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Author: News Desk

  • Twitter celebrates 11 years of actor Yumna Zaidi with some of her best performances

    Twitter celebrates 11 years of actor Yumna Zaidi with some of her best performances

    Today marks eleven years since actress Yumna Zaidi made her mark in the entertainment industry, breaking all the rules with her show-stopping talent and the ability to completely change pop culture with every powerful performance. In those years, her roles have ranged from a child prostitute learning to overcome her past to a headstrong woman with an ambition to serve in the army, and a fearless girl who disguises herself as a man to make a living for her family. In other words, every time she appears on screen, be prepared for a performance so mesmerizing that it will be seared on your memory.

    In celebration of this event, Zaidi’s fans on Twitter marked the occasion by highlighting their favorite performances in dramas.

    Tere Bin

    Hate the drama all you want, but give credit to Zaidi for bringing life to a powerful woman like Meerab, despite attempts by the writer and the show-runners to mold her into another bheegi bili. Yes, the story is cringe worthy and typical of the saas bahu dramas where a woman is abused, bullied by her family members, and she learns to forgive them all. But Zaidi is the only good part of the show with her Meerab, a feared headstrong character who openly challenges her husband, refuses to follow the traditions of her in-laws, and in doing so managed to make the show a bit more bearable.

    Bakhtawar

    https://twitter.com/YumnaZaidi_Zone/status/1673211413328957440?s=20

    How could we forget the drama that proved Yumna is not someone who will fade away after a few years? Very few actresses have taken the leap to challenge themselves to take on a project that challenges social norms, especially in a country like Pakistan. But Yumna did it so and delivered a performance that is to this day still revered by fans. She plays the independent and competitive Bakhtawar, a girl born in a working class family who flees to a new city after her uncle tries to marry her off. To make a living for her family, she cuts off her hair and takes on a boyish appearance to find work.

    Sinf-e-Ahan

    Yumna continued to prove that she was a thespian with this feminist drama, where she played a girl from a conservative family, destined to be married off quickly, but she defies all of them by joining the army, despite their doubts. Paired with equally wonderful performances from Syra Yousef, Kubra Khan and Sajal Aly, this is the drama we recommend to anyone who wishes to understand the lore surrounding Yumna Zaidi.

  • Three officers including a Lt Gen sacked in connection with May 9 events: DG ISPR

    Three officers including a Lt Gen sacked in connection with May 9 events: DG ISPR

    The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, addressed an important press conference on Monday afternoon.

    While talking about self-accountability in the army, DG ISPR revealed that three officers including a Lieutenant General have been sacked and due actions have been completed against another 15 officers, including three Major General and seven Brigadiers.

    “As of now, a granddaughter of a retired four-star general, son-in-law of a retired four-star star general, wife of a retired three-star general,l and wife and son-in-law of a retired two-star general are facing the process of accountability due to irrefutable evidence,” he said.

    “So far, the investigation has revealed that the May 9 tragedy had been planned in the past few months,” said the DG ISPR.

    Stating that no one involved in May 9 riots will be spared, he stressed that the perpetrators will be punished according to the law.

    He further said that currently 102 people are being tried in military courts.

    While answering a question about the masterminds of May 9 events he said, “It would be premature to say definitively who the mastermind is. These are the same people who have influenced the minds of the people against the military.”

    This is a developing story.

  • What is happening in Dubai? Zardari, Bilawal meet Maryam Nawaz

    What is happening in Dubai? Zardari, Bilawal meet Maryam Nawaz

    The Co-Chairman and Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Asif Ali Zardari and Bilwal Butto-Zardari have met Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Organiser, Maryam Nawaz, on Monday in Dubai.


    The agenda of the meeting was economic and political issues in the country. According to the sources of Geo News, Maryam Nawaz took the two PPP heads in confidence over the ongoing political situation in the country.


    Another meeting will likely be held tonight between PML-N and PPP to further discuss solutions for the economic and political crisis.
    This meeting is important as PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan is expected after a law passed by National Assembly to limit the lifetime disqualification to five years.


    PML-N sources have revealed that a meeting held on Sunday afternoon had the longest discussion, but the attendees have not been disclosed as of now.

  • Here are three reasons why K-drama ‘King The Land’ should be on your watchlist

    Here are three reasons why K-drama ‘King The Land’ should be on your watchlist

    After the release of ‘Crash Course in Romance’, there has been a slump in engrossing Korean dramas, especially rom coms that could keep you captivated from beginning to end. More thrillers and action pack series have been announced including ‘Bloodhounds’, ‘Squid Games Season 2’ and even ‘Alice in Borderland’ but the magic of Korean rom-coms is unlike any other. The way women are the ones leading the narrative, bringing forward complexities they face, and men do not belittle women, but empower and respect them.

    With the arrival of Netflix’s ‘King The Land’, it seems like the K-romance is back. Set in the backdrop of an elite hotel, the story revolves around a hard working concierge who clashes with the grumpy chaebol whose family runs the hotel. It seems like this is the perfect serial every K-drama lover should watch.

    1. Grumpy x sunshine trope

    If fans were missing the magic of dramas like ‘A Business Proposal’ and ‘Crash Course In Romance’ which featured the much beloved grumpy x sunshine trope, where one half of the couple was a grouch, while the other one was the complete opposite by being the cheerful one, then they should certainly keep a lookout for this drama. Gu Won is the son from a chaebol family who is known to be a strict, business-only man. On his arrival back to Korea, he gets involved with his sister in a conflict over who should have control of the hotel, and has to encounter the memories of his mother. When he meets the cheerful and hard working Cheon Sa-Rang, who begins working as a lobby maid for the hotel, the two originally clash because Gu Won loathes fake smiles, and while Sa-Rang is critical of his lackluster attitude towards his family business, over time he begins falling for her even more.

    1. Office romances FTW

    What’s the secret to making a standout K-drama that will decades later be remembered as an iconic pop-culture moment? By making it into an office romance. Looking back at some of the best K-dramas like ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?’, ‘Her Private Life’ and even the critically acclaimed ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’, Korean creators know that the perfect formula that will keep creators hooked is setting up a workplace romance, and adding a mixture of enemies to lovers, it is chef’s kiss.

    1. The female gaze is here to stay

    Korean rom-coms have surged in popularity with their detailed attention the female gaze plays. Along side Sa-Rang’s experience of navigating life as a lowly hotel maid, are the experiences of her friends who work as shop manager and an air hostess, and how they tackle discrimination, discriminating bosses and long hours, but most importantly, how they stick with each other through thick and thin.

  • Amended Finance Bill 2023: How much tax will you pay on your income?

    Amended Finance Bill 2023: How much tax will you pay on your income?

    The National Assembly has passed an amended Finance Bill 2023, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing financial saga. With the revised bill meeting the rigorous conditions set forth by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), hopes are high that this last-ditch effort will unlock a vital infusion of bailout funds.

    The IMF had previously voiced its disappointment with the country’s initial budget, deeming it a missed opportunity to implement a more progressive and comprehensive tax framework.

    However, determined to rectify this setback, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar introduced a series of new taxes and expenditure cuts, which were instrumental in garnering the Assembly’s approval.

    Undoubtedly, the standout feature of this momentous bill is the introduction of fresh taxation measures projected to generate an impressive Rs215 billion in revenue.

    In a bold move towards fairness and equity, the Finance Bill also sanctions an increase in tax rates for higher income brackets within both the salaried and non-salaried classes.

    Outlined below are the revised income tax slabs for the year 2023, reflecting a more balanced approach to income taxation:

    Taxable income rangeTax rate
    Not exceeding Rs600,0000% (Tax-free)
    Rs600,001 – Rs1,200,0002.5% of the amount exceeding Rs600,000
    Rs1,200,001 – Rs2,400,000Rs15,000 + 12.5% of the amount exceeding Rs1,200,000
    Rs2,400,001 – Rs3,600,000Rs165,000 + 22.5% of the amount exceeding Rs2,400,000
    Rs3,600,001 – Rs6,000,000Rs435,000 + 27.5% of the amount exceeding Rs3,600,000
    Exceeding Rs6,000,000Rs1,095,000 + 35% of the amount exceeding Rs6,000,000

    1. Tax-free threshold:

    Individuals with a taxable income not exceeding Rs600,000 are exempt from income tax obligations.

    2. Progressive tax rates:

    For those with taxable incomes exceeding Rs600,000 but not surpassing Rs1,200,000, a tax rate of 2.5 per cent will be levied on the amount exceeding Rs600,000.

    3. Unchanged tax rate for salaried individuals:

    Salaried individuals with taxable incomes ranging from above Rs1,200,000 to Rs2,400,000 will continue to face a tax rate of Rs15,000 plus 12.5 per cent of the amount exceeding Rs1,200,000.

    4. Moderate income brackets:

    Taxpayers with taxable incomes exceeding Rs2,400,000 but not surpassing Rs3,600,000 will experience a tax rate of Rs165,000 plus 22.5 per cent of the amount exceeding Rs2,400,000.

    5. Higher income brackets:

    Individuals falling within the income range of Rs3,600,000 to Rs6,000,000 will face a tax rate of Rs435,000 plus 27.5 per cent of the amount exceeding Rs3,600,000.

    6. Top earners:

    Those with taxable incomes exceeding Rs6,000,000 will be subject to a tax rate of Rs1,095,000 plus 35 per cent of the amount exceeding Rs6,000,000.

    With this bold and progressive tax structure, the Finance Bill 2023 promises to forge a more equitable financial landscape.

    As the nation eagerly awaits the release of the much-needed bailout funds, this resolute step taken by the National Assembly stands as a testament to the government’s determination to safeguard the country’s economic well-being and chart a path towards sustainable growth.

  • ‘Tax rate Australia walay aur facilities Afghanistan wali’, Twitter is angry over income tax increase

    ‘Tax rate Australia walay aur facilities Afghanistan wali’, Twitter is angry over income tax increase

    On Friday, Minister of Finance Ishaq Dar announced fiscal adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year (FY24), part of which is a notable 2.5% additional income tax individuals within the salaried class who earn a monthly income exceeding Rs200,000.

    The present government is being criticised for adjustments that will increase the tax burden specifically on the salaried class.

    The decision to impose additional income tax on the salaried class, while leaving powerful sectors like real estate and agriculture relatively untouched, has left many Pakistanis angry. Many are using memes to express their frustration.

    Have a look at the twitter reactions:

  • Arrest Shahbaz Gill whenever he lands in Pakistan, orders court

    Arrest Shahbaz Gill whenever he lands in Pakistan, orders court

    A District and Sessions Court of Islamabad has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill whenever he comes to Pakistan.

    The court on Monday started the process of declaring Pakistan Shahbaz Gill leader as proclaimed offender (PO) in an alleged sedition case.

    “Shahbaz Gill should be arrested and brought to court at any airport where he is seen in Pakistan”, Additional Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra ordered.

    As per courts order, advertisements of the same are to be prominently displayed outside Shahbaz Gill’s residences in both Islamabad and Faisalabad.

    The FIA also submitted an implementation report on the non-bailable warrant against Shahbaz Gill to the court.

    Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Asif Awan informed the court that an attempt was made to arrest Shahbaz Gill in accordance with the warrant, but he left for the United States (US) intentionally to avoid the arrest.

    The court also ordered the Deputy Commissioners of Islamabad and Faisalabad to submit a report on Shahbaz Gill’s properties within 30 days.

  • Google plans to generate more revenue with online games on YouTube

    Google plans to generate more revenue with online games on YouTube

    Google is exploring the possibility of earning revenue through online games on YouTube, as per a recent Wall Street Journal report.

    YouTube, a well-known platform for hosting videos, has apparently invited its employees to test a new feature called Playables. This feature allows users to play games directly on YouTube itself. Notably, this feature can be accessed on different devices such as mobile phones and desktop computers, as mentioned in an internal email obtained by the Journal.

    Users will have the convenience of playing these games either through a web browser on the YouTube website or via the YouTube app on both Android and iOS devices. Although the report suggests that several games are currently available for testing, it specifically highlights one called Stack Bounce. This arcade game, supported by ads, challenges players to demolish layers of bricks with a bouncing ball.

    While YouTube already generates revenue through gaming livestreams, this new product will provide an additional avenue to capitalise on the gaming industry, particularly as advertising spending experiences a downturn.

    It is worth noting that this venture differs from Google’s unsuccessful Stadia games streaming service, which was eventually discontinued. With YouTube’s existing vast and dedicated user base, attracting attention to this new feature should not pose a challenge.

    Playables bears some resemblance to Netflix’s gaming offering, where paying subscribers gain access to casual mobile games. In a similar vein, Netflix is reportedly exploring the expansion of its gaming initiative beyond mobile devices by testing TV games that employ smartphones as controllers, demonstrating ambitious plans for the future.

  • SC bench hearing petitions against military courts dissolved again

    SC bench hearing petitions against military courts dissolved again

    A seven-member bench of the Supreme Court, hearing a set of pleas against military trials for perpetrators of the May 9 riots, has dissolved once again on Monday. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, one of the judges on the bench, refused to be part of the bench after the government raised objections.
    The Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP), Mansoor Usman Awan, came to the rostrum at today’s hearing and imparted the government’s objections on including Justice Mansoor in the bench as one of the petitioners is related to him.
    “One of the petitioners is Justice Shah’s relative. Therefore, it may affect his conduct,” AGP Awan said.
    However, Chief Justice of Pakistan CJP Umar Atta Bandial said, “The bench will not be made according to your whims.” The CJP expressed anger by saying that the “government should not mock the judiciary.”

    Nonetheless, Justice Shah recused himself from the bench.

    Petitions against military trials have been filed by former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Jawwad S. Khawaja, Aitzaz Ahsan, Karamat Ali, and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    At the first hearing of the case, Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Sardar Tariq Masood left the bench after Justice Isa said he did not consider the SC bench “a proper court.”

  • 12 dead in heavy downpours and lightening strikes across country

    12 dead in heavy downpours and lightening strikes across country

    On Sunday night, many regions in Pakistan were hit by extreme weather, resulting in lightning strikes and torrential rain that claimed the lives of 12 people and injured 15 others.


    Lightning struck at Punjab’s Narowal, Pasrur, Sheikhupura and Sialkot districts, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, including children, and injuring seven more.

    In Lahore, a powerful rainstorm also caused damage to 150 power feeders. Heavy rains caused numerous issues for residents, including power outages and flooded roads.

    Due to the heavy rainfall, the roof of a home collapsed in Takhta Band village in Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leading to the death of a woman and injuries to six others.

    Heavy rains were also experienced in Shabqadar, Swat, Charsadda, Mansehra, Lower Dir, Swabi, and North Waziristan.

    The Met Office has predicted that moist currents are entering the upper and central parts of the country from the Arabian Sea, and a westerly wave entered the upper regions of the country on June 25. Consequently, severe weather conditions are likely to persist.

    In Islamabad, Rawalpindi, 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, and MB Din, rain/wind-thundershower with isolated heavy falls is also expected from 26th to 29th June. In addition, Barkhan, Loralai, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Ziarat, Musakhel, D I Khan, Karak, Waziristan, D G Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara, may experience heavy rainfalls during the same period, while Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana may see them on 27th and 28th June.

    The PMD also warned that current heatwave conditions are likely to subside during the projected period.

    On June 26 and 27, heavy rains could lead to urban floods in low-lying districts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore. They may also trigger landslides in regions prone to such occurrences, like Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    Intense rain may result in flash flooding in the hill torrents of D G Khan and neighboring regions of northeast Balochistan.

    During the projected period, “all concerned authorities are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions,” added the PMD.