Category: National

COVID-19 enters dangerous phase in Pakistan again, experts warn

The COVID-19 has again entered dangerous phase in Pakistan, experts have warned, while announcing that the second wave of the deadly virus had started in the country. The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), after continuous warnings of rising Covid-19 cases across the country, made it compulsory for all citizens to wear a face mask when stepping out of their homes. 

Almost 40% of international law students of UoL based in Pakistan marked failed

Around 40 per cent of Pakistani students enrolled in the University of London’s (UoL) external LLB online programme have been marked failed in their exams. The glitch occurred due to confusions surrounding the online examinations schedule. Results of several students have also been withheld for their assessment offence investigation. The university admits that there had been some unavoidable disruptions this year because of the pandemic.

PM Imran Khan appeals to Mark Zuckerberg to ban Islamophobic content

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has written to Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, requesting a ban on Islamophobic content on the social media platform. The PM appealed a ban akin to the Facebook ban on posts that deny the Holocaust. Khan wrote to Zuckerberg peppered with examples of recent anti-Muslim laws and statements from the Indian and French governments.

Faysal Bank’s new dress code requires female employees to wear hijab and ‘loose clothing’

Faysal Bank Pakistan recently introduced a new dress code policy which requires the female staff of the organization to wear hijaab and loose clothing. The order issued by the bank’s head office received a lot of flak over social media for being ‘discriminatory’ and ‘sexist’. However, the bank believes that modest dresses should be worn as ‘it is a cultural requirement.’

Pakistani author wins prestigious ‘Brain of the Year’ award in Britain

Renowned author, thought leader and columnist Arif Anis has won the “Brain of the Year 2020” award by Britain’s Brain Trust. Arif Anis has been awarded for co-founding the ‘One Million Meals’ initiative in April this year to feed National Health Services (NHS) doctors, nurses, paramedics and key workers on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Pakistan’s top varsity cancels seminar by Ahmadi economist after ‘threats from extremists’

The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi has cancelled a scheduled online seminar that was to feature celebrated economist Dr Atif Mian, allegedly due to pressure by “extremists”. Dr Atif R. Mian’s lecture scheduled on November 5, 2020, was cancelled after he university administration was facing from extremists. Atif Mian is a Princeton University economist, but rejected by Pakistan due to his Ahmadi faith.

Ministers ask Twitter to take action against Indian media’s reports of civil war in Pakistan

Government ministers have called Twitter to take notice of the absurdity of Indian media’s claims — being shared via their Twitter accounts — that a “civil war” had broken out in Karachi. On Wednesday, several Indian news outlets reported a “civil war-like situation”, a day after an inquiry was ordered by COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa regarding the arrest of Mohammad Safdar in Karachi.

Pakistan becomes 15th most powerful country in Asia-Pacific power index

Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank, has placed Pakistan as the 15th most powerful country in Asia after it made significant diplomatic gains last year. According to the Asia Power Index 2020, Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, has taken numerous initiatives to improve diplomatic ties with other nations. Overall, Pakistan scored 15.2 out of 100 in the Index. 

Sindh IG defers leave, orders his officers to set aside their leave applications

Sindh IGP Mushtaq Mahar has decided to defer his own leave and ordered his officers to set aside their leave applications for ten days. Sindh police shared the news late Tuesday night, adding that the decision was taken “in the larger national interest” and pending the conclusion of the inquiry into how the arrest of PML-N leader Mohammad Safdar unfolded.

Pakistani footballer from Chitral, Karishma Ali, continues to inspire girls around the world

Karishma Ali, the first-ever girl from Chitral to play football on the national as well as international level, has been making the country proud with her unwavering efforts to provide equal opportunities for women in her region. The 21-year-old, Karishma, even made it to the prestigious Forbes ’30 Under 30′ list and is the founder of the Chitral Women’s Sports Club.