Protection of Pakistan Ordinance presented in Senate

ISLAMABAD: The controversial Protection of Pakistan Ordinance (PPO) was presented in the Senate amid strong protests on Friday, Geo News reported.

Federal minister Zahid Hamid presented the bill during today’s session presided over by Deputy Chairperson Sabir Baloch. 

On this occasion, major opposition parties including Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) protested against the ordinance.

PPP Senator Raza Rabbani labelled the bill as a “black law” and said that it exploits fundamental human rights.

The ordinance was sent to the standing committee on interior for review.

As per the ordinance, the security institutions will be able to exercise unquestionable powers of arrest and detention for 90 days.

The ruling PML-N is of the view that PPO has been promulgated to strengthen the legal and practical framework to fight terrorists and criminal elements harming the country.

After the promulgation of Protection of Pakistan Ordinance 2013, terrorists will be treated as enemies of the state.

However, major political parties and human rights organisations have criticised the law and called for drastic amendments before its implementation.

Protection of Pakistan Ordinance presented in Senate

ISLAMABAD: The controversial Protection of Pakistan Ordinance (PPO) was presented in the Senate amid strong protests on Friday, Geo News reported.

Federal minister Zahid Hamid presented the bill during today’s session presided over by Deputy Chairperson Sabir Baloch. 

On this occasion, major opposition parties including Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) protested against the ordinance.

PPP Senator Raza Rabbani labelled the bill as a “black law” and said that it exploits fundamental human rights.

The ordinance was sent to the standing committee on interior for review.

As per the ordinance, the security institutions will be able to exercise unquestionable powers of arrest and detention for 90 days.

The ruling PML-N is of the view that PPO has been promulgated to strengthen the legal and practical framework to fight terrorists and criminal elements harming the country.

After the promulgation of Protection of Pakistan Ordinance 2013, terrorists will be treated as enemies of the state.

However, major political parties and human rights organisations have criticised the law and called for drastic amendments before its implementation.

‘X-men’ filmmaker slams ‘fabricated’ sex attack claims

LOS ANGELES: A lawyer for "X-Men" director Bryan Singer dismissed as "fabricated" and absurd claims Thursday that the filmmaker sexually assaulted a former child model and aspiring teenage actor.

The lawyer also pledged to counter-sue the 31-year-old alleged victim, who gave details of his allegations dating from 15 years ago at a Beverly Hills press conference.

Flanked by his own attorney, Michael Egan III said the blockbuster director forced him to have sex at parties in California and Hawaii in the late 1990s, when he was 17 years old.

"You were like a piece of meat to these people, they would pass you around between them" at the parties, said Egan, calling his attackers "evil."

But Singer´s lawyer dismissed the "completely fabricated" claims, adding: "We look forward to our bringing a claim for malicious prosecution against Mr Egan and his attorney after we prevail."

The lawsuit is "an attempt to get publicity at the time when Bryan´s new movie is about to open in a few weeks," said attorney Marty Singer, who is not related to the director.

"X-Men: Days of Future Past," starring Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and Hugh Jackman is due out on May 23 in the United States, and around the world on that date or a few days before. In the lawsuit, Egan alleged that Singer "manipulated his power, wealth and position in the entertainment industry to sexually abuse and exploit the underage plaintiff through the use of drugs, alcohol, threats and inducements.

"He suffered "catastrophic psychological and emotional injuries" because of the abuse, added the 13-page legal document filed Wednesday in Hawaii.

 

‘X-men’ filmmaker slams ‘fabricated’ sex attack claims

LOS ANGELES: A lawyer for "X-Men" director Bryan Singer dismissed as "fabricated" and absurd claims Thursday that the filmmaker sexually assaulted a former child model and aspiring teenage actor.

The lawyer also pledged to counter-sue the 31-year-old alleged victim, who gave details of his allegations dating from 15 years ago at a Beverly Hills press conference.

Flanked by his own attorney, Michael Egan III said the blockbuster director forced him to have sex at parties in California and Hawaii in the late 1990s, when he was 17 years old.

"You were like a piece of meat to these people, they would pass you around between them" at the parties, said Egan, calling his attackers "evil."

But Singer´s lawyer dismissed the "completely fabricated" claims, adding: "We look forward to our bringing a claim for malicious prosecution against Mr Egan and his attorney after we prevail."

The lawsuit is "an attempt to get publicity at the time when Bryan´s new movie is about to open in a few weeks," said attorney Marty Singer, who is not related to the director.

"X-Men: Days of Future Past," starring Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and Hugh Jackman is due out on May 23 in the United States, and around the world on that date or a few days before. In the lawsuit, Egan alleged that Singer "manipulated his power, wealth and position in the entertainment industry to sexually abuse and exploit the underage plaintiff through the use of drugs, alcohol, threats and inducements.

"He suffered "catastrophic psychological and emotional injuries" because of the abuse, added the 13-page legal document filed Wednesday in Hawaii.

 

Treason case: Petition against appointment of prosecutor declared not maintainable

ISLAMABAD: The Special hearing former president Pervez Musharraf’s treason case Friday declared the petition against the appointment of Prosecutor, Akram Sheikh not maintainable, Geo News reported.

Pervez Musharraf’s counsel Anwar Mansoor had challenged the appointment of Akram Sheikh as prosecutor in the case.

Special Court Registrar, Abdul Ghani Soomro here announced the decision earlier reserved by the Special Court on March 20.

The Special Court said the High Court has already given a verdict in this matter and since this court was not constitutional has no authority to hear it.

Treason case: Petition against appointment of prosecutor declared not maintainable

ISLAMABAD: The Special hearing former president Pervez Musharraf’s treason case Friday declared the petition against the appointment of Prosecutor, Akram Sheikh not maintainable, Geo News reported.

Pervez Musharraf’s counsel Anwar Mansoor had challenged the appointment of Akram Sheikh as prosecutor in the case.

Special Court Registrar, Abdul Ghani Soomro here announced the decision earlier reserved by the Special Court on March 20.

The Special Court said the High Court has already given a verdict in this matter and since this court was not constitutional has no authority to hear it.

Poland holds 'Night of Confessionals' as Easter nears

Confessions were heard from dusk till dawn from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday during the fifth edition of Poland's Night of Confessionals.

Parishioner queue up at a confessional in Szczecin, north west Poland.Photo: PAP/Marcin Bielecki

120 churches across the country took part in the event, with confessions being heard until 6 am on Good Friday.

The event was initiated by priests in Szczecin, north west Poland, as a means of reaching out to those who are so bogged down with work or otherwise busy that they are unable to find time to confess during normal hours.

Meanwhile, scenes from the Passion Play will attract hundreds of pilgrims on Good Friday to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a UNESCO-listed monastery in southern Poland.

Christ's walk to the Crucifixion will be staged today, with monks from the Bernardine monastery taking part, as tradition dictates.

Echoing the Crucifixion, Good Friday is the most mournful stage of Holy Week. No masses are held, but the churches fill up with the faithful, with solemn prayers said across the country.

On Saturday, the tone becomes more upbeat. Families get dressed up and take little baskets of victuals to church, where the priest blesses them in a custom known as Swiecone (The Blessed).

Easter Sunday, when Christ emerged from his tomb, mainly revolves around the family, and Poles host elaborate so-called Easter breakfasts, which typically start at around midday and last for several hours. (nh)

Poland holds 'Night of Confessionals' as Easter nears

Confessions were heard from dusk till dawn from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday during the fifth edition of Poland's Night of Confessionals.

Parishioner queue up at a confessional in Szczecin, north west Poland.Photo: PAP/Marcin Bielecki

120 churches across the country took part in the event, with confessions being heard until 6 am on Good Friday.

The event was initiated by priests in Szczecin, north west Poland, as a means of reaching out to those who are so bogged down with work or otherwise busy that they are unable to find time to confess during normal hours.

Meanwhile, scenes from the Passion Play will attract hundreds of pilgrims on Good Friday to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a UNESCO-listed monastery in southern Poland.

Christ's walk to the Crucifixion will be staged today, with monks from the Bernardine monastery taking part, as tradition dictates.

Echoing the Crucifixion, Good Friday is the most mournful stage of Holy Week. No masses are held, but the churches fill up with the faithful, with solemn prayers said across the country.

On Saturday, the tone becomes more upbeat. Families get dressed up and take little baskets of victuals to church, where the priest blesses them in a custom known as Swiecone (The Blessed).

Easter Sunday, when Christ emerged from his tomb, mainly revolves around the family, and Poles host elaborate so-called Easter breakfasts, which typically start at around midday and last for several hours. (nh)

Geneva gold medal for Polish turbine inventor

A PhD student from Lublin won a gold medal at the 42nd International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva for a wind turbine that's ideally suited to the Polish climate.

Turbine designer Krzysztof Skiba presents his award-winning design. Photo: PAP/Wojciech Pacewicz

Krzysztof Skiba presented his winning invention to the press in Lublin on Thursday, having returned from Geneva.

The turbine, which was co-designed by Dr. Leszek Kusmierz, was made as part of his doctoral research into aerodynamics.

Skiba's supervisor Professor Miroslaw Wendeker noted that “the team's inventions are the result of access to modern research facilities and constant contact with the industry.”

Wendeker's students have garnered success at previous editions of the Geneva event: Adam Majczak won a silver medal in 2013 and Michal Bialy won a silver medal in 2012.

This year, there were over 790 exhibitors from 43 countries, with more than 1000 inventions on display. (nh)

Source: PAP/Kurier Lubelski

Geneva gold medal for Polish turbine inventor

A PhD student from Lublin won a gold medal at the 42nd International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva for a wind turbine that's ideally suited to the Polish climate.

Turbine designer Krzysztof Skiba presents his award-winning design. Photo: PAP/Wojciech Pacewicz

Krzysztof Skiba presented his winning invention to the press in Lublin on Thursday, having returned from Geneva.

The turbine, which was co-designed by Dr. Leszek Kusmierz, was made as part of his doctoral research into aerodynamics.

Skiba's supervisor Professor Miroslaw Wendeker noted that “the team's inventions are the result of access to modern research facilities and constant contact with the industry.”

Wendeker's students have garnered success at previous editions of the Geneva event: Adam Majczak won a silver medal in 2013 and Michal Bialy won a silver medal in 2012.

This year, there were over 790 exhibitors from 43 countries, with more than 1000 inventions on display. (nh)

Source: PAP/Kurier Lubelski