Here’s what’s happening across the border: Pakistan sets new world record by planting the most number of trees in a day, and the country is now willing to train troops of other Islamic countries.
Ali Zafar’s tweet-war with Meesha Shafi over sexual harassment claim
A bitter spat broke out on Twitter between Pakistani singer and actress Meesha Shafi and actor-musician Ali Zafar after she accused him of sexual harassment Thursday. Zafar refuted her claims and threatened to take her to court. Since then other women have also come forward with their experiences of being sexually harassed by the actor.
Shafi wrote in her post, “I have been subjected, on more than one occasion, to sexual harassment of a physical nature at the hands of a colleague from my industry: Ali Zafar.” She further expressed that the experience had been traumatising for her as she considered Zafar a friend.
Sharing this because I believe that by speaking out about my own experience of sexual harassment, I will break the culture of silence that permeates through our society. It is not easy to speak out.. but it is harder to stay silent. My conscience will not allow it anymore #MeToo pic.twitter.com/iwex7e1NLZ
— Meesha Shafi (@itsmeeshashafi) April 19, 2018
However, Zafar hit back by tweeting, “I categorically deny any and all claims of harassment lodged against me by Ms Shafi. I intend to take this through the courts of law and to address this professionally and seriously rather than to lodge any allegations here, contesting personal vendettas on social media and in turn disrespecting the movement, my family, the industry and my fans.”
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) April 19, 2018
Shafi is a prominent figure in Pakistan and has also featured in UN Women Pakistan’s campaign that aims to spread awareness about violence against women, as well as the global #MeToo movement.
Since Shafi’s statement, other women from Pakistan also took to social media to describe similar incidences with Zafar, and lent their support to Shafi.
Pakistan willing to train troops of other countries
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been having discussions on reorganisation and coordination in the Islamic military alliance. Citing government sources, The Express Tribune said the two countries are actively working on diplomatic and military negotiations.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will consult with Pakistan’s military leadership on providing modern training and technical assistance to the troops of the military alliance of Islamic countries to help fight terrorism. However, the cooperation will be carried out keeping in mind Pakistan’s own security policy.
According to sources, in a recent visit by the Pakistani leadership to Saudia Arabia, Saudi representatives claimed to stand by Pakistan in difficult times, and agreed to make a comprehensive policy that involves improving coordination on land, air and in the sea to protect Islamic countries from terrorism threats.
New world record for planting mangroves
The Sindh forest department broke its own Guinness World Record Thursday, by planting the most number of trees in 24 hours. The department planted 1.13 lakh mangroves on an island in Thatta district of Sindh.
Pakistan People’s Party chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and chief minister Murad Ali Shah also planted saplings on the island, as a part of the drive that went on from 6.30 am to 7 pm.
The Pakistan navy also helped in making the drive successful by providing timely tidal data to the forest department. Through the data, 19 April was selected as the suitable day for the drive as maximum daylight could be availed on that day.
CJP orders withdrawal of police security from VIPs in Peshawar
Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Peshawar, to withdraw security services being provided to ‘influential individuals’ who are not entitled to personal security.
The CJP had asked IGP Salahuddin Mehsud, the top police official of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), in a hearing Thursday about the number of “personnel and vehicles of the K-P police engaged for the security of influential individuals”.
Mehsud told the CJP that 3,000 personnel were deployed as part of the security protocol for influential individuals in K-P. The CJP then ordered Mehsud and other IGPs of the province to take back additional security from everyone by midnight.
The chief justice also remarked that he respected sacrifices of the K-P police during the war on terror, but influential individuals should arrange for their security privately.