“Just to please non-Muslims!”
Daily Jang (12 Dec 2016) reported that ulema have termed the Sindh Assembly bill to protect religious minorities unacceptable. The ulema are of the view that the provisions to limit underage religious conversion fly in the face of Islamic Shariah and the requirements of justice, and that the legislation was undertaken without full consideration of all the issues, merely to please non-Muslims. They demanded that the Federal Shariat Courts act to nullify the bill.
No more laddoos for Raiwind?
Senator Aitzaz Ahsan was quoted by Daily Jang (12 Dec 2016) as saying that it would no longer be the case that the PPP offers sacrifices but the laddoos are eaten by those in Raiwind. From now on, he stated, they would not offer sacrifices, but those implicated in the Panama Leaks would be sacrificed instead (Panama waalon ki qurbani hogi).
Safe passage for the donkeys
Daily Jang (12 Dec 2016) reported that Egyptian authorities have approved the export of 10,000 donkeys to China, but that the ruling from Al-Azhar would be upheld, wherein it was provided for that the donkeys were not to be slaughtered. The report also stated that the approval for export of dogs to the Korean peninsula would soon be issued.
‘Helpful’ neighbour?
Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh was quoted by Daily Jang (12 Dec 2016) as saying that if Pakistan does not change its policies, it will break into 10 pieces. He added that India wants peace with Pakistan. He further said his country could help Islamabad if the latter cannot eliminate terrorism.
Ideal in-laws?
Faryal Makhdoom, whose husband is British-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan, was quoted by Daily Jang (16 Dec 2016) as saying that her in-laws took to calling her ‘Michael Jackson’ after her plastic surgery.
No going to Goa!
Daily Express (16 Dec 2016) stated that by turning down a concert in Goa, India, Pakistani artist Salman Ahmad gained great respect in Pakistani showbiz and music circles. The daily opined that in Salman Ahmad’s refusal to perform in India there is a message for selfish, self-absorbed actors, actresses and artists.
“Yalla, talk to the hand, habibi…”
Daily Express (18 Dec 2016) reported that landowners from the Bolan region in Balochistan carried out a protest and sit-in on the main highway artery, claiming that Qatari princes permitted to hunt the endangered tilowr bird in the province were damaging fields and driving over ripe crops in their cars. The protesters called for the Gulf princes to be sent back. Meanwhile, the report stated, Qatari royals have transported another 11 luxury cars to Lahore, for use in hunting tilowr in south Punjab.
In case you dared to hope…
It was reported by Daily Express (18 Dec 2016) that leaders from 20 different religious parties gathered in Lahore to protest against discord spread in the name of religion. The participating ulema and leaders of religious parties emphasized the need for unity in the face of conspiracies by Jews and Indians.
Old wine
A Rawalpindi court expressed disapproval of the fact that witnesses failed to appear in the hearing of the case against actress Atiqa Odho for carrying alcohol. Daily Express (18 Dec 2016) went on to state that the judicial proceedings in this case have been going on for some four years now.
PM’s assessment
Daily Express (18 Dec 2016) quoted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as saying that his administration faces no corruption scandal. He stated that he is not one to be afraid and that he will face allegations head-on. He went on to say that in the previous administration, that of the PPP, there was a scandal every other day.