A funny video of rising player Azam Khan and captain Babar Azam has gone viral on social media.
In the video, it can be inferred that the cricketers are joking with each other over dollars. Babar, who is not visible in the video, jokingly asks Azam what happened?
Azam Khan wipes his face and forehead with foreign currency and says that it is very hot Wasim Bhai. All the cricketers laugh loudly at this.
The video has become an instant fan favourite.
Pakistan and Turkey have committed to elevating their bilateral trade volume to $5 billion, marking a significant step in the economic partnership between the two nations. This agreement was reached during high-level talks held in Islamabad.
The Pakistani delegation was headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, while the Turkish side was led by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the discussions encompassed a review of progress on existing bilateral cooperation and an exchange of views on regional and international matters of mutual interest.
In a joint news conference following the talks, Deputy Prime Minister Dar highlighted plans to convene the next session of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council soon. He underscored the longstanding defence collaboration between the two countries, noting, “We are working on various joint ventures and continue to support each other in defending our territorial sovereignty and combating terrorism.”
Dar also expressed deep gratitude to Turkey for its unwavering support to the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the legitimate struggle of the people of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. “Pakistan and Turkey are two countries but one nation,” he remarked, underlining the historical and enduring bond between the two peoples.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described Pakistan as a strategic partner whose cooperation is vital for regional peace and stability. He termed the meeting with Foreign Minister Dar as fruitful, noting that both sides are committed to strengthening their relations in trade, defence, investment, banking, science, and technology. “This is an unshakeable friendship and brotherhood rooted in history,” Fidan said, affirming Turkey’s support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
Both foreign ministers also expressed serious concerns over the situation in Gaza, calling for a permanent ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian relief to the Palestinian people.
This renewed commitment to deepening economic and strategic ties reflects the enduring solidarity and cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey, promising a strengthened partnership in the years to come.
The upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 is set to introduce new taxation measures amounting to a hefty Rs1.3 trillion. These measures are poised to impact various sectors, with a focus on enhancing revenue generation.
One significant aspect of the proposed measures involves heightened rates of withholding taxes on transactions conducted by non-filers.
Additionally, there will be adjustments in tax rates pertaining to the purchase and sale of immovable properties, vehicle registration, and revisions in income tax brackets specifically targeting the salaried class.
In response to economic dynamics, the government has tabled a proposal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to raise the income tax exemption threshold for the salaried class to Rs1 million. This move aims to alleviate the tax burden on this segment of taxpayers.
According to reports from Business Recorder, there is a push to streamline the tax structure for individuals by eliminating the salaried/non-salaried categorisation and reducing the number of tax rate slabs. This proposed adjustment seeks to simplify the tax regime for greater efficiency and ease of compliance.
Furthermore, policymakers are contemplating widening the gap between withholding tax rates for filers and non-filers of tax returns. This initiative includes plans to raise advance income tax on machinery imports by 1 percentage point, with an anticipated monthly revenue impact of Rs2 billion.
Other proposals on the table include increasing advance income tax on raw material imports by industrial entities by 0.5 per cent, expected to yield Rs2 billion monthly.
Similarly, there is a proposition to hike advance income tax on raw material imports by commercial importers by 1 per cent, projecting a monthly revenue gain of Rs1 billion.
Additionally, the budgetary deliberations include plans to augment withholding tax rates on supplies and services by 1 per cent each, with estimated monthly collections of Rs1 billion and Rs1.5 billion, respectively. There is also a proposal to raise withholding tax on contracts by 1 per cent, with an anticipated monthly revenue impact of Rs1.5 billion.
Lastly, the government is contemplating increasing withholding tax on cash withdrawals from banks by non-filers from 0.6 per cent to 0.9 per cent, aiming to incentivise tax compliance among this demographic.
These proposed taxation measures underscore the government’s commitment to bolster revenue streams and ensure fiscal sustainability in the face of evolving economic challenges.
Iran’s powerful allies on Monday mourned the death of its President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, while regional militants hailed him as a supporter of the Palestinian cause.
Here is a roundup of key reactions:
China
China’s President Xi Jinping said “his tragic death is a great loss to the Iranian people, and the Chinese people have lost a good friend,” foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular press conference.
European Union
The European Union expressed its “sincere condolences”.
“Our thoughts go to the families,” EU Council President Charles Michel said in a statement.
France
France sent its condolences “to the Islamic Republic of Iran… (and) to the families of the victims of this accident,” in a statement from the foreign ministry.
India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise” of Raisi, adding that “India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow.”
Exiled opposition group
Exiled Iranian opposition group the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) said Raisi’s death “represents a monumental and irreparable strategic blow to the mullahs’ supreme leader Ali Khamenei and the entire regime, notorious for its executions and massacres”, in a statement from the group’s leader, Maryam Rajavi.
Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed Raisi as an “outstanding politician” and said his death was an “irreplaceable loss.”
“As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good-neighbourly relations between our countries, and made great efforts to take them to the level of a strategic partnership,” Putin said in a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Turkey
Turkey was “deeply saddened” by Raisi’s death and “shares the pain of the friendly and brotherly Iranian people,” Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent his “sincere condolences to the friendly and fraternal people and government,” in a message on X, formerly Twitter.
Hamas-Gaza
Hamas mourned Raisi as an “honourable supporter” of the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group whose October 7 attack is responded disproportionately by Israel in form of a genocide.
Hamas said it appreciated Raisi’s “support for the Palestinian resistance and tireless efforts in solidarity” with Palestinians since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Hezbolllah-Lebanon
Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah group, which has traded deadly cross-border fire with Israel during the war, praised Raisi as “a strong supporter, and a staunch defender of our causes… and a protector of the resistance movements”.
Lebanon announced three official days of mourning.
Houthis-Yemes
Yemen’s Tehran-backed Houthi rebels saying Raisi’s death “is a loss not only for Iran but also for the entire Islamic world and Palestine and Gaza,” Huthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said on X, adding that the Palestinians were “in dire need of the presence of such a president who continued to defend” their right to freedom.
UAE
Iran’s Gulf neighbours the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar sent their condolences.
The oil-rich UAE “stands in solidarity with Iran at this difficult time”, said Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Qatar
Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, called the news “painful”.
Syria
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed solidarity with close ally Tehran, which has backed him during more than a decade of civil war.
“We worked with the late President to ensure that strategic relations between Syria and Iran flourish always,” the Syrian presidency said in a statement.
Iran’s arch-enemies the United States and Israel had yet to react publicly.
Zayn Malik, former member of One Direction, has made a triumphant comeback to the stage with his first live concert in years at Shepherd’s Bush in London.
This highly anticipated performance followed the release of his latest album, ‘Room Under the Stairs,’ on May 17.
In a rare glimpse behind the scenes shared on his Instagram Stories, Zayn showed fans his preparations for the show. Dressed casually in a tee and a ‘W12’ cap, he appeared relaxed and focused as he got ready for the performance.
Fans showered Zayn with love and support for his new music release. Comments flooded in, with one fan saying, “I’m literally obsessed; you nailed it!!!” while another wrote, “So proud of you, Zayn!”
‘Room Under the Stairs’ marks Zayn’s return to music since his 2021 album ‘Nobody is Listening.’ The album has received praise from both fans and critics for Zayn’s soulful voice and raw talent.
As he graces the stage once more, Zayn’s loyal fan base is cheering him on, thankful for the music and moments he shares with them. With this latest performance, Zayn proves he’s back and better than ever, ready to captivate audiences with his unique sound and style.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa on Monday deposited a luxurious pen gifted to him by the Muslim World League in the Toshakhana.
The pen, named Bab-e-Kaaba, was gifted to the chief justice by the Muslim World League’s Secretary Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Issa, who met him last month.
Muslim World League is an international non-governmental organisation headquartered in Makkah with members from all Islamic countries and sects.
CJP Isa got approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the pen has now been placed in the museum of the Supreme Court.
Toshakhana was established in 1974 which is under the control of cabinet division and is used to store precious gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats and officials by heads of other governments.
Pakistani-born British McKeal Abdullah has joined the Pakistan football squad. Abdullah is a part of the British club Mansfield Town, where he is considered one of the best Asian footballers in the UK. The young striker will join the Pakistan team at the end of this month.
Abdullah will be available for the home match against Saudi Arabia and the away match against Tajikistan. The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has also confirmed the inclusion of Pakistani-born Briton Adam Khan. Otis Khan, who missed the previous match due to injury and Muhammad Fazal will also return to the team.
Pakistani-born Briton Essa Sulaiman will not be available due to performing Hajj.
Gold prices in Pakistan experienced significant increases on Monday, mirroring the rise in international markets. According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price of gold per tola surged by Rs2,300, reaching Rs250,400.
Similarly, the price for 10 grams of gold saw a notable rise, gaining Rs1,972 to sell at Rs214,678. These increases reflect the upward trend in global gold prices, which rose by $25 to $2,439 per ounce, inclusive of a $20 premium.
In contrast, silver prices remained stable at Rs2,850 per tola.
This recent surge in gold prices comes after the metal hit a record high of Rs252,200 per tola last month. Just two days prior, on Saturday, gold prices in Pakistan had already increased by Rs3,100 per tola.
These fluctuations highlight the strong connection between local and international precious metal markets, with local prices adjusting swiftly in response to global economic conditions.
Actor and model Adnan Shah Tipu appeared in ‘Zarbardast’ show on a recent episode with host Wasi Shah. The host asked, “Tipu, you’ve had a diverse range of experiences from working with BBC to National Geographic, and even delving into Hollywood before coming back to Bollywood. Where did you find the most rewarding payments during your journey?”
“You get paid really well in Hollywood. I got paid more for just two scenes in a Hollywood project than I did for an entire Bollywood film, plus a stay at a 7-star hotel for me and my wife,” Adnan replied.
A high-speed vehicle rammed into a Save Gaza camp in Islamabad at Express Chowk, killing two workers while two more have been injured.
The camp was organised by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan of Jamaat-e-Islami.
The police took the driver into custody.
The accident was reportedly a result of barbed wires getting stuck in the tires of the vehicle.
Senator Khan has called for an FIR to be registered against the driver.
“This is not a political sit-in. The purpose of the sit-in is to wake the government up and raise our voice in favour of Palestine”, he said.