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Author: News Desk

  • Azaadi sales you must check out this weekend

    Happy Independence weekend! As the independence day draws closer, you’re probably wondering about whether good discounts are being offered by stores to celebrate the joyous day. We have to tell you that there definitely are! Swipe through this list for some good places that are offering amazing discounts which you should check out.

    Starlet Shoes

    Looking for a classy pair of slippers or khussas that will make your outfit pop? Startlet shoes is currently offering a 25% discount on all of their brands just this weekend! So don’t forget to visit their store!

    Takhleeq Handmade Jewelry

    If jewelry featuring the cresent moon or stars is the aesthetic you’re looking for, then definitely check out this local brand that is offering gorgeous pairs of earrings, necklaces and even rings they are currently displaying on their website. And TBH, these earrings are what we’ll be pairing with our outfits for the rest of the year.

    Gul Ahmed

    The bright, alluring colors of Gul Ahmed are about to make your Independence weekend a little more joyous than before. The brand is currently offering a discount of 30% on all their collections!

    Orah

    If there is anything a woman wants more than anything in her life, its a crescent and moon ring. Check out this local brand and their gorgeous rings displayed on their Instagram page, which are available at a discount of 30% on their website!

  • Fact-check: Is the legislator being teased by a colleague in this viral video Caretaker PM Kakar?

    Fact-check: Is the legislator being teased by a colleague in this viral video Caretaker PM Kakar?

    Many accounts on X (formerly Twitter) are claiming that someone in parliament literally snapped Anwaar ul Haq Kakar’s ear.

    Fact

    PPP MNA Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari was teasing his fellow MNA Pir Ameer Ali Shah Jeelani.

    PML-N leader Khawaja Asif also tweeted that the caretaker PM is a senator, and this video is of a PPP MNA in the National Assembly.

    Nitizen Saad Kaisar tweeted that “Whoever did this to the caretaker PM, woh abh apni khair manaye” to which Deputy Secretary General PMLN Pakistan Ataullah Tarar replied that “This isn’t Kakar sb.”

    This is just the beginning, let’s see how many fact-checks will be needed during Anwaar ul Haq Kaakar’s tenure as Interim Prime Minister.

  • Beat the weekend blues with some entertaining Korean dramas

    Beat the weekend blues with some entertaining Korean dramas

    The weekend is here and we know you need to divert your attention from politician shenanigans. We get it, your brain is completely drained and you can’t make a decision on what show to watch. You need a change, a good distraction so we’re suggesting Korean dramas.

    Yeah okay, you can’t watch shows with subtitles because its too distracting (but then how did you grow up watching Bollywood because their shows have different accents too, right?) It’s true that many of us are completely taken aback by how quickly and suddenly the Korean wave has gripped the entire world. But most importantly, how did Korean dramas suddenly become every woman’s comfort show?

    I’ve been watching Korean dramas for the past three years and one of the things that drew me in was the gorgeous story telling, and how women in these shows were complex, well written, never shying away from reveling in their internal conflicts and desires to be the way they want to be. Coming from a lifetime of watching Bollywood or local television dramas where dramas written for women involved sexism, violence, or poorly, flat characters ending with happy marriages, changing my comfort watch seemed more like putting my mind at ease. Another thing, people commonly have shared as a token aspect they have come to adore about Korean dramas is how they offer an escape to a reality and culture completely different from their own. Quite commonly since the pandemic began and more people were locked up inside, Korean content offered a sense of ease with its architecture, the food or customs, and even how themes like building your own family offered a sense of relief for millennials bound by patriarchal customs of South Asian countries.

    Give your doubts some ease, and take our advice that yes, there is a good reason why you won’t stop hearing Jung Kook’s ‘Seven’ on the radio. Take it from us and dedicate your Saturday night to one of these five recommendations we’re offering you, based on some of popular tropes loved by social media users.

    If you love high school romances, then watch ‘True Beauty’

    If high-school romances are what you love, then this is the drama you should watch. And also, if you’re completely into watching hot men, then yes Chan Eun-Woo is a good option. It follows an insecure teenager Lim Joo kyung, who was bullied for her looks and decides to change schools, as well as start wearing more makeup. As she navigates learning to be comfortable in her own skin, as well as her budding romance with the school’s resident hot boy Lee Su-hoo, you won’t help but get drawn into the wholesome storytelling, as well as how lovable and endearing Joo kyung is.

    ‘Fake dating but he falls harder for her’? Take ‘Her Private Life’

    Deok Mi has a secret- she’s obsessed with the boyband White Ocean, like she’s obsessed OBSESSED. Watches all their concerts, runs a fan blog dedicated to Cha Si-An, even has posters all over her apartment. But when during a work assignment, she is snapped by paparazzi and mistaken to be Si-An’s girlfriend, quickly turns her into a target for hyper fan girls and makes her life even harder. When her boss, the uptight, stingy Ryan Gold steps into pretend to be her boyfriend to dispel the rumors, they agree to date until the rumors die down and everyone is convinced Si-An is taken. Ryan even has someone else, nothing will happen right…right?

    Friends to lovers will make you wail, but not the way ‘Romance Is A Bonus Book’ will.

    The worst day of Cha Eun-Ho’s life was when the longtime love of his life, and childhood best friend Dan-I married her high school sweetheart, completely sealing his heart to the possibility that anyone would suit him as he ascends the world of publishing. But the ground completely crumbles under his feet when he finds out that five years later after they cut off contact, Dan-I is homeless after her husband abandoned her and their daughter to make a new family. The two decide to live together, much to Eun-Ho’s dismay, as Dan-I takes on a job as an intern and obscures her CV to pretend she is a college dropout, not a marketing professional with years of experience. But as much as the two try to remain friends to keep their plot going, Eun-Ho realises he isn’t over Dan-i, and neither is she over him.

    Enemies to lovers is *chef’s kiss*? ‘Shooting Stars’ will make you wish you had someone

    Oh Han-Byul is the cranky, over-worked PR manager working for a leading celebrity agency, where she is directly responsible for handling Korea’s top celebrity, Gong Tae-Sun. His endless requests and hectic fanbase is the reason why Han Byul has a depleting dating life, no social skills, and a lifelong agenda to be the one to put Tae Sung in his grave. But as a scandal emerges which puts their relationship in a different light the two realised they are both heading towards a path that would be difficult to turn back from.

    He’s a human, she’s an immortal being? ‘Legend of the blue sea’ is definitely for you

    Forbidden love between an immortal being and a mortal will clench your heart, but this korean drama will become the reason why you cancel the last part of your social life. Heo Jung-Jae is a con-artist, a way to support himself after cutting off his father and supporting himself. He tricks billionaires into handing them their valuable assets to him, and escapes without a trace. But during a vacation to Spain, his accidental encounter with the mermaid Shim Cheong forces him to confide into his past life as a Joseon emperor who made the fatal mistake to fall in love with a mermaid and brought about his doom.

  • Anwaar ul Haq Kaakar is the caretaker PM; here’s what we see on Twitter

    Anwaar ul Haq Kaakar is the caretaker PM; here’s what we see on Twitter

    Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, who belongs to the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), has been made caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, and here’s what Pakistani politicians and journalists are saying about it.

    Former PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry welcomed the decision and declared it good news for Pakistan.

    PMLN leader Marriyum Aurangzeb mentions that the advice has been sent to the president of Pakistan after being signed by the prime minister and opposition leader.

    Politician and spokesperson ANP Markaz Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Samar Haroon Bilour shared how they’re related and tweeted: “Who knew a decade ago when our siblings got married, life would turn out like this.”

    Senator Sehar Kamran tweeted that his nomination is well-deserved.

    Former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador of Pakistan to the US Jalil Abbas Jilani wishes him good luck.

    Journalist and anchorperson Absa Komal mentioned how Kaakar is a well-read person.

    Analyst Fahd Hussain applauded the decision while commenting on Kaakar that “he commands respect across the political divide”.

    Journalist and columnist Asma Shirazi has a witty take on this announcement.

    Journalist and analyst Zarrar Khuro references a season “The Boys.”

    Journalist and author Azaz Syed said Kakar has a good understanding of regional and global issues and mentioned Kakar’s close links with the establishment.

    Anwaar ul Haq Kaakar’s prime responsibility is to make sure that the upcoming general elections are conducted timely and fairly.

  • ‘Degraded descendant of Bond thrillers’: Gal Gadot, Alia Bhatt’s spy film Heart of Stone slammed by critics

    ‘Degraded descendant of Bond thrillers’: Gal Gadot, Alia Bhatt’s spy film Heart of Stone slammed by critics

    ‘Heart of Stone’, Netflix’s new thriller starring Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt and Gal Gadot has brought out every critic’s stone heart. The spy thriller about an international secret agent who must use all means to protect the mysterious MacGuffin known as ‘Heart of Stone’ has been slammed by critics for its generic plot and poor performances with a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 4.9/10.

    Variety called the film “joyless, convoluted, and sludgy-looking” as well as a “degraded descendant of Bond thrillers”. Their review described the film as a laborious two hours long weary form of bloat without a plot and an endless chain of events filled with action sequences.

    Mashable wrote that the film has glaring similarities with Tom Cruise’s ‘Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part One”, calling it a “flimsy action knock-off” and also said that the assemble of the star-studded cast, including ’50 Shades Of Grey’s” Jamie Dornan, failed to charm owing to a bad script that gave them little content to start with.

    Giving it a meagre 2/5 stars, Indian Express wrote that Alia Bhatt’s talent had been wasted, as this was the Bollywood actor’s debut Hollywood project- pointing out how she was minimised when her talent could have been utilized better. Their review futher criticised the film’s poor dialogue and overuse of character’s talking in cliche’s like  “You know what you signed up for”, and, “Behind you!” or the limited ways their roles were fleshed out throughout the film.

  • WhatsApp introduces multi-account feature for beta users

    WhatsApp introduces multi-account feature for beta users

    WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has rolled out a new multi-account system, streamlining the user experience. Users can now log into multiple accounts simultaneously, eliminating the need for device switching.

    The feature, after being tested in the WhatsApp Business beta, is now available for some beta testers through the Google Play Store update (version 2.23.17.8). Adding a new account is simple; tapping the arrow icon next to the QR code button allows users to switch between accounts easily. Added accounts remain on the device until logged out.

    This update simplifies the management of various conversations, from private chats to professional exchanges. Chats and notifications stay separate for each account, ensuring a smooth transition between them without requiring multiple devices or apps.

    WhatsApp’s website facilitates managing multiple accounts on one device without setting up separate configurations. This innovation underscores WhatsApp’s commitment to enhancing user connectivity and efficiency.

    As digital communication evolves, WhatsApp continues to pioneer practical solutions. The new multi-account feature reflects the platform’s dedication to adapting and empowering users in their digital interactions.

  • Prince William not ready to reconcile with brother Prince Harry, despite Kate Middleton’s efforts

    Prince William not ready to reconcile with brother Prince Harry, despite Kate Middleton’s efforts

    Since Prince Harry made public his feud with brother Prince William and his wife Princess Kate over what he said was their reluctance to accept Meghan Markle, reports reveal that the two brothers are no longer on speaking terms with each other. However, it seems like Princess Kate has been doing her best behind the scenes to ensure that the two brothers can resolve their differences and become good friends like they were before.

    Royal author Robert Jobson revealed to The Express that King Charles III is desperate to meet his grand children, and Kate has been making her best efforts to ensure that the situation is ressolved:

    “I’m not sure how much dialogue there is with William and Harry, at the moment, I think the only person that is helping the situation is Catherine, who is doing a brilliant job. First of all when the king wants to see his grandchildren, for example, it’s important to say that a lot of it has been through Catherine. But William and Harry, it’s a difficult one. I think as brothers they are more likely to get on the phone and have a conversation.”

    Jobson added:

    “It’s quite possible that one of them might pick up the phone to have a rant, but who’s gonna pick up the phone on the other end? Because that’s not gonna achieve anything. There’s also a lot of lack of trust. At the moment between all the members of the family and Harry about where this information is going, because a lot of stuff has appeared in print by him.”

    The two brothers have reportedly zero communication with one another, a report by The Express claims. A few days ago the royal family website removed Prince Harry’s titles from their website, proving that Harry was no longer invited to the royal inner circle.

    Jobson saif that Harry had made enemies with Queen Camilla, and that King Charles III was allowing the ‘dust to settle’:

    “There is zero communication between father and second son, he has made enemies of William and Camilla, even Catherine. If Harry was in any doubt he was out, that website update has left him in no doubt. The move to strip them – or technically not allow usage of – the Sussex title was right. It wasn’t vindictive, just clear, proper ands right – if a little slow, but that’s the palace for you and all this ‘new fangled technology’.”

  • IHC summons Toshakhana case records for PTI Chairman’s Trial

    IHC summons Toshakhana case records for PTI Chairman’s Trial

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has taken steps to obtain the records of the Toshakhana case involving the imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman, Imran Khan, who is currently serving time in Attock Jail.

    The division bench of the IHC, comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, issued the directive in response to Imran’s appeal against his conviction in the Toshakhana case.

    In an official statement released today, the IHC has issued an order to the district election commissioner of Islamabad which states, “Notice to the respondent. Office is directed to requisition the record of the learned Trial Court.”

    On August 5, a District and Sessions Court gave a three-year prison sentence to the PTI chairman as part of the Toshakhana criminal case.

    The court also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 on Imran Khan. Additionally, the former prime minister was prohibited from holding any public office for a duration of five years.

    The court’s verdict emphasized that the former prime minister had knowingly provided false information regarding Toshakhana gifts to the ECP and was found guilty of engaging in corrupt practices.

    Subsequently, he was arrested from his residence in Zaman Park, Lahore, and transferred to Attock Jail.

  • Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is the caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan

    The suspense is over. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, who belongs to Balochistan Awami Party, has been made caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan.

    Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, elected to the Pakistani Senate from Balochistan in March 2018, previously worked as the advisor to Chief Minister of Balochistan’s information department from January to March 2018 and as the government of Balochistan’s spokesperson from December 2015 to January 2018.
    He has often spoken about on academic and policy-making platforms as an avid book reader and ardent thinker with an understanding of the problems faced by Pakistan’s restive Baloch province.

    Senator Kakar holds a hopeful vision for a powerful Balochistan, committed to the Pakistani nation.

    He graduated from the National Defence University in Islamabad with a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology. English, Urdu, Persian, Pushto, Balochi, and Brahvi are all spoken by him with ease.

  • Chronology of Events Leading to No-Confidence Motion Vote

    Chronology of Events Leading to No-Confidence Motion Vote

    Despite the PTI-led government’s efforts to make the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan unsuccessful, the vote occurred on April 10, aligning with the Supreme Court’s orders.

    However, the voting on the motion wasn’t a sudden decision made shortly after an opposition leader’s move. It comprised months of extensive planning to set the motion against the Prime Minister into reality.

    By the end of 2021 — PPP begins convincing PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif to initiate a vote of no confidence against PM Imran Khan.

    November 28, 2021 — PPP’s Khursheed Shah hints at a possible internal shift within the Parliament, stating that the opposition would possess sufficient numerical strength to remove Imran Khan from office.

    December 24, 2021 — Ayaz Sadiq, a leader of PML-N, also endorses that the opposition is inpreparations for an internal shift in power.

    January 11, 2022 — Khawaja Asif, a leader of PML-N, maintains that the government had lost its majority, indicating that a change within the legislature was about to happen.

    January 18, 2022 — PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari states that a vote of no confidence against the senate chairman wouldn’t result in the power shift. He emphasizes that the opposition intends to bring change in leadership at the highest level by aiming to remove the Prime Minister from his office.

    January 21, 2022 — Ayaz Sadiq remarks that the opposition is prepared for a vote of no confidence against the PM, and the timing of this action will be determined at a later stage.

    February 7, 2022 — PML-N and PPP formally consult on a motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister. PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif assures the party’s readiness for this step under the guidance of Nawaz Sharif. Subsequently, both parties initiate communication with other opposition groups and government allies.

    February 8, 2022 — Shahbaz Sharif introduces the idea of a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister to MQM-P; Amir Khan, leader of MQM-P, declares to present the proposal to the party’s committee for further discussion.

    February 11, 2022 — Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), speaking on behalf of the opposition, declares the intention to initiate a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister.

    In the middle of these developments, the government remained dismissive of the risk and openly challenged the opposition to formally present the no-confidence motion.

    February 14, 2022 — Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi shares the intention of the government to counter the no-confidence motion through political means, emphasizing the impartiality of the process as the “umpire” is also neutral.

    February 18, 2022 — PMLQ leader Pervaiz Elahi, who was the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly at the time, and MQM-P leader Amir Khan meet to jointly announce their decision to remain aligned with the government and not withdraw their support.

    February 22, 2022 — Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed challenges the opposition, daring them to gather the support of 172 Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) in their ranks.

    February 23, 2022 (When the Prime Minister departed for his visit to Russia) — Defense Minister Pervez Khattak expresses confidence that the supposed no-confidence motion would not be presented, stating that it was a challenging task to have PTI MNAs in favor of it.

    Assessing the statements, one can conclude that the government did not take the no-confidence motion with a substantial level of seriousness.

    March 8, 2022 — The opposition tables a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    March 9, 2022 — Prime Minister Imran Khan remarks that PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is hin “gun’s crosshairs”, expressing eagerness for the opposition to bring forth a no-confidence motion against him.

    March 10, 2022 — Bilawal responds to PM Imran Khan’s warning towards Zardari, describing it as “intolerable” and warning the Prime Minister to prepare for the potential repercussions.

    March 10, 2022 — Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry states that the armed forces are aligned with the government.

    March 10, 2022 — Islamabad police starts an operation in Parliament Lodges, resulting in the arrest of over a dozen Ansar-ul-Islam workers and two Members of the National Assembly (MNAs).

    March 11, 2022 — After the release of JUI-F workers and leaders, the party’s leader Fazlur Rehman cancels nationwide protests.

    March 11, 2022 — Sheikh Rasheed announces that the security of Parliament House and Parliament Lodges will be under paramilitary Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) on the day of the National Assembly vote regarding the no-confidence motion.

    March 11, 2022 — Prime Minister Imran Khan verbally attacks three prominent opposition figures – Fazl, Zardari, and Shahbaz.

    March 12, 2022 — Nawaz Sharif and aggrieved PTI leader Aleem Khan discuss the no-confidence motion in London.

    March 12, 2022 — Sheikh Rasheed and PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi get into verbal exchanges, highlighting growing tensions within the government’s coalition as signs of division become apparent.

    March 13, 2022 — Key ally MQM-P states that they are considering all possible “options” regarding the no-confidence motion.

    March 14, 2022 — PPP and MQM-P reach an agreement to collaborate and work together for the country’s “greater interest.”

    March 15, 2022 — PM Imran Khan declares that the nation is willing to face challenges alongside him instead of endorsing what he referred to as the “three stooges,” indicating someopposition leaders.

    March 16, 2022 — Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Pervaiz Elahi, asserts that 10-12 lawmakers from the government are under the “safe custody” of the opposition.

    March 18, 2022 — It comes to light that approximately 24 members of the PTI were residing at the Sindh House. The PTI declares it will issue show-cause notices to the dissenting MPs. In response, PTI supporters engaged in violent behavior, forcefully entering Sindh House premises.

    March 21, 2022 — The government submits a reference to the Supreme Court seeking clarification on the interpretation of Article 63(A).

    March 27, 2022 — PM Imran Khan alleges that the opposition’s motion of no-confidence is part of a “foreign-funded conspiracy” designed to remove him from power. These claims were made at a PTI-organized rally in Islamabad.

    March 28, 2022 — The leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Shahbaz Sharif, officially tables a no-confidence resolution against PM Imran Khan.

    March 28, 2022 — PTI secures assurance of support from PML-Q as Usman Buzdar steps down, making way for Pervaiz Elahi to be the new chief minister. Meanwhile, the government’s ally BAP sides with the opposition.

    March 28, 2022 — Independent Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Balochistan, Mohammad Aslam Bhootani, resigns from the ruling coalition and aligns with the opposition.

    March 30, 2022 — PTI’s majority in the National Assembly significantly reduces as MQM-P announces its decision to discontinue its alliance with the government.

    March 31, 2022 — The National Assembly session scheduled for the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan postpones till April 3rd.

    March 31, 2022 — PM Imran Khan mentions the US as the sender of a “threatening letter” during a speech to the nation, which he later clarifies as “a slip of the tongue.”

    April 1, 2022 — Both the State Department and the White House jointly reject PM Imran Khan’s allegations.

    April 2, 2022 — On the eve of the no-confidence motion, PM Imran Khan appeals to the youth to demonstrate against what he considers as a “foreign conspiracy.”

    April 3, 2022 — NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri dismisses the no-confidence motion, statingit to be “unconstitutional,” and concludes the proceedings. President Arif Alvi dissolves the National Assembly based on PM Imran Khan’s orders. The Supreme Court initiates suo motu notice of the political situation. PM Imran Khan attributes the “threat letter” to US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu.

    April 7, 2022 — The Supreme Court reinstates the National Assembly, ruling that the government’s dissolution of the assembly and Qasim Suri’s decision were unconstitutional. The court directs NA Speaker Asad Qaiser to convene a session of the assembly on Saturday.

    April 8, 2022 — Just a day before the scheduled vote on the no-confidence motion, the Prime Minister states that he wouldn’t tolerate the establishment of a “foreign government” and would seek public support if any such thing happens.

    April 9-10, 2022 — PTI’s elected speaker, Asad Qaiser, convenes the session for the vote on the no-confidence motion at 10:30 am. PTI attempts to hinder the vote proceedings throughout the session. However, moments before midnight, Qaiser resigns from his position and passes the speaker’s seat to Ayaz Sadiq, who then presides over the session for the no-confidence motion. Following Sadiq’s assumption of the speaker’s role, 174 members of the opposition cast their votes in favor of the motion, resulting in the removal of Imran Khan from the position of Prime Minister.