Misbah Sinks the Ship Again as Pakistan lose T20 Series to England 27/2/2012

Absolutely disgraceful performance from Pakistan. Really annoying for fans to see Pakistan make a mess of chasing 130 in a 20 over game.

Misbah needs to seriously rethink his approach, every time he comes in, even if Pakistan are ahead of the required rate, he slows everything down trying to save wickets which wasn't even needed today, after steadying the ship he then gradually sinks it. Him playing in slow motion, means that the incoming batsmen walk into a pressure situation and they come in and press the panic button even harder. Misbah is digging a hole for them to jump in to. It's a shame because Misbah is a talented batsman and he has the ability to play positively if he plays his natural game, but for some reason he is constantly being over cautious and trying to save his wicket and in the process he slows the game down too much. Sometimes it is required because Pakistan have lost quick wickets and some steady batting is needed but the same approach cannot be applied to every single game and especially not in T20 Cricket.

Taking it to the end and then not being able to hit the big shots is something he has done too often. Why take it to the end all the time? If you come in and things are going well, then continue with the momentum, why slow things down and then strangle yourself. Especially with such an easy target like this one. Misbah has done it many times in the past, the World Cup Semi Final in 2011 against India is just one other example.

Hammad Azam should have come in a lot earlier, Afridi should have come in earlier, but they didn't get a chance to save Pakistan till it was too late, all because Misbah tried to convert the game from an easy one to a tight game without any real reason.

Umar Akmal needs to stay miles away from the Pakistan team, T20 or ODI, no space for players who perform once a year and never do it when the team really needs them. Umar Akmal has been in the side for a few years, he is young and talented but he rarely delivers a good performance, he needs time away from the international side which he should use to improve his attitude and lift his game. Misbah should only be Test Captain as his defensive approach has more value in that form of the game and he is doing well, he should continue playing in the ODI game and retire from T20 Cricket.

Afridi should be captain of the ODI and T20 side. Fielding has to improve and attitudes need to change, players need to be given some basic cricket intelligence classes so they have some kind of cricket knowledge in their big empty heads.

Posted in: Articles,Sport

Pakistani Woman Wins First Oscar for Pakistan

Filmmakers Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy posed with their Oscars at the 84th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, Feb. 26.
In forgotten rural parts of Pakistan, more than 150 women are disfigured annually by acid attacks, often by jealous husbands or families obsessed with honor.

The attacks are meant to mark the women for life as having failed to live up to a rigid code of honor that has more in common with Medieval values than the 21st Century.

After years of anonymous toiling, those who work in Pakistan to end this brutal practice have notched up some successes in recent months, including heavier sentences for acid attack perpetrators.

And on Sunday night, when Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy accepted her Oscar for “Saving Face,” a documentary about a doctor’s efforts to reconstruct the faces of acid attack victims, the campaign got an unexpected shot in the arm.

“It’s highly symbolic. It’s a message of hope,” Valerie Khan Yusufzai, chairwoman of Pakistan-based Acid Survivors Foundation, whose work with victims features in the film, said of Ms. Obaid-Chinoy’s Oscar win.

Films don’t often change the world by themselves. But in this case, Saving Face appears to have caught a zeitgeist in which Pakistani women are starting to get traction in a fight for equal rights.

Ms. Obaid-Chinoy, 33 years old, alluded to this struggle in her acceptance speech on Sunday night, dedicating her award to “all the women in Pakistan working for change.”

The film, which was co-directed by U.S. documentary filmmaker, Daniel Junge, could also work to tackle a stereotype, held widely outside the country, that Pakistan is a quasi failed state.

Yes, the country faces enormous problems, not least the prevalence of acid throwing, which speaks to how tribal justice fills a legal vacuum in some rural parts of the country where women are less educated and have fewer opportunities. Only a fraction of acid attacks are successfully prosecuted.

It’s even unclear whether the film will be widely viewed in Pakistan, where documentaries, by Ms. Obaid-Chinoy’s own admission, are not popular.

But the film, which also charts one victim’s successful quest to get her husband convicted, shows how women, including victims, are fighting back and starting to achieve some results for their efforts, says Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s ambassador to the U.S.

“Women are doing cutting edge things in this country, and for every few cases of oppression, which all South Asian countries remain challenged by, in Pakistan there is a woman who stands up and makes her community and her country proud,” she said in an email.

Acid Survivors Foundation says there are at least 200 recorded attacks each year, three-quarters of them on women or girls, but many more victims are scared to speak up.

In December, after intense pressure from civil rights groups, Pakistan’s Senate passed legislation that mandates a minimum 14 year jail sentence and a 1 million Pakistani rupee fine ($ 11,000) for convicted acid throwers.

That’s double the average time in prison that courts have handed down to perpetrators of such attacks in the past.

Of course, legislation is only part of the story. But rights activists say police are facing more pressure to register and investigate complaints from women who have been attacked with acid.

Ms. Yousufzai says so far this year police have begun investigations into six acid attacks, which represents 100% of cases that have been reported. In the past, police typically have launched probes into only a fifth of cases put before them, Ms. Yousufzai adds.

This is a big advance for campaigners, who long have criticized the police for pushing cases back into villages to be settled between families, a situation that helps perpetuate the violence.

Now, campaigners are hoping Ms. Obaid-Chinoy’s newfound celebrity will keep up the pressure.

The next battle? This year, activists are pressing for Pakistan’s provincial governments to pass draft legislation to guarantee financial compensation and other support mechanisms for victims of acid attacks.

Source: The Wall Street Journal India

Posted in: Articles,News

PML(N) Political Meeting held in Birmingham by Raja Noman Kamal of Dadyal

A meeting was held by Raja Noman Kamal of PML(N) in Birmingham (UK) on 20th February 2012. Raja Nomal Kamal is from Dadyal and is a young politician who organised this meeting to discuss the issues facing Overseas Kashmiris, and also the new branch of PML(N) Birmingham which is to be announced in the near future. The meeting was attended by (from right to left above): Chaudhary Mohammed Saeed, Raja Noman Kamal, Mohammed Younis (President PML(N) Nottingham), Parvaiz Bhatti, Raja Rifaqat, Khawaja Adrees (Member of Organising Committee PML(N) Midlands), Chaudhary Younus Chathrvi (Organiser Midlands PML(N)), Raja Amjid, Raja Maqsood and Raja Shahpal.

Posted in: News,Photos

Chaudhary Afsar Shahid Minister of Dadyal visits Dingle

    Photos by Noor Dean of Dingle and USA

Posted in: News,Photos

Q'uran and Sports Car Story

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man waited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Quran. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said "With all your money you give me a Quran?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.

Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father's important papers and saw the still new Quran, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Quran and began to turn the pages.

As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Quran. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss ALLAH blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

Posted in: Islamic Articles

Maqbool Butt Shaheed Death Anniversary Dadyal 11th February 2012

Photos by Abrar Ahmad

Posted in: Photos

Photo Update - 10/02/12

Posted in: Photos

Bollywood Actor Amir Khan calls for Film Revival in Kashmir

Srinagar: Bollywood icon, Mr. Perfect, Amir Khan on Thursday praised the beauty of Kashmir and hoped that film makers must consider this place again for film making like the good old times.

"I have come to Kashmir after more than 10 years. Last time I came here to shoot 'Mann' (in 1999). The place is wonderful; the people are nice and hospitable. I hope Bollywood starts shooting films here like the good old times. My uncle (Nasir Husain) used to shoot his films in Kashmir," Mr perfect said.'

He said that he was on personal visit to enjoy the beauty of Kashmir.

"I am on a pleasure trip here and I want to visit all the famous tourist resorts of Kashmir including the famous Dal Lake," Amir told Agence India Press.

Aamir said he has not come to shoot here for any movie.

Aamir Khan said that he felt sorry for not visiting Kashmir Valley when he was shooting for the movie “3 Idiots” in Ladakh.

"We went directly to Leh to shoot `3 Idiots` and I did not get an opportunity to visit the valley that time," said the veteran 46 year-old actor.

“There was a time when almost all the movies of Bollywood were shot in the Valley.

I hope that time has come and I wish more and more film makers start visiting Kashmir to shoot their movies. Kashmir is really a paradise and there is no need to visit any other place when you visit Kashmir,"he said.

Aamir Khan also prayed for the well being of star cricketer Yuvraj Singh who is currently battling lung-cancer, quoting for his quick recovery, he said, "He is a great fighter. My prayers go out for his quick recovery so that he returns to where he belongs, to the cricket field." (AIPNEWS)

Posted in: News,Showbiz

British National Child recovered from Mirpur

Mirpur: High Court Azad Kashmir, Pakistan has recovered a British minor child in Mirpur from wrongful retention of father and handed over to British mother. The High Court of Justice Family Division London will decide the future of child according to UK-Pakistan Judicial Protocol 2003.

A senior Judge of High Court Azad Kashmir Mr. Justice Munir Ahmed Choudary has recovered a British National male minor child Mohammad Farhan Khan , D/O/B 24 April 2009, British passport no. 464572103 from the illegal retention of father Mr. Amber Azam and handed over to British national mother Najma Begum here in Mirpur Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Father Mr. Amber Azam has 'abducted' and removed the minor from UK to AJK last month. Mother secured the court orders from UK, where the High Court of Justice Family Division London issued the orders that minors including minor Farhan Khan shall be the Ward of court and father shall handover the child to mother and father shall take all such necessary steps to facilitate the return to UK jurisdiction.

Later mother of the child Mrs. Najma Begum, engaged her consul Mr. Mohammad Yasin Khan advocate Mirpur and who filed a petition under section 491 CRPC in the High Court Azad Kashmir on 3rd January 2012. After hearing court issued the production orders to Senior Superintendent Police Mirpur and SHO Sub-District Dudyal for the recovery of minor from the wrongful retention of father. On 4th February 2012 Police recovered the minor from the wrongful retention of father Amber Azam and present in the Court. Judge heard the parties, and review the attached copies of UK-Pakistan Judicial Protocol 2003 on children matters and orders of High Court of Justice Family Division London dated 30 Jan 2012.

Mr. Yasin Khan advocate/consul for petitioner Najma Begum argued that the minor is habitually resident of United Kingdom. According to spirit of UK-Pakistan Judicial Protocol if a child is taken or removed from UK to Pakistan with or with out the consent of parent and the child is retained in that country with out consent or in breath of the court order, the judge of the court of that country in which the child has been retained shall not ordinarily exercise jurisdiction over the child, save in so for as it is necessary for the court to order the return of the child to country of the child’s habitual / ordinary residence. The High Court accept the arguments of petitioner consul and gives the remarks that UK concerning court will finally decide the future of the minor and minor handed over to mother. Court also orders to SSP Mirpur Mr. Ch. Munir Hussain to gives full protection to minor and mother for their return to home.

Kashmir Watch

Posted in: News

Overseas Kashmiris should invest in AJK: Yaqoob

Karachi—President Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, claiming that his last government almost succeeded in transforming AJ&K into a model state, informed that so far two Medical Colleges, IT University, Women’s University, Cadet College and an Agricultural University had been established. He was speaking at a reception hosted by Sardar Muhammad Rafiq Khan Chairman Bukhari Group in his honor here at Karachi Club.

AJ&K President told that during his meeting with the Governor State Bank he had suggested special packages for AJ&K to discourage money laundering. Lamenting that banks in AJ&K were not investing in social sector he appealed the overseas Kashmiris to invest in their homeland. He thanked the Chinese government for investing in AJ&K.

President Supreme Court Bar Association Sardar Muhammad Yaseen Azad lamented that Kashmiri advocates were not allowed to practice here. He said that lawyers affected by the 2005 earthquake, who were temporarily permitted to work in Pakistan, went back home. He observed that billions of rupees handed out to AJ&K by Pakistan Government were embezzled, otherwise the valley with its small population could have been turned into a model state. Citing an example of non-developmental expenditures he told that each minister was provided five or more luxury vehicles by the government.

Minister Transport AJ&K Tahir Khokhar, who belongs to Mutahhida Qaumi Movement, has said that his ministry under the able leadership of Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan had made more progress in few months then was achieved in the last six decades. Stating that being a karachiite he knew the problems of Kashmiris living here, he informed that on MQM’s request Governor Sindh Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan had increased the number of seats reserved in Medical and Engineering institutions for Kashmiris to 40. Announcing that Government of Pakistan had granted Rs. 5 billion package for promotion of tourism in the valley, he told the audience about various activities carried out by his government. Besides paragliding, they have revived the sport of polo that was played some forty years ago in the Neelam Valley.

A polo tournament was organized in which 8 teams participated. He said that through various cultural shows and participation in tourism expos etc. overseas Kashmiris had been given incentives to invest in Kashmir. He said that he was attempting to commence a bus service from Mirpur to London.

Posted in: News

Kashmir issue corner stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy: PM

ISLAMABAD, Feb 6th 2012 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to continue to extend moral,political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris in their just struggle for the right of self determination said on Sunday, Kashmir issue remained the corner stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.“We are committed to continue with the moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris. The whole nation including all the political parties are united on the cause of Kashmir,” Gilani said while addressing the Kashmir Convention held here at Prime Minister Secretariat in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The Prime Minister said Kashmir policy had been in focus of the PPP led government in line with the vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was founded on the cause of Kashmir.

Gilani said the success of PPP in the Azad Kashmir elections was also dividend of the party’s policy on Kashmir and the support to Kashmiris, adding, observing February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day was the initiative of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and was given permanency by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

The Prime Minister,however, added that since Pakistan is a responsible country and nation as well as a responsible nuclear power, it has to make responsible policies.

Gilani said with four wars already fought on this issue (Kashmir), the region still was a flash point, adding, “but in this 21st century, we cannot afford wars.”

“We want to resolve the issues through dialogue, diplomacy,prudent policy and national consensus,” he remarked.

The Prime Minister said the country’s policies should be made with national consensus and by the chosen representatives of masses and not by the individuals.

Gilani cited the best policy of Pakistan China friendship and said the whole nation was united on it and wanted to take this friendship forward, adding, like in the case of Pakistan’s policy on China, there was no difference of opinion on Kashmir cause.

The Prime Minister, however, mentioned that there were question marks in Pakistan’s policy on Afghanistan, as it was made by a dictator, who was wearing four hats: the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Army Staff, the President and Chief Executive, but could not sustain the pressure after a call from the US Under Secretary.

In contrast, he added, after the November 26, 2011 attack on Pakistani border posts, the whole nation under the democratic government stood united and solid and “we halted NATO supply line, got the Shamsi Airbase vacated and boycotted the Bonn Conference.”

Prime Minister Gilani said the issue of NATO attack was also referred to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, which comprised the chosen representatives and had complete backing of the people of Pakistan.

The Committee has finalized its recommendations and now the Joint Sitting of the Parliament would debate on the issue and would make a decision, he said, adding, the decision to be made by chosen representatives would be reflective of the aspirations of the masses.

“Gone are the days, when the foreign policy was made by individuals. Now, the policies would be made by the chosen representatives and through the Parliament,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the Parliament would debate on all issues and policies including Kashmir policy, nuclear policy, new terms of engagement with United States (US), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), adding, these policies would have the backing of 180 million people, as they would know that these policies were finalized by their representatives.

He said the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir would be honoured and the government would seek guidance from the Committee on Kashmir policy.

The Prime Minister referred to his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh (in Maldives) and said the two sides agreed to discuss all the core issues including Kashmir.

Regarding the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India,Gilani said, it was approved by the Cabinet with a consensus decision, adding, but the MFN was not a special status as generally

apprehended, rather it was non discrimination in trade like with other 100 countries of the world.

The decision was meant to hold trade talks, adding, but the government would never compromise on national interests.

He also mentioned that the cross LoC (Line of Control) trade between Azad Kashmir and the Indian held Kashmir since 2008 had reached around Rs 15 billion, adding, “but the cross LoC trade does not mean that we will back out from the issue of Kashmir.”

“This is my message for the Kashmiri brethren that we are committed to continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to them,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the Kashmiris had been struggling for their right for the last over 60 years and had rendered lot of sacrifices and embraced martyrdoms, adding, it was for the first time that the Indian Prime Minister while standing with him said that the two sides were ready to discuss all core issues including Kashmir.

“This is the way forward. We have convinced them,” he added.The Prime Minister assured that Pakistan would use all forums including the OIC, EU, US and others and would be in the

forefront to get the Kashmir dispute resolved.

Associated Press of Pakistan 

Posted in: News

Illegal immigrant who arranged sham marriages leaves jail with £1,500 rehab money - and sets up business in Pakistan offering UK passports

Illegal immigrant who arranged sham marriages leaves jail with £1,500 rehab money - and sets up business in Pakistan offering UK passports

• Ashar Rathore served 7 months of two-year sentence
• Given taxpayers' money to get out of jail and leave UK
• He used cash to set up shop offering passports, visas... and 'any enquiry related to the laws of cricket'

An illegal immigrant and sham marriage ringleader who left prison early with a huge pay-off has used the money to set up a new business in his homeland - offering UK passports.

Ashar Ali Rathore, 33, came to the UK with his wife Nadia Qadri, 34, on student visas then faked marriages to two Polish people to gain residency.

The fraudster was jailed for conspiring to breach immigration law, but was then handed £1,500 of taxpayers' money - on condition of leaving Britain and returning to his native country - as part of a Government scheme for rehabilitating foreign nationals.

He had only served seven months of his two-year sentence.

Today, it emerged Rathore has used the money to set up Xpress Solutions - a company providing UK passports, visas and driving licences in Kotli, Pakistan, his home country. Among its other services, it also bizarrely offers 'any enquiry related to the laws of cricket'. He is not currently under investigation by the Pakistani authorities. Jonathan Isaby, political director of the TaxPayers' Alliance, branded the payout a 'sick golden goodbye'.

He said: 'When all of us are having to tighten our belts and watch every penny, pay-offs for fraudsters like Rathore at British taxpayers' expense are an utter disgrace.

'Ministers must urgently review the operation of the Facilitated Returns Scheme to ensure that we are not being taken for a ride.

'At the same time, the British police should do all they can to assist the local authorities in Azad Kashmir in establishing the legitimacy of Rathore's new enterprise. 'Taxpayers will be appalled to learn that £1,500 of their hard-earned money was used to give a convicted prisoner this sick "golden goodbye" prior to his deportation.'

Rathore and Qadri were jailed last March for their faked relationships with the two Poles.

The pair were arrested at their home in Luton, Bedfordshire, for conspiring to breach immigration law.

Police recovered around £16,300 in cash and bank receipts showing large amounts of money paid into the accounts of their fake partners, when the couple were arrested.

Rathore was deported last July and paid as part of the UK Border Agency Facilitated Returns Scheme for foreign nationals as an 'incentive for prisoners to co-operate with returning at the earliest opportunity'.

But he used the payout to set up his new business in Azad Kashmir, providing UK passports, driving licences and National Insurance cards to Pakistan nationals.

A UK Border Agency spokesman said: 'The scheme saves the taxpayer the cost of keeping foreign national prisoners in prison and denies them the opportunity to re-offend.

'It should be noted that, as part of our investigation that resulted in Rathore's conviction, more than £16,000 in cash was seized from his address under the Proceeds of Crime Act. This has subsequently been returned to the public purse.

Rathore's shop, Xpress Solutions, in Kotli, Azad Kashmir, has signs in Urdu saying: 'Immigration Appeals', 'Income Tax', 'Passports & ID Cards', 'Mortgages & Property'...and, bizarrely, 'Any Enquiry Related to the Laws of Cricket'

'Nadia Qadri voluntarily departed so did not receive any money under the scheme. 'At the British High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan, the UKBA subjects all applications for visas to come to the UK to the same rigorous checks, which include checks against international watchlists.

'In addition, all visa applicants are required to give their biometrics (fingerprints).

'Staff receive forgery and detection training and there are tough penalties for the submission of false documents and information.

'Anyone doing so will not only have their visa application refused, but also face a ban of up to ten years on future visa applications.'

A video of the launch of Rathore's new office, which has been removed from YouTube, shows a poster of UK driving licences, passports of various nationalities and a UK National Insurance Number card. It also features an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) logo, which has been used without permission.

Rathore's office has signs in Urdu saying: 'Immigration Appeals', 'Income Tax', 'Passports & ID Cards', 'Mortgages & Property', 'Registering Power of Attorney', 'Legal Paperwork/Statements', 'National and International College/University Admissions', 'Any Legal Disputes' and, bizarrely, 'Any Enquiry Related to the Laws of Cricket'.

Having been alerted to the misuse of its logo by Luton On Sunday newspaper, the ECB said in a statement: 'He does not have our permission to use either the Association of Cricket Officials or ECB logos for commercial or business purposes and we thank Luton On Sunday for bringing this to our attention. 'We will investigate whether the logos are being used improperly.'

News Reported by Daily Mail Online

Posted in: News

Jaffarabad Housing Project Launched in Dadyal

A new housing project has been launched in Dadyal. If the project is successfully delivered, it can prove to be an ideal solution for those who prefer not to invest their time and effort in building a property from scratch, going through the hassle of buying land if required, and for those who would like more security and privacy during their trips to Dadyal. The area will be known as Jaffarabad and is situated nearby Dadyal Bazaar and Dadyal Police Station, near the Yamaha showroom (see map below). Here is some information from the Jaffarabad Project website (www.jaffarabad.net):

Owning your own house where it matters the most has been made easy with the launch of Jaffarabad. We know it’s not possible for everyone to take time out of their hectic lives to overlook and build their ideal home. It is our aim to turn your dream of owning your own home here, that opens up a world of comfort and luxury for you and your family in to reality , and at a price that offers great value for money.

Set in the picturesque surroundings of Dadyal first of its kind housing project and shall remain one of a kind always. In a safe and secure location , modern and elegant villas waiting for you to make them your home.

The development consists of 19 beautifully, yet practically designed villas and 9 luxury apartments.

Choose the size and style of Villa that appeals to you the most.

The apartments comprise of three bedrooms and have been designed ensuring the best use of space.

Work has already begun on the project at a very fast pace. Foundations have been laid for the villas as well as Jaffar Heights 1. Please enquire for booking information and prices.

Website: www.jaffarabad.net

Posted in: News

Dadyal Online Nokia Application Launched

To download the Dadyal Online Nokia Application (0.34 MB), search 'dadyal online' in the Nokia OVI application, and install the application called 'Dadyal Online'. The application is free to download. You can access it directly at the following link:

http://store.ovi.com/content/251236

Here are screenshots of the application bein accessed on a Nokia E7 mobile phone:

Posted in: News,Photos

Film-maker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy becomes the first Pakistani to get an Oscar Nomination

Film-maker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has become the first Pakistani to win an Oscar nomination for best documentary in the short subject category.

Saving Face is about the problem of acid attacks on women in Pakistan.

In a statement to the BBC she said that she was "speechless" to receive the nomination which was the "stuff dreams are made of".

The film chronicles the work of acclaimed British-Pakistani plastic surgeon Mohammad Jawad.

It follows him as he travels around the country to perform reconstructive surgery on survivors of acid violence.

The BBC's M Ilyas Khan says that the problem is systematically under-reported in Pakistan - official figures say there are 100 cases of acid violence every year, although it is estimated that the actual figure is far greater.

Our correspondent says that this is partly because structural inequalities make it difficult for women to access the judicial system, while there are long standing cultural practices that enhance gender discrimination.

Saving Face is an account of such violence told by survivors going through the recovery and reconciliation process.

It is also about the resilience and strength of women struggling for justice.

The observational documentary was filmed entirely in Pakistan, primarily in the centre of the country and in the cities of Rawalpindi, Karachi and Islamabad.

"An Academy Award nomination is stuff dreams are made of," Ms Obaid-Chinoy told the BBC.

"It has reaffirmed my belief it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, if you put quality work out there, it will be appreciated.

"I hope I can make Pakistan proud by bringing home an Oscar."

BBC News Asia

Posted in: News,Showbiz

PTI Official Facebook pages Hacked

KARACHI: People visiting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Facebook page on Friday searched in vain after hackers took down more than 30 of their official pages from the social networking site.

President of the Insaf Students Federation in Karachi, Arsalan Ghumman, told The Express Tribune that the official Facebook pages of PTI leader Imran Khan, the student wing Insaf Students Federation, and several, more including that of Dr Alvi were hacked into and hidden from the public’s eye.

“The pages were hijacked at 3 pm on Friday. We are in touch with the Facebook authorities to recover them,” he said.

Ghumman added that the last post on the PTI page was of a story published in The Express Tribune about Lyari activists joining their party. “After posting the story on the wall, I couldn’t see the page. I refreshed it but it was there no more.”

The president said that they have an idea of who planned the attack, but said it was too early to make any accusations. “We are planning to hold a press conference soon, when we will tell you about the miscreants.” He said that they have a number of administrators on their Facebook pages, but do not suspect them. The party’s accounts on Twitter are safe.

Web manager of the social media team at PTI, Imran Ghazali, told The Express Tribune that they were investigating the matter, and would pursue it legally. “Our leader Imran Khan has also taken notice of the matter, and has condemned it.”

Ghazali said that the hackers wanted to disrupt their political activities on the social networking website, but were wrong to think that they would be successful. “We are the only political party in the country which is the most active and popular on social media. Our webpage, ‘We want Imran Khan to be the next Prime Minister’ is liked by 0.45 million Facebook users, while the official Imran Khan page is liked by 0.35 million users.”

He said that the hackers had first broken into his Gmail account to log on to the Facebook pages. “I have recovered my Gmail account. Now we are trying to get back our Facebook pages but it will take time.”

The Express Tribune

Posted in: News

AJK delegation campaigns against Forced Marriages

LONDON: A delegation from Azad Kashmir is visiting British cities with heavy Azad Kashmir population to raise awareness about the perils of forced marriages and how this practice has ruined many lives.

The delegation from Azad Kashmir, which will speak in London, Bradford, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham, and sponsored by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is led by Hafiz Nazir Ahmed, the Mufti of Mirpur, and members of the Khari Sharif Welfare Society (KSWS) Azhar Mahmood, Malik Ilyas and Pervaiz Akhtar.

Azhar Mahmood told The News that his organisation was helping with the awareness campaign in Azad Kashmir and several initiatives have already been taken. He said forced marriages were unjust and cruel and led to murders and chaos in the families affected by the practice.

He said the biggest problem lied in communities who have migrated to Britain from Azad Kashmir. He informed that the delegation would be joined at the events in Pakistani communities by members of the forced marriages unit and the local councils.

Malik Ilyas, who will be speaking in Bristol, said forced marriages had damaged Pakistani communities all over the world. He said arranged marriages were a successful practice and there was no harm in such proposals where the marriages were being set as result of a consent from all parties but forcing people into marriages should be discouraged and outlawed.

He said many young people forced into marriages from their parents agreed to marriage but left their husbands and brides behind in Pakistan and there were hundreds of such examples in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. He said the issue of forced marriages needed to be dealt with heads on as it was a real challenge.

The Mufti of Mirpur told The News there is no concept of forced marriage in Islam. He said marriages without the consent of a man or a woman are against the teachings of Islam and Islam discouraged such cultural practices. He said Quran and Hadith clearly stated that women enjoyed rights and their approval was essential and anything that a women didn’t want shouldn’t be forced on her.

He said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) sought her daughter Hazrat Fatima’s (RA) approval before agreeing to her marriage with Hazrat Ali (RA), only after Hazrat Fatima (RA) consented to the proposal.

Welcoming the delegation, the Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said forced marriage is an appalling, brutal and unacceptable practice. “It is recognised in the UK and around the world as a serious abuse of human rights. The visit of the Mufti and his colleagues is an important opportunity for that message to be reiterated in communities around the UK.”

Report by Murtaza Ali Shah, The News Pakistan.

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