Latest news with #Hussain
News18
2 days ago
- News18
Journalist, Wife Consume Poison On Camera Over 'Harassment' By SDM, Two Others In UP
Last Updated: Israr claimed that he had recently published a news report on alleged corruption in the Barkheda nagar panchayat, which he said had caught the attention of the CMO. A local journalist and his wife in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit posted a video on social media accusing a sub-divisional magistrate, a nagar panchayat chairman and a contractor of harassment before apparently consuming poison on camera on Thursday, police said. According to officers from Barkheda police station, the journalist, Israr, alleged in the video that they were driven to taking the extreme step due to ongoing harassment by Bisalpur sub-divisional magistrate Nagendra Pandey, Barkheda nagar panchayat chairman Shyam Bihari Bhojwal and contractor Moin Hussain. The couple was rushed to the district hospital, where Israr is reportedly out of danger while his wife remains in a critical condition, an officer said. In the video, Israr claimed that he had recently published a news report on alleged corruption in the Barkheda nagar panchayat, which he said had caught the attention of the Chief Minister's Office. Following this, Israr said he began to experience harassment. He alleged Hussain, Bhojwal, and Pandey continuously threatened the family and falsely implicated them in a case. 'We are drinking poison and ending our lives. Yogi ji, we need justice," Israr said in the video. Responding to the viral video, sub-divisional magistrate Pandey told the media that he has directed the Barkheda Station House Officer to investigate the matter. He dismissed the allegations as 'baseless" and claimed 'there is no such issue." Bisalpur Circle Officer Prateek Dahiya told reporters that the police are conducting a thorough investigation from all angles. Meanwhile, Bhojwal, in his statement to the press, said that he has no involvement in the incident. 'I have come to know about the incident, but I have nothing to do with it. There may have been some dispute with the contractor," he said. Contractor Hussain defended himself by claiming that Israr had visited one of his construction sites on 18 May and allegedly demanded Rs 15,000 and threatened to publish a negative news report if his demand was not met. Hussain claimed that Israr used abusive language and issued death threats. He added that he had filed a complaint with the police following the incident. The couple's family members claimed that Israr and his wife were facing continuous harassment. They accused Pandey, Bhojwal and Hussain of issuing threats and framing them in false cases, with the police also allegedly being complicit. The family demanded that a case be registered against the three individuals named in the video. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PASSCO: Minister ‘uncovers' nearly Rs1bn corruption
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Thursday revealed that corruption amounting to nearly Rs1 billion had been committed within the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) during wheat procurement operations last year (2024–25). The minister, while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security, stated that investigations had confirmed large-scale embezzlement within the state-run procurement body. In response to a query by committee chairman Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, Hussain disclosed that the federal government, under directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has decided to dissolve PASSCO and establish a new institution in its place. Officials from PASSCO briefed the committee on wheat procurement activities, noting that the target for the year 2024-25 had been set at 1.8 million tons, of which, 1.785 million tons were successfully procured. They further informed the committee that as of April 28, 2025, the organisation holds wheat stocks amounting to approximately 2.43 million metric tons. However, no procurement target for 2025 has yet been issued by the federal government. Addressing the corruption issue, PASSCO officials said investigations had been initiated against 249 employees, including two senior general managers. Disciplinary actions included the termination of one officer, forced retirement of another, and withholding of salary increments for two others. Concerns were also raised over wheat stock conditions in Balochistan. Senator Danesh Kumar warned of an impending crisis if wheat procurement is not undertaken promptly, noting that some stocks in the province have already spoiled. Minister Hussain confirmed the deterioration of certain wheat stocks in Balochistan. The committee was briefed on the alarming spread of counterfeit seeds in the country. The director general (DG) Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD) informed the committee about ongoing actions against companies and officials involved in the sale of fake seeds, which pose a serious threat to food security. The DG told the committee that following the third-party audits, out of 1,200 registered seed companies registered, nearly 400 companies were found involved in selling fake seeds and their registrations been cancelled. Between 2020 and 2024, over 2,700 challans were issued to fake seed sellers, he said. He said that efforts are underway to improve access to quality seeds, including the import of certified and hybrid seeds, particularly for cotton. The minister assured that visible improvements will be seen in the agriculture ministry's performance within six months. Senators Rahat Jamali, Abdul Waseh, Danesh Kumar and senior officials from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research also attended the meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Wheat target falls short by 4m metric tons
'When our costs are Rs3,400, how can we sell for cheaper? The policies punish us for surviving,' Khokhar said. photo: file Federal Minister for Food Rana Tanveer Hussain on Thursday revealed alleged corruption in the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco), amounting to around Rs1 billion. During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security, held under the chairmanship of Masroor Ahsan, Hussain confirmed that corruption did indeed occur in Passco. "This is why the government is considering establishing a Commodity Wing as an alternative institution," he added. The minister further stated that wheat production this year reached 29 million metric tons, falling short of the target of 33 million metric tons. He expressed concerns that the open market wheat policy might benefit middlemen, and if farmers do not receive fair compensation for their crops, wheat cultivation could be adversely affected next year. Senator Danesh Kumar from Balochistan voiced concern over the deteriorating state of wheat, warning that if the crop is wasted, it could turn into a major scandal. The federal minister clarified that although a portion of the crop was affected, the majority of the wheat was still safe. Hussain also mentioned ongoing efforts to improve seed quality. He said action has been taken against those involved in the sale of fake seeds. He said hybrid seeds are being imported, while local seed production is also underway. The minister admitted that there is a severe shortage of manpower in the Ministry of Food with available resources operating at less than 50% capacity. He said Pakistan's agriculture sector still relies on outdated systems, while neighboring countries have made significant progress. The meeting also discussed the appointment of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) chairman, internal politics within the institution, and Pakistan's position in smart agriculture.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'Uber driver dropped a cigarette – then I got letter that tore my life apart'
Heartbroken Abar Ahmed was left stunned after receiving a letter from Manchester council giving him a whopping fine for an offence he says he didn't commit - it has put his family through hell A devastated Manchester dad has been slapped with a huge fine for dropping a cigarette in the street, but he and his family insist it wasn't him. Heartbroken Abrar Ahmed, from Crumpsall, couldn't believe his eyes when he saw a letter from Manchester council in March. It told him he was being fined £433 for littering. Mr Ahmed then got in touch with the council having not been in the area and being a non-smoker. He requested access to the body-worn footage from an officer, and it emerged it was not him. But the case was adjourned because an appropriate interpreter had not been provided, meaning the fine has remained. Speaking on his behalf due to a language barrier, Mr Ahmed's brother-in-law Zahor Hussain told Manchester Evening News: 'His elder brother passed away from cancer in December, he's gone through absolute hell and back, as have the rest of our family. 'This is not something he needs and he is at the end of his tether. Someone who is not a criminal, now has to go before the court. They are pursuing the wrong person.' In the footage, the individual tells the enforcement officer that his name is 'Abrar Ahmed' and gives the same date of birth, yet gives an address in Bury. He also tells them he is a taxi driver and is seen to step out of the driver's seat of an Uber. Mr Hussain said: 'He doesn't smoke, he is a business manager and runs a food manufacturing business. This person was a taxi driver, and had parked up near to the Uber office. 'My brother-in-law has difficulties speaking English. This man is speaking English, they are speaking over each other. He gave the same name and date of birth as Abrar, but gave an address in Bury. 'The letter then came here, to my brother-in-law's address. He has never lived in Bury. The man in the footage is not my brother in law.' As a result, Mr Ahmed has been suffering with his mental health. 'We feel like we have gone to hell and back. We shouldn't have to do this,' he said. The family have since sent the investigations team evidence including images of the footage and Mr Ahmed. 'We are extremely anxious and have been left with mental anguish and distress. We don't know what to do,' Mr Hussain added. A hearing at Tameside Magistrates Court was convened to withdraw the conviction but the hearing had to be adjourned due to issues providing an appropriate interpreter by the court. A further hearing has been planned in June to formally withdraw the fine. 'We are not getting anywhere and it feels like smashing my head against a brick wall. It is a wrongful conviction - clearly they are two different individuals. We are being passed from pillar to post. How is that justified?,' said Mr Hussain. A Manchester City Council spokesperson said: "We have been made aware of a case of mistaken identity involving Mr Abrar Ahmed who was fined for littering a cigarette after another individual allegedly provided false details to an enforcement officer. "Mr Ahmed has since provided evidence that suggests he was not at fault and our investigation officers have reopened the case to withdraw the fine as soon as possible through the courts. "We want to sincerely apologise to Mr Ahmed and his family for the distress caused by this incident and investigations are ongoing to locate the real suspect."
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Exiled MQM leader Altaf Hussain's urgent appeal to PM Narendra Modi over Muhajirs
Altaf Hussain, the exiled founder of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), has issued an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to take note of the alleged persecution of the Muhajir community. Muhajirs, who are Urdu-speaking migrants from India that settled in Pakistan post-Partition, were the focus of Hussain's plea, which he delivered during a live broadcast from London. Praising Modi's support for the Baloch people, Altaf Hussain said it is a brave and commendable act. He further urged Modi to voice his support for the Muhajir community, which Altaf claims has faced decades of systemic discrimination, violence and state-sponsored oppression in Pakistan. Highlighting the oppression by Pakistan's military establishment, Altaf Hussain said since Partition, Muhajirs have never been acknowledged as rightful citizens of the country. "The MQM, which has consistently fought for the rights of marginalised communities, has endured multiple military actions,' he said. According to him, these actions have led to the deaths of more than 25,000 Muhajirs and has led to the disappearance of thousands more. He also denounced recent occurrences in the United States, particularly a pro-Pakistan event that took place in Dallas, Texas, on May 23. Hussain mentioned that the Pakistani Consul General in Houston, Aftab Chaudhry, showcased a video at the event depicting Altaf Hussain and the MQM as Indian agents, a claim the MQM leader argues is part of a wider disinformation strategy designed to undermine the Muhajir cause. Hussain expressed that Muhajirs have been rendered voiceless and powerless in Pakistan. He urged Modi to highlight the struggles of the Muhajirs at international platforms and to collaborate with global human rights organisations to ensure their safety, dignity, and fundamental rights. "The Muhajirs are unarmed and endure dire living conditions. For over 61 years, they have faced repeated cycles of economic hardship and physical destruction. Their plight can no longer be ignored," he said. (With ANI Inputs)
