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Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Fazlur Rehman's stance on child marriage bill sparks online criticism
Listen to article Maulana Fazlur Rehman's announcement to protest against the child marriage bill has sparked widespread discussion online. President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday signed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill into law, setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 years. The new legislation criminalises the solemnisation of marriages where either the boy or girl is underage. In response, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday announced a nationwide protest against the government's proposed legislation aimed at restricting child marriages, arguing that the bill contradicts Islamic teachings and threatens Pakistan's religious identity. Many users criticised the move, questioning why such a stance was being taken on an issue concerning child protection. Numerous users criticised religious leaders for opposing a law aimed at protecting minors. One user remarked that these groups have never protested against child abuse but are enraged by the child marriage bill. READ MORE: NA passes bill criminalising child marriage Photo: ScreenGrab Photo: ScreenGrab Others emphasised the importance of confronting religious conservatives who are using religion to justify child marriages, warning that failure to resist would only embolden such views further. Several voices on social media called for organised counter-protests by the rational and progressive segments of society to stand up against the protesters opposing the bill. Photo: ScreenGrab Users argued that defending children's rights should be a non-negotiable priority and expressed strong support for the new law, highlighting that early marriage often leads to severe health, psychological, and social consequences for children, especially girls. READ MORE: Child marriages plague impoverished girls Under the new law that banned the underage marriage of boys and girls alike, violators face up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs100,000, while a man over 18 marrying an underage girl may face rigorous imprisonment of up to three years. Courts are also empowered to intervene and protect the identities of those reporting such cases. Despite the bill's clear intent to safeguard children from exploitation, it has faced fierce opposition from religious political parties and the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) . The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly criticised the CII for raising objections to the recently passed Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, calling the move a serious attempt to hinder vital child protection legislation. READ MORE: CII takes exception to child marriage bill Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Fazl claimed the proposed law is being influenced by foreign agendas. 'Pakistan's identity is Islam, and that identity is under threat,' he said, warning that the bill undermines the country's core values. Fazl accused the government of drafting the legislation based on demands from international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United Nations (UN), rather than adhering to Islamic principles. 'The UN's stance is being used to pass laws against early-age marriages. The President is also refusing to sign the religious seminaries bill,' he added. The JUI-F leader criticised the proposed law as violating the Quran and Sunnah, asserting that such moves weaken democratic processes and inadvertently strengthen extremist narratives. 'Democracy is losing its case, and such actions are empowering the narratives of armed groups,' Fazl warned.
Express Tribune
18 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Skyrocketing prices deter cattle buyers
As the religious festival of Eidul Azha approaches fast, three major sacrificial animal markets set up in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have so far failed to attract potential buyers owing to skyrocketing prices. With only four days remaining until Eidul Azha, the three major livestock markets of the twin citiesBhata Ground (Cantonment), I-12, and Rawat-Kallar Syedanare brimming with animals. However, buyers are few and far between. Sky-high prices of goats, sheep, cows, bulls, and camels have left most people unable to afford an animal of their choice. If this trend continues, traders may once again be forced to take unsold livestock back home, as happened last Eid. Many citizens unable to afford individual animals have already started reaching out to organisations arranging collective (joint) sacrifices. Contracts for the three main livestock markets were auctioned at high rates with Bhata Ground market at Rs165.7 million, I-12 market Rs55m, and Rawat-Kallar Syedan market at over Rs30m. Following these auctions, livestock was transported in trucks from Punjab and other provinces. Arrangements including tents, lighting, drinking water, animal feed, security, vehicle parking, and livestock health inspections by veterinarians were made in those markets. Despite these facilities, sales have been dismal. A 20-kg goat is priced as high as Rs100,000 or more, depending on weight and appearance. Bulls weighing around five maunds (approximately 200 kg) are priced between Rs300,000 to Rs400,000. For collective sacrifices, a single share in a large animal now costs Rs70,000 to Rs80,000, making even joint purchasing unaffordable for many. Shocked by the high prices, most buyers inquire about prices, pose for photos with the animals, and then walk away. In all three markets, buyers are seen visiting in the evening, but purchases remain low. Discussions and arguments between traders and buyers under the tents have become a common scene. Buyers turn to collective sacrifices As livestock prices remain out of reach, many residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are turning toward collective sacrifice options, where one share can be reserved for as low as Rs35,000. Many are now compelled to opt for this alternative to fulfil the religious obligation of Sunnat-e-Ibrahimi.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Mustafa Amir murder: Armughan's father granted bail in illegal arms case
Listen to article A local court has granted bail to Kamran Asghar Qureshi, the father of Armughan, the main suspect in the Mustafa Aamir murder case, in an illegal arms case. The bail application was heard by the Additional District and Sessions Judge (South), who approved the bail against a surety bond of Rs100,000. During the hearing, defence counsel Khurram Awan argued that the case was baseless and registered solely because the accused is Armughan's father. He claimed that Kamran has been wrongfully implicated in multiple cases. The judge remarked that the accused should be released if not wanted in any other case. According to the prosecution, the Anti-Violent Crime Cell had booked Kamran Asghar Qureshi after recovering illegal weapons from his possession. A total of four FIRs have been lodged against him. Earlier, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi had extended the physical remand of Armughan, the prime suspect in the Mustafa Amir murder case, for an additional seven days. The court directed the investigation officer to submit a progress report at the next hearing. Prosecutors argued that more time was required to recover a laptop and mobile phone, which they believe contain crucial evidence. Armughan's defence counsel opposed the request, claiming that police had completed their investigation and further remand was unnecessary. However, the court sided with the prosecution and approved the extension. During the hearing, the judge inquired whether the seized evidence had been properly sealed, to which the investigation officer confirmed compliance. The court also permitted Armughan's parents to meet him briefly. Moreover, according to a report, Armughan had allegedly confessed to the crime and explained the reasons behind Mustafa's murder. The report revealed that Armughan ran a call centre at a bungalow in Defence Housing Authority's Khayaban-e-Momin area, where 30 to 40 boys and girls worked, along with 30 to 35 security guards stationed at the premises. The bungalow had allegedly housed three lion cubs illegally. An interrogation report also shed light on Armughan's involvement in business and drug use. Before Mustafa's murder, Armughan, along with his friend Shiraz, planned to burn Mustafa's car and had previously intended to harm him. The report revealed that in 2019, Armughan was involved in a case regarding drug import, but he secured bail in that matter. According to the investigation, Armughan himself was a drug user. On New Year's Eve, Armughan hosted a party at the bungalow, where Shiraz was also present until 3 am. However, Mustafa did not attend the party. The following day, Armughan and Mustafa had a personal dispute, which escalated into a violent confrontation. On January 6, Armughan invited Shiraz to the bungalow to take drugs together, and Mustafa arrived at around 9 pm. During this encounter, Armughan assaulted Mustafa with an iron rod. Armughan and Shiraz stripped Mustafa of his clothes, bound his hands and feet with a white sheet, and dragged him down the stairs. Mustafa's car was parked in the bungalow's parking lot, and they placed his body in the trunk of the car, after which they took him to Hub. The report further details that Armughan instructed two employees to clean blood stains from the room. Armughan also took Mustafa's clothes, mobile phone, and internet device. When they could not find fuel in the car, Armughan took a fuel can from the bungalow. The report explains that Armughan discarded Mustafa's mobile phone and other belongings on the way. They arrived in Hub around 4:30 am, poured petrol on the car, and set it on fire. Armughan and Shiraz then walked to a hotel for breakfast. A hotel employee noticed a weapon, and the two men fled the scene. After walking for several hours and hitching rides, they made their way back to Karachi.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Food price disparities persist across metropolis
A steep and widespread increase in the prices of perishable food items has been observed across the provincial capital this week, highlighting the ineffectiveness of official measures aimed at curbing artificial inflation and profiteering. Despite repeated claims by the Punjab government, enforcement of the official price list remained virtually ineffective in markets. Retailers openly flouted the government-fixed prices despite then recent establishment of a price monitoring department led by a secretary. Live chicken prices were officially reduced by Rs28 per kilogram this week, bringing the rate to Rs369383 per kg. However, it was generally unavailable, while chicken meat sold for Rs580690 per kg and boneless chicken for Rs900 to Rs1,050. Among vegetables, the official price of A-grade soft skin potatoes increased by Rs10 to Rs5560 per kg, but they were sold at Rs120140 per kg. B-grade potatoes, fixed at Rs4550, and C-grade at Rs3540, were sold as mixed lots for Rs80100 per kg. Sugar-free potato prices also rose, with A-grade set at Rs4550 but sold for as high as Rs100 per kg. A-grade onions, fixed at Rs3540, were sold for Rs80 per kg. Similar disparities were observed in B- and C-grade onions. Tomatoes followed the same trend, with A-grade fixed at Rs3540 but retailing between Rs80 and Rs120 per kg. Garlic and ginger prices showed notable increases. Locally produced garlic, officially priced at Rs176185 per kg, was sold for Rs200250, while Chinese garlic, fixed at Rs252265, was sold for Rs400. Ginger prices dropped on paper, with the Thai variety set at Rs582610 and Chinese at Rs535580 per kg, yet both were sold for Rs8001,000 per kg. Spinach, fixed at Rs3540, was sold for up to Rs100 per kg. Other items showing significant disparities included cabbage (Rs4750, sold at Rs120150) and Chinese carrots (Rs5255, sold at Rs200250). Among fruits, apple prices surged by Rs30, with official rates ranging from Rs250 to Rs420 per kg, but market prices reached Rs800 per kg. Bananas were also sold well above official prices. Papaya, melon, watermelon, cantaloupe, peach, and phalsa all recorded price gains, with official rates far lower than selling prices.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Hitman killed by accomplice's 'fire'
A contract killer was killed by the alleged firing of his accomplices during a 'police encounter' near Baddrah, police said. Shah Nazar alias Abdul Rehman from Peshawar was accused of murdering two innocent citizens for Rs100,000. He was in police custody at the time he was killed. Fatah Jang police said that the arrested suspect was being taken for evidence recovery. The police team was ambushed near Baddrah, in the vicinity of Hattar, where unknown armed assailants had blocked the road with stones. The suspects opened fire on the police to free the suspect from custody under the cover of darkness. The attackers continued indiscriminate firing and fled the scene. During a subsequent search operation, police found Shah Nazar's dead body near Dhok Namdar. Initial findings suggested he was killed by the bullets fired by his own unidentified accomplices. The police shifted the body for autopsy, registered a murder case against the unknown attackers and began an investigation. In recent months, several suspects have reportedly been killed or injured in similar police encounters in Attock, with the police claiming that all of them were killed or injured by the firing of their own accomplices.
