Latest news with #FaizanAli
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Family members scared, calling me multiple times: Indian student studying in Iran
Faizan Ali, a 21-year-old student of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Iran, has never got so many calls from family members as much as he is receiving these days. Ali, who hails from Srinagar, told PTI that his family members are scared for his safety amid the Iran-Israel conflict . "I have been in boarding school since class 7 and I am not used to talking to my family members daily. But ever since Israel launched attack on Iran, my family has been calling me 10 times a day inquiring about my well-being," he said over a WhatsApp call. Ali, who is in first year of the medical college, said their exams were ending on Tuesday, but the university has announced cancellation of exams and closure of the varsity till October. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) "We have been told that we can go back home. There are over 120 students from Kashmir in our university. But our side is relatively safe. Tehran is completely devastated," he said. Live Events Recalling the last few days, he said that on Thursday night, everything was normal but when they woke up next morning, the situation was completely different. "There was fear all around. We heard gunshots. The students in Tehran are really scared. Since it is the centre of the country, evacuation is also a challenge. But I have heard that students are being taken to safe locations," he added. The 21-year-old said that the internet services are also affected in the country. "It is taking three to four minutes for WhatsApp mesages to go through. That day, my father asked me whether I had food and if I was doing fine. I texted him back saying I was safe but that message took nearly half an hour to reach him," he said, and urged people back home to pray for the safety of those stuck in Iran. The medical student said they are hoping that they will be evacuated either by Monday evening or Tuesday morning. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said he spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding students from the Union Territory stranded in Iran and was assured that necessary steps would be taken to ensure safety of all Indian students. On Sunday, Indian nationals in Iran were asked to exercise due caution and maintain contact with the Embassy of India in Tehran through its social media accounts in view of the current situation in the country following the launch of strikes by Israel. Israel on Friday last launched Operation Rising Lion to strike at Iran's nuclear, missile and military complexes. The strikes left key military commanders and nuclear scientists dead. Iran retaliated by launching waves of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel.
Express Tribune
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Parks buzz again as war threat subsides
Families and individuals have finally started returning to recreational parks after both Pakistan and India implemented ceasefire following a few days' clashes. Due to the recent war-like situation between the two nuclear states, recreational activities in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad were severely affected over the past week. Family visits to parks and leisure spots saw a record decline, as fear and uncertainty loomed. However, with Pakistan's recent military success over India, the vibrancy of recreational spaces is gradually returning. Parks are once again buzzing with families and children. Chairlifts have resumed operations, boating on lakes has restarted, and electronic and hydraulic rides in amusement parks are back in action. The helpers and operators of these attractions have regained their livelihoods. Just a week ago, recreational spots wore a deserted look due to the war atmosphere. Popular places like Jinnah Park, Ayub Park, Joyland, Patriata, Allama Iqbal Park, Ladies Park, Shakarparian, Daman-e-Koh, Yasmin Garden, Rumi Park, and various children's parks were virtually empty by sunset. The lack of lighting at night further added to the abandonment, impacting businesses such as food stalls, ride operators, and gaming vendors, leaving many unemployed for seven to eight days. Even now, vendors at the Shakarparian Monument report little to no activity. However, recreational parks are reopening in phases, and those still closed are expected to resume operations within 24 hours. Faizan Ali and Rashid Aziz, stallholders at Ayub and Jinnah Parks, reported that citizens have started returning to the parks after a gap of 10 days. During the peak of tensions, family footfall dropped by 90%. Normally, business peaks between 6pm and 9pm, but blackouts had forced early closures. With the easing of tensions, families are now returning, and daily visitor numbers are steadily rising. Expectations are high that attendance will return to normal levels by the coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Meanwhile, Patriata's chairlift is also operational again. Tourists Begum Ruhi Faris and Nadeem Amjad shared that they were finally able to enjoy the chairlift ride after many days. However, due to upcoming HBL PSL (Pakistan Super League) matches, Allama Iqbal Park near Double Road and the cricket stadium will once again be closed starting today. It will remain shut for four days, depriving nearby residents of their regular morning walks and recreation. Vendors selling food and drinks around the park will also face temporary unemployment during this period.
