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Tag: Pakistan

  • Barrister Gohar Khan “removed” as PTI chairman over unsatisfactory performance

    Barrister Gohar Khan “removed” as PTI chairman over unsatisfactory performance

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat said on Friday that Barrister Gohar is not the chairman of PTI anymore as his performance was not satisfactory.

    Marwat announced the party’s decision a day after Barrister Gohar announced that the next party chairman will be Barrister Ali Zafar. However, PTI’s intraparty elections are scheduled to take place on March 3.

    The former ruling party’s top post had been lying vacant for more than a month after not only the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), but the Supreme Court also declared its intra-party elections unlawful and stripped the party of its iconic bat symbol. 

    Talking to Geo News, Marwat said: “Incompetence and poor performance are the reasons behind Gohar’s removal as chairman. Barrister Gohar is a gentleman, but his performance was not satisfactory.”

    The PTI leader also said that Barrister Gohar failed to meet the expectations of party workers.

  • Inflation edges higher as weekly SPI indicates increase in prices

    Inflation edges higher as weekly SPI indicates increase in prices

    According to the Weekly Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the Combined Group’s SPI increased by 0.04 per cent during the week ending February 22, 2024.

    Additionally, the SPI surged by 30.68 per cent YoY compared to the same period last year.

    As of February 22, 2024, the Combined Index stood at 315.31, a slight uptick from 315.18 on February 15, 2024. A year ago, on February 23, 2023, the index was significantly lower at 241.29.

    Analysing the data for 51 items, it was found that the average prices of 23 items increased, 8 items decreased, and 20 items remained stable.

    Notable increases during the week were observed in the prices of tomatoes (22.71 per cent), bananas (7.40 per cent), diesel (3.02 per cent), chicken (1.22 per cent), and petrol (1.00 per cent).

    Conversely, onions (14.42 per cent), eggs (11.19 per cent), LPG (1.82 per cent), cooking oil (5 litres) (0.75 per cent), and wheat flour (0.36 per cent) experienced significant decreases.

    Breaking down the SPI percentage change by income groups, it was noted that SPI decreased across all 3 quantiles while increasing across 2 quantiles. The lowest-income group saw a weekly decline of -0.08 per cent, while the highest-income group recorded a rise of 0.09 per cent.

    On a yearly basis, the SPI change across different income segments revealed an increase ranging between 25.53 per cent and 35.39 per cent. The lowest-income group witnessed a 25.53 per cent increase, while the highest-income group recorded a 28.22 per cent rise.

    Specifically, the average price of Sona urea reached Rs4,928 per 50 kg bag, reflecting a 9.19 per cent increase from the previous week and a substantial 69.14 per cent surge compared to the same period last year.

    The surge in prices, especially for essential items, poses a challenge for the general populace, particularly those in lower-income groups.

    Authorities and policymakers are likely to face increasing pressure to address and mitigate the impact of inflation on the economy and the daily lives of people.

  • Pakistan aims for 15% tax-to-GDP ratio in upcoming IMF deal

    Pakistan aims for 15% tax-to-GDP ratio in upcoming IMF deal

    In pursuit of economic stability and fiscal responsibility, Pakistan is targeting a tax-to-GDP ratio of 15 per cent in its forthcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal.

    Sources within the Finance Ministry revealed that measures are being taken to maintain state bank reserves equivalent to three months of import bills.

    The ministry has outlined a comprehensive strategy, including the reduction of the current account deficit and the preservation of a surplus in the primary balance.

    It is anticipated that a new agreement with the IMF will be signed upon the expiration of the current deal, with a commitment to fulfilling specified conditions before finalising the agreement.

    Today, the International Monetary Fund expressed its willingness to collaborate with the new Pakistani government, overlooking the demand from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founders for an audit of election results prior to approving any new loan for Islamabad.

    Bloomberg News reported yesterday that Pakistan is planning to seek a new loan, estimated at a minimum of $6 billion, from the IMF to address imminent debt repayment obligations.

    The negotiations for an Extended Fund Facility with the IMF are expected to commence in March or April.

    Having successfully avoided default last summer through a short-term IMF bailout, Pakistan now faces the task of negotiating a long-term arrangement as the existing programme expires next month. The country’s $350 billion economy hinges on the stability provided by such arrangements.

    Prior to the bailout, Pakistan implemented a series of measures mandated by the IMF, including budget revisions, an increase in the benchmark interest rate, and adjustments to electricity and natural gas prices.

    The IMF continues to engage in dialogue with Pakistani authorities regarding essential longer-term reform efforts.

    A spokesperson for the fund affirmed its readiness to support the post-election government through a new arrangement, addressing the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan.

  • Gold price declines by Rs1,200 to Rs214,100 per tola

    Gold price declines by Rs1,200 to Rs214,100 per tola

    Gold rates in Pakistan experienced a significant decrease on Friday, mirroring the decline observed in the international market.

    According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the yellow metal was priced at Rs214,100 per tola after shedding Rs1,200 during the day.

    The 10-gram gold rate also witnessed a decrease, with prices dropping to Rs183,556 after a decline of Rs1,029, as reported by the APGJSA.

    This reversal follows a slight increase in gold prices on Thursday, where rates had gone up by Rs100 per tola in Pakistan.

    However, the international market experienced a decline of $11, resulting in a $20 premium on the international gold rate, which was set at $2,040 per ounce on Friday.

    The APGJSA further reported that the silver rate remained stable at Rs2,570 per tola in Pakistan.

    The fluctuation in gold prices is attributed to the dynamic nature of the global market, where various economic factors and geopolitical events can influence the demand and supply dynamics of precious metals. Investors and consumers are advised to stay updated on market trends and consult with financial experts for informed decisions.

    It is essential to note that gold and silver rates can be subject to change rapidly, and individuals are encouraged to monitor the market closely for real-time updates.

  • ‘Made false allegations for the money, offer from PTI leader’, Rawalpindi commissioner says he lied about election rigging

    ‘Made false allegations for the money, offer from PTI leader’, Rawalpindi commissioner says he lied about election rigging

    Liaqat Ali Chatha, the ex-Rawalpindi commissioner, who made explosive allegations about the alleged manipulation of the February 8 polls in favour of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates but later withdrew them, has now claimed that PTI’s top leadership planned the entire rigging propaganda.

    He said in his official statement on Thursday that “After the incident of May 9, 2023, as with other leadership of Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI), the said prominent leader of Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI) also absconded from courts, was declared as a Proclaim Offender (PO) and has been hiding. Throughout this time, I had direct contact with him, and I kept on discreetly helping him on various issues. Consequently, my relationship with the prominent Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI) leader evolved into a very close friendship based on a high level of trust.”

    Further adding that he also stated, “After the General Elections (“GEs”) of 2024, on 11February 2024 I secretly and discreetly travelled to Lahore and held a meeting with him. It was in this meeting, that he made an offer to me that if I played a role in supporting the Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf’s (PTI) ongoing narrative of rigging in general elections (“GEs”) and maligning state institutions, he would ensure a lucrative position for me in future. He informed me that this entire plan had been formulated after consultation and approval of the senior leadership of Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI).”

    He goes on to elaborate that the two had a detailed discussion on the proposed press conference. “He conveyed to me the general direction which was needed to be adopted. Initially it was proposed by me that I would write the entire narrative and submit the same as part of my resignation. However, this proposal was dropped by the said prominent Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI) leader as such written resignation would not create any sensations for their narrative building. After detailed discussions, it was agreed that a press conference would be conducted by me at a time and date to be conveyed after consultation and approval of the senior leadership of Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI).

    He further mentioned that “The primary aim of this proposed press conference was to create sensations and drama augmenting false narratives being built by the Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI).”

    “The name of the Chief Justice of Pakistan was taken with the aim of creating mistrust in general public against him. The Chief Justice of Pakistan did not have any role in the entire election process. However, I was specifically asked by said prominent leader of Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI) to name the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). He told me that he had been specifically asked by his top leadership to do so. The aims behind naming the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) were manifold. I was told that it would help in creating the momentum of this entire narrative as Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI) had already been sowing seeds of doubts and distrust in the public minds against the Chief Justice of Pakistan  (CJP),” the ex-Rawalpindi commissioner added.

  • Why did Shahid Kapoor stop smoking?

    Why did Shahid Kapoor stop smoking?

    Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor revealed that he has quit smoking for his daughter Misha. Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor appeared on ‘No Filter Neha’, hosted by Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia. During the show, Neha asked him about quitting smoking.


    “I quit smoking a few years ago, after the birth of my daughter Misha. Before that, I used to smoke secretly away from my daughter.”


    He explained, “I quit smoking because I didn’t want to hide and smoke in front of my daughter. That’s the main reason why I decided to quit smoking.”
    The Bollywood superstar shared, “One day, I was hiding and smoking in front of my daughter when suddenly I realized I didn’t want to do this anymore. That was the day I decided to quit smoking.”


    Shahid Kapoor got married to Mira Rajput in 2015, and they have two children, a son named Zain and a daughter named Misha.

  • Imran Khan to write letter to IMF asking not to give loan to Pakistan over poll rigging

    Imran Khan to write letter to IMF asking not to give loan to Pakistan over poll rigging

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Ali Zafar said on Thursday that PTI founder Imran Khan will write a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bring attention to alleged rigging in the general elections held on February 8.

    “IMF, European Union, and other organisations have their charter that says these organisations will work in a country where there is good governance. For good governance, a country needs to have democracy that requires free and fair elections,” Ali Zafar said while speaking to media outside Adiala Jail.

    The PTI leader and lawyer also alleged that the people’s mandate was stolen, and those who were losing on February 8 were declared winners the next morning.

    “Democracy cannot be run with this fake mandate,” he said, adding that “no organization can give loans to a country where elections are rigged.”

    The prominent lawyer also said that, through a letter, the PTI founder will request that the IMF to send a monitoring team to look at the matter of poll rigging first and then give loans to Pakistan.

    He also mentioned that “any loan to the government that doesn’t have people’s mandate will not be in favour of Pakistan.”

  • Tom Cruise ends relationship with Elsina Khayrova

    Tom Cruise ends relationship with Elsina Khayrova

    Tom Cruise and his girlfriend Elsina Khayrova, who lives in Britain but is originally from Russia, have reportedly broken up.
    According to reports, Elsina, 37, who is well-known in London’s social circles, and Cruise, 61, seemed to have a close relationship. However, they broke up during a recent meeting in London earlier this month.


    It’s reported that Tom Cruise met Khayrova’s children earlier this week. Elsina and her ex-husband got divorced in 2020.
    The couple attended a charity gala dinner in London separately, supporting the Air Ambulance Charity.
    Tom Cruise and Elsina Khayrova were neighbors in the same London block, and their friendship began last year.

  • Faisal Rehman finally explains why he’s still single

    Faisal Rehman finally explains why he’s still single

    Actor Faisal Rahman was on a popular TV show where he shared some honest thoughts. The host asked if Rahman ever felt betrayed. Rahman joked about people saying he looks good but not knowing why. He said, “I don’t take disloyalty too seriously.”

    The host then asked if Rahman had a funny, surprising, or angry moment. Rahman said people often ask why he’s not married or why he’s not on TV much. He joked about not wanting to get married and being okay with being single.

    When asked more about marriage, Rahman said he believes in love but finds it hard to commit to marriage. He joked about married people asking him why he’s not married yet. He wondered, “Is marriage really that important?”

    Rahman’s funny and honest words help us understand what he thinks about love and marriage.

  • Which Bollywood actress has the most money?

    Which Bollywood actress has the most money?

    Bollywood stars like Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma, and Deepika Padukone started their careers almost at the same time.
    Like all actors, they earn money not just from movies but also from appearing in events and advertisements.
    Katrina Kaif, for example, makes around INR 3.5 crores for performing at weddings and other events. Plus, she earns from promoting brands and posting on social media.


    Estimates and various online reports suggest that Katrina Kaif has a net worth of around 2.24 billion Indian rupees.
    Anushka Sharma, on the other hand, reportedly charges much less but still works in big movies, earning around INR 130 to 150 million for a film.
    Reportedly, Anushka Sharma has an overall net worth of 3.06 billion Indian rupees.


    Similarly, Deepika Padukone has also worked in many successful Bollywood films and is estimated to have a net worth of 5 billion Indian rupees.
    According to Indian media, Deepika Padukone is clearly leading in terms of wealth in this race, being 123 percent richer than Katrina Kaif, who is in third place.