Here’s what’s happening across the border: Former PM Nawaz Sharif celebrates I-Day in jail; Pakistani band ‘Junoon’ reunites after 13 years.
Pakistan is an occupied state, claim it back: MQM founder
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain has made a scathing attack on the newly-elected regime in Pakistan, accusing the country’s army of widespread rigging of votes in the recent polls.
In a video released on his social media channel Sunday, Hussain urged the public to “snatch back” their freedom, saying, “Pakistan is an occupied state. Claim it back.”
LIVE: Father of the Mohajir Nation QeT Altaf Hussain – 12 August 2018 https://t.co/o8OwSgk0rw
— MQM (@OfficialMqm) August 12, 2018
Hussain, also known as the ‘Father of the Mohajir Nation’, called the army liars and frauds. Taking a swipe at cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, Hussain said he has been chosen as next PM only because “he is the ladla (darling) of the establishment” and then parodied Khan as a crying baby who had to be pampered.
Altaf Bhai is not just an entertainer, he is the entertainment. 😂 pic.twitter.com/a7Lmv2N51L
— Ali Salman Alvi (@alisalmanalvi) August 13, 2018
Sharif celebrates I-Day by cutting cake in jail
Ousted prime minister and founder of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif, daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in- law Capt. Muhammad Safdar Awan (retired) cut a cake behind the bars at the Adiala jail Tuesday to mark the 72nd Independence Day of the country, reports The Express Tribune.
The trio was arrested last month in the London Avenfield luxury apartments case. Sharif was jailed for 10 years, Maryam for seven and Safdar for one year.
On the occasion, the family prayed for the prosperity of Pakistan. Sharif said, “Our forefathers made innumerable sacrifices for Pakistan and if needed we won’t back off on making the same sacrifices also”.
“I will always work for the progress of our country by always serving its citizens,” he added.
Meanwhile, PM-elect Imran Khan had sent out an Independence Day message from his social media account, saying, “I know if we are united in our resolve, we will rise to the challenge & Pak will become the great nation envisaged by our Quaid & Iqbal”. (sic)
14 Aug 2018: On this Independence Day I am filled with the greatest optimism. Despite our grave economic crises, due to corruption & cronyism, I know if we are united in our resolve, we will rise to the challenge & Pak will become the great nation envisaged by our Quaid & Iqbal pic.twitter.com/T4EM7kToDE
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 13, 2018
Pakistani band ‘Junoon’ reunites after 13 years
Pakistan’s most celebrated band, ‘Junoon’, has reunited after 13 years, reports Dawn.
‘Junoon’, a pioneer of Sufi rock music, aims to reunite the people of Pakistan through its inspiring music.
What I love about this,they shot this in all the places that are historical in their context & included the people & places that makes 🇵🇰 more humansitic & youthful. On the eve of Independence day! Thanku for this era- South Asia's U2 #Junoon 🙂 @sufisalhttps://t.co/P5zQwlEdUY
— Mariam Saeed Khan (@mariamsaeedkhan) August 13, 2018
“The reunion of Junoon is a pivotal moment in history. In the years to come, we will continue to be the positive voice that inspires millions of Pakistanis,” said The Express Tribune quoting Ayesha Janjua, marketing head of the music band.
The latest video of the band comprising Ali Azmat, Salman Ahmed and Brian O’Connell features their old track ‘Khudi’, a sensation that has left the country in awe. The song relates to and inspires today’s younger generation. The video also features Pakistan’s young achievers and record holders, making it more special.
Russian radio channel goes on air in Pakistan
On the eve of Pakistan’s 72nd Independence Day Tuesday, Russian news agency Dispatch News Desk (DND) launched its first online radio news broadcast connecting South Asian nations to Russian-speaking listeners, reports The Nation.
According to the Pakistan’s caretaker minister for information and broadcasting Syed Ali Zafar, for the past six years DND had been promoting Pakistan among the Central Asian and Eastern European countries.
He was of the view that the new project will construct a positive image of the Pakistanis in the rest of the world and will further develop cooperation among the nations.
The project comes at the time when Pakistan and Russia are engaging in strong military relations.
Now that the US has discretely started cutting the intake of Pakistani soldiers for the exchange programme, Russia has agreed to train Pakistani soldiers in its soil, Voice of America reports.
First Kalash lawmaker in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In a first, Wazir Zada, a Kalash-descent worker of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), became a Member of Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reports Gulf News.
Zada, who took oath Monday belongs to one of Pakistan’s dwindling communities that dwells along the Hindu Kush mountains.
The community has an estimated population of 4,000. Factors such as poor living conditions and discrimination faced in a Muslim dominated society forced some of the members in the community to convert to Islam.
The Kalash community members trace their lineage to Alexander the Great who came there 2,000 years ago and conquered the region. Some also believe that they are the indigenous people, “sons of soil”.
On the inaugural day of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Zada said that he wants to provide basic amenities to the Hindu and Christian children who were out of schools due to lack of facilities.
“I also take upon myself the responsibility of bringing harmony to all religious minorities and shall work for harmony between Muslims and minorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he added.
Contributors: Alind Chauhan, Anagha Deshpande, Manisha Mondal, Priyamvada Grover and Rupanwita Bhattacharjee.