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  • Keala Settle: A Story of Courage, Music, and Never Giving Up

    Keala Settle: A Story of Courage, Music, and Never Giving Up

    Keala Settle is not your typical Hollywood star. She did not rise to fame overnight. Her story is one of courage, struggle, and hard work. With her strong voice and emotional performances, Keala Settle has become an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

    She is best known for her powerful performance of the song This Is Me from the hit film The Greatest Showman. But there is so much more to her than that one song. Keala is a Broadway actress, a recording artist, and a woman who has faced challenges and still stood strong.

    This article explores the life and journey of Keala Settle. It is written in simple English for everyone to understand and enjoy. Whether you are a fan or just learning about her, you will find her story truly inspiring.

     

    Growing Up in Hawaii

    Keala Settle was born on November 5, 1975, in Laie, Hawaii. She comes from a mixed cultural background. Her mother is from New Zealand and is of Māori descent. Her father is British.

    Keala grew up in a large family with five children. From a young age, she was surrounded by music. She sang in church and at family events. Singing came naturally to her. But she did not dream of fame. She thought she would have a simple life, teaching music one day.

    She went on to study voice at Southern Utah University. There, she learned more about her vocal abilities and stage performance. Though she was quiet and humble, she carried a deep love for music inside her.

     

    Her Start in Musical Theater

    Keala’s first big chance came in the world of musical theater. In 2011, she joined the national tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Her performance caught the attention of theater professionals, and in 2013, she landed a major role on Broadway.

    She played Norma Valverde in the musical Hands on a Hardbody. The story was based on a real contest in Texas where people compete by keeping their hands on a truck. Whoever holds on the longest wins.

    Keala’s role was full of heart and soul. She played a religious woman with a big voice and a strong spirit. Critics loved her performance. She was nominated for several major awards, including the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

    Her success on Broadway showed the world that she was more than just a good singer. She was a true performer who could bring a character to life on stage.

     

    The Greatest Showman and Global Fame

    In 2017, Keala Settle’s life changed forever. She was cast as the bearded lady, Lettie Lutz, in the musical film The Greatest Showman. The movie was about the life of P.T. Barnum and starred Hugh Jackman.

    Keala’s role was powerful. But it was the song This Is Me that made her a star. The song is about self-love and accepting who you are. Keala’s voice and emotion made it unforgettable.

    The song became an anthem around the world. It won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for an Oscar. Keala performed it live at the 2018 Academy Awards, bringing the crowd to its feet.

     

    Why This Is Me Moved Millions

    This Is Me was not just a song for Keala Settle. It was her own story. For years, she had struggled with self-doubt and body image. She never felt like she fit into the world of show business. But this song gave her a voice and a message.

    When she sang the lyrics, she was not just acting. She was speaking for everyone who had ever felt different, rejected, or invisible.

    Her performance inspired people all over the world. Many saw themselves in her. They felt seen, heard, and understood. This emotional connection made Keala a symbol of courage and honesty.

     

    Health Struggles and Comeback

    Keala’s journey has not been easy. In 2018, just weeks before performing at the Oscars, she had a mini-stroke. Doctors discovered she had a rare autoimmune disease called Moyamoya.

    This health scare could have ended her career. But Keala fought back. With strength and support from her family and fans, she recovered. She returned to singing and acting, stronger than before.

    Keala has also opened up about her struggles with anxiety and mental health. By speaking honestly, she has helped others feel less alone. She continues to be a role model for self-care and emotional healing.

     

    Life Beyond The Greatest Showman

    After The Greatest Showman, Keala continued to grow her career. She appeared in several films, including All My Life and Ricki and the Flash. She also appeared on television and performed in concerts across the country.

    Keala has not forgotten her roots in theater. She still performs on stage and remains close to the Broadway community. Fans love her not just for her talent but for her warmth and sincerity.

     

    Keala Settle as a Role Model

    Keala Settle stands for more than just music. She is a symbol of strength, self-love, and staying true to yourself. In an industry where people often feel pressured to look and act a certain way, Keala breaks those rules.

    She shows that being different is not a weakness. It is a gift. Her story tells us that you do not have to be perfect to be powerful. You just have to be real.

     

    What is Next for Keala Settle

    Keala continues to work on new projects in film, television, and music. Fans hope she will release a full solo album soon. She also stays active in charity events and mental health awareness campaigns.

    No matter what she does next, one thing is certain. Keala Settle will keep singing, sharing, and inspiring people everywhere.

     

    Final Thoughts

    Keala Settle’s life is a story of courage and never giving up. From a small town in Hawaii to the world stage, she has shown that dreams can come true with heart and determination.

    Her voice carries more than sound. It carries hope. And through her songs, especially This Is Me, she has helped people find strength in who they are.

    Keala Settle is not just a singer or actress. She is a force of nature. And her story reminds us that being true to yourself is the most powerful thing of all.

    In other news, the entertainment world mourns a great loss. Waqar Nawaz, brother of Yasir and Danish Nawaz, passes away.

  • Sam Fender: Rising Rock Star from the UK to the USA

    Sam Fender: Rising Rock Star from the UK to the USA

    Sam Fender is one of the most exciting and powerful voices in modern music. Known for his gritty lyrics, emotional depth, and rock influences, he has quickly grown from a local talent in North Shields, England, to an international star. In the United States, Fender is gaining fans fast, thanks to his powerful songs that speak to both the heart and the mind.

    In this article, we’ll explore who Sam Fender is, his journey from local pubs to global stages, what makes his music stand out, and why you should be paying attention to this rising artist.

     

    Who is Sam Fender?

    Fender, whose full name is Samuel Thomas Fender, was born on April 25, 1994, in North Shields, a small town in northeast England. From a young age, Sam was surrounded by music. His father was a singer, and his brother Liam also played music. Inspired by artists like Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Buckley, and Oasis, Sam began writing his songs during his teenage years.

    He started performing in local pubs and clubs. He was just a teenager. However, his voice and lyrics caught people’s attention. By 2017, Sam Fender had started releasing music independently, and soon after, his talent was noticed by major music labels.

     

    Early Life and Music Journey

    Growing up in North Shields wasn’t always easy. Sam has been open about his working-class background, struggles with mental health, and the challenges of youth in a tough environment. These themes show up often in his songs. Rather than singing about fame or money, he sings about real issues—poverty, depression, loneliness, and the power of hope.

    His early singles like “Play God” and “Dead Boys” introduced his signature sound: emotional lyrics, passionate vocals, and rock-driven music. “Dead Boys,” in particular, gained attention for addressing the issue of male suicide, a topic often ignored in music. It was brave and honest, and it made people listen.

     

    Fender’s Big Break

    In 2019, Sam released his debut album, “Hypersonic Missiles.” It was a massive hit in the UK and started drawing attention in the United States. The album reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and was praised for its emotional depth and sharp storytelling.

    Songs like “The Borders,” “Will We Talk?” and “Hypersonic Missiles” proved that Fender was not a one-hit wonder. His lyrics were compared to Bruce Springsteen’s, while his sound combined the energy of indie rock with the soul of folk music.

    American audiences began to take notice, especially younger fans who saw themselves in Sam’s raw, emotional storytelling.

     

    What Makes Fender’s Music Unique?

    There are many musicians out there, but Sam Fender stands out. Here’s why:

     

    1. Real Lyrics

    Sam writes about real-life things that matter. He doesn’t hide behind flashy beats or pop trends. Instead, he tackles tough topics like suicide, inequality, and mental health.

     

    2. Powerful Voice

    His voice is strong, emotional, and filled with feeling. Whether it’s a slow ballad or a fast rock song, you can feel his heart in every note.

     

    3. Rock Roots

    While many modern artists lean toward pop or rap, Sam Fender sticks with rock. His guitar-driven music gives a refreshing throwback to classic sounds with a modern twist.

     

    4. Honesty

    He doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not. Fans love him for being honest, open, and relatable.

     

    Success in the USA

    While Fender became a household name in the UK first, he has been steadily building a fan base in the United States. His appearances on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and performances at major music festivals like Lollapalooza and SXSW have helped him reach American audiences.

    In the U.S., where mental health awareness is growing and fans are looking for real, raw music, Sam Fender fits right in. His songs resonate with people who are tired of fake smiles and want music that reflects their real lives.

     

    Awards and Recognition

    Fender has already earned several awards, including

    • BRIT Award for Critics’ Choice (2019)

    • Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically (2020)

    • NME Awards and Q Awards

    His second album, “Seventeen Going Under,” released in 2021, pushed him even further into the spotlight. The title track became a viral hit, especially on platforms like TikTok, where users shared personal stories using the song’s emotional lyrics.

     

    “Seventeen Going Under” – A Modern Masterpiece

    This album was deeply personal. It explored Sam’s teen years, his mother’s illness, financial struggles, and growing up in a tough world. The title song “Seventeen Going Under” was praised for its raw emotion and storytelling. It became a massive anthem for youth everywhere.

    The album hit No. 1 in the UK and earned praise in the U.S. from outlets like Rolling Stone and Billboard.

     

    Fender’s Influence and Future

    Sam Fender is not just another singer. He’s a voice for a generation. His ability to mix personal pain with powerful music makes him stand out. In a world filled with auto-tuned music and surface-level lyrics, Fender brings depth, truth, and power.

    As he continues to tour internationally and work on new music, American fans can expect more honest, rock-driven songs that speak to the soul.

     

    Why You Should Listen to Sam Fender

    If you love music that means something, give Fender a listen. His songs aren’t just for the UK. They’re for anyone who’s ever felt lost, confused, or hopeful. With guitar in hand and heart on his sleeve, Sam Fender reminds us what real music sounds like.

     

    Final Thoughts

    Fender is more than a musician. He’s a storyteller, a fighter, and a rising star who is changing the face of modern rock. From his humble beginnings in North Shields to performing in front of thousands, his journey is both inspiring and relatable.

    For American listeners, now is the perfect time to dive into his music. As Sam continues to grow globally, there’s no doubt he’ll become one of the defining artists of his generation.

    In a shocking revelation, drugs were discovered hidden inside U.S. flour bags sent to Gaza. Read the full report on this international controversy.

  • How AI is Transforming Digital Creativity: The Rise of Face Swap and AI Image Generators

    How AI is Transforming Digital Creativity: The Rise of Face Swap and AI Image Generators

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we create, edit, and share digital content. Whether you’re an independent creator, professional editor, or casual user dabbling in online visuals, AI tools are rapidly becoming essential to your workflow. Among the most impactful technologies are Face Swap and AI Image Generator tools, which have opened new creative avenues in video editing, photography, content marketing, entertainment, and even education.

    In this article, we’ll explore how these technologies are reshaping digital content creation and why they matter more than ever in 2025 and beyond.

    The AI Creative Revolution

    AI in creative industries has moved far beyond basic filters and automation. Today, deep learning models can analyze visual patterns, understand context, and generate photo-realistic or stylized content with minimal human input. What once took hours of manual editing can now be achieved in minutes, and the results are often indistinguishable from traditionally created media.

    The democratization of creativity is underway—AI tools are making it easier for anyone, regardless of skill level, to produce high-quality digital content. Two particularly noteworthy tools in this ecosystem are Face Swap and AI Image Generator applications.

    Face Swap: More Than Just Fun Filters

    Face swap technology, once popularized by mobile apps and social media filters, has grown into a powerful editing and storytelling tool. At its core, face swapping uses deep learning to detect facial landmarks, skin tones, and lighting conditions in order to seamlessly blend one person’s face onto another’s in a photo or video.

     

    Professional Applications of Face Swap

    1. Film & Video Production
      In the film industry, face swap tools are used for stunt doubles, de-aging actors, or resurrecting historical figures for documentaries. This reduces the cost of reshoots and opens up new creative directions without breaching realism.

    2. Marketing & Advertising
      Brands use face swaps to localize campaigns by inserting culturally appropriate faces into global advertisements—without reshooting every version.

    3. Education & Training
      Educational content can become more engaging when learners see themselves or familiar figures in instructional videos through face-swapped simulations.

    4. Gaming & Virtual Reality
      In gaming, face swap technology lets players create avatars that mirror their real-world appearance, enhancing immersion in virtual environments.

     

    Ethical Considerations

    While the technology is undeniably innovative, face swapping also raises ethical and legal questions. Deepfakes, for example, use similar technology for manipulative purposes. As the tech evolves, so too do tools for detecting misuse, emphasizing the need for transparency and responsibility in content creation.

    AI Image Generators: Creativity on Demand

    An AI Image Generator uses machine learning models—often trained on massive datasets of images and text—to create entirely new visual content from prompts or reference inputs. These generators can mimic art styles, produce hyper-realistic photographs, or invent fantastical scenes straight out of imagination.

     

    Why AI Image Generators Are Game-Changers

    1. Speed and Efficiency
      What used to take a designer hours or days to illustrate can now be generated in seconds. This is particularly helpful for rapid prototyping, concept art, and storyboard creation.

    2. Unlimited Customization
      With simple text prompts like “a futuristic city skyline at night with glowing drones,” artists can generate one-of-a-kind visuals tailored to specific needs.

    3. Accessibility for Non-Artists
      AI Image Generators empower those without traditional art training to visualize their ideas, making creative expression accessible to all.

    4. Content Personalization
      Marketers and digital agencies use AI to generate personalized visuals for emails, websites, and social media, increasing engagement without increasing production time.

    Synergy Between Face Swap and AI Image Generation

    What makes these two technologies so impactful is how they can be used together. For instance, a content creator could:

    • Use an AI Image Generator to create a cinematic background or fantasy setting.

    • Then apply Face Swap technology to place themselves—or a client—into the scene.

    The result? A high-quality, personalized visual or video segment without the need for expensive photography equipment, location scouting, or editing suites. This combination allows creators to scale production, iterate quickly, and explore more ambitious creative ideas without major costs.

    Real-World Examples of AI in Action

     

    YouTube & Social Media Influencers

    Content creators are already leveraging AI tools for visual storytelling. YouTube thumbnails made with AI Image Generators stand out more, while face-swapped short videos add a fun and shareable element that increases viewer retention.

     

    Fashion and E-Commerce

    Online retailers use AI-generated models wearing various outfits, generated on-demand, to showcase clothing lines without organizing large-scale photoshoots. Face swapping can localize model appearances for different markets, enhancing reliability.

     

    Independent Filmmakers

    Indie directors working with limited budgets use AI to edit scenes or insert actors into virtual backgrounds. Face swaps help bridge continuity issues, while AI-generated scenery fills in the gaps, cutting down on production costs.

    The Future of AI-Powered Content Creation

    Looking ahead, AI tools will continue to evolve in both sophistication and accessibility. Here’s what we can expect:

    • More Integration with Popular Software
      Face Swap and AI Image Generators will be embedded directly into popular video editing and design platforms like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut, and Canva.

    • Real-Time Editing
      Real-time face swapping during live streams or video conferences will become more seamless, enabling dynamic character-based interactions in virtual events.

    • Customization at Scale
      Businesses will use AI to create thousands of visual variations for different audiences automatically, enabling hyper-personalized digital campaigns.

    • Enhanced Creative Collaboration
      Teams across the world can collaborate using AI tools to generate and refine visuals rapidly, breaking down language and skill barriers.

    Conclusion: AI Isn’t Replacing Creators—It’s Empowering Them

    The narrative that AI is here to replace human creativity is misleading. Instead, technologies like Face Swap and AI Image Generator are tools that enhance human potential. They handle repetitive, technical tasks and free creators to focus on vision, storytelling, and innovation.

    Read More: Thought of the Day in Hindi: Daily Inspiration for a Positive Life

  • ACE Money Transfer CEO Meets Senior Ministers to Advance Legal Remittance and Financial Digitization

    ACE Money Transfer CEO Meets Senior Ministers to Advance Legal Remittance and Financial Digitization

    Mr. Rashid Ashraf, Chief Executive Officer of ACE Money Transfer, conducted a series of strategic meetings in Islamabad with the Honorable Finance Minister, Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, and other senior government officials to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s Financial infrastructure and enhancing formal remittance inflows.

    A key focus of discussion was the development of structured incentive programs to encourage overseas Pakistanis to remit funds through official channels. Stakeholders reviewed strategic pathways to increase annual remittance volume to USD 50 billion within five years – a target aligned with Pakistan’s broader economic ambitions.


    Mr Ashraf underscored the importance of fostering greater collaboration across financial institutions—including banks, exchange houses, EMIs, and other stakeholders—through a unified digital framework. This approach, he noted, would reduce reliance on informal cash-based systems, enhance PKR retention domestically, and contribute to the documentation of the economy. A strategic roadmap was shared on how remittances could be more effectively integrated into national economic planning.

    In a separate engagement with the Honorable Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr Attaullah Tarar, the dialogue centered on strengthening public awareness around the significance of legal remittances. Mr.  Ashraf reiterated ACE’s commitment to supporting the Prime Minister’s digitization agenda, offering the company’s technological expertise in areas such as data governance, real-time consumer insights, and merchant network expansion. These capabilities, he noted, can play a vital role in shaping informed, data-driven policymaking.

    Further consultations were held with the Honorable Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Mr Salik Hussain, and the Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Ihsan ul Haq Bajwa. The discussions highlighted the role of overseas communities as key contributors to national development. Topics included formalizing undocumented migration and money transfer channels, enhancing the arrival experience at ports of entry, and introducing state-led recognition initiatives for overseas Pakistanis who make significant contributions in their respective fields.

    Speaking after the meetings, Mr Rashid Ashraf stated,“We are proud to support Pakistan’s economic future by promoting legal remittance flows. Encouraging formal, transparent channels not only strengthens the economy but directly benefits millions of families. ACE remains committed to working alongside the Government of Pakistan to accelerate financial inclusion, digitization, and long-term economic resilience.”

    About ACE Money Transfer

    ACE Money Transfer, headquartered in Manchester, UK, is a leading provider of online remittance services, trusted by millions of customers globally. With an extensive network of 375,000+ payout locations across 100+ countries, ACE delivers secure, fast, and reliable money transfer solutions tailored to meet the needs of expatriates and migrant workers.

    ACE Money Transfer was named “The Best FinTech App” at the UK Business Awards 2024 and also received a major recognition from the State Bank of Pakistan, ranking ACE as the Fourth Largest Global Fintech by Remittance Volumes to Pakistan. These accolades underscore ACE’s growing influence on the global remittance landscape and reaffirm its position as a trusted digital financial services provider.


    ACE plays a critical role in channeling remittances through formal and transparent financial systems—supporting Pakistan’s economic stability and the livelihoods of millions of families. Together, these honors mark a significant milestone in ACE’s journey to drive inclusive financial solutions and reinforce its commitment to serving diaspora communities worldwide with secure, affordable, and always-accessible money transfer services.

  • Stock market hits record high on improved investor sentiment

    Stock market hits record high on improved investor sentiment

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a massive 2330-point rally, allowing the benchmark index of the exchange, KSE-100 index, to cross 125,000 points, setting a new all-time high. According to reports, shares climbed rapidly on Friday as investors rearranged their portfolios before the start of fiscal year (FY) 2025-26.

    The market witnessed a surge because of large foreign inflows, improved investor sentiment and strong institutional buying. It merits a mention that Pakistan reportedly managed to get $3.1 billion in commercial loans along with $500 million in multilateral funding, which likely improved investor sentiment.

    These developments caused the index to open in the green in the early hours of the day, with the upwards momentum continuing until closing hours. The KSE-100 index reached an intraday high of 125,285.05 points. The index peaked at approximately 2:36 PM, after which the market closed at a lower, yet respectable, 124,379.06 points.

    For reference, the KSE-100 closed at 122,046.46 points on Thursday, after which the index recorded a growth of 1.91 percent during trading hours on Friday, leading to a 2,332.60 point rise. The market displayed a slowdown around 9:15 AM as the KSE-100 hit its intraday trading low of 122,222.69 points.

    All 17 indexes listed on the exchange remained in the green with the All-share index (ALLSHR) growing by 1.80 percent, which translates into a 1,376.60 point rise in the index. Unlike the KSE-100, which tracks the performance of the 100 largest and most liquid companies, the ALLSHR index records the performance of all publicly listed companies on the PSX.

    A number of companies witnessed a rise in share prices, with First Equity Modaraba (FEM) and Intermarket Securities Limited (IMS) winning big, to the tune of growth rates that sat at 21.65 percent (FEM) and 15.63 percent (IMS). 

    However, not every publicly listed stock witnessed an improvement, as many companies witnessed sharp declines. Of these declining companies, the one that fared the worst during intraday trading was B.F. Modaraba (BFMOD), which posted a 9.92 percent decline in its position.

    Analysts predict that the 122,000 point level will emerge as a key support level while the 127,000 point level could be the resistance level during the upcoming trading week. Recent reports have outlined the trend for the period following the coming week, suggesting that the KSE-100 index could cross 165,000 points by December 2025, owing to a drop in interest rates and an improved state of the wider economy.

  • Eight security personnel martyred in suicide blast in North Waziristan

    Eight security personnel martyred in suicide blast in North Waziristan

    At least eight security personnel were martyred in a suicide blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district Mir Ali on Saturday, KP chief minister’s office has said in a statement. 

    According to the statement, KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the attack, expressing his condolences and prayers for the martyrdom of the personnel.

    “I salute security personnel and their families who have sacrificed their lives for the country and the nation,” Gandapur was quoted as saying.

    The chief minister further stated, “Security forces have made unprecedented sacrifices to establish peace in the country and eliminate terrorism. These sacrifices further raise the resolve and morale of the nation against terrorism.”

    The statement concluded, “Everyone in the nation stands with security forces in the war against terrorism.”

    Earlier, Dawn News, citing District Police Officer (DPO) Waqar Ahmed, reported that four civilians were wounded in the “suicide attack” carried out through a vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

    No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

  • ‘Idiot’; Bilawal lashes out at Fawad Chaudhry

    ‘Idiot’; Bilawal lashes out at Fawad Chaudhry

    Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari lost his cool while replying to a tweet posted by former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry, telling the latter that the Sindhu River is the Indus River and all Pakistanis belong to the Indus Valley civilisation.

    Both politicians exchanged tense words on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday afternoon when the PPP head commented on a press release issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which reads that it was not open to India to unilaterally suspend the Indus Water Treaty or hold it in abeyance.

    Following the April 22 Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), India suspended the long-standing Indus Water Treaty (IWT). An illegitimate action, which Pakistan declared, will be considered an “act of war”. 

    Sharing the press release on X, Bilawal wrote, “Sindhu pay hamla na manzoor (attack on the Indus, unacceptable). India’s unilateral decision regarding the Indus Water treaty have no bearing in international law (sic).”

    Chaudhry was quick to pounce upon the tweet, replying, “This [is] an attack on Pakistan, not on Sindh, unless you have also joined Sindhu Daish under the GM (Ghulam Murtaza) Syed family,” adding, “BB (Benazir Bhutto) would never have made such statement.”

    GM Syed was a veteran Sindhi nationalist leader and author of almost sixty books on various topics, such as history, Sufism, politics, and philosophy. He was born on 17 January 1904, in the small village of Sann, Sindh. He died in 1995. 

    The exchange between the two leaders did not stop there. Calling Chaudhry an “idiot”, Bilawal stated that Sindhu is actually the indigenous name of the Indus River. 

    “The Indus Valley civilization belongs to all of Pakistan. The word ‘Indus’ is the Latinized version of Sindhu, brought into English via the Greek name ‘Indos’ (Ἰνδός), which in turn was derived from the Persian pronunciation of Sindhu’,” he explained.


    In reply to Chairman PPP’s explanation, Chaudhry maintained that Bilawal “obviously” has no knowledge of politics in Sindhu, alleging, “that’s the problem when you become chairman on fake will and not through political process (sic).”

    However, the fact is that the Indus river is called Sindhu and the land of the Indus Valley Civilisation is called Sindhu Desh.

  • State-owned enterprises record Rs342 billion loss in six months

    State-owned enterprises record Rs342 billion loss in six months

    Pakistan’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) have recorded a loss of Rs342 billion in six months. According to reports, SOE losses coupled with unfunded pension liabilities have surpassed a staggering Rs7.5 trillion. 


    Analysts have outlined how large the aforementioned liabilities are, drawing comparisons to highlight that they are over seven times larger than the budget for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). Reports reveal that the Ministry of Finance informed the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs) that total SOE losses have reached a whopping Rs5.8 trillion.


    For reference, SOE losses alone account for approximately 33.14 percent of the federal budget approved for fiscal year (FY) 2025-26. Analysts have pointed out how these losses are likely to keep climbing unless the federal government privatizes loss making SOEs.


    According to data from the Finance Division’s Central Monitoring Unit’s performance review, SOE’s tacked on an additional Rs342 billion to the total loss amount during the first half of FY 2024-25. Reports suggest that circular debt in the oil, gas and power sectors has jumped up to Rs4.9 trillion despite a considerable hike in electricity and gas rates over the past three years.


    The uncontrolled rise in debt has resulted in disruptions in the cash flows of loss making SOEs. It merits a mention that SOEs recorded losses despite being given over Rs600 billion in support during the first half of FY 2024-25. According to reports, the aforementioned financial support, that was extended to the SOEs, came in the form of loans, grants, subsidies and other means.


    SOEs’ unfunded pension liabilities have climbed up to Rs1.7 trillion. For reference, an unfunded pension liability is the shortfall between the money a pension fund has on hand and the total amount it owes to retirees. Reports reveal that unfunded pension liabilities are not registered on federal books.


    Aside from issues pertaining to fiscal mismanagement, the cabinet committee was reportedly brought to speed regarding instances of misgovernance. As per reports, these instances of misgovernance include substandard disclosure practices as per the IFRS Section 30 and non compliance with regulatory requirements.


    Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who was chairing the CCoSOEs meeting, voiced his concerns surrounding the staggering Rs1.9 billion daily average loss incurred by SOEs. He also expressed intent to reform the power sector as circular debt from the sector is creating fiscal problems for Islamabad.

  • Fact Check: Viral clip of Gandapur’s cold response to Swat tragedy is misattributed

    Fact Check: Viral clip of Gandapur’s cold response to Swat tragedy is misattributed

    A short video clip of Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur is circulating on social media platforms with the claim that he responded very coldly to the recent tragedy in Swat caused by devastating flash flood, which claimed 11 lives.

    “I’m not going there to give them any tents. Chief Minister Gandapur’s shocking response,” the caption of the widely shared clip reads. The viral video can be seen here.

    17 members of the same family, residents of Sialkot, were caught by a rapid surge in water flow while picnicking by the riverbank in Swat on Friday morning. As the water flow increased substantially within minutes, several individuals were swept away.

    The death toll from the incident rose to 11 on Saturday after rescue teams recovered the body of another child, Rescue 1122 has confirmed.

    Search operations are still ongoing to locate the two individuals who remain missing. Four people were rescued during the initial response Yesterday.

    Is the CM’s statement related to Friday’s tragedy in Swat?

    The Current investigated the origin and context of the widely shared clip, unearthing that the clip was shared on social media to create an impression that the statement was made in the context of Friday’s tragedy in Swat.

    On June 26 at 4:40 pm, a day before the incident, Gandapur spoke to the media at Rawalpindi, flanked by Opposition Leader in the National Assembly (NA) Omar Ayub Khan and Opposition Leader in the Senate Shibli Faraz, about measures that the provincial government has taken to counter the menace of floods in KP.

    When asked about the government’s preparedness for the potential threat of floods in KP due to heavy rainfall, the chief minister said that the government has taken action when any flood had hit in the past.

    “There is a proper administration and governance system that is always working [to counter the emergency situation in KP]. It is not necessary that I should be sitting there or that I have to give them tent myself,” he explained.

    Conclusion: CM Gandapur’s remark has no connection to Friday’s tragedy in Swat. His statement is being quote-mined and misattributed. For the Urdu version, the fact check can be seen here.

  • ‘We so fixated on age’; Mehwish Hayat slams the industry

    ‘We so fixated on age’; Mehwish Hayat slams the industry

    Renowned actor Mehwish Hayat has spoken out against the age bias in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, singling out the double standards faced by women to criticise. 

    In a recent interview with Rabia Mughni of Fuchsia Magazine, Mehwish highlighted how women in showbiz are expected to stay young, while men continue to get lead roles no matter how old they get.

    “Here, men are allowed to age gracefully, to appear as heroes and main leads with younger girls. That’s okay. But with our female actors, we’re expected to freeze in time,” she said.

    Mehwish added that this problem isn’t as common in Western industries. “Why are we so fixated on the age of an actor, instead of their craft, their work, their character? Everything else is sidelined.”

    When asked how the industry could move forward, she stressed the need to show strong female characters in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, women who are leaders and role models. “That’s the only way we celebrate and cherish them,” she said, urging artists to be proud of aging instead of hiding it.

    She also pointed out the hypocrisy in how male actors over 40 are respected for their experience, while women face judgment. “Female actors above 30 are taken seriously because that’s when they’ve grown and matured as an artist and as an actor,” she said.

    Her comments come at a time when the age gap between Humayun Saeed and Sajal Aly in ARY Digital’s upcoming drama Main Manto Nahi Hoon has led to heated debates online. With a gap of more than 20 years between the leads, many fans called the casting “vile” and symbolic of the industry’s obsession with youth, especially for female roles.

    Mehwish believes the industry must change its mindset. “Writers need to write those scripts. Producers need to produce those stories. We as actors need to do more women-led roles where we have women of all ages,” she said.


    As for the constant questions about marriage, Mehwish shared that it’s more of a societal pressure. “Every person has a timeline, a goal in life. For some people, getting married is their main goal. For me, it never was. Of course, it’s important, marriage is the most important decision of one’s life, I would say,” she explained, adding that she would only marry when she’s fully sure about the person.