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Author: News Desk

  • Pneumonia continues consuming lives in Punjab, 251 children affected in last 24 hours

    Pneumonia continues consuming lives in Punjab, 251 children affected in last 24 hours

    Punjab Health Department has shared that 1,777 new cases of pneumonia were reported in the province within 24 hours, while 12 children also died due to the disease.


    According to the Health Department, 11, 597 children were affected by pneumonia in the first 24 days of the year 2024 in Punjab whereas 251 children were affected by pneumonia in 24 hours in Lahore only. 220 deaths from pneumonia have also been reported in Punjab in the last 24 days, reports Geo.


    Director of Immunization Dr. Mukhtar said that pneumonia is spreading in Punjab, adding that the pneumonia vaccine is not effective in viral outbreaks even though there is plenty of vaccine available. However, there is only one pneumonia vaccine for children and adults. He emphasized that pneumonia vaccine is not available in the general market; no pharmacy can order pneumonia vaccine from abroad without the permission of the government, which only orders vaccines for children under immunization.

  • Why did Hrithik Roshan’s film get banned in UAE and Gulf countries?

    Why did Hrithik Roshan’s film get banned in UAE and Gulf countries?

    Earlier this week, the Bollywood propaganda action movie ‘Fighter,’ featuring Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan, became a hot topic as it got banned in several Gulf countries.
    Initially, reports suggested that the ban affected many Gulf nations except the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, recent reports from trade analysts indicate that the movie is now facing a “suspension” in the UAE, as major theater chains have stopped bookings. The film’s distributor in the UAE had recently confirmed that the film will get released. The exact reason for the ban is not disclosed, but reports suggest it’s due to “some objectionable content in the film.”
    There were earlier speculations that ‘Fighter’ was supposed to be released in the UAE with a PG 15 rating before the ban.

    Trade analyst Girish Johar confirmed the same. He stated on X, “In a setback, Fighter officially banned across Middle East regions for theatrical release. Only UAE will release the film with a PG15 classification!” Recent reports now claim that UAE has also banned the film, with confirmation from the film’s UAE distributor, as per Times of India.

    The movie’s story, which revolves around India’s response to the attack in Pulwama, India-occupied Kashmir.
    Many in Pakistan disapproved of how the Pulwama attack was depicted in the film, claiming it “exploited a sensitive matter” and promoted an “anti-Pakistan” stance. It’s believed that this criticism, combined with the film’s controversial subject, influenced the decisions of the Gulf censor boards.
    Responding to these concerns, Siddharth Anand, the film’s director, urged the public to watch the entire film for context before forming an opinion based on the trailer. He emphasized that ‘Fighter’ aims to raise questions about terrorism, not to incite hostility against any nation. The main cast echoed the sentiment.

    Even though ‘Fighter’ won’t be shown in some places, it will still be screened in theaters in India. The movie stars Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, along with Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, and Sanjeeda Shaikh in the cast. Viacom18 Studios and Marflix Pictures worked together to produce the film.

  • ‘You will not find any army in the world running at such a low budget’; COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir

    ‘You will not find any army in the world running at such a low budget’; COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir

    In a candid address to students from various public and private sector universities, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir urged the youth of the country to carefully elect their future representatives in the upcoming elections, scheduled for February 8.

    General Munir emphasized the importance of making choices based on merit rather than succumbing to the influence of money or propaganda, expressing concerns about the impact of social media on political decision-making, referring to it as “vicious media.”

    “Researching the news on social media is critical. Without research and positive thinking, a society remains in chaos,” the army chief remarked.

    The COAS stressed the importance of holding elected officials accountable and ensuring that incompetent individuals are not chosen to represent the people.

    “Elections will be held on February 8. People should carefully choose their representatives without selling their votes for Rs5,000.”

    He questioned the idea that a five-year constitutional term should give political governments the license to misgovern for the entire duration, emphasizing the need for continuous accountability.

    Addressing a question about the instability of political governments completing their five-year terms, General Munir questioned the actions of a dislodged political party that chose to resign from parliament and take to the streets.

    “Should political parties be allowed to break Pakistan? Should people keep waiting for the end of the five-year term?” he asked in response to a question about the inability of political governments in the country to complete their five-year terms.

    Without naming the PTI, the military chief said: “If a government was dislodged by the majority members of the National Assembly through constitutional means, then why did it become an issue?”

    Discussing the role of social media, General Munir warned against blindly believing content and encouraged the youth to conduct thorough research before forming opinions. He described social media as a source of chaos and divisions in society, with a high level of inaccuracy.

    “Governance cannot be performed virtually. It has to be performed on the ground. So do not make your decisions based on a six-inch mobile screen,” he advised.

    Touching on the Westernization of society, the COAS reminded the youth about the reasons behind the creation of Pakistan and cautioned against blindly adopting Western civilization.

    “If we want to adopt Western civilization, then why did we get rid of Hindu civilization?” he questioned while urging the country’s youth not to blindly follow the West.

    He advised young people to build character for the good of society. “You have earned your degrees, now it is time to build your character.” He said people want governance of Hazrat Umar’s era, but they do not have the character of that era.

    General Munir addressed concerns about brain drain from Pakistan, urging youngsters to strike a balance between materialism and progression. He emphasized the importance of not leaving the country permanently if one chooses to migrate, discouraging individuals from returning solely for opportunities.

    Highlighting the army’s contribution to the nation, General Munir mentioned that the military is the highest taxpayer in Pakistan, with half of its budget going back to the government in the form of various taxes

    “With the rest of the half, we run our affairs, and you will not find any army in the world running at such a low budget,” he said.

    The COAS said the military does not get any grant from the government for the Combined Military Hospitals (CMH) and the Defense Housing Authority (DHA). Some people criticize the CMH and the DHA but want to be treated in the military hospitals and live in the DHAs, he said.

    He said Pakistan has $10 trillion worth of reserves in the shape of mines, minerals, and rare earth metals, compared to just $128 billion in foreign debt. He said these resources would be augmented by the Green Pakistan Initiative–a military-run project to end the country’s reliance on imported food and make it self-sustainable.

    The cotton production this year increased to 13 million bales from last year’s 5 million bales, while the rice production has also doubled, he added. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar also attended the youth conference.

  • Ali Noor says harassment ‘lies’ ruined his career

    Ali Noor says harassment ‘lies’ ruined his career

    Ali Noor has finally spoken up about the sexual harassment allegations levelled against him. The singer said that the two girls who accused him of sexual harassment were not known to anyone, adding that they had some hidden reasons for making the accusations. He insists that their claims are untrue.


    In a recent appearance on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, he revealed that the woman named Ayesha bint Rashid, who accused him, was dealing with severe depression and had even contemplated suicide. He shared that her life was saved.
    He said that Ayesha was contacted from his wife’s mobile instead of his own while the other woman was Maha Kazmi and she was also unknown.

    The lead singer of Noori band described the allegations of sexual harassment by the two women as a drama. “I never harassed any woman while every girl felt safe with me. We have been working in a very pleasant mood and this may sound wrong to some people but I have never harassed any woman.”
    He went on to say, “Because of their allegations, my career was ruined. No one wanted to work with me, and I stopped getting job opportunities. During concerts, everyone started calling me a sexual predator.”
    Adding that he was surprised to see people’s behaviour, he said, “These are the same people who, when I was sick, they had prayed for me in this difficult time, I came back only because of their prayers. Then I realized why it is said, ‘Watu’iz mun tashaa’ and ‘waltuzil mun tashaa’, why both honor and humiliation have been kept together.”

    The Manwa Re singer said that the incident did not affect his family but he has said “goodbye” to the industry. “Now we have nothing to do with any TV channel or music house.”
    Ali Noor was accused of sexual harassment by journalist Ayesha bint Rashid in February 2022 and then by singer Maha Kazmi in April 2023.

    Ali Noor rejected the allegations of both women. He had also sent a legal notice to singer Maha Kazmi.

  • NADRA WhatsApp channel to provide accurate information to citizens

    NADRA WhatsApp channel to provide accurate information to citizens

    The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched a WhatsApp channel to provide updated and factual information to citizens.

    The aim is to counter the spread of misinformation and to prompt trust between the government authority and citizens.

    According to a NADRA spokesperson, the launch of the WhatsApp channel for public service organisations is a modern initiative with, “Real-time messaging capabilities enable NADRA to swiftly communicate updates and guidance to citizens.”

    Spokesman NADRA also said that all possible efforts will be made to provide timely and immediate information.

    You can access Nadra’s WhatsApp using this link: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaH7JG2I1rckS9XnTg23

  • Here’s how to get Bilawal’s, Maryam’s and Nawaz’s looks on a budget

    Here’s how to get Bilawal’s, Maryam’s and Nawaz’s looks on a budget

    On Wednesday, many political bigwigs appeared in public gatherings, flaunting their own particular fashion statements. Their winter attire had people wondering how to get hold of similar looks on a budget. We understand and so here we are to help out.


    Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, usually clad in a shalwar kameez, is quite a simple dresser but yesterday’s denim jacket was a refreshing change. We figured out that the denim fur jacket is available with Markhor trends on sale in Rs. 2,800.


    The Denim Company has a similar-looking piece in Rs 4, 350 while the Fitted has it in Rs. 3, 999.


    Maryam Nawaz, famous for her style statements, is yet again giving fashion inspo with her long coats.


    A look-alike of the beige coat she wore in a previous jalsa is available on Laam. pk on a discounted price of Rs. 14,025.

    That’s not exactly cheap, so another option is to try and get a pre-loved piece from a thrift shop.

    The latest coat which she wore in Nankana Sahib Jalsa is available with Clothing Call in Pakistan at a discounted price of Rs. 17, 800.

    Nawaz Sharif is not lagging in his style game with an olive coat and an orange and white scarf. The good news is that a similar piece is available at Clicky in Rs 4, 421.

  • Is Muhammad Amir making a come back to the national team?

    Is Muhammad Amir making a come back to the national team?

    Former fast bowler Muhammad Amir has spoken up about returning to the national team. This week, Muhammad Amir shared his perspective on the current state of his cricket career during a press conference with his ILT20 team ‘Desert Vipers’.

    “At this time I had moved on, there were different things to do in my life, and now the chapter of my return to the national team is closed.”

    “Three years away from international cricket is a long time. If you look at Pakistan’s system now, it’s changing every month so you never know what’s going to happen,” he said.

    Stating that the discussion is closed for him after being out of the team since three years, the pacer emphasized, “I don’t think it would be a wise decision for me to come back. At least I don’t know what will happen in the next few years.”

    Amir retired from international cricket in 2020, citing what he called injustices meted out to him by head coach Misbah ul Haq and Waqar Younis.

  • Khan warns candidates of losing party tickets if they don’t launch campaigns

    Khan warns candidates of losing party tickets if they don’t launch campaigns

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan issued a warning to his party candidates to launch their election campaigns in a peaceful way; otherwise, their tickets will be cancelled for the February 8 elections.

    The former prime minister, who is currently in Adiala jail, said to his ticket holders that those leaders will not come out for the election campaign; their tickets will be replaced.

    Imran Khan gave his remarks while talking to journalists in the Adiala jail courtroom.

    The former prime minister was jailed in May last year, and PTI’s electoral symbol “bat” was taken away this month. Furthermore, the party—PTI-Nazriati — with which it sought an alliance also backtracked from its commitment.

    However, the PTI has vowed to participate in the upcoming elections actively, opting not to boycott them despite the removal of its iconic electoral symbol, the ‘bat.’

    After the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision regarding the bat symbol, the PTI candidates are now contesting elections on multiple symbols.

  • Pakistan’s debt burden increases by Rs86.28 billion within seven days

    Pakistan’s debt burden increases by Rs86.28 billion within seven days

    In the week ending January 12, the government of Pakistan increased its debt burden by Rs86.28 billion, bringing the total net borrowing for the ongoing fiscal year 2024 to Rs2.57 trillion, as per the latest estimates from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    The government’s borrowings fall into three main categories: budgetary support, commodity operations, and others.

    The breakdown of the weekly net borrowing reveals that Rs87.7 billion was allocated for budgetary support, while Rs1.37 billion went towards retiring commodity operations.

    Additionally, Rs48.4 million was used for other purposes during the week.

    Cumulatively, this brings the borrowing figures for the fiscal year 2024 to Rs2.77 trillion for budgetary support, Rs193.72 billion for retiring commodity operations, and Rs1.1 billion for other purposes.

    The primary sources of financing for budgetary support are the State Bank of Pakistan and the Scheduled Banks. In the ongoing fiscal year, the government has repaid a net sum of Rs1.05 trillion to the central bank.

    The Federal Government accounted for Rs954.56 billion of this repayment, while the Provincial Government, AJK Government, and GB Government contributed Rs77.73 billion, Rs11.17 billion, and Rs2.05 billion, respectively.

    On the other hand, scheduled banks have extended a net total of Rs3.81 trillion in loans. The Federal Government borrowed Rs3.9 trillion, while the Provincial Government repaid Rs90.41 billion during this period.

  • Saudi Arabia to open first liquor store in Riyadh

    Saudi Arabia to open first liquor store in Riyadh

    Saudi Arabia is gearing up to inaugurate its maiden alcohol store in the capital city of Riyadh, exclusively catering to non-Muslim diplomats, according to a reliable source and an official document disclosed on Wednesday.

    Prospective customers will be required to register through a designated mobile app, obtain a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and adhere to monthly purchase quotas, as outlined in the document.

    This development marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s initiatives, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to transform the ultra-conservative Muslim nation into a hub for tourism and business. Notably, the consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden in Islam.

    Situated in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, a locale housing embassies and diplomats, the new store will be “strictly restricted” to non-Muslims, according to the document. 

    It remains unclear whether other non-Muslim expatriates will be granted access to the establishment, given that the majority of expatriates in Saudi Arabia are Muslim workers from Asia and Egypt.

    Insiders familiar with the plans have indicated that the store is anticipated to open its doors in the coming weeks.

    Saudi Arabia has long maintained stringent laws against alcohol consumption, with penalties ranging from lashes, fines, and imprisonment to deportation. 

    As part of ongoing reforms, the practice of whipping has largely been replaced by jail sentences. Until now, alcohol has only been available through diplomatic mail or on the black market.

    According to Reuters, the Saudi government has not responded to requests for comments on the matter.

    Recent reports from state-controlled media suggest that the government is imposing new restrictions on alcohol imports within diplomatic consignments. This move is expected to bolster demand for the forthcoming alcohol store. 

    The new regulations aim to control imports and prevent the improper exchange of special goods and alcoholic beverages received by non-Muslim embassies in Saudi Arabia, as reported by the Arab News daily on Sunday.

    In recent years, Saudi Arabia, traditionally closed off to the world, has relaxed strict social codes. These changes include ending the segregation of men and women in public places, lifting the requirement for women to wear all-covering black robes (abayas), and allowing women to drive. 

    These transformations, part of Vision 2030, align with the broader goal of developing local industries, logistics hubs, and generating hundreds of thousands of jobs for Saudi nationals.