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Tag: Pakistan

  • Financial crunch in KP: Textbook size to be cut down

    Financial crunch in KP: Textbook size to be cut down

    The caretaker setup in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has come up with a new plan to make do with the scarcity of funds. According to Dawn, the provincial government did not release the funds required by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Textbook Board to publish course books due to the financial crisis in the last three years.

    In the meantime, the government provided books to students free of charge.

    The caretaker government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided in the last cabinet meeting to reduce the size of textbooks and provide half of schoolchildren with old course books hoping this will save over three billion rupees for printing books.

    The printing of books in the upcoming academic year 2023-24 was estimated to cost Rs8.528 billion but the amount will go down to Rs5.247 billion by cutting the size of textbooks and providing 50 percent of schoolchildren with the books that were collected from the students after their promotion to next grades.


    As per the report, the government is on a saving spree, and for that, 6-12 graders will be given 50 percent of old books to be collected by schools from students promoted to the next grades. The government says that only the books in good condition will be given away to students with the move saving the government Rs1.8 billion, according to the documents.


    The students of grades 4-5 will use 20 percent of the old books saving the government Rs334 million.


    Reducing the textbook size from nursery-grade 12 will save the government Rs. 1.1 billion.


    Dawn’s Muhammad Ashfaq talked to officials in the Education department of the province who stated that downsizing of textbooks and distribution of old books to school children came “under compulsion” as the finance department didn’t release funds for printing textbooks to the board on time. They said that even the total payment of Rs 10 billion to printing companies for the previous year was done in piecemeal. This time around, printing companies have shown no interest although the bid was announced multiple times.


    The officials feared a two-month learning loss for schoolchildren in the next academic year saying the publishers won’t be able to deliver orders by the end of May.

  • Fashion guru Asim Jofa’s daughter passes away in London

    Tragedy has struck the family of designer Asim Jofa.
    The fashion guru has taken to his Facebook page to share the heart-wrenching news of the passing of his youngest daughter from a sudden brain hemorrhage in London. Jofa requested prayers for his daughter.

    Adcave Pk also conveyed the sad news, extending heartfelt condolences to Asim Jofa on the loss of his youngest daughter. The post urged everyone to keep the departed soul in their prayers.

    Jofa, a standout Pakistani fashion designer known for his distinctive designs, high-quality clothing, modern cuts, and innovative marketing, has been a stalwart in the fashion industry for many years.

  • Canada to provide remote work visa for freelancers

    Canada to provide remote work visa for freelancers

    The Canadian government intends to give remote work visas for freelancers and digital nomads in 2024, to adapt to the changing nature of the labour market, reports Samaa.

    The program is aimed at drawing international talent by enabling people to live temporarily in the country while working remotely.

    According to the policy, a specific visa will be issued to freelancers, who are working remotely in Canada.


    Digital nomads were previously permitted a maximum of six months of stay on tourist visas in Canada.


    The government is now developing a comprehensive “tech talent strategy” to attract foreign workers in an effort to increase the size of its workforce.
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada spokesman Isabelle Dubois emphasized the expected advantages, stating, “We anticipate that some digital nomads will opt to stay in Canada, contributing their skills to employers here.”


    In an attempt to draw in highly qualified IT professionals who thrive in remote work, plans are in motion to establish a framework that would allow entrepreneurs to apply for extended work licenses, which might last up to three years.


    Asserting Canada’s dedication to allowing remote workers, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Office promised further information in the coming months.


    The number of US citizens who work as digital nomads soared to 17.3 million, moving up by 2 percent in 2023.


    Apply for a Canada visa from Pakistan


    Pakistanis can also apply for a Canada Visit, via a temporary resident visa that allows South Asians to travel for tourism, business meetings, or to visit family members, according to Pakistan Observer.


    For Pakistanis, the Canada Visitor Visa offers multiple entries over 10 years, allowing stays of 180 days per entry. To apply for a visa, applicants must be without criminal or immigration convictions.


    The financial statement should prove the job, own residence, or family, to demonstrate a temporary visit intention. Adequate funds for the stay is also a pre-requisite.


    Required documents include a valid passport, national ID, and possibly additional documents like bank statements. The application process involves the submission of forms, checking the accuracy, and uploading supporting documents, followed by an appointment at the local visa center.


    Visa and biometric fees need to be paid at the center, and tracking information is shared.

  • Exclusive: Are Sidra Niazi and Khaqan Shahnawaz related?

    Exclusive: Are Sidra Niazi and Khaqan Shahnawaz related?

    Two new stars from the Pakistan showbiz industry, Sidra Niazi and Khaqan Shahnawaz, recently addressed rumors about being related to each other in an interview.

    Exclusive story:

    In an interview with The Current, Sidra Niazi told us that she is not related to Khaqan Shahnawaz. “No, we are not siblings, but many people ask this question when they see us.”
    The interview will be out on Sunday.

    Here is a clip from the interview:

    During their appearance on a morning show, both Sidra and Khaqan discussed their roles as siblings in a drama serial.
    When the host inquired about their off-screen relation, both artists shared a laugh and explained that the director, Sirajul Haque had cast them as siblings in the drama. Sidra Niazi emphasized that they are not siblings and have no familial connection.

  • Video: Mother saves child from getting crushed by train

    Video: Mother saves child from getting crushed by train

    A mother in India risked her life to save her child from getting hit by a train. The video of the incident has gone viral.

    According to Indian media, the incident happened in the state of Bihar where the mother risked her life to save her infant last week.

    On Saturday, the woman and her children reached Bihar’s Barh Railway Station to board the Vikramshila Express to Delhi along with their family. A large group began to board the train and in a rush to get on, all three were pushed off the platform and fell on the tracks.

    In the video, it can be seen that the mother is lying on the track on top of the child and the train passed over her, luckily not hitting her.

    After the train passed, people picked up the woman and the child and made them sit on the platform.

  • Usman Mukhtar thinks one role suits wife Zunaira best

    Usman Mukhtar thinks one role suits wife Zunaira best

    Usman Mukhtar is a talented actor and director, known for his selective project choices that his fans adore. The relationship with his wife Zunaira begun when they were friends, and it’s reflected in their attitude towards each other.

    A fan asked Usman Mukhtar, “Will your wife ever act alongside you in a role,” to which he responded playfully that she would consider it only if the role required her to play a character who teases or trolls him. This showcased the actor’s sense of humor and added a playful element to discussions about potential on-screen collaborations with his spouse.

    The couple continues to charm fans with their adorable social media banter. In another instance, during Usman’s work stint in Karachi, Zunaira playfully trolled him on Instagram after he posted a photo captioned, “When you’re sleeping and suddenly smell Biryani.” Their witty exchange leaves netizens amused.

  • Fully funded scholarship in Sweden; Here’s how you can apply

    Fully funded scholarship in Sweden; Here’s how you can apply

    Sweden has announced a scholarship opportunity supported by the Swedish Government, aimed at achieving and contributing to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals encompass extraordinary opportunities. Participants become lifelong members of the Future Global Leaders, developing relationships within the Swedish Alumni Networks. This scholarship program is fully funded by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Course Duration:

    Master’s Degree Programs for 1-2 years.

    Fields of study:

    For a comprehensive list of eligible master’s programs for the academic year 2024/2025, the link to the details of the program is https://si.se/app/uploads/2017/10/updated.-sisgp_eligible_master_programmes_2024_2025.pdf

    Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

    1. The candidate must have work experience of a minimum of 3000 hours.
    2. The candidate must have demonstrated leadership experience from the employment.
    3. The candidate must be engaged as a leader in civil society engagements.
    4. The candidate must be able to get admission to an SI Scholarship-eligible master’s program.

    How to Apply?


    1. Visit UniversityAdmissions.se and apply for your master’s program(s) by January 15, 2024. After submitting your application, you will receive an eight-digit personal application number. Keep this number for your SI Scholarship application to ensure accuracy and avoid disqualification.
    2. The candidate has to apply for SI scholarships separately after completing the admission application.
    3. You can apply for up to 4 master’s programs for SI Scholarship in Sweden 2024.
    4. Once an applicant submits his or her admission application, he or she will receive a personal application number.
    5. A candidate must save this application number for applying to the Global Professional Program (Swedish Institute Scholarship).

    Benefits of the Scholarship:

    1. The scholarship will cover the full tuition fee.
    2. The living expenses will be covered and a monthly stipend of SEK 12,000 will be given.
    3. Medical insurance will be covered.
    4. A travel grant of SEK 15,000 will be provided for the entire period of study.
    5. The fellows will get membership in the SI Network for Future Global Leaders.



      Required documents for the scholarship:
      1. Motivation letter
      2. CV
      3. Letters of reference
      4. Valid and completed proof of work and leadership experience
      5. Copy of your valid passport


      Deadline:
      Applicants can apply for the Global Professional Scholarship from 10 February to 28 February 2024.
  • State won’t accept ‘elements’ supporting terrorists in Balochistan, says PM Kakar

    State won’t accept ‘elements’ supporting terrorists in Balochistan, says PM Kakar

    Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar criticised “elements” who are backing terrorists and militants in the name of supporting Baloch protesters demanding the release of all missing persons.
    The prime minister’s statement came during a press conference in Lahore as the Baloch families of missing persons protested against “enforced disappearance” and “extrajudicial killing” in Islamabad.


    PM Kakar said that the state would not tolerate elements who are supporting militants and terrorists involved in the killing of individuals from Balochistan, including teachers, doctors, and lawyers.


    The Prime Minister also criticised the media for portraying the Baloch families protest in an inaccurate way, but in reality, he said, Baloch stood with Pakistan.


    The premier said that there was no restriction on freedom of expression and that every citizen has the right to protest within constitutional limits. “The families have the right to protest for their beloved ones, but others are just launching baseless criticism.”


    However, he also said that the state won’t allow those elements who want to support militants and terrorists in the country.
    “Those who want to support them [armed militants] should join the camp of the militant outfits who termed terrorism as a movement,” he added.
    Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar also said that the Indian spy agency, Research and Analysis Wing (Raw), is funding terrorists in Balochistan.


    On the other hand, Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch tweeted on X (previously Twitter) in response to Kakar’s press conference: “From the inception of our movement, our demands have been clear: an end to all forms of human rights violations in Balochistan and the cessation of the Baloch genocide. We’ve presented these demands to the state through the media. Our stance has remained clear from the beginning – we seek negotiations with the state regarding these demands. Sadly, the world witnesses the continuous irresponsibility and stubbornness of the state, where peaceful protestors endure torture and arrests, and media trials are conducted against this peaceful movement. Today, the Prime Minister of Pakistan declared victims of enforced disappearances as terrorists, insulting victim families and addressing peaceful political activists in a threatening tone. However, we assert to this state and government that we will persist in informing the world about your oppression and barbarism.”

  • ‘American Idol’ star Paula Abdul sues producer for sexual assault

    ‘American Idol’ star Paula Abdul sues producer for sexual assault

    U.S. singer, dancer and ‘American Idol‘ star Paula Abdul filed a lawsuit accusing British television executive Nigel Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her when they worked together on two popular talent shows, according to court documents.

    Paula Abdul, who rose to fame as a chart-topping singer in the late 1980s, alleged in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Friday that Lythgoe sexually assaulted her in an elevator during the early seasons of TV singing competition series ‘American Idol.’

    Nigel Lythgoe, the producer of several hit television talent competitions, allegedly groped her, and got physical without consent in a hotel elevator after a day of auditions for ‘American Idol.’ Paula Abdul tried to push him away and ran as soon as the elevator doors opened, court documents said.

    Reuters was not immediately able to reach Paula Abdul or Nigel Lythgoe for comment.

    Nigel Lythogoe denied the allegations, according to TMZ.

    “For more than two decades, Paula [Abdul] and I have interacted as dear — and entirely platonic — friends and colleagues,” he told TMZ. “Yesterday, however, out of the blue, I learned of these claims in the press and I want to be clear: not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for.”

    According to court documents, Paula Abdul immediately reported the assault by Nigel Lythgoe, an ‘American Idol’ producer at the time, to her representatives but did not take action for fear of losing her job, the lawsuit said.

    Moreover, Paula Abdul’s contracts prohibited her from speaking out, the lawsuit said.

    Another alleged assault took place years later when Paula Abdul worked as a judge on ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ according to court documents. The star, 61, enjoyed renewed popularity in the early 2000s starring as a judge on talent TV series.

    The lawsuit alleges Nigel Lythgoe, 74, assaulted her on the couch of his Los Angeles home after a work dinner. Paula Abdul again firmly rejected him and “immediately left [Nigel] Lythgoe’s home,” court documents said.

    In the lawsuit, Paula Abdul levels other allegations at the entertainment industry mogul, including that Nigel Lythgoe once called to taunt her and said it had been “seven years and the statute of limitations had run” on the alleged assaults.

    The lawsuit alleged that the star also witnessed Nigel Lythgoe assault one of her assistants on ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’

    The lawsuit was submitted days before the Dec. 31 filing deadline established under the California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act. The legislation allows individuals to bring certain sexual abuse lawsuits that would otherwise have fallen outside the statute of limitations.

  • Dense fog disrupts Islamabad flight operations

    Dense fog disrupts Islamabad flight operations

    Flight operations out of Islamabad International Airport have been greatly affected due to heavy fog in the federal capital and twin city of Rawalpindi.

    According to Geo News, three flights arriving in Islamabad were diverted to Lahore and Peshawar, while the arrival and departure of dozens of other flights have been affected.

    A private airline’s flight from Karachi to Islamabad landed in Lahore after half an hour of waiting in the air, while the Sharjah-Islamabad flight PK 182 also landed in Peshawar. The flight arriving in Islamabad from Dubai also shifted to Lahore.

    According to the aviation department, a British Airways flight from Islamabad to London and an Emirates flight kept waiting for clearance to depart for Dubai.

    Flights from Islamabad to Gilgit and Bahrain could not depart on time as fog reduced visibility.

    The reports of dense fog have been received from all around the city which is hindering the normal lifestyle.