Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Tuesday asked authorities to track a Twitter account, which had been responsible for leaking audio conversations linked to judiciary.
The CJP mentioned the Twitter account which goes by the username @indibell_.
“Check out Indibell’s Twitter handle, is it operating from outside the country or inside the country?” The CJP directed the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan.
Justice Bandial made the remark while hearing petitions against the audio leaks inquiry commission. The five-judge bench conducted the hearing is led by CJP Bandial, and includes Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shahid Waheed.
The federal government set up the Commission on May 20 in exercise of its power under Section 3 of the Pakistan Commissions of the Inquiry Act, 2017, to inquire about the audio leaks.
Right now, it looks like the Pakistani film industry is morphing, with a string of upcoming movies that cover a range of diverse topics. Babylicious is gearing up for release, an exes-to-lovers story. Kukri which explores the story of serial killer Javed Iqbal. And now, director Azfar Jafri is developing an adaptation called ‘Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning’ from the Urdu novel “Dastan-e-Amir Hamza”.
The beloved Urdu novel, is based on the Persian folklore written by Ghalib Lakhnavi in 1855. It is an epic tale about the legendary exploits and adventures of Amir Hamza and his crew. Umro Ayyar, the central character of this film, is described as a thief who is known for his cleverness and steals from the rich to help the poor.
The upcoming film will star Usman Mukhtar, Sanam Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Ali Kazmi and veteran actor Simi Raheal.
The Current reached out to Mukhtar to ask why he chose to take part in such a project, and spoke about his love for the original novels:
“I chose this project because I have loved Umro since I was a child, and have read all of its books. I was very excited when I became a part of this film.”
Mukhtar also talked about the need to familiarise today’s generation with stories like Umroo Ayyar.
“I think that it’s about time. I think there are so many stories we have in the sub-continent, in our own culture, that are un-explored that we don’t make films about. I honestly don’t understand why producers don’t focus on our own stories. I think it’s about time that it’s happening and I’m really excited and I hope people, when they watch the film, they like it.”
Mukhtar last appeared in ‘Sinf-e-Ahan’ along side Sajal Aly and Kubra Khan. In 2022, he released his horror short film ‘Gulabo Rani’ which received rave reviews from audiences, and also received the ‘Best Short Horror Film’ Award at the Los Angeles Sci-Fi & Horror Festival.
Naseeruddin Shah, Bollywood’s acting powerhouse, recently spoke to ‘Tried & Used Productions’ about the BJP government’s attacks on Urdu language. Condemning the enmity displayed towards Urdu, he said that other than Pakistan, India is the only country where the language is spoken.
However, a comment given by the actor ignited the ire of Pakistani Twitter users. Shah said that in Pakistan, people speak more Punjabi than Urdu, and Sindhi is not spoken there at all.
We would like to point out that Sindhi is the official language of Sindh province and is taught as a compulsory language in all schools there.
Turns out, Naseeruddin Shah may know everything there is to know about acting, but he doesn’t have much general knowledge.
Many users had to question Naseeruddin’s confidence in saying that Sindhi isn’t spoken in Pakistan, when in reality it is the official language of the province, and is proudly spoken by locals.
Pakistan doesn't have a whole ass province named SINDH where Sindhi is spoken and TAUGHT in schools for you to say "of course not spoken in Pakistan" with such confidence. https://t.co/kFyk0wLiwL
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has informed Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday that former chief minister Pervaiz Elahi son and two daughters-in-law committed money laundering through a peon of the Punjab Assembly.
The report submitted by the FIA revealed the son of Pervaiz Elahi, Rasikh Elahi, his wife Zara Elahi and sister-in-law Tehreem Elahi (the wife of Moonis Elahi) were involved in money laundering and used the bank accounts of Qaiser Iqbal Bhatti, who works as a peon in the Punjab Assembly.
The report also revealed that millions of rupees in unexplained transactions had been found in the accounts of Parvez Elahi’s peon and family.
According to the report, Bhatti has been engaged in mysterious transactions totaling Rs175 million.
Rasikh Elahi and others have challenged the FIA inquiry and the alleged harassment.
“No fundamental right of the petitioners is jeopardised. The FIA is investigating the case on merit,” the reports state.
According to media reports, disgruntled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen is likely to announce the formation of a new political party in 72 hours.
On Monday, Tareen visited Abdul Aleem Khan at his residence, where prominent politicians, including Ishaq Khakwani, former SAPM Aun Chaudhry, Shoaib Siddiqui and Saeed Akbar Nawan were also present.
As per details, Tareen is expected to do a news conference in 72 hours with former PTI leaders. In addition, Tareen is expected to submit an application for the registration of the new party to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). PTI members who have left the party are now joining new alliances while some are joining other parties.
Democrats Group: This group is formed by Hashim Dogar and Murad Raas There are reports that this group has 35 former MPAs and MNAs
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Haqiqi: PTI haqiqi has been formed by Rao Yasir, who previously served as PTI Multan district Youth Wing president. What parties and already established groups are these members joining?
Jahangir Khan Tareen group:
There are reports of dissident PTI members joining Jahangir Khan Tareen group. Tareen used to be a close aide of PTI chief Imran Khan.
PML-Q Group Many including Ayesha Gulalai have decided to join the Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q).
Following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9 in connection with a corruption case, the country saw violent protests as his supporters clashed with law-enforcement agencies. The protests also targeted state and military installations, which resulted in a severe crackdown on the party.
Many prominent PTI leaders were arrested including Shireen Mazari, Fawad Chahudry, Asad Umar and Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The arrests and the criticism of the party led many PTI members to quit. Most of them left the party after holding press conferences or releasing video messages condemning the events of May 9. At least 100 Members of PTI have left the party.
The member who have left the party are now joining new alliances and some are joining other parties.
Democrats Group: This group is formed by Hashim Dogar and Murad Raas There are reports that this group has 35 former MPAs and MNAs
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Haqiqi: PTI haqiqi has been formed by Rao Yasir, who previously served as PTI Multan district Youth Wing president.
What parties and already established groups are these members joining?
Jahangir Khan Tareen group: There are reports of dissident PTI members joining Jahangir Khan Tareen group. Tareen used to be a close aide of PTI chief Imran Khan.
PML-Q Group Many including Ayesha Gulalai have decided to join the Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q).
Claim: A travelling advisory issued by the United States State Department for its citizens who are travelling to Pakistan, has been circulating on social media.
“If you are traveling to Pakistan from the USA, Canada you should not use NICOP. Instead get a Pakistani visa on USA / Canadian passport.
Anyone entering Pakistan with a USA / Canadian passport will legally be considered a USA / Canadian citizen and will be entered into Pakistani Immigration Official Records as a USA / Canadian Citizen. He or she will be entitled to all the benefits and facilities available for USA / Canadian citizens”
The advisory further read: Here are some additional tips for staying safe while traveling to Pakistan: Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of potential threats. Avoid travel to areas that are known to be dangerous: The State Department has a website that lists dangerous areas. You can check this website before you travel to Pakistan.
Be careful about what you say and do: Be careful about what you say and do in public. Avoid discussing sensitive topics, such as politics or religion. Be aware of the local customs: Be respectful of the local customs and traditions.
Carry a copy of your passport and visa: Carry a copy of your passport and visa with you at all times.
Stay in touch with your family and friends: Let your family and friends know where you are going and when you expect to return. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Pakistan.
Fact: The US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) in Pakistan has clarified that the advisory is fake. https://twitter.com/State_SCA/status/1665127708957761538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1665127708957761538%7Ctwgr%5E8dc4e19d6d19e00887a321029e53f7ad8ae48414%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcurrentold.perceptiond.net%2F%3Fp%3D225138
Transgender activist Shahzadi Rai took to social media to announce that she was collaborating with Sindh Education Minister Sardar Shah to work on the first ever transgender inclusive education policy, which will allow more members of the khwaja sira community to enroll into schools and continue to pursue higher education through scholarship programs set up by universities.
"Exciting news! Our team @Gia & @NaseemShaikh17 had a meeting with Minister of Education – @sardarshah1 ,khuwajasara/trans education policy. The hard work has paid off as @SindhGovt1 is now announcing its first educational trans policy.celebrate towards a more inclusive society! pic.twitter.com/796ofcodIw
Speaking to The Current, Rai, who is working as a Violence Case Manager for Gender Alliance Initiative, spoke about the importance of the policy, which is a step forward in helping transgender individuals pursue their academic dreams and help in empowering their community:
“Through this policy, we aim to help members of the Khwaja Sira community pursue higher education, especially those who can read and write but could not study in schools. When we had our meeting to discuss this policy, one of the first things we talked about was setting up a scholarship program for the transgender community in universities. So that more transgender people can study ahead.”
We also talked about how this policy will help in setting up more safe and inclusive environments for transgender individuals:
“We had also discussed setting up more safer environments within schools for transgender people. We are forming up a draft of the things we want. Although it won’t be a part of this policy that we are drafting, but ahead in the future we will start including books with chapters that will discuss the history of the transgender community.
In this policy, we have ensured that it is strictly forbidden that no teacher can misbehave with a transgender student. Our biggest concern is to ensure that teacher’s are trans-friendly.”
Sindh Education Minister Sardar Shah was seen speaking on the importance of the education policy at the Sindh Assembly, highlighting the importance of such a step which will help members of the transgender community become equal members of our society by providing them fair education policies.
In the first, the #SindhGovt is going to announce the #TransgenderPolicy, with special facilities and scholarships so that they can continue their education and excel as equal citizens.
A twitter user named Abdullah Shahid took to Twitter to crowdfund for his Masters in Fine Arts (MFA) degree at New York University.
“Hello friends, after much deliberation, I’ve decided to try and crowdfund for the degree. I’ve made a GoFundMe and an IndieGogo (for people in Pakistan who might want to donate) and would really appreciate retweets and sharing w people! Thank you all,” he wrote in a tweet.
“My name is Abdullah and I was recently accepted into the prestigious New York University’s Grad Film MFA program. Something that I would not have thought possible in my wildest dreams but I need your help to make this dream into a reality,” his Go Fund Me me introduction read. He has set a goal of collecting $51,500 on Go Fund Me.
Many twitter users criticised him for raising funds for a film degree. However, Abdullah got more supporters than critics, receiving positive feedback from scores of people.
Have a look at Twitter reactions.
We need better films. Supporting Abdullah are one of the few steps we can make to making that happen. NYU has a great film program and the city has great professional networks https://t.co/RuMuPIIcRE
Aliya Nazir, one half the successful fashion duo behind designer brand ‘Nickie Nina’, passed away on Sunday, media outlets reported.
Publisher and Editor of Diva Magazine Rahael Rao broke the news on social media, calling the death ‘devastating’ and remembering the Pakistani fashion giant as an ‘extraordinary friend’.
“I woke up this morning to the heartbreaking news of the passing of my dear old friend, #NickieNazir, from @nickieninaofficial. Nickie was not only warm and gracious but also an extraordinary friend to have. The memories we shared together are invaluable, and the void left by their absence will be deeply felt. Nickie, your presence will be dearly missed, and the impact you made on our lives will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, dear friend.”
Soon, models and actors in the entertainment industry came forward to offer condolences and remember the late fashion designer. Actress Sajal Aly, Areeba Habib and Sami Khan were among them.
Model Mushk Kaleem was among the celebrities who sent their condolences, calling this “incredibly sad”.
Actress and singer Hadiqa Kiani sent her condolences to the late designer’s family.
VJ and actress Anoushay Ashraf remembered the late designer as a humorous and smiling person:
“Rest in peace beautiful Nickie. Today, I choose to celebrate your short but wholesome life. You lived so much more than so many. Forever in our hearts. Smiling, humorous and beautiful. To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. Wrapped in His eternal love and endless bounty, you’re home.”
Ushna Shah remembered the “Nickie Nina’ designer as a warm and kind person:
“This is so heartbreaking. She was such a warm and kind person. So beautiful, so graceful, so witty and so full of life. Inalilahewainaelerajiun- what terrible terrible news.”
Actress and former model Frieha Altaf mourned her late friend by sharing some past pictures with Nazir on vacation, and also sent love to her family.
