Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Faisal removed: PTI kicks out Faisal Vawda from WhatsApp group

    Faisal removed: PTI kicks out Faisal Vawda from WhatsApp group

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda held a press conference on Wednesday in which he made huge claims regarding the death of senior journalist Arshad Sharif and said the party’s upcoming long march to Islamabad would be a “bloody” one with “bodies falling” and deaths of innocent people.

    “Imran Khan’s peaceful march is our right but I am clearly telling you I am seeing blood, deaths and funerals in this march,” said Vawda.

    Shortly after his hard-hitting presser, a show-cause notice was sent to him on the instructions of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and his party membership was suspended.

    The notification, shared by PTI’s Sindh chapter President Ali Zaidi, says, “You have grossly violated discipline by giving statements against party policies and guidelines.”

    “You are not allowed to hold any party office or represent the party in the media,” it added.

    After Vawda’s press conference, Zaidi tweeted: “Interestingly all channels and PTV covered the presser so it’s clear that Imported Government launched him. But he made no sense.”

    PTI senior leader Fawad Chaudhry said, “Frankly, I am surprised and confused at Faisal Vawda’s press conference.” He revealed that the party members didn’t know about the press conference.

    In a tweet, PTI Secretary-General Asad Umar said Vawda’s statement does not represent party policy and views.

    According to ARY journalist Abdul Qadir, PTI also kicked out Vawda from the party’s core committee WhatsApp group.

    Vawda repeatedly said that PTI is his party and he would always remain in PTI.

    Talking about Arshad Sharif’s tragic killing, the PTI leader dismissed the version of the Kenyan police about Arshad being killed in a case of “mistaken identity”.

    “The establishment has no role in this killing,” Vawda said, adding that the establishment had been in contact with Arshad Sharif.

    “Now you will all ask me how do I know all this and why. When Arshad Sharif went from this country, from that day to his last days, I was in contact with him and my phone is available for forensic analysis,” he added.

    He repeatedly said that Sharif’s murder was plotted in Pakistan and claimed to know about the details. Vawda stated that he is ready to share evidence with the Military Intelligence (MI) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

  • American kickboxer Andrew Tate converts to Islam, prayer video goes viral

    American kickboxer Andrew Tate converts to Islam, prayer video goes viral

    Former American kickboxer Andrew Tate has confirmed that he is Muslim after a video of him praying with a friend in a mosque in Dubai went viral.

    https://twitter.com/CobraTateKING/status/1584549763231322112

    Tate revealed his conversion to Islam last week after a video of him learning an Islamic prayer from Tam Khan went viral.

    According to a tweet uploaded from his account on the social media platform Gettr, controversial social media star Andrew Tate, who has been blocked from the majority of social media platforms, has mentioned that he is now a Muslim.

    After being questioned about his views on Islam earlier this year and calling it “the last authentic religion in the world,” Andrew made his announcement today.

    A video of Andrew and Tam Khan in a UAE mosque was shared earlier this week by British Muslim and former MMA fighter Tam Khan.

    Alhamdulillah, which means “praise be to God” in Arabic, was the description for the video, which showed Tam praying while Andrew imitated his actions.

    On social media, the video elicited a variety of responses, and many users believed Andrew had embraced Islam.

    Tam defended the controversial personality from the backlash and tweeted: “I personally know Andrew & mashAllah his love for Islam is genuine & it’s real. No PR stunts. He is one of us”.

    American-British kickboxer Andrew was born in Luton but raised in Chicago. He is the son of chess player Emory Tate.

    The 35-year-old has participated in the heavyweight and cruiserweight weight classes, according to his website. In 2016, he briefly appeared in the British television series Big Brother.

    Due to his outspoken opinions, major streaming networks like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have banned Andrew’s profiles.

  • Pakistani nationals convicted of violating sanctity of Masjid-e-Nabawi released on PM Shehbaz’s request

    Pakistani nationals convicted of violating sanctity of Masjid-e-Nabawi released on PM Shehbaz’s request

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has thanked the Crown Prince of Saudia Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman for releasing Pakistani nationals convicted of violating the sanctity of Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH).

    “I am deeply grateful to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman, who, on my request, ordered the release of the Pakistanis arrested in Saudi Arabia for the April 2022 incident. I pray to Allah Almighty to make us better Muslims who forgive each other’s mistakes,” tweeted the premier.

    The crown prince ordered the release of all the Pakistanis who were imprisoned in the hooliganism in Masjid Nabawi (PBUH).

    Shehbaz Sharif had requested the Saudi Crown Prince to release the Pakistanis arrested for the incident, asking him to forgive the people.

    Earlier in August, at least six Pakistani nationals were convicted of violating the sanctity of the Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH) in Madinah during PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

    According to media reports, a court in Madinah gave three Pakistani nationals — Anas, Irshad, and Muhammad Saleem — 10 years of jail term, while the other three — Khawaja Luqman, Muhammad Afzal, and Ghulam Muhammad — had been given eight-year sentences.

    A fine of Saudi Riyal 20,000 each had been imposed on the convicts and their mobile phones were also confiscated.

    In April, during PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia, a group of protesters, suspected to be supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), chanted slogans of “chor, chor (thieves)” when they saw the Premier and Information Minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb.

    Responding to the incident in Saudi Arabia, Aurangzeb said that there was a specific group that chanted those slogans. She also said that she prayed for those people at Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH).

    In videos that were widely shared on social media, the Pakistani delegation, including Marriyum Aurangzeb and Shahzain Bugti, was seen surrounded by people yelling “chor chor”.

  • ‘This super 12 is something else’, Twitter reacts to Ireland’s win against England

    ‘This super 12 is something else’, Twitter reacts to Ireland’s win against England

    In a Super 12 match that was hampered by rain on Wednesday, Ireland pulled off the biggest upset of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 so far, defeating the defending champions England by five runs using the Duckworth-Lewis system.


    Set to chase 158, England lost five wickets for 105 runs before the umpires suspended play due to persistent rain, allowing Ireland to pull off an incredible victory as the batting side was five runs off the mark using the D/L method.

    Here is how Twitter is reacting to the match:

  • ‘Khan is using tragic killing of Arshad Sharif for petty politics’: PM Shehbaz

    ‘Khan is using tragic killing of Arshad Sharif for petty politics’: PM Shehbaz

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif—who is currently in Saudi Arabia—has said that Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is using the tragic killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif for “petty politics”.

    His statement has come after Khan’s comments about Sharif’s death, terming it “a targeted killing”.

    Taking to Twitter, the Premier said: “Imran Niazi is playing a dangerous game. He is using the tragic killing of Arshad Sharif for petty politics and going to the extent of casting aspersions on state institutions.”

    PM Shehbaz further said that the PTI chief should wait for the findings of the Judicial Commission which was constituted to probe the death of the slain journalist.

    ‘Mujhe pata hai target killing ki gayi hai’: Imran Khan on Arshad Sharif’s death

    On October 25, Khan claimed that the killing of journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif was a targeted killing, stressing that he himself warned the newsman that his life was under threat.

    Addressing an Insaf Lawyers Forum (ILF) convention in Peshawar, Khan said, “Jo marzi log kahein, mujhe pata hai target killing ki gayi hai” (Whatever people say, I know it was target killing), adding that “Arshad knew that his life was in danger, he was repeatedly warned. I told him too but despite that, he didnt step back even once or get scared,” he said in the speech.

    During the convention, Khan further said Arshad Sharif was the journalist he respected the most, using the term “martyred” for the late television host.

    Imran Khan heaped laurels on the slain journalist, calling him brave and pointing out that he put his life in danger but stayed on the path of justice “People threatened him, offered him money but he didnt change his stance,” Imran Khan revealed.

    “I told him to leave the country, but he did not listen,” Khan shared.

    “Sharif also criticised me, when he used to think I was wrong”, the PTI chief said.

    “Then I received information that they were about to kill him. They invaded his home and scared him in front of his family just so that he doesn’t speak the truth,” the former premier claimed.

    Imran said Sharif left the country but was being called back when his visa in the UAE was about to expire. “Not because he committed a crime but just so he doesn’t speak the truth. And they wanted to do the same with him what they did with Azam Swati, Shahbaz Gill and Jameel Farooqui,” Imran added.

    He repeatedly urged the lawyers’ community at the convention to take a stand. “You people have more responsibility because you know justice and the role of law more than the citizens.”

    “I will fight these cruel people till my last breath”, he said, adding that Allah has not given us the choice of being neutral.

    On Monday, Khan tweeted: “Arshad Sharif’s murder has sent shockwaves across Pakistan. It has highlighted an ongoing targeting of anyone who dares to criticise or question those holding power. When will our senior Judiciary act to ensure our citizens’ fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution are protected”.

    On October 23, Arshad Sharif was killed in Kenya in a reported shooting incident by the country’s police.

  • Govt not going anywhere; Shahid Khaqan Abbasi dismisses threat of long march

    Govt not going anywhere; Shahid Khaqan Abbasi dismisses threat of long march

    Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that the coalition government will not fall as a result of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s long march.

    “Imran Khan may launch a long march or do as he wishes, the government will remain as it is,” said Khaqan while speaking at Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath while referring to the PTI Chairman who announced that the long march will commence from Friday.

    On Tuesday, Khan announced that his long march will commence from Lahore’s Liberty Chowk on October 28. After the announcement, federal ministers and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders came forward, stating that the government will deal firmly with the marchers who are planning to come to the capital city.

    Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, said that the long march was announced because Khan wants National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) to escape punishment in the foreign funding and Toshakhana cases.

  • ADB transfers $1.5 billion loan to Pakistan

    ADB transfers $1.5 billion loan to Pakistan

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had transferred a $1.5 billion loan to Pakistan on Wednesday.

    The loan would increase foreign exchange reserves and stop the devaluation of the rupee.

    The support from ADB will help increase the number of families receiving cash transfers from 7.9 million to 9 million, boost the enrollment of kids in primary and secondary schools, and improve the geographic reach of health services and nutritional supplies for infants under 2 years old and expectant and nursing mothers.

    With the transfer of ADB, Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) have reached $9 billion.

    As of October 14, the nation’s total foreign exchange reserves were at $13.25 billion, which included SBP’s holdings of $7.597 billion, or almost five weeks’ worth of restricted imports.

    The $1.5 billion ADB loan is intended to encourage employment for people in the midst of disastrous floods and interruptions to the global supply chain while also promoting food security and social protection.

    Following the signing of the loan agreement, the ADB released a statement saying that the funding will give the government the fiscal breathing room it needs to implement its package, which is intended to help Pakistan’s poorest families, who are frequently disproportionately impacted during times of crisis.

    According to the bank, the government’s assistance includes specific initiatives to encourage gender empowerment and climate change adaptation, which have grown even more crucial in light of the most recent floods.

  • High court takes notice of flood-affected minor girl gang-raped in Karachi

    High court takes notice of flood-affected minor girl gang-raped in Karachi

    The Sindh High Court (SHC) has reportedly taken notice of a flood-affected minor girl’s gang-rape in Clifton, Karachi. The heinous incident took place on October 23 (Sunday).

    SHC Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M. Shaikh also summoned the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation South-I in a personal capacity.

    The minor girl was living in a camp set up for flood victims in Karachi.

    After the incident, she was rushed to Jinnah hospital where she remained hospitalised. The girl told the police that two men picked her up and then raped her.

    The police surgeon confirmed that the violent crime had indeed taken place and said that child had been given a full medical examination.

    According to the Additional Inspectors General (IG) Karachi, the girl and her six younger brothers and sisters were living with her mother in the vicinity of the shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi.

    On Sunday night, two boys at around 11am forcibly took her in their car and raped her, and then left her in the same vicinity at around 2:30pm.

    Clifton SP Ahmed Faisal Chaudhry said the girl’s family was homeless and had set up a makeshift residence on a footpath near Abdullah Shah Ghazi’s shrine in Clifton.

    One of the suspects involved in the gang-rape has been arrested after a case was registered.

    Following the horrific incident, Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali took serious notice of the case.

  • Pakistan’s default risk hits a 13-year-high, reflecting foreign investors’ lack of faith

    Pakistan’s default risk hits a 13-year-high, reflecting foreign investors’ lack of faith

    The risk of default for Pakistan, as determined by the 5-year credit default swap (CDS), increased on Tuesday by 3.07 percentage points in a single day to reach a 13-year high of 52.8 per cent, indicating that foreign investors no longer have confidence in the nation.

    Before the Covid-19 outbreak in Pakistan in February 2020, the CDS was between 5 per cent and 6 per cent.

    According to Express Tribune, owing to uncertainties surrounding the renewal of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programme, it peaked at over 30 per cent in the middle of this year.

    Later, as the major lender resumed its $6.5 billion programme in late August 2022 and subsequently released a $1.2 billion tranche, the CDS experienced a small recovery.

    Today, meanwhile, it is rapidly rising once more, indicating that international investors now believe Pakistan will not be able to pay back its maturing debt.

    On December 5, 2022, the country is required to repay $1 billion to overseas investors against the maturity of the 5-year Sukuk.

    The 5-year Third Pakistan International Sukuk’s yield (rate of return) is quite high, hovering at 145 per cent. Before the Covid-19 epidemic, it was around 10 per cent.

    In addition, the yield on bonds due in 2024 and 2025 is currently high at 90 per cent and 57.5 per cent, respectively, up from a low of 10 per cent in the past.

    The country’s foreign exchange reserves have decreased by about $9 billion over the past 10 months, which has caused alarm among the foreign investors.

    They are currently only covering about 1.10 months’ worth of imports at $7.6 billion, down from $20 billion (three months’ worth of imports) in August 2021.

    Ishaq Dar, the finance minister, and Miftah Ismail, his predecessor, have taken every precaution to avoid the likely default.

    They have repeatedly reassured the foreign investors that when the time came, the nation would easily repay the maturing $1 billion in December as well as fulfil other international payment obligations.

    Foreign investors are receiving warnings from the situation that the nation may default.

    However, the leadership of the nation has fully secured the $36–40 billion needed from international lenders for the current fiscal year 2023 to pay off the nation’s approximately $21 billion in foreign debt, finance approximately $10–12 billion current account deficit, and increase its foreign exchange reserves to approximately $16 billion by June 30.

    According to experts, the country’s foreign exchange reserves will increase and confidence among foreign investors will be restored with the arrival of $1.5 billion from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in a few days and another $500 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in the current month.

    They continued by saying that the inflows should also aid in lowering bond and CDS yields.

    Experts said that Saudi Arabia was the destination of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit. The host nation has declared that it is resuming its investment ambitions, which include establishing an oil refinery in Pakistan for an investment of $10 billion.

    The Kingdom’s investment choice coming to fruition will also aid in regaining the trust of foreign investors in Pakistan.

    When PM Shehbaz travels to the second-largest economy in the world in November, the nation is also anticipated to get a rollover loan from China worth $6.3 billion, they claimed.

  • ‘Excellent’: says PM Shehbaz after meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

    ‘Excellent’: says PM Shehbaz after meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting at the Royal Palace of Riyadh.

    During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bond between both Islamic countries, reports Radio Pakistan.

    PM Shehbaz thanked the Saudi leadership for extending assistance to Pakistan during the recent devastating floods, particularly for establishing the air bridge between Riyadh and Islamabad to provide relief goods in flood-affected areas.

    Meanwhile, crown prince Salman termed the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia very important for the two countries as well as for the region and the world.

    Taking to Twitter, PM Shehbaz described the meeting as “excellent”. He said, “We agreed to upgrade and enhance bilateral ties and fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to new heights in line with the requirements of the changing world. I told the crown prince that people of Pakistan are eagerly looking forward to his visit,” he added.

    Later, the premier and his accompanying delegation performed Umrah at Makkah’s Grand Mosque, where he “prayed for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan as well as Muslim ummah.”

    PM Shehbaz addressed the Future Investment Initiative Conference in Saudia

    PM Shehbaz addressed the Future Investment Initiative Conference in Saudia and highlighted the importance his government attaches to enabling the participation of Pakistani youth to become agents of change in the technology world.

    In his address with attendees at the sixth edition of the FII summit, Sharif called the conference a “remarkable” forum launched by his Saudi “friends.”

    “For the investment in solar and wind energy projects in Pakistan, I am standing before you, inviting you to please come forward and invest in these fields”, PM said on the occasion.

    PM Shehbaz landed in Riyadh on Monday where he was received by Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud at the airport. The premier is accompanied by several federal ministers. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and other officials are with him.

    The Saudi Crown Prince is likely to visit Pakistan on an official visit in November.

    The last time the crown prince visited Pakistan was in February 2019 when former PM Imran Khan was in power.