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Author: News Desk

  • Saira Banu shares endearing throwback to when she asked for Dilip Kumar’s hand in marriage

    Saira Banu shares endearing throwback to when she asked for Dilip Kumar’s hand in marriage

    Bollywood legend Saira Banu joined Instagram on July 7, where she has since shared some memories of her relationship with the late icon Dilip Kumar, who passed away in 2021 after a prolonged illness. The veteran actor, who starred in films like ‘Padosan’, ‘Junglee’ and ‘Shaadi’, shared a wholesome story, one in which she proposed to her thespian husband.

    In a lengthy caption on her Instagram account, the actress said that during the shoot of ‘Shagird’, she approached the late director Nazir Hussain and cheekily requested him to ask Dilip Sahab to work with her, or marry Saira.

     “I turned to Nazir Sahab and with a mischievous smile on my face asked him for a favour! ‘You are working with Dilip Sahab, Oh! you are so lucky enough to be working with Dilip Sahab, please request him that Saira is dying to work with him and if he doesn’t do this then ask him to marry me!’.”

    Nazir Hussain was at first dumb struck, Bano wrote, but then began laughing. He later travelled to Madras to relay Saira’s request to the late icon.

    “Dilip Sahab,” wrote the ‘Padosan’ actress.”I am told gracefully smiled and acknowledged my cheeky message, to probably cover his embarrassment—-although I think you could have knocked him down with a feather!”

    When the shoot for the song ‘Kanha’ was finished, Dillip visited her mother and grandmother and asked them for her hand in marriage.

    Read her complete account here:

  • IMF approves relief plan for 4 million consumers with monthly power usage below 200 units

    IMF approves relief plan for 4 million consumers with monthly power usage below 200 units

    After extensive negotiations prompted by widespread protests against soaring electricity bills, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly granted approval to a relief proposal targeting consumers with monthly electricity consumption of up to 200 units, allowing authorities to implement an installment-based billing system, according to sources cited by Geo News.

    Sources indicated that the final authorisation for implementing the installment billing system will require approval from the federal cabinet. 

    Approximately 4 million electricity consumers are expected to benefit temporarily from this initiative.

    Regrettably, the interim government’s proposal to extend relief to consumers using up to 400 units of electricity per month was rejected by the IMF. This decision means that approximately 32 million consumers would have benefited if the proposal had been accepted.

    Additionally, sources disclosed that the IMF stressed the importance of combating electricity and gas theft while also focusing on improving revenue collection.

    Furthermore, the sources revealed that the IMF had requested an increase of 45 to 50 per cent in gas tariffs, effective from July 1. However, the approval of this tariff hike remains contingent upon federal cabinet approval.

    In response to persistent protests by citizens and traders who have taken to the streets to denounce the steep increases in power bills and additional taxes, the caretaker government led by Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar in Islamabad has been actively engaging with the IMF to secure immediate relief for electricity consumers in the economically challenged nation, where the populace is grappling with soaring inflation.

    It is crucial to note that Pakistan is currently operating under an IMF programme, making any relief or subsidy subject to IMF approval.

  • ‘Goblin’ fans rejoice after Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-Wook reunite for commercial

    ‘Goblin’ fans rejoice after Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-Wook reunite for commercial

    Social media users were over joyed when after seven long years, Korean stars Gong Yoo and Lee Dong-Wook reunited in a commercial for SK Enmove. The duo, who are known to be good friends and have publicly supported each other’s projects, rocked to stardom with their 2016 drama ‘Goblin’, one of the best K-dramas to come out so far. Gong Yoo plays the immortal guardian Kim Shin and Lee plays the Grim Reaper Wang Yeo, who agrees to help him.

    The Korean heart-throbs broke social media a few days ago when they hinted at the collaboration with a polaroid shared on their Instagram accounts.

    We have to agree with fans that after falling in love with ‘Goblin’, this was truly a treat to witness.

  • MoIB warns against spreading false news of Rs5,000 banknote ban

    MoIB warns against spreading false news of Rs5,000 banknote ban

    The official Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) handle recently confirmed that the news circulating on various social media platforms regarding the ban of Rs5,000 banknotes is fake.

    In a recent post, MoIB stated, “Disseminating #FakeNews is not only unethical and illegal but it is also disservice to the nation. It is the responsibility of everyone to reject irresponsible behavior.”

    The fake letter circulating on social media falsely claims, “Effective Date: The ban on Rs5,000 currency notes will take effect on September 30, 2023. From this date onwards, these notes will no longer be legal tender.

    Exchange and Deposit: Citizens and financial institutions are encouraged to exchange or deposit their Rs 5000 notes at authorized banks and financial institutions until the specified deadline. After September 30, 2023, the notes will only be accepted at designated government offices and central banks.”

    This is not the first time such news has gone viral on social media regarding the discontinuation of Rs5,000 notes. Similar false reports have surfaced in the past, and reputable news channels have later clarified that no such action is being taken.

  • Actor Humaima Malick says ‘Aurat Card’ is easily used

    Actor Humaima Malick says ‘Aurat Card’ is easily used

    Is ‘Aurat Card’ even a thing now? Apparently actor Humaima Malick claims it is, implying that it helps women get away with causing trouble.

    The wife of the late controversial television host Amir Liaquat, Bushra Iqbal, was a guest on a recent podcast where she addressed her husband’s leaked video scandal. Bushra said that honour is not just important for a woman, but for a man as well.

     “Honour is not just a woman’s. A man has honour as well. Had this happened to a woman, the entire country would have been out on the street, burning things. But a woman had done this. Men and women are kept equal. God has not kept the level of punishment different in the Quran.”

    The videos were allegedly leaked by the late television host’s third wife Dania Shah, who claimed in May 2022 that she was several beaten and forced to make sexual videos to send to people abroad.

    Read more: Syeda Dania files for divorce from Aamir Liaquat, reveals he takes drugs and does domestic violence

    In the videos, Amir Liaquat could be seen in a compromising state, unclothed as he walks around a room.

    Dania Shah was arrested from her home in December 2022, and later released in 2023 after her lawyer argued that the phone number that had leaked the videos did not belong to the woman.

    Read more: Aamir Liaquat leaked video case: Dania Shah released on bail

    Actress Humaima Malick has backed Bushra Iqbal’s comment by sharing the clip where the widow speaks about honor, and in the caption of her Instagram stories she wrote: “Waqai Aurat Card is too easy, a man is also a human being.”

    We are completely in favor of Bushra Iqbal’s views that no person, whether man or a woman, should be publicly humiliated with their personal videos but Humaima Malick trying to claim that this only happened because the ‘Aurat Card’ exists is extremely disappointing, and proof of how easily women are bunched up in a whole as culprits to blame for the actions of a single person.

    There is no proof that the person responsible for the video leak was a woman. If the ‘Aurat Card’ did exist then more women, like Humaima Malick’s brother’s ex-wife Syeda Aliza, could have benefitted from such a thing as ‘Aurat Card’, because then she wouldn’t have had to suffer from domestic violence during her marriage to Feroze Khan, Humaima’s brother.

    Read more: Syeda Aliza shares heartbreaking evidence of Feroze Khan’s violent attacks on her, Celebrities react

    For an actor to publicly claim the ‘Aurat Card’ exists in a country like Pakistan, where more women are beaten, tortured by family members and very few cases are brought to the light, proves how little it takes to side against all women. Nothing is done for those who are consistently clamoring for justice. It’s incredibly dissapointing to witness such a sexist mindset among women.

  • Six years later, social media users are still mesmerised by Sajal Aly’s performance in ‘O Rangreza’

    Six years later, social media users are still mesmerised by Sajal Aly’s performance in ‘O Rangreza’

    Sajal Aly is by far one of the best actors the Pakistani entertainment industry has ever produced. Her older dramas still garner praise from people who are just now getting to see the actor’s filmography. Recently, an X user responded to a tweet quoting a powerful paragraph from Trevor Noah’s book ‘Born A Crime’ where his mother talks about how men love breaking down women and molding them to their tastes, by sharing a clip from Aly’s old drama ‘Rangreza’.

    In the clip, Sajal’s character is seen shutting down her father, tired of him mistreating her mother all these years. The video has received praise from social media, with people blown away by the powerful monologue, some of them stating that they had underestimated the actress for so long.

    Pakistani dramas rare depict daughters who refuse to go down the sati savitri trope, standing up to their abusive dads to let him know that their misbehavior is not acceptable. Social media users were enthralled by Sajal’s powerful performance.

    https://twitter.com/bylinehearts/status/1699666428968747495?s=20
  • AI-generated song with vocals by Drake, The Weeknd submitted for 2 Grammy’s

    AI-generated song with vocals by Drake, The Weeknd submitted for 2 Grammy’s

    ‘Heart On The Sleeve’ has been submitted to the Grammys for two awards this year, including ‘Song Of The Year’ and ‘Best Rap Song’. The song, featuring vocals by Drake and Abel Tesfaya aka The Weekend, is AI generated. The New York Times reports that an anonymous songwriter, Ghostwriter, has written the track, as well as another song ‘Whiplash’ which features vocals by Travis Scott and 21 Savage.

    Here’s the catch: none of these singers have actually sung the songs.

    ‘Heart On A Sleeve’ racked up 600,000 streams on Spotify as well as 15 million views on Tiktok but was removed immediately after Drake and The Weeknd’s label, Universal Music Group, reacted. But, the publication reports, the song was eligible for two awards, since the category recognizes writers, rather than performers, taking refuge in a loop hole in the announcement by the Recording Academy in June which banned AI-generated songs from being submitted for consideration, since the song was written by a human.

    Harvey Mason, chief executive of the Recording Academy, said:

    “I knew right away as soon as I heard that record that it was going to be something that we had to grapple with from an Academy standpoint, but also from a music community and industry standpoint. When you start seeing A.I. involved in something so creative and so cool, relevant and of-the-moment, it immediately starts you thinking, ‘OK, where is this going? How is this going to affect creativity? What’s the business implication for monetization?’”

    Meanwhile Ghostwriter wrote a lengthy statement on Twitter where he called for both 21 Savage and Travis Scott to post a collaboration, and clarified that to respect the artists, he would direct royalties earned from the song to them:

    “The future of music is here. Artists now have the ability to let their voice work for them without lifting a finger. If you’re down to put it out, I will clearly label it as A.I., and I’ll direct royalties to you. Respect either way.”

  • Asia Cup 2023: Which teams will play the final if rain interrupts matches

    The Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2023 has started with fears that upcoming matches may ruined by rain after weather services predicted downpours for the next 15 days in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

    The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided that matches will not be shifted from Colombo despite knowing that the rain can disrupt Super Four matches.

    If the remaining matches are washed out by rain, Pakistan, who defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets, will qualify for the final. India and Sri Lanka have 3 points each with the same net run rate. A coin base toss will decide the finalist team.

    Read More: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 7 wickets

    The Bangladesh team, recently defeated by Pakistan in the Super Four stage, will have only two points so they will no more be in the finals’ race.

    If the final is also washed out by rain, the trophy will be shared between both finalist teams.

    Remaining matches of Super 4 stage

    September 9—-Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh at Colombo–2:30 PM

    September 10—Pakistan vs India at Colombo———2:30 PM

    September 12—India vs Sri Lanka at Colombo———2:30 PM

    September 14—Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at Colombo—–2:30 PM

    September 15—India vs Bangladesh at Colombo——2:30 PM

    September 17—Final at Colombo———————–2:30 PM

  • Sara Sharif’s parents release video from hiding; say they’re willing to cooperate

    Sara Sharif’s parents release video from hiding; say they’re willing to cooperate

    A video has come to light in which Sara Sharif’s stepmother, Beinash Batool along with her husband, Urfan Shairf, can be seen together in an undisclosed location. Batool touches upon media reporting of Sara’s death, claiming that they both will cooperate with UK authorities, and that they are on the run out of fear of Pakistani police.

    While Urfan Sharif remains silent, Batool reads from a notebook. Speaking briefly of Sara, she says, “Firstly, I would like to talk about Sara. Sara’s death was an accident. Our family in Pakistan are severely affected by all that is going on,”

    Accusing the media of making up lies, Beinish says, “Imran [one of Mr Sharif’s brothers] did not give the statement that Sara fell down the stairs and broke her neck. This was spread through a Pakistani media outlet. I am very worried about Imran’s safety.”

    She further claimed that they have run out of food, are unable to leave home because of security concerns, and the children are unable to attend school out of fear.

    Furthermore, she explains that they are in hiding because the family fears that the Pakistan police will torture and kill them.

    BBC, however, reports that according to police chief Mehmood Bajwa, the allegations of “harassment and torture of family members are false”.

    Urfan Sharif’s father had petitioned the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court against the harassment of his family members. While the court barred the police from detaining them again, the officers said questioning will continue.

    The Case
    On August 10, 10-year-old Sara Sharif was found dead in her home in Woking, England, when her father, Urfan Sharif, called 999 from Pakistan.

    Nadeem Riaz, shop owner and a travelling agent, has known Sharif for 11 years. During an interview with The Times, he recalled that on August 8, he booked one way tickets to Pakistan on urgent basis, claiming that his cousin died.

    On August 9, Sharif, his wife Beinash Batool, their five children and Sharif’s brother Faisal Malik left for Islamabad from the UK on a British Airways flight.

    The next day, Urfan Sharif called 999 after which the police found Sara’s body at home. Surrey Police then began an investigation along with international partners. The same day, after arriving at Islamabad, the family travelled to Jhelum. The police kept on tracking them as they left for Domeli late on August 12, and then left Domeli the very next day. This was the last location tracked.

    On August 15, Pakistan police received a request from International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) via FIA to hunt them down.

    A few days later, the Pakistani police arrested Sharif’s brother Imran and also spoke with some of the family members.

    Sharif’s parents and a number of other relatives are also missing, with the family home and shop in Jhelum locked up and empty. While everyone insisted on not knowing the family’s whereabouts, the police remains unconvinced by their claims.

    “We managed to get hold of Imran, but the rest of his family have gone missing. They clearly have something to hide. We got hold of one of them and will be interrogating him until he tells us the truth.”

    As reported by Arab News, Imran did confirm to MailOnline that his brother had been in Pakistan on August 9 however, he was alone. He added that he disappeared right after.

    BBC also spoke with Urfan Sharif’s father, Muhammad Sharif. According to him, “It was an accident, he didn’t tell me how it happened,” and that the family fled the UK out of fear.

    He, however, urged his son to return to the UK and defend himself.

    Sara’s mother
    Sara Sharif’s mother Olga said in an interview to a Polish channel that Sara was so severely injured that she “did not recognise her” in the mortuary.

    “One of her cheeks was swollen and the other side was bruised. Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like,” Olga said.

    As per the post-mortem examination by Surrey Police, Sara “suffered multiple and extensive injuries”, that seemingly were “caused over a sustained and extended period of time”.

    Olga also revealed that she herself was subjected to mistreatment while she was married to Urfan Sharif. When she separated from him in 2015, Sara and her older brother lived with her until 2019, when the family court ordered for them to live with their father while giving equal rights to Olga.

    Olga states that the children’s stepmother told her off.

    “It’s not normal that once the children were happy, and arguing about who would talk to Mum first, and then the kids don’t even want to talk to me on the phone and are calling me the worst names,” she said.

  • ECC approves margin hike for petroleum dealers and OMCs starting September 15

    ECC approves margin hike for petroleum dealers and OMCs starting September 15

    The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, in a significant move, has given its nod to incrementally raise the margins of petroleum dealers and oil marketing companies (OMCs) starting from September 15. This decision followed a detailed review of a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division).

    The ECC’s decision entails an enhancement of the margins for petroleum dealers handling Motor Spirit (MS) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) by Rs1.64 per litre. This increment will be implemented through four fortnightly installments of Rs0.41 per litre, effective from September 15, 2023.

    Furthermore, OMCs will also see their margins on MS and HSD increase by Rs1.87 per litre. This increment will likewise be phased in over four installments, each amounting to Rs0.47 per litre, also commencing on September 15, 2023.

    To ensure transparency and efficiency in determining these margins, the ECC has entrusted the responsibility to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). Ogra is expected to develop a systematic mechanism for margin calculation, taking into account the operational costs incurred by OMCs and dealers, with specific reference to Pakistan State Oil (PSO).

    In a separate development, the ECC meeting addressed the financial challenges faced by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The national carrier had requested a provision of Rs22.9 billion, as well as the deferment of Rs1.3 billion per month to the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR), along with loans and markup amounts until the finalization of the restructuring plan.

    However, the ECC decided to reject PIA’s request. It was also agreed upon that the Finance Division and the State Bank of Pakistan would extend their support to PIA once a concrete restructuring plan is developed and submitted to the committee’s satisfaction.

    Additionally, the ECC approved a Technical Supplementary Grant of Rs40 billion to fund various pre-approved projects for defense services and to cover subsidies and miscellaneous expenditures during the fiscal year 2023-24. This funding will be disbursed on a case-by-case basis, aligning with the current budgetary provisions.

    According to The News, The ECC’s decisions reflect the government’s commitment to addressing the financial dynamics of the petroleum sector and the ongoing restructuring efforts within PIA, while maintaining fiscal prudence in budget allocations.

    This latest development is expected to have a significant impact on the energy sector and the national carrier, as stakeholders closely monitor the implementation of the ECC’s decisions in the coming fortnights.