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  • Nawaz’s passport is expired. Now what?

    Nawaz’s passport is expired. Now what?

    Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is in London for more than one year due to medical reasons, will be without a passport now after it expires tonight.

    Meanwhile, the interior minister in a presser said that the former premier’s passport will not be renewed and that the government could issue an emergency travel document on his request for returning back to the country.

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has tried all means to bring Nawaz back but without any success. PM Imran had announced that he would go to the UK himself to bring Nawaz back. His statement was followed by Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed saying that only Allah can bring Nawaz Sharif back. But eventually, the government decided that it won’t renew the passport of the ex-PM in an attempt to force his hand.

    Another reason that Nawaz cannot approach the authorities for the renewal of his passport is being on the Exit Control List. As per the law, a person whose name is on the no-fly list cannot apply for the renewal of his passport. However, Nawaz Sharif can return to the country anytime, as reiterated by Sheikh Rasheed.

    So what options do Nawaz have? Will he take asylum in the UK or come back voluntarily? Or the UK government will accept Pakistan’s request for his extradition?

    At present, it is all good for Nawaz.

    The ex-PM has a ten-year visa and he doesn’t need permission to stay in the UK. But just in case, a person can stay in the UK for up to 18 months in case of medical treatment. For the British government, the only point of concern is legalities at the time of entry to the country, said a report in Dawn.

    In addition to the medical reasons, the former premier has two more options: dependency law and investment option.

    In the UK, dependency law applies to people over 65 and Nawaz Sharif is 71. The ex-PM can invoke the law if needs be. Given his age and frail health, the dependency law can be invoked and Nawaz can stay in the UK as a dependent of Hassan Nawaz — an established businessman.

    And the third option is business plans. With a certain amount of investment, anyone can stay in the UK for a certain period of time.

    So Nawaz Sharif, even though his passport is expired, can stay in London for a comfortable amount of time. Just like Dar, whose passport was not renewed but he was allowed to stay in the UK because he’s not on the negative list of any security agency and there is no adverse report against him.

  • Court acquits couple accused of blackmailing NAB chief

    Court acquits couple accused of blackmailing NAB chief

    An accountability court Tuesday acquitted the couple accused of blackmailing the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairperson.

    According to journalist Zahid Gishkori, the two suspects, namely Tayyaba Gul and Farooq Nol, were acquitted over lack of evidence.

    In connection with the leaked scandalous audio-video tapes being associated with its chairman, NAB had filed a reference in an accountability court in 2019 against a gang allegedly involved in blackmailing several people, Justice (r) Javed Iqbal.

    In the 630-page reference, NAB had nominated Gul, the woman seen and heard on the tapes, and her husband, Nol, as the main suspects.

    According to The Express Tribune, the graft buster stated in the reference that the couple had defrauded several citizens of around Rs24.4 million.

    It added that NAB had received six complaints against Gul and Nol and 36 witnesses had recorded their statements against them.

    On May 23, News One had aired the purported conversation of the NAB chairman with a woman. However, it was left red-faced and had to tender a public apology after the bureau denied the story.

    The NAB issued a statement, rejecting the report and saying that all such reports were baseless, contrary to facts, fabricated and part of a false propaganda.

    “This is work of a group of blackmailer, who want to tarnish reputation of NAB and its chairman. Disregarding all the pressure and blackmailing, NAB has not only arrested two members of the group but also approved a reference against them,” the statement read.

    The channel admitted that it had not done due diligence and therefore needed further substantiation regarding the videos. The channel management also apologised for any inconvenience caused to the NAB chairman.

    NAB had said there were a total of 42 FIRs registered against members of the racket in different parts of the country.

    “The group is involved in blackmailing, kidnapping for ransom, scamming and looting of billions of rupees from government servants as well as private individuals by impersonating FIA personnel and NAB has evidence in this regard,” it said.

    It said the report was a tactic to escape a NAB reference through blackmailing. According to the statement, the kingpin of the group, Farooq, is currently incarcerated at Kot Lakhpat Jail.

  • Quetta Gladiators’ Ben Cutting and PSL presenter Erin Holland tie the knot

    Quetta Gladiators’ Ben Cutting and PSL presenter Erin Holland tie the knot

    Days before the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) is set to commence, Quetta Gladiators’ Ben Cutting has tied the knot with PSL presenter and former Miss World Australia Erin Holland.

    The couple announced the news on social media, sharing beautiful pictures of their beachside wedding.

    “Official Wifey,” wrote Cutting in the caption.

    Quetta Gladiators also congratulated the couple, saying: “Wishing you two a lifetime of love and happiness! Congratulations Mr and Mrs Ben Cutting.”

    The all-rounder and his girlfriend, had announced their engagement two years ago. The couple’s wedding had to be postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Holland also posted pictures of her big day on her Instagram. 

    The ceremony was followed by a reception in evening.

    Check out more pictures from the celebrations below:

    The wedding venue

  • VIDEO: Buzdar’s driving skills on Cholistan Jeep Rally track go viral

    Driving skills of the provincial chief executive of Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzdar, on the track of Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally’s 16th edition have taken the internet by storm.

    The Cholistan rally started back in 2005 and has since progressed by leaps and bounds. The incumbent Punjab chief minister (CM) has shared plans to make it an international event.

    This year, the event was held from February 11 to 14 with the participation of over 100 racers from all over Pakistan in different categories.

    The rally route was extended to 500 kilometres and also included major forts of the desert, namely Dingarh, Marrot, Khan Garh, Bhijnot, Moujgarh and Jamgarh.

    It was won by Sahibzada Sultan while Mir Nadir Magsi and Jaffar Imran secured the second and third positions, respectively.

  • Engin Altan cancels agreement with Kashif Zameer, promises to visit Pakistan again

    Engin Altan cancels agreement with Kashif Zameer, promises to visit Pakistan again

    Diriliş: Ertuğrul star Engin Altan Düzyatan has renounced his agreement with Chaudhry Group of Industries, saying he no longer represents them as the brand ambassador. The Managing Director of the company is Mian Kashif Zameer, who had in January, claimed that Engin will be visiting Pakistan in three days.

    In a statement, the Turkish actor said: “I, Engin Altan Düzyatan, would like to announce that I have renounced the agreement with the Pakistani company, Chaudhry Group of Industries as its brand ambassador.”

    Engin added that he visited Pakistan to discuss and finalize the terms and conditions of the agreement, which both parties agreed on.

    “Despite constant reports in the Pakistani media about this agreement, we adhered to terms and conditions of the agreement and agreed to wait for a month to and give time and opportunity to Chaudhry Group of Industries to clarify its position,” said Engin further. “However, we were deeply saddened by the lies and misinformation given to the media by the company’s MD, Kashif Zameer regarding the agreement.”

    The statement further said that “Kashif Zameer has not fulfilled any of the conditions despite the period given under the agreement” adding, “we have unilaterally cancelled the agreement.”

    The Turkish actor said that the company has not paid even half of the agreed amount.

    “We no longer have any connection with Mian Kashif Zameer, Mohammad Ismail and their company Chaudhry Group of Industries,” stated Engin.

    The statement further said: “Our visit to Pakistan has given us the opportunity to meet the loving people of Pakistan and see the beautiful country. We are determined to further develop Turkish-Pakistani relations and promote friendship and each other’s cultures.”

    VIDEO: Engin Altan says ‘Lahore Lahore Hai’

    Expressing his delight over the love he received in Pakistan, the Turkish actor said: “The deep interest shown by the people of Pakistan in the Turkish dramas has impressed me immensely, and I consider it an honour to again visit Pakistan soon.”

    “I assure you that, InshAllah, I will soon visit Pakistan again with a new and right plan to embrace the people of Pakistan,” concluded Engin.

    “Long live Pakistan-Turkey Friendship.”

    In December 2020, Engin Altan visited Pakistan for a short visit and was hosted by Kashif Zameer. Later, it was reported that Zameer struck a deal of one million dollars with the Turkish actor but paid only half of it.  Zameer, later trashed the rumours saying that Engin had assured him that the deal will not be disbanded.

  • ‘Indian media is run by jokers’: Fawad reacts to absurd claims

    ‘Indian media is run by jokers’: Fawad reacts to absurd claims

    In the wake of months-long protests by the farmers, the Indian media has accused Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry of running an international disinformation campaign against India along with Khalistani leader Bhajan Singh Bhinder (also know as Iqbal Chaudhry) and journalist Pieter Friedrich.

    Friedrich became part of the investigation after his name was mentioned in the toolkit that Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg tweeted on February 4.

    The ‘toolkit’, which had the detailed plan of action for amplifying farmers’ protests and listed a number of social media handles to be followed, is now being probed by Delhi Police in connection with the tractor rally violence on Republic Day. The police had also announced to book Thunberg for conspiring against India.

    But now, the Indian police think that Fawad is the mastermind of this campaign while Friedrich, a critic of the Indian government, is the face of the campaign.

    According to News18, Bhajan Singh Bhinder is the “uncle of Fawad” and the mastermind of the slander campaign against India. It alleged that Fawad is helping the Sikh activists to run a campaign against India.

    The PTI minister, however, tweeted the news clip on his social media account, calling the claims “absurd”.

    Fawad said India doesn’t need foreign actors to sabotage its image, as its prime minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are enough to destroy India’s global standing.

    On Sunday, Delhi police arrested a young climate activist arrested over a farmers’ protest “toolkit” also shared by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Delhi police confirmed the arrest of Disha Ravi, who is in her early 20s, in a tweet on Sunday that accused her of being a “key conspirator in (the) document’s formulation & dissemination.”

  • This girl just made Pakistan proud but here’s why you might’ve missed it

    This girl just made Pakistan proud but here’s why you might’ve missed it

    While the nation is going crazy over the viral ‘pawry’ girl, Zara Naeem, an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) student from Lahore scores the highest marks in the financial reporting exam conducted in December 2020.

    The ACCA is the gold standard in accountancy with recognition in over 179 countries worldwide, opening doors to well respected and fulfilling careers opportunities round the globe.

    Zara credited this success to her father, who always encouraged girls to pursue their dreams by removing artificial barriers.

    Zara’s father retired after an outstanding career in the military. He also holds a masters degree and passionate to see his child doing big things for the country.

    “My father is a true role model for me. I grew up seeing him reaching great heights in his military service that always inspired me to follow in his footsteps. Seeing his gold medal that he was awarded with his MBA made me challenge myself to live up to his legacy by dedicating myself fully to my studies,” said Zara Naeem.

    While explaining the reason for choosing ACCA for education, she said, “ACCA was a natural choice for me. Most military families move every few years, so I always knew I needed a qualification that ensures flexibility and offers global mobility. With over 527,000 students in nearly 179 countries studying and sitting the same exams, ACCA is the best option for those who wish to go places.”

    Zara has big dreams for her life. She wants to start her consultancy firm after attaining ACCA membership. She is confident that her firm will win international clients due to her globally accepted qualification and worldwide connections that ACCA membership offers.

    Despite much disruption globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, ACCA was able to run almost 153,000 exams across the vast majority of its markets worldwide. For the health and safety of its students, additional measures were implemented in line with relevant governmental advice.

    The ACCA qualification rigorously tests the skills and competencies that a modern-day accountant needs with a firm grounding in ethics and professionalism. It prepares students for a rewarding career as a qualified and ethical finance professional.

  • ‘Pawri Girl’ Dananeer Mobeen says she had ‘no idea’ her video would become a trend

    Dananeer Mobeen, the girl behind the viral ‘Pawari Ho Rai Hai‘ video says she is overwhelmed with the response her video has gotten.

    In a recent interview with BBC Urdu, Mobeen shared that she was visiting Nathiagali with her friends and was having fun when she decided to film the video.

    “When I uploaded the video, I had no idea it would go viral,” said Dananeer, adding that the only intention behind making the video was to make people “laugh and enjoy it.”

    “Allhamdulliah the response has been so overwhelming,” said Mobeen.

    The nineteen-year-old Instagram influencer further said that she is enjoying all the recreations which she is receiving from every corner of Pakistan, adding that her countrymen are very creative when it comes to memes.

    She also shared that her mother was ‘over the moon’ when celebrities recreated her video.

    “I’m so happy that my video is also being appreciated even across the border, especially at a time when there is a lot of tension and polarization in the world,” stated Mobeen.

    “After such an overwhelming response [on the video], I have realised that people are liking this side of my personality, so I think in the future I will show more of this side of my personality,” concluded Mobeen.

    Meanwhile, Pawri Ho Rai Hai has became a trend on social media with many people including celebrities sharing their own take on it.

  • Indian police join #PawriHoRahiHai trend, ask citizens to report late night parties

    Indian police join #PawriHoRahiHai trend, ask citizens to report late night parties

    The Indian Police has joined the #PawriHoRahiHai trend by asking people to report their noisy neighbours having late-night parties. 

    As per details, the police in Uttar Pradesh has urged citizens to dial 112 to report loud late-night ‘Pawri Ho Rahi Hai‘.

    “Late night Pawri Ho Rahi Hai aur aap disturb ho rahe toh call karein 112,” tweeted the official account of the UP Police.

    Read more – Saba Qamar recreates the viral ‘Yeh Humari Party Ho Rahi Hai’ video

    The ‘Pawri Ho Rahe Hai’ trend started after a video of a girl vacationing in Northern Pakistan while saying “Yeh humari party ho rahi hai” went viral on social media.

    Many social media users including celebrities have recreated the same video.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwX2JwcOWp4
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK9NQmhRSKY
    https://twitter.com/Ibraheeeem92/status/1359494491439267841?s=20

  • Pakistan becomes the first T20 side to complete 100 wins

    Pakistan clinched a four-wicket win over South Africa in the third and final T20 international at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore to not only win the three-match T20 series 2-1 but also become the first international side to post 100 wins in this format.

    Sunday’s win (February 14) was Pakistan’s 100th in 163 matches with India in second place with 88 wins in 137 matches.

    32-year-old leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood picked up 3-40 in his debut game, reducing South Africa to 65/7 before Miller’s clean hitting powered South Africa to a total of 164-8. Miller hit five fours and seven sixes in his unbeaten knock.

    South Africa’s Tabraiz Shamsi grabbed 4/25 in a game dominated by spinners, but Pakistan’s lower order hung in to reach 169/6 with eight balls to spare and record its 100th win in a T20 international.

    Hasan Ali (20 not out) raised the victory with two sixes and a four against Andile Phehlukwayo as seamers again found it difficult to grip the wet ball because of dew. 

    “Credit must be given to David Miller for playing an outstanding inning and making the match interesting,” said Pakistan captain Babar Azam. “We told the players to play fearless cricket and that’s why we finished on the right side.”

    Babar top-scored for the national side with 44 off 30 balls. While Mohammad Rizwan contributed 42 runs to the cause. He also scored 197 runs in the three-match series, becoming the man of the series and Nawaz became man of the match.

    The green side celebrated the victory over South Africa at home ground. The young cricketers recreated the trending ‘Pawri Ho Rhi Hai’ to celebrate their big win on the field.

    Pakistan beat South Africa 2-0 in the test series before completing the double by handing the Proteas its first defeat in a T20 series in Asia.

    After winning the series, players and fans are now gearing up for the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) set to begin next week on February 20.