Special Skullduggery
A police constable in Multan posted in the Special Branch, it was reported by Daily Dunya (19 June 2018), deprived citizens of tens of millions of rupees in money – by playing on their desire to make large profits. For this purpose, he had set up enterprises which were registered under a relative’s name. He took heavy amounts of money from city traders and his own relatives as ‘investments’, based on their confidence in a serving official. When their money disappeared, these people approached his department. There, it turned out that he had similarly hoodwinked a number of colleagues. He was reported to have made himself scarce (ghayab) at the time of the filing of the report.
Gearing up
It was reported by Daily Dunya (19 June 2018) that Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman expressed his confidence that the people (awam) would inflict an exemplary (ibrat-naak) defeat on those who wanted to make Pakistan secular. He went on to emphasise that the people could no longer be deceived through empty slogans (khoklay naaray).
Dissenters
PTI activists in Muzaffargarh constituencies NA-182 and NA-183 resorted to protests and smashed things (torr phor) after the party chose not to run any candidates to oppose local politician Jamshed Dasti. According to Daily Dunya (19 June 2018), the PTI activists threatened to surround Bani Gala and Shah Mehmood’s home if the perceived alliance with Jamshed Dasti continued.
The Return
Daily Dunya (19 June 2018) updated its readers on former President General (R.) Pervez Musharraf’s plans for a return to Pakistan. Musharraf stated that he would consult with his legal team, party activists and medical experts before his return – and that it could be any moment (kisi bhee waqt Pakistan waapis aaein ge).
Redemption
According to Daily Jang (19 June 2018), the PPP’s Asif Ali Zardari claimed his party would come to power and correct the mistakes made by Nawaz Sharif. He went on express his view that Nawaz Sharif had brought Pakistan to a point where the world made fun of the country, which was in direct contrast to where his party’s previous administration had left the country.
Heavy lifting
Chaudhry Nisar was quoted by Daily Jang (19 June 2018) as saying that he had carried Nawaz Sharif’s burden (bojh) for 34 years, but that it was no longer possible for him to do so. He further claimed that he wanted to bring forth the role (kirdar) played by Nawaz Sharif and his daughter.
Security risk
It was reported by Daily Jang (19 June 2018) that Reham Khan claimed her former husband Imran Khan was a national security risk. She was quoted as asking as to how a person who could not bear the pressure from one book could lead a nuclear-armed power.
Mistaken Prince?
Daily Dunya (20 June 2018) reported that Israel was furious (seekh-pa) at Prince William’s view that al-Quds (Jerusalem) was a part of Palestine. Israeli authorities were quoted as saying that they hoped that the Prince’s mistaken impression would soon be corrected.
Work ethic
According to Daily Dunya (20 June 2018), even after the conclusion of Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, attendance at work by employees of the Punjab Civil Secretariat remained at 60 percent – with the remainder simply failing to show up.
Cow Crusaders
Daily Express (24 June 2018) reported that Hindu extremists in UP, India, attacked and severely beat a 65-year-old Muslim man who allegedly slaughtered a cow in his fields – making this the second widely reported incidence of cow-related violence in that week.
Spiritual succour
According to Daily Express (24 June 2018), a number of aspiring candidates for elections contacted spiritual figures (roohani shakhsiyat) for assistance in securing party tickets. The report stated that a great change could be observed in the daily routine of aspiring candidates – who were turning to the shrines of various saints in the hope of obtaining victory in the upcoming elections. They were also obtaining various amulets for this purpose.