Latest news with #Sehri
Express Tribune
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Problems are not solved by Iftar and Sehri, but by working,' says mayor Karachi
Listen to article The war of words between Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori and Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab continues as the latter made a statement that issues facing the city cannot be solved simply through gestures like 'Iftar and Sehri', but only through consistent and practical work. Speaking to the media, Wahab, belonging to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), emphasised the importance of taking concrete steps rather than engaging in propaganda. Wahab said that the PPP is committed to addressing the problems of the public regardless of political affiliation. He also took a moment to offer prayers for protection from those he referred to as "adversaries" and expressed hopes that the holy month of Ramadan would bring blessings to the city and its people. Further defending the PPP's approach, Wahab praised the Governor of Sindh, describing him as both a close friend and a benefactor of the city. He revealed that, on the Governor's suggestion, he had recently written a letter to the federal government requesting funds to support development efforts in Karachi. In particular, Wahab reiterated his request for the release of Rs100 billion, a sum he claimed he has been seeking for the past eight days. He called on federal government officials, including Governor Kamran Tessori, to ensure that these funds are made available, reiterating that, if received, he would ensure full accountability and transparency in their use. Wahab concluded by pointing out that while it is easy to make promises and discuss issues, actual work is far more challenging. He highlighted one of the city's critical needs – the construction of a Northern Bypass – which he argued is essential to resolving Karachi's worsening traffic congestion. Sindh Governor responds to Karachi Mayor Earlier Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori had responded to the statement made by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, asserting that his focus during Ramadan is entirely on serving the public, particularly during the times of Sehri and Iftar. In his remarks, Tessori stressed that his dedication to community service during the holy month of Ramadan leaves him with no time for anything else, particularly until after Sehri. Sindh Governor shared that he had the privilege of hosting Iftar for the Consuls General of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Oman, Turkiye, Malaysia, Russia, and Bangladesh, and also had the honour of offering Iftar to 10,000 individuals at the Governor House. He expressed that while serving the public, he also gains spiritual merit, highlighting that he provides daily gifts such as residential plots, Umrah tickets, motorcycles, and phones, in addition to distributing Sehri to various locations. Tessori also responded to critics, advising them to focus on making improvements rather than harbouring jealousy over the love and support he has received from the people. He pointed out that this Ramadan, he had demonstrated his commitment to all citizens, with people from all backgrounds—whether Muhajirs, Sindhis, Punjabis, Baloch, or Pashtuns—considering him a brother and a son. He concluded by encouraging others to win hearts through service, emphasising that this is the true measure of success, rather than being envious of popular support.
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori responds to Murtaza Wahab's statement
Listen to article Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori has responded to the statement made by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, asserting that his focus during Ramadan is entirely on serving the public, particularly during the times of Sehri and Iftar. In his remarks, Tessori stressed that his dedication to community service during the holy month of Ramadan leaves him with no time for anything else, particularly until after Sehri. Sindh Governor shared that he had the privilege of hosting Iftar for the Consuls General of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Oman, Turkiye, Malaysia, Russia, and Bangladesh, and also had the honour of offering Iftar to 10,000 individuals at the Governor House. He expressed that while serving the public, he also gains spiritual merit, highlighting that he provides daily gifts such as residential plots, Umrah tickets, motorcycles, and phones, in addition to distributing Sehri to various locations. Tessori also responded to critics, advising them to focus on making improvements rather than harbouring jealousy over the love and support he has received from the people. He pointed out that this Ramadan, he had demonstrated his commitment to all citizens, with people from all backgrounds—whether Muhajirs, Sindhis, Punjabis, Baloch, or Pashtuns—considering him a brother and a son. He concluded by encouraging others to win hearts through service, emphasising that this is the true measure of success, rather than being envious of popular support. Mayor criticises governor 'for focusing on Iftar and Sehri parties' Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has urged the Prime Minister of Pakistan to honour his promises regarding Karachi's development, while also calling on MQM to clarify its position on local government powers. Wahab stated that he has received a response from Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tesori and will reply soon. During the inauguration of development projects near Machi Miani Market, Wahab emphasised the importance of the Old City Area as the foundation of Karachi, and assured that municipal issues, particularly the blocked sewerage system, were being addressed. He criticised the Governor for focusing on Iftar and Sehri parties instead of addressing Karachi's problems and called for the release of Rs100 billion promised for the city's development. Wahab also criticised MQM for its unclear stance on local governance, noting that while the party had previously supported grassroots governance, it now advocated for PIDCL to take over KMC's responsibilities. He mentioned ongoing efforts to resolve Karachi's water shortage and development projects in Keamari Fish Market and Lyari, stating that no obstacles to development would be tolerated.
Express Tribune
18-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Mother strangles three children before preparing Sehri for husband in Egypt
Listen to article A horrific crime in Egypt has left the nation in shock as a mother allegedly strangled her three children to death before preparing Suhoor(Sehri) for her husband, Gulf News reported. The incident occurred early Saturday morning in the Ezbet El Mantawi area of Khanka, located in the Qalyubiya governorate. The suspect, 35-year-old Suzan, is accused of killing her two daughters, Shahd (12) and Aya (5), along with her son Mahmoud (7). Reports indicate that the children were asleep when Suzan strangled them one by one after they had their pre-dawn meal, also known as Suhoor or Sehri. Investigators believe that Suzan may have been suffering from mental illness, which could have played a role in the tragic crime. Authorities arrested her after her husband, who was unaware of the killings, contacted the police. He is also being questioned by security forces.
Express Tribune
15-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Pindiites skip sleep for Sehri nights
As the holy month of Ramazan is continuing with religious zeal, the city of Rawalpindi has transformed into a vibrant hub of activity before the break of dawn. The tradition of Sehri, a pre-dawn meal eaten before fasting begins, has brought residents together in a celebration of food, faith, and community. In the quiet hours of the morning, the streets of Rawalpindi come alive with the tantalising aromas of traditional Sehri delicacies. From steaming plates of nihari and haleem to the sweet, syrupy flavours of falooda and parathas, the city's food vendors and restaurants offer a diverse array of options to satisfy the cravings of Sehri enthusiasts. Sabir Khan, a local resident, says, "I love the energy in Rawalpindi during Sehri, the streets are filled with people, and the smell of food is amazing." "Sehri is a special time for them, it's when we come together as a family and share a meal before the day's fast begins," he adds. "Whether you are a longtime resident or just visiting, experiencing Sehri in Rawalpindi is a unique and unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Ramadan in Pakistan, he stated. Another resident Kiran is of the view that Sehri is a time for spiritual reflection and rejuvenation, it's a blessing to be able to share it with our community.
Express Tribune
10-03-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Decades-old Sehri tradition fading away
People dine out in the cool evening breeze in Karachi on Thursday. Many eateries stay open till Sehri to serve people enjoying dining out - the only nightlife permissible in the country. Photo: express A 150-year-old tradition in the subcontinent of waking people up for Sehri during the holy month of Ramazan by banging empty tin cans and drums is now gradually fading away in the country. In its place, social media and telephone alerts have taken over. A century ago, the practice of waking people up before Sehri by banging tin cans and drums at the doors of houses and streets seemed effective, but now, after scientific advancements, if drums are beaten near houses or streets even an hour before Sehri, people, who fast, now get upset and irritated. Every Muslim country has its own method of waking people up for Sehri. When fasting was made obligatory in the 2nd Hijrah year, Hazrat Bilal bin Rabah (RA) would roam the streets of Madinah, calling out in his beautiful voice to wake people for Sehri. A few years later, more companions of the Prophet (SAW), young people and children, joined him. Within a few years, this practice spread to Makkah and then to all Islamic states. In the early days of Islam, since there were no loudspeakers, mosque imams would light red lanterns or lamps on the minarets, chimney tops, or high places two hours before Sehri. The Muslims would wake up upon seeing the light. Around one and a half centuries ago in the subcontinent, Muslims began using large empty tin cans to wake people up for Sehri. Soon after, drums were added to the practice, and the rhythmic beating of the tin cans and drums would announce, "Rozedaro utho Sehri ka waqt ho gia ha" (Rise, O fasting ones, it is time for Sehri). People would wake up upon hearing it. After the creation of Pakistan, this tradition continued, and groups also started roaming the streets reciting naat to wake people up. However, this practice has now completely vanished. The beginning of the new century in 2001 marked the gradual end of this custom. Occasionally, a drum can be heard in some streets during Sehri time, but now, it is met with harsh words from the fasting people. In today's Ramazan, the tradition of going to bed at night is almost extinct. In most homes, people stay awake until Sehri, and children can be seen playing cricket on the streets until Sehri time. The practice of sleeping after Sehri is now on the rise. Mosques used to announce "It's time for Sehri " and also sound sirens to wake people up, and these sirens are still used for Sehri and iftar times. In Pakistan, the practice of waking people up with drums during Sehri turned into a business. After waking people for a month, people would collect "Eidi" (gifts) on the day of Eidul Fitr from all over the city, which would include cash, flour, sugar, wheat, and rice as offerings from the people. Abdul Shakoor, a 41-year-old man in Rawalpindi who still wakes people up with drums, says his grandfather, father, uncle, and other relatives had been doing this since before his birth. "We've been doing this since the creation of Pakistan," he said. However, this practice is now near its end because people get upset if drums are played in some streets. Moreover, they no longer give gifts on Eid. Despite this, Abdul Shakoor has been continuing the family business out of necessity and as a means of earning spiritual reward.
