Doha 26 Feb 2018
The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) announced this morning at a press conference screening of three Pakistani movies in its drama theatre tomorrow February 27.
Dr. Khalid Al Sulaity, General Manager of Katara Cultural Village said that this goes within the developing cultural cooperation with the Islamic republic of Pakistan.
Shahzad Ahmed, Pakistani Ambassador expressed his warm thanks to the Katara Cultural Vilalge for hosting such an important event to the Pakistani culture and art. He added that this is a good stage of cultural cooperation and exchange and will deeply support the Pakistani film makers.
Mohammed Assad Khan, a Pakistani film director said that there will be 3 movies on the show. ”First film (3 Bahadur) is animation film and it is aimed for children and family category, it tells a story from the Pakistani reality in a comedy and entertaining way”, said Khan.
“The Second film is chupa chupai “Hide and Seek”, we call it masala film with some entertainment shows like songs and dances, and it is a light comedy”.
“The third one “Aazad” is intellectual film, dark comedy and we call it provoking film as it revolves around some social issues in Pakistan”, Khan continued.
Commenting on the new movies, khan said that they reflect the cultural heritage of Pakistan and conveys a message of love and peace to the whole world.
Moreover, Khan explained that the Pakistani cinema had suffered a lot and that they are still dealing with their struggle in terms of financing and production, but despite that, Pakistani film makers are working within the limits of the resources and it is a great success that they came up with these three movies.
Khan assured that through this initiative by Katara Cultural Village, the Pakistani cinema will find new horizons to distribute and market its productions. “The purpose of this initiative is to open up a market for the Pakistani film in Doha so it generates revenue which will eventually boost the production”, Khan added.
Khan lauded on the initiative taken and regarded as 'a great honour and reflects the high values Katara is built upon, which is supporting culture and art not only in Qatar but around the world'.
Animation movie '3 Bahadur' will be screen at 9:00 AM, 'Chupan Chupai' (Hide and Seek) will be at 0100 PM and 'Aazad' will be screened at 0500 PM.
Mumbai 25 Feb. 2018 (NDTV)
In a moving gesture, Indian industrial magnate Anil Ambani has sent an aircraft to Dubai to bring back Bollywood actress Sridevi Kapoor's body to India later on Sunday, sources said.
The 13-seater private jet, (Embraer-135BJ) belonging to Reliance Transport & Travel Ltd, left Mumbai for Dubai around 1.30 pm on Sunday.
"It is expected to return with the body and the immediate bereaved family members late tonight," the sources added.
The funeral is likely to take place on Monday, although there is no word from the family on this so far.
Sridevi, 54, passed away in Dubai late on Saturday night, plunging the entire country into a pall of gloom as her fans and admirers expressed shock and disbelief.
Sridevi had fainted in the bathroom of the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, where she was staying with her family. A medical team had failed to revive her and she was declared dead at a hospital, Indian ambassador in UAE Navdeep Suri told NDTV.
The routine forensic procedures are over and as soon as the report is released, her body will be flown back to India on a private jet, reported news agency Reuters.
The actress breathed her last on Saturday night at around 1100 p.m following cardiac arrest. She was rushed to the nearby Rashid Hospital but pronounced dead on admission.
Sridevi was in Dubai to attend the marriage function of actress Sonam Kapoor's cousin Mohit Marwah, along with husband Boney Kapoor and younger daughter Khushi.
The actress is remembered for her performance is some of the iconic Bollywood films like "Mr. India", "Nagina", "Sadma", "ChalBaaz", "Chandni", "Khuda Gawah", among many others in different Indian languages.
A tweet posted late Saturday night by actor Amitabh Bachchan is sending shivers up social media's spine. At a little before midnight, Mr Bachchan wrote about feeling a sense of unease, tweeting in Hindi: "Na jaane kyun, ek ajeeb si ghabrahat ho rahi hain." His disquiet is now being seen by Twitter as an eerie premonition - hours later, the world learnt that actress Sridevi had died.
24 Feb. 2018 (AlJazeera News)
Several leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)) are scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump over the next couple of months, a US official has said.
In a bid by Washington to resolve the ongoing Gulf diplomatic crisis, leaders of the region will conduct bilateral visits with Trump, Reuters news agency reported on Saturday.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani are scheduled to meet Trump in March and April. possibility of establishing a GCC summit later this year under Washington's auspices, as well as the role of Iran in the region.
The dispute in the Gulf began in June 2017, when Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar and imposed a land, sea and air blockade after accusing it of supporting "terrorism".
Qatar has strongly rejected the allegations as "baseless".
The US and the EU have repeatedly called on the countries to engage in dialogue.
Earlier this month, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that his country would be willing to participate in a US-GCC summit next spring, provided that the blockading countries' motivation is based on real will and not coercion.
The last US-GCC summit was held in May 2017, in the Saudi capital Riyadh, just before the crisis unfolded.
Doha 25 Feb. 2018
QR 1,990,000 were raised for 'Education Above All' this evening, Sunday at an auction held at the 15th Doha Jewelery & Watches Exhibition. Education Above All (EAA) is a global movement that contributes to human, social and economic development through the provision of quality education. Auction was organised by Doha based AlBahie Auction House.
Craftsmanship by the participating Young Qatari Designers were kept in auction for bidding as part of Qatar Tourism Authority's efforts to support and develop local young creative talent.
Nouf AlMeer's design got highest bid of QR 400,000.
'Hairaat' Sleeping Beauty, designed by Nada Al Sulaiti sold for QR 300,000.
' Tiara ' by AlGhla Jewellery’s sold for QR 300,000.
'Ombres' a pair of white gold diamond and pink sapphire earrings, designed by Leila Issam sold for QR 240,000.
' Mihrab ', a pair of diamond and white gold earrings, sold for QR 180,000.
' Pipe in Gold ' by Ghada Al Buainain sold for QR 130,000.
Additional QR 440,000 were raised through auction of four wristwatches and two gold bangles.
Brought by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and delivered by Auditoire, event is featuring more than 490 brands from over 10 countries bringing an extensive display of classic and contemporary luxury collections by internationally-recognised brands and designers.
Six days long global luxury event of 'Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2018' has hosted many new events and activities for all visitors to enjoy and participate including daily industry talks, workshops, free consultation and valuations by Artcurial, the iconic French Auction House.
Paris 23 Feb. 2018 (FATF/The Nation)
In a statement Financial Action Task Force (FATF) spokesperson Alexander Daniela has denied that Pakistan had been included in the grey-list.While speaking to a private media channel Daniela that the final decision will come once the matter has been reviewed, currently the meeting is underway.
On the other hand Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson said, "Pakistan has serious concerns over the motion moved by US and UK at the Financial Action Task Force to put the country on the grey list."Spokesperson from FO also said that reports from the FATF and the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) are still awaited.
Earlier Indian media started spreading false news that Pakistan had been placed on the Grey List, which was refuted by Pakistan Foreign Office and FATF spokesperson.
Paris, 23 February 2018 - The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global standard setting body for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). In order to protect the international financial system from money laundering and financing of terrorism (ML/FT) risks and to encourage greater compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF identified jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies and works with them to address those deficiencies that pose a risk to the international financial system.
Jurisdictions subject to a FATF call on its members and other jurisdictions to apply counter-measures to protect the international financial system from the on-going and substantial money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/FT) risks emanating from the DPRK.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
The FATF remains concerned by the DPRK’s failure to address the significant deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime and the serious threats they pose to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF urges the DPRK to immediately and meaningfully address its AML/CFT deficiencies. Further, FATF has serious concerns with the threat posed by DPRK’s illicit activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and its financing.
The FATF reaffirms its 25 February 2011 call on its members and urges all jurisdictions to advise their financial institutions to give special attention to business relationships and transactions with the DPRK, including DPRK companies, financial institutions and those acting on their behalf. In addition to enhanced scrutiny, the FATF further calls on its members and urges all jurisdictions to apply effective counter-measures, and targeted financial sanctions in accordance with applicable United Nations Security Council Resolutions, to protect their financial sectors from money laundering, financing of terrorism and WMD proliferation financing (ML/FT/PF) risks emanating from the DPRK. Jurisdictions should take necessary measures to close existing branches, subsidiaries and representative offices of DPRK banks within their territories and terminate correspondent relationships with DPRK banks, where required by relevant UNSC Resolutions. |
Jurisdictions subject to a FATF call on its members and other jurisdictions to apply enhanced due diligence measures proportionate to the risks arising from the jurisdiction
Iran
In June 2016, the FATF welcomed Iran’s high-level political commitment to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, and its decision to seek technical assistance in the implementation of the Action Plan. Given that Iran provided that political commitment and the relevant steps it has taken, the FATF decided in November 2017 to continue the suspension of counter-measures.
Since November 2017, Iran has established a cash declaration regime and introduced draft amendments to its AML and CFT laws. However, Iran’s action plan has now expired with a majority of the action items remaining incomplete. Iran should fully address its remaining action items, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing, including by removing the exemption for designated groups “attempting to end foreign occupation, colonialism and racism”; (2) identifying and freezing terrorist assets in line with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions; (3) ensuring an adequate and enforceable customer due diligence regime; (4) ensuring the full independence of the Financial Intelligence Unit and requiring the submission of STRs for attempted transactions; (5) demonstrating how authorities are identifying and sanctioning unlicensed money/value transfer service providers; (6) ratifying and implementing the Palermo and TF Conventions and clarifying the capability to provide mutual legal assistance; (7) ensuring that financial institutions verify that wire transfers contain complete originator and beneficiary information; (8) establishing a broader range of penalties for violations of the ML offense; and (9) ensuring adequate legislation and procedures to provide for confiscation of property of corresponding value.
Given that Iran has draft legislation currently before Parliament, the FATF decided at its meeting this week to continue the suspension of counter-measures. Depending upon Iran’s progress in completing its action plan, the FATF will take further steps in June 2018. The FATF urgently expects Iran to proceed swiftly in the reform path to ensure that it addresses all of the remaining items in its Action Plan by completing and implementing the necessary AML/CFT reforms, in particular passing the necessary legislation.
Iran will remain on the FATF Public Statement until the full Action Plan has been completed. Until Iran implements the measures required to address the deficiencies identified in the Action Plan, the FATF will remain concerned with the terrorist financing risk emanating from Iran and the threat this poses to the international financial system. The FATF, therefore, calls on its members and urges all jurisdictions to continue to advise their financial institutions to apply enhanced due diligence to business relationships and transactions with natural and legal persons from Iran, consistent with FATF Recommendation 19.
Outcomes FATF Plenary, 21-23 February 2018
Paris, 23 February 2018, the second FATF Plenary meeting under the Presidency of Mr. Santiago Otamendi of Argentina took place in Paris 21-23 February 2018. The main issues dealt with by this Plenary were:
- Combatting terrorist financing, including the adoption of a new counter-terrorist financing operational plan and a statement on the actions taken under the 2016 counter-terrorist financing strategy.
- Adoption of a report to the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors.
- Updated FATF Guidance on Counter Proliferation Financing.
- Amendments to Recommendation 2 on national cooperation and coordination.
- Discussion of the mutual evaluation report of Iceland.
- Follow-up reports for the mutual evaluations of Spain and Norway where both countries sought technical compliance re-ratings.
- Brazil’s progress in addressing the deficiencies identified in its mutual evaluation report since it agreed an action plan in November 2017.
- Two public documents identifying jurisdictions that may pose a risk to the international financial system:
- Monitoring Iran’s actions to address deficiencies in its AML/CFT system.
- AML/CFT improvements in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Revisions on information sharing to the FATF Methodology.
- Update on recent developments on de-risking
- Improving the understanding of virtual currencies risks.
- Update on FinTech & RegTech Initiatives.
- Improving the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System: FATF global engagement with judges and prosecutors.
- Outcomes of the meeting of the FATF Forum of Heads of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), which was held in the margins of the Plenary.
- Strengthening FATF’s institutional basis.
- Activities of the FATF Training and Research Institute in Busan, Korea.
Islamabad 21 Feb. 2018
Reham Khan , ex-wife of Imran Khan, Chief of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has accused him of being unfaithful to her, during their marriage, she was talking to The Times, Reham said that Imran was in contact with Bushra Bibi three years ago when she was his wife.
She also said that, “I knew they got married on 1 January, but he revealed it later, he did the same thing after marrying me.”
Reham further said “Khan is my ex but he is disrespecting Pakistan by indulging in such affairs even when he was married with me. This move is the fragmentation of PTI."
Islamabad 21 Feb. 2018 (Daily The Nation/ Dawn)
Pakistani Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that a disqualified politician cannot lead a political party, paving the way for the removal of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif from chairing his embattled Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
It comes months after the ruling PMLN party passed a law allowing Nawaz to remain at the helm despite being removed from the premiership over graft allegations last July.
In the court order, Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar directed the Election Commission of Pakistan to remove Nawaz as party head from all relevant records.
Nawaz and his supporters have repeatedly denied allegations of corruption, suggesting the three-time prime minister is the victim of a conspiracy.
Nawaz was the 15th prime minister in Pakistan's 70-year history - roughly half of it under military rule - to be ousted before completing a full term.
The news also comes months ahead of expected general elections, pitting the PML-N against the ascendant Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf led by former cricketer Imran Khan.
Despite the numerous court rulings targeting PML-N, the party has won a string of recent by-elections proving they will likely remain a political force in the next elections.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), which was one of the petitioning parties in the case against the Elections Act 2017, welcomed the SC decision to remove Sharif as party head, saying the verdict is "historic from every angle"
"With today's verdict, [already] disqualified Nawaz Sharif was once again handed the certificate of disqualification," PTI Spokesman Fawad Chaudhry said in a statement. He said the PML-N should now accept the verdict, elect a new leader and "let politics progress". "The country and its entire politics cannot be put on the line to save an individual's corruption."
Journalist and author Zahid Hussain, while speaking to DawnNews, said Sharif's ineligibility to remain PML-N chief does not mean he will no longer have any influence over the party.
Citing past precedents, Hussain said Muttahida Qaumi Movement founder Altaf Hussain never held a party position, nor did he sign the Senate nominations list submitted to the ECP, but he still took all party decisions.
Similarly, when former military ruler Pervaiz Musharraf imposed restrictions on the PPP, a new party called PPP-Parliamentarians was created, but the decisions for that party were also taken by Benazir Bhutto.
Talal Choudhary, Minister of State for Interior, Pakistan and a PMLN leader said that 'Nawaz Sharif does not depend on the presidency of the party, Chaudhry added, saying the disqualified leader will still take all decisions and hand out party tickets "till the PML-N exists'.
"The courts can declare Nawaz Sharif ineligible as PML-N chief, but they cannot drive him out of people's hearts," Musaddiq Malik, another senior PML-N leader, told DawnNews.
Lahore 18 Feb. 2018
Pakistani politician and former cricketer Imran Khan has married a woman described as his spiritual adviser, party officials said, the third wedding for the World Cup champion once touted as Pakistan's most eligible bachelor.
Former cricketer turned politician, Imran Khan in his age 67, announced today his third marriage with recently divorced Bushra Bibi in presence of his few near friends and from bride family members. Single brother of three sisters, none of the sisters and his two sons from first wife Jemima Goldsmith attended the marriage ceremony.
Khan's third marriage news was released by spokesperson of his political party Tehreek-e-Insaaf, whom he heads.
Bushra Bibi, couple of years earlier came on surface when news about Imran Khan started printing in media seeking spiritual advise from a female 'living saint' Bushra Bibi. It is also reported in Pakistani media that it was his lady spiritual leader who advised him to get rid from his family house in Lahore which is a hurdle in his ambition to be prime minister of the country. Imran Khan disposed off that house where his separated elder sister was having shelter along with her children.
Imran Khan carries history in Europe as a socialite and play boy from his youth time during his studies and cricket tenure. He brought 1992 World Cup in Cricket for Pakistan.
He married from British billionaire family Jemima Goldsmith on May 16, 1995 and got divorce from her on 22nd June 2004. Both have two sons.
He knot second time in last quarter of 2014 to Reham Khan, a TV host and BBC weather segment. He was holding a 4 months long political rally against government of deposed Nawaz Sharif in 2014 when he had announced that he will get married once Naweaz Sharif is ousted from government. It took four years when Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by the Superior courts on charges of keeping residence permit of United Arab Emirates, however, Khan already got married during his rally but publicly was only announced on January 8, 2015. In October, 2015, trough a tweet message, he sent open divorce message publicaly.
About his third marriage with Bushra Bibi, news was revealed by media couple of weeks before, however, Imran Khan had denied and said that he had sent a proposal to her for marriage.
Reham Khan in a recent interview told that she was shocked when Imran Khan kept secret their marriage and rather refused before media for some time.
Imran Khan, born in Lahore belongs to a Punjabi Niazi family. His father was a bureaucrat and was expelled from government job during Yahya Khan military government on famous corruption cases when 303 officials were sent home. He obtained his education from Pakistan's prestigious Aitchison College and then at Oxford University, UK.
Talal Chaudhry, State Minister of Interior, Pakistan sent congratulations and good wishes to PTI Chairman Imran Khan on his third marriage, but pointed out that he should not have lied by rejecting media reports that he had tied the knot on 1st of Jan.
But he asked 'what was the point of lying about it? One should know what they are supposed to do at their age,' he said.
He said that Nawaz sharif was fortunate to be elected three times as Prime Minister of Pakistan, whereas, Imran Khan is lucky to get married third time. In 2018, Nawaz Sharif once again has possibility to be elcted as Prime Minister, so Imran Khan may also get 4th time. However, he said that "I hope this time (Third) his marriage remains successful.'
Doha 18 Feb. 2018
Petra Kvitova of Czechoslovakia will get her place back among top 10 world women seeds after her today's win in final of Qatar Total Open 2018 played at Doha. She beat Seed No. 4 Spain's Garbine Muguruza. Muguruza had got walk over from Romania Simona Halep in Semi-Final.
Kvitova beat four among top 10 players in Qatar Open 2018, namely Elina Svitolina, Julia Gorges,, Caroline Wozniacki and today Garbine Muguruza.
2018 Falcon Trophy winner Kvitova is two times Wimbledon Champion. She was stabbed Two years before and was on bed rest for almost six months.
Kvitova ignored young children waiting outside Media Center to have selfie and her autographs.
Doha 18 Feb 2018
Jean Nouvel, the world-renowned French architect who designed the striking National Museum of Qatar, toured his architectural masterpiece with Mansoor bin Ebrahim al- Mahmoud, CEO, Qatar Museums and special adviser to Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson.
When the museum opens in December 2018, it will offer visitors an opportunity to explore and learn about the life of the Qatari people between the desert and the sea.
The museum will combine historic objects and contemporary influences, showcasing the country’s recent history and telling the entire story of Qatar from its traditional and historical past to the country’s development into a thriving modern state.
The design of the museum is an organically propagating series of interlocking discs that surround the structure, creating a ring of gallery spaces circling a central court. The discs are inspired by the desert rose.
The National Museum of Qatar is built around Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim al-Thani’s original palace, his family home and seat of the government for 25 years, one of Qatar’s most recognisable landmarks and a building that served as a monument to a historic way of life in Qatar.
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