Author: News Desk

  • Luxury Redefined: One Homes Brings Haagia Sophia Istanbul Designer ZKLD Studio to Pakistan

    Luxury Redefined: One Homes Brings Haagia Sophia Istanbul Designer ZKLD Studio to Pakistan

    Luxury Redefined: One Homes appoint world leading lighting design consultant ZKLD Studio for One Canal Road

    Lahore’s New Icon: One Homes bring world leading lighting designer ZKLD Studio to Pakistan. 

    Lahore, January 15, 2024: One Homes, Pakistan’s leading luxury real estate developer, in a first for Pakistan is bringing internationally acclaimed light design consultants ZKLD Studio for their landmark Lahore development, One Canal Road.

    ZKLD Studio is a world-leading design practice celebrated for its innovative use of light and darkness to enhance visual environments. With an illustrious three-decade legacy, they have completed a myriad of projects globally, from illuminating grand civic structures to creating intimate community spaces, leaving an indelible mark on the world of design. ZKLD’s collaboration with Hagia Sophia, an icon of political power, highlights their mastery in enhancing architectural marvels with lighting expertise.

    With a clientele that includes prestigious names like Rixos Hotels, Emaar, Foster + Partner, and Al-Fattan Properties, ZKLD has proven its expertise in creating captivating visual experiences, making it the perfect partner for One Homes’ ambitious vision to deliver Lahore’s new icon.

    One Homes, a pioneer in lifestyle-centric living spaces, is guided by a commitment to excellence and a customer-centric ethos. The international real estate group started their journey in Pakistan in 2017 and since then have consistently set new standards by bringing world-leading brands to Pakistan including Versace Ceramics, The Haute Interiors, Varabyeu Partners, and Savills. 

    One Homes currently has over 11.7 Million square feet of projects completed and under development across Pakistan with a Gross Development Value exceeding $500 Million.

    Mr. Aqib Hassan, Chief Commercial Officer of One Homes, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “While any lighting could adorn a building, we have chosen to appoint a world-leading consultant in ZKLD Studio. This decision goes beyond our initial commitment to our clients; it reflects our promise to leave no stone unturned in delivering the best. We believe that the difference between good and extraordinary lies in attention to detail, and this partnership exemplifies our dedication to exceeding expectations.”

    This exciting collaboration between One Homes and ZKLD Studio promises to infuse One Canal Road, Lahore, with a unique visual language, where light becomes an integral part of the architectural narrative. Together, they aim to create a living space that transcends the ordinary, fusing cutting-edge design with international standards to deliver an iconic landmark that captivates and inspires. Get ready for a luminous transformation that will redefine luxury living in the heart of Lahore.

    The One Group is founded by Chairman and CEO Zeeshaan Shah.

    For Further Information:https://onehomes.com/
    https://zkldstudio.com/

  • 28 killed, 40 injured in two separate blasts in Balochistan

    28 killed, 40 injured in two separate blasts in Balochistan

    At least 28 people have been killed and 40 injured in two separate blasts in Balochistan on Wednesday afternoon, just a few short hours before polling starts on election day.

    The first attack claimed at least 15 people’s lives while over 30 were injured after an explosion took place outside an independent candidate’s office in Balochistan’s Pishin. The second blast took place outside a Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) office in the Killa Saifullah district.
    The Pishin blast happened outside the political office of independent candidate Asfand Yar Khan Kakar in the Khanozai area.

    Injured people have been shifted to the Tehsil Hospital Khanozai, while the bodies have also been transferred, the hospital’s MS Dr Habib told Geo News.

  • OGRA approves massive gas tariff hike for SNGPL, SSGC consumers

    OGRA approves massive gas tariff hike for SNGPL, SSGC consumers

    In a move to address the fiscal challenges faced by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC), the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has granted approval for a noteworthy increase in gas tariffs.

    Effective January 1, 2024, consumers of SNGPL will experience a 35.13 per cent surge, while SSGC customers will witness an 8.57 per cent rise.

    This marks the second adjustment in gas prices within the current fiscal year, following a substantial 193 per cent increase announced by OGRA, effective November 1, 2023. The decision to implement these changes is aimed at bridging the Rs98 billion shortfall collectively faced by both gas companies.

    The interim government’s initial projections aimed to collect Rs980 billion, intending to cover the estimated revenue requirements of Rs700 billion for both SNGPL and SSGC.

    The recommended average increase in the prescribed gas price is set at 23 per cent, reaching Rs1,590 per mmbtu, compared to the previous average of Rs1,291 per mmbtu determined on June 2, 2023.

    Specifically, OGRA has outlined a 50 per cent increase (Rs415.11 per mmbtu) for SNGPL, elevating the gas price to Rs1,238.68 per mmbtu, effective July 1, 2023.

    Simultaneously, the gas price for SSGC has been raised by 45 per cent (Rs417.23 per mmbtu) to reach Rs1,350.68 per mmbtu.

    The decision to increase gas prices aligns with the interim government’s commitment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with an agreement to announce a raise in gas sale prices by February 18, 2024.

    However, the OGRA Ordinance stipulates that if the government remains unresponsive to OGRA’s notification within 40 days, the determined tariff by the regulator will be automatically enforced.

    The recent approval underscores the ongoing efforts to address financial challenges and ensure the sustainability of the gas sector in Pakistan.

  • PIA set for transformation: Federal cabinet approves privatisation, restructuring

    PIA set for transformation: Federal cabinet approves privatisation, restructuring

    In a significant development, the caretaker federal cabinet has granted approval for the restructuring of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the privatisation of First Women Bank Limited.

    This decision, based on recommendations put forth by the Privatisation Division, aims to address the financial challenges faced by PIA in recent years.

    The pivotal meeting of the federal cabinet, presided over by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, saw the submission of restructuring recommendations by the Privatisation Division.

    It was highlighted during the session that PIA has been grappling with financial losses over an extended period.

    Previous cabinet meetings had already endorsed the appointment of a financial advisor, whose role is integral to the financial and administrative restructuring of PIA.

    The cabinet was briefed on the progress, indicating that the financial advisor has devised a comprehensive financial restructuring plan aligned with international norms.

    Under this plan, PIA is set to undergo a division into two distinct entities: Top-Co and Hold-Co. The core operations of PIA, including engineering, ground handling, cargo, flight kitchen, and training, will be consolidated under Top-Co.

    On the other hand, entities such as Precision Engineering Complex, PIA Investment Limited, properties, and other subsidiaries will find their place within Hold-Co.

    This strategic restructuring aims not only to address the financial challenges faced by PIA but also to attract potential investors.

    The cabinet has been briefed on the measures undertaken to enhance the attractiveness of PIA for investment, laying the groundwork for a positive trajectory in the airline’s future.

  • Arisha Razi shares lovely moments with husband from mayun ceremony

    Arisha Razi shares lovely moments with husband from mayun ceremony

    Arisha Razi has recently shared beautiful photos from her Mayun ceremony, but without showing her groom. Now, she’s posted a delightful video with her husband from the same event and they both look stunning. In the video, they’re twirling happily in matching orange outfits. Arisha’s makeup and hair were done by Rabia Anam Salon, her outfit was from Haseens Official, and her jewelry was by Allure by MHT.

    check out the pictures below:

  • McDonald’s sales drop significantly amid boycott campaign

    McDonald’s sales drop significantly amid boycott campaign

    Global food chain McDonald’s came under fire when the Israel chapter announced last year it had donated thousands of free meals to Israel Defence Forces troops committing war crimes in Gaza. Consumers across the globe boycotted the fast food giant. Coffee chain Starbucks has also been hit by similar boycotts.


    Now the numbers are finally out, and it seems that the McDonald’s boycott has been quite successful. The company registered its first quarterly sales miss in nearly four years on Monday, squeezed by weak sales growth in its business division that includes the Middle East, China, and India, reports The Guardian.


    Comparable sales in McDonald’s International Developmental Licensed Markets segment rose 0.7 per cent in the quarter, widely missing estimates of a 5.5 per cent growth, according to London Stock Exchange Group data. The business accounted for 10 per cent of McDonald’s total revenue in 2023.


    The CEO, Chris Kempczinski, last month showed concern about a “meaningful business impact“ in McDonald’s Middle East market and some areas outside the region due to the war as well as “associated misinformation” about the brand.


    “The effects [of the war] on earnings durability would be our biggest concern … it looks like this is going to be an issue that persists past the next quarter or maybe even two,” said Brian Mulberry, client portfolio manager at Zacks Investment Management, which holds McDonald’s shares.


    Similar boycotts have hit other brands including Zara and Starbucks, which missed market expectations and cut its yearly sales forecasts last week. It told investors that there was “significant impact on traffic and sales” in the Middle East due to the war on Gaza.


    Starbucks previously said a sales recovery in China was slower than its expectations.


    Meanwhile, consumer spending in China, McDonald’s second-largest market, has also remained weak despite government support measures.

  • Maryam Nawaz tells PTI supporters to end politics of hate

    Maryam Nawaz tells PTI supporters to end politics of hate

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief organizer Maryam Nawaz has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to stop indulging in what she described as politics of hate.
    “Today I want to say that I am ready to forget all the oppression against us,” Maryam said. “I promise today and invite everyone to put an end to all this once and for all,” she said at a rally in Kasur.
    “I want a Pakistan where the government concentrates on serving people instead of avenging the past,” she said.

  • Most awaited dramas of 2024

    Most awaited dramas of 2024

    Be it daily soaps or serials, Pakistani dramas have an enormous viewership around the globe. In 2023, we witnessed blockbuster gems like Tere Bin, Kuch Ankahi, Fairy Tale, and Mayi Ri, depicting unconventional stories that kept the audiences hooked to their screens.
    While 2023 was a good year for Pakistani television, 2024 seems to be even better with a good line-up of projects including a few fresh concepts and pairings.
    Here are the top TV shows that everyone is excited about this year:

    1: Tere Bin Season 2 Drama – Har Pal Geo TV

    On Dec 29, 2023, Abdullah Kadwani announced news about Tere Bin Season 2, exciting fans for Wahaj Ali and Yumna Zaidi’s return in a love story tackling social barriers. With Bushra Ansari and Sohail Sameer in supporting roles and the potential return of Sabeena Farooq, anticipation is high. The cast yet to be fully confirmed but may include Wahaj Ali, Yumna Zaidi, Bushra Ansari, Sabeena Farooq, and Sohail Sameer.

    2: Radd drama –Ary Digital

    Radd, made by Abdullah Seja and Jarjees Seja, stars Hiba Bukhari and Sheheryar Munawar in the main roles. Ahmad Bhatti directed the show, and Sanam Mehdi Zaryab wrote it. The first episode of the series will air on 19-4-2024 at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital, the official channel for the show.

    3: Fanna – Green TV

    Fanna promises a captivating journey of love, loyalty, and resilience, featuring powerful performances and emotional storytelling. Scheduled for release in
    26-2-2024 at 8 PM, the drama will be aired on GREEN TV.

    4: Dil Pe Dastak- Hum TV

    Dil Pe Dastak is a Pakistani drama produced by Momina Duraid, starring Khaqan Shahnawaz and Aena Khan in leading roles. It features many supporting actors and is produced by MD Production. Episode 1 will air on March 11, 2024, at 9:00 PM on HUM TV.

    5: Tum Bin Kesay Jiyen- ARY Digital

    Tum Bin Kesay Jiyen is a Pakistani drama on ARY Digital, centered around true friendships, genuine love, and keeping promises. Starring Junaid Jamshed Niazi, Saniya Shamshad, and Hammad Shoaib, this fresh take is written by Edison Idrees Masih and directed by Saqib Khan, produced by IDream Entertainment. Episode 1 airs on 25-2-2024 at 8:00 PM on ARY Digital.

  • Bushra Bibi doesn’t want to live in Bani Gala

    Bushra Bibi doesn’t want to live in Bani Gala

    Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) founder chairman Imran Khan, has lodged a challenge against the authorities’ decision to confine her to her Bani Gala residence to serve a 14-year sentence in the Toshakhana case.

    Previously detained at the sprawling residence, Bushra Bibi was imprisoned last month following an accountability court’s ruling that sentenced the couple to 14 years in jail in connection with the Toshakhana case.

    In response to a request from the Adiala jail superintendent, authorities designated the Bani Gala house as a sub-jail for the former first lady’s confinement.

    Both Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan were handed a 14-year jail term by Judge Muhammad Bashir in the Toshakhana case, which pertains to the illegal sale of state gifts.

    In a recent petition, Bushra Bibi expressed her willingness to serve her sentence in ordinary jail premises at Adiala rather than the declared sub-jail at her residence, emphasizing her readiness to undergo punishment like any other political worker of the party.

    Furthermore, she cited concerns about her safety in the solitary confinement of the sub-jail premises, highlighting potential security issues for preferring the ordinary jail premises.


    “While the petitioner is in good health currently, however, there has been a movement of unidentified people in her house declared as a sub-jail by the Government thereby contributing to her sense of insecurity,” the application claimed.


    Bushra Bibi said the “special treatment” afforded to her goes against the spirit of equality guaranteed under the Constitution and is consequently discriminatory.


    Given the stated reasons, the petitioner pleaded with the court to set aside notification to declare her house sub-jail and shift her to Adiala Jail in the “interest of justice”.