Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • ‘Stop spinning the truth’: social media users are furious with Farhan Saeed after he defended attending Hum Awards during floods

    ‘Stop spinning the truth’: social media users are furious with Farhan Saeed after he defended attending Hum Awards during floods

    A tweet comparing the response of Turkish actors during earthquake response to Pakistani actors who had flown to Canada to attend Hum Awards during the floods in Pakistan triggereda debate on the micro blogging website, eventually eliciting a response from Farhan Saeed.

    “First, revenue gen was for flood victims. Sec, all these telethons that happen in Pak, artists raise funds. For all the Shaukat K. hospitals, artists have raised most of the funds with IK , but with inferiority complex like yours , you’ll always like others better. So carry on”, the former member of the Jal band had written.

    Saeed’s response received intense backlash on Twitter as users pointed out that the ‘Suno Chanda’ actor had not done anything to promote awareness for floods, and is responding in a dismissive manner to critics.

    Users also criticized his insensitive comment and not being able to recognize the insensivity the actors had portrayed when they had refused to use their platform to gather resources for the floods of Pakistan

    “i get where you are coming from, but right now, it is not about the revenue but about the angle of insensitivity that cannot be brushed under the rug, the award show was happening at the EXACT same time when millions of people had lost their homes and lives in the floods.”

    Many users are called Saeed tone deaf in the comments


  • ‘Grow up’: Twitter users are furious with Shoaib Akhtar after comments about Babar Azam go viral

    ‘Grow up’: Twitter users are furious with Shoaib Akhtar after comments about Babar Azam go viral

    Twitter is furious with Shoaib Akhtar after a clip of his comments about Babar Azam went viral.
    The former fast bowler gave an interview to Suno TV, where among many things he criticized current captain Babar Azam for not being able to communicate well with the media.
    “Babar Azam should be one of the biggest names of Pakistan. Why is he not one of the biggest names? It’s because he is not able to communicate.”

    He stressed that cricket is one job, and being able to communicate with the media is an important aspect. He then cited that as the reason he is still relevant along with other former cricket stars.

    “Cricket is one job, and media is another job…If you can’t speak, then I’m sorry you’re not going to be able to express your performances on the tv.. Why is it only me, Waseem bhai and Shahid bhai who are able to appear in ads?”

    As soon as this interview went viral on social media, fans came in defense of Azam and criticized the former player for his toxic and demoralizing comments for the current cricket team.

    https://twitter.com/were_game/status/1627712326294962187?s=20

    Public speaking can be an essential part of your career but it shouldn’t completely define the kind of person you are. Users believe the Azam’s cricket career speaks volumes about the kind of person he is.

    “Narcissism and superiority complex at its best. Babar azam IS a brand despite his introverted nature. Go cry cuz that’s all you can do about it” another user wrote.

    https://twitter.com/Beybuspaki/status/1627653565832462336?s=20

    “He is already biggest brand, he is cricketer not actor , and he doesn’t need to do that useless things because his job is cricket and he is world no 1 in his job”, another user wrote in defence of the former “Men’s ODI ricketer of Year Award” winner

  • Military, civilian leadership has put full stop on Khan’s appeasement policy on terrorists: Bilawal

    Military, civilian leadership has put full stop on Khan’s appeasement policy on terrorists: Bilawal

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that negotiating with those people who don’t accept Pakistan and its constitution is not in favour of the country or it’s people.

    In an interview with German broadcaster DW Urdu, the foreign minister said that the previous government was asking the interim Afghan government to facilitate reconciliation with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and had plans to resettle the militants in Pakistan.

    “Every Pakistani was saying that terrorists who were involved in heinous attacks such as the Army Public School massacre could never be our friends”, said Bilawal.

    Earlier in an interview with CNBC, Bilawal said, “Unfortunately, following the fall of Kabul, the government that preceded ours started negotiating with these very same terrorist groups and without preconditions such as disarming.”

    The foreign minister said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition government and military leadership have “put a full stop to the policy of appeasement”.

    Citing the porous border with Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister said that the new government doesn’t have the capacity to man it.

    “We are confident that we’ll be able to take on the terrorist groups that are functioning within Pakistan,” he said.

    Discussing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, Bilawal said that if he strives to pursue a democratic path and commits to play a constitutional role, he can have a future, adding that Khan’s ouster through a vote of no-confidence motion was the first time parliament removed a prime minister in a democratic way.

    However, since his ouster, Khan has been asking the army for help in getting back to power, the foreign minister alleged.

     “If the military says it wants to change its controversial conduct constitutionally, it should be welcomed.”

    While responding to a question regarding the statement about Pakistan’s bankruptcy made by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Bilawal said: “He was talking in a political context at a political gathering and he was referring to the harsh economic times rather than speaking technically. He was talking in the overall context of the country.”

  • Suzuki Swift GLX now costs more than Rs4.7 million after latest hike

    Suzuki Swift GLX now costs more than Rs4.7 million after latest hike

    Pak Suzuki Motor Company has announced its third price hike in less than 30 days, resulting in an increase in the prices of some of its more affordable car models. This move follows the ongoing trend, with Pak Suzuki citing mounting inflation and local currency depreciation as the primary reasons for the price increase.

    With immediate effect, the revised car prices are as follows:

    VariantsOld Price (Rs)New Price (Rs)Increase (Rs)
    Alto VX2,034,0002,144,000110,000
    Alto VXR2,359,0002,487,000128,000
    Alto VXR AGS2,528,0002,665,000137,000
    Alto VXL AGS2,615,0002,795,000144,000
    Wagon R VXR2,877,0003,062,000185,000
    Wagon R VXL3,052,0003,248,000196,000
    Wagon R AGS3,348,0003,563,000215,000
    Cultus VXR3,326,0003,540,000214,000
    Cultus VXL3,654,0003,889,000235,000
    Cultus AGS3,906,0004,157,000251,000
    Swift GL M/T3,807,0004,052,000245,000
    Swift GL CVT4,092,0004,335,000263,000
    Swift GLX CVT4,462,0004,725,000263,000
    Bolan VX1,754,0001,852,00092,000

    A production halt was announced by the manufacturer last week as a result of the continued economic downturn and inventory constraint. Further days without manufacturing indicate a greater sales drop. That might result in Pak Suzuki losing a considerable portion of its market share, especially in light of the recent price increase.

  • National Assembly passes mini-budget to meet IMF targets

    National Assembly passes mini-budget to meet IMF targets

    The National Assembly of Pakistan passed the Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2023, aimed at amending certain laws relating to taxes and duties. The bill is intended to generate an additional Rs170 billion within the next four and a half months, to fulfill the last prior actions agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Pakistan’s reserves have fallen to a critically low level of $2.9 billion, which experts believe is sufficient for only 16 to 17 days of imports. The completion of the ninth review of a $7 billion loan programme with the IMF would lead to a disbursement of $1.2 billion, as well as unlock inflows from friendly countries.

    The Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar, introduced the bill to the National Assembly on February 15, and the formal debate started on it after moving a motion by Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar on February 17. In his concluding speech during the NA session, Dar said the new taxes proposed in the bill would not affect the poor segments of society, as most of the new taxes are being imposed on luxury items that they don’t use.

    The government has also proposed an increase of Rs40 billion in the budget of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to help the poor cope with rising inflation.

    The Finance Bill aims to increase the general sales tax (GST) rate from 17 per cent to 18 per cent, with an increase to 25 per cent on luxury items. The bill proposes to raise the federal excise duty (FED) on cigarettes, and aerated and sugary drinks. GST on 33 categories of goods covering 860 tariff lines, including high-end mobile phones, imported food, decoration items, and other luxury goods, will increase from 17 per cent to 25 per cent, however, the raise will be notified through another notification.

    The excise duty on cement has been raised from Rs1.5 to Rs2 per kilogram, a measure expected to generate an additional Rs6 billion. An excise tax of 10 per cent has been proposed on non-aerated drinks like juices, including mango and orange, to raise an additional tax of Rs4 billion.

    The finance bill also proposed a 10 per cent withholding tax on functions and gatherings held in marriage halls, marquees, hotels, restaurants, commercial lawns, clubs, community places, or other places, expected to raise Rs1 billion to Rs2 billion from this tax. The excise duty on carbonated or aerated drinks has been raised to 20 per cent from 13 per cent to generate an additional Rs10 billion for the government.

    The proposed increase in excise duty on business, first, and club-class air tickets will raise an additional Rs10 billion for the government, with a tax rate of 20 per cent (or Rs50,000, whichever is higher) proposed on the value of air tickets.

  • Court grants protective bail to Imran Khan

    Court grants protective bail to Imran Khan

    The Lahore High Court (LHC) has finally approved protective bail till March 3 for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in a case pertaining to protests outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    Earlier in the evening, amid tight security, Khan made his way to the courtroom from his house in Zaman Park. He appeared before the judges after being called in numerous times.

    ‘Impossible’ for Khan to step out of car to reach courtroom

    Khan was present within the premises of the LHC, however, leaders of his party said that it would be difficult for him to go towards the courtroom itself.

    Senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi claimed there are “thousands” of people present inside the compound while alleging that security arrangements are almost “non-existent”. He said it is “impossible” for Imran to step out of his car and reach the courtroom.

    Court gives IK a last chance to appear by 5pm today

    Earlier today, the high court gave a last chance to Khan to appear before the court by 5pm today as he faces the possibility of arrest ahead of his appearance.

    The court had disposed the former Prime Minister’s appeal for exemption from appearance for protective bail, citing doctors’ advice about the leg injury he suffered after being shot in November 2022 in Wazirabad.

    According to multiple media reports, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has constituted a four-member team to arrest the PTI head in a separate case related to foreign funding received by his party. Media reports suggest that Khan might be arrested by a Lahore FIA team before his appearance at LHC, and then will be handed over to an Islamabad FIA team.

    The FIA team has reportedly also held consultations with lawyer bodies so that the arrest is not disrupted.

  • President Alvi sets April 9 as election day for Punjab and KP

    President Alvi sets April 9 as election day for Punjab and KP

    President Dr Arif Alvi has announced that elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) will be held on April 9.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Section 57(1) of the Elections Act, 2017 says that the president is entrusted to announce the election date after consulting the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)

    Earlier today, ECP said no to meeting President Alvi when he invited the commission to consult with him, citing that the matter of elections is sub judice.

    ECP says no to meeting with President Alvi

    On Monday, ECP, in a letter addressed to Alvi, has stated that the matter of deciding a date for elections is subjudice, hence, it cannot participate in a meeting on this issue with the president.

    The development comes days after Alvi wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, inviting him for an “urgent meeting” to discuss and consult on the election date in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The meeting was set to take place today (Monday, February 20).

    Two federal ministers, Rana Sanaullah and Marriyum Aurangzeb, have defended the ECP.

    In a statement issued on Monday, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the Presidency has become “Awan-e-Sazish” [centre of conspiracy], adding that the government will not allow it to become “Imran Khan’s Tiger Force”. She also advised Alvi against becoming a puppet of the former Prime Minister.

    Meanwhile, in a tweet, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah lambasted Alvi, stating that, “ECP is not your slave,” and adding that “Imran is now using the head of state [Alvi] for conspiracy”.

    President Alvi asks ECP for urgent meeting to consult on Punjab, KP’s election dates

    Earlier, in a letter to ECP, the president expressed displeasure over the “apathy and inaction” of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on not responding to his earlier letter as yet. The first letter was sent on February 8.

    The president stated that he had waited anxiously that the ECP would realise its constitutional duties to proceed and act accordingly, but was extremely dismayed by the commission’s “approach on this important matter”.

    The meeting will take place on February 20 (Monday).

    The president’s official Twitter account said that the two will discuss Section 57(1) of Elections Act, 2017 which details that the president is entrusted to announce the election date after consulting the ECP.

    Punjab and KP assemblies were dissolved in January to pave way for fresh elections.

    It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been asking for the elections since the ouster of their chairman Imran Khan as Prime Minister.

  • ‘How dare you’: Miftah Ismail gets furious at public event when asked about getting a BMW

    Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail lost his cool and got furious at Karachi Literature Festival on Sunday when asked about allegedly obtaining a BMW when he was the minister a few months back.

    Responding to a question, the former minister responded by saying: “How can you say I had a BMW and accuse somebody like this? How dare you talk to me that I had a BMW?”

    Miftah noted that these “false” accusations led to people in jail.

    “I was in jail for five months without being guilty of anything so I don’t appreciate people telling me that I have done something wrong,” said the former finance czar.

    “My sister, wife and daughter cried when I was in jail so you should take it back,” Miftah told the person.

    Setting the record straight, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader also said he used to drive his personal car and bear fuel expense when he served as the finance minister.

    Miftah Ismail held the post of finance minister when the incumbent coalition government took charge in April. However, he was replaced by Nawaz’s close aide Ishaq Dar in September last year. Since then, it’s been speculated that some factions within the party are not happy with Miftah.

  • Pakistan’s current account deficit drops by over 90% amid import restrictions

    According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday, Pakistan’s current account deficit in January 2023 reduced by 90.2 per cent to $0.24 billion, compared to $2.47 billion in the same month last year.

    The decrease in deficit is attributed to the persisting import restrictions, which have been implemented due to the balance of payments crisis that has pushed the country towards default.

    However, the shrinking current account deficit is a result of critically low forex reserves, which stood at $3.2 billion as of February 10, barely enough to cover three weeks of imports.

    To prevent dollar outflows, the government has limited imports of essential food and medicines until the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provides a bailout to the country.

    The government’s strategy of import restrictions has affected industries that rely on imported inputs to continue their operations, leading to a suspension of operations or downsizing production levels and causing layoffs.

    During January, the country’s imports stood at $3.92 billion, a decrease of 7.3 per cent from the previous month, while exports fell to $2.21 billion, a decrease of 4.29 per cent from December’s $2.31 billion. Workers’ remittances in January 2023 amounted to $1.89 billion, which is a decline of 9.89 per cent compared to December’s $2.1 billion.

    During the first seven months of the current fiscal year, the country’s current account deficit stood at $3.8 billion, representing a 67.13 per cent decline from July-Jan FY22.

  • ‘Filthy’: Controversial question leads to sacking of COMSAT University lecturer

    ‘Filthy’: Controversial question leads to sacking of COMSAT University lecturer

    A visiting-faculty member from COMSATS University has been fired after students from the Electric Engineering department were shocked by the question they had received for their English Composition exam.

    The university administration released a letter addressing the question about incest, and revealed that the lecturer responsible for the quiz has been removed from his position.

    As the question went viral on Twitter, social media users expressed how horrified they were and called it a sign of the destruction of the education system in Pakistan.

    “This is the end of our education system. Such a curse #COMSATS is,” one user wrote.

    https://twitter.com/Yousafzais_/status/1627588314294370306?s=20

    Journalist Shama Junejo shared that she had never seen such filth promoted this way

    “I have lived & studied in West since decades,my children have studied in UK since their childhood,I have never seen or read any such filth,what I read in this examination of COMSATS university to promote incest. Whoever designed it,is a sick bastard & must be removed immediately.”

    More twitter users called for strict action to be taken against the University lecturer who had designed this quiz.