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  • VIDEO: Indian police officer requests Muslims to pray for coronavirus pandemic to end

    VIDEO: Indian police officer requests Muslims to pray for coronavirus pandemic to end

    A video of a police officer in Mumbai requesting the Muslim community to pray for the coronavirus pandemic to end during Ramzan on a loudspeaker has gone viral on social media.

    “Main ne suna hai kay taraweeh ki namaz mein bohat jaldi suni jati hai to aap namaz me yahi mangna ke COVID hamare shehar se, hamare daish se jaldi chala jae (I have heard that Taraweeh prayers are heard, so please that COVID leaves our city and the country soon), the policeman can be heard saying in the video.

    Meanwhile, Pakistanis are extended their prayers for residents of it’s neighbouring country as India fights a deadly second wave.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry and Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi also extended their prayers for India.

    #PakistanstandswithIndia and #IndiaNeedOxygen were some of the top trends on the microblogging website.

    Farhan Saeed, Shaan and Shoaib Akhtar were also among those who prayed for those suffering in India.

    Earlier on Friday, the Managing Trustee of Edhi Foundation Faisal Edhi wrote a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and offered help to manage the deadly second wave of coronavirus in India.

    India posted a record tally of 346,786 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, while daily deaths from COVID-19 also jumped by a record, government data released on Saturday showed.

    As per Indian media outlets, from the first wave of COVID-19, the demand for medical oxygen had increased from 700 metric tonnes per day to 2,800 metric tonnes per day. However, in the past few days, the demand has reached nearly 5,000 metric tonnes per day.

  • ‘Don’t ask a sister why she’s not fasting,’ urges Mariyam Nafees

    Mariyam Nafees wants people to normalise not pretending to fast when you are not.

    “Brothers, don’t ask a sister why she’s not fasting,” wrote the actor on social media. “In fact, don’t ask anybody who’s not fasting why they’re not fasting.”

    Taking a dig at the moral bigrade, Nafees said: “Apne rozay pe dihaan do bhai. Ajeeb!”

    “Go offer your prayers instead,” she added. Nafees also used the hashtag ‘#RozayKeThaikedaar’ to assert her point.

    Earlier, Shaniera Akram had clapped back at those who asked her why she was not fasting and told them to “just chill out a little.”

  • Record-breaking: Current account experiences surplus of $959m

    Record-breaking: Current account experiences surplus of $959m

    According to reports, Pakistan’s current account witnessed an increase of $900 million during the first nine months of the current fiscal year (FY) 2020-21.

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) released new data that shows a surplus of $959 million from July to March 2020-21. The surplus is big in comparison to the account deficit of $4.1 billion in the last fiscal year 2019-20.

    In March 2021, the current account also witnessed a slight deficit of $47 million. The reason for the deficit is huge import bills that stood at $5.22 billion. The import bill of services remained controlled at $628 million.

    On the other hand, the exports of goods and services also stood high at $2.64 billion and $564 million in March 2021.

    The remittances and strong support of overseas Pakistanis also exhibited a phenomenal contribution with record inflows of $2.72 billion.

    From July to March, the trade deficit of goods and services stood at $20.01 billion, which is seven per cent higher than the previous fiscal year.

    On the other hand, remittances witnessed a surplus of 26.2% or $4.4 billion. High remittances are one of the core reasons for the increase in the current account.

    According to experts, with almost three months left in the closing of the current financial year, the current account would likely remain in surplus.

    In addition to the inflow of foreign exchange, the financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Euro Bonds also made the external account comfortable despite the fact that several debt repayments are pending.

    The value of the Rupee is volatile against the Dollar, but it remains within a range-bound limit, thereby favorable to the economy.

  • Shoaib Malik blasts ‘unacquainted decision makers’ after humiliating defeat by Zimbabwe

    Shoaib Malik blasts ‘unacquainted decision makers’ after humiliating defeat by Zimbabwe

    Shoaib Malik has lambasted “unacquainted decision-makers” after a humiliating defeat by Zimbabwe in the second T20I at Harare Sports Club on Friday.

    Read more – PTI’s Faisal Javed rubbishes Mohammad Asif’s claims of meddling in players’ selection process

    Pakistan’s struggles with the middle-order were laid bare in Harare as the team slumped to a 19-run defeat, with Zimbabwe bowling them out for 99. Wobbles in the middle order have been a worry for much of Pakistan’s tours of South Africa and Zimbabwe, but the side had, by and large, escaped paying for it until now.

    Pakistan captain Babar Azam was sufficiently alarmed by Pakistan’s showing with the bat to warn solutions had to be found swiftly, with time running out before this year’s T20 World Cup.

    Taking to Twitter, Malik thrashed the management, saying: “Unacquainted decision makers need to take a step back; Babar and Chief Selector [Mohammad Wasim] need to call the shots. In my opinion, we need an international white-ball coach who understands cricket inside out and grooms our captain whilst giving clarity to our players for coming time.”

    The cricketer further said: “When your management relies on likes and dislikes especially when your cricket is just in surviving mode, then what else do expect as a nation?”

    “On top of that when you don’t let your captain take decisions this is bound to happen,” he added.

    In the post-match presentation ceremony, Azam said: “It’s a very painful performance. In South Africa, we had chased down 200; similarly here, we should have won this game comfortably. But unfortunately, we played poor cricket and continued to struggle in the middle order. Today, it was not just the middle order, but our batsmen right through couldn’t perform the way we expect them to. It was a collective collapse and we lost as a group. But credit to Zimbabwe who came back so strongly today.”

    Azam refused to make excuses for the defeat. “The wicket was similar to the other day but it was suitable [for batters] and that is not an excuse anyway. As a professional, you adapt to every condition but I think we as openers didn’t give a good start from the top and then our middle order was struggling to step up. The World T20 is closing in and we have to sort this out as soon as possible. The next game we will come back and make a good combination.”

    Meanwhile, there has been no official reaction from the PCB to Malik’s tweets yet, but as the fallout from Pakistan’s defeat grows, there are signs a man who made his debut in 1999 may yet be relevant to them in 2021.

    Zimbabwe beat Pakistan for the first time in T20I cricket in their 16th attempt, registering their first T20I win at home since 2016. The three-match series is currently level at 1-1, with the final game being played on Sunday.

    While Pakistan former speedster Shoaib Akhtar said: “Vulnerability of middle order badly exposed. Batsmen couldn’t tackle slow wicket. Embarrasing defeat. Have to come back stronger in the 3rd match.”

    Earlier, former captain of the Pakistan cricket team Shahid Afridi had also raised the middle-order crisis in Pakistan Cricket Team.

    While congratulating the Pakistani team on winning the T20I against South Africa, he emphasised the need to work on middle-order performances.

    “Despite the victory, we need to review the middle-order performances where we seem to be struggling for a long time,” wrote the former all-rounder on Twitter.

    He also suggested that since it is the T20 World Cup year, the team should consider bringing Malik back.

  • Hania Aamir says she doesn’t want to be ‘unapproachable to be a star’

    Hania Aamir says she doesn’t want to be ‘unapproachable to be a star’

    Hania Aamir, who has often opened up about her fears and insecurities, has penned yet another heartfelt note about her struggles saying that she doesn’t want to be a star who is unapproachable.

    Expressing her thoughts on social media, Hania said: “When I took this picture, I was completely shattered inside. I would recite the kalma all the time hoping Allah would give me sabr to deal with the hurt I was feeling. Tears were ready to stream even in this picture and I was keeping it together as a front.”

    “I know I express too much on Instagram and let you guys in on what a part of my private life is about but just bear with it because I feel this is how it should be,” she added.

    The actor further said: “I don’t think I’m from a generation that believes a celebrity needs to be ‘unapproachable’ to be a star! Actually the quite opposite.”

    Explaining her words, Hania said: “A star in my eyes is the one who is compassionate and vulnerable and scared and emotional and brave and knows what being famous means. Someone who knows the importance of their platform, someone who appreciates their followers their blessings and knows the fact that they can use their voice and influence lives for the better.”

    “That’s the star I want to be,” she added, urging everyone to be kind to those around them and “most importantly, be kind to your own selves.”

    Earlier, Hania had written a detailed note on the importance of self-love and urged people to be kind to each other and accept difference of opinion.

    “I pride myself on being the person that I am today,” Hania had said. “Yes, I make the most of each day. Yes, I speak my mind. Yes, you might think I’m too much. I am. I am all of these things. I am extra. Extra. I love more. Laugh more. Feel more. Every emotion is heightened and that is the person that I am.”

  • ‘#ImranKhanCancelExams’ trends on Twitter as courts dismiss students petitions

    ‘#ImranKhanCancelExams’ trends on Twitter as courts dismiss students petitions

    #ImranKhanCancelExams and #ImranKhanJawabDou were among the top trends on Twitter as the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and the Government of Pakistan refuse to cancel this year’s O’ and A’ Level exams and the board exams. Pakistan is currently experiencing a deadly third wave of COVID-19 with fears of an India-like situation and students are arguing that the exams not only pose a risk to their health but they have also been unable to prepare for them because of school closures. The high courts in Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Karachi have also dismissed students petitions.

    Read more – Pak Army to help implement coronavirus SOPs, announces PM Imran

    Students have expressed their worries and concerns over the matter on social media, tagging government accounts so that their pleas are heard. Other hashtags trending on social media included #CancelExamsPakistan2021 and #PMImranCancelExams. While some resorted to sharing memes, others threatened the PM Khan that they will not vote for him in the upcoming General Elections 2023.

    Several celebrities and renowned personalities including Feroze Khan, Aagha Ali, Momina Mustehsan, Jibran Nasir and Waqar Zaka have also extended their support to students, urging the government to cancel exams.

    https://twitter.com/tartajax_/status/1385529572821807104?s=19
    https://twitter.com/mizuistic/status/1385550535319859201?s=19
    https://twitter.com/Haider__alixx/status/1385540072250937344?s=19

    Meanwhile, the Sindh High Court (SHC), Lahore High Court (LHC), Peshawar High Court (PHC) and Islamabad High Court (IHC) have all dismissed the petition of Cambridge students.

    The SHC, in its judgement, maintained the NCOC and Shafqat Mahmood’s decision to hold physical exams for Cambridge but urged strict implementation of SOPs during the exams. It also made assurances regarding withdrawing from current exams anytime before the end of series with no extra fee as part of the order.

    Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood on April 18 had clarified that all Cambridge exams will proceed as per schedule, and will not be making use of teacher-assessed grades this year. AS and A’ Level exams are scheduled to begin from April 26, while O’ Level and IGCSE exams will start from May 10.

    Matriculation and Intermediate board exams, on the other hand, have been deferred and will take place varyingly across provinces, starting late May.

  • Pak Army to help implement coronavirus SOPs, announces PM Imran

    Pak Army to help implement coronavirus SOPs, announces PM Imran

    Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday announced that there will not not be a complete lockdown but in order to control the situation, people must follow SOPs. PM appealed to the nation that if they follow SOPs and wear masks regularly, Pakistan will not have to take any strict measures. PM said that despite suggestions of lockdowns in cities, he has not taken this decision as it affects the poor the most. “Be careful yourself. Otherwise we will have no other option.”

    PM said that the Pakistan Army will assist the police in imposing SOPs.

    Key decisions taken by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC):

    1. Schools in districts with positivity rates above 5% closed until Eid
    2. Markets to close at 6pm. Only shops selling essential goods to operate after 6pm
    3. Outdoor and indoor dining banned during Ramzan
    4. Indoor gyms to be closed
    5. Offices to close at 2pm daily with 50% capacity. Rest of the staff to work from home

  • ‘As a neighbouring friend, we sympathise with you’: Faisal Edhi offers India help

    Managing Trustee of Edhi Foundation Faisal Edhi, in a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has offered help to manage the deadly second wave of coronavirus in India.

    “We, at the Edhi Foundation, have been closely following the current impact that the COVID-19 crisis has had on the people of India,” read the letter. “We are very sorry to hear about the exceptionally heavy impact that the pandemic has had on your country, where a tremendous number of people are suffering immensely.”

    Faisal further wrote: “As a neighbouring friend, we sympathise with you greatly and during this strenuous time, we would like to extends our help in the form of a fleet of 50 ambulances along with our services to assist you in addressing, and further circumventing the health conditions.”

    “We will arrange all the necessary supplies that our team needs to assist the people of India,” added the letter further.

    “I, Faisal Edhi, Managing Trustee of the Edhi Foundation, am personally offering to lead and manage the humanitarian team from my organisation,” said Faisal.

    He continued: “Importantly, we are not requesting any other assistance from you, as we are providing the fuel, food, and other necessary amenities that our team will require.”

    “Our team consists of emergency medical technicians, office staff, drivers, and supporting staff,” stated Faisal further. “In order to implement our proposed service, we only request your permission to enter India as well as any necessary guidance from the local administration and police department.”

    “We look forward to assisting you in managing the current humanitarian crises, and hope only to provide our help in whatever way that we can, for the benefit of the people of India,” he concluded.

    On Thursday, India recorded the world’s highest daily tally of 314,835 COVID-19 infections in a single day and hospitals in India are running out of medical oxygen. As per the Indian media news outlet, In the first wave of Covid-19, the demand for medical oxygen had increased from 700 metric tonnes per day to 2,800 metric tonnes per day. However, in the past few days, the demand has reached nearly 5,000 metric tonnes per day.

  • Aagha Ali urges government to postpone exams

    Aagha Ali urges government to postpone exams

    Aagha Ali has extended his support to students demanding exams be delayed and urged authorities to postpone them in wake of rising COVID-19 cases.

    “I’ve been getting 100s of messages from students [from] all over the country and trust me, all they say makes sense. Almost all institutes, schools and colleges have been closed and we all know how useful online classes were,” said Ali.

    The actor further said: “Apart from this, the new wave of corona is here and getting worse every day…and is taking many lives.”

    “Is this risk really worth it?,” he questioned. “Please postpone the exams or promote the students on their previous records.”

    Ali added: “The whole country has been going through a lot of pressure and this is only giving students extreme mental stress.”

    Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood on April 18 had confirmed that A, AS, O’ Level and IGCSE exams will be held as per the date sheet announced by CAIES and there will be no cancellation or delay in the exams. Mahmood had added that those students wishing to take the exams in October-November can do it for the same fee that they’ve already paid.

    Following his announcement, several celebrities including Asim Azhar requested the government to postpone the exams considering the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases.

    Meanwhile, Twitter raged with students advocating for the cancellation of board exams this year, saying their learning schedules had been deeply disturbed this year. Several students also protested on the streets so that the government takes proper notice of their demands.

    #ExamCancelHoga, #ImranKhanCancelExam and #ShafqatMahmood were also among the top trends on the micro-blogging site.

    Mansha Pasha also expressed support for the students saying that she was proud of her husband Jibran Nasir for advocating for them.

    YouTuber Shahveer Jafry has also requested the government to postpone exams in his tweets:

    LHC, IHC and PHC have dismissed the petitions of the Cambridge students. Sindh High Court now will announce the verdict on Friday at 4 pm.

  • Meghan Markle spotted with baby bump, Archie

    Meghan Markle was recently spotted showing off her baby bump and carrying son Archie.

    According to Page Six, this is the first time Markle was seen in public since Prince Harry’s return from the United Kingdom, where he had gone for Prince Philip’s funeral. It was earlier reported that Prince Harry would stay in England for his grandmother Queen Elizabeth’s 95th Birthday, which was on April 21, but Harry returned to California before that.

    Meghan and Archie were both dressed casually.

    Read more- Why is Harry and Meghan’s son not a prince?

    Harry and Meghan welcomed Archie on May 6, 2019.

    This year, on Valentine’s Day, the couple announced that they are expecting their second child. The couple’s announcement on Valentine’s Day was a nod to Princess Diana, who 37 years ago on the same day, had announced that she was pregnant with Prince Harry.

    The couple made their final split with the royal family in February this year and in March gave Oprah a bombshell interview in which they accused the royal family of being racist and not supporting them, plunging the monarchy into its biggest crisis since the death of Lady Diana.