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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

She Loves Tech is a global startup and tech competition with a strong focus on empowering women entrepreneurs . CIRCLE Women Association, a women-led startup has been bringing She Loves Tech to Pakistan for the last seven years consecutively with support from HBL and building upon the success of previous editions.

In a nation where the percentage of female entrepreneurs is merely one percent according to the World Bank, women who own businesses encounter a wide array of obstacles. On the other hand, She Loves Tech Pakistan tops the list of top 10 rounds with the most applications in 2022 amongst 70+ countries where the competition is taking place.

She Loves Tech, plays a vital role in nurturing young startups and transforming their ideas into tangible realities and stands out for its prize funding of up to $100,000 connecting female entrepreneurs with a network of 50+ ecosystem partners, inspirational role models and mentors while building their capacity with the help of specialized curriculum. The winner from Pakistan will get the chance to go to Singapore for the She Loves Tech Global finale and Conference.

Commenting on the initiative, Sagheer Mufti, Chief Operating Officer – HBL, said, “At HBL, we believe that women play a key role in our economy and society. They are entrepreneurs, innovators, and change agents and thus have much to offer. This competition provides women with the opportunity to put forward technology based innovative ideas and get the needed support to succeed. We are committed to supporting and building an inclusive ecosystem for all Pakistani women, and we believe that She Loves Tech is a key enabler in this journey.“

Sadaffe Abid, Founder CIRCLE Women expressed her motivation for bringing the competition to Pakistan, stating, “Supporting women entrepreneurs is not only a choice; it is a vital necessity of our time. By bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship, we unleash the untapped talent and creativity of our women to solve challenges of our times. Embracing women in their entrepreneurial pursuits goes beyond business creation to building resilience, uplifting families, empowering  generations and cultivating vibrant communities.”

She Loves Tech 2023 is taking proactive steps to foster dialogue and collaboration between government officials and industry leaders for financial inclusion of women. As part of this effort, round table conferences will be organized, aiming to collectively develop policies that establish a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs and facilitate their thriving participation in the dynamic startup ecosystem.

“It has been a phenomenal experience being part of She Loves Lech Pakistan, all thanks to CIRCLE! She Loves Tech made me realize that I’m not alone as a woman entrepreneur and has given me a community that I can call my own and rely on whenever need be. The guidance provided at the boot camp and by the mentors were monumental in shaping us towards our win!” shares Dr. Sarah Alam, Founder Tibbi.pk and Winner She Loves Tech Pakistan 2022.

She Loves Tech this year is set to include local rounds in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad,Sukkur, Quetta, Hyderabad and Gilgit amongst the 15 participating cities. As a part of the outreach efforts, the She Loves Tech Pakistan team will be traveling to six out of nine cities and hold the rounds on ground and connect with the startups in person.  The goal is to reach and empower 25,000 young women throughout Pakistan, providing engaging pitches, enlightening panel discussions, inspiring talks, digital boot camps, and workshops tailored to their needs.

By Malik Sherbaz Lehri

Pakistan’s political landscape has been shaped by a recurring pattern akin to the dystopian realm of George Orwell’s “1984.” In a manner reminiscent of Big Brother’s firm control in Orwell’s masterpiece, the Pakistani military has played a pivotal role in orchestrating a systematic “System Uproot” whenever it perceives a challenge to its authority. This Orwellian approach to maintaining power has led to tumultuous political transitions, leaving the nation grappling with uncertainty and apprehension.

Much like Big Brother, the Pakistani military asserts its dominance as the ultimate authority, brooking no dissent or opposition. Each instance of the “System Uproot” involves upending the political system through calculated interventions and manipulation, all while projecting an image of acting in the interest of the nation.

Throughout the nation’s history, the military’s “System Uproot” has been a recurring phenomenon. From the early days of Ayub Khan’s takeover to the later instances of General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf assuming power, the common thread has been a perceived need to “correct” the political trajectory and bring order through forceful measures.

In the late 1970s, General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime exemplified the implementation of the “System Uproot” strategy when the military intervened to uproot the democratic governance set by elected leaders. The execution of the elected Prime Minister, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, served as a chilling reminder of the military’s iron fist, aimed at maintaining a grip on power at any cost.

Decades later, in the late 1990s, General Pervez Musharraf’s “System Uproot” marked another chapter in Pakistan’s turbulent history. With civilian leaders like Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif perceived as not adhering to the military’s established norms, the military once again seized control, bringing forth an era of authoritarian rule.

The most recent exercise of the Orwellian “System Uproot” occurred during the rise of Imran Khan, whose ascent to the Prime Minister’s office was not overtly orchestrated by the military. However, Khan’s subsequent actions and policies were closely aligned with the military’s interests, leading to the uprooting of the existing political system that was perceived as a threat to the military’s control.

In this Orwellian landscape, the consequences of the “System Uproot” are far-reaching and severe. The uprooting of the political system often results in the erosion of democratic principles, the stifling of dissent, and the marginalization of opposition voices. Citizens are left grappling with limited political freedoms and a prevailing sense of apprehension, akin to the ever-watchful eye of Big Brother.

The continuous cycle of “System Uproots” raises significant concerns about Pakistan’s democratic future and stability. The nation must break free from this dystopian loop by nurturing a genuine commitment to democratic governance, promoting open dialogue, and strengthening democratic institutions to counter the looming shadow of the Orwellian Big Brother.

As Pakistan navigates its future, it must confront the ominous specter of the Orwellian “System Uproot” and strive to forge a path that upholds democratic values and ensures civilian supremacy. Only by dismantling the cycle of authoritarian interventions can the nation chart a course towards a more inclusive, progressive, and democratic society.

Lahore (Nut-Desk)

The federal government on Friday announced two holidays for the upcoming Youm-e-Ashura.The government has declared August 18 and 19 as public holidays to mark Youm-e-Ashura, said a notification from the Ministry of Interior.

Earlier this week, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee sighted the Muharram-ul-Haram moon, which rings in the new Islamic year, 1443 AH.

The government has decided to deploy army troops across the country from Muharram 1 to 13. A security plan has been devised for the processions as well. The Pakistan Army with help the civil security forces.

In Sindh, a ban has been placed on pillion riding from Muharram 8 to 10 under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. No one can carry any arms or ammunition with the exception of law enforcers. More than five people cannot gather unless there is a procession, majlis, or tazia.

The ban on pillion riding does not apply to women, children below 12 years of age, senior citizens, journalists, disabled persons, law enforcers, and employees of essential services.

The day of Ashura is marked by Muslims across the world to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions on Muharram 10.The government of Pakistan announces two public holidays on Muharram 9 and 10 every year.

 

Lahore (NUT-Desk)

The federal government announced new restrictions for major cities having high positivity rate of Covid-19 cases to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

Addressing a press conference alongside Special Assistant to the PM on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar announced that markets will stay open until 8pm with all commercial activities to remain closed two days a week.

He said the existing restrictions in Karachi and Hyderabad will stay in place. Besides, he announced that indoor dining has been banned as only outdoor dining will be allowed.

Asad Umar said public transport will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity across the country and 50pc attendance will be allowed at workplaces.

He said the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) makes decisions with consultation. “Our focus is not only on the health of people but livelihoods as well. Prime Minister Imran Khan has said from day one that we cannot shut everything,” he maintained.

Asad Umar said the PTI government’s policy of smart lockdowns remained successful as people didn’t have to face more hardships. “Lockdown takes heavy toll on livelihoods,” he opined.

The minister said the government has decided to further ramp up vaccination against Covid-19, which is the only way to control the pandemic. Restrictions will reduce if the number of people getting vaccinated against the deadly virus will increase, he added.

Lahore (Nut-Desk)

A cruel suspect killer who was wanted by Rawalpindi police in a case pertaining to a cool-blooded murder of a woman (Naseem bibi) and her 14-month-old son has surrendered before the police on Tuesday.

The suspect, who is a resident of the Mohuta Mohra area of Rawalpindi and worked as a carpenter, was blamed for killing the woman and the minor child.

Wajid Ali, according to police, initially assaulted the mother and her son and used a sharp object to attack them, leading to the immediate death of the child and inflicting serious wounds to the woman who later succumbed to her injuries.

According to police, the suspect identified as Wajid Ali surrendered before the authorities at the Chauntra police station. He is blamed for inviting the woman to his place and later sexually assaulting her.

The police had previously shared the details of the suspect on their Twitter account, seeking public help in tracing the suspect as issue got highlighted on social media as #JusticeForNaseemBibi and also remained a top trend on twitter.

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Police have arrested the parents of Zahir Jaffer, the suspect accused of killing Noor Mukadam, a daughter of a former Pakistani ambassador to South Korea Shaukat Mukadam.

This was revealed by Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Hamaza Shafqaat in a statement issued in the early hours of Sunday.

The arrest came hours after the suspect was presented before a court. The murder and beheading of Noor Mukadam has sparked nationwide outrage in Pakistan, with thousands of people calling on the authorities to take the case to logical end .

The post-mortem report of the Noor Mukadam was released on Friday, stating that she was beheaded after being murdered in Islamabad.

It is pertinent to mention here that on July 20, a woman in her twenties, reportedly a daughter of a former ambassador, had been put to death allegedly by her own friend in the vicinity of Kohsar police station.

The Islamabad police spokesman stated that the suspects were arrested on charges of concealing evidence and aiding and abetting the crime. The detailed statement of the victim’s father Shaukat Muqaddam is also recorded. The police also arrested Zahir Zakir’s domestic helpers Iftikhar and Jamil for investigation.