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  • These pictures of Gwadar Marine Drive after CPEC works will take your breath away

    Stunning views of Gwadar Marine drive after the completion of roads and other construction work under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are breaking the internet, and we guarantee you that the following pictures will take your breath away.

    The pictures were first shared by official handle of the CPEC on Twitter as the completion of construction work was announced.

    It wasn’t later that Twitterati among other netizens started reacting to the pictures and expressed their delight.

    Here is what Marine Drive looked until around three years ago.

    Earlier, it was reported that Gwadar’s population is set to exceed two million people in the long run with high-paid expatriate professionals accounting for up to 80 per cent of the population.

    High-paid jobs, tax-free environment, high-tech industries, mega shopping malls, luxury resorts, manmade islands and Pakistan’s largest international airport, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan in 2019, are all included in the new Gwadar Smart City Masterplan that will see Gwadar become the third-largest city in Pakistan by economic output with assistance from China under the CPEC.

    The governments of Pakistan and China project Gwadar’s economy to surpass $30 billion per annum in the long-term, creating 1 to 1.2 million high-paid jobs with an income per capita of $15,000. Pakistan’s current income per capita meaning the economic output the country generates per person is around $1,500 which Gwadar will eclipse by some 1,000%.

  • India gets $10 billion from Google to accelerate digital economy while disgruntled Pakistani software engineers leave country

    India gets $10 billion from Google to accelerate digital economy while disgruntled Pakistani software engineers leave country

    Google has announced investing $10 billion in India to accelerate its digital economy at a time when software engineers on this side of the border leave the country in “hopeless” times led to by systematic limitations.

    Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi lauded Google’s initiative to invest in India which would eventually improve the lives of country’s “farmers, youngsters and entrepreneurs”.

    How will Google invest $10-billion funds?

    Google said its $10 billion-fund would focus on areas such as enabling affordable access to the internet and information to every Indian in their own language; building new products and services in segments like consumer tech, education, health and agriculture; empowering businesses, especially small and medium ones, to transform digitally; leveraging technology and artificial intelligence for digital literacy, outbreak predictions, and support for rural economies.

    “This mission is deeply personal to me. When I was young, every new piece of technology brought new opportunities to learn and grow. But I always had to wait for it to arrive from someplace else. Today, people in India no longer have to wait for technology to come to you. A whole new generation of technologies are happening in India first,” said Google Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sundar Pichai in an editorial note.

    Pakistan vs India:

    But while tech giants like Facebook, Amazon and Google have pledged billions of dollars to the Indian economy, software engineers in Pakistan are disgruntled and are leaving the country due to the lack of support, systemic barriers, incompetence of leadership, and lack of will of the establishment.

    Here is a post doing the rounds on the internet.

    K Awan is among many others who have left the country over the past decade, alleging that those with the power to make decisions are incompetent.

  • Eid ul Adha: Cattle markets to operate from 6 am to 7 pm

    Eid ul Adha: Cattle markets to operate from 6 am to 7 pm

    The National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) has decided to allow cattle markets to function between 6 am to 7 pm.

    According to reports, the decision was taken in a meeting held in Lahore by Federal Minister for Planning and NCOC chief Asad Umar.

    “The movement of cattle and people between villages and cities increases the risk of the virus spreading,” said the minister, adding that better management of livestock markets was essential to prevent its spread.

    He told that about 700 cattle markets had been set-up across the country. However, the size of the markets will be small and the number of people visiting it at time will be controlled.

    The meeting reviewed the management of cattle markets and standard operating procedures (SOPs), which have been given to all relevant departments.

     No cattle markets will be allowed inside cities. Wearing masks inside the market was made compulsory and all the visitors will be screened at the entrance. Children and the elderly won’t be allowed to come to the cattle markets.

  • Hadiqa Kiani collaborates with Turkish singer to honour Kashmiri martyrs

    Hadiqa Kiani collaborates with Turkish singer to honour Kashmiri martyrs

    Hadiqa Kiani has collaborated with Turkish singer Ali Tolga for a song dedicated to Kashmiri martyrs and those during the failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016.

    The song titled Daimi Bahar, which means ‘eternal spring’ opens with the line: “In everlasting memory of our beloved martyrs: July 13, 1931, Kashmir Martyr’s Day, July 15 2016, Failed Turkish Coup Attempt.”

    The song features lyrics in both Urdu and Turkish, with Hadiqa singing in both the languages.

    The music video features some stunning shots of Indian-occupied Kashmir in all its snow-covered glory, clips of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan, the plight of the Kashmiris and the struggle against the failed coup in Turkey back in 2016.

    https://youtu.be/X6z1ET4O0GY

    Daimi Bahar hits all the rights notes and your heart goes out to all those suffering in the picturesque valley.

    Kiani has often raised her voice against Indian atrocities in Kashmir. Earlier, the singer had said that the Kashmir issue is no longer Pakistan vs India but is in fact an issue for humanity, for families, “for the greater good”.

  • VIDEO: Ex-RAW officer says Dawood Ibrahim murdered Sushant Singh

    VIDEO: Ex-RAW officer says Dawood Ibrahim murdered Sushant Singh

    Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide case has become a mystery with various theories being linked to it.

    Amid speculations regarding sudden death of the actor, a former officer of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) — India’s foreign intelligence agency — has claimed that Sushant was “murdered by [notorious Indian crime boss and drug dealer] Dawood Ibrahim”.

    According to NK Sood, Sushant was murdered by Dawood with a “foolproof plan”. In a widely-shared video, the ex-RAW officer stated that though Dawood doesn’t live in Mumbai now but still has a strong hold over the city and Bollywood.

    “Many B-town celebrities participate in the events organised by Dawood’s team abroad and help the gangster earn money which is used for funding terrorism. The celebrities also receive a huge sum of money in return,” said Sood.

    Sushant was reportedly getting death threats over the phone before his demise, and thus the actor had even changed his SIM almost 50 times. The actor was so scared for his life that he had even slept in his car at a remote place fearing that someone might kill him at his house.

    Sood claimed that Sushant was murdered by professional criminals and that was why the CCTV cameras at his apartment complex were shut off a day before his demise and the duplicate keys of his room were also misplaced.

    All this evidence is enough to conclude that the actor was murdered, said the ex-RAW officer and added that Sushant’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, his close friend Sandeep Singh and his domestic help were well aware of the trouble brewing in Sushant’s life.

    “But they chose to stay away from it and leave the actor alone.”

    He also alleged that the police were trying to put up a show that they were probing the case sincerely, but in reality, they were trying to save the culprit.

  • PIA likely to face losses over Rs100 billion amid bans, coronavirus

    PIA likely to face losses over Rs100 billion amid bans, coronavirus

    The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is expected to incur losses over Rs100 billion due to suspension of international flights amid the fake licences controversy and the coronavirus pandemic.

    As per details, the national carrier is expected to incur losses up to Rs100 billion due to ban on flight operations by the United Kingdom (UK), European Union (EU) and the United States (US). The target of revenue for the current year was set at Rs196 billion.

    Moreover, PIA would also suffer losses of up to Rs12 billion in terms of Hajj operations this year after the Saudi authorities decided to hold the annual pilgrimage on a limited scale, while the airline is also facing losses up to Rs9 billion due to closure of Umrah operations.

    It is pertinent to mention here that that on July 10, PIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Air Marshal Arshad Malik had apprised Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan regarding the status of ongoing dialogues with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the resumption of flight operation. He had also given a briefing to the premier regarding the restructuring process of the national carrier.

    Malik had reportedly presented a comprehensive plan to PM Imran for turning PIA into a profitable national entity and the premier had directed the PIA CEO to expedite the reform process of the national flag carrier.

    He had also summoned the framework for reform agenda within seven days.

  • Saudi Arabia honours Pakistani doctor for his work as ‘captain’ of COVID-19 team

    Saudi Arabia honours Pakistani doctor for his work as ‘captain’ of COVID-19 team

    Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has awarded Pakistani doctor Zia Ullah Khan Dawar a medal to acknowledge his work as one of the ‘captains’ of the country’s COVID-19 team.

    Dawar, a public health specialist, has been residing in Saudi Arabia for the past four years. He worked on programs to stem tuberculosis, dengue fever and malaria. He is now working with the country’s health ministry in Jeddah with a COVID-19 surveillance and data analysis team.

    Speaking to Arab News, Dawar said that it was proud moment for him and the country.

    “Saudi Ministry of Health gave awards to doctors and health professionals in recognition of 100 days of their services in fighting against the virus and I am one of the foreign doctors [awarded]. I am feeling so proud to get the recognition of my services. I come from North Waziristan so it is not only an honour for me but [also for] my area and for Pakistan.”

    “We were working in a mobile team which is a challenging and risky job,” Dawar added. “Whenever any positive case was reported, we immediately had to go to the site and do the needful.”

    Saudi Arabia has reported over 235,000 COVID-19 cases so far.

  • ‘Asim is a beautiful part of my life’: Hania Aamir shuts down trolls

    ‘Asim is a beautiful part of my life’: Hania Aamir shuts down trolls

    Hania Aamir’s big revelation that Asim Azhar and her are just friends is the talk of the town considering that everyone was convinced that the two are dating. After Hania cleared the air regarding their relationship, social media was lit with memes and fans poked fun at Asim for being ‘friend-zoned’. The two have been trending on Twitter all day.

    https://twitter.com/Sachbataoyar/status/1282574320015900673?s=20
    https://twitter.com/Ali_Tweetsssss/status/1282634123736043522?s=20

    Following the trolling and flood of memes, Hania took to social media to celebrate three million followers and tell off the trolls for all the jokes.

    “Every day I’m learning new things. About myself. About life. Every day I see myself learning, healing and evolving. I’m learning to be more thankful for the life I have. Thankful for the people I have in my life. I say Alhamdulillah for the good and the bad,” wrote Hania.

    “I am growing stronger every day and God knows how much I pray for everyone’s happiness. How much I pray that I stay true to my family, my job and my fans. Cannot be more grateful for the love of my followers and my beautiful fan pages have shown me in these three and a half years of my career. Cannot be more grateful for the people I have in my life who support me, guide me and love me,” she continued.

    She added: “Today this Instagram family has grown to three million of you and I am here thanking you with all my heart for sticking with me through thick and thin and watching me grow up from an eighteen-year-old kid to the woman that I am today. Your love makes the toughest social media moments a breeze.”

    Concluding her note, Hania addressed the trolling and said: “Asim is a beautiful part of my life and we have seen some insane times together and we share a bond beyond anyone’s comprehension. We choose to look at and acknowledge love not hate. That being said, we know Pakistanio ka humour acha hai lekin easy hojao. Social media kai troll siphayon. Bilkul free na ho. Aur zayada over bhi nahi. Shukriya.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CClm3MsjAek/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Hania, in a recent live chat with Aima Baig, had said that she is not in a relationship with Asim and the two are just very good friends.

    “He’s asking if we’re still together. We’re friends, we’re not together, we’re not dating, we’re not a couple. But we are best friends,” Hania had said.

  • Yasir Hussain is angry with QMobile for appointing Esra Bilgiç as brand ambassador

    Yasir Hussain is angry with QMobile for appointing Esra Bilgiç as brand ambassador

    Ever since Diriliş: Ertuğrul started airing in Pakistan, it has taken over the country by storm. The Turkish historical series has a cult following in the country and fans have been very excited since the cast expressed their wish to visit Pakistan. Esra Bilgiç who plays Halime Sultan in the series is particularly a favourite and the actor had earlier revealed that she will be endorsing three Pakistani brands. 

    One of them appears to be mobile company QMobile, who have announced that Esra will be the brand ambassador for their View Max Pro series.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCi0YAGMNIK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Following their announcement, Yasir Hussain, who has been very critical of the government’s decision to air the drama on PTV, expressed his anger and disappointment over QMobile’s decision, saying: “Apko nahi lagta k Pakistan brand ki brand ambassador bhi Pakistani honi chahiye? Na Indian na Turkish? Pakistan Zindabad (Don’t you think Pakistani brands should have Pakistani brand ambassadors? Neither Turkish nor Indian).

    The actor questioned why Pakistani actors like like Mahira Khan , Saba Qamar, Yumna Zaidi, Hira Mani cannot be brand ambassadors.

    He added that he is not including his wife Iqra Aziz’s name in the list because she is already a brand ambassador for a mobile phone company.

    Aiman Khan and Minal Khan also supported Yasir’s point of view.

    Back when things were cordial between India and Pakistan, Pakistani artists had also criticised local brands for featuring Bollywood stars in their campaigns.

  • Asim and I are best friends, says Hania Aamir

    Asim and I are best friends, says Hania Aamir

    Hania Aamir just answered the burning question her fans have been asking ever since she was first spotted with Asim Azhar – are the two dating?

    In a recent live chat with Aima Baig, Aamir clarified that she is not in a relationship with Asim and the two are just very good friends.

    Responding to a fan during the live session, Hania said: “He’s asking if we’re still together. We’re friends, we’re not together, we’re not dating, we’re not a couple. But we are best friends.”

    Hania’s answer shocks Aima, who responds: “Yeh tou mujhe bhi nahi pata tha (Even I didn’t know about this).”

    Hania, then went onto clarify, saying “No no, listen, actually, we’re great friends. We’re there for each other and I even played a part in his video.”

    She also shared that she’s working with Asim on a new project.

    “I’m going to make him help me with a song that I’m doing. He’s going to be there for that and I hope I can make him do it,” shared Hania.

    https://twitter.com/PakistaniCinema/status/1282625734910115840?s=20

    Ending her answer, Hania said: “But as far as relationships and ‘are you together?’ is concerned, I’m not with anyone.”

    Baig then joked: “Her boyfriend is her work these days,” to which Aamir responded “My work these days and myself these days.”