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  • Agricultural credit hits record high, sector growth declines to 1.2 percent

    Agricultural credit hits record high, sector growth declines to 1.2 percent

    Governor of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmad has revealed that agricultural credit disbursement reached a staggering 2.216 trillion rupees in the first half of FY 2024-25. As per reports, financial institutions issued 25 percent more credit to the agricultural sector compared to the previous year.

    The governor attended an Agricultural Credit Advisory Committee (ACAC) meeting where he reiterated the SBP’s will to support the agricultural sector via additional financing. He explained that 2.86 million debtors had already received 1.266 trillion rupees in the third quarter of FY 2024-25.

    According to Jameel, the agricultural sector partially serves as the backbone of the economy as it eradicates issues pertaining to food security while supporting rural households that are not integrated with larger sectors.

    The senior SBP official conceded that there were numerous issues currently plaguing the agricultural sector that need to be addressed, including climate change, subpar productivity and the lack of strong formal financial institutions.

    While speaking at the meeting, Jameel urged banks to strongly consider agricultural finance as a primary business operation. Currently, however, a large number of banks issue loans to the agricultural sector as a secondary business activity and prefer to refrain from providing credit to smaller farmers.

    Analysts explain bank behaviour by pointing towards the costly nature of enforcement and monitoring while lending to the rural sector. Often, the costs exceed the revenues, making it unprofitable to lend money to farmers.

    Jameel outlined the importance of commercial banks in the quest to expand the financial system, especially in rural areas. The governor explained that banks could achieve this by increasing the number of branches and credit officers in areas with limited financial coverage. If implemented, the governor believes that the measure will greatly support smaller farmers.

    According to reports, agricultural growth stagnated in the third quarter of FY 2024-25, declining to a measly 1.2 percent compared to a respectable 8.1 percent growth rate in the same period last year. The drop in growth rates reportedly resulted in a suboptimal GDP growth rate of under one percent during the third quarter of FY 2024-25.

    Jameel outlined three factors financial institutions and relevant stakeholders need to consider in order to support the neglected agricultural sector: tackling climate change issues, modernising farming tools and focusing on the livestock sector.

    As per reports, the governor mentioned the need for the sector to be provided with green financing and training to tackle food security issues.

    Further, he stressed the importance of implementing state-of-the-art facilities to transform the agricultural sector. These facilities include geospatial technologies as they allow farmers to monitor their crops efficiently while reducing production-related risks.

  • Leaks controversy: Imsha Rehman breaks silence as FIA arrests accused

    Leaks controversy: Imsha Rehman breaks silence as FIA arrests accused

    Months after finding herself in the midst of a video leaks controversy, TikToker Imsha Rehman has finally broken silence and revealed that the culprit who released her “fake videos” had been arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

    Imsha, a popular social media star with over 200,000 followers on TikTok, had in November last year deleted her account after viral videos allegedly showed her sharing an intimate moment with an unidentified person. The alleged leaks had come within days of similar videos of TikToker Manahil Malik, sparking widespread criticism over the internet.

    “The videos circulating online were fake and purposely spread to harm me,” she said in her maiden interview since after disappearing from spotlight. The situation, Imsha said, affected her deeply and she could no longer go to the university or face people.

    The social media influencer revealed that she had even received death threats, and called netizens out over the prevalent culture where people don’t find it problematic to produce or share such content. “People think it’s cool to share others’ videos without understanding the damage it can cause.”

    Imsha said that instead of releasing a video statement back in November, she chose to take legal action against the culprit, which has led to the arrest of an accused. Praising the FIA (FIA) for its help, she confirmed that the agency had in its custody the man who allegedly produced and shared the videos.

    It merits a mention that the videos in question were not the only of their kind as multiple other social media celebrities were also targeted.

    Imsha became the latest victim of social media leaks when at least two controversial videos of her went viral on November 11, 2024. The videos, which seemed to show the social media influencer sharing an intimate moment with a male friend, sparked strong reactions from people online. Many expressed concern over the growing number of cases involving digital privacy violations.

    Earlier, Imsha has not yet given an official statement but deactivated her social media accounts on Instagram, Tiktok, Snapchat, and Facebook. She posted a message on her Instagram saying, “Jab tak video viral hai mein ne id off kar di hai [I have deactivated my accounts for as long as the video is doing the rounds].”

    Social media activists and other influencers also called for the removal of the viral videos and urged people to respond more compassionately to such sensitive situations.

    The alleged leaks had not only brought to fore the menace of deepfakes but also highlighted issues of privacy violations and the responsibility of social media platforms to protect users’ content.

  • Rajab Butt claims his wedding was criticised by people ‘threatened by my success’

    Rajab Butt claims his wedding was criticised by people ‘threatened by my success’

    Famous YouTuber and content creator Rajab Butt’s lavish wedding in December had been criticised by many people for being overtly lavish. 

    The events, filled with expensive gifts, became a hot topic especially after controversial gifts like a gun and a lion cub were given to Butt, leading to legal trouble. 

    Appearing as a guest on Dais Book, he responded to the backlash about his wedding, explaining his perspective.

     “When a jobless son of a rich man sees a poor guy driving a Land Cruiser, he will feel sad and criticize him.”

    I believe this criticism comes from the same people who feel threatened by my success,” Rajab Butt added.

    He compared his situation to that of fellow creator Ducky, who faced backlash early in his career due to offensive language but found success in daily vlogging.

    “Once I joined the race of top vloggers, the criticism started,” Rajab Butt added.


    As for the wedding itself, Rajab Butt explained, “I had a normal wedding with mayun, mehndi, barat and walima. If my friends wanted to celebrate my happiness by spending money, I couldn’t stop them.”

    He emphasized that his success didn’t happen by chance, highlighting that he started from zero. “People should find motivation in our journey instead of feeling frustrated or complexed,” he added.

    “I can’t hide my life from the people, and I’m not selling anything. This is who I am and I’m proud of what I have achieved.”

  • ‘Democracy destroyed Pakistan’: Vawda all praise for army chief

    ‘Democracy destroyed Pakistan’: Vawda all praise for army chief

    Senator Faisal Vawda, known for often making tall claims and predictions in Pakistan’s politics, stated on Aaj TV on January 31 that democracy has destroyed Pakistan while calling Army Chief Gen Asim Munir a “ray of sunshine.”

    “As long as this shameless system of democracy runs in Pakistan, the same game will be played over and over again. Neither a Chief Minister nor a Prime Minister can be arrested in the name of democracy,” stated the former PTI member.

    “It is our good luck that Gen Asim Munir has taken the lead in everything, and we can see the results as well. He has no ambitions of his own, and there is no allegation on his family or himself in over 35 years of service. This is a ray of sunshine,” said Faisal Vawda optimistically.

    He further remarked that the narrative of “giving youngsters a chance” under the façade of democracy would set the country back.

    “I have learned this from the Chief [Gen Asim Munir], who is leading the country like Ronaldo, that Pakistan must be put first instead of politics. A man who is strong enough to cut down a tree isn’t afraid of its branches, so when you are in a strong position, you always take a stand,” Vawda said, praising COAS.

    The senator also took credit for stopping the purchase of 1,010 new cars for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials after raising concerns in a Senate Standing Committee meeting.

    During the meeting on January 30, Vawda claimed that FBR officials threatened his life when he raised the issue, stating he was prepared to provide evidence.

    He named several FBR officers and revealed he has compiled a list of 54 corrupt officials, which he is ready to share.

    FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial expressed his concern over the allegations, stating that Vawda’s complaint should be taken seriously as a parliamentarian.

    “If you received threats, I could also be at risk. This matter will not be left unchecked. It will be sent to an investigation agency for a criminal inquiry,” Langrial said.

    Faisal Vawda, while speaking to show host Shaukat Paracha, stated: “I am not a weak man that I will go to the FIA to complain against those officers who threatened me. What I’m about to say, I also said in the Senate meeting: if I am harmed even on a finger, then I will take my revenge in such a way that their seven generations would remember it.”

  • Ahmed Ali Akbar’s wedding reports take internet by storm

    Ahmed Ali Akbar’s wedding reports take internet by storm

    Actor Ahmed Ali Akbar, who has quickly risen to fame in the entertainment industry, is now at the centre of marriage rumours.

    The wedding season in the showbiz industry began earlier this year, with actor Mirza Gohar Rashid and actress Kubra Khan confirming their marriage.

    Now, rumours are swirling around Ahmed Ali Akbar’s possible wedding.

    Various media reports suggest that the actor is planning to marry a lawyer and digital content creator whose pictures have been circulating on social media.

    Fans believe that he is a very private person, and if he does marry, it will likely be a simple ceremony with only close family members in attendance.

    Apart from them, singer Asim Azhar and actress Merub Ali have announced that they are getting married this year. However, he’s finally broken the chup ka roza. When asked about marriage in 2025 during an interview with Connect Cine, the singer kept things vague, saying it’s ultimately in God’s hands and is a family decision. While he didn’t directly confirm or deny the claim, his response—hinting that “everyone already knows”—seems like a soft confirmation.

  • Hamas frees two Israeli hostages as next ceasefire swap begins

    Hamas frees two Israeli hostages as next ceasefire swap begins

    Hamas on Saturday released two out of three Israeli hostages in the fourth exchange of the ceasefire deal, ahead of the expected release of 183 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

    Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas were paraded on a stage before being released to the Red Cross in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, AFP journalists reported, while Keith Siegel is set to be freed in a similar ceremony at Gaza City’s port in the north.

    Israel’s military later confirmed that Bibas and Kalderon were back on Israeli territory.

    After holding them hostage for more than 15 months, Gaza began releasing captives on January 19, as the first phase of a ceasefire with Israel took effect.

     
     

    Hamas have so far handed over 18 hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, many of them women and minors.

    Later Saturday, Israel will free 183 prisoners, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club advocacy group said.

    “The updated number of prisoners to be released tomorrow is 183,” the Club’s spokeswoman Amani Sarahneh said Friday, after previously announcing that 90 prisoners would be freed.

    During their October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, after which Israel began genocide in Gaza, American-Israeli Siegel from the Kfar Aza kibbutz community, and Bibas and French-Israeli Kalderon from kibbutz Nir Oz were taken hostage by Hamas.

    They took a total of 251 people hostage that day. Of those, 76 remain in Gaza, including at least 34 the military says are dead.

    Those seized include Bibas’s wife and two children, whom Hamas has declared dead, although Israeli officials have not confirmed that.

    The two Bibas boys — Kfir, the youngest hostage whose second birthday was earlier this month, and his older brother Ariel whose fifth birthday was in August — have become symbols of the hostages’ ordeal.

    The children were taken along with their mother, Shiri. Hamas says an Israeli air strike in November 2023 killed all three.

    “Our Yarden is supposed to return tomorrow and we are so excited but Shiri and the children still haven’t returned,” the Bibas family said on Instagram Friday.

    “We have such mixed emotions and we are facing extremely complex days.”

    “Hamas, where are the Bibas babies?” Israel’s foreign ministry posted on X.

    “483 days have passed. Where are they?”

     

    Crowds mostly absent

    Ahead of both exchanges in Khan Yunis Gaza and Gaza City, scores of masked Hamas fighters stood sentry, apparently to control onlookers.

    In contrast to Thursday’s frenzied exchange which drew Israeli condemnation, large crowds were mostly absent.

    Green Hamas and Palestinian flags flew at the Gaza port in a strong breeze.

    Ranks of heavily armed Hamas fighters held portraits of the group’s slain leaders, including military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of being a mastermind of the October 7 attack and whose death was confirmed on Thursday.

    The arrangements for hostage handovers in Gaza have sometimes been chaotic, particularly Thursday’s release in Khan Yunis.

    Israel briefly delayed its prisoner release on Thursday in protest, and the ICRC urged all parties to improve security.

     

    When Saturday’s hostage release is completed, Gaza’s key Rafah border crossing with Egypt is expected to reopen, a Hamas official and a source with knowledge of discussions told AFP.

    “The mediators informed Hamas of Israel’s approval to open Rafah crossing tomorrow, Saturday, after the completion of the fourth batch of prisoner exchange,” the Hamas official said.

    Rafah was a vital entry point for aid into Gaza before the Israeli military seized the Palestinian side of the crossing in May.

    The EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas said on Friday the bloc has deployed a monitoring mission at the crossing “to support Palestinian border personnel and allow the transfer of individuals out of Gaza, including those who need medical care”.

    ‘Where’s Dad?’

    On Thursday, Israeli authorities released 110 inmates from Ofer prison, including high-profile former commander Zakaria Zubeidi, 49, who received a hero’s welcome in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

    On Friday, he called for “all our Palestinian people” to be freed from Israeli jails.

    “The situation of the prisoners is very difficult and we hope for their urgent release,” Zubeidi told AFP.

    Also freed was Hussein Nasser, who received little attention from the crowd but was at the centre of his daughter’s world.

    “Where’s Dad?” Raghda Nasser, 21, asked tearfully as she moved through the crowd, an AFP correspondent reported.

    Her mother was pregnant with her when he was jailed 22 years ago.

    “I just visited him behind the glass in Israeli prisons. I cannot express my feelings,” Raghda said.

    The fragile ceasefire’s 42-day first phase hinges on the release of a total of 33 hostages in exchange for around 1,900 people, mostly Palestinians, in Israeli jails.

    Negotiations for a second phase of the deal are set to start on Monday, according to a timeline provided by an Israeli official.

    This phase is expected to cover the release of the remaining captives and to include discussions on a more permanent end to the war.

  • ‘It took three attempts to cross the mountains,’ says Imran Riaz

    ‘It took three attempts to cross the mountains,’ says Imran Riaz

    YouTuber and former TV host Imran Riaz Khan, on Friday, in his maiden interview after running away from Pakistan, described his escape from the country.

    Imran Riaz Khan, while speaking to YouTube channel Sherin Zada, claimed that former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Suri assisted him in escaping from the country. “Qasim Suri asked me to shave my beard, which I refused; however, I used spray to dye my beard black before leaving Pakistan,” he said.

    For the past month, Khan had remained out of the public eye. However, he continued to upload regular vlogs on his YouTube channel, though his videos did not reveal any background details, leaving his exact location unclear.

    Khan clarified that he had been residing in Swat before leaving Pakistan. Prior to that, he had stayed in safe places across Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and Swabi.

    The former TV host took to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday to confirm that he had left Pakistan, writing, “….I am proud that my Lord granted me steadfastness against every injustice. I have endured the worst torture and terrifying imprisonment. I have been arrested 10 times and faced dozens of cases. I was even forcibly stopped from performing Hajj, but my Lord granted me patience. I have some important responsibilities to fulfil, and I will return to Pakistan soon, InshaAllah.”

    Khan claimed that Suri introduced him to individuals who accompanied him during his escape from the country, adding, “It took us three attempts to surpass the mountains. I have walked approximately 40 hours in collective attempts.”

    According to the YouTuber, he sustained injuries during his final successful attempt. “My cheek, thighs, and abdomen were severely injured in the third and final attempt after crossing the mountains,” he recalled.

    Khan emphasised that it was Suri who persuaded him to flee abroad.

    Describing his journey, Khan further claimed that he had walked 17 hours in a single day. “I rested just four times in the 17-hour-long walk. During the expedition, we had four apples and a one-and-a-half-litre bottle of water,” he claimed.

    Commenting on his widely circulated photo, in which Khan seemed to be injured while escaping from the country, he confirmed that his companion indeed captured it.

    The former TV host did not reveal which country he had shifted to. However, according to YouTuber Moeed Pirzada, Riaz is currently in the United Kingdom (UK).

    “Congratulations to Imran Riaz & family for reaching the UK safe & sound! Imran & his family have suffered enormously at the hands of Pakistan’s fascist regime! And finally, he has the freedom to dissect the pathological nature of the Pakistani state! Best Wishes!” wrote Pirzada on X on Friday.

    Many tweeps then found old tweets written by Imran Riaz in which he had ridiculed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for leaving for the UK from jail.

  • Do you know Bohemia’s real name? The rapper finally reveals it

    Do you know Bohemia’s real name? The rapper finally reveals it

    Pakistan- American rapper and singer Bohemia made a surprising revelation about his real name during an appearance as a guest on Hasna Mana Hai. 

    Pakistan- American rapper and singer Bohemia made a surprising revelation about his real name during an appearance as a guest on Hasna Mana Hai. 

    When host Tabish asked, “How should I address you?” 


    Bohemia replied, “You can call me Raja, my family call me Raja. My real name is Roger David.”

    The Kali Hoodie singer also talked about the meaning of the famous stage name, explaining, “Bohemia means freedom.”

    He was born in Karachi, he said in the podcast, adding that he later moved to Peshawar with his family when he was just five years old due to his father’s transfer. 

    “I wrote my first song at the age of 8,” Bohemia revealed.


    Bohemia discussed his experience with Indian singers, including Guru Randhawa, to whom he gave the nickname ‘Guru.’

    The Same Beef singer reminisced about his time with late Indian Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moosewala while shooting for the song ‘Same Beef’, sharing a funny behind- the- scenes story. 


    Bohemia said, “Sidhu wore my white shirt in the video, (song), and he had asked me to take it off so he could wear it during the shoot.”

  • Aamir Khan reportedly set to marry for the third time

    Aamir Khan reportedly set to marry for the third time

    Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has reportedly found love for the third time. 

    According to recent reports from Indian media, the 59-year-old actor is in a relationship with a woman from Bangalore.

    Reports reveal that a close source to Aamir Khan has shared that he recently introduced his new partner to his family. The meeting was reportedly a pleasant one, with the family welcoming her warmly.

    However, Aamir Khan has not yet issued an official statement about the new relationship. 

    He married Reena Dutta in 1986, but the couple parted ways in 2002. In 2005, Aamir married filmmaker Kiran Rao, but their relationship also ended in 2021 when they divorced.

    Aamir Khan has two children from his first marriage.

  • ‘Only one spinner’; Here’s how social media is reacting to Pakistan’s squad

    ‘Only one spinner’; Here’s how social media is reacting to Pakistan’s squad

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy on Friday, surprising not only Pakistani but also Indian cricket fans.

    Pakistan has been performing well at home by taking advantage of spin-friendly conditions. However, the squad for the Champions Trophy includes only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed. Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah have been included as part-time spinners.

    Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf have returned to the squad despite not being part of the team for a long time. Meanwhile, some players who travelled to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa have been left out of the team.

    Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel have replaced Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufiyan Muqeem in the squad.

    Khushdil Shah last played an ODI for Pakistan in 2022. Usman Khan, who has never played an ODI for Pakistan, has also been included in the squad.

    An Indian sports journalist expressed concern on social media about Pakistan’s squad, highlighting that the team is going ahead with only one specialist spinner.

    On the Sports Tak platform, a journalist analyzed the squad and questioned, “Why is Pakistan relying on just one regular spinner, Abrar Ahmed? While Agha Salman and Khushdil Shah can also bowl, they are not specialist spinners. Spinners usually play a key role on pitches in Dubai and Pakistan.”

    He also pointed out, “Several players in the squad are returning after a long time away from ODI cricket. Usman Khan’s recent performances have not been impressive.” Overall, he found Pakistan’s squad selection confusing.

    Social media users have also raised concerns over the squad for the mega event.

    Here’s how social media is reacting: