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Author: News Desk

  • 18,000 Punjabis ate their way to the hospital during Eid

    18,000 Punjabis ate their way to the hospital during Eid

    Punjab’s public and private hospitals faced an emergency of sorts during the Eid holidays after over 18,000 patients were admitted on gastrointestinal related illnesses after consuming too much meat.

    Around 3,000 people were admitted in hospitals in Lahore alone, with most complaining of stomach ache, heartburn and high blood pressure.

    Anticipating the influx of overeating citizens, the Punjab government had already put public hospitals on high alert, with doctors, nurses and paramedical staff on duty to administer to the population’s needs.

  • Naila Kiani and Samina Baig become first Pakistani women to summit Nanga Parbat

    Naila Kiani and Samina Baig become first Pakistani women to summit Nanga Parbat

    On Sunday, Naila Kiani and Samina Baig were two of the 52 climbers that scaled Nanga Parbat, the ninth-tallest mountain in the world with a peak that stands at 8,126 metres. They officially became the first Pakistani women to ever summit Nanga Parbat, a mountain known to be a particularly treacherous one to climb.

    Both women were part of different expedition teams. Naila Kiani’s ascent was announced by the Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan (APC), Karrar Haidri in the following statement:

    “Today on July 2, 2023, at 10:18am, Naila Kiani scaled the majestic Nanga Parbat, standing tall at an inspirational height of 8,125 metres. She became the first Pakistani woman to climb Nanga Parbat.”

    Nanga Parbat is one of the 14 ‘eight-thousanders’, as recognised by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA). This means their summits are in the ‘death-zone’, i.e. past 8000 metres, where oxygen levels are too low to sustain human life for an extended time-span.

    Naila has now scaled seven out of these 14 peaks. ACP said that apart from Nanga Parbat, Naila has scaled Mount Everest, K-2, Lhotse, Annapurna, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II. “She serves as a bright example of how people can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles,” Mr Haidri stated.

    Samina Baig also became the first Pakistani woman to scale peaks on all seven continents.

    The Killer Mountain

    Nanga Parbat is notorious for being an extremely difficult climb, earning the nickname Killer Mountain for its high number of climber fatalities, and the way its unforgiving terrain pushes climbers to their limits.

    In the same expedition, a Spanish mountaineer died at Nanga Parbat Base Camp number 5, ARY News reports. Police reported the man died due to a heart attack.

    Last year, the Pakistan Army had to rescue two climbers who were stranded after summitting Nanga Parbat, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

  • Pakistan’s inflation rate drops to 29.40% in June: Citizens’ purchasing power remains under pressure

    Pakistan’s inflation rate drops to 29.40% in June: Citizens’ purchasing power remains under pressure

    The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has released the latest data on the country’s inflation rate for June, indicating a slight decline compared to May. According to the report, the inflation rate for June stood at 29.40 per cent, showing an increase of 8.1 per cent compared to the same period last year.

    Although there was a marginal improvement from the inflation rate of 38 per cent reported in May, the country still faces significant challenges due to high inflation. This persistent inflationary environment continues to erode the purchasing power of citizens, affecting their ability to afford basic necessities.

    Analysing the data further, the report highlights that inflation in urban areas was recorded at 27.3 per cent, while agricultural communities experienced an even higher inflation rate of 32.4 per cent. These figures emphasise the vulnerability of rural areas and the agricultural sector to the rising cost of living.

    Comparing the current situation with that of the previous year, the Bureau of Statistics reveals a substantial year-on-year increase. In June of the previous year, the inflation rate was 21.3 per cent, further underscoring the severity of the current inflationary crisis.

  • Babar, Khusshaal: Celebrities who went viral with hilarious memes

    Babar, Khusshaal: Celebrities who went viral with hilarious memes

    We know our celebrities are incredibly talented, but you have to be talented at a whole other level to be able to go viral because someone has made memes out of your performance. And hum Pakistanis ki tou baat hee kya hai, we’re miserable because of, well, everything, but our meme game is undefeatable.

    From Babar Azam’s shock to Hira Mani, here are some hilarious moments that changed pop culture and the phrases you have been hearing to death.

    1 Hira Mani went viral when she said “Mard ko bhi tou samjho” in her interview with Samina Peerzada and launched a string of memes.

    2 We salute Khushhal Khan for his services to the meme game. Really sir, no one does it like you.

    https://twitter.com/peachcrisis/status/1675636350203359233?s=20

    3 Never change Babar Azam, please never change.

    https://twitter.com/inabaabelfaroqi/status/1612466551571070976?s=20

    4 Aye Musht-e-Khaak ended eons ago but this meme of Feroze Khan remains frozen on the internet.

  • Bilawal visits Tokyo, says Pakistan needs ‘trade, not aid’

    Bilawal visits Tokyo, says Pakistan needs ‘trade, not aid’

    Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, on his maiden visit to Japan, has declared his intention to boost trade and promote diplomatic ties between the two countries on Sunday. He stated that Pakistan needed trade and not aid.

    Giving an address at an event organised by the Pakistani diaspora living in Tokyo, Bilawal maintained that the two countries have agreed to further deepen and enhance their mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in multiple areas. These include trade, investment, human resource development and exchange, IT, tourism and agriculture sectors.

    “We have also jointly agreed to explore the possibility of working together on targeted programs with higher impact in the domains of solarisation, desalination, and water purification and housing and infrastructure rebuilding in the floods affected areas in Pakistan,” Bilawal said in a joint press stakeout along with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi, as reported by The News.

    Empowering our workforce

    In addition, the two sides have agreed to conduct language skill assessment tests for the Japanese language in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of skilled workers. The Nation reported that Bilawal underscored the importance of Pakistanis living abroad, stating: “The overseas Paki­stanis are our assets, who are play­ing vital role to promote bilateral ties between Pakistan and Japan. Our population consists of 65 per­cent youth and we want Pakistani youth to get employment in Japan.”

    Potential for growth

    The Foreign Minister met with repre­sentatives of the Japan Interna­tional Development Agency (JICA) and the Japan External Trade Orga­nization (JETRO) to discuss poten­tial for trade and investment. He also stated that Pakistan’s incumbent government was working on economic diplomacy in order to bring prosperity to the country.

    Bilawal also went on to praise Japan’s advancement in IT and other fields, saying Pakistan could learn from them. Both sides have seen a new vigour in their relationship through continued high-level exchanges.

  • Khaqan Abbasi thinks it’s ‘ethically wrong’ for PM to engage Farogh Nasim

    Khaqan Abbasi thinks it’s ‘ethically wrong’ for PM to engage Farogh Nasim

    Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said in a TV show that he is not aware of the appointment of former law minister Barrister Farogh Naseem as a lawyer for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

    He further said on Sawal Yeh Hai that he doesn’t know who makes the appointment, but firmly declared that it is ethically wrong to engage a person as a lawyer if he has been accused by the same government.

    Farogh Naseem, a law minister in the previous government, will represent Shehbaz Sharif in a case pertaining to civilian trials in military courts.
    The Premier has chosen Naseem to be his attorney in the matter. Following the arrest of their party chairman, angry protestors from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vandalised army installations, prompting the government to decide to try civilians under army laws.

    Special Assistant to PM Shehbaz, Malik Ahmad Khan, also said that he has disagreement with the political position of Farogh Naseem.

  • Creative and intriguing, here are four reasons why you should go watch ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’

    Creative and intriguing, here are four reasons why you should go watch ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’

    ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’ has been hailed by critics and filmmakers as a progressive step, citing its three unique stories with stellar performances by actors like Wahaj Ali and Mehwish Hayat.

    The anthology film comprising of three stories directed by Nadeem Baig, Marina Khan and Nabeel Qureshi, is at heart an ode to celebrating creativity and the complexity of human nature, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked till the credits roll.

    Here are four reasons why this film should definitely be on your watch list:

    1 Marina Khan knocks it out of the park with a wholesome rom com ‘Pasoori’

    We all remember Marina Khan from beloved classics like ‘Tanhaiyaan’ and ‘Dhoop Kinare’ but her powerful direction in helming this feminist comedy to life is something the Pakistani cinema truly needs, more women led movies that do not center around men. Pasoori revolves around the upcoming wedding of Salman (played by Shehryar Munawar) and Romaisa (Ramsha Khan), who receives an opportunity on her nikkah to perform at a talent show. With its hilarious side characters and Munawar’s ability to incite laughter and tears with his emotions, this was a well directed story.

    2. The hilarious comedy of ‘Jin Mahal’

    Jin Mahal, penned by Ali Abbas and Basit Naqvi and directed by Nabeel Qureshi, starts of with a tragedy as a couple is forced to live in an abandoned train after being forcefully evicted from their home. It still churns out golden moments thanks to stellar performances by Hira and Mani, as their characters Shehenshah and Mumtaz fight to keep their home by tricking others to believe a jinn resides there.

    3. Khalil ul Rehman’s engrossing ‘Aik Sau Taeeswan’

    A gripping tale about possessiveness, betrayal and the complex thing that is love, with gorgeous visuals and a powerful performance by the icon that is Mehwish Hayat, the third and final film is a masterstroke in why we need more films like ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’. With a span of only 35 minutes, the tale dives into the glory of love, and its dark side as two married people sitting in a train confide their marriage woes to each other.

    4. The sizzling chemistry between Mehwish Hayat and Wahaj Ali

    When we spoke to Nadeem Baig, who directed ‘Aik Sau Taeeswan’, about why he picked Mehwish and Wahaj to star in his short film, he revealed that although the two had not shared the screen before, it was interesting to see how their chemistry would work out. In this film, their electrifying chemistry keeps the audience gripped. Hayat keeps the audience in control with her commanding performance as a married woman who is aware of her failing marriage, but refuses to let herself succumb to it. Equally compelling, Wahaj Ali keeps viewers engaged as the screen shifts from their playful flirting dynamics, to guilt and complete shock as the tables turn.

  • Pakistan Meteorological Department issues countrywide monsoon warning

    Pakistan Meteorological Department issues countrywide monsoon warning

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has on Sunday issued a countrywide advisory of heavy monsoon rain, warning that from Monday night onwards there could be hailstorms resulting in urban flooding, as reported by Dawn. 

    PMD said that moist currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to enter the upper parts of Pakistan while a wave from the west is likely to enter the region. The weather system is expected to last till July 8, with district administrations being cautioned to remain alert in order to avoid flood-like situations.

    Rain, thunderstorms, and scattered hailstorms are expected in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Bannu, Lakki, Marwat, Kohat, Mianwali, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh from July 3 – July 8. 

    Rain/wind-thundershower with isolated heavy falls expected in Barkhan, Loralai, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Lasbella, Awaran, Musakhel, D.I Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan, D.G. Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Adu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal and Okara from July 5- July 8.  

    Rain/wind-thundershower with isolated heavy falls expected in Sukkur, Jacobabad Ghotki, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana, Mithi, Chhor, Padidan, Nagarparkar, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Mirpur Khas, Dadu, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad and Karachi on July 7 and the next day. 

    From July 4- July 7, low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala and Lahore are at risk of urban flooding caused by heavy rain. The downpour may also trigger landslides in vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

    From July 6-July 8, heavy rainfall may cause flash floods in the hill torrent areas of D.G. Khan and adjoining areas of northeast Baluchistan.

    Farmers and tourists have been cautioned to plan their activities keeping in mind the weather forecast. 

    The public has also been cautioned to avoid areas with loose structures during the heavy spells of rain, such as electric poles, solar panels, etc.

  • Pakistan Stock Exchange gains over 2,300 points on revived investor confidence after signing IMF agreement

    Pakistan Stock Exchange gains over 2,300 points on revived investor confidence after signing IMF agreement

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a substantial increase of over 2,300 points on Monday, fueled by renewed investor confidence after the signing of a staff-level agreement between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday.

    At 12:00 pm, the benchmark KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange surged by 2,381 points, currently trading at 43,833 points.

    Market experts attribute this bullish trend in the PSX to the revival of the loan programme with the international lender.

    Last week, Pakistan officially signed a staff-level agreement worth $3 billion with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The signing ceremony took place in Lahore and was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, and Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced the successful completion of a “Stand-By Arrangement” between the global financial institution and Pakistan.

    The staff-level agreement, valued at $3 billion for a duration of 9 months, was reached through virtual negotiations conducted by IMF Mission Chief Nathan Porter and his team, who maintained continuous communication with Pakistani authorities.

    The final approval of this agreement will be granted by the IMF’s executive board, expected to occur in mid-July. Once approved, Pakistan will be eligible to receive the $3 billion loan.

  • Woman allegedly raped after false promises of marriage

    Woman allegedly raped after false promises of marriage

    A woman was allegedly raped in Islamabad after being tricked by false promises of marriage.

    According to Geo News, the incident was reported in the capital city on Monday. Police said that the suspect lured the victim by making fake promises of marriage. He then raped her as she traveled from Lahore to Islamabad.

    He also stole the victim’s valuables including her mobile phone, cash and a suit case loaded with clothes.


    The victim stated that when she moved back to Lahore the suspect tricked her again with false promises and raped her after inviting her to the capital city.

    A case has been registered by the police against the suspect and an investigation is underway.