Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Chinese electric car maker set to invest big in Pakistan

    Chinese electric car maker set to invest big in Pakistan

    In a momentous development, a prominent Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer is making preparations to establish its EV production facility within Pakistan. However, their ambitions extend far beyond this endeavour, as they are also poised to inaugurate showrooms in key urban centres nationwide.

    This momentous announcement materialized following a productive meeting involving a delegation led by GU Xongquan, Assistant Chairman of the Xinjian Jingyi Cheng Group, and Amin Ullah Baig. Notably, Amin Ullah Baig holds the esteemed position of Vice President at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

    GU Xongquan astutely emphasised a pivotal aspect of this development. In a country where automobiles hold paramount importance for commuting, and with gasoline prices incessantly soaring due to global oil market fluctuations, the exigency for alternative energy solutions is abundantly clear. Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a seamlessly fitting answer to this imperative.

    This undertaking transcends the realm of mere vehicular transportation; it signifies a substantial stride towards embracing more environmentally sustainable mobility alternatives within Pakistan.

    In an era marked by an escalating emphasis on sustainability worldwide, the presence of a prominent Chinese entity in the EV sector within Pakistan holds the potential to revolutionize our automotive industry. It offers the promise of a greener, more sustainable future that aligns with global imperatives.

  • A matrimonial website demanded this much money for Yashma Gill’s rishta

    A matrimonial website demanded this much money for Yashma Gill’s rishta

    Yashma Gill should add stand up comedy to her skill set, because seriously, we’re in fits since this hilarious revelation.

    At the ‘The Talk Talk Show’ the actress narrated that efforts to get married led to a hysterical situation for which her on-set colleagues still mock her to this day. Yashma revealed she had wanted to get married for some time, but because of her hectic work schedule it was difficult for her to find someone she liked, adding that she wasn’t a fan of the proposals her mother was sending her.

    All of this, the ‘Bebak’ actress recalled, led her to joining a matrimonial site.

    “I joined a matrimonial site, but they couldn’t believe that they were speaking with Yashma Gill,” the actress laughed. “So they requested me to hold a video call to confirm if it was truly me. We talked on video call and they asked me about my preference and everything.”

    But then, the actress said the rishta website asked her to pay four lacs for registering on their website, and then fork out another four lacs after she secures the rishta!

    “I said no thank you, I’ll find someone on my own”, Yashma chuckled, putting an end to her rishta hunting process.

  • ‘You can’t sleep after something like that’: Mansha Pasha opens up about Jibran Nasir’s kidnapping

    ‘You can’t sleep after something like that’: Mansha Pasha opens up about Jibran Nasir’s kidnapping

    Actress Mansha Pasha recently appeared on Frieha Altaf’s podcast where she publicly addressed her husband Jibran Nasir’s illegal kidnapping. The ‘Idiot’ actress made a video narrating how the couple arrived back to their house after a dinner in June, when a white Vigo with 15 armed men stopped them and took her husband.

    After 24 hours and condemnation from all sides, the lawyer was released, thanking all those who had advocated for his release.

    At the podcast, Pasha recalled how difficult it was for her to sleep after the incident. The actress admitted that trauma shows up in different ways, and it took a while for her to make sense of what had happened.

    Mansha went on to reveal that her support system helped her during this difficult time “I think that alone, it’s impossible.. A lot of people have said to me ‘Mansha, you’re so courageous. You kept it together so well.’ But quite frankly I don’t think it would have been possible without the support of so many people. And because I knew all these people were beside me, whether I knew them or not, this is what consoles a person.”

  • Nawaz holds the ex-military leadership, Saqib Nisar, accountable for Pakistan’s condition

    Nawaz holds the ex-military leadership, Saqib Nisar, accountable for Pakistan’s condition

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has said on Monday that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government had saved Pakistan from defaulting.

    His statement came during a party meeting via video link from London, where he emphasised that the PML-N rescued Pakistan from an economic crisis by making sacrifices. He was also confident that PML-N would achieve success in the upcoming elections.

    In addition, the PML-N leader blamed former ISI chief General (retd) Faiz Hamid, former chief of the army, General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, and former chief justice Mian Saqib Nisar for Pakistan’s current condition.

    “Today, the poor is craving bread; who brought the country to this state” the senior politician questioned, regretting how people were worried about putting two meals on their table.

    Recalling that the economic conditions were different in 2017 when he was in power, Sharif said that flour, ghee, and sugar were cheap but now the poor people of the country are unable to pay their bills.

  • Shaheen and Ansha’s Mehndi, photos and videos viral on social media

    Shaheen and Ansha’s Mehndi, photos and videos viral on social media

    The Mehndi ceremony of former captain Shahid Afridi’s daughter Ansha Afridi and fast bowler Shaheen Afridi took place in Karachi.

    The mehendi ceremony was held at Shahid Afridi’s house and was attended by Shaheen, his family, relatives, and close friends of both families. Shahid Afridi’s house can be seen beautifully decorated for the wedding, while Shaheen and Shahid can be seen eating together at the ceremony.

    A video has also been shared by a make-up artist showing the bride but it is not confirmed whether the picture is of Ansha or her sister Aqsa Afridi.

    Ansha and Shaheen’s wedding ceremony will take place in Karachi today while the valima is scheduled for September 21 in Islamabad.

  • How did model Robina Khan apologise to makeup artist Bryan William after her husband beat him up?

    How did model Robina Khan apologise to makeup artist Bryan William after her husband beat him up?

    No Bad Blood here it seems.

    Model Robina Khan has publicly addressed her recent feud with makeup artist Bryan William, by sharing that the two had patched out their differences. She shared a picture of the two of them together and wrote:

    “Everything is sorted and I would like to extend my deepest apologies to Bryan and Nabila Salon and to anyone’s sentiments that I might have hurt. This should not have happened and I take full responsibility to make amends and do the needful.”

    In August, several models had taken to Instagram to call out Robina after the makeup artist refused to carry the model’s personal belongings while she was on a shoot. Robina’s husband arrived on the scene with gunmen and assaulted Bryan in front of several witnesses. Robina had defended herself in a lengthy Instagram statement, sharing that the makeup artist called her a “do takkay ki model.”

    READ MORE: Robina Khan claims assault on Nabila Salon makeup artist was justified: Mushk Kaleem, models slam attack as ‘disgusting’

    Several actors like Mansha Pasha, Saboor Aly and Komal Aziz condemned the incident and lent their support to Bryan, demanding that the model is held responsible.

  • Can democracy deliver? Pakistanis answer in new report

    Can democracy deliver? Pakistanis answer in new report

    Open Society Barometer conducted a survey on one question: Can Democracy Deliver?

    The survey is based on representative polling in 30 countries with a combined population of over 5.5 billion people, including Pakistan, to reflect on geographic, economic, and political diversity.

    The report surveyed 36,344 respondents aged 18 or older in each country

    According to the survey, 86 per cent of respondents have faith in democracy while only 20 per cent believe that authoritarian countries can deliver “what citizens want.”

    72 per cent believe that human rights have been a “force for good” in the world, and 71 per cent agree that “human rights reflect values that I believe in.”

    It is noteworthy that only 57 per cent of 18-35-year-olds prefer democracy to any other form of government, compared to 71 per cent of older respondents.

    Democracy and Pakistan
    The global average percentage of respondents who deem it important to live in a democratically governed country is 86 per cent while in Pakistan it is 79 per cent.

    Similarly, 56 per cent of Pakistanis preferred democracy over other form of governance in comparison to 62 per cent of the global average.

    The global average percentage of respondents who believe human rights have been a force for good in the world is 72 per cent while in Pakistan it is 81 per cent.

    Human Rights and Pakistan

    With the global average of 72 per cent respondents, 81 per cent Pakistanis believe human rights have been a force for good in the world.

    78 per cent of Pakistanis believe human rights reflect the values that they believe in in comparison to the global average of 71 per cent.

    The highest percentage of Pakistanis, i.e. 39 per cent, rank economic and social rights as the most important. This is followed by civil and political rights with 23 per cent, environmental rights with 16 per cent and digital rights with 12 per cent.

    Most importantly, 43 per cent of Pakistanis disagree with army rule as a “good way of running a country” in comparison to 33 per cent who agree.

    Likewise, 45 per cent of Pakistanis disagree with having a leader who “does not bother with parliaments or elections is a good way of running a country” while 33 per cent agree.

    Equity, justice and Pakistan

    73 per cent of Pakistanis fear that political unrest in their country could lead to violence next year in comparison to 58 per cent of the global average.

  • iOS 17 update is here: Try these fun features today 

    iOS 17 update is here: Try these fun features today 

    In June, Apple unveiled its latest iOS update, iOS 17, packed with a multitude of enhancements and changes for the iPhone. Following an extensive three-month beta testing period, this highly anticipated software update is set to hit iPhones, specifically those iPhone XS or newer, on Monday, 18th September. 

    Here, we present an overview of the ten standout features that iOS 17 brings to the iPhone, along with a glimpse of additional forthcoming features. To get your hands on this update, keep an eye out for its release on Monday, accessible via your iPhone’s Settings app under General > Software Update. 

    1. StandBy: Glanceable charging screen 

    Apple introduces StandBy, a new full-screen view tailored for iPhones during charging, especially when placed on a nightstand, kitchen counter, or desk. It features customizable elements like clock styles, calendars, photos, weather forecasts, music controls, widgets, and more. This feature supports Live Activities, Siri, incoming calls, and larger notifications, and is compatible with the iPhone 14 Pro’s always-on display. 

    2. Personalised contact poster 

    iOS 17 empowers users to craft a personalised Contact Poster, visible when they receive an incoming call on someone else’s iPhone. This poster can showcase photos or Memojis, and users can personalise the font and background colours. The feature is accessible in the built-in Phone app and will extend to third-party calling apps. 

    3. NameDrop: Seamless contact sharing 

    NameDrop simplifies contact sharing by allowing users to exchange phone numbers or email addresses by merely bringing their iPhones close together. Additionally, Contact Posters can be shared during this process. 

    4. Live voicemail with real-time transcription 

    Live Voicemail offers real-time transcription on the screen as callers leave voicemails. Users can choose to answer calls while the message is being recorded. Notably, spam calls identified by carriers are instantly declined and not transcribed. 

    5. Inline replies in Messages app 

    In the Messages app, iOS 17 enables users to swipe right on any message for an inline reply, streamlining the conversation experience. 

    6. Interactive widgets for enhanced functionality 

    Interactive widgets are now available across the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and the new StandBy view. These widgets allow actions like marking reminders as completed, controlling media playback, and managing Home app accessories. As third-party apps adopt this feature, the possibilities will expand. 

    7. Advanced language model for word prediction 

    iOS 17 introduces a cutting-edge language model for word prediction, significantly improving autocorrection on iPhones. Users receive inline text recommendations as they type, facilitating quick word or sentence additions by tapping the space bar. 

    8. Enhanced Autocorrection design 

    Autocorrection in iOS 17 briefly underlines corrected words, simplifying the process of reverting changes. The system adapts to users’ typing habits over time, preventing some corrections for a smoother typing experience. 

    9. Offline maps in Apple Maps 

    Apple Maps now matches Google Maps with the ability to download maps for offline use. This feature permits turn-by-turn navigation, estimated arrival times, and finding locations without needing a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. 

    10. Stickers drawer for easy access 

    A new stickers drawer in iOS 17 provides convenient access to all stickers, including Live Stickers, emojis, Memojis, and iMessage sticker packs. Live Stickers can be created by touching and holding objects in photos. 

    11. Effortless Siri activation 

    Apple has simplified Siri activation across various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, HomePods, and AirPods Pro. Now, instead of saying “Hey Siri,” users can simply say “Siri” to activate the voice assistant and issue multiple consecutive commands without repeating “Siri.” 

    With these exciting features, iOS 17 promises an enhanced and efficient iPhone experience, addressing user needs and preferences. 

  • Pakistan’s exports surge by 22.45% in FY23-24’s first two months, crossing Rs1.27 trillion mark

    Pakistan’s export sector has demonstrated remarkable growth, achieving a substantial 22.45 per cent increase, reaching the noteworthy milestone of Rs1.27 trillion during the initial two months of the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY23-24).

    According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), exports from July to August 2023 stood at Rs1.27 trillion, marking a remarkable 22.45 per cent surge compared to the Rs1.04 trillion recorded during the corresponding period the previous year.

    In a year-on-year analysis, exports in August 2023 surged by an impressive 26.75 per cent, reaching Rs695.1 billion, as opposed to the Rs548.4 billion recorded in August 2022. Furthermore, on a month-to-month basis, exports surged by 19.62 per cent when juxtaposed with the Rs581.1 billion recorded in July 2023. The textile and knitwear sector emerged as the most substantial export contributor, accounting for an impressive Rs117.8 billion.

    In contrast, imports during July and August of the fiscal year 2023-24 experienced a modest decline of 2.42 per cent, totaling Rs2.3 trillion. This is in contrast to the imports recorded at Rs2.4 trillion during the corresponding period the previous year. Of note, Pakistan’s imports in August 2023 included Rs180.6 billion worth of petroleum products, followed by crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) valued at Rs119.4 billion and Rs89.8 billion, respectively.

    When analyzed on a year-on-year basis, imports into Pakistan in August 2023 displayed a marginal 0.5 per cent decrease when compared to August 2022. On a month-on-month basis, imports into the country saw a significant uptick of 27.79 per cent in August 2023 when compared to the Rs1.04 trillion worth of imports in July 2023.

    According to Geo, this surge in exports is indeed promising as it holds the potential to bolster Pakistan’s diminishing foreign exchange reserves, a much-needed development in light of the challenging economic situation stemming from the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee

  • What is Practice and Procedure act 2023?

    What is Practice and Procedure act 2023?

    On March 29 and March 30, 2023, the National Assembly and Senate, respectively, adopted and enacted the (Practice and Procedure Bill) 2023. Without his signature, the President remitted the bill for review, but on April 10, 2023, the Joint Session of Parliament once more passed the Act after it had complied with all rules and procedures.

    According to the Act, each case, appeal, and subject before the Supreme Court will be heard by benches formed by a committee comprising of the Chief Justice and the two senior most judges.

    It further stated that any issue involving the use of original jurisdiction under Article 184, paragraph (3), shall be brought before the committee for consideration first.
    The committee must then assemble a bench of at least three Supreme Court justices, which may also include committee members, if it deems that the issue involves the enforcement of one or more fundamental rights.
    According to the Act, an appeal must be submitted within 30 days of the larger bench of the Supreme Court obtaining jurisdiction over it and its hearing date must be scheduled no later than 14 days after that. When submitting a review application, it also offers a party the flexibility to choose the lawyer of its choice.