Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Pakistani BTS fans are honouring Jungkook in the most adorable way possible

    Pakistani BTS fans are honouring Jungkook in the most adorable way possible

    Happy birthday Jungkook!

    The baby of the Korean pop band ‘BTS’ is 26 years old today and fans across the world, including Pakistan, are celebrating in creative ways. The singer released his solo ‘Seven’ feat Lattoo that took the world by storm, including Pakistan.

    A fan won hearts in July when she plastered posters promoting ‘Seven’ all over Gulistan-e-Johar in Karachi proving that Pakistani fans are super dedicated to the ‘Golden maknae’.

    READ MORE: Gulistan-e-BTS: Karachi K-pop fan plasters neighborhood with Jung Kook pictures

    Last year, BTS fans pulled all stops to make sure that the entire country celebrated Jung Kook’s birthday along with them, including setting up a birthday ad in Bahawalpur and Multan, and then a medical camp in Lahore offering free medication.

    This time, the fans have been working hard to ensure that their baby girl’s special day is celebrated with joy, as we take a look at some of the elaborate projects the fan base has organised, and honestly we love how caring and dedicated this fanbase is to their icon.

    The BTS Twitter account Pk_bts_land announced a project was set up to raise funds and provide education to children from poor families across Pakistan, along with the account details.

    In Quetta, a medical camp was announced by the page Jungkook_Pakistan to provide free services to people in need.

    Happy birthday Jungkook! In celebration of today, we’ll continue dancing to Seven!

  • One rupee relief: Petroleum Division reveals ‘benefit’ of importing Russian crude

    The Petroleum Division has presented a comprehensive briefing to the caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, regarding the potential impact of Russian crude oil on petroleum prices in Pakistan.

    According to The News, the Petroleum Division highlighted that the projected benefit to consumers resulting from the import of Russian crude oil remains relatively modest, at approximately Re1 per litre for both petrol and diesel. This assessment takes into account various operational intricacies and market dynamics.

    Importing Russian crude oil carries two notable risks, the division stated. The first pertains to the duration of transportation, which spans between 30 and 36 days, and the second revolves around the production of furnace oil.

    Approximately 60 per cent of furnace oil generated from Russian crude must be exported, incurring a 25 per cent loss in the process.

    It is significant to note that, currently, only the Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) has expressed readiness to refine Russian oil. However, if PRL assumes the responsibility of refining Russian oil exclusively, only a nominal Re1 relief can be passed on to consumers for each litre of gasoline and diesel.

    In a potential collaborative effort, the prime minister was informed that if PARCO (Pak-Arab Refinery Company) and NRL (National Refinery Limited) jointly undertake the refining of Russian oil, the benefit to consumers could potentially increase to Rs3 per litre. The magnitude of this relief would be contingent on the volume of Russian crude involved in the process.

    PARCO, as a comparatively modern refinery with superior facilities, is expected to contribute to enhanced yields from Russian crude and, consequently, a reduction in the production of furnace oil. However, it was also revealed that both PARCO and NRL have declined the proposition to refine Russian oil.

    The caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, has expressed the need for a thorough evaluation of the situation, considering the potential benefits, risks, and the willingness of refineries to participate in the process. The decision regarding the import and refining of Russian crude oil remains a pivotal concern as Pakistan navigates its energy landscape in the coming days.

    This development emphasises the intricate balance between economic considerations and strategic decisions in the energy sector that Pakistan faces as it grapples with global oil market dynamics.

  • SRK hasn’t forgiven his son’s imprisonment and here is proof

    SRK hasn’t forgiven his son’s imprisonment and here is proof

    Mess with the scorpio, earn the sting.

    If history has proven something, its that SRK will always get the last word.

    Recently, the official trailer of the action/thriller ‘Jawan’ was released on Youtube. A clip from the trailer has generated a lot of buzz. Right when the clip credits Gauri Khan as the producer of the film, Shah Rukh can be heard saying, ‘Betay ko hath lagane se pehlay baap say baat karo.”

    As soon as the clip was noticed by social media, netizens applauded the burn, praising SRK for aiming the stinger directly at the people responsible for his son Aryan’s arrest.

  • Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka defeats Bangladesh by five wickets

    Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by five wickets in their first match of Asia Cup 2023 played at Pallekele Stadium in the island nation.

    Bangladesh’s Captain Shakib-al-Hassan won the toss and chose to bat first. Bangladesh team collapsed at 164 runs in 42.4 overs. Najam-ul-Husain Shanto was the top scorer with 89 runs on 122 deliveries, while only four other batsmen could get into double figures. Bangladesh set up a target of 165 runs for the Lankans to chase.


    Matheesha Pathirana becoming the top wicket taker with four scalps.


    In the second inning, while chasing the target of 165 runs, Sri Lanka lost three early wickets on the score of 43. Asalanka and Samarawickrama then set a partnership of 78 runs that led Sri Lanka to victory.

    Read More: Pakistan, India match in trouble as bad weather looms


    Asalanka remained unbeaten with 62 runs on 92 balls while Samarawickrama scored 54 runs on 77 balls.
    Shakib al Hassan was the top wicket-taker from the Bangladesh side with two wickets.


    The next match of Asia Cup 2023 will be played on September 2 between Pakistan and India at Pallekele stadium.

  • ECP will keep an eye on election campaigns and expenses

    ECP will keep an eye on election campaigns and expenses

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has said on Thursday that it will keep an eye on election campaigns and expenses in the upcoming general elections, stating that the decision has been taken after consultations with political parties.

    According to ECP, the services of the army, police, and other law enforcement agencies will be sought to ensure a safe and peaceful environment at polling stations.

    The electoral watchdog has said that this matter came up in the meeting about the upcoming general elections with Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid-i-Azam) PML(Q)

    Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, ECP secretary, and other senior officers were part of the meeting.

    The TLP’s delegation comprised of party leaders Chaudhry Rizwan, Mohammad Qasim, Ziaur Rahman, and Chaudhry Azhar, whereas the PML-Q was represented by Mohammad Tariq Hussain, Farukh Khan, Ghulam Mustafa, Rizwan Sadiq, and Hafiz Aqeel Jalil.

  • Elon Musk’s X to launch audio and video calls soon

    Elon Musk’s X to launch audio and video calls soon

    In a significant development for the social media landscape, Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter (now known as X), has officially announced the imminent launch of audio and video call features on the platform. 

    This revelation marks a departure from the platform’s previous attempts, which were either delayed or abandoned. Now, it appears that users can finally anticipate the long-awaited feature.

    The unveiling of this groundbreaking feature came directly from Elon Musk himself, who detailed that audio and video calls will be accessible on a wide range of devices, encompassing Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS platforms. 

    Remarkably, this feature is designed to function seamlessly without the necessity of traditional phone numbers. Instead, X will serve as a global address book, relying on user-generated usernames. In Musk’s words, “This set of factors is unique,” emphasising the distinctive nature of this forthcoming addition.

    However, Elon Musk has remained tight-lipped regarding a specific launch date for this exciting feature, simply indicating that it is “coming soon. This cryptic announcement has left users eagerly anticipating its arrival.

    Notably, this isn’t the first time Twitter (X) has teased the possibility of audio and video calls. Just last month, the company’s designer shared tantalising screenshots of what users can expect from the feature. 

    One such preview showcased a phone receiver icon prominently positioned at the top right corner of Twitter (X) direct messages (DMs), signalling the impending arrival of the functionality. Upon tapping this icon, users will be presented with the choice to initiate audio or video calls, promising a more immersive and interactive communication experience.

    As the tech world eagerly awaits further updates and a definitive release date, Twitter (X) users can anticipate a transformative shift in their social media interactions, thanks to Elon Musk’s ambitious vision for the platform’s future.

  • Relief plan for electricity bills to be revealed in 48 hours: PM Kakar

    Relief plan for electricity bills to be revealed in 48 hours: PM Kakar

    Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar made an announcement on Thursday, revealing that his administration will unveil a relief plan for addressing the widespread protests triggered by escalating electricity bills within 48 hours.

    PM Kakar informed me that his government conducted an exhaustive review of electricity bills spanning the last two months. He highlighted that all institutions were questioned regarding their utilisation of complimentary electricity and stressed that the issue of exorbitant electricity bills needed a measured perspective.

    According to Geo, the caretaker prime minister underscored that while the electricity bills must be settled, it is imperative to comply with the terms outlined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He attributed the surge in electricity bills to independent power producers (IPPs) and transmission line losses, emphasising that collaboration with the IMF was underway to address the matter. Despite the prevalent inflation, PM Kakar argued against an extensive strike.

    In addressing the allocation of free electricity units, PM Kakar assured that the military does not avail itself of free electricity; rather, it is funded through the defence budget.

    Additionally, he clarified that the judiciary does not enjoy complimentary electricity, and in the Wapda sector, only certain employees from grades 1 to 16 benefit from this provision. Employees in grades above 17 receive free units.

    PM Kakar expressed his perspective that most protests originate from employees in grades 1–16. He suggested redirecting financial assistance towards officers in grades 17 to 22 instead of offering free electricity. He emphasised the need for stakeholders to formulate a policy within the following 48 hours.

    Regarding the impending general elections, PM Kakar assured that the elections would occur as scheduled, with the understanding that the Election Commission of Pakistan holds the authority in this matter. He asserted that adherence to the interpretation of the law by the Supreme Court is essential and should be respected.

    Frustrated citizens, grappling with soaring inflation, have been participating in demonstrations against substantial increases in electricity tariffs and heightened taxes nationwide.

    In light of the ongoing public outcry over exorbitant electricity bills, the caretaker government is contemplating the possibility of allowing individuals burdened by inflation to settle bills for up to 400 units in six-month installments. This proposal emerged following discussions held during a cabinet meeting, which also addressed the influence of IMF conditions on elevated energy costs.

    During the session, caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar updated the attendees about ongoing negotiations with the IMF, highlighting its pivotal role in the escalated energy tariffs.

  • Petrol price increased to historic high of Rs305.36 per litre

    Petrol price increased to historic high of Rs305.36 per litre

    For the first time in Pakistan’s history, the price of petrol has crossed the Rs300 mark due to a recent hike of Rs14.91. This brings the new petrol price to Rs305.36 per litre. The diesel price has also increased by Rs18.44, now at Rs311.84 per litre.

    The government has attributed these revisions to the upward trajectory of global petroleum prices and the consequential fluctuations in exchange rates.

    A statement issued by the finance ministry highlights that due to the escalating trend of petroleum prices in the international market and the subsequent shifts in exchange rates, the Government has opted to recalibrate the prevailing consumer prices of petroleum products.

    In the days ahead, the effects of these significantly heightened petrol and diesel prices will become evident. These price fluctuations are poised to have a substantial impact on individuals who rely on personal vehicles, such as bikes and cars, as well as those who depend on public transportation services.

  • IMF should help Pakistan uphold right to electricity, says HRW

    IMF should help Pakistan uphold right to electricity, says HRW

    For the past week, Pakistan has witnessed extensive protests against the recent surge in electricity prices. In several cities, these protests escalated into violence.

    The government-sanctioned price increase arrives at a critical juncture as Pakistan grapples with one of the most severe economic crises in its history. This crisis imperils the fundamental rights of millions, including access to healthcare, nutrition, and a satisfactory standard of living.

    According to Human Rights Watch, successive Pakistani governments have failed in reforming the country’s energy sector, contributing to the current crisis. The recent surge in prices is linked to a substantial US$3 billion agreement between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan.

    This pact, sanctioned in July 2022, stipulates the government’s obligation to eliminate energy and fuel subsidies, transition to a market-driven exchange rate, and implement tax increments.

    While Human Rights Watch fundamentally opposes fossil fuel subsidies due to their adverse climate impact, the removal of these subsidies without substantial investment in social security often results in disproportionate repercussions for individuals with low incomes.

    Elevated electricity prices can further elevate the costs of essential commodities like food, housing, and services.

    Recognising the right to an adequate standard of living, Human Rights Watch asserts that access to dependable, secure, clean, and affordable electricity without discrimination is imperative.

    Given the situation, it is imperative for the IMF to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the consequences of these adjustments. Rather than abrupt subsidy removal, the IMF should establish a comprehensive reform strategy aimed at mitigating price escalations and facilitating a seamless transition to sustainable energy sources.

    Such reforms could encompass the implementation of a universal social protection system designed to extend benefits to individuals at higher risk of income insecurity, including children, elderly citizens, and people with disabilities.

  • SBP likely to hike key policy rate by up to 300 basis points next month

    SBP likely to hike key policy rate by up to 300 basis points next month

    The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will likely meet at its upcoming meeting to decide on the key policy rate, and the market anticipates a possible rate increase of up to 300 basis points.

    According to the analysts contacted by the Brecorder, the SBP is likely to increase the rate from its current historic high of 22 per cent. As per the advance calendar issued in July, the SBP is currently slated to hold its MPC meeting on September 14.

    Notably, the central bank has previously taken the initiative to declare changes in its key policy rate through ’emergency’ meetings, similar to what occurred in June.

    Market speculation hints that the central bank might adopt a more patient approach this time, making an emergency meeting less probable.

     Tahir Abbas, the Head of Research at Arif Habib Limited (AHL), foresees a rate hike ranging between 100 and 150 basis points.

    He emphasised, the inflation rate is projected to remain elevated not only in August but also in the upcoming months. Furthermore, the persistent depreciation of the currency might compel the SBP to push interest rates upwards.

    Abbas added, “We expect a policy rate hike of around 100-150 bps.”

    In a previous report, AHL stated that headline inflation is expected to climb higher in August, surpassing the 28.3 per cent figure recorded in July 2023.