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  • ‘Cringe’; Maryam Nawaz slammed for adjusting police officer’s dupatta

    ‘Cringe’; Maryam Nawaz slammed for adjusting police officer’s dupatta

    Maryam Nawaz, the Vice-president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and newly appointed Chief Minister of Punjab, has managed to land into controversy on her second day on the job.

    A video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by an account claiming to be Team MNS shared a video of Maryam listening to a female police officer showing her something on a computer screen. While the officer is talking, her dupatta slips off her head. Maryam Nawaz then puts the dupatta back on her head.

    The account wrote: “CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s act of adjusting a police officer’s dupatta is a powerful reminder that leadership is about compassion and understanding.”

    The video, posted on Tuesday evening, has set off a furious debate with many people finding the gesture cringe inducing and an invasion into the police officer’s personal space.

    We at The Current agree that the gesture is indeed an invasion of personal space, and just a few days after the Ichra incident, completely unnecessary. The police officer performs serious duties, we are quite sure she can take care of her dupatta herself.

    https://twitter.com/boyyynextdoor/status/1762529911795765404?s=19
    https://twitter.com/AABangashh/status/1762533721209553270?s=19
  • Nepra approves Rs7.056 per unit hike for power consumers

    Nepra approves Rs7.056 per unit hike for power consumers

    In a setback for the already burdened public grappling with inflation, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has greenlit a fuel cost adjustment, paving the way for a Rs7.0562 per unit increase in tariffs for March 2024.

    This decision grants state-run power distribution companies the authority to impose additional charges, projecting a staggering financial burden of around Rs56 billion on consumers.

    This figure could potentially soar to nearly Rs66 billion, taking into account the 18 per cent general sales tax (GST).

    It’s important to note that this tariff adjustment is applicable across all consumer categories, except for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) and lifeline consumers.

    The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), representing the distribution companies, had initially sought Rs7.13 per unit in its petition.

    Earlier this month, The News highlighted the plea from ex-Wapda distribution companies (XWDiscos) seeking Nepra’s approval for the Rs7.13 per unit increase.

    This was attributed to a significant drop in hydropower production and systemic constraints, such as the incapacity of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line to efficiently transport economically viable power from southern producers to the north.

    Amidst these developments, commentators express concern over the substantial surge in fuel costs, reaching Rs14.6206/kWh for January 2024.

    In response, Nepra has taken decisive action, initiating an investigation under Section 27-A of the NEPRA Act to uncover the reasons behind this significant fuel cost, as claimed by CPPA-G for January 2024.

  • Daraz Group plans layoffs amid market challenges

    Daraz Group plans layoffs amid market challenges

    In an internal communication obtained by Reuters on Tuesday, Alibaba-owned e-commerce platform Daraz Group revealed its decision to implement layoffs across the company.

    Acting CEO James Dong stated that the move aims to “adopt a more streamlined and agile structure” to address challenges faced by the company in the market.

    While the memo did not specify the exact number of individuals affected by the layoffs, it acknowledged the necessity of saying farewell to numerous valued members of the Daraz family.

    The company, operating in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, declined to provide details on the percentage or absolute number of employees impacted.

    Last year, Daraz employed 3,000 individuals globally. However, the company had to reduce its workforce by 11% due to various challenges, including difficult market conditions, the Ukraine crisis, supply chain disruptions, inflation, higher taxes, and reduced government subsidies.

    James Dong emphasised the group’s commitment to addressing the market’s unprecedented challenges and stated, “Despite our efforts to explore different solutions, our cost structure continues to fall short of our financial targets. Facing unprecedented challenges in the market, we must take swift action to ensure our company’s long-term sustainability and continued growth.”

    Dong outlined the group’s strategy moving forward, highlighting a focus on improving the consumer experience.

    This involves diversifying the offerings of value-for-money products, expanding product categories, and enhancing the operational efficiency of sellers on the Daraz platform.

    The company, founded in Pakistan in 2012 as an online fashion retailer, was acquired by Chinese internet giant Alibaba in 2018. James Dong assumed the role of acting CEO in January, succeeding outgoing CEO Bjarke Mikkelsen.

    Mikkelsen had previously noted that Pakistan and Bangladesh are the group’s largest markets.

    Daraz Group, encompassing e-commerce, logistics, payment infrastructure, and financial services, serves more than 30 million shoppers, boasts 200,000 active sellers, and collaborates with over 100,000 brands, according to company statements provided to Reuters.

  • Moody’s cautions on Pakistan’s fiscal challenges despite recent stability

    Moody’s cautions on Pakistan’s fiscal challenges despite recent stability

    Moody’s Investors Service, a global credit rating agency, stated on Tuesday that Pakistan’s credit rating could see an upgrade if the government successfully reduces liquidity and external vulnerability risks.

    Despite this potential, Moody’s maintained Pakistan’s credit rating at ‘Caa3’ for long-term issuer rating with a stable outlook in its periodic review.

    The credit profile of Pakistan reflects significant liquidity and external vulnerability risks, attributed to low foreign exchange reserves insufficient to meet high external financing needs in the near to medium term, according to Moody’s.

    The agency also highlighted the country’s very weak fiscal strength and elevated political risks as constraints on its credit profile.

    Moody’s expressed uncertainty regarding the new government’s ability to swiftly negotiate a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme after the ongoing programme concludes in April.

    While acknowledging Pakistan’s large economy and moderate growth potential, the agency emphasized the nation’s high liquidity and external vulnerability risks, despite economic stability maintained by the caretaker government and recent reforms.

    The agency recognised the government’s efforts to unlock financing from the IMF and other partners, resulting in a modest accumulation of foreign exchange reserves.

    However, it cautioned that, despite meeting external debt obligations for the fiscal year ending June 2024, there is limited visibility on sources of financing to address high external financing needs post-the current IMF stand-by arrangement.

    Moody’s rationale for the stable outlook at the Caa3 rating level is based on the assessment that pressures on Pakistan align with this rating, with broadly balanced risks.

    The agency suggested that continued IMF engagement beyond the current programme could attract additional financing from other partners, reducing default risk.

    Nonetheless, it emphasised the substantial external financing required and low reserve position, indicating potential default risks with funding delays.

    Moody’s indicated that an upgrade in Pakistan’s rating could occur with a substantial and sustained reduction in liquidity and external vulnerability risks, coupled with increased foreign exchange reserves and fiscal consolidation.

    Conversely, a downgrade might be likely if Pakistan defaults on debt obligations with significant losses to creditors.

    The agency expressed uncertainty regarding the new government’s ability to negotiate a new IMF programme swiftly after the ongoing one expires in April, citing high political risks following the controversial general elections held on February 8, 2024.

    Moody’s warned that without a new programme, Pakistan’s ability to secure loans from other partners would be severely constrained.

  • Turkish actor Burak Ozcivit and Adnan Siddiqui re-enact famous Maula Jatt scene

    Turkish actor Burak Ozcivit and Adnan Siddiqui re-enact famous Maula Jatt scene

    Pakistan and Turkey are fast friends in the diplomatic world and entertainment world too. The two countries are collaborating on a TV series, led by Pakistani actors Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui. Turkish actors have visited Pakistan recently and were warmly welcomed. One of them, Burak Ozcivit, even had a fun chat with Adnan Siddiqui and performed a famous dialogue from the blockbuster Pakistani movie ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’.

    See how the two big stars interact with each other:

  • From dress to shoes, all the info about Maryam Nawaz’s oath-taking look

    From dress to shoes, all the info about Maryam Nawaz’s oath-taking look

    Vice-president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Maryam Nawaz, famous for her fashion sense, is making waves with the customised emerald green dress she wore on her oath-taking ceremony on Monday when she became the first female Chief Minister of Punjab.

    The Current contacted designer Ayesha Jawad who runs the fashion label Parniyaan. She revealed the exquisite details of the dress, stating that the fabric used for the shawl (dupatta) was chiffon bordered with chantelle and an organza design. The design on the dress was also of the same chantelle net which gave it an oomph of elegance.


    Yes! This is the same dupatta she was cautious of getting ruined when she brushed off Uzma Kardar.


    Ayesha revealed that it was a customized dress and could be available for Rs. 60,000 approximately.


    As for the suave footwear, it was from Manolo Blahnik’s White Satin Jewel Buckle Pumps collection. It is originally available in the price of £945, roughly Rs. 334,795.41.

    When the late Benazir Bhutto became the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world, she too wore a green suit, a look that became iconic for generations.

  • Namibian batsman scores fastest century in T20

    Namibian batsman scores fastest century in T20

    Namibian cricketer Loftie Eaton has created a new record for the fastest century in Men’s T20 Internationals.

    Loftie Eaton scored the fastest century in a match against Nepal in a tri-nation series, completing the century in just 33 balls, scoring a blistering 101 runs off 36 balls against Nepal, which included 11 fours and 5 sixes.

    Earlier, the record for the fastest century in T20 Internationals was held by Nepal’s Kaushal Malla, who completed a 34-ball century against Mongolia last year.

    Thanks to Eaton’s aggressive innings, Namibia scored 206 runs for 4 wickets in the allotted 20 overs and in reply, the Nepali team lost the match by 20 runs.

  • Gold rate inches up to Rs215,900 per tola with marginal gain

    Gold rate inches up to Rs215,900 per tola with marginal gain

    In a sustained upward trajectory, domestic bullion recorded gains on Tuesday, driven by a surge in 24-karat gold. The precious metal reached Rs215,900 per tola, reflecting an increase of Rs100.

    The latest data from the Karachi Sarafa Association reveals that the cost of 10 grammes of 24-karat gold saw a slight rise, reaching Rs185,100 with an uptick of Rs86. Additionally, 10-gramme 22-karat gold was quoted at Rs169,674.

    Contrastingly, silver prices remained stable, maintaining their previous rates. The 24-karat silver was traded at Rs2,570 per tola, while the cost per 10-gramme stood at Rs2,203.36.

    On the global front, the international spot gold market witnessed a positive trend, with prices hovering near $2,036.26, indicating a 0.26% increase for the day. In parallel, international spot silver held strong around $22.63, marking a 0.58% uptick.

    The financial landscape also saw influence from the latest Federal Reserve minutes, which indicated a collective sentiment among most US officials against rushing into rate cuts.

    This news brings additional insights into the dynamics shaping the global precious metals market.

  • President Alvi made the right decision not to call assembly session: Imran Khan

    President Alvi made the right decision not to call assembly session: Imran Khan

    Imran Khan, the founder chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, has endorsed President Arif Alvi’s choice to abstain from calling the session of the National Assembly.

    Imran conveyed these sentiments during an informal exchange with journalists at Adiala Jail on Tuesday.

    First and foremost, he said, he had personally dictated the letter addressed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    He clarified that, following the drafting of the letter, there have been no meetings with other party leaders.

    However, he said that after consultations with the party’s leadership, the letter would be dispatched to the IMF today (Tuesday). In his discussion on the prevailing political climate, Imran Khan reiterated his call for the resignation of the chief election commissioner, citing concerns over impartiality during elections.

    He accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of engaging in rigging even after the conclusion of elections, stressing the imperative of fair and transparent electoral processes.

    Commenting on the recent developments, the former prime minister lauded the decision of President Arif Alvi to refrain from convening a meeting of the National Assembly. He reiterated concerns about the allocation of specific seats despite the PTI’s electoral victories, alleging efforts to undermine the party’s success.

    “Every attempt was made during the elections to eliminate the PTI,” he alleged.

    “We are gathering all the parties that have been made to lose through rigging. and will hold country-wide protests against rigging,” Imran announced.

    Amidst ongoing challenges and political tensions, the founder of PTI remains steadfast in advocating for fair governance and democratic principles, vowing to address electoral irregularities and promote accountability across all levels of government.

  • Accountability court indicts Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi in £190m reference

    Accountability court indicts Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi in £190m reference

    An accountability court in Rawalpindi on Tuesday charged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi with involvement in the £190 million reference.

    Judge Nasir Javed Rana of the accountability court conducted the hearing at Adiala Jail, where former Prime Minister Imran is invarcerated in multiple cases, including the Toshakhana, cipher and illegal marriage cases. 

    Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were present when Judge Nasir Javed read the charge sheet.

    National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Deputy Prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi, along with his team, was also present in court.

    NAB had started investigating Imran Khan, his wife, and others for allegedly getting hundreds of canals of land under the name of Al Qadir University Trust. As a result of the accusation of land, the government faced a loss of 190 million pounds.