In Monday’s trading session, the Pakistani rupee experienced a slight decline of 0.02 per cent against the US dollar in the inter-bank market, closing at Ra279.64, reflecting a decrease of Re0.05, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The previous week saw the rupee’s 11th consecutive week of appreciation, gaining Re0.31, or 0.11 per cent, to settle at Rs279.59 against the US dollar.
This consistent uptrend was attributed to the approval of the second tranche of $705.6 million in the $3 billion Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The positive impact of the IMF inflow was evident in the foreign exchange reserves held by the SBP.
Meanwhile, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar instructed the Ministry of Energy to develop a comprehensive plan, in consultation with the Finance Ministry, to address and reduce the circular debt in the power and gas sectors.
In a significant move, the SBP announced plans to revamp the foreign exchange trading system by introducing a centralised foreign exchange (FX) trading platform named “FX Matching” for the interbank FX market.
On the global front, the US dollar maintained a stable position as investors assessed US economic data ahead of the Federal Reserve policy meeting scheduled for the week.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East contributed to a cautious risk sentiment among investors.
The Supreme Court (SC) has instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to promptly withdraw notices sent to journalists involved in a “malicious campaign” against the judiciary and institutions on social media as per Geo News.
A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, heard the case pertaining to harassment of journalists by FIA.
CJP ISA told Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan that verbal abuse was a different matter and that the FIA should not take action against journalists, especially on criticism.
The AGP assured the Chief Justice of Pakistan that journalists would not face any action.
The chief justice remarked that he is strongly against curtailing criticism, as freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution. “I don’t care if you make fun of me, but if you make fun of the judiciary, the country will suffer. You can criticise the Supreme Court, but the Constitution also has some limitations,” he said.
“If you think that you are benefiting me or the Supreme Court by stopping criticism, then you are harming [the institution],” CJP Isa remarked.
Qazi Faez Isa also said that media persons are allowed to criticise, but the matter of incitement is different. “We can never restrain a common man or a journalist from criticising.”
Justice Musarrat Hilali stated that there is no issue with fair criticism, but the language used is wrong.
Ali Afzal Khan was a regular feature on our television screens, playing all sorts of roles. Then suddenly, the actor disappeared, and fans were left wondering what had happened. Khan has finally opened up about what transpired behind his departure from the industry.
Ali has said that he was inspired by singer-turned-preacher, the late Junaid Jamshed, and bid farewell to the showbiz industry.
Talking on a podcast, he said, “I worked in the industry for 20 to 22 years, and during my extensive career, I undertook numerous projects as both an actor and a host. During this time, Junaid Jamshed, who was a renowned Naat reciter and singer, and I, being an actor, often had frequent meetings.”
He began to explore and understand the Holy Quran. However, due to some personal differences, he left hosting duties. “It was during this time that Junaid Jamshed inclined me towards religious preaching. In this period, I spent three days and then 40 days in seclusion, initiating the practice of regular prayer.”
Stressing that it is not easy for an actor who is at the peak of his career to leave it, Khan said, “The decision was difficult for me too but I had made a commitment to myself eight to nine months before leaving showbiz, that I would quit and after that I stopped signing contracts.”
He shared that he is still being offered different roles but he refuses them now.
“But I am still willing to play a historical role, so if someone offers me such a role, I am ready.”
Pakistan’s Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian met today (Monday), agreeing to strengthen ties between the two countries. The Iranian Foreign Minister landed in Islamabad early morning for “in-depth talks” with Pakistani counterpart, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Foreign Minister @JalilJilani and Iranian Foreign Minister @Amirabdolahian meet at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iran. They underscored the importance of robust dialogue and cooperation as the pathway for a positive,… pic.twitter.com/LuJeS8NBU9
“There is no doubt that the terrorists located in the common border regions and areas of Iran and Pakistan are led and supported by third countries and they never favour any good action in line with the benefits of the Iranian and Pakistani governments and nations,” the Iranian foreign minister said.
He made the remarks while addressing a joint press conference alongside interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani in Islamabad. Abdollahian had arrived in Pakistan earlier today, following which he and FM Jilani discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Stress on dialogue and cooperation
According to the Foreign Office (FO), the two had “underscored the importance of robust dialogue and cooperation as the pathway for a positive, forward-oriented and upward trajectory in bilateral relations”.
“The two sides agreed to work towards promoting the mutually desired goals of peace and prosperity, based on mutual respect and a collective approach to address common challenges,” it added.
Joint action against terrorism
During a joint press conference, Minister Jilani affirmed that both countries are committed to expanding their relationship and cooperating across multiple sectors.
He stressed the necessity of united efforts against the menace of terrorism, citing it as a shared threat to the stability and security of both Iran and Pakistan. Minister Jilani underscored the importance of respecting national security and sovereignty, expressing a desire to create economic opportunities along the borders.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abdullahian echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the people of Iran and Pakistan as one nation with deep fraternal ties. He asserted that Pakistan’s security is a top priority for Iran, and both nations are resolute in not allowing any space for terrorists.
The ministers discussed measures to counter terrorism during their talks and deliberated on enhancing security at the border, recognizing the shared challenges posed by terrorist activities. “We are here, so in a loud voice we will tell all terrorists that Iran and Pakistan will not provide them with any opportunity to endanger our common security,” Abdollahian asserted.
Economic opportunities
Minister Jilani further underscored the commitment to solving political and security issues, highlighting economic collaboration as a key aspect. Both ministers discussed the establishment of trade centers along the border, aiming to create economic opportunities and strengthen bilateral trade ties. The diplomats reiterated the depth and strength of the diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Iran.
Constructive relations
In closing, Foreign Minister Abdullahian affirmed that both nations have constructive and robust relations. The ministers pledged to work together to ensure the common security of their borders, vowing not to allow terrorists to jeopardize the stability and well-being of their respective countries.
The joint press conference concluded with an optimistic outlook for the future, as Pakistan and Iran expressed their commitment to furthering cooperation and maintaining strong ties for the development and security of the region.
The meeting has happened after Pakistan and Iran mutually launched strikes against each other with Iran killing two kids and injuring three girls and Pakistan conducting an operation named Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar resulting in the death of nine militants. Moreover, on Saturday nine Pakistani workers were gunned down by unidentified attackers in Sistan-Baluchestan. Pakistan has demanded a comprehensive investigation and swift prosecution of those responsible for the brutal attack.
At the outset of his speech, the Iranian minister highlighted that both countries “never had territorial differences”.
“Our historical bilateral relations and connections testify that we are a single nation located in two different geographical positions,” he said.
Usama Khan , the hero of the recently released Pakistani film Nayab, has admitted that he likes actress Maya Ali.
Usama Khan participated in a show to talk about his debut film ‘Nayab’.
Answering a question during the conversation he said he has a crush on actresses Mahira Khan and Maya Ali in the Pakistani showbiz industry and wants to work with both of them.
The actor said, “I have mentioned about my liking many times, so Maya will also know that I like her.”
On Usama’s answer, the host asked, “If you want to express your love, who will you express your love to?” On this the actor laughingly said, “If I have to express myself, I will do it with Maya Ali because she is unmarried.” When the host asked Maya Ali about her thoughts on marriage, the actor said, “It is too early to say anything about it.”
In a decision announced on Monday, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has opted to maintain the status quo, retaining the key policy rate of 22 per cent.
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad highlighted the persistent elevation of inflation, disclosing a revised forecast for the fiscal year 2023–24 ranging from 23 per cent to 25 per cent.
Market analysts, anticipating the decision, noted that the sustained high inflation rate was a contributing factor to the MPC’s decision to keep the key policy rate unchanged.
After allowing team director Muhammad Hafeez to hold a press conference on his return home from Australia, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has barred him from holding a media talk.
Sources say that the authorities wanted to protect Hafeez and PCB from conflict.
According to Geo News sources, Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer Muhammad is not in favour of Hafeez’s press conference, while a few board officials also disagree with the decision. International Director Usman Wahla’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy is also different in the board.
Sources say that Usman Wahla did not give an NOC for Bangladesh League to Mohammad Haris, while it gave a third NOC to Azam Khan for ILT20.
Shadab Khan is fit to play for Pakistan and for the ILT20 league, but board officials are disagreeing with bringing Muhammad Hafeez in front the media to discuss the matter.
Muhammad Hafeez thinks that PCB cannot give priority to league cricket.
According to sources, Hafeez is not happy with the Pakistani media, especially social media. He wanted to remove the one-sidedness and speculations regarding the tour of Australia and New Zealand and clear himself by explaining the reasons for the failure.
Muhammad Hafeez did not tweet considering the extension of the contract or not.
In his message on social media, Muhammad Hafeez said that cricket is his passion and the most important strength in life. “False news spread by professionals on social media cannot reduce it,” he said.
In an unfortunate turn of events, one person was killed and another injured in a clash between the workers of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) in Karachi’s Nazimabad area, MQM-P has claimed.
The incident took place in the Nazimabad No 2 area late Sunday as political parties are busy campaigning, holding public gatherings and corner meetings to mobilise their supporters ahead of the February 8 elections, according to police, Geo has reported.
Police said clashes erupted between the workers of the two political parties and unidentified persons also lit two vehicles on fire during the violence. They said the deceased person was identified as 48-year-old Faraz.
A video of the incident also emerged online wherein the political activists can be seen hurling chairs at each other.
Abbasi Shaheed Hospital administration said the deceased man was brought to the hospital already dead and added that he died of a bullet in his head. MQM-Pakistan Rabita Committee member Taha Siddiqui claimed that PPP workers opened fire at their office which resulted in the death of UC-incharge. “The Peoples Party [PPP] cannot occupy the city through terrorism,” he alleged while speaking to the media outside the hospital.
In a statement issued following the incident, a MQM-Pakistan spokesperson claimed that PPP workers tried to remove their party’s flag which led to the fight between the workers of the two parties. However, the spokesperson said the dispute between them was settled after some time.
PPP workers returned after two hours with armed guards and resorted to firing which left their worker dead, the statement added.
The MQM-P said a first information report (FIR) of the incident will be lodged following the funeral prayer of the deceased worker.
Addressing a press conference, MQM-P senior leader Mustafa Kamal claimed that the PPP workers carrying Kalashnikovs opened fire at their members following an altercation over flag removal. He claimed that MQM-P workers were unarmed and did not “even throw stones” at them in retaliation. Moreover, he accused PPP leader Asim Hussain of orchestrating the attack on the MQM-P workers. “I am warning for the last time that I will not let my workers even suffer a single scratch,” the MQM-P leader added.
Election campaigns in the past have witnessed episodes of violence, with scores of candidates and voters targeted by bombings and gun attacks.
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has called on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to avoid escalating political tensions and refrain from taking political rivalries to extremes.
The appeal comes in response to Bilawal’s proposal for a debate between him and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif ahead of the February 8 general elections.
I invite the PM candidate of @pmln_org, @NawazSharifMNS, to engage in a debate with me anytime, anywhere before Feb 8. Globally, Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates participate in televised debates, providing voters with crucial insights into their plans. This…
Bilawal, during his election trail, has been critical of the PML-N, prompting responses from the top leadership of the opposing party. On Friday, Bilawal proposed a televised debate between him and Nawaz Sharif, citing the global practice of such debates to provide voters with crucial insights into candidates’ plans.
Shehbaz Sharif, in apparent response to the challenge, suggested that it would have been more meaningful if the invitation had been extended to Nawaz Sharif for an inspection of Sindh rather than a debate.
کل ایک صاحب نے نواز شریف کو مناظرے کی دعوت دی۔ وہ نواز شریف کو مناظرے کے بجائے سندھ کے معائنے کی دعوت دیتے تو اچھا تھا، مناظرہ بھی ہو جاتا اور موازنہ بھی
In a subsequent exchange, Bilawal demanded clarification on the city and date for the proposed debate. He also suggested Nawaz Sharif could visit Gambat in Khairpur to inspect the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences and compare it with Punjab’s hospitals.
میں مناظرے اور معائنے کے لئے تیار ہوں، میاں نواز شریف مجھ سے خیرپور گمبٹ میں مناظرہ کرلیں جہاں کا اسپتال پنجاب کے کسی بھی اسپتال سے بہتر ہے اور یہاں علاج بالکل مفت ہے اور میاں صاحب نے تین بار وزیراعظم بننے کے باوجود بھی گمبٹ کا دورہ نہیں کیا یا وہ تھرپارکر آجائیں، وہاں کے… https://t.co/WThzbP0P6j
“Mian Nawaz Sharif can debate with me in Gambat, Khairpur. He can come and visit the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences, a hospital that surpasses any hospital in Punjab, and where all treatment is absolutely free,” Bilawal said.
He claimed that despite being the prime minister thrice, Nawaz had never once visited Gambat. “Or perhaps he would prefer to come to Tharparkar, where we can also inspect the infrastructure, and compare Thar with Cholistan. The coal project in Thar, which you and your brother opposed, is providing cheap electricity not to Karachi, but to Faisalabad,” he said.
In an interview on the Dawn News show ‘Live with Adil Shahzeb’ aired on Saturday night, Shehbaz Sharif commented on Bilawal’s proposal, acknowledging him as an educated youngster with a future in the country but cautioned against making the political situation tense and taking rivalries too far.
بلاول نے کل کہا کہ میں نواز شریف سے مناظرہ کرنا چاہتا ہوں ۔ مناظرے کی بجائے وہ میاں نواز شریف کو سندھ میں معائنے کے لیے لے جائیں ۔ مناظرہ بھی ہو جائے گا اور موازنہ بھی ۔
“I feel that the real thing to do at the end of the day is what we are thinking about the public and what will we end up doing for them. This is what people want to hear from us. They don’t want to hear someone bashing his rivals,” he said.
“The poor man is drowning in poverty and unemployment. He has been crushed and this is a ‘do-or-die situation’ for Pakistan,” Shehbaz concluded.
Shehbaz suggested that Bilawal could take Nawaz Sharif on a tour of Sindh instead of a formal debate, allowing for a discussion and comparison of the province. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the public and addressing their concerns, urging political discourse that revolves around the welfare of the people.
Responding to Shehbaz’s comments, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, on Sunday, reiterated his challenge for a debate and requested information on when and where Nawaz Sharif wishes to engage. He affirmed his readiness for any debate and scrutiny, asserting that deflecting from the challenge would not be effective.
I am ready for any debate and scrutiny. Mian Nawaz Sharif can debate with me in Gambat, Khairpur. He can come and visit the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences, a hospital that surpasses any hospital in Punjab, and where all treatment is absolutely free. Despite being Prime… https://t.co/WThzbP0P6j
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bilawal emphasized the global norm of televised debates and the transparency they provide to voters. He stated that such transparency is crucial for an informed electorate before the voting process. The challenge for a debate continues to add a dynamic element to the political landscape as the general elections draw closer.
The reason for the decline in the fitness and fielding standards of the national team has come to light.
According to Geo News sources, the previous team management had ended a series of fitness tests, ignored the fitness camp and Yo-Yo test, etc, while former captain Babar Azam and former director Mickey Arthur had unanimously ended the series of fitness tests.
Sources say that now Muhammad Hafeez has formulated a new strategy, with the goal of not compromising on fitness in the future.
According to sources, the team management was not happy with a few players who gained weight. Muhammad Hafeez will now set up the Pakistan Cricket Fitness Program as the Director.
Fitness test will be taken before the upcoming series and tournament and the players who do not pass the fitness test will not be selected.
Moreover, the team management will not shy away from making tough decisions to improve the fitness test.
