Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • ‘Foreign minister’s views interpreted out of context’: FO says no change in Pakistan’s policy on India

    ‘Foreign minister’s views interpreted out of context’: FO says no change in Pakistan’s policy on India

    Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson has said in a statement that Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s remarks on India were being “interpreted out of context and portrayed incorrectly”.

    “There is no change in Pakistan’s policy on India on which there is a national consensus. Pakistan has always desired cooperative relations with all its neighbours, including India. We have consistently advocated constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” the statement said.

    “India’s unabated hostility and retrogressive steps, however, have vitiated the environment and impeded the prospects of peace and cooperation. The onus, therefore, remains on India to take the necessary steps to create an enabling environment conducive to meaningful and result-oriented dialogue,” the FO statement said.

    Bilawal clearly articulated this perspective, “referring to India’s illegal and unilateral actions in the Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IOJK) since 5 August 2019, describing them as an assault on the rights of the Kashmiri people, as well as rising Islamophobia in India, that created an environment unconducive for meaningful engagement,” it added.

    “The foreign minister’s remarks are better understood in the overall context of his key message of conflict resolution that he emphasised in his address at the think-tank event,” the FO statement concluded.

    ‘Does it serve our objective that we have practically cut off all engagements with India?’: Bilawal Bhutto

    Bilawal advocated for re-engagement with India asking whether cutting ties with India served the country’s interests.

    “Does it serve our interests, do we achieve our objectives whatever they may be, be it Kashmir, be it rising Islamophobia, the Hindutva supremacist nature of the new regimes and the governments in India? Does it serve our objective that we have practically cut off all engagements,” asked Bilawal while speaking at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad.

    Bilawal identified India and the United States (US) as countries with which Pakistan’s relations were problematic.

    The foreign minister contended that if Pakistan had achieved economic engagement with India in the past, it would have been in a better position to influence Delhi’s policy and prevented both countries from taking extreme positions.

    In May, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached out to Bilawal soon after he took the foreign minister’s office and invited him to a food security conference. The two also met in New York on the sidelines of the forum.

  • Punjab’s ePay system collects over Rs90 billion tax revenue through 17 million transactions

    Punjab’s ePay system collects over Rs90 billion tax revenue through 17 million transactions

    Since its launch in October 2019, e-Pay Punjab, an online payment solution developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and the Punjab Finance Department, has collected over Rs90 billion in tax revenue through 17 million transactions.

    As per details released by the PITB on Friday, e-Pay Punjab has collected a total of Rs57 billion in sales tax, Rs11.5 billion in token tax, Rs9 billion in property tax, Rs4 billion in traffic challans, and Rs440 million in vehicle transfers.

    It’s worth noting that e-Pay Punjab now accepts online payments for 23 taxes and levies from ten different departments. Its 1-Link network integration with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and all scheduled banks makes it a secure and dependable payment channel.

    The e-Pay Punjab application, which has over 1 million downloads, generates a unique PSID number that is accepted by banks across Pakistan through their various channels, including Internet and Mobile Banking, ATMs, and physical branch visits.

    It is also a secure, smart, and fast online payment option for the annual Token Tax. Vehicle owners can use e-Pay Punjab to pay their Token Tax from the comfort of their own homes.

    The app’s primary objective is to make it convenient for the government to gather revenue in the form of taxes through a simple solution. With Pakistan’s first digital tax aggregator, the app demonstrates how Pakistan and its government are rapidly integrating financial technology (fintech) into their processes.

  • Man allegedly burns the grave of former mother-in-law

    Man allegedly burns the grave of former mother-in-law

    A man in Layyah allegedly desecrated the grave of his ex-wife’s mother after she refused to re-marry him. He allegedly committed the crime with the help of his brother Ramzan.

    Yahya alias Pappu divorced Asma Bibi four years ago. However, he later changed his mind and asked Asma Bibi, his ex-wife, to re-marry him. Asma refused his proposal. Yahya then set the grave of his ex-mother-in-law on fire by pouring petrol over it to take revenge from his ex-wife.

    Police filed a complaint against the two brothers and were able to apprehend one of them, Ramzan. Yahya is still missing.

    Police is still investigating the matter.

  • SpaceX fires employees involved in letter criticising CEO Elon Musk

    SpaceX fires employees involved in letter criticising CEO Elon Musk

    Elon Musk’s SpaceX has fired several employees as a result of a letter criticising the vocal billionaire’s public behaviour, according to a message to employees confirmed by AFP on Friday.

    SpaceX chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell wrote in an email late Thursday that a “small group” of employees sought signatures from their coworkers as a show of support for the letter and participation in a survey.

    The mercurial billionaire uses Twitter on a regular basis to provoke, speak directly to customers and fans, and occasionally offend with unfiltered or crude remarks.

    According to Shotwell’s message, some employees felt “uncomfortable, intimidated, and bullied, and/or angry” because the letter pushed them to sign something that didn’t reflect their beliefs.

    “We have too much important work to do,” she continued, “and we don’t need this kind of overreaching activism”.

    The company “terminated a number of employees involved” after conducting an investigation, Shotwell said, without specifying how many.

    Musk’s public behaviour, as well as recent allegations of sexual harassment against him, were cited in the workers’ letter as “a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment for us,” according to The Verge.

    “Elon is seen as the face of SpaceX as our CEO and most visible spokesperson – every Tweet Elon sends is a de facto public statement by the company,” the letter continued.

    Musk, who also runs Tesla, is in the middle of a roller-coaster $44 billion bid to buy Twitter, which has heightened interest in the investor.

  • Schools, offices closed for two weeks in Sri Lanka

    Schools, offices closed for two weeks in Sri Lanka

    Due to a fuel shortage, the Sri Lankan authorities on Friday announced a two-week shutdown of government offices and schools.

    “Taking into consideration the severe limits on fuel supply, the weak public transport system, and the difficulty in using private vehicles, this circular allows minimal staff to report to work from Monday,” said Sri Lankan Public Administration Ministry.

    However, essential employees will continue working.

    Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Education Ministry said on Thursday that schools will be closed for two weeks due to persistent power outages. However, the ministry said the schools should conduct online classes, if possible.

    Sri Lanka has been experiencing roughly 12- to 13-hour-long blackouts for months.

    Sri Lanka went into default on its $51 billion foreign debt in April and is currently negotiating a bailout with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

  • Father’s Day: Last minute gift ideas to make your Abu feel special

    Are you still thinking about what to gift your dad on Father’s Day? Not sure what to get to make your father feel special? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We made a list of things your father will enjoy.

    Have a look:

    Shahid Afridi Store

    Shahid Afridi clothing store in offering flat 5 to 20 per cent discount on Father’s Day. The sale that started on June 15 will end on June 22.

    You can check out the website here.

    Dari Mooch

    You can also give your father a gift box from Dari Mooch. They have really cool beard grooming kits. You can check their products here.

    Spa Day

    Fathers deserve some pampering too. Why not book a Spa day for your father?

    There are many options available. You can check IRIS men salon and SPA.

    Chai/Coffee Box

    Give your father a customised box of their favourite chai/coffee essentials. Though Ahsan Iqbal won’t like this gift idea much, your father will love it!

    Cuff-links

    Tell your father he is the best by gifting him cuff-links. Browse through this collection of cuff-links by Borjan. You will definitely find something for your father.

    Massager

    Who doesn’t love a massager? Gift your father this neck and shoulder massager and show him that you really care about his comfort.

    If you are unable to buy anything, a little hug and a few kind words can also work!

  • Food price hikes pushes weekly inflation to 3.38 per cent

    Food price hikes pushes weekly inflation to 3.38 per cent

    According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the week ended June 16, 2022, surged by 3.38 per cent due to increases in the prices of food and non-food items.

    The year-over-year (YoY) trend indicates a 27.82 per cent rise, owing primarily to an increase in rates of following:

    Onions (135.31 per cent), diesel (132.61 per cent), tomatoes (117.27 per cent), petrol (110.16 per cent), vegetable ghee 1 kg (81.76 per cent), mustard oil (80.88 per cent), pulse Masoor (74.77 per cent), cooking oil 5 litre (71.52 per cent), vegetable ghee 2.5 kg (68.47 per cent), LPG (60.97 per cent), garlic (57.72 per cent), washing soap (52.73 per cent), garlic (57.72 per cent (51.11 per cent).

    On the flip side, a considerable decrease was reported in prices of chilli powder (43.42 per cent), pulse Moong (18.06 per cent), sugar (10.79 per cent), bananas (0.83 per cent), gur (0.45 per cent).

    According to the most recent data, the SPI increased from 182.88 per cent to 189.07 per cent during the week ended June 9, 2022.

    The SPI increased by 2.85 per cent, 3.45 per cent, 3.10 per cent, 3.12 per cent, and 3.10 per cent for consumption groups up to Rs17,732 and Rs17,733 to Rs22,888, Rs22,889 to Rs29,517, and Rs29,518 to Rs44,175 and above Rs44,175 respectively.

    According to the PBS, out of 51 items, 36 (70.59 per cent) increased in price, 06 (11.76 per cent) decreased in price, and 09 (17.65 per cent) remained stable during the week.

    Increase: Vegetable ghee Dalda/Habib or other superior quality 1 kg pouch each (4.95 per cent), tea prepared (4.83 per cent), bread plain (4.37 per cent), toilet soap Lifebuoy (4.13 per cent), pulse Masoor (3.50 per cent), cooking oil Dalda 5 litre tin each (2.87 per cent), Sufi washing soap (2.33 per cent), mustard oil (2.24 per cent), vegetable ghee Dalda/Habib 2.5 kg tin each (1.93 per cent), pulse Mash (1.71 per cent), beef with bone (1.50 per cent), energy saver (1.04 per cent), curd (1.01 per cent), mutton (0.89 per cent), eggs (0.85 per cent), salt powdered (0.79 per cent), lawn printed Gul Ahmed/Al Karam (0.77 per cent), basmati broken (0.68 per cent), garlic (0.59 per cent), tomatoes (0.49 per cent), milk fresh (0.45 per cent), powdered milk Nido (0.41 per cent).

  • ‘Never want to slip into this again’: Hina Rabbani Khar on FATF grey list

    ‘Never want to slip into this again’: Hina Rabbani Khar on FATF grey list

    Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar on Saturday addressed a press conference following the announcement by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

    “Pakistan’s positive and speedy progress was greatly appreciated and welcomed by FATF members,” she said. “All action plans items have been ticked off, largely addressed, and nothing is pending.”

    “It marks the beginning of the end process that will eventually culminate in the exit of Pakistan from FATF’s grey list, InshaAllah and hopefully forever,” added Khar.

    “Pakistan is one step away from exiting the grey list,” she added. “I also want to stress that Pakistan’s cooperation with FATF and the international community is grounded in our strategic objective of strengthening our economy and improving its integration in the international financial system.”

    Talking about the requirement of on-site visit Khar said, “When you authorise a country’s removal from the grey list, the first step is to authorise an on-site technical evaluation, which has been done in this plenary.”

    “Never again will we want to be part of any list that will require us to divert our attention from our national requirements to [international] reporting requirements. We never want to slip into this again. This is the biggest lesson,” she said while talking about lessons Pakistan had learned during meetings with FATF.

    The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) announced on Friday (June 17) that it has begun the process of removing Pakistan from the grey list. FATF monitored Pakistan for four years and now the financial watchdog has expressed its satisfaction with Pakistan’s performance. The announcement comes after FATF’s four-day plenary session in Berlin.

    “Pakistan has substantially completed its two action plans, covering 34 items, and warrants an on-site visit to verify that the implementation of Pakistan’s AML/CFT reforms has begun and is being sustained,” said a statement by FATF.

    However, Pakistan will be placed out of the grey list once the FATF team would conduct an on-site visit of Pakistan.

    Director-General Inter Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) in a tweet termed the development as a “great achievement”.

    The tweet further added: “Core cell @ GHQ which steered the national effort & civil – military team which synergised implementation of the action plan made it possible, making Pak proud, COAS.”

    Hina Rabbani Khar tweeted: “Congrats Pak! FATF declares both Action Plans complete. Intl community has unanimously ack our efforts. Our success is the result of 4 yrs of challenging journey. Pak reaffirms resolve to continue the momentum and give our economy a boost. Well done Pak Team FATF. Pak Zindabad!”

    Pakistan was placed on FATF’s grey list in 2018.

  • Saba Qamar’s ‘Kamli’ does well in second week at the box office

    Director Sarmad Khoosat’s latest film Kamli headlined by superstar Saba Qamar and newcomer Hamza Khawaja has been garnering positive word-of-mouth by cinemagoers which has translated into a steady second week at the box office.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L1f3_9WboA&t=152s

    The Khoosat Films venture has received a vast array of glowing reviews. Now, the film that has been touted by many to be one of the standout films that the country has produced, is pacing forward as more and more people flock to cinemas to see what the hype is about.

    The weekend numbers for Kamli are:

    Day 1 (Friday): 32 lacs

    Day 2 (Saturday): 44 lacs

    Day 3 (Sunday) : 42 lacs

    Day 4 – Monday: 23 lacs

    Day 5 – Tuesday: 21 lacs

    Day 6 – Wednesday: 22 lacs

    Day 7 – Thursday: 21 lacs

    Week 1: 2.05 crore

    Week 2: 1.47 crore

    Total: 3.52 crore

    The second week collection confirms financial recovery of the project through theatrical avenue.

  • Energy crisis: Sindh govt announces market closures by 9pm

    Energy crisis: Sindh govt announces market closures by 9pm

    The Sindh government announced that all markets, restaurants, marriage halls and hotels will be closed early in order to save electricity. The decision will remain in force from June 17 (today) to July 16.

    According to an official notification by the provincial Home Department, all markets, bazars, shops and malls will close by 9pm. Marriage and banquet halls will close by 10:30pm, while hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and cafes must shut by 11pm. However, the decision is not applicable to medical stores, pharmacies, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations, bakeries and milk shops.

    The notification reads: “The urgent need to take the effective measures for the conservation of energy in Sindh through a two-pronged approach, i.e. to utilise the daylight hours for business activities and minimise the possible adverse impact of the business activities.”

    However, the All Pakistan Trade Union Association has rejected this decision of the provincial government, reports ARY News.

    Pakistan is facing a serious power crisis due to which the government has resorted to load-shedding all over the country.

    Last week, as part of the government’s ongoing measures to manage the energy crisis, the National Economic Council (NEC) agreed on the closure of markets by 8:30pm in all provinces.

    No power in commercial areas in the evening from 7-10pm

    The Power Division has decided to cut supply to commercial feeders from 7pm to 10pm daily across Pakistan, reports Geo News.

    In this regard, the Ministry of Energy has prepared a summary for the cabinet’s approval. According to the media outlet’s sources, the commercial feeders will not face load-shedding during the daytime, which would save approximately 5,000 MegaWatt (MW).

    Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that a huge amount of electricity can be saved if people start their businesses early in the morning and close by Maghrib prayers. He said that saving electricity means saving oil.