Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, who run the single JI seat in the Sindh Assembly, announced on Monday that he was leaving the seat. ‘We don’t want a charity seat,’ he said, speaking about his PS-129 Karachi constituency. Analysts, after finding out about Rehman’s decision, termed it as ‘not a good idea’, saying that Rehman was enough for the Sindh Assembly and he was the choice of the voter and he should not have left after being elected. The Pakistan Peoples Party is leading in the Sindh Assembly with 84 seats, MQM at 28 and Independents at 11. One seat is yet to be announced.
Author: News Desk
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New app revolutionises Hajj experience: Pilgrims to benefit from enhanced guidance
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the experience of Hajj pilgrims, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed, announced the launch of a dedicated mobile application during his visit to the New Haji Camp on Saturday.
The app, unveiled to media representatives, is poised to streamline the journey for pilgrims, offering comprehensive guidance from their Hajj flight to their accommodation in Saudi Arabia.
Minister Aneeq emphasised that the app will furnish essential information alongside instructional videos to aid pilgrims throughout their sacred journey.
Among the innovative features, each pilgrim will receive a distinctive single-coloured QR code suitcase, easing the identification of personal belongings.
Additionally, the government will provide a complimentary mobile SIM card from a Saudi company to every pilgrim, entailing 180 minutes for international calls.
Notably, the caretaker government has also slashed the price of the official Hajj package by Rs 0.1 million, aiming to make the pilgrimage more accessible.
Highlighting infrastructural enhancements, Minister Aneeq underscored the renovation of the New Haji Camp premises, coupled with the establishment of a vaccination centre tailored to cater to the needs of Hajj pilgrims.
Furthermore, the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs organised the ‘Interfaith Harmony Conference’, extending invitations to ambassadors from 30 nations in a concerted effort to foster global understanding and cooperation.
In a bid to promote interfaith dialogue and mutual respect, Minister Aneeq outlined various initiatives, including the ‘Interfaith Harmony Dialogue’ held across prominent universities and religious institutions.
Notably, scholars from diverse religious backgrounds, including Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Hindu, Parsi, and Jain, convened at St. Patrick’s Church, echoing a message of universal humanity and tolerance.
Concluding his address, Minister Aneeq unveiled plans for the establishment of schools and clinics within mosques, commencing with the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and slated for nationwide expansion, underscoring the government’s commitment to holistic community development.
The collective efforts underscored by the Ministry reflect a comprehensive approach towards fostering harmony, facilitating pilgrimage, and promoting inclusivity, marking a pivotal stride towards a more cohesive and enlightened society.
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If Nawaz wants PPP, Bilawal will be Prime Minister: Zardari
In a surprising move, PPP’s Zardari has set his sights on the Prime Minister chair for his son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif told his party leaders that Zardari wants the PM slot and major ministries, if PMLN wants PPP’s support.
According to The News’ sources, Shehbaz told party leaders that if they gave Zardari what he wanted, the PPP would support PML-N to make its government in Punjab.WHAT PML-N OFFERED PPP
ARY sources claim that PML-N offered three positions to the PPP to gain its support. PPP has been offered the presidency, speaker of the National Assembly and Senate chairman, while PML-N also agreed to give the slot for chief minister Balochistan to the PPP.
MQM AND PML-N JOIN HANDS
After a meeting in Lahore Sunday morning, PML-N and MQM have reached a decision to work together on basic points for cooperation in the best “interest of the nation and country”.
PMLN’s Marriyum Aurangzeb, while announcing the news, did not say what the two parties had agreed upon but said that an alliance between them was in affect.
With the PPP, a decision on whether to give Bilawal Bhutto the Prime Minister chair is yet to be made.
SHOCKING
Party sources have told GEO News that, the PML-N leadership was in a shock as the election results did not meet their expectations at all. Sources said that Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and other PML-N leaders were overconfident, the party leadership didn’t pay much attention to public rallies, door-to-door campaigns, mass public campaigns and direct contact with voters.
Sources claimed that if there was a fallout with the PPP, PML-N would make a coalition government with MQM, JUI-F and other smaller parties, including independents and electable. They further claimed that in this scenario, PML-N will make Shehbaz Sharif the prime minister and Maryam Nawaz the Chief Minister of Punjab.In the PML-N meeting when Maryam Nawaz’s name was finalised for Chief Minister punjab, according to ARY sources, all members agreed and said she had done a commendable job campaigning for the party. They also said that it would be a first for Pakistan to have a female chief minister for Punjab.
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Gold prices dip by $8 internationally, Rs1,200 locally
In a significant development in the precious metals market, the per-tola price of 24 karat gold experienced a notable decline, dropping by Rs1,200 on Saturday.
According to the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association, the precious metal was sold at Rs214,300, marking a decrease from its previous rate of Rs215,500 on the last trading day.
Similarly, the price of 10 grammes of 24 karat gold exhibited a downward trend, declining by Rs1,028 to reach Rs183,728, as opposed to the earlier rate of Rs184,756.
Meanwhile, the prices of 10 grammes of 22 karat gold also saw a decrease, settling at Rs168,416 from Rs169,360, as reported by the Association.
Notably, the per-tola and ten-gramme silver prices remained unchanged at Rs2,600 and Rs2,229.08, respectively, indicating stability in the silver market.
The dip in local gold prices is mirrored on the international stage, as the global market reported a decrease of $8 in the price of gold.
The international rate now stands at $2,045, down from the previous figure of $2,053, as outlined by the Association.
This shift in prices is likely to have implications for investors, jewellers, and consumers alike, prompting a reassessment of investment strategies and purchase decisions in the coming days.
Analysts are closely monitoring these fluctuations to gauge the market’s response and anticipate future trends in the precious metals sector.
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Sajal Aly, Malala call for ‘respect’ for voters’ choice as election results come in
Now that election mania is subsiding, another mania has taken over. People are closely following who will form the government. Actress Sajal Aly posted on Instagram about how things have been changing a lot recently in the political scene. “There have been many changes since the night till now”. In another story, she shared a song called “Laga Reh” by Shehzad Roy, which talks about Pakistan’s situation, its politicians and its people. Sajal praised Shehzad for being right about it all along and said, “Your concern was accurate. Sad,” tagging the singer.
Moreover, the actor found something positive in the situation. She wrote in Urdu, “However, the good news is that today, the entire nation is concerned about the country. Keep at it!”
But Sajal wasn’t the only one sharing her thoughts. Activist and Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai also spoke up about the elections. She wrote, “Pakistan needs elections that are fair and honest. This means counting votes openly and respecting the results.”Pakistan needs free and fair elections, which includes transparency in counting votes and respect for the results. I believe today, as I always have, that we must accept the voters’ decision with grace. I hope our elected officials, whether in government or opposition parties,…
— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) February 9, 2024 -
Party number game: what’s going on right now
PTI will form a government in centre, says Barrister Gohar Khan
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) acting chairman, Barrister Gohar Khan, has said that PTI will form the government in the centre. He also said that PTI-backed candidates are leading in the 2024 election, adding that according to Form 45 received by the party, PTI-supported candidates have won 170 National Assembly seats so far.
He rejected the possibility of accepting PML-N head Nawaz Sharif’s offer to all parties to get together to form a government.
MQM wants Shehbaz to come to Karachi to ‘manao’ them
Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Khalid Maqbool Siddique has asked former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif to come to Karachi to discuss the post-election situation and the possibility of forming a coalition.
According to the results of the 2024 elections, MQM-P has won 17 National Assembly (NA) seats, making it an important stakeholder in forming a government.Not in touch with the PTI Independents, waiting for all votes to be counted: Bilawal BhuttoPakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal avoided questions about forming an alliance with the PMLN or PTI-backed Independents, hinting that it isn’t going to be an easy process to make a PDM.
The former Foreign Minister avoided questions about forming an alliance with the PMLN or PTI-backed Independents, hinting that it isn’t going to be an easy process to make a PDM version 2.0.
Bilawal Bhutto said that the PPP is not in touch with the PTI-backed candidates but is waiting for all election results before it takes any decision, adding that PPP is not in the position right now to announce anything.
The PPP chairman said that it is also important to see what independent candidates decide before making any major decision.
PTI has not decided who will be its candidate for Prime Minister, although it should be Khan: Waleed IqbalPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Waleed Iqbal said, while talking to Geo News that PTI has not yet finalised its candidate for Prime Minister. He also said that, while he believes the candidate should be Imran Khan, the decision will be taken after consulting with the former prime minister.
However, Khan cannot be a candidate for Prime Minister since he has been disqualified, did not run for election, and is currently serving a jail sentence in three cases.
MQM heading to Lahore to meet NawazMuttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s (MQM-P) delegation is heading to Lahore on the invitation of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for a post-election meeting.The delegation includes Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Farooq Sattar.
Earlier, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari also met Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore.
On the other hand, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Mariam Aurangzeb said that PML-N has no intention to talk to PTI-backed candidates to form a government.
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What has Imran Khan’s son said about the general elections?
Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Suleiman Khan, had urged people to vote in the 2024 general elections in Pakistan, held on February 8. They shared their message on Twitter, asking everyone to vote and get their friends and family to do the same.
The two posted a picture holding the PTI flag and said, “Tomorrow is a big day for Pakistan. Your vote is important because it is your future.” They asked people to make a video saying they voted for PTI and share it on social media with #votePTI.
Their tweet quickly became popular online, showing how their message resonated with many. By encouraging people to support PTI, they hope to make a difference in the upcoming elections and remind everyone of the importance of voting in democracy.کل پاکستان کے لیے بہت بڑا دن ہے۔ آپ کا ووٹ اہم ہے کیونکہ یہ آپ کامستقبل ہے۔ براہ کرم ووٹ ڈالنے کے بعد ایک ویڈیوں بنائیں “میں نے پی ٹی آئ کو ووٹ دیا” اور ویڈیوں یا تصویرسوشل میڈیا پر ڈال دیں۔ پاکستان زندہ باد #votePTI!
— Kasim Khan (@Kasim_Khan_1999) February 7, 2024
پاکستان زندہ باد pic.twitter.com/RGNjtxciY3And after polling he took to X (formerly twitter) and said, “Thank You all for voting PTI”
Thank you all for voting PTI
— Kasim Khan (@Kasim_Khan_1999) February 9, 2024 -
Mohsin Dawar injured in a firing incident
Leader of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), Mohsin Dawar, has sustained severe injuries in a gunfire attack.
Party officials claimed that police officials targeted Dawar as he entered a government compound along with a group of people, protesting delays in result.
He was sitting outside the RO office for two nights and decided to enter the office today after three days of delay.
Dawar has been a member of the National Assembly from August 2018 until August 2023. -
Indian actor says Pakistani content is better than Indian content
Pakistani TV shows are getting more and more popular worldwide, and especially across the border in India. All our hit shows are not just avidly followed here but also across the border. Indian TV channels and media might just be fretting that their own shows aren’t as popular as they used to be.
Indian actor Sushant Singh recently talked to the media about this. “Our neighbouring country, Pakistan, who we usually see as our enemy, is making amazing TV shows. Just look at their shows and then look at ours. What are we giving to the people? Why are we making low-quality shows? When people criticize our shows, why aren’t we trying to improve? Are we going to keep making the same kind of shows? What message are we sending to actors and viewers — to watch our shows or to stop watching because we won’t change? Don’t we want to get better? We’ve made great shows despite tough conditions, and we should keep striving for better quality,” he said.He also stressed the importance of actors’ voices being heard.
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PKR registers only 0.92% rise against US dollar since the onset of 2024
The Pakistani rupee (PKR) maintained its upward trajectory for the 13th consecutive week, gaining 12.88 paisa against the US dollar and settling at PKR 279.28 per USD.
This positive momentum marks a notable shift from the previous week’s closing rate of PKR 279.41 per USD.
Analysing the broader financial trends, the PKR has appreciated against the US dollar by 6.71 rupees, or 2.4 per cent, during the current financial year. Looking at the calendar year, the PKR has shown a gain of 2.58 rupees, or 0.92 per cent.
Friday’s trading session witnessed the PKR displaying strength as it appreciated by over 6 paisa. The intraday high (bid) reached 279.9, while the low (ask) touched 279.6, showcasing the currency’s resilience in the face of market fluctuations.
In the open market, exchange companies quoted buying rates at 278.89 and selling rates at 281, contributing to the overall positive sentiment surrounding the PKR.
Comparatively, against major currencies, the PKR experienced a marginal loss of 26.91 paisa against the Euro, closing at 300.87.
Meanwhile, the British Pound became more affordable by 20.31 paisa, closing at 352.33. The Swiss Franc saw a decline of 1.59 rupees, closing at 318.89, and against the Japanese Yen, the PKR gained 1.71 paisa, closing at 1.8695.
In the global currency market, the Chinese Yuan lost 0.4 paisa, closing at 38.82, while the Saudi Riyal closed at 74.47, experiencing a marginal loss of 1.43 paisa. The U.A.E. dirham also saw a decrease in value of 1.57 paisa, settling at 76.05.
Shifting focus to the money market, the benchmark 6-month Karachi Interbank bid and offer rates experienced a 9 basis point increase, reaching 21.05 per cent and 21.3 per cent, respectively.
This upward movement in yields follows the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) maintaining the policy rate at 22 per cent for the fifth consecutive meeting, contributing to the evolving financial landscape.