Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Star-studded lineup for Dubai’s Urdu Literature Festival

    Jashn-e-Rekhta, the famous Urdu literary festival, is coming to Dubai on 27 and 28 January, 2024. It’s a two-day celebration of the Urdu language with poetry, talk shows, ghazals, and storytelling. The festival starts at Zabeel Park with a panel discussion called ‘Urdu Tehzeeb aur Rishton ki Lazzat’.

    (The Delight of Urdu Culture and Relationships), featuring Javed Akhtar and Arfa Sayeda Zehra.The event will also feature a stage play, a Sufi concert by Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan, and a performance about the life of Noor Jehan. Don’t miss the enchanting session of Sufi music called ‘Shab-e Rafta’ from 9 pm to 11 pm.

    There’s a talk show with Sameena Peerzada and Usmaan Peerzada, followed by an interactive session with Mahira Khan, Shabana Azmi, and Shekhar Kapur.
    And let’s not forget about ‘Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaau’n,’ a project combining poetry, songs, narration, and music with Javed Akhtar, Meiyang Chang, and Jahnvi Shrimankar. The grand international mushaira ‘Gehan aur Dhoop’ will showcase amazing poets like Anwar Shaoor, Farhat Ehsad, Zehra Nigah, Shakeel Azmi, and Abbas Tabish.
    It’s going to be a cultural fusion like no other. And with delicious food at Aiwan-e-Zaiqa Food Bazaar and an Urdu Bazaar with art, handicrafts, and books, it’s going to be a fantastic experience.

  • Which Tafseer will Imran Khan be reading in jail?

    Which Tafseer will Imran Khan be reading in jail?

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s lawyer Intezar Hussain Panjutha has on Wednesday tweeted about the Tafseer of the Holy Quran that Khan is reading in Jail.


    The Study Quran is written by a group of writers and the chief editor is Iranian Philosopher Seyyed Hossein Nasr.


    It can be ordered online via Readings and Liberty Books in Pakistan.


    This is not the first time Imran Khan is either reading a commentary on the Quran or a book during incarceration. In August, his sister Aleema Khan told the media, “He has started finishing the Quran for the second time and has also read Islamic history.”


    The same lawyer, Panjutha, is seemingly the most regular supplier of books to Khan as he has posted about sending him books previously as well.

    To read more about how Imran Khan is spending time in jail, read TV, 29 books, four pillows and so much more: list of things provided to Khan in jail.

  • Waqar Younis and Wasim Akam slam decision to rest Shaheen

    Waqar Younis and Wasim Akam slam decision to rest Shaheen

    Former Pakistani fast bowling greats Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have slammed the decision to give rest to Shaheen Shah Afridi before the third Test in Sydney. Wasim Akram has said that the decision was Shaheen Afridi’s alone and was not influenced by the management, stressing that players have to decide whether they want to become great cricketers or prefer financial gain.

    Wasim Akram said on Fox Cricket, “After the Sydney Test, we will play five T20 against New Zealand and Shaheen Afridi is the captain of this format, but its T20 cricket, who cares? I understand it’s for entertainment and it’s for financial gain for the cricket boards and the players, but cricketers should know that Test cricket is the ultimate.”

    “These players have to understand and learn whether you want to become a great sports player or you want to earn money, you can be both with a little more understanding,” he said.

    Waqar Younis expressed surprise at the absence of Shaheen Afridi and said, “I was expecting Shaheen to be a part of the last match because he was looking good before the last match.

  • Mohsin Dawar safe after attack on convoy

    Mohsin Dawar safe after attack on convoy

    National Democratic Movement (NDM) chairman Mohsin Dawar’s convoy has been attacked by unknown gunmen in North Waziristan on Wednesday afternoon.

    The former MNA survived the attack as he was travelling in a bulletproof car.

    Unknown gunmen opened fire on the car of the former MNA and partner of the former coalition government of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

    Mohsin Dawar was campaigning in his constituency for general elections, set to take place on February 8.

    Police have confirmed that Mohsin Dawar is safe and has been shifted to a nearby safe place.

    Police have started search operation in the area.

  • Interbank closing: Pakistani rupee resumes winning streak against US dollar

    Interbank closing: Pakistani rupee resumes winning streak against US dollar

    The Pakistani rupee exhibited resilience against the US dollar in the inter-bank market, marking a 0.06 per cent gain on Wednesday, reaching a settlement of Rs281.72, reflecting an increase of Re0.17, as reported by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). 

    This positive momentum follows a slight dip on Tuesday, when the rupee settled at Rs281.89 against the US dollar.

    Meanwhile, on the international front, the US dollar experienced a broad ascent on Wednesday, hovering near a two-week high against major peers. 

    This surge is attributed to various factors, including elevated US Treasury yields and a cautious shift in risk sentiment that impacted Wall Street.

    In another significant development, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is poised to implement stringent measures targeting non-filers during the current month. 

    The initial phase involves the blocking of mobile SIM cards and mobile phones for non-filers, with the issuance of the Income Tax General Order expected by January 15. 

    The FBR is also formulating a strategy to disconnect electricity and gas connections for non-filers, acknowledging a current lack of comprehensive data on the electricity connections of non-filers.

  • Tributes pour in after senior politician Sartaj Aziz’s death

    Tributes pour in after senior politician Sartaj Aziz’s death

    Senior politician, diplomat, and former finance minister Sartaj Aziz passed away at the age of 94 in Islamabad on Tuesday night.


    Born in February 1929 in Nowshera, Aziz was a veteran politician from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He served in key governmental posts in his long political career, including as the minister for finance and economic affairs. He also remained a senator from 1985 to 1999 and was elected as an advisor on national security and foreign affairs in the 2013 general elections.


    Aziz’s vast political career spanned academia, civil service, and public office holding.


    Besides serving as the federal minister, Aziz also fulfilled responsibilities as assistant president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Commodities and Trade Division.


    The two-time finance minister was considered a respected figure in the national discourse, bearing keen insights and analysis on economic and political issues.


    PML-N announced the death of the senior politician on X (formerly Twitter). “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Sartaj Aziz. A stalwart, a true icon, and a towering figure! His contributions to the nation and towards the party will never be forgotten.”

    Other politicians and his colleagues started posting pictures of him and recalled the time, they served with him. Ahsan Iqbal said he had the “honour of working with him very closely and will never forget his affection and guidance”.


    Shehbaz Sharif termed it as “not just a personal loss but a loss for the nation.”


    Miftah Ismail said, “Sartaj Aziz’s passing is surely the end of an era.”


    Engineer Khurram Dastgir called it a profound loss to the nation.


    Reacting to the demise of a veteran politician, President Arif Alvi expressed deep grief and solidarity with the survivors of the deceased. He also prayed for Aziz’s forgiveness and patience for his family.


    Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar also expressed sorrow and said that his contributions to the country will always be remembered.


    Career diplomat Maleeha Lodhi paid tribute to him by saying, “Pakistan will be poorer without him.”


    Fellow Academic Adil Najam lauded him by saying, “Thank you, Sartaj sb, for a life well lived; a life of unwavering commitment to Pakistan.”


    Senior journalist, Nasim Zehra showed her respect towards Sartaj by praising him for his “commitment to the very best for Pakistan as Foreign and Finance Minister.”


    Fellow diplomat, Kristof Duwaerts tweeted, “I had the pleasure of interacting with H.E. late Sartaj Aziz on a number of occasions during my time in Pakistan.”


    Indian journalist Aditya Raj Kaul, praised him for being a gentleman and a great diplomat.


    Social worker and activist Khaleel Tetaly lauded Sartaj Aziz as a key advocate for community-led development in Pakistan.


    Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad extended condolences on the passing of Sartaj Aziz for serving Pakistan with his exceptional talent in various capacities for over seven decades.


    Beaconhouse National University paid tribute to their esteemed founding Vice Chancellor and cherished mentor.

  • Gold prices in Pakistan follow global trend, decline by Rs1,300 per tola

    Gold prices in Pakistan follow global trend, decline by Rs1,300 per tola

    On Wednesday, gold prices in Pakistan experienced a reduction, mirroring the global downward trend. 

    The current valuation of the precious metal stands at Rs220,000 per tola, marking a decrease of Rs1,300 throughout the day.

    As reported by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the 10-gramme gold rate now stands at Rs188,614, reflecting a decline of Rs1,115.

     In contrast, the previous day witnessed a surge of Rs 1,600 per tola in gold prices.

    The international gold rate, despite a $12 dip in the global market, settled at $2,082 per ounce on Wednesday, with a $20 premium, according to APGJSA.

    In contrast, silver rates remained unchanged at Rs2,680 per tola during this period.

  • Why has load-shedding suddenly increased in Pakistan?

    Why has load-shedding suddenly increased in Pakistan?

    The electricity crisis has become more severe across the country with the start of the new year.

    Transmission systems were reportedly affected due to a technical fault at Guddu power plant and reduction in hydro power generation. Unannounced power outages in all power distribution companies (DISCOs), including LESCO, has made life difficult for people.

    The transmission system was affected by reduced power generation and heavy fog in the plains.

    Unannounced load shedding continues every hour in various areas of the LESCO region. Due to an increase in shortfall, the duration of load shedding in the city exceeded 12 hours.

    According to an INP from Kushmore, the breaker could not be repaired despite the passage of several hours after fire broke out in the switchyard of Guddu Thermal Power Plant following a technical fault. Sources claim that it may take 15 days to buy a new breaker.

    On the other hand, Powerhouse officials have said the alternate high transmission line also tripped due to heavy fog.

    Electricity supply to different areas of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan remained suspended for more than five hours due to tripping of the alternative high transmission line. According to Guddu Thermal Power House officials, it is difficult to restore power from the alternate high transmission line until the sun comes out.

    Lack of electric supply for more than six hours has put a halt on businesses as well as shopkeepers, factory workers.

  • Supreme Court issues notice to IGP, chief secretary on PTI’s petition

    Supreme Court issues notice to IGP, chief secretary on PTI’s petition

    The Supreme Court issued notices on Wednesday to the Inspector General of Police Punjab (IGP), chief secretary, and advocate general in response to a plea filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), seeking a level-playing field in the upcoming general elections on February 8, 2024.

    A three-member bench, including Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Musrat Hilali, heard the case and adjourned the hearing until January 8.

    PTI leader and lawyer, Sardar Latif Khosa, presented arguments on behalf of party leader Shoaib Shaheen.

    The proceedings of the case were broadcast live on SC’s website and YouTube channel.

    The apex court directed the ECP on December 22 to address the concerns of PTI regarding level playing field in the upcoming general elections, set to take place on February 8.

    At the beginning of the hearing, CJP Isa reprimanded Khosa for using the title “Sardar” with his name.

    “Stop using words like Sardar, Nawab, and Peer,” the CJP said while expressing displeasure over the use of such a title.

    Qazi Faez Isa asked the PTI lawyer for evidence that ECP violated the apex court’s direction regarding level-playing field matter.

    “I have brought the CD containing all evidence,” Khosa replied adding that PTI leaders were not allowed to submit their nomination papers.

    “The entire Pakistan has seen what is happening with PTI.”

    After this, CJP advised PTI lawyer to avoid “political speech” in the courtroom and talk about constitution and law.

    “What does the IG and the chief secretary have to do with the election?” the CJP wondered.

    “Do you want action against individuals or the Election Commission?” the CJP asked.

    Sardar Latif Khosa replied to CJP that it’s the responsibility of ECP to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections in the country.

  • Watch: Atif Aslam and Hadiqa Kiyani sing their hit ‘Hona Tha Pyaar’ in nostalgic video

    Watch: Atif Aslam and Hadiqa Kiyani sing their hit ‘Hona Tha Pyaar’ in nostalgic video

    If you’re a fan of all things nostalgic, you’re in for a thrill. Singing veteran Hadiqa Kiani has posted a video on her Instagram featuring fellow star crooner Atif Aslam singing a song with her.

    The duo recreated their melodious hit ‘Hona Tha Pyaar’, a song hailed by fans as the perfect blend of Atif’s soulful vocals and Hadiqa’s enchanting voice. Their collaboration brings out the emotions of love and longing, making ‘Hona Tha Pyaar’ a cherished gem in the world of music. The artists’ chemistry and the song’s timeless appeal continue to resonate with fans, creating a lasting impact in the hearts of music enthusiasts.