Author: News Desk

  • Asia Cup 2023: India beat Nepal to enter Super 4 Stage

    Asia Cup 2023: India beat Nepal to enter Super 4 Stage

    In the last Group A match of Asia Cup 2023, India beat Nepal by 10 wickets via Duckworth-Lewis method.


    In the first inning, Nepal set a total of 230 runs in 48.2 overs but after rain interrupted play, the target was revised to 145 in 23 overs according to the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) Method.


    Aasif Sheikh was the top scorer for Nepal with 58 runs on 97 balls, while Kushal Bhurtel scored 38 runs on 25 balls. Gulsan Jha scored 23, Depindra Singh 29, and Somapl Kami put in 48 runs for the seventh wicket.


    Muhammad Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja took 3 wickets each.

    Read More: PCB asks BCCI to shift Pak-India matches to Pakistan


    Chasing the target of 145, Rohit Sharma scored 74 runs while Shubman Gill scored 64 runs.


    Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will play their last group match today in Lahore. The winning team will make it to the Super 4 Stage. Pakistan and India will play their Super 4 stage match of Asia Cup 2023 on September 10 in Colombo.

  • PDM is not ready to talk with Imran

    PDM is not ready to talk with Imran

    Central leaders of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) have mutually decided not to talk with former Prime Minister Imran Khan about any political matter.

    Sources privy to inside details have told Jang that PDM leaders called Imran Khan responsible for inflation in the country as well term him the mastermind of the incidents of May 9.

    Sources also confirmed that PDM will contact the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) within 48 hours to discuss the matter of talking to Imran.

    Earlier, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said after meeting Imran Khan in Attock jail that the former prime minister was ready to talk to institutions and political parties about elections, stressing that he wants free and fair polls in the country.

    In a tweet, the lawyer said that he met Imran Khan at Attock Jail along with his colleagues. “Alhamdulillah, he is in great spirit but concern about ongoing uncertainty, inflation, and terrorism. He is willing to talk to all BUT about election,” he stated.

  • IMF declines request for tariff adjustment and subsidy on high electricity bills 

    IMF declines request for tariff adjustment and subsidy on high electricity bills 

    In light of the government’s comprehensive deliberation on strategies to alleviate the burden of electricity bills, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has declined the proposal for tariff adjustments or additional subsidies. This decision was made despite the government’s assertion that its bill collections for August had nearly met expectations, as reported by The News on Tuesday. 

    The IMF has expressed strong reservations regarding the government’s initiative to provide relief to economically disadvantaged individuals facing high power bills. Pakistan has consequently approached the global lender, requesting permission to phase in upcoming quarterly tariff adjustments (QTAs) and Fuel Price Adjustments (FPAs) amounting to Rs7.50 per unit over the next four to six months. 

    An authoritative source confirmed this request, stating, “Pakistan has sought the IMF’s approval for a gradual implementation of QTAs and FPAs over a four to six-month period, potentially incurring additional costs that will require mutual agreement.” 

    According to sources, the power sector continues to grapple with challenges, given the necessity of increasing tariffs by approximately Rs5 per unit in the current month and incorporating FPAs amounting to Rs2.72 per unit. Consequently, a cumulative tariff increase exceeding Rs7 per unit is anticipated.  

    The computation of QTAs will be based on losses incurred during the April-June period, reflecting reduced unit usage, increased interest payments, and fluctuations in exchange rates. Meanwhile, the FPA is calculated to address the rising prices of imported fuel, resulting in a potential hike of Rs7.50 per unit in September bills, subject to regulatory approval.  

    Simultaneously, the Ministry of Power asserts that its bill collection performance for August 2023 has improved and is nearing expectations. They contend that to mitigate the impact of inflated bills, they must seek the IMF’s approval for the staggered implementation of QTAs and FPAs.  

    According to calculations by the Ministry of Power for various consumer categories, those utilising 400 units can anticipate a reduction in power charges from Rs21,000 in August 2023 to Rs16,963 in September and further to Rs11,356 in October, factoring in QTAs and FPAs. Similarly, charges for consumers using 300 units are projected to decrease from Rs13,000 in August to Rs10,000 in September and Rs8,000 in October 2023. 

    With the onset of winter in October, it is anticipated that the issue of escalated bills will gradually subside. Additionally, officials are planning to approach the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to determine the next tariff adjustments, considering seasonal usage trends. Given the peak usage during the summer months followed by a decline in winter, tariff adjustments will be tailored to accommodate these seasonal fluctuations. 

    The Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Finance to develop a strategy for economic stability in Pakistan. During a meeting with Interim Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, the current economic situation was discussed. 

    The government aims to find innovative solutions to ease the burden on electricity consumers, addressing issues like circular debt, power theft, and taxes with short-term measures. 

    The caretaker government’s primary goal is to facilitate early general elections while upholding constitutional obligations such as constituency delimitation following the population census. The focus is on restructuring fiscal and monetary policies for economic revitalization. 

  • Unrest after Holy Quran burning in Sweden

    Unrest after Holy Quran burning in Sweden

    Three men have been arrested in Sweden for participating in riots after another incident of the desecration of Holy Quran.

    Turmoil broke out after Iraqi anti-Islam activist Salwan Momika burned a copy of the Islamic holy book on Sunday.

    BBC reports that the police has detained 10 people for causing disruption in the city of Malmo.

    During the unrest, vehicles were set on fire and about a hundred people congregated in reaction to the desecration of the Quran.

    Momika has a record of desecrating the Quran during anti-Islam protests. According to the BBC, his actions have caused diplomatic outrage across the Middle East.

    Police officers have said that the protesters pelted them with stones while some threw electric scooters at police vehicles in addition to burning of the cars.

    This happened in the largely immigrant-populated area of Rosengard neighbourhood in Malmo.

    The city’s police area commander Petra Stenkula said while speaking to local media, “I understand that a public gathering like this arouses strong emotions, but we cannot tolerate disturbances and violence like the ones we saw on Sunday afternoon,”

    “It is extremely regrettable to once again see violence and vandalism at Rosengard.”

    Back in June, at the first day of Eid al-Adha, Momika set fire to a copy outside Stockholm’s central mosque

    Initially, Swedish police had given Momika a permit to protest, in conformity with the state’s free-speech laws but then said his case was to be investigated for incitement of hatred.

  • Can Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro finally kill the iPhone’s dominance?

    Can Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro finally kill the iPhone’s dominance?

    Huawei’s tenacity in the smartphone market, despite grappling with the challenges of the US embargo, has been nothing short of remarkable. Undeterred by adversity, the company has fervently strived to regain its foothold in the realms of both hardware and software.

    The latest chapter in Huawei’s resurgent narrative is embodied in the Huawei Mate 60 and Mate 60 Pro, devices that have ignited widespread intrigue and earned global user acclaim. In a mere five days following their debut, these smartphones remarkably achieved nearly 800,000 unit sales, signifying a triumphant comeback. 

    Within the confines of China, the Huawei Mate 60 series has emerged as a resounding success story. Officially launched on August 29th, these devices rapidly gained traction in the market, boasting sales figures that approached the 800,000-unit milestone within the initial five days.

    This achievement stands as a substantial improvement over the sales performance of their predecessors in the Mate series, which managed to muster approximately 500,000 units. Such resounding success is undoubtedly a testament to meticulous planning and unwavering commitment. 

    In the wake of challenging years, Huawei’s aspiration for resurgence led to the creation of a technological marvel. Powered by the cutting-edge Kirin 9000S processor, it reigns supreme as the swiftest mobile processor available in China. Notably, the Mate 60 series is equipped with a novel triple-lens rear camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 12MP telephoto sensor. 

    The fervor surrounding the Huawei Mate 60 series extends beyond the Chinese borders, capturing the enthusiasm of international consumers. For instance, Japanese consumers have been keen to acquire the 12GB + 512GB version of the Huawei Mate 60 Pro, which is priced at approximately 70,000 Chinese yuan in the Chinese market, translating to around 140,000 Japanese yen (PKR 292,800).

    Interestingly, local dealers in Japan have been pricing the same smartphone model at levels exceeding 200,000 Japanese yen, roughly equivalent to 10,000 Chinese yuan, underscoring its immense popularity in the Japanese market. 

    Key Specifications: 

    Huawei Mate 60 

    – Display: 6.69-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1-120 Hz variable refresh rate 

    – Processor: Kirin 9000S 

    – RAM: 12GB 

    – Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB 

    – Rear Cameras: 50MP main camera with variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0), 48MP telephoto camera, 12MP ultrawide camera 

    – Front Camera: 13MP 

    – Battery: 5000mAh 

    – Charging: 88W wired charging, 50W wireless charging 

    Huawei Mate 60 Pro 

    – Display: 6.82-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1-120 Hz variable refresh rate 

    – Processor: Kirin 9000S 

    – RAM: 12GB 

    – Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB 

    – Rear Cameras: 50MP main camera with variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0), 48MP telephoto camera, 12MP ultrawide camera 

    – Front Camera: 13MP 

    – Battery: 4750mAh 

    – Charging: 88W wired charging, 50W wireless charging 

  • Social media giant X faces lawsuit for allegedly assisting Saudi Arabia in human rights abuses

    Social media giant X faces lawsuit for allegedly assisting Saudi Arabia in human rights abuses

    The social media giant formerly known as Twitter, now referred to as X, faces a revised civil lawsuit in the US that accuses it of aiding Saudi Arabia in committing severe human rights violations against its users. This includes allegations of disclosing confidential user data to Saudi authorities at a significantly higher rate than for other countries such as the US, UK, or Canada. 

    According to The Guardian, the lawsuit was originally filed in May by Areej al-Sadhan, the sister of a Saudi aid worker who was forcibly disappeared and later sentenced to 20 years in prison. The case revolves around the infiltration of Twitter by three Saudi agents, two of whom posed as Twitter employees in 2014 and 2015. This infiltration led to the arrest of al-Sadhan’s brother, Abdulrahman, and the exposure of the identities of thousands of anonymous Twitter users, some of whom were reportedly detained and tortured as part of the Saudi government’s crackdown on dissent. 

    The updated lawsuit alleges that Twitter, under the leadership of then-CEO Jack Dorsey, knowingly ignored or had knowledge of the Saudi government’s campaign to identify critics but provided assistance due to financial considerations and its close ties to the Saudi government, a major investor in the company. 

    The lawsuit highlights how Twitter was initially seen as a tool for democratic movements during the Arab Spring, which raised concerns for the Saudi government as early as 2013. 

    These allegations come shortly after Human Rights Watch criticised a Saudi court for sentencing a man to death solely based on his Twitter and YouTube activity. The convicted individual, Muhammad al-Ghamdi, had minimal online presence and was accused of having two accounts with a few followers and tweets, both containing retweets of government critics. 

    The lawsuit claims that Twitter was aware of security risks related to insider access to personal data and ignored red flags. It also alleges that Saudi authorities filed emergency disclosure requests with Twitter to obtain user identity information, often approved promptly. 

    Between July and December 2015, Twitter allegedly granted information requests to Saudi Arabia more frequently than to other countries, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and Spain. 

    Despite becoming aware of FBI concerns about Saudi infiltration, Twitter continued to engage with Saudi Arabia as a crucial regional partner. CEO Jack Dorsey even met with Mohammed bin Salman about six months after the FBI raised the issue. 

    The lawsuit ultimately seeks justice for Areej al-Sadhan’s brother, Abdulrahman, and aims to hold Twitter accountable for its alleged complicity in human rights abuses. 

  • When is Nawaz coming back? PML-N sources announce a date

    When is Nawaz coming back? PML-N sources announce a date

    As former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains incarcerated at Attock Jail, the matter of the return to Pakistan of another former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, remains unclear with no official announcements as yet.

    However, SAMAA News has reported that the official date may finally have been decided.

    There is a strategy in place for Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif’s long-anticipated return from London. Nawaz Sharif will reach Lahore from London on a passenger plane on October 15, SAMMAA has reported. PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif will also meet Nawaz in this regard today.


    PML-N sources said that Nawaz Sharif has assigned his central leadership with arranging his reception.

    According to sources who talked to the news outlet, former assembly members and organisation executives have been told to gather as many individuals as possible for the party head’s reception.

    Maryam Nawaz, the PML-N’s chief organiser, is in charge of reception-related matters.

    Earlier, it was reported that Nawaz will return to Pakistan by mid-September; however, the party’s plans changed in the last few days after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that elections will not take place within 90 days.

  • Young Pakistanis in the UK lead in unemployment, govt stats confirm 

    Young Pakistanis in the UK lead in unemployment, govt stats confirm 

    Official data from the United Kingdom’s government shows that among different ethnic groups in the country, young Pakistanis are the least active in terms of work and education. 

    The dataset in question is categorised as “unemployment,” encompassing individuals aged 16 to 24 who are neither employed nor engaged in any form of training or educational pursuits. This data was systematically collected over a three-year period spanning from 2017 to 2019. 

    Notably, within the spectrum of ethnic backgrounds in the UK, individuals of Pakistani origin stand out with the highest unemployment rate at 14.3 per cent, surpassing their counterparts from nine other nations. The next highest rate pertains to individuals of Bangladeshi descent at 12 per cent, while young individuals of Indian heritage exhibit a comparatively lower inactivity rate of 7.3 per cent, as indicated by the data. 

    A similar pattern is discernible when examining the overall employment data for the country, which encompasses individuals aged 16 to 64. In this context, Pakistani and Bangladeshi individuals are grouped together and collectively exhibit the lowest employment rate, standing at a mere 58 per cent, the lowest among ten defined categories. In contrast, individuals of Indian descent display a more favourable employment rate at 78 per cent, trailing only those of non-British white origin, of whom 82 per cent are gainfully employed. 

    It is worth noting, however, that the observed trends in employment and unemployment figures do not appear to have a conclusive impact on the overall happiness score, as the data does not differentiate by age and represents the broader community. The happiness index assigns a score on a scale of 10, and according to the data, individuals of Pakistani descent in the UK have a happiness score of 7.57, ranking as the fourth highest among the ten surveyed ethnic groups. 

    While individuals of Indian, Bangladeshi, and other ethnic backgrounds report higher levels of happiness than those of Pakistani origin, individuals of Arab, black, Chinese, and even white ethnicities exhibit lower happiness scores in comparison. 

  • Action taken against those who attacked Ahmaddiya place of worship

    Action taken against those who attacked Ahmaddiya place of worship

    Journalist Arshad Yousafzai took to X (formerly twitter) on Monday to share a video where a charged mob can be seen vandalizing The Ahmadiyya Hall, a place of worship for the Ahmaddiya community in Karachi. The mob was breaking the minarets of the building in Saddar, just a few streets away from Preedy Police Station. Around two hours after the post, Mayor Karachi, Murtaza Wahab announced that action has been taken and three people have been arrested.

    The constitution of Pakistan and Pakistan Penal Code ensures that all citizens have the right to practice their religion in peace. Interim Prime minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar also offered assurances after the Jaranwala incident that all minorities, including Ahmedis, will be protected by the state.

    X user Samrina Hashmi reminded everyone how targeting anyone’s place of worship goes against constitution and religion.

    Fahad Desmukh wrote how the same building was attacked a few months ago.

    ShaRzyeea talked about her childhood memories linked to this place, “So many of my childhood memories are in this place that is connection and safety.”

    https://twitter.com/TeiNTeesDus/status/1698673568547246209?s=20
  • Public Holiday on Sept 7 in Lahore

    Public Holiday on Sept 7 in Lahore

    A public holiday has been announced by Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi to observe the annual Urs (death anniversary) of Data Ganj Bakhsh Syed Ali Hajwari on Thursday, September 7, in Lahore.

    Naqvi announced the holiday on Monday after his visit to the Data Darbar in Lahore.

    The Urs will last for three days, starting Tuesday and going on till Thursday. The CM states that efforts are being made to make better arrangements for the event, reports Geo.

    “We also held a meeting with the commissioner about the langar khana so that everyone who attends the celebration can eat,” he said. He also stated that the best qawwals will be arranged for mehfil-e-samaa.

    Plans have also been chalked out for Lahore’s traffic, with arrangements for parking facilities keeping security clearances in mind.