Blog

  • Pakistan and Russia aim to strengthen bilateral relations in trade, investment, and energy sectors

    Pakistan and Russia aim to strengthen bilateral relations in trade, investment, and energy sectors

    In an effort to strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia, Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani engaged in productive talks with Chairman of the Russian Duma, Mr Volodin, during a delegation-level meeting held in Moscow on Wednesday.

    The discussion encompassed various areas of mutual interest and emphasised the significance of parliamentary exchanges in fostering effective diplomacy.

    A press release issued by the Pakistan embassy in Moscow highlighted the consensus reached during the meeting. Both sides expressed their commitment to enhancing parliamentary interaction between the two nations. This step is expected to bolster bilateral ties and pave the way for increased cooperation in trade, investment, and energy sectors.

    Chairman Sanjrani reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening relations with Russia across all domains of mutually beneficial cooperation. Trade, investment, and energy were particularly emphasised as key areas for future collaboration.

    The significance of continued cooperation in international forums, such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), was also acknowledged and agreed upon by both parties.

    During the talks, Chairman Sanjrani extended an invitation from the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan to Chairman Volodin, inviting him to visit Pakistan. In a positive response, Chairman Volodin accepted the invitation, reflecting the willingness of both countries to further solidify their ties.

    The meeting between Chairman Senate Sanjrani and Chairman Volodin serves as a significant milestone in the diplomatic efforts between Pakistan and Russia. It highlights the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations and lays the groundwork for increased cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, and energy.

    The forthcoming visit of Chairman Volodin to Pakistan is expected to further enhance the ties between the two nations and open new avenues for collaboration.

  • Murder FIR registered against Imran Khan

    Murder FIR registered against Imran Khan

    Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against former Prime Minister Imran Khan for the murder of Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Abdul Razzaq Shar who was shot dead by armed motor cyclists on Quetta’s Airport Road on Tuesday.

    The case has been registered on the complaint of the deceased’s son at the Shaheed Jameel Kakar police station, Quetta, under the charges of murder, terrorism and other offences.

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Ataullah Tarar in a press conference on Tuesday held the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman responsible for the murder.

    Tarrar claimed that the targeted killing was related to a treason case filed against Imran Khan by Shar.

  • Doctors in Faisalabad perform incorrect surgeries on two patients with similar names

    In a case of alleged criminal negligence by doctors at a private hospital in Faisalabad, two women underwent incorrect surgical procedures due to mistaken identity, ARY has reported.

    As per details, Parveen Kausar from Ghulam Muhammadabad, was mistakenly scheduled for gallbladder surgery instead of the knee surgery she had scheduled.

    The other woman named Kausar Parveen from Chak 58, Faisalabad, underwent a knee procedure instead of the gallbladder surgery she needed.

    The families of the affected women have approached the police, seeking assistance and requesting an investigation into the matter.

  • You will regret if you don’t do these 7 best online courses offered by Harvard

    You will regret if you don’t do these 7 best online courses offered by Harvard

    Participating in Harvard University’s free online courses offers a myriad of benefits. As one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, Harvard provides a seal of excellence that can enhance your credibility and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.

    By enrolling in these courses, you gain access to a diverse range of subjects across multiple disciplines, allowing you to explore areas of interest, deepen your knowledge, or venture into new fields of study.

    With expert instruction from experienced faculty members and industry professionals, you can learn from some of the brightest minds in their respective fields, gaining valuable insights and perspectives.

    The flexibility and accessibility of Harvard’s online courses are additional advantages. These courses offer a convenient learning experience, as you can access lectures and course materials at your own pace and according to your schedule.

    The elimination of geographical barriers allows learners from around the world to participate, providing opportunities for individuals who may not have access to traditional education. Moreover, the online platform fosters interactive learning environments, enabling engagement with fellow learners through discussion forums and collaborative projects.

    This facilitates networking opportunities, connecting you with like-minded individuals globally, which can be valuable for professional growth, knowledge sharing, and potential future collaborations.

    Here are the seven best of 600 online courses Harvard University is offering.

    CS50’s Introduction to Game Development

    Learn about the development of 2D and 3D interactive games in this hands-on course, as you explore the design of games such as Super Mario Bros., Pokémon, Angry Birds, and more.

    Course Duration: 12 weeks
    Fee: free online
    Difficulty: Medium

    CS50: Introduction to Computer Science

    An introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming.

    Course Duration: 11 weeks
    Fee: free (fees of certificate included)
    Difficulty: Advanced

    4P Model for Strategic Leadership Podcasts

    A Free Podcast Series

    Course Duration: NA (self-paced)
    Fee: free
    CS50’s Introduction to Programming with Scratch

    A gentle introduction to programming that prepares you for subsequent courses in coding. difficulty: Introductory
    Course Duration: 3 weeks
    Fee: free
    Pricing Strategy

    Learn how to evaluate and make economic decisions based on demand in this 15-minute Harvard Business School (HBS) Online lesson.

    Course Duration: NA
    Fee: free

    Understanding Customer Needs

    Learn how to identify customer needs through this 15-minute Harvard Business School (HBS) Online lesson.
    Course duration: self-Paced

    Fee: free
    Difficulty: Normal

    The Health Effects of Climate Change

    Learn how global warming impacts human health, and the ways we can diminish those impacts.

    Course Duration: 7 weeks’ long
    Fee: free
    Difficulty: medium

    Engaging in Harvard’s online courses also promotes skill development and personal growth. By enrolling in these courses, you can acquire new skills, broaden your understanding of various subjects, and stay updated on the latest advancements in your field. This commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement not only enhances your knowledge base but also showcases your dedication to professional development. Furthermore, the opportunity to learn from Harvard’s renowned faculty and interact with a diverse group of learners can foster personal growth, expanding your perspectives and fostering a lifelong love for learning.

    In conclusion, participating in Harvard University’s free online courses offers numerous advantages. It provides access to a prestigious institution, diverse course offerings, expert instruction, flexibility, networking opportunities, skill development, and personal growth. By taking part in these courses, you can expand your knowledge, improve your credentials, and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.

  • Google’s technical glitch causes panic with incorrect US dollar rate of Rs186 instead of Rs286

    Google’s technical glitch causes panic with incorrect US dollar rate of Rs186 instead of Rs286

    Late Tuesday night, a technical malfunction on Google Search caused a momentary panic among investors and observers as the value of the US dollar plunged in comparison to the Pakistani rupee.

    The unexpected drop to Rs186.73 bewildered many, especially considering that the local currency hadn’t experienced a significant rebound recently.

    It was later discovered that the decline in currency exchange rates was a result of a technical problem with the search engine on the website, leading to a temporary plummet in the rates.

    This incident is not the first of its kind and has occurred multiple times in the past, leaving users puzzled by massive declines in dollar rates.

    The glitch and its impact

    On Tuesday, June 6, the interbank market closed with the Pakistani rupee at Rs286.56 against the US dollar, while it remained above Rs300 in the open market. However, due to the technical glitch on Google Search, the rates displayed on the platform inaccurately dropped to Rs186.73.

    The sudden decline surprised and concerned individuals who were monitoring the exchange rates, as it deviated significantly from the prevailing values. Fortunately, the issue was promptly identified and rectified, restoring the rates to Rs286.72.

    Recurring glitches on Google Search

    This incident marks yet another occurrence of a glitch affecting the world’s largest search engine and impacting currency exchange rates. In July of the previous year, the rates displayed on Google Search had crashed to Rs207.10, a stark contrast to the rates issued by the State Bank of Pakistan.

    According to the central bank, the rupee had closed at 236.02 against the US dollar in the interbank market. The repetition of such glitches raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by Google Search in matters of global financial significance.

    User Reactions and Social Media Response: The recent glitch on Google Search didn’t go unnoticed by users, with several individuals taking to Twitter to highlight the issue. One user tweeted, “Last night, the dollar crashed on Google,” emphasising the impact the technical malfunction had on the perceived value of the US dollar.

    Such reactions on social media platforms highlight the widespread reliance on search engines for real-time financial data and the potential consequences of inaccuracies caused by technical glitches.

    While the glitch was rectified, it highlights the recurring nature of such incidents on the world’s largest search engine, casting doubts on the accuracy of the financial information provided.

    As reliance on search engines for real-time data increases, it becomes imperative for platforms like Google to ensure the reliability and integrity of the information they display to prevent unwarranted panic or misinformation in the financial markets.

  • Shahid Kapoor wants wives to fix messed up husbands, Twitter tells him to shut up

    Shahid Kapoor wants wives to fix messed up husbands, Twitter tells him to shut up

    What a delight it is to be a woman!

    Shahid Kapoor is bobbing around in hot waters since yesterday when a clip from an interview he gave to ‘Film Companion’ went viral. In the video, the superstar was asked about his definition of marriage to which the ‘Jab We Met’ actor said:

    “I finally have figured this out that this entire marriage thing is just about one thing you know. It’s that the guy was a mess and the woman came in to fix him. So the rest of this life is going to be a journey of being fixed and becoming a decent person. That pretty much is what life is about.”

    Sorry sir, but did you marry a person or a full-time therapist? We’re scratching our heads because we’re confused.

    Social media did not take well to the misogynist comments, as shown by the comment section under this post which was filled with women schooling the actor by calling him a ‘man child’.

    One user wrote: “So women are marrying projects and not partners?”

    TBH we’re thinking the same thing

    Bollywood, which once made movies like DDLJ and ‘Queen has resorted to cringey storylines which promote such misogynist content is abysmal to witness

    On Twitter, users slammed Kapoor for refusing to abandon his ‘man-child’ mentality, by pointing out that even though the actor was 36 years old (!!!) when he married his wife Mira, who was 21 (!!!!!), he doesn’t need fixing.

  • Case of Fraud registered against Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi

    Case of Fraud registered against Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi

    A local watch dealer has requested that an inquiry of fraud be opened against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and others, Samaa has reported.

    Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Shahzad Akbar, Zulfi Bukhari, and Farah Gogi have all been named in the complaint filed at Kohsaar Police Station, under the provisions of fraudulent receipt and deceit.

    As per the First Information Report (FIR) the former Prime Minister and others nominated in the complaint, presented fake receipts for buying Toshakhana gifts and fraudulently used the watch dealer’s forged signature for the alleged deal.

    “We never bought or sold such things, so legal action should be taken,” claimed the watch dealer.

    Separately, on Tuesday Bushra Bibi, filed a petition in the Lahore High Court — seeking blanket cover in all cases registered against her across the country.

  • PM Shehbaz urges Finance Ministry to ensure strict adherence to IMF guidelines in upcoming budget

    PM Shehbaz urges Finance Ministry to ensure strict adherence to IMF guidelines in upcoming budget

    In a meeting held between Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday, it was emphasized that the upcoming budget, scheduled to be presented on June 9, should strictly adhere to the parameters set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    PM Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his optimism about reaching an agreement with the IMF, dispelling media reports suggesting a populist budget typically seen in election years.

    An informed source, who was present during the meeting, highlighted that Pakistan cannot afford to deviate from the IMF’s prescribed principles in the budget. The PM’s resolve to adhere to these guidelines was reinforced after his recent telephonic conversation with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. It was during this conversation that PM Shehbaz Sharif personally appealed to Georgieva to revive the stalled $6.5 billion bailout package.

    The discussion between the PM and the IMF Managing Director took place due to the finance ministry’s inability to break the deadlock over loan talks in the past four months. However, the source disclosed that PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction after his conversation with Georgieva, leading to an agreement to share the budget details with the IMF.

    Furthermore, the IMF Managing Director indicated the possibility of a revival of the programme. This positive development prompted PM Shehbaz Sharif to inform the Turkish media during his visit to Ankara that Pakistan remains hopeful of finalising a deal with the IMF this month. He assured that Pakistan had met all the required conditions and that the upcoming budget would align with the terms and conditions set forth by the IMF.

    “We are still very hopeful that the IMF programme will materialise. Our ninth review by the IMF will match all terms and conditions, and hopefully, we’ll have some good news this month,” PM Shehbaz Sharif stated during an interview with Anadolu in Ankara, where he was present for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s inauguration ceremony.

    According to Geo, the PM further clarified that while some actions are typically met after the board’s approval, this time, the IMF insisted on meeting those actions before granting approval. He affirmed that Pakistan has fulfilled these requirements as specified by the IMF.

    As the budget presentation approaches, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Finance, which has been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with IMF parameters. With the PM’s renewed optimism and the positive signals received from the IMF, there is a growing sense of hope that Pakistan will be able to secure the much-needed financial support to address its economic challenges.

    It remains to be seen how the upcoming budget will reflect the government’s commitment to IMF compliance and whether it will lead to a successful conclusion of negotiations with the international financial institution.

  • Gender-based discrimination is also harassment, rules Supreme Court

    Gender-based discrimination is also harassment, rules Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court, while allowing review petitions against its July 5, 2021 judgment, said on Tuesday that harassment law does not apply just to sexual harassment but also addresses gender-based discrimination at the workplace.

    Justice Ayesha A. Malik issued a 14-page judgment in the harassment cases involving Pakistan Television (PTV) employee Nadia Naz. A three judge SC bench in 2021, passed the judgement that the petitioner failed to establish the case of sexual harassment within the contemplation of the Act.
    SC in its Tuesday judgment wrote, “Both the president [of the country] and the Islamabad High Court decided the case of [complainant] Nadia Naz on the understanding that harassment means sexual harassment having a sexual nature and form and did not examine the facts in the context of Nadia Naz’s perspective and her understanding of the injury caused.”
    “It includes a broad range of conduct and behaviour which results in workplace problems with serious consequences, one of the main being gender inequality.”


    “Being an issue grounded in equal opportunity and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment, sexual harassment in any form violates the dignity of a person as it is a demeaning practice that aims to reduce the dignity of an employee who has been forced to endure such conduct,” read the judgment.


    “Sexual harassment as gender-based discrimination is gender-based hostility, which creates a hostile work environment. It is a reflection of the unequal power relations between men and women which translates into a form of abuse, exploitation and intimidation at the workplace which makes it a violation of a basic human right.”

  • Kissi haal may khush nahi: why Gen Z is not happy with anything?

    Kissi haal may khush nahi: why Gen Z is not happy with anything?

    It’s unfair to generalize an entire generation as being “not happy with anything.” The experiences and attitudes of individuals within a generation can vary greatly. However, there are some potential reasons why some members of Generation Z may appear to be unhappy or dissatisfied.

    One possible reason is the current state of the world. Gen Z has grown up during a time of great social and political upheaval, including economic uncertainty, climate change and political polarization. These issues can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of anxiety and hopelessness.

    Another factor is the prevalence of social media in Gen Z’s lives. Social media can create a constant pressure to present a perfect image and compare oneself to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Additionally, social media can expose Gen Z to a constant stream of negative news and information, which can contribute to feelings of pessimism and despair.

    Finally, there may be a perception that previous generations have left Gen Z with a world that is in worse shape than it was before. This can lead to feelings of resentment and disillusionment, as well as a belief that the current systems and structures are not working for them.

    Overall, it’s important to recognize that every generation has its own unique challenges and struggles, and it’s unfair to characterize an entire group as being uniformly unhappy or dissatisfied.