Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Imran Khan casts doubt on election legitimacy in an article written from jail

    Imran Khan casts doubt on election legitimacy in an article written from jail

    In a recent article for The Economist, Imran Khan, the founder and former chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), currently incarcerated, has expressed apprehensions about the legitimacy of the upcoming elections in Pakistan.

    Khan argues that the caretaker governments in place at both the federal and provincial levels are constitutionally illegal due to their failure to hold elections within 90 days of dissolving parliamentary assemblies.

    While the public is anticipating elections on February 8, Khan, who has faced various challenges since a vote of no confidence in April 2022, raises skepticism about the electoral process.

    He points to the election commission’s actions, which he claims include defying the Supreme Court, rejecting PTI nominations, hindering internal party elections, and initiating contempt cases against PTI leaders for criticizing the commission.

    “The country’s election commission has been tainted by its bizarre actions. Not only has it defied the top court but it has also rejected my Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s nominations for first-choice candidates, hindered the party’s internal elections and launched contempt cases against me and other PTI leaders for simply criticising the commission,” he wrote.

    Khan contends that since his government’s removal, orchestrated by what he terms as “the establishment”—comprising the army, security agencies, and civil bureaucracy—the playing field for PTI has been anything but level. He alleges external interference, specifically from the United States, citing a State Department message urging his removal from the prime minister’s seat.

    Despite subsequent protests and electoral victories in by-elections, Khan argues that the administration that replaced his government led to economic downturns, inflation, and currency devaluation within 18 months. He emphasizes the contrast between PTI’s governance, which garnered international praise, and the subsequent administration’s economic performance.

    Khan claims that various measures have been taken to sideline him politically, including assassination attempts, abductions of party members, and legal harassment. Despite facing nearly 200 legal cases and being denied a normal trial, Khan states that PTI remains popular, with a 66 per cent approval rating, according to a recent poll.

    The former prime minister also raises concerns about the return of Nawaz Sharif, a convicted former prime minister, speculating that Sharif may have struck a deal with the establishment for support in the upcoming elections.

    Khan, who remains incarcerated on charges including treason, expresses doubt about the fairness of the electoral process, claiming that PTI is being denied its basic right to campaign.

    He concludes by advocating for fair and free elections, “The only viable way forward for Pakistan is fair and free elections, which would bring back political stability and rule of law, as well as ushering in desperately needed reforms by a democratic government with a popular mandate. There is no other way for Pakistan to disentangle itself from the crises confronting it. Unfortunately, with democracy under siege, we are heading in the opposite direction on all these fronts.”

    The Economist added an Editor’s Note stating, “The Pakistani government and the U.S. State Department deny Khan’s allegations of American interference, and Khan faces charges under the Official Secrets Act.”

  • India defeats South Africa by 7 wickets in second Test match

    India defeats South Africa by 7 wickets in second Test match

    India defeats South Africa by seven wickets in the second Test match played at Newlands Cricket Stadium.

    South Africa’s first inning:

    In the first inning of the second test match South African team was bowled out for 55 runs. Muhammad Siraj took five wickets for India.

    India’s first inning:

    India scored 153 runs in the first inning. India was looking good when India was on 153 runs with four wickets lost, but then Protease bowlers turn the table, and dismissed the remaining six players for Zero run.

    In the last 11 balls of the first inning India lost its remaining six wickets due to deadliest bowling by Lungi Nigidi and Kagiso Rabada.

    South Africa’s second inning:

    South Africa’s whole team was bowled out for 176 and set a target of just 79 runs for India. Aiden Markram scored 103 runs while from India’s side Jasprit Bumrah took six wickets.

    India’s second inning:

    India chase down the given target by losing three wickets.

  • Faiz Hameed denies ‘conspiracy’ against government in Faizabad commission case

    Faiz Hameed denies ‘conspiracy’ against government in Faizabad commission case

    Former Director General of Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI), General (retd) Faiz Hameed, recorded his statement before the Faizabad sit-in commission on Thursday. The former spymaster denied allegations that he conspired against the government.

    Faiz Hameed was called three times by the committee investigating the 2017 sit-in organised by Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP), but the former DG ISI did not do so.

    After that, the commission sent him a questionnaire, to which he responded that he held negotiations with TLP on the directions of the government.

    Sources told Geo News that the commission called the former spymaster on January 2, but he did not appear before the panel.

    Earlier last year, the panel summoned him in the second week of December and then on December 29th.

    In November last year, the caretaker federal government constituted the inquiry commission for the implementation of the Supreme Court’s 2019 Faizabad verdict.

  • Pakistani rupee strengthens by 5 paisa, closes at PKR 281.67 against US dollar

    Pakistani rupee strengthens by 5 paisa, closes at PKR 281.67 against US dollar

    The Pakistani rupee (PKR) demonstrated a 5.08 paisa appreciation against the US dollar during Thursday’s interbank session, concluding at PKR 281.67 per USD, compared to the previous closing at PKR 281.72 per US dollar (USD).

    Throughout the day, the currency reached an intraday high (bid) of Rs281.84 and a low (ask) of Ra281.8. In the open market, Exchange Companies quoted the dollar at Rs281 for buying and Rs283 for selling.

    It’s noteworthy that the local unit concluded its 13-day historic winning streak against the greenback in the first trading session of 2024, experiencing a modest depreciation of 3.37 paisa against the US dollar.

    In contrast to major currencies, PKR gained 56.27 paisa against the Euro, closing at Rs308.07 compared to the previous value of Rs308.63. 

    The British Pound saw an increase of Rs1.25, concluding at Rs357.49 compared to Rs356.24 from the previous day.

    The Swiss franc recorded gains of 75.99 paisa, closing at Ra332.01 compared to Rs331.25 from the previous session. 

    Against the Japanese Yen, PKR gained 1.18 paisa, closing at 1.964 versus 1.9758 a day ago. The Chinese Yuan lost 4.96 paisa, closing at 39.38 against 39.43 from the previous session. 

    The Saudi Riyal closed at 75.1 with a loss of 1.75 paisa from its values of 75.12 a day ago, and the U.A.E Dirham decreased by 1.28 paisa from 76.69 to 76.71.

    In the current financial year, PKR has appreciated against the Dollar by 4.32 rupees or 1.53 per cent, while the current calendar year has seen PKR appreciate by 18.73 paisa or 0.07 per cent. 

    In the money market, the benchmark 6 Month Karachi Interbank Bid and Offer rates decreased by 6 bps to 21.16 and 21.41 per cent.

  • ‘I was dead’; Shreyas Talpade on harrowing health scare

    ‘I was dead’; Shreyas Talpade on harrowing health scare

    Indian actor Shreyas Talpade has opened up about the harrowing health scare he recently went through.

    The actor had a heart attack after which he was shifted to the hospital where he had an angioplasty. He says that for a short time, he was clinically dead, but he has recovered now.

    “I was short of breath and pain started in my left hand. I hurriedly walked to the vanity van and changed my clothes,” he said, adding that initially, he thought he had strained a muscle during an action scene.
    “I have never faced such a dangerous situation, however as I was sitting I thought that I should go to the hospital immediately, but then I thought that I should go home first.”

    When his wife Deepti saw him in this condition, they left for the hospital within 10 minutes.

    The actor said that he collapsed as soon as he reached the hospital gate, suffering a heart attack.

    “I was clinically dead for a few minutes,” Shreyas Talpade said.
    Clinical death means the cessation of blood flow and respiration when the heart stops beating normally.

    Shreyas said, “I have never entered the hospital, I have never seen this situation.”
    He advised fans not to take their health for granted.

    “Jaan hai toh jahan hai. Such an experience changes your outlook on life,” he firmly stated.

  • Gold sees Rs1,800 per tola dip in local market

    Gold sees Rs1,800 per tola dip in local market

    Gold continued its decline for the second consecutive session on Thursday, mirroring the international downtrend.

    In the local market, the price of gold reached Rs218,200 per tola, registering a loss of Rs1,800 during the day.

    According to data from the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), 10-gramme gold was traded at Rs187,071, reflecting a decrease of Rs1,543.

    Notably, Wednesday witnessed a Rs1,300 decrease in gold prices per tola in Pakistan.

    The international gold rate, accompanied by a $15 decline in the global market, stood at $2,067 per ounce on Thursday, with a $20 premium, as reported by APGJSA.

    In a parallel development, silver experienced a modest decline of Rs20, settling at Rs2,660 per tola.

  • Wahab Riaz slammed for calling Dhani’s behavior inappropriate

    Wahab Riaz slammed for calling Dhani’s behavior inappropriate

    Chairman Selection Committee for the national cricket team, Wahab Riaz, is facing criticism for calling fast bowler Shahnawaz Dhani’s behavior inappropriate.

    While speaking on a Geo News on Thursday, Wahab Riaz said, “There were complaints about Shahnawaz Dhani’s behaviour, that he did not want to bowl during net practice and tried to avoid it.’

    The pacer was defended by former Local Government Minister of Sindh and leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Nasir Hussain Shah. “The management should not make such statements about the players. Shahnawaz Dhani is an excellent bowler, he was also the man of the match in the final of the National Cup. Surprisingly, you are calling Shahnawaz Dhani unfit,” the PPP leader said  to Geo Super.

    Social media was also up in arms about Wahab Riaz’s criticism of the beloved bowler. Here is how social media is reacting;

  • Seat adjustment expected between PML-N, PML-Q on multiple seats

    Seat adjustment expected between PML-N, PML-Q on multiple seats

    Former rivals Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) are expected to agree to seat adjustments for the upcoming general elections set to take place on February 8, 2024, as discussions on the matter between the two Punjab-based parties is in process, The News has reported.

    According to the report, PML-Q wanted seat adjustment on multiple seats in Punjab as well as on the seats where the party won in the 2018 polls. PML-Q won four National Assembly (NA) seats and eight provincial assembly seats in 2018.

    PML-Q leaders Salik Hussain, Monis Elahi, Hussain Elahi, and Tariq Bashir Cheema succeeded in those NA constituencies.

    PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat’s son Shafay Hussain submitted nomination papers for two provincial assembly seats from the family stronghold of Gujrat.

    Sources claimed that seat adjustment is expected on Salik and Shafay Hussain’s seats.

    On the other hand, PML-Q leader Tariq Bashir Cheema will face PML-N’s Saud Majeed in Bahawalpur.

    However, discussion on the matter of seat adjustment between PML-N and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) are still going on.

  • Harvard’s first female black president resigns for not taking action against pro-Palestine students

    Harvard’s first female black president resigns for not taking action against pro-Palestine students

    The first black woman president of America’s Harvard University, Claudine Gay, has finally resigned in the face of pressure by the university administration over accusations of plagiarism and her refusal to stop pro-Palestine protests on campus.

    Her resignation marks the end of the presidency of the first Black president and second woman in Harvard’s nearly 400-year history.

    Claudine, under intense pressure to resign since the Israeli attacks on Gaza, said in her resignation that it was in the best interest of Harvard University because of her commitment to combating hate speech and upholding academic standards.
    Gay did not say when she plans to formally step down but she described the decision as “difficult beyond words.”

    It is important to note that in December 2023, Harvard University decided to retain Dr. Claudine in her position after the American University Board ruled in favor of the head of the institution on the issue of not taking action against pro-Palestinian students.

    After Harvard’s president was accused of not taking a strong stance on what was being called anti-Semitism but was anti-Zionism, in an appearance before the Congress Committee, Harvard University was under pressure to demand the resignation.

    Many at Twitter are attributing the exit of Dr. Claudine to the outrageous questioning in the Congressional hearing where she was brutally cornered leading to the withdrawal of donors and adding pressure to the administration to ask the president to resign.

    Her resignation has divided the internet largely into three debates. One group sees it as another manifestation of racism in America. The other is celebrating her exit for believing her to be a plagiarist and anti-semitic. The last viewpoint is seeing the whole scenario as a depiction of how America treats voices that are not aligned with the state’s pro-zionist and fake-liberal policy using anti-semitism and plagiarism as an excuse.

    Editor and Analyst Mara Gay called the move blatant racism, “This is really an attack on academic freedom … This is an attack on diversity. This is an attack on multiculturalism, & … I don’t have to say that they’re racist, because you can hear and see the racism in the attacks.”

    Fox News anchor CJ Pearson asserted that “Claudine Gay wasn’t fired for being black. She was fired for being an anti-Semitism-enabling plagiarist. I’m so tired of the black community using the color of our skin to shield people from accountability.”

    Mo Torres called out the duplicity in the resignation of Dr Caludine by saying, Gay should not have been forced to resign but it’s unfortunate to see that she still misses an obvious point: students on her campus never called for genocide against Jewish people. “Liberals seem strangely addicted to assuming good faith from their detractors on the right.”

    Professor of sociology Heba Gowayed, commented, “Do not cower just to be beaten away”. She added, “And with that Claudine Gay ends her tenure disliked on both the right and the left. Whew.”

    Pro-zionist voice Ben Shapiro outrightly called her a grifter, “Claudine Gay’s defenders are calling her a martyr for one reason and one reason only: if they admit she’s an unqualified grifter who became powerful thanks to DEI, their own grift is endangered.”

    Journalist Mehdi Hassan shared the Guardian’s article about how the hedge-fun manager, Zionist and billionaire Bill Ackman is behind the forced exit of Professor Gay.

  • Maryam Nawaz kay pass kitna paisa hai?

    Maryam Nawaz kay pass kitna paisa hai?

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz owns assets worth more than Rs842.58 million, Geo News reported on Thursday.

    According to details submitted by Maryam Nawaz alongside her nomination papers, she owns 1500 kanal land in Lahore. Her assets increased by Rs4 million in one year.

    As per the submitted documents, Maryam Nawaz has a degree of masters in English literature. She doesn’t own a vehicle. She also has to give more than Rs 28.9 million to her brother Hassan Nawaz.

    The PML-N senior vice president also has Rs 10 million in different bank accounts, as well as shares worth Rs 12.2 million in different companies.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) approved Maryam Nawaz’s papers from multiple constituencies in Lahore and Sargodha.

    The scion of the Sharif family had submitted nomination papers for two National Assembly constituencies—NA-119 and NA-120—and four Punjab Assembly constituencies—PP-159, PP-160, PP-165, and PP-80.