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  • Gold prices in Pakistan follow global trend, decline by Rs1,300 per tola

    Gold prices in Pakistan follow global trend, decline by Rs1,300 per tola

    On Wednesday, gold prices in Pakistan experienced a reduction, mirroring the global downward trend. 

    The current valuation of the precious metal stands at Rs220,000 per tola, marking a decrease of Rs1,300 throughout the day.

    As reported by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the 10-gramme gold rate now stands at Rs188,614, reflecting a decline of Rs1,115.

     In contrast, the previous day witnessed a surge of Rs 1,600 per tola in gold prices.

    The international gold rate, despite a $12 dip in the global market, settled at $2,082 per ounce on Wednesday, with a $20 premium, according to APGJSA.

    In contrast, silver rates remained unchanged at Rs2,680 per tola during this period.

  • Why has load-shedding suddenly increased in Pakistan?

    Why has load-shedding suddenly increased in Pakistan?

    The electricity crisis has become more severe across the country with the start of the new year.

    Transmission systems were reportedly affected due to a technical fault at Guddu power plant and reduction in hydro power generation. Unannounced power outages in all power distribution companies (DISCOs), including LESCO, has made life difficult for people.

    The transmission system was affected by reduced power generation and heavy fog in the plains.

    Unannounced load shedding continues every hour in various areas of the LESCO region. Due to an increase in shortfall, the duration of load shedding in the city exceeded 12 hours.

    According to an INP from Kushmore, the breaker could not be repaired despite the passage of several hours after fire broke out in the switchyard of Guddu Thermal Power Plant following a technical fault. Sources claim that it may take 15 days to buy a new breaker.

    On the other hand, Powerhouse officials have said the alternate high transmission line also tripped due to heavy fog.

    Electricity supply to different areas of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan remained suspended for more than five hours due to tripping of the alternative high transmission line. According to Guddu Thermal Power House officials, it is difficult to restore power from the alternate high transmission line until the sun comes out.

    Lack of electric supply for more than six hours has put a halt on businesses as well as shopkeepers, factory workers.

  • Supreme Court issues notice to IGP, chief secretary on PTI’s petition

    Supreme Court issues notice to IGP, chief secretary on PTI’s petition

    The Supreme Court issued notices on Wednesday to the Inspector General of Police Punjab (IGP), chief secretary, and advocate general in response to a plea filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), seeking a level-playing field in the upcoming general elections on February 8, 2024.

    A three-member bench, including Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Musrat Hilali, heard the case and adjourned the hearing until January 8.

    PTI leader and lawyer, Sardar Latif Khosa, presented arguments on behalf of party leader Shoaib Shaheen.

    The proceedings of the case were broadcast live on SC’s website and YouTube channel.

    The apex court directed the ECP on December 22 to address the concerns of PTI regarding level playing field in the upcoming general elections, set to take place on February 8.

    At the beginning of the hearing, CJP Isa reprimanded Khosa for using the title “Sardar” with his name.

    “Stop using words like Sardar, Nawab, and Peer,” the CJP said while expressing displeasure over the use of such a title.

    Qazi Faez Isa asked the PTI lawyer for evidence that ECP violated the apex court’s direction regarding level-playing field matter.

    “I have brought the CD containing all evidence,” Khosa replied adding that PTI leaders were not allowed to submit their nomination papers.

    “The entire Pakistan has seen what is happening with PTI.”

    After this, CJP advised PTI lawyer to avoid “political speech” in the courtroom and talk about constitution and law.

    “What does the IG and the chief secretary have to do with the election?” the CJP wondered.

    “Do you want action against individuals or the Election Commission?” the CJP asked.

    Sardar Latif Khosa replied to CJP that it’s the responsibility of ECP to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections in the country.

  • Watch: Atif Aslam and Hadiqa Kiyani sing their hit ‘Hona Tha Pyaar’ in nostalgic video

    Watch: Atif Aslam and Hadiqa Kiyani sing their hit ‘Hona Tha Pyaar’ in nostalgic video

    If you’re a fan of all things nostalgic, you’re in for a thrill. Singing veteran Hadiqa Kiani has posted a video on her Instagram featuring fellow star crooner Atif Aslam singing a song with her.

    The duo recreated their melodious hit ‘Hona Tha Pyaar’, a song hailed by fans as the perfect blend of Atif’s soulful vocals and Hadiqa’s enchanting voice. Their collaboration brings out the emotions of love and longing, making ‘Hona Tha Pyaar’ a cherished gem in the world of music. The artists’ chemistry and the song’s timeless appeal continue to resonate with fans, creating a lasting impact in the hearts of music enthusiasts.

  • Chahat Fateh Ali Khan harassed in Sheikhupura

    Chahat Fateh Ali Khan harassed in Sheikhupura

    Singer Chahat Fateh Ali Khan had a harrowing experience in Sheikhupura while meeting his fans after announcing a foray into politics by running in the 2024 national elections.

    In a video that went viral, Chahat is seen walking down the street while people in the crowd appear to be laughing at him.

    Despite him trying to make them stop, the teasing didn’t end, and Chahat ended up shouting at the crowd. Lots of people online slammed the crowd’s rudeness.
    To add to his troubles, his nomination papers for the general elections were rejected because of his dual nationality. However, Chahat remains determined in his political ambitions and plans to continue seeking approval for his nomination papers.

    The incident has sparked discussions on social media about how public figures entering politics are treated.

  • Financial crunch in KP: Textbook size to be cut down

    Financial crunch in KP: Textbook size to be cut down

    The caretaker setup in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has come up with a new plan to make do with the scarcity of funds. According to Dawn, the provincial government did not release the funds required by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Textbook Board to publish course books due to the financial crisis in the last three years.

    In the meantime, the government provided books to students free of charge.

    The caretaker government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided in the last cabinet meeting to reduce the size of textbooks and provide half of schoolchildren with old course books hoping this will save over three billion rupees for printing books.

    The printing of books in the upcoming academic year 2023-24 was estimated to cost Rs8.528 billion but the amount will go down to Rs5.247 billion by cutting the size of textbooks and providing 50 percent of schoolchildren with the books that were collected from the students after their promotion to next grades.


    As per the report, the government is on a saving spree, and for that, 6-12 graders will be given 50 percent of old books to be collected by schools from students promoted to the next grades. The government says that only the books in good condition will be given away to students with the move saving the government Rs1.8 billion, according to the documents.


    The students of grades 4-5 will use 20 percent of the old books saving the government Rs334 million.


    Reducing the textbook size from nursery-grade 12 will save the government Rs. 1.1 billion.


    Dawn’s Muhammad Ashfaq talked to officials in the Education department of the province who stated that downsizing of textbooks and distribution of old books to school children came “under compulsion” as the finance department didn’t release funds for printing textbooks to the board on time. They said that even the total payment of Rs 10 billion to printing companies for the previous year was done in piecemeal. This time around, printing companies have shown no interest although the bid was announced multiple times.


    The officials feared a two-month learning loss for schoolchildren in the next academic year saying the publishers won’t be able to deliver orders by the end of May.

  • Fashion guru Asim Jofa’s daughter passes away in London

    Tragedy has struck the family of designer Asim Jofa.
    The fashion guru has taken to his Facebook page to share the heart-wrenching news of the passing of his youngest daughter from a sudden brain hemorrhage in London. Jofa requested prayers for his daughter.

    Adcave Pk also conveyed the sad news, extending heartfelt condolences to Asim Jofa on the loss of his youngest daughter. The post urged everyone to keep the departed soul in their prayers.

    Jofa, a standout Pakistani fashion designer known for his distinctive designs, high-quality clothing, modern cuts, and innovative marketing, has been a stalwart in the fashion industry for many years.

  • Sydney Test; Aamir Jamal’s sparkling 82 leads Pakistan to 313

    Sydney Test; Aamir Jamal’s sparkling 82 leads Pakistan to 313

    Pakistan team has scored 313 runs in the first innings of the third Test against Australia, thanks to a brilliant knock by Aamir Jamal.

    Abdullah Shafiq, opening the innings for Pakistan, and Saim Ayub, who made his debut in international Test cricket, returned to the pavilion without scoring any runs.

    After playing two balls, Abdullah Shafiq was caught out by Smith for no runs off Starc’s ball. After playing only two balls, Saim Ayub returned to the pavilion after being dismissed by Hazlewood.

    Shan Masood put up 35 runs, Babar Azam was dismissed for 26 runs while Pakistan suffered their fifth loss in the form of Saud Shakeel who scored 5 runs. On a total of 190, Rizwan got out after playing an innings of 88 runs.

    Salman Ali Agha scored 53 while Sajid Khan scored 15 runs. Aamir Jamal came scored 82 runs with the help of 4 sixes and 9 fours, and lead Pakistan to the total of 313 runs in first inning.

    From Australia’s side, Pat Cummins took five wickets from Australia’s side.

    Australia has scored 6 runs without any loss at the end of the first day.

    It should be noted that in the series of three Test matches between Pakistan and Australia, the host team has a decisive advantage of two-zero.

  • Canada to provide remote work visa for freelancers

    Canada to provide remote work visa for freelancers

    The Canadian government intends to give remote work visas for freelancers and digital nomads in 2024, to adapt to the changing nature of the labour market, reports Samaa.

    The program is aimed at drawing international talent by enabling people to live temporarily in the country while working remotely.

    According to the policy, a specific visa will be issued to freelancers, who are working remotely in Canada.


    Digital nomads were previously permitted a maximum of six months of stay on tourist visas in Canada.


    The government is now developing a comprehensive “tech talent strategy” to attract foreign workers in an effort to increase the size of its workforce.
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada spokesman Isabelle Dubois emphasized the expected advantages, stating, “We anticipate that some digital nomads will opt to stay in Canada, contributing their skills to employers here.”


    In an attempt to draw in highly qualified IT professionals who thrive in remote work, plans are in motion to establish a framework that would allow entrepreneurs to apply for extended work licenses, which might last up to three years.


    Asserting Canada’s dedication to allowing remote workers, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Office promised further information in the coming months.


    The number of US citizens who work as digital nomads soared to 17.3 million, moving up by 2 percent in 2023.


    Apply for a Canada visa from Pakistan


    Pakistanis can also apply for a Canada Visit, via a temporary resident visa that allows South Asians to travel for tourism, business meetings, or to visit family members, according to Pakistan Observer.


    For Pakistanis, the Canada Visitor Visa offers multiple entries over 10 years, allowing stays of 180 days per entry. To apply for a visa, applicants must be without criminal or immigration convictions.


    The financial statement should prove the job, own residence, or family, to demonstrate a temporary visit intention. Adequate funds for the stay is also a pre-requisite.


    Required documents include a valid passport, national ID, and possibly additional documents like bank statements. The application process involves the submission of forms, checking the accuracy, and uploading supporting documents, followed by an appointment at the local visa center.


    Visa and biometric fees need to be paid at the center, and tracking information is shared.

  • Turkey detains 34 suspected of spying for Israel

    Turkey detains 34 suspected of spying for Israel

    Istanbul (AFP) – Turkey announced on Tuesday it had detained 34 people suspected of planning abductions and spying on behalf of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service.

    The raids came just weeks after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned of “serious consequences” should Israel try to target figures from Hamas living or working in Turkey.

    Unlike Israel, Turkey does not view Hamas as a terrorist organisation and has hosted the Islamic group’s political leaders for much of the past decade.

    A Turkish security source told AFP that most of the 34 people detained were foreign nationals whom Mossad recruited for “operations targeting Palestinians and their family members”.

    “We are determined to ensure that absolutely no foreign intelligence agency can operate on Turkish soil without proper authorisation,” the security source said.

    Turkish government released video footage showing armed security service agents breaking down doors and handcuffing suspects in their homes.

    The Istanbul public prosecutor’s office said 12 additional suspects remained at large.

    “There is an insidious operation and sabotage attempts being made against Turkey and its interests,” Erdogan said after the raids were announced.

    Breakdown in ties

    Relations between Turkey and Israel imploded following the outbreak of the war in Gaza nearly three months ago.

    Erdogan has turned into one of the world’s harshest critics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    The Turkish leader last week compared Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler and demanded that Israel’s Western allies drop their support for the “terrorism” being conducted by Israeli troops in Gaza.

    Erdogan has also recalled Ankara’s envoy to Tel Aviv, and pushed for the trial of Israeli commanders and political leaders at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

    The president’s ruling Islamic, conservative AKP party also led tens of thousands of protesters out on the streets of Istanbul on Monday for one of Turkey’s biggest rallies against the Israeli government of the entire war.

    The war in Gaza has put an end to a gradual thawing in Turkish-Israeli relations that culminated with the reappointment of ambassadors in 2022.

    Israel and Turkey resumed long-stalled talks about a major Mediterranean Sea natural gas pipeline project that could have reshaped geopolitical alliances across parts of the Middle East.

    Turkey won words of gratitude from Israel in 2022 for detaining a group of Turkish and Iranian nationals were allegedly planning to murder and kidnap Israeli tourists in Istanbul.

    Erdogan and Netanyahu met briefly on the sidelines of a United Nations meeting in New York in September and were discussing holding a formal summit this year.

    Periodic raids

    The Turkish MIT intelligence service conducts periodic raids against suspected Israel operatives working in major cities such as Ankara and Istanbul.

    Most are accused of conducting surveillance work on Palestinians living in Turkey.

    Istanbul served as one of Hamas’s foreign political offices until the outbreak of the Gaza war.

    Turkey informally asked Hamas leaders to leave, days after militants conducted raids into southern Israel on October 7.

    The Gaza health ministry says Israel’s relentless military campaign targeting Hamas has killed around 22,000 people in Gaza since October 7 – mostly women and children.

    UN agencies have voiced alarm over a spiralling humanitarian crisis facing Gaza’s 2.4 million people.

    Most have seen their homes destroyed and now face dire shortages of food, water, fuel and medicine, and are surviving in tents and shelters amid the rubble.