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Tag: Pakistan

  • Heavy snow leads to food shortage in Chitral

    Heavy snow leads to food shortage in Chitral

    Climate change is hitting home with heavy snow halting normal life, creating food insecurity in districts of upper and lower Chitral. The situation is dire, as MNA Abdul Akbar Chitrali has asserted that “It may result in a human tragedy”.


    The closure of roads to more than a dozen valleys in Chitral for the last three weeks has been creating countless issues for people.


    The most affected areas are the sub-valleys of Madaklasht, Susoom, Karimabad, and Gobor in Lower Chitral and Broghil, Yarkhoon, Upper Terich, Khot, Rech, Melp and Rech in Upper Chitral, says the report by Dawn. One has to wade through the snow for more than eight hours to reach there.


    The residents of the affected areas have said that food items and lifesaving drugs are running out while patients are taken on shoulder by villagers towards the road.


    Some minor work has been done by the government in the city but the roads leading to the sub-valleys are still unclear, leaving it up to the local people to do it on self-help basis.


    The former village nazim of Broghil, Amin Jan Tajik, said that there was a famine-like situation for people and their cattle after the valley received more than four feet snow while one had to walk for two days to reach Brep village to get a vehicle.


    He recalled that the last time the valley received such a heavy snowfall was in 1974, prompting the then government of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to airdrop ration for people as well as forage for their cattle, which formed their only source of sustenance.


    Mr Tajik said that to reopen the road by clearing snow and removing boulders and debris was beyond the capacity of locals as heavy machinery was required for the purpose.


    Former MNA Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali while talking to Dawn said that closure of roads gave birth to all kinds of issues and it was a pity that both federal and provincial governments neglected the ordeals of people.


    Talking to journalists here on Wednesday, he said that restoration of power supply to the affected villages would not be possible without reopening of roads. “More than three-fourth villages of Chitral have been without electricity after the heavy snowfall,” he added.


    He said that during the month of Ramazan, shortage of food was deplorable.

  • Nationwide crackdown launched against electricity and gas theft

    Nationwide crackdown launched against electricity and gas theft

    Pakistan authorities have issued a directive to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to launch a comprehensive operation targeting electricity and gas theft nationwide.

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the commencement of this initiative via social media platform X on Thursday, stating, “Starting today, the FIA launches a massive crackdown against electricity and gas theft across the nation.”

    Minister Naqvi said that no individual or entity will be exempt from scrutiny. Those found responsible will face legal repercussions.

    Describing the initiative as a proactive measure, the minister highlighted its objective of combating the prevalent theft of essential utilities, thereby ensuring equitable distribution and access for all citizens.

    Electricity theft remains a significant challenge in Pakistan, manifesting through illegal connections, meter tampering, and non-payment of bills.

    Current estimates depict substantial annual losses in revenue, amounting to billions of rupees, due to this illicit activity.

    These losses not only strain the financial resources of energy providers but also contribute to frequent power outages.

    Similarly, gas theft poses a formidable concern, with illegal connections and meter tampering being common methods employed to siphon natural gas unlawfully.

    This illicit practice not only results in revenue losses for gas distribution companies but also poses safety hazards. Unauthorised diversion of gas leads to supply shortages, impacting both domestic and industrial consumers.

    Recognising the urgency of the situation, the interim government initiated a significant crackdown last year to address the escalating issue of power theft and to enforce stringent measures against those involved in such activities.

  • Gold price increases by Rs4,600 to Rs232,400 per tola

    Gold price increases by Rs4,600 to Rs232,400 per tola

    Gold prices in Pakistan experienced a massive surge on Thursday, following cues from the Federal Reserve indicating its intention to proceed with three interest-rate cuts within the year.

    The price of 24-karat gold rose by Rs4,600 per tola, reaching Rs232,400. The Karachi Sarafa Association noted a similar trend, reporting a price increase of Rs3,943 for 24-karat gold per 10-gramme, now priced at Rs199,245.

    Correspondingly, 22-karat gold witnessed a rise, reaching Rs182,642 per 10-gramme.

    Furthermore, silver prices also saw an uptick in Pakistan. 24-karat silver was traded at Rs2,600 per tola and Rs2,229.08 per 10-gramme, marking an increase of Rs20 per tola and Rs17.15 per 10-gramme.

    Internationally, spot gold prices surged above $2,200 an ounce for the first time, following the US Federal Reserve’s decision and a dovish stance from Jerome Powell.

    The Federal Reserve opted to maintain interest rates at 5.25 per cent-5.5 per cent but upheld their forecast for three quarter-point rate reductions throughout the year.

    This announcement propelled the price of gold, reaching as high as 1.6 per cent to $2,220.89 an ounce during early trading, although it slightly retreated while still maintaining levels above $2,220.

  • Tabish Hashmi’s wife reveals sweet secret about their arranged marriage

    Tabish Hashmi’s wife reveals sweet secret about their arranged marriage

    Prominent host and comedian Tabish Hashmi and his wife Hira Khalid shared details about their first meeting for an arranged marriage.


    The couple appeared for their first-ever joint interview with host Nida Yasir on ARY Digital’s Ramadan special transmission ‘Shan e Suhoor.’
    Hira disclosed, “Tabish’s father and my grandfather used to be childhood friends.”


    “But there was surely love at first sight,” the host said at which point Hira interrupted her, humourously saying, “From Tabish’s side.”


    They reminisced about their initial meeting during the final days of Ramadan when Tabish, along with his family, visited Hira’s place, and Tabish fell in love with her at first sight.


    When asked what initially attracted her to her husband, Hira said, “It was an arranged marriage. At that time, I agreed solely because of my parents’ decision, but eventually, gradually, I started liking many of his qualities.”


    Hira also revealed that Tabish preferred face-to-face meetings over long calls during their engagement, prompting her to come up with excuses to meet him.
    Hira and Tabish have been married for over 12 years and have two children together, a daughter and a son.

  • ‘Dr. Baloch’ and ‘Pinky Group’ involved in drug smuggling in Karachi’s educational institutes

    ‘Dr. Baloch’ and ‘Pinky Group’ involved in drug smuggling in Karachi’s educational institutes

    An organized underground network of drug supply including women drug dealers has been operating in educational institutions of Karachi.


    Samaa’s Ahmer Rehman Khan has reported that drug orders are received from social media groups while the narcotics are delivered in packaging of pizza and burgers via delivery services.


    Earlier the drugs were supplied only in remote areas and slums but with time, smugglers spread their network to the educational institutions of Karachi.


    The reports reveal that cocaine and ice addiction have increased among the students of Karachi. Students who have completed their education at the university on condition of anonymity made surprising revelations about the delivery of drugs in the schools.


    These organized drug smuggling networks are run by ‘Dr. Baloch’ and ‘Pinky group’ in educational institutions of Karachi.


    Dr. Baloch Group is being operational from Nushki Balochistan while Pinky Group is run by a woman called ‘Anmol’ also known as Pinky — hailing from Rahim Yar Khan (RYK).

    How much does it cost?


    Cocaine costs Rs15,000 to Rs17,000 per gram while ice is fetching Rs2500 to Rs3500 per gram. A token of Rs5000 for hashish and Rs300 rupees for heroin is being given.


    Karachi Police is aware of the network and claims to have arrested over 25 suppliers of drugs in educational institutions. But still, the network of drug dealers could not be broken.


    Police officers said that they alone could not stop the use of drugs in educational institutions and urged teachers and parents also need to actively monitor their children.

  • Trolls have the weirdest objection to Alizeh Shah’s Korean-inspired look

    Trolls have the weirdest objection to Alizeh Shah’s Korean-inspired look

    South Korea’s cultural influence, its soft power, has captivated audiences worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. With Korean music, dramas, and beauty trends gaining popularity, it’s no surprise that celebrities like Alizeh Shah are embracing the K-wave.

    Alizeh Shah, recognized for her roles in popular dramas like ‘Ehd e Wafa’, has been making waves on social media with her recent Korean-inspired looks. From makeup to fashion, she’s been channeling the beauty standards of K-pop idols, much to the surprise of her fans.


    However, not everyone is cheering for Alizeh’s transformation. Some fans expressed concern, feeling that she’s straying too far from her original charm and attempting to emulate idols like Lisa from Black Pink.

    Trolls crawled out of the woodwork to tell her she was wrong in trying out a different look, stating that she looked fine without the Korean look.

    Really, fans can definitely have an opinion about how their favourite actors look but to troll them for it is uncalled for. The objections, so to speak, ranged from the weird to the ridiculous.

    Trolls should maybe pay more attention to why they feel passing such personal comments is the right thing to do.

    Here are some people reaction:

  • PTI’s Barrister Gohar didn’t accept Hammad Azhar’s resignation

    PTI’s Barrister Gohar didn’t accept Hammad Azhar’s resignation

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has decided not to accept the resignation letter of senior PTI leader Hammad Azhar, as per SAMMA

    Khan said: “I cannot accept Hammad Azhar’s resignation during the ongoing situation.”

    “Currently, we will not accept the resignation from the party posts, nor do we have any intent of doing so.”

    Hammad left his party positions including PTI’s Punjab president and general secretary.

    “I will continue to work for the PTI as a party worker. I have decided to resign after thinking a lot,” Azhar said.

    Hammad Azhar has been declared a proclaimed offender in the May 9 case.

  • We don’t want armed conflict with Afghanistan, says Khawaja Asif

    We don’t want armed conflict with Afghanistan, says Khawaja Asif

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan does not want armed conflict with neighbouring Afghanistan, stressing that using force was the last option.

    The defence minister, in an interview with Voice of America on Wednesday, stated that Pakistan might block the trade corridor it gave to Afghanistan for trading with India. He added that Pakistan had the right to stop helping Kabul if it didn’t control terrorists against Pakistan who were active in Afghanistan.

    “If Afghanistan treats us like an enemy, then why should we give them a trade corridor?” Asif said.

    He passed the remarks after Pakistan launched intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations in the border regions in response to several terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

    However, Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Taliban administration, said in a statement that “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not allow anyone to compromise security by using Afghan territory.”

  • PTI hired lobbyists to malign Pakistan, alleges Attaullah Tarar

    PTI hired lobbyists to malign Pakistan, alleges Attaullah Tarar

    Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday denounced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for allegedly masterminding the cipher conspiracy for his own gains. He said that the party hired a lobbying firm for the recent US Congress hearing involving Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State.

    Testifying before a Congressional panel yesterday, the top US diplomat said: “I wanna be very clear on this point [that] this conspiracy theory is a lie [and] it is a complete falsehood.”
    The federal information minister condemned PTI for its anti-state narrative, including recent protests that took place outside the headquarters of International Monetary Fund (IMF). He said the sole purpose of the protests were to derail the debt agreement talks currently being finalized.

    “The PTI hired lobbyists in the United States for a congress hearing on the so-called regime change conspiracy, but their leader could not evade divine justice,” he said citing a proverb “man proposes and God disposes”.

    He pointed out that historically Pakistan had rarely witnessed an instance where a person would jeopardize national interests for his own ego, pointing towards Imran Khan.

    PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan talked with the media outside the High Court and said that the protests outside the IMF’S headquarters in the US were organized by overseas Pakistanis and that the party did not send anyone from Pakistan to organize it.

  • Azfar and Mani speak out: Reasons behind ending support for Imran Khan

    Azfar and Mani speak out: Reasons behind ending support for Imran Khan

    Comedians and actors Azfar and Mani have talked to The Independent Urdu about why why they were disappointed with former Prime Minister Imran Khan on their popular show, ‘The Azfar Mani Show’.
    “We liked Imran Khan since we were kids, so we talked about why we changed,” Azfar said.
    “I’ve been supporting PTI for 8 to 9 years,” said Mani.

    “We did many interviews with Imran Khan and visited him in Bani Gala. We thought he was great,” said Azfar. “But when he changed, we decided to change too,” he added. “When he became the PM, we were shocked by how quickly he changed. That’s when we decided to make the episode, which was quite long,” explained Azfar.

    The duo said they didn’t criticize PTI but only talked about how Imran Khan had changed. After the episode aired, they received a lot of criticism. When they saw how many people watched the episode, they decided to start the show.
    Mani explained why he stopped supporting Imran Khan in the interview:

    “In 2011, I joined PTI and was very involved at that time, especially when elections were delayed. I began making videos criticizing MQM, especially Altaf Hussain. I faced a lot of online abuse on Facebook, but Mustafa Kamal encouraged me to continue,” Mani shared.

    Mani mentioned that during the 2013 elections, he was very active and vocal, campaigning in Karachi. He recalled a time when the former prime minister lost, and his wife Hira protested against it. “But there came a point when I realised that Imran Khan is not the right fit for Karachi,” recalled the ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’ actor.