Shoaib Akhtar recently praised an Indian artist for drawing a hyper-realistic ballpoint sketch of the former cricketer.
Chitrakar, a freelance artist from New Delhi had posted his art on Instagram. The sketch shows two expressions of the fast bowler, one in black ink and the other in red.
Taking to Twitter, the cricketer wrote, “I can’t thank you guys enough who make these illustrations by giving so much time & dedication.”
If honesty is the sole criterion for the appointment of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) head then the government should request cleric Maulana Tariq Jamil to head the tax watchdog, said top economist Dr Ikramul Haq while criticising the government’s tax policies.
In an Express News show, the economist said the use of technology and enforcement of laws were important to achieve tax targets.
“If tax collection can be increased through honesty alone, we should request Maulana Tariq Jamil to head the FBR,” the economist said, alluding to the remarks made by Imran Khan before the 2018 elections that an “honest leadership” could convince people to pay taxes and become a tax-compliant nation.
He also urged the government to relax the definition of non-resident person to one year to facilitate those who were stuck in the country due to Covid-19.
Haq was of the view that the government should make a general rule to facilitate the people instead of waiting for them to individually plead their cases regarding overstay due to the pandemic as scores of non-resident persons have accidentally become Pakistani residents.
According to the economist, the FBR should send tax returns to the people to measure the response. According to the TV show, at least 72 per cent of people didn’t file tax returns: 4.7million out of the total 6.5m.
The Pakistan women’s national cricket team is expected to tour South Africa next month. As per details, the team will play three ODIs and three T20Is during the tour in Durban and Pietermaritzburg from 20 January to 3 February.
This series has been organised to prepare the team for ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier to be held in July 2021.
Women’s chief selector and head of the women’s cricket, Urooj Mumtaz, in a statement, said: “I am delighted that Cricket South Africa have agreed to host us for a full tour despite having already qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022. This is yet another indicator and reflection of our relationship with the member boards who are willing to help and support each other in any possible way.”
She added: “South Africa is ranked above us, both in the ODI and T20I formats and, as such, I am sure this series will go a long way in not only assisting us to further improve our standards but also prepare for June’s ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2021 as we aim to finish in the top three and progress to the event proper in early 2022 in New Zealand.”
While the final squad for the tour is expected to be announced on Thursday, 31 December 2020, 27 probables for the tour include Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Ayesha Zafar, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana Khan, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Javeria Rauf, Kainat Imtiaz, Kaynat Hafeez, Maham Tariq, Muneeba Ali, Nahida Khan, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Saba Nazir, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz and Syeda Aroob Shah.
The above mentioned 27 players have been invited by the women’s national selection committee for a training and preparation camp, which will be held at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi from 20 December.
Read more – Women cricketers travel to Karachi ‘in bags’
Tour schedule:
11 Jan – Departure for Durban
13-19 Jan – Training, practice and intra-squad matches, Durban
20 Jan – 1st ODI (d/n), Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
23 Jan – 2nd ODI (d), Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
26 Jan – 3rd ODI (d), Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg
29 Jan – 1st T20I (d), Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg
31 Jan – 2nd T20I (d), Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg
3 Feb – 3rd T20I (d/n), Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Sarwat Gilani and Bilal Abbas and Ali Zafar have been listed in Eastern Eye’s Top 50 Asian Celebrities of the World in 2020.
According to the publication’s website, “The list is based on those who did good work, made a positive impact, broke boundaries, shattered glass ceilings, gave hope, did philanthropic deeds or were just inspiring in their own unique way.”
The highest Pakistani on the list was Sarwat Gilani on number 21 beating the likes of Salman Khan and Pankaj Das.
“The Pakistani actress headed the cast list of the best new South Asian serial of the year, Churails, which exploded onto the scene and destroyed all existing rule books,” wrote the publication about the actor. “With the electrifying drama, she opened the door for a new era of TV content in Pakistan box and consolidated her position as a feminist icon.”
Read more – Did you know Sarwat Gilani has royal roots?
Bilal Abbas Khan was number 28 on the list and was acknowledged for his work in Eik Jhooti Love Story and Pyar Ke Sadqay.
“The fastest rising acting star in Pakistan continued reaching new heights in 2020. The unstoppable actor started the year with HUM TV series Pyar Ke Sadqay and ended it with ZEE5 sleeper hit Eik Jhooti Love Story. With some more high-profile projects on the way, Khan looks like the future of Pakistani film and television,” wrote Eastern Eye about the heartthrob.
On number 39 was actor and singer Ali Zafar.
“The Pakistani singer, actor, musician and humanitarian saved the Pakistani cricket league this year by giving them a better anthem than they had. He also promoted new talent with his record label. More meaningful was the immense humanitarian work the actor did for those who were suffering during Covid-19. His actions inspired others and consolidated his star credentials,” said the publication about Zafar.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at number 49 was the only director included in the list.
“The only director in the list once again used her platform to raise awareness about social issues, nurture new talent and gain international attention for her work. A big highlight was the stunning animated short Sitara: Let Girls Dream, which premiered earlier this year. The Oscar winner was also signed up to direct superhero series Ms Marvel.”
Meanwhile, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood topped the list because of his relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.
“No celebrity did more to help others during lockdown than the big-hearted Bollywood star,” said Eastern Eye. “What started off with him helping impoverished migrant workers stranded by lockdown get back home evolved into a spectacularly philanthropic mission that made a difference to so many during the pandemic.”
“Whether it was paying for surgery, setting up a scholarship, campaigning for women’s rights, or buying a new tractor for a farmer, so his daughters could study and not plough a field, super Sonu helped in any way he could in 2020. He became a strong symbol of hope during a crushing year where it was needed more than ever and that is why he is named as the greatest Asian celebrity in the world for 2020,” it added.
The star-studded list also included major names like Anushka Sharma, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Zayn Malik.
An alligator believed to have belonged to German dictator Adolf Hitler has been preserved after dying at the age of 84 at a zoo in Moscow.
According to the details, the alligator, Saturn, died in May and the reptile’s skin was donated to the Moscow’ Darwin Museum. The alligator will be put on display after work by taxidermists at the zoo in the new year. Taxidermy is the art of preserving an animal’s body via mounting or stuffing.
Known to have been a pre-war star attraction at Berlin Zoo in Nazi Germany, the story also dispersed that the reptile had been in the Hitler’s personal pet collection, as suggested by famous Russian writer Boris Akunin. Dmitry Vasilyev, a vet at Moscow Zoo also said that there was no doubt that Hitler admired the alligator.
The alligator was born in the wild in Mississippi in 1936 before being caught and sent to Berlin Zoo.
Hira Mani has expressed her disappointment with Iqra Aziz, Sarah Khan, Sajal Aly and Mira Sethi for not inviting her to their weddings.
In a recent interview with actor and host Mira, Hira said that Pakistani celebrities don’t invite her to their weddings. Naming all those who didn’t invite her, Hira remarked that her colleagues don’t invite her because they don’t consider her as their friend.
Pointing her guns at the host, Hira said, “You didn’t invite me to your wedding, Sajal didn’t invite me to her wedding, Sarah [Khan] did the same and Iqra also didn’t invite me.”
“I don’t know why I am not being invited to weddings? Maybe I am not their friend,” said the actor.
Sethi right away apologised to Hira and said that she had invited people via WhatsApp, and people who were on her contact list got the invitation.
“Please forgive me, I forgot to invite you to my wedding because I cannot even say that I will invite you next time,” said Mira.
In reply to this, Hira said, “Don’t worry, I will invite everyone to Muzammil’s (Hira’s sons) wedding.”
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Miftah Ismail lashed out at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Faisal Javed after the latter accused him of seeking an NRO [national reconciliation ordinance].
Miftah, who appeared on Geo’s Naya Pakistan show alongside Senator Javed and Hamid Mir to discuss the Lahore jalsa, took exception to the remarks made by the PTI senator.
“Miftah sent a message to late PTI leader Naeemul Haq through his brother Maqsood Iqbal for an NRO,” said Senator Javed in response to Miftah Ismail, who challenged him to reveal the names of people seeking NRO from the government.
At this, Miftah asked why would he seek NRO? Senator Javed responded that he wanted graft cases against quashed that’s why he asked his brother to approach the PTI leader for relief.
“You should feel ashamed for lying,” said a visibly incensed Miftah, going to call the PTI senator ‘shameless’. “Tell me who sought the NRO; if you are a son of your father then tell me who asked for an NRO,” Miftah lashed out, asking for proof.
“Entire Pakistan knows that Miftah Ismail is an honourable man,” said the PML-N leader, adding that he doesn’t live off of the back of others.
At this, Senator Javed said Naeemul Haq has passed away else he would have given proof.
The government ministers, including PM Imran Khan, have accused the opposition of seeking NRO — a charge the opposition denies.
Pakistan has maintained a strong momentum in workers’ remittance for the sixth consecutive month in November with over $2 billion, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reported.
Workers’ remittance increased 28.4% year-on-year in November 2020, pushing the cumulative flows to $11.8 billion during the July-November FY21 with a rise of 26.9% compared to same period last year.
“This significant growth reflects continued government and SBP efforts to formalise remittances under Pakistan Remittances Initiative (PRI), growing use of digital channels amid limited international travel, orderly exchange market conditions and improved global economic activity,” said the central bank.
The top four countries that contributed to the highest inflows are Saudi Arabia ($3.3 billion), United Arab Emirates ($2.4 billion), United Kingdom ($1.6 billion) and the United States ($1 billion).
A Pakistani doctor based in Toronto has launched an instant COVID-19 diagnostic test using a smartphone.
Pakistan High Commissioner to Canada Raza Bashir Tarar has congratulated Dr Naqeeb Khalid for his achievement.
Dr Naqeeb Khalid has graduated from King Edward Medical University in 1983 and has experience in the invention of medical devices and systems. The doctor told High Commissioner for Pakistan to Canada Raza Bashir Tarar that his invention will be used with the help of a digital platform that shows the result promptly on any smartphone. It can also communicate or save the results along with time and GPS information.
He said that instant, precise and low-cost testing that does not rely on laboratory is vital in handling the pandemic. “Together with vaccines, we can control the COVID-19 outbreak and bring our lives and economies to normal.”
In a video conversation with Dr Khalid, the high commissioner said the idea of a Covid test being displayed and communicated by the smartphone is admirable.
He hoped such a quick, hassle-free, accessible and affordable invention would be of huge help to humanity in overcoming the current pandemic.
Tarar says that clinical trials of the innovation would prove its efficacy for the COVID-19 test and make the way for necessary approvals before put to use at the mass level.
The smartphone application would soon be available to download from the AppStore.
It has been 19 years since Karan Johar’s iconic Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham released. The film went on to redefine pop culture and is a favourite in all desi households. In fact, some dialogues from the film have become part of our everyday conversations.
To mark the film’s anniversary, Johar posted a lovely flashback, saying: “19 years of K3G. I continue to be eternally grateful for the abundant love that continues to come our way. This film will always be a blessing in my filmography.”
“Thank you for all memes, memories and moments in the past 19 years,” added the director.
The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in leading roles, with Rani Mukerji appearing in an extended special appearance.
On the film’s 19th anniversary, here’s taking a look back at some of the film’s memorable dialogues:
1. Keh diya na … bas keh diya!
2. Paisa toh har koi kama leta hai … lekin izzat kamana sabke bas ki baat nahi
3. Dosti ke alava bhi kuch rishtey hote hai … kuch rishtey joh hum samajhte nahi … kuch rishtey joh hum samajhna nahi chahte … kuch rishtey jinka koi naam nahi hota, sirf ehsaas hota hai … kuch rishtey jinki koi deewar nahi hoti, sarhad nahi hoti … aaise rishtey joh dil ke rishtey hote hai, pyar ke rishtey hote hai, mohabbat ke rishtey hote hai .
4. Zindagi mein agar kuch banna ho, kuch haasil karna ho, kuch jeetna ho … toh hamesha dil ki suno … aur agar dil bhi koi jawab na de toh aankhen band karke apni maa aur papa ka naam lo … phir dekhna har manzil paar kar jaoge, har mushkil aasaan ho jayegi … jeet tumhari hogi, sirf tumhari
5. Lucknow da kurta, Pathani salwar … tab lage mard, varna lage bekaar
6. Mere saath prom jaane ke liye tum sabko teen departments mein brilliant hona chahiye … and that is good looks, good looks and good looks
7. Kabhi kabhi aisa kyun hota hai … ki paraye bhi apne lagne lagte hain
8. Maafi maange se koi chota barra nahi hota … aur joh maaf kar deta hai uska dil bahut barra hota hai
9. Ek da vada dil aur duje de vade vade bill
10. Tussi barre mazaaki ho… barre mazaaki ho
11. Subah subah shuru ho gayi Madonna
12. Hey Poo, Movie tonight? Tell me how it was…
13. What are we waiting for? Christmas?
14. Chandu ke chacha ne Chandu ki chachi ko chandani raat pay chandi chowk pai chandni ki chamach say chatni chattai.
15. Mom… Take a chill pill