Current Final

Tag: Pakistan

  • We are ready for the upcoming elections: Maulana Fazlur Rehman

    We are ready for the upcoming elections: Maulana Fazlur Rehman

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has stated on Tuesday that his party is prepared for the upcoming general election even if they are held tomorrow.

    He gave this statement while speaking on Hamid Mir’s program ‘Capital Talk’ on Geo News. Maulana’s statement comes one day after Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took a jibe at his party’s former allies, saying that they are “running away” from the elections.
    “Conduct the elections tomorrow… we are ready for the polls even for tomorrow,” Maulana said.

    The President of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) also said that his party had consistently called for new elections during the three and half years of Imran Khan’s government, reminding Hamid Mir that his party didn’t accept the result of 2018 polls and that stakeholders in All-Parties Conference (APC) were also not happy about the results.


    “The APC agreed that the [2018] election results will not be accepted,” he said, adding that it meant that all political parties unanimously demanded new elections.

  • Blasphemy laws; major change in mindset needed, say lawmakers

    In a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights held on Monday in Islamabad, the Ministry of Human Rights and the Human Rights Committee have recommended the formation of a National Coordination Committee to avoid incidents like Jaranwala riots.

    The committee has also asked for details of incidents related to blasphemy across the country.

    Blasphemy Laws:

    Chairman of the Standing Committee on Human Rights, Senator Waleed Iqbal, spoke with Annie Shirazi for Independent Urdu, stating that, “Great concern has been expressed on the matter of people taking the law into their hands.”

    “Several recommendations were to be presented on this matter, including the recommendations of the Ministry of Human Rights, while a couple of members also presented recommendations in the meeting.”

    Senator Waleed Iqbal said an important and necessary change in mindset is required in the country, which includes brotherhood, love, and mutual tolerance.” These are the values that are derived from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, he emphasized, adding the issue will be discussed in detail.

    The Senate Committee recommended the formation of a National Coordination Committee.

    In the committee meeting, Senator Sami Ezadi of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf proposed to review the blasphemy law again. He pointed, “Not many incidents like this used to take place in the past.”

    “Many people are afraid to even talk about it. The blasphemy law should be re-examined.”, he added

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui, however, did not agree and said, “If there is no law then there will be no prevention. There should be laws to prevent every incident. The road should not be closed.”

    Sami Ezidi replied that the road won’t be closed and the law will be reviewed.

    The committee also sought details of blasphemy incidents across the country.

    Briefing of Ministry of Human Rights on Jaranwala Incident:
    Human Rights Secretary Allah Dino Khawaja told the committee in the briefing that two young Christians were accused of desecrating the Holy Quran. More than 60 houses were burnt, while 100 people were also arrested in the case. “The entire community should not be targeted at the request of one person.”

    “Our mothers and sisters were not afraid of animals as much as they were of humans.”, he added

    He said that the Ministry of Human Rights has decided to compensate 92 families.

    The Federal Secretary confirmed a lack of communication between the federation and the provinces regarding such incidents and supported the proposal for the establishment of a National Coordination Committee.

    Allah Dino also revealed that four such incidents took place in Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad after the Jaranwala incident, while two people were shot in Faisalabad on the charge of alleged blasphemy.

    In this regard, the federal secretary emphasised on the need for reforms in the police as well.
    After the meeting, Senator Sami Ezadi also spoke with Independent Urdu and said that such incidents there is a reason for such incidents taking place. People believe that if they do this, they will go to heaven. We have only to revise the law, we have not changed the law, he said.

    “We are not changing the law, we will only review it. If the law is right, then it is right.” We have to make this decision after a great deal of thought, he stressed.

  • SBP expected to hike interest rates by at least 150 bps to control inflation

    SBP expected to hike interest rates by at least 150 bps to control inflation

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is expected to hike interest rates by at least 150 basis points (bps) on Thursday in an effort to curb sky-high inflation and bolster diminished foreign exchange reserves. 

    The central bankas already raised its benchmark rate by 12.25 per cent points to 22 per cent since April 2022, but inflation remains in double digits, at 27.4 per cent in August. The rupee has also depreciated sharply in recent months, reaching an all-time low of 200 rupees per dollar. 

    A Reuters poll of 17 analysts shows that 15 are forecasting a rate hike, with nine predicting an increase of at least 150 bps. The other two analysts expect the rate to remain unchanged. 

    The SBP is under pressure to raise rates in order to cool inflation and attract foreign investment. However, a rate hike could also dampen economic growth, which is already slowing. 

    The central bank is also facing challenges from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has set conditions for the release of further tranches of its $3 billion bailout package. One of these conditions is that the SBP must raise interest rates. 

    The SBP is likely to balance these competing considerations when it makes its decision on Thursday. However, it is clear that the bank is under pressure to take action to address the country’s economic challenges. 

    Here are some additional details about the factors that are likely to influence the SBP’s decision: 

    • Inflation: Inflation remains a major concern for the SBP. The latest data shows that inflation fell slightly in August, but it remains in double digits. The SBP has said that it expects inflation to decline over the next 12 months, but it is unclear whether this will happen without further monetary tightening.  
    • Foreign exchange reserves: The SBP’s foreign exchange reserves have been declining in recent months, reaching a critical level of $10.3 billion in August. The SBP needs to bolster its reserves in order to meet its import obligations and avoid a sovereign debt default. A rate hike could help to attract foreign investment and slow the decline in reserves.  
    • IMF conditions: The IMF has set conditions for the release of further tranches of its bailout package. One of these conditions is that the SBP must raise interest rates. The SBP is likely to comply with this condition in order to secure the IMF’s support. 

    The SBP’s decision on Thursday will be closely watched by markets and investors. A rate hike is likely to be welcomed by those who are concerned about inflation, but it could also dampen economic growth. The SBP is facing a difficult balancing act, and its decision will have a significant impact on the country’s economic outlook. 

  • Govt not reducing solar net metering rate of Rs19 

    Govt not reducing solar net metering rate of Rs19 

    In an official statement, Muhammad Ali, the Caretaker Minister for Energy and Petroleum, has provided clarity on the government’s stance regarding incentives for solar net metering. Addressing recent speculation in the media and on social platforms, he affirmed that the government has no intentions of reducing the incentives associated with solar net metering, particularly the rate of Rs19.  

     “There were talks of a change in the rate of solar net metering in media and social media that the government is reducing the net metering rate from Rs19. I want to clarify and ensure that we are not taking any such measure,” he said. 

    Furthermore, Ali announced the government’s upcoming initiative to introduce a special incremental tariff for industrial electricity users before October 31. This endeavor is aimed at ensuring affordable electricity for industrial sectors, thereby relieving some of the financial burden on energy consumers. 

    In its ongoing efforts to support energy consumers during the winter season, the government is actively working on devising a special tariff designed to mitigate expenses for this specific period. 

    Ali also disclosed the government’s rigorous measures to combat electricity theft, which includes a nationwide crackdown on the illegal activity. He reported that individuals implicated in electricity theft within distribution and other utility companies have been reassigned, and comprehensive actions are being taken against them. Additionally, a crackdown against gas theft has been initiated to curb such practices. 

    Previously, reports had suggested that the government was contemplating the issuance of an ordinance to further regulate net metering. This decision was prompted by concerns that the installation of solar panels on rooftops had inadvertently increased capacity payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Notably, the proposed ordinance is expected to include provisions criminalizing non-payment of electricity bills, as reported by Geo News. 

  • CM orders treatment for baby born with heart outside chest

    CM orders treatment for baby born with heart outside chest

    A baby boy born at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Muzaffargarh had the rare congenital defect of having his heart outside of the chest.

    According to Pakistan Observer, surgeons confirmed that the baby’s heart was located outside the chest cavity, and had a congenital heart defect with a hole.

    24 News has confirmed that on the instructions of Punjab’s Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the baby, named Abdulllah, will be shifted to Lahore’s Children’s Hospital on Tuesday for treatment.

    Before being taken to Lahore for further treatment, the child was admitted to Children’s Hospital, Multan.

    The chief minister also gave instructions for special arrangements to be made for the child’s treatment.

    The baby’s congenital defect is referred to as Ectopia Cardis, an extremely rare condition in which the heart develops outside of the chest wall.

    The condition, often accompanied by other birth defects such as cleft palate or a curved spine, can be fatal if left untreated.

  • President Alvi has no power to announce the election date, says PM Kakar

    President Alvi has no power to announce the election date, says PM Kakar

    Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has said on Monday that President Arif Alvi has no right to announce a date for general elections as it is the responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    Multiple sources have told different media outlets that President Arif Alvi is set to announce the election date.

    Earlier in the day, during their second meeting in ten days, President Alvi had a discussion on the election schedule with the caretaker law minister.

    According to sources in the president’s house, the idea that President Alvi will choose a date for the upcoming general election is “wrong”, confirming that discussions on polls are still going on.

    However, PM Kakar said in an interview that, according to the law, ECP has the power to announce the election date.

    The caretaker PM further said that “We have no intention to prolong the tenure of the caretaker government.”

  • Exclusive: Afghan parents struggle for five days to take son’s body back to country

    Exclusive: Afghan parents struggle for five days to take son’s body back to country

    A recent post on X (formerly Twitter) about Afghan parents unable to take their son’s body back to their country for burial has gone viral. In a photo, the parents can be seen crying beside their deceased son’s body in an ambulance in Peshawar.

    The family had come from Afghanistan to Peshawar for their son’s cancer treatment after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. However, eight-year-old Muhammad Yasin passed away of the disease. The parents then wanted to return to their hometown in Afghanistan for the burial, but their route via the Torkham border had been closed due to Pak-Afghan security conflict.

    The Current reached out to Tahir Khan, the journalist who posted the picture, for an update on the case.

    Yaseen was the only brother to eight sisters, Tahir Khan said, adding that the child’s father, Gul Muhammad, drives a rickshaw in Jalalabad, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.

    Around a year ago, Yaseen was diagnosed with brain cancer in Jalalabad. The doctors there recommended to the parents that they take him to Peshawar for his treatment.

    Despite his low income and hardships, Gul Muhammad did everything in his capacity to get his son treated.

    The family frequently travelled to Peshawar and back. The son and father received a pass which made it convenient for them to cross borders.

    In Peshawar they were always hosted by their hometown fellow who had been working as a farmer.

    Yaseen had undergone treatment at the IRNUM cancer hospital as well as Peshawar Hayatabad Complex.

    The tumor in his brain was successfully removed, with the child almost recovering. But all of a sudden, on September 4, Yaseen started feeling unwell while in Jalalabad. The parents brought him to Peshawar Hayatabad Complex where on September 7, Yaseen passed away.

    Now, the parents wanted to take their son’s body back to their hometown for burial but on September 6, Pakistan closed its Torkham border with Afghanistan after two people, including a Frontier Corps (FC) official, were injured in an encounter between Pakistan and Afghan border forces.

    According to the officials, Afghanistan has also started the construction of a checkpoint on their side of the border in a prohibited area “without discussing it with the Pakistani side”, despite an already existing checkpoint, the Larram Post.

    The conflict between the two countries complicated the situation for the grieving family whose route back home was via the Torkham border. They went up to the border twice since the passing of their son, but were sent back.

    Tahir Khan shared their concern on X (formerly Twitter) in hopes that higher authorities would take notice and help the family cross the border.

    They were contacted by an unknown man a couple of days back, who called the family around 2:30 am, promising to help them cross the border, but after that one call, Gul Muhammad was never able to contact the unknown caller and potential helper again since he never picked up his call.

    And so, with no help received from the officials, and with their deceased son’s body lying in the hospital since five days, the family decided to take the longer way back home.

    They are currently on their way to Jalalabad via Kurram border. While Peshawar to Jalalabad takes only three hours via Torkham border, it can take the family approximately half a day or more to travel via the Kurram border.

  • Political leaders should have equal opportunities to contest elections, says Bilawal Bhutto

    Political leaders should have equal opportunities to contest elections, says Bilawal Bhutto

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said on Tuesday that there should be a level-playing field for all political leaders, emphasizing that they do not have equal opportunities to contest the upcoming general elections.

    Addressing the media in Sukkur where he was paying a visit to the family of slain journalist Jan Muhammad Mahar, the former Foreign Minister said, “There is no level-playing field for everyone, and that is my objection.”

    The statement came in response to a question about the availability of a level-playing field for his party as two prominent politicians, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan, are currently ineligible to run in the upcoming general elections due to convictions in separate corruption cases.

    Talking about Mahar, who was shot dead on August 17 in Sukhur by unidentified men, the chairman of the PPP said that a joint investigation team (JIT) is looking into the case.

    “I have come here to offer my condolences to Jan Muhammad Mahar’s family, and we stand by them,” said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

  • Pakistani e-motorbike startup raises $1.2 million to manufacture budget-friendly e-bikes

    Pakistani e-motorbike startup raises $1.2 million to manufacture budget-friendly e-bikes

    Pakistani e-motorbike startup Zyp Technologies has raised $1.2 million in seed funding led by venture capital fund Indus Valley Capital.

    With this key investment, Zyp is driving mass-market adoption of electric mobility in Pakistan by addressing key hurdles to adoption including High upfront cost, Range anxiety, Long charging times.

    According to the official statement, the company aims to use this investment at its assembly line which is capable of manufacturing up to 8,000 e-motorbikes per year to meet demand. Depending on each variant in production, these bikes may cost in the region of Rs150,000-450,000.

    The startup also intends to build 4,000 charging stations across the country.

    Aatif Awan, founding partner at Indus Valley Capital, said, with its vision to electrify the 25 million motorbikes in Pakistan, Zyp is building one of the most important products Pakistan needs to help solve the trade imbalance and high inflation. 

    Zyp team has meticulously designed their electric motorbikes and battery swapping to perform well in the local environment, creating a remarkable indigenous solution we’re proud to back.

    Zyp founders joined forces with a mission to create Pakistan’s own homegrown automotive brand in the clean energy sector. 

    This dream team brings experience from Silicon Valley tech companies like Microsoft and Intel, as well as auto companies like Volvo and Land Rover, and startups like Retailo.

  • Khan wants desi chicken in jail, Rs79,000 deposited in his account

    Khan wants desi chicken in jail, Rs79,000 deposited in his account

    Former Prime Minister and Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who is in Attock jail in the cipher case, refused to eat broiler chicken and asked for desi chicken (organic chicken) to be added in his diet.

    According to sources, Rs79,000 rupees have been added to Imran Khan’s bank account by his legal team to fulfill his desire to eat desi chicken in jail.

    Jail authorities outlined Khan’s daily food requirements and made a meal plan after consulting with the former prime minister. In breakfast, Imran Khan can have two eggs, bread, and yogurt. The PTI chairman can eat bread for lunch and dinner as well.

    Different pulses and vegetables are also part of the meal plan.

    Usually, broiler chicken is served four days a week in jail. However, Imran Khan doesn’t like broiler chicken, so jail authorities gave him desi chicken twice in the past 15 days, which cost Rs8,000 rupees. This amount has been deducted from Imran Khan’s account.