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  • Pakistan identifies major oil and gas deposits in waters, exploration plans underway

    Pakistan identifies major oil and gas deposits in waters, exploration plans underway

    Pakistan has made a major petroleum and gas discovery within its territorial waters. This finding is expected to improve the country’s economic future.

    A senior security official with direct knowledge of the discovery confirmed that a survey had verified the presence of oil and gas reserves.

    According to Dawn, the survey has determined the location of the deposits, and the relevant departments have been notified.

    The discovery is now being seen as a crucial part of Pakistan’s efforts to build its ‘blue water economy’. Proposals for further exploration and bidding are reportedly under review, with high hopes that exploration may begin soon.

    Still, the official has warned that extracting oil may require years of work due to the technical challenges involved. Beyond oil and gas, the potential for mining other valuable minerals from the ocean could also provide additional economic opportunities.

    Some experts project that these reserves might be the fourth-largest in the world. While the discovery is promising, former Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) member Muhammad Arif urged caution.

    He noted that the true potential of the reserves will be revealed after drilling work begins. If gas reserves are found in large quantities, they might replace costly LNG imports, while oil could reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel, further easing the import burden.

    According to details, an initial investment of around $5 billion is required for exploration to begin. If the reserves are sufficient, more funds will be needed to build wells. Full-scale production may take up to five years to materialise.

  • Why Shameen Khan believes it’s important to be ‘crazy in love’

    Why Shameen Khan believes it’s important to be ‘crazy in love’


     
    Actress and model Shameen Khan recently talked about love on Showtime with Ramiz Raja

    The host Hina Niazi asked, “How many times have you fallen in love?”

    “I’ve fallen in love many times, but one thing I’m sure of is that it was always genuine. I know that quantity does not matter at this time, as many times as I have, when I felt I was falling in love, I truly fell in love whenever. How many times? I don’t know. Whenever it happens, it is true and from the heart,” she said.
     
    “I don’t think I should hide it, I tell it in my family too, and I am very expressive.

    “I think love is such a feeling that it is necessary for you to be crazy in it,” Shameen Khan added.

    Shameen also offered advice for relationship, saying, “If you realise that a person is not going to walk with you for long, then just part ways and have the courage to do so.”

    Shameen last starred in the ‘Chaal’ drama was aired on Geo Entertainment, written by Nadia Ahmed and directed by Furqan Adam.

  • ‘I was an atheist, but I learned about Islam’: Honey Singh

    ‘I was an atheist, but I learned about Islam’: Honey Singh

    Bollywood’s famous rapper, Honey Singh, has revealed learning about Islamic teachings.

    “Most of the information about me on the internet is false, but I deliberately did not correct it because I was waiting for the right time,” he said while discussing his personal life during a recent interview with Indian media.

    “My story is very interesting. I used to play tabla at home. When my father admitted me to a school in Indian Punjab, I played tabla there as well. At the age of 12, I forgot the tabla and my religion and became an atheist. I learned about Hinduism from my spiritual guru and Sikhism from my upbringing at home. But after becoming an atheist, I decided not to believe in religion, yet kept learning about it,” he added.

    “I shifted to Mohali in 2007. At that time, I was neither famous nor had any work—I was just a music producer. But during that time, I got an opportunity to learn about Islam from scholars and mystics. Despite learning about Islam, I still considered myself an atheist.”

    “I took information about Islam from these scholars. When I used to sit with these religious figures, there was a different atmosphere. I was just an ordinary boy who asked tough questions to the scholars, but they always gave me answers to every question,” he said.

    He then revealed that after gaining fame in 2011, “Instead of being grateful to the Almighty, I got involved with demonic forces. After that, both my life and mind deteriorated. In 2018, following an illness, I left atheism and became a believer.”

  • Salman Khan confirms rib fractures during filming

    Salman Khan confirms rib fractures during filming

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has confirmed that he broke two ribs during a shoot for his new film ‘Sikandar.’

    He, however, remains busy with the film’s production despite the injury.

    Rumours circulated that he would not host Big Boss 18, but Salman clarified that he has started filming for the upcoming season.

    Indian media also reported that Salman Khan arrived on the Big Boss’ set two days ago to shoot the promo video with a rib fracture, which has since gone viral.

    In the video, Salman is seen stepping out of a car in a black three-piece suit and heading to the set. He was seen in pain during the shoot due to injury.

    Salman Khan is recovering from rib fractures and has also resumed filming ‘Sikandar’ in Mumbai.

  • Army has sought 3,400 kanals near Islamabad for defence purposes

    Army has sought 3,400 kanals near Islamabad for defence purposes

    The Pakistan Army has written a letter to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Haripur to hand over more than thirty-four hundred kanals of land for defence purposes.

    The letter revealed that the Pakistani army authorities are seeking 3,181 land kanals and 17 marlas from Haripur tehsil, Khanpur, for “defence purposes.” However, the defence purpose has not been defined, BBC Urdu reported.

    Lately, the opposition leader of the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, raised concerns about the Army’s intentions to acquire two villages’ land adjacent to the ShahAllah Ditta area near Islamabad.

    “The Army will buy their land at a lower price. Where will the villagers migrate,” he questioned

    He added, “Army should build Defence installation on Navy golf course and Airforce land.”

    He suggested sending this matter to the Defence Committee to prevent the army from seizing the land.

    However, DC Haripur, Shozab Abbasi, stated that all procedures must be carried out in compliance with the land acquisition law.

  • Three upcoming Pakistani dramas you don’t want to miss

    Three upcoming Pakistani dramas you don’t want to miss

    What do we need to survive? Just food, water, and air? No way! For us Pakistanis, dramas are equally important.

    They are entertaining, and some aim to spread awareness in society. Not to mention, they balance all the feelings in one experience. Whether you watch a love story at the perfect time or a family drama, they keep us glued to the screen!

    The Current has made a short list of three Pakistani dramas with stories filled with love, drama, and, of course, family.

    1. DuniyaPur

    DuniyaPur is a name that suggests thrilling stories waiting to develop, suspenseful stories as hidden truths unfold. The drama is about the rising and the underdogs eager to disrupt established powers to exact justice.

    It stars Sami Khan as Mir Hassan, a brave police officer striving to uncover hidden truths and pave the way for positive change around DuniyaPur!

    Manzar Sehbai plays Nawab Dil Awaiz, which destabilises Mir Hassan’s truths through fear, coercion, and policing this town’s deeds!

    Alongside these are some of the most beloved acting personas of our generation: Ramsha Khan, Nauman Ijaz, and Khushhal Khan.

    The storyline, packed with suspense and family drama, promises to pique viewers’ interest in the comfort of life and work.

    The drama is produced by Multiverse Entertainment, scripted by Radain Shah, and directed by Shahid Shafaat.

    DuniyaPur airs on 25th September 2024.

    1. Baby Baji Ki Bahuwain

    The sequel to Baby Baji, Baby Baji Ki Bahuwain, is coming soon.

    The teaser highlights Baby Baji and Siddiqui Saab’s efforts to keep their children together, emphasising that children often only recognise their parents’ worth and wisdom after they are gone.

    The story continues with Baby Baji’s children, and we’ll see how their lives unfold.

    Will Asma forgive Naseer? Will Jamal and Azra stay together? Will Farhat and Wasif achieve their dreams? Stay tuned to find out!

    Written by Mansoor Ahmed Khan and directed by Tehseen Khan, the drama stars Samina Ahmed, Saud Qasmi, Javeria Saud, Sunita Marshal, and more. ‘Baby Baji Ki Bahuwain’ is presented by iDream Entertainment.

    1. Ishq Beparwah

    If you’re in the mood for a sweet love story, ‘Ishq Beparwah’ seems to be the perfect choice.

    Alizeh Shah and Affan Waheed pair up for the first time, and their chemistry is already winning hearts.

    The story revolves around a girl ready for marriage and a guy who falls for her at first sight. It promises a lighthearted, feel-good romance without the usual dramatic twists, perfect for a relaxing watch.

    Written by Samina Aijaz and directed by Ilyas Kashmiri, ‘Ishq Beparwah’ premieres September 16. Details on the remaining cast are yet to be revealed.

    So, which will be your next reigning favourite show

  • ‘IMF wanted Pakistan to default last year,’ claims Ishaq Dar

    ‘IMF wanted Pakistan to default last year,’ claims Ishaq Dar

    Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has claimed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) wanted Pakistan to default during the tenure of last year’s sixteen-month government led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

    In a Defence Day ceremony, Dar said, “The IMF was not reviewing Pakistan’s loan request, despite fulfilling the technical review demands.”

    He mentioned that the IMF had delayed the loan for eight months when Pakistan was in economic turmoil despite having three billion commitments from friendly countries.

    “Pakistan could lead the fifty-seven Islamic countries by achieving economic power, and whenever the country was quite close to achieving that goal, the government’s legs were pulled from underneath it,” Dar claims.

    He urged politicians to be rational about Pakistan’s economic potential, pointing out the country’s nuclear power status.

    The Deputy Prime Minister stood by his unusual statement at Geo News last year, asserting, “Pakistan can avoid default without the IMF.”

  • Floods displace nearly 950,000 in west Africa

    Floods displace nearly 950,000 in west Africa

    ABID: Severe flooding in west Africa has displaced nearly 950,000 people and disrupted children’s education at the start of the school year, international charity Save the Children said on Friday.

    “Hundreds of thousands of children now displaced from their homes are facing disease, hunger from crop destruction, and disruption to their education, as schools have become crowded with fleeing families or damaged in the floods,” the NGO said.

    Save the Children said around 950,000 people had been displaced — 649,184 in Niger, 225,000 in Nigeria and 73,778 in Mali. Niger’s government says more than 700,000 people have been left homeless, and 273 people have died since the rainy season started in June.

    Neighbouring Nigeria has meanwhile seen 29 of its 36 states — mainly in the north — hit by rising waters of the River Niger and its major Benue tributary, with the country listing 200 deaths, Save the Children said. “According to Nigerian government data, over 115,265 hectares of farmland have also been damaged in a country with already high rates of food insecurity,” the NGO said.

    The agency said one in every six children across Nigeria “faced hunger in June-August this year — a 25 per cent increase on the same period last year.” In Mali, whose government declared a state national disaster, more than half of those displaced are children, the NGO revealed.

    Save the Children said climate change was making extreme weather and its consequences ever more serious and frequent, with Africa suffering disproportionally.

    “These countries are already ravaged by conflict and insecurity, making it even harder to respond, said Vishna Shah-Little, regional advocacy, media and communications director for the agency in Western and Central Africa.

  • Gaza genocide in its 12th month with truce hopes slim

    Gaza genocide in its 12th month with truce hopes slim

    The genocide in Gaza entered its 12-month on Saturday with little sign of respite for the Palestinian territory or hope for Israeli hostages still held captive.

    The chances of a truce appear slim, with both sides sticking doggedly to their positions, AFP reports.

    Hamas’ October 7 gave Israel an excuse to spark the genocide. While the organization is demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that troops must remain on a key strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border.

    The United States, Qatar and Egypt have all been mediating to bring about a ceasefire in the region where Israel in Gaza has killed at least 40,939 people.

    According to the United Nations human rights office, most of the dead are women and children.

    However, the attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, including some hostages killed in captivity, according to official Israeli figures.

    Of 251 hostages seized by Palestinian militants during the attack, 97 remain in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.

    Scores were released during a one-week truce in November.

    Israel’s announcement last Sunday that the bodies of six hostages, including a US-Israeli citizen, had been recovered shortly after being killed, sparked grief and anger in Israel.

    Marking the anniversary, UN Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA) chief Philippe Lazzarini posted on X on Saturday: “Eleven months. Enough. No one can take this any longer. Humanity must prevail. Ceasefire now.”

    International pressure to end the war was further underlined by Friday’s shooting dead in the West Bank of a Turkish-American activist demonstrating against Israeli settlements in the occupied territory.

    The family of 26-year-old Aysenur Ezgi Eygi has demanded an independent investigation into her death, saying on Saturday her life “was taken needlessly, unlawfully, and violently by the Israeli military”.

    The UN rights office said Israeli forces killed Eygi with a “shot in the head”.

    Ankara said she was killed by “Israeli occupation soldiers”, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the Israeli action as “barbaric”.

    Washington called her death “tragic”, and has pressed its close ally Israel to investigate.

    West Bank raids

    Israeli settlements in the West Bank, where about 490,000 people live, are illegal under international law.

    Since the October 7 attack, Israeli troops or settlers have killed more than 662 Palestinians in the West Bank, which Israel occupied in 1967, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

    Eygi’s death came on the day Israeli forces withdrew from a deadly 10-day raid in the West Bank city of Jenin, where AFP journalists reported residents returning home to widespread destruction.

    The Jenin pullout came with Israel at loggerheads with the United States over talks to forge a truce in the Gaza war.

    US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday “90 percent is agreed” and urged Israel and Hamas to finalise a deal.

    But Netanyahu denied this, telling Fox News: “It’s not close.”

    Hamas is demanding Israel’s complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, saying it agreed months ago to a proposal outlined by US President Joe Biden.

    AFP reporters said several air strikes and shelling rocked the territory overnight and early Saturday.

    Gaza’s civil defence agency and the Palestinian Red Crescent said an Israeli air strike killed four people near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

    The civil defence and a witness said an air strike that targeted a flat in Bureij camp killed another four.

    And in Jabalia, an Israeli air strike killed four more Palestinians, civil defence officials said.

    They added that a woman and a child were also killed in an air strike north of Gaza City.

    Medics reported at least 33 Palestinians wounded in an air strike on a residential area in Beit Lahia and said they were being treated at Al-Awda, Kamal Adwan and Indonesian hospitals.

  • ‘I did my job as an actor’: Zahid Ahmed on playing a toxic character in Gentleman

    ‘I did my job as an actor’: Zahid Ahmed on playing a toxic character in Gentleman

    Actor Zahid Ahmed, known for his performances in Ishq Zahe Naseeb, Naimat, and 101 Talaqain, talked about his character in the drama serial Gentleman.

    During the launch of Shark Tank, Something Haute host Hassan Chaudhary said, “I have to ask about Faris for those who are really enjoying Faris’s performance, what would you like to say to them?”

    Zahid replied, “I don’t love that character, I don’t even hate that character, I just did my job as an actor. For me, it’s enough that Humayun Bhai personally contacted me and asked me to play this character. It was a pleasure working with Humayun Saeed, Yumna, Adnan Siddiqui, and Sohail, so it was amazing; you just do your job when you sign it. I was up for it because I had never had the opportunity to work with him.”

    Talking about Faris, Ahmed said, “You signed it, you do the job, man.”

    Gentlemen is directed by Haissam Hussain and written by controversial writer Khalil Ur-Rehman Qamar. It airs on Green Entertainment on Sunday at 8:00 p.m.