Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • ‘Stop making false allegations’: ISPR warns Imran Khan

    ‘Stop making false allegations’: ISPR warns Imran Khan

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has termed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s allegations against General Faisal Naseer “highly irresponsible”.

    Strongly condemning his allegations, the media wing of the army said that the accusations are baseless and noted that, “This has been a consistent pattern for last one year wherein military and intelligence agencies officials are targeted”.

    Moreover, ISPR warned Khan to “stop making false allegations” because the “institution reserves the right to take legal course of action against patently false and malafide statements and propaganda.”

    Zardari, Shehbaz defend General Faisal also known as Khan’s ‘Dirty Harry’ after Khan’s allegations

    Earlier, prominent politicians including Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari strongly denounced the accusations made by Khan against General Faisal Naseer.

    In a tweet, Shehbaz condemned the accusations, writing that, “Khan’s leveling of allegations without any proof against Gen Faisal Naseer and officers of our Intelligence Agency cannot be allowed and will not be tolerated.”

    Replying to Shehbaz, Imran Khan asked whether he has a right as a citizen “to nominate those who he feels are responsible for assassination attacks.”

    Former President Zardari also slammed Khan, saying that the allegations against General Faisal are actually an attack on the institution with which the whole of Pakistan stands.

    “A person is fooling his innocent workers with lies and deceit, I see the downfall of this person”, Zardari added.

    Punjab Interim Chief Minister (CM) Mohsin Naqvi also came to rescue General Faisal, stating that, “We will not allow anyone to humiliate or threaten our institutions and Intelligence agencies in Punjab.”

    Earlier, Khan made serious allegations that the general plotted his assassination. Khan alleged that he is behind journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder and Swati’s custodial torture.

  • FBR officers request leave until June to protest against low salary amid soaring inflation

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is in the midst of a predicament as its officers have apparently requested leave until June in order to protest against the rising inflation that is affecting their ability to make ends meet.

    In a letter addressed to the FBR Chairman Asim Ahmed, 117 Income Tax officers ranging from grades 17 to 19 have expressed their discontent with a meagre pay scale.

    “Due to low pay, we are unable to meet the expenses of coming to the office in this era of skyrocketing inflation,” the letter stated.

    This issue is extremely worrisome as the absence of these officers during the crucial budgeting process could have grave consequences for the country’s economy since the FBR is accountable for collecting taxes and revenue for the government.

    According to ARY News, the FBR Chairman has promised to raise the matter of the officers’ salary scale with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Additionally, he mentioned that the tax officers’ performance allowance has been withheld since 2015.

    It’s worth noting that an FBR officer made a peculiar request in a separate incident. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the officer requested permission to engage in corrupt activities in order to cover domestic expenses in the face of soaring inflation.

  • All-black everything: Kia Sportage Black Edition launches in Pakistan

    All-black everything: Kia Sportage Black Edition launches in Pakistan

    Kia Lucky Motor Corporation has introduced a new version of its Sportage SUV, named the ‘Black Limited Edition.’ This latest model is the top-of-the-line version of Sportage in Pakistan.

    The company recently held an unveiling event of the vehicle for its clients and industry experts in major cities across Pakistan, where they discussed the enhancements made to the latest variant.

    The ‘Black Edition’ is primarily a cosmetic package and comes exclusively with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) powertrain configuration. The new variant features a gloss black front grille, 19″ gloss black alloy rims, gloss black rear scuff-plate, dark-satin mouldings, darkened Kia, Sportage, and AWD emblems, and an all-black leather-wrapped interior. However, the primary features and performance figures of the new model remain the same as the standard Sportage.

    Kia plans to produce the ‘Black Edition’ for a limited time, which could last up to a year. While the new model is visually appealing, its price is relatively high compared to other SUVs on the market. According to Pakwheels, the Sportage Black Edition is priced at Rs9.05 million, which is significantly more than its competitors like the MG HS and Hyundai Tucson.

    Despite the cost, given the Sportage’s overall popularity, the ‘Black Edition’ may still prove to be a big success.

  • Indian Congress leader called out for requesting journalists to not give ‘platform’ to Bilawal

    Indian Congress leader called out for requesting journalists to not give ‘platform’ to Bilawal

    Senior Congress leader and Supreme Court advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi is being called out by Indian journalists for requesting Indian media to not give any space on their platforms to dignitaries visiting from neighbouring countries.


    The Indian leader was referring to Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s interview conducted by different news outlets.


    “Would request my friends in the media to not give any prime time space to the dignitaries visiting from our neighbouring country who constantly call for the break up of our country from foreign soil. They don’t deserve a platform here,” the tweet by Singhvi read.

    Indian Journalist, Smita Sharma who mostly reports on foreign affairs, called out Singhvi for his advice saying that foreign leaders are not supposed to get government’s clearance before interviewing foreign leaders.

    “Our ministers should give I/Vs to Foreign press/critical publications to make their case instead of turning a Foreign Policy event into a domestic poll campaign. Journos are not supposed to get govt clearance before interviewing Foreign leaders who are not on some sanctions list,” she wrote.

    Suhasini Haidar who also interviewed Bilawal Bhutto in a tweet called the request “bizarre logic”. “Absolutely bizarre logic-Govt of India invites leaders to a conference, extends full hospitality and courtesies to them, but journalists covering the event must not do their job, must not try and interview the leaders invited?” she wrote.

    Amit Malviya, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT cell chief Amit Malviya called the journalists who interviewed BBZ “serviceable” by Pakistan.
    “Bilawal Bhutto Zardari wanted to use the opportunity (SCO) to speak directly to the Indian people through our press and seemed to have asked to specifically meet two or three journalists considered by Pakistan to be ‘serviceable’,” he said.
    Suhasini Haider, while replying to the accusation said, “Not sure what you mean by “serviceable”, Mr. Malviya, but your personal attacks on Indian journalists is unwarranted, and doesn’t behoove the IT cell chief of the ruling party of a proud democracy like India.”

    Bilawal Bhutto Zardari went to India last week to attend a moot of the Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) being held in Goa today (Thursday).

  • From prisoner to artist: Guantanamo Bay detainee showcases work at Karachi exhibition

    From prisoner to artist: Guantanamo Bay detainee showcases work at Karachi exhibition

    Ahmed Rabbani, a 53-year-old Pakistani who was recently released after 20 years of detention at Guantanamo Bay, turned to painting to satisfy his artistic yearnings. When he ran out of paint, he used whatever he could find, including dirt, coffee grinds, and spices such as turmeric from the prison canteen.

    “Through painting, I would feel myself outside Guantanamo,” he said at an exhibition of his work in Karachi. Rabbani was detained in September 2002 and handed over to the US Central Intelligence Agency for a bounty of $5,000. He was accused of being a notorious militant known as Hassan Ghul, but Rabbani always insisted it was a case of mistaken identity. He and his brother were never charged or faced trial during their detention.

    The US Senate published a Rendition Report in 2014, which revealed that Ghul was captured and brought to the same prison, only to be released back to Pakistan for “cooperating.” While Ghul went back to his terrorist ways and was killed in a drone strike in 2012, Ahmed got a one-way trip to Guantanamo Bay.

    Born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Rabbani moved back to Karachi as a teen and was a taxi driver at the time of his detention. He specialised in guiding visitors from the Middle East, which contributed to him being misidentified.

    While imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay, painting became an obsession for Rabbani, although years spent on hunger strike meant he was often too frail to even hold a brush. If he ran out of materials, he would improvise by using a piece of discarded or torn clothes as a canvas. He would also use coffee or turmeric as a medium.

    Around two dozen pieces of Rabbani’s artwork, which he was allowed to take from prison, are on display at “The Unforgotten Moon: Liberating Art from Guantanamo Bay” exhibition. The works are displayed alongside pieces by local artists who have “re-imagined” paintings that were confiscated. “He is someone who has lost so much of his life, so to produce images of this quality is a miracle… it’s remarkable,” said Natasha Malik, curator and organiser of the exhibition.

    Rabbani, sporting a salt-and-pepper beard and wearing a traditional shalwar kameez and waistcoat, was the centre of attention at the exhibition opening. He plans to publish a cookery book with his memoirs in it and wants to open a restaurant based on recipes he learned while in prison. He hopes to use funds raised from the sale of his artwork to achieve this.

    His artwork depicts his hopes and despair, and some pieces express his yearnings for freedom, such as nature seen through narrow openings, birds flying, and endless oceans. One painting shows a cage containing bright orange fish, the colour of overalls Guantanamo prisoners were forced to wear. “I spent many years in orange,” he said. “I never accepted their laws. I would always break their laws.”

  • Video: It used to annoy me but now I enjoy it: Iftikhar Ahmed on being called ‘Chachu’

    Video: It used to annoy me but now I enjoy it: Iftikhar Ahmed on being called ‘Chachu’

    Ifitikhar Ahmed is Pakistan’s most reliable middle order batter, and the frequent target of a chant that fans have tailored just for him.

    The batsman was recently asked by a journalist what he felt when fans chant ‘chachu chachu’ (uncle) on the field.

    He answered the question in a very sweet manner, stating:

    “See, first I used to get annoyed when people chant chachu chachu about me but I am now enjoying it. It is not a bad thing, it is not an abusive chant, it is a good thing for me.

    When Shahid Afridi steps into the ground, the crowd immediately stands up and chants boom boom and now they chant chachu chachu, so I really enjoy it.”

    Iftikhar Ahmed also said that wherever he goes to play, the crowd supports him. “Be happy and let me be happy,” he added.
    Ifitkhar Ahmed scored a crucial fifty on the finisher of One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, proving himself as a reliable middle order batter.

    Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, during the post-match press conference, also mentioned feeling embarrassed that Iftikhar is known as ‘Chahcha’ because of his jokes.


    However, despite this feeling, he is happy that people enjoy it.

    Babar also praised Iftikhar’s abilities and acknowledged that he has been playing great cricket for the past few months.

    “Sometimes, I feel embarrassed that due to me Iftikhar is now known as ‘Chacha’ but I am happy that people enjoy it. He gave some brilliant performances in T20 cricket and today he took the game deep alone but unfortunately, he didn’t get support from the other end.

    “That is why we gave him a chance in ODIs because he has been playing great cricket for the last five-six months and we were struggling on those numbers so we are getting a lot of help from Iftikhar and Salman Ali Agha,” Babar said.

  • Will we have elections? Chief Justice gives his opinion

    Will we have elections? Chief Justice gives his opinion

    During a seminar on the rights of minorities, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, on Sunday emphasised the importance of implementing the constitution, stating that it is their duty to hold elections within 90 days of assembly dissolution as outlined in the constitution.


    He was speaking at a conference named after the late CJP AR Cornelius on the issues faced by minorities.


    “When it comes to constitutional enforcement we [SC judges] must not blink our eyes. If it says 90 days for holding the polls, it is our duty to say that and not our choice,” said the CJP.


    The top judge further stated that protecting the constitution is their fundamental duty, and that he had been informed about ongoing negotiations among political parties.

    “There is a need to follow the constitution without looking for any excuses,” remarked the chief justice.“You may call it a dispute, but I will not.”
    The CJP also said that courts cannot pass executive orders.

  • Sonam Kapoor’s mother on cloud nine after daughter performs at coronation concert

    Sonam Kapoor’s mother on cloud nine after daughter performs at coronation concert

    Sunita Kapoor, mother of Bollywood actres Sonam Kapoor, took to Instagram to express her happiness as her daughter delivered a “spoken word performance” at King Charles III’s Coronation Concert.


    The concert was organised to celebrate the monarch a day after the historic coronation held at Westminster Abbey. Sonam Kapoor introduced various choir performers from the Commonwealth and took the center stage at the event. Sunita Kapoor shared a video of her daughter’s speech on Instagram along with a note, “So proud! Such an honour.”

    Sonam Kapoor began her speech with “Namaste”. She said that the Commonwealth is a union. “Together we are one-third of the world’s people. One-third of the world’s ocean. One-quarter of the world’s land. Each of our countries is unique, and each of our people is special, but we choose to stand as one, learning from our history. Blessed by our diversity, driven by our values, and determined to build a more peaceful, sustainable, and prosperous future for everyone, where every voice is heard.”

    Sonam Kapoor’s dress was designed by Anamika Khanna and Emilia Wickstead.

  • IMF asks for more effort from Pakistan, loan programme in jeopardy

    IMF asks for more effort from Pakistan, loan programme in jeopardy

    Despite assurances from friendly countries regarding external funds for Pakistan, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) remains unconvinced and is asking Islamabad to make additional efforts to unlock a loan programme.

    According to sources, Pakistan has been requested to present a repayment plan for a $3.7 billion loan to the IMF in June and to demonstrate stronger support from friendly nations to fulfill this obligation.

    However, the IMF has not yet accepted a proposal to exchange reserves worth between $11 to $12 billion, equivalent to two months’ revenues. The Ministry of Finance has stated that the government has imposed Rs170 billion in taxes through a mini-budget to secure a staff-level agreement with the IMF, which was initially scheduled for February 9th.

    It is noteworthy that the IMF has not included Pakistan in any agenda until May 17th. The budget-making process may also be affected if transactions with the IMF are not concluded, as funding will not be available from international financial institutions without a staff-level agreement.

    Last month, the staff-level agreement between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund was postponed due to the lender’s new demand.

    Finance Secretary Hamid Yakoob’s meeting with the International Monetary Fund in the United States did not yield positive results as the lender requested the arrangement of $1 billion from commercial banks to unlock the loan program.

    The staff-level agreement, originally scheduled for February 9th, was delayed due to the IMF’s demands.

  • Babar Azam opens up on teammates’ blunt and angry statements

    Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, has cleared his stance on the comments and tweet made by his teammates, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam ul Haq, during the recently completed five-match ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand, which has been won by the Pakistan 4-1.

    In the post-match press conference after the fifth ODI in Karachi, Babar shared his opinion on his teammates’ statements and clarified the team’s stance on the matter.

    Prior to the third One-Day against New Zealand, wicket keeper Muhammad Rizwan showed concerns on batting at number 5, stating, “Personally I am not happy with this position.


    I want to play at number 4, that is completely my wish I am not demanding neither I am imposing my wish on any anyone. I can perform better in the number 4 position that’s totally my thinking.” He concluded.

    The Pakistan captain, however, took a more measured approach to the situation and said that Rizwan shared his wish to bat up in the order but also emphasized that the players were well aware of the team’s requirements and priorities.

    “Rizwan said it’s my wish to play at four but we will have to keep the team’s requirement in mind and that’s how we will communicate with the players. This is a team where no player says I want to play at this specific number,” Babar said.

    “Everyone is playing for Pakistan and Rizwan has performed at both batting positions. Every player is striving for the team’s win and Rizwan is one of the best players…he has won us many games,” he added.

    On the other hand, Imam posted a cryptic tweet on Sunday morning, which garnered a lot of attention from fans, who thought that the opener is disappointed after being dropped in the fourth and fifth ODI match against the Kiwis.



    Babar said that the level of unity within the team was good and they have a culture of resolving any internal conflicts within the team itself, rather than taking them public.

    “I haven’t checked my mobile and don’t know what Imam has tweeted. There are no disgruntled players in our team and the unity is good. We try to resolve our matters within ourselves and not take them out,” Babar replied to a question about Imam’s aforementioned tweet.

    “We are like a family and our trust level is very good. I don’t think Imam’s tweet would be related to him being excluded from final two ODIs,” he added.