Tag: Pakistan

  • IT ministry demands Rs20 billion to improve country’s cybersecurity, social media

    IT ministry demands Rs20 billion to improve country’s cybersecurity, social media

    The federal government has sought Rs20 billion for the next fiscal year to improve the country’s cybersecurity and manage social media. According to the proposal, the government will only allow social media platforms to operate if they establish local offices.

    The Ministry of Information Technology has demanded Rs20 billion for the Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative (DIII) in the 2024-25 fiscal year budget, according to government sources who spoke to The Express Tribune.

    The Express Tribune requested comments from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Information Technology, but they did not respond. Government sources also revealed that Rs15 billion has already been allocated as a technical supplementary grant to the information technology ministry for the current fiscal year.

    However, the total cost of the DIII project, which is equipped with Chinese technology, is Rs38 billion. The government is spending a significant amount this year, and the remaining amount has been requested for the next fiscal year.

  • ‘My kids refused to act in the Coke TVC’: Javeria Saud

    ‘My kids refused to act in the Coke TVC’: Javeria Saud

    Reowned actress Javeria Saud is the proud mom of 17-year-old Jannat and 12-year-old Ebraheem.

    The actor has recently revealed that her children refused to work in a Coca-Cola television commercial that was supposed to be shot in Turkey. They even convinced their parents not to participate because they did not want to align themselves with a company that supports Israel as the genocide in Gaza rages on.

    She posted on Instagram, “So, my kids refused to act in the Coke TVC, and they even convinced us not to participate in the shoot that was planned in Turkey. They didn’t want to compromise their morals by working with a company that supports Israel. Jannat and Ebraheem told us, ‘If we can’t do anything else, at least we can play our tiny part by boycotting.’ This made me think of Surah al-Feel. May Allah bless everyone with such honest and principled children. Ameen.”

  • ‘Noor Jahan’ teases audiences with a new toxic saas in Pakistani drama world

    ‘Noor Jahan’ teases audiences with a new toxic saas in Pakistani drama world

    The Pakistani drama scene has long been known for its saas-bahu narratives, but recently, there’s been a shift. New dramas now explore love stories, ambitious characters, complex love triangles, toxic relationships, and mental health issues. This evolving landscape brings us the trailer for Noor Jahan. However, is it bringing back the Saas-Bahu drama we thought we were done with?


    At first glance, ‘Noor Jahan’ seems like typical drama. But the teaser suggests something different. It introduces Noor Jahan, a powerful woman who rules her family with an iron fist. No one dares to disobey her. Yet, beneath this strict exterior, hidden tensions and desires may be brewing. The trailer hints at a clash between tradition and modernity.


    Watch the trailer here:


    Tumhain kese laga tum meri jagah per beth sakti ho? Baghair meri ijazat ke?


    Noor Jahan appears to be the typical domineering mother-in-law, scrutinising every move of her daughter-in-law. Her critical eye and constant interrogation make everyday life challenging. From attire to meal timings, nothing escapes her judgement.


    Saba Hamid takes on the familiar role of a tough mother-in-law, a part she often plays. However, there’s hope she’ll bring a new perspective to this character. With Kubra Khan leading the cast, there’s anticipation for a fresh take on the daughter-in-law role. The teaser shows tension and drama, but ‘Noor Jahan’ needs more than just the usual saas trope to capture today’s audience.


    Despite the saas-bahu angle, ‘Noor Jahan’ holds promise due to its impressive cast. Zoya Nasir, Alina Abbas, and Hajra Yamin also bring their talents to the ensemble.

  • Security forces killed 29 terrorists over last month: ISPR

    Security forces killed 29 terrorists over last month: ISPR

    Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Wednesday that security forces have killed almost 29 terrorists over the last month along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border area.

    The intelligence-based operations were carried out in response to a “surge in terrorist incidents orchestrated from Afghan soil, wherein terrorists from Afghanistan attempt to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan Border and target security forces as well as the innocent civilians.”

    The military’s media wing also stated that security forces conducted operations in Balochistan’s Zhob district and other border areas.

  • PTI’s spokesperson Raoof Hassan attacked by unknown people in Islamabad

    PTI’s spokesperson Raoof Hassan attacked by unknown people in Islamabad

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) central spokesperson, Raoof Hassan, was attacked on Tuesday by transgender people in Sitara Market, Islamabad.

    “Extremely shameful and deplorable,” the party said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, adding: “Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan attacked by unknown persons outside the office of a private channel.”

    It is not known why Hassan was attacked.

    In another statement, PTU said that if the spokesperson of the “largest party” is not safe and can be attacked in the capital city, then “what can we make of the safety of others? ”

    The attackers used a sharp instrument to injure Raoof Hassan and escaped easily after the incident.

    On the other hand, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and information minister Attaullah Tarar condemned the attack and urged a thorough investigation into the incident.

  • Sonya Hussyn and Sami Khan shine in ‘Aik Chubhan Si’

    Sonya Hussyn and Sami Khan shine in ‘Aik Chubhan Si’

    It’s too early to know where ‘Aik Chubhan Si’ will go, but with Sonya Hussyn and Sami Khan on screen, there’s more to the story than meets the eye. Here’s why we’re giving this one a go.


    The story is different from the usual stuff on screen. There’s no love story with our hero and heroine falling in love at first sight. This Pakistani drama is about post-marital (non-marital) bliss. Naila and Haroon are happily married, but we see a husband who’s not too happy to serve Naila’s family. However, the story’s subtle and relatable details keep us watching.


    Naila insists on looking after her uncle because he raised her. Haroon agrees, but reluctantly, with no toxicity (yet) in his attitude. There’s curiosity about Maheen, played by Hira Khan, as her character seems to have more to reveal, especially in the final scene of the first episode. Is there a hint of mystery, thrill, or something else in the drama? The first episode sets the stage and keeps us intrigued to learn more.


    As the drama unfolds quickly, we hope the story won’t fall into the trap of overly stretched plots and typical ‘other woman’ conspiracies.
    Sonya Hussyn and Sami Khan share great on-screen chemistry. If you’re a fan of this couple, then Aik Chubhan Si is a drama you should try. They appear comfortable on screen and make their characters believable and true to life. Their effortless interactions make the drama more enjoyable to watch.


    Fahad Sheikh plays Moiz, Hira’s cousin, and his performance here is a step up from his past roles. Whether it’s the direction or Fahad’s acting, his character evokes sympathy, even in the first episode. We’re looking forward to more from him. Hira Khan’s character seems a bit toxic, but we hope she will prove to be more complex and interesting.


    ‘Aik Chubhan Si’ is written by Rukhsana Nigar and directed by Mohsin Talat. The cast features Sonya Hussyn, Sami Khan, Asma Abbas, Hira Khan, Fahad Sheikh, and others.

  • Government to end solar net-metering & introduce gross-metering

    Government to end solar net-metering & introduce gross-metering

    The government has briefed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about plans to change the country’s solar power policy, Geo News has reported.

    According to the government, almost 1938 MW of electricity in the system through roof-top solar system under net metering mode.

    Because of this revenue loss of Rs100 billion in the system has been shifted to consumers by passing a hike of tariff to Rs1.90 per unit on those who have not installed solar systems on their roofs.

    The government intends to introduce gross metering instead of net metering.

    The tariff would be reduced to Rs7.5 to 11 per unit instead of Rs21. They will be provided electricity from the national grid at Rs60 per unit during night or peak hours.

    However, under this new policy, a buyback tariff from solar consumers would be brought down to Rs7.5-11 per unit due to a significant decline in solar panel prices and the government would sell them electricity from the national grid at Rs60 per unit during night time or peak hours.

  • Chaudhry Parvez Elahi released from Kot Lakhpat jail after months

    Chaudhry Parvez Elahi released from Kot Lakhpat jail after months

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) president Chaudhry Parvez Elahi was released on Tuesday after being detained in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail for months, Geo has reported.

    The development comes after the Lahore High Court (LHC) approved the bail of the senior politician in the Punjab Assembly illegal recruitment case. Justice Sultan Tanvir of the LHC announced the decision on Elahi’s bail request.

    After the release, the PTI president reached his residence in Lahore.

    Parvez Elahi was arrested after May 9 events, when authorities cracked down on the opposition party.

    Earlier last year, on May 9, violent protests erupted after the arrest of PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    The protesters attacked public and private properties, including military installations, in multiple cities across the country. In prominent locations, General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi and Jinnah House Lahore are included, where violent protesters attacked.

    However, the PTI president said that the people of Gujarat “had to suffer a lot of abuse and cruelty”. He also stated that PTI’s mandate was stolen in his home city. “We will not talk to [Chaudhry] Shujaat sahib’s children until our mandate is given back to us.”

    “I was, am, and will stand with the founder of PTI,” he added.

  • Ushna Shah has interesting opinions on ‘delaying marriage’ for a guy

    Ushna Shah has interesting opinions on ‘delaying marriage’ for a guy

    Famous actor Ushna Shah has shared crucial marriage advice for young women. She suggests they should never wait for a guy to be ready for marriage.
    In a recent podcast with ‘FHM’, Ushna said girls shouldn’t wait for a guy to be ready for marriage. “So many girls waste their time,” she said. “If a guy wants to marry you, he will. That’s it. There are no ifs or buts.”

    She continued to say, “Something I learned late in my life but feel grateful for knowing now—that we have a biological clock ticking, unlike men. I’m not saying don’t focus on your career or rush into marriage. What I mean is, if a guy is wasting your time, don’t let him,” advised the actor. “If you have to delay marriage, do it for your career, your parents, or yourself, but never for a guy. If a guy is making an idiot out of you, don’t let him.”


    “Girls, here’s another thing: don’t send long messages to a guy after a breakup. If he’s hurting you or cheating on you, the best thing is to vanish from his life. Don’t even talk to him; disappear, as if you were never there,” she suggested.


    Shah ended her advice by saying, “Stop wasting your years, time, emotions, and mental health on other people. Nobody is worth it.”

  • Court rejects plea seeking Khan’s disqualification in Tyrian White case

    Court rejects plea seeking Khan’s disqualification in Tyrian White case

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a plea seeking Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s disqualification in the Tyrian White case.

    A new IHC bench heard the petition filed against Imran Khan for not revealing his alleged daughter in the nomination papers for contesting the 2018 general elections.

    Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir, and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz heard the case today.

    The Tyrian White case was pending since May 2023, when IHC chief justice Aamer Farooq dissolved the three-member bench hearing the petition.

    Earlier, IHC CJ Aamer Farooq, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, and Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir were hearing the case and had reserved the verdict on March 30 last year.

    However, Justice Kayani and Justice Tahir wrote an opinion rejecting the petition’s validity and posted it on the IHC’s website, but it was later taken down.

    On the other hand, during today’s hearing, the court said that the petition against Imran Khan’s disqualification had already been rejected by the bench.

    “The majority decision has already been issued,” remarked the court.