Announcement of decision to extend winter vacation for schools and universities
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a detailed judgment following a brief order the previous day extending the winter holidays due to the prevalence of smog. In a sweeping two-page written order, Justice Shahid Karim directed the Punjab Education Department to issue a notification formally announcing the extension of the winter vacation. The written order specifically mentions that this extension applies to all educational institutions, including schools and universities. The decision came after the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered an additional week of winter vacation in response to the growing smog menace.The court issued these guidelines during a hearing related to a petition seeking remedies to address the smog crisis.Please note that educational institutions in Punjab will be on winter vacation from December 18 to 2 January 2024.But now Court orders must be formally enforced by the interim government. Furthermore, if he announced a one-week winter break, the educational institution will reopen on January 8, 2024.
Toshahana case: IHC finishes Imran Khan’s February 8 election hopes
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday completely dismissed and annulled the appeal of imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan seeking stay of the trial court’s verdict in the Toshahana case. This ended his hopes of running for president in the next general election.The former prime minister, who was removed from office by a parliamentary vote in April last year, had applied to the IHC to amend the August 28 order by suspending the August 5 judgment of the court of first instance.In August, after Khan was found guilty of bribery in the Toshahana case, on August 5, 2023, Additional District Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Judge Humayun Dilawar sentenced him to three years in prison and a fine of 100,000 yen. A judgment of Rs.He was found guilty of abusing his position as prime minister and selling more than 140 million rupees (about $490,000) worth of state gifts he received from foreign dignitaries during overseas visits. Following his conviction in the case, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified the former prime minister for five years. In a notification, the election authority announced that the PTI chief has been disqualified after being found guilty of corruption under Section 167 of the Election Act 2017 and sentenced to three years in prison.“As a result, Mr. Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi has been disqualified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan read in conjunction with Article 232 of the Elections Act, 2017,” the notification said. added.However, the IHC on August 28 stayed the sentence imposed on him by the PTI Supreme Court in the Toshahana case, but his conviction and disqualification will remain until the court decides on this appeal. .The PTI chief requested the IHC to completely set aside the trial court’s verdict in the case.
It’s time for Pakistan to limit the number of seats in Elections
In view of the recent consultative meetings organized by Pirdat and UNDP, it is time for Pakistan’s political landscape to adopt a much-needed reform of limiting the number of seats that electoral candidates can contest. Although this practice is not new, it has sparked controversy recently, especially after PTI chief Imran Khan decided to contest in eight constituencies in last year’s by-elections. We regret that the private bill submitted by Jamaat-e-Islami Plurinational State last year to limit the number of candidates of more than two seats was not taken seriously.Lack of progress on this front results in unfair electoral advantages and financial burdens on the state. Democracies around the world have approached this problem with pragmatic solutions. For example, India allows up to two simultaneous candidates, while Bangladesh allows up to three simultaneous candidates. The UK currently has a complete ban on contesting multiple seats. These measures not only ensure fiscal health, but also maintain the fairness of the electoral process. In Pakistan, the economic impact of this practice is significant. The ECP has estimated the cost of holding by-elections in constituencies where candidates are absent to be Rs 20.7 million. These costs, borne by taxpayers, are difficult to justify, especially in countries facing economic challenges.
Imad Wasim plays for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League
A week after his sudden retirement from international cricket, Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim, along with former teammates Haris Rauf and Osama Mir, will join Melbourne Stars in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) Season 13 will be playing. The 34-year-old, who previously played for Melbourne Renegades, will wear the Stars’ green jersey for the remainder of the tournament after Christmas. Blair Crouch, the team’s general manager, said after England had selected Liam Dawson for the previous three games that the team wanted Imad to be a “left-handed player who will play our role and add to our batting “line-up player,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing many Pakistani fans in the crowd at the MCG and seeing Imad alongside his former national team-mates Osama Mir and Haris Rauf,” he added.
Costa Coffee is taking place in Islamabad soon
Global coffee house giant “Costa Coffee” is pleased to announce the opening of his third outlet in Pakistan and first in the vibrant capital of Islamabad. In collaboration with master franchisor Jerry’s Group(a leading player in Pakistan’s business community),Costa Coffee is expanding its footprint and offering an unparalleled coffee experience to Islamabad’s diverse and dynamic community.The inauguration and soft launch ceremony was attended by celebrities who emphasized the importance of this milestone to Costa’s coffee and its customers. Mr. Afzal Wali Muhammad, Group Chairman, Gerry’s Group, Mr. Akram Wali Muhammad, Group Managing Director, Gerry’s Group, Mr. Arshad Wali Muhammad, Group Director, Gerry’s Group, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Ms. Jane Marriott CMG OBE jointly announced the brand’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and strengthening social connections through a love of coffee and good food, and unveiled a new store.Expressing his excitement, Mr. Afzal Wali Muhammad,”Costa Coffee has become synonymous with an exceptional coffee time all over the world and we are excited to bring this experience to the heart of Islamabad, he said.This expansion is in line with our vision to strengthen Pakistan’s coffee culture and create a space where people can gather over their favorite beverages and delicious treats”.With an extensive menu of carefully selected coffee blends, delicious treats and refreshing drinks, the new store is on track to become a new social hub of Islamabad. Costa Coffee invites residents and visitors alike to experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation in every cup. The store is located at 13-E, Jinnah Supermarket, Opposite Union Gold Mall, F-7 Markaz, Islamabad and is scheduled to open to the public on Thursday, November 30, 2023.
Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are reunited with their loved ones,tears and joy all around
Families on both sides of the Hamas-Israel conflict have been reunited with loved ones after a four-day ceasefire in Gaza. According to the agreement between Israel and Hamas, a total of 50 Israeli hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners are to be exchanged within four days. On Friday, Hamas released 13 Israeli hostages, including children and elderly people, in exchange for the release of 39 Palestinian women and teenagers from Israeli prisons. On Saturday, the handover of the hostages was delayed after Hamas said Israel was interfering with the selection of prisoners to be released and that he was not authorizing aid to the northern Gaza Strip. However, following the intervention of Egyptian and Qatari mediators, 13 more Israelis and four Thai hostages were handed over and released, and Israel released a further 39 Palestinian prisoners. Images of the hostage release show relatives expressing joy at the return of Israeli hostages, and crowds cheering as Palestinian prisoners are released from a West Bank prison.
Why “Aisa hi hota hai” is a must watch short film
There are many of us who are tired of watching the same old nand bhabi TV shows and “fasadi auetein”.In the realm of such pathetic scripts and stories, Pakistani web short films are a breath of fresh air.Unique story with powerful performance and having a strong message. Today we are going to talk about the different short film named “Aisa hi hota hai”,in which they cover everything from nostalgia and love to horror, mystery and comedy. Creators and artists have more freedom to be creative and take risks because they don’t need long or multiple episodes to be successful.Aisha Hai Hota Hai, Ayesha Chundrigar’s short film that falsifies a topic that is often not discussed explicitly. Common conversations, experiences, and events that occur in most Desi households are depicted realistically, gracefully, yet bitterly. Starring Sania Saeed, Kulsoom Aftab, Mariya Saeed and Sameer Nadeem Alam, the film explores the non-existent support systems, victim blaming and character assassination that permeate our society when it comes to sexual assault. It is painfully depicted. This piece touches on the very important and ongoing issue of peer pressure, which affects most teens in some way. The film offers a powerful message that resonates with audiences far beyond the boundaries of the story. It’s about the impact of sexual violence on survivors and those around them, and the devastating consequences of avoiding, shaming, and excluding them. This short film exposes the harsh reality of society’s treatment of victims of sexual abuse through words and actions that may be unintentional, and challenges us to confront our own complicity in perpetuating this cycle of suffering. Masu. A story of gossip, innocence, the haunting consequences of judgment, and an awakening to compassion. The dialogue is meticulously done, and the choice of words and delivery allows the viewer to become fully immersed in the film, making it seem all too real. Conversations that we may have heard in real life.
Shadab Khan disappointed with his World Cup performance
Pakistan cricket team vice-captain Shadab Khan has expressed disappointment with the team’s performance following the team’s defeat in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.The 25-year-old cricketer told that the team strives to win every tournament. He added that “although everyone was disappointed with the performance during the World Cup, the lesson of cricket is to always improve”.He said “I didn’t live up to expectations and I’m also disappointed in myself. I should have appeared.I think my poor performance led the team here.If I had played as a bowler, the result might have been different,” the Vice captain said in an interview with Geo News.Shadab reiterated that it is very important for him to perform and informed that he will return to Pakistan to analyze the mistakes made in the mega cricket event.“We made a lot of mistakes and had weaknesses, which is why we lost. We failed in all three areas, but especially our bowlers did not perform well.” You have to play according to cricket. In batting too,we have to play according to modern-day cricket,” he said.Shadab added that a captain is not solely responsible for winning or losing, everyone has a role to play but our culture is such that everything is blamed on the captain.“We did not play well as a team. We are all responsible,” he said.
UN Secretary-General calls Israel’s ‘collective punishment’ of Palestinians is “Unjustifiable”
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres criticized Israel for resorting to “collective punishment against Palestinians in response to the October 7 Hamas attack.”Guterres told CNN that Israel could not use Hamas attacks “as a reason for collective punishment against the Palestinian people,” according to Reuters.He also acknowledged that 101 UN staff have been killed in the conflict so far.The UN Secretary-General’s comments come against the backdrop of more than 11,000 Palestinians, including more than 5,000 children, being martyred by Israeli aggression. As the war intensifies in Gaza, several Israelis have been injured in cross-border anti-tank missile attacks from Lebanon, and the war is escalating on another front. The attack, said to have been carried out by Hezbollah, occurred near the community of Dobeb, near the Israeli-Lebanese border, the Times of Israel claimed.Meanwhile, the IDF announced that it had carried out retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah cells behind the cross-border attacks.
Iyer and Rahul ensure perfect retention for India
Centuries from Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul helped India register a 160-run victory over Netherlands in the World Cup on Sunday, ending the group stage with nine wins from nine matches. Iyer (128 not out) and Rahul (102 runs) led India to 410-4 with 208 runs. India then fielded nine bowlers, including part-timers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, to dismiss the Dutch for 250 in the final league match of the tournament in Bengaluru. The hosts will play New Zealand in the first semi-final in Mumbai on Wednesday, followed by Australia vs South Africa in the second semi-final in Kolkata the following day.