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Author: News Desk

  • Sarah Inam murder: Shahnawaz challenges death sentence in Islamabad High Court

    Sarah Inam murder: Shahnawaz challenges death sentence in Islamabad High Court


    Shahnawaz Amir, son of political analyst Ayyaz Amir, has challenged his sessions court December 14 conviction and death sentence for murdering his wife Sarah Inam in the Islamabad High Court.

    The appellant’s lawyer Nisar Asghar has adopted the stance that the trial court has acquitted Shahnawaz’s mother Sameena Shah but sentenced him to death which is against the law, asking that the trial court’s sentencing be declared null and void.


    It has also been stated by the lawyer that Sarah’s legal team has not been able to prove the allegations in court.


    Shahnawaz was arrested in September last year from his farmhouse in Islamabad. Sarah was reportedly murdered just a day after she arrived in the country from Dubai where she had been working. Her husband was initially remanded to police custody a day after his arrest and the period of his physical remand was extended several times.

    Shahnawaz’s father, Ayyaz Amir, was discharged from the case and his mother Samina Shah, nominated as co-accused in the case, was granted post-arrest bail in November last year.

    The postmortem revealed that Sarah had suffered multiple skull fractures leading to her death, after having been hit on the head with a dumbbell.

  • Who owns Tehzeeb Bakers? Baking giant lands in legal battle

    Who owns Tehzeeb Bakers? Baking giant lands in legal battle

    The Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) issued a significant ruling on Tuesday, redefining certain elements of partnership in a family business.

    The decision came in response to a petition filed by two brothers, Shaukat Ali Noon and Arshad Ali Noon, against the control and ownership of a business outlet managed by their three siblings.

    The petitioners approached the LHC, seeking either the liquidation of the family business or a court decree granting them an equal share in it.

    The case involved the family’s business journey, starting with a bakery in Rawalpindi in 1947 and evolving into Rahat Bakers, later renamed Tehzeeb Bakers due to legal disputes among the family members.

    As per the petition, the deceased father of the petitioners and respondents initiated the business, and after his demise, joint business efforts commenced.

    The dispute arose when the petitioners claimed that they were entitled to a 20 per cent share in the business based on partnership deeds dating October 29, 1994, October 28, 2002, and December 2, 2011.

    They alleged that the respondents changed the business name and registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) without providing them their due share.

    During the court proceedings, Saqib Shafique, advocate for the petitioners, argued that the business, generating daily sales revenue exceeding Rs40 million, was not honoring the agreed-upon shares.

    On the other side, Advocate Kashif Ali Malik, representing Khalil, countered that the petitioners were never legitimate members or shareholders and presented allegedly forged documents.

    The court, in its observation, highlighted the requirements for intervention under Section 286 of the Companies Act, emphasizing the need for a member with at least 10 per cent of the issued share capital and a demonstration that the company’s affairs are being conducted unlawfully.

    Moreover, the next requirement is that such a member or creditor has to satisfy the court by making an application that the affairs of the company are being conducted unlawfully.

    The court pointed out that the law defines the modes of becoming a member of a company, firstly by subscribing to a memorandum; secondly by allotment of shares, and thirdly by entering their name in the register of members of a company in terms of Section 119 of the Companies Act.

    It pointed out that the documents provided did not establish unlawful conduct, and thus, the petitioners couldn’t be declared partners due to a lack of compliance with the legal prerequisites.

    The court’s ruling sets a precedent in defining the criteria for partnership claims in family businesses and emphasizes adherence to legal requirements in such disputes.

    Companies Act 2017

    Section 119 – Register of members.—(1) Every company shall keep a register of its members and any contravention or default in complying with requirement of this section shall be an offence punishable under this Act.
    (2) There must be entered in the register such particulars of each member as may be specified.
    (3) In the case of joint holders of shares or stock in a company, the company’s register of members shall state the names of each joint holder. In other respects joint holders shall be regarded for the purposes of this Part as a single member and the address of the person named first shall be entered in the register;
    (4) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.

    Section 286 – Application to Court.—(1) If any member or members holding not less than ten percent of the issued share capital of a company, or a creditor or creditors having interest equivalent in amount to not less than ten percent of the paid up capital of the company, complains, or complain, or the Commission or registrar is of the opinion, that the affairs of the company are being conducted, or are likely to be conducted, in an unlawful or fraudulent manner, or in a manner not provided for in its memorandum, or in a manner oppressive to the members or any of the members or the creditors or any of the creditors or are being conducted in a manner that is unfairly prejudicial to the public interest, such member or members or, the creditor or creditors, as the case may be, the Commission or registrar may make an application to the Court by petition for an order under this section.

  • The Rickshaw driver didn’t know the singer was in the back: Watch ‘Kana Yaari’ wali nay kya kaha

    The Rickshaw driver didn’t know the singer was in the back: Watch ‘Kana Yaari’ wali nay kya kaha

    Rapper Eva B shared a heartwarming video of listening to her song during a Rickshaw ride.

    The singer was in a rickshaw ride when vehicle’s driver played her super hit Coke Studio Season 14 song on his stereo.

    Eva filmed herself listening, writing in the caption of the video she posted, “Ab rakshe wale ko kese bataun ye hamara gana hai.”

    Social media users are in love with the cute video.

    Unrelentlesslyyours aka Dr. Mehrub wrote, “Love love love! I heard Kana Yaari playing at a roadside stall in Kathmandu in Nepal this January.”

    ken_doll_dubaiii, a famous social media influencer wrote, “Hayeee that feeling ”

    User stuckinmarch2020 commented, “This is the coolest thing I’ve seen a Pakistani musician post. Ever!”

  • Landlord’s son kills renter couple, baby survives shooting after father comes between her and bullets

    Landlord’s son kills renter couple, baby survives shooting after father comes between her and bullets

    Islamabad Police has reported that the son of a house owner killed the couple who had rented his house in Barakahu after an argument. The couple’s 18-month-old daughter miraculously survived the attack. ⁠
    ⁠
    Twitter account Islamabadies posted details about the victims: “The 23-year-old Rida Noor, along with her husband Asim, was shot dead in their car by unknown Shooters. The only witness to this horrific incident, their 18-month-old daughter Sabrina, was also injured in the attack. They were shot down on their way to her mother’s place in Islamabad on Monday night,” the account posted.⁠



    The account also urged the authorities to take action and provide justice to the little girl Sabrina.⁠
    ⁠
    It was claimed that the attack was targeted, and aimed at murdering the entire family.⁠
    ⁠
    Islamabad police has said that the police is in search of the suspects.⁠


    According to media reports, two men gunned down the couple in the limits of BharaKahu police station on the night of December 4.⁠
    ⁠
    The killers were identified as Shareefullah and Ismail, the couple’s neighbours who had a heated argument with them and opened fire at them when the victims’ vehicle blocked their passage. ⁠
    ⁠
    A brief altercation over the use of the path led to the double murder. On the day of the incident, the two groups once again had a dispute on the use of the passage, reports Dunya News. ⁠
    ⁠
    The police has confirmed that the culprits were Afghan nationals who managed to escape after committing the crime, reports Express Tribune.⁠
    ⁠

  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa schools in plains get short winter holidays

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa schools in plains get short winter holidays

    Winter vacations have been announced for all the educational institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in a notification released by the provincial Education Department.


    Holidays in all the plain areas, typically the summer zone, will span from December 23 to December 31. However in the winter zone, including the mountainous region, winter vacations will be for an extensive time, from December 23 to February 29.


    The long break in the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan is due to the severe winter conditions in the region which brings all the activities to a halt.

  • Government takes notice of virtual advertising of gambling companies during Perth Test

    Government takes notice of virtual advertising of gambling companies during Perth Test

    Pakistan government has taken notice of virtual advertisements of gambling companies in the Australia Test series on December 6 on Wednesday.

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken notice of surrogate virtual advertising in the Perth Test, issuing a notice yesterday. The notice has been issued to several institutions including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

    Surrogate advertising and gambling companies are banned in Pakistan.

    There were no advertisements on the field while the Test was being played, but in Pakistan, the broadcast of the match on state TV showed advertisements of gambling companies, via virtual advertising in which ads are placed with the help of software.

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, expressing displeasure, has urged PTV and the Board to strictly implement the ban.

    The notice states that despite the government’s ban, the logos of betting companies were on air on TV, asking that the matter be investigated.

  • Concerns rise over circulation of fake Rs5,000 banknotes

    Concerns rise over circulation of fake Rs5,000 banknotes

    In a recent meeting, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance convened to address the escalating circulation of counterfeit Rs5,000 banknotes, a matter that has raised serious apprehensions among officials, including those from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    Chaired by Senator Salim Mandviwala, the committee delved into the severity of the issue as it showcased a bundle of forged Rs5,000 notes.

    Senator Mandviwala, underscoring the gravity of the situation, asserted that even parliamentarians are susceptible to falling victim to this fraudulent activity.

    During the proceedings, Senator Mandviwala directed a challenge to SBP’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Inayat Hussain, urging him to identify the counterfeit notes.

    However, the attempt was met with a purported failure on the part of the Deputy Governor.

    Expressing the need for immediate and decisive action, the committee chairman called upon the central bank to take robust measures to combat the widespread dissemination of counterfeit currency.

    Mandviwala suggested that the infiltration of fake notes into circulation might be occurring through banks.

    A noteworthy proposal from Senator Mandviwala involved the exchange of counterfeit currency for genuine notes, an idea promptly dismissed by Deputy Governor Inayat Hussain.

    The latter cited concerns about potential misuse and abuse as the basis for the refusal.

    During the discussion, Hussain acknowledged the absence of a concrete system to prevent the printing of fake currency within the country.

    He further elaborated that while counterfeit dollars are a global issue, efforts are underway to enhance regulations to control the production and circulation of fake currency, specifically within Pakistan.

    According to ARY News, Mandviwala, highlighting the urgency of the situation, called for immediate relief measures. The committee, in unanimous agreement, advocated for the formulation of a comprehensive policy to combat the growing use of counterfeit currency, particularly within the banking system.

    The committee stressed the necessity of proactive measures to safeguard the financial integrity of the nation.

  • New tax rules: Discounts for overseas Pakistanis, higher costs for importers

    New tax rules: Discounts for overseas Pakistanis, higher costs for importers

    In a recent development, commercial importers of new mobile phones are set to miss out on any concessions following the issuance of the new valuation ruling.

    Conversely, a significant benefit has been extended to incoming international passengers, particularly overseas Pakistanis, who can now avail themselves of a depreciation of up to 60 per cent on used or refurbished mobile phones.

    The Directorate of Valuation Karachi’s latest ruling, numbered 1834 of 2023, is positioned to ease processes for overseas Pakistanis.

    However, it paints a different picture for commercial importers dealing with new mobile phones, who are now obligated to pay duties and taxes based on relatively higher customs values.

    The new ruling encompasses several additional models to refine the assessment of duties and taxes.

    Regrettably, the ruling does not offer any respite for commercial importers, placing the onus on them to adhere to the heightened customs values.

    In contrast, overseas Pakistanis stand to benefit from the increased depreciation rates outlined in the ruling, reaching up to 60 per cent for phones up to five years old brought in by incoming international passengers.

    Under the provisions of the new ruling, customs values for used or refurbished mobile phones imported by legitimate passengers will be assessed, considering the allowance for depreciation as stipulated in the provided tabulated values.

    For brands and models imported in commercial quantities but omitted from the annexure, clearance collectorates are advised to assess them under Section 81 of the Customs Act, 1969.

    Subsequently, a reference should be forwarded to the Directorate for the final determination of their values, according to the ruling.

    Sources indicate that overseas Pakistanis will find relief in the ruling due to the augmented depreciation rates, offering a substantial advantage for phones up to five years old.

    Meanwhile, commercial importers are left without any reprieve, as the new models of mobile phones will incur higher prices compared to their less-aged counterparts.

    This policy aims to curtail under-invoicing margins for both existing and new models of branded mobile phones.

  • Here are the most expensive players of IPL 2024 auction

    Here are the most expensive players of IPL 2024 auction

    The Indian Premier League 2024 auction was held in Dubai on December 19 on Tuesday. Australian cricket team’s left-arm fast bowler Mitchel Starc has become the most expensive player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders bought Starc for 24.75 crore INR (more than 84 crore PKR).

    Sunrisers Hyderabad bought Starc’s teammate and Australia’s captain Pat Cummins for 20.50 crore INR (more than 69 crore PKR). Apart from this many foreign players were bought on huge prices by other IPL franchises.

    Here are the top 10 most expensive players of the IPL auction 2024:

    PlayerTeamRolePrice (Indian Rupees)Price (Pakistani Rupees)
    Mitchell StarcKolkata Knight RidersBowler24.75 crore84.3 crore
    Pat CumminsSunrisers HyderabadAll-Rounder20.5   crore69.8 crore
    Daryl MitchellChennai Super KingsAll-Rounder14 crore47.6 crore
    Harshal PatelPunjab KingsAll-Rounder11.75 crore40 crore
    Alzarri JosephRoyal Challengers BangaloreBowler11.5 crore39.1 crore
    Rovman PowellRajasthan RoyalsBatter7.4 crore25.21 crore
    Travis HeadSunrisers HyderabadBatter6.8 crore23.1 crore
    Shivam MaviLucknow Super GiantsBowler6.4 crore21.8 crore
    Umesh YadavGujarat TitansBowler5.8 crore19.7 crore
    Gerald CoetzeeMumbai IndiansAll-Rounder5.0 crore17 crore
  • Pakistani rupee gains 20 paisa against US dollar

    Pakistani rupee gains 20 paisa against US dollar

    The Pakistani rupee (PKR) extended its positive trajectory against the US dollar for the sixth consecutive session, appreciating by 0.07 per cent in the inter-bank market on Tuesday.

    According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the rupee concluded at Rs283.01, marking an increase of Re0.20.

    In the previous session, the rupee saw a marginal gain, settling at Rs283.21 against the US dollar.

    Meanwhile, in a noteworthy development, Pakistan secured $4.285 billion from various financing sources in the first five months (July–November) of the current fiscal year 2023–24.

    This represents a decrease from the $5.114 billion borrowed during the corresponding period in 2022–23, as disclosed by data from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD).

    On the global front, the US dollar experienced a 0.3 per cent decline against the yen, maintaining its position close to a four-month high of 140.95 reached last week.

    Additionally, the greenback lingered near approximately five-month lows against the Australian and New Zealand dollars.

    This was attributed to the strength of risk-sensitive currencies, driven by the anticipation that the US Federal Reserve might initiate interest rate adjustments as early as the beginning of next year.

    In the realm of commodities, oil prices stabilised on Tuesday as investors assessed the potential repercussions on oil supply arising from attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militants on ships in the Red Sea.

    These attacks have disrupted maritime trade, compelling companies to reroute vessels. Notably, crude prices surged nearly 2 per cent on Monday due to concerns about trade disruptions through the Suez Canal, a vital shipping route that accounts for approximately 15 per cent of global shipping traffic.

    Brent crude declined by 12 cents to $77.83 per barrel.

    The US West Texas Intermediate crude for January, set to expire on Tuesday, experienced a decrease of 62 cents, reaching $71.85. In contrast, the more active February contract only incurred a marginal loss of 3 cents.