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Author: News Desk

  • Telecom operators, govt suffer major revenue losses due to mobile internet shutdown

    Telecom operators, govt suffer major revenue losses due to mobile internet shutdown

    According to reliable sources, the suspension of mobile broadband services has had a devastating impact on the economy in Pakistan. Telecom operators have incurred a revenue loss of approximately Rs820 million, while the government has lost around Rs287 million in tax revenue.

    The suspension has also caused significant losses for digital app users, such as Careem, InDrive, and FoodPanda, as well as brought digital payments to a halt. The situation has caused widespread inconvenience and hardship for the general public, necessitating the immediate attention of the relevant authorities to resume data services.

    Furthermore, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter remained partially or fully suspended on the second day. Jazz CEO, Aamir Ibrahim, expressed his dissatisfaction through a tweet, emphasising that shutting down the internet is not a solution to any problem, but instead, it creates more problems than it solves. He stated that the impact on the economy is quantifiable, but the inconvenience to the people is incalculable.

    According to Brecorder, Muhammad Zohaib Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), strongly criticised the indiscriminate blockage of internet services in Pakistan due to the emergent political situation. He condemned the mindless and consultation-less decision and highlighted that the IT industry has come to a standstill since Tuesday evening.

  • Wheat prices soar in Lahore, hitting Rs5,100 per 40kg bag

    Wheat prices soar in Lahore, hitting Rs5,100 per 40kg bag

    In Lahore, the price of a 40kg bag of wheat has surged to Rs5,100, which is significantly higher than the government’s fixed rate of Rs3,900. The leader of the flour mills association has stated that the government’s rate is not being implemented in the market.

    As a result of the increase in wheat prices, the price of a 20kg bag of flour has risen to Rs2,750, as opposed to the government’s fixed rate of Rs2,316.

    The flour millers have explained that they are unable to sell the wheat at lower rates after procuring it at an exorbitant price from the open market.

    Last month, officials from the Punjab Food Department foiled an attempt to smuggle wheat and flour to Afghanistan. More than 70 containers loaded with wheat and flour were being smuggled to Afghanistan from Rawalpindi Motorway.

    During the inspection, district food authority officials seized 46 containers loaded with wheat and 16 containers of flour. The wheat and flour were being transported from Punjab to Afghanistan, despite a ban on wheat transportation from the province. The containers were sealed and 16 people were booked in connection with the incident.

  • Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka aligns with India to exclude Pakistan from Asia Cup?

    Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka aligns with India to exclude Pakistan from Asia Cup?

    Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in September 2023 but the event remains mired in doubts with India trying to derail the tournament. Pakistan has the official rights of hosting Asia Cup but Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not ready to send its cricket team to the host country.

    The world has witnessed that many international teams have visited Pakistan to play matches.


    A series with New Zealand was recently concluded, in which both teams played five T20I and five One-Day International (ODI) in the different cities of Pakistan but BCCI still has concerns.


    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi has presented a Hybrid Model in which India play their matches in Dubai, or more likely, in Sri Lanka.

    However, the BCCI has expressed dissatisfaction with this proposal. Currently, Sethi is in Dubai, where he met with ICC officials on Tuesday.

    He was scheduled to meet with Pankaj Khimji, Deputy President of the Asian Council, and cricket officials from the UAE to discuss the possibility of hosting India’s matches in the UAE under the ‘Hybrid Model.’

    The PCB is concerned that if the Asia Cup is not held now, the same issue may arise during the hosting of the Champions Trophy in 2025 and the ICC may decide to relocate the event if India does not participate.

    Therefore, under the proposed model, the Indian cricket team’s Champions Trophy matches will be held in Bangladesh. Currently, there is a tense stand-off between Pakistani and Indian officials, with India allegedly using its media to its advantage.

    The BCCI has also collaborated with Sri Lanka, convincing them to play two additional matches, as they have been eager to host the Asia Cup for some time now. In response, Pakistan has reminded Afghanistan that they recently played additional matches in Sharjah, and they stand with the PCB on this matter.


    While there are concerns about the heat in Dubai, efforts are being made to convince Bangladesh to cooperate, and they are reportedly willing to do so.

    PCB officials have publicly stated that “we have earned a substantial amount of money due to the PSL, and therefore, the Asia Cup’s cancellation would not be a significant concern for them.”

    In reality, the Pakistani authorities aim to avoid financial losses and prioritize preparations for the upcoming World Cup.


    Several news reports regarding the Asia Cup were circulating in the Indian media yesterday. One report claimed that “the members have rejected the PCB’s ‘Hybrid Model’ and moved the event from Pakistan.”

    However, an official representative from the PCB, who was in contact with an Indian Express representative, dismissed these reports as baseless and an attempt by the BCCI to increase pressure.

    He stated that the ACC has not officially denied accepting the ‘Hybrid Model’ proposed by the PCB, and discussions are still ongoing. The official further added that unverified news from unnamed sources is not credible.

  • Donald Trump, former US President, is a convicted sex-offender now

    Donald Trump, former US President, is a convicted sex-offender now

    Former US President Donald Trump has been found guilty of sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll by a federal Manhattan jury.

    The jury has awarded Carroll $5 million in damages.

    Carroll had alleged that Trump had raped her in the dressing room of a luxury department store in the spring of 1996. She had also claimed defamation after Trump publicly denied assaulting her, called her “not his type” and accused her of fabricating the story to push sales of her book.

    The former President has denied all wrongdoing. He will not face jail time as a result of the civil suite.

    The jury found that Trump had sexually abused her, however, Carroll could not convince the jury that she had been raped.

    Trump did not attend court proceedings as defendants are allowed to skip hearings if the case is a civil suit.

    Immediately after the verdict, Carroll called the verdict a victory for her and for other victims of sexual abuse.

    Roberta Kaplan, Carroll’s lead attorney, released a statement that said, “No one is above the law, not even a US President.”

  • Intraday update: Pakistani rupee plunges to historic low of Rs290 against dollar amid political turmoil

    Intraday update: Pakistani rupee plunges to historic low of Rs290 against dollar amid political turmoil

    On Wednesday, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) reached a historic low against the US dollar, falling to Rs290 during intraday trading at the interbank foreign exchange market. This decline is a major setback to Pakistan’s economy, as the rupee lost Rs5.16 in a single day compared to the previous day’s closing rate of Rs284.84.

    The previous record low of Rs288.43 was set in April. The sharp decline in the Pakistani rupee raises concerns about the country’s financial stability, and several factors have contributed to this depreciation.

    The arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges has led to increased uncertainty and added pressure on the Pakistani rupee. This political turmoil has negatively impacted investor confidence and the value of the local currency.

    Furthermore, the uncertain status of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programme has further exacerbated the decline of the Pakistani rupee. Although the government had anticipated an installment of $1.2 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, delays in loan disbursement and recent developments in negotiations have raised concerns about Pakistan’s ability to meet its financial obligations. These doubts have put additional strain on the rupee’s value.

    Currency experts are closely monitoring these developments and expressing caution about the future outlook of the Pakistani rupee. The government must take decisive measures to stabilize the currency and restore investor confidence. This may involve implementing effective economic policies, addressing corruption concerns, and ensuring a more transparent and predictable investment environment.

    It is crucial for the Pakistani government to engage in constructive dialogue with the IMF to secure the much-needed loan program. Demonstrating a commitment to fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and good governance can potentially alleviate concerns surrounding the economy and enhance the rupee’s value in the international market.

    While the situation appears challenging, it is important to note that currency fluctuations are not unique to Pakistan. Several emerging economies have faced similar issues in recent years. The government’s response and its ability to address the underlying causes of the rupee’s depreciation will be critical.

  • Woman who wrote book on grief after husband’s death charged with his murder

    Woman who wrote book on grief after husband’s death charged with his murder

    Kouri Richins, a mother of three and author of a book about grief following the death of her husband, has been charged with his murder.

    According to prosecutors, she allegedly poisoned Eric Richins with a lethal dose of the synthetic drug fentanyl, which was found in his system after he died on March 4, 2022.

    Ms Richins was detained in Provo, Utah, on Monday and is also charged with possessing GHB, a drug commonly associated with “date rape” cases due to its sedative effects.

    Search warrants seen by KPCW revealed that Mr Richins’ family had expressed suspicion that Ms Richins was responsible for his death, and he had reportedly warned them that she was to blame if anything happened to him. The charges also come after an “unnamed acquaintance” claimed to have sold fentanyl to Ms Richins.

    Ms Richins claimed to have found her husband “cold to the touch” after she had given him a THC gummy and a Moscow Mule to celebrate him selling a house. Following his death, she wrote a picture book titled “Are you with me?” to help children dealing with the loss of a loved one.

    She had been promoting the book in recent television interviews, including an appearance on “Good Things Utah,” where she explained that children needed to be reminded that a loved one’s spirit is always present in the home.

    In addition to the murder charge, Ms Richins is also accused of altering her husband’s life insurance policy to make herself the sole beneficiary. She is currently in custody, and the case is ongoing.

  • ‘Black Day’: Celebrities come out in Imran Khan’s support

    ‘Black Day’: Celebrities come out in Imran Khan’s support

    In an unexpected development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was arrested from inside Islamabad High Court (IHC) by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) yesterday (Tuesday).


    According to Islamabad police, Khan was arrested in the Al-Qadir case.


    Celebrities Like Maya Aali, Shaan Shahid and Adnan Siddiqui have come out in support of Imran Khan.

    Have a look at some of the reactions:

    Shaan Shahid

    Adnan Siddiqui:

    Shahveer Jafry:

    Mariyam Nafees:

  • World Cup 2023: Will Pakistan travel to India for the mega event?

    World Cup 2023: Will Pakistan travel to India for the mega event?

    As World Cup 2023 gets closer, cricketing fans wait for the joy of an India vs Pakistan clash.

    However, will Pakistan actually participate in the mega event? Speculations are rife that the country may skip the event. What has led to these rumors?

    The Indian government has said that they will not allow their team to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, leading to the assumption that the hardliner government will not allow the Pakistani team to play in India.

    The mega event of International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to take place in India, with broadcasters eyeing the potential of huge revenues from an India vs Pakistan match.

    However, will the Pakistan team get permission to travel to India in the light of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s recent statement given during a trip to India?


    “Sports should be kept separated from politics and foreign policy,” the FM had stated during his visit to attend the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting.

    Earlier reports had claimed that Pakistan will play its World Cup matches in Ahmedabad in Narendra Modi stadium in Gujrat.


    “Pakistan may not agree to play against India at Narendra Modi Stadium due to certain reasons,” a source has disclosed, without discussing further details on the matter before the announcement of the official schedule.

    It must be noted here that International Cricket Council (ICC) hasn’t announced the schedule for the World Cup so far. The mega event will take place in October-November this year in India.

    A reliable source in PCB has also denied reports regarding their demand from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to give them a guarantee in writing that if Pakistan goes to India for ICC World Cup, then they will come here for ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

  • Big victory for PTI: SC declares IK’s arrest Illegal

    SC declares IK’s arrest Illegal

    Supreme Court has declared Khan’s arrest “illegal” and ordered the authorities to release him immediately.

    Supreme Court will hear Imran Khan’s plea against arrest at 2pm

    In an unexpected development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was arrested from inside Islamabad High Court (IHC) by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday.

    Supreme Court will hear Imran Khan’s plea against arrest at 2pm:

    A three-member Supreme Court (SC) bench will hear PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s plea against his arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case at 2pm.

    The bench will comprise Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Athar Minallah.

    Shah Mahmood Qureshi Arrest:

    PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been arrested in Islamabad and moved to an undisclosed location, according to the party.

    Fawad Chaudhry was arrested late last night and Asad Umar is already in custody.

    PM’s address to the nation:

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif in an address to the nation on Thursday termed damaging public property an “act of terrorism” and “enmity” towards the country.

    In a short address, the premier said that he would like to warn “terrorists” who are harming the country to stop, otherwise strict actions will be taken against them.

    Any further attack on the army, state will result in a strong reaction: ISPR

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said on Wednesday that the institution will not allow anyone to take the law into their hands.

    In a harshly worded statement, the army’s media wing said that Imran Khan was arrested from the Islamabad High Court “in line with the NAB statement and law”.

    “Immediately after this arrest, attacks were perpetrated on the army’s properties and installations anti-army slogans were raised,” it added.

    The statement also warned that, “Any further attack on the army and state will result in an extreme reaction.”

    ISPR also said that May 9 will be remembered as a “black chapter”

    Khan to stay with NAB for 8 days:

    NAB has gotten physical remand of PTI Chairman Imran Khan for eight days in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

    Army enters Punjab with govt permission:

    The Punjab Home Department has given permission to the Pakistan army to maintain law and order across the province amid civil unrest.

    Currently, internet service is suspended and protests are being carried out to show support for Imran Khan who was arrested from the premises of Islamabad High Court yesterday.

    NAB requests 14-day physical remand of Imran Khan:

    National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has requested physical remand of Imran Khan, Chairman of PTI, in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

    Additional Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar heard the Al-Qadir Trust case against Imran Khan at New Guest House, Police Line.

    During the hearing, the NAB prosecutor asked the court for a 14-day physical remand of Imran Khan.

    Asad Umar arrested:

    Asad Umar and Shah Mahmood Qureshi went to the Islamabad High Court to submit a petition pleading to meet Imran Khan.
    He has been arrested by Anti-Terrorist squad of Islamabad Police.

    PML-N Secretariat office in Model Town in flames:

    The protests against Imran Khan’s arrest have turned violent as the PML-N Model Town secretariat in Lahore has been set on fire by protesters.
    According to reports, a violent mob is heading to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s personal residence in Lahore.

    PTI to challenge Khan’s arrest in Supreme Court: Fawad Ch

    Fawad Chaudhry has said that PTI will challenge Imran Khan’s arrest in the Supreme Court in the morning.

    In his tweet, senior PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry labelled Khan’s arrest “illegal”.

    Twitter down in Pakistan:

    Amid the protest across the country in support of Khan, many mobile services have been suspended and now Twitter is also not working.

    Punjab Government imposes section 144

    The Punjab government has enforced Section 144 throughout the province amid the protest happening against the arrest of Imran Khan.

    The Home Department has released a notice stating that Rangers have been called in to aid the police in managing the situation.

    Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi in a tweet said that the government will not spare anyone involved in attack on the state of Pakistan.

    Rana Sanaullah’s press conference:

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah confirmed Khan’s arrest by NAB, adding that there are “dozens” of other cases with corruption inquiries in progress against the former premier.

    “Look at this person’s hypocrisy that when he was making false corruption cases against people, he himself was [involved] in such disgusting corruption,” he said.

    The interior minister said evidence is present for all of the above developments.

    Protests by Khan’s loyalists:

    Later, protests started across the country and several roads are blocked.

    Rangers and Khan:

    Around 3pm, Khan was arrested. Here is a video of Khan being pushed by rangers as they arrest him in Islamabad.

    Moments before arrest:

    Following is the video of Khan before his arrest.

    PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said that the party wanted the IHC to form a full court to hear the case. However, no action has been taken so far by the court.

    PTI leaders reaction

    Following are the tweets by PTI leaders who strongly condemned the arrest of their chief and urged people to come out of the street.

  • Imran Khan arrest kyun huvay hain?

    Imran Khan arrest kyun huvay hain?

    In an unexpected development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has been arrested from inside Islamabad High Court (IHC) by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) today (Tuesday).

    NAB bought arrest warrants with them, which were issued by the accountability watchdog’s Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmad Butt on May 1. As per details, Khan was taken into custody under Section 9A of the National Accountability Ordinance 1999. 

    According to Islamabad police, Imran has been arrested in a case in which Bahria Town allegedly gave land worth Rs530 million to Khan and Bushra Bibi’s Al-Qadir Trust in return for a settlement.

    What is the Al-Qadir Trust case?

    In 2019, more than £190m of assets were seized from Malik Riaz by National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK.

    Later, NCA returned this amount to Pakistan’s national treasury, however, the Khan-led cabinet of the time decided to submit millions of pounds to Supreme Court on behalf of Malik Riaz.

    A few weeks later, the Al-Qadir Trust was founded by Khan, Bushra Bibi, Zulfi Bukhari, and Babar Awan. Malik allotted 458 kanals to them to establish a university that apparently has only 35 students.

    However, according to senior journalist Kamran Khan, the former Prime Minister (PM) was arrested for making accusations against the top brass in the army including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.

    Earlier, Khan made serious allegations that General Faisal Naseer plotted his assassination. Later, when Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) condemned his words, he said that he can prove that ISI took over the judicial complex in Islamabad to murder him.