Monday, 6 March 2023

Lahore HC summons DC, SSP on Aurat March NOC petition refusal for March 8 rally!

Lahore HC summons DC, SSP on Aurat March NOC petition refusal for March 8 rally!

 


On Monday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered Lahore District Commissioner (DC) Rafia Haider and Security Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dost Muhammad to appear before it on a petition filed by Aurat March organizers against the administration's decision to deny them permission to stage a rally in the city due to "security concerns."



(NOC) from the district administration to hold a rally on March 8 at Nasser Bagh, Lahore, followed by a march around the park's perimeter. However, DC Haider rejected the plea, citing "the current security scenario, threat alerts, and law and order situation, and in light of activities like controversial cards and banners for awareness of women's rights and the strong reservation of the general public and religious organizations, especially JI's (Jamaat-i-Islami) women's and student wings, who had also announced a program against the Aurat March."


As a result, Aurat March organizers submitted a petition to the LHC under Article 199 of the Constitution, with DC Haider, the Punjab government, Lahore's capital city police officer, and National Commission for Human Rights Punjab member Nadeem Ashraf as respondents.


During the proceeding, Justice Anwar Hussain summoned DC Haider and SSP Muhammad to court on March 7. The Aurat March petition requested that the LHC set aside the DC's order, arguing that it was "arbitrary, discriminatory and ultra vires" of various constitutional articles and that its operation should be suspended until adjudication on the plea. The plea requested that the respondents "be directed to fully facilitate the petitioners and all the women of Lahore to peacefully participate in the Aurat March being organized at Nasir Bagh."


The petition argued that the DC's order was an "arbitrary and colorable exercise of power and is in clear violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution." It added that the petitioners had met DC Haider and explained the plan for the march, during which she "did not raise any serious objection and did not even hint at the possibility that the Aurat March would not be allowed to be held."


The petitioners also argued that the DC's order was discriminatory, allowing other groups to hold rallies and marches while prohibiting the Aurat March from doing so without any cogent reasons. They requested the court to strike down the impugned order.


The court will hear the case in front of Justice Anwar Hussain.


Author: Alisha Hussain
Publisher: Hamza Rajput
Designer: Umer

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Monday, 27 February 2023

Shaheen Shah Afridi's Impressive Spell Thrills Cricket Fans Into A Frenzy!

Shaheen Shah Afridi's Impressive Spell Thrills Cricket Fans Into A Frenzy!

Shaheen Afridi's exceptional performance in the recent Peshawar Zalmi versus Lahore Qalandars match has been the talk of the cricketing world. Afridi's five-wicket haul, including a spectacular delivery that broke a bat in two, played a key role in the Qalandars' victory over their opponents.


Fakhar Zaman's impressive 96-run spell also contributed to the Qalandars' win, leaving no hope for Babar Azam's Zalmi on Sunday night.


Afridi's first wicket of the night was a memorable one, with Mohammad Haris losing half his bat on the very first delivery. The shocked look on Haris's face was shared by many in the audience.


Afridi's second wicket, taking out captain Babar Azam after just five deliveries, was a showdown between two titans, leaving fans in awe.

Afridi's next three wickets were equally impressive, leaving the opposition team struggling to keep up with his destructive role.


It was a battle of two titans.


Despite the devastating outcome for the Zalmi, fans remain supportive of Babar Azam, who is widely recognized as the "king" of the game.

First, he breaks your bat, then he breaks your heart.


Afridi's outstanding performance has once again proven his talent and potential in the cricketing world.


What did you think of his spellbinding performance?


In related news, Awarenesspk provides insights on business, finance, and tech from Pakistan and around the world on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.


Author: Alisha Hussain
Publisher: Hamza Rajput
Designer: Umer

Discover: Subtain Ali



Twitter is to cut 10% of its current workforce in layoffs!

Twitter is to cut 10% of its current workforce in layoffs!

According to a report by The New York Times, Twitter Inc has laid off about 10% of its workforce, or at least 200 employees, in its latest round of job cuts since Elon Musk took over as CEO last October.


The layoffs on Saturday night affected product managers, data scientists, and engineers who worked on machine learning and site reliability. Twitter has not responded to requests for comment from Reuters.


With a current headcount of approximately 2,300 active employees, Musk has previously stated that Twitter has been experiencing a “massive drop in revenue” as advertisers pulled spending amid concerns about content moderation.


This is not the first time Twitter has implemented significant job cuts, as the company laid off around 3,700 employees in early November as part of a cost-cutting measure.


Despite these challenges, Twitter has recently begun sharing advertising revenue with some of its content creators.


In related news, Awarenesspk provides insights on business, finance, and tech from Pakistan and around the world on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.



Author: Alisha Hussain
Publisher: Hamza Rajput
Designer: Umer

Discover: Subtain Ali


Actress Ushna Shah disgusted a blogger who brought photographer drone to her wedding!

Actress Ushna Shah disgusted a blogger who brought photographer drone to her wedding!



Every bride desires for her special day to run seamlessly and puts in a great deal of effort beforehand to guarantee that everything is flawless. However, when it's a celebrity tying the knot, some people fail to comprehend that their privacy should be respected - particularly if they request it. On Sunday, actor Ushna Shah exchanged vows with professional golfer Hamza Amin. Yet, certain occurrences put a damper on the festivities - such as an invited blogger not only bringing a plus one but also a photographer and a drone to intrude on moments the actor wanted to keep exclusive to her closest family.


On Monday, the actor took to Instagram to publicly call out a guest who had blatantly disregarded the terms of their invitation. "I am appalled and feel violated," they wrote. "AB Lakhany, of Moovy shoovy, was invited out of obligation as I have known him for years and he happened to be at the office where we were designing invitations. His invite explicitly stated that no plus one was allowed. He was then sent a memo along with other guests not to record any personal moments, especially the nikah. Not only did he bring a plus one, but he also brought a photographer without permission and lied to my family that I had given him permission to do so. That photographer then sent exclusive, unapproved photos to various media portals."


Shah addressed the comments people had made about her outfit and wrote, “Does any human being deserve this kind of treatment? Our nikah ceremony was private, with only 15 family members in attendance. I am appalled that someone would stoop so low as to violate my privacy in such a way.”


The Parizaad actor revealed that the photographer in question was Saad Ansari Photography, who “claims he just posted and distributed someone else’s photos”. She vowed to take legal action if possible, saying, “Whoever it was, was not invited and came with AB Lakhani - please unfollow his sick portal. If I have any legal standing to do something about this, I will. I feel completely violated.”


It's a shame that someone would try to ruin such a special day for Shah and her family.


Author: Alisha Hussain
Publisher: Hamza Rajput
Designer: Umer

Discover: Subtain Ali

Wednesday, 22 February 2023

Khawaja Asif And ISI Chief Visit Kabul And Meet Taliban Govt!

Khawaja Asif And ISI Chief Visit Kabul And Meet Taliban Govt!

 


Pakistan's defense minister and spy chief traveled to Kabul on Wednesday to discuss various matters with the Taliban government. This visit comes after Pakistan blamed Afghanistan-based militants for recent deadly attacks on its soil. 


The main border crossing between the two countries has been closed since Sunday, and both sides have accused each other of starting a gun battle the next morning.


Afghan officials reported that Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar held discussions with Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Nadeem Anjum. 


According to Baradar's office, the talks centered around "bilateral relations, trade, regional connectivity, and economic cooperation between the two countries". 



The Foreign Ministry confirmed that security-related issues, including counter-terrorism measures, would also be discussed. Afghan Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations between neighboring countries.



Baradar stated that it is essential to keep commercial and economic matters separate from political and security issues. He also requested that Pakistan release Afghan prisoners held in Pakistani jails. The deputy PM urged the facilitation of all passengers going to Torkham and Spin Boldak, with special provisions for the immediate transfer of patients.


While Pakistan has experienced a sharp rise in militant attacks, primarily in border regions, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has close ties with the Afghan Taliban, carried out two recent suicide bombings, one in Karachi and another in Peshawar. 


The border crossing at Torkham, a vital transit point for people and goods, remained closed on Wednesday. Officials from both sides reported that Afghan authorities closed the border after Pakistan imposed new rules that required appropriate documentation for anyone accompanying medical patients.


During the weekend, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari spoke at the Munich Security Conference, insisting that Afghanistan must fulfill its commitment to not harbor militants. In response to his remarks, Kabul’s foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi dismissed the accusations as false.


Author: Alisha Hussain
Publisher: Hamza Rajput
Designer: Umer

Discover: Subtain Ali


Jail-filling drive-PTI leaders, Including Shah Mahmood, arrested!

Jail-filling drive-PTI leaders, Including Shah Mahmood, arrested!


 


Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi has become the first to take part in the party's "Jail Bharo" movement, courting arrest in Lahore. Reports said police put the PTI vice chairman in the prison van, while other leaders including Zubair Niazi, Asad Umar, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Azam Swati, and Hammad Azhar also surrendered themselves.


Hours earlier, PTI supporters had gathered at Zaman Park, the residence of party chairman Imran Khan, to kickstart the "Jail Bharo" movement in a bid to push for elections and register protests against economic instability and a crackdown on party leaders and workers.


In a rousing speech, Mr. Qureshi asked the workers to be ready for a great cause the PTI has been pursuing. He said Imran Khan had stopped him from offering arrest but he would reach Charing Cross and court arrest as he was a prominent leader and was supposed to lead from the front.


The enthusiasm of the party supporters was palpable as hundreds of PTI activists began their journey toward Mall Road, causing traffic jams on several roads. The party leaders declared that they had made the event a momentous occasion.


The governing body of the PTI’s Central Punjab wing held a key meeting to finalize the strategy for the movement, which will start from the provincial capital and later be extended to other parts of the country. Peshawar will witness the launch of the movement on February 23, while it will start in Multan on February 25, Gujranwala on February 26, Sargodha on February 27, Sahiwal on February 28, and Faisalabad city on March 1.



The social media accounts of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party are abuzz with activity as they strive to motivate their supporters for the upcoming drive. In a video message released the day before, party leader Imran Khan urged his followers to fill up the prisons and break the idols of fear.



This is the latest move by the PTI following the ousting of Imran Khan as Prime Minister in April of last year. The first phase of the plan will see PTI central leaders Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Waleed Iqbal, and Murad Raas, along with 200 or so workers, surrendering to the authorities at Charing Cross, Lahore at 2 pm. Before heading to Mall Road, a ceremony will be held at Zaman Park. If the government refuses to arrest them, the PTI leaders and workers will stage a sit-in at Charing Cross.


Author: Alisha Hussain
Publisher: Hamza Rajput
Designer: Umer

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Monday, 20 February 2023

President Alvi announces April 9 as Punjab, KP election date

President Alvi announces April 9 as Punjab, KP election date



According to a press release from the President's Secretariat's Press Wing, on Monday, President Dr. Arif Alvi announced April 9 as the date for general elections to be held for the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies. The assemblies were dissolved earlier by previous PTI governments, on the orders of party chairman Imran Khan, before the expiration of their mandated five-year terms.


After the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rejected his invitation for consultations on election dates, the president unilaterally announced the election date. Quoting a letter sent to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja, the statement mentioned that the president had made the decision under Section 57(1) of the Elections Act, 2017 and was asking the CEC to issue the election program under Section 57(2) of the same Act.


The president, under the oath of preserving, protecting, and defending the Constitution, stated that his announcement was necessary to avoid the infringement and breach of the Constitution and law, that is, holding of elections not later than ninety days. He added that there was no impediment in invoking the power and authority vested in him, as there was no restraining order from any judicial fora.


Author: Alisha Hussain
Publisher: Hamza Rajput
Designer: Umer

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Successful Diversion of Indus River to Dasu Dam Marks a Major Milestone for Pakistan

Successful Diversion of Indus River to Dasu Dam Marks a Major Milestone for Pakistan

 



In a significant achievement, the Indus River has been redirected to a tunnel at the construction site of the Dasu Hydro Power Project in the Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The redirection was carried out successfully, according to a spokesperson from WAPDA.


Following the successful redirection of the river, work has commenced on the construction of a temporary dam. Once the temporary dam is complete, construction of the main dam will begin. This is an important milestone for the Dasu Hydro Power Project, which is expected to generate significant amounts of electricity for the region.


According to WAPDA, the construction of the second diversion tunnel is on track, with an expected completion date of mid-April this year. During the high-flow season, both diversion tunnels will be used to channel the water of the Indus River.



The spokesperson further added that the Dasu Hydro Power Project, which has a capacity of 4,320 megawatts, will be completed in two phases. This is a significant undertaking that will help to meet the growing demand for electricity in the region. The successful redirection of the Indus River to the tunnel at the construction site is a major step forward in this project, and the completion of the diversion tunnels will be another important milestone.



The construction of the Dasu Dam, a significant hydroelectric gravity dam on the Indus River near Dasu in the Kohistan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, is currently underway. The project is a vital element of the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority's (WAPDA) Water Vision 2025.


The project, which commenced in 2017, faced delays due to disputes over funding and land acquisition. Work resumed in 2019, with the government of Imran Khan deciding to proceed with the construction of the project. The World Bank contributed $700 million towards the $4.2 billion project cost, reflecting the project's importance in reducing Pakistan's reliance on non-renewable energy.


The Dasu Dam project is expected to have a capacity of 4,320 megawatts and will be completed in two phases. The successful redirection of the Indus River to the tunnel at the construction site is a significant achievement that marks a major milestone in the project's progress. The completion of the diversion tunnels is expected to be another crucial milestone in the near future.


The Dasu Dam, which will be 242 meters (794 feet) tall, is set to support a 4,320-megawatt hydropower station built in two stages of 2,160 megawatts each. The power plant is expected to begin generating electricity in late 2024, with stage I set to be completed by early 2025. Water from the reservoir will be channeled to the power station located approximately 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) downstream, with power generation from the first stage scheduled for 2026-27.


However, due to land acquisition problems, the Covid pandemic, and other factors, the expected completion of the Dasu Stage-I Hydropower Project has been pushed to FY 2026-27, according to a report by WAPDA. This is a delay from the initial target of completing the first stage of the project by 2025. Despite these challenges, the successful redirection of the Indus River to the tunnel at the construction site represents a significant step forward for the project. The construction of the diversion tunnels and the completion of the Dasu Dam project will play a crucial role in meeting Pakistan's increasing demand for electricity while reducing its reliance on non-renewable energy.


Author: Alisha Hussain
Publisher: Hamza Rajput
Designer: Umer

Discover: Subtain Ali

Friday, 17 February 2023

Binance moved $400 million from a U.S. partner to Zhao's firm!

Binance moved $400 million from a U.S. partner to Zhao's firm!


Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has reportedly had covert access to a U.S.-based partner's bank account and moved more than $400 million from that account to a trading firm managed by its CEO, Changpeng Zhao, according to a Reuters report. The transfers occurred during the first three months of 2021, with money flowing from the Binance.US account at Silvergate Bank to Merit Peak Ltd., a trading company. The transfers started in late 2020, the report said.

The report cited banking records and company messages but noted that it couldn't determine whether the transferred funds belonged to U.S. customers or the reasons for the transactions. Additionally, executives at the U.S. firm were reportedly concerned about the moves because they were unaware of them. It is unclear why Binance had access to the partner's bank account or whether it had the right to move funds from that account without authorization.

A Binance spokesperson didn't immediately respond to queries from The Block seeking comment on the matter. However, in a statement to Reuters, Binance.US spokesperson Kimberly Soward said the outlet was reporting "outdated information," but didn't address questions about the transfers. Meanwhile, parent company Binance, as well as Zhao and Prime Trust, a custodian firm listed as holding customer funds for the U.S. exchange, did not respond to Reuters. Silvergate Bank, on the other hand, said it doesn't comment on individual customers.

The reported transfers raise concerns over the use of client funds by the cryptocurrency exchange, which is known for its high trading volumes and a range of services that allow users to buy, sell, and store digital assets. It also highlights the regulatory scrutiny that the exchange has faced in recent years, with several countries cracking down on the platform due to concerns over money laundering, fraud, and other criminal activities.

In conclusion, Binance's alleged secret access to a U.S.-based partner's bank account and transfer of over $400 million to a trading firm managed by its CEO is likely to raise significant concerns among investors and regulators. The lack of transparency around the use of the transferred funds and the fact that the U.S. partner was reportedly unaware of the transactions only add to these concerns. It remains to be seen how Binance will respond to these allegations and what impact they will have on the company's business practices and reputation going forward.


Author: Alisha Hussain
Publisher: Hamza Rajput
Designer: Umer

Discover: Subtain Ali

Indian chief cricket selector resigns after undercover sting!

Indian chief cricket selector resigns after undercover sting!

 



The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) accepted the resignation of Chetan Sharma, the head cricket selector, on Friday, as a result of a sting operation conducted by a television network that caught him gossiping about players and alleging that unsanctioned injections were being used by doctors to help Indian international players pass fitness tests; in the recording, Sharma accused former captain Virat Kohli and ex-board chief Sourav Ganguly of having an ego clash, and claimed that Kohli was "bigger than the board" but felt offended after concluding that Ganguly had forced him out of the white-ball captaincy, while a BCCI official stated that Sharma's position had become "untenable" after the sting, and he had resigned voluntarily.

Author: Alisha Hussain
Publisher: Hamza Rajput
Designer: Umer

Discover: Subtain Ali

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