Latest news with #Swati
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Speaker slams PHC over oath order
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati has written a strongly worded letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, raising serious constitutional concerns over the Peshawar High Court's (PHC) directive that authorized the Governor to administer oaths to provincial assembly members. Calling the court's instruction a clear violation of the Constitution of Pakistan, the Speaker announced that a formal constitutional petition will soon be filed against what he termed unconstitutional interference. In his letter, Speaker Swati emphasized that the principle of separation of powers lies at the core of Pakistan's Constitution. "The judiciary, legislature, and executive are autonomous in their respective domains," he wrote. "Interference by one institution in the jurisdiction of another not only disrupts the constitutional balance but also undermines institutional integrity." He noted that the PHC's act of writing directly to the Governor, instructing him to administer oaths to the members of the provincial assembly, overstepped the judiciary's constitutional boundaries. "This was neither part of any formal judicial ruling, nor was it the outcome of a hearing. Issuing such one-sided directives without giving any party the opportunity to be heard violates basic constitutional norms," the letter stated. The Speaker further argued that convening or adjourning an assembly session falls squarely within the constitutional domain of the Speaker. "No external body, including the judiciary, has the authority to question or override this power," he wrote. "If courts begin to intrude into administrative decisions in such a manner, it would set a dangerous precedentone that could ultimately threaten the independence of all state institutions." Swati warned that unauthorized judicial interventions not only infringe upon the autonomy of the legislature but also raise serious concerns about the neutrality and credibility of the judiciary in the eyes of the public. "The people's trust in the judiciary depends on its strict adherence to constitutional limits," he said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Female comedians are still viewed through gendered lens: Swati Sachdeva
Swati Sachdeva, Romita Mazumdar and Shashi Dhiman Comedian Swati Sachdeva took Mumbai by storm through her latest gig. She headlined 'No Fox Given' by Foxtale, a bold, culture-shaping comedy show that struck a powerful chord with audiences. With a packed house in Mumbai on June 27th, it featured sharp, unapologetic sets by Swati and Shashi Dhiman that spotlighted the everyday judgments women face. Blending humour with truth, the show became an instant hit, creating a space where women could speak freely, laugh loudly, and feel seen. In an interaction with TOI, Swati said, 'One of the thoughts that I'm faced with daily, and something that makes its way into my comedy, is the conversation between expectation and reality. Society often sets an unspoken standard for how women are supposed to be; there's an invisible script we're all expected to follow, and it's that disagreement between who we are and what we're that becomes a powerful source material for me. Writing for No Fox Given, I focused on honesty—whether about identity, family, or the subtle sexism in daily life. The aim wasn't to provoke, but to be real. These aren't just 'women's issues'; they're human experiences told through a woman's lens, and when I speak from emotional truth, it resonates with anyone who's felt unseen or misunderstood.' Female comedians often get flak for not being funny enough or resorting to sex jokes unnecessarily. Swati reacted, 'It's unfortunate, but there's still a very gendered lens through which female comedians are viewed. There's an unspoken pressure to be just the right amount of everything—funny, but not loud; bold, but not too opinionated; personal, but not too personal. Ironically, the criticism often isn't about the joke itself, but about the fact that a woman dared to tell it. I try to approach this criticism with perspective and focus on what helps me improve. But to be fully transparent, no matter how thick-skinned you are, it's exhausting—and dealing with negativity, which often includes vulgar threats, is no walk in the park.' The comedian is however optimistic about the future of standup comedy in India. She concluded, 'Yeah, there's a shift, and it's been a long time coming. For years, comedy was filtered through a narrow lens—anything outside that was called 'niche.' Now, there's more room for stories that are honest, layered, and reflect real life. It's great to see brands like Foxtale supporting that shift—not leading it but backing voices that have long been doing the work. Events like this give space to people who've often been on the margins, especially women. I just want to see more of it—consistent platforms where artists can be whatever they need to be: raw, funny, emotional, loud, quiet. That's what real comedy is—it's honest and unfiltered." Romita Mazumdar, Founder and CEO, Foxtale, added, 'When we imagined No Fox Given, it wasn't just about creating an event - it was about creating a space. A space where women could show up fully, without the weight of expectations, judgment, or societal pressure that so often shadows our everyday lives. We wanted to offer something that felt bold yet deeply personal, something that entertains and educates without preaching. For us, this platform is an extension of everything we stand for as a brand - championing real voices, real stories, and the power of unfiltered honesty. No Fox Given is our way of saying: you don't have to fit a mould to be heard, seen, or celebrated. Our hope is for it to grow into a cultural movement -one that evolves year after year, inspiring more women to speak freely, live authentically, and take up space unapologetically.'
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Dsmnru students win 5 medals in badminton meet
Lucknow: Two physically disabled students of Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University (DSMNRU) made the university and the country proud by winning one gold, one silver and three bronze medals in different categories at the Uganda Para Badminton International Tournament held in Kampala, Uganda, recently. Participants from around 50 countries took part in the tournament. DSMNRU's Swati, who is pursuing BA at the university and plays with one hand, won a silver medal in women's singles, a gold medal in doubles and a bronze medal in mixed doubles at the tournament. Swati, who hails from a small village in Jalaun, said, "I began playing badminton with a single hand at a small stadium in Orai. My father Kamlesh Kumar is a farmer and luckily my mother's name is Shakuntala Devi, the same as my university. My father, mother and my university are behind my success." Meanwhile, MBA student Kanak Singh won two bronze medals in singles and doubles. She also credited her parents and coach for her success. DSMNRU badminton coach Irshad Ahmed said, "These two players of the university not only raised the name of the university and the country, but also gave a message to the whole society that no matter what the challenges are, every goal can be achieved with true hard work and confidence."
Express Tribune
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Speaker 'concerned' over disqualification move in Punjab Assembly
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati has expressed serious concern over the suspension and possible disqualification of opposition members in the Punjab Assembly. In a formal letter addressed to the speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Swati criticised the recent decision to suspend 26 opposition lawmakers for 15 sessions and raised objections to the potential disqualification proceedings against them under Article 63(2) of the Constitution. Terming the move a misinterpretation of constitutional powers and contrary to democratic traditions, Swati emphasised that while maintaining decorum within the assembly is vital and Rule 210(3) of the Assembly's Rules of Procedure is relevant for disciplinary measures, any subsequent attempt to seek disqualification under Article 63(2) would constitute overstepping constitutional boundaries. He warned that such measures could lead to the misuse of constitutional provisions and pose a threat to the autonomy, sanctity, and dignity of all legislative assemblies across the country. Swati further highlighted that a combined reading of Articles 66 and 69 with Article 127 of the Constitution clearly provides immunity to members for their conduct within the House, and any external interference in such matters is unconstitutional. Stressing the long-term implications of the issue, the K-P Assembly speaker noted that actions like these could set a dangerous precedent, ultimately undermining parliamentary democracy and the supremacy of the Constitution.
The South African
12-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Back in business! MaMkhize heads up new soccer club
Shauwn Mkhize – also known as MaMkhize – has officially been named the president of the eSwatini soccer club, Mbabane Highlanders. This comes months after her South African team, Royal AM, was seized by SARS to pay off her R40 million debt. The club was later expelled from the PSL. The millionaire businesswoman has come under fire over her numerous clashes with the law, including tax evasion, fraud, forgery, and bribery. In a press release, Mbabane Highlanders, now named Mbalane Highlanders AM, confirmed that MaMkhize had become the club's president. In a video clip, MaMkhize revealed that she had added a 'touch of gold' and her signature 'AM', and that players of the eSwatini club would now wear black and gold. She said in a special welcome ceremony on Saturday, 12 July, of her new club allegiance: 'Today marks a new chapter, not a takeover but a partnership. A merging of histories between Eswatini and South Africa, rooted in shared ambition and excellence. 'Together, we will raise the standard, grow our talent, and bring this club the success it deserves. 'My promise is simple: I will lead with integrity, vision and heart. We're not here to participate, we're here to elevate'. Although the club has adopted many elements of the her Royal AM club, MaMkhize does not own the Swati counterpart. According to Sunday World, the businesswoman was given a three-year contract to manage the club. MaMkhize's deal with Mabalane Highlighers comes months after the bosses of fellow eSwatini club Moneni Pirates laughed off claims that she was their potential new owner. The reality TV star made headlines when she attended the club's Ingwenyama Cup final against Royal Leopards in Apil. Speaking to FARPost , Moneni Pirates president Thulani Xaba stated that he was unaware of any deal on the table. He said: 'I haven't spoken to or met her. There's nothing that has been spoken from my end to me…. I think it's just more mileage for her socials'. Xaba also shadily responded to MaMkhize's criminal allegations and implied that she was who they would wanted representing the club. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
