Pakistan Bee » Punjab

Punjab, Most of Upper Areas Jolted

PakBee — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:00:04 +0000

Monday, March 21, 2011
ISLAMABAD: An earthquake this afternoon at 2.55pm jolted widespread areas of Punjab and upper areas of the country including Lahore, Islamabad, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Khyber Agency, Peshawar, Mohmand Agency, Swat, Kohat, Nausehra, Chitral, Mansehra, Bat Gram, Kohistan etc.

Met Department said that the jolts measured 5.6 on the Ratchet scale, while the epicentre of the quake could not be ascertained immediately.

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Protest Against Telenor’s khamoshi Ka Boycott TVCs

PakBee — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:50:51 +0000

People of Multan are on the roll. Being always the first in any kind of resistance, NGOs and public in Multan staged a protest in front of Multan Press Club against Telenor’s “Khamoshi ka Boycott” TVCs.

The protest, on Sunday, was called by various NGO’s including Naveed Sehar Foundation, Save Future of the Child Organization, Young Pakistanis Organization, Rabita Pakistan Pasiban.

Protestors were holding banners to show their displeasure for Telenor’s “Kahmoshi ka Boycott” TVCs.

Senior officials of above mentioned NGO’s said that Telenor’s TVCs are not only spreading despair amongst Pakistanis but they are also negatively showing the culture of Pakistan which is hampering the image of the country.

They said that Telenor is presenting Pakistan’s culture in worst possible manner just for the sake of their marketing and subscriber count.

They said that gender discrimination and harassment is a global phenomenon. “While the ratio of sexual harassment incidents in Pakistan is way lower than other countries, Telenor is misrepresenting the facts just to spoil Pakistan’s image”, said a protestor.

“Telenor is trying to portray that due to gender discrimination, people don’t allow their sisters, daughters to work or to get education, which is not the case in real”, he added.

Protestors demanded Telenor to immediately stop airing these TVCs or these protests will be taken to next level.

Protestors demanded PTA to devise a policy for cellular company, so that national interest, national integrity and culture is not compromised in future TVCs from cellular companies.

Telenor Pakistan is airing a series of TVCs in which they are asking for the public opinion about various issues including:

* Booti Culture
* Parchi System
* Aurton ki Izzat (Women’s respect)

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Pakistan Court Releases Raymond Davis

PakBee — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:31:01 +0000

ISLAMABAD: An Additional Sessions judge Wednesday set free CIA contractor Raymond Davis, who killed two Pakistanis on a busy road in Lahore, after payment of blood money (Diyat) in accordance with Sharia law of Pakistan, sources said.

Talking to Geo News, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said the court released Raymond Davis after the family members of the murdered men appeared in the court and pardoned the US National after an agreement was reached between the two sides. “He has been released from jail and now it is up to him to leave the country whenever he wants,” the Minister added.

The killings by Raymond Davis in Lahore in January strained relations between Pakistan and US, who repeatedly insisted Davis was an embassy employee and enjoyed diplomatic immunity, particularly after it emerged he was working for the CIA.

A spokesman for the US embassy in Islamabad said he could not immediately confirm the report. Lawyers for the families of the two men shot dead in a busy Lahore street on January 27 said they had been held for four hours at the jail court where Davis was being tried on Wednesday, but had not been allowed to witness proceedings.

Blood money, or ‘Diyat’ is a provision under Islamic sharia law in which compensation can be paid to relatives of those killed to secure a pardon, and is commonly used to resolve such cases in Pakistan.

The Davis case had sparked protests in Pakistan, with religious groups angrily denouncing the American who claimed he acted in self-defence to fend off an armed robbery when he shot dead the two men.

US authorities insisted Davis was protected by full diplomatic immunity, but the Pakistan government refused to back that claim and a decision on his status was on Monday deferred by the Lahore high court for criminal judges to decide.

Revelations that Davis was a CIA contractor heaped pressure on Pakistan’s embattled government and further ramped up burning public mistrust of Washington, damaging fragile relations between the two wary allies.

A third Pakistani was struck down and killed by a US diplomatic vehicle that came to Davis’ assistance in the January incident. US officials denied Pakistan access to the vehicle, and the occupants are widely believed to have left the country.

Police have said they recovered a Glock pistol, four loaded magazines, a GPS navigation system and a small telescope from Davis’ car after the January 27 shooting. The United States postponed a round of high-level talks with Afghanistan and Pakistan following failed attempts to free Davis, and US lawmakers threatened to cut payments to Pakistan unless he is released. (Geo/AFP)

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wi-tribe WiMax Services Now in Faisalabad

PakBee — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:45:09 +0000

wi-tribe has launched its WiMAX broadband services in Faisalabad, its 5^th city of operations.

After launching services in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad & Rawalpindi, now the residents of Faisalabad can too enjoy broadband services from wi-tribe.

With an aim to enhance online access for both personal and business use, wi-tribe is focused towards expanding its quality-driven network, in line with a strategic plan to provide an affordable range of broadband services to more customers in all their cities of operation.

While talking about wi-tribe’s expansion in Pakistan, VP Sales & Marketing; Wahib Aslam said,

“We are really excited about introducing our services to Faisalabad and take this opportunity to invite the local community to join the tribe. We look forward to our customers benefiting from wi-tribe’s diverse package and promotion offerings, along with a superior broadband experience.

It is evident that any country’s literacy and GDP are significantly tied to online access, which will only improve the opportunities for wi-tribe’s community.”

wi-tribe’s planned expansion in Pakistan is proof of their commitment to contribute towards sustained growth in the country, with the belief that consumers are ready to embrace access to high-speed connectivity.

wi-tribe has launched its WiMAX broadband services in Faisalabad, its 5^th city of operations.

After launching services in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad & Rawalpindi, now the residents of Faisalabad can too enjoy broadband services from wi-tribe.

While talking about wi-tribe’s expansion in Pakistan, VP Sales & Marketing; Wahib Aslam said,

“We are really excited about introducing our services to Faisalabad and take this opportunity to invite the local community to join the tribe. We look forward to our customers benefiting from wi-tribe’s diverse package and promotion offerings, along with a superior broadband experience.

It is evident that any country’s literacy and GDP are significantly tied to online access, which will only improve the opportunities for wi-tribe’s community.”

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Qadri Indicted in Taseer Murder Case

PakBee — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:40:43 +0000

RAWALPINDI: Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi on Monday charged Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri in Governor Salman Taseer murder case.

Qadri had confessed to killing Taseer, objecting to his calls to reform the blasphemy law, which sentences to death those convicted of defaming the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

One of Qadri’s lawyers, Malik Mohammad Rafiq Khan, told after an anti-terrorism court session held behind closed doors: The judge examined the record and said that apparently the accused committed murder and terrorism.

“The judge read out the charges to the accused. The accused pleaded not guilty,” Khan said in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

The next hearing will be held on February 26, when witnesses and evidence will be presented, the lawyer added.

Taseer’s killing was the most high-profile political assassination in Pakistan since former prime minister Benazir Bhutto died in a gun and suicide attack on her motorcade at the end of an election rally on December 27, 2007.(AFP)

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Three Blasts in Gujranwala

PakBee — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:18:54 +0000

GUJRANWALA: At least three low intensity blasts have been reported in different areas near government buildings here on early Wednesday, Geo News reported.

Two explosions took place outside CIA Center Building while the third explosion occurred near SP Special Branch Office.

Buildings received minor damages but no loss of life or injury has been reported in explosions, police sources said.

Heavy police contingents have arrived on the scenes and cordoned off the blast sites.

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Governor Punjab Taseer dies in Islamabad Firing

PakBee — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:01:45 +0000

ISLAMABAD: Governor Punjab Salman Taseer was dead after one of his guards, named Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri, opened firing on him when he was going towards his car in Kohsar Market here today.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik confirmed to the media that the guard has been arrested. He has confessed that he opened firing on the governor because of his support of Asia Bibi, he added.

Asia Bibi had convicted of blasphemy.

According to the sources, a policeman of elite force opened burst on the governor. He received bullets on his chest and neck. He was rushed to Poly Clinic but succumbed to the injuries.

The police have arrested six-suspected man from the spot.

Salman Taseer had publicly supported the woman, Asia Bibi and requested President Asif Ali Zardari to pardon her. He had termed anti-blasphemy law as black law.

According to the sources a policeman of his own convoy opened burst on the governor.

Support Mumtaz Qadri

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Sohail Abid Pakistan Tour

PakBee — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 07:48:57 +0000

Sohail Abid recently toured whole of Punjab on his motor bike. His tour spanned 27 cities in first phase, while he has plans to visit Northern Areas, Sindh, NWFP and Balochistan later this year, most probably with same transportation channel.

For those who don’t know, Sohail Abid is a freelance coder/developer based in Islamabad, a good friend, prominent figure in Pakistani blogosphere.

There would be other people too, who were adventurous enough to roam the country, but Sohail Abid’s made his journey particularly special with the help of technology and the social media.

Sohail created a Facebook page, where he shared updates through mobile phone, which included interesting facts, information, pictures and tales of places he visited.

In very short span of time, he got over 1200 visitors – with no advertising, no struggle.

Sohail was equipped with an iPhone with facebook and twitter applications, to keep his fans posted about the happenings.

Here is what he wrote to ProPakistani:

Mainly two things made it possible to share live tour pictures and updates easily: iPhone and Telenor Persona (with monthly GPRS/EDGE package)

I was taking 2MP pictures and uploading right from the location where they were being taken. And this involves small towns, villages, jungles (lal suhnra), desert (cholistan), and Derawar Fort. Telenor worked everywhere, even in Cholistan.

He will leave for Northern Areas’ tour next week – you can join him by becoming a fan of Tour De Pakistan

Following are few pictures from Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/tourdepakistan

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Hectic political efforts to end deadlock

PakBee — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:54:33 +0000

ISLAMABAD: All major political parties are making hectic efforts to end the deadlock created by a sudden change in PML-N chief’s stance on the 18th amendment, although Mian Nawaz Sharif reiterated his demand on Monday for changes in the provision about judicial appointments in the draft prepared by the parliamentary committee on constitutional reforms.

And the issue on which the committee had failed to arrive at a consensus, the renaming of the NWFP, remained unresolved but the government was optimistic about reaching an agreement among all parties in a few days.

ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan told reporters after a meeting with Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, chairman of the committee for constitutional reforms, that the committee’s mandate was to resolve all issues, including the renaming of the NWFP.

Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif held a press conference and again justified the change in his stance and rejected allegations that he had taken a U-turn.

According to sources, the ANP leadership was assured by PML-N leaders in the evening that the issue of NWFP’s new name would be resolved after a meeting of the N-League scheduled for Tuesday.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani contacted Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour who belongs to ANP and some PML-N leaders to discuss various steps to resolve the contentious issues.

Sources at the Prime Minister’s House said the government was hopeful of reaching an accord on the constitutional package by Wednesday.

According to sources, the chief of ANP’s NWFP chapter, Senator Afrasayab Khattak, led a delegation to the residence of PML-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain to discuss the possibility of getting the constitutional reforms approved by parliament without the support of the PML-N.

PML-Q’s provincial chief Amir Muqam told the ANP delegation that his party would not accept ‘Pakhtunkhwa’ as the new name of the NWFP, but promised to cooperate if Abasin, Khyber or Afghania was added to it.

The PML-Q constituted a five-member committee headed by Mr Muqam to hold talks on the issue.

The entire leadership of the PML-N, including Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, was in Islamabad, apparently anticipating a meeting with top government leaders.

Nawaz Sharif, who also had an off the record interaction with senior journalists, rejected a perception that he had sabotaged the reforms and said he had acted in national interest.

Mr Sharif put all the blame for the discord on Law Minister Babar Awan and said that premature announcement made by him about the package had caused the logjam.

He said it was wrong to assume that a consensus had been reached on the issues of renaming the NWFP and the procedure for appointment of judges.

He said it was better for the committee to deliberate for a few more days rather than letting the issues become contentious in parliament.

Mr Sharif said his party did not trust the PPP leadership which dissolved the PML-N government in Punjab and got him and his brother disqualified by what he called a ‘kangaroo court’.

He also said that he had no regrets over the stand he had taken on the crucial issue.

Mr Sharif blamed the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for the current political chaos and said it was trying to link every issue with repeal of the 17th Amendment.

He said the PPP wanted to include a senior judge of its choice in the judicial commission. “It was unacceptable because three of the seven members were already representatives of the government.”

He described as ‘half-baked’ the constitutional package which was to be tabled in parliament.

He said some matters were still under discussion when the government announced that it would table the document in the National Assembly and that President Asif Ali Zardari would address a joint session of the two houses of parliament before that.

Mr Sharif also called for curtailing the president’s powers in ‘one go’ before moving to other reforms contained in the constitutional package.

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Sania to wed Shoaib

PakBee — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:33:40 +0000

LAHORE: Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza are going to tie the knot in April, Sania’s father Imran Mirza confirmed to media.

As per reports, the two sports stars have been in an affair for the last six months, which had led to Sania’s earlier engagement to break.

Sources said that the mother of Shoaib Malik went to Indian city of Hyderabad Deccan where she met with the family of Sania Mirza and finalized Shoaib and Sania’s marriage.

This may be recalled that earlier engagements of both Malik and Mirza had come to an end.

Malik was engaged with Ayesha Siddiqui also from Hyderabad Deccan on June 3, 2002 while Sania on the other side was engaged with childhood friend Sohrab Khan which ended in January 2010.

The wedding ceremony of Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza will take place in India while the valima reception will be hosted by Malik on April 16 or 17 in Lahore.

“I desire to get married soon. You will soon get some good news but it depends on my family. I fully expect to get married this year,” Shoaib had said in a recent interaction with the media.

Asked if it would be an arranged marriage, he said, “No can say what will happen, but it will take place with the concurrence of my family.”

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