Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Pakistan puts brakes on diesel imports: Economic slowdown and smuggling impact

    Pakistan puts brakes on diesel imports: Economic slowdown and smuggling impact

    In response to a drop in demand within Pakistan due to an economic slowdown and smuggling from Iran, the country opted not to import high-speed diesel (HSD) in July.

    Around 70 per cent of Pakistan’s diesel is consumed by its transport and agriculture sectors. However, these sectors have been severely affected by the economic crisis and the fact that Pakistani diesel is more expensive compared to the cheaper Iranian fuel.

    In the same period the previous year, Pakistan imported 162,000 metric tonnes of HSD. An industry expert stated, “The economic slowdown has greatly affected the transport sector’s operations, and even the agricultural sector’s diesel consumption has been low.” He also noted that daily diesel consumption through legal channels had dropped from 22,000 metric tonnes to 15,000 metric tonnes.

    Pakistan State Oil (PSO), the largest oil importer, postponed its planned HSD imports for July because local refineries had enough stock to meet the reduced demand. Another source explained, “If HSD had been imported, refineries would have had to stop operations as the local transport sector wouldn’t have been able to absorb their diesel output.”

    According to Geo, it is expected that PSO will not import HSD in August or September either, given the dim demand outlook and the growing price difference compared to Iranian diesel. Notably, Iranian diesel, which costs around Rs200 per litre in border areas, has become a viable alternative, meeting much of the demand in Pakistan.

    In response to an increase in diesel prices by 7 per cent to Rs293.40 per litre on August 15, the consumption of diesel through legal channels has decreased by approximately a third, according to an industry official.

    Given the ongoing circumstances, officials do not anticipate an improvement in diesel consumption patterns. The expected rise in diesel prices will likely further drive the preference for Iranian diesel in the country.

  • TW: Post mortem report shows 10-year-old Fatima was raped vaginally, anally allegedly by Pir

    TW: Post mortem report shows 10-year-old Fatima was raped vaginally, anally allegedly by Pir

    Qazi Asif, a Sindh based senior journalist, has on Sunday shared the autopsy report of 10-year-old Fatima who was found dead in suspicious circumstances at the haveli of a pir in Ranipur. Viral footage filmed most likely on CCTV cameras inside one of the bedrooms in the house showed the child collapsing on the ground, after rising up in a distressed state from a makeshift bed on the ground.

    A man, purportedly Pir Asad Shah Jelani, a member of the notable Pirs of Ranipur, can allegedly be seen in the video, rising from bed and trying to wake the girl up.

    The post mortem examination has confirmed her parents’ fears, revealing that the 10-year-old domestic worker was raped both vaginally and anally. The report also pointed out multiple injuries all over her body.

    Children rights activist and veteran actress Nadia Jamil, among other public figures, had condemned the incident and demanded that the authorities hold the abuser accountable.

  • What’s the point of helping them now?

    What’s the point of helping them now?

    This week started off with the commemoration of Pakistan’s 76th year of Independence. Despite the current political uncertainty and economic instability, the flag was hoisted high by the president; the national anthem was recited; and as per tradition, the lit roads were taken over by youth dressed in green and white.

    And while passionate speeches were made praising the sacrifices of those who fought for the freedom of Pakistan, somewhere in the district of Faisalabad, an inaudible alarm of impending destruction rang through.

    On August 16, a mob of hundreds of people attacked the Christian community in Jaranwala over alleged blasphemy allegations against two Christian residents. By night, the Christians in Jaranwala were homeless in their own hometown. Even the churches, burnt and destroyed, could not accommodate its people in need.

    Members of our team visited Jaranwala yesterday and came back emotionally dazed after witnessing the helplessness and hopelessness of the Christian community. “What is the point of helping us now? Everything has been ruined,” one woman cried to us. And we could do nothing, say nothing to make her feel better.

    The people in that mob who wrecked an entire community are inheritors of the same freedom that is signalled to us on national television with pride. It is the freedom that was equally granted to Christians, Hindus, Ahmadis, and Sikhs along with Muslims. But somewhere along the way, it became the right of only one. Somewhere along the way, freedom became sectarian violence. Somewhere along the way, freedom became intolerance. And somewhere along the way, our freedom divided us.

    And so, today we mourn and deplore the horrors of mob violence for the umpteenth time.

    We continue to steer forward through blood and debris without minding the rotting smell of state’s conscience.

    Perhaps it is time to redefine ‘freedom’ in Pakistan. Like privilege, it only serves a few and obliterates the rest. Like hope, it is a yearning; but elusive as a mirage. Like tragedy, it has become our nightmare amidst all that could have been.

  • Bangladesh cricketer Muhammad Naim walks through fire to prepare for Asia Cup

    Bangladesh cricketer Muhammad Naim walks through fire to prepare for Asia Cup

    Bangladesh cricket team opener Muhammad Naim shocked cricket fans when his video went viral on social media. In the clip, Muhammad Naim can be seen walking on fire to prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup.


    Muhammad Naim walks on foot in the fire, following the instructions of a man who is said to be a famed mind trainer in Bangladesh.

    Social media has speculated that the mind trainer was Sabit Rayhan. He has previously worked with Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)’s franchise Rangpur Riders.


    Muhammad Naim is the part of Bangladesh cricket squad announced for Asia Cup 2023.

  • Pilot suspended after video shows him wielding axe, hitting parking lot gate

    Pilot suspended after video shows him wielding axe, hitting parking lot gate

    A viral video shows United Airlines pilot Kenneth Henderson Jones, 63, taking out his anger at a parking lot gate with an axe. NBC has reported that the man was arrested by authorities on Friday on charges of criminal mischief.

    According to the sheriff, parking lot employee Rick Stephens confronted Jones but he refused to drop the axe. Both men were uninjured during the confrontation, and the pilot lost possession of the weapon.

    Kenneth ran across the street and behind a building and stayed in a field until he was contacted by the Denver police, the report revealed.

    James said he was in his car when he came upon six vehicles waiting behind the three gates. Which is when “Kenneth started by saying he just hit his breaking point,” according to the sheriff.

    James said he grabbed the axe out of his vehicle and was only “trying to get rid of issues for everyone waiting.”

  • Zoya Akhtar responds to backlash over Muslim representation in her films

    Zoya Akhtar responds to backlash over Muslim representation in her films

    Zoya Akhtar has been long criticised by social media users for the manner in which Muslims are represented in her films and dramas. The critically acclaimed series ‘Made In Heaven’, airing on Amazon Prime, prompted several users to criticise the director, who is the sister of actor Farhan Akhtar and daughter of Javed Akhtar, for episode 6. The criticism focused on the aspect that only polygamy marriages among Muslims are depicted rather the oppression or violence the community suffers from in India. The episode focuses on a woman Shehnaz, who attempts to kill herself after her husband gets married for the second time.

    On Instagram, Zoya finally responded by responding to a commentator who asked her to show positive Muslim characters, and stop relying on regressive stereotypes.

    The ‘Dil Dhadhakne Do’ director answered by listing several films where she had Muslim characters like Gully Boy, ‘Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara’, ‘Luck By Chance’:

    “Zaffar Khan and Tanveer in Luck By Chance. Imran and Laila in ZNMD. Farah Ali in Dil Dhadakne Do. Practically everyone in Gully Boy. Sarfaraz Khan and Leila Shirazi, Kabir, Faiza and Nawab have in Made In Heaven.”

  • TW: UK police launch hunt for Pakistani father after daughter found dead in Surrey home

    TW: UK police launch hunt for Pakistani father after daughter found dead in Surrey home

    Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old girl, has been found dead in her home in Surrey with multiple injuries inflicted over her body. Her father, along with the child’s step mother and their five children, have seemingly left for Pakistan.

    According to the Surrey police, Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool, along with five children, left for Pakistan on Wednesday 9 August. The next day, Sara’s body was discovered in their home in Woking. Sharif made a call to the police station, after which officials arrived to discover the dead body.

    Sara’s body has multiple injuries, inflicted over a period of time, police have said.

    In a press release to the media, Detective Mark Chapman said the Surrey Police was working with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Interpol, National Crime Agency, Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office to ensure that the culprits are caught and brought to swift action.

    “Firstly, on behalf of Surrey Police, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences following Sara’s tragic death,” Chapman said. “Our thoughts are with her mother at this difficult time. We also fully appreciate the impact this devastating incident will have had within the local community,” he stated.

    “While the postmortem has not provided us with an established cause of death at this time, the fact that we now know that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period has significantly changed the nature of our investigation, and we have widened the timescale of the focus of our inquiry.

    “As a result, we are trying to piece together a picture of Sara’s lifestyle but we cannot do this without the public’s help. That is why we are appealing for anyone who knew Sara, had any form of contact with her, or has any other information about her, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to come forward as soon as possible.”

  • Cricket legends unite: Star-studded commentary panel revealed for Asia Cup 2023

    Cricket legends unite: Star-studded commentary panel revealed for Asia Cup 2023

    The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled the impressive roster of commentators set to headline the eagerly anticipated 50-over Asia Cup 2023. The tournament is set to unfold in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, promising cricket enthusiasts an enthralling experience.

    A lineup of cricket legends is poised to represent Pakistan on the commentary panel. The quartet of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Aamer Sohail, and Bazid Khan will bring their extensive expertise to the table. Notably, Australian cricket sensation Matthew Hayden will also grace the commentary box, offering his unique insights.

    India’s presence on the commentary panel is equally noteworthy. Renowned figures including Ravi Shastri, Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Sanjay Bangar, Piyush Chawla, Sanjay Manjrekar, Deep Dasgupta, Mohammad Kaif, Aditya Tare, and Rajat Bhatia will provide comprehensive analysis and commentary.

    The commentary panel will also feature the esteemed contributions of former cricket luminaries such as Marvan Atapattu, Dominic Cork, and Andy Flower. Their insights will enrich the coverage of the 13-match, 50-over Asia Cup.

    In a surprising turn of events, cricket enthusiasts will notice the absence of renowned cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja and Indian cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle from the commentary panel.

    Complete panel:

    The panel comprises a comprehensive range of experts, including:

    • Wasim Akram
    • Waqar Younis
    • Aamer Sohail
    • Bazid Khan
    • Matthew Hayden
    • Andy Flower
    • Dominic Cork
    • Marvan Atapattu
    • Ravi Shastri
    • Gautam Gambhir
    • Harbhajan Singh
    • Irfan Pathan
    • Sanjay Bangar
    • Piyush Chawla
    • Sanjay Manjrekar
    • Deep Dasgupta
    • Mohammad Kaif
    • Aditya Tare
    • Rajat Bhatia

    The prestigious tournament will kick off with Pakistan locking horns with Nepal on August 30th at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The event will be marked by an extravagant opening ceremony. A highly anticipated encounter between arch-rivals Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, and India is scheduled for September 2nd at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This clash promises to be a major highlight of the event.

  • Is Umar Akmal Joining PML-N?

    Cricketer Umar Akmal has met former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in London. Following the moot, rumors begun circulating on social media that Akmal might be joining Pakistan Muslim League-Noon (PML-N).

    However, while talking to the media, Umar Akmal said “I have made a special request to Nawaz Sharif and he hoped it will be accepted,”. Adding that he thankful to the PML-N head for taking time out for him. “It is an honor for me,”. He stated but did not reveal the nature of his request.
    When someone asked him about the status of Pakistan Cricket, Akmal said “It will be improved when Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan.”

    In 2020 Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suspended Umar Akmal from playing cricket under their Anti-Corruption Code. But he was allowed to play domestic cricket.

    Faheem Ashraf has also met Nawaz Sharif in London last year. He played his last match in 2021. However, he has been included in the squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan starting on August 22 2023 and also for Asia Cup 2023.

  • Punjab Police says officer seen beating journalist is mentally ill, receiving treatment

    Punjab Police says officer seen beating journalist is mentally ill, receiving treatment

    Punjab Police have said in an official statement that their constable filmed beating a journalist, is mentally ill.

    The video shows a police officer on a motorcycle being stopped by a journalist and questioned about the missing number plate of his vehicle. Upon confrontation, the policeman slaps the journalist. Later, he hits out at other people who tried to stop the feud. The video stoked outrage on social media, with many users condemning the brutality displayed by the officer and demanding that strict action be taken.

    Punjab Police have released a statement on their Twitter account, while Inspector General Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar has also addressed the violent feud, saying that the police officer in question is a constable who is mentally ill, and is currently being provided treatment.

    The constable has also been taking absences from his work, the police have said.

    The IGP went on to talk about the launch of an initiative that involves psychosocial profiles of 200 police officers across the province, reassuring constables that the purpose of these measurements was to ensure that they were all screened against 10 conditions and that it will provide counselling and treatment to affected employees.