Priyanka Chopra is the latest celebrity to join the calls for peace in Gaza. On Monday she reshared a post by UNICEF on Instagram in support of the ceasefire in Palestine as thousands of children and minors got killed, while several others are missing amid the Israeli bombardment.
Priyanka has served as the Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF since 2016. The agency offers humanitarian and developmental aid to children in over 190 countries and territories around the world.
The post shared by Priyanka is attributed to Catherine Russel, the executive director of UNICEF, and reads, “Children need a lasting humanitarian ceasefire.”
The reshared post was originally posted on December 2.
The caption urged all parties to ensure that children are protected and assisted, following their obligations under international humanitarian law. In the caption, the organisation wrote, “Today, the Gaza Strip is once again the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. After seven days of respite from horrific violence, fighting has resumed. More children will surely die as a result.”
It added, “Before the pause, more than 5,300 Palestinian children were reportedly killed in 48 days of relentless bombing – a figure that does not include many children still missing and presumed to be buried under rubble.”
In November, Priyanka, along with other prominent personalities, extended support through an open letter while calling on the US Congress and US President Joe Biden to undertake immediate action for a ceasefire in the Gaza region in the Middle East.
The Pakistan’s cricket team is performing worse and worse, day by day. There was a time when Pakistan cricket was at its peak, when everyone talked about the speed and bowling length of Pakistani pacers like Sheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. The time when the first over of Shaheen was dangerous for opening batsmen, when Indian openers could not stay on the crease after facing just a few overs by Shaheen, when the speedster’s each ball was 145+ kilometers per hour (KPS).
But every rise has a fall, and this fall had been authored by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB used every bowler like a machine, not caring about their injuries, mental stress, rest, and many things that are related to the fitness of an athlete.
Before the ODI Asia Cup 2023, the Pakistan pace trio of Shaheen, Haris, and Naseem was considered the deadliest bowling attack in the world. The trio had made it difficult to chase 200 runs in ODI for the biggest teams in the world.
It was a T20 match, but Naseem Shah’s spells at the MCG brought a whole set of different vibes. pic.twitter.com/3TAB6PnZOJ
If you remember the T20 World Cup 2022 final when Pakistani batters could only score 137 runs on a good batting pitch, this trio didn’t allow English batsmen to move and chase easily, but due to the very low target, Pakistan lost the match. In the semi-final of the same tournament, Pakistan stopped the strongest team of the tournament New Zealand by just 152 runs.
There are many reasons but here are some prominent reasons that PCB is destroying Pakistan’s cricket:
1-No backup bowler for the main bowling lineup:
The PCB used only Shaheen, Haris, and Naseem for a long time and didn’t prepare any alternative bowler in case of injuries or any other issues with these bowlers. As a result, Pakistan lost in the Asia Cup due to the unavailability of Naseem Shah in the bowling department, and the ODI World Cup.
The PCB knew that Naseem was injured before the Asia Cup, but they forced him to play, and as a result, Naseem lost his biggest opportunity to play in the World Cup and rested for approximately one year. Now PCB is using Shaheen in all three formats despite knowing that if he continues bowling like this we will lose him in the next one or two years.
According to a report, Shaheen bowled 750 overs at the age of 20, while Protease’s Kagiso Rabada was the second with only 344 overs. Shaheen, who bowled every ball on 145+ KPH, is now bowling at an average of 135 KPH.
India’s Hardik Pandya was injured during the World Cup and Muhammad Shami replaced him, but the replacement was much better than Pandya as Shami became the highest wickets-taker in the World Cup. Every team had a strong backup to give some rest to the main lineup.
2-No permanent spinner in the bowling lineup:
The Pakistan team has no permanent spinner in the bowling lineup. We used Shadab, Nawaz, and Iftikhar as our spinners for a long time. The pacers were covering the spinner’s mistakes. During the ODI World Cup most wickets were taken by our pacers. Where every team had a good spinner we were relying on Shadab, Nawaz, and Iftikhar who are all-rounders.
I don’t know how our selection committee works, we had only one spinner Abrar Ahmed and we included him too in the reserved squad. I mean are you serious? You are going to play the biggest event of Cricket without any spinner?
During Pakistan team’s tour of Australia, we don’t have any good spinners. Australia is playing with a proper bowling lineup in which Mitchel Starc is leading the pace department while Nathan Lyon is one of the best red ball spinners leading the spin department.
In the first test match of this tour in which Australia defeated Pakistan by 360 runs, we had only Agha Salman as a spinner.
3-Giving no chance to young batsmen:
The PCB is not giving any proper chance to young batsmen like Muhammad Haris and Saim Ayub. PCB allows Imam ul Haq to play as the opener in the Asia Cup and World Cup but does not give a single chance to these young batters who were more impactful than Imam as an opener.
PCB included Haris in the reserve squad of the World Cup and Imam in the main squad. On the other hand, where each team’s openers were playing on a run rate of 8+, our batsmen with a strike rate of 4 would have returned to the pavilion before the end of the power play and left all the burden on the middle order batsmen.
4-Involving national players in personal controversies
Former captain Babar Azam’s chat was leaked on ARY during the Wasim Badami’s show. This was a massive controversy because according to Badami, Chairman PCB Zaka Ashraf allowed him to show that leaked screenshot of Babar Azam’s chat with PCB’s CEO Arslan Naseer.
5-Selection of player/captain on personal desires
An audio leak of PCB’s Chairman Zaka Ashraf with an unknown woman came to light in which Zaka Ashraf was talking about Babar Azam’s removal as the national cricket team’s captain and how Shaheen Afridi was preferred over Muhammad Rizwan as T20 team captain.
This is the time when PCB should avoid these propagandas and should think about national cricket otherwise this may lead to the destruction of the only happiness of Pakistanis.
In 2023, Pakistan’s TV drama music has been fantastic! The dramas themselves may have been hit or miss, but the music was always spot on. Let’s check out the best music from Pakistani dramas in 2023.
Top Pakistani Dramas OST List
1. Tere Bin
OST Name: Tere bin Channel: Geo Entertainment Singer: Shani Arshad Lyrics: Sabir Zafar Youtube :Views: 78 Million
The beautiful music from the TV show ‘Tere Bin’ expresses the emotions and passion of the story. Shani Arshad’s singing is amazing and heartfelt, and it perfectly matches the on-screen connection between Murtasim (played by Wahaj Ali) and Meerub (played by Yumna Zaidi).
2. Ishq MurshidOST Name: Channel: HUM TV Singer: Ahmed Jahanzeb Lyrics: Sabir Zafar Youtube :Views: 6.1 Million
‘Ishq Murshid’ unfolds a compelling romantic story revolving around the two main characters, Shahmeer Sikandar and Shibra Salman. It’s lovely OST was performed by Ahmed Jahanzeb while the lyrics were by Sabir Zafar.
Enjoy Asim Azhar’s soothing voice in the melodious OST of ‘Mein’, featuring the perfect on-screen duo, Wahaj Ali and Ayeza Khan. Viewers applauded the captivating soundtrack that adds emotion to the show, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The OST of Mujhe Pyar Hua Tha is the monster hit ‘Kahani Suno’, originally sung by Kaifi Khalil.This OST is one of the most viral songs of 2023.
5. Kabli Pulao
OST Name: Aankehn Channel: Green Entertainment Singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Lyrics: Imran Raza Youtube :Views: 14 Million
Green Entertainment presents the melodious OST of drama ‘Kabli Pulao’, composed by Sahir Bagga. The romantic song adds charm to the show. Don’t miss out on another beautiful track, ‘Tooti Phooti Si,’ in this engaging drama. Enjoy the musical journey with Kabli Pulao, filled with emotions and captivating tunes.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) accepted the nomination papers of former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif from NA-130 Lahore constituency.
PML-N leader Bilal Yaseen submitted the nomination papers of the former prime minister.
He also confirmed that ECP accepted the papers.
Sharif has submitted nomination papers from Lahore and Mansehra constituencies.
“By the grace of Allah, Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers were accepted from NA-130,” said Bilal Yaseen, adding that ECP has raised no objections as yet.
“Nawaz Sharif will succeed from this constituency in the February 8 elections. He will be elected prime minister of Pakistan for the fourth time,” he added.
Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer, Amjad Parvez, also told the media that “the returning officer has said that everything is complete from your side.”
In a strategic alliance between Great Wall Motor (GWM) and SAZGAR Engineering Works Limited, the introduction of the Haval brand to Pakistan last year marked the commencement of a highly successful journey for the brand in the country.
Standing out among Haval’s impressive vehicle lineup is the HEV (Hybrid), distinguished as Pakistan’s first locally assembled hybrid SUV. Achieving this milestone in November 2022 propelled the HEV to the forefront, making it the most sought-after SUV in the market.
“Hybrid and Electric vehicles are the future… and we are very proud to be spearheading this EV revolution in Pakistan by bringing the first ever locally assembled hybrid to the country”, said Mian Ammar Hameed, Executive Director Marketing at SAZGAR.
After enjoying almost a year of head start as the only locally assembled hybrid of Pakistan, Haval H6 HEV finally has some competition in Hyundai Sante Fe and recently launched hybrid of Toyota i.e. the Corolla Cross but neither of them has been able to knock the Haval HEV off its perch at the top of the hybrid summit in Pakistan. A comparison with recently launched Corolla Cross can be observed as follows:
Haval has gone into the competition with initiative firmly on its side with recent unveiling of its absolutely stunning television commercial, showcasing a level of quality that can rival top-tier international productions, while maintaining a stark distinction of its own. This not only reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence but also reinforces its credibility.
The visually stunning TV ad portrays the vehicle emerging from a dramatic lightning storm, symbolizing the harmonious blend of the vehicle’s raw electric power with its exquisite design and aesthetic. The CGI work done here has surely catapulted automotive advertisement in Pakistan to a brand new level.
Take a moment to view the captivating video below and share your insights in the comments section!
The year 2023 was full of memorable moments of sports but here are some best moments that made us go wow.
1-Australia wins the men’s ODI World Cup
The Australian cricket team won the ODI World Cup in the November, pulling off the ultimate upset after defeating hot favourites and hosts India. Australia won the title by six wickets, brushing off the mighty Indian lineup with ease.
2-Spain wins women’s FIFA World Cup
Spain defeated the in-form England in the final of the FIFA World Cup final with a lead of 1-0. This was Spain’s first ever women’s trophy.
3-Pakistan became the No.1 ODI team
On May 6, Pakistan became the number one team in the International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI ranking under the captaincy of Babar Azam, marking the first time when the green shirts topped the list.
4- Pakistan qualify for FIFA World Cup qualifier’s round 2 for first time
The Pakistan football team qualified for the first time in the history of FIFA World Cup qualifier’s second round. In the first round Pakistan defeated Cambodia by 1-0.
5-Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar 50-centuries record
Indian star batsman Virat Kohli broke batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 50 ODI centuries, achieving the feat in the ODI World Cup’s semi-final match against New Zealand in Mumbai.
6- LeBron became all time highest scorer in NBA history
LeBron James became the all time highest scorer in National Basketball Association (NBA) history. During a match between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunders, LeBron James surpassed the record set by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1989.
Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 38387 points in his career while LeBron James has scored 38390 points in his career.
Pakistani pacers stormed the Australian batting lineup during the Melbourne Test, dismissing the Australian team for 318 runs on the second day.
Pakistani bowlers sent seven players to the pavilion in the first session. Aamir Jamal took three, Shaheen Afridi, Mir Hamza, and Hasan Ali took two wickets each while Salman Ali Agha took one wicket.
At the end of the first day’s play in the second match of the three-match Test series, Australia scored 187 runs for the loss of three wickets after Pakistan won the toss and decided to field.
On the second day, Australia started their first incomplete innings at 187 for three. The remaining seven batsmen could add only 131 runs to the team’s total.
On behalf of the Kangaroos, Marnus Lubusahagne was the top scorer with 62 runs. Usman Khawaja scored 42, Mitchell Marsh 41, and David Warner scored 38 runs.
When Pakistan started the first innings, Imam ul Haq failed once again and got out after scoring only 10 runs. His wicket was taken by Nathan Lyon. At the moment, Abdullah Shafiq is at the crease on 35 and captain Shan Masood with nine runs while the national team’s score is 56.
In December, inflation is expected to surpass the 30 per cent threshold, driven by the recent increase in gas prices and the persisting adverse base effect, which continues to impact the consumer price index (CPI).
The headline inflation for December is projected to settle at approximately 30.11 per cent year-on-year (YoY) and 1.18 per cent month-on-month (MoM), in contrast to the previous month’s figures of 29.2 per cent YoY and 2.7 per cent MoM.
This monthly inflation rate is significantly lower than the 12-month average of 2.17 per cent MoM.
Consequently, the average yearly inflation for the first six months of FY24 is estimated to be 28.87 per cent YoY, compared to 25.05 per cent YoY in the same period of FY23.
The surge in inflation can be attributed to the adverse base effect and the notable increase in gas prices, which were not fully realised in the previous month.
Conversely, food inflation is expected to exhibit a marginal decrease of 0.29 per cent MoM, driven primarily by the decline in prices of tomatoes, potatoes, chicken, and oil.
Additionally, the transport index is forecast to undergo a 4 per cent MoM decrease, mainly due to the relief in petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices.
Post-December, inflation is anticipated to decline at a relatively faster pace, supported by the favorable base effect, the delayed impact of monetary tightening, and other administrative measures.
The December spike is attributed to the lingering effects of the overdue gas price hike. Notably, unforeseen climate events, volatility in global commodity prices, especially oil, and external account pressures pose significant upside risks to the inflation outlook.
Global oil prices are on the rise amid challenges in Red Sea shipping, potentially threatening the inflation outlook.
Moreover, the successful completion of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) review, coupled with additional loan programmes, remains crucial.
The outstanding amount of $1.8 billion under the stand-by arrangement (SBA) is yet to be released.
The accompanying chart illustrates the yearly inflation trajectory based on different MoM CPI scenarios. At 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent MoM CPI, yearly inflation is projected to fall below the 22 per cent policy rate by February–March 2024.
By the end of FY24, with 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent MoM CPI, it is expected to decrease to 15.29 per cent and 19.37 per cent, respectively, a significant change from the previous month’s forecasts of 12.9 per cent and 17.5 per cent.
Considering the last 12-month average of 2.17 per cent MoM, the real interest rate is anticipated to remain in negative territory by the end of FY24.
In November 2023, data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) indicates a decline in various telecom metrics and an increase in user complaints compared to October 2023.
The total number of cellular subscribers saw a decrease from 189.77 million at the end of October to 189.26 million at the end of November. Additionally, 3G and 4G users in Pakistan decreased from 126.92 million to 126.24 million during the same period.
Cellular teledensity witnessed a decline from 79.32 per cent in October to 78.98 per cent in November, contributing to the overall teledensity drop from 80.4 per cent to 80.06 per cent.
Furthermore, Next Generation Mobile Service (NGMS) penetration decreased from 53.05 per cent to 52.68 per cent.
Provider-specific data reveals a decline in Jazz’s 3G users from 3.731 million to 3.569 million and 4G users from 43.172 million to 42.754 million between October and November.
Zong experienced a decrease in 3G subscribers but an increase in 4G users. Telenor observed a decline in both 3G and 4G users, while Ufone’s 3G users decreased but 4G users increased.
User complaints against telecom operators surged in November, with the PTA receiving 14,471 complaints. Notably, 98.9 per cent of these complaints were successfully resolved.
The complaints spanned various telecom operators, including cellular mobile operators (CMOs), Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), long-distance international (LDI) operators, wireless local loop (WLL) operators, and internet service providers (ISPs).
Cellular mobile subscribers constituted the majority of complaints, reaching 13,857, of which 99.1 per cent were addressed. Jazz, Telenor, Zong, and Ufone faced specific complaints, with resolution rates ranging from 98.2 to 99.7 per cent.
Complaints against basic telephony and ISPs were also received, with resolution rates of 93.2 per cent and 95.2 per cent, respectively.
On Tuesday, Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) KSE-100 index experienced a significant downturn, plummeting by 2,534 points, or 4.11 per cent, culminating in a closure at 59,171—a record for the largest single-day drop in absolute points.
Since its zenith on December 13, the index has incurred a substantial loss of 7,923 points, reflecting an 11.81 per cent decline.
The market correction intensified during today’s session, attributed to pronounced selling pressures in the final week of the year, compounded by prevailing political uncertainty.
In the latest session, the index showcased a wide trading range of 2,607.74 points, registering an intraday high of 61,634.55 (down by 70.54 points) and a low of 59,026.81 (down by 2,678.28 points). The total volume of the KSE-100 index reached 396.481 million shares.
Within Tuesday’s session, 5 out of the 100 index companies closed higher, 91 closed lower, 1 remained unchanged, and 3 were untraded.
The decline of the KSE-100 index was particularly influenced by sectors such as oil and gas exploration companies (-508.87 points), commercial banks (-386.15 points), power generation and distribution (-271.96 points), cement (-211.88 points), and fertiliser (-194.77 points).
