state institutions, on August 9. 

    Police said the inquiry regarding at whose behest Shahbaz Gill gave the statement is underway.

    Police also said that the phone recovered from Gill was a dummy set. His phone was taken away by his driver while he was being arrested, said police.

  • NCHR condemns ‘recent murder and attacks on members of the Ahmadiyya community’

    NCHR condemns ‘recent murder and attacks on members of the Ahmadiyya community’

    The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has condemned recent murder and attacks on the members of the Ahmadiyya community.

    The statement of the commission came after a 62-year-old member of the Ahmadi community named Naseer Ahmad was stabbed to death in Chenab Nagar for allegedly refusing to chant slogans in praise of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) founder Khadim Hussain Rizvi.
    “NCHR condemns the recent murder & attacks on members of Ahmadiyya community. Perpetrators of violence must face the full force of the law. FIR lodged in Chanab Nagar PS, accused Shahzad under arrest. NCHR has taken cognisance of the case.”

    A 27-year-old suspect Shehzad Hasan Siyalvi Rizvi was arrested on the spot.

    As per media reports, the man was stabbed to death near Lari Adda, Chenab Nagar, by the suspect. “The accused approached Naseer Ahmad, 62, an Ahamdi by faith and asked him to raise slogans of an Islamist party. On Ahmad’s refusal, he repeatedly stabbed and killed him on the spot,” Saleem ud Din, a spokesman for the Ahmadi community, told Reuters.

    “We are investigating the motive behind the murder, (the suspect’s) links to any Islamist party have not been found yet,” said Asad Rehman, a senior police officer in Chiniot district.

    An investigation team headed by senior officers has been formed to investigate the incident and police are in contact with the victim’s family.

    
    
  • ‘Absolutely no truth,’ PTI denies Imran Khan had a video call with US envoy

    ‘Absolutely no truth,’ PTI denies Imran Khan had a video call with US envoy

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan allegedly contacted United States (US) Ambassador Donald Blome via a video call. The alleged video call took place on August 4 (Thursday) around 1:45 pm to 2:15 pm, reports Muhammad Saleh Zaafir for The News.

    However, Shireen Mazari denied these reports and said this is “part of vilification campaign” planned against Imran Khan.

    During the alleged conversation between the US envoy and PTI chief, Khan expressed reservations about the US policy against his then-government in the Centre, reports Khalid Azim Chaudhry for Samaa News. In response, the ambassador said that he has been in the office for only two months. However, he assured Khan that he would convey the message to the Biden administration.

    The video call allegedly took place after the meeting between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Mahmood Khan and Donald Blome last week in Peshawar. Blome visited the provincial capital to hand over ambulances to the government. Mahmood Khan reportedly arranged a call between his party chief and the US official.

    Absolutely no truth: Shireen Mazari

    Former federal minister and PTI leader Shireen Mazari denied that there has been any contact between Khan and Blome.

    “There is absolutely no truth in Imran Khan having had any conversation on cell/video link with US envoy Blome. It is part of a vilification campaign planned against IK by an Imported govt terrified of IK politically. We expect more such fake claims and evidence will follow,” tweeted Shireen Mazari.

    “We do not comment on what transpires during private diplomatic meetings like the one between Ambassador Blome and the KP chief minister,” said US Embassy spokesman Nick Hersh.

    Khan blamed the US for his ouster and accused the Biden administration for the success of the vote of no-confidence against him.

  • VIDEO: Promo of re-recorded national anthem of Pakistan

    VIDEO: Promo of re-recorded national anthem of Pakistan

    To mark the 75th anniversary of the Independence of Pakistan, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif will unveil the re-recorded national anthem on August 14 at the national flag hoisting ceremony.

    A promo of the re-recorded national anthem has been released.

    “Official release of the re-recorded National Anthem on 14th August 2022 by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. First time the National Anthem has been re-recorded since the original release in 1954,” tweeted the official account of Government of Pakistan.

    Formed in June 2021, and further mandated by the present Government in April 2022, the Steering Committee has endeavoured to create a re-recording of the original national anthem that reflects updated inclusivity in voices and expression while ensuring the sanctity of the original words and the musical composition.

    Happy that project started under my special instructions is now complete: Fawad Chaudhry

    Former Information Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry tweeted on August 6 that he is very happy that this project, which was initiated by the Ministry of Information under his special instructions, has been completed.

    National anthem of Pakistan

    The stirring, powerful musical score by Ahmed Ghulam Ali Chagla was formally approved in 1949 by then-Prime Minister Quaid-e-Millat, Liaquat Ali Khan. However, the beautiful, inspiring words, as written later by Abu Al-Asar Hafeez Jalandhari were formally approved and then recorded with the music in 1954. That first recording featured a limited number of voices and used the modest technical facilities available at that time. In the succeeding 68 years, there have been major developments in music technology as also the emergence of diverse musical talent across the country.

    In planning to produce new vocal and instrumental versions of the unchanged original words and composition, the Steering Committee applied an all-inclusive, gender-balanced approach and enlisted vocalists from diverse regional, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, from all religious faiths and musical genres. 48 musicians from the army, air force and navy bands skilfully played the musical instruments.

    Re-recording of national anthem

    The re-recording in 2022 becomes an occasion to celebrate the rich diversity of the nation and reflect the unique national identity and solidarity of the people of Pakistan.

    A choir comprising of 30 vocalists rehearsed at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Karachi for several weeks, and in June 2022, 125 vocalists representing all provinces, regions and faiths were invited to participate in rehearsals and recordings in Islamabad. These artists were selected after the publication of public notices in leading newspapers inviting expressions of interest resulting in an online registration process. Prior to the recording, all the selected 155 vocalists, including well-known artists, were mentored and rehearsed, and an artist kit was shared with them. This contained lyrics, translations and pronunciation guides. It was imperative that the Re-recording of the National Anthem of Pakistan was rendered correctly while maintaining its historic sanctity and rich legacy. State-of-the-art digital technology was used to record multiple tracks and to complete the mixing and fusion to create clear, distinct, powerful vocal and instrumental versions. A colourful, kaleidoscopic video featuring the new version has also been produced by Num Films.

    Steering Committee of the Re-Recording of the National Anthem of Pakistan

    The Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Re-Recording of the National Anthem of Pakistan is Senator (r) Javed Jabbar. The 16 members comprise of 10 persons who served on a voluntary basis and 5 senior civil officials and one senior military official. The Secretary of Information Ministry is also a member. The audio sub-committee includes Arshad Mahmud, Brigadier Imran Naqvi (ISPR), Rohail Hyatt, Talha Ali Khushwaha, Ustad Nafees Ahmed, Layaqzada Layaq and Dr. Zulfiqar Qureishi. The video sub-committee’s convenor is Satish Anand.

    Choir and vocalists

    Abdullah Qureshi, Abid Brohi, Abid Wilson, Adil Baloch, Ahmad Gul, Ahmed Jahanzeb, Ahsan Ali, Aizaz Sohail, Akbar Ali, Akbar Ali Khan, Akhtar Chanaal, Ali Hamdani, Ali Hamza, Alycia Dias, Amanullah Nasar, Anamta Saleem Sabri (Sabri Sisters), Aqdas Asif, Arif Khan, Arif Lohar, Arqam Khan, Asfar Hussain, Asim Baloch, Bakhtiar Khattak, Bilal Ali, Bilal Asvad, Bilal Saeed, Bisma Abdullah, Dr. Essa Kakar, Essa Khajjak, Fakhir Mehmood, Fariha Pervez, Fozia Yasmeen (Manwa Sisters), Goher Mumtaz, Haider Ali, Hamayoon Khan, Hamza Tanveer, Haroon Shahid, Humaira Javed, Hussain Baksh, Iman Shahid, Irfan Ali Taj, Irfan Khan, Islam Habib, Jabar Abbas, Jana Nazareth, Jasim Haider, Jia Nauman, Junaid Javed, Karan Khan, Kashif Din, Kashif Zafar, Kehkashan Khan, Khalid Jahangir, Khurram Iqbal, Laila Khan, Lucky Khan, Maham Waqar, Maria Unera, Mehak Ali, Moez Mohamand, Naseer Afridi, Nasir Butt, Natasha Humera Ejaz, Nauman Lasharie, Niaz Balti, Nida Irtiza, Nimra Gilani, Nimra Rafiq, Nirmal Roy, Nirmala Maghani, Noman Asmet, Quaid Ahmed, Rabia Nazar, Rachel Johnson, Rafia Ali, Rahim Khan, Raisa Raisani, Rameez Mukhtar, Razia Abrar, Rizwan Anwar, Saba Noreen (Manwa Sisters), Sadiq Hussain, Sahir Ali Bagga, Sajjad Gohar, Salman Paras, Saman Areej (Sabri Sisters), Sana Tajik, Sanwal Esakhelvi, Sardar Amar, Sehar Gul Khan, Shahab Hussain, Shahmir Quidwai, Shaina Johnson, Shamu Bai, Shaukat Faqeer, Sherry Raza, Shuja Haider, Sibtain Khalid, Sidra Kanwal, Sitara Younas, Sumraan Shafique, Sunny Sam, Tahir Feroz, Taj Mastani, Tehmina Tariq (Gospel Singer), Tina Sani, Umair Jaswal, Urooj Fatima, Usman Withd, Vishnu, Wajahat Aalmi, Wajiha Naqvi, Wali Ullah Farooqi, Yamsa Noor, Yashwa Ayub, Yasir Khan Milzai, Zara Madani, Zarish Kaleem, Zeb Bangash, Zeek Afridi, Zeeshan Ali, Zille Huma (Manwa Sisters), Zoha Zuberi, Zohaib Zaman, and Zubin Ernest (Gospel Singer).

    Artists from the National Academy of Performing Arts

    Ahsan Sheikh, Aleeza Fatima, Angeli Sarfraz, Christina Nayamat, Cynthia Rose, Elisha William, Fahad Maqsood, Hassan Mirza, Hiba Asim, Julian Qaiser, Khadeeja Imtiaz, Komal Soomro, Mahnoor Sahar, Muhammad Khizar Rizvi, Muhammad Minaam, Myron Jasper, Nasfa Nizar, Natasha Sharif, Neha Fahim Khan, Nigel, Obaid Ahmed Siddique, Rimsha Masud Qureshi, Sajar Nafees, Sameer Hamza, Simal Nafees, Syed Rizwan Mehdi, Tabita J Nasim, Usama Anwer, Yashwa John, and Zeeshan Zafar.

    Official National Anthem Re-Recording Project links:

  • Video: European Union ambassador plays Pakistan’s national anthem on trumpet

    Video: European Union ambassador plays Pakistan’s national anthem on trumpet

    The newly appointed Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Dr Riina Kionka, played Pakistan’s national anthem on trumpet. The video was shared by the official account of the European Union.

    “On the 75th Independence Day Amb Dr Riina Kionka, plays Qaumi Tarana on trumpet, as a special gesture of honour to Pakistan on 14th August. 2022 marks 60 years of long-standing.”

    Dr Riina Kionka met Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today (August 11). The Prime Minister underlined that Pakistan attached high importance to its relations with the EU as well as its historically close and cooperative bilateral ties with EU member states.

  • 12 important things you need to know before buying a used iPhone

    12 important things you need to know before buying a used iPhone

    There are countless loyal iPhone users throughout the world since the Apple iPhone is without a doubt the best flagship phone on the market.

    Users of Apple products are less inclined to switch to another brand since they are accustomed to its pristine interface, superior quality, and astounding performance.

    Due to the fact that iPhones are among the most expensive cellphones available, some customers opt to purchase used iPhones as they cannot afford a new one.

    If you’re buying the most recent model, there might not be a problem, but if you’re buying an iPhone that is between one and three years old, there are several things you should look into before buying your pricey used iPhone as many of the available used iPhones have been refurbished or repaired due to a fault.

    A layperson can be easily scammed if he is unaware of things he should check before buying. Here are 12 most important things to keep in mind before getting a second hand iPhone:

    Refurbish check

    Look at the “Model Number” entry under Settings > General > About to see if the iPhone is a refurbished model. This number has been refurbished by Apple or a carrier if it begins with an F.

    Repaired or sealed

    The presence of screws or the removal of the paint could indicate that the phone has been fixed, but occasionally repair shops open very carefully and leave no trace at all.

    Screen fitting and allignment

    Check the screen’s edges and all of its sides for gaps, glue stains, or misaligned panels that could indicate that the iPhone’s screen is replaced.

    Spots in LCD

    Try covering the screen with black and white wallpaper and look for any blemishes or shades. Any stains or lines indicate that the screen is damaged, and some small stains may eventually become larger.

    True tone functionality

    Find the ‘True Tone’ option in the control centre by holding the brightness controller down for two seconds or by checking the display settings. The screen panel is original if the True Tone is visible and functional.

    3d touch test

    The iPhone’s 3D touch functionality can be tested by pressing and holding images or apps for two seconds, or by using a live wallpaper.

    Battery Health

    To determine whether the battery health is greater than 80%, go to settings and select battery. If not, the battery needs to be replaced and may require service.

    Check both speakers

    If you plan to purchase an iPhone 7 or higher edition, test the top and bottom speakers by playing some music or a ringtone. Both speakers should be functional while playing any audio.

    Test all camera modes

    Many consumers wind up purchasing an iPhone with a faulty camera. Every camera mode should be tested, especially the portrait mode. If the camera fails to identify objects and keeps taking blurry pictures, it may be damaged.

    Blacklist check

    This is a very crucial point to bear in mind while purchasing from dubious sources. Numerous consumers in Pakistan have fallen victim to scams and purchased blacklisted or software unlocked phones that were misrepresented to them as factory unlocked devices. Before making the purchase, try factory reseting the device.

    Check IMEI on sim tray

    Many individuals do not consider checking the iPhone’s sim tray, despite the fact that it is one of the most crucial things one should check.

    If the IMEI of the phone and the one listed on the sim tray do not match, the original sim tray might not be present since the iPhone may have spent a lot of time in a repair shop.

    Verify PTA compliance

    To check if the device is PTA approved, copy and paste the IMEI number displayed in the settings or dial *#06# and email the IMEI to 8484.

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    Additionally, purchasing an iPhone from a store is highly recommended over doing it online.

    Following all these steps, you can find a flawless iPhone and reduce your chance of being scammed.