The Christian woman, Aasia Bibi, blasphemy accused who was acquitted by the Supreme Court on October 31 2018, says she always believed she would be freed.
Before leaving for Canada due to security reasons last year, Aasia had spent years on death row after being convicted of blasphemy.
She is visiting France where she is promoting her new book Enfin Libre! (Finally Free) written with French journalist Anne-Isabelle Tollet.
Aasia told the BBC that she hoped she would be able to return to Pakistan one day.
She recalled how, in 2009, a dispute with her neighbours culminated in a group of local women accusing her of insulting the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
“My husband was at work, my kids were in school, I had gone to pick fruit in the orchard,” she said. “A mob came and dragged me away. They made fun of me, I was very helpless.”
Aasia said she was happy that the whole world was praying for her.
“I found out from my husband that the whole world was praying for me. And that even the Pope had prayed for me. That made me happy. And I found out the whole world was praying for my misery to end.”
“That made me feel that their prayers would definitely free me.”
Aasia called on Prime Minister Imran Khan to free anyone unjustly accused or convicted of blasphemy and to ensure that the charges are investigated properly.
“Innocents should not be punished for no reason and people who are innocent, in prison, should be freed,” she said.
I’ve been invited to live in France: Aasia Bibi
“During the investigation, both parties should be questioned properly because there are a lot of problems in our investigative procedures. And it is hard to tell who is on whose side.”
Despite her ordeal, Aasia said she still felt positive about Pakistan and hoped to return there one day.
“It was my country that freed me. That makes me proud,” she said.
“I left of my own volition because I was in danger there. Anything could have happened to me at any point. So that’s why I left my country. But I have the same love for my country in my heart now. I still respect my country and I want to see the day when I’m able to go back.”
She also recalled the time when she heard that the two politicians who were helping her – Salman Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti – had been murdered.
“I cried a lot. I cried for more than a week for them. Even today, my heart is full of sadness for them and I miss them,” she said.
However, Aasia says she feels no bitterness to those who wanted to see her dead.
“I’m not angry at all, I’ve forgiven everyone from my heart and there is no hardness in me, there is patience in me because I learned how to be patient after having to leave my children behind,” she said.
(Courtesy Exprress Tribune)
The 22-year-old coronavirus patient is recovering and will be sent home after his quarantine ends, said the health department on Friday, a couple of days after Pakistan's first two cases of the infection were reported
The patient's health is improving and his life is out of danger, confirmed the department. It was further revealed that today marks the eighth day that the patient arrived in Pakistan from Iran. After the quarantine term expires, he will be sent home.
The patient's family and friends were tested for the virus and the results came back negative, confirmed the health department.
On Wednesday, Dr Mirza had disclosed that two coronavirus cases were diagnosed in the country.
"I can confirm first two cases of corona virus in Pakistan. Both cases are being taken care of according to clinical standard protocols & both of them are stable," Dr Mirza had written on Twitter.
He had also noted that there was "no need to panic [as] things are under control".
The other coronavirus patient was a resident of Islamabad who had been admitted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) where he was being treated. Dr Mirza had said that both patients were 'stable and improving'.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) standard operating procedures (SOP) dictate that everyone who comes into contact with the infected person should be checked for the virus.
The 22-year-old's condition had reportedly started to deteriorate on February 18 and he underwent a hijama — or cupping therapy — at a local health centre in Iranian city of Mashhad. After that, he suffered from a headache.
He had arrived in Karachi on February 20, indicating that there were chances that the thermal screening machines at the airports for those entering the country may not have worked after all.
The machines are supposed to immediately detect higher-than-usual body temperature.
Saudi Arabia on Thursday placed an immediate ban on Umrah pilgrims travelling from the countries where coronavirus cases have been confirmed including Pakistan, Geo News reported, quoting airport sources.
According to airport sources, the ban has also been placed on those travelling to the Kingdom on a visit visa. The move from the Saudi government follows the confirmation of two coronavirus cases in Pakistan on Wednesday evening.
All airlines have been directed to inform their passengers to wait for further orders. The government is "suspending entry to the Kingdom for the purpose of Umrah and visiting the Prophet's Mosque temporarily", the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement.
Umrah attracts tens of thousands of Muslims from all over the globe each month. The foreign ministry said it was also suspending visas for tourists visiting from countries where the new virus is a "danger".
Data from the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry show that as of last December, Indonesia contributed the second-highest number of umrah pilgrims with 443,879 arrivals, just below Pakistan with 495,270. The country welcomes nearly 7 million Umrah pilgrims every year, most of whom arrive at airports in Jeddah and Madinah.
In addition to the temporary Umrah ban, the Saudi government will also impose a similar ban on tourist-visa holders from “countries judged to pose a particularly high risk of spreading the virus”.
A statement from the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) said that Pakistanis who had permission and permanent residence of Saudi Arabia could travel to the country.
However, those who wish to travel for Umrah and/or on tourist visas will not be allowed to go to Saudi Arabia "with immediate effect", said the PIA.
"Travelers can only travel to Saudi Arabia if they have permission and permanent residence. All PIA flights to Saudi Arabia will be operating normally as per schedule to service all other passengers. PIA will fully implement the instructions given by the Saudi government," read the statement.
The PIA made it clear that the national flag carrier will continue flight operations to Saudi Arabia until pilgrims haven't returned to the country.
Virus has spread to 29 countries
According to Arab News Pakistan, Saudi nationals and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council nations will not be able to use a national identity card to travel to and from the Kingdom for the time being. However, an exception to this shall be granted to Saudis returning home, and citizens of GCC countries who are in the Kingdom and want to return to their home countries provided that they left or entered the Kingdom using a national identity card.
The coronavirus outbreak has already killed more than 2,700 people, most of them in China, and spread to about 29 other countries, according to a Reuters tally. The number of confirmed cases has risen above 80,000.
The new coronavirus is believed to have originated in a market selling wildlife in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year and has infected about 80,000 people and killed more than 2,700, the vast majority in China.
Even as the number of fresh cases declines at the epicentre of the disease in China, there has been a sudden increase in parts of Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Iran has emerged as a major hotspot in the region, where 19 people have succumbed to the disease — officially known as COVID-19.
Saudi Arabia has not yet had a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus. The Kingdom’s neighbouring countries Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates have however confirmed a number of cases.
Pakistan confirms first two cases of coronavirus
On Wednesday, Pakistan reported its first two cases of coronavirus, Special Assistant to PM on Health Dr Zafar Mirza confirmed. "I can confirm first two cases of coronavirus in Pakistan. Both cases are being taken care of according to clinical standard protocols & both of them are stable," Dr Mirza wrote on Twitter.
He also noted that there was "no need to panic [as] things are under control".
Zafar Mirza
@zfrmrza
220/ I can confirm first two cases of corona virus in Pakistan. Both cases are being taken care of according to clinical standard protocols & both of them are stable. No need to panic, things are under control. I will hold press conf tomorrow on return from Taftan.
Soon after the raging Delhi protests that claimed nearly a dozen lives and left many injured, Twittaratti erupted in anger over a visual of a severely wounded protester encircled by an extremist mob – armed with sticks and weapons – flagrantly attacking the Muslim demonstrator who had nothing in his defence but his two bared hands from which he covered his head while lying helplessly on the ground.
The India’s capital city has been a hot bed of protest since December after the new controversial citizenship law flared frustration and fury among the people raising questions over the secular status of the country.
However, Monday’s clashes are worst to be seen with social media strongly condemning the ruthless acts from the Hindu extremists associated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
With one user calling for international opprobrium and action, while sharing the photo of an oppressed protester, the Twitterrati criticised the genocidal violence of “Hindutva Nazis”.
“Since yesterday, Indian Muslims have been subjected to genocidal violence by rampaging hordes of Hindutva Nazis. This needs an emphatic international opprobrium and action! How long will the world appease India’s Hindutva Nazis?”, read the tweet.
While the other shared his apprehension on this might be a brutal revenge from the BJP from Delhi voters after their pitfall in recent elections.
He wrote: “Before Delhi elections, it was only anti-CAA protests. After the election results, it’s now open riots. Is this a way to seek revenge from the Delhi voters? Please do not engage in violence, for it has no solution.
With more Twitterati pouring in their concerns, questioned: Is there any in the corridors of power who can intervene?
“This is how RSS goons in india are treating muslims nowadays [nowadays]… Is there anyone in the corridors of power who can intervene, life of indian muslims is at stake…”, read the tweet.
The Mazar-e-Quaid’s administration on Tuesday decided to approach the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for the removal of a viral video circulating on social media of a girl dancing at the mausoleum.
“The matter is being investigated,” said a member of the security team of Mazar-e-Quaid. “Mausoleum’s management has decided to request the FIA to remove the content on social media and investigate the matter as well.”
Residents of the port city had protested after watching the TikTok video of the girl dressed in white clothes dancing in the vicinity of the shrine
Nearly one-meter tall, Norwegian-Pakistani Burhan Chishti – affectionately known as Bobo - has become an internet sensation after his wedding report with a tall bride from Pakpattan on Geo News catapulted him to new heights, but for Bobo, it’s his social activism that matters more than anything else.
On a visit to London to take part in a concert and to celebrate his 37th birthday with his friends and fans, Bobo shared how his life has changed ever since his hit wedding reception in September 2019 in Oslo, Norway. His Nikkah was held in Lahore in March 2017.
Nearly 25 million people have watched Bobo’s wedding report on Geo’s Facebook and Youtube channels. During his London visit, Bobo was accompanied by his management team comprising one of many bodyguards/assistants and his manager including his sister Dr Sarosh Chishti who is a general practitioner (GP) in Oslo.
Bobo is born with a disease called Osteogenesis Imperfecta - aka brittle bone disease - and is wheelchair bound but he lives his life to the fullest on a daily basis. Bobo joked that his routine has changed ever since getting married and he no more affords to stay out of the house till wee hours.
“I have become more responsible. When I was a bachelor, I could do anything with my time and I often stayed with friends, chilling partying and travelling. I am still doing all of that but I have a wife to look after and I try my best to stay in discipline,” he said.
Known for being social and partying with many artists and celebrities, Bobo quipped, “You have to change your habits although old habits die hard. Change happens for everyone and change is always good.”
Although Bobo is born with a disability, his parents never treated him like a special child. He was taken care of in every aspect and his parents made sure that he went on to complete his graduation in business administration from a local university. He has four siblings of which two are doctors and two are teachers. Bobo says his parents never let him make excuses and didn’t allow him to skip classes or homework. “I was not spared even when I was ill. I remember doing school work when I was hospitalised.”
Bobo works as an adviser for a company called Uloba in Oslo. This company works for the disabled people and provides them support with assistants who help them to live a normal life. Besides that, Bobo has his own brand called BoboStyle.
Under this, he runs Bobostyle management, events, suits and charity where he has his own designer suits for men, artists management which organises events, concerts and wedding entertainments locally and internationally.
He remains heavily involved in charitable work and raises funds for the disposed and the needy for various NGOs. “Being Human Norway” is the charity, which he runs with a dear friend and is close to his heart. Disability and restraints have not deterred Bobo from living a full and accomplished life so far and in achieving his objectives.
Bobo told Geo News, “I am thankful to the Lord for who I am, what He has given me and for giving me more than many others. I don’t believe in complaining. I have had a broken arm for almost three years now but I have not complained about it and I am continuing with daily life," he said.
"Everyone in this world has a problem. No one is without a problem be it small or big. The nature of these problems is different. I am lucky that I live in a welfare state where I was looked after and the society didn’t disown me," he added.
"I wish the disabled people in Pakistan also live a life of dignity and fulfillment," he remarked.
Bobo’s younger sister Dr Sarosh Chishti said that her brother has been gifted with a lot of qualities. She told this correspondent, “We both are similar in a way that we are lively, we socialise and travel a lot. It’s fun being in his company."
"I see different sides of him whenever we spend time together and can see him evolving. He knows so many people all over the world and people love him for who he is. Those who don’t, well, who cares! That’s the attitude we have to life, as it’s so short and there are too many positive things to focus on.”
Sarosh added, “He always has new projects going on and one of his best qualities is that he lets his success speak for itself and doesn’t boast or show off about what he has accomplished. He is the best brother one can ask for and also a best friend since he is always there for people who need him and ask for his help. He has always put his family first and this makes me a proud sister.
Umer Sharif’s daughter, Hira Umer, passed away in Lahore on Monday night. Hira who had been suffering from kidney problems was reported to have undergone a treatment at a private hospital in Lahore.
The comedian’s daughter was reportedly in her late 20’s at the time of her passing. Umer was on a three-month US tour when the incident took place, after which he cancelled his trip and came back home.
Following the unfortunate turn of events, actor Fakhr e Alam tweeted about an ‘illegal kidney transplant’ that took the life of Umer’s daughter, after which others details were revealed.
He said, “Illegal kidney transplant takes the life of comedy legend/king Umar Sharif bhai’s daughter. Dr. Mumtaz, unlicensed was allowed to carry a fraudulent practice in Lahore.”
“He had butchered many before. Who do we blame? Where do citizens find justice? Does anyone really care anymore?” questioned Alam.
Sharif’s son Jawad Umer also submitted an application to Punjab Human Organ Transplant Authority (Phota) claiming that her sister’s death was caused by an illegal transport by Dr Fawad Mumtaz.
In response, Photo has set up a four-member committee under the supervision of Dr Adnan Bhatti, Deputy Director Vigilance. Other members include, Assistant Director, Dr Usman Javed, Assistant Director Technical, Dr Muddasir Zahoor and Vigilance inspector, Dr Muhammad Nadeem Tariq.
The committee is currently investigating the causes behind Hira’s death and will submit a report on February 21, said a Phota official.
The authority has also sought Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) help in tacking the issue.
According to FIA’s initial investigation, Dr Fawad fled from his house after Hira’s death and the team is currently locating his whereabouts.
“Dr Fawad already has a history of illegal kidney transplant and an FIR has been lodged against him. According to initial information, around Rs 3.4 million were given to Dr Fawad Mumtaz for Hira Umer’s kidney transplant. The operation was held in Rawalpindi at an unknown location,” a Phota official told The Express Tribune.
According to him, Umer’s family was initially refraining from sharing the matter with the authorities and FIA, but were later coerced into opening up about the situation after Hira’s death.
“Umer Sharif is a prominent name and the authorities will do their best to arrest Dr Fawad. They will also try to retrieve the amount that Fawad received for Hira’s transplant. Dr Fawad was also arrested by the Faisalabad police ten days ago over a similar matter. He got out on bail,” concluded the Phota official.
Chemical and nuclear specialists from the armed forces arrived at the Keamari locality of the port city on Tuesday as the death toll from the as yet unidentified gas leak climbed to 14.
The specialists will investigate the reported gas leak and determine the source of the deadly agent which has taken a toll on area residents over the last three days.
District Health Officer Dr Zafar Mehdi confirmed the latest death toll. A spokesperson from the provincial health department added that over 150 people have been affected during the past three days.
The most affected neighbourhoods in the locality are Bhutta village, Jackson Market, Tara Chand road and GR Railway Colony.
The area residents, protesting administrative negligence, also blocked the road near gate 5 of KPT. The protestors are demanding the resignation of the maritime affairs minister and chairman of Karachi Port Trust (KPT).
They are also asking for Rs10 million in compensation for each death and a job for next of kin.
Due to the protest, the route heading towards KPT is facing severe traffic congestion and surrounding roads are also affected.
The provincial government has yet to establish any information or medical camps in the locality.
A number of households in the affected area have evacuated on self-help basis and moved to residences of their relatives. Schools in the area have also been closed until further notice.
Hospitals within Karachi’s district South have been put on alert by the provincial government to deal with an influx of casualties if need be.
‘Residents need to be evacuated from Keamari’
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has also ordered an evacuation of the locality. The decision was taken during a Monday night meeting.
In another meeting with concerned officials on Tuesday, the provincial chief executive expressed his displeasure over the delay in evacuating area residents.
“It is a pity to see that the evacuation has not started yet,” CM Murad said and added that people were being affected by the gas leak as the wind direction was changing.
“Residents need to be evacuated from Keamari,” the chief minister stressed.
He also stressed on the need to find the source of the gas leak – authorities and concerned departments have spent a better part of three days to ascertain the cause of the leak without any success.
Briefing the chief minister, Karachi’s commissioner maintained that the foul smell was emitting from a container, loaded with soybean, at the Karachi Port Trust.
He claimed that a reduction in the smell was witnessed when it was sealed shut.
The chief minister also ordered an inquiry into the incident and ordered the investigation of the container.
Mystery shrouds toxic gas leak in Karachi as death toll goes up to seven
Smell increases ‘manifolds at night’
The vice-chairman of the local union council, Asif Khan, told The Express Tribune that people in the area were still reporting difficulty in breathing. Local teacher Asif Shah claimed that the foul smell reduces during daylight hours and increases “manifolds at night”.
Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Executive Director Dr Seemin Jamali said 35 patients were brought from Keamari and were admitted yesterday.
Dr Jamali added that a patient had severe breathing issues and was placed on a ventilator while some other patients were discharged after treatment.
“We need to evacuate people to a safer place,” she stressed.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi said the federal government will provide all possible help to the people affected by the incident.
“Various teams are investigating the cause of the incident,” he reiterated.
In this regard, Sindh Information Minister Nasir Shah said the chief minister was personally monitoring the situation and that medical aid is being provided to the victims in hospitals and all possible help will be provided to the victims.
Debbie Abrahams, a Member of the British Parliament and the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Kashmir, who has been highly critical of India’s move in the occupied valley was denied entry into India, reported the Times of India.
Abrahams aide, Harpreet Upal, told the Associated Press, the MP was unable to clear customs after her valid India visa was rejected.
Upal said the immigration officials did not cite any reason for denying Abrahams entry and revoking her visa, a copy of which, valid until October 2020.
"I tried to establish why the visa had been revoked and if I could get a 'visa on arrival' but no one seemed to know," she said in the statement.
"Even the person who seemed to be in charge said he didn't know and was really sorry about what had happened. So now I am just waiting to be deported ... unless the Indian government has a change of heart. I'm prepared to let the fact that I've been treated like a criminal go, and I hope they will let me visit my family and friends."
Debbie Abrahams
✔
@Debbie_abrahams
In response to some of the comments I was planning to visit Indian family in Dehli accompanied by my Indian aide. I became a politician to promote social justice & human rights FOR ALL. I will continue to challenge my own Government & others while injustice & abuse is unchecked
Nidhi Razdan
✔
@Nidhi
British MP @Debbie_abrahams says she has been denied entry into India this morning despite having a valid visa. Ms Abrahams chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group for Kashmir and has been critical of the GOI’s move to revoke Article 370. Statement below:
Abrahams said, according to NDTV, when she landed around 8:50 this morning she was told by Delhi airport officials that the e-visa which was valid until October 2020 had been rejected.
"Along with everyone else, I presented myself at the immigration desk with my documents including my e-visa, had my photograph taken and then the official looked at his screen and started shaking his head. Then he told me my visa was rejected, took my passport and disappeared for about 10 minutes. When he came back he was very rude and aggressive, shouting at me to 'come with me'," said Abrahams.
"I told him not to speak to me like that and was then taken to a cordoned off area marked as a Deportee Cell. He then ordered me to sit down and I refused. I didn't know what they might do or where else they may take me, so I wanted people to see me."
The politician said she rang a relative she was supposed to stay with, and he called the British High Commission to try and find out what was going on. She also said she asked about a visa on arrival, but got no answers.
The British MP has been highly critical of the Indian government after it revoked the special status of Kashmir.
Last month the Indian government took a group of more than 20 foreign diplomats on a visit to the occupied valley, the second such trip by New Delhi since it put the valley under a lockdown six months ago.
Rima settles in a chair at an upscale Riyadh cafe, looks around carefully, and seeing no one she recognises, drags on her electronic cigarette and exhales a cloud of smoke.
“I feel that smoking in public is a part of exercising my newly won freedoms. I am happy that now that I can choose,” the 27-year-old Saudi who works for a private company in the capital told AFP.
Like Western feminists of the early 20th century, in an era of social change in Saudi Arabia some women are embracing cigarettes, shisha pipes or vaping as a symbol of emancipation.
The sight of women smoking in public has become much more common in recent months, an unthinkable prospect before the introduction of sweeping reforms in the ultra-conservative kingdom.
The kingdom’s ambitious de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has rolled out an array of economic and social innovations to project a moderate, business-friendly image.
Women are now allowed to drive, attend public sporting events and concerts, and obtain passports without the approval of a male guardian.
Rima, who started smoking two years ago, dismisses concerns about the harmful effects of tobacco, but is worried her family will find out.
She says she is prepared for a showdown.
“I won’t tell them that this is about my personal liberty, because they won’t understand that women are free to smoke like men,” said Rima, dressed in a traditional black abaya with gold embroidery matching the hijab that covered her hair.
Najla, 26, who like Rima asked to use a pseudonym, said that despite the rapid social changes, double standards still existed, and that it was still considered a “scandal and disgrace” if women smoked.
The only woman lighting up amid several tables of male smokers, she said she intended to “challenge society” and ignore the occasional dirty looks.
“My rights will be fully respected when my family accepts me as a smoker,” she said, recalling that a friend was sent to an addiction clinic when her parents found out about her smoking.
Najla, a 26-year-old Saudi woman, smokes publicly at a coffee shop in downtown Riyadh on February 5, 2020. - Like Western feminists of the early 20th century, in an era of social change in Saudi Arabia some women are embracing cigarettes, shisha pipes or vaping as a symbol of emancipation. The sight of women lighting up in public has become much more common in recent months, an unthinkable prospect before the introduction of sweeping reforms in the ultra-conservative kingdom. Women are now allowed to take the wheel of cars, go to stadiums to watch sports and concerts, and obtain passports without the approval of a male guardian (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP)
Najla started smoking while still a school student, and like her, up to 65 per cent of female Saudi high schoolers light up secretly, according to a 2015 study by the medical faculty at King Abdulaziz University cited by Arab News.
Despite the limitations, in a country where until just a few years ago religious police would chase and hit women for infractions like wearing nail polish or allowing a strand of hair to escape from their hijab, the changes have been head-spinning.
“Most of our women clients order shisha. It’s something that was totally unimaginable just three months ago,” a Lebanese waiter told AFP at an upscale cafe in north Riyadh.
Heba, a 36-year-old longtime smoker who sat at a table nearby, described growing up in a closed country where “everything was forbidden to women.”
“I never imagined I would be able to smoke shisha in public next to men,” she told AFP.
“Now, everything is allowed. Women venture out without hijab, without abaya and they even smoke publicly.”
But even as the kingdom has introduced reforms, it has attracted condemnation for a heavy-handed crackdown on dissidents including intellectuals, clerics and female activists.
In 2018, authorities arrested at least a dozen women activists just before the historic lifting of the decades-long ban on female motorists.
Many of the detained have accused interrogators of sexual harassment and torture. Saudi authorities reject the accusations.
“There is no doubt that at the personal level there is more freedom,” said Walid al-Hathloul, whose sister Loujain is on trial over allegations of having contacts with foreign media and diplomats.
“But the reforms in favour of women are part of a public relations campaign to improve the kingdom’s human rights record,” he told AFP.
“The arrest and demonisation of women activists is proof of this – it’s designed so that the reforms will not be credited to the activists,” he told AFP. - AFP
The government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged the British government to take action against journalist and social media activist Gul Bukhari for allegedly using the British soil for nefarious activities against the state of Pakistan while abusing her freedom of speech.
The correspondence, viewed exclusively by Geo News, comprises a four-page letter written by the PTI government to the British government stating that Gul Bukhari is engaged in a “vicious campaign” to spread negativity against Pakistan through her Twitter.
The letter by the Pakistani government against Gul has been sent to the Home Office, police services and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the United Kingdom.
It asks for accountability of Gul Bukhari, including stopping her “inimical activities” on social media and an investigation into her “lifestyle”.
Sources in the Home Office and Foreign Office have confirmed that they have received the letter from Pakistan, but refused to say what, if any, action the UK government will take against Gul Bukhari.
The memo to the UK government asks the British government to investigate Bukhari and alleges that she is involved in propagating negativity and a “hostile agenda” against the armed forces and the institutions of Pakistan using British soil.
“Her venomous social media activities promote divisive tendencies and incitement of violence,” the letter says about Bukhari, who is a British-Pakistani national and has some members of the family permanently settled in the UK.
The letter refers to a tweet dated January 12, 2020 by Gul Bukhari which was factually wrong, but went viral on social media.
The letter to the UK government describes the said tweet as “intentional defamation and hate speech” that violated UK and Pakistani laws.
The Government of Pakistan, through the official letter, has told the UK authorities that it is "a matter of grave concern for Pakistan" that a “free hand” has been given to “anti-Pakistan elements" using British soil to create trouble in Pakistan.
The letter asks the British government to “stop inimical activities” of Gul Bukhari on social media. It further asks the UK government to hold Gul Bukhari “accountable as per the law of the land for exploiting freedom of expression, using abusive language and indulging in hate speech”.
The letter also asks the British government to check Gul Bukhari’s lifestyle and her income sources. It makes mention of a recent trip by Gul Bukhari to Washington where she took part in a conference organized under the banner of South Asians against Terrorism & for Human Rights (SAATH).
The letter draws the attention of the British government towards the British Public Order Act 1986 on abusive words, behaviours, displays and writings that are offensive in nature, as well as UK’s Terrorism Act of 2006.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has also issued a statement demanding that Bukhari appear in Pakistan for questioning about her alleged online propaganda against the government within 30 days or else the agency will file terrorism charges against her.
The FIA has threatened that the agency will seek Bukhari’s extradition from the United Kingdom through Interpol, and could seize any property that Bukhari has in Pakistan.
When contacted by this correspondent, Gul Bukhari said she had not been formally served with any papers. “I will respond once I receive the papers.”
Actor Juggun Kazim recently held a segment with TV personality Mubasher Lucman in which the two discussed the wave of compromising leaks of various celebrities.
Lucman argued that the participants in such a video often do it out of their own will and hence, should accept the consequences accordingly.
Kazim subsequently responded to this by calling out the double standards in the entertainment industry for men and women.
“Mana kay aaj kal social media kay zamanay mein har cheez viral hojati hein. Shahid certain tasveerein khichwana aqalmandi kee baat nahi hai (I agree that in this day and age when anything can go viral, perhaps taking certain kind of photos is not the smartest decision)”, she said.
“Mera sawal yeh hai kay jab male models, jin kee literally boxer shorts bhi nahi , barely kuch cover hoa hota hai . Unki sari body nazar arahi hoti hai leken kyunke unkay muscle banay hota hein, tu log wah wah kar rahay hota hein. Media mein siraf urtein hee kyun target horahai hotee hein? ( My question is that when male models appear barely covered. But since they are showing their muscles, they are lauded by the public. Why are only women targeted?)” Kazim exclaimed.
The actor then talks about how the people leaking and sharing such videos are never named and shamed.
“Mujhe bari ajeeb see baat lagti hai kay jiss insaan ney actually release kia hota hai. Ager kisi freind ney bheji bhi tu uskay sath koi aisa taluq hoga nah? Sorry uss baghairat ko koi kuch kyun nahi kehta ( To me the strangest thing is that if the participant willfully sends the video to someone, surely there is a close bond between the two. Yet no one ever calls out the shameless person who breaches the trust)”, Kazim said.
On the subject of whether video taping oneself in such a way is a mental illness, Kazim asserts that even in such a situation those sharing it should be held accountable too.
“Chalo beemari hai, ager koi banda schizophrenic hota hai tu aapko uskay fit kee video banaker iss tarha release kareingay? Tu ager koi insaan ager apni video bana ker upload kar raha hai tu aap kyun share horahay hein? Saray jo ghum kay beghairat keh rahay hotay hein wohi begharti kar rahay hotay hein phela kar. (Lets assume they are ill. If a person is schizophrenic, would you ever release a video of him or her going through a fit? Then if someone uploads a compromising video willfully why are you sharing it? All those that make moral judgement are themselves indulging in shameful acts by circulating these videos)” she said.
Later on the two engaged in a debate of whether celebrities leak such videos to revive their careers. According to Kazim, a woman would never even think of doing something like this.
“Merey liye yeh digest karna bohat mushkil hai (It is really hard for me to digest such a notion)”, Kazim said.
The actor further argued that such a move doesn’t even make business sense for a celebrity. She points out that renowned brands that are the main source of income for celebrities would never associate themselves with someone whose been made the subject of such a controversy.
