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Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- General
- Qatar Tribune
PISQ students show solidarity with Palestinians at Awsaj Academy's painting competition
Fifty-four students from Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) passionately exhibited their artistic prowess during a painting competition titled Palestine Taught Me, organised by Awsaj Academy. The competition served as a vibrant platform where students expressed heartfelt solidarity with the people of Palestine, artfully blending colours and creativity to advocate for peace, resilience, and hope. With profound emotional engagement and an unmistakable zeal, PISQ students poured their passion onto the canvas, conveying powerful messages of unity and compassion for their Palestinian brothers and sisters. To further celebrate and appreciate the students' artistic achievements, PISQ hosted a special exhibition where their thought-provoking paintings were elegantly displayed. Principal Ch Muhammad Afzal, alongside the vice principals, mentors, and school leadership, engaged in a thorough observation and analysis of each artwork, acknowledging the depth of creativity and sincerity embedded in every brushstroke. Their recognition not only highlighted the artistic talents of the students but also reinforced the school's commitment to fostering meaningful self-expression. The exhibition was thoughtfully organised by Azmina Saheef, Event Manager, with the generous and collaborative support of the principal, vice principals, and mentors. Pakistan International School Qatar shines at MoEHE's closing ceremony Meanwhile, PISQ proudly marked a significant milestone at the recent Ministry of Education and Higher Education's (MoEHE) closing ceremony, titled 'My Values, Draw My Identity.' In a moment brimming with pride, Grade 11-A student Abdullah Ashraf took centre stage to eloquently present the Al Fitrah Initiative. His commanding presence, deep insight, and clear articulation earned him high praise from ministry officials, reflecting the powerful impact of his words. Adding to the accolades, Omer Saleem, father of Ahmad Omer from (Grade 3-I), received a commendation certificate from MoEHE. This honour celebrated his outstanding contributions and active parent engagement, emphasizing the robust home-school partnership that PISQ tirelessly cultivates. Principal Ch Muhammad Afzal extended his heartfelt congratulations to every student, parent, and faculty member who contributed to this moment of pride.
Express Tribune
26-03-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
PMD chief warns temperatures could soar up to 5°C above normal
Daytime temperatures may rise by 3°C to 4°C above normal levels in Karachi. PHOTO: PIXABAY Listen to article The chief meteorologist of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of significant temperature rise in the coming months in the country, saying forecasts indicate temperatures may rise by 3°C to 5°C above normal levels. Speaking at a press conference, Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Afzal revealed that winter rainfall was recorded 42% below normal, with Sindh receiving 63% less rain, Balochistan 53%, and Punjab 41%. The alarming decline in rainfall has pushed dams and water reservoirs to dead levels, raising concerns over water availability for agriculture and domestic use. Afzal further cautioned that below-normal rainfall is expected in the northern regions, exacerbating the water crisis. The shortage could lead to crop failures, the spread of diseases, and a negative impact on wildlife. He urged the public to use water wisely to mitigate the crisis. Major metropolitan areas will experience heatwave conditions due to the urban heat island effect, accelerating drought conditions. The intense heat may also accelerate the melting of glaciers, increasing river flows temporarily but raising the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and flash floods in northern areas. Pakistan typically receives 19.4% of its annual rainfall between April and June, but below-average rainfall is expected this year, which could contribute to groundwater depletion, particularly in rain-fed regions. Additionally, cyclone formation over the Arabian Sea cannot be ruled out in May due to the rising sea surface temperatures. During the Eidul Fitr holidays, most parts of the country will experience hot and dry weather, with temperatures likely to remain 2 to 3°C above normal. In Karachi, daytime temperatures may rise by 3°C to 4°C above normal levels, adding to the discomfort for citizens. A wet spell with rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall over mountains is expected in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and northern Punjab on March 26-27. Areas such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, and Mansehra may receive moderate to heavy rainfall, while dust storms and thunderstorms are also likely over the plains of Punjab. Heavy rainfall in northern areas could lead to flash floods in some regions, while windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning pose a risk to electric poles, trees, vehicles, solar panels, and standing crops. Landslides and slippery conditions may also affect mountainous areas. The authorities and relevant stakeholders have been advised to implement precautionary measures to address the impacts of rising temperatures, heat waves, and water shortages. Public awareness campaigns should be launched to inform communities about heatwave preparedness and water conservation strategies. The Met Office has urged the public to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, and conserve water to reduce the impact of the looming crisis.
Express Tribune
12-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Man fatally stabs daughter on wedding day
In two separate incidents, a father murdered his daughter on her wedding day, while in a separate case, woman was killed by her husband and in-laws over allegations of bad character. Police have registered cases and arrested one of the suspects, while raids are underway to apprehend the others. The first incident took place in Chak 35 Fateh, where Muhammad Afzal stabbed his 18-year-old daughter, Sonia Bibi, with a knife just moments before her wedding ceremony. Sonia was set to marry her cousin, Rehman. However, her father, unhappy with the marriage, attacked her in a fit of rage and fled the scene. Sonia was rushed to Tehsil Hospital in Chishtian, but she succumbed to her injuries. Saddar Police Station SHO Shafiq Ahmed confirmed that the police arrested Muhammad Afzal within hours of the crime. A case under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code has been registered against him on the complaint of the victim's mother, Abida Bibi. After completing the post-mortem, the police handed over the body to the family. Wife murdered In the second case, 30-year-old Farwa Bibi was allegedly killed by her husband, Muhammad Shahbaz Shah, and his family over suspicions about her character. The victim's father Niaz Ahmed said Farwa was frequently subjected to domestic abuse by her husband. On the day of the murder, Syed Jaffar Shah, armed with a stick, entered her house and struck her on the head, causing her to collapse. He then strangled her to death with her dupatta. Eyewitnesses Muhammad Islam and Syed Imdad Shah saw the attack, after which the accused fled the scene. The complainant alleged that the murder was carried out on the instructions of Farwa's husband, Muhammad Shahbaz, due to ongoing domestic disputes. Bakhsh Khan police registered a case against the suspects under Sections 302 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Express Tribune
02-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Woman sues 'rapist' for child support
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed a trial court to seek evidence from a woman to substantiate her claim that a certain individual is the biological father of her child conceived after her alleged rape. A single-member bench of the LHC comprising Justice Ahmad Nadeem Arshad allowed a petition filed by a Muhammad Afzal against the verdict of a trial court. According to an FIR on March 4, 2020 for offences under section 376, 109 of Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, Maryam Zahid was allegedly raped by Afzal. As a result of the rape, Maryam conceived and ultimately gave birth to a female child. Later, a suit was filed on behalf of the child for recovery of maintenance allowance from Afzal. According to the suit, the child being the biological daughter of Afzal was entitled to get an allowance. Muhammad Afzal contested the suit by filing a written statement, negating the version that he was the biological father of the child. However, the trial court decreed in the respondent minor's favor. When Afzal failed to pay the interim maintenance allowance, his defense was struck off and the suit was decreed by awarding maintenance allowance to the minor at the rate of Rs3,000 per month. Muhammad Afzal later challenged the trial court's order in the LHC, which allowed his petition. In his order, Justice Ahmad Nadeem Arshad noted that this was not a case of recovery of maintenance allowance simpliciter. He noted that the contention of Maryam Zahid in the plaint was that as a result of rape she conceived the minor, who being the biological daughter of the present petitioner is entitled to get maintenance allowance. The verdict said that in case of a legitimate child, the mother institutes a suit under the Family Courts Act, 1964 or approaches the chairman of the concerned union council in the light of Section 9 of Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961, for recovery of maintenance allowance. The court then fixes an interim maintenance allowance as a temporary arrangement and on failure of the defendant/father to pay interim maintenance the court strikes off his defence and decrees the suit straightaway under Section 17-A of the Family Courts Act, 1964. "But in the case where a woman claims maintenance for her child against the biological father, who denies the version, the woman would first need to establish, through trustworthy evidence, that the defendant is indeed the biological father of the child. "The burden of proving that the defendant [Afzal] is the biological father of the child lies on the woman who claims the maintenance," it said. The LHC said the trial court erred in law by granting maintenance for the child without first ensuring, through the proper process of evidence, that the child is indeed the biological offspring of the petitioner.
