Current Final

Tag: Pakistan

  • Establishment wants  government of its choice, says Maulana Fazlur Rehman

    Establishment wants  government of its choice, says Maulana Fazlur Rehman

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, continues to be disgruntled after the 2024 nationwide elections, criticising the results. He predicted that the “system would collapse” because the establishment wants a government of its choice.

    While addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Tuesday, Maulana alleged that “the establishment wants assemblies and people in them of their choice.”

    “We received information before the elections that it has been decided to reduce the JUI-F’s inclusion [in the assemblies]. Different styles of rigging occurred in every polling station during the polls.”

    “If they think there was no rigging in the polls, then the May 9 narrative is apparently buried. They cannot run the country, and this system will collapse. Those who are sticking to the system will be crying in the coming days,” Fazl predicted.

    The JUI-F chief also said that there is no difference between the elections of 2018 and 2024, emphasising that a public representative should not be a “representative of the establishment.”

  • Watch: Drunk Pakistani passenger restrained in international flight

    Watch: Drunk Pakistani passenger restrained in international flight

    An unruly and drunk flyer on Sunday forced the cabin crew to physically restrain him using cable ties during an international flight from Dubai to Islamabad.
    The incident happened on an Emirates flight where a man’s behaviour was described by a witness as drunk and “extremely violent”, according to a US-based outlet. The individual was subdued by the crew initially but with help from fellow passengers, he was tackled to the ground.

    https://youtu.be/fl2y01G-D5w?si=VFrlol9QSBHIuB-I


    A video has emerged on social media platforms showing a restrained passenger in an airport wheelchair. The viral footage captures the individual’s attempt to headbutt a male flight crew member, who, along with another crew member, successfully pushes him to the floor. Subsequently, two male crew members hold the passenger down while two female flight attendants secure his legs using cable ties.


    In a post on X, a Pakistani journalist Amir Mateen shared details from a fellow passenger, describing the man’s aggressive behavior and subsequent restraint by the Emirates cabin crew. Mateen raised questions regarding the passenger’s release, suggesting potential connections enabling his departure despite the incident.


    “This happened in Dubai flight to Islamabad this morning. Sent by a passenger who remained terrified during the flight: “Drunk guy extremely violent. Restrained and handcuffed by Emirates cabin crew but I think Pak authorities let him go as he was well connected,” said Amir Mateen, who was a person on board.


    This incident adds to a series of similar occurrences in recent months, including a mid-air altercation on a Southwest Airlines flight in February and other incidents of disruptive behavior aboard flights.

  • ‘Cringe’; Maryam Nawaz slammed for adjusting police officer’s dupatta

    ‘Cringe’; Maryam Nawaz slammed for adjusting police officer’s dupatta

    Maryam Nawaz, the Vice-president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and newly appointed Chief Minister of Punjab, has managed to land into controversy on her second day on the job.

    A video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by an account claiming to be Team MNS shared a video of Maryam listening to a female police officer showing her something on a computer screen. While the officer is talking, her dupatta slips off her head. Maryam Nawaz then puts the dupatta back on her head.

    The account wrote: “CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s act of adjusting a police officer’s dupatta is a powerful reminder that leadership is about compassion and understanding.”

    The video, posted on Tuesday evening, has set off a furious debate with many people finding the gesture cringe inducing and an invasion into the police officer’s personal space.

    We at The Current agree that the gesture is indeed an invasion of personal space, and just a few days after the Ichra incident, completely unnecessary. The police officer performs serious duties, we are quite sure she can take care of her dupatta herself.

    https://twitter.com/boyyynextdoor/status/1762529911795765404?s=19
    https://twitter.com/AABangashh/status/1762533721209553270?s=19
  • Moody’s cautions on Pakistan’s fiscal challenges despite recent stability

    Moody’s cautions on Pakistan’s fiscal challenges despite recent stability

    Moody’s Investors Service, a global credit rating agency, stated on Tuesday that Pakistan’s credit rating could see an upgrade if the government successfully reduces liquidity and external vulnerability risks.

    Despite this potential, Moody’s maintained Pakistan’s credit rating at ‘Caa3’ for long-term issuer rating with a stable outlook in its periodic review.

    The credit profile of Pakistan reflects significant liquidity and external vulnerability risks, attributed to low foreign exchange reserves insufficient to meet high external financing needs in the near to medium term, according to Moody’s.

    The agency also highlighted the country’s very weak fiscal strength and elevated political risks as constraints on its credit profile.

    Moody’s expressed uncertainty regarding the new government’s ability to swiftly negotiate a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme after the ongoing programme concludes in April.

    While acknowledging Pakistan’s large economy and moderate growth potential, the agency emphasized the nation’s high liquidity and external vulnerability risks, despite economic stability maintained by the caretaker government and recent reforms.

    The agency recognised the government’s efforts to unlock financing from the IMF and other partners, resulting in a modest accumulation of foreign exchange reserves.

    However, it cautioned that, despite meeting external debt obligations for the fiscal year ending June 2024, there is limited visibility on sources of financing to address high external financing needs post-the current IMF stand-by arrangement.

    Moody’s rationale for the stable outlook at the Caa3 rating level is based on the assessment that pressures on Pakistan align with this rating, with broadly balanced risks.

    The agency suggested that continued IMF engagement beyond the current programme could attract additional financing from other partners, reducing default risk.

    Nonetheless, it emphasised the substantial external financing required and low reserve position, indicating potential default risks with funding delays.

    Moody’s indicated that an upgrade in Pakistan’s rating could occur with a substantial and sustained reduction in liquidity and external vulnerability risks, coupled with increased foreign exchange reserves and fiscal consolidation.

    Conversely, a downgrade might be likely if Pakistan defaults on debt obligations with significant losses to creditors.

    The agency expressed uncertainty regarding the new government’s ability to negotiate a new IMF programme swiftly after the ongoing one expires in April, citing high political risks following the controversial general elections held on February 8, 2024.

    Moody’s warned that without a new programme, Pakistan’s ability to secure loans from other partners would be severely constrained.

  • From dress to shoes, all the info about Maryam Nawaz’s oath-taking look

    From dress to shoes, all the info about Maryam Nawaz’s oath-taking look

    Vice-president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Maryam Nawaz, famous for her fashion sense, is making waves with the customised emerald green dress she wore on her oath-taking ceremony on Monday when she became the first female Chief Minister of Punjab.

    The Current contacted designer Ayesha Jawad who runs the fashion label Parniyaan. She revealed the exquisite details of the dress, stating that the fabric used for the shawl (dupatta) was chiffon bordered with chantelle and an organza design. The design on the dress was also of the same chantelle net which gave it an oomph of elegance.


    Yes! This is the same dupatta she was cautious of getting ruined when she brushed off Uzma Kardar.


    Ayesha revealed that it was a customized dress and could be available for Rs. 60,000 approximately.


    As for the suave footwear, it was from Manolo Blahnik’s White Satin Jewel Buckle Pumps collection. It is originally available in the price of £945, roughly Rs. 334,795.41.

    When the late Benazir Bhutto became the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world, she too wore a green suit, a look that became iconic for generations.

  • Gold rate inches up to Rs215,900 per tola with marginal gain

    Gold rate inches up to Rs215,900 per tola with marginal gain

    In a sustained upward trajectory, domestic bullion recorded gains on Tuesday, driven by a surge in 24-karat gold. The precious metal reached Rs215,900 per tola, reflecting an increase of Rs100.

    The latest data from the Karachi Sarafa Association reveals that the cost of 10 grammes of 24-karat gold saw a slight rise, reaching Rs185,100 with an uptick of Rs86. Additionally, 10-gramme 22-karat gold was quoted at Rs169,674.

    Contrastingly, silver prices remained stable, maintaining their previous rates. The 24-karat silver was traded at Rs2,570 per tola, while the cost per 10-gramme stood at Rs2,203.36.

    On the global front, the international spot gold market witnessed a positive trend, with prices hovering near $2,036.26, indicating a 0.26% increase for the day. In parallel, international spot silver held strong around $22.63, marking a 0.58% uptick.

    The financial landscape also saw influence from the latest Federal Reserve minutes, which indicated a collective sentiment among most US officials against rushing into rate cuts.

    This news brings additional insights into the dynamics shaping the global precious metals market.

  • President Alvi made the right decision not to call assembly session: Imran Khan

    President Alvi made the right decision not to call assembly session: Imran Khan

    Imran Khan, the founder chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, has endorsed President Arif Alvi’s choice to abstain from calling the session of the National Assembly.

    Imran conveyed these sentiments during an informal exchange with journalists at Adiala Jail on Tuesday.

    First and foremost, he said, he had personally dictated the letter addressed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    He clarified that, following the drafting of the letter, there have been no meetings with other party leaders.

    However, he said that after consultations with the party’s leadership, the letter would be dispatched to the IMF today (Tuesday). In his discussion on the prevailing political climate, Imran Khan reiterated his call for the resignation of the chief election commissioner, citing concerns over impartiality during elections.

    He accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of engaging in rigging even after the conclusion of elections, stressing the imperative of fair and transparent electoral processes.

    Commenting on the recent developments, the former prime minister lauded the decision of President Arif Alvi to refrain from convening a meeting of the National Assembly. He reiterated concerns about the allocation of specific seats despite the PTI’s electoral victories, alleging efforts to undermine the party’s success.

    “Every attempt was made during the elections to eliminate the PTI,” he alleged.

    “We are gathering all the parties that have been made to lose through rigging. and will hold country-wide protests against rigging,” Imran announced.

    Amidst ongoing challenges and political tensions, the founder of PTI remains steadfast in advocating for fair governance and democratic principles, vowing to address electoral irregularities and promote accountability across all levels of government.

  • Accountability court indicts Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi in £190m reference

    Accountability court indicts Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi in £190m reference

    An accountability court in Rawalpindi on Tuesday charged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi with involvement in the £190 million reference.

    Judge Nasir Javed Rana of the accountability court conducted the hearing at Adiala Jail, where former Prime Minister Imran is invarcerated in multiple cases, including the Toshakhana, cipher and illegal marriage cases. 

    Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were present when Judge Nasir Javed read the charge sheet.

    National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Deputy Prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi, along with his team, was also present in court.

    NAB had started investigating Imran Khan, his wife, and others for allegedly getting hundreds of canals of land under the name of Al Qadir University Trust. As a result of the accusation of land, the government faced a loss of 190 million pounds.

  • Fawad Khan shares exciting news about new project

    Fawad Khan shares exciting news about new project

    Fawad Khan is a certified superstar but he is notoriously private and isn’t very active on social media.

    However, the actor recently shared the poster of his new project “Beat” on Instagram. In the caption, he wrote that the project is the story of every heartbeat that will be released soon.

    While he didn’t share many details about his new project, according to the poster, it will be released on March 1 with actors like Daniyal Naqvi, Irfan Janjua, Shahveer Jafry, and Junaid Akram starring alongside Fawad.

    Fans are wondering whether the new project is a web series or a film and on which digital platform it will be released.

  • ASP Sheharbano tells why woman apologized in Ichra mob case

    ASP Sheharbano tells why woman apologized in Ichra mob case

    ASP Gulberg Sheharbano Naqvi has explained the process of rescuing the terrorised woman from a charged mob in Ichra Bazaar, Lahore. She also addressed criticism posed against her in an interview with BBC Urdu.

    Naqvi said that the call they received on the 15 police helpline was anonymous which stated that a woman was being heckled by a crowd wearing a shirt that had calligraphy on it and it has deeply hurt the sentiments of the people. She went on to detail the process of tackling the mob while making sure the woman remained safe. When asked why the woman was forced to apologize and how she is being criticised for being involved in the apology despite her display of courage, Sheharbano replied that she fulfilled her role as a first respondent to the situation where her duty was to ensure the safety of the person who is being accused as soon as possible. She stated that policy-related matters are above her pay scale, implying that the decision was not hers but from higher-ups of the department.


    ASP Sheharbano mentioned that it was “not orchestrated” the woman was transported to a safer location where the dialogue between the stakeholders ensued and the video was shot. The interviewer asked if she was heard saying that the woman was apologising in that video. To this, she replied that it was a result of widespread defamation that could have jeopardised the woman’s security in the longer run.

    To read more: ASP Sheharbano to be awarded highest police award for exemplary courage