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  • Israel drops leaflets containing ayats from The Quran on Palestinians

    Israel drops leaflets containing ayats from The Quran on Palestinians

    Residents of Khan Yonis in the besieged Gaza Strip have received leaflets quoting a verse in the Quran which states “The flood overtook them as they were wrongdoers.”

    The witnesses say that the Israeli army has showered the leaflets through a plane in the area, the latest focus of Israeli military’s ground offensive.

    Journalist Aamer Tabsh in Khan Younis says he saw Israeli planes drop thousands of fliers.


    Tabsh says residents are convinced the reference to the epic flood of Noah in the Quran and the Bible “means that something much worse is coming.”
    Some are linking it to Hamas’ name for its October 7 onslaught against Israel, “Al Aqsa Deluge,” or flood.

    Al-Jazeera points to recent reports that the Israeli forces are considering flooding Hamas’s subterranean tunnel network with seawater to force out its fighters.

  • Winter vacations around the corner for Federal educational institutes

    Winter vacations around the corner for Federal educational institutes

    The federal government has announced the schedule for winter vacations for educational institutes functioning under the administration.


    Vacations in federal educational institutes will officially commence from December 25 to December 29. However, Federal Directorate of Education officials said that the institutes will close on December 22, which falls on Friday, and reopen on January 1, 2024, reports Geo.


    In Sindh, holidays will start on December 22 and end on December 31.


    In Punjab, vacations will start on December 18, 2023, in public and private schools across the province and continue till January 1, 2024.

  • ECP likely to announce election schedule on December 14

    ECP likely to announce election schedule on December 14

    As a result of the rise in political temperature in country, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is going to announce the schedule for upcoming general election on December 14, as per a report in The News.

    Political parties are making political alliances with multiple stakeholders to win the polls on February 8.

    ECP recently released the final list of delimitations, which was the only obstacle to the announcement of  election. Now the final step is the appointment of district returning officers, returning officers and assistant officers according to the Elections Act 2017.

    According to Sections 50 and 51 of the Elections Act, a district returning officer is appointed for each district or a specified area and a returning officer for each constituency for elections to an assembly.

    The provincial election commissioner and election commission secretariat have designed lists of government officers for election duty. Their appointment will follow the election-related training.

    Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja also confirmed that ECP is ready to provide voters with complete security, privacy, and transparency in the entire election process.

  • Will GTA 6 include Babar Azam’s character?

    Will GTA 6 include Babar Azam’s character?

    An uproar erupted on social media after an animated picture of Babar Azam shared by Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi hinted at his expected appearance in Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6.

    Peshawar Zalmi’s introduction of former captain Babar Azam as a character in GTA 6 has left fans wondering about the virtual mixing of the world of cricket and gaming.

    Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam is once again trending on social media but this time the reason is not his batting. Babar Azam has caught the attention of fans regarding his possible involvement in the upcoming GTA 6 game.

    The 29-year-old batsman, known for his cricketing skills, was portrayed by Peshawar Zamli as a character of the well-known GTA 6.

  • Zulm: A gripping tale of injustice and courage

    Zulm: A gripping tale of injustice and courage

    The drama serial Zulm, written by Rehana Aftab and directed by Ilyas Kashmiri, is produced by Momina Duraid’s MD Productions.
    Zulm is a new 2023 Pakistani drama series on Hum TV. The drama story revolves around issues of injustice and resilience. Faisal Quraishi, known for versatility in portraying different characters, will be taking on the role of a cruel and notorious man, along with remaining cast members Sahar Hashmi and Shahzad Sheikh in the lead roles.The plot explores the dark side of human behavior, where cruelty and resilience intersect.


    The drama revolves around a really menacing character who causes distress to everone around him. The story is a rollercoaster of emotions, and we hope that justice wins in the end!


    At the core of “Zulm” lies a thrilling saga, a continuous battle between good and evil, with criminal supremacy casting dark clouds over society. The audience is invited to tune in to Hum TV at 8 pm to witness the unfolding saga, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn in the fight for life and justice.

  • ‘Deliberate’ Israeli strike on journalists in Lebanon warrants ‘war crime’ investigation: watchdogs

    ‘Deliberate’ Israeli strike on journalists in Lebanon warrants ‘war crime’ investigation: watchdogs

    The Israeli strike that killed one journalist and wounded six others in Lebanon merits a “war crime” investigation, rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW) told AFP on Thursday.

    Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, 37, was killed instantly in the strike on October 13 in the south of the country near the Israeli border.

    The others present — two more Reuters journalists, two from Al Jazeera, and two from AFP — were all injured.

    AFP photographer Christina Assi, 28, was seriously wounded, later had a leg amputated and is still in hospital.

    Independent investigations by both rights groups concluded, like an AFP investigation published earlier on Thursday, that the first strike that killed Abdallah and severely wounded Assi was most likely a tank round fired from Israel.

    Amnesty said the strikes “were likely a direct attack on civilians that must be investigated as a war crime”.

    “Those responsible for Issam Abdallah’s unlawful killing and the injuring of six other journalists must be held accountable,” said Aya Majzoub, Amnesty’s deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa.

    “No journalist should ever be targeted or killed simply for carrying out their work. Israel must not be allowed to kill and attack journalists with impunity.”

    HRW said the two Israeli strikes “were apparently deliberate attacks on civilians, which is a war crime”.

    Under international humanitarian law, “it is forbidden in any circumstances to carry out direct attacks against civilians”, it said.

    The group’s investigation indicated that the journalists were “well removed from ongoing hostilities, clearly identifiable as members of the media, and had been stationary for at least 75 minutes before they were hit”.

    Amnesty said images it verified showed “the seven journalists were wearing body armour labelled ‘press’, and that the blue Reuters crew car was marked ‘TV’ with yellow tape on its hood”.

    “The evidence strongly suggests that Israeli forces knew or should have known that the group that they were attacking were journalists,” HRW’s Lebanon researcher Ramzi Kaiss said.

    “This is an unlawful and apparently deliberate attack on a very visible group of journalists,” he said.

    ‘Justice and accountability’

    Speaking at a press conference in Beirut, Dylan Collins, the other AFP journalist wounded in the attack, said: “I know they (the investigations) won’t bring Issam back to life. I know they won’t help Christina walk again.

    “But what I do hope is that they at least will mark the start of some sort of process of justice and accountability,” he said.

    He shared a message from Assi that said: “We chose journalism with a mission to deliver the truth, and despite the inevitable costs, our commitment remains unwavering. Nothing can silence us.”

    Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said in a statement his government would “take all measures to include” the conclusions of the investigation “in the complaint filed before the UN Security Council”.

    Since Israel’s bombardment of Gaza started after Palestinian fighter group Hamas struck Israel in a surprise attack on October 7, 63 journalists and media workers have been killed — 56 Palestinians, four Israelis and three Lebanese, the Committee to Protect Journalists says.

    The New York-based rights group on Thursday called for “an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation that holds the perpetrators to account” for the strike on journalists in Lebanon.

  • Ahmed Shehzad becomes father again

    Ahmed Shehzad becomes father again

    Ahmed Shehzad took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday to share the news that he had become a father again.

    The batsman wrote, “Allah has given me a daughter, now our family has five members, daughters are a blessing that fills life with happiness, I am extremely grateful to Allah, remember me in your prayers.”

    Ahmed Shehzad is playing domestic cricket and leaving his mark. Chief Selector and Sports Minister Wahab Riaz has said that he is keeping an eye on the batsman’s performance as he is performing well in domestic.

  • State Bank of Pakistan’s forex reserves decline to $7.02 billion amidst debt repayments 

    State Bank of Pakistan’s forex reserves decline to $7.02 billion amidst debt repayments 

    During the week ending December 1, 2023, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) witnessed a decline of $237 million in its foreign exchange reserves, bringing the total to $7,020.2 million. This reduction is attributed to debt repayments.  

    As of the same date, the country’s overall liquid foreign reserves amounted to $12.1 billion. Commercial banks held net foreign reserves totaling $5.08 billion. 

    Notably, the central bank’s reserves received a boost in July of the current year when Pakistan secured the initial tranche of approximately $1.2 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  

    This was part of a newly approved $3 billion stand-by arrangement (SBA). Additionally, inflows were received from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. 

    Despite these positive developments, the SBP’s reserves have been under pressure due to ongoing debt repayments, increased import payments following eased restrictions, and a lack of new inflows. 

    In a significant development, the IMF announced last month that a staff-level agreement (SLA) had been reached between its team and Pakistani authorities regarding the first review of the SBA.  

    However, the approval of the IMF Executive Board is required for this agreement to take effect. 

    Upon approval, approximately $700 million (SDR 528 million) will become available, bringing the total disbursements under the programme to almost $1.9 billion. 

    Addressing the media after the SLA with the IMF, Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar expressed confidence that external financing would not be a concern.  

    The government anticipates inflows in December 2023, which are expected to contribute to an increase in foreign exchange reserves. 

  • IMF praises Pakistan’s economic progress and stability efforts 

    IMF praises Pakistan’s economic progress and stability efforts 

    The Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bahador Bijani, acknowledged a positive trend in the economic landscape of Pakistan, highlighting the effective measures taken by the authorities. 

    The statement was made during an event hosted by Masood Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, bringing together representatives from key international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the IMF, International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank, and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) at Pakistan House. 

    Expressing optimism, Bijani highlighted Pakistan’s significance regionally and globally, asserting that the nation merits enhanced prospects.  

    This observation coincides with Pakistan’s current status under a caretaker government while participating in an ongoing IMF programme. 

    Nathan Porter, IMF Mission Chief to Pakistan, addressed the assembly of over 40 IFI representatives, expressing contentment with the recently concluded staff-level agreement.  

    Porter praised the interim government’s actions and policies, underscoring their dedication to steering the country towards stability. He expressed the hope that this foundation would enable the pursuit of reforms for a more robust, prosperous, and inclusive Pakistan. 

    Porter further commended the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for its cooperative efforts and policies aimed at ensuring fiscal stability in the country.  

    Athanasios Arvanitis, Deputy Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF expressed optimism that the upcoming elections in February would bring about the necessary reforms for Pakistan’s progress. 

    Syed Ali Abbas, Advisor Mission Chief UK, European Department at the IMF, echoed similar sentiments, anticipating a more enduring approach following the successful completion of the electoral process. 

    Ambassador Masood Khan underscored the transformative impact of Pakistan’s economic digitization, emphasising the emergence of new opportunities for the youth and professionals in steering the nation towards a promising future. 

    Khan asserted that Pakistan, as a nation of talented individuals, has the potential for significant accomplishments.  

    The statement aligns with earlier commendations from Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, who lauded the Pakistani government for its adept handling of economic stability and timely implementation of reforms earlier this month. 

  • PSL 9 trade: Shan Masood moves to Karachi kings, Faisal Akram joins Multan Sultans

    PSL 9 trade: Shan Masood moves to Karachi kings, Faisal Akram joins Multan Sultans

    Shan Masood, the top-order batsman from Multan Sultans has joined the Karachi Kings squad, and left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram is going to Multan Sultans as part of a trade deal between Kings and Sultans.

    Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal said, “Shan Masood is welcome to Karachi Kings, Shan Masood is undoubtedly a great addition to the Kings squad. Karachi Kings will take full advantage of Shan Masood’s experience and skills in PSL 9”.

    Multan Sultan’s Chief Executive Ali Khan Tareen said: “This has been one of the most exciting trade and retention windows in the history of the HBL Pakistan Super League and we are delighted with how our line-up is shaping. We had two agendas for this trade window: focus on building a strong domestic core and getting the best possible picks in the HBL PSL 9 Player Draft to get the best overseas players for our team combination”.

    “I am over the moon to have finally gotten Faisal Akram in our team. We have been working with him since he was 16. He has been a regular at our academy and camps. He is an extraordinary talent and we are yet to see his best. Now he is part of our team for the next many years, our goal will be to develop him into a national asset” Ali Tareen said.

    He further said “I want to thank Shan Masood who has been the longest-serving member of the Sultan’s family. He has been our captain and a huge part of our success. We will miss him and wish him the best in his new team”.