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Hezbollah says fired ‘dozens’ of rockets at north Israel

Hezbollah said it launched rockets at northern Israel Thursday “in response” to a deadly Israeli strike in south Lebanon — the group’s first attack after Israel killed a top commander earlier this week.

Thegroup said in a statement that it “launched dozens of Katyusha rockets… in response to the Israeli enemy’s attack on… (the southern village of Shama) that killed a number of civilians.”

The Israeli military said that shortly after the rocket fire, the air force “struck the Hezbollah launcher from which the projectiles were launched.”

Earlier Thursday, the Lebanese health ministry said four Syrians were killed in an Israeli strike on the south, where Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged near-daily fire since the Gaza war began in October.

“The health ministry announces… four Syrian nationals were martyred” in an “Israeli strike” on the southern village of Shama, it said in a statement.

The ministry said the toll might rise once DNA tests had been carried out.

The strike also wounded five Lebanese nationals, it added.

Emergency services told AFP that the dead were farmer workers and part of the same family.

Plumes of smoke billowed from the site of the strike, which heavily damaged two nearby buildings and burnt a vehicle to a crisp, a photographer contributing to AFP reported.

The attack was Hezbollah’s first since an Israeli air strike killed its top commander Fuad Shukr on Tuesday evening, with leader Hassan Nasrallah saying operations would resume on Friday morning.

Nasrallah warned his group was bound to respond to the killing of Shukr.

His death was followed hours later Wednesday, by the killing of Hezbollah ally Hamas’s chief Ismail Haniyeh in a strike in Tehran, which Iran and Hamas have blamed on Israel. Israel has declined to comment on his killing.

The genocide in Gaza since October has killed at least 542 people on the Lebanese side, most of them fighters but also including 114 civilians, according to an AFP tally.

At least 22 soldiers and 25 civilians have been killed on the Israeli side, including in the annexed Golan Heights, according to army figures.

August 2, 2024
‘Beep Pakistan’ should not be compared to WhatsApp, says government

Minister of State for Information Technology (IT) Shaza Fatima Khawaja has clarified that the soon-to-be-introduced instant messaging application ‘Beep Pakistan’ should not be compared with WhatsApp.

The National Information Technology Board (NITB) developed ‘Beep Pakistan’ and began its trial in August 2023 under the then-Information Technology Minister Aminul Haq.

Government officers and Ministry of Information Technology experts have been using the application for the past year, and it is still being tested.

Recently, complaints about slow internet speeds and difficulties running WhatsApp led to rumours on social media that the government plans to introduce ‘Beep Pakistan’ as an alternative to WhatsApp.

However, Minister of State Shaza Fatima Khawaja has clarified that ‘Beep Pakistan’ is not intended as a public alternative to WhatsApp but will serve as an alternative at the government level.

In an interview with the Arab broadcaster Al Jazeera, Shaza Fatima emphasised that it is incorrect to consider ‘Beep Pakistan’ as an alternative to WhatsApp or to compare the two.

She stated that the government does not intend to present ‘Beep Pakistan’ as an alternative to third-party applications.

According to the Minister of State, the app is still being tested within the Ministry of Information Technology, and in the second phase, testing will extend to more federal ministries.

Shaza explained that ‘Beep Pakistan’ will be introduced as an official instant messaging application. The government will ensure its privacy and will use the app exclusively for government affairs.

The app will function similarly to WhatsApp, but all services and data will remain under the control of the Government of Pakistan.

The Government of Pakistan has also recently issued orders to implement electronic and e-systems in ministries and institutions to reduce time and costs associated with paper-based processes.

August 2, 2024
‘You can’t act, you’re just a pretty face’; Anmol Baloch reflects on tough early days

Rising star Anmol Baloch has won hearts with her diverse performances in dramas like Siyaani, Sirf Tum, Aik Larki Aam Si, and Saza e Ishq. Her latest drama, Shiddat, addresses real-life issues and societal challenges, making it a must-watch for its powerful storytelling.

In an interview with ‘Fuschia Magazine,’ Anmol reflected on a challenging moment early in her career when a director criticized her acting, labeling her “just a pretty face.” She recalled, “During my first project, the director told me, ‘You’re just a pretty face and you can’t act.’” This harsh feedback initially made her doubt herself, but she used it as motivation to prove her skills. Anmol emphasized the importance of resilience and self-belief in her growth as an actress, stating, “I decided to work harder and improve my acting, despite the ongoing criticism I faced.”

Anmol also shared important advice for young girls, highlighting the need for self-assertion and financial independence. She recounted how her family’s support helped her stand up for herself on set and navigate career challenges, noting, “My family, especially my mother, encouraged me to stand up for myself and make my own decisions.” Anmol believes that financial independence is crucial for maintaining self-respect and avoiding dependency on others. She urged, “No matter who your parents are, no matter who you marry, a woman should be financially independent.”

Anmol Baloch’s insights provide a thoughtful perspective on her career and personal experiences, making for an inspiring and enriching conversation.

August 2, 2024
Farm-worker gang raped infront of husband in Sahiwal

A female farm worker was gang-raped by two unidentified armed suspects in front of her husband during a robbery near Arifwala.

The farm is owned by Muhammad Aslam who lives with wife and children while his farm workers reside in the staff quarters of the farmhouse along with their families.

The unfortunate incident happened on the night between Wednesday and Thursday when the two armed robbers woke up the residents of the house, seized their mobile phones and locked all the men, women, and children in one of the rooms.

The robbers took a worker’s wife with them to lead them to cash and other valuables in the house, but the woman resisted. The suspects assaulted her and locked her in another room.

After completing the robbery, the suspects raped the worker’s wife while forcing him to watch.

The police registered a case on the complaint of Muhammad Aslam.

The robbers escaped with 50,000 cash, a motorcycle and two fertilizer bags, as per the FIR registered by the victims. The robbers reportedly threw the mobile phones near the farmhouse.

Dawn reports that Saddar Police Arifwala conducted a forensic analysis of the crime scene and took the gang-rape victim to THQ hospital, where a medical report confirmed rape.

DNA samples have been collected.

District Police Officer Tariq Walayat sent an investigation team, headed by SP Investigation Shahida Noreen, to investigate the matter.

Previously, a woman was gang-raped in Hafizabad in front of her husband and three-year-old daughter.

August 2, 2024
Smart phone laina hai lekin paisy kum hein? Here are best smartphones under 30,000

The ongoing wave of inflation in Pakistan has affected the purchasing power of hum aam awaam. But chalo kuch paise save karke, here are some fantastic mobile phones that you can buy for up to 30,000 rupees.

1-Honor X6a

Honor’s entry into the mobile phone market needs no introduction. It has a 6.56-inch display, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of memory to store tons of photos and videos. The back camera is 50 megapixels, and the front camera is 5 megapixels and a battery of 5200 mAh. The price of this mobile phone on online websites is PKR 28,999.

2-Redmi 13C

The price of this mobile phone has also been introduced at 27,999 rupees; it has a large HD display of 6.74 inches, 4/6 GB of RAM and 64/128 GB of memory, a back camera of 50 megapixels and a front camera of 8 Megapixels are given. Its battery is 5120 mAh.

3-Infinix Hot 40i

The price of the Infinix Hot 40i is 29,999 rupees, but the features given in it are not less than any expensive mobile; the phone has a 6.6 inch HD display in the mobile phone while it is available in two variants, and you can get it with 4G. It has a 50-megapixel back camera and a 32-megapixel front camera.

4-Realme C51

This is also an excellent phone for those who want to buy a mobile in the range of 30,000 rupees, which has a large display of 6.74. Its RAM is 4GB while memory is available in 64 and 128 GB, with back camera 50 and front camera 5 megapixel. It has a 5000 mAh battery.

5-ZTE Blade V50

The ZTE Blade V50 costs 27,999 rupees. It has a 6.6-inch display, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB memory with 50 megapixel rear camera and 8 megapixel front cameras. The battery is also 5 thousand mAh.

Editor Note: The prices of these mobile phones are collected from mobile sites and may vary across mobile markets.

August 2, 2024
We can block VPNs in Pakistan, says Chairman PTA

Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General Retired Hafeez ur Rehman, has said that Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can be blocked nationwide, but doing so may harm businesses.

While giving a briefing on telecommunication issues to the a Senate Standing Committee, he said, “The government is allowing VPNs, after which unauthorized VPN in Pakistan will not work.”

Talking about controversial content on social media, the PTA chairman said, ” If any post is against the laws of Pakistan, we close the social media platform on the request of the government. Blocking a specific post is impossible.”

Earlier, he said that PTA will unblock X (formerly Twitter) the day the government allows it.

The government of Pakistan banned X in February during elections. Users can access it only by using VPNs.

August 2, 2024
No immediate relief in sight for high electricity costs, experts warn

Experts have little hope for a reduction in Pakistan’s high electricity prices. The government has turned electricity and petroleum products into revenue sources, and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) face no performance checks or contract revisions, they said, adding that it gives the generators unchecked freedom.

Experts discussed the issues with DAWN at a seminar titled Pakistan Energy Crisis and IPPs: How Overbilling Impacts Quality of Life and Pathways to Solution, held at the Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC), University of Karachi on Thursday.

Experts highlighted that over-billing and high electricity costs have become a crisis, adversely impacting poor and middle-income households. This crisis affects their spending on health, education, food, and transport.

AERC Assistant Professor Dr. Aamir Siddiqui stated that electricity charges are unlikely to decrease soon because the government uses petrol and electricity as revenue sources. With around 100 IPPs and numerous suppliers in the country, electricity prices should at least be stable, but they continue to rise.

He also noted that Pakistan generates more power than needed, yet load shedding persists. Despite this, the government is not addressing the quality and services of IPPs or revising their contracts, even though payments are made in dollars or equivalent exchange rates.

Dr. Muhammad Saber, Principal Economist at the Social Policy and Development Center in Karachi, stated that electricity rates will not decrease until the government prioritises public welfare over its own interests. He pointed out that many contracts with IPPs were signed without considering public benefit, and even IPPs not supplying electricity receive timely and full payments.

AERC Assistant Professor Dr. Fauzia Sohail mentioned that the residential sector is the largest consumer of electricity, followed by the industrial sector. Low and middle-income households are particularly affected by over-billing. Rising electricity charges force people to cut spending on essentials like health, education, food, transport, and housing. This not only adversely impacts these amenities but also drives some low-income individuals below the poverty line, especially in Karachi.

August 2, 2024
‘Why bully her?’ Sabeena Farooq slams targeting of Khalil-ur-Rehman’s daughter

Social media has been buzzing since Wednesday after a sex tape of controversial screenwriter Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar with the woman who orchestrated his honey trap went viral.

While the misogynistic writer was called out on different platforms for hypocrisy, actress Sabeena Farooq took time out to urge people not to target Qamar’s family, especially his daughter.

The ‘Kabli Pulao’ actress took to Instagram to write, “We ask this to ourselves and everyone almost every day. Is there no humanity left? What does KRQ’s daughter have to do with his actions? Why bully her? It can have an impact on her for life. Why do we take so much pleasure in watching other people’s misery?”

Sabeena ended her message by asking people to stop blaming children for their parents’ actions and vice versa.

August 2, 2024
Britney biopic in works as Universal buys memoir rights

A Britney Spears biopic is in development after Universal Pictures bought movie rights to the pop star’s best-selling memoir, the Hollywood studio announced Thursday.

“Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon Chu is attached to develop and direct the film, based on Spears’s recent autobiographical book “The Woman In Me,” the company said in a statement to AFP.

Universal won a “highly competitive auction” for the film adaptation rights, with “La La Land” producer Marc Platt due to oversee the project, it said.

“Excited to share with my fans that I’ve been working on a secret project with #MarcPlatt. He’s always made my favorite movies,” Spears herself posted on social media Thursday.

“Stay tuned,” she told fans.

“The Woman In Me” laid bare the troubled singer’s journey from child star to global pop phenomenon, as well as her subsequent high-profile public breakdown and legal battles with her father.

Full of criticism of her controlling family and an industry that mercilessly devours its talent, the book sold over 2.5 million copies in the United States alone following its publication last October.

Spears’s phenomenal early music success with late 1990s hits like “…Baby One More Time” coincided with an aggressive paparazzi culture that delighted in capturing her partying alongside hell-raisers like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.

In the book, Spears revealed that Justin Timberlake urged her to have an abortion after she became pregnant during their relationship.

And she shared details of her brief but intense affair with Irish actor and Oscar nominee Colin Farrell, which she called “a two-week brawl.”

Following Spears’s public breakdown, she was placed under the conservatorship of her father Jamie Spears, who controlled her money and her personal life, even as she continued to perform high-profile concerts.

The conservatorship was dissolved by a Los Angeles court in 2021, after a groundswell of public support to “Free Britney.”

Her father has always insisted that he had the best interests of his daughter at heart and was seeking to protect her from exploitation.

No release date has been set for the Britney film.

Universal has previously released musical biopics about hip-hop group N.W.A (“Straight Outta Compton”) and rapper Eminem (“8 Mile.”)

Chu is also directing Universal’s big-budget, two-part movie adaptation of the musical “Wicked,” with the first film out in November.

August 2, 2024
Social media rallies behind Imane Khelif as racism over Muslim boxer turns ugly

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has become the center of a racist attack after her opponent Angela Carini of Italy quit their match while crying, just 46 seconds into the first round.

The two women exchanged just a few punches before Carini’s helmet was dislodged. She refused to shake Imane’s hands and cried on her knees in the ring. Later, she said that she quit after experiencing intense pain in her nose. Notably, she said that she had not refused to fight Imane.

The match led to an uproar among right-wing Western conservatives, including Harry Potter author JK Rowling and Elon Musk, who instantly resorted to calling Imane a man because she had failed an unspecified test in the World Boxing Championships last year. The governing body said she had “elevated levels of testosterone.”

Social media was quick to rally to Khelif’s defence, pointing out that she had been competing as an amateur since years and had been defeated by women before this match.

Users shared childhood pictures of the Algerian sportswoman, showing her in girl’s clothing and pigtails. Others pointed out that Algeria is a conservative Muslim country where women cannot have gender reassignment surgeries and transgenderism is legally barred.

Nida Kirmani wrote that the episode proved that black and brown athletes face immense racism.

Algerian Football Media account called her a “superwoman”.

Another account called out Rowling and pointed out that Khelif just has elevated testosterone, something she was born with.

Others called out Carini for crying about being hit in a boxing match.

August 2, 2024