Category: National

Zanda Financial is an SECP-registered Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) that aims to develop secure, robust, and transparent digital financial services; while also utilizing technology for easy In an indication of maturing Pakistan’s growing fintech ecosystem, Zanda Financial has introduced MoneyTap, a digital lending solution which seeks to transform personal loan accessibility for Pakistanis.

The startup comes at a period when digital financial services in the country are gaining traction and being widely adopted, although the majority of the general population still depends on banking institutions. Zanda Financial is fully licensed by the country’s regulatory body, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), ensuring full transparency and compliance with legal statutes. This innovative platform aims to offer convenient and easily accessible financial services to the marginalized sector, which makes it a step further in achieving financial inclusion With its user-friendly features.

Money Tap allows customers to request for and receive their loans fully online. The platform harnesses sophisticated algorithms to determine applicants credit scores and allocate funds accordingly to do so quickly. By easing the process and removing the barriers  . MoneyTap leverages AI-driven technologies to offer a seamless and efficient lending experience. The digital platform allows for rapid application processes, instant approvals, and convenient fund disbursement. This innovation is particularly beneficial for those requiring immediate financial assistance. The product’s design ensures full compliance with all regulatory requirements in Pakistan, reflecting Zanda Financials commitment to operating within the legal framework and building customer trust.

A key focus of MoneyTap is financial inclusion for low-income groups. The platform is designed to be accessible and user-friendly, providing opportunities for those who may have been previously excluded from traditional financial services. People could use their loans to pay bills, tutor fees, and other essential expenses. By offering a compliant and accessible lending solution, Zanda Financial is poised to meet the growing demand for financial products and support the economic empowerment of Pakistan’s population.

DISCLAIMER: This article does not constitute financial advice. Failure to repay loans on time may lead to penalties or increased interest rates. Users should carefully assess repayment obligations before borrowing.

    

Indian mainstream media sensationalised headlines during breaking news coverage last night, claiming to have shot down Pakistani missiles in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Several major news channels aired unverified reports, including alleged strikes in Sialkot, an attack on Karachi Port, and even the occupation of Pakistan’s federal capital.

India Today: “India targets Lahore, Navy attacks Karachi”

DNA India: “India attacks Pakistani capital Islamabad”

Zee News: “Pakistan capital Islamabad occupied”

Aaj Tak: “Karachi port destroyed”

ABP News: “Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir arrested”

The media frenzy in India followed its accusations that Pakistan had attacked three military bases with drones and missiles on Thursday night, a deceptive claim that Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar categorically denied.

Some outlets went even further, falsely claiming that India had shot down at least two Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets, including an F-16 and a JF-17 Thunder.

In a statement last night, May 8, Tarar confirmed that the PAF is fully operational, alert, and ready. He clarified that Pakistan had not carried out any aggressive action across the international border.

In a separate press release on Thursday night, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) also rejected the Indian media’s baseless allegations of attacks on Pathankot, Jaisalmer, and Srinagar.

“We urge the international community to take serious note of this dangerous behaviour and to counsel India toward restraint and responsibility,” the FO said.

He clarified that Pakistan remains vigilant and firmly committed to peace, but it will not be deterred by attempts to provoke, intimidate, or mislead and reserves the right to respond to acts of aggression. He added that allegations made by India are rejected in the strongest possible terms.

A dogfight between Chinese-made Pakistani jets and French-made Indian Rafale fighters will be closely scrutinized by militaries seeking insights that could offer an edge in future conflicts, Reuters has reported.

The aerial clash is a rare opportunity for militaries to study the performance of pilots, fighter jets and air-to-air missiles in active combat, and use that knowledge to prepare their own air forces for battle.

Experts claim the live use of advanced weapons would be analyzed across the world, including in China and the United States (US), which are both preparing for a potential conflict over Taiwan or in the wider Indo-Pacific region.

“Air warfare communities in China, the U.S. and a number of European countries will be extremely interested to try and get as much ground truth as they can on tactics, techniques, procedures, what kit was used, what worked and what didn’t,” said Douglas Barrie, senior fellow for military aerospace at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“The PL-15 is a big problem. It is something that the U.S. military pays a lot of attention to,” a defense industry executive said.

A top Chinese-made Pakistani fighter plane shot down at least two Indian military aircraft on Wednesday, Reuters has reported, citing two U.S. officials.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Director General Inter Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that Pakistan shot down five Indian jets, including three Rafales, one Su-30 and one Mig-29. 

There was high confidence that Pakistan had used the Chinese-made J-10 aircraft to launch air-to-air missiles against Indian fighter jets, bringing down at least two, Reuters said while citing one U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Another official said that at least one Indian jet that was shot down was a French-made Rafale fighter aircraft.

Citing US officials, Reuters reported that Pakistan’s F-16 aircraft, made by Lockheed Martin, were not used in the shootdown.

The Rafale and the model of the J-10 used by Pakistan are both considered generation 4.5 fighter jets, placing them at the leading edge of combat aircraft.

Earlier, a senior French intelligence official confirmed to CNN that one Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighter jet was shot down by Pakistan, marking what could be the first known combat loss of the French-made aircraft.

French authorities are now investigating whether additional Rafale aircraft were also brought down during the overnight military exchange. “We are aware of the loss of one Rafale and are examining reports suggesting more could have been downed,” CNN quoted a French official as saying.

India’s most reputable English newspaper, The Hindu, had earlier in its post on X (formerly Twitter) confirmed that three Indian fighter jets were shot down by the PAF. However, it shortly removed the post from its social site, saying that it had not received official confirmation from the Indian government. 

Meanwhile, BBC Verify reported on Thursday night that it authenticated three videos, purportedly showing the wreckage of a French-manufactured Rafale fighter, which is used by the IAF.

“In one clip, geolocated by BBC Verify to a field near the city of Bathinda in India’s Punjab state, troops can be seen collecting debris from the crashed jet,” it said.

The outlet further reported that it has also located two further clips from the same location filmed at night. “One shows debris in the field, while another shows a projectile catching fire in the sky and then fire in an open field,” it added.

The outlet quoted a former British Army Officer, Justin Crump, who runs the risk intelligence company Sibylline, as saying, “The wreckage appears to be a French air-to-air missile of a type used on both Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighter jets.”

“Another image circulating on social media shows a tail fin with ‘BS001’ and ‘Rafale’ inscribed on it. Google reverse image searches don’t show any old versions of the image,” the outlet concluded.

The official X (formerly Twitter) account of Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs was hacked on Friday, and a misleading post falsely claimed that the country had suffered major losses and was appealing for international loans amid rising tensions with India.

The post stated: “Govt of Pakistan appeals to International Partners for more loans after heavy losses inflected by enemy. Amid escalating war and stocks crash, we urge international partners to help de-escalate. Nation urged to remain steadfast.”

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB) swiftly confirmed that the post was fake and that the account had been hacked. This clarification came via the ministry’s official fact-checking handle.

The MOIB urged the public to refrain from spreading false information during this crucial time of Pakistan-India escalation and stressed that the Pakistani government had not issued any such statement.

The post sparked immediate reactions from social media users in Pakistan. One user commented, “It looks like the account has been hacked by our cowardly enemy.” 

Another said, “Indians are happy over hacking an account and posting a tweet in their favour. Lost Rafale and were humiliated all over the world. These tactics won’t bring the dignity back. Take care of your Rafale stop embarrassing yourselves, Indians!” 

This cyberattack comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

On the night between May 6 and 7, India launched a military operation targeting multiple areas inside Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. The airstrikes reportedly killed 31 civilians and injured 46 others.

These attacks followed the April 22 incident in Pahalgam, in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 Indian tourists were killed. India blamed Pakistan but has yet to provide any evidence.

In response, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets, according to several international media reports.

British Council Pakistan has announced the cancellation of all General Certificate of Education (GCE), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and University of London exams scheduled for today, May 8, in the PM session across all Lahore venues.

In a post shared on its social media account X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday (today), the British Council stated that the decision was made “to prioritise the safety & security of candidates.”

Tensions between Pakistan and India remain tense. According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s armed forces successfully shot down 25 Israeli-made Harop drones using both soft-kill (technical) and hard-kill (weapons) measures.

ISPR said India resorted to drone attacks in panic after suffering the loss of five modern aircraft, drones, multiple posts, and casualties in its offensive on May 6-7.

“The use of Israeli-made Harop drones is a clear sign of India’s frustration,” the statement added, noting that drone debris is being recovered from various parts of Pakistan.

ISPR confirmed that India has sustained considerable losses along the Line of Control (LoC), and “Pakistan’s armed forces are giving a crushing response to the enemy and are foiling all its nefarious designs.”

The Punjab government has decided to close all schools, colleges, and universities in the province for the next two days, Friday and Saturday, as a safety measure due as the country faces off with India. 

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed that both public and private educational institutions will be closed during this time. He clarified that this is a temporary closure and that regular academic activities will resume on Monday, May 12.

The closure is being implemented to protect students, teachers, and school staff from any potential harm due to ongoing security concerns.

The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) had already postponed intermediate and matriculation exams scheduled for Wednesday. 

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s armed forces took down 25 Israeli-made Harop drones that India sent. These drones entered Pakistan last night, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The situation escalated early Wednesday morning when India launched strikes on Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Islamabad called this an “act of war” following the deadly attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) last month.

Pakistan claimed that six locations, including mosques and hydropower plants, were targeted. The attack left at least 31 civilians dead, including children, and 57 others injured. In response, Pakistan’s military shot down five Indian Air Force jets, destroyed seven drones and targeted several Indian military positions along the Line of Control (LoC).

Tensions are running high after Indian airstrikes hit several areas in Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. At least 31 civilians have been martyred, and over 40 injured. In response, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets.

According to a senior French intelligence official, Pakistan shot down one Rafale jet operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). If confirmed, this marks the first combat loss of the advanced French warplane.

On Wednesday evening, Pakistan’s National Security Council (NSC) held an emergency meeting. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Pakistan reserves the right to respond in self-defence, at a time and place of its choosing, against the loss of civilian lives and the blatant violation of its sovereignty.

As fear and uncertainty grew, especially in cities like Lahore, people reported hearing loud firing sounds. Residents in areas such as Cantonment, Cavalry Ground, Gulberg, Kahna, Model Town, Chungi Amar Sidhu, and several phases of the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) rushed for cover in fear of attacks.

Upon inquiry, authorities informed this correspondent that the heavy gunfire in Walton was part of a test-firing exercise by Pakistani forces and not part of any direct conflict.

Still, here are some basic but important safety steps everyone should follow in case of an emergency:

Find a safe spot at home

Choose a secure place like a basement or a room with no windows. This is where your family can take shelter if needed.

Prepare an emergency kit
Keep essential items ready: first-aid supplies, regular medicines, bottled water, dry snacks, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a power bank for your phone.

Add important documents
Keep copies of CNICs, insurance papers, and some cash in the emergency kit so you’re not rushing around at the last moment.

Stay calm if you hear sirens or loud noises
Don’t panic. Turn off all the lights in your house to avoid drawing attention. Move quietly to your safe spot, close all doors and windows, and shut off gas lines if possible.

Avoid using elevators
If you’re in a building, always use the stairs to go to a lower floor. Elevators can be risky during power outages or emergencies.

Be ready to evacuate
If authorities ask you to leave, don’t waste time. Take your emergency kit and important documents with you. Turn off gas, water, and electricity before leaving.

Stay updated
Follow only official news sources. Avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.

Help those around you
Check on your neighbours, especially older people or those who might need help. A little support can make a big difference.

These simple steps can help keep you and your loved ones safe if the situation escalates.