Current Final

Blog

  • Retailers in Lahore continue to overcharge for food items

    Retailers in Lahore continue to overcharge for food items

    Lahore residents are forced to pay high prices for basic food items since a number of store owners refuse to sell basic items at the government-recommended price list.

    Those who complain about price violations are asked to shop elsewhere where the items are offered at legal prices.

    The price of chicken was recently cut by Rs5 per kg to Rs226 per kg, which is being sold at Rs250–Rs280 per kg. The price of chicken meat was decreased by Rs8 per kg, to Rs339 per kg, while it is being sold at Rs360–Rs600 per kg.

    Although cucumber farm prices were reduced by Rs35 and maintained at between Rs35 and Rs37 per kg, they are now being sold for over double that amount. Cucumber is currently available for Rs70-Rs80 in different areas of Lahore.

    Local lemon prices increased by Rs10 per kg and were set at Rs180–Rs185 per kg. The price per kg is between Rs220 and Rs240. The price of pumpkin was reduced by Rs85 per kg and set at Rs65–Rs68 per kg. Still, it is priced between Rs80 and Rs100 per kg.

    Originally priced at Rs75–Rs80 per kg, tomato A-grade is selling for Rs120–Rs140 per kg.

  • Assistant commissioner robbed at gunpoint in Karachi

    Assistant commissioner robbed at gunpoint in Karachi

    Assistant Commissioner Ferozabad Asma Batool was robbed at gunpoint in Karachi.

    The incident took place near Chaar Minar Chowrangi, Bahadurabad, on Monday morning.

    The police said Asma Batool had come along with her family for breakfast and she was robbed while going back.

    According to the police, the suspects looted the assistant commissioner at gunpoint. There were no security guards accompanying Batool at the time of the robbery.

    A case has been registered and an investigation started.
    As per a report published by Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), almost 235 incidents of street crimes are reported in the city on daily basis.

  • ‘Your value is not more than an SHO of Kohsar police station’: Fawad Chaudhry lashes out at Rana Sanaullah

    ‘Your value is not more than an SHO of Kohsar police station’: Fawad Chaudhry lashes out at Rana Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on August 7 said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) announcement to hold public gatherings across the country was a mere “political stunt”, adding that PTI Chairman Imran Khan was trying to divert attention from his theft.

    The interior minister said that the PTI is allowed to stage a public gathering at the Parade Ground.

    “Whoever will not cooperate with the FIA relating to an inquiry into the prohibited funding case [against PTI] will be arrested,” warned the interior minister.

    Reacting to Sanaullah’s statement, former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry advised the interior minister to be careful while giving remarks about PTI’s leadership.

    “Your value is not more than an SHO of the Kohsar Police Station,” Chaudhry told Sanaullah as the ruling PML-N has no government in any province of the country.

    On Saturday, the PTI’s political committee decided to hold a power show in Islamabad on August 13.

  • Four Nohay that will help you understand Karbala’s history

    Four Nohay that will help you understand Karbala’s history

    The month of Muharram is here and you will often listen to nohay being played on the radio, in homes, Imam Bargahs, Majlis’ etc. In case you didn’t know, a noha, when interpreted in light of Shia views, is a lament about the tragedy of Husayn ibn Ali in the Battle of Karbala.

    In light of this, The Current has listed four Nohay that will help you understand the history of Karbala.

    Mujhay Abbas Kahtay Hain

    This noha is about Hazrat Abbas (A.S) also known as Qamar Banī Hāshim (the moon of Banu Hashim). Hazrat Abbas (A.S) was Imam Hussain’s (A.S) younger brother who is highly revered by Muslims for his loyalty to Imam Hussain(A.S). He was also well known in the Arab community for his bravery, strength and ferocity as a warrior. Hazrat Abbas (A.S) was martyred during the battle of Karbala when he went to bring water for the children from Nehar e Furat.

    Meri Jaan Akbar

    Ali Akbar was the son of Hazrat Imam Hussain’s (A.S) son. He was martyred at the age of 18 on the day of Ashura. Enemies attacked Ali Akbar and threw a spear (sinah) at Ali Akbar which went right through his chest. The enemy then broke the wooden part of the spear and left the blade inside Ali Akbar’s chest, to cause him more pain. As Ali Akbar fell from his horse, he called his father Imam Hussain (A.S) who tried to remove the spear from his chest but was unable to save him.

    Zuljanah Hain Kahan Baba Jaan

    Zuljanah was the horse of Imam Hussain (A.S), gifted to him by Hazrat Muhammad (S). When Imam Hussain (a.s) was martyred in Karbala, Zuljanah came back to the tents with the spots of blood on its body to inform his martyrdom.

    Kiya Muhammad Ka Pyara Nahi Hoon

    This noha by two youngsters is about Imam Hussain (A.S) telling people that he is the grandson of Hazrat Muhammad (P.BU.H) and why the Yazeedi Fauj denied water to him.

  • UK agencies start investigation against Pakistani charities for misuse of funds

    The United Kingdom (UK) National Charity Commission (NCC) and National Crime Agency (NCA) have launched an investigation into the misuse of funds by Pakistani charity organisations for political purposes, Naeem Hanif reports for Samaa News.

    The investigation is being done to find out whether these charity organisations misused charity for political purposes in Pakistan or not.

    Both agencies launched the investigation after receiving several complaints. It is being reported that complainants also provided evidence to both agencies.

    The evidence includes the verdict of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in foreign funding case, a report by the Financial Times that revealed the party’s foreign funding sources, and details of its bank accounts.

    Last week, the top electoral body ruled that the former ruling party did indeed receive prohibited funding

    and issued a show-cause notice to the party.

    The ECP said that the party, in violation of the Constitution, had received funds from 34 foreign entities. The party received funds from the United States, Australia, and the UAE. The ECP added that 13 unidentified accounts also surfaced during the probe in the PTI funding case.

  • FIA constitutes team to probe social media campaign after Balochistan helicopter crash

    FIA constitutes team to probe social media campaign after Balochistan helicopter crash

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has constituted a team to probe those running a negative social media campaign after the tragic incident of an army helicopter crash while carrying out flood relief operations in Balochistan. Six military personnel were martyred in the tragic incident.

    On Sunday, August 7, the FIA constituted a four-member team and tasked it with pointing out, arresting, and taking legal action against those involved in running a negative social media campaign on the tragic incident of the helicopter crash.

    “Belittling & ridiculing the sacrifices of our martyrs was horrifying,” said Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif.

    “This is what self-righteous political narratives do: they poison the minds of the youth & weaponise hate speech. Which way are we headed? The moment calls for a deep reflection,” tweeted the PM.

    The military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday, August 5, condemned a social media campaign after the tragic Pakistan Army helicopter crash in Balochistan.

    “The regretful social media campaign after the unfortunate helicopter crash on August 1 has caused deep anguish and distress among Shuhada families and rank and file of the armed forces,” said the ISPR.

    “While the whole nation stood with the institution in this difficult time, certain insensitive quarters resorted to hurtful and derogatory comments on social media, which is unacceptable and highly condemnable,” said Director General (DG) ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar.

    Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, DG ISPR emphasised that this should not happen and that the elements spreading negative propaganda and rumours should be rejected.

    “Insensitive behaviour is unacceptable and should be condemned at every platform,” added DG ISPR.

    “We have been distressed since the accident on August 1. The propaganda has caused immense pain, particularly to the families of the martyrs.”

  • 10,000 police officials deployed in Lahore for foolproof security

    10,000 police officials deployed in Lahore for foolproof security

    The Lahore Police has finalised the security measures for Youm-e-Ashur. For the 10th of Muharram, more than 10,000 police officers and security personnel, including 370 female authorities will be on duty.

    The provincial capital will host 227 majalis and 47 funeral processions. Pillion riding will be completely prohibited on the 9th (today) and 10th (tomorrow) of Muharram.

    On the paths of the major processions, it has been determined to halt mobile service at particular periods. The security of the main processions will be patrolled by more than 21 teams of Elite, 21 teams of PRU, and 26 teams of Dolphin Squad, according to The News.

    The organisers were also given instructions to make sure the code of conduct was followed in this regard.

    Using a video link, commissioners and regional police officers (RPOs) from all around Punjab gathered. The meeting was updated on the security preparations for Muharram by the additional chief secretary for the interior.

    The Regional Police Officers and Divisional Commissioners who were all present via video link gave a presentation to the audience on the security measures put in place in their respective divisions.

    Punjab Minister Raja Basharat instructed Commissioners and Regional Police Officers to personally inspect the security measures on the procession routes. He recommended adding more CCTV cameras to the procession’s established pathways.

    The provincial ministers will also visit various regions to examine the security measures, as will the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Law and Order.

  • How do Shias spend 9th,10th Muharram?

    How do Shias spend 9th,10th Muharram?

    While everyone knows the reason behind why we observe Ashura, there are several misconceptions about what exactly Shias do on these two days.

    To gain some better insight, The Current spoke to several Shias about how they spend the important days of 9th and 10th Muharram and here is a short summary of what they told us.

    9th Muharram

    On 9th Muharram, all Shia Muslims attend the majlis and juloos, where they listen to the historical background of the tragic incident of Karbala. In these gatherings, the religious scholars highlight the importance of the Family of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in Islam and the hardships they faced during the incident.

    During zuhr, all men and women are segregated to offer prayer(namaz) during the juloos. After offering prayers everyone performs Ziyarat of Shabeeh e Zuljanah (Imam Hussain’s ride) after which they pray to Allah and recall the hardships of the family of Imam Hussain(A.S).

    Many Shia families arrange drinks and food, also known as Niyaz, for people attending the juloos.

    Then they pray Maghrib and Isha and do Ammaal, Nawafil that are specified for that night (Shab e Ashoor). They also recite Surah e Ikhlas because according to their Imam the surah is one of Allah’s favourite. They also eat something before Fajar for faqah which means they do not eat anything from Fajr to Zuhr.

    After this, everyone gathers to listen to the Azaan e Ali Akbar (the son of Imam was the moazzan at that time and it was his last Azaan before his Shahadat).

    10th Muharram

    Ziarat e Ashoorah (Salam to Imam Hussain and his companions) is recited at zuhr following which everyone gathers to eat Niyaz because the faqah timings end then.

    The night of 10th is called Sham e Ghareeban during which everyone listens to the hardships of the Imam’s family left after the shahadat of the male members. According to tradition, when camps were burnt down, the women and children were forced to evacuate and were made captives.

  • ‘Nation is proud of you’: PM Shehbaz, President Alvi and others congratulate Arshad Nadeem

    ‘Nation is proud of you’: PM Shehbaz, President Alvi and others congratulate Arshad Nadeem

    Pakistan’s star athlete Arshad Nadeem won the gold medal in the javelin throw competition at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham on Sunday (August 7).

    The 25-year-old won with a massive throw of 90.18m to beat defending world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, who took Silver with 88.64m throw.

    The Pakistani athlete hailing from Mian Channu participated in the event despite elbow and knee injuries.

    “My preparation is really good despite elbow and knee injury, for which treatment is ongoing,” said Arshad Nadeem while talking to Samaa News before the final.

    Arshad Nadeem earned Pakistan its first track and field gold medal after 60 years.

    It was Pakistan’s second gold in the ongoing Commonwealth Games. Pakistani weightlifter Nooh Dastagir Butt bagged the first gold for Pakistan.

    Prominent personalities, including President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, congratulated Arshad Nadeem for bringing a gold medal home.

    Read more – Hey Pak govt, aren’t we sporty enough for you?

    “What amazing news to wake up to early this morning! Arshad Nadeem has done Pakistan proud by winning the first gold medal in Commonwealth Games,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a tweet.

    President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi also congratulated Arshad Nadeem for “making history”.

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa also congratulated Nadeem.

    Have a look at other congratulatory messages:

  • Pakistan to overcome $4 billion external financing gap soon: SBP

    Pakistan to overcome $4 billion external financing gap soon: SBP

    In the midst of intense pressure on foreign currency reserves, Pakistan will soon close its $4 billion shortfall in external finance with the assistance of friendly nations under IMF conditions, according to Acting Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Dr Murtaza Syed.

    He also acknowledged that inflation will continue to be higher for the ensuing 11 to 12 months, which is why the central bank was aiming for an average inflation target of 18 to 20 per cent for the current fiscal year 2022–2023

    According to The News, acting SBP Governor Dr. Murtaza Syed stated that Pakistan has already met its gross external financing requirements of $34 to $35 billion.

    However, Islamabad is also attempting to secure confirmation of $4 billion in inflows from friendly nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. According to him, these extra dollar inflows will be used to boost foreign currency reserves and build a safety net in case of a crisis-like circumstance.

    He resisted providing a specific timeline but assured that the $4 billion finance deficit will be closed quickly. He argued that urgent attempts were being made by the government and IMF high-ups to secure confirmation from their respective nations.

    Denying that the scenario was similar to Sri Lanka, he praised Bangladesh and claimed that nation performed properly, chose to return to the IMF, and also increased utility costs while maintaining enough levels of foreign exchange reserves.

    Speaking of increasing inflation, he believed that supply interruptions abroad had set the way for a global super cycle of commodities, leaving Pakistan with no choice but to concentrate on agriculture productivity in order to secure food security.

    According to Murtaza Syed, people would have to deal with this challenging moment because there is no immediate magic wand to manage increased inflation. He said that while it is a challenging time, there is no alternative way to prevent the country from entering a more challenging situation if nothing was done.

    According to the official, the SBP has loosened the cash margin requirements for opening L/Cs for imports and offers incentives to individuals who do so. According to him, the IMF opposed trade restrictions and took action to prevent the depletion of foreign exchange reserves.

    The current pressure on foreign reserves is now anticipated to end within the next two months. He also promoted energy saving as a way to ease the burden of high import costs.

    The senior official believed that as long as the economy’s structural issues persisted, Pakistan will continue to see boom and bust cycles. He gave a recent example in which the nation’s GDP increased by 6 per cent, indicating that the overheating of the economy led to imbalances known as the budget deficit and current account deficit. Although a recession is not imminent, he continued, the economy must be managed carefully.