Chinese engineer in police protection after blasphemy accusation
A Chinese supervisor at the Dasu hydropower project in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Kohistan district is under police protection after workers accused him of blasphemy, officials said Monday. Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in the country as even rumours of sacrilegious remarks can incite lynch mobs and deadly violence. "The Chinese national has been taken to a safe place as a precautionary measure," Muhammad Nazir, a police official in Dasu, told AFP. It is among a number of Chinese firms that have taken on infrastructure contracts in the country despite the security threats to Chinese nationals. Rights groups say hundreds of people are languishing in prison accused of blasphemy as judges delay trials, fearing retribution against themselves.
Source:The Express Tribune
April 18, 2023 01:58 UTC
The tragic reality of life in Pakistan
- Advertisement -One of the key steps that must be taken is to prioritise mental health support and resources for children. This includes providing access to counselling and therapy services as well as increasing awareness and education around mental health and wellbeing. Besides, mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are often cited as key factors leading to suicide among children in Pakistan. This means that children who are struggling with mental health issues may not receive the care and treatment they need. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) reports that many child labourers in Pakistan work long hours in dangerous and derogatory conditions.
Source:Pakistan Today
April 18, 2023 00:35 UTC
Enthralling speeches at ‘All Pakistan Declamation Contest’ highlight Constitution as embodiment of People’s Rights
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly in close cooperation of the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) on Monday held an enthralling ‘Final Round of All Pakistan Declamation Contest’ to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Constitution of Pakistan (1973-2023)here at PIPS auditorium. National Assembly Speaker and PIPS BoG President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf graced the occasion as the chief guest in a closely competitive contest which together packed auditorium with galaxy of over 160 participants. The event began with recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem of Pakistan. On behalf of the Parliament, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf welcomed all the participants and students for attending the declamation contest celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Constitution of Pakistan. Members of the National Assembly Asiya Azeem and Shahida Rehmani as well as Senator Farhatullah Babar also present on the occasion.
Source:Pakistan Today
April 17, 2023 23:25 UTC
Pakistan’s predicament: three scenarios
Second scenario is that the Supreme Court manages to ensure elections in Punjab and K-P provinces despite strong opposition by the 13-party coalition government. Will this lead to any semblance of political stability? With a fresh mandate in Punjab, PTI would make life difficult for the government at the Centre. Elections usually lead to some sense of political stability since it allows the winning party to have a fresh mandate of the electorate. But in the current situation without any understanding between the stakeholders, elections in Pakistan are unlikely to bring any stability.
Source:The Nation
April 17, 2023 22:48 UTC
Govt circumvents SC order on poll funds
The government on Monday orchestrated another move in collaboration with the National Assembly to circumvent the Supreme Court’s order to the central bank for allocation of Rs21 billion funds for the elections in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The cabinet, in its turn, referred the matter to the National Assembly for a decision, which played the final stroke. However, the discussions in the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance revealed that the government did not have any intention to give the money to the ECP. The committee unanimously referred the matter to the National Assembly for a decision with a recommendation to reject the proposal. The ultimate purse power rests with the National Assembly.
Source:The Express Tribune
April 17, 2023 18:45 UTC
Unequal nation
Income inequality has become a persistent issue in our society, with significant implications for economic justice and fair distribution of resources. Addressing income inequality requires a concerted effort to prioritize economic justice and equity. It is also important to ensure that marginalized communities have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. The issue of income inequality is not just a matter of fairness, but also has broader implications for our society as a whole. Conversely, when everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive, our society as a whole benefits from increased productivity, innovation, and wellbeing.
Source:The Nation
April 17, 2023 12:53 UTC
Muslim Indian ex-lawmaker, brother shot dead on live TV
lice and media surround the area where former MP Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf were shot in Uttar Pradesh, India, Saturday, April 15, 2023. PHOTO: APA former Indian lawmaker convicted of kidnapping and facing murder and assault charges was shot dead along with his brother in a dramatic attack that was caught live on TV in northern India, officials said Sunday. Uttar Pradesh is governed by India’s ruling Hindu-nationalist Bhartiya Janata Party. “They managed to reach close to Atiq and his brother on the pretext of recording a byte and fired at them from close range. Atiq Ahmad, 60, was jailed in 2019 after he was convicted of kidnapping.
Source:The Express Tribune
April 17, 2023 03:00 UTC
IMF puts a damper on early deal hopes
The mission chief said there was agreement on the need to secure sufficient financing to support the authorities’ implementation efforts. Highly-placed sources told The Express Tribune that the IMF was seeking confirmation for the total $6 billion loans that Pakistan urgently needs to bridge the external financing gap. Four days ago, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had requested the IMF to show some flexibility and strike a staff-level deal which, according to him, can pave the way for arranging the rest of the loans. They added if the foreign commercial banks just give an assurance to the IMF, it will be sufficient to strike a deal. On Friday, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had announced that the United Arab Emirates had given an assurance to the IMF for a $1 billion loan to Islamabad.
Source:The Express Tribune
April 16, 2023 14:27 UTC
Funds for Punjab, K-P polls can be released ‘immediately'
“The sum of Rs21bn shall be and become available to and with the election commission in immediately releasable and utilisable funds for the purposes of holding the general elections to the Punjab and K-P assemblies,” the court order read. The court also observed that the required funds could be made available to the ECP “immediately and within a matter of a day”. Referring to it, the judges observed that the SBP acting governor had explained that these amounts constituted the Federal Consolidated Fund. “The amount lying in Account No I (Non-Food) (“Account I”) constitutes by far the largest component of the Fund (being 98.77 per cent thereof as of the date for which the data was provided),” the court order read. Earlier, the AGP submitted on behalf of the government a two-page document to the court detailing the federal coalition’s stance on the matter.
Source:The Express Tribune
April 16, 2023 12:57 UTC
MacKinnon scores 3, Avs beat Predators 4-3 to win Central
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates with Samuel Girard (49) after MacKinnon scored against the Nashville Predators during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 14, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)Nathan MacKinnon had three goals and an assist as the Colorado Avalanche beat the Nashville Predators 4-3 on Friday night to win the Central Division title. Kiefer Sherwood scored twice, Luke Evangelista added one and Kevin Lankinen made 30 saves for the Predators. “These guys have put their heart and soul into this season, this regular season,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “That’s kind of the summary of the season,” Sherwood said.
Source:The Express Tribune
April 15, 2023 14:50 UTC
WTA to make China return after Peng boycott
Professional women's tennis tournaments will resume in China in September after a 16-month boycott over concerns for the safety of Chinese player Peng Shuai, the WTA announced on Thursday. "In 2021, when Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai bravely came forward, the WTA took a stance and suspended its operation of events in China out of concern for her safety and the safety of our players and staff," it said. "After 16 months of suspended tennis competition in China and sustained efforts at achieving our original requests, the situation has shown no sign of changing," the WTA said. "For these reasons, the WTA is lifting its suspension of the operation of tournaments in the People's Republic of China and will resume tournaments in China this September." "We also have received assurances that WTA players and staff operating in China will be safe and protected while in the country.
Source:The Express Tribune
April 14, 2023 00:40 UTC
Salem officials approve funds to design new police station
Lawrence - Robin (Roberts) Chiaramonte, 63, a resident of Lawrence, MA, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA. The daughter of the late Mack D. and Marjorie (Crowell) Roberts, Robin was born and educated in Somerville, MA and was a 1977 gr…
Source:The Express Tribune
April 13, 2023 20:44 UTC
Zohaib breezes into ATF U14 singles semis, doubles final in Dushanbe
Share:Zohaib Afzal Malik (of SA Group) has breezed into the singles semifinals and doubles final of the 6th leg ATF Aslomudin Open U14 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. According to Zohaib’s mother Milli Aamir from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in a very tough match of singles quarterfinals, Zohaib kept his nerves and beat his opponent Arafat Mustafa 7-5, 6-0. Zohaib fully dominated the second set and won it convincingly by 6-0 to earn a place in the semifinals. In the doubles semifinals, Zohaib, partnering with Imran Ahundov, outpaced Ramazoni Ismoilov and Shokhruh Negmatov 6-2, 6-1. Talking to The Nation from Dushanbe, Zohaib said: “I am determined to finish the last and 6th consecutive ATF event on a high note.
Source:The Nation
April 13, 2023 16:50 UTC
SC summons top officials over polls funds
A general view of the Supreme Court of Pakistan building at the evening hours, in Islamabad, Pakistan April 7, 2022. In its notices issued on Wednesday, the apex court has asked the officials to appear in the chief justice’s chamber on April 14 [tomorrow]. A day earlier, the ECP in its report to the top court highlighted that the government had failed to disburse the funds and was reluctant to provide the money. The SC observed that the “disobedience” by the federal government would place the holding of timely elections as mandated by the Constitution in “jeopardy”. It added that it was facing difficulties in issuing the schedule for the polls because of the lack of funds.
Source:The Express Tribune
April 13, 2023 13:23 UTC
Clips show Maryam getting caught off guard
A couple of unaired video clips of Maryam Nawaz’s recent interview with a local TV channel show the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief organiser getting caught off guard when asked about her assets and Toshakhana gifts. The video clips of the ruling party leader’s interview with anchorperson Mansoor Ali Khan were not aired but they were leaked to social media on Tuesday. In these clips, one can see Maryam left baffled when confronted with tough questions about her father, former premier Nawaz Sharif, retaining a high-end Mercedes car from Toshakahan as prime minister during the 1990s. In response to this, Maryam said that retaining a gift from Toshakhana after paying an amount as per the policy of the depository was not illegal. However, the PML-N leader responded saying she did not know about this and “will get back to you on this.”
Source:The Express Tribune
April 13, 2023 01:13 UTC