Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • PIA’s privatisation plan gets nod from Cabinet Committee

    PIA’s privatisation plan gets nod from Cabinet Committee

    In a significant development aimed at reviving the fortunes of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) has given its unanimous approval for the privatisation of the national carrier. The decision was reached during a recent session of the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation, chaired by Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar.

    The meeting deliberated on a proposal presented by the Privatisation Commission, advocating for the inclusion of Pakistan International Airlines Co. Ltd. (PIACL) in the ongoing privatisation programme. After thorough consideration and following a crucial amendment in the parliamentary law, the CCoP decided to formally incorporate Pakistan International Airlines Co. Ltd. (PIA) into the list of active privatisation projects.

    A significant aspect of the meeting’s agenda was the Privatisation Division’s detailed presentation on the progress of the Roosevelt Hotel’s privatisation. The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation engaged in an extensive discussion and subsequently granted its consent to the Privatisation Commission’s plan to appoint a Financial Adviser. This Financial Adviser will play a pivotal role in structuring and facilitating transactions related to the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, an asset owned by PIA Investment Limited (PIA-IL).

    Highlighting the urgent need for corrective action, Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique had previously issued a stark warning regarding PIA’s financial trajectory. If immediate measures were not undertaken, the airline could potentially incur staggering losses amounting to Rs259 billion by the year 2030. Minister Rafique stressed that the transfer of administrative control to the private sector, along with the injection of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), was essential to mitigate these looming financial challenges.

    In pursuit of this objective, Minister Rafique tabled “The Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) (Amendment) Bill, 2023” before the Senate. The proposed amendment to Section 3 of the bill seeks to redefine the ownership and privileges of the company’s shareholders. Additionally, the bill empowers the Federal Government to issue fresh shares or cancel existing ones, further facilitating the necessary structural changes.

    Despite the bold vision presented by Minister Rafique, the bill encountered resistance within the Senate. While emphasising the potential benefits of FDI and private sector involvement, the bill’s proponents faced opposition from certain Senators. In light of these differing perspectives, the Senate Chairman has referred the matter to the relevant standing committee for further deliberation.

    As Pakistan International Airlines embarks on this transformative journey towards privatisation, the nation awaits the outcome of these critical discussions, cognizant of the substantial implications for both the airline industry and the country’s economic landscape.

  • Loch Ness Monster quest embarks on its largest search

    A significant high-tech quest is about to launch in Scotland with the aim of unearthing the enduring mystery of the Loch Ness Monster, as reported by BBC.

    The search, slated for August 26 and 27, marks the most considerable effort since the extensive study carried out by the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau in 1972.

    The Loch Ness Centre and a group of passionate volunteers collectively known as Loch Ness Exploration are spearheading the ambitious project, aiming to utilize cutting-edge technology, including drones equipped with infrared cameras and hydrophones for detecting unusual underwater sounds.

    The use of these high-tech tools in the pursuit of the mythical creature, popularly known as Nessie, signifies a level of sophistication not seen in previous searches. Volunteers will also watch from safe vantage points onshore, scanning the water for any signs of the reputed beast.

    Interest in the Loch Ness Monster was sparked in the 1930s when Aldie Mackay, a hotel manageress, reported seeing a creature that resembled a whale, with the loch’s water “cascading and churning” around it. Despite the absence of concrete evidence, the legend has held a firm grip on the public’s imagination, with the myth tracing its roots back to the middle ages.

    In addition to the search effort, the organizers are also offering trips on the loch during the month’s investigation for those willing to participate in this intriguing quest.

  • IHC to hear PTI petition about Imran Khan’s transfer to Adiala Jail

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will hear a petition asking that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be transferred from Attock Jail to Adiala Jail after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman was sentenced to three years incarceration in the Tosha Khana case.

    IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq will hear the petition today. Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had filed a petition in the IHC to transfer Imran Khan from Attock Jail to Adiala Jail to get A-class facilities.

    “Keeping in view the petitioner’s social and political status, his education, and his being accustomed to a better living style, the Petitioner was entitled to A-Class facilities in terms of Rule 243 read with Rule 248 of the Pakistan Prison Rules,” the petition read.

    It is also requested in the plea that personal physicians and family members be allowed to meet him.

    Imran Khan’s lawyer said on Monday, after meeting his client in jail, that Imran Khan has been kept in an unhygienic and suffocating environment. However, he stressed that Khan’s morale was high.

  • Robots tell UN conference they can run the world better than humans with help of AI

    Robots tell UN conference they can run the world better than humans with help of AI

    AI-powered humanoid robots stole the spotlight at a United Nations summit in Geneva, boldly claiming they could run the world more efficiently than humans. These robots, like Sophia from Hanson Robotics and Ameca with a lifelike artificial head, gathered at the AI for Good Global Summit, where around 3,000 experts aimed to figure out how AI could tackle big problems like climate change and social care.

    While the robots proudly touted their knack for crunching unbiased data, they also recognised that humans bring the emotional smarts and creativity needed for making smart decisions. The summit made history by hosting a news conference with a panel of AI-enabled humanoid social robots, a first-of-its-kind event.

    The UN’s ITU tech agency, which organised the summit, also highlighted the downsides of rushing into AI without caution. Job losses and social unrest are concerns, the agency warned. The robots had mixed views on whether there should be global rules for AI. Some urged careful discussions about rules, while others were all about embracing the potential without holding back.

    However, these robots, despite their impressive abilities, confessed that they can’t quite grasp human emotions yet. They admitted that human feelings, like joy and pain, are a mystery to them. Although they understand that emotions matter, they made it clear that they can’t really share those feelings.

    This conference shone a light on the exciting possibilities and tough challenges of AI’s growth. It started conversations about using AI in ways that make sense and don’t cause harm to our society. As AI keeps getting smarter, these humanoid robots remind us that we need to be smart about how we use it in our world.

  • No shower in washroom aur kamra bhe woh jahan Sazai-e-maut kay qaidiun ko rakha jata hai: Imran Khan’s lawyer reveals details of his cell

    No shower in washroom aur kamra bhe woh jahan Sazai-e-maut kay qaidiun ko rakha jata hai: Imran Khan’s lawyer reveals details of his cell

    Naeem Panjutha, former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s lawyer, has revealed on Monday details of the conditions in which his client is being incarcerated.

    After meeting Khan in Attock district jail, the lawyer said that the behaviour of the jail administration was not satisfactory. He said that Imran Khan is living in a very small jail cell, while the washroom has no shower.

    Naeem Panjutha stated that Imran Khan has been kept in a very unhygienic and suffocating environment. However, Imran Khan was happy with PTI’s victory in Peshawar against JUI-F, the lawyer narrated.

    “Imran Khan’s morale was high,” Panjutha told media personnel outside the jail.

    “If they keep me in more severe condition than this, I’m ready for this too,” Khan reportedly told his lawyer.

    Imran Khan gave a message to the nation from the Jail through his lawyer: “I will not bow down”.

    According to PTI, the police ransacked and tortured the staff in Bani Gala while attempting to arrest Imran Khan. It is also mentioned by the PTI that while arresting Imran Khan, the policeman said “Chal Saday Nal” and “Kapra Pao Aeday mun ty”.

  • Taylor Swift gives $55 million bonuses to crew behind worldwide tour

    Taylor Swift gives $55 million bonuses to crew behind worldwide tour

    Cruel Summer? Not on Taylor’s watch.

    Like the outstanding artist that she is, Taylor Swift pulled off an awesome move, becoming the boss everyone will want to work with. People Magazine has reported that the superstar has given bonuses amounting up to $55 million to the hard working crew behind her mega-popular Eras tour, which is set to earn around $1 billion in sales, according to CNBC.

    The ‘Anti-Hero’ singer reportedly gave truck drivers around $100,000 each ahead of the concert stop in Santa Clara. Bonuses were handed out to dancers, sound technicians and caterers working on the tour.

    An account has shared a picture of the hand-written note the singer gave to her truck drivers.

  • Mysterious closure: Kia Lucky Motors Pakistan closes four showrooms despite rising sales

    Mysterious closure: Kia Lucky Motors Pakistan closes four showrooms despite rising sales

    Lucky Motor Corporation Limited (LMC) shocked the automotive industry in Pakistan with a surprise announcement on Monday. In a press release issued on the same day, LMC revealed its decision to close four of its dealerships in the country, effective immediately.

    The affected dealerships include Kia Motors Hanna Lake in Quetta, Kia Motors Chenab in Gujrat, Kia Motors Avenue in Dera Ghazi Khan, and Kia Motors Gateway in Mardan. While the announcement was unexpected, LMC emphasized its commitment to transparency and customer-centric practices by informing all its customers promptly.

    Curiously, the press release did not provide a specific reason for the abrupt decision. It comes as a puzzling move for LMC, considering the company’s positive performance in 2023. In contrast to its competitors experiencing declining sales, LMC saw a significant boost in sales during the same period.

    According to Mettis Global, Kia Sportage, one of the company’s popular models, saw a notable 4 per cent increase in total sales Month-over-Month (MoM). Furthermore, LMC managed to sell impressive numbers of other models, with 163 Picantos, 53 Stonics, and 72 Sorentos sold in February 2023 alone.

    The closure of these dealerships raises questions among industry experts and customers alike, as the company’s sales figures seemed to indicate a flourishing business. However, without a clear explanation from LMC, speculation continues to circulate regarding the true motives behind this unexpected decision.

  • Season 2 of ‘Fairy Tale’ is back and social media users are enchanted as ever

    Season 2 of ‘Fairy Tale’ is back and social media users are enchanted as ever

    Just a few months after receiving critical acclaim for Season One, Hum TV’s beloved drama ‘Fairy Tale’ is back with a second season. The series, penned by Sarah Majeed, revolves around the energetic, fun-loved Umeed Pasha (played by Sehar Khan), a middle class girl who dreams of getting rich. Farjaad Khan (played by Hamza Sohail), her complete opposite in many ways, finds her naiveness opposing with his stiff and cold demeanor, but slowly comes to fall in love with her.

    The first season wrapped in April, with fans across India and Pakistan showering praise on the powerful female lead, the romance and the stellar script writing. The overwhelming praise

    Newcomers Hamza and Sehar were taken aback by the meteoric rise of the show, while in an interview with Fuchsia, Ali Safina admitted being shocked by how popular the show was.

    In this season, Umeed and Farjaad are more in love than they were previously, as she gears up to start her career as well as being married to Farjaad. The story wouldn’t be memorable without hilarious road blocks between our beloved kharoos and his larki right? The fanbase has not gone anywhere, already heaping praise on the first episode.

    https://twitter.com/phirleayadil_/status/1687878161491755008?s=20

  • TW: Father beats daughter with metal bar for wearing makeup to school in UK, daughter saves him from jail sentence

    TW: Father beats daughter with metal bar for wearing makeup to school in UK, daughter saves him from jail sentence

    Hussein Alinzi, 59, was arrested in the United Kingdom last year on charges of battering his 15-year-old daughter on the morning she was to take a GCSE English exam.

    Alinzi accused his daughter of deceiving him to secretly meet a boy, and of wearing makeup. The girl has reportedly put on makeup to hide the bruises the father inflicted on her the night before.

    Alinzi was charged with beating his daughter with a metal bar right up to the point where she lost consciousness. However, she later tried to sit for the exam but was immediately taken to the A&E after she complained of dizziness and nauseau.

    The teenager reported to her teachers and the police that her father subjected her, on numerous occasions, to beatings and threats, reportedly saying, “I will run you over”, “I will kill you,” and “I hope you die.”

    Medics reported there were 14 injuries on the girl’s body along with a bite mark on her left temple.

    However, Alinzi, who works as a delivery driver, has avoided jail time after an eight month prison sentence was suspended for 18 months after the girl gave an emotional plea in court. He is also required to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and 25 days of rehabilitation activity days.

    “I initially didn’t want to provide a statement or evidence as I did not want to cause further pain to my family,” the girl said in a statement.

    “When my father was arrested, I felt safe that he was not here, but sad that he was not home.”

    ”My Mum struggles to look after my younger brother and I felt guilty that I bought shame on my family. I love my Dad and I can see that his attitude has now changed. This has made me realise how people can actually change.

    ”Since he has not been living with us, I have become more independent. My brother needs to live with his Dad, and he needs him back.

    “I actually feel happy as all this has changed him, it has made him realise what can and can’t do.”

    During the sentencing, Judge Mr Recorder Peter Wright KC spoke to Alinzi, reminding him to be kinder towards his children:

    “You’re the father of a big family of which there ought to be pride rather than shame, but that shame has been bought on your family by your conduct.

    “You have not behaved like a father should to his children, you behaved like a monster to them.

    “She should have been expected to be loved and protected by you, not assaulted and abused. She lived her life in fear of you, enduring your physical conduct towards her. You are a bully, and what you did was not protecting your child.

    “Your conduct was unforgivable and indicates your will for a combination of fear and violence. This is not acceptable, it is inexcusable and shameful.

    “She is now left with the emotional scar of now being the cause of you becoming separated from the family. This is a feeling that is natural for a child, but she is blameless.”

  • Pakistan launches its own WhatsApp-like messaging platform called Beep

    Pakistan launches its own WhatsApp-like messaging platform called Beep

    Federal Minister for Information Technology Syed Amin Ul Haque unveiled ‘Beep Pakistan,’ the country’s own messaging app, to serve as an alternative to the popular platform WhatsApp. The app was introduced during a launching ceremony, where Minister Haque emphasised its significance for Pakistan’s IT industry.

    During the initial 30-day trial run, ‘Beep Pakistan’ will facilitate internal communication between the Ministry of IT and Communication and the National Information Technology Board (NITB). In subsequent phases, the app will be rolled out to all government departments and eventually made available to the general public across the country.

    Minister Haque acknowledged that while neighbouring countries like India and Bangladesh had already introduced alternative messaging apps, Pakistan was still making a crucial stride in the right direction. He highlighted the app’s unique selling point, assuring users that it will be 100% secure, with its servers and source code residing in Pakistan.

    The app boasts an array of features, including data sharing, audio calling, video calling, and conference calling capabilities. Its focus on data security and privacy resonates with the nation’s growing concerns regarding cybersecurity.

    Praising the efforts of the National Information Technology Board (NITB), Minister Haque expressed pride in Pakistan’s successful creation of a WhatsApp alternative. The app’s development signifies the country’s ambition to bolster its domestic IT industry and reduce dependency on foreign platforms.

    According to Brecorder, beyond messaging app developments, Minister Haque highlighted the Ministry of IT’s broader initiatives. Over the last 3.5 years, the ministry has spearheaded 83 new projects, investing a total of Rs77 billion across Pakistan. These projects primarily targeted second- and third-tier cities to enhance connectivity and digital infrastructure in remote areas.

    Additionally, the Ministry of IT has been actively promoting digital literacy and skills development among young Pakistanis. As of now, over 3.3 million children have received digital skills training, empowering them with valuable knowledge for the digital era.

    The government has also demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem through the establishment of three new National Incubation Centres (NIC) during Minister Haque’s tenure. These centres provide vital support and resources to budding entrepreneurs and innovators across the country.

    As ‘Beep Pakistan’ begins its trial phase, expectations are high for the app to gain traction among government officials and eventually become a popular communication tool for citizens. With an emphasis on security, user-friendly features, and localization, the app aims to carve its own path in the digital landscape of Pakistan.