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Author: News Desk

  • Rahat Fateh Ali Khan apologizes but warns of possible release of additional ‘staged’ videos

    Rahat Fateh Ali Khan apologizes but warns of possible release of additional ‘staged’ videos

    Rahat Fateh Ali Khan recently faced trouble when a viral video showed him hitting a grown man, purportedly a student. In a podcast, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan explained the situation, admitting his mistake and apologizing publicly after facing strong criticism.


    Khan revealed that he scolded and hit his student, Naveed, whom he considers like family due to Naveed’s father’s long association with Rahat’s family. Rahat clarified that he didn’t want media attention for his charitable work, emphasizing that a bottle he mentioned in the podcast contained sacred water from his religious teacher.


    In his apology video, Rahat expressed regret for his actions, apologizing to Allah, his family, friends, and fans. He acknowledged the mistake, mentioning that the video was nine months old and blamed unnamed people for defaming him. He thanked those who boycotted him, viewing it as a learning experience, and promised not to repeat such actions in the future.


    You can watch his apology video :

  • Watch: Child trapped in toy claw machine enjoying himself before rescue

    Watch: Child trapped in toy claw machine enjoying himself before rescue

    Timothy Hopper and his son Ethan were at a shopping center in southeast Queensland, Australia, when the boy climbed into a claw machine.


    The three-year-old Ethan, trapped inside a toy claw machine, was “having the time of his life” while his dad and police scrambled to free him.


    After entering through the prize dispenser, the boy was filmed calmly wandering around inside the box, while adults tried to coax him out.


    The boy’s father said: “I had zero chance to react to it, it was unbelievable how fast he climbed up there. I was watching him and then I was talking to my children,” cites Sky News.


    While Mr Hopper was worried about his son, he said he “couldn’t help but laugh thinking ‘how has this happened?’ because he wasn’t hurt, he wasn’t sad, so it was easy to have a laugh when he was having the time of his life”.


    “But then reality sunk in – how am I going to get him out,” he added, before sharing he called the claw machine company.


    “They were asking me how much money I had put in the machine [and if the money was] stuck in the machine.


    “My response was ‘The only thing stuck in the machine is my child, I’d love to have him back’.”


    After police arrived at the scene, they told Ethan to climb to the corner of the machine and cover his eyes so they could break him loose.


    An officer then broke the glass window and safely lifted Ethan out of the machine – before reuniting him with his parents.


    Ethan, who was gifted a toy koala dressed as a police officer after the ordeal, told Mr Hopper: “Don’t worry Dad, I won’t do it again.”

  • Talks for a possible ceasefire between Gaza and Israel underway

    Talks for a possible ceasefire between Gaza and Israel underway

    Under the latest development, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has reportedly received “an initial positive confirmation from the Hamas side” on the “general framework” for a ceasefire in Gaza.

    According to Qatari officials, Hamas has responded positively to receiving a proposal to pause the military operations in Gaza. However, the final deal is “weeks” away.

    As of January 30, reported by Al Jazeera, Hamas is “studying” a three-phased truce proposal whereas some Israeli officials have warned to “collapse the coalition” if the deal is not in accordance with their wants.

    On the other hand, journalists on social media are claiming that Hamas officials have denied confirmation of any agreement pertaining to a truce.

  • Maryam Noor opens up about challenges of apartment sharing

    Maryam Noor opens up about challenges of apartment sharing

    Maryam Noor, the well-known actress in the Pakistan showbiz industry, shared details of a tough experience of living in a shared apartment.
    In a recent appearance on a private TV show, Maryam discussed various topics, including her past challenges.


    She recounted, “When I moved to Karachi, I initially lived in a shared apartment. Many people who relocate from Lahore to Karachi desire a beautiful and clean place, but not everyone can afford expensive accommodation. I met a seemingly neat and honest girl who offered me a shared apartment.”
    Maryam shared her family’s concerns when she informed them about the offer. “My family suggested renting a cheaper apartment instead of sharing. However, I reassured them that the girl was good and nothing bad would happen.”


    As time passed, Maryam realized that the girl, who initially seemed straight and decent, changed after getting a boyfriend. Maryam began feeling like she was treated as if she were the maid, not an equal tenant.


    Maryam explained, “Her behavior worsened over time. When my family visited, she behaved strangely with them. I decided to distance myself from her, but when I went to Lahore, she called me, claiming she had bought a house and demanded the deposit for the apartment.”


    Reminding the girl of the two-month contract, Maryam insisted on waiting for the agreed period. Upon returning to Karachi, she discovered that the girl had stolen her belongings, thrown dead prawns in her room, and even placed spoiled food among her possessions.

  • ECP ready to conduct polls on February 8, despite security challenges

    ECP ready to conduct polls on February 8, despite security challenges

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has declared on Thursday that it is determined and ready to conduct upcoming elections on February 8 as per schedule, despite facing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

    With only one week remaining until the February 8 polls, election preparations and campaigns are in full swing. However, the country is grappling with a series of violent incidents that have led to multiple deaths, particularly at political party rallies in the two provinces most affected by terrorism.

    Law enforcers have tightened security across the country to maintain law and order during the upcoming general elections.

    “The February 8 polls will take place on time. Though the security challenges exist but the election commission is fully ready [to hold the elections], and with the help of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and Pakistan Army, the elements involved in hindering the electoral process and disrupting security situation will be dealt strictly,” Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja said during the ECP’s security meeting.

    On Thursday evening, the electoral body held an important meeting on the worsening law and order situation in two provinces.

    After the meeting ended, the ECP released a statement saying that the CEC voiced concerns about the worsening security situation in KP and Balochistan. However, he emphasised that the electoral process will continue despite the challenges.

  • Owner of Quetta Gladiators Nadeem Umar demands separate board for PSL

    Owner of Quetta Gladiators Nadeem Umar demands separate board for PSL

    Nadeem Umar, owner of PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators, has demanded that a separate board be formed for the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    Regional Cricket Association President Nadeem Umar came to watch the final of the Inter-Department Cricket League, during which he awarded the captain of the winning team, Umar Associate, with a trophy and cash prize of Rs 200,000.

    Talking about PSL, Nadeem Umar said, “The chairman and setup of the Pakistan Super League should be completely different, their working method should also be different, and how the rights of the matches work and sell. It must be different”.

    He continued: “We sleep for 11 months of the year, there is no activity plan, and the setup of the exercise of the separate boards of other leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and many other leagues has been going on for a long time.”

    Nadeem Umar emphasized that PSL is the most powerful brand in the country. “But we have to fight with the board for some improvement. Not representing Karachi and Lahore in the PCB Governing Board is unfair, who will be the chairman, and what will be the role of the game, the input of big cities is necessary for these challenges”.

  • February 8 is national holiday in Pakistan

    February 8 is national holiday in Pakistan

    In a significant move aimed at promoting democratic participation, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially declared a public holiday on February 8, coinciding with scheduled general elections in the country. The decision, made under the powers vested in the ECP by Article 218 of the Constitution, aims to facilitate and encourage voters to exercise their right to franchise without any hindrance.

    A notification released by the Election Commission of Pakistan states, ” In exercise of powers conferred under Article 218 of the Constitution read with Section (4) and 8(c) of the Elections Act, 2017 (Act No. XXXIII of 2017), and all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Election Commission of Pakistan is pleased to declare public holiday on 08th February, 2024 in the country in order to enable the voters to exercise their right of franchise freely and conveniently.”

    The strategic move aligns with the democratic principles of the nation, emphasizing the importance of every eligible voter’s participation in shaping the country’s future. By designating February 8 as a public holiday, the Election Commission aims to eliminate potential obstacles that might deter individuals from partaking in the electoral process.

  • Election vacations announced in Sindh

    Election vacations announced in Sindh

    It has been decided to keep all educational institutions closed from February 6 to 9 in Sindh.


    According to Sindh Education Department, all private and commercial schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed from February 6 to 9 due to general elections in the country.


    The Education Department said that February 5 has already been announced as Kashmir Day holiday in the province.


    A vacation summary has been sent to the Chief Minister House, while the notification will be issued after approval.


    On Wednesday, the Punjab Cabinet decided to keep all schools, colleges and universities closed from February 6 to 9 as general elections, scheduled for February 8, approach.

  • Gold price soars to Rs216,300 per tola with Rs800 increase in Pakistan

    Gold price soars to Rs216,300 per tola with Rs800 increase in Pakistan

    In alignment with the surge in the global market, gold rates in Pakistan experienced an upward trajectory on Thursday.

    The precious metal, often viewed as a barometer for economic sentiment, reached Rs216,300 per tola, marking an increase of Rs800 over the course of the day.

    As reported by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the 10-gramme gold bar was traded at Rs185,442 following a notable rise of Rs686.

    This shift in prices follows a contrasting trend from the preceding day, when gold prices in Pakistan had seen a decline of Rs600 per tola.

    The international gold rate exhibited a similar positive movement on Thursday, reaching $2,060 per ounce with a $20 premium.

    This uptick of $5 in the global market, as highlighted by APGJSA, contributed to the buoyancy in the local gold prices.

    Conversely, silver rates remained steadfast at Rs2,600 per tola, maintaining stability in the precious metals market.

    This fluctuation in gold prices can be attributed to the intricate interplay of various global economic factors.

    Analysts suggest that investors and traders should closely monitor these trends to make informed decisions in the ever-evolving market.

  • Pakistan’s inflation eases slightly to 28.3% in January 2024

    Pakistan’s inflation eases slightly to 28.3% in January 2024

    The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported that the country’s headline inflation for January stood at 28.3 per cent on a year-on-year basis, marking a slight decrease from the December figure of 29.7 per cent. The month-on-month reading recorded a 1.8 per cent increase.

    This latest data brings the average inflation for the period of July to January to 28.73 per cent, up from 25.40 per cent in the corresponding period of the previous year. Despite this surge, the inflation rate aligns with the government’s expectations.

    The Ministry of Finance, in its ‘Monthly Economic Update and Outlook’ report released on Wednesday, projected a CPI-based inflation rate of 27.5-28.5 per cent for January 2024. The report attributed the inflationary pressure to elevated prices of perishables and vegetables, along with increased utility costs for electricity and gas.

    A contributing factor to the rising prices has been a surge in onion export orders following the Indian ban, straining local supply and causing domestic prices to escalate.

    Severe weather disruptions led to supply shortages of tomatoes, resulting in price hikes, while reduced chicken supply, especially from controlled sheds facing higher input costs, contributed to increased chicken prices.

    JS Global, in a report from last week, anticipated that inflation would remain elevated, particularly in the food segment. The report predicted a 1.8 per cent month-on-month uptick in food prices, resulting in an overall January 2024 YoY CPI estimate of 27.9 per cent.

    The brokerage house noted that the CPI inflation in the coming months is expected to remain on the lower side amid the decline in local fuel prices and the high base effect of last year.

    Breaking down the inflation figures, urban areas recorded a year-on-year CPI inflation of 30.2 per cent in January 2024, slightly lower than the previous month’s 30.9 per cent and higher than January 2023’s 24.4 per cent. On a month-on-month basis, urban inflation increased by 1.8 per cent in January 2024.

    In rural areas, year-on-year CPI inflation for January 2024 was 25.7 per cent, down from the previous month’s 27.9 per cent but higher than January 2023’s 32.3 per cent. On a month-on-month basis, rural inflation increased by 1.9 per cent in January 2024.

    The PBS data indicates a nuanced inflationary landscape in Pakistan, with both urban and rural areas experiencing fluctuations in prices across various commodities. The government’s focus on addressing these challenges remains critical as it navigates the economic impact of inflation on citizens and businesses.