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Author: News Desk

  • What will Imran Khan be reading in jail?

    What will Imran Khan be reading in jail?

    What will Imran Khan be reading in jail?

    On Wednesday, in a clip posted on X (formerly Twitter) Aleema Khan could be seen talking to the media, stating that her brother , former Prime Minister Imran Khan is doing well in Attock jail. Aleema Khan said that her brother told her that he has gotten time for himself after years. “He has started finishing the Quran for the second time and has also read Islamic history,” she said, adding that Imran Khan will adjust to any environment, no matter the conditions.

    Later in the day, Intazar Hissain Panjutha, Imran Khan’s lawyer, took to X, asking for book recommendations on the history of Pakistan, history of the region and current affairs.

    Today he posted a picture of the books being sent to Imran Khan for reading.

    So what is Khan reading?

    How Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky
    Published in 2018, this book is on comparative politics about how elected leaders can gradually destabilise the democratic process to increase their power.

    Monsoon By Robert D. Kaplan
    It reflects upon the vitality of India, Pakistan, China, Indonesia, Burma, Oman, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Tanzania for American power. Kaplan uncovers the effects of population growth, climate change, and extremist politics on the unstable region.

    People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn
    Zinn presents a different side of history from the more conventional “fundamental nationalist glorification of country”, exposing the exploitation and manipulation of the majority by rigged systems that cater to a few elite rulers from across the orthodox political parties.

    Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
    Diamond dismantles racially based theories of human history while discussing the way that the modern world came to be.

    World Order by Henry Kissinger
    The book escorts the reader through to the complex mechanisms that have governed international relations throughout history.

    Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Islam by A. Helwa
    Helwa uses references from the Quran, ancient mystical poetry, and stories of prophets and spiritual masters to help one grow spiritually and strengthen connection with God.

    The Narrow Corridor by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson
    The writers contend that a country’s rise and fall is dependent on culture, geography, or chance, but on the power of their institutions.

    Active Measures: The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare by Thomas Rid
    A history of disinformation which tracks the increase in secret organized deception operations from the interwar period to contemporary internet trolls.

    The Revenge of Geography by Robert D. Kaplan
    Another book by Kaplan in the list. This one explores the role geography and the national borders play in world conflicts.

    Indus Divided by Daniel Haines
    Indus Divided talks about the significance of the Indus Basin river system for Indian and Pakistan and the dispute between the two countries after the partition in 1947.

    Empires of the Indus: The Story of a River by Alice Albinia
    It is part-memoir, part-essay in which the writer reiterates her journey through Central and Southern Asia.

    The China-Pakistan Axis: Asia’s New Geopolitics by Andrew Small
    The book explores the outcome of Sino-Pakistani ties for the West, India, Afghanistan, and for Asia, overall. It highlights the sensitive facets of their relationship including Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s nuclear program, China’s dealings with the Taliban, and the Chinese military’s planning for crises in Pakistan.

    Balthasar’s Odyssey by Amin Maalouf
    It is a novel revolving around a quest to find a book supposedly published during the days of the Ottoman Empire.

    The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century by George Friedman
    The writer predicts the future wars — why and where will they happen and how they will be fought; who will acquire economic and political power and who will lose; and how new technologies and cultural trends will change the way we live in the new century.

    As Through a Veil: Mystical Poetry in Islam by Annemarie Schimmel
    It is a story of Islamic poetry that covers the ambit of traditions and cultures, from Arabic religious verse to the Persian Sufis and the popular folk poetry of India and Pakistan.

    Adrift: How Our World Lost Its Way by Amin Maalouf
    The book traces how civilizations have divided throughout the 20th century, combining personal narrative and historical analysis to caution in regard to the future.

  • WAPDA opposes ending facility of free units to employees

    WAPDA opposes ending facility of free units to employees

    WAPDA and the Ministry of Water Resources have opposed the termination of free units facility to the employees of electricity companies, reports Jang News.

    According to sources, the Ministry of Water Resources is of the opinion that there will be no savings by removing the free units.

    The finance ministry has proposed ending the facility of free electricity units, while Nepra has proposed to give utility allowance instead of free units.

    Moreover, the power division has proposed to give the employees an amount equal to the free units in monthly salary and the power division has presented the monetization proposal in the federal cabinet meeting.

    Jang news reports that according to sources, free units are being given to 1 lakh 89 thousand 171 retired and serving employees.

    Additionally, three crore 47 lakh 58 thousand 825 free units are being given to retired and serving employees every month.

  • After beating Nepal, Pakistani team is ready for India

    After beating Nepal, Pakistani team is ready for India

    After beating Nepal on Wednesday, captain Babar Azam has said that the Pakistani cricket team is ready to beat India on Saturday’s Asia Cup match, Dawn has reported.

    Iftikhar Ahmed scored an unbeaten 109 and Babar scored a masterful 151 runs in yesterday’s match held at Multan.

    Tournament co-hosts Pakistan bowled out Asia Cup debutants Nepal for 104 in 23.4 overs in their third-biggest victory in a one-day international.

    “This game was good preparation for the India game because it gave us confidence,” Babar, who was named Player of the Match for his 19th one-day hundred, said.

    “India-Pakistan will always bring high intensity. We want to give 100 percent in every match, and we hope to do that there as well.”

    “When I went in, the ball wasn’t coming on properly, so I was trying to build an innings with Rizwan,” Babar explained.

    “Iftikhar also played a great inning when he came on. I told him to play his natural game, and he was comfortable after hitting two-three boundaries,” the batting maestro stated.

  • Pakistani rupee ends the day at another record low of Rs305.54 versus US dollar, losing Rs1.09

    Pakistani rupee ends the day at another record low of Rs305.54 versus US dollar, losing Rs1.09

    The Pakistani rupee (PKR) persisted in encountering downward pressure against the US dollar, with a recorded depreciation of 0.36 per cent. The day concluded with the rupee settling at Rs305.54, having incurred a loss of Rs1.09 in the interbank market, as reported by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    In the preceding session, the rupee had concluded at a historic low of Rs304.45 against the US dollar in the inter-bank market.

    IMF deviation risks dollar inflow halt

    In a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance held on Wednesday and chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, interim Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar conveyed that the interim government’s financial leeway for subsidies was limited. However, she mentioned that a proposal was being deliberated upon to discontinue electricity provisions for privileged segments.

    Dr Akhtar voiced apprehension that a deviation from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) stipulations could lead to a halt in dollar inflows, exacerbating the economic challenges facing the nation. She acknowledged that certain governmental actions had adversely affected the economic landscape. She specifically noted that the Federal Board of Revenue’s revenue collection was not meeting expectations while expenditures remained elevated.

    The Senate committee expressed its reservations about the escalating exchange rate fluctuations, the unprecedented cost of electricity, and the 22 per cent interest rate, all of which collectively pose difficulties for existing businesses to sustain and prosper.

    As a pivotal gauge of currency equilibrium, oil prices moderated on Thursday in response to data indicating a decline in China’s manufacturing activity. Additionally, investors were attentively awaiting the forthcoming US personal consumption expenditure report scheduled for later in the day.

    KSE-100 crash

    Moreover, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained firmly under the control of bears on Thursday as the benchmark index experienced a substantial drop of nearly 4 per cent, reflecting concerns about the country’s deteriorating economic situation.

    Investors responded with a sense of panic to the escalating rupee-dollar parity, choosing to divest from shares due to apprehensions surrounding an imminent economic crisis.

    Right from the commencement of trading, the KSE-100 index experienced a sharp decline, plummeting by over 1,700 points and breaching the 45,000 level. A prevailing negative sentiment among investors is preventing the index from making any headway into positive territory.

  • ‘Not satisfied with the investigation in Jaranwala incident’: Christian Community

    Grace Bible Fellowship Church Pakistan, a missionary trust, has filed a writ petition through its chairman Peter Charles requesting the court to order a judicial inquiry committee to ensure a fair investigation into and trial of the perpetrators of the Jaranwala incident.

    The petitioner states that an incident of alleged defiling of the Holy Quran, unfortunately, happened in Jaranwala, and through announcements from local mosques, a severe riot took place by a furious mob of Muslim devotees. The mob ransacked the properties of Christian residents, and the riotous elements torched more than 25 churches of and over 50 houses, along with household articles, using petrol bombs.

    Petition submits that the members of the Christian community of the area still live in a state of fear and at risk to their lives and liberty, alleging that the local administration and law enforcement authorities deliberately failed to control the violent mob and the law and order situation.

    It further states that although joint investigation teams (JITs) constituted by the government will submit their findings after completion of due course, which is a time taking practice, whereas the victims seek instant remedies to restore their routine life.

    Expressing its concerns over the working of the JITs, the Christian body says more than 500 suspects were involved in the riots, but the police have only arrested 25 to 30, just to save their skins. It alleges that police officials are also under undue pressure from influential extremist elements.

    The petition pleads that the Christian community is dissatisfied with the performance and discriminating behaviour of the police, as well as the proceedings of the JITs.

    It urges the court to restrain the police from engaging in illegal abduction, harassment and pressurising of the members of the Christian community at the behest of religious elements for any undue, unfair compromise and settlement.

    Advocate Shahbaz Fazal Saroya, the petitioner’s counsel, resubmitted the petition after removing the objections raised by the registrar’s office.

  • PIA bank accounts frozen over non-payment of excise duty

    PIA bank accounts frozen over non-payment of excise duty

    On Thursday, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) froze 13 bank accounts of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) after the airline failed to pay Rs8 billion in Federal Excise Duty (FED).

    PIA bank accounts that are associated with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will also be frozen, FBR officials added.

    “A decision has been made to register a first information report (FIR) against PIA officials for not submitting the FED,” said FBR officials, adding that the duty tax was not submitted despite the accounts being restored last month.

    A PIA spokesperson has said that freezing of bank accounts will not affect PIA’s flight operations.

    “There is contact at the government level. PIA’s accounts will be restored soon,” the spokesperson added.

  • Relief package being prepared for consumers of 400 units of electricity

    Relief package being prepared for consumers of 400 units of electricity

    A relief plan has been prepared for people consuming up to 400 units of electricity.

    As per the sources in the Ministry of Finance, the relief plan for electricity bills has been prepared on an emergency basis. The government is working on providing relief of 250 billion rupees in electricity bills.

    Additionally, sources have said that if the IMF approves the plan, an agreement can be made for 2 months. The Ministry of Finance will give a written guarantee to pay the bills for August and September in installments.

    Withdrawal from the increase of Rs 7 in the basic tariff is being considered along with installments.

  • Govinda showed no interest in ‘Gadar’ over a moral issue

    Govinda showed no interest in ‘Gadar’ over a moral issue

    In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, director Anil Sharma spoke about the casting choices for the original 2001 film ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’. Rumors began circulating that Govinda was considered to play the lead role that eventually went to Sunny Deol. Now, the director has clarified that although the ‘Partner’ actor was not considered for the role, he himself wasn’t interested in the project because the film revolved around Hindu-Muslim conflict:

    “Govinda wasn’t a choice for Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. I had done a film called Maharaja with him. One day, I was just narrating the story of Gadar to him and he told me, ‘I can’t do this film.’ He thought that I was narrating the film to him because I wanted to cast him.”

    “Before narrating the story, I had told him that I have narrated this story to Sunny Deol and I am doing this film with him. Then he asked me, ‘What is the story?’ So then I narrated Gadar’s story to him and he told me, ‘No, I can’t do this film because it has so much Hindu-Muslim conflict.’”

    The director revealed Govinda wasn’t his first choice as the lead role of the movie because he had already set his mind on casting a Punjabi hero like Sunny Deol:

    “That was the small conversation we had about Gadar. Perhaps this misconception remained in his mind that I was offering him the film. But he wasn’t a bad choice, he was the superstar of that time but in my mind, I wanted a Punjabi hero and that could only be Sunny Deol.”

  • Dramatic drop: Pakistan Stock Exchange crashes over 1,700 points amid economic concerns

    Dramatic drop: Pakistan Stock Exchange crashes over 1,700 points amid economic concerns

    On Thursday, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) encountered a challenging session as the primary index witnessed a substantial decline of 3.86 per cent, reflecting a loss of 1,784 points by 2:53 pm. This notable downturn was attributed to growing concerns pertaining to the nation’s economic landscape.

    Investors were worried about the rupee losing value against the dollar. This concern led them to sell off their shares, fearing that the economy could face trouble ahead.

    Right from the start of the trading day, the KSE-100 index saw a big fall of over 1,100 points, taking it below the 46,000 mark. Unfortunately, the index couldn’t bounce back due to low investor confidence.

    By 2:14 PM, the PSX had fallen to 45,139.34 points, a drop of 1,105.21 points compared to the previous day’s close of 46,244.55 points.

    Investors are also keeping an eye on the rupee’s decline, especially since the International Monetary Fund (IMF) won’t review the situation for a few more months. Additionally, there’s uncertainty about investments from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

    If the market keeps falling, some buyers might return, as the index is currently down 8 per cent from its recent high. But a real recovery would need clear information about politics and the economy.

    According to experts, the PSX is under pressure due to the rupee’s continuous slide.

    This could cause inflation to rise, which could affect the next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in September. During that meeting, the central bank might consider raising interest rates again.

    The financial market is worried about public protests against higher power tariffs. If the government tries to please the public with short-term measures, it could complicate talks with the IMF.

    This report serves as an intraday update on the developments in the Pakistan Stock Exchange as of 2:53 pm.

  • Pakistan beats Nepal in first match of Asia Cup

    Pakistan beats Nepal in first match of Asia Cup

    Pakistan beat Nepal by a massive margin of 238 runs in the first match of Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan put up 342 runs in 50 overs, then bowled out Nepalese team on 104 runs in the 24th over.


    In the first inning, Nepali bowlers bowled well, sending Fakhar Zaman back to the pavilion in the 6th over. On the first ball of the 7th over, Imam-ul-Haq ran out on five runs. After that, Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan took the total to 112 with a partnership of 86 runs.

    Rizwan also got run out on 44 runs in the 24th over while Agha Salman was caught out in the 27th over on 125 runs.


    After that Iftikhar Ahmed came to the crease on number six. Babar Azam scored 151 runs with 14 fours and 4 sixes, while Iftikhar also made 109 runs.
    After 49 overs the score was at 331/4. In the 50th over, Sompal took two wickets, with Pakistan finishing at 342 runs. In the last 10 overs of the first inning, Pakistan scored 129 runs with a Run Rate of 12.9 per over.


    In the second inning, Shaheen Afridi took two wickets in the very first over, while Shadab Khan took four wickets and Haris Rauf took two. Naseem and Nawaz took one wicket each.

    Read More: Arshad Nadeem appeals for better training facilities in Pakistan

    Baber Azam also break the record of fastest 19 centuries of South African player Hashim Amla. He complete this goal in 104 matches while Babaz Azam achieved this goal in 102 matches. Virat Kohli is now on No.3 spot with fastest 19 centuries in 124 innings.


    Pakistan will play its 2nd group match of Asia Cup 2023 against India on 2 September at Pallekele stadium. The pitch of the stadium is batter-favouring while spinner performs better then pacers.