Dubai introduces pink ambulance for women

Pilipino doctor Maria Lagbes (L) and a driver stand next to a pink ambulance of the Women Responders team in Dubai. / AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE

The color pink has been used to represent woman for centuries. Anything with the color pink was automatically thought to have something to do with women. Apparently, authorities in Dubai have taken this unwritten rule very seriously.

After starting a pink taxi service ten years ago, a service that only served females, they have taken another step of introducing pink ambulances this Saturday which are specifically dedicated to help woman in need.

Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) introduced the pink ambulance, which will be used to help woman in emergency whether it’s labor, injury or any kind of medical care. The pink ambulance will also help children under 12 year age.

Four female paramedics will be stationed in each pink ambulance according to the executive director of DCAS.

The ambulance service is mainly started for child birth emergency but it will respond to any emergency situation when there is a female involved.

The pink ambulance is currently under trial covering only one neighborhood. However, the service can be expanded to more neighborhoods in a few months if it turned out to be a success.

All of the drivers and paramedic have taken special courses and undergone training in medical care at the Latifa Hospital for women.

The purpose of this project is to give women of Dubai a comfortable environment. The pink ambulance has been on 25 errands so far, none of it a very high level emergency.

While the temperature of Dubai reaches 50 degree centigrade the medics are eager to help the female community of Dubai and are getting very positive feedback.

The ambulance will initially be based in the Al Twar Municipality Centre

Honor Killing: Christian man killed daughter over a relationship with Muslim

Henriette, 17, was found dead in her parents home with stab wounds to the neck in the Central town of Ramle, Israil on June 13. According to Jerusalem Post, the father, Sami Karra, believed Henriette’s actions “damaged the honor of the family and made him feel ashamed.”

The local news source reported that the killing sparked a wave of outrage from Israeli-Arab Members of Knesset and community leaders accusing the police of not properly protecting the teenager despite her complaints against her family.

The victim left home two weeks before her murder after her family used violence against her to try to end her year-long relationship with a Muslim man. After the abuse she feared for her life and hid from her family in a number of places.

On June 11, the police summoned Henriette and her parents for a joint meeting after which she returned home on her parents request. On June 13, the day of her death, she deposited 400 Shekels (113 dollars) in her Muslim boyfriend’s prison canteen account – who was jailed at the time on charges unrelated to the indictment.

When she came home she told her relative that her boyfriend would be released from prison at the end of the week and that she was planning on converting to Islam. The relative informed her father of her plans, after which her father killed her with a knife, according to the indictment.

Sami Karra, 58, denies his daughter’s murder and refused to answer any questions from the police. There is no direct evidence that he committed this murder and no forensic evidence, says the lawyers who are representing the defendant.

According to her friends, Henriette was someone who loved life. She had a good character and had lots of friends. She wanted to do a lot of things in life.

Honor Killing is a worldwide phenomena. According to United Nations facts and figures, each year an estimated 5,000 honor killings occur in different countries of the world. Most of them in Islamic countires of South Asia, North Africa and the Middle East.

According to USA Today, the Department of Justice estimated in its 2014 report that 23 to 27 honor killings occurred in the country each year.

The end of Linkin Park: RIP Chester Bennington

Chester Bennignton, the lead singer of one of the most celebrated band in the rock world, Linkin Park, is no more as the rock star allegedly took his own life by hanging himself.

His body was discovered at 9 am Thursday at the Palos Verdes Estates in Los Angeles.

Chester, 41, was the lead singer of Linkin Park. He joined the band in 1999 giving two successful albums called “The Hybrid Theory” and “Meteora”. Overall he made seven albums with the band and was currently on a tour for his latest album.

Bennington’s best friend Chris Cornell also committed suicide few months back. He performed on his funeral to pay tribute to his best friend.

According to some reports, Chester also suffered from drug abuse and had alcohol addiction.

Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda also took to twitter to express his shock. Other names from the industry such as Rihanna, Nikki Sixx also termed Chester’s death as an irreparable loss to the music industry.

World’s beautiful tourist destination on fault line

Did you know which of the world’s beautiful islands is on the fault line?

Kos island in Greece, the main center for tourists and famous for its long beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife is one of the most quake-prone places.

Kos hosts around 700,000 tourists, mainly British, during the summer season each year. Neighboring islands of Kos are Pserimos, 4 km North,  Kalimnos, 12 km North, Nysiros, 12 km South, Astypalaia, about 43 km to the West.

On July 21st, 2017, a powerful overnight earthquake of 6.7 magnitude shook several Greek islands and Turkey’s Aegean coast, injuring more than 300 people and leaving two people dead on the Kos island. The two revelers at a bar were crushed in a building collapse.

Earthquakes in the region are not uncommon. Intersecting fault lines make Greece, Turkey and islands in the Aegean sea one of the most quake-prone regions in the world.

There is significant movement in the Eurasian and African plates. There is a smaller plate between these two larger ones called the Aegean Plate, adding to the risk of both earthquakes and volcanoes.

Here’s a timeline of recent earthquakes in Greece and Turkey.

12th June 2017: 15 people injured and significant damage in 6.3 magnitude earthquake on island of Lesbos

17th November 2016: 6.5 magnitude quake on island of Lefkada

24th May 2014: 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Limnos

1st July 2009: 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Crete

15th July 2008: 6.4 magnitude earthquake in the Dodecanese region

8th June 2008: 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Peloponnese region

8th January 2006: 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Kythira

7th September 1999: 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Athens

15th June 1995: 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Aigio

13th May 1995: 25 people injured and significant damage after 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit western Macedonia.

UK bans stereotypical advertisements

We have grown accustomed to the idea of women being featured in washing powder ads while men shown making mess in various energy drink ads. Apparently UK is breaking this tradition by banning all such stereotypical advertisements.

The controversy started when an advert for Aptamil baby milk formula showed a girl predicting herself as future ballerina while the boy was imagining to become a scientist.

Another advert of Gap clothing was also criticized for showing a girl becoming a social butterfly while a boy becoming more academic.

The topic of advertisements spreading various stereotypes was under discussion since 2015 when Protein World placed sexist ads and billboards that showed people an unrealistic image of a “perfect beach body”.

Backlash on these advertisement apparently took a serious turn and the authorities have now taken serious steps about it.

According to a research by the Advertising Standard Authority (ASA), these stereotypes can boost “unfair outcomes” especially for younger generation of community as they are more prone to get affected by such advertisements and may develop m

We have grown accustomed to the idea of women being featured in washing powder ads while men shown making mess in various energy drink ads. Apparently UK is breaking this tradition by banning all such stereotypical advertisements.

The controversy started when an advert for Aptamil baby milk formula showed a girl predicting herself as future ballerina while the boy was imagining to become a scientist.

Another advert of Gap clothing was also criticized for showing a girl becoming a social butterfly while a boy becoming more academic.

The topic of advertisements spreading various stereotypes was under discussion since 2015 when Protein World placed sexist ads and billboards that showed people an unrealistic image of a “perfect beach body”.

Backlash on these advertisement apparently took a serious turn and the authorities have now taken serious steps about it.

According to a research by the Advertising Standard Authority (ASA), these stereotypes can boost “unfair outcomes” especially for younger generation of community as they are more prone to get affected by such advertisements and may develop more gender biased personalities.

The report: Deceptions, Perceptions and Harm, suggested more stringent rules against advertising stereotypical ideas.

The ban will not exactly ban all kind of stereotype but there are certain categories for it.

This ban is a hot topic in many advertising companies as females are taking lead in many of these companies. They want to put an end to the stereotype of women cleaning all the mess and doing all the chores at home while men are only shown to be making mess or relaxing.

However, the idea of woman cleaning on her own while men doing DIY tasks are acceptable according to the ASA.

This stereotypical mentality in our society is also blamed on the marketers for propagating such ideas through their advertisements. Many psychologists suggest introducing strict regulations on the marketing strategists who knowingly or unknowingly spread such stereotypical ideas.

The ban will be in effect from 2018 and any advertisement that does not abide the law will be banned.ore gender biased personalities.

The report: Deceptions, Perceptions and Harm, suggested more stringent rules against advertising stereotypical ideas.

The ban will not exactly ban all kind of stereotype but there are certain categories for it.

This ban is a hot topic in many advertising companies as females are taking lead in many of these companies. They want to put an end to the stereotype of women cleaning all the mess and doing all the chores at home while men are only shown to be making mess or relaxing.

However, the idea of woman cleaning on her own while men doing DIY tasks are acceptable according to the ASA.

This stereotypical mentality in our society is also blamed on the marketers for propagating such ideas through their advertisements. Many psychologists suggest introducing strict regulations on the marketing strategists who knowingly or unknowingly spread such stereotypical ideas.

The ban will be in effect from 2018 and any advertisement that does not abide the law will be banned.

Palestinians celebrate and clash with Israeli police after removal of controversial security measures on Al-Aqsa gates

An injured woman is being carried on a stretcher after clashes broke out inside Al-Aqsa Mosque’s compound [Ahamd Gharabli/AFP]

After a two-week protest and praying outside of the Al-Aqsa mosque, Israeli authorities yielded to the Muslim protesters and removed all controversial security devices installed at the entrance of the compound.

Israeli police had installed security cameras and metal detectors on the Muslim entrances of the compound leading to Al Aqsa after two Israeli policemen were killed by a Palestinian gunman on July 14th. The Israeli authorities also stated that anyone below the age of 50 was not allowed to offer Friday prayers in the mosque.

The move was severely criticized by Muslim religious and political leaders alike and they refused to pray inside the compound until the coercive security measures were taken back.

Thousands of Muslims worshiped on the streets outside Al Aqsa mosque in protest and clashed with Israeli police which resulted in the killing of at least six Palestinians, with as many injured.

Palestinians celebrated the decision of Israeli authorities to take back the controversial security measures. They danced and sang in front of the police personnel who removed cameras, metal detectors and steel barriers that were installed.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Jerusalem Mufti, Mohammed Hussein, in Ramallah and called it a victory for Palestinians.

‘’We will be able to offer prayers inside the compound,” said Abdel-Azeem Salhab, director of the Islamic Waqf Council which administers al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

“The Israeli occupation forces have been trying for decades to violate Al Aqsa Mosque compound. Now, you are living in the new era of victory. We totally appreciate the masses who have been gathering”.

The protests have also been noted to have given the Palestinians living in the west wing of Jerusalem, which is occupied by Israel, a certain air of unity and hope. However, violent clashes broke out between Israeli police and Palestinians celebrating the removal of the controversial security devices.

Israeli police used stun grenades to disperse thousands of Muslims gathered to offer prayers inside the Al Aqsa mosque. The Palestinian Red Crescent said as many as 120 Palestinians were hurt as a result, including some by rubber bullets and beatings.

“Several people suffered broken bones”, they said.

Fire and fury between North Korea and USA

Trump’s warning has gone unnoticed in Pyongyang.

Thousands in North Korea held a massive rally to protest the new UN sanction on their country. The rally was held at Pyongyang’s Kim Il-sung square. Citizens marched through the square holding various placards against the sanctions.

Tensions between United States and North Korea have grown due to the Pyongyang’s new missile tests. Kim Jong-un, North Korea’s notorious supreme commander, said his country was examining a potential strike on areas around Guam which is an American territory. Pyongyang has also threatened attacking the same territory through some of its previous propaganda videos.

Guam is one of the 14 unincorporated US territories with a population of 160,000 people. It is a self-governing territory and is part of the Mariana Islands close to japan and Philippine. Its inhabitants are American citizens.

Pyongyang’s intermediate-range missile is planned to be fired east and over Japan landing around 30 to 40 kilometers (18 to 25 miles) off the coast of Guam, according to state-run KCNA. Guam is almost 3,000 kilometers from North Korea.

The US government harshly reacted to these threats with Donald Trump stating “North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States; they will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.”

North Korea state-run media termed Trump’s “fire and fury” as nonsense and despite his warning, released its plan to strike Guam. It also stated “sound dialogue is not possible with such a guy bereft of reason and only absolute force can work on him.”

North Korea has been on top of the list of Trump administration foreign-policy agenda since Pyongyang tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles last month that are said to be capable of hitting United States mainland.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis backed Trump’s remarks saying “DRPK should cease any consideration of actions that would lead to the end of regime and destruction of its people.”

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged Americans to sleep well at night and not to worry as the situation was not a new story.

(CORRECTION: A previous version of this article mistakenly said there were 15 unincorporated territories of the United States. The mistake has been corrected. There are only 14 unincorporated territories of the United States.)

Article 62 can not be used as a political engineering tool, Naeem Bukhari

Naeem Bukhari during Supreme Court proceedings of the disqualification case against Imran Khan referred to a decision of Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed in which he had written that article 62 could not be used as a political engineering tool. He told the SC bench Imran Khan had presented all his money trail that proves how he bought his London flat.

Naeem Bukhari told the bench that Imran Khan’s case has nothing to do with money laundering. The SC bench observed that money laundering was not part of Hanif Abbas’s prayer but the court inquired about it for its own satisfaction.

Rashid Khan, Imran Khan’s friend, also was present in the court today. He told the court that Imran Khan’s ex wife Jemima sent a total of $408000 US dollars into his personal account for the purchase of Bani Gala property.

Justice Faisal Arab commented that Rashid Khan had first denied having received funds from Jemima Goldsmith.

Hanif Abbasi got all “proof” against Jahangir Tareen from internet

PTI Secretary General Jahangir Tareen.

Jehangir Tareen, Secretary General of Tehreek-e-Insaf, said he will present documentary proof of each and every penny in the supreme court in the disqualification case filed by PMLN’s Hanif Abbasi alleging Tareen of money laundering, concealment of assets and wrong declaration on his nomination papers.

“I will not present a Qatari letter like Nawaz Sharif”, Tareen jibed at Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

During proceedings of the case today in Supreme Court, Justice Umar Ata Bandial inquired Hanif Abbasi from where did he get the documents against Tareen. “All documents against Tareen is available on the internet”, replied Hanif Abbasi to the query.

Justice Faisal Arab remarked that documents available on the internet are not signed documents. While Justice Umar Ata Bandial asked council of Hanif Abbasi to explain how the defendant Jahangir Tareen committed a fraud.

About his source income, Tareen said he legally earned everything in Pakistan. “I have proof of all my earnings and I will present it in the court”, he said.

About his assets in London he said he declared the said property in his returns in 2011. “The money for buying the flats was sent through legal banking channels and there was no money laundering involved”, he explained.

He claimed that after presenting all proofs the ruling PMLN will be put to shame. “They [PMLN] want to stop us from pursuing their corruption and money laundering cases by filing these frivolous cases but I want to assure them that such tactics will not deter us from exposing their ugly side to the people”, said flamboyant Tareen.

PTI Spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry told reporters outside Supreme Court premises that Hanif Abbasi received confidential documents of Jahangir Tareen from SECP through illegal ways. “He will have to explain how he got such confidential documents from SECP”, said Fawad Chaudhry.

Khawaja Asif draws 50,000 AED per month from Abu Dhabi firm

Khawaja Asif draws 50,000 AED salary per month from Abu Dhabi based company INT. MECH & ELEC CO. LLC.

More detail are coming in regarding Khawaja Asif’s job in Abu Dhabi. According to documents obtained from UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif receives a total of 50,000 AED salary per month from a company called, “INT. MECH & ELEC CO LLC”.

The contract was renewed as recent as 8th Jun of 2017.

According to the contract, Mr. Asif receives 35,000 fixed plus 15,000 other allowances, making it a total of 50,000 AED per month. With today’s currency conversion rate, Mr. Asif receives a total of 1.43 million Pakistani rupees per month from the Abu Dhabi based company while also holding two ministries in Pakistan, Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Water & Power.

Contract document showing Khawaja Asif receiving 50,000 AED salary per month in Abu Dhabi.

Khawaja Asif maintains that he declared his Iqama and Abu Dhabi earnings on his annual tax returns as well as his nomination papers before Election Commission of Pakistan. Prime Minisiter Nawaz Sharif made a similar claim of already disclosing his Dubai Iqama after the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) disclosed that he worked for a private company in Dubai.

Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning and Development, however tried to justify his Saudi Arabian Iqama by giving it a religious justification. He said he obtained a Saudi Iqama because once a Muslim goes to Madinah, he wants to maintain resident status of the sacred city for as long as one can.

PTI Spokesman Fawad Chaudhry rebutted the claims made by the three leaders of PMLN saying that they did not declare their resident and employment status with authorities in Pakistan. “How can a Prime Minister, a Defense Minister, and a Planning and Development Minister of Pakistan work as low-grade workers for private companies in foreign countries”, he wondered.

Many legal expert opine that the news of PMLN leaders holding Iqamas of Dubai and Saudi Arabia is shocking to everyone. Had they openly declared it, everyone would have known about it, said many experts.

Sheikh Rasheed, Awami Muslim League Chairman, said had he known they held Iqamas and were working for private companies, he would have made their life a hell every day.